History of Westchester County, New York, Vol. I
On the eleventh of August, a letter was received by the I'rovincial Congress, from the local Committee at Brookhaven, on Long Island, stating that certain j)ersons, named therein, were counteracting every " measure recommended for redress and grievances, ' "and o|)|)osing the measures of Congresses and Com- " mittees ; and that they declared they would furnish, " and that it is suspected they have furnished, the " men-of-war and cutters with provisions," ^ in the same manner that the Asia and other men-of-war were supplied, w'ith the approval of the Provincial Congress, at that time and sul)se(iueiitly, by those who were more in favor with that body ; and, at the same time, " requesting the Congress to direct such "measures as they shall think proper, to suppress " such conduct." That letter was referred to a Committee of which Benjamin Kissam, of the City of New York, was Chairman. ^ A Report from that Committee was laid before the Congress, on the twentysixth of August ; * and, after consideration of the subject, and apparently without dissent, the following enactment was made on the general subject of the Brookhaven Committee's inquiry :
" WiiEUKA.s attempts may be made to promote dis- " cord among the Inhabitants of this Colony, and to " assist and aid the Ministerial Army and Navy, in " their endeavours to carry into execution the cruel and "oppressive Acts of Parliament, against the Rights " and liberties of the Inhabitants of this Continent:
" And as the immutable laws of self-defence and