254 AUTHENTIC HISTORY 



possible: First, of the several Battalions already formed: Secondly, of 

 the several new associators not yet formed into Battalions: Thirdly, of 

 all such Persons from Sixteen to Fifty, their names and places of abode, 

 as may refuse to associate, not having any conscientious objections, if any 

 such there be, and lastly of the number of men in their respective districts 

 who conscientiously decline bearing arms, with their names and places 

 of abode. 



The several Committees of Inspection and Observation having been 

 desired to make returns to this Board as soon as conveniently could be, 

 of the several Battalions of Associators already formed in their districts, 

 are now informed that it will be necessary to mention in said returns the 

 Rank of every Battalion of a County, in regard to others in the same 

 County, and to prevent uncertainty among the Officers of the General 

 Association, respecting Eank or Command, and to ascertain the same 

 with precision. 



This Committee, in forming the following plan (which they propose to 

 observe strictly in granting Commissions, and which they recommend to 

 the general acquiescence of all the associators) have had a regard to the 

 seniority or priority of establishment of the several Counties, viz: 



1st. All Officers already chosen or appointed in the City and districts 

 of Philadelphia, to take rank or precedence of all other officers of equal 

 dignity, chosen or appointed in any other part of the Province. 



2d. All Officers already chosen or appointed in Philadelphia County, 

 to take rank of all Officers of equal dignity chosen or appointed in any 

 other County. 



3d. All Officers already chosen or appointed in Bucks County, to take 

 Rank of all officers of equal dignity, chosen or appointed in any other 

 than the City and district and County of Philadelphia. 



4th, All Officers already chosen or appointed in Chester county, to 

 take Rank of all Officers of equal dignity, chosen or appointed in any 

 other than Bucks, Philadelphia County and Philadelphia City and dis- 

 tricts. 



5th, All Officers already chosen or appointed in Lancaster County, to 

 take Rank of all Officers of equal dignity, chosen or appointed in any 

 other than Chester, Bucks and Philadelphia county, and Philadelphia City 

 and districts. 



6th. All Officers already chosen or appointed in York county, to Rank 

 before Officers of equal dignity in any other than Lancaster, Chester, 

 Bucks and Philadelphia County, Philadelphia City and districts. 



7th, All Officers already chosen or appointed in Cumberland county, 

 to rank before officers of equal dignity in the junior Counties of Berks, 

 Northampton, Bedford, Northumberland or Westmoreland. 



8th, All Officers already chosen or appointed in Berks County, to rank 



