" common sense, are led to declare our firm and indis- " soluble attachment to our most gracious Sovereign "George the Third, his crown and dignity; and " with grateful hearts to acknowledge, that we are in- " debted to his paternal care, for the preservation of "our lives and fortunes: And as we have ever been a " happy and free people, subject only to the laws and " government of Great- Britain, we will pay no regard " to any resolves, or restrictions, but such as are enjoined us by our Constitutional Delegates. "Everything to, the contrary, we deem Illegal."

An answer to this Address and this Association was published in Riyington's New- York Gazetteer, No. 99, New- York, Thursday, March 9, 1775, in these words, which we have carefully copied from the original publication :

" To every American to whom it is applicable ;

" But chiefly to

" The Associators of Cortlandt's Manor.

" ye Tame Pigeons !

"TT^xcusE, my friends, the manner of addressing Hi " you, for if we advert to a passage in Holy "Writ, we are told, that the professors of our excel- " lent religion, should be as wise as serpents, and " harmless as doves ; I must, in some measure, think " you a Christian people, as both the above properties " are discovered in Cortlandt's Manor, tho' they " seem not to be properly blended together. -- -The " framer of the Association, and the elaborate piece " that attended it, in Mr. Rivington's paper of Feb- " ruary 16, has certainly all the subtilty of the ser- " pent ; and has as dexterously wormed himself '" round your estates, with as much address, and will " probably have the same success, as the first serpent " had, when he attacked our old grandmother. -- And " you, my friends, resemble the simple dove, for you " seem to be innocent and secure, although the de- " luder has already catched you in the snare : Then " be not offended at my calling you pigeons ; for " naturalists assure us, it is the very nature of this bird, " that she seems always calm and secure, and has no " inclination to defend herself, or her young ones, " from the attacks of men, beasts, or vermin, but al- " ways returns to the same hole to make her nest, " notwithstanding the experience she has had, of its " being utter destruction to her family. -- Just so it is " with you, ye people of Cortlandt, ye have eyes, but " see not, and ears, but hear not.