The Memorial and humble Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the county of Northumberland, in the State aforesaid, most respectfully sheweth.

That the Inhabitants of this County for near a year past, have laboured under the distressing circumstances of an Indian War. While this War (tho' more dreadful in its nature than any kind of Hostility) was carried on only by straggling Indians, we endeavored to bear up under our misfortunes. but the total overthrow of the People at Wyoming, and the apparent approach of so formidable a Body of Savages spread at once Desolation over our County. Scarce a singe Family remained in their Habitations; the Women & children were generally removed; great loss of Property was sustained by almost every individual; & what was still more distressing the Harvest in most places was lost. the same calamity yet continues. For the savages are still our Enemys & commit frequent Barbarities among us. Thus the Prospect of Distress is extended to another year, as scarce any Fall Crop has been put in this season.

Your humble Petitioners therefore pray for the serious attention of this Hon'ble House to their distressed situation. And that such Relief may from time to time be afforded them as their unhappy circumstances may require; and in particular that your Petitioners may be exempted from the payment of the present heavy tax laid on them. We beg leave to assure the Hon'ble House that while our circumstances admitted of it we were determined to pay with chearfulness, resting satisfy'd in the Justice of this House, that every disproportion in assessing the County Quotas would be fully adjusted hereafter. But we now declare ourselves utterly unable to pay these Taxes, unless by the sale of our Lands. Our effects have been lost in flight or abandoned to plunder, our Cash has been apply'd to the immediate support of our Familys, and many have contracted heavy Debts, while at the same time we are prevented from using any Industry to recover our affairs. We therefore humbly implore the clemency of your Hon'ble House, That we may be exonerated from the Payment of Taxes during the Continuance of this distressing and Calamitous Indian War. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray.