Full text of "Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England"

UNIVERSITY
OF PITTSBURGH

LIBRARY

or THE RKODt ISLAND BBICADL
iorr: 17^4 : nied May '.3*173; .

"KUocl^ Js\a„i. (dfUvv')

EECOKDS

OP THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

AND

PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

NEW ENGLAND.

PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

:DI TE D R Y

JOHN EDSSELL BAETLETT,

SECKETART OF STATE.

VOL. IX.

1780 TO 1783.

PROVIDENCE;

ALFRED ANTHONY, PRINTER TO TI
1864.

PRE F ACE

The present volume of the Colonial Records comprises
four years of the history of Rhode Island, commencing
with the January session, 1780, and closing with the
December session, 1783, in which year the war of the
Revolution terminated. The annals of the state during
this period, almost wholly appertain to the great struggle
then going on to secure our independence, as the raising of
troops by means of bounties, the furnishing of supplies for
the army, and the means for carrying on the war. In
addition to the record of passing events, the volume con-
tains the correspondence of the Governor with Generals
Washington, Greene, Heath, Varnum, the Count de Rocham-
beau, de la Luzerne, the President of Congress, the Secre-
tary of the Treasury, tlie Governors of various states,
etc., etc>

J. R. B.

PkovidencH, January, 1864>

RHODE ISLAND RECORDS

Proceedings of the General Assemhhj of the State of JRhode
Island and Providence Plcmtcdions, at East Greenwich,
on the last Monday in February, 1780.

The Hon. William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. Jabez Bowen, Depnty Governor.

ASSISTA.\TS.

Joshua Babcock, Esq.
Paul Mumford, Esq.
John Sayles, Esq.
James Arnold, Esq.
Gideon Comstock, Esq.

Job Randall, Esq.
Peter Phillips, Esq.
Enoch Haszard, Esq.
The secretary.

NeioiJort.
Caleb Gardner, Esq.,
Thomas Rumreill, Esq.,
Christopher EUery, Esq.,
The clerk.

Providence.
Theodore Foster, Esq.,
Welcome Arnold, Esq.,
Mr. John I. Clark.

Portsmouth.
Metcalf Bowler, Esq.

Warwick.
Mr. Speaker.
Thomas Holden, Esq.,
John Waterman, Esq.,
Adam Comstock, Esq.

North Kingstown.
John Northup, Esq.

Soidh Kingstown.
Samuel Babcock, Esq.,
Rowse J. Helme, Esq.

RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

[Feb.,

East Greemckh.
Preserved Pearce, Esq.,
Thomas Tilliugliast, Esq.

SmWifiekl
Mr. Sylvanus Sayles.

Scituate.
WiUiam West, Esq.

Glocester.
Mr. Simon Smith.

Charlestown.
Joseph Stanton, Jr., Esq.,
Jonathan J. Hazard, Esq.

West Greenwich.
Thomas Gorton, Esq.

Coventry.
Mr. William Burlingame,
Mr. David Brayton.

Exeter.
John Chapman, Esq.,
Jeffery Wilcox, Esq.

Bristol.
William Bradford, Esq.,
Benjamin Bourne, Esq.

Tiverton
Mr. Thomas Cory,
Gilbert Devol, Esq.

Little Compion.
Mr. Zebedee Greenell.

Warren.
Cromel Child, Esq.,
Nathan Miller, Esq.
Cumberland.
Jeremiah Whipple, Esq.

Richmond.
Mr. Simeon Clarke.

Cranston.
]Mr. Richard Searle,
Mr. Isaac Senter.

Hopkinion.
Abel Tanner, Esq.,
Jesse Maxson, Esq.

Johnston.
Caleb Harris, Esq.,
Edward Fenner, Esq.
North Providence.
Esek Hopkins, Esq.,
John Jenckes, Esq.
Barrington.
Edward Bosworth, Esq.,
Samuel Allen, Esq.

The Hon. Othniel Gorton, Esq., speaker ; and Wiliam
Channing, Esq., clerk.

Henry Ward, Esq., secretary.

William Channing, Esq., attorney general.

Joseph Clarke, Esq., general treasurer.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

DELEGATES TO REPRESENT THE STATE LN CONGRESS.

The Honorable Stephen Hopkins, Esq.
The Honorable WUliam EUery, Esq.
The Honorable Henry Marchant, Esq.
The Honorable John Collins, Esq.

JUSTICES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT.

Shearjashub Bourn, Esq., chief; Thos. Wells, Esq., second ;
Paul Mumford, Esq., third; Stephen Potter, Esq., fourth;
Gideon Comstock, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR NEWPORT COUNTY.

Benjamin Underwood, Esq., chief; William Eichmond,
Esq., second ; Walter Cooke, Esq., third ; Philip Tayloi >
Esq., fourth ; William Taggart, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

Thomas Greene, Esq., chief; Richard Steere, Esq., sec-
ond ; Rufus Hopkins, Esq., third ; Jeremiah Whipple, Esq.,
fourth ; Daniel Mowry, Jr., Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR KINGS COUNTY.

Samuel Babcock, Esq., chief; John Northup, Esq., sec-
ond ; Carder Hazard, Esq., third ; Joseph Hoxsie, Esq.,
fourth ; Immanuel Case, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR BRISTOL COUNTY.

Nathaniel Fales, Esc{. chief; John Child, Esq., second ;
Joseph Reynolds, Esq., third ; Josiah Humphry, Esq., fourth ;
Samuel Allen, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR KENT COUNTY.

Philip Greene, Esq., chief ; James Arnold, Esq., second ;

6 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE I8LAXD [FeB.,

Gideon Mumforcl, Esq., third ; Benjamin Tillinghast, Esq.,
fourtli ; Preserved Pearce, Esq., fifth.

JUDGE OF THE COURT OF ADMIRALTY.

John Foster, Esq.. judge of the maritime court erected
for the trial of prize causes, within and tliroughout the
state.

SHERIFFS OF THE SEVERAL COUNTIES.

New2wrt county. Bristol county.

Jabez Champhn, Esq. Richard Smith, Esq.
Providence county. Kent county.

William Rhodes, Esq. Richard Fry, Esq.

Kings county.
Beriah Brown, Esq.

Mr. Charles Keen, inspector of steel in and throughout
the state.

FIELD OFFICERS FOR THE STATE, IN THE SEVER.A.L COUNTIES.

Amos Atwell, Esq., colonel, of the first regiment of mili-
tia, in the county of Providence.

JoSeijh Stanton, Jr;, Esq., colonel, of the first regiment of
militia, in the county of Kings.

Nathan Miller, Esq., colonel, of the regiment of militia, in
the county of Bristol.

Thomas Holden, Esq., colonel, of the first regiment of mi-
litia, in the county of Kent.

John Cooke, Esq., colonel, of the second regiment of mili-
tia, in the county of Newport.

Chad Brown, Esq., colonel, of the second regiment of mi-
litia, in the county of Providence.

Charles Dyer, Esq., colonel, of the second regiment of mi-
lita, in the county of Kings.

Archibald Kasson, Esq., colonel, of the second regunent
of militia, in the county of Kent.

1780.] AxND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 7

Simon Whipple, Esq., lieutenant colonel, of the first regi-
ment of militia, in the county of Providence.

Jesse Maxson, Esq., lieutenant colonel, of the first regi-
ment of militia, in the county of Kings.

Peter Church, Esq., lieutenant colonel, of the regiment of
militia, in the county of Bristol.

Thomas Tillinghast, Esq., lieutenant colonel, of the first
regiment of mihtia, in the county of Kent.

John Angell, Esq., lieutenant colonel, of the second regi-
ment of militia, in the county of Providence.

Thomas Potter, Jr., Esq., lieutenant colonel, of the second
regiment of militia, in the county of Kings.

Thomas Gorton, Esq., lieutenant colonel, of the second
regiment of militia, in the county of Kent.

Kichard Fenner, Jr., Esq., major, of the first regiment of
militia, in the county of Providence.

Joseph Pendleton, Esq., major, of the first regiment of mi-
litia, in the county of Kings.

Peleg Heath, Esq., major, of the regiment of militia, in the
county of Bristol.

Job Pierce, Esq., major, of the first regiment of militia, in
the county of Kent.

Asa Kimball, Esq., major, of the second regiment of mili-
tia, in the county of Providence.

Jonathan Maxson, Esq., major, of the second regiment of
militia, in the county of Kings.

Isaac Johnson, Esq,, major, of the second regiment of mi-
litia, in the county of Kent.

Officers to command the several Trained Bands, or Compa-
nies of Mililla within the State.

Providence. First company — Abimelech Biggs, captain ;
Hezekiah Dayton, lieutenant ; Joseph Allen, ensign.

Second comjjany — Lewis Peck, captain ; Samuel Hamlin,
lieutenant ; Walker Harding, ensign.

8 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

Third companv — Charles Keen, captain ; Seth Wheaton,
lieutenant ; Jonathan Yeates, ensign.

Fourth company — Jas. Snow, captain ; Zeplianiah Bro^vn,
lieutenant ; Joseph Fuller, ensign.

Warwick. First company — Job Randall, captain ; James
Arnold, 3d, lieutenant ; James Carder, ensign.

Second company — Squire Miller, captain ; James Jerauld,
lieutenant ; John Stafford, ensign.

Third company — Thomas Rice, son of Thomas, cap-
tain ; Anthony Holden, Jr., lieutenant ; Stukely Stafford,
ensign.

Westerly. First company — Joshua Pendleton, captain ;
Samuel Brown, lieutenant ; Oliver Lewis, ensign.

Second company — John Gavitt, captain ; Stephen Sauu-
dei's, lieutenant ; William BUven, ensign.

Third company — George Stillman, captain ; Peleg Saun-
ders, lieutenant ; Asa Maxson, ensign.

Jamestown company — Edward Carr, Jr., captain ; John
Weeden, son of Daniel Weeden, Jr., heutenant ; Samuel
Carr, ensign.

Smithfield. First company — Eber Angell, captain ; Rob-
ert Bennett, lieutenant ; Stejjhen Day, ensign.

Second company — Ebenezer Trask, captain ; Simeon Bal-
lon, lieutenant ; Eli Read, ensign.

Third company — Daniel Mowry, 4th, captain ; Benjamin
Sheldon, lieutenant ; John Carpenter, ensign.

Scituate. First company — Jona. Knight, captain ; Angell
Sweet, lieutenant ; David Wight, ensign.

Second company — Simeon Herrendeen, caj)tain ; George
Dorrance, lieutenant; James Tyler, ensign.

Third company — Coomer Smith, captain; Jabel Angell,
lieutenant ; Gideon Harris, ensign.

Fifth company — Samuel Wilbour, cajitain ; Thos. Field,
lieutenant ; William Potter, ensign.

Sixth company — William Howard, captain ; James Wells,
lieutenant ; Samuel Perkins, ensign.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 9

Glocester. First company — Benajali Wliijiple, captain ;
Richard Tucker, lievitenant ; Peter Lewis, ensign.

Third company — Abraham Windsor, captain ; Nathaniel
Wade, lieutenant ; Zebulon Wade, ensign.

Fourth company — Stephen Windsor, captain ; Isaac Ross,
lieutenant; Israel Smith, ensign.

West Greenwich. First company — Samuel Hopkins, Jr.,
captain ; Joseph Niles, Jr., lieutenant ; Joseph DoUiver, Jr.,
ensign.

Second company — Benj. Gorton, captain ; Caleb Greene,
lieutenant ; Josejoh Weaver, ensign.

Third company — Joseph Draper, captain ; Joseph James,
lieutenant;, Judiah Aylesworth, ensign.

Coventry^ First company — Benedict Colvin, captain ;
John Colvin, lieutenant : Jose^Dh Brayton, ensign.

Second company — William Roy, captain ; William Burlin-
game, lieutenant ; Allen Mathewson, ensign.

Third company — Langford Weaver, captain ; Samuel
Greene, Jr., lieutenant ; John Bucklin, ensign.

Fourth companv — Asa Bennett, captain ; Joseph Rice,
lieutenanl|; Moses Blanchard, ensign.

Bristol company — William Throop, captain ; Joseph Rey-
nolds, lieutenant ; Jonathan Diamond, ensign.

Cumberland. First company — Amaziah Weatherhead,
captain ; Jeremiah Scott, Jr., lieutenant ; Ichabod Bro-wn,
Jr., ensign.

Second company — Amos Whipple, captain ; William Bal-
lon, lieutenant ; Jeremiah Inman, ensign.

Cranston. First company — Anthony Potter, captain;
Thomas Congdon, lieutenant ; George Colvin, ensign.

Second company — Frederick Williams, captain; Nathaniel
Carpenter, lieutenant ; John Harris, ensign.

Third company — William Field, captain ; Joseph Potter,
lieutenant; Nehemiah Burlingame, ensign.

Hopkinton. First company — Henry Wells, captain ; Syl-
vanus Maxson, lieuteuant ; Thomas Wells, Jr., ensign,

10 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAXD [FeB..

Second compan}^ — George Thurston, Jr., captain ; Randall
Wells, lieutenant ; Joseph Thurston, ensign.

Third company — Azariah Crandall, captain ; Lebbeus Cot-
terell, lieutenant ; George Maxson, ensign.

Johnston. First company — Daniel Sprague, captain ;
Rol^ert Potter, lieutenant ; Isaac Arnold, ensign.

Second company — Emor Olney, captain ; Daniel Angell,
lieutenant ; Laban Waterman, ensign.

Barrington company — Viall Allin, captain ; Daniel Kin-
nicutt, lieutenant ; John Short, Jr., ensign.

Richard Fenner, Jr., Esq., lieutenant colonel, of the first
regiment of miUtia, in the county of Providence.

Eleazer Jenckes, Esq., major of the said regiment.

Officers Recommended to Congress for Promotion.

Major Samuel Ward, to be lieutenant colonel ; his com-
mission to bear date May 26tli, A. D. 1778.

Captain Ebenezer Flagg, to be major ; liis commission to
bear the same date.

Lieutenant John Holden, to be captain ; his commission
to bear date October 10th, A. D. 1777.

Lieutenant Edward Slocum, to be cajotain ; liis commis-
sion to bear date May 26th, A. D. 1778.

Lieutenant Joseph Arnold, to be captain-lieutenant ; his
commission to bear date June 1st, A. D. 1778.

Ensign Charles Pierce, to be lieutenant ; his commission
to bear the same date.

Ensign John Cooke, to be Ueutenant ; his commission to
bear the same date.

Daniel Dexter, to be lieutenant ; his commission to be
dated from the present time.

Upon the petition of Mr. Samuel Carr, noAV residing in
Exeter, preferred unto this Assembly', praying that he may,
for the j^ear ensuing, improve the farm, lying in said Exe-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.VNTATIONS. 11

ter, which he hired of the state the two last years past, at a
a reasonable rent, and under such restrictions as this As-
sembly may think projier, being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said farm be again
leased to the said Samuel Carr, upon the same terms
and conditions as are contained in the lease given the last
year.

Whereas, William Bradford, Esq., presented unto this As-
sembly, the following statement of his account, for the rents
received by him for divers confiscated estates ; and also an-
other account, which, with the auditor's report thereon, are
as follows, to wit :

William Bradford's Account presented to the General As-
sembly, relative to certain Confiscated Estates, &c.

Dr. State of Rhode Island, in account for rents received, with William Bradford.
1779. .£ s. d.

March 20. To cash paid Joseph Clarke, Esq., per receipt 576 00

April 10. " " " " " 1,790 16

May 7. " " " •' " 303 18

30. " " " " " 240 00

July 19. " " " " " 1,693 16

Aug. 28. " " " " " 168 00

July 16. " " Shearjashub Bourne, Jr, for clover seed 5100

Balance due to the state 43 01 3

£4,860 11 8

Creditor.
1779. £ s. d.

July 12. By one year's rent of Shearjashub Bourn, Jr., for the farm lately

belonging to William Vassal!, Esq 946 08 3

" " By one year's rent of William Fearse, for the farm lately belong-
ing to John Borland 645 10 5

" " By one year's rent of Nathan Munro, for the farm lately belong- .

ing to James Carpenter 539 02

May 31. By one year's rent of James Hill, for the house and shop, in

Providence, lately belonging to Gilbert Deblois 192 00

" " By one year's rent of John Mumforcf, for the shop, in Providence,

lately belonging to Jonathan Simpson 48 00

Mar. 13. By cash received of Pardon Gray, Esq., in part of the rents due

from the estates in the county of Newport, for the year 1779 . . 444 03

May 8. By do. of do 81 12

April 9. By cash received of Enoch Hazard, Esq., in part of the rents due

in the county of Kings 1,801 16

12 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.IJS'D [FeB.,

1779. £ s- rf-
Aug. 28. By cash receiver! of Enoch Hazard, Esq., in part of the rents due

in the county of Kings 108 00

Erroi-s excepted,

Per WILLIAM BRADFORD.

Dr. State of Rhode Island to WilUam Bradford.
1780. £ s- <f-

January. To cash paid Joseph Clarke, Esq., per receipt 602 12

1780. Creditor.

January. By the amount of a judgment of court obtained by me, in favor
of the state, at Kent inferior court, July term, A. D. 1779,
against Tliomas Greene, Cromel Child and Sylvester Child,
for the stock they received of the state, from the tarm lately

belonging to WiUiam Vassall 602 12

Errors excepted,

Per "WILLIAM BRADFORD.

East Greenwich, February 29, A. D. 1780.
Examined the within accounts, and compared the receipts with the charges of cash
paid into the general treasury, and find them agree ; and that there is a balance due
thereon, from William Bradford, Esq., to this state, of £43 Is. 8rf., lawful money.

NATHA:S^IEL MTIMFORD, Auditor.

And the said report being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is^
accepted ; and that the said balance of £43 Is. d., lawful
money, be paid by the said William Bradford, into the gen-
eral treasury.

The accoimt of William Bradford, Esq., exhibited unto
this Assembly, for his time, horse-hire and expenses, in leas-
ing, receiving rents for the confiscated estates for several
years ; drawing leases, bringing and prosecuting an action
against Thomas Greene and others, for stock by them re-
ceived, &c., the following report was made, to wit :

Itejwrt of the Committee, in favor of paying William
Bradford.

The subscribers being appointed to ascertain what WiUiam Bradford, Esq., should
receive, for the above mentioned business, do report, that the sum of £600, lawful
money, ought to be allowed liim. ESEK HOPKINS, )

JOHN JEXCKES, i Committee.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 13

Which being duly considered, —

It voted and resolved, that the said sum of £600, lawful
money, be allowed and paid the said WiUiam Bradford, out
of the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that the draught of a letter pre-
sented unto this Assembly, by James M. Varnum, Esq., ad-
vocate of the court of admiralty, in this state, to William
Ellery, Esq., now a delegate from this state in Congress, re-
specting a claim made by Melally, captain of a pri-
vateer, to the sloop Crawford, a British vessel, which came
into the harbor of Newport soon after it was evacuated by
the enemy, and was condemned for the benefit of the state,
be, and the same is hereby, approved ; and that the said
James M. Varnum transmit a copy thereof, to the said Wm.
Ellery, as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that William Bradford, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, appointed to call upon the committees in
the several counties for receiving rents due to this state, for
a settlement of their accounts ; who are hereby directed to
settle with him accordingly ; and that he commence actions
as soon as may be, against all those who are deficient in the
payment of the rents due to the state in the year 1778.

It is further voted and resolved, that the said William
Bradford be, and he is hereby, fully empowered to adjust,
settle and receive all rents due as aforesaid, for the year
1779.

The petition of Mrs. Sarah Corey, of North Kingstown,
preferred unto this Assembly, representing that her hus-
band, William Corey, was removed from his estate, in said
North Kingstown, twelve miles back into the country, there
to remain during the pleasure of this Assembly ; that he
hath strictly obeyed the said order, ever since April, A. D.
1778 ; and that she is much embarrassed in managing the
estate of #her said husband ; and praying this Assembly to
permit him to return home to his family, being duly con-
sidered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said William Corey be

14 RECOKDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.V5D [FeB.,

permitted to reside on his farm, iu North Kingstown, under
the penalty of forfeiting to the state the sum of £1,000,
lawful mone}^ ; to be recovered by the general treasurer?
before any inferior court in the state, in case he shall be
found out of the limits thereof

It is voted and resolved, that Brigadier General Cornell,
Caleb Gardner and Benjamin Almy, Esqs., be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee, to examine and determine
the claims of all persons to the rails which enclose the for-
age and wood-yards, in the town of Newport ; and that
they make an equitable distribution of the said rails to the
original proprietors;

Whereas, Mrs. Elizabeth Wightman, of North Kingstown,
preferred a petition unto this Assembly, and represented
that her husband, George Wightman, being disafiected to
the cause of this country, joined the enemy, whereby his
whole estate was confiscated ; that she is in very distressed
circumstances, having one child, who is an idiot, and an-
other very sick ; and that she is utterly unable to support
herself and family ; and thereupon she prayed for relief ;
which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Elizabeth Wight-
man be, and she is hereby, permitted to improve one-third
part of the dwelling house on the estate lately belonging to
George Wightman, deceased, for the term of one year, from
the 2oth day of March next ; and that she receive, during
the said time, one-third part of the rents and profits of the
said estate, for the support of herself and children.

The petition of Mr. Holmes Wightman, of North Kings-
toAvn, preferred unto this Assembly, representing that his
father, George Wightman, left his family and joined the
Britisli army, whereby his estate was confiscated ; that the
said estate, by being neglected, is much out of rejDair ; and
that the same is an estate in fee tail, the said George
Wightman havmg only a life estate therein ; and praying
this Assembly to permit him to improve the said estate, for
a just and reasonable rent, being duly considered, —

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 15

It is voted and resolved, that the said estate, lying in
North Kingstown, be leased to the said Holmes Wightman,
for the term of one year, from the 25th day of March next;
and that Thomas Tillinghast and Richard Fry, Esqs., be, and
they are hereby, appointed a committee to determine what
rent shall be allowed for the same.

Whereas, Esek Hopkins, Esq., and Mr. Nathaniel Mnm-
ford, presented nnto this Assembly the following report, to-
gether with an account for their services, to wit :

BejJori of the Committee apiiolnted hy the General Assemhh/t,
to examine into certain j^ayments, allowances, &c., made
to the officers and soldiers in the battalions commanded by
Cols. Christopher Greene, Henry Sherburne and Israel
Angell.

We, the subscribers, being, by the Honorable the Gener<al Assembly, at their session, in
December last, appointed a committee to ascertain the grants made from time to time,
to the field, commissioned and staff' oflicers, and to the non-commissioned officers and
private soldiers of this state's quota of Continental troops, in the battalions commanded
by Cols. Christopher Greene, Henry Sherburne and Israel Angell ; and having care-
fully examined the several grants made to the said ofl8.cers and soldiers, either by the
General Assembly, or council of war, do report :

That it appears to us, that the field, commissioned and staff officers of the said bat-
talions liavc been paid up the amount of one-quarter part of their wages and subsistence
to the 1st day of January, A. D. 1779 ; and that the non-commissioned officers and
private soldiers have been paid up the full amount of the subsistence money due to
them, to the said 1st day of January, A. 1). 1779, excepting the balance that may be
due iu refreshments to the said Christopher Greene and Israel Angell's regiments, from
John Jenckes and Esek Hopkins, Esqs.

We also report, that at the August session, A. D. 1779, the said John Jenckes and
Esek Hopkins were empowered to draw the sum of £20,000, lawful money, out of the
general treasury, to purchase refreshments for the Continental officers and soldiers ; of
which they have received £14,942, with which sum they have purchased refreshments,
and supplied the said battaUons in the following manner, to wit :

Colonel Sherburne's regiment hath received the balance of refreshments due to them
from January the 3d, to September the 1st, A. D. 1779, amounting to £114, 14s. 5rf.,.
lawful money, in articles at the stated stated prices ; which articles cost about £1,350,
lawful money ; and which balance of .£114 14s. lid., appears to be still due from the
said Colonel Sherburne.

Colonel Angell's regiment hath received the sum of £861, in articles at the stated
prices ; which articles cost about £10,332, lawful money.

And that Colonel Greene's regiment hath received the sum of £258 2s. 6rf., in articles
at the stated prices ; which articles cost about £3,260, lawful money. All which ap-
pears by the accounts herewith exhibited.

We also report, that Thomas Greene, Esq., as state commissary, hath supplied Col.
Greene's regiment wit!i ton hundred three quarters and five poimds of brown sugar, one

16 RECORDS OF THE SATE OF RHODE ISL.\ND [FeB.,

hundred and twelve gallons of "West India mm, one hundred and nineteen gallons of New
England rum, and one hundred and seventy-six pounds of coffee ; and that he hath
supplied Colonel Angell's regiment with seventy-one hundred and seventeen poimds of
brown sugar, six hundred and forty-seven pounds of coffee, one hundred and eighty-
four gallons of West India rum, and three hundred and forty -six gallons of New Eng"
land rum ; all wliicli appears by his accounts herewith presented ; it also appears that
the officers and privates of Colonel Greene's regiment have been paid the full amount
of the subsistence money due to them, up to the 1st day of August, A. D. 1779; and
that the ofBcers and privates of Colonel Angell's regiment have been paid the full
amount of the subsistence money due to them, up to the 1st day of December, A. D.
1779; all which appears by their abstracts on the files of the General Assembly and
council of war.

We have also examined the accounts of the committees of the several towns, who
have been appointed to supply the Continental officers and soldiers with articles at the
stated prices ; by which it appears tliat the said officers and soldiers have been supplied
hy tlif said committees, agreeably to the several acts of Assembly for that purpose ; the
acciiunts for which, we herewith present.

We also report, that the oflBcers of Colonel Angell's regiment have been supplied with
clothing from the Continental and state stores, to the amomit of .£2,017 18s. 9(/.>
lawful money ; that the officers of Colonel Greene's regiment have been supplied with
clothing from the Continental and state stores, to the amount of £1,701 4s. orf., lawful
money ; and that the officers of Colonel Sherburne's regiment have been suppUed from
the Continental store with clothiing, to the amount of £574 13s, 2c?., lawful money ; all
which articles are charged in the agent-clothier's books to the several officers of the
said battalions, at the rate of four for one from the sterUng cost; which appears by the
clothier's accounts herewith presented.

We also report, that there hath been sent forward to the Continental army, for the
use of Colonels Greene and Angell's regiments, which have not been charged to them
towards their subsistence, fourteen hogsheads of sugar, three hogsheads of Jamaica rum,
and seven hundred and forty-seven pounds of coffee ; that Colonel Greene's regiment
hath received from ' the commissary of hides and tallow, four thousand and fifty
pounds of hides, for which they paid sixpence, lawful money, per pound ; that Col.
Sherburne's regiment hath been supplied with six thousand eight hundred and thirty-
two pounds of hides, for which they paid sixpence, lawful money, per pound ; and that
Colonel Angell's regiment hath been suppUed with four thousand three hundred and
thirty-eight pounds of liides, for which they have paid nothing ; that a sum of money
stands charged in the auditor's book, against the several officers, amounting to the sum of
.£8,2.37 12s. lOrf., lawful money, which it does not appear that they have ever accounted
for ; a great part of wliich sum appears to bo balances due from the said officers for
moneys by them received, for the recruiting service, in the year 1777, which they have
been ordared to pay into the general treasury ; but by the treasurer's books it appears
that very few of the said balances were ever paid ; all which appears by the accounts
herewith exhibited.

• It also appears, that the soldiers, who were recruited in May and June, 1777, for three
yeivrs, or during the war, received large extra bounties from the several towns where
they were enhsted, which we cannot exactly ascertain, as we are not furnished with the
returns ; but from the best accounts we have been able to obtain, as much as §300, per
mim, upon an average.

We also report, that the officers have received rum, from time to time of the commissa-
ries, at the rate of nine sliilUngs per gallon; and that Colonel Sherbm-ue hath been paid
the amount of the subsistence due to his regiment, up to the 3d of July, A. D. 1779.

Upon the whole, we beg leave to report, that we have ascertained the several matters
herein contained, with as much certainty as we were able, agreeably to the returns with
which wo were furnished from the several towns and committees, who have been from

17SU.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 17

time to time appointed to supply tlie officers and soldiers ; but that, as they have been
variously conducted, and gone through so many different channels, we found it almost
impracticable to ascertain them with any degree of precision.
All which is submitted by your humble servants,

ESEK HOPKINS, I Committee.

NATHANIEL MUMTORD, )

State of Rhode Island, Dr.

£ s. d.
To Esek Hopkins, for eighteen days' attendance on the above business,

at £8 144 00

To Nathaniel Mumford, for eight days' attendance on the above business,
at £8 64 00

And the Scaid report being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
accepted ; and that the said sum of £144, be allowed to the
said Esek Hopkins ; and the said sum of £64, lawful money,
be allowed the said Nathaniel Mumford ; and that the same
be paid them out of the general treasury.

The petition of divers freemen and freeholders, of the
town of Bristol, to wit : Nathaniel Smith, William Munro,
Edward Munro, Jonathan Fales, Stephen Talby, Benjamin
Wardwell, Moses Van Doom, Isaac Wardwell, Nathaniel
Manchester, John Norris, Jr. and Timothy Diman, preferred
unto this Assembly, representing, that soon after the British
troops took possession of the island of Rhode Island, they
were obliged to flee, with their families, into the state of
Massachusetts ; and that upon their return to Bristol, they
found themselves deprived of the rights of citizenship, by
reason of their not having signed the test required by law,
and praying this Assembly to grant them liberty to sign
the said test, being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Nathaniel Smith,
William Munro, Edward Munro, Jonathan Fales, Stephen
, Talby, Benjamin Wardwell, Moses Van Doom, Isaac Ward-
well, Nathaniel Manchester, John Norris, Jr. and Timothy
Diman, be, and they are hereby, permitted to subscribe
the said test before the town council of the said town of
Bristol.

It is voted and resolved, that the act of this Assembly,
for preventing the exportation of the articles therein enu-

IS RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB..

meratecl, by land, from this state, made and passed at the
last October session, so far as the same respects the state of
Massachusetts Ba^', be, and the same is hereby, repealed ;
that His Excellency the Governor be requested to commu-
nicate this resolution to the president of the council of the
said state of Massachusetts Bay ; and that a copy hereof, be
jDublished in the Newport and Providence newspapers.

Whereas, it hath been represented unto this Assembly,
that divers articles of furniture, which were heretofore
taken from the island of Rhode Island, and are kow in the
positsessiou of Abraham Greene, town sergeant of the town
of East Greenwich, belonged to, and were, the property of
"William Stoddard, late of Middletown, deceased, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said goods be
delivered by the said Abraham Greene, to Abigail Stoddard
and Mary Stoddard, daughters of the said William Stod-
dard ; and that they satisfy the said Abraham Greene for
taking possession of the same. •

Whereas, divers inhabitants of the town of East Green-
wich, presented a petition, and represented unto this As-
sembly, that at the May session, A. D. 1774, a lottery was
granted, for raising the sum of $600, to be applied towards
purchasing a lot, and building a school house, in the com-
pact part of said town ; and that it is now thought it wiU
be beneficial to build a house sufficient for two schools ;
atid thereupon they prayed this Assembly to grant them a
lottery, to raise the sum of $40,000, for the purpose afore-
said ; and that Preserved Pearce and John Reynolds, Esqs.,
and Mr. Oliver Arnold, of said East Greenwich ; and Silas
Casey, Esq., of Warwick, may be continued directors there-
of ; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the prayer of the said peti-
tion be, and the same is hereby, granted ; that Archibald
Crary, Esq., be, and he is hereby, appointed one of the di-
rectors of the said lottery ; that the said directors give bond
to the general treasurer for the faithful disfliarge of the
trust reposed in them, and to render an account witliin two

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 19

years of the appropriation of the money to the jjurpose for
which it is granted ; and that no expense accrue thereon to
the state.

It is voted and resolved, that His Excellency the Gov-
ernor be, and he is hereby, permitted to send six barrels of
cider to Block Island, to his brother-in-law, John Littlefield,
Esq., for the use of liis family.

It is voted and resolved, that the two estates, lying in
South Kingstown and Little Compton, belonging to Gideon
Sisson, of Newport, merchant, heretofore leased by order of
this Assembly, be surrendered up to the said Gideon Sisson,
on the 25th day of March, A. D. 1780 ; and that the leases
made to the general treasurer of said estate, lying in South
Kingstown, and not fulfilled by the lessee, be also delivered
to hitn, that he may obtain payment thereof

It is voted and resolved, that Mrs. Miers, with her

children, be, and they are hereby, permitted to go to New
York, in the first flag, under the direction of General
Cornell.

Upon the certificate given by Colonel Henry Sherburne,
to Mr. William Christophers, exhibited unto this Assembly,
for his services, in commanding one of the guard-boats at
Bristol, from December the 6th, A. D. 1778, to November
the 5th, A. D. 1779,—

It is voted and resolved, that it be recommended to Ben-
jamin Stelle, Esq., deputy paymaster general, to pay the
said William Christophers the wages and rations of an
ensign, from his last payment to the date of the said
certificate.

It is voted and resolved, that the act of this Assembly,
entitled " An act to prevent the depreciation of the Conti-
nental currency, and other current money of the United
States of America, or the current paper bills of either
of the states in New England," made and passed at the
July session, A. D. 1776, be, and the same is hereby,
repealed.

Whereas, it hath been represented to this Assembly, that

20 RECORDS OP THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.

part of the Continental taxes assigned to the town of New-
port, at the last session of this Assembly, hath been assessed
npon the real and personal estates of persons supposed to
be inimical to the United States ; which estates are in the
possession of the sheriff of the county of Newport, in conse-
quence of informations filed against the same by the attor-
ney general, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said sheriff, on
application of the collector of taxes for the town of New-
port, be, and he is hereby, empowered and directed to de-
liver to the said collector so much of the personal estate
of the said jiersons respectively as wiU be sufficient to dis-
charge the said taxes, imless the proprietors shall pay the
same ; and that the said collector give the sheriff a receipt
for the goods which shall be so received by him, and dispose
of the same at public vendue, and render an account of the
sales thereof, to this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that it be recommended to the
agent-clothier in this state, to deliver out of the Continental
store, to Mr. Nathaniel Mmnford, clothier for this state,
four suits of soldiers' clothes, to be by him dehvered to
Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah Olney, for the use of four sol-
diers of Colonel AngeU's regiment, who are enlisted during
the war, and are now ordered to join the regiment.

Whereas, there are at present two hospitals kept in this
state, one at Providence, and the other at Newport, where-
by the public expense is much augmented, and one hos-
pital win be sufficient for the troops in this state ; and as
the college edifice in Providence, which is improved as one,
is now wanted to be improved agreeably to its original in-
stitution ; and that at Newport is in a very exposed situa-
tion, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the commanding
officer of the troops in this state be, and he is hereby, di-
rected to cause the said hospitals to be removed to the bar-
racks, at Tiverton, as soon as may be ; and that he call on
the deputy quartermaster general to cause such repairs to

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 21

be made to the said barracks from time to time as shall be
absolutely necessary, until the further order of this Assem-
bly, or the council of war.

Whereas, Mr. Samuel Goldthwait, of Newport, preferred a
petition unto this Assembly, representing that his brother
lately died at New York, leaving a large estate, which is
now in the hands of persons wasting the same ; that he is
duly authorized to settle and adjust the said estate, provided
he can obtain permission to go to New York ; and that he
is possessed in his own right of a considerable sum of
money, in protested bills of exchange, the drawers of which
are now at New York, that may be obtained by his being
on the spot ; and thereupon prayed this Assembly to per-
mit him to go to New York, to settle and obtain the said
eifects and moneys, and that he may return with the same ;
which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Samuel Goldthwait
be, and he is hereby, permitted to proceed to New York,
either by land or water, as General Cornell shall direct;
and that he have liberty to return again to this state with
the effects he may collect.

Major Daniel Box having exliibited unto this Assembly
an abstract of the wages and subsistence money due to
him from the United States, for the months of December,
January and February last, amounting to £315, lawful
money, —

It is thereupon voted and resolved, that it be recom-
mended to Benjamin Stelle, Esq., deputy paymaster general
in this state, to pay the said abstract to the said Daniel
Box.

It is voted and resolved, that it be recommended to John
Reynolds, Esq., agent-clothier in this state, to supply
Major Daniel Box with one suit of clothing, out of the
Continental store.

Whereas, Peter Burhngame, Esq., Mr. Samuel Tomp-
kins and John Andrews, Esq., all of Cranston, preferred a

22 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [PeB.,

petition, and represented unto this Assembly, that the gen-
eral treasurer hath issued an execution against the said
town of Cranston for the sum of £2,125, lawful money, as
part of the said town's proportion of the last Continental
and state taxes, not paid into the general treasury ; that the
said deficiency is wholly owing to the neglect of Mr. Randall
Briggs, collector of the said taxes, who is at this tune gone
a long journey into the country, which obliged the said
Peter Burlingame, for his own security, to sue the said
Samuel Tompkins and John Andrews, who are bondsmen
for the said Eandall Briggs, to a special court ; that in con-
sequence thereof, the said Samuel Tompkins and John An-
drews have attached all the real estate of the said Randall
Briggs, to satisfy the said execution ; and that upon exam-
ination of the rate bills, there appears to be more than
£1,600, lawful money, uncollected; and thereupon they
prayed this Assembly to direct that the execution issued by
the general treasurer against the said Peter Burlingame,
and all other proceedings thereon may be sta3^ed, until the
money can be raised out of the said Eandall Briggs's estate,
or in some other way, with the interest for the sum due,
from the time the same should have been paid into the
general treasury; and the premises being duly consid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be, and the
same is hereby, granted ; that the said town of Cranston
be permitted to collect and pay the said sum for which the
execution issued at any time on or before the 1st day of
May next ; and that the said town pay the interest which
may be due thereon, from the time the same was payable
until the execution be satisfied.

It is voted and resolved, that a tax of £180,000, lawful mon-
ey, be assessed upon the inhabitants of this state, for its propor-
tion of the f 15,000,000, recommended by Congress to be raised
monthly, by the United States, for three months ; the one-
third part thereof to be paid into the general treasury on

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 23

the 1st day of April next ; another third part thereof, on
the 1st day of May next ; and the remaining third part on .
the 1st day of June next.

It is voted and resolved, that the act of this Asseinblv,
made and passed at the October session, A. D. 1770, for
preventing the exportation of certain articles therein
named, be, and remain, in force until the 1st day of April
next.

It is voted and resolved, that James M. Varnum and
Theodore Foster, Esqs., and Mr. Isaac Senter be, and
they are hereby, appointed- a committee to draught a
bill, agreeably to a resolution of Congress, of January the
14th last, and make report to this Asseml)ly at the next
session.

The account of Mr. Daniel Kinnicutt, exhibited unto this
Assembly, for eighteen pair of yarn stockings delivered into
the state's store, being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said eighteen pair of
stockings be returned to the said Daniel Kinnicutt, by the
state clothier.

Whereas, the sum of £7,500, lawful money, levied by a
tax, in pursuance of an act of this Assembly, passed at the
February session, AD. 1778, to discharge part of this
state's proportion of a Continental tax, recommended by a
resolution of Congress, of November the 22d, A. D. 1777,
was, by an order of the council of war, taken out of the
Continental loan office, and placed in the general treasury,
to defray the necessary expenses of this state ; and whereas,
a further sum of £7,500, lawful mone}^, levied by a tax, in
pursuance of an act, passed at the June session, A. D. 1778,
for the same purpose, was, by an order of the council of
war, taken out of the loan office, and placed in the general
treasury, to defray the necessary expenses of this state,-
which sums still remain unpaid, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the general treas-
urer be, and he is hereby, directed to pay the sum of

24 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

£1 5,000, lawful money out of the general treasury of this
state, mto the Continental loan office, to re-pay the said
sums so borrowed.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee for settling
and adjusting the accounts of the officers and soldiers in
the Continental service, appomted and raised b_v this state,
and considered as the quota thereof, consider those officers
only who are now in service, or have died in service, or
have been discharged through disabilit}-.

It is voted and resolved, that Colonel Henry Sherburne,
and the officers of his battaUon, belonging to this state, be
considered by the said committee as officers of this state ;
that the surgeon and mates of Colonel Christopher Greene's
and Colonel Israel Angelfs regiments, be entitled to
the same privileges as the other officers; and that the
said committee consider the cu'cumstances of Major Daniel
Box, and report what he ought to receive from this state.

And it is further voted and resolved, that the said com.
mittee adjust the said accounts upon the principles of equity
and justice; any thing in the former resolution for adjusing
the said accounts to the contraiy, notwithstanding.

The petition of Mrs. Anne Ferguson, of Newport, pre-
ferred unto this Assembly, praying that she may have hb-
erty to go to New York, to her husband, and carry with
her her moveable effects, being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Anne Ferguson be,
and she is hereby, permitted to go to New York, in the
first flag, under the direction of General Cornell, and carry
her household furniture and apparel.

It is voted and resolved, that WilUam Channing, John
Jenckes, Peter Phillips, William Bradford and Charles Hol-
den, Esqs., or the major part of them, be, and they are
hereby, appointed a comm.ittee to lease out, for the term of
one year, from the 2otli of March, A. D. 1780, the real es-
tates which have been heretofore taken possession of by
this state, and all other real estates, belonging to any

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 25

persons heretofore subjects of this state, who have with-
drawn themselves, or are now with the enemy, on such
terms and conditions as the said committee shall think fit ;
excepting the farms which are to be rented for produce at
the prices affixed in the act regulating the prices of arti-
cles, passed at the May second session, A. D. 1777.

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that the
enemy, when in possession of Jamestown, did cut the fol-
lowing quantities of hay from the lands of the persons
whose names are set down in the subsequent list; which
hay, upon the evacuation of that island, fell into the hands
of our army, and now remains upon Jamestown, to wit :

Josiah Arnold,

Tons.

Widow Hull, -

Tons.
5

Laws,

- 12

John Howland, -

- 15

Robinson,

Edward Can-, -

Joseph Clarke, -
John Gardner,

- 20

George Hazard, -
Samuel Carr, -

- 14
6

Martin,

Teddiman Hull, -

- 8

Widow Franklin.

James Carr,

- 13

134

192

And whereas, the above named persons suffered very
greatly in their estates, during the time the enemy were in
possession of that island, and have received no payment for
the same, and ought to be considered upon those accounts ;
it is therefore recommended to the deputy quartermaster
general in this state, to deliver to the above named persons,
their respective attorneys or representatives, one-half of the
above mentioned quantity of hay set against each person's
name ; Josiah Arnold and Joseph Clarke having each of
them received five tons, and John Howland three tons,
those quantities are to be deducted from their respective
proportions ; provided there be such a quantity as that one-

26 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

half thereof will be sufficient for that purpose, after first
stopping twenty tons of hay cut upon the farm of Jerath-
meel Bowers, and stacked with the rest ; and in case there
shall not then be a sufficient quantity as aforesaid, that he
deliver out the hay in proportion to the above list.

Whereas, it is represented to this Assembty, that four
stacks of hay, cut from the land in Middletown, belonging
to William Taggart, Esq., by a British sergeant, was left un-
disposed of, and is now on the farm of Giles Slocum, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Giles Slo-
cum deliver to the said William Taggart the said hay,
that he may dispose of and appropriate the same to his own
use.

Whereas, Mr. Zebedee Story, of Ne\yport, preferred a pe-
tition, and rejDresented unto this Assembly, that during the
time the British troops held possession of the said town,
he was an inhabitant thereof; that having dealings with
Stephen Deblois (who has withdrawn himself with the ene-
my), to a considerable amount, on a final settlement there
was due to the said Stephen Deblois upwards of £400, ster-
ling ; for the pajmient of which he gave two bills of ex-
change, which are negotiable ; that information being made
to the council of war, that the said Zebedee Story had in
his hands property of the said Stephen Deblois, they re-
solved, that the sum of £420, sterling, should be deposited
by him in the general treasury, there to remain until the
same should be proceeded against; and that in default
thereof, the sheriff of the county of Newport should seize
the amount of the said sum, in cash or goods belonging to
the said Zebedee Story, and keep the same until the proper-
ty thereof should be determined ; and that, in consequence
of the said resolve, the said Zebedee Story's goods have
been seized to the amount of near £500, sterling, to his
great prejudice ; and thereupon, he prayed this Assembly
to direct that he may receive his goods, that he may be
proceeded against according to the usual practice of foreign
attachments ; or that he may be otherwise relieved ; and

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.\JSTATIONa. 27

whereas, the following agreement was entered into, in the
presence of this Assembly, to wit :

Agreement hetween the Attorneij General and Zebedee Story,
relative to Stephen Dehlois.

" It is agreed by the attorney general, in behalf of this state, and the said Zebedee
Story, that the said Zebedee Story shall deliver to the said attorney general, to be by
him deposited in the general treasury of this state, the sum of £180, sterling, in gold or
silver, and give bond to the general treasurer, with sufficient sureties, to the satisfaction
of the attorney general, for the payment of such further sum, if any, as shall be ad-
judged by the superior court of judicature, &c., to be due from the said Zebedee Story
to the said Stephen Ueblois, in gold or silver, agreeably to the contract with the said
Stephen Deblois ; or in goods at the sterling cost ; that upon the said Zebedee Story's
compliance herewith, the whole of the goods shall be restored to him which have been
taken out of his possession, by virtue of the resolution of the council of war.

It is further agreed, that if the said sum of £180, in sterling money, to be deposited
in the general treasury, as aforesaid, or any part thereof, shall not, by the judgment of
the said superior court, be considered as liable to confiscation, by being the property of
the said Stephen Deblois ; then, and in that case, the said sum so deposited, or such
part thereof as shall be adjudged not liable to confiscation as aforesaid, shall be returned
in gold or silver, to the said Zebedee Story.

And the foregoing agreement having been approved by
this Assembly, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the same be con-
firmed and established accordingly.

The account of Mr. Caleb Gardner, exhibited unto this
Assembly, for the sale of fifty bushels of rye, raised on the
Point Farm (so called), in South Kingstown, together with
the auditor's report thereon, being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the sum found due, being
£269, lawful money, be paid by the said Caleb Gardner, into
the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that the deputy forage-master,
or his assistant, at Newport, deliver to Metcalf Bowler, Esq.,
eighteen hundred two quarters and fourteen pounds weight
of hay ; the same being one-half the quantity cut on the
said Metcalf Bowler's farm, in Portsmouth, and caiTied to
the forage j^ard, in Newport.

It is voted and resolved, that Brigadier General Cornell
procure a copy, from the books or returns of the forage-
master in the British service, respecting the hay left by the

28 KECOKDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

enemy upon JamestowTi and Rhode Island ; and from whom
the same was taken without being paid for, in order that
the same may be lodged in the secretary's office ; and that
every person who may receive any such hay, in conse-
quence of any resolution of this Assemljly, previovis to their
taking the same, shall produce the evidence they have of
their property therein ; and that General Cornell be re-
quested to lodge the said proofs in the secretary's office.

It is voted and resolved, that the recognizance of Stephen
Potter be continued to the next session of this Assembly ;
and that he then personally appear before this Assembly,
agreeably to the tenor of the said recognizance.

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that Tib-
bits Hopkins, Peter Albro, William Sachel, Francis Corey,

Christopher Vaughan, Tripp (son of Peleg), heretofore

subjects of this state, who withdrew therefrom, and joined
the enemy, have been since made prisoners, and were con-
fined on board of a prison-ship, from whence they have desert-
ed, and are now at large within this state ; wherefore —

It is voted and resolved, that the sheriffs of the several
counties and their respective deputies be, and they are
hereby, directed forthwith to apprehend any or either of the
aforenamed persons, who may be within their respective
districts, and them closely confine, in either of the jails
Avithin this state ; and that they make report thereof to the
council of war.

It is further voted and resolved, that the council of war
make order for the removal of the aforenamed persons,
when apprehended, to some one of the Continental frig-
ates ; and that they be confined and do duty on board such
vessel durmg during the present war.

And it is further voted and resolved, that if any or either
of the aforenamed persons shall desert the said service,
that they be forthwith apprehended and punished as de-
serters.

It is voted and resolved, that Ezekiel Tripp, Samuel Lit-
tlefield and Caleb Arnold, Jr., of Exeter ; Thomas Greene-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.INTATIONS. 29

late of Otter Creek, now in Newport; Daniel Briggs (son

of Ebenezer), of Warwick ; and Underwood (son of

John), of North Kingstown ; who, having joined the enemy,
afterwards returned, and are now at large within this state,
be cited by the proper sheriffs to appear before the council
of war, at their session, in Providence, on Wednesday, the
15th of March, A. D. 1780, for examination ; and that the
council of war take such order with them as they shall
think proper.

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that
rigging-cables, anchors, and other articles have been taken
by certain persons residing in the county of Bristol, from a
sloop belonging to Mr. Eobert Lawton, which was hereto-
fore employed as a flag from Newport, and wliUe in that
service was cast on shore at Warwick Neck, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Mr. Shubael Kin-
nicutt, a deputy sheriff in the said county of Bristol, be,
and he is hereby, empowered to make search for the said
goods, in any suspected places, within the said county ; that
he take them, if to be found, into his possession ; and that
he make report thereof, to the council of war.

It is further voted and resolved, that the said Shubael
Kinnicutt apprehend all such persons as shall be possessed
of the said goods, and take them before the proper au-
thority, within the said county, that they may be recog-
nized for trial, or otherwise dealt with agreeably to law.

It is voted and resolved, that Brigadier General Ezekiel
Cornell, Colonel Robert Elliott and Colonel John Topham,
be continued in their respective offices, until the further
orders of this Assembly ; that the said Robert Elliott and
John Topham make out a list of the officers necessary to
be continued in command, and a return of the number of
men in their respective regiments, and lay the same be-
fore the council of war, for their approbation.

It is further voted and resolved, that the non-commis-
sioned officers and private soldiers in Colonel WiUiam Bar-

30 RECORDS OF THU STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

ton's corps, be turned over to do duty in the regiments com-
manded by the said Robert Elliott and John Topham.

It is voted and resolved, that it be recommended to the
deputy quartermaster general in this state, to sell all the
hay belonging to the Continent in his possession, that shall
be more than sufficient to keep the Continental horses imtil
new hay can be purchased.

Whereas, Charles Thompson, Esq., secretary of Congres.s,
in a letter to His Excellency the Governor, dated the 20th
of November, A. D. 1779, transmitted to this state a dupli-
cate of the resolve of Congress, passed March the 16th, A.
D. 1778, earnestly requesting that attested copies of acts
passed by the legislatures of the several states, in pursuance
of recommendations of Congress from time to time might
be transmitted to Congress; and also of the form of govern-
ment, and of the public acts passed since the Declaration of
Independence, that the same may be deposited in his office,
for the information of Congress, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the Honorable Ja-
bez Bowen, Esq., Theodore Foster, Esq., and the secretary,
be a conmiittee to answer the said letter, and to procure
and transmit to the said secretary of Congress, the public
acts of the Legislature, and documents, requested in the said
resolve of Congress and aforesaid letter.

It is voted and resolved, that the town clerks of the sev-
eral towns within this state, be, and they are hereby, di-
rected to transmit immediately to the committee apjDointed
to settle the depreciation-accounts of the officers and sol-
diers, belonging to this state's Continental battalions, an
account of all bounties given to the said soldiers, whether
the same arose from levying them by classing the inhabit-
ants, or otherwise ; and that a copy of this act be immedi-
ately sent to the several town clerks.

It is voted and resolved, that Colonel Christopher Greene,
be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the sum of
^12,000, out of the general treasury, for paying the boim-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 31

ties to the men who shall enlist into his battalion, agreeably
to a resolution of this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that a sufficient number of men
be immediately enlisted, to serve during the war, in the
Continental battalions of this state, under the command of
Colonel Christopher Greene and Colonel Israel Angell, so as
to complete the said battalions (including those already en-
listed, and such as shall enlist into Colonel Henry Sher-
burne's regiment, under the direction of this Assembly), to
the number of eight hundred and ten men, non-commis-
sioned officers and privates, agreeably to a resolution of
Congress, of the 9th of February, A. D. 1780 ; that each
non-commissioned officer and soldier who shall enlist into
the said battaUons, as aforesaid, shall be allowed, as a
bounty, |300, in addition to the bounty and subsistence al-
lowed by Congress ; and that the non-commissioned officers
Rud soldiers in the brigade under the command of General
Cornell, be jjermitted to enlist into the said battalions.

And it is further voted and resolved, that the pay of the
said non-commissioned officers shall be made equal to silver
or gold ; allowing the same monthly wages as to those al-
ready in service.

It is voted and resolved, that Colonel Henry Sherburne
be permitted to draw the sum of 1 6,000, out of the general
treasury, for recruiting the troops now in his battalion, be-
longing to this state ; that the troops so to be recruited be
considered as a part of this state's proportion in the Conti-
nental army ; that the sum of $300, be paid to each re-
cruit, over and above the Continental bounty; and that
the said non-commissioned officers and soldiers so enlisted,
shall have their wages made equal to silver and gold, in the
same manner as those enlisted into the battalions command-
ed by Colonel Christopher Greene, and Colonel Israel
Angell.

For the more immediate and effectual raising the troops
assigned for this state's proportion of the Continental
army, —

32 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAJSTD [FeB.,

It is voted and resolved, that the brigadier generals of
the militia appoint a recruiting officer in each town, in the
limits of their resjjective brigades ; who, upon enhsting an
able-bodied soldier, to serve during the present war, in either
of the battalions commanded by Col. Christopher Greene,
or Colonel Isi'ael Angell, and producing a certificate from
the commanding officer of either battalion for the time
being, ascertaining the same, shall receive, for every one so
enlisted, the sum of £9, lawful money, out of the general
treasury ; and that the officers in the brigade under the
command of Brigadier General Cornell, who shall enlist
any of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers in the
said brigade, into either of the said battalions, shall be enti-
tled to, and receive, the same bounty.

Whereas, it is incompatible with the constitution of this
state, for the legislative or judicial and powers of govern-
ment to be vested in the same persons, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that for the future, no
member, either of the upper or lower house of Assembly,
continuing such, shall exercise the office of a justice of the
superior court, within this state, from and after the next
election.

Whereas, James Wightman, Benjamin Sweet, Samuel
Wightman, Richard Briggs, John Briggs, Jr., Jonathan
Johnston, Stephen Cooper and William Markes, all of East
Greenwich, preferred a petition, and represented unto this
Assembly, that through inattention they had neglected to
subscribe the test required by law ; and thereupon prayed
that they might be permitted to subscribe the same, before
the town council of said East Greenwich ; which being duly
considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be, and
the same is hereby, granted.

It is voted and resolved, that Samuel Gardner, Walter
Nichols, Joshua Lanpher, Joshua Lanpher, Jr., William Max-
son, Jr., Francis Robinson, Edward Robinson, Isaiah Maxson,

1780.] iUND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. OO

Joshua Tanner, Benjamin Crandal, Jonathan "West, Oliver
Babcock, Daniel Lewis, Samuel Maxson, Samuel Maxson,
Jr., Peter Burclick, Elisha Burdick, Samuel Rogers, Peleg
Kinyon, John Witter, Zaccheus Reynolds, John Crandal,
Jesse Lewis, John Gardner, John Burdick and Joseph
Davis, all of Hopkinton, be, and they are hereby, permitted
to sign the test required by law, before the town council of
the said town of Hopkinton ; provided that it shall appear
they have been friends to this county, and as such have
conducted themselves in the present dispute with Great
Britain.

It is voted and resolved, that RJchard Pry, Esq., make
sale, at public vendue, of the cheese in his hands, be-
longing to the state ; that he pay the money arising
from the sale thereof, into fhe general treasury ; and
that he deliver the wool by him received unto John Rey-
nolds, Esq., who hath vmdertaken to procure the same to be
manufactured iMo, or exchanged for, articles for the use of
the army.

It is voted and resolved, that the attorney general forth-
with prosecute Stephen Potter, for the balance due from
him to this state, agreeably to the -report of a committee,
appointed to ascertain the same at the last Sej^tember ses-
sion, to the first inferior court of common pleas which shall
be held in the county of Newport.

It is voted and resolved, that all penalties, fines and for-
feitures, of a pecuniary nature, be, and they are hereby,
raised twenty fold, to what they were on the 19th day of
April, A. D. 1775; and that this resolution be published in
all the newsjjapers in this state.

It is voted and resolved, that in all trials of criminal
causes, where the party accused shaU be acquitted, the ju-
rors shall be paid the same fees as in cases of conviction ;
and that the foreman of the jury receive the same out of
the general treasury, on the certificate of the clerk of the
court before whom the trial was had.

It is voted and resolved, that Richard Fry, Esq., deliver

34 REC0KO8 OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAXD [FeD.j

unto Brigadier General Ezekiel Cornell, one barrel of pork,
now in his hands, belonging to this state ; and that the same
be paid for by the said Ezekiel Cornell, at the customary
price.

Whereas, a quantity of wool, belonging to this state, was
heretofore delivered to Stephen Potter, Esq., to be manufac-
tured into cloth. —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that John Northup and
Eowse J. Helme, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed
a committee to inquire whether the same hath been manu-
factured, and the cloth delivered ; that they also inquire
into the disposition of a quantity of wool, heretofore re-
ceived by the sheriff of the county of Kings, of Charles
Slocum ; and that they make report to this Assembly, or
the council of war, as soon as may be.

Whereas, Mr. Isaac Manchester, exhibited unto this As-
sembly, an account of the sale of a quantity of wool, be-
longing to this state, sold by him and Thomas Corey ;
which being duly considered, together with the auditor's
report thereon, —

It is voted and resolved, that the amount thereof, being
£959 2s., lawful money, be paid by 'the said Thomas Corey,
into the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that the following staff officers
in the militia, be, and they are hereby, appointed, that they
make out the necessary arrangements, to wit :

Staff Officers for the MiUtla, Chosen.

Thomas Lovett, Esq., quartermaster general.
Charles Holden, Esq., commissary general.
Archibald Crary, Esq., adjutant general.
Jonathan Arnold, Esq., purveyor general to the medical
department.

Isaac Senter, Esq., physician and surgeon general.

It is voted and resolved, that His Excellency the Gov-

1780.] AND PROMDENCE PLANTATIONS. 35

ernor be requested to represent to the board of admiralty,
that the Pigot galley, belougiog to the United States, now
lying in this state, as a guard-vessel, is rotten, and other-
wise quite unfit for service ; and that it will be most for the
advantage of the United States to have her sold, with a
reservation of her military stores, for public use ; and that
His Excellency propose to the said board, that in lieu of
her, another proper vessel be purchased, armed and kept as
a guard-vessel, for the protection and defence of this state,
and the other United States ; and that the sale of the said
Pigot galley, and the purchasing of another vessel in her
stead, be under the direction of the navy-board for the
eastern department, by and with the advice of this Assem-
bly, or the council of war of this state.

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that di-
vers persons have, without the permission of the authority
of this state, undertaken to strip and carry off from the
wrecks left by the enemy, within the harbors and bays of
this state, the rigging, iron, and other things belonging
thereto ; and whereas, this Assembly did heretofore declare
the same wrecks, &c., to belong and appertain to this state,
and did appoint a committee to superintend and direct the
mode of securing and preserving the said effects, for the
benefit of this state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the committee
aforesaid, or the major part of them, be, and they are here-
by, authorized, empowered and directed, to caU before
them any ^^erson or persons, who are suspected of taking
from the wrecks aforesaid, any article or articles ; or who
are suspected of secreting any effects which did lately
belong to the King of Great Britain, or to the said King's
army or navy, which were left within this state, upon the
evacuation of Ehode Island, and the other islands apper-
taining unto this state ; and that, upon examination into
the matter, if the person or persons who have possessed
themselves in manner a^s aforesaid, of any of the said arti-

36 RECORDS OP THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

cles, shall refuse to deliver the same up, to and for the use
aforesaid, then the said committee, or the major part of
them he, and they are hereby, directed to apply vmto the
attorney general to have such oJfFender or oflenders prose-
cuted, in the same manner as though such offender or- of-
fenders had plundered or purloined from the citizens of this
state.

It is voted and resolved, that four members only be
chosen annually, to represent this state in the general Con-
gress of the United States of America.

It is voted and resolved, that Caleb Gardner, Esq., of
South Kingsto^vvn, be, and he is hereby, appointed to take
and receive into his custody one-half of the Indian corn 'that
was raised the last year on the Point Farm, so called, in
South Kingstown, of those persons who raised the same,
agreeably to their covenants ; and that he keep possession
thereof, until the further order of this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that John Reynolds, Esq., agent-
clothier, be, and he is hereb}^, empowered to draw the sum
of £5,000, lawful money, out of the general treasury, for
23urchasing three hundred and fifteen yards" of linen cloth,
ninety pair of stockings, and forty-five pair of linen
breeches, for the officers belojiging to this state's 'Conti-
nental battalions ; and that he account for the same.

It is voted and resolved, that His Excellency the Govern-
or be, tind he is hereby, requested to write to His Excel-
lency General Washington, and desire him to permit one of
the Continental battalions raised b}- this state, to remain
therein, for the protection thereof, the ensuing campaign.

It is voted and resolved, that His Honor the Deputy
Governor be, and he is hereby, appointed to examine the
treasury office, the secretary's office, and the proceedings of
the council of war, to find out what sums of money have
been received by any persons who have not accounted for the
same ; and that he report to this Assembly at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee for leasing
the real estates sequestered within this state, be, and they

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 37

are hereby, empowered to settle with Mr. Stephen Bowyer
the deficiency in the stock leased to him, with the farm,
lately belonging to George Rome, and which was afterwards
leased to Charles Dyer ; and that the said committee deduct
the deficiency of the stock which was not delivered to the
said Charles Dyer, fi'om his lease.

It is further voted and resolved, that the said committee
be empowered to adjust the rents and taxes of that part of
the Point Farm (so called), in South Kingstown, which was
imj^roved by Caleb Gardner, Esq., the last year.

It is voted and resolved, that Caleb Gardner, Esek Hop-
kins, John Northup, Nathan Miller and Adam Comstock,
Esqs., and Brigadier General Ezekiel Cornell, or the major
part of them, he, and they are hereby, appointed a commit-
tee to inquire into the circumstances of the barracks left by
the British troojjs upon Rhode Island and Jamestown, in
the year 1779; that they notify all persons who have any
claims upon the materials with which they were built, to
attend them at certain times and places, and make out
their several claims ; that the said committee be empow-
ered to make distribution of the said materials to and
amongst such persons as shall make satisfactory proof of
their projDerty therein ; that the said committee reserve,
until further orders, all such materials as do not appear to
belong to individuals, but which may belong either to this
state or to the United States ; or if they are in a wasteful
state, that they dispose of the same ; and that they make re-
port to this Assembly, at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that Theodore Foster, Esq., and Mr.
Isaac Senter be, and they are hereby, appointed a commit-
tee to draught a bill, for effectually providing, at the ex-
pense of the United States, for the delivery and safe keep-
ing of all prisoners of war, taken by the citizens of the
United States, and for obliging the keepers of the public
jails to receive and deliver such prisoners, agreeably to the
resolution of Congress, of January 13th last; and that they
make report as soon as may, be.

38 EECOKDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

Whereas, the state house, at Newport, is at present in so
ruinous a condition, that the General Assembly cannot be
accommodated therein, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the session of this
AssemlDly, to be holden on the first Wednesday of May next,
for the general election of officers throughout the state, be
and it is hereby, ordered to be holden at Providence.

It is voted and resolved, that the resolution of the coun-
cil of war, in November last, empowering Brigadier General
Ezekiel Cornell to call out the militia of the counties of
Newport and Bristol, be, and the same is hereby, repealed.

It is voted and resolved, that all the real estate, lately be*
longing to Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., heretofore governor
of the state of the Massachusetts Bay, lying and being
within this state, be, and the same is hereb}^, deemed, ren-
dered and taken as forfeit to this state ; the said Thomas
Hutchinson having deserted from the United States of
America, and joined himself to the King of Great Britain,
an enemy thereof

It is further voted and resolved, that all the real es-
tate as aforesaid, be taken into possession by the sheriifs
of the counties where the same may be, and rented by the
committee already appointed for leasing the estates of ab-
sentees.

And it is further voted and resolved, that all the right,
title, interest and property, which the said Thomas Hutch-
inson had in the real estates aforesaid, at the time of his
Avithdrawing himself from these United States, vest in and
belong to this state ; any law heretofore to the contrary,
notwithstanding.

It is voted and resolved, that Brigadier General Ezekiel
Cornell be, and he is hereby, ordered and directed imme-
diately to em2)loy Captain Jeremiah Clarke, of the Pigot
galley, his people, and such of the troops as he shall think
proper, for taking up all kind of property left in the harbor
of Newport by the enemy ; that the same be stored as the
said Ezekiel Cornell sliall direct ; and that res^iecting the

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 39

same, he advise with Caleb Gardner, Esq., and such others
of the committee who were appointed to take care of said
property as shall be present.

And as the time of sei'vice of the officers and men belong-
iiif to the said galley will expire on or about the 1st of
April next, —

It is further voted and resolved, that the council of war,
at their next meeting, take such measures respecting the
same, as shall be most conducive to the public good.

Whereas, at the time of the evacuation of this state by
the enemy, Samuel J. Thurston, of Newport, merchant, was
indebted unto Stephen Deblois, who hath withdrawn himself
with the enemy, in the sum of £355 3s. Id., sterling money,
of Great Britain ; and whereas, by a resolution of the coun-
cil of war, the attorney general was directed to demand the
said money of the said Samuel J. Thurston, in order that
the same might be proceeded against, as the property of the
said Stephen Deblois, agreeably to the law of this state
made and provided.

Agreement between the Attorney General and Samuel J.
Thurston, relative to Stephen Deblois.

It is thereupon agi-eed upon by the said attorney general, in belialf of the state, and
the said Samuel J. Thurston, that the said Samuel J. Thurston shall give bond to the
general treasurer of the said state, with sutficient sureties, to the satisfaction
of the said attorney general, for the payment of such sum of money (if any) as shall
be adjudged by the superior court of judicature, &c., to be due from him, the
said Samuel J. Thurston to the said Stephen Deblois, and liable to confiscation to and
for the use of this state, in sterhng money, gold or silver ; and that no further proceed-
ings be had against the said Samuel J. Thurston, until the informations which shall be
filed before said court, against the property of the said Stephen Deblois, in the hands of
the said Samuel J. Thurston, be determined.

And the agreement having been made in the presence of
this Assembly, and duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
ratified and confirmed.

It is voted and resolved, that the following accounts be
paid out of the general treasury, viz. :

40 EKCOKDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.YND [FeB.,

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

£ s. (I.
James Carpenter, for tlie amount of the rent of his farm in Bristol, for the

years 1777 and 1778 570 18

Nathaniel Pearce, Jr., for the use of his house by the justices of the court

of judicature 12 00

Nathaniel Mumford, for his pay as state clothier 600 00

Hopkins Cooke, for his attendance upon the convention at East Greenwich,

as secretary, &c 18 00

Abraham Greene, for his attendance upon the convention at East Green-
wich, as waiter 9 00

Jacob Greenman, a wounded soldier, in depreciation of his wages .... 100 00

John Eeynolds, clothing agent, on account 13,000 00

Joseph Stanton, one of the committee for making inquirj' into the conduct

of the officers in the staff department 10-5 10

Othniel Gorton, one of the committee for making inquiry into the conduct

of the officers in the staff department 84 00

Jonathan Salisbury, for iron work on the Kent county jail 7 10

William Potter, for his time and expenses in going to Providence, by order

of the Assembly * 21 18 6

William Potter, for enlisting twenty-eight soldiers into the Continental ser-
vice 28 00

Abraham Greene, for liis attendance as waiter, on the General Assembly . . 59 04

WilUam Channing, for his services, as clerk of the General Assembly 46 04

Arnold Stafford, for his attendance as waiter, on the General Assembly 48 00

God save the United States of America.
Col. Chrisiopher Greene to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, 14th January, 1780.

Sir : — The uncommon severity of the weather has caused me to reduce the garrison
to one hundred and eighty, officers included ; as well artillery as infantry. This is as
small a number as can do the necessary 'duty ; our wood is within three or four days of
being out, and being well assm'ed there is not the least probability of being supphed
from the main, I have this day ordered the racks belonging to Col. Wanton cut up and
carried into the wood-yard, to be dealt out to the troops. As I am driven to taking this
measure tlirough absolute necessity, I do not doubt it will meet Your Excellency's ap-
probation.

The day before yesterday, myself and nearly all the officers went up to the north end
of the island with an intention of breaking the road, for the piu-pose of getting wood from
Rowland's Ferry ; but found the snow so amazingly drifted, that it appears almost im-
practicable to be done, and scarcely any wood there at present ; and the men so bare of
shoes that are at Tiverton, that tliey are hardly fit to go out of the barracks to get wood
for themselves. This is the case with upwards of forty I have sent there from my own.
regiment, and many of the others. I doubt not we shall soon be in a bad situation for
flour, as our store of that article is small.

The hospital being here, has reduced our wood so fast, that not less than two or three
cords a week has been expended there ; I always conceived it very improper it should

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 41

be here, but there is no moving it, as the weather is. The poor inhabitants suffer here
almost beyond description for want of wood, &c. I hope and trust the country will
give tliem relief as soon as the river is open. If that don't happen soon, I fear many
of them will unavoidably perish. The town council have been endeavoring to borrow
wood from tliose best supplied with it, but with the ill success of getting not more than
three or four cords.

General Cornell has not as yet returned ; which I am certain must be from the roads'
being impassable, as the business he was upon, would have brought him here (or a
message from him), if practicable

I am exceedingly anxious to hear what the council of war have recommended, or re-
solved in regard to the troops and inhabitants of this town.

I am, with the greatest esteem,

Your Excellency's very humble servant,

C. GREENE.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Samuel Huntinrjton, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.! Philadelphia, January loth, 1780.

Sir : — Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed, two acts of Congress, of the
13th and 14th instant.

The former, containing the regulations adopted relating to prisoners of war, whether
taken by the Continental troops, or captured by the arms of any particular state, either
by sea or land.

Many difficulties have frequently occurred for want of such a general regulation, too
numerous to be mentioned. It is proper to observe, that the first paragraph of the act
recommending to the executive of the several states to transmit with all possible expe-
dition to General Washington, the names and rank of all officers, and the number of
privates belonging to the enemy, held as prisoners of war in each state ; and the places
they are at, &c., should be complied with as soon as possible by those states that have
any number of prisoners.

The other act of the 14th instant, recommending to the legislatures of the several
United States to make provision, where not already made, for conferring like privileges
and immunities on the subjects of His Most Christian Majesty as are granted to the
subjects and inhabitants of these United States by the recited * » * « * * in
the treaty of amity and commerce »***»* no doubt be cheerfully com-
plied with by each of the states.

His Most Christian Majesty, as soon as the treaty became known, published an edict,
conformably to that article, exempting the subjects and inhabitants of these United
States, from the Droit d'Aubame, &c.

I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect.

Your Excellency's humble servant,

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, President,

To the Governor of Rhode Island.

42 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

Gen. Varnum to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Pliiladelphia, 8th January, 1780.

Sir : — Were I to give you my sentiments at large upon the poUtical situation of the
United States, it would lead me into a labyrinth of deductions, too tedious for my pre-
sent leisure, and too compUcate for your amusement.

Without entering, therefore, into the intinity of circumstances which at present form
the embarrassments of our system, it will be sufficient to observe, that the want of
money and credit involve Congress in perplexities, which cannot be fully removed till
the operations of new plans shall be equally felt throughout the Union. The want of a
fixed consideration frustrates almost every measure ; and the dull, inergetic mode of
procedure, resulting from the long habits of insipid formality, render our eiforts too fee-
ble and dilatory to effect the greatest objects. Party intrigues have some share in our
councils ; but they are far from influencing in matters of general utility. Whenever
they are attempted, they appear rather under the garb of expiring struggles, than in the
expectation of success.

The army have been without pay for a long time ; which, added to some other
causes, produced on tlie 1st instant, a general mutinv in the Pennsylvania line. Two
officers were killed and two wounded ; about six privates were slain ; and the insurrec-
tion is not yet quelled. Sir Henry Clinton sent an emissary among the malcontents
with mighty promises of money, protection, &c., &c. But the lads, so far from
being disaffected with the American cause, received his offers with indignation, and,
sent the spy, with his conductor, and a copy of the proposals, to Gen. Wayne. The
president of this state is with them, and a committee from Congress in the vicinity.
The miUtia of Jersey are in the field, and I trust the matter will terminate happily in a
short time.

We have accounts this day that Arnold, with about sixteen hundred men, is in Ches
apeake Bay, and that the inhabitants of Georgia have returned to their allegiance, by
opposing the British government under Governor Wright.

We have been very successful to the southward, under General Sumpter and others ;
but our situation in that quarter is far from promising much to our advantage. This
winter is big with serious events. Our resources are great ; but we must exercise much
wisdom and resolution, to manage them with propriety. Gen. Cornell is elected into
the board of war, and therefore will not return tliis winter. Your tickets, &c , are safe.
I have the honor of being, sir, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

J. M. VARNUM.

To Governor Greene.

General Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Morristown, Feb'y 20th, 1780.
Sir : — Your Excellency will have received, I make no doubt, a copy of an act of
Congress of the 9th instant, ascertaining the quotas of non-commissioned officers and
privates to be furnished by the respective states for the ensuing campaign, and direct-
ing all the men in the additional corps — the guards — artillery and horse, and the regi-
mented artificers in the departments of the quartermaster general and commissary gen-
eral of military stores, as well as those of the battalions in the state Unes, whose terms
of service do not expire before the last of September next, to be counted as part of the
quotas of the states to which they respectively bplong.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 43

The quota of the state of Rhode Island is fixed at eight hundred and ten ; and I liave
now the honor to enclose Your Excellency a special return of the non-commissioned of-
ficers and privates in Col. Angell's regiment, and of those belonging to the state in Jack-
son's, Sherburne's, Livingston's and Hazen's regiments, and Major Gibbs's corps of
guards ; designating in a particular manner, the proportion engaged for the war, and
by monthly columns, the periods when and in what proportion the periods of the rest
will expire.

Your Excellency will observe by the act, that those whose engagements expire be-
fore the last of September, as I have already taken the liberty to mention, are not to be
counted as part of the eight hmidred and ten ; and therefore, according to the return
enclosed, the deficiency to be raised is five hmidred and sixty-seven ; but Col. Greene's
regiment is to be added to the return, of which I have not got a particular statement,
which will make a material alteration in the deficiency to be raised. I have written to
him to furnish Your Excellency with it without delay. If in any futiu'e returns
I obtiiin, it should appear that there are any more men belonging to the state, I slrall
take the earUest occasion to communicate it, and their number.

I would observe, before I conclude, that this return bears the fullest number of men,
under every description, that the state has in the corps which it comprehends ; and
they would most probably be fomid, if an actual inspection could take place, to fall a
good deal short of the complement, as there is always a material diflTerence between an
army on paper and its real material strength. A comparative view between the total of
an army, as borne upon every general return, and the column of present fit for duty,
and the absentees that can be satisfactorily accounted for, demonstrates this beyond
question, I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

-Proceedings of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode
Island and Providence Plantations, at East Greenwich,
on Thursday, the 1M day of March, 1780.

The Hon. William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. Jabez Bowen, Deputy Governor.

Whereas, Thomas Tillinghast and Richard Fry, Esqs., pre-
sented unto this Assembly the following report, together
with an account for their services, to wit :

Peport of the Committee apiyointed by the General Assembly,
relative to the rents of George Wightman's farm in North
Kingstown.

We, the subscribers, being appointed by the Honorable the General Assembly, a com-
mittee, to ascertain the rents of the farm in North Ivingstown, lately belonging to Geo.
Wightman, now in the possession of this state, do report:

44 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.UfD [MaRCH,

That in obedience to our appointment, having met on the said farm, and taken into
consideration the circumstances of the same, we are of opinion, that the said farm be
rented to Mr. Holmes Wightman, agreeably to an act of this Assembly ; that he pay
therefor the sum of £36, lawful money, in produce, agreeably to the former regulatiug
bill, for the 3'ear 1780 ; that he pay all pay all state, town and Continental taxes, that
shall be assessed on the said farm, during the said term ; that he have liberty to plow,
and plant with corn, a quantity of land, not exceeding fifteen acres ; that whatever
ground he shall sow with flax, oats, &c., shall be hj him seeded at the rate of six
pounds' weight of good clover seed per acre ; that he shall commit no waste on the said
farm, nor suffer it to be done by others ; neither shall he sell or carry off of the said
farm any hay or manure, except one load of salt hay, to be exchanged for rails ; that
whatever rails, &c., the said Holmes Wightman shall purchase, and carry on the said
farm, he may have Uberty to take off at the expiration of the said term; and that the
rent aforementioned, be not considered as a precedent hereafter.

•AU which is submitted by— THOMAS TILLINGHAST, ) ^

RICHARD FEY, ) Committee.

State of Rhode Island, Dr. to the above committee,

£ s.d.
For their time, horse-hire, &c., one day each, at £9 . ^ 18 00

And the premises being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be, and
hereby is, accepted ; that the said Holmes Wightman be
admitted as a tenant upon the said farm, upon the condi-
tions mentioned in the said report, upon his giving security
for the performance of the lease, on or before the 5th day
of April next, to the acceptance of the said committee ;
that thereupon the said lease be considered as commencing
on the 2oth instant, and terminating on the 2oth day of
March, A. D. 1781 ; and that the account of the said Thos.
Tillinghast and Kichard Fry, amounting to £18, lawful
money, be allowed and paid them, out of the general
treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that William Briggs, Benjamin
Briggs, James Arnold, Benjamin Cahoone and Joseph Ca-
hoone, all of Coventry, in the county of Kent, be, and they
are hereby, permitted to subscribe the test prescribed by
law, before the town council of the said town of Coventry,
or in open town meeting ; and that thereupon they shall
be admitted to all the rights and privileges of free born
citizens of this state.

It is voted and resolved, that John Sayles, Jonathan Ar-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 45

nold, Welcome Arnold, Rowse J. Helme, Thomas Holden
and Nathan Miller, Esqs., and Mr. George Devol be, and
they are hereby, appointed a committee to devise ways and
means for procuring the quota of supplies for the ensuing
campaign, assigned this state by a resolution of Congress of
the 25th day of February last ; and that they make report
thereon, as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that Archibald Crary, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, appointed one of the committee to super-
intend the wrecks in the hajs and harbors of this state, in
the room of Adam Comstock, Esq., who declines serving.

Whei-eas, a number of boats, taken into the public service
in the expedition to Rhode Island, in the year 1778, under
the command of General Sullivan, have been lost and dam-
aged, and the owners thereof have not received satisfaction
for the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Nathan Miller
and Theodore Foster, Esqs., and Mr. David Lawrence, or
any two of them be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to take the affair into consideration, and to ascertain
the damages ; and that they make report to this Assembly,
or the council of war, whichsoever shall first sit ; who, upon
approving the same, will recommend payment thereof to the
deputy quartermaster general in this state.

Whereas, this Assembly, at the last session, in the act ap-
portioning the tax of £180,000, to the several towns, di-
rected the towns of Middletown and Jamestown to choose
assessors and collectors ; and in default thereof, empowered
the council of war to appoint assessors, and the sheriff of
the county of Newport to collect the same ; and whereas,
the said town of Middletown did seasonably appoint the
proper officers to assess and collect the taxes, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the aforesaid par-
agraph of the said act, so far as it relates to the said town
of Middletown, be, and the same is hereby, repealed ; and
that the officers so appointed, be empowered to proceed and

46 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

carry the said act into execution, so far as belongs to
them respectively.

Whereas, John Sayles, Jonathan Arnold, Gilbert Devol,
Welcome Arnold, Eowse J. Helme, Nathan Miller and Thos.
Holden, Esqs., presented unto this Assembly, the following
report, to wit :

Bejjort of the Committee appointed by the General Assemhhj,
relative to the ways and m.eans for procuring supplies for
the Continental Army.

The subscribers, Ijeiiig appointed a committee for considering ways and means to
procure supplies for tlie Continental army the present year, report :

That, after considering the great expense and risk of importing the necessary articles,
and the uncertainty of their being procured seasonably for the service, the state of the
treasury, and other matters, your committee are of opinion, it will be most for the in-
terest of the state to procure the supplies in the following manner, to wit ;

That the farms not yet leased out, be rented for such quantities of beef as can be had
for them, so far as those who hire will contract to pay in beef, and no disadvantage may
arise to the state by demanding the beef in preference to other articles of produce ; that
the committee for leasing said farms, cause returns to be made pf the quantities by
them contracted for, and the time for its delivery ; and the remainder be procured by
pvu-chase.

That the salt be procured by ptirchase, either imported or manufactured ; that the
rum be procured, either by purchasing molasses and having it distilled, or by purchas-
ing Continental, French, or West India rum, which shall appear most for the interest
■of the state.

That, for procuring the necessary quantity of hay, the farm lately belongiug to Messrs.
Joseph and William Wanton, on the island of Prudence, be leased on shares for cuttiug,
making, &c. ; and that part which may belong to this state, be delivered at some con-
venient part of the main, as the committee for leasing sequestered estotes shall agree :
that as much of the hay now on Rhode Island and Conanicut, left by the enemy (and
not belonging to any particular inhabitants of tliis state), be loaned to responsible per-
sons, to be re-paid in hay of the same quality, the ensuing summer ; and if any defi-
ciency remain, it be supplied by purchase.

That a proper person be appointed to make the said purchases ; and also a person
appointed as storekeeper, and to take proper care of the hides sind tallow, and make
the necessary returns, &c.

JOHN SAYLES, ROWSE J. HELME,

JONATHAN ARNOLD, NATHAN MILLER,

GILBERT DEVOL, THOMAS HOLDEN,

WELCOME ARNOLD, Committee.

And the said report being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,

1780.] AND PEOVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 47

accepted ; and that the same pass as a resolve of this As-
sembly.

The agentrclothier in this state having represented unto
this Assembly, that he meets Avith great difficulty in pro-
curing the clothing ordered by this Assembly at the last
session, for the officers in the Continental army, considered
as the quota of this state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said agent-
clothier Ije, and he is hereby, empowered to procure a suffi-
cient quantity of linen to be manufactured to make ninety
pair of breeches for the said officers ; that Messrs. Sylvanus
Sayles, Nathan Barber, Pardon Gray, Samuel Allen and
Kichard Mathewson, be a committee to procure two hun-
dred pair of linen stockings for the said officers ; that they
procure the same to be made at as reasonable rates as they
can, and lodged in the agentrclothier's store, as soon as pos-
sible ; that the stockings be of a good quality, not whit-
ened ; that for the purpose aforesaid, the said Sylvanus
Sayles be empowered to draw out of the general treasury
$2,000 ; the said Nathan Barber, $2,000 ; the said Pardon
Gray, $2,000 ; the said Samuel Allen, $600 ; and the said
Richard Mathewson, $1,400 ; and that this Assembly will
make a reasonable allowance to the said committee for
their services.

It is voted and resolved, that it be recommended to
Caleb Gardner, Esq,, commissary of hides and tallow, in
this state, to deliver to Colonel Christopher Greene, one
hundred and fifty-five pair of shoes, for the use of his
battalion.

It is voted and resolved, that Pardon Gray, Esq., have the
liberty of improving a small public building, standing on
his farm, in Tiverton, which was used as a bake-house ;
he having engaged to deliver up the same when called
for.

It is voted and resolved, that the following accounts be
paid out of the general treasury, viz, :

48 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

£ s. d.

Adam Comstock, one of tlie committee to superintend tlie wreclis 89 08

William Clianning, for his services, as clerk of the General Assembly 70 16

Benjamin Bourne and Dr. Samuel Tenny, as committee for settling the sol-
diers' accounts for depreciation of wages 127 16

Arnold Stafford, for his attendance as waiter, on the General Assembly 22 00

Abraham Greene, for his attendance as waiter, on the General Assembly 13 00

God save the United States of America.

General Varmmi to William Ellerxj.

Providence, March — , 1780.

Sir: — On the day of , A. D. 1779, the sloop Crawford, commanded

by Capt. King, and belonging to subjects of the British King, was brought into the har-
bor of Newport, in the night season, by the said Capt. lung, with a number of officers,
and others on board. Said sloop was bound from St. Augustine to New York ; but not
knowing that the British garrison had evacuated the island, they came into the harbor
aforesaid, through mistake.

The port being commanded by General Cornell, he had given previous orders that
no vessel should be hailed, coming in from sea ; but that none should go out, without a
proper certificate or pass. At this time, Capt. Melally, in a privateer, was at anchor in
the harbor ; and upon the Crawford's coming in, hailed, and sent his boat ou board her,
as stated in the affidavits.

As she was totally under command of our guns, and within the limits, jurisdiction
and presedium of this state ; as all acquisitions in war, change property upon the foot-
ing of injuries received from the enemy, and should be appropriated in compensation
thereof; as these injuries and compensations are relative to the public community, or
sovereign state, only ; and as Capt. Melally's power of making captures could not ex-
tend to any place, extra presidia of the guns, power and jurisdiction of a state, I li-
belled the said sloop Crawford in behalf of this state, and obtained a decree. Capt. Me-
lally, however, claimed, and has taken an appeal to Congress.

I am, therefore, directed by the Honorable the General Assembly, to request you to
act and do every thing necessary on their behalf, for obtaining a confirmation of said
decree, either by conducting said defence yourself, or employing counsel, as you shall
find necessary. I am, sir, &c.,

J. M. VARNUM.

To Wm. EUery, Esq.

The Governor of Rhode Island to Gen. Washington.

Warwick, state of Rhode Island, &c., i
March 8th, 1780. )

Sir : — I have the pleaure to inform you that the General Assembly in their session
held on the fourth Monday of last month, in consequence of a late resolution of Con-
gress apportioning to the United States their several quotas of men for the ensuing
pimpaign, did pass a resolve that this state shall raise their quota, agreeably to said resolu-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 49

tion, which is eight hundred and ten men, including tliose already raised in Colonel
Greene and Angell's regiments ; and for their encouragement to engage in the service,
during the war, they are to receive 8300, as bounty, trom this state, in addition to that
given by the tTnited States ; and their wages to be made equal with silver, reckoning
them to be the same as they were at the commencement of the war.

In consequence of which, I am requested by said Assembly to apply to Your-Exoel"
lency for one of those regiments to be stationed within this state the ensuing cam"
paign ; and when you consider the former and present exertions of this state to com-
plete the number of men apportioned to them ; considering the smallness of it, and like-
wise its exposed situation, and that this proportion is much larger than what they have
heretofore been called upon by Congress to raise in former campaigns, I flatter myself
you will think this request reasonable.

I am, with very great esteem.
Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

W. GREENE.

To His Excellency General Wasliington.

George Clinton, Governor of JVeto York, to the Governor of
Rhode Island.

Albany, 11th March, 1780.
Sir : — The Legislature of this state have had under their consideration the act of
Congress recommending it to several states to make proper provision for their respec-
tive troops serving in the army of the United States, to take place at the expiration of
the war ; but have deferred taking their final measures upon the subject till they are in-
formed what provision has been made in the other states of the Union ; being soUcitoua
that tills business may be conducted, particularly with respect to the allowances to be
made to the troops, as nearly as possible upon one uniform system throughout the
whole.

I have therefore to request the favor of Your Excellency to inform me what steps
have been taken in the state over which you preside, in consequence of that recom-
mendation ; and whether any, and what provision has been made for the widows and
children of such officers and soldiers as die while in service ; and I shall be much
obliged if I may be favored with your answer on this subject in season to lay it before
the Legislature on the 1st of June next, to which time they stand adjourned.
I have the honor to be, with the liighest respect and esteem.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. CLINTON.
To His Excellency the Governor of Rhode Island.

Gen. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Morristown, March 26th, 1780.
Sir; — Your Excellency will have received, I presume, before this, a transcript of an
act of Congress of the 25th of last month, calling on the several states for specific quan
titles of provision, rum and forage for the army; and directing the articles of supplies to
be collected and deposited at such places in each of the states, as should be judged most
convenient by me.

VOL. II. 7

50' RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

In the case of a defensive war like ours, which depends almost wholly upon the
movements and operations of the enemy, it is difficult, if not impracticable, to fix on
places of deposit for stores, which may not he rendered improper by subsequent events ;
and all we can do upon such occasions is, to collect them where it shall appear, from a
comparative view of circumstances, that they will be probably secure, and most likely
to facilitate the purposes intended. I have considered the point with respect to the
supplies required of your state ; and I beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that it
appears to me they should be deposited at the following places, viz. :

Providence, eighteen thousand six hundred and twenty-one gallons of rum ; as to the
beef, the time and place of deU very, and the proportion from time to time, must of neces-
sity be governed by the occasional requisitions of the commissary general ; which must
also be the case with respect to the salt, and its ultimate place of deposit ; and as to
the hay, the collection of it to depend on those of the quartermaster general, who will
communicate his requisitions from time to time, as the probability of its being wanted,
shall make it necessary.

1 have tlie honor to he, witli the greatest respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Gen. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Morristown, 28th March, 1780.
Sir : — I have been honored with Your Excellency's favor of the 8th of this
month.

I would observe, with respect to stationing one of the regiments for the ensuing
campaign in the state of Rhode Island, that at this time it is impossible to give Your
Excellency any decisive answer. Whetlier it will, or wiU not be in our power, or
whether it will be necessary-, depends so much on the application the enemy may make
of their force, the state of our own strength as opposed to theirs ; and other circum-
stances of a contingent nature, that you will perceive that nothing certain can be prom-
ised on the subject.

I am persuaded of the exertions of your state, and that no means which it has, will
be left untried to forward the views of Congress in recruiting the army to its full com-
plement ; and I would wisli Your Excellency to believe that whatever appUcation is
made of the troops under my command, can only have the general good for its object.
I have the honor to be, with great regard.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To His Excellency Governor Greene,

Col. Christopher Greene to the Governor of Bhode Island.

Newport, 10th April, 1780.
Sir : — Yesterday afternoon a flag arrived here from New York, with near one hun.
dred naval prisoners on board. Tliey have brought the small pox. I have ordered
them to Coasters' Harbor, to be cleansed. The captain was directed in his orders, to go
to Providence. I should not have allowed that, without your directions, had they not
had the distemper ; that, I suppose, must he a good reason for not admitting it at any

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 51

rate. If Your Excellency has any directions in tliis matter, I shall most cheerfully com-
ply with them. I propose after cleansing the prisoners.to let them go where they please,
after the commanding officer of the prisoners has receipted for tliem. The captain of
the flag expects to wait for prisoners from Boston and Rutland, to carry back with him.
I wish to know if any indulgence may be granted him, and if any, what. There has
come in the flag, a British lieutenant, who had married in this town. His wife is dead,
but he has a child left. He is desirous to come on shore to see it. I have agreed to
let him come and be ashore a few hours ; but not to be in private with any one, an offi-
cer to be constantly with him while on shore. I shall give no further indulgence un-
less I have your directions for it. The gentlemen in the flag inform me that four thou-
sand troops sailed from New York for Charleston two days before they left that place ;
they came from there on Friday last.

I am, with the greatest esteem,

Your Excellency's very humble servant,

C. GREENE.
To Governor Greene.

Col. Christopher Greene to the Governor of Rhode Islmid.

Newport, 16th April, 1780.
Sir ; — There have been several applications to me from women in the town, to go in
the flag to New York. Among them, are some that are wives to persons who have left
some interests here ; they ask to carry wearing apparel, and some valuable household
stuff. I understand their estates are liable to confiscation. I conceive there can be no
objection to the women's going. But what they may take with them, I wish Your Ex-
cellency to say, as soon as convenient. Your advice shall be strictly attended to.

Capt. Freebody informs me there are several women left here belonging to the Brit-
ish army, which he offers to have ready to go in the flag ; I will send them oflFin her,
if agreeable to you, which I make not the least doubt of.

There are eighty prisoners of war in jail here ; they were brought in last Tuesday,
by Capt. Robinson, in a privateer ship, from Beverly, Massachusetts. They are de-
tained here, while I hear from Massuran, commanding prisoners for the eastern depart-
ment, which I expect as soon as to-morrow. Should you think proper to give any di-
rections in regard to them, they will be duly executed.

I am, with the greatest respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

C. GREENE.
To Governor Greene.

RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAJTD

[Mat,

Proceedings of the General Assembly, for the State of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Providence,
on the first Wednesday in May, 1780.

The following named officers, declared elected, were duly

His Excellency William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. William West, Deputy Governor.

ASSIST.\XTS.

Paul Mumford, Esq.,
Thomas Wells, Esq.,
Johil Sayles, Esq.,
Jonathan Arnold, Esq.
James Arnold, Esq.,

Gideon Comstock, Esq.,
Job Randall, Esq.,
Peter Phillips, Esq.,
Enoch Haszard, Esq.,
William Richmond, Esq.

Newport.
Thomas Rumreill, Esq.,
William Channing, Esq.,
William Taggart, Esq.,
Robert Elliott, Esq.,
John Topham, Esq.

Providence.
Welcome Arnold, Esq.,
Darius Sessions, Esq.,
Benoni Pearce, Esq.

Portsmouth.
Metcalf Bowler, Esq.,
Mr. David Giflard.

Warwich
Othniel Gorton, Esq.,
Thomas Holden, Esq.,
Adam Comstock, Esq,,
Mr. John Stafford.
Westerly.
Joseph Noyes, Esq.,
Mr. Samuel Bliven.

North Kingstown.
Sylvester Gardner, Esq.

Soidh Kingstoion.
Samuel Babcock, Esq.,
Rowse J. Helme, Esq.

1780.]

AKD PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

East Greemoich.
Archibald Crary, Esq.,
Thomas TiUinghast, Esq.

Jamesioivii.
Mr. John Weeden.
Smit/ifield.
Mr. Sylvanus Sayles,
Mr. William Watennan.

Scituate.
Mr. Christopher Potter,
Mr. John Williams.

Glocester.
Asa Kimball, Esq.,
Mr. Reuben Mason.
Charlestoion.
Gideon Hoxsie, Esq.,
Joseph Stanton, Jr., Esq.

West Greenwich. ..
Thomas Gorton, Esq.,
Jonathan Comstock, Esq.

Coventry.
Mr. William Burlingame,
Ephraim Westcot, Esq.

Exeter.
John Chapman, Esq.

Middletoion.
George Irish, Esq.

Bristol.
William Bradford, Esq.,
Benjamin Bourne, Esq.

Tiverton.
Gilbert Devol, Esq.

Little Compton.
William Richmond, Esq.,
Mr. William Ladd.
Warren.
Cromel Child, Esq.
Cumberland.
Jeremiah Whipj^le, Esq.,
Nathaniel Shepardson, 1

Richmond.
Mr. Simeon Clarke.,
Richard Bailey, Esq.

Cranston.
Mr. Richard Searle,
Mr. Isaac Senter.
Hopliinton.
Abel Tanner, Esq.,
Mr. William Coon.

Johnston.
Caleb Harris, Esq.,
Edward Fenner, Esq.
North Providence.
Esek Hopkins, Esq.,
John Jenckes, Esq.
Barrington.
Edward Bosworth, Esq.,
Samuel Allen, Esq.

The Hon. William Bradford, Esq., speaker ; and Benjamin
Bourne, Esq., clerk.

54 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

Henry Ward, Esq., secretary.

William Channing, Esq., attorney general.

Josejih Clarke, Esq., general treasurer.

DELEGATES TO REPRESENT THE STATE IN CONGRESS.

The Honorable Ezekiel Cornell, Esq.

The Honorable John Collins, Esq.

The Honorable Daniel Mowry, Esq.

The Honorable James Mitchell Varnum, Esq.

JUSTICES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT.

Shearjashub Bourn, Esq., chief; William Ellery, Esq., sec-
ond ; Paul Mumford, Esq., third ; Peter Phillips, Esq.,
fourth ; Gideon Comstock, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR NEWPORT COUNTY.

Benjamin Underwood, Esq., chief; William Richmond,
Esq., second ; William Taggart, Esq., third ; Christopher
Ellery, Esq., fourth ; Walter Cooke, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR PROVIDENCE COUNTY.

Eichard Steere, Esq., chief; Jeremiah Whipple, Esq., sec-
ond ; Job Randall, Esq., third ; David Howell, Esq., fourth ;
Sylvanus Sayles, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR KINGS COUNTY.

Samuel Babcock, Esq., chief; John Northup, Esq., sec-
ond ; Carder Hazard, Esq., third ; Joseph Hoxsie, Esq.,
fourth ; Robert Brown, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FORBRISTOL COUNTY.

Nathaniel Fales, Esq. chief; John Child, Esq., second;
Joseph Reynolds, Esq., third; Josiah Hmnphrey, Esq., fourth;
Samuel Allen, Esq., fifth.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 55

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR KENT COUNTY.

Philip Greene, Esq., chief; James Arnold, Esq., second;
Benjamin Tillinghast, Esq., third ; Thomas Tillinghast, Esq.,
fourth; Aaron Bowen, Esq., fifth.

JUDGE OF THE COURT OF ADMIRALTY.

John Foster, Esq., judge of the court of admiralty, erected
for the trial of prize causes, within and throughout the
state.

SHERIFFS OF THE SEVERAL COUNTIES.

Neicjwrt county. Bristol county.

William Davis, Esq. Richard Smith, Esq.
Providence comity. Kent county.

John Beverly, Esq. Preserved Pearce, Esc|.

Kings county.
Beriah Brown, Esq,

Robert Elliott, Esq., intendant of trade, for the port of
Newport.

Henry Ward, Esq., intendant of trade, for the port of
Providence.

FIELD OFFICERS FOR THE STATE, IN THE SEVERAL COUNTIES.

James Mitchel Varnum, Esq., major general of the militia
of this state.

Christopher Lippitt, Esq., brigadier general, of the militia,
in the county of Providence.

Joseph Stanton, Jr., Esq., brigadier general, of the militia,
in the county of Kings.

Nathan Miller, Esq., brigadier general, of the militia, in
the counties of Newport and Bristol.

Thomas Holden, Esq., brigadier general, of tl^e militia, in
the county of Kent.

56 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

Eleazer Jenckes, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant, of
the first regiment of militia, in the county of Providence.

Jesse Maxson, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant, of the
first regiment of militia, in the county of Kings.

Peter Church, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant, of
the regiment of militia, in the county of Bristol.

Thomas Tillinghast, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant,
of the first regiment of militia, in the county of Kent.

Nathaniel Church, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant,
of the second regiment of militia, in the county of Newport.

Edward Thompson, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant,
of the second regiment of militia, in the county of Provi-
dence.

Charles Dyer, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant, of the
second regiment of militia, in the county of Kings.

Archibald Kassou, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant,
of the second regiment of militia, in the county of Kent.

Stephen Kimball, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant, of
the third regiment of militia, in the county of Providence.

Thomas Potter, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant, of
the third regiment of militia, in the county of Kings.

Chad Brown, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant, of
the fourth regiment of militia, in the county of Providence.

Charles Keen, Esq., major, of the first regiment of militia,
in the county of Providence.

Lemuel Bailey, Esq., major, of the second regiment of
militia, in the county of Newport.

William Aldrich, Esq., major, of the second regiment of
militia, in the county of Providence.

Joseph Knight, Esq., major, of the third regiment of mili-
tia, in the county of Providence.

Asa Kimball, Esq., major, of the fourth regiment of militia,
in the county of Providence.

Joseph Pendleton, Esq., major, of the first regiment of mi-
litia, in the county of Kings.

Jonathan Bates, Jr., Esq., major, of the second regiment
pf militia, in the county of Kings.

1780.] AND PRO^^DENCE PLANTATIONS. 57

Eichard Bailey, Jr., Esq., major, of the third regiment of
mihtia, in the county of Kings.

Peleg Heath, Esq., major, of the regiment of mihtia, in the
county of Bristol

Job Pearce, Esq., major, of the first regiment of mihtia, in
the county of Kent.

Thomas Gorton, Esq., major, of the second regiment of
mihtia, in the county of Kent.

Amos Atwell, Esq., heutenant colonel commandant of
the senior class regiment of militia, in the county of Provi-
dence.

Gideon Hoxsie, Esq., lieutenant colonel commandant,
of the senior class regiment of militia, in the county of
Kings.

George Peck, Esq., major, of the senior class regiment of,
militia, in the county of Providence.

Sylvester Gardner, Esq., major, of the senior class regi-
ment of militia, in the county of Kings.

Jonathan Peck, Esq., major, of the senior class regiment
of militia, in the county of Bristol.

Samuel Wall, Esq., major, of the senior class regiment of
militia, in the county of Kent.

Archibald Crary, Esq., adjutant general^ of the militia, in
this state.

James Lovett, Esq., quartermaster general, of the militia,
in this state.

Charles Holden, Esq., commissary general, of the militia,
in this state.

Jonathan Arnold, Esq., director and purveyor general, of
the militia, in this state.

Isaac Senter, Esq., surgeon and physician general, of the
militia, in this state.

Henry Ward, Esq., public notary, in and throughout the
state.

It is voted and resolved, that Darius Sessions, Esq., be,

58 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY^,

and he is hereby, permitted to sign the test required by
law.

Whereas, divers officers, belonging to the regiment of mi-
litia, in the towns of Scituate and Glocester, represented
unto this Assembly, that the said battalion is at present
very large ; and that if it were divided into two battalions,
it would be much more convenient to form and collect
the men belonging to the same ; which being duly consid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the militia and alarm men
in the said towns of Scituate and Glocester be divided into
two battalions ; that the town of Scituate form one battal-
ion ; and the town of Glocester, the other.

Both houses being in a grand committee, proceeded upon
the election.

Caleb Gardner, Esq., tenth assistant, in the room of Wm.
Richmond, Esq., Avho declined.

Gideon Wanton, Esq., sixth assistant, in the room of
Gideon Conistock, Esq., who declined.

Richard Fry, Esq., fifth assistant, in the room of James
Arnold, Esq, who declined.

John Innis Clarke, Esq., first assistant, in the room of Paul
Mumford, Esq., who declined.

In Council was read the following return of the officers
chosen to command the United Company of Artillery, in the
town of Providence, for the year ensuing, to wit:

Daniel Tillinghast, Esq., colonel ; Levi Hall, Esq., lieuten-
ant colonel ; Robert Taylor, Esq., major ; Joseph Smith, cap-
tain ; and Gershom Jones, lieutenant.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said officers be, and they
are hereby, approved.

The return of the officers chosen to command the com-
pany of Kingston Reds, for the year ensuing, was read in
Council, and is as follows, to wit :

John Waite, captain ; Nathan Taylor, first lieutenant ;

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 59

Gardner Tefft, second lieutenant ; and William Perkins,
ensign.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said officers be, and
they are hereby, approved.

Whereas, Colonel Daniel Tillinghast, of the United Com-
pany of Artillery, in the town of Providence, hath repre-
sented unto this Assembly, that some time past, he borrow-
ed three four-pound cannon, belonging to the Columbus,
a Continental sloop of war, for the use of the said compa-
ny, on an alarm j for which cannon he is now called upon
by the navy board for the eastern department, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Major William
Perkins, who hath the care of the public stores in this state,
be, and he is hereby, directed to deliver the said cannon to
the said Daniel Tillinghast, that they may be forwarded,
agreeably to the order of the said navy board.

The return of the officers chosen to command the com-
pany of Kentish Guards, for the year ensuing, was read in
Council, and is as follows, to wit:

Richard Fry, cajD tain ; William Arnold, first lieutenant;
Charles Greene, second lieutenant; and Job Greene, en-
sign.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said officers be, and
they are hereby, appi'oved.

Whereas, His Excellency General Washington, by his or-
der to Major William Perkins, for removing the artillery
and military stores from this state, to Springfield, in the
commonwealth of Massachusetts, hath directed him to leave
one thousand pounds' weight of powder, for the use of
state ; and that quantity being considered short of what
appears necessary for the use of the state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that it be recommend-
ed to the said William Perkins, to leave fifteen hundred
weight more than the said quantity, in good musket-

60 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

cartridges, and iu cartridges best suited to the cannon be-
longing to this state, eaela in a due proportion ; and to
cause the jiowder in Whipple Hall, saving the quantity to
be left as aforesaid, to be immediately removed by the Con-
tinental teams.

