Resolved unanimously, That the reasons assigned by the Continental Congress for declaring the United Colonies free and independent States, are cogent and conclusive; and that while we lament the cruel necessity which has rendered that measure unavoidable, we approve the same, and will, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, join with the other Colonies in supporting it.

Resolved, That a copy of the said Declaration, and the aforegoing Resolution, be sent to the Chairman of the Committee of the County of Westchester, with orders to publish the same with beat of drum at this place on Thursday next, and to give directions that it be published with all convenient speed in the several Districts within the said County, and that copies thereof be forthwith transmitted to the other County Committees within the State of New-York, with orders to cause the same to be published in the several Districts of their respective Counties.

Resolved unanimously, That the Delegates of this State in the Continental Congress be, and they hereby are, authorized to concert and adopt all such measures as they may deem conducive to the happiness and welfare of the United States of America.

Extract from the Minutes:

ROBERT BENSON, Secretary.

NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

In Convention of the Representatives of the State of

New-York, White-Plains, July 11, 1776.

SIR: Your letter of the 6th instant, enclosing a copy of the Declaration of Congress proclaiming the United Colonies free and independent States, and requesting us to proclaim and publish the same in this Colony, has been received.

It gives us pleasure to inform you, that having been informed of that Declaration by our Delegates, we have anticipated the request of the Congress by our resolutions of the 9th day of July instant, a copy of which was enclosed in a letter we did ourselves the honour of writing to you this morning.

We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, your most obedient and most humble servants.

By order:

NATHANIEL WOODHULL, President.

To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Continental Congress.

COLONEL SEYMOUR TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

New-York, July 11, 1776.

HONOURED SIR: Notwithstanding the singular circumstances of my family, I could not possibly avoid coming with the Lighthorse to this place, in the cause of our country. We got in on Monday, and make a body of about five hundred as fine men, and as well spirited, as any on the ground. The General was much rejoiced at the measure, and appears disposed to show us every mark of respect. He is something perplexed about the expense of foraging the horses. He fears he cannot be justified in it without the consent of Congress. He will write Congress upon the subject, and use his endeavour (he assured me) to have their approbation; if not, the men must rely upon the Colony for it. How long we shall stay, is uncertain—this depends much upon the arrival of our new levies; and as the men are principally farmers, have left their grass, their grain, and other affairs much unprovided for, they hope every method will be taken for their speedy relief; and in this respect they rely much upon your Honour's influence. The enemy are constantly in view, upon and at Staten-Island. Some measures, it is thought, are in contemplation to dislodge them, before they are reinforced. Tories grow scarce in the city, and I wish it may fall to the Lighthorse to purge the Colony of such vermin. I cannot omit mentioning to your Honour that the Captain of the troop at Norwalk (Belding by name) designedly neglected his duty, and so we have none of his men

I am, with every sentiment of esteem, your Honour's most humble servant,

T. SEYMOUR.

To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq.

P. S. Independency is highly approved by the Army.

COMMISSARY TRUMBULL TO JEREMIAH POWELL.

New-York, July 11, 1776.

SIR: I received your favour of the 1st instant, notifying me of the route of the troops from the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay to Ticonderoga. I find it coincides fully with my wishes. Captain Farnsworth will be at No. 4, and every precaution is and will be taken to render the march of the troops as easy to them as possible, and the mileage paid them. As to the troops coming to this place, I will also take care to meet them with proper supplies at New-Haven.

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

JOSEPH TRUMBULL.

To Jeremiah Powell, Esq.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.

Fort George, July 11, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Captain Varick, my Secretary, in a letter of the 8th instant, from Albany, advises me that the enemy had landed on Staten-Island, and that their fleet anchored about three miles above the watering-place on Wednesday last.

Immediately on my arrival here, I caused inquiry to be made for axes and intrenching tools: none of either to be had, except a few pickaxes, which I have ordered to be sent to you to-day. I will hasten up all I can procure at Albany.

Captain Veeder's company of Militia I have sent to Skenesborough to assist the carpenters there. Permit me to remind you of employing some of the Militia in bringing boards from the mill at Cheshire's.

The sick will be very comfortably accommodated at this place, and I hope so disposed of when they recover, as soon to join the Army without the danger of communicating any infection to it. Enclose you Colonel Alden's complaint against Colonel Wayne, which I forgot to leave you.

I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To General Gates.

GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD.

Tyonderoga, July 11, 1776.

DEAR GENERAL: This morning I received your favour of yesterday, and have this moment sent General Schuyler a copy of Colonel Hartley's Journal, as you desired. The distribution of the smiths, armourers, ship and house carpenters, is made according to your recommendation.

You give no opinion in regard to the Indians taken by Colonel Hartley. The neutrality of the Indians at this critical juncture is much to be wished, for many reasons, and especially for the sake of the poor frontier inhabitants; it therefore requires that we should be circumspect in our conduct, on the one hand neither rashly entering into hostility, nor on the other suffer ourselves to be the dupes of our credulity. Does it appear that the Indians taken were in arms and intending to take part against the United Colonies? If that is confirmed, they must be kept in confinement; if, on the contrary, they were inoffensive and peaceable, I think they ought to be released. After weighing this matter well in your mind, you will decide upon it. I suppose you will send the rest of the Pennsylvania troops here as soon as it is proper and convenient. One of the Captains of Artillery should come with the next cargo of ordnance stores; and if you have two ordnance guns at the Point, one should be sent here as soon as possible. General Sullivan and the gentlemen here are captivated with the ground intended for our new post, where the water is excellent. We have begun to clear the ground and make roads. No news yet from New-York. You may be assured of my sending you an express when any arrives.

I am, dear General, &c.

GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Tyonderoga, July 11, 1776.

SIR: Enclosed is Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley's report of the proceedings of the detachment under his command. How far he was right or wrong in taking the Indians prisoners, I cannot pretend, to determine, until I see Colonel Hartley. The neutrality of these people is to be wished