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Should it be inquired, what is the constitutional connexion between these several distinct States which compose the British Empire? it may be answered, they are all united under one Crown, subjects of the same Prince, whose person, crown, and dignity, they are all obliged to maintain and defend to their utmost ability, against all enemies and opposers whatsoever; therefore the enemies of any one of the Dominions of the Crown are the common enemies of all the subjects of the Crown, and it is the duty of all to afford their aid for common defence in time of war, and to be prepared for it in time of peace. Also, the supreme executive and one branch of the legislative authority being lodged in the Crown, a similarity in the laws and administration of justice is thereby preserved in all the several Dominions. Also, the King’s subjects have a common right to participate in all privileges and immunities in any of the Dominions of the Crown, if they remove from one jurisdiction to another, unless that right be abridged by some positive law. This union of Great Britain and the Colonies, under the same Crown, differs from the case of Hanover, which is at present subject to the same King, who holds that Dominion by a different title, and not as King of Great Britain. So that if he should resign the British Crown, his right of dominion over Hanover would remain, but not over the American Colonies; for they agreed with the Kings of England to be subject to them, their heirs, and successors, which will oblige them to be subject to the King of England for the time being, so long as it may be subservient to the great end of civil Government—the publick good. The union of Great Britain and the Colonies into one State is, from their situation, impracticable, and every beneficial purpose may, by a prudent administration, be well answered by their union in the Crown, while they continue distinct jurisdictions for civil Government. The Legislature of each Dominion can grant the necessary aids for common defence, and agree to laws for regulating trade and other matters of general concern, which will bind the people within their respective jurisdictions. Their common safety and interest will induce them to agree to what may appear to be for the publick good; and to facilitate this agreement among the Colonies, Delegates may be chosen by their respective Assemblies, to meet in general Congress, to agree on such matters as shall be referred to their consideration, and report their opinion to the several Colony Legislatures for their final determination. Thus all may co-operate for their common benefit and security, while all enjoy equal privileges and immunities; and the British Empire, by a due attention to the true principles of the Constitution, may become the most powerful, happy, and glorious, of any in the world. NEW-YORK COMMITTEE. At a meeting of the Committee, Monday, 12th June, 1775. Present:
A Letter, dated New-London, 7th June, 1775, from H. Parsons, enclosing a copy of a Letter from Portsmouth, dated May 29, 1775, received and read. Ordered, That My. Henry Remsen pay unto Mr. Isaac Sears the sum of twenty—three Pounds five Shillings and ten Pence, out of the money paid into his hands, and received of Messrs. Murrays by Mr. Kissam. Ordered, That Messrs,. Bull, Templeton, and Fleming be a Sub-Committee to attend the sales of two packages of goods in the possession of Gray and Blakie, and also of two bales and a trunk in the possession of Benjamin Booth. Ordered, That Messrs Ray and Scott be a Sub–Committee to wait on his Worship the Mayor, to request him to give orders for the removal of some soldiers’ wives and children, infected with the small-pox, out of this City, and to take measures to present their becoming a Parish charge. Ordered, That John Lamb, William Laight, Joseph Bull, and George Janeway be a Committee to wait on Dr. Betts, to inquire into the truth of his having lately inoculated, for the small-pox. COMMITTEES IN ULSTER COUNTY TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. Newburgh, June 12, 1775. GENTLEMEN: In consequence of a resolve in Provincial Congress, passed the 7th instant, where it is declared that whenever doubts should arise in the minds of individuals relative to the resolutions and recommendations of either the Continental or our Provincial Congresses, it is the duty of such persons to apply to your Board for an explanation thereof: Therefore, gentlemen, willing to walk in the path of duty, as far as we have knowledge of the same, we, in behalf of the Committees for the Precincts of New-Marlborough, Newburgh, and New-Windsor, do hereby apply for an explanation of the words in your resolve of the 29th of May last, which is as follows: “And that such persons in those Counties or Districts who have not appointed Committees, as shall be appointed by the members of this Congress, respecting such Counties and Districts respectively, ” &c. As we cannot ascertain what ideas the honourable Congress means to convey these words, they will pardon the freedom we take in requesting an explanation. We are at a loss, also, what is intended in the resolve of the Congress of the 31st of May last, where it is recommended to the inhabitants of this Colony in general to provide arms, &c, and to use all diligence in acquiring knowledge in the military art, and, if necessary, to join themselves into companies for the purpose aforesaid. With all due deference to the honourable Congress, we humbly conceive that the words “if necessary” leaves the matter indifferent whether the inhabitants of this Colony do form themselves into companies or not; if they do not, we beg to be informed which way we are to acquire the art recommended. Gentlemen, your answer to our requests will much oblige a number of your constituents, as also your humble servants, BENJAMIN CARPENTER, To the Honourable Provincial Congress for the Colony of New-York, now convened in the City of New-York. ALEXANDER McDOUGALL TO MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESS. New-York Provincial Congress, June 12, 1775. The President of your Congress, the General, and Chairman of the Committee of Supply for your Province, wrote to our Congress a few days since, complaining greatly of the want of powder, and earnestly soliciting our assistance. We had it not then in our power to give it, but applied to our neighbours, and procured from them, a small supply, which, together with all we could purchase, amount to six hundred and fifty-five pounds. Our Congress wrote by this day’s post to Governour Trumbull, requesting him to send this quantity to your camp from one of his eastern magazines, and that we would forward the above to replace it, to any Town in his Colony. At nine o’clock this night it will move hence in a wagon, accompanied by four or six trusty men; for it is necessary that no parade should be made on the road, to prevent a conclusion that this article is wanted with you. They will be directed to travel always at night, and put up in the day. It will be necessary in the way through that Colony, to inquire of Governour Trumbull whether he can comply with our request; if he can, to order what is on its way to such place as he shall think proper. If not, a disposition should be made to convey the article through Connecticut to your camp. I shall order it to be left with a safe Committee in Connecticut. *
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