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CONSISTING OF
A COLLECTION OF AUTHENTICK RECORDS, STATE PAPERS, DEBATES, AND LETTERS
AND OTHER NOTICES OF PUBLICK AFFAIRS,
THE WHOLE FORMING
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
OF
THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES;
OF THE
CAUSES AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION;
AND OF
THE CONSTITUTION OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES,
TO
THE FINAL RATIFICATION THEREOF.
I\
SERIES.
FIRST SERIES.
From the Discovery and Settlement of the North American
Colonies, to the Revolution in England, in 1688.
SECOND SERIES.
From the Revolution in England, in 1688, to the Cession of
Canada to Great Britain, by the Treaty at Paris, in 1763.
THIRD SERIES.
From the Cession of Canada, in 1763, to the King's Message
to Parliament, of March 7th, 1774, on the Proceedings in
North America.
FOURTH SERIES.
From the King's Message of March 7th, 1774, to the Decla-
ration of Independence, by the United States, in 1776.
FIFTH SERIES.
From the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, to the De-
finitive Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, in 1783.
SIXTH SERIES.
From the Treaty of Peace, in 1783, to the final ratification
of the Constitution of Government for the United States,
proposed by the Convention, held at Philadelphia, 1787.
BY PETER FORCE.
PREPARED AND PUBLISHED UNDER AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS.
£
10$
ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1843,
BY PETER FORCE,
IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
AMERICAN ARCHIVES:
CONTAINING
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY
OP
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
.
FROM THE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, JULY 4, 1776,
TO THE
DEFINITIVE TREATY OF PEACE WITH GREAT BRITAIN, SEPTEMBER 3, 1783.
BY PETER FORCE.
VOLUME II.
PUBLISHED BY M. ST. CLAIR CLARKE AND PETER FORCE,
UNDER AUTHORITY OF ACTS OF CONGRESS, PASSED ON THE SECOND DAY OF MARCH, 1833,
AND ON THE THIRD DAY OF MARCH, 1843.
WASHINGTON, MAY, 1851.
ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1851,
BY PETER FORCE,
IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
CONTENTS
OF THE SECOND VOLUME OF THE FIFTH SERIES.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION.
1776. —
July 15, Meeting of the Convention of Pennsylvania in
Philadelphia, ..... 1
16, List of Members, - 1
16, Officers chosen, - - 2
16, Qualification and profession of faith signed by
Members present, - 2
16, Resolution to procure Lead, - 3
16, Guard in Philadelphia to be kept up, - - 3
16, Proposition to agree upon a temporary line be-
tween Pennsylvania and Virginia, - - 3
17, Rev. Wm. White requested to perform divine
service to-morrow, before the Convention, - 3
17, Colonel Miles appointed Brigadier-General and
Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of Penn-
sylvania, - - - 3
17, Committee appointed to bring in Ordinance for
disarming all Non-Associators, - - - 3
18, Affirmation taken by the Secretary of the Con-
vention, - ... 4
18, Thanks of Convention to Mr. White for having
performed divine service, - 4
18, Committee appointed to draw up Rules for the
Convention, ----- 4
18, Clerk of the Assembly required to deliver such
Records and Papers as the Convention shall
think necessary, - - 4
18, Report from Committee to bring in an Ordi-
nance respecting the arms of Non-Associ-
ators, - 4
18, Rules and Regulations for the government of
the Conventipn, - 4
18, Committee appointed to make an essay for a
Declaration of Rights for the State, - - 5
19, Ordinance respecting arms of Non-Associators
read a second time, ----- 5
19, Circular letters to be written, urging Troops to
be marched with the utmost expedition to
New-Jersey, - - - - - 5
19, Ordinance for disarming Non-Associators, - 6
20, Election of Delegates to Continental Congress, 6
20, Committee appointed to draw up Instructions
to Delegates in Continental Congress, 7
20, Committee appointed to confer with Virginia
Delegates on the subject of a temporary line
between Virginia and Pennsylvania, - 7
20, New Jail in Philadelphia delivered up to Con-
gress for the use of the State Prisoners, - 7
20, Recommendation of Field-Officers for the Bat-
talion intended for the defence of the west-
ern frontier, - -7
22, Committee to go immediately and examine the
old Jail, - - 7
23, Four additional Battalions to be raised for the
Flying-Camp, - - 8
23, Resolved to take the most effectual measures
to render the burthen and expense of the
inhabitants equal, - g
23, Committee to bring in bills for punishment of
Treason and Counterfeiting, 8
23, Resolution fixing pay of Members of Council
of Safety, . £
23, Election of Members of Council of Safety, - 8
24, Oath of Members of Council of Safety, . 9
Council of Safety recommended to procure
sufficient number of Pikes for use of the
Militia, ------.9
1776.
July2<l, Committee on Declaration of Rights appointed
also to draw up an essay for a frame of
Government, ... - - 9
24, Committee on Counterfeiting and Treason re-
ported, -..--.-9
24, Resolution respecting two Companies raising
by the Committee of Westmoreland, - - 9
24, Draft of Instructions to Delegates in Congress
reported, - - - 9
24, Committee to bring in Ordinance for delivering
persons confined in Jail, - 9
24, Report of Committee on Colonel Easton's pe-
tition, - 10
25, Declaration of Independence unanimously ap-
proved, - - - ... 10
25, Draft of a Declaration of Rights reported, - 10
25, Ordinance on Treason, &.C., recommitted for
amendment, - - 10
25, Committee to fix quotas for the four additional
Battalions, report, - - 10
25, Report of Committee for Instructions to Dele-
gates in Congress read the first time, - - 10
26, Letter from General Roberdeau, - - 10
26, Committee appointed to examine the funds of
the State, - - 11
26, Minutes of the Convention to be published
weekly in English and German, - 11
26, Report of the Declaration of Rights recommit-
ted, - - - 11
26, An essay for an Ordinance for delivering the
Jails, reported, - - - 11
26, Instructions for Delegates in Congress, - - 11
27, An Ordinance for the release of Colonel James
Easton, - - 12
27, New draft of Declaration of Rights reported, - 12
29, Draft of the Declaration of Rights ordered to
be printed for the use of the Members, - 12
30, Memorial from County of Northumberland,
praying assistance against Indians, - - 12
31, Draft of Ordinance for relief of Prisoners in
the Jails, ordered to be transcribed for a hird
reading, - - - 13
31, Draft of Ordinance for punishing Counterfeit-
ing paper currency to be transcribed for a
third reading, - - 13
31, Committee appointed on Petition from North-
umberland, - - - - 13
Jlug. 1, An Ordinance for the relief of the Prisoners in
the several Jails in the State of Pennsylvania, 13
1, An Ordinance to prevent the Counterfeiting
the paper money issued by the honourable
the Continental Congress, or by any other of
the United American States, - - 15
1, Resolutions on Petition and Memorial from
Cumberland County, - 16
1, Draft of Ordinance for punishing High Treason
ordered to be transcribed for a third reading, 16
2, Resolved that the future Legislature of this
State shall consist of one branch only, under
proper restrictions, -
5, Fines imposed upon absent Members, - - 17
5, Report from the Committee to inquire into the
Publick Funds, - 17
5, Consideration of the matter respecting the com-
mand of the Fleet resumed, - - 17
5, Committee appointed to bring in an Ordinance
for regulating the Militia of the State, - . 17
Ill
1776.
Jlug. 5, Committee appointed to bring in an Ordinance
to regulate the sale of Tea and Salt, - - 17
5, Committee appointed to bring in an Ordinance
respecting the Salt imported by Joshua Fisher
&Sons, - - - - 17
6, Committee appointed to consider the granting
of Commissions for the Officers of the Fly-
ing-Camp, ------ 17
7, Resolution respecting dispute between Colonel
Bird and other officers of Berks County
Militia, - 18
7, Committee to consider of the most effectual
measures for raising the quota for the Fly-
ing-Camp, - - - IS
9, Committee on raising quota for Flying-Camp
reported, - ...
9, Letter from Colonel Dickinson, read, 18
9, Report from Committee appointed to consider
of the granting Commissions to the Officers
of the Flying-Camp, 18
9, Committee to bring in a draft of an Ordinance
appointing Conservators of the Peace, - 19
9, Committees of Philadelphia and of the Coun-
ties to continue in office until a new election, 19
9, No tavern keepers or others to take out any
licenses from the officers of the late Gov-
ernment of the State,
10, Resolutions respecting the Flying-Camp, - 19
12, Letters from Colonel Dickinson and General
Mercer, read, - - - - 20
12, Commissioners chosen to go to Head-Quarters
in Jersey to form the Flying-Camp, 20
12, Petition from Major Loxley, - - 20
12, Quotas of the four additional Battalions for the
Flying-Camp, - - - 20
12, An Order for £10,000 to be drawn in favour of
the Commissioners appointed to go to Head-
Quarters, - - 20
12, Regulation for Inlistment, - - 20
12, Committee appointed on Petitions of the Cap-
tains of the Galleys of the State, - 20
12, Report of the gentlemen appointed to con-
sider the granting of Commissions for the
Officers of the Flying-Camp, - - 20
13, Petition from Berks County to Congress, pray-
ing an exemption of Weavers and Black-
smiths from personal service, - - 21
15, Draft of an Ordinance for rendering the bur-
thens of Associators and Non-Associators
as equal as possible, reported, - - 21
15, Committee to hear the Petitions of the Cap-
, tains of the Galleys, reported, 21
15, Petition from Inhabitants of the Township of
Albany, County of Berks, to be excused
from marching into Jersey, - 21
15, Petition from Inhabitants of Chester. County,
praying that Colonel Lloyd's Battalion may
remain at home, - - - 22
16, Letter from Colonel Dickinson complaining of
the desertion of some of the Associators, - 22
16, Resolutions relative to Deserters, - - 22
16, A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants
of the State of Pennsylvania, - - 22
17, Petition of the Inhabitants of Albany Township,
in the County of Berks, rejected, - 24
17, Absent Members ordered to return immediately, 24
17, Resolution for the collection of Fines, and for
compelling the attendance of absent Mem-
bers, - - - - 24
19, Letter from General Roberdeau, read, - - 24
19, Address by General Roberdeau to the Associa-
tors under his command, ordered to be printed
in the English and German newspapers, - 24
19, Draft for frame of Government brought in, - 24
19, Committee appointed to draw up an Ordinance
for creating Conservators of the Peace, - 25
19, Petition of the Captains of the Galleys, referred
to the Council of Safety for final decision, - 25
19, Resolution regulating promotion in the Naval
and Land service, - - - - 25
20, Delegates in Continental Congress directed to
apply for the Loan of one hundred thousand
Dollars for the State, - 25
21, Guards appointed over the stores of Joseph
and Stephen Newell, to prevent the removal
of the salt stored therein, - - 25
22, Draft of an Ordinance for appointing Conser-
vators of the Peace reported, 26
CONTENTS.
1776.
Jlug. 23, Petition of John Smyth and Benjamin Lewis,
praying relief from confinement, referred to
a Committee, - - 26
24, Resolution enforcing the Regulations respect-
ing the price and distribution of Salt, - 27
24, John Smyth and Benjamin Lewis to be released
from confinement, - - 27
26, General Mercer requested to grant leave of ab-
sence to Members of the Convention under
his command, - 27
26, Colonel Slough to march to camp as soon as
Colonel Roses's Battalion shall return, - 27
26, Ordered that Colonel Bull have leave to stay
some time longer in camp, 28
26, Letter from Colonel Matlack, at Amboy, re-
specting the Flying-Camp, read, - 28
26, Resolves of Congress desiring the Convention
to recommend certain Officers, read, - - 28
26, Loan of one hundred thousand Dollars obtained
from Congress, - 28
26, Order for thirty thousand Dollars drawn for two
of the Commissioners appointed to form the
Flying-Camp, - 28
27, Petition from Inhabitants of Tulpehocken, in
Berks County, praying that some of the As-
sociators may remain to protect them against
the Indians, read, - - - 28
27, Letter from General Mercer to the President of
Congress, read, - 28
27, Artillery Companies request to be put on the
same footing with the other Militia, - - 28
28, Committee directed to dispose of the Salt be-
longing to Joshua Fisher & Sons, 29
29, Eight hundred and thirty-four Pounds to be
transmitted to Northampton'County, to pay
for the second quota for the Flying-Camp
for that County, - 29
31, Petition from Peter Withington, praying to be
appointed Captain, read, - - 30
31, A Memorial of Stephen and Joseph Shewell,
justifying their conduct with respect to their
Salt, read, - 30
Sept.%, A. Memorial from the Committee of Inspection
of Cumberland County, praying that some of
their Militia might be permitted to remain at
home for their protection, read, - - 30
2, Petition of John Timmons, praying to be ad-
mitted on bail, read, - - 30
2, Committee appointed to bring in an Ordinance
empowering the Justices of the Peace in this
State, in certain cases, to compel Debtors to
give security to their Creditors, - - 30
3, An Ordinance for the appointment of Justices
of the Peace for the State o'f Pennsylvania, - 31
4, Memorial from two Colonels of Militia of West-
moreland County, on want of arms, and
mode of calling out Militia, read, - - 33
4, Petition from Andrew Ledlie, complaining of
great ill-usage, on account, as he appre-
hends, of his attachment to the cause of lib-
erty, read, ... - 33
4, Petition from William Hardy, praying to be
appointed the officer for this State to regis-
ter those who shall be disabled in the service
of the United States, - 34
4, The President of the Council of Safety to be
qualified before the President of the Con-
vention, - - 34
5, Letter from Congress requesting that this State
would immediately send forward to New
York all the aid they can, read, - - 34
5, An Ordinance of the State of Pennsylvania de-
claring what shall be Treason, and for pun-
ishing the same and other crimes and prac-
tices against the State, - - 34
6, Resolution respecting the Companies to be
raised in the Counties of Northampton and
Northumberland, - - 35
6, An Ordinance respecting advisedly writing and
speaking against the American cause, read
the first time, - - 35
7, Owner of a cargo of salt, just arrived, at liberty
to dispose of it at such rates and to such
persons as he may think proper, - 36
9, Wages of Doorkeeper directed to be paid, - 36
10, Letter, dated the 5th instant, at King's Bridge,
from Lieutenant-Colonel Broadhead, of the
Pennsylvania forces, read, - 36
CONTENTS.
1776.
Sept. 10, Letter from Colonel Slagle, desiring that an-
other Commissioner may be appointed in his
stead, read,
10, Committee appointed to confer with the Com-
mittee of Congress for Indian Affairs on the
defence of the frontiers,
10, Committee appointed to take into consideration
all the military affairs of this State respecting
the Flying-Camp and the operations of war
to the eastward,
10, Conduct of Commissioners for forming the Fly-
ing-Camp, with respect to the two Companies
of Artillery at Amboy, approved,
11, Draft of an Ordinance respecting Debtors giving
security in certain cases, reported,
11, Election of four Members of the Council of
Safety, -
1], A Memorial of William Wild referred to the
Council of Safety,
11, Petition of Lawrence Feagan, relating to the
damage he sustained by reason of a riot
among the soldiers, at the Barracks, read, -
12, An Ordinance for punishing persons guilty of
certain offences therein mentioned against
the United States of America, -
12, Inquiry directed to be made relative to Colonel
Grubb's Battalion returning home without
being discharged,
12, Petition from six Captains of Companiesof Col-
onel Montgomery's Battalion, complaining
that they had not received their pay, read, -
13, The Committee appointed to consider of the
military affairs of the State reported, -
13, An Ordinance to compel Debtors, in certain
cases, to give security to their Creditors,
13, Two Petitions from Northampton County,
praying a supply of ammunition, &c., read,
13, Election of a Member of the Council of Safety,
13, Members of the Council who have not taken
the oath prescribed, permitted to take the
same before any Justice of the Peace for the
County wherein they reside,
14, A Return made of the men of Colonel Mont-
gomery's Battalion who left the camp with-
out discharges, -
14, Resolution providing for the more effectual
protection of the western frontier against
the Indians,
14, Report of the Committee appointed to confer
with the Delegates in Congress from Vir-
ginia, on the settlement of a temporary
boundary between Virginia and this State, -
14, An Ordinance for rendering the burthen of
Associators and Non-Associators in the de-
fence of this State as nearly equal as may be,
17, Committee appointed to prepare a speech and
wampum for a conference with two Shawa-
nese Indians now in town,
18, Draft of the speech to the Shawanese Indians,
reported and approved,
18, Forty dollars to be given to the two Shawanese
Indians as a present,
19, Message of the State of Pennsylvania, by their
Representatives in Convention at Philadel-
phia, to their brethren the Shawanese Indians,
19, Twenty dollars presented to each of the two
Shawanese Indians, -
19, Inhabitants and Committees recommended to
respect and assist Wenthissica and Pellawa,
two Shawanese Indians,
19, Letters read from the Commissioners for Indian
affairs at Fort Pitt, -
19, Letter read from Colonel Kachlean, informing
of deserters, .....
