There are, however, several worthy clergymen in those provinces, some of whom I hear have tr.lven sanctuary in England, particularly from Maryland. This province, although the most loyal and peaceable of any on the continent, by a strange Vitality is become the scene of war, and suffers most. This city, especially, has a double portion of the calamities brought on by the present rebellion ; and perhaps a brief detail of our situation for some months past, may gratify curiosity, and convey to the Society the clearest idea of the state of things here. Upon general Howe's departure from Boston to Halifax, early in the last spring, the rebel army was drawn to this city, which they fortified in the best manner they could, expecting it would be attacked. Most of the inhabitants, warned by these symptoms of the gatliering storm, moved into the country, and carried their valuable effects with them. Among others, I moved my family, consisting of a wife and three small clnldren, seventy miles up Hudson's River wdiere they still remain, that part of tlie country being yet possessed by the rebels.' Dr. Auchmuty, the rector,^ being much

1 They were sent to New Windsor, Orange Co. in Oct 1775, whence they removed to Goshen. Mr. I. obtained a flag of truce in the beginning of Dec, 1776 and appl)e*l to the Com. of Safety, then at Fishkill, for permission to remove his family, tog-ether with his furniture, books and papers back to the city. It does not appear whether he obtained permission or not. His family then consisted of his wife, Mrs. Cookes ler mother, and three children, the oldest not quite three years, the youngest about three months old, and four servants. Journal of tke N. Y. Prov. Congress, i. 746, 748; ii. 249.