Parties concerned were to be heard before the Board of Trade, and a Report made to his Majesty thereupon, when it's probable a final Decision will be made upon this sub-

886 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE

ject and it is then to be expected, that effectual measures will be adopted, and necessary Directions given to restore order, and enforce a due obedience to the Laws in that County. I am, with very great Regard, Sir, Your most Obedient, humble Servant, Tuo' GaGE. (Endorsed) Sept: 29, 1774. Read in Council.

ae

LT. GOV. COLDEN TO LORD DARTMOUTH.

{Lond. Doc. XLIV.] New York 4t® October 1774. My Lord,

The inclosed Copy of a Petition, and affadavits laid before me and the Council, will inform your Lordship, how much His Majesty's peaceable subjects ina part of the Province mentioned in the Petition are mollested and insulted by a lawless sett of Men who at first settled there under a claim made by the Government of New Hampshire; but since they have been disown'd by that Government, they will pay obedience to none --assumé all power to themselves, chuse Magistrates, erect Courts and inflict punishments &e. Fugitives from all the neighboring Governments resort thither, so that they are now become a numerous and dangerous Body of Banditti, which is every Day encreasing. The Council advised me to apply to General Gage for Military Assistance to preserve the Peace only : His answer is that, General Haldimand, had, on a similar Requisition declined giving any Military Assistance, and his refusal had been approved of by his Majesty's Ministers, and for that reason he declined giving any Assistance. i