In a community, such as that which constituted Colonial Westchester-county, which was already known and distinguished because of its consistent conservatism and, therefore, because of its backwardness in promoting the cause of the Rebellion, such a tyrannical exercise of political authority as had been seen in connection with the Election of Militia Officers, at Yonkers, by those who were, themselves, exercising only an' authority which had been usurped and which was held and exercised without due warrant in law, was everything else than conciliatory, and was far better adapted to arouse and to inflame

1 Journal of pie Committee of Safety, " Die Martis, 9 ho., A.M., September 19th, 1775."

The following letter, addressed by the Colonial Committee of Safety to Frederic Van Cortlandt and others, informing them of the remarkable result of this Election, in Yonkers, will interest those who desire to learn the inside history of the Revolution, in Westchester-connty : " In Committee of Safety, "New-York, Sept. 19th, 1775. '* Gentlemen :

"Having considered your report, and also the report of " your County Committee, concerning the Election of John Cox, as " a Captain of the Company of Militia at Yonkers. We have determined * him to be disqualified for a Commission, not only because at the time " of his signing the Association he declared it to be an involuntary act, but "also because he has spoke most contemptuously of the Provincial Con- " gress. And in order that the other Officers in the Company may have "a chance of promotion, which cannot be done according to the letter of "the Militia Regulations, you are hereby desired to cause a new Election " to he made of all the Officers of the Company, pursuant to the Baid " Regulations, taking care to give public notice that the said John Cocks " cannot be admitted to any office whatsoever.