20, Memorial from the Committee of Northumber-
land, setting forth their apprehensions of an
Indian war, read,
20, Resolution for the payment of two Companies
raised by the Committee of Westmoreland, -
23, Letter read from General Roberdeau, contain-
ing his sentiments on the regulations of the
Militia, - .....
23, Committee appointed to bring in the draft of a
resolve for settling and regulating the general
election for this present year,
24, Delegates in Congress directed to apply to the
Congress for the loan of one hundred thou-
sand Dollars,
1776.
Sept.
36
24,
36
24,
24,
35
25,
36
37
25,
37
25,
37
25,
37
25,
37
25,
38
25,
26,
38
26,
38
39
26,
39
39
27,
39
27,
27,
39
27,
40
27,
40
28,
28,
28,
42
45
46
28,
28,
46
28,
46
28,
46
28,
46
28,
46
28,
47
28,
47
47
28,
47
28,
47
28,
47
VI
24, Allowance of Mileage to the members of the
late Conference of Committees, - 48
Council of Safety to pay expenses incurred by
sending expresses to call the people together
for choosing Brigadier-Generals, - 48
Wardens of the city of Philadelphia to continue
in office until new Wardens shall be chosen, 48
Memorial read from Paul Fooks, desiring to
be appointed sworn Interpreter for foreign
languages and Notary Publick, - 48
Letter from Rev. Messrs. Duffield and Marshall,
praying that the Clergy may be exempted
from the burthen of civil officers, read, - 48
A petition praying for an addition to the article
confirming the incorporations for promoting
religious and charitable purposes, read, 48
Letter read from President of Congress re-
specting raising additional Battalions, - 48
Committee appointed to prepare the draft of a
preamble to the Declaration of Rights and
Frame of Government, and of the oaths and
allegiance of office, ----- 48
Committee appointed to consider the letter
received from Congress, 48
An essay for a preamble to the Declaration of
Rights and Frame of Government, reported, 48
An essay for the Oaths and Affirmations of
allegiance and of office, reported, - - 48
Resolve respecting Elections for the present
year, - 49
Report of Committee, and action of the House,
on the matters contained in the letter from the
President of Congress, .... 50
Commissioners for raising the Flying-Camp to
account with the Council of Safety, or future
Assembly, for money put into their hands for
that purpose, - ... go
Three Commissioners elected, to inquire, &c.,
into the condition of the troops raised by this
State, - - 50
Committee appointed to inquire into mutiny in
Colonel Miles's Battalion, - - 50
Directions respecting the soldiers who have
returned from the camp, - - - 51
Recommended to the first General Assembly of
this State to make a law similar to the habeas
corpus act of England, - - 51
Committee appointed to inquire into the affair
of the returned soldiers, reported, - - 51
The Constitution of Pennsylvania, - 51
The Constitution signed by the President and
Members of the Assembly, - - 59
The Constitution committed to the Council of
Safety, to be delivered to the General As-
sembly at their first meeting, immediately
after they shall have chosen their Speaker, - 59
A Committee appointed to settle the incidental
expenses of the Convention, 59
President of the Convention allowed the same
wages as the Speaker of the late House of
Assembly, - - - 59
Committee appointed to prepare the seals for
the future Legislature and Executive Coun-
cil, : - - 59
Immediate notice to be given that the freemen
of the State are empowered to choose, at
their next election, Counsellors of State, - 59
Council of Safety directed to prepare materials
for printing Paper Currency, - - 59
Committee appointed to revise and print the
Minutes of this Convention, 59
General Roberdeau appointed first Brigadier-
General, and General Ewing second Briga-
dier-General, of this State, - - 59
Committee appointed to draw up an Address to
the publick, setting forth the reasons for the
Ordinances and Resolves which have been
passed, - - - 60
Report of the Committee appointed to inquire
into the complaints of the mutinous soldiers,
again read, and referred to the Council of
Safety, - - 60
New election of two gentlemen to visit the
troops raised in this State, at New- York
Island and Ticonderoga, 60
Petition of Peter Withington, for a captaincy,
again read, and referred to the Council of
Safety, - - 60
VII
1776.
Sept. 28, Commission and Instructions to the gentle-
men chosen to visit the troops of this State,
28, Report of the Committee on Military Affairs
again read,
28, Election of Field Officers for the Battalion to
be raised in the Counties of Northampton
and Northumberland1, -
28, Those Associators who have refused to march,
&c., to be considered as Non-Associators, -
28, The memorial from Northumberland again read,
and referred to the Council of Safety,
28, Secretary of the Convention to have the same
wages as the Clerk of the Assembly, -
28, Thanks of the Convention to the President, -
28, The Convention rose, -
CONTENTS.
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
1776.
Sept.%, Robert Towers directed to deliver to Colonel
Porter thirteen stand of arms,
2, Abraham Hargis appointed a Lieutenant in a
Rifle Regiment, - -
2, Samuel Mifflin appointed Commodore and
Commander-in-chief of .all the naval arma-
ments of the State, - - - - -
2, Owen Biddle authorized to import from St.
Eustatia necessaries for clothing and equip-
ping the troops, -
2, Mr. Towers directed to deliver Colonel Smith
ninety stand of arms, ...
3, The Militia under the command of Colonel
James Wilson that have not marched to New
Jersey to remain in Cumberland County until
further orders, -----
5, Mr. Towers directed to deliver Captain Jack
twenty stand of arms,
6, The Gunsmiths employed .in making arms for
the State to be allowed £4 10*. for every good
musket with a bayonet,
6, Commission filled up for Commodore Mifflin,
6, Letter wrote to General Mercer requesting he
will permit Commodore Mifflin to return
home, to take the fleet under his care and
direction, - -
6, Midshipman William Whitpain discharged
from the service of the State,
9, Mr. Towers to deliver to Captain Goudy six
muskets, ------
9, Mr. Towers to deliver Captain Jack four stand
of arms, - ....
9, James Forrest, Thomas Ryan, and Shanks,
prisoners of war, delivered into the custody
of Robert Jewell, -
9, Mr. Towers to deliver Lieutenant-Colonel
Heydrick sixty stand of arms, -
9, Fifty pounds advanced to the Committee of
Berks County for supplying the families of
poor Associators, who are in actual service,
with necessaries, ....
9, The Committee of Reading empowered to ap-
point a small guard in that town, at the
expense of the Board, so long as the pris-
oners of war shall reside there, -
11, William Sutton gave his parole not to go more
than seven miles from Philadelphia,
11, Commission granted for sloop Jupiter, priva-
teer,
12, The Secretary ordered to summon the Mem-
bers to meet on Saturday next precisely at
eight o'clock, A. M.,
13, All the blankets, coarse linens, woollen cloths,
mittens, and stockings, which can be had, to
be purchased up for the use of the troops, -
13, Application to be made to Congress respect-
ing the wages and mileage of the Associa-
tors, ....
14, Four new Members added to the Board by
Convention, - ...
14. Contract to be made to complete the piers sunk
near Fort-Island, and fix the chain for stop-
ping the navigation upon an emergency,
16, Letter wrote to Commodore Mifflin, requesting
his speedy return to Philadelphia to take the
naval armaments mider his care,
16, The accounts of mileage for the Militia to be
hereafter referred to the Continental Treas-
ury Office, ... .
60
60
60
60
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61
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67
VIII
1776
Sept. 16, Mr. Towers directed to deliver to Captain
Daniel Joy five hundred pounds of powder
for proving cannon, - - 67
16, A house to be taken for a hospital, and a ma-
tron hired to nurse sick soldiers of the State, 67
16, Doctor GerardusClarkson appointed to attend
the sick in the said hospital, - - 67
16, Mr. Towers to deliver Captain Lewis Williams
thirty-two stand of arms, - - 67
16, An order drawn on the Marine Committee for
what arms are due from Congress to the
State, - - - - 67
16, Mr. Towers to deliver Major Thomas Proctor
one hundred and thirteen stand of arms, - 67
16, Colonel Timothy Matlack directed to deliver
Robert Morris, Chairman of the Secret Com-
mittee, thirty-five thousand flints, to be
charged to Congress, - 67
16, Three fast-sailing sloops to be sent off as soon
as possible, to bring in clothing and other
necessaries for the troops, - - 67
16, Application to be made to the Board of War
to know whether the Council may proceed
immediately to erect the fortification at Bil-
lingsport, - - 67
16, Application to be made to the Board of War
to employ the Marines aa guards over the
frigates, prison, and powder belonging to
the Continent, &c., - - 68
17, Alexander Morris discharged on his parole, - 68
17, Certain prisoners taken on board the Lady
Susan discharged, and permitted to go to
their families in Maryland, 68
17, Wages due to the men in the service of the State
not to be stopped by their officers on any
pretence, unless with the consent of the men
or by special orders from the Board, - - 68
18, Isaac Cox appointed Regimental Paymaster for
the troops belonging to the State now in the
Continental service, - - 69
18, Major Thomas Proctor empowered to inlist any
Associator of the State, provided he is not
already engaged in the Flying-Camp, or a
servant or apprentice, 69
19, Complaint of Michael Conner against Jacob
Petterman and others, - - 69
19, Committee appointed to inspect into the state
of the stores, arms, &c., belonging to the '
State. - - 69
19, James Maul appointed a pilot to carry vessels
through the chevaux-de-frise, - - 70
19, Resolution against inlisting servants and ap-
prentices into the Flying-Camp without con-
sent of their masters in writing, - - - 70
20, The Lock-makers to be allowed twenty-five
shillings for every good gun-lock they deliver, 70
20, Resolution providing Arms and Ammunition
for Westmoreland County, - 70
20, Samuel Mifflin declined serving as Commodore
and Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet of the
State, 70
20, Mr. Towers directed to deliver Colonel Wil-
liam Clark six stand of arms, - - 70
21, Captain John Rice directed to raise men for
the armed boat called the Convention with
all expedition, - - - - 71
21, Captain William Brown appointed Commander
of the Floating Battery now building by Mr.
Donaldson, - - - - 71
21, Captain Brown to raise men for the Floating
Battery, - - - 71
23, Committee appointed to form a regular mus-
ter roll for the Navy of the State, - 71
23, Officers recruiting for the Naval armament to
be allowed twenty shillings per man, in lieu
of all expenses, for inlisting, - 72
23, Mr. Towers to deliver to Gustavus Resberg, for
the use of the Flying-Camp, one hundred
pitching axes, - - 72
23, Mr. Towers to deliver to Colonel John Law-
rence sixty stand of arms, - - - 72
24, Three hundred pounds powder and six hundred
pounds of lead furnished to Northampton
County, - - - - 72
'24, The Naval Officer of the port to give notice
to the Board of all military stores imported
and entered in his port as soon as possible
afier their arrival, - 73
IX
1776.
Sept. 24, Paul Fooks, Notary Publick and sworn Inter-
preter for the French and Spanish languages,
continued in those offices, 73
25, Resolved, unanimously, that bail ought not to
be taken in the case of William Ross, - 73
25, Colonel James Potter allowed to contract for
making fifty rifle guns for the use of his
Battalion, - 73
26, Officers appointed to carry on the Fortifica-
tions intended to be erected at Billings-
port, - - 74
26, Thomas Seymour appointed Commodore and
Commander-in-Chief of all the Naval arma-
ments in the service of the State, - - 74
26, David McCutchen discharged from his confine-
ment, 74
26, As many of the members of the Board as con-
veniently can to go down to Fort-Island to-
morrow morning to accompany Commodore
Seymour to the Fleet, 74
26, Instructions to the Commodore, 74
26, Officers of the Fleet allowed the same pay as
Officers in the Continental service, - - 75
27, Officers who choose to continue in the Naval
service desired to apply for new commis-
sions on Tuesday next, 75
28, Benjamin Feshburn recommended to Congress
for Paymaster to Colonel Jos. Wood's Bat-
talion, now at Ticonderoga, - 75
28, John Weitzel requested to purchase for the
State a quantity of blankets, coarse cloths,
coarse linens, and five tons of hemp, as
soon as possible, .... 75
28, Resolution to ascertain what number of the
city Militia will work on the Fortification at
Billingsport, ------ 76
28, Doctor William Currie resigns his employment
as Surgeon of Colonel Atlee's Battalion, - 76
28, Robert Etterington enlarged upon his pa-
role, 76
30, Colonel Joseph Donaldson appointed a Mem-
ber of the Council, - 76
30, Half pay allowed to Nicholas Curry, a disabled
seaman, until further provision is made for
persons in like situation, - - 76
30, Lewis Nicola continued in the office of Bar-
rackmaster until further orders, 77
Oct. 1, Parole granted to Joseph Gary and Jonathan
Pearson, - - 77
1, A return of the Arms belonging to the State,
ordered to be laW before the Council, and
that they be delivered out to the Associators
in proportion, - 77
1, Colonel John Bull appointed general superin-
tendent of the works to be carried on at Bil-
lingsport, " *•' ----- 77
1, Peter Withington appointed a Captain in Col-
onel Cook's Battalion, his rank lobe settled
hereafter, --•.•"- 77
1, Samuel Royal commissioned Captain, and-
George Wallace First Lieutenant, in the
Second Battalion of Militia belonging to
Cumberland County, 78
1, Publick notice to be given that twelve recruit-
ing Sergeants will be. appointed on Saturday
next, - - - - 78
1, Committee appointed to procure blankets,
stockings, and woollen cloths for the use
of the State, 78
2, One hundred thousand dollars received from
Congress, - - - - 78
2, New commissions given out to the Captains
of the Galleys, 79
3, Privateer sloop Congress commissioned, Wil-
liam Greenway Commander, - - 79
3, Privateer brig General Lee commissioned, John
Chatham Commander, - - 79
4, Commissions delivered to Colonel William
Cook, Major James Crawford, and Captain
Peter Withington, of the Twelfth Battalion of
Regulars, - - 79
4, William Evans desired to purchase all the
coarse cloths, blankets, and stockings, in
Chester County, for the use of the State, - 79
4, Ship Montgomery to exchange her 18-pound-
ers for 12-pounders, - - 79
4, Officers appointed in the Twelfth Battalion of
Foot, - 80
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
CONTENTS.
1776.
