O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. IV. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1851.

The circumstances attending those Disturbances are very alarming ; and if it be true that those parts of the Province are now an Asylum for Fugitives from every other part of America, it certainly is become an object that deserves the fullest attention. I cannot however be of opinion that the assistance of the King's Troops ought to be called for until every other effort has …

Countenance and support that can be shown consistent with Justice: for I can with truth say that the conduct of that Province in General, & more especially in the present moment, has been such as justly intitles its well disposed and peaceable Inhabitants to His Majesty's particular Favor and Indulgence : and I have the satisfaction to assure you that their conduct is seen in …

The Petition of Benjamin Hough one of his Majesty's Justices of the peace for the County of Charlotte in Behalf of himself and other Magistrates & Inhabitants of the said County of Charlotte, and the County of Albany. Most humbly Sheweth That with great Grief of Heart your Petitioner finds himself reduced to the Necessity of renewing his complaints against a Confederacy of …

That your petitioner in vain flattered himself, that the provision made by the Legislature at the last Session, for preventing disorders, so disgraceful to Government, would have checked their Insolence, and contributed to the Redress aud security of the peaceable Inhabitants: But such is the Temper of those violent men hardened by a Repetition of the most enormous offences …

That although they had thus satiated their vengeance upon your petitioner and seen him bleeding and: fainting under his . wounds; and tho' they had dragged him suddenly from his house without giving him Time to provide himself fora journey or to'settle his affairs, they would not suffer him to return to his Family fora day ; but insisted that he should go forward towards this …

That the mock Court, before which your Petitioner was thus abused consisted of the following persons to wit, Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, Robert Cochran, Peleg Sunderland, James Mead, Gideon Warren, and Jesse Sawyer, who acted in the double office of Accusers and Judges ; That no less than four other persons were appointed to execute their sentence, to wit Winthrop Hoyt of …

That the said Rioters have publickly proclaimed their inten- . tion to treat every other Inhabitant who will not unite with them in their flagitious practices with the same severity. 'That the 'intolerable Grievances. which your petitioner and others have sustained and the Dangers they are daily exposed to, NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS. 893 from the said Rioters, are more fully set …

Beysamin Hoveu. (Endorsed 1775,Mareh 9th Read in Council.) a AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF THE PRECEDING PETITION. TRIAL AND SENTENCE OF REV. BENJAMIN HOUGH. City of New York, ss. Brysamin Hoven one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Charlotte being duly Sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth & saith, that on or about the twenty Six day of …

That thereupon Peleg Sunderland of the said County of Charlotte, came up to this Deponent with a Hatchet in his Hand and slapping this Deponent on the Shoulder told him he was his prisoner. That he the said Peleg Sunderland and the other persons who were with him forced this Deponent into a Sleigh and carried him about fifty Miles to the Southward of this Deponents place of …

That on the said thirtieth Day of January, the said Rioters appointed a Court for the Trial of this Deponent which consisted of the following persons (to wit) the said Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, Robert Cochran, Peleg Sunderland, James Meed, Gideon Warren and Jesse Sawyer, and they being seated ordered this Deponent to be brought before them: That he was accordingly brought …

That this Deponent then demanded of him the said Ethan Allen and the rest of the pretended Judges whether he (this Deponent) had ever done Injustice to any Man in the Execution of his Office as Magistrate? To which they answered that they could not charge him with any Injustice in the execution of his Office, nor had they any complaint of that kind to make against him ; the …

That he had used his Endeayours to dissuade people from joining the said Riotors in their proceeding, and that he had accepted a Commission from the said Government for and exercised the office of a Magistrate for the said County of Charlotte, and that all this he had a good Right to do and looked upon as his duty. That after some farther argumentation the said pretended …

this Deponent was conducted as a prisoner by four men with drawn Swords, and that thereupon the said Ethan Allen who all along acted as the chief or principal judge pronounced the following sentence against this Deponent, which he read from a paper, which he held in his hand to wit, That they had erected a combination of judicious men. for his Trial and had accused him in the …

That thereupon this Deponent immediately had his Clothes taken off and he was stripped to the skin, and four persons being by the said pretended Court appointed to carry the said sentence into Execution this Deponent accordingly received the two hundred Lashes on his naked Back with whips of cords; which Lashes were inflicted by each of the said Executioners giving the …

bled considerably by the said abuse; And the Deponent being very faint was put into the care: of one Doctor Washburn who conducted him into a House. That the Deponent declared to the Rioters, that it was a great Hardship, that he was not suffered to take care of his Interest & Child who was left without Father or Mother ; the deponent's wife being absent on a distant visit to …

That while this Deponent was in custody of the said Rioters he heard the said Ethan Allen say, that he expected they should be obliged to drive off all the Durhamites (meaning the Inhabitants of the Town of Durham in the County of Charlotte.) That this Deponent frequently heard the said Rioters Declare that they would have little Walker (meaning Daniel Walker) and Thomas …

against whom they had taken offence) five hundred lashes instead of hoisting him up & exposing. him upon Landlord Fay's Sign post, where was fixed a dead Catamount. 'That this Deponent also heard the said Ethan Allen declare in the said Mob that he expected shortly to haye a fight with the damned Yorkers, for that they would hear how the Mob had abused their Magistrates, but …

