In the vacillating record of the assembly i> certainly to be found the explanation of the general impression which has always existed and probably never will be quite removed, that New York was comparatively a conservative and reluctant factor in the movement of the thirteen colonies for independence-- an impression which is most unjust, not to be encouraged for a moment by any historical student who impartially examines the evidences of the true disposition of the people of New York Province throughout colonial times. The several conspicuous examples of this characteristic popular disposition which have been noted in the progress of our narrative need not be multiplied here. A few words respecting its more important special relations are, however, necessary to a proper understanding of general conditions before resuming the thread of the story. CADWALLADER COLDEN. Lieutenant - Governor Cadwallader Golden, who occupied the chief magistracy of the province for most of the time from de Lancey's death until the Revolution -- an able and well-intentioned man, but an extremist in the assertion of the prerogatives of the crown, -- very instructively summed tip the partisan situation in one of his official reports to the British ministry. Writing on the 21st of February, 1770, soon after the Golden Hill conflict, he said: ,( The persons who appear on these occasions are of inferior rank, but it is not doubted that they are directed by some persons of distinction in this place. It is likewise thought they are encouraged bysome persons of note1 in England. They consist chiefly of dissenters, who are very numerous, especially in the country, and have a great influence over the country members of the assembly. The most active among them are independents from New England, or educated there, and of republican principles." On the other hand, said Governor ('olden, " the friends of government are of the Church