"In Convention of the Representa- "tiyes of the State of New York,^ " White Plains, July 9th, 1776.

"Resolved, unanimously. That the reasons " assigned by the Continental Congress for declaring "the United Colonies free and independent States " are cogent and conclusive ; and that, while we "lament the cruel necessity which has rendered that " measure unavoidable, we approve the same and " will, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, join with "the other Colonies in sujjporting it.

" Resolved, That a copy of the said Declaration " and the aforegoing Resolution be sent to the Chair- " man of the Committee of the County of Westches- " ter, with order to publish the same, with beat of " drum, at this place, on Thursday next," [^July 11, 1775] ; '■ and to give directions that it be published, " with all convenient speed, in the several Districts " within the said County ; and that copies thereof be " forthwith transmitted to the other County Com- " mittees within the State of New York, with orders to "cause the same to be published in the several " Districts of their respetive Counties.

" Resolved, That five hundred copies of the

Declaration of Independence, v/'ith the two last men- " tioned Resolutions of this Congress for approving " and proclaiming the same, bc published in hand- " bills and sent to all the County Committees in this " State.

1 Joseph Reed, Acfjutanl-general (by the General's order) to the Provincial Congress, " Head-quarters, New-York, July 5th, T776."