That when this Deponent left the said Pownal Town he met George Gardiner Esq' of Pownal Town afotesaid also one of his Majesty's Justices of the peace for the said County of Albany who told the Deponent that the State of the said Town was very dangerous and difficult, that he expected every day to be prevented by the Rioters from exercising his office That he was apprehensive …

believes to be true) that since this Deponent was so seized by the said Mob John Lord, Joseph Randel & Clark three of this Deponents Neighbours had been very much abused and insulted by the said Mob, and that the said John Lord was turned out of his possession and obliged to fly the Country And the Deponent further says that the said Mob robbed him of his arms to wit, a Hanger …

City of New York ss: Sanpy Trupsy of Fairfield in the Colony of Connecticut Farmer of full age being sworn deposeth and Saith. that about the latter end of January last he saw Benjamin Hough of the County of Charlotte Esq at the House of Michael Veel at a place called Danby in the said County. That the said Benjamin Hough was then a prisoner and guarded by a number of men, of …

That this Deponent was informed by several of the Rioters that the said Benjamin Hough had been tryed found guilty and condemned to receive two hundred 900 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE Lashes and that they had accordingly laid them on well: but ' this Deponent was not present at either of the said Transactions. That John Sawyer of Arlington informed this Deponent that he had …

That he this Deponent was present when Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, Robert Cochran, Peleg Sunderland, Remember Baker and others of the Bennington Rioters held a pretended Court for the Trial of Benjamin Spencer Esq™ one of his Majesty's Justices of the peace for the said County of Charlotte, and. saw the said Rioters in part pull down demolish and burn the dwelling house of the …

And as this Deponent has been informed and verily believes to be true they have also frequently threatned to burn his house over his Head, And this Deponent saith that he was under continuah apprehensions of great danger to his person & property by Reason of the said threats and violent proceedings of the said Rioters and thought it necessary for his own preservation (as in …

een left. for him by one of his Neighbours, that the Mob had sworn that they would have him if he was above Ground. That 'this Deponent shortly afterwards received a letter from his Wife, informing him that i# he would make an acknowledgment to the Mob and join them in their proceedings or contribute towards their support, it might be safe for hinr to return to his house, if …

That this Deponent on his way to New York called at the House of Bliss Willoughby Esq" one of his Majesty's Justices of the peace for the County of Albany : 902 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE residing near Bennington. That he found him armed in great distress & danger and having people in his House ready to take arms in his Defence in Case he should be attacked by the Rioters …

That these Deponents have heard it frequently mentioned in conversation and verily believe it to be true, that about a twelve month since, one of the Sheriffs Deputies, whose Name these Deponents think was Hide was escorted by Robert Cochran one of the principal Leaders of the Rioters (who was armed with a sword and pistols) in order to assist the said Officer in serving …

Mr Brush informed his Honor and the Board that on Monday the 13 day of this Inst. about eighty Persons assembled and took Possession of the Court House in Westminster in the County of Cumberland, in order to prevent the opening and holding of the Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace which were to come on the Ensuing Day: That they were in Part Armed and it …

a manner as not to injure their Persohs, That thereupon the Mob returned the Fire upon the Magistrates and their Assistants and wounded Mr Justice Butterfeld, when the Magistrates fired upon the said Mob and a Violent affray ensued, in which one of the Rioters was killed and nine wounded, That on the next day the Justices opened the said Court and were proceeding to Business …

The Council humbly advise that the two Persons who came - Express do severally put into Writing the particular Cireumstances relating to this Affair and attest to the same, and that his Honor do send the said Depcsitions-to the General Assembly together with a Message warmly urging them to proceed immediately to the consideration of this important Intelligence and adopt some …

That on the next day being Sunday William Patterson Esquire High Sheriff of the said County of Cumberland came to Brattleborough and confirmed the said Report and desired the Inhabitants to go with him the next day to Westminster the Town where the said Courts were to be held to assist him in keeping the peace and Suppressing the Rioters. That on the next morning being Monday …

That several of the said Rioters and in Particular one Charles Davenport of Fulham in the said County of Cumberland Carpenter eried out that they would stay as long as they pleased and that neither the said Sheriff or any of his men should haye entrance there and that if he offered to take possession of the said Court House they would send him and all his men to Hell in …

That both the above Deponents have heard and verily believe it to be true it being the common Report that afterwards on the Evening of the same thirteenth day of March the said Sheriff and the Magistrates after having Repeatedly required the said-Rioters to disperse without effect did about nine of the clock in the Evening pick out Ten ora dozen of his Party arf arming them …

That thereupon the Sheriffs Party to the number of four or five fired upon the Rioters and killed one besides wounding several others when the Sheriff Commanded his Party not fire any more but to push foward with their Staves which they did and finally took possession of the Court House after much Resistance and several of the Rioters Prisoners that thereupon the Rioters sent …

discharged certain accounts having been received that the Rioters . were returning with Reinforcements and the deponent Oliver Church farther saith that on Wednesday the fifteenth Instants being at Brattleborough he saw about sixty Rioters going towards Westminster armed and headed by one Cochran who said he was the Captain of the Green Mountain Boys and declared he would have …

That the Deponent went out of the Court House when it was immediately surrounded by the Mob who took possession of the Doors and would let none but their own party into or out of the House That as soon as the Deponent got out of the house he understood 908 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE from General talk out of doors that the People from Fulham ' Putney and the neighbouring Towns …

That shortly after this Leonard Spalding above mentioned charged the Deponent with having been one of those who came to reinforce the Sheriff whereupon he was surrounded stopt and examined but was at length permitted to go at large upon proof being given that he was not an Inhabitant of this province That shortly after the Deponent saw one Thomas Ellis one of the Sheriffs …

variety of Field Officers to command their Forces That upon the morning of this Day as the Deponent passed and repassed among the mob he observed they were very violent and from what the Deponent heard them say to one another he is apprehensive of the worst consequences to the persons confined by them as aforesaid some of the Mob speaking as tho' they were desirous to fire …

