" That many ill-disposed people have lately resorted " unto, and a great number dwell in, the southern and " eastern parts of Queens-county ; that there are also " several ill-disposed persons in the City and County "of New York, and in Kings County, and in sundry " other parts of this Colony, many of whom will most " probably take up arms on the part of our foes, when- " ever they shall see a prospect of success.

" That from the various reports and the best intel- " ligence which can be obtained from Europe, as also " from the positive assertions of the disaffected through- " out this and the neighbouring Colonies, and from " such of their measures as have come to the knowl- " edge of your Committee, there is no room to doubt "that a large hostile armament will soon arrive in " this Colony.

" That the greater part of those who now hold Of- " flees and Commissions under the Crown, and many " others who are generally reputed inimical to Amer- " ican Liberty, will be liable to suffer injuries from "the resentment of the people, 2 and the Colony in " general exposed to great danger from the active ex- " ertions of those among us who are determined to " assist in the subjection of America.

" Your Committee are, therefore, of opinion that, " as well out of regard to the safety of individuals as "for the general welfare of America, it is highly and " indispensably necessary to take speedy and effectual " measures to prevent the hostile intentions of our " foes, to stop the channels of intelligence and com- " munication among the disaffected, and to quell the " spirit of opposition which hath hitherto prevailed.