I was honored with a letter from Council, inclosing a commission for Col. Butler, whom they have been pleased to appoint lieutenant of this county. It arrived opportunely. The Col. accepted the Commission, which, by permission, I read in the County Court, in the hearing of the grand and traverse juries, and the spectators; and in open court I also administered to him the oaths of allegiance and of office, and read the Council’s letter to him, repeating, with an emphasis, that part in which the aid of government is promised in support of the peaceable inhabitants of the county.

Franklin & Jenkins were at Tioga last Monday; and on Tuesday were to sit, with Beach and others, to receive and examine the claims of the inhabitants in that quarter to the lands in their possession; agreeably to an advertisement posted up at Tioga by their order. A Col., McInster, from Hudson, (Claverac) and one Allen, from Rhode Island, are said to have met them there. I have a deposition declaring that one of their company confessed that their plan was to erect an independent state. This deponent’s information came from the person to whom the confession was made. Another person arrived this evening from Tioga, but I am not informed what intelligence he brings. Two of the Justices here intend shortly to be in Philadelphia, by whom I will communicate particularly, whatever shall appear worthy of the notice of the Council. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant,