Sir

As a large number of the Inhabitants of the province of New Jersey are now called upon to assist in Fortifying and defending this City, which by the Accounts received from General Washington: by express and this day confirmed1by the post, is certainly the Object of the enemies Intentions; And as I am informed that many ofthe Inhabitants of the province are Intimidated from leaving the province by an apprehension of their own private affairs Suffering by the Common process of the Civil Law; I must therefore Submit it to your Committee of Safety whether it is not at this time of Eminent danger Absolutly necessary to Suspend the Operations of the Civil Law; at least untill the destination of the ー Army at Boston is more Certainly known. By the last Accounts it appears that five thousand men were actually embarked and the remainder preparing to get on Board as fast as possible And it is General Washingtons Opinion they intend to make a Sudden push on this place I am Sir [&c.]

To Samuel Tucker Esqr president of the Committee of Safety of New Jersey at Trenton