Two days after that letter was written, [June 24, 1776,] the Sub-committees of Cortlandt and Salem united in the following letter, also addressed to the Provincial Congress ; and in order to expedite the consideration of the subject to which it was devoted, by that body, Ezekiel Hawley was formally directed to forward it, '• with all convenient speed."

"Salem, 24th of June, 1776.

" Gentlemen :

" Whereas sundry persons of note have lately ab- " sconded from our part of the country, and we have "reason to think, from several circumstances, are " (with numbers of others) assembling together on

♦ Journal of the Provincial Congress; Correspondence, ii,, 196,197.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

" Long island, with a view to join the Ministerial " Army, we beg the Congress would take the matter " under consideration, and adopt such meaaures as to '"' you shall appear most pr'oper for the removal of such " dangerous assemblages, who we fear are forming " a combination to aid and assist the Ministerial Army " when an opportunity, shall permit.

" Ordered, That the same be forwarded with all " convenient speed by Mr. Ezekiel Halley.

" By the joint order of the Sub-committees of the '' manor of Cortlandt and Salem.

" Ezekiel Halley, " Joseph Benedict,

" Chairmen.

" To the Honourable the Provincial Congress." l

These two letters were presented to the Provincial Congress, on the afternoon of the twenty-fourth of June; read before that body ; and ordered " to remain " for further consideration ; " '' and there, as far as we have knowledge, they have remained, from that day until this -- the Provincial Congress certainly paid no further attention to them.