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Head Quarters, in Queen' s County, August 29, 1776.
His Excellency General Howe having appointed me
commanding officer for the eastern part of this Island, I do
hereby strictly order and enjoin all persons whatsoever in
your County of Suffolk, upon their peril, to use their utmost
efforts to preserve the peace of said County; that all
Committee-men, and others acting under the authority of the
Rebels, immediately to cease and remain at their respective
homes; that every man in arms lay them down forthwith,
and surrender themselves, on pain of being treated as Rebels.
And I hereby exhort all persons to be aiding and assisting
his Majesty' s forces, by furnishing them with whatever lays
in their power; in particular, that they bring in their cattle
(excepting milch cows and calves) for their supply, and
William Erskine, Brigadier-General.
Address of General William Erskine to the Inhabitants of Suffolk County
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their wagons and horses for transporting their baggage, &c,
for all which they shall be fully paid, his Majesty having
sent his Army not for the oppression, but for the protection
of the inhabitants. But I must also signify, that unless they
show a dutiful submission in all respects, and an immediate
compliance with these orders respecting the cattle and wagons,
I shall be under the necessity of marching the forces under
my command without delay into the country, and laying
waste the property of the disobedient, as persons unworthy
his Majesty' s clemency.