910 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE see the matter settled and have Revenge that he had left. his Party passing the West River that he had heard that Lawyer Knights Josiah Arms of Brattleborough and Lieutenant Osgood of New Fane had assisted the Sheriff and that he would have thera if they continued upon Earth that he would see who was for the Lord and who was for Balaam that …

And the Deponents further say that the pretext for the Discontents in the said County of Cumberland as given out by some is that many persons were sued for Debts and were at the same Time unable to recover what is due to them in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay and that they believe a design was formed and entred upon for shutting up the Courts of Justice to prevent those …

That the Sheriff waited between two & three hours expecting the said Rioters would depart from the said Court house and Goal, but finding they did not he went up to the said Court House a second time attended by some of the Magistrates & a party of Men and repeated his orders that they should immediately disperse which they refused ; declaring that if he or any other person …

That the Rioters returned a Discharge of Guns or Pistolson their part. That the Sheriff's posse then fired three or four Guns into the Court house. That orders were given by the Sheriff for the firing to cease and no more fire arms were discharged on either side That the Sheriff & his posse then forced their Way into the Court house with Clubs and an engagament ensued in which …

That in the afternoon they were surprized by an Account that a large party of armed men were coming over from New Hampshire & apprehending it might be with a Design to interrupt the Business the Court thought fit to adjourn to the ensuing June Term. ' That the Judges Sherif Clerk & officers remained at the Court house where they usually diet during the Sitting of the Court …

That on the Wednesday Evening as he thinks Robert Cockran proposed to destroy the Court house and all the persons in it and declared that he would beat up for volunteers the next morning, that this he accordingly did the next Day & inlisted (as this Deponent was informed and verily believes) about one hundred Men that it was then put to vote by this Company (as this Deponent …

That at length it was agreed by the Rioters that Seven of the persons so confined in the said Goal should be set at Liberty on giving Bond with Security to John Hazeltine the Chairman of the Rioters (as he then understood & verily believes) on this oceasion to appear and>take their trials with the other prisoners. That the following were the persons who were so bound (to wit) …

That a Guard of between twenty & thirty of the Rioters under the Command of the said Robert Cockran and of an equal Number of the Newhampshire party under the Command of' the said Captain Butterfield accordingly was appointed to convey the said nine persons to the Goal aforesaid and were upon their March when the Deponent left the said County of Cumberland. That the principale …

That the principal and most active of the Rioters who were concerned in the other of the said Rictous proceedings were, besides the said Robert Cockran, Solomon Harvey of Fulham, Alijah Lovejoy of Westminster & Othniel Wilkins of Guildford and further this Deponent saith that he does verily believe that the principal Cause of the said Disturbances in the County of Cumberland …

They have now had 'the hardiness to seize a justice of the Peace, to try him before a mock Tribunal of their own, formally to pass sentence upon him, and after inflicting a punishment of 200 Lashes on him, to banish him from that part of the Country, which they call their own Indeed the authority of Government is entirely Jost among them, and I am afraid can not be restored …

But by the next day such numbers had joined the Rioters from New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bay, as made them too powerfull for the Magistrates. they took one of the Judges the Sheriffs clerk of the Court and several other persons prisoners and after confining them for several days in the Goal of their own County carried them into Massachusetts Bay, and put them into the Goal …

They have given but one thousand Pounds for this Purpose which is much too small a sum, but the party in the Assembly who have opposed every measure that has a tendency to strengthen or support Government by working on the parcemonious disposition of some of the Country Members had too much influence on this occasion lam now waiting for an answer from General Gage to whom I …

916 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE obtained Grants under this Governmt live in quiet possession under the Grants formerly made by New Hampshire. The Rioters have not pretended any such pretext for their conduct. the example of Massachusetts Bay is the only reason they have assigned. Yet I make no doubt they will be joined by the Bennington Rioters, who will endeavor to make one …

That they are destitute of the means of Support, at the same time that they have been involving themselves in Debt for the Necessaries of Life. ' 'That under these deplorable Circumstances, they have no other prospect of Relief but from the Hand of the humane & benevolent. Your petitioners therefore most humbly pray that your Honour will be favourably pleased to take their …

That your Petitioner Samuel Wells hath expended in defraying the expenses of the several expresses from the County of Cumberland to the City of New York, bringing accounts of the state of the County, in order that Government might be thereby enabled to take the most proper steps to reinstate and maintain the due administration of Justice, and for the suppression of Riots in …

That your Petitioner William Patterson hath expended in defraying the charges of the Posse for the purpose of supporting and majntaining the course of Justice in the said county of Cumberland, The sum of Seventy Seven Pounds Twelve Shillings and Eleven Pence farthing, as appears by the account (B) herewith presented, attested by the Petitioner under oath. That your Petitioner …

Benj* Butterfield Esq", Richard Hill, and Samuel Knight; were brought away from home withont having any time to collect monies for their expences, and are unable to return, without some small assistance; and have therefore requested your Petitioners to lay their case before your Honor, Humbly Praying that your Honor would be pleased to grant them Thirty Shillings each, making …

While these transactions engrossed the attention of the City [of N. York] a matter of greater importance was carried on in the Northern part of this Province No less than the actual taking His Majestys Forts at Tienonderoga and Crown Point, and making the Garrison Prisoners. I have not any account my Lord of this affair, but what I have collected from the current Reports, for …