And as great difficulties -will attend, at this season, the
procuring a sufficient number of teams necessary for the
removal of the whole of the artillery and heavy stores at
once, —

It is farther recommended to the saidWm. Perkins, that the
artillery and heavy stores be removed by land as soon after
the removal of the powder as can be effected by the Con-
tinental teams, or such others as are willing to engage in
that service.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee for settling the
depreciation of the wages of the officers and soldiers in this
state's Continental battalion, be, and they are herebj', di-
rected not to charge the bounties or gratuities made to
the non-commissioned officers and soldiers by the towns, or
by individuals ; any thing in the act passed at the last De-
cember session, directing the mode of the said settlement,
to the contrary, notwithstanding.

It is voted and resolved, that the moneys granted to the
officers and soldiers belonging to this state, of Col. Henry
Sherburne's regiment, in June last, be considered as a con-
clusive settlement, for the depreciation on one-quai'ter part
of their wages, for the time for which the said settlement
was made ; and that the committee of the state for as-
certaining the depreciation, adjust their accounts accord-
ingly.

It is voted and resolved, that Welcome Arnold, Esq., re-
ceive of John Eeynolds, Esq., agent-clothier for this state,
the sum of £5,673 6s., lawful money, which is due to this
state, for a quantity of clothing, being the property of this
state, that the said John Eeynolds received of Messrs. Ar-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 61

nold and Clarke ; and that the said Welcome Arnold pay
the same into the general treasury.

Whereas, the state house and jail, in the county of New-
port, are in a ruinous condition, and must soon be rendered
useless, unless they be repaired, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that William Davis,
Esq., sheriff of the said county, cause such repairs to be
made on the said state house, as may prevent it from fur-
ther ruin ; that he put the said jail in such a state as to
render it comfortable for the keeper and prisoners ; that
for the said purposes, the said William Davis be, and he is
hereby, empowered to draw the sum of £700, lawful money,
out of the general treasury ; and that he lay an account of
the expense, thereof, before this Assembly', as soon as may
be.

Report of the Committee appointed hy the General Assembly,
to examine and settle the accounts of John Reynolds, the
Agent-Clothier to the State.

We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee, by the Honorable the General As-
sembly, to examine and settle the accounts of John Reynolds, Esq., agent-clothier to
this state ; and having gone through the said business, by carefully comparing all the
charges and credits, with the several vouchers for the same, do report :

That there is a balance due to the said John Reynolds, of £8,736 2d., lawful money ;
also, that there is a balance due to this state, from the officers of the army, for clothing
received of the said John Reynolds, iu the years 1778 and 1779, of £896 2s. 10c?., law-
ful money, as appears by the annexed hst ; and that there now remains in the store be-
longing to the state, the following articles of clothing, to wit :

Tliirty-two coats, three waistcjats, thrity-eight pair of shoes, ninety-seven pair of
stockings, one hundred and iive frocks, thirty-three pair of linen overalls, thirty yards
and one-quarter of Irish linen, four yards of coarse sheeting, four linen handkerchiefs,
sixteen yards of baize, in two pieces ; thirteen knapsacks, eight blankets, thirty-four
bats, two pound of thread, and one gross of shoe-binding and quality.

N. B. The sum of £2,836 13s., lawful money, must be deducted out of the whole
amount of the above account, when it is charged the Continent; the same being for
sundry goods sold Messrs. Welcome Arnold and John I. Clarke, by order of the Gen-
eral Assembly. JOHN JENCKES, I

WELCOME ARNOLD. ) Committee.

May 5, A. D. 1780.

And the said report being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is

62 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaT,

accepted ; that the said account be allowed ; and that the
balance due thereon, of £8,756 2d., lawful money, be paid
the said John Eeynolds, out of the general treasury.

Whereas, divers inhabitants of the town of Providence
preferred a petition, and represented unto this Assembly,
that a certain cross street, in the said town, known by the
name of Union street, leading from Broad street to West-
minster street, is very incommodious to the said inhabit-
ants, for want' of the said street being paved ; and there-
upon they prayed this Assembly to grant them a lottery, for
raising the sum of $30,000, to defray the expense of paving
the said street ; and that Messrs. Elijah Bacon, Joseph
Hoyle, Robert Taylor and Thomas Truman, may be ap-
pointed managers of the said lottery; they being accounta-
ble to the town treasurer of the said town, and paying him
whatever overplus may remain in their hands after the work
be finished, for the use of the said town ; and the said peti-
tion being didy considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
granted ; that the said Elijah Bacon, Josejih Hoyle, Robert
Taylor and Thomas Truman, give bond in the usual man-
ner, for the faithful performance of their trust ; and that no
expense accrue to the state.

Whereas, Mr. Jonathan Carpenter, who hired of this state
the Point Judith farm (so called), hath failed to give se-
curity for performing the conditions of the lease, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the committee for
leasing the state's farms, lease the same again upon the best
terms they can.

The return of the officers chosen to command the Gloces-
ter Light Infantry Company, for the year ensuing, was read
in Council, and is as follows, to wit :

Timothy Wilmarth, captain ; Martin Smith, first lieuten-
ant ; Elijah Armstrong, second lieutenant ; and Ezekiel
Brown, ensign.

Which being duly considered, —

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 63

It is voted and resolved, that the said officers be, and they
are hereby, approved.

The return of officers chosen to command the Provi-
dence Grenadier Company, for the year ensuing, was read
in Council, and is as follows, to wit :

John Whipple, captain ; Aaron Mann, first lieutenant ;
Sam'l Clarke, second lieutenant ; and John Cozzens, ensign.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said officers be, and
they are hereby, approved.

This Assembly taking into consideration the conduct of
Brigadier General Ezekiel Cornell, and of Colonel Robert
Elliott, and of Colonel John Topham, and fully sensible
of the great fidelity and ability with which they have
served, —

Do therefore vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolv-
ed, that the thanks of this Assembly be given to the said
Ezekiel Cornell, Robert Elliott and John Topham.

It is voted and resolved, that the historical print of the
heroic deed of William Tell, which laid the foundation of
Swiss liberty and the Helvetic Union, received from the
Most Honorable the Congress of the United States, through
the hands of Henry Marchant, Esq., be delivered to the
secretary ; and that he procure the same to be neatly
framed and glazed, and hung up in the representatives'
room of the state house, in the town of Providence.

It is voted and resolved, that Major James Sumner be
employed to rej^air the roof of the court house in the town
of Providence ; that the lead on the said roof be taken off,
and carefully preserved, by the said James Sumner, until tlie
further orders of this Assembly ; and that the said James Sum-
ner be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the sum of
£1,000, lawful money, out of the general treasury, for re-
pairing said house.

Whereas, Mrs. Olive Goffe, of Smithfield, preferred a pe-
tition, and represented unto this Assembly, that her late

64 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaT,

husband, Jacob Goffe, in August last was killed, while at
work in the state's* joowder mill in Johnston, by the same
taking fire, whereby she is left a widow, with five small
children, destitute of the comforts of life, and of relations,
who are able to afford her any assistance ; and thereupon
she prayed this Assembly to grant her an allowance, for the
support of herself and children ; which being duly consid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Olive Goffe be, and
she is hereby, empowered to draw the sum of £600, lawful
money, out of the general treasury, for the purposes afore-
said.

Whereas, Mrs. Ruth Watson, preferred a petition and rep-
resented unto this Assembly, that all the property of her
husband, John Watson, hath been taken into possession, by
the authority of this state ; and that the necessaries of life
being very dear, and taxes very high, she is involved in a
large debt ; and thereupon she prayed this Assembly to
permit her to sell so much of her household furniture as
will pay her just debts ; and that she may have liberty to
go to New York, to her said husband, in the next flag, with
her daughter and negro girl, and to take with her such of
her furniture as may be thought proper ; which being duly
considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that all the furniture lately be-
longing to the said John Watson, be delivered by the sheriff
of the county of Newport, to the said Ruth Watson ; and
that she be permitted to sell the same, or carr}- it, together
with her daughter and the said negro girl, to New York ;
to which place she hath liberty to proceed, in the next flag,
under the direction of Colonel Greene.

Whereas, Mrs. Elizabeth Wyatt preferred a petition, and
represented unto this Assembly, that her husband, James
Wyatt, now residing in New York, hath requested that she,
with her family, would come to New York ; and thereupon
prayed this Assembly to permit her, with her two children

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.\NTATIONS. 65

and a servant, to go to New York in the next flag, and to
take with her such of her furniture as may be thought
proper ; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Elizabeth Wyatt
be, and she is hereby, permitted to go to New York, in the
next flag, with her two childi-en, servant girl and furniture,
under the direction of Colonel Greene.

It is voted and resolved, that the recognizance of Stephen
Potter, of South Kingstown, be further continued to the
next session of this Assembly ; and that the said Stephen
Potter then make his appearance.

It is voted and resolved, that Esquire Howe, captain-
lieutenant ; James Crosswell, lieutenant ; and Peleg Rice,
gunner, in Captain Garzia's Company of Artillery, be, and
and they are hereby, discharged the service, at their own
request.

It is voted and resolved, that Captain John Carr, Captain
Philip Traflan, Lieutenant John Miller, Lieutenant James
Miller and fifteen soldiers, being all who remain in Colonel
John Topham's regiment be, and they are hereby, discharg-
ed the service, at their own request.

This Assembly, fully sensible of the many and great bene-
fits which this state hath derived from those the exertions of
eminent abilities, and the unremitted attention to the moment
tons objects of their appointment, with which the conduct of
WiUiam Ellery and Henry Marchant, Esqs., as delegates
from this state to Congress, hath been distinguished, —

Do therefore vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolv-
ed, that the thanks of this Assembly be given to those gen-
tlemen.

Whereas, Mr. William Bradford, of Providence, mariner,
preferred a petition, and represented unto this Assembly,
that a sunken vessel and its apjiurtenances, lying near the
island of Prudence, hath been taken into possession for the
use of this state ; 'which vessel was captured by the said
William Bradford and others, in the month of August, A. P.

■ 66 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaV,

1778; and thereupon he prayed this Assembly to cause
justice to be done ; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved,, that the said petition be, and
the same is hereby, referred to the committee appointed to
take care of wrecks, &c., who are hereby directed to exam-

■ ine the matters set forth theirein, and to report to this As-
sembly, at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. Jahleel jNIumford be,
and he is hereby, appointed to post up the accounts of this
state against the Continent, in the book provided for that
purpose, as far as the said accounts have been audited by
Mr. Nathaniel Mumford, deceased, in order that a copy of
the same may be completed, and sent forward to our dele-
gates in Congress.

A petition of the trustees and fellows of the college, in
the town of Providence, to the Most Honorable Continental
Congress, representing, that the college edifice hath been
for several years improved by the army, either as a bar-
rack or as an hospital, and is thereby so injured as to ren-
der it totally unfit for the purposes for which it was origi-
nally designed ; and praying Congress to order and direct
that the damages sustained, while the said building was so
appropriated to the public service, may be fully repaired, at
the public expense, having been laid before this Assembly,
and duly considered,-^

It is voted and resolved, that it appears unto this Assem-
bly, that the representations made in said petition, are
true.

It is further voted and resolved, that the delegates for
this state in Congress, be, and they are hereby, directed to
present and enforce the same ; and, as it is proposed to open
the college soon, that they request the Congress to enter
into an early consideration thereof

It is voted and resolved, that the operation of an act of
this Assembly, making the Continental and state paper cur-
ency a legal tender, for discharging debts, mortgages and

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 67

contracts, entered into before the commencement of the
present war, be, and the same is hereby, suspended untQ
the fourth day of the next session of this Assembly, so
far as respects debts, mortgages and contracts, entered into
before the 19th day of April, A. D. 1775; and all other
debts, mortgages and contracts entered into at any time
for silver or gold only.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee of the state,
for settling the depreciation of the pay of the officers and
soldiers belonging to this state's Continental battalion, cal-
culate the depreciation from the 1st of January, A. D.
1777.

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, by Col.
Christopher Greene, that the non-commissioned officers and
soldiers of his regiment, are in want of frocks and over-
alls ; which, if supplied timely, will be a considerable saving
of their winter clothing, and much more comfortable for
the troojjs in the summer months; and that John Rey-
nolds, Esq., agent-clothier, not having orders to deliver
clothing for the said regiment, cannot furnish those articles
so soon as may be necessary, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Colonel Archibald
Crary receive of the present keeper of this state's store,
and deliver to the said Christopher Greene, one hundred
and five frocks, and thirty-three pair of overalls, which are
now in the said store, to be applied to the aforesaid pur-
pose ; he giving his receipt therefor, and engaging to re-
turn a like quantity as soon as he obtains orders to draw
for his regiment, from the agent-clothier.

It is voted and resolved, that a tax be levied upon the
inhabitants of this state, for the collecting and paying
into the general treasury, monthly, this state's proportion
of the $15,000,000, agreeably to the rpsolution of Congress,
for the months of June, July and August next ; that the
said tax be levied upon the several towns, in the same pro-
portion as the last tax which was ordered l)y this Assembly ;
and that a bill be draughted accordingly.

68 RECOEDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.tND [MaT,

Both houses being joined in a grand committee, chose the
persons whose names follow, to compose the council of war,
to wit:

Ilemhers of the Council of War Chosen.

The Honorable William Greene, Esq.; the Honorable
WUham West, Esq. ; John I. Clarke, John Northup, Esek
Hopkins, John Jenckes, Joseph Stanton, Sylvester Gardner,
Robert Elliott, William Ladd, Thomas Rumreill, Nathan
MiUer, Benjamin Bourne and Thomas TiUinghast, Esq.

Whereas, Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah Olney presented
unto this Assembly, a statement of the account of Colonel
Israel Angell's regiment, for bounties, as follows, to wit :

Col. Israel Angell's Statement for Bounties, &c.

Dr. State of Rhode Island, in account with Col. Israel Angell's Regiment.

1780. £ s. d.

April 30. To a bounty of §300, granted by a resolution of the General
Assembly, passed at the last December session, to each non-
commissioned officer and soldier of the said regiment, -n-ho
had then re-enlisted, or should thereafter re-enlist, during the

Two hundred and twelve were, at the passing of the said
resolution, enlisted for the war; fifty-four have since re-
enHsted, as appears by the returns to April the 4th, A. D.
1780.
Two hundred and sixty-sis total for the war, at £90 each. . 23,940 00

1780. Creditor.

April 30. By cash paid Major Simeon Thayer, 22d of December, A. D.
1779, per certificate from the general treasurer, towards pay-
ing the bounties 15,000 00

By cash paid Lieutenant Colonel Olney, wliich he paid sundry
soldiers towards their bounties, as appears by the accounts
settled with the state 420 00

£15,420 00
Balance due to the regiment 8,520 00

Errors excepted,

Per JEREMIAH OLNEY, Lieut. Col

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 69

And the auditor having made' the following report
thereon, to wit :

Providence, April 30, A. T>. 1780.
Examined the above account, and find the numbers as above specified to agree with
the returns, the account right cast, and the sum of i;8,520, lawful money, due to the
non-commissioned officers and privates of Colonel Israel Angell's regiment.

WILLIAM MUJMPORD, Auditor.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said account be allow-
ed ; and that the balance due thereon, of £8,520, lawful
money, be paid to the said Jeremiah Olney, out of the gen-
eral treasury, to and for the use of the said regiment.

It is voted and resolved, that William Channing, Darius
Sessions, Henry Marchant, Charles Holden and Benjamin
Bourne, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to draught a bill, agreeably to the resolution of Con-
gress, recommending to the several states to call in their
proportions of the Continental currency, for the issuing of
new bills, establishing proj^er funds for the same, and re-
vising the tender laws ; and that they make report to this
Assembly, at the next session.

The petition of Mrs. Jane Andrews, of Newport, preferred
unto this Assembly, praying that she may have liberty to
go to New York to her husband, in the next flag, and carry
with her five small children, the young woman who lives
with her, and her household furniture, being duly consid-
ered,-r-

It is voted and resolved, that the said Jane Andrews,
with her family and household furniture, be permitted to
go to New York, under the direction of Col. Greene.

An Act for assessing and apportioning a rate or tax of
£180,000, lawful money, upon the inhabitants of this
state.

[See printed Schedule for this act.]

70 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

A subsistence abstract; exhibited unto this Assembly, for
a company of mihtia, under the command of Lieutenant
William Southworth, belonging to Lieutenant Colonel Com-
mandant Nathaniel Church's regiment, who did di;ty from
the 1st of September to the 26th of October, A. D. 1779,
being duly considered, together with the auditor's report
thereon, —

It is voted and resolved, that the amount of the said ab-
stract, being £849 6s. 8d., lawful money, be allowed and
paid the said William Southworth, out of the general treas-
ury, to discharge the same.

It is voted and resolved, that Colonel Topham be, and he
is hereby, emjDOwered to receive out of the general treasu-
rjr, the sum of £1,000, lawful money, to purchase necessary
refreshments for the military hospital in this state ; and ^
that he account for the same.

It is voted and resolved, that two suitable vessels be char-
tered and fitted for sea, as soon as may be, in order to pro-
ceed to the West Indies, for a quantity of salt, for the use
of this state ; that William Taggart, Esq., charter and fit
one of the said vessels, and Archibald Crar}^ Esq., the
other ; that they apply to the council of war for an order
on the general treasury, for such moneys as may be neces-
sary for the purpase aforesaid ; and that so much of the
hard money in the treasury as shall be thought necessary
by the council of war, be sent in the said vessels, for pur-
chasing the salt in the West Indies; for which the said
William Taggart and Archibald Crary are to be ac-
countable.

Provided nevertheless, that the hard money shall not be
sent in the said vessels, if suitable and sufiicieut cargoes
can be timely purchased with Continental bills, so that the
vessels be not detained.

It is voted and resolved, that Ezekiel Cornell, Esq., one of
the delegates from this state in Congress, be, and he is
hereby, empowered to receive out of the general treasury.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 71

the sum of £4,000, lawful money ; and that he be account-
able for the same.

It is voted and resolved, that a state tax, of £180,000,
lawful money, be assessed and levied upon the inhabitants
of this state ; that it be assessed upon the several towns in
the same proportions, and be collected and paid into the
general treasury at the same times, as the Continental tax
assessed at the present session ; and that an act be drawn
accordingly.

It is voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins, Esq., receive
£150 ; John Northup, Esq., £150 ; Thomas Rumreill, Esq.,
£300 ; and Thomas Tilhnghast, Esq., £300, out of the gen-
eral treasury, in part for their services and expenses, in
settling the depreciation of the wages of the officers and
soldiers ; and that they be accountable for the same.

Whereas, Messrs. John Gladding, James Noonen, William
Gladding, William Lindsey, Samuel Oxx and Jonathan Glo-
ver, inhabitants and freemen of the town of Bristol, pre-
ferred a petition, unto this Assembly, representing that
when the enemy took possession of the island of Ehode
Island, they removed back into the country, with their
families, for safety ; that since the evacuation of said island
by the British troops, they have returned to the said town
of Bristol ; and that, by reason of their removal from the
said town, they have not had an opportunity to sign the
test, required by law, though they have ever manifested
their zeal in defence of their country ; and praying that
they may be permitted to sign the said test, that they may
enjoy the liberties and privileges of freemen ; which being
duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be grant-
ed : and that the said John Gladding, James Noonen, Wm.
Gladding, William Lindsey, Samuel Oxx and Jonathan Glo-
ver be, and they are hereby, permitted to sign the said test,
before the town council of the said town of Bristol.

Wherea.s, many inconveniences have arisen to the people,
as they come of age, in this state, and to those bejond the

72 recouds of the state of Rhode island [May,

sea, or absent in the service of the United States, who have
been obliged to sign the test required by law, before the
town councils of their respective towns, in order to qualify
them to vote in to^wn meeting, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that for the future,
such persons, being inhabitants of any town in this state,
be permitted to sign the said test, in open town meeting, in
the towns where they respectively belong ; any law to the
contrary, notwithstanding.

Provided, nevertheless, that such to'WTis shall first pass a
vote, permitting them to subscribe the same, and not othei'-
wise.

Whereas, there are now on the farm in possession of Be-
noni Albro, lately belonging to Thomas Moffatt, in North
Kmgstown, one water-wheel, cog-wheel, and other parts of
a wheat mill, which are not of any use to the state, and
are daily decaying, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Peter Phillips and
John Northup, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a
conunittee to inquire into the circumstances thereof, and
dispose of the same to the best advantage for the state ;
and that they make report to this Assembly at the next
session.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. Daniel Mason, of New-
port, and Mr. Thomas Arnold (son of Philip), of Warwick,
be, and they are hereby, permitted to subscribe the test,
heretofore ordered to be subscribed by the inhabitants of
this state, before the town councils of their respective
towns.

It is voted and resolved, that William Colwell and David
Colwell, both of Glocester, be, and they are hereb}', pemiit-
ted to subscribe the test, heretofore ordered to be subscribed
by the inhabitants of this state, before the town council of
the said to^vn of Glocester.

It is voted and resolved, that commissions be issued to
the delegates, chosen at the present election, to represent

1780.] .IND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 73

this state in Congress, similar to those made the last year,
vmfafis mutandis.

An Act for assessing and apportioning a rate or tax of
£180,000, [lawful money, upon the inhabitants of this
state.

[See printed Schedule for this act.]

It is voted and resolved, that £600, lawful money, be al-
lowed and paid out of the general treasury, unto William
Richmond, Esq., for services performed in the army,»under
the command of General Sullivan and General Gates.

It is voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins, Esq., be, and
he is hereby, empowered to make sale of the shops in
Providence, lately belonging to Jonathan Simpson and Gil-
bert Deblois, absentees, and now in possession of this state,
which shops are standing on land of Mr. Nathan Angell's ;
that the time of sale be published in the Providence Ga-
zette ; and that the said Esek Hopkins place the money
arising therefrom, in the general treasury.

Whereas, the multiplicity of public business within this
state, hath rendered it necessary to appoint a council of
war, to act and transact business in the recess of the Gen-
eral Assembly ; and whereas, it is expedient that the powers
vested in the said body, should be ascertained and pointed
out, to the intent that the said council may not exceed the
powers limited to, and and vested in, them, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
by the authority thereof it is enacted, that the said council
of war, or any five of them, shall, and may, in the recess of
the General Assembly, make, ordam, constitute and appoint
all such orders, decrees, regulations and commands of an
executive nature, whether civil or military, as require an
immediate attention, and which do not interfere with, or
counteract any known and established laws of this state, in
as full, ample and effectual inannei', as this General As-
sembly could or ought, were they actually sitting.

74 KECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE IShAHU [MaY

Provided always, that tliis act shall not extend, or be con-
strued to extend, to vest in the said council of war any
powers of legislation whatever ; and that one or more mem-
bers shall attend from three of the counties in the state, to
make a quorum.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, tliat
the sum of £30, lawful money, per diem, be allowed and
paid out of the general treasury, unto each of the afore-
said members, who shall necessarily attend upon the said
business.

Vot^d and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasury, viz. :

Bills Ordered to be Paid.

£ s. d.

Lieut. Benjamin L. Peckliam, balance due for recruiting service 260 00 04

Lieut. Colonel Jeremiali Olney, " " " " 510 00 00

Ezra Chace, in consideration of wounds received 300 00 00

Esau Thayer, " " " while doing duty in Col. Til-

Unghast's company 700 00 00

Uriah Stone, in consideration of wounds received 60 00 00

Capt. Jeremiah Clarke, for abstracts of pay and subsistence of the officers

and men of the Pigot galley 767 11 10

Maj. Daniel Box, pay und subsistence for his brigade 210 00 60

Henry Rice, for carrying despatches , 25 10 00

Samuel Ward, on accoimt of depreciation from account rendered 16 15 11

Col. John Holden, on acccunt of recruiting service . , 27 00 00

Col. Israel Angell, for subsistence of his regiment 27,206 15 00

Lieut. WiUiam Southworth, for expenses and abstract 101 02 00

WiUiam Compton, for attendance on the General Assembly, as waiter ... 45 00 00

Daniel Branch, for attendance on committee 171 00 00

William Channing, for his services, as clerk of the lower house 25 00 00

Benjamin Bom-ne, for attendance on the General Assembly 150 00 00

William Mumford, for his attendance on the General Assembly, as deputy

secretiiry 176 12 OT)

God save the United States of America.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, 75

Gen. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Morristown, May 23d, 1780.
Sir : — I have the pleasure to inform Your Excellency, in confidence, that a French
Beet may be soon looked for on our coast. The place where they will arrive is not
certainly known, but they may probably come to Rhode Island.

The Chevaher Fayole is charged with some dispatches for the Admiral, which it is
of great importance he should receive as soon as possible after his arrival. The Chev-
alier is also entrusted to procure a sufficient number of skillful and faithful pilots to go
on board the fleet the moment they may arrive ; and that there may not he the least
possible delay in the business, he is t(i have a proper number of suitable boats in readi-
ness, in which they may proceed.

Your E.xcellency, I am persuaded, wiU be impressed at the first instant with the im-
portance of this event ; and I take the liberty to recommend Mr. Fayole to your good
offices, and to request that you will assist him in making the earliest provision of the
boats and pilots of the description I have mentioned ; and in every other matter where
he may require it.

I have the honor to bo, ivth the greatest respect and esteem.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To His Excellency Governor Gi'eene.

Gen. Washington to the Committee of Co-operation of Rhode
Island.

Morristown, 25th May, 1780.
Gentlemen : — I have attentively considered the circular letter to the different states
which you did me the honor to communicate for my perusal ; and I am happy to find
that ray ideas perfectly correspond with those of the committee.

The view they have given of our situation, is just, full and explicit. The measiires
they have recommended, are well adapted to the emergency, and of indispensable neces-
sity. I very freely give it as my opinion, that unless they are carried into execution
in the fullest extent, and with tlie greatest decision and rapidity, it will be impos-
sible for us to undertake the intended co-operation with any reasonable prospect of
success.

The consequences you have well delineated. The succor designed for our benefit
will prove a serious misfortune ; and instead of rescuing us from the embarrassments
we experience, and from the danger with which we are threatened, will in all proba-
bility precipitate our ruin. Drained and weakened as we already are, the exertions we
shall make, though they may be too imperfect to secure success, will at any rate be
such as to leave u s in a state of relaxation and debility, from which it will be difficult, if
not impracticable, to recover. The country exhausted ; the people dispirited ; the con-
sequence and reputation of these states in Europe sunk ; our friends chagrined and dis-
couraged ; our enemies deriving new credit, new confidence and new resources.

We have not, nor ought we to wish, an alternative. The court of France has done so
much for us, that we must make a decisive effort on our part ; our situation demands
it ; 'tis expected. We have the means to success, without some unforeseen accident,
and it only remains to employ them. But the conjuncture requires all our wisdom and
all our energy. Such is the present state of this country, that the utmost ezertioa of

76 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY.

its resources, though equal, is not more than equal to the object ; and our measures
must be so taken as to call them into immediate and full efifect.

There is only one thing I should have been happy the committee had thought
proper to take up on a larger scale. I mean the supply of men by draft. Instead of
completing the deficiencies of the quotas assigned by the resolution of Congress, of that
9th of February last, it would, in my apprehension, be of tlie greatest importance, that
the respective states should fill their battalions to their complement of five hundred and
four, rank and file. Considering the different possible dispositions of the enemy, and
the different possible operations on our own part, we ought not to have less than twenty
thousand Continental efficient troops. The whole number of battaUons from New
Hampshire to Peimsylvania inclusive, if complete, would not amount to this force.
The total would be tweuty-tlu'ee thousand one hundred and eighty-four, rank and file ;
fi-om which the customary deductions being made, there will not remain more than
about eighteen thousand fit for the service of the field. To this may be added .the re-
mainder of the sixteen regiments, amounting to about one thousand.

Unless the principal part of our force be composed of men regular!}' organized, and
on the continuance of whose service we can rely, nothing decisive can be attempted.
The militia are too precarious a dependence to justify such an attempt, where they
form a material part of the plan. Militia cannot h.ave the necessary habit, nor the con-
sistency either for an assault or' a siege. In etoploying them essentially, we should
run a risk of being abandoned in the most critical moments. The expense and the con-
sumption of provisions and stores {which we are bound by every motive to overcome),
will be very considerably increased. As we should not be able to keep the same body
in the field during the whole campaign, we should, a great part of the time, have a
double set of men to pay and tieed. Those in actual service ; those on the march to re-
lieve them, or returning home, when reUeved. The operations of husbandry will suflier
in proportion.

The mode by a draft, is, I am persuaded, the only efficacious one to obtain the men ;
it appears to me certain that it is the only one to obtain them in time ; nor can the
period you have appointed for bringing them into the field, be delayed without defeat-
ng the object. I have little doubt that at any time, and much less at the present
juncture, the powers of government exerted with confidence, will be equal to the pur-
pose of drafting. The hopes of the people elevated by the prospect before them, will
induce a cheerful comphance with this, and all the other measures of vigor, which have
been recommended, and which the exigency requires.

Notwithstanding the extension of the draft, which I have now taken the liberty to ad-
vise, occasional aid of miUtia wiU be stiU wanted, but in much less number in this case,
than in the other.

I have entire confidence that the respective legislatures will be fully impressed with
the importance and delicacy of the present juncture, and will second tlie view of the
committee, by the most speedy and vigorous efforts.

With many sentiments of respect and esteem,

I have the honor to be, gentlemen,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To the Honorable the Committee of Co-operation.

1780.] .US(D PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 77

Proceedings of the General Assemhly of the State of Rhode
Mand and Providence Plantations, at South Kingstown,
on the second Monday in June, 1780.

His Excellency William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. William West, Deputy Governor.

It is voted and resolved, that all fees, lines and forfeit-
ures, be, and they are hereby, raised forty for one, from the
establishment of them, in the year 1774.

It is voted and resolved, that Tibljits Hopkins, now con-
fined in the jail of East Greenwich, and who was heretofore
made a prisoner of war, with a party of the enemy, be ex-
changed for some person, an inhabitant of this state, who
may now be a prisoner with the enemy ; that it be recom-
mended to Col. Greene to give the necessary directions for
effecting the said exchange as soon as the service will ad-
mit of it ; and that in the mean time he cause the said Tib-
bits Hopkins to be removed to the jail in Providence, and
be supplied as a prisoner of war, out of the commissary's
store, agreeably to a resolution of Congress, in such case
made and provided.

The account of Mr. Samuel Pitcher, keeper of the jail in
the coimty of Providence, exhibited unto this Assembly, for
the maintenance of divers poor prisoners, committed at
the suit of the Governor and Company, amounting to
£504, lawful money, being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the sum of £288, lawful
money, of the said account, and no more, be allowed and
paid the said Samuel Pitcher, out of the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that the council of war, at their
next meeting, settle and adjust the account of Mr. Nathan
Angell against the state, for the ground-rent of the confis-

78 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuXE,

cated shops standing upon his land, lately sold by order of
this Assembly.

Whereas, Esek Hopldns, Esq., presented unto this As-
sembly, the following report, and account for his services,
to wit :

Bejjort of the Committee appointed hy the General Assembly,
to sell certain Shojjs in the Toum of Providence.

The subscriber being appointed by the General Assembly to make sale of two
shops, standing on the land of Mr. Kathan AngeU, which shops heretofore belonged to
Gilbert Deblois and Jonathan Simpson, absentees, reports :

That he hath sold the same at public vendue ; one of them to Messrs. Clark and
Nightingale, for the sum of £4,600, lawful money, and paid the same into the general
treasury ; and the other to Jlr. Nathan Angell, for the sum of £2,000, lawful money, for
which he hath fciken the said Nathan Angell's note, and deposited it with the general
treasurer, for the use of this state.

All which is submitted, by— ESEK HOPKINS.

State of Rhode Island. Dr.

To Esek Hopkins, for his services in performing said business .£90 00

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be, and
hereby is, accepted : and that the account of the said Esek
Hopkins, amounting to £90, lawful mone}-, be allowed and
paid out of the general treasury.

Whereas, William Taggart, Esq., was, by a resolution
passed at the last session of this Assembly, appointed to
charter a vessel to proceed on a voj-age to the West In-
dies, for a load of salt ; and the said WiUiani Taggart ha^ig
now represented that he hath chartered two-third parts of
a brigantine, for that purpose, and requested a grant of
money, to enable him to carry the said resolution into exe-
cution, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said WiUiam
Taggart be, and he is hereby, empowered to receive $265
66, in gold and silver ; and £1,800, lawful Continental
money, out of the general treasury; and that he be account-
able for the same.

Upon the accoimt of WilUam Davis, Esq., sheriff of New-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 79

port county, exhibited unto this Assembly, for the expenses
of repcairing the state house and jail in the said county, the
following report was made, to wit :

Report of the Comniitiee appointed by the General Assembly,
relative to William Davis's Account.

The subscriber, being appointed by the General Assembly, to
of William Davis, Esq., reports :

Tliat the vouchers for the several charges have been produced, and that the same is
right cast. Which is submitted, by— METCALF BOWLER.

South Kingstown, June 14, A. D. 1780.

iind the said account being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the balance due thereon, of
£875 15s., lawful money, be paid the said William Davis
out of the general treasury.

Whereas, William Peckham, of Middletown, in the coun-
ty of Newport, yeoman, preferred a petition, and repre-
sented unto this Assembly, that John Clarke, formerly of
Newport, in the county aforesaid, physician, deceased, did,
by his last will, bearing date the 20th day of April, A. D.
1676, give and devise unto William Weeden, Philip Smith
and Richard Baily, and to their assigns forever, a certain
farm, lying in Middletown, aforesaid, and appropriated the
rents and profits thereof to certain charitable uses in the
said last will mentioned j and further thereby declared,
Miat the same should be, and remain, unto the said William
Weeden, Philip Smith and Richard Baily, and their assigns,
to be chosen as followeth, that is to say: that when it
should happen that either of those three should decease, tlie
two surviving should make choice of another in the room
of him so deceased ; and that the persons so chosen, to
make good the number three, and their assigns, from time
to time chosen and succeeding, should be the assigns of the
said William Weeden, Philip Smith and Richard Baily, for
the said charitable purposes.

And whereas, the said WiUiam Peckham further repre-

80 KEC0RD8 OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.VND [JuNE,

sented, that by a regular succession and appointment, he,
with Josias Lyndon, Esq., and Henry Peckham, housewright,
both late of NeAvjDort, aforesaid, deceased, were in the year
1775, the assigns, agreeably to the last Avill of the said
John Clarke ; that the said Josias Lyndon removed to War-
ren, and in the year 1778 the said Henry Peckham died,
the British troops being then in possession of Rhode Island,
and all communication cut off with Warren, he, the said
WiUiam Peckham, appointed Benjamin Hall, of said New-
port, cordwainer, an assign, in the room and place of the
said Henry Peckham, deceased, fully purposing to inform
the said Josias Lyndon thereof and to request his concur-
rence therein ; Imt that the British troops having kept pos-
session of Rhode Island until his death, he was prevented
from so doing ; and thereupon the said William Peckham
prayed this Assembly, that the appointment of the said
Benjamin Hall, and the further doings of the said Benjamin
Hall, and him, the said William Peckham, may be declared
to be valid, as though no lache or interruption had hap-
pened ; and the said petition being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the prayer thereof be
granted ; and that the said Wm. Peckham's appointment of
the said Benj. Hall, as assign, as aforesaid, shall be as good
and valid, and to all intents and purposes as efiFectual, as if
the said Josias Lyndon had acquiesced and concmred
therein.

It is voted and resolved, that Jonathan Arnold, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, appointed one of the committee, in the
room of Darius Sessions, Esq., who is absent, to draught a
bill agreeably to the resolution of Congress, for calling in
the circulating Continental bills, for emitting new ones, and
establishing proper funds for their redemption.

Whereas, Congress have called upon this state for two
thousand bushels of salt, for the use of the army of the
United States, and this Assembly having received informa-
tion that a British vessel with salt, hath been lately cap-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 81

tured, and brought into the harbor of^ Newport, by His
Most Christian Majesty's frigate the Hermione, commanded
by the ChevaHer De la Touche, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that William Taggart,
Esq., be, and he is hereby, appointed to apply to the captain
of the said frigate for the said salt, and purchase the same
in behalf of the state ; and that he make report to this As-
sembly, or in the recess thereof, to the council of war.

At the request of Colonel Christopher Greene, —

It is voted and resolved, that Solomon Southwick, Esq.,
commissary of issues in this state, be, and he is hereby, em-
powered to receive of Capt. Samuel Carr one hundred and
fifty bushels of Indian corn (being part of the rent of the
farm in Exeter, which he hires of the state), for the use of
the Continental troops in this state ; that the same be
delivered by the said Samuel Carr, at Bissell's mill ;
and that it be considered as part of the suppUes of this
state.

It is voted and resolved, that the sum of three thousand
Continental dollars, received by Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq.,
deputy quartermaster general, of Col. Christopher Greene,
be charged to the said Ephraim Bowen, Jr., the same hav-
ing been allowed to the said Christopher Greene in his ac-
count, settled at this session.

Whereas, Mr. James Chace, of Newport, preferred a peti-
tion, and represented luito this Assembly, that he is the
owner and proprietor of a certain farm in Little Compton,
which at the time the enemy took possession of Ehode
Island, was in the care of his son, James Chace, Jr. ; that in
consequence of the said James Chace's being confined by
the enemy on the said island, this Assembly did direct that
the said estate should be taken possession of, and that the
rents and profit thereof have been received to the use of
this state ; and thereupon he prayed this Assembly to re-
store him the said estate, and order that he may receive the
rents and profits thereof, and that he may be allowed

82 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

the amount of all past rents; whicli being duly consid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be, and the
same is hereby, granted ; that the said estate be restored to
the said James Chace ; that the present lease be assigned to
him ; and that the rents heretofore received by the state,
• be paid to him.

It is voted and resolved, that Metcalf Bowler and Benoni
Pearce, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, empowered to draw
the sum of |2,000 out of the general treasury, for purchas-
ing paper, and defraying the other necessary expenses of emit-
ting the paper money, ordered by this Assembly, at this
present session.

It is further voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins, Esq.,
be, and he is hereby, appointeud to superinted the press ;
' and that the said bills be printed under his inspection.

It is voted and resolved, that those persons who were em-
ployed at the last February session to procure a number of
stockings for the state, be, and they are hereby, directed to
dehver them at the clothier's store, immediatel}-.

It is voted and resolved, that the Honorable William
"West, Esq., Enoch Hazard, Benoni Pearce, Nathan Miller
■ and Thomas Holden, Esqs., or the major part of them, be,
and they are hereby, appointed a committee to audit the
accounts of Thomas Wells, Stephen Potter and Gideon
Comstock, Esqs., justices of the superior court, for their
time, services and expenses, relative to the trials of certain
estates against which informations have been filed by order
of this Assembly.

Whereas, there are a nmnber of the mhabitants of this
state, in captivity at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that it be recommend-
ed to the commanding officer of the troops in this state, to
permit a flag to pi'oceed there, with a number of prisoners,
to be exchanged for the said captives, as soon as the public
service will admit.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 83

An Act for emitting the sum of £20,000, and for redeeming
the same.
Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the au-
thority thereof it is enacted, that the sum of £20,000 be
emitted, in paper bills, as soon as jjossible, upon the credit
of this state, of the the following tenor, to wit :

Form of Bills of Credit

" State of Rhode Island, &c.
The possessor of this bill (funded on real estate), shall re-
ceive of the general treasurer of this state ,

lawful money, on or before the 1st day of January, A. D.
1781, in silver or gold, at and after the rate of one Spanish
silver milled dollar for six shillings of gold, equivalent,
together with interest at the rate of five per centum,
per annum, from the date hereof; agreeably to an act of
the General Assembly of said state, passed at South Kmgs-
town, June session, A. D. 1780."

It is further enacted, that the said bills be of the follow-
ing denominations, to wit :

2,000 of forty shillings, - - £4,000

4,000 " thirty «... 6,000

4,000 " twenty " - ... 4,000

4,000 " ten «... 2,000

3,000 " six " - - - 900

4,000 " four «... 800

4,600 « three " - - - 690

6,100 « two «... 610

10,000 " one « - . . - 500

8,000 " ninepence, - - - . 300

8,000 « sixpence, ... 200

57,700 £20,000

84 BECOEDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

It is voted and resolved, that Jolin Reynolds, Esq., agent-
clothier, be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the sum
of £7,000, lawful money, out of the general treasury ; and
that he account for the same.

It is further enacted, that the bills so emitted be imme-
diately lodged in the general treasury.

It is further enacted, that the whole of the said emission,
which shall remain outstanding and in circidation on the
1st day of January next, be then exchanged by the general
treasurer for silver or gold, that is to say : each dollar, or
six shillings, of said bUls, to be redeemed with one Spanish
miUed dollar, or other silver or gold equivalent, with inter-
est upon the same, at and after the rate of five per centum
per annum.

And that the redemption of the said biUs be rendered
certain, —

It is further enacted, that a tax of £5,000 be assessed
upon the inhabitants of this state, and collected and paid
into the general treasury, in the said bills, or in silver or
gold equivalent, in four months from the 1st day of July
next ; that all the bills so to be coEected, be taken out of
circulation, and burnt ; and that the following farms, with
their appurtenances, be pledged and funded for the credit
and redemption of the said bills, to wit :

The state's farm on Point Judith, in South Kingstown,
consisting of about twelve hmidred acres.

The state's farm in North Kingstown, late Geo. Eome's,
consisting of about five hundred acres.

The state's farm in North Kingstown, late Thomas Mof-
fatt's, consisting of about two hundred acres.

The state's farm in Exeter, late Samuel Boone's, consist-
ing of about six hundred acres ; and —

The state's farm in Bristol, late Borland's, consistr

ing of about two hundi-ed and fifty acres.

It is further enacted, that the farms, aforesaid, with their
appurtenances, be sold on or before the 1st day of De-
cember next, in such manner as shall be hereafter di-

1780.] A>ID PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 85

rected, and shall be entered upon the 25th day of March,
following; that the money for which the same shall be
sold, be paid in silver or gold, or the bills before mentioned,
and in no other currency whatever ; and that upon the sale
of the said estates, and the payment of the purchase money,
as aforesaid, the general treasurer shall make and execute
unto the purchaser or purchasers, a good and authentic
deed or deeds of the same, in behalf of this state, in fee
simple, with warranty.

It is further enacted, that the moneys arising from the
sales aforesaid, be lodged in the general treasury, for the re-
demption of the bills, aforesaid ; and the remainder, if any,
shall be at the disposal of the General Assembly.

And notwithstanding the estates, aforesaid, exceed in value
the sum of £20,000, in silver or gold, or bills, aforesaid ;
nevertheless, if there should be any deficiency after the sales,
aforesaid, and not a suflBcient sum of silver or gold in the
treasury for the redemption of the whole of the said bills,
the General Assembly will cause the same to be placed in
the treasury, before the said 1st day of January, either by
the sale of other real estates, or otherwise, as shall be most
expedient.

It is further enacted, that the bills, aforesaid, shall be a
lawful tender for all sUver or gold contracts whatever, in
as full and effectual manner as if the sUver or gold was es-
pecially tendered.

It is further enacted, that Metcalf Bowler, Benoni Pearce,
Caleb Harris, Adam Comstock and Thomas Rumreill, Esqs.,
be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee for causing
the said bills to be printed, and for numbering and signing
the same ; that aU the bills of, and under the denomination
of one shilhng, be signed by one of the committee only ; that
all the other bills be signed by two of the committee ; and
that the committee be allowed the sixth part of one per
cent, for numbering and signing the said bills.

Whereas, it has been recommended to the lesrislatures of

86 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNEj

the different states, by a resolution of Congress of the 27th
day of May last, to pass laws for the punishment of such
persons as shall encourage desertions from the fleets and ar-
mies of any foreign power, who shall prosecute the war in
America, in conjunction with these United States, and for
recovering such deserters as shall conceal themselves
among the inhabitants ; and whereas, this Assembly, enter-
tains the highest sense of gratitude for the generous assist-
ance afforded these United States, by our illustrious allies,
and esteem it their duty and interest to afford every assist-
ance and support to any power, who shall prosecute the war
in America, in conjunction with these United States, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that any j)erson or per-
sons who shall promote or encourage desertion, or harbor
or conceal any deserter, from the fleets or armies of any
power who shall prosecmte the war in America, in conjunc-
tion with these states, shall be subject to the like fines and
penalties as are, by the law, now in force in this state, which
passed at the last December session, inflicted on persons for
promoting or encouraging desertion, or harboring or con-
cealing deserters, from the army of the United States.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
any person or persons, who shall appreheiad and secure any
deserter from any of the fleets or armies of any power,
who shall, in ' conjunction with these states, prosecute the
war in America, shall be entitled to the same reward as is
by the aforesaid act, passed at the last December session,
allowed to persons apprehending and securing deserters
from the army of the United States.

Whereas, His Excellency General Washington, by his
letter to His Excellency the Governor, of the 25th day of
last month, hath requested this state to give their assistance
to Dr. Craick, assistant director-general of the hospitals of
the Continental army, who hath, in consequence of instruc-
tions from General Washington, come into this state, to
provide hospitals and refreshments for the sick which may

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 87

be on board His Most Christian Majesty's fleet, now expect-
ed in this state ;* and this Assembly taking into considera-
tion the said request, and earnestly desiring to afibrd every
possible comfort and assistance to the sick and distressed of
the illustrious ally of these. United States, —

Do vote and resolve, that it be, and hereby is, recom-
mended to Ephraim BoAven, Jr., Esq., deputy quartermaster
general, to cause the buildings on the farm in Bristol, lately
belonging to William Vassal, Esq., to be immediately put m
proper repair for the said purpose ; and that he cause such
additional buildings to be erected on the said farm, and on
the school flxrm adjoining thereto, as shall, with the build-
ings first mentioned, be siitficient to contain the numbers,
and answer the purposes pointed out in the said instruc-
tions to Dr. Craick.

That John I. Clark, Jonathan Arnold and Benjamin
Bourne, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to advise with the said Ephraim Bowen, Jr., respect-
ing the repairs necessary for the said buildings, and the
most suitable places to erect new ones ; and that in case the
number of sick shall exceed the provision made for them,
the said committee advise the said Ephraim BoAven, Jr.?

* Gm. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Morristown, May 25th, 1780.

Sir;— Doctor Craick. aassistant director general of the hospitals in our army, will have the honor of
delivering this letter to Your Excellency,

This gentleman comes to Providence to provide hospitals and such refreshments as may be wanted in
the first" instance for the siek, which may be on board the fleet of His Most Christian Majesty,
when it arrives. The Doctor will consult with Your Excellency about the houses which will be neces-
sary and proper upon the occasion; and on the best mode of obtaining the refreshments which he may
think it essential to provide. He will stjiud very materially in need of your good ofRces in this interest-
ing busineps ; and in a particular manner will want the assistance of the state, either to advance him
money or their credit, for laying in the requisite supplies. This, I am persuaded, they will most readily
give him, from an earnest desire to afford every possible comfort and accommodation to the sick of our
good and great ally, who have the strongest claim to our attention and generosity.

Your Excellency will be pleased to have the accounts of the disbursements incurred on the occasion,
kept in a clear and particular manner, which will be punctually paid by Moos. Corne, commissary at
war to His Most Christian Majesty; or Mr. Danmour, his consul in gold or silver, or in bills of exchange
on France, on their arrival at Providence. One of those gentlemen will be there in a short time.
I have the honor to be, with the highest respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To His Eicellency Governor Greene.

88 . RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

where and what other buildings shall be taken up for their
accommodation and comfort ; and for the more speedily ef-
fecting the aforesaid purposes, —

It is hereby recommended to the said Ephraim Bowen,
Jr., to cause such barracks as may be at Tiverton, and at
the north end of Rhode Island, to be removed to the said
farms ; and also to make use of a large frame in Tiverton,
near Col. Pardon Gray's.

It is further voted and resolved, that Dr. Jonathan
Arnold and Dr. Isaac Senter, be, and they are hereby, ap-
pomted a committee to advise A\dtli the said Dr. Craick, re-
specting the necessary means and measures to be pursued
to prevent any contagious disorders, which may prevail
amongst the said sick, from being communicated to the in-
habitants of this state.

And for enabling the said Ephraim Bowen, Jr., to carry
the aforesaid purposes into execution, and to supply the
said Dr. Craick, agreeably to the said request, —

It is fm-ther voted and resolved, that he be, and hereby
is, empowered to draw the sum of £10,000, lawfid money,
out of the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that the report of the commit-
tee, apjjointed to settle the accounts, and ascertain the
sums due to the commissioned, non-commissioned officers
and private soldiers, belonging to this state's Continental
battalions, be, and the same is hereby, received ; that this
Assembly will take speedy and effectual measures to pay
such sums as the necessities of the said officers and men
may require ; that when the committee of Congress shall
have arranged and completed the settlement with the ar-
my, the aforesaid accounts shall be brought to the same
standard, and the balances due thereon, shall be then paid,
or good securities given to the said officers and men, or to
their legal representatives, for payment, when the ability of
the state wUl admit.

It is voted and resolved, that it be recommended to
John Reynolds, Esq., agentrclothier, to furnish two hundred

1780.] AND PKOVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 89

and forty-seven pair of overalls immediately, agreeably to
the request of Lieutenant Colonel Ward, for the use of Col.
Green's regiment ; and that the said John Reynolds be em-
powered to draw out of th(! general treasury the sum of
£24,r,00, lawful money, to purchase the said overalls, and
other clothing, for the troops ordered to be raised at this
session.

It is voted and resolved, that John I. Clark, James M. Var-
num, Welcome Arnold and Benj. Bourne, Esqs., be, and they
are hereby, appointed a committee to revise the act erecthig
and establishing a mari-time court within this state ; and that
they make report to this Assembly at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that the sum of £3,00, lawful
money, ordered at this present session to be paid to Joseph
Button, a wounded soldier, out of the general treasury, be
paid unto the order of the town councU of the town of
Hopkinton, and to no other person ; to be applied, under
the direction of the said town covmcil, to the support of the
said Josejih Button.

An Act for enlarging the jurisdiction of justices of the
peace, in civil actions.

[See printed Schedule for this act.]

Whereas, His Excellency General Washington, hath, by
his letter of the 3d instant,* certified to this Assembly, that

* CoJ. Israel Angell to Gen. Washington.

Morristown, 3d June, 1780.

Dear Sir:— The following officers were appointed in tho regiment under my command, by the lion.
Maj. Generals Gates and Sullivan, viz. :

John Hubbart, lieutenant, appointed May 18th, 1779.

Joseph Wheaton, lieutenant, appointed Ist September, 1779.

John M. Greene, ensign, appointed 1st March, 1779.

Job a Rogers, ensign; William Pratt, do. ; Joseph Mashury, do. ; Jeremiah Greenman, do., appointed
1st May, 1779.

The above gentlemen have not yet got their commissions. Application has been made to the state
for the certificates of their appointments; but as the houses of Assembly were not consulted on the
subject, d^d not incline to give them until Your Excellency's approbation on the matter was known,
whether that number of officers was necessary in the regiment. There are now eighteen officrrs in the
regiment, exclusive of the field officers; four of whom, are in the staff department; which makes it in-
voT,. IX. 12

90 RECOKDS OF TOE STATE OF EIIODE ISLAND [JUNE,

the following officers are necessary in this state's Conti-
nental battalion, commanded by Col. Israel Angell, and re-
commended that they hold their appointments from the
times aamexed to their names respectively, to wit:

John Hubbart, lieutenant, May 18, A. D. 1779.

Joseph Wheaton, lieutenant, September 1, A. D. 1779.

John Morly Greene, ensign, March 1, A. D. 1779.

John Rogers, William Pratt, Joseph Mashury and Jere-
miah Greenman, ensigns, May 1, A. D. 1779.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the aforesaid gentlemen be,
and they are hereby, appointed to the offices set against
their respective names ; and that His Excellency the Gov-
ernor be, and he ia hereby, requested to transmit a copy of
this resolution to the board of war, that commissions may
bfi issued for the said officers.

It is voted and resolved, that an act heretofore passed by
this Assembly, prohibiting vendues, be, and the same is
hereby, repealed.

It is voted and resolved, that so much of the act of this
Assembly, that makes the paper bills heretofore emitted by
this state, and the paper bills emitted by Congress, a lawful
tender in all cases whatever, so far as the same respects debts
contracted before the 5th day of May, A. D. 1775, and con-

dispensable that they shoulil continue. Therefore beg the General would be .pleased to signify the same
to the Governor and Council of the state, by which means, the certificates would be produced, and the
commir^eions obtained from the board of war.

I am, with due respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient, bumble serrant.

ISRAEL ANGELL.
To His Excellency General Wasnington.

Gen. Washington to the Governor of Ehocle Island.

Headquarters, Morriatown, June 3d, 1780.
Sir . — I beg to inform Your Excellency that it appears to me, the oflHcers mentioned in the enclosed
letter, from Col. Angell, are necessary; and, if agreeable to Your Excellency and the Council, you will
be pleased to transmit it to the Honorable the Board of War, that they may issue the commissions re-
quired, I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem,

Y'onr Excellency's obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

1780.] AND I'ROnDEXCE PL^VKTATIONS. 91

tracts made since that period, where gold or silver are spe-
cially promised ; and all futpre contracts, where gold or sil-
ver, or the hills ordered to be emitted by this Assembly at
Ihe present session, funded on real estates, .are specially
promised ; be, and the same is hereby, suspended, until the
rising of this Assembly, at the next October session. ,

It is s oted and resolved, that 1 he general treasurer de-
liver to Benoni Pearce and Metcalf Bowler, Esq.\, the
escutcheons, &c., necessary to strike oil' the paper bills
ordered to be emitted at this session.

Whereas, the large and frequent draughts on the treasury of
this state, for the supplying of the paymaster, quartermaster,
clothier and commissary in this state, vvith money to enable
them to pay and supply the troops with jirticles in the several
staff departments (all of which were indispensably necessary to
their convenience and subsistence), have totally exhausted
the said treasury, and many orders for the purposes afore-
said, must be unpaid, which will greatly impede the public
measures at this important conjuncture, —

It is therefore voted and restjlved, that the general treas-
urer be, and he is hereby, directed to retain in the treasury
of this state, the tax of £G0,000, lawful money, ordered to
be assessed for the month of May last ; the act heretofore
passed, ordering the said tax to be paid into the Conti-
nental loan-office, notwithstanding.

The petition of William Wall and Joseph Brown, Esqs.,
and Mr. Jeremiah Clarke, preferred unto this Assembly,
represeutmg that they are the purchasers of the wrecks in
the harbor of Newport ; and that the Piggot galley, vrhich
is now useless to the state, is a suitable vessel to take on
board and preserve what may be saved from the said
wrecks, and praying this Assembly that they may have the
use of the said vessel for that purjiose ; being duly consid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins and Joseph
Nightingale, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a
committee to let out the said vessel, in behalf of this state.

92 KECOEDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuXE,

unto the purchasers of the said wrecks ; that the said com-
mittee appraise the said vessel, her tackle and appurten-
ances ; that she be at the risk of the petitioners ; and that
they report to this Assembly, as soon as may be.

Whereas, it is indispensably necessary, upon the arrival
of the fleet and army of His Most Christian Majesty, now
expected, that the necessary supplies should be sold them
upon, the same terms as to the inhabitants of the market
towns in this state ; and that the strictest attention should
be paid, to prevent their being imposed ujjon in their pur-
chases, by persons fui'uishing the markets in this state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the Honorable
Jabez Bowen, Esq. and John Innis Clarke, Esq., be, and they
are hereby, appointed inspectors of the the market in the
town of Providence ; Caleb Gardner, Robert Elliott and
John TojDham, Esqs., inspectors of the market in the town of
Newport ; Benjamin Bourne and Jonathan Russell, Esqs.,
inspectors of the market for the town of Bristol ; and Syl-
vester Child, Esq., for the town of Warren ; who are hereby
empowered to settle anvl adjust all difficulties which may
arise in their respective towns between the sellers and
buyers, on account of the prices and qualities of any arti-
cles exposed to sale, and to prosecute any persons who shall
be guilty of regrating, forestalling, or of any imjDOsitions in
their dealings, as the law directs.

And it is further voted and resolved, that in case it shall
be necessary to make similar appointments, for the aforesaid
purposes, in any other towns than those already named, His
Excellency the Governor be, and he is hereby, fully em-
powered to make the same.

It is voted and resolved, that Enoch Haszard, Esek Hop-
kins and Samuel Babcock, Esqs., or the major part of them,
be, and they are hereby, empowered to examine the ac-
count of Mr. Hazard ChamjDhn, collector of taxes for the
town of South Kingstown, for the taxes assessed upon the
Point Farm, so called, in the said town ; and that they re-
port to this Assembly, at the next session, the taxes assessed

1780.] AND PRO^^DENCE PLANTATIONS. 93

upon the said farm which remain unpaid, and who are the
pfoper persons to pay the same.

The petition of Mrs. Penelope Bisset, of Newport, wife of
the Rev. George Bisset, preferred unto this Assembly, rep-
resenting that she was left by her said husband with one
child, at the time the British troops evacuated Rhode Is-
land ; that soon after, her household furniture was ordered
by the state to be seized ; and that she is now destitute of
the means of supporting herself and her child, and praying
this Assembly to grant her permission to go with her child
to her said husband at New York, and to carry with her,
or sell the said household furniture ; being duly consid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Penelope Bisset,
Avith her child, be permitted to go to New York, under the
direction of the commanding officer the Continental troops
in this state ; and that she be permitted to dispose of her
household furniture as she shall think fit.

It is voted and resolved, that the sum of £510 7s., lawful
money, be allowed and paid out of the general treasury, to
William Borden, Esq., collector of taxes for the town of
Newport, for the taxes assessed upon divers confiscated es-
tates, lying in the said town.

It is voted and resolved, that the report of the commit-
tee, appointed to draught an address to the several towns
in this state, on the importance of the present conjuncture,
be received ; and that fair copies of the same be immedi-
ately made out and signed by His Excellency the Governor,
and the speaker of the lower house ; and that they be
transmitted by the deputies to their respective towns.

Both houses being joined in a grand committee, chose
the gentlemen whose names are set down in the subse-
quent list, to the offices ascribed to them respectively, to
wit:

Caleb Aldrich, Esq., fifth justice of the inferior court of
common pleas, and general sessions of the peace, within and
for the county of Providence.

94 KECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND f JuNE,

Officers to command the several Trained Bands, or Comjxi-
nies of Militia toifhin the State.

First battalion in the county of Providence. Artillery
Company — Edward Spalding, captain-lieutenant ; John Car-
penter, lieutenant.

Troop of Horse — John Mumford, captain ; Ezekiel Searle,
lieutenant ; Solomon Thornton (son of Daniel), cornet.

Providence. First company — Jos. Allen, captain ; Isaac
Bowen, lieutenant ; Jeremiah Jenckes, ensign.

Second company — Peter Taylor-, captain ; Bennett Wheel-
er, lieutenant ; Grindal Reynolds, ensign.

Fourth company — Joseph Fuller, captam ; Joseph Snow,
Jr., lieutenant ; Lemuel Field, ensign.

Cranston. First company — Anthony Potter, captain ;
Thomas Congdon, heutenant ; George Colvin, ensign.

Second company — Frederick Williams, captain ; Nathan!
Carpenter, lieutenant ; John Harris, ensign.

Third company — Joseph Potter, captain ; Nehemiah Bur-
lingame, lieutenant ; Moses Lippitt, ensign.

Caleb Sheldon, captain ; and John Vial, ensign, of the
Senior Class Companj^, of the towns of Johnston and North
Providence.

Johnston. First company — Dan'l Sprague, captain ; John
Alverson, lieutenant ; Arnold Fenner, ensign.

Second company — Laban Waterman, captain ; Ezekiel
Olney, lieutenant ; Pardon Sheldon, ensign.

North Providence Company — Esek Jenckes, lieutenant;
Benjamin Coman, ensign.

First Battalion in the county of Kent. Artillery Com-
pany. Oliver Gardner, captain-lieutenant; Oliver Corey,
lieutenant.

Troop of Horse — Stukely Hudson, captain; Benjamin
Tillinghast, heutenant ; Joseph Arnold, cornet.

1780.] AND PROWDENCE PLANTATIONS. 95

Senior Class Company — Robert Ehodes, captain ; Hop-
kins Cooke, lieutenant ; Philip Wiglitman, ensign.

WarAvick. First company — Job Randall, captain ; James
Arnold, Jr., lieutenant ; John Waterman, Jr., ensign.

Second company — Squire Millard, captain ; James Jerauld,
lieutenant ; John StafTord, ensign.

Third company — Thomas Rice (son of Thomas), captain ;
Anthony Hold en, lieutenant ; Stukely Stafford ,Jr., ensign.

East Greenwich. First company — Micah Whitmarsh,
captain ; David Andrews, lieutenant ; Edward Weeden,
ensign.

Second company — Allen Johnson, captain ; Mumford Da-
vis, lieutenant ; Josiah Jones, ensign.

Gorton Jerauld, surgeon.

Second Battalion in the county of Providence — Peleg
Arnold, Esq., lieutenantrcolonel commandant, in the room
of Edward Thompson, Esq., who declined.

Smithfield. Senior Class Company — Job Mowry, cap-
tain ; Abraham Windsor, Jr., lieutenant ; Sylvauus Bucklin,
ensign.

First company — Benjamin Ballou, captain ; Robert Ben-
nett, lieutenant ; Daniel Sayles, ensign.

Second company — Ebenezer Trask, captain ; Simeon Bal-
lou, heutenant ; Eli Read, ensign.

Third company — Daniel Mowry, 4th, captain ; Benjamin
Sheldon, lieutenant ; John Carpenter, ensign.

Second Battalion in the county of Kings. North Kings-
toAvn — First company — Samuel Dyer, captain; William
Davis, lieutenant ; Stukely Hill, ensigu.

Second company — Lawrence Pearce, captain ; Henry
Northup (son of Joseph), lieutenant; Bowen Card, ensign.

Third company — John Brown, Jr., captain ; Beriah
Waite, lieutenant ; Joshua Brown, ensign.

Exeter. First Company — Robert Reynolds, Jr., captain ;
William Potter, lieutenant; James Bates, ensign.

96 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

Second company — George Wilcox, captain; Asa Gates,
ensign.

Third company — Walter Clarke, captain ; David Herreu-
den, lieutenant ; Samuel Bissell, ensign.

Samuel Watson, surgeon.

Second Battalion in the county of Kent. Artillery com-
pany — Eleazer Burlingame, lieutenant.

Troop of Horse — Isaac Johnson, captain ; Jonathan Niles,
lieutenant ; Silas Westcott, cornet.

West Greenwich. Senior Class Company — Joseph Hop-
kins, captain ; Benjamin Johnson, lieutenant ; Randall Spen-
cer, ensign.

First compan}^ — Samuel Hopkins, captain ; Joseph Niles,
lieutenant ; Joseph DoUiver, ensign.

Second company — Benjamin Gorton, captain ; Caleb
Greene, lieutenant ; Joseph Weaver, ensign.

Third company — Joseph Draper, captain ; Joseph James^
lieutenant ; Judiah Aylesworth, Jr., ensign.

Coventry. Senior Class Company — Abel Bennett, cap-
tain ; Job Greene, lieutenant ; Jonathan Nichols, ensign.

First company — Joseph Brayton, captain ; Ichabod Pot-
ter, heutenant ; Stephen Burlingame, ensign.

Second company — William Roy, captain; Lowry Jenckes,
lieutenant ; Oliver Wickes, ensign.

Third company — Langford Weaver, captain ; Samuel
Greene (son of Nathaniel), lieutenant ; Samuel Whaley,-
ensign.

Fourth company — Asaph Bennett, captain ; Joseph Rice,
lieutenant ; Moses Blanchard, ensign.

Jared Dyei', surgeon.

Third Battalion in the county of Providence. Artillery
Company — Isaac Medbury, Jr., captain-lieutenant; Job
Fisk, Jr., lieutenant.

Scituate. First company — Jonathan Knight, captain ;
Angell Sweet, lieutenant ; John Potter, ensign.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE I'LANTATIONS. 97

Second company — Simeon Herrenden, captain ; George
Dorrance, lieutenant ; James Tyler, ensign.

Third company — Coomer Smith, captain; Jabel Angell,
lieutenant; Gideon Harris, ensign.

Fourth company — Isaac Hopkins, captain ; Isaac Paine,
lieutenant ; Philip Walker, ensign.

Fifth company — :Samuel Wilbur, captain ; Thomas Field,
lieutenant; William Potter, ensign.

Sixth company — William Howard, captain ; James Wells,
lieutenant ; Samuel Perkins, ensign.

vCaleb Fisk, surgema ; John Wilkinson, surgeon's mate.

Third Battalion in the county of Kings. Artillery Com-
pany — Henry Gardner, captain-lieutenant; Thomas Gard-
ner, lieutenant

Troop of Horse — John Gardner, captain ; Simeon Clarke,
lieutenant-; Barber Peekham, cornet.

South Kingstown, Senior Class Company — William Tay-
lor, captain; Gardner William Mumford, lieutenant; James
Cotterel, easign.

First company — Timothy Locke, Jr., captain ; Daniel
Teffi., lieutenant , William Steadman, ensign.

Second company — Paris Gardner, captain ; James Rey-
nolds, lieutenant; Elisha Potter (son of Benjamin), ensign.

Third company — Simon Ray Mumford, captain ; Joseph
Congdon, lieutenant ; William Peekham, ensign.

Fourth company — Daniel Sherman, captain ; Jeremiah
Knowles, lieutenant ; Allen Gardner, ensign.

Richmond. Senior Class Company — Thomas Tefft, cap-
tain ; John Woodmansie, lieutenant ; Samuel Clarke, ensign.

First company — Joshua Webb, captain ; Asa Clarke, lieu-
tenant; Joseph Enos, ensign.

Second company — John Clai'ke, captain ; Pardon Tefftj
lieutenant ; Samuel Stanton, ensign,

William Chace, surgeon.

Foin-th Battalion in the county of Providence. Artil-

98 REC(iKDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

lery Company — Thomas Wood, captain-lieutenant ; Angell
Sweet, lieutenant.

Troop of Horse — David Buiiingame, captain; Amos Win-
sor, lieutenant ; Anthony Dyer, cornet.

Senior Class Company — John Wells, captain ; Thomas
Collins, lieutenant ; Benjamin Tourtellot, ensign.

Glocester. First company — Benajah Whipple, captain;
Peter Lewis, lieutenant ; Henry Wheeler, ensign.

Second company — Samuel May, captain ; James Colwell,
lieutenant ; Arnold Smith, ensign.

Third company — Nathaniel Wade, captain; Zebulon
Wade, lieutenant ; John Pray, ensign.

Fourth company — Stephen Winsor, captain ; Isaac Ross,
lieutenant ; Jeremiah Irons, Jr., ensign.

Reuben Mason, surgeon.

It is voted and resolved, that the commissary to he ap-
pointed to purchase supplies for the aiTny, receive cue per
cent, for doing the said business, which shall be in full for
all his services and expenses.

An Act confirming to the subjects of His Most Chi-istian
Majest}', the privileges, rights and immunities, stipulated
in the treaty of amity and commerce between France and
the United States of America.

Whereas, by the thu'teenth article of the said treaty, it is
pi'ovided, that the subjects and inhabitants of the said United
States, or of any one of them, shall not he reputed Aubains in
France, and consequently shall be exempted from the Droit
d'Aubain, or other similar duty, under what name soever ;
and may, by testament, donation or otherwise, dispose of
their goods, moveable and immoveable, in favor of such per-
sons as to them shall seem good ; and their heirs, subjects
of the said United States, whether residing in France or
elsewhere, may succeed them ah intestat, without being
obliged to obtain letters of naturalization, and without hav-
ing the effect of this concession contested or impeded, under

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 99

pretext of any rights or prerogatives of provincial cities,
or private persons ; and that the said heirs, whether such by
particular title, or by ab inieMat, shall be exempt from all duty
called the Droit de Detraction, or other duty of the same
kind.

Saving nevertheless, the local rights or duties, as much
and as long as similar ones are not established bj^ the
United States, or any of them ; and that the subjects of the
Most Christian King shall enjoy on their part, in all the
dominions of the said states, an entire and perfect reci-
procity relative to the stipulations contained in the said
article, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
by the authority thereof it is enacted, in conformity to the
above-recited article, that all the like privileges, rights and
immunities, thereby granted to the subjects of the said
United States, or of any of them, while in France, be, and
they are hereby, granted to and conferred upon the subjects
of His Most Christian Majesty, or any of them, while in
this state, or any of the United States ; and that the said
subjects of His Most Christian Majesty, or any of them,
while in this state, be, and they hereby are, declared
competent and capable in law, by testament, donation or
otherwise, to dipose of their goods, moveable and immovea-
ble in favor of such persons as to them shall seem good ;
and their heirs, subjects of His Most Christian Majesty,
whether residing in this state or elsewhere, may succeed
them, not subject to any duties therefor, and without being-
obliged to obtain letters of naturalization, in the same man-
ner as the heirs of the subjects of this state inherit the
property of their relations who die intestate ; and that the
said subjects of His Most Christian Majesty shall, and may^
be capable to commence, and prosecute to final judgment
and execution, actions at law for personal injuries, or for
obtaining their property, as fully and amply, and in the
same manner, as the subjects of this state, without being

100 RECORDS Of THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Jl'NE,

obliged to ob'tain letters of naturalization; and shall pos-
sess and enjoy, in the fullest manner, all the privileges
and immunities intended by the said recited article, agree-
ably to the form and spirit thereof

And it is ordered, that this act be published in the news-
papers of this state ; and that a copy thereof, be transmitted
to Congress.

It is voted and resolved, that the recognizance of Stephen
Potter, who was ordered to attend at this session of Assem-
bly, be, and the same is hereby, continued until the next
session of tliis Assembly.

An abstract for the pay and subsistence of this state's
battalion, luider the command of Col. John Topham, exhib-
ited unto this Assembly, from the 16th day of March, to the
2d day of May, A. D. 1780, being duly considered, together
with the auditor's report thereon, —

It is voted and resolved, that the amount thereof, being
£1,187 19s. lOld., lawful money, be allowed and paid the said
John Topham, out of the general treasury, to discharge the
same.

An abstract exhibited unto this Assembly, for the pay
and subsistence of this state's regiment of artillery, under
the command of Col. Robert Elliott, from the 16th day of
March, to the 1st day of June, A. D; 1780, being duly con-
sidered, together with the auditor's report thereon, —

It is voted and resolved, that the amount thereof, being
£1,042 13s. M., lawful mone}^ be allowed and paid to Capt.
John Garzia, paymaster to the said regiment, out of the
general treasury, to discharge the same.

An abstract for the subsistence allowed by the state to the
non-commissioned officers and soldiers in this state's batr
talion, under the command of Col. John Topham, from the
16th day of March, to the 6th day May, A. D. 1780, being
exhibited unto this Assembly, and duly considered, together
with the auditor's report thereon, —

It is voted and resolved, that the amount thereof, being

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 101

£284 19a. Aid., lawful money, be allowed and paid to the said
John Topham, out of the general treasury, to discharge the
same.

An abstract for the subsistence allowed by the state to the
non-commissioned officers and soldiers in this state's regi-
ment of artillery, under the command of Colonel Robert El-
liott, from the 16th day of March, to the 1st day of June,
A. D. 1780, being exhibited unto this Assembly, and duly
considered, together with the auditor's report thereon, —

It is voted and resolved, that the amount thereof, being
£323 18s. 2d., lawful money, be allowed and paid to Capt.
John Garzia, paymaster to the said regiment, out of the
general treasury, to discharge the same.

An Act for raising, and sending into the field, six hundred
and ten men, to recruit the Continental battalions raised
by this state, imder the command of Colonel Christopher
Greene, and Col. Israel Angell.

Whereas, the exigence of the public affairs requires that
a formidable efficient force be raised, and sent into the field,
as soon as possible ; and whereas, this state is called upon
by Congress, and the commander-in-chief of the forces of
the United States, to recruit the Continental battalions of
this state, with six hundred and ten men ; in order, there-
fore, to comply with the said requisitions, and to give, as
far as possible, stability and success to the public mea-
sures, —

Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the au-
thority thereof it is hereby enacted, that six hundred and
ten able-bodied, effective men be raised as soon as possible,
to recruit the said battalions ; that the}- rendezvous at Provi-
dence by the 1st day of July next, and continue in service
until the 1st day of January next, unless sooner discharged ;
and that each soldier so raised, sign the enlistment and take
the oath directed by Congress, mutatis midandis.

It is further enacted, that each able-bodied, effective man,
who shall enlist into the said service, shall be entitled to,

102 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

and receive, a bounty of £15, in the bills ordered to be
emitted by this Assembly, at the present session, to be paid
upon his being properly engaged, or to the same sum in
silver or gold, at the expiration of the term for which he is
enlisted, with an interest at the rate of five per centum per
annum, at his election ; and shall also receive forty shillings
per month, for the time he shall be in service (deser-
tions excepted), in silver or gold, or other money equiva-
lent.

And for the more effectual and speedy raising the said
recruits, —

It is further enacted, that the number of men to be raised,
as aforesaid, be apportioned to the several towns in this
state in the folloAving manner, to wit :

Each Town's Proportion of Men to he furnished for the Con-
tinental Battalions in the State.

Newport,

Westerly,

Portsmouth,

- 8

North Kingstown,

- 32

Jamestown,

South Kingstown, -

Middletown,

- 5

Charlestown,

- 18

Tiverton,

Richmond,

Little Compton, -

- 21

Hopkinton, -

- 21

Providence, -

Exeter, -

Smithfield, -

- 35

Bristol,

- 13

Glocester,

Warren, -

Scituate,

- 40

Barrington,

- 7

Cumberland, -

Warwick,

Cranston, -

- 24

East Greemvich, -

- 19

Johnston,

West Greenwich,

North Providence,

- 10

Coventry, -

- 21

It is further enacted, that each of the towns shall furnish
and deliver their respective quotas of men, afoi-esaid, at
Providence, on or before the said 1st day of July, with a
list of their names, and of the towns to which they respec-
tively belong, to be muster(;d and received by the Conti-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 103

nental officer then commanding there ; who is hereby re-
quested immediately thereui^on, to inform His Excellency
the Governor of this state, of the number of effective men
furnished by each town.

It is further enacted, that each town shall be allowed six
shillings, in the bills, aforesaid, for every able-bodied man
who shall be enlisted and mustered, as aforesaid ; and that
no allowance shall be made to any town, for or on account
of any bounty advanced or paid for any soldier raised, who
shall not pass muster, as aforesaid.

It is further enacted, that the men who shall be enlisted,
as aforesaid, shall be credited to the towns to which they
respectively belong.

Provided nevertheless, that, upon any town's quota being
completely enlisted, if any inhabitant of such town shall be
enlisted, over and above its proportion, then, and in that
case, he shall be credited to the town which shall enlist
him.

And provided also, that if any man shall be enlisted by
any town, other than that of which he is an inhabitant, the
said bounty of £15, and allowance of six shillings for en-
listment, as aforesaid, shall be paid by the town to which he
belongs, before he shall be credited to the same.

It is fm-ther enacted, the persons whose names are here-
after mentioned, be appointed and empowered to receive
such sums of money as are sufficient for paying the bounty
allowed to each soldier, as aforesaid, ordered to be raiset 1 by
the respective towns, for which the towns shall be account-
able, to wit :

Names of the Persons appointed by the General Assembly
to receive the money for p>aying the Bounties to the
Soldiers.

Newport. — Mr. John Townsend.
Providence — James Arnold, Esq.
Portsmouth — Thomas Shearman, Esq.
Warwick — Thomas Rice, Esq.

104 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

"Westerly — Mr. David Maxson. '

North Kingstown — Mr. Benjamin Davis.
South Kingstown — Mr. Robert Potter.
East Greenwich — Thomas TilUnghast. Esq.
Jamestown — Benjamin Underwood, Esq.
Smithfield — Uriah Alverson, Esq.
Scituate — The Honorable William West, Esq,
Glocester — Zebedee Hopkins, Jr., Esq.
Charlesto^\Ti — Mr. Benjamin Hoxsie, Jr.
West Greenwich — Mr. Elisha Greene.
Exeter — John Chapman. Esq.
Middletown — Thomas Peckham, Esq.
Coventry — Mr. AVilliam Burlingame.
Bristol — John Rowland, Esq.
Tiverton — Mr. David Dm-fee, Jr.
Little Compton— Philip Taylor, Esq.
Warren — William Turner Miller, Esq.
Cumberland — Mr. Nathan Staples.
Richmond — Thomas Lillibridge, Esq.
Cranston — Mr. Joshua Turner.
Hopkinton — Mr. Joshua Clarke.
Johnston — Edward Fenner, Esq.
North Providence — John Jenckes, Esq.
Barriugton — Thomas Allen, Esq.

It is further enacted, that each soldier so enlisted, as
aforesaid, shall receive threepence, in the bills, aforesaid, for
every mile's travel from the to%\Ti for which he shall be en-
listed, and be furnished with one pair of overalls, one linen
frock or limiting shirt, and one pair of stockings, by the
agent-clothier in this state, and with one pair of shoes by
the commissar}' of hides in this state.

It is further enacted, that the general treasurer be, and
he is hereby, directed to send by express, £4,576, in the
bills ordered to be emitted in this present session, immedi-
ately on its being lodged in the genei'al treasury, to the
persons aforenamed, and in proportion to the number of

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 105

men assigned to each town in the foregoing apportionment ;
and that the person or persons carrying the said money
take receipts of the persons to whom the same is to be de-
livered as aforesaid, in the respective towns, and lodge them
with the general treasurer.

It is further enacted, that the Honorable Jabez Bowen,
Esq., and James Mitchell Varnum and Esek Hopkins, Esqs.,
be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee to wait up-
on the Honorable Major General Heath, and request him to
cause the privates in Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment
to be incorporated into the regiment commanded by Colonel
Israel Angell, or oth-erwise disposed of for the best good of
the service ; and that Colonel Greene and his officers be ap-
pointed to command the men ordered to be raised by this
act, in a corps separate and entire.

It is further enacted, that the secretary cause a sufficient
number of enlistments, and copies of this act, to be imme-
diately printed, and sent to the to\vn clerks of the several
towns, who are hereby empowered and directed to convene
the inhabitants of their respective towns, immediately on the
receipt of the same, that this act may be executed as soon as
possible ; and that copies hereof, be inserted in all the news-
papers printed in this state.

It is voted and resolved, that the secretary be, and he is
hereby, directed to cause the schedules containing the
acts and orders of the General Assembly, and resolves of
the council of wf(,r, to the present time, to be immediately
printed.

Whereas, the British troops, when they took possession of
Rhode Island, and the other islands in the Narragansett
Bay, did take from the inhabitants thereof, who were
friends to, and wished for the independence of the United
States, their effects, and deposited them in the hands of
divers of the inhabitants of the said islands ; and did like-
wise, upon the evacuation of the aforesaid islands, leave di-
vers goods and effects there ; and as it is necessary that the
said effects should be secured, that those Avho are citizens of

1^ RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

this state, or of any of the United States, may have their
effects, taken in manner as aforesaid, restored; and that
the effects belonging to the Bx'itisli should be secm^ed for
the benefit of the state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that William Taggart
and Christopher Ellery, Esqs., be, and they, or either of
them, are hereby, emi^owered to issue then- warrants to the
sheriff of the county of Newport, to take possession of all
effects whatever that did heretofore belong to any of the
citizens of this state, or of any of the United States, which
the British troops or their emissaries did take or purloin
from the citizens, aforesaid ; and also of all effects which do
belong to the said British troops ; and that the said William
Taggart and Christopher Ellery make report of their do-
ings, and return an account of the said effects, from whom
they were taken, and to whom the same belong, to this As-
sembly, at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that Chas. Holden, Jr., Esq., com-
missary of purcliases, be, and he is hereby, directed to pur-
chase, and have in readiness by the 1st day of July next,
two hundred good draught horses, thirty hogsheads of rum,
ninety thousand Aveight of beef on the hoof, hides included ;
and two thousand two hundred and eighty-five bushels of
grain for forage ; and, that for the purpose, aforesaid, he be,
and hereby is, empowered to draw the sum of £7,000, lawful
money, in the bills ordered to be emitted at this session,
out of the general treasury.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid,
out of the general treasury, viz. :

Bills Ordered to be Paid.

£ s. d.

John Beverly, sheriff of the county of Providence, for expenses in appre-
hending burglars 654 00

Ichabod Smith, keeper of the jail in the county of Kent, for boarding Tibbits

Hopkins, a prisoner of war 120 00

Joseph Button, a wounded soldier, in consideration of his wounds received

on Rhode Island 300 00

Job Greenman, a wounded soldier 200 00

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 107

£ s. d.
Colonel Christopher Greene, on account of depreciation, at the rate of forty

for one 1,002 18

Capt. Elijah Lewis, on account of recruiting service, being for depreciation, at

the rate of forty for one 186 12

Lieut. David Johnson, for the same, and for depreciation 124 10

Martin and Coy, for repairs done in the secretary's ofiice 30 12

Thomas Wells, justice of the superior court, for services and expenses, to re-
ceive information against confiscated estates 556 10

Stephen Potter, justice of the superior court, for the same service 610 08

Gideon Comstock, " " " " " 448 00

Paris Gardner, deputy sheriff, for attendance on the General Assembly 168 00

Ebenezer Tefft, for attendance on the General Assembly, as waiter 69 00

David Douglass, " " " " 38 00

Benjamin Bourne, for his service, as clerk of the lower house 249 06

Bennett Wheeler, for printing 312 00

Edward Perry, for making several copies of the address to the towns 33 14

James Helme, " " " " " " 18 18

Freeman Perry, for his services as auditor, and for assisting the secretary. . . 180 00

Sands Perkins, for going express to John Northup,'at night 30 00

John Nortliup, for settling the accounts for depreciation of wages with the

army 150 19

God save the United States of America.

Samuel Huniinrjton, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.] In Congress, May 19th, 1780.

Sir :— Congress have received authentic information that His Most Clu-istian Majesty
is preparing to send a powerful naval and land force to some part of the Continent of
North America. This force, generously calculated either to produce a diversion in our
favor, or to forward the operation of our arms, by being directed to the same object,
may, either by our exertions be made the means of dehvering our country in the
course of the campaign from the ravages of war ; or, being rendered ineffectual, through
our supineness, serve only to sully the reputation of our arms, to defeat the benevolent
intention of our great ally, and to disgrace our confederacy in the eyes of all Europe.

Every state that reflects upon the depreciation of the currency, and their own de-
ficiency in the payment of their taxes, must necessarily conclude that the treasury is
exhausted. The military departments are at a stand for the want of money to put them
in motion. Congi-ess have no resources but in your spirit of virtue ; upon these they
confidently rely. You know the v.alue of the prize for which you contend ; nor need
you be informed how much you are interested in a speedy termination of this distress-
ing and expensive war.

But as the smallest disappointment in the requisitions they make, may be attended
with the most serious consequences, they have endeavored so to limit their demands, as
not to exceed your power to comply with them.

The sum for which you are called upon by the within resolution, they flatter them-
selves you will furnish to the treasury by the 15th of June, at fm-thest, without neg-
lecting to discharge the orders that have been drawn upon you ; for the whole of which,
you will receive credit on your account of taxes due on the 1st of March last.

108 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL^LND [JuNE,

As tills money'is absolutely necessary to put the army in motion, independent of the
pui-chase of provisions, we trust j'ou will by no means remit your attention to the for-
warding your quota of supplies, which the present exigency renders more requisite
than ever.

It may not be improper to suggest to you, that if a strict and immediate collection of
taxes should be insufficient to procure the necessaiy sums within the time limited, it
may perhaps be more speedily obtained by loans.

Congress, for the greater dispatch, have thought it expedient to appoint a committee
to assist the commander-in-chief in drawing out supplies. As their powers will be
inadequate to the purposes of their appointment, unless they shall derive their force
from the states to whom the.v will be under the necessity of applying, they most ear-
nestly request you, if you shoidd find it inconvenient to continue your sessions, to lodge
such powers in your executive, or some part of your legislative body, as will enable
them at this interesting period, on the apphcation of the committee to call forth the re-
sources of your state.

Congi-ess trust that these requisitions will not appear unnecessary, when compared
with the information on which they are grounded. In the importance of which, they
doubt not that you wiU find a sufficient apology for the demand, and the wai-mth with
which they entreat j'ou to carry these measures into immediate execution.
By order of Congress,
SAJMUEL HUNTINGTON, President.

To His Excellency the Governor of Rhode Island |
and Providence Plantations. )

General Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Morristown, 24th May, 1780.
Sir : — Capt. Roche Fontaine, will have the honor of presenting this letter to Your
Excellency. He is charged with dispatches for the French Admiral, and is on busi-
ness of the same nature with that mentioned in my letter of yesterday by the Chevalier
F"ayole. I request that Your Excellency will give him every assistance which may be
necessary to faciUtate the purposes of his commission.

I liave the honor to be, with great respect and esteem.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

P. S. Capt. Roche Fontaine will be stationed at Seaconnet, where it will be neces-
sary for him to have some boats and pistols under his direction. I have written to
Major Porteus, in case the artillery and stores are not removed from Providence, to let
them remain there for the present.

Committee of Congress to the Governor of Rhode Island.

In Committee of Congress, i
Circular.] Morristown, 25th May, 1780. )

Sir ; — Yesterday we were lionored with a dispatch from Congress, conveying to us
their resolutions of the 19th instant, together with a copy of their circular letter of the
same date, to the several states, from New Hampshire to Virginia, inclusive. By one
of the former, we are appointed to assist the commander-in-cliief in drawing out supplies
or the army ; and the line of conduct we are to piu-sue, is pointed out in those subse-

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 109

queut ; the whole having been transmitted to your st.ate, togetlier with the circular let-
ter, it is unnecessary to enclose Your Excellency a copy.

Immediately on receipt of these papers, we laid tliem before the commauder-iu-chief,
and entreated him to signify what supplies were immediately necessary to enable him
to move the army ; and to put it in a condition to co-operate vigorously with the shortly
expected succor of the great and generous ally of these states.

This request, we candidly avow, was made more with a view to preserve form in con-
ducting business, than for want of competent information on the subject ; that having
been fully detailed us by the General and others on former conferences, when acting
Bs a committee of arrangement ; he consequently had only to refer to what had been
before deUvered us by him and otliers, and which was, in substance, as follows :

That the army was five months' pay in arrears ; that it had seldom or ever since
it tooli this cantonment, had more than six days' provision in advance ; that at present
it is without meat, and has been on half or quarter allowance for some days past ; that the
commissaries cannot give any assurance of doing more than barely subsisting the troops
from day to day ; that even then, they apprehend a want of meat will frequently prevail ;
that tlie army is greatly deficient in camp equipage ; that it is destitute of forage for the
few liorses which indispensable necessity has required should be maintained in camp ;
that it will require several thousand horses to move the army, so as to promise any ef-
fectual operation trora it ; that the sick in hospitals have not a sulficiency of those ar-
ticles necessary for their comibrt ; that carriages in considerrble numbers are wanted ;
that the quartermaster general has not a competent number of boats for the use of the
army, iii case any otfensive operation sliould take place ; tliat lie has no materials for
constructing new boats and carriages, nor even for repairing the old ; that as every de-
partment of tlie army is without money, and not even the shadow of credit left, conse-
quently no article, however necessary, can be procured ; tliat tlie ti-ansportation, even
of the inadequate supply of flour, forage and other articles, liitherto furnished by the
states, is at a stand ; that very few of the recruits, required by the act of Congress of
the 9th of February last, have arrived ; that, from information received, there is no pros-
pect that any considerable number will timely engage in the service, or voluntary en-
listment ; that by the expiration of the terms for which men were engaged, deaths and
desertions, the army is so greatly reduced, that it does not afford a probable pros-
pect of its acting with any degree of efiicacy in merely defensive operations ; that the
patience of the soldiery, who have endured every degree of conceivable hardship, and
borne it with fortitude and perseverance beyond the expectations of the most sanguine,
is on the point of being exhausted ; that a spirit of discontent is encouraged by the arts of
the enemy, whose emissaries hold up, in printed papers distributed among the soldiery,
the most flattering prospects and promises, to induce them to desert their colors.

The evidence given us in support of this detail of facts, has been fully corroborated
by our observations and inquiry. And painful as the contemplation of the distresses
our country labors under, may be, we conceive it woiUd have been inconsistent with
our duty, to have palliated or disguised them, in an address to the constituents of that
body under whose authority we act, as they ouglit in our opinion, to be fully informed.
For, it is to them, this committee is directed to apply ; and on them, every reliance for
rehef and assistance must rest, in this very critical and important moment ; but so far
are we irom desponding under this variety of embarrassments, that we reflect with a
satisfaction — the result of conviction — that the country is not destitute of the resources
necessary to enable its army to act with vigor, and to second the views of our Dlustri-
ous ally; and that the legislative and executive powers of your state, impressed as they
are with a just sense of the magnitude of the object, are equally desirous as capable of
drawing them forth.

110 KECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

Congress, in their circular letter, has pointed generally at the measures necessary to
be adopted by the states. We conceive it incumbent on us, in discharge of the trust
reposed, to point more minutely at particulars, and in some measure to enter into a de-
tail of them ; we are encouraged to this, under a persuasion that the states will impute
to our zeal and affection for the interest and weal of our country, the liberty we take,
and not to a spirit of dictating, which would be equally improper as presumptuous.

In a letter we had the honor to address Congress on the 16th instant, but which had
not reached Philadelphia when the circular letter and resolutions wo have alluded to,
were passed, we stated the little probabiUty (which from the information we had ob-
tained) there appeared to be of completing the quotas of men called for by the act of
Congress of the 9th of February last, by volunteer enlistments ; and we conceived it
requisite to propose a set of resolutions calculated to draw forth the intended comple-
ment of men for the army, together with a state of the deficiencies ; a copy of which we
have the honor to enclose, persuaded that the states can with more facihty and much
less expense, make drafts to serve during the campaign, than to engage men to serve
for the war ; and convinced firom repeated experience, that no reliance is to be made
on gaining a sufficient number by voluntary enlistment.

Should the mode we have proposed, be as agreeable to the sentiments of the legisla-
ture of your state, as it is to those of the commander-in-chief, we cannot entertain a
doubt but that the measure will be adopted with alacrity, and executed with energy.

From the statement we have made of the distressed condition of the army, in point
of provision, we are persuaded that every argument to induce the utmost exertions to
fill the magazines which the commander-in-chief has directed to be formed, would be
needless as a matter of such importance will certainly claim the most immediate at-
tention of the legislative and executive powers of the states.

Congress, in their act of the 25th February last, have not called on the states for the
transportation of any of the articles of supply enumerated in that act, beyond the limits
of the states furnishing the same. K the officers whose business it is to direct the
transportation, were, or could be, furnished in time with money for that service, it
would probably supersede the necessity of any intervention by the states. As they
are not, nor is it probable they can be, even with the best exertions of the states, we
humbly recommend that authority be given by your legislature to the executive au-
thority, or to such other persons as they may think proper, to furnish such carriage to
the officers acting under the authority of Congress or their committee, as may be need-
ful to convey those supplies or any other for the public use to the army, or to such
posts and places where they may be required ; and that until the public officers shall
have cash in hand to pay for the same, we entreat the legislature of your state to give
assurances to its citizens that speedy and effectual measures will be taken to make
payment^ of the debts which may be thus incmu-ed and remain unpaid, with an interest
of six per cent, per annum, as stated in the resolutions of Congress of tiie 19th instant.

It is moie than probable, necessity wiU require that some state should be called upon
for additional supplies to those apportioned to them in the act of Congress of the 25th
of February last ; both because our army and that of our ally may take such a position
as that supplies from remote states cannot be brought ; and because some states are so
exhausted that they cannot even furnish the quotas assigned them.

It therefore becomes essential that similar powers to those stated in the preceding
paragraph should be lodged in the executive authority, or other persons, for furnish-
ing such suppUes on the apphcation of this committee, or officers appointed for that
purpose. And to tliis matter we entreat permission to draw the attention of your leg-
islature. As it would be hazarding too much to depend on the precai-ious supply of
horses and carriages which might be furnished by the inhabitants occasionally to move

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

iir

the artillery, baggage and stores immediately attached to the army ; and as the aid of
the states to procure the horses and carriages in the present exhausted state of the pub-
lic treasury is evidently necessary, we are also constrained to entreat the attention of
your legislature to this capital object, and to request [that the executive authority, or
other persons, may be empowered to comply with the request of this committee, or per-
sons by them authorized for that purpose, on the condition mentioned in the paragraph
next preceeding the last.

Having, sir, stated the most material articles of the many which are wanted, we beg
leave to urge the indispensable necessity of investing your executive authority or
such other persons as your legislature may judge proper to entrust, with ample powers
to comply with the requisitions of the committee, or other persons by them appointed,
for the variety of articles necessary for an army and its appendages, and of which no
perfect enumeration can be made ; and to rely for reimbursement out of the money
called for from the states.

Had it been practicable to have stated the particular extra supplies which necessity
will induce us to call for from each state, for the support of the army and its operations,
it would have been our duty to have done so. As it was not, vre wish your legislature
to believe that the committee will pay every possible attention in making requisitions
for supplies so as to render the burthen as equal in proportion to the ability of each
state, as their situation and the nature of the service will by any means admit.

It is possible, sir, that should ever the deficiencies be complete, the quotas of troops
apportioned to the states in February last, join their corps as early as the exigency of
affairs certainly requires, aids of militia may nevertheless be called for by the com-
mander-in-chief; and as so much depends on dispatch in offensive operations, we beg
leave most earnestly to recommend that such measures may be adopted as will effectu-
ally draw forth this invaluable resource with as little delay as possible.

Having stated what appears to the committee absolutely requisite to be adopted and
pursued by the states, permit us, sir, to add we are authorized to communicate that the
naval and land force alluded to by Congress in their circular letter, was to have sailed
so early from France, that they may be daily expected to arrive on this coast ; that the
orders given by the Court of Versailles, for the line of conduct to be observed by their
officers in combining their forces with ours, to operate against the common enemy, al-
ready evince the most unbounded confidence and the most unequivocal determination,
that it should be directed by American councils, and rendered subservient to the in-
terest of these states. This generosity on the part of our illustrious ally, strongly
points out the necessity of taking every precaution in our power, that his views may not
be frustrated, nor his arms disgraced. Indeed, we shotUd be left without the shadow
of an excuse, should we through inattention or undecision neglect to avail ourselves of
the advantages to which such a capital succor is capable of being improved. "We should
degrade our character, disgrace our arms and evince to all the world that we were
either destitute of resources, wanted exertion to draw them forth, or wisdom to apply
them-; and either would tend to discredit our cause, and stamp these states with in-
delible pains of infamy.

But Americans are incapable of such folly ! They will see the necessity of risking
possible evils, nay, of even suffering certain but temporary ones with fortitude, and of
sacrificing a portion of property, if such sacrifice shall be found necessary, rather than
ty withholding it, involve themselves and their posterity in misery too painful to be
contemplated without the deepest anxiety.

You, sir, and the legislature of your state, we are fully convinced will on this occa-
sion, display with additional lustre that virtue and wisdom which liave hitherto so emi-
nently distinguished your councils ; and by taking the lead in exertion, will stimulate

112 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

your citizens to such laudable acts, as will amply entitle them to the invaluable blessings
of that liberty, peace and independence for which they have fought and bled.

The committee have only to add their wishes, that you, sir, will be pleased to con-
vene the legislature of the state with as much dispatch as possible, and to lay these our
applications before them.

We have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
TH: SCHUYLER,
J. W. MATHEWS,
To His Excellency Governor Greene. NATH'L PEABODY.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.] Philadelphia, May 29, 1780.

Sir : — Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed two acts of Congress of the
24th and 27th instant. The former recommending to those of the states whose debts
are due to their inhabitants from the quartermaster's and ctoimissary's department, by
notes or certificates given as mentioned in the act ; to make provision for discounting
and discharging such debts, by empowering the collectors to receive them in payment
of the taxes due to the 1st of March next, in the manner prescribed in the act. It is
hoped this mode may prove beneficial in those states where considerable debts are due
under the circumstances before mentioned, and in those states only can the act be
properly applied.

By the other act of the 27th, you will be informed of the measures adopted by Con-
gress to equip for sea the naval force of the United States with the utmost expedition ;
as also their recommendations to the several states to adopt the necessary measures for
promoting harmony and forwarding the common views of France and America, as ex-
pressed in the resolutions enclosed ; which it is not doubted will meet with due consid-
eration and attention from the several states, and receive the necessary aid of the legis-
latures to carry the same into execution as speedily as the nature of the case will
arlmit. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect.

Your Excellency's humble servant,

SAM. HUN-TINGTON, President.

To His Excellency the Governor of Rhode Island.

Col. Christopher Greene to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, 30th May, 1780.

Sir : — In consequence of orders received from Gen. Washington to immediately set
my regiment to work in making fascines, till further orders ; and having yesterday
found the proper stuff for the purpose, in North Ivingstown, have ordered the regiment
there. What state troops there are, will continue to do duty here, though their num-
ber is inadequate to the security of the several kinds of stores. I shall have them put
in as narrow a compass as possible, in order to make as few sentinels as will any way
answer.

There arrived a flag here from New York, yesterday, after two families of women
and children. They brought papers as late as the 25th instant ; not a word in them
relative to Charlestown, or any other news, except that the Galatea had taken and sent
into New York the Hamlin, a privateer of twenty guns, belonging to Newburyport, on

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 113

the 24th instant. Soould hare enclosed the papers, was there any thing in them worth
Your Excellency's attention.
This flag met Capt. Jackson going into New York the day he came out.
I have the honor to be, with gre.it respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

C. GREENE.
To Governor Greene.

Ezekiel Cornell, Delegate in the Continental Congress to the
Governor of Rhode Island.

Morristown, May 30th, 1780.

Dear Sir: — I do myself the honor to address Your Excellency at a time when the
fate of these United States is pregnant with the most alarming events that ever attend-
ed them since the commencement of tliis unnatural war. And was I to remain silent, 1
should think I justly deserved the curses of every /reeman in the state that sent me for-
ward. I assure you, upon my honor, the following narrative is drawn from facts stated
by His Excellency General Washington, confirmed and avowed by General Greene and
the committee from Congress, with which corresponds my own observation for three
days past.

That from every inquiry and observation that I have been able to make, they all so
far correspond, as to authorize me to declare officially that the circular letter from the
committee of Congress contains an impartial representation of the distresses and embar-
rassments the army labor under ; since which the commander-in-chief hath had the
mortification to see two whole regiments from the Connecticut line parade with their
arms, packs, &c., determined to leave this land of misery, disband and return home.
Had it not been for the timely exertions of a number of officers (who have done great
honor to themselves), it is more than probable the matter would have become serious, and
the whole troops marched off the gromid. His Excellency is still under the dismal ap-
prehension that the moment is not far distant when such an event will take place. In
a word, the embarrassments under which the commander-in-chief now labors, is of such
a complicated, distressing nature, that they could not be borne by a less exalted soul,
I want words to express the feeling manner in which he represented his distresses and
his fears of the country being subjugated by the power of Britain.

The committee from Congress appear to be no less alarmed. Every appearance
bears a complexion at this place, sufficient to convince every thinking man that nothing
can save us from destruction but a spirited exertion in the several states, and drawfng
forth the resources of the country, for which I cannot doubt the state of Rhode Island,
making her utmost efforts. But when I take a view of the civil policy of the several
states in the union, I almost despair of being able to make any vigorous exertions until
there is a power vested in some man, or number of men obligatory and binding on all
the states in the union. As it will be impossible to convince the several legislatures of
the necessity until the happy moment is passed, of which I trust you will be satisfied
when you are informed a principal state,* (to say nothing of the monthly taxes) hath
not yet paid their proportion of the §60,000,000.

I must take the liberty to desire you to use your influence that one of my colleagues
may come forward, as I am fully convinced the important business now before Congress
will far exceed my abilities.

I have the honor to be.

Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant

EZEK. CORNELL.

114 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JnNE,

N. B. There is not one word of news from Charlestown. General Clinton raarchetl
yesterday with the York brigade for Albany, to stop the career of Sir Jona. Brant and
Butler, who are Johnston, within forty miles of Albany, at the head of a consid-
erable force, burning all before them.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Committee of Congress to the Governor of Bhode Island.

In Committee of Congress, |
Rhode Island.] Morristown, 2d June, 1780. (

Sir: — In a letter of the .31st ult., from the commander-in-chief, which we had the
honor to receive on the same day. His Excellency observes, " That in the expected co-
operation witli the force of our ally, against that of the common enemy, it is of great
moment tliat we should proceed with circumspection, and on the surest grounds. Be-
fore we can determine what ought to be undertaken, we sliould be able to appreciate
the means we shall have it in our power to employ, on some precise scale. To begin
an enteqjrixe against any point in possession of the enemy, on a general presumption
of sufficient resources in the country, and proportionable exertions in the respective
governments to bring them forth, would be justified by success — could never be de-
fended, in case of misfortune, to say nothing of tlie fatal consequences that might en-
sue. It appears to me necessary to ascertain the number of men, and the quantity of
supplies which the states are capable of furnishing in a given time, and to obtain assur-
ances from them, founded on experience of their continuing supplies in the same pro-
portion. I esteem the plan adopted by the committee in their circular letter, an ex-
tremely good preparatory one ; but I think it of indispensable importanre, in the next
place, to come to something fixed and determinate. I therefore take the liberty to sub-
mit to the committee the necessity and propriety of calling immediately upon the states
for specijic aids of men, provisions, forage and the means of transportation."

His Excellency next states the enemy's number, and position — mentions the points
against which the combined arms will probably be directed, and furnishes lis with an
estimate of the force which America ought to draw into the field ; with others, exhib-
iting a state of provisions, horses, carriages and a variety of other articles indispensa-
bly necessary to give vigor and a probable prospect of success to our operations.

Duty and inclination equally impelled us to a conference with the General, and to
the most serious consideration of the subject. The result was a determination, specifi-
cally to apportion to, and request from the states referred to in the resolution of Con-
gress of the 19th ult., to furnish the requisite supplies by the 1st day of July. In esti-
mating these, we have paid all possible regard to the probable resources of each, and
to their relative position to those scenes of operation, which are at present in con-
templation.

We shaU accordingly annex the kind and quantum of supplies which are monthly
expected from your state ; and we have to entreat that you will fully comply with the
requisitions we have the honor to make, and that they will be kept up, in the same pro-
portion until the last of Kovember, if necessity should induce us to continue the
application to that period, even although any of the articles now called for, should ex-
ceed the quota assigned you by the act of Congress of the 25th of February last. And
you will please, sir, to signify to us, without delay, the determination of your state on
this important subject.

Here it becomes our duty to advise you, as upon examination you will perceive, that
we have stated your quota per month, in some articles, beyond what it would have
been, could we have strictly adhered to the proportion on which the allotments made
by the act of the 2.5th of February last, were adjusted ; but this was found impractica-
ble, because of the exhausted condition of some of the states, in which the army and

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS,

115

its principal detaclimeiits have wintered. But as tliose, in the course of the campaign,
will be enabled to afford more than they can at present, your quota as now stated, will
of course diminish. The requisition, sir, is large, but it is barely competent. It is
the least adequate to the intended operations, as it i.s calculated on the most limited
expenditm-es, without the smallest allowance for accidental losses, or extra con-
sumption.

Having given tlie states a fixed point to regulate themselves by, their measures will
be equal to it, and their exertions competent to the magnitude of the object. In mat>
ters of such high import, it appears to the General and to us, essential that there should
be a proper understanding on all hands. That the states should know the wants of
the army, and what is expected for it. That the General and the committee should be
cleai-ly and explicitly advised of their abiUties, both individually and collectively, and to
have determined with precision what may be expected. We do not fear to discourage
by the largeness of the demand, as we conceive it impossible they should not bear with
the knowledge of the wants of their army, and because knowing tliem, we are persuaded
their wisdom and patriotism will impel them to every exertion to afford the supphes.

The supplies allotted to be furnished by your state, are seventy-one thousand six
hundred and seventy-five pounds of beef per month, and thirty-six hogsheads of rum
per month, to be transported to, and delivered where the commissary general shall di-
rect ; also two thousand two hmidred and eighty-five bushels of grain for forage per
month, to be transported and delivered where the quartermaster general shall direct ;
anil two hundred draft-horses to be attached to the army, to be delivered as last afore-
said, and on or before the 1st day of July next.