Oct. 4, Mr. Towers directed to deliver to the Secretary
at War one hundred cannon shot for 22-
pounders, and sheet lead sufficient for aprons
for twenty cannon, - - 80
4, An election having been held in Chester
County in direct violation of the Declaration
of the Convention, ordered, that the Sheriff
deliver up the returns to the Board, - - 80
5, Mr. Towers directed to deliver Major Proctor
twenty-six blankets, for the use of the Artil-
lery, - - . 80
5, Officers appointed for the two Companies of
Artillery under the command of Major
Proctor, - ... 80
5, Commission granted for William Connell,
commander of schooner General Thomp-
son, ... - 80
5, Arrangement of the three Pennsylvania Battal-
ions, now in the Continental service at New-
York, 80
5, Letter to Colonel Brodhead, requesting a return
of the officers who choose to enter into the
Continental service on the new establish-
ment, . •••; '>*;'. f ... 80
5, General McKinley requested to purchase all
the coarse cloths, blankets, and stockings,
he can procure, - ... 81
5, A detachment of fifty men from the Artillery
to be sent to Fort Montgomery, subject
to the direction of the Commander-in-
Chief, - 81
7, Mr. Towers directed to deliver to Captain
James Craig two hundred grape and one
hundred swivel shot, he engaging to return
the like quantity, - - 81
7, All the powder now on board the ship, float-
ing batteries, and armed boats, belonging to
the State, to be delivered to Mr. Towers,
Commissary, who is to replace it with a like
quantity, - - - 81
8, Pay of Pilots for conducting vessels through
the chevaux-de-frise, - - - - 82
8, Thomas Wharton, jun., and Colonel Bayard
appointed to fit out the ship Montgomery, - 82
8, List of Officers commissioned for the Fourth
Battalion of Associators in Northumberland
County, 82
8, Resolutions for expediting the payment of the
accounts of the Associators, - 83
8, Committee appointed to confer with a commit-
tee of Congress on the expediency of having
a body of Troops stationed near the City of
Philadelphia for the defence of this State, - 83
9, Resolution making void the purchase of a cargo
of salt, and prohibiting any person to pur-
chase any goods coming from sea until the
vessels regularly enter at the custom-house,
and until report of the cargo be made to the
Board, - 83
10, Alexander Morrice permitted to depart the
State in the schooner Mariamne to Cape
Nicola Mole, - - 84
11, Robert Towers directed to deliver Colonel
Cadwalader one hundred muskets, - - 84
11, Commission granted to James Smith, com-
mander of the letter of marque brig Rut-
ledge, - .... 84
1 1, Resolution directing the appraisement and dis-
tribution of the clothing of the soldiers
killed or taken prisoners on Long-Island, - 84
11, Committee appointed to go down to the piers
to-morrow and fix upon a method for fasten-
ing the chain, ------ 84
12, Resolution to prevent a monopoly of salt, and
to encourage its importation, 85
12, Increase of the pay of Officers, 85
14, Commissions of all the Captains and Subal-
terns of the Twelfth Battalion of Foot to be
dated the 1st of October, and their rank
hereafter settled, ----- 86
14, John Brady and John Harris appointed Cap-
tains, and Christopher Gettig First Lieuten-
ant, in the Twelfth Battalion, - - 86
14, Francis Allison appointed Surgeon of the
Twelfth Battalion, 86
14, Publick arms to be delivered to the command-
ing officers of the several Battalions of the
City and Liberties of Philadelphia, - - 86
XV
1776.
Sept. 2, Letter from Baltimore Committee to Maryland
Convention : Recommend Robert Wilmott
as a Lieutenant or Ensign, - 117
2, Letter from William Deakins, Jun., to Maryland
Council of Safety: Dennis Griffith recom-
mended for an Ensign, - - 117
2, Letter from John Burrell to Maryland Council
of Safety: Thinks he should be First Lieu-
tenant of the ship Defence, - 117
2, Proceedings of Baltimore Committee, - - 118
2, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to General Folsom :
A well-disciplined army to serve during the
war ought to be raised as soon as possible.
A considerable quantity of powder made by
one of the mills of Pennsylvania appears not
to have half the force of good powder. The
affairs at New- York almost wholly engross
the attention of Congress, - 118
2, Letter from the Marine Committee to Daniel
Tillinghast: Enclosing resolution of Con-
gress ordering tents to be made up and for-
warded with all possible expedition to Gen-
eral Washington, - - - - - 119
Petition of Michael Fitzgerald for a military
appointment, - - - 119
2, Letter from the Committee of Reading to the
Committee of Lancaster : Permission for
servants of Captains Swan and Anstruther,
prisoners, to come to Reading, - - 120
2, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress : His situation truly dis-
tressing; troops dispirited ; militia dismayed,
intractable, and great numbers gone off — in
some instances almost by whole regiments ;
is confirmed in the opinion of the necessity
of an army to exist during the war. Till of
late had no doubt of defending New- York,
nor should he have yet if the men would do
their duty; but this he despairs of. If obliged
to abandon New- York, ought it to stand as
winter quarters for the enemy ?- - - 120
General Orders, September 1, 2, - - 121
2, Orders from Genera! De Lancey to Colonel Fan-
ning: Directing him to order all who have
taken up arms in Suffolk County, New-York,
to lay down their arms and take the oath of
allegiance to the King, .... 505
2, Letter from Colonel Lewis to Governour Trum-
bull : His regiment is discontented with the
order, that no officers of Militia assume dis-
tinctions superiour to their commissions from
their respective Governours, - - 122
2, Extract of a letter from Colonel Joseph Reed
to Mrs. Reed : Trusts his country may yet
be free whatever may be the fate of the Army
cooped up, or in danger of being so, on a
tongue of land, where it ought never to have
been, - 123
2, Letter from General Howe to Lord George
Germain : As there may probably be another
campaign before the rebellion is quelled,
proposes an augmentation of eight hundred
men to Colonel Donop's Chasseurs, to be
sent from Germany in the spring, - - 123
2, Extract of a letter from an English Field Officer
on Long-Island : By the steps the General
is taking he will effectually cut off the retreat
of the Rebels at King's Bridge, - - 123
2, Extract of a letter from an English Officer of
the Guards on Long-Island : There has been
a battle in New- York between the New-
Englanders and the New-Yorkers, - - 123
Petition of Captain Townsend's Company to
the Convention of New- York, for an increase
of the pay for their subsistence, - 123
2, Halifax, Cumberland County, (New-York,)
Town meeting: Voted not to choose a Del-
egate to meet the Green-Mountain Boys, - 124
2, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress: Recommends that provision
be made for two Indian boys from Dartmouth
College, - 125
2, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington: Has it amply in his power to justify
every part of his conduct, and hopes the in-
quiry which he has entreated will evince to
the world how hardly he has been dealt
by, - - 125
CONTENTS.
XVI
1776.
Sept. 2, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour
Trumbull : If many gentlemen in high offices
were influenced by candour and ingenuous-
ness, they would not have given ear to the
variety of calumny to which he has been
exposed, - - 126
2, Letter from General Gates to Governour Trum-
bull : The Congress have, in some instances,
forgot us; but they are excusable. All things
conspire to make him believe that America
will be free, .... - 127
2, Letter from General Gates to General Water-
bury: Every thing necessary for the equip-
ment of the row-galleys arrived last night, - 127
2, Letter from John Trumbull to the Board of War:
Transmitting returns of the Northern army, 127
2, Letter from John Trumbull to Governour Trum-
bull : Pleased that the tents and clothing are
coming. Finds there is so much ceremony
in the Congress that he is not to be appointed
without a particular recommendation, - 128
2, Letter from General St. Glair to the President
of Congress: Acknowledging receipt of his
commission as Brigadier-General, - - 128
2, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates:
What is very strange, General Arnold was
within ten miles of this yesterday afternoon, 128
2, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Has resolved to throw over
upon Long-Island a thousand or fifteen hun-
dred troops, - - - - 128
2, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Council
of Massachusetts : Enclosing an application
for the exchange of Mr. Stevens, - 129
2, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 129
2, Petition of Joseph Hutchinson and others to
the Governour and Council of Connecticut :
Remonstrating against the High Sheriff of
the County of Windham continuing any
longer in office, on account of his being
inimical to the liberties of the American
United States, - - - 130
2, Petition of William Durkee and others : Re-
monstrating against the High Sheriff of
Windham County, Connecticut, continuing
any longer in office, - 131
2, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to General
Washington : Wishes him to endeavour to get
Mr. Henry Hawkins exchanged, - 132
2, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Captain
Josiah : Congress have given directions to
get him exchanged, - - - 132
2, Letter from Isaac Lathrop to Richard Devens :
Should be glad to furnish shot or any thing
else in that way, - .... 133
2, Letter from Elnathan Bates to Richard Devens:
Should be glad to have the remainder of his
account; the small-pox prevents his coming
to Boston, - - 133
2, Massachusetts Council: The resolve of 29th
April, allowing the officers of vessels in the
Colony service to inlist men out of the com-
panies raised for the defence of the sea-coast,
discontinued, - - 133
2, Petition of Joseph North to the Massachusetts
Assembly, ...... 737
2, Petition of Josiah Batchelder, Jun., for a com-
mission for the brigantine Retaliation, - 740
2, Petition of John Winthrop, Jun., for a com-
mission for the sloop Union, - - - 741
2, Petition of the Committee of Middleborough :
They meet with difficulties in selling and
leasing the estates of persons who have fled
to Boston, - 747
Committee of the town of Pittsfield : Captain
Charles Goodrich published as an enemy to
his country, - ... 134
2, Extract of a letter from Captain Dennison, of
the Expedition transport: Had captured the
privateer Adventurer, Captain Bronson, - 134
2, Extract of a letter received in London: Gen-
eral Howe will not give the Provincials time
to breathe, but push his successes like a win-
ning gamester, - 135
3, Letter from James Lloyd Chamberlaine to
Maryland Council of Safety: Has engaged a
guard of eight men to take charge of the
publick magazine in Talbot County, - - 135
XVII
1776.
Sept.
CONTENTS.
XVIII
3, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Washington : Congress have resolved
that no damage should be done to the city
of New York, - - - 135
3, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Lewis, Virginia, General Moore, North-
Carolina, and Commanding Officer of Con-
tinental Troops in Rhode-Island, directing
them immediately to send reinforcements to
the Army at New-York, - - - 135
3, Circular of the President of Congress to the
Assemblies of New-Hampshire, Massachu-
setts-Bay, Connecticut, and Rhode-Island,
and Conventions of Pennsylvania, Delaware,
and Maryland, urging immediately to send
all the aid in their power to the Army at
New-York, - 136
3, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to William Whipple :
Congress is very thin; there are difficulties
either in accepting or refusing the conference
proposed by Lord Howe, - - 137
3, Petition of Jeremiah Halsey to the Continental
Congress, representing that he has been de-
prived of his wages, and injured in his pub-
lick character as an officer, - - - 137
3, Letter from Colonel Joseph Wood to General
St. Clair: Is prevented by the state of his
wound from joining the Army: will set off
next week sick or well ; is more easy that he
has two such field officers as Craig and
Butler; dined yesterday with four or five of
the Congress; they think a few days will
decide the matter at New-York, - - 138
3, Letter from General Washington to General
Mercer: The most salutary consequences may
result from having a strong encampment at
Fort Lee, - - 139
3, Letter from General Washington to Colonel
Moylan: Wishes to have a quantity of boards
collected at King's Bridge, - 139
3, Letter from William Palfrey to General Heath :
Has sent books, papers, &c., to his quarters
for security, .... . 139
3, Letter from Colonel Moylan to General Heath:
Tools and necessaries belongingto the smiths'
department ordered to his encampment for
security, - - - 140
3, Report of Colonel Rufus Putnam to General
Washington: Has reconnoitred every part
about the Island of New- York, and the main
as far as Frog's Point, .... 140
3, Letter from General George Clinton to the
New- York Convention, enclosing the exam-
ination of John Wooly, confined on suspicion
of supplying the enemy with provisions, - 140
Petition of Joshua Ferris, a prisoner, confined
in the gaol of the White-Plains, Westchester
County, New- York, - - 141
3, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates:
The New-York Provincial Congress has
moved up to Fishkill, - - - 142
3, Letter from H. Glen to General Schuyler:
Should there be any occasion for hands he
can get in one day as many as he wants in
town, - ... 142
3, Letter from General Waterbury to General
Gates: Has received a considerable quantity
of clothing sent by Governour Trumbull, - 142
3, Colonel John Brown's complaint against Gen-
eral Arnold, - - 143
3, Connecticut Council of Safety, - - 143
3, Letter from James McCobb to Henry Gardner,
enclosing subscriptions of inhabitants of
Georgetown, Massachusetts, to aid Canada
expedition, - 144
3, Memorial and Petition of Charles Goodrich, of
Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, 741
3, Plot formed by Colonel Asa Porter and others
for sending into Canada for protection from
the British troops, - - 145-156
4, Extract of a letter from a house in Lisbon to
their correspondent in London: Several ves-
sels have been taken by an American privateer, 156
4, Letters to the President of Congress, recom-
mending Lieutenant Von Hederick for a
commission in one of the German battalions
to be raised by Congress, - - 156
Letter to Thomas Willing, to the same effect, 157
1776.
Sept. 4, Letter from Thomas Stone to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Assistance is extremely wanted
at New-York, - - 156
4, Petition of John Paul Schott for a Captain's
commission in the Continental Army, - 157
4, Arrival at Philadelphia of between thirty and
forty of the inhabitants of Pennsylvania who
had been taken by the English pirates on
the coast, ...... 157
4, Letter from General Mercer to the President of
Congress: On a general view of our force
compared with that of the enemy, the event
of the campaign is greatly to be dreaded, - 157
4, Letter from Lord Dunmore to Lord George
Germain : Gives his reasons for being off
New- York, - - - 158
4, Letter from Thomas Quigley to Thomas Ran-
dall: Difficulties on board the schooner Gen-
eral Putnam; the men wjll sail under the
command of Captain Cregier, - - 215
4, Letter from General Washington to Colonel
Gay, requesting, in express and peremptory
terms, that returns be made regularly, and
that the men of his corps be not suffered to
straggle from their quarters, ... 166
4, Letter from General Washington to Colonel
Livingston: Wishes him to remain on Long-
Island as long as he can do any thing to an-
noy the enemy, and prevent their foraging, - 167
4, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler: Is not without apprehension that,
sooner or later, the short inlistment of the
troops must prove of fatal consequences.
Wishes to obtain a large quantity of boards
for barracks with all expedition, - 167
4, Extract of a letter from Long-Island to a gen-
tleman in London: It. may be hoped that
the loyal city of New- York may not be sac-
rificed to the inexorable fury of fanatical and
Congressional proscription, - - • 168
4, Extract of a letter from Newtown, Long-
Island, to a gentleman in London: The
Rebels, being rushed on with bayonets, were
thrown into the utmost disorder and confu-
sion. A Light-Dragoon attacked three
American Riflemen in a wood ; killed one,
and took the other two prisoners, - - 168
4, Letter from Captain Thomas to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety : Great numbers of the Mary-
land troops sick, and a Surgeon much
wanted, - - - 168
4, Letter from Colonel Nicoll to General Heath,
for orders, - - 169
4, Letter from General Heath to Colonel Nicoll,
directing him to remain at Mount Washing-
ton till Colonel Hutchinson's return, - - 169
4, Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to
General Washington : They are unable to
assist further in securing the important posts
at King's Bridge, - - 661
4, Letter from Colonel Dayton to General Schuy-
ler: Has received information that a numer-
ous army, principally of Indians, was ex-
pected at Oswego, - . »• ' - 247
4, Letter from Thomas Spencer to Colonel Day-
ton: An attack is expected from a party of
seven hundred Indians and whites, com-
manded by Walter Butler, - - 247
4, Letter from the Onondaga Chiefs to Colonel
Dayton: Expect an attack, and request as-
sistance, - - - - 248
4, Letter from Captain Williams to General
Gates : The blacksmiths are very uneasy,
and want to know what they are to have per
day besides their wages, - - - 169
4, Pass for Nehemiah Carpenter, - 169
4, Extract of a letter from Camp Mount Inde-
pendence : Notice of the death and burial
of Colonel William Bond, - 169
4, News from the army at New-York, - 169
4, Letter from Colonel Livingston to the Council
of War of Connecticut: Has retreated from
Long-Island, and asks advice for further
movements, - - 170
4, Letter from Captain John Paul Jones to the
Marine Committee: Escape from an English
frigate, and capture of the brigantine Sea-
Nymph, - - 171
XIX
1776.
Sept.