He alone has it in his power to do any thing in that quarter, and I hope he may have an opportunity of severely retaliating this wanton Act of Treason. a eee ETHAN ALLEN TO THE N. Y. PROV. CONGRESS. Ticonderoga 20th July, 1775. RespecraBLe GentLEMEN-- When I reflect on the unhappy controversy which hath many years subsisted between the government of New-York and the settlers …

I hope no gentleman in the Congress will retain any preconceived prejudice against me, as on my part I shall not against any of them ; but as soon as opportunity may permit and the public cause not suffer therby, shall hold myself in readiness to settle all former disputes and grievances on jionorable terms. I am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, Your devoted, most …

District a Seperate and Distinct one from N York and whereas it at preasant appears to this Convention that for the foregoing Reasons to Geather with the distance of Rode which Lies between this Distruct and N York that it will be very inconvenient for those Inhabitents to associate or Connect with them for the time being Directly or Indirectly therefore this Convention being …

Wee the Subscribers Inhabitants of that District of Land Commonly Caulled and known by the name of the N hampshire Grants being leagually Diligated and Othorised to Transat the public and political affairs of the affore s4 District of Land for our selves and Constituants do solemnly Covenent and Ingage that for the time being we will Strictly and Religiously adheare to the …

Smith, of Philadelphia and M* Shiman, who thought It an improper Time at present. to take up an affair of such a nature, however deemed it adviseable To have a delegate at New York, or philadelphia, So that they might be ready to answer for themseves, in case New York should attempt to have a confirmation of their Claim over those Counties, and deem'd it advisable to avoid …

Gentlemen Coles Williams has Earnestly Requested me to Call the County Committee and the field offiserers together, in order to Procure Arms for those that haint got none, which, the County Committee have Already Don in their Instructions td our Delegates, and Coles Marsh Informs me that he was Like to get a grant of money from the Provincel Congress, sufficient to Procure …

or as individuals, wheather they Intend to Revolt from the State of New York or not, and be Pleas¢ to send the Proceedings of your Town to Westminster by your County Committee, at their next setting on the first Tuesday of November next, that the County Committee may be able ito send to the Provineal Congress, the minds of the Inhabitants of this County in this Important …

James Cray, Esq' Informs that on the 7 day "of August last Heman Allen, Doctor Fay, and Col: Marsh came as a Committee from the other side of the Green Mountains To Windsor ; when the Committees of Cumberland & Gloucester were setting at that place, and begged to be admitted before the Committees soon after they were admitted, and read several Papers, some of which ascertain …

Sir--I beg leave to mention to you, that it is nere asserted and generally believed, that Congress have authorised a Colo. Warner and certain other officers to raise a regiment in this State, at least without the intervention of the State. This measure has given anxiety and disgust to several of the first characters in. the State who have risqued both their lives and fortunes …

The State will not submit to be dismembered; and there are not wanting many respectable characters, both in the Senate and the American army, who intimate that they would rather submit to a Tyrant at 3,000 miles distance, than to avaricious or tyrannical neighbours. In a confidence, sir, that the sentiments of the people even from an individual, will not disoblige, I have …

That Sundry Persons have intruded into those Counties by Virtue of Grants and Purchases for trifling Considerations under those States particularly the latter and have taken very large and valuable Tracts within the said Counties. That divers of those Persons altho repeatedly offered Patents for the Lands by them occupied by the late Government of the Colony of New York have …

honorable the Continental Congress to aid and assist in the Independence of the said Counties. That such Report hath received great weight and authority from the appointment of Seth Warner to be the Colonel of a Regiment to be raised within that Part of this State and to appoint his own officers independant of this State and utterly contrary to the usual mode of appointment in …

That this Convention hath not only advanced considerable sums of money for the Protection of the said Counties in common with other Parts of this State but also for their immediate and particular Defence at their special Instance and Request. That the Counties aforesaid are of great Extent and Fertility forming a very considerable and very valuable Part of this State and that …

- That untill the Commencement of the present Contest with Great Britain the Inhabitants of Gloucester and Cumberland Counties in general submitted to the Jurisdiction of this State many of them obtained confirmations of Title from the late Government and Justice was administered by magistrates of its appointment. That the Spirit of disaffection hath been now extended to those …

Congress in Derogation of the Rights of this State the arrogance and Presumption of the said Green Mountain Boys and their adherents are become so far inflamed that they have lately excited the Inhabitants of several Towns within those Counties to join with them in assuming a total Independence of this State chusing a mock Convention and framing a Petition to Congress for its …

have appealed and on whose advice they pretend to rely requesting them to interpose their authority and 'recommend to the s4 Insurgents a peaceable submission to the jurisdiction of this State and also to disband the said Regiment directed to be raised by Mt Warner as this Convention hath chearfully and voluntarily undertaken to raise a Regiment in addition to the Quota …

The various evidences and informations we have received, would lead us to believe, that persons of great influence in some of our sister states, have fostered and fomented these divisions, in order to dismember this state, at a time when, by the inroads of our common enemy, we were supposed to be incapacitated from defending our just claims: but as these informations tend to …

Warner, with authority to name the officers of a regiment to be raised independent of the legislature of this state, and within that part which hath lately declared an independence upon it, congress hath given but too much weight to the insinuations of those who pretend, that your honorable body are determined to support these insurgents ; especially as this Col. Warner hath …

The King of Great-Britain hath, by force of arms, taken from us five counties ; and an attempt is made, in the midst of our distresses, to purloin from us three other counties. We must consider the persons concerned in such designs, as open enemies of this state, and, in consequence, of all America. To maintain our jurisdiction over our own subjects is become indispensibly …

