The Inhabitants of the Province werre farr from understanding his Majt' s letter to be directed for Capt Leisler or that any powers or authorityes therein Contained were given to him the Letters wAs not openly comunicated but when diverse of their Majt'^s gQ^^ and faithfull protestant Leige Subjects principall ffreeholders of the province desired of Cap* Leysler who had surreptitiously got the same into his own hands that they might either have a Coppy or heare the same read that they might pay all duty and obedience to their Majt'^s Orders accordingly they were not only denyed the same but dismissed with menaces contempt & rude language.

Noe Reluctance or Resistance in the least was ever shewne or

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oflfered to their Maj''*'^ Governmt in the province but it was received with a hearty & Unanimous Consent & general joy & gladness & the only Opposicon that ever w^as iLade was against the manifest irraconal & inlollerable violence & oppression of Jacob Leisler & his faction whose Religion before those times was as unaccomptable & obscure as their birth & fortunes by whose occasion the Ruines of Scanechtadae & other depredations of the fFrench & Indians happened & unto whom the same is wholly attributed

Severall of their Majti^^ Protestant Leige Subjects being without any reason kept strict prisoners in the ffort to the regret & amazement of the greatest part of the Inhabitants of the Province some of the most Considerable persons in a modest & peaceable maner without anyarmes whatsoever applyed themselves to Cap* Leysler & Civilly desired the prisoners might be delivered upon Baile but were disturbed by Leyslers son who came runing upon them with a drawne Sword & diverse other armed men whereupon sundry of their Maj*'^^ good Subjects were seized imprisoned & without any course or Solemnity of Law fined & kept in durance during the will & pleasure of the s^ Leysler & his Companions.