There is reason, also, for supposing that there were many such cautious or timid conservatives, in each of the Towns, if, indeed, the great body of the inhabitants of each was not thus disposed to maintain the conservatism of the past; that they were not confined to any particular class of the inhabitants of those Towns ; and that they included holders of freehold properties and of the right of suffrage at the Polls as well as holders of leasehold properties,' Tenants on the Manors, who held no such political right -- all of them men of intelligence and respectability. A specimen of the dissent referred to, may be seen in the following disclaimer, which was published in the newspapers of the day : *

"Rye, New York; September 24, 1774.

" We, the Subscribers, Freeholders and Inhabitants " of the Town of Rye, in the County of Westchester, "being much concerned with the unhappy Situation "of public Affairs, think it our Duty to our King and "Country, to Declare that we have not been con- " cerned in any Resolutions entered into or Measures " taken, with regard to the Disputes at present sub- "sisting with the Mother Country; we also testify " our dislike to many hot and furious Proceedings, iu " consequence of said Disputes, which we think are " more likely to ruin this once happy Country, than " remove Grievances, if any there are.

" We also declare our great Desire and full Reso- " lution to live and die peaceable Subjects to our " Gracious Sovereign, King George the Third, and his " Laws.