With the utmost Concern for the Publick welfare of the Vnited States, and this in particular I take my Pen to write when I consider the Absolute nessecty of an Intiere Union of all the Friends to truth the American cause I mean and when I see all the Friends of hell Combined and using all their Deiabolicall Arts * 'to Disunite us and now the Deivil as usuall at the last …

Grants to meet at Dorset to fill up by Draft or 'Raising a bounty Collo Warners Regt. houever Incocistant to there own plann I Supose the 1A convention of Delegates purporting to be from the several towns and counties in the New Hampshire grants was held at Westminster on the 15th January, 1777, when a Declaration of Independence was agreed to, and it was resolved that the new …

I am afraide not from anie thing heard saide but the naturall Concequence that these Counties are in danger of Ministeriall proetection the heads of the Green men were with me in Novr. they Insisted much on my Joyning I refused but told them first to petition our own Congress which they said should be done the 16th Jan", which I thot would bring them to yow with hopes some …

Aleot was with you I shall attend as soon as Possiable I should think the men raised under Hossington should be Paid and kept for Servise if not held none be Paid but them that has done real Servise that will not be much, but if they are continued they may be servisable in future if the whole money is sent and all that will muster to be Paid and care taken that no more …

In the mean time, they depend upon the justice of your honorable house, in adopting every wise and salutary expedient to suppress ' the mischiefs that must ensue to this state and the general confederacy, from the unjust and pernicious project of such. of the inhabitants of New York as, merely, from selfish and interested motives, have fomented this dangerous insurrection The …

Warner was directed by the general, to send forward his men, as he should enlist them, to Tyconderoga ; notwithstanding which, it appeared, by a return from thence, not long since, that only twenty four privates had reached that post ; nor is there the least prospect of his raising a number of men which can be an object of: public concern--though instead of confining himself …

24 Would not the taking of the Quitrent unask'd appear as if we were purchasing Those people to a compliance, and would therefore take away the merit of such an action and seem as if we doubted our Jurisdiction over those Counties. 34 As the legislative body of the State will soon be formed will it not be more proper to submit it to their decision, than a Committee of Safety …

7th Are we not rather precipitate in giving up so great a revenue at a time we are not assured it will have the desired effect upon the receivers. Sth Many in those Counties hold Jands under New York by purchase of officers rights, which together with the fees comes very high to them, in what manner is it to be setled when Tenants under those people and others under New …

Ihave taken the Minds of several of the leading members in the Honorable Continental Congress, and can assure you that you have Nothing to do but send attested Copies of the Recommendation to take up government to every Township in your District, and itivite all your Freeholders and Inhabitants to meet in their respective Townships and chuse Members for a General Conyention …

All the Difference between such a Constitution and those of Connecticut and Rhode Island, in the grand outlines is that in one Case the Executive power can advise and in the other compel. For my own part Festeem the people at large the true proprietors of Governmental power.' They are the supreme, constituent power, and of Course their immediate Representatives are the supreme …

Let the scandalous practice of bribing Men by places Commissions & be held in Abhorrence among you, By entrusting only Men of Capacity and Integrity in public Affairs, and by obliging even the best Men to fall into the common Mass of the people every year, and. be sensible of their Need of the popular good Will to sustain their political Importance, is your Liberties well …

You may, perhaps, think strange, that nothing further is done for you, at this time, than to send you this extract; but if you consider, that till you incorporate and actually announce to Congress your haviag become a body politic, they cannot treat with you asa free state. While New-York claims you as subjects of that government, my humble opinion is, your own good sense will …

To Israel Smith Esq of Brattleborough in the County of Cumberland and State of New York--You being appointed by this Town, to Represent the Different Circumstances this Town is Under by means of the Factions which Prevals in this and the Neighboring Counties--We the Subscribers being appointed a Committe for the Purpose of Giving You instructions--do instruct you as Followeth …

sented in this meeting--that all the People in this Town are Loyal to the State of New York and think themselves in duty Bound to Put in Execution all orders of the Contennental and this State Congress--and that it is the opinion of this Committee that the Greater Part of the People in the County who own Propity are so--that these Factions are Carried so high in Some Parts of …

That the said Israel Smith hath informed your Committee that the Township of Brattleborough aforesaid labours under many Inconveniences and Disadvantages some of which are common to the Counties of Cumberland Gloucester & Charlotte others peculiar to some of the Inhabitants of the first of the said Counties and particularly the Township aforesaid. ; Among the former kind the …

An Evil which cannot be fully obviated but by some general act for the Confirmation of Lands within the said Counties. The third general Inconvenience complained of is the Distance of the said Counties from the former Seat of Government. By reason whereof the obtaining of Justice is on the one Hand rendered laborious tedious and expensive to the Inhabitants and on the other …

Besides this they observe that the Regulation is extremely Partial since thereby Lands of the greatest value both as to Quality & Situation pay no Part of a Tax which falls heavy upon the Possessors of a rough or even mountainous Country remote from the means of obtaining large supplies of money for discharging this unequal and of Consequence inequitable Impost. And to this …

any alarm altho as well from their zeal as their Propinquity to Ticonderoga they might be of great utility whenever the Enemy shall think proper to make an attempt upon that Fortress or its vicinage, They are also much destressed for want of arms and feel themselves under great streights on account of the Tories who cannot now be dealt with. For altho by the late Resolutions …

