"Second, That we coincide in opinion with our " friends of New York and of every other Colony, " that all Acts of the British Parliament, imposing '• Taxes on the Colonies, without their Consent, or by " their Representative, are arbitrary and oppressive, " and should meet the abhorrence and detesta- " tion of all good men ; That they are replete with " the purpose of creating Animosities and Dissensions "between the Mother Country and the Colonies; '■ and thereby tend to destroy that Harmony and " mutual Agreement which it is so much the Interest "of both, to Cherish and Maintain.

" Third, That we esteem it our Duty, and think it " incumbent on all the Colonies in America, to con- " tribute towards the Relief of the poor and distressed " People of Boston ; and that a Person of this Bor- "ough be appointed to collect such charitable Dona- " tions, within the same, as may be offered for their " Support.

1 Until 1846, the Borough Town of Westchester included, vrithin its boundaries, the more modern towns of Westchester, West Farms, and Morrisania.

" Fourth, That as a Division in the Colonies '• would be a sure means to counteract the present "Intention of the Americans, in their Endeavours to

I " preserve their Rights and Liberties from the Inva- " sion that is threatened, we do most heartily recom- " mend a Steadiness and Unanimity in their Meas-

I " ures, as they will have the happy Effects of averting "the Calamity that the late tyrannical Acts of the "British Parliament would otherwise most assuredly " involve us in. " Fifth, That to obtain a Redress of our Grievi " ances, it has been thought most advisable, in the