On the eleventh of August, a letter was received by the Provincial Congress, from the local Committee at Brookhaven, on Long Island, stating that certain persons, named therein, were " counteracting every " measure recommended for redress and grievances, ' " and opposing the measures of Congresses and Com- " mittees ; and that they declared they would furnish, '' and that it is suspected they have furnished, the " men-of-war and cutters with provisions," 2 in the same manner that the Asia and other men-of-war were supplied, with the approval of the Provincial Congress, at that time and subsequently, by those who were more in favor with that body ; and, at the same time, " requesting the Congress to direct such "measures as they shall think proper, to suppress " such conduct.'' That letter was referred to a Committee of which Benjamin Kissam, of the City of New York, was Chairman. 3 A Report from that Committee was laid before the Congresa, on the twentysixth of August; 4 and, after consideration of the subject, and apparently without dissent, the following enactment was made on the general subject of the Brookhaven Committee's inquiry:

" Whereas attempts may be made, to promote dis- " cord among the Inhabitants of this Colony, and to " assist and aid the Ministerial Army and Navy, in " their endeavours to carry into execution the cruel and " oppressive Acts of Parliament, against the Rights " and Liberties of the Inhabitants of this Continent : " And as the immutable laws of self-defence and