American Archives, Fourth Series: Containing a Documentary History of the English Colonies in North America, From the King's Message to Parliament, of March 7, 1774, to the Declaration of Independence by the United States [4]

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American Archives, Fourth Series: Containing a Documentary History of the English Colonies in North America, From the King's Message to Parliament, of March 7, 1774, to the Declaration of Independence by the United States [4]

Citation preview

AMERICAN ARCHIVES: jTourtf) ^tvits. CONTAINING

A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY or

THE ENGLISH COLONIES IN NOETH AMERICA, FROM /

THE KING'S MESSAGE TO PARLIAMENT, OF MARCH 7,

1774,

T0

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE B»

THE UNITED STATES. BY PETER FORCE.

VOLUME

PUBLISHED BY M.

ST.

{^

IV.

CLAIR CLARKE AND PETER FORCE,

UNDER AUTHORITY OP AN ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED ON THE SECOND OP MARCH,

f—

WASHINGTON, APRIL,

1843.

1833.

E

1

i ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OP CONGRESS,

IN

THE YEAH

1843,

BY PETER FORCE, IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OP

THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

y"

>

American

^ttl)ibesi:

CONSISTING OF

A COLLECTION OF AUTHENTICK RECORDS, STATE PAPERS, DEBATES, AND LETTERS AND OTHER NOTICES OF PUBLICK AFFAIRS,

THE WHOLE FORMINO

A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF

THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES; OF THE

CAUSES AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION;

AND OF

THE CONSTITUTION OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES, TO

THE FINAL RATIFICATION THEREOF.

IIV

SIX SERIES. FOURTH

FIRST SERIES.

From

the Discovery and Settlement of the

North American

Colonies, to the Revolution in England, in 1688.

to

Great Britain, by the Treaty

sage

at Paris, in 1763.

ings in

Parliament, of

March

North America.

7th, 1774,

7th,

1

774, to the Decla-

the United States, in 1776.

the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, to the

finitive

De-

Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, in 1783.

SIXTH SERIES.

the Cession of Canada, in 1763, to the King's to

by

FIFTH SERIES.

From

THIRD SERIES.

From

SERIES.

Message of March

ration of Independence,

the Revolution in England, in 1688, to the Cession of

Canada

the King's

'

SECOND SERIES.

From

From

Mes-

on the Proceed-

From

the

Treaty of Peace, in 1783,

of the Constitution of

Government

to the

for the

final ratification

United States,

proposed by the Convention, held at Philadelphia, in 1787.

BY PETER FORCE.

PREPARED AND PUBLISHED UNDER AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OP CONGRESS.

:i

ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR

1843,

BY PETER FORCE, IN

THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

CONTENTS.

Xlir 1775.

Nov.2, Lo«er from Captain Edward Thornborough, of His Majesty's Ship Tamar, to Henry Laurens: He is determined not to suffer any vessel to enter or depart from Charlestown, if His Majesty's Ag-ents are not permitted to supply the Tamar and Cherokee with provisions, The doors to be kept shut during- the present 3, sitting of the Congress, Committee on regulating future elections of

Membersof the Confess, Colony Treasury,

State of the

.... .... ...

Aba 10, Commission

31

of Ezekiel Polk, appointed to the Company of Rangers, Mr. Nathan Lcgare appeared, and declaring it was never his intention to supply the Menof-War with any thing, was reprimanded and dismissed Report from the Committee of Observation, that they had prohibited Fishing-boats from proceeding beyond Fort Johnson, and had given no permits for the passage of Coasters, -

32

Committee

command

31

defences

.--....

.....

Two

of

32

-

....

33 11,

34 12,

34

34

34

;

bell to 6,

.... ....

Governour Tonyn,

Affidavit of Captain John Wanton, his vessel, was token by Captain

35 35

who, with Thornbo-

rough, . . Resolution of the Congress on Captain Thornborough's Letter of the 4th instant, which

36 14,

contains expressions as unmerited as unbe-

is to

be credited,

... ...

enlargement,

Information received of the seizure of the pub. lick Gunpowder, by Patrick Cunningham, . Committee to inquire into the conduct of Mr. 7,

8,

...... ...... --.... ...

9,

... ...

......

that place,

Guard

37

of,

Charlestown,

...

Defence,

----...

15,

38

39

16, 17,

40 42 42 42 43

10,

may

commanding

at

Fort Johuson,

...

50 50

50 51

52

for

53

53

-

-

.

to

Army,-

-

-

-

-

-

New

Council of Safety appointed, -. Secretary to cause such parts of the Journal as may be put into his hands for that purpose, to be published,

18,

--....

to

report the

....

Powers

Council of Safety,

to

.

-

53

54 54

55

55 55 56

55

be vested

Allowance for the support of John Dunn and Benjamin Booth Boote, of North-Carolina, . Report on the state of the Paper Currency in the Publick Treasury,

53

complete the

Clement Lerapriere appointed Captain of the Ship Prosper, Officers of the Regiment of Artillery chosen, One hundred and twenty thousand Pounds Cur. rency to be issued for the Pay and Charges of the Regiment of Artillery, Motion, that future meetings of the Congress be held at Camden, rejected, Committee of Safety appointed to act until the meeting of the Congress to-morrow, -

in the

...

55 56 57

the state of .affairs in the

well,

57

Every Company of

43

Militia throughout the lony to be trained once a fortnight, -

19,

44

44

45

45

20,

Co-

58

Declaration published by the Congress to quiet the minds of the misguided people in the back country, The President authorized to apply to Colonel Polk, of North-Carolina, for the Six Compa-

......

53

...

50

Charlestown embodied and ordered upon duty, day and night, . . . .

gj

nies under his

45

that

erecting Batteries for the more effectual defence of Charlestown, Committee of Intelligence to correspond with the Inhabitants of the interior of the Co-

49

back country communicated by Mr. Cald.

Colonel Moultrie ordered, by every military operation, to oppose any British Naval Arma-

ment

49

Alarming account of

be armed and manned with all

possible despatch,

sinking the Mcn-of-War in Rebellion Road, to be erected for the defence of Charlestown, Deputation to Georgia to solicit aid, in Powder, Arms, and other Military Stores, Ship Prosper to be fitted out as a Frigate of War with the utmost expedition, Committee of Safety appointed until the meeting of the Congress to-morrow, Letter to the Council of Safety of Georgia, Regiment of Artillery to be raised and embodied, to serve in Garrison or otherwise, -

Committee

41

attempt to pass Fort Johnson, Letter to Captain Thornborough, informing him of the orders of the Congress to the officer

to

48

49

......

38

.....

Defence

47

of the Congress to Captain Tufts, Committee to consider the expediency of fitting the Ship Prosper, for the purpose of taking or

establishmentof the

37

45

The

47

.... --.-...48

blishment, rejected,

Letter to the Council of Safety of Georgia, re. questing five hundred pounds of Gunpowder for Mr. Campbell, . . . Orders to Captain Tufts, of the Colony Schooner

of

mament of the Colony, Report of Captain Tufts of his success in sinking Hulks on the bar of Hog Island

Committee of Safety authorized

posted near Ruge ley's Store to examine suspected Wa:ions and Persons coming into,

or going out

the security

lony,

Cunningham, Mr. John Dunn reprimanded from the Chair,

and dismissed, Patrick Cunningham and others, charged with robbery and feloniously taking a quantity of Lead and Gunpowder, are ordered to be arrested and brought to Charlestown, Instructions to Colonel Richardson for the arrest of Patrick Cunningham and his associates, and for the recovery of the Ammunition taken by them, Further measures for their arrest, Letter to Colonel Thompson, • Letter to Colonel Fletchall and others, Letter to Captain Richard Pearls, . Letter to Major Williamson, Orders to Colonel Moultrie to send a reinforce. iTient to Dorchester to protect the Cannon, Gunpowder, Stores, and Publick Records at

for

Motion, that the Infantry and Horse, in the pay of the Colony, be completed to the first esta-

Report of Committee appointed to inquire into the conduct of John Dunn, of North-Carolina, since his

necessary

--.-...47

Commissioners

coming the pen of a gentleman; nothing from Lord William Campbell, unsupported by absolute proof,

are

Works

even with

......

47

examine and report what further

Committee at Little River, . . Commission to Edward Blake, Commissary of Stores for the Naval Department of the Colony, Captain Blake authorized to purchase eight thousand pounds of Bread for the Naval Ar-

Creek,

Letter from Captain Thornborough to the Presj. dent of the Congress: He can enter the lists

Mr. William Henry Drayton, when his weapons are sophistry and falsehood but does not think Mr. Laurens's Letter worthy a written answer. He is determined to procure provisions by every means in his power, Extract of a Letter from Lord William Camp,

War,

Thanks

Letters giving directions for this service to Col.

Moultrie, Captain Vesey, and Captain Smith,

to

Letter to

Pilot-boats sent to cruize along the coast, to warn vessels against coming into the Har-

bour of Charlestown,

46

Charlestown against hostile attacks of Ships

:

of taking vengeance for any violence he may perpetrate against the Shipping of the port, Committee on the state of the Colony authorized to send for Persons, Papers, and Records, Committee of Observation revived, and autho. rized to give Permits to vessels to pass Fort Johnson, Correspondence with Captain Thornborough to be published, -

of a

---....45

30

Letter from the Congress to Captain Thornborough They are not destitute of the means

4,

XIV

1775.

command,

-

Militia of

Colonel

Roberts ordered to take post at the Batteries at Fort Johnson and Charlestown, Persons disabled in the publick service will be provided for by the Congress, -

61

Cannon, Powder, and Ball, allowed for the defence of Georgetown, . . . .

g{

.----..gj

CONTENTS.

XV

XVI

1775.

1775.

of the rank of the Officers of the Regular Troops and Militia of the Colony, Militia not to act with the Regular Troops but on the most urgent occasions, -

VIRGINIA CONVENTION.

iVoi'.21, Settlement

Law only, whether acting with the Regulars or otherwise, Motion, for a draft of Militia from the Country Regiments for the defence of Charlestown,

62 Dec.

1,

G2

..-.---

to Captain Lenipriere to take command of the Prosper, John Joiner appointed Commander of Fort Lyttleton, near Beaufort, . Aop.22,Letter from Rowan County (North-Carolina) Committee, recommending a cessation of all intercourse with persons not known to be

------

62

4,

63

5,

ceedings before the Convention, Convention in Committee on the Colony, report progress,

63

the

command

64

Leading marks over the Charlestown Bar to be cut down and demolished, Petition and Remonstrance from John Dunn and Benjamin Booth Boote, presented, Merchants who sell Goods at exorbitant prices, to be advertised as contemners of the Resolves

...

65

7,

------

65

66

66

9,

67 11,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

12,

13,

required

Premiums

is to

all

-----be defended

residents

to^ return

for the

to the

who

forthwith,

'

in the late expedition against the Indians,

70

-

them, Delegates

-

to

all letters -

-

the

-

-

-

70

14,

ed in them, Counterfeiting Paper Currency of the Colony declared a capital ofTence, Council of Safety authorized to bestow honorary or other rewards upon such as they think entitled to either,

-

-

-

.

-

-

71

72

73

74

74

and Remonstrance of Messrs. Dunn and Boote, to be transmitted to the Council of

Congress adjourned 1776,

-

-

to

-

-

-

Thursday, February

-

Officers,

.

-

.

-

78 78

78

79 79

79

79

80 80 81 81

82 83

83

83

Colonel Woodford directed to send to Williamsburgh all Tories who have borne Arms to extend indulgence to against the Colony such as joined Lord Dunmore through necessity; and to permit the distressed Highlanders to pass to North-Carolina, Declaration offering pardon to the Slaves who have taken Arms under Lord Dunmore, upon returning to their duty, Arms and Accoutrements taken at Great Bridge to be appropriated to publick use, and the value thereof divided among the Soldiers, Reprisals on the Property of Lord Dunmore, for Property seized by him, not permitted without the order of the Convention, Captive Slaves to be employed at the Lead Mine in Fincastle County, Carter Braxton appointed a Delegate to the Continental Congress, in place of the late

15,

...

74

Petition

Safety of North-Carolina,

77

;

71

Continental Congress reapsame powers heretofore vest-

------

pointed, with the

77 77

;

written by and to -

-

role,

proper books, minutes of their transactions,

and copies of

German

with

encouragement of Manufac-

tures in the Colony, Committee of Intelligence required to keep, in

77

Report of Committee on Charles Robinson's case He is permitted to go at large on pa-

70

last extre-

-

77

77

Regular forces of the Colony to be increased to eight Battalions, of ten Companies each; one of the Battalions to l)e composed of Germans,

are absent are -

76

Commit-

worthy countrymen now confined by Lord Dunmore, Petition from surviving Captains of Companies

Cut, Captain Allston's Indian Company of Rovers directed to scour the sea-coast, subject to the orders of the Council of Safety, Committees for the Sea Islands required to provide signals of alarm, such as are usual in

;

referred to the

on the state of the Colony, Committee to inquire into the conduct of John Goodrich, and others, Resolution approving the conduct of Colonel Woodford, in the late action at Great Bridge, Declaration in answer to Lord Dunmore's Pro-

--69

Wappoo

76

80

clamation of November 7, Colonel Woodford directed to effect an exchange of the Prisoners in his possession for our

Powers of all Committees throughout the Colony revived and continued, Commissioners appointed to clear and deepen

76

Representations from the Committees of Accotee

69

Charlestown mity and

Venders of Salt permitted to fix their own prices, Treasurer of the Colony required to purchase for the publick use all good Gunpowder imported into, or manufactured there, Money advanced to the Rev. John Dixon, to assist him in his Salt-works, Money advanced to Charles Carter, and to the Dumfries Saltpetre Company, as an encouragement to promote the manufacture of Salt-

68

Road,

time of war,

Further progress in Committee on the state of the Colony, Five hundred effective men to be employed for the protection and defence of Northampton and Accomack, Committee to draw up a Declaration in answer to Lord Dunmore's Proclamation of Novem-

mack and Warwick, 67

Lord William Campbell to be notified of any intended attack on the Men-of-War in the

29,

-

-

petre,

67

;

nies,

75 75

of the

ber 7,

;

28,

-

state

...

65

-------65

Colony, Colonel Roberts directed to complete the works for the defence of Dorchester, The Colony declared to be in a state of actual alarm, Troops marched to Congarees, and to the Cherokee Ponds, Volunteers from Georgia to receive same pay as Militia of South-Carolina, Orders to Colonel Powell, Colonel Rothmahler, and Colonel Richardson, Committee of Safety invested with the direction, regulation, and ordering of the Land and Sea Forces, the Militia, and all Military Arrangements within the Colony they may appoint and suspend any Officer of the Army or Navy and do all things in their opinion necessary for securing and defending the Colony, Application to the Continental Congress for aid in procuring Seamen from the Northern Colo-

...

27,

-

Intercepted Letters to be transmitted to the Committee of Safety unopened, -

63

-------64 to

of the Congress, to consider and report what Manufactures are proper to be established in the

26,

....

;

63

Prosper, Further Regulations for the government of the

Committee

25,

Pendleton elected President, and John Tazewell appointed Clerk, Letter from Colonel Woodford, representing the situation of the Troops under his command, Colonel Woodford directed to risk as liulo as possible and, if ne(»sary, to accept assistance from North-Carolina, Convention met at WiUiamsburgh, Rev. Thomas Price appointed Chaplain, Committee of Safety directed to lay their pro-

of the

Simon Tufts appointed

Militia adopted,

24,

... ....

Committee of Safety revived, Committee to examine Charles Robinson, apprehended as a suspected person, -

Ship Prosper, 23,

Richmond,

Edmund 62

Orders

friends to the American cause, Clement Lempriere declines the command of the

at

List of the Delegates,

Militia stibject to the Militia

rejected,

Convention met

16.

Peyton Randolph, from Inhabitants of Lunenburgh Counestablishment of a Test, ty, praying the

84

84

85

85 85

85

Petition

75

friends of America may be distinguished from those who are inimical to the glorious cause in which the country is en-

76

gaged,

whereby the

1,

-

-



-

-

--86

CONTENTS OP THE FOURTH VOLUME OF THE FOURTH SERIES.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE FROVINCIAI, CONGRESS.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.



1775. Se/i. 12, Committee

of Supplies requested to supply CoRegiment with Provisions,

lonel Poor's

'

William Whipple and General Folsom to wait on General Washington, General Washington requires the payment to the New-Hampshire Troops bound to Cana-

16,

da,

Orders

27,

mand

-------

Colonel Timothy Walker to pay the New- Hampshire Troops, 28, Boom strong enough to prevent the passage of Vessels directed to be laid across the River from Pierce's to Sevey's Island, Oc^. 10, Capture of the Ship Prince George, by a subCommittee, at Portsmouth, 10,

1

Nov.

Captain Titus Salter to take comof the Batteries on Pierce's and Sevey's

Islands,

Orders

28,

Oc^Bl Congress met Committee to ,

1

1

to

1

2, 2,

1

,

2

2

3.

2

4,

12,

18,

18, 18,

23,

on the report

tack that place,

27,

Portsmouth was expected to at-

------

General Sullivan requests that Commissions may be filled for the vacancies in the NewHampshire Regiments, Vessels directed to be placed in Piscataqua Harbour,

9,

....... -------

iVoc. 16, Committee continued

17,'

18,

21,

until the sitting of the Provincial Congress, on the 21st of December next, Agreeable news of the surrender of Fort St. John's received,

.....

Three hundred Pounds, in gold, sent to Canada to pay the New-Hampshire Troops under

...

10,

the command of Colonel Bedel, Number of the Inhabitants of New-Hampshire

2,

7,

13,

14,

.......

Committee met

Army,

-

.

.

be ar-

to

sent to

Head13

the late alarming emergency, Votes of the 4th instant, respecting Representatives, reconsidered and made void, Committee to frame a Plan for the future Representation of the People of the Colony, Eight hundred men to be inlisted for the defence and security of the Harbour of Piscataqua, and the Fortresses there, -

14

13 13

13 13 14

14

-

-

be paid

to -

-

-

-

for

Sun-

-

-

15,

10

14 15

15

-

-

-

16

-

16 16

Meshech Weare appointed President pro tempore of the Congress,

9

14

for Representation

-------

Samuel Dyer 15,

14

Committee to consider the behaviour of Samuel Dyer, complained of as an enemy to this country,

:

Orders to Colonel Hobart for paying the Regiments under Colonels Stark, Reed, and Poor,

Army

Plan of Representation reported and adopted,

Portsmouth Orders to Captains to inlist Companies to serve in the Continental Army under General Washington, until the 15th of January next, . . . Adjourned to meet at Exeter on the 1 1th instant, Colonel Thornton and Colonel Weare directed to confer with General Washington about reat

cruiting the Continental 16,

by Committees, and

of the people of the Colony,

-

Captains Salter and Daniels ordered to fill their Companies to serve till the last of December next,

Dec.

12

Quarters, Colonel Wingate appointed to command the Fortresses on Piscataqua River, Other Officers appointed, Butchers in Portsmouth required to refund unreasonable fees paid them for killing Cattle for the Provincial Forces, Committee to examine the Accounts of George Jaffrey, late Treasurer, Field-Officers for Militia Regiments appointed, Captain Ezekiel Worthen, Engineer at Piscataqua, required to pay all due obedience to the orders of this Congress, Thanks of the Congress to the Gentlemen who laboured on the Batteries at Portsmouth on

days and Travel, Committee to prepare a plan

.

11

12

13,

.

11

East-King-

in

----..--.-

America, examined by the Com.

-11

-

by New-Hampshire,

11,

and discharged,

-

12

Captain Philip Goldthwaite and Hon. Daniel Rogers, suspected of being unfriendly to the mittee,

29,

-

Form of the Inlistment, Members of the Congress

liberties of

9 10



transmitted to the Continental Congress, 23,

9

Lieutenant-Colonel Gale, Fortresses lately built for the defence of Piscataqua to be supported and maintained,

rested

desired to repair to that a Fleet

-

Deserters from the Continental

New-Hampshire, Colonel Weare and General Folsom desired to attend, on behalf of New-Hampshire, a Conference of sundry Members of the Continental Congress, and Gentlemen of the other NewEngland Colonies, at Cambridge,

The Committee

-

ston, against

The

... ...

Militia of

-

to

Complaint of the training Soldiers

7,

Part of the Cargo of the Ship Prince George to be sold and Captain Richard Emms, and the crew, paid from the proceeds, Orders to the Captains and other Officers of the ;

counts,

Committee

prepare a Petition to the Continental Congreae, on the state of the Colony, Delegates to represent the Colony in future to be chosen by the votes of the Electors, and not by the value of their estates, Qualifications of Electors and Representatives,

Field-Officers of New-Hampshire Troops at Winter-Hill request General Sullivan may

Ma-

9

scheme for the emission amount of Money for the de-

-11

to

vacancies in the Regiments there, Orders to Captain Robert Parker to inlist trosses for the defence of Sevey's Island, Minute-Men to be inlisted for four months,

at Exeter,

report a

of a sufficient mands on the Colony, Report of the Committee: An issue of twenty thousand Pounds ordered, Minute-Men to be inlisted for four months only, Inhabitants of Hillsborough County requested not to disturb or molest John duigley, Esquire, under pretence of his being an enemy to his country, George Jaffi-ey, late Treasurer, required to attend the Congress forthwith, with his Ac-

fill

10,

.... .... ....

1775.

-

-

-

-

17

directed to confine himself to his

present place of abode in Berwick, to carry into execution the Resolve of the Continental Congress of October 26,

18

authorizing exports, to procure Arms, &c.,

18

Committee

General Sullivan informed that the Congress ready to hear him,

-

is

-

18

CONTENTS.

XI 1775.

Xll

1775.

Report of the Committee on

AW 14 .Letter

complaint

the

against Lieutenant-Colonel Gale, Thanks of the Congress to General ton and General Sullivan, .

Washing-

to

names of persons suspected to be . . inimical to the country, Committee of Safety continued, with the same authority as heretofore, until the sitting of the next Congress. iVo».16,Orders io regard to certain persons inimical to the country, Towns and Town-Officers to proceed as heretofore, unless specially directed otherwise by the Provincial or the General Congress, Resolution of the Continental Congress of November 3, on establishing Government in report the

New-Hampshire,

The Congress

.

.

.

16,

Letter from Shubael Lovell to Captain

18.

:

19

;

19

20

18.

Safety to Colonel Bedel

20 20

.

21,

Sep.2\, Letter from Governour Tonyn to General Gage, 30, Letter from Governour Tonyn to General Gage, 30, Letter from Colonel Stuart to General Gage, Oct. 2, Letter from Colonel Stuart to Major Small, Letter from C. Shireff to General Robertson, 2. Letter from Governour Tonyn to Major Dunkin, 2, Letter from Governour Tonyn to Admiral 3,

3.

3,

3. 3,

4. 4,

-------------------

Gage, Letter from Colonel Stuart to General Gage, Letter from Lieutenant Graves to Admiral Letter from Colonel Stuart to General

4,

Chamier, Letter from Spencer Mann to General Grant, Letter from Alexander Ross to Captain Staun-

337 335

Letter from John Moultrie to General Grant, Letter from Colonel John Stuart to Samuel Kem-

5,

Letter from

5,

Letter

Major Furlong

from Alexander

Grant,

to General Gage, Skinner to General

-

.-..-.-

Nov.\, Letter from General Schuyler bert,

to

22,

23,

24,

24,

26,

26, 27,

vincial Congress,

shire Congress:

5,

-

.

335 336

tion

.

.

He

finds

Lord Dunmore,

-

-

-

-

-

29,

Letter

11,

U.

13.

.

.

-.-.-.-

Letter from Allan Cameron to Daniel Chamier, Letter from the Portsmouth Committee to the

.

lis,

Saltpetre,-

......

1221

:

tarry to the 1st of January; entreats they may be sent, lest the enemy take advantage of their

20

-------

30,

absence, Letter from the Committee of Congress to

30.

Letter

30.

Letter

ral

21

Montgomery,

.....

25

Gene445

General Sullivan to the New. Hampshire Committee of Safety: George JafTrey having assisted in the defence of Portsmouth, ought not to be treated as an ene.

617

my

from

.

25

General Sullivan to the NewHampshire Committee of Safety The Connecticut Forces will quit the Lines on the 6th of December; their place must be immediateliy supplied with Troops from New-Hampshir-e and Massachusetts, . . . .

25

to his country,

.

.

.

-

from

:

21

SOUTH-CAROLINA 'PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. Nov.

1,

The Congress

meets at Charlestown,

. . Members, William Henry Drayton chosen President, and . Peter Timothy Secretary, Captain Robert -Cunningham, charged with

21 341

List of the

342 342

high crimes against the liberties of America, . arrested by Captain Tutt, Association Papers which had been signed, delivered to William Henry Drayton, Captain Cunningham brought before Congress, examined, and committed to the common jail . . of Charlestown,

New-Hampshire

Congress, recommending to their notice the important services of Dr. Jackson, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to the New-Hampshire Congress: Transmits sundry Resolves of the Continental Congress, and earnestly recommends them to attend to the making of

388

Massachusetts

Washington has sent te New-Hampshire for thirty-one Companies to defend the Lines, in room of the Connecticut Forces, who refuse to

Arms, &c.,

Proclamation by Governour Chester, Letter from Allan Cameron to Duncan Cameron,

11,

-

to the

24 347

from General Sullivan to the NewHampshire Committee of Safety General

the

-

Dr. Gordon

Council,

8,

-

201

out

816

of the Couoty of Cumberland to the Council of Massachusetts, 1349 Letter from the Field-Officers at Portsmouth to

in their possession,

to set

in

--.-.. -...---

Congress,

Towns

rections as to the disposition of the

he expects

Letter from

Petition of the several

8,

affairs;

29,

Proceedings of a Convention of Cumberland - 1320 County, Massachusetts,

New-Hampshire Congress: Eight hundred men not enough to manage the Shipping and Fire-rafts in the event of an attack. Letter from Dr. Hall Jackson to the NewHampshire Congress: He raised an Artillery Company for the defence of Portsmouth; their time will expire on the I5th; he desires di-

on publick

New-Hampshire

329

7,

8,

Henry Lee,

28, 28,

absolutely neces-

it

24 347

.

-

340 319

Wingate to the New-Hamp-

sary that a person acquainted with the Rivers and Tides in the Harbour be appointed to take charge of the Ship and Fire-rafts, Lieutenant-Colonel Connolly's Commission from

-

two or three weeks. Letter from Neil Jamieson to James Anderson, Letter from Egbert Benson to the New- York for

Captain Hul-

-

-

Virginia Convention, to Richard

from General

Letter from Colonel

23 487

Letter from Josiah Bartlett to the New- Hampshire Committee of Safety: Desires informa-

27.

Hampshire Congress: He

2,

23 346

454 615 New- York Congress, 410 Letter from James Sullivan to John Winthrop, - 1318 Letter from Edmund Pendleton, President of the

Letter from Doctor Smith, Letter from John Jay to the

24,

Sullivan to the Newis ordered to HeadQuarters immediately; sends his Orderly Book and Returns of Stores, &c., to the Pro-

Letter

Provincial

Little,

327 329

ble,

1,

316 316 317

Graves, Letter from Captain Mulcaster.to General Grant, Letter from Daniel Chamier, Jua., to E>aniel

ton, 4,

320 316 316 317 334 334

The

:

Congress cannot send him money for his Troops, and they have requested General Schuyler to advance what may be necessary, Letter from Walter Hatton to Nathaniel Coffin, Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of Safety to the Delegates of the Colony in Congress: The Colony has advanced for the Army tvi^enty thousand Pounds, lawful money, and requests that a part of it may be repaid, Proclamation by General Carleton, Letter from Captain Thompson to the Portsmouth Committee: Persons should be appointed to take charge of the Fire-rafts; as they are thought things of some consequence, proper care should be taken of them, Letter from Lord Dunmore to Admiral Graves, Letter from Colonel Jacob Bayiey to Colonel

CORRESPONDENCE, FROCEEDINOS, ETC.

Graves,

343

Ad-

343 Ayscough, 1338 Letter from Governour Chester to Governour 340 Tryon, Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of Safety to General Schuyler The Troops under Colonel Bedel were sent to his Army by the advice of General Washington what is necessary for their subsistence and comfort should be advanced out of the Continental Chest, 23 Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of

21,

3,

Griffin to the Secretary of

miral Graves,

18,

....

-

dissolved,

Admiral

to

Letter from

18

------.--.-

W.

Montague

14.

18

-

Committees throughout the Colony requested

---..-...... ..-.-.-

from Captain

Graves,

18

22

--....

Committee appointed the Colony,

22

2,

Members

to report

upon the

27 27 28

28 29

29

state of

required to give diligent attendance, -

29 30

r

1775.

1775.

Petition from Dr. Archibald

consider the services of Mr. to James Wood, who was sent among the Indians on the Western Frontier prior to the

Dec.2S ,Committee

Campbell: Denies

the charge against him, that he had taken an

Lord Dunmore,

active part under

29,

86

.-.-..-87 ....

elected,

i)ec.I8,Committee of Nansemond County directed to prevent the sailing of a Vessel to Great Britain with Naval Stores, Petitions from Joseph Simpson, John Camp-

and Alexander .Ross,

bell,

....

relative to

the late transactions in Norfolk; and prays the protection of the Convention, in behalf of the Inhabitants of the Borough, Twelve Members of new Committee of Safety

for

of Fort

Pitt,

88

towards their

88 1776.

They are represented as inimical to their country, and request a hearing before the

,

....

20,

sented,

Petitions for

21,

and read the

first

time,

...

Forces, further considered, 30,

:

------

Jan.

\,

for services

89

"

Indian 22,

for expenses

War, of Cary

and losses

in

89

sundry persons of Cumberland County, praying that the indulgence granted to Foreigners may be recalled, and a General Test established for all suspected persons, Petition of James Wood, of Frederick County, Captain of a Company in the late expedition against the Shawanese Towns, praying remuneration for losses sustained by him, Thanks to Colonel Elliot, to James and Richard Barron, and to the Inhabitants of Hampton,

26,

for their successful exertions in defeating the designs of our enemies, Charles Robinson ordered to be discharged from his Parole,

---...

an additional number of Forces, considered in Committee of the Whole, . 27, Same Ordinance further considered,

Ordinance

FouETH

92

— Vol.

it.

who had

Norfolk

.

-

to

-

joined Lord

desired to return, approved .

-

102

the In-

.

.

by -

103

enemies of America,

-

-

.

106

------

106

107

Moseley, Jun., discharged on their parole not to

92 4,

92

92

give intelligence or assistance

92

to the

ene-

. . . mies of America, Matthew Phripp, of Norfolk, who, in his extremity, had taken Lord Dunmore's Oath, in the opinion of the Convention ought to be restored to the confidence of his countrymen, Ordinance for raising additional Forces, further

..._.-

considered, 5,

Report of the Committee appointed to inquire whether the Goods taken on board several Vessels at Hampton were imported agreeably to the Continental Association, and whether the same belonged to f] lends to America, or to enemies of this Colony, Report of Committee on the Services of Mr. James Wood, Ordinance for raising additional Forces, further

....

93

---.._ ......

considered,

93 6,

93

Proceedings of the Court of Inquiry held on the Prisoners taken at Norfolk, and in the neighborhood thereof, laid before the Convention, Report of Committee on Petition of Alexander Ross and William Thompson, of Pittsburgh, Ordinance for raising additional Forces, further considered in Committee of the Whole to be reported to the Convention on the 9th instant, Treasurer ordered to advance one thousand

108

109

109

109

110 111

112 113



8,

Pounds

113

the relief of the Inhabitants of

for

Norfolk who have suffered from the destruction of that

The

Town,

.

-

.

.

-

114

by Captain BarHampton Roads, and carried up York

cases of two Vessels taken

ron, in

.......

River, laid before the Convention by the President,

95

Report of the Committee on the Petition of Sampson and George Matthews, . . Resolution appointing Colonel John Bowyer Commissioner of Claims on account of the

96

96

Rockingham, in behalf of the owners, Merchants in Hull, England, Ordinance for raising additional Forces, with several amendments, reported to the Convention from the Committee of the Whole,

97

Amendments 97

10,

be considered to-morrow. Letter from Council of Safety of North-Carolina Colonel Howe has orders to remain in Virginia as long as the publick service may :

98 98

114 114

late expedition against the Indians, rescinded,

and Joseph Citbell appointed in his stead. Report on Petition of Robert Carr, Petition of Richard Hopper, master of the Ship

for raising

Series.

to the

considered,

Petition from

23,

-

Howe

Edward Hack Moseley and Edward Hack

to the Officers, Volunteers, and Soldiers of North-Carolina, for their prompt and generous aid in defence of our common rights -

by Colonel

remuneration foe services in late Indian war, Ordinance for raising additional Forces, further

91

Thanks

-

102

Memorial of Lieutenant-Colonel Christian, William Preston, and Arthur Campbell, asking

91

94

-

102 his truly

their parole not to give intelligence or assist-

ance

is

against the enemies of America,

101

Willoughby, and Cary Mitchell, of Norfolk, discharged on

94

duct,

100

Archibald Campbell, John

Mitchell, praying that, as he suspected of being unfriendly to his country, there may be a full inquiry into his con-

Petition

offered

the Convention,

late

-

Terms

-

-

Sermon preached yesterday, raising an additional number of

Dunmore, and

of the Inhabitants of Frederick, and others residing westward of the Blue Ridge,

payment

.

99

for

habitants of

Petition for

patriotick

Forces, further considered, 2,

County, and expenses in

. the late Indian War, Soldiers in the regular service to be allowed Hunting-Shirts, Lcggins, and Bindings for their Hats, by the publick, Proceedings of the Commissioners to treat with the Indians laid before the Convention, County- Lieutenants required to keep double Patroles during the ensuing holydays, Troops raised by an Ordinance of the last Convention, in Fincastle County, to be disbanded, Ordinances for raising an additional number of Forces for the defence and protection of the Colony, and for establishing a mode of making Tobacco payments during the discontinuance of the Tobacco Law, presented, and read the first time, Petition of John Willoughby, of the County of Norfolk, requesting to be heard on the reports against him, of being inimical to the interests of his country, Petition of Archibald Govan, praying that, as he has not infringed the Association, he may not be made to suffer for the unfriendly Letters found on board his Vessel, Ordinance for raising an additional number of Forces, read a second time, and referred to a Committee of the Whole Convention, -

.

-

-

Same Ordinance further considered, Thanks to the Rev. Mr. Griffiths for Ordinance

of Inhabitants of Augusta

remuneration

destruction,

--.---

building Fort Fincastle, and ad-

Convention, Natives of Great Britain, Inhabitants of the Colony, having violated the Continental Association, and become active promoters of the cruel and arbitrary persecutions of the people, and propagators of falsehoods against them, the Resolution formerly passed in their favour is rescinded, Ordinance for establishing a General Test, pre-

own

Apportionment of the Salt taken by the Cruisers at Hampton ainong the several Counties of the Colony, Ordinance for raising an additional number of

Petition

99

furnished for his crew; but, if not, the Inhabitants of Virginia will not contribute

losses in the

vances to Major Connolly, from Edward Hack Moseley, of Princess Anne, and Matthew Phripp, of Norfolk

late Treaty at Fort Pitt, Colonel Howe directed to inform Captain Bellew, of His Majesty's Ship Liverpool, that, if he can satisfy the Convention that he comes to Virginia on a friendly errand, Provisions

maybe

late expedition against the Indians; for repairs

19,

xvm

CONTENTS.

XVII

require,

to

--.....

115 115

115

116 116

lie



71

:;

CONTEiNTS.

XIX 1776.

Committee of Safety directed to inform the Virginia Delegates in Congress that the state of affairs requires an increase of the Regular Forces to nine Regiments necessary, and requesting they may be taken in Continental pay, Cargo of the Brig Fanny, taken by Captain Barron, and carried to Cumberland, to be disposed of for the use of the Colony, Ja».l IjOrdinance for raising additional Forces, read third time and passed, -

Hugh

Dec.

1,

-

-

-

-

-



-

-

appointed,

-

-

-

-

-

1

117 118

......

118

Anne

Princess

Counties, setting forth

118

Letter from

19

......

Troops under Lord Dunmore, and their apprehension of greater cruellies if our Troops are dislodged from Nor121

15,

122

16,

of Norfolk, and the neighborhood thereof, Inhabitantsof Norfolk and Princess Anne Counties, exposed to the attacks of the enemy, advised to remove, with their effects; the poorer . to be assisted by the publick, Report of Committee to inquire into the cases of the Prisoners in the City of Williamsburgh Alexander Gordon and others to be detained

124

17,

sent to the 18,

West

India Islands, and sold,

-

-------

Colonel of the First Regiment allowed an Aidde-camp, William Finnie elected Deputy Gluartermster General Thomas Bullitt, Adjutant-General and John Sears, Deputy Adjutant-General, Committee to inquire into, and report upon, the

to all willing to trade

Ireland,

-

-

the

-

2.

124

3.

-

4.

5.

6.

For reviving and amending an Ordinance appointing a Committee of Safety, For establishing Tobacco Payments during the discontinuance of the Inspection Law,

Amending an Ordinance For

establishing a

the enemies to

for

Dunmore

General

to

153

153

Howe:

2,

Letter from the President of Congress to the

Commanding 128

Officer

Battalion, requesting for the

129 2,

129

of the

him

357 351

Pennsylvania

to station

protection of the Vessels

a Guard

and Stores

on the wharves of Willing & Morris, from the President of Congress to Gene. . ral Washington, Letter from the President of Congress to Governour Trumbull The Commissioners sent to consult with General Schuyler are instructed to induce the Men to reiniist for one year from the first of January next No bounty will be allowed to the Soldiers on reinlistment, Letter from the President of Congress to the

154

Letter

154

;

:

2,

New-Hampshire 2,

131 L3

Convention,

2,

131 141

155

transmitting

certain Resolutions of Congress,

130

-

.

-

155

Theodore Van Wyckto New- York Congress, informing them of the reason of his

Letter from

. . . , . non-attendance, Declaration of Thomas Colden, High Sheriff of Ulster County, acknowledging his opposition to the measures of the Congress, and pledging himself to support them in future, Extract of a Letter from an Officer in the Northern Army: Colonel Ritzema has taken St. Luke La Come and Major Campbell prisoners: The Garrison at Montreal is weak but General Wooster is taking measures to put it in the best order of defence possible, Letter from a Committee of the Assembly to Governour Trumbull, relating to the payment of the Connecticut Troops at Roxbury,

156

156

;

141

142

142

regulating the

and Committee-men, of punishment for America, in Virginia, -

election of Delegates 7.

-

180

conse-

2,

127

and the British West Indies, except-

Colony,

152

A

with us, Great Britain,

. For appointing Sheriffs, For amending the Ordinance for providing Arms and Ammunition for the use of the

in

Winter campaign would reduce, without the smallest doubt, the whole of the Southern country to a proper state of obedience. Letter from Captain Squii-e to Admiral Graves,

ed,

2.

Army,

Cartridges, &c., besides attending to his regular duties as Surgeon, Address of the Magistrates, «&c., of Borough of Jedburgh to the King They hear with alarm, that the Americans, lost to all sense of justice and gratitude, are proceeding in the desperate purpose of shaking off their dependance on . the Mother country, Letter from Lord

-129

Treasurer of the Colony, Adjourned to April 2, to meet in Williamsburgh, Ordinances passed by the Convention 1. For raising an additional number of Forces for the defence and protection of the Colony,

William Wat-

:

American Ports

recommended to the consideration of the . . Continental Congress, All Publick Money, except his Majesty's Quitrents, now in the hands of Collectors, and other Officers, to be paid into the hands of the

150 150

Company, making

124

conduct of the Officers and Militia of Princess Anne County, The propriety of opening

426

:

;

19,

to

vices since he entered the

125

Prisoners sent by the Committee of Northampton County to be examined by the Committee of Safety, Report of the Committee on Prisoners confined in the Publick Jail: Slaves who have borne Arms in the service of Lord Dunmore to be

149

quence of an intimation that he had been absent a long time He was engaged in laying out Fortifications, constructing Field Carriages, raising and exercising an Artillery

Caleb Whitehurst and be discharged on parole not to aid

rich,

Moylan

ington, Letter from Dr. Jackson to New-Hampshire Provincial Congress: Recapitulates his ser-

War;

Lord Dunmore in future, -. Report of Committee on Petition of John Good-

149

r52

-

-

.-..-..

122

others to

-

Letter from Colonel

son, giving him instructions as to fitting out the Armed Vessels. . . . . Letter from General Putnam to General Wash-

of the Continental Association, Colonel Howe appeared before the Convention, and examined concerning the present situation

as Prisoners of

349

:

Vessels,

:

first article

143 349

to

. New- York Congress, . Recantation of David Taylor, Jun., addressed to the Committee for the Town of Danbury, Connecticut, Letter from General Lee to General Burgoyne, Letter from Colonel Moylan to Colonel Wentworth Instructions in regard to captured

sufferings from the

folk,

...

day of January next, Cumberland County Committee

to first 1

their

Report on Representation of Committee of Isle of Wight: John Goodrich declared a friend of the Colony, Report of the Committee on the conduct of John Goodrich, William Goodrich, and John Goodrich, Jun. Bartlctt Goodrich and John Goodrich, Jun., have manifestly violated the

147

:

has not ordered an election of Deputy to the Provincial Congress, Meeting of the New- York Assembly prorogued

sundry Inhabitants of Norfolk and

Petition of

Address of the Gentlemen. &c., of the City of Carlisle to the King Nothing on their part will be wanting to counteract the frantick and nefarious machinations of Aristocratick or . Republican Traitors, Addressof the Gentlemen, Clergy, &c., of Dub. . . . lin, to the King, Letter from Captain Leslie to General Gage, Letter from Captain Fordyce to Captain Urquhart, Letter from Paul Micheau to the New- York Congress Committee of Richmond County :

1

Brig Fanny ordered to be delivered to her owner, Joseph Hewes, of North-Carolina, a member of the General Congress, a known friend to America, and wholly a stranger to the ill conduct of the Captain, Field-Officersof the seven additional Regiments

13,

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.

Mercer elected Colonel of the Third Re-

giment, 12,

XX

1775.

2,

Letter from General

Washington

to

Governour

144

Trumbull: The time of the Connecticut Troops does not expire until the 10th instant,

145

when

mode

others will be in to supply their place

j

156

157

;

XXI

CONTENTS.



yesterday morning, most of them resolved

yet, to

2,

2,

Camp; many went Arms and Ammunition,

leave the

with their Dec.

XXII

1775.

1775.

Moylan

Dec.

-

-

157

William Bartlett It does not appear that Captain Broughton had good reason (or seizing the Sloop Phoebe; and the General orders that she be delivered to -158 Mr. Aborn, Letter from Colonel Moylan to William Bartlett Captain Hunter and his crew to be treat-

Letter from Colonel

to

:

...

2,

2,

2,

4,

some

off,

ed wiih humanity, and may be permitted to live on board the Vessel, Letter from Rev. Eleazer Wheeiock to General Washington, giving him an account of an interview with the famous Major Rogers, and communicating the suspicions entertained that the Major was in the service of the enemy, Letter from General Sullivan to New-Hampshire Committee of Safety, urging them to despatch reinforcements as soon as possible, as the Connecticut Forces have determined to leave the lines, and the enemy in Boston are fully acquainted with our situation, Letter from an Officer in Boston to his friend in Edinburgh The Troops are harassed with constantly watching the Rebels many are sick, and fresh Provisions very dear but the Rebels are in a worse condition from want of

4,

4,

-

Howe

to

-

-

-

Congress: The Jersey Regiments are in want of Clothing, Arms, and Ammunition hopes the six Companies ordered to the Fortress on Hudson's River will march next week,

McKesson

to

Lord

to hasten the march of his Troops the North River, Return of the First New-Jersey Regiment in the Continental Service, under the command

.....

of Lord Stirling, Captain Erskine to Officers of the First Jersey Battalion He has raised and equipped an Independent Company at his own expense at the Ringwood Iron-Works, and complains that his men are inlisted in other Companies, Letter from Walter Livingston to the Congress. Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Council of Massachusetts: Information has been received that persons are to be sent out of Boston, lately inoculated for the Small-Pox, with the design, probably, of spreading the infec-

3,

159

4,

Letter from Colonel Glover to General Washington Captain Manly has brought in apother Prize, Letter from General Sullivan to New-Hamp-

Committee of Safety: The Connecticut Forces begin to leave in Companies, six or seven days before their time is expired The New-Hampshire Troops should be sent immediately, as much may depend upon their speedy arrival, Letter from Joseph Wentworth to Stephen Moylan: Two prizes are at Winter Harbour; they should be removed to some safe Port, . Letter from the New- Hampshire Committee of Safety to Colonel Hobart, urging him to raise a number of Companies in Hillsborough County, with all possible despatch, to guard our lines, left open by the Connecticut Forces, Letter from the New- Hampshire Committee of Safety to Colonel Walker, Letter from General Howe to the Earl of Dartmouth: Fears a general defection of the Canadians, and that the whole Province will fall into the hands of the Rebels; Montreal has surrendered a transport, with Arms, &c., has been taken by a Rebel Privateer; and fearing these advantages will encourage the Rebels to make further attempts, he recommends an increase of the Army in Canada . to twelve thousand fighting men,

4,

160

4,

164

3,

8,

3,

Letter from

Governour Tryon

173

Whitehead

to

Hicks, enclosing an Address to the Inhabitants of New- York, Letter from a Citizen to Governour Tryon, on his Address to the Inhabitants of New- York, Letter from Montrejil to a Gentleman in Philadelphia General Montgomery is on his way to Quebeck; Carleton has about twelve hundred fighting men with him, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Council of Massachusetts, enclosing Permits, &c., from the Committees of Falmouth, Massachusetts, and Suffolk Countj-, New- York, to Captain Fanning, of Nantucket, to transport Provisions to that Island, . . Letter from Colonel Moylan to the Council of Massachusetts, with a list of Prisoners, -

4,

4,

Letter from

165

166

173 174

4,

166

chusetts Council,

166 167

175

175

176

Letter

....

4,

.....

George Leonard,

Jun., to the

177 177

178

1222

Mas-

4,

sachusetts Council, 1232 Letter from General Gates to the Massachusetts Council, 1253 Letter from Robert H. Harrison to William

4,

Bartlett The General does not consider the Sloop sent in by Captain Broughton a prize, and will have nothing to do with her, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to William

4,

Palfrey, Letter from Stephen

4,

:

168

:

.....

New- York

Stirling to the

from Governour Cooke to General Washington, asking how he is to dispose of Captain Stanhope, of the British Navy, a near relation of Earl Stanhope, lately made prisoner at Newport, Court-Martial at Roxburyon Prisoners charged with desertion to the enemy, Letter from General Washington to Colonel McDougall: Cannon is much wanted, but a full supply of Shot and Shells has been obtained from the captured Store-Ship, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Massa-

4,

shire

3,

172

Lord

'

...

159

:

3,

to Isaac Bonnell, giving directions about the Barracks, &c., -

-

Lord

:

168

tion,

3,

172 172

-

to

...

:

3,

-

Letter from

urging him to

-

Letter from

Congress, applying for Fire-Arms for the Jersey Troops ordered to the new Fort in the Highlands, on Hudson River,

Stirling:

At present there is neither Provincial Congress nor Committee of Safety in session. Letter from Lord Stirling to Colonel Maxwell,

has of forty -

4,

;

Letter from John

sum

Stirling,

4,

4,

171

New-Hamp-

Congress

the

-

Samuel Tucker Letter from Lord Stirling

4,

the Earl of Dart-

mates, with occasional Remarks, Letter from Lord Stirling to the President of

New-Hampshire

thousand Dollars,

mouth, enclosing copies of Returns and Esti3,

Committee of Safety:

voted for

;

Clothing and Shelter,

Letter from Josiah Bartlett to the shire

158

171

liamsburgh: Advantages have been gained in

158

;

Letter from General

tressed brethren in the lower Couiuies, Letter from Colonel Scott to a friend in Wil-

several skirmishes with the King's Troops; while writing, alarm gun fired, and a number of Houses at the Great Bridge on fire,

:

2,

Committee of Louisa County, Virginia, offer, in the name of the whole County, to make the best provision in their power for their dis-

4,

168

169 169

4,

178

Moylan

Colonel Glover: The General has received the account of the capture of the Concord, but does not feel authorized to declare English Vessels in the merchant service lawful captures, and has referred the matter to Congress, . . Letter from William Watson to Colonel Moylan: He supplied the. wants of the Crew, and the Brigantine has been repaired, and has sailed,

168

178

to

.......

179

179

Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress :. He has called for five

thousand men from Massachusetts and NewHampshire, to make up the deficiency of the Connecticut men, who will all leave on the 10th instant; and fears the same defection in other troops, when their time expires. The trouble with the Crews of the Armed Vessels inexpressible; Manly's success has lately quieted his people; the Crews of the Washington and Harrison have actually deserted is

them. The want of Powder is so great that nothing offensive can be attempted; there is barely enough to defend the lines in case of

;

an attack,

-

-

-

-

-

-180

Putnam to General Washington, requesting him to recommend Colonel Babcock for Brigadier-General,

Letter from General

170

...

132

XXIII

CONTENTS.

1775.

1775.

Dtc.

1,

Resolution of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts, calling the attention of General Washington to the importance of Cape

-..-..

5,

5.

5,

5,

Cod Harbour, General Orders, from December 1 to December 5, Letter from Colonel Scott, at Great Bridge: There is hardly an hour in the day but they exchange shot with the British, . Notice by William Whclcroft, Postmaster at Annapolis: The Constitutional Post-Office having been instituted by the Congress, it is hoped that all well-wishers to the opposition in America will promote the same, Letter from Lord Stirling to the President of Congress: The Troops to be sent from NewJersey to the Highlands cannot be quartered contiguous to the new Fortress on the Hudson River, for there are not five habitable houses within five miles of it. Ijetter from Colonel Woodhull to Lord Stirling: The Barracks at the new Foit in the Highlands are now crowded, and it is impossible to quarter the Jersey Troops there; in the course of the winter additional Barracks will be built to accommodate one thousand men, Letter from the Provincial Congress of NewYork to the Commissioners at the Highlands, urging them to complete Barracks for one thousand men as soon as possible. New- York Committee: Petition to the Provincial Congress, complaining of the seizing and carrying off Rivington's types at noon-day, by Captain Sears, and praying that some means may be devised to protect the liberty . and property of the Inhabitants, Express despatched to give notice of the sailing of an Armed Vessel up the North River, William Leary appointed Town-Major, Colonels of Regiments authorized to appoint days for election of Company Officers to fill vacancies,

.-.--. -------

example will be followed by the Forces from the other New-England Colonies. He suggests that vigorous measures may be adopted, if the powers of the Government are adequate, to facilitate the completion of the Army, which cannot be recruited in that their

182 182

any reasonable time by voluntary 183

5.

to

command,

184 5,

184

5,

185 5,

185

5,

186 186

amounts

to six

hundred and seventy-five men,

Canada

5.

Thomas, giving an account of the difficulties and sufferings of Arnold's Detachment in their . march to Canada, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General

jn

186

5,

187

5,

187

5,

6,

188

6,

190 6,

190 6,

The Resolve pay the men by the

6,

;

5,

to

the Recruiting Service,

Letter from General Washington to the Assembly of Massachusetts, giving a statement of his situation in consequence of the refusal of

the Connecticut Troops to continue in service at this critical time, and expressing his fears

-------

192

192

193

193

193

William Bartlett The General orders that the Schooner Thomas, from Fayal, seized by Captain Coit,

Letter from Colonel

Moylan

to

It is not the inbe immediately surrendered. tention of the Continent to interrupt good citizens in their trade, Letter from the General Court of Massachusetts 10 their Delegates in Congress, representing the difficulty arising from the determination of the Congress to pay by the calendar month, after Massachusetts had agreed to pay by the lunar month,

Letter

-----

194

------

194

from the New-Hampshire Committee of

Troops required of them, Proclamation to the Governour of Nova-Scotia: A daring and traitorous Rebellion against his Majesty subsists in his Colonies on the Continent; and many of the Rebels having dared to insult and invade the Province, he declared martial law to be in full force therein, Address of the Noblemen, &c., of the County of Caithness, to the King: Alarmed with the prospect of seeing the freest empire God ever framed rent by an unnatural war in America, and an unprovoked faction at home, they pledge their lives and fortunes to subdue a rebellion premeditated, unprovoked, and that

195

every day is becoming more general, Address of the Magistrates, &c., of the Royal Burgh of Cupar, in Fife, to the King, General Meeting of the Planters of the Sugar Colonies, residing in Great Britain; and of the London Merchants trading to the said Colonics; their Proceedings, and Petition to the

196

House of Commons. 190

from

blow

support,

Safety to General Sullivan: They are making effort to furnish, by the 10th instant, the

Otis:

effectual

its

from General Washington to Colonel Arnold, offering to him and his brave followers sincere thanks for their enterprising and persevering spirit during their long and fatiguing march, Letter from General Washington to Governour Cooke: H(! is convinced of the impracticability of recruiting the Army by voluntary inlistments; but this is not a time for trifling; and the exigency of affairs calls aloud for vi. gorous exertions, Letter from Colonel Moylan to the Salem Committee, referring to them, by direction of the General, the case of the Kingston Packet, taken at Barrington, in Nova-Scotia, Letter from Colonel Moylan to Captain Wadsworth, directing him to examine the Harbour of Cape-Cod, and report what Fortifications may be necessary for the defence of its en-

every

General Washington to James of the General Court to lunar month aims a most Lord fatal stab to the peace of the Army North himself could not have devised a more

Letter

-191

General

:

186

Isaiah

to-

------

Schuyler, 5.

Officer

to

Letter

trance, 5,

own Detachment

Letter from an

-

-

------

184

:

•o,

-

rior to every obstacle in 5,

Letter from Colonel Arnold to General WashGeneral Montgomery, with three ington hundred men, joined him at Point-aux-Trembies on the 3d instant; his

-

Knows his complaints are wellfounded, but begs he will not think of resigning. The cause we are engaged in is so just and righteous, that we must try to rise supe-

;

---..---

-

General Washington

Letter from

Schuyler:

proposes to amuse a formal attick; but means to assault the works towards the Lower Town, and thinks there is a fair prospect of

success,

:

of the Militia now to be raised are put upon the same footing, in all respects, as the rest of the American Army under his

:

men

191

Soldiers

Letter from General Montgomery to General Schuyler Has arrived before Quebeck with

about three hundred Mr. Carleton with

inlisiments,

from the General Court of Massachusetts General Washington The Officers and

De.c.1, Letter

John MyfonI, charged with inlisting men for the Asia Man-of-War, reprimanded and discharged, Letter from Major Skene to Hugh Gaine, declaring that the assertion that he had violated his Parole is groundless, . . Letter from the Committee of Dutchess County to the New- York Congress: Three persons, material witnessfs against prisoners charged with inlisting men for the Ministerial Army, have refused to be sworn, and contemned the authority of the Committee. As there are many officious Ministerial Agents in the County, the advice of the Congress how to . act in the premises is solicited, Letter from Colonel Knox to General Washington, with a list of Stores to be conveyed from Ticonderoga to the Camp, -

XXIV

-----

Gentleman in Henrico to his friend in Williamsburgh, explaining the condition of the People in the lower Counties, who are suffering for want of Salt, Committee for Chesterfield County, Virginia, de-

195

197

197

Letter from a

199

clare that Edward Johnston, of Manchester, has wilfully violated the Proclamation of

20n 6,

. the Committee of Safety, Letter from Samuel Patterson to the Delaware Delegates in Congress Offers the Congress

200

:

one thousand Pounds in gold; and will take, in exchange, their bills now in circulation, -

200

::

CONTENTS.

XXV 1775.

Richard Henry Lee

General improveitionts on the Kenhawa have not been destroyed by the Indians, Letter from Edmund Pendleton to Richard Henry Lee: Moveraenis of the Troops in Virginia; action at Kemp's Landing, Memorial of John Bull, of Philadelphia, to the

Dec. G, Letter from

Washing^ton

6,

6,

6,

:

Has reason

to

to believe the

Congress, requesting authority may bo given him to dispose of the Lands belonging to the Nanticokes, in Maryland, who arc desirous of removing to live with the Six Nations, Letter from Lord Stirling to the President of Congress,

201

are clearly of opinion that the words of the Resolve will not justify the construction suggested to his Excellency by General Heath, Dec. 7, Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress Broughton and Selman are returned without affecting any good purpose;

Mr. Calibeck and two

201 7,

7,

202 7,

6.

------

7,

Letter from Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant to the

7,

Letter from

203

...

van, communicating his Plan for raising for the 6,

204 8 8,

205

......

205 205

8,

7,

...

254

Letter from

7.

koop,

......

7, 7,

Letter from

210

cut in the Letter from the General Court of Massachusetts to General Washington, in reply to his Letter of the 5th instant to Mr. Otis They :

215 1236

John Adams, with a

215 215

216

.....

217

the

.....

217

New-England

Thomas Lynch

Militia in

General Wash-

Letter from the

8,

to President Hancock, Letter from the Provincial Congress to the New-

8,

Petition of

8,

to

218

New- York

Provincial Congress

Delegates in Continental Congress,

John Marks

-

391

392

New-York Con-

to the

gress for assistance in establishing the business of making Nails, which is much needed, Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress: The men are in want of suitiible Clothing for the winter He has not been able to settle the accounts with the Soldiers, from which the cause will suffer extremely;

218

:

8,

211 8,

that

have gone home, have sworn

from Abram Davenport to Governour Trumbull, asking permission for a Vessel to go to the West Indies with Provisions, and to bring back Military Stores, Letter from General Washington to General

219

Letter

220

Sullivan: The intention of yesterday's Order, respecting the Review of the Connecticut Troops, is only to afford a good opportunity

430 212

of

making choice

may

:

The zeal and ardour of Connecticommon cause may be relied on, .

....

to

that they will never re-engage in the service,

Governour Trumbull to General Washington The reprehensible conduct of some of the Troops of the Colony has excited grief, surprise, and indignation. Care will be taken to make examples of some of the ringleaders.

.

8,

Cum-

berland County, to Colonel Williams and Paul Spooner, Recantation of Gideon Lownsbery, -

to call forth

numbers

212

Letter from Inhabitants of Westminster,

-

Letter from ington,

will

of the measures they have heretofore pursued, Letter from Colonel Holmes to Captain Wyn-

-

8,

:

adopt measures to promote among them peace and harmony, . . Reply of the Kinderhook Committee in defence

John Waite

any emergency,

Albany Committee to Committee of the District of Kinderhook Earnestly re. commending to the District of Kinderhook that they

-

Governments of the several New-England Colonies The Congress is alarmed at the want of publick spirit, and backwardness in the Soldiers to reinlist, and the dreadful consequences that must ensue, should the lines be abandoned, and the General deserted, at a critical moment, Letter from the President of Congress to General Washington: General Schuyler has orders to forward what Cannon and Lead he can spare the Congress are sensibly affected with his situation, regret the backwardness of the Troops to reinlist. and have empowered

York 207 207 210

7,

.

and Navy, Advices from the interior of South-Carolina: Action with Cunningham's party, Letter from the President of Congress to Committee for Fredericktown, with the Thanks of Congress for their vigilance in seizing Cameron, Smith, and Connolly, Letter from the President of Congress to the

him

206 206

House of Commons by Mr. Hartley, . Letter from William Do Hart to Lord Stirling, Letter from the Commissioners for Fortifications to the New- York Congress,

general,

;

Plan of Reconciliation with the Colonies offered

7,

214

:

7,

in the

is

....

8,

205

206

Letter from General Folsom to the New-Hampshire Committee of Safety: Is exerting himself to raise Troops to march immediately to the Camp,

214

statement of the losses he sustained when Falmouth was burnt by the Ministerial Troops

men

new Army,

214

to

Massachusetts Council,

429

214

Stephen Moylan: In such cases as that of the Kingston Packet, if Committees in different Towns give differ, ent judgments it will cause great difficulties; it should be determined by Judges whose jurisdiction

205

Litchfield,

Captain Hunter and others, Prisoners sent to be quartered in Connecticut, allowed to reside in Wethersfield on their parole, Letter received from General Washington, informing that a number of the Connecticut Troops had deserted the service, Letter ordered to be sent in reply, expressing the resentment of the Council at the conduct of the Troops, Letter from General Washington to Governour Cooke, Letter from Colonel Moylan to Timothy Pickering: It will give the General great pleasure to contribute to the particular safety of the Inhabitants of Salem, when he can do so consistent with his duty to defend the whole, Letter from Stephen Moylan to Captain Bartlett, Letter from James Sullivan to General Sulli-

Cooke, requesting him to send Captain Stanhope and the two Midshipmen to Northampton on parole, Letter from General Washington to the Committee for Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, Letter from Richard Derby to Stephen Moylan The Committee at Salem have declined acting in the case of the Kingston Packet, but say there does not appear the least cause to detain the vessel, Letter from .John Pickering

;

6.

-

7,

;

6,

-

Governour

.....

203

:

brought in

others,

Prisoners, have been discharged, Letter from General Washington to

---...

202

Punishment of Thomas Randolph, of Quibble-

Committees, Declaration of the Inhabitants of Queen's County, New- York The report that they are inimical to the American cause is void of truth; they wish to remain peaceable and quiet have the means of protecting themselves, and will not submit to bo disarmed, Letter from Inhabitants of Putney, Cumberland County, New- York, to Colonel Williams and Paul Spooner, Letter from an Officer in the Camp before Quebeck: The men are in high spirits if Q,uebeck does not surrender soon, it is the General's intention to carry the Tovv'n by storm, Connecticut Council of Safety: Officers and Sailors of the Armed Vessel taken near St. John's ordered to be sent to the County of

191

:

town. New -Jersey, for reviling and opposing the Continental and Provincial Congresses and

f

XXVI

1775.

be found

fit

of such of their Arms as of the new Army,

for the use

-------

8,

Letter from Robert

8,

Letter from Colonel Moylan to the Salem mittee The General cannot decide

Thomas,

H. Harrison

:

to

220

General

221

Comupon

breaches of the Association that comes under the cognizance of the Committees of ;

213

Safety, 8i

Letter from Stephen

The

22t

Moylan

Colonel Glover General desires he will put Captain Derto

:

:

:

CONTENTS.

xxvn 1775.

by in possession of Kinprston Packet, and so manage ihe uialter that Head-Quarters may hear no more of it, Dec.

8,

iJec. 10,

Letter from General Sullivan to the New-Hampshire Committee of Safety General Wash-

ington

..... .... .....

Kew-Hampshire,

8,

8,

9,

10,

10,

Letter from Jonathan Titcomb, and others, to Benjamin Greenleaf, 1229 Letter from Thomas Jones, and others, to Benjamin Greenleaf, 1229 Proclamation by the Governour of Nova-Scotia

10,

Fearing the evil consequences that may ensue from permitting strangers, who may be in the interest of the Rebels, to resort to the Town of Halifax, all persons coming there are required to report themselves within two hours, or they will be treated as Spies, Letter from London Measures of the Ministry to carry into effect their plans with regard to

10,

222

ca, is to

9,

9,

to

be

;

;

York, Virginia, and South-Carolina, Letter from Colonel Woodford to Edmund Pendleton, informing him of the attack and defeat of the British at Great Bridge, Letter from Major Spotswood to a friend in

9,

Williamsburgh, with sundry particulars of the battle at Great Bridge, Committee of King and Queen County, Virginia, examine into the charge against William Lyne, of endeavouring to prejudice the Minute Service, and decide that he appears to be a friend to American liberty, Letter from the Committee for Trenton, NewJersey, to the President of Congress, on the conduct of the Prisoners on parole at that place, -

New- York Congress

9,

Letter from

9,

Letter from Provincial Congress to New-York Delegates in Continental Congress, -

9,

Letter from

9,

Letter from Colonel David Mulford to the

to

for

9,

223

New- York Congress

Congress,

to

224

II,

11,

224 11,

11,

224

11,

Letter from General Schuyler to General

11,

397 397 408

11.

Wash-

11,

9,

George, and they will be sent to Cambridge the first snow, Letter from General Schuyler to General Washington, with a Return of the Artillery at Ti. . conderoga, Crown-Point, &c., Letter from Governour Trumbull to General Washington, Letter from Elbridge Gerry to Massachusetts

9,

Council, Letter from

General Gates

to

227

Letter from Colonel

...

227

9,

four Prisoners for examination, Letter from William Bartlettto General Washington: Captain Manly has brought in two

more Prizes, Account of the capture of the two Vessels by Captain Manly, Letter from Colonel Woodford to the Virginia

--.--.

227

10,

10,

Otis,

11.

with

....

(Note,) Letter from

228

n.

228

12,

to

Lord

Stirling

do every thing that was required; the Assembly passed a law for repairing the several Barracks, but it was lost

Lowrey

Lord

10,

Letter from Colonel

10,

has been with Mr. Hancock, and many Members of Congress, urging them to provide for the necessary articles; they have promised something should be done, Letter from Gilbert Potter to New- York Con-

to

Stirling

He

gress,

-..---.

-

.

-

-

.

.

sentenced by a Court-Martial to be imprisoned there, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General

235 235

235 1229

235

236

Letter from Robert H. Harrison to Thomas Crafts, Jun., Letter from William Bartlett to General Wash-

236

:

236

from the Committee for Beverly, Massachusetts, to General Washington, request-

Petition

ing they may be supplied with some Guns and Powder, as they are much exposed, and entirely without the means of defence, Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress The inlistments go on at a slow rate; the Militia are coming in fast; Massachusetts and New-Hampshire have shown great alacrity on the occasion, Letter from General Washington to Governour Trumbull,

236

12.

12.

229 404

General Sullivan to Meshech Weare: The Congress having given NewHampshire a power to assume Government, he submits his views of the form which will best answer the true end and design thereof, Address of the Magistrates and Council of the Burgh of Kirkwall to the King, Address of the Noblemen- and Gentlemen of the County of Roxburgh to the King, . Letter from Colonel Woodford to the Virginia Convention: He has taken some of the principal Tories of Norfolk, and sends their exLetter

237 238 238 240

11,

to

in the Council,

-

Proceedings of a Court-Martial for the trial of Lieutenant-Colonel Enos, General Orders, from December 6 to December

227 228

Samuel Tucker

235

:

Convention, Full account of the battle at the Great Bridge,

Has endeavoured

234 234

Letter from General Washington to the Committee of Symsbury, requesting, them to secure, in the Jail at that place, certain Prisoners

...

11,

Massachusetts

James

.....

ington

226

9,

to

...

much

1227

Moylan

Parliamentary Post be not permitted to travel or pass through the Province, with any Mail, Packages, or Letters, Letter from Captain Conway to Lord Stirling, . Letter from Captain Morris to Lord Stirling: Has no Money to buy Arms, and half his Company have none, Committee for Barnard's Township, New-Jersey, declare Nathaniel Haten an enemy to the liberties of America, Letter from Colonel NicoU to John McKesson, Letter from Governour Cooke to General Washington Mr. Penet has arrived with proposals for supplying the United Colonies with Arms and warlike Stores, Letter from William Sever to General Wash-

The valuable Prizes at Beverly are exposed, as there is nothing to defend them with; there are forts and breastworks, but no guns nor ammunition,

225

1227

Council,

......

Ward. 11.

:

9,

..--..

ington, 11,

New-

......

230

to

...

225

ington Colonel Knox will get the articles he wants, except Powder and Flints, at Fort

9,

-

:

Committee

.....

Washington

in,

396

Tryon County,

York

11,

General

Schuyler,

-

William

1229 James Otis, 1229 Letter from Thomas Crafts, Jun., to General Washington, 1229 Letter from Stephen Moylan to William Bartlett, giving instructions in regard to the two Prizes last sent in, 230 Letter from Stephen Moylan to William Bartlett, directing the cargo of the two Prizes to be laid up in a secure place, and to assist Captain Adams in preparing for a cruise, 231 Letter from General Greene to Samuel Ward The inlistments proceed slowly; the RhodeIsland Troops are home-sick the Connecticut Troops are going off in shoals NewHampshire behaves nobly their Troops engage cheerfully; in Massachusetts they are zealous to engage in the service, 232 Address of the Provost, &c.,of the Royal Burgh . . of Wick, to the King, 232 Letter from Colonel Woodford to Edmund Pendleton The enemy has abandoned the Fort at the Great Bridge, and he has taken possession of it, 233 Order of the Maryland Convention, that the Letter from General

:

those

...

9,

11.

the

now in Ameribe twenty-six thousand men they divided in America, and sent to New-

whole Force, including are

Boston

at

tcr

;

11,

:

Grand Armament

Jun.,

;

222

Letter from a Gentleman in London to his friend in Virginia Government does not intend to the

Crafts,

;

:

make

Thomas

Letter from

Cooper,

221

the Colonies, 9,

10, 10.

extremely pleased with the vigorous and noble spirit of the People of

is

exertions

Account of the burning and plundering by the British at Conanieut, Rhode-Island,

221

:

8,

XXVIII

1775.

from

aminations

to the

Convention,

-

.

.

241

243 244

244

"

: :

CONTENTS.

XXIX 1775.

------

12,

of Prisoners, Regulations adopted by the Committee for Hanover County, Virginia, respecting Salt, Letter from the Committee of Secret Correspondence to Arthur Lee: The Congress desires to know the disposition of foreign Powers towards us; in this, great circumspection and impenetrable secrecy are necessary: we continue firm in our resolutions to defend ourselves, notwithstanding the big threats of the

-------

12.

Ministry, Price of Oil regulated byihe Philadelphia

12,

Letter from

245

14,

245 14,

---..-

14.

14, 14,

246

14,

Com246

mittee,

Lord

New-Jersey

Stirling to the

gress, 14,

Committee of Safety: Has quietly got possesBarracks

sion of the 12,

at

Amboy,

New- York Congress

Letter from

-

to

-

-

12,

12, 12,

12, 12,

14,

-

247

Recantation of Lewis Macdonald, of Bedford, Westchester County, New- York, Recantation of Stephen Baxter, of Bedford,

247 248

better for the future,

.

.

General Schuyler to Governour Trumbull: The two Skenes, and some other Officers, have broke their parole of honour, Letter from Dr. Morgan to Gen. Washington, General Lee to Richard Henry Lee: Congress should be more decisive; indecision will ruin us; indecision has thrown the affairs of Virginia into their present situation Lord Dunmore should have been disarmed of his teeth and claws, and Tryon an:l all his Tories seized at New- York: recommends the adoption of some strong measures, Letter from General Gates to General Sullivan, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to Dr. Stiles, Letter from Timothy Pickering to the Council

12, 12,

12,

12,

Letter from Colonel

13,

Charles Stewart to Governour Penn: His proceedings with the Intruders from New-England on Lands in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Agreement of the Intruders to submit to the laws of Pennsylvania, Committee appointed by the General Commit-

vention,

-

-

-

Virginia Con-

-

-

-

Edward Jones

to

Congress, Letter from

the

Commissioners

New-Jersey,

253

not possi-

254 430

Letter from Inhabitants of

13,

Letter from

13,

Letter from

County, New-York, to William Sever

to

Troops from

General Wash-

1232

ington,

Baldwin

Robert H. Harrison

to

Colonel

None

of the persons lately sent out be permitted to approach the Camp if they have the small-pox, it might beof fatal consequence to the Army, Letter from Stephen Moylan to William Watson, Letter from Elbridge Gerry to Samuel Adams :

255 255

Continental General ought not to have any command of the Militia; it would lead a servant of the Government to forget his station, and conceive himself its master, . Letter from. General Howe to the Earl of Dart-

mouth

The

festing the

255

Letter from Stephen

-

-

-

.

.

260

260-

261

261

262

263

Moylan

to

263

264

Wash-

264

Colonel Went-

The two Vessels sent into Winter Harbour were unjustly taken, and must be

worth:

delivered up, Letter from Major Rogers to General Washington, enclosing his parole and passports, and requesting permission to go unmolested where

may call him. Army in Boston,

Condition of the British

264

265 266

CONNECTICUT ASSEMBLY. New-Haven,

.....

Members, William Williams elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Richard Law, Clerk, An Act for equipping a body of Minute-Men, to be in readiness for the better defence of this Colony, An Act for encouraging the Manufactures of Saltpetre and Gunpowdier, An Act for restraining and punishing Persons who are inimical to the liberties of this and the rest of the United Colonies, and for directing proceedings therein, An Act, in addition to a law'of this Colony, enti-

267 267

268

268 269

270

An Act for the punishment of Deserters, Act empowering the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army to administer an

272

Oath,

273

An

Act

for altering

and further ascertaining the the

Town

of

Westmore273

Delegates to the General Congress to be chosen . annually in October, Selectmen of each Town for the time being, appointed Inspectors of Nitre and Saltpetre,

273

274

examine where any Mines or Mineral substances containing Sulphur may be

Committee

state of

Bay,

432

Governour

land, in this Colony,

Provisions gives rise to alarming apprehensions; and the uncertainty of Vessels getting into Boston is rendered more precarious by the Rebel Privateers in:

to

14,

Bounds and Limits of

A

13,

Cooke,

-

Washington

tled

;

13,

427

An

of Boston can

13,

-

List of the

Fulham, Cumberland Paul Spooner,-

13,

-

Letter from William Bartlett to General ington,

Z)f(;.14,Meet at

---...

ble to prepare Barracks for the

ber 14, Letter from General

252

for FortificaIt is

259 259 295

251

254

New- York Congress:

tions to

258

December 13 and Decem-

for

his private business

New- York

the

-

-

14.

14,

New- York,

Letter from

-

--------------..-. -------

pitals,

14,

sustained 13,

------

General Orders

-251

to ascertain the damages by the City and County, from the Ministerial Army and Navy, .

258

in dispute be-

Letter from General Washington to the Presi. dent of Congress, Letter from Doctor Morgan to General Washington, reporting the condition of the Hos-

Letter from

tee of

Lands

to the

tween Connecticut and Pennsylvania, Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress: We have now full proof that the Ministerial Servants have attempted to engage the Savages against us, Report of Joseph Hopkins to the Assembly of Connecticut, on the Lead-Mine at New-Ca

14,

249 to the

.

Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress, informing him of the arrival of Messrs. Penet and Pliarne, who propose a plan of supplying the Continent with

14.

13,

Howe

.

14.

248 249 249

13,

7,

-



Arms and Ammunition,

of Massachusetts, 1231 Letter from Joseph Otis to General Washington, 1337 Letter from Colonel N. Freeman to General

ber

-

Colonel Levi Pawling to New. . York Congress, Letter from the Commissioners for Indian Affairs to the President of Congress, giving information about a Speech of an Indian in

naan,

248 263

- 1337 Washington, Declaration by the Convention of Virginia, on Lord Dunmore's Proclamation of Novem-

13,

14,

Letter from

-----

-

257

Letter from

Council, relating

;

12,

14,

401

Recantation of James Miller, of Bedford, NewYork: Acknowledges he has acted against the liberties of his country, and promises to

behave 12,

246

Governour

Trumbull,

of the Freeholders, &c., of the County . of Peebles, to the King, Letter from St. Eustatia, signed "Yankoo, communicated to the House of Representatives of Massachusetts by the Speaker, Declaration by the Virginia Convention, on Lord Dunmore's Proclamation, oflering freedom to such able-bodied Slaves as are willing to join bin), Letter from Lord Stirling to Captain Polhemus, Litter from Lord Stirling to Captain Conway, Letter from Colonel Maxwell to Lord Stirling, Letter from William Bedlow to Nathaniel Woodhull, President of the New- York Con

/)ec. 14, Address

UccA 2,Letter from Colonel Scott to Captain Southall Lord Dunmore has applied for an exchange 12,

XXX

1775.

found in the Colony, to procure and for the Colony,

Committee

256

to

274 fit

out

Armed

Vessels

274

— CONTENTS.

XXXI 1775.

xxxn

1775.

Troops now

stationed on the Sea-Coast to be continued in service, and the several Batteries to be supplied with Cannon, . Lieutenant Benjamin Kilborn cashiered for treasonable declarations against the United Coloto

make allotment of Lands to

for their support,

-

Report of Committee

New-Canaan,

to

Recantation of James Judd, of Danbury, Connec-

16,

Letter from General Montgomery to General Wooster: He proposes, the first strong north-

274

ticut,

-

-

-

-

-

278 591

16,

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.

King's Ship from some people in Norfolk, Letter from Colonels Howe and Woodford to Captain Squire; They have given no orders

15,

....

on the Otter, Letter from Captain Covenhoven to Lord to

fire

277

Polhemus

15,

Letter from Captain

New- York Committee

to

Lord

Stirling,

Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant Van W^agenen Quebeck makes an obstinate defence a Flag sent them to surrender was fired at by Carleton above two hundred Shells have . been thrown into the Town, Letter from Samuel Norton to the Assembly of Massachusetts, Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress Several Vessels sailed from Boston this day; Halifax is given out for their destination, but it is possible they may be bound elsewhere, -

1,5,

Mr. Graham charged with supplying Provisions to the Asia Man-of-War, Regulations for the Military Night Watch, • Letter from Richmond County Committee to

15,

the Letter

New- York

Congress,

-

-

.

.

;

278 16,

16,

...

men now

at

15,

16,

Letter from General

279 279

16,

Letter from Peleg ington,

16,

Report of Committee appointed by the Commit-

15,

15,

Boston, Letter from Colonel

15,

Letter from Colonel

to

280 17,

letf.

16,

16,

280

17,

427

16,

Letter from Colonel Connolly to Captain Lord,

16,

Letter from Colonel Connolly to Captain Ler-

16,

Letter from Colonel Connolly to Captain Lord, Letter from Colonel Connolly to Mrs. Connolly,

nault,

16, 1-6,

16,

-

-

Letter from Samuel Tucker to Lord Stirling, Letter from Lord Stirling to Captain Longstreet,

16,

Letter from

Lord

Stirling to Captain

Conway,

291

454

New-Hampshire, apporntcd

place Obstructions to prevent the passage of the enemy's Ships up the Piscataqua River, Letter from Colonel Scott to Captain Southall:

291

have possession of Norfolk; almost all fled on board the British Ships; our duty is very hard, the Guards have not been relieved for forty-eight hours, Letter from Colonel Woodford to Edmund Pendleton His correspondence with Captain Squire; refuses to permit any communication with the Ships-of-War, and will not surrender the Brig demanded, Return of the Forces under command of Colonel Howe,, at Norfolk, Letter from a Member of the Continental Congress to his Friend in Williamsburgh, Letter from Lord Stirling to the President of Congress: The Tories in every part of the Province have of late assumed fresh courage, and talk very daringly; it is said a combination is formed to oppose the measures of the Congress, and that their List of Association already amounts to four thousand men, Stations intended for the two Regiments in New-

294

Jersey, Letter from Colonel

295 295

inhabitants

....--

17,

17,

17,

282 282 283

.......

17,

17,

285

Maxwell to Lord Stirling, Letter from Colonel Maxwell to Lord Stirling: He has got no farther than Woodbridge; Mr. Patterson, who had him entirely in his power, would go no farther, Letter from Colonel Knox toColonel McDougall, urging him to use his influence that there may be immediately sent to Cambridge a quantity

...

284

McKee,

-

292

:

281 281

17,

of Shells, .Letter from Colonel Knox to General WashingHe has made forty-two strong Sleds ton

292

294

294

296

296

:

the Cannon, and engaged O.xen to drag them as far as Springfield; if snow falls, will . soon have them in Camp, -

296

Cannon and Mortars brought from Ticonderoga to Fort George by Colonel Knox,

297

for

285

List of

Cannon, Stores, &c., ordered from NewYork. Letter from General Washington to New- York

List of

;

16,

-

.._.---

the

Moylan to William BartThe General is much surprised at the

rapacity of the crews in stripping the Prizes of every thing they could lay their hands upon; all must be restored, or the value deducted from the shares of the pillagers, Speech of John Derk Van der Capellan, upon the request of the King of Great Britain for the loan of the Scotch Brigade, in the Assembly of the States of Overyssell, and inserted in the Records of that Province, Extract of a Letter from London to a Gentleman in Virginia: Parliament has shut up all the Ports of America at present the Nation is against us, and think we shall be an easy prey, Letter from Colonel John Connolly to Alexander

-

We

280

William Bart-

lett,

-

291

to

284

Moylan

-

the

to

Wadsworth to General Wash-

tee of Safety of

Letter

15,

Washington

bly of Massachusetts,

Ticon-

from General Washington to Joseph Reed, Letter from General Washington to Governour Trumbull, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to James Warren, transmitting a Donation from Fairfax County, Virginia, for the Suffering Poor of

290

Assem-

279

:

deroga, Crown Point, and Fort George, there will probably not be one left by the first of next month,

------

290

:

279

from General Schuyler to General Washington The Army in Canada is con-

stantly decreasing; of the

290 ;

Names

------

289

:

Mr. E>aubeny convicted of attempting, inadvertently, to send some necessaries on board the Asia, reprimanded and discharged, of the Members as they voted on the question to discharge Mr. Daubeny, Door-Keeper required to see every absent Member and obtain a Declaration, in writing, whether they mean to be considered Members of the Committee,

-

Army

16,

Stir-

ling.

15,

;

-

Letter from an Officer in the Continental before Quebec k,

fired at the

15,

Charges him with cruelly to Priand firing upon a flag of truce

16, i5ec. 15, Letter

15,

:

and

demands a surrender of the Garrison,

the Harbour, Letter from Captain Squire, of the Otter, to the Officer commanding at Norfolk, informing him that several Musket Balls were last night

i

;

Carleton

15,

283

make two attacks on Quebeck, by on the Lower Town, the other upon Cape Diamond Bastion he has but. 289 about eight hundred men fit for duty, Ijelter from General Montgomery to General soners,

from Colonel Howe to the President of the Virginia Convention, Letter from Colonel Woodford to Virginia Convention: All the principal Tories at Norfolk have gone on board the Ships-of-War in

1

wester, to

examine a Lead-Mine

-

288

night, one

Indians -

-

from Lord Stirling to John VanEmberg,

16,

276

nies,

Committee

in

Z)cc. l6,Letter

287

17,

617 617

17,

Congress,

618 618 618 287

288 288

-.-...-

298 437

Letter from General Washington to Governour Cooke, requesting him to have removed, without delay, the Cattle from Block Island, to prevent their falling into the hands of the Ministerial Army, now in great want of fresh Provisions,

......

17,

Letter from General

17,

Letter

Washington

to

Trumbull, from General Washington

Ward,

298

Governour

298 to

General

298

b

:::

CONTENTS.

XXXIII 1776.

...-.--

/)ec.l7, Reports of Captain

ington,

Dodge

to

General Wash-

DecAi i,Letter from General Wooster 29S

Letter from General Sullivan to General Washington: Has examined Major Rogers, who has given an account of his movements since he left New- York on the 10th of October

17,

18,

to

General Schuy-

He

discharged no men between Albany and Ticonderoga, but gave the Connecticut Troops a furlough to pass to New-England, as they might be serviceable there, Letter from Governour Cooke to the President of Congress, Letter from General Washington to General Howe: Colonel Allen has been treated without regard to decency, humanity, or the rules of war whatever fate he undergoes, shall be the fate of Brigadier Prescott, Letter from General Washington to General Schuyler Requests him to inquire into the manner of Colonel Allen's treatment, and the truth of the reports that Major Rogers had been acting under General Carleton, Letter from General Greene to Samuel Ward This is no time for disgusting the Soldiery, when their aid is so essential to the preservation of the rights of human nature, and the liberties of America: The People are brave and spirited, but exceedingly avaricious they ler

:

310

-310

300

last,

XXXIV

1775.

18,

NORTH-CAROLINA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

:

Dec.18, Council met County,

at

the Court-House of Johnston

299

Walter Lamb

to be tried by the Committee of Safety for the District of Halifax,

19,

------

Order Gtorge Massingbird to be discharged from custody, Committees of Wilmington and Brunswick directed to prevent all communication between Governour Martin and the Inhabitants of the

19,

20,

Province, Application to the Council of Safety of SouthCarolina for two thousand weight of Gun-

21,

22,

18,

:

299 300 18,

301

Gunpowder

in the

County of On-

to erect

a Breastwork

18,

Samuel Johnston ordered

24,

in Edenton, for the defence of the Town, Friends to American freedom requested to purchase all the Powder, Sulphur, and Saltpetre, in their power, for the use of the publick, Governour Martin having distributed a great

-....--

:

exchange

306

Governour Tryon to the Mayor of New- York, warning the Inhabitants against continuing measures that will involve the country in misery, and bring destruction on their families and themselves, . . Letter from Captain Parker to Governour Tryon If any Troops are raised, or Military Works erected in New- York, otherwise than

18,

18,

of his Majesty,

General Washington, with his

cember

306

Rebellion against the King, Letter from the Committee for Kinderhook District to the Committee for Albany County, Letter from Samuel Stevens to John McKesson,

recommending

18,

Field-Officers for the

New-York Congress two Regiments in Cum-

berland County,

-

to

308

422 307

-

.

--.--..

...

.

307 3,

----..

— Vol.

iv.

316

316

their disposition,

It

will

their well-disposed neighbours, 2,

211

309

:

Series.

316

316

:

308

from General Montgomery to General Schuyler He has been near a fortnight before Q.uebeck, with eight hundred men, and hopes the Troops will be sent down as soon as possible,

which he will cultino longer be good policy to foment the diflferences between the Choctaws and Creeks, as it will prevent the Creeks from engaging in his Majesty's service, Letter from Colonel Stuart to General Gage A great majority of the back Inhabitants of Carolina are attached to Government; and an indiscriminate attack by Indians might do much harm He will induce them to act with vate:

Letter

Fourth

18,

Graves, Sep.30, hetter from Colonel Stuart to General Gage: Has not yet received answers to his Letters and Messages to the Indian Nations Colonel Kirkland, who has been obliged to fly, will state the situation of affairs in the back parts of the Southern Provinces, Oct. 3, Letter from Colonel Stuart to General Gage Has received a Talk from the Cherokees; it

shows

the

.

315 by Letter of De316-352

-.."..

will be his duty

it

his

Sep.30, Letter from Governour Tonyn to General Gage Has just received his Circumstantial Account of the unhappy affair that happened on the 19th of April, Oct. 3, Letter from Governour Tonyn to Admiral

Town as in open

to treat the

him Governour Skene and

Intercepted Letters transmitted to Congress

;

by order

for

Son,

Letter from

.

315

:

Dec.\8, Letter from the Provincial Congress to NewYork Delegates in Continental Congress, 18, Letter from Colonel Hasbrouck to the NewYork Congress, . . . .

18,

314

:

306

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.

18,

312

:

another Prize, with Letters and Papers of the greatest importance, which are forwarded to Congress by a special Express," Letter from James Lovell, in Provost Prison, Boston, November 19 The Military Government in Boston have been wantonly and cruelly exercised against him since the 29th of June, Letter from James Lovell to General Washington, Boston Prison, December 6: He is charged with being a Spy, and giving intelligence to the Rebels, and has suffijred the indignities of imprisonment since June last, without any sort of a trial General Howe requires in

not well informed, the Delegates in Congress are requested to procure the best Pamphlets

can be had for the true information of the People, No person entitled to relief against a Debtor, who shall not have subscribed the Continental Association and the Test, ten days previous to making application for such relief, -

311

in

number of Tory Pamphlets in the Western parts of the Province, where the People are

that

have extorted from the necessities of the Army enormous prices for Hay.Wood, and Teaming, Certificate that Duncan McArthur, of the Royal Regiment »{ Highland Emigrants, raised to suppress the unnatural Rebellion in America, will be entitled to two hundred acres of forfeited Land at the conclusion of the war, Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress Captain Manly has brought

305

23,

311

:

;

powder, -301 Commissioners appointed to purchase, arm, and man an Armed Vessel, at Brunswick, Beau. . fort, and Roanoke, 302 Vessels to be sent from Newbern, Wilmington, and Edenton, to procure Arms and Ammunition for the use and protection of the Province, 302 Committee appointed to purchase materials, and employ proper persons to make and repair Fire-Arms, 303 Two Battalions of Minute-Men to be immediately embodied in Salisbury District, 304 Field-Officers for the two Battalions, 304 James Kebble, of Onslow County, at present inimical to the cause of liberty, is disqualified from holding any Office in the Militia, 305 Colonel Rhodes directed to receive into his custody all the slow,

310

309

Letter from Colonel Stuart to

-

-

.

Major Small,

-

......

Sep. 18, Letter from Daniel

317 317

Chamier, Jun., to Daniel Chamier, 319 Oct. 5, Letter from Major Furlong to General Gage: But about forty men for duty at St. Augustine, 319 Sep.21, Letter from Governour Tonyn to General Gage, 320 Returns of his Majesty's Forces in East Florida, in August, September, and October, - 321-326 Oct. 3, Letter from Lieutenant Graves to Admiral Graves, with a Report of the state of the Schooner St. Lawrence, 327

....



:

CONTENTS.

XXXV 1775.

from Alexander Skinner to General Grant: The St. Lawrence has arrived at St. Augustine; if she had been sooner on the station, one hundred barrels of the King's Powder, taken out of Lofthouse, by a Carolina Pirate, would have been saved, Letter from Captain Mulcaster to General Grant, giving a general view of the state of

...

affairs at the South,

2,

Letter from C. Sliirreffto General Robertson, Letter from Governour Tonyn to Major Uon-

4,

Letter from Spencer

2,

Z)ec. 19,

Man

19,

political body in Florida is much diseased; the Governour has neither ability to point out, nor interest to procure, any good for the People,

329

...-.-

19,

335

11,

Allan Cameron

Letter from

to

-

-

-

-

14,

14,

:

335

336 337 340 19,

Those

in

arms against halter

is

the

Nansemond, &c. 24,

28, 20,

:

340

341

1,

Letter from Captain Leslie to General Gage, Return of a Detachment of his Majesty's Fourteenth Regiment at Norfolk, Virginia, in OcNovember, and December, Letter from Captain Fordyce to Captain Urquhart: Two thousand Men would settle every-

tober,

1,

2,

thing in Virginia in the course of the Winter; we have had a little brush with the Rebels, who behaved in a most dastardly manner; a Corps of about seven hundred of them has been sent to take Norfolk, but they will not find it quite so easy as they expect, Letter from Captain Squire to Admiral Graves,

342 343

to

M. Dumas:

independent,

who

will

is

there

in

343

command, . Washington

-

-

.

.....

Howe

356

to the Presi-

Earl of Dartmouth: He has the authority of the Rebel Commander for believing Brigadier Preseott has fallen into their hands. Mr. Washington, commanding the Rebel Army, presuming upon the number and rank of his Prisoners, has threatened retaliation in point of treatment to any Prisoners of theirs in our power, and proposes an exchange, Letter from a Clergyman in Maryland to the Earl of Dartmouth, Letter from Cortlandt Skinner to Colonel William Skinner We have actually begun a Revolution. The Congress are our King, Lords, and Commons. They have taken Canada blocked up the Royal Army in Boston secured the Indians; appointed an Admiral; are fitting out a Fleet; and are universally obeyed. Independency? Is not this

357

to the

357 358

;

;

346 347 347

20,

. . They say it is not, Proceedings of the Committee for Morris County, New-Jersey, on a complaint against

363

Cortlandt Skinner, Letter from Provincial Congress to New- York Delegates in Continental Congress, -

364

20,

Letter from Governour Trumbull to the President of Congress, requesting sixty thousand Pounds from the Continental Treasury may

20,

Letter from

348 349

...

be forwarded immediately,

349 20,

Thomas Greenough

to

429

365

Committee

of Congress, with a Statement of his losses in June last, by the burning of his Property on Noddle-Island by the Provincials, Letter from General Washington to Governour Cooke; Cannot send him assistance, and does not believe the Troops from Boston were destined for Rhode-Island,

20,

....

from General Washington to Colonel Baldwin Mr. Wiber stands in a suspicious and unfriendly light but, if the Committee consider him a friend, he may return, Letter from William Bartlettto General Wash-

365

366

Letter

:

350

;

351

We

366

ington, desiring his Instructions respecting the

Prize Cargoes 20,

at

Beverly,

-

Letter from General Greene to Jacob Is surprised that the Committee of

-

.

367

Greene Newport

are desirous of nourishing such a serpent as

Wallace in the bosom of the country. grant him supplies for Indemnity to

Europe

...

asks a

:

343

enter into an Alliance with us for

the benefit of our commerce,

;

.

to

any Power

be destined for Rhode-Island

...

20,

no Foreign Power, if any one of them is disposed to step in for the relief of an oppressed People; or, if we break off all connection with Britain, and declare ourselves

have hitherto applied but we wish to know

may

dent of Congress, Letter from General

20,

Ltc. 19, Letter from Dr. Franklin

356

19,

upwards of

Payne, Btc.

.....

Letter from Governour Cooke to General Washington Fears the Vessels sailed from Bos-

sent to take the

Portsmouth,

. _ . . three thousand, Letter from Lord Dunmore to Admiral Graves, Letter from Neil Jamieson to James Anderson, Letter from Neil Jamieson to Edward and Rene

356

Letter from General

Government know

to

--...-.

19,

round

in Norfolk, they amount

356

Detachment from the Continental Army for their defence, and that General Lee may be

;

lawful Sovereign

tody,

:

their necks, and, if taken, they are liable to be trussed up without delay many have sworn allegiance to their

that the

356

ton

;

21,

....

export Provisions, others appointed a Committee to examine, and, if they see fit, to discharge, such persons as may be hereafter taken into custo

charged, case of John Blackler, who was several weeks on board the Asia, referred to the Provincial Congress,

:

17,

355 to

The

Letter

......

354

Michael Albert, Edward White, and John Moore, charged with having inlistcd Men for the Ministerial Array, examined and dis-

Duncan Came-

from Captain Montagu to Admiral Graves, Letter from W. Griffin to George Giffarina He is at Jamestown, surrounded by Rebels, and dare not move a thousand Rebels are on their way for Norfolk, to punish the People there for declaring for Government; two Regiments would restore peace and good order to the Province, Letter from Neil Jamieson to Glassford, Gordon & Co., Letter from Walter Hatton to Nathaniel Coffin:

the President of

vexes the Tories of New-York; if this circumstance be well managed, it will turn out very fortunate, New- York Committee Apply to the Provincial Congress for a Loan of one thousand Pounds, to defray necessary charges in defending our rights and privi-

him

He

has accepted a Commission under Lord Dunmore, and is to set out to-morrow morning for Detroit with Major Connolly, -

ron

Stirling to

Mr. Totlen and

:

-

Lord

produce a Certificate from the Congress of New-Jersey, authorizing

;

in that Province,

Stir-

leges,

Letter from

in West-Florida, Proclamation by the Governour of West-Florida, offering Lands to such as seek a retreat

Lord

354

Letter from

Mr. Mercer ordered

:

1 1,

to

--.-.-

329 334

The

Alexander Ross to Captain Stanton Captain Fordyce, with his Company and a Detachment, is on board a Vessel, to sail with the first fair wind for Virginia, Letter from John Moultrie to General Grant 4, St. Augustine is already too weak; no more Troops should be taken from it it is now the best and only communication between Great Britain and our Red Brothers, Daniel Chamier, Jon., to Daniel 3, Letter from Chamier, Letter from Colonel Stuart to Samuel Kemble, 4, Abp.18, Letter from Governour Chester to Governour Tryon Has received Instructions from the King to afford protection to such of his Loyal Subjects as are compelled to fly from the Colonies iri Rebellion, and wish for an asylum

William Livingston

Congress: The Order of Captain Parker, prohibiting Vessels from Foreign Countries entering New-York, in direct violation of the Act of Parliament, alarms the moderate, and

General Grant:

to

Letter from ling,

334

kin.

4,

XXXVI

1775.

Oct. 5, Letter

3,

:

352

To that

Town only, is sacrificing the rest of the Province for the benefit of Newport,

367

h

:

CONTENTS.

XXXVII 1775.

Lec.2l .Extract of a Letter from London

to

Application of Lieutenants Borough and Richardson, for an extension of their parole, re-

Gentleman

a

Our connection with England

in Virginia;

The Bill that has now to be dissolved. passed Parliament, by treating the Colonies They canas enemies, settled the question. not be enemies and Subjects at the same time. America has now nothing to do but to pro-

.....

vide for herself,

21,

Letter from Henry Wisner to B. Towne, with directions for making Gunpowder, Letter from the Committee for Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to the President of Congress, Letter from Provincial Congress to New- York Delegates in Continental Congress,

21,

Jacobus Oostrum, Johannes Medlar, and Barnt Lewis, to be kept in close confinement in the Jail of Dutchess County, at their own expense,

Queen's County and Richmond County, List of the disaffected Persons in Queen's County,

21,

New- York,

21,

from General Washington

to

Doorkeeper ordered

Army at

Boston

Z)ec. 8,

He

seems

annoy the enemy,

to

-

The General think

it

his

from London

375

.

-

.

.-.-...

Howe

Proclamation by the King, appointing a distribution of the Prizes taken during the continuance of the Rebellion now subsisting in divers parts of the Continent of North- America, Letter from the President of Congress to General Washington: The Resolution authorizing the attack on Boston passed, after a most

ington,

22.

...

22,

22, 22, 22, 22,

.....

Company Haven

to

raised

for

....

the defence

be discharged,

of

376 454

6,

Members Nathaniel

at

the

WoodhuU

John McKesson and retaries,

Exchange

in

elected President, Robert Benson elected Sec-

Credentials of the Members, All 'Questions to be determined by a majority of the Counties then having Deputies in Congress,

6,

.......

Rules adopted for the government of the House, Commissions ordered for three Companies of Minute-Men in Ulster County, Barracks for quartering one thousand Men to be

...

Highlands, the Highlands, and en-

built at the Fortifications in the

7,

Committee to repair to deavour to accommodate the difference between the Commissioners for erecting the Fortifications there and the Engineer, Letter from Egbert Benson, dated November 28, The Congress desiring to meet in the Assembly Chamber, the Speaker has ordered Mr. Bancker to take care of the Books and Papers of the Assembly,

393

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

377

-..-."..

Moneys advanced

to the

Troons raised

380 381

1

381

12,

1,

they recommend that all Paper Money, to be issued for the defence of America, be made a Continental Currency, Letter to the Committee of Tryon County, advising them not to molest Sir John Johnson while he continues inactive, Committee to plan a voyage to procure Ammunition, Arms, and other articles necessary for the general defence of the Colony, The Congress prevented from proceeding to material business by the absence of Members, -

Members

for

ty attend,

382

394

......

396

397

397

398 399

Orange County and Tryon Coun-

Their Credentials, Letter to Governour Trumbull, on the destruction of Rivington's Printing Office, and request he will order all the Types returned to the Chairman of the New- York Committee: They do not justify Rivington, but object to any restraint upon the liberty of the Press, Inhabitants of Connecticut thanked for their aid

381

394

in

....

379

393

Letter to General Schuyler, with an account of

the Colony, Letter to the Delegates in Congress: Apprehensive that the emission of Paper by the several Colonies will cause a depreciation,

New- York

present,

392

the

New-

..... ....... ....

Congress met

-

next, 9,

NEW-YORK PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. Dec.

392

Speight, a Druggist, arrested, having, in many instances, shown himself inimical to the interest and liberties of the American Colonies, -

. . . . ing state ordered, Resolutions on Governour Tryon's Letter of the 4th instant to the Inhabitants of New- York, reported, debated, and postponed till Monday

serious debate in a Committee of the Whole House. He heartily wishes the attempt may

be successful, though, individually, he may be the greatest sufferer, Letter from Captain Henry B. Livingston to the President of Congress, returning thanks for the honour conferred upon him by the Resolution of Congress of the 12th instant, . . . New-York Committee, Letter from the Committee of Mamacoting Pre. . cinct to New-York Congress, Letter to General Montgomery, from some friends in Montreal, Connecticut Committee of Safety direct the

391

Con-

before the

Committee of the City and County of New- York, complaining of the destruction of Rivington's Printing Office by a body of Troops from Connecticut, command. . . . ed by Isaac Sears, An estimate of Instruments and Medicines necessary for the Colony in its present alarm-

General Wash-

22,

to

examined

390

Petition of the General

to

Letter from General

;

gress,

to

21,

Congress, or assign their reasons for their nonattendance, Letter to the President of Congress: The ut-

....

acts

duty

upon the non-attend-

most despatch will be used to complete every thing respecting the Fortifications in Hudson River, Letter to the Delegates of New- York in the Continental Congress, Captain John McNachten arrived last evening

372

:

differently.

to call

--...-

435

a Friend in England The Admiral, instead of sending his Squadron to protect the StoreShips, has ordered the Ships-of-War in the Harbour to be secured with booms all round, to prevent their being boarded and taken by the Rebel Whale-Boats.

for

to

ing Members chosen for the City of NewYork, and require them to take their seats in

371

376

Letter from an Officer of the

21,

Arms

stand of

General

Ward,

390

370

Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress: The Conferences with the Six-

Letter

390

purchase one hundred the Jersey Forces, -

Committee appointed

372

They have Nations have had a happy issue. given up the War-Belt which was delivered to them, with much ceremony, by Colonel . . . Johnson, at Montreal,

-.-..-.

368

Resolutions of the New- York Provincial Congress, respecting the disaffected Persons in

21,

389

jected,

ought

21,

XXXVIII

1775.

suppressing the Insurgents against the cause of liberty in Westchester County, County Committees authorized to apply for assistance to a neighbouring Colony, Information from Major Brush, of Huntington, of the disaffection of sundry People in Queen's County, and that they are about inlisting Ne-

399 399

401

in

383 383 383 383

groes, Letter from the Committee of Dutchess County, dated December 5: Their authority having been disputed, request the advice of Congress, Persons refusing to give evidence before any

386 386 387

......

Committee, tobe imprisoned

387

vate expense, 13,

388 388

at their

own

402

402

403

403

pri-

403

Gilbert Potter, of Huntington, of the 10th instant, calling the attention of Congress to the alarming state of affairs in the

Letter

from

County,

404

Samuel Nostran

A

large quantity of Powder, &c., is at Captain Hewlett's, at Rockaway, sent from the Asia Man-of-War,

Affidavit of

:

......

brought there by Hewlett and the Lieutenant

389

of the Asia,

404

6

:

CONTENTS.

XXXIX 1775.

Committee of the Inhabitants of Queen's County required to appear before Congress on the 19th instant, Dec. 13, No person permitted to inoculate for the SmallPox within the Colony, without the further order of the Congress, Consideration of the Resolutions on Governour

...

406

Committee for Richmond CounDecember 15 The Freeholders of the County have refused to send Deputies to the

428

406

Provincial Congress, Consideration of the state of affairs in Richmond County postponed until the state of Queen's

County is considered, Letter from Colonel James Rogers, of Cumberland County; For political reasons he de-

429

Letter from tie ty,

Tryon's Letter of the 4th instant resumed, and, after long argument, amended, and fur-

.....

14,

ther postponed, Letter from Colonel Mulford, of the 9th instant His Regiment will be marched to the place of rendezvous on any alarm, Consideration of Resolutions on Governour Try-

...

on's

Letter

resumed,

further

4O6

Delegates of the Colony in Continental Congress, laying before them the state of the Fortifications in the Highlands, Remonstrance of certain Inhabitants of Putney, in Cumberland County, against the appointment of the persons named by the County

4O8

408

...

Committee for Field-Officers, Remonstrance of a number of the Inhabitants of Remonstrance of the Inhabitants of Fulham, Dr. Paul Spooner added to the Committee of

-411

Dec.20, John Blackler ordered to be kept in close confinement until the further order of Congress, Committee to purchase a small Armed Vessel for the East River, to prevent Supplies being furnished to the Ministerial Army and

...

19,

...

Committee to revise and amend the Militia Law, Report of the Committee appointed to plan a voyage, read, considered, and recommitted, Five hundred copies of the Proceedings of the Continental Congress, in Low Dutch, and five hundred copies in German, ordered to be purchased

for distribution gratis,

Committee of Safety authorized

-

-

to

.

Safety,

413 414

414

21,

415

.....

417 418

419

420

423

424

424

426

;

- 426 the directions of the Provincial Congress, William Bedlow, at Fort Constitu-

Letter from tion,

December

14, requesting to

know what

ceive,

to

431

432 433

434

Colony of New-

.....

Washington to the President, informing him that some Troops had sailed from Boston, destination unknown, Inhabitants of the Colony requested to refrain

436

437

...

visiting the King's Ships-of-War, without leave of a Committee, Persons coming from other Colonies required to furnish evidence that they are friendly to the

from

America,

-



437

438

438

-

Committee of Safety authorized to exercise the same powers, in appointing Officers and granting and refusing Commissions, as the Provincial Congress,

-

.

.

.

.

plan a voyage to the Island of Martinico, Guadaloupe, or -• . . St. Eustatia, read and adopted, Instructions to the Committee for Ulster County, for the nomination of Field-Officers, Committee of Safety authorized to apply any sum, not exceeding fifty thousand Pounds, to be laid out in such manner as they shall think proper, for the defence and security of the Colony,

438

to

......

438 440

440

re-

Commissioners employed in erecting the Fortifications in the Highlands to be allowed ten Shillings per day; and to prevent any expense that may be avoided, three Commissioners only are to be continued, Committee of New- York apply for a Loan of one thousand Pounds five hundred granted, ;

431

Letter from General

Report of Committee appointed

426

431

436

liberties of

425 425

430 430

...._..-

mittee of Safety, 22,

429

435

Delegates of the Colony in Continental Con. gress requested to make an arrangement among themselves, that five of them only continue at Congress at the same time, Ulster County Jail to be taken as the Jail of the Congress for the confinement of Prisoners or. dered to be confined by the Congress or Com-

422 423

429

--.----

Officers of the Militia of the

York,

424

-

Delinquents in Queen's and Richmond Counand asking advice what further should be done, Rules and Orders for arranging the Rank of the ties,

:

compensation the Commissioners are

-

Additional Rules and Orders for regulating the Militia of the Colony of New- York, Letter from Colonel Levi Pawling: Has given the necessary orders to his Regiment to muster in case of alarm, . Rank of the Militia Officers of the several . Counties fixed and determined, . State of Queen's County and Richmond County further considered, and the Delinquents in the two Counties put out of the protection of the Congress, Letter to the Delegates in the Continental Congress, with the Proceedings respecting the

------

41

cause a col-

with useful Remarks thereon, to be published and distributed gratis, -, Report of the Committee appointed to employ two or more Vessels for a voyage to Europe, read and adopted, Further Report from the Committee on the Fortifications in the Highlands, . Two additional Redoubts ordered to be erected, George Clinton appointed Brigadier-General of the Militia of Ulster and Orange Counties, Dr. Paul Spooner, from Cumberland County, . . appeared and took his seat, Letter from the Committee for Cumberland County Nominated Colonel James Rogers to be Brigadier for Cumberland, Gloucester, and Charlotte Brigade and Field and other Officers for three Regiments made according to

429

430

-

Navy,

414

lection of the oppressive Acts of Parliament,

20,

------

Westminster,

410

...

18,

----..-

Militia,

:

16.

.... ....

Letter to the

:

Printing Office Some people prophesy that the Provincial Congress has too much Christian mcelcncss to take any notice of it, Additional Resolutions on Governour Tryon's Letter adopted, and the whole ordered to be engrossed, . Resolutions on Governour Tryon's Letter of the 4th instant, Memorial of John Norbcrg, Captain Norbcrg permitted to go to Great Britain with all his effects, . Each of the Delegates from New- York in the Continental Congress allowed for his services, for each day he may be absent from his abode on the publick service, four Dollars, William Sutton, of Westchester, permitted to return, having agreed to surrender himself to the Committee for the County, Contract with Cornelius Atherton, of Amenia Precinct, in Dutchess County, for making Muskets and Bayonets, approved by Congress, Members of the Committee of Safety appointed, Powers of the Committee of Safety, as read, . amended, and adopted, Provisions for sinking one hundred and twelve thousand five hundred Dollars of Paper Currency, issued by the late Congress, Report of the Committee who were sent to the Fortifications in the Highlands, Letter to the Delegates in Continental Congress, informing them of the Proceedings respecting the destruction of Rivington's Printing Office,

:

clines the office of Brigadier-General of the

amended, and

adopted, Letter from John Jay, dated November 26 Does not approve the destroying of Rivington's

15,

XL

1775.

427

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC. Dec.23, Letter from Lord George Germaine to Governour Eden The King is determined, in concurrence with his Parliament, to pursue the most vigorous measures for reducing his re:

427 427

bellious Subjects in North-America,

-

439

::

:

CONTENTS.

XLI

XOI

1775.

1775.

Dec.25 Memorial of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth

Dtc.22, Letter from Lord George Germaine to Governour Eden An armament of seven Regiments, with a Fleet, is ready to proceed to the Southern Colonies, in order to attempt the

to

I

the Provincial Congress,

:

25.

James Lyon

Letter from ton,

-

to

-

-

-

460

General Washing-

proposing a plan for the reduction of No-

,

restoration of legal

23,

Government

of America, Recantation of Ezekiel Beach, of

440

Mendham,

.

Committee

-

-

-

----------... -------

vention,

Report of the Committee of Congress appointed to inquire what articles are necessary for the

23,

Proclamation by Governour Tryon, proroguing the Assembly of New- York, from the first day of January to the first day of February

Army,

next,

23, 23,

23,

Letter from Governour dent of Congress,

24,

-

-

-

it

-

-

.

-.-.--. to

----------

462

26,

Letter from General Sullivan to the

24,

Committee of Safety, Letter from Governour Callbeck Washington, shire

26,

445

446

-

25,

447

from General Washington to Richard Henry Lee: If Lord Dunmore is not crushed before the Spring, he will be the most formi-

448

26,

enemy America has; forcing him on ship-board is not sufficient; nothing less than depriving him of life or liberty will secure . . . peace to Virginia. Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General

448

26,

Letter from General

-

-

-

Thomas, :

449

450

27,

450

27,

450

27,

dent of Congress,

-----

Washington

451

28,

...

.......

ment,

Letter from Colonel

The

Bayley

importance of a road

transportation of Troops

to

28,

452

25,

26.

453

-

-

26, 27,

454

29,

454

456

from General Washington to Joseph Reed: Our want of Powder is inconceivable; a daily waste and no supply presents a gloomy

29,

Letter

29, 29,

458

25,

Letter from

25, 25,

Letter from Colonel

Robert H. Harrison

to

General

Ward, Moylan

to

William

Bartlett,

29,

458 458

Hampshire,

.

....... ------

466

467 468 469

470 470

exchange of Prisoners, . . Greenwich (Connecticut) Committee to (Jovernour Trumbull, Letter from Colonel Howe to Lord Dunmore Explains the intention of the Convention, the difference in the rank of Officers, and proposes an equitable exchange, . . . Expedition of Colonel Martin in quest of Toin

470

474

474

474

474

Letter from

ries in Sussex County, New- Jersey, Extract of a Letter from North-Carolina to a Gentleman at Hull, in England State of affairs in North and South-Carolina, Letter from the Virginia Committee of Safety to Maryland Convention, . , . New- York Committee,

....

Letter from General

Washington

Court of Massachusetts. Letter from General Gates requesting

29,

459

....

590

474 475

him

576 380

-

-

.

478

to Gfeneral Sullivan,

not to attempt to execute the

-.-... ---...

opportunity, Letter from Winthrop

Washington,

476

to the Gfeneral

-

project to-night, but to wait a

Town

of Portsmouth to their Delegates in the Provincial Congress of New-

Instructions of the

.

:

Decem-

prospect,

-

mediate declaration of Independence. Letter from Colonel Howe to the Virginia Convention An exchange of Brisoners has not yet been effected, Letter ffom Lord Dunmore to Colonel Howe, proposing an exchange for Mr. Batut, Letter from Colonel Howe to Lord Dunmore Will consent to no exchange but such as . equity shall warrant, Letter from Lord Dunmore to Colonel Howe Does not understand the rule that is to govern

them

454

28,

ber 25, 25,

453

to Canada for the and Munitions of

to

-

from Matthew Thornton to General Washington, Address of a British American to the Inhabitants of the United Colonies Advises an imLetter

466

Earl of DartRebels get supplies of Arms and from Cape Nicholas, in the

:

25,

Colonel Little

. War, and for the Fur Trade, General Orders, from December 14

-

465

:

to the Presi-

Report of Peleg Wadsworth, of his examination of Cape-Cod Harbour, Letter from General Howe to General Washington: Having received no accounts wherein the name of Allen is mentioned, he can give no information on the subject of his treat-

464

to the

Address of Salus Populi to the People of North America, on the necessity of framing a general plan of connection between the Provinces, or what may be called the Constitution of the . . United English Colonies, Description of the device on the Drums belonging to the Marines now raising for the Fleet, Letter from the Committee for Tryon County, New- York, to the Provincial Congress, Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Westmoreland to his Friend in Hartford, Connecticut,

27.

ral is obliged, for the present, to stop all the

Posts,

Howe

Island of Hispaniola. 27,

From

Letter from General

.----.

mouth The Gunpowder

449

:

25,

463

dable

General

Howe to the Virginia Conmotives of policy they have permitted some Supplies to be sent to Captain Bellew, Notice from the General Post-Ofiice, NewYork Letters having been taken from his Majesty's Mail at Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other places, the Deputy Postmaster-Genevention:

25,

-

-

Letter

case of Philip Callbeck, late Commanderin-Chief of the Island of St. John's, and Thomas Wright, one of the Council, and Surveyor-General of said Island, addressed to Gene-

Washington, Letter from Colonel

-----

it,

26,

The

ral

Canada, and no time should be lost in preparing fof it, Letter from General Montgomery to General Schuyler: Three Companies of Arnold's Detachment are averse to a coup-de-main, and he will be obliged to change his plan of attack. It is of the utmost importance to reduce Quebeck before succours can arrive; we are not to expect an union with Canada till we have a force in the country strong enough to defend

447

New- Hampto

463

Letter from GJeneral Schuyler to the President reinforcement should be sent of Congress: to

Requests his opinion on a projected enter24,

for

A

442

Washington to General Schuyler: Conjures him and General Montgomery to lay aside all thoughts of quitting

....... ... ......

460

. . of the Continental Association, Letter from Colonel Maxwell to Lord Stirling,

Letter from General

prise,

-

26,

New-Hamp*

the Army, Letter from General Gates to General Sullivan:

-

462

General Wash-

Letter from Colonel Hobart to the

-

. . County, Buck's County, Pennsylvania, order strict enforcement of the Ninth Article

will be of infi-

-

-

County, Pennsylvania,

Committee

Presi-

to the

-

cured from House-keepers nite service to the Array, Letter from William Watson

shire Congress,

24,

-

.

26,

Letter from General Washington to the Assembly of Massachusetts: The Soldiers are in great distress for Blankets; if any can be pro-

ington,

23,

Trumbull

.

for Chester

tors of the

to

23,

Committee

require Returns from the Militia and Associa-

441

General Montgomery, expressing the desire of Congress that he will induce the Canadians to meet in their Parishes, and choose a Provincial Con-

Letter from the

26,

in

Morris County, New-Jersey, 23, Report of the Committee directed to repair to Ticonderoga, and confer with General Schuyler, to take survey of, and report the state of, the Fortifications, and to use their endeavours to procure an accession of the Canadians to an

union with the Colonies,

va-Scotia,

in that part

more favourable

Sargeant

to

478

General

478

:

CONTENTS.

XLiri 1775.

Dec.30, Letter from Captain Eellew

Threatens

to fire

to

Colonel

of Norfolk

the Sentinels there are seen, Letter from Colonel Howe to Captain Bellew: He will consult his duty only, and requests the Inhabitants of the Town may have time to

30,

Howe

... ...

Town

upon the

if

SO,

XMV

1775.

remove with

Letter from

their effects,

477

477

Dec. 13, Three of the Armed Boats to be constantly at Liberty Island, Captain Dougherty ordered up immediately from Liberty Island with his Boat, David Owen, suspected of inlisting Negroes, 14,

committed to the Work-house, Samuel Howell requested to send

15,

(Maryland) Com-

Fredericktown

31,

479 Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, to Governour Penn, 1473 Letter from the South-Carolina Committee of Safety to George Clymer, requesting payment for Goods and Presents for the Indians who

-----

Letter from

31, 31, 31,

Armed

...

......

Montgomery,

ral

31,

-

-

-

.

.

command

31,

Greene

31,

in Congress, Letter from General

Washington

to

bly,

the Province Island,

for sailing,

Samuel Ward,

Quebeck, who refuse

persons in

to

485

24,

486

27,

...

Army

487

that place,

28,

488

491

ber 30,

Inventory of Ordnance and Stores necessary for the Army, supposing it to consist of twenty

thousand Men,

-----.

1776.

Jan. 2,

I>£NNS¥tTAMA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 2, Officers

mittee, 5,

-

Com-

.....

^

Agreement with Wigfal & Blackwood for making Gun-Locks, Sea-Coal thrown into the River by order of the Committee of Inspection, to be taken up for the Furnace to be built for casting Cannon, Permission

for

a Vessel

to

proceed

to

493 495

-_.--.

5, 6,

8,

Report of Committee on the Coal thrown the River,

....

Armed

Boats,

-

-

7,

Committee

9,

Captain Biddle, of the

-

-

procure an account of

-

-

delphia, to

resign, that

service,

he

Armed

may

496

-

-

.

504 504

504 504

506 507

507 508

Drummond and Andrew

nominated, . . Captains for the four Battalions chosen, . Lieutenants for the four Battalions chosen. Joshua Fisher & Sons refuse to furnish a List of the Goods imported by them, and stored by order of the Committee of Inspection, for the four Battalions

Westmoreland County

to

509 509 509 510

510

remain

be used but in defence of the

to

510

talions chosen,

-

-

-

--

List of the Officers of the four Battalions,

496

Officers of the Fifth Battalion, 9,

496

496 10,

497

&

11,

513

513

-

-

-

-

Bull's

.513 (the

......

Battalion,

Congress,

498

512

513

Articles

12,

511

-

.

First)

498

.

Committee to inquire for proper places to erect Powder-Magazines in the Province, Adjutants for the Second, Third, and Fourth Battalions chosen, to be furnished Colonel

488

-

-511 -

Committee to examine all candidates who shall offer as Surgeons to the several Battalions, Committee for Philadelphia County requested to meet on the I7th instant, and the Committee for Buck's County on the 22d instant, on business of the utmo-st importance,

enter the Continental

...

503

Second Lieutenants and Ensigns of the four Bat-,

Boats, permitted

Co., authorized to send a Willing, Morris Vessel to Foreign parts to procure Powder, Arms, &c., for the Province, Captain Boyce ordered to the command of the Armed Boat Franklin, Captain Biddle being promoted in the Continental service, Captain James Josiah permitted to resign, that he may enter the Continental Service, -

502

508

Parole of honour of Lord

and not County,

all the

------.--.-..

Armed Boat Effingham,

there,

496

SeaCoal in possession of the Inhabitants of Philato

..... ...

in

502

at

Colonels for the four Battalions nominated, Committee for appointing proper persons to instruct the Inhabitants of the different Counties in the Manufacture of Saltpetre, Lieutenant-Colonels for the four Battalions nominated, John Connolly and Allan Cameron committed

Powder

into

Captain Proctor and Lieutenant Proctor dismissed from the service, Nathan Boyce appointed Captain of one of the

11,

495 495

&

Fire-locks,

and Stores

Elliott taken,

parts to

6,

1,

Majors

495

501

Liberty Island for the pro-

to Prison, 4,

Foreign

procure Powder and Arms for the . use of the Province, Committee for procuring Sea-Coal, Town for making Agreement with Willis

-

......

not permitted to be absent from Liberty

Island, without the express order of the

.

Captain Hazlewood appointed to the command often Fire- rafts, Floating Battery ordered to be built for the fu ther defence of the Province, Captain Proctor restored to his command, on giving the satisfaction required by the Committee, Captain Moore permitted to resign his command of the

493

.

I

3,

Dec.

to

Battery, Artillery,

A

Cambridge, Decem-

at

-

-........-._

tection of the

489

ber 31,

Returns of the

-

-

501 501

Boats, except the three at Liberty

pany, ordered

all

take up

Arms, to quit the Town in four days, Oath of Fidelity required of the Inhabitants of Newport by General Lee, General Orders, from December 26 to Decem-

-

-

Island, ordered up to the City, that the Officers . and Men may go into Barracks, Commanders of the Continental Ships-of-War permitted to search outward bound Vessels for Seamen, Lieutenant Symmonds, with the Artillery Com-

on their application

Proclamation by General Carleton, requiring

-

complied with,

Armed

All the

to the Presi-

to General WashingCompanies now on duty,

from

application

Application from Congress for Powder, Arms, and Men, for the Armed Vessels, nearly ready

20,

482

ton respecting certain

500

501

480

Colo-

dent of Congress, Report of Committee of Massachusetts Assem-

499

....

Committee residing in the City, . Committee to provide a quantity of Cannon Ball, Committee to examine Fort Island, and report what further defences are required on that, or

481 to

499

50O

480

:

nel Campbell, Letter from General

Money,

three-fourths in

No

499

...

Congress, or any other body, for Men, Arms, or Ammunition, to be considered until a written notice, mentioning the application, is sent to every member of the

Letter from Colonel Arnold to General Wooster Was wounded in the attack on Que-

beck, and has given up the

Boats,

Report of the quantity and sizes of the Shot now in the Commissary's Store, Persons who manufacture and deliver Saltpetre, to be paid one-fourth in Gunpowder and

19,

Southern Department at Salisbury, on the 1 3th of next month, 479 Letter from the Committee of Safety for SouthCarolina to Massachusetts Council, - 1307 Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress, Letter from Colonel Campbell to General Wooster, informing him of the failure of the attempt on Quebeck, and of the death of Gene-

-

_ . . be in Buck's County, Report of the number of Men, &c., on board the

18,

are to meet the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in the

.

498

to the Island

of Jamaica for a load of Sea-Coal, on account of the Committee of Safety, Committee of Safety will pay half the sum expended in searching for a Coal-Mine said to

mittee to the President of Congress; Connolly, Cameron, and Smith, have been sent to Philadelphia,

30,

-

498

by order of the Continental

514

Committee to procure copies of all Petitions to the King, or Parliament, from this Colony, since 1762,

514

CONTENTS.

XLV

Christopher Carter discharged from Prison, and Leonard Snowdcn enlarged, on giving his parole that, in future, his conduct shall not be

Jan.

Armed

Chief of all the

-

-

.

First, or

.

17,

Chaplain for Colonel Bull's Battalion appointed, Powder Committee empowered to continue their endeavours to import Powder, Brig Dolphin sent to procure Powder in Foreign Porls,

IE

19,

..--..

Publick Notice given that the Committee of Safety lend Money, and give other encouragements, to Persons willing to erect PowderMiUs, Dr. John Smith, charged with practices inimical to America, committed to Prison, Report of Committee appointed to procure copies of Petitions to the King and Parliament, Petitions to the King: Of June 6, 1766; September 22, 1768; and March 5, 1771, Petition to the House of Lords, of September 22, .

1768, Petitions to the

House

of

Commons, January

hundred Seamen and Landsmen for the Armed Boats and other Naval Equipments, David Rittenhouse, and others, appointed to

516 516

------....--.

22,

23,

517 2,

2,

517

24,

25, 26,

27,

who have purchased Arms at

their

....... ......

Robert Morris permitted

export Produce of the Coloni^ to the amount of a quantity of Powder imported by him, . . Dr. Smith examined, and remanded to Jail,

1,

Johannes tions

in

Eremo

it

1,

1,

1,

1,

1,

1,

1, 1,

Letter from

to

General

Governour Trumbull

to

Geueral

of Safety,

2,

Writs issued by Governour Tryon

1,

... a

for

new

.....

made prisoners in Canada, New-Jersey, Letter from General Washington

to

to

Trenton,

3.

542

Proclamation by the King, for encouraging Seamen to enter themselves on board his Majesty's Ships-of- War,

524 525

3.

525

543

A

Extract of a Letter from Bristol, in England: Rifleman, taken in crossing the St. Lawrence, and brought here a prisoner, is confined in Bridewell; he is a Virginian; has the heavy Provincial pronunciation,but otherwise speaks good English, Letter from Colonel Williams to the Proprietors of Transylvania Has established a Land. Office, appointed the necessary Officers, adopted regulations for entering Lands, and determined to lay ofl' a Town at the Falls of the . . Ohio the ensuing Spring, Proceedings of the House of Delegates of the Colony of Transylvania, at Boonsborough, May 23, 1775, Proceedings of the Proprietors of Transylva. nia, at a meeting held in Oxford, Granville County, North-Carolina, September 25, 1775,

---...

526

542

General

Ward, 524

542

Letter from General Schuyler to Colonel Wynkoop, directing him to proceed with the Ofin

2,

643

;

526 526

...

Memorial

....

Account of his mission to Philadelphia; his interviews with Members of the Congress, and their opinions on the settlement and Government of the Colony, Letter from Silas Deane to James Hogg, giving his views on the Government proper to be adopted for Transylvania, Letter from the President of Congress to Lord Stirling,

3.

535 536

Winthrop Sargent, Continental . . . Prize- Agent at Cape- Ann, -

537

553

554

.

Committee

556

-

561

-

-

-

PennPresident of Congress, comfor Lancaster,

New- York Committee

3,

ty to Jonathan Hampton, . Letter from Colonel Nicoll to John

3,

Letter

from Colonel Ritzema

Livingston,

543

....

plaining of the disorderly conduct of the Prisoners on parole in that Borough, Letter from Joseph Hallet to John McKesson, Letter from the New-York Committee of Safety to the President of Congress, requesting the determination of Congress on the plan for . . the Fortifications in the Highlands, Letter from the

:

Instructions to

.

.

Letter from the

sylvania, to the

3,

536

545

gress;

3.

....

553

of the Proprietors of Transylvania to

the Continental Congress, Letter from James Hogg, the Delegate appointed by the Proprietors of Transylvania, to re. present the Colony in the Continental Con-

532

534

furnished the Hospital,

670

ficers

523

General Wash-

ington, Letter from John Smith to General Washington, Address of Dr. Morgan to the Publick Thanks to the Towns of Concord, &c., for Supplies

Woos-

ter,

2,

1054

670

Letter from Colonel Arnold to General

election of Representatives,

521

542

General Woos-

2,

520

1775, Letter from

...--..

...

to

ter,

532

to

....

Campbell

Washington, Minutes of Ordnance taken from the Ministerial Troops at the several Northern Posts, from the 1st of May to the 13th of November,

Governour Cooke

.541

York Committee

on the quesmust betaken, that the

Governour Trumbull

ar.

Letter from Colonel

King can do no wrong ? What is Rebellion in a State? And whether, all things considered, it is not the indispensable duty of the United Colonies of America immediately to form themselves into an Independent Constitution, or a Republick State ? 527 Letter from an English American to the Earl of Dartmouth, 530 Letter from Massachusetts Delegates in Con. gress to the Assembly, 1391 Letter from Robert Treat Paine to Massachusetts Council, 1262 Petition of Dr. Church to the Congress, to be . . released from Prison, . 531 Letter from Schuyler,

.

520

to

...... .... ..--.. ....... ......

-

520

2,

...

I,

men most

Proclamation by Governour Tryon, dissolving the General Assembly, Letter from Peter R. Livingston to the New.

519

to the Publick,

— In what sense

be deemed a necessary

riches shall

well as avarice, will prompt . dently to thirst for them,

518

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC. Jan.

:

qualification for publick ofiice, ambition, as

own

expense, for the use of Associators unable to supply themselves, to be repaid, Parole of Captain Duncan Campbell, Leonard Snowden discharged from his confinement, Committee to provide for the erection of Powder-Mills,

---...

When

518

survey the Jersey Shore, and determine what Posts it may be necessary to

Officers

533

from Colonel Howe to the Virgini.i Con. vention Account of the burning of Norfolk, 533 An American on the advantages to the cause, from the burning of Norfolk by the enemy, . 539 Letter from a Midshipman on board his MajesOperations of the British in ty's Ship Otter Virginia, from the battle at Great Bridge to the burning of Norfolk, 540 Account of the burning of Norfolk; from Lord Dunmore's Virginia Gazette, printed on the Ship Dunmore, lying otf Norfolk, 540 Letter from President of Congress to Massachu. setts Assembly, 1391 Letter from Samuel Adams to Elbridge Gerry The Military power should always be under the direction and control of the Legislative.

....

517

to

fortify,

-..--.

the British,

Letter

:

carry into e.xecution the Contract for casting

Cannon, Committee

Letter from Colonels Howe and Woodford to the Virginia Convention: Norfolk set on fire

;

515

14,

1766, and September 22, 1768, Dr. Rittenhouse, Robert Smith, and John McNeal, to repair to Liberty Island, and lay out Works sufficient to defend it. Commodore Hazlewood directed to recruit four

,

:

Colonel

Bull's Battalion, 16,

2,

Vessels in the service

. of the Province, Second Lieutenants for the

1,

by

American cause, /an. 13, Captain Cadwailadcr appointed Commander-ininimical to the

15,

XLVI

1776.

1776.

-

-

-

to

561 561

562

of Safe-

.1018

McKesson, 1023

Peter V. B. -

-

-1113

;

CONTENTS.

XLYH 1776.

Jan.

3,

George

Petition of

New- York 3,

3,

is difficult

man

the

Armed

:

. it

-

.

5,

563

563

564 689

a state of absolute subjection . . to the authority of Parliament, 564 Letter from the New- York Committee of Safety to the Continental Congress, 1021

...

Letter from the New- York Committee of Safety to the several Committees in the Colony, 1020 Letter from Colonel Arnold to General Wooster, 854

4,

....... to

Samuel Ward

6,

6.

Court-Martial on Captain Spencer, . Letter from the President of Congress

6,

Letter from

4,

5,

....

......

5,

...-.-.

6,

in

Hampton Roads,

6.

6.

......

585 585

586

586

from General Schuyler to Governour Trumbull Pay of the Troops, Letter from General Wooster to Colonel Warner, informing him of the defeat before Quebeck, and urging him to come with a reinforcement of his Green-Mountain Corps, Extract of a Letter from Colonel Arnold, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Presi-

587

Letter

571

hands of the Tories in Westchester County, New- York, and much has already been put on board the Asia Man-of-War

573

Report of Joseph Hopkins on a Lead- Mine at

588

588 589

590

the

New- York

is

New-Canaan,

not in

warm

New-York,

591

General Washington

Governour

6,

be permitted to supply Captain Wallace's Ships with Provisions, Commission and Instructions to William Moro-

The Town

:

6,

7,

7, 7,

of

to

Newport should

not

....

..... .....

Provost Marshal of the Army of the United Colonies, Letter from Colonel Long to the New-Hampshire Congress, Letter from General Schuyler to Colonel Wynkoop, giving instructions about Prisoners, Letter from James Gray to Sir John Johnson, Letter from General Washington to Governour ny.

576

590

-

Letter from

573

575

in the cause,

6,

Cooke

Trumbull

591

593

593 594 594

Having authentick information Long-

:

that a great part of the Inhabitants of

Island are inimical to the rights and liberties of America, he has ordered General Lee to

New- York,

200 7,

573

668 854 611

5,

Letter from Colonel Arnold to General Wooster,

5,

Connecticut Council of Safety, Letter from Colonel Ritzema to Peter V. B. . _ . . - 1115 Livingston,

5,

1

:

...... ... .....

...

.------

m

Orders and directions for the Commander-inChief of the Fleet of the United Colonies, . 578 5, Letter from New- York Delegates in Continen1033 tal Congress to Committee of Safety, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to 5, 914 Lord Stirling, 5, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to Suffolk County Committee, 1024 5, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to 1025 Thomas Wilkes, 579 5, Letter from Robert Yates to Jonathan Hampton, Protest of the Committee for the District of Kin5, derhook, delivered to the Committee for Al579 bany County, 'Order by the Albany Committee for a new election of a Committee for the District of Kinderhook, 580 Letter from General Schuyler to General 5, 580 Washington, 582 5, Extract of a Letter from an Officer at Montreal, 668 5, Letter from James Price to General Schuyler, 5, Letter from General Wooster to General Schuyler,

...

...

5,

..---...... .......

-

if President of Congress, with intercepted Letters addressed d to the Earl of Dartmouth, Extract of a Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in London Military strength of the Colonies,

998 584

the

chester County, in New- York, Letter from the Committee of Inspection in the Town of Greenwich, to Governour TrumThere is a large quantity of Provisions bull

quit

of Congress,

-

.

595

Letter from General Washington to John Adams, on the propriety of the proposed expedition of General Lee to New- York,

595

from General Washington to William Watson, with directions to send out an Armed

7,

Letter

8,

Vessel, if possible, Letter from Lord Stirling to the President of Congress The Jersey Battalions are very de-

.....

596

:

Arms, Blankets, and almost every necessary: Cortlandt Skinner went off to the Asia yesterday: Governour Franklin has given his promise not to leave the Province, ficient in

8, 8,

. . New- York Committee, Letter from the New- York Committee

to

gress, 8,

Letter

from

8,

596 689

of Safety

of the Provincial

Con1028

Committee for Westchester the New- York Committee of Safethe

of liberty

Westchester reduce the enemies to their country in Queen's County, Letter from M. Pelissier to the President of Congress, on the state of affairs in Canada, Translation of M. Pelissier's Letter, Letter from the Committee for Stonington to

County

8,

to

The

.

-

-

County ty:

8,

Members

the absent

.

friends

in

offer their services to

General Washington inquired into

;

596 596 601

They have carefully Denny and

the characters of

Buddington, and cannot find that either has pursued any measure inimical to America, -

\

583

dent of Congress, directing his attention to the conduct of some of the Inhabitants of West-

Chesterfield

5,

.

