"Fourth, That as a Division in the Colonies "would be a sure means to counteract the present " Intention of the Americans, in their Endeavours to '' preserve their Rights and Liberties from the Inva- '' sion that is threatened, we do most heartily recom- " mend a Steadiness and Unanimity in their Meas- " ures, as they will have the happy Effects of averting " the Calamity that the late tyrannical Acts of the " British Parliament would otherwise most assuredly " involve us in.

" Fifth, That to obtain a Redress of our Griev- " ances, it has been thought most advisable, in the " Colonies, to appoint a general Congress, we will take "Shelter under the Wisdom of those Gentlemen who " may be chosen to represent us, and cheerfully ac- "quiesce in any Measures they may judge shall be " proper, on this very alarming and critical Occasion."

These Resolutions were duly presented to the Meeting ; and the official record of the proceedings of that Meeting tells, to all comers, they " were unani- " mously agreed to;" after which the Meeting was dissolved. 2

Because the numerous tenants and other dependents on the Morris family were residents of Westchester, and not distant, there is reason for the supposition that the Meeting was well-attended; and there can be no reasonable doubt that the proceedings were conducted with entire propriety and good order. But, like the Meeting at Rye, of which mention has been made, that at Westchester was evidently controlled by a single master-spirit ; and, like the former, the latter was, also, unquestionably convened and conducted, not as much for the clear expression of the uncontrolled and intelligent opinions of "the Free- " holders and Inhabitants '' of the Town, on the grave questions which were submitted to them, or for the honest promotion of the best interests of the Colony, as for a preparation of the way for the return of the Morris family to place, and authority, and influence in the political affairs of the Colony, from which, through the controlling power of the De Lanceys, it had been, for many years, entirely excluded.