The minority of the Committee and those with whom it sympathized and acted, in political affairs -- the " Bellwethers " and the " Sheep " of Gouverneur Morris's metaphor -- were not inclined, however, to submit, tamely, to the arbitrary dictation of their " Shepherds," composing the majority of that body ; and they promptly determined to carry the contest into a new field, and with heavy reinforcements. For that purpose, anonymous handbills were posted throughout the City,^ on the day after the Commit-

1 Minnies o/ the t'ummillet, A<|joiirued lleetiug, "New York, July 4, "1774.'

See, also, LieMtenant-goremor C'oldeu to the Earl of hnrtmonth, ** New "York, July C, 1774 ;" the same to Governor Triion, " SPBINC. Hll.1., Otli "July, 1774."

- One of those handbills has been presened and may be seen, among other broadsides of that period, in the Librarj- of the Ni-w York Historical Society.

tee's Meeting, calling a Meeting of "the good People " of this Metropolis,'- to be held in the Fields,' on the following day, [ Wednesd<ty, July 6 ] at six o'clock, " when Matters of the utmost Importance to their " Reputation and Securitj', as Freemen, will be com- " municated." At the appointed hour, it is said, " a " numerous meeting '' was collected, with Alexander McDougal in the Chair, forming what continues to be known, in history, as "the great Meeting in the " Fields," at which several Speeches were made,^ and nine Resolutions adopted, expressing the popular will.