Stirling to

:

6,

577

County (Virginia) Committee acRichard Johnston of the charge against him, of being an enemy to his country, Letter from Samuel Purviance to the President

-

.

Lord

582

:

of the Naval Forces in the Harbour of

Norfolk and

Army,

ern

6,

;

stances,

List

Gen-

Letters from

570

Maryland Convention Operations of the British in Virginia, and the strength of Lord Dunmore, his present situation and circumthe

to

.....

G,

Con-

gress to Captain Salter, Letter from Lord Germaine to General Howe, in reply to his suggestions for the means of augmenting his Army for the next Campaign, and explaining the arrangements making for that purpose, Letter from Matthew Tilghman to the President of Congress, requesting that the Hornet and Wasp may be ordered to convey Vessels . . through the Capes, . Letter from the Virginia Committee of Safety to

-

6,

:

...

the idea of accommodation, from the New-Hampshire

Inlisting Orders

.

Washington, John Jay to Robert R. Livingston, Further Report of the Committee on the North-

The King is determined, at all hazards, to carry his plan of despotism into execution in his late Speech to both Houses of Parliament, he breathes revenge, and threatens us have consulted our with destruction. wishes, rather than our reason, in indulging

We

Members against the form of Govern, ment adopted by New-Hampshire Congress,

Protest of

Letter from General

567 568

...

New-Hampshire,

for

eral

to

Reed, Letter from General Greene

General Washing-

5,

has been, and

4,

to

the necessity for immediate ope-

New- York, to suppress the banof Tories there, and requests he may be detached for that purpose, Form of Government adopted by the Provincial Congress

the intention of the Ministry to reduce

Washington to the Presi. . . dent of Congress, General Orders, from January 1 to January 4, Letter from General Washington to Joseph

Shows

:

ditti

Vessels;

.......

Jhe Colonies

4,

ton

rations in

Prizes

...

. New- York Committee, The Monitor, No. 9 Showing still is,

4,

to

from General Lee

5, Letter

563

Money, declared aa enemy to his counby the Committee for Dover, in Dela-

ware,

4,

the

libel

not having been paid for their past services, object to enter again, John Cowgill, who has refused to take Contitry,

4,

to

men

nental

4,

him

directing

brought in by the Continental Armed Vessels, Letter from John Glover to General Washingthe

4,

Jan.

562

from Josepli Trumbull to Governour Trumbull, Letter from General Washington to Jonathan

ton: It

4,

....

Coffin, of Nantucket, to the

Congress,

XLvm

1776.

Letter

Glover, 3,

:

603

i

;

;

CONTENTS.

XLIX

1776.

1776. Ja7u. 8,

8,

General Washington, approving of General Lee's proceeding to New- York, General Washington's Instructions to General Letter from John

Adams

604

sent to protect

not be raised to the new establishment by voluntary iniistments: This and the neighboring Governments should, in time, adopt some other expedient for effecting it,

them

he has ordered General Lee to NewYork, Letter from R. Hooe to Daniel of St. Thomas that

9,

Address of the

9,

Letter from the

Letter

606

10,

Letter from Robert

Cumberland County, 1031

10,

Letter from Lieutenant Knight, a prisoner, taken

9,

9,

613

10,

613

10,

Machias, representing his case, and requesting to be released, Letter from Committee of Safety to New-Hampshire Delegates in Continental Congress, Letter from Joshua Wentworth to General

10,

10,

614

11,

Washington, Southampton (Virginia) Committee acquit William Urquhart of the imputation of having act-

10,

10,

11,

Letter from Lord

10,

10, 10,

10,

-

New-York Committee

-

of Safe-

Connecticut Council of Safety, Extract of a Letter from Cambridge Capture of a Guard at Charlestown, Address of the Noblemen, &c., of the County of Aberdeen, to the King, Address of the Deacons of the Fourteen Incorporated Trades of Glasgow, to the King, Address of the Justices of the Peace, &c., for

...

lett,

611

614 the County of Wigton, to the King, Proclamation by Governour Martin, 980 Commission by Governour Martin to Allan 981 McDonald, and others, 982 Manifesto by General Donald McDonald, Letter from Captain Ewing to Colonel Small. . -615 wood, Letter from the Fredericktown Committee to the President of Congress, with Dr. Smith, 615 under guard, Letter from Dr. Smith, dated November 24, 615 Plan and objects of Connolly's Secret Expedi-

tion,

McKee, December

Letter from Colonel Connolly to Captain

He

end; December 16,

Commanding Officer at Detroit Advises him to evacuate the Garrison, and, with Captain Lord, move down the Mississippi, and join Lord Dunmore at Norfolk, :

ance

10,

to

to

..... ...... ...... ...... ......

Virginia,

Letter from John Connolly to Mrs. Connolly, at Pittsburgh, Letter from the Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Com-

618

at that place,

Letter from the President of Congress to

1

, 1

618 618

10,

Letter from Christopher

10,

Letter from

ral

Schuyler,

Hopkins,

Lord

Gadsden

...

8,

enclosing Letters of Grovernour Franklin and Colonel Winds, Letter from Colonel Winds to Governour Franklin, requiring of him a pledge that he will not leave the Province, Reply of Governour Franklin He will not quit the Province unless compelled by violence, -

9,

contrary at his peril, to remove the Sentinels placed at his Gate, Reply of Colonel Winds He has done nothing but what was his duty as a faithful Officer of the Congress, -

...

621

..... .....

Letter from the

New- York Committee

of Safe-

10,

ty to Lord Stirling, Letter from Isaac Rysdick to Robert He has translated the Address of the

Benson: Conven-

10,

Dutch, as directed, Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress: Fears the next Letter from Getion into

1

621

11,

neral

Montgomery

will

1,

12,

Letter from

Fourth

William Sever

Series.

—Vol.

it.

12,

to

Hugh

Orr,

1036

1037 1037 1038

667 668 627

Committee

......

633-646 January, 1776, Address to the Soldiers of Massachusetts-Bay,

now

who

are

their

Country

:

in

Arms

By

earth,

and throw off their

humane Sovereign

that

ever swayed a sceptre, and submit to a tyranny uncontrolled either by the laws of God or man, 647 Letter to Meshech Weare, informing him of the Proceedings of the Committee at Portsmouth, 653 Instructions to the Maryland Delegates in Congress They are not, without the approbation of the Convention, to assent to a declaration of Independence, 653 Letter from the President of Congress to NewYork Committee of Safety, 1073 Letter from the President of Congress to the

.... ...

New-Hampshire Committee of Safety: One of the Battalions for the defence of Canada is to

622

12,

. be furnished by New-Hampshire, Representation of the Field-Officers of the Pennsylvania Battalions to the Congress, Letter from Lord Stirling to Colonel Maxwell,

12,

Letter from

1031 12,

Lord Stirling to the New- York The enemies to AmeCommittee of Safety rican liberty are very busy on Staten Island . he will disarm them, if requested, Letter from Thomas Wickes to the New- York Committee of Safety,

654 655 915

:

announce the disahaving raised the

.......

greeable account of his siege,

1045

1259

:

622

627

..--..

621

:

10,

627

- 1259 - 1271 Smith to John Adams, Letter from General Washington to President 629 of Congress, General Orders, from January 5 to January 11, 630 General Return of the Army, 631 633 Return of the Artillery Regiment, Return of the Militia who have consented to remain in Camp till the end of January, 634 Commissioned Officers of twenty-seven Regiments in the service of the United Colonies,

Letter from Isaac

Government upon

622

-

626

the President of

Northampton,

allegiance to the most

from Governour Franklin to Colonel Winds, requiring him, as he will answer the

Letter

10,

620

:

9,

.

996

against the Laws of continuing in Arms, they will trample upon the laws of the mildest

619

Stirling to the President of

Congress,

8,

1 1,

Admiral

to

-

626

....

619

Gene-

to

625

for Marshfield, -

11,

mittee to the President of Congress, requesting provision may be made for the Prisoners 10,

Stirling

Letter from Jedediah Foster to the

remove down the Mississippi to NewOrleans, or wherever he can find a convey-

him

to the Association,

.....

for

Letter from Colonel Connolly to Captain Lord, or Officer commanding at Illinois: Orders

....



Ler-

noult,

-

II,

616 617

617

-

-

....

Lord

Letter from Colonel Connolly to Captain

Vessels,

11,

11,

a prisoner, and the whole scheme at an

is

Armed

William Bart-

to

Congress: Has given orders to permit Governour Franklin to remain at his house, unless Congress order to the contrary, Letter from New-York Delegates in Continental Congress to Committee of Safety, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to General Schuyler, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to Robert R. Livingston, Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to . . . . Peter R. Livingston, Letter from Committee of Safety to New- York Delegates in Continental Congress, Letter from Tryon County (New- York) Com. . . mittee to General Schuyler, Affidavit of Jonathan French, of Tryon County, Letter from Colonel Arnold to the Congress, on the state of affiiirs generally in Canada, Letter from Jedediah Foster to the Committee

617

-

-

-

16,

respecting the

ed contrary

11,

624

General

.....

...

Connolly's Commission from Lord Dunmore, Letter from Colonel Connolly to Alexander

623

625 H. Harrison

at

:

...... -...--.

to

Sullivan,

of Safety

the Colony,

ty to the Committee of

from General Washington

10,

New- York Committee

to the Inhabitants of

605

606

Jenifer, 9,

requesting his

Letter from General Washington to the Massachusetts Council of Safety: The Army can-

10,

New-

Letter from General Washington to the York Committee of Safety, informing

......

New-York, and

assistance,

004

Lee, 8,

Jan. 10, Letter from General Washington to Lord Stirling, iuforminghim that General Lee has been

to

622 1258

12,

.....

655 655

:

CONTENTS.

LI

Jan. 12, Letter from General Carleton to General Howe: Account of the attack on Quebeck, 12, Proclamation by Governoiir Trumbull, Account of the proceedings of the British in 12, Rhode-Island, Letter from General Washington to General 12,

Montgomery, 13,

Common

13,

Letter from

13,

Letter from

shire 13,

Sense,

-----------

-

-

William Wall

Josiah Bartlett

657

Admiral Hopkins,

657

...

658

-

New- Hamp-

.-...-

to Captain Meston, of the Snow Dickenson, Letter from Bayard Co. to the French Merchants, respecting the purchase of Gunpowdei,

Instructions

656

1541

to the

Committee of Safety,

931

-

-

-

to

Jfl». 15,

656

658

to America, declared innocent of the charge by the Committee for Prince Edward . . . . County, Virginia, 15, Custis Kellum, tried and convicted by the Committee for Accomack County, Virginia, for calling the Bostonians a pack of Rebels, asks forgiveness, and is pardoned, 15, Letter from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer to Charles Carroll Thinks the cloud, almost ready to burst upon us, may be dispersed, and a plan formed which may save millions of money and thousands of lives, Is 15, Letter from Charles Carroll to Mr. Jenifer willing, with others, to lend his assistance to form a plan for the very good purposes he

15,

-------

15,

Letter from General Schuyler to the President

15,

affairs,

------

Tryon County, as given by Jonathan French, Letter from James Price to General Schuyler Fears the Army in Canada will be in great want of Cash; his house has advanced them upwards of twenty thousand Pounds, and is

...

ter

13,

13,

:

666

15,

667

13,

14,

15,

15,

Letter from

670

15,

15,

671 16,

Matthew

14,

ler, 1 4,

14,

14,

Wooster

to

-

Huntington to Governoiir Trumbull, Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress: The deficiency in Arms is truly alarming; few men who have any will engage in the service and we must take men without, or get none, while we have to con-

16,

16,

in

14,

15,

16,

852

every respect,

.

-

.

.

.

Washington to Joseph Reed, Letter from General Washington to Colonel Wentworth, Rev. William Douglas, charged with speaking

...

honour by the Committee Goochland County, Virginia,

to

General Wash-

It is

682 683 683

683

684

684

any Arms

not possible to furnish

. . from New-Hampshire, Letter from Mark Hopkins to Colonel Barrett, Letter from Thomas W. Waldron to the NewHampshire Committee of Safety, Letter from Herbert Courtenay to Charles Car-

685 766 685

686

Letter from the President of Congress to . . . neral Washington,

Ge.

686

Letter from Thomas Lynch to General Washington Lord Drummond is at Philadelphia, with terms of reconciliation he will propose them to the consideration of Congress as soon

Memorial of William Leary to the New- York . Committee of Safety, Letter from General Lee to General Washing-

675

16,

Letter from General

675

16,

Letter from General

16,

Letter from General Washington to the General . Court of Massachusetts,

16,

Letter from General

16,

Letter from

16,

Letter from General Howe to the Earl of Diirtmouth His advice is to leave the Southern

Trumbull,

-

Washington -

-

Washington

-

-

-

to

to

-

-

696

-

-

697

Governour

Washington

to

-----

Newburyport Committee

chusetts Council,

698

Matthew to

699

Massa-

:

679

695

Governour

-

-

Washington

-

697

Thornton,

for

693

General

to

Cooke,

679

689

694

nington, Letter from General Schuyler, -

675 676

687

Report of Samuel Mott to Governour Trumbull, on the Works erected and proposed for the defence of New- London, Groton, and Sto-

16,

disrespectfully of the People of America, ac-

quitted with

Meshech Weare

674

Army, well provided

Letter from General

General Wash-

ton,

;

14,

to

as the most urgent affairs are over, Proceedings of the New- York Committee, from . the 4th to the 16th of January, -

Letter from Colonel

tend with a formidable

682

;

General Schuy-

-..--.-

681

:

-671

Letter from Colonel Arnold to General Washington, List of the Killed, Wounded, and Prisoners, in the attack on Quebeck, December 31, 1775,

:

-....-. -------

William Watson

roll,

:

-

. . Squaws, Governour Trumbull to General Washington Will cheerfully co-operate in the measures for the security of New- York, and has appointed Field-Officers for two Re-

ington

throw into Canada whatever numbers of Men he can procure upon the New-Hamp-

-

sent from the

ington,

670

to

-

681

Letter from

Warren,

673

shire Grants, Letter from (Jeneral

-

Letter from

the Continental Congress, Letter from General Schuyler to the President He has sent Colonel Warner of Congress

-

-

15,

668

16,

to

-

-

15,

672

Washington

-

Mohawks,

the

giments of Volunteers, to be placed under the command of General Lee, Letter from General Washington to James

668

Thornton, Letter from Benjamin Fessenden to James Warren, enclosing the Proceedings of the Committee for the Town of Sandwich, on the sailing of a Vessel from that place for the WestIndies, contrary to the recommendations of

Letter from General

Troops,

680

:

16,

for the

680

----.....

Answer 668

yet received a return of killed

Arms

...

Christopher Gadsden to Commodore Hopkins, Letter from the New- York Delegates to the President of Congress, Letter from Colonel iMcDougall to Philip Livingston, with an account of all the Powder the Colony has possessed since the battle of Lexington, E.xtract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Albany; An Express has just arrived, with the news that Sir John Johnson, with five hundred men and a few Indians, were assembling in a hostile manner, Message to the Mohawks, by Mr. Bleecker, Indian Interpreter, Letter from

Reply of

672

procuring 13,

------

Has not

and wounded, Letter from Colonel Arnold to (Jeneral Wooster: Will endeavour to continue the blockade at Quebeck, Letter from General Washington to Colonel McDougall, Letter from General Washington to the Massachusetts Assembly, asking their assistance in

679

-681

15,

in

nearly exhausted, Letter from General Wooster to General Schuyler, g^iving an account of the defeat at Quebeck, Letter from Colonel Campbell to General Woos-

...

------------

mentions,

659 Proceedings of the Committee of New-Jersey, 660-666 Letter from General Schuylerto General Wash666 ington, of Congress: In the present critical state of nothing but the immediate march of a body of Troops into Canada can secure that Province, for the Canadians are not to be depended upon, Letter from the Tryon County Committee to General Schuyler,asking his assistance; they are without Powder, and hostile preparations are on foot, in Johnstown, against the friends of American liberty, -' Plan of Sir John Johnson to cut off the Whigs

V 679

_

Snow Dickenson by

the Crew,

13,

enemy

:

659

&c.,

Notices of the seizing of the

Samuel Burks, suspected of having acted as an

:

&

13,

LII

1776.

1776.

Provinces, in the fullest persuasion of their security, until the Rebels are defeated at New-

York. The Southern Rebels would have been unable to defend themselves, had they not been roused by the conduct of their Go-

792

1

CONTENTS.

LIII nre.

The ill conseqVicnces from another vernours. defensive campaign are act to be described. For an ofTensive campaign, a proper Army, of twenty thousand men, is necessary, Jan. 17, Letter from John Youste to the Maryland Council of Safety, 17, Extract of a Letter from New- York: General Lee is on his way there the Jersey Troops '

Z>ec.

are crossing 17,

Letter from

17,

Letter from

to

Long-Island,

General Schuyler,

Lord

-

New- York Committee -

-

.

.

-

------

17,

. . Continental Congress, Further accounts of the unsuccessful attack on

haviour,

Thanks

702 18,

702 1053

of the Convention to the Committee of Somerset County, for arresting and securing Atkinson, Rev. Mr. Patterson brought before the Convention in custody of a Guard; heard in his defence, and aclinowledged the impropriety of his conduct, in speaking disrespectfully of the

Committee of Worcester County directed der Benjamin Shockley before them, and

21,

22,

Committee

23,

Committee

17,

to

....---

709 710

721

be confined, to consider and report the most effectual method of establishing a Gun-Lock

721

Manufactory,

722

to

A

Extract of a Letter from a Captain of ah English Transport at Boston to his Owners,

repri-

suspicion of attempting to convey intelligence to Lord Dunmore, brought before the Convention, examined, and ordered

-

709

to or-

...... --....

mand him, Edward Davis, on

702

Court of InCourt of New-Hampshire: quiry will be held to-morrow on Colonel Stark, Letter from Meshech Weare to General Washington,

719

720

vince, 19,

17,

17,

719

Proceedings of the Conventions of the Pro-

1053

705-709 William 709 Bartlett, 709 Letter from General Sullivan to General Gates, Letter from General Sullivan to the General

17,

....... ......

one thousand Pounds for his future good be-

and Remonstrance, of the Inhabitants of the New-Hampshire Grants to the

Petition, Address,

auebeck, from Robert H. Harrison

Isaac Atkinson brought before the Convention, reprimanded, and required to give a bond of

of Safety to

17,

Letter

6,

of Safety to

New- York Committee

Stirling,

1

699

;

17,

HV

1775.

and report on

Proposals relating to the establishment of Manufactories of any kind within the Province, Instructions to the Delegates in Congress respecting the sale of India Teas, Committee to consider what alterations and to receive

all

722 723

amendments are necessary

in the Regulations of the Militia, Resolutions for the encouragement of the manu. . . . facture of Saltpetre, Form of a Commission for the Officers of the Militia of the Province, Commissioners for the establishment of a Gun-

MARYLAND CONVENTION. 1775. Z?ec. 7,

27,

Convention met

at

Annapolis,

List of the Delegates,

-

Matthew Tilghman chosen

-

-

-

-

-

-

President, and

9,

1

1,

...

pass through, the Province, of the Convention required to keep all the Debates and Proceedings secret, Francis Baker, of Talbot County, who had been guilty of a breach of the Continental Associa. . tion, expelled the House, Committee for Talbot County requested to send Isaac Atkinson, under a guard, to the Convention, Committee for Kent County requested to send the Rev. John Patterson, under a guard, to the Convention, No Boat, or other Vessel, belonging to the Province, permitted to go out of the Province

711 711

-------

without a license, in writing, from the Con. vention, or a Committee, Members ordered not to leave the House without permission, Committee on a Petition from the Frontier Inhabitants of Frederick County,

713 1776.

713

Committee to devise the best ways and means to promote the manufacture of Saltpetre, Conduct of Committee for Somerset County, in raising a

...

Company, approved,

to report who have subscribed, or refused or neglected to subscribe, the Association directed by the last Convention, -

Jan.

1,

prepare a draught of Instructions for the Deputies representing this Province in Congress, Report of the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Province, to put the Province immediately in a state of defence, and raise a sufficient Armed Force for its protection, read

and adopted, Committee to report Resolutions 714

714

supporting the Forces

2,

report

...

......

14,

715

715

715

Light-Infantry,

715

for

728

...

728

728

3,

..... ......

Petition of Fielder Gaunt, for assistance in

728 728 729

729 729

work-

ing a Lead-Minein Frederick County, granted,

Alexander McFadon, for assistance in establishing a Linen, Woollen, and Cotton Manufactory, in Frederick County, rejected, Petition of Edward Parker granted, Report of Committee for establishing Linen and Woollen Manufactories throughout the Pro-

730

Petition of

716

716

vince, rejected,

7I6

4,

Rule

making

-

716

-

730 73

.731

.

...

for Officers

of

732

..... .....

735

several Counties in the Province divided . into Districts, or Brigades, _

735

to

the Regulations of the Militia

Committees of Observation required chase the whole of the Sulphur in spective Counties,

Lord Dun-

-

out

of the Province, 5,

-

Commissions the Independent Companies, for

Amendments

to

733

pur-

their re.

The

. . more, . .717 Robert Buchanan, a Member for Kent County, censured by the Convention, . 717 Robert Davis reprimanded for resisting the Or-

Committee

727

728

.

...... -.-....

.

ders of the

726

.

be raised,

Committee to report Rules and Regulations for the government of the Forces, Persons commissioned in the Regular Forces cannot serve in the Convention, or hold any

...

has left the Province with inimical designs against the same, and has carried sundry In-

County,

726

and

chosen, Captains of the seven Independent Companies, Captains of the Light- Infantry, Vessel from Lincoln County, Massachusetts, permitted to take a quantity of Grain from Somerset County, Lieutenants for the Independent Companies and

ty,

15,

to

for raising

civil office,

William Bartlett Townsend, of Worcester Coun-

habitants of the Province to join

725

Field-Officers for the Battalion (Light-Infantry)

who have

not enrolled themselves either as Minute or Artillery-Men, or in the Militia, Committee to examine and report the quantity and condition of the Arms and Ammunition of . . the Province, Cannon and Shot at Fort Cumberland, Oldtown, and Fort Frederick, to be conveyed to Baltimore, to

723

to

--....

713

Committee

Committee

--.....

timore,

Committee

29,

-715

13,

Lock Manufactory in Fredericktown, Council of Safety authorized to lend Money, without interest, to encourage the erection of a Powder-Mill within fourteen miles of Bal-

28,

712

Every Member

12,

....

Ga-

Duvall Clerk, Connolly, Smith, and Cameron, in custody by order of the Frederick County Committee, Robert Alexander and John Rogers chosen Delegates to the Continental Congress, in place of John Hall and Robert Goldsborough, Parliamentary Post not permitted to travel in, or

briel

8,

711 711

723

A

6,

Brigadier-General, a Quartermaster, and an Adjutant, allowed to each District, . . Field-Officers of the Militia in the several Dis-

.

,

8,

Further appointments in the Militia,

.

.

Anne Arundel

tricts

718

appointed,

-

-

735 735 737

;

CONTENTS. Jan. 9, Committee to prepare and report a scheme for the emission of Bills of Credit, to defray the expenses of defending the Province, Instructions for the Deputies representing the 10, Province in Congress, considered, 11, Iflstructions for the Deputies further considered,

.-.--.

and adopted,

Money advanced

12,

to

napolis, to assist

------.......

emitted,

Provision for redeeming the Bills of Credit, Regulations adopted for Raising, Clothing, and Victualling the Forces to be raised in the Pro-

14,

vince,

Officers of the Forces to be raised,

Instructions for inlisiing

15,

Men

-

-

-

in the service

Hopkins to Colonel Barrett, urging him to forward on Recruits, to be sent to Montreal, t/an. 18, Letter from General Washington to General Schuyler A Council of General Officers has determined that Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New-Hampshire, should each immediately raise a Regiment for Canada, . Letter from Colonel Enos to General Washing18, Letter from Mark*

738 738 738

William Whetcroft, of Anhim in erecting a Rolling,

Sheeting, and Slitting Mill, within twenty . miles of Baltimore, . Rank of Counties and Colonels established, Bills of Credit, to the amount of five hundred and thirty-five thousand one hundred and eleven Dollars and one-ninth part of a Dollar, to be

13,

740 740

1

8,

Letter from Joseph Mayhew to the Massachusetts Council, informing them of the state of

741

18,

Letter from

743

18,

Return of the

16,

17,

to John Archer and James Harundertake a Flax or Hemp Manufactory, Manner of collecting Debts prescribed. Council of Safety. Their powers and duties, Records to be removed from Annapolis to some

18,

. . place of greater security, Declaration of the Convention on the King's Speech to Parliament, on the 27th of October

19,

Instructions of the

Richard Harrison,

Arms

tandouin 18,

&

Frere,

.....

8,

8,

..... ......

instructions,

Lord Stirling to Colonel Maxwell, Lord Stirling to the President of

8,

Letter from

8,

Letter from

8,

expedition to Clueen's County, New- York, Return of Field and Staff Officers of the First

Congress

8,

8,

8,

18,

;

19,

Letter from

756

19,

Letter from

756

19,

755

19,

19,

759 759 759

19,

761

19,

.......

New- York Committee for Fortifications,

New- York Committee

... ... of Safety -

19,

19,

1056

.

1057

Albany County Committee, 1057 Richmond County Committee to New- York Committee of Safety, - 1069 Declaration by the Inhabitants of Queen's County, New- York, 858 Oath subscribed by sundry Inhabitants of Queen's County, New- York, 860

Letter from

Thomas

New- York Com-

Grenell to

1064 Wooster to Gen. Schuyler, 1004 Letter from Perez Morton to Massachusetts Delegates in Congress, . . 1266 Letter from General Washington to the Presi. . . dent of Congress, 772 Letter from General

774

16th of January, . Letter from General Washington to the General Court of Massachusetts, requesting them to raise a Regiment to reinforce the Army in

774

Canada, General Orders, from January 12 to January 19, Orders by General Sullivan to Colonel Waldron, to raise a Regiment for Canada, Address of an American, recommending the opening the Ports of the Colonics to all Na-

775 776

tions except the British,

761

-

.

.

.

778

779

Maryland Council of Safety to the Deputies of Maryland in Congress, re. questing them to procure Cannon for the For-

20,

Letter from the

-

780

20,

Letter from Stephen Steward to Charles Wallace, with a plan for the defence of Annapolis,

780

20,

Letter from

763

tifications at

916

764

772

of Safety to

Minutes of a Council of War at Head-Quarters, Cambridge, held January 16, 1776, Minutes of another Council of War held on the

20,

763

772

to

-...-..

659

771

President of

mittee of Safety,

20,

Annapolis and Baltimore,

-

.....

James Murray

to

the

Maryland

Council of Safety, Letter from the President of Congress to Gene, ral Washington The Congress are anxious to repair our losses in Canada, and to gain possession of Quebeck before the enemy can

730

. be reinforced in the Spring, Letter from the President of Congress to Govern-

781

:

......

:

771

;

Commissioners

758

765 New-Jersey Regiment, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to 1055 James Livingston, 931 Proclamation by Governour Trumbull, Resolutions of County Convention at Fairfield, 765 Connecticut, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General Washington Has given orders to raise a Re765 giment for Canada, Letter from General Wooster to Colonel Warner, urging him to collect as many Men as possible immediately, and send them to Ca766 nada,

......

Stirling to the

Captain Samuel Raymond,

Preparations for Colonel Heard's

....

Province,-

for the

Letter from

754

Mon-

of the Committee respecting the approved by Congress, Letter from the President of Congress to Gleneral Washington, Letter from Committee of Congress to Commodore Hopkins, giving him information and

Lord

19,

Congress

The conduct is

and Ammunition

19,

754

Letter from the President of Congress to the Committee for Lancaster, in Pennsylvania

Prisoners

-

Congress: The British Officers, prisoners, have made choice of Bordentown for their place of residence, and request the Band of Musick and their Servants may go with them, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to

762

Co., to

.

19,

Adjourned to second Tuesday in April, but may be convened sooner by Council of Safety,

&

.

-

Maryland Council of Safety

The party destined for Queen's County are chiefly on Long-Island, Letter from Samuel Tucker to the President of

748

762

Letter from Bayard, Jackson

-

to

Captain Forsythe, to dispose of his cargo at Martinico, and, with the proceeds, to purchase

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINOS, ETC. 8,

769

770

Letter from the

19,

1

768

the Isle

Letter from

--------

last,

768

-1285

19,

Encouragement ris to

766

to

753

..--.-

-

Maryland Council of Safety

19,

of

ginia, to the assistance of the Inhabitants there.

-

Hugh

of Shoals,

746

vention,

...

Dukes County, Orr to Moses Gill, number of Inhabitants on

civil affairs in

j . . . Maryland, Rules for regulating and governing the Forces to be raised and employed in the service of the . . Province of Maryland, Minute-Companies in Dorchester, dueen Anne, and Kent, ordered to march immediately to Accomack and Northampton Counties, in Vir-

authorities of the Deputies of the Province, in Congress, continued to the end of the next session of the Convention, Rank of the Militia Officers established, Regulations for filling vacancies in Committees . ofObservation, All persons who neglect or refuse to sign the Association before the eleventh day of April next, required to deliver up their Arms, Report on the Memorial from the Justices of Baltimore County Court, Conduct of many persons in neglecting to pay their Levies, highly disapproved by the Con-

ton, requesting permission to resign, Letter from General Sullivan to the New-Hampshire Assembly,

18,

744 745

766

:

Powers and

JflTi.

LVI

1776.

1776.

20,

our Trumbull, 20,

...

Letter from the President of Congress to the Convention of New-Hampshire,

732 732

20, Letter from 20, 20,

the President of Congress to the New- York Committee of Safety, Letter from the President of Congress to Greneral Schuyler,

783 733

Letter from the

President of Congress to the New-Jersey Committee of Safety, . .

783

CONTENTS.

LVII

New-Hamp-

Jan.20,Lelte.i from Josiah Baitlett to the

Trumbull

;

......

Officers

of Canada,

20,

20, 20,

Lord Stirling to mittee of Safety,

Letter from

Now- York Committee

the Delegates in Congress,

20,

Letter from

John Brickcll

-

to

-

-

^

from Governour Trumbull

to

20,

Letter from General

20,

20,

Captain Charles Dyar, of the Schosner Harrison, Letter from the Newburyport Committee to the Massachusetts Council, informing of the capture of two Vessels, and sending Prisoners, Letter from W. Sever to General Washington, placing at his disposal Lieutenant Hill, taken in one of the Prizes, Letter from W. Sever to the Newburyport Com-

20,

Letter from General

20,

Letter from General Washington to the mittee of Stoningion,

Trumbull,

Washington

-

-

-

to

-

-

-

-

-

buryport Committee,

20, 21,

.... ....

Washington

to the

Convention,

..."...

21,

Berk's County (Pennsylvania) Committee recommend a Provincial Convention, and appoint Delegates to attend in behalf of the County, Buck's County Committee appoint persons to acquire a competent knowledge of making

21,

21,

Letter frofn the ty to

Vessel

is

Stores for the

21,

Letter from

New- York Committee

21,

21, 21,

Letter from

22,

Letter from General Schuyler to the President

22,

Letter from General Schuyler to General

Army

at

Boston,

22,

790

792

of Safety to

-

-

-

-

-

801

802 1065

1066 1067

802

Wash-

Men

rectly to

21,

805

in Connecticut,

New- York

;

and

is

marching dimea-

advises strong

sures with the Tories, and by all means to . . . secure New- York, Letter from the New- York Committee of Safety Requests him not to march to General Lee to New- York with Connecticut Troops before he makes such explanations to them on this important subject as his duty may permit

805

:

792 793

him

to

..--..

make,

Maxwell to Lord Stirling, from Colonel Warner to General Schuy-

Letter from Colonel

793

22, 22,

793

22,

Letter from

793

22,'

Governour Trumbull to General Washington, Lettet from James Wilkinson to General Sulli-

22,

Letter from

22,

Letter from

22,

Letter from

21,

Letter

Letter

Colonel Huntington

to

Governour

Trumbull,

794

809

William Sever

to

Newburyport

Committee,

794

1275

Meshech Weare

to

General Wash-

809

ington,

794

808 809

van,

793

807 916 852

ler,

from the New- Hampshire Council of Safety to General Washington Directions were promptly given to raise the Regiment for Canada, under the command of Colonel :

Timothy Bedel, 795

21,

810

Committee of the NewHampshire Assembly appointed to wait on General Washington, Orders to Colonels Morey and Bellows, to pro-

Instructions

to

the

810

cure, immediately. Supplies for Colonel Bedel's Regiment, -811 Orders to Lieutenant-Colonel Waite, to raise men immediately for Colonel Bedel's Company of Rangers, 811 22, Letter from General Howe to the Earl of Dartmouth General Clinton sailed on the 20th; he has blank Commissions, to be used if he embodies any Provincials; Commissions are sent to three gentlemen, who have been long

21,

795

Joseph Hallet, 796 Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to General Lee, 1062 Speech from General Schuyler to the Six Nations, sent by Mr. Deane, . . , . 855 Letter from Colonel Bayley to General Wooster, 1500 Letter from General Wooster to General Wash:

to the last extremity; to

in North-Carolina, to secure the attachment

of the Highlanders settled in that Colony, 23,

Letter

23,

Letter

23,

797

.....

:

796

:

...

New- York Committee

801

Letter from General Lee to the President of Congress: Has collected about twelve hun-

dred

791

of Safety

do any thing effectual we must have Men, and Powder, and heavy Cannon, by the middle of March, Letter from Governour Cooke to General Washington Encloses the Vote of the Town of Newport authorizing the supply of Provisions to Captain Wallace,

New-York

Has just returned from a visit to Tryon County to disarm the Malignants . . there, which has been effected,

of Safe,

...

.... to

Committee of Safety

800

ington:

ington The Clergy are exciting the Canadians against us; Q,uebcck will be defended

21,

22,

790 932

to

21,

Letter from

of Congress,

789

Stirling,

New-York Committee

-

22,

Colonel Graham,

informing him that a off the Hook, deeply laden with

Lord

-

of Congress, Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to

Delegates in Congress,

795

Saltpetre,

.

.

Stirling,

800

the Presi-

22,

Lord

Maryland Coun-

Letter from Captain Strieker to cil of Safety,

to

Letter from Captain Williams to the President

Letter from

21,

.....

Committee

22,

Com-

..... ......

of Annapolis,

prisoners at Lancaster,

New-

Robert H. Harrison to William Watson, to send Captain Dyar on a cruise, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to Stephen Moylan; The present situation of affairs will not justify the attempt on the Fowey, Letter from General Sullivan to the New-Hampshire Assembly, Letter from Colonel Woodford to the Virginia

800

of Safety to the

dent of Congress, Complaints and demands of the British Officers,

787

Instructions to

mittee,

20,

Letter from Lancaster

Governour

...

20,

22,

General

20,

20,

1065

Mayor

....

Maryland Council

Letter from

789

Schuyler, Proclamation by Governour Trumbull,

.......

napolis,

22,

Letter from

Letter

Thomas Johnson, Jun., to Maryland Council of Safety, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Stephen Steward The Council desire to consult with him on the means of defending An-

785

from Colonel McDougall to General Washington: It is impossible to send him Powder from New- York. Until recently, their entire stock was less than three hundred pounds; and now many of the Counties have

Governour Trumbull to the President of Congress: Orders have been given for raising the Regiments called for; but there is great distress for want of Arms, -

Information

:

Letter

20,

16,

Letter from

22,

788

none, 20,

785

New- York

the

Congress, 20,

22,

22,

784

of Safety to -

.....

798 communicated by Governour Wright to Dr. Jones and Joseph Clay, 799 Letter from Lord Dunmore to Colonel Corbin, 1208

22,

New- York Com-

Letter from

:

tined for Canada,

will be spared to secure the important Province

Application of Colonel Bull to the Congress, . . for permission to resign, Ancient Testimony and Principles of the People called Quakers renewed, with respect to the King and Government, and touching the commotions now prevailing in New-Jersey and Pennsylvania, and other parts of America; addressed to the People in general, -

to Governour Encouragements proposed for the and Soldiers of the Regiment des-

General Washington

^a?}.2i, Letter from

Committee of Safety Every exertion will be made by the Congress to repair the loss sustained at Quebeck. No cost or pains shire

20,

LVIII

1776.

1776.

from Addison Murdock

to

-

812

Maryland

Council of Safety, from Maryland Council of Safety to Prince George's County Committee, to provide a safe place in Upper Marlborough for the Publick Records, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to their Delegates in Congress, respecting Letters from Governour Eden,

812

....

313

...

813

CONTENTS.

lilX 1776,

1776,

Maxwell to President of His Regiment ordered to Canada

Letter from Colonel

Congress: immediately; is in want of a great part of every thing but men, Letter from New-Jersey Committee of Safety to the President of Congress: General Prescott will be sent forward to-morrow morning, under a guard, Letter from Dr. Huddleston to the President of Congress, asking permission to return to Que-

....

23,

.....

23,

23,

24,

beck. Letter from New-Jersey Committee of Safety to the President of Congress, respecting the Prisoners in Trenton, Letter from Samuel Tucker to the President of Congress, General Schuyler's Orders to Captain Hurlbert, in charge of the Prisoners, Ticondcroga, November 1, 1775, Return of Clothing, &c., that was lost, belonging to his Majesty's Seventh Regiment of Royal Fusileers at Trenton, Letter from Robert Ogdcn to New- York Com-

Ja7i.2 4, Letter 24,

813 24,

814

....

mittee of Safety

Lord Stirling has gone

:

.

.

;

24,

24,

816 23,

817

to

.

24,

ral

Howe,

818

23,

Letter from General Schuyler to the President

from Prison,

------

of Congress; Narrative of his excursion Tryon County,

23,

818 24,

commence of-War

:

It

is

in the

not his intention to

Harbour; but

if

they

the

first

house they

set in

Menmake a Town,

flames shall be the

some of their best friends, Samuel Dexter to Perez Morton, Letter from General Washington to General

funeral pile of

Letter from

23,

from General Washington to Joseph Reed, urging his return to Head-duarters, Letter from Colonel Harrison to General Sulli-

830 778

23.

25, 25,

-

Howe

-

23,

Letter from General

24,

Extract of a Letter from Ireland Treatment of Colonel Ethan Allen supplies presented to

to the

24,

Letter from

nia Committee of Safety,

25,

Lord

-

-

-

.

25,

837 25,

837

Stirling to the President of

Has captured the Ship off the Congress: Hook she proves to be the Blue-MountainValley, laden with Coal, &c., Letter from New- York ^Committee of Safety to Committees and Militia /Officers of the Colony,

24,

Letter from

-

....

New-York Committee of

Colonel Joseph Drake,

841

842

842 843

844 844 846

846 846

847

25,

1071

Safety to

1076

to

848

848 849

whole

850

Thomas

850

the President

850

The Transport Ship Blue-Mounis at

Eiizabethtown Point,

851

Major De Hart to Samuel Tucker: He has returned from Long- Island, and left Colonel Heard at Hempstead many Tories 851 were coming in daily, with their Arms, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to 1079 Lord Stirling, Letter from

-----

Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to 1080 Robert Livingston, Letter from Thomas Palmer to New- York Com. . . . . 1097 mittee of Safety, Letter from the Committee of White Plains to 1116 New- York Committee of Safety,

General Schuyler to New- York . . - 1113 Committee of Safety, 25, Letter from General Schuyler to the President 851 of Congress, Letter from Seth Warner to General Schuyler: His prospect in raising men is very encoura25,

837

Roberdeau

847

;

25,

;

24,

Congress: tain-Valley

836

24,

the

25,

833

836

24,

till

of Congress: Has placed a guard over General Prescott and Captain Chace, Letter from Thomas Lowrey to the President of

Lowrey,

two Companies of Regulars chosen by the Committee of Spottsylvania County,

...

------------

Letter from Colonel

Officers of

Letter from Josiah Bartlett to the New-Hampshire Committee of Safety, Letter from Richard Swoope to the Pennsylva-

24,

.......

Letter from the President of Congress to the New- Jersey Committee of Safety, Letter from the President of Congress to Colonel Maxwell, directing him to send his Companies to Canada, one at a time, as fast as they

25,

his Letter

Virginia,

......

832

;

;

840

847

-

25,

835

of Thanks,

in,

831

:

him by some Gentlemen of Cork

they live

are equipped, Letter from the President of Congress to

Earl of Dart-

mouth,

Town

can be provided, without waiting

831

Proclamation by the General Court of Massachusetts,

his request to be permitted to go to Boston, the Admiral having declined every negotiation for exchange of Prisoners, Letter from General Gates to Lieutenant Knight:

next,

Letter

van,

839

Letter from General Gates to Captain Stanhope: The General cannot, at present, comply with

Bennet White convicted of violating the Association by the Hanover County (Virginia) Committee, 25, Prince Edward County Committee receive the concession of John Hamblin, and recommend him to the Publick, for their forgiveness, 25, Philadelphia Committee recommend the election of a new Committee on the 16th of February

;

23,

shire, for the Continental service, Letter from General Washington to the Northampton (Massachusetts) Committee,

25,

Lee: Regrets that Congress countermanded the embarkation of the two Regiments against the Tories on Long-Island the period is arrived when the most decisive and vigorous measures should be pursued, -

. . . forwarded without delay, from General Washington to the Presi. dent of Congress, General Orders, from January 20 to January 25, Memorial of Joseph Trumbull, Commissary-Ge. . neral, to the Congress, Report of Charles Miller to the CommissaryGeneral, List of Persons employed in the CommissaryGJeneral's Department, List of Clerks and Assistants in the Department of the Quartermaster-General, An account of the Barracks occupied by the Continental Troops near Boston, Letter from Stephen Moylan to Major Hawley, Appointment of Robert Bricket to muster the Regiment raising in Hampshire and Berk-

JjCtter

limits of the

829

active hostilities against the

pretext of his presence to fire on the.

839

parole at Northampton and Hadley must keep themselves within the legal

818

Schuyler to Governour Trumbull, Letter from General Lee to New- York Com-

wofuliy hysterical,

The gentlemen on

to

Letter from General

mittee of Safety

23, 23,

24,

wrecked on Squam Beach, which was laden by Governour Tryon with presents for GeneLetter from John Blackler to New- York Committee of Saftty, requesting to be released

23,

24,

1091

Was only a passenger on

23,

is

...

24,

to

it

Governour Trumbull to General Washington The Regiment for Canada, and the three Regiments for the Camp, will be

Letter from

....

Colonel McDouboard the vessel

gall:

ones are averse, from

the spirit of procrastination the Provincial Congress, in their letter, breathes the very

:

23,

-

Companies with him: the stout Whigs of desire a body of Troops stationed

essence of this spirit:

815

Committee of Safely, Letter from John Graham

23,

......

Letter from General Lee to General Washington: Ten thousand Volunteers could have been raised in Connecticut, but he takes only

in that City; the timid

814

23,

23,

New-

New- York

take the Vessel, 817 Letter from John Imlay to New- York Committee of Safety, 817 Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to Committee of Kingston, Ulster County, - 1070 Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to Thomas Grenell, 1071 Letter from James McClaughry to New- York

23,

to

of Safety, 1108 Letter from Colonel Arnold to the Continental Congress, 838

four

-815

23,

...

from Suffolk County Committee

York Committee

Letter from

......

ging.

852

CONTENTS.

LXI

Jan.25, Letter from General Schuyler to Seth Warner, Letter from General Wooster to Gen, Schuyler, Letter from Colonel Arnold to General Wooster: Too much lenity has been shown the

....--

Prisoners,

Letter from Colonel Arnold to General Wooster An agent sent out by Carleton, to raise the country against us, has been taken,

852 852

Jan.27, Letter from Colonel Fellows

Speech

to the

Six Nations, sent by Mr. Deane,

27,

854

;

Letter from General

Camp, Governour

856

25,

856

25,

Trumbull. Letter from Robert H. Harrison to William Wat-

none can be furnished

for the

Washington

to

son,

26,

from Joseph Robson to the Maryland Council of Safety, Letter from the President of Congress to Ge:

26,

Letter from Lord Stirling to

26,

Letter from

Affidavit of Peter

Ethan Allen,

Rammon,

-

-

Allen was put in irons on board the Gaspee, and so kept for more than thirty days, though very sick during the whole time, Certificate of Johannis Snyder, that a British Soldier, taken prisoner at Montreal, stated he knew Colonel Allen was put in irons, but dare not make an affidavit; for, if he did so, the Officers would punish him with death, . Letter from General Washington to General Schuyler The time has arrived when the

...

Committee of each County, 1081 26, Letter from Colonel Drake to the New- York Committee of Safety, 1082 26, Letter from Westchester County Committee to - 1084 New- York Committee of Safety, 26, Letter from John Graham to New- York Com857 mittee of Safety, 26, Extract of a Letter from an Officer in the expedition on Long-Island, 858 Declaration signed by sundry Inhabitants of Queen's County, New- York, . 858 Signers of the Declaration, 858 Oath subscribed by sundry Inhabitants of Queen's County, New- York, 860 Subscribers to the Oath, 860 26, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wooster, 1003

27,

Connecticut Council of Safety, 924 Letter from Colonel Moylan to the General Court of Massachusetts, 861 Letter from William Sever to Newburyport Committee, 1281 Letter from William Sever to Gloucester Com-

27,

Letter

27,

Letter from General

28,

1282

28,

862

28,

Letter from Lord Stirling to New- York Committee of Safety, Letter from Thomas Palmer to Philip Livingston, respecting the Fortifications on Hudson River, Letter from General Schuyler to Colonel Fel-

862

28,

lows, Letter from

28,

Letter from John

28,

Letter from

28,

Letter from Colonel

....

.....

26, 26,

26, 26,

...

mittee,

26.

26 26,

..... ....

Hampshire Assembly, Letter from William Watson to General Washington Two more Prizes taken by Captain

.......

:

Manly, 26,

....

Cosmopolitan to the Inhabitants of the American Colonies No. 6, Letter from D. Santerre, first Captain of the Regiment of Martinique, to General Wash;

27,

ington Wants to enter the American service, Letter from the Virginia Committee of Safety to the Maryland Council of Safety: They have resolved to build two Row-Galleys for the pro:

27,

tection of the

ryland

to participate in its protection,

-

-

Letter from

27,

Council of Safety, Letter from Colonel St. Clair to the President of

27,

Letter from

27,

Congress, Manifest of the Cargo of the Blue-MountainValley, Letter from New- York Delegates in Congress

27,

Letter from

27,

Letter from Westchester

...

Congress,

to

Lord

.

.

......

Committee of Safety, Lord Stirling

....

to

27,

ous,

it

.....

and bloody, from General Washington

to

to

William

.....

866 29,

867 29,

867

867

1091

915

New- York Committee of Safety, -1085 Letter from Kingston (Ulster County) Committee to New- York Committee of Safety, - 1098 Letter from John R. Livingston to New- York Congress, 1115 Extract of a Letter from an Officer at Montreal to a Gentleman at New- York, 868

Fowler

.... ....

to

the

875

Moylan

to

is

877

Newburyport

.......

it

§76

Captain

Committee, for Arms, from Robert H. Harrison to William Watson, Sussex County (Virginia) Committee will make provision for the support of the Poor of Norfolk, Officers for the Company of Regulars chosen by the Hanover County Committee, Letter from the President of Congress to General Washington, Letter from the President of Congress to the Assembly of Massachusetts: Important as the service in Canada is, it cannot be carried on without Specie;

876

New- York

General Washington to

commended 868

914

Governour Trum-

to

Manly,

Letter

875

882

Edward Mott

Committee of Safety,

28,

873

Colonel

874 Washington

Whipple,

29,

to

...

To whomsoever

affairs.

Arnold,

29,

Captain William

County Committee

our

belongs, in their favour, probably, will the balance turn; if it is ours, success will crown our virtuous struggles; if it is our enemy's, the contest, at best, will be doubtful, hazard-

Stirling to the President of

Rogers,

27,

:

863

Colonel Smallwood to Maryland

872

from General Washington to General Wooster Canada is of the utmost importance

in the scale of

863

866

872

Letter

bull,

Potomack River, and ask Ma-

27,

27,

27,

Recommendation of John Lambert

to the Massachusetts Council, for the command of an Armed Vessel, Letter from General Sullivan to the New-

871

:

Canadians, and, consequently, their Indians, must take sides. Should any indecision of ours give the bias against us, it is easier to foresee, than to rectify, the serious consequences which must inevitably follow; Q.ue. beck should be taken, and Canada reduced this Winter,



.... .... .... ....

871

that Colonel

...

of Safety to

870 933

:

liberty of his brother,

857

869

General Schuyler: The blockade of Quebeck will be continued, until they are prepared to prosecute, to

857

27,

1085

New-York Committee

Wooster

Letter from General

857

New- York Com-

mittee of Safety,

Money,

vigorously, different measures, Proclamation by Governour Trumbull, Letter from Levi Allen to General Washington Proposes to go to England to procure the

27,

A

Committee of three Members has been appointed to repair immediately to New-York, to confer with him and the Committee of Safety,

— Men,

......

the Province, 27,

Letter

neral Lee

wanted

heavy Cannon, Mortars, Shot, Shells, and Powder, of which we have not four tons in

854 855

Letter from Governour Cooke to General Washington: The Colony is so destitute of Arms, that

881

Letter from General Wooster to the President of Congress: Colonel Arnold still keeps up the blockade of Q,uebeck for taking of that place, every thing is

25,

General Schuy-

to

ler,

:

26,

LXII

1776.

1776.

877

878 878 878 878

therefore earnestly re-

to the several

Colonies to collect

whatever of Silver and Gold they can, and Congress will give Continental Bills in exchange for it, . . . 879 29, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to Colonel Drake, 1089 29, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to - 1089 Officer of the Guard at King's Bridge, 29, Letter from Peter T. Curtenius to the New-

York Committee 29, 29,

of Safety,

...

879

Letter from Egbert Benson to New- York Committee of Safety, 1117 Letter from William Palfrey to General Washington,

880

:

CONTENTS.

liXIII 1776.

Jan.'Z9 Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress, Letter from Colonel Fellows to General Schuy-

Jiire.

880 881

ler,

Letter from General Schuyler to Colonel Fellows,

29,

William Watson

Letter from

to

882

General Wash-

ington Account of Manly's capture of the Prizes, Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Boston They are close shut np there; fresh Provi:

29,

sions very scarce, and have been in

30,

30,

..... ..... .....

County, Virg-inia, Concession of the Rev. Thomas Johnston, pubginia) Committee,

from Stephen

Letter

30,

Letter from

Thomas

to

West

to

Jenifer,

Stephen

Daniel of

the

to alter the

....

.... ....

30,

Letter from

30,

Committee of Safety, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety Delegates in Congress,

New- York Committee

30,

Letter from

30,

Colonel Heard, Letter from Jonathan Blake to

30, 30,

30,

Letter from

31,

Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the General

31,

Letter from the

31,

Instructions to Colonel

Howe:

886

1,

Scotia,

30, 30,

Letter from General

Howe, Lee

:

1,

888

1,

1097

1,

1094

1,

31,

31,

-

.

.

.

......

wanted

for his Battalion,

Letter from Colonel

mittee of Safety,

Drake

to

-

-

-

of Safety,

-

904 905 905 1098

New- York 1098

John McKesDesires that no Commissions may be son: sent to him from the Committee of Safety to

Letter from General Schuyler to

Letter from

Thomas Young

to

may name, New- York

906

the

Map

of the east end of LongCongress, with a . . Island, and the Islands adjacent, 1,

......

906

Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress, State of the Military Chest

906

1,

. January 28th, 907 Letter from Colonel Arnold to the President of.

1,

Letter from General

907

Congress,

889

Schuyler:

Washington

The Caughnawaga

General

to

Indians desire

the Forces in Canada, when General Schuyler shall require it; the expediency of to join

890

calling

1,

894

upon them

is

him; circum.

left to

stances and policy will suggest the occasion,

893

1,

Letter from

General

Washington

to

...... William

Wood

1,

Letter from Captain

1,

Letter from Robert

1,

Watson, Appointment of William Burke of the Schooner Warren, .

to

1133

H. Harrison

to

William

to the

command

909 •

-

-

1,

896

1,

Letter from Colonel Joseph Otis to the Council

897

2,

List of the Officers of the

...

of Massachusetts,

1101

-

-

-

-

-911

Account of the success of Colonel Charles Carter, of Stafford, Virginia, with his manufac-

897

tory of Saltpetre, 2,

910

910

try,

New- York Com-

909

Armed

Vessels fitted out by order of General Washington, with the dates of their Commissions, Letter from James Otis to the Council of Massachusetts, enclosing the examination of William Heath, Master, bound from Nova-Scotia to Boston, a surly, inimical fellow to his coun-

896

909

Robert

H. Harrison,

1,

908

continue at Salem, and hold themselves in

readiness,

895

908

Colonel

to

Bedel, Letter from General Washington to Timothy Thanks him and the rest Pickering, Jun. of the Volunteers at Salem, and requests them

894 895

to

Galleys, and provide three Armed Cutters, for the protection of the Potomack, and requests Maryland to adopt the same plan, Declaration by William Jarrett, that he believes the Continental Currency is both legal and of equal value with any other Currency, Letter from Colonel Maxwell to the President of Congress, Colonel Maxwell's Memorial relating to neces-

New- York Committee

to

be delivered to the Officers they

Maryland Council of Safety: Has been directed by the Committee of Safety of Virginia to build two Row-

saries

31,

-

George Mason

.....--

Letter from Colonel Watcrbury to Committee of Safety,

975

the principals seized,

902

904

>

1,

.

to their

Rumsey,

gress

Washington to General The Tories in dueen's County should

Letter from

901

Instructions with regard to service,

not supply Captain Robson's Company, Address of the Queen Anne (Maryland) Company of Militia to Colonel Robert Tyler, Colonel Tyler's Reply, Letter from Committee of the Continental Con-

887

be disarmed immediately, and the persons of 31,

-

Letter from the Dorchester County Committee They canto Maryland Council of Safety:

1,

Talk of sundry Sachems of the Caughnawaga

General Orders, from January 26 to January 31, Letter from General Washington to General

-

-

903 904

Letter from

.....

-

Morey and Major Bel-

. Delegates in Congress, enclosed in the foregoing Letter, Letter 'from John D. Thompson to Benjamin

New- York Com-

Nation to General Washington, Talk of one of the St. John's Tribe, attended by two of the Passamaquoddy Indians, to General Washington, Plan proposed by Colonel Thompson and Captain O'Brien for an expedition against Nova-

900

Memorandum

1089

.....

-

1,

885

Memorial of the Non-Commissioned Officers of the First Battalion New- York Minute-Men to

.

command, and promotions generally, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety

1,

of Safety to

. . the Provincial Congress, Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress,

-

-

1,

Feb.

New- York Committee of Safety to General Schuyler, 1094 Petition of sundry of the Militia of Marbletown, in Ulster County, to the New- York Congress, 889 Letter from William Bedlovv to the New- York Committee of Safety, 889

Joseph

to

901 lows, Address of the Gentry, &c., of the Borough of .901 Sudbury, to the King, Letter from Lord George Germaine to General

884

1090

898

New-Hampshire Committee of

Major Bellows,

Safety to

887

898

899

Court of Massachusetts,

884

898

898 General Washington

Reed,

to

mittee of Safety,

30,

31,

Delegates in Congress

to

30,

31,

Onondaga; Mr. Deane is ordered to attend it, we may know what passes, . Letter from Governour Trumbull to General

Association so as to

.....

A rms,

New- York

.....

883

Maryland

permit the selling of Tea, Berk's County Committeeaccept, as satisfactory, the concessions of Gaius Dickenson and William Gilliland, who had attempted to depreciate the Continental Currency, Letter from Samuel Tucker to the President of Congress: Colonel Maxwell's Battalion, un. der marching orders for Canada, are almost destitute of

:

Schuyler,

St.

Council of Safety, Letter from Robert Alexander to the Maryland Council of Safety: The Congress, in Committee of the Whole, seven Colonies to five,

have refused

30,

West

Congress Was many years in the King of Hungary's service, and is now willing to serve in his former calling, for the good of American liberty, 31, Application of John Wyllcy to New- York Congress, for a Captain's Commission, 31, Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress; A meeting of the Six Nations, and those of Canada, is to be held at that

by order of the Charlotte County (Vir-

30,

30,

883

New- York

31, Petition of Frederick Kartell to the

want of

Fuel, which was attended with no other inconvenience than pulling down some of the Rebels' Houses to burn, which has thinned them a little, Rodham Kenner published as an enemy to American liberty, by the Committee for Caroline

lished

30,

LXIV

1776.

.

of

St.

....

Thomas Johnson, Thomas Jenifer,

Letter from

911

Jun., to Daniel -

-

-

911

4

: :

CONTENTS.

LXV 2,

Application of the Field-Officers of the Elkridge (Maryland) Battalion, to the Council of Many have none, what Sai'ety, for Arms:

...

others have are unfit for use, 2,

Letter

mas

..-.--

from Samuel Chase Jenifer,

to

Daniel of

St.

Maryland Delegates

912 912

Con-

Letter from the

2,

gress to the Council of Safety, Letter from Lord Stirling to the President of Congress: Has received no orders from Con-

in

Feb.

Tho-

2,

gress relating to the Blue-Mountain-Valley, and does not know what rules have been established with regard to Prizes, Letter from the New- York Committee of Safety to Lord Stirling: They are totally at a loss how to supply the new levies with Arms,

912

913

Jersey Troops,

to

Committee of Safety, Lord Stirling

to

Letter from

him New-Jersey the

requesting

to

-

-

from Lord Stirling

Letter,

2,

-

-

-

-

-

3, 4,

9

9 14

915

4,

4,

4,

from Colonel Maxwell to Lord Stirling received orders from Congress to march -916 to Canada, Letter from Arendt Van Hook to the New- York

:

mittee for the 2,

2,

Town

of Hatfield,

-

Cosmopolitan to the Inhabitants of the American Colonies; No. 7, Letter from General Howe to General Wash-

3,

3,

3,

3,

3,

from Robert C. Nicholas to General Washington, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to Stephen West, Candidus to the People of Pennsylvania: Independence is the only step that can bring the contest to a speedy and happy issue, Address of the Committee of the Privates of the Military Association of the City and Li-

gerous Tories in the County,

5,

-

-

.

5,

Petition of the

William Floyd

New- York Com-

to

1115

convicted of refusing to receive Continental Bills of Credit by the Philadelphia Committee, declared enemies to their country, and all trade and intercourse with the Inhabitants of the Colonies, . -

5,

the glorious struggles for American liberty, 942 Letter from New-Jersey Congress to Mr. Pettit, 1584 Letter from New- Jersey Congress to Lord Stirling,

-

.

...

.

.....

966

5,

5,

Letter from

5,

Letter from Robert Livingston to New- York Committee of Safety, -1117

Delegates in Congress,

920

941

Nathaniel Blinko, of Kingwood, Hunterdon County, New-Jersey, declared an enemy to

Letter from Lord Stirling to New- York Committee of Safety, 1109 Letter from Committee of Safety to New- York

920

Lord

922 5,

.

-

New- York Committee

Stirling,

-

-

.

.

.

.

1107

of Safety to .

.

.1109

Extract of a Letter from New- York to a Gentleman in Philadelphia: Generals Lee and Clinton arrived yesterday Governour Tryon and General Clinton have both assured the Mayor that not a man is to be landed. Clinton is going to the Southward, ;

...

923

the President of

923 924

iv.

John Drinker and Thomas and Samuel Fisher,

5,

......

—Vol.

94

5,

5,

Proceedings of the Connecticut Committee of Safety, from January 26 to February 3, Series.

Commit-

Letter from

920

Letter from John Graham to New- York Committee of Safety, requesting to be heard, or

Fourth

940

Committee of Privates of the

5,

917

3,

set at liberty,

939 983 940

940

ginia,

Letter from Captain Duncan Campbell to the President of Congress, asking permission to reside at his own house, in New- York, -

5,

Congress, 923 Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to Committee at Stamford, Connecticut, - 1104

.3,

Winthrop

precluded from

Letter from Colonel

3,

to

5,

1287

3,

Maxwell to

938

H. Harrison

Sargent,

917

Letter

berties of Philadelphia, . Letter from William Livingston to the President of Congress: Colonel Heard has returned from his Q.ueen's County expedition, and has among his Prisoners some of the most dan-

938

-

-

mittee of Safety,

975

ington,

the

Manifesto of General Donald McDonald, Movements of the British Fleet in James River, Committee appointed for Surry County, Vir-

General

-

in

5, 5,

937

New- York Con-

Associators of Philadelphia, to the

-917

2,

Orange Town,

tee of Safety,

without money men cannot be persuaded to set forward to Canada, nor is it reasonable to expect it, • to

at

to the

Letter from Robert

;

Governour Trumbull

supply them with necessaries, Guert Spt. De Wint, of the Island

4,

1216

Governour Trumbull to General Washington Making exertions to raise and despatch one Regiment to Canada, and three to Camp but the Treasury is exhausted, and

Schuyler, respecting some Provisions sent from Montreal. Monsieur Orillat has escaped, Letter from Council of Massachusetts to Com-

933

Petition of

Letter from General Schuyler to the President

916

Woos-

Letter from

932

Matthew Van Alstyne, New- York:

of Congress,

Has

2,

to

-

4,

Letter

ter,

931

His Vessel was taken: The Sea is full of Cruisers: Two Privateers have been fitted out at Dominica, 936 Letter from Cuthbert Bullett to Mr. Purdie, denying the charge that he had endeavoured to injure the credit of the Money issued by the Convention of Virginia, 936 Letter from Samuel Purviance to the Maryland Council of Safety, 937 Letter from the Committee of Reading to tRe Pennsylvania Delegates in Congress, respecting Prisoners from Canada, sent there without any previous notice, and no person with them

gress,

-916

Letter from

931

935 936

St. Thomas, now County of Orange,

:

2,

930

1296

-

of

ready, he must inform the President of Congress, who will give him particular orders how to proceed,

Letter from General Schuyler to General

-

-

to

915

Lord Stirling to Colonel Maxwell, directing him to put his Regiment in a state When of readiness to march for Albany

2,

to the Presi-

....

915

Letter from

-.---.

-

.

4,

-915

Congress,

...

Trumbull

Return of General Sullivan's Brigade, February 3 and 7, Letter from General Ward to John Hancock, Letter from Captain Van Alstyne, at St. Eustatia,

1

lay before the Congress of

difficulty about Arms, Orders to Captain Rogers to take charge of the .. . . Blue-Mountain-Valley, Letter from Lord Stirling to Samuel Tucker:

Letter from Governour dent of Congress,

cil,

Samuel Tucker,

Vessels are loading at, or near, New-Brunswick, with Provisions and Lumber, contrary to the rules established by the Continental Congress, Letter from Lord Stirlirig to Colonel Maxwell Must hold his Regiment ready to march at twenty-four hours' notice, -

2,

Lxvi

Jan.l2, Proclamation by Governour Trumbull for raising one thousand five hundred Men for General Lee, ^ Proclamation by Governour Trumbull for rais18, ing a Regiment to join the Army in Canada, 20, Proclamation by Governour Trumbull for raising four Regiments, to be marched forthwith . to the Camp near Boston, 27, Proclamation by Governour Trumbull, in addition to his Proclamation of January 18, for raising a Regiment for the Army in Canada, Feb. 3, Letter from James Otis to Massachusetts Coun-

New- York

the

-

-

3,

3,

without taking them from the Militia, and therefore request to be released from their engagement to furnish one hundred stand for the

2,

>

1776.

1776.

Feb.

1

5,

942

General Washington His hands are tied up by the Resolve of Congress placing detachments of the Continental Forces under the command of the Provincial Congress. General Clinton says he has no Troops has come merely to visit his friend Tryon, and is on his way to North-

Letter from General

Lee

to

;

---...

;

Carolina,

942

CONTENTS.

LXVll 1776.

Feb.

5,

Thomas Lynch to General WashingNew-York, as one of a Committee

Letter from ton

5,

fU.

7, Letter

Is at

:

from Congress; the strong apathy that holds Congress in fetters, is still more forcible' here. «At Lord Drummond's request, he encloses a Letter intended for General Robertson, Letter from Lord Drummond to General Robertson From all his conversations with the gentlemen at Philadelphia, he is convinced they are seriously disposed towards a reconciliation he has therefore pressed the setting on foot a negotiation, and is not without hopes

......

;

of success, Letter from Gen. Schuyler to Governour Trumbull Our brave little Corps before Quebeck hold their ground, and continue the blockade,

5,

..-..-

Governour Trumbull to General Washington, Letter from the Committee at Marblehead to the Letter from

General Court of Massachusetts 5,

They

:

943

they

6,

with their lives, to oppose the wicked People of Old England, Proposition of H. Hollingsworth, of Cecil County, Maryland, to furnish any number of Mus, kets, from two hundred to two thousand, Letter from Samuel Chase to Daniel of St.

6,

Letter from the President of Congress to

Thomas ral 6,

.....

Jenifer,

Schuyler: Operations

Canada,

in

-

6,

6,

.....

he may furnish his Majesty's Ship Mercury with Provisions, Application of William A. Forbes for an appointment in one of the new Battalions to ^e if

6

7, Letter

....

New- York,

raised in

from Lord George Germaine

to

Howe: His measures approved by 7,

taken,

Thomas 7,

7,

7,

Jenifer,

-

-

Letter from Henry mittee of Safety, Letter from

7,

7,

-

-

-

8,

parole,

947

947 8,

947 8,

8,

8,

948

-

949

949

8.

950

....

959

.....

959

960

John Wiley, John Van Winkle, John Sanford, and James Barrett, recommended for appoint-

960 960

Address to the Army of the United States, Letter from General Washington to Governour Trumbull: Has heard of the arrival of some Powder and Arms in Connecticut requests

some may be

sent to the

Army

Camp,

for the

at this particular crisis

calls for much more than they have, Letter from General Washington to Governour

Bu.xtou, Arundel, and Pepperelborough,

Letter from the

951

962

962

963

-

New-Hampshire Committee

of

Safety to the President of Congress Everything that was thought expedient has been done towards raising the Regiment for Canada, Application of New-Hampshire to the Continental Congress for Men for the defence of their Sea-Coast, Account of the sailing of the first American :

951 8,

9,

Fleet, 9. 9,

John Pell to New- York Congress, 1111 Petition of Margaret Graham to New- York -1111 Committee of Safety, Letter from General Lee to Governour TrumContrary to his expectations," his Troops bull

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,

964

964

964

-

Lord Stirling to Robert Ogden, Letter from Lord Stirling to William LivingLetter from

1

199

1200

ston, 9,

Letter from Lord Stirling to John Blanchard, - 1200 Letter from General Lee to the President of Congress: Transport has arrived at New-

A

York with Troops, and 9,

Letter from

a reinforcement "

necessary,

Lord

is -

....

Stirling to the

965

New- York

Committee of Safety, Letter from the Provincial Congress of NewJersey to Lord Stirling No Vessel has been

954

955

:

licensed to export produce, but

:

..----

959

drained of every shilling; there is an alarming scarcity of Powder, and the Militia coming without a supply gives rise to the most disagreeable apprehensions, Letter from James Sullivan to Perez Morton: Has raised the Men required from Biddeford,

949

Petition of

where secu-

has been given to return the amount in Military stores, Letter from R. Yates to Colonel Swartwout, directing him to march with his Regiment to New- York with all convenient despatch, rity

9,

:

and Moccasins,

.....

Trumbull: Cannot repay the sum advanced by Connecticut; the claims are so large and so numerous that in a few days he will be

:

7,

953

air and gentle exercise, Major Cameron's application to Congress to be enlarged on parole, Letter from Samuel Avery to the New- York

exigency of the

949

St.

are not only admitted into New-York, but it is determined to take strong possession of the City and its most important environs, Letter from General Schuyler to the President The Troops in Canada are deof Congress ficient in almost every article of Military Stores; they will be in great want of Shoes, and none can be had there, or in Albany the Pennsylvania Companies are without Mittens

.......

;

-1111

-

953 958

Application of Colonel Connolly to the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, requesting an enlargement on such honourable terms as they think proper, Letter from Dr. Rush to Mr. Wilson: There is no remedy for Connolly's disorder but fresh

that

of Safety to -

the

ments, 8,

1110 -

...

commenced by

Congress, asking to be appointed LieutenantColonel in one of the new Battalions, -

Remsen to New- York Com-

New- York Committee

and

946

fearing hostilities will be

-951

-

to the In-

Ships-of-War in the Harbour, Letter from Colonel Wayne to John Morton, Letter from Colonel John Connolly to the President of Congress, asking to be enlarged on

We

Henry Remsen, 7,

Daniel of

persons they may send in making Saltpetre, Letter from Lieutenant Wilkinson to the President of Congress, informing him of the conduct of Mr. Richeson, one of the British prisoners, Address of a Religious Politician to the People are reduced to the necessity in general of becoming independent and entering into a war with Great Britain to preserve our privileges,

7,

to

957

New-York Committee

946

Letter from the Philadelphia Committee to Maryland Council of Safety, offering to instruct any

:

7,

.....

from William Spear

956

Colonies, in favour of the Poor Inhabitants of the City, who are abandoning their habitations,

Extract of a Letter from Charlestown, SouthCarolina, to a Gentleman in Philadelphia: The troubles in the back parts of the Province have entirely subsided the ringleaders, with about one hundred and thirty others, are Letter

...

habitants of the neighbouring Counties

;

7,

956

rights,

General

the King,

-

-

Maryland

Address of the

948

permitting the sale of East- India Teas, Letter from Abraham Lott to the New- York Committee of Safety, desiring to be informed

956 transmitted

945

Congress had passed any Resolution

if

he will order a Court-

944

Letter from the Provincial Congress of NewJersey to President Hancock, requesting to

know

trial,

to their Delegates in Congress, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to the Virginia Committee of Safety: Will cheerfully co-operate in every measure for mutual defence against the invaders of our reciprocal

943

Letter from the Provincial Congress of NewJersey to President Hancock, nominating Field-Officers for the Third Battalion raised in that Colony,

on a

insist

Letter from the Council of Safcty of

Gene-

1132

Acknowledgment of Colonel Stark, to the New-Hampshire Congress,

to assist,

6,

General Schuy-

Martial,

can-

not raise the Men required of them, Letter from the Heads of the St. John's Indians The to the General Court of Massachusetts: Penobscots are all of one heart, and willing

to

Letter from Stephen Moylan to Matthew Thornton: The General wishes the acknovt'ledgment of Colonel Stark may prove satisfactory to the Congress of New-Hampshire; but if

:

5,

from Edward Antill

ler,

:

5,

LXVIII

1776.

955

966

966

CONTENTS.

LXIX

Feb. 9, Petition of Samuel Jones, and others, to the NewYorii Congress, for the appointment of some

9,

9,

9,

9,

9,

10,

967

10,

Letter from

967

10,

Letter from General Schuyler to the President

..-..-

.... ....

......

..... ...

Return of the Regiment of Artillery, . . General Orders, from February 1 to February 8, Address of the Magistrates, &c., of the Town and Burgh of Sanquhar to the King: They abhor the seditious principles of the authors of the Rebellion in America; detest their views and the execrable measures they are pursu. ing, and are shocked at the shameful prostitution of the sacred names of Religion and LiJohn Reynolds, Proclamation by Governour Martin, declaring all such as will not join the Royal Banner Rebels and Traitors, and their lives and pro. perty forfeited, January 10, • Commission from Governour Martin to Allan McDonald, and others, empowering each of them to erect the King's Standard, and to raise, levy, muster, and array in arms, his

Affidavit of

.

Majesty's faithful Subjects in their respective Counties in North-Carolina, January 10, Manifesto of General Donald McDonald, inviting all faithful Subjects to repair to his Majesty's Standard, erected at Cross-Creek, where they will meet with every possible civility, -

10,

Manifesto by General Donald McDonald, Commander of his Majesty's Forces for the time being, in North-Carolina, commanding all his Majesty's loyal people to repair to the Royal Banner, agreeably to the Governour's Proclamation of January 10, . Letter from Edmund Pendleton to the Maryland Council of Safety: fifty-gun Ship, just arrived, is lying with the Kingfisher ofT Old-Fort Point, below Hampton, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to Captain Nathaniel Ramsay, . Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to the Committee for St. Mary's County, Letter from Dr. Weisenthall to the Maryland Council of Safety, Letter from George Dashiell to Maryland Coun-

10,

Letter from

10,

/eJ.

1

10,

10,

cil

of Safety,

Samuel Barrett

Council of Safety:

to the

10,

Letter from

mas 10,

to

Samuel Tucker

Letter from

973

10, 10,

10,

973 974

10,

974

to

-

-

-

1120

.-..-.

1120

990

Paper delivered to General Schuyler by Mr. Fraser, a Judge of the Common Pleas, sent 991 from Montreal, a prisoner, Letter from General Wooster to Colonel Bayley, 1501 Letter from General Washington to Joseph 993 Reed, Letter from General Washington to the NewYork Committee of Safety, earnestly requesting them to procure and send him some Arms, 994 Letter from General Washington to the General Court of Massachusetts: The deficiency in Arms is so great that he begs some means

may be adopted to procure a supply, ^ Orders to Colonel Porter to complete his Regiment, and to march by the shortest and best . . way to Canada, Letter from Robert H, Harrison to Major 10, French, Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of 10, Safety to Colonel Morey, /«». 1 0, Letter from New-Hampshire Committee of Safety to their Delegates in Congress, enclo-

975

975 976 977 977 977

...

sing a representation of the taking

vernment,

-

Letter from the

995

'

-

-

995

996 996

up Go-

-

-

-

Committee of Safety of

996

New-

Hampshire to the Congress, with an account of their proceedings respecting the assuming

.---..

Government,

Resolutions of the Provincial Congre.ss for assufning Government, January 5, Protest of the Representatives of several Towns against the present plan of taking up Govern, . . . . . . ment,

980 982

980

997 998

999

Feb. 11, Letter from William Smith to General Howe: New- York is the only spot in America for carrying on the war with effect against the Rebels, and it is advisable to send an Army

through the Sound, between Connecticut and

Long- Island, 11,

981

1000

from General Lee to the President of Congress The Guns were removed from the Battery without show of opposition from the

Letter

:

ca,

982

II,

983

The

salvation or perdition of Amerigreat measure, depends upon the management or mismanagement of Canada. Colonel Richmere, if questioned particularly, will give information as to the state of the Army, the Artillery, and the reputed abilities and popularity of the principal Officers there, 1000 Letter from General Wooster to the President of Congress Complains of the conduct of General Schuyler Has requested Mr. Walker and Mr. Price to wait upon Congress, to give every necessary information as to the true - 1001 state of affairs in Canada,

Ships.

in a

:

:

...

984

Letter from General Wooster to General Schuy. ler: Condition of affairs in Canada, - 1002 Letter from General Schuyler to General Woos-

983 984

ter:

Insists

upon obedience

-

1003

...

1004

to his orders,

984

Letter from General Wooster to General ler: Conduct of the Prisoners,

985

Letter from General Wooster to General Schuy. ler: He is about establishing Committees of

Schuy-

Safety and Correspondence at Montreal,

.

12,

Wooster to General Schuyler: Sends him General Montgomery's papers, Letter from General Wooster to General Schuyler: Will let Congress decide between them, Letter from Rufus Putnam to General Washington, with a Chart of some of the most . important Posts in and near Boston, Memorial of West-India Planters and Merchants, presented to Lord George Germaine, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Wil.

12,

Letter from

1005

Letter from General

985

986

11,

985

12,

the President of

...

.

of Safety to

10,

Daniel of St. Tho.

Congress The Third New-Jersey Battalion cannot be provided with Arras, Letter from the Committee for Elizabethtown, New-Jersey, to the President of Congress, giving an account of the capture and state of the Ship Blue-Mountain- Valley, and desiring to know what disposition shall be made of . . the Ship and Cargo, . Account of the Wages due to the Officers and Seamen, of the Blue-Mountain- Valley, . :

10,

......

Samuel Chase

Jenifer,

Westchester County,

New- York Committee

of Congress,

The

...

for

989

of Safety to

New-Jersey Provincial Congress,

Maryland

persons he recommended for Officers not being appointed, he cannot accept his Commission,

0,

Committee

A

10,

New- York Committee

Letter from

Congress, Connecticut Council of Safety: Proceedings from February 9, to February 28, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Committee for Springfield, Massachusetts: It is the earnest desire of the General that the Prisoners in their hands should be treated with hu. . . manity and kindness, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to Levi Allen: The General cannot approve of his scheme of going to England for the rescue of his brother. Colonel Allen, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to George Gregory, a prisoner, Letter from General Washington to President of Congress, Letter from General Washington to General Howe, proposing an exchange of Governour . Skene for Mr. James Lovell and family, Letter from General Howe to General Washington . Refuses to exchange Mr. Lovell, Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress, General Return of the Army,

berty for purposes evidently subversive of both, 10,

who 967

:

9,

Men, of Elizabethtown, took the Blue-Mountain- Valley,

List of the Officers and

County of Orange, Letter from Thomas Palmer to the New- York Field-Officers from the

9,

LXX

1776.

1776.

liam Spear,

937 988

1006 1007

1008 1008

1009 Maryland Council of Safety to their Delegates in Congress: Three Companies have been sent to the assistance of the Counties of Accomack and Northampton, in Virginia two have reached their destination, - 1009 ;

'^

:

1.XXI

CONTENTS.

1776.

1776.

Feb. 12, Letter from Stephen West to Gabriel Duval 1, respecting Powder and Gun-Locks, 1009 12, IjCtter from the Committee appointed to collect Specie, to the Maryland Council of Safety

...... .....

They must have Money for Specie, 12,

to

to

the

......

neral Lee, 12,

An

earnest Appeal to the People

:

12,

12,

12,

Letter from

Samuel Bayard

John McKesson

1011

1011

1011

the City of

1012 6,

1013

.....

Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt chosen Chairman, Nicholas Low offers to furnish four hundred and sixty-five quarter-casks of Gunpowder, Letter to the Committee of Elizabethtown, informing them that the Powder so kindly lent, on a former occasion, is now returned. Colonel McDougall's arrangements to meet the Vessel from Hispaniola with Gunpowder approved, Letter to the Continental Congress, with Mr. Romans's plan for fortifying Hudson River, William Lowther permitted to supply one hogshead of Rum to his Majesty's Ship Phenix, -

.......

4,

9,

Arrest and confinement of Lawrence Hart wick

1017

1017

1018

patches on board of Captain Cooper,

1019 1019

-

1031

County, exam-

1032 ined and discharged, Leave of absence granted to Dr. Paul Spooner - 1033 to return to Cumberland County, Letter from the Delegates in Congress, dated January 5, approving of their measures respecting the Connecticut inroad for seizing Rivington's Types, and informing them that Congress declines lending them forty-five

1033 thousand Pounds, Colonels Lasher, Heyer, and Lott, attended, to give, information in regard to their Battalions: The first two are well armed and equipped, and have performed heavy duty, the least share of which is borne by the most wealthy, 1035 Letter to General Schuyler, complaining of the conduct of the Paymaster in his Department, 1036

R

Livingston, recommending the re-erection of the Powder- 1037 Mills of the late Justice Livingston, Letter to Peter R. Livingston, requesting his attendance, 1037

......

Letter to the Delegates in Congress, requesting

1020

1021

immediate provision for the payment of the Troops employed on the Fortifications in the Highlands, 1038 12, Letter to the Delegates in Congress, suggesting a change in the manner of appointing Militia 1039 Officers, Christian Jacobson, of Richmond County, informed the Committee that a majority of the Inhabitants of the County were not averse, but - 1040 friendly, to the measures of Congress, Interdiction of the Provincial Congress against Delinquents in Richmond County, delayed 1040 until Monday, the 22d instant, Further Resolutions respecting Richmond 1040 County, Affidavits as to the ill conduct and threatenings of Samuel Devine, 1040 On application from the Committee of Huntington, they are instructed not to permit Captain Swaim to complete his Cargo, but to permit him to depart on his voyage, 1042 13, Prisoners in the Guard-House brought before the Committee and heard, 1043 William Weyman, of Westchester County, reprimanded, and charged to tarry at home and . • . 1043 behave prudently,

...

Petition of

1021 1022

1022

1022 land County, Cumberland, Charlotte, and Gloucester Counties requested to join in the nomination of a . . . 1022 Brigadier-General of Militia, Committee of Cumberland County requested to return a List of the Company and Staff-Officers of the Militia, 1022

.....

-

....

Mcrritt, of Westchester

to his attention

...

...

11,

1028

1030 ordered, Letter to the Committee of Cumberland Covnty, on the difficulties in that County, - 1031 Letter to Lord Stirling, requesting him not to use Mr. Governeur's Vessel to seize the des-

Letter to Robert

1020 may not be taken by surprise, Letter to the Continental Congress, submitting to that body the propriety of shipping two cargoes

......

-

.....

intelligence is sent, that the friends of liberty

A

....

ordered to be raised for the

Members of the Provincial Congress, urging their prompt attendance on the first of February, to counteract the mea. sures of the Governour, who has called a new

Thomas

to

of Flaxseed to Ireland, to puichase Powder, Thomas Place, of Queen's County, requesting to be restored to the good opinion of those who are friends to the liberties of the Continent, like Petition of Gabriel Van Cott, Field-Officers for the Upper Regiment of the Militia of Cumberland County, Field-Officers of the Minute-Men for Cumber-

Company

Letter to the absent

1017

the Chairmen of the respective Committees of the several Counties, informing them that the General Assembly is dissolved, and that writs are made out for electing Representatives on the 14th of next month. This

Letter

...

requested to attend the

8,

10,

1017

the

1026 defence of the Colony, Notes of information given by Captain John Hodge, who arrived last night from Lisbon, 1027

1016

NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. Jia».3,

New- York

Assembly,

1018

Bartlett,

for

1025 Committee on Thursday next, Congress having refused to make the Loan requested by this Colony, an emission of Paper - 1025 Money to be prepared immediately, Committee directed to despatch three Vessels for J026 Ammunition and Medicines, Artillery

:

12,

Field-Officers

...

1013

1016

1022

in

1024 William Smith, Chairman of Suffolk County Committee, with forty quarter-casks of - 1024 Powder, for the use of the County, Letter to Thomas Wickcs, Chairman of Committee at Huntington, relating to the same 1025 Powder, Colonels of the different Regiments of Militia of

:

......

..... ..... Minute-Men

Letter to

The whole

Finds himself a close prisoner, with the Records, and asks to be placed upon his parole. Application of Robert R. Randall for an appointment in one of New- York Regiments, Letter from General Arnold to the President of The whole force of the Army Congress before Quebeck is about eight hundred effective men, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General Washington He is greatly concerned for the scarcity of Powder, and, although the Colony has not half a sufficiency, will furnish what has lately arrived, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to William ;

12,

to

with nomination of Lower Regiment,

1010

...

12,

Letter

1010

scene appears rapidly advancing towards In. dependence, as hastily as Infinite Wisdom thinks proper to conduct it, 1013 Letter from the Field-Officers of the Third Jersey Battal ion to the P resident of Congress, for Arms, 1015

Com-

1023 Orange County, from Samuel Stevens, dated Charlestown, Cumberland County, December 18,

1010

Maryland

Council of Safety, 12, Letter from John Harrison, Jun., to the Mary. . . land Council of Safety, 12, Letter from Thomas Evving to the Maryland . . . . Council of Safety, 12, Letter from William Neil to Charles Carroll, asking permission to send a Vessel to St, Croix, 12, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Committee, appoint persons to learn the making of Saltpetre, 12, Letter from President Hancock to the NewJersey Congress, requesting them to send a Battalion of Minute- Men to New- York, to be under the command of General Lee, 12, Letter from the President of Congress to Ge-

Cum-

....

mittee at a full meeting, Jan. 5, Field-Officers of Regiment of

Ma-

-

George Strieker

Letter from

Field-Officers for the Lower Regiment of berland County to be nominated by the

exchange

Letter from Colonel Hollingsworth to the

ryland Council of Safety, 12,

hand

in

LXXII

.....

...

....

CONTENTS.

LXXIII

Thomas

Service admonished for his bad conduct, . . . . 1043 and discharged, Examination of Witnesses against Lawrence Hartwick, 1043 Azor Betts sent to Ulster County, to be there con. . . 1044 lined in close Jail, Robert Simmons to be sent in fetters to Ulster County Jail, and there kept in close confinement, 1044 15, Captain Austin Laurence sent to the Narrows - 1045 to look out for the Fleet from Boston, Captain Dobbs sent to the Light-House for the . . . . 1045 same purpose, Pilots prohibited from bringing in any Ministerial Armed Vessel, 1045 Letter from the Delegates in Congress, informing them that there is no probability that the Congress will agree to the exportation of . . . 1045 Flaxseed to Ireland, •

.-.--..

Ja?j.

Graham, requesting him to place a Guard over the Cannon near King's 1067 Bridge, Jan. 23, John Hallet appointed Chairman pro tempore of 1063 the Committee, John Fowler, charged with spiking the Cannon near King's Bridge, examined, and ordered to the Upper Barracks, - 1068 Lieutenant Allen, of the Light-Horse, sent with Letter to Colonel

a Guard to Mamnroneck, to apprehend William Lownsberry and his accomplices, charged . 1068 with spiking the Guns, Joseph Woolcombe further examined, and discharged permit given him to go on board either of the Men-of-War in the Harbour un-

*

-----

16,

;

dated the 19th

...

....

of Queen's County, on their Petition,

men,

-

fications in the

1050

24,

Instructions to the Commissioners for the Fortifications on Hudson River, Encouragement for the making of Saltpetre

-

...

-

....

19,

Letter to Captain

Raymond,

to

20,

to

1055 1056

John Fowler discharged, Representation by the Committee

1056

...

for use

with

all

January 20, enclosing sundry Resolutions of Congress,

-

-

-

-

1074

1075

County, of

...

this date,

-

1077

Lawrence Hartwick released, upon security that he will be of good behaviour to all the friends of liberty in this City,

William Mercier appointed



Light- House, arrested by the City Guard, and brought before the Committee, - 1063 Letter from Thomas Grenell, of January I'Jth, with an account of the progress in the Fortifications at the Highlands, 1064 Account of the expense of the intended Battery, 1065 Letter from Lord Stirling, of January 20th, requesting the Arms that are finished may be delivered to Major De Hart, . - 1065 Letter to Lord Stirling, informing him that the Men-of-War had despatched a Pilot-Boat with a relief for the Ship at the Hook, - 1065 Hart Jacobs, a Jew, exempted from military duty on the City Watch on Friday nights, - 1065 Sloop purchased by Colonel McDougall, to be made an Armed Vessel, 1065

-

21st,

1060

the various confident advices of his destinabody of Troops, for active service in New- York, . . 1062 Joseph Woolcombe, Mate of the Blue-MountainValley, and Captain William Dobbs, the Pi-

'

Letter to Colonel Drake, directing him to examine all persons suspected of any connection - 1076 with Lownsberry in spiking the Cannon, Letter from Joseph French, of Jamaica, Queen's

tion with a

to

25,

lot at the

-

-

-

Vessels to lade in this Port,

-

...

to inspect all

1077

Permits

1077

Permit given for the Schooner Success to sail, laden by Francis Lewis, on Continental account,

.....-......

1078

Resolutions of- the Committee of Pound ridge, in Westchester, prohibiting the transportation, by land or water, of any Cattle to New- York, 1078 disapproved, - 1079 Letter to Lord Stirling respecting Arms, Samuel Isleton appointed in place of William Dobbs, stationed at the Hook, to keep a look-

....

.... .... ....

-

Letter from General Lee, dated January 23, in answer to the Letter of the Committee of the

Sloop Polly and Ann, from New- York, bound for Boston, and stranded on Squam Beach, - 1058 Committee informed that General Lee is at New-Haven, raising Troops, on his way to New- York, 1060

22,

1073

Canada,

1058

Letter to the Continental Congress, Letter to General Lee, informing him that the Inhabitants of the City are much alarmed at

1072

Letter from the President of Congress, dated

Depositions and Examinations relating to the

21,

.

12th instant, giving information of the measures of Congress for reinforcing the Army in

1057

possible de-

spatch,

.

the City,

....

trusted,

Letter to the Committee of Albany, -• - 1057 Colonel McDougall directed to take charge of the Cannon above King's Bridge, and have

them prepared

-

for

Night- Watch is not to be and recommending the raising a Regi1072 ment to guard the City, Letter from the President of Congress of the that the Military

at the Fortification

General Schuyler,

1071

.....

Letter to the Commissioners in the Highlands, directing them to despatch half a ton of Gun-

powder

-

ploy the industrious Poor in spinning and . . 1072 making manufactures, Lieutenant Allen, returned with William Lownsberry a prisoner, 1072 "William Lownsberry, after examination, ordered to be shackled and manacled, hands and - 1072 feet, and confined at the Upper Barracks,

go

in the Highlands,

1071

One thousand Pounds placed in the hands of John Ramsey and Isaac Stoutenburg, to em-

Garret Roorback appointed Barrackmaster for - 1055 the City and County of New- York, Letter to James Livingston, Alexander Leslie examined, and permitted at large on his parole,

...

Highlands,

Letter to Committees and Militia Officers, requiring their assistance to Captain Van Wyck, sent with the Prisoners to Ulster County,

1051

in

the Colony, 1052 - 1053 Letter to General Schuyler, Letter to Lord Stirling, requesting him not to - 1054 disturb the People of Staten-Island, Letter from Peter R. Livingston, 1054 18,

Richmond County Committee, instant: Two Members to re-

present that County in the Provincial Con1069 gress were elected on that day, Godfrey Hains to be sent in fetters, under guard, to Ulster County Jail, to be there confined in safe and secure custody, 1070 Letter to the Committee for Ulster County, with instructions respecting the safe keeping of John - 1070 Blackler, Azor Betts, and Godfrey Hains, Letter to Thomas Grenell, respecting the Forti-

Resolutions of the Continental Congress, delivered to the Committee by Philip Livingston, - 1046 Draft of the Soundings of the most likely place to obstruct the navigation to the City, presented and examined, . . . 1050 Alexander Leslie to be arrested and confined, - 1050 Captain Jacob Mott, Jackson Mott, and Seaman

Weeks,

1069

molested, Letter from the

restored to the confidence of their country-

17,

I.XXIV

1776.

1776.

....

26,

out for Ships-of- War, Letter to Robert Livingston, requesting to know if he can cast Cannon and Shot, Letter to the Committee of each County, request-

1079 1080

ing to be informed what number of Men can be raised in each County, and who would be . . - 1081 proper for Officers,

new

Letter to the Continental Congress, recommending the immediate equipping of three other

Instructions for the inlistment of four

Vessels to protect their Coast, and prevent Supplies to the enemy, 1066 Examination of Joseph Woolcombe, Mate of the

- 1081' fence of the Colony of New- York, Letter from Colonel Drake Has found none of the suspected persons, but is informed several

Blue-Mountain-Valley,

Bat-

talions in the Continental service, for the de-

1067

:

are in

New-York,

108^

:

:

CONTENTS.

1.XXV

Letter from Colonel Waterbury, on the same subject He has no authority to give up the entire direction of the Troops to the Commit- 1098 tee, without orders from the General, An immediate Conference with the Committee

Isaac Purdy, William Armstrong, William Sutton, and James Lownsberry, ordered to be ar-

:

1083

rested,

Jan. 27, Captain Leary, with his Company of LightHorse, to hold themselves ready to escort Ge. . . 1083 neral Lee to the City, John Flood, Joseph Purdy, William Sutton, and William Armstrong.severally examined about - 1083 spiking the Cannon, and discharged, 28, Letter from the Committee for Westchester County, January 26, giving information about . spiking the Cannon, 1084 Letter from ihe Sub-Committee for Westchester County, January 27, giving further informa1085 tion, Letter from Lord Stirling, January 2G, with a list of the Stores in the Blue- Mountain- Valley, 1085 29, Joshua Gidney examined, and ordered into custody in irons, 1086 Colonel Lasher and his Officers decline entering the Continental service on the terms offered, - 1086 William Lownsberry and Isaac Gidney re-examined and recommitted, . - 1087

...

-...--

Fih. 2,

1089

George Shannon, and one Ross, brought before the Committee, with a number of Proclamations, Papers, and Pamphlets, given them by Governour Tryon, examined and discharged, 1089 Letter to Colonel Heard, requesting him to re-

4,

...

lease Jacob Mott, of Queen's County, and permit him to retain his Arms, 1089 Letter from Jonathan Blake, commanding the Cannon-Guard beyond King's Bridge: He has sent Mr. Valentine, his Son, and Journeyman, under guard, 1090

....

make

His men cannot appear properly equipped, for want of Ammunition, - 1091 Letter from the Delegates in Congress A Committee will repair immediately to New- York, to inquire into the expediency of General -• Lee's expedition, . . 1091 Committee appointed to confer with the Committee from the Continental Congress, - 1092

:

.....

-

-

.

.

.

his 5,

-

1098

manded by General Lee entire direction of the

shall be under the Committee of Safety, - 1098

1105

-

-

1106

-

and number of

1107

Regiment

tioned there,

County, 6,

....

received,

1105

7,

to-night,

to attend -

-

duty with -

-

1107

. - 1108 Conference with General Lee, Letter from William Smith, Chairman of the Committee of Suffolk County, requesting a Detachment of Continental Troops may be sta-

Officers of

Letter from the Committee of the Congress .They cannot consent that the Troops com-

to ascertain the state

Colonel Brasher enjoined not

1096

:

-

it,

each,

General Lee's Troops come into the City, and lodged

:

the best use of

morrow,

Scott, that

be admitted to in the Barracks, carried in the affirmative, - 1096 Letter from Thomas Palmer, dated January 25th, 1097 Letter from the Delegates in Congress, dated January 30 The privilege asked for by Mr. Foster cannot be granted, 1097 Letter from the Committee of Kingston, in Ulster County, dated January 27 The Prisoners sent by Captain Van Wyck have been

1105

.

Letter to the Delegates in Continental Congress. 1094 Letter to General Schuyler The new Regiment

stopped, rejected,

1104

1 106 Colonel McDougall sent to wait on General Lee, 1 106 Jacobus Van Zandt informed the Committee 1106 that General Clinton has arrived, Committees of the Continental Congress, the Provincial Congress, and the Committee of Safety, wait on General Lee, to confer with him - 1106 on the present situation of affairs, Mr. Mayor attends, and states that he had waited on the Governour, and saw General Clinton there, and both declared no Troops were - 1 106 coming here, Letter to the Delegates in Congress, informing them of the arrival of General Clinton, of the - 1107 Ministerial Troops, and of General Lee, The three City Regiments ordered to parade to-

Agreement with Mr. Allen, to remove, clear, and unspike the Guns near King's Bridge, - 1093

Canada, under Colonel Van Schaick, must, for the most evident reasons, be raised in the Northern quarter, 1094 Joseph Purdy, sent down by an Officer of the Guard at King's Bridge, examined, and committed, 1095 Letter from General Washington, dated January 8, 1095 Report of the Committee appointed to confer with the Committee of the Continental Congress, - 1096 Notes of the Conference with the Committee from Congress, taken in the Committee Chamber, - 1096 Motion of Mr. Sands, that General Lee's Troops, now on their march from Connecticut, be

1104

William Fundrau directed to proceed to the Narrows, and Samuel Isleton to the Hook, to keep a'good look-out if any Fleet is approaching,

:

Motion of Mr.

1103

;

County:

1,

mitted to the Guard- House at the Barracks, Report of Samuel Isleton, the Pilot at the Hook large Ship came in yesterday, and another this morning, assisted by Pilots from Francis James's Pilot-Boat, Letter to the Committee of Stamford, Connecticut, requesting them to receive and forward two Brass Guns sent by this Committee to the Camp at Cambridge, Hugh Wallace and the Mayor requested to attend the Committee, John Atherton, a Pilot, examined, and sent back to the Guard-House, Mr. Wallace attended, and says he was on board the Governour's Ship, but has no information is to go on board of Troops from Boston again this afternoon, and if he hears anything of importance to the City, will inform of it, Mr. Mayor says he knows nothing but what he heard on the Bridge is to wait on the Governour to-morrow if he hears of any thing necessary for the safety of the City, he will ;

Isaac Valentine, Isaac Valentine, Jun., and William Dickin, examined, 1090 Letter from Colonel James McClaughry, Ulster

for

prisoners to the Barracks, HOI Application from the City Committee for inform- 1102 ation as to the exportation of Flaxseed,

:

.....

31,

1101

A

1089

tine,

1100

Vernon and Guerney Ten Eyck brought prisoners to the door, by several of the Inhabitants, examined, and Vernon com-

Letter to the Officer of the Guard at King's Bridge, directing him to arrest Isaac Valen30,

1099

Thomas

him to apprehend, and send, under guard, Josiah Burrell, William Hains, James Hains, Jun., Thomas Hairis, Isaac Gidney, and Joseph Purdy, all of Westchester County, and concerned in spi-

.....

1098

....

3,

Letter to Colonel Drake, directing

king the Cannon,

from the Congress requested, Report by Mr. Sands, one of the Sub-Committee appointed by the Provincial Congress to freight a Vessel to the West-Indies to procure . . Arms and Ammunition, Conference of the Committee of the Continental Congress with the Committee of Safety, Letter from Colonel Drake: He has arrested and sent forward Joseph Burrell, Thomas Hains, and Isaac Gidney, Joseph Burrell, Isaac Gidney, and Thomas Hains, brought in, examined, and committed .*

...

Fth,

LXXVI

1776.

1776.

..-.......

Minute-Men and

1108

Artillery for Suffolk

1109

Letter from Lord Stirling, requesting five thou1109 sand Cartridges, Letter to Lord Stirling, in reply: They will

send the Cartridges, on being informed of the -1109 size wanted, - 1109 Minutes of a Conference at General Lee's, Many Members of the Provincial Congress attended, but not sufficient to make a Congress, 1110 Committee of Safety adjourned to Simmons's, -1110 without separating, Samuel Bayard attended, and allowed till tomorrow afternoon to give his opinion as to the - 1110 safety of the Publick Records,

::;

:

CONTENTS.

LXXVII

Letter from Henry Rerasen. Chairman of the City Comniiltee, for instructions about complying with an application to send Spirits, Coflee, - 1110 and Chocolate, on board the Asia, Letter to Mr. Remsen, in reply: It is necessary to

know by whom

the application

/"e J. 13, Letter

they are; but he is willing to charter any Ship in the Harbour, and deposite the Records therein, where they should be kept in safety . . . . 1112 for the Publick, Letter from General Schuyler, dated January 2-5, 1113 Letter from Colonel Ritzema, dated January 3 Account of the attack on Gluebeck, and the

14,

Army,

destitute condition of the

-

-

-

Ritzema, dated January

5,

27: His Powder-Mill

1113 1115

....

is finished,

but

is

idle

want of Saltpetre, 1115 Letter from William Floyd, dated February 5, 1115 Letter from Thomas Thomas, Chairman of the Committee at While-Plains; The Powder sent them should be a Provincial charge; they think it hard to be required to purchase Powder for the defence of the Province in - 1116 general, 9, General Lee is authorized, if he thinks more Troops necessary, to call in Minute-Men of this Colony, but not to send to Pennsylvania . . . . . 1116 for a Regiment, Letter from Colonel Robert Livingston, dated 10, the 5th instant: His Furnace will be in blast early in April but does not know whether - 1117 they can cast Cannon, . . Letter from Egbert Benson, Chairman of Dutchess County Committee Timothy Doughty having shown a disposition inimical to the cause of liberty, has been committed to Jail, 1118 John Carleton, the Pilot, examined and discharged, 1118 Colonel Heard attended the Committee, and requests, as the Provincial Congress is not convened, they will take charge of the Prisoners he has brought from Queen's County, 1119 Jacob Mott discharged; Benjamin Whitehead, Joseph French, John Polhemus, Nathaniel Moor, Samuel Hallet, William Weyman, John Shoals, John Willet, Charles Hicks, Samuel Martin, Thomas Smith, David Brooks, and John Townshend, to be confined under guard, at their own expense. 1119 Letter to the Committee of Westchester, requesting them to prevent the sale of Beef or Pork to any person residing out of the Colony, 1120 John Graham released on bonds to be of good behaviour towards all the friends of liberty in America, 1120 Letter to the Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, requesting them to send Colonel Heard with his Regiment for the protection of Staten-Island, 1120 Peter T. Curtenius directed to furnish what General Lee may require for the use of the Continental Army, 1121 The removal of the Cannon on and near the 11, Battery, both in its design and execution, being without the consent and knowledge of the Committee, and may bring on a firing from the Ships-of-War, the Publick Records, together with Samuel Bayard, are ordered to be removed under guard to a place of security, 1122 Committee to make a list of the empty Houses in the City, for the accommodation of the Troops expected by General Lee, 1123 Letter to the Committee of Elizabethtown, Newfor

.....

......

...... ...... .....

12,

Jersey, "requesting them to send Militia for the protection of Staten-Island, . . 1123 General Lee's order to permit persons to pass to the Governour's Ship, . . . - 1123

...

Nicholas Lord permitted to load two Vessels with Flaxseed and Lumber, 1123 Colonel Curtenius directed to supply General Lee with Provisions, 1124

....

Applications for Military appointments,

-

1124

from Arthur Lee: The Ministry, if every thing favours them, may have about thirty thousand Men in America by the 1st of June; they have fomid it impossible to recruit in England, Ireland, or Scotland, and have been obliged to draft from other Regiments to complete those which are going, Letter from Arthur Lee: Lord Corn wallis, with six Regiments, is to sail immediately for VirLetter

1

125

North and South communication, - 1127 Governour Wright to James Mackay: Arrived at Tybee yesterday morning,

all

13,

Letter from

and, after a full conversation with the Officers, is able to affirm there will be no hostilities against the Province, 1I28 Extract of a Letter from Newborn, North-Carolina Information has been received that the

...

13,

:

13,

;

:

Benjamin Frank-

[to

A

ginia, where Clinton is to take command they have certain assurances of being joined by the Scotch in Virginia, and those on the borders of North-Carolina, under the command of one McDonald. Howe, with a Fleet of seventy-two sail, is to get possession of New- York and Hudson's River, and cut off

R. Livingston, dated January

Letter from John

:]

;

13,

Letter from Colonel

from Arthur Lee

fund for necessary expenses should be placed in London, in faithful hands the New-England men are fittest to be trusted in any dangerous or important enterprise, - 1125 lin

nil nil nil

any directions, . • . John Pell, . Petition of Margaret Graham, Mr. Bayard informed the Committee that the Governour considers the Records safe where before they can give

8,

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.

was made,

Petition of

Feb.

liXXVIII

1776.

1776.

13,

13,

13,

Tories and Regulators intend marching to Cross-Creek, and thence to Cape Fear, 1129 Manifesto by Thomas Rutherford, Colonel of the Cumberland, North-Carolina, Militia, requiring his Majesty's faithful Subjects to repair to the Royal Standard at Cross-Creek before the 16th instant, or they will be treated as Rebels, 1129 Field-Officers appointed by the District for the Counties of Caroline, Spottsylvania, King -1129 George, and Stafford, Letter from William Lux to the Maryland Council of Safety, 1130 Petition of William Dusenberry to New- York Congress, to be appointed Surgeon to one of

1130

13,

the Battalions, Letter from Abraham

13,

Letter

13,

Letter from General Schuyler to the President

Congress,

Godwin

-

-

-

from Egbert Dumond to John McKesson Will have no objection to the appointment of

Lieutenant-Colonel,

-

-

of Congress: Near thirty delivered him ed leave to go to Niagara Butler home, Letter from Edward Antill to

hawks have

12,

New- York -1130

to the

-

-

-1131

Oneidas and Moa Speech, and askand bring Colonel

1131

General Schuyler Is alarmed and shocked to hear of the great confusion and irregularity at Montreal, as so much dependsupon immediate relief in Canada, Letter from General Schuyler to Colonel Warner, desiring to

know how many

of his

1

132

Men

remain in service during the campaign, - 1132 Letter from General Wooster to the President The Ministry will send a great of Congress Quebeck must force to Canada in the Spring be taken before May we have neither proper will

13,

:

:

;

Artillery nor

Ammunition

to

make

the at-

1132

tempt,

Edward Mott

13,

Letter from

13,

Letter from Robert

to

Governour Trum1133

bull,

ren, requesting

14,

H. Harrison that

to

James War-

the parole of Captain

- 1133 William Wood may be enlarged, Letter from Captain Wood to Mr. Harrison, - 1133 asking an enlargement of his parole, Letter from P. Begozzat to the New-Hampshire Committee of Safety, offering his services in procuring what may be required for 1143 the Colonies at Martinico,

...

14,

Letter from the Council of Safety of Maryland to the Talbot County Committee, Letter from the Maryland Council' of Safety to

14,

Letter from the

14,

-. Captains Kent and Henry, Maryland Council of Safety to William Hindman, Treasurer of the Eastern

Shore,

1

135

1

135

1135

CONTENTS,

LXXIX 1776.

Feb.

14,

14,

14,

Letter from Colonel Smallwood to the Council of Safety,

Maryland 1136 1136

Thoughts on Government, by John Adams, from John Adams to James Warren: Scarcely a Paper is published in Philadel-

Letter

to

15,

.....

be unpopular,

Austin, of Philadelphia,

of

Two

Thomas

Salus Populi to the Freemen of the Province of - 1141 Pennsylvania, in favor of Independence, 14, Letter from a Gentleman of pubiick character in New-Jersey to his Friend in Massachusetts; The conduct of General Washington has justhe Army kept in extified his expectations cellent order; the country fully satisfied; human blood spared and yet our enemies are 1144 in the most disgraceful situation, Letter from General Lee to General Washington, 1144 1 4, Letter from General Schuyler to General 14, .

-

-

don, Stonington, &c., 14,

-

-

-

Governour Trumbull

Letter from

-

-

to

14,

14,

Letter from Colonel Huntington to

Governour

15,

Letter from Council,

15,

Letter from Stephen

Trumbull,

setts

.......

rection,

...

1148

Ro1149

Report of Aaron Willard and Moses Child to General Washington, of the disposition of the Inhabitants,

of the

condition

Fortifications,

14, Letter from John Langdon to Meshech Weare: Has just received information of the arrival of one of the Vessels in the Continental service

1150

with sixty tons of Saltpetre, thirteen tons of

Powder, and thirteen hundred stand of good Arms, 1152 Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to Colonel Veazy, directing him to purchase the whole of the Powder imported by Nathaniel

Rumsey, 15,

15,

15,

-

-

-

-

-

-1152

Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to the Baltimore Committee, desiring to know what Sulphur has been bought or obtained in

.... .....

Baltimore County, Letter from Gustavus Scott

Thomas 15,

-

Jenifer,

to

Daniel of

Powder

1158

sent

lent or sold for

1158

the use of the United Colonies, Extract of a Letter from Barbadoes to a Gentleman in London The Men-of- War seize every American Vessel they meet with, Letter from Colonel Mcintosh to General Washington, informing him of the state of affairs in Georgia, Test subscribed by the Officers of the Battalion raised for the protection and defence of Georgia before they received their Commissions, -

1158

.....

1159

.....

Letter from Colonel

1152

15, 15,

- 1153 General Assembly at New- York, Letter from Colonel Waterbury to the President

1162

New-York

to the

;

tions,

16,

16. 16,

17,

17,

.

-

.

-

-

.

1163

Philip Brooks to the New-York Congress, asking a Commission, 1163 Letter from Governour Trumbull to General Washington Sends two tons more of Powder, which is all that possibly can be spared from

Letter from

--....

the Colony, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to North-

1163

ampton Committee, Cosmopolitan to the Inhabitants of the American Colonics; No. 8, Letter from Andrew Symmer to Governour Penn, with a Petition from the Inhabitants of Turk's Island, Extract of a Letter from Norfolk, Virginia, to The Rebels are in a Gentleman in Scotland the deepest distress, being divested of Clothes, Ammunition, and Lodgings; all the Highland Emigrants are most friendly to Government, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to . Gustavus Scott, Letter from Samuel Purviance to the Maryland Council of Safety They are mounting the Guns at Baltimore, and erecting a Battery at Whetstone; Mr. Hughes is anxious some person should go to Antietam, to prove the

1308

...

1164

1166

:

17,

17,

1166

1167

:

Regiment

by him in January

to go on an expedi- 1154 on Long- Island, 15, Letter from Colonel Curtenius to the New- York II54 Congress, 15, Application of Joseph Blanchard to the NewYork Congress for permission to go on the . . 1154 Governour's Ship, 15, Letter from R. Thurman to the New- York Congress, requesting as high a rank in the Army - 1154 as they think he can fill with propriety, 15, Letter from Samuel Thompson to the NewYork Congress, with a draft and description of the East and West Harbours of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, 1155

Heard

Congress He is on Staten- Island, with seven hundred men, waiting their further instruc-

1153

tion against the Tories

......

Council, requesting that the

:

the Continental Congress to the - 1592 Provincial Congress of New- Jersey, Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia to a GenMany People here are tleman in London heartily tired of our great men's knight-errantry; the Congress will not find so many friends as they imagine when the King's . - 1153 Troops appear, Provincial Congress of New-Jersey order a Battalion of Minute-Men to proceed to New-

raised

-

Massachu-

Major Thompson may be

ensuing, 16,

Letter from

of Congress, requesting pay for the

.

to the

.

....

St.

Yofk,

.

Moylan

1160 IIGO Return of the Officers of the Battalion, 16, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 1161 the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 16, Letter from Andrew Beall to the Maryland Council of Safety, for Powder and Lead from 1161 the stock at Bladensburgh, 16, Letter from C. Beatty to the Maryland Council . - 1161 . . of Safety, 16, Letter from Robert Alexander to the Maryland Patriotism sinks before Council of Safety private interest; and there are many men in Philadelphia who rank themselves in that class, generally exacting the most from the necessity of the country; hence the pubiick is 1161 plundered, 16, List of the Committee for the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, elected to serve for six months

1152

Letter from John Blanchard to Lord Stirling, 1200 Notice of the Meeting of a few Members of the

15,

.

-

1157

-

the Massachusetts

Otis to

:

16,

:

15,

James

1157

-

:

- 1149 &c., of the Province of Nova-Scotia, General Orders, from February 9 to February

15,

16,

1147

Letter from Lord Drummond to General bertson, dated February 5,

14,

to

Washington

...

Trumbull,

1146

dent of Congress:. He has declined sending the Letter of Lord Drummond to General Howe, and sends it to Congress for their di-

....

15,

16,

Letter from Robert H. Harrison to Christopher 1147 Lefiingwell, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-

1156

Governour

General

Schuyler,

Officer,

to

-1146

.

active

sufficient for the business.

Letter from General

;

Washington,

1218

15,

;

Letter from Samuel Mott to Governour Trumbull, on the defences necessary for New-Lon-

Regiments, under an

would be

1141

14,

14,

.......

Letter from Generat Schuyler to the President Niagara should be in our posof Congress session, in order to secure all the Indians, :

1140

....

Acknowledgment and Concession

Feb.\5, Letter from William Bedlow to John Berrien, for information about a Fortress to be erected - 1155 at the Highlands, 15, Letter from General Wooster to General Schuyler,

phia, without speculations in open vindication of opinions, that, five months ago, were said 14,

LXXX

1776.

Guns

cast there,

.

.

1167

-

17,

Letter from James Lloyd Chamberline to the Maryland Council of Safety,

17,

Questions and Answers on the Independence of

17,

. the Colonies, Letter from Colonel

17, 17,

-

Wayne

-

1168 1168

-

President of in want of almost

to the

Congress: His Regiment is r 1172 every thing, Return of the Fourth Pennsylvania Battalion, - 1172 - 1172 Memorial of John Frazer to the Congress, Declaration, on oath, by Captain Belair, of the arrest of

Mr. Walker,

-

-

-

-

1175

CONTENTS.

LXXXt 1776.

..-.-. -------

Mr. Walker's Statement of

his arrest

and im-

1176 prisonment, Remarks on the difference in the treatment of Colonel Allen, Mr. Walker, and General Prescctt,

Feb.n, Orders given

to

Signals for the American Fleet, 17,

•-

-

.

Feb.\9, Letter from Lord Stirling to the President of . • . - 1199 Congress,

1179 1179

Lee to the President of him of the sailing of Men-of-War from New- York, and that probably their object is the American Fleet, 1179 Letter from the Tryon County Committee to the

9,

transmitting a Resolve of Congress complimentary to the gentlemen of Elizabethtown, - 1199 Letter from Lord Stirling to General Livingston, 1200

9,

Letter from

New- York

17,

17,

15,

Com-

Congress: Will raise two

...--.--.... ......

19,

in

ington,

Robert H. Harrison

17,

Letter from

17,

Letter from Robert

Easton,

to

19,

19,

-

James Lyon

:

H. Harrison

The General is

zeal in the promotion of

19,

1182

liberty,

by

19,

endeavoring to add Nova-Scotia to the Union, but does not think the plan will at present

---.... .---..

succeed, 18,

roll,

18, 18,

19,

1182

Letter from Herbert Courtenay to Charles CarLetter from Joseph Sims to the oil of Safety,

19,

1183

Maryland Coun.

19,

1183

Letter from John Adams to a Friend: He can see no prospect, no probability, no possibility

18,

18,

18,

19,

of a reconciliation with Great Britain the Newspapers in Philadelphia are full of free speculations on the question of Independence, 1183 Proceedings of the Committee of the City and County of Albany, on the Affidavit and Letter of Benjamin Hilton, 1184 Letter from Moses Hazen to the President of Congress, with a Statement of his losses in . . . 1186 Property, &c.,

.....

Major Hawley to Elbridge Gerry: Without an American Independent Supreme Government and Constitution, wisely devised and designed, well established and settled, we shall always be but a rope of sand; but, that

19,

19,

there

is

a

suffi-

20, 22,

19,

...

.

1194 1194

20,

1195

1195

1195

19,

Oration

in

-

_

.

.

.

gress,

ton,

Fourth

Series.

,

—Vol.

ir.

General Wasliington

The House he now

from his line of command, Letter from General Washington is

:

His

to

General

...

occupies to

is

too

situation in respect to

Pow.

distressing; nothing can be undertaken

for want of it, and the world, without knowing his condition, is censuring his inactivity, 1203 Letter from Josiah Quincy to General Washington, representing the exposed condition of Braintree, and requesting a guard may be stationed at Squantum for their protection, Letter from Colonel Huntington to Governour

...

to

1205

Captain Per-

1206

Captain Perkins, 1207 Letter from John Page to Richard Henry Lee, 1208 Letter from Lord Dunmore to Colonel Richard Corbin, offering his services to go to England to negotiate a reconciliation between Virginia and its Parent State, 1208 Letter from the Committee of Safety of Virginia They are not authorized to Lord Dunmore or inclined to intermeddle in the mode of negotiating a reconciliation; any steps to be taken must proceed from the Representatives • - 1209 of the Continent, and not from them, Extract of a Letter from a Member of the Vif. ginia Convention to a Friend in Philadelphia: Some seem alarmed at the name of Independence, while they support measures and pro. pose plans that comprehend all the spirit of it: we are still called dependant, though we have done every thing but call ourselves in-

20,

Letter to the

the

20,

Con.

1204 1205

Letter from the Salem Committee to the Massachusetts Council, with a statement of the case of Captain Lemuel Perkins,

dependent,

1196

1197

1202

Governour

to

--.-.. .....

Maryland Council of Safety

20, 20, 20,

1211

Maryland Council of Safety from Committee appointed to collect Gold and

....

Silver in Calvert County, Philadelphia Committee declare Thomas Rogers and Joseph Sermon enemies to their country, and preclude them from all trade or intercourse with the Inhabitants of the Colonies, . Letter from Lord Stirling to the Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, Application of Colonel Wynkoop to the NewYork Congress, in favour of Moses Youmans, Letter from Colonel Drake to John McKes-

....

son,

1210

to

Colonel Joseph Sim,

by Dr. William Smith, . . 1675 Lee to General Washing, 1198

Letter from General

Letter from Sullivan:

Letter from the

memory of General Montgomery, d&

livered, at the desire of the Continental

19,



giveness, 1201 Whitehead Hicks appointed one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of New- York, and David Matthews appointed Mayor of the City, 1201 by Governour Tryon, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour 1202 Trumbull, Letter from General Wooster to General Schuy. ler, 1483 Letter from P. Moreau to General Washington, - 1202 respecting the offer of M. de Santerre,

20,

the United Colonies in that Province, 1197 Resolutions of Congress, enclosed by President

Hancock,

1200

:

....

the Regiment of Artillery, Return of Musket Cartridges, . . Return of Ammunition delivered from January 23 to February 17, . 19, Surry County Committee prohibit the removal of any commodity from any landing in the County, without permit from the Committee, 19, Letter from Charles Carroll to the Maryland Council of Safety, Letter from the Committee for Queen Anne's 19, County to the Maryland Council of Safety, with a Letter from Captain Kent, dated SnoW' Hill, February 9, . . Letter from the President of Congress to Gene^ 19, ral Lee: Congress desires him to repair to Canada, and take command of the Army of

.

.

kins,

and that, in the mean time, possession should be taken of Dorchester Hill and Noddle's Island, 1193 Return of Cannon Cartridges in possession of .

Lowrey,

-

Application of Major Rogers to the New- York Congress, for permission to go on board the . . 1201 Dutchess of Gordon, Petition of William Cock and Thomas Cock, of Queen's County, to the New- York Congress, acknowledging their error, and praying for-

Additional Papers relating

Cambridge, February 16, decide that an assault on the Town of Boston is at present improper; that a cannonade and bombard-

when

Regiment,

Permit from Admiral Shuldham

ters, in

;

Stirling to Colonel

Trumbull,

.... ....

will be expedient

Lord

Trumbull

19,

well done, invincible, 1190 Letter from Geheral Washington to the President of Congress, - 1192 Council of General Officers, held at Head-Q,uar

ment

Letter from

der

Letter from

cient supply of Powder

take the Blue-MountainValley and Cargo, Stores, and Adventures, in charge, and carry the orders of Congress re. - 1200 lative to them into execution, Letter from John Blanchard to Lord Stirling: He cannot undertake the charge of the whole matters of the Ship, as a number of the Militia think themselves concerned in the Prize, 1200

far

:

18,

John Blanchard,

Stirling to to

....

the Rev. pleased with his to

American

to

-...--.

1182

Colonel

Stirling

for Supplies for his

one of the New- York Battalions, 1181 Letter from Colonel Easton to General Wash-

ment

Lord him

requesting

Letter from General

panies under Continental pay, and, if necessary, a third Company, for the defence of the -' Province, 1180 Letter from Joseph French to the New-York Congress, requesting to be released from confinement, 1181 Application of Adrian De Ronde for an appoint-

Robert Ogden,

Letter

Congress, apprizing

17,

Lord

from

9,

1178

the several Captains of the Fleet,

on sailing from the Capes of Delaware,

Lxxxir

1776.

1211

1211

1597

1212

1212

CONTENTS.

LXXXIII 1776.

JV6.20, Petition of Azor Belts

ba

gress, to

New- York Con-

to the

1212

released from Prison,

20, President of Congress to General Schuyler:

20,

It

has been determined to send General Lee to Canada, reserving to General Schuyler the command in the Colony of New- York, 1213 Letter from the Pennsylvania Committee of

Dec. 8, Attested copies to be lodged in the Secretary's Office of all such Vouchers for expenses incurred by this Colony, in defence of American liberty, as may be sent to the Continental

of April

Prisoners at Lancaster, where the kind treatment given them by the People meets with a very improper and indecent return, - 1213 Letter from John Broome to Silas Deane, forwarding authentick accounts of the damage

done by the Ministerial Pirates at the East end of Long-Island, 1214 Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress Either General Wooster or himself must quit the Northern Department, 1214 Letter from General Schuyler to General Wooster, with arrangements for the two Regiments in Canada, 1216 Letter from General Wooster to General Schuyler: Complains that he is treated with - 1217 disrespect, Letter from General Wooster to General Schuyler; The plan proposed for the arrangement of the two Regiments will not answer, - 1218 Return of a number of articles in the Stores at Montreal, 1219 Estimate of the Pay due to the Troops of the United Colonies, raised in Connecticut, and employed in the Northern Department, - 1219 Letter from John Bigelow to Governour Trumbull: The People cannot be persuaded to enter the service; He has spared no pains to raise a Company, but has inlisted but four men, 1220 Letter from Major Hawley to Elbridge Gerry: Independence is the only way to union and harmony, to vigour and despatch in business; it will open to us a trade with all the world, 1220

9,

20,

29, 30,

11,

Dec.

1,

4,

The Court has

Regiments,

to

6,

Greenleaf, in behalf of Captain Peter Roberts, 1229 to Peter Roberts, of the

Letter from

Wash-

-

-

thousand

ing assistance for the protection of the Har-

....

- 1231 examine into the character and - 1231 conduct of Edward Rand, Letter from W. Sever to General Washington, 1232 Letter from George Leonard, Jun., dated Norton, December 4, desiring to be excused from acting as one of the Justices of the Inferior . - 1232 Court of Bristol County, Report of Joint Committee appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for raising and regulating - 1233 a Militia in this Colony, . Petition of the Inhabitants of the Westerly part of Newton, 1234 Report of Joint Committee on the charges . . . 1235 against Edward Rand, Petition of Ebenezer Beal, wounded at Machias on the 12th of June last, 1235 John Hancock, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and Elbridge Gerry,

Committee

elected

16,

of

Ipswich, directed to furnish Clothing for the . . 1224 Prisoners confined there, Petition of Joseph Greenleaf, praying for an exclusive privilege to manufacture Copperas, - 1224 Alum, &c., for the space of ten years, Petition of Alexander Parrau, who was wound-1225 ed in the battle of Bunker-Hill, Petitions of Nathaniel Farmer and George - 1225 Reed, wounded on the 19th of April, -

Timothy Pickering, accepting the to

....

15,

the circumstances of the four

Thomas Livermore, Selectman

1230

-

appointment of Judge of Admiralty,

be sent out of

Companies now doing duty at Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham, 1223

7,

1229 Jones, and others, to Benja-

min Greenleaf, in behalf of Captain Offin Boardman, 1229 Commission granted to Offin Boardman, of the Schooner Washington, 1230 Report of the Joint Committee on the Letter of Thomas Crafts, 1230 Committee at Point Shirley directed to use their

bour, Letter from

men

- 1222 Lunar, and not by Calendar months, Committee to take into consideration the circum. 1222 stances of the Sea-Ports, Committee to consider a Letter from Governour Trumbull, 1223 Committee to confer with General Washingfton - 1223 on the critical situation of the Army, • - 1223 Petition of the Selectmen of Boxford, Committee to wait on General Washington, and

Petition of

Thomas

utmost endeavours to prevent the spreading of the Small-Pox, 1230 Memorial of the Committee of Gloucester, pray-

1222

him

1229

Commission granted Sloop Game-Cock,

Letter sent to the Continental Congress, representing their reasons for paying their men by

represent to

1229 1229 1229 1229

....

Boston, 5,

1228

Letter from Jonathan Titeomb, and others, to B.

for

with the Small-Pox were

1228

taken precautions to prevent Small-Pox brought out

the spreading of the of Boston,

14,

for apportioning three

the

1227 1227

:

reinforcing the - 1221 until the new Army is complete, Committee to take into consideration the state - 1222 and circumstances of the Sea-Coast, Letter received from Robert H. Harrison, informing that a number of persons infected

among Army,

Militia Companies, 'as they arrive at Watertown, may be ordered to Roxbury, Order of the Council on the Letter, Petition of a number of Inhabitants of Pownalborough, respecting Abicl Wood, Report of Joint Committee on the Petition, presented, read and recommitted, Committee on a Letter from John Hancock, President of the American Congress, Committee on a Letter from Thomas Crafts, Letter from Thomas Crafts to William Cooper, Letter from General Washington to James Otis,

Letter from Thomas Crafts to Gk'neral Washington The Small- Pox has broken out in two families that came out of Boston, - 1229 Letter from W. Sever to General Washington:

13,

Committee

1227

...

1221

-

1226

bull's Letter,

- 1219 Committee to wait on General Washington, to confer on supplying the deficiency in the Army, which may be caused by the Connec- 1221 ticut Forces leaving the service, Letter from the Rev. William GJordon, praying - 1221 them to excuse his continuing Chaplain, Committee to consider several Resolutions of -

Brown, wounded on the 19th

Letter from Elbridge Gerry, declining the office of Maritime Judge, . . 1227 Letter from General Washington, requesting the

12,

the Continental Congress,

1226

last,

Petition of Francis

of April,

MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 1775.

iVb».29, Report of Joint Committee on (General ington's Letter, dated November 29th,

1226

wounded on the 19th

Report of Joint Committee on Governour Trum-

:

20,

1226

pay as Lieutenant-

Colonel, Petition of Joseph Cornell,

sition of the

20,

... ...

Congress,

Petition of Joshua Davis, for

Safety to the President of Congress, suggesting the propriety of making some other dispo-

20,

LXXXIV

1775.

by joint

-----..-..-

ballot,

Delegates

to

the Ameri-

can Congress, 1235 Letter from Nathaniel Peaslee, Sergeant, declining the appointment of a Justice of the Superior Court, 1236 Committee on Resolve of Congress of October 26, recommend appointment of a Committee to engage and fit out, with all possible expedition, ten Vessels, with Produce, for the im. 1236 portation of Ammunition, &c., Committee to fit out the Vessels, 1236 Report of Joint Committee appointed to consider sundry Depositions relative to the conduct of the Inhabitants of the Island of Nantucket, 1237 Order for the arrest of Samuel CJelston, of Nan-. tucket, 1237 •

...

18,

CONTENTS.

LXXXV

21,

Committee

a Proclamation, in behalf of Ncal Mclntyre, of Portsmouth, Petition of Abiel Wood, of Pownalboroug^h, Memorial of Jacob Boardman, of Newburyport, Committee to wait on General Washington, and learn from him to what limits he will extend his Guards,

Z)cc.l9,

20,

to draft

Petition of Ciiarles

.

-

-

.

22,

Memorial of Hannah Sewall, of Brookline,

23,

Abiel

Wood ordered

to

-

1238 1238 1240

1240 1240 1240

be confined until he gives

security in one thousand

Pounds

that

he will

not correspond with the enemies of his country,

Wood

25,

Committee

26,

Regulation for the payment of Post-Riders, Statement of facts relating to the Companies

provide

to

for the Array,

Weymouth, and Hingham,

Braintree,

Two

1238

-

1241 1242 1242

-.--..

....

at

• - 1243 General Washington, Petition of Deborah Gushing, wife of Thomas Gushing, one of the Members of the Continental Congress, 1244 Petition of the Town of Harvard, expressing their dissatisfaction with the large stipends

laid before

13,

...

15,

and some others, (except This has chilled the spirits of the commonalty, and has been a bar against the to Officers,

new

Soldiers.)

Army's 28,

filling up,

-

-

-

.

families,

....

Committee appointed amine the Muster-RoUs,

29,

1245

1245

A

liberty,

1246

Field-Officer, with the rank of Colonel,

and and Second Companies, Gloucester, elected by joint

to

Jan.

1,

be stationed at

ballot,

Officers for the

..... ....

Third and Fourth Companies

1247

at

Gloucester elected, Petition of John Bragdon,

1247 1248

Companies at Marblehead, Elizabeth Island, and Martha's Vineyard, elected, 1248 Colonel and other Officers of the Forces to be Officers for the

stationed at

Falmouth, and

at Kittery-Point, elected,

2,

for -

one

Company

-

.

.

-

-

Petition of Selectmen of Dorchester, Petition of Daniel Pierce for

payment

cines furnished the Continental

-

-

3,

Report of Committee of what further is necessary to be done before the Minute-Militia and

4,

Petition of

Sea-Coast Rolls are paid

Message

ofi^

William Brown, and

-

-

-

others,

-

-

House of Representatives, facts respecting the Guard

to the

forth the

1249 1250

Medi-

for

Army,

1250

1251 1251

setting

at the of Hull, and the necessity of suitable Guards at Braintree, Weymouth, and Hing-

Town

ham, Committee

5,

6,

8,

9.

10,

1252 examine into the conduct and character of Dr. Samuel Gelston, lately apprehended by an order of the General Court, 1252 Committee on the subject-matter of the Militia Bill, and the manner in which the Officers shall be appointed, 1252 Letter from General Gates, with Prisoners, - 1253 Petition of Silas Ball, Surgeon of Colonel Woodbridge's Regiment, 1253 Doorkeeper ordered to place Dr. Samuel Gelston under a proper Guard, 1254 - 1254 Petition of Joseph Pearse Palmer,-Petition of the Selectmen of Topsfield, - 1254 - 1255 Petition of John Bunker, of Mount- Desert, Report of Joint Committee on the conduct of the Officers at Falmouth, 1255 Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Majato

..... ..... ....

.... .... ....

bigwaduce, complaining of the tyrannical conduct of John Bateman, 1257 Letter to Hugh Orr, directing- the confinement of James Seward within the Town of Bridgewater, 1 1,

Memorial of John

limits

-

-

-

.... ....

1260 1260

1260

1260

Plymouth, Truro, and

Tarpaulin Cove, elected, 1261 James Lemont, 1262 Letter from Robert Treat Paine, dated January 1, declining the appointment of one of the Jus1262 tices of the Superior Court, Report of Joint Committee on General Washington's Letter respecting the want of Fire-

16,

.......

Arms,

Council authorized

to lend

1263

General Washington,

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental fifty thousand Pounds, on his obligation to return the same when demanded. 1263 Committee on a Letter from the President of Congress, 1263 Officers to be stationed at Salem and SheepscutRiver, and Musiermasters for Cumberland, Dukes, Plymouth, and Essex Counties, elected, 1264 1265 17, Instructions to the Delegates in Congress, Report of Joint Committee on the Petition of the . . - 1265 Town of Dorchester, Amended Instructions to the Delegates in Con1 8, gress, 1266 Letter to the Delegates, informing them of their appointment, and enclosing the Instructions, 1266 Petition of Elizabeth Sampson, and other Indian Inhabitants of Grafton, 1267 19, Proclamation by the General Court, to be read at the opening of Courts, at the Town-Meetings, and in all Churches, ]268 - 1271 Letter from Isaac Smith to John Adams, 20, Permission to Isaac Smith to export one hundred and fifty quintals of Fish, the proceeds to be laid out in the purchase of Powder, Saltpetre, as

Army,

......

Officers for the First 1776.

in,

126Q

...

1245

ex-

...... .....

now coming

Petition of

Draft of a Proclamation reported, read, and recommitted, 1246 Committee to consider and report a plan for fitting out Armed Vessels for the defence of

American 30,

to

Recruits

Officers to be stationed at

Selectmen of the several Towns requested to encourage the making of Saltpetre in private Instruction to the

relative to Joseph Bowditch, refusing a tender of Bills of Publick Credit, Report of Committee on General Washington's Letter of the 0th instant, Committee to wait on General Washington, Petition of John Tidd, of Lexington, wounded on the 1 9lh of April, Committee on a Letter from General Washington, respecting the want of Fire-Arms for the 1

.....

granted

....

Committee on a Letter from General Washington, on the critical state of the Army, 1259 Committee on a Letter from William Williams, of Connecticut.communicating measures adopted by that Colony, and discoveries made of a Lead-Mine, 1259 Letter to the Committee of Northampton, directing them to send Joshua Young to Marshfield. 1259 Letter to the Committee of Marshfield, directing them to take charge of Joshua Young, and be careful he does not pass the limits of the Town, 1259 Jaw. 1 2, Committee on a Deposition of Ebentzer Goodell,

be

to

Ships ordered to be built at the expense of

the Colony: one to carry thirty-six Guns, the other thirty-two Guns, 1259

Chauncey,

Samuel Brewer,

Petition of

27,

liXXXVI

1776.

1775.

of the

1258

TufTt, of Belfast, in Penobscot, some of the Inhabitants of

setting forth that

Long-Island, in Penobscot Bay, have supplied the S^linislerial Forces with Cord- Wood, - 1258

....

...... .......

or Sulphur, 21,

Committees the

Army,

Orders

for raising

nada,

22,

1272

a Regiment to serve in Ca-

1272 James Curtis, of Brunswick, . 1275 Letter to the Committee of Safety of Newburyport, directing them to take charge of WilPetition of

liam Miller, 23,

1271

in the several Counties to aid in raising Men for a temporary reinforcement of

1275

Petition of Joseph

a Vessel Petition of

to

Deane

Surinam,

Thomas

for permission to -

.

.

send .

1276

Russell for permission to

send a small Schooner

to the

Foreign West-

Indies,

1277

24,

The

25,

Order of the General Court of 9th of Decem-

Delegates of the Colony in Congress to be paid one hundred and thirty Pounds each, in Continental Bills, to enable them to defray their expenses, and support the dignity of their

1278

office,

ber last, so far as it relates to Martha's Vine. yard, annulled, . 1279 Memorial of the Selectmen of the Town of Sherburne, in the Island of Nantucket, praying to be released from the order of the 9th of De-

cember,

----...

1279

CONTENTS.

LXXXVII 1776.