171
172
174
174
174
116
116
743
744
- 745
- 745
4, Letter from Captain John Paul Jones to Com-
modore Hopkins : Is too late for West-In-
diamen, and afraid the storeships come out
under convoy, -
4, Letter from Captain John Paul Jones to Robert
Morris: As the regulations of the Navy are
of the utmost consequence, he ventures to
communicate such hints as, in his judgment,
will promote its honour and good government,
4, Orders to John Clouston, commander of the
sloop Freedom, in the service of the State
of Massachusetts-Bay,
4, Officers and Stores of the armed sloop Freedom,
Letter from Massachusetts Council to Colonel
Aaron Willard : Directing him to repair to
the heights of Dorchester and form a com-
pany out of the men inlisted for the North-
ern Department,
4, Massachusetts Council direct the Sheriff of
Suffolk County to take Mr. Richey and Cap-
tain Alexander Lumsdale in close custody,
4, Massachusetts Council: Order for the exchange
of Francis Curtis for Philip Stephens,
4, Petition of the Committee of the Town of
Framingham to Massachusetts Assembly, -
4, Petition of Nathaniel Brindley, who is suspected
of being inimical to the rights of America, -
4, Petition of Elias Hasket Derby and others, for
a commission for the private sloop-of-war
Revenge, - -
4, Petition of Samuel Dogget and others, for a
commission for the sloop Wolfe,
4, Proceedings of a Court-Martial and the New-
Hampshire Assembly in the case of Lieuten-
ant Andrew Marshall, - 175-177
5, Letter of Sir John Hart, Consul-General at
Lisbon, to the Mayor of Bristol : Acquaint-
ing him that an American privateer was
cruising on the coasts of Portugal, and had
taken several prizes,
5, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Captain Fiddeman, -
5, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Colonel Hollingsworth,
5, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Thomas Stone, -
5, Letter from Colonel Thomas Ewing to Mary-
land Council of Safety, -
Speech of Mr. Witherspoon in Congress, on
the conference proposed by Lord Howe, -
5, Order of Board of War to the officers of the
German Battalion to repair immediately with
their men to Philadelphia,
5, Uniform of Navy and Marine officers, -
5, Letter from Captain Gordon (prisoner) to the
Committee of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, re-
questing a pass for his servant, -
5, Discharge of the first and third divisions of
Artillery of the Philadelphia Associators, -
5, Letter from General Washington to General
Mercer: About a thousand additional troops
will be competent for the defence of the
post opposite Mount Washington,
5, Letter from General Greene to General Wash-
ington : Gives it as his opinion that a gen-
eral and speedy retreat from the Island of
New- York is absolutely necessary, and that
the honour and interest of America require
it; and advises to burn the city and suburbs,
5, General De Lancey's announcement of his au-
thority to raise a brigade of Provincials, to
apprehend or drive out all concealed Rebels
in Suffolk County, -
5, Letter from Jos. Trumbull to Walter Livings-
ton: Complains of the treatment Mr. Avery
has received,
5, Letter fiom Jos. Trumbull to Elisha Avery:
Will not risk his character in office while
General Schuyler commands the Northern
Army, and will let Congress know his refu-
sal immediately,
5, Letter from Jos. Trumbull to General Schuyler :
Has directed Mr. Avery to withdraw from
Tyconderoga immediately. He never in-
tended Mr. Avery should be subordinate to
Mr. Livingston, with whom there is a con-
tinual clashing, and who is supported by
General Schuyler,
CONTENTS. xx
1776.
Sept. 5, Letter from Clement Biddle, Deputy Quarter-
master-General of the Flying-Camp, to Gen-
eral Heath, - 183
5, Letter from General Parsons to General Heath :
The machine is ready to make the experi-
ment of blowing up the enemy's ships, - 183
5, Letter from the New-York Convention to the
Committee of Kingston: Will soon pass a
general resolution respecting the tea within
the State, 663
5, Bond of John Woolley to behave himself as a
faithful and good subject of the State of New-
York, - .... 666
5, Letter from Abraham Yates, Jun., to General
Washington : Transmitting a resolution of
the New-York Convention authorizing him
to have all the bells removed from the city
of New-York to Newark, for the purpose of
being used in the manufacture of cannon, 184
5, Letter from H. Glen to General Schuyler: He
has advanced no money lo any of the bat-
teau-men, - 184
5, Letter from H. Glen to Captain Dickerson, - 184
5, Letter from H. Glen to Walter Livingston, - 185
5, Letter from General Waterbury to General
Gates, ... - - 185
5, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler:
He has sent alf the carpenters he could pro-
cure to assist the ship builders at Skenesbo-
rough. Is pleased to find so much attention
is beginning to be paid to the Northern
Army. Powder and lead is wanted for the
fleet on the Lake, - .... 185
5, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold :
No time shall be lost in rigging the row-
f alleys and despatching them to the fleet,
he fleet may be disposed of in three divis-
ions, - 186
5, Order of Captain Fassett to Lieutenant Lee to
repair forthwith to Pittsford with all his men,
and to bring with him all the families and
their effects north of Monkton, - - 187
5, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington: All ideas of opposition to the
enemy on Long-Island are at an end ; he
has ordered such regiments as can be spared
to march towards New- York with all expe-
dition; has it in contemplation to procure a
sufficient naval force to clear the Sound of
the enemy's ships, - - 187
5, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 188
5, Letter from David Gelston to New- York Con-
vention: The distresses which he hourly sees
and hears from Long-Island are beyond his
power to describe, - - - 189
5, Petition of Joseph Mayhew and Shubael Cattle, 746
5, Representation of Nathaniel Guild to the Mas-
sachusetts Assembly, - - 746
5, Advices at Boston from Halifax : The Govern-
our would permit only the last clause of the
Declaration of Independence to be published ;
fears of an attack ; refugee Tories ; prison-
ers, &c., - - - 189
6, Letter from Claude Crespigny to Ralph Izard:
Can scarcely meet with one man in twenty
in England who does not wish to see the
nation and himself bankrupt, rather than not
bring America to the feet of Lord George
Germain, - - - - 190
6, Letter from Colonel Bullitt, Deputy Adjutant-
General, to Colonel Reed: Asking the adop-
tion of certain regulations, to enable him the
better to discharge the duties of his office, - 191
6, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
William Hindman: Requesting £10,000, in
unsigned bills, to be sent to Annapolis, - 191
6, Letter from General McDonald to the Board
of War: Acknowledging the receipt of in-
formation that he was to be exchanged for
Lord Stirling, and describing the treatment
he had received while a prisoner, - - 191
6, Letter from John Adams to Mrs. Adams: After
three or four days debate, Congress had de-
termined to appoint a Committee to wait on
Lord Howe; his Lordship seems to have
been playing off a number of Machiavellian
manoeuvres, in order to throw upon Congress
the odium of continuing the war, - - 192
177
177
177
- 177
- 178
178
180
181
181
181
181
182
- 505
213
- 214
- 214
XXI
1776.
Sept. 6, Letter from Richard Dallam, Deputy Paymas-
ter-General, to Maryland Council of Safety, 192
6, Letter from Richard Dallam to the President
of Congress: Will to-morrow be entirely
without money, ... 193
6, Letter from Richard Dallam to the President
of Congress, - - ... 193
6, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: As the movements of the
enemy are very different from what were ex-
pected, he means to call a council of Gen-
eral Officers to determine on the expediency
of evacuating New-York Island; is in great
distress for want of money, - - - 193
3-6, General Orders, - - 194
6, Letter from General Washington to General
Howe: Offers to exchange General Prescott
for General Sullivan, and General McDonald
for Lord Stirling, - - - 196
6, Letter from General Washington to New- York
Committee of Safety: Is entirely satisfied
with the reasons alleged against ordering
out any more of the Militia from the Coun-
ties of Orange, Dutchess, Westchester, or
Ulster, - - - 196
6, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull: The exertionsof Connecticut upon
every occasion do them great .honour. In
respect to the conduct to be pursued by the
troops that go over to Long-Island, it must
be governed by circumstances. Account of
the engagement on the 27th of August, - 196
6, Letter from Colonel Moylan to the President
of Congress; Requests to have a quantity
of Russia duck, in the hands of Thomas
Greene, made up in tents and forwarded to
the Army, - 197
6, Letter from Colonel Malcom to the President
of the New-York Convention: Captain
Stewart is a very good man, but he has made
a horrid collection of soldiers. General Lee
is hourly expected, as if from heaven, with
a legion of flaming swordsmen, - - 197
6, Letter from Colonel Reed to Mrs. Reed: They
are in a posture somewhat awkward in New-
York ; think they cannot stay, yet do not
know how to go, - - 198
6, Letter from an officer in the Army to his friend
in the country: Account of the battle on
Long-Island, and the retreat to New-York, 198
6, Letter from General Mifflin to General Heath:
He is to remain at Mount Washington, in
order to forward the works, which are to be
finished as soon as possible, - - 199
6, Letter received in London from a British
officer: Account of the battle on Long-
Island, - - 200
6, Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to Abraham
Yates: Respecting the mail between New-
York and Albany, - - 200
6, Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to John McKes-
son : It is the Postmaster-General's desire
that the post-office should be kept at Head-
Quarters, - - - - 201
6, Letter from Colonel fiirdsall to the New-York
Convention: An immediate call is now for
every hearty American friend to proceed for
the protection of Long-Island, - - 201
6, Letter from Colonel Birdsall to the New- York
Convention: Prays for money to discharge
the bounty due to his men, - 666
6, Letter from Lieutenant Williams to New- York
Convention: Information relative to the dis-
persion of Colonel Smith's regiment, - 201
6, Letter from Richard Thome to New- York Con-
vention: Defending himself against intima-
tions of being disaffected to the cause of
his country, - - 202
6, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler :
Enclosing examination and capitulation of
Anthony Hasselaband, a deserter from Col-
onel Riedesel's regiment of Dragoons, - 203
6, Examination of Sergeant Stiles, sent from the
fleet with Ensign McCoy to reconnoitre, - 482
6, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Hartley:
Desires that he will directly order the oar-
makers to bring up all the oars now made to
Tyonderoga, - - 204
CONTENTS.
xxu
1776.
Sept
6, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates:
He thinks it of the greatest consequence to
hold Crown-Point, if possible, - - 204
6, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Hartley:
Instead of thinking the support of Crown-
Point an object upon this emergency, it is
his positive orders to him, in case of the de-
feat of the fleet, to immediately retire to
Tyonderoga, - - 204
6, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler :
There has been a very heavy cannonading
down the Lake all this morning; is exceed-
ingly vexed that it is above a month since
he wrote to him repeatedly for musket car-
tridge paper, and not one sheet yet ar-
rived, - 205
6, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates:
In the works at Crown-Point can fight one
thousand to fifteen hundred men convenient-
ly; has made every disposition either to fight
the enemy or to retreat, - ... 205
6, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Massachu-
setts Assembly: Proposes to them to send
a part of their Militia to Westchester to aid
in protecting the country from incursions,
and, as opportunity may offer, to make a di-
version in favour of the main Army, - - 205
6, Orders of Governour Trumbull to Colonel Ab-
bot, to march with his regiment without
delay to Westchester, in New- York, - - 206
6, Letter from John Sloss Hobart to New- York
Convention: Shall sail upon an expedition
to Long-Island to-night; as soon as it is
over, shall use all possible despatch to join
Convention, - - 206
6, Letter from David Gelston to the Committee
for New London, Connecticut: Submits to
their consideration whether it would not be
of great service to send over a number of
troops to Long-Island, if only one hundred
men ; all possible despatch appears neces-
sary, - 207
6, Letter from Governour Cooke to General Wash-
ington: The unexpected evacuation of Long-
Island has filled the Assembly with appre-
hensions for the town of Newport; they
have appointed a Committee to confer with
him upon measures for its defence, - - 207
6, Petition of Thomas Nicholson, for a commis-
sion for the sloop America, - - 748
6, Petition of Thomas Cragg, for permission to
return to England, - ... 748
6, Petition of Thomas Melville, for a commission
for the armed schooner Speedwell, - - 749
6, Petition of Walter Logan, Comptroller of the
Customs of Perth-Amboy, in New-Jersey, for
permission to return to Britain, - 749
6, Petition of Nathaniel Barstow and Daniel Whit-
more, for permission to make saltpetre for
their powder mill, on the terms granted to
others, - ..... 750
6, Letter from the Selectmen of Charlestown to
the New-Hampshire Committee of Safety;,
Answer to the complaint of General Gates
against the conduct of a person acting as a
physician in that iown inoculating soldiers
for the small-pox when on their march to
the Army, - 208
7, Extract of a letter from Guilford, South-Caro-
lina: State of Indian affairs, ... 208
7, News at Williamsburg, Virginia: The West-
India Islands are in a starving condition for
want of the American supplies, - - 209
7, Virginia Council authorize the purchase of
cannon, forges, and ordnance stores, for the
defence of Alexandria, - - - 1127
7, Letter from Captain Nicholson to Maryland
Council of Safety: Has taken upon him to
put part of the Militia on duty, - - 209
7, Letter from Dr. Weisenthall to Matthew Tilgh-
man, recommending Dr. Andrew Porter for
a Surgeon, - 209
7, Letter from William Ellery to Governour Cooke:
Urges the appointment of an additional Del-
egate to Congress from Rhode-Island, for
matters of great consequence will be on the
carpet; the liberties of the country cannot
be established but by a large standing army, 210
XXIII
1776.
Sept. 7, Certificate of General McDonald in favour of
John Ryon, seaman, prisoner in Philadel-
phia gaol, ...... 211
7, Address to the Publick on Appointments to
Offices, .... - 211
7, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash-
ington: His ideas of the operations for this
campaign are, to prevent the enemy from
executing their plan of a junction between
the armies of Howe and Burgoyne; should
keep New-York if possible, - 212
7, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: Submits to Congress the
application of Captain Martindale and others
for pay, ... - - 212
7, Letter from Joseph Trumbull, Commissary-
General, to the President of Congress, en-
closing letters showing the situation of
affairs in his department, and his sentiments
thereon — the case of Mr. Avery, - 213
7, Extract of a letter from Dobbs's Ferry : Ac-
count of the evacuation of Long-Island: this
movement occasioned at first some murmur-
ing among the rash and inconsiderate, but
all men of sense saw the necessity of it, - 214
7, Letter from Thomas Randall to New-York
Convention, enclosing a complaint against
the Captain of the schooner General Put-
nam, - - - 215
7, Testimony against one Gilbert Tippit, confined
under guard by General Heath, ... 216
7, Case of John Grout, of Cumberland County,
New-York, .... - 216
7, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Directs him to order three regiments to
keep themselves in readiness to march at a
moment's warning, in consequence of news
received of movements among the Indians, 220
7, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Two of the three Commissioners appointed
by Congress to audit the publick accounts
in the Northern Department have arrived at
Albany; all accounts must be immediately
prepared to be laid before them, - - 220
7, Letter from Walter Livingston to the President
of Congress: Requests that he maybe en-
abled to make a final settlement of his
accounts as Deputy Commissary-General ;
resigns his commission, - - - 220
7, Letter from H. Glen to General Schuyler:
Wishes to know whether Captain Bradt or
others have a right to inlist men from the
batteau-men, - - - - 221
7, Letter from General Waterbury to General
Gates : Has got all the paper he could pro-
cjjre, both cartridge and writing paper, - 221
7, Orders and Instructions for Lieutenant-Colonel
John Barrett, of the Militia of Cumberland
County, in New- York, - - - - 222
7, Orders for Captain Jonathan Fassett, command-
ing one of the Independent Companiesraised
for the defence of the inhabitants living on
the New-Hampshire Grants, - - 222
7, "Letter from Colonel Porter to General Gates:
His men are well prepared, well armed, and
have sufficient quantity of ammunition, and
will be ready to turn out on the shortest
notice, - ^ - - - 222
7, Extract of a Letter from Mount Independence,
near Ticonderoga: Upon a moderate calcu-
lation they have now twelve thousand men
which are effective; their works go on
briskly; have plenty of good bread, beef, and
salt pork, - - 222
7, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates:
When he wrote for a reinforcement, was not
on any knight-errant scheme; did not mean
to hold the ground against ten or twelve
thousand men, but wished to be able to re-
treat with security, and to take any advan-
tage of the casualties of war, - - 222
7. Letter from General Arnold to General Gates:
Cannot but think it extremely cruel, when
he has sacrificed ease, health, and great part
of his private property, in the cause of his
country, to be calumniated as a robber and
thief, - ' - 223
List of the sick on board the fleet, - - 224
CONTENTS.
