[1690.] The _Massachusetts_ general court wrote to the several governors of the neighbouring colonies, desiring them to appoint commissioners “to meet, advise, and conclude upon suitable methods in assisting each other for the safety of the whole land.” The governor of _New-York_ was requested to signify the same to _Maryland_, and parts adjacent. The commissioners met on the 1st of May, at _New-York_, and were stiled a _Congress_, as may be concluded from the following paragraph in Mr. _Stoughton’s_ letter of October 20, 1693, to Lord _Nottingham_:[54] “I crave leave further to acquaint your lordship, that the governor of _New-York_ having written unto his excellency the governor here, signifying his appointment of a meeting at _New-York_, upon the first Wednesday of this month, of commissioners from the several governments of _New-England_, _Virginia_, &c. to concert and agree upon a certain _quota_ of men and money, for the defence of _Albany_, &c. in observance of their majesties commands; it happened to be at such a time, and under such a conjuncture of affairs here, that no meet persons could be procured to attend _that Congress_.” It does not appear, that there was any congress between the two periods. It may also be observed, that the first was procured at the motion of the _Massachusetts_ general court, formed, from the necessity of the day, upon the vacated charter, before a new one was granted; and that the motion originated in the court, from zeal for the common safety of the colonies, without any interposition of their majesties command. We meet with no congress prior to what was thus procured. [Oct. 14, 1709.] At the desire of colonel _Vetch_, there was a congress of several governors, with some of their council and assembly, to consult upon the intended expedition against _Canada_, and to resolve on methods for securing the frontiers. [Oct. 31, 1711.] The _Massachusetts_ house of assembly, at the motion of lieutenant-general _Nicholson_, advised, to a congress of her majesty’s governors attended with such persons as the governments might appoint. The council appointed two, and the house three, out of their respective bodies, to attend the governor to congress, which appears to have met afterwards at _New-London_. But though the conduct of the _Massachusetts_, in their exertions for the general good, was highly commendable, their behaviour afterward, in their own colonial affairs, under governor _Shute_, was greatly censurable.