/a».26,

Edward Rawson, Stephen Maynard, and Dea-

Committee of Newburyport to prepare and fit out the Sloop Machias-Liberty and Schooner

con Hall, elected Guardians to the Hassanimisco Tribe of Indians, at Grafton, - 1280 Arrangement of the Militia in Regiments, - 1280

Committee of the Town of Newburyport, requesting them to take into their custody and safe-keeping William Erwin

Letter to the

and others, prisoners, taken in the Ship Jenny, 1281 Letter to the Committee of Gloucester, requesting them to take charge of William Wood, Master, and Robert Ayles, Mate, of the Ship Jenny, 1282

29,

Benjamin Lincoln directed to wait on General Washington and request him to cause one Haswell, an Officer of the British Navy, to . . . 1282 be removed from Hull, Committee on a Letter from John Dickinson, of Hatfield, relative to the conduct of Elisha lis,

Provisions supplied the 10,

12,

Committee

reconsidered,

31,

the credit of the Continental Bills, or of any other Bills, or to alter or counterfeit the same, to arrest and secure such person, that he may be proceeded with according to the just demerits of such high crimes and misdemeanours,

-

Petition of a

13,

Seward may be permitted 1,

to

....

.....

2,

.

....

Boston,

till

1284

James be employed in

Watertown, Committee to bring in a Bill establishing a Test, by which all persons inimical to the rights and liberties of America shall be distinguished from their friends, Committee to consider an anonymous Letter from Dartmouth, Petition from the Selectmen of Rehoboth, Petition of John Bakeman, and others, against the appointment of some Field-Officers of the two Regiments East of Penobscot River, Committee to prepare a general arrangement of Militia throughout the Colony, Field-Officers for the First and Second Regiments in Worcester, Field and Staff-Officers of the several Regiments to be raised, to join the Army before

...

1285 14,

1285 1285 1286

Town

1286 1286

-

16.

1287

1287

1287

India Tea, found in custody of John Brown, to be publickly consumed by fire, this day, at - 1288 one o'clock, P. M., Report of Joint Committee on the complaints of, and charges against, certain Inhabitants of

...

5,

Majabigwaduce, 1288 Report of Joint Committee on the Petition of 6, - 1289 Philip Hodgkins, Field-Officers for Regiments in the Counties of Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester, York, Bristol, Middlesex, Cumberland, and Berkshire, elect- 1290 ed, Petition of Anna Coshommon, an Indian wo- 1292 man, of Chilmark, in Dukes County, Petition of Thomas Simonds and Mary Thomas, native Indians, of Middleborough, in the County of Plymouth, - 1293 Act for encouraging the fixing out of Aimed Vessels passed, 1293 1294 8, Petition of Jeremiah O'Brien,

..... ...

Bills,

exchange, to be reported on the second day of the next silting of the Assembly, • 1306 Petition of Hannah Goldthwait, - 1306 Memorial of James Cargill, of Newcastle, Lincoln County, 1307 Letter from the Committee of Safety of Southto

Carolina, dated December 31, Letters to the Committees of Northampton and of Machias, respecting the Plans and Surveys

1307

taken by Lieutenant Knight, Benjamin Crocker, of Falmouth, for permission to send a Vessel in ballast to the Islands of Tobago and Grenada, Message from the House, requesting the Council to suspend the granting of Commissions to General Officers and Brigadiers, Report of Joint Committee appointed to make inquiry after Virgin Lead, &c., . . Committee to fit out, with all possible despatch. Vessels to import ten thousand barrels of Flour, two thousand casks of Rice, and one thousand tons of Pig-iron, from any of the . . . Southern Colonies, Committee to consider what is proper to be done respecting the regulating of proceedings in

1308

...

17,

Dr. Samuel Gelston and John Brown, who aided Gelston in making his escape, to be confined in Jail,

are willing to

......

1286

of Hat-

field,

who

exchange Hard Money for Continental each stating what amount he is ready

1287

gress,

Letter to the Committee for the

Colonel James Cargill, 1302 Report of Joint Committee on the Letter received this morning from General Washington, relative to supplying the Army with Fire-Arms, 1303 Committees appointed to purchase Fire-Arms in the several Counties, on Money being advanced by General Washington to enable them to execute their commission, 1303 Bounty of fifty Pounds to the first person who shall, at his own cost, erect a Powder-Mill, and of thirty Pounds to whoever erects another, 1304 Further elections of Field-Officers, - 1304 Committee appointed in each County to obtain subscriptions of all persons

Report of Joint Committee on the Memorial of the Selectmen of Sherburne, in Nantucket, recommending a representation of the state of that Island be made to the American Con-

3,

15.

the 1st of April next, to be noti-

fied of their appointments,

Inhabitants of the Eastern part of Lincoln County, requesting assistance for the St. John's and Passaraaquoddy Indians, 1300 Joseph Henderson appointed to lay the disbursements of this Colony, in defence of

.... ....

1284

of the Towns of Machias, Goldsborough, Number-Four, Narragaugus, Pleasant-River, and Chandler's River, in the -

1300

number of

American liberty, before the American Congress for approbation, 1302 Report of Joint Committee on the Petition of Philip Hodgkins, making a complaint against

tants

...

....

their losses, or they will be deprived of the

benefit of compensation,

Petitions of the Committees, and others. Inhabi-

County of Lincoln, Letter from Hugh Orr, requesting that

1298

and Soldiers, who sustained any loss of Clothing, Fire-Arms, &c., by their being engaged in battle with the Ministerial Troops on the 19th of April and 17th of June last, are required to exhibit a particular account of

...

of Bills had been printed, 1282 Report of the Committee, read and recommitted, 1283 Committees of Inspection in all the Towns of the Colony to make strict inquiry, and if they find any persons endeavoring to prevent

ascertain

......

prepare a Proclamation for a General Fast throughout the Colony, - 1299 to

Officers

1282 to

Men who marched

on the alarm of the 19th of April last, - 1296 Order of the Court of the 2tst of January, for raising a Regiment to serve in Canada, in part

what number of sheets

Committee

Diligent, 1294 Further elections of Field-Officers, - 1294 John Hancock, Azor Orne, and Benjamin Lincoln, elected Major-Generals, . - 1295 Letter from James Otis, requesting the release, under bonds, of John Gray, 1296 Regulation for the settlement of Accounts for

...

Feb. 9,

El-

Jun.,

30,

Feb.

LXXXVHI

1776.

19,

Petition of

civil causes,

.....

1309

1309 1310

1311

1311

Committee on a Letter from James Otis, respecting a French Vessel cast on shore on the Cape. 20.

1311

Committee

prepare a Proclamation for a General Fast, to be observed on the 7th of March to

1312

next,

House

desires to be prorogued to the March next,

Message

13th of

1312

...

the House, that the Council has consented to the following Bills: 1312 For assessing a Tax of seventy-five thousand to

Pounds,

to

defray the charges of this Colony, 1312

For regulating the

Militia,

.

.

Committee of Ipswich

1312

-

to furnish Prisoners with Clothing, 1322 Town of Natick excused from supplying nine Men for the American Army, . - 1322 Petition of Committee of Inspection for Pownal-

For

altering the places of holding the Courts of . Law in the County of SufTolk, .

1312

To

enable the Inhabitants of Falmouth to support prosecutions against Persons who have in possession Goods taken from the Inhabitants

during the

To

revive

piring.

late fire,

Laws

_

-

-

-

.

borough, that the Committee of Correspondence of the Town may be called to account for their conduct, and that Abiel Wood might be removed from the Town, 1323 Dr. Calef, of Ipswich, required to give information relative to a new Ship built by his direc-

1312

...

that are expired, or near ex-

1312

-

-

To encourage

the fixing out of

for the defence of

Armed

America,

.

Vessels -

.

1312

For carrying into execution a Resolve of the American Congress for ascertaining the number of Inhabitants

day of March

next,

to

1312

Colony,

in this

General Court adjourned

Wednesday, the 13th

.

.

.

.

-

Dec. 6,

1312

MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. iVoc.29,

to

Committee to consider a Letter from General Washington, of this day, to the General As-

...

. - 1313 General Washington's and adopted, - 1313 of Newbury, praying trouble and expense in

collecting Blankets, &c., for the

Army;

and

-

referred,

-

-

-

-

7,

read

-1313

Town of Mendon, for pay for Provisions for four Companies who marched from that Town on the 19th of April, Petition of Nathan Wheeler read and committed, Petition of the Town of Gloucester for Cannon, Ammunition, &c., for the defence of the Harbour, . . . Petition of Thomas Livermore, in behalf of a number of Prisoners in the Jail at Ipswich, Committee to inquire into the conduct of the People at Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Petition from John Tidell, Joseph Cornell, and Dennison Wallis, wounded on the 19th of April; and from Alexander Parren, wounded in the battle on Bunker-Hill, Memorial from General Frye, setting forth the importance of Falmouth, and the necessity of further provision for its safety, Committee to wait upon General Washington, and acquaint hira with the importance of GapePetition of the

1,

... ...

Cod Harbour,

1314 1314

8,

Boston and Charlestown,

1315

9,

1315

1315

of Falmouth, and asking further provision for the safety of the Town, 1318 Proceedings of a Convention of the County of

4,

from

1322 Officer of Lincoln

inlisting

any

Men

for

County excused the American

Army, Committee for the Town of Worcester, respecting George Henry Fisher, a disaffected person, and John Holden, a prisoner,

1327 1327 1328

emitting Bills of Publick

-

.

-

.

.

.1328*

.... ....

Estimate of Military Stores necessary to be procured for the Colony, 1330 Commissary directed to procure the Stores mentioned in the estimate, 1331 Committee on a Letter from Samuel Freeman, dated November 25, concerning Goods that were stolen at the burning of Falmouth, 1331 Order of the 7th, dismissing certain Post-Riders,

1322

Petition of the

-

-

-

-

-

-

.......

&c., 12,

defenceless state, to

.

be

-

erected

-

-

-

for

1334 procuring Sulphur required to

give publick notice, requestmg

Hay

who have -

-

Wood

to the

Army

Petition of Catharine Goldthwait,

is

-

322

1334

the supply

...-.-.

and

quate,

14,

all

any to make sale of it to them, Mr. Devans informs the House that of

1333

Sutton and

at

Stoughton,

Committee

13,

1332

of Committee of Dartmouth, setting forth the importance of that Harbour, and its

very inade-

-

1335 1335

to apportion two hundred tons of Hay, be provided for the Army, among a number of Towns, 1336 Letter from General Washington, enclosing Letters from Colonel Otis and Colonel Freemaiv, relative to Shubael Lovell, a Tory,' taken pri. . 1337 soner by Colonel Otis, Petition of Thomas Russell for permission to send a Schooner to the Foreign West-Indies in ballast, 1338

Committee to

15,

Lemuel Williams for permission to export a certain Cargo for the purpose of pro-

Petition of

- 1338 curing Arms, Ammunition, &c., Elias Haskitt Derby, a Member of the House, charged with importing Coffee and other things from the English West-India Islands, 1339

Salem to inquire into the - 1339 charge against Mr. Derby, Doorkeeper ordered to apprehend Abiel Wood, and keep him in safe custody, 1339

Committee

to repair to

facts of the

1

1332

Petition

Powder-Mills

1320

of Newhbry, Dartmouth, Rochester, and Wareham, to be dismissed on the 5th of December, 1319 Information that a number of Persons, who had been inoculated, were to be sent out of Boston by General Howe, with a design to spread the Small-Pox among the Troops, - 1321 Committee to procure intelligence in the matter, 1322 Rev. Mr. Thatcher appointed Chaplain to the

Commanding

-

1327

directed to wait

reconsidered,

Towns

House,

-

1326

Committees or Selectmen of the Towns to return the number of Seamen, and of Vessels,

Town

in the

-

1325

•«

11,

.

Cumberland, Troops stationed on the Sea-Coasts

-

1324

on General Washington about the Ordnance Stores received from the Colony, 1328 Committee to ascertain what Cannon belonging to the several Towns of the Colony are now in the Continental Army, under the care of General Washington, 1328

1314

1315

of Defence in the

making and

Credit passed,

---.-.

Works

for

Mr. Speaker

1314

Brown and of Nathaniel - 1316 Farmer, wounded on the 19th of April, Report of Committee appointed at the last sitting of the Court, to procure Wood and Hay for the Army, 1316 Report of Committee on Petition from the Town of Gloucester, 1317 Two Companies to be stationed at Gloucester till . . . . 1317 the 1st of April, Mr. Nye sent to Barnstable to raise one hundred and twenty-eight Men for the Army at Cambridge, 1317 Quantity of Wood to be supplied daily by a number of Towns to the Army, . . 1318 Letter from James Sullivan, giving an account of the

by water, who cannot produce a certificate from the Secretary of the Colony, Report of Committee from Point Shirley, of the precautions taken to prevent the spreading of . . . . the Small-Pox, Town of Bedford excused from furnishing thirteen Men for the American Army, Accounts of Nathaniel Goldthwait, and others, for Guns lost on the 19th of April, Committee to consider the expediency of providing Military Stores for the Colony, Post-Riders for the Colony dismissed, Committee to consider the state of the Poor of Act

Petition of Francis

2,

supply any person of this Colony with Pro-

visions to be transported

. sembly, 1313 Dr. Cooper elected Chaplain, in place of Rev.

Mr. Gordon, resigned, Report of Committee on Letter, read, amended, Petition from Selectmen an allowance for their

tions at New-Mills, 1324 Committee to bring in a Bill for the further emis-1324 sion of Bills of Publick Credit, Committee to consider Petitions of Men wound- 1324 ed on and after the 19th of April last, Committee to take into consideration the state of the Poor of Boston, 1324

Inhabitants of the United Colonies requested not



1775.

Dec.

xc

1775.

1776.

30,

'

CONTENTS.

XLXXIX

...

CONTENTS.

XCI The Council fore them,

requested to bring Abie)

and deal with him

in

Wood

Committee on a Letter from General Washington, requesting the Court to lake some mea-

be-

such a man-

-----

from any further service,

-

-

-

-

1

-.-.-..

gress,

William Crawford,

circumstances of

the

setting- forth

emission,

Towns,

1340

country

the

1340

Letter from the Com- 1341 mittee of Fairfax County, Virginia, Committee to consider and report some further

/)«c. 16, Committee to consider a

and more effectual measures

for supplying the with Wood, Memorial of Jacob Boardman, of Newburyport, relative to a voyage to Europe for Gunpowder and other Military Stores, Further Regulations for supplying the Army with Wood, Petition of Joshua Fabyan,for payment for Supplies to the Militia assembled in consequence of the burning of Falmouth, by Captain Mo wat, on the 18th of October last, Quantity of Hay to be furnished by certain

Army

Towns

1341 27,

1342 1342

1342

American Army, - 1343 William Tollman, of Dartmouth,

and of Joseph Dean,

...

permission to send the West-Indies, 1343 for

Vessels to Similar Petitions from the Convention for Cumberland County, and from the Committees of the Towns of Biddeford, Pepperelborough, and Arundel, 1345 Committee to draft a Proclamation to be read at the opening of the several County Sessions, for the purpose of inculcating a general obedience of the People to the several Magistrates appointed under the present Government of the Colony, 1345 Full compensation to be made to the Officers and Soldiers

who

sustained loss of

21,

ington, - 1346 Committee on Garrisons for the Sea-Coast discharged of that part of their duty which directs them to confer with General Washington, 1 347 Memorial of Hannah Sewall, of Brookline, - 1347 Jacob Boardman's Vessel permitted to proceed to any part of Europe, (the Dominions of . . 1343 Great Britain excepted,) Committee to publish a Report on making Saltpetre, 1348 Petition of Abiel Wood for the appointment of a Committee to hear his defence, - 1349 Petition of the Delegates of the several

in the

vention,

,

22,

Towns

-.----.

County of Cumberland, met

in

30,

25,



.-----

2,

1349

Officers,

and others, in the American

service,

1352

1352 1353

1354

3,

1354 4,

1354

not sup-

.

-

-

-

1365

consider and report a plan for fitting out one or more Armed Vessels for the . - 1365 defence of American liberty, Officers and Men of the four Companies stationed at Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham, who are not inlisted in the Continental Army, to

1366

received a wound at the battle on Bunker-Hill, 1367 1367 Further election of Officers, Committee on the Petition of Ebenezer Bradish, 1368 Memorial of John Lane, of Buxton, setting forth that he has been in commission upwards of twenty years, and prays rank according to his services, 1368 - 1368 Further election of Officers, Petition of Ivory Hovey, in behalf of the Eastern Districts lying between Penobscot and Machias, praying an Admiralty Court may - 1370 be established at Union River, Committee to inquire into the conduct of the Officers of the Companies stationed at Falmouth, at the time of the late fire there, 1370 Petition of Joseph Pearse Palmer, praying pay for his services as duartermaster-General, - 1370 Committee to confer with Mr. Phillips, on his proposal to erect a Powder-Mill at Andover, 1370 Committee to wait on General Washington, relative to a Donation for the Poor of Boston, - 1370 from Fairfax County, Virginia, Committee to consider some proper Orders and Regulations for the Militia, when they shall . . - 1370 be called out on alarms, Committee to look into the Establishment of the Field-Officers of the Forces raised by the . . 1371 Colony in April and May last, . - 1372 Message from the Council, Secretary directed to attend the House, that he may be inquired of concerning the Proceedings of the Coimcil with respect to Dr. Gelston, - 1372

.-..-.

23, Petition of Joshua Haynes, Jun., setting forth that he was wounded at the battle of Lexing-

is

-

...

to

ton,

it

Guards beyond Squantum and Chelsea, 1366 Election of Officers for the first and second - 1367 Companies at Gloucester, 1776. Jan. 1, Petition of John Williams, representing that he

Con-

Resolution for erecting Powder-Mills at' Sutton . and Stoughton reconsidered, Further measures adopted for supplying the Army with Wood, Petition of James Perry for payment for a Horse killed on his return home from the battle of Lexington, Resolve for stationing Men to defend the SeaCoast, again read and recommitted, Petition of the Town of Harvard, praying the Court to use its influence with the Continental Congress, to reduce the stipends granted to

if

-

directed to remain at their Posts, Letter received from General Washington, informing the House that he does not think himself at liberty to extend the Continental

procure Hay for the Army directed to proceed immediately to execute their commission, - 1351 Number and Stations of Men to be raised for the defence of the Sea-Coast, - 1351

Committee appointed

-

their Depositions taken,

Report of Committee appointed to inquire into the number, &c., of Ordnance belonging to this Colony, now under the care of General Wash20,

take place

- 1356 Report of the Joint Committee appointed to wait on and represent to General Washington the circumstances of the four Companies stationed at Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham, 1357 Petition of Duncan Campbell, for permission to send a Vessel to Tobago, in ballast, 1358 William Powell, of Salem, permitted to send a Schooner of sixty tons to Europe, or the West. 1358 . Indies, for Gunpowder, Committee on Saltpetre report that, in a month or two, one ton, at least, of Saltpetre, will be - 1359 collected, Committee to consider of some method by which 1360 the Colony may be supplied with Wood, Instructions to the Committee on Muster-Rolls, 1361 Establishment for the Forces to guard the Sea- 1362 Coast, Form of Beating Orders and Inlistments for 1364 raising Men to defend the Sea-Coast, Committee to proportion four thousand Blankets . - 1365 to be procured for the Army, Committee on the Resolve of this House relating . - 1365 to the Estates of the Refugees, Committee on the complaint against Haskitt Derby, relative to his having violated a Re-

Committee

1346

fence,

represent the great danger the to from a dispersion of the

exposed

solve of the Continental Congress, authorized to call certain Witnesses before them, or have

Arms, Accou-

trements, or Clothing, on the 19th of April . . 1345 and 17th of June last, Committee to hear Mr. Derby in his own de-

to is

'

29,

------

19,

1355

.....

28,

for the

Petitions of

......

1355

the Bills of Credit of the last

Army, which must plied with Wood,

People at Penobscot

River.

-

to sign

Dec.26, Committee to consuler a meet grant to the Presi. - 1355 dent of Harvard College, Committees to repair immediately to the several

porting Fish contrary to a Resolve of ConPetition of

Wood, Committee

340

Memorial of Committee of Newburyport, relative to the conduct of Benjamin Balch in ex-

1

sures for supplying the Army with Blankets, 1354 Resolutions condemning the conduct of Abiel

ner as may be for the security of this Colony and all America, 1340 All the Post-Officcs and Post-Riders employed by the late Provincial Congress dismissed

18,

yen

1775.

1775,

c

The

reinforcement, to reinlist, if they could be assured by his Excellency that they would be paid when discharged, 1386 Report of Committee appointed to prepare directions to the Committee on Muster-Roils, with respect to Minors and Servants, read, and not

and informed the House that the Council had passed a Resolve Secretary

attended,

....

to liberate Dr. Gelston,

....

1372

the Council, requesting they will not discharge Dr. Gelston till some further proceedings had passed both Houses respect-

Message

to

ing him,

-

-



-

-

-

-

-

1372

Committee of both Houses appointed to examine into the character and conduct of Dr. Samuel Further provisions

for

Petition

of

Hannah

5, Petition

rejected,

12,

of John Bunker, of Mount-Desert, rehe took and carried into

.... ....

to repair to the several Counties for procuring the Blankets, 1376 Committee to provide for the erection of a Powder-Mill at Sutton and at Stoughton, - 1377 Appointment of a Committee to confer with a Committee of the Council on the Militia Bill, reconsidered, and a new Committee appointed, 1377

13,

15,

Committee of Deer-Island-, representing the distressed condition of the Inhabitants, for want of Men and Ammunition

...

Resolvefor disposing of the Estates of Refugees, 1381 Petition of Captain Caleb Hyde, setting forth, that, on the 10th of May last, he marched part of a Company of Militia, at the alarm at Ticonderoga, one hundred and forty miles, at his

17,

conduct of Captain Francis Hasa Sloop load of Wood to

in carrying

Boston,

-

-

1396

Amendments of

the Council to the Militia Bill considered, and the Bill recommitted again reported with another amendment, which was 1396 read and adopted, Resolve of the Council relating to Dr. Gelston

..... ;

18,

and the Council requested to cause be forthwith confined in some Jail of - 1397 the Colony, Colonel Thompson directed to make inquiry about an open Letter from England to some rejected,

him

to

Gentlemen

in Philadelphia,

now

session of Colonel Arnold,

serve

Apportionment of six Regiments,

from the 15th to the last of this month, . 1384 Committee to settle the Accounts remaining unsettled on the books of the late Committee of Supplies,

... ...

kill

....

Committee to inform General Wa^ington that it would encourage the Militia of the Colony, now in the American Army as a temporary

rough, January 2, praying something may be done by the Court for the peace of the Town, 1388 Report of the Committee on a plan for fitting out Armed Vessels, read, and recommitted, - 1388 Committee on a Deposition of Ebenezer and James Goodel, relative to the refusal of Joseph Bowditch, of Salem, to take Bills of Publick 1389 Credit in discharge of a bond, - 1390 Committee to revise the Militia Bill, Petition of the Selectmen of Rehoboth, relative 1390 to the defence of the Town, Committee to consider what further is necessary to be done for supplying the Army with 1390 Hay, Letter received from General Washington relative to a want of Fire- Arms for the Army, - 1390 Committee to consider and report at large the best method of supplying the Camp with 1391 Wood, Committee to consider what further is necessary to be done for the defence of the Sea-Coast, - 1391 Letter from the President of Congress, dated - 1391 January 2, Isaac Lothrop chosen to go to Philadelphia, with the Accounts of the Colony, for disbufse- 1392 ments in the defence of American liberty, Amendments of the Council to the Militia Bill 1392 agreed to, Petition of William Henshaw, praying allow- 1393 ance for his services as Adjutant-General, Further measures for procuring Hay for the 1393 Army adopted, General Washington furnished with a copy of the Resolve for lending him the sum of fiftythousand Pounds, 1393 Report of the Committee relative to the want of Fire-Arms for the Army, read and adopted, and ordered to be communicated to General 1394 Washington, - 1394 Officers for the Sea-Coast Forces elected, Further amendment of the Council to the Mili- 1396 tia Bill, Seven Regiments to be immediately raised from

tive to the

.....

10,

1388

Pownalbo-

the Militia of this Colony to join the Continental Army, to continue in service till the 1396 1st of April, Letter from the Committee of St. Georges, rela-

...

Falmouth, that they were not guilty of breaking orders at the time, 1382 Amendment to the Resolve passed yesterday, for erecting a Powder-Mill at Andover, - 1383 Letter from Joshua Elderkin, of Windham, Connecticut, acquainting the Court he can produce fifty pounds of Saltpetre per week, and declaring his vrillingness to communicate his discoveries, 1333 Militia engaged to serve from the 1st of December to the 15th of this month, to be paid one Penny per mile travel, 1333 to reinlist to

1388

.....

......

recommended

1388

inquire into the state of the Trea-

......

16,

expense, 1331 Pay- Roll of Captain Brown's Company, marched from Stockbridge on the 10th of May last, for the reduction of Ticonderoga, at the request of Colonel Benedict Arnold, presented, • 1382 Report of Committee on the conduct of the Of-

Militia strongly

1387

.......

them from the enemy, - 1377 Petitions of Charles Miles and Joshua Felt, both wounded on the 19th of April last, - 1378 Doorkeeper directed immediately to arrest Dr. Samuel Gelston, and put him under a proper guard, 1378 Committee to wait on (General Washington, to know of him whether he thinks there will be a necessity of retaining any, or all, of the Militia, after the 15th instant, 1378 Order of the 6th for a Committee to wait on General Washington, reconsidered, and another adopted, 1379 Resolve for erectinga Powder-Mill at Andover, 1379 Report of the Committee, that, in the opinion of General Washington, it will be necessary for the whole of the Militia of this Colony, now in Camp, to remain there until the last of this month, 1380 Report of the Committee on Muster-Roils, - 1380 to protect

ficers at

to

...

Petition of the

own

-

of the Council to the Militia Bill

of Boston in October last, Letter from Timothy Parsons, dated

...

their distressed circumstances in consequence of the burning of the Town by Captain Mowat, and requesting to be released from the Colony Tax for the present year, "- 1374 Resolve for procuring Blankets for the Army, - 1374 Apportionment of Blankets among the several Counties and Towns, 1375

1387

instant,

Watertown, praying to be reimbursed the expense of mounting eight pieces of Cannon that were brought out

Goldsborough, in November last, - 1374 Committee to confer with a Committee of the Council on the Militia Bill, 1374 Petition of the Town of Falmouth, setting forth

9,

Resolve of the 8th

Petition of the Selectmen of

lating to a Vessel

8,

Committee sury,

Sewall, of

1373

Committees

to the

relative to the Estates of Refugees,

1373

Brookline,

...... .--.-........

Amendments

Amendments

the defence of the Sea-

Coast adopted,

Memorial and

accepted, 11,

1373

Gelston,

6,

xciv

1776.

1776.

Jan.



CONTENTS.

XCIII

19,

in the pos-

to

1398

reinforce

Army, among

- 1399 the several Counties, of Templeton, expressing their uneasiness on account of the high wages -1399 of the Officers of the Army, Resolutions for raising the six Regiments, and • the proportions from each Town, - 1400

the

Petition of the

1386

...

Form

Town

of Inlistraent,

.....

1403

:

CONTENTS.

xcv 1776.

Powder-Mill ordered

to

be built

Stoughton

at

without delay,

A

Regiment

Petition of

1403

Army

Canada, ordered to be raised forthwith iu the Counties of Hampshire and Berkshire, 1403 - 1404 FieJd-Officers for the Regiment chosen, Ja». 20, Committee to confer with General Washington, at large, on the subject of raising a Regiment for reinforcing the Army in Canada, - 1404 Committee to see that the Men proportioned on - 1405 certain Counties be immediately raised, Information received that a Vessel belonging to Solomon Nye, of Falmouth, has sailed to the to reinforce the

... ...

West-Indies, contrary to the Resolution of the Continental Congress, 1405 Committee to divide the Men to be raised for a temporary reinforcement of the American

Army

into

Regiments,

tle

-

by General Washington, - 1405 raising the Regiment to go into

Resolve for Canada,

....

29,

1405

all possible expedition,

Inlistment for the

-

Regiment

to

.

Ichabod Jones,

1407

own

...... -

vote,

-

-

-

for debts for

30,

31,

1,

1417

....

visions into that Town, 1418 Resolve for establishing Fees for the Court of Admiralty, 1418 Inhabitants of the Island of Martha's Vineyard •

-

-

1419

General Officers of the Mas- 1419 sachusetts Arrny, Compensation to be made for the loss of Arms, Accoutrements, and Clothing, sustained by certain Persons who engaged the Ministerial Forces on the 19th of April and I7th of June last past, 1419

1426 to

to the

1426

Com-

Small-Pox, Benjamin Crocker, of Falmouth, for permission to send a Vessel to Tobago, Report of Committee on Petition of the Committee and other Inhabitants of Machias, Goldsborough, and other Towns in Lincoln County, Committee on anonymous Letter, dated Dartmouth, January 12, hinting that English Goods are clandestinely imported from England, by way of the West-Indies and Nantucket, into . . the Town of Dartmouth, Resolve for punishing Persons who shall endeavour to prevent the credit of the Conti-

1426

Petition of

1426

1427

1427

...

Feb.

forbidding the importation of Fuel and Pro-

receive Provisions,

Counties

mittee for receiving the Inhabitants of Boston at Chelsea, to prevent the spreading of the

Sherburne, praying the repeal of a Resolve

to

the several

....

allowed Dr. Langdon, President of Harvard College, for his services for one year, 1417 Petition of Timothy Munro, wounded on the 19th of April, 1418 Memorial of the Selectmen of the Town of

permitted

for

Further elections of Officers, Two hundred Pounds to be paid

setts-Hall,

Allowance

two years, and that Tavern-keepers

wait upon General Washington on the subject of a Regiment raising in the Coun- 1426 ty of Berkshire by Colonel Fellows,

Two hundred Pounds, and the rents of Massachu25,

1424

Liquors, 1425 John Hancock chosen First, James Warren Second, and Azor Orne Third Major-General, 1425

Committee

General Washington, -

......

elected,

-1414

Continental establishment of the Army, 1415 for Supplies to Soldiers after the battle of Lexington, 1417 Resolve of the House relative to Dr. G«lston disagreed to by the Council, and recommitted, 1417 Receiver-General authorized to pay the fifty

Money,

1423

Brigadier-Generals

to the

either in Continental Bills or other

...

may be restrained from selling them Spirituous

Accounts

to

1423

Petition of the Indian Inhabitants of the Town of Stockbridge, praying they may not be sued

Committee to consider meet allowance for the gentlemen who served as General Officers previous

thousand Pounds

1422

Stockbridge,

American Army until the 1st of April next, 1410 Field and Staff-Officers for the six Regiments - 1413 chosen, Resolve of the Council relating to Dr. Samuel Gelston disagreed to, and the House adhere to their

24,

1421 1422

Petition

...

23,

1421

- 1425 and Muster-Roll of Jeremiah O'Brien, representing that, on the 21st of August last, he was appointed Commander of two Armed Vessels, and asking a proper allowance, - 1425

be raised

Canada, 1408 Resolve for removing the concern and uneasiness of some People in the Colony, on account of the high wages to be paid to the Of'ficers of the American Army, - 1408 Resolve to facilitate the inlisting and marching of the Regiment for Canada with the utmost despatch, 1408 . . 1408 Bill foi regulating the Militia passed, Treasurer authorized to lend the CommissaryGeneral of the American Army two thousand Pounds, to enable him to make provision for - 1409 the Troops marching to Canada, Cwnmittee to use their utmost endeavours to have Men apportioned to each Town in Berkshire and Hampshire Counties, for the Regiment for Canada, raised with the utmost despatch, 1409 Committee to revise the several Resolves of the Court relative to Saltpetre, 1409 Apportionment among the several Counties of the six Regiments to be raised from the Militia to serve in the

1420

Committee on an intercepted Letter from Elisha Allis, Jun., of Hatfield, to Major Gray, of

for

22,

Solomon Pierce, wounded at the batof Lexington, Petition of the Committees of Machias, &c. Their Lumber trade is stopped, and they have no means of supporting their families, Guardians for the Grafton Indians chosen, Committee to consider at large the matter of building Powder-Mills, Report of Committee of both Houses on the Resolve of Congress relative to Persons whose going at large may endanger the safety of the Colony, or the liberties of America, considered and recommitted, Report of Joint Committee on sundry Resolves of the American Congress, Petition of Benjamin Foster, in behalf of the Committee of Machias, praying the consideration of the Court with respect to the Estate of

....

27,

Hampshire and Berkshire Counties be equipped with

1420

prisoner on

tle

Instructions to the Committees appointed to superintend the raising of the six Regiments, - 1407 Committee to see that the Men to be raised in

Form of

.... made

Petition of

1405

will be paid

at the bat-

Ja7j.26,Committee to take measures for the apprehension of Dr. Samuel Gelston, who has fled from the custody of the Messenger of this House, - 1421

One month's Pay to be advanced to the Regiment to be raised for Canada, over and above what

.....

Nathan Putnam, wounded

of Lexington,

Petition of Dennison Wallis, the 19th of April last,

in

...

21,

xcvi

1776.

to the

2,

nental or other Bills of Credit, 1427 to repair to Rehobolh to examine the

Committee

. . 1428 Fortifications there, Committee to bring in a Bill establishing a Test, 1428 Committee to see if there is sufficient provision made to make Continental and other Bills of - 1428 Credit a tender in all payments, Benjamin Crocker permitted to make a voyage to the West-Indies, 1428 Council reject John Gumming for Brigadier- 1429 General, and propose James Prescott, Amendment of the Council to the Resolve appointing a Committee to bring in a Bill esta- 1429 blishing a Test, rejected by the House, Joseph Henderson appointed to repair to Phila- 1429 delphia with the Accounts of the Colony, Committee to employ some Person to take charge of Dr. Gelston, and one Brown, who assisted . . 1429 him in making his escape, Committee to repair to Falmouth, in the County of Cumberland, in the recess of the Court, to inquire into the circumstances of that Town, 1430 Committee to make a representation of the con-

duct of the Inhabitants of the Island of tucket to the American Congress,

Nan-

1431

CONTENTS.

XCVII 1776.

Feb.

3,

William Eaton, of Deer-Island, representing the distressed condition of tiie In- 1431 -. habitants of that District, Petition of 'J'homas Winship, wounded in the 1431 battle of Lexington, Resolves directing- the confinement of Dr. Gel-

Committees

Petition of

/ci. 13,

number of

6,

14,

Committee report

......

16,

1437 1438

17,

Fourth

Series.

—Vol.

it.

encouragement of the manufac-

1456

.

.

sent to the Council, requesting

Report of Committee

1439

to

1457

-

1458

to

consider to

what further

be procured for the

-

1458

Commissary-General directed to lend General Washington fifty pounds of Saltpetre for the

1439

Continental Laboratory,

Committee 1439

to

make

....

1459

further experiments of the

Saltpetre manufactured in this Colony, 1459 Resolve of the House, relative to civil actions, 19,

disagreed to by the Council, House asks a Conference on the lating civil actions,

-

Committee

... ...

1459

subject of regu-

-

Conference of the two Houses,

.

.

.

1460 1460

to consider what is proper to be done with respect to regulating proceedings in civil

1440

causes,

1440

.

them

.....

Supplies are necessary use of the Colony,

1440

-

transmitted to the

suspend granting Commissions to the Briga. diers till the next sitting of the Court, 1458

1438

20,

The

....... -

1460

Council desired to set apart Thursday, the 7th of March, to be observed as a day oi Hu' miliation and Prayer, . - 1461 Report of Joint Committee on regulating pro ceedings in civil causes, . 1461 Committee to provide a sufficient magazine of Provision for the use of the Colony, -1461 Message to the Council, requesting an Adjourn,

....

....

1453

Resolve, directing that no process of a civil nature be commenced within the Colony, until the further order of this Court, . . 1456 Report of Sub-Committee on Lead-Mines in

Message

Oliver Prescott, Brigadier for the County of Middlesex, in place of John Cummings, rejected by the Council, 1443 Letter from General Washington, representing that the Army is in want of Fire-Arms, . 1444 Resolutions appointing a Truckmaster, to reside at Machias, for trade with the St. John's and Indians,

lor the

Northampton, Southampton, and Worcester,

Canada, 1441 Order of the Court for raising a Regiment in Hampshire and Berkshire Counties to serve - 1442 in Canada, reconsidered and amended, Committee to wait on General Washington, to inform him, the Court is about to rise, and to know if he has any application to make to the' Court, 1443 Samuel Harnden, chosen Brigadier for the County of Lincoln, in place of Arthur Noble, and

Passamaquoddy

-

Armed

Copy of the Report to be American Congress, -

.-.---.

12,

to build ten

Washing,

ture of Sulphur,

Petition

10,

1451

.-...-_

Derby has

-..-..

1450

Sloops authorized to build but five, if they cannot procure Rigging, Iron, or other materials, - 1454 Forms of Returns for the Committees appointed to take the number of the Inhabitants of the Colony, 1455

Bounty

1437

pointment, of Isaac Battle and Samuel Nichols, praying that a Schooner at Cape Elizabeth may be fitted out as a Privateer, John Cummings, for the County of Middlesex, and Arthur Noble, for the County of Lincoln, chosen Brigadier-Generals by the House, . rejected by the Council, Bill for fixing out Armed Vessels read a third time, and passed to be engrossed, Form of an Inlistment to be signed by the Soldiers to be raised in the Counties of Hampshire and Berkshire, to join the Army in

1450 1450

...

not violated the Resolves of the Continental

8,

Committee



1450

Powder and Fire-Arms

to

may be furnished to General ton in the recess of the Court,

defence of the

Congress, Accounts allowed for losses sustained in the battle of Bunker-Hill, Bill for encouraging the fixing out of Armed Vessels to defend the Sea-Coast of America, and for erecting a Court to try and condemn all Vessels that shall be found infesting the . same, read a first time, James Warren, elected Second Major-General by the House, rejected by the Council, The fifty thousand Pounds lent to General Washington, to remain in the hands of the Paymaster-General till he receives a supply from the Continental Congress, Azor Orne, appointed Third Major-General, requests to be excused from accepting the ap-

....

Resolves relating that

1437

that Elias Haskitt

1448

...

Machias, Colonel Oine directed to raise a Company of Matrosses, to be stationed at Marblehead, Form of Inlistment for the Matrosses, Committees to collect Silver and Gold in ex change for Continental Bills, Resolve respecting the real and personal Estates

Petition of Inhabitants of Eastern part of the County of Lincoln, praying that some Comtjhe

-

soon after the 19th of April last. 1448 for the erection of Powder-Mills, 1448 Bill for encouraging the fixing out of Armed Vessels, passed to be enacted, 1449 Stephen Smith chosen Truckmaster, to reside at

of Tories,

..-.--

may be raised for Sea-Coast there,

1447

in the

Bounty

15,

1436 immediately, to consider at large the matter of paying Officers and Soldiers for their losses in battle on the 19th of April and 17th of June

panies

...

purchase of Fire-Arms

Moore, of Putney, in the Province of New- York, representing that he marched with a number of Men to Cambridge

.

-

.......

for the

recess of the Court,

Committee

-

1447

Petition of Abijah

Vessels under the command of Captain Jeremiah O'Brien to be fitted out for service

last,

-

counts,

the Inhabitants of the

* Indians. " " " 1^32 Committee to take into consideration the present . . . 1434 high price of Goods, Petition, Remonstrance and Address of the Town of Pittsfield, relative to the present form of Government in this Colony, and praying that the Court would issue orders for the election of a Governour and Lieutenant-Go1434 vernour, Accounts passed for losses at the battle of Lex- 1435 ington and the battle of Bunker's Hill, Ten Sloops-of-War, to carry from fourteen to - 1435 sixteen carriage-guns, ordered to be built,

Two

them, without delay, to General Washington, he advancing what Money may be necessary, 1445 Resolves to encourage the building of Powder.

Committees

-------

7,

purchase, in the

Receiver-General directed to use the Continental Money now in the Treasury, as well as the Bills for this Colony, in the payment of Ac-

Easterly part of the County of Lincoln, represepting the distressed condition of the St. John's .

to

Mills,

Committee to make inquiry relative to the sending of two Vessels to the West-Indies by Colonel Doane, of Barnstable County, and the loading of other Vessels by other persons, contrary to the Resolutions of the American Congress, - 1432 Petition of a

be appointed

to

recess of the Court, good and effective FireArras on the best terms they can, and forward

1431

ston, 5,

xcvm

1776.

1444

.

ment to the 13th of March, Adjourned to Wednesday, March

...

1462

1462

13,

List of the Field-Officers of the Militia, chosen

by the House at the present Session, . 1463 Division of the Militia of each County into Regi. ments, and the rank of each Regiment,

.

1465

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC, Feh.ll, Order by the King in Council, prohibiting the exportation, or carrying coastwise, of any

Gunpowder,

Saltpetre, or

or Ammunition,

-

any •

sort of Arms . . .

1457

\

CONTENTS.

XCIX

1776.

1776.

Feb.2 1, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Caplain Fulford, directing him to prove the Can-

......

non made by Samuel and David Hughes, 21,

Antietam, Letter from Jacob

Young

to

21,

now

ton's)

-

-

21,

Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress: He has directed the Commis-

21,

Queen's County,

-

.

23,

1469

sary-General to send Eteputies into Canada, - 1469 General Schuyler to New- York - 1470 Congress, recommending Mr. Payne, Letter from General Wooster to General .SchuyThe Flour is nearly expended he can ler purchase nothing without hard cash, and has Letter from

24,

....

none but Paper Money, Letter from General Wooster

-.._....--..

24,

1470

24,

. . . 1470 Haiton, of Virginia, . Address of the Committee of Northampton County, Virginia, to Captains Henry and Kent, of -1471 Maryland, Answer of Captain Henry and Captain Kent to 147] the Committee, 22, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to . - 1472 the Baltimore Committee, 22, Letter from Charles Carroll to the Maryland 1472 Council of Safety, 22, Letter from Governour Penn to the Assembly:

24,

Greene

General

Letter from General ington,

22,

Acknowledgment and Declaration

to

of

Wash-

Walter

to the

Magistrates of

...

Laws of PennsylCounty, 1473 Letter to Governour Penn from Northumberland County, dated December 30 The Sheriff, in attempting to serve Warrants and other legal process on a number of persons residing in Wyoming, was resisted and fired upon, and . - 1473 compelled to retire, Northumberland

vania

to

put the

in force in that

Memorial of

may

be raised for defence,

-

-

1490

New- York -1491

24, 25,

Letter from the

25,

Letter from the Maryland Delegates in Congress to the Council of Safety, requesting a

of Joseph

Congress,

-

Crane

to

-

-

the

Watson,

1491

Maryland Council of Safety

to

Colonel Waters,

25.

1491

Passport to Lord Dunmore may be given to Alexander Ross, - 1491 Letter from Lord Stirling to William Living-

with Affidavits relating to the capture of the Passage-Boat York, of Amboy, by the ston,

25,

Phenix Ship-of-War, ^ - 1492 Wooster to General Washington Troops are daily coming in, and he hopes soon to join General Arnold at Quebeck, who has, to his honour,- kept up the blockade with such a handful of men, that the

Letter from General :

when

story,

told hereafter, will be scarcely '

credited,

-

1493

from General Washington to General Schuyler At this important crisis, there is so

Letter

:

:

26,

..-.--.

26, 26,

great a deficiency of Arms, that there is now a considerable number of men in Camp with none in their hands. It is truly alarming and distressing, to be within musket-shot of a formidable Army, well provided with every necessary, without having the means of maintaining even a defensive war, King William County (Virginia) Committee declare that the report propagated to the prejudice of Captain Benjamin Temple is without foundation, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to Captain Hindman, Letter from Dorchester County Committee to Maryland Council of Safety Cambridge is the most convenient and proper place for the Independent Company to be stationed in, -

..... .....

.

1493

1494

1494

:

:

......

showing enemy,

t)ie

Letter from James Deane to General Schuyler, 1499 Letter from Robert H. Harrison to William

on the South side of - 1475 the Mountain, in Orange County, 22, Letter from General Lee to the President of Congress Was much disappointed in not being joined by a Battalion from Philadelphia. The Minute-Men render him no service, and The Congress are extremely expensive. should establish one great Continental Regular Army, adequate to all the purposes of dethat of economy, fence; every consideration - 1475 as well as security—dictates the measure, 22 Letter from General Heath to General Wash1476 ington, 22 Letter from General Washington to General Lee, 1476 22, Letter from General Washington to Governour Trumbull, thanking him for an additional sup1476 ply of Powder, 22 Letter from John Langdon to New-Hampshire Committee of Safety Has enrolled one hundred Men at Portsmouth, and asks instructions - 1477 about supplying them with Powder, 23, Remarks on two paragraphs from Lord Dunmore's Virginia Gazette, printed on board his 1477 own Ship, 23, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to - 1477 the several Committees of Observation, 23, Letter from Richard Barnes to the Maryland - 1479 Council i)f Safety,

.....

the Continental Congress,

to

24,

....



Colonel Dashiell, 1489 Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to the Committee for Queen Anne's County, - 1489 Letter from Captain Thomas to the Maryland Council of Safety, 1489 Letter from the Provincial Congress of New-

talions

the Committee of Safety of Penn-

lating to the difficulties

....

Memorial

25.

22,

Money may be sent to exchange for Gold and Silver, of which eight thousand Pounds may be raised, 1488 Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to

24,

sylvania to the Assembly, requesting them to raise a body of two thousand Men for the defence of the Province, and calling their atten- 1474 tion to the Military Association, Letter from Orange County Committee to the 1474 New- York Congress, Letter from E. W. Kiers to Thomas Smith, re-

22,

The Insurrection of the Regulators is entirely suppressed, and it is probable the Highlanders are dispersed, 1488 Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to their Delegates in Congress, requesting Con-

and the consequences of such invasion to the adjoining Colonies, and requesting two Bat-

:

22,

....

their exposure to invasion from

.....

given instructions

-...-.

Jersey

22,

Has

nearly completed the

Gun-Barrels contracted for, but cannot proceed further under the old contract, - 1480 Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress, 1481 Letter from General Wooster to General Schuyler They can buy no Provisons or Wood with Continental .Money, 1483 Proceedings of the New- Hampshire Committee of Safety, from January 20, to February 24, 1483 E.\tract of a Letter from a Member of the Provincial Congress of North-Carolina to Colonel Robert Howe: Seven of the Leaders of

tinental

24,

21,

Has

New-

the

to

.-..-.

24.

1470

tribution,

:

,

the Regulators are just lodged in Halifax Jail.

1499

to the President of Congress: Has sent his Secretary, Mr. Cole, to bring what hard Money can be instantly procured: he can get no supplies, without hard cash; and, if not immediately supplied with it, they must starve, or quit the country, or disgrace the Army and the American cause, by laying the country under con-

Peter

to

1479

Letter from Robert Boyd, Jun

:

;

:

21,

-

.

1469

Rhinelander

State of affairs in the City of

York Congress

Third Battalion (Colonel Day-

raising in New-Jersey,

Letter from Joseph Robinson to the New-York Congress, relating to the conduct of the To-

21,

23,

Maryland Council

21,

ries in

1468

1468

Officers of the

Frederick

Van Schaack: New- York,

at

ofSafetv.

from

/'ei.SS, Letter

26,

26,

1494 recommended- for appointment by the Committee for Charles County, 1494 Letter from Josiah Bartlett to Meshech Weare: Large quantities of Gunpowder and Saltpetre have arrived at Philadelphia; but as all supOfficers

plies

may

...

be cut off in the Spring,

we

should

endeavour to supply ourselves within ourselves, and leave as little to the uncertainty of wiods, weather, and enemies, as possible,

1

495

:;

CONTENTS.

Cf

cil

1776.

1776.

Feb.26 Letter

to the

Author of Common Sense Sugforming the new Government,

sion,

to preserve the equality of the Colonies,

the boundaries of many should be altered, and at least three new Colonies formed, viz. Mon- 1496 Albany, and Susquehannah, John Smyth, Treasurer of New- 1601 Jersey, to the Provincial Congress, 26, Letter from the Committee for Richmond County to the New- York Congress, relating to the Prisoners taken by Colonel Heard and Colo1498 nel Thomas, 26, Letter from General Schuyler to the President of Congress: He hopes to send General - 1499 Wooster some Money to-morrow, Letter from General Wooster to General Schuyler: The Flour on hand will not last the Army more than a week. Provisions or Wood cannot be purchased without hard cash. - 1499 Our credit sinks daily, 24, Letter from James Deane to General Schuyler Governour Penn has invited the Six-Nations to meet him in Philadelphia. The Indians are much at a loss to comprehend Onus's design in calling them down to Philadelphia, - 1499 26, Letter from Colonel Bayley to General Washington Post may go from Newbury to - 1500 Montreal without difficulty or obstruction, Letter from Colonel Bayley to General Woos1500 ter, Journal of the Men sent by Colonel Bayley from Newbury to Montreal, by the way of Missis1500 que-Bay, Letter from General Wooster to Colonel Bayley, 1501 26, Letter from General Washington to General Lee: The enemy seem preparing for their departure from Boston. We are making the

Letter from

...

:

27,

ment

...

28, 28,

to the

-..-..

his neighbours of Philadelphia County,

28,

28,

Letter from the Provincial Congress of

New-

York to President Hancock, Nominations of Field-OfBcers for the four

New-

...

York Battalions, New- York Officers now

List of

Non-Commissioned

Officers and

First

New- York

. . 1514 Governour Trumbull, from General Washington to General Schuyler, 1514 27, Letter from Stephen Moylan to General Wooster The Indians from Canada were greatly dissatisfied that La Come is suffered to go at He is a dangerous person, and should liberty. - 1515 be sent out of the Province,

in

Canada,

-

-

to

-

John Hammell, Jun.,

to the

New1532

Congress,

29,

Letter from Captain

29,

An Apology

Letter

...

Thomas

Jenifer,

.....

Andrew

Beall to the

-....-. .......

kets,

Lee

Letter from Henry Remsen, at Newark, NewJersey, to Colonel Woodhull: Requests information where to send three tons of Powder,

,

m,

-

which has just been received, Letter from Captain Patrick Sinclair to the

York

1537

1537

1539

New-

Congress, for permission to go to

Eu-

rope, 1539 Letter from Samuel Gale to John McKesson Is in close confinement in the common Jail at :

Fairfield,

and asks that he may be allowed a

parole, or a writ of habeas corpus,

29,

1534

to

...

:

1533

General Washing, ton, giving an account of his measures for the defence of New. York. The Congress have not, as yet, taken the least step for its secu-

29,

29,

1533 1533 1533

. . 1534 ryland Council of Safety, for the Pennsylvania Assembly, for their imputed backwardness in the cause of liberty, 1535 Letter from James Mease to the President of Congress; The Soldiers are wuhout Blan-

Letter from General

er, to

1533

Ma-

29,

Letter

1531

New- York

29,

29,

1531 1531

them-

offer -

-

from David Stewart to the Maryland Council of Safety, Letter from Captains Kent and Henry to the Maryland Council of Safety, Return of Captain Henry's Company, Return of Captain Kent's Company, List of the Minute Company that marched from Queen Anne's County, Maryland, February 3, 1776, under the command of Captain James . Kent, Letter from Captain Gunby to Daniel of St.

29,

1530

Congress, complaining of Cadwallader Colden, son of . . 1532 the Lieutenant-Governour, -

York 29,

1527

Officers of the

who

Battalion

selves as Volunteers,

1513 British prison-

....

against Independence,

of Safety,

Edward Williams, a

on his

- 1525 entering in the Continental service, Address of Rationalis to the In habitants of Pennsylvania, in answer to Common Sense, and

Letter from Robert Alexander to the

ington,

Regiment

Commission,

- 1519 same command, Kent and Captain Henry to We were the Maryland Council of Safety: sent to the assistance of the Inhabitants of Accomack and Northampton Counties but in an engagement at this time, we should have but little assistance from them, 1521 Letter from the President of Congress to General Lee Requests that he will not set out for Canada until he receives further orders from 1522 the Congress, Plain Hints on the Condition of the Colonies, - 1522 Speech of an Honest Farmer to an assembly of

him

:

1506

..... ......

of the First

...

28,

Maryland Coun-

Tax may be laid on the Estates of the non- Associate rs, 1509 27, Letter from General Lee to the President of Congress, 1509 27, Letter from General Schuyler to the President -1510 of Congress, Orders issued by General Schuyler for regula- 1511 ting the issuing of Provisions, 27, Letter from G^eneral Arnold to General Wash-

-1517

-

;

29,

...

-

Letter from Captain

Letter from

:

27,

command

28,

out of the Capes yesterday, Letter from Captain Scott to the

-

refusal of the Continental

appointing

28,

1503

Letter from

to the

to his

.....

1507 Maryland Council of Safety Congress has ordered an advance of twenty-two thousand Dollars. Mr. Morris has purchased for Maryland four hundred stand of Arms and thirty-five hundred pounds of Cannon- Powder, 1507 27, Letter from George Strieker to the Maryland Council of Safety, 1508 27, Petition of Buck's County Committee to the Assembly of Pennsylvania, praying an addi-

27,

-

....

Extract of a Letter from Williamsburgh, Virginia, to a Gentleman in Philadelphia: General Clinton, with his Troops, the Mercury, Kingfisher, and two or three Tenders, went

tional

-

- 1518 Honest Farmer to Mr. Purdie, Detail of the Publick Proceedings, so far as they relate to Colonel Henry, from his first appoint-

Letter from John Hill

Washington to the Presi1503 dent of Congress, General Orders, from February 15 to February

cil

27,

-

nation,

An

28,

26,

27,

.....

A

.....

Letter from General

.....

1515'

- 1516 ing, Suffolk, and Williamsburgh, Colonel Henry's Commission from the Conti1517 nental Congress, Friend to Truth on Colonel Henry's Resig-

A

necessary dispositions to take possession of Dorchester-Hill, which will bring them out, if 1501 any thing will, 26, Letter from General Washington to the Council of Massachusetts, informing them of his inten' tion to take possession of Dorchester-Heights, and requesting them to order two Regiments 1502 of Militia to the lines, 26, Letter from General Washington to Joseph Reed, 1502 26,

Commis-

his

er-in-Chief of the Virginia Forces, signed by upwards of ninety Officers at Kemp's Land-

treal,

26,

Henry resigned

Address of the Troops at Williamsburgh to 1516 Colonel Henry, Colonel Henry's Answer to the Address of the 1516 Troops, Address to Patrick Henry, Jun., late Command-

besides the present thirteen United Colonies, Q,uebeck and Nova-Scotia should be included

and

.......

PeA.28, Colonel Patrick

:

gests that, in

.....

1539

Letter from General Washington to the President of Congress, 1540



cm

CONTENTS.

1776.

7an. 13,

Common

Sense

Fcft. 14,

Of the Origin and

I.

Desig'n of

Government

....

Remarks on the English Constitution, II. Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession, III. Thoujrhts on the present state of Ameri. can Affairs, IV. Of the present ability of America, with some Miscellaneous Refltxtions, in general, with concise

......

1541

1544

1548 1556

PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. Ja7».29,A Pilot permitted to cruise ofT the Delaware Capes for a Ship with Arms and Ammuni-

...

bound to Philadelphia, 1561 Lieutenant Cameron, taken with Mr. Connolly, examined by the Committee, and remanded to Jail, 1561 Advertisements for Rags and Lint, and for Saltpetre, ordered to be inserted in the Pennsylvania Gazette and Pennsylvania Journal, . 1562 Dr. Connolly examined, and remanded to Jail, 1563 Thomas Austin, charged with having uttered tion,

31,

many

declarations

inimical

to

the cause of

16,

Feb.

1,

lin,

and Caspar

same time

20,

...

1563

Report of Daniel Joy, David Rittenhouse, and John McNeal, of a Survey of the Jersey shore, from Billingsport to Newtown Creek, to determine what parts it may be necessary

5,

6,

7,

8,

Armed

Boats,

...

to the Officers

Thomas Austin

....

.....

12,

1567

22, 23,

24,

.....

...... .... Men

two thousand

Memorial

for the

1573

defence of the

Assembly, Committee to go to the Barracks and muster the Men belonging to the Armed Boats, Notice to be inserted in the publick Papers that a Mustermaster is wanted for the Armed Boats, Commodore Caldwell and Captain Proctor directed to fix upon proper Signals for the Fleet, Merchantmen, and Battery, Captain Proctor to procure a Flag-staff for the Fort, with a Flag of the United Colonies, Committee to see that all necessaries for the use to the

... ...

of the Battery be supplied,

28,

Fire-Arms not

Factory,

29,

--.--..

1573 1574

1575 1575

1576 1576 1576

1576

be taken out of the Province . 1578 without the consent of the Committee, Committee to carry into execution every thing necessary towards completing the Fortifications on Fort Island, 1578 to

....

PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OF NEW-JERSEY. Jan.^X, List of the Deputies returned . . . Congress, 1,

1567 1567

to

serve in the .

1579

.

Committee for the County of Somerset, praying that Persons not Freeholders, who pay Taxes, may be permitted to vote for Delegates, and that the elections be by

Petition from the

1579

ballot,

Similar Petitions from the Inhabitants of Essex

County,

Two

1567

1569 Mills, Letter from the President of Congress, requesting the Battalions in this City would furnish . 1569 one to be detached to New- York, Mr. Dickinson directed to apply to Congress to replace the whole number of Arms this Board 1569 has supplied them with, Resolution of Congress, directing fifty tons of Saltpetre to be delivered by the Secret Committee to this Committee to be manufactured

Gunpowder,

1573

Armed

Benjamin Rittenhouse requested to remove to this City, to take charge of the Gun-Lock

1570

1579

Petitions from

Morris County, relating

to

the appointment of Military Officers, Letter from Jacob Ford, stating his reasons for refusing Continental and Connecticut Money,

Matrosses, 1568 Proposals delivered to the Committee appointed to inquire for proper places to erect Powder-

into

the

to

26,

Feb.

....

13,

.

.......

Province,

. 1566 sire in the method of making Saltpetre, Bernard Romans appointed Captain of Matrosses, 1567

......

10,

raise

1565

allowed until testimony in his defence, 1566 Doctor Hugh Hodge appointed Surgeon of the Third Battalion for the Continental Service, 1566 Letter to the Committee of Safety of Maryland, offering to instruct such persons as they de-

appointed Quartermaster of the Second Battalion, Vessels employed by Captain Van Horn, for importing Powder, Arms, &c.,from foreign parts, . insured by the Committee from seizure, Memorial to Congress, with proposals from dif. fcrent Persons for erecting Powder-Mills, John Harper appointed Quartermaster to the Fourth Battalion, Richard Collier to the Fifth, and Garret Steddiford to the Third, Gibbs Jones appointed Captain- Lieutenant of

Boats,

.

1565

and was examined, and Wednesday next to produce

attended,

Armed

the Prisoners to be removed to Lancaster and . - 1573 other parts of the country, Application to be made to the Assembly to

and

.... ....

..... ..... ......

1572

immediate erection of

for the

Powder-Mills, 1572 Captains of the Armed Boats directed to inquire into the qualifications of Persons applying for appointments, 1572 Committee to fix proper Signals in the River and Bay of Delaware, to give the most speedy intelligence of any enemy's Ships arriving at the Capes, 1573 Commodore Caldwell directed immediately to consult with all the Officers, and arrange them

Boats,

and Soldiers of the Batteries included in the distribution of Prizes, 1565 John Eddy appointed First Lieutenant in place of Barnet Eichelberger, 1565 Petition from the Committee of the Privates, read, and declared reasonable and proper, . 1566 Officers

Thomas Hanson

9,

.....

Prize-Money

....

Letter to the President of Congress, requesting

....

fourteen Dollars,

Boats,

to the different

to fortify, 1564 Robert Colebrook and James O'Neil, taken with Captain Campbell, and confined by order of Congress, discharged, 1565 John Brown, the servant of Doctor Connolly, - 1565 ordered from Jail to the Work-House, Commodore Caldwell directed to discharge John Hackett from the Fleet, . . . 1565 Pay of Captains of the Armed Boats increased to ten Pounds per month. First Lieutenants to seventeen Dollars, and Second Lieutenants to

Distribution of Crews of the

... ...

John Myers appointed Armourer

......

3,

1570

of John Drinker and

Joshua Fisher & Sons to be locked up and Scaled, and all the doors and windows of their Stores and Warehouses to be locked and key. ed, and fastened on the outside by a wooden bar being nailed across them, 1571 Rev. William Linn appointed Chaplain to the Fifth and Sixth Battalions, 1571 Appointments and Promotions of Officers of the

Armed

Fetters, required to attend at

as witnesses,

.......

The Books and Papers

Measures adopted

American liberty, ordered to attend the Committee on Tuesday, February 6, - 1563 Josiah Hart, Marshall Edwards, John Laughthe

Doctor Samuel Kennedy appointed Surgeon, and William Moulder Second Lieutenant, in the Fourth Battalion, - 1570 Thomas Austin appeared, and having nothing to ofTer in defence of the charges against him as a person inimical to the liberties of America, he signed a declaration acknowledging his guilt, and promising not to offend in future,

15,

30,

CIV

1776.

1579 1580

Committees of Somerset and Middlesex required to furnish Colonel Winds with Powder and Lead, 2,

......

William Patterson appointed Secretary Congress, Resolution to procure

Arms

to

1580

the

1580

Colonel Maxwell's Battalion, now under orders for Canada, 1580 Letter to the several County Committees, requesting their assistance in procuring Arms . 1580 for Colonel Maxwell's Battalion, Officers of the Third Battalion, now to be raised, 1581 to be chosen oa Monday next, for

...

CONTENTS.

CV 1776.

Feb. 3,

Peter Vroom, of Piscataway, confessingr the charge brought against him by the Committee of Hillsboroug-h, was committed to the com' - 1581 mon Jail of Somerset County, Blankets at the Barracks in New-Brunswick, Elizabethtown, Trenton, and Perth-Amboy, appropriated to the use of the Continental 1581 Forces, Abraham Ogden appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and William Burnet Major, of Light-Horse, 1582

..----------

Remonstrance of the Committee of the County of Bergen, respecting the seizure of the Arms of the County, Field-OfTicers for the First Regiment of Militia in Somerset County, Committee to wait on the Eastern Treasurer, and request his removal to New-Brunswick, Records in the Secretary's Office at Perth Amboy to be removed immediately to NewBrunswick; if necessary, the Troops may be called on to assist in the removal, Measures to prevent the exportation of any Produce or Merchandise, whatever, contrary to the General Association, Committee reported that the Books and Records were removed from Perth-Amboy to NeW' . . . Brunswick, Committee reported that, notwithstanding the Protest of Mr. Smith, the Treasurer, the Money in the Treasury, &c., was removed as

-----

5,

ordered,

------.----..

Lord

John De Hart, Richard Smith, John Cooper, and Jonathan Dickin. son Siirgeant, chosen Delegates to the Conti-

Fe6. 14, William Livingston,

...

15,

land,

1582

1582 1582

considered,

-

Commissioners ized to

.

-

.

.

.

they can,

......

Salem County to be divided into two and a Battalion to be formed in each

19,

12,

IS

..... other than

1583

20,

1586

Congress,

swer

22,

23,

26,

1588

Field-pieces purchased, . . . 1591 Fifty thousand Pounds, in paper Bills of Credit, to be emitted in place of thirty thousand

Pounds formerly ordered,

-

-

-1591

.

.

.

1597

New-Jersey, 1597 Order prohibiting the transportation of Provisions, and all other kinds of Produce of the . . 1598 Colony, to New- York, Letter from James Hughes, a prisoner at Elizabethtown, requesting permission to go to NewYork, 1598 Committee reported that they had removed the Papers, Books, and Records, in the Surveyor. . 1598 General's Office, as ordered,

Lord Stirling, requesting copies of the orders respecting the seizing the Arms be_ . - 1599 longing to Bergen County, Letter to the Continental Congress respecting the exposed condition of Perth-Amboy, 1600 Resolution of the Continental Congress countermanding the order for the march of a Battalion for the defence of New- York, as Arms cannot be procured for them, 1601 Petitions from several Committees, representing that the Deputies from Bergen County, and the persons who compose the County Com. 1601 mittee of Bergen, were not duly elected, Committee of Trenton made return of the per. sons who, in their bounds, signed the General Association, and of those who refused to do so, 1601 Letter from John Smyth: Agrees to continue Treasurer, provided the Chest is removed from

...

1588

Companies of Artillery to be raised imme and a train of Artillery of twelve

-

Letter to

1588

diately,

to their request,

Letter from Lord Stirling, informing them that the British Vessels-of-War at New- York take every Provision Vessel coming from

Detachment of Volunteers, under the command

Two

1596

Ordered, that the present Congress be dissolved, and that there be a new election of Deputies to represent this Colony, in Provincial Con- 1597 gress, on the fourth Monday in May next, Letter to Mr. Smyth, desiring an explicit an-

1587

of Colonel Heard, sent to Staten-Island, 1589 Representation from the Elizabethtown Committee, praying for some regulation to prevent the removal to this Province of Persons unfriendly to the cause of American freedom, - 1589 Order respecting Richard Bowlsby and Andrew McCleney, of Sussex County, convicted of opposing the present measures, - 1590

-..-.by

1596

receive the Continental to

Letter to Mr. Smyth, Eastern Treasurer, request- 1596 ing him to continue to act as Treasurer,

1586 1587

1587

tinental Congress, read, Treasurers of the Colony required

the Bills of Credit issued

making or importing -

preventing Persons deserting places in danger of being attacked, and for restraining such as are dangerous to the common cause, from taking refuge in this Colo1595 ny, presented and read, for

Ordinance for numbering the Inhabitants of the Colony, pursuant to the directions of the Con-

:

them,

1595

Ordinance

.... ....

1583

Letter to the Continental Congress They have no resource of providing Arms for the Third Battalion

;

read,

1583

Districts,

District,

fix

;

purchase Fire-Arms authorcontract for them on the best terms to

thousand Pounds;

the United Colonics from arrest and for directing the manner of signing the General Association, were severally presented and

Office to be removed immediately to the house of Peter Schenck, in Somerset County, 1584 Order respecting Christopher Harrison, convicted of the charge against him by the Committee for Bethlehem, in Hunterdon County, 1584

sidered, 10,

fifty

1594 1594

the Qualifications of Electors for exempting Persons who inlist in the service of

1583

the service of the United Colonies, 1585 Elias Dayton appointed Colonel, Anthony Walton White Lieutenant-Colonel, and Francis Barber Major, of the Third Battalion, 1586

9,

Ordinances for striking to

Letter to the Continental Congress, respecting the sale and consumption of Tea, 1584 Resolutions for raising the Third Battalion for

8,

of Congress

1582

Letter to Mr. Pettit, requiring him to attend at - 1584 Burlington, where the Records are, Papersand Records in the Surveyor-General's

7,

Members

Q.ualifications of Electors, 17,

1594

several Petitions relating to the qualifica-

tions of Electors of

Eastern Treasury removed to the house of Peter . - 1583 Schenck, in Somerset County, Eastern Records and Books from Perth-Amboy to be further removed to Burlington, and lodged in the Secretary's Office at that place. 1583

... ...

The

.... ---... ....

Perth-Amboy,

fortify

16,

Stirling, with

Order respecting William Steele, Records to be delivered to Charles Pettit, at . Burlington, on Thursday next, Officers for the Third Battalion, Representation of the Committee of Salem County, respecting the disturbances there, read, and Dr. Samuel Dick heard in his defence, Representation from Salem County further coa

nental Congress for one year, 1592 Letter from the Continental Congress, requesting a Battalion of Minute-Men may be sent - 1592 to General Lee, at New- York, Detachment, equal to a Battalion in the Continental service, ordered to be sent immediately under the command of Col. Charles Stewart, 1593 Order respecting Charles Roberts, of Somerset County, 1593 Letter from the Committee of Somerset, recommending that measures should be taken to

an attested copy of a Letter from Cortlandt Skinner, to his brother, Colonel William Skinner, in Eng-

Letter from

6,

cvi

1776.

27,

- 1601 Mr. Schenck's to Mr. Stevens's, Treasury- Chest ordered to be removed to the - 1602 dwelling-house of Mr. John Stevens, -

28,

Resolution of the 21st instant, prohibiting the export of Provisions and Produce from this Colony to the City of New- York, repealed, - 1603 Resolutions relating to the differences between

... ....

the County Committee of Essex and the ship Committee of Trenton,

Sundry

Officers elected,

Petitions from

Town-

....

1603 1603

Township Committees of Wood-

bridge and Piscataway,

1604

CONTENTS.

cvn 1776.

...

Ordinance for regulating the former Minute Department of Militia, reported, Return of Persons who signed, and who refused to sign, the General Association, made by the . . Township Committee of Amweli, J'eJ.29, Letter to the Committee of Elizabethtown, for information respecting the capture of the Ship Blue-Mountain-Valley, itffflr.l, Order respecting Peter Vroom,

.... ...

Officers

the

for

receipt for the Treasury-Chest,

Ordinance for paying a Bounty on Saltpetre and common Salt, manufactured in New-Jersey, presented and read, Ordinance for raising two Companies of Artillery, presented and read, Records of the Surveyor-General's Office sent to the house of Peter Schenck, at Millstone, Resolutions respecting the capture of the Ship Blue-Mountain- Valley, Letter to the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, in answer to their Letter respecting raising Artillery Companies, Treasurers of the Colony requested to stop all payments of salary to Cortlandt Skinner, Attorney-General, he being no longer a friend of the Colony, Letter to the Delegates in Congress, instructing

..... .... .... ...

them

1604 1605

Report on the Letters of General Washington, and the intercepted Letters transmitted by him, 1627 Jan. 2, General Schuyler to have General Prescott safely and securely kept, 1627 Report on Petition of Captains Paddock and 1628 Coffin considered Petition rejected, Report on Lord Stirling's Letters considered and agreed to, 1628

1605 1605

Resolutions respecting the Tories, and the barbarities of the enemy, 1629 Letter from General Washington, of December

1604

1604

....... ....

3,

25, read,

Colonels

1605

elected,

1605

-

-

-

1607 4,

1607

Pounds

additional Battalion to be raised in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 1632 Officers of the same rank, elected on the same day, to take rank in the order of their elec-

.......

December

Letter of

6,

...... ..... ..-..------

Vessels,

January

8,

1626

Penn-

. . . 1626 sylvania Battalion, President directed to sign Commissions for the Pield-Officers elected by the Provincial Congress of North-Carolina, for two Battalions

raised in that Colony,

New

Powers

to the

.

New- York

.

.

.

1627

Delegates, re-

....

ceived from their Convention, laid by them - 1627 before Congress,

i

1634

Committee at Lancaster,

-

tons of Saltpetre arrived at Philadelphia,

tons of

forward

1634

\



Delegates directed

Powder it

to

purchase

1636

fifteen

New-York, and

arrived at

....

with all possible expedition to the

Camp at Cambridge, 1636 Orders given for the march of three Companies of Colonel Bull's Battalion to Accomack and Northampton countermanded, 1636 Council of Safety of Maryland desired to order

...

Governour Trumbull, of December

for the

1

......

New- York

23, read,

......

i

Report on General Schuyler's Letters considered, and sundry Resolutions for reinforcing the . Northern Army, adopted, . 1635 Secret Committee directed to purchase fifty.seven

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.

recommitted,

(

Armed

3,

Companies of Minute-Men to march to Accomack and Northampton,

immediately

John Patterson elected Adjutant

out

1634 1775, Memorial of Inhabitants of Newport referred to 1634 Assembly of Rhode-Island, Apportionment of Prize-Money to the Captors, 1634 Letter from General Schuyler, dated December 1635 30, read, Letter from General Schuyler of December 26, and Letter from the Committee of Baltimore, - 1635 read,

three

- 1625 Report on Captain Sellick's Petition considered and agreed to, 1625 Report on Lord Stirling's Letters considered and

fitting

...

1611

.

Letter from

1633

Letter from an Officer at Lisbon, October 23,

.....

1,

1632

Directions respecting the Fortifications on Hudson's River, 1634 Memorial from the Inhabitants of the Town of Newport presented, 1634 One ton of the Powder just arrived to be deli-

vered to the Committee for

....

Jan.

18th,

Letter received from the

Ordinance to prevent persons deserting places in danger of being attacked, and for restraining such as are dangerous to the common cause from taking refuge in this Colony, . - 1618 Ordinance for directing the mode and fixing the time for an election of Deputies to serve in Provincial Congress, and also to ascertain the qualification of Electors, 1619 Ordinance for numbering the Inhabitants of this Colony, 1622 Ordinance for incorporating the Minute-Men lately raised in this Colony into the body of Militia, and for further regulating the Militia, 1622 Ordinance for raising two Artillery Companies in New-Jersey, 1623 Ordinance for paying a Bounty on Saltpetre and common Salt, and for purchasing Saltpetre, . 1624 Ordinance to provide for the payment of Inci- 1625 dental Charges,

.... ....

i

m

thousand

.....

1630

General Washington instructed to offer Governour Skene exchange for Mr. Lovell, 1633

in Bills of Credit, for the purposes

therein mentioned,

-

Report of Committee on General Washington's

1610 fifty

-

Colonel

...

An

tion,

exempting persons who inlist in the service of the United Colonies from ar-

Ordinance for striking the sum of

1630

Lieutenant-Colonels and Majors of the Pennsylvania Battalions elected, 1632 5, All Committees, and others, who have had charge 1633 of Publick Moneys, required to account.

for

rest,

1630

the Secret

Waterbury, of Connecticut, to march to Queen's County to disarm the Inhabitants, - 1631 Persons to be apprehended and secured by Colonel Heard, 1631

1606

.1610

.

by

County, New- York, . Colonel Heard, of New-Jersey, and

1605

Ordinance directing the manner of signing the General Association by persons of tender con. 1608 sciences, and for enforcing the same, Ordinance for appointing Barrack-Masters in -

Stores to be purchased

1630

Battalions

Committee,

......

Province,

Pennsylvania

Resolutions respecting the Inhabitants of dueen's

of the United Colonies, and to pursue such measures as they may judge most beneficial for the publick good of all the Colonies, - 1608 John Anderson, of New- York, to print the Minutes and Ordinances of this sitting, . 1608 Adjourned to fourth Monday in May next, unless sooner called by the President and VicePresident, 1608

this

four

for

Goods and

in general, to join in the general voice

Ordinance

...... .... ...... ....... ...... ;

two Companies of Artillery

elected,

John Stevens's

2,

CVIII

1776.

9,

...... ......

in Virginia, 1636 Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania desired to send five hundred pounds of Powder to Virginia, for the Forces sent to Accomack and 1636 Northampton, Letter from Mr. Tilghman, dated Annapolis, January 5, with Despatches from Governour Franklin, and a Letter from Cortlandt Skin• » ner, intercepted, 1636 Letter to Mr. Tilghman: That the Hornet and Wasp, under orders for the Capes of Delaware, may take what Vessels are ready under 1637 convoy, Committee to inquire into t^ie conduct of Officers . . - 1637 who are prisoners, . Lord Stirling ordered to apprehend Cortlandt - 1637 Skinner immediately,

.....-...

I

t

CONTENTS.

CIX 1776.

^3^.22, Committee on Letter from General Washington of January 11, and other Letters, this day

Militia at the Forts on Hudson's River to be discharged when Troops arrive to supply their

1637 - , places, Five hundred thousand Dollars ordered for the 1637 use of the Army in Massachusetts Bay, Further Resolutions providing for reinforcement . . . - 1637 of the Northern Army, Committee of Safety of New- York to inquire into the propriety and practicability of ob-

-----.-----

structing or lessening the depth of water in

the Narrows,

163S

/«». 10, Further Resolutions for Reinforcements and Sup. . - 1638 plies to the Northern Army, Joseph Frye and Benedict Arnold elected Briga-

1639 dier-Generals, Field-Officers for Pennsylvania Battalion elected, 1639 1639 to be raised in New-Jersey, Colonel Heard to proceed on the expedition to Queen's County without Colonel Waterbury, 1639

Another Battalion

Committee of

five to take into consideration the . . . . of the Colonies, Committee to prepare Instructions for the Offi• cers in the Recruiting Service, All persons who depreciate the Continental Bills of Credit, or discourage the currency or circulation thereof, to be treated as enemies of the country, Regulations for the Subsistence of Officers who are prisoners, Congress in Committee of the Whole on the . . Trade of the United Colonies, Letter from General Washington, of January 3, and Letter from New- York of January 3, read,

state

11,

12,

13,

...... ------

1639

1640

1640 1641 1641

1641 Committee of five Members on Letter from New- York, who are to confer with Mr. Romans, 1641 Secret Committee directed to purchase Saltpetre on the best terms they can, 1641 Committee to make an estimate of the number of Cannon wanted for the defence of the United Colonies, and to devise ways and means . - 1642 of procuring them, Servants not to be employed in the Fleet or Army without the consent of their Masters, - 1642 In Committee of the Whole on the Trade of the . . - 1642 United Colonies, Credentials of the Delegates from Connecticut, 1643 Another Battalion to be raised in North-Caro1643 Report of Committee on General Washington's 1644 Letters, Petition from Dr. Benjamin Church, presented and referred, 1644 Report of Committee of the Whole on the pro-

..-..-...

15,

16,

17.

------------

priety of opening the Ports after the

March

1st

of

and laid on the table, 1645 Cominittee to consider under what Regulations and Restrictions the Trade of these Colonies ought to be carried on after 1st of March, 1645 next, read

-.-...

Instructions for Officers in the Recruiting Service,

1645

Letter from General Schuyler of January 13, enclosing copies of Letters from General

.:.... --...-

taining an account of the unsuccessful attack on Ciuebeck, 1645 Governour Trumbull desired to have Dr. Church

removed to some more comfortable place of confinement, 1646 Letter from Fredejrick County Committee, with intercepted Letters of Connolly, found on Dr. John Smith, 1646 Committee on General Schuyler's Letter of Jan19,

uary 13, Report on the application of South-Carolina specting Seamen,

-

.....

....... ......

1650

send General Prescott and Captain Chace, under guard, to Philato

- 1650 delphia, Committee to consider a proper method of paying a just tribute of gratitude to the memory . . 1650 of General Montgomery, Field-Officers for the Second Canadian Regi. . 1650 ment, Colonel Bull's resignation accepted, and John 1650 Philip De Haas elected in his place, Captain Duncan Campbell to be released on pa1650 role, and permitted to reside in Lancaster, 23, Letter from General Schuyler of January 14, 1651 read, Secretary to draw up an account of the repulse and loss our Troops met with in the unsuc. . . 1651 cessful attempt on Gluebeck, Committee to prepare a Letter to the Canadians, 1651 Report of Committee on Indian Affairs consider. - 1651 ed and recommitted, 24, Account of the repulse at Ciuebeck, drawn up . . . . 1651 by the Secretary, Committee to consider the propriety of establish. . . . . 1653 ing a War-Office, Letter to the Inhabitants of Canada, 1653 Committee to prepare an Address to the Inhabit. . 1653 ants of the United Colonies, Committee to take the examination of General . . . 1654 Prescott and Captain Chace, Monument to General Montgomery to be pro. . 1654 cured from France, . Dr. Smith desired to prepare a Funeral Oration in honour of General Montgomery, 1654 Direction of the Fleet left to the Marine Committee, 1654 Committee to inquire particularly into the conduct and character of General Prescott, 1655 Fortress at Ticonderoga to be repaired and made defensible, 1655 Committee to repair to New- York, to consult with Ihe Committee of Safety and General Lee, 1655 27, Committee on Letter from General Washington of January 19, 1656 Committee to consider the Report of the Commissioner for Indian Affairs, in the Middle Department, 1656 Cayushota to be commissioned, giving him the rank of Colonel, 1656 Committee to consider the matter of inlisting Apprentices and persons in debt, 1656 Regulations for Trade with the Indians, - 1656 29, Report on General Washington's Letter of January 19, and Lord Stirling's of January 24, 1657 General Prescott committed to close confinement in the Jail of Philadelphia, - 1658 - 1659 30, Report on the inlistment of Apprentices, Committee on an application from the Committee of Safety of New- York, -1659 31, Prisoners, who have been inlisted in the Conti. nental Army, ordered to be discharged, and no more inlisted, 1660 Report of Committee appointed to confer with Colonel Maxwell, - 1660 Feb. 1, General Prescott allowed a Servant, and a Phy- 1660 sician, if his health require it, Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania to take

...... ...... ..... ---... .....

.

...

the parole of the Officers, prisoners in Philadelphia, 2,

1646

expedition to

Tryon County,

...

1661

....

1646

Report on General Schuyler's Letter of January l3, recommending measures for the immediate reinforcement of the Army in Canada, read and agreed to, 1647 Memorial of Colonel Bull, of the First Pennsylvania Battalion, requesting permission to resign, 1648 Resolutions adopted on a further Report on General Schuyler's Letter of January 13, - 1648

166p

Committee on General Schuyler's Letters of 22d and 25th January, with an account of his Committee to take an account of the Prisoners, the names of the Officers, and their places of

re-

Field-Officers for the Delaware Battalion, . 1647 Four Battalions to be raised in New- York for the defence of that Colony, . . 1647

20,

read,

Committee of Trenton

......

Wooster, Colonel Arnold, and others, con-

18.

CX

1776.

5,

residence, 1661 Report on General Schuyler's Letters, - 1661 Report on the Memorial of the Rev. Mr. Sampson Occum, one of the Mohegan Indians in

Connecticut,

6,

1662

be removed from Jail to lodgings provided by Dr. Cadwallader, 1662 Committee to confer with Colonel Heard, and receive his Report, • . . 1663 Report on the Regulations of Trade to be considered in Committee of the Whole on the 8th

General Prescott permitted

instant,

to

.......

iqq^

CONTENTS. 1776.

....

General Schuyler to encourage Sutlers to attend the Army in Canada, 1663 Prisoners tai^en by Colonel Heard, in Queen's County, to be sent to New-York, and delivered to the Congress of that Colony, 1663 Comtnittee

bring

to

in a

lick service,

Powder

1664

Feb. 7, Committee on two Letters from Lord Stirling of the 2d and 5th February, . . 1664 Instructions to the Committee on the Prisoners . . . - 1664 New-Jersey, Committee on Memorial of Murray, Sansom Co., Jacob Walton, and Frederick Rhinelander, of New- York, . 1664 Committee to examine the Journals, and report the unfinished business, .1664 Form of Parole to be signed by Officers, 1665 Doctor Connolly allowed, at suitable times, to

in

walk

Prison -yard,

in the

....

...

22,

9,

....

-

New- York, and made

13,

into

23,

ten tons to

Mas-

.-.-...

.....

nies reported,

....

-

......

.... ....

......



York, Measures adopted the

Army

in

27,

New- York, New-Jersey,

to facilitate

28,

1671 1672 1672 1672

29, 167-2

1673

1673 1673 1673

20,

...-.-.

1689 1689 1689 1689

1690 1690

Credentials of the New-Hampshire Delegates, 1690 Letters of General Washington, and the Trade of the Colonies, further considered in Com. - 1691 mittee of the Whole,

-^



1774.

iVoB. 12,

Committee elected by the Freeholders of the County,

1674

- 1675 New- York, Congress attended the Oration delivered in ho1675 nour of General Montgomery, 1675 Dr. William Smith's Oration, Credentials of the New-Jersey Delegates, 1676 Committee on Memorial from Northumberland, and a Petition from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1677 Instructions of Lieutenant Brasher and Quarter- 1678 master Shallns, read. Colonel Wayne directed to inarch to NewYork, 1681

... ...

1689

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE FOR ffHE COUNTY OF BALTIMORE, IN MARYLAND.

....

List of the Committee for Baltimore the several Hundreds,

1674

to

....

19,

1689

1673

the operations of -

Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, to form one Military Department, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, to form another Military Department, General Lee desired not to set out to Canada without further orders from Congress, Powder borrowed from North-Carolina to be returned by the Secret Committee, Provision for supporting the Women and Children of the Prisoners at Lancaster, Officers, prisoners at Lancaster, to be distributed in such places as shall be selected by the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, Report of Committee on General Schuyler's Letters of the 10th and 13th,

...

1672

prepare Instructions for the Com mittee appointed to go to Canada, 1674 Arrangements for subsisting the Troops in

Committee

..... ..-..-

Printing business,

1670

1674

Canada,

1686

Delegate

26,

14,

...

-

..... Braxton, a

Committee, consisting of one Member from each Colony, to consider of further ways and means of promoting the manufacture of Salt - 1688 petre. Sulphur, and Gunpowder, No Vessel loaded for Great Britain, Ireland, or the British West-Indies, permitted to sail until the further order of Congress, 1688 M. Mesplet, Printer, engaged to go to Canada, and there set up his press, and carry on the

...

Regulations and Restrictions of Trade consider ed in Committee of the Whole, 15, March of the Regiment under Colonel Dickinson to New- York suspended. Committee to proceed to Canada, John Carroll requested to accompany the Cora millee to Canada, Eight tons of Powder to be immediately sent to Canada, Directions respecting the Fortifications in the Highlands, 16, Regulations of Trade considered in Committee of the Whole, Estimate of the Cannon wanted for the defence of the Colonies, reported, 17, Standing Committee of Five appointed to superintend the Treasury, . . Duties of the Committee, Four millions of Dollars to be emitted, General Lee directed immediately to repair to Canada, General Schuyler directed to repair to New.

in raising the

....

1669

ought to be formed, 1670 Philadelphia Committee requested not to censure the venders and users of Tea, till further orders from Congress, 1670 Address to the Inhabitants of the United Colo-

...

1687 Arms and Ammunition, Recommendations to the Assemblies, Conventions, Councils, Committees of Safety, &c., respecting Saltpetre and Powder, 1687

Resolution authorizing the exportation of Naval Stores,

four Battalions, Credentials of Colonel

1686

inform the -Congress

of the Colonies, for the purpose of procuring

1668

Field-Officers for the six Virginia Battalions, - 1669 Committee to consider into what Military Departments the Middle and Southern Colonies

-

to

1686

march immedi

1686 from Virginia, Committee to contract for making Muskets and Bayonets for the use of the United Colonies, 1687 Secret Committee authorized to export Produce

.

Gunpowder,

to

what progress they have made

Fifty tons of Saltpetre ordered to be delivered to the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, ten sachusetts, to be

......

ately to New- York, New- York Convention

...

tons sent to

march of a Regiment from Newthe defence of New- York, coun-

termanded, Colonel Wayne's Regiment

.

12,

for the

Jersey, for

1666 Credentialsof the Delegates from Massachusetts, 1666 Committee to inquire and report to Congress a state of the Powder, Arms, and Saltpetre, now arrived, 1667 Letter from General Lee of February 9, read, - 1668 Detachments from Pennsylvania and New-Jersey ordered to New- York, 1668 Secret Committee directed to send one ton of Powder to General Lee, . . - 1668 the 19th,

1686

Whole, Order

1666

Resolution respecting the Inhabitants of Richmond County, in the Colony of New-York, 1666 Funeral Oration, in honour of General Montgomery, to be delivered by Doctor Smith on

United Colonies arrived at to be forwarded to General

- , Washington, 1685 on two Letters from General Schuyler, dated the 10th and 13th of February, 1685 Letter from the Committee of Safety for Pennsylvania, respecting the Prisoners at Lancas. . . - 1685 ter, read and referred, Numbers and Denominations of the Bills of the 1685 emission of four millions of Dollars, 1685 Inspectors of the Press appointed, Two Letters from General Washington, dated February 9, considered in Committee of the

&

8,

the

/'eJ.21, Committee

Naval Stores

-

for

New-Brunswick,

Resolution respecting for the pub-

.....

the exportation of

CXII

1776.

1691

Town and

1691 . 1691 Meeting of the Committee, Seven empowered to act in matters within the ToviTi of Baltimore, and five in matters in the . . 1691 County, without the Town, Committee to attend the General Meeting at - 1691 Annapolis on the 24th of this month, Committee of Correspondence appointed for the 1691 County and the Town, Dec. 5, Samuel Purviance chosen Chairman, William Smith Deputy Chairman, and Dr. John Boyd 1692 Clerk, Vessels arriving within the Capes of Chesapeake, on or before the 1st of December, declared to be within the Resolve of Congress, 1692 Proceedings relative to the Ship William, from 7, Bristol, and the Ship Elizabeth, from London1692 derry, 30,

....

:

:

CONTENTS.

cxm in such cases, Committee appointed

.

to

.

-

-

-

a view

1693

tal

carefully observe the

the

arrival of all Vessels into the Port of Balti-

21,

22, 26,

27,

tion

- 1693 more, General Meeting of the County Committee to be held in Baltimore Town, on the 29th in1693 stant. Declarations on oath of the Goods imported in . . - 1694 sundry Vessels, 1694 Regulations for the sale of British Salt, Quantity of Tea imported in the Snow Poto1695 mack, reported by Captain Graham, James Calhoun appointed Treasurer to the 1695 Committee, Profits of the sale of Linens, on Saturday last, to be applied to the relief of the Poor of Bos1695 ton, Proceedings on the application of James Christie, relative to Goods taken into the care of 1695 the Committee, Committee of Correspondence to prepare a plan of proceedings for the General Meeting of . . 1695 County Committee, Goods imported in the Ship Sims sold, and the advance upon them ordered for the Poor of

...-........ .....

Boston, 29,

...-.--...---

Meeting of the General Committee

:

....

choose their Officers,

to

1697

Monday, Janua-

1697 1775. ry 16, 1775, Jan. 16, Meeting of Inhabitants of Baltimore County Captain Charles Ridgely, Chttirman; Jere. . - 1700 miah Townley Chase, Clerk, Proceedings of late Provincial Convention read, 1700 and unanimously approved of, the Committee, and every

Every Member o(

person in the County, to observe the Resolves . . 1700 of the Convention, Delegates for Bahimore County in the next 1700 Provincial Convention, Members added to the Committee of Observa-

.... -

tion,

-

1700

Subscriptions to be raised throughout the County for the purchase of Arms and Ammunition,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1700

Subscriptions to be opened in each Hundred for 1701 contributions for the Poor of Boston, Committee to purchase three thousand pounds of Powder and twelve thousand pounds of

Lead, 17,

..--..-

Committee of Observation meets. Charges against the Rev. William Edmiston,-

-

....

Mr. Edmiston's answer, delivered

23,

1701 1701 1701

in writing,

1701 considered and accepted, Complaint against James Dalgleish, 1702 James Christie and Mr. Neil, to be informed no receipt ought to be given for Money - 1702 raised for the Poor of Boston, Committee of each Hundred to collect Money for the purchase of Arms and Ammuni-

The

tion,

..-.--.

timore 30,

Town

raised for

17,

Fourth

Series.

—Vol.

iv.

-

-

1707

-

difficul-

1708

. - 1708 use of the Poor of Boston, Dr. John Boyd, Robert Alexander, William Lux, and Jeremiah T. Chase, appointed to serve alternately, each a month, as Clerk of

.....

26, 27,

1708' the Committee, Committee appointed to purchase all the Powder 1709 and Lead to be disposed of in Baltimore, Committee to receive the Ammunition, and distribute it among such gentlemen of the Town 1709 as it may be most safely lodged with, Information of the seizure of the

Powder

at

Williamsburgh by Lord Dunmore, forwarded 1709 to the Committee of Philadelphia, JWay 1, Captain Richard Button, charged with endeavouring to prevent the people from mustering, 1709 ordered to attend the Committee, Captain Button attended the Committee, and sub2, scribed a pledge, as some atonement to the . - 1710 Publick for his misconduct, James Dalgleish having declared his intention to join the English Troops as soon as they land, is ordered to be published as an enemy . . - 1710 to the liberty of America, Application from the Co;nmittee for Harford 3, County, for five hundred weight of Gun1710 powder, Five hundred weight of Gunpowder supplied 5, to the Committee of Monmouth County, NewJersey, who are altogether destitute, and cannot procure any from New- York or Phila1711 delphia, Harford County Committee supplied with the 8, 1711 Powder requested on the 3d instant, Francis Sanderson requested to withdraw himself from the Committee till the sense of the County should be known concerning him at a future - 1711 election, 15, Letter from tlie Committee of Fredcricktown They will supply this Committee with five hundred pounds of Powder, and four thou1712 sand pounds of Lead, Complaint against Usher & Roe inquired into, and dismissed, with a caution to them to be

.--.-.-...........

....

more

careful in future, ia giving cause for the like complaint, -

18,

1713 1713 General meeting of Baltimore County, 1713 Delegates to the Convention elected, Members added to the Committee of Observation 1713 for the County, Proceedings of the Committee on the 8th instant, respecting Francis Sanderson, read and approved, 1713 Declaration and Acknowledgment of Mr. San1714 derson, Committees in their respective Hundreds required to give an account to the General Committee, on the first Monday in June, of the

.....

....-.-

Arms

drawn

.--.... ......

-

Treasurer directed to settle his account of Moneys arising from the sale of Goods, for the

170S?

1703 Ftb. 2, Proceedings relating to Imported Goods, 1703 Similar proceedings, to March 6, 1703- 1705 Jtfar. 13, Meeting of the Committee of Inspection, 1705 Captain Charles Ridgely elected Chairman, 1705 Form of an Oath to be taken by all Masters of Vessels, 1705 Cargo of Salt from Liverpool not permitted to be landed, 1706 Dr. John Stevenson appeared before the Committee, and made explanations, which were re. ceived as satisfactory, for reshipping Salt, - 1706

-

earnestly recom-

ties,

and Ammunition, 1702 Letter to James Christie requiring him to pay the two per cent, advance on the Goods he . - 1703 purchased, without a receipt, Amount paid by Mr. Christie, and credited to the - 1703 account of the Poor of Boston, . Association against the killing of Mutton, up, to be signed by the Butchers,

-

Tea

during the continuance of the present

.....

Moneys

to defeat

1707

disuse of East-India

mended,

appointed Treasurer for Bal-

for

its

strictly into

Resolution approving the conduct of the Magistrates of the County, whose abrupt dismission, with all the circumstances attending it, does - 1707 them the greatest honour, . ^;)r. 10, Fairs in Baltimore Town to be discountenanced

that

Andrew Buchanan

;

publick,

,

ings of the late proved, 1697 Inhabitants of the several Hundreds requested to form themselves into Military Companies and

execusuch purauthor, be exposed to the

Commiitoe to carry it and that any attempt

pose, will, with

1696

ProceedProvincial Convention ap-

General Meeting adjourned

misrepresentations having been made with to lessen the influrnccof the ContinenAssociation, it is declared to be the duty of

Many

Dec.l2, Wines imported in the Schooner Polly to be sold as directed by the Continental Congress, 19,

CXIV

1775.

1774.

state of the Militia in their difTerent Districts, 1714 Subscriptions ordered for paying the Delegates 1714 to the 'General Congress, Samuel Purviance appointed Treasurer for Baltimore Town, to receive and forward the Donations of the County for the Poor of Boston, 1714 Complaint lodged against James Christie, that he had raised the price of Goods above the limitation of the Provincial Convention, 1714 Information received from Philadelphia, that sundry Vessels were loading at Liverpool with Salt and Dry Goods, some of which were des-

....

19,

tined for this Province,

....

1714

;

CONTENTS.

cxv Apportionment of amount

to

be raised

to

defray

the expenses of the Delegates, Letter from the Committee to the diflerent

-

1715

Hun1715

dreds,

May 22, Oaths

be taken by the Owners, Consignees, or Supercargoes, Masters and Officers, of all - 1715 Vessels that shall load in Patapsco River, Powder supplied to the Counties of Orange and to

Culfft-pper, in Virginia,

29,

Jjiwe 5,

CXVI

1775.

1775.

...

-

to

• - 1716 christ, and Samuel Oliver, . - 1717 Complaint lodged against John McKim, Accusations against Captain Richard Button, who attended on summons, and made his de1717 fence, 19, The defence of Mr. Button considered satisfactory, and he is by the Committee restored to - 1717 publick favour, - 1717 Further complaint against James Christie, 1717 Charge against Rezin Hammond, Copies of the Publication^ made by Mr. Button, 1718 26, Night- Watch for Baltimore Town established, - 1718 Permission granted to send a cargo of Flour to 1719 Marblehead, Consideration of the complaints against Rezin Hammond, John Welsh, and James Christie, . - 1719 postponed to the 17th July, Jii/y 3, Letter from the Committee for Kent County, complaining of James Christie, for selling above the advance directed by the Conven1719 tion, Letter from Henry Lloyd, Agent for the Contractors for supplying the Troops at Boston, to Dr. John Stevenson, requesting him to send 1719 a cargo of Flour to Boston, Henry Lloyd declared a violator of the Association, and all commercial intercourse with him - 1720 prohibited, -; Persons who assist in the introduction of any Goods or Merchandise, contrary to the direction of Congress, to be treated as enemies to . 1720 the liberties of America, Committee to secure the Gunpowder on board - 1720 any Vessel that may arrive in Port, Captains of Vessels required to state on oath the 10, quantity of Gunpowder on board their respec- 1721 tive Vessels, Proceedings respecting the Ship Totness, from 11, - 1721 Liverpool, with Salt, July 13, Letter from James Christie, Jun., to Colonel - 1722 Christie, at Antigua, intercepted, - 1722 14, Proceedings in Mr. Christie's case, James Gildart declared an enemy to the liberties. of America, 1723 Declaration of John Welsh, in answer to the '17, . . 1723 charge against him, . 18, Application for a supply of Gunpowder for the Inhabitants of Yorktown, Virginia, - 1724 «/iiZy 21, Letter from the Maryland Delegates in Congress: Mr. Christie's case is referred to the Provincial Convention, 1724 Permission granted to David Stewart to remove some Tea lodged with the Committee in December last, 1724 24, James Christie, on giving security not to leave . 1725 the Province, permitted to go at large, .i'3wj'.21, Maryland Association read and signed by the - 1726 Members according to their Hundreds,

12,

....... ... ...

...

I--

....

......

William

171G

prepare a statement of the Moneys subscribed and paid to this Committee, and an account of all Donations received for the Poor - 1716 of Boston, Information against John Welsh, Robert Gil-

Committee

.....

Persons appointed to carry the Association to the People for signing, 17i26 .4w^. 28,Order for the election of a Committee of Observation and Delegates to the Provincial Convention on the 12lh of September, - 1726 /Se;).23, Committee of Observation, and five Delegates to the Provincial Convention, elected, - 1728 Oct. 9, Samuel Purviance, Jun., elected Chairman Lu.x,

Vice-Chairman

;

and George

1728 Committees of Correspondence for Licensing Suits, and to take the Reports of all Vessels and Goods arriving, appointed, 1728 iVbr. 6, Letter from Charles Ridgely, giving his reasons for refusing to act on the Committee, - 1730 13, Retailers of British Salt directed not to sell at a higher price than four Shillings per bushel, 1730 Lu.x, Secretary,

i

...

List of the Candidates voted for at the election in

...... .....

September, with the number of Votes given

for each, 1730 Committee to superintend the procuring of Arms and Ammunition, 1731 20, Persons holding large quantities of Salt, and refusing to retail it, to be published, and looked upon as enemies to the liberties of America, 1731 Committee to examine Warehouses where they suspect British Salt is stored, 1732 Nov.27, Application for permission to load a Vessel with Provisions for New-England, 1732

... ...

Permission granted to send eight quarters of Beef and twelve Sheep to Annapolis, for the use of the Inhabitants of that City, during the sitting of the Convention, . . . : 11, Letter from the Delegates of Massachusetts in Congress, Permission given to send two Vessels with Pro-' visions to Massachusetts, Complaint against Samuel Carson, Sen., Merchant in Philadelphia, for speaking disrespectfully of this Committee, 18, Pilot-Boat stationed at Whetstone Point to examine all Vessels, and allow none to pass without a Permit, in writing, from this Com-

Dec,

4,

.... ....

26,

1732 1733

1733

1734

mittee,

19,

1732

Vessels not permitted to leave Baltimore, except on publick business, until the Vessels arming there are ready to sail, - 1735 Oath to be taken by all Masters of Vessels to . . 1735 and from Baltimore, Resolve of the 19th instant, for detaining Vessels, rescinded,

Oath

.....

1735

be taken by Masters of Vessels, instead . 1735 of the one ordered on the 19th instant, Permission from the Continental Congress to to

. 1735 Jonathan Hudson to sail with a Cargo, Boat employed for preventing the departure of Vessels without permission of the Committee, 1776. discharged from further service, 1736 Jan. 8, Permission to William Neil, Merchant, to send a Cargo to the Foreign West-Indies, - 1736 29, Committee to prepare a plan for fortifying and defending Baltimore Town, 1733 J'eZi. 3, Plan for defence of Baltimore adopted, . 1739 12, Charges against James Moore, for refusing to

... ...



......

19,

take Bills of Credit emitted by the Provincial Convention, 1749 Acknowledgment and Declaration of James

Moore,

Mar.

4,

1740

...

Members

of the Committee appointed in place of those who refused to attend, 1742 Committees to take charge of the Enrolment

and Association Papers,

-

-

.

-

1742 >

!

f!

DOCUMENTARY HISTORY,

&c.

CORRESPONDENCE, MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS, PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEES,

NEW.HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. Monday, September H, 1775.

Upon request of Moses Baker and others, in behalf of the Town of Newmarket, agreed to suspend the making out of a Commission for Lieutenant-Colonel of the Foiirih Regiment of Militia in this Colony till the next meeting' of Congress, that they may have opportunity to prefer a petition against the person's being commissioned who was by Congress chosen to that office. Tuesday, September

in

Ordered Receiver-General to pay Committee of Suphundred Pounds, to be by them accounted for. Ordered Receiver-General to pay Committee of Supplies three thousand Pounds, to be by them accounted for. plies three

Thursday, September 28, 1775.

Ordered Receiver-General to pay Deacon Brooks three hundred and forty-eight Pounds seven Shillings, the amount of the wages paid the New-Hampshire Troops in

accounts of any Colony, for supplying the several Com|)anies in Colonel Poor's Regiment with provisions for their march from their respective homes, to join the or Parish

if necessary but in all such cases, where time will ; admit of lakmg the advice of the said Committee of Portsmouth you are to do it, and not fire on any vessel that shall come into the harbour, without their advice and consent, if you have time to obtain the same.

12, 1775.

To the Committee of Supplies : You are desired to pay all reasonable

Town

this

Colonel Arnold's detachment, and expenses of paying them. In Committeo of Safety, September 28, 1775.

Army.

By

order of the Committee

Sir We desire you to proceed to the Army, and there pay each non-commissioned officer and soldier, of :

:

M. Thornton, Chairman.

the troops

raised by this

Colony, twenty-four Shillings each, to be in full for the coats promised them, excepting such as entered on duty since the 4th of August. Also, pay each man, as aloresaid, twelve shillings, who has never received a blanket, and if found by himself, provided the Selectmen of his respective Town did not take an account thereof, which you are strictly to examine into. And to each person his loss, in clothing and soldiers' accoutrements, sustained at Charlestown battle, deducting out, to such as have

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay the Committee of Supplies two hundred Pounds, to be by ihem accounted for.

Agreed, That William Whipple, Esquire, and General Folsom, should wait on General Washington, to inquire of him concerning the Coats promised the Troops, &ic. Saturday, September 16, 1775.

received

a coat, the value thereof; each person producing an account of his loss, and the value thereof, under oath that they have not overrated the same, which oath you are desired to administer. And where any soldier is absent on furlough, or his place supplied by another, that the money be paid the Captain, taking his receipt therefor.

Received a Message from General Washington, requiring the payment of certain wages to those New-Hampshire Troops bound to Canada, under Colonel Arnold. Appointed Deacon Brooks to pay said Troops. Wednesday, September 27, 1775.



Ordered Receiver-General to pay William Whipple, Esquire, one hundred and forty-two Pounds six Shillings, lawful money, to pay Captain Salter's Company one

To

Ordered Receiver-General

to pay Daniel Fowle, EsPounds four Shillings, the balance of his day examined and adjusted.

George King, Esquire, appointed pany their first month's wages.

to

pay Salter's

Com-

Received a lotig Letter from General Sullivan,and wrote him a long answer.

In Committee of Safety, Exotor, September 27, 1775.

Deacon Brooks made a return of his paying off the detachment of New-Hampshire Troops under" Colonel Arnold. Tuesday, October

make them capable of doing their duty at said fortifications. You are not to suffer any vessel to pass said fortifiup the river, without a permit from the Committee of Safety of Portsmouth, except such vessels as you are

And

if

any armed vessel to pre-

vent the same, by

vessel,

firing

Fourth Series.

you are upon and destroying such

—Vol.

if.

10, 1775.

Received a Letter from the Committee of Portsmouth, informing of the capture of the Ship Prince George, by a sub-Committee, with a copy of General Washington's Letter to said Committee, about the cargo of said Ship. Ordered George King, Esquire, to take charge of the cargo of the Ship Prince George, and to deliver to Samuel tutts, Lsquire, one hundred barrels of Flour, at such times

cations,

trade.

There-

to take

purpose.

Captain Titus Salter: You are hereby directed to take the command of the batteries on Pierce's and Sevcy's Islands, and keep a constant guard at each, with your Company, taking care to exercise them in the handling and management ol" cannon, and such other exercises as you shall think necessary to

fair

you are desired

such condenmed masts as you can find, most proper for the occasion, and fit a boom for the aforesaid purpose, by securing them with iron, in such manner and place as you shall judge best to answer the

August.

only on a

In Committee of Safety, Exoter, September 28, 1775. the Committee appointed to build Batteries to comTnaTid the passage in Piscataqua River.

fore,

shall attempt to pass, without such permit,

M. Thornton, Chairman.

,^.

It is thought expedient to lay a boom across the river, from Pierce's to Sevei/'s Island, stronoenough to hinder the passage of vessels, if possible.

Wrote Colonels Reed, Poor, and Stark, to order their several Captains to take and send Rolls of their respective Companies, from the time of their inlistment to the 4th of

satisfied are

,

Gentlemen:

quire, thirty-six this

,

Colonel Timothy Walker.

month's wages.

Account,

he.

i

: ;

:

NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, and

in

such quantities as he

may need

it,

to supply tlie

Soldiers at the Batteries in Piscataqua Harbour.

Received a Letter

froui

General Sullivan, enclosinrj a

Ntw- Hampshire Troops

Petition of the Field-Officers of

1775.

Wrote to the Committee at Portsmouth, concerning a Vessel addressed to Joshua Wentworlh, Esquire, from Antigua, and about the inhabitants of the Lie of Shoals being supplied with the necessaries of life.

at Winter-Hill, requesting that the General may be intrusted with blank Commissions, to fill up vacancies in the

Reuiments there. Wrote General Sullivan an answer

Wednesday, October

Wrote General Washington, to his Letter

and the

same pay, for the time they shall be in the serCaptain Salter's Company are to have and that he inlist no man but is well accoutred. the

vice, as

;

Received a Letter from General Sullivan,

in

answer to

ours of 2Sth ultimo.

Sir: You are desired to sell, at twenty shillings per hundred weight, a quantity of the flour lately put under your care, not exceeding three hundred barrels, to such persons as appear as purchasers, taking care that no person monopolize a large quantity, and, out of the money arising from the sale, pay the seamen of Ship Prince George, Richard Emms, master, the wages that shall appear due to them, agreeable to their original contract, and keep in your custody the remainder of tiie money, until called for by this Committee, or the Congress of this Colony. By order of the Committee.

To George

King, Esquire. In Committee of Safety, Exeter, October 13, 1775.

Wednestlay, October 11, 1775.

General Washington, relative to the abovementioned Ship and Cargo. to

To

the several Captains

Tliursday, October 12, 1775.

to Messrs. Bartlett

and Langdon,

at the Conti-

nental Congress.

Appointed Jonathan Perkins special Express, to carry the above Letters to Timothy Walker, Esquire, at Winter-

Hill Desired Deacon Brooks, one of the Committee of Supadvance Perkins four Dollars, for his expenses.

plies, to

This Committee, taking into consideration the necessity of the Regiments of Minute-Men being as speedily raised as possible, having reviewed the voles of Congress relative thereto, and found a vote for the soldiers that inlist in the Minute service to " continue till further orders of the Congress," which vote must have been a mistake of the scribe, or passed over by the Congress, through the hurry and multiplicity of the business they were engaged in when that passed, as it is very evident the design of Congress was to follow the directions of the Continental Congress Therefore, it is now resolved by this Committee, that the 3aid Minute-Men be inlisted for the term of four months and that, at the end of said four months, the Officers proceed to inlist their Companies again, in the same manner

And

recommended to the persons who shall be appointed to inlist Minute-Men, to use their utmost endeavours to fill up the Companies as soon as posand to the Soldiers, at this important crisis, when sible as at

first.

it

is

earnestly

;

our

all is

at stake, to engage in the service

;

and, as they

be relieved in four months, the duty will be nearly And the following form is to equal among all the Militia. be used for inlistment " We, the subscribers, do hereby severally inlist ourselves as Minute-Men, for the term of four months, in the in the Company under the command of , •Regiment of Minute-Men, in the Colony of New- HampAnd we hereby promise to submit ourselves to the shire. will

orders and regulations of said Minute-Men, and faithfully ,to observe and obey such orders as we shall receive, from

time to time, from our officers." Monday, October

.

16, 1775.

Received a Letter from General Washington, and another from Colonel Timothy Walker, in answer to ours of the 1 1 th instant, by Perkins, the Express ; and a Letter of the General to Stephen Moylan, Esquire, at Portsmouth, which was forwarded by Mr. Morrison.

Received a Letter from Colonel Thornton, and answered by the same messenger who brought his.

and

other Officers

Regiment

in the

You Wrote

18, 1775.

to his Letter of

In Committee of Safety, Exeter, October 18, 1775.

Gave Captain Robert Parker orders to inlist a Company of Matrosses, consisting of forty-four men, inclusive of himself, one Lieutenant, and two Sergeants, to guard and defend ihe Battery on Sevey's Island, for the term of one month, unless it should appear to the Congress, or this Committee, expedient to dismiss them sooner, and engaged

Wrote

answer

the 15th instant.

•said Petition.

them

in

in this

of the Militia,

Colony:

are desired to notify and call together your several

Companies,

such times and places as you, toyether with agree and you are earnestly desired to use your utmost endeavours to forward the inlisiina//a*, of Captain Morris's company, to act as second lieutenant to Captain Necker's, on a promise of his recruiting twenty men for it in a week's time, which I have no doubt he will perform. On Thursday, we proceeded to Brunswick, and were that and the next

day employed

in

reviewing and clearing off the two com-

commanded by Captains Conway and Polhemus. Captain Piatt brought his company to Rariton Landing, panies

but as he was not mustered, nor had a sufficient number of men present, his muster was adjourned to Monday, and then to march to Elizabethtown. These three companies, after a little purging, are very good recruits. On Saturday, I returned to this place. Mr. Lowrie proceeded to the westward, and purposes next week to clear off Colonel Maxwell's regiment. Captain Longsireet, of

Monmouth County, reported to me at Brunswick that his company is near complete, but scattered at so great distance that it will be impossible to assemble them in less I have ajipointed Friday, the 15th inst., than ten days. to review and muster them at Amboy, and then to put them in barracks. These Captains all complain very heavily of the usage they meet with from the justices, who issue warrants against the men on the smallest pretence. They have been obliged to pay off a number of trifling and vexa-

/

.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, DECEMBER,

165

demands ; but if this is suffered to go on, and the men put under stoppage for the repayment of it, they must I have, perish in service for want of necessary clothing.

tious

therefore, ordered the Captains to

which can

make no engagements

number of them debts, which

is

are

now

the reason

in

why

A

men.

interfere with the necessities of the

the different jails for small some of the companies ap-

By a law of this pear so small in the enclosed returns. Province, made during the last war, no man inlisted in Provincial service, could be taken from that service for a debt less than 151. (Proc.) to any one person, or 60/. in the whole of his debts. If a similar rule be not now What adopted, I am afraid much confusion will ensue. was found necessary then, is now absolutely so for the existence of a Continental army. I have met with a good deal of difficulty about barracks. Assembly, Committee of Safety, County Committee, and Barrackmaster, refer me from one to the other whenever I apply for the possession or repair of any of them at this place, indeed, the committee have ordered them to be cleared out and repaired. ;

to-morrow we sh;ill have two or tiiree companies them. At Brunsivick, they are occupied by people who thought it not safe to remain in New- York. At Amhoy, the barrackmaster is under the absolute direction of the Governour, and no acting Committee there ; this barrackmaster is in possession of five hundred good new blankets, I believe

The members

elected for a Provincial Congress, and myself, receive and open all correspondence on publick affairs, or from the Continental Congress. I have the honour to be, with great respect, my Lord,

your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,

John McKesson, Lord Stirling.

lord STIRLING TO COLONEL MAXWELL. Brunswick, December

2,

1775.

Dear

Sir: The Continental Congress are extremely pressing and anxious about the march of the six companies to the North River. One company of my regiment marches next Wednesday ; another will soon follow. And I must beg you'll exert yourself to get off the three companies of your regiment. You may choose the routes for them either through Sussex to New- Windsor, or by Morristown or Mizabethtown to Dobbs's Ferry ; but you will take care to give me as early notice as possible of their march, that 1 may have sloops ready at the place they are

embark

to

in

at,

am your most humble

I

To

Stirling.

servant,

Colonel Maxwell.

Return of

Eastern or First Regiment of Foot of in the Cont inental sei-vice.

the

New-Jersey,

desirable objects to us at present. I

166

1775.

did not receive your letter of the 27th,

till

my

arrival

on Wednesday last, and finding from Mr. P. V. B. Livingston, that there was neither Convention nor Committee of Safety in being at New-York, I wrote to Mr. McKesson, Secretary to their late Convention, to know whom it was proper to correspond with on publick matters. His answer and my letter to Colonel Maxwell, you have copies of herewith. Of (he six companies ordered to the fortress on Hudson river, one of those of my regiment will move this week, the other two next week. I hope the three companies of Colonel MaxwelFs regiment will move near the same time. In our scattered situation, without great towns, it is difficult to fit out men as they ought to be suddenly. Their stockings are yet at Philadelphia. I must beg the favour of you to fill up the Quartermaster's commission with the name of Abncr Hetfield. surgeon is absolutely necessary, and if Congress allows one to my regiment, I should be glad that William Barnet, Jun., be appointed to it. Both these gentlemen are well known to Mr. William Livingston, and Mr. Crane. I at this place,

A

think they are both well qualified for the respective

Reviewed and paid to the 30th November, -§1 3 « inclusive.

Reviewed.

£5

When.

Where.

2

Companies com.

manded

(0

by,

1

c c c Hi

i a,

c

m

s 2 o e oo

.2

a

>

O Q

01

O

D e 1

1775.

JAMES SULLIVAN TO GENERAL SULLIVAN. 5,

:

am, with ° great

6,

send you by the bearer two thousand dollars to

THE COUN-

Cambridge, December

I

I

defray the expense attending the military stores. pay all the charges, and keep vouchers, that we

To

first I

1775.

laid before his Excellency. He you, that it will give him great pleasure to contribute towards the particular safety of the town and inhabitants of >

daga chief, delivered at the conference held here in the months of August and September last, respecting the Susquthannah lands, now unhappily in controversy between the Colonies of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, was not in his particular nation,

agreed between Thomas Rose, on tlie one part, and William, KaTX of Stirling, Colonel of the First JVew-Jersey Regiment, in the Continental service, on the other part, as follows That the said Thomas Rose doth inlist himself as a drummer in the said regiment, at the usual Continental pay of seven and one-third of a dollar per month and also four dollars per month, subsiBtciicc, or provision in lieu thereof; and in consideration that the said Thomos Rose is well qualified for drum-major of the said regiment, and is able to teach tho other drummers the use of their drums and the whole of their duty, tho said Col. onel does agree to pay to tlio said Thomas Rose, eight dollars and twothirds of a dollar more, monthly, to be slopped out of tho pay of the other drummers ; and this to continue as long as the said Thomas Rose continues in the service, which will be during his good behaviour, or as long as tho regiment continues in the service. It is further agreed, that oat of the above mentioned pay, eight dollars per month shall, by tho Paymaster, monthly, bo lodged in tho hands of Colonel John Neilson, of Brunswick, for the use of tho said Thomas Rose's wife one month's pay to be advanced to the said Thomas Rose, when tho Paymaster next comes to Head-quarters. Witness my hand, this 12th day of December, 1775. Thomas Rose. * It

is

;

;

;

c Schuyler,

Volkert p. Dol'w, Timothy Edwards.

;

consequence either of directions from

260

:

Stirling.

Elizabetlitown,

we

in the following

our offer of mercy to those

Edmund Pendleton, December

1775.

Deane and Kirkland, who agreed That immediately after 2^ahogtvando had delivered his speech, a murmur ran

ingly

unfortunate people. Virginia,

DECEMBER,

or the result of the united councils of the Six Nations, we unanimously resolved to enter into an inquiry. Accord-

and take up arms against the inhabitants of this Colony, shall be liable to such punishments as shall hereafter be directed by the General ConAnd to the end that all such who have taken vention. unlawful and wicked step may return in safety to their this |< IDT Y N f^ To Captain Conway. into barracks.

LORD STIRLING TO JOHN VAN EMBERG. Elizabethtown, December 16, 1775.

Sir

:

You

are hereby requested to take into your pos-

session the keys of the barrack-stores at such stores as you will find there, or that

Amboy, with you

all

will receive

from Captain Conway, agreeably to an order I now send You will observe to take an exact account of the him. stores you receive, and of the expenditure of them.

To Mr. John Van Emberg.

;

SAMUEL TUCKER TO LORD STIRLING. Trenton, December 16, 1775.

My Lord:

Your

favour of yesterday is before me, and With it, I received per Camp, two observe the contents. memorials, one from Yellas Mead, recommended by a considerable number of respectable signers, for the Lieutethe other memorial from George Ross, ; the third, of Springfield, in the County of Essex, supported by a great number of respectable signers, for the Ensign's

nant's commission

commission in Captain Meeker's Company, alledging that he has inlisted a considerable number, and ought to have the Ensign's commission ; both directed to the Committee of I, therefore, could not fill up these commissions Safety. until directed by the Conmiittee of Safety, which must meet, unless it can be settled without. All the other commissions I have filled up, and now send you by Caleb Camp, Esq., as stated at the foot of your letter. I wish the matters may be settled, as I am of opinion the Committee will pay attention to the matters set forth in the memorials, more especially as they are supported by so many

RECANTATION OF JAMES JUDD. Norwalk, Connecticut, December

16, 1775.

James Judd, of Danbury, in the County of Fairfield, have this day been brought before the Committee of Inspection of Norwalk, and detected in my wicked and mischievous striving to undo, and bring destruction and ruin I,

my bleeding country, by going on board sundry of the King's ships in New- York, and then and there gave in my name, and there held criminal correspondence with a man called Governour Tryon, who gave me as a present, four pamphlets, to inflame the country people against the resolves of the Continental Congress and Committees, which I had a design to spread in the country, which I now conceive was very wicked and wrong to do against my country, and am now heartily sorry for, and request the forgiveness of all true friends to the United Colonies ; and hereby promise and engage to give information of all plots and intrigues laid, or hereafter may be laid, to circumvent or disconcert any of the resolves of the honourable Continental Congress, or any other Congress or Committee under them, but will freely take up arms and fight for my country, against the Ministerial army, or any under them. on

In confirmation of what is above written, I have voluntarily, with my own hands, committed to the flames the above

mentioned pamphlets. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, the James Judd. date above. true copy of the original. Jesse Raymond, Clerk, P. T.

A

persons of caution.

An

answer

dient,

humble

will oblige

your assured

friend,

and most obe-

servant,

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO GENERAL WOOSTER. Head-Quarters before Qucbeck,

Samuel Tucker. •

At

the

commencement of

tj in their determinations.

any

proposition.

A

the Republick, unanimity was necessa. single negative was sufficient to reject

December

Dear General

:

The

press to St. John's for artillery

16, 1775.

I

Mr. Melchior, I sent exstores be so good as to

bearer,

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, DECEMBER,

289

river,

your power, particularly in money matters. Yesterday we opened a battery of five guns and a howitzer, and with very little effect. 1 attempted to summon the Governour by a flag of truce he The enemy have very would not receive any letter. heavy metal, and I tiiink will dismount our guns very shortly some they have already rendered almost useless. This gives very little uneasiness I never expected any give hiin

all

the assistance

in

If

290

1775.

you do, by Heavens there

will

be no mercy

shown.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN THE CONTINENTAL SERVICE, DATED BEFORE QUEBECK, DECEMBER

;

16, 1775.

General Carleton escaped from Montreal by paddling with his hands by our men in the night, and got safe to other advantage from our artillery than to amuse the enemy (Quebeck, where he gave immediate orders for all that would and blind them as to my real intention. not take up arms to leave the city. I propose the first strong northwester to make two attacks We have, upon the Plains of Abraham, a battery of by night one, with about a third of the troops, on the lower gabions, filled with snow, and water poured on till it froze town, having first set fire to some houses, which will, in ail quite hard, which does very well, and we have some morprobability, communicate their flames to the stockade lately tars in St. Roque, behind a tory's house, at a little distance erected on the rock near St. Roque ; the other upon Cape from the Palace gate, from both of which we have put them Diamond bastion, by escalade. I have not time to point into some confusion, and set the town on fire in several out my reasons for this particular attack; let it suffice that places. We have roused them up these five nights succesit is founded on the nature of the grounds, works, and the Yesterday sively, and I believe they are almost tired out. However, best intelligence 1 have been able to procure. we sent a flag of truce to them, which they would not reI am not certain whether or no the troops relish this mode ceive, and it was with great difficulty the raw sailors could of proceeding; I a(n fully convinced of the practicability. be prevented from firing on the person who carried it. But should it not appear in the same advantageous light to General Montgomery, in that, offered a safe convoy to the men, I shall not press it upon them, well knowing the Carleton and Cramahc, Lieutenant-Governour, but he impossibility of making troops act with the necessary vigour Last Saturday night we made the would not read it. on such an occasion, if their minds are possessed with imaIndians fire several letters into the town, with bows and ginary terrors. arrows, which were found by the inhabitants, and are circuWe are exceedingly weak, it is true, but the enemy are lating through the town. One was directed to the inhabiso too, in proportion to the extent of their works ; and as tants, informing them of our requests, and the consequence they know not where they will be attacked, all must be of a refusal and another to Carleton, threatening him with guarded indeed, their apprehensions for the lower town, immediate death unless he gave up the city. Was it not induce them to bestow their greatest attention on that quarfor Carleton, Cramahe, Colonel Maclean, a Scotchman, I 1 hope the arms, lead and flints are on the way. ter. (who was taken up by the Congress at Neiv- York, but deWe have nied interfering in the dispute, when, at the same time, he could wish for a reinforcement if to be spared. not much above eight hundred men fit for duty, exclusive had a commission to raise men,) and Hanslie, Collector of 1 believe you will not of a few ragamuffin Canadians. the Customs, we should have been in Quebeck before now think it proper to let the contents of this letter go abroad. but in a few nights we are to take it by storm, to play Should you have no accounts of any cash on the way, I from both batteries, attack in the lower town, and scale must beg you will send an express to hasten it. I shall the wall with ladders, which are almost finished. All that soon be exceedingly distressed if a supply does not arrive. get safe into the city will live well, for they are allowed I must therefore beg you to raise what you can for fear of to plunder, and take what they please. Let a considerable number of shirts be sent accidents. down as soon as possible our men are much in want of EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LIEUTENANT VAN WAGENEN, them. 1 must refer you to Mr. Mekhior for particulars. OF CAPTAIN QUACKENBOSS'S COMPANY OF NEW-YORKERS, Believe me, dear sir, with much esteem, yours, &ic., DATED BEFORE QUEBECK, DECEMBER 16, 1775. ;

;

:

;

;

;

;

Richard Montgomert.

To

We

before Quebeck, which makes an obstinate was lately sent them to surrender, but it was fired at by Carleton, and obliged to retire. Colonel Arnold, and Macpherson, our General's Aid-de-camp,

General Woosier,

are

defence.

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO GENERAL CARLETON. Holland-House, near Quebeck,

December

16, 1775.

now

A

flag

were again despatched ; they got to the walls, but were ordered to be gone immediately; they asked if the Governour would not receive a letter which they had for him ; they were answered. No; and ordered to decamp; upon We have thrown above two hundred which they retired. shells into the town, and this morning opened a six gun The enemy battery, which is now playing on the walls. A council of war have killed ten or twelve of our men. was called last evening, when it was concluded not to

? J

Sir: Notwithstanding the personal ill-treatment I have notwithstanding the cruelty you received at your hands have shown to the unhappy prisoners you have taken, the feelings of humanity induce me to have recourse to this ex-



pedient to save you from the destruction which hangs over your wretched garrison. Give me leave to inform you A great that I am well acquainted with your situation.

extent of works, in their nature incapable of defence, manned with a motley crew of sailors, most of them our friends ; of citizens, who wish to see us within the walls ; a few of the worst troops, that call themselves soldiers ; the improbability of relief, and the certain prospect of wanting every necessary of life, should your opponents confine themselves to a simple blockade, point out the absurdity of resistance. Such is your situation. I am at the head of troops accustomed to success, confident of the righteousness of the

storm the town until a reinforcement should arrive, as it was generally thought that they have more men within the walls than we have without.

cause they are engaged in, inured to danger and fatigue, and so highly incensed at your inhumanity, illiberal abuse, and the ungenerous means employed to prejudice them in the minds of the Canadians, that it is with difficulty I restrain them, till my batteries are ready, from assaulting your works, which would afford them a fair opportunity of ample vengeance, and just retaliation. Firing upon a flag of truce, hitherto unprecedented, even among savages, prevents my following the ordinary mode of conveying my sentiments; however, 1 will at any rate acquit my conShould you persist in an unwarrantable defence, science. Beware of dethe consequence be upon your own head. stroying stores of any sort, as you did at Montreal or in the

of His Majesty's ship Swan, Captain James AysI being officer on guard on the east cough, commanding. side ot Holmes's Hole harbour, observed her motions; but she being so far from the shore, could not command her to, but going nearer the west side, the guard fired upon the said boat, but the people woufd not bring to. But keeping watch of said boat's return, I had the pleasure of seizing her on

Fourth Series.

—Vol.

it.

SAMUEL NORTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. Martha's Vineyard, December 16, 1775.

Gentlemen

:

On

sail-boat, with six

November last, I observed a board, sailing from Edgartoton,

the 24th

men on

in pursuit

the 25th said November; and as there was no Committee men in this town that would take notice of the I, by order of my commanding officer, took said offenders under examination, before a Justice of the Peace,

or leading offenders,

whose affidavits I have herewith enclosed, which your Honours said offenders' faults.

19

will

show

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

391

Your advice in this case shall be ever acknowledged by your dutiful and obedient servant,

Samuel Norton, Lieutenant in Second Company in Dukes County.

To

House of RepColony of the Massachusetts-Bay.

the Honourable the General Court and

resentatives for the

DECEMBER,

&c.,

judge most proper ; and to appraise each of said and make return thereof, with the names of the And to assure the owners of owners, to this Committee. the vessels so taken that, in case they are destroyed in said service, they shall be paid for according to your appraisement.

you

shall

vessels,

"

By

order of the Committee,

"

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIOENT OF CONGRESS.

"

[R ad Docembor 26, 1775.]

December

Cliolsea,



IG, 1775.

men came

Last evening eight Observation of the Jay. from Boston, to our guard, at the ferry ; six of them Captains of vessels. They brought the following account Yesterday one large mortar was carried over to Bunker-Hill ; the troops filling water, carrying it on board

in a boat

:

the transports; provisions scarce, not more than sufficient for six weeks ; one regiment of Foot and three companies

of the Light-Horse

sail for

Halifax

this

day.

Sailed out of Boston Harbour this morning, eight large and two small vessels, taken to be lenders by their firing Mr. Joshua appeared to be going a voyage out to sea. Pico came last night from Boston; he confirms the information that the regiment of Foot and some companies of Light-Horse were preparing to embark for Halifax.

The

information contained

in

Pursuant to the above order, we, the subscribers, determined on and transported some vessels for the purpose above mentioned, and valued the same since which, finding it unnecessary they should lay any longer at their moorings, have returned them to the respective wharves from whence they were taken, and delivered them to the several owners, unbut that some of the cables and hawsers are injured hurt by use, of which a future estimate may be made, if the owners require it. ;

William Knight, William Pearce, Joshua Wentworth, Supply Clap. 1775-.

COLONEL SCOTT TO CAPTAIN SOUTHALL. Norfolk, December 17, 1775.

the above, coming so

George Washington. the Honourable

Portsmouth, Deoojnber 16,

16, 1775.

many different ways, corroborated by several vessels having sailed this day from Boston, I thought it my duty to transThough Halifax is the place given out for mit it to you. their destination, it is possible they may be bound elsewhere. I shall communicate this intelligence to Governours Cooke and Trumbull, and to the Convention of NewYork, for their government. I remain, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

To

John Hancock, Esq., President of the

Congress.

general WASHINGTON TO GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHU-

Dear Sir

:

I

have

just time to inform

Flags are continually passing, asking water, exchange prisoners. Duty is harder than Our guards have not been relieved for I ever saw before. The men-of-war fell down last evening forty-eight hours. about four miles, and left a brig, with five thousand bushels of salt, behind which our guard took, and brought to the wharf; but have not got one bushel on shore yet. have got on board the vessel Mr. Cary Mitchell.

the ships.

provision, or to

;

We

colonel WOODFORD TO EDMUND PENDLETON, PRESIDENT. Norfolk, December 17, 1775.

Cambridge, December

Gentlemen Not being

:

16, 1775.

Among many resolves of Congress, which me the other day, are the enclosed.

to

able to discover from the resolves themselves,

or the letter which accompanied them, whether a copy had been transmitted to you by the President, or to be handed

by me, 1 thought it best to err on the safe side, especially Quartermaster-General has just informed me that he is exceedingly scarce of hay, and can get none under six pounds lawful a ton and that he is fearful, if he should even consent to offer this, (enormous as it is,) the price will be further advanced upon him as heretofore, and in the article of wood. I am, &c., George Washington. in

as the

;

Honourable General Court of Massachusetts- Bay.

favour of the 14th came safe to hand last night, and I should esteem myself wanting in duty, and respect to your honourable body, if I did not take the earliest opportunity to express the high sense I have of the great honour done me by your resolution of the 13ih instant, and to assure the Convention that I consider my country's ap-

Your

my conduct a sufficient reward for any services thought to render at this alarming crisis. I had taken the liberty to afford that pi'otection and assistance to the distressed Highlandnrs which I find is the and Colonel Howe and myself wish of the Convention will pay due regard to your directions respecting those that Their vessel being detained, remain still in this town. and their distressed wives and little ones left to starve in a strange country, is a fresh instance of tJie inhumanity of a probation of

I

may be

;

certain »•

FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON

,

S

SECRETARY.

Cambridge, December

16, 1775.

Madam: I am commanded by His Excellency to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, and to inform you that an exchange of prisoners is not yet agreed upon when it is, Mr. T\lly will probably be releas;

among

ed

I

To

am,

He

the rest.

will not

be forgot then.

&ic.

Mrs. Ruth Tilly, New-Haven.

" In Committee of Safety for New-Hampshire, October 27, 1775.

"

Gentlemen

having been represented to this Comnumber of vessels should be Boom in Piscataqua river, in order to prevent the passage of the enemy's ships up the river, we do therefore hereby desire you, or any three of you, to take a sufficient number of the meanest vessels you can easily find, that will answer the purpose, and fix them jn such places, and in such a manner, above the Boom, as :

It

mittee as necessary that a properly moored above the

you that we have

got possession of the most horrid place I ever beheld ; I mean Norfolk. Almost all the inhabitants fled on board

SETTS.

were forwarded

Chairman.

ffilliam

;

Sir:

Matthew Thornton,

Knight and Joshua fVentworlh, Esqs., Captain William Fearce, Captain Thomas Thompson, and Captain Supply Clap."

To

;

Dorchester, December 16, 1775.

Cambridge, December

292

1775.

Lord.*



* A remarkable instance of Lord Dunmore's humanity. A ship from Cameron, in North-Britain, with about two hundred and fifty Highlanders, consisting of men, women, and children, was bound to Nea. hern in North. Carolina, but forced by bad weather and other accidents to put into Norfolk, in this Colony, Lord Dunmore, whose troops had a few days before been defeated in the battle at the Great. Bridge, forced these poor people on shore, seized their sliip for accommodating his Tory friends, who, after the battle, fled from Norfolk, on board the ships and other vessels lying in the harbour, and left his other countrymen, with their wives and children, to perish for want of subsistence, in a strange land. In this wretcliod condition they petitioned Colonel Woodford to take them under his protection. This petition was trans, mitted by that bravo officer to the General Convention, sitting at Wil. liamsburgh, who immediately gav» orders that the Colonel should take them under his protection, relieve their immediate wants, and afford them all nccessriry assistance, to conduct them to North. Carolina, the In consequence of these orders, Colonel place of their first destination. Woodford sent tlie Highlanders, i« wagons, under a proper escort, to Suffolk; from whence, by order of the Committee of Safety, they are to be conducted to North-Carolina, agreeably to the order of the Convention. The Committee of Safety, of this Colony, have wrote to the Committee of Safety of North-Carolina, informing them of the distresses of these poor peojile, occasioned by Lord Dunmore's cruel treatment, and requesting them to give directions for their relief and accommoda. they shall arrive among their friends in that Province, amongst they intended to settle. Lord Dunmore had forced about one hundred and sixty of these unfortunate people into his service; but, upon being Ihforraed of the humane intention of tliis Colony, they tion,

till

whom



:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

293 Your

orders respecting the Tories and negro prisoners

comphed with. We have upwards of one hundred Captain Squire sent us yesof them now in our guards. shall be

terday

tlie

following ticket:

" Captain Squire's compliments to Messrs. Howe and Woodford, and will be glad to know if they mean to prevent the navy and army from being supplied with provisions and water." To which we returned this answer: "Colonel Howe and Colonel Woodford's compliments to Captain Squire, and return him for answer to his message, that as His Majesty's troops and ships-of-war have long since committed hostilities upon the persons and property of the good people of this Colony, and have actually taken and imprisoned several private gentlemen, and others, who did not bear arms at the time,

our express orders are, to prevent, to the ut-

most of our power, any communication whatever between the said troops and ships-of-war and this town, or any part of this Colony." In the afternoon the two ships-of-war and tenders got under sail, and fell down towards the distillery. They gave

officer hailed

her,

when

immediately delivered up, and proposes sending a boat to lake her away. Should any shot be fired on the people, he will most assuredly fire on the town." To which we returned this answer : " Colonel Howe and

Colonel Woodford's compliments to Captain Squire, and him for answer, that the brig in question fell into our hands the other night, and we shall give orders to fire upon any boat that attempts to take her away." They have never yet made tlie attempt, and our parties are ready to oppose the taking the vessel. Our out-scouts inform us that a thirty-six gun frigate, with a brig, are below this, at the Pleasure-House. She is supposed to be the Liverpool frigate, with a store-ship. We have parties watching her motions. return

A

the Forces under the Colonel Howe.

