But the house framed and passed a state of grievances, petition to the king, memorial to the lords, and representation or remonstrance to the commons, to which little or no exception could reasonably be taken. These papers were respectful, but comprehensive and firm, and did honor to the leaders of the majority. The complaint made against the assembly of 1775 was not on the score of its positive transactions, but of what it refused to do. It utterly and in the most studied manner ignored the great and spontaneous manifestations of American sentiment, as expressed in such organized agencies of the times as departed from the regular channels of legislation and official administration. This was felt by the impatient people as a sore affront. The closing act of the assem-

FROM

JANUARY,

1775,

JULY

9,

bly was the appointment of a " Standing Committee of Correspondence," composed almost exclusively of conservatives, whose functions were strictly limited to observing the proceedings of the British parliament and administration and communicating with the sister colonies thereupon. Of this committee Philipse and Wilkins were made the members for Westchester County. The assembly having declined to assume the initiative as to the election of the provincial delegates to the approaching general congress, that duty reverted to the still surviving people's committee in New York City. The committee decided that the delegates should be chosen this time not by the individual counties in an independent capacity, but by a provincial convention; and such a convention was called for the 20th of April, the counties being severally requested to send representatives to it. Circular letters to this end were dispatched under date of March 16. There was at that time no committee existing in Westchester County to take cognizance of the notification and summon the necessary county convention or meeting.