Letter from the Delegates from New-York

v2:618

Philadelphia, May 16, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Enclosed we send you the advice of the Congress on the subject on which you requested it; and lest the advice to remove the Military Stores might be construed to extend to those belonging to the Crown, we think it prudent to suggest to you, that the contrary construction is the true one.

You would have received this advice before, had not sundry circumstances not material, or perhaps proper to explain, concurred in deferring it till now.

We are, gentlemen, your humble servants,

JAMES DUANE,
FRANCIS LEWIS,
JOHN JAY,
LEWIS MORRIS,
PHILIP LIVINGSTON,
JOHN ALSOP.

In Congress, Monday, May 15, 1775.

The City and County of New-York, having through their Delegates applied to the Congress for their advice how to conduct themselves with regard to the Troops expected there; the Congress took the matter into their most serious deliberation, and came to the following Resolution:

"That it be recommended for the present to the inhabitants of New-York, that if the Troops which are expected should arrive, the said Colony act on the defensive, so long as may be consistent with their safety and security; that the Troops be permitted to remain in the barracks so long as they behave peaceably and quietly, but that they be not suffered to erect fortifications, or take any steps for cutting off the communication between the town and country; and that if they commit hostilities, or invade private property, the inhabitants should defend themselves and their property, and repel force by force; that the war like stores be removed from the Town; that places of retreat, in case of necessity, be provided for the women and children of New-York; and a sufficient number of men be embodied, and kept in constant readiness for protecting the inhabitants from insult and injury."

A true copy from the Minutes:

CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.