Gentlemen, The Subscribers are here at present as Members of a Committee of Congress sent for the express purpose of endeavouring to bring about an amicable settlement of the Differences between the State of New York and the Inhabitants of the New Hampshire Grants who have formed themselves into a State called by them the State of Vermont. We have understood that you and others who adhere to the State of New York have declined taking your Turn of Militia Duty for the Defence of the frontiers because the Requisition was made under the Authority of the State of Vermont and that you have met with some Trouble on this Account. We have therefore sent this to inform you that we hope there will be by interposition of Congress a happy Accomodation of all Differences in a short Time ; in the mean while we have obtained a promise from Governor Chittenden that you shall not be molested till matters are finally settled and we have engaged to write to you voluntarily and freely to raise your full Proportion of Men whenever your Neighbours are called and you are informed of this either by continental Officers or the New State till such Time as you have Special Directions from the Governor of New York which we hope to obtain for you on our Return hence. This we are confident you will readily comply ' Vou. rv. 62

978 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE .

with as otherwise People will be tempted to impute your Conduct to disaffection to the Cause of the United States. We hope you will understand that the Protection and Forbearance which is promised in your behalf is to be considered as on the condition of your cordially complying with our Request and in every Respect behaving quietly and orderly while the measures for Pacification are on foot.