That the Distance from the Seat of Government which is one Ground of Complaint would not long continue were the whole Power of the State to be confined to such Parts of it as are now settled but must certainly depend under our free and equal Constitution upon the Part which those Counties may take and the weight which they may easily acquire in the Legislature. That as to the …

1st Whereas it hath been represented to this Convention that divers of the Inhabitants of the County of Cumberland who are desirous of continuing the Subjects of this State are from divers Reasons incapable of exerting themselves in the general Defence particularly from the.want of proper officers therefore Resolved that it be recommended to such Inhabitants to associate as …

24 Whereas it hath been suggested to this Convention that the County Committee of the County of Cumberland cannot be collected together but with great Difficulty, Resolved that any Committee chosen by the Inhabitants of three or more adjoining Townships within the said County may exercise the Powers mentioned in the Resolution of the Instant. All which is humbly submitted …

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 …

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 …

known by the name of New Connecticut," (the name agreed upon for the new. State in Jan'y, 1777,) '' which was unknown to them until some time since the declaration at Westminster aforesaid," they resolved that the name be dropped and the State called Vermonr. See Appendix to Professor James D. Butler's Address before the Vt, Hist. Soc., Octob. 16, 1846, in Pamphlets in N. Y …

Resolved that the Sheriff of the County of Charlotte return the poll lists of the names of such persons as have voted in the County of Charlotte for Governor & Lieutenant Governor & for Senators for the eastern district--and that he return the indent-. ures of such persons as have been elected representatives in general assembly to the assembly of this State at their first …

Resolved that from the above Letters and from other information rec4. by this Council it appears that many people in the Eastern district of this State are endeavoring to erect the same into a seperate & independant State--That some artful & designing persons among tlrem pretend to have received encouragemt, thereto from members of the lon. the Congress-- Resolved that a …

Coneress, agreeably to the order of the day, resolved itself into a Committee of the whole, to take into consideration the letters from Abraham Ten Broeck, Esq; President of the Convention of the State of Wew York, dated 20 January and 1st March, 1777; the resolutions passed in Committee of Safety for the State of New York, at Fishiill, the 20th of January, 1777, transmitted …

Resolved, That Congress is composed of Delegates chosen by and representing the communities respectively inhabiting the territories of Mew-Hampshire, _Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, as they respectively stood at the time of …

Resolved, That Congress, by raising and officering the regiment commanded by Colonel Warner, never meant to give any encouragement to the claim of the people aforesaid, to be considered as an independent State ; but that the reason which induced Congress to form that corps was, that many officers of different States, who had served in Canada, and ailedged that they would soon …

" Thave taken the minds of several of the leading members " of the Honorable the Continental Congress, and can assure you " that you have nothing to do but to send attested copies of the " recommendation to take up government to every township in "in your district, and invite all the freeholders and inhabitants 'to meet in their respective townships, and chuse members for "a …

RESOLUTION OF THE N. Y. COUNCIL OF SAFETY. [Ass: Pap: Controversy with Vermont.] In Council of Safety for the State of New York Kingston July 17, 1777. _ Resolved that printed Copies of the Resolutions of the Honourable Continental Congress of the 30 of June last be transmitted to James Clay Esqr. Chairman of the General Committee of the County of Cumberland and delivered to …

These are to Desire you to call a Town meeting of the Inhabitance of your Town, in order to hear the Resolves of the Continental Congress, and to Chuse County Committee Men, if your Town hath not already Chosen, to meet at Westminster Court house, on the first Tuesday in September next, at Ten a Clock in the fournoon, in order to Tranceact the Publick Bisness of the County …

Putney August ye 16: 1777 I was taken by the within named Jesse Burk, and was carried by him before the within named Council, I asked said Committee what was the Complaint against me, Col. Chittenden Answered me, and said that I had acted under the State of New York contrary to their Resolves of June last in my notifying the County Committee to meet again, and sending about …

Firstly, Voted after a long Debate to adjourn said meeting untill to-morrow morning at seven o Clock. Sept ye 3. at Seven o clock meet according to adjournment. It was mooved that this Committee send some sutable person to the Convention or Legislature of the State of new york to Inform them of the Conduct of the protended Counsell and protended Committees of the State of …

In less than an hour after the County Committee had adjourned the Chairman Capt James Clay came in order to attend his Duty, and M' Obadiah Wells from Brattleborough with him there being a number of the County Committee present namely-- James Clay of Putney Michael Gilson--Westminster Hilkiah Grout--Weathersfield Obadiah Wells--Brattleborongh Simon Stevens--Springfield Takeing …

sentation of the Difficulties the County of Cumberland &¢ now 'labour under, and to pray them to find eut some method whereby they may be relieved, and the said Committee enabled to act with safety for the generall benefit of the United States and the State of New York in particular, and as Capt Clay has been and now is a sufferer by the pretended State of Vermont, we think …

----$--$--$------ <2 J. SESSIONS TO JOHN McKESSON ESQ. SECY OF THE NEW YORK CONVENTION. [Miscellaneous Papers XXXVII.] Westminster 4th Septem™ 1777. Sir it gave me Peculiar Satisfaction when I found not only by your Letter but by the Resolves you therein mention that our affairs have ben upon the Carpet in Congress--but it by no . 'means answers the end (at Present) to stop …

but the Honble Congress and Council of this State will become more Sencable (I trust) of the Temper and Disposition that actuates those People than they have ben and I am sorry they hant before now if it had been supprest sooner it in all Probability might have ben Effectual but the Event nowI am unable fully to Determine altho I can Conjecture & is what I should Dread--my …

