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

' "Colonies, to ajjjmint a general Congress, we will take " Shelter under the ^Visdonl of those Gentlemen who " nuiy be chosen to represent us, and cheerfully ac- "quiesce in any Measures they may judge shall be " proper, on this very alarming and critical Occasion."

These Resolutions were duly presented to the Meeting ; and the official record of the proceedings of that Meeting tells, to all comers, they " were unani- " mously agreed to;" after which the Meeting was dissolved. -

Because the numerous tenants and other dependents on the Morris family were residents of Westches- I ter, and not distant, there is reason for the supposition ' that the Meeting was well-attended ; and there can be no reasonable doubt that the proceedings were conducted with entire propriety and good order. But, [ like the Meeting at Rye, of which mention has been made, that at Westchester was evidently controlled by a single master-spirit ; and, like the former, the ! latter was, also, unquestionably convened and conducted, not as much for the clear expression of the uncontrolled and intelligent opinions of " the Free- ; " holders and Inhabitants" of the Town, on the grave j questions which were submitted to them, or for the I honest promotion of the best interests of the Colony, I as for a i)reparation of the way for the return of the I Morris family to ])lace, and authority, and influence in the political affairs of the Colony, from which, through the controlling power of the De Lanceys, it I had been, for many years, entirely excluded.