The first monthly quota of supplies to be delivered by the 1st day of July next, and the
subsequent ones monthly, within the months succeeding, as the quartermaster or commis-
sary general shall direct. The forage and horses are additional articles to those stated
in tlie act of Congress of the 25th February last ; but the requisition on your state, as
on others, for extra supplies, cannot be dispensed with ; and the amount thereof, to-
gether with the transportation of any, must be charged in account with the United
States.

We believe it would be advantageous to the United States in general, that the horses
should be procured by liire, in preference to purchase, as the drivers who will then ac-
company them, will be more careful of the cattle. Should your state adopt the mode,
we recommend that the contracts may be made, payable in specie, or in paper money
equivalent ; and that their value should be appraised on oath, and a return of the ap-
praisement be made to the quartermaster general.

As the object against which the military operations will be directed, cannot be posi-
tively ascertained, we have it not in om- power to call on you for a determinate quan-
tum of transportation, but beheve it will be considerable.

The Continental troops already engaged, and with the army, together with the addi-
tion requested by the General's letter of the 2.5th ult., to complete the battalions to five
hundred and four, rank and file ; and will still in his opinion and in our own, be inadequate
to ensure success in the intended operations. In our circular letter of the 25th ult, we
entreated yomr legislature to adopt measures for drawing forth your militia on the
shortest notice ; we have now to request that such arrangements may be made, as that
your quota of militia, which with the concurrence of the commander-in-chief, we state
at six hundred and thirty, rank and file, shall rendezvous at the army, or at such posts
and places, as the General shall direct, by the 15th day of July next, at farthest, and to
continue in service for the term of three months, computing from the day of their ar-
rival at such rendezvous, as aforesaid.

Such of the supphes herein required, as make part of the quota assigned to your
state, by the act of Congress of the 25th February last, and which it is requested you
will transport to, and deliver where the quartermaster general or commissary general

llfl RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuNE,

shall direct, will be receipted for by the Continental officers appointed for that purpose,
before eitlicr they or your agents convey or transport the same beyond the limits of
your state. If, however, such Continental officer should not be present, you will give
directions that the weight or quantity of the articles may be estimated, and an account
or invoice transmitted with each parcel. We have to observe that in the beef requested,
hides and tallow are not included ; allowance must therefore be made for those whose
cattle are sent to the army. If drivers are sent with the draft-horses and cattle, re-
quested of your state, we wish to have one for every four horses or oxen.

We have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, and esteem.

Your Excellency's most obedient servants,
PH. SCHUYLER,
J. W. JLATHEWS,
NATH'L PEABODY.
To His Excellency the Governor of the state of Rhode Island.

P. S. We do most earnestly entreat that the requisition now made on your state for
the quota sf militia, may not be suilered, on any consideration whatever, to retard the
completion of the Continental battalion, as recommended in our second circular letter
of the 25th ult., the necessity of that measure becoming daily more striking and
important.

General Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Morristown, 2d June, 1780.
Rhode Island — Circular]

Sir : — By the letter from the Honorable the Committee of Congress at Morristown,
which this accompanies, Your Excellency will find that those gentlemen and myself,
after maturely considering the matter, deem it essential to the success of the measures
in contemplation to be carried on against the enemy, to call on the states for certain
aids of militia, in addition to the requisitions for men already made ; and that they
should be at places of rendezvous, appointed by me, by the 15th day of next month.

The aid requested in this instance of your state, is fomided on a principle of appor-
tionment common to all the states, from Kew Hampshire to Maryland, inclusive (the
others on accomit of their distance, and the operations in the Southern quarter not be-
ing now called on), and is stated at six hundred and thirty, rank and file.

This number of militia, well armed and equipped in every other respect for the field,
in the best manner circumstances will admit, under proper officers, I wish to be at
Providence at the time mentioned by the committee, which appears to me a suitable
place for their rendezvousing at in the first instance, and from whence they will proceed
on my orders, as occasion may require. It will also be material, on accoimt of disci-
plining and organizing the men, as well as on account of public economy, that they
should be formed into full regiments.

If this is not done, it will render our arrangements extremely difficult and irregular,
and will add by greatly increasing the number of offioers, very considerably to the
public expense.

I would beg leave to observe, that I think the whole number of militia requested
from your state, should be comprised in one regiment. This additional aid will not, I
trust and earnestly entreat, impede in the smallest degree, the filling up the regiments
of the state by drafts to their full complement, as requested by the Honorable the Com-
mittee, in their letters of the 25th ult. This is a point of such great importance, so ab-
solutely essential to give the least prospect of success to our operations, and indeed on
which they depend, that I could not forbear mentioning it. If the regiments are com-
pleted by drafts, it is possible our demands for militia may be a good deal diminished.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 117

but this must be governed by events ; and therefore, for objects so very interesting, so
important as those are to which we at present look, we should provide whatever may
be possibly requisite.

I have tlie honor to be, with great respect and esteem,

Your Excellency's most obedient, Imrable servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Pliiladelphia, June 5, 1780.

Sir : — I have honor to inform Your Excellency that the bearer, Mons'r de Corny, is
a commissary, from France, employed to procure the necessary supplies for the forces
of His Most Christian Majesty, shortly expected on this coast, to co-operate with the
armies of these United States.

In pursuance of a conference of a committee of Congress with the minister of France,
in order to facilitate the co-operations of the combined forces, and to prevent all embar-
rassments that might possibly arise in procuring supplies, I am directed by Congress to
request Your Excellency to aflford to Col. Corny, the needful aid and advice respecting
the mode of purchasing the necessary supplies for the French forces, which he shall be
able, through your assistance, to procure in the state.

It is thought most proper,.and likely to be attended with the least embarrassments,
that the French commissary, Mons'r Corny, should make liis purcha'ses with the same
currency with which the Continental purchasers procure supplies for our army, and
that proper regulations be observed, to prevent competition among the purchasers.

From the character this gentleman sustains, I doubt not he will render himself agree-
able, and his conduct acceptable ; and take the liberty to recommend him to the favor-
able notice of Your Excellency.

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect.

Your Excellency's humble servant,

SAM. HUNTINGTON, President.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Committee of Congress to the Governor of Rhode Island.

In Committee of Congress, i
Morristown, June 11, 1780. j
Sir : — Since we had the honor to address you on the 2d instant, the enemy have come
out in force, and pointed their operations to this army. The Hon. W. Gerry has been
so obliging, at our request, as to promise to call on you, and to give you the particulars ;
and as he is well advised of the situation of affairs in this quarter, from his own obser-
vations, as well as from information, he can afford you the most ample detail on the
subject. ■ We have the honor to be, with perfect esteem.

Your Excellency's most obedient servants,
PH. SCHUYLER,
J. W. MATHEWS,
NATH'L PEABODY.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

118

RECORD? OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.YA'D [JeNE,

Gen. Washington to the Committee of Co-ojiemtion.

Headquarters, Springfield, June 12th, ] 780.
Gentlemen : — I have received information, which though not official, I deem authen-
tic ; that some of the states have taken up the measure of filling up their battalions by
a draft on a less extensive footing than was urged in your circular letter of the 2oth
May.

Though I wish to pay in every instance, implicit deference to the determination of
the respective states, I tliink it my duty in the present crisis, once more to declare with
freedom, that I conceive the measure of filling our battalions to their full complement
fundamental to a co-operation on a large scale. That any thing short of this, will in-
tallibly compel us to confine ourselves to a more defensive plan, except as to some little
partial indecisive enterprizes against remote points, and will disappoint the expectations
of our allies, and protract the war.

The force which has been stated as necessary, is as small as will give us any prospect
of a decisive effort. If it is not furnished, we must renounce every hope of this kind.
It remains wiih the states to realize the consequences.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and esteem, gentlemen,

Your most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To the Committee of Co-Operation.

Gen. Washington to the Com,mittee of Co-ojjeration.

Headquarters, Kockaway, 23d June, 1780.

Gentlemen : — The enemy are now in full force, bending their march towards Mor-
ristown, and by my last advices had advanced beyond Springfield. They were vigorously
opposed by our advanced corps. But what could the valor of a handful do against so in-
finite a superiority of numbers ?

The enemy can eflTect any partictilar object they attempt. Besides the army, they
can have no other in this state, tban our stores ; as we cannot defend them, we must
endeavor to remove them. I am so intensely engaged in attention to our military ope-
rations, that I must entreat you to write to the executives of Pennsylvania and Jersey,
pressing them to bring out all the wagons they can to our relief ; an appUcation has been
made to Pennyslvania, for two hundred and fifty wagons ; tliey ought to be instantly
furnished.

But we do not know what may be [the. tiltimate designs of the enemy ; all we know
is, that they are very strong, and that we are very weak. I beg leave to recommend
that the states be again called upon to re-double their exertions to comply with the de-
mands that have been already made upon them. It is essential to our immediate safety,
to say nothing of the expected co-operation. If she means to be free, this is the moment
for America to exert herself.

With every sentiment of esteem, I have tlie honor to be, gentlemen.

Your most obedient and humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To the Honorable Committee of Co-operation.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 119

Ethis DeCorny, French Commissary General, &c., to the
Governor and Council of Rhode Island.

Providence, June 24th, 1780.
Do. Lewis Etliis DeCorny, Esquire, Commissary General of War of His Most Christian
Majesty', and Orderer for the Execution of Commands of His abovesaid Majesty,
relative to the French Army sent into America — Lt. Colonel of Cavah-y in the Ar-
my of the United States of America, &c. :
Earnestly requests, and in the most pressing manner entreats His Excellency the
Governor, and the Honorable Council of the state of Rhode Island, to furnish him an
establishment for an hospital for the service of the French array, which is one. of the
most importiiiit articles, necessary to be prepared for their reception.

The knowledge he has of the situation of the college in this town, of its extent and
salubrity of the air ; and especially considering this building is situated in a town, the
inhabitants of which are particularly attached to the good cause in which America and
France are mutually engaged ; whereas, on the other part, any other establishment in
whatever place it may be fixed between this and Newport, will expose the sick in the
hospital not only to the evil designs of the suspected part of the country, but also to the
attempts of the enemy, who may with the greatest facility, make prisoners the whole of
the sick in the hospitals ; and considering besides, that this establishment in conse-
quence of the above reasons, before his departure from France, was particularly adopt-
ed, fixed and absolutely appointed by the Court of France and Doctor Franklin, for the
reception of the sick of the French army.

He therefore requests His Excellency the Governor and Council to comply with his
entreaties, and to give immediate orders that the college may, without delaj', be given
up to him, for the purpose of making the necessary dispositions for the reception of
his sick countrymen ; he also begs leave to represent that it is not in his power to de-
viate from this very essential article of his instructions, especially as it has been
previously fixed upon in France, where they were informed the college has been
already made use of for a similar purpose. The aforesaid commissary has the
honor to be,

"With the most profound respect and esteem.

Your Excellency's and Your Honors'

Most obedient and most humble servant,

ETHIS DeCORNY.
To the Governor and Council of Rhode Island.

120 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

Proceedings of the General Assembly, for the State of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Providence,
on the first 3Ionday in July, 1780.

His Excellency William f^n^ene, Governor.
The Hon. William Wesl, Deputy Governor.

It being represented nnto this Assembly, that Monsieur
Lewis Ethis de Corny, commissary general of His Most
Christian Majesty, and orderer for the execution of the com-
mands of His said Majesty, relative to the French army
expected to arrive here, finds great difficulty in procuring a
house in Providence, for himself and his family, owing to
the great number of inhabitants and the scarcity of houses ;
and it being also represented, that Majjor Nathaniel Greene,
of Woodstock, hath a very convenient house for that pmr-
pose, in the said town of Providence, at present occupied by
Captain Abimelech Riggs, with a very small family, who
may be easily accommodated in some other house ; and it
being also represented that the said Nathaniel Greene
does not soon intend to move with his family into the
said house, —

It is therefore recommended to Ephraim Bowen, Jr.,
Esq., deputy quartermaster general in this state, to find a
convenient place for the said Abimelech Riggs, and remove
his family from the said house, and take up and give posses-
sion of the same to the said Monsieur de Corney, he agree-
ing to give a reasonable rent therefor.

It is voted and resolved, that John I. Clarke, Jonathan
Arnold, Welcome Arnold, Adam Comstock and Thofe. Rum-
reill, Esqs., be, and they are hei-eby, appointed a committee
to take the public letters lately received, into consideration,
and prepare answers to them; and that they make report as
soon as may be.

1780.] AND PROVIDKNCE PLANTATIONS. 121

It is voted and resolved, that those soldiers belonging to
the Hght corps, lately under the command of Col. William
Barton, but now in the companies commanded by Captain
Henry Dayton and Captain John Garzia, who shall enlist
into the Continental battalion now raising by this state, for
the term of six months, shall, upon their so enlisting and
passing muster, be discharged from their present service^
and be entitled to the same bounty, wages and other allow-
ances as are given by this state to others who have enlisted
therein ; and that such soldiers shall be accounted as the
quota of, and receive their bounties from, the several towns
to which they respectively belong, agreeably to the act for
raising the said battalion, passed at the last session of this
Assembly.

Four subsistence abstracts exhibited unto this Assembly,
for Captain Henry Dayton's company, in Col. William Bar-
ton's Light Corps, from the 16th of March, to the 22d of June,
A. D. 1780, being duly considered, together with the auditor's
report thereon, —

It is voted and resolved, that the amount of the said ab-
stracts, being £715 4s. \d., lawful money, be allowed and paid
the said Henry Dayton, out of the general treasury, to dig-
charge the same.

Four abstracts exhibited unto this Assembly, for the pay
and subsistence of Captain Henry Dayton's company, in
the Light Corps, commanded by Colonel William Barton,
from the 16th of March, to the 22d of June, A. D. 1780,
being duly considered, together with the auditoi-'s report
thereon, —

It is voted and resolved, that £1,029 16s. 18|d, law^ful
money, being the amount thereof, be allowed and paid the
said Henry Dayton, out of the general treasury, to dis-
charge the same.

It is voted and resolved, that Major Ebenezer Flagg, who
is under marching orders with Colonel Greene's regiment,
to join the grand army, be, and he is hereby, empowered to
draw $2,000 out of the general treasury, to enable him to de-

122 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

fray the necessary expenses of transporting the baggage, &c.
of the troops under liis command ; and that he account for
the same.

It is voted and resolved, that six hundred and ten blank-
ets J^e immediately furnished, for the use of the recruits or-
dered to be raised, by an act passed at the last session of
this Assembly, to complete the state's quota of Continental
troops ; that the}^ be proportioned to the respective towns,
agreeably to the number of men required of each town by
the said act ; and that the persons hereafter named, be, and
they are hereby, empowered and directed, to procure the
same, in their several towns, to wit :

Name^ of the Persons cqjjxjinted by the General Assemhly
to 2)rociire the Blankets for the Soldiers.

Newport^ — Samuel Fowler, Esq.
Providence — Mr. Paul xillen.
Portsmouth — Mr. Burrington Anthonj-.
Warwick — Mr. John Stafford.
"Westerly — Mr. Daniel Rogers.
North Kingstown — James Congdon, Esq.
South Kingstown — Mr. Nathaniel Perkins.
East Greenwich — Job Comstock, Esq.
Jamestown — Benjamin Underwood, Esq.
Smithfield — Elisha Mowry, Jr., Esq.
Scituate — Mr. Jonathan Hopkins, Jr.
Glocester — Mr. Reuben Mason.
Charlestown — Mr. William Gardner.
West Greenwich — Benjamin Tillinghast, Esq.
Coventry — Mr. William Burlingame.
Exeter — Mr. Samuel Gorton.
Middletown — Mr. Giles Stanton.
Bristol — Richard Smith, Esq.
Tiverton — Gilbert Devol, Esq.
Little Compton — Mr. George Wood.
Warren — Ebenezer Cole, Esq.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 123

Cumberland — Mr. Stephen Whipple.
Richmond — Mr. Samuel Stanton.
Cranston — Nehemiah Knight, Esq.
Hopkinton — Mr. Hezekiah Babcock.
Johnston — Mr. Rufus Sprague.
North Providence — Esek Hopkins, Esq.
Barrington — Mr. Thomas Allen.

It is further voted and resolved, that the persons aforesaid
be, and they are hereby, directed, to purchase the said blank-
ets at the most reasonable prices, and not to give more than
^80, lawful money, apiece for those of the best quality ;
that if the said blankets cannot b§ purchased at a reasona-
ble rate, they be, and are hereby, empowered and directed
to take and distrain the same from such persons as can
conveniently spare them in their respective towns, and
make a reasonable appraisement of the same ; and that the
said blankets be immediately collected by them, and deliv-
ered into the agentrclothier's store at Providence, on or be-
fore the 10th day of July instant.

And it is further voted and resolved, the persons appointed
in the several towns, as aforesaid, give certificates of the ap-
praised value and cost of the blankets t^,ken or pui'chased,
as aforesaid, which certificates shall be receivable in payment
of the next state tax, which maybe ordered by this Assembly ;
and that the said persons be allowed a reasonable consider-
ation for their expenses and services, in transacting the busi-
ness enjoined on them by this resolve.

Resolved, that copies of this act be immediately printed,
and sent to the several persons aforesaid.

It is voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins and Nathan
Miller, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, empowered and di-
rected to sell at public vendue, all the guns, shot, iron, &c.,
belongino- to the state, which have been saved from the
wrecks or otherwise, as soon as may be ; that they notify
the time and place of sale in the Newport and Providence

124 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [.JuLY,

newspapers ; and that they lodge the money arising from
the said sales, in the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that Solomon Southwick, Esq.,
deputy commissary general of issues, be, and he is hereby,
empowered to receive of Charles Holden, Esq., commissary of
purchases for this state, such quantities of provisions and oth-
er supplies, from time to time, as may be necessary for the
supply of the troops in this state.

Whereas, the town of Newport receives a great supply of
fuel from the states of Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut,
and the said town will be greatly distressed for the want of
that necessary article, if the boats employed in that business
should be detained within this state ; Avherefore, —

It is voted and resolved, that the boats employed in the
transportation of fuel from the said states of Massachusetts
Bay and Connecticut, for the use of the inhabitants of this
state, be not detained within the ports of this state, the reso-
lution of the council of war, laying an embargo, to the con-
trary, notwithstanding ; and that the said boats be under the
immediate inspection of, and receive passes from, the intend-
ant of trade for the port of Newport, and Col. John Topham ;
who are hereby directed not to permit any of the inhabitants
of this state to pass in the said boats.

Whereas, the folloAving taxes have been assessed on the
following estates of absentees, in the town of Jamestown,
to wit :

£ s.
On the estate late Thomas Hutchinsons's, - - 57 09

« « " Joseph Wanton's, - - 18 00

" " North Farm (so called), late

Apthorp's, 36 00

" Gould Island, late Joseph Wanton, - - 3 00

all of which taxes so assessed, as aforesaid, were the pay-
ment of part of the Continental taxes assessed upon the
town of Jamestown, for the months of January, February
and March last, —

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 125

It is therefore voted and resolved, that £114 Os., being
the amount of tlie said several taxes, together Avith the in-
terest on the same, be remitted to the said town of Jamestown,
and deducted from the taxes assessed on the said town, for
the said months of January, February and March last.

It is voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby is, recom-
mended to Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq., deputy quartermaster
general, to hire a part of the house occupied by Mr. Daniel
Jackson, for the use of Capt. Abimelech Riggs and his family,
who is vmder the necessity of removing from tlie house he
now lives in ; it being taken np for the recejDtion of Monsieur
de Corny, and the said Abimelech Riggs not having it in his
power to procure himself a house upon so short notice.

And in consideration of the other disadvantages which
the said Abimelech Riggs must suffer from so sudden a
removal, —

It is further recommended to the said Ephraim Bowen,
to take no greater rent for the house he shall so hire, than
the said Abimelech Riggs pays for the house he now occu-
pies, during the time Monsieur de Corny shall improve the
same.

It is voted and resolved, that Peter Phillips, Esq., and
Mr. John Hawkins be, and they are hereby, empowered and
directed to j)rocure the grass fit for mowing, on the state's
farm, on Point Judith, to be immediately cut, made into
hay, and stacked in proper places, upon the best terms
they can ; and that they secure the said hay as well as

Whereas, by an act of this Assembly, passed at the
last session, six hundred and ten effective men were or-
dered to be raised within this state, by the 1st day of July
inst., to recruit the Continental battalions of this state ; and
although the same were apportioned to the respective towns
within the state, some of the said towns have not yet re-
turned a man, and others are greatly deficient ; and where-
as, this state hath been again called upon in the most press-
ing manner by Congress and the commander-in-chief imme-

126 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

diately to fnrnisli the men required, as well for the purpose
of defence, as for co-operathig with the shortly expected
fleet and army of the illustrious ally of these states, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by the
authority thereof it is hereby enacted, that the persons here-
after named be, and they are hereby, empowered and di-
rected, to form all male persons whatsoever, of the age of
sixteen years and upwards, residing within their respective
towns (deserters, Indians, mulattoes and negroes excepted),
into classes, according to the deficiencies of their said towns,
having regard to the number of polls and value of estates
of the persons so to be classed ; and that they immediately
give notice thereof to the persons classed ; and each of the
said classes is directed to furnish to the person or persons
appointed by their respective towns to receive recruits,
one able-bodied, effective man, by the 12th >lay of July
instant.

And it is further enacted, that the following persons
be appointed in the respective towns, for the purpose, afore-
said, to wit :

Names of Persons cqyiwbited by the General Assembly for
the several Towns to receive Recruits.

Newport — Messrs. Eobert Taylor, Job Easton, Christo-
pher Ellery, William Taggart and John Topham.

Providence — Messrs. Joseph Nightingale, Nicholas Brown,
Thomas Truman, Levi Hall, Amos AtweU, Zephaniah An-
drews and Nathan Waterman.

Portsmouth — Messrs. David Giflard, Alexander Thomas
and William Authon}-, Jr.

Warwick — Messrs. Robert Eliodes, Thomas Rice (son
of Thomas), Job Randall, Squire Miller and John Wat-
erman.

Westerly — Messrs. William Pendleton, Joseph CraudaU,
James Babcock, Nathan Lanpher, Elkanah Babcock and
Edward Saunders.

1780.] AND rROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 127

North Kingstown — Messrs. William Hammond, Joseph
Coggeshall, Daniel Hall, Lawrence Pearce and James
Albro.

South Kingstown — Messrs. Thomas Potter, John Gard-
ner, Samuel Babcock, Robert Brown and Carder Hazard.

East Greemvich — Messrs. Job Pearce, Rufus Spencer,
William Arnold, Isaac Johnson and Allen Johnson.

Jamestown — Messrs. Benjamin Undei'wood, John Gard-
ner and George Tew.

Smithfield — Messrs. Peleg Arnold, John Sayles, John An-
gell, Andrew Waterman, Stephen Whipple, Ebenezer Trask
and Edward Thompson.

Scituate — Messrs. Stephen Kimbal, Joseph Knight, Jona-
than Knight, Coomer Smith, William Howland, Isaac Hop-
kins, Simeon Herenden and Benedict Whipple.

Glocester — Messrs. Chad Brown, John Smith, Stephen
Winsor, Solomon Owen, Jonah Steere and Elisha Bartlett.

Charlestown — Messrs. Joseph Stanton, Jr., Joseph Iloxsie
and James Congdon, Jr.

West Greenwich — Messrs. Joseph Hopkins, Jr., Samuel
Hopkins, Thomas Josselyn, Jonathan Comstock and Thomas
Gorton.

Coventry — Messrs. Stephen Potter, Samuel Wall, Archi-
bald Kasson, William Burlingame and William Roy.

Exeter — Messrs. John Chapman, Jonathan Bates, Jr.,
George Peirce, Samuel Gorton and John Hoxsie.

Middletown — Messrs. Thomas Peckham, Oliver Durfee
and Giles Sanford.

Bristol— Messrs. Peter Church, Charles DeWolfe, Shear-
jashub Bourne, Jr., Josiah Finney and John Howland, Jr.

Tiverton — Messrs. John Cooke, Isaac Manchester, Lemuel
Bailey, Pearce Perry and George Westcot.

Little Compton — Messrs. Nathaniel Church, Perez Rich-
mond and Philip Taylor.

Warren — Messrs. Nathan Miller, Sylvester Child, Daniel
Cole, Robert Carr and William Barto

128 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

Cumberland — Messrs. John Dexter, Simon Whipple, Geo.
Peck, Nathan Staples and Nathaniel Shepardson.

Richmond — Messrs. Jonathan Maxson, Thomas Tefft. Ed-
ward Perry, George Webb and Richard Bailey, Jr.

Cranston — Messrs. Nehemiah Knight, Caleb Potter, Job
Manchester, William Field and Richard Searle.

Hopkinton — Messrs. Edward Wells, John Maxson, Sam'l
Babcock, William Thurston and Robert Bnrdick.

Johnston — Messi's. John Waterman, Noah Mathewson,
Andrew Harris, Daniel Manton and William Latham.

North Providence — Messrs. Eleazer Jenckes, Eleazer
Whipple, Hope Angell, Thomas Olney and Christopher
Whipple.

Barrington — Messrs. Samiiel Allen, John Short, Vial Al-
len, Thomas Allen and Nathaniel Smith.

It is farther enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if
either of the said classes shall refuse or neglect to furnish
an able-bodied man, as aforesaid, within the time afore-
said, the persons appointed to class the said men, be, and
they hereby are, empowered and directed thereupon to de-
tach from the class which shall be deficient, as aforesaid, an
able-bodied, effective man, to recruit the said battalions ;
that the person so detached, shall be entitled to the bounty,
wages and allowances which are received by the persons
who have enlisted, or may enlist into the said battalions,
by virtue of the said act of Assembly, and such other allow-
ances, if any, as shall be ordered by the persons who shall
make such detachment, to be assessed upon the said de-
linquent class, agreeably to the proportion by which the
last state tax was assessed upon the persons who compose
the same ; that in the said assessment the estates of all per-
sons who are absent from this state, and all other estates,
whether belonging to absentees or not, shall be considered,
and shall be at a proportionable part of the expense that
shall accrue to the class to wliich the same shall be put;

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 129

and that the said assessment be delivered to the collector of
taxes of the town to which such delinquent class belongs,
who is thereupon directed to collect and pay the same
within the time, and agreeably to the orders he shall re-
ceive therewth.

It is further enacted, that the persons who shall make
such detachment, make return thereof to the brigadier gen-
eral, or one of the field officers of the regiment to which
the person detached belongs ; and it shall be the immediate
business of such brigadier general or field officer, to cause
the person so detached, to l)e, and appear, at Providence, by
the 14tli day of July instant, to be mustered, and join the
battalion to which he shall be assigned to do duty therein,
agreeably to the said act of this Assembly.

It is further enacted, that if any person who shall be de-
tached as aforesaid, shall absent himself, and not be to be
found, and shall not procure an able-bodied, eifective man
to do the duty in his stead, for which he shall be detached,
as aforesaid, within the time aforesaid, such a part of the
estate of the person so detached, shall be taken and disposed
of by the persons who shall make such detachment, as shall
be sufficient to procure an able-bodied man to do the said
duty in his stead ; and the persons making such detachment
shall appropriate the money in procuring an able-bodied,
effective man, accordingly ; that if such person so detached,
shall not be possessed of a sufficient estate for that purpose,
the commanding officer of the regiment to which he be-
longs, shall advertise in all the public newspapers of this
state, the person who shall absent himself as aforesaid, as a
delinquent, and offer a reward of c£300, lawful money, to be
paid by the state to the person or persons who shall appre-
hend such delinquent ; that upon such delinquent being ap-
prehended, the said officer is directed to deliver him to
some one of the officers of the said Continental battalions,
to do duty as a soldier, therein, for the space of one year ;
and that if any person Avho shall be classed, as aforesaid,
shall not be to be found to be notified thereof, he shall be

130 KECORDS OF THE ;=TATE OF RHODE ISL.iND [JlLY,

proceeded against in manner as afore directed, in case he
had not absented himself, and had been duly notified
thereof

And as a further encouragement to persons to enter into
the public service, and to do the duty which may be assign-
ed them, by this act. —

It is further enacted, that every four of the delinquents
in the draughts made, in pursuance of resolutions of the
council of war, of the 29th of July, and the 17th of August,
A. D. 1778, be, and they are hereby, required to furnish an
able-bodied, effective man, to make up the deficiency of
such town ; that the said delinquents be ascertained to the
persons appointed to make detachments by the returns of
their respective colonels, which have been or shall hereafter
be made ; that they be fii'st classed, and be proceeded
against, in case of delinquency, in manner as is herein di-
rected ; that if there shall not be a sufficient number of de-
linquents to form a class, as aforesaid, in any town within
this state, the persons appointed to class them, as aforesaid,
are empowered and directed* o assess and collect from such
delinquents, in manner as is before directed, such sum ae
shall be equal to their proportionable part of duty, as re-
quired of them by this act, allowing a class of four delin-
quents to be sufficient to procure a person to perform said
duty ; and that such of the said delinquents as shall not be
engaged in the said service, in consequence of their being
classed as aforesaid, be again classed with the other inhab-
itants of their respective towns, for the making up the fur-
ther deficiency of their said towns, agreeably to this act.

And whereas, it is represented to this Assembly, that cer-
tain disaffected persons within this state, have greatly im-
peded the recruiting service ; for prevention whereof in
futm-e, —

It is further enacted, that the persons appointed to class
and detach as aforesaid, be, and they are hereby, empow-
ered and directed, immediately to make inquiry into the
same ; that if it shall appear by sufficient proof that either

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATrONS. 131

of the inhabitants of their said towns hath heretofore im-
peded or discouraged, or shall hereafter impede or discour-
age the enlisting or procuring the men to recruit the said
battalions, agreeably to this and the" former act of this As-
sembly, in such case the persims so appointed as aforesaid,
are directed forthwith to detach such person, as a recruit, to
do duty in the said battalions, agreeably to the said acts ; and
that such persons so detached, shall be reckoned to the
town to which he belongs ; and in case of delinquency shall
be proceeded against as is herein directed.

It is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that a
major part of the persons by this act appointed in either of
the towns, to class and detach the said men, be, and tl ey
are hereby, constituted a committee for the purposes of
their appointment, and empowered to act and do every
thing in their respective towns by this act enjoined on
them.

And whereas, the refusal or neglect of the persons by this
act appointed to class and detach the men, &c., will defeat
the important purposes thereof, —

It is therefore further enacted, that if eitlier of the said
persons appointed as aforesaid, shall neglect or refuse to
class or detach said men, who may be deficient as aforesaid,
within the time aforesaid, or who shall not perform the
other duties enjoined upon him by this act, for bringing the
said men into the field, and shall thereof be canvicted by
the verdict of his peers, before the superior court of judica-
ture, court of assize and general jail delivery, in the county
where such offender shall dwell, the person so convicted,
shall be adjudged and sentenced by the said court to be for-
ever incapable of bearing any office, civil or military, within
this state ; and also to pay all costs of prosecution and convic '
tion ; provided, that process shall be commenced against
such delinquent within six months from such delinquency,
and not after.

It is further enacted, that the general, field and commis-
sioned officers of the militia within this state, be, and they

132 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JfLY,

are herebj^, called upon and directed to afford their utmost
aid and assistance in carrying this act into execution.

And it is further enacted, that the secretary immediately
cause this act to be printed, and send a copy thereof to each
of the town clerks in this state, who are hereby empowered
and directed, immediately on the receipt thereof, to con-
vene every male inhabitant in their respective towns, who
are subject to be classed as aforesaid, so that the execution
of this act may not be in the least delayed.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. Jonathan Jenkins be,
and he is hereby, permitted to proceed with his vessel from
the port of Providence to the island of Nantucket; and that
the said Jonathan Jenkins carry no inhabitants of this state
in the said vessel, either for navigating the same, or for
any other purpose.

Whereas, William Mathewson, of West Greenwich, hath
been impeached before this Assembly, for obstructing the
recruiting service ; and the said charge hath been fully
proved, as well by the testimony of witnesses as by the con-
fession of the said William Mathewson, who discovers a
penitent disposition, and a desire to make every reparation
in his power to si tone for his offence, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the committee ap-
pointed for recruiting men for the public service in the
said town, be, and they are hereby, empowered to receive
of the said William Mathewson a sum of money sufficient
for enlisting one able-bodied and effective soldier, for the
service aforesaid ; and that the said money be expended
accordingly.

It is further voted and resolved, that if, upon the applica-
tion of the said committee, the said William Mathewson
shall refuse to advance a sum of money sufficient for the
purpose aforesaid, then the said committee be, and they are
hereby, directed to make distress upon his estate, and cause
sale thereof immediately to be made, and account with the
town council of the said town ; and that the said William
Mathewson pay all cost accruing by means of the premises,.

1780.] AND PKOVIDENCE PLANTATlOxNS. 133

and give bond to the general tre.isurer in the sum of £500,
in silver or gold, for his good behaviour, for the space of
two years, to be levied upon his real estate, in ct;se of any
breach of the condition of the said bond.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. James Franklin,
William Greene, Caleb Seamans, James Andrews, John
Cole, Jr., George Baker, Eufus Cole, Benjamin Taylor,
Christopher Bullock, John Colvin, James Fenuer, Robert
Knight, Jabez Bowen, William Round, John Round, Jr., Na-
thaniel Horton, Robert Davis, Edward Howland, Geo. How-
land, Stephen Smith, Jr., Daniel Howard, Silas Herrington,
John Herrington, John Randall, Stephen Foster, Jonathan
Cole, John Perkins, Jonathan Twogood, John Tyler, Peter
Parker, Jr., Hezekiah Wheeler, Nathaniel Herrington, Edw.
Dorr, Joshua Jones, Charles Potter, Stephen Place, Jr. and
Simon Davis, inhabitants of the town of Scituate, be, and
they are hereby, permitled to sign the test required by law,
before the town council of the said town of Scituate ; and
that thereupon they shall be entitled to all the privileges
and immunities of free-born citizens of this state.

It is voted and resolved, that George Gorton and John
Greene (son of Increase), both of Coventry, be, and they
are hereby, permitted to subscribe the test required by law,
before the town council of the said town; and that thereup-
on they be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of
free-born citizens of this state.

It is voted and resolved, that Lieutenant Colonel Samuel
Ward be. find he is hereby, empowered to receive out of
the general treasury, for the use of the officers and soldiers
in Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment, £5,208, lawful
money ; that he also be empowered to receive, for the use
of the officers and privates in Colonel Israel Angell's regi-
ment, £21,792, lawful money, which sums are advanced to
the said regiments on their depreciation accounts; and that
the said Samuel Ward forward the money for Col. Israel
Angell's regiment to the paymaster of the said regiment,
by the first safe convevance.

134 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.US'D [JuLY,

It is further voted and resolved, that the agent-clothier
for this state send forward, by the new recruits, or .-my other
safe conveyance, to Colonel Israel Angell's regiment, two
hundred and seventy-one shirts, and the same number of
overalls, for the use of the non-commissioned officers and
privates of the said regiment.

Whereas, divers complaints have been made by the sol-
diers who have served in this state's battalions, that the
clothing which was promised them for their services has not
been delivered, agreeably to the stipulations of the state?
which causeth much uneasiness, and greatly retards the re-
cruiting service ; and whereas, it is the intention of this
state that the strictest justice shall be done unto the
soldiery, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Nathan Miller,
Esek Hopkins and Adam Comstock, Esqs., be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee, to inquire, by the best
ways and means they can devise, what clothing is due to
the soldiers, and to whom, and what distribution has been
made of the clothing already provided by the state ; and
that they make report as soon as may be.

Whereas, it appears by the certificate of Captain Stephen
Olney, paymaster of Colonel Israel Angell's battalion, that
one coat, one pair of breeches, two pair of hose and one
pair of shoes, are due to Aiding Southworth, late a soldier
in the said battalion, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the agent-clothier
of this state be, and he is hereby, directed to deliver the
aforesaid articles of clothing unto the said Aiding South-
worth.

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that at
the superior court of judicature, &c., which was held at Tiv-
erton, on the last Monday of June last, a trial was had on a
certain information, exhibited by the attorney general
against Samuel Dyer, in which he was charged with having
adhered to, aided anr1 assisted the common enemy of these
United States ; that although the charge was fully proved,

'1780.] /VND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 135

the said Samuel Dyer was thereof acquitted by the jury em-
pannelled to try the same ; and that since the said trial, it
hath appeared, by information received from some of the
said jury, that undue measures had been taken to influence
others of the said jury to give a verdict in fixvor of the said
Samuel Dyer, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that William Taggart
and William Richmond, Esqs., and Mr. William Ladd be,
and they are hereby, appointed a committee to inquire into
the conduct of the said jury on the said trial; and that they
make report to this Assembly at the next session.

And whereas, it also appears to this Assembly, that the
said Samuel Dyer's being nt large within this state, is dan-
gerous to the peace and safety of the same, —

It is further voted and resolved, that the said Sam'i Dyer
be confined to his estate, in the town of Newport, until the
further orders of this Assembly ; and that he enter into a
recognizance to the Governor and Company of this state,
before either of the justices of the peace of the town of
Newport, in the sum of £2,000, in gold or silver, condi-
tioned for his confining himself to his said estate, and being
of good behaviour ; and that if the said Samuel Dyer shall
refuse to enter into the said recognizance, or shall transgress
tile limits to which he is confined, as aforesaid, the sheriff of
of the county of Newport be, and he is hereby, directed to
apprehend and confine him in the jail, in the county of
Newport, until the further orders of this Assembly.

And whereas, John Forrester, of Newport, yeoman, was
also acquitted at the said court, upon a bill of indictment
found by the grand jury, charging him with treason against
the state, and was afterwards ordered by the said court to
recognize for his good behaviour, Avhich he hath not as yet
performed, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said John For-
rester immediately enter into a recognizance, agreeably to
the order of the said court; and that upon failure thereof.

136 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,''

he be committed by the said sheriff of the county of New-
port, or his deputy, to the jail aforesaid.

And whereas, the peace, safety and happiness of this
state require that the disaffected persons, and those who
have heretofore aided and assisted the enemy, now residing
within this state, should be known, that they Kiay be pro-
ceeded against as to lav/ and justice appertains, —

It is therefore further voted and resolved, that Messrs.
Robert Taylor, Job Easton, Christopher Ellery, William
Taggart and John Topham be, and they are hereby, ap-
pointed a committee to inquire into the conduct of persons
residing on the island of Rhode Island, as well of those who
have been already charged, as also of all others who have
voluntarily aided and assisted the enemies of this state ;
that the said committee also make inquiry into the conduct
of the wives and ftxmilies of those persons who have joined
the enemy, and make report to this Assembly, at the next
session, of such as ought to be removed from this state.

And it is further voted and resolved, that any person bring-
ing from, or carrying an}- letter or letters to New York, or
other place, in possession of the enemy, unless the same shall,
previous to its being sent, or delivered, be inspected by the
Governor, Deputy Governor, or the attorney general of this
state, or the commanding officer within this department; and
such inspection endorsed on the outside of the said letter or
letters, he or she shall be proceeded against as an offender ;
and it is hereby recommended to ever}^ jDerson discovering
such practice, to apprehend the person so offending, and
take him or her before any justice of the peace, who is
hereby directed to commit him or her to prison, until the
further orders of this Assembly.

The petition of Jonathan Arnold, Jr., in behalf of himself
and the owners of the schooner Poll}-, preferred unto this
Assembljf, representing that the said schooner was fitted for
a voyage to the West Indies, and that application was made
to the proper officer, for a clearance for the said vessel, be-
fore the resolution of the council of war, laying an embargo

1780.] • AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. ]37

within this state, was made ; and praying that the said ves-
sel might be permitted to proceed on her said voyage, being
duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the prayer of the said peti-
tion be granted ; provided, none of the inhabitants of this
state are carried in the said vessel, either as hands, passen-
gers or otherwise.

Whereas, the town of South Kingstown's proportion of
the men to be raised for six months, for filling up the Con-
tinental battalion (owing to the large j^roportion of taxes
which they pay), is much greater than any other town's
within this state, in proportion to the number of the inhab-
itants therein ; and as this General Assembly, under the pe-
culiar circumstances of the said town, are willing to grant
them every reasonable indulgence that can possibly be ad-
mitted from the exigencies of affairs, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that four days from the
12th of this current July, be, and hereby is, granted and
given unto the said town of South Kingstown, for raising
and completing their quota of men, as aforesaid ; and that
after the 12th day of this current July, as aforesaid, the said
town of South Kingnstown have liberty to enlist twenty men
for filling up their quota in any part of this state ; which
men shall be reckoned and accounted for the said town's
proportion.

Provided nevertheless, that the men assigned the said
town, shall be classed at the time, and agreeably to the act
of this Assembly, passed at the present session ; and if the
said men, or any part of them, shall not be procured within
the time aforesaid, then the persons appointed for that pur-
pose, shall, on the 16th day of July instant, detach from
each delinquent class an able-bodied man ; and that every
other measure be thereupon taken for bringing the said
men into the field, as is in and by the aforesaid act di-
rected,

Whereas, Bernard George Penrose, late a physician and
surgeon in the British navy, preferred a petition unto this

138 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLASD [JuLY,

Assembly, representing that he hath intermarried in this
state, and praying tliat he may reside therein, as an inhab-
itant thereof, and as such to be deemed and taken ; and
whereas, a number of the principal inliabitants of the
town of Newport also joined in the prayer of the said
petition, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the prayer of the
said petition be granted; that the said Bernard George
Penrose be, and he is hereby, permitted to come into this
state ; that he be considered as a citizen thereof, upon his
taking the oath of allegiance to the same ; and that the sec-
retary be, and he is hereby, empowered and directed to ad-
minister the said oath.

It is voted and resolved, that Miss Martha Chaloner,
daughter of John Chaloner, late of Newport, deceased, be,
and she is hereby, permitted to proceed to New York, imder
the direction of Major General Heath.

Whereas, by a resolution of this Assembly, passed at the
present session, the house of Major Nathaniel Greene, of
Woodstock, is taken up for the residence of Monsieur De
Corny, and as the same may be hable to damage, which
ought to be borne by the public, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Messrs. Jonathan
Hammond, John Carpenter and Joseph Martin be, and they
are hereby, appointed a committee to view the said house,
with the other buildings and appurtenances thereunto be-
longing; and also such furniture as is therein, and the
same to re-view when they shall be left by Monsieur De
Corny, and to determine what damage, if any, the said Na-
thaniel Greene shall have sustained, either in the said build,
ings or other things, by the same's being occupied by the
said Monsieur DeCorny, in order that he may have compen-
sation therefor.

It is voted and resolved, that the beef and pork now in
the hands of Eichard Fry, Esq. ; and also the corn now in
the hands of the said Eichard Fry, and of William Bradford,
Esq., belonging to this state, be delivered to Solomon

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 139

Southwick, Esq., deputy commissary general of issues in this
state, they taking his receipts for the same ; and that the
said provisions be considered as part of this state's quota of
supplies.

An Act to prevent certain persons therein named, and oth-
ers, who have left this state, or either of the United
States of America, and joined the enemy ; or who have
joined the enemy in this state, from being admitted with-
in tliis state.

Whereas, Joseph Wanton, Jr., Esq. ; William Wanton,
merchant ; Joseph Durfee, mariner ; Lynn Martin, mariner ;
John Mawdfley, merchant ; Walter Chaloner, Esq. ; Edward
Thurston, merchant ; George Rome, merchant ; Samuel
Whitehorne, merchant ; Mathew Cozzens, merchant ; John
Freebody, mariner ; Jas. Clarlie, Esq. ; James Clarke, cord-
wainer ; Richard Beale, Esq. ; John Nichols, Esq. ; Thomas
Bannister, gentleman ; Jahleel Brenton, gentleman ; John
Nichols, trader; Isaac Hart, Sam. Hart, Moses Hart, Sam. Hart,
Jr., merchants ; John Watson, merchant ; Sam. Goldthwait,
merchant; Samuel Bours, merchant; Edw. Mumford, mer-
chant; Geo. Bisset, clerk; Isaac Lawton, merchant; Steph.De-
blois, merchant ; Rob't Ferguson, merchant ; John Andrews,
mariner ; James Nixon, Jr., merchant, all late of Newport,
in the county of Newport ; Joseph Mumford, late of Provi-
dence, in the county of Providence, trader ; George Wight-
man, yeoman ; Samuel Boone, yeoman ; Thomas Hazard,
yeoman, all late of North Kingstown, in the county of
Kings ; and Samuel Wilson, late of South Kingstown, in the
said county of Kings, yeoman, have left this state, and have
joined the enemies thereof, thereby not only depriving
these states of their personal si;rvices, at a time when they
ought to have afforded their utmost aid in defending the
said states against the invasions of a cruel enemy, but mani-
festing an inimical disposition to the said states, and a de-
sign to aid and abet the enemies thereof, in their wicked
purposes, —

140 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND f JuLY,

It is therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority of the same, that if the said Joseph Wanton,
Jr., William Wanton, Joseph Durfee, Lynn Martin, John
Mawdfley, Walter Chaloner, Edward Thurston, George
Rome, Samuel Whitehorne, Matthew Cozzens, John Free-
body, James Clarke, Esq. ; James Clarke, cordwainer ; Rich-
ard Beale, John Nichols, Esq. ; John Nichols, trader ; Thos.
Bannister, Jahleel Brenton, Isaac Hart, Samuel Hart, Sam'l
Hart, Jr., Moses Hart, John Watson, Samuel Goldthwait,
Samuel Bours, Edward Mumford, George Bisset, Isaac Law-
ton, James Nixon, Jr., Joseph Mumford, George Wightman,
Samuel Boone, Samuel WilSon, shall, after the passing of
this act, return into this state, it shall be the duty of the
sheriff of the county, of his dejDuties, of the town ser-
geants and constables, and other inhabitants of the town
wherein such person or persons may presume to come or be
found ; and they are hereby respectively empowered and
directe>l, forthwith to apprehend and carry such person or
persons before any one of the assistants, or justices of the
superior or inferior court, in the county where such person
or persons shall be found, who is hereby required to com-
mit him or them to either of the common jails within this
state, there in close custody to remain, until he or they shall
be sent out of the state, as is herein after directed; and
such assistant, or justice, is hereby directed to give immediate
information thereof to the Governor of this state, for the
time being ; and that thereupon the Governor of this state,
for the time being, cause such person or persons so commit-
ted, to be transported to some part or place within the do-
minion or in the possession of the forces of the king of
Great Britain, as soon as may be, after receiving such infor-
mation ; those who are able at their own expense, and others
at the expense of this state ; and for this purpose, to hire a
vessel or vessels, if need be.

And whereas, divers other persons not herein particularly
named, have been guilty in like manner with those persons
above named, —

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 141

Be it therefore further enacted by the authority afore-
said, that if any such person or persons shall, after the pass-
ing of this act, return into this state, it shall be the duty of
each of the assistants and justices of the superior and infe-
rior courts in this state, and they are hereby required, upon
knowledge or credible information thereof, to cause such
person or persons to be apprehended and committed to
either of the common jails in the county where he or
they may be found, there to remain in close custody, until
legally discharged ; and such assistant or justice shall make
report of his doings to the General Assembly, who shall
make inquiry into the matter, and upon finding such person
or persons guilty, as aforesaid, take order for his or their
being transported out of this state, in manner as above di-
rected for the jaersons particularly named in this act.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
if any person or persons, who shall be transported, as afore-
said, shall voluntarily return into this state, without lib-
erty first had and obtained from the General Assembly, he
or they shall, on conviction thereof before the superior
court of judicature, court of assize and general jail delivery,
for the county in which such person or persons shall be ap-
prehended, suffer the pains of death, without the benefit of
clergy.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
if the master of any ship or vessel shall, after the passing of
this act, knowingly bring into any port in this state, any
person transported by virtue of this act, or if any person
shall willfully or willingly harbor or conceal such person so
transported, after his return to this state, contrary to the
design of this act, such master or pei'son so offending, shall,
on conviction thereof before the inferior court of common
pleas, in the county where such offence shall be committed,
or before the superior court of judicature for the same coun-
ty, forfeit the sum of £5,000 ; one-half thereof, to the use of
this state, and the other half to the use of them who shall
sue for the same.

142 EECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

And the secretary is directed to cause this act to be pub-
lished ia all the newspapers in this state ; and to transmit
copies thereof, to the several town clerks in this state, as
soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that the officers to be appointed
to fill up the vacancies in Colonel Christopher Greene's reg-
iment, be chosen for six months, and no lonper; and that it
be recommended to His Excellency General Washington, to
commission them accordingly.

Both Houses being resolved into a grand committee,
chose the following officers, to wit :

Civil and Military Officers Chosen.

Samuel Fowler, Esq., sixth assistant of this state, in the
room of Gideon Wanton, Esq., who hath resigned.

Christopher EUery, Esq., tenth assistant, in the room of
Caleb Gardner, Esq., who declined ; and the said Christo-
pher EUery appeared and took his engagement.

Philip Traffiin and Samuel Snow, captains ; John Millar
and James Millar, lieutenants in Col. Christopher Greene's
regiment.

Officers in the First Battalion of Ililitia, in the County of
Kings.

Artillery Company — James Babcock, captain-heutenant ;
Ichabod Burdick, lieutenant.

Troop of Horse — George Thurston, captain ; Ichabod
Babcock, Jr. cornet.

Senior Class Company — Nathan Barber, captain ; Joseph
Maxson, heutenant ; Peter Berry, ensign.

First company — Oliver Lewis, captain ; Thomas Brand,
lieutenant ; Nathan Pendleton, ensign.

Second company — William Bliven, captain; Joseph Peck-
ham, lieutenant ; Walter White, ensign.

Third company — George Stillman, captain ; Peleg Saun-
ders, lieutenant ; Asa Maxson, ensign.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 143

Cliarlestown. Senior Class Company — Joseph Wilcox,
captain ; Samuel Thompson, lieutenant ; Charles Chui'ch,
ensign.

First company — John Parke, captain ; Christopher Bab-
cock, Jr., lieutenant ; John Taylor, ensign.

Second company — Beriah Lewis, captain; Peleg Cross,
Jr., lieutenant i John Greene, ensign.

Hopkinton. Senior Class Company — Thomas Wells, 2cl,
captain; Elias Coone, lieutenant; John Peirce, ensign.

First company — Henry Welles, captain ; Sylvanus Max-
son, lieutenant ; Thomas Welles, 3cl, ensign.

Second company — Randall Welles, captain ; Joseph Max-
son, lieutenant ; Billings Burch, ensign.

Third company — Phineas Maxson, captain ; Geo. Max-
son, lieutenant ; Zaccheus Maxson, ensign.

Officers in the Second Battalion of Militia, in the County
of Newiiort.

Tiverton. First company — Philip Corey, captain ; Philip
Manchester, lieutenant ; Peleg Simmons, ensign.

Second company — Jonathan Devol, captain ; Benj. Hovf-
land, lieutenant ; Weaver, Osborne, ensign,

Third company — Richard Durfee, captain; Shear-
man, lieutenant : Thomas Durfee, Jr., ensign.

It is voted and resolved, that His Excellency Gen. Wash-
ington be requested to pardon the deserters from the troops
of this state, who shall join their respective corps by a time
he may think proper to fix ; and that Major General Heath
be requested to issue a pardon for the deserters from Col.
Christopher Greene's regiment, who shall join the said regi-
ment by the time he may think proper to fix.

Whereas, John Reynolds, Esq., clothier in this state, has
been directd to send on to Col. Israel Angell's regiment,
two hundred and seventy-one pair of overalls, and the like
number of shirts ; and as there will not be a sufficient num-

144 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.VXD [JcLT,

ber of the said articles remaining to furnish the recruits,
agreeably to an act passed at the last session of tliis

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said John
Eeyuolds be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the sum
of £9,000, lawful money, out of the general treasury, to en-
able him to re-place the same number of shirts and overalls,
ordered to be -sent on, as aforesaid.

It is voted and resolved, that all vessels (privateers and
those carrying letters of marque excepted,) be, and they are
hereby, permitted to proceed to sea from any port of this
state, upon the masters or owners of such vessels producing
a certificate to the intendants of trade, from the town clerks
of the towns to which the masters and hands, or any others
on board such vessels respectively belong (if inhabitants of
this state), that the full quotas of men assigned the said
towns, by an act of this Assembly passed at the last session,
are raised ; and that the said masters, previous to their ob-
taining a clearance for such vessels, make oath in the said
intendant's office, that they have not any man or men on
board the said vessels belonging to any town in this state,
from the town clerk of which they do not produce a certifi-
cate, as aforesaid.

It is further voted and resolved, that vessels carrying let-
ters of marque, be, and they are hereby, permitted to pro-
ceed to sea, subject to the restrictions, aforesaid ; and fur-
ther, that they carry not more than twelve men, officers
included.

It is voted and resolved, that Joseph Clarke, Esq., general
treasiu-er of this state, be allowed and paid $40,000, out of
the general treasury, for his services the year past ; and
that John Jenckes, Esek Hopkins and Metcalf Bowler, Esqs.,
be, and they are hereby, appointed a committe to audit his
accounts,

It is voted and resolved, that Robert Taylor, Esq., be, and
he is hereby, appointed one of the committee for classing
and detachinsc the men in the town of Providence, in the

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 146

room of Levi Hall, Esq., who is under the necessity of at-
tending a law suit in the commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The report of Ephraim Bowen, Jr., deputy quartermaster
general, and Nathan Miller, Esqs., who were appointed a
committee, to examine the brick school house, in Provi-
dence, and to ascertain what repairs were necessary to be
made upon the same, for the reception of the students of
the college in the said town, being laid before this Assem-
bly, and duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby is, recom-
mended to the said Ephraim Bowen, to remove the public
stores from the said building, and to cause the same to be
repaired, agreeably to the said report.

Whereas, Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq., deputy quartermaster
general, represented unto this Assembly, that the money
granted him by this Assembly, and the council of war, to
repair boats and hospitals for the French army, is entirely
expended ; and that he hath need of a further sum to com-
plete the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Ephraim
Bowen be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the sum of
£10,000, lawful money, out of the general treasury, for the
purposes aforesaid ; and for making such repairs at Provi-
dence, Warren and Bristol ferries, as are necessary ; and
that he account for the same.

Upon the memorial of Lewis Ethis DeCorny, Esq., com-
missary general of war of His Most Christian Majesty, and
orderer for the execution of commands of His abovesaid
Majesty, relative to the French army sent into America,
presented imto this Assembly, respecting the ferries be-
tween Providence and Newport, and his request that the
same may be put in repair, in order to facilitate the opera-
tions of the expected armament of His said Majesty, —

It is voted and resolved, that the Honorable William
Bradford, Esq., Brigadier General Nathan Miller and Colonel
Joseph Nightingale be, and they are hereby, appointed a

146 RECORDS OF TIIE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

committee to wait on the said Lewis Ethis DeCorny, on tie
subject matter of the said memorial, and inform him that
this General Assembly is disposed to take every possible
measure for the accommodation of the expected armament
of our generous ally, and for the facilitating the important
objects of their destination ; and that they have furnished
Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq., deputy quartermaster general,
with money, and directed him to make the necessary re-
pairs at the said ferries, under the direction of the said
committee.

Whereas, many towns in this state have not paid into
the general treasury their proportion of the state and
Continental taxes, which have been assessed upon them,
within the time required by the acts for assessing the
same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the general treas-
urer be, and he is hereby, directed to issue his warrants on
the 14th instant, against the several town treasurers of such
delinquent towns ; and that in future he issue his warrants
against such towns as shall neglect to pay their taxes
monthly, as directed by the several acts for assessing the
same.

Whereas, the town of Coventry hath neglected to assess
their proportion of the tax ordered by this Assembly at the
session in May last, by reason of a division in the said town,
respecting the mode of assessing the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the time for levy-
ing, collecting and paying one-third part of the last state
and Continental taxes, in the town of Coventry, for the
months of June, July and August, which was directed by
the act assessing the same, to be paid into the general
treasury by the 1st day of July instant, be lengthened; and
that the same be levied, collected and paid into the general
treasury, on or before the 1st day of August next, togelher
with the interest on the same.

Upon the draught of a letter to Colonel Israel Angell,

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 147

and the. other officers and men, belonging to the Second
Rhode Island regiment, presented nnto this Assembly, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be approved ; and
that His Excellency the Governor be requested to sign and
transmit a copy thereof* to Colonel Israel Angell.

Whereas, Joseph Wilson, of Providence, has applied to

* The General Assembly of Rhode Island to Colonel Israel
Angell., Officers and Men^ belonging to the Second Rhode
Island Regiment.

state of Rhode Island, &c. ^

In General Assembly. ) Providence, July 7th, 1780.

Gentlemen :— It gives the General Assembly the highest satisfaction to be informed, in a letter from
His Excellency General TTashingion, that '■ The gallant behaTiour of Col. Angell's regiment on the 23d
of June, at Springfield, reflects the highest honor on the officers and men; that they disputed an im-
portant pass with so obstinate a bravery, that they lost upwards of forty in killed, wounded and miss-
ing, before they gave up the ground to a vast superiority offeree."

This honorable testimony of the good services of a regiment, which has ever done honor to our state,
by their bravery on all occasions in the hour of danger, adds to the character they have always sus-
tained in the American array, and the sufferings they have cheerfully undergone in the defence of the
rights of their country, excite the warmest gratitude of the General Assembly, who are alwajs disposed
to reward merit so distinguished. T\*e condole with those who suffer from the wounds they have re-
ceived. But as they are the badges of bravery, it might be some consolation to the sufferers that they
thereby have a most indisputable claim to the esteem and respect of their country.

We cannot omit this opportunity of returning our most siocere thanks to the officers and soldiers in
general, belonging to the regiuient, for that bravery, patriotism and perseverance, and those military
virtues manifested on all occasions so similar to those exhibited by the famous legions of ancient Rome,
in the shining periods of the history of that republic ; and it gives us the most sensible pleasure to re-
flect that the historic page of America will not pass over in silence the services of a regiment of ours so
meritorious.

It gives us great anxiety that, from the unhappy situation of our currency for several years past, the
pay of the regiment has fallen so far short of their services. When we have taken measures for making
payment, which we thought would be adequate, the depreciation of the money has defeated our inten-
tion. Tlie great exertions we have been obliged to make on account of the enemy having had posses-
sion of Rhode Island, have prevented our doiug for the regiment what we wished. And from causes
which we could not prevent, it has so happened that a large balance has now become due to the regi-
ment on account of the depreciation. We feel the obligatiou, and are anxious to discharge it; but the
calls of the present campaign are great and urgent. We have therefore noW been able only to send you
the sum of £21,792, as a small part of the balance. But the regiment may be assured that as the Gen-
eral Assembly as well as the people at large, have the highest sense of their merit, and are anxious to
make them full and ample compen?ation. That at the next session of the General Assembly, which will
be on the third Monday of July instant, the mo.'Jt certain and effectual measures will be taken for pay-
ing a very considerable part of the remaining balance.

We have received Col. Angell's letcer of tlie 30th ult., and have ordered the shirts and overalls which
he wrote lor to be forwarded as soon as possible to the regiment, and shall make every exertion in our
powej" that the pay. clothing and supplies from the state shall in future be made in the moat
punctual manner. We are, gentlemen, with esteem and gratitude.

Your most obedient, humble servants.
Signed at the request, and in behalfof t

148 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

this Assembl}^, to hire the building for manufacturing salt
petre, belonging to this state, on the land of Colonel John
Mathewson, in the town of Providence ; and this Assembly
at present having no use for the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the Honorable
Jabez Bowen and Theodore Foster, Esqs., be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee to examine into the circum-
stances of the said building, and the terms upon which the
state now hoLls the land where the same is erected ; and
that the said committee, if they shall think fit, permit the
said Josph Wilson to improve the same, upon his contract-
ing to pay a proper rent therefor, and to deliver up the
same when demanded.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasury, viz. :

BUh Ordered to he Paid.

£ s. d.

Subsistence abstracts for Capt. Henry Dayton's company 1,744 04

William Taggart, for outfits of brigantine Success, sent to Turks Island for

salt 368 00

Thomas Tillinghast, for settling depreciation with the army 194 06

Jletcalf Bowler, for paper for printing money bills on, 6270.

Samuel Babcock, for carrying money for the recruiting service 1 20 00

Joseph Stanton, Jr., for his expenses as one of a committee upon public

service 120 00

John Collins, for balance due him 11,475 15 3

Esek Hopkins, for services in settling depreciation accounts with the army 330 00
Benjamin Bourne, " " " " " " 300 00

William Mumford, " " '• " " " ,"00 00

Richard Smith, for notifying the members of the General Assembly 42 00

Christopher Babcock, Jr., for pay abstracts of the Charlestown guards 77 04 00

Metcalf Bowler, Thomas Rumreill, Caleb Harris, Adam Comstock and
Benoni Pearce, as their commissions for signing money bills emitted by

the state 33 06 8

Metcalf Bowler, to purchase two reams of paper on which to print tlie
money bills emitted by the state, .$600, Continental money.

Bennett Wheeler, for printing for the state 22 12 9

Esek Hopkins, for his expenses in superintending the press for striking off

the money bills emitted by the state, .$1,000.
Benjamin Bourne, for paper furnished, and for his attendance upon the

General Assembly, as clerk 219 00

William Mumford, for his attendance upon the General Assembly, as depu-
ty secretary, and as auditor of accounts 150 00

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 149

Henry Tanner, of West Greenwich, for collecting thirty-eight blankets 21 00

Benjamin F. Carlile, for services as waiter upon the General Assembly ... 54 18

Daniel Branch, " " " " ■ • • "8 00

■William Compton, " " " " • • • V2 00

God save the United States of America.

•,
The Governor of Rhode Island to Gen. Washington.

Warwick, state of Rhode Island, i
June 6th, 2780. \

Sir : — I received Your Excellency's favor of the 25th ult., by Dr. Craick, and laid it
before the council of war ; who have appointed a person to assist him in procuring suit-
able buildings for the reception of the sick ; likewise to provide such necessaries as the
doctor may require ; shall aflTord every assistance in my power, to effect the purpose of
his errand here. I am with esteem and regard.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. GREENE.
To His Excellency General Washington.

Governor Trumhidl, of Connectiad, to the Governor of
Rhode Island.

Hartford, 8th June, 1780.
Sir ; — I have this day received per Mr. Murray, your letter of the 5th inst. ; the con-
tents will be laid before the Council.

The requisitions from the army, the French minister, &c., for this state for supplies, are
such and so great, that a full compliance will be difficult to obtain, though every effort for
thepurpose in the present conjuncture, will be exerted ; in these circumstances, it will re-
quire some attention to determine every matter of supply. In the mean time, Mr. Mur-
ray returns in expectation of an answer to Your Excellency as soon as our determina-
tion can be made, which you may depend on.

Per Mr. Murray I take the liberty to enclose the letters I have received from the
westward, and desire Your E.Kcellency to forward those to Massachusetts and New
Hampshire, with all possible dispatch.

With sentiments of esteem and regard, I am, sir.
Your obedient servant,

JON'TH. TRUMBULL.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

General Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Springfield, )
lOth June, 1780. )

Sir : — I have the honor to introduce to you Mr. DeCorny, commissary of war in the
service of His Most Christian Majesty. This gentleman is charged with the important
trust of procuring the necessary supplies of every sort, for the French army, on which
business he is now proceeding to the eastern states.

I have given him this letter for Your Excellency, to request you will afford him all
the assistance in your power towards accomplishing the objects of his mission in their
fullest extent. I have also assured him that you will be happy in the opportunity of

150 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JULY,

facilitating his operations in every way that may contribute to the success of the com-
bined operations. Gratitude for so generous a succor, and the interest of these states,
unite in requiring this of us ; Your Excellency's zeal makes it unnecessary to suggest
motives.

I take the liberty to recommend Mr. DeCorny to Y'our Excellency's particular atten-
tion. His personal merit and zeal in the common cause, entitle him to every mark of
consideration. I have the honor to be, with perfect respect and esteem,

Y'our Excellency's most obedient and humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Committee of Congress to the Governor of Rhode Island.

In Committee of Congress, i
Circular.] Morristown, June 23, 1780. )

Sir : — Impressed with the necessity of giving you the earliest information of every im-
portant occurrence, we therefore enclose you a copy of a letter from the commander-in-
chief this moment received. ,

From the accumulated distresses of our army, which we are daily spectators of, the
jeop.ardy we have twice seen them in, and the fatal consequences that must have re-
sulted from a defeat (which would inevitably have been the consequence, had the ene-
my at first, and still will be, should they even now pursue their object), we are con-
strained again to call on you in the most pressing manner, to forward your quota of men
and supplies, agreeably to our estimate of the 2d inst., and prevent the total sacrifice of
the few brave and intrepid spirits that at present compose our army, and avoid the in-
delible stain that must consequently be fixed on these states, should such an event
take place. We are, with the highest respect,

Y'our most obedient servants,
J. W. MATHEWS,
NATHX PEABODY.
To His Excellency William Greene, Esq.

The Governor of Rhode Island to Gen. Washington.

Providence, June 25, 1780.

Sir : — I have the lionor to enclose you a resolve of the council of war of this day, in
consequence of a letter from the committee of Congress of the 12th inst., enclosing yours
of the 11th, wherein the committee most earnestly conjure us to send forward the
troops of this state without delay.

The council being apprehensive that the measure takeu by the afores.aid resolve,
might interfere with Y'our Excellency's orders, and anxious to furnish you the most
speedy reinforcements of this state's quota, have requested me to write Y'our Excellen-
cy on this subject, that your pleasure thereon might be known.

The General Assembly have ordered six hundred and ten men to be raised, to com-
plete this state's quota ; and for that purpose, have proportioned them to the several
towns, to be raised and rendezvoused at this place by the 1st day of July ; some are al-
ready raised ; and every exertion of government will be made to complete this number,
as well as to furnish the supplies required by the committee.

Y'our Excellency may be assured this state will make every exertion in their power
to answer the expectations of the public.

I am, with the utmost esteem,

Y'our Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

W. GREENE.

To General Washington

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 151

Gen. Washingion to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Eamapaugh, 29th June, 1780.

Sir : — I was yesterday honored with Your Excellency's favor of the 25th, enclosing
a recommendation of tlie council of war, to General Heath, to order Colonel Greene's
regiment to march immediately to join the army, leaving as many officers as possible
to bring forward the drafts directed to be raised for completing the battalions of the
state. Col. Greene's regiment being too small to aiFord any material reinforcement,
and being usefully emplo_ved where it is at present, I have thought it most advisable for
it to remain until the greater part of the drafts are collected ; when I have desired Gen.
Heath to put thera in motion, at the same time detaining a few officers to collect and
bring up the remaining levies. Upon their joining the army, I shall dispose of them
in such manner as will make the regiments equal in point of numbers.

The gallant behaviour of Col. Angell's regiment on the 23d inst., at Springfield, reflects
the highest honor upon the officers and men. They disputed an important pass with
so obstinate a bravery, that they lost upwards of forty in killed, wounded and missing,
before they gave up their ground to a vast superiority of force.

The ready and ample manner in which your state has complied with the requisitions
of the committee of co-operation, both as to men and suppUes, entitles her to the thanks
of the public, and affords the highest satisfaction to, sir.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To Governor Greene.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Philadelphia, 29th June, 1780.

Sir : — The urgent necessity of drawing into the public treasury the $10,000,000 men-
tioned in the act of the 19th of May, was so fully pointed out, that Congress exceed-
ingly regret the failure of this necessary supply. The conjuncture is already arrived,
when it is become essential not only to the operations of this campaign, but to the very
existence of the army.

Congress therefore can no longer delay reiterating the most importunate solicitations,
that the proportions of each of the states be forwarded immediately. For this purpose,
they have dispatched a special messenger, and they trust he will not meet with disap-
pointment.

A further sum must also be speedily had, or it will be impossible for the operations to
proceed. Congress liave therefore drawn on these states for the remainder of their
quotas to the 1st of March last, inclusive ; and it is their duty to conjure the several
states, if they should still be unprepared, that they will at all events, transmit their ar-
rears to the period last mentioned, to the Continental treasury, within thirty days fi'ora
the date of the warrants.

The monthly estimates of money heretofore made, were but barely sufficient at that
time ; their value has since greatly diminished, and the payment has been delayed long
after Jt became due. These circumstances have already involved our afiairs in much
perplexity, and driven to expedients which nothing but the last necessity could justify ;
permanency and arrangement in the public finances, must at every hazard, be intro-
duced and supported.

In this view, Congress do again, with the most earnest solicitude, press on the sev-

152 RECORDS or THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

eral states the necessity of vigorous and decisive measures for carrying into full and
immediate execution tlieir resolutions of tlie IStli of March last. Tlie doing whiph, at
the same time that it places credit on the surest basis, will, in the course of the year, give
all the relief tliat could possibly result from a further emission equal to the wliole that
is now in circulation. These resolutions, Congress are persuaded are every day better
understood ; and that upon giving them their full effect, very much depends the final
establishment of our liberties.

It is unnecessiiry that Congress should suggest to the several states the expediency
of providing by loans against any deficiency they may have reason to apprehend from
their taxes.

The blank bills for the several states will be forwarded as fast as the acts of their As-
semblies providing funds for them, are transmitted to Congress.

By order of Congress,
SAMUEL HUXTLXGTON, President.

To His Excellency (ioveruor Greene.

Proceedings of the General Assembly, for the State of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Newport,on
the third Monday in July, 1780.

His Excellency William (^xreene, Gov(>rnor.
The Hon. William Wesi, Deputy Governor.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. John Handy be, and he
is hereby, appointed auditor of accounts, during the present
session of this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that John I. Clark, Wm. Chan-
ning, Rowse J. Helme, Metcalf Bowler and Benj. Bourne,
Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee to
draught a congratulatory address to the commanders of the
French army and fleet, on their arrival in this state.

It is voted and resolved, that Metcalf Bowler, Thomas
Rumreill and Joseph Stanton, Jr., Esqs., be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee to draught an answer to a
letter from Governor Trumbull, requesting the appointment
of a person to meet the deputies from the New England
states, at Boston, for the purposes in the said letter men-
tioned ; and that the said committee also draught a letter
to the president of the council of the commonwealth of

1780.] AXD PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 153

Massachusetts, requesting them to concur in the measures
pro]50sed.*

Whereas, it hath been represented unto this Assembly,
that Samuel Jones, of New London, in the state of Connec-
ticut, was confined in the jail, in the town of Providence, by
order of the inferior court of common pleas, for the county of
Providence^ for theft ; and whereas, the said Samuel Jones
was enlisted out of the said jail, and returned as a recruit
toward the quota of the said town of Providence, con-
trary to the laws of this state ; whereby the due course of
justice has been interrupted, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the class for which
the said Samuel Jones was enlisted, be, and it is hereby, or-
dered to furnish an able-bodied and effective man, duly
qualified to pass muster, in the room of the said Samuel
Jones, by the 24th instant; and that upon failure thereof,
the committee for classing and detaching the men in the said
town of Providence, be, and they are hereby, directed to de-

* Governor Trumbull of Connectkut.io the Governor of Rhode
Island.

Lebanon, 14th July, 1780.
Sir; — The late arrangement of our public affairs, the disconcerted state of the commissary depart-
ment, the large demands upon the New England states for supplies for the army, and the regular man-
ner in which those supplies ought to be furnished, especially of fresh provisions, so as to prevent a want
at one time, or a surplus .tt another, the large demands for the army and navy of our ally, which are
now arrived, to be supplied by these states; as such as also the market, which, by their arrival, will be
opened for a variety of articles to be supplied by individuals; not only to prevent a disappointment of
their expectations iu their supplies, but of their bsing imposed and extorted upon by extravagant
prices by individuals, which may greatly endanger a disaffection, and many other matters of general
concern in this important conjuncture of our affairs— calls for a union of councils and measures.

To effect which, with the greatest expedition, we have thought it necessary to send one of our board
to meet such gentlemen as may be appointed from the states of Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New
Hampshire; or such of them as shall concur in the measure, at Boston, as early next week as possible,
to confer on these and other important subjects peculiarly necessary at this day; to agree upon and
adopt such similar measures as may be most conducive to the general interest.

We have forwarded this intimation by an express to the council of war, at Providence; and if agreeable
to them, it is requested they would unite in their request with ours, to the council of war, at Boston, by
them immediately to be communicated to the president and council in New Hampshire, for the purpose
that, such convention may be held at Boston with all possible expedition. The reasons for this proposal j
are so obvious, the matters so pressing, that we apprehend no apology need be made for this application .
I am, with esteem and regard, sir,

Your obedient, humble servant,

JON'TH. TUII.MBULL.
To His Excellency Governor Groene.

J 54 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

tach a man from the said class ; and the secretary is directs
ed to transmit a copy of this resokition immediately to the
town clerk of the town of Providence.

It is voted and resolved, that Rowse J. Helme, Thomas
Eumreill, William Channing, Metcalf Bowler and William
Taggart, Esqs.. be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to devise ways and means for paying the arrearages
due to the regiments commanded by Colonels Christopher
Greene, Henry Sherburne and Israel Augell, on account of
the depreciation of their wages ; and that they make report
to this Assembly at the present session.

Whereas, since the arrival (jf the army of His Most Chris-
tian Majesty in this state? the officers thereof residing in the
town of Newport have been supplied with bread by the
bakers of the said town, which hath greatly increased the
consumption of flour therein, and unless an immediate sup-
ply can be obtained, the inhabitants of the said town will be
viistressed, and prevented from afforiling the necessary sup-
plies for the said officers in future, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that His Excellency
the Governor be requested to write to His Excellency Gov-
ernor Trumbull, and request him to permit two hundred
barrels of flour to be purchased in the state of Connecticut,
and brought from thence .into the said town of Newport, for
the use, aforesaid ; and that Mr. George Champlin, mer-
chant, be, and he is hereby, appointed in behalf of the said
town, to procure the same ; and that he conduct himself in
the purchase thereof, agreeably to the permission which
may be obtained.

It is voted and resolved, that the grass fit for mowing on
the Point Farm (so called), lying in South Kingstown, be-
longing to this state, be immediately cut and made into
hay ; that the Honorable Major General Heath be request-
ed to detach forty men from Colonel Christopher Greene's
regiment for that purpose ; and that Mr. Samuel Congdon
and Mr. John Hawkins be, and they are hereby, appointed
to superintend and assist in the said business.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 155

It is farther voted and resohed, that Charles Keen, Esq.,
be requested to furnish two dozen of scythes and thirty
rakes ; that Geoi-ge Irish, Esq., be requested to purchase
two grind-stones, twelve pitch-forks, the necessary scythe-
tackling and a cart-rope, for the purpose, aforesaid ; and
that they forward the same to the said Samuel Congdon
and John Hawkins, who shall be paid a reasonable consid-
eration for their services.

Whereas, William Taggart and William Richmond, Esqs.,
and Mr. William Ladd, presented unto this Assembly the
following report, to wit :

Report of the Committee cqypohited bt/ the General' Assembly,
7'elative to Samuel Dyer.

We, the subscribers, in consequence of our appointment, liave examined the jurors
on the trial of Samuel Dyer, Esq., at the superior court, held at Tiverton, in July inst.,
nnd do find, that Gideon Wilcox, the foreman of the jury, had furnished himself with
provisions previous to the trial ; by which means, together with his threats of holding
out longer than tlie rest, he obtained a verdict contrary to the opinion of the greatest
part of tlie said jury ; therefore we beg leave to report to this Honorable General Assem-
bly, accordingly. WILLIAM TAGGART,

WILLIAM RICHMOND,

Tiverton, July 15, 1780. WILLIAM LADD,

Committee.

Which being duly cou.sidered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be accepted ;
and that the said Samuel Dyer be cited to attend this As-
sembly, at four of the clock, P. M., this day, to show cause
(if any he hath) why the trial at Tiverton, as aforesaid,
should not be deemed a mis-trial, the verdict then and there
given set aside, and a new trial ordered.

It is voted and resolved, that £15,000, lawful money, be
advanced to Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq., deputy quartermas-
ter general, out of the general treasury, to purchase knap-
sacks, oars, wood, &c., for the troop.s, and to defray the ex-
pense of their marching.

Whereas, Daniel Box, Esq., preferred a jjetition, and rep-
resented unto this Assembly, that in the year 1775 he en-
gaged in the service of this state as brigade major ; that he

156 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLV,'

hath continued iu the pubUc service ever since ; that in con-
sequence of a new arrangement of officers, wliich took place
in May, 1779, he was not allowed by the committee ap-
pointed for that purpose, the depreciation of his wages,
which was allowed to the other officers in the Continental
service ; and that he hath hitherto received no further al-
lowance for his services than Continental wages and rations ;
and thereupon prayed this Assembly to make him an ade-
quate allowance for his services; which being duly con-
sidered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be, and the
same is hereby, granted ; that the said Daniel Box receive
the said allowances on account of depreciation as the other of-
ficers of his rank ; and that the committee for adjusting the
accounts of the troops of this state, on the depreciation of
their wages, &c., settle the balance due to the said Daniel
Box, and make report as soon as may be.

Whereas, it appears to this Assembly, that the jurors who
tried the information filed against Samuel Dyer, at the su-
perior court lately held at Tiverton, in the county of New-
port, were guilty of very flagrant misconduct in the said
trial, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the trial aforesaid,
be, and hereby is, adjudged a mis-trial ; that the verdict of
the said jury be set aside ; and that a new trial be had on
the said information, at the next superior court of judica-
ture court of assize and general jail delivery, to be holden
at Newport, within and for the said county of Newport.

An Act establishing a court of ftdmiralty in this state.
[See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

Whereas, it appears to this Assembly, that Adam Fergu-
son, of Newport, tobacconist, is an enemy to the United
States, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Adam
Ferguson be immediately confined in the jail, in the county

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 157

of Newport ; that he be sent to New York, or to some other
place in the possession of the British troops, in the first flag
of truce that shall go from this state, under the direction of
the Honorable Major General Heath, or of the commanding
officer in this state for the time being ; that if the said, Ad-
am Ferguson shall ever return into this state, he shall be
subjected to the penalties of the act passed at the last ses-
sion, to prevent certain persons therein named, from being
admitted within this state ; that he be allowed to take his
family, or any part thereof, with him ; and his household
furniture, or otherwise dispose of it, as he shall think fit ;
that the sherift' of the county of Newport take into his pos-
session all the remainder of the personal estate of the said
Adam Ferguson ; and that he make report to this Assembly
at the next session.

Provided nevertheless, that the said Adam Ferguson may
confine himself to his own house, until he shall be sent
away, as aforesaid, upon his giving bond, with sufficient
surety, to be of good behaviour in the mean time.

Whereas, the Honorable Major General Heath, who was
requested to detach forty men from Colonel Christopher
Greene's regiment, to cut the grass and make it into hay,
on the Point Farm (so called), in South Kingstown, hath in-
formed this Assembly that he hath since received an order
from His Excellency General Washington, to march the said
regiment immediately ; and that it is therefore out of his
power to comply with the said request ; and whereas, it is
necessary that the said hay should be made, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that there be procured
in the towns hereafter mentioned, the number of men set
against each town for the purpose, aforesaid, to wit :

South Kingstown, -

- 4

Hopkinton, -

. 2

North Kingstown,

Exeter,

Charlestown, -

- 4

Middletown, -

- 2

Westerly, -

Newport, -

Eichmond,

- 3

158 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

It is furtlier voted and resolved, that the deputies from
tlie said towns be, and they are hereby, empowered and di-
rected, to furnish the men required of their several towns,
and send them to the said farm immediately ; that they
agi'ee with the said men for their wages, and supply them
with the necessary provisions and liquor; and that they make
report of the expense thereof, to this Assembly, as soon as
may be, which shall be paid out of the genera! treasury.

Whereas, John I. Clarke, William Channing. Rowse J.
Helme, Metcalf Bowler and Benjamin Bourne, reported un-
to this Assembly the following draught of an address to the
Honorable Lieutenant-General le Compte DeRochambeau,
to wit :

Address of the General Assembly of Rhode Island to Gen.
Rochaniheau.

The representatives of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in General
Assembly convened, with the most pleasing satisfaction, take the earliest opportunity
of congratulating Compte DeRochambeau, Lieutenant-General of the array of His Jlost
Christian Majesty, upon his safe arrival within the United States. Upon this occasion,
we cannot be too expressive of the gratefid sense we entertain of the generous and
magnanimous aid afforded to the United States, by their illustrious friend and ally.
Sufficient had been the proofs of his zeal and friendship ; the present instance must
constrain even envious, disappointed Britons to venerate the wisdom of his coun-
cils, and the sincerity of his noble mind. We look forward, with a most p easing ex-
pectation, to the end of a campaign, in which the allied force of France and these
United States, under the smiles of Divine Providence, may be productive of peace and
happiness to the contending powers, and mankind in general. We assure you, sir, our
expectations are enlarged, when we consider the wisdom of H s Most Christian Majesty
in your appointment, as the commander of his army, destined to our assistance. Be
assured, sir, of every exertion in the power of this state to afford the necessary refresh-
ments to the array under your command, and to render the service to all ranks as
agreeable and happy, as it is honorable *

We are, in behalf of the General Assembly,

The General's most obedient, and most devoted, humble servants,
WILLIAM GREENE,
WILLIAM BRADFORD.

To Lieutenant-General Compte DeRochambeau.

* Reply of Gen. Rochambeau to the Address of the General
Assembly of Rhode Island.

Gentlemen :— The King, my master, hath sent me to the assistance of his gooii .and faithful allies, the
United States of America. At present, I only bring over the vanguard of a much greater force destined
for their aid; and the King has ordered me to assure them, that hia whole power shall be exerted for
their support.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. ] 5'J

And the said report being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the said draught of an ad-
dress, be, and the same is hereby, approved ; that the secre-
tary cause a fair copy thereof to be made ; that His Excel-
lency the Governor, and the speaker of the lower house, be
requested to sign the same, in l^ehalf of this Assembly ; and
that the Honorable William Bradford, Esq., and John I.
Clarke, Esq., Mr. Joseph Brown, William Channiug, Eobert
Elliot, Metcalf Bowler and William Eichmond, Esqs., be, and
they are hereby, appointed a committee to present the same
to le Compte DeRochambeau.

Whereas, John I. Clarke, William Channing, Rowse J.
Helme, Metcalf Bowler and Benjamin Bourne, Esqs., report-
ed unto this Assembly the following draught of an address
to the Honorable le Chevalier DeTernay, tidmiral and com-

The French troops are uuder the Btrictest discipliue;
angton, will live with the Americans as their brethn
than contributing to their success.

I am highly seosible of the marks of respect shown me by the General Assembly, and beg leaye to as-
sure them, that as brethren, not only my life, but tbe lives of the troops under my command, are en-
tirely devoted to their service. (Signed.) THE COUNT DeROCHAMBBAU.

Khode

THE FKENCII
Ships' names. Guns.

Le Due DeBourgogne 84. .

Le Neptune 74.

LeConquerant 74.

FLEET AT RH
Men.

....1,200

700

ODE ISLAND.

Commanders.

Admiral DeTernay.

Deatouches.

0. B. DeMesigny.

Ardent (olim British)

Le Jason

64.,

600

La Fantasquc, serving as an
La Surveillante

hospital
40 ,

ship

300

250

DeCaillet

L'Andromaque

La Sibella

'. '...36.
29.

DeRonevcl.

Bar. DeClugney.

Pelican, American vessel. . .

160

EMED SHIPS.

The land forces consist of-
Ileginient de Bourbonnois
" Royal Deux 1
" " Saintonge,

>ont3,

Kegiment de Soissonois,
Legion de Lausun,
First battalion of artillery.
The frigates are to go out or

160 RECDRDt'. OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JULY.

mander of the fleet of His Most Christian Majesty, within
this state :

Address of the General Assembly of Rhode Island, to
Chevalier DeTernay.

The representatives of the state of Rliode Island and Providence Plantations, in Gen-
eral Assembly convened, with the most pleasing satisfaction, take this, the earliest op-
portunity, of testifying the sentiments that are impressed upon them, by the /great at-
tention which His Most Christian Majesty has invariably manifested to tlie United
States. The formidable armaments heretofore sent tgour aid, have essentially' promot-
ed our happiness and independence ; but at a time when Europe is involved in the calami-
ties of war, by the ambitious views of the British court, we cannot express the gratitude
we feel upon your arrival, with the fleet under your command, destined by our illustri-
ous ally to the assistance of the United States. We entreat you, on this occasion, to
accept the warmest congratulations of the General Assembly of tlie state of Rhode Is-
land and Providence Plantations ; and be assured, sir, of every exertion in their power
to afford the necessary refreshments to the fleet, and to render the service as agreeable
and happy, as it is honorable.

We are, in behalf of the General Assembly,

The Admiral's most obedient and most humble servants.

WILLIAM GREENE,
WILLIAM BRADFORD.

To Le Chevalier DeTernay

And the said report being duly considered. —
It is voted and resolved, that the same lie, and hereby is,
approved; that the secretary cause a fan- copy thereof to be
made ; that His Excellency the Governor, and the speaker
of the lower house, be requested to sign the same, in behalf
of this Assembly ; and that the Honorable William Brad-
ford, Esq., John I. Clarke, Esq., Mr. Joseph2Brown, William
Channing, Robert Elliott, Me tcalf Bowler and William Rich-
mond, Esqs., be, and they are hereb}', appointed to present
the same to le Chevalier DeTernay.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee for settling
the depreciation of the wages of the officers and soldiers
belonging to this state, in the Continental army, be, and
they are hereby, directed to adjust the balances due to the
officers and soldiers in Colonel Henry Sherburjie's regi-
ment, belonging to this state ; and that they make report
as soon as may be.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.VNTATIONS. Ifil

Whereas, Metcalf Bowler, Thomas Rumreill and Joseph
Stanton, Jr., Esqs., reported unto this Assembly, a draught
of a letter* to the president of the council of the common-
wealth of Massachusetts ; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
approved ; that the secretary cause a fair copy thereof, to
be made ; and that His Excellency the Governor be re-
quested to sign and transmit the same, to the said presi-
dent, as soon as may be.

A draught of a letterf to His Excellency Governor Trura-

* The Governor of Rhode Island to the President of the
Oo-iincil of Massachusetts.

Newport, .Tuly 20, 1780.
Sir : — A letter of the 14th instant, from Governor Trumbull, proposing a committee from each of the
New Eoglanil states, to convene at Boston, to confer on very important measures therein proposed, I laid
before the General Assembly of this state, which unanimously concurred with the proposal; and have
requested me to write you, recommending the concurrence of your state with the same ; and if agreea-
ble, to request you to write to the president and council of New Hampshire, on this necessary measure.
It is proposed to convene at Boston, on "Wednesday, the 2t5th day of .luly instant.

I am, with esteem and regard, sir.

Your obedient servant,

WILLIAM GREENE.
To the Honorable President of the Council of Massachusetts Bay.

t 7'he Governor of Rhode Island to Governor Tnmibidl,
of Connecticut.

Newport, July 19, 1780.
Sir:— I was, on the 17th instant, fiivored with yours, of the 14th, and have laid the same before the
General Assembly at the present session.

They are fully impressed with the necessity .and propriety of the measure proposed, and have request-
ed me to inform you that they will appoint a committee to attend at Boston, for the purposes men-
tioned in your letter, on Wednesday, the 26th day of July instant. I shall immediately communicate
this resolution to the president of the council of Massachusetts Bay

The General As.'^embly being sincerely desirous of accommodating the officers of the army and navy of
His Most Christian Majesty, now at this place, and of furnishing them with the necessary supplies, have
passed a resolution, a copy whereof, at their request, I now enclose you. I must request your atten
tion to this resolution, and that you would be pleased to grant permission for the purpose therein men-
tioned, as it will be otherwise impracticable to procure the necessary supply of flour.

I am, with esteem and regard, sir.

Your obedient, humble servant,

WILLIAM GliEENE.
To His Excellency Governor Trumbull.

Governor Trumbull of Connecticut to the Governor of Rhode
Island.

Lebanon, 21st July, 1780.
Sir:— Mr. Champlin delivered yours of the 19th, this forenoon. Colonel Dyer went from home
the 18th, in expectation to meet a commissioner from your state, to proceed immediately with
him to Boston, hoping to enter on business by the close of this week, as the subjects to be
IX. 21

162 HECOIIDS OF TlTi: STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Jl'LY,

bull, presented unlo this Assembl}^, by Metcalf Bowler,
Tlioinas Rumreill and Joseph Stanton, Jr., Esqs., a commit-
tee appointed for the purpose, being duly considered, —

It is voted and I'esolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
approved ; that the secretary cause a fair copy thereof to
be made ; and that His Excellency the Governor be re-
quested to sign and transmit the same to His Excellency
Governor Trumbull.

It is voted and resolved, that Charles Hoiden, Esq., com-
missary of purchases in this state, be, and he is hereby, di-
rected to furnish and supply Solomon Southwick, Esq., dep-
uty commissary general of issues, mth the necessary pro^i-
sions and liquors for the Honorable Major General Heath,
and his family, while in this state.

Whereas, it has been represented to this Assembly, that
a number of British officers, who were captured by the fleet
of His Most Christian Majesty, are now prisoners of war in
the town of Newport; and whereas, their being at large in
the said town, in the j^resent situation of aflairs, may be at-
tended with inconvenience to the public, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that it be recommend-
ed to Major General Heath to request Lieutenant-General
Rochambeau to cause the said officers to be sent to Cumber-
land, in the county of Providence, there to remain until ex-
changed, or until the further order of the said General
Rochambeau.

considcreil, require apeedy determination; liope that lour committee will not exceed the time

The other affiiir mentiontd, and contained in the resolution of your Assembly, it is not in my power
to do any ihiuj^ upon. The requisition of the committee of co-operation is for fifteen hundred barrels
of ilour per mouth, from this state; a quantity, I fear, not possible for us to provide.

Our Assembly, willing to exert ourselves to the extent of our abilities, ordered an illustration to be
made of all the stilted pork, flour and grain of every sort; so that all to be spared might be known and
purchased by the commissaries in the several districts: they only to have liberty to purchase, its all
would be wanted for the use of the army. I have not encouraged Mr. Champlin to go further; and tell
him that the French officers quartered in families, ought to furnish them out of the flour sent them
for the use of His Most Christian M;ijesty=s forces. I cannot see at present how flour can be had in this
st:ite, tor the purpose mentioned in the resolve of your Assembly.

I have received no official intelligence concerning the French armament that is arrived ; nor whether
any more is expected- I am, with great truth and regard, sir,

Your obedient, humble servant,

JON'TH. TRUMBULL.

To nis Exccll«ncy Governor Green..

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 163

Whereas, this state is now called upon immediately to
furnish its quota of the supplies required by the committee
of Cong; ess, for the use of the army of the United States
of America, during the present campaign ; and whereas,
it is the duty of each and every part of the stale to
contribute in furnishing the same, according to their
respective abilities ; and whereas, the town of New
Shoreham, from its exposed situation, hath been hitherto
excused from furnishing its quota of supplies of men and
provisions, for carrying on the present war ; and it being
now impracticable to make any regular assessment upon
the said island, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said town of
New Shorehaui be, and it is hereby, called upon to furnish
and deliver to the committee hereafter appointed, the num-
ber of horses and cattle, and the quantity of grtvin, fish and
cheese, which shall be required of them by the said com-
mittee, to be applied in part of the quota of sujiplies re-
quired, as aforesaid.

It is further voted and resolved, that William Eichmond
and John Topham, Esqs., and Mr. Mathew Manchester be,
and they are hereby, appointed a committee to proceed
forthwith to the said town of New Shoreham, and on their
arrival, they are hereby fully empowered and directed to
demand from the inhabitants thereof, such a number of
horses and cattle, and such quantities of grain, fish and
cheese, as in their opinion can be furnished by the said in-
habitants, for the use aforesaid ; and that upon receipt
thereof, the said committee apprjjise the same, and deliver
certificates of such appraisements to the proprietoi's there-
of, and make return of the same, that such an equitable ad-
justment thereof ma}" be made as this Assembly shall here-
after order.

It is further voted and resolved, that if the said inhabitants
of the said island shall neglect or refuse to deliver the said
horses, cattle, grain, fish and cheese, which shall be demanded

164 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

by the said committee, in pursuance of this resohition, within
twelve hours after such demand shall be made, as aforesaid,
the said committee are thereupon directed to take from
the said inhabitants in whose possession soever they may
be found, the number of horses and cattle, and the quanti-
ties of grain, fish and cheese, which shall be demanded, as
aforesaid ; and that they appraise the same, and make re-
turn thereof, to this Assembly.

It is further voted and resolved, that if it should hereaf-
ter appear, that the horses, cattle, grain, fish and cheege,
which shall be received or taken, as aforesaid, from the in-
habitants of the said island, shall exceed the proportion
which ought to be furnished by the said inhabitants for the
purpose, aforesaid, the said town of New Shoreham shall be
credited for the surplus in the first tax which shall be as-
sessed upon the said town, after the same shall be ascer-
tained.

It is further voted and resolved,"that the said committee
be, and they hereb}^, are empowered and directed to pro-
cure and take with them to the said island, a sufficient
number of vessels for transporting to Newport the horses,
cattle, grain, &c., which shall be received or taken, as afore-
said, and if necessary, to impress the same ; and they are
also empowered to agree Avith the owners of the said ves-
sels for the use, thereof, and to employ a sufficient number
of persons to navigate the same.

And whereas, it is necessary that the said committee
should be protected from any British vessel of war, and
should receive every necessary assistance in the execution
of this business, —

It is therefore further voted and resolved, that Major
General Heath be requested to apply to the commanders-
in-chief of His Most Christian Majesty, now within this
state, for the aid of men and ships requisite to carry this
resolution into execution.

Whereas, the officers of His Most Christian Majesty's hos-

] 780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 165

pital have requested this Assem?jly to appropriate a suitable
piece of land on the state's farm, at Popasquash, for tie
burial of such as may die at the said hospital, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the principal di-
rector of the said hospital be, and he is hereby, permitted to
choose and appropriate for the j^urpose, aforesaid, such a
part of the said farm as may be convenient ; and that the
deputy quartermaster general be, and he is hereby, directed
to enclose the same within a pale-fence.

It is further voted and resolved, that whenever the said
farm shall be sold, this state will make reservation of the
said burial ground.

Whereas, it is represented to this Assembly, that the
committee of the town of South Kingstown, for classing and
detaching the inhabitants of the said town, have detached
one Richard Phillips (son of William), an inhabitant of, and
resident in, the town of North Kingstown, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Richard
Phillips be, and he is hereby, released from the said detach-
ment; and that the said committee be, and they are here-
by, empowered and directed forthwith to furnish an able-
bodied and effective man, to serve in Colonel Christopher
Greene's regiment, in the place and stead of the said Rich-
ard Phillips ; and that they take and distrain from the es-
tates of the three delinquents, who were classed with the
said Richard Phillips, so much as may be sufficient to pay
three-fourths of the expense of hiring and furnishing a man,
as aforesaid ; and the remainder of such expense shall be
paid by the said town of South Kingstown.

And it is further voted and resolved, that the said com-
mittee, in case of refusal to perform the business enjoined
on them by this resolve, be subject and liable to the same
penalties as they would have been, in case of refusing and
neglecting to execute the duties enjoined upon them by
the act of this Assembly, passed at the last session, for class-
ing and detaching the inhabitants of their said town, to

166 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

complete their quota of men ordered to be raised, to serve
six months in the Continental army.

An Act for proportioning, upon tlie several towns within tliis state, the montlily sup-
plies to be raised for the support of the army.

Whereas, it is expedient, for the preservation of the liberties of this and the United
States, that the supplies for the army, as recommended by the Honorable Continental
Congress, should be duly had and received by the commissary of purchases ; and
whereas, the said supplies can be procured in the most easy and expeditious manner,
by proportioning the same unto the respective towns within this state, —

Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is
enacted, that the following towns, hereinafter mentioned, shall monthly supply the
commissary general of purchases of this state with the quantity of seventy-one thousand
six hundred and seventj'-five pounds weight of good merchantable beef, and two thou-
sand two hundred and eighty -five bushels of good merchantable Indian corn, rye, oats,
or barley, &r and during the months of July, August, September and October, in the
following proportions, to wit :

Proportion of Suppllts to he furnished by the several loams
in the State, for the Continental Army.

Portsmouth 3,555 lbs. of beef

Middletown 2,200 "

Jamestown 2.200 " "

Tiverton 2,555 " " and 100 bushels of grain.

Little Corapton 3,.555 " " " 100 " "

Smithfleld 5,000 " " " 150 "

Scituale 4,600 " " " 100 "

Glocester 4,600 " " " 150 "

Cumberland 2,600 " " " 90 "

Cranston 2,450" " " 110 "

Johnston 1,560" " " 20 "

North Providence 1,000 " " " 15 " "

Westerly 2,400" " " 100 "

North Kingstown 3,600 " " "100 "

South Kingstown 6,800 " " " 180 "

Charlestown 2,500 " " " 100 "

Richmond 2,500 " " "125 " "

Exeter 2,800 " " " 100 "

Hopkintou 2,300 " " " 75 " "

Bristol 1,500" " " 100 "

AVarren 500 " " " 50 "

Barringtou 800 " " " 60 "

Warwick " ' .3,000 " ". " 140 "

East Greenwich 800 " " " 70 "

West Greenwich 2,800 " " " 125 "

Coventry 2,500 " " " 126 "

Which aforesaid articles of beef and grain shall be procured and had by the towns,
ready to be delivered unto the said commissary, at or before tlie end and expiration of

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 1G7

each month, as aforesaid ; and for wliich articles, aforesaid, tlie said commissary shall
immediately pay unto the persons procuring the same, in the money issued by this
state, and funded upon real estate, the common going market-prices of such articles as
they are sold for in gold and silver.

Provided nevertheless, that the towns of South Kingstown, Tiverton and Little
Conipton, be not called upon to procure and provide the grain, aforesaid, until the month
of August.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all the beef and grain which
hath been purchased by the commissary, aforesaid, within any town of this state, shall
be allowed and reckoned unto such town, and sh;dl be held and considered as so much
furnislied by said town ; and the commissarj-, aforesaid, is hereby directed to make a
return of the quantity of beef and grain wliich he has purchased, as aforesaid, unto the
respective town clerks of each town, of the quantity he has respectively obtained of
them, that the same may be known, accounted and reckoned unto them, in part of their
supplies, as aforesaid.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the town clerks of the re-
spective towns within this state, be, and they are hereby, ordered, empowered and di-
rected to issue their warrants as soon as may be, to convene a town meeting, to make
choice of, and appoint, suitable persons for the procuring of such articles, in such way»
and by such means as the said respective towns shall adjudge to be the most eligible.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any or cither of the
towns, aforesaid, shall neglect or refuse to provide the articles, aforesaid, in manner as
is before directed, it shall, and may, be lawful tor the conmiissary, aforesaid, and he is
hereby directed and required, to go into such town, and seize and take from the inhab-
itants thereof, to the amount of their proportion of beef and grain, as aforesaid, and to
pay unto the persons from whom he shall take the articles, aforesaid, the common going
price, as aforesaid ; and if the person or persons, from whojn the same shall be taken,
shall refuse to accept and receive the money, aforesaid, the commissary shall pay into
the town treasury of such town, from which such articles shall be taken, to the amount,
thereof; and the town treasurer of such town is hereby required to receive the same,
and give his receipt therefor, and take a certificate of the commissary from whom such
articles were taken, with the quantity and price, thereof; and thereupon the said com-
missary shall be fully discharged ; and the moneys shall remain in the treasury, afore-
said, to be disposed of in such manner as the town shall direct.

And be it further enacted hy the authority aforesaid, that all the aforesaid towns shall
be excused from procuring any part of the rum or salt, which is required by Congress,
for the supplies, aforesaid ; the towns of Newport and Providence, not being assessed
herein, are hereafter to procure the said rum and salt, if required by this Assembly.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that those sequestered estates which
have furnished grain or other articles since the requisition, be considered as part of the
quota of the said supplies, in the towns where such estates lie ; and that in case any
West India goods or salt shall arrive at any of the sea-ports in this state, they furnish
the said articles in proportion to the quantities which have arrived, or maj' arrive, at
such ports.

Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the secretary forthwith cause
this act to be printed, and sent to the town clerks of each respective town.

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that tliere
is great want *of feed for the cattle belonging to, and em-
ployed by, the army and fleet of His Most Christian Majes-
ty wthin this state, —

168 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND /". [JuLY,

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Mr. Simeon*Mar-
tin, deputy commissary of forage, be, and he is hereby, em-
powered and directed, to apply to the proprietors of a lot
of land, containing'' about sixty acres, dying at thOj'^north
end of the town of Newport, and belonging to ColonerJohn
Malbone, and others, and agree with them for such consid-
eration, for the use of the said land, for the purpose, afore-
said, as shall be adjudged to be reasonable by*three persons,
to be mutually chosen by the major part of the said propri-
etors and the said Simeon Martin ; and^that in case the said
proprietors shall refuse or neglect to agree on men to ap-
praise the said pasturage, or shall refuse' to agree to their
appraisement, then the said Simeon Martin be, and he is
hereby, empowered and directed to take possession of the
said pasture land, and convert it to the use, aforesaid, and
cause the same to be appraised by any such three judicious
persons as he may appoint for that purpose.

And it is farther voted and resolved, that the said Simeon
Martin take effectual care that the said pasture be guarded
in such a manner as to prevent any injury to the adjoining
lands.

It is voted and resolved, that Charles Holden, Esq., com-
missary of purchases, in this state, be, and he is hereby,
empowered to draw the sum of £.3,000, lawful money, out
of the general treasury, to enable him to purchase the ne-
cessary supplies for General Heath, and his fixmily ; and
that he account for the same.

It is voted and resolved, that Colonel Ephraim Bowen,
Jr., deputy quartermaster general, be, and he is hereby, em-
powered and directed to furnish Doctor James Ci-aick, who
was ordered into this state, by His Excellency Gen. Wash-
ington, to prepare hospitals for the French army and fleet,
out of the money that hath been advanced to him by this
Assembly, with a sufficient sum to defray .his expenses,
since he hath been in this state, and on his return to head-
quarters.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

169

Whereas, William Richmond, Daniel Mowry, Jr., Rowse
J. Helme and Thomas Holden, Esqs., presented unto this
Assembly, the following report, to wit :

Re2}ort of the Committee ajJj^oinied hy the General Assembly,
to take an estimate of the Polls and Ratable Property
within the State.

Tiverton

Little Compton . .

Providence

Smithfielrl

Scituate

Glocester

Cumberland

Cranston

Johnston

North Providence

Westerly

North Kingstown
South Kingstown

Charlestown

Richmond

ICxeter

Hopkinton

Bristol

Warren

Barrington

Warwick

East Greenwich . .
West Greenwich
Coventry

2,243
774
42,299
2,143
2,964
1,963
1,201
2,423

i;852

1,031

4,278

8,634

802

438

672

1,176

4,111

4,512

850

4^812

498

7,724

820

566

4,075

1,157

410

879

1,363

2,617

324

170

486

293

755

147

148

1,626

1,262

235

253

240

1,171

3,936

201

1,205

2,046

281

219

413

2,370

3,449

464

2,649

4,738

420

2,678

3,558

1 336

2,007

235

1,013

2,119

16>.

665

1,106

106

495

669

21C

1,147

2,598

255

1,335

3,476

53(1

3,363

6,818

225

965

2,264

20S

1,237

2,862

196

1,-521

3,267

224

1,072

2,566

117

535

1,877,

4(:

345

840

4>>

305

649

287

1,514

3,0X3

1.52

7011 1,411

227

l,098i «,642

809

1,322 2,864

£
111,895
87,084
212,286
194,864
205,814
181,889
92,626
128,575
66,098
53,538
97,848
146,787
282,935
79,266
72,778
105,249
92,448
65,779
37,801
29,915
175,001
78,264

107,097 llll9,584'5,903!5,567|31,313 59,944 2,778,145 10

We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee to take an estimate of the ratable
property within this state, agreeably to an act of the General Assembly, passed in Oc-
tober, A. D, 1778, have, in conformity thereto, proceeded into the towns abovenamed,
and with great care, and as much precision as possible, have endeavored to obtain an
exact account of the real value of this state ; for which purpose, we have made out dis-
tinct and separate rolls for each respective town, which are herewith presented ; and
the above is a summary of the real value of each town, which we hope will meet with
the approbation of Your Honors.

All which, is submitted by —

WILLIAM RICHMOND, ROWSE J. HELME,

DANIEL MOWRY< JR., THOMAS HOLDEN,

Committee.

170 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLT

And the said report being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
accepted.

