When the New York provincial congress assembled on the 22d of May, the programme of revolution had already been well marked out. This provincial body was equal to the emergency, being fully controlled by the patriotic element, although well balanced in its membership. Itentered at once upon the serious business of the hour. By the election of Peter Van Brugh Livingston, an extremist, as its presiding officer, it testified irs complete readiness for co-operation with the sister colonies in radical action. Vet it took a firm stand in insisting upon the local autonomy of the Colony of New York, one of its earliest ads being the rejection of a resolution providing for implicit obedience (o the continental congress in all matters except those of local police regulation. On the first day of the session provision was made for effective organization in the several counties by the establishing of committees in sympathy with the general plans of the friends of liberty. A plan for a continental currency, submitted and advocated with great ability by Gouverneur Morris, was recommended to the consideration of the continental congress. Finally, detailed arrangements were adopted for putting the province in a state of military defense, for the levying of troops, and for active local administration and supervision in the interest of assuring full exercise of authority by the Revolutionary party and repressing disaffection. The British garrison in New York had given little trouble to the populace since the Golden Hill affray of January, 1770. During its brief stay in the city after the battle of Lexington it was not reenforced. Although as yet no armed body of colonists had arisen to threaten the British soldiers, it was perfectly understood that the people, and not the garrison, were masters of the local situation, and that at the slightest manifestation of aggression on the part of the troops sanguinary events would be precipitated.