To the Gentlemen of the Convention of Committees from the Towns of Brattleborough Guilford & Halifax in-Cumberland County.

GOV. CLINTON TO JOEL BIGELOW ESQ.

Pokeepsie 15th September 1782.

Sir

From the Conversation between us you are already apprized of the Measures I have taken in Consequence of the Information . I received relative to the late outrage committed by the Inhabitants on the Grants who oppose the Government of this State and you may be assured the moment I am informed of the Effects these Measures may produce I shall communicate them

NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS. 1013

to you--until the Result of the present application to Congress I would as heretofore recommended to our Friends still to persevere in the Line of Conduct pointed out by the Resolve of Congress in abstaining from all acts of Force or Violence except when their immediate self Defence shall compel them to have Recourse to resistance by Arms. At the same Time should the Government of the pretended State continue to hold the Prisoners in Confinemeut I would then think it justifiable and advisable 'that attempts should be made for their Release, and if this cannot be effected then that an equal number of the Insurgents should be taken & brought to this or any other Place of Security in the State where they can be detained as Hostages for the security and Indemnity of the subjects of this State whom they have made Prisoners of IT am Sir your most obedt Servt Gro: Cuinron.