' Wuereas the Senate and Assembly of this State, did, by LS. their several resolutions, passed the twenty-first day of this instant month of February, declare and resolve, That the disaffection of many persons, inhabiting the north eastern parts of the county of Albany, and certain parts of the counties of Charlotte, Cumberland and Gloucester, clearly included within the …

New-Hampshire or Massachusetts Bay, and the exorbitant fees of office accruing thereon; and partly by a number of grants made by the late government of New-York, after the establishment of the said eastern boundary, for lands which had been before granted by the governments of New-Hampshire and Massachusetts-Bay respectively, or one of them; in which last mentioned grants by …

That, therefore, the Legislature of this State, while on the one hand, they will vigorously maintain their rightful supremacy _ over the persons and property of those disaffected subjects, will, on the other hand, make overtures to induce the voluntary submission of the delinquents :-- _ That an absolute and unconditional discharge, and remission of all prosecutions, penalties …

34, That where lands have heretofore been granted by New- Hampshire and Massachusetts-Bay, or either of them, and actually possessed in consequence thereof, and being so possessed, were, afterwards, granted by MVew-York, such possessions shall be confirmed ; the posterior grant under Vew- York, notwithstanding. Provided always, That nothing in the above regulations contained …

That in all cases, whete grants or eBnftidations shall become necessary, on acceptance of the above overtures, such grants or confirmations, shall issue to the grantees, at, and after, the rate of five pounds for a grant or confirmation of three hundred acres or under; and for every additional hundred acres, the additional sum of sixteen shillings; except in cases where lands …

That in order to encourage the settlement of the aforesaid disputed lands in-a peaceable subjection to the authority and jurisdiction of this state, and also of all other Jands held within and under this state, the following commutation for the quitrents, shall be allowed, viz: That on payment, at the rate of two shillings and six pence, lawful money of this state into the …

That these overtures should be offered with a view, not only to induce the aforesaid discontented inhabitants of the counties of Albany, Charlotte, Cumberland and Gloucester, to return to a a lawful and rightful obedience to the authority and jurisdiction of this State ; but also in favor of all others whom the same may concern ; Nid to be of no avail to any person or persons …

That the several branches of the Legislature of the state of Wew- York, will concur in the necessary measures for protecting the loyal inhabitants of this state, residing in the counties of Albany Charlotte, Cumberlond and Gloucester, in their persons and estates, and for compelling all persons, residing within this state, and refusing obedience to the government and …

- Ido therefore hereby, in the name of the people of the state of New-York, publish and proclaim the aforesaid declared resolutions ; and I do hereby strictly charge and command all manner of persons within this state, at their peril, to take due notice of this Proclamation, and of every article, clause, matter and thing therein recited and contained and to govern themselves …

That discovering the Imperfection of their Tittle they. applied for and obtained Letters Patent under New-York--That many of the Inhabitants (of which number your Petitioners are) have since been compelled to purchase the New Hampshire Title to their Lands under Penalty of being turned out of their Possessions by a Mob. ; That before the Revolt of the North Eastern part of the …

But your Petitioners & a number of other Inhabitants of Durham have had their real and personal estates taken from them by authority derived from the said pretended State, for no other cause than following the advice. of General St. Clair, & by Commissioners precisely in the same Circumstances, with your Petitioners. That superadded to the loss of their property a number of …

Your Petitioners therefore most humbly pray that this honorable House will take into their serious Consideration the unfortunate & distressed Situation of your Petitioners and others who continue loyal to the State of New York, & take measures for effectually defending the Persons and Property of your subjects agreable to the Resolutions of the honorable the Legislature passed …

ing the pretended State of Vermont & convened at Brattleborough the 4th May 1779. Humbly Sheweth That there being a numerous party in avowed opposition to legal authority, your Petitioners and others have been compelled to submit, though reluctantly, to live without the benefits arising from a well regulated Government. They have been destitute of the regular means of …

We were encouraged to expect it not only as the Revolt established a Precedent which might be dangerous -- in other States and as the Continent could derive no assistance . of Consequence from the Grants either in Men or Money, while they remain under a disputed Government, But because the States had confederated for their mutual & general Welfare, and bound themselves to …

In some Instances they have intimidated the subjects of New York State to give up their Property, rather than to contend with them. They have also made Prisoner of a Magistrate acting under authority of the State of New York, in a matter which no way concerned the subjects of the pretended State of Vermont and compelled him to give a Bond in the penalty of One thousand Pounds …

'Your Petitioners were in hopes that the disaffected Party would not have reduced them to the disagreeable necessity of applying for protection during the continuance of the War with Great Britain, but our present Circumstances loudly demand the speedy & éfectwal execution of the Promise made by the Legislature; we shall otherwise be compelled to obey a Government which we …

War, obliges me to give your Excellency early Intelligence of it, and of our Proceedings in Opposition to them. That Party having ordered Capt. James Clay, Lieut. Benjamin Wilson & one M". Cummins (all acknowledged subjects of New York in Putney) to provide a man to go into service for a short space of time to guard the frontiers; the week before last foreibly took a cow from …

In Fulham some Persons subjects of New York, have lately had their property taken from them by direction of the Vermont Officers & have acquiesced in it rather than to contend; One other was also threatened with the like usage, but since our retaking the Cattle in Putney they have been quiet about it. In Guilford a sum of money was assessed upon those who were supposed to have …

Allen has repeatedly threatened us with his Green Mountain Boys, and some of that Party about here give out that this is only the beginning of the matter; and as they appear resolute to enforce submission to their Authority, many are fearful that what they have already done has been in pursuance of a general Plan for subduing all those who are in Allegiance to New York. In …

