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A Letter from Burnet Miller, Chairman of the Committee of Southampton, was read, and is in the words following, to wit:
"Southampton, July 5, 1775.
"GENTLEMEN: The Committee of East and Southampton, taking into their serious consideration the remote situation from Head-Quarters at New-York, and much exposed to the ravages of our unnatural enemy at this day, with regard to our stock in our common field, at the Point of Montauck, it being remote from the inhabitants, where any number may land, and at pleasure take away our stock, which is large, (not less than two thousand neat cattle, and three or four thousand sheep,) which, if taken away, would greatly distress us, and give them support, which we could by no means do:
"Now, considering our situation, we request your honourable House to petition General Schuyler that a number of Troops be stationed at Montauck, and that the company now raising here may be a part, until a matter of more importance shall call them away. We are of the opinion, that our inhabitants would do what in them lies to give assistance, in case any attempt should be made to take off the stock; but the distance of the inhabitants is eighteen or twenty miles; and as Gardner' s Island lies adjacent and is much exposed, also Shelter Island, Plumb Island, and Oyster Pond Point, we think a number of whale-boats would be proper to employ, that assistance may be given from one part to the other. We have a number of boats
"By order of the Committee:
"BURNET MILLER, Chairman.
"To the Provincial Congress now sitting at New-York."
Letter from Burnet Miller, Chairman of the Committee of Southampton
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that are of no use in this season, that might be got for the design, if the General should think proper to order Troops to this part of the island, which we humbly petition may be done, &c. I am, Gentlemen, &c.