1 cwt. of gunpowder voted Joseph Robinson

(29)1 cwt. of gunpowder voted Joseph Robinson

Sept. 2. Joseph Robinson has leave to receive one hundred weight of gunpowder on paying cash.

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(30)A. Lawrence and G. Bethune examined

Sept. 9. Abraham Lawrence, of Queens county, taken in custody by the New Levies, and confined in New-York Gaol, was brought before a committee of Congress at Scott�s Tavern, Wall-street, and after reprimand, was dismissed.

Sept. 8. G. Bethune, now of Jamaica, formerly of Boston, suspected of carrying on correspondence with his Majesty�s Army and Navy, against the Liberties of America, was ordered to be brought by Mr. Sears, with his letters and papers, before the committee.

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(31)Arms impressed from Non-Associators

Sept. 16. Whereas, a great number of the men enlisted in the Continental Service in this colony are destitute of arms, and every method to hire or purchase them has failed, and the only method remaining is to impress them:
Resolved. That all such arms as are fit for the use of the troops raised in this colony, which shall be found in the hands of nay person who has not signed the General Association, shall be impressed for the use of said troops. The arms shall be appraised by three indifferent persons of reputation, who shall give a certificate, which shall entitle the owner to receive the appraised value thereof, provided the same be not returned.

Ordered. That the Captains of the companies of the 3d regiment of the troops of this colony, (now in Suffolk county,) carry these Resolutions into effect in Queens county, and that Col. Lasher be instructed to send two or more companies of his battalion to give such assistance as may be necessary in Queens county.

Ordered That the persons so disarmed be exempt from militia duty, and in case any of the non-associators shall resist, then force shall be resisted by force, and the persons so resisting shall be taken into custody and brought before this Congress.

Sept. 25. Mr. Abm. Skinner informed the Congress that the persons sent to Jamaica had collected a few arms, that he saw several persons in Queens county mustering and in arms, and he apprehends that those sent to disarm will meet with opposition, and that they wish a battalion sent up to their assistance.

Ordered, That Mr. Benson proceed to Queens county to know the true state of things.

Sept. 26 Mr. Benson retuned with the following letter:
Jamaica, Sept. 25, 1775, 10 o�clock, P.M.
Sir:--I have endeavored in the towns of Jamaica and Hempstead to carry the Resolutions of Congress into execution; but without the assistance of the battalion (Col. Lasher�s) I shall not be able to do it to any good purpose. The people conceal all their arms that are of any value; many declare that they know nothing about the Congress, nor do they care anything for the order of Congress, and say they would sooner lose their lives than give up their arms; and that they would blow any man�s brains out that should attempt to take them. We find there are a number of arms that belong to the county in the hands of the people. Some persons are so hardy and daring, as to go into the houses of those that are friendly and take away by force those county arms that our friends have received from the Clerk of the county.

We are told the people have bee collecting together, and parading in sundry places, armed, and firing their muskets by way of bravado. We also have it from good authority, that Governor Colden, yesterday sent his servant round to some of the leading people, advising them to arm and defend themselves, and not deliver their arms. In consequence of which a number of people collected themselves this morning to retake the few arms we collected yesterday; but for some reason did not proceed.

Captain Hulet, of Hempstead, told us he had his company together last Sunday, and, said he, "Had you battalion appeared, we should have warmed their sides." On the whole, had we the battalion, we believe we should be able to collect a very considerable number of good arms, and support the honor of the Congress, but without it, shall not; I think if the battalion is sent up, the sooner the better.

Some of the leading men of Hempstead, whom we this day had together, proposed to call the town together on Monday next, and consult on the matter, and return some answer or another on Tuesday next, and seemed desirous to put off the matter till the whole congress met. Whether they mean by this put off, to gain time to arm and prepare, or what else, we know not.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
Wm. Williams

On reading the above letter it is ordered, That the committee appointed to collect arms in Queens county, be desired to send in all arms already collected, and proceed in collecting all they can, and return to the city by Friday next, and that a committee of five of our body proceed to Queens county on Friday, and use every prudent measure to collect arms, and attend a meeting to be held at Hempstead on Monday, and endeavor to prevail on them to comply with the resolutions of this committee.
(What was the upshot of the meeting in Hempstead, we know not.--Ed)

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