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because he was convinced a majority of the freeholders of Jamaica was opposed to sending members to Congress.

Thomas Hicks, of Little Neck, elected for Hempstead, declined taking his seat, because he was informed by several leading men that the people of Hempstead seemed much inclined to remain peaceable and quiet.

27. Ordered, That the members from Queens county do, on Tuesday next, report to this Congress their opinion on the conduct of their constituents with regard to the controversy now subsisting between Great Britain and the American Colonies, and what steps have been taken by any of the inhabitants to defeat the measures necessary to be adopted by the Continental, or this Congress, for the preservation of our rights and privileges.

June 38. It appearing that a great number of the inhabitants of Queens county are not disposed to a representation at this Board, and have dissented therefrom:

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Resolved, That, inasmuch as the people of this Colony have appointed us to watch over their preservation, and delegated to us powers necessary for that purpose, such dissent ought not to be of any avail, but that the said county must necessarily be bound by the determination of this Congress; and therefore, inasmuch as the members for said county were elected by a considerable part of its inhabitants, and the dissent of others is not to the persons chosen, but the choice of any persons:

Ordered, That the members for Queens county do take and hold their seats at this Board, notwithstanding such dissent, and that the members of Queens who have not attended, be served with a copy of the above resolution and order.

28. July 8. Whereas the Continental Congress have recommended to the inhabitants of the colonies to keep the 20th of July, instant, as a day of Fasting and Prayer, this Congress does strictly enjoin all persons in this colony religiously to observe the same; and we, being taught by that holy religion declared by the merciful Jesus and sealed by his blood, that we ought to acknowledge the hand of God in all

public calamities, and being thoroughly convinced that the Great Disposer of events regardeth the hearts of his creatures, do most earnestly recommend it to all men to conform themselves to the pure dictates of Christianity, and by deep repentance and the sincere amendment of their lives, to implore of our Heavenly Father that favor and protection which he alone can give.

29. Sept. 2. Joseph Robinson has leave to receive one hundred weight of gunpowder on paying cash.

30. Sept. 9. Abraham Lawrence, of Queens county, taken in custody by the New Levies, and confined in NewYork Gaol, was brought before a committee of Congress at Scott's Tavern, Wall-street, and after reprimand, was dismissed.

Sept. 8. G. Bethune, now of Jamaica, formerly of Boston, suspected of carrying on correspondence with his Majesty's Army and Navy, against the Liberties of America, was ordered to be brought by Mr. Sears, with his letters and papers, before the committee.

31. Sept. 16. Whereas, a great number of the men enlisted in the Continental Service in this colony are destitute of arms, and every method to hire or purchase them has failed, and the only method remaining is to impress them:

Resolved, That all such arms as are fit for the use of the troops raised in this colony, which shall be found in the hands of any person who has not signed the General Association, shall be impressed for the use of said troops. The arms shall be appraised by three indifferent persons of reputation, who shall give a certificate, which shall entitle the owner to receive the appraised value thereof, provided the same be not returned.

Ordered, That the Captains of the companies of the 3d regiment of the troops of this colony, (now in Suffolk county,) carry these Resolutions into effect in Queens county, and that Col. Lasher be instructed to send two or more companies of his

battalion to give such assistance as may be necessary in Queens county.

Ordered, That the persons so disarmed be exempt from militia duty, and in case any of the non-associators shall resist, then force shall be resisted by force, and the persons so resisting shall be taken into custody and brought before this Congress.

Sept. 25. Mr. Abm. Skinner informed the Congress that the persons sent to Jamaica had collected a few arms, that he saw several persons in Queens county mustering and in arms; and he apprehends that those sent to disarm will meet with opposition, and that they wish a battalion sent up to their assistance.

Ordered, That Mr. Benson proceed to Queens county to know the true state of things.

Sept. 26. Mr. Benson returned with the following letter.:
Jamaica, Sept. 25, 1775, 10 o'clock, P. M.

SIR-I have endeavored in the towns of Jamaica and Hempstead to carry the Resolutions of Congress into execution; but without the assistance of the battalion (Col. Lasher's) I shall not be able to do it to any good purpose. The people conceal all their arms that are of any value; many declare that they know nothing about the Congress, nor do they care any thing for the orders of Congress, and say they would sooner lose their lives than give up their arms; and that they would blow any man's brains out that should attempt to take them. We find there are a number of arms that belong to the county in the hands of the people. Some persons are so hardy and daring, as to go into the houses of those that are friendly and take away by force those county arms that our friends have received from the Clerk of the county.

We are told the people have been collecting together, and parading in sundry places, armed, and firing their muskets by way of bravado. We also have it from good authority, that Governor Colden yesterday sent his servant round to some of the leading people, advising them to arm and defend themselves, and not deliver their arms. In consequence of which a

number of people collected themselves this morning to retake the few arms we collected yesterday; but for some reason did not proceed.

Captain Hulet, of Hempstead, told us he had his company together last Sunday, and, said he, "Had your battalion appeared, we should have warmed their sides." On the whole, had we the battalion, we believe we should be able to collect a very considerable number of good arms, and support the honor of the Congress, but without it, shall not; I think if the battalion is sent up, the sooner the better.

Some of the leading men of Hempstead, whom we this day had together, proposed to call the town together on Monday next, and consult on the matter, and return some answer or another on Tuesday next, and seemed desirous to put off the matter till the whole Congress met. Whether they mean by this put off, to gain time to arm and prepare, or what else, we know I am, sir, your humble servant,

not.

WM. WILLIAMS.

On reading the above letter it is ordered, That the committee appointed to collect arms in Queens county, be desired to send in all arms already collected, and proceed in collecting all they can, and return to the city by Friday next, and that a committee of five of our body proceed to Queens county on Friday, and use every prudent measure to collect arms, and attend a meeting to be held at Hempstead on Monday, and endeavor to prevail on them to comply with the resolutions of this committee.

[What was the upshot of the meeting in Hempstead, we know not.-Ed.]

To the Provincial Congress for the Colony of New-York:

32. We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, inhabitants of the township of Jamaica, do hereby declare, that we have associated ourselves as a company of Minute Men, for the defence of American Liberty, and do hereby promise and engage to be obedient to our officers, and subject to the resolutions and directions of the Honorable the Continental Con

gress, and of the Provincial Congress of this colony. And we, the non-commissioned officers and privates of the said company, have elected the following gentlemen for our commissioned officers, to wit:

John Skidmore, Esq., Captain; Jacob Wright, Gent., first Lieutenant; Nicholas Everit, Gent., second Lieutenant ; and Ephraim Marsten, Gent., Ensign.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names, in the year of our Lord, 1775.

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[*Their uniform dress was a linen frock reaching below the knee, with a fringe around the neck and arms; and a white feather in their hat. Of their flag, I can learn nothing.-Ed.]

SONG OF THE JAMAICA MINUTE Men, as sunG BY S. MILLS.

Arouse, my brother Minute Men!

And let us bear our chorus ;

The braver and the bolder,

The more they will adore us.

Toll de rol, &c.

Our country calls for swords and balls,

Our drums aloud do rattle,

Our fifer's charms arouse to arms,

And Liberty calls to battle.

Toll de rol, &c.

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