192 NATURAL And civil 



ply with tlie resolves of GongresSi To Ub.^€ 

 four separate jurisdictions existing at the same 

 time, in the same territory, as the resolutions 

 recommended, would at any time have been 

 absurd and impossible ; least of all was it to be 

 admitted or attempted, after the people had de- 

 dared themselves to be a free and independent 

 state, assumed the powers of government, and 

 exercised them in all cases, and in every part of 

 the state. They had already formed their con- 

 stitution, enacted a code of laws, erected courts 

 of justice, and fully exercised all the powers of 

 government. The plan of four separate juris- 

 dictions, which Congress proposed, was incom- 

 patible with any state of society ; and the more 

 dangerous, as New York was constantly aiming 

 to break up the government of Vermont, by 

 granting commissions to her adherents, encour- 

 aging informers, and promoting disaffected per- 

 sons, in every part of the territory ; and at the 

 same time, denied their titles to their lands, and 

 all the public acts of the state. 



Nothing remained for Vermont in this situ- 

 ation, but to take a decisive part ; and support 

 with firmness and resolution, the independence 

 which her representatives had declared, by the 

 desire of the people. Her rulers did not prove 

 deficient in resolution. Well acquainted with 

 their own rights and interests, they determined 

 not to sacrifice them, either to the intrigues of 

 the adjacent states, or to the policy of Congress. 

 The governor and council published an appeal 

 to the candid and impartial world,* in which 

 they declare that " they could not view them- 



* Drawn up by Stephen R. Bradley, Eiq. published Dec. lo. 1779. 



