Although we apprehend no great difficulties in reducing these factious spirits to obedience and good order, by the justice and vigour of the government of this state, without the aid of Congress, yet as a report prevails, and daily gains credit, that they are privately countenanced in their designs by certain members of your honorable house, we esteem it our duty to give you this information, that by a proper resolution on that subject, the reputation of Congress may cease to be injured by imputations so disgraceful and dishonorable.

However unwilling we may be, to entertain suspicions so disreputable to any member of Congress, yet the truth is, that no inconsiderable numbers of the people of this state do believe the report to be well founded, and of course, their confidence in the justice, and their respect for the determination of Congress, will, we fear, be diminished ; nor can it be dfficult to perceive what an unhappy influence such reports and apprehensions have on the minds of the best Whigs of this state, especially at this critical juncture.

I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

(By order) Pierre Van Cortianpr, P.

May 28. 1777.

Hon. John Hancock, Esq. President &c.

942 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE

JOHN WILLIAMS TO JNO. McKESSON ESQR

SEC Y OF THE NEW YORK CONVENTION.

[ Original Letters XXIII. ]

New Perth June 234 1777.

Dear Sir é

Inclosed [ have Transmitted youa Phamplett Lately Circulated through the Grants, as Its an answer to some of our Proceedings. I thought it my Duty to transmitt it to you, Requesting you will show it to the Council of Safety and after they have perused it to forward it to Messts Duane & Duer, if at Congress. The Inhabitants on the Grants have lately had a meeting Chose there Deputies to sitt im Convention, and the Convention declared the Grant to be an Independent State, Called by the name of New Vermount' Another meeting is soon to be held, in order to Chuse Delegates to Represent them in Continental Congress, these proceedings has thrown this County into great Confusion, nor do I know how we shall proceed Iam much obliged to you for the favour of your Letter and Information p* Cap Conkey, I beleeve we have been pretty unanimous in the Election for