The long process of intercolonial diplomacy, on what, in this instance, would have becii an interesting topic, had the parties in that diplomatic correspondence been honest and consistent, might have been productive of u,seful results ; but they were neither consistent nor honest; and, like the greater part of other diplomacy, it consisted of little else than empty word-;, really meaning nothing and, really, producing nothing.*

While that feeble demonstration of her "independ- " ence and dignity " was being presented by the revolutionary authorities in New York, and there was no other demonstration, by either the Colonial Government or the armed force which occupied the harbor and commanded the City, the Rector of the Parish of Westchester, as has been already stated, remained in captivity, in the hands of the banditti who had seized

2 Vide page .317, post.

STlie notice of the raid which was published in The Connccliait Jnunml, already copied into this narrative, clearly indicated that Isaac Sears was only a temporary sojourner at New Haven, when he made that raid.

* Governor Trumhnll to the President of the Provinciid Coiujresg of Xew York, "IIartfoku, June Idth, 1776."'

5 The Provincial Congress evidently called the attention of the Delegation in the Continental Congress to the subject, as it promised to do, in its letter to Governor Trumbull ; and on the eleventh of .January, 177fi, the Delegation wrote, in reply : " We highly applaud the spirit, " and, at the same time, respectful manner in which you have supported "the dignity and independence of our Colony, and demanded reiiaration "on the subject of the Connecticut inroad. An interposition, so rash, "officjous, and violent gave us great anxiety, as it was not only a high "insult to your authority, but had a direct tendency to confirm that fatal "spirit of jealousy and distrust of our eastern brethren which has done "so much injury to our cause, and which every wi.feand virtuous jiat riot "should study to suppieiss.