And be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the
authority thereof it is hereby enacted, that the said valua-
tion of the ratable property, as expressed and specified
against each respective town, is the value of each town ;
that the same shall be considered as its value ; and that in
all taxes and assessments to be made upon the said towns,
the said valuation shall be the rule and guide for propor-
tioning the same.

Whereas, Adam Ferguson, avIio is confined to his own
house, by ^ resolution of this Assembly, hath so conducted
himself since his confinement as aforesaid, that the public
safety requires he should be more closely confined —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sheriff of the
county of Newport be, and he is hereby, directed forthwith
to commit the said Adam Ferguson to close jail, in the said
county, there to remain until he shall be sent to New York,
as before directed by this Assembly ; and that the bond
given \)y the said Adam Ferguson, to the general treasurer
of this state, for his good behaviour, be delivered up.

Whereas, the committee appointed to ascertain the bal-
ances due to the officers and soldiers of this state's Conti-
nental battalions, for depreciation, have made a report there-
of; and this Assembly having accepted the said report, did
thereupon resolve, that at this session, ways and means
should be devised for paying such part thereof immediately,
as the abilities of this state will admit of, and the residue as
soon as the same could be supplied, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sum of
£75,000, lawful money, due and payable the 1st day Au-
gust next, for the wrecks heretofore disposed of by the com-
mittee appointed for that purpose, be paid to the officers
and soldiers of the said battalions, in proportion to their
-wages, in part of the balances ascertained and due as afore-
said.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 171

And it is further voted and resolved, that so much of the
real estates of the absentees confiscated to the use of this
state, be set off by the committee herein after appointed, as
shall be sufficient to discharge the residue of the said bal-
ances ; and that the same be conveyed in fee simple, for the
use of the said officers and soldiers, to such persons, and in
such manner as this Assembly shall hereafter order.

It is further voted and resolved, that William Channing,
Caleb Harris, Rowse J. Hehne, William Bradford and Adam
Comstock, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to set off so much of the said estates, as shall be
equal in value to the balances ascertained as aforesaid, after
deducting from the same the sums already ad^Anced, and
the sum now ordered to be paid in part thereof; and the
said committee are hereby empowered and directed, to set
off the land, in satisfaction of the balances due to the com-
missioned officers, separate from the land which they shall set
off in payment of the balances due to the non-commissioned
officers and soldiers of the said battalions ; and the said
committee are further empowered to ascertain the balances
due as aforesaid, and to appraise the land which they shall
set off as aforesaid ; and also to draught a bill for convey-
ance of the same, agreeably to this resolution ; and that
they make report as soon as may be.

Provided nevertheless, and it is further voted and resolved,
that the said committee do not proceed in setting off the
said land, until the said officers and soldiers shall have first
signified to them their approbation of, and acquiescence in
the measures herein proposed ; and that they, the said offi-
cers and soldiers, will accept the land which shall be as-
signed them by the said committee, in satisfaction of the
balances due to them, agreeably to this resolution.

Whereas, from the depreciation of the currency of the
United States, the owners of the ferries in this state will suf-
fer great injury in conforming to the prices heretofore es-
tablished by law, at their respective ferries ; and whereas, a
deviation from the said prices, unless others be fixed, will

172 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JcLT,

will subject persons passing the said ferries to great im-
positions, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Messrs. William
Richmond, Charles Keen, John Stafford, Cromel Child and
Joseph Stanton, Jr., be, and they are hereb}', appointed a
committee to draught a bill for the regulation of the prices
of ferriage, at the several ferries throughout this state ; and
that they make report as soon as may may be.

It is voted and resolved, that Nathan Miller, William Tag-
gart and George Irish, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, ap-
pointed a committee to furnish a suitable and convenient
ferry boat for the conveyance of men, horses and carriages?
from the ferry on the west side of Jamestown to the Nar-
ragansett shore ; that they deliver the said boat to Mrs.
Mary Franklin, the proprietor of the said ferry, and settle
with her the terms upon which she shall receive it ; and
that they report to this Assembly, at the next session, the
expense of procuring the said boat, that the same may be
paid out of the general treasury.

Whereas, His Excellency Governor Trumbull hath in-
formed this Assembly, that a commissioner is appointed by
the state of Connecticut, to meet commissioners from the
other states in New England, in a convention, to be holden
at Boston, for the purpose of agreeing upon the mode of
furnishing the necessary supplies from the said states, for
the present campaign, and upon such other measures as may
tend to promote the success of the allied armies ; and re-
quested this state to appoint a commissioner for the afore-
said purposes ; and this Assembly being convinced that the
measures proposed will be essentially beneficial to the
United States, —

Do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved, that
the Honorable William Bradford, Esq., be, and he is hereby,
appointed as commissioner on the part of this state, to meet
the commissioners from the other states in New England,
in the said convention ; that he be, and hereby is, empow-
ered to agree to such measures as the said convention, or

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 173

the major part thereof, shall judge necessary to be adopted
by the said states in New England, in the present important
crisis of public affairs ; and that he make report of the reso-
lutions of the said convention to this Assembly, for rati-
fication.

It is voted and resolved, that £229 16s., in bills of the
new emission, funded upon real estate, be allowed and paid
out of the general treasury, to William Channing and
James M. Yarnum, Esqs., for their services, in filing infor-
mations against the several confiscated estates, and attend-
ing the courts and pleading to the same.

Whereas, Mrs. Ferguson, the wife of Adam Fer-
guson, who is ordered to be sent to New York, and whose
estate is taken into possession for the use of the state, hath
represented to this Assembly, that a great part of her hus-
band's property consists of her marriage portion, and prayed
that his personal estate may be deposited in the hands of
Mr. George Burkmaster, for the support of herself and of
her children ; and this Assembly compassionating her cir-
cumstances, —

Do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved, that
the whole personal estate of the said Adam Ferguson be de-
livered by the sheriff of the county of Newport, to the said
George Burkmaster, for the use aforesaid ; any thing in the
act empowering the said Adam Ferguson to dispose of his
household furniture to the contrary hereof, notwithstand-
ing; and that the said George Burkmaster deal out the

same to the said Ferguson for the said use, as her

circumstances shall from time to time require.

Whereas, Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq., deputy quartermaster
general, hath represented unto this Assembly, that he hath
not a sufficient sum of money in his hands to defray the ex-
penses of transporting the stores to Fishkill and Connecti-
cut river, and to defray the expenses of Doctor James
Craick, as directed by this Assembly, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Ephraim
Bowen, Jr., be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the

174 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.\ND [JuLY,

sum of £8,100, Continentul money, out of the general
treasury, for the purposes aforesaid.

It is voted and resolved, that John Ee^-nolds, Esq., agent-
clothier, be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the sum
of £12,000, in Continental money, out of the general
treasury, to enable him to procure hunting-shirts and over-
alls, for the new levies lately raised by this state.

It is voted and resolved, that the draught of a letter* to
Ezekiel Cornell, Esq., a delegate fi'om this state in Congress,
laid before this Assembly, be, and hereby is, approved ; that
the secretary make a fair copy thereof; and that His Excel-
lency the Governor be requested to sign and transmit the

Whereas, the magnanimity of His Most Christian Maj-
esty, our illustrious ally, in sending a powerful army and
fleet to the assistance of the United States ; the great pro-
priety with which the officers of the said army and fleet
have conducted themselves since their arrival in this state ;
and the zeal they manifest for the interest of the United
States, demand every grateful return in the power of this
General Assembly, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the Honorable
Wm. Bradford, Esq., Christopher Ellery, Esq., Metcalf Bow-
ler, Wm. Channing, Esq., John Tophani, Esq., Caleb Gard-
ner, Esq., Mr. George Champlin, George Irish, Esq., Jo-

* The Governor of Bhode Island to Ezekiel Cornell, Delegate
in the Continental Congress, from Rhode Island.

In General Assembly, Newport, 22d July, 1780.

Sir : — T am requested by the General Assembly to inform you that the demands for money upon this
State, in the various staff departments, particularly the quartermaster's, are immensely greater than
our abilities. Every exertion has been made with the greatest cheerfulness, and nothing will prevent a
continuance, but absolute impossibility. The necessity for large expenditures, are daily more urgent*
from the variety of circumstances, attendant upon the fleet and the army of His Most Christian Mig
esty. This state being the place of their present residence, is, in some measure, considered as possess
ing the treasury of America.

In a short time, if the demand for money should be continued, we shall be totally unable to answer
them. A failure in this respect, may be attended with fatal consequences. It is necessary, therefore,
that Congress be fully informed of these circumstances. You will immediately communicate them, and
urge the earliest attention to our situation. I am. sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

WILLIAM GREENE.

To Eiekiel Cornell, Esq.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 175

seph Stanton, Jr., Esq., Rowse J. Helme, Esq., Adam Corn-
stock, Esq., Charles Keen, Esq., Robert Elliott, Esq., Nathan
Miller, Esq. and Mr.'-Daniel Mason, be, and they are hereby,
appointed a committee to prepare a dinner and entertain-
ment at the expense of this state, on the 10th day of Au-
gust next ; that the said committee, or the major part of
them, wait upon the Honorable the Count de Rochambeau,
commander of the army of His Most Christian Majesty, in
this state ; and the Honorable the Chevalier de Terny, ad-
mual and commander of the fleet of His Most Christian
Majesty, in this state, with the compliments of this General
Assembly, and request the honor of their company, and of
the officers under their command, at dinner ; that the said
committee give the invitation of this Assembly to the Hon-
orable Major General Heath, and his family, and to such
other officers and gentlemen as they shall think fit ; and
j that the said Charles Keen be, and he is hereby, empower-
j ed to draw such a sum of money out of the general treasu-
I ry, as in the opinion of the said committee, will be sufficient
I to provide the necessary articles for the entertainment.
' It is voted and resolved, that Charles Holden, Esq., com-
1 missary of purchases, be, and he is hereby, directed to de-
liver the hides and tallow of the cattle which may be killed
j in this state, to John Reynolds, Esq., agent clothier, in order
I to procure shoes for the troops raised by this state.
I It is voted and resolved, that there be raised within
: this state, and embodied without delay, six hundred and
[thirty able-bodied and effective men, to serve under the
I command of His Excellency General Washington, for the
term of three months ; that they be proportioned to the
several towns, in a mean proportion to the value and the
number of polls in the several towns, by the last estimate ;
that each man so raised, receive a bounty of £7 10s., lawful
money, in the bills of the new emission, funded on real es-
tate ; that they be classed and detached in the same man-
ner as was directed by the additional act for filling up the
I Continental battalions, passed at the present session ; and

176 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JULY,

that William Taggart, "Welcome Arnold, Rowse J. Helme,
Nathan Miller and Thomas Holden, Esqs., be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee to draught a bill according-
ly ; and that they apportion the men to the towns which
have not been estimated discretionally.

Whereas, notwithstanding the provision made in an act
passed by this Assembly, at the last session, for bringing six
hundred and ten men into the field, to recruit the Conti-
nental battalions raised by this state, there appears, by the
return of the adjutant general, dated the 21st of this instant
July, to be the following deficiencies in the quotas of men
heretofore assigned to the towns hereafter named, to wit :

Each Town's Proportion of Men to he furnished for the Con-
tinental Battalions in the State.

Towns.

No. of Men.

Towns.

No. of Men.

Newport, -

- 4

Coventry, -

- . 6

Warwick,

Exeter, -

Westerly, -

- 2

Middletown,

- 2

North Kingstown,

Tiverton,

South Kingstown,

- 22

Warren, -

East Greenwich, -

Cranston, -

- 4

Smithfield, -

Hopkinton, -

- 4

Scituate, -

North Providence,

- 3

Glocester,

- 10

Charlestown, -

163

West Greenwich,

- 8

And whereas, it is of the highest importance, that the
said recruits should be immediately furnished, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that wherever the said
deficiencies arise from the delinquency of the persons here-
tofore classed, the persons appointed to class and detach
the quotas of militia apportioned to, and to be raised by
the several towns within this state, are empowered and di-
rected, on the 31st day of this instant July, to detach an

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 177

able-bodied, effective man from such delinquent class, and
make a return thereof to the field officer of the regiment to
which he belongs ; and the person so detached, shall, in case
of delinquency, be proceeded against in manner as is in said
act directed.

And it is further voted and resolved, that wherever the said
deficiency shall arise from the delinquency of any of the said
towns, the persons heretofore appointed to make a detach-
ment from the delinquent classes, be, and they are hereby,
directed to form the inhabitants thereof into classes, agree-
ably to said deficiency, on the said 31st day of July; and
that if any or either of the said classes shall not furnish an
able-bodied man by the 1st day of August next, the persons
appointed as aforesaid, be, and hereby are, directed on that
day, to detach an able-bodied man from such class ; and, in
case of delinquency, cause him or his estate to be proceeded
against in manner as is in and by the said act directed.

Provided nevertheless, and it is further voted and resolv-
ed, that if any alteration shall be made in the aforesaid defi-
ciencies, by the persons appointed by this Assembly to make
inquiry into and determine the same, then such towns or
classes as may be thereupon delinquent, be required to fur-
nish the number of men in which they are deficient, within
the time aforesaid ; and on failure thereof, the persons ap-
pointed for that purpose, are directed to class or detach (as
the case may be), agreeably to this resolve.

And it is further voted and resolved, that if the persons
appointed to class and detach as aforesaid, or either of them
shall neglect or refuse so to do, within the time prescribed
by this act, the attorney general be, and he is hereby, di-
rected to proceed against such delinquent person or per-
sons, in manner as is directed in the said act for such delin-
quency.

An Act for raising six hundred and thirty able-hodied, eflfective men.

Whereas, tlie army and fieet of the illustrious ally of these states, have arrived here

and His Excellency General Washington hath, in the most pressing manner, called up.

on us to raise six hundred and thirty able-bodied effective men, in order to co-operate

with them, —

VOL. IX. 23

178 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JULT,

It is therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is
enacted, that six hundred and thirty able-bodied and effectiye men be raised, and cm-
bodied in a battalion, and rendezvoused at Providence, on or before the 15th day of Au-
gust next, if then ordered by tlie General Assembly or the council of war, or at such
other time as they shall be ordered to rendezvous, and to continue on duty three
months from the time of their receiving orders as aforesaid, unless sooner discharged
by this Assembly ; that the said battalion be divided into eight companies, and be offi-
cered by one lieutenant colonel-commandant, one major, eight captains, eight lieuten-
ants and eight ensigns; that there be appointed to the said battalion one adjutant, one
quartermaster, one surgeon and one surgeon's mate ; and that the said officers and sol-
diers be entitled to the same pay and rations as the officers and soldiers in the Conti.
nental army, belonging to this state.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that for a proper encourage-
ment for the soldiers aforesaid, to list voluntarily, each able-bodied man, who shall en-
list into the said service, and shall take the usual oath, shall be paid upon his enlistment
£1 10s., in bills emitted by this state, funded upon real estate, or the same sum in gold
and silver, within six months, with an interest of five per centum per annum, at his
election.

And it is further enacted, that the town treasurers of the several towns be, and they
are hereby, empowered to draw a sufficient sum of money out of the general treasury,
to pay the bounties of the men men assigned to their respective towns by this act.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that for the more effectual and
speedy raising the said battalion, the number to be raised, be proportioned to the sev-
eral towns in the state, in the following manner, to wit ;

Projjortion of Men to he furnished hy the several Towns.

Towns. No. of men. Towns. No. of men.

Newport 3-t North Kingstown 32

Portsmouth 8 South Kingstown 46

Jamestown 3 Charlestown 17

Middletown 5 Richmond 16

Tiverton 23 Hopkinton 18

Little Compton 19 Exeter 25

Providence 42 Bristol 14

Smithfield 35 AVarreu 11

Glocester 40 Harrington 7

Scituate 45 Warwick 31

Cumberland 21 ICast Greenwich 19

Cranston 25 West Greenwich 22

Johnston 14 Coventry 25

North Providence 10

Westerly 23 630

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if either or any of the
towns aforesaid, shall not enlist their full quota of the men herein assigned and propor-
tioned unto them, by the 1st day of August next, the persons hereafter named be, and
they are hereby, empowered and directed to form all male persons whatsoever, of the
age of sixteen years and upwards, who have resided for the space of thu-ty days within
their respective towns (deserters, Indians, mulattoes and negroes excepted), into class-
es, according to the deficiencies of their said towns, having regard to the number of
polls, and value of estates of the persons so to be classed ; and that they immediately
give notice thereof, to the persons classed ; and each of the said classes is directed to

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 179

ftirnish to the person or persons appointed by their respective towns to receive recruits
one able-bodied, effective man, by the 10th day of August next.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the following persons be ap-
pointed committees in the respective towns, for the purpose aforesaid, to wit :

Names of the Oommitiees ajy^ointed by the several Towns to
receive Recruits.

Newport — Messrs. Robert Taylor, Job Easton, Christopher Ellery, William Taggart
and John Topham.

Providence — Messrs. Jabez Bowen, John Brown, John Mathewson, Theodore Foster,
Levi Hall, Nathaniel Wheaton and John Demount.

Portsmouth — Messrs. David Giffard, Alexander Thomas, William Anthony, Jr.,
Thomas Shearman and John Wilcox, Jr.

Warwick— Messrs. Robert Rhodes, Thomas Rice (son of Thomas), Job Randall,
Squire Miller, John Waterman and Col. Benjamin Arnold.

Westerly — Messrs. William Pendleton (son of Simon), Joseph Crandall, John Bab.
cock, Nathan Lanpher, Elkanah Babcock and Edward Saunders.

North Kingstown — Messrs. William Hammond, Joseph Coggeshall, Daniel Hall, Law
rence Pearce, James Albro and Joseph Case, Jr.

South Kingstown — Messrs. Thomas Potter, Jr., John Gardner, Samuel Babcock,
Robert Brown and Carder Hazard.

East Greenwich — Messrs. Job Pearce, Rufus Spencer, William Arnold, Isaac John-
ston and Allen Johnston.

Jamestown — Messrs. Benjamin Underwood, John Gardner and George Tew.

Smithtield — Messrs. Peleg Arnold, John Sayles, John Angell, Andrew Waterman,
Stephen Whipple, Ebenezer Trask and Edward Thompson.

Scituate — Messrs. Stephen Kimball, Joseph Knight, Jonathan Knight, Coomer
Smith, William Howland, Isaac Hopkins, Simeon Herrenden and Benedict Whipple.

Glocester — Messrs. Chad Brown, John Smith, Stephen Winsor, Solomon Owen, Jo-
nah Steere, Elisha Bartlett and Caleb Arnold.

Charlestown — Messrs. Joseph Stanton, Jr., Joseph Hoxsie and James Congdon, Jr.

West Greenwich — Messrs. Joseph Hopkins, Jr., Samuel Hopkins, Jr., Thomas Jos-
lyn, Thomas Gorton and Jonathan Niles.

Coventry — Messrs. Stephen Potter, Samuel Wall, Archibald Kasson, William Bur-
lingame and William Ray.

Exeter — Messrs. .John Chapman, Jonathan Bates, Jr., George Peirce, Samuel Gor-
ton and John Hoxsie.

Middletown — Messrs. Thomas Peckham, Oliver Durfee and Giles Sanford.

Bristol — Messrs. Peter Church, Charles De Wolfe, Shearjashub Bourne, Jr., Josiah
Finney, John Howland, Jr. and Loring Peck.

Tiverton — Messrs. John Cooke, Isaac Manchester, Lemuel Bailey, Pearce Perry and
George Westcot.

Little Compton — Messrs. Nathaniel Church, Perez Richmond and Philip Taylor.

Warren— Messrs. Nathan Miller, Sylvester Child, Daniel Cole, Robert Carr and Wm.
Barton.

Cumberland — Messrs. John Dexter, Simon Whipple, George Peck, Nathan Staples,
Nathaniel Shepardson and Elisha Waterman.

Richmond — Messrs. Jonathan Maxson, Thomas Tefft, Edward Perry, George Webb
and Richard Bailey, Jr.

Cranston— Messrs. Nehemiah Knight, Caleb Potter, Job Manchester, William Field
and Richard Searle.

180 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JULY,

Hopkinton — Messrs. Edward Wells, John Maxson, Samuel Babcock, William Thurs-
ton and Robert Burdick.

Johnston — Messrs. John Waterman, Jr., Noah Mathewson, Andrew Harris, Daniel
Mantou and William Latham.

North Providence — Messrs. Eleazer Jenckes, Eleazer Whipple, Hope Angcll, Thos.
Olney and Christopher Whipple.

Barrington — Messrs. Samuel Allen, John Short, Vial Allen, Thomas Allen and Na'
thaniel Smith.

It is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in case either of the said classes
shall refuse or neglect to furnish an able-bodied man, as aforesaid, this Assembly, or the
council of war, will, whenever the exigencies of the public shall require, direct the
aforesaid committees respectively, who, or the major part of them, shall be, and hereby
are, empowered and directed thereupon to detach from the class which shall be defi-
cient, as aforesaid, an able-bodied, etfective man, to fill the said battalion ; that the per-
son so detached, shall be entitled to the bounty, wages and allowances which are i-e-
ceived by the persons who may enlist into the said battalion, by virtue of this act, and
to such other allowances, if any, as shall be ordered by the persons who shall make
such detachment, to be assessed upon the said delinquent class, agreeably to the pro-
portion by which the last state tax was assessed upon the persons who compose the
same ; that in the said assessment, the estates of all persons who are absent from this
state, and all other estates, whether belonging to absentees or not, shall be considered,
and shall be at a proportionable part of the expense that shall accrue to the class to
which the same shall he put ; that if any of the said classes shall agree with, and hire
for such class, an able, effective man, to enlist voluntarily into the said battalion, for a
larger bounty than is herein allowed, the committee aforesaid, shall, if such class cannot
agree among themselves, assess the same upon the estates of the said class who shall
refuse, if the committee shall think the sum given reasonable and right, in the same
manner as tliough the person had been detached out of the said class ; and that the
said assessment shall be delivered to the collector of taxes of the town to which such
delinquent class belongs, or to such person as the committee shall appoint, who is there-
upon directed to collect and pay the same, within the time and agreeably to the orders
he shall receive therewith.

Provided nevertheless, and it is hereby declared, that those who shall enlist volun-
tarily, shall receive the bounty by this act allowed, upon their passing muster; hut
that no person shall be entitled to the wages, until he be detached or ordered to
march to the place of rendezvous.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any person or persons
shall impede or discourage the enlisting or procuring the men to fill the s.iid battalion,
agreeably to this act, the said committee are hereby directed forthwith to detach every
such person as a recruit, to do duty in the said battalion, agreeably to this act.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the persons who shall make
such detachment, make a return thereof to the brigadier general, or to one of the field
officers of the regiment to which the person detached shall belong ; that such brigadier
general, or field officer, shall cause the person so detached, to be and appear at the place
of rendezvous, as soon as possible after orders from this Assembly, or the comicil o'
war, shall issue for the said battalion to be rendezvoused ; and that the council of war
be, and hereby are, empowered to call out the said men, and order them forward to the
place of rendezvous, whenever the same shall be required by His Excellency General
Washington .

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that every person who shall en-
list, or be detached into the said battalion, shall be reckoned and accounted tinto the
own whereof he is aa inhabitant ; that no person shall be enlisted into the said battai-

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 181

ion, who is inhibited from enlisting into the Continental army by the resolves of Con-
gress ; that six sliillings, in the bills emitted by this Assembly, at the session in June
last, be allowed for enlisting each and every person who shall pass muster ; and that the
major general, and each of the brigadiers general of the mihtia of this state, and Col.
John Topham, be, and they are hereby, severally appointed muster-master for the said
battalion.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any person, who shall be
detached as aforesjiid, shall absent himself, and not be to be found, and shall not procure
an able-bodied, effective man to do the duty in his stead, for which he shall be detached
as aforesaid, within the time aforesaid, such a part of the estate of the person so de-
tached, sliall be taken and disposed of, by the persons who shall make such detachment
as shall be sufficient to procure an able-bodied man, to do the said duty in his stead ;
that the persons who. shiiU have made such detachments, are thereupon directed to ap-
propriate the money in procuring an able-bodied, eflTective man, accordingly ; that ;
such person so detached, shall not be possessed of a suflBcient estate for that purpose
the commanding officer of the regiment to which he belongs, shall advertise in all the
public newspapers in this state, the person who shall absent himself as aforesaid, as a
delinquent, and offer a reward of £300, lawful money, to be paid by this state, to the
person or persons who shall apprehend such delinquent ; that upon such delinquent be-
ing apprehended, the said officer is directed to deliver him to some one of the officers
of the Continental battalions raised by this state, to do duty as a soldier therein, for the
space of one year ; .and that if any person, who shall be classed as aforesaid, cannot be
found, to be notified thereof, he shall be proceeded against in manner as afore directed,
ill case he had been duly notified thereof

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that a major part of the persons,
by this act appointed in either of the towns, to class and detach the said men, be, and
they are hereby, constituted a committee for the purposes of their apiiointment, and
empowered to act and do every thing in their respective towns by this act enjoined
them.

And whereas, the refus.al or neglect of the persons by this act appointed to class and
detach the men, &c., will defeat the important purposes thereof, —

It is therefore further enacted, that if either of the said persons appointed as aforesaid,
shall neglect or refuse to class or detach such men, who may be deficient as aforesaid, with-
in the time aforesaid ; or who shall not perform the other duties enjoined upon him by
this act, for bringing the said men into the field, and shall be thereof convicted, by the
verdict of his peers, before the superior court of judicature, court of assize, and general
jail delivery, in the county where such offender shall dwell, the person so convicted, shall
be adjudged and sentenced by the said court, to be forever incapable of bearing any of-
fice, civil or military, within this state ; and .also to pay all costs of prosecution and
conviction ; provided, that process shall be commenced against such delinquent within
six months from such dehnquency, and not after.

And it is further enacted, that the general, field and commissioned officers of the mi.
litia within this state, be, and they are hereby, called upon and directed to afford their
utmost aid and assistance in carrying this act into execution.

And it is further enacted, that the committee aforesaid, as soon as they shall have
classed the inhabitants of their respective towns, are hereby empowered and directed
to convene every male inhabitant in their respective towns, who are subject to be
classed as .aforesaid, so that the execution of this act may not be in the least delayed ;
nd that the secreUiry immediately cause this act to be printed, and send a copy there-
of, to each town clerk in this state.

182 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

An Act for assessing a tax upon the inhabitants of this

state, of £400,000, in Continental Mils.
An Act for assessing and apportioning a rate or tax of

£400,000, lawful money, upon the inhabitants of this

state.
An Act for furnishing the soldiers who shall enlist into this

state's service for three months, w4th guns and necessary

accoutrements.
[The above acts will be found at length in the printed
Schedules.]

It is voted and resolved, that a tax of £400,000 in Conti-
nental bills, be assessed upon the polls and ratable estates of
the inhabitants of this state ; that the same be collected and
paid into the general treasury monthly ; that one-fourth
part thereof, be collected and paid into the general treasury
on or before the 1st day of September next, and the re-
maining three-fourth parts thereof, in equal proportions
on or before the first day of the three next succeeding
months; and that William Taggart, Welcome Arnold, Rowse
J. Helme, Nathan Miller and Thomas Holden, Esqs., be, and
they are hereby, appointed a committee, to apportion the
said tax to the several towns, agreeably to the estimate es-
tablished at the present session ; and that they draught a
bill accordingly.

It is voted and resolved, that a state tax of £5,000,in silver
or gold, or the bills of the new emission, issued by this state,
be levied and assessed on the polls and ratable estates of the
inhabitants of this state, to be collected and paid into the gen-
eral treasury, on or before the 1st day of September next; that
interest be allowed on the said bills, which shall be paid in-
to the treasury for the said tax, to the said first day of Sep-
tember ; and that William Taggart, Welcome Arnold,
Rowse J. Helme, Nathan Miller and Thomas Holden, Esq.,
and the auditor, be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to apportion the same to the several towns, agreea-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 383

bly to the estimate established at the present session ; and
that they draught a bill accordingly.

It is farther voted and resolved, that the said committee
be, and they are hereby, directed to apportion to the sev-
eral towns another tax of £5,000, to be apportioned and
paid in manner as aforesaid ; it being the tax ordered to be
assessed by the act for emitting the said bills ; and that they
draught a bill accordingly.

An Act regulating the markets in Newport.
[For this act, see printed Schedule.]

It is voted and resolved, that $5,000, in Continental bills,
be advanced and paid out of the general treasury, to Daniel
Box, Esq. ; and that the same be charged to him, in his ac-
count for depreciation of wages.

Whereas, in many of the late state and Continental taxes,
which have been assessed on the inhabitants of this state
the General Assembly, in the acts for assessing the same
did resolve in the words following :

'' That if it shall appear by the estimate which is to be
taken of the valuation of estates within this state, that any
town therein shall be over-taxed, that it shall, and may be,
in the power of each town so over burthened, to deduct the
same out of the tax assessed upon its inhabitants, agreeably
to the said estimate, and to pay the same into their town
treasury, for the benefit of the said town ; and if it shall ap-
pear by the said estimate, that any town hath not, by the
aforesaid proportion, been taxed up to its value, that deficien-
cy shall be laid upon such town in the next tax made after
the said estimate shall be received and established."

And whereas, the said estimate hath been received and
established, by an act passed at the present session of this
Assembly, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that William Taggart
Welcome Arnold, Rowse J. Helme, Nathan Miller and Thos.

184 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

Holden, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a commit-
tee to ascertain the sums due to, or from, any of the towns
in this state, by virtue of the resolves above recited : and
that they report to this Assembly at the next session, in or-
der that the justice promised in the said recited clause, may
be done as soon as may be.

The petition of divers inhabitants of the town of New-
port, preferred unto this Assembly, representing that M'ln-
tosh Alexander, a native of this country, and a friend to the
same, who was captured in a British vessel, bound from Lon-
don to New York, is now held as a prisoner of war in the
city of Philadelphia, and praying the interposition of this As-
sembly, that he may be liberated, being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that His Excellency the Govern-
or be requested to write to His Excellency the president of
the executive council of the state of Pennsylvania, soliciting
his influence and assistance, to effect the liberation of the
said M'Intosh Alexander, that he may return to his family.

Whereas, it is necessary that this Assembh- should be ac-
quainted with the grants from time to time made out of,
as well as of all money ordered to be paid into the general
treasury, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the secretary be,
and he is hereby, directed to procure a suitable book, at the
expense of the state ; and that at the end of every session
of this Assembly, he enter therein a just and fair account of
all money ordered to be paid into, or received out of the
general treasury, by any person whatsoever, in consequence
of orders from this Assembly, or the council of war, in order
that the state of the treasury may be readily ascertained ;
and that he cause the said book to be brought to every ses-
sion of this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that John Handy, Esq., be, and
he is hereby, appointed to receive of the agent-clothier and
commissary of hides and tallow, the clothing allowed the
new recruits in Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment;

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 185

that he deliver the same to the said recruits, taking proper
receipts therefor ; and that he make report to this Assem-
bly, at the next session.

Whereas, many of the recruits which have been raised to
fill up the Continental battalions in this state, are claimed
by different towns ; wherefore, in order to settle the dis-
putes which have thence arisen, and to ascertain the great
deficiencies of the several towns in raising their proportions
of the said men, —

It is voted and resolved, that James M. Varnum, Edward
Fenner and Benjamin Bourne, Esqs., be, and they are here-
by, empowered to hear and determine on the claims which
may be made and exhibited to them by the towns, for men
enlisted into the said battalions ; and that they report to
this Assembly at the present session.

Whereas, there are many claims arising from debts, and
otherwise, against the estates of absentees confiscated, in the
possession of this state, or informed against ; and whereas,
it is necessary, as well to render justice to the claimants as
to the state, that the same be ascertained, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that William Channing,
Caleb Harris, Gideon Hoxsie, Benjamin Bourne and Adam
Comstock, Esqs., be, and they, or the major part of them,
are hereby, appointed a committee to inquire into all the
claims against any of the estates aforesaid, of whatever
name or kind ; that the said committee convene succes-
sively in the counties of Newport, Kings and Bristol; at
either of which places, any of the claims aforesaid, may be
made ; and that previous to their sitting in either of the
said counties, they notify the time and place of such meet-
ing two weeks successively in the Newport and Providence
newspapers.

It is further voted and resolved, that the said committee
be, and they are hereby, empowered and directed to hear
the respective claims aforesaid, together with the evidence
attending the same ; and to state the demands of each
claimant, and the particular circumstances relating thereto,

186 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Ji'LT.

in case of doubt, with regard to the propriety thereof; and
that they make report as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, t'lat the persons in the several
towns in this state, who collected blankets for the six
months' men, be, and they are hereby, directed to exhibit
their respective accounts, for their time and expenses, in
transacting the said business, to this Assembly at the next
session, that the same may be then examined by a commit-
tee to be appointed for that purpose.

It is voted and resolved, that Daniel Mowry, Eowse J.
Helme, William Richmond and Thomas Holden, Esqs., four
of the committee who took the last general estin,ate, be,
and they are hereby, severally empowered to draw the sum
of £600, lawful money, in Continental bills, out of the gen-
eral treasury ; and that the same be charged to them in
their accounts for taking the said estimate.

Whereas, Capt. Henrj- Dayton, of the Light Corps, lately
commanded by Colonel William Barton, hath represented
to this Assembly, that the men under his command are re-
duced to a very inconsiderable number ; and that their
times of service are nearly expired ; and thereupon re-
quested a discharge from the service, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Henry
Dayton, and the men under his command, be, and they are
hereby, discharged the service.

An Act lor assessing and apportioning a rate or tax of
£400,000, lawful money, upon the inhabitants of this
state.

[See printed Schedule for this act.]

An Act for assessing an apportioning a rate or tax of
£10,000, lawful money, payable in gold or silver, or in
the bills emitted by this General Assembly, at the session
OU the second Monday in June last.

[•See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 187

Whereas, it is of the utmost importance, that the pubUc
records of this state, the proceedings of the comicil of war^
and the acts of this Assembly should be brought up, and
that the acts of this Assembly should be delivered out at
every session thereof, agreeably to the invariable practice
of this state ; and whereas, this state has been frequently
called upon by Congress to transmit to them copies of the
acts of this Assembly from time to time, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that John I. Clarke and
Welcome Arnold, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed
;i committee to confer with the secretary upon that subject ;
that they devise some suitable method for effecting the
s line ; and that they make report to this Assembly at the
next session.

Whereas, a part of the personal estate of Myer Polock,
late of Newport, deceased, hath, by order of the council of
war, been taken possession of by the sheriff of the county
Oi' Newport, and a sum of money due to the said estate de-
tained in the hands of the quartermaster general; and
whereas, there are debts due from the said estate, and no
adrainistri.tor hath as yet been appointed to adjust and dis-
charge the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the town council
of the town of Newport be, and they are hereby, directed
to appoint an administrator to the said estate according to
law ; and that the person who shall be so appointed, be, and
be is hereby, empowered to receive from the said sheriff and
quartermaster general, the goods and money aforesaid, and
administer thereon, agreeably to law.

Whereas, it is necessary that His Excellency Gen. Wash-
ington should be acquainted with the acts of this Assembly
for calling out the militia, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that His Excellency
the Governor be requested to write to His Excellency
General Washington, and acquaint him with the reasons
why the militia have not been called out by the 25th inst..

188 RECORDS OF THU STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

agreeably to his requisition, and with the measiu'es liow
taken by this Asi-embly, for calhng them out.*

It is voted and resolved, that George Irish, Esq., be, and
he is hereby, empowered to draw £800, lawful money,
out of the general treasury, and that he account for the
same.

Whereas, in the late act of this Assembly, for raising six
hundred and ten men, to fill up this state's quota of the
Continental battalions, the men were proportioned to the
several towns; and whereas, divers of the men enlisted
for the purpose aforesaid, have been claimed by difierent
towns, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
by the authority thereof it is enacted, that any person, be-
ing a legal inhabitant of any town in this state, who hath
been enlisted for, and by any other town in this state, on
or before the 12th instant (it being the day for detaching
the men, agreeably to the said mentioned act), shall be
credited to the town of which he is an inhabitant, as afore-
said ; provided, the town -claiming him, and of which he is
an inhabitant, shall pay, or tender, unto the town treasurer
of the town which enlisted him, t!ie sum of £15 12c*., in the
same kind of money that was given to the said soldier as a

* Gen. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 24, 1780.

Sir:— .\greeably to the resolution of the General Assembly of this day, I am directed to inform Your
Excellency that early in the session, the Assembly took up the matter of sending forward the militia
by the 25th instant, agreeably to your requisition for that purpose, but it was thou;^ht most advisable to
postpone the sending them forward, until further order of Your Excellency ; by reason that the British
fleet, consisting of about eighteen sail, nine of which capital ships have been for two or three dayg, and
now are in sight of our harbor.

The As.^embly have passed a resolve for raising six hundred and thirty effective men, for three months
from the time of their arriving at the place of rendezvous assigned them, by cl;issing them in the different
towns; and in case they are not furnished by the classes within a limited time, they are to be detached
from the different classes until the whole number is completed, and are to be held in readiness to march
at a minute's warning, and not to be upon pay until ordered to march to the place of rendezvous.

Whenever Your Excellency shall transmit your orders, they shall be Immediately detached and for-
warded to such place as shall be assigned. I have the honor to be, &c.

WILLIAM GREENE,

To Oenaial Washington.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 189

bounty, within four days from the rising of this Assembly,
and not otherwise. '

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
every jserson enlisted, or who shall be hereafter enlisted by
any town, for the purpose aforesaid, shall be credited to the
town enlisting them, they being legal inhabitants of, or re-
siding in any town in this state, notwithstanding.

It is voted and resolved, that the draught of a letter to
His Excellency General Washington, presented unto this
Assembly, be, and the same hereby is, approved ; and that
His Excellencj' the Governor be requested to sign and
transmit the same.

An Act for sinking this state's quota, agreeably to the present apportionment of all the
public bills of credit which have been emitted by Congress ; and for emitting, on the
credit of this state, other bills of credit, not to exceed the sum of £39,000 ; and for
providing funds to secure the redemption of the bills so emitted, by the last day of
December, 1786, recommended by a resolution of Congress of the 18th of March, in
the present year.

Whereas, the United States of America have been driven into this just and necessary
war, before the several states were sufficiently organized to enforce the collection of taxes,
or to provide funds for the redemption of such bills of credit as their necessities oblig-
ed them to issue ; and before the powers of Europe were sufficiently convinced of the
justice of their cause, or of the probable event of the controversy, to afford them aid or
credit ; in consequence of which, their bills increasing in quantity beyond the sum ne-
cessary for the purpose of a circulating medium, and wanting sufficient funds to rest
on for their redemption, have daily sunk in value, whereby it hath been necessary to
reduce the quantity of the said bills, and to establish and appropriate funds that shall
ensure the punctual redemption of the bills which may be emitted on the credit of this
state, for the purpose of calling in and destroying this state's quota of the present pa-
per medium in circulation.

And whereas. Congress, by their said resolution of the 18th day of March, have
called upon the several states to make proper provision for the purposes aforesaid, —

Be it enacted by the General Assembly, and by the authority of the same it is enacted,
that a tax be assessed of £420,000, lawful money, over and above the tax of £360,000,
ordered to be levied at the February and May sessions of the General Assembly of this
state tlie said three taxes being sufficient to draw out of circulation this state's proportion
of the present currency ; to be levied on the polls and estates, both real and personal, of
the inhabitants and proprietors within this state, according to such conditions and rules
and in such proportion, in the several towns within this state, and under such penal-
ties, as the last tax hath been assessed or ordered, until other rules and proportions
shall be agreed upon and ordered by the General Assembly of this state ; that is to say,
that £iilO,000 be assessed by the several towns within this state by the 1st day of Sep-
tember next ; one-third part thereof to be paid into the general treasury of this state on
or before the 1st day of October next ; one-third part thereof to be paid into the general
treasury of this state on or before the 1st day of November next; and one-third part
thereof to be paid into the general treasury of this state on or before the 1st day of De
cember next ; that £210,000, to complete this state's proportion of the said £420,000

190 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

circulating medium, be assessed by the several towns within this state, by tbe 1st
day of December next ; one-third part tliereof, to be paid into the general treasury
of this state on or before the 1st day of January next; one-third part thereof to be
paid ir.to the general treasury of this state on or before the 1st day of February
next; and the remaining third part thereof to be paid into general treasury of
this state on or before tbe 1st day of March next ; and that the said sums, when so
paid, shall be paid into the Continental loan otfice in this state, by the general
treasurer.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the assessors or rate-
makers, shall assess and proportion the said mentioned sums, amounting to £420,000, on
or before the times above ordered and directed, and return lists or bills of the same un-
to the clerk of the town to which they respectively belong, within fifteen days after
such assessments so respectively made, as abovesaid ; and the said town clerk is di-
rected and hereby required to send a copy thereof, with the names of the town treasu-
rer and collector of taxes of the same town, within six daj's from the time of his re-
ceiving tlie same, to the general treasurer, who is hereby directed and required to issue his
warrant witliin four days, to the several collectors of rates and taxes of the respective
towns, requiring them, in the name of the Governor and Company of this state, to levy,
collect and pay unto the general treasurer for the time being, the several sums respec-
tively committed to them to collect.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that silver and gold, and also
the new bills that may be isued by Congress, on the funds of this state, established for
that purpose, shall be received in payment of said taxes, at the rate of §1 in specie, or
of the new emission, in lieu of 310 of the bills now in circulation.

And in order to furnish a circulating medium, in lieu of the bills so called in to be
destroyed, —

Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that there be emitted, on the funds
herein after provided, and the faith of the United States, as pledged by their resolution
aforesaid, a sum not exceeding the sura of £39,000, in bills of credit, bearing an annual
interest of five per centum, and that the face of the bills to be emitted, read as
follows, to wit :

Form of the Bills of Credit

'' The possessor of this bill shall he paid Spanish milled dollars, by the 31sf

day of December, 1786, with the interest in like money, at the rate of jive per centum per an-
num, by the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ; according to an act of the
legislature of the said state, of the 2ith day of July, 1780."

And that there be an endorsement on each, as follows ;

" The United States insure the payment of the u-ithin bill, and will draw bills of exchange
for the interest annually, if demanded, according to a resolution of Congress, of the ISth of
March, 1780."

The said endorsement to be signed by such commissioners as Congress shall appoint
for that purpose.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the biUs which may issue
on this act, shall be redeemable in specie, by the said 31st day of December, 1786 ; as
also the interest thereof, paid at the redemption of the bills, or, at the election of the
holder, annually, according to the said resolution of Congress, and the promises in the
said bills ; and said bills to be emitted shall be completed np faster than in the propor-
tion of one to twenty o t the other bills brought in to be destroyed, and which shall be
lodged for that purpose in the Continental loan office, in this state.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 191

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that there shall be appointed,
on the part of this state, six commissioners; any two of whom, and no more, together
with tlie commissioner that is or may be appointed by Congress, shall complete said
bills, by signing and numbering the same before tlie emission thereof.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that as fast as said bills to be
emitted shall be completed, six-tenths therof in value, shall be received into the treasury
of this state, to be issued from time to time, to support the war, or defray other charges
of the state, as the General Assembly for the time being may order and direct; tlie
other four-tenths to be subject to the orders of Congress, and carried to the credit of
this state.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that whenever interest on the
bills to be emitted, shall be paid prior, to the time fixed for their redemption, such bills
shall be thereupon exchanged for other bills of the like tenor, to bear date from tlie
expiration of the year for which such interest is paid ; and the commissioners on the part
of this state, or any two of them, are hereby autliorized to join with the commissioner
of Congress in completing such other bills for that purpose.

And in order to establish funds eflfectually to secure the punctual redemption of the
bills to be emitted on tlie credit of this state, and to make effectual provision for the
redemption of the said bills, with the interest. —

Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that a ta.x be assessed of £8,450, an-
nually, for six years, viz. : on or before the 20th day of May, in the years 1781, 1782,
1783, 1781, 178.5 and 1786, to be levied on the polls and estates, both real and personal, of
the inhabitants and proprietors within this state, according to such conditions and
rules, and in such proportion, in the several towns within this state, and under such
penalties, as the Continental tax in May last, hath been assessed or ordered, until other
rules and proportions shall be agreed upon and ordered by the General Assembly of
this state, and to be paid into the general treasury of this state on or before the last day
of December, in the several years last above mentioned.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the assessors or rate-
makers for the times being, in the abovesaid years, shall assess and proportion the said
last mentioned taxes agreeably to the times above ordered and directed, and return lists
or bills of the same unto the clerk of the town to which they shall respectively belong,
within fifteen days after such assessment so respectively made as above said ; and the
town clerks respectively, for the said several years for the time being, are directed and
hereby required to send a copy thereof, with the names of the town treasurers
?nd collectors of taxes of the same towns, within six days from the time of their
receiving the same lists or bills, to the general treasurer, who is hereby directed and
required to issue his warrant, within ten days, to the said several collectors of rates or
taxes of the respective towns, requiring them, in the name of the Governor and Com-
pany of this state, to levy, collect and pay unto the general treasurer for the time being,
the severa' sums respectively committed to them to collect.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said last mentioned
taxes for the years 1781, 1782, 1783, 1781, 178.5 and 1786, shall be appropriated to, and
applied for the redemption of the bills which may be emitted on the credit of this state,
pursuant to the resolution of Congress aforesaid ; and the same taxes shall be paid in the
several species of gold and silver coins current in this state before the present war, and at
the rates they then passed ; or in uncoined silver of sterling alloy, at six shillings and
eightpence an ounce ; or in uncoined gold of like alloy, at ,£5 Is. 4rf , an ounce ; or in
the new bills that may be issued by Congress, on tlie funds of this state, established
for that purpose, at the rate of dollar for dollar.

Provided nevertheless, that if the Gener.al Assembly of this state, shall, by taxing or
otherwise, draw into the treasury, not to be re-issued, all or any part of the bills to be
emitted as aforesaid, redeemable in any of the said last mentioned years, as the quota

192 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAJ^'D [JuLY,

for that year; or gold or silver, the general treasurer, in issuing his warrant, shall issue
the same for so much only of the tax for that purpose, charged in that year, as shall be
sufficient, with the bills, or gold and silver drawn in as aforesaid, to complete the re-
demption of that year's quota of the bills aforesaid.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the bills of credit, to be
emitted as aforesaid, shall be received in all payments within this state ; and a tender
of the same may be pleaded to any action brought for the recovery of any money or
other demand, and shall avail as though the tender had been made in gold or silver, ex-
cept for debts and contracts made before the 20th day of May, A. D. 1775 ; or special
contracts for gold or silver, or the bills of the new emission of this state, funded on real
estate, at any time since made, or that may be made, or for the satisfaction of legacies or
donations, expressly made payable in gold or silver, or the said new bills.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that from and after the publica-
tion of this act, if any person or persons, within this state or elsewhere, prepare, en-
grave, stamp, forge or print, the counterfeit resemblance of any paper bills of credit
which shall be emitted by virtue of this act, or shall counterfeit or sign the name or
names of the signer or signers of said bills of credit to such bills of credit, with an in
tention that such counterfeit bills of credit shall be passed in paj'ments, or received as
genuine and good bills, whetlier the same shall be passed or received or not ; or if any
person or persons shall within this state pass, pay, or tender in payment, any such
counterfeit monej', or deliver the same to any persim or persons, with intent that they he
passed, paid or received, as and for good and genuine, knowing'the same to be forged or
counterfeited ; every sucli person, being thereof lawfully convicted before the superior
court of judicature and court of assize within this state, by verdict of a jury, or confes-
sion of the party offending, or being indicted thereof shall stind mute, or not directly
answer to the indictment, or shall peremptorily challenge more than twenty persons,
legally returned to be of the jury for the trial of such offender, shall be adjudged a
felon, and suffer death, without benefit of clergy ; and if any person or persons shall
counterfeit any of the said bills of credit, by altering the denomination thereof, with de-
sign to increase the value of such bills, or shall utter such bills, knowing them to be so
counterfeited or altered, and shall be thereof lawfully convicted before the said superior
court, such person or persons shall be sentenced to the pillory, and have both his or her ears
cutoff, and nailed to the pillory, and be publicly whipped thirty -nine lashes on his or her
naked back, well laid on ; and moreover, every such offender shall forfeit the sum of
£500, lawful money, to be levied on his or her lands and tenements, goods and chat-
tels ; the one moiety to the use of this state, and the other moiety to the use of the dis-
coverer ; and the offender shall pay to the part}' aggrieved double the value of the dam-
ages thereby sustained ; and shall also pay all costs of prosecution and conviction.

And in case the offender hath not sufficient to satisfy the discoverer for his or her
damages and charges, and to pay the forfeiture aforesaid, in such case the offender shall,
by order of the court where he or she shall be convicted, be sold as a servant, for any
term not exceeding seven years, for satisfaction.

Whereas, it is represented to this Assembly, that the in-
habitants of the towns of Newport and Portsmouth are de-
sirous of associating for the defence thereof against the ene-
mies of this and the United States, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said inhabit-
ants be, and they are hereby, empowered to associate for
the defence of the said towns ; to form themselves into com-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 193

panies, and to nominate the necessary officers ; who being
returned to, and approved by His Excellency the Governor,
shall be commissioned accordingly.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee who took the
general estimate, established at the present session, be, and
they are hereby, directed to lay their account for taking
the said estimate, before this Assembly at the next session,
that it may be examined by a committee during the
same.

Whereas, claims have been exhibited to this General As-
sembly, by the towns hereafter named, to the following re-
cruits, to wit :

Caleb Strange, enlisted by Middletown, and claimed by
Portsmouth.

Toby Coys, enlisted by Tiverton, and claimed by Charles-
town.

Daniel Penny and Charles Daniels, enlisted by James-
town, and claimed by Charlestown.

Gideon Nocake, enlisted by South Kingstown, and claim-
ed by Charlestown.

John Popple, enlisted by Newport, and claimed by
Westerly.

Luke Saunders, enlisted by South Kingstown, and claim-
ed by Westerly.

Philip Driskill, enlisted by Richmond, and claimed by
Westerly.

William Hicks, enlisted by Charlestown, and claimed by
Middletown.

Cary Pitman, enlisted by Tiverton, and claimed by
Newport.

Godfrey White, enlisted by Hopkinton, and claimed by
Newport.

Samuel Gould, enlisted by East Greenwich, and claimed
by Newport.

Obadiah Ralph, enlisted by Scituate, and claimed by
Cranston ; and —

194 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JtJLY,

John Griffiths, enlisted by Smithfield, and claimed by
Newport.

And this Assembly having heard the claims aforesaid, to-
gether with the evidence, and having considered the same, —

Do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved, that
the persons afore named, be credited to, and considered as
part of the quotas of the towns aforesaid, respectively, as
foUoweth, to wit :

Galeb Strange, to Portsmouth.

Toby Coys, to Tiverton.

Daniel Penny and Charles Daniels, to Jamestown,

Gideon Nocake, to South Kingstown.

John Popple, to Westerly.

Luke Saunders, to South Kingstown.

Philip Driskill, to Richmond.

William Hicks, to Charlestown.

Cary Pitman, to Tiverton.

Godfrey White, to Hopkinton.

Samuel Gould, to East Greenwich ; and —

Obadiah Ralph, to Scituate.

And whereas, claims have been also exhibited by several
towns, for recruits raised by other towns : and this Assem-
bly not knowing whether the said recruits claimed, were en-
listed previous to the day for classing and detaching of
men, to complete this state's Continental battalions, agreea-
bly to a late act of this Assembly, or afterwards, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the following per-
sons be, and they are hereby, empowered to ascertain the
said fact in the several claims committed to them, respec-
tively, to wit :

The claim of the town of Westerly, to Clarke Hiscox and
Frederick Chace ; one of them enlisted by Richmond, and
the other by Jamestown.

The claims of the town of Newport, to Joseph Dunham
and John Maxson ; one enlisted by Hopkinton, and the
other by Richmond ; and —

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 195

The- claim of Exeter to John Wilbur, are referred to
Rowse J. Helme, Esq.

The claim of Newport to Jonathan Lewis, enlisted by
Johnston.

The claim of Johnston to Edward Tripp, enlisted by
North Providence ; and —

The claims of South Kingstown to James Anthony and
Elisha Anthony, enlisted bj^ Johnston, are referred to Wel-
come Arnold, Esq.

The claim of South Kingstown to James M'Sparran,
enlisted by Richmond, is referred to Joseph Noyes, Esq. ;
and —

The claims of Providence to John Griffiths and Philip
Justice ; one enlisted by Smithfield, and the other by Little
Compton, are referred to Edward Fenner, Esq.

And it is further voted and resolved, that if either of the
committee-men, aforesaid, shall determine that the soldier,
who is claimed as aforesaid, was enlisted previous to the
day for classing and detaching as aforesaid, in such case he
shall be credited to the town whereof he is a legal inhabit-
ant ; but if such committee-man shall determine that such
soldier was enlisted after the day for classing and detaching
as aforesaid, then he shall be credited to the town which en-
listed him.

Whereas, Samuel Goldthwait, late of the town of New-
port, merchant, hath withdrawn himself from the said town,
to the city of New York, in the power, and under the au-
thority of the king of Great Britain, without the permission
of the legislative or executive authority of this state ; and
whereas, the said Samuel Goldthwait hath left certain arti-
cles of furniture, and other personal estate in the said town
of Newport, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sheriff" of the
county of Newport be, and he is hereby, directed to take in-
to his possession all the personal estate of the said Samuel
Goldthwait; and that he take an inventory of the same,

196 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

and make return thereof to the attorney general, ^vho is
hereby directed to file an information against the same, to
the first term of the superior court, which shall be holden
in the county of Newport ; and all persons in possession of
any of the said estate, are hereby required to give notice
thereof to the said sheriff, that the same may be taken and
disposed of, agreeably to this resolution.

It is voted and resolved, that the town treasurers of the
several towns in this state be, and they are hereby, empow-
ered to draw^ such a sum, in the bills of the new emission of
this state, funded on real estate, as, with what has already
been advanced to them, will be sufficient to pay the boun-
ties of £15, lawful money, heretofore ordered by this As-
sembly to be paid to the six months' men who should be
raised to recruit this state's Continental battalions ; that the
said town treasurers be also empowered to draw the allow-
ance of six shillings, in like money, for the enlistment of
each man, as in the acts for raising the said men is men-
tioned ; and that the general treasurer be, and he is hereby,
directed to deliver the said bounties and allowances,
agreeably to the quotas of men assigned each town re-
spectively.

Both houses being resolved into a grand committee,
chose the following officers, to wit :

Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for Newport Coun-
ty, and Officers of the Militia chosen.

Pardon Gray, Gray, Esq., fifth justice of the inferior court
of common pleas and general sessions of the peace, within
and for the county of Newport, in the room of Walter
Cooke, Esq., who hath resigned.

Officers to command the regiment ordered at the present
session to be raised for three months, to wit :

Jesse Maxson, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant.

Christopher Manchester, Esq., major.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. ]97

John Carr, Timothy Locke, James Miller, Aaron Man,
William Lawless, Seth Chapin and Lawrence Pierce,
captains.

Joseph James, John Miller, Riifus Barton, John Peirce,
Peleg Simmons, and Loring Jenckes, lieutenants.

William Bliss, Jr., William Kinyon, James Cotterell, Wal-
ter White and Henry Freeborn, ensigns.

Officers of the militia, to wit :

Eobert Elliott, Esq., colonel, of artillery throughout the
state, with the rank of brigadier general.

James Albro, captain ; James Eldred, lieutenant ; and
John Vaughan, cornet, of the troop of horse of the second
battalion, in the county of Kings.

Richard Updike, captain ; and James Boone, lieutenant, of
the artillery company, of the same battalion.

Joshua Pearce, captain ; Caleb Hill, lieutenant ; and Jo-
seph Eldred, ensign, of the senior class company, in the
town of North Kingstown.

Robert Perrigo, lieutenant, of the second company of mi-
litia, in the town of Exeter.

Oliver Durfee, captain ; Joseph Allen, lieutenant ; and
John Peabody, ensign, of the company of militia, in the
town of Middletown.

An Act for furnishing the soldiers who shall enlist into this
state's service for three months, with guns, and necessary
* accoutrements.

[See jjrinted Schedule for this act at length.]

Whereas, the inhabitants of Rhode Island and Jamestown
have been deprived of their arms by the enemy, and are
now totally destitute of the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Major General
Heath be, and he is hereby, requested to furnish the men
apportioned and to be raised by the several/ towns on the
islands of Rhode Island and Jamestown, to do duty for the

198 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

term of three months, with fire-arms, from the Continental
store ; and that this state will cause the same to be re-
placed.

It is further voted and resolved, that the said arms be re-
paired at the expense ot this state ; and that Eobert Taylor
and Eobert Elliott, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed
a committee to receive, repair and deliver the same, agreea-
bly to this resolution.

It is voted and resolved, that Adam Comstock, Metcalf
Bowler, Thomas Rumreill, William Channing, Caleb Harris
and Rowse J. Helme, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, ap-
pointed commissioners, to sign and number the bills of
public credit, to be emitted in pursuance of a resolution of
Congress, and an act of this Assembly, passed at the present
session ; and that they be allowed the same commissions for
signing this state's bills of the last emission.

It is further voted and resolved, that the general treasu-
rer be, and he is hereby, directed to pay into the Conti-
nental loan office the money which shall be hereafter paid
into the general treasury, in payment of the Continental
tax, which hath been, or shall be, assessed for calling the
Continental money out of circulation ; and that the general
treasurer receive from time to time out of the said loan of-
fice, so many of the said bills as shall be equal to the sum
by him deposited in the said office, to be signed, numbered
and disposed of, agreeably to the said resolution of Congress
and the aforesaid act of this Assembly.

And it is further voted and resolved, that a copy here»f,
and of the act of this Assembly for emitting the said
money, be transmitted to Congress, and published in the
Newport and one of the Providence newspapers.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasury, viz. :

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

199

£ s. d.
12 00 00

Joseph Brown, for sweeping and cleaning the state house, in Newport

Benjamin James, for mending a lock and key for the jail, in Newport 3 00 00

Samuel Ward, for depreciation account 150 00 00

William Chjinning and John G. Wanton, for taking a list of the mortgage

bonds in the grand committee's office 360 00 00

Pr. Thomas Cole, surgeon of Col. Christopher Greene's regiment, to pur-
chase necessaries for the sick 264 00 00

William Davis, sheriff, Newport county, for attendance on the courts 167 07 00

Pay abstracts of Lieut. William Southworth's company 594 19 04

Piiy abstracts of Lieut. Stephen Pearce's company 122 06 08

Isaac Wood, of Little Compton, for warning jurors on the trial of Samuel

Dyer 80 00 00

Samuel Ward, for adjusting the balances of Col. Thos. Greene's regiment,

on account of depreciation of their wages 600 00 00

Peter Turner, for the same service 180 00 00

James Tew, tbr maintaining divers state prisoners in Newport, in 1776 19 10 00

Gideon Comstock, justice of the supreme court of judicature, for services

and expenses 210 00 00

Paul Mumford, justice of the supreme court, for the same 1,736 10 00

Charles Keene, for bills of rakes and scythes 177 00 00

Robert Taylor, for a horse and cart taken from him for the public use 9 12 00

Pay abstract of a sergeant's guard, commanded by Wing Spooner, at East

Greenwich 96 03 02

Shearjashub Bourne, justice of the superior court, for services and

expenses 883 10 00

Joseph Noyes, Jr., for carrying prisoners to Westerly, Little Rest and

Greenwich 79 05 06

Thomas Rumreill, for services in settling the depreciation of wages of this

state's Continental battaUons ; to be paid in Continental bills 800 00 00

John Handy, for his services as auditor of accounts, to be paid in Conti-
nental bills 210 00 00

Benjamin Bourne, for services as clerk of the lower house 382 10 00

William Davis, for attendance upon the General Assembly 192 00 00

Joseph Brown, " " " " 120 00 00

Samuel Simpson, " " " " 240 00 00

William Mumford, " " " " 240 00 00

God save the United States of America.

200 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuiY,

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Bhocle Island.

Circular.] Pliiladelphia, loth June, 1780.

Sir : — Congress repeat tlieir applications to your state. They would willingly hope
that their former representations have not heen ineffectual, and that the states are pur-
suing measures to enable our armies to take the field with a force superior to that of
the enemy, and with such ample supplies of provision as will not only maintain them in
plenty, but enable the commander-in-chief, if necessary, on any extraordinary occasion
to avail himself of the aid of the mihtia. But upon these hopes Congress dare not
rely ; every moment presses. It is necessary they should have the most explicit as-
surances not only that their requisitions will be comphed with, but that such compli-
ance will be as immediate as the pubhc wants are urgent.

The letters from our committee at headquarters to you, state those wants without
exaggeration. They state some facts, and leave to yoiu- judgments to supply the oth
ers, which it would have been improper to commit to paper. The object of this address
is only to enforce their requests, and to entreat you not to repose your safety upon the
spirit and vigilance of others, while any means in your own power are left untried.
The present occasion calls for the united force of America. It gives us great consola-
tion, that notwithstanding the difficulties in which we are involved, the resources of the
states if speedily applied, are sufficient to relieve us from them.

Every state in the Union is bound by the strongest obligations to afford us their aid;
and we trust that at this critical emergency, no present ease or convenience of individ-
uals will be put in competition with the lasting happiness of millions. That the rulers
of states will not hesitate to exert their utmost authority ; and that the people have too
much understanding to refuse a temporary submission to such vigorous exertions as
axe neccessary to secure them from continued oppression and established tyranny.

A common council involves the power of direction. Let not our measures be check-
ed or controlled by the negligence or partial views and interests of separate communi-
ties, while they profess to be members of one body ; too long have the dearest interests
of America been sacrificed to present ease. Too many of us have slept in false security.
Let us awake before the season for successful exertion is passed. Judge you, wheth-
er the loss of Charlestown and the situation of your grand army, do not call for every
spirited effort.

The objects which claim your immediate attention, are already pointed out by the
requisitions of Congress, and their committee, at headquarters. Let them be complied
with. Enable us to co-operate vigorously with the fleets and armies of our ally, and
we may reasonably hope, through the blessing of Divine Providence, for a speedy and
happy termination of a controversy which is to give freedom and independence to
millions. By order of Congress,

SAM. HUNTINGTON, President.

To Governor Greene.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 201

The Oovernor of Rhode Island to the Committee of
Congress.

Warwick, Rhode Island, June 6, 1780.

Gentlemen : — I received Your Honors' favor of tlie 25tli ult., and shall lay them be-
fore the General Assembly, who are to convene on Monday next.

The exhausted state of the treasury, the smallness and bad supply of oiu' army, and
the loss of public eredit as described in yours, are circumstances truly alarming.
These, with other potent considerations, manifest the necessity of the earliest and fiil-
lest exertions of the United States.

I doubt not this state will do every thing in their power to recover us from such dis-
agreeable circumstances. I am, &c.,

W. GREENE.

To the Honorable Committee of Congress.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.] Philadelphia, June 21, 1780.

Sir : — Congress have at dilferent periods recommended measvu'es which they deemed
essentially necessary for the public good.

They now request of those states which have not made returns to Congress of their
transactions in that respect, the most expeditious information of the measures they have
taken, in consequence of the several resolutions, a list of which is annexed to the en
closed act of the 17th instant.

With very great respect,

I have the honor to be, with the highest regard,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

SAM. HUNTINGTON, President.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.] Philadelphia, June 22, 1780.

Sir : — Your Excellency will herewith receive an act of Congress of the 21st instant,
which will no doubt be duly attended to.

Those parts of the act in particular, that relate to giving information to Congress and
their committee, at headquarters, it is most earnestly requested may be attended to
with the utmost expedition and punctuality.

The time, is come when we may expect tlie arrival of the forces of our ally ; and the
plan of operation ought to be completely formed and ready to be communicated on
their arrival, which cannot be done for want of proper and certain information of the
number of forces, quantity of supplies, &c., which the states will furnish.

Under these circumstances, you will easily perceive that Congress and the command-
voi,. IX. 26

202 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLT,

er-in-chief are placed in a most painful situation ; and that the interest, honor and safety
of these states are too much affected to admit of tlie least delay or neglect of any and
every exertion, which the present situation of our affairs demand.

I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's obedient servant,

SAJI. HUNTIXGTOX, President.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

June 23. — Since writing the foregoing, I hare received a letter from His Excellency
General Washington, an extract of whicli is enclosed, together with an act of Congress
of this day, by wliich you will be further informed of the pressing necessity of immedi-
ately forwarding the supplies of men and provision with the utmost expedition ; and
the repeated request of Congress to transmit to them and their committee at headquar-
ters, the proceedings of the state over which you«liave the honor to preside, in such
manner that the commander-in-chief may rely, and be enabled to regulate his future
operations thereon. I have the honor to be, &c.,

SAil. HUNTINGTON, President.

Tlie Governor of Rhode Island to the Committee of Con-
gress for Co-ojieration.

Providence, June 25, 1780.

Gentlemen : — ^I have been honored with your dispatches to the 22d instant, in-
elusive.

The General Assembly have ordered six hundred and ten men to complete the state's
quota; to effect which, they have proportioned them to the several towns to be raised
and rendezvous at Providence, by the 1st day of July. Every exertion of government
will be made to complete this number, as well as to furnish the required supplies to the
army. You may be assured, gentlemen, this state will make every exertion in their
power to answer the expectations of the pubUc. I am, &c., &c.,

W. GREENE.

To the Committee of Congress for Co-operation.

Ge7i. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular. | Headquarters, Eamapaugh, 30th June, 1780.

Sir ; — As the levies required of the states for filling their battalions, have not yet
joined the army, or the French fleet arrived, I beg leave to inform Your Excellency
that it will be unnecessary for the militia, which the Honorable the Committee of Con-
gress were pleased to call for on a late occasion, to be at the place appointed for their
rendezvous, before the 25th of next month. By this time, I would willingly hope that
things will be in such a train, as to enable us to commence our operations, and to make
their aid essential. The present crisis is by far the most important and delicate that
this country has ever experienced ; and it pains me in the extreme that we are so
backward in all our measures. I hope a moment will not be lost in pushing on the
levies to fill the battalions. Our allies would be chagrined, were they to arrive to-day,
to find that we have but a handful of men in the field ; and would doubt, more than
probable, whether we had any serious intentions to prosecute measures with vigor. If
we do not avail ourselves of their succor by the most decisive and energetic steps on

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 203

our part, the aid they so generously bring, may prove our ruin ; and at best it will be
in such case, among the most unfortunate events, next to tliat of our absolute ruin
that could have befallen us.

I tliink it my duty, as often as I have the honor of addressing the states, to forewarn
them, that the completion of their battalions to their full establishment of five hundred
and four, rank and file, is a measure of indispensable necessity to the intended co-
operation ; and that without it, we cannot even attempt any thing decisive.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, sir,

Your E.xcellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

P. S. As my request to delay the assembling of the militia at the place appointed
for tlieir rendezvous proceeds principally from the French fleet's not being arrived, I
beg leave to observe, if this event should have taken place when this reaches your
hands, my request is not to have an operation ; but in such case it is my desire that the
assembling of the militia should be hastened as much as possible.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

The Governor of Rhode Island to the Committee of Con-
gress for Co-operation.

State of Rhode Island, &c., July 8th, 1780.

Gentlemen : — Agreeably to your request for information, the General Assembly, in
compliance with the resolution of Congress of the 20tli of May, and your requisition,
passed an act for raising the number of men necessary to complete their Continental
battalions to their full complement of men, and apportioned them to the several towns,
who were to furnish them by the 1st of July, to which time the Assembly adjourned ;
when finding by the returns they were yet deficient, an act has passed, of wliich the
enclosed is a copy, and which it is expected will prove eflectual.

The Assembly have adopted the resolution of Congress of 2.5th of February last, re-
specting supplies ; appointed a commissary of purchases, and furnished him 'with
moneys for that service.

Such provision lias been made with respect to the article of forage, that the quantity
required by said resolve, will be ready when called for ; a number of cattle, horses and
grain have been contracted for, but the commissary, who is absent on that business, not
having made a return, it cannot now be ascertained to what amount.

From the severity of the drought throughout this state, it will be difficult, if not im-
possible to supply the full quantity of beef so early as it may be wanted ; but every ex-
ertion will be made to promote it, and whatever else is incumbent on this state to sup-
ply. A return of what is purchased, shall be forwarded to Congress, as soon as pos-
sible. I am, with much respect, gentlemen.

Your very humble servant,

W, GREENE.

To the Committee of Congress for Co-operation.

204 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JULT,

The Governor of Rhode Island to the President of the
Continental Congress.

State of Rhode Island, &c., July 8th, 1780.

Sir ; — Your letter of the 17th of June, enclosing a resolution of Congress, of the same
date, requesting from this state returns of the transactions upon several resolutions of
Congress annexed, hath been received.

In answer thereto, I have to inform Your Excellency, that, to comply as nearly as
possible with the resolution of March 9th, 1779 (great difficulties attending the filling
our Continental battalions), an act was passed for raising two regiments of infantry and
one of artillery ; that in June following, the regiments of infantry being incomplete, the
two were reduced to one, and a light corps ordered to be raised ; of which measures,
Congress were informed, and reasons given therefor, and which they were pleased to
approve.

This state have assessed and collected all taxes recommended by Congress in their
resolutions of May 21st, and October 6th and 7th. But such have been the exigencies
for money, to carry the public measures into execution, that the resolution of the 'Jth of
October hath not been fully complied with.

Congress will please to consider that the several departments in this state have of late
been short of moneys necessary for their expenditures ; and that of wliat we are defi-
cient in paying in our taxes, which is S395,671 2-3, S199.666 2-3 have been a'^vanced
for the quartermaster generals department only. At the same time, when it was found
necessary to stop the moneys collected from being paid into the Continental treasury,
the state ordered a tax in addition to, and equal with, the Continental tax, in order to
re-place the moneys so stopped, and which is now collecting. But expenses are so
very heavy upon this state, for raising their quota of troops, advancing for the necessi-
ties of those already in service, whose pay is much in arrear ; supplying the several de-
partments, in making provision for the arrival of the fleet and army of His Most Chris-
tian Majesty, and a variety of other matters, which Congress will conceive necessary
at this period ; that we fear, unless the departments of the quartermaster, etc., are oth-
erwise supplied, we shall be obliged to make use of the moneys as fast as collected.

In order, if possible, to prevent it, this state did in June last, emit £20,000, funded on
real estate, redeemable in six months with silver and gold only.

The resolution of March 18th has been under consideration, and a bill drafted, in con-
sequence ; but the completion thereof, is postponed a few days, in order the better to as-
certain the funds for its redemption. As soon as the same shall be finished, a copy will
be transmitted to Congress.

The Assembly, in compliance with the resolution of the 20th of May, passed an act at
tlie June session for raising a number men, agreeably to the requisition of the commit-
tee of co-operation, and apportion the sime to the several towns, who were to furnish
their quotas by the 1st day of July, to which time the Assembly adjourned, when
finding by the returns they are yet deficient, an act has passed, a copy of which is
enclosed, and which we doubt not will prove effectual.

The Assembly have adopted tlie resolution of the 2oth of February, respecting sup
p'ies ; appointed a commissarry of purchases, and furnished him with moneys for that
service. Provision has been made with lespect to the article of forage ; that it will be
ready as soon as called for ; a number of cattle, horses, &e., have been contracted for,
hut the commissary, who is absent on the buiiuess, not having made a return, it cannot
be ascertained to what amount.
From the severity of the drought throughout this state, it will be difficult, if not im-

1780.]

Am) PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 205

possible, to supply the full quantity of beef so early as it may be wanted ; but every ex-
ertion will be made to procure it, and whatever else is incumbent on this state to sup-
ply ; and a return of what is purchased, shall be forwarded t6 Congress as soon as
possible. With great respect, I sm —

Your Excellency's most obedient and very humble servant,

WILLIAM GREENE,
To His Excellencj' the President of Congress.

General Washington to the President of the Continental

Congress.

Headquarters, Bergen county, 1
10th July, 1780. )

Sir : — I have, with great pleasure, seen the very laudable association of the merchants
of Philadelphia, for procuring a quantity of provisions and rum for the army. I am
well persuaded that the same spirit exists in those of the other considerable trading
towns, who perhaps only want being made acquainted with the distresses of the army,
in articles almost as essential as those of provision, to produce similar associations for
the purposes of providing such matters as may be recommended to them.

We are so scantily supplied with marquees and tents, and have so little prospect of pro-
curing a sutficient number by the common means that some gentlemen have suggested
the propriety and expediency of an address to the merchants from New London to
Portsmouth, inclusive, requesting their assistance at this critical time, and giving them
the same assurances of reimbursement, which have been given to the merchants of
Piiiladelpliia.

By the estimates of the quartermaster gener^-l, a sum not exceeding £40,000, lawful,
money, would make a sufficient provision of marquees, tents, knapsacks and some other
artic'es in that way ; and should the mode I have hinted, be thought advisable
he would furnish the proportions which each town should, in his opinion, be re-
quested to provide. Souie private letters have, I believe, been written to the princi-
pal trading gentlemen to eastward on this subject, which may perhaps produce an oflTer
on their parts ; but I am so exceedingly anxious on account of the backward state of
our preparations of every kind, that I cannot help recommending an application to
them, notwithstanding, by Congress, collectively, or through their own delegates, as
may be judged most proper.

I observe that by the present regulations of the Bank of Philadelphia, the funds are
to be applied solely to the purchases of rum and provision. But if an application of part
of them could be diverted to the purchase of tents (the materials for making which, I
am told are plenty in Piiiladelpliia), it would add to our stock in a very little time. The
committee of co-operation have already recommended this deviation, and I beg leave to
express my concurrence with them.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To His Excellency the President of Congress.

206

RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

[July,

Estimate of Marquees, Tents, K7iapsacks, tfcc, wanting for
the Army, with their cost in hard money.

161 marquees aSO . . .

695 horseman's tents 160 . . .

641 wall tents 75 . . .

! 641 common tents. . . 60 . . .

Lawful money.

£ s.

.£ s.

4,830 00

33,738 knapsacks

. 6

. . 10,121 08

5,560 00

4,000 bags for forage .

6 .

. . . 1,200 00

2,403 15

10,000 sand bags

6 .

. . . 3,000 OO

10,923 00

100 canvass valises .

18 .

90 00

£38,128 03

§127,093 2^
Camp equipage to be required of the different eastern states, in the following

From what s

g s f Boston and dependencies . . 81 348

1 1 •( Salem and Marblehead . . . ! 27 116

Sa [Newbury ■ | 13! 58

Rhode Island [ 9,3;'

Connecticut 22 95

New Hampshire and Portsmouth '■*! '^'^

Total

321 1,841 16,869 2,000 5,000100 19,191 9

107i 600! 5,623 666 1,666 ••. 6,32515

53; 300| 2,812 333 833 ... , 3,146 3

36 200 1,874 222' 556... 2,11212

88 500 4,6861 567' 1,389... 5,239 12

36 200: 1,874 222 556... 2,11212

161 695'64l! 3,640 33,738 4,000 10,000 H 38,128

General Washington to the Committee of Congress for
Co-operatio7i.

Headquarters, 13th July, 1780.

Gentlemen : — We have received intelligence, through different channels from New
York, that the Gaudaloup had arrived there on Sunday morning, and brought an account
that she had fallen in with a large French fleet, consisting of several sail of the line,
and a number of transports, between the Capes of Virginia and Delaware. This intel-
ligence has every appearance of authenticity ; and, if true, the arrival of the fleet on
tlie coast may instantly be looked for. Tliis indeed must be the case, at any rate, from
the time they are said to have sailed.

Xt cannot be too much lamented that our preparations are still so greatly beliind- ■
hand. Not a thousand men that I have heard of, have yet joined the army ; and in all
j)robabihty the period for commencing our operations is at hand. 1 am happy to learn
that a spirit of animation has diffused itself throughout the states, from which we
may e.xpect the happiest consequences.

But the exigency is so pressing, that we ought to multiply our efforts to give new
activity and dispatch to our measures ; levying and forwarding the men ; providing
the supplies of every sort required ; forage and transportation demand particular
attention.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 207

After what had been preconcerted with the Honorable the Congress ; after two
months' previous notice of the intended succor, if our aUies find us unprepared, and are
obliged to wait several weeks in a state of inacticm, it is easy to conceive liow unfavor-
able the impressions it will make of our conduct. Besides this, the season is ex-
ceedingly advanced ; a decisive enterprize, if our means are equal to it, will not permit
us to lose a moment of the time left for military operations, which if improved with all
the vigor in our power, is less than were to be wished for an undertaking of so arduous
and important a nature. So much is at stake, so much to be hoped, so much to be
lost, that we shall be inexcusable if we do not employ all our zeal, and all our exertion.
With the highest respect and esteem,

I have the honor to be, gentlemen,, &c.,

G. WASHINGTON,
To the Committee for Co-operation.

The Committee of Congress fo)- Co-ojoeration to the Governor
of Rhode Island.

In Committee of Congress, -,

Preakness, state of New Jersey, July 13, 1780. )
Sir : — We do ourselves the honor to enclose Your Excellency copy of a letter of this
date, from the commander-in-chief.

You, sir, are so fully impressed with the necessity of improving every moment to
promote the great object of the present campaign, it will be needless to adduce any ar-
guments in support of the sentiments contained in the general's letter. Permit us only
to observe, that in proportion as any state is deficient in the number of men and quan-
tum of supplies for the army, our prospect of success will be diminished ; and should
unhappily your state rely that the exertions of other states will be competent to the
business, and the same opinion entertained by others, it is evident that disgrace and
ruin must be the portion of this country.

Persuaded that your feelings will revolt at the mere idea, we rely with confidence
that not a moment's time will be lost In fulfilling the engagements of your state, and in
a perfect compliance with the requisitions of this committee, as specified in former ap-
plications for any extra supplies or services.

Your Excellency will not conclude us too importunate in the repeated reiterations on
this important subject ; as we ai^ convinced that the occasion will justify us in this
address. We have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem.

Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servants,
PH. SCHUYLER,
NATH'L PEABODY.
To His Excellency William Greene, Esq.

Quartermaster General Nathaniel Greene to the Governor of
Rhode Island.

Camp Precaness, July 15th, 1780.

Sir: — The commander-in-chief has given me directions to make the necessary provi-
sion in the quartermaster's department for a co-operatiion with the French forces
which are now at Newport, for the reduction of New York.

I am to request therefore, that Your Excellency will give orders for such sums of
money on the treasury of the state in favor of Mr. Bowen, deptity quartermaster gen-

208 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLT,

eral, from time to time as the service may require ; without this, it will be impossible to
go on with the business. Mr. Bowen has had orders to collect the flat-bottomed boats
in the state ; which he could not effect for want of money. He has instructions now to
forward them to Connecticut river, which I fear cannot be done, unless the state can
supply money for the purpose. I shall be e.xceedingly obliged by the friendly offices of
the state in promoting at this critical time, the necessary preparations in the quarter-
master general's department, for carrying into execution the general's plan of op-
erations.

In military operations, one thing depends so much upon another ; and the success
of the whole upon the provision of each part, that nothing is more common than for
great events to depend upon little things. The ef jre, what may appear a trifling
consideration, often involves important consequences.

I beg my compliments to your family.

I have the honor to be—

Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

NATH. GREENE, Quartermaster General.

To His Excellency Governor Greene. •

Tlie Governor of Rhode Island to Governor Trumhidl, of
Connecticut.

Newport, July 22d, 1780.

Sir : — Yours of the 18th instant, is now before me, and agreeably to your request,
I have the pleasure to inform you that the arnaament now in this harbor consists of
seven ships of the line, from eighty -four to si.\ty-four guns, one forty gun hospital ship,
formerly sixty-four, and which is now taking on board her full complement of guns;
three frigates, two bomb-ketches, about thirty transports, five thousand land forces, and
one thousand marines, exclusive of tho full complement of seamen for the men-of war
and transports ; and the general informs me that he is only the vanguard of a much
greater force that may be hourly expected.

A British fleet was yesterday discovered standing in for this harbor; about sixteen
sail were counted ; they are now lying off the harbor, some at anchor, and others imder
sail.

I received a letter from the Honorable Jabez Bowen, Esq., of Providence, of the 17th,
who informs me that some British officers who were prisoners in this state, and were
some time since exchanged, engaged to pay their own expenses for board, &c. ; and as
the families where they boarded, wanted many necessaries of clothing, &c., and the offi-
cers not being in cash to discharge their accounts, he gave verbal permission for the
officer who went in the flag to invest the amount of their accounts in dry goods and
such necessaries as said families were in waut of; invoices of which goods, I now en
close you.

This flag, on her return to Providence, was boarded by an armed boat belonging to
your state, and the goods taken out and are still detained from the proper owners ; I must
therefore request Your Excellency to demand the goods so taken awaj-, and to use your
utmost influence that they may be delivered to the persons in this state for whom they
were intended ; especially as they were designed to pay the board of those very officers
who went in exchange for Captoins Smedley tmd Scovell, of your state. Your compli-
ance with this request, will much oblige, sir,

Your most obedient and very humble servant,

WM. GREENE.

To Governor Trumbull.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE TLANTATIONS. 209

The Committee of Congress for Co-operation to the Governor
of Rhode Island.

In Committee of Congress, i
Preakness, 23cl July, 1780. )
Sir: — Yo-ir Excellency's letter of the 6tli and 2jth of June, and 8tli instant, hare
been received.

We have no doubt of your most strenuous endeavors for furnishing the supplies re-
quested of the state ; but Your Excellency has not .advised us whether the legislature
has taken measures to furnish the militia required.

We entreat you for information on tliis liead, with .all dispatch ; as the season for op-
eration is gliding fast away, and the gener.al wishes to ascertain with precision, the force
he shall be able to draw into tlie field. It is unnecessary to reiterate the importance
of having the supplies allotted to e.ach state punctually delivered ; and although diffi-
culties may arise in procuring some of the .articles, yet we hope they will be obtained
by your attention, and the exertion of the officers employed in the purchase.
We have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servants,
PH. SCHUYLER,
J. W. MATHEWS,
NATH'L PEABODY.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

The Governor of Rhode Island to Joseph Reed, Governor
of Pennsylvania.

Newport, July 2.3, 1780.
Sir : — You will observe by tlie enclosed, vote, that I am retjuested by the General
Assembly to apply to Your Excellency in favor of one M'Intosh Alexander, belonging
to this state, and who has a fiiraily here. He was captured in a brig from London,
bound for New York, by the Fair American, Stephen Decatur, commander ; and is now
a prisoner in Philadelphia. I am therefore to request that you will use your utmost in-
fluence and assistance in effijcting the liberation of the said M'Intosh Alexander from
his captivity, in order that he may return to his friends connections in this state.
I have the honor to be Your Excellency's obedient servant,

W. GREENE.
To His Excellency Joseph Reed, Governor of Pennsylvania.

General W. Heatli to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 2.5, 1780. (
4 o'clock, P. M. )
Sir : — Intelligence is this moment received by the w.ay of Long Island, that Sir
Hiury C.inton intends to mike .an attempt on Rliode Island with a large body of troops
— it is said ten thousand men.

His Excellency Cjjut de Rochanibeau requests that he may be immediately rein-
force! with two thousand militia. I request that you would order fifteen hundred of
that number, properly officered, armed and accoutred, to rendezvous without delay, at
Tiverton. General Rochambeau says that in six or seven days, he shall be perfectly
TOL. IX. g7

210 RECORDS OF TIIE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

secure without them, and tliey may return home. If your militia for reinforcing the
army, are detacheJ, tliey niaj' be ordered on this duty ; but I pray you that not a mo-
ment may be lost. If the enemy mean to make an attempt, it will be soon. The ac-
count says the enemy had embarked.

I would also request tliat your purchasing commissary may be directed to see that
ample supplies of provisions are furnished to the issuing commissaries without
delay.

I also beg leave to submit to Your Excellency the holding the whole militia of the
state in readiness to turn out, should the alarm be given.

I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

P. S. The men must bring six days' provision with them. A person is sent to es-
tabhsh signals from Watch Point to this place.

The Governor of Rhode Island to General Heath.

Providence, July 27th, 1780. 1
9 o'clock, P. M. '

Sir : — You are sensible that I have issued orders to assemble the whole of the militia
at different posts to wait my further orders.

I will be obliged to Your Honor for particulars. Information of the intelligence you
have of the force of the enemy designed for the expedition to Rhode Island ; of the time
when you think they will sail ; of the succors you expect from Massachusetts Bay and
Connecticut; and of such other matters as you think necessary to throw light upon the
subject.

I request these communications, because they will be of service to us in exerting the
force of the state, as they will be convincing of the necessity of the demand, and of the
probability of the aid's being effectual. The particulars will be confined to the mem-
bers of the council.

The unprepared state of the people, the shortness of the notice, the want of arms and
accoutrements, the great scarcity of provisions, and the extraordinary backwardness of
the business of the farmers will render it an affair of the greatest difficulty to arm, equip
and send forward more than half of our effective men, which I hope will amount to
about three thousand. I beg the favor of an immediate answer to this letter.
I am, with great esteem, sir.

Your most obedient, humble servant,

W. GREENE.
General Heath.

Gen. W. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 28th, 1780.

Sir : — ^I have been honored with yours, of yesterday. The intelligence received here
of the motions and probable intentions of Sir Henry Clinton, was from Col. Hamilton,
at headquarters ; Major General Howe, General Parsons, Major Talmadge, some gentle-
men at Long Island, and others from thence.

They nearly all agree that Admiral Greaves had taken one thousand seamen from
the city of New York, and proceeded off this harbor ; that General Clinton was moving
eight or tep thousand men, who were embarking at White House, on Long Island, and

1780.]

ANB PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 211

at Westchester ; and that from every appearance and intimation, the fleet and army of
our generous ally was their object.

On receiving this intelligence, which has been many times repeated. General Roch-
ambeau, wlio saw a superior fleet to that of Monsieur de Ternay, at the moutli of this
harbor, and almost every consideration to induce hira to apprehend Gen. Clinton's de-
sign was against him, made an immediate and formal demand of aid from the militia, men
tioning the numb-T, absolutely necessary for his support, and which he requested by a
certain time. On this, I formed my first requisition for fifteen hundred men from your
state, and the brigade of the county of Bristol, in Massachusetts. "Upon further intelli-
gence. General Kochambeau demanded a call of your whole militia ; and also further
aid from Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The reported manoeuvres of the enemy, the ease and e.xpedition with which they
might be brought here, if the winds were favorable, and the high importance of pre-
serving the fleet and army of our ally, considered, not only policy but justice dictated
that every aid should be immediately afforded, and not the least backwardness discov-
ered ; I therefore made my second requisition.

When the enemy will sail, or whether at all. Your E.xcellency can as well determine
as I can ; but, in order to have the earliest intelligence of their approach, I sent one of
my own family to establish signals from Watch Hill, to this p ace, which is done. The
enemy may appear within this hour, or they may not appear at all. Early and spirited
measures may prevent them.

It gave me pain wlien I called for the militia. I was fully impressed with a sense of
their burdens and embarrassments, and the excessive busy season, which is rendered,
more so, by the present drought ; and in order to relieve the militia as much as possi-
ble, I did in the first instance, call for the three months' militia of the Massachusetts
(although destined to another quarter), to marcli immediately here.

The last evening I was honored with dispatches from the council at Boston, contain-
ing a letter and a resolve ; one, dated the ;J6th inst., at 12 o'clock, at night ; the other, the
27th, at one o'clock, in the morning. The council direct their militia to march imme-
diately to Tiverton. Whether the militia will assemble agreeably to the request of Gen.
Rocharabeau, and by the time he expects them, or not ; or whether they will be wanted
or not, I cannot say. In consequence of his demand, I have done that which I appre-
hended to be my duty.

I give Your Excellency, agreeably to your request, this minute detail, which I do
with much pleasure. I am constrained to add that the contents of your last letter hare
given me some uneasiness.

I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Gen. W. Heath to the Governor of Bhode Island.

Newport, July 29, 1780.

Sir -.—I have just received letters from the president of the council at Boston, inti-
mating that in consequence of a letter from General Count de Rochambeau, they had
ordered three more of their regiments of mihtia to march this way, for the support of
the forces of our ally.

I have this moment received a letter from His Excellency Governor Trumbull, of
the 27th instant. He informs me that he has given orders to the brigadiers of the four

212" RECORDS OF THE STAMl OF RHODE ISLA^'D [Jt'LY,

brigades to put one half of their respective brigades into nctual readiness to
march on the shortest notice, to any place tliat may be attacki;d ; attd that tliose in the
town of Preston and the north part of Stonington, and those of tl>e towns of Ponifret-
Woodstock, Killingly, Voluntown, Plainfield and Canterbury, tliat are detached, march
immediately witli six days' provisions ; Capt. Tyler's Company of Artillery, and Capt,
Backus's Independents to rendezvous at Greenwich, in the state of Rhode Island.

His Excellency then adds, " The following intelligence I hare in a letter from Co!,
Wells, dated at Greenwich, the 2oth instant :" ' The enemy are all gone, except Pela'
ny's, from East and Westchester, and a very great embarkation taking place ; com-
monly believed tliey are going to the eastward. An officer of my regiment, just ar-
rived from below, informs tliat the embarkation is almost universal fjom New York,
Long Island and Frog's Point ; that General Clinton's baggage is all on ship-board. If
it was not for the transports wliich have come through Hell Gate, I should think the
West Indies was their object ; but time must determine their movements.' "

Whatever further intelligence may come to hand, Your Excellency may depend on
the earliest communication of it.

I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Gen. W. Heatli to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 30th, 1780.
Sir : — His Excellency General Count de Roehambeau has this moment expressed his
pleasure, that all the militia marching to his support, except those detached for three
months, return immediately to their respective homes, to attend to their domestic af-
fairs, which at this time peculiarly tiemand their attention-

The general expresses the highest pleasure and satisfaction of the spirit and zeal dis-
covered by the authority of the states, and by the militia, for his support ; and rest as-
sured that in case he should hereafter stand in need of aid, it will be readily and season'
ably afforded. I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH-
To His Excellency Gorsruor Greene.

General Varnmn to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Bristol, 2d August, 1780, (
7 o'clock P. M. y

Sir : — I am this moment returned from Tiverton. I have received from you this day
eight hundred and twenty flints, but no cartridges. I hope some are on the way.
General Heath depends much on us in furnishing ammunition. Most of the' cartridges
to be made, ought to be of eighteen and nineteen balls to the pound. No possible delay
should take place in making and forwarding them. Provisions are greatly wanting. I
enclose you a hst of ammunition, &c., wanting this night, for cannon. I have seen rice
and beef at Tiverton. Nothing but mutton and beef, jiurchased in small quantfties.

I have just heard that the British were lately off New London ; but the account is not
official Cannon are now firing to the southward of us. 'Tis probable we shall move
upon the island very early in the morning. Your Excellency will pardon me for the

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 213

of iTly writing. I Imve inucli to do. More men liere tlian at Tiverton. AVe
want all the spare horses from Providence.

Your Excellency's most ohedient servant,

J, JI. VAENUM.

N. B. Part of the fiints above mentioned, came from S. Kingstown.
To Governor Greene.

Gen. Washingion to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Pcekskill, )
3d August, 1780. )

Sir : — I have been honored with Your Excellency's letter of the 24th ultimo ; and
for the reasons you mention, the postponing the march of the militia was proper ; es-
pecially where we take into view the .appearances there were of the enemy's making an
expedition with a great part of their land force against our allies. These however, are
now at an end, by their returning to New York. But as the enemy's fleet still remains
off Khode Island, it may perhaps be thought eligible for them not" to move.

I have therefore written to Gener.il Heath on the subject, as well as about Colonel
Greene's regiment and the levies, and requested him to consult the Count, and to com
municate the result with respect to the militia, to Your Excellency, by which you will
be pleased to regulate yourself as to their coming or remaining longer. If the latter
should be the result of their communication, I am then to entreat that they may be held
in such a state of readiness, as to be able to proceed on the shortest notice after a requi
sition by me, or when the Count is about to move with his troops ; or shall signity that
he does not consider their further detention necessary.

I have the honor to enclose Y'our Excellency a copy of a proclamation, offering pardon
to the deserters from your two regiments in the Continent.al service, &c. This I should
have transmitted sooner, but have been prevented by a variety of pressing business ;
and by our being a good deal in a moving state, Yom- Excellency, if you think jiroper,
will eomuuinicate it to the printer for publication.
I have the honor to be —

Your Excellency's obedient and humble servant,

GEO. "WASHINGTON.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Gen. Varnum to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Bristol, 3d August, 1780.

Sir : — Failing so much in my repeated applications for provision, &c., induces Ae to
send General Stanton and Mr, Helme to give a general description of our situation, and
solicit all the assistance Your Excellency, with the Council, can possibly give us.

Enclosed, you have a return of the troops here, as far as we have collected them ;
about two hundred more have just arrived from Col. Brown's battalion. I have not a
particular return from Col. Church's battalion, of Tiverton and Little Compton ; but
there are nearly three hundred of them.

We have nothing of consequence upon the post. Nearly half of the men are un-
armed. If a measure could be adopted for keeping no more men in the field than could
be absolutely necessary .and useful in action, is a matter of importance and of too much
deUcacy for me to give an opinion about.

214 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JtJlY,

The supplies to be obtained here, are perfectly inadequate to the support of so many
people as are'upon the ground.

I have the honor of being —

Your Excellency's most obedient and very humble servant,

J. M. VARNUM.
To Governor Greene.

Gen. Heath to the Oovernor of Rhode Island,

Howland's Ferry, August 3d, 1780.

Sir : — I was yesterday honored with yonrs of the 1st instant. I am exceedingly
sorry to hear that there is a probability of a shortness of provision. On my tirst appli-
cation for the militia, I requested provisions from tlie Council at Boston, and from Gov-
Trumbull, as well as of Your Excellency.

I hope for some relief from them ; but from local circumstances, my principal de*
pendence has been on your state ; and I cannot but yet hope that a supply of fresh
meat, rum and salt, at least, will be obtained ; and I most earnestly request that your
purchasing commissary may exert his endeavors in procuring provisions, and that he
may be vested with such powers as the present emergency requires.

A few minutes since, I received a letter from Col. Greene, in wliich he observes : " If
very great exertions are not immediately made, the troops must suffer for want of pro-
visions." I expect relief from Massachusetts, but the distance will unavoidably require
time.

I thank Your Excellency for the information enclosed in your last ; but Thurber
must have been much mistaken as to the numbers of the enemy.

About 10 o'clock, the last night, I received a letter from Gen. Washington, dated the
81st ult., at the Highlands, on the east side of Hudson river. His Excellency informs
me that General Clinton had sailed eastward, in the Sound ; and that he intended to
march as rapidly as possible towards King's Bridge ; this possibly may induce General
Clinton to change his plan ; if he does not, we may very soon expect him.

We are in great want of entrenching tools. I thought there were a large number in
the hands of the deputy quartermaster general, at Providence ; but I am disappointed.
It will be impossible to push the work, with that expedition that may be necessary.
I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.

P. S. General Varnum this moment writes me that he is much perplexed for want
of provisions. I beg some effectual method may be immediately adopted for relief.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Iskmd.

Howland's Ferry, August 4, 178(fl
Sir: — I am just honored with yours of yesterday. The spirit of the militia discov-
ered at this time, might afford the greatest pleasure to every friend to America, as it
has done to our generous auxiliaries, who view it as the best evidence of our affection,
and attachment to them. It was with pain, sir, that I called out the militia at this busy
season ; it is with pain that I see them detained a day ; but necessity compels.

When I wrote Your Excellency for the militia of your state, I called for those of the
county of Bristol, in Massachusetts, and six other regiments, and all their three months'

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 215

men who had not marched. I have not yet been able to get returns of the number of
militia that have been turned out, but soon expect them.

Your Excellency is sensible that I must in present circumstances be much governed
by His Excellency Count Rochambeau, as to the aid he thinks necessary. I shall dine
with him to-morrow, at Newport, and will lay your letter before him, and represent all
the circumstances. I shall be happy if a discharge of a part of the militia should be
thought advisable. The militia of Connecticut have rendezvoused at and near New
London, where it is not impossible the enemy may make an attempt ; but in case the
fleet pass that place, the militia will march immediately this way.

Governor Trumbull has ordered two hundred barrels of best rye flour to be forward-
ed to Mr. Commissary Southwick. A day or two will determine whether the enemy
mean to come or not. I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.

To Governor Greene.

Gen. Varmim to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Bristol, 4th August, 1780.

Sir : — I am ordered by His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau to take command
upon the militia of the island of a detachment of two thousand troops. General Lippitt

is to command at Butts' Hill ; he will therefore be immediately. As soon

as the whole arrangements are made up, I shall inform you. It will be out of my power
to pay that attention to supplying the men, which has hitherto engrossed much of my
attention. General Miller will give me every assistance in his power.

There are a number of men here from the county of Providence, who call themselves
light horse, but have neither guns, pistols, swords or spurs. They consume forage
without utility. I wish your orders what to do with them.

No supplies yet of rum, bread or any thing else in the commissary department. If
the troops desert through necessity, I can't be ch.argeable with the consequences. I
know Your Excellency and the Council must be very much troubled. The mode for
collecting from the towns, requires too much time in the execution. The detachment
for my more immediate command will be supplied by the Count, if necessary.

I am Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

J. M. VARNUM.

To Governor Greene.

Jabez Bowen and John Brown to the Governor of Rhode
Iskmd,

Bristol, 4th August, 1780.
Sir : — Agreeably to the request of the council of war, we have this day waited on
Gen. Heath, and have urged the necessity of dismissing one half of our militia. He
promises to communicate the matter to Count Rochambeau, and no doubt but he shall
be able to comply with your desires to-morrow or next day, at furthest.

The militia frbm the Massachusetts have turned out in large numbers. The general
has received no late advice from the westward.

In haste, we are Your Excellency's most humble servants,

JABEZ BOWEN,
JOHN BROWN.
To Governor Greene.

216 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

The Governor of Rhode Island to the Council of War.

Providence, 5lh August, 1780.
Gentlemen ; — I reoeivcfl this, with General Heath's letter, about half past one o'clock,
this morning ; and at first view was something at a loss wliether to proceed to Newport
or not, as tlie Council advised upon my receiving a letter from General Heath, not to
proceed there before the Council convened.

But considering the general is to dine to-daj- with the French general,! thought it my
duty to proceed irameiliately to Newport, so as to be there timely to see them together /
that I doubt not you will e.\cuse me for going forward prior to my advising with you,
considering the contents of the general's letter, notwithstanding your advice was to the
contrary. You may depend upon my giving j-ou the earliest intelligence in my power
respecting the business I am going upon.

I am, gentlemen, with respect and esteem, yours, &c.,

W. GREENE.
To the Honorable the Council of War, present.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Howland's Ferry, August 7th, 1780.
Sir: — The letter which Your Excellency so obligingly forwarded this morning per
the light horseman, was from Gen. Washington, and announcing that the enemy who
were expected to pay us a visit, are returned to New York.

I apprehend that in consequence of this letter, the whole of the militia, except those
detached for three months, may return home; but it is necessary to consult General
Rochambeau, before I do it. I have but one of ray aids de camp for that purpose, and
the moment he returns, you shall hear further from me. Your regiment of three
months' run, should be completed, I think, without a moment's delay.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To Governor Greene.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continentcd Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Philadelphia, August 16, 1780.

Sir : — Your letters of the 22d and 25th of last month, to the delegates of your state,
have been received and laid before Congress ; and in answer thereto, I am to acquaint
you, that Congress have a proper sense of the exertions of the state of Rhode Island
and Providence Plantations in the common cause.

That any disbursements whicli may be made by that state for the use of the United
States be.yond its quota, shall be reimbursed as soon as circumstances will admit; that
Congress depend on the several states for tlie necessary supplies of money for carrying
on the war ; that the bills of credit to be emitted in pursuance of the resolution of the
10th of March last, will j-icU! a supply as soon as the several quotas of the Continental
bills of credit are collected to be destroyed ; that the quota of the aforesaid bills for your

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 217

state shall be transmitted as soon as possible, after a copy of the act complying with the
resolution is received. If taxes were laid, payable in new bills or specie, it would have
a good tendency to introduce the said bills into circulation, in full credit.

By order of Congress,
SAM. HUNTINGTON, President.
To His Excellency Governor Greene

Gm. WasJiington to the Governor of Ehode Island.

Circular.] Headquarters, near the Liberty Pole, I

in Bergen county, 27th August, 1780. )

Sir: — The honorable the committee of co-operation having returned to Congress, I
am under the disagreeable necessity of informing Your Excellency that the army is
again reduced to an extremity of distress for want of provision. The greater part of it
has been witliout meat from the 21st to the 26th. To endeavor to obtain some relief, I
moved down to this place, with a view of stripping the lower parts of the county of its
cattle, which after a most rigorous exaction, is found to afford between two and three
days' supply, only; and those consisting of milk cows and calves, of one two years old.
When tliis scanty pittance is consumed, I know not what will be our next resource, as
the commissary can give me no certain information of more than one hundred and
twenty head of cattle, expected from Pennsylvania ; and about one hundred and fifty
from Massachusetts. I mean in time to supply our immediate wants.

Military coercion is no longer of any avail, as nothing further can possibly be col-
lected from the country in which we are obliged to take a position, without depriving
the inhabitants of the last morsel. This mode of subsisting, supposing the desired end
could be answered by it, besides being in the highest distressing to individuals, is at-
tended with ruin to the morals and discipline of the army. During the few days which
we have been obliged to send out small parties to procm-e provisions for themselves
the most enormous excesses have been committed.

It has been no inconsiderable support of our cause, to have had it in our power to con-
trast the conduct of our army with that of the enemy, and to convince the inhabitants
that while their rights are wantonly violated by the British troops, by ours they were
respected. This distinction must unhappily now cease ; and we must assume the
odious character of plunderers, instead of the protectors of the people ; the direct conse-
quences of which, must be to alienate their minds from the army, and insensibly from

We have not yet been absolutely without flour ; but we have this day, but one day's
supply in camp ; and I am not certain that there is a single barrel between this and
Trenton. I shall be obliged therefore to draw one or two hundred barrels from a smaU
magazine which I had endeavored to establish at West Point, for the security of the
garrison in case of a sudden investiture.

From the above state of facts, it may be foreseen that this army cannot possibly re-
main much longer together, unless very vigorous and immediate measures are taken
by the states to comply with the requisitions made upon them. The commissary gen-
eral has neither the means nor the power of procuring supplies. He is only to receive
them from the several agents. Without a speedy change of circumstances, this dilem-
ma must be involved : either the army must disband, or what is if possible, worse, sub-
sist upon the plunder of the people.

I would fajn flatter myself that a knowledge of our situation, will produce the desired
relief; not a relief of a few days, as has generally heretofore been the case, but a supply
equal to the establishment of magazines for the winter. If these are not formed before
the roads are broken up by the weather, we shall certainly experience the same dilB-
eulties and distresses the ensuing winter which we did the last. Although the troops
Tot. IX. 28

2 18? RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

have, upon every occasion hitherto, borne their -nants with nnparalieled patience, it
will be dangerous to trust too often to a repetition of the causes of discontent.
I liave tlie honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To His E.xcellency Governor Greene.

Gen. Washingion to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Liberty Pole, Bergen county, i
28th August, 1780. )

Sir : — The intelligence broujrht by the Alliance frigate, renders it so very uncertain
whether we shall be in condition to commence our expected operation before the expiration
of the whole or the greater part of the time for which the militia were er.gaged, that I think
it will be prudent to dismiss them as soon as possible ; not only on the general scale of
economy, but more particularly to avoid the unnecessary consumption of provision, for
which we are extremely distressed, as my circular letter of this date fully describes.

You wiU therefore be pleased to discharge aU those required by the committee of co-
operation, as soon as General Heath shall be of opinion that the forwardness of the
works at present on hand, will admit of it.

I would, however, recommend the completing your Continental battalions, upon this
consideration : that in case we should be unexpectedly called to operate, the fuller those
battaUons are, the less will be the demand for militia.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir.

Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To Governor Greene.

Proceedings of tJte General Assemhly, for the State of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at New2)ort,on
the second Monday in September, 1780.

His Excellency AVilliam (Ireene, Govcruor.
The Hon. William Wesi, Deputy Gc^ernor.

It is voted and resolved, that £10,411 13s. Ad., in Conti-
nental bills, of the old emissions, be allowed and jDaid out of
the general treasury, to William Taggart, Esq., it being the
amount of an account by him charged against the state, for
the chartering and expenses of two-thirds of the brigantine
Success, fitted to the West Indies for salt, as examined and
reported by the auditor.

