A question of such great importance and so distasteful to many of the Deputies, was reasonably discussed with much warmth ; and it is very evident that, had the vote been taken, at that time, the motion would have been adopted by the Provincial Congress. It was evidently approved hy a majority of the Counties ; but, if the vote could be postponed, changes might be effected, by fair means or by foul -- there were astute and experienced politicians within and around that Provincial Congress -- and three of the Counties who were opposed to the motion resorted to the tenth Rule of the Congress, 3 not resorted to, on any other occasion, during the entire

1 Journal of the Provincial Congress, "Die Martis, 9 ho., A.M., May "30"', 1775."

-Journal of the Provincial Congress, "Die. Martis, 9 ho., A.M., May "30,1775."

3 "10th. -- That no question shall be determined on the day that it is "agitated, if three Counties shall request that it he deferred to the " next day." -- {Rules of the Congress, in the Journal of the Provincial Congress, Tuesday, 23rd of May, 1775.)

period of the existence of that Congress, to secure that advantage and, thereby, if possible, to defeat the motion -- " at the request of the Deputies of the City " and County of Albany and the Counties of " Ulster, Suffolk, and Charlotte," it was " Okdered, " That the same be deferred." *

Although the Rule required the Congress to resume the consideration of the motion, on "the next day," the Rule was disregarded ; ° and, on the following day [June 1, 1775,] Mr. Kissam, with the leave of the Congress, withdrew the motion, " in order to " amend it." 6