he hath ever professed since the present disputes between Great Britain and the Colonies took place; but, as he says in his letter, while he thought they might in the least contribute to ward off the calamities he then saw must attend the publick measures then adopted. He then gave the Committee a specimen of those principles, which are as follows, viz: That he had ever been opposed to the measures adopted for the redress of grievances, and ever believed that America was aiming at, what he now saw plainly taking place, to wit: Independency; which he should ever oppose with all his might, and wished to the Lord that his name might be entered on record as opposed to that matter, and be handed down to latest posterity, to show them his disapprobation of it.

On this Mr. Colden was desired to withdraw.

Then the Committee proceeded to consider of the matter, together with the evidence of Messrs. Palmer and Logan, which they were already furnished with. After debating the affair for some time, the Committee resolved to give Mr. Colden the offer of signing the late Association published by our Provincial Congress, with the addition—that is, that he should, in the presence of that Committee, declare upon his honour that he would immediately equip himself for the field of battle, and in case of actual invasion, go forth with the rest of his neighbours to action in defence of his country. His answer at first was, that he would not, let the consequences be what they would. Only a small space elapsed, when he desired that the Committee would indulge him (on his parole of honour) a few days to consider of the matter, and consult his family. On which he was desired to withdraw till the Committee should determine whether his request would be granted. He did, and the Committee determined that he should give a direct answer immediately. Of this he was notified, and after considering the matter for some time, he returned, and told the Committee that if he must sign it he must. The Committee then observed to him that they would use no compulsive means for that purpose; that if he did sign it, they would recommend it to him to do it freely. He then answered that he supposed the consequence of his not doing it would be his being sent to jail. To which the Committee answered him, they had not as yet determined what was to be done in that case, but observed to Mr. Colden that it was inconsistent with the character of a gentleman to sign anything contrary to his sentiments for fear of a little punishment.

On which Mr. Colden withdrew again.

After some time he returned, and informed the Committee that he would now sign the Association as directed by Congress, but thought the Committee had no right to impose additions. To this the Committee answered him, they had determined on the matter, and would not recede. On this Mr. Colden said they might do as they pleased; then turned his back and departed the room. After which the Committee then resolved that Cadwallader Colden, Jun., be committed to the common Jail of this County, there to remain until discharged by the Provincial Congress or this Committee.

By order of the Committee:

ROBERT BOYD, Jun., Chairman.

ULSTER COUNTY (NEW-YORK.) COMMITTEE.

GENTLEMEN: On the 13th of May last, in the town of the New-Paltz, the Committee of this County then met, at which meeting Colonel Hardenburgh, who was then Chairman, produced a resolve of our Provincial Congress, by which it appeared that the Committee of this County was authorized to draw on Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., Provincial Treasurer, for the sum of three hundred and sixty pounds, to be applied toward paying the contingent expenses that might accrue in this County. On which the Committee then met on the 13th of May aforesaid, made out an order on Mr. Livingston for the above-named sum in favour of Colonel Hardenburgh, whom they (the Committee) then appointed their Treasurer, making him amenable to the Committee for his disbursements from time to time, also for the stock in hand whenever thereunto called by that Committee.

At a meeting of the Committee on the 27th ultimo it was resolved that a new Treasurer should be elected, and an order made out desiring Colonel Hardenburgh to appear and account with the Committee, who were to meet this day. Major Joseph Hasbrouck was unanimously chosen Treasurer on the 27th ultimo, and this day Colonel Hardenburgh appeared, agreeable to the notice given him, but absolutely refused giving up the money remaining in his hands, alleging that he, considered personally, was accountable to Congress for the money, having given his receipt for it, and would not deliver it up to the Committee without an order from Congress for that purpose. To all this he was pretty fully answered by the Committee; but to no purpose, he being determined. Now, gentlemen, in order to show you that this Committee do not mean to act in this matter with the least partiality towards any person, neither have they any objection to Colonel Hardenburgh’s having remained their Treasurer provided he had remained in the Committee; but his being voted out in the precinct where he lived rendered him incapable to serve in the character of Chairman in the County Committee any longer. Of course he would have no business that could induce him to attend the Committee more than other individuals, therefore every person who had accounts against the County, and lived in the southern parts of it, after having them audited by the Committee, must be put to the extra expense and fatigue of travelling from the house of Ann Dubois to Colonel Hardenburgh’s to receive their money, which certainly would be a grievance, and is wholly removed by the appointment of Mr. Hasbrouck as Treasurer, who lives contiguous to the house where the Committee meets, of course convenient for persons from every part of the County. Therefore, gentlemen, we beg that you will immediately lay this matter before the honourable Convention of our State, and procure us an order that will enable us to draw our money from Colonel Hardenburgh, which, we conceive, he unjustly detains from us, and thereby be enabled to discharge the accounts that appear to be justly due by us. Also, gentlemen, that you will be pleased to solicit the Convention for a determination what commissions Colonel Hardenburgh is entitled to, as that gentleman declared before the Committee he would be paid a commission as ample for the whole sum as though he paid it out in small parcels; therefore, beg the honourable Convention may fix this matter, lest there should some altercation take place between that gentleman and this Committee concerning it, which we would by all due means endeavour to avoid.

We have the honour, gentlemen, to be, with the greatest esteem, your most obedient humble servants.

By order of the Committee:

ROBERT BOYD, Jun., Chairman.

P.S. Gentlemen, must beg your care and vigilance in the above. The affair should long ere this have been sent to you, having been committed to my charge, but our late troubles give me other employment. Last Tuesday our Committee met and fixed officers for our Rangers, in which we found no other difficulty than choosing the persons who should serve from an extra number, having nine offered for Captains and fourteen Lieutenants. Isaac Belknap, Jacob R. Dewitt, and Elias Hasbrouck are the Captains. Gentlemen, as it doth not appear by the resolves concerning the raising of Rangers, who is to muster them, or where or by whom they are to be stationed, I have it in charge from our Committee to write you concerning those particulars, begging that the honourable Convention may direct concerning them.

I am, gentlemen, with the greatest esteem, your very humble servant,

ROBERT BOYD, Jun.

COMMITTEE OF PANTON TO GENERAL GATES.

Panton, July 4, 1776.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: With hearts full of gratitude, we beg leave to return you our most sincere thanks for the kind regard you have paid to our petition of yesterday, by sending over Captain Hay to hear our proposal with respect to forming a mode of protection for ourselves, our families, and for us. If agreeable to you, sir, we would be glad three gentlemen, sufficiently well acquainted with the nature of farming to be sufficient judges of the value of all