The minority of the Committee and those with whom it sympathized and acted, in political affairs -- the " Bellwethers " and the "Sheep "of Gouverneur Morris's metaphor -- were not inclined, however, to submit, tamely, to the arbitrary dictation of their " Shepherds,'' composing the majority of that body ; and they promptly determined to carry the contest into a new field, and with heavy reinforcements. For that purpose, anonymous handbills were posted throughout the City, 2 on the day after the Commit-

1 Minutes of the Committee, Adjourned Meeting, "New York, July 4, "1774."

See, alao. Lieutenant-governor Colden to the Earl of Dartmouth, "New "York, July 6, 1774 ;" the same to Governor Tryon, "Spring Hill, 6th " July, 1774."

2 One of those handbills has been preserved and may be seen, among other broadsides of that period, in the Library of the New York Historical Society.

tee's Meeting, calling a Meeting of " the good People " of this Metropolis," to be held in the Fields, 8 on the following day, [ Wednesday, July 6 ] at six o'clock, " when Matters of the utmost Importance to their " Reputation and Security, as Freemen, will be com- " municated." At the appointed hour, it is said, " a " numerous meeting " was collected, with Alexander McDougal in the Chair, forming what continues to be known, in history, as " the great Meeting in the " Fields," at which several Speeches were made, 4 and nine Resolutions adopted, expressing the popular will.