MANUSCRIPT VOL. I. 1775. [LETTER No. 58.] Rev. Dr. Livingston to George Clinton in Congress, urging the appointment of a Continental Fast. Dear Sir: While we are using means for healing the Divisions between the mother Country and the Colonies, it becomes us to look up to the God of Providence for direction and success. Whatever causes may be assigned for our present distresses, and however great the Hand may be, which some wicked Individuals have, in bringing all this danger & Trouble upon us; we must yet acknowledge, (if we give any Credit to the word of Truth,) that the sins of a people, are always the procuring cause of national Calamities; and, therefore, the Humiliation and repentance of the people are the important Duties to which such Dispensations call. I know your sentiments agree with mine in this matter, and beg leave to remind you of your Engagement to move in the Congress for a Continental Fast,-in a political view it will answer an important purpose, as the people will thereby become more established in their present laudable principles for Liberty, as well as more united in the common cause, but in a religious prospect, which is the only one for which it will be urged by me, it is at once the Call of Duty and means of prosperity. I need not say, that all other matters ought to give place to this, as both the motion and resolve will take up but little Time. A member of our provincial Congress had determined to move for a day of Fasting & prayer throughout the province. I have told Him of your design with respect to this, and we have waited to hear from you. If nothing comes in the space of a week, I have advised, that a motion be made in the provincial Congress to address the Continental Congress upon this Head, requesting that a Fast & public Humiliation may not be limitted to one province, but extend, on one & ye same day, from Nova Scotia to Georgia. A Time sufficiently distant ought to be fixed upon, that so the whole Continent may obtain proper information, and could the notice reach England, I am confident many thousands would join us in that solemn work. All the members of our provincial Congress are not yet come down, it is expected they will be able to open this day or tomorrow. If you have any Leisure to think of your Friends, and any thing which you may communicate in the way of News or sentiment it will be very acceptable to Dear Sir, Your most affectionate Friend & servant, New York, May 23, 1775. [No 59] J. H. Livingston. EARLY DAYS OF THE WAR IN NEW YORK. Defences of the Hudson-Colonists Capture Munitions of War. D'r Sir: Your favour of the 2d May (I think you meant June) filed with Nothing but that you had not any news, came to hand late on Saturday evening. If I saw you I could say a great deal to you. |