... ------

Virginia Second Regiment, Virginia Minute Battalion, Virginia First Regiment, detachment North- Carolina Second Regiment, North-Carolina Volunteers,

would

Yesterday the two men-of-war, and a large sloop, stood to their former station, and sent a Hag of truce, with the following message

up

deserted him, and joined their wives and children, except two maidens, who were detained as bed-makers to his Lordship. Notwithstanding the Convention liad a return from Colonel Wood, ford, after the battle of the Great-Bridge, from whicli, besides from the Colonel's own declaruiion in his letter to them, it appeared that not one of our men was killed, and but ono slightly wounded ; and add to these convincing proofs of the truth of this, we have seen officers of veracity that were in the action, who declare the same thing; yet we hear that it was reported in Norfolk that we lost one hundred and fifty men ; and we have pretty good reason to believe that Lord Dunmore had propagated a report amongst the few Tories now left in his inte. rest that fifty of the Grenadiers of the Fourteenth Regiment had fallen into an ambuscade of twelve hundred Rebels ; that they fought bravely, killed one hundred and fifty Rebels, and retreated, leaving behind them thirty-three killed and wounded ; that their loss was heavy, but that they sold their lives dearly ; that the Shirt-men have nothing to boast of, having with difficulty forced the seventeen surviving Grenadiers to may therefore expect, when retreat, allhuugh they had filly to one. the news of this affair arrives in Englnnd, that Lord Dartmouth will publish Lord Oamnore^s letter, which will probably contain a more rational account, and may be to this effect: That, finding the Rebels had closely besieged a fort he had built to obstruct their passage to Norfolk, that a large reinforcement was daily expected by them from Carolina, and that they were procuring cannon, he thought it best to attack them before they could receive such assistance especially, as he was informed by a deserter tliat tliey were but three hundred that ho found that a favourable opportunity, having just pressed into his service some Scotch Highlander wlm had come over to settle in America, and this circumstance giving rise to a report, which he had taken care to propagate, that he had received a reinforcement of five hundred Highlanders, he thought it advisable to make an attack as soon as possible ; that he ordered Captain Leslie, with a company of eight Infantry, and Captain Fordyce, with his company of Grenadiers of the Fourteenth Regiment, to take with them all the volunteers and slaves that wero well armed, to march in the night of the 8lh December to the fort, and to sally out by day-break and attack the Rebels ; that Captain Leslie did so, but being in a great measure deserted by the slaves, and several of the volunteers, (for they could not be prevailed upon to advance,) and the Rebels having near three times the number ho had been in. formed they had, and behaving, indeed, on that occasion, with more resolution than they had ever done, and Captain Fordyce and the ad. vance Grenadiers being cut off by the Riflemen, and Captain Leslie being unable to rally the negroes, who could not stand the severe fire from hundreds of marksmen, retreated into the fort, and that night abandoned it that he, findnig the people of Norfolk were not to bo relied on in case of an attack, thought it prudent to retire to the ships, and wait for a reinforcement, which he hourly expected. Some such account as this wo may expect to see in some future English paper, unless this anticipationof it should happen to be read or republished in England before their Lordships have patched up their story. Va. Gaz,

We

;

;

;

f

-

350 165 172

of,

-

-

-

.

-

438 150

-

-

-

1275

-----

Total strength of Companies,

of

-

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS TO HIS FRIEND IN WILLIAMSBURGH, VIRGINIA, DATED DECEMBER, 1775. One of our armed vessels has taken an English storeship, coming with all the implements of war, except powShe is worth about thirty thousand pounds der, to Boston. General Washington informs

and the stores he had sent the invoice. They have also taken two provision vessels from Ireland Xo Boston. A forty-gun ship blew up the other day, by accident, in the harbour of Boston. Of a certainty the hand of God is upon them. Our last intelligence from Arnold, to be relied on, is by letter from him ; he was then at Point-Levi, opposite Quebeck, and had a great number of canoes ready to cross the river. The Canadians received him with cordiality, and the regular force in Quebeck was too inconsiderable to give him any inquietude. sterling, as

Norfolk, Docembor 19, 1775.

command

morning Return of

Norfolk, December 17, 1775.

hands, to bring her off; but our within gun-shot, and told her he

fire if she did not return. She took his advice and On board the snow was Mr. put about to the man-of-war. Cary Mitchell, with all his official papers, which we have in possession, likewise the vessel, moored to the wharf, and intend landing the salt as soon as a proper house can be That gentleman has made many got within our guards. professions of his innocence, and has prevailed upon Col. Howe and myself to take his parole of honour for his appearance before the Convention, for which he sets off to-morrow. Twenty-odd pieces of cannon were left by the enemy, but spiked and dismantled.

294

1775.

" Captain Squire's compliments to Colonels Howe and Woodford. Acquaint them that the brig laden with salt alongside the wharf is a prize belonging to the King, and taken by the Otter. Captain Squire requests she may be

a signal for a snow, with four thousand bushels of salt, to follow ; but she not being so quick as they expected, our guard ordered her to continue. The Kingfisher sent a boat, with about fifteen

DECEMBER,

&;c.,

are adapted to his wants as perfectly as

A

makes him

later report

this is not authenticated.

us,

if

in possession of ^uebeck ; but Montgomery had proceeded in

quest of Carleion and his small fleet of eleven pickeroons, then on Lake St. Franpois. He had got below him, and had batteries so planted as to prevent his passing. It is

thought he cannot escape their vigilance.

hope Lord Chatham may live till the fortune of war I puts his son into our hands, and enable us, by returning him safe to his father, to pay a debt of gratitude.

The Congress have promoted gomery Arnold

Brigadier-General Mont-

Major-General and on being assured that is in possession of Quebeck, it is probable he will be made a Brigadier-General, one of those offices beinc vacant by Montgomery's promotion. to be a

;

LORD STIRLING TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS [Road December 23, 1775.] Elizabethtown, December 17, 1775.

Sir:

The two

wrote you on the 3d and 5tli I have not received any answer to eitlier of them, except a letter from Mr. Walter Livingston, relative to the surgeon and quartermaster of my regiment, which I have answered. The enclosed letter from Colonel Maxivell, 1 received yesterday. I had before wrote to hitn to put his men into barracks as soon as possible. I was then sensible that all the barracks in this Province would not contain the two regiments of Continental troops raised m New- Jersey ,&nA therefore intended boarding out two or three of the companies in this town, at a dollar per week, which, considering the expense of fire-wood, will be nearly as cheap as ta instant, I

letters

I

hope you received.

;

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

295

hope

"Trenton, December

"

Lawry

my

to surprise

h?LS,

next, a complete

be there.

company from Morristoim

Congress. it will be possible to get any ammuniWe ought to have a Province or New- York. magazine of at least twenty-four rounds, to guard against unforeseen emergencies. 1 shall, on foot hereof, add an account of the manner of Colostationing these two regiments as I intended them. nel Lawry, v^-ho has lately reviewed the barracks, is of opinion with me that they cannot possibly contain more than I have allotted to them.

do not

1

find that

tion in this

I

To

your most humble servant, Stirling. the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.

am, very

the 10th

inst.,

me

I

14, 1775.

just

now

the troops are

not to march so soon for the Hudson river as you first exfor notpected. I must acknowledge I am very glad of it withstanding my utmost endeavours, the soldiers would have been far from complete, as they should be, either in arms or clothing, for such a march to the northward.

A

many

I have wrote of our best arms want repairs. to the Congress for two casks of powder and one of flints, as I can get none there, and begged they would order the barracks to be repaired."

great

Please to add what part of the above you may think Give my compliments to Lawproper to that you have. ry. Mr. Patterson begs I may enclose you his compliments. I am, my Lord, your Lordship's most humble servant,

William Maxwell.

To

William, Earl of Stirling.

The

troops in barracks will, to-morrow, begin to subsist on their rations, as contracted for by the will also

Your favour of

:

;

regiment

On Tuesday

My Lord

received, wherein your Lordship informs

yesterday, paid off three companies Part of the eighth at this place. and last company arrived at the barracks at Amboy on Friday; the remainder of them are expected there to-morrow.

Colonel

more of

:

order, viz

;

I

17, 1775,

Sir You will find by this we got no farther last night. Mr. Patterson had me entirely in his power. He would go no farther, but declared he would encamp here and it was so very dark I did not think it safe to proceed. The purport of this is to beg your Lordship would please to begin the letter I left you yesterday in the following

that some of them are bold enough to assert that their list of Association already amounts to more than four thousand men ; and that they have had a supply of ammunition from on board the Asia, manof-war. On this foundation, the Committee have applied to me for a party of men to seize two of the most

gang in this County, and them to-morrow evening.

296

Woodbridge, December

Dear

From what 1 am well assured of, I ment, posted there. have reason to believe that it is very improper those prisoners should remain at Trenton, or in the Province. The Tories, in every part of it, have of late assumed fresh 1 was yesterday evening courage, and talk very daringly. informed by the Committee of this County, that they received intelligence of a combination carrying on for oppo-

active of the

1T75.

COLONEL MAXWELL TO LORD STIRLING.

By this letter, I find Colonel Maxin barracks. welPs regiment cannot, at present, be provided with the It seems there are barracks at Trenton, as I expected. about seventy or eighty non-commissioned officers and private soldiers, prisoners from Canada, with their women, &c., at Trenton, who have taken possession of the best rooms in the barracks, with all the furniture, and behave in a most insolent and improper manner, exciting mutiny and dissension among the men of Colonel Maxwell's regi-

have them

sing the measures of the Congress

DECEMBER,

&c.,

respectfully, sir,

EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN NEW-YORK, DATED MONTREAL, DECEMBER 17, 1775. Our brother-soldiers, now before (^uebeck, have thrown up ramparts of snow and water, which, when condensed and frozen, are proved by experience to be sufficient for Who but Yankoos would have thought of the purpose. such a contrivance ? Or who but enthusiasts for liberty would carry on a siege at such a season of the year ? The companies of Captains Weisenfels,Cheeseman, Mott, Varick, and i^uackenboss, are before Quebeck ; Captain Goforth's and Lyon's are stationed here, under Colonel Ritzema. Captain Willet has the command at St. John's.

COLONEL KNOX TO COLONEL McDOUGALL. Stations intended for the two Regiments in In barracks at Burlington,

-

-

-

-

barracks at Trenton, barracks at Brunswick, barracks at Amboy,

-

-

-

-

barracks at Elizabethtown,

-

-

-

---------

In In In In

New-Jeksey

Fort-Georgo, Decombor 17, 1775. :

3 companies. do. 3 do. 3 do. 3

-

-

-

-

..-.---

Total,

2 2

do. do.

16 companies.

COLONEL MAXWELL TO THE EARL OF STIRLING. Trenton, December 14, 1775.

My Lord

:

I

have wrote

a surgeon

have

to the Continental

appointed, and that there

Congress to

maybe some

There is another orders given for repairing the barracks. consult affair of so delicate a nature I thought it proper to and if you Congress the inform ; would I before you on The please to inform the Congress of it, I will decline.

The two

barracks in the western division case is thus: will not be sufficient to hold my regiment when they are The Trenton barracks are already put in the best order. They have posprisoners. Government the by occupied

and most of the bedding and put up with besides, I look on cannot be which utensils, them as unfit companions for our soldiers at any rate they may infuse bad sentiments into their minds, that will not be The people in the country talk loudly of easily removed. improper place for the prisoners, it, that Trenton is a very

session of the officers' rooms,

;

;

much

of a thoroughfare. inform the Congress of what you may think necessary of the above, and you will much oblige me. My Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, humble ser-

it

being so I

beg you

vant,

To

:

I

ence that there be sent immediately to the camp at Cambridge, the following number of shells Five hundred 13-inch shells two hundred Sj'y-inch shells ; four hundred You are too well acquainted with the im4J-inch shells. portance of this request to want urging any additional motive for the utmost expedition. If they are not to be had, please to inform General Washington immediately. The business on which 1 came has succeeded equal to my :

In board at Elizabethtown,

!

When

was at New- York, I did not know of any 13-inch mortars, a number of which I found at Ticonderoga. I must beg, sir, that you would use your influSir

the

will

William Maxwell. Hon. William, Earl of Stirling.

;

expectation. I am, sir, with great humble servant,

respect, your obliged

and most

u ^ Henry Knox.

Colonel McDougall.

COLONEL KNOX TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Fort-George, December 17, 1775.

May IT PLEASE YOUR Excellency: I returned from Ticonderogn to this place on the 15lh inst., and brought with me the cannon, &ic., it having taken nearly the time conjectured it would to transport them here. It is not easy to conceive the difficulties we have had in getting them over the lake, owing to the advanced season of the Three days ago, it was very unyear and contrary winds. certain whether we could have gotten them over until next spring ; but now, please God, they shall go. I have made forty-two exceeding strong sleds, and have provided eighty yoke of oxen to drag them as far as Springfield, where I shall get fresh cattle to carry them to camp. The route I

be from here to Kinderhook, from thence into Great Barrington, Massachusetts-Bay, and down to Springfield. There will scarcely be any possibility of conveying them from here to Albany or Kinderhook, but on sleds, the roads will

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

297

being very much gullied. At present, the sledding is tolebeyond that rable to Saratoga, about twenty-six miles there is none. I have sent for the sleds and teams to come up, and expect to begin to move them to Saratoga on

DECEMBER,

fee,

List of Cannon, Stores,

Wednesday or Thursday next, trusting that between this and that period we shall have a fine fall of snow, which will enable us to proceed farther, and make the carriage easy. If that should be the case, 1 hope, in sixteen or seventeen days, to be able to present to your Excellency a noble train of artillery, the inventory of which I have enclosed. I have been particular with respect to their dimensions, that no mistake may be made in making their carriages, as there are none here, or implements of any I also send a list of those stores which I desired I did not Colonel McDougall to send from New- York. then know of any 13-inch mortars, which was the reason but 1 now of my ordering but few shells of that size write to him for five hundred 13-inch, two hundred 5^'^inch, and four hundred 4J-inches. If these sizes could be had there, as I believe they can, 1 should imagine it would save time and expense rather than to have them cast. If you should think otherwise, or have made provision for them elsewhere, you will please to countermand

kind.

Twelve pounders;

New- York,

ordered from 27, 1775:

&/-C.,

November

;

298

1775.

4-pounders; two brass 624-pound shot; five tons 18-pound

double-fortified iron

tons

five

ten tons 10-inch shells ten 7-inch shells; port-fire compositions and quick-matches. All the carcasses, although it is dubious whether there are any. Ordered from the same place, December 17, 1775: Five hundred 13-inch shells two hundred 5 ^V'"ch shells ; four

shot

13-inch shells

five tons

;

tons 8-inch shells

;

;

;

five tons

;

hundred 4J-inch

shells.

McDougall mentioned, doubtfully, that he thought some carcasses at a place near New- York. I

Col.

there were

if there were any, for the whole to be forwarded but have since heard there were but few. They must be provided elsewhere.

ordered,

;

this order. is no other news here of Colonel Arnold than from Colonel Maclean's having burnt the houses round Quebeck, Colonel Arnold was obliged to go to Point-auxTrembles, about six miles from the city that Gen. Montgomery had gone to join him with a considerable body of men, and a good train of artillery, mortars, Sic. There are some timid and some malevolent spirits who make this matter much worse but from the different accounts which I have been able to collect, I have very little doubt that General Montgomery has (^ueheck now in his possession. I am, with the utmost respect, your Excellency's most

There

that,

;

;

obedient,' humble servant,'

tt

„ Knox. Henry ir

His Excellency General Washington.

List of Mortars and Cannon brought from Ticonderogaj

December

10,

general WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUH COOKE. Cambridge, December 17, 1775.

Sir

George Washington.

I atn, &ic.,

To

1775:

By

sundry persons and accounts just from Boston, I am informed that the Ministerial army is in very great distress for want of fresh provisions, and having received intelligence that there are two hundred fat cattle on Block-Island, and some transport vessels cruising that way in quest of necessaries for the army, I must request you to have the cattle, &;c., removed from thence immediately, and from every other place where their ships can come and take them off. It is a matter of the utmost importance to prevent their getting a supply. If they can be hindered now, the advanced season of the year, and the inclement weather, which we may expect ere long, will put it out of their power. I yesterday received the enclosed information from several persons who lately came out from Boston, which I thought my duty to transmit to you. It is more than probable that the destination of the troops may be very different from what they have given out. They may have made use of that to deceive in another quarter. :

Governour Cooke, Rhode-Island.

DIAMETER OF THE BORE. feet. inchcB.

Brass Mortars.

2 cohorns, 4 do. 1 1

-

mortar,

-

do.

-

5 7-10 inches "

4i 8J 7|

" "

-

1

4

-

1

1

Cambridge, December

Sir:

2 2

-

One

trunnion wanting, but not damaged.

8 mortar,

-

1

do.

-

1

do.

-

3

do.

-

6J inches " 10 " lOi 13 in. 2

-

1

-

-

-

-

3 3

feet,

3

feet,

Iron Howitzers. 1 howitzer, 1

17, 1775.

yesterday received the enclosed information from several persons who lately came out from Boston, which I thought it my duty to transmit to you. Whether these troops are embarked I cannot undertake to say but if they are, it is very probable that their destination is very different from what they have given out, and that was used only as a feint, and to deceive us. It is certain that several ships sailed from thence yesterday morning. I

;

feet, inches.

Iron Mortars. 1

general WASHINGTON TO COVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

do.

-

-

6 6 and 3}

feet,

-

-

10

am,

I

feet.

inches.

To

George Washington.

&;c.,

Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.

P. S. Brigadier-General Prescott, treated Colonel Allen with severity, lar attention lest

8 inches 8i «

3 3

4

4

The same

as I

it is said, having beg your partjca-

he should escape.

to the

New- York

Convention.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD. Brass Cannon. "

8 three-pounders, 3 six-pounders, 1 1

3 3 eighteen do. 5 short twenty-four 5

feet, inches.

1-20 inches 7-10 " 1-2 " 11-12 "

3

4 8 5

.



.

6 6 3 6

7 3

The

the

same time

feet. inches.

3 7-10 inches 4 4-10 " " 4 3-4

5 1-2 5 1-2

« "





9 8 9 9

7

4

those I

To

I

will attend

and one who Iron Cannon. six-pounders, nine-pounders, twelve-pounders, double fort. 18-pound. long 18-poimders,

would recommend to you that the officer upon these occasions be a person of sense,

will carefully attend

who meet on

to the conversation oT

the lines.

George Washington.

am, &c., Major-General Ward.

reports of captain dodge.

11

Chelsea,

Mat

26

it

please your Excellency

the observation of the day

One

large barrel of flints; twenty-three boxes of lead,

about one hundred pounds each.

17, 1775.

applications for liberty to go to the lines are

SO frequent that they cause much trouble. You will, therefore, sir, grant passes to such as you may think proper. At

who

13

6 4 6

Cambridge, December

Sir:

December :

I

16, 1775.

have enclosed

:

Last evening, eight men ran away in a boat from B«»ton, to our guard at the ferry. Early in the morning, find-

:

NORTH-CAROLINA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL, DECEMBER,

299

ing they had been with the s:uai-d, 1 immediately forwarded them to the Committee. On the Committee's reception of them, they cleansed them by smoking tliem, and let them •

One of them was Captain James Warden, who was taken in 'Ma'pr Miffiiii's employ, who is very desirous of seeing the Major. Six of them are masters of vessels, and brought the enclosed account. ani your

most humble servant,

RiCHAKD Dodge,

To

Captain.

Excellency General Washington.

his

N. B. Yesterday, one large mortar was carried over to Bunker-Hill. The troops are filling water, and carrying Provision is very scarce it on board the transports. the officers say not more than enough to last them six weeks. One of the gentlemen says he dined with a man that dined with Lord Percy, a few days ago, upon horse-beef. This is from the men that came out of Boston last night. ;

This account

I

received from Boston this day, December

17, 1775:



Got into Remarks for Tuesday, December 5, 1775 Boston; met with the ship Boyne, bound for London, which had on board thirty masters of vessels, passengers. Thursday,!: The Foy, man-of-war, twenty guns, iV7oniagu commander, brought in the brigantine Washington, one Martindale commander, mounting ten guns and ten The Captain and all the swivels, and seventy-two men. men were put on board the Preston. Prisoners were put on board the Tartar, Monday last :

:



man-of-war, to be sent

home

The following is the Rum, twelve shillings per

for trial as

price gallon

pirates.

of provisions in Boston: ;

molasses, three shillings,

by the hogshead; wood, four pounds, sixteen six pence, per cord

;

shillings

and

sea coal, four pounds, fourteen shilsalt beef, four pounds, five shillings,

chaldron ; Madeira wine, one pound eight shillings, per pound per dozen ; red porter, one pound four shillings, per dozen hay, twenty pounds, per ton; geese, nine shillings;

lings, per

;

300

but the above four pounds of pork and bread dealt out to

Richard Dodge,

ihein.

pass.

I

1775.

Captain.

GENERAL SULLIVAN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Camp on

Wintor.Hill, December 17, 1775.

Much respected General:

Agreeably to your order have again waited on Major Rogers, and strictly examined Have seen his several permits, and think them genhim. uine, and in every respect agreeably to the copy sent you. He says he left New-York about the 10th of October, being ill with the fever and ague, was ten days in getting to Albany ; that there, and at the place called Stone Rabba, he tarried ten days more ; he then passed through Hoosuck, Slandford, Draper, and Hinsdale, in his way to his brother, who lives in Kent; he was three days in performing this route, and tarried with his brother five or six days more; he was then three days in going to Westminster, and in his way passed through by Dartmouth College, and saw Mr. Wheelock ; from thence he went to his farm in Pennicook, where he tarried six or eight days; from thence he went to Newbury, and from thence to Portsmouth, and after tarrying there some few days, laid his permit before the Committee of Safety. He owns every thing in Mr. Wheelock's letter, except that of his having been in Canada, which he warmly denies, and says he can prove the route he took, and prove himself to have been in the several towns at or near the days he has mentioned. I asked him why he came to the camps, as he had no business with any particular persons, and had no inclination to offer his service in the American cause; to which he replied, that he had voluntarily wailed upon the Committees of several Colonies, as he thought it a piece of respect due to them, and would probably prevent his being suspected and treated as a person unfriendly to us; that he likewise thought it his duty to wait on your Excellency, and acquaint you with the situation of his affairs, and if he could, to obtain your license, to travel unmolested.

;

turkeys, ten shillings and six pence ; fowls, four shillings and six pence ; onions, six pence per pound ; potatoes,

Tiiese,

may be

sir,

him your Exfrom thinking that he has been in Canada ; but as he was once Governour of Michilimackinack it is possible he may have a commission to take that command, and stir up the Indians agaxust us, and only waits for an opportunity to get there for which reason I would advise lest some blame might be laid upon your Excellency in future, not to give him any other perand should mit, but let him avail himself of those he has he prove a traitor, let the blame centre upon those who enlarged him. I beg pardon for intruding my opinion, and subscribe myself your Excellency's most obedient sercellency can best judge.

Orders from General Howe, to pull down the Old North Meeting-house, and one hundred wood houses. Morison, a Scotch minister, took bribe of a certain gentleman, of thirtysix shillings sterling, to get out o( Boston, and seventy-two shillings to let him bring out a trunk of two hundred and eighty pounds in cash ; which, when he had it in his power, seized the whole and carried it to Boston again. The officers of the Fifty-ninth and Eighteenth regiments are sailed for home in order to recruit, and return in the spring. One regiment of Foot and three companies of the Light- Horse sail for Halifax this day. 1 am credibly informed that the soldiers have nothing

NORTH-CAROLINA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

;

John Sullivan.

vant,

His Excellency General Washington.

tee of Safety, for the District of Halifax,

Samuel Johnston, Thomas .Tones, Samuel Ashe, James Coor, Thomas Eaton, Abner Nash, John Kinchen, Whitmill Hill, Waightstill Avery, Thomas Person, Esquires.

And whereas

till

to-morrow morning, nine Tuesday, December

19, 1775.

The

Council met according to adjournment. Samuel Spencer, Esquire, one of the members of Coun-

cil

appeared, repeated and subscribed the Test, and took

bis seat.

brought before this CounWalter Lamb, with several affidavits accusing him witli sundry misdemeanors. And whereas this Council thinking it proper that the witnesses should personally appear against the said Lamb, Do therefore order. That Mr. Branch, the aforesaid Sheriff, take into his custody the said Lamb, unless he shall give sufficient security to appear before the said Commit-

The Sheriff of Halifax County

cil

a certain

far

;

tried, acquitted, or

o'clock.

am

I

,

a Provincial Council held at the Court House in the County of Johnston, the eighteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord 1775: The Honourable the President, and ten Members appeared and took their seats in Council, to wit:

At

Council adjourned

am

steps are most proper to be taken respecting

ten shillings per bushel. Soldiers' allowances, four pounds per week.

The

me by him. What unable to say, and what

are the facts as handed to

his secret designs I

The

punished as they

by them

to

be

shall think necessary.

Sheriff of Halifax County, brought

before this

George Massingbird, with an affidavit accusing him of having made use of some words disre-

Council

a

certain

spectful to the cause of

America.

Council thinking it proper that the witnesses should personally appear against the said George Massingbird, and he appearing to be truly sensible of his jjast ill conduct, and having taken an oath satisfactory to the Council this

Do therefore order, That the said George Massingbird be discharged from custody. The Council being informed that Roger Ormond, Esq., one of the members of the Committee of Safety for the District of Newbern is dead It is therefore resolved. That John Si7npson, Esquire, of the County of Pitt, be, and he is hereby appointed a member of the said Committee, for the District aforesaid, in the room and stead of the said Roger Ormond, and that he, the said John Simpson, be admitted to take his seat :

accordingly.

The o'clock.

Council adjourned

till

to-morrow morning, niqe

:

NORTH-CAROLINA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL, DECEMBER,

301

Fear River, and be allowed

Wednesday, December 20, 1775.

The

Council met according to adjournment.

The

and

appearing to this Council, that the measures concerted for the defence of -4mencan liberty have been communicated to the prejudice of the publick. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Committees of Wilmington and Brunswick, and to the Commanding Officer of the detachment stationed on Cape-Fear River, to use their utmost endeavours to cut off all manner of personal communication between his Excellency Governour Martin and the officers of the ships-of-war, with the It

inhabitants of this Province, on any pretext whatever; and that the utmost caution be used in supplying the that they be conveyed in such any intelligence from being disclosed by the persons conveying the said Provisions. Resolved, That nothing in the above Resolve shall be construed to prevent any person corresponding by letter with Governour Martin, or the ships-of-war, such letter being first laid before the Committees of the said towns, or either of them, or the Commanding-Officer aforesaid, and approved of by them. Provided, nevertheless, That the Committee of Safety for the District of Wilmington, should they think it necessary, are hereby empowered to cut off all supplies of Pro;

as to prevent

in

Cape-Fear

River.

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay into the hands of William Kennon, Esquire, Commissary to the First Regiment of regular Troops in this Province, the sum of two thousand pounds, for purchasing Provisions for the use of said Troop?, to be accounted for with the Provincial Congress and that they be allowed in their ;

accounts with the publick.

printer to this Province, according to act of

;

the amount.

Resolved, That Matthew Troy be appointed to employ proper persons to make Carriages for, and mount four of

Cannon now

at

Newbern, and remove them

for

;

which

this shall

to Salis-

bury, for the defence of this Province, to be accounted for; and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay into the hands of the said Matthew Troy, the sum of forty pounds for the above service, and be allowed in their accounts with the publick.

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay Abner Nash and James Coor, Esquires one hundred pounds, to be appropriated by them towards ngmguions now erecting at Hangingcompleting the Fortification Point, on Neuse River, and be allowed in their accounts into the hands of

with the publick.

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay the hands of Samuel Ashe, Esquire, one hundred pounds, to be jvppropriated by him towards completing the Fortification now erecting at Du Bois's Mill, on Cape-

Assembly

for

be your warrant.

Resolved, That Robert Smith, Esquire, be appointed Paymaster of the Troops stationed in the District of £t/e?ithe ton, as also to the Minute-men in the said District, in room of Samuel Johnston, who resigns, he first entering in the into bond to this Council, with sufficient security sum of ten thousand pounds. Proclamation money.

This Council taking

into consideration the necessity of

out Armed Vessels, for the protection of the trade of that there be three Armed Vessels fitted out Province this one at Cape Fear, one ai Newwith all oespatch, to wit Edenton bern, and one at

fitting



:

Bo resolve. That Mr. Vi-es\Ami, Samuel Ashe, Richard Quince, Robert Ellis, Esquires, and Captain /oAn Forster, or any three of them, are appointed Commissioners at Port Brunswick; Abner Nash, James Coor, Joseph Leech, James Davis, Richard Ellis, Esquires, and Messrs. John Green, David Baron, and John Wright Standley, or a majority of them, are appointed Commissioners at Port Beaufort; and Samuel Johnston, Thomas Jones, Joseph Montfort, Robert Hardy, Robert Smith, Esquires, and

Mr. John Norcomb, or a majority of them, are appointed Commissioners at Port Roanoke ; and that the said Commissioners do immediately purchase, arm, man, and vicmanner, at each of the above-mentionone good and substantial vessel, and to recommend proper officers to this Council, and to station them at such place or places as they may think proper, prudent, and necessary, in order to protect the trade and commerce of this Province, the whole under the control of the Provincial Congress and Council. Resolved, That the Commissioners appointed for each

tual, in a sufficient

ed

ports,

of the ports mentioned by the above resolve, or a majority of them, are hereby empowered to draw on either of the Treasurers of this Province for all necessary su^ns of money to answer the above purposes, who shall be allowed the same in their accounts with the publick.

Resolved, That Abner

Resolved, That Mr. President write in the name of this Board, to the Council of Safety of Soulh- Carolina, requesting them to supply this Province with two thousand weight of Gunpowder, to be delivered Waightstill Avery, Esquire, or his order, who is hereby appointed to wait upon them, or empower some other person for that purpose, to receive the same ; and that this Board will pay for all Powder delivered to the said Waightstill Avery in consequence of this order and that the Treasurers, or either of them, be ordered to give a draft on the Continental Treasury for

into

pounds. Proclamation money, being for one year's due to him, the first day of this instant, as publick

fifty

salary

Resolved, That Lehansyus Dekeyser, Adjutant in the Regiment of Regulars, raised in this Province, under the command of Colonel James Moore, be allowed Adjuinclutant's pay, from the fifteenth day of September last, day. from that duty performed sive, he having

any of the ships-of-war lying

to-morrow morning, nine

:

that purpose

to

till

The Council met according to adjournment. To either of the Publick Treasurers You are to pay unto James Davis, printer, two hundred

First

the

Council adjourned

Thursday, Dooerabor 21, 1775.

publick.

visions

their accounts with the

o'clock.

Johnston, and that the said Paymaster take his receipt for the same, to be produced whenever demanded by the

manner

in

publick.

Resolved, That the Paymaster of Hillsborough District pay unto Messrs. A'niAnn Rochester and miliam Johnston, Proclaseventy pounds, seven shillings and four pence, Gunmation money, for one hundred and fifty pounds of Lead, bar of pounds seventy-six powder, four hundred and and one thousand Gun Flints, purchased by them pursuant County, and that to a resolve of the Committee of Orange of PVilliam hands the in lodged be Ammunition said the

ships-of-war with Provisions

302

1775.

Nash and James Coor,

Esquires,

one or more Vessels, and agree with the masters and seamen, at the Port of Newbern, and load the same to such parts as they niay judge expedient, and with such articles as they may think proper, not exceeding the sum of five hundred pounds, Proclamation money, in order to procure Arms and Amor either of them, be

empowered

to charter

munition for the use and protection of this Province, the to be at the hazard, risk, and expense of this Pro-

same

vince.

Resolved, That Mr. President, Richard quince, Sen., and John Forster, Esqs., or either of them, be empowered masters and to charter one or more Vessels, and agree with seamen, at the Port of Wilmington, and load the same to such parts as they shall judge expedient, and with such of articles as they may think proper, not exceeding the sum

hundred pounds, in order to procure Arms and Ammusame nition for the us* and protection of this Province, the Province. to be at the hazard, risk, and expense of this Resolved, That Whitmill Hill, Esquire, be empowered masters and to charter one or more Vessels, and agree with seamen, at the Port of Edenton, and load the same to such articles as parts as he shall judge expedient, and with such hunthink proper, not exceeding the sum of hve he may tninu

five

dred pounds, Proclamafcion money, in order to procure Amis and Ammunition for the use and protection of this Province, the same to be at the hazard, risk, and expense of this

Province.

Resolved, That Jams Geekie, be appointed Surgeon of the First Regiment of the Continental Army of this

:

;

:

;;

NORTH-CAROLINA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL, DECEMBER,

303

1775.

804

who neg-

Resolved, That two Battalions of Minute-men be immediately embodied in the District of Salisbury, in the Resolved, That Richard Caswell, Esquire, Treasurer of same manner as directed by the Congress, and that the following persons shall be, and are hereby appointed Fieldthe Southern District, pay into the hands of Abner Nash of said Battalions, viz Officers them, the sum or either of of and James Coor, Esquires, Of the First Battalion Griffith Rutherford, Colonel 6ve liundred pounds, for purchasing Arms and AmmuniJohn Pfifer, Lieutenant-Colonel ; John Paisly, Major. tion, to be accounted for at the next Provincial Congress, Thomas Polk, Colonel Of the Second Battalion and that the said Treasurer be allowed in his accounts with Charles Maclaine, Adam Alexander, ; Lieutenant-Colonel the publick. Major. Treasurer of Esquire, SamuelJohnston, Resolved, That And that Commissions issue accordingly. the Northern District, pay into the hands of WhilmillHill, purchasing for The pounds, Petition of William Gibbs being read, praying Esquire, the sum of five hundred Arms and Ammunition, to be accounted for at the next leave to ship a quantity of Naval Stores, which suffered in the late hurricane, and the same being taken under consiProvincial Congress, and that the said Treasurer be allowderation was rejected, it being incompatible with the Reed in his accounts with the publick. Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay solves of the Continental Congress. into the hands of Mr. President, and Richard (Quince, Resolved, That William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Sen., and John Forster, Esquires, or either of them, the John Penn, Esquires, Delegates for this Province at the sum of five hundred pounds, for purchasing Arms and Continental Congress in Philadelphia, do purchase one Ammunition, to be accounted for at the next Provincial Wagon and four good Horses in the Province o{ PennsylCongress, and that the said Treasurers be allowed in their vania, and hire a careful person to bring the same to Eden-

Province, in the room of Doctor Isaac Guion, lects his duty.

:

:

:

accounts with the publick. Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to Doctor William Pastuer, the sum of seventy-five pounds, for Medicines furnished the Second Regiment of Continental Troops in this Province, and that the said William Pastuer account with the next Provincial Congress for the said sum, and that they be allowed in their accounts with the publick.

appearing to this Council, that John Simpson, EdSalter, and Robert Salter, Esquires, in behalf of the Committee of Pitt County, liad agreed and executed bonds Tvith a certain Paul White, for a quantity of Powder and Lead, and at the same time undertook to indemnify the said Paul While, in his vessel, during the completion of the

ion, in this Province, with the Gunpowder, Drums, Colours, and Fifes, procured by them for the use of the Continental Troops stationed in this Province and that the said Delegates are empowered to call upon the Continental Treasurer for the amount of the purchase of the Wagon and Horses, and paying the person to be employed by them to bring the same ; to be charged to the Account of this Province. ;

The

It

ward

voyage

And whereas the said vessel on her arrival at Occacock Bar, was taken by a cutler belonging to some of His Majesty's ships-of-war, and detained as a prize, but the Ammunition saved by taking out tiie same at sea: Resolved, That John Simpson, Edtvard Salter, and Robert Salter, be allowed the sum of eight hundred and

Council adjourned

till

to-morrow morning, nine

o'clock. Friday, December 22, 1775.

The

Council met, according

to

adjournment.

having been made to appear to this Council, that the late Election for Delegates and Committee-men for the County of Onslow was unduly made, and that the Committee so unduly elected have refused to subscribe the Test, Resolved, That the said Elections be set aside, and that the Election for Delegates and Committee-men for the said County of Onslow be held on the third Saturday in January next and that Thomas Johnston, Esq., give at least twenty days notice of this order previous to the said Election, and that he take the poll and make the proper It

;

and eight pence,

sixty-five pounds, four shillings

to en-

them to comply with their contract with the said Paul White; and that the Treasurers, or either of them, able

pay them the same, and be allowed

in their

returns.

accounts with

Whereas

the publick.

Resolved, That the next Provincial Council shall be held at the Court-House in the County of Johnston, the but that the President seventeenth day of March next may call a Council sooner, if he should find it necessary. ;

Whereas it appears probable this Province may soon be invaded by the British Troops, and the inhabitants be destitute of sufficient Arms for defence of their lives, liberties, and properties That Mr. Thomas Jones, Mr. for Edenton ; Mr. Abner Nash, Mr. James Coor, and Mr. David Baron, for Netobern ; Mr. John Kinchen, Mr. John Butler, and Mv. Memucan Hunt, for Hillsborough; Mr. President, Mr. Samuel Ashe, Mr. William Campbell, and Mr. /owes Kenan, for Wilmington; Mr. Samuel Spencer, Mr. Waightstill Avery, Mr. Griffith Rutherford, Mr. Christopher Beckman, and Mr. Ralph Garrill, for Salisbury Mr. Willie Jones, Mr. Thomas Eaton, Mr. William Alston, (son of Philip,) Mr. Joseph John Williams, Mr. Eaton Haynes, and Mr. Duncan Laman, for the District of Halifax, or any of them, be, and they are hereby, empowered and required to purchase materials and employ proper persons to make and mend Guns and Bayonets, and also to purchase good serviceable Guns, Gun- barrels. Stocks, and Locks, Lead, and Flints, and have them reIt

is

therefore resolved.

Whitmill HiU, and Mr.

Luke Sumner,

paired for the use of this Province; for which purpose, the Treasurers or the Paymasters, or either of them, are directed to furnish any of the above persons with money out Proof the Publick Treasury, as occasion may require tided, The amount to be paid to the persons in either of :

the Districts does not exceed the sum of three hundred pounds ; for which they are respectively to account with the next Provincial Conjcress.

legates and

the County of Surry have failed to elect DeCommittee-men on the day appointed by Con-

gress for that purpose.

Resolved, That William Sheppard, Esq., be commanded to notify the Freeholders and Householders to meet at the Court-House on the second Tuesday in February next, then and there to elect any number of Freeholders or Householders, not more than five, to represent them in the next Congress and any number of Freeholders or House holders, not less than twenty-one, to serve as Committeemen it being, in the opinion of this Council, agreeable to the intention of the last Congress. •

;

;

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay Adam Boyd the sum of twenty pounds, for two hundred Pamphlets, delivered to the Congress at Hillsborough, and be allowed in their accounts with the publick. to

Resolved, That Mr. Jeremiah McCaffety be allowed sum of seventy-four pounds, eight shillings and nine pence. Proclamation money, for two hundred and ninetyseven pounds and three-quarters of a pound of Gunpowder, taken and received by Colonel Thomas Polk and Major John Pffer, to be accounted for by them to the next Congress, and by them served out to the Troops who lately marched from the Western Counties of this Province against the insurgents near Ninety-Six, \n South-Carolina ; and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay the same, and be allowed in their accounts with the publick. Resolved, That James Mansfield be allowed the sum of five pounds, eleven shillings and six pence. Proclamation money, for taking care of the sick Soldiers at CapeFear, and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their accounts with the pubthe

lick.

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay

:

NORTH-CAROLINA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL, DECEMBER,

305

into the hands of Colonel Hairy Rhodes tlie sum of twenty-one pounds and nine shillings, for Gunpowder and Lead purchased in Onslow County, for the use of this Province and that the said Henry Rhodes do deposite the said Powder and Lead in some secure place until further orders from this Council or the Provincial Congress.

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay Doctor James Geckie the sum of fifty pounds, to enable him to purchase Medicines for the use of the First Regiment of the Continental Troops in this Province; and that the said James Geekie account with the next Provincial Congress for the said sum, and that they be allowed in their accounts with the publick. Resolved, That each of the Publick Treasurers be empowered to draw on the Continental Treasury for any sum, not exceeding ten thousand dollars each, towards defraying the expense of the Troops on the Continental establishment in this Province.

It appearing to this Council that James Ktbble, of Onslow Co\inly,Al present is inimical to the cause of Liberty, Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Council that the said Kebble is an improper person to hold any commission in the Militia of the said County.

Whereas

it

appears to

Council, that, from the na-

this

Pasquotank County, being divided by

Sundry Resolves of the Continental Congress, respecting regulations and arrangements of the two Battalions of the Continental Army raised in this Province, being com-

a

very wide river, that the calling of General Musters at the Court-House of that County is burdensome and troublesome to the inhabitants of the same, and that a division of the Pasquotank Regiment would ease the inhabitants and

municated

made and established a new and distinct Regiment, and known and distinguished by the name of the Seand that

recommend

Com-

up the

any

said vacancies, in

proportion to the

number they

It is further

recommended

to the

Commanding

Officers

of the said Battalions, that they, as soon as may be, despatch proper officers on recruiting parties to the Western Counties of this Province, in order that their full complement of men may be completed with all despatch. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding eighty pounds, Proclamation money, be applied by Samuel Johnston, Esq., Treasurer of the Northern District, for the purpose of erecting a Breastwork in the Town of Edenton, for the defence of the said Town and that the said Treasurer be allowed the same on settling his accounts with the publick. ;

Resolved, That American freedom

be recommended to all friends to purchase all the Powder, Saltpetre, and Sulphur in their power, for the use of the publick, and lodge the same with the several Town and County Committees in this Province ; and that the said Committees appoint a proper person in each Town and County to take care of the above-mentioned articles, and taking receipts for the same, and to be paid for by the publick ; and that a sum not exceeding half a dollar be given for Saltpetre.

fifty weight of Gunpowder, and eight hundred and fourteen pounds of Buckshot, for the use of the publick, and delivered to Colonel Nash ; and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their accounts with the publick.

clamation money, for

Resolved, That the Conimittee of Jf'ilmington be allowed the sum of eighty-three pounds, fifteen shillings and ten pence, Proclamation money, for thirty-one Guns, stocking four Guns, and repairing three Guns and twelve Gun Locks, for the use of the First Regiment, under the command of Colonel Moore; and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their

The

it

to

Council adjourned

till

to-morrow morning, nine

o'clock. Sunday, December 24, 1775.

The

Council met, according to adjournment. Resolved, That the Paymasters be directed to furnish a sum, not exceeding sixty pounds, to the Captain of each Company, to be by him paid to such persons as may be sent out on recruiting parties, as advance money for the

accounts with the publick. al-

new

recruits, at forty shillings a

man.

Whereas Governour Aiar/m hath distributed great numbers of Tory Pamphlets in the Western part of this Pro-

;

where the People are not well informed. Resolved, That the Continental Delegates from this Province be immediately informed thereof, and desired to procure the best Pamphlets that can be had, for the true information of the People, to counteract and frustrate the wicked and diabolical stratagems of Governour Martin and other tools of a corrupt Ministry.

to-morraw morning, nine

till

that, in case

as Lieutenants ia

shall respectively recruit.

Resolved, That fVilliam Hill be allowed the sum of thirty-seven pounds, two shillings and eight pence. Pro-

;

act

cancies, to assist in recruiting their respective Regiments, which services will be considered by this Council, in filling

Resolved, That Richard Quince be allowed the sum of two hundred and one pounds, three shillings and six pence, Proclamation money, for four hundred and sixteen pounds and one-half of a pound of Gunpowder, two thousand five hundred and thirty-one pounds of Lead, and one hundred and ninety-three pounds of Saltpetre, for the use of the publick ; and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their accounts with the publick.

Resolved, That tiie Committee of Wilmington be allowed the sum of seven pounds, one shilling, Proclamation money, for two Muskets, repairing one Gun and two Gun Locks, for the First Regiment, on account of the publick and that tlie Treasurers, or either of them, pay the same, and be allowed in their accounts with the publick.

Congress will

on the said new arrangement there will be several vacancies of Ensigns, this Council recommend it to the Courts-Martial to encourage proper persons to fill such va-

habitants.

Council adjourned

to the Provincial

as

Resolved, That the dividing line between the First and Second Regiment of Rowan Militia shall hereafter be continued from the mouth of the lower Little River, a due north course, to the line of the County of Surry, it appearing to the Council to be more convenient to the in-

Resolved, That the Committee of fVilmington be

Pro-

the service, an allowance be made them, out of the publick Treasury of this Province, sufficient to make their pay equal to a Captain's, and to retain their rank. And,

Resolved, That Colonel Henry Rhodes be, and he is hereby, appointed to pay for and receive into his custody all the Powder in the County of Onslow secured in the hands of individuals for the use of the publick, and keep the same till further orders.

The

it

of the said reduced Captains

missions issue accordingly.

lowed the sum of one hundred and fifteen pounds, three shillings and three pence, for seven hundred and thirtythree pounds and one-half pound of Powder, and seventythree pounds of Lead and Ball, for the use of the publick and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay them the same, and be allowed in their accounts with the publick.

this

be recommended to them that they, with all convenient speed, call General Courts-Martial to form their respective Regiments, agreeably to the said Resolves. And as the number of Captains, agreeably to the said Resolutions, must necessarily be reduced, this Council will

shall be

;

Council by the Delegates of

Resolved, That copies of the said Resolves be delivered the Colonels of the respective Battalions, and that it

to

Therefore, resolved, That the Regiment of Militia in the said County of Pasquotank shall be divided by Pasquotank River, and that all the Militia of said County on the northeast side of said river shall be, and is hereby,

Militia

to this

vince in the said Congress,

encourage military discipline

cond Regiment of Pasquotank

306

to

;

tural situation of

1775.

vince,

Resolved,

Lead, lodged

That one-fourth

part of

the

Powder and

the hands of Mr. William Johnston, of Hillsborough, by resolve of this Council, be delivered to

o'clock. Saturday, December 23, 1775.

The Council met, FouETH Series.

Mr. Thomas Person, in order for the use of the pnblick> and that the said Johnston take his receipt for the same.

according to adjournment.

—Vol.

iv.

in

20

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

307

&c.,

Resolved, That the Commanding Officer of the First Regiment send an officer, with twenty-five privates, to Georgetoivn, as an escort to protect the Ammunition to

Indian

be purchased by a resolve of this Council, the same from thence to Cape-Fear.

Candles

conveying

for

Resolved, That the Paymasters in the several Districts where the Continental Troops are stationed, do immediately purchase Cloth and have the same made up into Clothes, to wit Coats, Waistcoats, and Breeches, for such of the men in the two Battalions of Continental Troops not already provided with Clothing, and that the amount :

thereof be discounted out of each of ten shillings per month.

man's pay,

at the rate

DECEMBER,

1775.

308

Meal per man per week one quart of Spruce Beer or Cider per man, or nine gallons of Molasses per company of one hundred men per week three pounds of ;

;

one hundred men per week, for guards twenty-four poimds of Soft or eight pounds of Hard Soap for one hundred men per week The Council having taken the same into consideration, resolve that the several Commissaries lo the Continental Troops do supply them with the above-mentioned Rations, and that they respectively be allowed for each man so to be supplied, per day, the additional sum of two pence and that the said Commissaries be allowed for the same \a to

;

:

the settlement of their respective accounts with the publick.

Resolved, That the sum of two thousand pounds be paid into the hands of Samuel Ashe, Esq., Paymaster of the Troops stationed at Cape-Fear, by the Southern Trea-

purpose of purchasing Cloth, Stc, for said Troops, and that he account for the same to the next Congress, and be allowed in his accounts with the publick. surer, for the

Resolved, Thai the Treasurers, or either of them, pay William Chew the sum of forty pounds and eight pence, Proclamation money, for conveying a packet from the Continental Congress to this Board, and carrying back answers to the same ; and be allowed in their accounts with to

the publick.

Resolved, That the sum of one thousand pounds be paid into the hands of Robert Smith, Esq., Paymaster of the Troops stationed at Edenton, by the Northern Trea-

Resolved, That the several Members of the Committee of Safety for the District of Salisbury, be required to meet

purpose of purchasing Cloth, Sic, for said Troops and that he account for the same to the next Congress, and be allowed in his accounts with the publick.

publick business.

surer, for the ;

Resolved, That the sum of one thousand pounds be paid into the hands of Richard Caswell, Esq., Paymaster of the Troops stationed at Newbern, by the Southern Treasurer, for the purpose of purchasing Cloth, Sic, for said

Troops

and that he account for the same to Congress next meeting, and be allowed in his accounts with

at its

;

the publick.

Resolved, Tiiat the Northern Treasurer pay into the hands of Matthew Locke, Paymaster of the Regulars and

Minute-men in the District of Salisbury, the further sum of two thousand pounds, to enable him to pay off' and clothe the Continental Troops, and pay the Minute-men; to be accounted for at the next

and be allowed

in his

meeting of the Congress, accounts with the publick.

Resolved, That Matthew Locke, Paymaster of Salisbury District, be directed to purciiase all the Ammunition he can procure; and for all sums advanced in this service he shall be allowed in his settlements with the publick. Resolved, That

Troops

the

Paymaster of the

Continental

stationed in this Province do immediately procure

Cartridge-boxes and Haversacks, for the use of such of the Troops as are not already supplied witii them and that the Paymasters be allowed for the same in the settlement of their respective accounts with the publick. ;

The Continental Congress having recommended to the Council additional Rations for the Troops stationed in this Province, viz three pints of Peas or Beans per week, or Vegetables equivalent, rating the Peas or Beans at a dollar per bushel one pint of Milk per day, at the rate of 1-72 of a dollar per pint ; half a pint of Rice or one pint of :

on the

Ncwburgli, December

Tuesday

Pursuant to the orders of the Congress to the Regiment under my command, to be in readiness upon any proper alarm, I have appointed the place of general rendezvous to be at Mr. Martin Wygani's, in Newburgh Precinct. 1 am, with due obedience to the honourable Congress, your humble servant,' sir, ^ , ,, '

Jonathan Hasbrouck.

To the

Honourable Nathaniel fVoodhull, President of the Provincial Congress of the Colony of iVeif- York.

February next,

for the

despatch of

Resolved, That, in case any of the Continental Troops should be stationed in either of the Towns in this Province, the Committee of such Town is hereby empowered and required to provide for them suitable Barracks during their stay in such Town, and report to the next Congress the time such Barracks shall have been occupied, that the Members thereof may make such allowances as they shall judge necessary. Resolved, That

it

be recommended to the several

Town

and County Committees in this Province inunediately to furnish the Captains of each Minute and Militia Company, respective Counties, with copies of the Test in their signed and recommended by the late Provincial Congress, and present the same to the men under their command, for their approbation and also to return a list of all those who neglect or refuse signing the same, to the said Committee, to be by them transmitted to the Provincial Council at their next meeting. ;

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Council that no person or persons shall be entitled to any benefit or relief against any debtor, as directed by the Provincial Congress, unless such person or persons so applying shall, at least ten days previous to such application, have subscribed the Continental Association and the Test, as signed and re commended by the late Provincial Congress, held at Hills-

°

Cornelius Harnett, President.

'

By

order:

James Green..

make known to

18, 1775.

in

Resolved, That the Northern Treasurer, or the Paymaster of Salisbury District, pay Mr. Waightstill Avery the sum of twenty-five pounds towards defraying his expenses to South-Carolina, on the business of this Province.

;

COLONEL HASBROUCK TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

first

and

I

Jr., Clerk.

the Corporation and citizens of New-York;

request that you will insert

it

in

the publick papers,

end that the inhabitants of this Province may have the comfopt of knowing the protection that is afforded to the friends of order and good government, and warned to aAoid a continuation of measures that will involve the country in misery, and bring destruction upon their families and on their own heads. I am, sir, your very humble servant, to the

William Trton.

To Whitehead Hicks, Esq., Mayor of the City of Neto York.

GOVERNOUR TRYON TO THE MAYOR OF NEW-YORK. row-York, Ship Dutchess of Gortlon, off Now-York, Di:cember 18, 8, 1775.

Sir:

I

)

I

lose no time in transmitting to you, herewith, a

morning received from Captain Parker, of His Majesty's siiip PAostn'ar, communicating certain instructions he has received from Admiral Graves, for the rule of his

fetter

I this

.jCOndoct

Q{i

this

station,

which

letter

you

will

forthwith

CAPTAIN PARKER TO GOVERNOUR TRYON. Ship Phsnix, at New-York, December 18, 1775.

Sir: Being ordered by my instructions from Vice-Admiral Grouc^, Commander-in-chief of His Majesty's ships and vessels in North-America, publickly to signify to all towns accessible to His Majesty's ships, that in case any violences shall hereafter be offered to any of the officers

/I

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

309

of the Crown, or other peaceably disposed subjects of His Majesty; or, if any bodies of men shall be raised and armed in the said towns, or any military works erected, otherwise than by order of His Majesty, or those acting under his authority; or, if any attempts shall be made to seize or destroy any publick magazine of arms, ammunition, or stores, in all or either of those cases, it will be my duty to treat the said town as in open rebellion against the King. 1 am to request that your Excellency will be pleased to let the above instructions be publickly made known in the town of New- York. At the same time, you will assure them that 1 shall be happy in granting the town every protection in the power of His Majesty's ships under my command. I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble

H. Parker.

servant,

To

&c.,

DECEMBER,

1775.

810

highest consequence. The enemy are expending the ammunition most liberally, and I fear the Canadians will not relish a union with the Colonies till they see the whole country in our hands, and defended by such a force as may relieve them from the apprehensions of again falling under the Ministerial lash. Were it not for these reasons, I should have been inclined to a blockade till towards the first of April, by which time the garrison would probably be much distressed for provisions and wood. With anxious wishes for the recovery of your health, and best respects to your family if you be returned home, I am, my dear sir, your very affectionate and obliged humble servant.

To

Richard Montgomery.

Major-General Schuyler.

His Excellency Governour Tryon.

general WOOSTER to general SCHUYLER. SAMUEL STEYENS TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. Charlestown, Cumberland County, N. Y.,

December

18, 1775.

Head-Quarters, Montreal, December 18, 1775. )

\

Sir: I am requested by some of the people of the County of Cumberland, to acquaint you, as Secretary of the Congress of the Colony of New- York, that the major part of the inhabitants of that County are desirous that the Congress do not make out commissions to any person or persons in either of the regiments of militia in that County, until a candid representation be made of the minds of the people with respect to the several nominations and appoint-

ments made by

their

County Congress and Committee of

Safely, except it be to those persons who were chosen by the people of the several towns in June last, by order of the

County Congress when upwards of forty members were They recommended that the County be formed present. into two regiments of militia, for which purpose, order that the inhabitants of the respective towns in each regiment meet, and make choice of one captain, one lieutenant, and one ensign, in each town ; that the said officers should afterwards meet and make choice of proper persons for field-officers of each regiment, which was accordingly done and the people in general are as well satisfied as the nature 1 suppose there may of such a proceeding will ad(nit of. be a few disaffected persons, who expected to have been chosen to office. Tlie persons n)ade choice of in the lower regiment for field-officers were, viz James Rogtrs, ColoEleazer Patiisun, Lieutenant-Colonel ; and one Mr. nel Upper regiment: Simon Stevens, of Lovejoy, Major. Springfield, Colonel ; Joseph Marsh, of Hartford, Lieutenant-Colonel and Benjamin Wait, of Windsor, Major. return of the proceeding was delivered to Major William Williams, and by him to be delivered to the Congress at New- York, that the commissions may accordingly issue, 1 underif the choice were approved of by the Congress. stand that about fourteen or fifteen of the said Congress met some time in September, and made a new choice of field-officers, and left out the most of those chosen first; at which time they made choice of a standing Committee of Safety, and then dissolved themselves as a Congress. 1 am informed, that at a meeting of the said Committee of Safety, about three weeks ago, consisting of fourteen members, amongst other things, nominated another set of gentlemen to be field-officers of the militia and minuteregiment so that if they are all commissioned, above oneThe two third of the men in the County will be officers. last choices have created a great deal of uneasiness in the County. I intend shortly to pay you a visit. :

;

;

A

Dear General General Montgomery informs me that you desired me to send you an account of the number of :

men

discharged between Albany and Ticonderoga. would inform you that I did not discharge any men, but only gave them a furlough and that to the Connecticut troops only to pass to New-England, as the term of their inlistments were not expired, and I imagined they might be very serviceable there ; and as the Captains are Paymasters to their own companies, by act of Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut, they are all returned home, and without doubt have settled their pay-rolls with the Committee of the Pay-Table appointed for that purpose. that

I

Therefore

I





must beg leave to enforce General Montgomery's Paymaster or money to be sent forward, or we shall be overwhelmed with mutiny and disorder. I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant, Sir,

1

request, for the

David Wooster.

T>^ c„A 7 lo r-^ General iicnuyler. I

GOVERNOUR COOKE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Providence, December 18, 1775.

Sir

am

favoured with your Honour's letter enclosing the resolutions of the Congress relating to the Continental army, and beg leave to assure you that every assistance in my power shall be given lo re-establish it. The militia of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay and New-Hampshire have cheerfully supplied greater numbers of men than were required of them for the defence of the lines, and 1 think it probable that three-quarters of the old soldiers vtill reinlist before the militia are discharged. I gave orders some time ago for the delivery of Mr. Smith's trunk to Mr. Simo?i Pease, and am informed by him that he shipped it to Philadelphia by Capt. Anthony, who sailed about eleven or twelve days ago. This letter will be handed to you by Messrs. Penet and Pliarne, who arrived here about ten days ago from CapeFrancois, in a vessel sent by the Colony for powder ; they :

I

were well recommended to us, and I gave them a letter to General Washington, who hath prevailed upon them to lay their proposals before the Congress. I hope their visit lo North-America will be an introduction to such measures as may be attended with happy consequences to the United Colonies. I

am, with great esteem,

sir,

your most obedient, hum-

;

1

am,

sir,

in haste,

ble servant,'

To

»t

r-,

Nicholas Cooke.

the Honourable

John Hancock, Esq.

your humble servant,

Samuel Stevens.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE. Cambridge, December 18, 1775.

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. Hoad-Quarters, December 18, 1775.

My

dear General: 1 have been near a fortnight beQuebeck, at the head of upwards of eight hundred men ; a force you will say not very adequate to the business in hand, but we must make the best of it. It is all I could I have been so used to struggle with difficulties, that get. I expect them of course. 1 hope the troops will be sent down as soon as possible, for should we fail in our first attempt, a second or a third may do the business before relief can arrive to tiie garrison. Possession of the town, and that speedily, I hold of the fore

Sir:

We

a circumstance should scarcely think credible. It is, that Colonel Allen, who (with his small party) was defeated and taken prisoner near Montreal, has been treated without regard to decency, humanity, or the rules of war; that he has been thrown into irons, and suffers nil the hardships inflicted upon conmion felons. 1 think it my duty, sir, to demand, and do expect from you an eclaircissement on this subject at the same lime, 1 flatter myself, from the character which Mr. Howe bears, as a man of honour, gentleman, and soldier, that my demand will meet with his approbation. I must take the

which, were

have just been informed of

it

not so well authenticated,

I

;

:

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

311

liberty, also, of informing you, that I shall consider your silence as a confirmation of the trutii of the report, and fur-

ther assuring you, that whatever treatment Colonel Allen receives, whatever fate he undergoes, such exactly shall be

the treatment and fate of Brigadier Prescott,

now

in

our

liands. The law of retaliation is not only justifiable in tlie eyes of God and man, but absolutely a duty which, in our present circumstances, we owe to our relatives, friends, and fellow-citizens. Permit me to add, sir, that we have all here the highest regard and reverence for your great personal qualities and attainments, and that the Americans in general esteem it not as the least of their misfortunes, that a name so dear to them, should appear the name of Howe at the head of the catalogue of the instruments employed by a wicked Ministry for their destruction. With due respect, I have the honour to be, sir, your



most obedient, humble servant,

™lo General ^ ,

George Washington.

IT

Howe.

P. S. If an exchange of prisoners, taken on each side in unnatural contest, is agreeable to General Howe, he will please to signify as much to his most obedient servant,

this

G.

W.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. Cambridge, December 18, 1775.

Dear

Sir: Your favours, the first of the •28th ultimo, and the two last of the 9th instant, with their enclosures, I I am happy to hear of your being better, and received. heartily wish that you may soon be perfectly recovered from your indisposition. I should have been very glad if Mr. Carleton had not made his escape. I trust, ere long, he will be in our hands, as I think we shall get |)Ossession of (^uebeck, from whence he will not easily get away. I am much concerned for Mr. Allen, and that he should be treated with I beg that you will have the matter and such severity. manner of his treatment strictly inquired into, and transmit me an account of the same; and whether General Prescott was active and instrumental in occasioning it. From your letter, and General Montgomery's to you, I am led to think he was. If so, he is deserving of our particular notice, and should experience some marks of our resentment for kis cruelty to these gentlemen, and his violation As some of the prisoners have of the rights of humanity. attempted to escape, I doubt not of your giving necessary It is a matter that orders that they may be prevented. should be attended to. In a letter from the Rev. Doctor fVhcelock, of Dartmouth College, of the second instant, I had the following

&c.,

DECEMBER,

1775.

312

Recruits come in out of the counand the soldiers in the army begin to show a better disposition, and to recruit cheerfully. Your observation is exceedingly just. This is no time

better than

it

has been.

try plentifully,

for disgusting

the soldiery,

when

their aid

the preservation of the rights of

human

is

so essential to

nature, and

the'

His Excellency is a great and good of America. man ; I feel the highest degree of respect for him. I wish hira immortal honour. 1 think myself happy in an opportunity My happiness will be to serve under so good a General. still greater if fortune gives me an opportunity in some signal instance to contribute to his glory and my country's good. But his Excellency, as you observe, has not had time to make himself acquainted with the genius of this people ; they are naturally as brave and spirited as the peasantry of any other country, but you cannot expect veterans of a raw militia from only a few months'" service. The common people are exceedingly avaricious; the genius of the people is commercial, from their long intercourse with trade.

liberties

The

sentiment of honour, the true characteristick of a solHis Excellency has been taught to believe the people here a superior race of mortals; and finding them of the same temper and dispositions, passions and prejudices, virtues and vices of the common people of other Governments, they sink in his esteem. The country round here set no bounds to their demand for hay, wood, and teaming. It has given his Excellency a great deal of uneasiness that they should take this opportunity to extort from the necessities of the army such enormous prices. The General has often expressed to me they so far exceed the his uneasiness about the expenses expectations of Congress. He is afraid they will sink under the weight of such charges. Economy is undoubtedly essential in this dispute there should be no wanton waste of publick property; but if you starve the cause, you prodier, has not yet got the better of interest.

;

;

tract the dispute.

If the Congress wish to put the finishing stroke to this give evewar, they must exert their whole force at once I pray God we may not ry measure an air of decision. Human affairs are ever like the lose the critical moment. Our preparations in tide, constantly on the ebb and flow. in all parts of the United Colonies ought to be so great as to leave no room to doubt our intentions to support the This will draw in the cause and obtain our conditions. weak and wavering, and give such a turn to the minds of



people, that small shocks shall not be seriously general plan of operations. Your proclamation,

felt in

in

the

answer

King's of August last, is glorious, is noble unanimous, or only the voice of a small majority ? papers announce to you the much greater part of the

to that of the

was

it

intelligence

The

" That the day before, two soldiers returning from Montreal, informed him that our officers were assured by a Frenchman (a Captain of the artillery whom they had taken captive) that Major Rogers was second in command under

military operations here. From the best accounts

General Carleton, and that he had been in an Indian habit through our encampment at St. John's; and had given a plan of them to the Generals, and supposed that he made his escape with the Indians that were at St. John's." You will be pleased to have this report examined into, and acquaint me as to the authenticity or probability of the truth of it. If any circumstances can be discovered to induce a belief that he was there, he should be apprehended.

General Howe is inoculating all the soldiery who have I think they cannot hold out the winter never had it. through, though we were to leave them unmolested, which

He is now in this Government. The Congress have sent me several

accounts against the companies, T)ne of which is against Captain Morgan, which I enclose you, and desire that it may be transmitted to Colonel Arnold, who will have proper steps taken for the payment of it, as Captain Morgan is with him. I flatter myself that your next favour will give me an account of General Montgomery's joining Colonel Arnold, and that Q^uebeck is, or soon will be, reduced to our possession. Should our arms be crowned with much success, to me it appears that Administration will be much embarrassed, and stand in a very disagreeable predicament. I am, Stc,' .xr ^ rifle

To

r, .

7

George Washington.

Major-General Schuyler.

general GREENE TO HENRY WARD. Prospect-Hill,

The army

is filling

up slowly;

I

December

18, 1775.

think the prospect

is

we can

get out of Boston, they

It begins lo be very sickly ; are prodigiously distressed. the scurvy discovers itself; the small-pox prevails; and

God

grant we may not. reported that Quebeck

is taken. General Montgomery and Colonel Arnold will acquire immortal honour. Oh, that we had plenty of powder; I should then hope to

It

is

see something done here for the honour of America. Our barracks are almost completed. Blankets and clothing will be very much wanted, notwithstanding your

supply from Congress. home the militia from ;

are

come

in to

The this

Connecticut troops are gone Province and New-Hampshire

take their places.

Upon

this occasion,

they

have discovered a zeal that does them the highest honour. New-Hampshire behaves nobly.

LAND BOUNTY TO HIGHLAND EMIGRANTS. Head-Quarters, Boston, December 18, 1775.

The

bearer hereof, Duncan McArthur, having voluntarily engaged to serve His Majesty in the Royal Regiment of Highland Kmigrants, (raised and established for the just and loyal purpose of opposing, quelling, and suppressing the present most unnatural, unprovoked, and wanton rebellion,) conformable to the orders and directions of his Excellency the Commander-in-chief, and agreeable to His Majesty's most gracious intentions, signified by the Earl of

/

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

313

Dartmouth, (Secretary of State (or America,) "that such emigrants from North-Britain, as well as other loyal subjects, that should engage to serve in the before-mentioned corps, should be considered in the most favourable light and after the conclusion of the present unhappy civil war, (to which period only they are obliged to serve,) be entitled to a proportion of two hundred acres vacant (or forfeited) lands for every man or head of a family, together with fifty acres more in addition for every person the family may consist of; the whole to be granted and patented without And, moreover, to be any expense to the said grantees. free of any quit-rent to the Crown for twenty years." I do therefore, with the consent and approbation of his Excellency the Commander-in-chief, certify and declare, that the said Duncan McArthur is, at the expiration of the present troubles, (and when peace, order, and due obedience to the laws are re-established in the British Colonies on the Continent and Islands of North-America,) to be at liberty, and entitled to a final discharge from said regiment and from his Majesty's military service and likewise to receive as a just reward for his spirited loyalty the beforementioned grant of lands, in consequence of the orders and directions His Majesty has been pleased to issue for that purpose. Given under my hand and seal, time and place, as first above mentioned. To all whom it may concern. ;

Murdoch Maclean,

To

Capt. R.

H. Emigrants.

Major John Small.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAMBRIDGE, DATED DECEMBER 18, 1775. Yesterday being dark and cloudy. General Putnam broke ground, with four hundred men, on Lechmere's Point, at The mist was so great as to ten o'clock in the morning. prevent the enemy from discovering what he was about, until twelve, when it cleared up, and opened to their view our whole party at the point, and another at the causeway, throwing a new bridge over the creek that forms the Island The Scarborough ship-of-war, v;hich lay at high water. off the point, immediately poured in upon our men a broadside. The enemy, from Boston, threw many shells, and obliged us to decamp from the point, with two men badly wounded. The bridge, however, was ordered to be raised by the brave old General, and was completed last night. The garrison of Cobble-Hill were ordered to return the ship's fire which they did, and soon obliged her to heave tight upon her springs, and to cease firing. But the battery in New-Boston kept up the fire of shells till twelve o'clock ;

Our party at the point renewed their work in the evening, and continued it all night. This morning, at

last night.

by a signal of two rockets from Boston, the Scarborough weighed anchor, and has left the point clear. She is now anchored at Charlcstown ferry, out of harm's way. The work at the point is well secured, and will be compleday-light,

ted this night.

The

Scarborough's

flight

ness, and of the strength of

is

a proof of the enemy's weak-

our two

last posts,

Cobble-Hill

DECEMBER,

314-

1775.

who had

inlisted three hundred slaves and convicts, but was defeated and obliged to fly to Lord Dunmore; who advised him to go to Boston, and recommended him to General Howe for a commission. The prisoners, with all the letters and papers, (some of which are of great consequence,) are just gone off to Head-

quarters.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. [Read December 30, 1775.]

Cambridge, December

18, 1775.

Sir: Captain Manly, of the Lee, armed schooner, took and sent into Beverly the sloop Betsy, A. Atkinson master. She is an armed vessel, despatched by Lord Dunmore, with Indian corn, potatoes, and oats, for the army in Boston. The packets of letters found on board I have the honour to send you with this, by Captain James Chambers, they being of so much importance that I do not think it would be prudent to trust them by a common express. As Lord Dunmore's schemes are fully laid open in these letters, I need not point out to the Congress the necessity there is of a vigorous exertion being adopted by them, to dispossess his Lordship of the strong hold he has got in Virginia. I do not mean to dictate, but I am sure they will pardon me for giving them, freely, my opinion, which is, that the fate o{ America a good deal depends on his being obliged to evacuate Norfolk this winter, or not. I have Kirkland well secured, and think I will send him to you for examination. By most of the letters relative to him, he is a dangerous fellow. John Stuart's letters and papers are of a very interesting nature. Governour Tonyn's, and many other letters from Augustine, show the weakness of the place, at the same time of what vast consequence it would be for us to possesss ourselves of it, and the great quantity of ammunition contained in the forts. Indeed, these papers are of so great consequence that I think this but little inferior to any prize our famous Manly has taken. We now work at our ease on Lechmere's Hill. On discovering our party there yesterday morning, the ship which lay opposite began a cannonade, to which Mount-Horam, added some shells. One of our men was wounded. We fired a few shot from two eighteen-pounders which are placed on Cobble-Hill, and soon obliged the ship to shift her station. She now lies in the ferry-way, and, except a few shells from the Mount in Boston, which do no execution, we have no interruption in prosecuting our works, which will in a very short time be completed. When that is done, when we have powder to sport with, I think if the Congress resolve on the execution of the proposal made relative to the town of Boston, it can be done. I have sent a letter in this day to General Howe, of which a copy goes herewith. My reason for pointing out Brigadier-General Prescott as the object who is to suffer Mr. Allen's fate, is, that by letters from General Schtiyler, and copies of letters from General Montgomery to Schuyler, I am given to understand that Prescott is the cause of Allen's sufferings. I thought it best to be decisive on the occasion, as did the Generals whom I consulted thereon.

The

and Lechmere's Point.

&c.,

return for

men

inlisted, since

my

last,

amount

to

about eighteen hundred making in the whole, seven thousand one hundred. The militia that are come in, both from this Province and New-Hampshire, are very finelooking men, and go through their duty with great alacrity. The despatch made, both by the people in marching, and by the legislative powers in complying with my requisition, has given me inSnite satisfaction. Your letter of the 8th instant, with the explanatory resolve respecting my calling forth the militia and minutemen, is come to hand, to which I shall pay all due attention. You have removed all the difficulties which I laboured under about the two battalions of marines. 1 shall obey the orders of Congress in looking out for proper officers to command that corps. I make no doubt but when the money arrives to pay off the arrears, and the month's advance, that it will be a great encouragement for the men to ;

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM BEVERLY, DATED DECEMBER 18, 1775.

You no

doubt have heard of Captain Manly, who goes harbour ; because his name is famous, and as many towns contend for the honour of his birth as they did for that of Homer's. Captain MaTily has brought into this harbour in the course of a fortnight, two large brigs, of two hundred and twenty tons each, laden with military stores and provisions, and two ships, of three hundred tons each, laden with English goods, porter, live hogs, fee, to the amount of forty thousand pounds sterling the whole. A sloop is just brought in here from Virginia, laden with corn, oats, potatoes, &,c. The Captain was a midshipman belonging to the 0

•au'AV

1

•siuidg

1

•joog

1

.-3

Q

i4

•puaja

1

J?

m ^

•uouispucq

•aiqE

o 02©


cthtown, January 11, 1776.

to the contrary. I am, with great regard and esteem,

into their hands, before

The whole

four thousand.

LORD STIRLING TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

him

fall

including

;

event

Sin

628

1776.

men, women, and children, is supposed, bygentlemen who left town the beginning of December, to be

bec/;."

Conimiliee, into tlie conduct of Mr. WiUiam Urquhart, merchant, relative to certain goods, one mentioned in an account enclosed in a letter from Hugh Harden, dated Glasgow, SeiHcmber 6, Hl.'j, Mr. the Urquhart, having had due notice, appeared before

made by

JANUARY,

are adopted, must inevitably the garrison can be relieved.

Present— Tlie Rev. George Gurley, Chairman, and eleven Members. The honourable Convenlion, having recommended an inquiry to be

fee,

With submission,

?

be done?

A

1 think

sufficient force

regular siege, or assault? dition of three thou-ind

If the

men

it

What

will not.

employed first is

is

present force will,

to our

to

reduce it, by a attempted, an adto

I

doubt, be iliought necessary if the latter, at least The former, with a vast expense and great five thousand. waste of ammunition, may prove unsuccessful ; the latter, from the extensiveness of their works, I think cannot; and if the five ;hausand men will hardly be a sufficient garrison,

make no

place

is

body of

;

taken. at least

I

beg leave to recommend the sending a thousand men, with an experienced

five

General, into Canada, as early as possible and, in the mean time, that every possible preparation, of moriars, howitzers, and some heavy cannon, should be made, as the season will permit our raising batteries by the middle of March, which may, very possibly, be attended with suc;

place our mortars under cover, within two yards the walls, and within one thousand of of hundred and, if supplied witii shells, carthe centre of the town cases, &tc., can set fire to it whenever we please, which, I make no doubt, would reduce the garrison to terms. I am well assured more than half of the inhabltantsofQ«ebeck would gladly open the gales to us, but are prevented

cess, as

we can

;

discipline and watch kept over them, the comguards being constantly given to officers of the mand of the Crown, known to be firm in their interest. The garrison consists of about fifteen hundred men, great part of whom Governour Carlcton can place no confidence in, or he would not suffer a blockade, and every distress of a siege, by seven hundred men, our force consisting of no more, at present, including Colonel Livingston's Regiment of two

by

tiie strict

hundred Canadians.

I

have arranged

my men

in

such

order, as effectually to blockade the city, and to assist each The men are other as early as possible, if attacked.

obliged to lay on their arms constantly, and to mount guard Their duty is exceedingly hard ; howevery other night. ever, the men appear alert and cheerful, though wanting many necessaries, which cannot be procured here. 1 expect General IVooster from Montreal, with a rein forceI have withdrawn our cannon from ment, every minute. the battery, and placed them around the magazine, which contains a considerable quantity of powder and ordnance stores, which I am fearful of removing, lest it should make unfavourable impressions on the Canadians, and induce them to withdraw their assistance, and Governour Carleton, presuming on our panick, to sally out. I thought it most prudent to put the best face on matters, and betray no marks of fear. We are in great want of cash our finances have never afforded any, of consequence, to the troops, who make lieavy complaints, not without reason. We have often been reduced to a few Johannes, and never able to procure more than ten days' sustenance beforehand. Our whole dependance has been on Mr. Price, who has done every thing in his power, and is the only resource we have at present. I have received two petards from Monsieur Pelissier, at Three-Rivers, who assures me he can supply us with shells, by the 1st of April. Enclosed is a list of officers killed and wounded in the The prisoners and missunfortunate attack on Quebeck. ;

amount to about four hundred. Governour Carleton has permitted the baggage of both officers and men to be sent in, and (strange to tell) treats them with humanity. ing

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

629

I think myself, in justice, bound to acknowledge the good conduct and intrepidity, of both officers and men, of my detachment, wiio undauntedly marched up, in the face of the enemy's cannon in particular, the volunteers of Captain Oswald, who signalized himself in the attack on their battery, and is now a prisoner. 1 hope, gentlemen, my being confined to my bed with my wound and a severe fit of the gout, will apologize for the incoherency and inaccurateness of my scrawl ; and that you will believe me, with respect and esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient and very iiumble servant, ;

&c.,

JANUARY,

630

1776.

there, who, making some rewere obliged to despatch. The gun that killed him, was the only one that was discharged by our meir, though several hundreds were fired by the enemy from

There was but one man more sistance, they

within their works, but

in

so confused a

one of our people was hurt.

Our

manner

that not

inlistmenis go on very

heavily.

am, with great respect,

I

sir,

To

your most obedient, hum,.. ^ George Washington.

ble servant,'

the Honourable

John Hancock, Esq.

B. Arnold.

To

the Honourable Continental Congress.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, January (Pftrole,

GENERAL ARNOLD TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. Camp

Gentlemen

before Qucbcck, January 12, 1776.

Since writing the enclosed. General Wooster has acquainted me he cannot leave Montreal, but has sent down Colonel Clinton, to whom I shall resign the command, until my wound will permit my doing duty, which my Surgeon thinks will be four or six weeks. Colonel Clinton acquaints me, we cannot expect more than two hundred men from Montreal. I have put on foot the raising a regiment of three hundred Canadians, which T make no doubt of effecting. They are to have the same pay, and be under the same regulations, as the Continental forces. I make no doubt the exigency of our affairs will jiistify the step I have taken, (though without authority for so doing,) and that it will be approved of by the honourable Continental Congress. 1 am, most respectfully, gentlemen, your most obedient,

humble

:

servant,'

x, rJ.

.

Arnold.

P. S. The forts of Niagara and Detroit are an object, which, I make no doubt, the honourable Congress have in view. Mr. Antill, now on his way down, can inform you in regard to their strength, stores, &,c.

t>

a

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Cambridge, January

Every account

11, 1776.

have out of Boston confirms the embarkation of troops, mentioned in my last, which, from the season of the year, and other circumstances, must be I destined for some expedition to the southward of this.

Sir

:

I

5,

1776.

(Counteni^, Ailamt.X

Hancock.)

The Majors of Brigade to order the Adjutants to be exact and punctual in making their weekly returns of the strength of each regiment ; also, a separate return of the numbers inlisted in the course of last week, at orderly time to-morrow The weekly returns to be according to the form lately sent by the Adjutant-General. The regimentals, which have been made up, and drawn for, may be delivered to the respective Colonels, by the Quartermaster-General, to the order of those Colonels, who drew them at such prices as they have cost the Continent, which is much cheaper than could otherwise be obtained. As nothing adds more to the appearance of a man, than dress, and a proper degree of cleanliness in his person, the General hopes and expects, that each regiment will contend for the most soldierlike appearance. He men instructed, as is, also, very desirous of having the speedily as possible, in all parts of their duty, and recommends it to all the Colonels, to be very careful in the choice of their Non-commissioned Officers ; and to their Captains, to divide their companies into small squads, appointing a Sergeant and Corporal to each, from whom the utmost diligence is expected. Those Sergeants and Corporals are by no means to suffer the arms and accoutrements of any man, in their squads, to be dirty, or unfit for use ; and, as far as in them lies, to make the men appear neat, clean, and soldierlike. Neglect of duty, in these instances, they may rely upon it, will reduce them to the :

These orders are not intended to exempt the Commissioned Officers of the companies, from the strictest attention to these things ; on the contrary, as it serves to show the General's solicitude in having the men, and their arms, appear in the best order, it is hoped they will double ranks.

.Major-General it prudent to send have given him letters, recommendatory to Governour Trumbull, and to the Committee of 1 have good hopes, that in ConSafety at New- York. necticut, he will get many volunteers, who, 1 have some reason to think, will accompany him on this expedition, without more expense to the Continent than their maintebut, should it be otherwise, and that they should nance expect pay, I think it is a trifling consideration, when put which in competition with the importance of the object is to put the city of New- York, such parts of the North River, and Long-hland, as to him shall seem proper, in that state of defence which the season of the year, and circumstances will admit of, so as, if possible, to prevent the enemy from forming a lodgment in that Government, which, I am afraid, contains too many persons disaffected to the cause of liberty and America. I have, also, wrote to I>ord Stirling, to give him all the assistance that he can, with the troops under his command in the Continental service, provided it does not interfere with any orders he may receive from Congress relative to them. I hope the Congress will approve of my conduct in sending General Lee upon this expedition. 1 am sure I mean it well, as experience teaches us, that it is much easier to prevent an

proper necessaries to be erected, at convenient distances from the barracks in which their men are lodged, and see that those necessaries are frequently filled up. Any person who shall be discovered easing himself elsewhere, is to be instantly confined, and brought before a Regimental Court-Martial. They are to cause, also, the filth and garbage about the barracks, to be removed and buried. In short, it is in a particular manner the duty of the Quartermaster to see that the barracks are kept clean and sweet, the victuals properly prepared, Stc; and, although it is the particular business of the Quartermasters, and their Sergeants, to see this done, it is equally necessary, and the duty of the other officers, to look into this business, as too much care cannot be used in a matter where the health of the:

enemy from

men

have, therefore, thought

Lee

to

New- York.

I

;



after they

posting themselves, than

it is

to dislodge

them

their diligence.

If Colonel Brewer inclines to accept the appointment of Barrackmaster, he is to proceed directly to discharge the duty of that office ; and, as the first business to be done in an army, is with the Quartermaster of each regiment, he is to see that the number of men, for which each barrack was designed, are immediately quartered therein, keeping the regiments together as much as possible, that every tent may be delivered into the Quartermaster-General's store.

The Regimental Quartermasters, and

their Sergeants, are

to cause

so

much

dei>ends upon

it.

have got possession.

The evening of the 8ih instant, a party of our men, under the command of Major Knowllon, were ordered to go and burn some houses, which lay at the foot of Bunker's Hill, and at the head of Charlcstotvn. They were, also, ordered to bring off the guard, which, we expected, consisted of an officer and thirty men. They crossed the milldam, about half after eight o'clock, and gallantly executed their business, having burnt eight houses, and brought with ihera a sergeant and four privates, of the Tenth Regiment.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, January (Parole, Gerry.)

The at the

6,

1776.

(Countenign, ChatcJ.

General is informed that a custom hath prevailed,, main guard in Cambridge, of permitting prisoners

be absent upon their parole ; he, therefore, orders a total stop be put to (his practice for the future. Any officer offending herein, will be immediately put in arrest, and tried for to

disobedience of orders. The frequent application for flags at Roxhury, havin»

) ;

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

tfOI

lime he will

1776.

632

;

on Tuesilai/s, at which appoint a proper ofUcer always to attend.

and

JANUARY,

venge the insult which was cast upon them last night; for which reason the greatest vigilance and care is recommendand it also is recommended, that the out-posts be ed always guarded by experienced officers and good soldiers,

foiintl troublesome, and, at the same time, attended Aviili inconveniences, Major- General H'urd is requested to sulFer no more than one a week to go in, unless it be on

been

special occasions,

&c.,

this to liajipen

who

are to be considered in other duties. again and again ordered, that the men are nqj suffered to ramble from, or lie out of their quarters, conIt is, also,

Hoad-Quarlcr>, Cambridge, January

7,

1776.

on this head, and that their arms and accoutrements be always in order. To remove present doubts, and prevent future mistakes, it is hereby expressly ordered and directed, that no persons do proceed to discharge the duty of any oflice, witiiout a regular appointment, by commission from the Congress, warrant, or general order, from the Commander-in-chief. No allowance will be made to any one who acts contrary to

(Coiinti'nisn, Morrii.

(Parolr. Lynch.)

trary to repeated orders

The

Adjutant-General will, this day, deliver to the Brigade Majors, the number of the new Articles of War necessary for each regiment, in their respective brigades and that no mistake in regard to the said Articles may possibly happen, each book is signed by the Honourable John .Hancock, Esq., President of the Continental Congress, and countersigned, upon the title (sage, by M'ilHam Tudor, Esq., Judge Advocate of the Army of the United Colo-

All persons, therefore, for their

this order.

nics.

desired to take notice of ingly, Head.Qiiartcrs, Cambridge, January 8, 1776.

that

exceedingly astonishing to the General, that he is yeX without those Returns which were called for on the 1st It is impossible that the business of an and 3d instants. "army can be conducted with any degree of reguh.iity or propriety, where so much inattention prevails; and he desires that the Commanding Officers of such regiments as are conscious of their neglect, in the instances now referred to, will take notice, and be fully persuaded, that if those Returns are not made at, or before orderly time to-morrow, that they will be ordered under an arrest, and tried for disobedience of orders. Head-Quarters, Cambridge, January (Parole, KnorvUon.)

no complaints may

9,

Parole, KiUan.)

liereafter

be exhibited

for

His Excellency General Washington has been pleased Mr. William Morony, Provost-Marshal to the Army of the United Colonies, serving in the J\Jassachusells-Bay; he is, therefore, in all things appertaining to his office, to be considered and obeyed as such. Head.Quarters, Camliridgn, January 11, 1776.

Mount Airy.)

(Parole,

(Countersign, Calvert.)

Head.Quarters, at Cambridge, January 11, 1776.

1770.

All officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, belonging to any of the regiments or corps of the Army of the

(Countersign, C/iarlesfcncn.)

General thanks Major iTjiow/^on, and the officers who were under his command last night, for the spirit, conduct and secrecy with which they burnt the houses near the enemy's works, upon Bunker''s Hill. The General was in a more particular manner pleased with the

United Colonies, under the immediate command of His Excellency General Washington, who are absent upon furlough, recruiting, or by j)ermission of their commanding officers, are to join their respective regiments by the 1st If any officer neglects to pay due day oi February next. obedience to this order, he will be immediately cashiered ; and any non-commissioned officers or soldiers offending therein, will be tried and punished as deserters. By His Excellency's command "" HoKATio Gates, Adjutant-General.

soldiers

party discovered, in

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, January 10, 177C. (Counteisipi, Langdm.)

to appoint

The

resolution the

sakes, are

services unwarranted.

It is

imd

own

and govern themselves accord-

(CountersigTi./oAnion.)

'{!*»roV, Harrittn.)

"

it,

not firing a shot, as

nothing betrays greater signs of fear, and less of the soldier, than to begin a loose, undirected, and unmeaning fire, from whence no good can result, nor any valuable purposes answered. It is almost certain that the enemy will attempt to re-

General Return of the Army of the United Colonies, commanded by His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and Commander-in-chief, Head-Qiiarters at Cambridge, January 8, 1776. J,, .

OFFICERS PRESENT.

RANK AND

Wanting

FILE.

to

Since last Return.

complete.

Von^com-

Commissioned.

inissioiied.

REGIMENTS.

1.

Riflemen

3. Colonel Rood's 3.

4. s.

6. 7.

8.

9.

10.

U. 12. 13. 14.

15. 16.

17. 18. 19.

20. 21. 29. 23. 24. 25. 96. 27.

,

1

37

,

1

29

Colonel Lcarnod's „ Colonel Nixon's Colonel Stark's , Colonel Whitcomb's.... Colonel PicBcott's Colonel Poor's Colonel Varnara's Colonel Parsons's....... Colonel Hitchcock's.... Colonel Little's Colonel Read's Colonel Glover's Colonel Piittctson's Colonel Sargent's Colonel Huntingdon's.. Colonel Phinney's Colonel Webb's Colonel Arnold's Colonel Ward's Colonel Wyllys's Colonel Bailey's Colonel Crouton's Colonel Bond's Colonel Baldwin's Colonel Hutchinson's..

Total

557 401 653 274 320 224 314 343

4i»

8 3 8 10 7

1

-

1

17 -1

20 30 25

5

2.i

2

2

205 42

7

19 13 39

190 257 575

5

6

-

29

1

24

1

19

1 1 1

19

12 41

20

36

43

75 85 88 30 5 72 5 20 75

256 206

37 5

391

219

7

9.59

140 110

41

661

34

312 222 435 300

17

35 20 22|1522 2301441 153 9 23 2420,90 781 3G9

11

13 15 11 17

4 39

71

19 21 67

.i.'S

14 93 44 36

50 74

27

58 42

20

26

82

26 26

864 788

5

43 58 15

36 29 120

10, 209,705'233 1, 318;i,

693 508 761 404 455 347 458 43 329 479 264 400

378 271

490 298 457 46 1,064 49 941 6.50 97 121 867 52 426 42 331 56 537 29 482 30 41 41

044 13,509

Horatio Gates, Adjutant-General.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

€33 Return of

the Artillery

Regiment

of

in the service

the

United Colonies, commanded hy the Honourable Henuy Knox, Esq., Cambkidge, January 6, 1776.

;;

.

.

JANUARY,

fcc,

634

1776;

Return of the Militia who have consented to remain in the Ar-my till the last of this month, 3\nvary, 1116.

Roxbury, January 16, 1770.

« 3057 85 37 1,127 1,330

Total Present,

fit

910

duty

for

On command

22

10 300 455 8 15 6 3 9 4

28

1

Sick, present Sick, absent Militia

10 13 21 26

For one month.... On furlough Total.

Four

12 12 12 24

inlisted,

Six

20 19 30 27111 346 511

do.

and not joined Captain William Verktug's.. do. Captain Pcarcc

Sum

total

521

of men..

Horatio Gates, Adjutant-General. [Addition

to the

above by General Washington.] 1,127 1,336 244 272 556 379 402 334 3G0 424 211 253 292 334 202 255 445 366

Militia, as above Riflemen Colonel Learncd's Colonel Parson's Colonel Jos.^ph Reed's.. Colonel Huntingdon's., Colonel Ward's Colonel Wyllys's Colonel Bailey's

William Burbeck,

4,27:

Lieutenant- Colonel of Artillery.

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY, JANUARY 1, 1776. FUld-Officer*.

— Henry Knox, Colonel

;

William Burbeck,

1st Lieutonant-Colonel

CAPTAIN-LIEDTENANTS.

Edward Crafts, . . Thomas Pearco, Thomas Waite Foster,

-

...

John Popkins, Edw. Burbeck,

.

....

Thomas

Jotham Ilorton,

John Welch Edes, Samuel Treat, - John Bryant, - .

William Perking, Dimond Morton, Stephen Badlaoi, Eliphalot Newall,

-

.

-

Joiin Johnson,

William Dana, . Ebenezer Stevens,

.

-

Thomas Seward,

.

.

.

Asa Rowson,

-

Jotham Drury, Staff-Officers.

Edward Rurnney, David Allen,

-

.

-

-

.

.

Henry Burbeck,

-

Joseph Loring,

William Stevens,

-

Thomas Vose, . Thomas Dean,

-

.

....

.

.

.

Isaiah Simmons, Oliver Brown.

John Chandler.

.

Thomas Machin. Joseph Blake.

Thomas Jackson,

Isaac Packard, Jonas Simmons, David Cook, John Slceman,

-

Peter King, Joseph Savage,

John Bull. James Steele.

Samuel Shaw,

Thomas

.

Thomas,

Josepli

Major.

Daniel Parker.

Jam>^ Furnival,

Beniijah Carpenter,

—Abiel Leonard, Chaplain;

.

David Preston,

Wintlirop Sergeant, -

.

1st

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

SECOND LIECTENANT8.

Henry Wells, John Lillic,

Randall,

David Briant,

.

THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED COLONIES,

David Mason, 2d Lieutenant-Colonel ; John Crane,

FIRST LIKDTENAJITS.

Benjamin Eustis, - - William TreadwcU, . . Benjamin Frothingham,

... ... ...

;

IN

-

Carnes.

Samuel Daggct. Hardy Poirce. Jeremiah Freeman.

.

.

Thomas Henley, Adjutant and Second Lieutenant; David Bradley, Quartermaster;

Williatn Eustis,

Surgeon. ."Iflfr.W

;

UaoUiJ .AwvvMtW wis.—!.*•>

,

[Return of the Officers of the First Regiment of Foot {Riflemen)

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS Field-Officers.

—James

CAPTAINS.

IN

THE SECOND REGIMENT OF FOOT,

COLONIES, JANUARY jRecrf,

Colonel

Ezra Town,

-

-

Joseph Churchill,

-

-

Elijah Clayes,

Levi Spaulding, James Wilkinson, Robert Oliver, Jacob Hinds, - -

Benjamin Mann, David Place, Staff- Officers.

James Taggard, James Otis,

-

-

George Aldrich,

-

Thomas Grover,

-

-

-

Amos Emerson,

—Hczekiah Smith, Chaplain

-

Ezra Green, Surgeon

;

-

-

-

Pelatiah Whitemore.

-

-

-

-

-

-

Sylvanus Reed. William Lee. Gillam Taylor. Jonathan Emerson.

Richard Coughlan, -'« i" Isaac Frye, Jonathan Collis, - Aaron Hanson,

Isaac Farewell,

;

ENSIGNS.

-

Thomas Boffee, Thompson Maxwell,

Isaac Stone, Samuel Paltingale,

THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED

1776.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENXNTS.

John Jones,

IN

blank.]

Gilman, Lieutenant-Colonel; Nathan Hale, Major.

Israel

;

1,

left

''^

'

.

Benjamin Davis. William Adrian Hawkins. Stephen Carter.

Nathaniel Breed, Mate

;

James Otis, Adjutant

Isaac Frye, Quartermaster.

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THK THIRD REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field- Officers.- -Ebenezer Learned, Colonel

Isaac Bolster, -

-

-

-

Lebbeus Ball, Nathan Peters,

-

-

-

-

-

-

Warham

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

George Webb, Simon Learned, . John Mayo, Caleb Keep, JohnChadvvick, John Carpenter, Nelson Phinney,

-

-

-

-

Thomas

Isaac

Parks,

Woods,

Asa Danforth,

Staff- Officers.—

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

Peter Harwood, Samuel Curtis,

William Shephard, Lieutenant-Colonel

;

-

-

-

-

-

-

Fish,

-

Ebenezer Sprout, Major. ENSIGNS.

-

-

-

Seth Bannister,

-

-

-

.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

.

-

-

Benjamin Felton, Reuben Slayton, Asher Granger,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

.

-

.

-

-

-

.

.

-

.

Israel Sacket.

-

-

-

.

-

-

-

-

-

Foxel Thomas, John King, - -

-

-

-

John Townsend. Ebenezer Field.

Seth Smith, David Sacket,

Chaplain ; Surgeon ; . . . Scottoway Whitcomb, Quartermaster. .

;

.

.

.

Mate

Jonathan Stone. William Moore. Scottoway Whitcorab. Jacob Bates. Martin Smith.

;

Seth Bannister, Adjutant

-

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

635

NAMES or THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

IN

-

-

-

-

Joseph Thompson,

-

-

Barnes,

Staff-Officers.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Joseph Wood, - Jonathan Hill, - . Silas Bent, William Toogood,

-

-

-

-

-

-

Richard Buckminster, John White, - - John Briggs, - - Benjamin Haywood, William Lemont, - •

-

-

Nathaniel Crittenton,

-

-

-

-

-

— Uczekiah Smith, Chaplain

;

Colburrt, Major.

ENSIGNS.

-

-



James Kimball, Nathan Wheeler, Simon Sartivel,

-

John Sawyer, Abel Holden,

-

-

Silas

-

-

THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED COLO-

-

-

-

-

Thomas

-

-

-

IN

1776.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

Walker,

1,

6M

1776.

Thomas Nixon, Lieutenant-Colonel; Andrew

Field- Officers. —John Nixon, Colonel;

. Joseph Butler, Micajah Gleason, Ebenezer Winship, Jeremiah Gilman, Moses McFarland, Adam Wheeler, -

JANUARY,

THE FOURTH REGIMENT OF FOOT, NIES, JANUARY

CAPTAINS.

fee,

-

Warham Wheeler. Peter Cloyes. Mason Wattles. William Hutchings. Dudley Taylor. Ephraim Minot.

-

-

Isaac Nichols.

-

Ephraim Wheeler.

Benjamin Putnam, Surgeon Nathan Burnap, Mate; Abel Holden, John f^Vhile, Quartermaster. ;

Adjutant

;

NAMES or THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE FIFTH REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field-Officers.

— John Slarks, Colonel

Thomas Poor, Lieutenant-Colonel

-

George Reid,

Johti

Daniel More, Joshua Abbott,

-

Elislia Woodbury, Samuel Richards, John Hale, Silas Walker, -

Caleb Stark.

Thomas Hardy,

-

Asa Coburn,

-

Aaron

James McCauley,

—Noah

Staff-Officers.

Daniel Whiting,

-

-

Timothy Blake.

Thomas Richard. Isaac Wornier.

-

;

;

IN

THE SIXTH REGIMENT OF

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

-

-

-

-

. Aaron Haynes, Benjamin Bullard, William Hutson Ballard, Abner Cranston, - - -

John

-

Abraham Williams,

-

Josiah Willington.

-

Aaron Holden, Samuel Blodgelt,

-

-

-

-

Jonas Parker,

-

-

Jacob Welsh. Nahum Wight. Joseph Williams. Charles Dehauty. Ebenezer Smith.

-

Thomas

Willington,

Nathaniel Alexander, Joseph Perry, -

-

-

Joseph McNoll,

-

-

Benjamin Pollard,

Moses Soul,

-

.

Noah

-

-

William Winchester,

Allen,

-

ENSIGNS.

John Kilbey Smith, Abraham Tuckerman,

Elisha Brewer, Nathaniel Cushing,

-

-

Abiel Chandler,

FOOT.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

Jonathan Danforth, -

;

Whiicomb, Colonel; William Buckminster, Lieutenant-Colonel; John Gizzard Frazer, Major.

CAPTAINS.

Lemuel Trescott,

Steel,

Edward Evans. Ephraim Colby.

Cooke, Jun., Chaplain Goss, Surgeon Josiah Chase, Mate Adjutant ; Henry Perkinson, Quartermaster.

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

—Asa

-

Abiel Chandler, John Patten, Henry Perkinson, Jesse Carr, -

-

Moore, Major. ENSIGNS.

Robert Barnett,

Samuel Bradford,

Michael McClary, Ebenezer Frye, Joseph Soper, - Daniel Livermore,

Morrill,

Field-Officers.

;

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

Amos

;

Mills.

Isaac Barber.

-

Staff-Officers.—Isaac Mansfield, 3an.,C\\^^\A\n; David Townsend, Swgeon James Thatcher, Mate; Tuckerman, Adjutant ; Charles Dehauty, Quartermaster. ;

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS Field-Officers.— William Prescott, Colonel

CAPTAINS.

Hugh Maxwell, John Nutting, Samuel Darby, Jonathan Nowell, Joseph Moss, Samuel Patch,

Samuel

Gilberts,

Joseph Mores, Staff- Officers.—

;

-

Eleazer Spoulding, John Williams, Thomas Nowell, -

Ebenezer Woods, Joshua Brown, Joseph Gilberts, Zachariah Walker, Chaplain

;

THE SEVENTH REGIMENT OF

Johnson Motdton, Lieutenant-Colonel

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

Benjamin Brown,

IN

;

FOOT.

Henry Woods, Major.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

Benjamin Ball, John Moslier, George Marsdin, Nathaniel Sortie, Jedediah Sangor,

Joseph Baker, Isaac Doilge,

John Hart, Surgeon Abraham Parley, Mate Samuel Nason, Quartermaster. ;

Abraham

ENSIGNS.

William Taylor.

Edmund

Bancroft.

Samuel Nason. Simeon Lord. William Nevens. Obadiah Witherell. Andrew Brower. Samuel Lawrence. ;

George Marsdin, Adjutant;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

637

&;c.,

JANUARY,

NAMES or THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE EIGHTH REGIMENT OF FOOT, NIES, JANUARY 1, 1776. Field- Officers.

—Enoch Poor, Colonel

Winborn Adams,

-

-

-

Jeremiah Fogg,

Lyford, Benjamin Kimball, William Smith, James Carr, - -

-

-

Edward Parsons,

Joseph Huntoon, - . Nathaniel McClintock, Jethro Herd, William Rowell, Joshua Lovejoy, - Stephen Jones Thomas,

-

-

Zachariah Beal,

-

-

Thomas

-

-

Benjamin Tilcomb, Jonathan Wentvvorth, James Norris, - . .

-

-

Jeremiah Clough, -

Philip Tilton,

-

Jonathan Frye, Richard Weare,

-

Richard Shortridge, - Frederick Mordaunt Bell, Staff- Officers.

—Noah

James

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

...

Matlies,

;

Joseph Cilley, Major.

SECONO LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

638

THE SERVICE OF THE nNITED COLO-

IN

John McDiiffie, Lieutenant-Colonel

;

1776.

.

.

ENSIGNS.

-

... -

....

. -

John Colcord. Jonathan Heath. Robert Pike. Enoch Chase. Samuel Nute. Charles Glidden. Steven Abbot. Jacob Lowe.

Caleb Greenleaf Adams, Singeon; William Parker, Msite ; Parsons, Adjutant ; Jeremiah Fogg, Quartermaster.

Coofte, Jun., Chaplain

;

Edward

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE NINTH REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field- Officers.

—James M.

Varnum, Colonel

Archibald Crary, Lieutenant-Colonel; Christopher Smith, Major.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

Oliver Clark, Cole,

-

-

Thomas

-

.

John Lane, Joshua Read, John Gooch,

-

-

-

-

-

.

James Varnum, Timothy Lock,

—Ebenezer David, Chaplain;

ENSIGNS.

Joseph Whitmarsh,

Noel Allen, William Potter, John Singer Dexter, Samuel Bissell, Isaac Holden, Jabez Lane, - -

Ebenezer Flagg, Elijah Lewis, Nathaniel Hawkins,

Staff-Officers.

;

Elijah Hull.

Micah Whitmarsh,

Chandler Burllingham.

Daniel Pearce, Clark Brown, /vrlios CrandalL

-

Moses Atkinson.

/.

Michael Molton.

Thomas

-

Hc-^Jl

-

Matthew Chambers,

Duty

Jerauld.

John Singer Dexter, Adjutant; Clark Brown, Quartermaster; Joseph Daniel Brown, Mate.

Joslyn, Surgeon

;

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE TENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field-Officers.

— Samuel H.

Parsons, Colonel; John Tyler, Lieutenant-Colonel; Samuel Prentice, Major.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

William Cleveland, Caleb Baldwin, -

ENSIGNS.

-

-

Richard Hewitt, David Nevins, . Oliver Babcock,

-

-

.

Christopher Darrou,

-

-

John McGregore,

-

-

-

Daniel Collins, Ezra Selden, -

Abraham Watrous,

-

-

Elisha Lee,

-

-

-

James Day,

Isaac Gallop,

-

-

.... ... Thomas Avery, Enoch Reed, .... .

James Chapman, David F. Sill, . James Eldridge,

-

-

-

.

-

-

.

.

.

Christopher Ely, Ebenezer Brewster,

.

-

-

Stephen Keyes, William Richards,

-

-

Nathaniel Hall,

Chaplain

Staff- Officers.—

;

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Daniel Waite. Pendleton. Daniel Billings. John Balkley.

-

-

-

Henry Hill. Lemuel Cleft.

...

Jesse Prentice,

Josiah Hart, Surgeon

-

.

Elisha Ely, Mate Quartermaster. ;

;

David Dorrence. Benjamin Haskill.

James Day, Adjutant

;

Richard

Sill,

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field- Officers.

—Daniel Hitchcock, Colonel; Ezekiel FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

Jeremiah Olney, William Yew, Stephen Kimball, Francis Symonds,

-

.

-

.... -

-

-

-

-

-

Silas Talbot, Coggeshall Olney,

-

.

-

-

Ephraim Bowen, . John Spurr, Staff-Officers.

... .

.

— O/iucr

-

John Wyman, John Blunt, William William William Stephen

Cornell, Lieutenant-Colonel; Israel Angell, Major.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

.... ....

ENSIGNS.

William Blodgett,

.

-

-

Thomas Hughes,

-

.

-

Blancliard,

-

-

William Bradford, Jun.,

-

Mills, -

-

-

-

James King,

.

Allen,

-

-

-

Peter

.

-

-

James Bridges,

.

-

-

-

-

.

Olney, Ephraim Sawyer, Ebenezer Filch,

-

Don worth,

.

... ...

;

^

Eliphalet Foster.

Christopher Hopkins,

5amtie/ Tenwy, Surgeon ; Adjutant ; Cyprian Slerry, Quartermaster.

JVo6?e, Chaplain

-

John Armstrong. Ebenezer West. Nathan Olney. Holleman Potter. John Thomas.

rwj'ii'

r%

t

n

I

¥

Mate; William Bradford, Jan.,

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

639

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OrFICERS

IN

—Moses

JANUARY

Jacob Gerrisb, John Baker, Gideon Parker,

-

-

-

Amos

.

.

.

Caleb Lambson, Moses Kent, Joseph Hodgkins, Stephen Jenkins,

Atkinson,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

James Lord, . John Burnham,

-

-

Silvanus Smith,

-

JN'oi/e,

NA5IES or Field-Officers.

Ames Walbridge,

-

William Searl,

-

Samuel Proctor. Benjamin Gould.

-

-

-

Mate

.

IN

—Joseph Read, Colonel; Ebenezer

William Litilefield. Nathaniel Mitchell. William Story. Jonathan Woodman. Amos Pearson.

-

Elisha Story, Surgeon; . John Carr, Quartermaster.

;

Dudley Colman, Adjutant ;

THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT.

Clap, Lieutenant-Colonel; Calvin Smith, Major.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

Oliver Pond,

ENSIGNS.

-

Nathan Goodall, Elias Bacon, Joseph McCumber, Isaac Warren, John Holden, - -

Bethuel Washburn, Ezekiel Plymton, Tliaddeus Read, GeoiTje Whipple, Levi Lindly, - -

John Trotter. Oliver Rouse. Robert Muzzy. Benjamin Walker. Jacob Goldthwaite.

-

Japhet Daniels,

Benjamin Read,

-

Adams Chapin.

Abijah Lincoln,

-

Rufus Barney. Benjamin Pike.

Edward Seagraves, Andrew Peters, Samuel Payson, Samuel Warren,

;

THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

CAPTAINS.

-

Chaplain

-

-

-

-

.

-

-

Dudley Colman,

-

. Ezra Lunt, Abraham Dodge, Nathaniel Warner, Benjamin Perkins,

-

-

-

-

Samuel Hughes, Joseph Fisk, -

-

-

-

-

-

— O/fcer

Oliver Soaper,

Thomas

Moses Knapp,

Peter Taft,

Staff- Officers.—

-

Wiltaras,

•^

COLO--

ENSIGNS.

-

-

-

Staff-Officers.

THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED

Jared Smith, John Carr, - - - Nathaniel Montgomery, Enoch Parsons, - Daniel Collins,

-

-

Wade,

IN

«4a^

1776.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

-

Nathaniel

1,

1776.

William Henshaw, Lieutenant-Colonel; James Collins, Major.

Little, Colonel;

CAPTAINS.

JANUARY,

THE TWELFTH REGIMENT OP FOOT, NIES,

Field- Officers.

&c.,

Gideon Macumber,

-

Chaplain; Seth Ames, Surj;eon ; Joseph Adams, Male; Benjamin Read, Adjutant; Adams Chapin, Quartermaster.

.

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field- Officers.

— John Glover, Colonel;

CAPTAINS.

Gabriel Johonnot, Lieutenant-Colonel;

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

-

-

-

Edward Archibald,

Thomas

Thomas

-

-

-

John Glover, Joseph Swasey,

-

-

-

William Bubier, Joshua Orne, - Robert Williams, -

Ebenezer Groves,Marston Wattson,

Nathaniel Bond,

-

-

-

Nathaniel. Clarke,

Joseph Lee,

-

-

-

William Groves, Robert Nirablett, Theophilus Monson,

William Courtis, Grant,

.

...

. Moses Brown, Gilbert Warner Speekman

Staff-Officers.—

.

Chaplain

;

William Lee, Major.

Thomas

-

ENSIGNS.

James Foster. John Clark. John Allen. Robert Wormsted. Jeremiah Reed. Samuel Getchell. William Hawks.

Courtis,

Fosdick,

Seward Lee, Joseph Stacey, John Wallis, -





William Jones,

Isaac Spafford, Surgeon ; . . Joseph Stacey, Quartermaster.

Mate

;

Thomas

FosdicJc, Adjutant

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field- Officers. -^John Patterson, Colonel ; Seth Read, Lieutenant-Colonel flenry Sherburn, Major. ;

CAPTAINS.

David Noble, John Mclnstry, Samuel Sloan, Samuel Sayer, William

Wyman,

-

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

William Aug. Patterson,

Thomas McKinstry, -

-

Ebenezer Sullivan, Moses Ashley, rrheodore Bliss, S("ff-Officers.— David Avery,

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

Peter White, Samuel Chapin, John Bacon, Joseph Welsh,

Solomon Martin, John Pennoyer,

-

-

.

-

-

-

-

.

-

-



-

-

-

Edward Cumpston,

-

-

William Walker,

Cbaplam; Timothy

.

-

Jehiel Jackson, Jeremiah Littlefield, Joshua Traston, Nathan Lord, - Jeremiah Miller, Robert Davis, - -

ENSIGNS.

Mathias Hall. Gerard Fitch. David Johnson.

Samuel Stevens. Belcher Hancock. Joseph Johnson. Job Preist. John Arnold.

Child, Surgeon Jonathan Lee, Mate; William ffa/ter, Adjutant Gerrard Fitch, Quartermaster. ;

i

;

PRdC£fii5W(3'S' &c., JAl^tJARY;

CORRESPONDENCE,

^41

MAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

IN

THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT, COLONIES, JANUARY

Fitld- Officers. —Paul

D.

Sargeant, Colonel

;

1,

1776.''

64^

THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED:

IN

1776.

Michael Jackson, Lieutenant-Colonel

;

Jonathan W. Austin, Major 1

1

FIRST LIEtTTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

Frederick Pope, William Scott, Asa Barnes, . John Vinton, . James Perry, -

James Keith,

Thomas

-

.

Staff- Officers.



Isaac Fuller,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Zacheus Thayer,

-

-

-

Ephraim Cleveland,

-

-

Aaron Stratten,

-

-

Matthew Macumber.

-

-

-

-

Thomas

-

-

-

Ichabod Houlbrook, Peter Doliiver,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

David Thomas,

-

-

-

-

-

Moody

-

-

-

-

-

. HoUis, Jonathan Drowne, David Chandler, - Nathaniel Doubleday, . William Scott,

-

Timothy Whiting,

-

-

Silas

-

Dustin,

;

;

—Jedcdiah Huntington, Colonel

-

-

.

-

Aaron Hale,

-

Solomon Orcutt, Zebediah Farnum,

-

-

-

-

Thomas Fanning,

-

-

Jabez Fitch,

-

-

-

-

Simeon Huntington,

-

-

Ozias Bissett, Elihu Hubbard,

-

-

-

Abraham Wright,

-

-

^

-

-

Jonathan

-

-

-

Nathaniel Gove,

-

-

William Peck,

-

1

iTimothy Percival, Ebenezer Fitch Bissett,

Staff- Officers.

—John

Ellis,

Chaplain

;

-

-

Gillet,

Peter Doliiver, Adjutant

;

Elihu Humphreys, Major.

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

Caleb Trowbridge, Joseph Jewitt, Jonathan Brewster,

-

;

[

THE SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT.

IN

Joel Clark, Lieutenant-Colonel

;

Hartshorn.

Benjamin Snow. Osgood Carleton. Richard Welch. Aldrich Wyley.

Mate

John Homans, Surgeon Osgood Carleton, Quartermaster.

Chaplain

CAPTAINS.

Tyler,

;

-

-

Field- Officers.

Isaiah Fuller.

-

-

Josiah Monroe.

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Abram

-

ENSIGNS.

-

Farrington,

John Wyley,

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

ENSIGNS.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

.

-

-

-

John Harris, - Ebenezer Perkins, Solomon Makepeace,

-

-

John Kinsman. Joshua Tracy. Joseph Chapman.

-

Thomas Hay don,

-

-

-

Elihu

-

-

-

-

Joel Gillet.

-

-

Simeon Newell, John Humphreys,

-

-

Moses Goodman.

John Waddo, Surgeon

;

-

Silas Holmes,

Mate

;

Cornelius Higgins. Anthony Bradford.

Lyman.

William Peck, Adjutant

;

Thomas

.Fanning, Quartermaster.

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field- Officers.

—Edmund Phinney, Colonel

Samuel March, Lieutenant-Colonel

;

;

Jacob Brown, Major.

'

}

:Wentwonh

Stewart, Hart Williams, John Rice, Abraham Tyler, Tobias Fernald, . -

-

-

....

... ... ...

Jeremiah Hill,Silas Wild, Nathan Watkins,

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

.

-

.

-

...

-

.

Archelaus Lewis.

-

Carey McClennen,

-

-

John Perkins.

-

-

Crispus Graves,

.

.

Austin Alden.

-

-

Edward

-

-

-

-

Solomon Mersowey. Henry Sewell. Samuel Stubbs. John Pray. Peter Brown.

-

Elisha Mersowey,

... -

.

>

.

Jonathan Sayer, William McClannen, Bartholomew York,

James Donnell, William Boden,

ENSIGNS.

-

Daniel Merrill,

.

.

-

-

Silas

Burbank,

-

-

-

Josiah Jenkins,

Millickin,

George Smith, Moses Banks, William Frost, Jacob Lyon, .

-

...

.... -

-

.

-

-

.

Chaplain; Samuel Adams, Surgeon John Sprague, Mate Moses Banks, Quartermaster.

Staff- Officers,

;

;

George Smith, Adjutant;

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE NINETEENTH REGIMENT OF FOOT. Field- Officers.

— Charles

Webb, Colonel

;

Street Hall, Lieutenant-Colonel;

John Brooks, Major. 1

FIRST LIEUTENANTS.

CAPTAINS.

Joseph Hait,

-

-

-

... Edward Shipman, ... Bostwick, Nathaniel Tuttle,

-

Isaac

.... ....

Peter Perrott, Eli Leavensworth, William Hull, Nathan Hale, - Staff-

-

-

-

-

Joseph Allen Wright, Eli Catlin, -

—Vol.

Series.

.

.

.

-

.

-

-

.

iv.

-

Scofield,

Jesse Grunt,

ENSIGNS.

... -

.

Nathan Whittlesey,

-

-

.

Elisha Bostwick, Samuel Sandford,

-

-

-

-

.

Charles Webb, Jun., William Clark, -

.

-

...

Robert Lewis, John Shumway, Alpheus Chapman, ;

Reuben

-

....

John Yates, Samuel Hurlbut, Charles Pond, -

Chaplain

Officers—

Fourth

-

SECOND LIEUTENANTS.

-

John Elderkin,

-

-

... -

...

Francis Fognes, Surgeon Rossiier, Mate John Elderkin, Quartermaster. :

41

;

Stephen Betts. Amos Johnson. Selah Benton. Amos Bostwick. William Smith. John Bull. Charles Whittlesey. George Hurlbut. Charles Webb, Jun., Adjutant

i

;.

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

643

JANUARY,

S:c.,

644

1116.

NAMES OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN THE TWENTIETH KF.GIMENT OF FOOT, IN THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED COLONIES, JANUARY 1, 1776.

Fidd-Officcn.—

.

.

.

.

Wills Clift,

-

John Robertson, Staff-Officers.

;

John Durkee, Lieutenant-Colonel

-

Nathaniel

-

-

-

Nathaniel Bishop,

-

-

-

-

Ebenezer Gray,

-

-

-

-

.

Bryant Brown. Waters Clark. Benjamin Durkee, Jun.

Timothy Cleveland.

Webb,

-

-

Daniel Tilden,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

John Waterman, James Holi, Benjamin Durkee,

-

-

-

-

.

-

-

Seth Phelps,

-

.

.

-

Silas

-

-

-

-

-

Josiah Fuller,

.

-

-

.

-

-

-

Jonathan Woodwortb, Robert Hallam, . -

-

John Buel. John Alden. John Durkee.

-

-

.

James Sprague, Samuel Brown, William Adams, Daniel Putnam,

-

-

-

Beriah Bell,

....

....

Field- Officers.

—Jona

General Woosier.

;

P. S.

I

most sincerely wish you the compliments of the

season.

colonel ARNOLD TO GENERAL WOOSTER.

We

;

;

;

General Hospital, Janaary

Dear

Sir:

-

2,

1776. '

wrote you, three days since, of our defeat and the death of General Montgomery and others, with all the information I then had of the matter. have been in suspense, with regard to my detachment, until this afternoon, when Major iWetg-* was sent out, with a flag, for the officers' baggage, who, he says, are all taken prisoners, except Captain Hendricks, hieutenant Humphreys, of the Riflemen, and Lieutenant Cooper, who were killed in the action. General Carleton says our loss, in killed and wounded, is a hundred. Major Meigs thinks it does not exceed sixty, and about three hundred taken prisoners, who are treated very humanely. These brave men sustained the force of the whole garrison for three hours, but were finally obliged to yield to numbers, and the advantageous situation the garrison had over them. Several I

We

other officers,

I

am

told, are slightly

wounded.

We

had

the misfortune of losing one brass six-pounder in the en-

gagement, and all our mortars were taken from St. Rogue's the evening after the engagement. This was the fault of some of the officers who commanded, as they might very easily have been brought away, agreeable to my positive orders for that purpose. Our force, at this time, does not exceed eight hundred men, including Colonel Livingston's

Regiment of two hundred Canadians, and some scattered Canadian forces, amounting to two hundred more. Many of the troops are dejected, and anxious to get home, and

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, JANUARY,

671

good purpose, will very obedient servant,

some have

I shall endeavour to continue actually set off. For the blockade while there are any hopes of success. GocTs sake order as many men down as you can possibly

this

spare, consistent with the safety of Montreal, and all the mortars, howitzers, and shells, that you can possibly bring.

To

hope you will stop every rascal who has deserted from and bring him back again. Every possible mark of distinction was shown to the corpse of General Montgomery, who was to be interred Had he been properly supported by in Qtubcck this day. We are short his troops, I make no doubt of our success. of cash not more than four or five hundred pounds, and If any can be spared only twenty barrels of salt pork. from Montreal, I think best to bring it down, and all the

I

us,



butter.

honourable Continental Congress, and another to his Excellency General H'ashington. 1 think it will be highly necessary, with the reinforcement which, 1 make no doubt. I

beg you

copy of

will transmit a

this letter to the

Congress will send, that they should order all the large mortars and howitzers at Crown- Point, Ticonderoga, and Fort-George, on to this place. Monsieur Pclissier, who Ras a furnace at Tliree- Rivers, assures me that he can cast any size and number of shells between this and the beginning o{ April. I hope t!)e honourable Continental Congress will not think of sending less than eight or ten thousand men to secure and form a lasting connection with this country.

am

in

g ^^^^^^

To

f^j^^^^^ g^^

General Wooster.

N. B. Many officers here appear dispirited; yourpreSDuce will be absolutely necessary. I don't expect to be in a capacity to act this two months.

g

Arnold

Albany, January 14, 1776,

Sir

:

Through the

great hurry in which the express

was

sent off from hence, the enclosed was forgot. I am, sir, with sentiments of esteem, your most obedient, humble servant,' c

n

To

the Honourable

Philip scudtler. John Hancock, Esq.

Sib : 1 have sent Colonel Warner to throw into Canada whatever numbers of men he can procure upon what are commonly called the New-Hampshire Grants; and, in order to encourage them to march without delay, I have offered forty shillings, lawful, as a bounty to the men, and a month's pay to the officers, and an allowance of onesixth of a dollar per day from their leaving home until they can receive Continental provisions. I hope the Congress will give their approbation of this measure. 1 am, as above, yours, he, the Honourable

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. Cambridge, January 13, 1776.

Gentlemen It is exceedingly painful to me to giva you so much trouble as I have, and am like to do, in the :

support of our lines and the arrangement of the new Army. But my difficulties must, in their consequences, devolve trouble on you. To my very great surprise, I find that the whole number of arms which have been stopped from the discharged soldiers, amount to no more than one thousand six hundred and twenty ; and of that number, no more than

one hundred and twenty in store, the ed to the recruits who liave come in.

iron cannon or not. examination of the stores that were on board the brigantine, I find we stand in great need of shells, and shall esteem it a particular favour if you will, immediately on receipt hereof, forward the eleven hundred specified at the foot of your letter.

Upon

told that there

is

a vessel arrived with you, that I need not inform you

brought twenty tons of powder.

the great necessity I am in for that article. If it is true that this quantity is arrived, it would be of infinite service to the great cause we are engaged in, that the wiiole, or such part thereof as can be spared, was sent with the utmost this will

also find, from the

men are to be and that they are the alternative of either getting no men, or men

who have arms

inlisted

reduced to without arms.

in

their hands,

What is to be done, themselves in providing arms fron) the several towns, or in sucli other mannef as to liiem shall seem speedy and effectual. To account for this great deficiency would be tedious, and not much to the purpose. Suffice it, generally, to say, that it has arisen from two causes the badness of the arms of the old Army, which the inspectors and valuers of did not think fit to detain ; and to the disobedient regiments, which, in spite of every order I could issue to the contrary, (even to a solemn threat of stopping the pay for the months of November and December, of all those who should carry away their arms,) have, in a measure, by stealth, 1)orne them away. I am glad to hear, by a gentleman of your honourable body, who does me the honour to be the hearer of this letter, that you have, for some time past, been collecting arms at Watertown, whilst a good deal of despatch has been used in making them elsewhere. I beg to know how many 1 can rely upon, as the recruits now coming in from the country will be useless without. It is to no purpose, I find, to depend upon imported arms. What you can furnish, I must take on behalf of the Continent, and will, upon notice, send some gentlemen to receive them. Will it be prudent to apply to such of the Militia as are going away, for their arms ? Leaving it optional with them, cannot be amiss ; but, will the necessity of the case justify the policy of detaining them ? I ask for information, being, with great truth and esteem, gentlemen, your most obeunless their

Unhappy

situation

Governments

!

will exert

dient servant,

George Washington.

To

the Hon. James Warren, Speaker of the

camp.

If

purchase

it

it;

ing your influence with the

belongs to private persons, if

to the publick,

House of As-

sembly, he,

To my

I

despatch to request you

1

report of the Recruiting officers, that few

Cambridge, January

want the

am

rest being redeliver-

I

your exert-

Committee of Safety

13, 1776.

Sib: I am very sorry that I should havfe so often troubled you respecting this Army, and that I am under the necessity of applying to you again.

Cambridge, January 13, 1776.

i

your most

general WASHINGTON TO MATTHEW THORNTON.

received your favour of the 2d instant last evening, and note what you mention of the cannon. I am in daily expectation of Colonel Knox's arrival, and until he comes, 1 cannot, with certainty, inform you whether I shall :

sir,

George Washington.

John Hancoclc.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL McDOUGALL. Sir

oblige,

Colonel Alexander McDougall.

Philip Schuvler.

To

much

:

such excessive pain from my wound, (as the bones of my leg are affected,) I can only add that I am, with the greatest esteem, dear sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, I

672

1776.

to effect

great surprise,

sir, I

find that,

notwithstanding

[

have taken the utmost pains to prevent the soldiers that would not reiniist in the new Army from carrying away their arms, or such of them as were good, the whole number collected amounts to only one thousand six hundred and twenty, of which there are no more than one hundred and twenty now in store, the rest being delivered to the recruits who have come in. I

also find, from

that few

men

the report of the Recruiting officers,

are to he inlisted

who have arms

in

their

hands, and that they are reduced to the disagreeable alternative of getting men without any, or no men at all. Un-

happy situation What is to be done ? Must not these Governments exert themselves in procuring them from the several towns, or in such other manner as to them shall seem most effectual and speedy. !

To

account minutely for this great deficiency would be no importance. I shall only say, that it has arisen from two causes, to wit: the badness of the arms of tedious, and of

the old

Army, which

the inspectors and appraisers did not

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

673

think worth detaining, and to the disobedience of some Regiments, carrying theirs away, in a manner, by stealth, notwithstanding every order I could issue, and even solemn threats of stopping the pay for the months of November and December of those that should.

The

|)rospect of getting imported

arms

is

so remote and

I, therefore, reuncertain that I cannot depend upon it. quest the favour of you to inform me, whether you have any, and what number belongs to the Government, as, also, If if you will be able to procure more, and in what time.

you have any, or can get them, I shall be glad to take them on account of the United Colonies. They must be had if possible. I have wrote to the honourable General Court of this Province about the same, but have not reShould any of your Militia be l)ere ceived their answer. when I get your answer, will it be prudent to apply to them Leaving it optional in them cannot be for their arms? amiss ; but, will tiie necessity of the case justify an invoI ask for information. luntary detention of them ? I am, sir, with great esteem, &lc.,

George Washington.

To

Hon. Matthew Thornton, Esq., President of the Convention of Neiv-Hampshire. the

BENJAMIN FESSENDEN TO JAMES WARREN. Sir: In compliance with the desire of a number of the members of the Conmiittees of Correspondence and Inspection for this town, I enclose you a copy of the The Committee have vote passed by them yesterday.

done

all in their

to stop said vessel, referred to in

the vote, and have had repeated assurances that she should not sail without liberty; but, as she has sailed, thought it a duty incumbent on them, to give information of it to the honourable House, that if any thing further was necessary, they might give such order thereon as to them should, in Mr. Nye is a member of our their wisdom, seem best.

Committee, and

to

him

I

beg leave

to refer

you

for a

more

particular account of the conduct of the owners, relative to their sending

I

away the

am, honoured

sir,

the

At a meeting of a number of the Members of the Committees of Correspondence and Inspection, of the town of Sandwich, on January 12, 1776, Mr. Stephen Nye was chosen Chairman, and Benjamin Fessenden, Clerk. Present: Messrs. Stephen Nye, Eliakim Tobey, Lieutenant John Dillingham, Captain Simeon Fish, Elisha Fope, Nathaniel Fish, Seth Freeman, Esquire, Zro icm. 9, 1776. Mr. Brna«tcd, Mr. Byvmick,

Mr. T. Anthony, Mr. Moore, Mr. BdSsieU, Mr. Abuel,

Mr. Browrr, Mr. R.iy, .lun., Mr. Do Poysler,

.Mr. Uoniiing,

Mr. Pinturd, Mr. J.iy, Mr. Curtenius, Mr. (iilljort, Mr. Pell,

Colonul

Stout 'nburgh,

Mr. Tomploton, Mr. KiHwcvi'U,

I^olt,

Hyer,

Colon -1 Bull, Mr. Jincway,

CoIoik

Mr. Fhcnix,

(I.iptuin Joliiison,

Mr. Rooiiie, Mr. V.in '/.-.ntdt, Mr. BU'ocliur, Mr. Binoker,

Mr. MiMcr,

1

Mr. Norwood,

C7j|>tuiii

Uvnnis,

L3 slier, Mr. Dunscomb.

Coionfil

Mr. Totlcn,

The That

examine the Goods the Sloop ffaiUon, Captain Mount, report.

siib-Coiiimittee appointed to

imported

692

Mr. Christopher DuycJcinck having suggested to the tliat a quantity of Tea was imported in the Sloop IVantnn, Captain Mount, Ordered, That Mr. Duyckinck attend this Committee,

Committee

Officers.

Mr

1776.

in

fifty-sis pieces

of Linen, and ten pieces of Sheeting

are tiie manufactory of Irclimtl, and one hundred and eighty-five pounds of Thread, the manufactory of Scot-

land. liesolved, '^biM said

Goods are imported contrary

to the

with his evidences, at the next meeting.

Adjourned

till

to-morrow evening.

At a special meeting of the General Committee for the City and County of Neiv- York, on Wednesday evening, January 10, 1776. Present: Cornelius P. Low, Chair-

man pro Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

tern.

C.iptaln Johnson,

Miller,

Mr. Stoutenbiirgh, Hycr, Ciptain Poll, Mr. Toltcn, Mr. Ilulmc, Mr. Norwood,

Pintard,

Colonel

Byvanck, Dnyckinck,

Mr. Abeel,

Captain D.'nnis, J. Kay, Jan., Colonel Bull, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Ray, Sen., Mr. Banckcr.

Ucnniii)!, Rnoacvtilt,

Cofoiiel

Juy, IJooino, Bia."iett,

Colonel Laslier, Mr. liunscomb, Mr. Moore,

Captain Anthony, J.

Mr.

(Colonel Curtenius,

Brinckcrhoflf,

Mr.

l.ott.

Anthony,

Mr. Breasted, Mr. Ti^mpliiton, Mr. BlecckL'r, Sanmcl Broome, Captain Janoway,

A

motion was made by Mr. Btdl, and seconded by Mr. in the words following, viz: Mr. Chairman I move that the opinion of this Committee be taken, wheil)er any person residing in another Colony, during their non-residence ought to hold a seat in Ilelme,

General Association.

:

The

snb-Comniittee further report, that they are dubious »vheiher tlie Nails imported in tlie said Sloop IVanton, are English or a foreign niaiuifaclory. The matter being debated, the question was put, whether the Nails imported in Carried in the the Sloop H'anton are English Nails? affirmative.

Resolved, therefore, That the said Nails are imported contrary to the General Association.

The sub-Committee

further

report,

that ninety-eight

Blankets, fifty-six pieces of Osnahurghs, twenty-six pieces of RuHsia Sheeting, four bales of Pepper, and fifty-tvt'o reams Paper, appear to be of foreign manufacture and produce. Resolved, That this Committee do agree with the subConmiiitee, and that the said Goods are imported agreeable to the General Association.

A motion was then made by Mr. Abeel, and seconded by Mr. Dennis, in the words following, viz: Mk. Ch.\irman: I move that the Goods imported by Messrs. Grant and Fine, and Samuel Barling, and which have been found by this Committee to have been imported contrary to the General Association, be delivered into the custody of the sub-Committee appointed for granting leave to vessels departing this port, to be by them ke|)t in

Grant and Burling shall obtain an opportunity of sending them back, and do give sufficient security that they shall be returned to the place from whence they came which was unanimously agreed to. Ordered, Tiiat the above-mentioned sub-Committee do wait on Messrs. Grant and Burling, znd demand the Goods of them, and make a report thereof to this Committee. Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Grant has violated the safe custody until Messrs.

;

Association.

Resulted, That Mr. John Fine has violated the Association.

Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Burling has violated the Association.

Committee.

The

question then being put upon the above motion, was

carried in the negative.

Mr. Samuel Broome, a Member of having removed out of

this

Committee,

Province, resigned his seat.

this

Christopher Duyckinck, agreeable to an order of last one of his evidences relative to Mr. Burling's having imported a quantity of Tea in the Sloop night, attended with

Wanton. Mr. John Buchannan, Mr. DuyckincVs evidence, being called in, informed the Committee that he saw four casks of Tea carted from Samuel Burling's store to Thomas Grant's, by John Van Aullen and Peter Outenbergh that the head of one of the casks falling loose, he, (the examinant,) discovered Tea on the body of the cart. Ordered, That a sub-Commiitee be appointed to examine the several casks, supposed to he Tea, carted from Mr. Burling's store to Mr. Thomas Grant's, as also six hogsheads which Mr. Burling delivered Mr. Laac Roosevelt.

Ordered, That Mr. Breasted, Captain Pell, Mr. Abeel, and Mr. Bull, be a sub-Committee for that purpose, and

make

a report thereon, with

all

convenient speed.

On

motion of Mr. Denning, Ordered, That Mr. Duyckinck be requested to deliver Mr. Samuel Burling, or his order, the Sails which he has in charge belonging to the Sloop Wanton.

Mr. Brinckerhoff having purchased Goods of Mr. Thomas Grant, which were found by this Committee to have been imported contrary to the General Association, the matter was this evening laid before the Committee which, being debated, the question was put, whether Mr. BrinckCarried erhoff had knowingly violated the Association ? ;

in the negative.

Ordered, That Mr. De Peystcr, Mr. Phenix, and Mr. Bull, be a sub-(^ommittee to draw up a state of the facts relative to the above gentlemen's violating the Association, and that the said to be published in the publick papers sub-Committee report the same to this Committee with all convenient speed. ;

Resolved, It is the opinion of this Committee, that whereas a number of the Members of this Committee are either renioved out of Town, or engaged in the Army, or Congresses, that there be a draw up an advertisement to requesting that the Quorum may be reduced to

Continental

this

or

Provincial

sub-Committee appointed

A

motion was made by Mr. Bleccker, and seconded,

in

the words following, viz:

Mr. Chairman from

I

:

Committee

move

that an application be

made

Congress, requesting they will pass a resolve that all Goods and Merchandise imported into this Colony, contrary to the General Association, be forfeited and that they empower this Committee to appoint persons to dispose of such Goods and Merchandise, and to distribute the moneys arising from the sales thereof to the poor. this

to the Provincial

;

to

the

Town,

the

number of Twenty-Oue, and

that the

Chairman be de-

sired to sign the advertisement.

