Consequently on the 31st of May action was taken summoning the electors of the various counties to meet at an early date and choose delegates to a fourth provincial congress. Meantime steady progress was being made at Philadelphia toward the definite consideration of the subject of American independence, and some of the New York representatives in the continental congress couceived a strong desire for categorical instructions from home as to that vital question. On the 8th day of June four of these representatives-- William Floyd, Henry Wisner, Robert II. Livingston, and Francis Lewis-- sent a letter to the New York provincial congress, requesting that such inIt was not until the 11th that structions be sent them immediately. 1 lie latter body complied with the request thus made. It then adopted a series of resolutions whose essential purport was to declare the congress's unwillingness and incapacity to deal with the matter, and 1<> commit it for decision to the people at the forthcoming election The first of these resolutions was for a new provincial congress. an emphatic intimation to the delegates at Philadelphia that they possessed as yet no authority to vote in favor of independence, being lo the effect that "the good people of this colony have not, in the opinion of this congress, authorized this congress or the delegates of this colony in the continental congress to declare this colony to The Great Britain." be and continue independent of the crown of terms to the electors, whole matter was submitted in most explicit who were earnestly recommended to vest their representatives in the soon-to-be chosen fourth provincial congress "with full power to deliberate and determine on every question whatever that may concern or affect the interest of this colony, and to conclude upon, ordain, and execute every act and measure which to them shall appear conducive to the happiness, security, and welfare of this colony," and particularly, " by instructions or otherwise, to inform their said deputies of their sentiments relative to the great question of Independency and such other points as they may think proper." The resolutions of the 11th of June were passed by the provincial congress mainly at the instance of John Jay, who is supposed to have left his seat in the continental congress and become a member of the third provincial congress of New York for the express object of holding the latter body to a judicious course on the subject of