That we will upon all occasions stand by and assist each other " in the defence of his life, liberty and property, when ever the same " shall be attacked or endangered by any bodies of men riotously assem- " bled, upon any pretence or any authority whatsoever, not warranted " by the laws of the land.

" Second. That we will upon all occasions mutually support each "other in the free exercise and enjoyment of our undoubted right to " liberty, in eating, drinking, buying, selling, communing and acting " what, with whom, and as we please, consistent with the laws of God, " and the laws of the land, notwithstanding the association entered into " by the Continental Congress to the contrary.

" Lastly. That we will endeavour to promote, encourage, and when " called to, enforce obediance to the rightful authority of our most gra- " cious sovereign king George the third, and the laws which can, do, or "may constitutionally extend to, or in the British colonies in America.

" In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands, this eighteenth " day of January, in the fifteenth year of the reign of our sovereign " lord George the third, by the grace of God of Great-Britain, France, " and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, &c, and in the year of our "lord Christ, 1775."

"An Address to the Inhabitants of Cort- " landt's Manor.

a

I am one amongst you, tho' yet a ''stranger, an inhabitant of'Cort- " landt's manor; I have nothing to dread or fear "from the resentment of any person or persons, as "I mean to give no offence to any individual; "only wishing, that reason and common prudence " may take place of present bickerings, and the " detestable poison of party faction.