XXIV
1776.
Sept. 7, Letter from Colonel Livingston to the Connec-
ticut Council of Safety: Has not succeeded
in his determination to prevent the inhabit-
ants of East-Hampton supplying the Minis-
terial troops with live stock, - 225
7, Letter from Abraham Gardiner to Governour
Trumbull, communicating request of the
Trustees of East-Hampton that the people
of Connecticut may not come and take away
their live stock and effects, - 225
7, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Colonel
Livingston: Advises him to join the Conti-
nental army at New-York, unless otherwise
ordered, - - - - - 225
7, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 226
7, Letter from Henry Remsen to New- York Con-
vention : Asks for orders what to do with
the goods which Mr. Van Zandt and himself
had imported for the State of New-York, - 226
7, Letter from Captain J. Paul Jones to the Ma-
rine Committee : Capture of the brigantine
Favourite, - - - 226
7, Arrival of prizes at Providence, - - 227
7, William Gordon to the Inhabitants of the Mas-
sachusetts-Bay : On a form of Government, 227
7, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Thomas
Fletcher: Directing him to return the £30
put into his hands to enable him to inlist a
number of the Penobscot Indians, - - 230
7, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Colonel
Willard: Orders, 230
7, Return of fire-arms, &c., belonging to the State
of Massachusetts, .... - 231
7, Petition of Elisha Hedge: Complains of the
treatment he has received from the Commit-
tee of Hard wick, ... - 751
7, Petition of John Codman for a commission for
the schooner Langdon, - - 752
7, Petition of Joseph Sprague and Samuel Ward,
for a commission for the schooner Dolphin, 752
7, Petition of John Collyer of Marblehead for
powder for a privateer he is fitting out, - 752
7, Intelligence at Exeter, New-Hampshire, from
Onion river, of houses being destroyed by
British troops, - - 231
8, Extract of a letter received in London from
a merchant at Barbadoes : Capture of an
American schooner ; intercepted letters, - 231
8, Letter from James Campbell to the President
of Congress: List of prizes taken by the
privateer Enterprise, - - 232
8, Letter from Samuel Chase to General Gates :
Is now attending the Convention for the
framing of a new Government for the State
of Maryland, - - - - 232
8, Letter from Matthew Tilghman to the President
of Congress: All the power of the State of
Maryland will be exerted in the common
cause, ... . . 233
8, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Washington, - - 233
8, Letter from Dr. Franklin to Lord Howe: Did
not immediately answer his favour of the 16th
past, because he found that his correspond-
ing with his Lordship was disliked by some
members of Congress ; hopes now soon to
have an opportunity of discussing with him,
viva voce, the matters mentioned in it, - 234
8, Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, received
in London by way of Nantz: The defeat of
the Provincial forces at Long-Island attrib-
uted to Lord Stirling, - - 234
8, Proceedings of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Com-
mittee, - - 234
8, Letter from William Trent to Jacob S. Howell :
Informing where sulphur ore and flint-stones
may be found, - - 235
8, Letter from Colonel Clement Biddle, Deputy
Quartermaster-General, to the Board of War:
The troops begin to want mauy necessaries
that they will suffer for unless speedily sup-
plied, - 235
8, Letterfrom Colonel Griffin to the Board of War:
The order to march the Militia to camp with-
out arms is an exceedingly ill-advised plan,
as there are not one hundred stand of arms
in the stores, nor would they be given to the
Militia if there was a much larger number, - 235
XXV
1776.
Sept. i
CONTENTS.
xxvr
, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress : On the line of conduct
to be pursued at this important crisis, - 236
General Orders, Head-Quarters, New-York,
September 7, 8, - 238
Letter from Captain Newell to Colonel Knox,
Septembers-. The enemy has opened two
three-trun batteries on the works on Horn's
Hook,° - - 239
8, Letter from General Washington to General
Heath: Desires him to throw obstructions in
the roads which there is a probability of the
enemy's making use of, - - - 239
8, Letter from General Washington to General
Mercer: Matters wear so critical an aspect
that he has determined to call over Colonel
Ward's regiment from the post opposite
Mount Washington, and will still stand in
need of two or three thousand men, - - 240
8, Letter from General Washington to General
James Clinton: Entreats him in the strong-
est manner to exert himself to the utmost of
his abilities to make the posts at the High-
lands as defensible as possible, - - 240
8, Letter from General Washington to the New-
York Convention: Desires that a reinforcement
of about six hundred Militia may be sent to
aid in the defence of forts in the Highlands, 240
8, Letter from General Washington to the New-
York Convention : Will carry into execution
their request to remove the bells from the
city of New- York, - - 675
8, Letter from General Washington to the New-
York Convention : Requests them to send
down four large Albany sloops for the pur-
pose of removing the sick to Orange-Town, 241
8, Letter from General Greene to the President of
Congress: AppJication of Captain Martindale
and others, for pay during their captivity,
and allowances for losses, - 241
8, Letter from General George Clinton to the
New- York Convention : Desertions have
been so frequent that unless some method
pan be devised to prevent it, the army will
be much injured, if not ruined; fears confu-
sion may arise from want of an arrangement
among the field officers ; every Colonel claims
seniority, ------- 242
8, Letter from General James Clinton to New-
York Committee of Safety: Sends a return
of the articles wanted at the fortifications in
the Highlands, - - 674
8, Letter from James Wm. Payne to Robert Ben-
son : Wishes a recommendation from Mem-
bers of the Convention to General Washing-
ton, - - - - 243
8, Letter from Lieutenant Sayre to General Heath :
Notice of a movement of the enemy, - - 244
Standard of the Thirteenth Regiment, - - 244
Letter from General Nixon to General Heath or
General Mifflin : The movements of the
enemy render it necessary that post should
be taken on Morris's Hill this night, - - 244
8, Letter from Colonel Nicoll to General Heath, or,
in his absence, to General George Clinton :
Intelligence from the enemy on Long-Island, 244
8, Recommendation of Major Gray to the Com-
missary-General's berth in the Northern De-
partment, ... 245
8, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress, ------ 245
Letter from Colonel Dayton to General Schuyler,
September 4, enclosing a letter from Thomas
Spencer, and a message from the Oneida In-
dians, - - 247
ReturnofProvisionsatFortSchuyler.August 13, 248
8, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress: Is sorry for Mr. Livingston's
resignation, and requests that another Deputy
Commissary-General may be immediately
appointed to fill his place, - - - - 248
8, Letter from General Schuyler to General
Washington : Are threatened with an enemy
from the westward. His mills, that used to
cut from forty to fifty thousand boards, have
not cut one this year, as he was under a ne-
cessity of sending his oxen to the Army.
That has been the case with several others, 249
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
1776.
Sept. I
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
5,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
!, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Is sorry Mr. Avery cannot see the propriety
of complying with his request. If Courts-
Martial would severely punish officers for
illiberal abuse against their superiours, such
virulent and ill-founded complaints as those
of Lieutenant-Colonel Brown against Gen-
eral Arnold would soon cease, - 249
Letter from Richard Varick to General Gates :
Shoes and stockings, shirts, cartridge paper,
iron pots and kettles, musket balls, and swiv-
els, will be sent as fast as possible, - - 250
Letter from H. Glen, Assistant Deputy Com-
missary, to Captain Eisenford, - - 250
Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates :
Two boats have arrived from down the Lake;
neither bring satisfactory accounts from the
fleet, . 251
Letter from General Arnold to General Gates, 251
Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull : The people of East and South
Hampton have almost universally taken an
oath of allegiance to the King, - - - 252
Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull, - 252
Extract of a letter from Boston : Captain
Proctor is confined in the gaol in Halifax,
and is treated barbarously. He has been in
prison five weeks, with Colonel Allen, Mr.
Lovell, and twenty-eight others, - 252
Letter from Captain Smith to Matthew Tilgh-
man, resigning his commission, - - - 253
Proceedings of Baltimore Committee, - - 253
Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon, - 253
Letter from Mrs. Susanna Connolly to the Pres-
ident of Congress : Begs to be permitted to
return home, and is willing to come under
any restriction the Congress may require, - 254
Petition of Lieutenant Andrew Pepin, of Can-
ada, to the Continental Congress, for arrear-
ages of pay and rations, - - - 254
Letter from Pennsylvania Council of Safety to
the Lancaster Committee, - - •«. - 255
Letter from Colonel Burd to William Atlee, - 255
Letter from Northumberland Committee to the
Paxton (Pennsylvania) Committee : Recom-
mend the immediate removal of William Chat-
tin and James Parker, prisoners, to Lancaster, 255
Letter from John Harris to George Fry : Ac-
companying two prisoners sent by the Com-
mittee of Northumberland County to the
Committee of Paxton Township, - - 256
Discharge of Colonel Hart's Battalion of
Pennsylvania Associators, - - - - 256
William Goddard, Surveyor of the General
Post Office, at New- York, to carry into exe-
cution the resolution of Congress of August
30, for the more frequent and speedy com-
munication of intelligence, ... 256
Intelligence from New-York : A large number
of the enemy landed on Blackwell's Island, 256
Letter from Tench Tilghman to Colonel Moy-
lan : Communicating the desire of General
Washington that every material necessary
for the building of barracks at King's
Bridge be immediately prepared, - - 257
Letter from General Washington to Lord
Howe : Transmitting a letter from Doctor
Franklin, - - 257
Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull, - - 257
Letter from Colonel Reed to General Mifflin :
Requesting boats to be sent down, - - 258
Letter from Colonel Reed to General Mifflin :
The enemy must be prevented gaining pos-
session of the heights south of Harlem
river, - - 259
Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General
Heath : The Maryland troops are ordered to
join those at King's Bridge. His Excellency-
wishes particular attention to be paid to ob-
structing the roads leading from points
where the enemy may land towards King's
Bridge, - - - 259
Letter from Major Van Rensselaer to General
Ten Broeck : Are very much in want of
thread and twine for cartridges, and sheet
lead for aprons for the guns, - - 260
XXVII
1776.
Sept. 9, Letter from John Schenck to Abraham Yates :
He is willing to undertake to supply the gar-
rison at the forts in the Highlands, - - 260
9, Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to
General Washington: The whole of the re-
inforcement they have ordered for the High-
lands will probably not be at the posts for
fourteen days, - - - 676
8, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety
to General James Clinton : A reinforcement
of six hundred men has been ordered for
the garrisons in the Highlands, - - 676
8, Warrant from New- York Committee of Safety
to General James Clinton, for impressing
vessels to be sent to New-York for the sick, 676
8, Warrant from New-York Committee of Safety
to John Moore, for impressing vessels for
conveying the sick from New- York, - - 676
9, Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to
Delegates in Congress : Enclosing proceed-
ings of the Convention on the necessity of
strengthening the posts in the Highlands, - 260
9, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress; Shall resign his commission
as soon as he returns from Ticonderoga or
Tryon County; not to prevent, but to insist
on, the most critical examination of his con-
duct; - - 263
9, Letter from General Schuyler to General
Washington : The Army is in the greatest
distress for medicines. As every misfortune
they labour under is imputed to him, so is
this ; is heartily tired of abuse, and was in
hopes Congress would have ordered an in-
quiry into his conduct, - - 263
9, Letter from General Schuyler to the New- York
Provincial Congress : Envy, detraction, and
the most unbecoming jealousy, has followed
him from the beginning ; has entreated Con-
gress to make the strictest inquiry into his
conduct, but has not been honoured with any
answer, - - - 685
9, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Shall immediately write to every quarter for
the Militia to come up, and shall either con-
duct them himself to Ticonderoga, or march
with part of them into Tryon County, - 264
9, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Placing Colonel Pelissiere, Engineer, under
his command, - - - 264
9, Letter from H. Glen to Walter Livingston, - 264
9, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Hartley, 264
9, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates:
Has no doubt the Almighty will crown our
virtuous struggles with success, - - 265
9, Letter from Go.vernour Trumbull to Colonel
Livingston, ordering him, instead of proceed-
ing to New-York, to join the troops on Long-
Island, and pursue every measure to obstruct
the designs of the enemy in that quarter, - 265
9, Letter from Governour Trurnjjull to Colonel
Livingston: The two persons he has in cus-
tody to be sent to the Committee of Say-
brook, - - 266
9, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Massa-
chusetts Assembly: To dislodge the enemy
from Long-Island, and destroy the two ships
and tenders in the Sound, might at one blow,
in a great measure, relieve their bleeding
country from impending danger, 266
9, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 266
9, Advices from Hartford: The standing Militia
of Connecticut ordered to march with the
utmost expedition to Westchester, where it
is imagined the enemy will make an attempt
to land from Long-Island, - - 267
9, Letter from Jabez Huntington to Colonel Liv-
ingston, advising him not to proceed to New-
York for the present, - 267
9. Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Samuel
Chew, - - 267
9, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Nathaniel
Shaw, - - 268
9, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Hoystead
Hacker, - - 268
9. Letter from Colonel Dike to Massachusetts
Council, with an Indian, supposed to be a
spy from Canada, - - 268
CONTENTS.
XXVIII
1776.
A Declaration of Constant Church, an Indian
belonging to the Conet tribe, September 8, 268
Commitment to gaol of Constant Church, an
Indian, supposed to be a spy from Canada,
September 9, - - 269
Sept. 9, Petition of Nathaniel Brinley, of Framingham, 744
9, Petition of William Spooner and others for a
commission for the schooner Viper, fitted
out for the purpose of cruising on the ene-
mies of the United States of America, and
their property, - - - 753
9, Petition of Elizabeth Fenton for leave to take
passage for England, - ... 754
9, Petition of Thomas Melville for a supply of
powder for the schooner Speedwell, - - 754
9, Representation of the Committee for the town
of Rochester, on the conduct of Samuel
Sprague, - 754
9, Letter from M. de Berruyer to General Wash-
ington: Begs permission to go with his ves-
sel to France, - - - 269
9, Letter from Eleazer Russell to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety: On fees for the Mari-
time Office, - - 269
10, Letter from William Lee to C. F. W. Dumas:
The Declaration of Independence has totally
changed the nature of the contest with
America; it is now, on the part of Great
Britain, a scheme of conquest, which few
imagine can succeed. Every effort is making
to prevent France from taking any part with
America, - - 270
10, Letter from General Lewis to the President of
Congress: Will order the three Virginia Regi-
ments to march to New-York with all possible
speed, - - - 271
10, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Col-
onel Hollingsworth, - - 271
10, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Bal-
timore Committee: Advise the removal of
the powder stored in Baltimore to the Head-
of-Elk, - ... .271
10, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Gen-
eral Buchanan, - - 271
10, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Col-
onel Smallwood and General Beall, - - 272
10, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Jesse
Hollingsworth, - - - 272
10, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Ge-
rard Hopkins, - 272
10, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to William Whipple :
Nothing has been done about the Confede-
ration, as Congress is thin, and hurried with
other business, - - 272
10, Representation of Colonel Seth Warner to the
Continental Congress, relative to Major
Painter, - - 273
10, Petition of Captains Hopkins and Brownson to
the Continental Congress for remuneration
for moneys advanced to raise troops, - 273
10, Letter from Lord Howe to Dr. Franklin, ap-
pointing a meeting with the gentlemen from
Congress, - 274
10, Letter from R. H. Harrison to Joshua Went-
worth : It is impossible for his Excellency to
give directions about, or to pay attention to,
the Continental armed vessels at the eastward, 274
10, Letter from General Mifflin to General Heath :"
The enemy are making dispositions to land
at Harlem, - 274
10, Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath, - 275
10, Letter from General Heath to General Mifflin :
Major Henly and Major Scammel have been
appointed Assistant Adjutant-Generals, - 275
10, Letter from General Heath to General Mifflin :
The enemy are making a very considerable
movement from Long-Island to Montressor's
Island, - - 275
10, Letter from General McDougall to General
Heath: Early this morning about one thou-
sand of the enemy landed on Montressor's
Island, - - - 275
10, Letter from Colonel Swartwout to New-York
Convention: Relative to appointments in his
Regiment, - 276
10, Letter from General James Clinton to General
Washington: Is busy in fortifying the posts
in the Highlands as fast as possible, - - 276
XXIX
1776.
