William Montgomery to Benjamin Franklin and the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council (unpublished)
Northumberland, May 20th, 1786.

Since the inclosed letter of the 17th A meeting was had of the Justices, The Sheriff, The Lieutenant of the County and a Number of other Principal Gentlemen where upon consideration of the Intelligence from Wyoming they intirely concur in sentiment (respecting the danger) with the representation in my Letter and that of Wm. Shaw, Esq’r, and are clearly and decidedly of opinion that, no time, not a moment should be lost; That there is the greatest and most eminent danger of a dismemberment of the state; That the party under Ethan Allen, John Franklin, and Solomon Strong increase daily; Their most limited pretensions extend to the whole of the 42d Degree of Latitude; That from the nature of their views they will be a combined force acting constantly and in concert, as their encroachments, like the feudal systems of old, will furnish the reward of their adherents and folowers: And no person in the state however remote from the present scene, if within the above limit can hope to continue a Pensylvanian without the most speedy, effectual, and vigorous exertion of Governemnt in suppressing this dangerous insurrection. That as there appears still a Number of People at Wioming who talk in a favorable strain, whether they are sincere, God knows, But if there are any sincere friends there they should not be lost, their timely support might have a powerful tendency to divide the party and the more readily crush the scheme. It is also the opinion of all present that it is extremely proper to give you this timely information by a person of Intelligence, and for that purpose have unanimously appointed Genl. John Bull, Esq., to carry these Dispatches, to whom they beg leave to refer you for more minute and particular Information. I am Gentlemen with the greatest respect, his Excellency and your Honor’s obedient humble servant,

Wm. Montgovery.

To His Excellency the President and Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania. Hon’rd per Gl. Bull.
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