Ordered, therefore. That Mr. Denning, Mr. Abeel, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Miller, be appointed a sub-Committee

At a meeting of the General Committee for the City County of New- York, Friday evening, January 12, .776. Present: Cornelius P. Low, Chairenan ^ro tern. ind

P. P.

Van Zandt,

Mr. Stoutonburgh, Mr. Roomc,

for that purpose, and attend at the City-Hall at ten o'clock, on Wednesday, the 17lh day o( January instant, to take

Mr. (Jilbert, Mr. Breasted, Mr. Bassott, Mr. Anthony,

Mr.

the sentiments of the publick.

Captain Denning,

Mr. Jancway,

Colonel Ilycr, Captain Johnaon, Abaci,

Mr. BrinckorhofT, Mr. De Poystcr, Colonel Lott,

Mr. Roosovolt, Mr. Mullig.in, Captain

Pull,

:

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

693 Mr. Rondn, Mr. Van Cortlandt, Mr. Teinpluton,

Mr

Mr. Kotlelas, Mr. Dtinacoml), Mr. Helciio, Mr. Ray, Sen.,

Tottun,

Mr. Ptienix,

O«lonol I/ashnr,

Mr. J. Antlioiiy, Mr. .Sliarpn, Mr. Uuyckinck.

Colonel Bull,

Henri/ Oulcnbergh, who was waiting ot ilie door, being •ailed in, informed the Committee thai he caned two Rice casks from Mr. Bitrling's store to Mr. Tliomas Grants; that he verily beheves ihey contained Tobacco; that lie did not observe any Tea fall out of the casks that John ;

Van Aullen carted two casks also. John Van Aullen informed the Committee

that he carted

two casks of Tobacco from Mr. Barling's store to Mr. Grant's; that he saw dust like Tea lay on the cart; that he saw some Fjead round the cask that he verily believes it w:is Tobacco [lut into a Rice cask. Peter Myers says he carted Wine from on board Captain Mount ; that lie did not believe there was any Tea came ;

in the vessel.

The sub-Committee

appointed to draw up a state of the Grant and Fine, and Samuel Burling's violating the Association, report the same accord-

fee,

JANUARY,

And this memorialist further sheweth, that since his said appointment, he has found the utmost remissness in duty, and the greatest disrcsjiecifulness towards officers from the soldiers of the respective beats; that he has rejieatedly complained of the same to no effect that the few independent companies which have been raised in this city, have showed, upon many occasions, the greatest cheerfulness to render any assistance to their suffering country but tliat at present he observes a great delinquency even in them. And this memorialist further sheweth, that upon regular complaint being made to the Field-Officeis of said companies, they unanimously assign the following reason for the same: That they have been, and ever will be, willing and ready to do their part of their respective duties; but that the men over whom they have command, too justly assert tiiat their good nature is imposed upon that the more they do, the more seems to be required at their hands that their interest and families have already suffered by their persisting in their former assiduity, and they are fearful tliat ne:

;

;

;

compel them

facts lelatinij to Messrs.

cessity will at length

ingly.

low-citizens will step forth and aid cause.

On

motion of Mr. Sharpe, Ordered, That the same be committed to the reconsideration of the sub-Committee.

Mr. Bonner, a prisoner, being confined House, Ordered, That he be admitted to bail.

The sub-Committee ment

Town,

to the

in

the Guard-

appointed to draw up an advertisesame accordingly; which,

report the

being read and approved

of, is

as follows, viz:

694

1776.

And

to desist, unless their fel-

them

commoa

in the

memorialist further sheweth, that the danger is nightly exposed, not only from tha attacks of external and internal enemies, but from the malice and intemperance of any individual who mounts guard, he has thought it his indispensable duty to lay before this Committee particular threats which he has heard from soma individuals of those unruly guards, who, he has reason to believe, wanted nothing but an opportunity of putting the same into execution, "such as firing upon His Majesty's to

this

which

ships,

now

this city

House, being found, by long experience, to be too large: The Freemen and Freeholders of this City and County

harbour," an act that must unavoidably upon the inhabitants of this city. The countersign has been divulged, and those who were appointed as guardians of our safety, have exposed us to the greatest dangers from the common enemy. He, therefore, humbly prays that this Committee will take the matter under their serious consideration, for, if long neg-

are hereby requested

lected,

" Coinmittca Chamber, Now-York, January 10, 1776.

" Whereas the

bu.siness

of this Committee has been

much impeded by reason of the absence of many Members and the Quorum or number constituted to form a ;

to attend

Wednesday, the

o'clock, on

at

the City-Hall, at ten

of January instant, in to Twenty-One, or such

17ili

order to reduce the said Quorum number as they think most likely to answer the end in view. By order of the Committee

other

" Cornelius P. Low, Chairman pro

Committee then adjourned

to

in the

bring unspeakable distress

he is fully convinced a sufficient number will soon be wanting to do the duty (though ever so badly ]^ of this ^'

William Leabv, Toivn-Major.

Ncw.York, January

16, 1776.

tern."

GENERAL LEE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Tuesday evening next.

Now. Haven, January

At

meeting of the General Committee for the City and County of New- York, on Tuesday evening, January Present: C. P. Low, Chairman j>ro iem. 16, 1776. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

a

Anthony, Moore,

Mr. Stoutenburgh, Mr. Helms,

Berrian,

Mr. Lott, Mr. Tottcn, Mr. Norwood, Mr. De Peyster, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Danning,

Bull, Poll, Lti.iher,

Bassott,

Roado, Abcol,

Wiykham,

Mr. Miller, Mr. Ray,

Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Duyckinck, Ketletas,

Roorae,

Templeton,

Van Zandt, Brinckerhoff,

Mr. Breasted,

ken say, that Mr.

his

examination, further declares,

*•#***#*

Mr. Seixas he heard Mr. Benzo-

ME.MORIAL OF WILLIAM LEART.

To the Commilteeof Safety for The.

16, 1776.

baffled

we

we have now occasion for apprehensive that the Congress must be inspired by you. They have just given a strong, and, I think, unfortunate instance of indecision. Colonel Waterbury had raised a regiment the regiment was equipped and ready for embarkation. They were to have landed in Oyster-Bay, to have attacked the Tories in Long- Island. Lord Stirling was to have attacked them on the oilier side all this by order of Congress ; when suddenly, Colonel fVuterbury received an order to disband his regiment, and the Tories are to remain unmolested till they are joined by the King's assassins. Governour Trumbull, like a man of sense and spirit, haa ordered this regiment lo be reassembled; 1 believe it will b* ready on Sunday, the day on which 1 shall march from this: town. 1 shall send immediately an express to the Congress, informing iliem of my situation, and at the same time conjuring them not to suffer the accursed Provincial Congress of New- York lo defeat measures so absolutely necessary to salvation. The affairs of Canada, will, I suppose, very soon, if not instantly require a very considerable force from this Province; neither will the circumstances of Netv- York admit of its being too much stripped of men, for which reason 1 should think it advisable immediately to raise some additional regiments in Massachusetts-Bay. Adieu, dear General. God prosper you, and the arms of Indeed, I

am

;

Mr. Sharpo, Mr. Bancker.

fight against us.

Mr. John Wyley, upon

have been so

by the only arrived here last night. I believe we shall find no difficulties in procuring a sufficient body of volunteers for the New-York expedition. The unhappy accounts from Canada, seem to animate these people, weather, that

rather than depress. exertion and decision.

Hycr,

Information being given by Mr. Benjamin Seixas, that Eleazer Bcnzoken had acquainted him that Mr. Samuel Israel informed him (Bcnzoken) that he had heard Barrack Hays declare that he had sixteen Tories in the Comj)any to which he belonged, (of which Company fVilliam liemscn is Captain,) who would join the King's Forces to

that in the presence of

Dear General: We

the Colony of New-York Memorial o) Willi AM Leary, Town-Major, humbly :

ikcwcth

That since he has had the honour of fdling the station he now occupies, by virtue of his appointment, he studiously endeavoured to preserve the peace, good order, and well being of this city, as much as was in his power; that for that purpose, he has carefully attended the regular appointment of the Nightly Guard, according tdthe instructions of the General Committee.

;

virtue.

Yours, most sincerely, -"

To

General Washington.

^ Charles

,

Lee.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

699

allowing for the use of them, when I know it to be the opinion of Coof-ress that every man shall fiiinisli his own arms, or pay for the use of them, if put in his own hands; I to do otherwise, is an indirect way of raising the pay. again wish that the honourable Court could devise some

method of purchasing. beg leave to return my thanks for the kind ofTer of 1 will acthousand pounds, for the Continenial use. cept of a loan upon the terms mentioned, of half that sum, to secure payment of the Militia, whose time of service will be up the last of this month, till when 1 shall not have ocI

fifty

casion to

make

use of the money. am, with great respect,

1

he,

Geokce Washington.

To

the Honourable General Court of Massachusetts- Bay.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MATTHEW THOUNTON. Cambridge, January

16, 1776.

The

alarming and almost defenceless state of our lines, occasioned by the slow progress in raising recruits for the new Army, and the departure of a great number of the Militia, which had been called in for their support till the 15lh instant, rendered it necessary for me to summon the General Officers in council, to determine on proper measures to be adopted lor their preservation. For this purpose they met at Head-Quarters yesterday and to-day, and finding that it was with the utmost difficidty and persuasion that such of the latter as are now here, have been prevailed to continue till the last of the month, (after which there is not the remotest probability of their staying a moment,) they have judged it expedient, and absolutely necessary, that thirteen regiments should be forlhvviih raised, equal to those of the new establishment, to be officered according to the usual mode of their respective Governments, which are

SiK

:

to repair to this

camp by

readiness to act in such

in

the last instant,

manner

(till

if

possible, to

be

the 1st o( April) as

circumstances may require. Of this number, they apprehend the Alassachusttls should furnish seven ; Connecticut four; and your Government two ; being agreeable to the proportion settled by Congress. In order that each regiment may consist of a proper number of officers and men, 1 have enclosed you a list for their regulation, and of the Continental pay. I must earnestly solicit your attention and regard to arms, ammunition, blankets, kettles, and clothing, that they may come as well provided with these necessaries as possible, particularly the first, as, from the amazing deficiency here, I shall not have it in my power to supply them. The situation and exigency of our affairs calling for this assistance, 1 have the most pleasing assurance that your honourable body will exert themselves for complying with this requisition, with all possible despatch. I am, sir, with much esteem and regard, your most obedient servant,

To

the Honourable

-^ George „, Washington.

Matthew Thornton.

&c.,

JANUARY,

700

1776.

have, though without a direct order from your at the same time, I beg leave to observe, the deliveries of provisions to the soldiei-s, for some weeks past, being without fleet,

I

Lordsliip, given a proportion of porter to the ships

;

peas or rice, the want of bedding, and tlie unavoidable exposure to the weather, from the nature of the duty, which has been very severe, without enumerating further reasons, make them require these refreshments more than seamen, who are better provided. I enclose, for yoiu- Lordship's information, an account of the deficiencies in the provision contract, with the Commissary's letter thereupon; and I shall send another to the Lords of the Treasury. Having heard, from Governour Tryon, that there is a prospect of getting some provisions on the side of NewYork, I have despatched a vessel to endeavour to procure it; and the victuallers for the navy, lately arrived, could conveniently afford us a supply for six weeks, if necessary, which relieves me from the necessity of putting the troops to short allowance, more especially as I am hopeful that the vessels mentioned in my despatcii of the ]9ib Diccmber, may return from the fVest-Indies and Georgia, l)efore the provisions in store, as per state, are consumed so that our dependance is not wholly on the contractors' shi|)s, one of which got in the 13th instant, with oats, flour, and peas ; the last article affording most seasonable relief. The necessary arrangements being made for the departure of Major-General Clinton to Cape-Fear, in consequence of your Lordship's despatches of the 22d October, he is ready to sail in the Merairy, ship-of-war, with the Falcon, sloop, and two transports, having on board two companies of Light-Infantry, and some Highlanders ; the latter, 1 hope, may be useful in getting men in North-Ca;

Governour iVirtrt/Vi is not deceived in his expectaI do not presume to judge, having received no direct intelligence from thence since General Gage's departure; nor have I received Governour iV/amV«'s letter, referred to in your Lordship's letter of 22d October. It is much to be wished that the troops had sailed from Europe in time to have arrived at their destination by the middle, or latter end of November ; but I am free to own my opinion to your Lordship, which has been, to leave the

rolina, tions,

if

of which

Southern Provinces in the fullest persuasion of their secuRebels should have been defeated on the side of New-York ; which event appears to me, more clearly than ever, of so much consequence, that our utmost strength should be exerted to acconiplish it before designs of less importance are taken up, inconsistent with the general plan of operations for the ensuing campaign; and it is to be presumed the Southern Rebels would have been less able to defend themselves, had they not been roused by the conduct of their Governours, who have not, I fear, the power of suppressing them, or of re-establishing the interest of Government in any degree. It is remarkable, that the destination of the regiments to the Southward, was promulgated here by private letters from England, tliai came in the same ship with your Lordship's despatch relative to them and 1 make no doubt of the Rebels being in possession of the intelligence very soon after it arrived. General Lee, I hear, is gone for the Army in consequence of it. rity, until the

;

^MAJOR-GENERAL HOWE TO THE EARL OF DARTMODTH. Boston, January 16, 1776.

I,

My

Lord By Admiral Shuldham's arrival,

on the 30lh of December, I had the honour of your Lordship's despatches of the 22d October; a duplicate of the 25ih September, from Mr. Deputy Secretary Pownall, covering a letter from Lord William Campbell, of the 19th July; a duplicate from your Lordship, of the 22d September, the originals of which are not yet received, with copies of despatches from the Earl of Itochford, of the 21st September, to the Lord-Lieutenant oi Ireland ; also, a copy of a letter from your Lordship, of the 22(1 September, to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in wiiich you are pleased to intimate that the stores of provisions contracted for by Messrs. Mure, Son ^ Atkinson, by the I^ords of the Treasury, are intended as well for tlie fleet as the army; whereas, from there not being any mention made of the

In Mr. Deputy Secretary PownaWs letter of the 22d September, I am to understand, that t may expect the King's commands from your Lordsliip, for the Seventeenth, Twenty-Seventh, Twenty-Eighth, Forty-Sixth, and Fifty-Fifth Regiments, to be sent to (^uebeck, as early as possible, in the Spring, and to detach a sufficient force from this army for the security of Halifax. These drains, added to ihat to the Southward, from whence I can promise myself little assistance to the main army, will reduce the expected strength for the campaign so considerably, that, if a respectable supply of troops from Europe does not arrive soon in the Spring, another defensive campaign, I conclude, will be the consequence; for, by the want of a force to act early, the Rebel Army will have full time to intrench in every strong position their

fleet

sharing these stores, either in your Lordship's letters me, from the Lords of the Treasury, or the merchants, the cargoes arriving before Admiral Shuldham, were distribuied solely to the army. But, since the sight of your Lordship's letter, that I might not appear to neglect the

commanders may

to

should get possession of New- York without resistance, we nmst not expect to carry their intresched camps but with considerable loss. Whereas, on the contrary, the army,

:

at the

fix

upon

;

in

which case, though we

opening of the campaign, being

in force,

would, pro-

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

701

bably, by rapid movements, bring the Rebels to an action upon equal terms, before they could cover themselves by works of any signification. The ill consufjueuces that must arise from another defenisive campaign, are not to be pointed out to your Lordship ; but it may be necessary to observe, tliat if the five battalions under Major-General Clinton are joined by the wellaftected inhabitants, and should possess themselves of any object that it may be important to hold, I shall not presume to call them off to the main army, unless the General shall represent that the inhabitants are able to maintain tiieir situation, although the King's troops should be withdrawn. 1 beg leave to remark, that with a proper army, of twen-

men, having twelve thousand at New- York, Rhode- Island, and two thousand at Halifax, exclusive of an army for the Province of (^uebeck, the ty thousand

six thousand at

present unfavourable appearance of things would, probably, wear a very different aspect before the end of the ensuing campaign. With fewer tioops, the success of any offensive operations will be very doubtful, the enemy possessing advantages that will not be readily overcome by a small force ; neither is their army by any ways to be despised, having in it

many European

men

of

and

soldiers,

spirit in the

all,

or most of the

john youste to maryland council of safety^ Georgetown, January 17, 1776.

Gentlemen

Having applied

to the Committee of Observation for a sufficient quantity of powder, for proving the guns whicli I have engaged to furnish the Council of Safety, which 1 have been refused, without your approbation. :

Glad you would please to nominate a man in town to see the guns proved, as it is inconvenient to me, at present, to leave the business. Mr. Dickens has

left town, which prevents his writing you, according to agreement. I hope, gentlemen, you will please to let me know what I am to expect, as the guns cannot be delivered, or finished, otherwise than by your granting a license for powder. 1 am, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

to

John Youste.

To

the Honourable the Council of Safety.

young

Enclosed are copies of letters of the 13th and 18th Vectmber, from Governour Tryon, with three papers, containing intelligence from him. He seems posiiive of beinir able to raise two thousand men, upon the arrival of this army at New- York, who may be rendered very useful, if accompanied by his personal services in the field. The enclosed extract from my answer to the Governour, and

copy of a letter to the commanding officer at Niagara, I hope may meet with His Majesty's approbation. 1 beg your Lordship will honour me with the King's commands respecting the bounty money, payment, and clothing, of the Provincial levies: their officers, last war, ranked with those of the army as youngest, in their respec-

nomination of members of assembly in NEW-YORK. Now-York, January

At

EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED NEW-YORK, JANUARY

transporting the army from hence to A'eu>continue to take up all proper vessels that can

lost in

I shall

but I do not suppose that this place can be evacuated without the aid of transports from Europe. One great ;

difficulty, among the many in this operation, will be the nunjber of inhabitants who, I expect, will desire to be removed, with their effects and merchandise. As many as Governour Legge can possibly accommodate and provide for, shall be sent to Nova-Scotia.

Having lately discovered a negotiation of property between the Rebels and their friends in this town, I use every endeavour to stop it; and, although it is not done as effectually as

I

may

trade

could wish, yet I be reserved until

Lordship's instructions for

am I

my

hopeful a large stock in

have the honour of your future conduct in this busi-

ness.

By

accounts from the Rebel army, it is said Major-GenQuebeck on the 20th o( November, and the season then being so far advanced, I conclude it will not be in the power of the Rebels to force him this Winter. have sent an officer, who may be depended 1 upon, to Halifax, and from thence to Qucbeck, that 1 may eral Carleton got into

have

17,

1776.

Your Lordship has enclosed a state of the transports, including such as have arrived and been taken into His Majesty's service, in consequence of the duplicate of your Lordship's letter of the 22d September; and, that no time be

17, 1776.

meeting of a number of freemen and freeholders of the City and County of iVeu;-Fo/ A:, at the house of Mrs. Vonderwater, on Wednesday, January 17, 1776, for the purpose of nominating persons to represent them in the next General Assembly, it was agreed, by a majority of said company, that Philip Livingston, John Alsop, John Jay, and Alexander McDougall, be, and are, recommended to ;".;,'p'^tlick as sufficient men for that purpose; and, in order to''avoid any division among the electors, they are desired to aid and assist in the above choice. a

tive degrees.

York, be got

702

William Howe.

are exceedingly diligent and attentive in their military profession.

may

1776.

With the most perfect respect, I have the honour to be, your Lordship's faithful, and most obedient servant,

who

country,

JANUARY,

fee,

and 1 expect by the beginning o( April. The six missing companies of the Seventeenth, and six companies of the Fifty-Fifth Regiments, arrived the 30th December, in the Grosvcnor, and Grand Duke of Russia, transports, but have not had any account of the other four companies of the Fifty-Fifth Regiment. From what I can learn of the designs of the leaders of the Rebels, they seem determined, since the receipt of the King's speech among them, to make the most diligent preparations for an active war; and it is my firm opinion they will not retract until they have tried their fortune in a battle, and are defeated; but 1 am under the necessity of repeating to your Lordship, that the apparent strength of tiiis army, for the Sjiring, does not flatter me with the hopes of bringing the Rebels to a decisive action.

General Lee is coming here with a body of armed men. gentleman of this city, who is just returned from Connecticut, tells me General Washington has wrote to Governour Trumbull, informing him that a fleet has left Boston ; that he conjectures they are bound for Ne%v- York; given him their size and strength, as nearly as he could informed him that General Lee was coming along with ninety riflemen ; and desired he would order a number of men to be immediately raised to come with them to this That, in consequence thereof, Governour Trumbull city. had assembled the Committee of Safety, and they advised

A

two regiments to be hundred in both,) to be commanded by Colonels Waterbnry and Ward, unrler the direction of General Lee, and to come to this city. Another gentleman, who is just come from camp, told me thai General Lee was to bring with him an Engineer and artillerymen. The Jersey lads are gone to Horn's Hock, {mm \&th. thence they have crossed, or are to cross, as I am informed, to Long-Island, and pay Queen's County a visit. The Eastern Post told me he left General Lee at Hartford on Monday. Eleven o'clock this morning, a second detachI9th. ment (about three hundred Jcrseymen) went to LongIsland. It is said the former one consisted of four or five hundred. him

to issue

his warrant, ordering

raised, (about fifteen





a true state of the General's situation,

his return

PETITION FllOM THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS TO CONTI* NENTAL CONGRESS.

To

Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of Honourable Continental Congress, ifc, fyc, now

the

the

assembled at Philadelphia.

The humble Petition, Address, and Remonstrance of that part of America, being situate south of Canada line, icest of Connecticut River, north of the Massachusetts-Bay, and east of a ttventy-mile line from Hudson's River, commonly called and known by the name of the New-Hampshiiie Grants, humbly sheweth : Thai your Honours' petitioners, being fully sensible and deeply affected with the very alarming situation in which the United Colonies are involved, by means of a desi^ninu-

;

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

703 Ministry,

who have

their utmost

and are

flagrantly used,

efforts

to

still

using,

bring the inhabitants of the very

extensive Continent of America into a base and servile subjection to arbitrary power, contrary to all the most sacred ties of obligation by covenant and the well-known Constitution by which the British empire ougiil to be governed : Your petitioners, not lo be prolix or waste time, when the whole Continent are in so disagreeable a situation, would, however, beg leave to remonstrate, in as short terms as possible, the very peculiar situation in which your petitioners have, for a series of years, been exercised, and are

still

stniggling under.

Perhaps your

Honours, or, at least, some of you, are not unacquainted that, at the conclusion of the last war, the above-described premises, which your petitioners now inhabit, was deemed and reputed to be in the Province of New-Hampshire,

and, consequently, within the jurisdiction of the same

whereupon, applications were freely made to Benning Wcntworth, Esq., then Governour of the Province of NewHampshire, who, with the advice of his Council, granted, under the great seal of said Province, to your Honours'

number of townships, of the contents

petitioners, a large

In consequence of which, a

of six miles square, each.

number of your

great

petitioners,

who were men

siderable substance, disposed of their tive places, and, with their

many

numerous

families,

of them, two hundred miles, encountering

gers, fatigues,

of con-

interest in their na-

proceeded, many dan-

and great hardships, to inhabit a desolate

wilderness, which

is

three Governments.

now become

a well-settled frontier to all our trouble ; for,

This was not

soon after the commencement of those settlements, the monopolizing land-traders of New- York, being apprized that the Province of New-Hampshire had granjj,-_j^the said lands, and that settlements were actually making, did present a petition, as we have often heard, and verily believe, in your petitioners' names, praying that the same lands granted by New-Hampshire might be annexed to the Province o( New- York, on account of its local and other cirYour pecumstances, for the benefit of the inhabitants. titioners, not being apprized of the intrigue in this case, were mute. Therefore, as no objection was made, why the prayer of the petition should not be granted, his Majesty was pleased, with advice of Council, on the 24th Immediately after, day oi July, 1764, to grant the same. the land-traders of New- York petitioned the then Governour of that Province for grants of land, some parts of which had been previously granted to your petitioners by the Governour and Council of New- Hampshire, The dispute then

became

serious.

Your

petitioners, then, pe-

premises. His Maappoint a Committee, who reported to His Majesty in the premises, and His Majesty was pleased to pass an Order in the following words titioned his

jesty

Majesty

was pleased

for relief in the

to

:

" At a Court

at St. James's, the

24th day of July, 1767. " Present: The King's Most Excellent Majesty, Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor, Duke of Q^ueensbury, Duke o^ Ancaster, Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Litchfield, Earl of Bristol, Earl of Shelbume, Viscount Falmouth, Viscount Barrington, Viscount Clarke, Bishop of London, Mr. Secretary Conway, Hans Stanly, Esq. " His Majesty, taking the said Report into consideration, was pleased, with the advice of his Privy Council, to approve thereof; and doth hereby strictly charge, require, and command, that the Governour or Commanderin-chief of His Majesty's Province of New- York for the time being, do not, upon pain of His Majesty's highest displeasure, presume to make any grant, whatsoever, of any part of the lands described in the said Report, until His Majesty's further pleasure should be known concerning the

" William SHARr.

"A

true copy.

Attest

"George Banyar, Deputy Sec'y." many intervening and unhappy disputes which have The since happened between those \ai\d-lraders o( Neiv- York and your petitioners, would take up loo much time, under tile

present situation of [uiblick affairs, to recite; as

Heman

Cap-

Allen and Dr. Jonas Fay, who we have appointed to present this lo your Honours, will be furnished iherewitli, should they find your Honours' adnnitance, and such particulars be thought necessary. Let it suffice

lain

fee,

JANUARY,

1T70.

704

here, only to mention that the oppressions from these overgrown land-traders of A'ew- Fori: were so grievous, that

your petitioners were again induced, at a great expense, to petition His Majesty; in consequence of which, a Committee vvas appointed, and made a report in favour of your petttiouers, which is too prolix to be inserted here.* We are called on, this moment, by the Committee of Safety for the County o{ Albany, to suppress a dangerous Upwards of ninety soldiers insurrection in Tryon County. were on their march, within twelve hours after their reall inhabitants of one town, inhabited ceiving the news by your petitioners, and all furnished with arms, ammuniAgain, we are tion, accoutrements, and provisions, &;c. alarmed by express from General fVooster, commanding at Montreal, with the disagreeable news of the unfortunate attack on i^uebtck, (unfortunate, indeed, to lose so brave a commander,) requiring our immediate assistance by troops; in consequence of which, a considerable number immediately marciied for ^ucbcck, and more are daily following their example. Yet, while we, your petitioners, are thus earnestly engaged, we beg leave to say, we are entirely willing to do all in our power in the general cause, under the Continental Congress, and have been, ever since the taking Ticonderoga, &ic., in which your petitioners were principally ;

Extract from a Report of the Lords of Trade to the Committee of Ifia Majesty's most Honourable Privy Couneil, for Plantation Affairs, dated Dccembir 3, 1772. Upon tlic fulli^st examination into all the circumstances, which, at present, constitute the state of that district between the rWcTB Hudson and Connecticut, out of which, the greatest disorders and confusion have arisen ,it secinoth to us, that the principal objects of attention in the consideration of any measures that can be suggested for restoring publick tranquillity, and quieting possessions, are, First, Those townships, which, having been originally settled and established under grants from the Government of the Massachusetts-Bay, fell within this district, by the determination of the northern boundary of that Province, in the year 1740. Secondly, Those grants of land, made within this district, by the Government of iVeir. Fori, previous to the establishment of the townships laid out by the Governour of New-Hampshire, after the conclusion of the peace and which land now lies within the limits of some one or other of those townships. Thirdly, Thoss townships, which, having been originally laid out by the Governour of New-Hampshire, either continue in the same state, or have been confirmed by grants from New-York ; and, also, those which have since originated under grants from the latter of those Colo, ;

nies.

With regard

to those townships which fall under the first of the above, when we consider their nature and origin, and thenumberlessdifficultiesto which the original proprietors of them must have been subjected in the settlement of lands, exposed to the incursions of the Savages, and to every distress, whic)i the neighborhood of the French, in time of war, could bring upon them; and, when wo add to these considerations, the great reason there is lo believe that the grants were made upon the ground of military services against the enemy; we do not hesitate to submit to your Lordships, our opinion, that the present Proprietors of these townships, ought, both in justice and equity, lo be quieted in their possessions ; and, that all grants whatsoever, made by the Government o{ New-York, of any lands, within the limits of those townships, whether the degree of improvement, under the original grant,

mentioned descriptions

;

had been more or less, are, in every light which they can be viewed, oppressive and unjust. But, as we arc sensible that such subsequent grants made by the government of New-York, however unwarrantable, cannot be set aside by any authority from His Majesty, in case the grantees shall insist on their title wo submit to your Lordships, whether it might not be expedient, in order to quiet the original Pro. ;

prietors in their possessions, to propose that all such persons who may claim possession of lands within the limits of such townships, under New-York grants, should, upon condition of their quitting such claim, receive a grant under the seal of Neio-York upon the like terms, and free of all expenses, of an equal number of acres, in some other part of the district lying between the rivoia Hudson und Connecticut ; and in

case where any actual settlement or improvement has bscn made by such claimants, that they should, in such case, receive fifty acres of waste land for every three acres tUey may have improved. With regard to those grants made by the Government o{ New-York, which fall within the second description, and upon which any actual improvement has been made; they do appear to us to deserve the same consideration and that the Proprietors thereof ought not to be disturb, ed in their possessions, whether that improvement be to a greater or lesser extent. But we beg leave to observe to your Lordsliips, that, in both these cases, no consideration ought to be had to any claim, where it shall appear that no regular possession has ever been taken, and no actual settlement over been made. With regard to those townsliips, which fall within the last mentioned description, we submit to your Lordships our opinion that, provided such townships do not include land within the limits of some antecedent grant, upon which actual improveinont has, at any time, b3on made, it would be ad much esteemed friend. to

the attack

fall in

;

ACCOUNT OF THE ATTEMPT ON QUECECK. (From the

NcwYork

Gazette.]

the publick have, no doubt, received many contradictory accounts relative to the unlbrtunate attempt against Qiiebeck an the 3 1st of December last, and having great

As

reason to think no just one lias yet been published, I have (in justice to the characters of many, whose names, perhaps, have not been mentioned, or, if mentioned, not with the respect they deserve) sent you for publication the following

sketch of that morning's transaction

;

assuring you, at the

same time, that 1 am entirely divested of prejudice that I was but transiently acquainted with any of the officers of ;

the detachment previous to the attack, and, consequently, can have no interest in suppressing or exaggerating any

circumstances, to the injury of any one of them ; on the is not a circumstance related, respecting the assault, but what I was either an eye-witness to, by being in the front, or had from those whose characters as gentlemen, and conduct as brave soldiers, entitles them to the greatest contrary, there

Those

and gentlemen whose names are mentioned, eminently distinguished themselves; their enemies do them the justice to acknowledge it ; and I hope their country will amply reward them. About four o'clock in the morning, the detachment being assembled in iSV. Roque's, (together with Captain Lamb, and part of his company of Artillery, with a field-piece, mounted on a |)articular carriage, for the conveniency for carrying it through the snow, though its inefficacy was soon experienced) Captain Efcazer Oswald, with a party of twenty-five men, was detached to attack the enemy's advanced works at the Saut ati Matelol, on the entrance into the lower town, on St. Charles's side, the main body being then in motion to follow, but by the time they came opposite Palace-Gate, the garrison had taken the alarm, and, being apprized of the design, began a heavy fire from the walls, by which they had to pass a full quarter of a •mile ere they came to the first place of action which, with the obstruction occasioned by the field-piece, threw the divisions commanded by Majors Bigeloiv and Aleigs into such confusion, that they lost the right path. However, the advanced party soon reached the barrier, and began the attack, in which they were joined by Colonel Arnold himself, and supported by Captain Daniel Morgan with his company of Riflemen, who were in front of the main body. In this onset, unfortunately unfortunately, indeed— Col, Arnold received his wound, and was carried off; but, notwithstanding, Captain Morgan and the first party obtained possession of the battery of four guns, took great part of the guard, and a number of inhabitants, who surrendered In this situation they were obliged to remain prisoners. (not being suppoited by the main body, who had not recovered from their confusion so as to come up) till joined by Lieutenant Sletl, with part of Captain Smith's company. Captain Lamb, with his Artillery company, (who were credibility.

officers

;



obliged to quit the field-piece,

it being impossible to bring forward,) Captain Hendricks, with part of his company, and several of the musketeers from the difTerent companies,

fee,

JANUARY,

dispute remained obstinate for some time, (in which an attempt to scale it was twice made by the intrepid Captain

Morgan, whose uncommon presence of mind, and

(after regaining the proper road) in

all,

about two hundred,

manding

officer) to

force the second barrier, which,

had

they efTecled, would have given full possession of the lower town but the enemy having defeated the division which the immortal hero, General Montgomery, led to force their ;

works

now

the lower town, on the St. Lawrence side, had turned all their force upon this detachment yet the ; in

gallant

behaviour in this critical situation, were truly conspicuous,) and success till now, seemed inclined to crown their brave endeavours, when they found themselves surrounded on all quarters; a parly of near two hundred men, having sallied out at Falace-Gate, anackeA and took prisoners all the rear, who had not got within the first barrier, and having brought their cannon, which commanded the river St. Charles, to rake the street, were a second time thrown into disorder, and obliged to take possession of the houses, in which they made a resolute stand of full three hours ; but finding the enemy's fire continue, both from their cannon and musketry, and not more than one in ten of their own fire-locks serviceable, the others rendered useless by a snow storm which in the night, and continued the whole day; and not having the least possibility of making a retreat, were at length obliged to surrender themselves prisoners; which in all human probability would not have been their fate, had those brave officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves in the front, been properly sustained by those who were in the rear; but, on the contrary, from the conduct of the garrison, there was the greatest prospect of carrying the town. In this glorious though unsuccessful attempt, fell, (besides those in General Montgomery's division,) while in the utmost exertion of their duly, that excellent young officer. Captain William Hendricks, of Pennsylvania ; the truly brave Lieutenant John Humphreys, of Captain Morgan's com\iany, and Lieutenant Cooper, o( Connecticut Captain Hubbard, of the town of IVorcesler, \n Massachusetts-Bay, died in a few days after, of a wound he leceived

began

before he reached the first barrier. The spirited exertions and gallant behaviour of the patriotick John Lamb, the firnmessofthe indefatigable Cap-

Samuel Lockwood, (by wlio.-^e vigilance, both by night forty men, and a twelve-pounder, in a gondola, eleven armed vessels, with General Prescott, one hundred and thirty officers and soldiers, and one hundred and thirty seamen were taken at Sorcl,) and the undaunted resolution shown during the whole conflict by Captains Oswald, Thayer, and Topham ; Lieutenants William Heath, Peter O'Brien Brnen, {Charles Potterjidd and John M'Guire, volunteers,) all of Captain Morgan's company; Steel, of Smith's ; Moody, of Lamb's ; Tisdale, of Ward's, and several other subalterns, &.C., has not only crowned them with honour as soldiers, but entitles them to the applause of their tain

and day, with

,

bleeding country. Adjutant Febiger, (a Danish gentleman, who holds a lieutenancy in the K'mg oi Denmark' s service,) behaved with all the resolution, calmness, and intrepidity, peculiar to an old veteran and an experienced officer; and has given many specimens of his great military abilities.

Mr. Matthew Duncan, a who was made a prisoner

In justice to

Philadelphia,

owing purely

to his enterprising spirit, in

volunteer from

the day after,

coming volunta-

know whether the detachment were in possession of the lower town, agreeable to a report then prevailing in the camp, I do assure the publick, that the enemy gave rily to

him the character such a young adventurer deserves; and that many of them appeared surprised so young a man could be able to maintain the justness of the cause in which he was engaged with so much spirit, sensibility, and firmness. Indeed, it was frequently mentioned, that his zeal carried him so far as to insult, in his turn, some of the principal officers, as they marched him to the main guard meaning (I suppose) his asking Colonel Maclean, in a sarcastical manner, if he did not land at New-York, alluding to a belief then entertained, that he was there obliged to give his parole for his future conduct.

A

it

when they again formed, and were again led on by Captain Morgan, (upon whom the body then called as their com-

708

1776.

A

Soldier.

List of the Oncers that were made Prisoners at the attack upon the City o/Quebeck, on the 3lst of December, 1775, who were not exchanged on the 18/A of

Mav, 1776: Captain Daniel Morgan, Lieutenant William Heath, VoLieutenant Peter O'Brien Brucn, slightly wounded lunteers, John McGuire and Charles Potterfield, of Frederick County, Virginia; Lieutenant Archibald Steel, of ;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS he, JANUARY,

709

Lancaster, wounded, lost two fingers Volunteer John Henry, LMncaster; Lieutenant Francis Nicholas, Carlisle; yoluiileer Matthew Duncan, Philadelphia, Fennayhania; Major John J^amb ; Lieutenant Andrew Moody, NewYork ; Captain Oliver lianchct, Saffield ; Captain Samuel hockwood, Stamford; Lieutenant Aiijah Savage, Middletown; Quartermaster Benjamin Calling, Wethcrsfield; Volunteer Captain Eleazer Oswald, New-Haven, Connecticut; Colonel Christian Green, Greemvich; Captain John Topham, slightly wounded, Neivport ; Captain Samuel fVard, fVesterley; Captain Simeon Thayer, Providence ; Lieutenant James fVM, Newport ; Lieutenant William Humphreys, Providence; Lieutenant Edward Slocum, Tiverton ; Silvanus Shaw, Newport, RhodeIsland ; Major Timothy Bigtlow, Worcester; Captain William Goodrich, StockOridgc ; Lieutenant Samtiel Brown, Acton; Lieutenant John Cumpston, Saco; Lieutenant John Clark, Hadley; Lieutenant Jamej Tisdale, wounded in the shoulder, recovered, Medfeld; Captain Henry Dearborn, East- Nottingham; Lieutenant Nathaniel Hutchings, Dunbarton; Lieutenant Ammi Andrews, Hillslorovgh Lieutenant Joseph Thomas, East-Nottingham ; Adjutant Christian Febiger, a Danish officer, and about three hundred privates. ;

;

1776.

710

immediately took the contents under consideration, and find that all the publick arms of the Colony have been delivered out to the soldiers in the Continental Army, and at our garrisons in Portsmouth. Upon a return lately made from the several towns in the Colony, we find that not more than two-thirds of the inhabitants capable of using arms are furnislied therewith, and many of them such as would not be thought fit to be trusted to in the Continental Army. The scarcity of workmen, as well as steel, has hitherto prevented our having any considerable number made in the Colony for which reasons, together with the apparent need of our keeping a considerable body of troops to defend our seaport, brings us to the disagreeable necessity of informing your Excellency it is not in our power, at present, to supply any arms for the purpose you mention. are fearful that the detention of the arms of the Mili;

We

(now

tia,

at the

camp,) against

their consent, will create

such an uneasiness in their minds, that it would hinder their exerting themselves if called upon hereafter. In consequence of a former request from your Excellency, we have procured one hundred and forty blankets, which we shall forward to the camp immediately and if any more can be obtained, they shall be sent along without ;

delay.

ROBERT

H. HA.RRISON

TO WILLIAM BARTLETT. Cambridge, January 17, 1776.

am

you, by command of his Excellency, that Archibald Templeton, James Crawford, Joseph Dotiglass, James Hamilton, and John Mclver, who belonged to the ship Concord, Captain Laurie, have his permission to go on board our armed vessels. You will please to observe, that his Excellency would not wish that too great a number of them should be in one vessel for, though these men may be well disposed to serve us, it is only right to guard against accidents. I am, &c.,

Sir:

I

In behalf of the Council and Assembly, I am, with great esteem and respect, your Excellency's most humble ser-

Meshech Weare,

'

to inform

To

President.

His Excellency General Washington.

extract or A LETTER FROM A CAPTAIN OF AN ENGLISH TRANSPORT TO HIS OWNERS, IN LONDON, DATED BOSTON, JANUARY 17, 1776.

;

I have the pleasure to acquaint you of my safe arrival here on the 1st instant, having had one continued storm of

wind

siTj^ifery

letter to

last

you, dated

at sea,

November

Tnt' ^ea continually washed over us, and froze so excessively hard, that, had it not been for our masts, we might have been taken for an island of ice. I was told that I might depend on meeting a good many cruisers at a distance from the land, who would conduct us 6th.

general SULLIVAN TO GENERAL GATES. Winter-Hill, January 17, 177G.

Dear

Sir: I enclose you a letter from some gentlemen at Newburyport, for some cannon-shot, which beg you to lay before the General ; and, if you please, inform him that there are a great number of those shot which I sent from New-Hampshire to Medford, which have never been called for, or taken into account. If it is agreeable to his Exspare a part of those to the gentlemen, to out the privateer they are about; otherwise, shall not beg an answer per bearer, and am, sir, your very i o ' humble servant,'

cellency,

I

will

enable them to

fix

John Sullivan.

To

General Gates.

GENERAL SULLIVAN TO THE GENERAL COURT OF NEWHAMPSHIRE. Wintor.Hill, January 17, 1776.

was favoured with your letter respecting the affair of Colonel Stark and Colonel Hobart, which I immediately laid before the General. He showed me your letter to hira, with a copy of Colonel Hobart's to you ; and a trial would immediately have taken place, but Colonel Stark was gone into the country recruiting. He is now returned, and a Court of Inquiry will sit upon him to-morrow or next I

day.

You may depend

esteem Stark do every thing in my powmay have been guilty of offering

that, notwithstanding I

as a worthy, good officer, er to punish any insult he

I

will

to the Colony.

repeatedly told Colonel Hobart, the evening after the happened, when I found him and Stark together, at my house, on my return from Head-Quarters, that 1 would confine Stark immediately, if he desired it, and even his whole regiment, if necessary: but he chose to omit it. I

affair

safe into port

weeks

;

Colony of New-Hampshiro, Exeter, January

Sir: Your Excellency's

17, 1776.

of the 13ih instant, setting forth the difficulty of providing fire-arms for the Army, came to hand yesterday. The General Court, now sitting, letter

I

did not see shij) or vessel for three

over St. George's Bank, and my orders from the Admiralty forbade me to go into any port without first speaking with a King's ship, who was to conduct me into port, or inform me of a place of safety. After being baffled about for three weeks, with only six men fit for duty, the rest being frost-bitten, or sick through fatigue, (having, besides, had the misfortune to lose one, washed overboard,) 1 made for the land, and got, as I judged, from my reckoning, within three leagues of Boston light-house, when, it coming on to blow a gale of wind, and meeting neither cruiser nor pilot, I was forced out to sea again, and continued in a storm, at sea, eight days more. I got in with the land again, with the wind at north, and, though thick, snowy weather, I stood in boldly, and made the light-house, and met one of the King's schooners, and asked for a pilot, but he could not spare one, as Soon after, I got to an anchor be was going on a cruise. in Nantasket Road, and found several King's ships, I be-

To them I applied for a pilot; but they had none to spare, and were so weakly manned that they could give me no assistance. They told me there

lieve ten sail, in all.

were many privateers out, well manned and armed, and that they were going to cruise for them but, if they meet with any bad weather, as 1 have done, they are so badly manned they will make no hand of it. At last I got a pilot from Boston, who tells me that a ship with ordnance stores is taken by the Rebels, and that, likewise, several coal and porter ships are taken, which I find, now, to be likely, for there are only eight sail, of the ;

forty, arrived yet,

They have MESHECH WEARE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

but

after I got

and they had no force

several of our sails, and the rest are

wear.

to resist.

not begun to unload us yet.

We

have

split

much the worse

for

bad our ropes cracked like glass, and we broke our maintopmast backstay; and all our rigging is much daniaged. I can see the Rebels' camp very plain, whose colours, a little while ago, were entirely red but, on the receipt of All our running rigging

is

;

;

:

MARYLAND CONVENTION, DECEMBER,

11

the King's speech, (which they burnt,) they have hoisted the Union Flag, which is here supposed to intimate the union of the Provinces. About a week ago, the Rebels made an excursion into Charhstown, and burnt down some few houses that were left

standing, and carried off a sergeant and four

soners

;

but, at present, all

You had

belter, if

is

men

pri-

quiet.

any of your ships should come out,

get higher freight, for the

loss, in

wear,

is

greater than

I

MARYLAND CONVENTION. At a Convention of Delegates, chosen by the several Counties of the Province of Maryland, at the City of Annapolis, on Thurtday, the 7th of December, 1775. Present For St. Mary's County John Allen Thomas, Richard Barnes, Charles County William Smallwood, Francis Ware, Josias Haiokins, Thomas Stone, Robert T. Hooe. :

:

Calvert County: Benjamin Mackall 4th, Alexander Somcrville, Edward Gannt, Patrick Sim Smith, William Allein.

Prince George's County Joseph Sim, Thomas Contee, John Rogers. Charles Carroll, Barrister, AntiE Arundel. County Thomas Johnson, Jun., Samuel Chase, Charles Carroll, :

712

expected, and no supply can be had. If you send some There are a great many naval stores, they will sell well. privateers out, and more will be soon ready ; but I suppose the ships, after this, will come with convoy. I

am,

&ic.

brought but fourteen hogs alive; and another ship, that had one hundred and thirty sheep, brought in five, and all as tiiin as you could expect, and, as the sailors say, only fit for lanterns.

P. S.

1

On motion. Resolved, That a sum not exceeding two hundred Poimds, currency, be appropriated for building a strong Log Jail, in Fredericktown, in Frederick County, at least thirty feet long, and tsventy in breadth, lined with two inch plank on end, of two stories, with split logs, and plank floors, the upper story to be divided into three rooms, with a stove in each room. And that a small house be built for the Keeper, and occasionally for a Guard, enclosing the door of the said Jail. Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western Shore pay the said sum of money, or any part thereof, to James Johnson and Thomas Beatty, or their order, that the same, or

such part thereof, as shall be necessary, be

laid out

by them

in building the said Jail.

Adjourned

:

of Carrollton.

three o'clock.

till

Post Meridiem.

Frederick County, Middle District: Charles Beatty, Baker Johnson. Lower District Henry Griffith. Baltimore County: Robert Alexander, Benjamin Nicholson, John Moale, Walter Tolley, Jun., Jeremiah T.

1775.

—Convention met.

Ordered, That the Messenger be directed to hire an Express to despatch Letters to the several absent Mem-

:

Chase.

Harford County John Love, Richard Dallam. Cecil County John Veazy, Jun., Joseph Gilpin, John tncK £.U Ewing. D. Thompson, Nathaniel Ramsay, Patuck F Letherbury, Kent ENT County: Peregrine Sudler,

bers.

The Convention

adjourns

after nine o'clock.

to-morrow morning, half

till



»

:

Saturday, December

:

William Sluby

Queen Anne's County

:

Turbutt Wright, James Tllgh-

man.

9,

1775.

Convention met. All Members present as on yesterday. The Proceedings of yesterday were read.

On motion. Resolved, That a Committee be appointed examine the several Claims upon the Treasury, and report the same to the Convention and Mr. Contee, Mr. Sim, Mr. Earle, Mr. Hooe, Mr. Moale, and Mr. Tolley, were elected by ballot to be the said Committee. Resolved, That they, or any four of them, have power to

;

Talbot County Matthew Tilghman, Nicholas Thomas. Caroline County Joshua Clark, Richard Mason. Somerset County: George Dashiell, Gustavus Scott. Worcester County Samuel Handy, Smith Bishop, :

:

:

Joseph Dashiell.

The Honourable Matthew Tilghman,

Esq., was unanimously chosen President, and Mr. Gabriel Duvall, appointed Clerk.

Ordered, That Gabriel Duvall qualify himself as Clerk, by taking oath that he will faithfully, diligently, and honestly, discharge the office of Clerk to this Convention, and that he will not disclose or reveal the secrets thereof.

The Convention appointed Mr. Allen Quynn Messenger to attend this Convention, and ordered that he qualify himself as such, by taking the oath of office and secrecy, as above directed to be taken by the Clerk. The Convention appointed Mr. Robert Reynolds Doorkeeper, and ordered that he qualify himself as such, by taking the oath of office and secrecy, as above directed to be taken by the Clerk. Ordered, That the Clerk write to the several absent Members, and require their immediate attendance here.

The Convention

adjourns

till

to-morrow morning, half

after nine o'clock. Friday,

December

8,

1775.

Members

present as on yesterday. Convention met. All The Proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr. Richard T. Earle, a Member for Qween Anne's County, appeared and took his scat in the House. Certificates of the qualification of the Clerk, Messenger,

and Doorkeeper, were produced and

filed.

A Letter from Mr. John Hanson, Jun., Chairman of the Committee of Frederick County, was read, together with several Papers therein enclosed, relating to Allen

John Smith, and John Connolly, now of the said Committee.

in

Cameron,

custody, by order

to act.

Resolved, That the several returns of subscriptions for within this Province, be referred to the said Committee.

Arms and Ammunition,

Mr. Peter Waters, a Member for Somerset County, appeared and took his seal in the House.

The House taking into their consideration, that ihFs Province, by means of the necessary attendance of some of its Deputies now in Convention, is at present unrepresented in Congress, directed the President to know of Mr. John Hall, whether it was convenient for him to attend in Congress; and Mr. Hall having

signified that it was very inconvenient to him at this time, and that it was his wish, that some other gentleman might be appointed in his stead, and it being represented that Mr. Robert Goldsborough, through long indisposition, is at present unable to attend

that service,

it

is,

therefore.

Resolved, That, in the present critical and dangerous situation of the United Colonies, it is highly necessary that three Deputies from this Province do immediately attend in Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia ; and that for this purpose, two gentlemen be now appointed, and added to the number of Deputies already chosen and Robert Alexander and John Rogers, Esq., were elected by ballot. Resolved, That Robert Alexander and John Rogers, Esquires, together with those already chosen, be Deputies to represent this Province in the Continental Congress; and that the said Deputies, or any three or more of them, ;

have full and ample power to consent and agree to all measures which such Congress shall deem necessary and effectual to obtain a redress of American grievances, and be authorized to represent and act for this Province in any Continental Congress which may be held before the 25ih day of March next.

Adjourned

till

three o'clock.

:

MARYLAND CONVENTION, DECEMBER,

713



Post Meridiem. Convention met. Mr. John Ennah and Mr. James Murray, Members for Dorchester County, Mr. William Adams and Mr. John Adams, Members for Somerset County, and Mr. Aquila Hall, a Member for Harford County, appeared and took their seats in the House.

714

1775. into

consideration the slate of the

Province.

The Proceedings of the Eastern Shore branch of the Council of Safety, relating to Mr. Isaac Atkinson, were read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table. Convention adjourned

till

to-morrow morning, half after

On

nine o'clock.

Convention adjourns

The Convention met. All Members present as on yesterday. The Proceedings of yesterday were read. Mr.

motion, Resolved, That the Deputies from this Province to the Continental Congress, be each allowed the sum of fifteen Pounds, common money, per week, during their attendance in Congress. i

Thursday next, take

:

till

Monday morning,

half after nine

Contee, Mr. James Tilghman, Mr. Mackall, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Gilpin, appeared in the House.

o'clock.

Monday, December

On

11, 1775.

Convention met. All Members present as on Saturday, except Mr. James Tilghman, Mr. Mackall, Mr. Smith, Mr. Sim, Mr. Contee, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Gilpin, and Mr. Moale. The Proceedings of Saturday were read. Mr. Pollard Edmonson and Mr. James Lloyd Chamberlaine, Members for Talbot County, appeared and took their seats in the House.

The

Proceedings of the Committee of Observation for Talbot County, relative to Mr. Francis Baker, a Member returned for the said County, together with several Resolves of the Continental Congress, were read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table.

On motion, Resolved, That the Parliamentary Post be not permitted or suffered to travel in or pass through this Province, with any Mail, Packages, or Letters ; and the Committees of Observation are requested and directed to see this Resolution strictly observed and exe-

several

cuted.

Ordered, That the above Resolve be published Maryland Gazette.

On

Member

motion. Resolved, That every

in

the

of this Con-

vention consider himself under tlie ties of virtue, honour, and love of his country, not to divulge, directly or indirectly, any matter or thing agitated or debated in Convention, during the time of debate, or before the same shall be determined, which the mover thereof shall openly request to be kept secret, without the leave of the Convention, or a majority thereof, or any matter or thing which a majority

of the Convention shall order to be kept secret and that every person who shall violate this agreement, shall be expelled this Convention, and considered as an enemy to America, and liable to be treated as such and that every Member signify his consent hereto by signing the same. ;

;

Adjourned

till

three o'clock.

Post Meridiem.

—Convention met.

Member for Talbot County. The said Francis Baker appeared, acknowledged his offence, and expressed

elected a

great contrition and sorrow for the same, and prayed a remission of the penalty annexed by the Congress to his crime, that he might not be declared an enemy to Ame-

be permitted to enjoy the rights of a

member

of

community, on such terms and conditions as this Convention may think proper to impose and promised a strict compliance with all Continental and Provincial Resolutions; whereupon, it is

this

;

Resolved, That the seat of the said Francis Baker be vacated, and that the Electors of Talbot County elect another person as a Member and Committee-man for that County, in the room and place of the said Francis Baker, the Committee giving ten days' notice of the election, excluding the days of notice and election, and any three of their Members to be judges thereof: That the said Baker not offering himself for any office of trust, his offence be not published, nor any further proceedings had against him.

Ordered, That the Clerk make out and transmit a copy of the above Resolve to the Committee of Observation for Talbot County.

On

motion. Resolved, That the Committee of ObservaCounty, be requested immediately to send Isaac Atkinson, under a guard of four of the Militia of that tion for Talbot

County,

to this

Convention ; and that the Sheriff of Talbot said Atkinson to such guard.

County deliver the

Ordered, That the accounts of Expenses attending the prosecution of Isaac Atkinson, be referred to the Committee appointed to examine the several claims upon the Treasury.

The

Proceedings of the Committee of Kent County, reconduct and behaviour of the Reverend John Patterson were read, and are as follow

lative to the

" At a meeting of a special Committee held for Kent County, on the 16ih day of August, Anno Domini 1775, present, Thomas Smyth, Chairtnan, and thirteen Members.

" This Committee being informed that the Reverend Mr. John Patterson, of Kent County, had some time past publickly spoken words which reflected upon the Convention ; upon which the matter was considered, and " Resolved, That summons issue to the said Patterson, for him to appear before the next Committee to be held for the County aforesaid, on Monday, the 21st instant; to which time this Committee is adjourned." " Monday, the 21st day of August, the Committee met according to adjournment, present, thirty-one Members. "The Reverend John Patterson appeared in consequence of the summons issued at the last meeting, and being interrogated with regard to the disrespectful words which it was alleged he had spoken against the Convention, confessed that he had reflected on the Proceedings of the Convention, as well that held in December last, as the one held in July last that the first had undertaken to preclude persons who were not members of the Committee, from judging of the propriety of their proceedings ; that he conceived the said Convention had entered into that resolution to cover a duplicity of conduct of the Continental ;

Congress that it was depriving men of their liberty, and that he considered himself brought as a criminal, to receive a mock trial ; that the multitude were deluded ; that he did not see why he should not judge upon the Proceedings of the Convention, it was a liberty the people of JVe«;- Fort had taken ; upon being asked who, in New- York, he answered. Doctor Cooper and Doctor Chandler, and said that he should think it a higher honour to be ranked with those gentlemen, than to have the approbation of this Committee, or even the Convention ; that the last Convention had treated James Chrystie in a tyrannical, cruel, and oppressive manner, and that there was more liberty in Turkey than in this Province ; that the Convention had forbid iiim from passing any censure on the Congress that he had not done it since, and that if the Committee should forbid him from passing any censure on the Convention, he would not, but should then confine himself to censures on the Commit;

The Convention took into their consideration the Proceedings of the Committee of Talbot County, on the case of Mr. Francis Baker, who had been guilty of a breach of the Continental Association, and who had been since

rica, but

Tuesday, December 12, 1775.

motion, Resolved, That this Convention

will,

on

;

tee.

" LTpon which, it was unanimously voted. That the whole proceedings against said Patterson be transmitted to the Council of Safety for this Province, for them to take order therein.

"

A

true copy from the Minutes

"

W. Hall,

Clerk Committee."

it is Resolved, That the Committee of ObKent County be requested immediately to take into custody the Reverend John Patterson, and send him under a guard of four of the Militia to this Conven-

Whereupon,

servation for

tion.

MARYLAND CONVENTION, DECEMBER,

716

On motion, Thai Mr. Robert Buchanan, elected a Delegate for Kent County, attend his duty in Convention, on Monday next, tlie 18ih of this present month, and that the Committee of Observation for that County procure a copy of

order to be served on Mr.

this

as n»ay be. The previous question

the above question be

to

was

now

Buchanan

called for

put

and put, whether

Carried

?

as soon

in

the negative.

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western Shore pay Snmuf/CAaie, or his order, forty Pounds, common money,

ty in raising the

1775-

Company

716 of

Men

mentioned

in the said

Letter.

Resolved, That this Province will discharge the Pay, according to the rates allowed by the last Convention to Militia in actual service, of the said Company, and also the reasonable expenses of subsistence from the time of their entering into actual service,

(his

till

the further order oi

Convention.

Resolved, That the said to the orders of the said

Company

of

Committee, who

Men

be subject

shall provide for

to be accounted for.

their

motion, Resolved, That no Boat or other Vessel belonging to this Province, go out of this Province without license in writing from this Convention, the Council of Safety hereafter to be appointed, or from some Committee of Observation, and that the particular place such Boat or Vessel shall be designed to go to, shall be expressed in all

Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Eastern Shore pay to the said Committee six hundred Dollars on account, and that such part thereof as may be necessary be expended by them for the purposes aforesaid. Ordered, That the Clerk make out and transmit a copy of the above Resolutions to the Committee of Somerset

On

licenses granted by the

Committees of Observation. And

any such Boat or Vessel shall be navigated beyond the limits of this Province without such license, or if, after having obtained such license, the skipper thereof shall, without absolute and inevitable necessity, go to, or touch at, any place out of this Province, other than that mentioned in such license, or shall carry any person, or letter, of which he shall not give previous notice to such Committee, or shall bring back any person, or letter, of which he shall not give notice to some Committee of Observation, as soon as may be after his return, such skipper, and all other persons accessary to such misbehaviour, may be Sunished by imprisonment ; but it is understood that this not to prohibit the crossing Potomack, lesolution is although the Boats or Vessels employed or used therefor should go up the creeks or arms of Potomack Kiver

County.

if

making at the

into Virginia, or to prohibit passing or repassing

Ferry on Potomack River.

On mouon. Resolved, That tion depart the

Adjourned

no

Member of

House without leave

till

this

Conven-

thereof.

three o'clock.

pay and subsistence.

Ordered, That the Committee of Claims be a Committee to examine the Accounts of the Treasurers of the Eastern and fVestern Shores, and report the state of the

same.

On to

motion, Resolved, That a Committee be appointed examine and report the Returns by the Committees of

Observation, of persons in the several Counties of this Province, who have subscribed, or refused or neglected to subscribe, the Association directed by the last Convention ; and Mr. Wright, Mr. Chamberlaine, and Mr. Tolley, were elected by ballot a Committee for that purpose.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to examine and report the Returns by the Committees of Observation of the Companies of Artillery, Minute and Militia-Men, enrolled or formed into Battalions, and of the persons who have not enrolled themselves either as Minute, or ArtilleryMen, or in the Militia, according to the directions of the last Convention ; and Mr. Mackall, Mr. Nicholson, and Mr. James Tilghman, were elected by ballot a Committee for that



Post Meridiem. Convention met. Mr. Robert Tyler, 'a Member from Prince George's County, and Mr. Jeremiah Jordan, a Member from St. Mary's County, appeared and took their seats in the House.



A Petition from the frontier Inhabitants of jPre^ V^ hia attendance before them, but, in ctr ct^intoco^ into co^v,"^ rf^-.suh' mission and sorrow for his offence, h, fobe discharged. ^ed 1

^^t '

Ordered, That Robert Davis's ] of the above Resolve, be sent to th,_

Arundel County.

next.

Adjourned

till

Adjourned

till

j

'-

"^

^i a

/^^ Sttee

o(

copy

Anne

V"^ three o'clock.

three o'clock.

Post Meridiem.

—Convention met.

The Proceedings of the Committee of JTc/U County were read to Mr. Robert Buchanan in his place, and the said Robert Buchanan heard thereon ; upon which Mr. Buchanan confessed that he had refused to enroll accordinf^

Post Meridiem.

—Convention met.

Mr. Josias Beall, a Member for Prince George's, appeared and took his seat in the House.

Mr. Bond has leave of absence.

On

motion, Resolved, That a Committee be appointed draw the form of Connnissions for the Officers of the

to the Resolution of the last Convention, and that in consequence of his reasons, fourteen others had also refused;

to

and declared, he having conceived himself not well treated by the said Committee, at the time the said ])roceeding passed, was rather short in his answers to them, and did

And Mr. Thomas Johnson, Mr. HoUyday, and Mr. Wright, were elected by ballot a Committee for that pur-

not give the Committee that satisfaction respecting his con-

Militia of this Province.

pose.

Mr. Nicholson has leave of absence

till

Monday

next.

;

:

.

MARYLAND CONVENTION, DECEMBER,

719

Resolved, That if the assistance of the Militia of Somerthem, should be set and Worcester Counties, or either of of Accomack or Committee by the requested and needed Northampton County, this Convention is desirous such assistance should be given

;

and

this

Province

will

pay and

subsist the Militia in that service.

of the Day, for taking into consideration the state of the Province, was read and considered Ordered, That the same be referred for further consideration until to-morrow.

The Order

Convention adjourns

till

to-morrow morning, half

730

1775.

of the Province, Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr. Carroll reported, that the Comtnittee, according to order, had taken under their consideration the state of the Province, but not being able to go through the same, had directed him to move for leave to sit again. Resolved, That thb Convention will, on Monday next, resolve itself into the said Committee.

Convention adjourns

till

Monday

morning, half after nine

o'clock.

Monday, December

18, 1775.

after

nine o'clock. Saturday, December IG, 1775.

All Menibers present as on yesterConvention met. day, except Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Bond. The Proceedings of yesterday were read.

Mr. Sim has leave of absence.

Convention met. All Members present as on SaturThe day, except Mr. Gantt, Mr. Sim, and Mr. Sudler. Proceedings of Saturday were read,

Mr. William Baird, a Member for the Upper District of Frederick County, appeared and took his seat in the House. Petition of TTiomas McCobb, of Lincoln County, Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, was read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table. The Reverend Mr. Patterson, according to order, was brought before the Convention in custody of a guard of

The

reading the Proposals of Jacob Myer, o( Frederick County, for building a Powder-Mill, Ordered, That the same be referred to the Committee for devising the best ways and means to promote the ma-

in the

nufacture of Saltpetre.

four of the Militia of Captain /oAnson's

Tiie Order of the Day, for taking into consideration tlie state of the Province, was read and considered, and after some time spent in debate thereon. Resolved, That this Convention will, in the afternoon, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House to

Proceedings of the Committee of Kent County, respecting the conduct and behaviour of the said Rev. Mr. Patterson, were read ; and he was informed by Mr. President, that the Convention would hear any thing he bad to offer in Mr. Patterson was then heard, and ordered his defence.

consider the same.

to

Upon

Adjourned

till

withdraw.

Ordered, That he attend

three o'clock.

The

Company.

in

the afternoon, at three

o'clock.



Adjourned

Post Meridiem. Convention met. Mr. Gantt has leave of absence. Isaac Atkinson, according to order, being brought before the Convention in custody of Captain William Hyde, the Proceedings of the Eastern Shore branch of the Council of Safety, respecting the said Laac Atkinson, were read and he was informed by Mr. President, that the Convention would hear any thing which he had to say in mitiga-

the said Isaac Atkinson declared, he tion of liis offence never meant to injure America, his native country, and was extremely sorry for what he had done ; that he was ready and willing to make any concessions and atonement to his country, which were in his 'unaer. and this ConvenJ^'lling to give secution thought necessary ; that he rity for his good behaviour in futui^g/ whereupon, it is Resolved, That the President reprimand the said Isaac Atkinson for the offence of which be stands condemned ; and that the said Isaac Atkinson be informed by the President, that this ConveiHipn views him as a man guilty of a crime of a heinous nature against this country, which was and is entitled to his aid and assistance but that this Convention, considering the penitence and contrition of the said Isaac Atkinson, and that (j,.iumerous family must suffer by a continuance of his ir- .isonroent, had thought proper to ;

^

:

mitigate his puni^'

,

.

..

said Isaac Atkinson be discharged Resolved. ^ from confiRp" adjourt\ having given bond with good secu'resident, in the sum of one thousand rity, payabft '' lis future good behaviour ; and for Pounds, curn. reasonable expenses as shall be adthe payment oi judged by the G;t. Aition to have been incurred in guarding and condn'mgxndei. Resolved, That ; tlianks of this Convention are due to the Committee (\ Somerset County, and to all those patriotick and spirited friends of Worcester and Somerset Counties, who were active in arresting and securing the said Isaac Atkimon, and quelling that dangerous spirit which was discovered by the said Isaac Atkinson, and others, who joined in inimical designs against this coun,

Ordered, That the said Isaac Atkinson be continued in custody, till he give the security above-mentioned. Ordered, That four men of Captain Hyde's Company guard the said Isaac Atkinson.

The Convention resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House, Charles Carroll, Esquire, Barrister, in the chair.

After having spent

some time

in

considering the state

till

three o'clock.

Post Meridiem.

—Convention met, and

took Mr. Pat-

terson's case into consideration, and, thereupon.

Resolved, That Mr. Patterson be informed by the Preit is not the intention of this Convention to preclude the inhabitants of this Province from judging of their Proceedings with decency and temper; but that those who apprehend any defect therein, ought to apply for such alterations and amendments, as may be thought proper and and such applications will always be attended necessary sident, that

;

to

and duly considered.

And,

in

the

mean

time, this

Con-

vention expects an acquiescence in such measures as may be thought necessary for the safety of the country, until the same are reconsidered by the Representative body of

That the expressions and declarations made the people. use of by the said Mr. Patterson, were highly indecent and intemperate, for which, and for his disrespectful conduct to the Committee of Kent County, he deserves the censure of this Convention. That the President do accordingly censure

Mr. Patterson

for the

indecency and intem-

perance of his expressions and declarations, reflecting upon the Proceedings of the Conventions of this Province, and for his disrespectful conduct to the Committee of Kent County, and caution him against such behaviour in future. That, in consideration of Mr. Patterson's declaration and resolution, that he will not do any act to oppose or impede measures which have been and are thought necessary for the preservation of

American

liberty,

and upon

his

ac-

knowledging, before this Convention, the impropriety of his rash and imprudent behaviour before the said Committee, and paying the expenses incurred in bringing him to the Convention, he be discharged. Resolved, That this Convention do highly approve the conduct of the Committee of Ketit County, in calling to account the Rev. Mr. Patterson, for having spoken disrespectfully of the proceedings of the Conventions of this Province, in terms which cannot be justified by an individual in opposition to the Representative body thereof.

Ordered, That the Committee of Observation for Frederick County, immediately send in two wagons, under the guard of four of their Militia and an Officer, to Baltimore town, three thousand pounds of Gunpowder, to the care of Mr. William Lux of that town.

A Letter, from the Committee of Baltimore County, was read. Ordered, That the same be referred to a Committee of the Whole House.

:

MARYLAND CONVENTION, DECEMBER,

721 The Order

Ordered, That the

of the Day, for taking into consideration the

was read. Ordered, That the same be referred adjourns

till

Edicard Davis be committed

said

custody of Mr. William Cayten, until the further order of this Convention and that the Treasurer of the Western Shore pay the said William Cayten for his trouble and expense, during the confinement of the said Davis, three Sliillings and six Pence, common money, per day.

for consideration

;

to-morrow.

The Convention

32t

to the

state of the Province,

till

1775.

to-morrow morning, half

after nine o'clock.

Adjourned Tuesday, December

till

three o'clock.

19, 1775.

Convention met. All Members present as on yesterThe Proceedings of yesterday were read.

Post Meridiem. the House.

—Convention met.

Mr.

iSut/Zer

appeared

day.

in

The Petition of Abraham Jarret and Robert Harris, Captains ofConi panics of Minute-Men in Har/ord County, was read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table.

A Letter from the Committee of Kent County, dated December 20, 1775, was read the first time, and ordered to lie

On motion, that the Proceedings of the Eastern Shore branch of the Council of Safety, together with the Depositions therewith sent, relative to Benjamin Shockley, be read ; tlie same were read accordingly. Thereupon, it is Ordered, That the Commiitee of Worcester County order Benjamin Shockley before them, and reprimand him, and upon his making proper concessions, that he be discharged. The Order

of the Day,

state of the Province,

for

On

motion, Resolved, That the sum of fourteen Shilcurrency, per day, and reasonable itinerant charges, be allowed to each Member attending this Convention.

The Order

of the Day, for taking into consideration the of the Province, being read, the Convention resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House to consider of the same, Mr. Carroll in the chair. After some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the chair, Mr. Carroll reported, that the Committee, according to order, had under their consideration the state of the Province, but not being able to go through the same, state

taking into consideration the

itself into a Committee of the the same, Mr. Carroll in the

had directed him to move (or leave to sit again. Resolved, That this Convention will, to-morrow, resolve

chair.

After fcme time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the chair, and Mr. Carroll reported, that the Committee, according to order, had under their consideration the state of the Province, but not being able to go through the same, had directed him to move for leave to sit again. Resolved, That the same be referred for further consideration

till

table.

lings,

was read.

The Convention resolved Whole House to consider

on the

Mr. Done has leave of absence.

itself into a

Committee of the Whole House

to consider

of the same.

On

motion. Resolved, That if any Member of this ConHouse without leave thereof, such Member shall forfeit his allowance for attendance. vention depart the

to-morrow.

Mr. Somerville has leave of absence.

Mr. Wright has leave of absence.

The Convention

Mr. John Duckett was appointed Clerk Assistant

to the

adjourns

till

to-morrow morning, half

after nine o'clock.

Convention.

On motion. Ordered, That the Committee of Claims estimate and report a proper allowance to a Guard, for the security of Prisoners or Offenders.

A

Petition, from sundry Inhabitants of

was read the

first

time, and ordered to

Convention adjourns

on the

December

22, 1775.

Convention met. All Members present as on yesterday, except Mr. Somerville and Mr. Done. The Proceedings of yesterday were read.

Harford County,

lie

Mr. Buchanan and Mr.

table.

to-morrow morning, half

till

Friday,

after

nine o'clock. Wednesday, December 20, 1775.

Griffith have leave of absence.

A

Memorial from Baltimore County Court, together with ^veral Depositions therewith sent, were read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table.

Petition from Baltimore County, which was referred on Thursday last to this day, being read, the same was con-

Mr. John Duckett being unable, through sickness, to attend as Clerk Assistant to the Convention, Mr. John Callahan was appointed in his siead. Ordered, That Mr. John Callahan qualify himself as such, by taking the oath of office and secrecy, as before directed to be taken by the Clerk. Certificate of the qualification of the said Callahan was

sidered, and, thereupon,

produced and

All Members present as on yesterConvention met. Mr. Sim and Mr. Gantt appeared in the House. day. The Proceedings of yesterday were read.

The Order

of the Day,

taking into consideration the

for

it is

Resolved, unanimously. That Robert Alexander, Benjamin Nicholson, John Moale, Walter Tolley, Jun., and Jereiniah T. Chase, returned Delegates for Baltimore County, are duly elected.

The

Petition

of Samuel Dorsey, of Anne Arundel first time, and ordered to lie on the

County, was read the table.

filed.

On

motion, Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to consider and report the most effectual method of establishing a Gun-Lock Manufactory, and the expense thereof; and Mr. Thomas Johnson, Mr. Sudler, and Mr. Beatty, were elected by ballot a Committee for that purpose.

The Order

of the Day,

for taking into consideration the

state of the Province, being read.

The Order

of the Day,

for

taking into consideration the

state of the Province, being read,

Ordered, That the same be referred till to-morrow.

for further

con-

to-morrow morning, half

after

sideration

Convention adjourns

till

Ordered, That the same be referred till to-morrow.

for

further consi-

deration

Mr. Hawkiiis has leave of absence. Convention adjourns

till

to-morrow morning, half

after

nine o'clock.

nine o'clock. Saturday, December 23, 1775.

Thursday, D^'ccmber 21, 1775.

Convention met. Ail day, except Mr. Wright,

Members

The

present as on yesterProceedings of yesterday

were read.

A

Letter and Deposition of

Thomas Hammond, and

Memorial of William Whetcroft, were read the and ordered to lie on the table. Mr. Mason ajipeared in the House.

first

the

time,

tory,

brought before the Convention on susjiicion of attempting to convey intelligence to Lord JJunmore, and examined

Series.

— Vol.

iv.

The

Petition o{

Edward Parker, of Cecil County

,

rela-

Linen and Woollen Manufactime, and ordered to lie on the

tive to the establishing of a

Edward Davis was

Fourth

Convention met. All Members present, as on yesterThe Proday, except Mr. Griffith and Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Moale has leave of ceedings of yesterday were read. absence till Monday next. Mr. Edmonson has leave of absence for a few days.

46

was read the

first

table.

On

motion, Resolved, That a Committee be appointed Proposals relating to the establishment of

to receive all

,

MARYLAND CONVENTION, DECEMBER,

723

Manufactories of any kind within tliis Province, ami report Ewing, Mr. their opinion thereon ; and Mr. Gilpin, Mr. Rumseij, Mr. Hamscy, and Mr. Earlc, were elected by ballot a Committee for that purpose. motion, Resolved, That the Deputies for this Province attending in Congress, are instructed, that it is the sense of this Convention, that all India Teas imported last, into this Continent before the first day of March may be sold and used without any prejudice to the cause

On

of Amei-ica, and that they endeavour to procure the same perto be permitted by the Congress, not taking into such mission any Teas imported for, or on account of, the EngBrilish East-India Company, ct imported from Great tain contrary to the Continental Association, if any such there be.

Adjourned

till

three o'clock.

Post Meridiem.

Convention met.

Counties, Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, praying that Richard Ellis, o( Cecil Counly, may be continued their Captain, was read a first and second lime and granted.

motion. Resolved, Tliat a Committee be appointed lo consider what alterations and amendments are necessary in the regulation of the Militia of tliis Province, and retheir opinion thereon ; and Mr. Stnallwood, Mr. f^Vare,

On

Kort Ir.

er,

Thomas Johnson, Mr. James Tilghman, and Mr. Hoopballot a Committee for that purpose.

were elected by

The Order of

the

the

for taking into consideration

Day,

stale of the Province, being read.

Ordered, Tiiat the same be referred deration

till

for further consi-

Tuesday next.

Mr. Ilooe has leave of absence. Convention adjourns till Tuesday morning, half

after nine

o'clock. Tuesday, December 26, 1775.

Convention met. All Members present, as on Saturday, except Mr. Moale, Mr. Eilmonson, Mr. Hooe, Mr. »S'ifn, Mr. Smith, Mr. Conlee, and Mr. Tollcy. The Proceedings of Saturday were read.

Mr. Johnson brings in, and delivers to Mr. President, a Report from the Committee appointed to devise the best ways and means to promote the manufacture of Saltpetre, which was read the first lime, and ordered to lie on the

The Order

of the Day, for taking into consideration the

Ordered, That the same be referred till lo-morrow.

for further consi-

deration

Convention adjourns

till

to-morrow morning, half

after

nine o'clock.

Powder

Mill, pursuant to the Resolution of the late

vention, a Publick

under the management Nitre.

And

Convention met.

All

Members

present, as on yester-

day.

The Proceedings of yesterday were read. and Mr. Moale appeared in the House.

Mr. Contee

The Petition of Patrick Graham, of Charles County, praying a remission of the judgment pronounced against him by the last Convention, was read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table. The Convention

proceeded to take into their consideraReport from the Committee apjjointed to devise the best ways and means to promote the manufacture of tion the

Saltpetre, and, thereupon. Resolved, That a small Saltpetre principal Inspecting

House, or

in

Work be

erected at a

the neighbourhood of

To-

bacco Houses, or in some other publick and convenient place, in each County, at the publick expense, for the making Crude Nitre; that tl)us, besides the advantage immediately accruing from carrying on so many Works, in different parts of the Province, the good people thereof be generally instructed ;

a further

still

that a liberal

in

the art of

making Crude

inducement thereto, and that this more extensively diffused and practised, price ought to be allowed for all Crude Nitre

and ns

may be

said

all

Con-

Work be

erected convenient thereto, of a skilful person, for purifying

the several Supervisors shall, from time to the Crude Nitre which shall be made at the

Works, and otherwise come

to their

hands, as afore-

Publick Refinery. That each Supervisor dravw from the Treasurer of his Shore, as well the said one hundred pounds, as the sum of two shillings, common money, and no more, per pound, for all Crude Nitre by him sent lo, and delivered at, the said Refinery.

Wcdncsdny, December 27, 1775.

art

have been drawn, may be placed, that the same may become again impregnated with Nitre. That each of the said Supervisors be empowered to lay out the residue of his one liundred pounds, in hiring labourers to assist a skilful workman, who shall be employed in each of the said Works, and in procuring and removing earth impregnated with Nitre, fit lo be used at the said Works. That the Supervisor of each of the said Works employ a skilful workman to carry on, direct, and manage the process of making Crude Nitre at the said Works, respectively; and that the same Supervisor pay to the said workman one shilling, common money, for each pound of good Crude Nitre that he shall manufacture and deliver at the same Works, as his wages and reward for his skill and labour. That the said workman show and explain to those who will attend the Work, and may be desirous of instruction, the method and process of making Crude Nitre. That each Supervisor pay to any person who shall deliver to him good Crude Nitre, manufactured at any place within his County, other than the said Publick Work, for the use of the publick, after the rate of two shillings, common money, for every pound thereof. That as soon as a contract shall be made for building a

said, to the said

state of the Province, being read.

Niire

a discreet and active person in the Lower District, and one hundred pounds in the hands of a discreet and active person in the Middle District o( Frederick County; and the residue thereof, one hundred pounds for each other County, to be placed in the hands of a discreet and active person in each County, who shall be called a Supervisor; and that so much of the said one hundred pounds as may be necessary, shall be laid out by the said Supervisor in purchasing, procuring, and setting up proper kettles, tubs, and other necessary utensils and conveniences, for manufacturing rough Nitre, at some such place as aforesaid, in his County and, also, in erecting a rough shed convenient thereto, under which the earth, from which the ley shall

handsof

time, send

table.

may

manufactured in private families ; that all the Crude Nitre, whether made by individuals or at the County Manufactobe ries, be canied to one Refinery, where the same may purified by a skilful Refiner, in large quantities, without waste, and made fit for manufacturing into Gunpowder. That seventeen hundred Pounds, common money, be appropriated, one hundred pounds whereof to be placed iu the

;

Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the three lower

The

724

1775.

That each of

the said Supervisors render an account of

every Convention, by the third day of every session thereof; and that, on such account, he be allowed all the said disbursements, the actual expenses of sending the Crude Nitre to the Refinery, and, for his trouble, the sum of two pence for every pound of rough Nitre made at the Works under his care, and the sum of one penny for every other pound of Crude Nitre by him coland lected, as aforesaid, and sent to the said Refinery that he pay the balance of the money in his hands into the publick Treasury, for the use of the publick, if so his transactions lo

;

ordered.

Thai it be strongly recommended lo such of the good people of this Province, whose circumstances and conveniences will allow them to pursue the following directions, to place in open houses, or sheds admitting the air, but excluding the rain and sun, the stalks and trashy leaves of tobacco, trodden straw, the sweepings of stables, mixed with rich mould, collected from the floors of barns and outhouses, and from time to time to sprinkle wiili urine, brine, or water, this collection of various substances, so as to occasion the fermentation and speedy putrefaction thereof,

whole mass, when perfectly rotten and digested, stirred up, and thoroughly blended, and thus without further damping, so loose and light as to at-

that the

may be dug, left,

:

MARYLAND CONVENTION, DECEMBER,

725 tract

:

more

with Nitre,

readily, and

be more plentifully impregnated

for future use.

Mr, Jeremiah Jordan was appointed Supervisor for ( December, 1776. The cost we will cheerfully transmit therewith, and leave the price to the honourable Convention. ,, . , ;

;

"john aucheu,

" James Harris.

"

To

the

Delegates of Harford County,

now

sitting in

Convention." Resolved, That the sum of three hundred Pounds, out of the Treasury of this Province, be advanced to the said John Archer and James Harris, agreeable to their application aforesaid, on their giving bond, with good security, payable to the Honourable iWn^/iew Ti/ghman, F.sq., Thomas Johnson, Jun., and Charles Carroll, Barrister, Esquires, conditioned for the

performance of the terms

in

the

said application mentioned.

Resolved, That a new election of two Representatives, Charles County, in the room of fVilliam Smallwood and Francis Ware, Esquires, a new election of one Refor

presentative for St. Mary's County, in the

room of John

Allen Thomas, Esq., and one in Cecil County, in the room of Nathaniel Ramsey, Esq., whose seats will become vacant on their acceptance of commissions in the Regular Forces of this Province, be had, as soon as conveniently may be, in the presence of two, or more, of the Delegates of those Counties, respectively; the elections to be by ballot, and in like manner as the election of Delegates is directed by Resolutions of the last Convention, ten days' notice, at least, excluding the day of notice and day of election, of the times of each of the said elections, respectively, being given, by advertisements set up in the most publick places in the said Counties.

On motion, Resolved, That in all cases where judgments have been, or shall be obtained, (except in ejectment, trespass, trover, replevin, detinue, real actions, actions for words, for money, and tobacco, actually had and received by one person for the use of another, attachment under the late act of Assembly, and against non-residents, and actions upon Loan Office bonds,) the Creditor shall, at his election, have a right to demand of the Debtor a bond, with security, for the debt and costs of the said Judgments, or to take, by fieri facias, any tobacco, wheat, or corn, (hut no other effects,) of the Debtcjf, leaving to such Debtor sufficient to support his faujily; but, that no capias ad satisfaciendum be issued, in any case, (except in the cases above excepted,) where the D( btor will give bond and security, when required, as aforesaid, or where the effects, aforesaid, are tendered to tlie Creditor, at such price as may be settled by the Cormnittee of Observation for the County Ml which such Debtor resides. On

motion. Resolved, That all Rents, other than Rents Houses, may be hereafter paid, and shall he received, in tobacco, and other country produce, at a reasonable value, to be set by the Committees of Observation and that no Rents ought to be changed ijiio money, from tobacco, and other country produce, in which they have been, heretofore, for

:

usually paid.

Resolved, That seven persons, four of

whom

residing

upon the M'cstern, and three upon the Eastern Shore, be chosen, by ballot, to constitute a Council of Safety, for the Province of Maryland, to superintend and execute the

1776.

760

Resolutions of this Convention, and to promote the prudent and necessary preparations for the defence and protection of the said Province, and to give such necessary assistance to the neighbouring Colonies as may, by the said Council be judged proper. That each member of the said Council of Safety be allowed and paid fourteen Shillings, common money, out of the Treasury of this Province, for every day such member shall sit, or be absent from home on publick business. Tiiai any four or more of the said Council of Safety convened, or the major part of them, direct and regulate tiie operations of the Regular Forces, the Minute-Men and Militia of this Province, and may grant all military commissions, appoint and commission all Field and Commission Ollicers, and regulate the rank of all Military Officers, not appointed by this Convention, and, in the recess of Convention, call forth the Regular Forces aforesaid, and Minute-Men into action in any ))lace, or places, within this or the neighbouring Provinces, and the Militia into action in any place, or places, within this Province, at such time and times, in such |>roportions, and on such occasions as the said Council may judge necessary, and do all such other matters and things for the defence, protection and security of this Province, and for the aid and assistance of the neighbouring Provinces, as tiiey shall deem necessary and expedient. That any Oflicer of the said Regular Forces, MinuteMen, or Militia, may be suspended from the exercise of his commission by the said Council of Safely, and if the said Council of Safety shall think proper, they may displace any Officer, and appoint and comn)ission another in his

and may, on the death, resignation, or removal of any Officer in the Regular Forces, Minute-Men, or Militia, appoint and commission another in his stead, and the said Council of Safety may fill uj) all vacancies in the Regular Troops aforesaid, Minute-Men and Militia, by whatever stead,

means occasioned. That the said Council of Safety be authorized and empowered to draw out of the bills of credit emitted, or ordered to be emitted by this Convention, (except such part thereof as is appropriated to call in and exchange the bills of credit emitted by the last Convention,) any sum, or sums, which may by them be judged necessary to carry the several Resolutions of this Convention into execution, for paying and discharging all contracts made, or to be made, lor, and on behalf of, this Province, and for the defence and protection of this Province, or for paying and defraying the expenses of any part of the said Reguhir Troops and Minute-Men, which may be ordered to any of the neighbouring Provinces. That the said Council of Safety have power and authority to arrest, and, on hearing, confine and imprison till the next Convention, all such persons within this Province as shall have been, or may be, guilty of high and dangerous offences, tending to disunite the people of this Province in their present opposition, or to destroy the liberties of .tains fValdron, Chesley, and Place,) to take the command as Field-Officers, and have taken some of the best Captains and Subalterns. I should rejoice if Captain Mooney would, in conjunction with the bearer, Lieutenant Clough, and tv\o subalterns, appointed by you, or them, undertake to bring in a company. The residue I can furnish myself, without giviog you any trouble, except what I mention. With respect to the regiment bound to Canada, you will excuse my suggesting the necessity of raising that in the Colonel fVilliam Stark now western parts of the Colony. happens to be in camp, and says he can, undoubtedly, raise He is well acquainted with the country, and the men. I would, therefore, for with the nature of such a march. the good of the service, beg leave to recommend him, unless you have some other person, more suitable, in view, I have directed hiiu to wait on your Honours, and receive

your commands. Captain John Parker,

who was here some days since, from General Washington, and myself, to raise four or five companies, and march to Canada Perwe, knowing of no necessity therefor, refused him. haps he may be of some advantage in raising men; but many among you know the man, and his communication, I All these hints I throw out for the good of the service have no particular person in view, barely for his own sake, The good of my country is what 1 naean to promote where I mistake the proper means to attain that desirable end, you will please to correct me, as an ignorant offender, and believe me to be, as I really am, a true friend to my country, and your much obliged and humble servant. was

soliciting license

;

:

the General Assembly of

To

JOSEPH MATHEW TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. Cbilmark, January

18, 1776.

be of importance to the County of Dukes, whereto I belong, that the honourable Council of this Colony be informed of the state of civil affiiirs here, I think it to be my duty to give your Honour the following intelligence, with respect hereto, to be by your Honour communicated, if you shall think fit. Now, four, out of the nine, commissioned to be Justices in this County, viz: Jonathan Allen, John Iforth, Enoch Coffin, and Thomas Cook, Esquires, and, also, William Mayhew, Esq., appointed Sheriff, and Mr. Robert Allen, appointed Coroner, remain unsworn, appearing unwilling to be so, and neiti.er of them, except Jonathan Alien, Esq., bein" present, when the other civil officers here were sworn, which was done on the 22d o{ November last.

Fourth Series.

— Vol.

»,

j

the Honourable President of the Council.

New- Hampshire.

P. S. The General has enclosed you copies of most of My extreme hurry the important letteis from Canada. will, 1 hope, apologize for incorrectness. J. S. Yours,

HoNOUKED Sir: Judging

and

most humble servant,

John Sullivan.

To

770

:

our conquests, and, if possible, retrieve the honour of the American arms. This resolution induced us to release one of the regiments wrote for in my last, to serve here two months, and, instead thereof, for New- Hampshire to furnish one here, and one for C'«nn(/n, the latter to be inlisted for twelve months. I have a prospect of raising one for this place, from among the recruits here, in the manner I formerly mentioned so you need give yourselves no other trouble about that, but advancing, upon the credit of the Continent, a month's pay, advance, which beg you to do. The party going for Canada, I suppose General Washingion has called upon you to furnish them with money, tinental chest

1776.

Of the five Justices who have been sworn, two, viz: Ebtnezer Smith and Bariah Norton, Estjuires, live at KJgartoicn ; and two, viz James Alhearn and Shvbnel Colter, Esquires, at Tisbury, and I, only, at Chilmark and the only person Coroner, Mr. Ebentxer Norton, livei

by General Montgo-

mery.

&.C.

;

:

it

iv,

to

CAPTAINS SALTk.R AND DANIELS RETURN OF SHOALERS. In Congress, at Exeler, January 5, 1776.

Voted, That Captain Titus Salter and Captain Eliphalet Daniels, be appointed to go over to the Isle of Skoals, and inform all the inhabitants there, that it is the opinion of this Congress that the situation of the said islands is such, that the inhabitants are ex|)osed to our enemies in the present unhappy controversy, and may be obliged by their weak, defenceless circumstances, and inability to defend themselves, to assist our enemies and that, for said reasons, it is absolutely necessary that they should, immedia'ely, remove themselves, with their effects, to the mam 'and, (to tarry during the present dispute.) to such place, or places, as they may choose and, provided they neglect '» comply herewith for the term often days after this no"ce, that they be informed that they must be brought off

49

;

;

by authority. Extract from the Minutes of Congress Attest

Pursuant

to the

:

E. Thomi son. Secretary. above vote of Congress, we repaired

the ^Island of Shoals, on the 16th instant, being the

to

first

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

771

favourable opportunity that offered, and after communica vote of Congress, tin" to the inhabitants the contents of the we'proceeded to number the inhabitants, and underneath are the different numbers on each Island

Star Island:

Hog

Island:

.Vmu«y iVoie

Men 31, women 34, children 94, Men 13, women 11, children 25, ; Men 2, women, 2 children 15,

-

-

159

-

-

49

-

-

19

&c.,

JANUARY,

772

1776.

LORD STIRLING TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Elizabelhtown, January 19,

1776—3

o'clock, P.

Sir: I embrace this opportunity to inform you, that the whole parly, destined for the Queen's County expedition, got safe into

New-York

yesterday, the

Given under our hands, Portsmouth, Jamtary 18, 1776.

last divi-

Minute-Men in the evening, and doubt not they are chiefly on Long-Island by this time. I am, your most obedient, most humble servant,

sion of

Stirling.

227

Total,

M.

Dear

To

the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

Titus Salter.

Eliphalet Daniels.

NKW-JERSEY COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

TIKGRilA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

[Read January 22, 1776.— Referred.] Trenton, January 19, 1776.

Williamsbiirgh, January 19, 177G.

The Committee of Safety will proceed on Monday, the 12th of next month, to the choice of the several Officers for the Company of Artillery, directed by the Genera! ConOne Captain, three Lieutenants, one Servention, to wit All persons geant, four Bombardiers, and eight Gunners. :

inclined to be

employed

therein, and

who can be

well re-

are desired to attend on that day. order of the Committee of Safety

commended,

By

:

J.

Pendleton,

Cleric.

Dear

Sir: Your favour of the 12th current, covering sundry resolutions of the Congress, relating to the officers and soldiers, prisoners in this town, I duly received, and our Committee met, and made the officers acquainted with the determination of Congress. The officers have made choice o{ Bordentown, for the place of their residence, and request that the band of musick, and their servants, may go with them, wiiich was agreeehle to our Committee, and hope it will meet the approbation of Congress. They requested some short time to consider the matter respecting tlieir drawing of bills, for the payment of the expense alrea-

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO RICHARD HARRISON. [No.

Annapolis, January 19, 1776.

1.]

You have, enclosed, an invoice and bill of lading of hundred and eighty-six barrels of flour, in the Brig Sam, Robert Forsythe, master, with ninety-one barrels of bread also, four thousand staves, on account of the Province, which you will dispose of in the best manner to your general instructions, and the letters heretofore sent you. We have only engaged this vessel to deliver her cargo to you. As soon, therefore, as she is unloaded, if you should have no further use for her, you may discharge her. We shall be glad to hear of her safe arrival, and likewise, to have intelligence from you, of your transactions, by every good opportunity. Sir

:

thirteen

;

We To

are, Sic.

Mr. Richard Harrison, Martinico, per Brigantine Sam.

MARYLAND CODNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN FORSYTHE. Annapolis, January 19, 1776.

Sir

:

You

are to proceed from hence, to the Island of

Martinico, and there deliver the enclosed letter, and your cargo, to Mr. Richard Harrison. If Mr. Harrison should not be at the Island of Martinico, address to Mr. M'Creary, and if he should not be there, you are, in that case, to open the letter addressed to Mr. Harrison, sell your cargo The money arising at the very highest prices you can get. from the sales, you must lay out in gunpowder, if you can get it, if not, in muskets, fitted with good bayonets, and if they are not to be had, saltpetre and sulphur, and if you cannot get those articles, then lay out tlie whole in coarse strong linens and Russia duck, and take,care you are not imposed on in your purchases. As soon as you have done your business, make the best of your way home, and avoid Wiien you come into speaking with vessels on the coast. the latitude of our Capes, if you have a strong fair wind in,

push up the Bay

as fast as possible,

and

if

you

find

it

failing

run into some small harbour, and there wait imtil you have a favourable opportunity to get into Potomack, Patuxent, If you find a better chance of getting into or Annapolis. any of the inlets between Cape Charles and Cape Hcnlopen, than into our Bay, you may push into one of them, and send an express to the Council of Safety, letting them know where you are, and what you have got, but take care and land your goods under the care of a Committee as soon In as you can, for fear of being followed by the tenders. going out, you had better take a brisk gale of wind, or get out of nights, as tenders commonly keep a strict watch at the Capes in the day time ; but hope you will behave with care and industry on this voyage. If you are chased, and

you must be taken, throw with weights to sink them.

find

To

Captain Robert Forsythe.

all

your papers overboard,

dy incurred. 1 beg leave to return two commissions, which were filled up wrong through misinformation, and request you will send me two blank ones, signed as formerly; two more were in the same predicament, which I have made answer, and which occasioned my former application for four. If agreeable, the commissions for the third battalion may be sent at same time. I must again repeat, that near one half the new-raised two battalions are without arms. We have got no fund in this Colony to avail ourselves of money to purchase them with. The six thousand dollars advanced by Congress is expended, and unless four thousand more is advanced, as far as I am able to determine, you will have near one battalion supported at a very great expense, without arms, (which can be had for money,) and, consequently, unfit for service. Mr. Lowrey was with me this morning, and is of the same opinion. I am ordered by our Committee of Safety to write to you. I have enclosed a copy of their order, that you may have their full meaning; and have the honour to be, with all due respect to the Congress, your most obedient, humble servant,'

To

^ Iucker. Samuel rn

the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

New-Jersey Commiltee of Safety, Princeton, January 13, 1776.

) I

Ordered, That the President write to the Continental Congress, acquainting them that the Congress of this Province is to meet 31st instant, at Neio- Brunswick, at which time they will, undoubtedly, give all due attention to raising Being firmly purthe battalion ordered in this Colony. suaded that the appointment of officers by the Congress will give much greater satisfaction in the Colony than if appointed by the Committee, this Committee have, for weighty reasons, deferred issuing waiTants, until the meetat the same time recommend Azariah ing of Congress ;

Dunham,

Esq., to be appointed Cofiimissary for supplying

such Battalion when raised. By order of the Committee

:

Samuel Tucker,

President.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. [Read January 27.

— Rnforrcd to Mr. Lynch, Mr. Wylho, Mr. Sherman, Atr.

Ward, Mr. Samuel Adams.] Cambridge, January 19, 1776.

Sir: Taking it for granted that General Schuyler has not only informed you of the fall of the brave, and much to be lamented, General Montgomery, but of the situation of our affairs in Canada, (as related by General fVooster, Colonel Arnold, Colonel Campbell, and others,) I shall not take up much more of your time on this subject, than

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

773

necessary to enclose you a copy of his letler lo me, with thereon, as appears by tlie Council of War, which I immediately summoned on the occasion, and at is

think

&c.,

JANUARY,

774

1776.

a less number than I have mentioned, will Should your Excellency think proper to send the troops, you will please to let me know it by express, that

the result

suffice.

which Mr. Adams, by my j)arlicular desire, was good enough to attend. It may appear strange, sir, as 1 had

that

I

may send

Congress

provisions to

Onion River.

me

on the subject of my request to retire. Our aflairs are much worse than when I made the request this is motive sufficient for me to serve my country in any way I can be thought most serviceable but my utmost can be but little, weak and indisposed as lias

wrote to

from these lines, that I should presume, sending to Congress, and obtaining an express direction, to recommend to the Governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Ne.iv- Hampshire, to raise each a I am. I regiment, on the Continental account, for this service. The clothing is gone to Cambridge. wish, most ardently, that the urgency of the case would I am your Excellency's most obedient and most bumble I wish, also, that the purport of liave admitted of the delay General Schuyler's letter had not, unavoidably, as it were, servant, Philip Schuyler. laid me under an indispensable obligation to do it. For, having informed you in his letter (copy of which he en- To His Excellency General Washington. f __ closed me) of his dependance on this quarter for men, 1 thought you might, also, have some reliance on my exerAt a Council of War, held at Head-Quarters in Camtions this consideration, added to my fears of the fatal bridge, January 16, 1776: consequences of delay, lo an information of your having Present: His Excellency General Washington, the Hondesigned three thousand men for Canada; to a belief, ourable John Adams, Member of the honourable Contifounded chiefly on General Schuyler's letters, that few or nental Congress, Major-General Ward, Major-General none of them are raised and to my apprehensions for Futnam, Brigadier-General Heath, Brigadier-General Nexo-York, which led me to think that no troops could be Spencer, Brigadier-General Sullivan, Brigadier-General spared from that quarter, induced me to lose not a moGreene, Brigadier-General Gates. ment's lime in throwing in a force there, being well assured, His Excellency the Commander-in-chief, laid before the that General Carleton will improve, to the utmost, the adCouncil Letters received last night from Major-General vantages gained, leaving no artifices untried to fix the Canadians and Indians, (who, we find, are too well disposed Schuyler, enclosing copies of Letters from Brigadier-General Wooster, Colonel Arnold, and Colonel Donald Campto take part with the strongest,) in his interest. bell, containing the melancholy account of the death of If these reasons are not sufiicient to justify my conduct General Montgomery, the wounding Colonel Arnold, and in the opinion of Congress, if the measure contravenes any the consequent failure of the success of the assault upon resolution of theirs, they will please to countermand the the city of Qucbeck, on the 3lst of December last. levying and marching of ihe regiments as soon as possible, His Excellency then requested the opinion of the Counand do me the justice to believe, that my intentions were cil, whether it be proper, in the present circumstances of good, if my judgment has erred. The Congress will please, also, to observe, that the mea- the lines, to detach a reinforcement from hence, to the succour of the troops in Canada. sure of supporting our posts in Canada, appeared of such The question being put, it was exceeding great importance, that the General Officers, Resolved, That in the present feeble state of the Regi(agreeing with me in sentiment, and unwilling to lay any ments here, it was improper to detach any force from these burden which can possibly be avoided, although it may lines to Qtiebeck, or Canada. turn out an ill-timed piece of parsimony,) have resolved, The General then asked, whether in the present critical that the three regiments for Canada shall be part of the situation of affairs in Canada, he should, in their opinion, thirteen Militia regiments which were requested to reinstand justified in requesting, in behalf of the Continent, a force this Army, as appears by the Minutes of another supply of Troops from the New-England Governments, Council of War, held on the 16th instant. which was, unanimously, resolved in the affirmative. I shall, being much hurried and fatigued, add no more in this letter than my duty to Congress, and that I have The Council then, unanimously, advised bis Excellency the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and most humble the General, immediately to apply to the Ijcgislature of servant,' „. p, each of the above-mentioned Colonies, Rhode-Island ex(jeorge Washington. cepted, forthwith to raise a regiment of seven hundred and To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. twenty-eight men, officers included, and direct them to P. S. I enclose you a copy of my letter to the Govern- march with all possible expedition, by the route prescribed ments of A/as»(icAu*eie,

cc-wy.)

(CountertigTi, Crq/ion,)

To

prevent any misconception of the Order of yesterday, it is declared, that the Commanding Officers of Regiments are not restrained from sending out as many recruiting officers as can be spared from the duties of their respective Regiments, but that those officers, together with such as are now out with their recruits, be j>ositivcIy ordered to be in camp by the last of this month, that bur real strength may be fully and clearly ascertained. The Colonels, and Commanding Officers of Corps, to recommend it, immediately, to their recruiting officers, to get all their recruits armed in the country; or, at least, as many as it is possible to have supplied with arms from thence. Head-Quarters, Cambridge, January 14, 1776, (Parole, Peterbaraugh.)

19, 1776.

Read and concurred.

Perez Morton, Deputy

A Letter similar to the preceding was sent to the GoTernments of Connecticut and New-Hampshire. January

:

Pekez Morton, Deputy

"

bumble

this

service, although

at the expiration of their services.)

Gentlemen: The

Excellency be also informed, that

Colony have in store, but about two hundred fire-arms, such as will do for the "' which are out of repair P""^'

to'

Cambridge, January

776

1776.

the recruits would come well armed, they should ba lor tiie use of their arms, and, if lost in the ser-

if

request from this, and the neighbouring Colonies, thirteen regiments of Militia to his aid, to be at Cambridge by the 1st of February, and to consist of the same number

lency

JANUARY,

fcc,

(Ceuntenign, Loudon.)

A

General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow morning in Cambridge, to try such prisoners as shall he brought before them. All evidences and persons concerned to attend the Court. The Court to assemble at Mr. Pomcroy's, at ten, in the

forenoon. Haad-Quarter8, Cambridge, January 15, 1776.

(Parole, Lutttrel.)

(Ccuntersign, Fox.)

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

777

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, January IG, (Parole, Stjtjre.)

1T7(>.

(Cuunti-riie:ii,

Lnvit.J

Notwithstanding tlie repeated orders issued in the course of the last campaign, forbidding ail officers commanding Guards, to suffer any of their Guard to be absent day or night from tiieir Guard until regularly relieved, yet it is with surprise the General hears that it is a common pracAny tice, even at the advanced posts next the enemy. officer commanding at any of the guards or out posts, who shall, for the future, suffer any of tiieir officers or men to

be absent,

until regularly relieved, will be put in arrest,

and

tried for disobedience of orders.

Head. Quarters, Cambridge, January

17, 1776.

(Countersign, Harthy.)

(Parole, Cormoallis.)

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, January rPamU", fVorcttter,)

18, 1776.

(Countcrsig^n, Catiibriiige.)

Samuel Reason, Quartermaster

to Colonel Prescoli's General Courl-Martial, whereof Colonel Pflfierson was President, for "defrauding ihe Soldiers of their allowance of Bread," is acquitted by the The General orders Quartermaster INeason to be Court. released from his arrest.

Regiment,

tried at a

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, January 19, 1776. (Cvunteni^n, Lee.)

(Parole, Veto-Haven.)

One

Sergeant, one Corporal, and twelve men, from

GenPutnam's division, to mount to-morrow morning for the Provost Guard, at the old School-House, on Cambridge

eral

Common. To this guard all prisoners accused of crimes, cognisable by a General Court-Mariial, are to be sent, and suspected spies, and all strollers and stragglers, who cannot give a proper account of tiiemselves. The guard is to be under the immediate command of the Provost, and he is only to receive orders from Head-Quarlers, ihe General-in-ciiief, the Adjutant and Quartermaster-Generals for

&c.,

JANUARY,

1776.

378

the hurry in which I am engaged, at present, allows no than time for acknowledgment of it.

more

G. W.

Yours, 8ic.

general SULLIVAN TO COLONELS WALHRON and CHESLET. Winter.Hill, January 19, 1776.

A

being made upon the Colony of JS'ewJlnmpshire for a regiment of men, consisting of seven hundred and twenty-eight, including all officers, I have, after requisition

consulting his Excellency General

fVashington, thought proper to raise and officer a regiment out of the officers and soldiers lately come in from that Colony, to remain in the Continental service until the first day of April next. I have named eigiit Captains, and have nominated you, the said John Waldron, as chief Colonel of said regiment, and yon, the said Alpheus Chesley, as Lieutenant-Colonel thereof, and have wrote to the General Assembly upon Ihe measure I have adopted, and requested them to furnish one month's pay, advance, for said regiment, upon the credit of the Continent. You are, therefore, requested, immediately, to repair to the General Assembly, wait on them with my compliments

and these orders

receive their commands, and, immedicomplete the regiment proposed, and return to Head-Quarters by the first day of February next. You will please to pay strict obedience to the commands of that Assembly, and on all occasions give notice of your proceedings to your humble servant, John Sullivan, Brigadier- General of the Continental Army. ;

ately, proceed to

To John

JValdron and Alphexis Chesley, Esquires.

all

the time being.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. Cambridge, January

19, 1776.

Gentlemen The

enclosures herewith sent convey such accounts of the sad reverse of our affairs in Canada, :

full

as to render to

add ought

Your

it

unnecessary for me,

in

my

present hurry,

to the tale.

spirited

Colony

will,

I

have no doubt, be

suffi-

ciently impressed with the expediency of a vigorous exertion to prevent the evils

which must follow from the

re-

pulse of our troops.

It does not admit of a doubt but that General Carleton will improve this advantage to tiie utmost and if he should be able to give another current of sentiment to the Canadians and Indians, than those they seemed inclined to adopt, words are unnecessary to describe the melancholy effect that must inevitably follow.

am

persuaded, therefore, that you will exert yourselves to the utmost to throw in the reinforcement by the route mentioned in General Schuyler's letter, that is now reI

quired of your Colony, as the doing of

it,

expeditiously,

may prove a matter You will perceive

of the utmost importance. by the Minutes of the Council of War, enclosed, that the regiment asked of you, for Canada, is one of the seven ai)plied for in my letter of the 16tli instant, and that the only difference with respect to the requisition is the length of time and place of service, as no good would result from sending troops to Canada for a shorter period than the Continental Army is raised for, to wit, till the first of January, 1777. &:c. I am, gentlemen, ^ ,,, °

George Washington.

'

The Honourable

General Court of Massachusetts-Bay.

—A

To the Honourable Matthew Thornton. the same date and similar to the preceding one.

letter

of



To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, &c. A letter of the same date and similar to the preceding ones to the Honourable General Court o( Massachusetts-Bay, and the llonr>wah\e Matthew 2Viornron, Esq., with this postscript: Your favour of

the 15tli instant

now

lies

before me, but

SAMUEL dexter TO PEREZ MORTON. Woodstock, January 23, 1776.

Sir: Your

of the 1st instant, wrote by direction of the major part of the honourable Council, informing me of my appointment to be first Justice of the Court of Conmion Pleas, for the County of Suffolk, did not come to hand till the arrival of the third post after its date, or I should sooner have returned the answer expected from me. At a time when my declining a seat in the General Court has removed all ground of objection from any supposed impropriety of acting, both in a legislative and judiciary capacity, I should not choose to excuse myself from accepting this trust, did not the ill state of my health abso« hitely require

letter

it.

My

complaints, which have been, gradually, increasing for more than two years past, are chiefly of the nervous kind, and forbid any degree of mental application beyond

management of my cannot promise myself strength sufficient even for matters of such comparatively small imwhat

indispensably necessary for the

is

private concerns.

I

portance.

Such of the honourable gentlemen with whom I for^ sat in Council will testify for me, that, however

merly

my duty to ever appeared solicitous to act a part that should meet with approbation. Although in the department designed me, but moderate attention and study may be thought requisite, yet even that I am, by indisposition of body, whidi affects my mind, rendered totally unfit for. Some time since 1 came to a determination never to engage in any new kind of employment of a publick nature ; and, for the future, to do no more than a conscientious regard for my oath should demand of me in the office have, for divers years past, sustained and 1 have, sir, to request that you would, by communicating this letter, make their Honours acquainted with a resolution which I have, upon mature thought, found it needful to enter into. I am no less desirous that the honourable Board should know that 1 have a grateful sense of the honour they have done me; and that I wish their hap()iness with a fervency not to be expressed, although exceeded by the ardour with which 1 pray for the salvation of my country. 1 am, sir, your most obedient servant, poorly

I

acquitted myself in the discharge of

the publick,

I

I

;

Samuel Dexter.

To Perez

Morton, Esq., Deputy Secretary of Massnchusetts-Bay, Watertown.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

T79

OS OPENING THE PORTS OF THE COLONIES TO THE VESSELS or FRANCE AND SPAIN. Williainsburgli, Virginia,

&c.,

JANUARY,

1776.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES

January 20, 1776.

Gentlemen: By

a resolution of the Convention, the Annapolis, and the town of Baltimore, are to be

city of

all

the most solemn declarations on her part, that she is still (or rather, 1 hope, was) willing to be subject to Bii-

cannon, and as we hear they have more FhilaJclj)ltia tiian they have occasion

completely as she was in the year 1763, and as we hive siood reason to suppose, great as their lust of power

they

that avarice has the greatest share in influencing their conduct, and that, therefore, not merely an empty title to superiority is claimed, or even a substantial revenue, but that something more is insisted on, the total monopoly of is,

our trade I say, as these things are evident, we have just cause of complaint, and may well resent such low suspicion and base treatment. Whoever considers the acts of Parliament, laying restrictions on the trade of the Colonies, before the year 1763, will be astonished to find that the Congress, after one of their petitions had been treated with contempt, and a bloody, perfidious, and inhuman war was entered into against them, should consent that those acts should ;

be binding on them entered into an association not to trade with Great Britain, provided she had been contented to try who could hold out longest, and see who would repent first, and make the first overtures of accommodation, it would have been right to have contented ourselves with our own manufactures: but when they not only laugh at our efforts in this way, and affect to despise our whole trade, as of no isnportance to them, but also have, by levying against us a heavy and savage war, obliged us to incur many and great expenses, and to neglect, in many parts of our country, agriculture and manufactures, we must be fools, indeed, not to open our ports, and to try what value may be put on our trade by France and Spain, and how we may, thereby, influence them in our favour, and endeavour, by our trade, to procure every thing necessary for the support By doing this of ilie war, and our defence and comfort. we pave the way to a powerful alliance, and by it may humble the pride of our enemies, may show them we bid defiance to their attempts to enslave us, and that, so far from being sufferers for want of their trade, we can do ten times better without it. If the ports were open to all nations, except the British, we might soon sink our paper money, and our estates would be of ten times their present value, ^rai C^'^''*^*^°' hemp, flax, cotton, tar, pitch, turpentine, iro\;f|jg^j,^?s, and lumber; our wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice, Indian corn, peas, beans, &,c., &ic., might be sold for their real value, in cash, or such commodities as we might wish to barter them for. Our tobacco would then always command a good price, and ready money we should seldom get less than thirty or forty shillings a hundred for it in cash ; good wheat would sell for six or seven shillings a bushel, and all other things in proportion and, instead of paying the high price we now do for British goods, bought of Scotch factors, at an extravagant rate after selling them our tobacco for a mere nothing, we should buy every thing equally good, if not better, at half price, and often get them in exchange for articles of our produce which now we never attend to The truth of this can be asserted by those who have traded in French, Spanish, Dutch, or Italian ports. Claret would then be as cheap as Madeira wine, and velvet as broadcloth, and rum, sugar, molasses, wine, oil, olives, French brandy, arrack, tea, spices, &ic., fctc, would be exchanged here for such necessaries, or rarities, as would be wanted in the different ships, by the capstill

!

When we

IN CONGRESS.

Annapolis, January 20, 1776.

[No. 2.]

As tlie Minislry, and ilieir tool?, have persisted in charging America with a desire oi' independence, and in sjiiie of

tnin,-As

780

fortified, if

it

be practicable.

As we

are

much at

at

a loss for

Neiv-York and

for, we imagine be willing to spare some of them. must, therefore, request you will be pleased to inquire of the gentlemen ol those Provinces, in Congress, or of the Committee o( Philadelphia whetiier it will be agreeable to them to lend us any of tiiein, and acquaint us with their answer. shall want about thirty or forty eighteen-pounders ; if we are favoured with the loan of ihein, they shall be re-

We

may

We

if lost or damaged. As there will be great danger in attempting to get them round by water, if we borrow them from the Province q( New- York, we judge it may be best to get them down by land to Delatoare Bay, from thence, over short carrying- places, they may be got into our Bay. Any money that may be necessary to defray the expenses in getting down, shall be sent you, or lodged where you think proper. We enclose you a copy of the resolutions of the Convention for emitting bills of credit, as some clauses require particular duties to be performed by yourselves. We are, respectfully, gentlemen, yours, &,c.

turned, or paid for

To

the Dejiuties for Maryland, in Congress.

STEPHEN STEWARD TO CHARLES WALLACE. Wost-Rivcr, Saturday, January 20, 1776.

Dear Charles

have long been thinking of a machine of some sort, to save your town. I think, I have now fell on one, that shall withstand against any ship in the navy that they can trust before your town. The machine must float, and carry twenty eighteen-pounders; it must be about one hundred and eight feet long, thirtytwo feet, or less, broad, five and a half feet deep, the sides and ends to be glasaded, so that the men shall fight under cover, and the sides and ends cannon proof. This machine, 1 think, may be completed in two months, at the expense of two thousand five hundred pounds, or less. The friendship 1 have from yourself, T. Hyde and T. Hanoood, has partly employed my mind this six weeks past. If the Committee of Safety think well of this matter, there is no time to be lost, and you must come down to me to-morrow morning, as 1 can wait neither on you, nor the Committee, in all next week. If this machine, or floating battery can be got ready in time, 1 think it will save your town from any thing that can be done to it by sea. Every man of you :

I

,

must attend employed.

To

one hundred men may be am, Charles, with sincere respect, yours,

to this matter, as I

Stephen Steward.

Charles IVallace, Esq.

;

;

:

men, and by

P. S. This machine may always keep a fire on the eneas there must be two cannon in each end, and eight OD each side. She may carry fifty-two swivels on her sides and ends, to prevent her being boarded. My friend I think ill used by both Congress and Convention. The Congress gave their ships to build to men that knows nothing of the business. Jack Steward, you know, has been used ill by Convention, but still i am ready to serve my country in every degree that lies in my power. If any opportunity, send Thomas Johnnon a copy rf this to-day, as he desired I would think of something of this

my,

sort to save the town.

JAMES MURRAY TO MARYLAND COU.NCIL OF SAFETY. Cainliridge,

January 20, 1776.

and customers, Our ports would

Gentlemen: The bearer hereof, Mr. James Campbell, who acted as a Captain of our Militia, had the honour, on

then be filled with shijis, and our towns with respectable merchants the value of our country would soon be known abroad, and numbers of people, of ingenuity and property,

application, of being appointed a Lieutenant of the Light

tains, factors, or

at the different ports they

their friends

come

from.

;

We

would come and settle among us. should have the trade protected against our present oppressors, the amplest

means of defence afforded us, and even Great Britain hcrsulf would soon court our favour, and be willing to form a commercial league with us.

at our last Convention. beg leave to introduce this gentleman to you, as particularly worthy your notice. I think, upon conversaI

am

to

him, he may afford some very useful hints in those branches, that we, at this time, stand so much in need of:

tion with

I

mean gunnery and

fortification.

Have known him

for

several years, in character of a captain of a ship, the sea-

Let any one consider these things, and then let him would hesitate a moment to open our

say, whether he

P°"'-

Company

Infantry

An American.

faring

life

engages

in,

his calling from his infancy, and him justice in that sense, or any oilier that he I believe he brings with he will merit esteem.

having been

think, to do

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

781

him a plan of a floating battery, his own invention, which may, very possibly, afford matter for improvement, should the original fail. If you attempt fortification, and are not already supplied with an able hand, believe you will find him very clever in drawinjj and takins^ charts of your harbours and Bay, and pointing out the

fittest

place to erect

fortifications on.

Willi due regard,

I

remain, gentlemen, your humble ser-

^*"''

To

James iMuuray.

the Honourable the Council of Safety.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERA!. WASHINGTON. Philadelphia, January 20, 177G.

Sir In my former letter, I mentioned the disagreeable news received from Canada. The Congress have taken that matter into consideration, and having examined Mr. :

Anlill, and duly deliberated on the situation of our

come

that quarter, tliey have

to

aft'iirs in

sundry resolutions, which

I

have the honour to enclose. I would just observe, that by Mr. AntiWs examination, it appears our loss is greater than what is set forth in the despatches he brought a copy of which was transmitted to you. Almost tbe whole of General Arnold's gallant detachment are taken prisoners, having, after four hours' resistance, been obliged to surrender at discretion. However, we have the satisfaction to hear the prisoners are treated with humanity. The Congress are anxious, as well from motives of policy, as of justice and humanity, to re|)air our losses in that quarter, and if possible, to gain possession of (^uebeck, and drive our enemies out of that country, before they can be ;

reinforced in the Spring.

An

General is wanted to take the command such an one can be spared from the service at Cambridge, it is their desire you should send him. The battalion from Pennsylvania, and that from NewJersey, will set forward the beginning of next week. As it is of great importance, as well for the security and relief of our friends, as for confirming the wavering, that speedy succours should arrive, I am directed to request you to detach from the camp, at Cambridge, one battalion, if the service there will permit you to spare one, with orders if

march with the greatest expedition possible to Canada. If this cannot be complied with, yon will use your utmost endeavours in stimulating the Governour of Connecticut And the Convention o( Nezv-Uarnpsliire, lo whom I write by to

this opportunity, to forward, with the

utmost despatch, the companies that can be raised in those Colonies. You can easily conceive what effect the arrival of even one company will have on the minds of our friends, especially when they shall be satisfied it will soon be followed by more. The Colony of South-Carolina has been so fortunate as to oblige Lord William Campbell, with the vessels of war, to quit their harbour. Being earnestly desirous of providing for their defence, they have resolved to fit out some armed vessels, but not having seamen atnong themselves, they have despatched Captain Cochran to the northward, to inlist a number of seamen for the service of that Colony. Lest the offers he was empowered to make might prejudice the service, the Congress have chalked out a plan for him to go by, as you will see in the enclosed extracts, and I am directed to desire you will please to forward this service. Yesterday Doctor J. Smith, who made his escape from Frederick, was brought to this town. He was taken at the Little Meadows, on his way to Detroit, and had with him letters from Connolly to the commanding officer there. I hinted to you in my former letter, that the Congress were taking measures for the defence of the Middle and Southern Colonies. For this purpose, over and above those destined for Canada, they have ordered four battalions to be raised in the Colony of New- York, two in New-Jersey, four in Pennsylvania, one in the Counties on Delaware, six in Virginia, three in North-Carolina, three in SouthCarolina, and one in Georgia, each to consist of seven Imndred and twenty-eight men, including officers, making in the whole, with those for Canada, thirty-four battalions. I have the honour to be, Stc. first

John Hancock,

To

General Washington,

President,

782

1776.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. I'hiladclpliia,

Sir: In

January, 2G, 1776.

my

former letter I enclosed you sundry resolutions, passe by Congress for the defence of Canada, and therein took t'le liberty of urging the necessity of sending speedy succours to that country. The disagreeable news lately received from that quarter, and the repulse our troops met with in their attempt on (^uebcck, in which we had the misfortune of losing the brave and gallant General Montgomery, render it still more necessary, with all possible despatch, to reinforce our Army there, as well for tbe security and relief of our friends, as |()r the better securing the rights and liberties, not only of that Colony, but of the other United Colonies. In addition to the former, I have now the honour of enclosing sundry resolutions passed since the advice received, and I trust, from your approved zeal in the cause of America, that every endeavour in your power will be exerted to levy and forward tbe battalion ordered to be raised in 1

your Colony.

You

conceive what

and confidence, our friends there, especially, when they understand it is quickly to be followed by more forces. You will, therefore, with the utmost despatch forward the first that can be got ready. To prevent any delay, I send, enclosed, by order of Congress, blank commissions for the Field-Officers, Captains, and Subalterns, which you will please to fill up with the names of such gentlemen as you shall judge best qualiwill easily

company

the arrival of but one

life, spirit,

will give

fied.

Time

does not permit

beg leave to refer you the honour to be, Sic,

to

active, able

there, and

very

JANUARY,

Sic,

me

to enlarge.

1

must, therefore,

the enclosed extracts, and have

John Hancock,

To

President.

Governour Trumbull.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO CONVENTION OF NEW-HAMP-" SHIRE. Philadelphia, January 20, 1776.

Gentlemen

:

In addition to the resolutions of Congress,

passed the 8th instant, for the defence of Canada, I have now to add sundry others, which the advices lately received, and the repulse our troops mot with, in an attempt on Quebeck, render absolutely necessary to be carried into execution, with all possible despatch. There is every reason to hope that a timely reinforcement will not only secure our friends and retrieve our losses, but put us in possession of Quebeck before succours can reach our enemies. I am, therefore, directed most earnestly to press you with all possible expedition to levy and forward the battalion ordered to be raised in your Colony. And as you lie the most contiguous, I trust, from your wonted zeal, you will be the first to carry relief and succour. You will easily conceive what life, spirit, and confidence, the arrival of but one company will give our friends there, especially when they understand it is quickly to be followed by more forces. You will, therefore, with the utmost despatch forward the fiist that can be got ready. To prevent any delay, I send, enclosed, by order of Congress, blank commissions for the Field-Officers, Captains, and Subalterns, which you will please to fill up with the names of such gentlemen as you shall judge best qualified and proper for the service. Tlie money for defraying the expense of the battalion will be forwarded by your Delegate with all possible despatch. The encouragement given to the men will, I hope, facilitate your business, and I trust your zeal will not be wanting in the defence of our common liberties. Time will not permit me to enlarge. I must, therefore, beg leave, for other matters, to refer you to the enclosed extracts, only reminding you that the battalion is to consist of eight companies, and each company of one Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, a drum fife, and seventy-six privates the Staff Officers a Surgeon, a Quartermaster, an Adjutant, and a Chaplain. , 1 have the honour to be, gentlemen, &ic., John Hancock, President,

and

To

;

the Convention of

New-Hampshire,

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tc, JANUARY,

783

PRESIDENT or CONGRESS TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

whom

of

the Congress

1776.

may

elect Field-Officers for said

Blank commissions with the names of such as you cers under the rank of Major. bntlalion.

Philadelphia, January 20, 1776.

Gentlemen: I have llie honour of enclosing you sundry resolulions passed by Con^jress, as well for the defence of your Colony, as for repairing llie loss lately sustained in Canada, and succouring our friends ilicre. The shortness of tlie time will not permit me to enlarge. I must, theiefore, beg leave to refer you to the enclosed extracts, and just ir)form you, that the Congress rely with confidence on your zeal for the cause, that you will exert your utmost endeavours to hasten the march of the troops ordered to Canada, and to raise those destined for the deHerewiih I send you blank comfence of your Colony. missions for the officers under the rank of Majors, which you will please to fill up. On the recommendation of General Schuyler, the Congress have continued Colonel Van Schaick, Lieutenant-Colonel Yales, and Major Gansevoort, in the service of the Untied Colonic), and have appointed them to the command of the battalion to be raised in your Colony for the defence of Canada ; and they have directed me, agreeable to an established rule, to request you will please to transmit, as soon as possible, the names of a number of gentlemen, whom you shall judge duly quali6ed, at least two for each command, out of whom they may elect Field-Officere for the other battalions. 1 am, gentlemen, Stc, , v> i , ' ' ° ' Hancock, rrcsxdenl. John u •

To the Convention, or Committee of Safety, of New- York.

r84

be sent you to fill up appoint offi-

will

shall please to

1 nuist not omit pressing the necessity of attending to the collecting of specie, an article so necessary just at this juncture, that the safely of America depends upon it ; for without it, an army cannot, at this time, be kept up in Ca-

nada, and the loss of Canada us in an Indian war. I

To

am, the

will, in all probability,

John Hancock,

&tc.,

involve

President.

Committee of Safety of New-Jersey.

JOSIAH BARTLETT TO NEW-HAMPSHIHE COMMITTEE OF safety. Philadelphia, January 20, 1776.

Gentlemen: The Congress on

the 8th instant, voted

one regiment in the western parts of our Province for the service in Canada. The nevs of tiie misfortune at (^uebeck arriving here last Thursday, they voted yesterday to give the men a bounty of forty shillings, and one month's pay advance, to encourage the speedy inlisting and sending forward said regiment, and 1 hope you will do every thing in your power to hasten it, as the taking and securing Cato raise

nada

this Winter, or early in the Spring, before the arrival of ISritish troops, will be of almost infinite advantage to the Continent, more especially to New-England, and to our Colony in particular. One regiment will begin to tliis place for Canada in a few days, and ono regiment from New-Jersey in eight or ten days orders are, also, given to raise men as soon as possible for the same

march from

president of congress to general SCHUYLER. FhiUciclphio, January 20, 1776.

Sib: On Wednesday evening, Mr. Anlill arrived with your despatches of the 13ili instant, which were immediately communicated. The Congress sincerely condole with you on the loss of your amiable friend, their gallant and much esteemed General.

Having conferred with Mr. Anlill, and duly deliberated on the situation of our affairs in Canada, they have come to sundry resolutions, which I have the honour to enclose, and which you will please to communicate with the utmost despatch to General Wooster, as far as they relate to the defence of Canada, or are necessary for his direction. The Congress rely with confidence that he will exert his best endeavours to keep up the spirits of his troops, especially, when you assure him, that every means will be used, with all possible expedition, to succour and support The battalions from Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, him. which were under marching orders, will set forward the beginning of next week; and despatches are sent to General Washington, and to the Colonies of Connecticut and New-Hampshire, to hasten up troops from thence. Enclosed is a number of commissions for the battalions to be raised in Canada, which you will cause to be filled up with the names of such as you shall deem most suitAs General Montgomery, to whom it was left to able. recommend proper officers, is now no more, you will endeavour to find out the most accomplished and suitable men, for the Canadian regiments; having a regard to men of influence, and such as are best attached to our cause. '

To

John Hancock, President,

*"

'

General Schuyler.

PRESIDENT of CONGRESS TO NEW-JERSEY COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. Philadelphia, January 20, 1776.

Gentlemen you it

is

am

directed by Congress to forward to the enclosed resolutions, by which, you will perceive, :

I

you should exert your utmost forwarding the march of the battalion to

their earnest desire, that

endeavours

in

Canada.

As another

ordered to be raised in your Cowill pursue the most effectual measures for levying the same with all possible expedition, and supplying them with arms, accoutrements, and other necessaries, that there may be no delay. I am directed to request you to send the names of such gentlemen as you judge best qualified, at least two for each command, out lony,

it

is

battalion

is

expected you

;

service, besides those in

ment

New-Hampshire, one more

regi-

Pennsylvania, one ditto, in New-Jersey, one ditto, on the western parts of New- York, and one ditto, in Connecticut, and this day I expect one will be ordered to be raised in Massachusetts for the same purpose. No cost or pains must be spared to secure the important Province of in

Canada. I beg leave to renew my request, that Delegates may be appointed and sent here, as soon as possible, as in my opinion the representation of a Colony, at this important crisis, is too weighty and important to be intrusted to any one person. That you may see the necessity of a larger representation of our Colony, 1 would inform you, that beside Committees for special purposes, that are frequently chosen, there are four or five standing Committees appointed, some for secrecy, some for despatch some of which Committees are intrusted with large powers and that there may be no cause of complaint, those Committees consist of one Delegale from each Colony; sometimes two, sometimes three, of those Committees sit at the same time, so that, though I ;

;

some one of the Committees almost every night and morning, before and after Congress, yet sometimes business of consequence is transacted by them without our Colony being represented, and sometimes the Committees sit while the Congress is silling, so that our Colony must be unrepresented in one of them, while every other Colony may be represented in both. I have been here almost five montlis, great part of the attend

time without a colleague. I really find that I never knew what confinment, with business, was before, and that I want more exercise of body, and less of mind, at least for some time. I please myself with hopes I shall soon see Delegales here from our Colony, and that 1 may return to my family, and with my domestick affairs relax and unbend rriy fatigued mind. The sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars, which the Congress ordered to be sent to you, to be used in raising our regiment for Canada, I shall send forward, as soon as I can. Please to acquaint me with the publick affairs of our Colony, as often as convenient, and, in particular, with your success, from time to time, in raising the regiment. As the Congress have intrusted you with appointing the officers,

I

know you

will

do

appoint proper persons, and hope you as to give general satisfaction. I

tiie

you can to be so fortunate

best

will

am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, JosiAii

To the

Provincial

Bartlett.

Committee of Safety of New-Hampshire



>

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

78».

COLONEL BULL TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.

May

it please yocr Honours: An iittachnient to and a regard for the rights of mankind, were the only motives which induced me to take an active and leading pan in the present unhappy, but, at the same time, most necessary struggle for the defence of the same. Being actuated by these motives, I offered my service, as Colonel of the First Pcnmyhania Battalion, raised by order of your honourable House, to which command your Honours were pleased to appoint nie. It would be the greatest satisfaction to me, personally, to oppose the enemies of my country, but finding myself ill-treated by many of the off]cers iii my corps, and that near one-half of them threaten to resign tiieir commissions if I continue in command, which, at a time when we are under immediate marchino orders, might be productive of very bad consequences to liberly,

my

regard to the publick interest obliges

to beg leave to resign

my

commission, which

me

he pronounced to the makers of peace. His spirit ever leads to seek for, and imr » prove every opportunity of promoting peace and reconciliation, and constantly to remember, that, as we really confide in him, he can, in his own time, change the Iiearts of all men in such manner, that the way to obtain it, hath been often opened, contrary to every human prospect and '^'" '''^ blessings

Matthew,

May we, therefore, heartily and sincerely unite in supplications to the Father of Mercies, to grant the plentiful elTusionsof his

spirit to all, and, in an especial manner, to those superior stations, that they may, with sincerity, guard against and reject all such measures and councils as may

John Bull.

in

the Honourable Continental Congress of the United

now

sitting at

v, 9.

expectation,

summons.

am, gentlemen, with the utmost regard, your most obedient, humble servant, ^_ ^ _ Colonies,

786

constrained to entreat all, who profess faith in Christ, to manifest that they really believe in him, and desire to ob-

I

I

To

1776.

;

hereby do, at ihe same time humbly requesting, that the Congress would proceed to a determination on the memorial exhibited against me by my officers, as I value my reputation more than life.* If I have erred, I have erred with those who have gone before me, and it has been the fault of my head and not of my heart. The present untoward circumstances shall not alter my conduct, nor abate iny zeal, and whenever I shall be called upon again to serve my country, I shall, with the greatest pleasure, obey the

JANUARY,

scpver of men, to show favour, and to renew unfo us a state of tranquillity and peace? It is our fervent desire that ''''s may soon appear to be the pious resolution of tlie peoP'^ '" general, of all ranks and denominations; then may we have a well-grounded hope, that wisdom from above, "I'icli is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy and good fruits, .w'" preside and govern in the deliberations of those who, '" '^^^'^ perilous times, undertake the transaction of the '"o^t important publick affairs and that, by their steady ^^^^ ""'' endeavours, constantly to act under the influences of this wisdom, those of inferior stations will be incited diligently to pursue thdse measures which make for peace, ^'''^ '^""^ ^° ''"^ reconciliation of contending parties, on principles dictated by the spirit of Christ, who "came not '« destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke ix. 56. ^^^ '""e so fully assured that these principles aie the most certain and effectual means of preventing the extreme ""sery and desolations of wars and bloodshed, that we arc

[Bead January 20, 1776.]

the service,

&c.,

Fhiladclphia.

increase and perpetuate the discord, animosities, and un-

happy contentions, wliich now sorrowfully abound.

We

testimony of the QUAKERS. Ancient Testimony and Principles of the People called Q^uakers, renewed, with respect to the King and Government; and touching (lie Commotions notv prevailing in these and other parts o/ America, addressed to

• John Philip

De Haas,

when

ihey, and all men, shaH appear at the judgment-seat of Christ, to receive a reward according to their works, ^^'^y w'" ^^ excluded from his favour, and their portion "'" ^^ '" everiasting misery. See Mat. xxv, 41 2 Cor. v, The peculiar evidence of Divine regard manifested ^^^^ o""" ancestors, in the founding and settlement of these Provinces, we have often commemorated, and desire ever to remember with true thankfulness and reverent admiration,

Enq., (formerly a Major in the Provincial*

;

When we consider, that at the time they were peisecuted and subjected to severe sufferings, as a people unworthy the benefits of religious or civil society, the hearts of the kings and rulers, under whom they thus suffered, were inclined to grant them these fruitful countries, and intrusted them with charters of very extensive powers and privileges ; that on their arrival here, the minds of the Natives were inclined to receive them with great hospitality and friendship, and to cede to them the most valuable part of their land on very easy terms; that while the principles of justice and mercy continued to preside, they were preserved in tranquillity and peace, free from the desolating calamities of war, and their endeavours were wonderfully blessed and prospered, so that the saying of the wisest of Kings, was signally verified to them, " Wlien a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even bis enemies to be at peace with him." Prov. xvi, 7. The benefits, advantages, and favours, we have experienced by our dependance on, and connection with, the Kings and Government under which we have enjoyed this happy state, appear to demand from us the greatest circumspection, care, and constant endeavours to guard against every attempt to alter, or subvert, that dependance and connection.

The scenes lately presented to our view, and the prospect before us, we are sensible, are very distressing and discouraging ; and though we lament that sucli amicable measures as have been proposed, both here, and in Eng' land, for the adjustment of the unhappy contests subsisting, have not yet been effectual ; nevertiieless, we should rejoice to observe the continuance of mutual peaceable en-

^ippointed Colonnl of tlio First Br.ttalion of I'l-nn. tylvania Regulars, instead of Colonel BuH, wiso hus re«igiicd. Pa. Gaz.

of this Province,)

Fourth

ie

Series.

