The Documentary history of the state of New-York; arranged under direction of the Hon. Christopher Morgan, secretary of State. By E. B. O'Callaghan ...

886 CONTROVERSY RESPECTING THE
ject and it is then to be expected, that effectual measures will
be adopted, and necessary Directions given to restore order, and
enforce a due obedience to the Laws in that County.
I am, with very great Regard,
Sir,
Your most Obedient,
humble Servant,
Tnos GAGE.
(Endorsed) Sept:.29, 1774. Read in Council
LT. GOV. COLDEN TO LORD DARTMOUTH.
[Lond. Doe. XLIV.]
New York 4th October 1774.
My Lord,
The inclosed Copy of a Petition, and affadavits laid before me
and the Council, will inform your Lordship, how much His
Majesty's peaceable subjects in a part of the Province mentioned
in the Petition are mollested and insulted by a lawless sett of
Men who at first settled there under a claim made by the
Government of New Hampshire; but since they have been
disown'd by that Government, they will pay obedience to none
-assume all power to themselves, chuse Magistrates, erect Courts
and inflict punishments &c. Fugitives from all the neighboring
Governments resort thither, so that they are now become a
numerous and dangerous Body of Banditti, which is every Day
encreasing. The Council advised me to apply to General Gage
for Military Assistance to preserve the Peace only: His answer
is that, General Haldimand, had, on a similar Requisition declined
giving any Military Assistance, and his refusal had been approved
of by his Majesty's Ministers, and for that reason he declined
giving any Assistance.
My Lord, this Body of Lawless men, fugitives from all parts.
daily encreasing, may soon become very dangerous, by encouraging the worst of men to resort thither, and to stand in defiance
of Law and Government; I therefore humbly conceive it deserves