HISTORY OF VERMONT. 171 



period, contending against oppression ; and eve- 

 ry consideration that could justify the proceed- 

 ings of Congress, was a reason, why the people 

 of Vermont, should take that opportunity, ef- 

 fectually to guard against their former sufferings*. 

 Happily for themselves, and for the state, they 

 adopted that firm and temperate policy, which 

 alone was adequate to the object. 



The conduct of Vermont, in declaring theii' 

 independence, was viewed by the adjacent states, 

 in very different lights. New Hampshire ap- 

 peared willing to admit, and acknowledge it. 

 In Massachusetts and Connecticut, the measure 

 was rather applauded, than condemned. But to 

 New York, the conduct of the people in at- 

 tempting to form a new state, appeared as n 

 dangerous revival of their former opposition arid 

 rebellion to lawful authority. 



The committee of safety for that state, were 

 then sitting. Apprehensive of the consequences, 

 they immediately took up the matter ; and by 

 their direction, the president of the New York 

 convention, on January 20th, 1777, gave this 

 information to Congress : *' I am directed by 

 the committee of safety of New York, to inform 

 Congress, that by the arts and influence of 

 certain designing men, a part of this state hnih. 

 been prevailed on to revolt, and disavow the 

 authority of its legislature. The various evir 

 dences and informations we have received would 

 lead us to believe that persons of great influence 

 in some of our sister states, have fostered and 

 fomented th^se divisions. Sut as these infor- 

 mations tend to accuse some members of your 

 honorable body, of beine concerned in thiis. 



