Johannes Sleght to the New-York Convention

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Kingston, October 8, 1776.

SIR: We have this day received certain information that a man did come to this town with orders to remove the tea which was stored in the house of Captain John Elmendorph by Mr˙ Grodes Beekman . When we received this information, a Committee was called, who came to the following resolution, viz:

"Resolved, That the tea which is now stored in this town of Kingston shall not be removed from the place where it now is, by the owners nor by any other person, till such time as the resolution of the Convention of the State of New-York respecting the same, shall be made publick."

And as we have been informed by your letter of the 4th September, that the Convention had it in contemplation to pass a general resolve respecting the tea within this State, and that a committee was appointed for that purpose, who were prevented to complete that business by reason that some of the members who were appointed for that committee were not then arrived; I was therefore acquainted that the Convention expected that I should use my utmost endeavours to keep peace and good order among us, till such resolutions were passed, in the best manner I could. I am sorry we must give the honourable Convention so much trouble about this affair, and beg to be excused when I once more desire the favour of your honourable House to make an end to this troublesome business as soon as possible, which we hope will not only restore peace and good order here, but also much oblige your friends and most humble servants.

By order of the Committee:

JOHANNES SLEGHT, Chairman .

To the President of the Convention of the State of New-York .