There does not appear to have been much discontent, in any part of the Colony, because of the passage of that Ordinance or Act for the re-organization of the Militia ; but it afforded opportunities, in various places, for displays of that contempt for the unfranchised and lowly masses, which those of higher social and political rank, even those who were ostentatiously assuming to be the especial guardians and defenders of the Rights of the Colonists, were notslow in presenting to the world. A notable instance of this contempt was seen at Yonkers, where Frederick Van Cortlandt, an unprovided-for member of that extended family, aspired to the command of the Company in that Beat, probably as a stepping-stone to something better. The enrolled members of the Company, in whom the right of election rested, preferred one of their own number, John Cock, for their Captain ; and when the Poll was closed, it was found that the aristocratic aspirant had received only eleven votes, while his plebeian opponent had received forty-eight, and one had been given to William Betts. 2 The defeated aspirant subsequently complained that, although his successful opponent had signed the Association, he had done so without having heartily approved it, supporting his charge with an affidavit of William Hadley, 3 who had aspired to the First Lieutenancy

1 That " Militia Bill," in cxtenso, was published as a Note to the Journal of the Provincial CongreBs, "Die Martis, 9 ho., A.M., August 22, "1770."

2 Votes of the Militia Embodyed in ye Precinct of the Yonlcers and of officers names this 24 August, 1775. -- Historical Manuscripts, etc. : Military Returns, xxvi., 23 ; xxvii., 263.