" Upon these Reasons, we conclude that a Congress " of Deputies from the Colonies, in general, is of the " utmost Moment ; that it ought to be assembled, " without Delay ; and some unanimous Resolution " formed, in this fatal Emergency, not only respect- " ing your deplorable Circumstances, but for the "Security of our common Bights. Such being our " Sentiments, it must be premature to pronounce any

" Judgment on the Expedient which you have suggested. We beg, however, that you will do us the " Justice to believe that we shall continue to Act " with a firm and becoming Regard to American " Freedom, and to co-operate with our sister Colonies, " in every Measure which shall be thought salutary " and conducive to the public Good.

" We have nothing to add, but that we sincerely " condole with you, in your unexampled Distresses, " and to request your speedy Opinion of the proposed "Congress, that, if it shall meet with your Approba- " tion, we may exert our utmost Endeavours to carry " it into execution.

" We are, Gentlemen," etc.

That evidently well-considered paper, probably the production of the mind and the pen of James Duane, 1 was so temperate in its tone and so judicious in its suggestions, that, after it had been presented as the Report of the Sub-Committee, it commended itself to the Committee with so much force, that it was approved without a dissenting voice ; 2 and the Chairman was ordered to send copies of it, duly signed, to the Committees of Correspondence, in Boston and Philadelphia. 3