Sept. 10, Order from New-York Committee of Safety to ,
John Schenck, to procure articles for the
use of garrisons of Forts Montgomery and
Constitution, - - 678
10, Letter from the New- York Committee of Safety
to General Ten Broeck: Officers now on
duty not to be changed unless removed by
the fate of war, - - 679
10, Deposition of Guisbert Schenck, as to the state-
ments and declarations of William Warne, - 679
10, Deposition of Abraham W. De Peyster: The
information he had that Joseph Reade, late
of the city of New- York, Attorney-at-Law,
was reputed a great Tory, - - - 680
10, Letter from the New-York Committee of Safety
to the Committee of Westchester, request-
ing inquiry into the conduct of Joseph
Reade, - ... - 680
10, Letter from the New-York Committee of Safety
to Ebenezer Hazard, ... 680
10, Deposition of Roeloff Schenck, of the inimical
conduct of William Warne, - - 681
10, Deposition of Theodorus Van Wyck, Jun.:
Declarations of William Warne, - - 681
10, Deposition of Peter Horton, of what was told
him by William Warne, - - - 682
10, Letter from Rev. David Jones to General Gates, 277
10, Letter from Dr. Jonathan Potts to General
Gates, - ... . 377
10, Letter from General Gates to Captain Varick, 277
10, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Cort-
landt: Directing him to order Lieutenant-
Colonel Brown to Ticonderoga, and if he
offers to make any delay to put him instantly
under arrest and send him down under a
guard, 278
10, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates, 278
10, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : On the temporary appointment
of Militia officers, ----- 278
10, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Schuyler: The sufferings of the Army in the
Northern Department last year make it ne-
cessary to offer a double bounty, - - 279
10, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Gates: The soldiery complained much for
want of necessaries to the northward last
year; it is evident a disinclination to the ser-
vice that way will ensue, and the conse-
quences are equally evident, - - 280
10, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 280
10, Letter from Richard Law to Governour Trum-
bull, - - 28J
10, Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull: He has taken Colonel Abram
Gardiner, who tendered the oath of alle-
giance to the inhabitants of South and East-
hampton. The whole attention of the ene-
my seems bent on New-York, - 281
10, Letter from Colonel Davis to General Wash-
ington: Has arrived at Norwich after a long
detention in getting up the Sound by reason
of the enemy and contrary winds; thinks it
not prudent to proceed any farther by water,
and is making preparations to go by land
with all possible expedition, - - 282
10, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to the Marine
Committee : The whole attention of mer-
chants and seamen seems to be on privateer-
ing, through the whole New-England Colo-
nies; any small carriage guns will now sell at
the extraordinary price of four hundred dollars
per ton; were the Congress to give the same
prize money as the privateers do, it would
be a great deal easier to man the Continen-
tal vessels, .... 282
10, Petition of Thomas Harris, of Boston, for a
supply of powder for the privateer schooner
America, - - . 758
10, Petition of Nathaniel Leech and others, of
Marblehead, for a commission for the sloop
Polly ; said sloop is designed to cruise against
the enemies of these United States, - - 758
10, Petition of Jedediah Preble and Jeremiah Col-
burn, of Penobscot, in behalf of themselves
and inhabitants adjacent, - - - 758
10, Petition of Shubael Cottle, in behalf of the cap-
tors of the English schooner Volante, - 758
CONTENTS.
XXX
177G.
Sept. 10, Petition of William Whiting,for remuneration
for his services in the manufacture of salt-
petre, - - 759
11, Letter from Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas:
On securing the assistance of European
Powers, - - 283
11, Articles of Agreement between Silas Deane,
Agent for the United Colonies of North
America in France, and the Sieur Philippus-
Charles John Baptist Tronson du Coudray,
Adjutant-General of Artillery in the service
of France, - 283
11, Intelligence from Charlestown, South-Carolina:
Departure of General Lee for the northward;
capture of the ship Clarissa, - - 285
11, Order for all the officers, cadets, and soldiers
of the Sixth Virginia Regiment to join their
regiment immediately, .... 285
11, A Declaration of Rights and Fundamental
Rules of the Delaware State, formerly styled
the Government of the Counties of New-
Castle, Kent, and Sussex, upon Delaware, - 286
11, Proceedings of Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Com-
mittee, - - - 287
11, Letter from Ed ward Rutledge to General Wash-
ington: The conference with Lord Howe
has been attended with no immediate ad-
vantages, - - - - . 287
11, Speech of Governour Livingston to the Council
and General Assembly of New-Jersey, - 288
11, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: He did not approve the
mode of negotiation pursued by Lord Howe.
Is preparing to remove the Army from New-
York, - - ...... - - 290
General Orders, Head-Quarters, New- York,
September 9-11, - - - 290
11, Letter from General Washington to General
Mercer: The enemy is taking post on the
Islands about- Hell-Gate, so as to make a
landing with the greater ease, ... 292
11, Order of General De Lancey to Colonel Fan-
ning: Directing all the fat cattle and sheep
that belong to people in Suffolk County who
are in actual rebellion to be forced down
for the refreshment of the King's troops, - 505
11, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General
Heath, 292
11, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General
Gates, --. 292
11, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to
Colonel Remsen: The Convention will make
provision for the inhabitants who have lately
quitted Long-Island, .... 683
11, Certificate of amount of powder made at Wis-
ner's powder mill, - - 293
11, Letter from Colonel Dayton to General Schuy-
ler: Suspects the truth of the report of an
intended attack of the Indians on Oswego, 355
11, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
He believes his countrymen will be aston-
ished to find that he shall not only clearly
exculpate himself of all -the infamous charges
laid to him, but point out that they ought to
be bestowed elsewhere, - - - 293
11, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler, 294
11, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Introducing Major Backus, - 295
11, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington: Introducing General Salton-
stall, - - - - 295
11, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 295
11, Letter from Colonel Livingston to General
Washington : Account of his proceedings on
the east end of Long-Island, ... 295
Return of Colonel Livingston's Regiment, Sep-
tember 12, - 296
11, Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull: Relative to the arms taken from
the Militia on Long-Island, - 296
11, Letter from Colonel Livingston to Major Ely:
Wishes him immediately to get in readiness
his little detachment to proceed in conjunc-
tion with himself to Huntington, as nothing
of consequence can be achieved short of that
place, - - 297
11 Orders by the Selectmen of Boston relating to
the small-pox, ------ 297
XXXI
1776.
CONTENTS.
XXXII
Resignation of B. T. B. Worthington, Charles
Carroll, and Samuel Chase, in Maryland Con-
vention, in consequence of having received
instructions to vote for measures in their
opinion incompatible with good government, 297
Sept. 12, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Messrs. Vanbibberand Harrison: It has been
unlucky that so many outward bound vessels
have miscarried; have been tolerable lucky
in importations, - - 297
12, Letter from Maryland, Council of Safety to
Messrs. Vanbibberand Harrison: Enclosing
invoice and bill of lading for twenty-five
hogsheads tobacco, two hundred barrels su-
perfine flour, and one hundred barrels bread,
on account of the State, - - 298
12, Letter from Philip Thomas to Matthew Tilgh-
inan: The authority of the Convention is
necessary for preventing desertion, - - 298
12, Letter from the Board of War to General Wash-
ington: Informing that Generals Prescott
and McDonald have been sent to him to be
exchanged for General Sullivan and Lord
Stirling, - 298
12, Letter from Robert Gates to Colonel Stewart:
Many remarkable things have happened in
this part of the world; one thing in particu-
lar, that our troops should abandon Long-
Island; in the language of the people, " We
were out-generaJed, they were out-fought," 299
12, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Presi-
dent of Congress: By their several move-
ments the enemy more strongly indicate their
intention to land somewhere about Harlem
or Morrisiana — most likely at both at the
same time, - - - - 299
12, Letter from General Washington to the New-
York Convention: The importance of the
posts in the Highlands demands every ex-
ertion to maintain them; the situation of the
sick gives him great anxiety; the vessels for
their removal are not yet arrived, - - 299
12, Letter from General Washington to General
James Clinton, - - - 300
12, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler: Requests his assistance in fur-
nishing every supply of boards and plank in
his power, - ... 300
12, Letter from Dr. Morgan to General Washing-
ton: In a circuit of fourteen miles in the
County of Orange, he cannot find or hear of
any suitable accommodations for more than
about one hundred sick, - 301
12, Letter from Stephen Moylan to Colonel Har-
rison, - - 301
12, Letter from General Chester to Captain Isham :
Appointing him to take charge of the sick, 301
12, Commission from the New-York Convention
to Johannes Snyder, appointing him Colonel
of a Battalion to reinforce the garrison in
Forts Montgomery and Constitution, - - 686
12, Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to Abraham
Yates : Has no objections against the post
riding on the east side of Hudson river, and
crossing it at the Fishkill or New Wind-
sor when it is his turn to ride on the west
side, - - 301
12, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington, - - - 302
12, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold:
Cautions him to guard against the possibility
of the enemy's possessing any narrow pass
in his rear, - - 302
12, Letter from Major Shepardson to General
Gates: Requesting a supply of ammunition
for a detachment employed in repairing the
road, - - 303
12, Letter from Colonel Simonds to General Gates:
Has caused the Militia under his command
to be on their march toTiconderoga, - - 303
12, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Com-
mittee of Inspection of New Haven : Men-
tioning charges that have been made against
Ralph Isaacs, and advising that he be called
before the Committee, - 303
12, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Colonel
Livingston : Directing him to furnish Cap-
tains Wright and Brewster with arms, - 304
1776.
Sept.
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
12, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Colonel
Livingston : A diversion on Long Island is
decided to be impracticable ; the only object
there is the securing and bringing off the
persons and effects of our friends, - - 304
Letter from Governour Trumbull to Admiral
Hopkins: Is persuaded that a naval expedi-
tion against the enemy's ships will clear the
Sound, disappoint the enemy, and give great
advantage to the American Army : the main
difficulty which occurs is the manning this
fleet, - 304
Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 305
Letter from Colonel Livingston to Robert R.
Livingston, Jun. : If he succeeds in the at-
tempt he is going to make, he shall yet save
Suffolk County, - - - 306
Letter from General Saltonstall to Govemour
Trumbull : Acknowledging appointment of
Brigadier-General of the Militia ordered to
march from Connecticut to aid General
Washington ; and giving information of the
state of preparation, - - 306
Letter from Alexander Evans to Abraham Lott:
Acquainting him of the loss of part of his
cargo of salt, and his medicines, - 307
Memorial of John Jones in behalf of the Com-
mittee for the town of Hopkinton, - - 764
Petition of William Jenkins, of the city of
Bristol, in Great Britain, mariner, for per-
mission to take passage for Great Britain or
any other part of Europe, - - - 783
Day of prayer appointed at Boston on account
of the critical state of the military operations, 307
Two frigates have lately arrived at St. Domingo
from France, to cruise off that Island and pro-
tect all American vessels within their limits, 308
Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
George Cooke : Informing him of his ap-
pointment to the command of the ship
Defence, - - 308
Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Benjamin Rumsey and James Tilghman :
Requesting their attendance in the Council
of Safety immediately, - - 308
Proceedings of Baltimore Committee, - - 308
Letter from Baltimore Committee to Maryland
Council of Safety: Respecting the applica-
tion of Job Green for permission for the de-
parture of a schooner loaded with provisions, 309
Letter from Secret Committee of Congress to
Maryland Council of Safety : Requesting
them to supply four tons and a half of gun-
powder for the use of the Continental frigate
built at Baltimore, - - 310
Letter from General George Clinton to New-
York Convention : Sends William Tread-
well and Mr. Ludlum to them for examina-
tion, - 310
Letter from Westchester County Committee to
the New-York Convention : Transmitting
the examination of several prisoners, - 310
Petitions of Henry Chase and others, to the
New-York Convention, .... (394
Letter from Cornelius Glenn to Abraham Yates,
Jun. : Asks his opinion whether the annual
election of the Treasurer must proceed in
the usual mode, - - - 311
Letter from H. Glen to Walter Livingston, 311
Letter from Colonel Livingston to Colonel
Samuel Coit : Requests him either to return
the arms which he had delivered him, or give
a proper receipt for them, - - 311
Order from Governour Trumbull to Colonel
Livingston to deliver a number of arms to
Colonel Samuel Coit, - 312
Intelligence at New-London, - 312
Letter from William Bradford to Massachusetts
Assembly : Desiring them to send forward
as soon as possible the regiment of Militia
which was to supply the place of the Conti-
nental battalion ordered from Newport to
New-York, - - 312
Letter from Jeremiah Powel to General Wash-
ington : The Assembly have ordered a fifth
part of the Militia not already in the service
to march with all possible despatch to his
assistance, ... 312
XXXIII
1776.
CONTENTS.
XXXIV
Resolves of Massachusetts Assembly respecting1
draft of Militia to aid the Army at New-York, 313
Sept. 13, Letter from Massachusetts Assembly to the
President of Congress : Requesting Conti-
nental ships may be furnished for the protec-
tion of their coast, - - 315
13, Letter from Massachusetts Assembly to Gover-
nour Trumbull, - 315
13, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Gover-
nour Cooke : They cannot consent to his
request to permit Marines to be inlisted out
of the troops in their pay, ... 3]g
13, Letter from Massachusetts Council to General
Warren: Commanding him immediately to
issue out his orders for one-fifth of the Mil-
itia to march to the aid of the Army at New-
York, - - - »!> :t*;: - 316
13, Memorial of Thomas Crafts, - - 766
13, Letter from J. Lothrop to Richard Devens, - 317
13, Letter from Clarke & Nightingale to Richard
Devens : Enclosing bill of lading for twenty-
one hogsheads of lime, - - 317
Letter from Joseph Josselyn to Richard De-
vens : Desiring him to send all the old shot
or gun iron he can, to make shot, - - 317
Letter from Joseph Josselyn to Richard Devens:
Bill of shot, September 16, - 318
13, Letter from Colonel Gilman to the New-Hamp-
shire Assembly: Complains of having been
superseded, ------ 318
14, Letter from the Virginia Council to their Dele-
gates at Congress : Have issued commissions
without date to the officers of the Ninth
Battalion, - - 319
Letter from the Board of War to General Wash-
ington, --- 320
List of Field-Officers in the service of Virginia, 320
List of officers in the First and Second Battal-
ions of Virginia forces, while on Provincial
establishment, with the date of their com-
missions, - .-- - 320
List of Captains and subaltern officers in the
Virginia service, dates of commissions, &,c.,
&*., - - 321
14, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to Colonel Whipple:
Interview of the Committee with Lord Howe;
protection of Captain Wickes by the French
forts in the harbour of St. Pierre. The affair
of the Confederation rests at present, - 323
14, Order from the Board of War for the French
officers who have received commissions in
the service of the States to repair imme-
diately to their place of destination, - • 324
14, Letter from John Adams- to Mrs. Adams : The
result of the interview with Lord Howe will
do no disservice to us, - - - 324
14, Arrival of the ship-of-war Reprisal, Captain
Wickes, at Philadelphia, - - 324
14, Recantation of Nathan Hiland, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, - ... 325
14, Extract of a letter from New-York : The ene-
my, from their different manoeuvres and great
preparations, intend soon to strike a decisive
blow. They have opened the courts of jus-
tice on Long-Island, - 325
14, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: An attempt to maintain
New-York would be attended with the most
fatal consequences; he is now taking every
method to remove the stores, &c., in which
he finds almost insuperable difficulties. Re-
commends the pay of the nurses to be in-
creased, - - 325
Petition of General Greene and others, for a
reconsideration of the proceedings of a
Council of General Officers, respecting the
evacuation of New-York, September 11, - 326
Return of the Army in the service of the United
States of America in and near the city of
New-York, commanded by his Excellency
George Washington, Esquire, General and
Commander-in-Chief, - 327
Proceedings of a Council of General Officers,
September 12, - - 329
General Orders, Head-Quarters, New-York,
September 12—14, - - 330
14, Return of General Fellows's Brigade, present
and -fit for duty, - - 898
1776.
