Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. IV
The Business has however. been deferred tho' I amr confident from no other Cause than that the Attention: of Congress has hitherto been called to objects of greater moment, I shall notwithstanding immediately transmit to them, i: Express, your Petition and urge every Argument in my Power to induce them speedily to determine this Controversy and by a seasonable Interposition to prevent if possible, the dreadful Consequences of having recourse to arms.
As in my former letters so in this I forbear' to point out. the Line of Conduct I could wish the well affected Inhabitants: in your Quarter should observe upon every particular occasion, I _conceive it impossible and therefore can only recommend in general, firmness & Prudence, and in noinstance to acknowledge
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NEW, HAMPSHIRE GRANTS, 963.
the authority of Vermont, unless. where there is no alternative Jefit between Submission & inivitable Ruin. This appears to me the only proper advice I can give at present till we are. favored with. the Sentiments of Congress relative to the Dispute or until _we, are, convinced the, Business is designedly procrastinated ; in either Case as the Legislature have promised so I have no doubt that they will afford you Protection, & that, effectual measures will be immediately, taken for vindicating, the Rights of. this State and enforcing a,due Submission to legal Government. If however any Outrage or Violence, which you may suppose will. produce blood-shed, should be committed in the Towns continuing in their Allegiance to New-York, either by Green Mountain Boys or any Parties who may come under a pretence of carrying into Execution the Laws of Vermont You will immediately apprize me of it and you may be assured of all the assistance in my power & I trust it will be sufficient for your Safety & Defence, in the meantime I will myself endeavor to procure Intelligence & if I should discover that. any attempt will be made by Vermont to reduce you by force of arms I will instantly issue my orders, to the, militia who are properly, equipped, & who will be led against the.