—Vol.

iv.

all suci),

not regarding.the dictates of true wisdom, such measures are pursued as tend to the shedding of innocent blood, in the day

the People in general.

A religious concern for our friends and fellow-subjects of every denomination, and, more especially, for those of all ranks, who, in the present commotions, are engaged in publick employments and stations, induces us earnestly to beseech every individual, in the most solemn manner, to consider the end and tendency of the measures they are promoting, and on the most impartial inquiry into the state of their minds, carefully to examine whether they are actin" in the fear o(licale the almighty Prc-

cannot, but with distressed minds, beseech

the most solemn and awful manner, to consider that, if by their acting and persisting in a proud, selfish spirit, and

in

50

deavours

hope

having grounds to Divine favour aud blessing will attend them.

for effecting a reconciliation,

that the

,

,

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

787

"U

judgment and principle, since we haib ever been our manifested

JANUARY,

&c.,

to procure the

788

1716.

settlement of this

salary

by the Con-

cress. C/.,»t/c.,», the 8ih instant, it is recomed to profess the light of In a resolve of Congress of and up Jnces unto this day, that .he selt.ng inquire " wliether the depth to Conunittee this to n our cons mended Governments .s God's pecuha below the Battery, may not pu.°hig down Kings and of water in Hudson's River, that U and hnnself, to known best large ships passing. prevent S?ero.^ative, for causes to as so lessened, be easilv or contrivance thereband any have to any certainty, what business with i*^ not^our are at a loss to determine, above our station, much less to bodies on that head. busy explanation be an to nor request in ; lattery is meant, and of any of «''eni.but overturn or ruin the resolve to the plot and contrive have appointed a person, agreeable good of safety of our nation, and of all copies and King collecting the for for instant, to pray of Congress of the 2d peaceable and quiet ife m all which have been Remonstrances that we may live a and all men Memorials, Petitions, the Government wb ch God Houses of Pargoodness and honesty, under presented to the Throne and either of the 1696, Testimony, us."-Anc.enl over them. to answer the and is pleased to set liament since 1762,

were

.



cal

We

We

;

m

of all firmly unite in the abhorrence design measures as svideuce a desire and

^'May'w^'Sfore,

such writings and connection we have hitherto enjoyed to break off the happy Britain, and our just and newith the Kingdom of Great and those who are lawKing, the to cessary subor'dination under him that thus the repeated fully placed in authority on this subject, m the Addresses n,ade solemn declai-ations behalf of the people o( Amerca sent to the King, on the firm confirmed, and reinam to be our ;

lu general, n.ay^e and lultil. Hnd sincere intentions to observe meeting of the in, and on behalf of, a

Signed

Rep

against making that the reasons you assign are sufficient, flax-seed export to application for liberty such application. it best to withhold think therefore, and, to us in the former part of

We

The business recommended for securing the Port ol the resolve of the Sth instant, our consideration. JSeiv-York, has been some time under channel, which, the of sounding have bad an accurate port, and a calculation the securing the for plan with the

esent-

jS^e,.in Fcnnsyhama and ative: of our Religious Society, first the of day twentieth Jersey, held at Fhihddphta, the

Month, 1776.

„,

,

John Pembebton, Curk.

DELEGATES NEW-yOBK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO

IN

CONGUESS. [Referred to '

L«e, and Mr. RodMr. Ward, Mr. Paine, Mr. Paca, Mr. ley.]

We

it, we shall communicate of the expense that will attend possible. as to you as soon exOn the subject of the resolve of Congress for an the to inform leave beg we Tyke, change of Lieutenant few days before the receipt of that re-

Con "ress

was made to Captain Vandcpvt, under subject, by a person connected with that on our directions, Captain KanLieutenant Tyke, to procure bis exchange. to excnange power his in not was it deput answered that since, wrote to his Adlong had, he that present; at him subject, the answer to which miral for directions on that and that he had not any directions to exhad miscarried

you by Mr.

exportation of live stock, and before the Continental Congress the non-exportation ordered by the Provincial Congress lifrom obtained he effect, took the purpose of importing cense to export live stock for he suspended until he which of execution the powder, danger of molestation without could ^end bis vessel out of the year now season the as and, from Ihe man-of-war; he is desirous of danger, that uives him security against himself to put has he end which for pursuing his object, applied to us for a therefore, He, expense. considerable that, as it was continuance of his permission, conceiving took ettect, non-exportation the before orioinaily granted has the power to give such continuance. a-^ainsl the

We

Committee informed him

have appointed a member to request the Captain KonMayor of this city to use his influence with a second application to make Parker,to Captain or deput, the Admiral on that matter. sundry requests have received from you, gentlemen, and connumber in few are so about our accounts. publick matof despatch the with tinually so overpressed been in our power to give duo ters, that it has not yet

We

We

We will endeavour to employ affair. prepared as soon as posaccounts the have assistance, and to that

attention

sible.

clearly of opinion that he we could not relieve lost his opportunity, and that signified his intention ol applying to that

;

We

chan^e.

Gentlemen: This will be delivered to of our last Provincial John Foster, who was a member in liberty, American to friend Congress, and is a warm of our Provincial continuance the during Summer, the fast

this

that, a

solve, application

In Committee of Sifety, New.York, January 20, 1776.

Resolve

aome

we were

We dient,

To

.

.

,

are,

most obemost respectfully, gentlemen, your

humble

By order of the Committee PiERUE Van Cortlandt, Chairman. :

servants.

the Delegates of the Colony of

^ew- York,

in

Congress.

JOHN BKICKELL TO NEW-YOKK CONGRESS. New- York, January

20, 1776.

Colony has vested you with the only parents to w-liom legislative power, and you ate the protection 1 hope and justice for up look we, as children,

Gentlemen: As

this

bad suffering individual, and a him- he, thereupon, the application of an innocent, that subject, as well as conon Congress as impertinent, or treated considered Continental the stranger, will not be is now building, and which cernin'T a large ship which he neslect. with . about Congress, and requested our he intends to offer for sale to On Wednesday, the 12th instant, being abroad application his give taking advanrecommendation, in hopes it would my lawful business, some wicked persons, We, therefore, beg leave to recommend him, ta"p of the publick disturbances, and of the opportunity weioht. as a gentleman worthy of being in the house thro'ugh you, to the Congress, which a number of soldiers, and others, body. in my chamthemselves forced them, gave the notice of that respectable lodged where I effectually as as prevent, and robbed to heart clothes-press, at much and We have it ber, broke open my chest and liish goods. To things, to the value of other and apparel, possible, the importation of British me of my linen been called by a late importaloss which, in my present this object our attention has ninety or one hundred dollars, a present to the According Eustatia. from my friends, and St. of distance way a by the being at ,

tion

goods is the only punishre"ulation, the reshipping of the inflicted on the offender; be to property, ment, in point of necessary to substitute confiscaabsolutely it think we and of the goods as the rnost tion, instead of the reshipping and, in means to check offences of that kind ; effectual this

view,

we beg

leave to

recommend

the proposed

amend-

your Barrackmashave thought it necessary to appoint a in order that York, Neicof County ter for the City and be kept m a proconstantly may city this in barracks the ol the (-onliper state for the comfortable accommodation posted here, be time, to time from may, that nenial troops We have nominated or be marching through this city.

ment

to

attention.

We

Garret Roorback to that

office,

and, therefore, entreat you

.

circumstances,

supply, having no means of obtaining a grievous.

,

,

is

particularly .

.

,

as I have incontestable evidence that friend to always spoken and acted as became a disunhappy the of commencement since the

Now, gentlemen, have America, I

to hope you will pute with Great Britain, 1 am induced afford me such and consideration, take my misfortune into honour and publick the with consistent relief as may be justice. 1

To

„ ° ^ ' JosiAH uartlett. '

'

To

the Provincial Committee of Safety, or Nicholas Gilman, Esq., Colony Treasurer.

P. S. As

was not

whether the President had 1 have enThe ten shillings mentioned, is this currenclosed them. J. B. cy, equal to eight shillings, L. M. sent

you the

I

certain

resolves of Congress of the 17th,

RICHARD SWOOPE TO PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. York, January 24, 1776.

Gentlemen

take the liberty of troubling your Honours with these few lines, as Mr. Nelson, the bearer hereof, proposes to raise a rifle company in the back country. If there should be any more men wanting for the service at present, I would take tlie liberty lo recommend him to the :

1

Board as a proper person, (as Captain of a company of riflemen,) so far as he stands recommended to me. Gentlemen, you have been kind enough to send me by Captain Schryak, twenty-five extracts from the votes of the House of Assembly, of the rules and regulations and as that number is not half enough, I hope you will be pleased to send about thirty more by the first opportunity. So, no more at present, and from, gentlemen, your most obedient,' and humble servant, r> c? ;

'

To the Committee of Safety

at

KiCHARD SWOOI'E.

Philadelphia.

LORD STIULING TO PRESIDENT OK CONGRESS. [January 27.

— Referred

to

Mr. Wythe, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Ward, and Mr. S. Adams.] January 24, 1776.

Sir:

On Monday

received intelligence that a transport, laden with stores for the Ministerial Army at Boston, was hovering off Sandy-Hook in distress, and wailing for assistance from the men-of-war at New- York. 1 thought it a matter of so much importance, that I immelast

I

Amboy, and there seized a pilot-boat, and, with forty men, was just pushing out, about two, yesterday morning, when I was joined by three other boats from Klizabethtown, with about forty men each, n)any of them gentlemen from Elizabethtown, who voluntarily came on this service, under the command of Colonel Dayton and Colonel Thomas. found her about six leagues southeast of Sandy-Hook. boarded and took her without opposition. She proves to be the Blue Mountain Valley, commanded by Captain James Hamilton Dempster, laden with coal, porier, sour-krout, &z.c. (I wish it had been with arms and anmiunilion, as I expected.) are now off Amboy, and intend to push in, this evening, into the Sound, between Siaten-lsland and the main. 1 write, now, in the hurry and noise incident to these occasions ; I will write the particulars as soon as possible. And am, your most diately set out for

We

We

We

I

humble

To

„ Stirling.

servant,

the Honourable

John Hancock, Esq.

P. S. She is a ship of about one hundred feet, from stem above; capable of making a ship-of-war of twenty six-pounders, and ten three- [lounders. I shall impatiently expect the orders of Congress. to stern,

If

&c.,

JANUARY,

838

1776.

GENERAL ARNOLD TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. Camp

Gentlemen:

before Qucbeck, January 24, 1775.

wrote the 14th instant, advising you of our present situation, and that of the enemy, and took the liberty of presenting you my sentiments on a future plan of operations, for which my zeal for the publick service, I hope, will apologize since which, I have made an estimate (which I now enclose) of such artillery, stores, anununition, &tc., wliich, I imagine, will be necessary, if it is thought Of this I can be no proper to carry on a siege in form. judge, as I know not if powder can be spared from below, I

;

or shot, shells, &.c., sent

up

in

season.

The

artillery,

except a twelve-inch mortar, (at Crown- Point,) is all m this country. I have also enclosed a list of such ammuA list of such nition, stores, &.C., as we have on hand. articles as can be procured at Montreal, St. John^s, and Chambly, will be taken, and sent you by General Wooster. I had encouragement from Monsieur Pelissier, at ThreeBivers, of he'mg furnished with shot, shells, &.C., in all the have this minute received advice month of March. I from him, that the want of coal will prevent his supplying those articles before May. As coal is liis only objection, 1 have wrote him to procure it, at all events, if it can be done, to supply shells, &c., by the 1st o( April, of which

the bearer, Major Ogden, will inform; this measure, I hope, will meet your approbation, as the expense of bringing shells from below will be great, and, if not wanted here, the cost will be

trifling.

very probable the city would surrender before half, or, perhaps, one quarter of the shot, shells, &.C., in my memorandum were expended ; but, if they should make an It is

obstinate

resistance, perhaps

the whole will

be

neces-

sary.

A gentleman, now present, assures me, that the King's Magazines, containing upwards of three thousand barrels of powder, were all full, and that three hundred barrels, his private property, taken from him by Government, was obliged lo be stored in a private vault add to this ten thousand stand of arms, seven thousand of which are new, and arrived last Summer; also, seven thousand complete suits of new clothing, with a large quantity of artillery stores ; ;

two

frigates,

with a number of other vessels,

in

the harbour,

The

above-mentioned articles, exclusive of securing an extensive country in our interest, and liberating three or four hundred of our brave men, appears an object of the greatest importance to us under our present circumstances. I make no doubt every necessary measure will be adopted for reducing the city. Yesterday, arrived here, a reinforcement of one hundred men, from Montreal; sixty men are soon expected. We are still very weak handed. Of course the duty is however, the enemy have not dared to come out, severe Desertions from the though they are double our number. garrison are frequent. They are in want of fuel, and have attemj)ted to supply themselves by cutting down the houses in St, Boque's suburbs, (under their guns,) to prevent which, I have burnt most of them, with several vessels they had broke up every artifice is used by Governour Carleton to procure provisions, and induce the Canadians to take arms against us, to no effect, though seconded by I make no doubt of conthe clergy, our bitter enemies. tinuing the blockade until a proper reinforcement arrives to make use of more coercive measures. Major Ogden, the bearer of this to Montreal, who came out with me a volunteer, proposes going down to Philadelphia. I beg leave to recommend him as a gentleman who has acted with great spirit and activity through our fatiguing march, and at the attack on Q^uebeck, in which he was wounded. General Montgomery, on his arrival in this country, was pleased to appoint Mr. John Halstead Commissary he is a gentleman, has been very active and zealous in our cause, is a merchant, and capable in his department, in which I beg leave to recommend his being continued. Our finances are low; we have been obliged to beg, borrow, and squeeze, to get money for our subsistence ; and, but for Mr. Price, who has been our greatest resource, we must have suffered. 1 have the agreeable intelligence from General booster, that the Paymaster is at hand. &ic., &.C., &.C.

;

;

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

839

&c.,

[Road February

Benedict Arnold.

the Honourable Continental Congress.

GENERAL LEE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Stamford, January 34, 1776.

Dear General you with my scrawl, :

It

as

was unnecessary sooner to trouble I could give you no information the

people through tliis Province and zealous llian my most sanguine expecta1 believe I might have collected ten thousand votion. lunteers. I take only four conipanics with me, and fVatcrhury'i regiment, wiiich is so happily situated on the fronWard's regiment, I have ordered to remain at their tier. These Connecrespective homes until they hear further. iicudans are, if possible, more eager to go out of their country than they are to return home when they have been out for any considerable time. Enclosed, I send you my letter to the General Congress. That of the Provincial Congress of iVc«;-Forfc to me, with my answer, I hope will have your approbation. The Whigs, 1 mean the stout ones, are, it is said, very desirous that a body of troops should march and be stationed in their city the timid ones are averse, merely from the spirit of procrastination, which is the characteristick of The letter of the Provincial Congress, you will timidity. least interesting.

more

I

find the

alert

;

observe, breathes the very essence of this spirit fully hysterical.

I

conclude,

I

;

it

is

wo-

shall receive the orders of

the General Congress before, or immediately on my arrival, otherwise 1 should not venture to march into the Province, as, by the laie resolve, every detachment of the Continental troops is to be under the direction of the Provincial Congress in which they are a resolve, I must say, with submission to their wisdom, fraught with difficulties and evils it is impossible, having two sovereigns, that any business should be carried on. Have you seen the pamphlets Common Sense 1 I never saw such a masterly, irresistible performance. It will, if I mistake not, in concurrence with the transcendent folly and wickedness of the Ministry, give tlie coup-de-grace to real Britain. In short, I own myself convinced, by the arguments, of the necessity of separation. Poor, brave Montgomery! But, it is not a time to cry, but to revenge. God bless you, my dear General, and crown us with the success 1 am sure we merit from the goodness of our cause. My love to the ladies. I shall write a long letter to Gates, when I have time and materials. Adieu. Yours, most affectionately,





G

Charles Lee.

To

His Excellency General Washington.

GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Lebanon, January 24, 1776.

Sir: Your

20ih and 21st instant, are received. I thought fit, this morning, to acquaint Colonel Burrell, appointed to command the regiment destined to Canada from hence, that a month's pay will be advanced to officers and men by you. This additional encourage-

ment

letters of the

enliven tiiem to the service. Also, to inform, understood the route of the Massachusetts and NewHampshire Regiments would probably be by Number Four to Onion River, with a Commissary to attend such as went that way. A month's pay was promised the men by iny proclamation, and, on being acquainted with the readiness of the men, one of the Committee of Pay-Table should that

will

I

attend for the

Am

payment

tiiereof at Litchfield, to

unable to inform from you may be received.

delay.

how and when

the

prevent

money

The men in that quarter are well spirited and zealous, but have yet received no intelligence of the progress made in the business; shall give you every necessary intelligence as it comes to my knowledge. Every necessary requisite for the march of this regiment will be provided on the best terms in my power. Shall forward the three regiments destined for your camp without delay. I am, with sincere esteem and regard, your Excellency's most obedient, and humble servant,

_

^o

Jonathan Trumbull. His Excellency General Washington.

1776.

840

general WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

I am, with great esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient, and very humble servant,

To

JANUARY,

9,

1776]

Cambridgo, January 24, 1776.

Sir: The Commissarj'-General being at length returned from a long and painful illness, I have it in my power to comply with the requisition of Congress, in forwarding an estimate of the expense attending his office, as also that You will please to obof the Quartermaster-General. serve, that the Commissary, by his account of the matter, has entered into no special agreement with any of the persons he has found occasion to employ, (as those to

whose names sums are annexed are of

own

their

fixing,)

but left it to Congress to ascertain their wages ; I shall say nothing, therefore, on this head, further than relates to the proposition of Mr. Miller to be allowed one-eighth for his trouble, and the delivery of the other seven-eighths of provisions, which, to me, appears exorbitant in the extreme,

however conformable

it

may

be to custom and usage.

I,

therefore, think that reasonable stipends had better be fixed

Both the Quartermaster and Commissary-Geneme, that they do not employ a single person uselessly, and as I have too good an opinion of them to think they would deceive me, 1 believe ihem. I shall take the liberty, in this place, of recommending the upon.

rals assure

expediency, indeed, the absolute necessity, of appointing fit and pi-ojier persons to settle the accounts of this Army. To do it with precision requires time, care, and attention ; the longer it is left undone, the more intricate they will be, the more liable to error, and difficult to explain and rectify as, also, the persons in whose hands they are, if ;

disposed to take undue advantages, will be less subject to I have been as attentive as the nature of my detection. office would admit of, in granting warrants for money on the Paymaster, but it would be absolutely impossible for me to go into an examination of all the accounts incident to this Army, and the vouchers appertaining to them, without devoting so large a portion of my lime to the business, as

might not only prove This ought,

injurious, but Attal to

other rebe the particular business of a Select Committee of Congress, or one appointed by them, which, once in three months, at farthest, should make a settlement with the officers in the different departments.

spects.

in

it

my humble opinion,

in

to

Having met with no encouragement from the Governments of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire from my application for arms, and expecting no better from Connecticut and Rhode-Island, 1 have, as the last expedient, sent one or two officers from each regiment into the country, with money, to try if they can buy in what manner they succeed Congress shall be informed as soon as they return. Congress, in my last, would discover my motives for ;

strengthening these lines with the Militia. But whether, as the weather turns out exceedingly mild, (insomuch as to promise nothing favorable from ice,) and no appearance

of powder, I shall be able to attempt any thing decisive, time only can determine. No man upon earth wishes more ardently to destroy the nest in Boston than I do; no person would be willing to go greater lengths than I shall, to accomplish it, if it shall be thought advisable. But if we have neither powder to bombard with, nor ice lo pass on,

we

shall

the year

be

in

— we

no better situation than we have been in all shall be worse, because their works are

stronger. I

have accounts from Boston, which I think may be reGeneral Clinton, with about four r five hun-

lied on, that


i'oorstrandt, Isaac Remsen, Gilbert McCoun, Abraham Remsen,

Samuel Place, Pearson Langdon, Archibald Langdon,

Robert Allen,

Timothy

Thomas Seaman, Thomas Jackson, Samuel Carman,

Birdsall,

John Duryec,

Titus,

Reading, January 2C, 1776.

that a

cations to your Honours,

Garret Snedicker, Douwe Ditmars, Jr., Paul Amcrman, John Polhemus,

all tiie

We

friends to

Elbert Adriance,

humble

servants,

David Gkeen, Benjamin Holden, Lieutenant- Colonel. Israel Hutchinson, Colonel. Jeremiah O'Brien, Captain of the Machias Privateer.

John Brooks, Major of Nineteenth Reg't. Nathaniel Barber, Abiel Ruddock, Caleb Prentice, Clerk First Parith, Reading.

John Goodwin, Captain. Joseph Bryant, Jr., ^ c ; j ^Selectmen and ENJAMIN Brown, •„. /-, ,^ Committee of CorI r Jacob Emerson, > j r the i respondence for John Hutton> Town of Reading. Jonas Parker, Ebenezer Francis, Captain, Benjamin Kimball, Captain. Enoch Putnam, Captain. Nathaniel Oliver, Surgeon's Mate,

Bit

Johannis Snedecker, William Pitt, Stephen Higbie, Joseph Dunbar, Nathaniel Townsend, William Cornel.

Jacob Adriance,

America,

are your Honours' most obedient,

Rem Remsen, John Rjmsen, Jacob Dean, John Foster, Aury Burom,

George Rlioades, Samuel Mills,

Elijah Smith,

of

George Weekes, Jr., Edmond Weekes, Jr., John Legross, John Hewlett, Michael Woekes,

Joseph Birdsall, John Jackson, Israel Rogers, Joseph Hewlett, George Hewlett, Joseph Kissam, Henry Jackson, Samuel Tredwell, James Smith, John Hauxhurst, Levi Cocock,

we beg leave to recommend Mr. who has followed the seas for

a gentleman

whose character in private life has been unexceptionable, and his publick conduct merits the esteem

Daniel Allen, Daniel Youngs, Son.,

Johannes Covert,

being generally reported

vessels are to be fitted for .sea for

fourteen years past,

John Fleet, Baruch Underbill, Solomon Powell,

Philip Piatt,

Penn Weckos, John Martin, Tunis Covert,

John Lambert,

Daniel Alberson, Joseph Weekes,

Burtis,

It

the protection of our trade, likewise to take, seize, and deall enemies to the liberties o[ America, as it is not doubted but that a number of gentlemen will make appli-

Obadiah Liwrence,

Isaac Denton,

,

number of warlike

:

stroy,

Albert Coles,

Benjamin

Fcalhorby. Daniel Hendrickson, Hend. Hendrickson,

Honourable the Council of the Colony of Massa-

Honourable Gentlemen

Richard Berger,

Pclhara Sands, Nicholas Ludlum,

Thomns

the

chbsetts-Bay:

James Marr, Samuel Townsend, James Walters,

Joseph Thorne, Jonathan Cornelius, Charles Hicks, Cornelius Hartt, William Burtis,

William Covert, Stephen Willis, Stephen Powell, Richard Green, Benjamin Zebulon Smith, Daniel Abrams,

To

Jaboz Woodruff, Thomas Wilktt, Daniel R' inscn, Douw Van Dine, Cornelius Rappalie, Daniel Rapolje, Martin Rapelye, Casptr Spring Steen, Jacobus Riker.

Isaac Pettit,

Lawrence Fish, John Pratt, John Haviland,

&c.

William Bartlett, Esq., Beverly,

D.ivid Coldcn,

Joseph Doty, Robert Sutton,

Jacob Jackson, Joshua Birdsall,

Thomas

To

D. Lawrence, Nathaniel Siglor, Isaac Ditmars,

Simonds Verity, Benjamin Fish, David Ludlow,

Townsend Jackson,

the Honourable James Warren, Esq., Speaker,

Cambridge, January 26, 1776.

Abraham Lawrence,

,

William Smith, Rock- Absalom Townsend, John Smith, Kock. Jacob Lnmberison,

I

Wrote him tliat Captain Ayres would have the command of a schooner to be fitted out, in order to supply the place of such whose cruises may be out, and to give Captain Ayres every assistance he can.

Peter Mills, Cornelius Willet, John Snedickcr, Garret Dorland,

Cornelius Hoogland, Moses Cornelius, Wm. Van Norslrandt, Thomas Goings, Silvester Biddle,

be complied with. &c.,

will

[general Washington] to william bartlett.

John Suydam, Christopher Ramscn, John Van Norstrandt, George Brinkerhoff,

William Cornell,

him

Mills,

Daniel Youngs,

Elijah Cornell,

to

McCoun, Richard MaeCoun,

James

Amos

same

to be, sir, yours,

Preolus

Derrick Berger, William S'latford,

Hezckiah Pearsall, Joseph Oldfield, John Thurston, Michael Dumott,

To

John Doty,

Samuel Carniar, John Raner, A. Seabury,

Nathaniel Coombes,

pointing out the

have the honour

862

1776.

STf;PHEN MoYLAN.

Tlios. Hendrickson,

Powell, William Pidgeon, Luke GIdred, Burtis,

JANUARY,

fee,

.,

'

i

'V

/.

Twenty- Seventh Regiment.

William Monfort,

general SULLIVAN TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE ASSEMBLY.

We, Samuel

John Polhemus, do acknowledge ourselves to be indebted to Colonel Nathaniel Heard, in the sum of five hundred Pounds, New- York money, to be paid to the said Nathaniel Heard, his executors, administrators or assigns, and for the payment thereof, we bind ourselves jointly and severally, and our heirs, firmly by these presents to the said Nathaniel Heard. Sealed with our 1776.

The candition

seals,

dated this 29th day of January,

of this obligation

is

such, that

if

the above-

Samuel Clowes, shall, and do surrender himself up to the said Nathaniel Heard, at Jamaica, in Q^ucen's County,

said

on Tuesday, the 30lh be void, otherwise

above obligation

instant, then the

to

in full force.

S. Clowes, John Polhemus,

Sealed and delivered

in the

presence

[seal.]

[seal.]

of,

Az. Dunham, John Kissam.

colonel moylan to the general court of massachusetts-bay. Cambridge, January 26, 1776,

am

desired by his Excellency to

Sir what mode he :

I

Winter-Hill, January 26, 1776.

Clotces and

make

know from you,

previous to his drawing for the money this Province has been pleased to offer to advance him, for the use of the United Colonics. Your is

to

use

of,

May

please your Honours I have this day had the pleasure of seeing the worthy gentlemen you were pleased to appoint as a Committee. They relieved me much, when they informed me that you had voted to advance the money for the new regiment, and that you approved of my plan for raising it, which, by information received before, I thought was not the case. I had not time before, nor have 1 even now, to assign all the reasons for such an attempt, one weighty reason was, that all the new troops that come in are bound to pay a tax to the climate by sickness; this the present Militia have gone through, and, it

:

much better endure the severities of the I hope to have a great part of the reginext campaign. ment from those, but lest a deficiency should happen, I obtained leave to furlough some officers for the purpose of inlisting some in the country. I have now no doubt upon my mind about the completing the regiment by the time, since you have been kind enough to advance the month's pay. This money, I entreat you, to put into the hands of Major Coffin, that he may forward it to Waldron and Chesley, as soon as possible, and I will be answerable for the disbursements after the regiment is on the ground. Shall send you a list of the men and officers, and beg you to grant the commissions, and in tiiis and every other matter shall cheerfully acquiesce in your determination, and exert myself to obey any of your commands. therefore, will

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

863 Gentlemen,

am

I

with

much

respect, your most obedient

John Sullivan.

servant,

To

the Honourable General Assembly of New-Hampshire.

WILLIAM WATSON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Plymouth, January 26, 1776.

Sic,

JANUARY,

864

1776.

qualities of his heart the more forHis pervermidable, the more to be haled and despised. trust are publick of abuses and sion of private confidence what every man of honour despises, and every lover of his 1 doubt whether those who country is bound to execrate. by the sunny beams of distinguished most the have been cup of serhis beneficence, and drank ihe largest from the

head has rendered the

His talents were have any reason for benedictions. mould of well f-alculated to take hold on minds cast in tlie grappling and grasping a of those an easy credulity, and of By the insinuation of address, by a feigned complexion. sanctity of manners, and an hypocritical gravity of deportvility,

ExcelieiiSir: This, per express, comes to inform your Commodore Mnnly took, yesterday, oft" Cohassel-

cv that woundKoc/«, after an hour's engagement, (havinj; one man H hilefrom ships two dan

HANOVER COUNTY (VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE. meeting of the Committee, on Monday, the 29th of January, the following gentlemen were chosen Officers to the Company of Regulars to be raised in this County, viz: Richard Clough Anderson, Captain; John AnderWilliam Btntley, Second Lieuteson, First Lieutenant nant, and Robert Tompkins, Ensign. Extract from the Proceedings:

At

a

;

William Bentley,

Clerk.

JOHN HANCOCK TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Philadelphia, January 29, 1776.

Sir: The Congress have received your letter of the 19th instant, and highly commend your prudence and zeal, in applying to the Governments of New-Hampshire, 31assachusetts-Bay, and Connecticut, to raise forces for the serThey have fond ho[)es, vice of Canada at this exigency. by the zeal and alacrity of those Colonies, troops will be forwarded with such expedition as will not only succour our friends, but in some measure retrieve our loss, and put us in possession of ^uebeck before our enemies can receive reinforcements.

The Congress have Regiment

to the forces

agreed to add the Massachusetts they at first destined for Canada];

more necessary, as it is now uncertain whether was expected, can be raised out of the troops in that country; but they do not, by this, mean to weaken your Army. They have, therefore, ordered that the

this

is

two

battalions, as

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

879

the three regiments you applied for from MassachusettsBay, New-Hampshire, and Connecticut, stiail be exclu-

wanted for the Army at Cambridge. the latest advices from England, n appears that Administration are determined to exert themselves, and send a considerable force against us next Spring, though,, at the sive of the thirteen

time, they pretend

to say that they will offer terms

of accommodation, and mean only, by their armament, to enforce their terms. It behooves us, therefore, to be ready to receive them ; for, should an accommodation take place, the terms will be severe, or favourable, in proportion to our

JANUARY,

1776.

an offer for the whole he has, which 1

is

about twenty-five

To

am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, Peter T. Cubtenius. the Committee of Safety.

P. S. Enclosed is a calculation which Mr. Grant sent me, by which it appears it costs four pounds one shilling and six pence per piece.

WILLIAM PALFREY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Stamford, January 39, 1776.

ability to resist.

Congress highly approve your sending General Lee to the assistance of New- York, as a measure judicious and necessary, and have also appointed three of their body to repair to New-York, and confer with General Lee and the Committee of Safety of New- York, on the subject of

The

putting that Colony in a posture of defence.

General Prescott arrived here last Thursday, and is this day ordered into close confinement in the jail of this city. I must beg leave to refer you to the enclosed resolutions. I send, by this express, commissions for the Massachusetts battalion, and the money ordered, to the Assembly. 1 have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

John Hancock,

To

«80

pieces.

By

same

S^c,

President.

Sib

General Lee, being unfortunately visited with the gout or rheumatism, has directed me to enclose to your Excellency the copy of a letter he has just received, by express, from the President of the Continental Congress. General Lee would have wrote you, but the position of writing is so very painful that he hopes you will excuse him. Notwithstanding his illness, he is determined to go forward to-morrow in a litter, which he has ordered to be prepared for that purpose. He begs his compliments to Mrs. Washington and the family, to which we beg leave to add those of Mr. Byrd, and your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant, William Palfrey, Aid-de-camp.

To

:

His Excellency General Washington.

His Excellency General Washington.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO ASSEMBLY OF MASSACHUSETTS-

[Read February

BAY. Philadelphia, January 39, 1776.

Gentlemen: The Congress

highly approve the pru-

in applying to you and the other Colonies, to raise forces for the service of Canada in the present exigency ; and, at the same time, highly com-

dence and zeal of the General,

mend

the ready attention

you have shown to

his applica-

with which you undertook, and the expedition with which you proceed in, the business. These they consider as additional proofs of your meritorious attachment to the common cause, and may produce signal advantages. There is the greatest reason to hope that the speedy arrival of troops in Canada will not only repair the losses our troops have met with there, but, in all probability, put us in possession of Q_uebeck before our enemies can send reinforcements. It is easy to perceive how much this will advance our cause, and disappoint our enennes. It is, therefore, the earnest desire of the Congress that you would continue to exert your utmost endeavours, with all possible expedition, to raise and forward both the regiment and matrosses. That no time may be lost, I am directed to forward to you blank commissions, and to inform you that twelve thousand five hundred dollars are drawn for, and will be sent you, for defraying the expenses of raising, equipping, and paying the men, which you will please to despatch by companies as fast as they can be got ready. The Congress have adopted the recommendation of your House to the General, respecting the arms of the soldiers, as you will perceive by the enclosed resolutions. I would just observe that, important as the service in Canada is, it cannot be carried on without specie. It is, tion,

and the

alacrity

therefore, earnestly

recommended

to the several Legisla-

tures on the Continent to collect whatever silver

and gold

they can, and inform Congress thereof, that they may send Continental bills in exchange for it. In this business I trust your zeal will not be wanting. I have the honour to be, Stc,

John Hancock,

To

President.

the Assembly of Massachusetts- Bay.

peter

T.

CUBTENIUS to NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. New.York, January

Gentlemen: Agreeable

29, 1776.

your desire, I have inquired about raven's duck, and found some at Mr. Grant's, for which he asks five pounds ten siiillings per piece, which is forty-five shillings per piece higher than 1 gave for the

same

sort

last

your orders how much

to

Summer.

9, 1776.]

Albany, Monday, January 29, 177B.

Should be glad

to purchase, as

to have Mr. Grant has had

Sir : Yesterday, at four o'clock, I had the honour to receive your despatches of the 20th instant. Congress will perceive by the copy of General Washing' ton's letler, which I had the honour to enclose you in my last, that a regiment is raising in the Massachusetts-Bay and yesterday I received a letter from Colonel Fellows, who was to have raised and commanded a regiment in consequence of my consent given to the Committee of Berkshire. I hope my answer to that letter will prove satisfactory to Congress. On Sunday, January 14, I wrote to General Wooster.

The *'

following

Dear

is

an extract of

Sir: At

your despatches.

my

six last night,

It

is

much

letter:

Mr.

.dn/iV/ delivered

me

easier to conceive than to

it has occasioned mc. In the gallant and amiable General Montgomery the Continent has suffered a vast loss. May Heaven graciously be pleased to

describe the distress

extricate

you out of the [)erilous situation you are in. At it would be presumption in me to direct what

this distance

measures should be taken ; these can only be determined by events as they turn up. May God guide your councils and bless your operations. " Expresses are already gone to Congress and General Washington. I have proposed to the latter, to detach three thousand men to your assistance by the way of Number Four, Onion- River, and Missisque-Bay. I have furnished Colonel Warner with money to engage all the men he possibly can, and to send them on to you without the least delay. I am in great hopes from that gentleman's zeal, that he will be able to procure men. " As I have by repeated letters observed to Congress the necessity of sending troops immediately into Canada, it is probable that some are on their march from New-Jersey ; the moment they arrive here, I shall push them forward, or conduct them myself, if my health will permit. I shall arrange matters in such a manner that I make no doubt they will arrive in Canada in six or seven days from this.

" I am very happy that you have issued orders not to let any men depart, although the term for which they are inYou may rest assured, sir, that a conduct listed is expired. so prudent, will meet with the fullest approbation. " By all means secure a retreat for Colonel Arnold at Montreal; and should Carleton follow you there, as you n)ay certainly expect succours, I do not doubt but you will suffer every hardship before you will give up the town. Our cause, sir, is just, and I trust that Divine Providence will dispel this untoward cloud, and that we shall again receive

As

its

I

smiles."

have no return of the arrangement made

in

Ca-

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

881

nada, I cannot fill up the commissions; I sometime ago wrote to General Montgomery for it, and should probably have had it, had we been so happy as not to liave lost him. I have reminded General Wooster of it, and am in hopes I shall soon receive the proper returns. I am making every preparation in my power to facilitate Biscuit is baking the march of the troops into Canada. here, at Fort-George, and Ticonderoga ; and I have had a quantity of the most portable pork boiled, to be used on the march. I am much put to it to procure a sufficient number felling-axes, but hope to receive some from New-England, to which I have sent. Permit me to observe, that intrenching tools of every kind will be wanted in very considerable numbers, whether we do or do not possess ourselves of (^itebeck in the course of the Winter, The hint General Wooster, has given of sending Sutlers to Canada, is a very good one. If I can get any good men to go, I will venture to assist them, on proper security, with money out of the military chest here, to purchase the necessary articles, and let them repay it in Canada. From all the inquiries I have made, I have reason to conclude, that the want of a small circulating medium greatly distresses our people in Canada. Perhaps it will have a good effect, and tend to introduce the circulation of all our paper currency in Canada, if Congress was to furnish some persons, such as may be depended upon, with ten thousand pounds in specie, and send them to Canada with twice or thrice that amount in small bills, none exceeding a dollar, and a great proportion of them of one shilling only. When a soldier receives his pay in Continental money, he might go to those persons and get small change, and if it was then promulgated that any holder of such small bills might immediately receive cash for them, and that being punctually complied with for a little time, their credit, I fancy, would be so well established, that very few more would be brought in. The expense in emitting these bills would, I conceive, be compensated to the publick by the wearing out of the bills. I am the rather induced to believe that this plan would have the effect I expect from it, as the bills emitted last Spring by the Committee of this County, and which were small, are not brought in for redemption, although the Committee have repeatedly advertised for them. Many of the bills should be one shilling and six pence, two shillings and six pence, and three shillings and six pence, as with these six pence may be paid, where no more is due, by changing. The expense that arises by the officers that are prisoners is extremely high. I have desired them to pay the bills, and promised to repay as much as Congress should allow. In future I shall allow only fire-wood, candles, and lodgings. I shall order the expense that has attended them to be made out, and transmit it as soon as I can. The transportation of the clothing should be charged to them, as also that of such women as are above what each company is allowed. It is even a great burden that we are to furnish these with provisions.

The six Highland chiefs will leave this next Monday. The others whom the Tryon County Committee have sent down, appear to me to have no influence. I have desired them should be reduced to writing. If they should appear frivolous, which I suspect to be the case, I will take security for their forthcoming whenever that the charges against

Congress shall please to direct it. I am, most respectfully, your obedient, humble servant,

To

the Honourable

Philip Schuycer. John Hancock, Esq., &ic., &tc.

P, S, Mr. Tnimhull has delivered me the enclosed this moment, and as none of the Connecticut people have been paid, a considerable sura will be

What

have still thousand dollars. I

in

hands

wanted

may amount

for that

purpose.

to about twenty-five

P. S. Sheffield,

January 27, 1776.

—Vol.

it.

JANUARY,

882

1776.

rected the officers, nominated by the Committee of this County, to inlist the men with all speed, and, agreeable toyour orders, gave them money to pay forty siiillings, lawful, to each inlisted soldier, as a bounty; and I find, by the returns made before this day, about two hundred and eightysix men have been inlisted, one hundred and ten of which, I am informed, have marched and joined to Colonel Warner's Reg'imeni, who had received part or all of their bounty, from the money sent to me. The remainder, I have ordered to march immediately to Albany, with a part of the officers, there to receive further orders from yourself.

While

I

was proceeding

ble, I received

in

matter as

this

fast as

information from Colonel Williams

possir

(who

was nominated to be the Lieutenant-Colonel of this regi^ment now raising) that General Washington had applied to the Assembly of this Colony, to raise a regiment of mea from this County and the County o[ Hampshire, to march immediately into Canada, (the men to be inlisted for a year,) with which requisition the Assembly have complied, and said Colonel Williams has received a commission fop Lieutenant-Colonel in that regiment upon the receipt of which information, I thought it my duty to give you notice thereof immediately, that I may have your further orders upon this occasion, whether I shall proceed and endeavour to fill up my regiment, pay the men their bounty, and march them forward, as fast as may be, or whether I shall forbear inlisting more men ? The speediest information of your orders, by the bearer hereof, will much oblige your most humble servant, ;

John Fellows.

To

Major-General Schuyler.

I conclude there are a large number of men inof which 1 have received no return, as yet. I, also, would inform you, that our Assembly have directed that three companies be raised from this County, as a part of the regiment which they have directed to be raised as aforementioned ; and if my regiment is raised, 1 apprehend those three companies cannot be inlisted in this County. I, therefore, beg leave to propose to you, whether the men already inlisted had not better proceed under Colonel Williams, and join with the other regiment when it shall arrive at

P. S.

listed

Canada, and no more be inlisted. If so, I myself, and Major Cady, may stay at home, and thereby save publick expense. I write this

with the advice of several gentlemen of the Yours, &c., J. F.

Committee of this County.

Albany, half after ten o'clock, A. M.,

January

28, 1776.

56

>

\

Sir: Your favour of yesterday's date was this moment delivered to me. I thank you for the information it contains, and am happy to learn that you have already inlisted so considerable a number of men. As the Assembly of Massachusetts- Bay have ordered a regiment to be raised, and the men to be inlisted for a year, it will supersede the necessity of raising any more in consequence of my directions to you but I do not wish that those already inlisted (who, I suppose, will not serve beyond the ]5th o[ April,) should be considered as part of the regiment to be raised by virtue of the act or order of your Assembly, unless they would, also, engage for a year. I, therefore, hope they will march without delay, and the whole to be under the command of Major Cady, as MajorCommandant of the corps, unless you should think proper to take the command of them. ;

It is with infinite satisfaction that I learn the alacrity with which my countrymen step forth on this occasion ; it will at once redound much to the honour of the persons who engage in this service, and those who have been active in promoting it, and, also, evince to our enemies that no obstacles can deter Americans from prosecuting their righteous cause.

Your zeal, sir, on this occasion, merits the thanks of your country if mine are worth accepting, you have them, most sincerely, and I shall not fail of doing myself the pleasure to mention you and the respectable Committee of Berkshire to Conoress in honourable terms. 1 am, sir, with much respect, your most humble servant, :

Sik: Your letter of the 22d, this instant by Timothy Edwards and Theodore Sedgwick, Esquires, 1 received, with the money for paying the men their bounty and the officers their advance pay. Being fully apprehensive of the importance of getting men into Canada as soon as possible, I immediately di°

Fourth Series.

&«.,

Philip Schuyler.

To

Colonel John Fellowf.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

883

WILLIAM WATSON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Plymouth, January 29, 1776.

Sik:

my

in

must ask your Excellency's pardon

I

last,

some very

for omitling,

material circumstances relative to (he

capture of Commodore Manly's last prizes. 1 had not, when I wrote, got an exact account of the matter, since which the Commodore tells me that he had taken the prizes, and had put his people on board them some time before the tender came to their assistance that there were two other vessels from Nova-Scolia, with stock, in company with these ships, and that the whole fleet, with the

k.c.,

JANUARY,

1776.

884

They were a little sliort of firing when I arrived, which was attended with no other inconvenience than the trouble of pulling down some of the Rebels' houses to burn, which but now we have got a large has thinned them a little supply of coals, which it is expected will serve the remain;

der of the Winter.

We

are so close shut up here, that we know very little of what is doing any where. Fresh provisions are very scarce; but I hope it will not be the case long, as there

;

tender, would have been taken, had it not been for the cowardice of one of our Continental armed vessels, who was very near iheni, but dared not engage, and who made

the best of his way

off.

Commodore Manly

fought in very disadvantageous circumstances, not having more than sixteen of his own peobut then he received considerable assistance ple on board from his prisoners, more particularly from the Captains, who did as much as they dared do in such circumstances. Your Excellency will please to direct me in what manner 1 shall conduct with these Captains, relative to what they brought with them on their own account, memorandum of which is enclosed. If these people are indulged to return to Plymouth to take care of their effects, (provided their private adventures are given tliem,) will it be any disadvantage to the publick ? However, your Excellency *?ill much oblige our people, particularly the people belonging to the armed vessels, if you will permit the baizes and checks to be stopped here, as they are greatly wanted ;

make ihem shirts. Commodore Manly

to

is now in our harbour has been puzzled with the ice, with which we are now blocked up, but has received no damage. The Harrison, Captain Dyar, is now in the ice, has lost an anchor and cable, but we hope to find them again ; wc are now cutting the ice, and hope to get him out without

further

;

more troops and transports expected very soon. Tlie General has detained most of the ships that came with provisions for the army, and the Admiral those that came with provisions for the navy ; so that we make up a

are

I believe the finest ever seen here. 1 imagine they will find employment for us all in the Spring, as it is reported we are to have three different annies in the field. At present, we have nothing to do but keep ourselves as warm and merry as we can. The Rebels have been very quiet ever since I arrived. They gave a small alarm about a fortnight ago, which occasioned a little confusion, but was soon over. The officers have fitted up a play-house, and some of them had wrote a farce, called The Blockade of Boston. The first night it was to be acted the house was very full. The play being over, the curtain was hauled up for the entertainment to begin, when a Sergeant came in and told the officers the alarm guns were fired at Charlestown, which made no small stir in the house, every one endeavouring to get out as fust as possible and immediately we heard a pretty smait firing of sniall arms. It being dark, and the rascals making a great huzzaing, I did not know what to make of it at first, but it was soon over, so that I went quietly to sleep about eleven o'clock, and next morning found all the mischief had been done was three or four men taken, who had been among the old ruins of Charlestown, a mill burnt down, and the company disappointed of their entertainment.

large fleet,

:

damage.

every thing in my power to forward getting these vessels to sea, as a large number of ships, from England, are expected, with provisions, and but one of them is I shall *lo

of any force. Captain Morton, of the Artillery, the bearer of this, takes charge of the prisoners. Captains //a// and Grindall, who would have been sent forward before, had not the extreme cold weather prevented. I am, most respectfully, your Excellency's most obedient, much obliged, very humble servant,

William Watson.

To

His Excellency George Washington, Esq.



ly,

Tuesday morning, eight o'clock. The Hancock, Manand the Yankee, Burnes, are now under sail, bound on

a cruise.

Memorandum of Sundries, belonging to Hall and Grindall, Bt^;

the Captains

Twelve pieces checked lining, cost 36^ 12*. Hd.; ten pieces red baize, cost 14/. Is. 6d.; four pieces coarse lining, cost 6/. 1«. 4d.; two ullages /amatca rum ; one handgun

CAROLINE COUNTY (vIRGINIa) COMMITTEE. January

30, 1776.

The Committee

of the County of Caroline, averse to rendering any person a publick spectacle of contempt, except for a flagrant breach of the General Association, and having once excused a certain Rodham Kenner, of tlie said County, for deviating from the rules prescribed by the Congress, now find themselves under the necessity of publishing to the world the infamous behaviour of the said Kenner, who, forgetting the former clemency of this Committee, has a second time violated the Association, by continuing to game unlawfully, and to entice others, first by making them drunk, to become partakers of his guilt. These circumstances being fully proved to the Committee, they would be forgetful of their duty, if they did not advise the people of their own County in particular, and of the Colony avoid

in general, to

all

Rodham Kenner, and to

American

manner of dealings witii the said him in future as every enemy

to treat

liberty deserves.

Anthony Thornton, Chairman pro Samuel Hawes, Jun.,

twenty barrels of beef; eight ditto pork. board the ships Norfolk and Happy-Return, at Plymouth, January 30, 1776.

tern.

Clerk.

;

The above on

charlotte county (Virginia) committee. In Committee, held for Charlotte County, January 30,

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN AT BOSTON TO HIS FRIEND IN EDINBURGH, DATED JANUARY 29, 1776. imagine, by being so long of hearing from me, you I had forgotten my promise of writing you from this place, as, at leaving Scotland, I expected to have been in Jamaica long before this ; but I had a very tedious passage out, having only got here the 23d of December, and, I

must think

thought myself very lucky I got in at all, as 1 convoy upon the passage, and the Rebels have a good many vessels cruising about, that have taken several ships bound to this place besides, there has been such blowing weather, that I believe there are a good many vessels drove off the coast, which will be obliged to winter in the West-Indies ; however, there are so many got safe here, that both army and navy have plenty of salt provisions.

indeed,

I

lost the

;

1776:

The Reverend Thomas Johnston presented the following concessions to this Committee, expressing his contrition for his former behaviour; which were approved, and ordered to be published in the Virginia Gazette, viz: "

Gentlemen

:

My

having drunk success to the British

company with Mrs. Tankersly and Mr. Eldmmxd Read, as well as having continued to deal with Mr. Mcarms,

in

Connico, a then violator of the Association, which cave offence to the good people of this County in general,~and to you in particular, gives me real concern. However, I solemnly declare it was done inadvertently. All my de-

pendance,

my

country, and present

bad.

I

nearest and dearest connexions, are in this expect to share with the Americans in the

unhappy contest, whether the event proves good

If the

most unfeigned sorrow

for

havin;;

made

or

use

:

;

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS

885

of an unguarded expression, joined

to tiie

most determined

resolution of promoting the interest, iiapjiiness, and prosperity o( Amtrica, (according to the best of my power and shall then think I being re-established in the good

capacity,) can obtain your forgiveness,

myself extremely happy graces of

To

my

in

country.

^^^^^^^ Johnston.

Alexander Purdie

Air.

Sir: Please

to

insert

:

JANUARY,

886

1776.

countenance my brother-in-law, Mr. Burgess; he is come over at an unlucky time for himself, as to what he primarily intended, but as he is remarkably ingenious, and well versed in drawing, and in military matters, he may be a very useful hand at this time, should there occur any thing in which he could be employed. I am confident his conduct wouldgive satisfaction." So far Captain Robinson; and as to the gentleman ia question, Mr. Burgess, I have seen him he is a sensible, clever, middle-aged man, from Ireland; brought his wife ;

the above in your paper at the

request of the Committee of Charlotte.

By

iic,

is now at Hagerstown. His intention Fort- Char tres, on the Illinois, in the view of a grant there, wiiere he has friends. I believe he is both a sea and land officer perhaps of the Marines. He appears to me lo be a man of great spirit and understanding and, if he was to engage in the American service, would be of use. Captain Stall, or some of the officers there, might sound him, but I would rather wish that the honourable Council themselves were to examine him. I enclose a letter to him, which may be forwarded or not, as you judge proper. Last night, about eight o'clock, came here a drummer, engaged by Colonel Murdock for Captain Sims's Company, on foot. He had a letter for Colonel >Stmi,and being resolute to proceed, I sent a servant and horses with him to Colonel Sims. The man informed me that one of the Minute officers from Alexandria had wrote to his wife that Lord Dunmore was on his way up to Alexandria, and would be up as soon as the river permitted, therefore desired her to re-

and children, and

order of the Committee

was

William Jameson,

Clerk.

for



;

STEPHEN WEST TO MR. BURGESS. VVooHyard, January 30, 1776.

Sir:

wrote to you pretty fully from Fredericktown, to the care of Mr. Sjjrigg and Mr. Hall, and wrote also I hope you, and your spouse and to those gentlemen. family have been happily situated this Winter, lliavejust received a letter from your brother-in law, Captain /Jc*6tnson, who is gone out Lieutenant in an armed vessel in the service of the Province. I shall give you his words: "1 have another request to make you about a matter I am very anxious for, viz that you will please to countenance my brother-in-law, Mr. Burgess; he is come over at an unlucky lime for himself, as to what he primarily intended, but he is remarkably ingenious, and well versed in drawing and in military matters ; he may be a very useful hand at this time, should there occur any thing in which he could be employed. I am confident his conduct would give satisI

:

faction."

So

your brother. Now, sir, in conformity to his lethave wrote to the honourable Council of Safely at Annapolis. If you have any desire of being employed, it will be your best way, I think, to wait upon them and offer your service ; and if you have interest enough with Mr. Hall, either to go with you or unto the Council of Safety in your behalf, I think it might be of service. The small acquaintance between us prevents my saying further. My respect for Isaiah and all his friends is sincere. And 1 am, with very good regard, sir, your friend and far

ter, I

„.

servant,

To

Stephen West.

Mr. Burgess,

at

Hagersfown,

P. S. If you come

this

way,

I shall

STEPHEN west TO DANIEL OF

be glad to see you.

THOMAS JENIFER.

ST.

Woodyard, January

30, 1776.

Mr Good Sir: Having occasion for some money this week, I have sent up my son with the agreement, order, and certificate, relative to my powder and lead, with the amount. 1 shall be much obliged to you for your favour day.

despatching him, as he proposes to return the same have wrote to the honourable Council of Safety upon this and other matters. From my agreement with the Committee of Secrecy, the Treasurer, I think, ought to in

I

me

pay

at

clerk must

once first

;

but you

know

best

change you give

for

good

whether you or your

What

give an order.

is

Please

bills?

the highest ex-

tell H^illi/.

I

en-

close the papers.

am, with sincere respect, your

I

servant,

To

the Honourable Daniel

of

St.

faithful

and obedient

Stephen West. Thomas Jenifer, Esq.

move that thirty wagons were constantly employed at Alexandria, removing their effects, he. Colonel Sims wrote me late last night, that John Murdock, from Georgetown, wrote him by the drummer that Dunmore was above or about St. Mary's, in his way up to Fotomack, and that they were there preparing to receive him ; but whether the there related lo Georgetown or St. Mary's, I cannot tell possibly Georgetown. This intelligence I thought it my duty to communicate. When I was at Annapolis, in December, I received an order from the Committee of Secrecy to keep what powder and lead I had for their use, and they took an obligation from me so to do till they ordered a person to view it, when I was to have an order for my money. The Convention ordered Colonel Sims for that purpose, who sent here Messrs. Crawford and Lee. They saw it, took samples, sent them to Annapolis, were proved, and found good. Since then, the same gentlemen came here upon some disturbance on the Fotomack, and desired, in the ;

name

of the

Committee of Observation,

that for safety

it

might be removed, under their inspection, to Marlborough. Accordingly, the next day I examined and weighed it all had it put into good tight barrels, well coopered, carefully packed with hay, in trunks, well corded, and sent to Marlborough, according to the gentlemen's directions. There the whole lies ready for removal, and I desire to be paid, for which reason I send the necessary papers and authorities. I have an immediate occasion for the money, or I should not, just now, have sent. 1 apprehend the trunks and cording are absolutely necessary for the safe-keeping and transportation, but if thought otherwise, I will very readily keep them. I have been very exact and careful in this business, which 1 hope the honourable Council will approve of. At a time when there is so much to be done as I think would employ every zealous man, I wonder to see so little stirring hereabouts, and my own busy head and fingers without a task it is a very happy circumstance for me at this time, and I rejoice that matters are in other and abler hands. My good wishes and endeavours shall never be wanting on any occasion. With the greatest esteem and respect, I am, honourable gentlemen, your most faithful and obedient servant,



STEPHEN WEST TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. Woodyard, January

Honourable Gentlemen:

I think

30, 1776.

my

duty lo acquaint you that I have received a letter from Captain Isaiah liobinson, Lieutenant of the Hornet, Captain Stone, dated off Annapolis, desiring me to recommend him to your favour. I know him to be a very honest, sensible,' faithful man; it will be seen how he behaves in his present station. He writes to me on another subject. I shall give you his

words " 1 have another request that

I

am

very anxious

for,

to

viz:

it

make you about that

you

will

a matter

please to

Stephen West.

To

the Honourable Council of Safety.

P. S. Mr. Crawford this day examined the powder and saw the lead weighed, of which he has given a certificate annexed to this order of the Committee of Secrecy. My son will wait on you, and receive the money, and take in

my

obligation of delivering,

if

necessary.

S.

W.

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

887

ROBERT ALEXANDER TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF MARYLAND. Philadelphia, January 30, 1776.

Gentlemen You have, enclosed, two resolutions of Congress, one respecting the collector of gold and silver for the pay of the troops in Canada, the other on the case of INIr. Juge, referred to Congress by the Cdnvention of your Province. In consequence of the resolve of the Convention, we made application to Congress to grant permission to consume the tea imported before the 1st of February last. The application was referred to a Committee of the Whole House, where the subject was debated for two days, and overruled by a majority of seven Colonies to five, (the last JVcjc- York, Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland,') and a report made by the Chairman that it was inexpedient to alter the Association. This report now lies on the table. The loss of General Montgomery, with the particulars of his unfortunate attack on Q^ucbeck, you will have heard. Measures are now taken by Congress which, I trust, will reduce Carleton and his few troops before the end of FebHad one-third of the succour been sent Montgoruary. mery, in all human probability the life of that brave and gallant officer had been saved, and Qitebeck long ere this :

in

our possession.

instructions of the Convention are come to hand, I am much pleased but not as yet laid before Congress. They entirely coincide with my judgment with them. and that line of conduct which I had determined to pursue. The Farmer, and some others, to whom in confidence they were shown, say that they breathe that spirit which ought to govern all publick bodies, firmness tempered with mo-

The

deration. I

am, gentlemen, with respect, your humble servant,

Robert Alexander.

*"

To the

Honourable the Council of Safety.

fcc,

JANUARY,

1776?

888

do beg pardon of my offended countrymen, and do also hereby solemnly engage and promise not to be guilty of a like offence in future, but to conform to such measures as shall be adjudged necessary for the preservation of the rights of America, trusting and confiding that nothing will be expected from me inconsistent witli the religious princi|)lesof the Society with which I profess. And as a further atonement for my misconduct, I request this acknowledgment to be made publick, in hopes it may deter others from commit-

cerely acknowledge the heinousness of such offence,

ting the like offence.

" Witness my hand, this thirtieth day of the year of our Lord 1776.

first

Month,

in the

" Gaius Dickenson."

At the same time, one William Gilliland, who had been some time in confinement by order of the Committee, was brought up and discharged, after subscribing the following Acknowledgment of his misconduct " Whereas, I, the subscriber, have been so very wicked and abandoned es to speak at sundry times disrespectfully of the honourable the Continental Congress, and also have endeavoured to depreciate their Currency, for which detestable conduct 1 have, deservedly, been confined in the jail of this County by the Committee of said County, but being now fully convinced of the heinousness and horrid tendency of such conduct, do hereby, in the fullest manner, most sincerely beg pardon of my justly incensed countrymen, and do promise hereafter never to be guilty of the like, but in all instances to conform to such rules and regulations as may be instituted by that very respectable body for the preservation of our invaluable, but invaded, rights and liberties ; and do further request that this my acknowledgment may be made publick, that others may be deterred from following my shameful and wicked practices. " In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, this thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord 1776. "

William Gilliland."

By

order of the

Committee

Mark Byrd,

GEORGE LEG TO COLONEL JOSHUA BEALL.

'

:

Chairman.

Gisborougb, January 30, 1776.

Sir

:

Had

I

known on Sunday evening, when

I

receiv-

commission was intended for the Upper Battalion in this County, I should have then reI was nominated by the officers of the comturned it. panies of which the Lower Battalion is composed as a Field-Officer of that battalion ; and as the gentlemen thought me unworthy of a commission there, I beg leave I never aspired after a to return the one they sent me. commission any where ; but as the gentlemen officers aforesaid thought proper to mention me in their return, I should have done all in my power to render them satisfaction, had I been appointed. I hope ray refusal to act under this commission may not be construed into any disrespect shown to you and those under your command, as I can assure you nothing of the sort is intended. I am, respectfully, your humble servant, ed

it,

George Lee.

To

SAMUEL TUCKER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

that the enclosed

Colonel Joshua Beall.

[Road January 31, 1776.] Trenton, January 31, 1776.

Dear Sir: I was \asi Saturday m Burlington ; went to the Barracks to take a view of that part of Colonel Maxwell's Battalion, which 1 found in want of many necessaries, which must be provided for them before they can march. They are really, generally, likely men. On examining, 1 found the four companies had arms about sufficient for one. On my return, 1 received, per Captain Scott, the four thousand dollars granted by Congress ; on which applied to Colonel Maxwell, and informed him that any of his Captains might now be furnished with money to purchase arms for their company. The Colonel replied, it was now too late, that his battalion was under marching orders, unless the arms could be got at Philadelphia, to which place he would immediately go for that purpose, and to whom, for further information, 1 must beg leave to refer you. I

BERKS COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. Reading, January 30, 1776.

The Committee

of Berks County being justly alarmed attempts of the enemies of ^mertca, in the different parts of this Province, to depreciate the Continental Currency, and having received information that Gaius Dickenson, a publick Friend, has been one of the instruments in propagating so fatal a measure, the Committee, being determined to support the said Currency, sent for the said Gaitis Dickenson, who, being brought before them, made the following Declaration, which was voted satisfactory

at the

:

" Whereas,

I,

called at

Bordcntown, and endeavoured to procure

quarters for the officers

the subscriber, have unfortunately been

guilty of endeavouring to depreciate the Continental Currency, but being now convinced and satisfied that such aeonduct is highly unbecoming the duty of an American, and tends immediately to obstruct the measures calculated to preserve the liberties of this country from the cruel and unrelenting oppressions of the British Court, do most sin-

who are

prisoners in this town, but

was disappointed, for I could neither hire a house nor get them boarded on any terms in that town. So that, if Congress are determined to remove them from this town, which to me appears undoubtedly right, for too many reasons for

me

to

enumerate.

New-Brunsioick to-morrow meet our Provincial Congress, and shall pay due attention to your several letters and the resolutions therein enclosed, in particular the officers' baggage directed to be forwarded, he. If a quantity of arms are to be got, I have desired Colonel Maxwell to call on me for money to pay for them. I must beg leave to refer you to the Colonel for further particulars; and believe that I am, with great sincerity, your most obedient, humble servant, I

shall, if well, set off for

morning,

to

Samuel Tucker.

To

the Honourable

John Hancock, Esq.

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

889 To

Honourable the Congress of the Colony of New-

the

The humble Petition of sundry of (he Militia o/MareleTovvN, in (he County o/* Ulster, shoioeth company, men, and pursuant to the resolves of tlie Congress, chose their officers, of which Cornelius E. Wynkoop was Captain, who accordingly had

That some time

past they were formed into a

consisting of about one hundred

commissions from

their

honourable Congress.

tiie

since their being commissioned, the said Captain Iialh been promoted to be a Major, by which there is now That a vacancy of the Captain's post in this company. since the vacancy happened, we have requested election to

That

up said vacancy; but the Committee of Marbletown have denied us the privilege of voting in a Captain, and appointed three of the Committee of Marbletown, to advertise, and call the company together, which accordingly was done, and requested the opinion of the company in this manner, to wit: That if the majority of the company were for choosing an Ensign, and the Subakem officers to be preferred, they would allow election for an Ensign, but if the majority were for choosing a new Captain, then to allow them no election, and requested their opinion in this manner, whether they chose a new Ensign, and the Subaltern officers preferred, or whether they chose a new Captain? and the majority was for a new Captain, fifty-

fill

We,

nine to twenty.

House &c.

therein,

therefore, pray the directions of this

and we, as

in

duty bound, shall ever pray,

Silv'r.Van D^rmorck, John Beaty, Corn. Van Dermerck, John Van Denmerck, Sol. Van Denmerck,

John llasbrouck, Jacobus Rosa,

Moses Teruilliger, John Keater, Solomon Johnson, Samuel Frame, Samuel Gibson,

Petriis

Smith,

John Van

William Dunlap, Corn. Van Denierck, Sevcryne Hasbrouck, Johannis Smith, Jacob Keater, William Keater,

Vliet,

John

Rass, Phinlison,

Jacobus Conner, John Conner, William Connor, William Hardly, Martin Bogart, Petrus Smith,

Frederick Keyier, Johaniiis Bartlefolk,

Thomas Camer, Jacob Siclie, Anderis Kcyz.er, Petrus Van Leuven, William Johnson, Dirick Busli,

Casparus Shurtcr, Anderins Davis,

Tunis Rosa,

Allick M. Ginnis, William M. Ginnis,

William Benson, Alexander Munro,

Cornelius Conneway, Abraham Rosa, Joseph Clarwater, Jonas Smith,

Hugh

Dirick Sluyter, Daniel Van Leuven, Johannis Keater, Jr., John Ennis, Gysbert Rosa,

Anderis Ficre,

John Van Wagenen, Martin Middagh, Johannis Middagh, George Middagh, Abraham Middagh,

Hans

Robert Beatty.

Sluyter,

Marbletown, January

JANUARY,

after they

890

1776.

had so formed themselves

into a batta-

That

after the ap-

Field-Officers were ap|)ointed.

pointment of Field-Officers, pursuant to an order or recommendation of the honourable the Continental Congress, and of the honourable the Provincial Convention, for this Co» lony, they jointly and severally became Minute-Men. That agreeable to their orders, as Minute-Men they have at all times been ready, and have actually turned out to do their duty as such, both by day and night, when so required to do by this honourable body. That the memorialists have been at great expense, and loss of time, in equipping themselves pursuant to the aforesaid That besides the loss of time, the exrecommendations. penses they have incurred in the purchase of regimentals, arms, anmiunition, and accoutrements, is much more than their circumstances can bear. That the memorialists have been informed, that this honourable Convention intend putting them on pay, to do the duty of soldiers in defending this Colony. That the memorialists have already been at a great deal of expense and trouble in turning out as Minute-Men, for which they have not received any reward. That the memorialists are ready and willing to continue and remain in the service of their country, as Minute-Men, provided they are paid for their former services, and are allowed a sufficient pay, to enable them to do themselves and their country justice, and that their duty be confined to the city and County of New- York, only; many of them having wives and families, who they would choose to defend, together with their country, and think the proper place for them to do duty is in this city and County only, where their nearest and dearest friends and relations are.

humbly pray, that this hotake their case into your most serious consideration, and enable them to receive such reward as their former services entitle them to ; and, also, to put them on such footing, and suffer them to remain, and do duty in

Your

memorialists, therefore,

nourable body

will

defence of their country, and of this city in particular, in this city and County only. And your memorialists, as in duty bound, shall ever pray,

&c.

John Franciska,

Frederick Clarwater, Thomas Clarwater, Isaac Clarwater, Daniel Clarwater, Jacob Clarwater, Cornelius Ceyier,

Joseph Kejrzer,

Jr.,

That lion,

York.

Sic,

30, 1776.

Garret Kip, Adm. Dolmage, Samuel Johnson, Zellis Mandevell, Jr, Richard Tole Hazard, Stephen Smith, Peter Myers, Cornelius Becker, Jacob Brouwer, Christopher Hutton, Alexander Andoraon, Robert Barry, Warner, Thomas Jr., John J. Myers. John Remmey, John Van Dyk, John Brouwer, Jr., Bonjamin Brown, Abraham Brovorte, Walter Moffalt, Leonard Fishe, John Russel, Nich. Van Antwerp, Frederick Styncts, Anthony Byvanck, Jr.,Peter Taulman, Wm. Ton Broeck, Jamei Armitag. Benjamin Burras, Benj. Griffith,

New. York, January

30, 1776.

.,

WILLIAM BEDLOW TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

January 30, 1776.

have taken the liberty of enclosing to you my accounts with the honourable Provincial Congress of NewYork, as a Commissioner of Fortifications, at the rate the honourable House fixed the same, and beg you will lay the

Sir

same

:

I

before the

Committee of Safety, humbly requesting

My

me

with an order for the amount. health being restored, I propose to return to the fort in a day or two, and shall be glad to receive any orders the

they

will favour

honourable Board may have to give me. 1 am, with respect, sir, your humble servant,

Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., Chairman of the mittee of Safety.

To

Com-

Honourable the Provincial Congress for the Colony of New- York, convened in the City of New- York. T%e Memorial of the subscribers, being non- Commissioned Officers of the First Battalion of Minute-Men, of the City of New- York, in behalf of themselves and the Privates of said Battalion, humbly showeth : the

That

the memorialists, for the defence of their invalua-

ble rights and privileges, formed themselves into diflerent

whose commands they obeyed. That sometime after they had formed themselves into different companies, the companies to which they severally belonged were formed into one battalion, by the style and title of the First Battalion of the Independent Companies. companies, under different

have

officers,

at all limes with cheerfulness

Cambridge, January 30, 1776.

favours of the 6th and the 20th instant I received yesterday, with the several resolves of Congress Knowing alluded to, for which I return you my thanks. the great importance Canada will be of to us in the present

Sir

:

Your

and the relief our friends there stand in should be happy, were it in my power, to detach a battalion from this camp, but it cannot be done. On the 19th instant I had the honour to write you, which will fully convey the resolutions of a Council of War, and the sentiments of the General Officers here, as to the propriety and expediency of sending troops from these lines, for the

interesting contest,

need

William Bedlow.

To

[Read February 9, 1776.— Referred to Mr. Chase, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Penn, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Edward Rutledge.]

of, 1

defence of which

we have been, and now

are obliged to call

You the Militia, to which I beg leave to refer you. may rest assured, that my endeavours and exertions shall in

not be wanting to stimulate the Governments of Conneceriod, was not our internal Executive Government in its full vigour, and every purpose of society completely answered? Was there even an attempt to

screen a ielon, to cover a trespasser, or other transgressor from the lash of the law ; to defraud the publick, oppress the individual, bias the jury, or to derogate from the diies, and

be commanded by one Colonel, one Lieutenant-Coloand one Major and each company to consist of ninety men, officers included and the undertaking and inlistment is to be for the term of twelve months, or until the first day of February, 1777, unless they may be sooner discharged, to

nel,

;

;

which

shall be, if consistent with the

common

safety.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

935

&c.,

FEBRUARY,

Friday.

This foregoing Proclamation, and the plan and regula-

Colonel Jteed's Regiment, Colonel Stark's Regiment, Colonel Poor's Regiment, B. M. Scammell's mess, Armourer's mess,

and practised accordingly; and all who have undertaken by first Proclamation are hereby released there-

virtue of said

from.

which render

rights

life

desirable, freely

and cheerfully to

exert themselves on this great occasion, in which we have much reason to hope for the blessing of Almighty God, and that our vigorous exertion, for one ensuing campaign, will lay a happy foundation for putting an end to the unnatural contest into which we are forced by cruel oppres-

and secure the lasting peace and tranquillity of this then happy land, on the sure and permanent basis of religious and civil liberty. Given under my hand, in Lebanon, in said Colony, the twenty-seventh day of January, Anno Domini 1776. sion,

Jonathan Trumbull. RETURN OF WINTER- HILL BRIGADE. Camp, February •pajjanati

"



1

7,

1776.

o

K

-5

1

LAST

p3JSjiii(9g!n RETDRN.

•p»»a SINCE

•pajsiiuf

.

.

1

.



.

«... W C -^ OO OO «^ tO-H — « t~

m ^

Scammei

C*3

•91!J

pun

Jitrea

Smith's mess, Mr. Gray's mess,

-

Total,

-

-

-

-

2496

This may certify, that the above number of men as annexed, drew provisions from my store last Thursday and Friday. RIosEs Emerson. Attest:

To

the Honourable Brigadier-General Sullivan,

Camp.

ARTEMAS WARD TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Roxbury, February

Dear

am

3,

1776.

acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 21st ultimo am very glad to hear that Colonel Frye is appointed a Brigadier General ; doubt not he As to will do good and great service for his country. news we have but little. The enemy refuse to let Master Lovell come out of Boston, he having been detected of Sir

:

I

to

;

carrying on a prohibited correspondence as they say. Captain Manly took two prizes last week, and to save himself, was obliged to run his vessel ashore at North-River, and left her ; the enemy boarded her, but Manly gave them such a heavy fire, that they \vere obliged to quit her, taking nothing, save one swivel gun, which gun he someThe ground is froze near time before borrowed of them. two feet deep, and prevents some business being done. are in great want of the needful, pray God to send us

Sulliva

Major.

Men.

----- 444 404 ----- 553 ------ 5 -------4 ---------11 ------- 2

tions therein conlained, to be instead and in lieu of my first Proclamation, dated as aforesaid, and is to be undei-stood

And considering the generous encouragement aforesaid, granted by said honourable Congress, the nature and imKortance of the service most immediately affecting the lorthern Colonies, the justice of the cause, he, I repeat the invitation contained in my former Proclamation, to all able-bodied, effective men, to a sufficient number, for the sake of all that is dear to freemen, and for security of those

936

1176.

We

00

COM. WANTING

PLETE.

•sajij

puB suinjQ

Oir-in

'SlUGoSiO^

^ mm

TO

CT *^

I^JOJ-

i

H J a S

qSno(in,{

no

•punuiuioa

UQ

•juoBqv Jjois

(?* »ri C7* f?* Tl"

« IT I

^ .

rO kO

CT >nei

-H -^

O Tf

n-moo-H »n i^

^

'*S'

Brigade

^

Alexander

Brigadier-General

to

a,

2 m

ble

t£>

CO

3

•luasajj Jiaig

11 S

pue Btunj(j

O (M OO CI S£ to nnotn ^ Ci « u?

•s[ojodjo3

....

joj jg juasajj

'83JIJI

§

-iilueaSjag

•SdlBH

•4

O

CO

i^aa

I

Accounts respecting that dwindle to almost nothing; if you have it, I beg you will impart to us that want, or what shall we do, or rather what can we do. Col. Porter, of Hadley, is ordered with a regiment to Canada. I hope the next news from that Colony, will be that Qucbeck has submitted to the United Colonies. Please to give my compliments to the gentlemen of the Congress from this Colony; my best wishes attend you and them. I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, a supply.

l^

«'

(7*

(?»

Ihomas n Palmer. Samuel Brewster.

To

the Honourable the Provincial Congress for the Province of New- York.

CONNECTICUT COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, Etc., Friday, February 9, 1776, Present: His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington, William Williams, JSalhaniel Wales, Joshua West, Esquires.

and

Sundry things about the publick

affairs considered, and sundry present from Stonington, directions about Fortifications, &,c.

discoursed, &:c.

moving

for

FEBRUARY,

fee,

Captain TAroop came

Company

liis

Adjourned

for

to

And

Determined the size and dimensions of the Row-Galley at New-Haveit, and sent by Mr. Hood, viz Keel, sixty feet beam, eighteen feet ; hold, five feet ; dead-rising, :

;

seven inches.

Colonel Dyer and Mr. Wales reported the execution of commission at New-London, as appointed 2d instant, &c., and consideration and discourse about the subject-

Saturday, February 10, 1776.

Met

again.

Present, the same as yesterday.

A

for advice,

Canada,

&c., about his

Monday, February

12, 1776.

Letters received since Saturday from General Washington,

General Lee, General Schuyler, and number of others,

read, Sic, &,c.

On

General Washington's pressing request

in his

Letter

Powder, Voted and Ordered, That about three tons of that article, lately imported by Mr. Shaw, by Captain Hinman, into Dartmouth, and thence by Governour's fcc, order brought to, and lodged at Providence, be forthwith ser>t from said Providence to General Washington. Three thousand of it to be on account and for Major Thompson, a Committee of Supply for Massachusetts, with whona for

Shaw had contracted, and the remainder on our account, suppose three thousand, or better, or more, to be paid for

said

And

we

sliall

choose.

Letters wrote to General Washington, and said

Major 2'hompson.

On motion from General Lee, signifying that he is not only admitted into New- York, but that they have resolved to take strong possession of the city, &ic., to prevent the enemy

getting any possession, iiic, and requesting Colonel Ward's Regiment to be sent back, &c., who had been released on the discouraging prospects at first. Voted and Ordered, That said Regiment be ordered forthwith to return to New- YorJc, and be under the command of said General Lee, and that their wages be continued on as if they had not returned, &;c. And the Orders prepared, and a Letter, also, to Colonel Ward, informing him the reasons, and enforcing his immediate compliance ; and copies also made.

Letter, also, to Captain Swift, of the Northern Expediconfirming Murry a Lieutenant, in room of Lieutenant Grant, declined.

tion,

Letters prepared to General Washington about Powder, and enclosing copy of General Lee's Letter; and to Major Thompson, to whom of part of the Powder belonged, 8ic. ; and copies made, fcic. &,c., &z,c.,

Letter, also, to General Lee, prepared, and

many other

things.

Mr. Ellsworth having been order, &c., to obtain the

to

Money

General Washington, by lately paid by our Com-

mittee to the soldiers, &c., and not able to get it, is returned and present, and conversed with about it, &,c., and being in great want of money, considered what should be done. And advised and directed that the Committee of Pay-Table prepare, soon as may be, the Pay-Rolls of the Troops which they have paid, and he, or some other, repair to the Continental Congress, and apply for a repayment of said sums, &,c.

And

;

and

to

have further orders.

adjourned to to-inorrow morning.

Tuesday morning, February

13, 1776.

Met, &c. Present His Honour the Governour, Colonel Eliphalet Dyer, Colonel Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Nathaniel Wales, and Joshua West, Esquires.

Allowed several Accounts of David Lothrop, viz

For going Express

Captain B. Gallup came, and moved to have the command at Groton, &,c. Came to no determination.

And

;

of

adjournment. Present: Met His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington, William Williams, Nathaniel Wales, and Joshua West, Esquires.

Albany, &,c., was taken up, considered, and a long Letter prepared, and coj)ied, in answer, adhering to the appointment, &.C. and, P. M. Considered and discoursed about the affair of Fortifications at New-London and Groton, according to the orders of the General Assembly, and the number of'men to be raised at each, and how regulated, &c. to

affair

next.

to Stamford, to stop the Troops, August, 1775, October, 1775, going Express to Neto-Haven, December, 1775, going Express to warn the Assembly, December, 1775, going Express to the Lieutenant-Governour, December, 1775, going Express to Cambridge, &c.,

long Letter from Colonel Burrell, complaining greatly about Mr. Strong's appointment to supply his Regiment

968

&ic.

Monday morning

their

matter, &.C.

1776.

according to

or replaced, as

Ulster County, February 9,1776.

ble servants,

:

:

------

£2

17 4

2

18

2118

-----...

110 3

9

£11 10 8 ordered to be drawn

for.

And

done.

969

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

Letter prepared and sent to Governour Cooke, (by Caphim to send forward our Powder, Stc., to General Washington, &ic. ; and enclosed General Lee's Letter. And copied, &,c. And again look into consideration the affair of fortifying New-London Harbour, &c., according to the orders of the General Assembly, and what number of Men might be raised and employed to carry on said Works, and for their defence, and necessary Tools and Materials, also, to be provided ; and judging it of great importance that Forts be erected at the three places hereafter provided, not only for tlie defence of New-London, but to render said Harbour a place of safety for all friendly shipping of this or any of tain Clark,) requesting

United Colonies. considered, Resolved and Ordered, by this Board, That three Companies of men be raised by voluntary inlistments, to consist of ninety men each Company including officers, for the term, and until the 1st of December next, unless sooner dismissed by the General Assembly or this Board, to be improved and employed as labourers in erecting proper works of defence, under such directions, in such manner as are ordered, or may be ordered and given, at three tiie

It is

&c.,

FEBRUARY,

1776.

970

Crow-Bars, twenty Pick-Axes, two Draught-Chains, one long Log-Chain, and one Cart, with two pair of Oxen, be purchased and itnproved for carrying on tlie Works aforesaid and that all said Tools, &j;c., be properly taken care of and secured, by the Commanding-Officer where they shall be used. And Colonel G. Saltonstall is appointed a Committee to provide necessary timber and materials, according to order, for the Works on ffinthrop's Point. Ebcnezer Ledyard, Esq., is api)ointed a Committee to provide timber and necessary materials, according to order, for tlie Works on Groton-Hill. (Copy given.) Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., is appointed to provide timber and necessary materials, according to order, for the ;

Works

at

Mamacock.

Adjourned

to

Friday morning next.

,

different places, viz: One at G roton- Hill, facing NewLondon Harbour, one at a place called fi'inthrop's Point, or Neck ; and the other at a place called Mamacock, or Shatv's Point, both in New-London; and, also, as soldiers

Friday, February 16, A. M., 1776.

Met

accordingly.

Present:

His Honour the Governour, Eiiphalet Dyer, Esquire, Jabez Huntington, William Williams, Nathaniel Wales, Joshua West, Esquires.

Many

A

Letters, &c.,

&c.

by ColoGovernour, yesterday, for more Powder, &.C., is laid before us and considered, and the circumstances being represented so urgent, &c.. Voted and agreed, That two tons, of the four lately imported into New-London by Mr. Shaw, in the Maccaroni, be sent to General Washington, to be by him replaced as he engages. (Said Powder is with Colonel Jabez Huntington.) nel

pressing request from General Washington,

Gay,

at the

for the defence of those places and Works, if need be, or such other as shall be necessary in those parts. And, at proper times, at the discretion of their officers, to be exercised in the use of arms, and of cannon, or any other proper And that said three Companies be military exercises. That under the comstationed at said three places, viz at H'inlhrop's Point ; that unmand of der the command of (Captain Mott, as p.) at said Groton On motion, that Captain Lester, builder of a Row-GalHill; and that under the command of (Captain Ely, as p.) ley, at Norwich, has bought of Constable Hough a quanat said Mamacock ; yet, so as tiiat any party or detachtity of Provisions to support his workmen, and Hough ment of either one or more of said Companies, under owing money to the Treasury, &.C., and that an order may f)roper officers, shall be liable, and may be called off be given to pay it that way, &.c. i-om their proper station, to labour, or do any duty, at (Order given to Colonel H.) any or either of said Fortifications and places, as may be Voted, That an Order be given on the Pay-Table for judged necessary and expedient, and shall be ordered by one hundred Pounds, for said Lester, so as to be allowed the Engineer appointed to direct and superintend all said and discounted with said Hough by the Treasurer, and acWorks, and to such orders as may be made by this counted for by said Lester, on account of building said Board and the General Assembly. And that if any of Galley for the Colony. said soldiers shall be deficient in such reasonable labour Voted, That an Order be drawn in favour of Mr. David and duty as shall be required, such deficiency shall be deTrumbull, for one hundred and fifty Pounds, towards fixducted out of his wages. And it is further provided, That the aforesaid Troops, or ing the Gun-Barrels brought from Croion-Point, 8tc. (Order given 17th.) three Companies, shall be subject to, and regulated by the Voted, That an Order of four hundred and sixty Pounds rules of an Act of the General Assembly of this Colony, passed in May, 1775, entitled, " An Act for Regulating be drawn on the Pay-Table, out of the Continental Money and Ordering the Troops that are, or may be raised for the sent for that purpose, to be improved to pay the advance Wages and Bounty, &.C., for Captain Throov's Company, defence of this Colony," so far as they are capable of begoing to Canada; that Mr. David Trumbull receive the ing applied to their circumstances and situation. And it is further Resolved, That said Officers and Sol- same, and pay out according to Proclamation. (Order given 17tl).) diers shall be entitled to, and shall have and receive the same Pay and Wages as the officers and soldiers in the ConOn a representation and request from the authority, &c., tinental Army near Boston; and shall be furnished and of Fairfield, by Letters from Colonel Silliman and Mr. supplied with good and sufficient rations of Provisions (or Btirr, setting forth their exposed situation, and necessity of their support, in the same manner, as near as may be, or defence, &:c., and the circumstances of their harbour, the equivalent thereto. And the Soldiers shall be allowed one second best in the Colony, &.C., and requesting Powder, gill of Rum per day, when on labour or fatigue, and three Cannon and Ball, &;c., and at least twenty-five Men to be Shillings each for the use of their Blankets. And said raised, and sundry things and in part compliance with Companies sliall be furnished by the Colony with such their request, on consideration of the case, it is Arms as shall be judged necessary. Voted, allowed, and Ordered, That twenty-five ableAnd it is further provided and Resolved, That all ne- bodied, effective Men be raised, by voluntary inlistment, cessary Timber to be used in and about said Forts, be proat the discretion of the authority and Selectmen of said vided as soon as may be. Town, under the command of a Lieutenant and two SerThat one convenient and suitable Barrack for one Com- geants, to be improved in erecting works of defence, at pany, shall be built at a proper place for such Company, such place and manner, in said Town, as the said authoon Groton-Hill. And, on representation by our Com- rity shall direct, and for watching, &c., as shall be necesmittee, that New-London are willing their Pest-House, sary, to continue until the first day of November next, standing near, shall be removed and properly placed to unless sooner released by the General Assembly or this serve as a Barrack for the Company at said Mamacock, it Board ; and to have the same pay and wages as the is ordered, that the same shall be so removed, placed, and Army near Boston, and to be allowed eight Pence per day and fitted for such Barrack by the Company to be stationed for their provision and support during said term Voted, That on sending to General Washington the there, or other troops in the Colony service, provided the town of New-London make no demand on account of such wo tons of Powder, ordered this day, a Letter be writremoval, the property to remain as before. ten to hhn, informing of it, &ic., and requesting him that It is also Resolved and Ordered, That three stone Sledges, four tons, in the whole, be replaced by him, of what he and three Hammers, thirty Shovels, thirty Spades, ten iron may have coming from Philadelphia, or otherwise, viz: :

,

;

;

;

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

«7t

Fairfield one at iVcw- JJnuen, and be lodged two tons at Middletoivn, in lieu of so much received from

one ion

to

,

di\.

&c.,

fication, at

FEBRUARY,

Stonington,

t'lW

fonhii ordteh froM Said Assem-

bly or this Board.

Sundry Letters from sundry persons

us.

Voted, That thirty stand of Arms, fitted out of the barrels received from Crown-Point, be sent to General Washington, having been earnestly requested by him, &ic. Voted, That Mr. Lemuel Bryant, o( Middleborough, as a Cannon-Founder, at Salisbury, and David Carver, Zehdon Wkite, and David Oldman,'m those parts, as Moulders, and that said Bryant procure four Moulders for Shot,

and he to come by 15th March, and the

(And wrote

April.

rest

by

1st

accordingly.)

Saturday, February 17, 1776.

Met same

again, from last night's adjournment.

Present, the

as yesterday.

Sheriff fVilliams was here, representing

much

trouble

and difficulty with the Prisoners at Hartford, &.C., 84c., and moves again that an addition be made to the Cominiltee, and Benjamin Paine, Esq., and Captain Jeremiah Wadsworth, are added to said Committee for taking care of Prisoners, four of said Committee being absent Army, and on other publick business.

in

the

The subject of the Companies, and Forts, and Proclamation, inc., respecting x\\e New- London defence, and the matter and manner discoursed. Voted,

An

Order on the Pay-Table

for

Pounds

nine

W. Torrey,

going

97a

1776.

relating to the

pub-

lick affairs of the limes.

Said Stonington Company had been raised by this Board 14ih September last, (as p.) to consist of fifty men, and afterwards by the Assembly, in October, 1775, reduced to forty, is now augmented to ninety, as above, and Major Oliver

Smith is appointed Captain of said Company, Nathan Palmer, Jun., is appointed First Lieutenant of the same, John Belcher Second Lieutenant of the same, and Clement Miner is appointed Ensign of the same. And said Captain Smith is authorized and empowered, by all proper ways, to raise and inlist said Company with all convenient speed, and make return to his Honour the Governour, whois desired to give said Officers proper warrants or commissions. And Nathaniel Miner, Esq., is appointed a Commissary, to provide the proper supplies of Provisions for support of the Company now ordered to be raised, under the command of

Captain Oliver Smith, to be stationed at Stonington Fort, and the Governour is desired to give said Miner a proper The Provisions to be according to warrant accordingly. the Regulations of the Army near Boston, as mentioned in a Proclamation referred to in the Order for raising said

Company. (Copy given

said

Major Smith.)

Mr. Simeon Davis is present, commissioned and authorized by Governour Cooke to go to the foreign West-Indies

with wagon and /nrfian Chiefs, 14th January last, to Cambridge, as per account allowed, and for six Shillings for Daniel Throop, for going to Windham with them, &;c., and ditto for Captain Hyde, two Pounds seven Shillings and nine Pence, for going two journeys to New-Haven, (A very moderate Sic, about Salisbury Furnace, &c.

cargo of Powder,,and liberty of taking a cargo from if he can obtain leave, &c., and urges the necessity of the article, and the probability of success, &.C.; and on being asked, &c., this Committee consent to, and advise his Honour to permit him to purchase and ship two thousand pounds Cheese, two thousand pounds Hogs' Lard, sixty barrels of Pork, and thirty barrels of Beef in this Co-

charge.)

lony, for the purpose aforesaid.

Orders given, and sent by Loomis this day. And, also, an Order for Jude Alden, for two Pounds five Shillings and two Pence, for use of Horse twice for John Ifalker, Congress Post, and keeping his Horse in his

pany

thirteen Shillings and five Pence, for

for

absence, &:c. (A high account.) Order given, sent by Loomis.

And appointed Mr. Edivard Molt to be Captain of the Company to be raised and stationed at Groton-Hill and Fort, and Commandant of said Fort. And appointed Doctor John Ely, oi Lyme, to be Captain of the Company to be raised and stationed at Mamacock Fort.

Samuel Mott, Esq., and Mr. Josiah Waters, are appointed Engineers, to superintend and direct the building works of defence and Forts ordered to be erected at New-

London and Groton. (Copy given Mr. Waters, 8th March.) Considered, voted, and passed, a Proclamation for raising, and encouraging said three Companies, according to the Resolve and Vote of the 13lli instant.

And

dismissed, (being near night,) to

meet again next

for a this

Colony

And

for the

Com-

New-London:

Colonel G. Saltonstall is appointed Captain of this Company, to be stationed at Winthrop's Point, and to raise such Company by inlistment, by all proper ways, as soon as may be, and make return to his Honour the Governour. And Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., is appointed a Commissary, to make and provide Provisions for the Company to be raised and stationed at Groton-Hill, according to the Proclamation for raising them, &.c. And Captain John Deshon is appointed a Commissary, to provide for the two Companies to be raised and stationed at Winthrop's Point and at Mamacock, in New-Lon(Copies sent.) don, according to Proclamation.

Took into consideration the affair of appointing Captain and other officers for the Brig Defence, now lying at NewHaven, and talked largely upon it, and appointed Seth Harding to be Captain of said Brig Defence, and concluded upon the others almost, but deferred till next day the appointment. Appointed Jehiel Tinker, Captain of the Row-Galley,

now

Friday morning.

on consideration of supplying Officers

to be stationed at Winthrop^s Point, in

building at East

Haddam.

And

adjourned until to-

morrow morning. Friday, February 23, 1776.

Saturday, February 24, 1776.

Met

Present according to adjournment. His Honour the Governour, Etiphatet Dyer, Jahez Huntington, William Williams, Nathaniel Wales, Joshua West, Esquires. Letter just received by Captain Clark from General Washington, complaining of the deficiency of Powder.

Major Smith, of Stonington, present, moving

that the

Company of forty, for defence of the Harbour and Town, Sic, may be augmented, for reasons by him iS/onin^ton

urged, and

and, on consideration. is considered Voted and Resolved, That the Company of forty men, now stationed at Stonington, for defence of the Harbour and Works erected and building there, be augmented by voluntary inlistment, to ninety men, including Officers, to be continued until the 1st December next, unless sooner dismissed by the General Assembly or this Board, to be on the same plan, and under the same regulations, as the Companies raising for the defence of New-London Har;

bour, saving that their station

is

fixed at or near said Forti-



Met, &c. Present His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Esquire, Jabez Huntington, Esquire, Natha:

niel Wales, Esquire.

Esquire West, and 5 .... at Windham Court, had af reed to the officers hereafter appointed for the Brig. Appointed Ebenezer Bartram, of Fairfield, to be First Lieutenant ; James Hopkins, of Middletoivn, Second Lieutenant and John McCteave, Master of the Brig Defence, accord-

A letter prepared and sent Harding, informing of his appointment as CapAnd, also, to Lieutenants Bartram and tain of said Brig. And, also, to Captain McHopkins, as Lieutenants. Clcave, informing his appointment as Master of the same.

ing to the proposal last night. to Captain

Captain Ely appeared, and accepted the office of CapCompany to be raised and stationed at Mamacock, and proposed Martin Kirttnnd for First Lieutenant, and Dan Piatt for Second Lieutenant of said Company, who were appointed. tain of the

; ;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

t78

Captain Edtvard Moil appeared, and accepted of liis appointment as Captain of the Groton Company. And Oliver Colt is appointed First Lieutenant, and William Latham Second Lieutenant of said Company, and William Whiting Ensign.

And

Letter sent to Colonel Easlon.

dismissed.

meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, Present His Honour the Governour, Eliphaht Dyer, Jabez Huntington, Jededinh Elderkin, Joshua West, Na(haniel Wales, Jun., Benjamin Huntington, Esquires. a

:

Voted, That Adricl Ely be, and he

Ensign of the Joint

Company under

the

is

for answer, that his command did not extend to quebeck, and that he knew nothing of your brother. As to your going to England

in your would be running yourself in danger, without a prospect of rendering service to your brother. I am, &c. To Mr. Levi Allen.

scheme:

hereby appointed "of Captain

Wednesday, February 28, 1776.

Present

:

terday.

Voted, That Nathaniel Green and Company, of the Colony of Rhode-Island, be permitted to purchase three cargoes of the produce of this Colony, (as to particulars) as his

Honour

the

in

such proportion

Governour

shall di-

rect, in order to

be transported to the West-Indies to purchase warlike stores, in pursuance of a contract made between the said Green and Company and the Committee of Secrecy of the Continental Congress, for the benefit of the United Colonies. One of said cargoes to be shipped on board a Brig, in Norwich, belonging to some gentlemen in the Colony of Rhode-Island. And the other two cargoes to be shipped on bottoms, to be taken up in this Colony.

ROBERT

building the Colony's Ship-of-War at Captain Hayden's Yard, and to do whatever is needful to promote the work in the best and most speedy manner. And the Builders, Riggers, Blacksmiths, and Sailmakers, &tc., are hereby directed to consult him in their several branches of the work as shall be convenient for the service.

Voted, That this Committee will, at a proper time, take up the matter of the taking of Ticonderoga, &,c., and come into some measures to represent the same to the Congress,

whom

that the persons, to

be considered

;

reward for their service is°due, and that the persons who have receiv-

ed money to disburse in that service, shall, in a proper way, be called to account. N. B. One Thomas Lurk was a Captain at St. John's, and is to be remembered for reward.

Ordered, That Team and Tools, for the use of the Fortifications at New-London and Groton, shall be provided by Colonel Saltonstall, Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., and Ebenezer Ledyard, Esquire.

His Honour the Governour is desired to write to the northward for as many Gun Barrels as can be obtained, in order for repairs.

ROBERT

H.

HARRISON TO SPRINGFIELD (MASSACHUSETTS) COMMITTEE. Cambridge, February

Gentlemen

9, 1776.

have it in command from his Excellency General Washington, to inform you, that on Tuesday last :

I

he received a petition from the Marines, in Springfield Jail, signed by David Scurrey and Patrick Clark, suggesting the severity of their confinement, without fire, anil the want of necessary clothing, at that inclement season.

His Excellency doubts not, hut you have paid proper atif you have been apprized thereof, and 1 have only to add, that it is his earnest desire, that the prisoners in our hands should be treated with humanity and kindness, and have every thing, really necessary, for their support. I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant. tention to their wants,

To

the

Committee of Springfield.

Cambridge, February I

have

it

in

command

HARRISON TO GEORGE GREGORT. Cambridge, February

9,

1776.

letter to his

(for the present) not to grant liberty to any prisoners of war, to remove from the place to which they are, by their parole, confined ; the many applications to the General

were become troublesome, he was, therefore, necessitated come to this resolution. If the gentlemen, whom the fortune of war has placed in our hands, will compare their to

situation with that of those of ours who have been made prisoners, they will not think their case very hard ; they are not confined in a loathsome prison, nor are they sent in irons to a distant part. His Excellency is sorry that any gentlemen should suffer in his private affairs, but the

fortune of war must be submitted to.

To George

I

am,

sir,

&c.

Gregory, Esq.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. [Read February 22, 1776.]

Cambridge, February

9,

1776.

Sir: In compliance with the resolves of Congress, I have applied to General Howe for the exchange of Mr. Lovell; a copy of my letter and his answer thereto you have enclosed. Captain Waters, and Captain Tucker, who command two of the armed schooners, have taken and sent into Gloucester a large brigantine laden with wood, one hundred and fifty butts for water, and forty suits of bedding, bound from

La

Have,

Nova-Scotia,

in

(or

Boston.

transports in the Ministerial service

;

She is one of the the Captain says that

he was at Halifax the 17th January, and that General Massey was arrived there with two regiments from Ireland.

The different prizes were all libelled immediately on receipt of the resolves of Congress, pointing out the mode,

but none of them yet brought to trial, owing to a difference betvveen the law passed in this Province and the resolutions of Congress. The General Court are making an amend-

ment

to their law, by which the difficulties that now occur be removed, as I understand it is to be made comformable to your resolves. The unavoidable delay attending wil!

the

bringing the captures to trial is grievously complained of by the masters of these vessels, as well as the captors many of the former have applied for liberty to go away, without waiting the decision, which I have grantedlto them! 1 beg leave to recall the attention of Congress to their appointing a Commissary in these parts, to attend the providing of necessaries for the prisoners who are dispersed in these Provinces.

Complaints are made by some of them, want of bedding, and many other things. As I understand that Mr. Franks has undertaken that business, I wish he was ordered to send a Deputy immediately, to see that the prisoners get what is allowed them by Congress ; also, to supply the officers with money, as they may have occasion it will save me much time, and much (rouble. that they are in

;

There are yet but few companies of the this

delay

will, I

am much

Militia

come

in

afraid, frustrate the intention

their being called upon, as the season

is

slipping fast

of

away

when they may be of service. The demands of the Army were so very pressing before your last remittance came to hand, that I was under the necessity of borrowing twenty-five thousand pounds, lawful this Province; they very cheerfully lent it, and passed a vote for as much more, if required. I have not repaid the sum borrowed, as I may stand in need of it be-

money, from

ROBERT H. HARRISON TO LEVI ALLEN. Sir:

H.

Excellency, of the 3Ist ultimo, IS come to hand. I have it in command from him to inform you, that he has laid it down as an invariable rule

Voted, That Captain Ephraim Bill, be, and he is hereby appointed to repair to Saybrook, and there inspect the

may

it

Sir: Your

Governour and Council of Safety, His Honour the Governour, and the rest, as yes-

974

about him, but received

command

a meeting of the

1776.

knowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo. There is little doubt but that Colonel Allen has been sent to England. The General has inquired of General Howe

My.

At

FEBRUARY",

after him, his Excellency cannot give you any opinion thereon he cannot ; think there would be even a probability of success

Tuesday, February 27, 1776.

At

&c.,

9,

1776.

from his Excellency, to ac-

fore the arrival of another supply,

which the demands of the

— CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, FEBRUARY,

975

C.n,..»r,.Oene„,, Qo.,e™„,e.G=„.„,, .n. paying

.^p. W,„g

very soon require Your esteemed favour of the 29lh ultimo, is just come conduct hath to hand ; it makes me very happy to find my met the approbation of Congress. 1 am entirely of your the opinion, that should an accommodation take place, our to proportion in favourable, or severe terms will be res|)ectable ability to resist ; and that we ought to be on a but how footing to receive their armaments in the Spring ;

off the arrearages, will

we

shall

the troops (proceeding from the same cause, to wit be got m,) is could Militia the before themselves of banding and proves to me a matter of wonder and astonishment, our situawith unacquainted either was Home that General any thing tion, or restrained by his instructions from putting The inarrive. should reinforcements to a hazard till his stance of General Montgomery, I mention it because it is

two tbou-;ind men now in camp without firelocks. have wrote to the Committee of i\ew-York this day, re taken fluestm.r them to send me those arms which were The Congress the Effected in that Government. n. hemselves in this request, will doubtless have

C

Zes

deration.

Since the 1st of December, I have been devising every and in my power to secure these encampments, though I am sensible that we never have, since that period, been°able to act upon the offensive, and at times not in a

means

set condition to defend, yet the cost of marching home one occawaste and havock the another, of men, bringing in sioned by the first, the repairs necessary for the second

with a thousand incidental charges

have sent ofBcers imo the country with arms in the different towns some have returned, and brought in a few, many are still out; what I

between

this

now have been

ere

fixed

place and Philadelphia, would ; it would in my opinion rather

save than increase the expense, as many horses are deIt will cerstroyed by one man coming the whole way. tainly be more expeditious, and safer than writing by the post, or private hands, which I am often under the necesof doing. am, with great respect,

sity I

sir,

L Ju ui your most obedient, humble

servant,

George Washington.

the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

To

Cambridge, January 30, 1776.

have it in command from the honourable Continental Congress, to propose an exchange of Governour Skene for Mr. James Lovell, and family. If the proposition is agreeable, you will please to signify as much to me, and Mr. Lovell, that he may prepare for his removal, whilst

Sir

I

:

I

to be brought to this place. your most humble servant,

Mr. Skene

I cause

am,

sir,

George Washington.

To

which have arisen and which recollect or describe,

amoun

,t

s to

,s

and 'nconvemences

scarce pos ib e euher to

near as ".uch

athe keep-

;

their success will be I cannot determine. 1 was in great hopes that the expresses resolved to be

established



for a number of others might be adduced prov es That instead of having men to take advantage of '^""''' circumstances, you are in a manner compelled, right or wrong, to make circumstances yield to a secondary consi-

a striking one

1

to purchase

dis-

:

are near

money

^"^-r::^^:^-^:^^"^

I

;

apprehend, be more so, if for other service the men receive a bounty, and none is given here. think of to procure I have tried every method 1 could arms for our men ; they really are not to be had in these Governments, belonging to the publick; and if some method to supply us, is not (\>llen upon in the Southern Governments we shall be in a distressed situation for want of them. There

a good effect.

976

1776.

have been able to collect, must inevitably have and that we were not obliged at one time to followed circumstances, dispute these lines, under disadvantageous

account

be provided with the means, is a matter I prowant of arms, fess not to know, under my present unhappy are very regiments as our men, add, may I and ammunition, and will, 1 incomplete. The recruiting goes on very slow,

far

;

General Howe. Bodton, February 2, 1776.

mg up a respectable body of troops the "'^/^^y ^^,},f To «f«s m«y be for any emergency, would have done. ajded that you never can have a welldisc.plmed army To bring men well acquainted with the duties of a soldier, to bring them under proper discipline and only requires time, but is a work of great not subordination, difficulty, and in this Army, where there is so little distinction between the officers and soldiers, requires an uncommon

requires^time

;

degree of attention. To expect then, the same service from raw and undisciplined recruits, as from veteran soldiers, is to expect what never did, and perhaps never will happen ; men who are familiarized to danger meet it without shrinking ; whereas, those who have never seen service often Three things apprehend danger where no danger is. in time of duty their of discharge prompt men to a regular natural bravery, hope of reward, and fear of punaction ishment ; the two first are common to the untutored and :

disciplined

soldier,

but the latter most obviously distin-

A

coward, when taught guishes the one from the other. and abandons his ranks, his breaks if he to believe that colours, will be punished with death by his own party, will take his chance against the enemy; but the man who thinks prelittle of the one, and is fearful of the other, acts from Again, men of sent feelings, regardless of consequences. a day's standing will not look forward ; and from experience we find, that as the time approaches for their discharge, they grow careless of their arms, ammunition, camp uten-

W. Howe.

Sic, nay, even the barracks themselves have ielt unof wanton depredation, and lays us under additional expense, in providing for every and fresh trouble fresh set, when we find it next to impossible to prociire such articles as are absolutely necessary in the first inTo this may be added the seasoning which new stance. recruits must have to a camp, and the loss consequent

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

limited lime only, have the officers too much in their power for, to obtain a degree of popularity, in order to induce a second inlistment, a kind of familiarity takes place, which

Sir: In answer to your letter of the 30th ultimo, which was delivered with the seal broken, I am to acquaint you, that having lately discovered a prohibited correspondence to be carried on by Mr. James Lovell, the liberty, which I fully intended to have given him, cannot take place. I am, sir, your most humble servant,

To George

Washington,

[Read February 22.

thereupon.

Elsq.

— Referred to a Committee of

tlie

Whole.]

Cambridge, February

9,

1776.

The

purport of this letter will be directed to a

single object.

Through you I mean to lay it before Consame time that I beg their serious atlen-

Sir: gress,

and

sils.

common marks

at the

But

this is not all

;

men engaged

for a short,

brings on a relaxation of discipline, unlicensed furloughs, and other indulgences, incompatible with order and good government, by which means the latter part of the time

which the soldier was engaged is spent you were aiming to inculcate in the first, for

in

undoing what

nesses of them, to render any animadversions necessary; but to gentlemen at a distance, whose attention is engross-

go into an enumeration of all the evils we have exin this late great change of the Army, and the expense incidental to it, to say nothing of the hazard we have run, and must run, between the discharging of one army and inlistment of another, (unless an enormous expense of Militia is incurred,) would greatly exceed the

ed by a thousand important objects, the case may be otherwise. That this cause precipitated the fate of the brave and much to be lamented General Montgomery, and brought on the defeat which followed thereupon, I have not the most distant doubt of, for had he not been apprehensive of the

bounds of a letter. Wiiat I have already taken the liberty of saying, will serve to convey a general idea of the matter, and, thereto fore, I shall, with all due deference, take the freedom reaany have Congress give it as my opinion, that if the

tion to the subject, to ask

pardon

for intruding

an opinion.

not only unasked, but in some measure repugnant to their The disadvantages attending the limited inlistresolves.

ment of troops

is

too apparent to those

who

are eye-wit-

To

perienced

CORRESPONDE\CE, PROCEEDINGS, he, FEBRUARY,

977

978

1776.

is scarcely in the power of words to deh and such as no man, who has experienced it once, will ever undergo again. If Congress should differ from me in sentiment upon this point, I have only to beg that they will do me the justice to believe, that I have nothing more in view than what to me appears necessary to advance the publick weal, although, in the first instance, it will be attended with a capital expense, and that I have the honour to be, with all due deference and respect, their and your most obedient and faithful, humble servant,

son to believe that there will be occasion for troops another year, and, consequently, of another inlistnient, they would save money, and have infinitely better troops if they were, even at a bounty of twenty, thirty, or more dollars, to engage the men already inlisted, (till January next.) and such others as may be wanted to complete to the establishment, for and during the war. I will not undertake to say that the men can be had upon these terms, but I am satisfied that it will never do to let the matter alone as it was last year, till the time of service was near expiring. The hazard is too great in the first place in the next, the trouble and perplexity of disbanding one army, and raising another at the same instant, and in such a critical situation

as the last was, scribe,

George Washington.

;

To

the Honourable

John Hancock, Esq.,

&lc.

General Return of the Army of the United Colonies, commanded by His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and Commander-in-chief, Head- (Quarters at Cambridge, February 4, 1776. OFFICERS PRESF.NT.

rank and

Smce but Return.

Wantii gto

file.

coinpl ite.

N'on-coinmisiioiied.

SUfi*.

REGIMENTS.

i

o

S

i

1

1

7.

Colonel Whitcomb*s Colonel Prescott's

1 1

11

6

9

7 6

13 14 16 9 15 10 14 15

6 7

1

7 6 5

4 6 8 8

11.

12

i 1

29 15 27 13 10

14 21

24 20 23 30 20 2b 28

1

7

4

1

6

1

7

-

11

6 8

}J 16 15 13 12

14

8,863

Webb's

8 6

1

6 7

5 8

.

1

6 8

16 10 10 16

26. Colonel Baldwin's 27. Colonel Hutchinson's

1 1

6

13

1

7

1

8

1

1

-

7

13

8

6 6

8

1

7

1 1

6 8 5

1

7

1

7

8

i

48 2

67

44 59 7

17 10

42 33 6 34 4 40 15 48 7 32 4 51

11

30 3 35 16 45 10 47 59 52

5 11

55 11 42 22 ll 48 5 54 4 41

16

42 7 27 16 41

1

C

1

O

84 41 46 3

8 T

9'y 645 347 26 22 18 177 360 177 13 Bl 97 94

Colonel Huntingdon's

Total

512 297 368 289 258 301 285 386 237 378 267 354 417

10

It 13

297 232 276 251 412 293 418 327 435 285 364 425 499

1

.-

i

I

a

11

1

79 4 12 4 23 19 12 40 8 54 3 22 34 17 8 14 9 51 5 37 4 26

218 4 18 20 100 119 I 50 13 27 6 23 49 3 3 53 5 40 9 43 1 11

9

32

1

6

3

36 20

73

1

1

3

a !>.

2

7

16 11 9 12 12 14 10 16

6 6 6

1

21. Colonel Ward's •22 Colonr-l Wvllvs'a. 23. Colonel Biiley's

1

m

&

3

1

G 3

19 14 14 18 26 13 23 14 29 11 29 11 25 13 25 15 31 15 21 14 21 14 30 14 27 15

Colonel Ptitterson's

19. Colonel

8


b orrest. Robert Dashiell.

'

SAMUEL CHASE TO DANIEL OF

THOMAS JENIFER.

ST.

PhiladelpliU, February 10, 1776.

Dear Sir: Enclosed you receive a proposal to furnish our troops with the new invented knapsack and haversack, and of cartouch-boxes, &,c. The blockade of Quebeck is continued. Arnold has seven hundred men with him ; daily aids are goin". He expects to take the command in six weeks. No news of consequence. Your obedient servant, o ^ tsAMUEL Chase. '

To

the Honourable Daniel

of St. Thomas

Jenifer, Esq.

CONGRESS OF NEW-JERSEY TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. [Read February 13 —Referred to Mr. Smith, Mr. Adams.]

Bartlett,

and Mr.

In Provincial Congress, New-Jersey, Brunswick,

February

10, 1776.

I

\

Gentlemen:

samuel barrett to maryland council of safety. Fredericktown, February 10, 1776.

Gentlemen

had the honour to receive from the Delegates of the freemen of this Province, a commission as Captain of one of the Independent Companies in the regular service. No one would be more happy than myself in the acceptance of it, had the gentlemen who were appointed Lieutenants been known to the men 1 would wish to :

I

twenty years since I first had the honour to comcompany in defence of my country. Since that time I have commanded many. And being apprehensive at the beginning of this unhappy, cruel, and unnatural contest between the mother country and her Colonies, that 1 might be once more called on to stand forth in defence of our liberties, I had frequently conversed with and informed my Militia company, and many others of my neighbourhood and acquaintances, that it was highly probable I might It

again

is

a

them

solicit

to follow

me

They, march whenever

to the field of battle.

most cheerfully agreed to on them but, as it was possible

in the general, I should call if

we went

that could be obtained in this Province. fore,

no resource of providing arms

We

have, there-

Third Battalion, but from our own manufactories or importation. How soon they can be manufactured is uncertain, and we have no for the

present prospect of receiving them from abroad ; but, being two thousand stand have been lately imported, and that they are within your dis|)osal, we should be glad that part of them may be ordered for the use of the infor/ned that

carry into action.

mand

Sensible of the importance that the battalions raised in this Province should be as speedily as possible furnished with arms, we collected, for the supply of the First and Second Battalions, all the arms fit for service

;

into action, they desired

that

I might fall two gentlemen,

which they had agreed on, might be appointed Lieutenants and, as it had been customary with me to nominate the subalterns, I promised that those gentlemen (did I accept of a commission) should be my Lieutenants, and bad wrote to Mr. Johnson, while at the Convention, mentioning the names of the gentlemen, and informing him of my pro-

Third Battalion, unless some more immediate publick service calls for them. We beg leave to propose, whether it would not be advisable

to

deducting wages.

We

clothe the battalion

the expense

now

attending

it

raising

out

in uniform, of the men's

are informed that considerable quantities of

are lately arrived, and

powder

being probable that the assistance of the Militia of this Province may be speedily wanted, for the defence of this, or a neighbouring Colony, we request the favour of your assistance in supplying us with ten tons of gunpowder, and twenty tons of lead, or as much as may be spared. it

of those gentlemen was a Lieutenant of mine in a late expedition against the Indians, who behaved himself much to the satisfaction of my company, as well as to my-

On a requisition from Lord Stirling, the Committee of Elizabethtown have furnished him with six thousand cartridges, Somerset County four quarter-casks of powder, WoodbriJge a considerable quantity, and Brunswick one hundred and fifty weight of lead. Our Militia are very illy supplied with ammunition those who have given the above supplies to Lord Stirling are, therefore, very desirous that they may be immediately

self.

replaced.

mises

;

but, unfortunately,

my

letter miscarried.

One

have come this far in consequence of a letter from Mr. Johnson, who enclosed my commission, with an intent to accept it, and to return and inlist a company of riflemen, which I flatter myself I could have done, at farthest, la a I

;

By I

order of Congress : am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

Samuel Tucker,

To

the Honourable Continental Congress.

President.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

9S7

ELI2ABETHT0WN (nEW-JER9EY) COMMITTEE TO PRESIDENT OF CONGHESS. [Read February

14. 177C,]

Elizabi'tlitown, February 10, 1776.

am

llie Committee oi Eliznbcthtown, Congress of the capture and stale of il)e ship lilue-Mountain-ralle.ij, now lying at Elizabclhtown Point, and to desire particular directions from the Congress, what is to be done with the said ship, cargo, officers and seamen. On Monday, the 22il of January, between eleven and twelve o'clock, Lord Stirling, with about thirty men of bis regiment, being near all that were then armed at this place, the rest being at Long-hlamI, set out for Amboy on a serious enterprise. In the evening of the same day, an express arrived in this town, with a letter directed to Lord

Sir:

I

ordered by

to acquaiiU the

Stirling, and, in his absence, to the Chairman of the Committee of this place, informing that an armed vessel, with a detachment of marines and seamen, was sent off from iVeu;-

YbrA: that day from the ships-of-war in

New-York,

to the

transport-ship.

On

the Chairman's receipt of this letter, he immediately

Committee; which met about six o'clock in the evening, and from the letter and express, collected and concluded, that Lord Stirling left this place with an intention to procure a vessel at Amboy, and go in quest of the called the

transport-ship, which he then thought

was in a defenceless knowing of the reinforcement sent from NewYork, and that if the intelligence should reach him that night, he would not be able to procure vessels and assiscondition, not

tance in season at repulsed with loss.

Amboy to secure success, and might On which the Committee resolved

be to

send a detachment of one hundred volunteers, in three or four boats, by the way of the Narrows, to lake, or assist

Lord Stirling

to take, tiie armed vessel or transport, of which they immediately notified Lord Stirling by an express; and to encourage volunteers to enter, assured them they should share of the prize, or prizes, according to the regulations that were, or should be made by the Continental Congress. Volunteers were soon procured, and furnished by the Conunittee with ammunition, provision, and what arms were wanting of the townsmen, about eighty, and of the Continental troops, about thirty. The Committee also procured three boats, and fitted them in the best manner the night and hurry would admit of. Between twelve and one o'clock at night, the armament was ready to sail, but on account of the tide and ice, they could not proceed by the way of the Narrows ; they, therefore, set out with a fair wind by ihe way of Amboy, where they stopped, and called upon Lord Stirling, who, with a boat by him procured for the purpose, and about forty of his regiment, set out with them in quest of the ship and armed vessel. At sunrise, from the mast-head they descried the ship at sea, stood for, met and boarded her, without opposition, at ten o'clock in the morning; they found her to be a transport from London, with coals, porter, potatoes, hogs, and horse-beans, designed for ihe Ministerial troops at Boston, commanded by John U. Dempster, brother to George Dempster, member of Parliament for Dundee, &c., in Scotland. But the armed vessel, by great good fortune, saved herself by returning to New- York, not having disco;

vered the ship, to the great disappointment of our peoplethe command of the ship to Mr. Rogers, a sca-caplain, with orders to proceed for this place, but being detained by tide and contrary winds on Wednesday near Amboy, the Committee being apprehensive of an attempt by the man-of-war to retake her, on Wednesday evening sent a reinforcement, of about eighty men, to

Lord Stirling gave

secure her against any such attempt, and on Friday she arrived in safety at Elizabclhtown Point, where she remained

under the care of Lord Stirling, guarded by sotne of the troops under his command until Tuesday last, when he and his troops were ordered to New- York, since which time she hath been, and now is under the care of the Committee. By order of Lord Stirling, and th.e Committee, the porter and beans are stored, the sails and rigging are taken on shore. The potatoes, which are chiefly rotten, and coal, remain on board the ship. The Captain and seamen remain prisoners at large in this town. The Committee expected Lord Stirling would have, before this time, pro-

FEBRUARY,

Sic,

1776.

988

cured the particular directions of the Congress for the disposition of the ship and cargo, but in diis they are disappointed, and every thing respecting the ship is in suspense. The hogs remaining, being only seven, (out of eighty,) and the remaining potatoes, they have concluded to sell. The coal is in great demand for making of arms, and is liable to be destroyed with the ship, by an armed force which may be despatched privately in the night from New- York, which is but about fourteen miles distance. The seamen, who are boarded out by the Committee, are uneasy, and soliciting

the

Committee

for their

wages, which,

tiiey

say,

were promised by Lord Stirling. The Captain is anxious to know how long he is to be detained, and the Committee are desirous that he may be soon dismissed, and be at liberty to return home and inform his friends and countrymen of the usage he has received from the Americans. This, sir, is the slate of affairs relating to the store-ship called the Blue- Mountain- Valley, taken and brou^'ht to this place.

The Committee earnestly request that the Congress will immediately take the same into consideration, and will fully determine in what manner the said ship and cargo shall be disposed of, and that they will very speedily give directions particularly for the same. That if the Congress shall determine that ihe ship and cargo, or any part thereof, shall be distributed among the captors, that they will order very particularly the manner and proportion of such distribution, for which purpose a list of the officers and men, as near as the Committee can find, is enclosed. The Committee are also desirous, that the Congress will determine what is to be done with the Captain, officers, and seamen, belonging to the said ship, and also, respecting their private property

A

due.

bill of the wages is enclosed. The Committee are informed, and believe, that Lord Stirling, soon after taking the ship, assured the Captain and men, that their

on board, shotdd be restored to them, and all their wages that were then due. The Captain's adventure amounts to about one hundred and twenty pounds sterling, sixty pounds of which are insured. The Committee do not know whether that sum should be allowed him, or whether he should be referred for the jiroperty, then

that they should receive

same

to the insurers in

England.

They

desire direction

from the Congress. Here is also enclosed a copy of the bill of lading of the ship's cargo, which, among other things, proves the ship's destination.

The Committee desire you will be pleased to lay tliis matter before the Congress immediately, and hasten an answer as soon as possible. I am, with the greatest esteem, sir, your most obedient, humble

„ ^ KoBEUT Ogden,

servant,

Chairman of the Committee of Elizabethtown.

To

the Honourable

John Hancock, Esq., Chairman of the

Congress.

P. S. Since writing the above, the Committee have received from Lord Stirling a copy of the resolves of Congress, of the 29th of January last, relating to the ship Blue-

Mountain-Valky ; but, as they then did not fully determine the matter, they, therefore, beg the Congress will now resume the consideration, and send their particular determinations on each head, which will be cheerfully subto, and give full satisfaction to all concerned.

mitted

An Account of

Wages due to the Captain, Officers, Seathe Blue-Mountain- Valley, from the time of their coming on board, in the river Thames, until the arrival of the Shi2) at Elizabethtown. men,

J.

&/€.,

of

W. Dempster, from

the 1st of October 25th of January, at £8 sterling ° per month, 2. Chief Mate, from 25th of September until the 25th /anuary, at £3 5s. per month, 3. Second Mate,fron) 20lh of .S'cp^cnj^cruntil 1.

^

*•

30

8

^^

until the

4.

5.

the 25t!) of JoHUrtry, at 40i!. per month, Third Mate, from 1st of October umW the 2olh of January, at 3ls. per month, Carpenter, from 25th of September until the 25th January, at £3 5s. per month,

13

8

6

7

5 18

6

13

;

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, FEBRUARY,

989

Boatswain, from 1st of October until llie 25th of January, at '10s. per month, 7. Stewart, from 1st of October until the 25th o( January, at 'Sis. per month, - - 8. James McKinnon, Seaman, from 25th of September until the 25ih of January, at 3Ii. per month, Alexander Watson, for same time, 10. George Wilson, for same time, 11. James Brice, Boy, for four months, 12.

-

-

-

-

-

-

7 12

[Read February 21.

— Referred

to Mr. Wythe, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Adams.]

Albany, February 10,

5 18

640 6 6 5

4

4 8

These

ber until the 25th of January, at 3

are to be furnished by the respective Colonies

----.

month,

same time, 14. Caligan Baslian, for same lime,

13. Nicholas Eliat, for

per

580 5 5

8 8

£123

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

177(5.

have received no accoimts from Canada since I had the honour to write you on the7lh instant. The post came in yesterday, but had no letters for me. Colonel Burrell, who has the command of the Regiment raising in Connecticut for the Northern service, advises me that no blankets, and very few arms, are to be had there. I

Emanuel Patterson, from 10th of OctoVs.

990

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

6.

9.

1776.

perceive by the resolutions of Congress, who sent troops here; but, as they cannot proceed without these articles, and several others that they stand in absolule need articles,

1

1 shall supply them, as far as 1 have it in my power, I have made such arand charge the several companies. rangements that there will be no difljculty in making the stoppages and I hope also to get the army in such order as to prevent that horrid confusion of accounts which prevailed last year, and to introduce a little more subordination and discipline. I hope none of the officers will receive any other commissions than those from Congress. Half of the arms of what Pennsylvania troops are yet arrived here want repairs. I am very confident we shall want a considerable number. I have, therefore, ordered all to be purchased in the vicinity of this place that can be

of,

7

;

The

above persons are all that did belong to the ship Blue-Mountain-Valley, two apprentices excepted, they drawing no wages from the ship. The Captain says that tiiere has been paid to the sailors, of the above amount, £23 6«. Id.

Shipped, by the Grace of God, in good order and wellconditioned, by Mure, Son, and Atkinson, by order of the right honourable the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, in and upon the good ship called the Blue-

Mountain-Valley, whereof is Master, under God, for this present voyage, John U. Dempster, and now riding at anchor in the nveiThames, and, by God's grace, bound to Bosion, one hundred and seven and a quarter chaldrons of coals one hundred butts of porter, branded " Calvert ; " one hundred and twelve and a half quarters of beans; fifteen tons twelve hundred weight of potatoes; ten casks of sour-krout thirty-five puncheons for watc;r which are to eighty hogs be delivered, in the like good order and condition, (the danger of the seas, mortality of the crew, and consumption of ;

;

;

their provender, only excepted,) unto the

Commander-in-

chief of His Majesty's forces in America, or to his order, at the aforesaid port of Boston, or at any other port in America which he shall direct, free of freight. In witness

whereof, the master or purser of the said ship hath affirmed to four bills of lading, all of this tenour and date, one of which being accomplished, the other three are to stand And so God send the good ship to her desired port void.

Amen.

in safety.

Dated

in

London, the 30th day of September, 1775.

procured.

The Committee of this County, on my application, have recommended to the inhabitants of the several districts to

The lower districts will bring forward the troops gratis. them to this place, and from hence they will be sent on in the same way, by others, as far as Fort-George, and perhaps to Ticondcroga. This will be of considerable advantage to the troops, and a saving to the Continent. The men from Pennsylvania are greatly infected with the venereal disease. Captain Dorsey has left no less These, with two deserted than fourteen in the Hospital. between Pennsylvania and this, and seven more which, I am informed, left hiui on his first day's march, have reduced his company to a small body. All the tnedicines in the Hospital are nearly expended, Is it not posand Doctor Stritiger cannot procure any. sible to despatch a small vessel, or two, to Portugal, or the Islands, for a supply

We

?

; not an ounce is to be iMy armourers have nearly expended theirs, had here. and the blacksmith who goes to the Indians cannot do without it. Could none be sent, by water, from ]\ewJersey to Constitution- Fort, from whence what may be the reimmediately wanted may be forwarded by land mainder when the river shall open ? The Indian goods that were sent up are all expended, and a very few left of one hundred and seventy pounds* worth, which I bought from the Canadian officers at Ticonderoga for the troops, and upwards of one hundred pounds' worth from Mr. Brown, of the Massachusetts. None are to be had here, and I am daily tormented by I am apprehensive parties of inrfions from all quarters. that some Tories encourage them to make applications, and they are sufficiently inclined to it without being spurIf I can convict any person of this crime, I red on. shall do my endeavours to provide him with a lodging in Simsbury mines. A considerable number of the Pennsylvania soldiers mutineered. I ordered a Court-Martial, and half-a-dozen of I hope this will put a stop the ringleaders were punished. They complain of want of pay. I wish an to it in future. account of all the moneys paid them, and for what was transmitted to me, that they may be charged with it, and This is very necessary. their accounts regularly kept. Pray let the Mustermasier be sent up. He may be of much service, as I hope we shall have none but Conti-

are greatly at a loss for steel

;

A

List of the Officers and Men, belonging to the Militia of Elizabethtown, who entered on board of the different shallops as Volunteers, in order to take the Ship BlueMountain-Valley, January 22, 1776, under the command

of Elias Dayton, Colonel Eltas Diyton, Colonel,

Adam

Edward Tliomis.iieu-

Thomas

Elihu Pursoiw, Daniel , Robert Spencer,

Oliver Spencer, Capf.,

Henry M. Munagal,

William Ramsden,

William Britton,C«pember.

A draft of a Letter to the absent Members of the cial

Congress of

this

Colony, and

Committees as may be thotight approved of, and is in the words

Provin-

Chairman of such necessary, was read and to the

following, to wit:

Ntw-

:

;

lent to the

Continental

of the good people of this Colony (in what the Governour calls "a constitutional way") on Lon\ North's motion, and

1776.

pursuant to adjournment. Present Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esquire, Chairman, Mr. Scott, Colonel McDougaU, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Sands, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Spooner.

powder

them

three receipts for Gunthe substance of which

8,

The Committee met

McDougaU

of Christopher Duyckinck, to replace the powder due to Elizabethtown, Woodbridge, ant! New- Brunswick, by

Although a certain day is fixed for the which we beg leave to remind you is Congress, session of the first of February, an(\ although we have no prospect of a necessity of calling the Congress sooner, yet we have abundant reason to request that the meeting may be as full as possible on that day. have already notified you of the dissolution of the late Assembly, and of the issue of writs for an election, returnable the 14lh day of February next. From what you could not but iiave observed, the design of Governuient in calling an Assembly must be extremely its evident inieniion is, to take the sense obvious to you

Die LuniE, 10 ho. A. M., January

Colonel

wi

thousand weight, delivered to him by Thomas hers; Comalso a receipt from Robert Ogden, Chairman of tiie mittee of EHzabethtown, for eighteen quarter-casks of powder, received of this Committee of Safety by the hands

Mr. Sands, with leave, wrent

cordingly.

Die Solis, 9 ho. A. M.. January

1028

1776.

Gentlemen

:

We

;

the Parliamentary resolution thereon of the 20tli of FebruYou will remember our late resolves on that ary last.

Should they have escaped your memory, we beg head. leave to remind you, that on the 14th December, 1775, it was resolved, as the opinion of the Congress, that nothing of a salutary nature can be expected from a separate declaration of the sense of this Colony on the aforesaid Parliamentary resolution, and that, as the motion whereon the

same was grounded was confessedly framed Colonies,

would be highly dangerous

it

to disunite the to,

and

totally

the gloiious plan of American Union, should this Colony express their separate sense on the supposed conciliatory proposal on the part of Great Briinconsistent with

above-mentioned motion and resoluand that on the same day it w^as .... Parliament tion in resolved in Congress, that this Colony is fully and effectually represented in the Continental Congress, for the purpose of expressing the sense of its inhabitants on any overtures for a reconciliation, and that the Continental Congress has fully and dispassionately expressed the sense of the inhabitants of this Colony on the above-mentioned resolutain, contained in the

tions of the

26th February

last.

The above resolves we cannot suffer to be rescinded by any body of men in this Colony, without betraying the high What members we shall have returntrust reposed in us. ed in Asseinbly we know not, nor, consequently, how successful the machinations of the

enemies of American liberty

procuring such measures in Assembly as may destroy that Union of the Colonies, on the support of w hich That the session of our coiimion safety entirely depends. a full Congress will effectually awe a corrupt Assembly

may

be

(should

in

we be

so unfortunate in that representation) from

interfering with political subjects,

must be extremely

evi-

of the utmost importance to the publick safety that the Congress should meet punctually on the day to w hich they are adjourned, to the end that if Government should, by any steps on their part, compel our Assembly into those subjects, the Representatives of the people in that body should take their complexion from the dent, and

we

think

it

Provincial Congress, so as to go into a similarity of sentiin the above-mentioned resolu-

ments with those expressed tion of

our body.

perceive that a

And

full

for this

session of

purpose, you must easily the Deputies of eve-

all

in Congress, at the meeting of the Assembly, as you be absolutely necessary, for these reasons as you esteem value the inestimable blessings of liberty the perfect Union of the Colonies under the Continental

ry

County

will





:

NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JANUARY,

1029

Congress, as the grand Representative of the United Colonics, to be our only security in this dangerous and important crisis, and, as you ardently desire that a sameness of sentiment may j)revaii throughout the diflerent Representative Bodies in tliis Colony, we beseech, we obtest, we adjure you, by a just sense of your duty, by your desire to promote the Union of tiie Colonies to the utmost of your jiower, and by that ardent love wiiicii you have for the liberties of America, that you meet punctually in Congress on the first day of the next month, that we may take such measures as will be necessary to secure the honour of the people of this Colony, and contribute to the firmest support of the common cause, by assisting our Representatives in Assembly to tread tlic path of Union and Continental Liberty.

Nevertheless, gentlemen, we mean not that you should give so punctual an attendance as to prevent such of you from superintending the business of election, whose presence in the country may be necessary for that piupose, but we beg leave once more to express the sentiment that a full session of Congress, at the n)eeting of the Assembly, is of the utmost moment. are, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your most obedient servants. Signed by order and in behalf of tlie Committee of

We ^

To

'

PiEKRE Van Coktlandt, Chairman.

Members of New- York. the

of the Provincial Congress of the Colony

Ordered, That Colonel McDougall employ a Printer, to print one hundred and ten copies thereof for this Committee, under the strictest guard of secrecy, that when printed they may be signed by the Chairman, and transmitted to the absent

Members

Luiice,

January

8,

1776.

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esquire, Chairman, Mr. McDougall, Mr.

Breioster,

prisoner was prevented from making his escape

Commitlee

as, this

and where-

;

has, also, been informed by the

Lawrence Hartwick

witnesses, that the said

same

affirms that

he

will continue to go on board of the King's ships-of-war, without leave of any Chairman, contrary to the order of the Provincial Congress of this Colony, and made many other declarations highly inimical to the measures pursued by the inhabitants of the u^mencon Colonies for the defence of their liberties, thereupon a draft of a warrant to Cap-

Nathaniel Tylee was read and approved, and words following, to wit

tain

is

in

In Committee of Safety for tlic Colony of New.York, during tli2 recess of tlio Provincial CongrpHs, January 9, 1776.

the

> ^

Whereas, full information has been given to this Committee that Laivrence Hartwick betrayed a trust reposed him by Lieutenant Edivard Tylee, an officer of the Continental Army, now a prisoner on board the ship ^irm ; and whereas, further information lias been given to this Committee of other particular conduct and declarations of the said Lawrence Hartwick, highly inimical to the present measures pursued by the inhabitants of the American Colonies for the defence of their liberties ; therefore, in

Ordered, Tliat the said Laivrence Hartivickhe apprehended by Captain Nathaniel Tylee, or by any other Militia officer of this city, with a sufficient Guard for that purpose, and carried to the Guard-House, at the Upper Barracks,

in

this city,

and there confined

until

the further

orders of this Committee.

Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed by the Chairman, and delivered to Captain Tylee.

A

Letter to each of the following absent Members of the Provincial Congress, a copy of that draw n and agreed to on the 8th instant, was sealed and forwarded, to wit To Ezra :

respectively.

3 o'clock, P. M., Die

1030

1776.

L'Hommedieu, Esq., at Southold; to David Gelston, Esq., at Bridge-Hampton ; to John Sloss Hohart, Esq., Manor of Eaton; to Brigadier-General Nathaniel Woodhull, at South-Haven; to Thomas Wickham, Esq., at Brookhaven; to David Brown, Esq., at Shelter-Island.

Mr. Clarke, Mr. Tredwell, Mr.

An

Spooner, Mr. Scott, Mr. Sands.

Introduction to the copies of the Petition of the ConCongress to His Majesty, and the Address of the

tinental

Whereas, Mr. [saac Govemeur has imported into this Colony four hundred and sixty-five quarter-casks, containone hundred and sixteen hundred weight and twenty-five pounds of Gunpowder, and by Mr. William Cannon, his consignatory, sold the same to this Committee for publick use and whereas, the honourable the Continental Congress, by their resolve of the 15th day of July last past, that every vessel importing Gunpowder, within nine months from the date thereof, shall be permitted to load and export the produce of those Colonies to the value of such Gunpowder, and it is thereby recommended to the Committees of the several

Lord Mayor and Livery of London, to the Electors of Great Britain, intended to be reprinted in this Colony, was read and approved of, and are in the words following, to wit:

To

;

Provinces to inspect the military stores so imported, and to estimate a generous price for the same according to their goodness, and permit the importer of such Powder to export the value thereof, and no more, in produce of any kind. The Committee having by some of their members and other persons inspected the said Gunpowder, do estimate

same at the value of thirty Pounds, New- York money, per ton, and do hereby permit Mr. Isaac Govemeur, by Mr. William Cannon, his Agent, to export the value thereof at that estimate, to wit: the amount of the sum of three tliousand four hundred and eighty-seven pounds ten shillings, Netv-York money, and no more, in produce of any kind, which he may think proper. the

Die Martis, 10 ho. A. M., January

9,

1776.