Sept. 14, Extract of a letter from Colonel Joseph Reed
to Mrs. Reed : It is now a trial of skill
whether the enemy shall surround the Army
at New- York or not, - - 332
14, Certificate of Captain Hamilton in favour of
William Douglass, a disabled soldier, - - 332
14, Letter from Ezekiel Cheever to General Gates, 332
14,- Letter from General Heath to Hugh Hughes:
Ordering him immediately to engage and
impress all the wagons and teams that he
possibly can, - - 332
14, Letter from Captain Bayly to General Wash-
ington : Offers his resignation, - - 333
14, Letter from Gilbert Livingston to New- York
Convention : They are preparing the chain,
but more iron is wanted, - - 333
14, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress: Resigns his commission, but
does not by this step mean to elude an inquiry
into his conduct. Has not the least doubt of
the falsity of the reports that prevail to the
prejudice of General Arnold, - - 333
14, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Calumny has drove him to the necessity of
resigning, - ... 334
14, Letter from Richard Varick to General Wash-
ington : Resigns his commission of Captain, 335
14, Letter from Richard Varick to General Gates, - 335
14, Letter from Colonel Cortlandtto General Gates:
Very sickly at Skenesborough, almost all the
men down, - - 335
14, Pass for Antoine Gerouse, .... 335
14, Letter from Major Hoisington to General Gates :
Reply to the reflection on the troops under
his command, ----.. 335
14, Letter from Colonel Huntington to Governour
Trumbull: Hopes to have strength to return
to his place in the army in two or three weeks, 336
14, Letter from Christopher Leffingwell to Gover-
nour Trumbull : Has brought from Long-
Island two hundred head cattle and about
five hundred sheep, several families, furni-
ture, provisions, &c., .... 335
14, Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull : Would be glad to have the com-
mand of the detachment that were on Long-
Island to act in conjunction with his, - - 337
14, Letter from William Bradford, Deputy Gover-
nour of Rhode-Island, to the President of
Congress. Every thing has been done to
facilitate the march of the Continental bat-
talion to New- York. Rhode-Island is much
weakened by the number of privateers fitted
out from it, - 337
14, Letter from William Bradford to General Wash-
ington, - -..-. 337
14, Regimental Orders: Colonel Lippitt's Regi-
ment to join the Continental Army at New-
York, 338
14, Intelligence at Providence, Rhode-Island :
Prizes, - - ' - - - - 338
14, Orders from Massachusetts Council to Captain
Souther, commander of the brigantine Mas-
sachusetts, ----.. 338
14, Advertisement by the Selectmen of Boston :
According to present appearances the town
will be free of infection from small-pox by
Wednesday next, - 339
14, "Speculator" on County Conventions and
Committees, ------ 339
14, Letter from Benjamin Giles to Colonel Bellows :
Orders to raise and equip fifty men from his
regiment, and march them to New-York
with all the despatch possible, - 340
14, Petition of Juliana James, of Boston, widow, 771
14, Orders to Captain House, - - 341
15, Orders to Colonel Humphrey, for reinforcement
in the Highlands, - - - 341
15, Letter from General Schuyler to Abraham
Yates, Junior: By intelligence from General
Gates and Colonel Dayton, the necessity of
marching up the Militia is superseded ; has
not been honoured with a line in answer to
any of his letters to Congress for near two
months, - - 707
15, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour
Trumbull: Intends to publish a narrative in
justification of his conduct, ... 341
XXXV
1776.
Sept.\5, Letter from Colonel Cortlandt to General Gates, 342
15, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler,
praying him to strain every nerve to furnish
a supply of naval stores, as it is of the great-
est consequence to get the galleys down to
General Arnold, - 343
15, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Symonds :
There is no immediate necessity for the
Militia coming forward at this time, - - 343
15, Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga : Account
of an attack by Indians upon a Sergeant and
eighteen men, - - 343
15, Representation by the Officers of Colonel
Winds' Regiment, of the conduct of Lieute-
nant Lewis Johnston Costigan, and request
that he may be superseded,
15, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates, 531
15, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Colonel
Henry B. Livingston : Informs him that the
command of the detachment on Long-Island
devolves on him, - 344
15, Letter from Colonel Henry B. Livingston to
Governour Trumbull : A most infamous abet-
tor of the Ministry is just now brought in —
one Zeb Howell, - - 344
15, Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull, enclosing an intercepted letter
from Obadiah Jones to Uriah Rogers, dated
Southampton, September 13, - - 345
15, Intelligence at Watertown: Prizes, - 346
16, Affair at Wilmington Island, - - 346
16, Letter from Colonel Dorsey to the Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 347
16, Letter from Colonel Tyler to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Is afraid a company cannot be
made up to reinforce the American Army at
New-York ; there is a great backwardness
in our young men, - - 347
16, Proceedings of the Baltimore Committee, - 347
16, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Washington, - - 348
16, Letter from the President of Congress to Jo-
seph Trumbull : It is the expectation that a
resolution which has been passed will re-
move his difficulties, - - 348
16, Letter from the Board of War to General Wash-
ington, - - 348
Petition of the Second Lieutenants of the First
Virginia Regiment to the Continental Con-
gress, - - 348
Memorial of the First Lieutenants of the Third
Virginia Regiment to General Washington, 349
16, Letter from Richard Henry Lee to Samuel
Purviance, Jun.: As it is not probable
that the frigates will sail in fleets for some
time, no higher appointment than that of
Captain will soon take place ; Captain Nich-
olson should hasten on the frigate Virginia
as much as possible, - - 350
16, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon :
The Secret Committee are in want of proper
goods to export to an European market, - 350
16, Letter from Richard Dallam to John Hancock, 350
16, Extract of a letter from Amboy, New-Jersey :
Injuries done by the troops stationed there, 366
16, Ijetter from Lieutenant Clark to General Wash-
ington : Resigns his commission, - - 892
16, Letter from Colonel Hand to General Washing-
ton: Recommends William Patten for the
appointment of Lieutenant, - 892
16, Letter from Colonel Curtenius to New-York
Convention: No military stores remain in his
hands, - - 350
16, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: The enemy have landed
between Turtle Bay and New- York city;
the troops sent to oppose them fled with the
utmost precipitation, - 351
16, Extract of a letter from Harlem, seven miles
from New-York: The enemy landed yes-
terday about ten o'clock at Turtle Bay : Gen-
erals Putnam and Scott made good their re-
treat from the city, through the enemy's lines, 352
16, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the New-York
Convention: Our troops evacuated New-
York to the enemy yesterday; in the retreat
had been obliged to leave behind large quan-
tities of flour, - - 699
CONTENTS.
XXXVI
1776.
Sept. 16, Letter from John White to Captain Platt :
Desertion has arrived to such a pitch among
the troops in Dutchess County, that he fears,
if not timely remedied, the Army will be re-
duced to a mere shadow, - - 352
16, Letter from the Albany Committee to the Dep-
uties of Albany County, in the Convention
of New- York: On the ill-treatment General
Schuyler has received, and the inattention
paid to his remonstrances to Congress, - 708
16, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington, enclosing copies of sundry letters, - 352
16, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Advises him, as he will soon command in
the Northern Department, to open a cor-
respondence with Governour Trumbull, - 355
16, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates, 532
16, Examination of Sergeant Day, - - 532
16, Examination of Antoine Girard, a Canadian, - 533
16, Letter from Colonel Van Schaick to the Presi-
dent of Congress: Recommends Mr. Leon-
ard Gansevoort, Jun., to be paymaster to his
regiment, - - - - 355
16, Letter from Jacob Cuyler to the New- York
Convention : Has conferred with General
Schuyler on the matters committed to him
by the Convention, - - 356
16, Letter from General Gates to Governour Trum-
bull: The sickness at Skenesborough is not
owing to the want of provisions, but to the
natural unwholesomeness of the place, - 356
16, Letter from Ensign Webster to General Gates :
His report of a scout down the Lake, - 356
16, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Asks that two hundred seamen
may be inlisted out of the Connecticut Mi-
litia in the Army to man the vessels o» the
Lakes, - - - 357
16, Notice of the return of the Norwich Light In-
fantry Company from Long-Island, where
they had assisted a number of the inhabitants
to remove from the Island, - 357
16, Letter from Messrs. Clark & Nightingale to
New-York Convention : Communicating the
case of the brigantine Temple, and asking
whether it is advisable to libel her or no, - 357
16, Intelligence from Europe. Escape of Ameri-
can prisoners from Halifax. Prizes, - - 358
16, Letter from Aaron Hobart to Richard Devens, 359
16, Robert Campbell's statement of his grievances, 770
16, Petition of the Committee of the town of Cam-
bridge, - - 774
16, List of prizes lately taken and carried into the
West-Indies, by some of the Ministerial
pirates, - - 359
16, Orders for Colonel Bellows, countermanding
his orders of yesterday for raising men for
the Army at New-York, - - - 360
16, Orders to Colonel. John Langdon, - - 360
16, Letter from Stephen Evans to Mesheck Weare, 340
Orders for Captain Parker, to guard the battery
on Seavey's Island, - - 361
17. Letter from Silas Deane to Robert Morris: Will
send in October clothing for twenty thousand
men, and a large quantity of cannon and
stores. A general war in Europe is at hand, 361
17, Letter from the Hague to a gentleman in Lon-
don : Sir Joseph Yorke has Applied to the
States of Holland to forbid the Americans
entering their ports in the West-Indies, - 361
17, Advertisement of deserters from Captain Cab-
ell's company, Sixth Virginia Regiment, - 362
17, Letter from Colonel Stainston to Maryland
Council of Safety : Prays that a Court-Martial
may be appointed for the trial of Captain
Fauntleroy, - - 362
17, Letter from Alexander M'Fadon to Maryland
Council of Safety : Stating what preparations
he has made for the weaving business; man-
ufacturing linen he has brought to greater
perfection than has ever before been done
in the Province, - 363
17, Letter from Colonel Buchanan to Maryland
Council of Safety: Officers have been nom-
inated for two companies of Militia to march
immediately for New-York, - - 364
17, Letter from Joseph Hewes to Samuel Pur-
viance, - .....
XXXVII
CONTENTS.
XXXVIII
1776.
Sept. 17, Report of Committee appointed by Congress
to confer with Lord Howe, - 1342
17, Plan of a Treaty with France, - 1344
17, Philadelphia Committee dissolved, - - 365
17, Proceedings of Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Com-
mittee, - - 365
17, Affidavit of Elizabeth Franklin, declaring that
she has no knowledge at all of the books or
papers of the Council of New-Jersey, - 367
17, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash-
ington : The Militia of Pennsylvania and
New-Jersey, stationed on Bergen and at
Paulus Hook, have behaved in a scandalous
manner ; at all the posts it is difficult to keep
the Militia to their duty, - - 367
17, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Cooke, - - - 367
17, Letter from General Greene to Governour
Cooke : The operations of the campaign will
have no effect on Rhode-Island, as it will be
impossible for the enemy to detach any part
of the Army, while the American Army is
able to make any stand, - - - 369
17, Extract of a letter from Head-Quarters to a
gentleman in Annapolis : Shall give the en-
emy a genteel drubbing in case the Yankees
will fight with as much spirit as the Southern
troops, - 370
Extract of a letter from a General Officer who
was present at the action on the 16th of
September, - - 371
17, Letter from the New-York Convention to Jo-
seph Trumbull, Commissary-General : En-
close resolutions of the same date, relating
to the purchase of flour, - - 700
17, Letter from Hugh Hughes to New- York Con-
vention : Two Albany skippers have de-
serted the service without discharging their
loading, - - 373
17, Letter from Thaddeus Crane to Major Joseph
Benedict: In Westchester County, New-
York, important measures are obstructed by
the Tories, - - 373
17, Quorum to represent Dutchess County (New-
Yoik) in Convention reduced from five to
three, - - 373
17, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
The cordage will be forwarded in wagons
the moment it arrives, with orders to procure
fresh horses on the roads that he may receive
it the soonest possible, - - - 374
17, Petition from New-Haven to the Governour, &c.,
of Connecticut : Praying that certain per-
sons, enemies to America, may be removed
to some interior part of the country, - - 374
17, Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull : Mr. Howel, accused of a capital
crime, has been released on parole ; this
matter should be rectified, if wrong, - - 375
17, Providence (Rhode-Island) Town Meeting :
Bounty of six pounds voted to each volun-
teer in the battalion of Militia ordered for
New-York, - 376
17, Letter from Massachusetts Assembly to Wil-
liam Bradford : The most vigorous exertions
are making to detach as large a number of
Militia as possible to New-York, with the
utmost expedition, - - - 376
17, Letter from Massachusetts Council to General
Warren: Ordering him to send men to con-
vey sixty whale boats to New-York, - - 376
17, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Generals
Farley and Prescott, to hold themselves in
readiness to march with the Militia to New-
York, - - 377
18, Extract of a letter from Cape Nicola Mole :
The French there, to a man, are in favour of
America, - - 377
18, Letter from Benjamin Rumsey to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 363
18, Petition of Captain Fulford's Company of Ma-
ryland Artillery, for an increase of pay, - 377
18, Prizes taken by the Continental brig Andrew
Doria, - - - 378
18, Extract of a letter from Vice-Admiral Lord
Viscount Howe to Mr. Stevens, dated Eagle,
New-York River : Operations of the English
at New- York, 379
1776.
Sept. 18. Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress : Account of the action
near the plains of Harlem, - 380
General Orders: Head-Quarters at Harlem
Heights, September 15 to 18, - - 381
18, Letter from the New York Convention to Jo-
seph Hallett: Request him to take the most
speedy measures for the condemnation and
sale of the vessels and goods taken by Cap-
tain Rogers, of the sloop Montgomerie, and
carried into the ports of New-England, - 702
18, Letter from General George Clinton to Com-
mittee of New- York Convention : On the
15th the enemy landed at Turtle Bay and
immediately formed a line across the Island;
most of our people were luckily north of it, 383
18, Letter from Major Benedict to Colonel Drake :
The present near approach of the enemy has
emboldened the Tories to a most intolerable
degree, - - .... 384
18, Letter from William Johnston: An attack by
the Indians apprehended in the State of
New- York, on the Mohawk river, - •!-, 385
18, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates:
Thinks the enemy will soon have a consid-
erable naval force on the Lake, and makes
no doubt of their soon paying him a visit, - 481
Letter from a Mate on a vessel on Lake Cham-
plain to the New- York Convention, - - 386
18, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 386
18, Letter from Major Games to General Gates, - 387
18, Letter from Oliver Ellsworth to Governour
Trumbull: The Commissaries' accounts for
the year past remain yet unprepared to lay be-
fore the Continental Congressfor adjustment, 388
18, Extracts from the Journals of the Massachusetts
Assembly, to enable the publick to judge
whether Charles Goodrich was advertised as
an enemy to his country injuriously or not, 388
18, Proceedings of Providence (Rhode-Island)
Town Meeting, - - - - - 389
18, Letter from General Lincoln to Massachusetts
Council : Wishes to know whether, in the
appointment of Brigade-Majors, he is to be
confined to Militia officers, - - 389
18, Humble petition of William Pascall, taken by
the privateer sloop Revenge, for liberty to
return to London, his native place, - - 786
18, Petition of Adam High and Thomas Lemmon
for permission to return to their native home,
London, - - 786
18, Petition of John Beardwell Barnard, for leave
to proceed in the first ship permitted to sail
for England, - ... 788
19, Extract from Governour Pownall's celebrated
speech in defence of the Americans in 1769, 390
19, " Appius" to the Printer of the London Chron-
icle : Some of the late proceedings of the
Americans have convinced him that their
opposition is not dictated by true patriotism,
but by a spirit of tyranny and despotism, - 391
19, Speech of His Excellency John Rutledge, Esq.,
President and Commander-in-Chief in and
over the State of South-Carolina, to the Gen-
eral Assembly, - - - - 392
Answer of the Legislative Council of South-
Carolina to the Speech of President Rut-
ledge, - - 393
Reply of President Rutledge to the Answer of
the Legislative Council, - - 394
Address of the General Assembly of South-
Carolina to His Excellency John Rutledge,
Esq., President and Commander-in-Chief of
the State, September 20, - - - 394
Answer of the President of South-Carolina to
the Address of the General Assembly, - 395
19, Letter from General Moore to the President of
Congress : Will march with all possible de-
spatch to the reinforcement of the Army at
New-York, - - 395
19, Address of the Officers of the Fourth Virginia
Battalion to Adam Stephen, Esq., Brigadier-
General in the service of the United States
of America, and Answer of General Stevens, 395
19, Letter from Colonel Travers to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Asks that a court-martial may
be appointed on Lieutenant Willen and
Ensign Todd, - .... 396
XXXIX
1776.
