"Nov. 4th, 1765.

The governor by advice of the general has consented to deliver the Stamps to-morrow morning to the corporation. If they will receive them it will settle the minds of the populace in some measure, which have been greatly excited by fortifying the fort in so strong a manner, and spiking all the guns on the Battery. The governor has made a great many enemies by this proceeding and it is dangerous to say anything in his behalf.

The City-Hall bell is now ringing to call the inhabitants together to have their advice and ascertain if it be agreeable that the corporation should take them under their care. Have just heard that a letter was sent to the Treasurer last night, to deposit a sum of money in a certain place, or take the consequences of a failure to do so."

"Nov. 6th, 1765.

I have already written you an account of the disturbances in the city and the extraordinary fortifying of the fort, even on the tops of the houses, which greatly excited the minds of the people. The most of the people living near the fort have moved their effects and there would have been a great disturbance in the city last night had not the Stamps been delivered to the mayor and corporation, who have placed them in the City-Hall. It is believed now there will be no trouble with regard to the Stamps unless the new governor when he arrives should endeavor to put them in force which would be impossible with what troops are here."

"Nov. 13th, 1765.

Governor Moore arrived this morning and his commission was published by one o'clock. I suppose in a few days we shall know some of our new master's sentiments as the Assembly met yesterday, though not in sufficient numbers to make a house. The man of war has orders from Lord Colin to stop or seize all vessels that are not cleared on stamped papers, which puts a stop to trade though hope it will not continue long; the Sons of Liberty are not satisfied nor I suppose will they be till business goes on in the usual way."

“Apl. 26th, 1766.

Yesterday afternoon the packet came in which brought the news that the Stamp Act was actually repealed which occasioned great joy. Candles were put up at every house and about 2 o'clock in the morning all the bells began to ring and colours were hoisted on almost every vessel, and in many other places in town. The bells kept ringing till the mail came

up about 8 o'clock this morning when by the letters it appeared the repeal had but just passed the House of Commons, which put a stop to our rejoicings.

It is reported that nine regiments of troops are coming over, the authorities at home disliking very much the tone of the last remonstrances from New York."

"Jan. 18th, 1770.

Our city is yet in a ferment, and last Saturday night a party of soldiers attempted to cut down or blow up the liberty pole. Last night they effected it which raised the resentment of many of the people who met in the field [now City-Hall Park] this day: they separated however without any riot. The officers ordered all the soldiers to remain in their barracks, many of them remaining to see their orders obeyed."

"Dec. 30th, 1773.

Last night there was a dreadful fire, the governor's house in the fort was burnt and not the least thing saved. The governor, lady and daughter escaped almost naked as they jumped out of bed. The fire was discovered just after 11 o'clock, and though the sentry was in a manner around, it was not discovered until it appeared out of the chimnies, when it soon burst out of the windows. The Assembly has made the governor a present of £5,000 towards his loss."

"Apl. 9th, 1774.

There was yesterday afternoon a very great seizure made of thirty-six chests of tea, a number of cases of gin and other liquors, amounting in value to £5,000. These acts in connection with the other burdens forced upon the colonies by the mother country, the navigation laws of Parliament, tending to destroy their commerce, by not allowing them to trade with any foreign country, nor export to England their own merchandise. except in British vessels, and other grievances with which the history of the time abounds, caused a feeling of deep resentment towards Great Britain, among the merchants of New York, and a resort to measures for their own protection. This evening, May 16, the merchants had a meeting in order to consult what measures should be taken to effect a repeal of the duty on tea; a non-importation act is talked of, which if it should be resolved upon, the next step would probably be, the stoppage of our port, as in the case of Boston. Nothing was concluded on at the time but to choose a committee to correspond with the sister colonies, and to transact business. Subsequently a large meeting was held by the inhab

itants of the city at the coffee-house to approve of the nomination of fifty merchants chosen as such committee."

"Jan. 27th, 1775.

Yesterday the question came up before the assembly whether they should take up the proceedings of congress. After a warm debate it was decided against so doing eleven to ten. Many here think that the assembly should take no notice of what the congress has done, but petition themselves, which would be the most likely means of healing the unhappy breach. This morning the 31st, the packet arrived bringing the king's speech which is unfriendly to our proceedings, especially at Boston. I have seen it and it is said the address from the Commons echoes the same sentiments, being determined to enforce the authority of Parliament over all the British dominions. It is said there are four thousand more troops coming over to Boston, and that Sir Geoffry Amherst and Sir Wm. Draper are coming over to take command in place of General Gage. Two ships arrived this morning from Scotland; our committee meets this evening, and they will probably be sent back without landing their goods. This will make this province in as bad odour as the others."

"Feb. 6th, 1775.

One of the Scotch ships went down to the watering place this morning on her return to Scotland where she still remains requiring some repairs. It is said some people were in favor of her coming up though very few should she return it will kick up a dust for there was some altercation on the dock upon her leaving. I heard a noise before I was up this morning, and soon ascertained it was an informer they had got on a cart and were administering a coat of tar and feathers to him. It seems he had informed against a lot of hemp that was lodged in a cellar. He was carted almost around the town before the magistrates could collect, they rescued him however and have got two of the acting persons in jail and seem to be spirited in suppressing such conduct."

"Feb. 11th, 1775.

The January packet has arrived and brings some favorable accounts. It is said the king has received the petition from the congress and intends laying it before Parliament. The supporters of the measures of the congress attribute great merit to them, and the merchants in England who have their connections here are making interest to have our grievances repealed and are going to petition the king. I sincerely wish they

would and that many thousands of others would join to obtain our redress on a lasting foundation; but still I can't be without fears that we shall not have every redress our sanguine expectations could wish; therefore would have all constitutional measures still pursued to effect a last reconciliation."

"Feb. 27th, 1775.

By the newspapers you will see the people to the eastward are exercising and fitting their men for war, it is suspected that there will be some sudden thing done in the spring by the troops, as they have been preparing wagons and field equipage."

"March 2d, 1775.

This is the day the non-consumption of tea was to take place; I believe a great many in the city have broken the agreement already. How it will be at the assembly this evening I do not know. One of the delegates, Mr. T——, is one of the managers who has said there shall be no tea drank on that occasion, if so, it may make some disturbance. It was expected there would have been some parade this day in burying the tea canister, and burning some of the remains of the tea, but there was nothing. By the paper you will see there was a great majority for a provincial congress to elect delegates to the next congress. The majority here are for a continental congress, but that they should be instructed. Mr. Isaac Low, chairman of the present committee, has declined serving as a deputy, nor will he go as delegate to the next congress, so suppose we shall have new ones."

"Apl. 9th, 1775.

The Boston post brought us last night disagreeable news respecting our public affairs. The Parliament have voted the Bostonians in actual rebellion, and the other provinces aides and abettors: two hundred and sixty against eighty, so that there was a great majority against those who will support his majesty with their lives and fortunes. It is said that all the ports on the continent are to be blocked up with men of war, and we are to be permitted to trade only with England and with no foreign port. It is reported as a certainty that there are six regiments of foot, and two of light horse coming over immediately; and also twenty small men of war to block up all the ports. Saturday afternoon Captain Sears was arrested and taken before the mayor, when refusing to give bail was taken to jail, but on the way and going up the steps was rescued by a number of people and carried through some of the streets. In the evening there was a meeting in the field, when he took the sense of those present as to whether he should give bail. Some were for and some against his doing so. A hand bill is in circulation signed by Ralph Thurman who has offended many by packing some straw in trusses that was purchased for the troops. at Boston. Accordingly many of those who were in the field on Saturday evening, went to Thurman's house to cause him to make concessions to