Tiie Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Fierre Van Cortlandt, Esquire, Chairman, Mr. Scott, Mr. McDougall, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Clarke,

To

the Inhabitants

prevent as

much

of the Colony

o/"

New- York.

as possible the evil consequences

which may arise froin the assertion that tlie " Continental Congress have made no approaches towards an accommodation with Great Britain," the Committee of Safety of the Colony of New- York have directed the following Petition of the Continental Congress to His Majesty, and the Address of the Lord Mayor and Livery of London to the Electors of Great Britain, occasioned by that Petition, tobe published. In the present unhappy controversy, we can call for no evidence so unexceptionable to the deluded enemies of

Amenca,

as the testimony of the inhabitants of the Capital

Great Britain.

Every information on this subject coming from among us might, perhaps, be considered as city of

passing through a suspicious channel, but, when we appeal those who, if we have engaged without grounds in the present contention, are immediately interested against us,

to

every unprejudiced reader must be convinced that their voluntary testimony in our favour is full proof of the justice of our cause, and it is for this purpose that the above-

mentioned Address

is

recommended

deration of the inliabilants of the

By

order of the Committee

to the serious consi-

Colony of New- York.

:

Pierre Van Cortlandt, Chairman.

Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Spooner, Mr. Sands. full information has been given to this Committee, by Captain Nathaniel Tylee, of this city, and sundry other witnesses, that Lieutenant Edward Tyhe, an officer of the Continental Army, now a prisoner on board the ship Ada, had planned a method to escape from thence, and for the purpose of effecting his escape deliver-

Whereas,

New.York, January

9,

1776.

3 ho. P. M., January

9,

1776.

The Commitlee

James Ty-

of Safety met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esquire, Chairman, Colonel McDougall, Mr. Scott, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Sands, Mr. Spooner.

of New- York, and that the said Lawrence Hartwick, betraying the trust reposed in him, liad delivered the said Letter to Captain George Vandeput, whereby the said

Pursuant to return of an election in the presence of GarAbetl and Abraham Brinckerhoff, two of the Committee of the City of New-York, commissions were issued for

ed a Letter lee,

to

Laurence Hartwick,

directed to

ret

;

:

NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JANUARY,

1031

A draft of a Letter to the Committee of Cumberland County was read and approved, and is in the words following, to wit

gether, rely on this advice, yet, lest it should be wellfounded, we beg leave to inform you, that such an expedient will, in our opinion, be prejudicial to the common

:

In Committoe of Safely for the Colony of New. York, durine the recess of the Provincidl Congress, New.York, January 9, 1776.

?

You doubtless know, my Lord, upon what errand Should any steps be taken she came to this Continent. on our part that may embarrass those of our friends abroad, who are running risks to serve us, we must necessarily lose their assistance in an article of the utmost importance to can divine no reason why that sloop should be us.

J

cause.

We

enclose you a certified copy of sundry resolutions of the Committee of Safety, as to your Couiitv; they are so plain tliey need no comment.

Gentlemen:

sorry to find that joulousies and divi-

We'are extremely

at this late day, when your fully organized and reguhave been whole Militia ought This gives us lated, and in the best order and discipline. the greater chagrin and anxiety, because we expected your County was so firmly attached to the cause of American liberty, that, in proportion to your numbers and strength, you would have been more forward, and in greater readiness than other parts of the Colony, where Ministerial measures might be expected to have spread their baneful

We

County

sions subsist in your

others in New-Jersey etjually fit for the that the few swivels she has mounted may denominate her an armed vessel. Should this be the reason for preferring her to any other, the purpose may be

to

preferred to

answered by borrowing those swivels and mount them in some other vessel. If your design si:lould be such as we have mentioned, we beg that the expedient proposed by us may be adopted in preference to tiie one

which will naturally discourage our friends abroad from continuing their friendship towards us. are, with great respect, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient servants. By order of the Committee of Safety.

All

done.

We

To

the inhabitants, and for this purpose

the difEculties arising

in

smaller matters,

we

would hope your County Committee would easily accommodate, and that their determinations would be cheerfully acquiesced the

in.

earnestly recommend unanimity the good people of your County, and

same time that we

and harmony to

all

of prudence, discretion, and direction to your County Committee, and their sub-Committees, if they have any such, give us leave to press on you to distinguish yourselves by setting an example of obedience to your Military a proper

Officers,

spirit

and of care

that you inculcate the

in

acquiring military discipline, and

same good conduct on

all

the peo-

ple of your County.

Let every Son of Freedom employ his utmost effijrts, Rules of Congress, our military subordination and skill, according to their plan and directions, and our attachment to good order and Government, that our attachment to the

may

distinguish us from our enemies, as

rious cause

We

we

are engaged

are, respectfully,

nmch

as the glo-

in.

gentlemen, your very humble ser-

vants.

By order of the Committee of Safety. To the Chairman and Members of the County Committee, Cumberland County.

Mr. Peter T. Curtenius delivered in an account of the Lead which he has, as yet, been able to procure in obedience to the late Order of the Provincial Congress, amounting to eight thousand five hundred and eight pounds.

The

filed.

Die Mereurii, 10

lio.

A. M., January

10, 1776.

pursuant to adjournment. Present: Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., Chairman, Colonel McDougall, Mr. Sa7ids, Mr. Trvdwell, Mr. Scott, Mr. Bretcster, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Spooner.

Mr. Nicholas Low, attending at the door, was admitted. He informed tiie Committee that he had received information that Lord Stirling had a design to use the Vessel of Mr. Isaac Governeur, now at Elizabethtown-Point, to seize Despatciies from on board the Ship bound for London, and under the command of Captain Cooper. Thereupon, a draught of a Letter to Lord Stirling was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit In Committeo of Safely for the Colony of New-York, during tlio pjcess of Provincial Congress, New-York, January 10, 1770

Lord: While we

pilot-boat.

thereof be engrossed, and signed

by the Chairman, and delivered to Mr. Low. (N. B. Mr. Low having discovered that the information he had received was without any foundation, and this Letunnecessary, returned it to the Committee of Safety on it was ordered to be destroyed.)

ter

the lllh, and

who was apprehended and brought beCommittee by some of the Inhabitants, on information of persons from Westchester County that he had ThorrMs Mcrrilt,

fore the

declared he had seen people casting great quantities of Bullets to kill the Whigs, and that he knew where great quantities of those Bullets were; was examined. Notes of

examination are filed. Witnesses against him were examined, in his presence, and Merritt and the Witnesses withdrew. Thereupon, Ordered, That the said Thomas Merritt be discharged. And he was charged from the Chair to be more cautious of his declarations and reports for the future.

his

The

Pursuant to a return of an Election of Officers in Beat No. 14, of the City of New-York, in the presence of Garret Abeel and Abraham Brinckerhoff, two of the Committee of the said City, Commissions were issued to the

Pardon Buj/jn^Aam, Captain; Henry York, First LieuThomas Van Pelt, Second Lieutenant Anthony

tenant

;

;

Ford, Ensign. Die Mereurii, 3 ho. P. M., January 10, 1776.

The Committee met

pursuant to adjournincnt. Cortlandt, Esq., Chairman, Colonel McDougall, Mr. Sands, Mr. Scott, Mr. Tredwtll, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Spooner.

Present: Pierre

The Committee met

My

company of Marines, in a Ordered, That a copy

following Officers, to wit

Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed by the Chairman, and transmitted by Doctor Spooner.

same was

Lord Stirling.

P. S. We beg leave to inform your Lordship that we have understood the ship will be convoyed to sea by a

County Committee to has not already been

that you cause a large, respectable be elected in your County, if that

is,

ing

we

among

it

effectually

pray, and obtest you, as you tender not only your own welfare and happiness, but, also, the success of the American Colonies in their present struggle for liberty, that you exert yourselves to put an amicable period to all dissensions in your County, and bring about a perfect union

many

service, unless

influence.

We entreat,

1032

1776.

your zeal in the publick service, permit us to inform you that we have this moment received advice of your design to employ a sloop, now loading at Elizabethtown-Point, under the protection of this Committee, and the direction of Mr. Nicholas Low, of this city, to seize the Despatches now on board Captain Cooper. Though we do not, alto-

to to wit the Officers of Beat No. 13, in the said City, David Wolf, Captain ; Joseph Winter, First Lieutenant Christian Wolf, Second Lieutenant ; and Philip Phcenix, Ensign.

At

:

;

entertain the

)

^

highest sense of

Van

Letters to sundry Members of the Provincial Congress, each Letter being a copy of that drawn and agreed to on the 8th instant, were sealed, directed, and despatched.

Colonel Pfl/mer returned from the Continental Congress, and brought to the Committee Chamber liie Money sent The Defrom Congress by him and Colonel Brasher. puty Treasurer being this evening from home, with the consent of Mr. Sands, Ordered, That the said Money be deposited in a strong iron-chest at his house, and the key of the said chest given to Colonel Palmer or Colonel Brasher.

A certified copy of Resolutions of Congress, dated the 5th January, instant, respecting the Fortifications in the Highlands, were read and filed, and are in the words followjng, to wit

:

NEVV-YOilK

1033

COMMITTEE OF

" In Congress, January

"

The Congress resumed

5, 1776.

the consideration of the Report

of the Committee on the state of New-York, and having consulted the gentlemen sent to Congress by the Convention ol New- York, the same was agreed to as follows, to wit:

"Resolved, That for the reasons contained in the papers hereunto annexed, this Committee are of opinion that no further Fortifications ought to be erected at Marielaer's Rock, on the Hudson-River, and tliat a point of land at Pooplopen's Kill, on the said River, ought, without delay, to be effectually fortified. "Resolved, That it be recommended to the Convention, or in their recess, the Committee of Safety o( New-York, to carry into execution the above Resolution. " Extract from the Minutes:

"Charles Thomson, &crcidd shut them up, or overturn them, and mentioned CapBuchanan and others, as witnesses, to support the iii!;i The said Azor Betts does not, in general, deny charge. the charge, or desire any other witnesses to be called, but alleges that he did not mean to include all the members of Congresses and Committees, and supposes there are some good men among them, and at same time confesses that Captain Buchanan will give the like testimony as Christopher Duyckinck has done. Thomas Service, who had been committed for carrying some person on board of one of the ships-of-war without any permit. He was admonished for his bad conduct and informed of the consequences if he should be taken in the like act hereafter, and was discharged. Robert Simmons, confined by the City Committee, was brought in before the Committee. Simon Cox, a person recommended to the Committee for his integrity, was produced as a witness. He declares ;

Simmons, the prisoner, offered him two pair of Silver Buckles, which he said were worth forty Shillings, if he that

would

suffer

him

to escape.

Robert Simmons was recom-

mitted.

Captain John Btichanan says he heard ^zor^e^s damn the Congresses and Committees, and say they had taken the bread out of his mouth ; that his business was inoculation.

That the said Azor Bttts has taken great pains to prevent Joseph Hunt, an Ensign in Captain Tylee's Company, from taking his commission. Peletiah

Haws

gives

the like testimony as to

Azor

Bettf.

Lawrence Hartwick, brought before the Committee. Captain John Buchanan says that he has heard that Lawrence Hartwick is very unfriendly to the liberties of A tnerica, and that he frequently went on board of the man-ofwar, and it is reported that he carried the names of persons in this city on board, who are active for their country. Captain Buchanan says that he lias heard Lawrence Hart-

1716.

1044

wick declare that he had been on board of the man-of-war, would go on board again when he pleased, and would see who would hinder him. Mr. Scott departed with leave,

Lawrence Hartwick says he wanted a Musket, and went on board to buy a Musket, and bought one of the Armourer and paid the money for it that the gun was to be sent to him by the Pilot, but was not sent, and he went on board ;

afterwards, at different limes, for his

money.

That when

he was on board the ship Asia, Mr. Tylee was there, who asked him if he knew Captain Tylce at tlie ship-yards, and answered yes, and told him that he wanted to speak to him ; that he told him he was not yet going on shore, and he might have an opportunity to speak to him. That after he came on shore he found a letter in his pocket, directed Captain Tylee, which he delivered two days afterwards, but does not know how he received it. That he never showed the letter to Captain Vandcput or any of his Oflicers.

Captain Nathaniel Tylee says he received a letter from Sunday morning, in November last that Hartwick told him Lieutenant Tylee had put it in his pocket in the gun-room that the letter had been sealed with a wafer and broken open, and re-sealed with a very large seal of wax. That on thai evening the ship's decks were cleared, and some person informed him they expected a party and were in readiness. The letter was read; it has evident marks of being opened and re-sealed. That he charged Hartwick with breaking open the letter, and Hartwick denied it. Captain Tylee gave the same information which was given to the Committee a few days ago, to wit: that Capthe prisoner on a

;

;

Vandeput told Tylee, the prisoner, in tiie ship Asia, that he had seen his letter, and his friend had betrayed him. That he would not use him ill, but that he set another tain

Sentry over him. John Butter says that about the same time, McDonald and Hampton got on board the man-of-war, Hartwick came several times from on board the man-of-war. That one evening when Hartwick and Leonard came from on board, they were told it was very wrong, and they said they would go on board when they pleased, and they would see who would hinder them ; that Hartwick, in particular, said so; that he has understood, in general, that Hartwick is very much opposed to the measures of the Congress. Hartwick denies that he told Tylee that the letter was put in his pocket in the gun-room. John Hunter says, that HartivicWs wife declared that when he found the letter in his coat-pocket, he said he would send it back on board of the man-of-war. John Kell says that, one day last fall, Lawrence Hart-

wick

him there was a fine wind, and troops expected; would give the Whigs a drubbing presently ; that he bad advised Hartwick not to go on board of the manof-war, but he persisted that he would go. told

that they

The Committee then took into consideration the case of Azor Belts, and, after some time spent in consideration the Committee conceive that he is a dangerous and to prevent the bad tendency of his wicked practices, ought not to be permitted to go at large; and that, by the Resolutions of the Continental Congress, they are authorized, and that it is their duly to have him confined. thereof,

person

;

Resolved, therefore, That the said Azor Betts be sent County Jail, to be there confined in close jail until the further order of the Continental or Provincial Congress, or of this Committee. to Ulster

The Committee then took into consideration the case of Robert Simmons, and are of opinion that his many mischievous machinations and wicked practices are so dangerous, that he ought to be kept in safe custody, and that,

by

the Resolutions of the Continental Congress of the 2d January instant, they are authorized, and that it is their duty

have him confined in closed jail and that as he has attempted to corrupt the Sentry at the Barrack, where he has been confined, thai it will be unsafe to keep him as a prisoner without having him fettered or manacled. to

;

Resolved, therefore. That the said Robert Simmons be to Ulster County Jail, to be there confined in close jail until the further order of the Continental or Provincial Congress, or of this Committee ; and ordered that

conveyed

:

NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JANUARY,

1045 Colonel

Mc Dougall cause

the said Robert

Simmons

to be

fettered or maiiiicled, so as to prevent his escape until

can be sent

to Ulster

:

:

he

County.

1046

1776.

respect our Colony, and a third for the exchange of Lieutenant Tylee, of General fVoosier's Regiment, now a pri-

soner on board the Asia. " are, with the highest regard, gentlemen, your most obedient, and very humble servants,

We

Dio

The Committee of

Soils, 9 ho.

A. M., January

14, 1776.

" James Dltane, " William Floyd,

Safety met at the City-Hall pursuant

to adjournment.

Present Pierre Van Cortlandt, Chairman, and the other Members in the city, except Mr. Scott.

" Henuy Wisner."

:

As no business of so much importance appeared immediately necessary, as to require the Comuiittee to continue their attendance this day, the Committee, therefore, adjourned to meet at ten o'clock to-morrow morning.

"To

the Honourable

The Resolves instant, relating

10 ho. A. M., Dio Lunie, January

15, 1776.

The Committee met

pursuant to adjournment. Present Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., Cliairman, Colonel McDougall, Mr. Scott, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Sands, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Tredwell.

Committee of Safety, New- York.

" P. S. We also enclose you several resolutions of Congress, which passed the 8ih instant, which we are directed to communicate, since we closed the preceding letter." of the Continental Congress of the 8th Batteaus at Ticon-

to the construction of

deroga, and sending Salt thither, and relating to the practicability of lessening the depth of water at the Narrows, was read and filed.

:

The Committee

of Safety are informed by a

Member,

two Men-of-War, and two Bomb-ships, are sailed from Boston. That they sailed from Boston on last Saturday week, and that a Letter from General fVashiiigton advising this Committee thereof, is on the way, and may be hourly expected. Thereupon, the Committee thought it necessary to have a proper person sent to the Narrows, with a glass, to look

The Resolve

of tlie Continental Congress of the same on the subject of raising Troops for Canada, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit: date,

"In Congress, January

that a fleet of eighteen sail of Transports,

out for any fleet that may be approaching this port and Captain Austin Lawrence being sent for, attended the ComHe agreed to proceed to the Narrows inmiedimittee. ately for that purpose; and proper directions were given to him, and signals agreed on, which shall be made at the Ferry, io give notice to the City.

8, 1776.

"Resolved, That to make up the Battalions voted for the defence of Canada, one Battalion be immediately raised in New-Hampshire, one in Connecticut, and one in NewYork; that two Battalions be formed out of the Troops now in Canada, and that General Montgomery, be desired to recommend proper persons for Officers in said Battalions.

;

Captain f'Villiam Dobbs was also sent for, and attended. was directed to take the Whale-Boat lately purchased by this Committee, with a proper number of men to row her, and proceed to the Light-House, and there observe carefully the approach of any Fleet, and to give immediate Mr. Dobbs was directed notice thereof to this Committee. to tarry one week, if no fleet appears sooner, and to be very frugal in his disbursements, which were particularly enumerated.

He

Ordered, That none of the Pilots at this Port shall go to Sandy- Hook, or to any other place towards the Hook, without the permission of this Committee, until the further order of tliis Committee. And Ordered, That no Pilot do presume to pilot into the Hook, or towards this port, any Transport with troops on board, or any Ship-of-War, or xMinisterial Armed Veswhatever.

sel

And

Ordered, That the Pilots be directed to attend this Committee to-morrow forenoon, in order that they may be charged with the matter of this Order, and 'to keep the same secret.

A

Letter from James Duane, ffilliam Floyd, and

IVisner, E?qs., of the 11th instant, is Id

was read and

and

the words following, to wit

Gentlemen

11, 1776.

We

are honoured with your favour of 4th instant, requesting the permission of Congress to export a

quantity

you mention.

:

of flaxseed to Ireland, for the purpose the object, we are per-

However important be

expect an indulgence so re|)ugnant to the non-exportation system, and, particularly, to the motives of this article of our commercial restriction, which were thought to be very cogent. Not relying entirely on our own judgment, we have consulted several of the Members, and find them so averse to the proposition, that we despair of its being seconded by a We think it bad policy, and an humiliasingle Colony. tion of our respectahle constituents to ask, in their names, for what we foresee must be rejected. Upon these confectly satisfied tiiat

it

will

in

vain

to

we

shall take the liberty to defer any appliinformed of our apprehensions, we shall be favoured with your further commands. If you should still incline to hazard the attempt, we shall, most cheerfully,

siderations,

cation

and Major Gansevoort, be continued in the service of the United Colonies, and that they take the command of the above Battalion to be levied in the Colony of New-York. " Extract from the Minutes :

"

till,

obey your directions. " VVe enclose you two resolutions of

this

Congress which

Charles Thomson,

Secretary."

The Resolve

of Congress of the 9th January, relating to the Militia of Orange and Ulster Counties at the New Garrison, was read and filed.

A

Resolve of Congress of the 11th instant, recommendexchange of Lieutenant Tylee, was read

ing to procure the

and

filed.

A

Resolve of Congress directing General Schuyler to be furnished with an account of Moneys advanced to the Troops of his Department, was read and filed. Philip Livingston, Esq., one of the Delegates of this Colony, came into the Cotnmittee and conferred with them on sundry matters, and delivered to them certified copies of sundry Resolutions of the Continental Congress, on different days, from 25th November to the 2d instant, which were read and filed, and are in the words following, to wit "In Congress, November 25, 1775.

" The Congress resumed the Report of the Committee on General Washington's Letter ; and the same being debated by paragraphs, was agreed to as follows " The Committee to whom so much of the Letter from General Washington

" Philadflphia, January

"

Henry

filed,

" The other three Battalions to be sent from Pennsylvania and New-Jersey. " That Colonel Van Schaick, Lieutenant-Colonel Yates,

to the

President, dated the 8th in-

stant, as relates to the disposal of the Vessels

and Cargoes

belonging to the enemy, which shall fall into the hands of, or be taken by the inhabitants of the United Colonies, and so much of the Report of the Committee of Congress,

went to the Camp at Cambridge, as related were referred, have examined the matter thereof, and directed the same, as it api)ears to them, to-,

which

lately

to that subject,

gether with the Resolutions of the Committee thereupon,, to be reported as followeth

"

:

appears to your Committee, from undoubted information, that many Vessels which had cleared at the respective Custom-Houses in these Colonies, agreeable to the regulations established by acts of the British Parliament, have, in a lawless manner, without even the semblance of just authority, been seized by His Majesty's ships-of-war, and carried into the Harbour of Boston, and other ports, where they have been rifled of their cargoes by order of His Majesty's Naval and Military Officers there commanding, without the said Vessels having been proceeded against by any form of trial, and without the charge of having offended against any law. It

:

NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JANUARY,

1047 "

It

been

further appears to your

issued in His Majesty's

Committee

name

to the

that orders liave

commanders of

ships-of-war, " to proceed as in the case of actual rebellion against such of the sea-port towns, and places being accessible to the King's ships, in which any troops shall be raised, or military

said orders, the

works erected," under colour of which

commanders of His Majesty's

said ships-

of-war have already burned and destroyed the flourishing and populous town of Falmouth, and have fired upon, and much injured several other towns within the United Colonies, and dispersed at a late season of the year, hundreds of helpless women and children, with a savage hope, that those may perish under the approaching rigours of the season, who may chance to escape destruction from fire and sword, a mode of warfare long exploded amongst civilized nations.

"

It, also,

appears to your Committee, that the good peo-

ple of these Colonies, sensibly affected by the destruction

of their property, and other unprovoked injuries, have at last determined to prevent, as much as possible, a repetition thereof, and to procure some reparation for the same, by fitting out armed vessels and ships of force. In the execution of which commendable designs, it is possible that those who have not been instrumental in the unwarrantable violences above-mentioned may suffer, unless some laws be made to regulate, and tribunals erected competent to determine the propriety of captures, whereupon, your Committee

"'

came to the followin;; Resolutions: That all such ships-of-war, frigates,

1st.

sloops, cut-

and armed vessels, as are, or shall be employed in the present cruel and unjust war against the United Colonies, and shall fall into the hands of, or be taken by the inhabitants thereof, be seized and forfeited to, and for the purposes hereinafter mentioned. " 2d. On motion made, and the question put, " 'Resolved, That the second article or resolution be recommitted. The same (as brought in and agreed to the 19th December,) is as follows: ters,

1776.

1048

" ' 7th. That when any vessel or vessels shall be fitted out at the expense of any person, or persons, then the ca|)lures made shall be to the use of the owner or owners of the said vessel or vessels that where the vessels employed in the capture shall be fitted out at the expense of any of the United Colonies, then one-third of the prize taken shall be to the use of the captors, the remaining two-thirds to the use of the said Colony; and where the vessels so employed shall be fitted out at the Continental charge, then one-third shall go to the captors, and the remaining two;

United Colonies; provided, neverthe capture be a vessel of war, then the captors shall be entitled to one-half of the value, and the thirds to the use of the

That

theless.

if

remainder shall go to the Colonies, or Continent, as the case n)ay be ; the necessary charges of condemnation of all prizes being deducted before any distribution is made. " 8th. That the captures heretofore made by vessels fitted out at the Continental charge were justifiable, and that the distribution of the captors' share of the prizes by General Washington be confirmed. '

" 'Resolved, That

ought to have and

in

case of recaptures, the recaptors

retain, in lieu of salvage, one-eighth

part of the true value of the vessel and cargo, or either of

them,

the same hath or have been in the possession of the hours; one-fifth part if more than twenty-

if

enemy twenty-four

four and less than forty-eight hours one-third part if more than forty-eight, and less than ninety-six hours, and onehalf if more than ninety-six hours, unless the vessel shall, after the capture, have been legally condemned as a prize by some Court of Admiralty, in which case the recaptor ought to have the whole ; in all which cases the share retained, or prizes to be divided between the owners of the vessel making the recapture, the Colony, or the Continent, as the case may be, and the captors, agreeable to a former ;

'

" 'Resolved, That all transport vessels in the same seron board any troops, arms, ammunition, clothing, provisions, or military or naval stores of what kind soever, and all vessels to whomsoever belonging that shall JDs employed in carrying provisions, or other necessaries to the British army, or armies, or navy, that now are, or hereafter shall be within any of the United Colonies, or any

resolution.

" 'Resolved, That in the present situation of affairs it be very dangerous to the liberties and welfare of America, if any Colony should, separately, petition the King or will

either

House of Parliament.' "

vice, having

goods, wares, or merchandise, for the use of such fleet or armies, shall be liable to seizure, and with their cargoes shall be confiscated.

" 3d. That no master, or commander of any vessel shall be entitled to cruise for, or make prize of any vessel or cargo before he shall have obtained a commission from the Congress, or from such person or persons as shall be for that purpose appointed in some one of the United Colonies. " 4tli. That it be, and it is hereby recommended to the several Legislatures in the United Colonies, as soon as possible to erect Courts of Justice, or give jurisdiction to the Courts now in being, for the purpose of determining concerning the captures to be made as aforesaid, and to provide that all trials in such case be had by a jury under such '

'

qualifications as to the respective Legislatures shall

seem

expedient.

" '5th. That all prosecutions shall be commenced in the Court of that Colony in which the capture shall be made but if no such Court be at that time erected in the said Colony, or if the capture be made on open sea, then the prosecution shall be in the Court of such Colony as the captor may find most convenient, provided that nothing contained in ;

this resolution shall

be construed so as to enable the captor

remove his prize from any Colony competent to determine concerning the seizure, after he shall have carried the to

any harbour of the same. " '6th. That in all cases an appeal shall be allowed to the Congress, or such person, or persons, as they shall apvessel so seized within

point for the

of appeals; provided the appeal be demanded within five days after definitive sentence, and such appeal be lodged with the Secretary of Congress within forty days afterwards ; and provided the party appealing shall give security to prosecute the said appeal to effectl and in case of the death of the Secretary during the recess of Congress, then the said appeal to bo lodged in Congress within twenty days after the meeting thereof. trial

" In Congress, December II, 1775.

"Resolved, That the Selectmen of the town of Sherin Nantucket, prepare an estimate of the quantity of Fuel and Provisions necessary for the use of the inhabitants of said Island, and lay it before three or more Justices of the Peace for the County of Barnstable, in the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, attested by the oath or affirmation of the said Selectmen, and that the said Justices be empowered to grant licenses under their hands to any master or owner of vessels in the said Island to import Fuel and Provisions from the Colonies o( MassachusettsBay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, Neiv-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Lower Counties on Delaware, or Maryland, not exceeding the quantities specified in said estimate." bourn,



"December 26, 1775. Whereas, an estimate hath lately been formed of the publick expense already arisen, and which may accrue in defence of America, to the 10th day of June next, in pursuance whereof, this Congress on the 24ih day of November, resolved, that a further sum of three millions of Dollars be emitted in Bills of Credit "Resolved, therefore. That the Thirteen United Colonies be pledged for the Bills of Credit so directed to be emitted that each Colony provide ways and means to sink its proportion of the said bills in such manner as may be most effectual and best adapted to the condition, circumstances, and equal mode of levying taxes in each Colony. That the proportion or quota of each respective Colony be determined according to the number of inhabitants of all ages, including negroes and nmlattoes in each Colony. " That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions, or Councils, or Committees of Safely of the respective Colonies to ascertain by the most impartial and ;

means in their power, the number of inhabitants each respective Colony, taking care that the lists be authenticated by the oaths of the several persons who shall be intrusted with this service and that the said Assemblies, Conventions, Councils, or Committees of Safety do respectively lay before this Congress a return of the number of inhabitants of their respective Colonies as soon as the same shall be procured. " That each Colony pay its respective quota in four equal effectual in

;

—— NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JANUARY,

1049

payments, the first to be made on or before the last day of November, 1783; the second on or before the last day of November, 1784; the third on or before the last dayof JVovember, 1785; and the fourth, or last, on or before the last day of November, 1786. And that for this the several Assemblies or Conventions provide for laying and levying taxes in their respective Colonies towards sinking the Continental bills; that the said bills be received by the collectors in payment of such taxes, and be by the collectors, paid into the hands of the Provincial Treasurers, with all such other

moneys

as they

may

receive in lieu of Continental bills;

which other moneys the Provincial Treasurers shall endeavour to get exchanged for Continental bills, and where that cannot be done, shall send to the Continental Treasurers the deficiency in silver and gold, with the bills making up the quota to be sunk that year, taking care to cut by a circular punch of an inch diameter a hole in such bills, and to cross the same, thereby to render them impassable, though the sum, or value, is to remain fairly legible and

1050

1776.

been, by the respective Colonies, presented to the Throne or either House of Parliament, since the year 1762, and that they, also, inform the Congress whether any, and what answers were given to them. "Extracts from the Minutes:

" Charles Thomson, Secretary."

The Committee then spent a considerable time in examining a draft of the soundings of the most likely ])lace to obstruct the navigation to this City, which had, on their first meeting, this morning, been produced to them by Colonel McDougall, and considering of means to carry that matter into execution. Die Lunoe, 4 ho. P. M., January

5,

1776.

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present P. Van Cortlandt, Esquire, Chairman, Colo:

nel

McDougall, Mr.

Scott, Colonel Brasher,

Mr. Sands,

Mr. Brewster, Mr. Tredtvell, Mr. Clarke.

;

the Continental Treasurers, as fast as they receive the said quotas, shall, with the assistance of a Committee of five persons to be appointed by the Congress if sitting, or by

the Assembly, or Convention of tjie Province of Pennsylvania, examine and count the Continental bills, and in the presence of the said Committee burn and destroy them ;

and the

silver

and gold sent them

to

make up

they shall retain in their hands until demanded in redemption of Continental bills that may be brought to them for that purpose, which bills so redeemed they shall also burn and destroy in the presence of the said Committee and the Treasurers whenever they have silver and gold in their hands for the redemption of Continental bills shall advertise the same, signifying that they are ready to give gold or silver for such bills to all persons requiring it in exchange. ;

be recommended to the several Legislatures in these Colonies, whether Assemblies or Conventions, to pass acts or ordinances prohibiting the arrest of Continental soldiers for small debts ; and in order that the

same

rule

it

may pervade

be arrested

all

at the suit of

the Colonies, that no such soldier

any of

his creditors unless the said oath that the said soldier is justly indebted to him in the sum of thirty-five dollars, over and above all discounts ; and that the estate of no such soldier be liable

creditor

make

to attachment at the suit, or for the benefit of tors, unless their

by

all his

credi-

debts in the whole on being ascertained

their oaths shall

amount

to

more than one hundred and

" Whereas, this Congress by a resolution passed the 15th day oi July last, did direct that every vessel importing into these Colonies, Gunpowder, Saltpetre, Sulphur, and other Military Stores therein specified, within nine months from the date thereof, should be permitted to load and export the produce of these Colonies to the value of such Powder and Stores aforesaid, the Non-Exportation' Agreement notwithstanding, by permits from the Committees of the several Colonies to the end, therefore, that this Congress may be the better informed of the quantity of military stores, which are or shall be so imported, and of the produce exported in consequence of the resolution aforesaid "Resolved, That it be recommended to all Committees by whom any permits under the said resolution have been or may be granted, to transmit to this Congress from time ;

:

to time, a true account of the Military Stores, &c., imported, and of the produce exported, with the price and value

of both."

"December 29, 1775.

Resolved, That as the importa-

any universally necessary commodity, and the exportation of our produce to purchase the same, must give

tion of

a proportionably greater opportunity to our enemies of making depredations on the property of the inhabitants of these Colonies, and of occasionally distressing them by intercepting such commodities, it is earnestly recommended to the several Assemblies or Conventions, immediately to promote by sufficient publick encouragements the making in their

"January

McDougall to

this

Com-

persons, in Philadelphia, It

is

Ordered, That Colonel

McDougall

delay, cause the said Alexander Lesslie, and

do, without

other perhouse, to be apprehended and kept in safe custody till further order of this Committee; and, also, at the same time to cause diligent search for and to be secured, all papers that may be found in the said house, sons to be found

in

in his

any wise relating

onel

all

to

McDougall make

such correspondence, and that Colreport in the premises with all con-

venient speed.

This Committee being informed that a number of the Continental Soldiers, who were inlisted in Captain Denton's Company, are returned to Orange County with their muskets, bayonets, and cartouch-boxes, and accoutrements, which belong to the Colony, Resolved and Ordered, That each Committee in the County of Orange be requested immediately to secure the Arms and Accoutrements of each of the said Soldiers, and from time to time, secure the publick Arms and Accoutrements of every discharged Soldier who shall come within their respective Districts, and place the same in the hands of the respective Chairmen of the said Committees, or such other prudent and trusty persons as by the said Commitlate

tees, respectively, shall be appointed.

fifty dollars.

of Salt

being represented by Colonel

which he also named, that Alexander Lesslie, of this city, peruke-maker, has been carrying on a correspondence, dangerous to the liberties oi America, with some person, or

the deficien-

cies of quotas

"Resolved, That

It

mittee, thai he has information from undoubted authority,

respective Colonies."

1776. Resolved, That the Assemblies, Conventions, or Committees or Councils of Safety, be requested forthwith to transmit to this Congress, copies of all the Petitions, Memorials, and Remonstrances, which have 2,

The Committee

then heard the Letter from the Delenow at Continental Congress, and the several Resolves of Congress lately received, read, and spent some time in consideration thereof. gates of this Colony,

Die Martis, 10 ho. A. M., January 16, 1776.

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esquire, Chairman, Scott, Colonel McDougall, Mr. Sands, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Clarke.

Mr.

The Petition of Captain Jocoi Mott, Jackson Mott, iind Jacob Weeks, of Queen's County, acknowledging the imprudence of their past conduct, engaging their future attachment to their country, and giving a certificate of their having signed the Association, thereupon the Committee gave them a certificate in the words following, to wit: The Petition of Captain Jacob Mott, Jackson Mott, aod Seaman Weeks, of Queen's County, was read, setting forth that they, by the persuasion of persons conceived by them to be their friends, voted against the election of Provincial

Delegates, in the late election in that County, for which they declare their extreme sorrow and sincere repentance; that they, without reflecting on the ill-consequences of opposing such election, (which they now are convinced was highly necessary to the preservation of American liberty,) were led to such opposition by the artful insinuations of designing men. They, therefore, pray this Committee to consider their case, and restore them to the good opinion of the friends to liberty on this Continent, by declaring

to

the world that the Petitioners are extremely

contrite for their late conduct election,

and

to

in

opposing the aforesaid

do such other things

for restoring

them

to

'

s;

:

NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JANUARY,

1051

tbe favour of their countrymen as to this Committee shall seem meet. Which Petition was attended witii a certi6cate o( Ben-

jamin Sands, Chairman of the Comnjittee ol Coie-Ncck and Great-I^eck, purporting that the Petitioners, since they were advertised by the Provincial Congress, liad expressed their sorrow for their past conduct, and that they were led on by wicked and designing men, and that they iiave signed the General Association and promised obedience to all orders of Congress. Upon due consideration of the premises, and well knowing that the late Resolves of the Congress against the delinquents of {Queen's County, were intended to convince them of their demerits, and bring them to a just sense of their duty to the publick, it is Ordered, Thai the said Petitioners be restored to the

which they were before the passing state of these Resolves, during their respective future good beand condition

in

haviour.

The Committee then resumed the consideration of the Resolves of Congress relating to the Fortifications at the Highlands, and thereupon agreed upon Instructions to the Commissioners

in the

words Ibllowing, to wit

Instructions to the Commissioners for the Fortifications on

Hudson's River. In consequence of a Resolve of the Continental Congress, of the 5th instant, that no further fortifications ought

be erected at ]\tartelaer's Rock, on Hudson's River, and that a point of land at Pooplopen's Kill, on the said river, ought without delay to be effectually fortified, it is Ordered, 1st. That the timber designed for the additional Barracks at Martelaer's Rock, and not yet erected, be removed by the first opi)orlunity to Pooplopen's Kill, there to be applied to use pursuant to some future to

order.

2d. That the timber

now

lying at Martelaer's

Rock,

destined for the line now under construction, be not removed or applied to any use till further order, and for that purpose.

3d. As this Committee is informed that the line for the intended Battery on Martelaer's Rock, is very near bein" finished, and as, perhaps, it may be completed with a base of fifteen feet thick, without much additional expense, that the Commissioners do immediately return a very particular and minute state and condition of the said line, describing its length and its thickness at the base, whether it be filled up to the height to which it is now raised, and all the materials of which it consists, with a computation of the extraordinary expense that may attend the extension of its base to the thickness of fifteen feet, and all other circumstances relating to the satne that may tend to enable this Committee to judge whether it would be best to recommend to the Continental Congress the completing of the

That Colonel Isaac Mcoll, of the Minute-Men in Orange County, who is nominated to the command of the Fortification on Hudson's River, be received and obeyed 4th.

command

officer, or

to

till

till

the arrival of a proper Continental

further order, pursuant to a

commission given

Committee for that purpose. As this Committee is informed that the Powder

him by 5th.

this

Rock cannot be, as yet, placed Magazine, on account of its dampness, that the Commissioners, in conjunction with Colonel JSicoU, take effectual means, by tightening the roof and keeping constant fires, and otherwise, as in their discretion shall seem

lately sent to Martelaer's in

fit,

the

to

fit

it,

der; and, all

1052

three thousand six hundred and fifty-eight Shillings and nine

Pence

is

Pounds three

due to him.

Ordered, That Peter T. Curtenius, as Congress, purchase, on Continental thousand bushels of Salt, and forward the Livingston, Esq., or his order, at Albany, this

Commissary of account,

same

to

with

all

three

Walter conve-

nient speed.

Ordered, That the said Commissary examine the Arms at the gunsniiths, preparing for Lord Stirling's troops, and take care that they are good and properly finished, and that lie direct the gunsmiths in this city not to sell any Arms to any person who resides out of this Colony, until the further order of the Provincial Congress or of this Committee.

now

Ordered, further. That the said Commissary purchase seventy Blankets for Soldiers, on the best terms which he can procure them. Mr. Curtenius requested, by marks in Day-Book, and by every other proper method, to distinguish between Continental and Provincial charges, so as to keep them in separate accounts.

Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., as Treasurer of the Congress of this (.'olony, advance to Peter T. Curtenius, as Commissary of the Congress of this Colony, the sum of six thousand Pounds, to enable him to comply with the orders given to him by the Provincial Congress and this Committee that the said Treasurer pay this Order out of the Provincial Money of this Colony, and take Mr. Curtenius's receipt for the same. ;

Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., as Treasurer of the Congress of this Colony, advance to Colonel Alexander McDougall the sum of five hundred Pounds, on account, for the subsistence of his Regiment that the said Treasurer pay this Order out of the Provincial Money of this Colony, and take Colonel McDougall' receipt for the same.

This Committee being

fully

convinced that

it

is

their

indispensable duty to endeavour to encourage and procure the making of Saltpetre in this Colony, in order to supply

the means of

defence, and that the manufacture of that tend to the great advantage of the Colony, conceive they cannot better discharge their duty on that matter, at present, than by having a small collection of tiie most plain and easy experiments for the manufacture of Saltpetre published; and Mr. Tredwell, one of the members, having collected copies of the said ex|)eriinents, a draft of an Introduction or Preface to the same was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit: its

article will ultimately

In Committee of Safety during the recess of Congres*,

January

The wicked

17, 1776.

) ]

practices of a corrupt Administration, and

compel an obedience to several Acts of the British Parliament, evidently subversive of all the rights and privileges which as God's rational creatures we are entitled to, and have, as Englishmen, inherited by the laws of our country, have constrained the inhabitants of those Colonies to take up arms for the defence of their lives, liberties, and property. The Ministry, flattering themselves that so young a country, unused to manufactures of every kind, will not be able to procure the means of defence within itself, have made, and will undoubtedly their hostile attempts to

said line.

in that

1776.

without delay,

in

the

mean

for the reception of the Powtime, that the Powder be kept with

due care from waste and damage. Di« Morcurii, January 17, 1776.

Tlie Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present : Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., Chairman, Mr. Scott, Colonel McDougall, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Tredmll, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Clarke. Mr. Sa7ids a very short time.

Mr. Curtenius delivered also, a separate

in a state

of his Accounts, and,

memorandum of moneys due from him on

the publick accounts,

whereby

it

appears that a balance of

continue to niake it a principal object of their attention, to preclude us from foreign supplies of military stores. This Committee would, therefore, conceive themselves most culpably deficient in discharge of their important trust as guardians of the publick security, should they not do all in their power to promote the manufacture of those articles. Without these, the greatest unanimity, virtue, and fortitude, can afford us little prospect of success in the present interesting struggle. To that end, this Committee have thought it necessary to publish the folloviing Essays upon the Manufacture of Saltpetre and Gunpowder, not doubting that a due consideration of the danger of resting the liberties and future happiness of this large and growing country upon foreign supplies, which will be extremely precarious, and at all events very expensive, will induce the inhabitants of this Colony to do every thing in their power to supply the Continent with those necessary ar-

:



:

NEW-YORK COiMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JANUARY,

1053

and the more effectually to urge individuals to attempt those manufactures, tliis Committee have thought it proper to preface those Essays with the following Resolution of the Continental Congress. By order of the Committee. tides

;

Ordered, That Mr. Tredwcll call on one of the Printers in this city, and engage him to print three thousand copies tluMCof on the account of this Colony, and to send that nuniher of copies to this Committee.

The Committee then resumed the consideration of the many Resolves received from the Continental Congress, and, thereupon, a draft of a Letter to General Schuyler, relating to Shipwrights, Carpenters, Scows, Batteaus, Salt, Provisions, reduction of old Troops and raising of new

Levies, was read and approved

of,

and

is

in

the words

following, to wit In Committee of Safety, New.York, January 17, 1776.

Sir: Lest copies of the enclosed have not been forwarded to you, our attention to the publick service points out the necessity of communicating them with such observations as occur to us on their different subjects. In the resolves respecting the transportation

of troops,

and stores, several things are left indeterminate, upon which, perhaps, it may be proper for us to have your particular sentiments, to enable us to execute such part of the business as may be within our department. provisions,

The number

of shipwrights for building batteaus are not

mentioned, and we submit it to your consideration whether ail, or how many should be shipwrights or house-carpenThe wages of the latter will be lowest, and, thereters. fore, ought to be preferred if they can sufliciently perform the service, and perhaps many may probably be engaged near you who are acquainted with that kind of work yet, we would beg leave to mention it as necessary, to employ as many of the carpenters of this city as possible, to prevent them and their families from starving, by means of the stagnation of business, which is more severely felt in this city than in any other part of the Province. With respect to batteau-men, many may probably be ;

engaged in the upper part of the country. Such as may be necessary to be supplied by us we will endeavour to procure. We, also, beg leave to hint, that in the present declension of trade the seamen of this port ought to be employed upon this article of service, as well as that of We beg you to inform us of the numbuilding batteaus. ber of hands you would desire us to procure, as, also, to know your sentiments about the pay we are to allow carpenters and batteau-men. The large quantity of provisions mentioned in one of We beg to know the resolves is entirely indeterminate. what you expect of us on that head. We have given orders for the immediate purchase of three thousand bushels of salt, which we shall send up the river as far as the season

will

We

permit.

would only add, that we beg leave

to trouble

you

with forwarding the resolves relating to the reduction of the old troops to two battalions, and the new levies to General Montgomery, and to assure you that we are, sir, with great respect and esteem, your most obedient ser-

:

;

1054

1776.

give immediate orders, that the barracks be prepared for the reception of the troops under your command, and will inform you when they are ready ; but we beg leave to hint,

must come provided with the

that the troops

bedding, except straw, as

we

shall

articles

of

not be able to supply

them.

About seventy or eighty of the have given the necessary orders rest

we

will

firelocks are ready,

and we

The

for their inspection.

gel finished as soon as possible.

But your

Lordship has forgot to inform us, whether we are to look to the Continental Congress, or your Provincial Congress for their cost. We have already been at great charge in the purchase of arms for our own troops, and at whose expense it is still undetermined. It behooves us, therefore, to be cautious of extensive advances on that head. With respect to the people of Statcn-Island, we have for certain reasons suspended the interdiction against them, till next Monday, the 22d inst. Their cases are now before the Continental Congress, and we beg you to desist from any measures against those people till the expiration of that term, unless you shall have received orders concerning them from the Continental Congress. We are, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant.

By order of the Committee. To the Right Honourable Earl

of Stirling.

Ordered, That a copy thereof he engrossed, and signed by the Chairman, and transmitted and that the Secretary enclose therein a copy of his Lordship's Letter, agreeable ;

to his request.

A

Letter from Peter

instant, assigning the

R. Livingston, Esq.,* of

ill

state of health

the 2d

of Mrs. Living-

ston, and the particular circumstances of his family, as the

reasons of his not attending this Committee.

Die Jovis 10 ho. A. M., January

18, 1776.

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., Chairman, Col:

onel McDougall, Mr. Scott, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Brewster, Mr. Tredwcll, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Sands a very short time.

Mr. Nicholas an Account,

in

Low

in

The Honourable

attending the Committee, delivered the words and figures following, to wit

the Provincial Congress of New-York, Bought of fVilliam Cannon,

462 quarter casks of Powder pounds each,

is

Paid cartage nine loads

to

ty-five

(nine loads) twen15J cwt., at £20, £2,.3I0 the lower Magazine, 3 8 1

£2,313 8 New.York, January

18, 1776.

Ordered, That Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., TreaMr. Nicholas Low two thousand three hundred and thirteen Pounds eight Shillings, for the above account, and that he take Mr. Low's receipt for the same. surer of the Congress of this Colony, pay to

Secretary enclose therein certified copies of the Resolves of the Continental Congress of the 8th instant, therein

By advice received by Lord Stirling's Letter, that part of the Troops under his command are to be stationed in the City of New- York, as soon as the Barracks can be ready to receive them, and fire-wood and other necessary materials furnished for their lodgment ; it is become necessary to appoint a Barrackmaster for the City and County of New- York, in the stead of Gerard Bancker, Esq., whose services to the publick are necessary in other departments and Mr. Garret Roorback of the said City being recommendod as very active and careful, and a proper person for

referred to.

that purpose,

vants.

By order of the Committee. To Major-General Schuyler, Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed and signed by the Chairman, and transmitted by post, and that the

The Committee then took

into consideration

Lord Scir-

and the same being again read, a draft of an answer thereto was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit

ling^s Letter of the 12th instant,

Manor LivinogroN, January 2, 1776. Sir I received a letter tliia day from throe of tlie gentlemen, deputies for this County, desiring my attendance immediately at York, being appointed one of the members of the Committee of Safety for this County during the recess of the Convention, and am extremtOy sorry to inform you, that the situation of Mrs. LiKingfton is such, that it is impossible for me to leave her am very sorry it is so. She is all alone here, in a bad state of health, with a largo family, and no assistance near hi;r her situation is such, that I can by no means leave her alone, and she has not strength sufficient to undergo the fatigues of a journey with nie. Therefore, must entreat the gentlemen to excuse me, till such time as Mrs. Livingtton't health will permit my leaving her, or bringing her down with me. Am, sir, with great reupect, your very humble servant, :

;

In Commilteo of Sifety, New- York,

January

Mr Lord We

17, 1776.

>

\

acknowledge your favour of the which we should have answered sooner, had the :

iiave to

12th inst., order necessary for despatching our multiplicity of business permitted it. shall this day appoint a Barrackmasler, leaving the settlement of his pay to Continental Congress, and shall

We

;

Peter R. Lnrmcsrojf.

To

the President of the

yorl the same to this Committee, as soon

1124

1776. to him, in

words follow-

ing, to wit:

Mr. Nicholas Low is hereby permitted to lade the Schooner Folly, William Montanye, Master, with Flaxseed and Lumber, on account of Mr. Isaac Governeur.

Sundry of those gentlemen being sent for, attended, and on request, engaged to undertake that service. They agreed and to meet for that purpose, to-morrow, at nine o'clock they are desired to take to their assistance any other prudent citizens vvliom tiiey may think necessary, and find

Colonel Curtenius, by request, attended the Committee. directed, and is hereby requested and directed, to have an exact inventory made of all the Shirts, Blankets, Osnaburghs, Bedding, Linen, and other stores, which now are, or were lately in a room at the Lower Barracks that he have those goods put in a secure store, under his care, and that he return an inventory tiiereof to this Committee. Colonel Curtenius informed the Conmiittee that MajorGeneral Lee had informed him that he has not any Commissary for his Guard, and has applied to him to supply the

willing to assist them.

said

Colonel liitzema, from Montreal, came to the Committee, and gave information of the present state of Canada,

Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius apply to Major-General Lee for his order or directions, what Rations he will order for his Guard, and that Colonel Curtenius supply the

as possible.

He was

;

;

and the troops there. Colonel Lott came to the Committee, and informed that the Mercury sloop-of-war, and the two transports, which sailed with her, are anchored near Slaten- Island. That he

In Committeo of Safety,

Gentlemen: The Mercury

New-Vork, February

11, 1776.

ship-of-war, with two trans-

ports under her convoy, are departed from this city, this

afternoon, and

we

Provisions.

General's Guard with Provisions, according to his order, and charge the same to Continental account.

met

several suspicious persons passing from Paulus-HooJc towards Killvaukull Ferry ; that he was informed by a person near Killvaukull, that he apprehended that the shipof-war and transports will commit depredations on the stock there. The Committee are of opinion that the most effectual measure to prevent such depredations is to request the Committee of Elizabelhtown to send a parcel of men to protect the stock on Slaten- Jsland horn depredations.

Guard with

"Philip Pelton

is

willing to serve his country in the ca-

I am the oldest of the naine in this city, and properly qualified for the busi-

pacity of a Captain, or Quartermaster.

ness."

" Gentlemen

I

:

am desirous Army.

of serving

1

shall use iny

John Vredenblrgh, Jun."

ble servant,

are well informed that they are anchored

near Stalen- Island. are apprehensive that they intend to commit depredations on the stock on Slaten- Island. applied to the Provincial Congress of your Colony yesterday, requesting that Colonel Heard, with some of his troops, should be sent to the Island for a few days, and sent that letter by Colonel Heard. We are apprehensive that Colonel Heard will come too late to prevent any attempt that may be made to take off the stock we, therefore, earnestly request you, on receipt hereof, to despatch a part of your IVlilitia to such parts of the Island where it is most likely any attempts of that kind may be made, to guard the Island until the said vessels are gone off, or Colonel Heard can arrive to their relief. If their design should be such as we suspect, they may, perhaps, be able to land about two hundred men. Please to inform Colonel Heard of this intelligence, and your proceedings in the premises. are, respectfully, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servants. By order of the Committee.

We

We

"Colonel *' Sir :

Abraham Brasher: The subscribers request you

and

liberties,

its

Chairman and Members of the Committee Eliza-

bethtoum.

Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed by the Chairman, and transmitted by express.

are,

sir,

in any corps they be pleased to appoint, and with great respect, your very humble servants, " John Burger,

" James Prichard." " February

"Jacob Reed, Jun., vice of his country.

Die

LuiiKi,

10 ho. A. M., February 19, 1776.

pursuant to adjournment. Oothoudt, Esq., Chairman, Colonel

Present: Henry McDougall, Mr. Scolt, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Mr. Sands, Mr. M. Grahnnu.^

An and

is

order from Major-General in the

words following,

Lee was read and

filed,

to wit

" IIcad-Qiiarters, February

"Sir: You

Tredtcell,

12, 1776.

give orders to the sentinels on the wharf to suffer those who produce a pass from the Committee of Safety to go on board the Governour's ship. will

"

"

To

the Officer

tin;

Port Guard."

Mr. Nicholas Low came into the Committee, and informed the Committee that he desires to go on in lading the Brig New-York. The Committee informed him, that ihey think he may proceed to lade the said Brigantine. Mr. Loiv, also, requested a permit to lade the Schooner Polly, ffilliam Montanye, Master, on account of Mr. Ni.cholas Governeur, with Flaxseed and Lumber.

1776.

Brasher in interesting for him. As he thinks himself capable, would wish for a First Lieutenancy, but rather than

fail

would accept of a Second." " New.York, February 2, 1776.

"Daniel Pelton

offers himself to the approbation of the

gentlemen of the Committee of Safety for the Province of New-York, to serve as Lieutenant in the troops to be raised under their direction.

"

To

Lieutenant-Colonel Brasher."

"New- York, February

2, 1776.

offers hiinself to the approbation of the

gentlemen of the Committee of Safety for the Province of Neiv- York, to serve as a Second Lieutenant in the troops to be raised under their direction. " N. B. Or Ensign." "New-York, February 7, 1776.

"Gentlemen: I would think it an honour to enter into the Continental service, to defend the just rights and privileges of my country, if your Honours shotdd think proper Your Honours' most to accept of me as a Lieutenant. humble "

To

James Barritt.

servant,

the Honourable Provincial Convention."

Charles Lee, Major-General.

commanding

6,

desirous of entering into the serWould be particularly obliged to Colois

nel

"Samuel Young

The Committee met

be pleased to

to the honourable

Lieutenants,

We

llie

will

Committee of Safety, that we are sincere friends to America and desirous to serve as First and Second

recommend them and inform them

;

To

my native coun-

utmost endeavours to discharge the duties of any office you shall see fit to appoint ine to. I am perfectly well acquainted with all the military manceuvres, having been for above three years in an Independent company. I am, gentlemen, your hnnvtry in the Provincial

"New-York, February

"

Gentlemen

As

there are a to be given out to the Continental :

beg to

offer

of the

Companies

6,

1776.

number of commissions Army, I would humbly

myself as a Captain, or First Lieutenant, in one to be raised, and am, with esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, " Joseph Marschalk. " To the Committee of Safety for the City and County of

New-York."

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1125

"Now. York, February "

Gentlemen

am desirous of serving my Provincial Army as a Lieutenant.

the

try in

;

I

10, 177G.

utmost endeavours to dischari;e the duties of tny office. jierfectly acquainted with all the military manoeuvres, having been lor four years in an Independent company. " I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant,

,, "

•'

"

To John

To

the Honourable Provincial Congress,

in

13, 1776.

a military capacity,

should be glad of an appointment to a commission

in

The

enclosed will easily explain

itself.

intelli-

gence you should observe, and take measures accordingly. A fund for necessary expenses should be fixed here in such You know who is to be trustbands as can be confided in. From experience, I can say, (though without any ed. connection, or commerce with them,) the New-England men are fittest to be trusted in any dangerous or important Show this only to R. H. Lee, of Virginia, enterprise. and he will guess from whence it comes. The intelligence, if it gets to hand in time, should be communicated as soon as possible to every part o{ America, that she may be prepared.

Dear Sir Your letter of the 30tli of November, 1775, announcing the appointment of a Secret Committee, Miscarriages will be manireached me a few days since. fold, indeed, if you have not frequently heard from me. All my solicitude has been about my letters reaching you I am, howevery disguise was necessary to effect that. ever, much obliged to the General for the step taken to secure me yet, 1 cannot tell to what fatality it is owing, that of the five, two are men of whom I have more diffidence than of any others, 1 had almost said, through the whole Continent. That 1 may be explicit, the second and If 1 am to commit mylast are men whom 1 cannot trust. self into an unreserved correspondence, they must be left This letter, out, and L's. or the A's. put in their places. I cantherefore, is to you, sir, and not to the Conmiittee. not imagine that what I desire can be deemed impertinent, :

;

;

considered that the very purpose of its appointment is, so far as it relates to me, disappointed by these members. The selection of them, instead of inspiring

when

it

is

confidence, gives me an apprehension, which I did not feel while they were in the general mass. You will be curious to know what ape the Ministerial intentions,

and

following

their

is

their force for the

next campaign.

The

army upon paper: Hessians, twelve thou-

saml ; Brunswickers, Woolfmbutlers, and iValdecken, five thousand six Regiments under Lord Cornwallis, three thousand eight more, to sail in the Spring, four thousand ; Highlanders, two thousand now in America, eigiit thou;

;

;

sand.

The

sailing,

and destination of

this

armament, is thus: are now embarked

Those under General Lord Cornwallis, at

Cork, and wait

ginia.

By

for sailing orders

the treaty, just

now

;

their destination, FiV-

signed, the

Germans

your

^ Matthew Llarkson.

,,

"

Monday, February

12, 177G.

with a sense of the obligation I lie under, of defending the liberties of America, I would beg leave to offer my services to the Congress, requesting I

"

To

New-

President of the Provincial Congress in

tlie

York."

Third, Ninth, Eleventh, Twentieth, and Twenty-Fourth. Lord Howe is appointed to the command at sea, but the com-

13, 1776.

The

sir,

"Sir: Impressed

the

ARTHUR LEE TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. London, February

am,

might be appointed to some commission (as the House might think fitting) in one of the new-raised battalions. " And reinain, sir, your most obedient servant, " John VV. Watkins.

New- York."

" NDw.York, February

" Ambitious of serving my country

I

Vanderbilt, Esq."

am

" William Myer, Living in Dock- Street, Netv- York.

"

very humble servant,'

use

my I

1126

1776.

battalions to be raised in this Province.

native counI shall

FEBRUARY,

&c.,

are

on the 27th of this month, to march to the sea-coast and embark, but for what |)art o( America is not the march by land is near six weeks, so exactly known The second embarkathat they cannot sail before April. tion from Cor/c will be about the same time; and, it seems probal)le, that their destination will bo against Canada, under Gmieral liurgoyne, who is soliciting that command. In the mean time the Twenty-Ninth Regiment, with General Carhton^s brother, is to sail from hence immediately, to reinforce (^nebeck, supposing that they can get high enough up the river, as far as the Isle o( Orleans, to make good their march by land. The reginienis under Lord Cornivallis to be ready

;

are the 'riiirty-Scventh, Thirty-Third, Fifty-Fourth, FifThose for the teenth, Twenty-Eighth, and Forty-Sixth.

Spring, are the Thirty-Fourth, Fifty-Third, Sixty-Second,

mander on land is not known; certain, however, it is, that two Lieutenant-Generals, and one of ihem old, that go with the Germans, so that it must be some one of great there are

reputation, and old in the service, to command over them. It is therefore conjectured, Count de Lijipe will be the

man. last

He commanded

war.

They

army in Portugal during the up East-lndiamen for the trans-,

the

are taking

port service, supposing tiiey will be able to beat oft' the great number of artillery and wagon-horses

cruizers.

A

are to be sent, and a train of large battering cannon is preparing, which, it would seem, can only be intended against (^itebeck, should it be taken by General Montgomery.

The English and Irish troops go with infinite reluctance, and strong guards are obliged to be kept upon the transports to keep them from deserting by wholesale. The Germans, too, 1 am well informed, are almost mutinous; but the Landgrave of Hesse is an absolute tyrant, and must be obeyed. It is, therefore, conceived, that if tiie Congress have proposals prepared in English and German, to distribute among them when they land, which no precautions can prevent, multitudes will desert. Upon the whole, the Ministry, if every thing

them,

favours

may have

about thirty tliousand men in America by the latter end of June. They will have no horse but two regiments of Light Dragoons, now there, and Burgoi/ne's,

which to the if

is

to go.

woods,

they act

them

If the it

Americans have horse welf (rained such an army infinitely and,

will harass

upon

the

defensive,

;

intrench

continually, cut off their convoys,

and

harass ever they

well, if

hazard an engagement, make their push upon one wing; imagined here that no General on earth can make the campaign decisive, and it is hardly possible this country can stand another. They have found it impossible to recruit in England, Ireland, or Scotland, though the leading people of the last, are, to a man, violently against America. They have, therefore, been obliged to draft from the other regiments to complete those which are going, so that when it is

whole are embarked, there will be scarce two thousand remaining in Ireland, and as many in England, besides the Foot Guards and Cavalry. 1 am well assured that the French Governn)ent will wink at the exportation of arms and ammunition. A General of the first abilities and experience, would "o over, if he could have any assurance from the Congress of keeping his rank but, that being very high, he would not submit to have any one but an American his superior, and that only in consideration of the confidence due to an American,m a question so peculiarly American. Let me have your opinion of all these things. The opposition gains grotmil, and the nation begins to feel ; but, America must trust to her own arm, and Heaven for protection. The Resolutions of January 2d do you infinite honour, and will undoubtedly serve the cause. Yourconduct, I trust, will be noble, as that is great and good. I know your attachment to tlie country you have adopted. Prince Ferdinand's recommendation of the General mentioned above, is in these words: " Si l' on veut un officier aprouvc intelligent, et brave ; je nc scai si nonpeut Irouver tlie

men

;

autre qui le vaille." ["As to experience, intelligence, and valour, 1 do not know whether another can be found to equal him."j Your letter of the 30ih o( November, 1775, cost nine-

tin

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he, FEBRUARY,

1127

teen shillings and six-pence postage, there was so much superfluous paper ; would not a packet sent to some o the Canary hlands, and committed to proper care, reach us safest

and soonest

lniste mizentopmast head. To speak with the Andrea Doria : A Dutch flag at the mizontop. mast head. To speak with the Cabot : A weft in a jack, at tlie mizentopmast

To

:

stafl^,

:

head.

To

speak with the Providence

:

A

white flag at the mizentopmast

head.

To

speak with the Fly

For any vessel

in the

:

A

Rxt

Dutch flag at the ensign staff". that wants to speak with the Commodore

Signals by night.

To weigh and come to

Three lights in the mizen shrouds abreast of each other, to bo answered by cacli ship with one light in the main sail

shrouds. To put about and stand upon the other tack: Two lights upon tho ensign staff", to be answered by the other vessels with one. To ware and stand upon tho other tack: Three lights upon the ensign staff, to be answered by the otiier vessels with two. To ware and stand before the wind : Two lights at the mizen peak, to be answered by three lights at the ensign stutf. For the fleet to heave too with their starboard tacks on board liglit in the starboard main shrouds, with one gun. To heave too with their larboard tucks on board : Two lights in tha larboard main shrouds, with two gims. For discovering strange vessels A light upon the ensign staff", with a fiilso fire, and as many false fires as vessels discovered. For discovering land or danger: Show a great number of lights, and fire guns, which is to be continued until every vessel in the fleet answer it by firing a gun each. For the fleet to attack or engage the enemy : Fire a gun, and as many false fires as there are sliips in the fleet. For meeting, after a separation : Two false fires, to bo answered by the same. For the fleet to anchor light at the maintopmast head, to be answered by a light at the same place when safe at anchor. :

:

:

:

:

A

A

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1181

them vvitli such necossaiies and if so to be, where, and in what manner it shall be procured. Please, therefore, to consider this point without delay, and inform us with your

servant,

opinion or resolve.

To

that frontier place.

We beg, therefore, that

you

upon this matter in particular, and favour us alike with your resolve undelayed. If our promised two companies, as above mentioned, would be wanting in any other places of the Province, will consult

we may almost assure, that to guard we shall be able to inlist another and

this frontier aforesaid,

third

company, under

Continental pay and the same provisions, as allowed to the other companies. remain, with respects, honourable gentlemen, your obedient, humble servants. By' order „ ^, „.

We

.

William hEEBER, Cnatnnan.

To

the Honourable Congress, or

New.York,

make

(in closa

confinement,) February 17,1776.

you with a few lines, in order to acquaint you with my situation. I have been in confinement four and thirty days three days at my own Louse, with twelve men and an ofEcer to guard me when sick in bed. I

1182

Adrian De Konde. New- York.

COLONEL EASTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Pittsfiold,

February, 1776.

Dear

Sir: It is with the utmost regret that I give your Excellency the trouble of this, knowing your great multiplicity of business. But Aiithfulness to the dear, deceased General Montgomery and his commands, a love of liberty and my country, obliges me to do it.

You will, sir, by the letters and orders enclosed, see the minds of the Generals who wrote them ; and, agreeable thereto, I called on General Schuyler, in my march from Montreal, showed him my orders, but he did not give me any particular orders. I have since sent to him, as the bearer can inform, but have got no answer. Should I be ordered to the Northward again with a regiment, I am sure no time is to be lost in raising it, and I beg your Excellency's direction in the premises, and am, with great esteem, your humble servant, James Easton, Colonel.

To

JOSEPH FRENCH TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

1776.

the Honourable Provincial Congress of

Committee of Safety,

New-York.

Sir:

FEBRUARY,

From, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble

;

We must further lay before you the situation of our exposed frontier place at Fort Stamvix, where good caution, against dangerous enterprises, desires a number of men to be posted, tending really for the preservation of the country; and besides, we must hear of the Oneida Indians, close neighbours to said fort, the necessity of such a guard in

ike.,

General Washinsrion. o

p. S. Pray your Excellency to send back General Montgomery's letter by the bearer. Captain Noble. J. E.

free to trouble

ROBERT

H. HARRISON

TO COLONEL EASTON.

;

I

gave security

to

Colonel

Heard

for

my

appearance

before your honourable House, or him, to answer any complaint alleged against me. I accordingly wailed on the Committee of Safely, who gave me a certificate, which I enclose

to

your care, and which

certificate

I

showed

to

Colonel Heard, who gave no attention to it, and ordered me to follow him. I accordingly followed him to Philadelphia, and was informed by several of the members of the honourable Coniinenial Congress, that no complaint lay before them concerning me. Colonel Heard then lay me under an obligation to go back to New-York, which I strictly complied with, and since my arrival here I have been closely confined, and do not know, in the least, what I have done to merit such As I have had the honour of being a member treatment. of your honourable House, I think I can say, with a clear conscience, that I have neither directly, nor indirectly, to the best of my knowledge, transgressed against the Association since 1 have signed it. I, therefore, would take it as a particular favour if you would state this, my case, before the honourable House, and release me from confinement. I shall always be ready, and willing, to answer before the honourable House any charge that can be alleged against me. After my compliments, I remain, with the greatest esteem, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

Cambridge, February 17, 1776.

Sir: 1 have it in command from his Excellency to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of instant, and to inform you that, as the Northern Department is more immediately under the care of Major-General Schuyler, his Excellency does not know upon what footing it

was

that you was ordered upon the recruiting your regiment. If any part of your regiment remains in Canada, the General takes it for granted that you are counted upon in the arrangements made for Canada. If it is to raise a new regiment, he does not think himself authorized to encourage you therein, without the approbation of Congress. The services you have done your country last campaign, mentioned in the letters to you from the late gallant General Montgomery, merit the acknowledgment of the publick. It will give the General pleasure to see you in a capacity to render future service, and acquire more honour. Therefore, if you find yourself excluded in the new arrangement for the Northern Department, it may possibly be through inadvertence, or for reasons which the General cannot be a proper judge of. If this should be the case, will it not be a proper step for you to take, to repair to Philadelphia, and produce these honourable testimonials of your merit? Lay them before the Congress, and I dare say you will not be neglected. This is only the private opinion of, sir,

yours, &JC.

To

Joseph French.

Colonel James Easton.

ROBERT

H.

HARRISON TO REVEREND JAMES LYON.

To Nathaniel

Woodhidl, President of the Honourable Provincial Congress, New- York.

N. B. The lime you called at my house, I acted agreeable to your request, but it had not the desired effect. The otlier gentlemen confined with me pray, also, that some indulgence might be given them on their petitions to the honourable House.

ADRIAN DE RONDE TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. Ncw-York, February

Gentlemen

of Congress.

1 7, 1

776.

having been informed that there are four battalions of Provincial troops to be raised within this Province for the defence of the same, and being willing to take an active part in the cause of my country, I lake this meand, thod of offering my services to your consideration that it may be evident to you that my object is not rank, but a desire of securing the liberties of my country from meditated destruction, I would accept of either a Majority or a Captaincy, as you in your discretion shall think fit. :

Cambridge, February 17, 1776.

Sir: I have it in command from his Excellency to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 25th December. He is much pleased with the zeal you exhibit for the promotion of American liberty, by endeavouring to add Nova-Scotia, as a link to that great chain which does, and I hope always will bind the United Colonies together. There have other applications of the same nature been laid before the General, which are now under the consideration

I

;

Your remark

is

very just, that secrecy

is

absolutely ne-

and when it undertaken, it must probably be on such a plan as you have pointed out. At present, his Excellency does not think it would succeed, as we have intelligence that may be depended on, that Brigadier-General Massey is arrived at Halifax, with the chief part of two battalions, so that the numbers you propose would, in all probability, be too few for the purpose ; and, if they were thought sufficient, his Excellency does not think himself authorized to add

cessary for conducting this affair with effect is

;

a

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc, FEBRUARY,

1183

iwo regiments to our forces, without tlie approbation of Congress. plan for the reduction of that I mentioned before, that a Province was under consideration of Congress, whicli, if they think proper to adopt, his Excellency has no doubt but that a gentleman who interests himself so much in the cause of America as you do, will give every assistance and advice for the accomplishment of this important business that

To

is in

your power.

the Reverend

I

Jfl/nci

am,

&ic.

Lyon.

HERBERT COURTENAY TO CHARLES CARROLL, BARRISTER. Ballimoro, February 18, 1776.

me a note which Mr. Purviof Safety, whereby it Council the from ance brought Captain Maris probable you may have occasion to see tin ; therefore, have given him orders to wait on the Council of Safety, with Mr. Spear^s captain. Should you have occasion to employ the brig Friendihip, Captain Martin, back here, with such returns as you may have ordered, I shall have no sort of objection, provided you insure her at one thousand pounds, this money, and allow a sufficient freight for such goods as she may bring back though Captain-^'/one intended she should bring some property of his, lying in the West- Indies, invested Sir: Mr. Spear showed bini

;

in salt,

&.C., with her freight

rum,

money

The

out.

vessel

a prime sailer, and has a Bermuda register, and manned with Negroes, save the Captain and Mate, which may probably be a cloak for her against the late resolution of the is

American vessels. I am satisfied you cannot employ a vessel more fitting than the Friendship, and should you determine on this, Captain Martin will take your orders respecting the homeParliament to seize

ward voyage, and will please write

proposal, as

I

and am, with

am all

all

shall

I

me

be glad,

such case, that you

acting only as an agent for Captain Stone, respect,

sir,

your most obedient, humble

*'^"^"''

To

in

a few lines, in conformity to the above

Herbert Courtenay.

1184

1776.

the hypocritical heart which pretends to expect it, when in truth it does not. The newspapers here are full of free speculations, the

tendency of which you will easily discover. The writers reason from topics which have been long in contemplation, and fully understood by the people at large in New-England, but have been attended to in the Southern Colonies only by gentlemen of free spirits and liberal minds, who are 1 shall endeavour to enclose to you as many of very few. the papers and pamphlets as 1 can, as long as I stay here. Some will go by this conveyance. Doctor Franklin, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Charles Carroll, o{ Carrollton, in Maryland, are chosen a Committee to go The characters of the two first you know. into Canada. The last is not a member of Congress, but a gentleman of independent fortune, perhaps the largest in America hundred and fifty or two hundred thousand pounds stereducated in some University in France, though a ling native of Amei-ica, of great abilities and learning, complete master of the French language, and a professor of the Roman Catholick religion, yet a warm, a firm, a zealous supporter of the rights of America, in whose cause he has Mr. John Carroll, of Maryland, a 7?ohazarded his all. ?non Catholick Priest, and a Jesuit, is to go with the Committee, the Priests in Canada having refused baptism and General Lee is to comabsolution to our friends there. mand in that country, whose address, experience, and abi-



;

added to his fluency in the French language, will give him great advantages. cannot insure The events of war are uncertain. success, but we can deserve it. 1 am happy in this provision for that in)portant department, because I think it the Your prubest that could be made in our circumstances. dence will direct you to comrnimicate the circumstances of

lities,

We

the Priest, the Jesuit, and the Romish religion, only to such persons as can judge of the measure upon large and geneThe rous principles, and will not indiscreetly divulge it. step was necessary, for the anathemas of the Church are

Yery terrible to our friends

in

Canada,

Charles Carroll, Esq., Barrister.

ALBANY (nEW-YORk) COMMITTEE.

JOSEPH SIMS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Albany Committee Chamber, February

Prince George's County, February 18, 1776.

During the sitting of the last Convention, of the several companies belonging to the Eleventh Battalion, of this Province, were appointed, except the Nottingham Company, which could not then be done for want of a choice being made by the people. Since that,

Gentlemen

:

tlie officers

lately, the people have had a meeting for that purpose, and have made choice of the following gentlemen, viz : Fielder Bowie, Esq., Captain ; Messrs. Robert Bowie, First Lieutenant, William Newman Dorsett, Second As it is necessary Lieutenant, and George Gant, Ensign. their commissions should immediately issue, I am desired

and very

by the company on purpose.

to apply for

them, and a messenger

is

sent

must, therefore, request you will direct your Clerk to up the commissions with the names of the above gentlemen, and enclose them to me by the return of this express, I

fill

who

will wait for that purpose.

am, gentlemen, with great regard, your most obedient, humble servant, j^,^^^^ g^^^ To the Honourable the Qouncil of Safety o{ Maryland. I

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN ADAMS TO A FRIEND, DATED PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 18, 1776. I sent you, from New- York, a pamphlet entitled " Com-

mon

Sense," written

in vindication

of doctrines which there

reason to expect that the further encroachments of tyranny, and depredations of oppression, will soon make the common faith, unless the cunning Ministry, by proposing is

negotiations and terms of reconciliation, should divert the

present current from

Reconciliation,

if

its

channel.

[iraclicable,

you very well know, would be

and peace,

if attainable,

as agreeable to

my

inclina-

and as advantageous to my interest as to any man's ; And but I see no prospect, no probability, no possibility. I cannot but despise the understanding wliicli sincerely expects an honourable peace, for its credulity, and detest tions,

The Committee

18, 1776.

Township of Schenectady, reGeneral Committee of the City and

of the

ported this day to the

County o{ Albany, that on the 15th day of January, instant, a Letter was laid before them under the signature of Beiijamin Hilton, and directed to Alexander White, Esq., Sheriff of the County of Tryon, an extract whereof is in the following words " Schenectady, December 22, 1775.

"Dear

Sir: LieutenantiVicZJonoW, whoisin town, just that .^rnoW, immediately on Iiis arrival before Queiec/r, sent a flag to demand from Colonel Maclean, an inmiediate surrender of the town. The messenger was conducted hoodwinked to Maclean, who told him, he would give Arnold a final answer in a few hours ; in the mean time, Colonel Maclean lined the houses of the town, past vih'ich Arnold was to pass, to take possession of the Colonel Maclean, at the expiration of the time, town. sent a messenger to Arnold to inform him, that he was extremely sorry he had it not in his power sufficiently to defend the town, therefore, was willing to surrender it to him without the effusion of blood, and might take possession of it as soon as he pleased. Arnold himself, with the greatest part of the troops, imtnediately went to take possession of the town, and after they had entered the gales, they were closed, and the troops that Maclean had placed in ambush, in the houses, immediately fired upon them, killed three hundred, and took the rest prisoners, among which Arnold is said to be. Maclean immediately sallied out of the town, pursued the remainder o( Ai-nold's men over the Plains of Abraham, and killed a great many of them; a fine stratagem, worthy of immortalizing jWrtc/ean'i name, and handing it down to the latest posterity in letters of gold. This seems very probable to me, and ftlr. McDonald says it may be depended upon. Arnold, before his arrival at ^uebeck, was obliged, in order to keep his men from starving, to kill all the horses and dogs he had

now informed me,

with him, and, after fare

;

all,

fell

short four days, in such fine

however, no better than they deserved.

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1185

" I should say more, but am in haste you excuse me, and believe me yours, sincerely,

"Benjamin Hilton." _,,

.

,

That the

,

_

,

.

,

r

1

Committee had, therefore Hmow, who avowed himself

said

said Jotn/nmiTi

sent

r for

.1

the

j>f„^„,^,.„-' ^^

the author ol

.

:

ceedings thereon at large. The inventory of the stock, the first article of losses and damages, amounting to fourteen thousand two hundred and thirty-four livres, was chiefly and really for the use and service of General iMontgomen/s Army, and taken away by his order for that purpose, for all which he promised 1,

;



Sworn before me, "Schenectady, July 14, 1775. " Cornelius CurLEii, Justice" further reported,

that they had thereupon

"Resolved, That the said Ben/omtn f/t7

Matthew

" Benjamin Hilton,

in

jj ^

Extracts from the Minutes

;

the Colonies

1186

1776.

prosecution.

the said Letter, and declared that he had wrote it to please the said White, whose sentiments he knew that he had wrote it, however wrong, in expectation that the contents thereof would never be discovered. The said Committee did further report, that the said Benjamin Hilton, on the 14th day of Ju/y last, had voluntarily, and without any solicitation, made before Cornelius Cuyler, Esq., the following Affidavit, to wit

and subversive of American

FEBRUARY,

following the said Letter, are further of opinion, that his sentiments are inimical to the liberties of this country; yet this Committee, disdaining the impotent attempts of the said Benjamin Hilton to traduce the proceeding of the

will therefore

;

fee,

sonable.

The twelfth article, was a large stone bouse on the Fort of St. John's, taken from my tenants, and into possession An indemnification 1 was proof the Ministerial troops. mised by General Carleton, as well as some other damages done by them, in the second article, all which 1 have now forfeited, as every other protection from the Government of England; I therefore hope this charge may appear reasonable. The thirteenth and fourteenth articles, are losses occurred in consequence of the foregoing, and, consequently, are

thought as reasonable a charge as any other. Thus I have gone through, and endeavoured to explain the nature and justness of the several charges, as far as in haste my poor capacity will admit ; and I hope the honourable Congress will meet with no difficulty in ordering me to be paid the amount, which is now clearly ascertained by credible evidences, on oath. You will please to remetnber, sir,

was a condition in the memorandum state of my afwhich I gave in to you in writing, when at Philudclphia, which, if I remember, was nearly in these words, viz: If I should be employed in the Continental service, 1 must be indemnified for the losses which I had sustained, on which I was willing to sacrifice my half-pay in defence of my country's cause; which I still adhere to, and would not wish to have any provision made by Congress for the that

fairs,

75

it

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1187

half-pay. I say 1 am willing to take the myself; but the damages will only put my interest on the same and a proper fooling, without which, it is my whole dependance for a future subI am ruined or, if sistence, should I live through the present troubles I should not survive, to pay off some debts, and leave a Whatever the honoursmall provision for my liitle family. able Congress are pleased to allow, 1 beg you will order It to be paid to the bearer of this, Mr. Joseph Torny, who has agreed to refund me, in hard specie, whatever he may receive from you in paper money, which is an advantage 1

my

FEBRUARY,

Sic,

1776.

1188

To

the total loss of a large field of grain, and sundry others of grass and hay, as per estimation, of Antoine Buke, Nicholas Manneer, and Francois Benoits, a chosen conmiittee, and attested to before a Notary Publick, on the 12lh December, 1775, 3,3.30 To a large field of peas, estimated by Francois Brosseau, Joseph Brossean, and John Baptiste Ganier, a committee appointed for that purpose, and attested to before a Notary Publick, on the 10th Decemi«r, 1775, 1,-300 To damages sustained and done to Mr. Ilazen's would not willingly lose. dwelling-house, barn, saw-mills, potash- house, I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, and smith's forge, and other buildings, per estimation most devoted, humble servant, ^^^^^ ^^^^^ of Mr. James Bell, Antoine Larose, Pierre SmiTo the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. cold, and others, the 17th November, 1775, 7,079 P. S. Lieutenant-Colonel Antill set out yesterday for To ditto, a farm at Colonel Bedel's camp, the post taken to cut off the communication from St. Quebeck, and I shall leave this to-morrow, on a journey I John's to Chambly and Montreal, . 528 intend to lake through the country, in order to facilitate and complete ihe regiment which I have the honour to To household furniture plundered and pillaged by the Continental Army and Canadians in arms have made a good beginning, and I hope, command. with General Montgomery, 7,200 in a few days, to have it in my power to acquaint you of 2,500 the desired success, as well in recruiting, as a friendly dis- To ditto, wearing apparel, But you must send a Com- To farming utensils and tools, 1,500 position of the Canadians. To smiths' and potash do, It is but a party of 1,000 mittee of Congress without delay. To carpenters' and joiners' do, 900 pleasure to come to Canada at this season of the year. To coopers' and stave-makers' do, 2,400 M. H. To damages done to a large stone house and outhouses in the Fort at St. John's 38,400 livres, Inventory oj Stock, SfC, at St. John's, belonging to (the half only belonging to Mr. H(Tzen,) -19,200 MosEs Hazen, Esq., and on his Farms near St. John's, To the loss of one year's work of four saw-mills, - 6,000 on the I8th day oJ' September, 1775, the day he was To ditto, the use of his dwelling-house, potash, made a prisoner by Major Brown, of the Continental smith's forge, and other out-houses, 1,000 Army, serving under General MoNXcoMEar. security of risk of

it

to

;

;

We

----------------.-.-.-. ----------

An



68,180

Livres.

4 3 6 8 1

3 3 4 4 1

pair of oxen, at

200

each

-

-

livres each, -

-

diiio of half or

mixed breed, 120 livres each, French cows, 60 livres each, large New-England bull, 130 livres,

-

large

-

large

New-England cows, 230

large calves, do,

do. horses,

do.

livres

60

-

-

----30 --..--.

livres each,

half-breed,

250 120

pair, -

livres each, livres each,

New-England mare,

livres

each,

-

-

-

-----.-. ----------.--.-. -----.. -----

24 old sheep, of a large breed, 15 livres each, - 18 lambs, 7 livres 10 sols each, 16 large swine, 50 livres each, 6 small swine, 25 livres each, 11 geese, two livres each, 5 dozen fowls, 30 sols per couple, 400 bushels potatoes, 2 livres per bushel, - - 400 bushels turnips, 1 livre 10 sols per bushel, Garden roots and vegetables, 30 bushels Indian corn and beans, 3 livres per bush., 10 bushels pease, 4 livres 10 sols per bushel, - 6 bushels salt, 3 livres per bushel, 28 gallons New-England rum, 4 livres per gallon, 7 gallons West-India rum, 5 livres per gallon, 3 barrels superfine flour, 25 livres per barrel, - 2 barrels pork, 72 livres per barrel,

..--.. ---------

800 690 720 480 130 180 90 1,000

480 600 360 135 800 150 22 45 800 600 550 90 45 18 112

35 75 144

. Sugar, coffee, tea, soap, and candles, Linseed oil and paint, Iron and steel in bars, 2,150 bundles of hay, 1 livre per bundle, - 33 panel doors, 24 livres eat^j, parcel of hewn stones, to the amount of 1,400 boards and planks, 50 livres per hundred,

.

300 450 250

-

2,150

-

792 300 700

20 cords of fire-wood, 7

-

150

.

14,243

----------------------

A

livres

10

sols per cord,

Carried forward,

Samuel Elmer, Marinus Willett,

-

-

Capt. First York Reg' t.

James Jeffrv. Montreal, February 17, 1776.

Samuel Elmer, Marinus Willett,

Account of Losses and Damages sustained by Moses Hazen, Es(j., at and about St. John's, in the course oJ the year 1775, and in consequence of the Continental Troops coming into Canada. LivreB.

To the stock, he, as per inventory

on the other side, 14,243

York Beg't.

James Jeffry. Montreal, February 17, 177G.

We,

the subscribers, being appointed Commissioners by David booster, Esq., commanding the

the Honourable

Continental Army in Canada, to inquire into the losses which Moses Hazen, Esq., has sustained in and about St. John's, and to ascertain the same, met in the cityof iWo«treal, on the 14ih February, 1776, for that purpose, and then proceeded to swear and examine evidences relative to the losses sustained by the said No.

Moses Hazen, Esq.

To damage

sustained by loss of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, geese, fowls, &.C., as per inventory, 14,343 livres. 1.

No. 1. JoAn Ju»i;j, being sworn, says, that he lived with Moses Hazen, Esq., from June 13, 1775, to 25ih September

Hazen was taken prisoner, and he Hazen's farms at and near St. John's.

following, the day said

was overseer of

said

He is well acquainted with his concerns there and, producing to them the annexed inventory, he says every article is just and true. He likewise says there was a barrel of tar in the cellar, and some other trifles; and further saith, that hay is sold at St. John's at one livre per bundle. No. 1. Nicholas Manner, being sworn, declares that, as to the Stockton Moses Hazen, Esq's, farm, and at his dwellinghouse, opposite St. John's, agreeable to an inventory now delivered to the Commissioners, is just and true, as is, also, the account of potatoes, turnips, Indian corn, &ic., con;

tained No.

in

2.

the

same inventory with the

To loss

of a large

field

cattle.

of grain and several of grass, an estima-

tion, 3,330 livres.

No.

2. Said

Manner

further saith, that he, with

Fran-

and L. Bund, made an estimate of the damage done to Moses Hazen, Esq's, field of corn and grass, in and about St. John's, and that it amounted to at least three thousand three hundred and thirty livres, which estimation and declaration were made the 12th December, 1775, before a Notary Publick. No. 5. To damage done to a farm where Colonel BedePt detachment cois Benois,

was encamped, 528

An

Capt. First

livres.

No. 5. The deponent further saith, that there was damage done to another farm north of St. John's, belonging to said Hazen, where Colonel Bedel's detachment was encamped, to the amount of, by estimate, five hundred and twenty eight livres

.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1189 No.

To

3.

No.

the loss of a field of peas, 1,300 lirres.

The deponent

3.

furtlier saith, that said

FEBRUARY,

set of carpenters'

Hazenv/AS

taken prisoner by Major Brown, on the 18ih September, 1775, at about eight o'clock in the morning, and, in a few hours after, a sorlie from the fort occasioned a skirmish, in which said Hazen was taken by the regular troops; and

Hazen was going with provisions to the savanna for the people who were at work there taking up peas for him, and, in consequence of his being detained, they left ihe work, and the peas were lost. Simon Morrise, being sworn, declareth, that he was with adds, that said

Moses Hazen, Esquire, going witii provisions for the people at work in the savanna at a 6eld of peas, and that he, with said Hazen, were taken prisoners by Major Brown, and

that, in consequence of their being taken, the Geld of peas was lost. Francis Morriso, being sworn, declares, the day after Moses Hazen, Esquire, was taken, he went to the savaima to work in the field of peas belonging to said Hazen, but finding that he was a prisoner, and that there was not provisions for the workmen, said deponent, with several others, left the work, and the peas were lost. John Baptiste Game, being sworn, declares, that he, with Francis Brosseau and Joseph Brosscau, who lived near Moses Hazen, Esq's, field of peas at the savanna, were called on, and estimated the damage by the loss of

hundred livres, as, by their declaration before a Notary, dated 12th Vecember, 1775. No. 4. To damage done the dwelling-house, saw-mills, barns, pot-

said field of peas, to be at least thirteen

ash-house, and smith's shop, opposite St. John's, 7,079 livres.

No. 4. James Bell, being sworn, declares, that there was a number of upwards of thirty-six paneled doors, made and ready

&c.,

and joiners'

1776.

tools,

1190 which he estimates

at

nine hundred livres. No. 11. To a largo assortment of coopers' and stave-makers' with anchors, &.C., two thousand four hundred livres.

tools,

No. 11. He further saith, said Hazen had a large as.sortment of coopers' and stave-makers' tools, with cables, anchors, &.C., the whole amount of which, he verily be^ be two thousand four hundred livres. * the damage done to one-half the large stone-house at

lieves, to

No.

12.

To

St. John'; 19,200 livres.

No. 12. Thomas Donahue, being sworn, declares that as a carpenter, assisted in the building the large house

lie,

at St. John's

; that he has lived there seven years ; and says the value of the house, before it was damaged, was two

thousand pounds sterling or upwards, that it is now so damaged that all the walls must be taken down before it can be repaired. No. 12. James Bell and James Glenny, being asked as to the damage done the large house at St. John's, after making a calculation together, estimated the damages on the whole of the house to be sixteen hundred pounds, Halifax currency, or thirty-eight thousand four hundred livres.

No.

13.

To

tho loss of one year's work of the saw-mills, 6,000 livroi.

No. 13. Said deponent, after making a calculation of the loss which must be sustained by tiie stoppage of the sawmills for one year, declares it to be at least six thousand livres.

No. 14, To the loss of one year's use of the house, potash-house, smiths' forge, and other out.houses, 1,000 livus.

No. 14. Said deponent estimates, lor the use of the house, out-houses, Sic, for one year, at one thousand livres.

be put up, laying in the large stone-house at St. John's, and that they were worth at least twenty-four livres each. Said Belt further saith that there was a quantity of hewn-stone laying at and about St. John's, and he values

Sixty-eight thousand one hundred and eighty livres, is equal to eleven thousand three hundred and sixty-three dollars and one-third of a dollar.

And, further saith, that the same at three hundred livres. there was a large quantity of planks and boards, which

able to the best intelligence

to

was worth seven thousand livres, and that the whole of them are either made use of or destroyed. Said Bell further declares, that tlie damage done to the dwelling-house, saw-mills, barn, potash-house, and smith's shop, belonging to Moses Hazen, Esquire, situate opposite St. John's, amounts to four thousand five hundred and sixty-four livres, and that he, with Antoine Beuque and Fierre Seneeal, estimated said damages, as appears by a certificate dated November 17, 1775. Said Bell saith, further, that other damages were done to said house, barns, &c., not mentioned in the above certificate, amounting to three hundred and sixty-seven dollars, as by an estimate made by said deponent and Captain Pratt, dated December 14, 1775. Said Bell further declares, that there was destroyed fifteen leaden spouts, valued at two dollars each,

and nine brass-knobbed locks, at fifteen livres each, which were not included in either of the above calculations. No.

To

6.

household furniture, 7,200

livres.

No. 6. James Glermy, being sworn, declareth, that he was well acquainted at the house of Moses Hazen, Esq., and made it a place of residence for eighteen months, at least, and that he verily believes that said Hazen's household furniture, in his house opposite St. John's, was worth at least three hundred pounds, Halifax currency No.

To wearing

7.

No.

7.

He

apparel, 2,500 livres.

further saith that the wearing apparel

was

very considerable.

To farming tools and utensils, 1,500 livres. Glcmry further declares, and sail!), that he knew said Hazen's farm was well furnished with farming utensils and tools, which he thinks is, at least, worth one No.

8.

No.

8. Said

thousand No.

five

To

9.

hundred

livres.

smiths' tools and potash tools, 1,000 livres.

The above

Samuel Elmer, Marinus Willett, Capi.

No.

10.

No.

To

10.

He

further saith, that

Hazen had

a

complete

the above-

First

York Reg't,

Montreal, February 17, 1776.

I

do hereby

certify that 1

was

stationed under Colonel Bedel's

at

the siege of St. John's, at the post north

command,

That Colonel Bedel sent Major Gansevoort of the Fort. with a detachment to bring off the live stock from Colonel Hazen's farm on the opposite side of the river near that post, which was accordingly done, and which order, I suppose,

came from General Montgomery. said live stock

was

That some

part of the

killed for the use of the Hospital

;

that

and other garden roots, was brought from said Hazen's farm to camp, and made use of by the soldiers and Canadians; that, also, hay was brought from his barn for the use of the service, but cannot say what the particular quantity of these articles were. also, potatoes, turnips,

Samuel Elmer, Lieutenant- Colonel, General Wooster's Regiment. Montreal, February 17, 1776.

of St. John's, the South end of the Fort bad large supplies of vegetables from the farm of Captain Hazen, opposite St. John's. That, to my knowledge, there were great damages done to the house, barn, out-houses, fences, &c., and that, after the surrender of the Fort, the house was made I certify that, at the time of the siege

camp

at the

use of as an Hospital, as well for the quartering of troops. 1 likewise remember to have seen, in the time of the siege, beef and mutton brought over the river to the above camp, for the use of the troops, some of which, I understood, was taken from Captain Hazen's farm. Marinus Willett, Capt. First York Reg't.

major HAWLEY to ELBRIDGE GERRY. Watertown, February

Dear

carpenters' and joiners' tools, 900 livres.

true agree-

James Jeffky.

No. 9. Said deponent further saith, that he knew said a good set of smiths' tools and potash tools, and that he really believes they were worth at least one livres.

we do certify to be just and we can obtain from

mentioned witnesses.

Hazen had

thousand

account

18, 1776.

hope you will forgive me if I herein appear indelicate, by attempting to inculcate some things which I hinted to you in the minutes which you was pleased to Sir:

1

;

;

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1191

accept of roe, as you was setting out on your journey to But, if you knew the infinite weight they are Congress. on my mind, you would not blame me, whether they imOne was, that pre sed your mind in like manner or not. the most seasonable and effectual care should be taken that a sufficient number of the best of troops siiould be seasonably marched into Canada, and thorough provision made for ihuir subsistence, pay, and clothing, full supplies of artillery, arms, and amnnmiiion, that they be sure to repel and overcome ail tiie eftbrls of the enemy in that Depend on it, that the quarter the approaching season. efforts of the enemy tiiere and at New- York the next season will be the greatest and the earliest which they can possibly

1760 1 am certain that ships England some time in April, and

In tiie year

make.

arrived at Qnciieck from

If the middle of April, if not earlier. they have any judgment or policy in England, their land forces for the reduction o( America w\\\ be chiefly employed by the way of C^uebeck and New- York; diversions may be given in other parts, but their main strength will be desI think as early as

no doubt but you are, by this time, fully sensible that the sharpest eye must be unremittedly kept on the feo]^\e o( New-York ; their manoeuvres and tergiversations exceed the depths of Satan. But 1 will not school you any longer on this head. I beg leave to let you know that I have read the pamtined thitlier.

liave

1

phlet, entitled, "

Common

Sense, addressed to the Inhabitants of America," and that every sentiment has sunk into my well-prepared heart in short, you knew that my heart before was like good ground well prepared for good seed and without an American independent Supreme Government and Constitution, wisely devised and designed, well established and settled, Vk-e shall always be but a rope of I need not repeat sand but that well done, invincible. what I said to you of the worthlessness and futility of all ;

;

paper currency, without such a general, well established, and independent Government. Your field of business is immense, and absolutely boundless but industry, courage, application, and perseverance, will surmount every thing some relaxation and exercise is absolutely necessary to mantain health and spirit; but sloth and dissipation, and turning off business toothers, and procrastination, if they gain any admission, will be our infallible ruin. 1 know you will not indulge to them, and I hope Solomon never uttered a none others of your number. truer maxim than when he said " Confidence in an unfaithful man, in time of trouble, is like a broken tooth, and a foot ;

;

out of joint."

Two things to us here that

I

beg leave to hint

:

the one

when Congress, by

is,

that

their late

it

seems

resolve, or-

dered an appeal from our Admiralty Courts to their honourable body, they did not well consider how dissonant such a mode of trial is from the genius of the times, to wit, by Jury; nor how much it is open to the exception which was made to the Stamp Act, of its exposing and making one of the parties liable to be carried for a trial to any remote quarter or pari of the Continent, at the will of a Crown Would it not have been more expedient and conofficer. stitutional to have ordered the appeal to have been to the Superior Court of the Colony in which the first trial was had ? Besides, it seems to bear hard on the maxim, " That the Legislative and Executive ought always to be distinct and diverse." Secondly, 1 hope, sir, you will by no means forget to endeavour that there be the most peremptory and absolute order and injunction on alHhe Generals and officers of the American Army, that quarters for the army, or any part of them, shall, in no case, be impressed, but by the intervention of a civil magistrate, or direction of the Legislature of They have again (I suppose through the tiie Colony. resentment and pique of Park, the Assistant Quartermaster) quartered a company on Major Thompson, against his Our Assembly is so much on the wing, and the acwill. tive members so generally gone, that it is impossible to make any proper renionstrance thereof to the General. It is not easy to imagine what a handle such conduct as this gives to the Tories, and how much they rejoice to be able to take such exceptions; besides, it is downright and intolerably wrong. It is much more necessary that Congress should make some express order and regulation for their forces in every part, touching their behaviour in this

&c.,

particular

;

FEBRUARY,

because, you

know

1776.

1192

that the Colonies in general,

power of the reason of the Militia being, in a great degree, stripped of their arms and ammunition, for the sake of furnishing the Army. I have done, to wit: 1 1 suggest one thing more, and and

the hands and

this in particular, are in

Army, by

that the next period or term for which the Continentroops will be inlisted will be three, or at least two years

hope tal

the disadvantages and risk of their being engaged and held

terms, even for but one whole year, are many; same time they never will, nor can 1 say that I de-

for short

at the

sire that

they should engage for an indefinite time

believe they will, after a for two or three years.

little

;

but

I

while, be willing to engage

My letter is unconnected. I enter matters as they occur, without studying coherence if you think them of any value you have full leave to communicate to your brethren of this ;

Colony. 1

am, sir, with great and most sincere respect, your obehumble servant,' „

dient,

To

-,

Joseph Hawlet.

Mr. Gerry.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. [Read March

6,

1776.]

Cambridge, February 18, 1776.

Sir

:

The

late

freezing weather having formed

some

pretty strong ice from Dorchester-Point to Boston-Neck,

and from Roxbury to the Common, thereby affording a more expanded, and, consequently, a less dangerous approach to the town, I could not help thinking, notwithstanding the Militia were not all come in, and we had little or no powder to begin our operation by a regular cannonade and bombardment, that a bold and resolute assault upon the troops in Boston, with such men as we had, (for it could not lake many men to guard our own lines, at a time when the enemy were attacked in all quarters,) might be crowned with success ; and, therefore, seeing no certain prospect of a supply of powder on the one hand, and a certain dissolution of the ice on the other, I called the General Officers together for their opinion, agreeably to the resolve of Congress, of the 22d December. The result will appear in the enclosed Council of War and; being almost unanimous, I must suppose to be right, although, from a thorough conviction of the necessity of attempting something against the Ministerial troops, before a reinforcement should arrive, and while we were favoured with the ice, I was not only ready, but willing and desirous of making the assault, under a firm hope, if the men would have stood by me, of a favourable issue, notwithstanding the enemy's advantage of ground, artillery, &,c. Perhaps the irksomeness of my situation may have given different ideas to me, than those which influenced the gentlemen 1 consulted, and might have inclined me to put more to the hazard than was consistent with prudence. If it had, I am not sensible of it, as 1 endeavoured to give it all the consideration that a matter of such importance required. True it is, and I cannot help acknowledging, that \ have many disagreeable sensations on account of iny situation ; for, to have the eyes of the whole Continent fixed, with anxious expectation of hearing of some great event, and to be restrained in every military operation for want of the necessary means of carrying it on, is not very pleasing, especially as the means used to conceal my weakness, from the enemy, conceals it also from our friends, and adds to their wonder. I do not utter this by way of complaint. I am sensible that all that the Congress could do, they have done and I should feel most powerfully the weight of con:

;

scious ingratitude, were

we have accounts of the

I

not to acknowledge this

;

but as

Captain Mason, I would beg to have it sent on in the most expeditious manner, otherwise we not only lose all chance of the benefits resulting from the season, but of the Militia, which are brought in at a most enormous expense, upon a presumption that we should, long ere this, have been amply supplied with powder under the contracts entered into with the Committee of Congress. The Militia, contrary to an express requisition, are come, and coming in, without ammunition ; to supply them alone with twenty-four rounds, which is less by three-fifths than the Regulars are served with, will take between fifty and sixty barrels of powder ; and to complete arrival of

powder

in

I

.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1193

Sic,

FEBRUARY,

1116J

1194

the other troops, to the like quantity, wii! fake near as much more, and leave in store not more than about sixty barrels, besides a few rounds of cannon-cartridges, ready filled, for

artillery, assisted by a fleet, and possessed of every advantage the situation of the place affords. The officers, in proportion to the number of men, are so many, that the troops

Congress may be assured

be doubly officered. very defective in the numbers this Council declared to be sufficient for the purposes of offensive war ; and, also, deficient in arms to the amount of two thousand stand. The Militia ordered and expected to be here, by the first of the month, are not more than

use.

This,

powder, and capacity for

is a true state of hope, bear some testimony of my inaction in such a way as may do any essential

sir.

will,

service.

I



February 21. When I began this letter, I proposed to have sent it by express, but recollecting that all tny late letters have been as expressive of my want of powder and arms as I could paint them, and that Mr. Hooper was to set oft' in a day or two, I thought it unnecessary to run the Continent to the expense of an express, merely to repeat what 1 had so often done before, when I am certain that Congress, knowing our necessities, will delay no time, that can possibly be avoided, in supplying them. My duty is offered to Congress, and, with great respect and esteem, I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

George Washington. P. S. Hearing of the arrival of a small parcel of powder in Connecticut, I have been able to obtain three thousand weight of it, which is in addition to the sixty barrels 6. W. before mentioned.

At

a Council of General Officers, held at

Head-Quar-

Cambridge, February 16, 1776. Present: His Excellency General Washington; Major-Generals: Ward, Putnam ; Brigadier-Generals Thomas, Heath, Spencer, ters,

in

:

Sullivan, Gates.

His Excellency, the Commander-in-chief, informed the Council, that in consequence of the Resolutions of two Councils of War, held ultimo, he had applied

at this place,

on the 16th and ISih

Government, Connecticut, and New-Hampshire, for the Regiments then voted. That those Regiments were come, and coming in, and if complete, would amount, (officers included,) to seven thousand two hundred and eighty men. That the Regiments of the United Colonies, at these encampments, by Saturday's return, amounted to eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven men fit for duty, besides officers, and one thousand four hundred and five men on command, which might be ordered to join their respective Regiments immediately. That our stock of powder was so small as to afford but little aid from cannon and mortars and, therefore, that small-arms must be our principal reliance in any event, till a supply could be obtained. That in the stale Boston harbour has been all this year, and now is, a bombardment might probably destroy the town, without doing much damage to the Ministerial troops within it, as there were transports, wooded and watered, with a view, more than probable, to take them in upon any sudden emergency, conse-

there

may be

said, with propriety, to

Because our Army

is

at present

half arrived, so that to assault the town of Boston, guard the

works and stores, there remain only twelve thousand six hundred men, Militia, commissioned and non-commissionofficers included, a force not more than sufficient to defend the lines and maintain the blockade. Because, it appears to the Council, by the report of a majority of the General's coujnianding Brigades, that upon discoursing with the Field-

ed

Officers of their respective Regiments upon the subject of an assault, they, in general, declared a disapprobation of the measure, as exceedingly doubtful. Because, if an assault should be found practicable and expedient at any time, it was declared highly necessary, that it should, for some days, be preceded by a cannonade and bombardment. His Excellency the Commander-in-chief, then required the opinion of the Council, whether it would be advisable to begin a cannonade and bombardment, with the present

stock of powder ? Resolved, That a cannonade and bombardment will be expedient and advisable, as soon as there shall be a proper supply of powder, and not before; and that, in the mean time, preparations should be made to take possession of Dorchester- Hill, with a view of drawing out the enemy, and of Noddle's Island, if the situation of the water, and other circumstances will admit of it.

to this

A

Return of the Cartridges for Cannon in possession of the Regiment of Artillery.

o

;

quently, that might not produce the desired effect, if those transports were sufficient for the embarkation of the Arrny.

That from the

a

u

Dorchester and Roxbury,.

24 Sevrell'g Point,

best intelligence

Number One,

Army

Number Two

the strength of the

in

which had /been procured, Boston did not much exceed

3 251 24 4 12 18 9

3 9

4 5i 3 6 3

hcr, John Taylor, Benjamin White, Esquires.

Companies,

House, to inform them that the Boaid were not previously apprized of such choice, and, therefore, propose to postpone the choice of these Officers to a future day.

appointed to count and sort the votes, reported that the number of votes were: On the part of the Board, 7 On the part of the House, 45

ning, ten o'clock.

Adjourned

1248

to inform the

79 _ Total, Forty made a vote and Captain Joseph Foster had 70, and was accordingly chosen. The Committee informed the Board, that the House proposed next to come to the choice of one Captain and two Lieutenants for the First Con)j)any in Gloucester, and reported that the number of votes were 9 On llie part of tlie Board, 45 On the part of the House,

For

1776.

Colonel Ornc came up with a message from the House,

ber of votes were On the part of

On

;

Twenty-seven makes a vote and that Francis Felton had Benjamin Ashton had 45, as First Lieu45, as Captain tenant ; Nathaniel Lindsey had 45, as Second Lieutenant of the First Comjjany and were accordingly chosen to said ;

;

;

ranks

in said

Company. William Hooper had

And that Robert 45, as Captain Cloutman had 45, as First Lieutenant Thomas Bowden had 45, as Second Lieutenant; of the Second Company; and were accordingly chosen to said ranks in said Com;

;

pany. Tlie Committee of the House informed the Board, that House propose to come next to the choice of a Major and other Officers, to command the Companies to be stathe

at Elizabeth-Island and Martha's Vineyard, and two Commissaries to provide for said forces. The Committee appointed to count and sort the votes reported that the number of votes were: On the part of the Board, 7 On the part of the House, 52

tioned

.... -----

Total,

59

Thirty makes a vote and that Barachiah Bassctt had 59, and was chosen Major. Nathan Smith had 52. as Captain Jeremiah Munster had 52, as First Lieutenant Fortunatus Bassett had 52, as Second Lieutenant; of the First Company. And that Benjamin Smith had 52, as Captain; Mai. Davis had 52, as First Lieutenant James S/iaw had 52, as Second Lieutenant of the Second Company. And that John Grannis had 52, ;is Captain James Blossom had 52, as First Lieutenant; Samuel IJaUett had 52, as Second Lieutenant; of the Third Company. And that Elisha Nye had 52, as Captain Stephen Nye, Jr., had 52, as First Lieutenant; John Russell had 52, as Second Lieutenant; of the Fourth Company. And that Stephen Nye and Beriah Norton, were unanimously chosen Commissaries. ;

;

;

;

;

;

;

The Committee that the

of the House then informed the Board, to come next to the choice of

House proposed

command at Falmouth. The Committee appointed to count and

Colonel, (o

reported the number of votes were

sort the vote*,

::

:

MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, JANUARY,

1249 On On

;

the

...

of the Board, of the House,

tlie part ])art

-

-

6

----- 53

makes a vote and tliat Jose^jA Frye, Esq., had 57, and was accordingly chosen Colonel of said Forces.

The Committee reported that the

;

Tlie Coinniitlee of the House then informed the Board, House proposed next to come to the choice of a Major, to take tlie second command of the Forces at Falthat the

moulh. appointed to count and sort the votes, reported the number of votes were . . On the part of the Board, 7 On the part of the House, 44 :

-----

Total, 51 Twenty-six makes a vote and that Daniel Isley had 44, and was accordingly chosen Major of said Forces.

On On

Tile Committee of the House then informed the Board, House proposed to come next to the choice of a Captain, and First and Second Lieutenants of the Company

that the

Falmouth, in the County of Cumberland. Tlie Committee appointed lo count and sort the votes, reported the number of votes were; 7 On the part of the Board, to be stationed at

--------- 42

the part of the House,

Total,

49

Twenty-five makes a vote; and that Daniel McCobb had Benjamin Patlec had 49, as First Lieu42, as Captain tenant; William Lilhgow, 3i\, Imd 49, as Second Lieu;

tenant.

The Committee

of the House then informed the Board, House proposed next to come to the choice of Officers for two Companies to be raised in the County of York, to be stationed at Falmouth, in the County of Cumthat the

berland.

The Committee

appointed to count and sort the votes,

reported that the number of votes were On the part of the Board, On the part of the House,

--------- 43 :

7

Total,

50

Twenty-six makes a vote

and that Benjamin Hooper had 49, as Captain Humphrey Pike had 50, as First LieuteJoseph Chadbourn had 50, as Second Lieutenant; nant of the First Company. Tobias Lord had 50, as Captain; Nathaniel Cussens had 50, as First Lieutenant; Edmund Webber, Jun., had 50, as Second Lieutenant; of the Second Company. ;

;

;

House then informed the Board, House proposed next to come to the choice of Officers for two Companies to be raised in the County of Cumberland, to be stationed at Falmouth, in the County Tiie Committee of the

that the

of Cumberland.

The Committee

appointed to count and sort the votes,

number of

reported that the

votes were

----- 7 ----- 43

the part of the Board, the part of the House,

Total,

50

Twenty-six makes a vote and that fVilliam Crocker had 48, as Captain John Shclton 50, as First Lieutenant Ebenczer Morton 50, as Second Lieutenant of the Second Company. John Hire had 50, as Captain Josiah Davis had 50, as Levi Loring had 43, as Second LieuFirst Lieutenant tenant of the Third Company. ;

;

;

;

;

;

The Committee

of the House then informed the Board, proposed to come next to the choice of a

House Commissary, for Falmouth. Tiie Committee appointed to count and reported that the number of votes were

that the

On On

appointed to count and sort

number of

tiie

the part of

tiie

BoanI,

the part of the House,

sort the votes,

--------- 40 7

Total, 47 Twenty-four makes a vote ; and James Sullivan was unanijnously chosen.

The Committee

of the House then informed the Board, House proposed next to come to the choice of Officers for one Company, to be raised in the County of Fourth Series. Vol. iv. 79 that the



votes,

voles were

the part of the Board, the part of the House,

--------- 40 7

Total, 47 Twenty-four makes a vote and that Philip Hubbard, as Captain Nathaniel Coffin, as First Lieutenant A'e/temiah Bean, as Second Lieutenant and Edward Cults, Esquire, as Commissary, were unanimously chosen. ;

;

;

The Committee

of the House, then informed the Board, to defer coming lo the choice of any other Officers till a future day. that the

House proposed

Adjourned

;

On On

Commis-

Kitlery-Point, also, of a

;

The Committee

On

at

1250

sary.

59

Total, Tliivly

York, and stationed

1776.

lo ten o'clock, to-iuorrow

morning.

Tuesday, January

2, 1776.

Present in Council Honour.iblos Waltir Spooner, Caleb Cushing, Benjamin Cliadbourn, Josuph Geirish, Jobn Whetcoinb, Eidad Taylor, Benjamin Lincoln, diaries Cbauncy, Michael Farley, Samuel Holtcn, Jabcz Fishor, John Taylor, Benjamin Wliite, Es:

quires.

Petition of the Selectmen of Dorchester, setting forth

"

:

your petitioners, agreeable to the directions of the honourable Board, have applied to his Honour General Ward, and, also, to his Excellency General Washington, in order to consult upon a mode of conveying Jane Jackson, and her two children, into the town of Boston, but tliey have declined doing anything about the matter. They pray your Honours to give such further directions respecting said woman and her children as your Honours may think that

proper." in Council: Read, and Ordered, That Charles Chauncy, Esq., with such as the honourable House shall join, be a Committee to consider the foregoing Petition, and report what is proper to be done thereon. In the House of Representatives : Read, and concurred,

and Mr. Knowles and Mr. Hall are joined. Petition of Daniel Pierce, praying allowance for cines supplied the Continental Army.

Read, and committed

to

Medi-

Samuel Knowlton and John

Taylor, Esquires, with such as the honourable House shall join, to consider thereof, and report thereon. Sent down for concurrence. Came up non-concurred.

In Council: Whereas, an order hath passed directing the nies of

Commanding

Minute-Men and

this

Officers of the several

Militia, and, also, the

Court,

compa-

Command-

ing Officers of the men stationed on the Sea-Coasts to lodge their respective Rolls, in the Secretary's Office, in order to

examined and passed on, and no provision is copy of such Roll shall be lodged with the Treasurer of this Colony. Therefore, Resolved, That Charles Chauncy, Esquire, their being

made

in said order, that a

with such as the honourable House shall join, be a Committee to consider of, and report what is further necessary for this Court to do touching the premises. In the House of Representatives : Read, and concurred,

and Mr. Mills and Mr. Stickney are joined. Letter from the \ionomvkh\ii John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress, relative to the Congress allowing the Accounts of this Colony. In the House of Represetitalives : Read, and sent up. In Council: Read, and Ordered, To be entered on the files of the General Assembly.

In the House of Representatives : Ordered, That there be a Committee of both Houses appointed to inquire into the conduct of the Officers of the Company stationed at Falmouth, and to stop the payment of the Rolls in the

mean

while.

In Council: Read, and concurred, and Benjamin Chadbourn and Joseph Gerrish, Esquires, are joined.

Adjourned

lo ten o'clock,

to-morrow morning. Wednesday, January

3,

1776.

Present in Council: HonouraMes Walter Spooner, Caleb Cushing, Ben. janiin Chadbourn, Joseph Gerrish, John Whetcomb, James PrcBcott, Eldad Taylor, Benjamin I.iMColu, Charles Cliauncy, Michael Farley, Joseph Palmer, Samuel Ilolten, Jabez Fisher, John Taylor, Benja. min White, Esquires.

:

MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, JANUARY,

I25I

Li the House of Representatives : Resolved, Tlial tliere a Comrniitee appointed to wail on Ills Excellency Ge-

be

recommend it to him to pay this Virginia for the Poor of Boston, to the Committee appointed by the Town of Boston to receive the same, who are now out. In Council : Read, and concurred. neral H-'ashinglon, and

don.ntion, received from

The Committee of what

appointed by both Houses to consider

further necessary to be done, before the Minuie,

is

Sea-Coast Rolls are paid off, beg leave to report the following Resolve Whereas, no direction is given to the Commanding Officers of the several companies of Minute, Militia, and, also, tlie Sea-Coast men, for lodging their respective Rolls in the Militia and

:

Treasurer's Office, great damage may arise to this Colony thereby; and whereas, some Companies are stationed at a very considerable distance, which will occasion much charge and difficulty, for want of a duplicate of said Roll, therefore,

Resolved, That some person be immediately employed, Copies of sucii Rolls as have been or may be examined and passed upon, and no duplicate left said Copies to be examined and certified by the Committee on said Rolls, and lodged in the Secretary's Office. In Council: Read, and accepted. 7/1 the House of Representatives : Read, and concurred.

" Your petitioners would not have troubled your

to-morrow morning. Thursday, January

4,

1776.

ProRsnt in Council Ilonourablca Walter Spooner, Caleb Cusliiiig, Benjamin Chadbourii, Joseph Gorrisii, John Whotcomb, John Adams, James Prescott, ElJad Taylor, Bonjamin Lincoln, Charles Chauncy, Michael Farley, Josepli Palmer, Samuel Holtun, Jabez Fislier, John Taylor, Benjamin VViiile, Esquires. :

In Council: Whereas, a Committee of both Houses have for signing and numbering the Bills of Credit for the seventy -five thousand Pounds emission ; and as tlie puhlick affairs of tiie Colony press hard upon the Board, they cannot, (without injuring the publick,) spare any of

been appointed

their

Members

in the

hours they usually

sit

upon business,

therefore.

Resolved, That Colonel Gushing, with such as the honourable House shall join, be a Committee to take into consideration the matter of signing and numbering said Bills, and report some effectual mode of raising a Committee for that purpose, so that the Treasury may be seasonably supplied. In the House of Representatives : Read, and concurred, and Colonel Thompson and Mr. Crane are joined.

Brown, and others, setting forth, your petitioners did, early after the engagement at Concord, enter into the service of the Army from no other motive but that of being instrumental of serving the glorious cause of liberty, expecting only such a reward as their >

"

Petition of William

that

services merited, calculated only for the time of their

em-

Kloyment. The certificate given by the late Commissary, Ir. Pigeon, on each of their accounts, which accounts your

now

present with this Petition, will fully testify thought too hard, no time tedious, the cause of the country required extraordinary ser-

petitioners

that no service was

when

Your petitioners beg leave, also, to observe, that has been their constant endeavour to serve the interest of the Colony. The provisions allowed to the Army, while in the pay of the Colony, were so ample, that oftentimes the men, with little persuasion, were prevailed upon to take vices. it

than the quantity stipulated and your petitioners, knowing the Colony would be served and the men not injured, repeatedly (with their consent) served out to them their allowance with a little deduction, which deduction, though small from each individual, amounted, in the whole, less

;

to very large quantities, saved entirely for the benefit of the For the truth of the above representation your

Colony.

would only refer you to the Commissary's books, where the amount of provisions received in and delivered out is recorded, and to the attestation of a number of the gentlemen Quartermasters, which accompanies this Petition. For these services your petitioners have charged the Colony four shillings per diem, which, they trust, will be found reasonable, and granted them, when all circumstances are duly weighed and considered by the honourable petitioners

Court,

Ho-

The Committee, upon the Petition of fVilliam Brown and others, Clerks and Assistants to Mr. Pigeon, laie Commissary-General, praying for an allowance for services, &.C., having heard the petitioners and evidences they had to produce in support of their Petition, beg leave lo report as their opinion that the petitioners have acted, whilst in the said service, with integrity and honesty, and have shown a proper regard to the puhlick interest, and have been instrumental of considerable savings to tlie Colony, as represented in their Petition, and are of opinion that they be allowed the sum of three shillings and two pence each, per :

day,

for their services.

the House of Representatives : Read, and accepted. In Council: Read, and concurred. Ill

;

to ten o'clock,

1252

nours with their small concernments, had not your Committee informed them th.it they were not at liberty to allow more than two shillings and four pence per diem, which sum your petitioners think so inadequate to their exertions for the publick good, that they choose rather to rely on the generosity of your Honours, not doubting of receiving an ample reward."

to lake

Adjourned

1776.

The to the

Secretary went down with the following Message House, from the major part of the Council, viz:

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives The danger that a correspondence would be caried on between a few disaffected inhabitants of this Colony, and the enemies of America, through the town of Hull, to the men-of-war, lying in and near Nnntasket Road, and that our enemies might be supplied in that channel, induced the General, in July last, to cause the inhabitants of said town to be removed, and to place and constantly keep up a guard at the entrance of the beach leading into that town. The guards continued until the 1st of December past, at which time their inlislments expired, and they returned to their several homes in Connecticut; upon this, and Colonel Lincoln being told that several persons had been seen to go to Hull, but none being observed lo return, he directed a small guard from the Militia, in the vicinity, to be |)laced at the entrance of said town, and to continue there until they should receive further orders; he inmiediately laid the whole matter before the Council ; they sent a message to lii: Excellency General Washington, requesting that lie would place a guard there, and relieve the Militia. He gave encouragement to our messenger that he would give orders for that purpose but it hath been delayed, and now the Council are acquainted that the lines at Cambridge and Roxbury are so thin, that no men can be spared for the purpose aforesaid the Council, therefore, thought it their duty to make this representation to the honourable House, and recommend to them that provision be immediately made, not only for guarding the passage into said town, but, also, that suitable guards be placed in the towns of Braintree, Weymouth, and Hiiigham. (Signed by fifteen of the Council.) ;

;

Mr.Gerrycame up

with a verbal message from the House, major part of the Council to hold Doctor Samuel Gelston under arrest, till an order of both Houses be taken thereon.

to desire

the

In Council: Ordered, That John Adams and Joseph Palmer, Esquires, with such as the honourable House shall join, be a Committee to examine into the character and conduct of Doctor Samuel Gelston, lately apprehended by the order of the General Court, and now before them ready for examination, and report. In the Hmise of Representatives : Read, and concurred, and Colonel Freeman, Mr. Brown, of Boston, and Colonel Grout, are joined. In Council: Ordered, That Walter Spooner, John Adams, Joseph Palmer, James Prescott, Benjamin Lincoln, John Taylor, and Jabcz Fisher, Esquires, be a Committee of the Board, with such Committee of the honourable House, as shall be thought proper for that purpose, upon the subject-matter of the Militia Bill, and the manner in

which the In the

officers shall

be a)ipointed.

House of Representatives: Reaii, and concurred,

and

Adjourned

are joined. to ten o'clock,

to-morrow morning.

MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, JANUARY,

1253

Friday, January 5, 177G.

Present

Council Honourables Walter Spoonor, Caleb Cusliinjj, Benjamin Chadbourn, John Adams, Jolin Whetconib, James Pros, colt, E'Idad Taylor, Benjamin Lincoln, Charles Cliauncy, Michael F.irhy, Joseph Palmer, Samuel Iloltcn, Jabez Fisher, John Taylor, Benjamin White, Esquires. in

:

Petition of Silas Ball, setting

fortli

:

"

tliat

he acted

in

1776.

1254

Doorkeeper be directed forthwith to take Samuel Gelston, and put him under

tor

until

in

a

custody Docprojier guard,

the further order of Court, that the present guard released.

may be

In Council: Read, and concurred.

Adjourned

to ten o'clock,

capacity of a Surgeon, in Colonel Benjamin Buggies ^Voodhridge's, Esq., Regiment, by an invitation from Mr. Bichard Montague, who was then Major of said regiment,

Monday

morning.

tlie

which offer he heartily accepted of, and did the duty of a Surgeon, he, from the 19th of April, to the 9th of July For certain last, which is eleven weeks and three days. reasons was not examined, so not appointed as a Surgeon in the regiment aforeineniioned, which regiment he supplied with medicines, he, to the amount of three pounds your petitioner prays your Honours would make him a proper recompense therefor." ;

In the House of Bepresentaiives : Bcsohed, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury of this Colony, to Doctor Silas Bull, the sum of fourteen Founds eight Shillings, in full of his services as Surgeon's Mate, from the 19th o[ April to the 9th o( Jidy ; and in full for Medicines used at his own cost, for the use of the Army. In Council: Read, and concurred.

Adjourned

to ten o'clock,

to-morrow morning.* Saturday, January

6,

1776.

Council Honourables Walter Spooner, Calub Gushing, Benjamin Chadbourn, John Adams, John Whetcomb, James Pres. Eldad Taylor, Benjamin Lincoln, Charles Chauncy, Michael cott, Farley, Joseph Palmer, Samuel Holten, Jabez Fisher, John Taylor, Benjamin White, Esquires,

Present

in

:

The Committee

of both Houses, appointed to take into matter of signing and numbering tiie Bills of Credit for the seventy-five thousand Pounds emission, and report some effectual mode of raising a Committee for that purpose, beg leave to report, that, for the reasons assigned by the Board, on the 4th instant, there be two persons appointed by this Court to sign and number said Bills, in the room of James Prescoit and Joseph Palmer, Esquires, who are excused. In Council: Read, and accepted, and, thereupon, Besolved, That two persons, such as the honourable Court shall choose, be appointed to sign and number the Bills of Credit of the last emission, in the room of James Prescoit and Joseph Palmer, Esquires, who are hereby consideration

tlie

excused. In the House of Bepresentaiives : Read, and concured, and Doctor Bice and Major Ely are appointed to sign and

number

Committee

the Bills accordingly, and the

rected to

Home of

In the

are di-

forthwith.

sit

Bepresentatives



:

Ordered, That the

• Head-Quarters, January 4, 1776. SrR I send, by order of the Commander-in-chief, the prisoners under-named, which tho General :

will order to be secured in some inland jail. Worcester, we has no prisoners of war, and there is a secure j'ul, if you approve of their being sent to it. Soldiers John Gvilderoy, William Collins, John Smith, Benjamin Ward, George Morrison, Alexander Gardner. Seamen William Beard, George Mitchell, James Richardson, Francis Ossy, Anthony Simmins, Jacob Wilson, Joseph Mason. By the enclosed from Colonel Glover, I dare say you will think with me, that John Thomer, William Clark, William Wallis, and Thomai Gorlhorp, sjamen of the ship Jenny. Captain Forster, ought also to bo

desires

you

,Trc told,

:

:

Monday, January Present in Council

1776.

8,

Honourables Walter Spooner, Caleb Cushing, Benjamin Chadbourn. John Whetcomb, Jatnes Prescott, Eldad Tay. lor, Charles Chauncy, Michael Farley, Joseph Palmer, Samuel Hoiten, Jabez Fisher, John Taylor, Benjamin White, Esquires. :

In the House of Bepresentatives : Ordered, That there be a Committee of both Houses a|)pointed to inquire of his Excellency General Washington, whether he will want the Militia any longer than the time for which they are inlisted.

In Council: Read, and concurred, and John Taylor, Esquire,

is

joined.

In the House of Bepresentatives : Whereas, at the present in)portant crisis of our publick affairs, the intention of this Court for causing to be erected Mills for manufacturing Gunpowder, hath not hitherto been so far executed as the exigency of the times most evidently requires, and the attention of the Court (o each step to be taken in this measure must further retard it, and unnecessarily interrupt the urgent business of the Court: It is, therefore, Besolved, That Mr. Putnam, Mr. Crane, and Mr. Vose, be, and they hereby are appointed a Committee for purchasing the remains of a Powder-Mill at Stoughton, and land and privileges convenient to improve the same, and to repair a Powder-Mill, or purchase a privilege for, and erect one at Sutton, as they, after having consulted the master-workman who shall undertake the same, shall judge expedient and the said Committee are directed to give their diligent and constant attendance to this business, until it shall be perfected and the Council are empowered to draw on the Treasury for a sum not exceeding three hundred Pounds, in favour of said Committee, to enable them lo pay the charges of purchasing and repairing, ;

;

or erecting a Mill as aforesaid, they to be accountable to the Court for the same. In Council: Read, and concurred. Petition of Joseph Pearse Palmer, setting forth : " that in the New-Kiigland .Army, as Quartermaster-

he served

General, from the 1st day of May last to the 14th day of August next following, when he was superseded by the appointment of Thomas Mifflin, Esquire ; and no establishment having been made for said office, your memorialist prays the honourable Court to make him a grant adequate lo the services and rank of ihe same." In the House of Bepresentatives : Besolved, That the Treasurer of this Colony be, and he hereby is directed to pay unto Joseph Pearse Palmer the sum of forty-five Pounds eight Shillings and seven and-a-half Pence, in full consideration for his services as Quartermaster-General, at twelve Pounds per month, in the Army under the command of General Arttmas f^Vard. In Council: Read, and concurred.

Adjourned

to ten o'clock,

to-morrow morning.

confined. .* were seamen, belonging to a ship, upon this and sloop, taken by tho Continental armed vessels . you see no material objection to their being discharged thense not only provide a sufficient quantity of

Gunpowder,

per

-----

Billeting the abovesaid

1

1256

1776.

5

Council: Read, and concurred.

Bunker, of Atount Desert, in the County o( Lincoln, Mariner, setting forth: " that your petitioner, on the 24th of November last, by his own device, took and secured a schooner, between fifty and sixty tons, from Fort Cumberland, in Nova-Scotia, Isaac Danks, master, bound for Boston, laden with cattle, butter, cheese, roots, &ic., which vessel your petitioner carried into Goldsborough, and left her in the care of one Mr. fVilliam Nichols; your petitioner prays your Honours that he may be ordered the possession of the said schooner, to remove her to some secure place for the benefit of himself and his country, or Petition of John

good charcoal for all the Gunpowder he shall manufacture for the Colony, but also provide, and keep at his own cost, a good and sufficient guard at his Powdcr-Mill at all times, to prevent any wicked and designing persons from destroying the same, and to be at all other necessary expenses in The said Philips shall enter manufacturing said Powder. into bonds, as the Council shall order, that he will well and truly deliver the Commissary-General of this Colony so many pounds of good merchantable Gunpowder, as he shall be able to manufacture of the Saltpetre which he shall receive of the Colony, or any Committee appointed by the General Court to manufacture or procure the same; and also, be at the expense of transporting said Powder to the Colony Store, and of transporting to his said Mill, such Sulphur and Saltpetre as the Colony or the Committee of said Colony shall deliver him and also, that he will cause to be published, all the discoveries which he shall make relative to the construction of said Mill and the manufacturing Powder, as aforesaid. And it is also, Resolved, That the said Philips shall be paid out of the publick Treasury of this Colony, eight Pence per pound, for as many pounds of good mercliantable Gunpowder as he shall manufacture of the Saltpetre, which he shall receive of the Colony as aforesaid, on his delivering such Gunpowder to the Commissary of the Co;

where your Honours shall see fit." In the House of Representatives

Bunker and

Whereas, Mr. John

:

others did, on the 24lh day o(

November

last,

Mount-Desert, take a schooner, called the Falmouth Packet, Isaac Danks, master, laden with live stock, butler, cheese, sauce, &ic., and in our enemy's service, bound to Boston ; and said Bunker not knowing any provisions made in such cases, delivered said schooner and cargo into the hands of the Committee o( Goldsborough, till he should liave the order of this Court thereon Therefore, Resolved, That the Committee of Goldsborough aforesaid, be, and they hereby are directed to deliver said schooner with her cargo, or the proceeds thereof, if the same or any part thereof has been disposed of by said Committee, as also, the pajiers and appurtenances to her belonging, unto the saitl John Bunker, that said vessel may be brought to trial at some court of justice, erected by the General Court of this Colony, to try the capture of at

;

vessels.

In Council: Read, and concurred.

the best inquiry, cannot find that any of said Officers have

been guilty of breaking their orders in

town

at the

time of the late

no evidence against them that respect, the Committee are of opinion their Musterthat

;

and as there

Resolved, That the several Committees be appointed by the General Court, to procure Saltpetre or Sulphur, are hereby directed to deliver said Philips, from time to time, so much Saltpetre and Sulphur as shall be sufficient to keep the said Mill constantly employed as aforesaid, and to take duplicate receipts thereof, specifying the quantity of each, and also the price of the Sulphur, one whereof shall be lodged with the

And

it

is

also.

that are, or

may

Commissary

aforesaid, and

the other said

Committee

are

directed to keep.

The Committee of both Houses, who were appointed a Committee to inquire into the conduct of the Officers stationed at Falmouth, have attended that service, and, upon

fire in

lony.

is

Rolls pass for payment according to the establishment. In Council: Read, and accepted, and

In Council: Read, and concurred.

In the House of Representatives : Ordered, That there be a Committee of both Houses to consider the Resolves passed the 9th ultimo, relative to withholding Supplies from Nantucket, and to consider some relief for the Inhabitants of Martha's Vineyard. In Council : Read, and concurred, and Jcdediah Foster, Esq.,

is

joined.

RoUs bo

Thereupon, Resolved, That the Committee on Musterdirected to pass on the Rolls of the Officers stationed at Falmouth, in common with others, without pre-

In Council: Ordered, That Charles Chauncy, Esq., with such as the honourable House shall join, be a Committee to examine the Accounts of the Connnittee of Coun-

Jerence or distinction.

cil

appointed to concur and pay Accounts.

:

MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, JANUARY,

1257 III

the

House of Representatives : Read, and concurred,

and Mr. Davis and

Adjourned

While are joined.

i\Jr.

to ten o'clock,

to-morrow morning. VVedncsdiiy, January 10, 1776.

Present in Council: Honounililes Walter Spooner, Cilcb Cusliiiig, Bjnjumin Ciiadbourn, John VVhelcoinli, James Prescott, Eldad Taylor, Jedediah Foster, Oliarloa Ciiauucy, li.'njtitniu Lincoln, Miciiael Farlt!y, Joseph Palmer, Samuel Uolten, Jabez Fisher, Moses Gill, John Taylor, Benjamin White Kstpiires,

Inhabitants of Majaiig" that they have duly considered the great oppression of our mother country upon these our Petition of a nuenber of the

wadiice, setting forth

:

Colonies in North America, and so sensibly feel the smart thereof in this remote District, have, therefore, made choice of, and appointed Captain Joseph Young, of this District, (as we are all fully satisfied be is a true friend of his country and the Inhabitants of this District, so far as we walk agreeable to the resolves of the Legislative power of ^//icrica,) to present our prayers to the honourable Council who sits at Walertown, in the Massachusetts- Bay, m New-England, for their aid and assistance for our preservation and protection, that they would be graciously pleased to think on us, as we are greatly oppressed by an invidious tyrant, John Bateman, who is every way watching over us for evil, in order to render us useless and helpless to our country's cause, which we are ready at the risks of our lives and fortunes to put ourselves in any jeopardy, if occasion calls, as we have all of us used our utmost influence to encourage all single men and others as could possibly be spared, to inlist themselves into our country's service. And we are willing, and stand ready to sacrifice our all in compliance with your Honours' comtnands, and in due obedience to the officers your Honours see proper to set over us and, also, we should be as ready to serve your Honours under the said Bateman, as any one man in the country, but he still continues to use his utmost endeavours to destroy almost every person in this place, and confiscate He, the said Bateman, was the first man their interest. in the place that traded with Mr. Nathan Philips, and encouraged said Philips^s further trade in this District, and, also, advised the Committee to tolerate the carrying off wood to the westward. Upon the whole, he is a very dangerous person, and, if he is suffered to rule over us, and we have not your Honours' protection, we are an undone people." In Council: Read, and Ordered, That the within named John Bateman be served with a copy of this Petition, and be ordered to show cause to this Board, if any he has, why the prayer thereof should not be granted, on the 1st day of ;

January next, and

tliat

the said

Bateman

ther proceedings as a Justice of the while.

surcease

Peace

the

in

all fur-

mean-

The Committee appointed upon the Petition of some of the Inhabitants of Majabigwaducc, against the conduct of John Bakcman, Esq., relative to his conduct with the people of that place, have attended that service, and heard the said Bakeman in bis defence of the charges alleged against him in said Petition, and have examined the depositions and declarations relative to the conduct of the Committee of Safety and numbers of the Inhabitants of that place. Your Committee have great reason to suspect that a number of said inhabitants and petitioners, under the countenance of some of the Conunittee of Safety of that place, have the last year, in many instances, supplied our enemies with wood and live-stock, thereby counteracting the

And it does not appear to the Bakeman has acted an unfriendly

resolves of the Congress.

Committee

that the said

part to his country, or has done any thing to forfeit the

him by his appointment to the office of a Peace for the Coimty of Lincoln. And, with respect to the riot committed on said Bakeman in December last, it being of such an alarming nature, we think, that unless some methods are speedily taken, in ortrust

reposed

in

Justice of the

der to bring the perpetrators thereof to condign punishment, will prove of very mischievous consequences and, diat it is a matter of so much im|)ortance, that it deserves the attention of the whole Court. it

;

In Council: Read, and Ordered, That Moses Gill and John Taylor, Esquires, with such as the honourable House shall join, be a Committee to consider the subject-matter

1776.