What the consequences will be of permitting the Green mountaineers to come here unmolested, may be easily foretold. : The Legislature having promised to protect the Persons & atin ty of their loyal subjects in this part of the State, it has become their general Desire that Measures may be very speedily taken to fulfill that Engagement; and I hope your Excellency will pardon my …

A few Individuals have advanced his expences & agreed to pay for his Time & Horse hire; but as it isthe Business of the State' upon which he' goes; it will be discouraging if he is not paid by. the State. ~ am Your Excelleney's' Most! Obedt. Servant, Exeazor Paterson: His: Excellency Gov'. Cuivton. GOY. CLINTON TO. MR. MINOTT. is Kingstown 14th May 1779. | iz, L I am honored …

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 …

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 & …

As M: Grout is bound in honor to indemnify the Gentleman who became his Surety, I would, recommend that he. should appear at the Court agreeable to his Recognizance and make no other Defence than, merely, to deny, their J urisdiction and as the Injury to the common Canse I might almost venture to assure him that. the Legislature will make him proper Compensation--Justice most …

From the Confidence I have in the Gentlemen who represent this State in Congress & particularly the Chief Justice who was elected for the special Purpose, I am persuaded that every measure will be used for obtaining the Decision of Congress relative to this Dispute ; and therefore I could ardently wish that the Inhabitants of Vermont would conduct themselves in such manner as …

They will not I imagine remain much longer 'content with mere Promises, and I daily expect that I shall be obliged to order out a force in their Defence. The wisdom of Congress will readily suggest to them what will be the Consequence of submitting the Controversy, especially at this Juncture to the Decision of the sword. It will not however, I trust be imputed to this state …

Ethan Alline with a number of Green Mountain Boys made his appearance in this County yesterday well armed and equipt for the purpose of reducing the loyal Inhabitants of this County to submission to the authority of the State of Vermont and made Prisoners of Col. Patterson Lieut. Col. Sergeant & all the 'Militia Officers except one in Brattleborough with Mr. Townsend and a …

Nothing but the reluctarice the' people here have to shedding human Blood could "hinder them from attempting to rescue the Prisoners--they had every insult which the human mind is able to conceive of to prompt them to it, Our situation is truly critical and distressing, 'we therefore most humbly beseech your Excellency to take the most speedy & effectual Measures for our …

ee May 29% 1779. 'Sir | 'You will perceive from the enclosed Papers that what I have long expected and frequently apprized Congress of has actually happened. 'These papers which need no Comment I have transmitted to your Excellency by Express with an earnest "Request that you will please immediately lay it before Congress. ___Altho' this matter will scarce admit of a moment's …

The Legislature will meet on Tuesday next and in the mean Time I shall issue my orders to the militia & make the necessary arrangements for marching to repel this outrage. TI shall also conceive if my Duty to order the 1000 men destined for the Defence of the frontiers & to compleat the continental Battallions except such small part as are already annexed to those Regiments to …

It is with pleasure I obey the unanimous order of Congress contained in the inclosed Resolution, for informing you that a more early attention would have been paid to the pressing applications of your State relating to the Disturbances mentioned in your several letters, had they not been prevented by matters or the greatest Importance, and that Congress will eontinue to pay …

The Committee will be appointed to-morrow, when another Express shall be dispatched to inform you of their names &c. I have the honor to be &c. &e. Joun Jay Presidt, His Excellency Govt Clinton. THE NEW YORK DELEGATION TO GOV. CLINTON. | Philadelphia 1st June 1779. Sir, We were honored with your favor of the 29th ult? this morning. Congress was then in a Committee of the whole …

In our opinion it will be wise to abstain from Hostilities for the present and rather suffer a little than shed blood. If the Members of Congress are really as much in earnest as they appear to be all will be well. We are very much disposed to credit their Declarations on the subject & have ground to hope that this and every other Cause of Jealousy may be done away and Mutual …

directing. among other Things that a Committee be appointed to repair to the Inhabitants on' the New: Hampshire Grants for the Purposes mentioned in-it. The Committee was appointed yesterday. They are the Honble Oliver Elseworth and Jesse Root of Connecticut, Timothy Edwards of Massachusets Bay, Doctor Witherspoon of New Jersey & Cole Atlee of Pensilv. Notice will be …

Sherburne arrived which induced me to detain him, but' the Incursion of the enemy up the River has prevented their meeting for the present and obliged me to take the field with the Militia to oppose the Common Enemy. The moment the safety of the Country will admit of my Return J shall issue my Proclamation to convene the Legislature & shall lay this most important matter …

McDougall & to oppose 'the Designs of the Enemy who had advanced in force within 'eight miles of our army. 'The Legislature of this State were to have met on' the 1s Inst. but have been prevented 'by the present alarm great part of the members as well as the principal officers of Government being now in' the field. This has rendered it impossible to lay before the Legislature …

How far this Conduct is consistent with the Repeated Resolutions of Congress recorded on their Journals that they will discountenance every species of Disrespect shewn by any Officers in. their Service, to the Legislative or Executive authority of the respective States or with their Resolution of the first of June now transmitted to me " that they will pay an equal Attention …

However pure the Intention of Congress may have. been in this Resolution for appointing a Committee to confer with the Revolted Citizens of this State I.am apprehensive it will by no means produce the salutary Effects for which 1 suppose it was calculated,--for notwithstanding the just & generous Terms offered by my different Proclamations founded on the Resolutions _of the …