1780.] A-\D PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 219

Whereas, by reason of the present session of this Assem-
bly, and the necessary attendance of the attorneys thereon,
declarations for the inferior court of common pleas to be
holden in Sou'Ji Kingstown, in and for the county of Kings,
on the fourth Monday in September instant, cannot be filed
to the said court within the time limited therefor, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
by the authority thereof it is enacted, that declarations
and reasons of appeal to the said court may be filed at any
time before the Sunday next preceding the said fourth
Monday in September instant; and that answers may be filed
on the first and second days of the sitting of the said court.
It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be>
and he is hereby, empowered and directed to receive of
the several towns their respective proportions of the two
taxes of £5,000 each, ordered at the last session of this As-
sembly, in the bills emitted by this state, funded on real es-
tate ; that he calculate and allow the interest which is
already due, or may be due on the said bills, up to the re-
spective periods at which the said taxes are made payable ;
and that he calculate the interest on the said bills from the
15th of June last, inclusive.

It is voted and resolved, that £1,800, in Continental bills,
of the old emissions, be allowed and paid out of the general
treasury to His Excellency William Greene, Esq., for his
salary and services as Governor the last year.

It is voted and resolved, that £1,500, in Continental bills
of the old emissions, be allowed and paid out of the general
treasury, to the Honorable Jabez Bowen, Esq., for his salary
and services as Deputy Governor, the last year.

Whereas, it is highly reasonable that all persons while
employed in the service of their country should be ade-
quately paid therefor, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that there be allowed
to each assistant for his attendance as a member of the
General Assembly, £18, in Continental bills of the old emis-
sions, per day ; that the general treasurer be, and he is

220 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT,,

hereby, directed to pay the same, accordingly, on receiving
certificates of such attendance, signed by the secretary ; and
that the said allowance commence at the present session of
this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that Rowse J. Helme, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, appointed to assist the attorney general in
prosecuting Stephen Potter, agreeably to a former resolu-
tion of this Asseml)ly.

Whereas, John Melcher, one of the new recruits in Col.
Christopher Greene's regiment, bath been discharged, and
has returned his bounty, the same being a promissory note
for one hundred and seven silver dollars, given by Caleb
Aldrich, Esq., of Smithfield,—

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the conduct of
Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Ward, in discharging the said
John Melcher, be, and the same is hereby, approved ; and
that the said note be assigned over to the said Samuel
Ward, at his request, and charged to his account against the
state, for the depreciation of his wages.

It is voted and resolved, that £6,000, in Continental bills
of the old emissions, be advanced out of the general treasu-
ry, to Ezekiel Cornell, Esq., a delegate from this state to
Congress, to defray his expenses while attending the same ;
that the general treasurer be, and he is hereby, directed to
transmit the whole or part of the said sum, according to the
state of the treasury, to the said Ezekiel Cornell, at Phila-
delphia, by thefirst safe conveyance.

Whereas, Samuel Chace, Esq., preferred a petition, aftd
represented unto this Assembly, that his son, Samuel Chace,
Jr., late commander of a sloop belonging to Messrs. Wel-
come Arnold and Company, of Providence, was captured by
the ship Earl of Dunmore, and is now a prisoner in New
York ; and thereupon prayed that Captain Aaron Martin,
who was captured by the ship General Washington, and is
now a prisoner in Providence, may be sent, on his parole,
to New York, to effect his exchange for that of the said
Samuel Chace, Jr., —

1780.] AND rRoriDENCE pl.\:ntation3, 221

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Aaron Mar-
tin be, and he is hereby, permitted to proceed, on his parole,
to New York, in the first flag from Newport or New London,
to effect the exchange aforesaid ; that Nathaniel Dummer,
Esq., commissary of prisoners, at Providence, take his parole
accordingly; and that the same be done without any ex-
pense to this state.

Whereas, Nicholas Spink, of Colonel Christopher Greene's
regiment, who was taken by the enemy, in the year 1779,
has just returned from captivity ; and whereas, it appears
that there is considerable clothing due to him, which he was
prevented from receiving with the said regiment, by reason
of his captivity aforesaid, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby
is, recommended to John Reynolds, Esq., agent-clothier, to
deliver unto the said Nicholas Spink, such clothing as shall
appear to be due to him, by a certificate from the paymas-
ter of the said regiment.

It is voted and resolved, that no Continental officer, re-
siding within this state, who is not in actual service, shall be
permitted to take or keep any soldier as a servant or wait-
er ; that every soldier who is now detained as a servant, by
any such officer, be directed immediately to join the regi-
ment, or corps, to which he belongs.

And it is further voted and resolved, that the issuing
commissaries of provisions and forage, be, and they are
hereby, directed not to issue any rations to any officer who
is not in actual service as aforesaid ; or forage to the horse
or horses of such officer.

Whereas, it is probable that the army of His Most Chris-
tian Majesty, commanded by le Compte de Rochambeau ;
and also a part of the American army will be quartered in
the town of Newport, the ensuing winter, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby
is, recommended to Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq., deputy quar-
termaster general, to appoint a barrack-master, to provide
barracks for the said troops immediately ; and that it be

222 RECOEDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

also reconimended to him to appoint Jabez Champlin, Esq.,
to that office.

It i.s voted and resolved, that the commissary of hides and
tallow in this state, be, and lie is hereby, directed to furnish
as soon as possible, one hundred and sixteen pair of shoes,
for the non-commissioned officers and privates of Col. Chris-
topher Greene's regiment, who are engaged during the
war ; that he also deliver one pair of boots to each commis-
sioned officer of the said regiment ; and that the said boots
be discounted with the said officers, by their allowing there-
for two pair of shoes, due to each officer for the present
year, and deducting such part from the summer's clothing,
which is due to them, agreeably to a resolution of Congress
as the General Assembly or the council of war shall deem
to be equal and just.

Both houses being resolved into a grand committee,
chose the following officers, to wit :

Civil Officers Chosen.

Peres Richmond, Esq., sixth assistant, in the room of i
Samuel Fowler, Esq.. who declined. i

Paul Mumford, Esq., second justice of the superior court i
of judicature, court of assize and general jail delivery, in
and throughout the state, in the stead of William EUery,
Esq., who declines.

Peter Phillips, Esq., third justice of the same court, in the
stead of Paul iVIumford, Esq., promoted. {

Rufus Hopkins, Esq., fourth justice of the same court, in i|
the stead of Peter Phillips, Esq., jjromoted.

Edward Perry, Esq., the fourth, and Aliel Tanner, Esq., i
the fifth justice of the inferior court of common pleas, and tj
general sessions of the peace, within and for the county of J
Kings.

It is voted and resolved, that the deputies, for the time
being, to represent the town of Newport, in General Assem-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 223

bly, be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee to su-
perintend the quartering of troops, either French or Ameri-
can, in the town of Newport ; that tlie said committee be,
and they are hereby, empowered to hear and determine on
any complaints which may be made to them, respecting the
barracking or quartering of troops on the inhabitants of the
said town, or in houses in the said town, belonging to per-
sons not residing therein ; and that the barrack-master in
the execution of his duty, apply to the said committee for
instructions', and conduct himself accordingly.

It is voted and resolved, that this state is not bound to
pay the wages of any officers in the Continental service,
which have become due since the 1st day of January last,
or which may be due in future ; or to advance to the said
officers clothing, or any thing else which may be due to
them by virtue of resolutions of Congress, except the wag-
es, clothing, &c., which are or may be due to the officers of
the regiments commanded by Colonel Christopher Greene
and Colonel Israel Angell.

Whereas, Welcome Arnold, Esq., hath represented to this
Assembly, that a vessel belonging to himself, and Jonathan
and Thomas Arnold, is cast away on the east end of Long
Island ; and hath requested permission for a vessel and two
persons to proceed to the said wreck, to save as much there-
of as possible, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said request
be, and the same is herebj^, granted ; that Captain John
Earl and Mr. Jonathan Arnold be, and they are hereby, per-
mitted to go with a vessel to the sflid wreck, and to carry
with them th(; necessary implements for saving the same,
and the other effects ; that they be permitted to bring the
said wreck and other effects to any part of this state ^ and
to bring off" with them as many persons as may be necessa-
ry to navigate and secure the said wreck, in case they
should get it off'; and that it be, and hereby is, recommend-
ed to all officers, either by sea or land, and otherg^ to permit

224 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

the said persons to proceed on the said business, without
molestation, and to afford them all necessary assistance.

It is voted and resolved, that the council of war, at their
next sitting, proceed in the settlement of Colonel William
Barton's accounts with the state, and finally adjust the
same ; that the said William Barton be directed to pay the
balance which will appear to be due from him on such set-
tlement into the general treasury ; and that in case of re-
fusal so to do, the attorney general be, and he is hereby,
directed to jDrosecute him for the said balance.

Whereas, it is represented to this Assembly, by James
Lovett, Esq., quartermaster general of the militia of this
state, that it is impracticable, in many instances, to ascer-
tain the number of trips performed by the vessels employed
in the public service, on the late alarm ; and that in such
case no provision has been made by the council of war, in
their regulations of prices, for services done. &c., on the said
alarm, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that when the number
of ti'ips performed by the said vessels as aforesaid, cannot be
ascertained, in such case, the said James Lovett be, and he
is hereby, directed to pay the owners of such vessels, at the
rate of nine shillings per ton, per month, from the time of
their being employed as aforesaid, until the time of their
dismission.

It is voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby is, recom-
mended to Colonel Christopher Greene to discharge John
Charles, an Indian, belonging to Charlestown, and William
Hardy from the service ; it appearmg to this Assembly that
the time for which they enlisted, has expired.

Whereas, this Assembly did, at the last session, at the re-
quest of Mrs. Ferguson, wife of Adam Ferguson,

pass a resolve, for depositing all his personal estate in the
hands of Captain George Burkmaster, for her use ; and
whereas, she has requested that the said projDcrty may be
delivered to her, to be at her own disposal,—

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.YNTATIONS. 225

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said George
Burkmaster be, and he is hereby, directed to deliver to the
said Mrs. Ferguson all the proiierty which be-
longed to her husband, now in his hands.

It is voted and resolved, that the families of the following
persons be, and they are hereby, permitted to remove from
Newport to New York, to wit :

Lieutenant Goldsmith, Bernard Penrose, Samuel

Whitehorn, Joseph Durfee, Isaac Lawton and William Wan-
ton ; and to take with them their household furniture and
wearing apparel, and no other kind of property, whatever ;
and that they proceed in the cartel vessel from New York,
now in the hai'bor of Newport, under the dii-ection of the
Honorable Major General Heath.

Whereas, it appears to this Assembly that a tax £397
16s. ()d, in Continental money of the old emissions, hath
been assessed on the estate of Samuel Goldthwait, who
has since gone to New York, and has left but very little
property in this state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said sum of £397
16s. Qd., be remitted ; and that the general treasurer de-
duct the same out of the proportion of the town of New-
port, of the taxes of which the said sum is a part.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. John Hawkins be, and
he is hereby, appointed immediately to deliver the hay cut
on the Point Farm (so called), in South Kingstown, belong-
ing to the state, to Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq., deputy quar-
termaster genera], taking his receipt therefor ; and that the
same be charged to the United States, as part of this state's
quota of forage, required by a resolution of Congress.

Whereas, many persons have been entrusted with public
money, and have neglected seasonably to account for the
same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the council of
war, at their next meeting, appoint a time for all persons
who have accounts with the state unsettled, to appear be-
fore them and settle the same ; and that in case of neglect
;^. 29

226 KECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.UvD [SePT.,

of sucii persons to appear and settle their accounts accord-
ingly, the attorney general be, and he is hereby, directed to
prosecute every person delinquent as aforesaid.

Whereas, there is the highest probability that the horses
which the commissary of purchases was heretofore directed
to purchase for the public service will not be wanted the
present campaign, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said commis-
sary be, and he is hereby, directed to desist from purchasing
any more horses, until the further order of this Assembly ;
and that he deliver immediately the horses he has already
purchased, to Ephraim Bowen, Jr., Esq., deputy quartermas-
ter general, taking his receipt therefor.

Whereas, Mr. Joseph Tajdor, of Charlestown, preferred a
petition, and represented unto this Assembly, that in the
expedition upon Ehode Island, under the command of Gen.
Sullivan, he turned out as a volunteer with the first class in

the said expedition, in Captain Parke's company,

belonging to Colonel Joseph Noyes's regiment; that he did
duty on the said island until the said class was ordered to
return ; that to his great surprise he was returned by the
said Captain Parke to the committee for classing the inhab-
itants of Charlestown, as a delinquent ; that a warrant has
been issued against him by the said committee for the sum
of $1,350, and costs, as his proportion for hiring a soldier;
and that in consequence thereof, his stock has been seized
and notified for sale ; and thereupon prayed this Assembly
to grant him relief; which being duly considered, together
with the attestation and recommendation of divers respect-
able inhabitants of the said town of Charlestown, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be grant-
ed ; that the officer who seized the said stock be, and he is
hereby, directed to release and return the same to the said
Joseph Taylor; and that the said Jose'ph Taylor be dis-
charged from all and every sum of money assessed upon
him as aforesaid.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 227

It is voted and resolved, that William Bradford, Jr., major
of Colonel Henry Sherburne's regiment be, and he is h ere
by, empowered to draw £1,121, in Continental bills of the
old emissions, ont of the general treasury ; that the same
be paid at his request to his brother, Mr. Le Baron Brad-
ford ; and that the said sum be charged to him in part for
the balance due to him on his depreciation account.

It is voted and resolved, that the person employed by the
postmaster in the town of Newport to bring the letters and
papers from Tower Hill, directed to his office, pass the fer-
ries between Rhode Island and South Kingstown, without
paying any consideration therefor ; and that the proprie-
tors of the said ferries and the ferrymen be, and they
are hereby, directed to carry the said person across the said
ferries, agreeably to this resolution.

"Whereas, it appears that there are deficiencies in sev-
eral towns in their respective proportions of six months,
men, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that William Taggart,
Joseph Stanton, Jr., John Jenckes, Charles Holden and Ben-
jamin Bourne, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a
committee to inquire into and ascertain the exact deficien-
cies of the several towns in their respective proportions of
the said men ; and that they make report to this Assembly,
at the next session.

Whereas, Mr. Joseph Almy, of Tiverton, preferred a peti-
tion unto this Assembly, representing that Mr. John Almy,
has neglected to keep up the ferry between Tiverton and
Rhode Island, although often solicited thereto; that upon
the neglect of the said John Almy, he has had frequent ap-
plications from the inhabitants to set up a ferry, and in con-
sequence thereof, has provided a boat, and a place conven-
ient for travellers ; and thereupon prayed this Assembly
that he may have liberty to set up a ferry, as aforesaid ;
and a considerable number of the inhabitants of the said
town of Tiverton and places adjacent, having subscribed

228 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT,,

the said petition; which being duly considered, and the
said John Almy having been duly cited to answer the
same, —

It is voted and resolved, that the prayer of the said
petition be granted ; and that the said Joseph Almy
have liberty to set up a ferry, agreeably to the said pe-
tition ; it appearing to this Assembly that the establishing
of a ferry at the said place, will be beneficial to the
community.

Whereas, it is represented to this Assembly, by the cor-
poration of the university, or college, in this state, that the
college edifice which has been taken by the state for an
hospital for the troops of His Most Christian Majesty, hath
had some alterations made therein, injurious to the same;
and whereas, this Assembly are willing to afiord every
assistance to our friends and allies, as well as to pre-
serve the rights of the proprietors of any building they may
have occasion to use, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Stephen Hopkins,
Nicholas Cooke and Jabez Bowen, Esqs., be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee to consult and advise with
the director general of the said hospital, if any further al-
terations in the said building shall become necessary ; and
that they, or the major part of them, be, and they are
hereby, empowered to point out the manner in which the
same shall be done.

It is voted and resolved, that £58,712 IGs. llcl, in Conti-
nental bills, of the old emissions, be advanced to Col. Israel
Angell's regiment, on account of the balances due to the of-
ficers and soldiers of the said regiment, for the depreciation
of their wages; the same being their proportion of the £75,-
000 heretofore ordered to be paid to the stiid regiment and
the regiment commanded by Col. Christopher Greene ; that
Lieut. Col. Samuel Ward be, and he is hereby, empowered to
draw the aforesaid sum of £58,712 16s. llcZ., out of the
general treasury ; and that he convey the same to the pay-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 229

master of Colonel Angell's regiment, to be by him paid to
the officers and soldiers in the said regiment, in proportion
to the balances due to them respectively.

It is voted and resolved, that the resignation of Captain
Philip Traflbrn, of Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment
be, and the same is hereby, accepted.

Whereas, Mr. John Norris, lately an inhabitant of the
town of Newport, who, at the time of the evacuation of
Rhode Island by the enemy, was upon Long Island procur-
ing wood for his family, is now on board the cartel vessel
from New York, and requests to be permitted to return
to and reside in this state, as an inhabitant thereof; and it
being represented that the said John Norris is well affect-
ed to the liberties of the United States, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said request
be granted; that the said John Norris be permitted to come
ashore, and to bring his effects with him ; and that he ap-
pear immediately before this Assembly and take an oath of
allegiance and fidelity to the state.

Whereas, the deputies from several towns in this state,
have represented, by petition, to this Assembly, that their
constituents conceive that the general estimate of the rata-
ble property of this state, adopted and established by this
Assembly at the last session, is very erroneous ; and there-
upon prayed this Assembly to appoint a committee to re-
examine the said estimate, and correct such errors as may
appear therein ; and whereas, this Assembly is disposed to
hear and relieve the grievances of any part of the state,
more especially on a subject of so great importance as that
of taxation, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that a committee be
appointed for that purpose ; that the said committee consist
of ten members ; two from each county in the state ; who
are hereby empowered and directed to proceed into each
county, to correct such mistakes in the said estimate as shall
appear therein, and make such alterations in the valuation
of estates in the several towns as they shall judge reasona-

230 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SepT.,

ble ; and that they make report thereof to this Assembly at
the session to be holden by law in October next.

It is further voted and resolved, that the several towns
be, and they are hereby, empowered to depute one of their
inhabitants to attend the said committee, at the expense
of the town deputing him, to j^oint out to them such mis-
takes as shall appear in the said estimate.

It is furtlier voted and resolved, that Pardon Gray,
Esek Hopkins, Peter Phillips, Benjamin Bourne, Thomas
Tillinghast, Eichard Steere, Abel Tanner and William Tag-
gart, Esqs. ; and Mr. Thomas AUin and Benjamin Tilling-
hast, Esq., be and constitute the said committee.

And it is further voted and resolved, that if it shall ap-
pear to the satisfaction of this Assembly that any town is
overburthened in its proportion of the several taxes assess-
ed at the last session, such town shall be reimbursed ; and if
it shall appear that any town has been assessed in the said
taxes less than its proportion, such town shall be required
to pay to the amount of its reasonable proportion.

It is voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins and Nathan
Miller, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a commit-
tee to sell all the wrecks left by the enemy in the bays, har-
bors and rivers of this state ; and being the property of this
state, together with the pig iron, and all the other articles
that have been saved therefrom; that they dispose of the
same either at public or private sale, and lodge the money
arising therefrom, in the general treasury ; and that they
make report to this Assembly as soon as may be.

Whereas, Mr. Martin Benson, of Newport, preferred a pe-
tition, and represented unto this Assembly, that in May last
he obtained permission from the council of war of this state
to proceed to the island of St. Christophers, for the purpose
of recovering his property, then in the said island ; that in
pursuance of said permission, he took passage in the sloop
Hope, Capt. Benjamin Alger, bound to Grenada ; that the
said sloop was taken on the passage and carried into An-
tigua, where he procured a vessel, which h^ manned with

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 231

Americans, and proceeded to St. Martins, and from thence
to St. Christophers, where he recovered his property, and
took the same on board ; that in order to secure his vessel
from being captured by British vessels of war, he obtained
a clearance for Halifax, in Nova Scotia, with an intention to
put into the first port he should make within the United
States ; that in the prosecution of his said intention, he was
taken by the ship Rhodes, Nehemiah Buffington, command-
er, belonging to Salem ; that notwithstanding he produced
the resolve of the council of war as aforesaid, and the per-
mission of His Excellency the Governor, grounded thereon,
his vessel and papers were laken from him, and sent into
Salem ; and thereupon prayed this Assembly to grant him
letters recommendatory to the legislature of the state of
Massachusetts, that he may obtain satisfaction for the injury
he has received ; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be, and the
same is hereby, granted ; that William Channing and Thos.
Rumreill, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to draught a letter accordingly ; and that they re-
port the same, as soon as may be.

Whereas, Mrs. Mary Mawdfley, wife of John Mawdfley,
Esq., preferred a petition and represented unto this Assem-
bly, that her husband is now at New York, with whom she
is desirous to be, especially as he has requested it ; and
thereupon prayed this Assembly to grant her liberty to
proceed to New York, and take with her her family, house-
hold furniture and personal effects ; that as it will be incon-
venient for the whole to go at one time, she may be jjer-
mitted to send part of her effects in the cartel vessel now in
the harbor of Newport, and dispose of the remainder, or
take it with her, when she shall find an opportunity to go ;
and that her brother, Peleg Bardin, may be permitted to
accompany her ; and the premises being duly condsid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Mary Mawdfley be,
and she is hereby, permitted to dispose of or send to New

232 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. [SepT.,

York in the said cartel vessel such part of her household
furniture as she shall think necsss.iry ; that she have liberty
to proceed to New York, with her family, wearing apparel,
the remainder of her household furniture, her milk cow and
chaise, whenever she may think it convenient, under the
direction of Major General Heath, or the commander-in-
chief in this state for the time being ; that the said Peleg
Bardin be, and he is hereby, permitted to accompany her,
as a prisoner of war, on parole, in order to effect his ex-
change ; and that Major General Heath be requested to
give him his parole accordingly.

"Whereas, Mary Acklin, wife of Philip Acklin, of James-
town, ferryman, preferred a petition and represented unto
this Assembly, that her said husband is now in the harbor
of Newport, on board the cartel vessel lately arrived from
New York ; that he is desirous of taking her, her child and
household furniture with him to New York, in the said ves-
sel ; and thereupon prayed this Assembly that she may
have liberty to go with him, accordingly ; and the premises
being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Mary Acklin be,
and she is hereby, permitted to proceed to New York,
in the said vessel, and to carry her child, wearing apparel,
and household furniture, under the direction of Major Gen-
eral Heath.

Whereas, the real estate late of Andrew Oliver, Esq., and
his wife, situate in Tiverton, descended to three of his chil-
dren, as heirs thereto, whose names are unknown ; -mho,
contrary to the duty of their allegiance, and without the
permission of the legislature of this state, or any other of
the United States, have withdrawn themselves into parts
and places under the authority and dominion of the king
of Great Britiin, then and now at open war with these
United States, and have therein aided and assisted the com-
mon enemy of these states ; whereby the said estate hath,
by the laws of this state, become liable to forfeiture to and
for the use of this state ; and whereas, by the said heirs not

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 233

being known, with their particular parts or rights in the
said estate, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to proceed
in the trial of the said estate, and the same thereby remain
uudeteianined, though justly liable to forfeiture, unless some
special mode be devised for bringing it before the prosper
court for trial, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
by the authority thereof it is enacted, that the clei'k of the
superior court for the county of Newport, within ten days
from the rising of this Assembly, cause notifications to be
printed three weeks successively in the Newport and
Providence newspapers ; and in two of the Boston newspa-
pers, therein notifying the heirs of the said Andrew Oliver,
Esq., and all others claiming any right or interest therein,
to appear, if they see fit, in person or by attorney, to show
cause, if any they have, why the said estate (which the said
clerk shall cause to be described in as particular manner as
possible) shall not be adjudged and declared forfeit to and for
the use of this state, before the superior court of judicature,
court of assize, &c., to be holden at Newport, in and for the
county of Newport, on the second Monday of November
next ; to which time the said court shall adjourn.

Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in
case no person or persons shall appear before the said court
to claim and defend the same, the court shall, and they are
hereby empowered to, proceed on the trial thereof, in man-
ner as the law directs ; that if they shall adjudge and de-
termine the same to be forfeit, the said estate shall escheat
and enure to the use of this state in as full and ample
manner, as though the several heirs to the said estate, and
their several rights and claims thereto were particularly
known, named and described in the process against the
same.

And be it further enacted, that the clerk of the said court
be, and he is hereby, directed and empowered to issue noti-
fications on the informations already filed, and which have
not been issued by reason of the late alarm, citing the per-

234 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

sons coucernecl therein^ to aj^pear at the time and place to
which the said court shall adjourn.

A draught of a letter^ to the president of the council of
the state of Massachusetts, respecting the capture of a ves-
sel belonging to Mr. Martin Benson, and carried into tliat
state, presented unto this Assembly by the committee ap-
pointed for that purpose, being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby
is, approved ; that a fair copy thereof be made ; and that
His Excellency the Governor be requested to sign and
transmit the same as soon as possible.

Whereas, Captain Samuel Snow, in Colonel Christopher

* The Governor of Rhode Island to the President of the
Council of Massachusetts,

« State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, I

Newport, September 16, 1780. *

Sir:— I am desired by the General Assembly, now convened at this place, to request the attention,
and interposition of the Assembly or council of your state, relative to a matter of the greatest import-
ance to Mr. Martin Benson, an inhabitant of this state.

Mr. Benson, who is a merchant, ***** ust^ the African trade for a ccnsidera-
ble time before the commencement of the present hostilities by Great Britain, had a large property in
the British island of St. Christophers, which he was anxious to remove into the United Slates.

As Mr. Benson's conduct and character, as a good citizen, entitled him to receive every protectioa
which this state could give him, for the removing and protecting his property, agreeably to the proceed*
ings of Congress and the legislatures of other states in similar cases, the council of war accordingly
gave Mr. Benson permission to pass from (his state by the way of a neutral port to St. Christophers, and
to invest his property there in a vessel and cargo, and return with the same into some port within the
United States.

In pursuance thereof, Mr. Benson was furnished with the necessary papers, duly authenticated, un-
der the seal of this state, with which he proceeded to said island ; and having invested his property there
in a vessel and cargo, was on a vogage to this state, met by the private ship of war Rhodes, commanded
by Nehemiah Buffington, belonging to Salem; who, notwithstanding he was shown the protection
aforesaid, fjom the state, of his permission to proceed in manner as he had done, seized his vessel and
cargo, and took Mr. Benson and all the hands out of said vessel, whereby Mr. Benson has been utterly
deprived of his property to a very large amount. Mr. Benson will be able by the papers which he will
show, to fully demonstrate every particular herein.

I cannot be under any apprehension but what Mr. Benson will have strict justice done him by your
Assembly or Council, as it is an affair of such notoriety that the property belonged to a good citizen of
this state, and he had permission to bring them here, or in some other port of the United States.

For Mr. Benson to be under the necessity of going through all the formalities of a tedious law suit to
obtain his property upon a case so plain and obvious as is here pointed out, will be attended with such
expense and delay, that it will injure Mr. Benson In the highest degree.

I must now request that an inquiry may be made into the conduct of the said Nehemiah BuffiagtOD,
the commander of said ship ; and that such measures may be adopted as will be conducive to justice, and
in future prevent the property of the subjacts of the United States under the circumstances of Mr.
Benson, from being seized.

I am, sir, in behalf of, and by request of, the General Assembly,

With great esteem, your humble servant,

WILLIAM GREENE.
To the President of the Council of Massachusetts.

]780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 235

Greene's regiment, has requested permission to resign his
commission in the said regiment, —

It is thei'efore voted and resolved, that permission be, and
the same is hereby, granted him, accordingly.

Whereas, Mr. George Howell preferred a petition, and
represented unto this Assembly, that formerly he was an in-
habitant of Long Island, in the state of New York, under
the power of the fleet and army of the king of Great Brit-
ain ; that being desirous of removing from thence, and of
embarking his person and property in the cause of America,
he made application to, and on the 7th day of July last ob-
tained permission from. Congress for that purpose, with a
passport, securing his person from imprisonment, and his ef-
fects from seizure ; that on the 27th day of said July he re-
quested of, and had liberty from, the council of war of this
state, to remove, with his property, into this state ; that having
removed, with a part of his effects, he was on the 20th day
of August last arrested by the sherift'of the county of Provi-
dence, in consequence of a warrant from His Excellency the
Governor, upon suspicion of his being inimical to the Unit-
ed States ; and that his goods were seized, and still remain
in custody of the said sheriff; and thereupon prayed this
Assembly that his person may be released, and his property
restored to him ; which being duly considered,-^

It is voted and resolved, that the said George Howell and
his property, now in the custody of the said sheriff be re-
leased, upon his recognizing, with sufficient security, to ap-
pear at the General Assembly to be holden in October next,
and answer such charges as shall then be exhibited against
him.

It is voted and resolved, that "William Channing, Esq.,
Mr. Joseph Brown, and Eowse J. Helme, Benjamin Bourne,
and Thomas Tillinghast, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, ap-
pointed to draught a bill for tendering an oath of allegiance
and fidelity to the inhabitants of this state ; and that they
report the same to this Assembly at the next session.

236 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAOT) [SePT.,

"Whereas, it is liigbly proper to afford every aid and
ance to the forces of His Most Christian Majesty, now in this
state, in procuring and purchasing timber, plank, boards, wood,
and other necessaries, and to prevent impositions therein ;
and whereas, the Honorable Lieutenaut-General Count de
Eochambeau has requested the interposition of this Assem-
bly in that behalf, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Christopher El-
lery and Caleb Gardner, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, re-
commended to the said Count de Eochambeau, as persona
proper to be advised with and employed by him in such ser-
vices ; and they are hereby required, when so employed, to
use their utmost exertions therein, agreeably to the inten-
tions of this Assembly, herein expressed.

It is further voted and resolved, that all civil magistrates
and executive officers of this state be, and they are hereby,
required to give all that aid and assistance to the officers of
every department employed in the service of His Most
Christian Majesty, within this state, which the officers or
persons employed in the army of the United States are by
the laws and orders of this state entitled to.

It is voted and resolved, that Nathaniel Dummer, Esq.,
deputy commissary of prisoners, now at Providence, be, and
he is hereby, directed to remove to Newport ; it appearing
to this Assembly that the said town is the most suitable
place for his residence at present.

Whereas, Welcome Arnold, Edward Bosworth, William
Taggart and Eowse J. Helme, Esqs., presented unto this As-
sembly the following report, to wit :

Report of the Committee appointed hy the General Assembly,
relative to the pay of the Justices of the Superior Court:

We, the subscribers being appointed a committee to report what aUowanoes «ft
the future ought to be made to the justices of the superior court, by the state, are of
opinion that the sum of $3, in specie, or tlie ralue thereof in Continental money, be al-
lowed to the cliief justice for each and every day he shall attend upon the said court;
and that the sum of §2 50, in specie, or the value thereof in Continental money, be al-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 237

lowed to each of the assistant justices for each and every day they shall attend upon the
said court for business, exclusive of the usual perquisites which are paid by persons
prosecuting cases in the said court.

All which is submitted by your obedient servants,

WELCOME ARNOLD, WILLIAM TAGGART,

EDWARD BOSWORTH, ROWSE J. HELME,

Committee.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be, and the

same is hereby, accepted ; that the said justices be allowed

accordingly for each and every day's attendance on the said

i court ; and that the general treasurer be, and he is hereby,

empowered and directed to pay the same, upon their produc-

I ing a certificate thereof, signed by the respective clerks of

] the said court

j Whereas, by reason of the late alarm, the tax of £400,-
I 000, in Continental money, and the tax for £10,000, in spe-
I cie, ordered to be assessed upon the inhabitants of this
I state, at the last session of this Assembly, have not been as-
I sessed in many of the towns within this state ; and
I whereas, the time has elapsed for assessing, and for issuing
! warrants for collecting the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the towns which
have not been assessed the said taxes be, and they are hereby,
empowered to assess the same, by the 30th day of Septem-
I ber instant, and make return thereof to the general treasu-
' rer, who is thereupon directed to issue his warrants for col-
lecting and paying the same, by the 10th day of November
next.

It is further voted and resolved, that the towns which have
already assessed the said taxes, be allowed until the said 10th
day of November, for collecting and paying the same ; that
no execution issue against any town for the non-payment
thereof, until the said time shall be expired ; and that such
of the said towns as have not already chosen their assessors
and collectors for assessing and collecting the said taxes be,
and they are hereby, empowered to choose new assessors
and collectors, for assessing and collecting the same.

238 KECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAISTD [SepT.j

An Act for the sale of the real estates therein described, for redeeming the bills of

credit heretofore emitted, and funded on real estate, and for supplying the treasury,

and discharging the debts of the state.

Whereas, by an act of this Assembly, passed at the session held in June last, for
emittingthesumof£20,000, provision was therein made for the redemption thereof,
by the sale of the real estates forfeited to the state hereafter mentioned, to wit;

The Point farm (so called), lying in South Kingstown, containing about twelve hun-
dred acres.

The farm in North Kingstown, late George Rome's, containing about two hundred
acres.

The farm in North Kingstown, late Thomas Moffatt's, consisting of about two hun-
dred acres.

The farm in Exeter, late Samuel Boone's, consisting of about six hundred acres;
and —

The tiirm in Bristol, late belonging to the heirs of John Borland, deceased, consisting
of about two hundred and fifty acres.

And whereas, since the passing of the said act, the sum of £10,000, part thereof has
been assessed upon the inhabitants of this state ; the one-half thereof payable into the
general treasury by the 1st day of September instant ; the other half thereof by the Ist
day of November next.

And whereas, provision is to be made agreeably to the said act, for the redemption of
the residue of the said sum, being .£10,000, by the 1st day of January next,—

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is
enacted, that the persons hereafter named be, and are hereby, appointed a committee
to make sale of the real estates before described, on or before the 1st day of December (
next, at pubhc vendue, to the highest bidder, for gold and silver, or the bills before i
mentioned, and for no other currency whatever ; that one-eighth of the purchase money
be paid on the day of sale ; three-eighths thereof by the 15th day of December next, and
the remainder on or before the last day of said December ; that in case the purchaser
shall neglect to pay the said three-eighths by the time aforesaid, the money advanced
on the day of purchase, shall be forfeited to and for the use of this state ; and that the
land be again exposed to public sale, as the said committee shall order ; so that the
money arising from the sale thereof shall be received and paid into the general treasury,
for the purpose, and within the time aforesaid.

And be it further enacted, that upon the sale of the said estates, and the payment of
the whole purchase money as aforesaid, the general treasurer be, and he is hereby, em-
powered and directed to make and execute unto the purchaser or purchasers, a good
and authentic deed or deeds of the same, in behalf of this state, in fee simple, with
warranty.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the money arising from the
sales as aforesaid, be lodged in the general treasury of this state ; that such part thereof
as shall be paid in gold or silver, be first appropriated for the redemption of the bills
emitted as aforesaid ; that the general treasurer be, and is hereby, directed to apply the
same accordingly ; and that the remainder be at the disposal of this Assembly, for the
discharge of the debts of this state.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that WiUiam Richmond, John i
Jenckes, John Northup, William Bradford and Thomas Holden, Esqs., be, and they, or j
the major part of them, are hereby, appointed a committee for the purpose aforesaid ; ij
that the said committee advertise the tune and place of sale in the Newport and Provi-
dence newspapers ; in one of the Boston, and in the New London and Hartford newspa-
pers; and that they cause the said estates to be surveyed, and partition thereof to be
made, as that the same may be disposed to the best advantage.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 239

And whereas, from the present exigency of our pnbHc affiiirs, it is become necessary
to provide an immediate supply of tlie treasury, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof It is
hereby enacted, that the real estates hereafter named, belonging to this state, be sold
by the said committee at public vendue, to the highest bidder, for gold and silver only,
or the certificates which may be given by the commissary of purchases, as is herein-
after ordered, on the 15th day of November next, to wit ;

The farm in Bristol, late belonging to WilUam Vassal, Esq., containing two hundred
and twenty acres.

The farm in Middletown, late belonging to George Rome, containing about one hun-
dred and twenty acres.

The farm in Portsmouth, late belonging to Isaac Lawton, containing about one hun-
dred and twenty acres.

The farm on the island of Prudence, late belonging to Joseph and William Wanton,
containing about eight hundred acres ; and —

j Two lots in South Ivingstown, late belonging to the heirs of John Borland, deceased,
1 containing one hundred and twenty acres.

j And that the said committee cause the said estates to be surveyed and divided, and
I the time and place of sale to be advertised in manner as is herein before directed,
i It is further enacted b*tlie authority aforesaid, that one-eighth of the purchase money
j shall be paid on the day of sale ; three-eighths by the 1st day of December next, and
the remainder thereof by the 1st day of March next; that in case of failure of the sec-
ond payment, the money paid upon the day of purchase shall be forfeited to the use of
this state, and thereupon the said estates be again disposed of at public vendue, as the
[said committee shall order ; and that upon the payment of the whole purchase money
las aforesaid, the general treasurer be, and is hereby, empowered and directed in behalf
|of this state, to make and execute a good and effectual deed or deeds of the same to the
purchaser or purchasers, in fee simple, with warranty.

It is further enacted, that the money arising from tlie sale of the said estates, be paid
into the general treasury ; that the general treasurer first apply the same to the dis-
charge of the certificates which shall be given by the commissary of purchases, as is
liereinafter directed; and that the remainder be at the disposal of this Assembly.

And whereas, this state is called upon to continue the monthly supplies of provisions,
m the use of the army, agreeably to the requisitions of the committee of Congress, and
)f the commander-in-chief, —

It is therefore further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the commissary of pur-
chases be, and he is hereby, empowered to give to the persons of whom he shall purchase
my of the articles required as aforesaid, acertificate, specifying the quantity of the article,
ind of whom purchased, the times of purchase and of payment, and sum allowed for the'
ame in gold or silver ; whicli certificate, so made and signed by the said commissary,
|diaU entide the possessor thereof to receive of the general ti-easurer at the timellierein
ipecified, the amount thereof in gold or silver.

It is further enacted, that the said certificates be printed, numbered and eountersign-
■d; and that Eowse J. Helme and William Channing, Esqs., be, and they are hereby,
ppointed a committee to draught a form of said certificate, to procure a sufficient num-
ler thereof to be printed, and to number and countersign the same.

And it is further enacted, that the general treasurer deUver the said certificates to the
aid commissary, and take his receipt for the same ; and that the said commissary,
^hen he shall dehver out the said certificates, be, and he is hereby, directed to take a
eceipt for the same, and make a return thereof, once at least in every month, to the
ouncil of war, or to this Assembly.

240 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

It is voted and resolved, that Christopher Ellery and
William Taggart, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed
a committee to take an inventory of the furnitm'e and ap-
parel of the persons permitted to go to New York, by this
Assembly; and that the same be done at the expense of the
to whom they belong.

It is voted and resolved, that William Richmond, John
Jenckes, John Northup and Thomas Holden, Esqs., be, and
they are hereby, appointed a committee, to join with Mr.
Edward K. Wolcot, and make partition of the Point farm (so
called), lying in South Kingstown, of which this state and
the said Edward K. Wolcot are tenants in common.

Provided nevertheless, that the said partition shall not
operate to bar any right of this state to t\m one-fourth part
of the said farm, which may be so set off, by the said com-
mittee, to the said Edward K. Wolcot, if any such right
should hereafter appear.

It is voted and resolved, that the secretary make out, as
soon as may be, a copy, duly authenticated, of the act of
this Assembly, for emitting this state's quota of the Con-
tinental currency, and calling in and sinking the same ; and
that he deliver it to His Excellency the Governor, who is
hereby requested to forward the same to Ezekiel Cornell,
Esq., a delegate from this state at Congress.

On the request of Mrs. Mary Witherell, to be permitted
to go to New York, in the cartel vessel now laying in the
harbor of Newport, with her family, wearing apparel and
household furniture, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
granted ; and that she be permitted to go, accordingly, un-
der the direction of the Honorable Major General Heath.

Whereas, it appears to this Assembly, that twelve tons of
hay were cut off the estate of George Irish, Esq., in Middle-
town, by the British troops while they were in possession of
Rhode Island, and that the same was left in the British for-
age yard, when they evacuated the said island ; and where-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 241

as, the said George Irish has borrowed six tons of hay of
Ejshraim Boweii, Jr., Esq., deputy quartermaster general,
and has for the reason aforesaid, requested this Assembly to
direct the said Ephraim Bowen to discharge him from his
obligation to return the said hay, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby
is. recommended to the said Ephraim Bowen not to call on
the said George Irish for the said six tons of hay, or any
part thereof

Whereas, Archibald Crary, Esq., presented unto this As-
sembly the following accounts, to wit :

Archibald Crary's Account with the State.

1780. State of Rhode Island, &e., in account with Archibald Crary, Dr.

£ s.d.
Aug. 5. To cash paid for provisions, men's wages, &c., for tlie snow Black

Prince, as per bills and receipts 7^082 16

Creditor.

By cash received out of the general treasury 2 700 00

" balance due 4^382 16 o

i7,082 16

State of Rhode Island, &c., in accouut with Archibald Crary, Dr.

£ s.d.

To cash in specie for cargo, as per bills of lading 105 02

" " advanced to the men 20 12

" " for writing charter party 06

£126 00
Creditor.

By cash received out of the general ti-easury, in specie 120 00

" " balance due 6 00

£126 00
Errors excepted : ARCHIBAXD GEARY.

Newport, September 18th, 1780.

And the same having been examined by the auditor, —
It is voted and resolved, that the said account be allow-
ed ; and that the said balances due thereon of £6, in spe-
cie, and £4,382 16s., in Continental money, of the old emis-
dons, be paid to the said Archibald Crary, out of the general
treasury.

242 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

It is voted and resolved, that Jabez Bowen, Esek Hop-
kins and Welcome Arnold, Esqs., be, and they are hereby,
appointed a committee to adjust the accounts of Jonathan
Arnold, Esq., director-general of the hospitals of the mihtia
of this state.

It is voted and resolved, that Thomas Tillinghast, Esq.,
be, and he is hereby, appointed fifth justice of the superior
court of judicature, court of assize and general jail delivery
within and throughout this state, he having resigned his
seat as a member of the lower house, in the room of
Gideon Comstock, Esq, who has resigned his seat in the
said court.

That Aaron Bowen, Esq., fifth justice of the inferior court
of common pleas and general sessions of the peace, within
and for the county of Kent, be, and he is hereby, appointed
fourth justice of the said court, in the room of Thomas Til-
linghast, Esq., appointed a justice of the superior court;
and —

That Job Pearce, Esq., be, and he is hereby, appomted
fifth justice of the said inferior court in the room of the said
Aaron Bowen.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed at
the present session, to revise the general estimate, be, and
they are hereby, severally empowered to draw one thousand
Continental dollars, of the the old emissions, out of the gen-
eral treasury ; and that they account for the same.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasury, viz. :

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

£ s. d.
Walter Chaiming, paymaster of Col. Archibald Crary's regiment, for ex-
penses, &c., in going from Bristol to Proyidence, at divers times, for

money for tlie recruiting service, &c ^" " '.','

Lieut. Seth Chapin, pay abstract of a detachment of Lieut. Col. Church s ^^ ^^ ^

regiment of militia om nn nn

John Jeuckes, for liis expenses in renting confiscated estates ~mZZ

Peter Phillips, for his expenses ip leasing the state's farms o In nn no

Charles Holden, Jr. inn m m

Preserved Pearce, for deUvering sets of Assembly to divers towns 100 00 OU

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PL.4NTATI0NS. 243

£ s. d.

Charles Hoklen, on account of purchases made by him 1,000 00 00

George Irish, to pwchase a ferry boat for the west side of Jamestown 400 00 00

Benjamin Barker,, for pay abstract of a part of Captain Henry Dayton's

corps

53 10 00

WilUam Bradford, Jr., in Continental bills, old emission, for balance due

him on his depreciation account 1,121 00 00

Bennett Wheeler, for printing done for the state, July 21 to Septem-
ber 6, 1780 760 00 00

Peter Phillips, justice of the superior court, for attendance at Tiver-
ton, $700.

Thomas Arnold, for attendance on said court 60 00 00

John Easton, " " " " 60 00 00

lleury Pcckham, " " " " 60 00 00

Seth Chapin, for going after evidences to attend the above court, §423 50.

George Lawton, a wounded soldier, (in Continental money, old emission). . 300 00 00

Daniel Mowry, Jr., balance due him for services and expenses as one of

the committee who took the general estimate (in Continental money). .4,535 08 00

William Richmond, balance for the same service " " 3,837 16 80

Thomas Holden, " " " " " ....3,998 05 00

Rowse J. Helme, " " " " " ....4,105 14 00

Lieut. Col. S amuel Ward, balance due the officers and soldiers of Colonel
Christopher Greene's regiment (in Continental bills) for depreciation of

their wages 485 03 01

Major Daniel Box, on account for depreciation 500 00 00

Capt. Philip TraiForn, his pay in Col. Greene's regiment 163 04 00

Joseph Stanton, Jr„ for attending council of war 90 00 00

William Bradford, for his time, horse hire and expenses in going to Boston 306 12 00

Capt. Samuel Snow, for pay in Col, Christopher Greene's regiment 72 00 00

John Garzia, of Col. R. Elliott's regiment, subsistence abstract 537 05 10

Jabez Champlin, for services as barrack-master 600 00 00

Archibald Crary, for his services and expenses to Newport and Stonington

to charter a vessel to procure salt for the state 480 00 00

Joseph Brown, his attendance as waiter on the General Assembly 120 00 00

Daniel Dunham, " " " " 120 00 00

John Handy, services as auditor of accounts 60 00 00

Ephraim Bowen, Jr., to discharge a balance due to Wm. Channing, and for
money advanced by him for supplies for the militia, in Continental
money, old emission, ■?2,500.

Benjamin Bourne, for paper, and attendance on the General Assembly 338 00 00

WiUiam Mumford, " .< « .. _ _ _ 3Qg go 00

God save the United States of Ameri

ica.

General Nathaniel Greene to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Camp at Kennemark, Sept. 5th, 1780.

Dear Sir : — We have just received the disagreeable intelhgence of General Gates's
defeat to the southward, with all the troops under his command. The action happened
on the 16th of last month, within a few miles of Camden, at which place the enemy
lay ; and to which place our troops were directing their march.

The two armies met in the night, and a httle skirmisliing ensued ; but the action was
not serious until the morning. At day light, General Gates made the necessary diepo-

244 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

sition of his troops, consisting of between eight hundred and a thousand regulars ; and
about two tliousand militia, aud some few horse. The enemy had from twelve hundred
to firteen hundred regular troops, and about one thousand militia.

Our militia gave way the first fire ; and left the Continental troops to bear the brunt
of the whole of the enemy's force ; which they did with great spirit and bravery. Gen.
Gesh, who commanded one of the Maryland brigades, repulsed the enemy with charged
bayonets ; but the miUtia quitting their ground, let the enemy into his rear.

General Gates made several unsuccessful attempts to rally the militia ; but they were
so panic struck, it was all to no purpose ; aud the general was borne away on the road ;
and had the mortification to leave the Maryland line bravely engaged, without having
it in his power to assist them, or even to tell what was their late ; but as the firing
ceased after he had got eight or ten miles in the rear, he supposes they must have been
cut to pieces ; however, this is not certain by any means from any inte.ligence we have
as yet received. Further particulars are hourly expected.

Reports come on with General Gates's letter ; which say that both General Small-
wood and Gesh are slain ,' and that Baron de Kalb is wounded ; but there is no au-
thority for it.

We lost eight pieces of cannon, and doubtless all our baggage and stores. The miU-
tia dispersing and taking to the woods, few or none of them fell into the enemy's-
hands ; but probably many of them might suffer greatly fur want or provisions, and
perhaps some might perish.

General Gates retreated one hundred and eighty miles in three days, to Hillsborough ;
at which place he wrote to Congress of the misfortune which had befell him.

This is a great misfortune ; and the more so, as that imfortunate country was too dis-
couraged before, to make any great exertions. However, it was beginning to recover
itself, and some few days before the action, we had gained several advantages, and
taken several hundred prisoners.

It is high time for America to raise an army for the war, and not distress the coun-
try by short enlistments, and hazard the liberties of these states with an order of men,
whose feelings, let their principles be ever so good, cannot be like those who have been
long in the field.

I am, with great respect, your most obedient, humble servant,

NATH. GREENE.

N. B. I wish you not to have any part of this letter pubUsbed, as the president of
Congress did not think it proper to publish General Gates's letter, until the arrival of
further particulars.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Gen. Greene to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Camp, Sept. 22d, 1780.

Dear Sir : — This will be handed you by His Excellency the Chevalier de la Lusume,
the minister of France, who is on liis way to Newport, to visit the French army. His
stay wiU be short ; therefore whatever honors you mean to pay to him, must be done
in a day or two after his arrival, as his stay will not exceed five days. His zeal for our
cans J, and the attachment he has manifested for our interest, entitles him to every
mark of public respect, and private esteem.

The aflfairs to the southward are still more agreeable than the account I mentioned in
my last. Most of the prisoners taken in the action at Camden, were rescued by Col.
Marion, as tliey were on their march to Charlestown. Upon the whole, the British
have got little to brag of. General Gates's first accoimt was shocking, and very pre-
mature.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 245

Reports are in New York that an expedition Is planning there against Wilmington,
North Carolina ; and another against Portsmouth, in Virginia. But some people think
the whole is against Newport.

We have no news of the fleet ; and are ready to conclude that Count de Guichcn,
gone back again to the West Indies.

Nothing new in this quarter. Hitherto we have had a very inactive campaign in
these northern states ; and I am afraid it will end so.

I beg my compliments to Mrs. Greene, and am, with —

Great esteem and regard, your most humble, obedient servant,

' NATII. GREENE.

To His E.xcellcncy Governor Greene.

Gen. Ileaih to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, September 22d, 1780.
Sir : — Yesterday I received intelligence from the best authority that Admiral Rodney
arrived at Sandy Hook on the 13th instant, with ten sail of the line, and two frigates ;
and on the IGtli detached Commodore IJrake witii four sail of the line to join Admiral
Arbuthnot, near Gardner's Island, which was effected on the 18th. The design of this
junction, it was said, was to intercept twelve sail of Erench men of war, supposed to be
coming from the West Indies to this place.

A body of troops were also ordered to embark at New York immediately ; by some,
their destination was supposed to be Virginia; by others, to this plaee. I have thought
it best to order Col. Greene's regiment back to this island.

The French general is desirous that the militia may be notified to hold themselves
in readiness to come in on the shortest notice, should it be necessary. If Your E.xcel
lency should be of opinion that such notice is necessary to facilitate the coming
in of the militia of your state, previous to the call for them to march, I request that
it may be done.

I have the honor to be, with groat respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To Governor Greene.

The Governor of Rhode Island to General Heath.

Warwick, September 23d, 1780.

Su- : — I received your two favors of yesterday, and noted their contents. I am
doubtful whether it would make any material difference the notifying of the militia to
be in readiness so as to faciUtate their coming in, should there be a necessity for it, as
they have heretofore been often notified in the same way, without an alarm.

I am glad you have ordered Col. Greene to retm-n with his regiment. I imagine
that through the hurry of business the aflTair respecting the intercom-se between Block
Island and the main, was passed over unnoticed, I do not recollect to have seen any
vote from the lower house respecting that matter ; do therefore recommend to you to
issue the same orders now, and continue them until the sitting of the comicil of war,
who are to convene in Providence on the 2d day of next month, as you did in consequence
of the late resolve of the late council of war held in Bristol, before whom I will mention
the affair.

I yesterday received a letter from Christopher Ellery, Esq., mentioning' that Mrs.
Whitman, who, as I am informed, has a husband in New York, and is desirous of going

246 EECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

to him in the flag now in Newport, bound there, and that you are unwilling to grant a
permit for that purpose, unless I will recommend it ; and ae the Assembly lately enacted
that permissions of a similar nature might be granted to sundry persons, do therefore
recommend to you that she be permitted to go to New York in the same flag with those
allowed by the Assembly, and under the same restrictions.

With much respect and esteem, I am yours, &c.,

\v. GREENE.
To the Honorable Major General Heath.

Gen. G-reene to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Camp at Tappan, October 2d, 1780.

Dear Sir : — The late fiilling ofl" of General Arnold, will doubtless be a subject of much
speculation ; and as it is probable there will be many stories fabricated foreign from
truth and the facts, I do myself the honor to give you a short account of the matter,
until a more perfect one is published by authority.

On his first arrival at camp this summer, he intimated to the general his wish to have
the command of the forts and fortifications on the Highlands. His Excellency readily
agreed to the proposition, both from a persuasion that he would defend the place to
the last, as well as from a desire to gratify an imfortunate oflBcer, who had become a
cripple in the service of his country.

On Ills first taking command, as has since been discovered, he opened a commercial
connection with New York. This was carried on under the plausible pretext of ob"
taining intelligence. His real intentions being thus masked, he opened a correspondence
with Major John Andre, the British adjutant general, under the feigned name of Mr.
John Anderson, merchant. New York. Several letters passed between Arnold and
him ; Arnold signing himself by the name of Gustarus ; and Major Andre by the name
of Anderson.

On the 19th of last month Major Andre came up in the Vulture sloop-of-war, near to
King's Ferry ; and found means by certain signals before agreed on, to let one Joseph
Smith, who was to be the go-between, Arnold and Andre, know that he was there /
and Smith immediately communicated the intelligence to Arnold, who came down and
had an interview with Andre that evening, upon the Haverstraw mountains. An-
dre went up to Smith's house ; and was there concealed two days. He got a pass from
Arnold, shifted his clothes, and set off for New York by the way of Crompord and the
White Plains ; at the last of which place, he was made prisoner by tlu-ee militia men,
who deserve immortal honor for their fidelity to their country, as they nobly resisted
every bribe that he offered them ; many of which were very flattering to their private
fortunes.

The militia men immediately examined Andre from head to foot ; and found in the
foot of his stocking sundry papers in General Arnold's own hand writing, giving an ac-
count of the works at West Point, the strength of the garrison, returns of all the ord-
nance and stores ; and a general state of the army of the United States ; where and how
employed ; which bad been stated some httle time before, to the general officers in a
council of war, for the purpose of fixing our future plan of operations.

These papers convinced the militia men there must be treachery somewhere ; and
without loss of time, conveyed Andre to Col. Sheldon's regiment of light horse ; which
lay about eight miles from the place where they took the prisoner.

Major Jameson, who commanded, forwarded tlie papers, with an accoount of Andre's
capture, who then went by the name of John Anderson, to General Washington, who
was on his return from Hartford, from the interview witli the French ofiicers.

Unfortunately, the express missed the general, and did not overtake him until some
hours after his arrival at West Point. From which place Arnold made his escape about

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 247

a quarter of an hour before the general's arrival. Had the e.xpress fell in with the gen-
eral on the road, Arnold would have been happily secured ; or if Major Jameson, from
a false notion of duty, and from an apprehension that it was criminal to suspect even
with the evidence in his own hands, such a character as Arnold, had not written to Ar-
nold two days after he sent off the first letter to General Washington, that he was pos-
sessed of a person by the name of Anderson ; which was the first hint he had had of the
matter ; and on the receipt of which, he rose (being then at breakfast), and just told
his wife that he had received two letters which obliged him to leave her and his coun-
try forever ; and immediately left her, and went on board his barge, and rowed down
the river; and got on board the Vulture sloop-of-war, then laying a little below King's
Ferry.

On the general's arrival at the Point, Arnold was gone ; but nobody knew where nor
suspected for what. Some hours after the general's arrival, the dispatches came, which
unravelled the whole mystery. One of the general's aids flew to King's Ferry, to in-
tercept the barge ; but she had gone by about an hour and-a-half before.

Thus did this greatest of all villains make his escape, by the most unfortunate delay
of the general's dispatches ; and thus did Major Andre by tlie most providential train
of accidents, fall into our hands ; and bring about a discovery of this hellish plot. An-
dre is to be hanged to-day ; the gallows is erected in full view of the place where I
am wriiing.

Nothing can equal Arnold's villainy, but his meanness. He is the blackest of all
mortals, and the meanest of all creatures. His robbery and plunder of the pubUc
stores at West Point, exceeds all belief. Nor could I have persuaded myself that it
was possible for any thing short of the devil incarnate to perpetrate such horrid crimes,
and comphcated acts of rascality.

This event convinces me of the force of Spectator's observation ; which is, that he
that don't make principle the rule of his conduct in every thing, is not to be trusted in
any thing. This is the first considerable wound that the cause of America has met
with from a desertion ; and what makes it more disgraceful, is, that he is an
American.

Since the fall of Lucifer, nothing has equalled the fall of Arnold. His military repu-
ation in Europe and America, was flattering to the vanity of the first general of the
age. He will now sink as low as he has been high before ; and as the devil made war
upon heaven after his fall, so I expect Arnold will upon America. Should he ever fall
into our hands, he will be a sweet sacrifice.

I beg my kind compliments to Mrs. Greene and the gentlemen and ladies of your
family. I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

N. GREENE.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

P. S. I have been obliged to write in haste (Capt. Tew being polite enough to wait
for tlie letter) ; if there are any inaccuracies beg you'll excuse them.

Gen. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.] Headquarters, near Passaic, i

October 18th, 1780. \

Sir :— In obedience to the orders of Congress, I have the honor to transmit Your Ex-
cellency the present state of the troops of your line, by whicli you will perceive how
few men you will have left after the 1st of January next.

When I inform you also that the troops of the other lines will be in general as much
reduced as yours, you will be able to judge how exceedingly weak the army will be at

248 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAJvD [SePT.,

that period, and how essential it is the states should make the most vigorous exertions
to re-place the discharged men as early as possible.

Congress are now preparing a plan for a new establishment of their army, which
when finished, they will transmit to the several states, with recjuisitions for their re-
spective quotas. I have no doubt it will be a primary object with them to have the
levies for the war ; and this appears to me a point so interesting to our independence
that I cannot forbear entering into the motives which ought to determine the states
without hesitation or alternative, to take their measures decisively for that object.

I am religiously persuaded that the duration of the war, and the greatest part of the
misfortunes and perplexities we have hitherto experienced, are chiefly to be attributed
to the system of temporary enlistments. Had we in the commencement raised an ar-
my for the war, such as was within the reach of the abilities of these states to raise and
maintain, we sliould not have suffered those military checks which have so frequently
shaken our cause ; nor should we have incurred such enormous expenditures as have
destroyed our paper currency, and with it the public credit.

A moderate, compact force, on a permanent establishment, capable of acquiring the
discipline essential to military operations, would have been able to make head against
the enemy without comparison, better than the throngs of militia, which at certain
periods have been, not in the field, but in their way to and from the field ; for from that
want of perseverance which characterizes all militia, and of that coercion which cannot
be exercised upon them, it has always been found impracticable to detain the greatest
part of them in service even for the term for wliich they have been called out ; and
this has been commonly so short, that we have Iiad a great proportion of the time two
sets of men to feed and pay ; one coming to the army, and the other going from it-
From this circumstance, and from the extraordinary waste and consumption of provi-
sions, stores, camp equipage, arms, clothes and every other article incident to irregular
troops, it is easy to conceive what an immense increase of public expense has been
produced from the source of which I am speaking. I might add the diminution of our
agriculture by calling off at critical seasons, the laborers employed in it, as has hap-
pened in instances without number.

In the enumeration of articles wasted, I mention clothes. It may be objected that
the terms of engagement of the levies do not include this ; but if we want service from
the men, particularly in the cold season, we are obUged to supply them, notwithstand-
ing ; and they leave us before the clothes are half worn out.

But there are evils still more striking, that have befallen us. The intervals between
the dismission of one army, and the collection of another, have more than once threat-
ened us with ruin ; wliich, humanly speaking, nothing but the supineness or folly of the
enemy could have saved us from. How did our cause totter at the close of '76, when,
with a Uttle more than two thousand men, we were driven before the enemy through
Jersey, obUged to take post on the other side of the Delaware, to make a show of cov-
ering Philadelphia ; while in reaUty nothing was more easy to them, with a little enter-
prise and industry, than to make their passage good to that city, and dissipate the re-
maining force which still kept alive our expiring opposition !

Wliat hindered them from dispersing our little army, and giving a fatal blow to our
affairs, during all the subsequent winter, instead of remaining in a state of torpid inac-
tivity, and permitting us to hover about their quarters, when we had scarcely troops
sufficient to mount the ordmary guards ? After having lost two battles and Philadel-
pliia, in the following campaign, for want of those numbers and that degree of discipline,
which we might have acquired by a permanent force in the first instance, in what a
cruel and perilous situation did we again find ourselves in the winter of '77, at the Val-
ley Forge, withiji a day's march of the enemy, with little more than a third of their
strength, unable to defend our position, or retreat from it, for want of the means of
transportation ?

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 249

Wliat liut the fluctuation of our array enabled the enemy to detach so boldly to the
southward, in '78 and 'TO, to take possession of two states, Georgia and South Carolina,
while we were oljlii,'cd here to he idle spectators of their weakness, set at defiance by
a garrison of six tliousand regular trooips, accessible every where by a bridge which
nature liad formed ; but of which we were unable to take advantage, from still greater
weakness, apiircliensive even for our own safety t

How did the same garrison insult tlic main army of these states the ensuing spring,
and threaten the destruction of all our baggage and stores, — saved by a good coimten-
ancc, more tlian an ability to defend them "?

And wliat will be om- situation this winter'? our army by the 1st of January dimin-
ished to little moro tlian a suflicient garrison for West Point, the enemy at full liberty
to ravage the country wherever the}' please ; and leaving a handful of men at New
York to undertake expeditions for the reduction of other states, ^vhich for want of ade.
quate means of defence, will, it is much to be dreaded, add to the number of their con.
quests and to tlic cxamjiles of our want of energy and wisdom ?

Tlie loss of Canada to the Union, and the fate of tlie brave Montgomery, compelled
to a vast attempt l)y the inmiediate prospect of being left without troops, might be
enumerated in the calaloguc of evils that have sprung from this fruitful soiu'ce.

We not only incur these ilangers and sutler these losses, for want of a constant force
equal to our exigencies; hut wdiile we labor under this impediment, it is impossible
there can ever be anj- order fir economy, or system in our finances. If we meet with
any severe lilows, the great exertions which the moment requires to stop the progress
of the misfortune, oblige us to depart from general principles to run into any expense,
or to adopt any expedient, however injurious, on a large scale, to prociu-e the force and
means whicli the present exigency demands. Every thing is thrown into confusion ;
and the measures taken to remedy this inunediate evil, perpetuates others. The same
is the case if particuhir conjunctions invite ns to offensive operations ; we find ourselves
unprepared, witlinut troops, without magazines, and with little time to provide them.
We ari' nbligeil to force our resources by the most burthensorae methods to answer the
end; and .after all, it is but half answered. The design is announced by the occasional
effort, and the enemy liave it in their power to counteract or elude the blow. The
prices of every thing, men, provisions, &c., ,ire raised to a height to which the revenues
of no government, much less ours, would suffice. It is impossible that people can en-
dure tlie excessive burthens of bounties for .annual drafts, and substitutes, increasing
at every new exi)eriment. Whatever it might cost them once for all to procvire men
for the war, would be a cheap bargain.

1 am convinced our system of temporary enlistments, has prolonged the war, and en"
couragcd the enemy to persevere. TSaffled while we had an army in the field, they
have been constantly looking forward to the period of its reduction, as the period to
our opposition and the season of their successes. They have flattered themselves with
more than the event has justified; for they believed wlien one army expired, we
should not be able to raise another ; undeceived, however, in this expectation by expe-
rience, they still remain convinced — and to me evidently on good grounds, that we
must ultimately sink under a system, which increases our expense beyond calculation,
enfeebles all our measures, alfords the most inviting opportunities to the enemy, and
wearies and disgusts the people. This has doubtless had great influence in preventing
their coming to terras, and will continue to operate in the same way. The debates on
the ministerial side have frequently manifested the operation of this motive ; and it
must in the nature of tilings, have h.ad gre.at weight.

The interposition of neuti-.al powers may le.ad to a negotiation this winter. Nothing
will tend so much to make the Court of London reasonable, as the prospect of a perma-
nent army in this country, and a spirit of exertion to support it.

It is time we should get rid qf an error which the experience of all mankind has ex-
IX. 32

250 RECORDS OP THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [SePT.,

ploded ; and wliich our own experience has dearly taught us to reject ; — the carry-
ing on a war with militia, or (wliicli is nearly the same thing,) temporary levies,
against a regular, permanent and disciplined force. The idea is chimerical ; and that
we have so long persisted in it, is a reflection on the judgment of a nation so enlightened
as we are, as well as a strong proof of the empire of prejudice over reason. K we con"
tinue in the infatuation, we shall deserve to lose the object we are contending for.

America has been almost amused out of her liberties — we have frequently heard the
behaviour of the militia extolled upon one and another occasion — by men who judge
only trom the surface ; by men who had particular views in misrepresenting — ^by
visionary men, whose credulity easily swallows every vague story in support of a fa-
vorite hypothesis.

I solemnly declare I never was witness to a single instance that can countenance an
opinion of militia or raw troops being fit for the real business of fighting. I have found
them useful as light partices to skirmish in the woods, but incapable of making or sus-
taining a serious attack. This firmness is only acquired by habits of discipline and
service. I mean not to detract from the merit of the militia — their zeal and spirit upon a
variety of occasions, have entitled them to the highest applause ; but it is of the great-
est importance we should learn to estimate them rightfully. We may expect every
thing from ours, that miUtia is capable of; but we must not expect from any levies for
which regulars alone are fit.

The late battle of Camden is a melancholy comment upon this doctrine. The miUtia
fled at the first fire, and left the Continental troops surrounded on every side, and over-
powered by numbers, to combat for safety instead of victory. The enemy themselves
have witnessed to their valor.

An ill eflfect of short enhstments, which I have not yet taken notice of, is that the
constant fluctuatton of their men, is one of the sources of disgust to the officers. Just
when, by great trouble, fatigue and vexation (with which the training of the recruits is
attended), they have brought their men to some kind of order, they have the mortifi-
cation to see them go home, and to know that the drudgery is to re-commence the
next campaign. In regiments so constituted, an ofiicer has neither satisfaction nor
credit in his command.

Every motive which can arise from a consideration of our circumstances, either in a
domestic or foreign point of view, calls upon us to abandon temporary expedients, and
substitute something durable, systematic and substantial. This appUes as well to our
civil administration as to our military establishment. It is as necessary to give Con-
gress, the common head, sufficient power to direct the common forces, as it is to raise
an army for the war. I should go out of my province to expatiate on civU afiairs ; but I
cannot forbear adding a few more remarks.

Our finances are in an alarming state of derangement. Public credit is almost ar-
rived at its last stage. The people begin to be dissatified with the feeble mode of con-
ducting the war, and with the ineffectual burdens imposed upon them ; which, tliough
light in comparison with what other nations feel, are from theu^ novelty, heavy to them.
They lose their confidence in government apace.

The army is not only dwindling into nothing ; but the discontent of the officers as
well as the men, have matm-ed to a degree that threatens but too general a renunciation
of the service at the end of the campaign. Since January last, we have had registered
at headquarters more than one hundred and sixty resignations, besides a number of
others, that never were regularly reported. I speak of the army in this quarter. We
have frequently in the course of the campaign experienced an extremity of want. Our
officers are indecently defective in clothing. Our men are almost naked ; totally un-
prepared for the inclemency of the approaching season. We have no magazines for the
winter. The mode of procuring our supplies is precarious ; and all the reports of the
officers employed in collecting them, are gloomy.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.VNTATIONS. 251

These circumstances conspire to show the necessity of immediately adopting a plan
that will give more energy to government ; more vigor and more satisfaction to the
arm)'. Without it, we have every thing to fear. I am persuaded of the sufficiency of
our resources, if properly directed.

Should the requisitions of Congress, by any accident not arrive before the legislature
is about to rise, I beg to recommend that a plan be devised which is likely to be effec-
tual, for raising the men that will be required for the war, Isaving it to the executive to
apply it to the quota which Congress will fix. I flatter myself, however, the reqi<Si-
tions will arrive in time.

The present crisis of our affairs appears to me so serious, as to call upon me, as a
good citizen, to give my sentiments freely, for the safety of the repubUc. I hope the
motive will excuse the libertj' I have taken.

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect and esteem.

Your ExceUeucy's most obedient, humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Proceedings of the General Assembly, for the State of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Providence,
on the fourth Monday in October, 1780.

His Excellency William Ureene, Governor.
The Hon. William Wes1, Deputy Governor.

Whereas, Lieut. Col. Samuel Ward presented unto this As-
sembly two promissory notes, of £15, in specie each, which
he received in behalf of this state, in consideration of the
discharge of two soldiers of Col. Christopher Greene's regi-
jnent, who were engaged for the term of six months, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the conduct of the
said Samuel Ward, in discharging the said soldiers be, and
the same is hereby, approved ; that the said notes be lodged
in the general treasury ; and that the general treasurer be
directed to call on the payers of the said notes respectively,
for payment, as soon as the same shall become payable.

It is voted and resolved, that Lieut. Col. Samuel Ward be,
and he is hereby, empowered to draw £800, in Continental
bills of the old emissions, out of the general treasury, to en-
able the surgeon of Col. Christopher Greene's regiment, to

252 RECOEDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAKD [OcT.,

purchase medicines and necessaries for the siclv of the said regi
ment; and that the said Samuel AVard account for the same

Whereas, the committee, which was heretofore appointed
to ascertain the number of boats belonging to the inhabits
ants of this state, which were emploj^ed in the public ser-
vice, and were lost or damaged, have been j^revented from
attending to the business of their appointment ; and where-
as, great injury will arise to tlie inhabitants of this state,
unless some remedy be provided in this behalf, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Messrs. Theodore
Foster, William Ladd and John Child be, and they are here-
by, appointed a committee for that purpose ; that the said
committee make inquiry into the number of boats which
have been lost, and the damages which have been done to
others, while in the public service, and for which the owners
of the same have not been paid ; and that they report the
same, together with their value, and the names of their
owners, to this Assembly, as soon as maj' be.

Whereas, in the act of this Assembly, made and passed at
the session in October, A. D. 1779, entitled "An act for con-
fiscating the estates of certain persons therein described,"
no mention is made of the widows of such absentees who
have died since the act of forfeiture, or shall hereafter die,
by them committed, or of others described in the said act
guilty of the crimes therein described.

And whereas, some doubts have arisen, whether the wid-
ows aforesaid, are by law entitled to their dower, out of thg
estates of such persons deceased as aforesaid, —

Be it therefore enacted and declared by this General As-
sembly, and by the authority thereof it is hereby enacted
and declared, that the widows of all persons that already are,
or hereafter shall be, deemed guiltj' of the crimes mentioned
in the act aforesaid, are, and shall be, taken and deemed to be
forever barred and excluded from any claim of dower unto
the estates aforesaid.

Whereas, the farm lying in Little Compton, belonging to
Mr. Joseph Scott, of Newport, heretofore sequestered to the

i 1780.] AND PKO^^DENCE PLANTATIONS. 253

use of this state, has since been restored and delivered up to

the said Joseph Scott.

And whereas, the said estate, while in the possession of
I this state, was leased by the state, and two years' rents

j therefor have been paid into the general treasurj',

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the rents which
! have been received on the leases for the years 1777 and

1778, and paid into the general treasury' as aforesaid, be

paid to the said Joseph Scott, and Leonard Jarvis, Esq., of
I Boston, or either of them; and that the lease of the- said
I estate, for the last year, be assigned over to the said Joseph
i Scott and Leonai-d Jarvis, or either of them; they, or either
I of them, first paying the expense attending the leasing of

the said estate, since it has been in the possession of this
j state.

I Whereas, this General Assembly have received very cred-
j ible information, that Mr. George Howell, who was recog-
I nized at the last session, to appear at the present session of
I this Assembty, and answer such charges as should be ex-
I hibited against him, is an emissary of the enemy,—
! It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sheriff of the
county of Providence be, and he is hereby, empowered and
directed immediately to take into his custody the said Geo.
Howell, and him safely keep till the further order of this
Assembly.

And it is further voted and resolved, that the said sheriff,
WHliam Channing, Stephen Potter and Archibald Crary'
Esqs., be, andgihey or either of them, are hereby empowered
and directed forthwith to proceed to the lodgings and store
of the said George Howell, or any where else where his pa-
pers or property may be, and take the same into their pos-
session ; that the papers be immediately brought before this
Assembly for examination ; that the property be delivered
to the sheriff; and that he keep the same till the further or-
der of this Assembly.

Whereas, it is represented to this Assembly, by the owners
of the armed private ship Flora, now in the harbor of East

254 KECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. [OcT.,

Greenwich, that they intend sending the said ship on a
cruise against the enemies of the United States ; but that,
from the scarcity of provisions in this state, it will be utterly
impossible for them to victual her, unless they have permis-
sion to purchase provisions in some other state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby
is, recommended to the governor and council of the state
of Connecticut, to permit Archibald Crary, Esq., one of the
said owners, to purchas(i in the said state a quantity of pro-
visions sufficient to victual the said ship for a six months'
cruise, and to bring the same into this state, either by land
or water, as shall be most convenient.

Whereas, Col. John Cooke hath represented unto this As-
sembly, that he has a quantity of corn ready to be dehvered
to the state, on account of rent due on the lease of the said
estate, on the island of Prudence, late belonging to Jo-
seph Wanton, Esq. ; and whereas, the army is in want of
bread, —

It is voted and resolved, that Solomon Southwick, Esq.,
D. C. G. L, be, and he is hereby, directed to receive the said
corn ; that he receive such a proportion thereof, if new, as
will make it equal to merchantable corn; and that the same
be charged against the United States, as part of this state's
quota of supplies.

Whereas, the act of this Assembly passed at the session in
Ju^ last, suspending the act of this Assembly, entitled, "An
aJmaking the paper money biUs emitted by. Congress, and
the bills emitted by this state a legal tendef in discharge
of all debts and securities," has expired; and whereas,
great mischief may ensue, unless some remedy be pro-
vided, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said act, enti-
tled, as aforesaid, be, and the same is hereby, further sus-
pended unta the rising of this Assembly at the next session;
and whereas, by a resolve of Congress, of the 20th day of
March last, it is recommended to the states to revise their
laws, enacted pm-suant to a former resolution of Congress

1780.] AND PRO^^DENCE PLANTATIONS. 255

making the Continental bills a tender in discharge of debts
and contracts, and to amend the same in such manner as to
them shall appear to be most conducive to justice, in the
1 present state of the currency, —

j It is therefore voted and resolved, that Christopher El-
i lery, Theodore Foster, Rowse J. Helme, John Jenckes, Wm.
Channing, Archibald Crary and Joseph Coggeshall, Esqs.,
1 be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee to revise
[ the act of this state, suspended as aforesaid ; and to ascer-
tain the gradual depreciation of the bills of credit, emitted
; by Congress or this state, in order that a scale of deprecia-
tion may be adopted, which shall determine the value of
< contracts, both public and private, which have been made
since the circulation of the bills aforesaid.
I Whereas, the committee appointed at the last session of
' this Assembly, to ascertain the deficiencies of the several
I towns, in their respective quotas of the six mpnths' men, have
been prevented from attending the said business, and mak-
!ing report at the present session of this Assembly, agreeably
I to their appointment, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said commits
jtee be, and the same is hereby, continued for the purpose
[aforesaid ; and that they report to this Assembly, at the
inext session.

I It is voted and resolved, that the officers in the line of the
militia of this state, who were on duty in the late general
alarm, be allowed the same paiy and rations which are al-
lowed by Congress to the officers of equal rank in the line
JDf the Continental army; that the non-commissioned officers
[md privates be allowed three shilhngs per day for each and
3very day's service ; and one shilling and sixpence for each
pation due to them, while doing duty in the said alarm ;
phat the officers and privates in the companies of light
[lorse, who were on duty at the said time, be allowed three
jMlings per day for their horses ; that the abstracts be
Inade up accordingly ; and that the same shall be paid in

256 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [OcT.,

Continental bills of the new emission, as soon as this state's
quota or any part thereof, shall come to hand.

Whereas, the forming of one company of horse to each
battalion of infantry in this state, is found inexpedient and
burthensome to the service, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Asseniljly, and by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that so much of the mi-
litia act passed at the session in October, A. D. 1779, as re-
spects the formation of companies of horse, be, and the
same is hereby, repealed ; that all companies of horse,
formed agreeably to the said act, be, and the}' are hereby,
reduced ; and that the commandants of each battalion of in-
fantry be empowered and directed to cause six troopers and
one sergeant of horse to be properly equipped for tlie pur-
poses of riding express, and acting as infantry in case of
necessity.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. George Olney be, and
he is hereby, appointed to post up the accoimts of this state
against the United States, and to keep a general state of
the accoimts of this state ; that he be furnished with a
room, fire and candles, at the expense of the state ; and be
allowed nine shillings per day, in specie, or other money
equivalent.

It is voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby is, recom-
ugiended to the deputies of the several to^s^Tis, to assist the
persons appointed in their respective to^ras, by a resolve of
the council -war, of the 4th instant, to procure blankets and
stockings for the use of Col. Israel Angell's regiment ; that
the blankets and stockings which shall be collected in the
counties of Kings and Kent, be delivered at East Green-
wich ; and those collected in the other counties, at Provi-
dence, to such persons as the agentrclothier shall appoint to
receive the same ; and that the said agent-clothier be, and he
is hereby, directed to send the said blankets and stockings
to the said regiment as soon as he shall receive the same.

Whereas, Thomas Ai-nold, late captain in Colonel Christo-

1780.] AND PRO\T[DENCE TLANTATIONS. 257

pher Greene's regiment, preferred a petition, and repre-
sented unto this Assembly, that he now belongs to the
corps of invalids, at Boston ; and that he has not drawn
any clothing from this state for more than a year past; and
thereupon prayed for relief; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that John Eeynolds, Esq., agent-
clothier in this state, be, and he is hereby, directed to de-
liver to the said Thomas Arnold the same articles of cloth-
ing as are allowed to officers of his rank in the Continental
army.

Whereas, it appears to this Assembly, that Christ'r Ellery,
Esq., has advanced, at the request of Maj. Gen. Heath, eight
hundred Continental dollars to Mr. James Dean, who lately
conducted a party of the Oneida Indians, on a visit to the French
general and admiral, at Newport; and that he has received an
order to the amount of the sum advanced,* as aforesaid, on
Philip Schuyler, Esq., who is empowered and directed to de-
fray the expenses of the said Indians, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Christo-
pher Ellery be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the
said sum of $800, out of the general treasury, on his en-
dorsing the said order to the general treasurer of this state_

Whereas, Ezekiel Cooke, of Bristol, preferred a petition^
and represented unto this Assembly, that on the 19th day
of December, A. D. 1776, he was honored by Congress with
a commission in Colonel Livingston's regiment, which was
raised and officered at large, without being considered as
belonging to any particular state ; that 1 ic continued in the
said regiment till April 6, A. D. 1780, when the said regi-
ment was reduced ; that being unwilling to receive the pub-
lic's money, without rendering them service, he then re-
signed his commission ; that he has received no other com-
pensation for his services than the nominal sum of his wages
in the paper currency ; that in the returns of the army, he
has been credited to this state, and that he is entitled by a
resolve of Congress to have the depreciation of his wages
made good to him ; and thereupon prayed for relief, —

258 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [OCT., '

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said petition
be received ; and that Theodore Foster and John Child,
Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee to
make inquiry into the facts set forth therein, and make re-
port thereof to this Assembly at the next session.

Whereas, by reason of the islands of Rhode Island and
Jamestown having been heretofore in the possession of the
enemy, a greater part of the inhabitants thereof have not
subscribed the test, whereby they are disqualified from serv-
ing as jurors; and whereas, the superior court of judicature,
&c., which was held at Newport, on the third Monday of
September, A. D. 1780, could not proceed on the business
pending before the said court for the want of a sufficient
number of legal jurors, and did adjourn to the second Mon-
day of November next, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is hereby enacted, that the town of
Tiverton draw four grand and five petit jurors; and the
town of Little Compton draw four grand and four petit jurors,
to attend the said court at the said adjournment ; that the
said jurors be drawn agreeably to law; that the persons who
shall be so drawn, as also the persons who were heretofore
drawn by the towns as jurors to attend the said court,be legal-
ly notified to attend the said court at the said adjoui-nment,
and be subject to the same penalty for non-attendance, as
is by law prescribed ; and that each of the jurors to be
drawn agreeably to this act, be allowed sixty Continental
dollars, of the old emissions, for each day's attendance on
the said court.

Ordered, that a copy hereof, be transmitted to the town
clerks of the towns of Tiverton and Little Compton, and the
clerk of the said court for the county of Newport.

It is voted and resolved, that the Honorable WiUiam
Bradford, Esq., be, and he is hereby, appointed a commis-
sioner in behalf of this state, to meet at Hartford, in the
state of Connecticut, on the second Monday in November

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 259

next, such commissioners as may be appointed by the other
states, to advise and consult upon measures for filling up
their quotas of men and provisions for the army ; and that
His Excellency the Governor be requested to inform His
Excellency the governor of Massachusetts, of this reso-
lution. ■

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that Be-
riah Allen, of the island of Prudence, has taken two boats

belonging to the United States, from the care of Mr.

Manchester, and Mr. Ephraim Congdon, living on the said
island, and has destroyed the same, for fuel, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Beriah Allen be
cited by the sheriff of the county of Nevrport to appear at
the next session of this Assembly, to answer the same ;
and that the secretary cause a citation to be issued accord-
ingly.

It is voted and resolved, that all fines, fees and forfeit-
ures, be, and they are hereby, raised eighty fold, to what
they were on the 19th day of April, A. D. 1774.

Whereas, Jal^ez Hatch, Esq., deputy quartermaster gen-
eral, has represented to this Assembly, that it will contrib-
ute to the public service, to have an assistant quartermaster
appointed within this state ; and has requested that a per-
son may be nominated and approved of by this Assembly
for such an appointment, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Benjamin Bourne,
Esq., be, and he is hereby, recommended to the said Jabez
Hatch, for an appointment as assistant quartermaster, with-
in this state.

It is voted and resolved, that James M. Varnum, Esq., a
delegate of this state, proceed to Congress as soon as con-
veniently may be, to relieve Ezekiel Cornell, Esq., in repre-
senting this state ; that £12,000, in Continental bills of the
old emissions, be advanced to him out of the general
treasury ; and that he account for the same.

Whereas, Ezekiel Cornell, Esq., has permission to return

260 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [OcT^

from Congress; to enable liim to defray his exjienses at and
from Philadelphia, —

It is voted and resolved, that the sum of £6,000, in Con-
tinental bills, of the old emissions, be allowed him out of the
general treasury ; that he account for the same ; and that
the general treasurer be, and he is hereby, directed to
send forward the said sum; as also the sum heretofore
ordered to the said Ezekiel Cornell, by the first safe con-
veyance.

Whereas, the committee, who Avere appointed to revise
the general estimate, have been prevented from making re-
port to this Assembly at the present session, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said commit-
tee be, and they are hereby, empowered and directed to pro-
ceed in and complete the businessof their appointment; and
that they make report to this Assembly at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee for revising
the estimate be, and they are hereby, severally empowered
to draw £500, in Continental bills of the old emissions, out
of the general treasury ; and that they account for the
same.

Whereas, James Lovett, Esq., who was employed by the
council of war, to purchase wood for the army, has repre-
sented to this Assembly that it is impossible for him to pro-
cure boats to transport the said wood from Providence to
Ehode Island, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said James
Lovett, in case he cannot agree with the owners of any
boats or vessels for the transportation of the said wood, be,
and hereby is, empowered to impress such boats or vessels,
for the purpose aforesaid ; and that he pay the owners of
the same a reasonable consideration therefor.

It is voted and resolved, that Caleb Harris, Esq., who is
employed by the committee for making sale of certain con-
fiscated estates, as a surveyor, be, and he is hereby, empoW'^
ered to draw the sum of £900, in Continental bills of the

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 261

old emissions, out of the general treasury, to defray his ex-
penses ; and that he account for the same.

Whereas, there is a quantity of iron, and eight gun car-
riages, saved from the wrecks belonging to this state, which
the committee, heretofore appointed to make sale of the
said wrecks have not yet disposed of, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins,
Esq., be, and he is hereby, empowered to sell the said iron
and carriages at public vendue ; and that he pay the money
arising from the said sale, in the general treasury.

Whereas, in the late alarm, the military force of this state
was called into the field, and detained for a number of days,
whereby the brigade reviews, which take place in the
course of the next month, will become distressing to the in-
habitants, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the s.aid military
force be, and the same is hereby, excused from the said re-
views ; and that they do not assemble on the respective
days by law ordered, at tlieir respective parades or alarm-
posts ; and that this resolve be published in the next news-
papers of this state.

Whereas, this Assembly did, at the session held in Sep-
tember last, appoint William Richmond, John Jenckes, John
Northup, William Bradford and Thomas Holden, Esqs., a
committee to sell certain farms or tracts of land belonging
to this state, therein specified ; and whereas, John Northup,
Esq., has declined accepting of the said appointment, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Rowse J. Helme,
Esq., be, and he is hereby, appointed in the stead and place
of the said John Northup.

And whereas, in and by the act aforesaid, the said com-
mittee are in the conditions of the sale to specify the second
payment, being three-eighths of the purchase money, to be
made on the 15th day of December next, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said committee give and
aUow one month from the time of sale, to the purchaser or
purchasers, for making the second payment.

262 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [OCT.,

And it is further voted and resolved, that the committee
aforesaid, or the major part of them, be, and they are here-
by, empowered in behalf this state, upon the estates afore-
said, or any one of them, being put up for sale, and no per-
sons appearing to purchase the same, at or near what the
said committee, or the major part of them, shall adjudge to
be their worth or value, that they, or the major part of them
bid them off, to and for the use of this state.

Ordered, that this resolve, excepting the last clause,
giving instructions to the committee, be published in the
Newport and Providence newspapers.

An Act for raising two hundred and twenty effective men,
for three years or during the war, to complete the quota
of this state, of the army proposed to be raised by Con-
gress, for the defence of the United States.

[See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

It is voted and resolved, that Charles Holden, Esq., com-
missary of purchases in this state, be, and he is hereby, di-
rected as soon as may be, to purchase this state's quota of beef
for the army, as heretofore directed, and deliver the same
to the issuing commissary ; that thereupon he proceed im-
mediately to make further purchases of beef and pork, to the
amount of five hundred barrels ; that he cause the same to
be salted and stored ; and that he apply to the issuing com-
missary for salt and casks, who is hereby directed to furnish
him with such a quantity of salt as may be necessary,
out of the salt lately delivered him on the account of this
state.

It is voted and resolved, that writs to the Newport infe-
rior court, November term, A. D. 1780, may be served at
any time within ten days ; and declarations filed eight days
before the sitting of the said court.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasury, viz. :

I'J'SO.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

263

, Solomon Soulliwick, deputy commissary general of issues, for supplies for

Major General Heath's family 1 455 08 00

j Charles Holden, purchasing commissary, due to Col. Greene's regiment' .' '3^4 01 11
I William Channing and Rowse J. Helme, for signing certificates for eom-

I missary of purchases ; 180 00 00

: George Irish, due him for scythes, tackling, etc., for the use ofVhe stot'e '. '. 1,36 00 00
I ^' ^Pf^^"*^' ^°'' Soing to North Kingstown, by order of the Governor. . 60 14 00
I Wilham Barker, for expenses of man and horse, furnished by him to go ex-

I press to John Sayles

! Paul Coffin, for attendance on superior court, Tiverton 60 00 00

Gideon Muinford, for postage of divers public letters .'.'.' 29 09 07

Esek Aldrich, for entertaining the Oneida Indians, §1,736

Silas Casey, for rent of his house in Newport, for the poor .... 158 00 00

, Benjamin Bourne, for paper, and attendance on the General AssemblV 'aJ
' clerk ■"

John Jenckes, for expenses in selling the state's' farms '.'.'.'.'.* 900 00 00

I William Compton, for attendance on the General Assembly 168 18 00

Darnel Branch, for his attendance as waiter on the General Assembly, et'c. 189 00 00

God save the United States of America.

Proceedings of the General Assembly, for the State of
Rhode Island and Promdence Plantations, at East Green-
wich, on the last Monday in November, 1780.

His Excellency William Ureene, Governor.
The Hon. WilUam West, Deputy Governor.

It is voted and resolved, that each and every soldier who
enlisted into the Continental service in the new levies, to
serve for six months, who passed muster, and hath or shall
receive his discharge from the said service, be, and he is
hereby, entitled to receive forty Continental dollars out of
the general treasury, in lieu of one pair of stockings, which
was promised him upon his enlistment.

It is voted and resolved, that the commanding officer of
the new levies, who were raised to serve for six months,

264 KECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NOT.,

and whose times expire on the 1st day of January next, be,
and he is hereby, required and directed to discharge them
on the hist day of this month.

Whereas, the Most Honorable the Continental Congress
have recommended to the United States, that Thm-sday, the
7th day of December next, be observed as a day of pubhc
thanksgiving and prayer, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said day be,
and is hereby, ordered to be observed as a day of public
thanksgiving and prayer throughout this state ; that the
people "assemble on that day to celebrate the praises of our
Divine Benefactor ; and that His Excellency the Governor
be, and he is hereby, requested to issue his proclamation for
the observation of the said day, agreeably to the said re-
commendation of Congress.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee heretofore
appointed by this Assembly to dispose of the real estates
which have been confiscated to and for the use of this state,
be, and they are hereby, empowered to sell and dispose of
the same, either at public or private sale, as will be most
advantageous to the public interest ; and that they make
such alterations in the times of the respective payments, as
will most conduce to the disposing of the said lands at the
best rates.

Provided, the alteration of the times of payment do not
prevent the raising a sufficient sum to redeem this state's
money, funded upon the said estates, agreeably to the act
of this Assembly emitting the same.

It is voted and resolved, that £720, lawful money, in
Continental bills of the old emissions, be allowed and paid
out of the general treasury to Mr. Robert Currie ; it bemg
the amount of an account by him charged against the
United States, for carrying Colonel Josiah Brewer, six
Oneida Indians, and their interpreter, in the stage coach to
Boston.

It is voted and resolved, that £10 2s. 6cZ., lawful money,
in bills emitted by this state, funded upon real estates, be

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 265

allowed and paid out of the general treasury to Mr. Elijah
Shepardson ; it being the amount of an account by him
charged against the United States, for taking charge of the
pi-ison-ship, from August 2, to September 17, A. D. 1780.

It is voted and resolved, that Thomas Holden, Esq., one
of the committee for selling the confiscated estates, be, and
he is hereby, empowered to draw four thousand Continental
dollars, of the old emissions, out of the general treasury,
towards defraying his Expenses in the said service ; and
that he account for the same in the settlement of his ac-
count.

It is voted and resolved, that Welcome Arnold, John
Jenckes and Thomas Holden, Esqs., be, and they are hereby,
appointed a committee to inspect into the public letters and
papers laid before this Assembly ; and that they make re-
port, as soon as may be, of those which immediately call for
the attention of this Assembly, with their opinion thereon.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. William Morris,
Preston Man and Jeremiah F. Jenkins, now in confinement,
in Providence jail, together with Samuel Pitcher, keeper of
said jail, be brought by the sheriff of the county of Provi
dence, before this Assembly, as soon as may be, for ex-
amination.

Whereas, at the time the enemy took possession of the-
island of Ehode Island, in December, 1776, the justices of the
inferior court of common pleas, for the county of Newport,
left divers judgments of the said court incomplete, and it is
necessary that the said judgments should be entered and
completed, and that the executions issue accordingly, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the present jus-
tices of the said court convene at some suitable time, and
complete the said judgments as fully and amply as though
the said judgments had been entered at the usual time.

Provided, nevertheless, that in case any action of trespass
or trover went by default, the said court do not complete
the judgment thereon until the last Monday in March next;
nor then, if the defendant in any such action shall file an

3dS RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Nov^

answer thereto in the clerk's office of the court, on or be-
fore the third Monday in March next, -which they are em-
powered to do ; in which case, such cause shall be heard at
the next inferior court of common pleas, to be holden in the
said county on the last Monday in next.

Ordered, that this act be published, immediately after the
rising of this Assembly, in the Newport and Providence
newspapers.

It is voted and resolved, that thd justices of the superior
court of judicature, &c., who are now in the town of East
Greenwich, or who shall be present, take the examination of
Messrs. William Morris, Preston Man, Jeremiah F. Jenkins
and Nathaniel Gardner, who are now in custody, upon susr
picion of being concerned in inimical measures to this
and the United States; that they investigate the said
affair in such a manner that this Assembly may receive the
greatest light with regard to in the several transactions, and
report the same as soon as may be ; and that the said jus-
tices be immediately acquainted with this resolution.

It is voted and resolved, that William EUery, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, empowered to draw twenty thousand
Continental dollars, of the old emissions, out of the general
treasury, in part of his account as one of the delegates of
this state.

It is voted and resolved, that the secretary be, and be is '
hereby, directed to take into his possession all the books
and files of papers of the council of war, and that he lodge
the same in his office.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. John Weeden be, and
he is hereby, appointed one of the committee for settling
the accounts of the persons appointed to collect blankets
for the troops, in the place of Esek Hopkins, Esq., who de-
clines serving.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. Benjamin Peckham
and Stephen Potter be, and they are hereby, appointed a
committee to adjust and settle the accounts of the commit-
tee who revised the last estimate ; and that they be allow-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 267

ed £30, Continental money, of the old emissions, per day,
for their services, exclusive of their expenses.

Whereas, the following report and account were present-
ed unto this Assembly, to wit :

Report of the Committee appointed by the General Assembly,
relative to the new emission of £20,000.

We, the subscribers, being appointed by the General Assembly to sign the remaining
part of the bills of the new emission, in June last, having completed the same, beg leave
to report, that the whole of the said emission of £20,000, hath by the committee been
paid into the general treasury, as per the receipts from the general treasurer, herewith
presented, will appear ; aad the same is duly registered.

METCALF BOWLER,
CALEB HARRIS,
ADAM COMSTOCK,
East Greenwich, Nov. 29, 1780. In behalf of the committee.

1780. State of Rhode Island, &c. to Metcalf Bowler, Dr.

£ s.d.
To two reams of paper, purchased of Capt. Potter, for striking the

money, at .£110 220 00

" half a ream supplied by myself 55 00

" three quires supplied by the printer 31 10

" my service in engaging the printers, in procuring the paper for
printing the money, and receiving the escutcheons of the gen-
eral treasurer 30 00

Nov. 29. " my service in numbering and signing two thousand bills over
my proportion, which remained unsigned, and were signed
by me at the request of the speaker of the lower house 90 00

£426 10
Creditor.
By an order on the general treasurer, at July session, to purchase

paper, §600 180 00

" balance due 246 10

£426 10

And the premises being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be, and the

same is hereby, accepted ; that the said account be allowed ;

and the said balance of £246 10s., lawful money, be paid

unto the said Metcalf Bowler, in Continental bills of the

old emissions, out of the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that Charles Holden, Esq., com-

missaxy of purchases, be, and he is hereby, directed to re-

268 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Nov.,

ceive of Solomon Southwick, Esq., commissary of issues, and
of Caleb Gardner, Esq., commissary of hides and tallow, all
the raw and untanned hides and tallow in their hands be-
longing to the state, which they have received for the
monthly supplies of the Continental troops ; that he imme-
diately disjDOse of all the raw and untanned hides upon the
best terms he can, for tanned and curried leather, suitable
for good shoes, in due proportion, or for good shoes ready
made, which he is to have nailed with not less than thirty-
two nails to each shoe ; that he keep the tallow until the
further orders of this Assembly ; and that he make report
thereof as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that Caleb Gardner, Esq., com-
missary of hides and tallow within this state, be, and he is
hereby, directed to deliver to Colonel Israel Angell, or to
his order, twenty-three pair of boots and forty-six pair of
shoes, for the use of the officers of his regiment.

It is voted and resolved, that £997, in Continental
money, of the old emissions, be allowed and paid out of the
general treasury, to Pardon Gray, Esq. ; it being the balance
reported to be due by the committee appointed to audit his
account, exhibited as one of the committee for revising the
estimate.

It is voted and resolved, that £259 4s., in Continental
money, of the old emissions, be allowed and paid to Pardon
Gray, Esq., out of the general treasury; it being the amount
of an account by him presented, for eight pair of thread
stockings delivered John Reynolds, Esq., agent-clothier.

It is voted and resolved, that the act of this Assembly,
passed at the session in March last, ordering two thousand
Continental dollars, to be paid out of the general treasury,
to Pardon Gray, Esq., to procure stockings, be, and the same
is hereby, repealed ; and that the said sum be not paid to
him.

It is voted and resolved, that "William Channing, Job
Easton and William Taggart, Esqs., be, and they are here-
by, appointed a committee to take into consideration the i

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 269

damage that hath been sustained by Messrs. Royzel Smith,
j James BUven and Job Watson, tenants to the state, of cer-
i tain farms upon Jamestown, by removing their stock from
I the said island, upon an expected invasion of the enemy ;
I that they make such allowances as they shall judge to be
I equitable ; that the said committee also consider the waste
; committed (if any) by the said tenants upon the said farms ;

and that they make report as soon as may be.
It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. Joseph Brown and

Welcome Arnold be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
: mittee to inspect into the beef which Charles Holden, Esq.,

commissary of purchases, and is salting for the use of this'
i state.

Whereas, from the rapid depreciation of the paper cur-
I rency of the United States, and from the strict justice which
I this General Assembly is willing and resolved to do unto
I the officers and soldiers engaged in the Continental service
I in the pay of this state, during the war, if it became neces-
|sarj^, that a committee should be appointed in order to
i ascertain the respective balances, which were owing and
I due unto the said officers and soldiers, according to the
j value of the going currency, at the several periods it be-
jcame due and was actually paid, and the real value of
! wages in arrear, according to the different prices of gold
:and silver.

And whereas, the said committee have some time past
made report, that very considerable sums of money, in gold
and silver, are due on the respective balances to the said of-
ficers and soldiers, which from the inability of this state
have as yet remained unpaid ; and the exertions heretofore
made by this state, in order to recompense the officers and
soldiers for the good services they have performed, have
fallen greatly short of the sums which the said committee
have reported to be due unto them ; and this Assembly be-
mg absolutely determined that all the arrearages due unto
the said officers and soldiers, upon account of the deprecia-
tion as aforesaid, until the 1st day of August last past, shall

27tt RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

be immediately settled ; and that for the future the said of-
ficers and soldiers shall be duly paid, agreeably to the stipu-
lations entered into, —

Do resolve, and it is voted and resolved, that a tax or rate
for the sum of £6,000, lawful money, to be paid in gold and
silver, according to the value thereof, as expressed in an act
of this Assembly, passed in June, A. D. 1763, ascertaining
and declaring the lawful money of this state, shall be as-
sessed and levied upon the estates and polls of the inhabitr
ants of this state, by one other act of this Assembly, and be
applied to and for the use of discharging one-quarter part
of the wages due unto the said officers and soldiers, agreea-
bly to the sums owing unto them respectively, by reason of
the depreciation of the currency as aforesaid, until the 1st
dayofAiigust last past, and for no other use or purpose
whatevei".

And it is further voted and resolved, that for the secur- •
ing and paying unto the officers and soldiers aforesaid, the
other three-quarter parts of the money due unto them, for ■
and upon account of the depreciation as aforesaid, the fol- •
lowing farms and tracts of land, which have been confiscat-
ed to and for the use of the state, or such parts thereof as
will be sufficient for that purpose, shall be set off", and dehv-
ered unto the said officers and soldiers, in full compensation
for the respective sums due unto them for depreciation as
aforesaid, to wit :

The farm which was late Thomas Hutchinson's, Esq., con-
taining about six hundred and four acres.

The farm late Charles Ward Apthorp's, containing about
three hundred and sixty acres, lying upon the island of
Jamestown.

The farm late Isaac Royal's, containing about three hun-
dred and seventy acres, lying in Bristol; together with sucfe I
liouses and lots as have been confiscated, as the committed *
hereinafter appointed shall think most proper to be appro-
priated for the purpose aforesaid.

And, by agreement mutually entered into between this i

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 271

Assembly and the committee appointed by the said battal-
ions to adjust the depreciation of their wages,

It is further voted and resolved, that a committee, consist-
ing of John Jenckes, WilHam Richmond, William Taggart
and Elisha Mowry, Esqs., as well in behalf of this state as
I the officers and soldiers aforesaid, shall appraise and value
I the lands and premises aforesaid, or such part thereof as
I will be sufficient to discharge the said debt, at the full
I worth ; which said lands and premises so appraised, are to
! remain to and for the use of the said officers and soldiers,
in fee simple ; and if the aforesaid committee, or the major
part of them, cannot agree with respect to the real worth
I and value of the lands aforesaid, that Mr. Matthew Man-
i Chester, of Cranston, shall be, and he is hereby, added unto
j the said committee, in order to determine upon the lands
aforesaid.

I And it is further voted and resolved, that John Northup,
lEsek Hopkins and Benjamin Bourne, Esqs., be, and they are'
I hereby, appointed a committee, to ascertain and settle the
I depreciation of the wages of the officers and soldiers, from
I the last settlement made, up to the 1st day of August past;
jand that they consider the officers and soldiers of Colonel
I Sherburne's regiment, belonging to this state, and ascertain
I the depreciation due unto them for so long time as they
jwere m actual service, or the regiment reduced ; any act
|to the contrary, in any wise notwithstanding.
! It is voted and resolved, that Metcalf Bowler, Archibald
tCrary and Caleb Harris, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, ap-
pointed a committee to audit the accounts of the persons
mho were employed in purchasing provisions and forage
durmg the time of the late alarm, when the whole of the
jimlitia of this state was called forth; that the commis-
ary of purchases of tlois state, by an advertisement in
he newspapers, call upon all such persons to settle their ac-
bounts with him ; that the said committee allow no pay to
■hose persons who were excused from doing military duty.

272 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.\ND. [NoV.,

while the said militia were in the field ; that they consider
the allowances to be made while they were in service, after
the said militia were discharged ; that the expenses which
were actually paid, be allowed; and that the said committee
adjust their accounts for their services and expenses at the
next session of this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that £1,000, in Continental
money, of the old emissions, be allowed and paid out of the
general treasury, to Mr. Daniel Austin ; it being for the
damage done his house by this state's troops.

It is voted and resolved, that John Reynolds, Esq., agent-
clother, be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw £20,000,
in Continental money, of the old emissions, out of the gen-
eral treasury, to purchase clothing for the troops ; and that
he account for the same.

It is voted and resolved, that ten thousand Continental
dollars, of the old emissions, be advanced and paid out of
the general treasury to Benjamin Bourne, Esq., deputy
quartermaster general, to enable him to transport clothmg,
&c., to the headquarters of the army ; and that he re-pay
the' same into the general treasury, as soon as he shall be
enabled.

It is voted and resolved, that James Lovett, Esq., quarter-
master general of the militia of this state, be, and he is
hereby, empowered to draw £30,000, in Continental money,
of the old emissions, out of the general treasury, to enable
him to discharge the debts he has contracted m that de-
partment ; and that he pay off the debts he has contracted
in silver or gold, or in this state's bills of the new emission,
at the exchange of seventy-two for one.

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be,
and he is hereby, directed to pay off the certificates given
by the clerks of the superior court of judicature, &c., to the
justices of the said court, for their attendance upon the
same, at and after the rate of seventy-two Continental dol-
lars, of the old emissions, for each dollar allowed them by a
former act of this Assembly.

3780.]

AND PROVrDENCE PLANTATIONS.

273

The following report was made unto this Assembly, to
wit:

Report of the Committee appointed by the General Assembly^
relative to' the revision and amendment of the late estimate
of the Eatable Property within the State.

We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee, to revise and amend the late esti.
mate of the ratable property within this state, taken by a former committee, by virtue of
an act of this Assembly passed at the session in October, A. D. 1778, do report:

That after viewing all the towns, and examinins the rolls with great care and preci-
sion, and obtaining the best information we possibly could of the quantity of land con-
tained in each town, and the value thereof, we have made out a roll, which is herewith
presented, which we hope will meet the approbation of Your Honors, and give satisfac-
tion to the state, at large.

All which is humbly submitted, by your obedient servants.

WILLIAM TAGGART,
PARDON GRAY,
ESEK HOPKINS,
RICHARD STEERE,
November, 30, 1780.

