John Jay to the New York Committee of Safety, 27 April 1776

[Philadelphia, 27 April 1776.]

Gentlemen

The Congress having been informed of a very extraordinary oath ordered by Gov r . Tryon to be administered to Passengers in the late packet, whereby they bound themselves not to disclose any thing relative to American affairs except to the Ministry, have appointed a committee (of which I am one) to ascertain this Fact. 1

I must therefore request of you gentlemen to appoint proper Persons to examine into this Matter, and if possible ascertain the Truth of the Report, by Affidavits taken before the Mayor or one of the Judges of the Supr: Court–€”I have the Honor to be Gentlemen, Your most obed t . Serv t

John Jay.

The hon–€™ble the Committee of Safety for the Colony of New York.–€”