From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol I. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
April 29. –The following association was set on foot in New York to-day, and signed by above one thousand of the principal inhabitants. It is to be transmitted through all the counties in the province, where, we make no doubt, it will be signed by all ranks of people:
“Persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America, depends, under God, on the firm union of its inhabitants, in a vigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the necessity of. preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend a dissolution of the powers of government; we, the freemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the city and county of New York, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in the Massachusetts Bay, do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to become slaves; and do associate under all the ties of religion, honor, and love to our country, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution, whatever measures may be recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our provincial convention, for the purpose of preserving our constitution and opposing the execution of several arbitrary and oppressive acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional principles, (which we most ardently desire,) can be obtained; and that we will, in all things, follow the advice of our general committee, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals and private property.” 1
1 Rivington’s Gazetteer, May 4.