ABEL TANNER,
BENJAMIN TILLINGHAST,
BENJAMIN BOURNE,
THOMAS ALLIN.

j The following is the estimate presented with the foregoing report, to wit :

Providence
Smithfleld
.icituate ..
Grlocester

llVesterly

iNorth Kingstown
tSouth Kingstown

Exeter

Richmond.
Hopljinton .

iBriatol . . . ,
Warren . . .
BarringtOQ

'Warwick 25,3fi3

I JEast Greenwicti.. 9,474
r I West Greenwich . '27,000
[1 Coventry 1 30,302 1-2

5 10 00
2 16 08 ;
2 05 00
4 16 00

145,000 00
193,798 00
156.657 00
134 967 15 6

108' 336 00
54,655

233,075 13
212,609 01
174.701 15
152.882 16 6
88,823 03
126,241 11
61,928 17
43,864 18

85.797 00 f' 97,779 15
120.159 00 153,124 19 9
294.354 04 9 341 872 04 9
' 86."50 05 6
102.143 11 6

J,674 (

; 10

64.529
39.051 12
29,915 13

6 02 11 1-4 155,896 10 9 178,436 09 9| 1

7 12 07 I 72,278 14 e! 87.232 14 I ,,, o=,
2 05 00 60.500 00 69,913 00 f *^^>''**
2 13 00 80,540 07 6 95,772 00

2.788,145 10 I

It is voted and resolved, that William Channing and
George Irish, Esqs., and Mr. John Weeden, be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee to take into consideration

274 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

the estimate made in the year 1767, the estimate reported
by the late committee of five, and the report of the commit-
tee upon the revisal thereof, together with such other pa-
pers lying before this Assembly as will serve to show the
value of the towns upon the main ; and that they, as soon as
may be, report, according to the best of their judgments,
what the value of each respective town aforesaid, ought to be
estimated at, that a proper proportion for taxation may
be struck to the said towns.

The petition of William Corey, of North Kingstown, pre-
ferred unto this Assembly, representing that he is confined .
to his farm in the said town, by an order of this Assembly, \
passed at the session in February last ; and that his said farm ;
lies in four lots, at some distance from each other, which [
renders his said confinement very disadvantageous to him- .:
self and others ; and praying that he may be liberated there- !j
from, being duly considered, — i

It is voted and resolved, that the said William Corey be,
and he is hereby, permitted to go to and from his said four
lots, in the direct and usual ways of passing to and from ij
the same to his dwelling-house. '

It is voted and resolved, that Richard Fry, Esq., be, and
he is hereby, empowered and directed to receive of Mr.
Michael Dawley the mutton of fourteen sheep, in lieu of so
much beef, in part of the rent of the state's farm, late be-
longing to Samuel Boone.

It is voted and resolved, that the act of this Assembly
passed at the session in September last, allowing the assist-
ants £18, old Continental currency, per day, and declaring
the same to be an adequate allowance, be, and the same is ,
hereby, repealed. j

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. George Olney be, and .!
he is hereby, empowered to draw three thousand Conti-
nental dollars, of the old emissions, out of the general
treasury ; and that he account for the same.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. Job Pearce, of East
Greenwich, be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw

I 1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.UsTATIONS. 275

j £1,000, in Continental money, of the old emissions, out of
I the general treasury, for the use of Edward Peirce, a

Avounded soldier, agreeably to the report of the committee
I appointed to ascertain the allowance to be made him.
I Whereas, the purchasers of the wrecks, &c., in the harbor
j of Newport, have represented to this Assembly, that some
! of the people belonging to the squadron commanded by the
I Honorable the Chevalier de Ternay, have been, and are
I still, fishing up the anchors, cables, &c., belonging to the
jsaid wrecks ; and prayed this Assembly to request His Ex-
:cellency the Governor to write to the said Chevalier de

Ternay, setting forth the sale of the said wrecks, &c., to
ithem, by this state ; and entreat him to prevent the same
in future, and restore unto the purchasers the anchors al-
Iready weighed, upon their paying a proper allowance
'therefor, —

j It is therefore voted and resolved, that His ExceUency
itl^e Governor be, and he is hereby, requested to write to the
baid Chevalier de Ternay upon the subject aforesaid.
j Upon the petition of the town council of the town of
Newport,—

I Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the au-
hhority thereof it is enacted, that whenever any tavern
jieeper, innholder, common victualler or retailer, shall be
found to give a false account of any brandy, rum, or other
iistilled spirits, or wine, remaining by him at the time of his
)eing licensed, or bought, distilled or taken in for sale after
)eing licensed, or shall refuse to give an account of the
:ame on oath, as by law required, the collectors of excise
jbr the towns of Newport and Middletown, severally be, and
hey are hereby, fully authorized and empowered to prose-
jute such offender to a special court of general sessions of
|he peace, to be called for that purpose by the said coUec-
|ors severally, in hke manner as special courts of common
fleas are called by sheriffs and vendue-masters ; which
jourt so specially called, is hereby empowered to hear and
jetennine in all causes between the collectors of excise for

276 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Nov.,

the said towns respectively, and any delinquent tavern
keeper, innholder, cominon victualler or retailer, in as full
and ample manner as they might at their regular terms by
law prescribed, and to execute such their judgments ac-
cordingly.

It is voted and resolved, that the report of the auditor,
upon the account of Dr. Peter Turner, presented unto this
Assembly, amounting to £600, in Continental money, of the
old emissions, for medicines and refreshments provided by
him for the sick of Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment,
that the same is balanced, be, and the same is hereby, ac-
cepted ; and that the same stand balanced accordingly.

It is voted and resolved, that the commissary of pur-
chases in this state, be, and he is hereby, empowered to re-
ceive of the committees of the towns of Westerly, Rich-
mond and Hopkinton, the beef which is still deficient from
the said towns, and which was proportioned unto them, by
an act of this Assembly, for three months; and that he pav j
for the same in certificates, at the rate of fifty shillings per
hundred weight.

Whereas, Mr. Thomas Allin, hath represented unto this \
Assembly, that seven, persons enlisted into the service of
this state for three months for the town of Barrington's pro- |
portion, as allotted them by an act of this Assembly, passed |
at the second session in July last ; and that the said town j
hath not received the bounty of £7 10s., lawful money, for •
each of the said recruits, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that upon the said
Thomas AlUn's, or any other person's, in behalf of the said
town of Barrington, producing unto the secretary of this ^
state the enlistments of the said persons, or a certificate
from the muster-master that they were mustered for the ,
said to-\vn, the secretary shall give an order upon the gen-
eral treasurer for the sum of £52 10s., in this state's bills
of the new emission; or in Continental bills of the old emis-
sions, at seventy-two for one, who shall pay the same, a&
cordingly.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 277

It is voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins, Esq., be, and
he is hereby, fully empowered to draw an order on the gen-
eral treasviry, in favor of Lieutenant John Wells, for seven
guns and accoutrements which were lost in the expedition
upon Rhode Island, in the year 1778, at and after the rate
of 1 7, in specie, for each gun, bayonet and cartouch box,
upon tho said John Wells producing the names of the
persons to whom the same belonged, and proof of their
property.

Whereas, the laws of this state, for amending and repair-
ing the public roads and highways, are ineftectual to all the
purposes intended, as there is no provision therein made for
procuring timber and other materials for the constructing
and repairing bridges where they are necessary, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that when and so often
as it shall be necessary to erect or repair a bridge or bridges,
for the convenience of passing in the public roads or high-
ways of any town in this state, the surveyor or surveyors, in
whose district the said bridge or bridges to be erected or
repaired, shall be, be and they are hereby, empowered to
call in to his or their assistance two substantial freeholders
of his or their district, and by and with their advice to cause
so much timber or other materials to be cut and carried off
from the lot or lots of timber or wood-land, within such dis-
trict, as shall be sufficient for the said purposes ; having due
regard to the cutting the same in such places and in such
proportions, as shall in their opinion do the least injury and
waste on the respective lands whence the same shall be so
taken.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
in case the said surveyor or surveyors cannot agree with
the owner or owners of the timber or other materials, he or
they, together with the persons called in to his or their as-
sistance, as aforesaid, shall make a just and true appraisal of
the value of the timber, or other materials taken and ap-
plied as aforesaid, certifying the name or names of the real

278 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

or supposed owner or owners of the said lot or lots under
their hands ; which certificate and appraisal, the said sur-
veyor or surveyors shall lodge in the town clerk's office of
such town, that the owner or owners of such lands may re-
ceive the amount of such appraisal out of the treasury of
such town.

Whei-eas, there is due unto Mr. Timothy Peckham, collec-
tor of taxes for the town of South Kingstown, two taxes as-
sessed upon the Point Farm (so called), lying in said town;
one for Continental money, and the other for this state's
money, of the new emission, together with the fees for col-
lecting the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that upon the said
Timothy Peckham's producing unto the general treasurer
the rate bills for the said taxes, with the vote of the said
town, stating the fees for collecting the same, the general
treasurer be, and he is hereby, directed to allow the said
taxes and fees to the said Timothy Peckham, as so much
money paid into the general treasury, in part of the said
town's proportion.

Whereas, notwithstanding the resolve of Congress, allow-
ing appeals from the courts in the respective states in prize
causes to Congress, divers of the United States do not allow
of appeals from their own courts ; and as those states which
allow of appeals from their own courts, are not upon an
equal footing with those which disallow such appeals, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that in all prize causes,
where any person belonging to such state disallowing ap-
peals as aforesaid, shall be dissatisfied with the judgment
given in the court of admiralty in this state, he may be al-
lowed an appeal to the superior court of judicature in this
state ; which court is hereby empowered to take cognizance
thereof, enter up judgment thereon, and to issue execution
accordingly ; and that the judgment of such superior court
be final.

Provided, nevertheless, that the operation of this act shall

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

279

cease, with respect to the inliabitants of any state, when-
ever such state shall repeal the laws disallowing appeals to
Congress in prize causes.

Whereas, William Channing and George Irish, Esqs., and
Mr. John Weeden, presented unto this Assembly the follow-
ing report, to wit :

Report of the Committee appointed hy the General Assemhhj,
to take an estimate of the towns on the main in this
state.

The subscribers haring, agreeably to their appointment, taken into consideration the
estimate made in the year 1767, the estimate reported by the late committee of five, and
the report of the committee of ten upon the revisal tliereof, liave tliereupon formed the
following estimate of the value of the several towns upon the main within this state, to.

Value of each county

Tiverton

Litttle Compton .

Providence

SmitLfield

Scituate

Glocest^.

Cumberland

Cranston

Johnston

North Providence

Westerly . . .
North Kingstown
SouH( Kingstown

Charlestown

Exeter

Richmond

Hopkinton

Bristol

Warren

Barrington

Warwick

East Greenwich .
West Greenwich.
Coventry

111,272 18 09

88,072 16 ()0

229,375 13 OO

207,809 01 00

189,-543 14 06
167,021 14 06

90,823 03 00

125,249 11 00

64,204 07 00

45,364 19 00 j

97,843 OA 00

148,124 19 09 I

312,172 04 09 [

80,627 18 06 j

103,875 16 101

71,278 08 00

86,348 02 00 ;

64,529 00 00

39,051 12 00

29,915 13 00

176,961 10 00

80,325 11 00

75,860 10 05

101,980 01 00

\ 199,355 14

900,270 14 10

435,127 12 05

2,788,145 10 00

Which is humbly submitted, by-

WILLIAM CHANNING,
GEORGE IRISH,
JOHN WEEDEN,

Committee.

280 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Nov.^

"Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be, and the
same is hereby, accepted ; and that in all taxes or rates,,
which shall in future be assessed upon the said towns upon
the main, the said proportion shall be a rule and guide for
assessing the same upon the said towns respectively.

It is vote'l and resolved, that Joseph Stanton, Jr., and Ca-
leb Harris, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to audit the accounts of the persons who last pro-
cured blankets for the state ; and that the same be done in
the time of the session. ;

It is voted and resolved, that twenty days, from and after ij
the rising of this Assembly, be, and hereby is, allowed unto i
each town within this state, for paying into the general |
treasury the deficiencies of the taxes assessed upon them ; !
and that in case any town shall neglect to pay in its full J
quota by the said time, the general treasurer be, and is j
hereby, directed to issue his warrant for levying the same. I

Upon the petition of Samuel Thurston, of Newport, pre- I
sented unto this Assembly, jjraying that a judgment ob-
tained by the attorney general against him, at the superior
court held in Newport, on the second Monday in November,
A. D. 1780, for £355 3s. Id, sterling money, of Great Brit-
ain, with costs, as being the property of Stephen Deblois, of
said Newport, v/hose estate has been confiscated to and for
the use of this state, may be set aside, &c., —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be re-
ceived ; and that all proceedings against the said Samuel
Thurstoii, respecting the subject matter thereof, be stayed
and suspended until the further orders of this Assembly. ;

It is voted and resolved, that John BeverW, Esq., sheriff
of the county of Providence, forthwith remove Samuel '
Pitcher, the keeper of the jail in the said county, from
the said trust ; and that he appoint some person as keep-
er of the said jail, in whose fidelity confidence may be
reposed.

It is voted and resolved, that the lists of the ratable es-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 281

tates given in by individuals in the several towns, be
lodged, together with the rolls, in the offices of the respec-
tive town clerks.

It is voted and resolved, that Henry Ward, Esq., secreta-
ry of this state, be, and he is hereby, empowered to
draw twenty thousand Continental dollars, of the old emis-
sions, out of the general treasury, towards discharging
his account against the state ; and that he account for the
same.

It is voted and resolved, that £2 Is. 4fZ., in specie ; and
£150, in Continental money, of the old emissions, be allowed
and paid out of the general treasury to Joseph Stanton, Jr.,
Esq., it being for the balance of an account by him charged
against the state, for articles furnished for the entertain-
ment, ordered to be made by this Assembly, for the
officers of the army and fleet of His Most Christian Majes-
ty, agreeably to the report of the committee who audited
the same.

An Act ascertaining the depreciation of the bills of public credit, and fixing the value
of private contracts, in Spanish milled dollars, since the same have been in circula-
tion as a currency, and repealing the laws, heretofore passed, for making said bills a
tender in all payments.

Whereas, at the commencement of the present war, before the full organization of the
internal police of the respective governments, when moneys for procuring supplies
could not be furnished by taxation, the Congress of the United States of America, and
the legislature of this state, issued bills of public credit, which circulated as money, and
were necessarily increased to a quantity greater than was proper for a medium of trade ;
and from the redundancy thereof, by general consent, have gradually depreciated, and
are now of much less value than when first issued, so that it is manifestly unjust that a
nominal sum thereof should now discharge a debt of the same sum, contracted when
money was of much greater value ; and it hath become necessary, that justice may be
done to debtors and creditors in this state, that a scale of depreciation should be formed
as near as possible to the real depreciation, from time to time.

And whereas, by a resolution of Congress, of the 20th of March last, it is recommend-
ed to the several states to revise their laws, enacted pursuant to a former resolution of
Congress, making the Continental bills of credit a tender in discharge of debts and con-
tracts, and to amend the same in such manner as they shall judge most conducive to
justice, in the present state of the currency, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is
«nacted, that all contracts between individuals, made before the 1st day of January, A. D.
1777, for lawful money, or bills of credit of this state, or Continental bills of credit, shall
be deemed equal to the same nominal sum in gold or silver ; that all contracts made
since the said 1st day of January, A. D. 1777, to the time of passing this act, expressed
or understood to be for the common currency of the United States, or of this state,

^g^

RECOEDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

[Nov.,

shall be rated in Spanish milled dollars, or otlier money equivalent thereto, agreeably to
the following table, exhibiting the value of one hundred Spanish milled dollars, in Con-
tinental bills of credit, at the several times therein expressed, to wit :

Scale of Depreciation of Continental Bills of Credit.

Spanish milled dollars.

Dolls. Paper Currency.

A D 1777 January 1

100

, .

105

107

109

112

115

120

125

150

175

275

300

310

325

350

375

400

425

450

475

500

545

634

742

!".!".!! 1,000

1,104

1,215

1,342

1,477

1,630

1,800

2,030

2,308

2,593

2,934

3,322

3,736

4,000

" " March

" " Anri!

„

.. .■ May

„

" July

" " September

„

" " November

„

" May

" " September
" " October . .

" November.
" " December.

A. D. 1779. January . .

„

" " February .
" " March ..

" April

„

" " May

„

" " July

„

" " September

„

" " November
" December.

„

" " February .
" March . . . .

•1

.::: •<

" April ....

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all private contracts made
before the 1st day of May, A. D. 1775 ; and all special contracts made for silver or gold
after that time, between individuals, shall be paid in gold or silver only ; that all
other private contracts, made since the said 1st day of January, A. D. 1777, may
be discharged by paying the just vahie of the currency contracted for, as ascertained
by this act, in silver or gold, or in bills of credit of the United States, at the current
exchange at the time of payment ; that the aforesaid scale be the rule, in all courts of
law, for setthng the rate of depreciation in all contracts as aforesaid ; and tliat judg-
ments be entered up accordingly.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 283

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in all cases where execu"
tors, administrators, guardians, agents, clerks of the courts, those who have received
moneys in trust, or have received the bills of credit aforesaid, in their aforesaid capaci-
ties, for others, upon payment of the same moneys, or on the assignment of such securi-
ties as they have taken for the same ; or such other bills of credit as they may, for the
benefit of those for whom they have acted, have exchanged for the bills they have re-
ceived as aforesaid, be discharged of any demands of those for whom they have so act>-
ed, without any depreciation being allowed thereon. And on such bills of credit, or
securities, being produced before the town councils, or in any court of law, by any
agent or person who hath received money for others in trust, and ready to be delivered
or assigned over as aforesaid, on any action brought against such person, he shall be
discharged of so much as he shall deliver in, or assign over, without depreciation al-
lowed in such cases.

Provided nevertheless, that if it shall appear that such executor, administrator, guar-
dian, agent or clerk, shall have made use of said bills on his own private account, in
such cases, such executors, administrators, guardians, agent or clerk, shall account
therefor upon the principles of justice and equity, in the same manner as other persons
by this act are obliged to account.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the calculation of the fore-
going scale shall be considered as having reference to the first day of each month re-
spectively. And the bills of credit aforesaid, shall be considered as having depreciated
in regular and equal degrees, from the first day of each month.

And whereas, sundry persons, disaflTected to the United States, and others, destitute
of a proper regard for the general good ; and others, for different reasons, have de-
clined or utterly refused taking the bills of credit aforesaid, for their debts, notwith-
standing legal tenders or offers of payment have been made for discharging the same,
whereby debtors in many cases may be subjected to great injustice, if no provision be
made for their relief, —

Be it therefore further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that where any person hath
madea legal tender of, or offered to pay, bills of credit of this or the United States, for the
discharge of any debt, and the creditor hath refused . to receive the same, and shall
hereafter bring his action for said debt, or in case of mortgage, a bill shall be brought
for redemption ; in all such cases, the court before which such cause shall be pending,
shall direct the same to be heard, and finally determined, by reference thereof to indiffer-
ent persons, mutually chosen by the parties. And in case they, or their attorneys, shall
neglect or refuse to appoint such referees, the said court is authorized to appoint three
indifferent persons, who shall hear and finally determine such cause, as to them shall
appear just and equitable, taking into consideration all the circumstances thereof.

And as the widow, the infant, and the orphan, at all times ought, in an especial
manner, to receive the support of the laws, in the protection of their persons and
property, —

It is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the refusal of any executor, ad-
ministrator, guardian or agent, who hath acted for and in behalf of such widow, infant,
or orphan, to receive the said bills of credit, due in their said capacities, shall not ope-
rate to the prejudice of any such widow, infant or orphan; but they shall be allowed
the whole depreciation on such debt notwithstanding.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all payments which have
been made towards the discharge of any debt, and which have been by the creditors
acknowledged, either by endorsement, receipt, or discharge in writing, on account of
the sum so paid, shall be reckoned to the credit of the debtor, as so much paid in dis-
charge of the same, where there hath been between creditor and debtor no agreement

284 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV,,

to the contrary, -without any deduction from the sum paid, in consideration of tlie de-
preciation of money.

And whereas, in some instances, since the said 1st day of January, A. D. 1777, ac-
counts and book debts may have been charged at the rate of the real value in gold at
silver, without taking into consideration any depreciation, —

Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that where any dispute shall arise
between debtor and creditor, with respect to any such accounts, or book debts, all suits
arising on such disputes and contentions, shall be determined by referees, chosen and
appointed as afore directed, with regard to tenders of money, as aforesaid ; but that in
all suits brought for the recovery of accounts or book debts, contracted since the said
1st day of January, A. D. 1777, where it is not alleged that such accounts or book
debts were charged at the rate of the real value in gold or silver, all such accounts or
book debts shall be discharged agreeably to the scale of depreciation in this act es-
tabUshed.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all acts and clauses of act*
of this state, heretofore passed, making the said bills of credit a tender in payment of
debts and contracts, be, and the same are hereby, repealed.

And it is ordered, that this act be published in the several newspapers of this state ;
and that the secretary transmit copies thereof to the governors and speakers of tlie
states of Massachusetts and Connectirut, to entitle creditors in this state to eq^ual jus-
tice, agreeably to the acts of the legislatures of those states.

It is voted and resolved, that a tax or rate of ^GlOyOOO,
lawful money, to be paid in gold or silver, be assessed and I
levied upon the estates and polls within the respective
towns of this state, for the payment of the bounties of the
soldiers now ordered to be raised, in addition to the tax of I
£6,000 ; to be paid in gold or silver, to discharge the debts
due to the officers and soldiers of this state's Continental
battalions, on account of the depreciation of their wages ;
and that the committee appointed to draught the bill, in-
clude both taxes in one bill.

It is voted and resolved, that £180, in Continental money,
of the old emissions, be allowed and j)ivid out of the general
treasury, to John I. Clarke and Jonathan Arnold, Esqs., it
being the amount of an account by them exhibited for is-
suing warrants to apprehend divers persons suspected of
being concerned in effecting the escape of George Howell,
&c.

It is voted and resolved, that the justices of the superior
court be, and they are hereby, directed to proceed in the
investigation of the escape of George Howell ; and that

] 780.] AND FROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 285

they deal with Nathaniel Gardner, Preston Man, William
Morris, Jeremiah F, Jenkins and Samuel Pitcher, whom
they have lately had under examination, as to law and jus-
tice shall appertain.

Whereas, the company of Kentish Guards preferred a pe-
tition, and represented unto this Assembly, that in July
last the said company was ordered vipon Jamestown, to re-
move stock from thence ; that among others, they brought
off one pair of oxen, which they found concealed upon the
said island ; and that they found their own jjrovisions, while
performing the said service ; and thereupon prayed this As-
sembly to order the said oxen to be delivered to Colonel
Richard Fry, for the use of said company, in lieu of their
rations ; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the prayer of the said peti-
tion be, and the same is hereby, granted ; that tke said
Richard Fry be, and he is hereby, empowered to receive
the cattle aforesaid, to and for the use of the said company,
in Hen of their rations ; that said company pay and dis-
charge the account for keeping the said cattle, since their
removal from Jamestown ; and that the said Richard Fry
take an exact account of the weight of the said beef, hides
and tallow, and report the same to this Assembly.

The certificate of John Reynolds, Esq., agent-clothier in
this state, presented unto this Assembly, certifying that on
settlement of accounts with Captain John Garzia, paymaster
to Colonel Robert Elliott's regiment, there is due to the of-
ficers of the said regiment the following articles, to wit :

Twelve dozen of coat buttons, forty-four dozen-and-an-
half of vest buttons, one hundred and twelve skeines of
thread, fourteen ounces of sewing silk, and three yards and-
an-half of broadcloth ; being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said John Reynolds be,
and he is hereby, directed to discharge the said account,
either by delivering to the said John Garzia the said arti-
cles, or paying him an equivalent in money.

It is voted and resolve'd, that the commissary of purchases

286; RECORDS of the state of RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

in this state be, and he is hereby, directed to make a true
and exact account of the number of cattle purchased by
him or his deputies, and the prices given for them, and to
whom they were delivered ; that he call upon the issuing
commissaries to make a return to him of all the hides and
tallow that have come into their hands, and the disposition
that has been made of the same ; and that he make report
to this Assembly at the next session.

Whereas, George Irish, Stephen Potter and William
Channing, Esqs., presented unto this Assembly the following
report, to wit :

Report of the Committee appointed by the General Assembly, ',
relative to the quantity of Beef purchased by the Purchas- I
ing Commissary. j

The subscribers, being appointed a committee to inquire into the quantity of beef I

purchased, the quantity which will be furnished in payment of the rent of the stale's j

farms, and of the further quantity necessary to be purchased for supplying the quota of l|

salted provisions required of this state by Congress, do report : '

That from the best information we hare been able to obtain, we find that six hundred j

barrels of beef have been already purchased by the purchasing commissary ; that one \

hundred barrels will be fui-nished by the towns of Westerly, Richmond and Hopkinton li

agreeably to a resolution of this Assembly ; that one hundred barrels may be expected i

in payment of the rents due for the state's farms ; and that there will remain a defi- J

ciency of two hundred barrels of beef to complete this state's quota, which we recom- j

mend to be pirrchased by the commissary of purchases immediately ; and that he give \

certificates in payment for the same, agreeably to a former act of this Assembly. I

GEORGE IRISH, I
STEPHEN POTTER,

WILLLAM CHANNING. j

Which being duly considered, — {

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be, and the
same is hereby, accepted and approved.

It is voted and resolved, that Colonel Christopher Greene
be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw seventy thousand
Continental dollars, of the old emissions, out of the general I
treasury, to purchase clothing for the officers of his regi-
ment; and that the said sum be charged to the said officers,
and deducted out of their depreciation money, for the first
quarter part which shall become due.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 287

It is voted and resolved, that Colonel Christopher Greene
be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw fifty-five thousand
three hundred and forty-four Continental dollars, of the old
emissions, out of the general treasury ; and that the same
be appropriated to the payment of one month's wages of
the non-commissioned officers and privates of his regiment.

It is voted and resolved, that Benjamin Bourne, Esq.,
deputy quartermaster general, within this state, be, and he
is hereby, empowered (if necessary,) to draw nine thousand
two hundred Continental dollars, of the old emissions, out of
the general treasury, to defray the expense of transporting
the baggage of Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment to
West Point ; and that he account for the same.

It is voted and resolved, that Caleb Arnold, Jr., and Sam-
uel Littlefield, who were put under bonds by order of the
council of war, as inimical persons to the United States, and
who have since entered into the service, in Colonel Christo-
pher Greene's regiment, and behaved well, be discharged
from their bonds ; and that the same be delivered up.

It is voted and resolved, that John Reynolds, Esq., agent-
clothief of this state, be, and he is hereby, directed to send
forward to Colonel Israel Angell's regiment, as soon as may
be, the cloth and other articles ordered to be purchased
for vests and ovei'alls ; and that he also forward, by the
same conveyance, two hundred and sixty-three pair of
stockings, and one hundred and thirty-seven blankets, for
the use of the said regiment.

It is voted and resolved, that William Taggart, Joseph
Stanton, Jr., Caleb Harris, John Child and Archibald Crary,
Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee, to
make inquiry into the deficiencies of each and every town
in this state, which hath had men proportioned vinto it, to
fill up the Continental or state battalions ; that they also
ascertain what money hath been received for that purpose,
who received it, how it hath been appropriated, and what
balances remain due to the state from the respective
towns ; that they make report to this Assembly as soon as

288 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV., j

may be ; and that a copy hereof be sent to the town clerks
■of the several towns within this state.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. Joseph Brown, of
Providence, be, and he is hereby, appointed to inspect all
the beef and pork which the commissary of purchases shall
salt for the use of this state ; that he employ such a number
•of coopers as will be necessary for the said business ; that (
upon his inspecting the said provisions, he cause each barrel
which shall be approved by him to be branded upon the
head with the letters S. R. R ; and that he employ a suita-
ble person to see that the barrels are full weight, agreeably
to the requisition of Congress. j

It is voted and resolved, that William Channing, Esq., be, 1
and he is hereby, directed to deliver unto Colonel Christo- i|
pher Greene eighty silver dollars, out of the money which i
he hath received or shall receive for the rents of the confis- >
cated estates in Newport; that the said Christopher Greene i
be, and he is hereby, requested to receive the same, and
cause it to be sent by a flag from headquarters at West ;
Point, to and for the use of Ensign Henry Shearman, a '.
prisoner within the enemy's lines in New York, who is in a i
distressed situation ; and that the same be charged to the :
said Henry Shearman. I

It is voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby is, recom- j
mended to Benjamin Bourne, Esq., deputy quartermaster |
general, to rejjair the powder house, in the town of Provi- !
dence, at the expense of the United States, in a suitable j
manner to receive the powder which may be stored i
therein.

An Act for granting and apportioning a tax of £16,000, in
silver or gold ; £6,000 thereof to be appropriated to- '
wards paying the balances due to the regiments of
Colonel Christopher Greene, Colonel Israel Angell and
Colonel Henry Sherburne ; and £10,000 to be appropri-
ated to the raising of this state's quota of the Continental ,
army.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 289

[For this act, see printed Schedule.]

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that divers
of the collectors of taxes, within the respective towns in this
state, who have received from the committees for classing
men, bills for collecting and paying unto the said commit-
tees the sums of money which have been assessed against
the delinquents, have neglected to collect and pay the
same, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
by the authority thereof it is enacted, that the said commit-
tees, and those who shall hereafter be appointed in the re-
spective towns in this state, be, and they are hereby, em-
powered and authorized to proceed against such delinquent
collectors, in the same manner as the town treasurers in
this state are empowered to proceed against the collectors
who are deficient in paying town taxes.

It is voted and resolved, that William Channing, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, appointed to make sale of the hull of a
vessel lately belonging to Joseph Wanton, Jr., deceased, at
public vendue ; that he notify the time and place of sale in
the Newport newspaper ; and that he account for the pro-
ceeds thereof

Whereas, a certain farm lying in South Kingstown, in the
possession of Mr. Joseph Underwood ; and also a certain lot
of land lying in Tiverton, in the possession of Mr. Gilbert
Devol, both belonging to Mr. Stephen Ayrault, were hereto-
fore taken into possession of this state, and have been since
leased, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the present leases
of the said estates be assigned, by the committee appointed
for that purpose, to the said Stephen Ayrault; and that the
rents now due for the said estates be paid by the respective
tenants, from whom the same are due, to the said Stephen
Ayrault.

It is voted and resolved, that Archibald Crary, Esq.,
Hopkins Cooke, Esq., and Mr. Stephen Mumford be, and

290 RECORDS OF THE STATE OP RHODE ISLAND [NoV,,

they are hereby, appointed a committee to adjust the ac-
counts of George Irish, Esq., with this state ; and that they
make report to this Assembly as soon as may be.

Whereas, Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment is or-
dered by His Excellency General Washington, to march out
of this state, -whereby the public stores at Providence will
be left unguarded, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that John I. Clarke,
Esq., Mr. Joseph Brown, and Welcome Arnold, Esq., be, and
they are hereby, appointed a committee to procure a suffi-
cient guard for the said stores; that the said guard be re-
lieved by the new recruits, as fast as they shall be returned
for duty ; that they agree with the said guard on the best
terms they can ; that they draw the money for paying
them, out of the general treasury, as the same shall be-
ccme due weekly ; and that they account for all the money
by them so drawn.

An Act for filling up and completing this state's quota of
the Continental army.

Whereas, for the support and continuance of the present just
and necessary war, on the part of the United States of Amer-
ica, in order to insure to ourselves and posterity the blessings
flowing from peace, liberty and independence, and to compel
the enemy to agree to a just and an equitable accommoda-
tion, it is indispensably necessary that a regular, efficient and
permanent force be immediately engaged in the public de-
fence; and whereas, the number of three hundred and
eight men, pursuant to a late resolve of Congress, has been
apportioned to this state, as their quota of the new army
to be raised ; and His Excellency Gen. Washington hath called
for the said men to take the field as soon as may be; there-
fore, in order as much as possible to co-operate with, and pro-
mote such measures as shall be durable and substantial, as
recommended by Congress, and the commander-in-chief of
the forces of the United States, —

Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the au-

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 291

thority thereof it is enacted, that three hundred and eight
able-bodied, effective men, including non-commissioned offi-
cers, being the quota of this state, as aforesaid, be forthwith
raised within this state, to serve during the war, or three
years ; and that the whole number aforesaid, be apportioned
to the several towns in this state, agreeably to a mean
proportion between the ratable polls and the ratable es-
tates, compared with the whole number of polls and the
whole ratable property in the state, as follows, to wit :
[Here follows the act at length, for which see printed
Schedules.]

Whereas, Messrs. John Weeden and Gideon Hoxsie pre-
sented unto this Assembly the following report, to wit :

Eeport of the Committee ajjpointed by the General Assembly
relative to amounts due for Blankets collected for the
Troojys.

We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee to ascertain the several sums due
to the persons appointed by the General Assembly, to collect blankets for the troops
raised for six niontlis, beg leave to report the following sums to be due to the imder-
named persons, to wit :

£ s. d.

Esek Hopkins North Providence 45 00

John Stafford Warwick 90 00

Eeuben Mason Glocester 120 00

WilUam Burlingame Coventry 100 00

EUsha Mowry Smithfield 120 00

Hezekiah Babcock Hopkinton 183 00

Benjamin Tillinghast West Greenwich 100 00

Daniel Rogers Westerly 184 16

Thomas Allen Barrington 79 16

Job Comstock East Greenwich 50 00

George Wood Little Compton 171 00

Eufus Sprague Johnston , 60 00

Nehemiah Knight Cranston 80 00

Sanmel Gorton Exeter 100 00

Samuel Fowler Newport 75 00

William Gardner Charlestown 150 00

Richard Smith Bris.|ol 90 00

Gilbert Devol Tiverton 130 00

Ebenezer Cole Warren 64 16

Burrington Anthony Portsmouth 80 00

Benjamin Underwood Jamestown , 30 00

£2,103 08

292 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

And the said report being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
accepted ; and the persons therein named, receive the sev-
eral sums set against their names respectively out of the
general treasury, in Continental bills of the old emissions.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasm-y, viz. : T

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

£ s.d.
William Richmond, on account of his expenses in selling confiscated estates 600 00
Caleb Harris, for services and expenses in surveying the state's farms in

South Kingstown, Exeter, etc 690 03

Pardon Gray, for collecting the produce for the rents of the state's farm, and

in seUing the same 180 00

Pardon Gray and William Richmond, for services in inspecting rails, &c., be-
longing to the Aquacut farm 90 00

Abel Tanner, for services in revising the estimate 885 11

WiUiam Taggart, for " " " 965 04

Beriali Brown, sheritF of lungs county, for services 409 04

Benjamin Tillinghast, for his services in revising the estimate 1,028 00

Henry Marchant, for assistance rendered the attorney general, in the prose-
cution of divers oflenders 2,000 00

Esek Hopkins, one of the committee who revised the estimate 903 02

Thomas Allin, " " " " 1,033 15

William Borden, for blankets furnished Colonel Angell's regiment 1,332 10

Preserved Pearce, for services rendered 50 00

Governor WUham Greene, for services and expenses of an express sent to

Governor TrumbuU 150 00

Richard Steere, for services as one of tlie committee who revised tlie esti-
mates 203 10

Benjamin Bourne, for the same services 208 14

Thomas TiUinghast " " 236 06

Peter PhiUips for warrants to apprehend divers persons by order of the

council of war 51 04

Andrew Cain, for liis wages as a soldier 360 00

John Pearce, for his abstract 242 11

Thomas Tillinghast, as one of the committee for revising the estimates .... 230 06
Peter Turner, to provide necessities for Col. Christopher Greene's regiment 900 00

Walter Channing, clerk, for attendance on the superior court 382 00

Eufus Sprague, for going express to Boston, and other services rendered. . . 254 00

Samuel Pitcher, for maintaining John Cook, a poor prisoner 168 00

Andiew Boyd, clerk of Kent county court, for services ISO 00

Ichabod Smith, jailor of Kent county, for maintaining a poor prisonor 60 00

WiUiam Arnold, for entertaining the committee appointed to take up disaf-
fected persons 50 08

William Arnold, for use of room for committee on tlie estimates 162 00

Eowse J. Helme, for paper furnished the General Assembly 463 10

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 293

£ s.d.
Matliew Manchester and Thomas Tillinghast, for services in removing dis-
affected persons from the state 108 00

John Proud, for twelve chairs furnished for the state house. East Greenwich 345 12

Ahraham Greene, for attendance as waiter on the General Assembly 240 00

Thomas Spencer, " " " " 240 00

Preserved Pearce, for time and expenses in searching for George Howell . . . 386 04
Stephen Potter, for services as one of the committee for the removal of sus-

" pected persons 108 00

Hopkins Cooke, as auditor of accounts 210 00

William Bradford, for services, expenses, &c., in attending the convention
at Hartford, eight thousand six hundred and fourteen Continental dol-
lars ; and £4, in silver.

God save the United States of America.

Gen. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Morristown, June 3d, 1780.
Sir : — I beg leave to inform Your Excellency that it appears to me, the officers men-
tioned in the enclosed letter from Colonel Angell, are necessary ; and if agreeable to
Your Excellency and the Council, you will be pleased to transmit it to the honoraljle
the board of war, that they may issue the commissions required.

I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem,

Your Excellency's most obedient seryant,

GEO. WASHINGTON..
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

The Committee of Congress tQ the Governor of Rhode
Island,

In Committee of Congress, )
Circular.] Morristown, June 12, 1780. )

Sir : — We have the honor to enclose you a copy of a letter addressed to us by the
commander-in-chief. The contents will advise you to what an alarming crisis our af-
fairs are reduced.

The general observes with great propriety, that the committee " need no arguments
to evince the danger." Indeed we do not, our own observations have led to the fullest
conviction, that unless the force stated in our second letter of the 25th ult., is dra\yn,
into the tield with a celerity equal to the urgency of the occasion, the period which is;
to end our liberty, and commence the most disgraceful state of slavery which human
nature has ever experienced, is not far distant. But dark and gloomy as the prospect
is, America has it in her power to dispel the cloud, by those exertions of which sh? is
abundantly capable, and to which it is her duty to rouse, from every consider9,tioi3,
which can effect the human heart. We are most indubitably possessed of the mijaos
wherewith to expel the enemy from every part of the Continent ; but it requires a dis-
play of that virtue which distinguished the citizens of Rome, when their country was,
as ours now is, on the brink of ruin ; and we trust Americans, impressed with a proper
sense of the blessings of peace, liberty and independence, will follow the bright exam-
ple, and evince to future ages what great minds are capable of, when driven to the ex-
tremity of distress.

294 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoY;,

"We dare not suppose, sir, that efficient measures have not been adopted by your
state to complete your battalions, to the establishment recommended in the letter above
;re£erred to ; on the contrary, we believe that the men are raised, or raising ; but we
hav.e to conjure you to hasten them on to the army, without a moment's delay.

Vj3 entreat you, likewise to give the most pointed direction to induce an unremitting-
attention to forward the supplies allotted to your state, to be furnished as specified in
our letter of the 2d instant.

Had the enemy on Wednesday last, pursued what we generally believed to be theij-
object, our heavy cannon and stores would inevitably have fallen into their hands, as
our miUtary force was incompetent to their protection; and the means of conveying
to places more distant, for want of horses and carriages out of our power.

Since writing the above, a second letter from the general has been hauded us, a copy
whereof we enclose. Previous to our recommendation to complete the battalions to.
five hundred and four, rank and file, we had a conference with the general on the sub-
ject, in which the matter was thoroughly canvassed, and the necessity of the augmen-
tation, clearly evipeed.

The reduction of Charlestown, was then proble-natical, we had even hopes that it
would have been saved, and the Maryland and Delaware lines have returned to thifi.
army ; which then with the quota requested of the states would have amounted to
about twenty-five thousand men ; the number which Congress had promised our illus-
trious ally should be brought into the field to co-operate with his ti-oops. It is now be-
lieved that Charlestown is reduced, and the troops which defended it, prisoners ; coi».
sequently we shall jQot have the Maryland and Delaware troops ; hence those in thi»
quarter will be less bj nearly three thousand men, than our estimate ; we therefore,
most earnestly enti^ept that no deduction may be made from the number we have
stated as necessary.

We have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and esteem.

Your E.xcellency's most obedient servants,

PH. SCHUYLER,
,1. W. MATHEWS,
NATH'L PEABODY.

Tp His Excellency Governor Greene.

■Qen, Heath to the Governor of Mhode Island.

Providence, Jnne 16, 1780.

Sir:— I arrived at this place this afternoon, in consequence of orders lately received
from His Excellency General Washington.

Had Your Excellency been within a moderate distance, I should have immediately
waited on you, and paid my respects ; but being informed that you were with the
Honorable the General Assembly, at Little Rest, and that you would probably be at
your seat at Greenwich in a day or two, you will please to excuse my not waiting on
you, until your return.

The principal objects of my orders are to be at hand when the expected fleet of our
illustrious ally arrives at Rhode Island, and to assist in making some previous prepara-
tions. His Excellency General Washington, among other things, is pleased to express
himself as follows : " I would wish you to endeavor in conjunction with the Governor,
to establish a market between tlie fleet and army and country ; and be careful that our
allies are not imposed upon in the prices of articles which they may find necessary.
This is a point recommended in the plan drawn up by the ministry of Prance, and
which policy and generosity direct should be strictly attended to."

Your Excellency and the Honorable the General Assembly are the most competent

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 295

As -well as projifer judges *hat taBasul-eS the principles of generosity, poliuy and justice
point out. I pray you be assured that rio endeavors of mine shall be wanting on this
occasion to promote the honor and interest bf the llnited States in general, and of thia
state in particular.

With every sentiment of respect and esteem,

I have the honor to be Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To His Excellency GftvCrnOr Greene.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Islmtd.

Providence, June 18th, 1780.

Sir :— I was this morning honored with yours of yesterday. Please to accept my
thanks for yOur kind congratulations and Wishes that my command may be happy.

I am sdrry to giv'e Your Excellency Or the Honorable the Assembly any interruption
in your important deliberations ; but from an anxiety that every preparation may be
made for the redeption of the sick of our illustrious ally, I am constrained to do it.
Every exertion i« in exercise to have the hospitals in readiness ; but Doctor Craick
Informs me that it will be sometime before the buildings he is removing and repairing,
will be completed. Should the fleet soon arrive, unless some other buildings are taken
up as a reserve, on such an emergency, the sick Will suffer, and the service receive in-
jury. I find Dr, Craick has a high opinion of the accommodation and situation of the
college in this town.

I find the inhabitants are much against that seminary's being taken as a hospital
or infectious diseases introduced among the inhabitants. Your Excellency is fully
sensible of how much importance it is that hospitals should be provided, and at the
same time that it should be effected in a manner if possible that will will not excite an
idea in the breasts of our allies, that there is not an hearty acquiesence in every mea-
sure adopted for for their comfort and convenience. I hiive been informed that a com-
mittee has been appointed for the purpose of taking up buildings. Permit me to ex-
press a wish that every step may be taken without loss of tiine, which our aUies can
reasonably expect, or the honor of our country requires.

I have the honor to be. With the greatest respect.

Your Excellency's moat obedient servant,

W. HEATH,

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

P. S. I am not acquainted with the situation of the place Where hospitals are noW
preparing I am inftirmed it has a fine, salubrious air ; but froto reports, am apprehen
sive that it may be annoyed by the enemy's shipping, if left unprotected, and a remov-
al from the place easily prevented ; but with tliia, you are best acquainted. W. H.

General Washington to the Committee of Cojigress for Co'
operation.

Headquarters, Springfield, (
June 19th, 1780. )

Gentlemen ; — ^Froffl the vast importance of the thing, 1 hoped I should have been in-
formed before this, of the measures which the several states meant to adopt, in conse-
quence of your late requisitions ; but as I have not, I am certain you are unadvised
yourselves, and have only to lament with you, the delay. This Is a point of primary

296 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

consequenee. We are now arrived at the period, when we may momeDtly expect the
fleet from France. For want of information, it has been impossible for me to digest a
system of co-operation. I have no data on which to proceed; and of course, were the
armament to come, 1 should find myself in the most delicate, embarrassing and cruel
situation.

The French commanders, from the relation in which I stand, the instant they reach
our coast, will look to me for a plan of the measures to be pursued, and I ought of
right to have one prepared. But I cannot even give them any conjectures. The in-
terest of the states, the reputation of their councils, the justice and gratitude due our
allies, a regard for my own character, all demand that I should, without delay, be ena-
bled to ascertain and inform them What we can or cannot undertake. Besides, there is
a point now to be determined, on which tbe success of all our future operations may
turn ; which for want of knowing our prospects I am altogether at a loss what to
do in.

To avoid involving the fleet and army of our allies in circumstances, which if not
seconded by us, would expose them to material inconvenience and hazard, I shall be
obliged to suspend a step, the delay of which may be fatal to our hopes.

I therefore beg leave to suggest to the committee, the indispensable necessity of
writing again to the different states , urging them to give immediate and precise infor-
mation of the measures they have taken, the success they have had, and the probable
result of them.

I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, gentlemen,
Your most obedient, humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.

To the Honorable Committee of Co-operation.

Com. De LaTouche to

Newport, on board the Hermoine, I
June 22d, 1780. i

Sir : — 1 take the liberty of addressing you on the subject of two commissions, which
1 would wish could be granted to Mons. Duberjur, merchant, at Rhode Island, for two
armed vessels, now lying at Newport ; one of them commanded by himself, and the
other by le Sieur Stephen Mitchell ; both of them to proceed immediately to sea, and
cruise against the common enemy.

I could wish Your Excellency might not find any difficulty in granting Mohs. Du-
berjur this favor, as I am fully sensible of his worth and merit.
1 am, with sentiments of respect of esteem.

Your Excellency's most obedient and very humble servant,
De LaTOUCHE,

Com'd La Frigate Hermoine.

N. B. Those two vessels are now ready for sea.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Providence, July 3d, 1780.

Sir :— Colonel Peck, the deputy adjutant general, will lay before Your Excellency a

return of the recruits sent to this place from the different towns in this state. The men

came to the rendezvous destitute of blankets, which prevents their being properly

quartered or encamped, without greatly exposing their health. Men raised for the

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 297

short period of tliree months cannot be clothed or furnished with blankets from the
Continental stores. The necessity of their being furnished, I am confident will induce
the Honorable the Assembly to direct some mode for effecting it.

Monsieur de Corny, commissary of war to the French army, is in this town, at pre-
sent, in a public house. The business of his oflSce is of great variety and high import-
ance, and cannot be discharged in his present loggings witliout great inconvenience and
interruption. He is exceedingly desirous to have quarters ; the deputy quartermaster
general cannot yet procure them. This is a matter in which the honor of our country
and the comfort and convenience of our allies, are so much concerned, that I am con-
strained to requ(jst Your Excellency would be pleased to lay it before the Assembly,
that such measures may be adopted as to them may appear expedient.

Monsieur de Corny has represented to me the present bad state of the ferry-ways,
&c., at Bristol Ferry ; a communication between this place and Rhode Island, which
will be much used on tlie arrival of our allies, and has requested that the necessary re.
pairs may be immediately made. I should have ordered the deputy quartermaster
general to have attended to it without the least delay, but not fully knowing what reg-
ulation that ferry was under, and thinking it probable the Honorable the Assembly
would choose themselves to direct the repairs and accommodations, I have deferred
doing any tiling on the premises until the Assembly convened. I request Your
Excellency would be pleased to lay this matter also before the Assembly ; if they
should decline ordering the necessary repairs to be made, the deputy quartermaster
general shall attend to it.

I liave the honor to be, with the greatest respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

General Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Providence, July 8th, 1780.
Sir :— On the 3d instant, I took the liberty to trouble Your Excellency with a repre-
sentation and request of Monsieur de Corny, respecting Bristol Ferry. I few minutes
since I received the enclosed from Monsieur de Corny.

It is my wish and intention to do every thing in my power for the promotion of the
public service, the comfort and convenience of our allies. I am assured that such is
the wish and intention of the Honorable tlie General Assembly. Unfortunately such is
the present state of the quartermaster's department (entirely destitute of money), that
it is not in my power to do that which in different circumstances should not be delayed.
This induces me again to lay the situation of the ferries before Your Excellency, as
represented in M. de Corny's memorandum ; every assistance in the power of the
deputy quartermaster general shall be aiforded ; but in his present situation, he cannot
do what is necessary.

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

Ca2it. LaToucJie to the Governor of Rhode Island.

On board the Hermoine, at Bristol Ferry, i
10th July, 1780. )

Sir : — I did not receive 'till the moment of my departure, the letter which Your Ex-
cellency did me the honor to send by Captain Evans. I had a desire, but the order of
my court would not permit me, to release the vessel, agreeably to the desire of Governor
Trumbull.

The inhabitants of Bermudas being under the government of the EngUsh, I cannot
consider the sailors of that vessel as enemies ; so I cannot on any pretence, release the
prize ; but I can send Captain Evans to Your Excellency, to give him his liberty, if
you judge it proper. I relinquish all right which I have in him of being my prisoner.-
I brought Miss Greene from Block Island, in good health. I think she will present
herself to-morrow, to Your Excellency.

I am, with respect, sir,
Your Excellency's very humble and obedient servant,

LaTOUCHE.
To Governor Greene.

Gov. Tnimbtdl, of Cotmectiad, to the Governor of Rhode
Island.

Lebanon, 18th July, 1780.
Sir : — We have various reports about the arrival of an armament of troops and ships,
from our illustrious ally, the king of France ; and about another division to be expected
soon ; but have received no direct inteUigence of their number, strength or circum-
stances of those who h^ve arrived, nor certainly of what others may be expected.

In a matter of so much importance, I should have much pleasure to receive the most
perfect intelligence, and would receive it as a favor, and willingly re-pay it when in my
power, if you will please to give me every material information you are possessed of,
respecting them. I have nothing to communicate at present.

I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,

JON'H. TRUMBULL.
To Governor Greene.

Jahez Boiven to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Providence, July 20th, 1780.

Sir : — Yesterday Col. Dyer arrived here from Connecticut, on his way to Boston, aa
a commissioner, to meet others from the New England States. He informed me that
letters had been sent to the authority of this government to make an appointment also;
and was very uneasy that he heard nothing of the matter here. Doubtless the letter
must have come to your hands ; and from his representation, there is great necessity of
complying with the request, and appointing some one to push on to Boston, witliout
loss of time.

I am informed also, from Connecticut, that there are four hundred wagons on the
road, from Pennsylvania, for the use of tlie French army ; such a vast number of
horses will destroy all the forage and all the grain in New England. The General As-
sembly had much better engage to supply the teams that shall be wanted, even to re-

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

move the baggage of the army to Hartford, than to encourage or countenance the com-
ing of such a swarm of locusts into this part of the country. A representation of the im-
propriety and vast expense attending this business, ought to be made to the commander
of the French army. I am sure it will cost more to bring the wagons from Pennsyl-
vania than it would to carry the whole baggage to camp. I should think it would be
much better to carry the baggage in the transports to Norwalk or Fairfield; that
would save one hundred and fifty miles transportation. This matter I know must be
touched delicately, yet, as our allies are strangers, they ought to be informed of the
most cheap and convenient ways of doing their business. Nothing new here.

I remain Your Excellency's most humble servant,

JABEZ BOWEN.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Ezekiel Cornell to the Governor of RJwde Island.

Philadelphia, July 24th, 1780.
Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency's letter of the
Uth instant, this day. There are official accounts that Admirals Graves and Arburth-
nott, with twenty-one ships of war, sailed from Sandy Hook, making their course south-
east by south, until they were out of sight, their destination unknown. Various are the
conjectures ; some suppose Rhode Island, others that they are gone in quest of the re-
inforcements expected from France.

Since my arrival at this place, I have spent a considerable part of my leisure time
(of which I have plenty), in making myself acquainted with the institution of the several
boards as ordered by Congress ; their several modes of doing business, the several
chambers of accounts and their methods ; together with the conduct of all persons em-
ployed in public business under the immediate direction of either of the boards. That
I should be thought either imprudent or indelicate, I must omit entering into particu-
lars on this subject. But the want of decision is evident, and oftentimes in matters of
i great national concern at this critical conjuncture ; and it's too evident that a general
languor hath spread itself over all our public transactions.
Our finances are in a most deplorable situation, and but little attention paid in order
I to put them upon a more respectable footing. The task being difficiUt, and the
\ complicated obstructions that always stare us in the face at first view, appears to me to
be the reason that no more attention is paid to so great a national concern. I wish the
time may not be near, when the most fatal consequences will overtake us, merely for
1 want of money for public purposes. I wish you not to construe this letter to be written
j by dictates of fear. I assure you it is not, but with that truth and sincerity that the
I servant of a free people ought to speak.

I I have also paid attention to all our foreign intelligence ; and, upon the most favora-
ble construction, I cannot see the least probability of a peace t<aking place, unless some
capital stroke, can be struck this campaign in this quarter. It is probable that Great
Britain will propose a truce with the several states for a limited time ; the propriety of
conceding to the measure, I must leave you to judge. It appears the victory the
Britons obtained at Savannah last fall, hath much revived their spirits in Europe.
i The etfect the reduction of Charleston will have, I must submit to your better
judgment.

I should be happy'if a more pleasant scene presented itself to my view, than prose-
I outing the present campaign, and making preparation for the heat in our exhausted
j situation ; but as through that door at present, is all our hope of political salvation, I hope
Ithe united eiforts of America, joined heart and hand in this common cause (in a more
1 zealous manner than they have been of late), will show to the world that no difficulties

300 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Nov.,

are insurmounfcible wlien fired by that noble ardor that burns in the breast of every true
American. I have the honor to be.

Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

E. CORNELL,
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

N. B. The fleet mentioned, sailed on Thursday last.

James Boiodoin, President of the Council of Massachusetts,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

State of Massachusetts Bay, )

Council Chamber, Boston, July 24th, 1780. ^
Sir : — Colonel Dyer, of Connecticut, arrived here last week, appointed by that state
to meet in this town, and confer with such commissioners as might be appointed by
the states of Rhode Island and New Hampshire and this state, to consult and advise in
aU such business and affairs as sliall be brought under consideration, relative to the
war ; and to promote and forward the most vigorous exertions of the present cam-
paign, and to cultivate a good understanding and procure a generous treatment of the
oiEcers and men of our great and generous ally, and make report thereof accordingly.

Colonel Dyer informs us that in consequence of this appointment, a letter was for-
warded by the Governor of Connecticut to the Governor of Rhode Island, endorsing
letters to the states of New Hampshire and to this, giving them information of this
business, and inviting us to join in the measure. As the letter to us is not received,
•he concludes that by some accident the dispatches must have failed reaching Rhode
Island. The council of this state have appointed commissioners for the purposes afore-
said, deeming the subject to be of great and pressing necessity ; and they, with Col,
Dyer, have agreed to meet again on Wednesday, the 2d of August next, at four o'clock,
in the afternoon. We earnestly wish your council of safety, or supreme executive (if
your legislative body are not convened), would appoint commissioners to meet at
that time for the same end ; and that they would endeavor punctually to attend, as the
bvisiness ought not to be delayed.

In the name and behalf of the Council, I am,

With every sentiment of esteem,-

Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

JAJMES BOWDOIN, President.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 26th, 1780.
Sir : — I am just honored with yours of this date. I most earnestly request that the
militia may be called in without the least loss of time. Permit me also to request that
the removal of the cattle, horses, &c., from Connanicut Island itiay be ordered early in
the morning ; they are too many to be allowed to fall into the hands of the enemy.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To Governor Greene.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLi\J^TATIONS. 301

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 26th, 1780.
§ir : — From a variety of the best intelligence, it appears that the enemy have a de-
sign on the fleet and army of our great and good al'y, now in this state ; and that the
attempt will be made with eight or ten thousand land forces, which were actually em-
barking several days since, at White Stone, on Long Island ; and at Westchester.

In consequence of which, I am constrained to request that you would be pleased to
order in your whole militia with tlie utmost dispatch. They must bring five or six
days' provisions with them, and the commissary must make every exertion in his
power to obtain and send in supplies ; which I beg leave to submit to your considera-
tion and determination. I have the honor to he, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To His E.xcellency Governor Greene.

P. S. Please to let those of the vicinitj be sent in immediately. Ifany mode has
been adopted for an instant call or alarm of the militia. General Rochambeau wishes re-
course may be to that mode, as the enemy are momentarily expected ; and should our
force be inadequate, the consequences may be fatal. W. H.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 26th, 1780
Sir : — I am informed that there is a large number of horses and cattle on Connanicut
Island. The stock on that island was driven off before the British took possession of
it ; the same was done by the British when the Count d'Estaing came to this harbor.
The Count de Eochambean thinks the stock on the island should be immediately re-
moved to this island or some place of safety. The Marquis de Lafayette and myself are
of the same opinion.

I would therefore request that the horses, cattle and sheep on Connanicut Island
may be removed immediately to such place as Your Excellency may think proper. If
any of the cattle are fit for the slaughter, the French general will buy them.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 27th, 1780.

Sir : — I am just now honored with yours, of this date ; am happy that measures
which I think will be effectual, have been taken for the removal of the stock from Con-
nanicut Island ; and also for calling in the mihtia. The communication at and near
Howland's Ferry must at any rate be secured on the main and island side ; the
principal part of the militia must repair there.

Upon the first intelligence that the enemy intended an attempt on the fleet and army

302 RECORDS OF THE STATE OP RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

of our great good ally in this state, I ordered the brigade of militia in the county of
Bristol, to march this way ; and have since called for three other regiments in the
counties of Suffolk and Worcester ; which, from the time, I think may be soon ex-
pected.

I also called for all the three months militia from the state of Massachusetts, except
those of the counties of Hampshire and Berkshire, which will make a very respecta-
ble body. But probably many are too far advanced in tlieir march to the westward to
be turned this way. I also requested the council at Boston to direct their commissary
to send on provisions. I also requested Governor Trumbull to order one thousand mi-
litia from the nearest parts of Connecticut to rendezvous at Greenwich, and to for-
ward provisions at least sufficient for these men. These requisitions, with the militia
of your state, I think fully sufficient tor the present, if they arrive in season.

I thank you, sir, for stopping Captain Gibbs and his company. Enclosed is an or-
der for them to march to Tiverton, which I request may be sent to him. I also request
that any detachments who are on their march to the westward, may be stopped, should
they come near Providence, and turned tliis way. I apprehend the council of Massa-
chusetts will send to those at Springfield, and other parts of that state. This will ease
the other militia.

I beg leave to submit to Your Excellency whether it would not contribute to the
public service at this time, for the council of war to sit nearer this place than Provi-
dence. Every exertion is in exercise to put this place in a proper condition of defence.
I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, July 31st, 1780.
Sio :— In consequence of intelligence received this moment from His Excellency Gov
ernor Trumbull, General de Rochambeau requests the immediate return of all your
mihtia to Tiverton and Bristol. I pray not a moment may be lost.
I am, with great regard,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

A letter received this moment from General Washington, urges the necessity of the
above measure. W. H.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, August 12th, 1780.

Sir : — ^I find the French troops in great want of straw, an article absolutely neces-
sary for the preservation of the health of the soldiers, and about which the general and
officers are extremely anxious. I apprehend that there is plenty of straw in the state ;
but that the early season prevents the farmers tlireshing out their grain. General
Compte de Rochambeau informs me that he will send out some of his own people to
assist in tlu-eshing, if the straw cannot be otherwise obtained.

I beg leave to submit this matter to the consideration of the honorable the council of

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 303

war, and that some measures recommendatory or otherwise may be taken to secure a
supply of this necessary article.

We liave no news of consequence. The British fleet are said to have gone into
Gardner's Bay. I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To Governor Greene.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, August 14th, 1780.
Sir : — I am just honored with a resolve of the honorable the council of war, of tho
12th instant, requesting that fifty men from Colonel Greene's regiment may be ordered
to cut and make hay on Point Judith.

I have just received positive orders from General Washington, to keep that regiment
to close and constant discipline, which puts it out of my power to grant the request of
the honorable council of war ; but I will readily consent that fifty of your three months'
militia be ordered on that service.

I have the lionor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To Governor Greene.

Ejjhrcnm Blaine to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Tappan, 14th August, 1730.

Sir : — The army is now become numerous, and consumes large quantities of provi-
sions daily. Our Continental supplies are quite exhausted, and our total dei)endance
is on state supplies, agreeably to the requisition of Congress, and their committee at
headquarters We are now without a magazine of any species of provisions ; feed from
hand to mouth (on the receivals of this day depend the issues of to-morrow). In this
critical condition is an army which consumes twenty-five thousand rations daily. A
great number of those troops have lives which have not been enured to the hardships
of the field, or want of provisions in camp.

Under these circumstances, a failure of two days' supply, might be attended with
the most fatal consequences, which might not be in the power of His Excellency the
commander-in-chief to prevent — have therefore in the most pressing terms to request
Your Excellency and Council to use every possible measure which may facilitate the pur-
chases required of your state, and order punctuality in deU vering and forwarding the same .

I have great reason to doubt the want of spirit and exertion in many of the agents
who axe empowered to purchase, which I hope will be a sufficient apology for my being
so pointed on that head.

Shall take it a particular favor to have a line from you, informing what your pros-
pects are respecting supplies.

Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

EPIIRAIM BLAINE, C. G. P.

To Governor Greene.

304 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Nov.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, August 20th, 1780.
Sir : — I have the honor to forward the enclosed, which are just received per
express.

I have this day received a letter from His Excellency GJen. Washington, dated 17th inst.,
in which he is pleased to speak of your regiment of three months militia as raised ;
and mentions at what period he would have them march. As the regiment is not yet
raised, I have thought it my duty to mention it to Your Excellency.

The enemy are said again to be preparing for an embarkation ; the number of troops
is said to be about two thousand. From several circumstances, it would seem that they
are intended for a coasting expedition ; perhaps to plunder stock, &c.

Sixteen or eigliteen sail of British ships appeared off this harbor yesterday ; but two
or three are to be seen to-day.

I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To Governor Greene.

James Boiodoin, President of the Council of llassachusetts.
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Council Chamber, Boston, i
August 28th, 1780. j

Sir : — The committee appointed by the General Assembly of this state to superintend
the purchases of provisions for the array, having represented to the Council tliat in
the prosecution of their business they had met with considerable embarrassments,
arising from the interference of the purchasers of cattle appointed by the commissary
of the French army, who has supplied them with hard money for that purpose ; and
that they have therewith been able to defeat the purchases of such persons as have
been appointed by them.

The Council taking this representation under their consideration, and fearing if some
measures were not speedily adopted to remove this difficulty, the American army might
soon be destitute of supplies, thought fit to appoint Thomas Gushing and Robert Treat
Paine, Esqs., two of their number, to repair immediately to Rhode Island, to confer
with their Excellencies the French admiral and, the French general, together with the
commissaries of the French fleet and army upon this subject. The committee afore-
said, accordingly proceeded to Rhode Island, and held the conference above referred
to ; and we now enclose you their report, with the papers accompanying the same, and
desire you would lay them before your Assembly, for their consideration, and should
be glad to be informed as soon as possible of the result of their deliberations upon this
interesting subject, and whether they approve of the proposals that our committee have
made to the intendant of the French army ; or whether they think of adopting any
other method for removing the difiiculty complained of.

This is an affair that may be attended with very serious consequences ; the keeping
of our army together much depends upon the measure that may be adopted by these
eastern states for furnishing them seasonably and punctually with the necessary suppUes.
No time, therefore, should be lost in attending to this matter. Our Assembly stands
prorogued to the 7th day of September next, when this matter will be laid before them
for their consideration. By that time, we hope your Assembly will have come into

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 305

some determination upon this important subject ; and that you will be able to inform
us of the same, so that there may be a uniformity of conduct relative to this matter in
the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Before we close this letter, we would just observe, that in conducting this matter of sup-
plies for the army, care ought to be taken to oblige the persons who are, or who may be, em"
ployed for this purpose, to make their purcliases within the limits of the state by whom they
are appointed ; or at least to take effectual care that the several states have credit for the
cattle, rum and other articles that are, or may be, purchased within them respectively
otherwise it may not be in the power of the several states punctually to comply with
the resolution of Congress, for furnishing the specific articles required of them respec-
tively. In the name and behalf of the Council,

I am, with respect, your most humble servant,

JAMES BOWDOIN, President.

To Governor Greene.

Intendant Tarle to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, August 29th, 1780.

Gentlemen : — Mons. the Compte de Eochambeau has desired me to do myself the
honor to inform you, that although he does not consider the campaign to be near a coh.
elusion, and that he keeps his army constantly ready to march any where that Generaj
Washington shall judge necessary for the support of the common cause, he thinks
gentlemen, that both wisdom and prudence dictate to him to provide in time those
means which ought to be adopted to lodge his troops as soon as General Washington
shall authorize him to order them into winter quarters ; and after having maturely ex-
amined the two modes he has to choose for this purpose, whether to place them in bar-
racks, or to quarter them in Newport, Bristol and Warren, he judges, gentlemen, that
notwithstanding his earnest desire to adopt the first method, as the most proper to main-
tain the exact discipline he has established in his army, he thinks best, nevertheless-
to prefer the second, considering the benefit that will accrue therefrom to the inhabit-
ants of the towns of Newport, Bristol and Warren, as by this means those houses, which
have been so exceedingly damaged by the English whilst they were in possession of this
island, will be repaired.

These, gentlemen, are the sentiments of the Compte de Rochambeau. Should cir-
cumstances determine General Washington to place the French army in winter quar-
ters on Rhode Island, and he has charged me to communicate them to you, under a
firm persuasion that they will be agreeable to you ; and that on your part, gentlemen,
you will concur to fulfil his desires, in assisting him by all the means in your power
with wood and materials necessary to repair houses in Newport and Bristol.

You are sensible, gentlemen, of the advantages the inhabitants of these towns will
derive from the proposed arrangements ; on which subject the Compte de Rochambeau
requests you to tavor me immediately with your determination and intentions.
I have the honor to be, with respect, gentlemen,

Your most obedient servant,
TARLE,
Intendante de L'Armie.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

806 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, August 30, 1780.
Sir : — I am informed by Captain Claghorn, wlio commands the guards of Point Ju-
dith and the several beacons between Tower Hill and Watch Hill, that there is a very
frequent communication of boats between Block Island and the main at different places
between Point Judith and Watch Hill, under pretence of coming to mill, &c. ; and that
British officers either of the army or navy, in disguise, spies or disatfected persons
may pass and re-pass with impunity, and without the least danger of detection.

How far the intercouse is tolerated by the laws of the state, or may be thought neces-
sary and expedient, I submit to Your Excellency ; but if necessary to be continued,
will it not be proper to oblige all boats going to or coming from Block Island, to go from
or come to, one, two or more established places ; and that all persons and effects be ex-
amined, and such as are suspected, taken before proper authority, and be proceeded
with as an examination may appear expedient for the public safety.
I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.] ' Philadelphia, Sept. 2d, 1780.

Sir : — Your E.xcellency will receive herewith enclosed, an act of Congress of the 26th
ult., earnestly recommending to the several states to take the most speedy and effectual
means in their power for drawing in their respective quotas of the Continental bills of
credit, to be destroyed either by tax, or exchanging for them new bills emitted pursu-
ant to the resolution of the 18th of March last, at a rate not less than forty for one, that
the whole of the new bills may be issued.

Also recommending to the several states to raise by taxes, payable in the new bills above
mentioned or specie, their respective quotas of §3,000,000, agreeably to the apportion-
ment of the 7th October, 1779, and pay the same into tlie treasury of the United States
as soon as possible ; the payment to be fully completed by the last day of December
next ; each state to be allowed interest from the time it is paid ; to be hereafter ad-
justed according to a resolution of the 6th October, 1779.

You will also observe, by this act, provision is made for the payment of the public
debts due in any of the states, in the departments of the late Quartermaster Greene
and Commissary Wadsworth ; as also the present commissary general of purchases.

And in order to prevent the possibility of a depreciation in the new bills, it is ear-
nestly recommended to the several states not to issue bills of credit for a currency on
any amount whatever, in such manner as to have in circulation a greater amount
than their respective quotas of the new bills.

And in order that justice may be done to the creditors of the United States for sup-
plies furnished the army or transportation thereof, provision is made by this act that
such creditors be paid the just value of their debts, to be ascertained in the manner ex-
pressed in the act ; and all debts due to the United States arc to be justly paid in Uke
maimer. I liave the honor to be, with the highest respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

SAM. HUNTINGTON, President.

To Governor Greene.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 307

Geii. Heaih to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, September 9th, 1780.

Sir : — Yesterday I had tlie honor to receive a letter from His Excellency General
Washington, dated the 28th ultimo, in which is a paragraph as follows :

" The late Em-opean inteUigence has so altered the immediate prospects of the cam-
paign, that I think it advisable to dismiss the militia now in service, and prevent any
other coming out for the present. You will therefore let those now with you return
home as soon as their services are no longer thought necessary by the Compe de
Kochambeau ; for as the probabihty of operatiag in this quarter is, greatly diminished,
and that of an operation elsewhere remote, it becomes our duty to reduce our expenses
and economise our supphes as much as possible."

I thought it my duty to communicate the foregoing to Your Excellency before the
sitting of the Honorable the General Assembly, that any useless expense in detaching
the militia, may be avoided.

General Washington has probably written Your Excellency more fully on this
subject. I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.

To Governor Greene.

Gen. Heath to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, Sept. 28th, 1780.

Sir : — I have been honored with yours of the 23d instant ; and agreeably to your re-
commendation, have revived my former orders, forbidding intercourse between the
main and Block Island, imtil further orders. Such restriction I think at this time ab-
eolutely necessary.

I was informed the last evening, that yesterday or the day before a boat came to
Point Juditli, but upon the appearance of some of our soldiers, immediately put off from
the shore. It's also reported that a captain of the British army has been twenty-four
hours in this town ; during which, he took a view of the works, and saw part of the
troops turn out for exercise, &c.

The distresses of the American troops doing duty in tliis state are so great, especially
on account of their want of fuel, as to constrain me to make a representation to Your
ExeceUency. The present embarrassed state of our pubUo finances is fully known to
you. This, with the late change in the quartermaster general's department, has almost
totally suspended supplies from that department in the customary way.

We can procure wood standing. We have men to cut it ; and if it could be carted to
the landing, tlie troops could boat it to the island, and carry it to their encampments.
But we have not teams to cart the wood to the landing, and the inhabitants will not do
it on credit.

In this case, what is to be done ^ Disband the troops I cannot at this time ; and the
means of relief to their wants is not in my power. They have not fuel to cook their-
provisious. I am therefore under the necessity to request assistance from Your Ex»
cellency, by enabhng or empowering the deputy quartermaster general Colonel Bowen
in such way as may be thought proper to obtain teams. If reUef cannot be afforded, I
cannot hold myself answerable for consequences to which necessity will drive the troops

308 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV,,

to sustain life. Local situation and circumstances lead me to trouble Your Excellency
with this representation.
We have no news. The fleet remains near Gardner's Island.

I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

W. HEATH.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Deindy Quartermaster General Boioen to the Governor of
Rhod.e Island.

Providence, Sept. 29th, 1780.

Sir : — The enclosed letter from General Heath, has just come to hand; and as it re^
spects the troops, I have sent it per express.

Application has been repeatedly made to the Council of Massachusetts for money to
supply the troops, but none received ; nor any other encouragement, than what I en-
closed Your Excellency while at Newport.

To purchase any more on credit, is almost impossible; and was it possible, I should
decline doing it without the strongest assurances of my being soon enabled to pay for
what might be received in that way. I have repeatedly wrote to Colonel Pickering,
the new quartermaster general ; but have not received a line in answer. The situation
of the troops is truly distressing ; and perhaps a dismission of the three months' men
might be advisable. I am, respectfully.

Your Excellency's obedient servant,

EPH'M BOWEN, D. Q. M. G.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Colonel Israel Angeli to the Gomrnor and Council of
Rhode Island.

Camp Orange Town, Oct. 1st, 1780.

Gentlemen : — These will be delivered j-ou by Captain WiUiam Tew, who is sent
by leave obtained from the commander-in-chief, and the consent of the officers of the
regiment, to receive and bring on the proportion of the £75,000, ordered in July session
to be paid to the hue of the state, on the depreciation account. The abstract for ascer-
taining the regiment's proportion of the money, was sent the 3d of August last.

I have also to inform you, that that it is the opinion of the otficers in general, that re-
ceiving contiscated lands for the balances due them, would be attended with much diffi-
culty, and perhaps confusion among them in making a division of said land ; they
therefore decline taking the same. My sentiments on the matter were fully expressed
in my letter of the 31st of last August, to the Governor.

Gentlemen, if you recollect, I wrote to you some time last winter concerning promO'
tions and new appointments, which had taken place in my regiment, by orders from
General Gates ; but was intbrmed by Lieutenant Colonel Olney, that the Assembly
would not approve of the appointments, except the commander-in-chief would certify
that that number of officers was necessary in the regiment ; upon wlaich I immedi-
ately applied to His Excellency, and procured such a certificate, signed by himself, and
sent it on to the state, directed to the Governor and Council ; but have heard nothing
of the matter since, though I have wrote once before on the subject ; therefore hav«

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 809

reason to think that the letters have miscarried, or that the approbation of tlieir ap-
pointments was sent to the board of war, and are there mislaid ; and as the gentlemen
have served a long time without their commissions, and are very anxious to know
whether they are to have them or not ; often applying to me on the subject, by the Coun-
cil ; I beg the Council would be pleased to inform me by Captain Tew, whether the let-
ters ever came to hand, and if they did, what is done on the matter.
As for news, gentlemen, I shall refer you to Capt. Tew for all that is here.
I have the honor to be, gentlemen.

Your obedient, humble servant,

ISRAEL ANGELL.
To the Governor and Council, state of Rhode Island.

N. B. It is e.xpected that the state will pay the expenses of sending for the money
due the regiment.

Assistant Quarteriyiaster General Ephraim Bowen, Jr., to
the Governor of Rhode Island.

Providence, October 9, 1780.
i Sir :— I have to acquaint Your Excellency that the Duke de Lauzun, brigadier gen.
leral of the French army, will be in this town the day after to-morrow, to see the quar-
I ters for himself, and oflacers and men of the legion.

; I pointed out to the aid de camp of His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, such
houses, etc., as I thought would be suitable and best spared.

I I also requested the Council to make some provision for the quartering of the men
' above mentioned, which they referred to the Assembly, As the duke comes on pur-
j pose for this affair, I beg that Your Excellency will immediately call the Council and
; make such provision as will appear necessary. I shall not undertake to give any assist-
l ance to them, without proper directions. I am, &c., &c.,

i EPH'M BOWEN, Jk.

I To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Col. C. Greene to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, llth Oct., 1780.

Sir :— The French ambassador would have had the pleasm-e of dining with Your Ex-
cellency yesterday. His intention was to have gone up by water, but the wind and
tide both being against it, obliged him to give over the visit ; and as business called
him to Boston, he has gone for that place. He desired me to make his best compli-
ments, and excuse to Your Excellency.

The intendant informs me he has just in great difficulty in getting wood brought
from Taunton river. Fall River and Assonet ; the owners of vessels suitable for that busi-
ness demanding the most extravagant prices for their service, he asked me if it
would not be just I should give him a power to take them, and pay them what had
b^en customary.

I gave him for answer, it would be more proper and just that any matters of tha:j
kind should be done by the legislative authority of the state ; and that I would let Your
Excellency know the difficulty complained of, to which this is only a prelude, as I re-
quested ,of him if the cause of complaint could not be remedied by ways more agree-

310 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [NoV.,

able, to give i« in writing what lie complained of, and I would enclose it to you, and I

join him in any reasonable request. j

I am, with great respect, j

Your Excellency's most obedient servant, |

C. GREENE. i

To Governor Greene. i

P. S. I fear we shall be greatly distressed for want of wood for our troops. I learn
the wood purchased by Major Lovett, is several miles from any landing, and part of the '
road very bad ; if so, our wagons will not be able to get it fast enough, we are now al- 1
most out, and no prospect of getting any soon from that quarter or any other.

Col. C. Greene to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Newport, 27th Oct., 1780.

Sir ; — A flag that arrived this day from Admiral Arbuthnot, has brought more pris*
oners than Mr. Lawrence was to carry to be exchanged. It is my opinion that Mr.
Lawrence's prisoners had better be sent by that flag in exchange for those that come
on her, as far as they will go, unless there should be any difficulty ae to rank in offi-
cers ; be that as it may, Mr. Lawrence has no prospect oi going very soon, he will have
sufiicient time for your directions in the matter.

The stock on Point Judith is threatened by the British fleet. Capt. Page will give
you particulars. I shall send orders to-morrow morning to have it drove out of their
way, if they keep their position ; and wish to know soon if it meets with your ap'
probation.

I received a letter this day from His Excellency General Washington, dated the
21st ; gives no news, but informs me he shall not call for the levies. The troops for
the war must depend on circumstances whether they go or not.

If the Assembly is sitting, I wish to know if they agree that the levies enlist with
the French troops as drivers for their artillery. Though I am very sure there can b«
no objection to it, as it will be a saving to the state of some provisions.

They wanted about tifty, wliich I have detached; and part of them are willing to en
list en the terms. They offer for fourteen months.

I am, with the greatest respect.

Your Excellency's very humble servant,

C. GREENE.

To Governor Greene.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress^
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.] In Congress, Nov. 9th, 1780.

Sir : — FuUy convinced of our inability to obtain the grand object of the Fedetal
Union, without the vigorous exertions of the several states, we have thought it atii
duty to make the requisition contained in the enclosed resolutions ; and we wish our
constituents to be impressed with the necessity of a speedy and punctual comphance ;
for although by the blessing of Providence, we have been conducted thus far in a war
with a powerful and enraged enemy, yet the events of the present year have not ena-
bled us to speak the language of triumph. This indeed, may be attributed to a variety
of causes ; but we cannot refrain from observing that the unpunctuality of the states ill
their supplies of men, money and provisions, is not one of the least.

1780.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 311

i It is unnecessary to point out tlie public wants and distresses. Tliey are too well
iknown, too generally felt. Hitherto the war has been carried on principally by emis-
sions of paper money. This being depreciated, and Congress having, in compliance
'with the general inclination and voice of their constituents, resolved to stop farther
lemissions, we are compelled to call upon the states for taxes and supplies.

One opinion seems to prevail, that the foreign loans can be obtained ; and we per-
iceive with regret that some are disposed to place too great reliance on this resource-
'Duty compels us to be explicit with our constituents on a subject of such interesting
importance. Every effort has been made for the purpose of procuring loans; but
jwithout suflBcient success to justify a relaxation of our most vigorous exertions.
I It is to be observed that a powerful armed neutrality appears to be formed in Europe,
j determined to support the freedom of commerce. Should overtures of peace be the re-
isult of a convention of the neutral powers, is it not our interest, is it not our indispen-
sable duty to be prepared for such an event ? Our object is of the greatest magni-
tude ; the security, the freedom and independence of the United States ; an experience
' evinces that no nation can promise itself a safe and honorable peace, which is not in a
icondition to maintain a war with vigor. We are confident there is no want of ability
|in the states to do this. Can arguments then be necessary to call forth every internal
Sresource which may contribute to put a happy termination to that war ? Is it not high
|time to expel from our country an enemy whose progress is marked with blood and
|desolation, and whose successes inspire them only witli redoubled vengeance ? The es-
Itimate may appear large, but we conceive them to be absolute necessary.
I To the utmost of our power we have endeavored to correct abuses in the public ex-
Ipenditures. We have called for the aid of the respective executives. Again we re-
I commend this essential object to their attention. Nothing on our part shall be wanting
1 which may contribute to promote the strictest economy in disposing the supplies now
I required.

j We have only to add our earnest desire that no time may be lost ; and should the
(legislature of your state not be in session on the receipt of this letter, that it may be
; immediately convened.

I By order and in behalf of the United in States, in Congress assembled,

j SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, President.

To His Excellency Governor Greene.

I Gen. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, Preakness, 1
[Circular.] November 10th, 1780. S

\ Sir: — From a collective view of the state of our clothing, I find we have not more in
Ithe public magazines than will be sufficient for one half of the men enlisted for the war,
or whose term of service will extend beyond the winter. To depend any longer upon
I the supply expected from Europe arriving in time to relieve the wants of the troops,
will be leaving the matter upon too precarious a footing.

[ I have therefore thought it a duty incumbent upon me, to give you this information,
that you may endeavor to procure and send forward the articles most essential to the
[convenience and comfort of the men. I should have done it sooner, but I still flattered
imyself with an ample supply from abroad. The articles most wanted, will be blankets,
I waistcoats, woolen overalls and stockings. The greater part of the men have coats that
may enable them, witli warm under-clothes to rub through the severity of winter. I
would recommend that the cloth, with thread, buttons, &c., be sent to the army in the
piece ; it may be made up there, agreeably to the wants of the men, and quicker than
at home ; as there are tailors sufficient in every corps.

312 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.^^D [Nov.,

The returns with which you have lately been furnished, very accurately points out
the number of men entitled to clothing from the public. A supply equal to half that
number, will be absolutely necessary ; and as tliere is no probable chance, for the rea-
sons I have before mentioned, of obtaining it from the Continental agent, I must en-
treat the exertions of each state in behalf of its own troops, as the only means of pre-
venting a number of them from experiencing extreme distress the ensuing winter.
I have the honor to be, with great respect.

Your most obedient, humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To the State of Rliode Island.

Samuel Huntington, President of the Continental Congress,
to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Circular.] Philadelphia, Nov. 13th, 1780. j

Sir : — Congress having received information Irom the honorable the minister of
France, of inconveniences and injuries received by our alUes, resulting from the abuse i|
the British make of the papers and clearances they take in American prizes, by per- i|
sonating the officers and commanders named in such papers, being fully acquainted li
with the language and manners of our officers and seamen, &c. '

In compliance with the request of the minister of France, Congress have adopted i|
the enclosed resolution, in order to detect such abuses in future ; and I am to request \
Your ExcoUency's attention to the necessary measures for carrying the same intoef- i|
fectual execution. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, '

Your Excellency's most obedient servant,

SAM. HUNTINGTON, President. \
To Governor Greene.

Le Compte de Rochamheau to the Governor of Rhode ij
Island. !

Providence, 4th Dec, 1780.

Sir : — I received at New London in a Uttle journey I made there, a letter from Gen.
"Washington, of the 27th of November, in whicli he sent me orders for Colonel Greene,
to march with his regiment to West Point ; as I have given them to the French cutter
that was to go to Newport, and that I fear the wind has hindered him to arrive, I have
the honor to send you the extract of Gen. Wasliington :

" As the two Rhode Island regiments are to be incorporated into one, by a new ar-
rangement of the army, I would wish to unite them at West Point, for the purpose of
the incorporation. If their services should be of no use to you, I should be obliged
to give orders to Col. Greene to march to West Point."

I beg Your Excellency will give him his orders, and to relieve with other troops the
posts of Providence, Butt's Hill and Point Judith, if you think it proper. I will send
twenty-four men to guard Butt's Hill, and spare your troops that post. I think it ne-
cessary to have always a detachment at Point Judith, in order to hinder the communi-
cation of the ill-intentioned with the enemy.

My plan was to have the honor to see Your Excellency at Greenwich, instead of
passing here ; but having heard at AVatertown that the General Assembly was still at
Greenwich, I was afraid to be to you some trouble for the lodgings, and I took my way
through this place. 1 intend to be to-morrow evening at Newport.

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 313

I beg Your Excellency will present my respects to Mistress Greene, and be assured
that — I have the honor to be, with great esteem,

Your Excellency's most humble and most obedient servant,

Le COMPTE DeROCHAMBEAU.
To His Excellencv Governor Greene.

The Governor of Jihode Island to General le Compte
de Rochambeau.

Warwick, state of Rhode Island, j
December 6th, 1780. )

Sir : — I had the honor to receive Your Excellency's favor of the 4th instant, respect,
ing Colonel Greene's regiment, and have laid the same before the General Assembly-
who have made provision for forwarding them to West Point, agreeably to the requisi-
tion of His Excellency General Washington.

It is perfectly agreeable to the General Assembly that Your Excellency should
place a guard at Butt's Hill. Care will be taken by us to place sufiBcient guards in
Providence.

With respect to the post at Point Judith, tlie General Assembly considering the ad-
vanced season of the year, and other circumstances, are of opinion that the placing a de
tachment there at present, may be dispensed with. Should Your Excellency's senti-
ments prove ditferent, upon being favored with them, they shall receive the earliest
attention and consideration.

I have the honor to be, with great esteem, sir.

Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

WILLIAM GREENE,
• To le Compte de Rochambeau.

The Governor of Rhode Island to Gen. Washington.

Warwick, 8th December, 1780.
Sir : — In consequence of Your Excellency's requisitions, the General Assembly have
ordered three hundred and eight men to be enUsted by the 1st day of January pext, to
complete the state's regiment, agreeably to the resolution of Congress, to serve during
I the war. They are to receive as a bounty one hundred and twenty silver dollars ; and
i for tln-ee years, one hundred dollars. And whatever number may be deficient on the
said 1st day of January, in order to procure them immediately, the whole of the inhab-
itants from sixteen years old and upwards, throughout this state, are to be put into
classes in numbers, agreeably to the deficiencies, and each one to furnish a man.
j They have also furnished this state's clothier with cash, to procure clothing, to make
up the deficiency of that article in their regiment. And have also ordered the purchas-
ing commissary to purchase the necessary supplies. And in order to furnish those de-
partments as well as all otliers, as far as may be reasonably expected from this little
state, the Assembly have ordered a tax of £1,000,000, in the old Continental-
bills, to be paid by the 1st day of February, and the 1st day of April next, in equal
halves ; and a further sum of .£16,000, in silver ; ten of which to be paid by the 1st of
January next, the otlier by the 1st of February following.

These proceedings I have thought proper to communicate to you, that yon may be
IX. 40

314 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JaN.,

informed of the manner in which this state has undertaken to comply with your requi-
sitions ; and I hope they will meet your approbation.

I am, with great truth,
Your Excellency's most obedient, and most humble servant,

WILLIAM GREENE.
To His Excellency General Washington.

Gen. Washington to the Governor of Rhode Island.

Headquarters, New Windsor, i
10th December, 1780. J
Sir : — Your Excellency will, I presume, have received before this reaches you, an act
of Congress of the 4th of last month, calling on the several states for specific quantities *
of iresh and salt provision, flour, salt and rum for the army, and directing all of the
above articles, except the tresh meat, to be collected and deposited at such places in
each of the states, as should be judged most convenient by me. This communication
I should have done myself the honor of making somewhat earlier, had not the greater
part of my time, since the receipt of the act, been taken up in arranging and visiting;
the hospitals and winter cantonments of the army.

Upon considering the point with respect to the supplies required of your state, I beg
leave to inform Your Excellency that it appears to me that the whole, the fresh meat .
excepted, may be delivered at Providence.

The commissary general, as he is directed, will inform you from time to time of the i
quantities of live cattle which will be necessary, and where they are to be dehvered.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant,

GEO. WASHINGTON.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Proceedings of the General Assembly, for the State of
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at East Green-
wich, on Wednesday, the 17th day of January, 1781.

His Excellency William Ureene, Governor.

The Hon. William Wesi, Deputy Governor. !

Whereas, the inferior court ot" common pleas and generalj
sessions of the peace, which was to liave been held at Easti|
Greenwich, within and for the county of Kent, on the third)
Monday in July last; and also on the third Monday in Jan-,
uary instant, have both fallen through, by reason of thei
non-attendance of a sufficient number of justices to consti-

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 315

itute a quorum ; an<l of course great injustice will be done
jiinless a fit remedy be provided, —

i Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
Iby the authority thereof it is enacted, that the said court be
I revived ; that it be holden at East Greenwich, aforesaid, on
ithe last Monday in January instant; that all business,
Iwhether of a civil or criminal nature, which was to have
been heard at either of the terms of the said court, which
Ifell through, as aforesaid, be then and there heard and de-
itermined ; that all recognizances which were returnable at
[either of the said terms be continued, and returned on the
second day of the term of the said court to be holden as
[aforesaid ; that the sheriff of the said county be, and he is
hereby, directed to warn all the grand and petit jurors in
[the said county, who were drawn to serve at the last term
of the said court, to attend at the present term ; and that
ithey be liajple to the same fines for non-attendance as
'though said court had been held at the usual term.
! It is ordered, that this act be published in the next Provi-
jdence newspapers.

I Whereas, numbers of men, who were employed under
(Colonel Joseph Nightingale, during the alarm in August
last, are not contained in the abstracts of the several com-
ipanies to which tbey belonged, whereby they are unable to
[draw the money justly due to them for their services, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Joseph
Nightingale make out an abstract of all such as were em-
ployed by and under him in the said service ; that he for-
ward the same to Colonel Archibald Crary, and the others
of the committee, at East Greenwich, to be examined and
certified ; and that the said committee examine and return
the same to His Excellency the GoveriJDi', who is hereby re-
quested to furnish the said Joseph Nightingale with a suf-
ficient number of certificates, to be by him filled, signed
and delivered to the several persons mentioned in the said
abstract, agreeably to an act of this Assembly, passed at the

316 RECORDS OF THE STATE OP RHODE ISLAND [J AN.

last session, for paying off the troops who did duty in the
said alarm.

Whereas, the following statement of an account and re-
port were laid before this Assembly, to wit :

Report of the Committee iqjpointed by the General Assembly
to examine the account of Samuel Ward with the State.

State of Rhode Island, &c., in account with Samuel Ward, Dr.

£ s. d.

July 2t. To cash paid Lieutenant Colonel Cobb, for use of Colonel An-

gell's regiment, per receipt , 19,947 00

Aug. 13. To cash paid to the families of sundry officers of Col. Angell's

regiment, per receipt 1,845 00

Oct. 8. To cash paid Capt. William Tew, as per receipt 19,589 15

" balance of the order due to Colonel Angell's regiment, out
of the money arising from the sale of wrecks assigned to the
said regiment 39,123 01

£80,504 16
Creditor.
1780.

By cash received of the general treasurer in July and August 21,702 00
Sept. " an order on the general treasurer, for 58,712 16

£80,504 16
Errors excepted, S. WARD.

Examined the foregoing account, and compared the vouchers with the charges, and
find it right cast, and the account baknced. C. HARRIS,

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be, and
the same is hereby, accepted ; and that the said account
stand balanced.

Whereas, Mary Johnston, wnfe of Richard Johnston, late
of Newport, baker, preferred a petition, and represented i
unto this Assembly, that her said husband is now, and has j
been for some time pfest at New York ; that she is desirous i
to be with him, especially as he has requested it; and li
thereupon prayed this Assembly to permit her to go with J
her family and furniture to her said husband, by the first J
conveyance ; which being duly considered, — [

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. BIT

It is voted and resolved, that the prayer of the said peti-
tion be, and the same is hereby, granted.

It is voted and resolved, that the deputy commissary
general of issues be, and he is hereby, directed not to issue
any provisions except in the town of Providence ; that he
I dismiss all his assistants ; and that the secretary furnish
him with a copy of this resolve, as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. John I. Clark, Jo-
seph Brown and John Jenckes be, and they are hereby ap-
pointed a committee to direct the commissary general of
purchases within this state, to remove all the salted provi-
sions and tallow, purchased for the use of the army, to the
town of Providence ; that there they have the same
weighed, and the provisions re-packed in proper casks, and
deposited in some convenient place in the said town ; that
the said committee be, and they are hereby, empow^ered to
direct what officers or other persons shall draw provisions
from the commissary of issues ; and that they call on Solomon
Southwick, Esq., deputy commissary of issues, for a return
of all the provisions he has received of the commissary
general of purchases in this state, or any other person on
account of this state, and to whom the said provisions have
been issued.

It is further voted and resolved, that three barrels of beef,
and three barrels of flour be left at Newport, in the care of
Christopher Ellery, Esq., to be issued to such prisoners as
may arrive there from time to time ; and that he be ac-
countable for the expenditure thereof

It is voted and resolved, that Benjamin Bourne, Esq.,
deputy quartermaster general in this state, be, and he is
hereby, directed to take up suitable and sufficient barracks
in the town of Providence, for the new levies now raised^
and raising, to fill up this state's quota of the Continental
army ; that he also take up a proper house to be used as an
hospital for the convalescents ; and that Jonathan Arnold,
Esq., be, and he is hereby, appointed to superintend the

318 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLiiND [JaN.,

said hospital, and to have the care of such convalescents as
shall from time to time be placed therein.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to
number and sign the Continental money, on the part of
this state, be allowed one-fourth part of one per centum for
the said service, the resolution of the 24th day of July, A.
D. 1780, notwithstanding.

It is voted and resolved, that this Assembly will at the
next session apportion and assess on the several towns
within this state, an annual tax for six years successively,
for the purpose of sinking the Continental money to be
issued by this state, agreeably to an act thereof

It is voted and resolved, that one yeafs interest be al-
lowed upon the balances due to the Continental officers of
this state, to make good the depreciation of their pay.

Whereas, Colonel Christopher Greene and Lieutenant
Colonel Samuel Ward preferred a memorial, and represent-
ed unto this Assembly, that they have been highly cen-
sured by the six months' men, who were annexed to their
regiment ; that in consequence thereof, reports have been
industriously circulated injurious to the recruiting service
and to their characters ; and thereupon prayed this Assem-
bly to order an immediate inquiry to be made into their
conduct as commanding officers of the first regiment of this
state, whilst the said six months' men were annexed to it ;
which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. Jeremiah Whipple,
Daniel Owen and Elisha Mowry be, and they are hereby,
appointed a committee, to make inquiry accordingly, and
report the same as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer of this
state pay into the Continental loan office within this state,
all the Continental bills now in the treasury, or which shall
be hereafter received into his office, in nayment of Conti-
nental or state taxes assessed by this Assembly; and that
he exchange the same for bills of the new emission now in

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 319

the said loan office, agreeably to the acts of Congres, and
of this Assembly.

It is further voted and resolved, that when the said bills
shall be numbered, signed and countersigned, agreeably to
the said acts, four-tenths thereof be paid in the said loan of-
fice, to be at the disposal of Congress ; and the remaining
six-tenths be paid into the general treasury of this state, to
be at the disposal of this Assembly ; and that all orders up-
on the said treasury, either upon former or future grants,
for old Continental bills, be paid in the said bills of the new
emission, at the exchange of forty of the old dollars for one
of the new emission.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to
adjust the general treasurer's accounts, receive of him as
keeper of the Continental loan office, the interest due on
the loan office certificates in the treasury of this state ; that
they lodge the money received tor the said interest in the
general treasury, and take the general treasurer's receipt
therefor; that the said committee also receive of the gen-
eral treasurer the money emitted in June, A. D. 1780, and
the four per cent, notes, now in his office ; that they take a
regular account of, find burn the same ; and that they make
report thereof to this Assembly at the next sestion.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to
ascertain the depreciation on the wages due to the officers
and soldiers of the state's battalions, proceed to adjust Col.
Henry Sherburne's accounts ; and that they do not charge
him any depreciation on the £1,890, balance due from him
on account of money received for recruiting ; which said
balance he paid into the general treasury, in June, A. D
1779.

It is further voted and resolved, that the officers, and
such non-commissioned officers and soldiers only of the said
regiment as are engaged during the war, be, and they are
hereby, empowered to receive their proportion of £6,000,
with Colonels Greene and Angell's regiments,, that is as-
and collecting for the purpose of paying a part of the

■320 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [J AN.,

depreciation due to the said regiments ; and that the com-
iiiittee appointed to set off hinds for the remainder of the
bahances due to Colonels Greene and Angell's regiments set
.off lands to the said Henry Sherburne, his officers and men
engaged as aforesaid, for their remaining balances.

Whereas, the committee who were appointed to ascer-
tain the balances due to the officers and soldiers in the
■Continental service, belonging to this state, on account of
the depreciation of their wages, have reported a balance of
£22,610 17s., in specie, due to the commissioned and non-
, commissioned officers and privates of Colonels Christopher
Greene and Israel Angell's regiments, who are engaged
'during the war, on account of the depreciation of their
wages, up to the 1st day of August, A. D. 1780 ; and the
■said report being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be accepted ; and
that the balance due to each man respectively be allowed.

Whereas, the committee who were appointed to ascertain
the balances due to the officers and soldiers in the Conti-
nental service, belonging to this state, on account of the i
depreciation of their pay, have reported a balance of £396 i
14s. 6cZ., due to Daniel Box, Esq., on account of depreciation, i
as aforesaid, up to the 1st day of August, A. D. 1780, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said report he
laccepted ; and that the said balance be allowed.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to
set off lands to the troops of this state, for the deprecia-
tion of their wages, be, and they are hereby, directed to
value and set off a house or houses, and land, for the bal-
ance due to Daniel Box, Esq., on account of depreciation as
aforesaid ; and that he be no longer allowed depreciation on \
his wages by this state, —

It is further voted and resolved, that the balance due as |
aforesaid, be charged to the United States ; and that upon i
the said Daniel Box's receiving possession of the lands and t
buildings, to be set off to him, as aforesaid, he shall give to ;
the said committee on behalf this state, a receipt for the

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.\NTATIONS. 321

said balance, empowering this state to receive to their use
whatever sum the Congress of the United States may allow
to him as an officer in their service, on account of the de-
preciation of his wages up to the 1st day of August last ;
which receipt the said committee shall lodge with the ac-
counts in the secretary's office, to enable the state to ob-
tain it.

• It is voted and resolved, that John Reynolds, Esq., agent-
clothier, be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw out of
the general treasury twelve thousand five hundred Conti-
nental dollars, of the new emission, to purchase clothing for
this state's troops.

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be,
and he is hereby, directed to receive of the collector of taxes
for the town of Middletown, in part of that town's quota of
taxes, a certificate given by Robert Crooke, assistant deputy
quartermaster general, in favor of Mr. Giles Sanford, dated
Newport, November 5, 1780, purporting that the United
States were indebted to the said Giles Sanford $1,860, in
Continental money, of the old emissions.

Whereas, by the declarations of Messrs. John Fitton, John
Thurston, Jeremiah F. Jenkins, Samuel Young and Joseph
Parker, before the justices of the superior court, there ap-
pears to be considerable sums of money due from them to
George Howell ; and whereas, from the treasonable practic-
es of the said George Howell, his goods, chattels and estate
are forfeited to the use of this state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sheriff of the
county of Providence be, and he is hereby, directed to call
upon the said persons, and receive of them the sums respec-
tively due from them, as aforesaid, and pay the same, to-
gether with the money now in his hands, lately belonging
to the said George Howell, into the general treasury.

And whereas, it is suggested, that some of the said per-
sons have given their promissory notes to the said George
Howell for the sums due from them, as afores9.id,T^

S22 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Jan.,

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said persons
be, and they are hereby, discharged from the payment of
the said notes ; and that this state will indemnify them for
the same.

It is therefore further voted and resolved, that if any of i
the said persons shall neglect or refuse to p? y to the said |
sheriff the sums acknowledged by them to be due as afore- |
said, on or before the 1st day of February next, the said !
sheriff be, and he is hereby, directed to attach so much of j
the personal estate of the persons who shall so neglect or I
refuse, as will satisfy the sum due as aforesaid ; that he di»- j
pose of the same in the same manner as is directed by law i
in case of attachment of personal estate upon execution: '
and that he make report of his proceedings in pursuance of
this resolution, to this Assembly, at the next session.

Whereas, the minister of His Most Christian Majesty hath
informed Congress that many inconveniences result from
the abuse the British make of papers or clearances they
take in American prizes ; for prevention whereof in future,
and in pursuance of a resolution of Congress, —

Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the au-
thority thereof it is enacted, that the Governor of this state
for the time being, cause to be inserted on the back of the
commissions which shall be granted by him for private ves-
sels of war, a minute description of the captain and their
lieutenants, with their age, stature, complexion, places of
nativity and of residence, respectively ; and that he certify
the same under the seal of the state.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
when commissions, commonly called letters of marque and
reprisals, are granted to armed vessels going on mercantile
voyages, the intendant of trade within this state, who shall
grant a clearance for any such vessel, cause the master and
chief mate thereof to undersign the same in his presence ;
and that he insert on the back of such clearance, a minute
description of the persons of the said master and his mate,

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 323

iwith their age, stature, complexion, places of nativity and
|of residence ; and certify the sam(>, under his signature and
seal of office.

i Resolved, that His Excellency the Governor be requested
jto transmit a copy hereof to Congress, and to the command-
ling officer of the French fleet in America.
[ It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to
ascertain the balances due to the officers and soldiers of
jt'iis state's battalions, on account of the depreciation of their
:wages, report the balances due to such officers and soldiers
[af Colonel Henry Sherburne's regiment as have enlisted
during the war, to the general treasurer of this state, and
ito the committee appointed to set off lands to the said of-
ficers and soldiers on account of depreciation as aforesaid;
[that the general treasurer, upon receiving the said report,
bay the said Henry Sherburne, his said officers and sdldiers,
fheir proportion with Colonels Greene and Angell's regi-
nents of £6,000, in specie ; and that the said committee for
'netting ofl" lands, upon such report's being made to them,
proceed to set off lands to the said Henry Sherburne, his
officers and men, as aforesaid.

I Whereas, this Assembly, at the session held in December,
i. D. 1776, passed an act, that such of the inhabitants of
ihe town of Newport, &c., as were removed into other towns,
md became chargeable, should be supported in such towns
lit the state's expense, —

I Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
i)y the authority thereof it is enacted, that the said act be,
und the same is hereby, repealed.

1 Whereas, the safety and happiness of this state much de-
bends on the due execution and observance of the laws ;
jmd whereas, certain towns within this state, have, without
properly adverting to the consequences of such proceed-
ings, in some instances neglected to assess the taxes appor-
jioned to the several towns by this Assembly ; and in others
iLave deviated in many respects in the assessment of the
lame, —

324 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JaN.,

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Messrs. Jonathan
Arnold, Welcome Arnold, Joseph Brown, Theodore Foster
and Henry Ward, be, and they are hereby, appointed a
committee to draught a bill annexing such further penal-
ties for delinquency in assessing or collecting the taxes j
which may be hereafter assessed upon the inhabitants of |
this state, by this Assembly, as may compel a due observ-
ance thereof; and that they make report to this Assembly
at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that the said committee draught
a bill, and report the same at the next session, prescribing i
an oath of fidelity, allegiance and abjuration to be subscrib- |
ed by the officers, and such others of the inhabitants of this '
state, as shall be therein described.

It is voted and resolved, that the petition of John Wiess,
drum-major of this state's Continental troops, praying that
he may receive the same allowance for the depreciation of
his wages as was made to the officers and soldiers of the
said troops, for the time he continued in service in this
state's troops, be granted ; and that the committee hereto-
fore appointed to adjust the depreciation of the wages of
the said troops, settle the same, and make report as soon as
may be.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to
set off lands to the officers and soldiers of this state's Con-
tinental battalions, on account of the ' depreciation of their
wages, be, and they are hereby, directed to appraise and set
off to the commissioned officers of Colonel Israel Angell's
regiment, the house and lot of land in the town of Provi-
dence, belonging to Gilbert Deblois, an absentee, against
which information is made by the attorney general; provid-
ed the same shall be confiscated to and for the use of this
state.

It is voted and resolved, that the following wages and ra-
tions be allowed the respective officers and others, afte^
mentioned, belonging to the military medical department
in this state, when called into actual duty, to wit :

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE l-LANTATIONS. 325

Wages of Officers and others, belonging to the Militcn-y
Medical Department of the State.

Dollars of the new emissiou. Kationt(,

The director and purveyor general, 6 per day. - 6

" surgeon and physician general, 4 2-3 " ^ -- 5

Hospital surgeons, each, - - 4 " . - 3

Surgeon's mates, " - - 15-6" - - 2

Apothecary's " " - - 1 5-6 " - , - 2

Hospital commissary, - - 2 " - - 2

Steward, 1 " - - 2

Ward-master, - - - - 3-4 " ' - 1

Matron, - ^ - - - 1-2 " - - 1

And it is further voted and resolved, that the nurses,
tenders, and all others doing duty in the hospital, and un-
der the orders of the director and purveyor-general, shall
draw the same pay and rations each, as are allowed and
paid the private soldiers of the several regiments of militia
! of this state ; except in cases of extraordinary duty and at-
tention, when the director-general may add for their en-
I couragement, to their daily wages alid rations, as he shall
1 judge just and right ; not exceeding sixpence, in money,
1 and half a ration per day.

