18S NATURAL AND CIVIL 



wisdom of Congress would suggest to them, 

 what would be the consequence of submitting 

 the controversy, especially at that juncture, ta 

 the decision of the sword ; but that justice, the 

 faith of government, the peace and safety of 

 society, would not permit them, to continue any 

 longer passive spectators of the violence com- 

 mitted on their fellow citizens.* These letters, 

 and sundry other papers relating to the disputes 

 with New Hampshire, were laid before Congress, 

 May 29th, 1779, and were referred to a com- 

 mittee of the whole. On June first. Congress 

 resolved, '^ that a committee be appointed to 

 repair to the inhabitants of a certain district, 

 known by the name of the New Hampshire 

 grants, and inquire into the reasons why they 

 refuse to continue citizens of the respective 

 states, which heretofore exercised jurisdiction 

 over the said district. And that they take eve- 

 ry prudent measure to promote an amicable set- 

 tlement of all differences, and prevent divisions 

 and animosities, so prejudicial to the United 

 States."! 



V/kile the governor of New York was tak- 

 ing these measures with the party that adher^ 

 ed to him in Vermont, and with Congress, Al- 

 len marched with an armed force, and made 

 prisoners of the colonel, and militia officers, who 

 were acting under the authority of New York. 

 Complaint was immediately made to governor 

 Clinton, with an earnest request, that he would 

 take the most speedy and effectual measures 

 for their relief J On June the 7th, Mr. Clin, 



* Clinton's letter to Congress, of May i8, 1 779- 



+ Journal of Congress., June I, 1779, P- ^37- 



1 S. Miiiot's lettet: lo governor Clinton, of May 35, I775.- 



