This was disputed by many of the Vestry, and absolutely refused by some of the members who were men of estabblished reputation in this place, but however a majority at last prevailed for it : and at the same time M"" Vesey also prevailed witli ye same majority to make a vote for electing among tliemselves (contrary to the rules of the Charter) New Members in the room of such as should not attend the meeting of the Vestry. And some time afterward finding that whilst those Gentlemen who opposed tlmt certificate continued in the vestry it would be impossible to carry all his points there, secretly called as many of the Vestry together as he thouglit fit and told them that four absent Gentlemen ''indeed not summond) declined to attend the service of the

4 JO PAPERS RELATING TO THE CITY OF NEW- YORK.

Cluirch any longer, and therefore desired them to proceed to a new clioice wliich was accordingly done in a Tavern, and four of the meanest of tlie people elected to supply a pretended Vacancy, wliich we fear will never be so well filled again.

My Lord we think ourselves much injured in tliis affair, and what is of the last consequence we think that the Churcli will soon feel the effects of this proceeding, if it has not already done so, for on tlie last Easter tuesday when the Communicants after service went up to the Altar according to custom to proceed to a new clioice, after four candidates were put up for Church Wardens, tlie body of the Communicants divided themselves to either liand as they designed to vote, the Rector being within the Rails, and seeing us who are the subscribers all on one side said loudly, I hope you doe not intend to bring down the officers of the Garrison upon us.