Egbert Benson to John Jay, 19 March 1777

Fish Kill–€”March 19 th . 1777–€”

D r Sir

We have this day wrote to Convention that Persons going to New York might be prohibited from taking all their Apparel and Furniture and you doubtless will hear the Letter read–€” We have not subjoined our Reasons as We proposed only to suggest the Matter and leave it entirely to be determined by Convention as they shall think best without an Attempt to influence their Judgment; It appeared however worth while to send an Express, as We expect the Gentry Daily and if the Measure should be approved of the sooner the better, and we should like to have the Resolution before they have an Opportunity of applying for a Pass–€” 1

M r : Robinson (as you will perceive by his Letter of which We sent You a Copy) is gone off and most of the others are determined to go likewise–€” 2 Is this right? Have We nothing to fear from this Spirit and such Examples? May not the former become more universal than We wish and the latter render going to the Enemy honorable , and may not the Enemy from the Effect of both receive a considerable Accession of Strength before We are aware of it? These People have taken a decisive part and consequently will become desperate–€” Can they not by Means of Emissaries do more Mischeif while out of Reach than when at Home in Your Power and under the Fear of being punished if detected? To Me I must own it appears in numberless respects very unwise–€” I do not like to see our Councils versatile and fluctuating it argues Weakness, and therefore do not wish to see an entire new System adopted, but if the present could be helped by way of Amendment it might be well–€” However We do not mean to dictate and shall satisfied with the Determination of Convention be it what it will, and tho–€™ possible not quite agreeable to our own private Sentiments, be assured You will not find Us upon that Score the least remiss–€” We are determined to persevere and as the Resolutions are so they shall be executed–€”

From the inclosed Paper You will see a Clause in our Original Draft of the Letter, but which upon Reflection We omitted, it being out of our Department and might carry with it the Air of being forward and meddlesome–€” Is there not the same Reason why the Families of those already with the Enemy should be sent them and as that these who are going should be obliged to take theirs with them.

This will be delivered to You by M r . Robinson–€™s Servant who calls on You for an Answer to his Letter–€” We have sent a Copy of the Letter to the Com[missio] n : of Sequestration 3

Least the Copy We have sent You might have miscarried We have sent You the Original. You will please to return it to [us] again–€” Yours &c

E. Benson