the use such a body would make of arms in their hands at this critical juncture. That we are a respectable body is certain, when it is considered that we can live weeks without bread or salt; that we can sleep in the open air without any covering but that of the canopy of Heaven; and that our, men can inarch and shoot with any in the known world. Blessed with these talents, let us solemnly engage to one another, and our country in particular, that we will use them to no purpose but for the honour and advantage of America in general, and of Virginia in particular. It behooves us then, for the satisfaction of our country, that we should give them our real sentiments, by way of resolves, at this very alarming crisis."

Whereupon the meeting made choice of a Committee to draw up and prepare Resolves for their consideration, who immediately withdrew; and after some time spent therein, reported that they had agreed to and prepared the following Resolves, which were read, maturely considered, and agreed to, nemine contradicente, by the Meeting, and ordered to be published in the Virginia Gazette:

Resolved, That we will bear the most faithful allegiance to his Majesty King George the Third, whilst his Majesty delights to reign over a brave and free people; that we will, at the expense of life, and every thing dear and valuable, exert ourselves in support of the honour of his Crown and the dignity of the British Empire. But as the love of Liberty, and attachment to the real interests and just rights of America outweigh every other consideration, we resolve that we will exert every power within us for the defence of American liberty, and for the support of her just rights and privileges; not in any precipitate, riotous, or tumultuous manner, but when regularly called forth by the unanimous voice of our countrymen.

Resolved, That we entertain the greatest respect for his Excellency the Right Honourable Lord Dunmore, who commanded the expedition against the Shaivanese; and who, we are confident, underwent the great fatigue of this singular campaign from no other motive than the true interest of this country.

Signed by order and in behalf of the whole Corps,

BENJAMIN ASHBY, Clerk.

New-York, November 6, 1774.

A discovery being made that eighteen Sheep were on board a Sloop in this Harbour, bound for the West Indies; a number of citizens waited on the Captain, and informed him that the exportation of Sheep was contrary to a Resolution of the Continental Congress, and thereupon obtained his promise that they should be re-landed, and not carried out of the Harbour. The people were satisfied, and patiently waited till evening, when a report prevailing that the vessel was to sail that night, about two hundred inhabitants assembled on the wharf, appointed and sent four persons to wait on the Committee of Correspondence, and request their advice concerning the measures proper to be taken. By their advice, the Merchant to whom the vessel came consigned, was sent for, and desired to cause the Sheep to be landed, and delivered to one of the Committee appointed on this occasion by the people, which person gave his promise to return the Sheep as soon as the vessel had sailed. Accordingly the Sheep were landed, delivered, and soon after the vessel was sailed, returned to the proprietor; on which the people, being well satisfied, peaceably dispersed.

JOSEPH REED, ESQUIRE, TO JOSIAH QUINCY, JUN.

Philadelphia, November 6, 1774.

DEAR SIR: I wrote you the latter end of last month, expecting it would be the first advice you would receive of the proceedings of the American Congress; but by a delay of the vessel, and her being obliged to put into New-York in distress, it is probable that my well intended efforts will fail. The Congress broke up soon after, and your Boston brethren returned in high spirits at the happy and harmonious issue of this important business. Since that time, there has been a stagnation of publick intelligence and advices.

On Saturday next, agreeably to the directions of the Congress, a great Committee is to be chosen in this City to carry the Association of the Congress into execution. The Quakers, who you know form a considerable part of this City, act their usual part. They have directed their members not to serve on the Committee, and mean to continue the same undecisive, neutral conduct, until they see how the scale is like to preponderate; then I doubt not they will contribute to the relief of Boston, and appear forward in their cause. But American Liberty in the mean time must take her chance for them. However, there is no danger of the enemy being let in through this City; there is a band of staunch, chosen Sons of Liberty among some of our best families, who are backed by the body of the people in such a manner that no discontented spirit dares oppose the measures necessary for the publick safety. I am more afraid of New-York—there has been a strange delinquency and backwardness during the whole Summer. If you have any correspondence there I wish you would endeavour to animate them. While they are attending to the little paltry disputes which their own parties have produced, the great cause is suffering in their hands.

There is too much reason to fear the powerful rhetorick of corruption, in which the present Administration is too well versed, has not been used in vain. Their publick papers are the vilest collection of invectives upon the cause, and every private character that appears in support of it, and are so replete with falsehoods invented to mislead and deceive, that we have little doubt they are brought by some Agent of Administration, and applied to promote their infamous purposes. You must therefore hear and read from these with some caution. You see by the example I set you of writing by every vessel, that you cannot oblige me more than by letting me hear often from you. I heartily wish you health, and as much happiness as the situation of your suffering country will allow you to take. And am with much esteem, dear sir, your very obedient and affectionate, humble servant,

J. R.

P. S. The villainous tricks of the Post Office, against which we are cautioned from your side the water, induce me only to put the initials of my name; but I trust you will be at no loss to determine who this letter is from.

York-Town, Virginia, November 7, 1774.

The Inhabitants of York having been informed that the Virginia, commanded by Howard Eaton, had on board two half chests of Tea, shipped by John Norton, Esq., and Sons, Merchants in London, by order of Messrs. Prentis and Co., Merchants in Williamsburg, assembled at ten o'clock this morning, and went on board the said Ship, where they waited some time for the determination of the meeting of several Members of the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg, who had taken this matter under consideration. A messenger was then sent on shore, to inquire for a letter from the meeting; but returning without one they immediately hoisted the Tea out of the hole and threw it into the River, and then returned to the shore without doing damage to the Ship or any other part of the cargo. On the day following the County Committee met, to consider of this matter; and after mature deliberation, came to the following Resolutions:

Resolved, That we do highly approve of the conduct of the Inhabitants of York, in destroying the Tea on board the Virginia.

Resolved, That Messrs. Prentis and Co. have incurred the displeasure of their countrymen, by not countermanding their orders for the Tea, having had frequent opportunities to have done so; and that they ought to make proper concessions for such misconduct, or be made to feel the resentment of the publick.

Resolved, That John Norton, Esq., of London, must have known the determination of this Colony with respect to Tea, as the Ship Virginia did not sail from hence till after the late Assembly was dissolved, and the Members of that Assembly, in behalf of the Colony, immediately upon their dissolution, entered into a solemn Association against that article.

Resolved therefore, To convince our enemies that we never will submit to any measure that may in the least endanger our liberties, which we are determined to defend at the risk of our lives, that the Ship Virginia ought to clear out from hence in ballast, in eighteen days from this time.