I And it is further voted and resolved, that the director of
' the military hospital make out an abstract of all persons
! employed in hig department in the alarm in August last,
I and deliver the same to the committee appointed to exam
[ ine the abstracts ; that upon the said abstract's being certi-
I fied by the said committee. His Excellency the Governor be
j requested to deliver to the said director a sufficient number
I of certificates for paying off the same ; and that the collec-
tors of taxes be, and they are hereby, directed to receive
the said certificates in payment of taxes, in the same man-
ner as is directed by an act of this Assembly, passed at the
last session, for paying off the troops who did duty in the
said alarm.

326 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [J AN,

An Act in addition to, and amendment of, an act, passed at
the last session of this Assembly, for filling up and com-
pleting this state's quota of the Continental army.
[For this act, see printed Schedule.]

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be,
and he is hereby, directed to pay to Colonel Israel Angell
all the money he shall receive of the sheriff of the county
of Providence, on account of debts due to George Howell ;
as also air the silver or gold now in the general treasury, or
which shall be in the said treasury on the 1st day of Febru-
ary next, to the amount of the proportion of the non-
commissioned officers and privates of his regiment of the
sum of £6,000, heretofore ordered to be paid to such offi-
cers and soldiers of this state's Continental battalions as
were engaged during the war ; and that the said Israel An-
gell pay the same to the said non-commissioned officers and
privates in their proportions, respectively.

It is voted and resolved, that Joseph Manchester and
Spink Tarbox, be, and they are hereby, permitted to sub-
scribe the test, agreeably to the request of Stephen Potter,
Esq., he having assured this Assembly that they are friends
to the United States.

Whereas, the inhabitants of the town of Newport were,
by an act of this Assembly, passed at the session in October,
A. D. 1779, empowered to incorporate themselves; and in
the said act all persons of a certain description, to wit: those
who had signed the association, or taken an active part with
the enemy, should be excluded from electing or being
elected to any office in the said town, or of voting or act-
ing in town meeting; and that the town meeting exclude
such persons accordingly ; and whereas, the term town
meeting is construed by some to mean only the meeting
had in pursuance of said act, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the persons de-
scribed as aforesaid, as well as those who have not signed
the test, be, and they are hereby, excluded from electing or

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 327

being elected to any office within the said town, or of
voting or acting in any town meeting in the said town
hereafter; and that the town meetings exclude such per-
sons accordingly.

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be,
and he is hereby, directed to deliver to the committee ap-
pointed to number and sign the new Continental bills to be
issued by this state, or either two of them, the said bills; that
after they shall be numbered, signed and delivered to him
by the said committee, he deliver the said bills to the com-
mittee appointed by Congress to countersign the same on
the part of the United States ; and upon the same being
done by the committee appointed on the part of the state,
that they be allowed to draw their fees for the said service
out of the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that Charles Holden, Esq., com-
missary of purchases in this state, be, and he is hereby, di-
rected to deliver to Mr. Nicholas Mathewson, one thousand
and eighty pounds of raw hides ; the same being in full sat-
isfaction of an account by him exhibited for seven pair of
boots and one pair of shoes, furnished for the officers of
Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment; and that if the said
boots and shoes are not accounted for by the said officers,
they be charged against the balance due to them respec-
tively, on account of depreciation.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. Stephen Potter and
Thomas Gorton be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee, to settle and determine the claim of the town of
East Greenwich to Joseph N. Remington, enlisted in the
town of Warwick, for the class of which James Arnold, Esq.,
is head ; that the party failing to make good its claim, pay
the expense thereof; and that if the same shall be deter-
mined in favor of the said town of East Greenwich, the said
town shall re-pay to the said James Arnold, as head of the
said class, the extra bounty that was paid the said recruit,
with the expense of recruiting him, to be ascertained by the
said committee.

328 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [J AN.,

Whereas, this Assembly hath received information, that
Matthew RobiHson, Esq., of South Kingstown, hath, in his
conduct and conversation, pubhcly manifested principles in-
imical and dangerous to the liberty and independence of
the United States of America, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Matthew
Robinson be taken into custody by the sheriff of the county
of Kings, and committed to the jail in the said county ; and
be there confined until the further orders of this As-
sembly.

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be,
and he is hereby, directed to deduct £470 los., lawful
money, out of the state taxes assessed upon the town of
Newport ; the same being the amount of taxes assessed up-
on the estates of divers absentees in the said town.

It is voted and resolved, that John Reynolds, Esq., agent-
clothier in this state, be, and he is hereby, empowered to
draw £200, in Continental money, of the new emission,
out of the general treasury ; and that he account for the
same.

It is voted and resolved, that Richard Fry and William
Channing, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, directed to de-
liver to the issuing commissary within this state, for the
use of the new levies, the corn which they have received, or
shall receive, belonging to the state ; and that the said
Richard Fry sell the cheese and wool in his possession, re-
ceived on account of the rents of the state's farms, to the
best advantage, and pay the money arising from the sale
thereof, into the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that if any town, or class in any
town, shall pay any person, late in the three years' service,
the balance due to him or them, on account of depreciation
on his or their pay, on his or their re-enlisting into the ser-
vice for three years, or during the war ; such town or class,
shall be re-paid the same, in the same manner the other
three years' men are paid, with interest thereon, from the
time they pay such balance or balances, until paid

1780.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 329

j It is voted and resolved, that if the balance due from the
j persons who purchased the wrecks in the harbor of New-
; port, be not paid into the general treasury b}^ the time
i Colonel Israel Angell is ready to go forward to camp, and
j which he has an order to receive ; that he be, and hereby
I is, empowered to draw the deficiency thereof in equal value,
; in Continental bills of the new emission, out of the general
I treasury.

j Whereas, divers actions, heretofore commenced in the
I several courts in this state, have been continued ; and dur-
i ing the time the said actions have been pending, the com-
imon currency, in which damages are to be recovered,
I hath so much depreciated, that the sums of the damages
: laid in the plaintiff's writ and declaration are not adequate
j to the real damages sustained, —

j Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
[the authority thereof it is hereby enacted, that the courts, ju-
! ries, arbitrators, &c., in such cases, assess damages as to them
j shall appear just and equitable, although the same may be
more than what is laid in the plaintiff's writ and declara-
tion.

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be,
and he is hereby, directed to pay and satisfy the grants
made at the present session to John Eeynolds, Esq., for the
Ipurpose of purchasing clothing, to Colonel Israel Angell,
'and to Stephen Mumford, Esq., with the first money which
jshall be signed; and that the other grants made at the
ipresent session be not paid until the grants aforesaid be
[satisfied.

jAn Act for proportioning to the several towns in this state,

I and collecting fresh beef for supplying the army of the

I United States.

I [See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

j It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to

jsell the lands that were funded for the redemption of this

i roh. ix. iZ

330 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JaN.,

state's money, and the certificates issued by the commissary
of purchases, be, and they are hereby, directed to dispose of
the said lands on the best terms they can, between this and
the next session of this Assembly ; iirovided, any persone
appear to give near the value of the same ; and that they
give a credit at their discretion, and make report thereof at
the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that Stephen Mumford, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, directed to give security to the general
treasurer, with sufficient surety-, in the sum of £2,400, ia
specie, for the faithfid performance of the trust reposed in
him, in receiving money from the several towns, for pur-,
chasing and receiving beef for the use of this state.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasury, viz. :

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

£ s.d.

Bennett AVlieeler, for printing and advertising •. .1,408 19 00

Samuel Snow, for services as captain iu Col. Christopher Greene's regiment 480 00 00

Joseph S. Taylor, for maintaining Hannah Dunn, a pauper 162 00 00

Edward Lawton, " " " 19 10 00

John Parish, for medicine and refreshments provided for the use of the sick

of Col. Christopher Greene's regiment , 9 14 00

Israel Angell, allowed for his expenses to and from camp 30 00 00

John Northup, for his expenses and services in settling the depreciation of

wages 29 11 04

Esek Hopkins, for the same service 31 06 04

Esek Hopkins, for examining into the deficiency of the articles belonging to

the Pigot galley 3 04 08'

William Mumford, for his services and expenses in settling the depreciation

of wages 23 09 09

Benjamin Bourne, for his services as one of the committee for settling the

depreciation of wages 3 04 08

Daniel Branch, for his services as waiter on the committee for settling the

depreciation of wages 17 08 00

Joseph Nightingale, for examining into the deficiency of the articles belong-
ing to the Pigot galley 3 04 07

Colonel Israel Angell and Captain William Tew, for travelling expenses in

settling the accounts of soldiers « 7 03 05

Nathan Merrill, for boarding and ntirsing a sick soldier 3 15 00

John Jenckes, for attending to survey and sale of the state's farms, &c 27 05 03

Thomas Holden, for the same service 36 13 07

Governor William Greene, for expenses in sending an express to the com-
manding officers of the militia, &c 6 17 OP

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.\NTATIONS. 331

£ s. (I.

Lieutenant Henry Sliearman, on account of depreciation of wages 120 00 00

Christopher Crandall, for account of depreciation 15 00 00

Rufus Sprague, depute' sherifl", on account of warning members of the Gen-
eral Assembly to attend the session in Providence 3 00 00

Benoni Hunt, on account of depreciation 25 17 03

George Olney. for drawing off the Continental account 12 14 01

Preserved Pearce, for repairing the state house in the county of Kent 8 00 00

Thomas Rumreill, for paper furnished, and for his attendance on the General

Assembly 5 01 09

Thomas Spencer, for cleaning the state house, and for his attendance on the

General Assembly 4 01 11

Abraham Greene, for his attendance as a waiter on the General Assembly. . 3 00 00

iVilliam Mumford, for his attendance, &o., on the General Assembly 6 05 00

God save the United States of America.

Proceedings of the Genervl Assembly of the State of Rhode
Island and Prooldence Plantations, cd South Kingstown,
on the fourth Monday in February, 1781.

His Excellency William Ureene, Governor.
The Hon. William West, Deputy Go^ernor.

It is voted and resolved, that £3 4s. 9c?., in Continental
noney, of the new emission, be allowed and paid out of the
general treasury, to Mr. William Taggart, Jr., in full for an
iccount by him exhibited, for his service, in searching after
he persons concerned in shooting a sentinel belonging to
he French army.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to
eceive claims against the confiscated estates be, and they
re hereby, appointed a committee to receive the claims
gainst the estate of Samuel Knowles, which hath been for-
3ited ; and that they inquire into the sums of money which
|ave been paid into and out of the general treasury, on ac-
iount of the said Samuel Knowles.

I It is voted and resolved, that Christopher EUery, William
llianning, Jolin Jenckes, Henry Marchant, Thomas Rum-

232. RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

reill and Rowse J. Helme, Esqs., be, and they are hereby,
appointed a committee, to prepare a bill to prevent the
trade which ia illicitly carried on with the enemy, or per-
sons within their lines ; and they devise ways and means for
detecting and punishing such offenders, and make report as
soon as may be.

. Tlie following abstract was presented unto this Assembly,
by Mr. John Demount, to wit :

Absti-act of beef cattle delivered at Coventry, from several towns in this state, agreea"
bly to an act of the Honorable General Assembly, at their session, held in Eijst
Greenwich, in January, A. D. 1781, for raising sapplies for the army, and estimated
by John Demount, agreeably to the said act, to wit ;

'Hi §1 i| ! I

Welcome Arnold I 2 ] 1,625 2 00 32 10

Feb. 3. Smithfield Andrew and \Vm. Waterman . 12 i 8,630 2 00 17

" 7. South Kingstown. . Samuel Babcock 11 9,075 ! 2 00 181 lOj

jNorth Kingstown. . Sylvester Gardner I 2 I 1,250 i 2 00 25 Offl

Scituate John and Peter Cole ' 10 l 7,100 , 2 00 142 Offl

I ! 2 1,100 1 16 19 16

3,780 11 16 573

All branded with an anchor. Errors excepted.

Per JOHN DEMOUNT,
, Providence, February 10, 1781.

Which being duly considered,. —

It is voted and resolved, that the said abstract be, and the
same is hereby, accepted.

It is voted and resolved, that Andrew Craige, of Coventry,
be forthwith apprehended and brought before this Assem-
bly, to answer a complaint exhibited against him by Messrs, i
Jacob Greene and Robert Rogers, for an imposition respectf I
ing the enlistment of one Isaac Scranton.

Whereas, it is represented to this Assembly, that a certain
lot of land, with a small dwelling-house 1 hereon, lately be-
longing to Thomas Bannister, is mortgaged for nearly the
value thereof, to Mr. Ebenezer Carr ; and also, that one

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 333

lother lot of land, with a dweiling-house thereon, lately be-
'longing to James Clarke, cordwainer, is mortgaged for near-
ilj the value thereof to Mr. Joseph Anthony ; which said
llots and buildings have been confiscated, and are now in
jthe possession of this state, —

! It is therefore voted and resolved, that William Chan-
jning, Esq., be, and he is hereby, empowered and directed to
'deliver to the said Ebenezer Carr and the said Joseph An-
[thony, the possession of the aforesaid lots and buildings to
'them respectively mortgaged, on the 25th day of March
in6xt, at which time the pi'esent leases expire ; that they
ihold the same as tenants in mortgage ; and that the equity
iof redemption remain in this state.

[An Act for embodying and bringing into the field twelve

j hundred able-bodied, effective men, of the militia, to serve

within this state, for one month, from the time of their

rendezvous, and no longer term ; and not to be marched

out of the same.

[See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

Jicers to command the Battalion of Providence and Kent
Counties.

j Nathan Miller, Esq., brigadier general.

I George Peck, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of the

battalion of Providence and Kent.

i Job Pearce, Esq., major, of said battalion.

[ Micah Whitmarsh, Sheldon, Jonathan Knight,

ISquire Millard, John Whipple, Stephen Windsor, William
jRoy and Daniel Mowry, 4th, captains.

! Thomas Olney, Caleb Greene, Mumford Davis, Isaac
Paine, Joseph Snow, Jr., Jeremiah Scott, Jr., Nehemiah Bur-
lingame and Elijah Armstrong, lieutenants.

John Carpenter, of Smithfield ; John Carpenter, of Provi-
dence ; Gideon Harris, Joseph Dolliver, Jr. and Zebulon
Wade, ensigns.

334 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

Officers to command the Battalion of Nevjport, Kings and

Bristol Couniles. j

Nathaniel Church, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant of \
the battalion of Newport, Kings and Bristol counties. i

Jonathan Bates, Jr., Esq., major of said battalion. '

Philip TrafFan, Lawrence Peirce, Jonathan Devol, Jr.,
Timothy Lock, Jr., Vial Allen, John Davis, Phineas Maxson
and Walter Clarke, captains.

William Belcher, John Wilcox, Jr., Peleg Cross, Jr., Row^e ;
Pearce, Joseph Reynolds, Jr., John Pearce, William Stedman j
and Joseph Peckham, lieutenants. !

Robert Dunbar, Thomas Durfee and Stephen Pierce ■
ensigns. !

Henry Malcolm, surgeon of Col. Peck's battalion.

Joshua Perry, surgeon of Col. Church's battalion.

Chief Justice of the Siqjerior Court Chosen. I

Both houses being resolved into a grand committee, chose
the Honorable Jabez Bowen, Esq., chief justice of the supe-
rior court of judicature, court of assize and general jail i
delivery, within and throughout the state, in the room of
Shearjashub Bourne, Esq., deceased. 1

It is voted and resolved, that the conduct of His Excel-
lency the Governor, in removing Matthew Robinson, Esq.,
from the jail, in the county of Kings, and confining him to
his own house, considering the condition of the said jail,
and the said Matthew Robinson's state of health, be, and i
the same is hereby, approved. I

The petition of William Allen, captain ; and Oliver i
Jenckes, lieutenant, in this state's Continental regiment,
preferred unto this Assembly, praying that the committee
appointed to set off the estates of absentees, in payment of
the balances due to the officers and soldiers of this state's.'
battalions, may be directed to appraise and set off the house i

1781.] AND PROVIDKXCE PLANTATIONS. 335

and lot in Providence, lately belonging to Gilbert Deblois,
to them, if the same should be confiscated; they paying the
sum they shall be appraised at, more than their b.alances
being duly considered, —

1 It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be, and the
same is hereby, granted ; that the said committee appraise
the same ; and that upon their being confiscated, they be
jimraediately set off to the said William Allen and Oliver
Jenckes, agreeably to the said petition,
i Whereas, John Jenckes, Esek Hopkins and Metcalf Bow-
iler, Esqs., presented imto this Assembly the following re-
jceipt of Joseph Clarke, Esq., commissioner of the loan office,
!to wit:

Providence, Febniary 2C, 1781.
Eeceived of Messrs. Jolin Jenckes, Esek Hopkins and Metcalf Bowler (a committee
appointed bj' the Honorable the General Assembly, to receive all the old Continental
bills of the general treasurer of this state, and deliver the same to the keeper of the
Continental loan office), 881.5,684, amounting to £244,705 4<p., Continental money,
of the old emission, in order to take out money of the new emission of Congress.
815,684 dollars, amount to £244,705 4s.
40,784 1-5, new emission.

3-5 is 24,468 dollars and 1-3 £7,340 08

Interest on certificates received, is 1,122 17 (>

Money of the new emission 8,463 05 6

JOSEPH CLARKE,
Commissioner of the loan office.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said receipt be lodged
jin the secretary's office ; and that the same be registered in
jthe records of this state.

I Whereas, John Jenckes, Esek Hopkins and Metcalf Bow-
ler, Esqs., presented unto this Assembly the following re-
eipt, to wit :

Providence, February 10, 1781.

Keceived of John Jonckes, Esq., Esek Hopkins, Esq., and Metcalf Bowler, a committee

ippointed by the Honorable General Assembly, at their session in Jimuary last, to re-

of the keeper of the Continental loan office the interest due on the loan office cer-

Sflcates In the treasury, belonging to this state, the sum of £3,742 and one 81-90ths of

336 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.U^'D [FeB.,

a dollar, in Continental money, of the new emission, which they have lodged in nij
hands, as general treasurer of the state of Rhode Island, &c., agreeable to said resolve.

JOSEPH CLARKE,

General Treasurer.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said receipt be lodged
in the secretary's office ; and that the same be registered in
the records of this state.

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be, and
he is hereby, directed and required to give warrants unto
the collector or collectors of each and every town within
this state, for collecting all the taxes which are in arrear,
and for which no warrant hath been given for collecting the
same ; and that the said warrants be made returnable with-
in twenty days next after the rising of this Assembl}^, in
order that the same, with the interest due thereon, may be •
forthwith collected and paid into the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that the following promotions (
take place in this state's Continental regiments, to wit: j

In Colonel Christopher Greene's regiment, that Lieuten- \
ant Zephaniah Brown be promoted to the office of a cap- 1
tain; his commission to be dated November 11, 1779 ; and
Lieutenant Daniel S. Dexter to the office of a captain-
lieutenant ; his commission to bear the same date.

In Colonel Israel Angell's regiment, that Lieutenant Du-
tee Jerauld be promoted to the office of a captain-lieuten-
ant; his commission to bear date June 24, 1780.

And Ensigns Jolm M. Greene, Joseph Masury and Henry
Shearman, be promoted to the offices of lieutenants ; the
date of their commissions to be ascertained by His Excel-
lency General Washington.

That the secretary be, and he is hereby, directed to give
certificates of the promotion of the above named officers to
the board of war; and that he date the time of the promo-
tion of all the said officers agreeably to their aforesaid ap-
poinments.

Whereas, by an act, passed at the present session, twelve

1781.]

AND PEOVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

337

hundred men of the militia are called forth to do duty
within this state;, for the space of four weeks ; and whereas,
it is necessary that measures should be adopted for sup-
plying them with bread, for their subsistence during that
time, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the persons here-
after named, be, and they are hereby, appointed to purchase
and deliver, as is hereinafter directed, the number of bush-
els of corn as set against their names, and the names of the
towns to which they respectively belong, to wit :

Quantity of Corn Proportioned to the resjoective Toions, and
the names of the Persons appointed to purchase and de-
liver it.

Towns. Names of persons. Bushels.

Newport, Robert Elliott, Esq., - - 61

Providence, James Arnold. Esq., - 92

Portsmouth, Thomas Shearman, Esq., - - 10

Warwick, Charles Holden, Esq., - 71

Westerly, Mr. Edward Sanders, - - 39
North Kingstown, Mr. Eber Shearman, - 60

South Kingstown, Robert Potter, Esq., - 125

East Greenwich, Archibald Ci'ary, Esq., - 32

Jamestown, Mr. John Weeden, - - 4

Smithfield, Mr. William Waterman, - 83

Scituate, Mr. John Williams, - - 76

Glocester, Mr. Simon Smith, - 67

Charlestown, Gideon Hoxsie, Esq., - - 32

West Greenwich, Mr. George Dyer, - 30

Coventry, Thomas Mathewson, Esq., - - 41

Exeter, Mr. Pardon Tillinghast, - 42

Middletown, Mr. Nicholas Easton, - - 7

Bristol, Shearjashub Bourne, Esq., - 26

Tiverton, John Cooke, Esq., - - 45

Little Compton, Mr. Zebedee Grinnell, - 35

Warren, John Child, Esq., - - 16

Cumberland, Jotham Carpenter, Esq., - 36

338 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [FeB.,

Towns. Names of persons. Bushels.

Richmond, Mr. Joseph Tefft, - - 29

Cranston, Mr. Matthew Manchester, - 50

Hopkinton, Mr. Benjamin Maxson, - - 35

Johnston, John Waterman, Esq., - 26

North Providence, Mr. Edward Smith, - - 18

Barrington, Mr. Thomas Allen, - 12

1,200

And it is further voted and resolved, that the persons
aforementioned, cause the corn by them to be purchased as
aforesaid, to be ground into meal ; and that those persons in
the county of Kings deliver the meal by them to be pur-
chased hs aforesaid, to Mr. Thomas Bissell, in North Kings-
town, or to the commissary of issues ; those in the county of
Providence, to Mr. Stephen Jenckes, of North Providence,
to the issuing commissary, at Providence, or to Mr. Peleg
Arnold, of Pawtuxet ; those in the county of Kent, to Mr-
Christopher Greene, at his mills, at Potowomut ; to Mr.
Gideon Arnold, of Warwick, or to the said Peleg Arnold ;
those in the county of Bristol, and of the towns on the
island, to the commissary of issues ; and those in Tiverton
and Little Compton, to the said commissary of issues, or to
Mr. Jonathan Devol, of Tiverton.

It is further voted and resolved, that if any persons be-
longing to any town within this state arf> in possession of a
greater quantity of corn than is necessary for the use of
their families, and shall refuse to dispose of the same for
the use aforesaid, the persons appointed to procure the
same, be, and they are hereby, empowered and directed (if
necessary), to take such surplus of corn, allowing the owner
thereof the going price for the same.

It is further voted and resolved, that the several towns
within this state be, and they are hereby, called upon im-
mediately to advance, to the persons appointed to purchase
the corn apportioned and to be purchased within their re-

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 339

spective towns, money sufficient to enable tliem to purchase
the corn so apportioned; and in case of delinquency, that
such delinquent town be assessed, in the next state tax, at
and after the rate of twelve shillings, in gold or silver, for
every bushel of corn deficient

And it is further voted and resolved, that the persons ap-
pointed to purchase the said corn, take receipts for the same
on the delivery thereof; that the persons appointed to re-
ceive the said corn, deliver the same to the orders of the is-
suing commissary, taking receipts therefor ; and that the
said receipts be produced to the next session of Assembly,
that the quantity of corn delivered and received, may be as-
certained.

Upon the representation of the Chevalier Du Bovichet,
[deputy adjutant general of the army of His Most Christian
Majesty in this state, respecting certain deserters from the
jsaid army, enlisted into this state's Continental battalions, —

It is voted and resolved, that Christopher EUery and Wm
ITaggart, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a commit-
itee to wait upon the said Chevalier Du Bouchet, and to as.
sure him that this Assembly will do every thing to contrib-
jute to the service of His Most Christian Majesty and his
army ; but that John Wallace and Michael Wright, who
[have enlisted into the Continental service, are engaged for
la long time, and are Americans ; that if the chevalier, or
[any of the officers of His Most Christian Majesty, has ad-
jvanced any money, clothing or other things, to the said
itwo soldiers, the balance due shall be immediately paid by
|the persons who engaged them for the service ; but that it
lis incompatible with the constitution of these states for sol-
jdiers to serve in any other battalions but their own, unless
|the state they belong to has completed its full quota, which
lis not at present the case of this state ; and that therefore
the chevalier must excuse the said soldiers from being turn-
ed over to him.

I Whereas, the act of this Assembly raising all fees, fines
jand forfeitures to eighty for one, from the table of fees,

340 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAKD [PeB,,

made and passed A. D. 1774, is misconstrued, whereby great
evils have arisen, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and
by the authority thereof it is enacted, that the town coun-
cils in the several towns within this state, shall receive the
same fees as pound-money on all inventories presented to
them, as is mentioned in and by the said table of fees, made
and passed in the year 1774, and no more ; that all fees
which arise from pound-money, or fees taken by courts or
sheriffs, for sums of money, according to the amount there-
of, shall be the same as were allowed and taken in the year
aforesaid ; any law or custom to the contary notwithstand-
ing ; and that this act be published in all the newspapers
printed in this state.

It is voted and resolved, that the officers of the regiment
under the command of Colonel Christopher Greene be, and
they are hereby, directed to advertise the persons who have
deserted, or shall desert from the said regiment ; that they
offer a reward of $20, in silver money, or other money
equivalent, for apprehending and securing such deserters ;
which, with all reasonable charges that shall accrue there-
by, shall be paid out of the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. Matthew Manchester
be, and he is hereby, appointed one of the committee to set
off" and appraise the lands ordered to be set off", in payment
of the balance due to the officers and soldiers of this state's
Continental battalions, on account of the depreciation of
their wages ; and that the said committee proceed upon the
business, that the same may be completed by the 1st day of
April next.

Whereas, divers disputes do arise between the classes
within this state, respecting the right which they respec-
tively claim to the soldiers who have enlisted into the Con-
tinental battalions, to serve for three years, or during the
war ; and whereas, some disputes have arisen between the
towns, respecting the soldiers who have enlisted as afore-
said ; wherefore, for finally settling all disputes which have

|l781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 341

[arisen or may hereafter arise, upon the account of any

[soldier enlisting as aforesaid, between any classes or

I towns, —

j It is voted and resolved, that the following gentlemen be,

iand they are hereby, appointed committees to settle all dis-

iputes which may arise upon account of the soldiers afore-

;said ; that is to say :

j Job Easton, William Taggart and John Topham, Esqs., for

Ithe county of Newport.

Benoni Pearce, Charles Keen and Arthur Fenner, Jr.,
Esqs., for the county of Providence.

Gideon Hoxsie, Joseph Stanton, Jr., and Joseph Hoxsie,
Esqs., for the county of Kings. And —

Thomas Holden, Christopher Greene and Moses Liippitt,
lEsqs., for the county of Kent; who are hereby fully author-
ized and empowered to hear and determine the same
finally.

It is further voted and resolved, that if any town or class
shall think themselves aggrieved, they may make applica-
tion to the committee aforesaid, who shall determine the
dispute ; that the party failing to make proof of their right
or claim to such soldier, shall pay all costs and expenses
which the said committee shall then adjudge to be due ;
that the soldier shall be reckoned and counted to the town
or class to which he shall be adjudged by the said commit-
tee ; and that the same determination shall be final.

And it is further voted and resolved, that when it shall so
happen, that the committee shall belong to any town with-
in the county which has a dispute with a different town, the
same shall be referred to the General Assembly ; and that
the said committee make report to this Assembly at the
next session.

It is voted and resolved, that the petition of Mr. John Fit-
ton, of Providence, preferred unto this Assembly, represent-
ing that by an act of this Assembly, the sheriff of the county
of Providence, is directed to collect certain debts due to Geo.

342 BECORDS OP THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.U'l) [PeB.,

Howell, whose estate is declared forfeit to this state ; and that
he is indebted to the said Geo. Howell, by note, the time for
the payment of which has not yet expired ; and praying
for relief, be referred tu the next session of this Assembly;
and that in the mean time all proceedings against the said
John Fitton be stayed.

It is voted and resolved, that John Child, Esq. and Mr.
Thomas Allen be, and they are hereby, appointed a commit-
tee to consider the petition of Mr. Nathaniel Fales, Jr., pre-
ferred to this Assembly, praying that a deduction may be
made from the rent of the farm in Bristol, late Wm. Vassall'sj
hired by him of the state, upon account of the damages he
sustained by reason of a number of barracks being erected
upon the said farm, and improved as hospitals for His Most
Christian Majesty's army and fleet; and that they make re-
port to this Assembly as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that Matthew Robinson, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, permitted to have the liberty of his farm
in South Kingstown, until the further order of this Assem-
bly ; he confining himself within the bounds thereof

It is voted and resolved, that Solomon Southwick, Esq.,
deputy commissary general of issues in this state, be, and
he is hereby, empowered and directed to appoint one assist-
ant commissary of issues, during the time the militia called
out at the present session, shall be on duty.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasury, viz. :

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

£ s.d.

Major Ebenezer Flagg, for depreciation of wages, 8150 00.

Captain William Humphrey, " " 8120 00.

William Davis, sheritf of the county of Newport, authorized to draw out of

the general treasury on account 50 00 00

Benjamin Bourne, deputy quartermaster general, on account, fourteen hun-
dred Continental dollars.

Beriah Waite, for services in carrying divers acts of the General Assembly

to the several towns in the county of Kings 6 10 00

781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 343

;benezer Tefft, for attendance on the General Assembly as a waiter 5 08 00

)avid Douglass, " " " " 3 05 00

Villiam Mumford, for service as deputy secretary 6 12 10

lowse J. Helme, for settling certain claims 9 18 09

)aniel Branch, for attending certain committees G 00 00

God save the United States of America.

^s of the General Assembly of Connecticut, relative
I to the admission of Vermont, as a State, into the Union
of the United States of America.

it a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the state of Connecticut,
holden at Hartford (by special order of the Governor), on the 21st day of February,
Anno Domini 1781, —

Eesolved by this Assembly, that the commissioners who are, or may be, appointed on
le part of this state to meet the commissioners from the other three New England slates,
jnd the state of New York, in convention to be holden at Providence, at the call of His
jlxcellency the Governor of Connecticut, be instructed, in addition to the commission
ready given tliem by this Assembly, to propose as asubject of consideration in said con
:ention, the request of the people calling themselves the state of Vermont, to be admit-
(!d into union and confederation with the thirteen United States of America, as a free
,nd independent state ; and report their doings, consultations and conclusions thereon,
p this Assembly.

I And it is further resolved, that His Excellency the Governor be, and he is hereby,
lesired, as soon as may be, to notify the several states expected to meet by their com-
lissioners, in said convention, of the above resolution, in order that said states may, if
|iey see proper, make similar enlargements of instructions to their commissioners ; and
lis Excellency the Governor is further desired to make a call of said convention as
arly as possible. A true copy of record ; examined by —

GEOisGE WYLLYS, Secr'y.

344 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

' !

Froceedings of the General Assembly, for the State of
Bhode Island and Providence Plantations, at South Kings-
town, on the third Monday in 3Iarch, 1781. |

His Excellency William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. William West, Deputy Governor.

It is voted and resolved, that Major William Perkins, be,
and he is hereby, directed to deliver unto the order of
Count Rochambeau fifteen cannon belonging to the state, of
twenty-four and eighteen pounds, if so many are to be
found, for the use of the French army, in the fortifications
in this state ; taking a receipt for the number of cannon
and carriages he shall deliver ; and that he make a return
to this Assembly of all the military stores belonging to this
state in his possession.

It is further voted and resolved, that Benjamin Bourne,
Esq., assistant deputy quartermaster, be, and he is hereby,
directed to repair the powder-house in Providence, and the
store upon Colonel Knight Dexter's farm, in such a manner
that they will be suitable to store powder in ; as the said
buildings are to be appropriated for the use of the French
army.

It is voted and resolved, that Freeman Perry, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, appointed assistant secretary, during the
present session.

It is voted and resolved, that WilUam Bradford and Jo-
seph Hoxsie, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a
committee to settle, ascertain and fix a permanent division
and bound the lines between the Indian land, and that oc-
cupied by the white inhabitants of this state, in Charles-
town, agreeably to the rules of right and justice.

It is voted and resolved, that the following sums of money
be allowed and paid out of the general treasury, in gold

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 345

silver, to the hereinafter mentioned officers, as set against
their names respectively, to wit :

£ s. d.

To Lieut. Col. Jeremiah Olney, - - 18 00

« Capt. Coggeshall Olney, - - - 36 00

« Capt. William Allen, - - - 36 00

" Lieut. Ebenezer Macomber, - - - 24 06

« Lieut. Oliver Jenckes, - - - 24 06

" Ensign John Morley Green, - - - 18 00

" Lieut. Chandler Burlingame, - - 7 17 4

« Ensign Joseph Masury, - - - 18 00

« Ensign William Pratt, - - - 18 00

" Ensign Jeremiah Greenman, - - - 17 05 3

The said sums being in part of money due to them, on

account of the depreciation of their wages.

Whereas, by an act of this Assembly, passed at the ses-
sion in July, A. D. 1780, the committees in the several
towns in this state, who were appointed to class the inhab-
itants, for raising the men ordered to be raised for six
months, from the 1st day of said July, are not vested with
sufficient power to collect the assessments which they have
made upon the said classes, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is hereby enacted, that the said com-
mittees, and the several collectors in this state be, and they
are hereby, vested with the same powers for assessing and
collecting, and under the same penalties, as the committees
and collectors are by an act of this Assembly, passed at the
session in November last, for raising recruits ; and that the
said committees proceed to assess all such classes as neglect
to pay, and caiise the same to be collected, in manner as
aforesaid, as soon as possible.

It is voted and resolved, that the petition of the inhabit-
ants of the town of Scituate, in town meeting assembled,
praying that the said town may be divided into two towns,

346 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

be referred to the next session ; and that the said to-«'n pay-
all the expenses that shall arise upon the said pf^tition.

Whereas, John Jenckes, Metcalf Bowler and Esek Hop-
kins, Esqs., who were appointed a committee to receive
money, &c., of the general treasurer, and burn the same,
&c., presented unto this Assembly the following report, to
■wit :

Report of the Coimnittee appointed by the General Assembly
to cancel or hum certain paper money, &c., received of the
General Treasurer.

We, the subscribers, being appointed by the Honorable General Assembly, a com-
mittee to receive of Joseph Clarke, Esq., general treasurer, the lawful money bills
emitted by this state, four per cent, notes, and other notes, securities and certificates,
that have been issued by the state, and paid into the general treasurer's office, and bum
or cancel the same ; also to receive the interest due on the Continental loan office cer-
tificates now in the treasury, the property of the state, and pay the same into the Con-
tinental loan office, and receive the amount in Continental money of the new emission,
and all the old Continental money paid into the treasury on account of taxes, &c., and
pay the same into the Continental loan office, and take out the amount in Continental
money of the new emission, on account of this state's proportion, do report :

That we have received, carefully counted, endorsed and burnt, of the several emis-
sions of lawful money, four per cent, and other notes, certificates and securities, the
following sums ; have also received the interest due on the Continental loan office cer-
tificates ; as also this state's proportion of the new emission Continental money for the
sum of old Continental money by us received of the general treasurer, and paid into the
Continental loan office, as per receipts lodged in the secretary's office.

.£ s. d.

Bills emitted A. D. 1775, 1776 and 1777 18,912 09 02

Interest included.

Bills emitted A. D. 1775 and 1776, being the amount of three hundred
and eighty-four notes, issued A. D. 1778, payable in three years,

with interest at six per cent, per annum 7,040 04 11

Bills emitted A. D. 1777, as small change, May session 1,647 13 00

Bills emitted June, A. D. 1780, received into tlie treasury on account of

tlie state tax, July session 7,009 13 05

Interest thereon 93 18 02

Bills emitted June, A. D. 1780, received into the treasury on account of

the sale of the Borland farm 3,365 17 00

Interest thereon 91 13 09

Bills of the old Cotinental emission, received on account of taxes, &c.,
and paid Into the Continental loan office, in order to take out this
state's proportion of the new emission of Continental money, eight
hundred and seventy-one thousand five hundred and sixty-eight old
Continental dollars ; amounting to 61,470 08 00

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 347

£ s. d.

Seven hmidred and sixty eight notes, of four per cent., received into

the treasury without interest, amounting to 4,170 10 00

Six hundred and nineteen notes, of four per cent., amounting to, prin-
cipal 3,009 12 00

Interest thereon 98 10 09

Eighty-eight notes, given by the treasurer to divers persons, fbr ne-
groes enlisted into Col. Greene's battalion, by act of Assembly,
February session, A. D. 1778 ; principal 9,958 00 00

Interest thereon 479 07 07

Three hundred and sixty-four notes, of £'S0 each, issued by order of

the council of war, bearing date March 11, A.*D. 1779 ; principall0,920 00 00
Interest thereon 133 07 00

Nine hundred and eighty-seven notes, of £10 each, issued by act of As-
sembly, June session, A. D. 1779 ; principal 9,870 00 00

Interest thereon 102 13 08

Three thousand notes, of £10 each, signed by the treasurer, but never

issued out of his office 30,000 00 00

Twenty-five purchasing commissary's certificates, received into
the treasury on account of the sales of the Vassal, Wanton, Rome
and Lawtou farms 6,204 18 09

Two hundred and twenty-five Continental loan office certificates, bear-
ing date May and July, A. D. 1778, amounting to, principal .'594,000.

Interest received thereon in the new emission Continental money for
two years, and endorsed on the certificates, §3,742 66.

Two Continental certificates, bearing date June 27, A. D. 1780>
received into the treasury from Hazard Champlinj on account of
South Kingstown rates, $1,500.

One certificate from Nathaniel Norton, A. D. C. F., for a tax levied

on Point Judith farm, dated February 22, A. D. 1780, for the sum of 1,128 00 09

One certificate from Robert Crooke, Esq., deputy quartermaster gener-
al, in favor of Giles Sanford, received by order of Assembly, on ac-
count of Middletown tax, July, A. D. 1780, amountingto 558 00 00

Bilis emitted A. D. 1775, 1776 and 1777, interest included, burnt 18,912 09 02 1-4

Bills amitted A. D. 1775 and 1776, for three hundred and eighty-four
not«s issued, to call those bills out of circulation payable in three
years, with interest, at six per cent, burnt , 704 04 11

£19,616 14 1 1-4

Bilk emitted June, 1780, state tax, July, 1780; principal, burnt 7,009 13 05 3-4

Interest thereon 93 18 02 1-4

Bills emitted June, 1780 ; sale of Borland farm 3,365 17 00

Interest thereon > 91 13 09 1-2

' £10,561 02 6 1-4

348 BECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAM) [MaRCU,

Bills emitted Jlay, 1777, for small change, burnt 1,647 13 00

Bills of the old Continental emission, taken out of circulation, and
paid by tlie state into the Continental loan office ; and money of
the new emission received for the amount of eight hundred and
seventy-one thousand five hundred and sixty-eight Continental
dollars.

Seven hundred and sixty-eight notes, of four per cent., received, with

no interest 4,in 10 CO

£, 8. d.

Six himdred and nineteen notes, of four per cent,

principal, burnt 3,009 12

Interest thereon y 298 10 9 lA

^7,485 12 9 1-4
Eighty-eight notes given for slaves, February, 1778 ;

principal, burnt 9,958 00

Interest thereon 479 07 7

. 10,487 07 07

Three hundred and sixty-four notes, of £30 each, is-
sued by order of the council of war, dated
March 11, A. D. 1779 ; principal 10,920 00

Interest thereon 133 07

— — 11,053 07 00

Nine hundred and eighty-seven notes, of £10 each,

issued June. 1779 ; principal 9,870 00

Interest thereon 102 13 8

Three thousand notes, of £10 each ; signed, but not

issued, burnt 30,000 00

' 39,972 13 0»

Twenty-five purchasing commissary's certificates,
received for sale of Vassall's, Wanton's, Law
ton's and Rome's farms 6,204 18 9

Two hundred and twenty-five Continental loan cer-
tificates, the property of the state, dated July
and May, 1780 ; principal, §94,000 28,200 00

Two Continental certificates, dated June 27, 1780 450 00

28,660 00 OO

Two years' interest received on the above, in the new

emission, $3,742 66-72 1,122 10 00

Old Continental bills paid into the loan office, and re-
ceived in the new emission, -543,578 1-3 ; state's
3-5ths thereof, 826,147 7,844 02 00

£8,966 12 00
JOHN JENCKES,
M. BOWLER,
ESEK HOPKINS.
ProTidence, March 19, 1781-

1781] MD PB,0V1DENCE PLANTATIONS. 349

State of Rhode Island, &c. Dr.

1781. -£ s. d,

To our time, expenses, &c., in attending, each tliirty-nine days, at the gen-
eral treasurer's office, to audit the treasurer's accounts ; receiving,
counting, burping and cancelling the lawful money bills, four per cent.,
and other notes and securities ; also receiving the interest due on Con>
tinental loan office certificates, all the old Continental bills paid into
the treaeury, &c. ; paying the same into the Continental loan office,
and receiving the amount in Continental bills of the new emission, at

twenty-four shillings per day, in the new emission £140 08

JOHN JENCKES,
M. BOWLER,
Providence, March 19, 1781. ESEK HOPKINS.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be accept-
ed ; that the said account be allowed ; and that the
amount thereof, being £140 Ss., in Continental bills, of the
new emission, be paid unto the said John Jenckes, Metcalf
Bowler and Esek Hopkin.s, out of the general treasury.

Whereas, this state did heretofore furnish the several
towns therein, with a quantity of iron and flour, at a stip-
ulated price ; and whereas, the towns of Westerly, South
Kingstown, Cumberland, Glocester, Johnston, Coventr}'',
West Greenwich, Richmond, Hopkinton, Exeter, Warren,
Barrington and Little Corapton, have neglected to settle
and pay for the same, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the secretary
forthwith furnish the towns aforesaid, with a copy of the
act for distributing the said iron and flour ; that the said
towns pay into the general treasury the amount of the sums
due from them respectively, at the value of the money, fix-
ing it at the time they received the said iron and flour,
agreeably to the act affixing a scale of depreciation ; and
that the secretary furnish the general treasurer, and the
said tbwns, with a copy of this resolve.

It is voted and resolved, that the petition of divers inhab-
itants of the towns of Scituate and Glocester, praying to be
set ojff from the said towns, and incorporated into a town-
ship, be referred to the next session ; that the said towns
be notified to appear at the next session, to show cause (if

850 RECORDS OF THE STATE OP RHODE ISLAND ' [MaRCH,

any they have) -why the same should not be granted ; and
that the petitionera pay all the expenses that shall arise
upon the said petition.

Whereas, the following receipt was presented unto this
Assembly, to wit :

Providence, March 1", 1781.
Received of John Jenckes, Esek fiopkius and Metcalf Bowler, Esqs., a committee)
appointed by the Hohorable General Assembly, fifty -five thousand eight hundred and
eighty-four Continental dollars, of the old emission; amounting to ^16,765 4s., lawful
money, in order to deliver out money of the new emission of Congress.

JOSEPH CLARKE,
Commissioner of the loan ofiScei
§55,884.

£16,765 4s., lawful money.

Which being duly considered,—

It is voted and resolved, that the same be lodged in the
secretary's office, upon the files of the state.

Whereas, Mrs. Sarah Wanton, widow of Col. Joseph Wan-
ton, late of Newport, preferred a petition, and represented
unto this Assembly, that her said husband died on the 8th
day of August last, leaving her and an infant son, without
having made any special provision for their support ; that
she depended upon the income of his real estate therefor ;
but the same has been taken possession of by the state ;
that upon her marriage with the said Joseph Wanton, she
added a considerable fortune to his, without any settlement
being made on her for the same ; and that she is now re-
duced to difficulty and distress for the necessaries of life ;
and thereupon prayed this Assembly that the farm upon
Jamestown, lately belonging to her said husband, together
with the small island near the same, commonly called Gould
Island, may be given up for the su2Dport of herself and son ;
and the preinises being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to
lease confiscated estates, lease the said farm and island in
the usual way ; and at the end of the ensuing year pay the
rents of the same to the said Sarah Wanton : and that Wm.

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PL.\MTATI0N3. 351

Channing, Esq., one of the said committee, pay unto the
said Sarah Wanton the value of the rents which he has re-
ceived for the said farm and island, for the last year, as
soon as he shall receive cash for rents due to the state.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee who were
heretofore appointed to sell and dispose of, at public vendue
or private sale, the real estates which have been confiscat-
ed, and which were funded for the redemption of the law-
ful bills emitted by this state in June last, and for securing
the payment of the certificates issued by the purchasing
commissary of this state, be, and they are hereby, directed
and required to cause the said estates forthwith to be ad-
vertised for sale, either by public vendue or private sale ;
and in case the said estates shall not be disposed of by such
time as the said committee shall judge proper for renting
them out, that they proceed to lease the same to suitable
tenants, for gold or silver only ; and advertise the same ac-
cordingly.

Whereas, in a petition preferred unto this Assembly at
the present session, by Mr. Nathaniel Greene, some mistake
was suggested in the adjustment of an account exhibited by
Othniel Gorton, Esq., to the committee appointed to class
the men in the town of Warwick ; which said petition was
received and referred, and the said Othniel Gorton was or-
dered to be cited to appear at the next session to answer
the same ; and whereas, the said Nathaniel Greene was con-
senting to the re-committing the said account to the same
committee, and the said Othniel Gorton hath appeared be-
fore this Assembly and acquiesced therein, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that all proceedings of
the said committee already had, relative to the said ac-
count, be declared null and void ; that the said committee
again examine the said account, and hear the parties there-
on ; that when adjusted, if upon notice thereof, the said Na-
thaniel Greene shall neglect to pay the sum which shall be
found due, the said committee be, and they are hereby, di-
rected to issue their warrant for collecting the sum which

352 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

shall be due, in manner as is directed in the act for classing
and detaching as aforesaid ; and the said parties are hereby-
discharged from giving any farther attendance upon the
said petition ; anything in the resolution passed thereon, to
the contrary notwithstanding.

Whereas, John Beverly, Esq., sherift" of the county of
Providence, presented unto this Assembly, the following re-
port, to -wit :

Mejiort of the Sheriff of Providence County, relative to cer-
tain payments due from. George Howell.

In pursuance of an act of the General Assembly, passed at the session in January
last, I liave received of Mr. John Fitton, three hundred Spanish milled dollars, in part
of what he owes George Howell, upon a negotiable note of hand.

Of Mr. Samuel Young, one hundred and forty dollars, like money ; of Mr. John
Thurston, forty-eight dollars, two shillings and sixpence, like money ; of Mr. Joseph
Parker, fifty-eight dollars, like money ; which sums, together with two hundred and
eleven dollars, like money, I had in my hands, the property of the said George Howell,
I have paid unto Joseph Clarke, Esq., general treasurer ; tlie same amounting to
^227 4s. 9(/. JOHN BEVERLY, Sheriff.

Arid the said report being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
accepted.

Whereas, John Beverly, Esq., who was directed by this
Assembly, at the session in January last, to receive of John
Jenckes, Esq., cheese to the amount of $200, in specie,
agreeably to a contract entered into between the said John
Jenckes, and George Howell ; and to sell the same, and pay
the money into the general treasury, reported unto this As-
sembly as follows, to wit :

January 27, A. D. 1781.
Received of John Jenckes, Esq., sixteen hundred weight of cheese, at ninepence per
pound, and sold the same to Jlessrs. John Brown, Welcome Arnold and Joseph Night-
ingale, at sevenpence halfpenny per pound ; the whole amounting to £50, in specie.

JOHN BEVERLY, Sheriff.

February 3, 1781.
Received of John Beverly, Esq, the above sum of £50, in gold and silver.

JOSEPH CLARKE,

General Treasurer.

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 353

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
accepted.

It is voted and resolved, that the subject-matter of a peti-
tion, preferred unto this Assembly by Mr. Stephen Potter,
respecting stock he purchased of William Gorton, and a suit
commenced against him by the state therefor, &c., be, and
the same is hereby, submitted to the final judgment and de-
termination of William Taggart, William Richmond and
George Irish, Esqs., who are hereby fully empowered and di-
rected to inquire into the same, and make report of their
doings unto this Assembly, at the jiext session.

Whereas, William Littlefield, heretofore a captain-lieuten-
ant, in the pay of this state, in the service of the United
States, has had his account for depreciation audited, and a
considerable balance was found due to him ; and whereas,
this Assembly were induced to do the strictest justice to
the officers and soldiers serving in the Continental ariny,
from every principle of i-ight ; but more especially, as they
conceived the persons entering into the said service, did
it from motives of acting for the good of their country ;
and whereas, it appears that the said William Littlefield
being lost to all ties of honor and duty which he owed un-
to this state as a citizen, and an officer in its service, has,
from principles derogatory to virtue and honor, held a cor-
respondence with persons who have entered largely into a
trade with those who were in the immediate power of the
enemy ; and has thereby introduced the manufactures of
Great Britain into this country, and supplied them with ar-
ticles of which they were in want, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the name of the
said William Littlefield be, and it is hereby, ordered to be
struck out of the list of those officers and soldiers who are
to be paid depreciation ; and that he be, and hereby is,
declared incapable to receive the same, or any part
thereof

354 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

It is voted and resolved, that the petition preferred unto
this Assembly, by Thomas Clarke, of Newport, respecting
the estate lately belonging to Jahleel Brenton, which he
hired of this state for the last year, by his consent, be, and
the same is hereby, submitted to the final determination of
Messrs. William Taggart, Robert Elliott and William Rich-
mond, who are hereby fully empowered to settle and deter-
mine the same, and make report thereof to this Assembly
at the next session.

Whereas, the new emission of the Continental currency
emitted by this state, bears date on the 2d day of July last;
and as none of the said money was put into circulation until
January last ; and but a small quantity of it then, the reck-
oning and accounting the interest upon the said bills from
the time of the date will be detrimental to the public, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is hereby enacted, that interest
shall be computed, reckoned and allowed, from the 1st day
of April, A. D. 1781, upon all the bills of the said emission
issued by this state, and not from an earlier period ; any
law, custom or usage, to the contrary, notwithstanding.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee heretofore
appointed to appraise and set off to the officers and soldiers
in the Continental army, in the pay of this state, the confis-
cated estates, in part of their depreciation money, proceed
to appraise a lot of land lying in Bristol, containing four
acres, lately the property of Isaac Royal, Esq. ; and that the
same, upon its being confiscated, be set off to the said offi-
cers and soldiers who have depreciation money due unto
them from this state.

It is voted and resolved, that the following commissioned
and non-commissioned officers in the Continental army, ia :
the pay of this state, be, and they are hereby, empowered
to receive out of the general treasury the several sums that
are herein expressed, in gold or silver, in part of their de-
preciation money due from this state, to wit :

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 355

Payme7its made to sundry Commissioned and Non-Commis-

sioned Officers.

£. s. dl

Lieut Col. Jeremiah Olney,

^ 36 00

Doctor Samuel Tenny,

54 00

Sergeant Ese* Dexter, -

9 00

Sergeant James Hopkins, -

9 00

Sergeant Job Sheldon, -

9 00

Sergeant John Dodge,

9 00

Sergeant Seth Fisher, -

9 00

Samuel Drown, drummer, -

6 12

Thomas Mitchell, fifer, -

6 12

It is voted and resolved, that the foUoV^ing officers in the
Continental army, be, and they are hereby, empowered to
receive out of the general treasury, in gold or silver, the
sums hereinafter expressed, towards paying their deprecia-
tion accounts, to wit :

Payments made to sundry Officers in the Continental Army.

£ s. d.

Col. Henry Sherburne, - - - - 67 10

Col. Israel Angell, - - - - 67 10

Lieut. Col. Samuel Ward, - - - 54 00

Major William Bradford, - - - 45 00

Major Simeon Thayer, - » - - 45 90

Capt. William Tew, - - - - 36 00

Capt. Elijah Lewis; - -- - - 36 00

Capt. Thomas Arnold, - - - 36 00

And that they be requested not to receive the said
money, until the officers who are going forward to the ar-
my have their orders first paid.

Whereas, this Assembly did, at the session in November
last, assess upon the estates and polls of the inhabitants of

256 EECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaECH,

tMs state a tax of £16,000, lawful money, to be paid in gold
or silver, only ; and whereas, the assessors of taxes in the
town of South Kingstown have assessed upon the farm ly-
ing on Point Judith, the sum of £93 8s. Of/., to be paid in
gold or silver, which farm is improved by this state ; and
whereas, this Assembly did at the said session order a tax
of £1,000,000, lawful money, to be paid in Cfntinental bills
of the old emission ; of which sum the said assessors did as-
sess upon the said farm £5,899 8s. ; and whereas, the said
town of South Kingstown, did on the 15th day of Decem-
ber, A. D. 1780, order a town tax for defraying the charges
of the said town, of which £1,243 2s., in Continental money,
was assessed by the said assessors upon the said farm ; all
which sums are due and unpaid, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the general treas-
urer be, and he is hereby, directed to discount with Mr,
Daniel Shearman, Jr., the collector of taxes for the said
town, the said sum of £93 8s. 9f?., in gold or silver, with the
interest and fees due for collecting the same ; and also the
said sum of £5,899 8s., in Continental bills of the old emis-
sion ; together with the interest and fees for collecting the
same, which shall be accounted as so much paid in part of
the said town's proportion of the said two taxes ; and that
he pay unto the said Daniel Shearman the said sum of
£1,243 2s., in Continental money of the old emissions, with
the fees and interest for the said town tax.

It is voted and resolved, that Benjamin Peckham, Gideon
Hoxsie and Joseph Stanton, Jr., Esqs., be, and they are here-
by, appointed a committee to finally settle and determine
the dispute which now subsists between the town of Scitu-
ate and the class in the town of Providence, whereof Amoa
Atwell, Esq., is the head, respecting a recruit to serve in
the Continental army for three years or during the war;
and that they make report to this Assembly at the present

Whereas, Colonel Richard Fry, who was appointed to
lease the estate of Joseph Hunt and Joseph Hunt, Jr., the

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 357

last year, leased the same unto the said Joseph Hunt, Jiy
for two years, for two tons of good hay, to be delivered at
East Greenwich ; and whereas, the said hay has been taken
by the collector of taxes for the tax of the said Joseph Hunt,
whereby he is rendered unable to pay the said rent, and
support his aged father,—

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Joseph
Hunt, Jr., appropriate the said rent and the future rent of
the said farm towards the support of his said father, until
the further order of this Assembly ; and that the same be
under the inspection of the said Richard Fry.

It is voted and resolved, that £1,520 12s., in Continental
bills of the old emissions, and £59 13s., in gold or silver;
together with the interest and fees for collecting the same^
be allowed and paid out of the general treasury, to Mr.
William Borden, collector of taxes for the town of Newport^
the same being the amount of the taxes assessed upon the
estates of George Rome, Joseph Wanton, William Wanton^
John Mawdfley, Stephen Deblois, Ackurs Sisson and Joseph
Durfee, absentees.

Whereas, Messrs. John Child and Thomas Allen present-
ed unto this Assembly the following report, to wit:

Report of the Committee a^ij^ointed by the General Assembly
relative to claims by Nathaniel Fales, Jr., for certain
damages.

We, Uie subscribers, being appointed by the Honorable the General Assembly, to in-
quire into the damages sustained by Mr. Nathaniel Fales, Jr., by reason of an hospital's
being erected for the French troops upon the farm he hired of this state, do estimate
the same at £58 10s., to be deducted out of his rent at the stated prices he was to pay
the said rent in. JOHN CHILD,

THOMAS ALLEN.

March 23, A. D. 1781.

And the said report being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
accepted ; and that the said sum of £58 10s., be deducted
from the rents of the said Nathaniel Fales, Jr., at the stated

358 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAKD [MaRCHj

prices, in full compensation of all damages he has re-
ceived.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. Rufus Spencer,
Jeremiah Whipple and Christopher Greene, be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee to consider and ascertain the
damages which have been done upon the state's farm, late
Gervas Elam's, in North Kingstown, by Mr. John Howland,
the late tenant thereof; that the said committee also take
into consideration the damages which the said John How»
land has sustained by having public horses put on the said
farm, or otherwise ; that they make such allowances and
considerations for the said damages respectively as to them
shall appear equitable and just; and that they make report
as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that Henry Marchant, William
Taggart and William Channing, Esqs., be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee to draught a letter to the
delegates of this state, instructing them to move in Con-
gress that some adequate allowance may be made to the in»
habitants of this state for the houses, stores, &c., furnished
by them for the use of the French army, in such manner as
the wisdom of Congress shall devise ; and that they make
report to this Assembly, at the next session.

Whereas, the committee appointed by this Assembly, to
set off unto Mr. Edward Kitchen Wolcott a part of the Point
Farm (so called), have l*eported an agreement signed by
the said Edward K. Wolcott, and the committee aforesaid,
agreeing to a certain part of the said farm to be allotted
unto the said Edward K. Wolcott, agreeably to a plat of the
same made by Caleb Harris, Esq., and {)resented to this
Assembly,—

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Caleb
Harris proceed and run the line, and make sufficient monu-
ments, butts and land-marks thereon, to discriminate be-
tween the land held by the state, and the land to be holden
by the said Edward K. Wolcott, agreeably to the said plat.

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 359

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed
the last year to lease out the estates of the absentees, be,
and they are hereby, appointed to lease the same for the
present year to suitable tenants, for gold or silver only ;
saving the Point Farm (so called), in South Kingstov?n,
which the committee aforesaid, are to let at their discretion,
either for money or labor, to be done upon the said farm ;
taking special care that the tenant or tenants upon the said
farm thall pay all the taxes and assessments for the year
ensuing ; and that they rent the estates aforesaid, either at
public vendue, or by private contract, as will be most bene-
ficial to the state.

Whereas, William Channing, Esq., attorney general of
this state, represented unto this Assembly, that divers re-
ports were propagated and circulated within this and the
neighboring states, tending to injure him in his character
as a public officer and good citizen, respecting his conduct
in regard to the prosecution of the persons who were con-
cerned in the illicit trade to Long Island and Block Island,
and prayed that an inquiry might be made therein ; and
this Assembly having made full inquiry into the conduct of
the said William Channing, and the reports propagated
tending to injure his reputation, do find, —

That the said reports are entirely false and groundless;
and this Assembly do highly approve of the said William
Channing's conduct with respect to the indefatigable pains
he has taken, in order to trace out the persons who have
been concerned in that pernicious trade.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. William Taggart,
Christopher Ellery and William Langley, be, and they are
hereby, appointed a committee to make inquiry into an in-
formation exhibited to this Assembly, respecting a quantity
of sea-coal, and a public magazine, which the enemy left in
the stores of Mr. Thomas Freebody, which (it is said) he ap-
plied to his own use ; and that they make report thereof to
this Assembly at the next session.

Whereas, it appears to this Assembly, that Andrew

360 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

Craige,"Of Coventry, did impose upon the class in the said
town, whereof Mr. Robert Rogers was head, by furnishing a
recruit for the said class, who was a slave ; that after the
said slave had passed muster, his state of slavery being un-
known to the muster-master, he was demanded by his mas-
ter, and delivered up, whereby this state has been deprived
of a recruit, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Andrew
Craige be, and he is hereby, required to furnish a good, able-
bodied effective recruit, to serve for three years, or during
the war, in this state's Continental battalion, to be muster-
ed by the muster-master on or before the 10th day of
April next, without any expense to this state, or to the said
class ; and in case of default thereof, that the whole of the
said Andrew Craige's estate be taken into custody by the
sheriff of the county of Kent, to and for the use of this
state.

Whereas, Messrs. Benjamin Peckham, John Chapman and
Gideon Hoxsie, presented unto this Assembly the following
report, to wit :

Report.

The subscribers being appointed by the General Assembly, to determine a dispute
between the town of Scituate and a class in Providence, respecting a recruit to serve
for three years, or during the war, having heard the parties, are of opinion that James
Gordon, the said recruit, belongs to the said class in Providence, and report the same
accordingly. B. PECKHAM,

JOHN CHAPMAN,

March 26, 1781. GIDEON HOXSIE.

And the said report being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
accepted ; that the said James Gordon be held and account-
ed as a recruit for tlie town of Providence; and that the
said town of Scituate forthwith furnish a recruit, to serve in
the Continental service for three years, or during the war.

Additional Act for filling this state's battalion.
[See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE I'LANTATIONS. 361

It is voted and resolved, that Metcalf Bowler, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, appointed to draw duplicates of all the
accounts that have been sent forward to Congress ; and
also to draw out and complete the accounts which this
state has against the United States; and that he be allowed
for his services nine shillings in specie, or other money
equivalent, for each day that he shall be employed in the
said business.

It is voted and resolved, that Christopher Ellery, Thomas
Rumreill, Benjamin Peckham and Rowse J. Helme, Esqs.,
be, and they or the major part of them, are hereby ap-
pointed a committee, to audit the accounts of Ch.irles Hol-
den, Esq., commissary general of purchases in this state ;
and that they make report to this Assembly at the next
session.

Whereas, Messrs. Rufas Spencei-, Jeremiah Whipple and
Christopher Greene, presented unto this Assembly, the fol-
lowing report, to wit:

Eeport of the Committee appointed by the General Assembly
relative to an Account for Damages between John How-
land and the State.

We, the subscribers, being appointed by the Honorable the General Assembly, to set-
tle the accounts of damages between Mr. John Howland and the state, while He was
tenant on tlie Elara farm, beg leave to report :

Tliat we liave carefully examined the accounts and vouchers, and find a balance due
to the said John Howland, of £15, in specie.
All which is submitted by your humble servants, RUKUS SPENCER,

JEREMIAH WHIPPLE,
CHRISTOPHER GREENE.

And the said report being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
accepted ; and that the said sum of £15, be dt^ducted out
of the judgment which this state hath recovered against
the said John Howland.

Whereas, this Assembly did heretofore direct that
Matthew Robinson, Esq., of South Kingstown, should be
committed unto the jail in the said town, until the further

362 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRC H

order of this Assembly ; and whereas, the said Matthew
Robinson hath been had before this Assembly, and exam-
ined touching the matters whereof he stood charged, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Matthew
Robinson be, and he is hereby, discharged from his said
confinement ; that he be, and he is hereby, restored to all
the privileges and liberties which he before enjoyed ; and
that he appear before this Assembly, at the next session,
if required.

Whereas, William Bradford, Esq., presented unto this As-
sembly an account of the money and articles received for
the rents of the estates taken possession of by this state,
and leased by him, from March 25th, A. D. 1779, to March
25th, 1780, for articles of produce, as specified in the re-
spective leases ; and the sale of the articles, of which the
following is a statement, to wit :

Report of William Bradford, aj^j^oinied hy the General As-
sembly, relative to the Leasing, &c., of certain Estates he-
longing to the State.

£ s. d.

The farm in Exeter, belonging to Samuel Boone ; leased to Mr. Micliael

Dawley.for 9100

The several articles of produce, to the amount of the rent, were delivered
agreeably to the lease, by orders of the General Assembly, for the use
of the troops ; excepting that there was an over-charge of seventy-two
pounds of beef, delivered to Colonel Richard Fry, at threepence per
pound, which sum still remains due from the said Michael Dawley.

The farm in Bristol, lately belonging to William Vassal ; leased to Mr. Na-
thaniel Fales, Jr., for 153 00

The rent was paid in manner as aforesaid ; excepting three hundred and
thirty-six pounds of wool, at two shiUings and twopence per pound, de-
livered to the said William Bradford.

The farm in Bristol, lately belonging to John Borland ; leased to Mr. Wm.

Ti f ... 80 00
Pearse, for

The rent was paid in manner as aforesaid ; excepting forty-six pounds and
one-quarter of wool, at two sliillings and twopence per pound, delivered
to the said Wni. Bradford.

The farm in Tiverton, lately belonging to Andrew Oliver; leased to

Messrs. Isaac Manchester and Thomas Carey, for 17o 09

Wool to the amount of the rent, was sold by the tenants, by order of the Gen-
eral Assembly, and the money paid into the treasury ; excepting sev-
en hundred and fitly pounds and three-quarters ol wool, at two shiUings
and twopence per pound, delivered to the said William Bradford.

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 363

X s.d.
The lot of land in Tiverton, belonging to Mr. Stephen Ayrault, ; leased to

Mr. Gilbert-Devol, for 6 10

Corn to the amount of the rent was delivered, by order of the General As-
sembly, for the use of the troops.
The house and lot of land in Providence, lately belonging to Gilbert De-

bloise ; leased to Mr. James Hill, for 16 00

Old Continental money, at the rate of sixty for one, to the amount of the

rent, was paid into the general treasury, by order of the General

Assembly.
The shop in Providence, lately belonging to Mr. Jonathan Simpson ; leased

to Mr. John Mumiord, for 4 05

The rent received in old Continental money, at seventy-two for one, by the

said William Bradford.
The lot of land lying in Soutli Kingstown, lately belonging to John Bor-
land ; leased to Mr. Thomas Gardner, for 20 00

The rent was paid in articles of produce, delivered for the use of the troops,

by order of the General Assembly.
The farm in North Kingstown, lately belonging to George Wightman ;

leased to Mr. Matthew Manchester, for 41 00

The rent was paid in manner as aforesaid ; excepting that the said William

Bradford, by order of the General Assembly, received old Continental

money for twenty-two and three-quarters bushels of corn, at §25 per

bushel.
The farm'in North Kingstown, lately belonging to Gervas Elam ; leased to

Mr. John Howland, from March 25th, A. D. 1778, to March 25th, A. D.

177a, for 90 00

The said William Bradford sued the lease, and recovered £1,267 16s., old

Continental money, which was paid into the general treasury, by the

sheriif of the county of Newport.

We, the subsq-ibers, being appointed by the Honorable General Assembly, to settle
the accounts of William Bradford, Esq., for the rents of the sequestered estates, do
report :

That we have carefully examined the same; and that there is a balance due
from him to the state, in old Continental money, of j£51 &d.

JOHN JENCKES,
METCALF BOWLER,
March 27th, 1781. Committee.

And the premises being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the aforesaid report be, and
the same is hereby, accepted ; and that the aforesaid bal-
ance of £51 C(Z., old Continental money, be paid by the said
William Bradford, into the general treasury.

Whereas, a number of the inhabitants of the town of
Hopkinton, preferred a petition, and represented unto this
Assembly, that there is a highway from Pawcatuck Bridge,

364 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCS,

in Westerly, kid tlirough said Westerly and Hopkinton, in
a direct course to Providence ; that the same will be benefi-
cial to the public, if extendi-d in its course through the
other towns ; and thereupon prayed that a committee may
be appointed to examine the same ; and the said petition be-
ing duly considered, — -

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. Stephen Potter, Jon-
athan Comstock, John Chapman and Benjamin Maxson, be,
and they are hereby, appointed a committee, to inspect into
the liTghway proposed to be laid out, with the distances,
and the land through which the same is to run, and to whom
it belongs ; that they make report to this Assembly at the
next session ; and that no expense accrue to the state thereby.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. Thomas Eumreill,
Welcome Arnold, Benjamin Peckham, William Bradford
and Stephen Potter, be, and they or the major part of them
are hereby, appointed a committee to re-examine all the es-
timates and calculations which have been made for propor-
tioning the taxes which have been assessed upon the in-
habitants of this state, for two years past; that the several
towns within this state be, and they are hereby, required to
furnish the said committee with the rolls, that have been
made out by the committee of five ; that each town furnish
the said committee with an exact and true copy of the rate-
bills for proportioning the tax assessed in June, A. D. 1779,
for raising the sum of £225,000 ; the rate-bill for propor-
tioning the tax assf^ssed in July last, for raising the sum of
of £400,000 ; and the rate-bill for assessing the tax of
£1,000,000, upon the inhabitants of this state; that the said
committee proceed and endeavor to proportion the value of
each and every town within this state, that a due and equal
proportion of the taxes may be laid upon the several towns^
according to their respective abilities to pay the same ; that
each town that apprehends itself to be overburthened in
proportion, have liberty at the expense of such town to ap-
point a person to meet the said committee at such time and
place as they shall appoint; that all petitions presented to

1781.] ANU PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 365

this Assembly respecting taxation be referred ; that each
and every town may present to the said committee any pe-
tition for grievances respecting taxation, which the said
committee are to inquire into ; and that they malve report
to this Assembly at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that the Honorable William
West, Esq., William Bradford and Esek Hopkins, Esqs., be,
and they are hereby, appointed a committee to meet the
commissioners from the other New England states, and the
state of New York, in convention, to be holden in Provi-
dence, on the 12th day of April next, for the purpose of con-
sulting and devising ways and means that Congress may be
invested with power to collect and raise a permanent fund
for the paying, clothing and supporting the army, and for
discharging the interest arising upon the debts which have
been contracted ; that the said committee be, and they are
hereby, fully empowered to consult, deliberate and advise
with said convention, in all and every subject and matter
which may be brought into contemplation, respecting the
welfare of the United States or our allies ; and in particular
to take into consideration the subject-matter of the policy
and justice of admitting into union and confederation with
the thirteen United States of America, the people calling
themselves the state of Vermont.

Provided, that nothing which shall be done in the said
convention, in consequence of this appointment, be binding
upon this state, until ratified by this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that Metcalf Bowler and Nicho-
las Brown, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed tempo-
rary commissioners for the jjurpose of joining with a com-
missioner to be sent from the board of treasury, to re-
ceive and liquidate the public accounts within this state.

It is voted and resolved, that the persons who are in pos-
session of the Indian meal belonging to this state, which
was ground for the militia, be, and they are hereby, re-
quested to exchange the same for Indian corn, at the usual
rate of exchange ; and that in case the same cannot be ef-

366 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

fected, and the meal is in danger of being spoiled, they dis-
pose of it at the best prices, and account for the money.

Whereas, Major William Bradford preferred a petition
and represented unto this Assembly, that previous to the
reduction of the late regiment commanded by Colonel Sher-
burne, he was appointed a sub-inspector in the army, in
which employment he continued till the close of the last
campaign ; that he conceives his being in actual service was
either unknown or not adverted to, when this Assembly di-
rected their committee, in the liquidation of the said regi-
ment's accounts, to settle them up only to May 1, 1780,
without discriminating him from the others, who were put
out of service by the reduction of the said regiment ; and
thereupon prayed this Assembly to direct the said commit-
tee to adjust his accounts to the 1st day of August last, it
being the time to which the accounts of the other officers
and soldiers who were in service were adjusted ; and the
said petition being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be. and hereby is,
granted ; that the subject-matter thereof, be referred to the
committee for settling depreciation; and that they make re-
port to this Assembly at the next session.

It is voted and resolved, that Nathan Gardner and Ed-
ward Hull, both of South Kingstown, be, and they are here-
by, permitted to go upon Block Island, to settle their rents
in arrear, and to lease out their estates upon the said
island ; that they have leave to return to South Kingstown,
agreeably to a petition by them preferred unto this Assem-
bly ; and that the same be done under the inspection of
Gideon Hoxsie, Esq.

Whereas, Allen James, of South Kingstown, preferred a
petition and represented unto this Assembly, that his wife's
mother and brother have both lately died in Huntington,
upon Long Island, and there left her a considerable personal
estate, which by information is liable to be wasted, unless
he applies for it soon ; and thereupon prayed this Assembly
that he may be permitted to go upon the said island by the

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 367

way of Connecticut, or any other way that shall be
most convenient ; and the said petition being duly con-
sidered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
granted ; and that it be, and hereby is,, recommended to
Colonel Ledyard, or the commanding officer at New Lon-
don or Groton, to permit the said Allen James to pass to
Long Island, and back again, for the purpose aforesaid, if
the same shall not be thought detrimental to the public
service.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. Benjamin Sheffield be,
and he is hereby, permitted to go upon New Shoreham, to
negotiate bills left by the enemy for stock taken from his
estate on the said island, and to return again, agreeably to
the prayer of a petition by him preferred unto this Assem-
bly ; and that the same be done under the inspection. of
Gideon Hoxsie, Esq.

An Act in addition to, and amendment of, an act, passed in
October, A. D. 1779, entitled "An act for the better form-
ing, regulating and conducting the military force of this
state."

[See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

It is voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby is, recom-
mended to Benjamin Bourne, Esq., assistant deputy quarter-
master general, to pay the account of Mr. Samuel Anthony,
exhibited unto this Assembly, amounting to £27, in Conti-
nental bills of the new emission, for going an express
from Newport, to His Excellency General Washington, in
the year 1776.

An Act more effectually to prevent illicit trade, commerce
and correspondence, with the enemies of this and the
other United States of America.

[See printed Schedule pr this act at length.]

368 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

An Act paying for beef supplied sereral towns.

Whereas, by an act of this Assembly, passed at the session in January last, for ap-
portioning to the several towns in this state, and for collecting fresh beefier supplying
the army of the United States, it was therein, among other things, —

Resolved, that if any town should deliver any greater quantity of beef, or sum of
money, than is assigned by the said act, such town shall be credited for such quantity
of beef as they shall deliver over their proportion ; or for so much beef as the moneys
paid over their proportion shall amount to, to be deducted from the next proportion of
beef assigned to such town.

And whereas, some of the said towns, in pursuance thereof, have delivered a greater
proportion in beef or money than was assigned them as aforesaid, whereby the pur-
chaser of said beef was enabled, with the credit which he obtained, to purchase and de
liver double the quantity of beef for the use aforesaid, than was ex^iected by the said
apportionment.

Wherefore, for discharging the balances due and payable on the 5th day of May
next, for the beef purchased as afaresald ; and that the several towns may CDntribute
towards the same in an equal proportion, agreeably to the intent and meaning of the
said act, —

It is voted and resolved, that the towns hereafter named, pay into the general treas
ury, on or before the 5th day of May next, the several sums, in silver or gold, here
in .respectively apportioned to them, to be appropriated as aforesaid, to wit :

Amount apiiortioned to the several Towns.

£ s. d. £ s. d.

Newport 61 00 South Kingstown 68 12

Portsmouth 10 00 Charlestown 32 07

Jamestown 4 00 Richmond « 28 12

Middletown 14 00 Exeler 41 14

Little Compton 36 00 Hopkinton 34 13

Providence 60 00 Warren 15 13

Glocester 67 10 Barringtou 12 00

Cumberland 37 00 Warwick 5 16

Cranston .' 50 05 East Greenwich 20 12

Johnston 25 15 West Greenwich 80 08 •

North Providence 18 08 Coventry 41 00

Westerly 39 05

North Kingstown 55 08 £818 18

It is further voted and resolved, that the general treasurer make and deliver to the
persons, of whom he receive the sums of money, or any part thereof, as aforesaid, cei-
tificates of the amount of the sums so received, mentioning the name of the person
and town on whose account the same is received ; which said certificates shall dis.
charge so much as is therein expressed, of the next state tax which shall be assessed
upon the inhabitants of this state for gold or silver ; and the general treasurer is di-
rected to receive the same accordingly.

It is further voted and resolved, that m case any town shall neglect to pay the money
assigned them, and within the time aforesaid, such delinquent town shall forfeit and
pay into the general treasury, for the use %i this state, double the sum in which they

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 369

shall be deficient, to be collected by adding the same to the next succeeding tax which
shall be assessed upon such town.

It is further voted and resolved, that the general treasurer make a report to the next
Assembly, of the moneys which he shall receive in pursuance thereof, that double the
deficiency, if any, may be added to the next state tax, which shall be assessed against
the delinquent towns in manner as aforesaid.

It is further voted and resolved, that a copy hereof be immediately transmitted to the
town clerk of each of the aforementioned towns.

Whereas, the committee who were appointed to appraise
and set off to the officers and soldiers in the Continental ar-
my, the lands and buildings which were assigned unto them
in part of their depreciation, have set off the farm late

Hutchinson's, and the farm late Apthorp's,

lying in Jamestown ; the house and lot of land in Newport,

late Lawton's ; and the house and lot late

Deblois, in Providence, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the persons to
whom the same were respectively set off, have the immedi"
ate possession of the same delivered unto them.

And it is further voted and resolved, that the rents for

the year ensuing, of the farm improved by Davis,

late Royal's, be received by the said officers ; the

said ferm being appropriated towards discharging their de-
preciation.

Whereas, divers goods, wares and merchandize, have been
seized, and are now in the possession of the sheriffs of the
counties of Kings and Newport, upon suspicion of being im-
ported from Long Island and New Shoreham, which are in
the possession or under the control of the enemy ; and as
the same are liable to condemnation in such manner as this
Assembly shall order, —

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that the attorney general
of this state, in behalf of the same, file in the clerk's office of
the superior court of judicature, &c., for the county of New-
port, informations against the said goods, wares and mer-
chandize ; that the said clerk give notice thereof in the
Newport newspaper, that any claimant may (if he see
cause,) appear and file his claim, on or before the second

370 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCII,

day of the said superior court, which shall first be held n
the said county ; that the said court be, and they are here-
by, empowered to take cognizance of the said informations
and claims, and commit the same to a jury, to inquire if
such goods, wares and merchandize have been so imported
or not, who shall return a verdict for the condemnation or
discharge of the same, as shall appear in evidence; and the
said court shall enter judgment thereon accordingly.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
if upon the said trials, any evidence shall be produced, to
make it probable that such goods, &c., were imported as
aforesaid, it shall be sufficient evidence for condemning the
same, unless the person or persons claiming property therein,
shall, by sufficient evidence, prove that the same were lawful-
ly imported, and not from Long Island, or any other island
or place in the possession or under the control of the enemj'.

And whereas, a part of the said goods, wares and mer-
chandize,were seized as aforesaid, in consequence of informa-
tion given of the same being imported as aforesaid, whereby
the informants are entitled to, and do expect, to receve the
same allowances as are provided in the act passed at the
present session, to prevent illicit trade with the enemy, —

It is therefore further enacted, that the one-half of all
the goods, wares and merchandize, which were informed
against, and which shall appear to have been imported as
aforesaid, after all charges allowed by the said court, are
paid and satisfied, shall be condemned to the person or per-
sons who gave such information, and the other half-part
shall be paid into the general treasury to and for the use of
this state ; and that such of the said goods, wares and mer-
chandize, which have been so imported, and were not in-
formed against as aforesaid, be condemned, after all charges
are paid as aforesaid, to the use of this state.

Whereas, Abraham Whipple, Esq., commander of the naval
force of the United States at the siege of Charleston, in South
Carolina, preferred a petition, and represented unto this As-
sembly, that after the surrender of the said town and ship

1781.] AMI) PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 371

ping, he made application to Vice Admiral Arbiithnot, and ob-
tained the paroles of the officers of the squadron under his
command, and permission to charter a vessel for the returnfof
a specified number of the same; that he drew a bill for the hire
of the said vessel to the amount of £100, sterling, in favor
of Gregory Cozzens, the master thereof, and addressed the
same for payment to Daniel Tillinghast, Esq., Continental
agent, at Providence ; who having no money at the arrival
of the said cartel, referred the said bill to the honorable the
commissioners of the Continental navy board in the eastern
department ; that the said board acceded to the propriety
of the said bill's being paid by the public, but want of
money prevented it ; and the said Gregory Cozzens sold the
bill to Christopher Ellery, Esq., who immediately put it in
suit, and hath obtained execution against him for the same,
returnable at May court ensuing ; and thereupon the said
Abraham Whipple prayed that the said execution may be
stayed, and an opportunity afibrded to the commissioners of
the said navy board to collect the money ; which being duly
considered, —

It is voted and resolved, by and with the consent of the
parties, that the prayer of the said petition be granted ; and
that interest be allowed to the said Christopher Ellery on
the said execution, until the same shall be satisfied.

It is voted and resolved, that the petition of Mr. Elisha
Clarke, who was returned as a delinquent in the expedition
on Rhode Island, in the year 1778, praying that he may be
relieved therefrom, be, and the same is hereby, referred 'to
the next town meeting of the town of North Kingstown ;
and that the said town meeting consider the same, and
cause what to right and justice shall appertain to be done
unto the petitioner.

It is voted and resolved, that the petition of William
Corey, of North Kingstown, preferred unto this Assembly,
praying that he may be liberated from his confinement in
the said town, be, and the same is hereby, referred to the

372 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

next town meeting of the said town ; and that the said
town meeting do what shall be j^rudent and right thereon.

It is voted and resolved, that the commissary of purchases
within this state, be, and he is hereby, directed to make no
more'purchases in behalf of this statCj^uutil the further or-
ders of this Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that Lieutenant Colonel Samuel
Ward be, and he is hereby, requested to make out the pay
abstracts for the non-commissioned officers and soldiers who
enlisted into this state's Continental battalions, to serve for
six months; that the secretary furnish the said Samuel
Ward with the necessary papers, to enable him to complete
the said abstracts, if they are in his office ; if not, that he
make application to the deputy adjutant general of the
Continental army, in this department, for the muster-rolls of
the said corps ; that the respective towns be, and they are
hereby, required]^ to furnish the said Samuel Ward with any
enlistments, or other documents in their possession, that
may enable him to complete the said business ; and that
each town which has paid or shall pay their said soldiers,
shall have the amount of their wages deducted out of their
next state tax.

Whereas, from the frequent meetings of the General As-
sembly, and the multiplicity of business, which is necessarily
transacted therein, the records of this state are not fully
brought up to this period, and the schedules have not been
so timely forwarded to the respective towns as otherwise
might have been, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Rowse J. Helme,
Esq., be, and he is hereby, aj^pointed to assist the secretary
in the said office, that the acts and votes of the Assembly I
may be fully recorded, and the schedules transmitted to the I
respective towns in due season ; that this Assembly will |
make such allowances unto the said Rowse J. Helme, as his i
services may merit ; and that the secretaiy do not charge j
any thing to the state for transcribing the votes and acts i

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 373

of this Assembly which shall be clone by the said Rowse J,
Helme, in order to prepare the same for the press.

It is voted and resolved, that Christopher Ellery and
William Taggart, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed
a committee to receive of the former clerk of the superior
court, for the county of Newport, the papers, &c., belonging
to his office, and deliver the same to the present clerk of
the said court ; and that the clerk of the inferior court for
the county of Newport, cause the papers belonging to his
office, to be brought from Rehoboth, and deposited in the
house of, and under the care of, Pardon Gray, Esq.

It is voted and resolved, that it be, and hereby is, recom-
mended to Benjamin Bourne, Esq., assistant deputy quarter-
master general, to pay to the town council of Portsmouth,
to and for the use of the said town, the sum of £54, in Con-
tinental bills, of the new emission ; the said sum being in
full satisfaction for a house belonging to the said town of
Portsmouth, taken for public use, by order of Major General
Heath.

Whereas, Mr. Robert Sands, of South Kingstown, pre-
ferred a petition, and represented unto this Assembly, that
his father is possessed of a large real estate upon Block
Island, which he has committed to his care ; and thereupon
prayed this Assembly that he may be permitted to go upon
the said island, under the inspection of Gideon Hoxsie,
Esq., and bring off such articles of produce as have been
raised upon the said estate; which being duly consid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Robert Sands be,
and he is hereby, permitted to go upon the said island, un-
der the direction of Gideon Hoxsie, Esq. ; and that he do
not return without the order of this Assembly.

Whereas, the state house in the county of Newport was
used as a barrack by the enemy, during the time they were
in possession of the island of Rhode Island, whereby the
same was so much injured/j^that this Assembly, nor the

374 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

courts of law cannot be accommodated therein, miless large
sums of money be expended in the repair thereof; and
whereas, the said courts have heretofore met in the syna-
gogue, in the town of Newport, which with a small expense
may be rendered convenient for this Assembly and the said
courts, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sheriffof the coun-
ty of Newport, under the direction of the present deputies of
the said town, cause such a number of benches to be placed
in the said synagogue, as will accommodate the members of
this Assembly ; and that he purchase two tables and twelve
chairs for the use aforesaid.

Whereas, a certain lot of land, situate in Newport, con-
taining about four acres, was confiscated to the use of this
state, as the property of Isaac Lawton ; and whereas, since
the confiscation thereof, it hath been represented to this As-
sembly, that Mrs. — ■ Butts, widow of John Butts, Esq.,

deceased, hath a right to an equity of redemption in the
same ; it having been mortgaged to the said Isaac Lawton
by her said husband, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Mrs.
Butts be, and she is hereby, empowered to prosecute any
action or bill for the recovery of any right she may have
in the same, the said judgment of confiscation notwith-
standing.

Provided, that this state continue in the possession of the
said land, until such action or bill so to be commenced, be
finally determined.

Whereas, there are a number of inhabitants of the town
of Newport, well effected to the United States of America,
who have not had an opportunity to comply with the law of
this state, prescribing a test to be subscribed by the inhab-
itants thereof, on account of the enemy's having possession
of the said town, whereby they are deprived of the privilege
of voting, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said inhabit-

1781] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 375

ants be, and they are hereby, permitted to subscribe the
said test, with the approbation of Christopher Ellery, Esq.,
and the deputies of the said town.

Whereas, there are a number of inhabitants of the towns
of Portsmouth and Middletown, well aflfected to the United
States of America, who have not had an opportunity to
comply with the law of this state, prescribing a test to be
subscribed by the inhabitants thereof, on account of the en-
emy's having possession of the said towns, whereby they are
deprived of the privilege of voting, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said inhabit-
ants of the said towns be, and they are hereby, permitted
to subscribe the said test, with the approbation of the
presidents of the town council, and deputies of the said
towns, respectively.

It is voted and resolved, that Rowse J. Helme, Esq., be,
and he is hereby, empowered to sell at public vendue, a
long-boat, belonging to this state, lying in South Kingstown,
on Boston Neck ; and that he pay the money, arising from
the sale thereof, into the general treasury.

Whereas, Joshua Randall, formerly of the state of (Connec-
ticut, who has resided for some time on the farm of Colonel
John Gardner, hath been detected in harboring and con-
cealing persons from Long Island, with their goods, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sheriff of the
county of Kings be, and he is hereby, directed to convey
the said Joshua Randtdl out of this state within twenty days
after he shall be discharged from his recognizance by the
superior court; and that if he shall return, the sheriffs of
either of the counties in this state be, and they are hereby?
directed to apprehend him, and commit him to close con-
finement in either of the jails in this state, there to remain
until the further orders of this Assembly.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid
out of the general treasury, viz. :

276 RECOKDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.AKD [MaRCH,

Bills Ordered to he Paid.

£ s.d.

Thomas Rice, for necessaries furnished to Marcj' Martindale, one of the

poor of Newport 1 03 06

Thomas Allen, for three muskets and accoutrements taken from him for
the use of the militia in General Sullivan's expedition on Rhode
Island 12 19 00

Beriah Waite, for carrying several acts of the Assembly to each town

clerk in the county of Kings 3 04 09

Edward Perry, for making three copies of an act of the General Arsembly

for calling out part of the militia 1 12 08

George Irish, for his services, expenses, &c., in procuring a ferry-boat for

Mrs. Mary Franklin , 9 07 02

John Reynolds, agent-clothier for the state, authorized to draw out of the
general treasury, 84,000.

William Mumford, for his services in assisting the committee in settling

the depreciation accounts of the Continental troops raised by the state 9 18 Op

John Northup, for his services as one of the committee for settling the de-
preciation accounts of the Continental troops raised by the state 7 12 01

Daniel Branch, for a'ttending upon Lieutenant Colonel Olney, while mus-
tering recruits for the Continental battahon of the state 14 02 00

William Mumford, for four days' attendance on the General Assembly, as

deputy secretary 50000

William Tanner, a soldier, on account of depreciation 9 00 00

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah Olney, for paper and casks, by liim procured

for the use of the state ; 4 12 OO

Lieutenant Oliver Jenckes, for the hire of a horse to accompany General

Washington to Voluntown 1 13 09

Sergeant Seth Fisher, for his services and expenses in apprehending Cuff

Slade and William Howard, deserters 6 14 06

Captain Thomas Cole, on account of depreciation 36 00 00

Christopher Clarke, for three blankets by him furnished for the use of the

state's troops , 6 00 00

John Baggs, Jr., a wounded soldier 27 00 00

Beriah Brown, sheriff of the county of Kings, for his attendance on tlie

General Assembly, and on the courts, &c 118 03 08

Preserved Pearce, sheriff of the county of Kent, for carrying the acts and

orders of the General Assembly, &c 43 05 09

Captain Timothy Lock, for his company, who did duty in July and Au-
gust, 1780 8 10 04

Samuel Ward, for examining and completing the militia abstracts 1 1 14 08

Captain William Tew, for his expenses from headquarters to this state and
back to West Point, .§23 75.

James Shearman, for four bushels of corn furnished for General Stanton's

brigade 2 02 08

Moses Cooper, for fifty bushels of corn, by him furnished for the use of the

army 22 10 00

Andrew Boyd, for his attendance on the justices of the superior court, as

clerk 19 06 03

James Pierce, for one day's work on the state house in South Kingstown. . 10 08

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 377

£ s. d.

Robert Newell, for coloring a piece of silk gauze for George Howell 1 08 01

Edward Perry, clerk of the superior court for the county of Kings,

for fees, &c 7 00 00

Walter Channing, for his fees, as clerk of the superior court for the county

of Newport 27 02 00

Samuel Helme, for copying an act of the General Assembly, for calling out

the militia 10 09

Sergeant Esek Dexter, for his expenses in pursuing a deserter 18 03

Nicholas Easton, for twenty-three guns and accoutrements furnished for

the town of Middletown, in the year 1776 17 09 02

John Child and Thomas Allen, for their services in estimating the damage

sustained by Nathaniel Fales, Jr 1 16 00

Archibald Crary, for examining and completing the abstracts of the militia

in the alarm in July and August last, &c. . . . , 17 00 00

Hopkins Cooke, for the same service 16 03 00

John Carter, for printing 35 08 00

Henry Barber, " '■ 36 02 00

Bennett Wheeler, " 15 10 00

Benjamin Bourne, assistant deputy quartermaster general, authorized to
* draw out of the general treasury, to supply the quartermaster's de-
partment 600 09 00

Beriah Brown, sheriff of the county of Kings, for fees, &c 6 15 00

" " " " " " for wjirning members of the

General Assembly, &c 7 04 00

William Taggart, Jr., for horse hire, expenses, &c., in searching for illicit

goods 7 11 02

Caleb Harris, for services done the state 15 00 00

Matthew Manchester, for his services, expenses, &c., as one of the com-
mittee for surveying and appraising the state's farms set off to the offi-
cers and soldiers of this state 6 00 00

William Richmond, for his expenses, &c., for the same service 6 00 00

WiUiam Taggart, " " " " " 6 00 00

Hezekiah Wilcox, for the freight of a quantity of salt for the state 14 13 01

Solomon Southwick, deputy commissary general of issues, authorized to

draw out of the general treasury 100 00 00

Benjamin Bosworth, for his expenses, &c., in estimating the damages done

. by the troops upon Rhode Island and Jamestown, in the year 1776 ... 16 00 02
George Cornell, deputy sheriff, for serving two warrants upon Beriah Al-
len and Job Durfee 2 09 00

John Northup, Peter Phillips and Robert Brown, for settling a dispute be-
tween the state and John Howland 1 16 00

WiUiam Richmond, for his services in surveying and selling the state's

farms , 10 06 06

Robert Congdon, a soldier in the Continental army, in the pay of this

state, for depreciation 6 00 00

EUsha Mowry, Jr., for his services in surveying and viewing the farms set

off to the officers and soldiers of this state's Continental battalions 7 10 00

John Jenckes, &c., for the same service 7 10 00

William Bradford, for his services in leasing the state's farms, paying the

rents, &c 44 16 00

Beriah Waite, deputy sheriff, for apprehending William Rhodes, &c. . . , . . 8 02 00
VOL. IX. 48

378 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaRCH,

£ s. d.
Robert Rodman, Jr., for eight bushels of corn, furnished for the use of Col.

Thomas Potter's regiment 40604

Elijah Bacon, for his expenses, &c., in going to Boston 4 12 07

Clark Albro, keeper of the jail in the county of Kings, for the maintenance

.of EUsha Sisson, a poor prisoner 5 05 02

Shubael Burr, for entertaining General Wasliington and suite 12 12 OO

Peter Turner, surgeon, on account of depreciation 540000

John Parish, surgeon's mate, " " 27 00 00

Ebenezer Tefft, for Iiis attendance on the present General Assembly, as a

waiter, &c 9 03 07

Freeman Peny, for his attendance on the General Assembly, as an assist-
ant secretary, &c 9 18 00

Eowse J. Helme, for paper furnished, and for his attendance on the Gen-
eral Assembly, as clerk 14 07 05

Stephen Mumford, autborved to draw out of the general treasury, to dis-
charge a note, &c 538 10 06

Edward Perry, for assisting the justices of the superior court, &c 6 08 00-

Daniel TefR, 3d, for one cord of wood by him delivered for the use of the

General Assembly, &c 2 02 05

Dayid Douglass, for his attendance on the present General Assembly, as a

waiter, &c 9 18 06

Clark Albro, a wounded soldier ; in compensation for a wound he received 15 00 OO
Jonathan Gladding, for his services as conductor in the laboratory at

Providence 2 06 02

God save the United States of America.

Gov. Trumbull, of Connectimt, to the Governor of Rhode
Island, relative to the admission of Vermont into the
Union.

Hartford, March 9th, 1781.
Sir : — In conformity to the recommendation of the late convention holden in tliis place,
from the New England states and the state of New York, and a concurrent compliance
on the part of said states, agreeing to a second convention to be soon holden, I have to
inform Your E.xcellency that I have fixed on Thursday, the 12th day of April next for
the commissioners from the several states to meet in convention at Providence, in the
state of Rhode Island.

Enclosed is a resolution lately passed in General Assembly of this state, enlarging
the instructions to their commissioners, which I am desired to communicate for the
purpose therein mentioned.

An act is also passed in the present sessions of our Assembly, vesting in Congress a
power to levy and collect duties and imposts on goods imported, and on prize goods, in
consequence of resolutions of Congress of tlie 3d and 7th of February last; copy of
which is transmitted to Congress.

With esteem and regard, I am, sir.

Your most obedient and very humble servant,

JON'TH. TRUMBULL.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

1781.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 379

Le Comjite de Rochambeau to the Governor of Rhode
Island.

Newport, April 6th, 1781.
Sir : — tt having been necessary on different occasions to make use of the boats of this
country, and having experienced delays which may be very prejudicial to the public
service ; or having been grossly imposed on as to the payment in hard money, which is
equally pernicious, I beg of Your Excellency to send me an order which I may make
use of on all occasions, that I may have the boats at the same price and conditions as
the Continental army. As this corps is a part of it, it is but just that it should be
treated in the same manner ; it is likewise for the service of the common cause.

I beg Your Excellency to have regard to my demand, and to be persuaded of the re-
Bpect with which I am,

Your Excellency's most humble and most obedient servant,

Le COMPTE DeROCHAMBEAU.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

P. S. I beg of Your Excellency that the order may likewise be for the wagons of the
country, in case they should be needed for the service.

The Governor of Rhode Island to General le Compte
de Rochambeau.

Warwick, 7th AprU, 1781.
Sir : — Your favor of yesterday is now before me, and am sorry to find that you meet
With difficulty in regard to the prices of boats and wagons, when necessarily employed
by you.

But as I am not authorized to give an order in the manner you have requested, shall
lay your letter before the General Assembly in the early part of their next sessions,
which is to be held in Newport within about four weeks ; and in the meanwhile recom-
mend to you Christopher P^Uery, Esq., Mr. William Channing, Col. Robert EUiot and
Mr. William Taggart, who are members of the General Assembly, and inhabitants of
Newport. They, or either of them, are capable of letting you know what are the cus-
tomary prices for those articles when employed in the manner you have mentioned ;
and I doubt not will cheerfully afford you every assistance in their power. And you
may rest assured that nothing shall be wanting on my part consistent with the power
vested in me, to prevent impositions of this kind from taking place.
With great regard,

I am your most obedient and most humble servant,

WM. GREENE.
To His Excellency Gen'l Rochambeau.

RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MAftCfl,

Gen. Nathaniel Greene to the Governor of Rhjde Island.

Camp before Camden, I
April 22d, 1781. \

Sir : — 'In my last I informed your Excellency of Lord Cornwallig's precipitate re-
treat from Deep River, of the situation of our army for want of proyisions, and of the
Virginia militia time of service having expired ; whicli reduced our numbers greatly
inferior to the enemy's.

Finding that I had not a force to pursue them further, and that our army couM not
be subsisted either on the route the enemy had marched, or in the lower country, I
thouglit it most advisable to push my operations into Ssmth Caroliua to recover the ex-
piring hopes of the people, to divide with the enemy tlie supplies of the country, of
which they had an entire command ; to break up their little posts of communicatioD,
and if possible oblige Lord Ccfrnwallis to return to the state for their protection.

This last was the great object of ray movement ; and had we a force to prosecute the
plan, I persuade myself it would take eflect ; but for want of which, the matter re-
mains doubtful. Upwards of five months have I been in this department, with nothing
but the remains of a routed army, except the addition of Col. Lee's legion, and a couple
of small detachments from Virginia, amounting to little more than a regiment ; and
those without discipline, or even officers to command them. In this situation, with a
temporary aid of militia, we have been struggling with a very unequal force, under
every possible disadvantage, and surrounded with every kind of distress.

We have run every hazard, and been exposed to every danger, not only of being
beaten, but totally ruined. I have been anxiously waiting for succor ; but the prospect
appears remote, except the temporary aid of militia, which is too precarious and uncer-
tain to commence any serious oflensive operations upon.

The more I inquire into the natural strength of North and South Cardina, either to
form or support an army, the more I am persuaded they have been greatly overrated.
More of the inhabitants appear in the king's interest than in ours ; and the country is
so extensive, and thinly inhabited, that it is not easy either to draw any considerable
force together, or to subsist them when collected. The militia in our interest, can do
little more than keep tories in subjection, and in many places not that.

These states were in a better condition to make exertions last campaign, than this;
the well-effected last year, spent their time and their substance in fruitless exertions ;
and finding themselves unequal to the conflict, and their families being exposed and
in distress, hundreds and hundreds of the best whigs have left their country. Last year
it was full of resources ; this, it is almost totally exhausted ; and the little produce that
remains, is so remote, means of transportation so difficult to command, that it is next to
an impossibility to collect it.

The enemy have got a firmer footing in the southern states than is generally expect-
ed. Camden ninety -six, and Augusta cover all the fertile parts of South Carolina and
Georgia ; and they are laying waste the country above them, which will effectually secnre
those posts, as no army can be subsisted in the neighborhood to operate against them.
Below, they have a great many intermediate posts of commimication, for the purpose of
awing the country and commanding its supplies. Nor can I see how we are to reduce
those capital posts but with a superior army in the field.

I wish Congress not to be deceived respecting the situation of things in the southern
department ; and therefore I hope they will excuse the fi-eedom I take. If more eff'ec-
tual support cannot be given than has been, or as I can see any prospect of, I am very
apprehensive that the enemy will hold their ground, not only in the sea-ports, but the
interior coimtry . The conflict may continue for some time longer, and Generals Sump-

1781.]

AND PROVIDENCE TLANTATIONS. 381

ter and Marion deserve great credit for their exertions and perseverance, but their en,
deavors serve rather to keep the contest alive, than lay a foundation for recovering the
states.

We began our march from Deep River on the 7th, and arrived in the neighborhood
of Camden on the 19th ; all the country through which we passed is disaffected ; and
the same guards and scouts were necessary to collect provisions and forage, as if in
an open and avowed enemy's country.

On our arrival at Camden, we took post at Logtown, about half a mile in front of
their works ; which, upon reconnoitering, were found to be much stronger than had been
represented, and the garrison much larger. The town is upon a plain, covered on two
sides by the river Wateree and Pine "Tree Creek. The two other sides, by a chain of
strong redoubts ; all nearly of the same size, and independent of each other. Our force
was too small, either to invest the town, or storm the works, which obliged us to take &
position at a little distance from it.

Before we began our march from Deep River, I detached Lieut. Col. Lee with his
legion, and part of the second Maryland regiment, to join Gen. Marion, to invest the
enemy's post of communication upon the Santee ; and one of their posts is now invest-
ed, called Fort Watson, and must fall, if not relieved by a detachment of Lord Cornwal'
lis's army.

I have been greatly disappointed in the force I expected to operate with me. Fif-
teen hundred Virginia militia were called for immediately after the battle of Guilford,
having this present movement in contemplation at the time ; and the state gave an or-
der for a greater number than was required. But the busy season of the year, and the
great distance they have to march, prevents their coming to our assistance in time, if
not in force. General Sunipter also engaged to have one thosand men in the field by
the 10th, to operate with us ; but the difficulty of collecting the miUtia, from the disa-
greeable situation of their families, has prevented their embodyieg yet in any consider-
able force.

These disappointments lay us under many disadvantages, to say nothing worse.
The country is extremely difficult to operate in, being much cut to pieces by deep
creeks, and impassable morasses ; and many parts are covered with such heavy timber,
and thick underbrush, as exposes an army and particularly detachments, to frequent
surprises.

The service has been so severe, that it will be absolutely necessary to give the army
some relaxation soon, and therefore I lament the delay which is occasioned at this time
for want of sufficient force to invest all the enemy's posts of communication. Our
numbers are so reduced by the different actions and skirmishes which have happened,
and by the fatigues and hardships .of the service, that we have but the shadow of an
army remaining ; and this we are obUged to divide, to push our operations to any ef-
fect ; though it is attended with danger, and may prove our ruin.

I am extremely mortified at the disappointment which happened in Virginia, in the
plan of co-operation against Portsmouth, between our good ally and the Marquis de La
Fayette, Success there, would have given us great relief here ; and I am persuaded
that nothing can recover this country out of the hands of the enemy, but a similar
plan in the southern states. At present, the enemy have as full possession of Georgia,
and almost the whole of South Carolina, as they can wish. The last accounts I had
Scorn Lord Cornwallis, he lay at Wilmington ; and his army, it was said, was getting
very sickly. I have the honor to be, &c.,

NATH. GREENE.

To Governor Greene.

382

RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

[May,

Proceedings of the General Assemhly of the State of Bhode
Island and Providence riantations, cA Neicjiort, on the
first Wednesday in May, 1781.

The following named officers, declared elected, were duly
engaged :

His Excellency William Ureene, Governor.
The Hon. Jabez Bowen, Deputy Governor.

ASSIST.INTS.

John I. Clarke, Esq.,
Thomas Wells, Esq.,
John Sayles, Esq.,
Jonalhan Arnold, Esq.,
Richard Fry, Esq.,

John Northup, Esq.,
Enoch Hazard, Esq.,
Christopher Ellery, ]
John Cook, Esq.,
Daniel Owen, Esq.

NewporL
Daniel Holloway, Esq.,
William Channing, Esq.,
William Taggart, Esq.,
Robert Elliott, Esq.,
Job Easton, Esq.,
Mr. Timothy Waterhouse.

Providence.
Welcome Arnold, Esq.,
Charles Keen, Esq.,
Mr. Joseph Brown,
Theodore Foster, Esq.

Portsmouth.
Mr. David Gifford,
Mr. William Anthony, Jr.,
Mr. Robert Lawtou.

Wat^wick.
Thomas Holden, Esq.,
Mr. Thomas Remington,
Mr. Moses Lippitt,
Christopher Greene, Esq

Westerly.
David Maxson, Esq.,
Edward Bliven, Esq.
North Kingstown.
Ezekiel Gardner, Jr., Esq.,
Sylvester Gardner, Esq.

South Kingstown.
Mr. Robert Potter,
Rowse J. Helme, Esq.

1781.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

383

East Greenioich.
Archibald Crary, Esq.,
Benjamin Tillinghast, Esq.

Jamestoion.
Mr. John Weeden,
Mr. John Howland.

Smithfield.
Andrew Waterman, Esq.,
Mr. Henry Jenckes.

Scituate.
WiUiam Rhodes, Esq.,
Rufus Hopkins, Esq.

Glocesier.
Mr. Simon Smith.

Charksfown.
Joseph Stanton, Jr., Esq.,
Jonathan J. Hazard, Esq.

West Greenwich.
Thomas Gorton, Esq.,
Jonathan Comstock, Esq.

Coventry.
Israel Bowen, Esq.,
Stephen Potter, Esq.

Exeter.
John Chapman, Esq.,
Thomas Wilcox, Esq.

Middletown.
Mr. Nicholas Easton,
George Irish, Esq.

Bristol.
William Bradford, Esq.,
Nathaniel Fales, Esq.

