Two days after that letter was written, [June 24, 1770,] the Sul)-coiniuittees of Cortlandt and Salem united in the following letter, also addressed to the Proviiicitil Congress ; aiul in order to expedite the consideration of the subject to which it was devoted, by that body, E/ekiel H:iwley was formally directed to forward it, witii all convenient speed."

"Salem, 24th of June, 177(i.

" Gentlemen :

" Whereas sundry persons of note have lately ab- "sconded from our part of the country, and we have " reiison to think, from several circumstances, are " (with numbers of others) assembling together on

^ Jutinttil of the Proi'incUfI Coiitjress : Correspoud^nve, ii., lUtJ, 197.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 1774-1783.

" Loug island, witli a view to join the Ministerial "Army, we beg the Congress would take the matter " under consideration, and ad()])b such measures as to '• youshall appear most proper for the removal of such " dangerous assemblages, who we fear are forming " a combination to aid and assist the Ministerial Army " when an opportunity shall permit.

" Ordered, That the same be forwarded with all " convenient speed by Mr. Ezekiel Halley.

" By the joint order of the Sub-committees of the " manor of Cortlandt and Salem.

" Ezekiel Halley, " Joseph Benedict,

" Chairmen.

" To THE Honourable the Pbovincial Congress." '

These two letters were presented to the Provincial Congress, on the afternoon of the twenty-fourth of June; read before that body ; and ordered " to remain "for further consideration; " ^ and there, as far as we have knowledge, they have remained, from that day until this -- the Provincial Congress certainly paid no further attention to them.