And that a Letter be forthwith prepared and difpatchedto all the Counties, requeuing them to unite with us in forming a Provincial Cong-cfs, and to appoint their Deputies withoutDclay^ to meet at New-York, en Monday the 22 d of May next. By

Order cf the Committee,

ISAAC LOW, Chairman, FACSIMILE

YORK

COMMITTEE

CIRCULAR

AFTER

BATTLE

LEXINGTON".

jority in the provincial assembly, yielded itself to the inevitable. Against Wilkins particularly severe animosity was cherished. It was he who, at White Plains, had denounced the patriotic assemblage as disorderly and unlawful, and common report atTributed to

FROM

JANUARY,

1775,

JULY

9,

him the authorship of the protesting " narrative," with its offensive assumptions and impudent characterizations. The public resentment toward him was so deep, and was manifested with such activity, that without delay he formed the resolution to leave the country. This was announced in an open letter addressed To " My Countrymen," dated New York, May 3, 1775. The precipitation of his flight may be judged from his statement that he left behind " everything that is dear to me -- my wife, ray children, my friends, and my property." He avowed that he was actuated not by fear or a consciousness of having done wrong, but by an unwillingness to become involved iu the fratricidal strife that was impending. " I leave America, and ^xery endearing connection," he concluded, '-because I will not raise my hand against my Sovereign, nor will I draw my sword against my Country; when I can conscientiously draw it in her favour, my life shall be chearfully devoted to her service." In New York City, the center of political agitation and management, the thrilling news from Lexington evoked more energetic and aggressive measures than had yet been attempted. Although a provincial convention had just been held, and a continental congress was about to meet, it was decided to summon a provincial congress; and a call was promptly issued for such a body to meet in New York City on the 22d of May and "deliberate upon and from time to time to direct such measures as may be expedient for our common safety." In the circular sent to the counties the gravity of tie- situation was pointed out in strong language, and for the first time the hint of war was given to the people of the colony. 'Westchester County responded to this new appeal by holding a meeting at White Plains on the 8th of May.