[No. 3]

Gentlemen: We have been privy tq several letters which have passed to and from Colonel McIntosh, Messrs. Demeré and Roberts, and yourselves; and we find by yours that you consider that we consented the merchant shipping should go down to Cockspur, with the troops; whereas the most cursory review of the letter which appertains to that matter, will at once evidently show you, that the troops and armed vessels only were meant; and we now declare to you, that none others were intended. Indeed, a moment's reflection will further demonstrate this; for you and all Great Britain know, that we have made, and are, yet pursuing, a commercial opposition to the acts so much complained of, and which have roused this large Continent into arms.

We abhor the idea of infidelity, and have, therefore, forborne to avail ourselves of the advantages which your situation, for several days past, put in our power, until we should have an opportunity of having the misapprehension explained. We will now forbear any virulent expressions, but we deem the detention of Messrs. Demeré and Roberts a breach of that good faith which the parent country has been so much famed for keeping inviolate.

We knew the troops were on board the merchant shipping some hours before they went, and, relying on the common faith of the civilized part of the world, expected that you would have permitted them to return, and have made what might pass between you and them the groundwork of an explanation; and by that means have prevented any hostilities.

In one of Colonel McIntosh's letters to Messrs. Demeré and Roberts, he authorized them, in case you should withdraw to Cockspur, as before we have explained, then to receive any propositions you might make; but this never can be construed into an assent on our part to your detaining them.

The merchant shipping, also, we consider as appertaining to this Province, and, of course, under our cognizance; and the attempt to take them away by force justified the opposition. The capture, also, of the vessel with goods, we conceive, cannot be justified upon any principle whatever.

From these premises, gentlemen, you will readily conclude that we expect two things: the one is, the return of our citizens, and the other the withdrawing your troops from on board the merchant shipping, and carrying them and the armed vessels down only to Cockspur.

That you may not be deceived, we now make this declaration: We expect a return of our citizens to the place from whence they were taken, by twelve o'clock to-morrow, with your assurance, upon your honour, to withdraw without any attempt to land in either Province, as soon as wind and tide shall permit; and in case you shall refuse or neglect compliance, we shall consider either as a breach of the cessation you desired. And we declare further, that your treatment of our three citizens, now in your power, will be our criterion of conduct towards all those men who now are, or may be in our power.

The laws of retaliation have suggested to us the propriety and expediency of arresting and confining the King's officers; several of whom we have accordingly taken and confined; but these men, upon the return of our friends, and not before, shall be enlarged.

By order of the Council of Safety:

William Ewen, President.