The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

There is a very extraordinary Farce acting in the Colony of New-York. A Number of Men claim to hold vast Tracts of Land there, under Titles said to be good for Nothing. There are a great Number of quiet and industrious Persons on those Lands, who were not willing to submit to the violent Measures of the Claimants. Compulsory Means were the Consequence, which the Interest of the Claimants, who have great Influence with the legislative and executive Powers, easily brought about. The Army, it is true, was used on the Occasion: and after the most scandalous treatment of these innocent People, to screen their own Guilt, and to disguise the whole Matter, they are, with the Assistance of the Red-Coats, trying these Inhabitants for High Treason; as if defending their Persons and Properties against the Ravages and Plunderings of a few Persons, who have unjustly attempted to appropriate to themselves those Lands, was levying War against the King. These are Mighty Men indeed. They are taking the same Steps, which have ever been taken to enslave a Country. If they can have military Aid in Support of their Claims and Intentions, farewell Liberty and Property! So saith my Spirit.