Earl of Dartmouth to Governour Tryon

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Whitehall, May 23, 1775.

SIR: In a very short lime after you embarked upon your return to your Government, the Petition to the King, the Memorial to the House of Lords, and the Representation to the House of Commons of the Assembly of New-York, upon the subject matter of the grievances they complain of, in various instances, of the exercise of the constitutional authority of Parliament, were received; and Mr˙ Burke having delivered to me the Petition to the King, I had the honour to present it to His Majesty, who was pleased to receive it with the most gracious expressions of regard, and attention to the humble request of his faithful subjects in New-York, who have on this occasion manifested a duty to His Majesty, and a regard for the authority of the Parent State, which, had they not in the Memorial to the House of Lords, and in the Representation to the House of Commons, been unfortunately blended with expressions containing claims which made it impossible for Parliament, consistent with its justice and dignity, to receive them, might have laid the foundation of that conciliation we have so long and so ardently wished for.

I will, however, still hope (and I am strengthened in that hope by private advices received to day from Pennsylvania) that the Resolution of the House of Commons of the 27th of February will remove all obstacles to the restoration of the publick tranquillity; and I am commanded by the King to say that nothing can give greater satisfaction to the Royal breast than to see us again a happy and united people.

Should such an event take place it will be, and ought in justice to be, attributed in great measure to the moderation and good disposition which has appeared in the Assembly of New-York; and whilst they continue firm, the body of people must soon be convinced how equally vain and improper it is to insist upon claims inconsistent with their dependance on the authority of Parliament, and that the only constitutional method of obtaining redress for any grievances they may have to complain of, is through the channel of their legal Representatives in Assembly. I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

DARTMOUTH.

Governour Tryon.