Tiverton.
Mr. Joseph Shearman.

Little Compton.
William Richmond, Esq.,
Isaac Baley, Esq.
Warren.
Cromel Child, Esq.,
William T. Miller, Esq.

Cumberland.
Mr. Levi Ballon,
Jotham Carpenter, Esq.

Richmond.
Robert Stanton, Esq.,
Mr. Christopher Clarke.

Cranston..
Peter Burlingame, Esq.

Hopkinton.
George Thurston, !Esq.,
Mr. Samuel Babcock.

Johnston.
John Smith, Esq.,
Andrew Harris, Esq.

North Providence.
Esek Hopkins, Esq.,
John Jenckes, Esq.

Barrincjton.
Samuel Allin, Esq.

The Hon. William Bradford, Esq., speaker; Rowse J
Helme, Esq., clerk.

384 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

Henry Ward, Esq., secretary.

William Charming, Esq., attorney general.

Joseph Clarke, Esq., general treasurer.

DELEGATES TO REPRESENT THE STATE IN CONGRESS.

The Hon. William Ellery, Esq.,

The Hon. Ezekiel Cornell, Esq.

The Hon. Daniel Mo wry, Esq., _

The Hon. James Mitchell Varnum, Esq. ■

Gideon Mumford, Esq., fifth assistant, in the room of
Eichard Fry, Esq., who declined.

JUSTICES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT.

Paul Mumford, Esq., chief ; Peter Phillips, Esq., second ;
Thos. Tillinghast, Esq., third ; Ambrose Page, Esq., fourth ;
Pardon Gray, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR NEWPORT COUNTY.

Benjamin Underwood, Esq., chief; William Riclimond,
Esq., second ; William Taggart, third ; Chistopher Ellery,
Esq., fourth ; Timothy Waterhouse, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COJDION PLEAS FOR PRO-^TDENCE COUNTY.

Richard Steere, Esq., chief; Jeremiah Whipple, Esq., sec-
ond ; David Howell, Esq., third ; Caleb Aldrich, Esq., fom-th ;
Caleb Fisk, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR KINGS COUNTY.

Samuel Babcock, Esq., chief; John Northup, Esq., second ;
Edward Perry, Esq., third ; Abel Tanner, Esq., fourth ; Rob-
ert Potter, Esq., fifth.

178L] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 385

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OP COMMON PLEAS FOR BRISTOL COUNTY.

Nathaniel Fales, Esq., chief; John Child, Esq., second;
Joseph Reynolds, Esq., third ; Josiah Humphrey, Esq., fourth ;
Samuel Allen, Esq., fifth.

JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, FOR KENT COUNTY.

Philip Greene, Esq., chief; James Arnold, Esq., second;
Benjamin Tillinghast, Esq., third; Aaron Bowen, Esq.,
fourth; Rufus Spencer, Esq., fifth.

JUDGE OF THE COURT OF ADMIRALTY.

John Foster, Esq., judge of the court of admiralty, erected
for the trial of prize causes, within and throughout the
state.

SHERIFFS OF THE SEVERAL COUNTIES.

Newport county. Bristol county.

William Davis, Esq. Richard Smith, Esq.
Providence county, Kent county.

John Beverly, Esq. Richard Fry, Esq.

Kings county,
Beriah Bro^vn, Esq,

INTENDANTS OF TRADE FOR PROVIDENCE AND NEWPORT.

Henry "Ward, Esq., intendant of trade for the port of
Porvidence.

Robert Elliott, Esq., intendant of trade for the port of
NevFport.

FIELD OFFICERS FOR THE STATE, IN THE SEVERAL COUNTIES.

Chistopher Lippitt, Esq., brigadier general of the militia,
in the county of Providence,

386 EECORDS OF THE STATE OP EHODE ISLAND [MaY,

Joseph Stanton, Jx\, Esq., brigadier general, of the militia
in the county of Kings.

Nathan Miller, Esq., brigadier general, of the militia in
the counties of Newport and Bristol.

Thomas Holden, Esq., briagdier general, of the militia in
the county of Kent.

Christopher Olney, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant,
of the first regim»nt of militia in the county of Providence.

Jesse Maxson, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of the
first regiment of militia in the county of Kings.

Peter Church, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of the
regiment of militia in the county of Bristol.

Lemuel Bailey, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of
the second regiment of militia in the county of ]??^ewport.

George Peck, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of the
second regiment of militia in the county of Providence.

Charles Dyer, Esq., lieuteuantrcolonel commandant, of the
the second regiment of militia in the county of Kings.

Archibald Kasson, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of
the second regiment of militia in the county of Kent.

Stephen Kimball, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of
the third regiment of militia in the county of Providence.

Thomas Potter, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of
the third regiment of militia in the county of Kings.

Asa Kimball, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of the
fourth regiment of militia in the county of Providence.

James Burrill, Esq., major, of the first regiment of militia
in the county of Providence.

John Davis, Esq., major, of the second regiment of mili-
tia, in the county of Newport.

Daniel Mowry, 4th, Esq., major, of the second regiment of
militia in the county of Providence.

Joseph Knight, Esq., major, of the third regiment of mili-
tia in the county of Providence.

Stephen Winsor, Esq., major, of the fourth regiment of
militia in the county of Providence.

]781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 387

Joseph Pendleton, Esq., major, of the first regiment of mi-
litia in the county of Kings.

Jonathan Bate.s, Esq., major, of the second regiment of
mihtia in the county of Kings.

Kichard Bailey, Esq., major, of the third regiment of mili-
tia in the county of Kings.

Peleg Heath, Esq., major, of the regiment of militia in the
county of Bristol.

Thomas Gorton, Esq., major, of the second regiment of
militia in the county of Kent.

Amos Atwell, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of the
senior class regiment of militia in the county of Providence.

Gideon Hoxsie, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant, of
the senior class regiment of militia in the county of Kings.

Reuben Ballou, Esq., major, of the senior class regiment of
militia in the county of Providence.

Sylvester Gardner, Esq., major, of the senior class regi-
ment of militia in the county of Kings.

Robert Carr, Esq., major, of the senior class regiment of
militia in the county of Bristol.

Isaac Johnson, Esq., major of the senior class regiment of
militia in the county of Kent.

Archibald Crary, Esq., adjutant general of militia in this
state.

James Lovett, Esq., quartermaster general, of the militia
in this state.

Charles Holden, Esq., commissary general, of the militia
in this state.

Jonathan Arnold, Esq., director and purveyor general, of
the hospitals for the militia in this state.

Isaac Senter, Esq., surgeon and physician general of the
militia in this state.

Upon the petition of divers inhabitants of the towns of
Westerly, Charlestown and Hopkinton, preferred unto this
Assembly, praying that the incorporated company of artil-
lery belonging to the said towns may be dissolved, —

388 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be referred
to the next session of this Assembly ; and that in the mean
time the officers of the said company be served with a copy
of the said petition, and cited to appear at the next session
of this Assembly, to answer unto the same, if tliey shall see
fit.

It is voted and resolved, that the class in Coventry,
whereof Caleb Vaughan, Jr., is head, be allowed nntil the
25th day of this instant May, to furnish an able-bodied, effec-
tive recruit, to serve in the Continental army, for three
years, or during the war ; and, in case such recrvait be not
furnished at the expiration of the said time, that the person
detached in said class be sent forward- to the army, agreea-
bly to law.

Upon the petition of Joseph Wanton, Esq., of Providence
(son of Gideon Wanton, Esq., late of Newpoi-t, deceased),
which was referred from the last to the present session of
this Assembly, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said petition be referred
to the next session of this Assembly ; that the said Joseph
Wanton then produce a copy of the judgment referred to in
the said petition ; and that Col. John Topham, who is said
to be in possession of the estate mentioned therein, be cited
to appear and show cause, if any he hath, why the prayer
of the said petition should not be "granted.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. William Ennis be, and
he is hereby, appointed an ensign in Colonel Christopher
Greene's Continental battalion, in the pay of this state, to
take rank from the 1st of April last.

Whereas, Amos Reynolds, Robert Hopkins^ (son of Al-
exander), Alexander Hopkins, Thomas Reynolds (son of
Thomas,) and John Briggs, all of West Greenwich, in the
county of Kent, have been apprehended and confined in the
jails in this state, upon suspicion of being concerned in set-
ting fire to the barn of Othniel Gorton, Esq., and to several
(Stacks of hay, belonging to other persons, subjects of thig

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 389

state, whereby the same were consumed, and have since
their confinement broken out of jail and absconded, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sheriff of the
county of Kent immediately take into his possession the
real and personal estates of the persons aforenamed, to and
for the use of this state ; that he also take possession, as
aforesaid, of the real and personal estate of John Case, of
West Greenwich, aforesaid ; who having been charged as
aforesaid, thereupon ^absconded ; and that the said sheriff
make report of his proceedings to the next session of this
Assembly.

It is voted and resolved, that the committee for the coun-
ty of Providence, for settling the disputes respecting the
soldiers who have enlisted into the Continental battalions
for three years, or during the war, meet at the state house,
in Providence, on Friday, the 11th of May instant, and
there settle and final judgment make between the town of
Warren, and a class in the town of Coventry, whereof David
Brayton is head, relative to Edward Jacklyn, a soldier ; also
between a class in the town of Warwick, whereof Thos. Hol-
den, Esq., is head, and a class in the town of Coventry,
whereof Jeremiah Fenner is head, relative to Benjamin
Caswell, a soldier in the said army ; and also between the
town of Glocester and a class in the town of Scituate,
whereof Ebenezer Handy is head, relative to David Hix, a
soldier ; that the said committee then hear and determine
all matters and things in dispute between the parties afore-
said, and finally determine to what town or class the said
soldiers do respectively belong; that the said committee
settle and determine what costs ought to be paid, and who
shall pay the same ; that their report and determination
shall be final and binding upon all parties ; and that, if any
of the complaining parties refuse or neglect to attend, the
said committee proceed ex parte.

It is voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins and John
Jenckes, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-

390 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

mitsee to ascertain the balances of the sum of £G,000, silver
money, which hath been appropriated to the paying and
discharging the one-quarter part of the depreciation money
due the officers and soldiers of this state, in the Continental
army ; that so much thereof as shall be due to the officers
and soldiers belonging to the regiment now under the com^^
mand of Colonel Christopher Greene (to be ascertained by
the said committee), be paid out of the general treasury,
to Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah 01ne^% to be by him paid
to the respective officers and soldiers in the said regiment,
agreeably to the report of the balances due unto them,
after deducting from those officers and soldiers the moneys
which have beeia already jiaid them on the said account ;
that so much of the said balances due to the officers who
were not included in the late arrangement (to be ascertain-
ed as aforesaid), be paid them respectively, out of the gen-
eral treasury ; that the said committee make a report to the
general treasurer of the balances due as aforesaid ; and that
the general treasurer pay the same accordingly.

It is voted and resolved, that if any town in this state
. shall not, within ten days after the rising of this Assembly
pay into the general treasur}^ the whole of the silver money
tax which was assessed upon them by this Assembly, the
general treasurer forthwith, upon the expiration of the
time aforesaid, issue his warrants of distress against the town
treasurers of each deficient town, returnable in five days, for
all the said pioney that shall be due from each town ; and
that the deputies from the respective towns, immediately
upon their return, inform the collectors of taxes of their re-
spective towns of this resolution.

It is voted and resolved, that Esek Hopkins and John
jenckes, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to receive of 4he general treasurer of this state, the
Continental money of the old emissions now in, or which
shall be paid into, the general treasury, in consequence of
the taxes already assessed ; ajid that they pay the same to

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 391

the commissioner of the loan office in this state, and receive
of him the bills of the new emission in lieu thereof, agreea-
bly to a resolve of Congress.

Whereas, the committee appointed to set off lands to the
officers and soldiers of the regiments commanded by the
Cols. Christopher Greene, Henry Sherburne and Israel An-
gell, presented unto this Assembly, a general state of the
balances due to the said officers and soldiers, and several
reports respecting the same, as follows, to wit :

Report of the Committee cqjjjohited hy the General Assembly
to set off lands to certain Officers and Soldiers, on account
of Wages.

£ s. d.

Balance due to Col. Christopher Greene's regiment 5,212 02 6

" " " Henry Sherburne's " 1,304 04 9

Israel Angell's " 19,158 05

£25,674 12 3
£ s. d.

Deduct so much to be paid in specie 6,000 00 00

" for so much allowed Capt. William Littlefield, tlie
payment of which is stopped by the General Assembly 140 10 01
Deduct for the house and lot of land in Providence, late
Gilbert Deblois's, set off to Capt. William Allen and

Lieut. Oliver Jenckes 622 10 00

Deduct also .£383 10s. id., to make up one-quarter part of
the whole b.alance due ; which, if the state do not
choose to pay in money, will still remain to be set off in
lands, agreeably to the act of the General Assembly. . . 383 10 04

.£7,146 11 3

The balance to be set off in lands £18,528 01

Report of the Committee appointed hy the General Assembly
to value the House and Lot of Land, belonging to Gilbert
Deblois, of Providence.

The subscribers being appointed by the honorable the General Assembly, together
with William Richmond and William Taggart, Esqs., to value the house and lot of
land in Providence, formerly the property of Gilbert Deblois, having this day, met and
viewed the premises, do report :

That the said house and lot of land is worth two thousand and seventy-five silver dol-
lars ; and do set the same off to Captain William Allen and Lieutenant Oliver Jenckes,

392 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

agreeably to an act of this Assembly, on account of the depreciation of wages. As
witness our hands, in Providence, this 19th day of March, A. D. 1781.
JOKN JENCKES,
MATTHEW MANCHESTER,
ELISHA MOWRY, JR.,

Committee:

Report of the Committee apioointed hy the General Assembly
to set off a House in Newport to Maj. Daniel Box.

The subscribers, being appointed by the honorable the General Assembly, to set off
to Major Daniel Borx, a house or houses, in the town of Newport, to the amount of £396
14s. 6rf., silver money, being the balance of liis depreciation account, as settled by the
committte appointed for that purpose, having met this day, and viewed the house, for-
merly the property of Isaac Lawton, near the state house, in said Newport, do report:
That the value of the said house, with the lot it stands on, being fifty -nine feet in
front, or thereabouts, and extending eastward forty-five feet, on parallel lines with the'
front, with liberty to draw water from the well, is worth £396 14s. 6(f., silver money ;
and do set the same off to the said Daniel Box, in full for the depreciation of his wages,
agreeably to an act of this Assembly.

WILLIAM RICHMOND, WILLIAM TAGGART,

JOHN JENCKES, MATTHEW MANCHESTER,

ELISHA MOWRY, JR.,' Committee.

Newport, March 21st, A. D. 1781.

The same committee thus estimated the three following farms, belonging to this
state :

The Mount Hope farm, formerly the property of Isaae Royal, containing three hun-
dred and eighty-five acres ; estimated to be worth £4,512, silver money, set off to the
oflBcers and soldiers of Colonel Christopher Greene and Colonel Henry Sherburne's
regiments, on account.

The farm on Jamestown, formerly the property of Charles Ward Apthorp, containing
three hundred and eighty -four acres, valued at £5,196, silver money ; set off to the offi-
cers and soldiers of Col. Israel Angell's regiment.

And the farm of Thomas Hutchinson, containing six hundred and forty acres, valued
at £7,306 19s., silver money ; setoflftothe officers and soldiers of Colonel Israel An-
gell's regiment, on account.

Other small lots of land belonging to the state, were set oS to the same regiments to
balance their several accounts.

Voted and resolved, that Messrs. John Brown, Welcome
Arnold and Paul Allen, be, and the'y are hereby, empower-
ed and directed to charter a suitable, fast sailing vessel, in
order to be fitted as a cruiser to clear the coast of the pi-
ratical boats that infest the same ; that the burthen of the
said vessel be between thirty and fifty tons, or thereabouts;
to mount four or more carriage guns, of three or four-

1781.] AND PUOVlDENCE.PLAiNTATIUNtf. oO'.J

pounders ; .six or eight swivels, with small arms and cut-
lasses; and all other implements, ammunition, provisions
and stores, that shall be necessary for her as a cruizer, as
aforesaid ; that the said committee, or either of them, make
application unto the commissary of military stores for as
laany cannon as they shall think proper for the said vessel,
and of such a size as will be suitable ; and also for small
arms, cutlasses, and other military stores, which may be
wanted for the purpose aforesaid ; who is hereby requested
and directed to deliver the same for the purpose, aforesaid j
that the said committee make applicatiq^ to the conimissa-
ries of this state for such quantities of beef, pork, tallow and
leather as will be necessary for equipping the said vessel ;
who are hereby directed to deliver the same ; that the said
committee draw a sum not exceeding ^5,000, in Continent-
al money, of the new emission, out of the general treasury,
for the purpose aforesaid, and account for the same ; and
that they forthwith proceed upon the business aforesaid,
and appoint the officers for the said vessel, man her, and
get her to sea, as soon as may be.

Whereas, information is made to this Assembly, that Mo-
ses Blanchard, procured Michael Power to enlist as a soldier
for the class of which he was head ; and Andrew Craige
procured a man to enlist for the class of which Caleb
Vaughan was head, and have received the bounties allowed
by the stite for enlisting the said men, knowing at the same
time that the persons procured by them to enlist were inca-
pable of being enlisted, whereby the state is likely to be de-
frauded of the said bounties, and the said classes greatly
injured, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the sherift* of th j
county of Kent be, and hereby is, directed to serve the said
Moses Blanchard and Andrew Craige with a c^'^ation to ap-
pear before this Assembly .at the next session, lo aiiS\^er to
the said information, and to be proceeded wilh a- to jus-
tice shall appertain.

304

[May,

An Act in aJdition tii an act t'ur coniplctintr tliis state s quota of Continental troops.

Whereas, the Legislature of this state,' from a conviction of the absolute necessity if
having their quota of troops in the field, apportioned the men to tlie several towns, and
ordered the inhabitants respectively to be classed ; and in case the respective classes
should not procure an able-bodied recruit by a limited time, that a person should be cte
taehed from each delinquent class ; and it having been the expectation and wish of the
General Assembly, that the several classes should exert themselves for procuring the
men to enlist vnluntarily, by making an adequate allowance, it being most conduciTe
to the general good that all persons employed in the public service should be freely aad
voluntarily engaged, without compulsion ; and as the purposes of the acts for classing
the inliabitants, have been in general answered, much the greatest part of the mei
having voluntarily enlisted ; but as some persons have been detached, whose circum-
stances and situation in life will not permit their being seut forward to the army to do
duty, without great difficu<)ies and mischievous consequences ensuing to the public '
therefrom, —

JJe it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is
hereby enacted, that the committees of the several towns heretofore appointed by the
General Assembly for classing the inhabitants be, and they are hereby, required, in |
cases where persons have been detached from any class, to assess the sum of three i
hundred Spanish milled dollars, upon such class from which any person hath been d&- I
taehed as aforesaid ; in the same manner as is directed by the act ordering the inhale s
itants to be classed ; that the moneys thus assessed by the said committees, be collected \
by the collector of taxes for the town to which each class shall belong respectively, to i
whom the said committee shall issue their warrant for collecting the same ; that the <\
same be assessed within ten days from the rising of this Assembly, and paid into the ^
general treasury on or betore the oth day of June next, to be appropriated for hiring a j
man for the class upon whom the same shall be assessed as aforesaid ; that William !
Taggart, Esq., Colonel Archibald Crary , Colonel Thomas Potter, Mr. Joseph Hoyle and i
Jlajor Asa Kimball, be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee for enlisting the i]
said men ; that for this purpose, the said committee be, and they are hereby, empow- i
ered to draw out of the general treasury the whole money collected and paid aa 1
aforesaid ; that the said committee keep an exact account ot all e.-ipenses, and the boon- ^
ties paid by them, for procuring the said men, and render the same to the General
Assembly, to whom they are to be accountable for the expenditure ; that the commit-
tees of the several to^-ns be reasonably paid for their trouble and service in making tU6
said assessment ; and that the expenses last mentioned be added to the sum of $300i
to be assessed and paiil by the class deficient as aforesaid, together with the lawful fees
due to the collector for collecting the same.

Provided, nevertheless, that if any class, now deficient, as aforesaid, shall themselves
enlist, and procure to be mustered, a gootl, able-bodied etiective man, within ten dayB
from the rising of this Assembly, every such class shall be exempted from having the
aforementioned assessment levied upon them, as aforesaid.

And whereas, the committee of the town of Glocester, hath not proceeded to class the
inhabitants of that town, as heretofore required, which town is now deficient ten men
of the number apportioned to them by the General Assembly, —

Be it thereof further enacted, that the attorney general prosecute the said committee
according to law, for neglecting to class the inhabitants of the said town ; that in
case the said town of Glocester, shall not procure to be voluntarily enlisted and mus-
tered the men of which they are deficient as aforesaid, within ten days from the rising
of this Assembly, the general treasurer be, and he is hereby, directed to issup his war

1781]

A.\U PR0V1DENC1-; PLANTATIONS.

mat oil tlie eleventh day after the rishis of this Assembly, against the town treasurer of
tlie sairl town, for collecting tlie sum of three hundred Spanish milled dollars for each
man the said town shall be then deflci(;nt, in the same manner as in cases of delinquen-
cy of paying the state's taxes assessed in the usual manner, which warrant shall be re'
turnable in ten days from the time of its being issued; and that Lieutcntaut Colonid
Jermiah OIney furnish the general treasurer with a return of the men wanting from
said town on that day.

And it is ordered, that the secretary causi.' this a^'t lo liu iiniiiudiatolv prinlcil, and
send a copy thereof as soon as possible to the eoniniiltee of t-nL'h town where any class
shall have had any person detached, and is now deficient as aforesaid, as ascertained
by the return now before this Assembly, and one copy to the town clerk of Glocester.

Voted and resolved, that the following accounts be paid out of the general treas-
urv, viK. ;

BlU^ Oi-dct-ed to be Paid.

£ !. d.

Elijah Lewis, for the time and expenses of his son in carrying certificates

to the general and field oflScers in the county of Kings li 10 07

Benjamin Bourne, assistant deputy quartermaster general, authorized to

draw out of the general treasury, for tlie use of his department GOO 00 00

Esau Thayer, a wounded soldier, for his support and maintenance 30 00 0(»

Uriah Stone, for losing an arm in the public service 15 00 00

Ezra Chase, a wounded soldier, who lost the use of both his bands 30 00 00

John Jenckes, for re-packing and trucking beef 55 05 0-i

Dr. Isaac Senter, for visiting, and medicines for Lieut. Johnson 16 10

Solomon Southwick, for printing, advertising, postage, &c 32 12 00

Joseph Crandall, of Newport, for damages sustained by his house being en-
closed in a fortification at Easton's Point , yo 00 00

Thomas Clarke, of Newport, for certain damages sustained 10 00 00

Thomas Noyes, for a pay abstract for soldiers under his command 23 00 00

Elislia Mowry, Jr., for his time and expenses in appraising lands, &c. , 10 00 00

Colonel Jeremiah Olney, for sundry expenses, &c 19 00 07

Welcome Arnold, for flour delivered for the use of the troops 12 00 00

Bennett Wheeler, for printing. , 12 02 00

William Richmond and Pardon Gray, for settling Abner Durfee's account 3 00 00

Wilham Taggart, for appraising and surveying lands, &c y 00 00

William Taggart, Robert Elliott and William Richmond, for estimating the
damages done by the slate to the farm rented by the state to Thomas

Clarke 4 01 00

William Richmond, for finishing the appraisement of certain estates, &c. . . 11 14 00

Joseph Brown, for his attendance upon the General Assembly, as waiter. . 4 10 00

Daniel Dunham, Jr., " " " " . . 1 13 09

Thomas Rumreill, as one of the committee for examining the estimates. . . 20 09 00

Benjamin Peckham, " _ •■ " "... 23 00 00

Welcome Arnold, " •• •• "... 15 09 04

Stephen Potter, " ■ ■• .• . . . 17 08 0'6

William Bradford, " " •> "... 12 11 00

Richard Smith, Sheriff of Bristol county, for certuin services rendered 2 02 00

Shubael Kiunicutt, for warning the members of the General Assembly, &c. 2 05 00

William and Samuel Wall, for blankets delivered to Lieut. Col. Olney 27 00 Ofl

God 8;ivc the United States of A

mener

396 KECORUS OF THE >STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [Ma¥

Proceedings of the (Teneral Assemblf/ of the State of Bhode j
Island and Providence Plantations. <J Providence, on the \
fourth Monday in May. ITSl. I

Ills Excellency William ' rreeiie. Guvc-rnor.
The Hon. Jabez Bowen, Deputy Go\eriior.

Whereas, John Warren, of Newport, preferred a petition^ ;
and represenied unto this Assembly, that the superior court i
of judicature, court of assize and general jail delivery, which j
silt in Newport, in November last, upon a prosecution brought I
against him by the attorney general, sentenced him to pay I
a fine of £100, silver money, and costs, and to suffer three/!
months' imprisonment, from the 18th day of said Novem-ij
ber ; that the time assigned for his imprisonment hath long !
since expired, and he now remains in jail for the said fine ij
and costs; and that he is absolutely unable to pay the
same ; and thereupon the said John Warren prayed this
Assembly to remit the said fine and cost ; which being duly j
considered, — ■ , i

It is ■''Oted and resolved, that upon the said John War-
i en's giving his note to the general treasurer, for the use of
this state, for the said fine and cost, payajble on demand,
s.ith interest, and recognizing for his good behaviour,
agreeably to the sentence of the said court, he be discharg-
ed from jail upon the said prosecution ; and that the clerk
of the superior court for the county of Newport immediately j
make out the bill of cost against the said John Warren, and i
attend and take his Dote for the said fine and costs, and I
transmit the same to the general treasurer.

It is voted and resolved, that Christopher Ellery, Esq., Mr.
Joseph Brown, John Jenckes, John Smith and Theodore
Foster, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a commit-
tee to make an estimate of the expenses of the current year,

1781.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.

307

tuul of the sums necessary for this Assembly to order taxes
for at the present session ; and also to devise ways and
means for paying the expenses and exigent charges of gov-
ernment, and giving stabiUty to the Continental currency
of the new emission ; and that they make report as soon as
may l)e.

Whereas, the committee appointed to revise the general
estimate presented unto this Assembly the following report,
to Avit :

Report of the Conun'dtee apjxAnted by the General A>isembh/
to Eemse the General Estimate.

We, the subscribers, a committee appointed liy the honorable General Assembly, to
Hscertani the ratable property of each town within this state, do report the following
sums affixed to eacli town respectively to be tlicir ratable value, to the best of our
knowledge :

COUNTIES.

TOWNS.

VALUE OF TOWNS,

co'kt.es.

Newport -

Providence ■

Kings . ,

Bristol

Kent

£\vifim.

pj^ J ..

1 ortsmoutn

• 17 000

33,000

110,500

1
£453,800

1,080,246

892,480

134,960

429,000

89,300

21.5 01)0

Smithfield

200,000

183,000

n' fp'stpr

168,000

ao,832

128,340

Johnston

04,200

97,650

North Kingstown

148,650

302,300

81,300

Richmond

70,360

90,000

102,870

6.5,240

39,000

30,000

176,100

. . 79,600

t . .. 73,300

Coventry

100,000

£2,990,486

THOMAS RUMREILL,
WELCOME ARNOLD,
BEN.TAMIN PECKIIAM,

WILLIAM BRADFORD,
STEPHEN POTTER.

398 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaV,

And the premises being duly considered.- —
It is voted and resolved, that the aforegoing report be,
and the same is hereby, accepted ; and that the said valua-
tion of the respective towns be, and the same is hereby, de-
clared to be the standard for proportioning all the taxes
and assessments to be made and levied upon the inhabit-
ants of this state during the present session; but no longer,
unless it be further agreed upon.

Whereas, Esek Hopkins and John Jenckes, Es(|s., who
were appointed a committee to settle the accounts of the
officers and soldiers of this state's Continental battalion,
presented unto this Assembly the following state of that ac-
count, and report thereon, to wit :

Report of the Committee <ippohited by the General Asi<embly
to settle the Accounts of the Officers cind So.diers of the
State's ConthmdaJ Battcdlon.

The officers and sokliers of tlie Rhode Island regiment wlio are in service, witli the
state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, for depreciation, Dr.

1781. £ s. (I.

To three-quarters of the balance due to you, set off in lands as

appears by the report of the committee 19,150 11 00

Feb. 15. To cash paid Col. Israel Ahgell by the general treasurer, and by

him paid to the soldiers. 231 06 00

To one-quarter part of £988 lis. 9(/., being the balance due to

twenty deserters (old soldiers) as per list 217 02 11

To one-quarter of ^5,289 18s. Sd., being the balances due to the

officers deranged and dead 1,322 09 08

To cash received of the general treasurer by divers officers, &c. 560 18 08
May 23. To cash paid Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah Olney, out of the

general treasury 2,032 08 00

" 29. Balance due to the officers and soldiers, paid bj' an order on the
general treasury, in favor of Lieutenant Colonel Jeremi.ih
Olney 2,008 01 10

£25,553 01 01
1781. Creditor.

By the amount of the whole balance due, as settled by the committee Feb-
ruary 8, 1781 ; three-quarters part payable in lands and one-quarter

part in money 25,534 01 Oi

By cash Colonel Angell paid nineteen of the deserters 18s., each IT 02 00

By cash Colonel Angell overpaid J. Putney, A. Griffin and T. Hatfield ;

their quarter part being 16s. Sd., and he having paid them £2 lis.. . 1 17 09

X. B, The men are now in actual service.

£26,553 01 01
rnivideiRv, iMnv 2'.l, 17SI.

ITSI.] AND PROVIDEXCU I'LAXTATIONS. 399

Wo, tlic subscribers, report, tbat we have carefully examined tbe accounts of the offi-
cers and soldiers now in service in this state's Continental regiment ; and that the
above is a true state of the same. ESEK HOPKINS,

JOHN JENCKES,

Committee.

And tilt' said account and report IxMng duly consid-
ered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be ac-
cepted ; and that the said accoinit as above stated, stand
balanced.

Whereas, Stephen Potter, Esq., Mr. John Weeden and
William Taggart, Esq., presented unto this Assembly the
following state of Capt. Gabriel xUlin's account, and report
thereon, to wit :

Bej)ort of (he CommiUee ajjjjointed by (he General Assembly
(o se((le Cap(. Gabriel Aliens Account.

State of Rhode Island, &c., in account current with Gabriel jVllen, Dr.
1779. £ s. d.
Dec. 18. To cash paid Joseph Wilej', by order of Gen. Cornell, on ac-
count of shoes and boots 130 04

1780.
Nov. ?,. To cash paid do., in full of his account for making shoes and

boots 59 12

To cash paid do., for raw hides, which fell short, as appears by

the receipt of the commissary of hides 9 00

To my time and expense in going to Newport to settle with Mr.

Channing 120 00

Balance due to the state 68 19

£.387 15
1779. Creditor.

Ry Cash received of the officers and soldiers of Colonel Topham's regiment,

for shoes and boots, as per account 130 04

By cash received of Mr. Walter Channing, on account 139 03

By cash received of Captain Alexander Thomas, being the surplus of re-
cruiting money 100 00

By cash received of Sergeant William Jones, for one pair of boots 8 08

By cash stopped from Nathan Smith, by direction of General Cornell, he be-
ing discharged before his time of service expired 10 00

£387 15

N. B. Mr. Channing certifies that £150, being the remainder of his account, was
stopped by Mr. Nathaniel Mumford out of the gratuities to the soldiers on account of
the above mentioned shoes and boots. Errors excepted,

Vrnvidence May .30, 1781. GABRIEL ALLEN.

400 IlECORDS OF THE STATE OF RIIOUE ISLAXD [MaY,

We, the subscribers, being appointcJ a committee to adjust tlie accounts of Captain
Gabriel Allen, do report :

That we heve carefully examinetl the same, and find a balance due to the state of
£68 19s., old Continental currency ; equal to £1 14s, M., Continental currency of the
new emission.

X. B. The above mentioned sum of £150, retained by the said Nathaniel llumford'
is now in the hands of the aiient-clothier for this state, for which lie is accountable.

STEPHEN POTTER,
JOHN WEEDEN,
WILILAM TAGGART.

And the premises being duly considered, —
It is voted and resolved, that the aforesaid report be ac-
cepted ; and that the said Gabriel Allen pay the aforesaid
balance of £1 14s. 5cl., in this state's Continental money of
the new emission, into the general treasvny.

It is voted and resolved, that Gideon Mumford, William
Channing, Welcome Arnold, Theodore Foster and Rowse J.
Helme, Esqs., be, and they are. hereby', appointed a commit-
tee to'inquire into the state of the treasury, and to know if
this state hath made provision for sinking its whole propor-
tion of the old Continental money ; and that they also bring
in a bill for regulating the courts of justice with respect to
their entering up judgments in future for old Continental
money ; and also to regulate the judgments which are al-
ready made up and remain unsatisfied.

An Act for incorporating and bringing into the field five
hundred able-bodied, effective men, of the militia, to
serve within this state for one month, from the time of
their rendezvous, and no longer ; and not to be marched
out of the same.

[See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

Officers of the Rerjiment

Thomas Potter, Esq., lieutenant colonel.

John Whipple, Esq., major.

Phillip Trafian. Benjamin Howland. George Dorrance,

1781.] AND PROVIDENCK PLANTATIONS. 401

Jr., John Parke, Job Randall, Peter Lewis and Vial Allen,
captains.

Lowry Jenckes, Jolm Vial, Thomas Brand, Simeon Ballon,
Samuel Bissell, Squire Fisk, Henry Northup and Pardon
Burlingame, lieutenants.

Noah Ballou, William Bliss, Jr., Thomas Wells, Jr., Joseph
Weaver, Thomiis Webster Kinyon. Seth Thomas and Wm.
Fuller, ensigns.

John Clarke, Surgeon.

Whereas, Esek Hopkins, Esq., and Col. Joseph Nightin-
gale, who were appointed a committee b}^ the council of
war, to estimate the value of the use of a quantity of tackle
and furniture belonging to the Pigot galley, which was lent
to Captain Jeremiah Clarke and Company ; and of several
articles so lent which were lost, reported unto this Assembly
that the sum of £96 7s. 3d., Continental money, of the new
emission, is due for the same ; and the said report being
duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and is hereby,
accepted ; and that the said Jeremiah Clarke and Company
forthwith pay into the general treasury the said sum of £96
7s. 3d., of this state's Continental money, of the new emis-
sion ; which shall be in full satisfaction for the aforesaid
tackle and furniture.

It is voted and resolved, that Lieutenant Colonel Jere-
miah Olney be, and he is hereby, empowered to draw the
sum of £90, in Continental money, of the new emission, out
of the general treasury, to pay the reward for apprehending
several deserters from the state's Continental battalion.

Abraham Redwood, Esq., of Newport, having preferred a
petition, and represented unto this Assembly, that he hath
a very valuable estate in the island of Antigua, which is
now in the utmost disorder and confusion ; and that unless
some suitable person be employed to take care of the same,
it will very soon be in the most ruinous condition ; and
thereupon prayed this Assemlily to permit his brother Wm,

402 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

Redwood, late of Newport, aforesaid, to proceed to the island
aforesaid, to put the affairs of the said estate into order, and
upon the completion of the business, to return in siich way
as shall be most convenient ; and that he go by the way of
any neutral port, if opportunity should offer ; or otherwise
by the way of New York, under the direction of His Excel-
lency the commander-in-chief of the army of the United
States ; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and i esolved, that the prayer of the said pe-
tition be so far granted, as to permit the said William Eed-
wood to proceed to the said island of Antigua by way of
any of the neutral ports, for the purposes aforesaid.

An Act in addition to the acts already passed, to prevent
desertion.

It is enacted by this General Assembly, and by the au-
thority thereof, that when bond shall be taken for the
clearance of any trading vessel, or private vessel of war, or
letter of marque, this further condition shall be inserted in
such bond, to wit :

That the master or commander shall, before his sailing,
deliver to one of the intendants of trade in this state a true
list of all the persons who shall sail in his vessel, containing
their names, an exact description and account of their statr
ure, complexion, age, place of nativity, and of some one re-
markable scar, or natural mark, if any such they have ; and
that if any master or commander shall carry any person in
his vessel, of whom such a description, shall not be given, it
shall cause a forfeiture of his bond.

Both houses being joined in a grand committee, chose
the gentlemen whose names are set down in the subse-
quent list to the offices ascribed* to them respectively, to
wit:

Sundry Civil Officers Chosen.
Daniel Manton, Esq., third assistant, in the room of John
iSayles, Esq.. who declined.

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 403

Sylvester Gardner, Esq., sixth assistant, in the room of
John Northup, Esq., deceased.

Pardon Gray, Esq., fourth justice of the superior court of
judicature, court of assize and general jail delivery, in and
throughout the state, in the room of Ambrose Page, Esq.,
who declined.

David Howell, Esq., fifth justice of the same court, in the .
room of Pardon Gray, Esq., who is advanced.

Caleb Aldrich, Esq., third justice of the inferior court of
common pleas, and general sessions of the peace, in and for
the county cf Providence, in the room of David Howell, Esq.,
who is promoted to the superior court.

Caleb Fisk, Esq., fourth justice of the same court, in the
room of Caleb Aldrich, Esq., who is advanced.

Christopher Sheldon, fifth justice of the same court, in the
room of Caleb Fisk, Esq., who is advanced.

Edward Perry, Esq., second justice of the inferior court of
common pleas and general sessions of the peace, in and for the
county of Kings, in the room of John Northup, Esq., deceased-

Abel Tanner, Esq., third justice of the same court, in the
room of Edward Perry, Esq., who is advanced.

Robert Potter, Esq., fourth justice of the same court, in
the room of Abel Tanner, Esq., wdio is advanced.

Sylvester Gardner, Esq., fifth justice of the same court, in
the room of Robert Potter, Esq., who is advanced.

Charles Keene, Esq., inspector of steel, in and throughout
the state.

Theodore Foster, Esq., register of the court of admiralty,
in this state.

Bogart, surgeon's mate, of the Continental bat-
talion of this state ; his appointment to take place from the
1st day of May, A. D. 1781.

Officers in the several Battalions of Militia, in this State.

FIRST BATTALION IN THE COUNTY OF PROVIDENCE.

John Whipple, Esq., major, in the room of James Burrill.
Esq., who declined.

404 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLANU [MaV;

ARTILLERY CO.\lPA^^i■. |

Edward Spalding, captain-lieutenant; Johil Carpenter. I
lieutenant. {

Senior class in the town of Providence — Benjamin Hop- !
pin, captain ; Samuel Black, lieutenant ; Gabriel Allen, en- >
sign. I

Senior class in the town of Cranston — John Burton, Jr.,
captain ; William Burton, lieutenant ; Elisha Carpenter,
ensign.

Senior class in the towiis of Johnston and North Provi-
dence — Caleb Sh-^ldOn, captain; John Vial, lieutenant J i
Christopher Whipple, ensign.

INFANTRY COMPANIES. j

Providence. First company — Jos. Allen, captain ; Isaac i
Bowen, lieutenant; Jeremiah Jenckes, ensign. j

Second company — Bennett Wheeler, captain ; Grindall |
Reynolds, lieutenant ; Robert Taylor, Jr., ensign. I

Third company — James Wheaton, captain ; Seth Whea- j
ton, lieutenant ; Simeon Olnej', ensign. i

Fourth company — Joseph Fuller, captain ; Joseph Snow, (
Ji'., lieutenant ; Lemuel Field, ensign. |

Cranston. First company — Thomas Congdon, captain;
George Colvin, lieutenant ; Oliver Roberts, ensign.

Second company — -Frederick Williams, captain; Nathaniel 3
Carpenter, lieutenant ; John Harris, ensign. |

Third company — Nehemiah Burlingame, captain ; Pardon
Burlingame, lieutenant ; Gideon Manchester, ensign. j

Johnston. First company — Daniel Sprague, captain ;
John Alverson, lieutenant ; Arnold Fenner, ensign. j

Second company — Laban Waterman, captain ; Ezekiel I
Olney, lieutenant ; Pardon Sheldon, ensign.

North Providence — Th«mas Olney, Jr., captain ; Ethan
Whipple, lieutenant ; Ezekiel Whipple, ensign.

First battalion in the county of Kings — .John Gavet,
Esq., major. [

3781.] AND PROVIliMCE PLANTA*10Na 4T)5

ARTILLERY OOMPANY.

Ich.abocl Burdick, captain-lieutenant ; Nathan Barber, Jr..
lieutenant.

Senior class of the town of Westerly — Poleg Berry, cap-
tain ; Stephen Saunders, lieutenant ; Nathaniel Lewis, en-
sign.

Senior class in the town of Charlestown— -.Joseph Wilcox,
captain ; Samuel Thompson, lieutenant ; Charles Church,
ensign.

Senior class in the town of Hopkinton — Thomas Wells.
2d, captain ; Elias Coon, lieutenant

LN FANTR Y OO.MPAMES.

Westerly. First company — Oliver Lewis, captain ; Tho&
Brand, lieutenant^, Nathan Pendleton, ensign.

Second company — William Bliven, ca^jtain ; Joseph Peck-
ham, lieutenant ; Edward Ross, ensign.

Third company — George Stillman, captain ; Peleg Saun-
ders; lieutenant; Asa Maxson, ensign.

Charlestown. First company — John Parke, captain;
Christopher Babcock, Jr., lieutenant ; John Taylor, ensign.

Second company — Beriali Lewis, captain ; Peleg Cross.
Jr., lieutenant ; John Greene, ensign.

Hopkinton. First company — Hcinry Wells, captain ; Syh
vanus Maxson, lieutenant ; Thomas Wells, Jr., ensign.

Second company-— Randall Wells, captain ; Billings Burch.
lieutenant.

Third companj' — Phinehas Maxson, captain ; George Max-
son, lieutenant ; Zaccheus Maxson, ensign.

Bristol. Senior class— Thomas Allen, captain; Benjamin
Bosworth, lieutenant ; Shubael Kinnicut, ensign.

INFANTRY COMPANIES,

Bristol — -William Throop, captain ; Joseph Reynolds, lieu-
tenant ; Jonathan Diman, en.sign.

406 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

Warren — Curtis Coe, captain ; Thomas Easterbrooke, lieu-
tenant ; Icliabod Cole, ensign.

Barrington — Vial Allen, captain ; Daniel Kinnicut, lieu»
tenant ; John Short, ensign.

First battalion in the county of Kent — Thomas Tilling-
hast, Esq., lieutenant-colonel commandant ; Job Pearce, Esq.,
major.

ARTILLERY COMPANY,

Oliver Gardner, captain-lieutenant ; Oliver Corey, lieu-
tenant.

Senior class — Eobert Rhodes, captain ; Hopkins Cooke,
lieutenant ; Philip Wightman, ensign.

INF.ANTRY COMPANIES.

Warwick. First company — Job Eandall, captain ; James
Ai'nold, Jr., lieutenant ; John Warner, Jr., ensign.

Second company — Squire Millard, captain ; James Jer-
auld, lieutenant ; John Stafford, ensign.

Third company — Thomas Rice (son of Thomas), captain;
Anthony Holden, lieutenant ; Robert Edmonds^ ensign. ■

East Greenwich. First company — Micah Whitmarsh,
captain ; Edward Weeden, lieutenant ; John Hall, ensign.

Second company — Allen Johnson, captain ; Mumford Da-
vis, lieutenant ; Josiah Jones, Jr., ensign.

Second battalion in the county of Newport — William
Southworth, Esq., major, in the room of John Davis, Esq.,
who declined,

INFANTRY COMPANIES.

Tiverton, First company — Peleg Simmons, captain j
Philip Manchester, lieutenant ; Redford Dennis, ensign.

Second company — Richard Durfee, captain ; Humphry
Shearman, lieutenant ; Edward Bailey, ensign-
Third company — Benjamin Howland, captain ; Benjamin
Devol, lieutenant ; Elihu Giffard, ensign.

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 407

Little Coinpton. First company — Benjamin Coe, cap-
tain ; Isaac Wood, lieutenant ; John Bailey, ensign.

Second company — Steph. Pearce, captain ; Rowse Pearce,
lieutenant ; William Coe, ensign.

SECOND BATTALION IN THE COUNTV OF PROVIDENCE.

Senior class in the town of Smithfield — Job Mowry, cap-
tain ; George Streeter, lieutenant ; Abraham Winsor, en-
sign. ;:

Senior class in the town of Cumberland — Levi Tower,
captain ; Jesse Ballon, lieutenant ; Joseph Raze, Jr., en-
sign.

INFANTRY COJIPAMES.

Smithfield. First company — Benjamin Ballou, captain ;
Rufus Streeter, lieutenant ; Simon Whipple, ensign.

Second company — Ebenezer Trask, captain ; Simeon Bal-
lou, lieutenant; Eli Read, ensign.

Third company — John Carpenter, captain ; Sam. Holmes,
lieutenant ; William Fuller, ensign.

Cumberland. First company — Amaziah Wetherhead,
captain; Christopher Whipjjle, lieutenant; Gideon Sprague,
ensign.

Second company — Amos Whipple, captain ; Squire Fisk,
lieutenant ; Noah Ballou, Jr., ensign.

SECOND BATTALION IN THE COUNTY OF KINGS ARTILLERY COMPANY.

Richard Updike, captain-lieutenant; James Boone, lieu-
tenant.

Senior class in the town of North Kingstown — Samuel
Phillips, captain ; Samuel Northup, lieutenant ; Thomas
Bissell, ensign.

Senior class in the town of Exeter — David Herrington,
captain ; Samuel Bissell, lieutenant ; Benjamin Shearman,
ensign.

408 RECORDS OP THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaT

INFAXTRY COMPAXIES. ■ \

Noi'th Kingstown. First comjjany — Samuel Dyer, cap- |
tain ; William Davis, lieutenant ; 'Jtukelj' Hill, ensign. j

Second company — Lawrence Pearce, captain ; Henry i
Northup, lieutenant ; Samuel Cole, ensign.

Third compan}- — John Brown, Jr., captain ; Beriah Waite,
lieutenant ; Joshua Brown, ensign.

Fourth company — Nathaniel Shearman, captain ; James
Owen, lieutenant ; William Browning, ensign.

Exeter. First company — Eobert Reynolds, Jr.. captain ; J
William Potter, lieutenant ; James Bates, ensign. i

Second company — Samuel Gorton, captain ; Eobert Per- i
rigo, lieutenant ; Benjamin Brown, Jr., ensign. I

Second battalion in the county of Kent. Senior class in
the town of West Greenwich — Joseph Hopkins, captain;
William Potter, lieutenant ; James Bates, ensign.

Senior class in the town of Coventry — Abel Bennett,,
captain ; Job Greene, lieutenant ; Jonathan Nichols, ensign.

INFANTRY ( 'OMPANIES.

West Greenwich. First company — Samuel Hopkins,
captain ; Joseph Niles. lieutenant ; Joseph Dolliver. Jr.,
ensign.

Second companj- — Benj. Gorton, captain : Caleb Greene,
lieutenant ; Joseph Weaver, ensign.

Third company — Joseph Draper, captain ; Joseph James,
lieutenant ; Judiah Aylworth, Jr., en.sign,

Coventry. First company — Joseph Brayton, captain;
Ichabod Potter, lieutenant ; Noell Potter, ensign.

Second company — William Roy, captain ; Lowry Jenckes,
lieutenant ; Oliver Wickes, ensign.

Third company — Langford Weaver, captain ; Samuel
Greene (son of Nathaniel), lieutenant; Samuel Wlialey,
ensign.

1781. AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.' 409

Fourth company — Asaph Bennett, captahi; Joseph Rice,
lieutenant ; Moses Blanchard, ensign.

THIRD BATTALION LN THE COUNTY OF PROVIDENCE ARTILLERY CO.

Isaac Medbury, Jr., captain ; Job Fisk, Jr., lieutenant.
Senior class — Nathan Relph, captain ; Joseph Kimbal,
lieutenant ; Nathaniel Lovel, ensign.

INFANTRY COMPANIES.

Scituate. First company — John Pottei'. captain ; Zebe-
dee Snow, Jr., lieutenant ; Oliver Leach, ensign.

Second company — George Dorrance, Jr., captain ; Thos.
Potter, lieutenant ; John Johnson, ensign.

Third company — Gideon Harris, captain ; Wm. Brownell,
Heutenant ; Caleb Westcot, ensign.

Fourth company — -Isaac Paine, captain ; John Cole, Jr.,
lieutenant ; Richard Cole, Jr., ensign.

Fifth company — Samuel Wilbur, captain ; Peter Pearce>
lieutenant ; Benjamin Wood, ensign.

Sixth company — -William Howard, captain; James Wells?
lieutenant ; John Hammond, ensign.

THIRD BATTALION IN THE COUNTY OF KINGS' — /ETILLERY COMPANY.

Thomas Gardner, captain-lieutenant; Allen Gardner, lieu-
tenant.

Senior class in the town of South Kingstown — William
Taylor, captain ; Gardner W. Mumford, lieutenant ; James
Cotterell, ensign.

Senior class in the town of Richmond — Thomas Tafft,
captain ; John Woodmansie, lieutenant; Samuel Clarke,
ensign.

INFANTRY COMPANIES.

South Kingstown. First company — Timothy Lock, Jr.,
captain ; Daniel Taflft, lieutenant ; William Steadman, en-
sign.

410 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaV,

Second compaiw — Paris Gardner, captain ; James Rey-
nold, lieutenant ; Elisha Potter (son of Benjamin), ensign.

Third company — Godfrey Hazard, captain ; Thos. Cham-
plin, lieutenant ; Joseph Hull, Jr., ensign.

Fourth company — Daniel Shearman, captain ; Jeremiah
Knowles, lieutenant ; John Gardner, Jr., ensign.

Richmond. First company — Joshua Webb, captain ; Asa
Clark, lieutenant ; Joseph Enos, ensign.

Second company — John Clarke, captain ; Samuel Stanton,
lieutenant: Thomas W. Kinyon, ensign.

FOURTH BATTALION IX THE COUNTY OF PROVIDENCE ARTILLERY CO.

Thomas Wood, captain-lieutenant : William Arnold, lieu-
tenant.

Senior class — Thomas Wells, captain ; Benjamin Tourtelr
lot. lieutenant ; Jacob Bowen. ensign.

Glocester. First compau}' — Peter Lewis, captain; Henry
AVheeler, lieutenant ; Zephauiah Keach, ensign. -

Second company- — Samuel May, captain ; James Colwell,
lieutenant ; Arnold Smith, ensign.

Third company — Nathaniel Wade, captain ; John Pray,
lieutenant ; Esek Brown, ensign.

Fourth compau}- — Isaac Ross, captain ; Jeremiah Irons,
lieutenant ; Seth Ross, ensign.

Whereas, the committee, for the to^vn of Warwick, did as-
sess the class in the said town, whereof Benjamin Arnold,
Esq., was head, in the sum of $300, silver monej', for not
furnishing a recruit for the said class; and whereas, it ap-
pears since, that the said class has furnished a recruit,
agreeably to the requisitioir of this Assembly, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said Benjamin
Arnold be, and he is hereby, empowered to receive the sums
of money assessed upon the said class, for the purpose of
defraying the expenses of procuring the said recruit.

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 411

Whereas, St ejjlien Potter and Esek Hopkins, Esqs., who
were appointed to examine the account of Captain Samuel
Tompkins, presented inito this Assembly the following ao
count, and report thereon, to wat:

Beport of the Co77imiiiees appointed by the General Assembly
relative to the settlement of sundry accounts.

State of Rlioile Islaml, &c., to Samuel Tompkins, Dr.
For a quantity of stock belonging to me, taken from the island of Pru-
dence, on the 2cl of September, A. D. 1775, and valued at the time by
a committee, to wit :

£ s. d.

Forty-four sheep, at li 20 08 00

One yoke of oxen 1'.) 10 00

Two " " at £15 per yoke 30 00 00

One ox 9 00 00

" cow .5 08 00

Seven young cattle 2S 17 60

£119 03 6
To interest on £119 .3s. 6</., for five years and nine months 47 11 11

£106 15 05
STEPHEN POTTER,
ESEK HOPKINS,
Providence, June 1, 1781. Committee.

We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee to examine and adjust tlie ac-
counts for collecting and delivering blankets, for the use of the men enlisted into Col.
Greene's Continental regiment for six months, do rejMrt :

That there is due for that service to the several persons undernamed, the sums set
against their names respectively, in silver money, to wit :

£ s. d.

To Mr. Nathaniel Perkins, of South Kingstown 4 10

" Pvichard Smith, Esq., of Bristol 1 04

" Mr. Giles Lawton, of Portsmouth 1 07

" " Timothy Peckham, of South Kingstown 1 16

" " Joseph Cross, of Charlestown 2 00

" " Aaron Simmons^ of Little Compton 2 00

" ■' Sheffield Wilcox, of Richmond 104

" " Stephen Congdon, of North Kingstown 12

" Capt. Stephen Jenckes, of North Providence 15

No other accounts for that service have been presented to us.

WILLIAM RICHMOND,
JOSEPH STANTON, JR.,
THOMAS HOLDEN,

Providence, Mav 30, 1781. Committee.

412 RECORDS OF THE STATE OT RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

[The report was accepted, and the several accounts or-
dered to be paid.]

It is voted and resolved, that the sheriff of the county of
Bristol notify Messrs. Eobert Carr, Curtis Cole, Caleb Carr
and Benajah Cole, all of the county aforesaid, to appear be-
fore this Assembly at the next session, to answer a com-
plaint against them for taking certain articles from a sloop,
lately belonging to Mr. Eobert Lawton.

In Council was read the return of the officers, chosen to
command the Glocester Light Infantry Company, who are
as followeth, to wit :

Timothy Wilmarth, captain ; Martin Smith, first lieuten-
ant ; Elijah Armstrong, second lieutenant ; Ezekiel Brow%
ensign.

Which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said choice' be, and
hereby is, approved.

Upon the petition of a considerable part off the second
trained band or company of militia, in the town of Wes-
terly,—

It is voted and resolved, that the said company be, and
hereby is, divided into two companies, in the following man-
ner, io wit :

By a line beginning at the Charlestown line to the east-
ward of Williiua Crandall's house ; and thence running
west to the said liouse, leaving the same in the upper or .
fourth company ; from thence, running northerly to Jona-
than Sisson's house, leaving the same in the said upper or
fourth company ; and from thence to the meadow brook;
and tliat all to the northward of the said line be embodied
into a company, by the name of the Fourth Trained Band,
or Company of Militia, of the town of Westerly.

Whereas, David Glegg, master, and William Smith, mate,
of the schooner Flying Fish ; and Samuel Spencer and Jo-
siah Hodges (for himself, his wife, and two children), passen-
gers in the said schooner, preferred a petition, and repre-
sented unto this Assembly, that being bound from New i

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. ilS

York to the island of Bermuda, of which they are all inhab-
itants, they were taken and brought into this state, and
here detained as prisoners of war, at a great expense ; and
that if the}' laay be permitted to return to the said island,
they Avill engage upon their honors to send back, either
from Bermuda or New York, a like number of prisoners of
equal rank ; and thereupon they prayed this Assembly to
permit them, at their sole expense, to hire a small vessel,
to be qualified as a flag of truce, to carry them to the said
island ; which being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the i)rayer of the said pe-
tition be granted ; they giving their paroles to the commis-,
sary of prisoners in this state, and engaging to return a like
number of prisoners of equal rank ; and that His Excel-
lency the Governor be requested to issue a commission for
that purpose, in the usual form.

Provided nevertheless, that the vessel which shall be so
qualified, do not sail without the approbation of the com-
mander-in-chief of His Most Christian Majesty's fleet, in the
harbor of Newport.

Whereas, William Taggart, Esq., Mr. William Langley and
Christopher Ellery, Esq., presented unto this Assembly the
following report, to wit:

Report of the Committee cqjjjointed by the General Assemhly
relative to certain Magazines of Sea-Coal, in Newiiort.

The subscribers being appointed to inquire into tlie circumstances of some magazines
of sea-coal left in the town of Newport by the enemy, at their evacuation, do report :

That from the best information your committee hath been able to procure, Thos. Free^
body, Esq., took and sold upwards of one thousand bushels of the said sea-coal, at the rate
of one silver dollar per bushel, and applied the same to his own use; which the said
Thomas Freebody alleged was given him by the enemy, in consideration of the use of
his stores. All which is submitted by— WILLIAM TAGGART,

WILLIAM LANGLF.Y,
CHRISTOniER ELLERY,

Committee.

On consideration whereofj —

It is voted and resolved, that the said report be received,

414 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

and referred to the nexL session ; and that in the mean time
the secretary cause the said Thomas Preebody to be served
with a copy thereof, and ci.ed to appear at the next session
of this Asseaibly, to show cause, if any he hath, why he
should not pay the said money into the general treasury.

It is voted and resolved, that the general treasurer be,
and he is hereby, directed to issue warrants of distress on
the 11th day of June, A. D. 1781, against the town treasu-
rers of each respective town in this state, that shall be defi-
cient in paying into the general treasury the Avhole amount
of the sums assessed against them respectively for raising
.and paying into the general treasury £1,000,000, Conti-
nental money, of the old emissions ; and that the said war-
rants be returnable in ten days after date.

It is voted and resolved, that the towns which are defi-
cient in paying into the general treasurj^ the sums assessed
upon them, respective!}^, for procuring beef be, and they are
hereby, required to pay the same into the general treasury,
on or before the 8th day of June, A. D. 1781, with interest
from the 5th day of May, preceding ; that in case any town
shall neglect to pay the same, as aforesaid, such town shall
forfeit and pay into the general treasury double the sum it
shall be in arrear ; and that the general treasurer on the
9th day of June, aforesaid, issue his warrants of distress for
collecting the same.

Whereas, it is represented unto this Assembly, that the
collectors of taxes for the several towns in this state have
refused to collect the money assessed upon the classes for
filling up the Continental battalion of this state, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that if an}^ collector of
taxes shall for the space of three days aft(^r he shall be ten-
dered a rate-bill from the committee of such town for
classing, refuse to receive and collect the same, the sheriff
of the county in which such town lies, or his deputy, shall
receive such rate-bill, and execute the same according to
the true intent and meaning thereof, and deliver the money

17S1.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, 415

SO collected to the chairman of the committee from whom he
shall receive it ; for collecting and paying which, such sher-
iff, or his deputy, shall receive double fees.

It is further voted and resolved, that if any collector of
taxes hath received such rate-bill from a committee to coU
lect the money assessed upon a class, and hath neglected,
or shall neglect, to execute the same according to the true
intent and meaning thereof, such committee shall and may
prosecute such a collector at a special court, to be called
and holden in the same manner as special courts are in
other cases directed by law to be called and holden ; and
upon conviction, shall pay all costs, charges and damages
that collectors of rates are liable to, by law, in other
cases.

And it is further voted and resolved, that in all cases of
refusal or neglect, the attorney general be, and he is here-
by, directed to prosecute all such delinquent collectors ac-
cording to the act passed at the session in January last, in
addition to the act passed in November last, for filling up
the Continental battalion of this state.

Whereas, the general treasurer of this state hath, in pur-
suance of an order of this Assembly, issued his warrant
against the town treasurers of several towns which are defi-
cient in paying the taxes assessed upon them respectively ;
which warrants were returnable on the 1st day of June, A-
D. 1781, upon which several of them have been committed
to, and now remain in jail ; and whereas, a further time is
requested for the said delinquent towns to pay in their defi-
ciencies ; and this Assembly being willing to show every
reasonable indulgence, — r

Do vote and resol.ved, and it is voted and resolved, that
the town treasurers committed as aforesaid, be enlarged
from their present confinement ; that the said delinquent
towns be empowered to collect and pay the sums, together
with the interest and fees of the officers due from them re-
spectively, at any time before the 12th day of June, afore-
said ; that upon a certificate from the general treasurer

416 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISL.\ND [MaY,

being produced to the sheriff, or his deputy, who is in pos-
session of any of the said Avarrants that the money hath
been so paid such officer, shall return the same satisfied ;
that in case such certificate be not produced, nor the money
paid, on the said 12th day of June, to the officer who hath
the executing of any of the said warrants, such officer shall
commit to close jail in the county to which he belongSj
every town treasurer against whom warrants have been is-
sued as aforesaid, and Avhich remain unsatisfied as afore*
said ; and that the keepers of the jails in this state, respeo-
tively receive such town treasurers into their custody, and '
keep them confined until the sums due from their respec
tive towns be fully satisfied.

And to enable the collectors of taxes to collect the money j
to discharge the said town treasurers, —

It is further voted and resolved, that the said collectors
be, and they are hereby, empowered to make sale of the
cattle, or goods, which shall be distrained in payment of the
said taxes, and of their fees, in five days after such dis-
traint shall be made ; any law to the contrary notwith-
standing.

Whereas, His Excellency Count de Eochambeau, general
of His Most Christian Majesty's army in this state, hath
represented, that it may be necessary for the removing the
baggage and stores of the said array from Newport to
Providence, to impress a number of teams; wherefore, that
the said army may not be impeded in its march, —

It is voted and resolved, that George Irish, Esq., be, and
he is hereby, anpointed and fully empowered to impress
such a number of teams in the county of Newport as shall
be required by the Count de Eochambeau. for the transpor-
tation of the said baggage and stores from Newport to Bris-
tol Ferry ; that Nathaniel Fales, Esq., be, and he is hereby,'
appointed and fully empowered to impress a sufficient
number of teams within the county of Bristol, to convey
the said baggage and store from Bristol Ferry to Provi-
dence ; and that the said George Irish and Nathaniel Fale&

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 417

be empowered to appoint certain persons under them,, to
assist in performing the said service ; and also to employ
suitable persons to drive and take charge of such teams as
the owners do not attend upon themselves.

Whereas, it is highly expedient that a body of troops,
completely armed and accoutred, should be on the island of
Rhode Island, on or before Tuesday, the 5th day of June,
A. D. 1781, to be stationed at such places as the commander
of that post shall deem necessary for the safety and defence
thereof, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the following in-
dependent companies, to wit : the Artillery of Providence,
the Kentish Guards, the Kingstown Reds and the Pawtuxet
Rangers, forthwith turn out one-half of the men belonging
to their respective corps, to march to Newport, to be upon
the ground by the said 5th day of June, there to do duty
for one month ; that the men so furnished by the said inde^
pendent companies be accounted to the towns to which
they respectively belong, and be reckoned as so many men
furnished towards their quota of five hundred men ordered
to be raised at the present session ; that the said indepen-
dent companies be led by their own officers; that the
towns of Tiverton and Little Compton forthwith furnish
one hundred and two men, to be at Newport on the said
fifth day of June, to do duty for ten days, which shall be in
lieu of their furnishing their quota for one month's service ;
that the said town of Tiverton furnish fifty-seven, and the
said town of Little Compton forty-five, of the aforesaid men,
who are to be led by the militia officers of the said towns ;
that they all be under the command of the commanding
officer of the post at Rhode Island ; and that the whole of
the aforesaid men, who shall do duty as aforesaid, shall be
excused from doing further duty until the remaining part
of the men in their respective towns shall have done an
equal tour of duty.

It being represented \into this As§emblj that the Conti-

418 RECORDS OF THE .STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaT.

nental post-riders, who pass through this state, will soon be
under the necessity of quitting that employment, unless
they can have their accounts settled, and the money due to
them paid, —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that His Excellency
the Governor be, and he is hereby, requested to write to
the delegates of this state in Congress, and instruct them to
represent to Congress the many disadvantages that must
attend a stoppage of the posts from passing through this
state, and to urge in the strongest terms for the settlement
of their accounts, and the payment of the sums due to
them, as soon as possible.

Whereas, Christopher EUery, Eowse J. Helme and Thomas
Rumreill, Esqrs., presented unto this Assembly a state of the
account of Charles Holden, Jr., Esq., and report thereon as
follows, to wit :

Bepnrt of the Committee upimntcd hi/ the General
relative to the account of Charles Holden, Jr.

State of Rhode Island, &c., in account with Charles Holden, Jr. Dr.
1781. £ ... d.
To tlie amount of supplies purchased with money, as per the ac-
count of particulars annexed 11,159 7 2

To the amount of supplies purchased with certificates, as per the

.-iccount of particulars annexed 16,250 12 2

£27,419 19 4
To my commissions on £27,419 19s. 4rf., at 1 per cent. 274 3 U

£27.694 3 3
1780. Creditor.

By cash received of the general treasurer at sundry times 10,324 1 U

By beef received of sundry persons, tenants to the state, on ac-
count of rent, amounting to 711 4 6

By 2,465 lbs. beef, delivered by Col. Crary and Mr. Demount, to

the workmen, in part of payment for labor -58 8 11

By the amount of certificates issued by me on the general

treasurer 16,260 12 2

Balance due to Charles Holden, Jr 339 15 9

£27,694 3 3
Errors excepted. CHARLES HOLPEN, Jk.

ProTidenw, June 2, 17*V

1781.] aN'D PROVlbENCE I'LANTATIONS. 419

We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee to examine atid adjust the ac-
counts of Charles Holden, Jr., Esq., commissary general of purchases for this state,
having examined the vouchers for the expenditures, and money received from, and
■certificates issued upon tlie jjeneral treasurer by him, do find the above balance of
three hundred and thirt3'-iiine pounds, fifteen shillings and nine pence, due to the said
Charles Holden, Jr.

We also repor't that wc have examinee^ the votichers for the delivery of the jmr-
<;ha9es, and find thein agree with tlie annexed acCeunt of particulars.

CHRISTOPHER ELLERY.
ROWSE J. HELME,
THOMAS RUMRIELL,

Commitlfv.

And tile preinises being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said rejwrt be, and the
same is hereby, accepted ; and that for the said balance,
being three hundred and thirty-nine pounds, fifteen shillings
and nine pence, the general treasurer give his note to the
said Charles Holden, Jr., payable on demand, in silver
money, with interest until paid ; which note, when paid,
will be in full of the said account.

It is voted and resolved, that Thankful Slocum, the wife
of Eleazer Slocum, a refugee, be permitted to go in the first
cartel vessel to her said husband, who is in New York, and
to carry her little daughter with her, under the direction
and inspection of the commander of the post at Rhode
Island.

It is voted and resolved, that Joseph Clarke, Esq., general
treasurer of this state, be, and he is hereby, era250wered to
employ a suitable person to assist him in the said office,
from time to time, as the business thereof may require.

It is voted and resolved, that the sheriff' of the county of
Kings county, either by himself or deputy, immediately take
possession of the real estate of David Benjamin, in Exeter^
in behalf of this state ; and also of the cattle late belonging
to Thomas Reynolds, in Exeter, in whose possession soever
the same may be.

It is voted and I'esolved, that John Jenckes and Wekorae
Arnold, Esqrs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to purchase, immediately, cloth, and to procure a

420 RECORBS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAKD [MaY,

sufficient number of tents to be made therewith ; and to
forward them as soon as possible to head-quarters, for the
use of the Continental battalion of this state; and that
William Channing, Esq., pay to the said committee the
necessary sums of money for the purpose aforesaid, out of
the money arising from the sale of the goods condemned to
and for the use of this state, by a judgment of the superior
court.

An Act for granting and apportioning a tax of twenty
thousand pounds, in silver or gold, upon the inhabitants
of this state.

[See printed Schedule for this act at length.]

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. Webster Kinyon,
Remington Clarke, Weeden Clarke and William Rogers, all
of Richmond, be empowered to subscribe the test heretofore
ordered to be subscribed by the inhabitants of this state ;
and that thereupon they be entitled to all the privileges
enjoyed by those who have already subscribed the same.

It is voted and resolved, that Mr. Benjamin West be, and
he is hereby, appointed to re-survey the farms lying in Bris-
tol, which Mr. John Brown purchased, late belonging to
William Vassal, and which Messrs. Fales, Bourne and Smith
purchased, late belonging to John Borland ; that Messrs,
Matthew Manchester and Peter Burlingame carry the
chain ; that Caleb Hari'is and Thomas Holden, Esqs., attend
in behalf of this state, at the times and places of the re-
survey ; that the said Benjamin West make an accurate sur-
vey of the farms aforesaid, and plat the same ; and that the
said Benjamin West, Matthew Manchester and Peter Bur-
lingame have the sole determining how near the sea or salt
water the same be measured.

And it is further voted and resolved, that if upon the re-
survey the said farms shall be found to contain a number of
acres less than they were surveyed for, the expense of the

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 421

re-survey shall be paid by the state, and the difference shall
be allowed to the purchasers ; and that, if the said farms
shall be found to contain an equal or greater number of
acres than they were surveyed for, the purchasers shall pay
the said expense, and for the overplus land.

It is voted and resolved, that the petition of Mr. John
Bours, respecting the claim of Messrs. Willing and Morris,
of Philadelphia, to certain sequestered estates in Tiverton,
late the property of Naphtali and Isaac Hart, be received ;
and that the matters represented in the said petition be re-
ferred to William Channing, William Taggart and Timothy
Waterhouse, Esqs., who are to make inquiry into the same,
and report to this Assembly as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved that Lieut. Col. Samuel Ward be,
a,nd he is hereby, appointed and directed to complete the
abstracts of the wages due to the non-commissioned officers
and privates who enlisted for six months in the regiment
commanded by Col. Christopher Greene ; that he make out
certificates of the sums due to them respectively, and trans-
mit the same to the town treasurers of the towns by which
they were severally enlisted, to be by them delivered to the
individuals to whom the money is due ; and that the gen-
eral treasurer and collectors of taxes in the several towns
receive the said certificates in payment of so much of the
tax for silver money, ordered at the present session, as
they express.

It is further voted and resolved, that Brigadier General
Nathan Miller be, and he is hereby, appointed and directed
to complete the abstracts of the militia officers and men
who did duty in pursuance of an act passed at this Assem-
bly in February last ; that he make out certificates of the
sums due to them respectively, and transmit the same to
the town treasurers of the towns to which they severally
belong, to be by them delivered to the individuals to whom
the money is due ; and that the general treasurer and col-
lectors of taxes in the several towns receive the said certifi-

422 Records of the state of rMode island [May,

cates in pa3'ment of so much of the aforesaid tax as they
express.

And it is further voted and resolved, that the general
treasurer and collectors of taxes in the several towns also
receive the certificates granted by Lieut. Col. Jeremiah
Olne}^ Major Ebenezer Flagg, Lieutenant Oliver Jenckes or
John Reynolds, Esq., for blankets by them received in pur-
suance of an act of this Assembly passed in Novemberj
A. D. 1780, in payment of so much of the said tax as they
express ; allowing twenty shillings, silver money, for each
blanket, estimated at eighty pounds old Continental money,
and in the same proportion for one of a less value,

An Act constituting a council of war.

Whereas, His Excellency, General Washington, hath
recommended to this state to invest the executive author-'
ity with full powers, during the recess of the General
Assembly, to comply with anj- further necessary requisition
that he may make for men, provisions, or for the means of
transportation.

And whereas, from the present appeai'ances, there is rea-"
son to apprehend that this state, in the course of the cam-
paign, may be subject to invasion ; and unless the necessary
powers to call forth the strength of the state in cases of im-"
minent danger, be invested in a suitable council, the safety
of the state may be greatly endangered.

Be it therefore enacted bj' this General Assembly, alid by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that a council of war be
constituted, to consist of five members, three of whom shall
make a quorum ; that the said council, when called by His
Excellency the Governor, or His Honor the Deputy Gov-*
enior, shall and may, in the recess of the General Assem-
bly, make, ordain, constitute and appoint all such orders,
decrees, regulations and commands of a military nature^-
necessary for calling forth the strength of this state, in all
cases that require sudden and immediate dispatch; and

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 423

that such their orders, decrees, regulations and commands,
shall be as valid as though enacted and ordained by this
General Assembly.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
the sum of fifteen shillings, silver money, per day, be al-
lowed and 2).iid out of the general treasury, to each of the
members who shall necessarily attend.

Whereas, the dwelling house and lot of land, in Provi-
dence, late belonging to Gilbert Deblois, hath been assigned
to Captain William Allen, on account of depreciation due to
him and to the other officers of Col. Angell's regiment, —

It is therefore voted and i-esolved, that, upon a certificate
being produced to the general treasurer, from Col. Israel
Angell and Capt. William Tew, who are the agents for the
said regiment, that the said William Allen hath paid and
duly accounted with the officers of the same for the amount
of the money at which the said estate was appraised, that
then the general treasurer make and execute a deed, con-
veying to the said William Allen all the right, title, interest
and property of the said Gilbert Deblois, in the said lot of
land and dwelling house, warranting the same against all
claims of the said Gilbert Deblois, or of any other person
claiming under him.

An Act in addition to an act passed in December, A. D.
1780, entitled '• An Act ascertaining the depreciation of
the bills of public credit, and fixing the value of private
contracts in Spanish milled dollars, since the same have
been in circulation, &c."

Whereas, the depreciation of the jiaper currency is ascer-
tained in the aforesaid act only up to the 1st day of April,
A. D. 1780, since w^hich time there hath been a still further
and great depreciation thereof; and in order that justice
may be done, it is necessary that the same should be ascer-
tained to the present time ; and that the courts of law

424 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

should be directed in what manner to make up judgments
and issue executions for contracts in the paper currency ;

Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembl}', and by
the authority thereof it is enacted, that the following table
or estimate, exhibiting the value of the paper currency in
Spanish milled dollars, shall be the standard for fixing the
value of all contracts, in bills of credit of the United States,
issued before the 18th of March, 1780, made since the said
1st day of April, A. D. 1780, to the 30th day of May, 1781,
and that the several courts of law within this state shall
govern themselves by the same, in making up judgments,
to wit : —

From April 1, 1780, to April 20, one Spanish milled dollar was equal to forty of the

old emissions of Continental currency.

To April 25, 42 To September 10 71

" " 30, 44 "Octoberlo 72

" May 6, 4fi " November 10 73

" "10, 47 ■' " 30 74

" " 15, 49 1781.

"20, 54 To February 27, 75

" "25, 60 " April 15 76

" "30 62 " " 20, 77

" June 10 64 " " 25, 78

" " 15, 68 " '• 30, 79

" " 20, 69 "May 15 80

August 15, 70

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that
the courts of law in this state be, and they hereby are, di-
rected and required to make up and enter their judgments,
in all cases, for lawful money, in silver or gold, as ascer-
tained in an act of the General Assembly, passed at June
session, A. D. 1763, entitled "An Act declaring what is and
shall be lawful money," &c. ; and that all costs arising in
any suit at law, of what kind soever, and officers' fees, shall
be computed in like lawful money, and shall, on account of
the raised prices of the necessaries of life in general, be
twenty-five per cent., or one-quarter part, more than as al-
lowed by law in the year 1774. And all fines, penalties and

1781.] ANIJ PRUVIDENC'E PLANTATIONS. 425

forfeitures shall be computed in like lawful moiie}', equal in
value to the sums specified.

And whereas, the Continental paper bills of the old emis-
sions have been considered as a medium of trade, and a
measure in dealings, in lieu of money, for which obligations
have been given and are not yet discharged ; and the said
bills, by the general consent of the people, have in gi'eat
measure ceased to circulate as a currency ; and the Conti-
nental bills of the new emission have been also considered
as a medium of trade, and for which like obligations have
been given; and experience hath shown that they are like-
wise liable to depreciation, and great contests and disputes
may arise between debtors and creditors, in determiniog
what shall be a just equivalent for such debts; —

Therefore, for the better securing of property, and for
causing impartial justice to be done, —

Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all
contracts made for Continental bills of the old or new emis-
sions, or debts for which depreciation is due by law from
persons who have received monies for others in paper bills,
may be discharged by paying the just value of such debts
in silver or gold lawful money, or bills of the new emission
issued by this state, pursuant to a resolve of Congress of
the 18th of March, 1780; which value shall be ascertained
by the aforesaid scales of depreciation, and such scale of de-
preciation as shall be agreed upon and estalilishcd by the
superior court of judicature, &c., as herein after men^
tioned.

And be it further enacted, that notwithstanding execu-
tion shall issue from the courts of law, for levying and col-
lecting the just value of any paper money debts as afore-
said, in silver or gold, yet the person against whom the
same is issued may discharge such part of the execution as
shall be due from him for a paper money debt as aforesaid,
by paying the value of the sum of gold or silver specified
in the execution to be due from him as aforesaid, in Cont>

426 KECdliUS OF THE STATE OF RJlOllE ISLAND [MaY,

nental bills of the new emission, issued in this state, pur-
suant to said resolve of Congress, of the 18th day of March,
1780, at the current exchange on the day he shall pay the
same ; Vi^hich value and current exchange shall be deter-
mined from time to time b)- the justices of the superior
court of judicature, &c., who for this purpose shall meet, if
necessary, once a month, and oftener in case of an apparent
depreciation of said bills of the new emission ; and who
shall monthly notify the rate of exchange between the said
bills and Spanish milled dollars, in the newspapers of this
state ; and that the sherifl" who shall have such execution
shall pay the same immediately to the person in whose
favor it is issued, or on default thereof shall \:)iiy to such
person the depreciation of the money while in his hands;
but in case the sheriff shall be obliged to collect the said
money due on such execution by sale of goods, chattels or
real estate, he shall receive gold or silver only in discharge
thereof.

And be it further enacted, that the reckoning of the de-
preciation of said bills, as ascertained by the three scales
aforesaid, shall be considered as having reference to each
day specified, and as having taken place regularly and pro-
gressively, in equal degrees, from any day specified in said
scales to the next specified day.

And it is further enacted, that judgments of court already
obtained for paper money debts, and whereon executions
have been issued and are not yet returned, and all judg-
ments for paper money, may be discharged by paying to
the person in whose favor such judgment is passed, or to
the officer in possession of such execution, the just value
thereof at the time such judgment was rendered, in bills of
the new emission, issued b}^ this state as aforesaid, which
value shall be ascertained, in case of execution being is-
sued, by the officer who has the same, from the said scales
of depreciation. Provided, nevertheless, that vuitil the scale
of depreciation of the new emission as aforesaid shalj b§

178L] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 427

published by said court, any officer now possessed of any
execution may receive, in discharge thereof, one dollar in
the new emission of Continental currency for twelve pounds
of the old emissions, and in like proportion for a greater or
less sum ; and that any person in whose favor any execu-
tion hath been issued, may, if he sees fit, order it to be re-
turned for an alias, that the value of such judgment may be
justly ascertained.

And whereas, creditors are often injured by being unrea-
sonably delayed from their just dues, from the length of
time between the courts, — -

Be it therefore enacted, that all executions from the infe^
rior or superior courts, shall be returnable iu three months
from the time of issuing such executions.

And it is further enacted, that this act be in force imme-
diately from and after the rising of this Assembly ; and that
the secretar}^ immediately publish the same in all the news-
papers of the state.

An Act for granting and apportioning n tax of six thousand
pounds, in Continental bills of the new emission of this
state, to be appropriated to the redeeming one-sixth part
of the quota of the new Continental money emitted by
this state.

[For act see printed schedule]

Whereas, Mr. William Langley hath made an application
to this Assembly to purchase the lot of land, house, wharf,
stores, &c., situate in Newport, which was lately the proper-
ty of John Bell, and hath been confiscated for the use of
this state ; which being dulj^ considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that upon the snid William
Langley's paying into the general treasury two thousand
dollars, in gold and silver, on or before the 10th day of
June, A. D. 1781, and also the sum of four hundred dollars,
in bills emitted by this state in June, A. D. 1780. without

428 EECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

reckoning any interest thereon, on or before the third day
of August next, that then the general treasurer be, and he
is hereby, authorized and directed to make and execute
unto the said William Langley, in behalf of this state, a
good warranty deed of the lands and premises aforesaid,
convejing the same unto the said William Langley, his
heirs and assigns forever, in fee simple ; and that the said
William Langley receive the rents for the present year, and
have possession of the said estate on the 25th day of March
next.

It is voted and resolved, that Col. Archibald Crary be,
and he is hereby, empowered to give orders upon the pur-
chasing commissary, or any other person in possession of
public stores belonging to the state, for such part thereof as
may be necessary for the use of the militia now called forth
to do duty upon Rhode Island.

It is voted and resolved, that William Taggart, Theodore
Foster, Eowse J. Helme, Nathaniel Fales and Thomas Hoi-
den, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee
to inquire into the deficiencies of the respective towns upon
every requisition of the General Assembly for men ; that
they also make inquiry what towns have accounted for the
iron and flour, and monies received by them for the boun-
ties of soldiers ; and that they make report to this Assem-
bly as soon as may be.

It is voted and resolved, that the Hon. Daniel Mow-
ry, Jr., and James M. Varnum, Esqs., be, and they are
hereby, requested to proceed to Philadelphia, and take their
seats in Congress as soon as possible, to represent this state
for the ensuing six months ; and that the Hon. William
Ellery and Ezekiel Cornell, Esqs., be, and they are hereby,
requested to proceed to Congress at the expiration of that
time, to relieve the first abovenamed gentlemen, and to
represent this state for the remaining six months.

Both iiouses being joined in a grand committee, chose

178L] anI) providence plantations. 429

the following gentlemen members of the council of war,
to wit :

His Excellency William Greene, Esq., the Hon. Jabez
Bowen, Esq., and Gideon Mumford, Thomas Holden and
William Taggart, Esqs.

It is voted and resolved, that the ferriages of the militia,
now ordered upon duty, or which shall be ordered out in
future, in their going to their respective places of rendez-
vous or posts, and upon their return when discharged, shall
be defrayed by the public ; and that the commanding officer
of any of the said troops shall give the keeper of the ferry
a certificate of the number transported, which certificate
this Assembly will cause to be paid.

It is voted and resolved, that Theodore Foster, Esq., and
the secretary be, and they are hereby, appointed a com-
mittee to draft letters to the Congress, to His Excellency
Gen. Washington, to the commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and the state of Connecticut ; that tiiey inform them of the
measures taken by this state for supph'ing the army, &c. ;
and request of the said commonwealth and state informa-
tions of what hath been done by their respective legisla-
tures for that purpose ; and that they report the said letters
to His Excellency the Governor, who upon approving them
is hereby requested to sign and transmit them as soon as
may be.

The following agreement was entered into between this
General Assembly and William Rhodes, Esq., to wit :

That he, the said William Rhodes, shall procure and de-
liver to the commissary general, or his order, or to the
proper officers for receiving the same, at such place on the
east side of the North River as shall be directed by the per-
sons appointed to receive the same, sixty thousand pounds
weight of good merchantable beef, upon the foot, to be
reckoned as so much beef for which Congress hath made a
requisition upon this state : that one-half part thereof be

430 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

delivered on or before the last day of June, A. D. 1781, and
the other half on or before the last day of July next ; for
which the said William Rhodes shall be allowed at the rate
of two pounds, seven shillings and six pence, silver money,
per hundred weight ; that upon the said William Rhodes's
producing proper receipts and certificates of the delivery of
the beef as aforesaid, he shall be entitled, on the 15th day
of August next, to receive payment therefor, in silver
money, out of the general treasury ; and that if the money,
at the time of payment, be not in the general treasury, the
said William Rhodes shall be allowed interest therefor until
the same be paid.

Whereas, many persons in the towns of Newport, Ports-
mouth, Jamestown and Middletown, possessed of large real
estates, have refused to pay the taxes assessed upon them,
who have not sufficient visible personal estate to satisfy the
same ; and the collectors in the said towns are not empow-
ered to collect the said taxes from their real estates, where-
b}^ great injury accrues to the public : —

It is therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by
the authorit}' thereof, that the collectors of taxes in the said
towns, in all cases where sufficient personal estate cannot
be found, be, and they are hereby, fullv emjDowered to at-
tach and make sale of so much of the real estates of the per-
sons delinquent as aforesaid, and of all persons who shall
hereafter refuse or neglect to pay the taxes assessed upon
them, as will be sufficient to discharge and satisfy the same ;
that the said collectors be, and they are hereby, authorized
to make and execute to the purchaser or purchasers of such
estate or estates, a deed or deeds thereof, conveying all the
right, title and interest of the person and persons on whom
such taxes are or shall be assessed, and that the purchaser
or purchasers shall hold the same accordingl}-.

Whereas, Christopher Lippitt, Esq., represented unto this
Assembly, that a person was detached from the class in

[ 1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 431

j Cranston, of which he was head ; that eight thousand dol-
I lars, in Continental money of the old emissions, was assessed
upon the said class, and jDaid into his hands before the late
great depreciation thereof, where it hath remained ever
since ; and that in consequence of an act of this Assembly
passed at the last session, the said class hath procured an-
other recruit, who hath passed muster, and to whom they
have paid three hundred and sixty silver dollars ;—

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the general treas-
urer receive the said sum of eight thousand dollars of the
said Christopher Lippitt, and pay him in lieu thereof two
hundred dollars in Continental money of the new^emission,
to be returned to the said class.

It is voted and resolved, that the following accounts be
paid out of the general treasury, viz :

Bills Onlcred lo he Paid.

Silas Bates, of the state's tliree ye.irs battalion, bounty 100 silver dollars.

John Reynolds, agent clothier 2 135 q q.

Edward Bennett, who lost his arm in the service .."!!.... '4.5

Capt. Joshua Pendleton, the pay abstract of his company, on duty in July

and August (A) \(i

John Demorent, for appraising cattle for the army y I9 g

MetcalfBowlcr, for transcribing certain accounts 14 ig

Capt. Samuel Snow, for his wages in Col. Greene's regiment 24

John Carter, for printing I'' 11 fi

Charles Holdon, Jr., commissary of purchases, balance 339 15 9

Christopher Ellery, for adjusting Charles Holden,Jr.'s accounts 8 16

Samuel Burr and Benjamin Barton, for services in the militia 7.5

David .Lawrence,>r equipping a vessel to go to New York, to effect an

exchange of [prisoners 37 3 4

Esek Hopkins, for services in settling accounts of Continental battalion . . 4 10

John Jenckcs, for same service 10 4

WilliamJBarker, hire of horses to carry expresses ", 4 o G

Samuel .Butler,-for. horse^ hire and service of his son in carrying ex-
presses ., jg g

Asa Hopkins, reward for arresting a deserter 8 16 q

Capt. Stephen Jenckes, for storing and delivering meal 2 17

Rowse J. Helme, for servicesas clerk of the lower house 1114 6

F.zekiel Cornell, for 225 days service as a member of Congress, and ex-
pense of horse ride from 'Newport to Philadelphia $675 00

Daniel Mowry, on account, in silver money 300 00

432 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [MaY,

Adjourned to the second Monday in September, then to
meet at East Greenwich.

God save the United States of America.

General le Compie de Rochambcau in Governor Greene.

Ne^vpo^t, 2Tth May, 1781.

Sir: — I have the honor to send to your E.xcellency, Major Fleury, who has the
honor to be acquainted with you. He will deliver into your hands Gen. Washington's
letter. You will see by it that he requires you would call immediately five hundred
militia men, which he has regulated for relieving the French body at Newport. The
Admiral and myself are of opinion that this is a very favorable instant to put our re-
spective forces in motion, and fulfill the scheme determined in the late conference witi
Gen. Washington.

I trust to your E.xcellency's discretion, and under the condition of the greatest
secrecy, this information. I beg, at the same time, you would give immediate ordei
to collect at Newport, as soon as possible, the five hundred men. Gen. Washington
and I would wish their commander to be a man of abilities, firmness and spirit, and
such that we could depend upon in all circumstances whatever. I beg your Excel-
lency would send him here as soon as possible, that we could determine and agree.

Y'our Excellency will, I hope, be persuaded how much I lament the loss of your
friend and relation, Col. Greene. I had the greatest esteem and regard for an officer
of such merit.

1 hare the honor to be, with great respect,

Y'our most obedient and humble servant,

Le COMPTE de ROCHAMBEAU.

To His E.xccUency Governor Greene.

Governor Greene io General le Compte de Rochamheau.

Warwick, 28th May, 1781.
Sir : — Yours of the 27th instant is now before me, and as the Assembly meets to-
day, and will very probably enter upon business on the morrow, put it entirely out of
my power to call in the militia during the time they may set ; shall therefore embrace
the earliest opportunity to lay His Excellency Gen. Washington's and your letters be-
fore them when by themselves, and recommend to them to keep the contents thereof
as a profound secret ; and whatever resolutions they may pass shall be immediately
forwarded to you.

I sincerely condole with you for the loss of that brave gentleman you have been so
kind as to mention, as also for those who fell with him. But as they were contending
in the defence of a cause so just, and of such amazing importance to millions who may
reap the benefit of their labors hereafter, flatter myself that the public's loss will be
their eternal gain, and therefore think it our duty to submit.
I am, with sincere regard,

Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

WM. GREENE.
To His Excellency Gen'l de Rochamheau.

1781.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 433

General le Compte dc Bochambemi to Governor Greene.

Newport, 31st May, 1781.
Sir : — I thank your Excellency for the orders you have been pleased to give to the
militia, and for your sending Col. Crary, who I doubt not will answer all our expecta-
tions.

I am quite ready to move with the French body. Gen. Washington desires it could
be as soon as possible. I beg your Excellency to hasten as much as possible the call-
ing and arrival of the militia, and to grant me an order which gives me authority to
impress all the wagons that are on Rhode Island, tor carrying our baggage as far as
Bristol Ferry ; and another order, to impress the wagons of farmers between Bristol
Ferry and Providence, to carry the same from Bristol Ferry to Providence.

The wagons and horses purchased for the army will be sent to Providence from
Connecticut, and then I shall not want any farther assistance.

As it is very important that the motions of the army should not be delayed, I wish
that at least two hundred men be arrived here Monday night or Tuesday morning,
I will move on Wednesday, with the advance guard.
I liave the honor to be, with respect.

Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

Le COMPTE i>k ROCHAMBEAU.
To His Excellency Governor Greene.

Governor Greene to General Washington.

Warwick, June 7th, 1781.

Sir : — The General Assembly of this state, deeply impressed with the absolute ner
cessity of assembling a respectable army in the field, did, in the beginning of the last
winter, cheerfully adopt the proper measures for filling up our Continental battalion,
agreeable to the arrangement of the army. With unwearied exertions, and at a vast
expense, they have proved so tar successful that the whole number demanded have
been enlisted and mustered, excepting thirty-nine; and such measures are now pur-
suing that I trust the remainder will be very soon completed.

Sensible, also, that to provide for the clothing and feeding the troops was equally
necessary, they have hitherto supplied and sent forward their quota of fresh beef, and
have laid up considerable quantities of salted provisions and rum ; of the former of
which we now have nearly seven hundred barrels, and of the latter about eleven thou-
sand gallons, besides what hath been delivered to tlie troops who have done duty in
the state. They have also provided and sent on a sufficient quantity of summer
clothing for the battalion ; and have on hand the greatest part of the warm clothing
for winter.

[I laid your Excellency's letters of the 18th and 24th of May before the General
Assembly, at their session the last week. They entered upon the consideration of
them with that seriousness and attention which their importance required.]

They contracted for thirty thousand pounds weight of fresh beef tor the month of
June, and the same quantity for July, to be delivered on the hoof, at such place or
places on the East side of the North River as the proper otBcers for receiving it shall
direct. And the character of the person contracted with is such that the punctual
perforniiuice of his contract may be securely relied upon.

Although there was a suflicient number of tents in this state for the use of our bat-
talion, procured with money advanced by us, yet the service requiring them tor the

434 RECORDS OK THE STATE OP RHODE ISLAND [MaT,

southern army, the General Assembly appointed a committee to procure the materials
for, and to cause one hundred and twenty tents to be immediately made for our bat-
talion. They will be soon completed and delivered to the assistant quartermaster
general in this state.

In consequence of yonr Excellency's letter of the 24th of May, the General Assem-
bly ordered a regiment of militia to he embodied to do duty on Rhode Island for one
month. They are to be rendezvoused there to-morrow, excepting two hundred of
them, who, at the request of His Excellency Count de Rochambeau, were ordered
upon the island yesterday. I have received information that a considerable part of
them have gone on. Col. Archibald Crary, an officer of experience and ability, is ap-
pointed to the command of the regiment, and of the posts upon Rhode Island.

* I will not excite in your Excellency's breast those disagreeable sensations which
must arise from a detail of the distresses of this small state. I will only say that it is
impossible for us, without the assistance of the neighboring states, to garrison New-
port ; and I must earnestly request your Excellency to make an early application to
the other New England states, for a just and equitable proportion of troops for the de-
fence of that post, which we conceive to be of great consequence to our allies as well
as to us.

During the time the enemy were in great strength at Rhode Island, it frequently
happened that this state was left in a measure destitute of succors from the neighbor-
ing states. At one time there was not a single man from Connecticut nor New Hamp-
shire, and but about one hundred and fifty from Massachusetts. Sometimes all the
fencible men in the state, sometimes a third, and at others a fourth part, were called
upon duty. The intolerable burthens we then labored under are so recent, and the
apprehensions of suffering similar distresses from a like conduct in the neighboring
states, are so great, that your Excellency will excuse my being importunate with you
fo make early requisitions, and in such terms and with such precision, as your Excel-
lency shall think best adapted to procure seasonably the necessary succors.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest esteem, sir.

Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

WM. GREENE.

To His Excellency General Washington.

* This letter ?nj//«//.v wutnudis was addressed to Congress, with the addition of the following pan-
graph :—

The General Assembly have also ordered a tax of £20,000, lawful silver money, to defray the expeoaaB
of the state,— one-half thereof payable on the 1st day of August next, and the other half on the fifth day
of October following ; and another tax of £6,000 lawful money, being one-sixth part of the Continental
money of the new emission of this state, to be paid in the identical bills by the last day of December next,
which will be within a year from the time of their emission.

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE I'LANTATloN.S 43t

Proceedings of the General Assemii// of the tSiutc if Rhode
Island and Providence Plantaiions, at Providence, on Tnesdnt/^
>My M, 1781.

His Excellency Williani Greene, Governoi'.
The Hon. Jabez Bowen, Deputy (rovernoiv

It is voted and resolved, that Rhoda Browning, of Tiver-
ton, -with her two children, Esther Milward, of Newport,
and Mary Nichols, of Jamestown, with her daughter, and
Mrs. Frances Brenton, wife of William Brenton, be, and
they are hereby, permitted to proceed to New York, to
their connexions, in the first tlag of truce that shall go from
this state to that place, and to carry with them their wear-
ing apparel, and also such household furniture as Christo-
pher Ellery, Esq., the commissary of prisoners in this state,
shall think proper.

Whereas, this state is called upon to, and doth, keep at
Rhode Island five hundred men of the militia, for the de-
fence thereof, who are supplied with provisions by this
state ; nnd whereas, the monthly supply of fresh provisions
required of this state for the use of the army is sixty thoit-
sand pounds weight:

It is therefore voted and resolved, that fifty-two thou-
sand pounds weight of fresh beef be sent forward to the
grand army monthly, duriiig the time the militia of this
state shall be held in actual service ; and that the remain-
ing eight thousand pounds weight be appropriated for the
use of the militia while in service.

It is voted and resolved, that Messrs. William Taggart,
John Jenckes, Rowse J. Helme, William T. Miller and Mo-
ses Lippitt, be, and they are hereby, appointed a committee
to prepare a bill for proportioning upon the towns in this
state, a tax or assessment O'f sixty thousand pounds weight

436 RECORDS OF THE STAtE OF RHODE ISL.4ND [JtJLY,

of beef, exclusive of the hides and tallow, for the months of
August and September next, agreeable to the recommendar
tion of the committee Irom the New England states ; and
that they proportion the same agreeable to the tax of
twenty thousand pounds, silver money, ordered to be as-
sessed by this Assembly at the last session.

An Act altering the time of returning executions
from the superior and inferior courts.

[For act, see printed Schedule.]

It is voted and resolved that Gideon Muraford, Esq.,
William Channing, Esq., and Mr. Joseph Brown, be, and
they are hereby, appointed a committee to draft a letter to
Gen. Choisy, in answer to the letter addressed by him to
His Excellency the Governor.

Whereas, Major William Perkins, who hath the care of
the military stores belonging to the United States in this
state, hath repiesented to this Assembly that Gen- Knox
hath directed him to cause a large quantity of military
stores to be ti'ansported by land from this state ; and that
the quartermaster is unable to furnish a competent number
of teams for that purpose ; —

It is therefore voted and resolved, that Benjamin Bourne,
Esq., A. D. Q. M. G. in this state, be, and he is hereby, di-
rected to cause such part of the said stores as cannot be for-
warded by land to be transported by water to Hartford, in
the state of Connecticut, and there to be delivered to the
proper officer ; provided nevertheless, that none of the pow
der be transported by water.

And it is further voted and resolved, that it be recom-
mended to Col. Archibald Crary to furnish a guard for the
said stores to be transported by water, from the militia un-
der his command, if a sufficient number will voluntarily
enlist for that purpose, who shall be allowed the same

1781.]

AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 437

bounty as was allowed to the guards who went with the
cannon.

It is voted and resolved, that John Jenckes, Esq., be, and
he is hereby, directed to deliver to Solomon Southwick, Esq.,
commissary general of issues in this state, ten barrels of the
beef belonging to this state, for the use of the troops now
on duty. ,

Whereas, from tlic neglect of the collectors in divers towns ivithln this state, the
taxes and assessments respectively made and ordered to be collected from said towns,
have not been duly and regularly paid into the general treasury, whereby it became
necessary that the general treasurer should issue his warrants of distress against the
town treasurers of those towns where the collectors had been negligent, several of
whom have been committed to gaol, and others have been obliged to raise ttie monies
due from the respective towns without said collectors having duly collected and paid
In the amount of the tax or assessment to them delivered to be collected ; and there-
upon the town treasurers have called special courts upon the collectors and their sure-
ties ; and as it is highly equitable and reasonable that the estates of the principals
should be first appropriated towards paying otf and discharging the judgments which
have been or shall be obtained against said negligent collectors and their sureties, —

Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is hereby
enacted, that in all executions issuing from any judgment obtained by the town treas-
urers against the said collectors and their sureties, the words real estate shall be en-
tered in the mandatory part of said executions ; that the sheriff or his deputy to whom
the said executions shall issue, shall, immediately upon the receipt of such executions,
seize and take into possession all the estate, as well real as personal, which he can find
in his precinct, belonging or appertaining unto the principal ; and that said sheriff or
his deputy shall, immediately upon his seizing and attaching the estate of the principal,
advertise the same to be sold at public vendue, as well real as personal, within twenty
days of the time of his making the seizure or attachment as aforesaid.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in case of accidents, or ex-
traordinary storms or tempests, by reason whereof few or no purchasers may appear,
it shall and may be lawful for the sheriff or his deputy to adjourn the sale of the estates
so taken, from one day to the next, and so for three adjournments, and no longer.

And it is further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in case any negligent col-
lector or collectors of taxes as aforesaid shall have estates within two counties, the
execution or executions shall be directed to the sheriffs and their deputies of the re-
spective counties in which the estates of such negligent collectors are ; and their
estates may be immediately taken and proceeded against as is in manner before
directed .

And it is further enacted, that if the estate, real and personal, of the negligent col-
lector, which shall be sold in manner as aforesaid, shall not be sufficient to discharge
the amount of the execution, debt and costs, an alias execution shall be immediately
issued against the sureties, for collecting the remainder, which execution shall be
returnable within ten days from the date thereof.

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that for «ll real estates sold by
virtue of this act, the sheriff shall give a deed to the purchaser or purchasers, in the
same manner as deeds are by law ordered to be executed by the sheriffs.

And the secretary is ordered to procure this act to be immediately printed, and to
send copies thereof to the scveml town clerks within this state.

438 RECORDS OF 'fHt J<TATE OF RHODE ISLAM) [JuLTf,

It is voted and resolved, that the following persons be,
and they are hereby, appointed to the offices ascribed to
their names respectively, to wit :

Joseph Nightingale, captain, John Mathewson, lieutenant^
and William Russell, ensign, of the senior class company in
the town of Providence.

Simon Whipple, Esq., major of the second regiment of
militia in the county of Providence,

Coman Smith, captain of the third company of militia in
the town of Scituate.

Peter Pearce, captain, and Thomas Wilbur, lieutenant, of
the fifth company of militia in the same town.

Isaac Blanchard, ensign of the second company of militia
in the same town. '

John Wilkinson, surgeon, and John Anthony, surgeon's
mate, of the third regiment of militia in the county of
Providence.

Daniel Sayles, ensign of the first company of militia iri
the town of Smithfield, in the room of Simon Whipple, pro-
moted.

Humphrey Shearman, captain, Edward Bailey, lieutenant,
and Jeremiah D welly, ensign, of the third company of mili-
tia in the town of Tiverton.

Arnold Bliveu. lieutenant of the second company' of mili-
tia in the town of Westerly, in the room of Joseph Peckham,
who declines.

Asa Maxson, lieutenant of the third company of militia
in the same town, in the room of Peleg Saunders, who de-
clines, and Samuel "Clarke, ensign of the same company.

Joseph Bailey, lieutenant, and Job Gray, ensign, of th*
first company of militia in the town of Tiverton.

Whereas, Jonathan Arnold, Esq., director of the military
hospitals in this state, is called upon for necessaries for the
accommodation and comfort of the sick militia now ordered
upon duty. To enable him to furnish the same, —

It is voted and resolved, that the said Jonathan Arnold

1781.] AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 439

be, and he is hereby, directed to procure such supplies as
he shall judge necessary, and empowered to draw upon the
general treasurer in favor of the persons who shall furnish
the same, to the amount of thirty pounds, silver money, in
the whole ; which orders shall be received by the general
treasurer in payment. of the silver money tax assessed at
the last session ; and that the said Jonathan Arnold be ac-
countable for the amount of the orders so to be drawn.

An Act for proportioning upon the several towns within
this state supplies of beef, for the support of the army,
for the months of August and September next.
Whereas, it will be impracticable to keep an army in the
field, during the present campaign, unless a regular and due
supply of fresh beef is furnished them, agreeable to the
requisition of the Hon. Continental Congress ; and whereas.
His Excellency Gen. Washington hath, in the most pressing
manner, requested that the supplies required of this state
be regularly and monthly sent on to the army ; and where-
as, the suppHes of fresh beef, for the months of August and
September, can be procured in the easiest and best manner
by proportioning the same unto the respective towns within
this state.
[The act printed at length will be found in the Schedule.]

It is voted and resolved, that the town treasurers of the
respective towns in this state be, and they are hereby, em-
powered to receive of Lieut. Oliver Jenckes the deprecia-
tion money in his hands, due to the soldiers who have
families in their respective towns, which have been supplied
by the several towns, or are likely to stand in need of being
so supplied.

Whereas, the Hon. Jabez Bowen, Esq., the member for
this state of the convention of commissioners from the New
England States, who met at Providence, on the 26th day of
June last, reported to this Assembly, as the unaiiimous

440 RECORDS OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND [JuLY,

opinion of the said commissioners, that five hundred and
seventy thousand pounds weight of fresh beef, exckisive of
hides and tallow, for the supply of the army in the month
of July, be immediately sent forward to camp ; that it be
furnished by the said states in the following proportions, to
wit:

Massachusetts 240,000 lbs.

Connecticut 210,000 "

New Hampshire 90,000 "

Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 30,000 "

570,000 lbs.

That for the supply of the army in the months of August,
September, October, November and December, the quanti-
ties of fresh beef assigned below to each of the said states,
be sent to camp, or to such other place or places as the
commander-in-chief or the commissary general shall direct,
and be delivered on the particular days in each of, the said
months undermentioned, to wit :

Massachusetts 120,000 on the 1st day.

Connecticut 105,000 " 6th "

New Hampshire 45,000 " 11th •'

Connecticut : 105,000 " 13th "

Massachusetts 120,000 " 19th "

New Hampshire 45,000 " 25th "

Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 60,000 " 27th "

600,000

And that the said states send forward, as soon as may be,
the salted provisions requested, and the necessary supplies
of rum, salt and summer clothing.
• Which report being duly considered, —

It is voted and resolved, that the same be, and hereby is,
■accepted ; and that the Assembly Avill provide the ways and
means of procuring this state's proportion of the supplies,
agreeable to the said report.

It is voted and resolved, that the several towns in this
state which are deficient in the payment of the money
already assessed for beef, be allowed twenty days longer
time to pay the same ; that, upon the payment thereof,

1781.] " AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. 441

with the interest and costs, within the s.iid tiine, tliey be
exonerated from the penalty of paying double the sum as-
sessed upon them ; that those towns which have already
paid in the sums so assessed upon them, with the interest
and costs, be excused from the said penalty ; and that the
town of Middletown, which hath paid the