1258

of the above Report, and what is further necessary to be done. In the House of Representatives : Read, and concurred, and Colonel Norton, Mr. Uovcy, and Captain Hathaway, are joined.

Petition o[ Joshua Elderkin, (Blank.)

The Committee of both Houses on the Petition of Charles Chauncy, Esq., in behalf of Mr. Neal Mclntyer, beg leave to report, as their opinion, that the prayer of the petition be granted and, that an order pass this Court to the jierson, or persons, who may have the goods, clothing, ;

or furniture, mentioned in the petition or invoice, in their possession, to deliver the same to the order of Charles

Chauncy, Esquire, or Mr. Ncal Mclntyer, as soon as demanded. Jabkz Fisher, per order. In Council: Read, and accepted, and, thereupon, ReThat the Committee of Frenchman's Bay be, and they hereby are directed, to deliver all the Goods, Clothing, or Furniture, mentioned in the enclosed schedule, to the order of Charles Chauncy, Esq., or Mr. Neal Mclntyer, on demand. In the House of Representatives : Read, and concurred. solved,

In the House of Representatives : Whereas, in the preimportant contest with Britain the Militia of the

sent

United Colonies of America may be frequently

several

called forth to defend their invaluable rights and liberties,

and

indispensably necessary to the welfare of the Cosuch of the said Militia as shall have conducted in the service with a laudable zeal and fidelity therein, should be fully satisfied with publick measures, and, at all it

is

lonies, that

times so accommodated and rewarded for their may have the fullest assurance newal of their engagements whenever the same required ; and, whereas, it \\\\\ be much for the that the Colonies

services,

of

a re-

shall

be

conveni-

ence and advantage of any part of the said Militia, when called as a temporary reinforcement of the American Army,

wages at the time of their dismission, as the trouble and expense of a future application for the same would greatly reduce the reward of their services, and may to receive their

tend to discourage their inlisting again It is, therefore. Resolved, As the opinion of this Court, :

it will greatly tend to promote the service in this Colony, and encourage the reinlistment of that part of the Militia of said Colony, now in the American Army, as a temporary reinforcement, if they could be assured by his Excellency General Washington, that they should be paid their wages at the time of their discharge from service. Resolved, That Mr. Speaker and Colonel Thayer, with such as the honourable Board shall join, be, and they hereby are appointed a Committee to apply to his Excellency General Washington, with a copy of the preceding Resolve, and, also, a Resolve of the Court, relative to the

that

reinlistment of the Militia aforesaid.

In Council: Read, and concurred; and Walter Spooner, Esq.,

is

joined.

Adjourned

to ten o'clock,

to-morrow morning.* Thursday, January

Present in Council

11, 1776.

Hoiiourablos Walter Spooner, Caleb Cushing, Benjamin Chadbourn, John Adams, John VVhetcomb, Jedediah Foster, James Prescott, Eldad Taylor, Bonjamin Lincoln, Charles Chauncy, Michael Farley, Samuel Holten, Jabez Fisher, Moses Gill, John Taylor, Benjamin White, Esquires. :

Memorial ofJohn Tufft, of Belfast,



in

Penobscot, setting

Junuary 10, 177R. Sm: The bearer, Mr. Jame* Seward, is a person lately sent out of Boston, and is now a prisoner on the parole of his honour. The Council, by inquiry into his character and conduct, find he has been guilty of acting, in some instances, an unfriendly part to the liberties of America, such as working for the King's troops in Boston, and keeping liis shop open on last fast-day, in contempt of the recommendation of Congress. As a palliation for this conduct, he ur^es his religious tenets in indulgence to wliich, and in consideration tfiat he comes rocommendt'd to the charity of the Colony from the Committee of Donations within t!ie town, the Council havo ordered that he be confined williin tlie limits of the town of Bridgewater, until iheir further order. And I am directed, by them, to re. commend him to you to be employed as a gunsmith, to which trade he s:^rved his time, that he may bo able to maintain himself and family ami not be an incumbrance to the community. .\nd I am directed, further, to request of you to see that he doDS not pass the limits of the said town oi Bridgewater, on any occasion whatever, and if he should, that you give the earliest intelligence thereof to this Board. In the name, and by order of the Council Walter Spooner. * CoUNCiL-CnAMBEii,

;

To Hugh

Orr, Esq.

——

;

:

MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, JANUARY,

1259

Penobscot, and that Bay, and on Penobscotsaid in Lons-hlaml, he lives near and that some of said Island dwell about fourteen families supplied the Minissaid families have, from time to time, from forces with cord-wood, and oilier necessaries, •

forth

"

that

your memorialist dwells

1260

1776.

Friday, January 12, 1776

at

;

terial

Present in Council : Honourablca Walter Spooner, Caleb Cusliing, Bi^njamin Chadbourn, John Adams, Jobn Wlietcoiiib, Jcdediali FosBenjamin Lincoln, Charles ter, James Prescott, KIdad Tjylor, Chuuiicy, Micbaol Farloy, Joseph Palmer, Samuel llolten, Jabci Fisher, Moses Gill, John Taylor, Benjamin White, Esquires.

A

And, as your memorialist is one of the Comhis duty mittee of Correspondence of said place, thinks it come on i)uito set forth to your Honours (and that he is

Letter to the Honourable Jo/in Taylor, Esq., from Timothij Parsons, on matter of publick concern. In Council: Read, and committed to the Committee on

to pose to set forth) their proceedings, which is inimical order tiieir the country, and prays your Honours would proceedremoval, or that they may not countenance such

the Petition from Majabigwaduce.

relative to

ing's.

publick Credit.

said Island.

""

Your memorialist

further prayS, that the inhabitants of

themBelfast may be allowed some ammunition, to defend selves from the enemy, as they are now exposed, and have none to help themselves." In the House of Representatives : Read, and committed consiiler to the Committee of both Houses, appointed to the subject mailer of a Report on the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Majabigwaduce, relative to the conduct of Bakeman. In Council: Read, and concurred.

In Council: Resolved, That two Ships be built, as soon as may be, at the expense of this Colony, one suitable to carry thirty-six guns, viz: twenty guns carrying twelvepound shot, and sixteen guns for six-pound shot and the other ship suitable to carry thirty-two guns, viz: twenty guns for nine-pound shot, and twelve for six-pound shot ;

Ships be built in a manner best calculated and of timber and all other materials suitable for ships-of-war, of such a number of guns and weight of metal, and furnished with a suitable number of officers, seamen, and marines, and that all kinds of arms, ammunition, and provisions, be furnished for such ships. with such as the Resolved, That

and

that these

for swift sailing,

honourable House shall join, be a Committee to carry the foregoing Resolution into execution, as soon as possible, and that a sum of money for that purpose, not exceedbe put into their hands, they to be ing accountable to this Court for the expenditure of the same. In the House of Representatives : Read, and ordered to

and the Committee are directed to report an estimate of the expense of building and furnishing the vessels above proposed to be provided. In Council: Read, and concurred.

be recommitted

;

Letter from his Excellency General fVashington, on the Came of the Army, read and sent down. up committed to a Committee of both Houses.

critical situation

In Council: Read, and concurred; and John Adams and Jcdediah Fester, Esquires, are joined. In Council : Ordered, That there be a Committee of both Houses appointed, to remedy the defect of the Innholders not exhibiting their Accounts. In the House of Representatives : Read, and concurare joined. red, and

Li the House of Representatives

:

Resolved, (Blank.)

In the House of Representatives : Ordered, That the Letter from William Williams, Esq., of Connecticut, communicating measures adopted by that Colony, and discoveries //«

Esq.,

Council: Read, and concurred, and John

Adams,

joined.

Adjourned

to ten o'clock,

to-morrow morning.*

•CouNCiL-CiiAMnEit, January 11, 1776. Gentlemen; The Council have con'iidcred a petition presented by Joshua Youngs who is confined to your town, and who seems to bo heartily penitent for his past oft'enccs, and have ordered that he bo removed from his confinement to the town of Northampton, and be sent to Marshjirld, and confined within tho limits of that town till their further order, and they request that you see this order carried into execution. In the name, and by ordi r of the Council: Jedediau Foster.

To tha Committee

of Correspondence of Northampton.

CoiiNcii.CiiAMnEa, January 11, 1776. Gentlemen: Joshua Young, who has been confined to the town of Northampton, for his ofienc^is and misdemeanours against tho country, has prosontcd a petition to the Council, to extend their clemsncy towards him, in consequence of which the Council have ordered that he hs released from the town o^ Northampton, and be sent toyourtown, and confined within the limits thereof And tlicy requ-jst tint you take care th.it tho said till further order. Young does not pass tho limits of his confin.iment. In the name, and by order of tho Council Jedbuiam Foster.

To

Read, and committed House

to

as the honourable

Adjourned

till

John Taylor, Esq., with such

shall join.

to-morrow morning, ten o'clock. Saturday, January 13, 1776.

Honourablos Walter Spooner, Caleb Ciishing, Benjamin Chadbourn, John Adams, John Wlietcomb, Jcdediah Foster, James PrescoU, Eldad Taylor, Benjamin Lincoln, Charles Chauu. cy, Joseph Palmer, Samuel llolten, Mos.;s Gill, Jabez Fisher, Michael Farley, John Taylor, Benjamin While, Esquires.

Presant in Council

:

The Committee appointed to take into consideration the Letter from his Excellency General Washington, of the 10th instant, have attended that service, and beg leave to eport, that a Committee of both Houses be appointed to ^.g-,, (,„ ,i,e General, and to assure him that this Court are zealously disposed to do every thing in their power to promote the recruiting of ihe American Army, and to acquaint him

that they cannot be of opinion that the publick service

will

be promoted by offering a bounty, at the separate

ex|)ense of this Colony, or any other encouragement beyond that which has been ordered by the Congress ; that still further from an opinion that the same service can be promoted by any coercive measures, or any other But, that this Court expedient than voluntary inlistment. is willing, if his Excellency shall approve of this measure, to recommend any further temporary drafts from the Militia, that may be necessary to supply the present deficiencies, to be continued until the 1st of April next ; and, also, to exert the influence of this Court, by recommending to the Selectmen and Committees of Correspondence, and others, to exert themselves, and employ their influence among the people, to promote and encourage, by all reasonable methods, the recruiting service in the several towns.

they are

John Adams, per

order.

In Council : Read, and accepted and, Ordered, That John Adams, Esq., with such as the honourable House shall join, be a Committee to wait on his Excellency Ge;

Washington, {ov the purposes expressed in the above Report. In the House of Representatives : Read, and concurred, and Mr. Speaker and Major Hawlcy are joined. neral

Petition of John Tidd, of Lexington, setting forth "that, on the 19ili o( April, he received a wound in tlse head, (by a cutlass,) from the enemy, which brought him senseless to the ground at which time they took from him He prays your his gun, cartridge-box, powder-horn, Sic. :

;

Honours would make

liiin

some compensation

for said loss;

likewise, six weeks' loss of time, charge of a Surgeon, nur-

made of a Lead-Mine. is

Deposition of Ebeticzer Goodcll and James Goodell, Joseph Bowditch refusing a tender of Bi'ls of

tho Committooof Corraspondence of tho

Town

oi Marshjitld.

and board." In the House of Representatives : Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury of this Colony, to

sing,

John Tidd, the sum ol four Pounds ten Shillings, for his loss of Gun, 8ic., set forth in his Petition. In Council: Read, and concurred.

in

full,

the House of Representatives : Whereas, the Capand Lieutenants of the Militia, who have lately joined the Army as a temporary reinforcement, have not been coinmissionaled according to the several stations to which they have been elected and whereas, they may continue a longer time in service than was at first expected; there7/1

tains

;

fore.

Resolved, That the honourable Council of this Colony be desired to commissionate all such officers, as aforesaid, according to tlieir several ranks, who, with fifty men or upwards, (accounting in said number officers, and, also, such men as have inlisied from their respective companies into the Continental

Army,)

shall

incline

to

continue

in

the

:

MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, JANUARY,

1261 service

the last of

lliis month, or till the 10th of Februoccasion shall require, Ufjon their being certified of their appointment according to the Resolves of this Court, and of retaining the number of men specified in this till

ary next,

Adjourned,

until

Mondny

For Officers were

On On

:

In the House of Represcnla/ives : Resolved, That Colonel Porter and Mr. Brown, o{ Boston, with such as the

honourable Board shall join, be, and they hereby are appointed a Committee to settle the Accounts remaining unsettled on the books of the late Committee of Supplies, and to collect and pay the balances that may be due to, or from the Colony on said Accounts. Also, to take the care of the brigantine Rockingham and Unity's cargoes, and such a part of the schooner MaccaronVs, as belongs to the CoAlso, to see that the order of this Court be comlony. plied with by Captain William Johnson, late commander of the schooner BnV^onio, relative to his delivering to the Commissary of said Colony the nett proceeds of the cargo of said schooner, consigned him by the said late Committee of Supplies, exclusive of what he shall produce receipts of having delivered agreeable to any order of said Court. And they are further directed, to receive from the files of said Committee of Supplies all the papers relative to said vessel, or any of the persons having accounts unsettled, as aforesaid; and, upon the arrival of any of them, to cause the proceeds of their cargoes, if vested in military stores, to be delivered to the Colonial Commissary, and take his receipts therefor, and to certify to the Standing Cotnmitlee on Accounts the sums which they shall find necessary to discharge the portledge bills, hire, and other necessary charges attending the said voyages, that shall be due from And the Standing Committee on the Colony aforesaid. Accounts are Iiereby empowered to pay and discharge the portledge bills, hire of vessels, and other charges that shall be examined and certified by the Coinmittee now chosen, as aforesaid they to be accountable to the General Court ;

for their doings.

Read, and concurred, and Moses

Gill,

Mr. Cooper came up with a message to the Board, to inform ihein that the House proposed to come to the choice of Officers to command at Plymouth and Truro, also, a Captain to command in the County of Cumberland, ]n the room of Captain Rice, who declines, at three o'clock, this afternoon, if agreeable to the honourable Board. Benjamin Lincoln, Esq., went down with a message to the House, to inform them, that the Board agreed to the foregoing proposal of tlie honourable House. Letter from his Excellency General specting the want of Fire-Arms for the

coming

Washington, re-

new

recruits,

now

in.

House of Representatives : Read, and commitMr. Pitts, Colonel Wondbridge, and Captain Smith, with such as the honourable Board may join. In Council: Read, and concurred, and Colonel Prcscolt and Colonel Lincoln are joined. In the

ted to

Message came up from the House, to inform the Board House are now ready to proceed to the choice of Oflicers for the Company to be stationed at Plymouth and Truro, and a Captain in the room of Captain Rice. that the

In Council:

Ordered, That Charles Chauncy and MoCommittee to count and sort the

ses Gill, Esquires, be a

who

reported, that for the Oflicers to

Plymouth, the number of votes were On the part of the Board, On the part of the House,

command

---------

at

12

50 62

Total,

Thirty-two made a vote

and that Jesse Harlow, as CapJames Churchill, First Lieutenant Timothy Goodtain win, Second Lieutenant, were unanimously chosen. ;

command

Truro, the number of votes

at

the part of the Board, the part of the House,

-

.

.

-

.

-----

9 42

Total, 51 Twenty-six made a vote; and that Joseph Smith, as Captain Hezckiah Harden, First Lieutenant Seth Smith, Second Lieutenant, were unanimously chosen. Samuel Harding was chosen Commissary. ;

;

;

;

For

quires.

In Council: Esq., is joined.

to

next.

Mondny, January 15 1776. Honournbles Walter Spoonor, Calol) Cushing, Thomas Cusliing, Jolin Adams, J dedi.ih Foster, James Prosoolt, GIdad Taylor, Benjamin Lineoln, Cliarles Cliauncy, Joospli Palmer, Samuel Ilolten, Moses Gill, Jolin Taylor, Bohjamiu White, Es.

Present in Cotmcil

1262

Ifilliam Watson, Esq., for a Commissary, had fifty-nine was accordingly chosen.

Read, and concurred.

:

1776.

oles, and

if

Resolve. In Council

votes,



:

:

a Captain, in the

room of Captain Rice, the num-

ber of votes were

On On

the part of the Board,

the part of the House,

-

-

-

-

-

-----

53

Total,

Twenty-seven made

11

42

a vote

and Bryant Morton was una-

;

nimously chosen.

The Committee

appointed to count and sort the votes that the

Commissary at Tarpaulin- Cove, reported number of votes were for a

:

On On

the part of the Board, the part of the House,

-

-

...

10

47

Total,

57

Twenty-nine made a vote was accordingly chosen.

;

and that Thomas Jones,

Jr.,

Petition of James Lemont, setting forth : " tha the received orders to inlist a company of men, to be stationed in the County of Lincoln, for the defence of the sea-coast,

and before they passed muster, the County was alarmed by number of our enemy's vessels arriving at Pleasant-River, to which your petitioner, with his men, immediately went, and was obliged to victual said tnen until their return to Georgetown, where your petitioner was afterwards stationed, and was victualled by the Selectmen. Further, your petitioner did hire several boats for the use of the Colony, to convey the men under his command from one place to another, as the County was often alarmed by the enemy's vessels, which occasioned Colonel Cargill to order him from one place to another, where there was no passing by land therefore, your petitioner prays your Honours would grant him payment according to account annexed." a

;

In the House of Representatives : Resolved , That Henry Gardner, Esquire, Treasurer and Receiver-General be, and he hereby is directed to pay to James Lemont, or his order, the sum of fifty Pounds and two Shillings, in full discharge of his account. Li Council: Read, and concurred.

Adjourned

to ten o'clock,

to-morrow morning.*

• Philadelphia, January 1, 1776. May it please your Honours: I arrived at this place the 28th ultimo, where I found a letter from Mr, Morion, Deputy Secretary, wrote by the direction of the major part of the honourable Council of tho Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, by which I am acquainted that they have honoured ma with an appointment as one of the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, &-c., for that Province. I am, also, favoured with a list of the other gentlemen appointed to the Superior Bench, and of our arrangement in rank. 1 am, also, requ.'^sted to signify to the honourable Board, as soon as may be, my acceptance or refusal in writing. Tliat my answer has been so long delayed from the arrival of this letter, has been entirely owing to my absence on a commission to the northward, so that I have really been notified but a few days of my appointment to that important oflice, and have not had that time and opportunity to consider the matter which 1 could have wished ; but aa your Honours have thought it expedient that a Superior Court should be appointed, and the appointment is of so long standing, I think it necessary to give my answer by this first opportunity, lest the inatler remaining undetermined, might prevent the accomplishment of your Honours* determination. After expressing my sincere thanks for tho honour you have conferred upon me by tills appointment, X find myself constrained to decline accepting it, and without troubling your Honours with a detail of reasons which are not required, I beg leave to observe that I have the highest sense of tho importance of that office, and am satisfied that, if suiUciently qualified, I could not attend to llio duo execution of it, while the attack made by our enemies, on every thing we hold dear, ajjpeara to mo to demand our constant attention. I heartily wish tho establishment of poaco, and tho duo administr.i. tion of justice in our Province, success to your Honours' endeavours to clfjct those valuable purposes, and happiness to your persons, and ani with unfeigned respect, your Honours' most obliged, humble servant, .

Robert Treat Paine.

To

the Honourable the Council of

Massachu setts.Bay,

In Council, January 15, 177G: Read, and ordered to bo entered on Perez Morton, Deputy Secretary. files of Council.

the

:

MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL, JANUARY,

1263

Tuesday, January 16, 1776. Honourablcs William Sever, W:iltcr Spooner Caleb Cualiing, John Wintlirop, Thomas Ctiahinf, John Aduns, John Whelcomb, Jodcdiali Foster, James Prcscott, Eldad Taylor, Benjamin Lincoln, Charles Chauncy, Joseph Palmer, Samuel Holtnn, Joboz Fislier, Mo^cs Uill, John Taylor, Benjamin White, Esquires.

Pri'»eiil in

Council

:

The Committee consideration his to this Court, o(

of bolli Houses, appointed to take into Excellency General IVashiiigton's Letter the 10th instant, have attended that ser-

and report as followeth, viz his Excellency be informed that it is the opinion of this Court, tliere would be a general supply of fire-arins brought into the camp, if he would give publick notice that if the recruits would come well armed, they should be allowed for the use of their arins; and if lost in the service, the just value of them should be paid, and that their arms shall not be detained from them when their time of service shall vice,

That

expire.

:

:

And,

that to detain the arras of the Militia, without

would neither promote the good of the service nor facilitate the arming the forces, as it would produce a general uneasiness through the country. And tiiat Lis Excellency be also informed that this Colony have in store but about two hundred fiie-arms, part of which are out of repair. Such as will do for the service, although provided for the particular use of this Colony, we shall be ready to deliver, if they shall be needed, and do all in our power to aid his Excellency in arming the troops. In Council : Read, and sent down. In the House of Representatives : Read, and accepted, and thereupon, Ordered, That the Committee appointed 10 wait upon his Excellency General Washington, on the subject of his Letter of the 10th current, be a Comniiltee to present him a copy of the within Report. Ill Council : Read, and concurred. iheir consent,

price,

1776.

1264

and short of what has been usually given by the

in-

habitants of this Colony, under a like scarcity with the present.

Resolved, That

have

it

be recommended

not, as yei, forwarded to the

Hay which have been

per ton for

towns which quantities of

assigned, that they send their respec-

tive quantities immediately,

rate of six

to those

camps the

and receive pay therefor,

at the

Pounds per ton for English, and filty Shillings salt Hay, provided the same shall be brought

camp within ten days from the date hereof. And lest the other towns mentioned in said Resolve, which from aa early regard to the recommendations of this Court, have already furnished their respective quantities of Hay, should into

be sufferers for so doing, they are to receive out of the Colony Treasury, such sums as have been short paid them of the prices now allowed to be given therefor, on their producing proper certificates to the honourable Board of the quantities furnished aforesaid, who are hereby empowered to grant warrants for the same ; and the Selectmen and

Committees of Correspondence in those towns are desired to transmit to this Court the receipts for the Hay they have already carried into the camps, that so their regard to the credit of this community, and zeal for the common safety may appear upon the publick records of this Colony. And whereas,

may so happen, some towns may

it

ten days,

that at

the expiration of said

remain deficient, to prevent the fatal consequences of such neglect, the Selectmen of any delinquent town are hereby directed and empowered to impress therein, for the use of the Continental Army, so

much Hay

as will

still

make up

the

full

quantity assigned

such town by the aforesaid Resolve of this Court; and the Committee named in the former Resolve are directed to see that and the foregoing Resolve be carried into execution and Colonel Thompson is directed to get this Resolve printed in handbills and dispersed iliiough the several towns mentioned in the schedule annexed to the first Resolve. In Council : Read, and concurred. ;

In the House of Representatives : Whereas, representation lias been made to this Court, by a Committee thereof, that his Excellency General Washington was desirous of borrowing, for the use of the Continental Army, a supply of money, Resolved, That the Council be, and they hereby are empowered to draw on the Treasurer of this Colony, for the sum of Gfty thousand Pounds, lawful money, in favour of liis Excellency aforesaid, as Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, or for such a part of said sum as his Excellency shall have a present demand for, he giving an obligation, in his capacity, to return the same to die said Treasurer, when demanded. In Council: Read, and concurred.

In the

House of Representatives

:

Ordered, That the Excellency General

Cominittee appointed to wait on his Washington, on the subject of his Excellency's Letter of the lOlh instant, be a Committee to present his Excellency with a copy of the within Resolve. In Council : Read, and concurred. In the House of Representatives : Ordered, That the Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the Continental Congress, be committed to a Committee of both Houses. irt Council: Read, and concurred, and fFalter Spooner and Jedediah Foster, Esquires, are joined. Ill the House of Representatives : Ordered, That the Memorial o( Jonathan Jackson, Chairman of the Committee of Inspection of Newburyport, setting forth the fraud of Benjamin Balch, Sic, be committed to Mr. Story and Mr. Wheeler, with such jts^^the honourable Board shall

\

join.

In Council: Read, and concurred, and Caleb Cushinhia again. I had lately a schooner arrived, with some powder, at Barnstable, rather better than thrae hundred pounds, which was disposed of there, I understand that any person importas the peoplo wanted it mucli. ing powder BJtall be entitled to sliip tlio value of it in fisl), and to bring the produce thereof in powder. As such, I should bj glad to have a I want to certificate from the proper persons authorinjd to give one. ship tlie fi-th in a different bottom, which cannot make any odds, as both .

belong to ms. I should be glad to have liberty for one hundred and eighty quintals of fish, being about the amount of the powder. Tlie powder was imported in the schooner Sally, Ebenczcr Nickerson, master, from St. Euslatius, and now want to ship the fish by the schooner Endeavour, Jesse Harding, for the West. Indies, Your assisting the bearer in procuring the above, will oblige your Isaac Smith. humble servant,

To

the Honourable John

Adams, Esq., Watertown.

M». Adams presents liis compliments to Mr. Gushing, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Gerry, and the other gentlemen at Mr. Hunt's, and begs the favour of them to assist tho bearer in the business mentioned in the witliin letter.

Is CoDNCii,, January 20, 177S Uoad, and Ordered, That tAr. Isaac liberty to export one hundred and fifty quintals of i'\»\\ lo the WesUlndies, being about the value of tho Powder lie lately imported into this Colony, he giving bond to tho Committee of Inspection of the town from which ho may export said Fish, that he will lay out the nett proceeds of the same in Powder, Saltpetre, or Sulphur, provided tliey are to be bad at the ports he may go to, and bring the same into some port in this Colony, Boston and Nantucket excepted. JouN LowBLL, Deputy Secretary pro tern. :

Smith have

Whereas, Isaac Council-Chamber, Watertown, January 20, 1776 Smith, Esq., late o{ Ifoston, has imported into the town of Barmtahlc, within this Colony, in the schooner Sally, Ebenezer Nickerson, master, from St. liustatius, a quantity of Powder Ordered, Agreeable to a Resolution of the American Congress, of tho 15Lh of ./uiy liist, that ho be, and hereby is permitted to export one hundred and fifty quintals of Fish to the West-Indies, (being about tho val'.ie of said Powder,) in theschoortia/„ t ,„ „ ,„ Uoyd, Ju.v. Robert tends, as it is intimated to me, to apply to me for a comTo the Honomable the Provincial Congress for the Colony mission, with assurance of raising four or five hundred men of Netv- York. when he returns." To which, I answered " It is exbefore-mentremely diflicult to determine what should be done in what number of barrels, &ic., have the B. 1 N. you mention respecting the offer made by the Caughnationed, in Imnd, fit for boring; but my works have been so frozen up this whole winter, that 1 could neither bore ivaga Indians; but, if you can get decently rid of their offer, I would prefer it to employing them. The expense nor "rind. we are at in the Indian Department, is now amazing it will be more so when they consider themselves as in our GENERAL &CHUVLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. service, nor would their intervention be of nmch conse[Read March 4, 177G.] quence, unless we could procure that of the other nations." Albany, February 23, 1776. 1 ain very confident that we should be justified in emSir: At two, yesterday a'fternoon, an express arrived ploying the Savages, since the Ministry have made atten)pts here, in three days, from General fVooster, and brought to engage them against us, and if no other consideration ine a letter, of which the enclosed is a copy. prevented, I should bo for it but, besides the reasons I I was apprehensive that we sliould meet with diffictdties have given to General Washington, I may add, that they in supplying the Army in Canada with provisions, as 1 had will consider our employing them is of necessity, and they been informed that much waste had been committed and, will look upon themselves of more consequence than they on the 29ih ultimo, I desired General I'Vooslcr to " send really are, and rise in their demands upon us. me a return of the names of the Conmiissaiics of Provi1 have not yet received any nails, and my carpenters sions now in Canada, and to advise me how the Army will soon be out of work, unless I employ them in procurwas supplied with provisions." 1 am, in sentiment, with ing timber for an additional number of batteaus. I find him, that it is necessary to send a rpiantity of provisions many more of last year's are gone than I imagined. Please immediately for I am morally sure that our cause will to let me have the direction of Congress if I should go besuffer, if it is not done; and, as the winter is on the point yond one hundred, and how many. 1 shall, thereof leaving us, a delay may be dangerous. On board of the vessels which were taken near Montreal fore, venture to send four hundred barrels of pork, without on the I9th o( November, seven hundred and sixty barrels wailing the determination of Congress, although it will cost of pork, and six hundred and seventy-five of flour, were us not less than three pounds a barrel to transport it to found a quantity sufficient, of the first article, to have Montreal, and, even at that rate, it will be very diflicult to served two thousand men to the 3(J instant, of the other, procure sleds, as tiiere is hardly any forage left in the to the 22d ultimo. A considerable quantity had been No time is, also, to be lost in forwarding the taken a month before at Charnbly; a large quantity was at country. cannon, and what military stores are at Ticondcroga and St. John's; Bedel's and Warner's detachments had proCrown-Point ; they will, however, be of little service, un- visions bought for them much has been bought since the less a considerable quantity of powder is immediately sent. surrender o( Montreal ; hence, a waste or embezzlement What is gone is very trifling. must have taken place. I can easily account for the loss I fear 1 shall not be able to get shoes made in this jjart of by only imputing it to the inability of the Commissaries, the country sufficient, even, for the troops that are now on and the culpable inattention of the oflicers. I gave orders I am informed there are none in Canada, their march. last year, which, if they had been complied with, would and our troops will be greatly distressed for them unless a have prevented this evil and extra expense in sending suplarge number are sent into Canada, as soon as the Lakes plies. 1 have made additions to these orders and sent are pas-able by water. them into Canada. I have since drawn others; copies of Colonel Wijnkoop, to whom I have paid the expenses wliich I shall transmit as soon I can find a little time; but accrued by the prisoners in Ulster County, has shown me all this will have no effect: Commissaries of reputation a resolution of Congress for their future subsistence. Would must be procured men that may be depended upon, and not be well if Congress was to determine how much genteel pay allowed it unless we have such, the next cammoney should be allowed, instead of a ration, as the priso- paign will be still more expensive in this article than the ners are quartered upon the people, who cannot find them last ; and I believe ten thousand jwunds will not more with the articles allowed by Congress. than pay the waste and embezzlement. As the Commissary-General cannot possibly furnish our Enclose you a letter from General Arnold. That gentroops with all the artiv"les allowed them, I shall make an tleman has acquainted me with the contents. Congress estimate of what such as he cannot procure will amotmt to, will see that he agrees with me in the necessity of sending and order an equivalent in the other species this is be- a Committee into that country. come necessary, as I have already had applications for milk I have emjjloyed persons to collect all the hard money

gross think

then

it

proper,

iiifonii tliein

I will

more

immediately wait on them, and concerning this affair, that) is

fully,

'

'

:

;

;

;

;

;

;



;

:

money,

&ic.

" Stockbridgo, February 20, 1770.

"Dear

Sir: The bearer, Captain Solomon, with this, waits upon you to give information of the disposition of the Indians in this Town, and to take your directions concerning their going against our enemies in Canada; the refusing their proffered service,

is

an

affair

of delicacy, to

which you will readily attend. " I am, dear sir, your friend, and most obedient, humble servant,'

" Timothy -ry Edwards. » ,, rr-

Solomon urged me to let the Stockbridge Indians go to Canada. 1 considered it as a matter too delicate for me to decide upon, and told him that I would lay his request He hinted that they would expect pay. before Congress. General Washington, in a letter of the 27th ultimo, am a little embarrassed to know in what manner

says, " I

I am in this quarter on my own personal security. hopes of procuring two or three thousand pounds in that w-ay whatever the same may be, I shall immediately transmit it to General Wooster, who must stand in great need of it, as our paper money will not, by any means, pass. I am informed that our soldiers offer to pay three This is dollars for necessaries to the value of two only. an alarming circumstance, and I fear will be attended with no less consequence than that all the men whose lime will, expire in April, will leave Canada. St. Luke la Come arrived with Major Melchior, and some other prisoners are since come. I shall send them all to Ulster County, there to remain until the further orders of Congress. I am this moment informed that some nails are arrived from Canada, and a considerable quantity are on their way. The shipwrights, to construct the scows in Hudson's These vessels will be greatly River, are not yet arrived. wanted. Colonel ^F^ntoop inclines to continue in the service. I

in

Yesterday, Captain Solomon, one of the chiefs of the Stockbridge Indians, brought me a letter from Mr. Edwards, of which the following is a copy:

;

:

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1483 do not know an

officer

attentive to his duty, and

more

more

careful of ihe pubiick stores.

of Colonel liurreWs Regiment yet arrived. Mr. Htnry, of this town, has, as lie informs me, Congress brought cloth sufficient for five hundred tentss. If

None

A

might be proof persons to number sufficient not a but here are

slioufd not

have otherwise provided,

this

cured be got to make them up. most respectfully, and most sincerely, your 1 am, sir, ;

obedient, humble servant,

&tc., &ic.

Appointed the Honourable Mcshech tVearc, Chairman. Ordered the Receiver-General to pay hrncl Morey and John Bellows, Esquires, three thousand two hundred and eighly-sevcn Pounds twelve Shillings, being for two months ^vai'es

be weeks. Perhaps l1ie expedition may fail for want of supplies. Flour may be purchased for nine livres per hundred weight. We What we have ought to purchase a quantity of beef also.

March; up and down this

before the middle of

I hope our friends will not suffer the a very few days. enterprise to fall through for want of it. I am told there is a Mr. Brazier, a gunner, at CrownPoint, who may be, doubtless, spared from there, and will be much wanted at (^neheck. good enough to ] shall be obliged to you if you will be inform me, whether there are any twelve or twenty-four-

pound shot, or eight-inch shells, at Ticonderoga or CrownPoint ; if there are, we shall be very glad to have them sent have, at St. John's, us; they will be much wanted.

We

a twenty-four-pound, and several twelve-pound cannon, and an eight-inch howitzer. It will not be worili while to take thenT to (^uebeck, unless we have shot and shells for

Sunday, January

your most obedient, humble servant,

David Woosteb.

To

Warrants

for

Delivered Colonels Morey and Bellows, Orders for proCopy curing Necessaries for Colonel Bedel's Regiment. filed."

Monday, January

Met

— not

Members enough

29, 1776.

present to proceed to busi-

ness.

Tuesday, January 30, 1776.

Took into consideration a Letter received from the Chairman of the Committee of Portsmouth, requesting leave for Captain Sylvester to load Boards for Rhode-Island, and determined the request could not be granted.

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Samuel Atkinson, one Pound eleven ShilHngs, for his time and expenses going after Colonel Bedel. Petitions being preferred by Captain George Turner, and Lieutenant Thomas Pickering, complaining of each

other

Determined

that

Major George Gains be desired

to

receive from Captain George Plumer, the Field-Pieces, together with the Stores belonging to them, and deposite the same in some safe place till further orders.

Ordered the Quartermaster to deliver Colonel Morey seven hundred and twenty Gun Flints, for the use of Colonel Bedel's Regiment. directions to Colonel

Blanchard, Esq., Tovm's Company

to

Morey

to request

Jonathan

musier and pay Captain Archtlnus

their

advance money.

Major-General Schuyler. Wednesday, January

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Albany, February 23, 177G.

Sir: General Wooster has given me a very handsome character of Mr. Mdchior. I should be guilty of injustice to the young gentleman, if I did not mention it to He was, also, recommended to my attention by Geyou. nerals (Vashington and Lte. 1 am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

Dear

Philip Schuyler,

To

2), 1776.

Captains to men, and Orders as Lieutenant-Colonel. Copies filed.

Gave in haste,

raising for Conot/rt.

after that lime, there will

river for three or four

I understand there is a quantity win now soon be gone. think it very necessary that it should 1 Ticonderoga. at 1 need say nothing be pushed over the Lake immediately. one thousand lelt not is there that you inform than more of the money which you sent us, and that will be gone in

them. 1 am,

now

of the Regiment

Ordered the Treasurer to pay Morey and Bellows aforesaid, six hundred and thirty Pounds, for procuring Provisions, Billeting, &£.c., for which they are to account.

inlist

Sir: Tiie Paymaster has arrived, but lias brouglit no We can buy no provisions or wood hard cash with him. with Continental currency, yet lliey must be had, and that

14S4

1776.

Delivered Colonel IVaite, four

Montreal, February 19, 1776.

no passing

FEBRUARY,

Philip Schuyler.

the Honourable John Hancock,

To

&ic.,

By desire of General Sullivan, gave an Order on the Receiver-General, to pay Major Peter Coffin, for advance to pay a Regiment raising under Co\one\ John Waldron, for which said Sullivan is to account, one thousand three hundred and ninety-eight Pounds eight Shillings.

the Honourable Jo/jn Hancock, Esq., &.c.

Worceatcr, Massachusetts, (Friday,) March

We

who came enemy have

are told a gentleman,

Wrote 1,

1776.

out of Boston last taken away their

Friday, reports, that the mortars from Bunker's Hill, and carried them to Boston; that a Council of War had been held in Boston for several days that General Howe had advised the Mandamus Counsellors to go to England, and the Tories to leave the town ; that all the vessels in the harbour that were not in the King's service, were lakeri tip to transpo«t the Tories and their effects and that it was surmised in Boston, that, should another battle ensue, and the Regulars be defeated, they would set fire to the town, and remove to some other ;

;

part of the Continent. It is a prevailing opinion that something extraordinary

up

will turn

in

the course of a few days.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. Saturday, January 20, 1776.

The

General Court of

new Committee

this

Colony having appointed a

to

by express, ment.

Jonathan Blanchard and John Bellows, Esqs., to forward the inlisting Colonel Bedel's Regi-

Ordered Colonels Morey and Bellows

to pay each Solthey should musier, being an able-bodied effective man, well accoutred, forty Shillings, lawful money, as a bounty and two months' pay to each Commissioned Offialso, one month's pay to each non-Commissioned cer Officer, and a Soldier, at the rates established by the Continental Congress, and assist in providing for, and forwarding ihe Regiment with all speed; and make return of your doings with all speed to the General Court of this Colony, or Committee of Safety. You are likewise to observe that the Soldiers that receive the Colony Guns, are lo be informed that they are to allow one dollar for the use of the same; and should they not return them at the end of the campaign, they are to allow therefor forty-five Shillings, lawful money, each ; and the Officers are to take care that the above stoppages are made upon making up the PayTliose Guns manufactured in New-Hamjjshire to Rolls.

dier

whom

;

be sixty Shillings.

Wrote

of Safety, consisting of the following per-

Meshcch Weare, Nathaniel Folsom, Ebenezer Thompson, Philips White, Josiah Moulton, and Pierce Long, Esq., they proceeded to business.

sons, viz:

31, 1776.

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Colonel Thornton and Captain Moulton the balance of their Account, for going as a Committee to wait on General Washington, four Pounds three Shillings and one Penny.

to

Thomas Sparhawk, one of the late Commit come and close his Account.

tee of Supplies, to

Gave Major Welch an for

one Pound,

for

order on the Receiver-General

going express to Merrimack.

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1485

Thursday, Fcbruiry

1,

1776.

Ordered Captain Titus Salter to deliver the Field-Pieces nnd Stores, lately took from Captiiin Tamer, to him again, without delay.

Wrote

to a

sending

in

in

number of Towns who have been deficient number of Inhabitants, to do it without

the

delay.

whole Account, not exhibited, because many

bills

out.

to pay Major Gains, to be by him Quartermaster, one hundred Pounds.

Ordered the Treasurer accounted

for, as

Friday, February 2, 1776.

Spent in writing a number of Letters, and waiting Colonel Bedel.

for

Salurdiiy, February 3, 177G.

up Continental Commissions Regiment. Filled

for

Colonel Bedel's

Ordered the Treasurer to pay Secretary, MalthewThornand price of rations as made up in the Roll, amounting to eighteen Pounds nineteen Shillings and two Pence. To the following persons, soldiers in Osgood's Company, the sums set against their names, being in full of their wages, exclusive of Coat money Andrew Healy, three Pounds fifteen Shillings and three Pence Solomon Todd, four Pounds nine Shillings and eight Pence John Wallace, four Pounds nineteen Shillings and one Penny; Stephen Bethel, six Pounds eleven Shillings and nine Pence John Ryant, nine Pound six Shillings and two Pence; Duncan McGregor, eight Pounds seventeen Shillings and two Pence Joseph Hatch, seven Pounds thirteen Shillings and one Penny. ton, his wages,

lings. ditto, to pay Messrs. Thurstin fy Jones, for seven Pounds seven Shillings and six Pence. Ordered ditto, to pay Messrs. Rundlet f{ Son, for ditto, twenty-eight Pounds seven Shillings and four and-a-half

Ordered

ditto,

Pence. Ordered ditto, to pay Richard Champney, for his expenses after Tin Kettles, one Pound two Shillings and ten Pence.

Morcy

Paymaster to Colonel Bedel's Company, Lieutenant Thornton's, and Ensign Wheeler^ s ; and ordered the Treasurer to pay him one hundred and forty Pounds; likewise to pay Colonel Morc^ the balance of his Account, sixty-three Pounds seven Shillings and three Pence. orders to Colonel

orders to

Daniels's

;

;

;

Major Gains

to be

to

muster Salter's and

Company.

Adjourned

to

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Joseph Ayers, to be by him accounted for out of his expense, in transporting the Indians, six Pounds.

Ordered the Treasurer to pay Abner Chamherlin the sum of sixteen Pounds eleven Shillings and four Pence, for going express to Canada to carry money- to Colonel Bedel. Ordered the Treasurer to pay Captain James Osgood his own wages, price of rations and stoppages, out of the also the wages. wages, accounted to his Pay-Roll Sic, due to EzeJciel Walker, George Kenlfield, Supply Walker, Ebcnezer Green, Nathaniel Eastman, Benjamin Heath, Leonard Herryman, Jonathan Johnson, Barnes Hazellon, Ezckiel Stickney, John Moore, Joseph Colby, Zcphaniah Petty, Daniel Chandler, Jonathan Dresser, Abiel Messer, Daniel Emerson Cross, Thomas Spring,

soldiers'

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Thcophilus Gilman, for Axes and Hatchets, seventeen Pounds five Shil-

Gave

1486

;

Ordered the Treasurer to pay Colonel Marey one thousand Pounds, to buy SnowSlioes, Blankets, Hatchets, and Rum, for the Canada Regiment.

Gave

1776.

:

Ordered the Treasurer to pay George Gains the balance of his Account exhibited this day, amounting to sixty-nine Pounds five Shillings one and three-fourths of a Penny; his

FEBRUARY,

&ic.,

;

Archibald Sterling.

Ordered the Receiver

Pounds

to

pay Mr. Theodore Carlton ten

three Shillings, for the expenses of Indians,

Ordered the Receiver-General, Mr. Ehenezcr Green, to pay the following sums, being stoppages, viz: To Captain Parker, fifty-two Pounds seven Shillings and six Pence. To Colonel BedePs Company Lieutenant ^4ner Palmer, seventy-seven Pounds nineteen Shillings and seven Pence. To Colonel BedePs StafF-RoU, nineteen Pounds fourteen Shillings and one Penny. ,

Ordered the Receiver-General

Tuesday, ten o'clock.

he,

while at his house.

six

Shillings,

for

to

pay Mr. Jo/ui Noble

bringing a Letter from Head-Quarters

from General Washington. Tuesday, February

Not Members enough present

to

G,

1776.

proceed on business.

Wednesday, February

7,

1776.

Ordered the Treasurer to pay the Roll of Captain Peter Coffin, amounting to ninety-four Pounds twelve Shillings and five Pence, stopping from Captain Coffin, thirteen Pounds two Shillings.

Ordered the Treasurer to pay Captain John Parker his wages, price of rations, and stoppages, amounting to one hundred and fifty-nine Pounds thirteen Shillings and ten Pence. Also, Lieutenant

Asa Pattee's wages,

sixteen

Pounds

and seven Pence John Pattee, ten Pounds nine Shillings and five Pence: Joseph Harwel, eleven Pounds three Shillings and ten Pence Alexander Packer, William eight Pounds seventeen Shillings and ten Pence Duriah, ten Pounds eleven Shillings and four Pence; Samuel Packer, ten Pounds six Shillings and six Pence; James Thompson, ten Pounds one Shilling and six Pence ; Stephen Lowell, eight Pounds eight Shillings and three Pence Samuel Gault, six Pounds fifteen Shillings and eight Pence; Asa Pattee, Jun., two Pounds two Shillings and nine Pence; Samuel Smith, four Pounds nine Shillings and nine Pence John Loring, six Pounds nineteen Shillings and eleven Pence. ten Shillings

;

;

;

Thursday, February

8,

1776.

Ordered the Treasurer to pay Captain William Cooper, !iis Pay-Roll, six Pounds seventeen Shillings and six Pence. Friday, February 9, 1776.

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Captain Henry Elkins, his Pay-Roll, one hundred and seventeen Pounds seven Shillings and four Pence.

Gave

Captain IVilliam JF'urnnW to proceed to Philadelphia, Virginia, Maryland, or North- Carolina, he liberty to

giving a bond to the Committee of Safety of the Town of Portsmouth, with sureties, in a sufficient sum, that he will

by no means break

or intrude on any Resolve, or declara-

tion of the Continental

Congress.

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Colonel Ebenezer Folsom, the amount of expenses of the Indians who came here from Head-Quarters, three Pounds two Shillings and five Pence. Saturday, February 10, 1776.

pay Mr. Nicholas Nichols, twenty-four Shillings, towards his expenses in transporting

Ordered the Treasurer

the Indians.

to

;

;

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Colonel Timothy Bedel, seven hundred and eighty-five Pounds, lawful money, to be by him delivered to Israel Morey, Esq., to payoff the

Troops

at

Cohasset.

Receiver-General to pay Tread Tracy thirty-six Dollars, for bringing twelve thousand five hundred Dollars from Philadelphia, and delivering the same to said Receiver-General.

Ordered the

Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Colonel Timothy Berfe/ forty-eight Pounds nineteen Shillings and two Pence, lawful money, for supplying the sick of four Companies. Ordered the Receiver-General to pay Colony Timothy Bedel fifty Pounds, lawful money, in Gold and Silver, to be by him accounted for.

Ordered the Receiver-General

to

pay Captain James

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS,

1487

Shillings and six Pence, for Os CrjWwe//, Esquire,

to the Fleet, for a

sum of money

Com

for the recruiting

Board an Order was drawn on Mr. John M. Nesbitt, Paymaster to the Fleet, for one hundred

service, by order of the

and twenty Pounds,

for that

purpose.

Resolved, That the Officers that shall be employed to recruit in the country, for the service of the Fleet, shall be allowed twenty Shillings per week, each, for their travelling charges, and ten Shillings per man, for each man they shall inlist, in lieu of all recruiting expenses ; and also, ten Shillings per week for the subsistence of each of their recruits, while they continue in the country recruiting, and until they join the corps at the Barracks. Resolved, That Captain Campbell shall have access to Sergeant Morrison, now confined in the Jail of this City, at reasonable hours, to settle his private affairs, but that no other of the prisoners, confined for inimical practices, shall

be present.

Upon application of Captain Richard Willing, payment of seventeen Fire-locks, purchased by him

for for

the the

use of Captain Jones's Company, in the Battalion late Colonel Bull's, by order of the Board an Order was drawn on Messrs. Mease and Caldwell, for seventy-one Pounds fifteen Shillings, being the amount of said Account.

Resolved, That Mr. James Biddle furnish John Miers, of Berks County, on account of this Committee, with one hundred Pounds, taking good security for the same, which

sum

lent

is

him

purpose of carrying on the manuand to be paid in that commodity in

for the

facture of Saltpetre,

twelve months.

A Letter was wrote, and signed by the Chairman, to Benjamin Rittenhouse, of Nottingham, requesting his attendance at this Board, in order to confer with him respecting the mode and terms on which he would undertake to carry on a manufactory of Gun-Lock making in an extensive manner. Saturday, February 10, 1776.

Resolved, That John Harper be appointed Quartermaster to the Fourth Battalion of Troops to be raised in this Province for the service of the United Colonies.

Committee of Safety Present George Clymer, Chairman, John Cadwallader, Daniel Roberdeau, Thomas Wharton, Jan., Joseph Reed, Samuel Howell, Owen Biddle, Samuel Morris, Jun.

Resolved, That Richard Collier be appointed Quartermaster to the Fifth Battalion of Troops to be raised in this Province for the service of the United Colonies.

LTpon application of Mr. Adam Zantzinger, for the payment of fifteen Fire-locks, purchased for the use of Captain Jones's

Resolved, That Garait Stedafort be appointed Quartermaster to the Third Battalion of Troops to be raised in this Province for the service of the United Colonies.

Order was drawn on Messrs. Mease and Caldwell, in favour of Mr. Zantzinger, for fifty-two Pounds ten Shillings, being the amount of said Account.

Mr. Blith, a gentleman recommended by the Committee of Cumberland County to be instructed in the manufacture of Saltpetre, having produced the account of iiis ex-

master

In

fenses, amounting to three Pounds twelve Shillings and six 'ence, by order of the Board the Committee of Accounts

was desired

Upon fifty

to

pay the same.

application of

Jo^ph

Collier for the

payment of

Carlridge-Boxes, Bayonet-Belts, and Scabbards, de-

Commissioners and Assessors oi Berks Counby order of the Board an Order was drawn on Michael Hillegas, Esquire, for thirty Pounds, being the amount of said Bill.

livered to the

ty, agreeable to their Certificate

Upon

application of Jacob

Baldwin

for the

payment of

:

Company,

Upon

in

the Battalion late Colonel Bull's, an

Mr. John Maxwell Nesbitt, Pay for a sum of money, by order of the Board an Order was drawn in his favour on Michael Hillegas, Esquire, for fifteen hundred Pounds. application of

to the Fleet,

&c.,

Upon application of Mr. Patrick Price, permission was granted him to have access to Doctor Connolly, now confined in Jail, in order to his settling an account with him, in the presence of Mr. Charles Ludwig.

By order of the Board an Order was drawn on John Nixon, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in favour of Owen Biddle, for one hundred Pounds, being towards the payment of Pikes, &ic., ordered to be made by this Board.



Works

(o inquire for

proper places to erect

manufacturing of Gunpowder, viz: will encourage six Powder-Mills, on the following terms 1. To lend to each person any sum not exceeding one hundred and fifty Pounds, on giving good security to employ it in erecting a Powder-Mill, and either repay it in money or work. 2. That this Committee will supply said Mills, inmiediately, with fifty tons of Saltpetre, in proportion to the quantities of Powder they deliver per week. 3. That they will pay eight Dollars per hundred for Powder manufactured and delivered in this city, this Committee only finding Saltpetre, and half the expense of light casks, the Powder-makers all the other materials, and to be at all expense of carriage. Tliat this

for

Committee

is

:

as a

the Secret

" Extract from the Minutes:

"Charles Thomson, iSecre/ar^." Wednesday, February

premium

Upon

of Captain Cowperthwait for this supply his Company with a sufficient number of Cartridges and Canteens, by order of the Board Mr, Towers was directed to supply the above articles, taking a receipt for the same on the Continental service, he to go to New- York with the Battalion under the command of Colonel Dickinson, agreeable to a requisition of Congress.

Board

other persons.

if

directly or indirectly,

Upon

Pounds,

Upon

Letter from the President of the Congress, requesting in

would furnish a number of order to be detached to Neic-

Therefore, Resolved, That this Committee request the Field-Oflicers of the several Battalions in this city to meet as soon as they conveniently can, to fix on Officers to go on that service, and to lake the proper steps to carry the above request into execution. That the Rifle Battalion be requested to furnish one company, to be added to the Battalion to be detached.

Resolved, That Mr. Dickinson be directed to apply to the honourable Congress, to replace the whole number of

Board has supplied them with.

payment of his Account for repairing Fire-locks forCapt. Harmar's Company, of the Battalion late Colonel Rull's, an Order was drawn on Messrs. Mease and Caldwell, for twenty-one Pounds seventeen Shillings and nine Pence, being the amount of his Account. quantity

of Brass, for making furniture for Fire-locks engaged by (Jap tain Wilcocks, and others, by order of the Board an Order

was drawn on Robert Towers, Commissary, for two hundred pounds of Brass. Resolved, That^/o^epAjPox, Esquire, advance to Messrs.

Fourth

Series.

—Vol.

it.

Com-

the pay-

the above purpose.

application of Francis

to

Philadelphia, February 14, 1776.

never intended by any thing that I have said or done measures carried on for the maintaining the liberties of these Colonies. 1 do, further, in the like solemn manner declare, and promise, that I will not, for the future, throw any reflection on the publick measures aforesaid, or the advisers or promoters of them, nor in any manner, whatever, endeavour to obstruct or discredit such measures. 1

to obstruct the

Willis, for the

a

in his favour, for

"In Committesof Safety,

:

for

for

the Committee of Safety for this Province have adjudged my late conduct to be inimical to the cause oCAmerican freedom, I am sincerely sorry that I have given any displeasure to my countrymen, and do solemnly declare,

In Committee of Safety Present John Nixon, Chairman, Daniel Roberdeau, George Clymer, Samuel Miles, Alexander Wilcocks, Samuel Morris, Jun., Samuel Howell, Thomas Wharton, Jun., George Gray, John Montgomery.

Lewis Grant,

Money

"As

that

application o(

of

before this Board, agreepromise, and having notliing further to ofl^er in defence of the charges alleged against him, as a person inimical to the liberties o{ America, he signed the following Declaration, which is ordered by this Board to be published in the publick Papers of this City, viz:

able

Tuesday, February 13, 1776.

Upon

sum

Thomas Austin having appeared

Yorlc, was read, and taken into consideration.

John

Fox, Esq., one of the

Wade, for a sum of Money, an Order was drawn in his favour, on John Nixon, and others, the Committee of Accounts, for three hundred Pounds, being towards the payment of Provisions supplied the Boats and Artillery Company.

that the Battalions in this city,

application of

to

ment of Fire-locks, &c., by order of the Board an Order was drawn on Michael Hillegas, Treasurer, for five hundred

Canada.

equal to one Battalion,

application of Joseph

missioners of this City, for a

Resolved, That Matthew Whitlow, be appointed First Lieutenant to the Company of Matrosses directed by the Congress to be raised in this Province for the service of

Upon

Kennedy be appointed Surgeon

Resolved, That William Moulder be appointed Second Lieutenant in the Fourth Battalion o( Pe7visylvaniaT{oo[)3, in the service of the United Colonies, m the room of Thomas Holland, who has resigned, having been appointed in another County.

13, 1776.

:

that this

iSrtmue/

vice of the United Colonies.

Present In Committee of Safely James Mease, Chairman, Owen Diddle, Daniel Roberdeau, Robert fVhite, Robert Morris, Joseph Reed, George Clymer, Alexander Hilcocks, Samuel Howell, Samuel Morris, Jun., John Cadwallader, John Dickinson, and John Nixon.

Arms

,

the Fouith Battalion o( Pennsylvania Troops, in the ser-

and to be under oath

Monday, February

men

application

to

That Doctor

in this contract, to sell

required to this purpose.

A

14, 1776,

Committee of Safety: Present George Chjmer, Chairman, Robert White, Samuel Hoxoell, Daniel Robtrdeau, John Montgomery, George Taylor, Owen Riddle, Anthony Wayne, Samuel Miles, George Gray. In

all Powder-Mills hereafter erected, in the supply of Saltpetre, and the materials for twelve months, they making the same into Powder on equal terms with

engaging

to the

Gunpowder, in the cheapest and most expeditious manner; and that this Congress will confirm any Contracts made for the above purpose.

Committee, of

No Powder-maker

are

12, 1776.

tons of Saltpetre be delivered

into

second, and thirty for the third Powder-Mills, which shall deliver one ton, each, of Powder. 6. That the above Mills have the preference by this

any Powder,

Board the following

by Committee of Safety of Pennrequested to have the same manufactured fifty

Committee

who

sylvania,

for the first, fifty for the

7.

at this

"In Congress, February

"Resolved, That

one hundred pounds Saltpetre.

That one hundred Dollars be allowed

5.

1576

desired to take their separate Obligations.

Colonel Dickinson delivered Resolve of Congress

4. When unrefined Saltpetre is delivered, ten Shillings per hundred weight be allowed for refining, and the return of Powder be proportioned thereto, Saltpetre to be manufacluied to the best advantage, and not less than one hundred and forty six [lounds of good Powder being to be de-

livered for

1776.

Ganger, DumtvicJc, and Kinder, three men employed by him in making Fire-Arms for the use of this Province, fifty Pounds each, for which they are to deliver ihirty-five stand of Arms without receiving any payment; and Mr. Fox

following Proposals were this day delivered to the

Committee appointed suitable



:

PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, FEBRUARY,

1569 The

:

99

I do, also, resign my seat as a member of the Committee of Inspection and Observation of this County. " Thomas Austin."

The vered to

following Resolve of Congress this

was

this

day

deli-

Committee " In Congress, February 13, 1776.

"Resolved, That it be recommended to the Committee of Safety for PtmiiywoHzcf, in case the Barracks near fAjladclphia cannot contain the Troops raised in Pennsylvania, that

may want Quarters,

to

have the remainder placed ia

the Pest-House and old Jail of this city.

"Extract from the Minutes:

"Charles Thomson,

Secretary."

—— 1571

PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, FEBRUARY, Thursday, February

15, 1776.

Commitlee of Safety: Present Thomas Hharton, Juii., Cliiiiriuaii, Daniel Roberdeau, George Taylor, John Nixon, Robert White, Samuel Milts, Samuel Howell. Resolved, That Robert Towers, Commissary, deliver to In

Colonel Dickinson, or

his order, for liie

of Associaiois going for

New- York,

use of the Battalion

wiiat Provincial

Anns

and Accoutrements he may have, and that the Colonel may want; and, also, such Ammunition as he may want belonging to ihe Continent, taking a receipt for the same. Resolved, That Captain Robert li'hite and John Nixon, be directed to apply to Simon Shintock, and in their name, to request him to finish the Ship, now building for this Province, with the greatest expedition, and to employ an additional number of men for that purpose.

Members

Adjourned to two o'clock, when the following were present; Thomas IVharlon, Jun., George Gray, Robert White, Alexander Itilcocks, Daniel Roberdeau, Owen Riddle, George Ctymer, Benjamin Bartholomew, Samuel Hunter, Samuel Howell, Samuel Miles. This Board taking into their consideration the Report from the Committee of Observation and Inspection for the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, respecting the conviction of John Drinker, Thomas Usher, and Samuel Fisher, of the liouse of Joshua Fisher If Sons, for refusing the Continental Bills of Credit, being fully convinced of the fatal consequences which must ensue on a check given to the circulation of our Paper Currency; the refusal of which, is an offence which strikes against the existence of our present struggle for life and liberty, and, considering that the latter part of the Resolution of Congress which directs, that such persons who are convicted as above mentioned, shall be " treated as enemies of their country, and precluded from all trade or intercourse with the inhabitants of these Colonies," remains yet unexecuted upon these persons. And as the powers and authorities of the Committee of Observation and Inspection to execute the Resolves of Congress have expired with the time for which they were

Committee after due consideration, the following Resolution was unanimously agreed to: That this Committee go to the houses and stores of John elected to serve as a

Drinker, Halter, and Joshua Fisher

fy Sons; that they cause all the Books and Papers of the said John Drinker, and such as belong to the said Thomas Fisher and Samuel Fisher, separately and jointly with Joshua Fisher, to be deposited in trunks, chests, or desks that the same shall then be locked and sealed, and suffered to remain in some of their Stores and then tiicy shall cause all the doors and windows of their Stores and Warehouses, containing their Goods, Wares, and Merchandise, to be locked and keyed, and the same to be fastened upon the outside by a wooden bar being nailed across them. ;

;

Friday, February 16, 1776.

Committee of Safety Present John Nixon, Chairman, Robert White, Owen Riddle, George Clymer, Thomas Wharton, Jun., Samuel Howell, Daniel Roberdeau, John Montgomery, Alexander WilIn

:

cocks.

Upon application of Mr. Owen Riddle, one of the managers of the Provincial Saltpetre Works, for the payment of four hundred and six and ihrfec-quarter pounds Saltpetre, manufactured there, and received by Robert Toioers,ilom-

missary, an

Order was drawn on John Nixon, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in favour of Mr. Biddle for one hundred and one Pounds thirteen Shillings and nine Pence, being the amount of the Saltpetre, at the rate of five Shillings per pound.

Upon

application of the Commissioners and Assessors of York County, for a sum of Money, towards the payment of Fire-locks making in that County, for the use of this

Province, by order of the Board an Order was drawn on Michael Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Colonel Thomas Hartley, for three hundred Pounds, for the use aforesaid.

Resolved, That the Rev. William

application of Samuel Home, for the payment of Account, for Bayonets, Scabbards, &.C., for the use of the Captains Jones, Le Marr, and Harmar's Companies, in the First I'ennsylvania Battalion in the service of the United Colonies, an Order was drawn on Messrs. Mease and Caldwell, for twenty-eight Pounds ten Shillings and six Pence, in his favour, being the amount of said ,\ccouni.

Upon

his

Upon application of Colonel fl'illiam Irwine, of the Sixth Battalion of Fennsylvania Tioops in the service of the United Colonies, for a sum of Money for the use of said Battalion, by order of the Board an Order was drawn in his favour, on Messrs. Mease and Caldwell, for three thousand Pounds, for the use aforesaid. Adjourned to

five o'clock.

present John Nixon, Chahiuan, Samuel HowDaniel Roberdeau, Thomas Wharton, Jun., Samuel Miles, Alexander Wilcocks, George Clymer, Given Biddle. In consequence of the Resolution of yesterday, Colonel Roberdeau, .Mr. Wilcocks, and Mr. Clymer, went to the house of Thomas and Samuel Fisher, and demanded iheir Books of Accounts, in order to be locked up in one of their Stores, which lliey refused to deliver up, or declare where they were deposited, construing either to be an active part in them, which they could not in conscience lake, b\it would peaceably submit to the execution of any Resolutions that should be taken respecting them.

Members

:

ell,

Resolved, That Hugh Montgomery, at present First Lieutenant to the Armed Boat Congress, be appointed Captain to the Armed Boat EJ/ingham. That Thomas Houston, at present First Lieutenant to the Armed Boat Franklin, be appointed Captain to the Armed Boat Experience. That baac Rotche, at present Second Lieutenant to the Armed Boat Hancock, be appointed First Lieutenant to the Armed Boat Franklin. That John Christie, at present Second Lieutenant to the Armed Boat Dickinson, be appointed First Lieutenant to the

Armed Boat Chatham.

That

Mitchell, at present Second Lieutenant to

Armed Boat Chatham, be the Armed Boat Ranger.

the to

That Francis

appointed First Lieutenant

Gilbert, at present Second Lieutenant to

Armed Boat Washington, be appointed First Lieutenant to the said Armed Boat. That Robert Hume, at present Second Lieutenant to the Armed Boat Ranger, be appointed First Lieutenant to the said Armed Boat. the

That William Broion be appointed Captain of Marines on board the Provincial Ship now building. Resolved, That under the authority given by Congress, Board immediately |)roceed to erect, on account of the Congress, a Powder-Mill on a large stream, capable of manufacturing, as nearly as possible, four tons of Gunpowder per week.

this

That the Committee will contract with a number of persons, not exceeding four, to erect Powder-Mills, engaging them with eight tons of Saltpetre each, the proof manufacturing which to be considered as a full compensation for the expense and risk of such undertaking; but if the Committee should be able to comply with their part of the engagement, then that they will immediately to supply

fits

indemnify, by money, the said persons, in like manner, as shall be adjudged by three indifferent persons, to be chosen

by the parties to the contract, they having particular regard to the expense of imdeitaking. Resolved, That Mr. Clement Biddle be appointed to look out for, and without loss of time fix on a suitable situation for the said Mill, to contract with the owners for the privilege of erecting it, and to superintend the building

;

and also

to contract with

persons for erecting Mills on their accounts, on the terms before-mentioned.

Resolved, That the Captains of the Provincial Armed Boats be desired to meet together and inquire into the merits of such persons who have applied to be appointed

Second Lieutenants

may be Linn be appointed

1572

Chaplain to the Fifth and Sixth Battalions of Pcn/ii^/conia Troops, in the service of the United Colonics.

;

shall, respectively,

1776.

in the said Boats, and such others as properly qualified for that station, that would be

willing to engage in that service, and to report to this

Board



PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, FEBRUARY,

1573 names of

the





servin, Shells, and

That the Regiment of Canadians, the

raising of vvhicli Brigadier-General Arnold's Letter, of the January last, to have been put on foot by him, ihe same pay, and be subject to the same regulathe other Forces employed in Canada, and be acpart of the number designed to be raised for that

of 3forc/j next ; and after some time spent thereon, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. H'ard reported, that the Committee had taken into consideration the matter to them referred, but not iiaving come to any resolution, desired him to move for leave to sit

counted

again.

service.

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow morning, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into their further consideration the propriety of opening the Ports, and the Restrictions and Regulations of Trade after

That the appointment of Captain Rensselaer to be Deputy Muslermaster-General of the Forces in Canada,

nies

the

after the first

first

of

March

next.

The Committee

on General Washington's and General Report on the table.

Schiii/ler's Letters, laid their

is

mentioned

12th o{ receive tions as

in

be confirmed. That the appointment oi John Halsted, Esquire, to be Commissary for the Army before (^uebeck, be confirmed.

That Major-General Schuyler be directed visions stored in proper

to

have Pro-

places near Hudson's River, be-

Resolved, That an Order be drawn on the Treasurers, favour of James Mease, the Commissary, for the sum of 10,000 Dollars, for the use of the Pennsylvania Battalions,

tween Albany and the Highlands, to supply such Troops it may be necessary to call out of the country. That the offer made by Major-General Schuyler, to pay at the rate of four Shillings per day for each of the Sleds hired to forward the Pennsylvania and New- Jersey Forces in their march to Canada, be complied with. That the Officers in the Continental Armies be enjoined

he

to use their

Adjourned

to nine o'clock,

to-morrow.

as Saturday, February 17, 1776.

in

to account.

That Colonel James

Irvine, of the Sixth Pennsylvania

Battalion, be authorized and empowered to purchase good Arms for the use of his Battalion, the price of the same to

be deducted out of the pay of the men.

The Committee on the state of the Treasury brought in a Report, which was read : Resolved, That a Standing Committee of Five be appointed for superintending the Treasury. That it shall be the business of this Committee To examine the Accounts of the Treasurers, and, from time to time, report to Congress the state of the Treasury. To consider of ways and means for supplying Gold and Silver for the support of the Army in Canada. To employ and instruct proper persons for liquidating the publick Accounts, with the different Paymasters and Commissaries in the Continental service, and the Conventions, Committees of Safety, and others, who have been or shall be intrusted with the publick money; and, from time to time, to report the state of such Accounts to Congress. To superintend the emission of Bills of Credit. To obtain from the different Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies, accounts of the number of Inhabitants in each Colony, according to the Resolution of chosen, Mr. Daane,

Mr. Nelson, Mr.

Gerry, Mr. Smith, and Mr. fVilling.

The

That

Congress, taking into consideration the Report of

the Committee on the Treasury, Resolved, That a further sum of four millions of Dol-

a few Artificers, such as Armourers, Smiths,

Car-

penters, Harness-Makers, and Wheelwrights, with proper

persons to superintend them, be forthwith sent to Canada. That it be recommended to the Convention of NewYork, that such of the Officers who served faithfully in Canada the last campaign, as are willing to continue there, be preferred, in the new levies of the Colony of New-York, to others.

Resolved, That a Committee of Three be chosen to prepare Instructions for the Committee appointed to go to

Canada.

The Members

elected,

Mr.

/.

Adams, Mr. Wythe, and

Mr. Sherman. Resolved, That resolve itself into a

this

Congress

Committee of

on Tuesday next, Whole, lo take into

will,

the

consideration the propriety of opening the Ports, and the Restrictions and Regulations of Trade, after the first of

March

Congress on that subject.

The Members

utmost diligence in preventing every kind of plunder; and that all who shall offend herein, be punished according lo the strictest discipline. That the Resolves of Congress for encouraging Suttlers to attend the Army in Canada be published, with the information that Hosiery, Shoes, Coarse Linens, Soap, Rum, Sugar, and Wine, are much wanted there.

next.

Resolved, That the Committee appointed to purchase sundry articles of Clothing for the Northern Army, be directed to contract for good strong Shoes, for the Army in

Canada.

The

Congress, taking into consideration the Report of

:

!

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, FEBRUARY

1675 the

..uu,, the Troops subsisting u.. o, suos.s.ng melhoJ of Committee on the melhou

^"rIm

That

befd vanctd

tl he

Tuesday, February 20, 1776. in ...

having made a new choice of Delegates to represent that Colony in Congress, Credenthree of said Delegates attending, produced the.r fals, wh.cl. were read as follows ^^^^ Convention of

the sum of thirty-five thousand Dollars Co>rn.lon or Co.nn.it.ee of Safety of

employed in the for the support of the Troops orConunittee defence of that Colony : the said Convention thereof; e.Kpenditure the for accountable of Safety to be the above and that an Order be drawn on the Treasurers for who are sum, in favour of the Delegates of that Colony,

Aeu- York,

That

^

for

most Congress, an'd with Fuel, and other necessaries, on the reasonable terms in their power.

which such Congress shall deem necessaiy; Province bind themselves to execute, to the utmost of their povver, ajl resolutions \yhich the said Congress riiay

all

:

gation.

"A

of 74.4

to

A was

on Monday. Monday, February

19, 1776.

adjournment, and having attended the Oration delivered in honour of General Montgomery, and of those Officers and Soldiers who magnanimously fought and fell with him in maintaining the principles of liberty :*

Met according

Adjourned *

to

copy from the Minutes: " William Patterson, Secretary."

Letter from General Lee, dated lllh February, 1776, read.

A Memorial from a number of the Inhabitants of iVoro alike solemn and serious, hear, in the first place, the voice of Eternal Truth " It is better to go to the house of mourning, tlian to the house of feasting ;" for, " None of us liveth to liimaolf, and no man dioth to himself." But there are some men, illuminated with a purer ray of divinity, patriots of the fir.st magnitude, who, in a peculiar sense, may be said and conaoquenlly to to live and die, not to themselves, but to others Him who is the author of all goodness. Endowed with that superior excellence which does honour to our whole species, the virtuous of every nation claim kindred with them and the general interests of bamanity are concerned in their character. In veneration of such men, to exchange the accustomed walks of pleasure for the house of mourning to bedew its sacred recesses with tears of gratitude to their memory; to strive, if possible, to catch some portion of their ethereal spirit, as it mounts from this earthly sphere, is a laudable custom, into perfect union with congenial spirits above coeval with society, and sanctified to us by the example of the wisest !

Committee of Five.

sepulchre of illustrious citizens ;" and their inscription is written upon the hearts of all good men. "As for you, the survivors, from this very moment, emulating their and be prepared to follow virtues, place your sole happiness in liberty Then, addressing himself, with ex. its call through every danger." quisite tenderness, to the relicts and children of the deceased, he sug. gests to them that tlie Commonwealth was their husband, their father ;

and brother.

" From this day forward to the age of maturity, shall the orphans be cduciited at the publick expen.se of the state. For this benevolent meed htivo the laws appointed to all future relicts of those who may fall in the publick contests." Nor were the Romans less careful in this matter. Considering men ; in general as brave, more by art than nature ; and that honour is a more powerful incentive than fear ; they made frugalily, temperance, patience of labour, manly exercise, and love of their country, the main principles ; of education. Cowardice and neglect of duty in the field, wore seldom punished with death or corporal inflictions but, by what was accounted worse, a life decreed to ignominous expulsion and degradation from ; Roman privileges. On the contrary, deeds of publick virtue wore re. warded, according to their magnitude, with statues, triumphs of vari. ous kinds, peculiar badges of dress at publick solemnities, and songs of praise* to the living as well as the dead. Next to the hymns composed in honour of the gods, poetry derived nations. its origin from the songs of triumph to heroes,+ who tamed the rude It was the manner of the Egyptians, the fathers of arts and science, manners of mankind,} founded cities, repelled the incursions of ene. not only to celebrati; the names, but to embalm the bodies of their deAnd this custom began when niies, and gave peace to their country. ceased heroics, that they might be long preserved in publick view, as Rome contained only a few shepherds, gathering strength by an alluvies examples of virtue; and, although "dead, yet speaking." of the outcasts of neighbouring nations. But this honour was not easily to be obtained ; nor was it bestowed Those first efforts of poetick eulogy, whether in prose or verse (like It was decreed only by the indiscriminately upon the vulgar great. those of a similar origin, which nature, always the same, teaclies our publick voice a venerable assembly of judges, before whom the body Savage neighbours,) although often sublime in substance, were yet so of the deceased was brought for trial, and solemnly acquitted or courude in structure, that Livy\\ forbears quoting them, as having become demncd upon the evidence of the people. intolerable to the more refined taste of liis age, however suitable they Even Kings themselves, however much spared when alive, for the sake might have been to the era of their production. ordeal before their tranquillity, had still this more than fiery of publick What a multitude of compositions of this kind must have existed eyes ; and, by tlie example of some of their number, who had been re. between the barbarous songs of tlio military upon the triumph of fused sepulture in those very tumbs which their pride had prepared to They Cossius,!) and the celebrated panegyrick of Pliny upon Trajan their own memory, were taught both to venerate and to dread a hw, are said to have been swelled into two thousand volumes, even in the which extended its punishments beyond the usual times of oblivion. In short, the praise of publick virtue was wrought time of Augustus. The moral of this institution was truly sublime constantly incul- into the whole texture of Roman polity; and Virgil, calling religion to cating a most important lesson, "That whatever distinctions our wants his aid, gave it the highest finish. and vices may render necessary, in this short and imperfect period of He divides his hades, or place of ghosts, into different regions; and our being, they are all cancelled by the hand of death; and, through to the gulph of deepest perdition, V consigns those monsters of iniquity the endless untried periods which succeed, virtue and beneficence will who deliglitod in the destruction of mankind,** betrayed their country, make the true distinctions, and be the only foundations of happiness :

;





.'



and renown If from the Egyptians, we pass to the Greeks, particularly the enlightened Athenians, we shall find that they had an express law, appointing orations and publick funerals, in honour of those who gloriously sacrificed their lives to their country. And this solemn office was performed before the great assemblies of the people sometimes for one, and sometimes for bands of heroes together. Thucydides has recorded a celebrated Oration of tills last kind, de. livcred by I'ericles. The illustrious speaker, after a most animating description of the Amor Patrice the love of our country which he

• Tl.ey are calleil "Cnj-njino," as wrought always in verse or measure.





human

virtues, turns to the deceased : " Having bestowed their lives to the publick, every one of them, (says he) hath received a praise that will never decay; a sepulchre that will always be most illustrious not that in which their bones lie moulderall

;

ing, but that in

which

their

fame

is

preserved.

This whole earth

is

the

ill

the high poetick style

;

but were not,

t

Soliti sunt, in epulis,

canere convivaa ad libicinem, de claroruin horainum virtute.—

Cicero.

tQui terms hoininnmque colunt genus, aspcra l»ella Cunipun.n.t, agi-os assiguanl, oppida condtint.— //ornce.

;

exilts above

up

tliererore,

tl

Carmen canentes

ibant, ilia tenipestatc furtitan laudabile rudibus ing:eniis,

and incondituin si referatur. ^ Longe maximum triuinphi spectaculum fuit Cossius — in eum niilite« dita, aiquantes enin Uumulo, canere.— L/uy. \ " Full twice as deep the dungeon of the Fiends,

nunc

abliorrens

The huife Tavtarenn Kloo.ny ^ulph descends Below these i-egions, as these regions lie From the briglit .i-almsof yon ethereal sky." •' " This wretch bis countrj' to a tyra.it sold, And barter'd glorious libtrty tor gold :

Laws

tor a bribe

he passed— but passed in vain

For these same laws a bribe repealM again."

cariuiiut incon-



——

!

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, FEBRUARY

1677

Members chosen, Mr. Hcices, Mr. fV. Livingston, Mr. Paca, Mr. E. Rulkdge, and Mr. Chase. Lieutenant Brasher, who had the orders of General Schuyler to conduct a number of Canadian Prisoners to Tlie

or violated

pany

its

and laws.

religion

Tliere

lie

excruciates them, in com.

" Gorgons

niui

Hydros and Chimemi

dire

"•

Vultures prey upon llicir vitals, or tlicy arc whirled eternally round with Ixion upon his wheel, or bound down with Taiilalus.t wliose burning lip iiangs quivering over tlie elusive waters it cannot touch ; or the fury Tysiphune, her hair entwined witli serpents, her garments rod with human gore, urges on their tortures with unrelenting hand The poet having thus exhausted imagination, as well as mythology, in the description of punishments for the disturbers of mankind and foes to tlieir country, raises his conclusion to a lieiglil of horror beyond the reach of expression : !

*'I{ad I a tiundi'ed inoutlis, a liinidi-ed tongues, A voice of bni»s, and adaniaiiliiie hiii^t \ Nut liair llie tnighty scene could I dixcioM-; Itcpcat tlicir crjmt>, or count llicir driadlul wocs.*'t

Virgil strayed any further tlnough tlie fields of fanny or fablo tlian to borrow strength of colouring for ihe garb of truth ; and, 1 suspect, that he drank from a purer fountain than that of //e/icm, when ho peopled his Tartarus with the ancient scourges of the human race. An authority sacred among Cliristiuns lias, indeed, given us a most awful confirm:ilion of his doctrine. prophet and poet indijed, whose inspiration was truly from Heaven, the incomparably sublime Isaiah, foretelling the fall of liabt/lun. iius an ode of triumph, wherein he exults over its liaughty monarch in strains of wonderful irony and reproach. He reprobates him as a destroyer ot mankind, who had " made the world a wilderness." He represents the whole earth as delivered from a curse by his fall ! The trees of the The very grave refuses a coforest rejoice, because he is laid low ! voriug to his execrable corse ! He is consigned to the depths of misery; while the infernal mansions theinseives are moved at his approach, and the ghosts of departed tyrants rise up, in horrid array and mockery

Nor has

|il.iee,

A

of triumph, to bid him welcome to his tinal abode The asloiiishiiig grandeur and spirit of this passage, and indeed of the whole ode, are unrivalled by any poel|| of Grctk or liotnun name. " How lialh tho oppressor ceased The Lord hath broken the statF He that smote the people iu wrath that ruh;d the of the wicked The whole earth nations in anger is persecuted, ami none hindereth is at rest; they break forth into singing; yea, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying. Since thou art laid down, no !

!

'.





!

come up against us. " Hell from beneath is moved for thee, to meet thee at thy coming. They even the chiefs of the nations It Btirrelli up the dead for llice 8.iy unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we ? Thy pomp is brought that didst O weaken thou fallen, Lucifer, down to the grave How art All Kings, (meaning just and merciful Kings,) even all the nations 1 of them lie in glory, every one in Ins own house, (or sepulchre ;) but thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch," &.c. Isafeller is

!

;



iah xiv.

But although the reward of liorces, in the Christian'g heaven, be our proper theme on this solemn day; yet the passing view which we have taken of the perdition decreed to the traitors of their country, in the poet's hell, confirmed, also, by the voice of Scripture, is not foreign to our main purpose. I know your bosoms glow with so strong an aversion to all the foes of liberty in this life, that you will surely avoid every thought and action, which might doom you to their company in the life to come ; and, and may it be an eternal adieu to thoso therefore, bidding adieu dreary regions and their miserable inhabitants, let us now exalt our joyous view to those celestrial mansions, where the benefactors of mankind reap imn.ortal triumphs





the bleit train advance along: the meads, wrt^lhs adorn their glorious heads— pcrish'd I'or their country's right. Or nohly trinin|itrd in the ticld of light, "1 \Vorthits, who life by useful arls refiii'd, With those who leave a deathless imine behind, > patrons of inankind.J world, and Fhentls of the Some on the verdunt plains are streteh'd along. Sweet to the ear, their tuneful I'Kans rung." **

Lo

!

And snowy I'atrioU

who

But here, ye Pagan poets, and thou Prince of their choir, wo leave 30U far behind ;^ for your sublimcsl flights are now infinitely short of Your gloomy theology gave you tolerable aid in forming the theme! - *^

fiaiiiisque

armata Chimicra

1678

1776.

laid his Instructions before

liaving executed Iiis orders, Congress, wiiich were read.

Also, Quartermaster Shallus, of the First Pennsylvania Battalion, liaving liad orders to conduct certain Prisoners utmost efforts of natural genius could not make a hca. The glory of giving some vcn worthy of a rational and immortal soul animating description of that bliss " which eye hath not seen, nor ear before heard, nor could the unenlightened heart of man otherwise con. From him we learn, tluit ceive," was left for a more Divine teacher. a heart pure and detached from sordid pleasures, a soul panting after perfection, striving to imitate the goodness of heaven, anticipating its approving sentence, and devoted to the service of mankind, shall at last rise and mix in eternal fellowship with the beatified family of

a hell, but the

;

.

taken the same method of raising his description, by leaving something beyond the |>ower of words to express " AlKHuinable, unuttel"able, and woiie Than fables yet Itavc feignM, or fear conceiv'd."

to be conceived

God! Having now, my respected countrymen, and I hope I ilo not weary you, laid a wide I'mnidution upon the practice of Ihe wisest nations I shall add but little more con. in support of the present solemnity cerning the pnbliek utility of the thing itself. Circuiustancc-d as we now are, and perhaps shall long be, in building up a fabrick for future ages, it would be a wise institution, if in imitation of the Genoese Feast of Union, we sliould make at least an annual pause, for a review of past incidents, and of the char.icters of thoso who have borne an illustrious share in them; thereby animating our virtue, and uniting ourselves more closely in the bonds of mutual



friendship.

The world, in general, is more willing to imitate, than to be taught and examples of eminent characters have a stronger influence than Men's actions are a more faithful mirror of their written precepts. The former seldom deceive; but the latter lives than tlieir words. The deeds of old contract a venerable authority over us, when often. sanctified by the voice of applauding ages; and, even in our own day, our hearts take an immediate part with those who have nobly triumphed, or greatly suffered in our behalf. But the more useful the display of such characters may be to the And I am not to learn, that of world, the more difficult is the work. M^.n nil kinds of writing, panegyrick requires the most delicate hand. seldom endure the praise of any actions, but those which their self-lovo represents as possible to themselves. Whatever is held u|i as an example, if placed beyond the reach of humanity, duly exalted by publick and whatever is placed within the vulspirit, will excite no emulation gar walks of life, will attract no attention. ;

There is a further difficulty, peculiar to certain times; particularly those of civil dissension, when the tempers of men are worked into ferment. Whence it happens, that they who have bjen the subjects of obloquy in one age, have become the theme of praise in another. Suclt was Hampder., in the days of passive obedience, branded as a seditious disturber of his country's peace; and, at the blessed era of the RevoSuch was Sidney, conlution, exalted into the first rank of patriots. demned to a scaffold in the former period ; and, in the latter, immortalized by the delegated voice of the nation! What judgment posterity will form of the present mighty contest, in which these United Colonies are engaged, I am at no loss to determine in my own heart. But, while the same actions are, by one part of a great empire, pronounced the most criminal resistance, and by another, the most laudable efforts of self-preservation ; no publick character can bo drawn alike acceptable to all. Nevertheless, as the faithful historian is the best panegyrist of true merit, he will not fashion himself to times and seasons, but exalt himself above them ; and, conscious of his dig. nity, as respon.iible to succeeding ages, will take eternal truth as his support, which can alone bear the impartial test of future examination. He knows that the divine colours of virtue, although they may give a temporary glare, will not blend or mellow into a ground-work of vic3. VVhatever events, disastrous or happy, may lie before us; yet sonio degree of applause, even from an enemy, is certainly due to those illuinl)p pyramid, the pi»iiU

I'riiinipliHl an-li, unit

iili

(litil

cVr

hoar

'rhc wur,)iipp'd

iiaiiK- »i'

Are niuuldenng

inlo du»t.**

tiplifld

1



1



I

;

forth to speak

" Reinninbcr thou art this day going to address men born in tho arms of Liberty, Gmcians, Athenians .'" Let no thought enter thy heart let no word fall fiom thy tonguo unworthy of such an audi-



As

!

to that hero,

whoso memory you celebrate as

a Proto.Martjrt to your rights for through whatever fields I have strayed, he has never escaped view as to him I say, if any thing human could now roach his ear, nothing but the groat concerns of virtue, liberty, truth, and justice would be tolerable to him ; for to these was his life devoted





my

1680

Rcsolrcd. Tiiat tlie Secret Committee be directed to lo Colonel MnrweU, or order, twenty stand of Arms for the use of his Battalion, he lo be accountable for

deliver

Little did those generous Americana, who then reserve for him stood by his side, think that they were assisting to subdue a country, which would one day bo held up over us, as a greater scourge in the hands of friends, than ever it was in the hands of enemies Had such a thought then entered our hearts, wo should have started with indignation from the deed of horror. Our heroism would have appeared madness and parricide ! The lifted steel would have dropped from tho warrior's arm ! The axe and the hoe from the labourer's

still in

'.

!

America would have wecped through all her forests; and her well cultivated fields refused to yield further sustenance to her infatuated sons But far diffrent were our thoughts at that time. considered our. solves as co-operating with our brethren for tho glory of tho empire; to enable them to secure our common peace and liberty; to huinanizi-, adorn, and dignify, with British privileges, a vast Continent ; to becomo strong in our strength, happy in our happiness ; and to derive that from our urtVictioii, which no force can extort from a free |>eople ; and which tho miserable and oppressed cannot give ! And these, too, were the sentiments of our lamented hero ; for he had formed an early attachment, amounting even to an enthusiaslick love, for this country ! Tiie woodland and tho plain ; the face of nature, grand, venerable, and yet rejoicing in her prime ; our mighty rivers, descindiiig in vast cataracts through wild and shaggy mountains, or gliding in silent majesty through fiirtile vales ; their numerous branches and tributary springs ; our romantick scenes of rural quiet our simplicity of manners, yet uneorrupted by luxury or fl.igrant vice; our love of knowledge and ardour for liberty all these served to convey the idea of primeval felicity to a heart which he had taught to beat in unison with the harmony of Heaven Hj, tlii-reloie, chose America, as tho field of his future usefulness and as soon as the blessings of peace were restored to his country, and duty to his Sovereign would permit, he took his leave of the army, and having soon connected hims:df, by marriage, with an ancient and honourable family, in the Province of New-York, he chose a deliglitful retirement upon tho banks of Hudson's /fiuer, at a distance from the noise of a busy world Having a heart distended with benevolence, and panting to do good, he soon acquired, without courting it from liis neighbours, that authority, which an oinnion of superior talents and grasp!

1

We



!

siitiijuity

In vain docs the n-ayfiring man investigate the tottering ruins for the divinity once enshrined tiiere A scanty receptacle, about si.\ feet in length and lialf the breadth, informs him that it once contained some human dust, long since mingled with the common mass. In vain does the prying antiquary dwell upon the sculpture, or strive to collect and spell the scattered fragments of letters. The inscription is gone long since gone, efTicod, obliterated And fruitless were the search, tliroegh the whole woild, for the Hero's iiaino, if it were not recorded in the Orator's page, and proclaimed by the faithful voice of History. There it shall live, while the smallest vestiges of literature remain upon earth yea, till the final dissolution of things human ; nor shall it perish then ; but, being the immediate care ol Heaven, the great Archangel, when he sweeps suns and systems from their place, and kindles up their last fires, strjtching forth his mighty arm, shall pluck the deathless scroll from the devouring contljgration, and give it a place among the archives of eternity 1 But whither am I borne ? to what heights have I ascended? I look down with astonishment and tremble at my situation ! Oh ! let your friendly arms bii extended to save me as I fall. For in the idea I liave of my subject, I have undertaken to guide the chariot of the sun ; and how shall I steer through the e.xaltcd track that lies before me? Con. nidering myself as honoured with this day's ollico by the delegated voice of some millions of People through a vast continent, upon an oc. Cdsion, wherein their gratitude, their dignity, their love of liberty, nay, «ven their reputation in literature, are all, in some degree, concerned ; what language shall I use, or how shall I accommodate myself to cvoty circumstance in the arduous work ? Truth alone must guide the hand that delineates a character. Should I affect to so.ir aloft and dip my pencil in the colours of the sky, I should but endanger my own wings, melt tlieir wax, and be precipitated headlong. Mor is the danger less in the other extreme. O then, for some bettor I'hahus, some presiding Genius, to guide mo through my remaining way to point out the middle path, and teach inc to unite dignity with ea.sc, strength with perspicuity ; and truth with the unaffiiCted graces of elocution. Or rather, you shall bo my Phabus, my inspiring as well as presiding Genius, ye delegated fathers of your country! So far will I strive to imitate him,twho always animated himself with his subject, by thus accosting himself before he wont

ence

20, 1776.

the same.

on the Prisoners.

••

;

from his early years. He had received a liberal education in Inland, his native country, before ho went into the Army; airi was, indeed, endued with talents which would have led liim to eminence in any profession. His own he studied with a felicity which soon distinguished his military abilities; but war and conquest baring no other charms to him than as tho necessary means of peace and happiness to mankind, he still found leisure, in the midst of camps, to cultivate an excellent taste for pliiloso. phy and polite literature. To these he added a careful study of the arts of Government, and the rights of mankind; looking forward to that time, when he might descend into the still scenes of private life, and give a full flow to iho native and acquired virtues of a heart rich in moral excellence. Above eighteen years ago he had attained the rank of Captain in the Seventeenth Regiment, under General Moncklon, and stood full in tho way of high preferment having borne a share in all the labours of our American wars, and the reduction of Canada. Ill-fated region shortsighted mortals Little did he foresee tho scenes which that land had ;

!

!

t Ptriclet. ':""',•" "Pproprinte this term to as to detract from the merit 9f*Doi^J"»^rrii'' PI "-J other brave UOttor Worrci, and men « ho fell before, in the same cai.K.

1

inflexible integrity never fiil to create. In this most eligible of all situations, thelif: of a country gentleman, deriving its most exquisite relish from reflection upon past dangers and

gave

scope to his philosnphick spirit, and taste for and raised above vulgar ambition, he de. voted his time to sweet dumeslick intercourse with the amiable partner of his heart, friendly converse with men of worth, the stuily of useful books, and tho improvement of his favoured villi. Sor from that hap. py spot did ho wish lo stray, until he should receive bis last summMUS to happiness more than terrestrial. But when the hand of power was stretched forth against the land of his residence, ho had a heart too noble not to sympjthize in its dis. tress. From that fatal day and oh ! that it had never found a place in tho volumes of Time from that fatal day. in which the first Ame. rican blood was spilt by the hostile hands of Ihilish brethren, and the better genius of the empire, veiling her face in anguish, turned abhorrent from tho strife of Death among her children I say, from that fatal day, he chose his part. Although his liberal spirit placed him above local prejudices, and he considered hims.lf as a member of the empire at large yet America, struggling in the cause of liberty, henceforth became his peculiar country; and that country took full possession of his soul ; lifting him above this eartlily dross, and every private affection Worth like his could be no longer hid in the shades of obscurity ; nor permit him to be placed in that inferior station with which a mind, great in humility and self-denial, would have been contented. It was wisely considered that he who had so well learned to obey, was fittest to command ; and, therefore, being well assured of his own heart, he resigned himself to tiie publick voice, nor hesitated a moment longer lo accept the important commission freely offered to him, and, with the firmness of ano. ther Regulus, to bid farewell to his peaceful retirement and doinestick endearments. Here followed a scone of undisserabled tenderness and distress, which all who hear me may, in some degree, conceive, but all cannot truly feel. You only who are husbands whose hearts have been intimately blended with the partners of your bliss, and have known the pangs of separation, when launching into dangers, uncertain of your fate ; you only would I now more directly address. Givo a moment's pause for reflection Recall your own former feelings, your inward struggles, your virtuous tears ! Here bid them again freely flow, while you listen to our hero's parting words Ye sceiiei where home-fell pleasures dwell, past services, he rural elegance.

full

Self.satisfijd







;

'.



!

And thou, my deai-er sell' litieAvell " Perhaps the Cypres*, only tree of all these groves, shall follow me"— i

But

still,

Where

to

Triumpli or a

Virtue ealls,

I



'rointi.

come,

I

come

!

[The foregoing lines were set and performed to musick, which gave an opportunity of a pause, in delivering the Or.ilion.] " I come, 1 come !" Nor were these the words of disappointed am. bition nor dictated by any sudden start of party zeal. He had weigh;

ed the contest well, was intimately acquainted with the inalienal)lfl rights of freemen, and ready to support them at every peril ! Ho had long foreseen and lamented the fatal issue to which things were has. tening. He knew that the sword of civil destruction, once drawn, is not caiily slieathcd ; that men having their minds inflamed and the weapons of defence in their hands, seldom know tho just point where to slop, even when they have it in their power; and oflen proceed to actions, tho bare contemplation of which would at flrst have astonished them. It was, therefore, his desire rather to soften than inflame violent humours, wishing that America, in all her actions, might stand justified in the sight of God and tho world. He foresaw the horrid train of evils which would be let loose by the slroke which should 5;;ver the • Ilor. B. II. OUc u. 1, 22-21.

!

1681 I

CONTINENTAL .^^ v.v.i>uni^5S, CONGRESS. FEBRUARY Congress took into consideration the Report of the

tie

Z

/

N

"-eans of procuring

rV'^^'^^V'"^ '''° ''""^'^''

^"'i

Th„

Snon

of

Twelve-Pounders and sixty-two Four-Pounders ^"""^'^'^^ "e be

six^ N.ne-Pounders, P^'":^ s.xty

'

If

''^V°'

'

°" ">^ ^^^>'^ ^"'J "^eans ^'"PO^^^^d '« Purchase or con-

^"'""'"'V^''^''"'^''

ml" T""' ^' """"^"'S the same.

trac*^ for

,^00

n

,1

loc

fi*"'^

purciiased for the use of the Colonies

20, 1776.

' "'^'°^^"'"''"

^'^

'=''°«en

n.itTe'r

and added

^"' '-p lit. but ' Th,- n ihnr .°. ^ doctrin^ which, hehaXen told we* we ilc.TV-'''^^^ be di«gree.ble',o any, the fauU '"!' »'""'•' '"w ^^0, h . But he will '".''"''"T' .rouble on th,. top.ck, unle.. hi, own defence .In." Id^n^mu^'tttlder iut'c..""..?'"''"

d.fcl 1

Fourth Series.

— Vol.

it.

Z

,.1



VL"'

to their

).""'^"

"""t nuoon, more than ought to be

nren

h-ardtt^rZcSlit'slTssriftKrrnL'ri^

encouraging them to nobler '''"'• efforts in future And if of d,.,cipline appeared, he nobly attHbutes it to " ha."^ -"Tc "'^ freedom, which men accustomed to think for ihemsclves, themsrivelil""" will even bring into camps with ihem " still

tientjo

^^^

His own superior military knowledge he has been known

to sacrifice.



:

;

CONTLNExNTAL CONGRESS, FEBRUARY

1683

The Member chosen, Mr. fV. Livingston. The Committee of Claims reported, tiiat there

is due: Michael Connolly, expenses for Wagon-hire, carryto Heading, ing the Prisoners' Baggage from Bethlehem Dollars. 160 sum of the days, four expenses own his and To Richard Uoicell, the sum of 34i Dollars, for trans-

To

portation of

Powder

to

Burlington.

on which succoBs to the general voice, rather than interrupt that union madepended and when a nioaswre was once reBolvod upon by the and judgment, he jority, however much contrary to his own advice magnanimously supported it with liis utmost vigour; (Hsdaining that work of low ambition, which will strive to defeat in execution what it ;

could not direct in planning. His perseverance and conduct in gaining possession of A(. Jo*n » and Montreal, have already boon the theme of every tongue, und need not bo mentioned in this place. His abilitii:s in negotiation ; the precapilul.itions are cision with which tho various articles of treaties and expressed ; the generous applause he gives, not only to every worthy garrison effort of his own ofTicers, but to tho commanding officer and " o{ SI. John'*; his noblo declaration to the inhabitants of Montreal, that the Continental armies despise every act of oppression and violence, being come for the express purpose of giving liberty and security;" all these, I say, did honour to himself, and to that delegated body under

whose authority he acted. Leaving him, th.-reforo,



to enfor a while, alas, too short a while joy the noblest of all triumphs, the applause of his country, and tho conscioustcslimony of his own heart let us inquire after another band of brave and hardy men, who are stemming rapid rivirs, ascending pathless mountains, traversing unpeopled deserts, and hastening tlirough deep morasses and gloomy woods to meet him in scenes of another inue.



I>«-wrl« in vain their count*, and dt-i-p lapaciuut floodt, Alul iiiuiuitaint in whose jaws (tcsiructiun giinu d, Huii|^ran«l toil .tnnenian fiiows and iloriui! Greece in Uicir view and glory yel inilouch'd, Tht-y held tlit-ir renilf»» way— Oh 1 Mn-ngth of mind Almost almighty in severe extremes I— TA«ni.Tttors to 695 Mott, Samuel, Report on Fortifications of Connecticut, - 1146 Letter to Govemour Trumbull, -

868

Mott, Captain, Motte, Colonel, Motte, Jacob, Motto, of the United Colonies,

47 56 468

53, -

-

-

-

--4,

13 Moullon, Colonel, Moultrie, John, Lieutenant-Govemour of Florida, 336 liCtter to General Grant, 43, 44, 45, 50, 51, 55, 69 Moultrie, Colonel William, - 1374 Mowat, Captain, burning of Falmouth by,

...



Moylan. Colonel Stephen, Letters to 152, 264 Colonel Wentworth, 152, 194, 255 William Watson, William Bartlett, 158, 206, 230, 231, 284, 285, 458 Massachusetts Council,

-

-

Salem Committee, Peleg Wadsworth,

-

-

-

Colonel Jonathan Glover, Colonel John Glover,

176,227,1158 193,206,221

-

-

....

Major Hawley,

General Court of Massachusetts-Bay, . _ . Matthew Tl)omton, General Wooster, -

-

193 179 221

-

846

-

861

-

956

-1515



Letters from

Josiah Wentworth, -

-

-

-

168 179

-

----------

William Watson, John Pickering, R. H. Harrison, Muhlenberg, Peter,

Mulcaster, Frederick George, to General Grant, Murdaugh, James,

215 793 75 329 75

-

Murdoch, Addison, Murray, Captain, Mutinous spirit, in Armed Vessels, In the Army,

-

-

-

-

-812 -115

-

-

152, 181

Myers, Captain,

-

-

-164

-

JSancy, Transport, capture

-

220

-

159, 170, 180, 256,

of,

---------------------------

294

Naval Stores, Resolution of the Continental Congress

1669

respecting,

Navy, (See

Vessels,

Armed.)

75 40 485 76

Neaville, Joseph,

Neel, Colonel Thomas, Negroes, Free, inlisted in the Continental Nelson, Hugh,

Nelson, John, Nelson, Thomas, Nelson, William,

Newfoundland,

to

-

-

be garrisoned,

Army,

-

-

.

-

.

-

Mr. recommended to be held Powers of Europe, Newhiry, Major Roger, New-Hampshire

-



Provincial Congress, Letters from General Sullivan, Colonel Wingate, Dr. Jackson, -

Portsmouth Committee, Delegates

in

-

forth to all the -

-

-

-

-

-

.

-

.

-

-

-

-

472 267

9_20 20, 25

21 21, 153 -

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

22 24

-

-

187

-

Colonel Hobart, . 449 Colonel Long, . n^ . . 593 Assembly, Letters from Getteral Sullivan, 768, 794, 862 Council, Letter to General Washington, 809 General Court, Letter from General Sullivan, - 709 Letter to Colonel Hobart, 169 Ijetter to General Sullivan, 195 Letter to General Washington, 709 Ijetter to Continental

964

Congress, Convention, Letters from the Continental Con-

gress-

782 Letters from General Washington, 448, 672, 699 Letters to General Washington, 470, 685 Letter to Captain Salter, 573 Committee of Safety, 1-10,1483-1488 155,

'

Letters from General Sullivan,

New-Hampshire Committee of Safety



Letter from General Folsom, Letters from General Washington, Ijetter from Continental Congress,

-

-

-

-

-

168, 221, Letters from Josiah Bartlett, 22, 172, 658, 784,

159,

450 837

207

214, 877

-

-

654

685 from Westbrook Waldron, - 1134 Letter from P. Begozzat, - 1477 Letter from John Langdon, Letter to General Schuyler, 23 23 Letter to Colonel Bedel, 810 Letter to General Washington. 811 Letter to Colonels Morey and Bellows, 811 Letter to Colonel Waite, 901 Letter to Major Bellows, Letter to Continental Congress, 964 . Letter to Colonel Morey, 996 Letters to Delegates in Congress, 23, 996 Plan of Government for, suggested by GeneIjetter

ral

-----

Sullivan,

Form

of Government assumed by, Difficulties relative to the same,

241

583 996-1000

-

-

-

Portsmouth, Proceedings in Committee of Safety, relative to defence of, 1,2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 Instructions to Delegates in Provincial Con-

------

gress,

Memorial and Remonstrance of, Remarks on Petition and Remonstrance, New-Jersey



-

459 460

-

653

Provincial Congress, - 966, 1579-1626 Letters to Continental Congress, 948, 986, 1490 Letter to New- York Committee of Safety, - 1117 Letters from Continental Congress, 1013, 1153 Letter from New- York Committee of Safety, 1120 Proceedings of Continental Congress on Letters from Convention, 1671, 1689 Application of Field-Officers of Third Battalion to Continental Congress, for Arms, - 1015 Officers of Third Battalion, -1469 Another Battalion to be raised in, - 1 639 Committee of Safety, 660-666 Letter from Ijord Stirling, 246 Letters to Continental Congress, 772, 814, 815 Letter from Continental Congress, 783 Somerset County, Proceedings of Township of Barnard, on suspected persons, 235 Sussex County, Tories in, 475 Elizabethtown, Return of Powder borrowed

from, by

New- York Committee,

from Congress,

Letter

New-York



-

-

------

Committee

of,

Address to the Inhabitants of, by Governour Tryon, Answer to the same, Number and sentiments of Inhabitants, state

987

173 174

587

Ever has been and ever rest

579

to Continental

of Militia, &c.,

Continental Congress,

Dutchess County Committee,"

12I

903 49, 50

-

Neufville,

Neutrality,

171

91, 101

1772

will

of the Colonies,

be a moth to the -

_

-

-

675

Assembly, prorogued, 149, 447 Remonstrance of Provincial Congress against the same, 407,413 Dissolved,

------

Nomination of Members,

-

-

-

Circular of Committee of Safety to

I

Mem1020 1028 1153 417 418, 438 796

------

Design of Government in calling meeting Prorogued, Committee of Safety, apTpointment of, •

Powers of, Absent Members urged

to attend,

Proceedings,

-

-

-

of,

807,949,1017-1126 562, 1642

Letters to Continental Congress,

-

Letter to Delegates in Congress, Letter to Lord Stirling,

-

-

-

-

Ijetter to the Inhabitants

of the Colony, Letter to Colonel Swartwout, Letters from General Washington, 605, Letter from Continental Congress, Letters from Lord Stirling,

Letter from

542 702

County

Committees, relative to election of bers,

-

Thomas Wickes,

-

787 795 606 966

994 783 655, 965 655 -

INDEX

1773





Neiv-YorJc '

New-York

Commiftee of Safety Letter from Willinin Leary,

-

-

Letter from Robert Ogden,

-

-

Letter from John Imlay, Letter from John Blackler,

-

-

Letter from General Lee, Letters from John Graham,

693 817 817 818 830 857, 923 . 876 879 -

... -

-

-

-

Letter from John Fowler, Letter from Peter T. Curtenius, Letter from Committee of Correspondence

857 889 949 165, 383, 440

to Continental Congress, letter from William Bedlow,

Letter from William Forbes, Provincial Congress, Letter from Paul Micheau, Letter from Theodore

Letter from John Marks, Letter from Commissioners tions,

-

Van Wyck,

Letter from liord Stirling,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

.

149 156 173

-

.

218

--.._-

Letter from

Edward

for

Fortifica-

-

.

Letter from Colonel Hasbrouck, Letter from Samuel Stephens, Letter from Mamacoting Precinct, -

-

Letters from

Jones,

-

-

-

Tryon County Committee.

-

254 254 307 309 381 400,

469, 1180 Letter from

Richmond County Committee,

Letter from John Brickell,

-

-

.

428 788

Letter from Officei-s of First Battalion of

Minute-men,

...

Letter from Frederick Kartell,

-

-

Letter from

-

-

Letter

Letter from John Wylley,

Thomas Youngs, from Arendt Van Hook,

-

-

Letter from Guert Spt. de Wint,

-

-

Letter from S. Avery, -

-

-

-

-

889 898 898 906 916 938 960

... ...

...

580 derhook, Cumberland. County, objections to certain appointments, 309, 429, 430, 1024 Association signed by all the males of Townshend, Committee of Safety

Efforts of

430 to restore

harmony, -1031,1033 Dutchess County, Letter of Committee to Pro-

-

Letter to Committee of Safety,

.

-

187, 403 -

—New- York

1117

Com-

City, Proceedings of

185, 280, 355, 380, Circular of Committee to Inhabitants of mittee,

-

-

...

neighbouring Colonies,

689 958

Petition to Provincial Congress relative to citizens of Connecticut,

Memorial of

to Continental

393, 400, 401

-

First Battalion of

Congress,

Minute-men

-

-

889

-

Troops thought to be preparing to - 899, 1503 remove to, from Boston, Preparations for defence, &tc., (See General British

Lee.) Arrival of General Clinton at,

(See General Clinton.) Recommended to General seat of war,

Cannon and tery,

Stores

942, 1106

as proper

-

-

1000

-

removed from the Bat-

-

-

-

Howe

-

-

1000, 1122, 1145

-

...

Information on state of Militia, called for by Committee of Safety, 1025 Inquiries relative to goods supposed to be

imported from St. Eustatia,

Commissions

-

-

to Officers,

-

Ministerial B^leet expected at,

1045

-

-

....

1025

,-

1031, 1032

Proceedings relative to obstruction of navigation, 1050, 1638 Application for improved Night Watch, Stc, 1073 Pilot stationed

at

...

Sandy-Hook

watch

to

appearance of Fleet, Transport reported to be off the Hook, Examination of the Mayor relative to the above, 1105, Look-out again stationed at Sandy-Hook, for

967 1016 - 1016 - 1125 - 1130 Letter from William Dusenberry, - 1130 Letter from Abraham Godwin, - 1154 Letter from Peter T. Curtenius, - 1154 Letter from Joseph Blanchard, - 1154 Letter from R. Thurman, - 1155 Letter from Samuel Thompson, - 1163 Letter from Colonel Heard, - 1163 Letter from Philip Brooks, - 1181 Letter from Joseph French, - 1181 Letter from Adrian de Ronde, Letter from Major Rogers, 1201 Letter from William and Thomas Cock, - 1201 Letter from Cornelius Wynkoop and others, 1212 Letter from Azor Betts, 1212 Letter from Joseph Robinson, - 1469 - 1470, 1510 Letters from General Schuyler, Letter from Orange County Committee, - 1474 - 1480 Letter from Robert Boyd, Jun., . - 1491 Letter from Joseph Crane, . 1532 Letter from John Hill, - 1532 Letter from John Hammell, Jun., - 1539 Letter from Patrick Sinclair, Letter to Commissioners at Highlands, 1 85 Letters to Continental Congress, 391, 1530 Albany County Committee, Proceedings on - 1184 Benjamin Hilton, Letter to the Committee for the District of Kinderhook, 210 Answer of Kinderhook Committee, 211 Protest of Kinderhook Committee, 579 Order for Election of Committee for KinLetter from Officers in Orange County,

Letter from Thomas Palmer, Letter from Robert R. Randall, Letter from applicants for Commissions,

vincial Congress,

1774

Arrival of Transport-ship,

Measures

to secure

-

-

-

Stock on Staten-Island,

1079 1104 1106 1106 1118 1

120,

1123 Records to be conveyed to place of safety, 1122 Departure of British Ships from, 1179, 1198 Appointment of Mayor, 1201 - 1479 General state of affairs in, Orange County, recommendation for commission, 967 Return of Field.Officei-s of Minute-men, 1023 Letter to Provincial Congress, - 1474 Haverstraw, dissensions in, - 1475 - 1637 Discharge of Militia, Queen's County, Declaration of Inhabitants, 203

...

.....

Disaffected persons

Proceedings tive to,

-

in, -

in Provincial -

-

-

-

-

372

Congress rela405, 406, 434, 435 764, 772, 923

Expedition into, Declaration signed by inhabitants, 858 Oath subscribed by sundry inhabitants, - 860 Disposition of arrested persons, - 1119 Resolutions of Continental Congress relative to, 1630, 1634 . Richmond County, Committee, 149 Letters to Provincial Congress, 428, 1498 Proceedings in Provincial Congress on state

434,435

of,

State

of,

-

-

-

-

-

-

Election of Members to Provincial Congress, Letter of Committee of Safety to Continen-

1040 1 069

- 1094 tal Congress relative to, - 1666 Proceedings in Continental Congress, Suffolk County, supply of Powder to, from Committee of Safety, 1024 Artillery Company recommended to be

...

raised in,

.....

Letter to Committee of Safety, Tryon County, Letters from Provincial

Committee Letter from Committee gress, to

of, to

1026 1108

Con-

397, 400, 1180

-

of,

-

Committee of

1036

Safety,

... ...

Letters to Provincial Congress,

-

400, 469

667 Proceedings of Tories in, 818—829 Proceedings of General Schuyler, Approbation of General Schuyler's conduct 1661 by Continental Congress, Account of same to be published in the Papers,

..--..

1662

4

Carolina,

Mamacoling Precinct, Letter from Committee to Provincial Congress,

...

Petition of xMilitia,

to Captaincy,

Recommendation

Inhabitants spirited for

Place of rendezvous Prisoners sent Letters to

in

tiic

-

-

-

country's cause,

case of alarm, -

to,

-

381

889 967 1016 \02'-i

1070,1071 1091, 1098

-

Committee of Safety,

" " " ^^"^^ Discharge of Militia, ." JVeitchester County, Letters of Committee, to 596, 1 1 16 Committee of Safety, - 1067 Cannon at King's Bridge spiked, Proceedings on persons suspected of spiking 1068, 1075J, 1082, 1083, 1084, Cannon, 1085, 1086, 1087, 1089, 1090, 1095, 1 101

------

Newton, Thomas, Nicholas, Captain John, Nicholas, Robert C,

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

John McKesson,

-

-

------.-.-

Night Watch, Military, of tions of,

76 414 '75

Letter to General Washington, Nicoll, Isaac, Letter to

New-York

920 235

-

281

175

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1168

(See Association, Continental.) Non-Importation, Memorial of West-India Planters - 1008 and Merchants in consequence of, Non-Intercourse, of Great Britain with the Colonies, 198 Petition of West-India Merchants against, 4 Norberg, Captain John, 1

North, Lard, proposition of, Policy of, North- Carolina, Troops sent from, into Virginia,

Provincial Council, -

Preparations State of

for

-

-

-

.

-

-

afiairs,

back country,

-

-

-

Manifesto of Colonel Rutherford, Highlanders awed into submission,

245 299-308 303 476

-

-

-

-

-

-

vigorous defence, to,

if

attacked,

-

to

-

-

by Continental Congress,

Another Battalion

-

be raised in, Norton, Samuel, Letter to Massachusetts Assembly, to

------

Norvell, William,

1129 1129 1488 1627 1627 1639 1643

290 75

Nova-Scotia, Proclamation of Govemour Legge, 1 95, 222 Proceedings in Parliament relative to, 287 Proposition of James Lyon to reduce, 460 Reply of General Washington to the above proposition,

An

-

-

-

object of attention to the British

-1182

-

Govern-

ment, RejKjrt of Mess.Willard and Child respecting, Oath, Act of Connecticut empowering certain persons to administer,

Odiome, Captain,

-

-

903 149

273

-

.

.

-

-

-

-

-159

Odlin,Rev. Woodbridge, Oil, price of, limited by Philadelphia Committee,

-

17

-

246 267 47

---.-. ---...

Olcott, Benoni,

1

Oliphant, Dr. Orders, by General Washington, -

182, 240, 263, 456,

489,568, 630, 776,841, 894, 977, 1150, 1503 By General Schuyler, - 1511 Orillat, Mr. 917 Otis, James, Letter to the Council of Massachusetts,

910, 911, 1158

Abraham,

-

-

-

.

-

-

-

-

.18

-----.. -----.... ----.. -------

Captain Caleb, Daniel,

-

Major Enoch, John,

13

87, 142

Letter to

Pa^e, Mann, Patne, Mr.

18 267

12, 15,

R. H. Lee,

Jr.,

Palfrey, William, Letter from Robert H. Harrison, Letter to General Washington, Palmer, Thomas, Letter to New-York Congress,

-

12O8 75 1562 178

-

880

-

1016

South-

72

1562

Philadelphia,

-------27

Paper Currency, (See

of

Bills

Credit.)

Parker. John, Parker, Captain 11., Instructions of Admiral Graves to, 308 21 Parker, Captain Robert, 75 Parker, Josiah, -. 6 Parker, William, (New-Hampshire,) 61 Parker, Williavi, (South-Carolina,) 287, 440 Parliament, Notice of Proceedings in, - 1655 Paro/e, of Colonel Hazen, not thought binding, 56 Parsons, Colonel James, 6, 8, 15 Parsons, Captain Joseph, 89 Partridge, Richard, 200 Patterson, Samuel, Letter to Continental Congress, 75 Patterson, Thomas,

......

---------------

Pay, of Officers

in

Massachusetts, thought too high, -

Troops,

1399

difficulty in settling

mode of, 194, 205, 206 Proceedings in Council relative to, 1220, 1222 267 Payne, Benjamin, Peachy, Colonel William, Pearis, Captain, 39 Pelissier, Monsieur, Letter to Continental Congress, 596 Assurance of casting Shells, 671 838 Delay for want of Coal, -

...... ----------------

-119

Pendleton, Edmund, Letter to R. H. Lee,

-

-

-

-

201

Pendleton, Henry, Pendleton, John,

-

-

-

-

131

Pliame, recommended by Govemour to General Washington, Recommended by General Washington to the

235

Penet and

-

-

75 75

De

Cooke

Continental Congress,

-

-

Recommended by Govemour Cooke

the

in

Commissions issued to Battalions raised in, Recommended by Continental Congress sent

50

.....

defence,

Regulators and Tories making head

make Powder

1

174

of, in

Proceedings in Massachusetts on account of 1308, 1455, 1456 scarcity of, Collection of Rags for manufacture of, in

Of Massachusetts

City, Regula-

Niks, Captain, Non-Evportation, " Questions and Answers," relative to,

------

Paper, encouragement of manufacture

New-Yorl'—rbter County—

Page, Page, Page, Page, Page,

1776

INDEX.

1775

tinental Congress,

-

-

261, 264

-

Con-

to -

-

Recommended by Govemour Tmmbull

-----

Continental Congress, to France, Penn, Govemour John, Letter from Charles Stewart, Letter to Pennsylvania Assembly, Indians invited to Philadelphia by,

Return

Pennsylvania

310

to



447 660 251 1273 1499

Memorial of Field-Officers to Continental Congress, . 655, 1640

Recommendation tion, -

-

to sign Articles of Associa-

Address to Inhabitants

mon

Sense,"

-

of, in -

-

795, 922

-

reply to "

Com-

.

-

-

1527

Officers of Continental Battalions,

1626, 1630, 1632, 1633, 1639, 1642, 1649, 1650 Additional Battalion to be raised in, - 1632 Memorial of Officers of First Battalion, 1645 Proceedings on the above, . . 1647 Assembly, Reflections upon Instructions of, to Delegates in Congress, 471 - 1473 Letter from Govemour Penn, Memorial from Committee of Safety, 1474, 1574

An Apology

for,

-

-

-

-

-

1535

Committee of ^Safety, 493-526,561,1561-1578 Letter from Richard Swoope, . 837 Letter from Committee of Privates of Phila-

...

941 1474 Letter from New- Jereey Provincial Congress, 1607 delphia Association,

Memorial

to the

-

Assembly,

-

-

-

Desired by Continental Congress to send Powder to Virginia, 1636 Berks County, recommendation of Committee

.... ..... -----....

to sign Association,

Recantations,

Bucks County, Proceedings of Committee tive to violation of Association,

795 §87

rela-

-

-

462

Proceedings relative to manufacture of Saltpetre,

Petition to Assembly,

Chester County, Proceedings of Committee, Manufacture of Saltpetre in, -

795 1509

-

462

-

1012

1

1

INDEX.

1777



Powder

Pennsylvania Lancaster, Letters from Committee of, to Continental Congress, 371, 561, 619, 801 Letter from Continental Congress, 761 Northumberland County, Memorial of inhabi- 1676 tants of, to Continental Congress, Philadelphia, limit to price of Oil, 246 New Committee to be chosen, 848 951 Letter to Maryland Committee of Safety, Proceedings relative to refusal of Continental - 941, 1211 Currency, - 1162 List of Members of Committee, Speech of a Farmer on his engaging in the Continental service,

.

Congress,

-

-

Scarcity

Peronneau, Henry, Peyton, Francis,

-

-

Pci/ijons, of Pennsylvania,

Of Continental Of Continental

-

-

to Delegates in

-

-

...

-

Congress, Congress, reprinted

937

76

-

-

-

-

607

Remarks of Delegates

-89,95,108

-

-

-215 -

177

-

-

-

27 39 56

-

-

-.--.. ..... ..... ..... ..... ... -._.-.. ..... .-...-. -.....-

Norfolk, relief

-

of,

-

13

267

267 157,267 8

Importation

-149

-

259 279 40, 46, 48 60 46

of,

-

-

-

Publick provision

for,

Arrival

160

453

Powder

Proposition of Messrs. Penet and De Pliame to import, (See Penet and De Pliarne.)

Importation

of, in Virginia,

-

....

Encouragement of manufacture of,

in

39 44

-

-

50, 7 -

-

of, at

17

by Robert Morris,

New- York,

-

-

1307 1507 1539, 1636 -

1630

Jersey,.

-

-

-

-

-

-

returned,

Sent

to

1650

.--..---... ..--------------------

1667

General Lee by Continental Con-

1668 New-Brunswick, New-Jersey, 1685 - 1711 Supplied by Maryland to New- Jersey, gress,

Arrival of, at

Powell, Francis, Poythress, Peter,

-

-

-124

-

76

44 Powell, Gabriel, 44 Powell, Robert William, 76 Prentis, Joseph, Prescott, Brigadier General, inquiry into the treat3 1 1 58 1 696 ment of Colonel Allen by, Ordered to be kept in close custody, - 585, 1627 . Prisoner at Trenton, 814 ,

79 122

1644

Supplied by Continental Congress to New1666 York, Amount bortowed from Pennsylvania Committee of Safety by Continental Congress

Connec-

301 Mode of making 370 Want of, in the Continental Army, 453, 1 192, 1203 Obtained from Hispaniola, 466, 1019

Character

112

Ordered

to

over,

-

-

be sent to Philadelphia,

In confinement in Philadelphia, of,

amine,

-

-

815 850

-

-

1650

-

-

-----

Committee of Continental Congress Ordered

,

-----

Refuses to give parole,

Carolina,

iv.

1 1

- 1649 to Troops marching to Canada, Supplied by Continental Congress to New-

,

Fourth

15,

------

Guard placed

Series. — Vol.

1

......

269, 276, 277 Purchase of, by North-Carolina, 301 304, 305, 306 Requested by North-Carolina from Southticut,

10, 1

of,

vidence,

Proceedings in (Continental Congress relative to opening, 1641,1642,1643, 1645, 1663, 1671, 1673, 1674, 1692 Post Office, Constitutional, at Annapolis, 184 Parliamentary, in Maryland, prohibited, 234, 713

Seizure oi", by P. Cunningham, Supply of, to tradei-s in Georgia, For defence of interior of South-Carolina, Purchase of, in Virginia, -

1

1042, 1057

Directions of Continental Congress to supply

995 to, recommended to be opened to every European Power except Great Britain, 472, 779

-

- 1

-

284

1

- 437, 1072, 1104, 1105, 1122

-

1037,

57 114

by New- York,

Crown, discontinued,

of,

gress,

Ports, American,

the

1045 1027

Pennsylvania Committee of Safety desired by Continental Congress to send to Virginia, - 1636 Sent by Continental Congress to North-Carolina, 1639, 1667 Procured by Continental Congress from Pro-

Porter, Colonel Elisha, Instructions



-

encouraged by Pennsylvania . 1567 Committee of Safety, Manufacture of, encouraged by Pennsylvania . . Committee of Safety, -1567, 1569, 1570, 1572, 1574, 1575, 1576 Importation encouraged by Continental Con-

Measures of Baltimore Committee for relief of, in Boston, 1694, 1695, 1698, 1701, 1703, 1714

Under

to import, -

setts,

Importation

1

1021

Manufacture of, urged by J. Adams, -1140 - 1 152, 1701, 1709 Purchase of, by Maryland, Manufacture and importation of, encouraged (See Proceedings of in Massachusetts, Assembly and Hoitse of Representatives.) Supply to General Washington by Massachu-

Contributions in Virginia for relief of, in Boston,

France or Portugal, encouraged in New- York,

Livingston's Mill re-erected,



-

-

Congress on the

in

New- York

12

Pitt, Fort, sale of,

• Polhemus, Captain John Letter from Lord Stirling, Reply, Polk, Captain Ezekiel, Polk, Colonel Thomas, Polk, Lieutenant William, Poor, Colonel, Poor, Loan from South-Carolina, for support

of,

to

1052 Efforts of

96^ 107

-

Place, Captain David, Poillon,-John, -

-

-

-

for,

....--

above, to be obta'ned

Not

Manufacture

-

Pitkin, Colonel John, Pitkin, William,

-

1630

-

-

-

-

exjwrt Flaxseed

of, to



Of

Safety,

New-

in

927

.

-

1018, 1024, 1027, 1035, 1057 of Safety desire to

-

Pinckney, Colonel Charles, Pinckney, Captain Charles Cotesworth, Pinckney, Major, Pinkerton, Major John, Pinney, Captain Isaac,

-

of,

New-York Committee

... ... -

Scarcity

75 518

Colonies requested to transmit copies Continental Congress, -

of, in

55, 57

1030

Pierce, Stephen, Pincheon, Lieutenant,

Scarcity

-

York,

Phripp, Matthew, Pickering, John,

... ... ...

Connecticut, New-.Jersey, with Army in Canada,

of, in

938' 927, 939' Arrival of, at Philadelphia, 947, 1152, 1634, 1645, 1667 962 Arrival of, in Connecticut, Portion sent to General Washington, 968, 970, 1018, 1477 Encouragement of importation in Connecti972, 973 cut, Purchase by New- York Committee of Safety, 1017 Distribution of, by New-York Committee of

Perkins, Captain Lemuel, Papers, &tc., relative to . 1205 detention of Sloop pf, -

Perkins, Peter,

— Manufacture of, encouraged in Pennsylvania, 517 Manufacture of, encouraged in Maryland, - 726' 77 Efforts of Maryland to import, Importation of, at New- York, 789, 1029' 904' . Scarcity of, in Maryland, . 912" Proposition (or manufacture of, in Maryland,

1525

-

-----...... ...

Reading, Letter of Committee

1778:

to Jail in Philadelphia,

to

-

279 1

178

ex-

1654, 1655 -

1658

1

INDEX.

1779



Proclamation

PrescoU, Brisadier-GeneraJ Room to be insiiettod, and state of health to

By 1658

be - 1(J60 . . Report of Committee, Allowed servant, and Physician if necessary, 1660 - 166'2 Removed to more comfortable lodgings, 13 Prescott, Major h'illiam, inquired into,

-----

Preston, Major, on parole, Preston, Ittlliam, Price, James, Letter to General Schuyler,

Funds advanced

by, to

Price, Rev. Thomas,

-

1633 106 668

-

669,

-

-

Army in Canada,

-

-

-

Price Current, at Boston, December Prismiers, taken by Ixjrd Duiimore,

674, 838 77, 131

-

1775,

1,

159

-

82 Taken in Prizes, disposition of, 152, 158, 176, 227 Captain and Midshiimien taken on shore, 177, 214 Taken at St. John's, disjxjsition of, 155, 190, 205, 225,248, 371, 542, 561, 619, 772, 801, 937 214 Permit to go to the West-Indies, Application to New-York Congress to extend 389 parole, 291 Exchange of, not yet agreed upon, A))plicrttion of General Wasiiington to General Howe for exchange of, unanswered, 466, 486 -

-

-

Exciiange of correspondence upon, between 474 Colonel Howe and l>ord Duiimore, 814, 1644 Petition of Lieutenant Hamer granted, Application of Richard Huddleston^ Surgeon, for release, -

-

-

-

-814

-

from New-Jersey Committee of Safety to Continental Congress, relative to, 814, 815 Orders of General Schuyler, relative to, 816 Not to be inlisted in Continental Army, 867, 1660 lyctter

name

not to be used in any exchange of, Recommendation of General Washington to

His Majesty's

903

treat kindly,

973 974

remove from place of parole, Application of General Washington for exchange of Mr. I^vell, Necessity of the appointment of a Commisto

sary to provide for, Application of Cajjtain

-

-

-

975 974

.

------

of parole,

Wood

for

By By By



- SJ3, 1237, 1246, 1268, 14)0 931, 932, 933 Governour Trumbull, -

^Massachusetts Court,

-

Governour Martin.

-

extension

1133

.

-

------

Provisions,

by Virginia Committee to

refused

to

Continental Congress respecting, at Lan-

1213

Proceedings of Massachusetts Court relative to, 1223, 1224, 1253, 1322 Letter of Edward Williams to Governour Ti-umbull,

Letter of Samuel Gale to John

Proceedings to.

in

1514 1539

-

Continental Congress relative

-

-

McKesson,

1633, 1637, 1640,

-

-

1641,1644,1660, 1661, 1664, 1665, 1689 Privateers, Petition to Massachusetts Court for leave to fit out, 1297 Petition of Salem Committee praying to be

------

instructed wliat tures

made

is

by,

their -

duty respecting cap-

Resolution of Massachusetts resentatives respecting,

Prizes, taken by Continental

-

-

-

1319

House of Rep-

Armed

.

-

Vessels,

1332

154, 158, 168, 169, 179, 192, 227, 230, 237,

Court

-

266, 294, 448, 486, 792, 863, 939, 974 proposed by General Wash-

for trial of,

ington, Petition of

Town of

Beverley for protection of, Proclamation by the King, appointing distribution

of,

-

-

-

Off Sandy-Hook, opportunity Distribution of,

-

-

-

.

-

for taking, -

-

-

180 236

377 795

563, 1634

Resolutions of Continental Congress relative to, 1046 Proclamation, by I^ord Duninore, 79, 201, 202

By By By By By By

Governour Tryon, Governour Legge,

-

-

-

.

Virginia Convention,

-

-

Governour Chester,

-

-

-

the King,

.

-

.

-

-

-

-

Governour Carleton,

542 222 258 34 377^ 543 488

149, 447^ 195, 81, 249,

his

99

Majesty's Ships,

Supply

enemy by

of, to

Long-

inhabitants of

-

175 176

Supplying, to Ministerial Vessels earnestly reproved, Supplied by Newport to Captain Wallace, -

592 798

Island,

Supply

-

Requested

-

-

-

-

-

inhabitants of Nantucket,

of, to

-----Men-of- War

for

at

Savannah, 799, 1128

New- York Committee of Safety recommend not to furnish, to King's Ship, Efforts

-

948

-

-----from

procure,

to

Georicia,

Eustatia and

St.

949

King's Ships at Cliarlestown, 950 Resolution of New York Committee of Safety - 1121 relative to sale of barrelled Pork, Measm-es to secure Stock on Staten-Island

Refused

to

from Ministerial Troops, Efforts of General

badoes,

1120,1123

-

Howe to procure, from -

-

-

-

Bar-

-1158

-

Massachusetts Council relative to inhabitants of Nantucket supplying ene1227, 1237, 1256, 1279, 1287 my with, Importation of, into Massachusetts from South-

Proceedings

in

To

-

1310,1312,1453

-

Massachusetts in western . . - 1461 part of the Colony, Orders in British Council respecting exportation, Sic, of, 1467 - 1470 Great want of, in Army in Canada, New-Jersey Congress request not to suffer to - 1597 be shipped to New- York, Letter relative to, intercepted by Baltimore be purchased

for

-----

Committee, Shipped from Baltimore

-

-

to

-1719

-

New- England,

- 1732, 1737, 1741

Letter from Pennsylvania Committee of Safety caster,

980

-

982 General McDonald, 50, Prosper, Ship, impressed and fitted for service, 54, 57, 63, 64, 66, 69, 71 Providence, wonderful interposition of, in alFaii-s of 256 America,

ern Colonies,

negotiation for

Not permitted

1780

593

Provost-Marshal, Commission and instructions to, PunishTnent of enemies to America, Ordinance estaPurves, Captain John,

-----

Putnam, General

-

mode

blishing

Israel,

-

of, in Virginia,

-

-

-

145

-

48

157^ 159

Letter to General Washington, 182 - 1008 Putnam, Rufiis, Letter to General Washington, Quakers, Testimony and principles of, touching the . 785 commotions in America,

Quebeck, reduction

of,

expected,

-

-

-

170,

-

175,181, 192,201,368

58 190,289 Reported to be taken, 202 Anonymous Letters from, 204, 290, 296 Necessity of changing plan of attack, 464 Unsuccessful attack upon, 480,481,582, 588, 589, 666, 705, 706-709, 766,768, 78 782 Plan of attack,

Preparations for attack,

1

-

-

-

,

1

Inhabitants

who refuse to

take up arms ordered

488

to leave,

General Carleton's account of attack, 656 List of Americans killed and wounded at, 675 Necessity of recmits being sent to, 766, 767 Troops sent to, 768, 773, 78 1 , 782, 783 - 1148 Blockade of, continued, Account- of attack published by Continental -1651 Congress, (See Montgomery, Arnold, ^c.) Quinci/, Josiah, Letter to General Washington, - 1204 Quit Rents, an Act for the application of, to erecting fortifications recommended, Rainbow, Sloop, papers, &ic., relative Ruins, Ambrose, Randolph, Edmund, Randolph, Peyton,

-

-

-

to,

-

-

-

-

-----

472 1205 87, 95

-

146

76, 127

6

INDEX.

1781

Reade, Isaac,

---------......-16 -------

/Jcca/ita^/on, of

Gideon Lounsbury, Connecticut,

Randolph, Richard, Randolph, Thomas, Randolph, Thomas Mann,

-

.

/?«/zo/w, of Continonlal Troops,

emblem of United

Rattlesnake,

Ravcncll, James. Rawlins, Ichahod,

-

-

75 203 75 307,457, 1513 468 65

-

-

-

-

Colonies,

-

-

-

-

-

15 212 288 713 719

-

Of James Judd, Connecticut, Of Francis Baker, Maryland, Of Isaac Atkinson, Maryland, -1718 Of Ricliard )3utton, Maryland, Of John Welsh, Maryland, -1723 - 1740 Of James Moore, Maryland, Of David Taylor, Jun., Massachusetts, 150 Of Ezekiel Beech, New-Jersey, 441 Of Thomas Golden, New- York, 156 Of James Miller, New-York, 247 Of Lewis McDonald, Jun., New- York, 247 Of Stephen Baxter, New- York, 248 Of George Coffin, New-York, 562,1020 Of Sundry inhabitants of Queen's County, . . New- York, 858, 1050 -1021 Of Thomas Place, New-York, -1022 Of Gabriel Vancott, New-York, - 1212 Of Azor Belts, New- York, - 1141 Of John Austin, Pennsylvania, Of Gains Dickinson, Pennsylvania, 887 Of William Gilliland, Pennsylvania, 888 . Of John Hamblin, Virginia, 848 -1470 Of Walter Hatton, Vii^inia, .

Reconciliation, Mr. Hartley's plan of, All hope of, shut out by the King's speech, -

287 367

Ministry afraid to propose, without saving the . honour of the nation,

688

Lord Drunimond

to

General Robertson

rela-

1782

Ritzema, Colonel, Letters

of,

-----.-70

Rivers, baac,

Rivington, James, Proceedings

Owen, Robertson, General, Letter from C.

Recruits, American,

come

-

-

-

specting,

slowly,

-

-

-

-

-

guise,

Above His

-

-

Recruits, Rritish, from Ireland, Difficulty of procuring,

-

-

-

1027

-

-

-

11 26

-177 Redding, Captain, Reed, Joseph, Letters from General Washington, - 282, 458, 570,676, 831, 899, 993, 1502 Reid, Lieutenant- Colonel Robert, Refugees, Proceedings in Massachusetts Court relative 1232, 1344, 1377, 1381, 1451 to Estates of, Return, of Provisions, Stores, Sic, at Boston, belong-

-11

ing to Ministerial

Army,

-

60 Foot, 166, 765 321 -

-

1

Of Firet Regiment of New -Jersey Of his Majesty's Forces in Florida, Of a detachment of his Majesty's Fourteenth Regiment of

Of

the

ship,

Infantry, at Norfolk,

-

manded

Of Winter

349, 350

Hill Brigade,

-

-

491,

631-646,978 935 -

311

Reply of General Howe, Colonies recommended to leave to Continen-

454

i?«