Circular Letter from the New-York Committee to the Several Colonies

v2:510

New-York, May 5, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: At a time when the most vigorous exertions are most absolutely necessary for the defence of American liberty against the depredations of ministerial power; and the blood of our brethren in the Massachusetts has been actually shed for daring to maintain the rights of Englishmen; the inhabitants of this City and County have, in the most explicit manner, as you may perceive by the enclosed Association, resolved to stand and fall with the freedom of the Continent.

We are confident that our constituents are sincere in the strong assurances they have given us, that while we continue in office, they will be guided by our advice and direction. We have thought it necessary to advise the withholding supplies from the British Fisheries on the American Coasts, and to cease all exports to those Colonies which at this alarming juncture refuse to unite in the common cause. The expediency of this measure is too evident to need elucidation, and will doubtless procure us many hearty advocates in Britain for the redress of our grievances. Besides which, we have resolved to withhold all provisions and necessaries from the Army and Navy at Boston.

Our late Committee of Observation thought proper to recommend the appointment of a Provincial Congress; in consequence of which our constituents have chosen twenty-one Deputies to meet at this City, on the 22d instant, those who may be appointed for that purpose in the other Counties of this Colony. For your further satisfaction on these matters, we beg leave to refer you to the enclosed papers, to require you to communicate the substance of this information to your next neighbours, and to assure you that in our department we will watch incessantly for the publick safety. By order of the Committee:

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient and humble servant,

HENRY REMSEN, Deputy Chairman.