V Cortlandt ? ^^ ^\\.o\ Willett

Chid Brooke ^

Vpon Reading a Letter from the Sheriffe of Richmond County Giving an Account of severall 'Riotts and Tumults on Staten Island and that they are subscribing of Papers

Ordered That a letter from the Secr'y be sent to the said Sheriffe requiring him to secure such persons as are Ringleaders and Promoters of such Riotts and disturbances in ord"^ to pi'secucon pursuant to his duty and office l

K Esq"

GOV. SLOUGHTER TO LORD INCHIQUIN.

Fort Willm Henry May 2d 1691.

May it please your Excellency. -- By the Last Vessel from hence I acquainted your Excellency of my Arrivall Here, & y« danger that I found the Country in by y« late Management of one Capt Leisler who took upon himself without any Direction from y Majostyes to rule, «& as it now appears, to oppress tids province to a Very great Degree, & upon my arrivall refused me Entrance in y^ fort & Garrison of this Province, but by seizing of his principall Instruments & by y« Deserting of his own Soldiers which were About 300 he was at length forced to render himself prisoner & upon him & his, accomplices a Grand Court of Oyer & Terminer haue passed & given Judgm* of Death to which nevertheless I am not willing to proceed but upon extreamest Necessity untill his Majesty shall have advice & his pleasure known therein, Yr is a great ferm* in this prouince heightened by y® Neighbour Colonys of N: Engl^ & therefore I am desirous to proceed with all patience & Moderation that his Majesty may be sensible of y^ Necessity of