All which it contained, concerning Independence, was a formal acknowledgment of the receipt of the letter and of the Resolutions, " which were immediately communicated to the Con - "gre8s of this Colony, and will be considered by them with all the de- " liberation due to the importance of the subject." Nothing more than that wassaid or done, on the subject of Independence, in connection with the Resolutions from Virginia, nor in connection with anything else, relative to that subject, until the Congress was crowded into a consideration of it, by an entirely different agency, several days afterwards.

Yet this is "history," as Bancroft understands the meaning of that term .

WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

of Virginia had been thus quieted, [June 10, 1776,] the Provincial Congress was further vexed, on the growing subject of Independence, by the receipt of the following brief note from those of the Delegates of the Colony who were, then, in Philadelphia :

"Philadelphia, June 8, 1776. "Dear Sir:

"Your Delegates, here, expect that the question of

"Independence will, very shortly, be agitated in

" Congress. Some of us consider ourselves as bound

" by our instructions not to vote on that question >

"and all of us wish to have your sentiments thereon.

"The matter will admit of no delay; we have,

"therefore, sent an express who will wait your

" orders.

"We are, Sir, with the greatest respect,

" Your most obt. hum. servts.

"William Floyd,

" Henry Wisner,

" Robt. R. Livingston,

"Frans. Lewis.