Sept. 19, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Colonel Sim, - - - 396
19, Letter from Thomas Gantt to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Recommending Thomas N.
Stockett to be appointed Assistant Surgeon, 396
19, Letter from Colonel Sim to the Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 396
19, Letter from the Speaker of the Assembly of
New-Jersey to Richard Stockton, Delegate
in Congress, - - 365
19, Report of a Committee of the Council of New-
Jersey, respecting a supply of ammunition
and the pay of the Militia called into actual
service, ------- 366
19, An act for the security of the Government of
New-Jersey, ... - 397
19, Declaration of Lord Howe and Sir William
Howe, - - 398
Explanation of the Declaration of Lord Howe
and Sir William Howe, - - - - 398
19, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - - 398
19, Letter from General Washington to General
Howe : Requests him to fix the time and
place for the exchange of General Sullivan
and Lord Stirling, 399
19, Letter from General Washington to Command-
ing Officer of Massachusetts Militia: Re-
quests that the Militia may be brought for-
ward as expeditiously as they can, - - 399
19, Letter from General Washington to the Massa-
chusetts Assembly : Giving an account of
the most material events from the battle on
Long-Island to the time of writing, - - 399
19, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President
of Congress : Proposes that large quantities
of salted beef and pork be put up, in the
proper season, in different parts of the
country, at the expense and for the benefit
of the Continent, ... 372
19, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President
of Congress : Has drawn for money for sup-
plies of Continental troops in New-Jersey, - 372
19, Letter from John Hunter to John McKesson, 401
19, Letter from John Thomas, Jun., to New-York
Convention: Asking that provision maybe
made for the poor of Westchester County, - 401
19, Letter from Robert and James Totten to New-
York Convention, - - 401
19, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold:
Is much pleased with the disposition he has
made with the fleet; is confident it is the
best, - - 402
19, Letter from Colonel Barrett to General Gates:
The party he has on the road and bridge are
as expeditious as possible, - 402
19, Petition of the Officers of the schooner Diligent, 780
19, Petition of Thomas Buckmore, of Concord,
Armourer, ... - 783
19, Letter from Massachusetts Council to General
Lincoln, - - - 402
20, Letter from Captain Braithwaite, of the Hamp-
den packet, dated Falmouth, England: Cap-
tures by the American privateer Rover, - 403
Extract of a letter from Captain Moore, late
Commander of the Mary-and-James, dated
on board the Hampden packet-boat, arrived
at Falmouth : Was taken by a privateer
called the Rover, - ' - - 403
20, Letter from A. J. Alexander to General Wash-
ington : Shall always look upon his acquaint-
ance with General Washington as the great-
est honour of his life, - 403
20, Letter from Colonel Crawford to General Wash-
ington: Probability of an Indian war to the
westward, - - - - - - 404
20, Arrival of vessels at Hampton, Virginia, with
salt, &c., - - 404
20, Letter from Colonel Wright to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Difficulties and disputes with
regard to the election of Field-Officers, - 405
20, Letter from Cumberland Dugan to Maryland
Council of Safety: Offers a vessel for sale,
and recommends the shipment of a cargo of
bread and flour to Boston, - - 406
20, Letter from Jesse Hollingsworth to Maryland
Council of Safety: Recommends the vessel
offered for sale by Mr. Dugan, - - 407
CONTENTS.
XL
1776.
Sept. 20, Letter from the Board of War to General
Washington: Introducing four French gen-
tlemen who have been commissioned by
Congress, - - 407
20, Letter from Thomas Johnson, Jun., to Mary-
land Council of Safety: Respecting seventy-
four casks of powder, - 407
20, Letter from Maryland Delegates in Congress to
Council of Safety: Captain Watkius and his
men are on very ill terms, - 407
20, Letter from William Williams to Governour
Trumbull: A thorough repentance and re-
formation among the people will secure lib-
erty and happiness to this and all succeeding
generations, - ... - 408
20, Instructions to Captain Young, Commander of
the sloop Independence, - - 410
20, Rules and Articles of War, - 1363
30, An act to render certain bills of credit a legal
tender in New-Jersey, and to prevent the
counterfeiting of the same and other bills of
credit, passed the 20th of September, - 411
20, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dentof Congress: Necessity of an immediate
provision for a new army; distress for want
of clothing, - - - - - -412
20, Names of those recommended to fill up the
vacancies in Colonel Ward's Regiment, - 413
General Orders: Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, September 19, 20, - 413
20, Letter from General Washington to the New-
York Convention: Requests fire-ships may
be sent down to near Fort Washington to
be ready to act if the enemy comes up, - 713
20, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull: The enemy are recruiting a great
number of men, and collecting large quanti-
ties of stock on Long-Island. General Clin-
ton has been ordered to meet General Lin-
coln, to concert with him an expedition to
the Island, - 416
20, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler: Believes Congress are convinced
that there is no opposing a standing, well-
disciplined army, but by one on the same
plan, - 416
20, Letter from Colonel Reed to the President of
Congress: Introducing Mr. Bartholomew
Van Heer, - 417
20, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to General Gates :
Congratulates him on the intended resigna-
tion of General Schuyler, - - 417
20, Letter from New-York Convention to the Pres-
ident of Congress: Requesting the advance
of a sum of money to enable them to pursue
their exertions in the present exigencies of
the State, - - 417
20, Letter from New- York Convention to their
Delegates in Congress: Are persuaded that
General Schuyler's resignation will be high-
ly prejudicial to the common cause of Amer-
ica, - - 418
Resolutions enclosed in the letter from the
State of New- York, - - 418
20, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington, - - 420
20, Letter from General Gates to Major Hoisington, 421
20, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates:
Intelligence communicated by L. Potier, who
had been taken prisoner by the Indians, - 421
20, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington: The nine regiments of Foot
and two of Horse have begun their march;
requests a return may be made of all the
Militia who have deserted, that proper mea-
sures may be taken with them. - - 422
20, Letter from Moses Seymour to Governour
Trumbull: Acquitting himself of blame in
the case of Mr. Matthews, - - 558
20, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 422
20, Letter from Alexander Exuen to the New-York
Congress: Loss of part of his cargo, - - 422
20, Petition of John Frazier, for permission to de-
part from America, - - 781
20, Petition of Lyonel Bradstreet, for liberty to go
from Boston to Great Britain, - - 782
20, Petition of George Ashburn, for liberty to take
passage for some port of England, - - 782
XLI
1776.
Sej>t. 20, Instructions to Captain John Clouston.of the
sloop Freedom,
20, Letter from John Kurd to Colonel Chase: Two
additional ranging companies to be raised
for the defence of the frontiers of New-
Hampshire, - - -
21, Letter received by a merchant in London from
Paris: Lord Stormont exercised all his pow-
ers of intrigue and persuasion to prevent
any negotiations between France and Amer-
ica, - -
21, Letter from General Gadsden to John Lewis
Gervais, -
21, Letter from Colonel Roberts to John Lewis
Gervais, - -
21, Letter from the Delaware Convention to the
Board of War: There are no prisoners of
war in the State, -•
21, Letter from Delaware Convention to the Presi-
dent of Congress : One battalion has been
ordered to be raised to be sent to the aid of
the Army at New- York, -
21, Letter from the Committee of Secret Corres-
pondence to William Bingham: General
state of publick affairs,
21, Letter from Marine Committee to Thomas
Gushing : Continental frigate granted for the
protection of the coast of Massachusetts,
21, Letter from Marine Committee to John Brad-
ford : A Continental frigate, under the com-
mand of Captain McNeil!, will be fitted for
sea immediately, - - -
21, Letter from Marine Committee to Captain
Thompson : With the frigate under his com-
mand he is ordered to join company with
Captain McNeil!,
21, Letter from Marine Committee to Captain Mc-
Neill: In company with Captain Thompson
he is to endeavour to drive the enemy off
the coast, - - - -
21, Letter from Marine Committee to John Lang-
don, - - -
21, Letter from Marine Committee to Captain
Wickes: Desire him to get the Reprisal
ready for sea with the utmost expedition for
immediate service,
21, Letter from Samuel Chase to General Gates :
Wisheshe would inform himof his suspicions,
and disclose the secret springs which he
supposes have influenced men and measures
in his department, - -
21, Address to the People of Pennsylvania, on the
Continental currency, ...
Postscript to the paper addressed to the People
of Pennsylvania, ....
Remarks on the paper addressed to the People
of Pennsylvania, ....
21, Letter from George Peacocke, a prisoner, to
Richard Peters : Wishes leave to go to Phil-
adelphia on account of his health,
21, Letter from General Sir William Howe to Lord
George Germain : Has the satisfaction
inform his lordship of his Majesty's troops
being in possession of New-York,
21, Letter from General Howe to General Washing-
ton: Proposes an exchange of prisoners,
Return of British Prisoners in the hands of the
Americans, September 21,
Return of Prisoners sent by General Guy Carle-
ton from Canada to New- York,
21, Extract of a letter from Harlem: Last night
there was a dreadful fire at New- York,
21, Letter from Colonel Grayson to General Heath,
21, Orders to Major Backus, - • •L- -
21, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gen-
eral Washington : Can send but two fire-
ships, as they have no more charged in such
a manner as to be depended on, <•
21, Resolutions of the New-York Convention, rela-
tive to obstructing the navigation of Hud-
son's river, &c., - ...
21, Lieutenant Whitcomb's journal on his scout
from Ticonderoga to St. John's, August 20
to September 21, ....
21, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates:
The fleet have anchored in the Bay
Amand; renews his request for more sea-
men and gunners, ....
Fnrn SERIES. — VOL. II.
CONTENTS.
e
- 782
1776.
Sept. 2
0
J
423
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21,
- 423
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- 424
21,
21,
s
- 424
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- 424
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- 425
il
- 425
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- 427
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- 428
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ti
- 428
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- 428
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- 429
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- 430
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- 437
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- 378
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- 437
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- 438
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- 713
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- 439
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- 482
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i-
- 440
XLII
Sept. 21, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Presi-
dent of Congress: The Militia have been
forwarded to New-York without delay. The
mode of supporting the Army by Militia is a
measure not to be depended on ; there must
be a durable Army or the consequences will
be fatal, - . 441
Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to
General Gates : Colonel Reed's ill state of
health is the reason of his absence from the
Army, - - 441
Letter from Elnathan Bates to Richard Devens, 442
Letter from Colonel Babcock to Governour
Cooke : Report of a conference with Gene-
ral Washington, - - 442
Prizes taken by the sloop Providence, - - 443
Petition of John Brown, of England, taken
prisoner by a New-York privateer, for a per-
mit to go to London, - - - 789
Extract of a letter from John Adams to Mrs.
Adams : The Congress "have at last agreed
upon a plan for forming a regular army ;
and a new set of articles of war are agreed
on, - - 443
Letter from Colonel Reed to Mrs. Reed : Ac-
count of the engagement on the plains of
Harlem, - - - 443
Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General
Heath: His Excellency has no objection to
the attempt against Montresor's Island, - 445
Letter from General Washington to John Au-
gustine Washington: Retreat from Long-
Island, and the subsequent movements of
the Army, ---... 445
Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress : Begs immediate attention
to the absolute necessity of forming an article
against plundering, marauding, and burning
of houses, -.-... 446
General Orders : Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, September 21 and 22, - - 447
General Return of the Army in the service of
the United States of America, at King's
Bridge and its dependencies, commanded by
his Excellency George Washington, Esquire,
General and Commander-in-Chief, Septem-
ber 21, 1776, - - 449
Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General
Heath: His Excellency wishes success to
the expedition against Montresor's Island, - 451
Orders to Colonel Jackson, for the expedition
against Montresor's Island, - - 452
Representation of Abraham Lott to the New-
York Convention, - - 723
Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President
of Congress: Has taken the necessary steps
to put Commissary matters on a proper foot-
ing in the Northern district, and doubts not
he shall succeed, ----- 453
Letter from William Duer to General Washing-
ton: Enclosing resolutions of New-York
Convention of September 21, recommending
strengthening the obstructions in the North
River, - .... 453
Letter from Walter Livingston to General
Gates, - - - 453
Letter from Colonel Dayton to General Schuy-
ler, - - 859
Letter from General Schuyler to General
Gates, - ... 530
Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga: The
Army is in good spirits ; the season almost
too far advanced to expect an attack, - - 454
Letter from " Incognito" to Governour Trum-
bull : Complaining of the orders for the
removal of the stock and inhabitants from
the east end of Long-Island, - - 454
Letter from Commodore Hopkins to the Ma-
rine Committee : The frigates Hampden and
Alfred will be ready for sea in a week or ten
days, but it will be very difficult to man them,
without the chance of prize money is made
as good as they get in the privateers, - - 454
Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Governour
Trumbull, - 455
Petition of Robert Brown and John Moon,
taken in the ship Rachel, bound to London,
by the Tyrannicide, privateer, - - 784
V
XLIII
1776.
Sept. 22, Petition of Hugh Walker, Archibald Boer, and
Robert Park, for permission to leave Massa-
chusetts and go for Europe,
23, Letter from Arthur Lee to C. W. F. Dumas :
Characters of men prominent at the British
Court,
23, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Colonel Rumsey,
23, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Colonel Hall, -
23, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Thomas Ringgold, -
23, Lieutenant Ezekiel Towsin recommended as a
fit person to command a guard, -
Names and descriptions of Tories who broke
gaol at Frederick-Town on the night of the
23d of September, -
23, Letter from Colonel Sim to Maryland Council
of Safety: Resigns his commission, -
23, Letter from Doctor Weisenthall to Maryland
Council of Safely : Relative to delivering all
the medicines, shop-furniture, instruments,
&c., under his care, to Dr. Tootell,
23, Letter from Captain Cooke to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Is informed by Commodore
Boucher that he was chased by the Fowey
off the Capes, -
23, Proceedings of the Baltimore Committee,
23, Letter from Robert Morris to John Jay : All
Europe may very soon be involved in a war,
by managing properly the apparent forward-
ness of France,
23, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon :
We want a regular well-disciplined army, and
more experienced Generals. A regular stand-
ing army we must have, at all events, next
year,
23, Letter from Joseph Gary and Jonathan Pierson
to Richard Peters : Request that they may
have either the liberty of a parole or liberty
to depart from the Continent,
23, Extract from a journal kept by the Chaplain of
Colonel Durkee's Regiment,
23, Letter from General Greene to General Wash-
ington: The enemy have taken possession
of Paulus Hook,
Account of the fire in New-York on the morn-
ing of the 21st September,
23, Letter from Sir William Howe to Lord George
Germain : Horrid attempt by a number of
wretches to burn the town of New- York, -
23, Extract of a letter from New- York to a gentle-
man in London : Attempt by some villains
to burn the city, to prevent the King's troops
from having any benefit by it, -
23, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: Fire in New-York ; has
not been informed how the accident hap-
pened,
23, Letter from General Washington to General
Mercer: Directing him to have General
Prescott in readiness to be exchanged for
General Sullivan,
23, Letter from General Washington to General
Howe: On exchange and treatment of pris-
oners,
23, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull,
23, Letter from General Washington to New-York
Convention,
23, Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the
Line, held on the Heights of Harlem, by
order of General Washington, for the trial
of all prisoners to be brought before them, -
23, Letter from the Committee of New-Windsor to
General James Clinton,
23, Letter from Colonel Pawling to New-York
Convention: Desires that Mr. Joseph Crane
may be appointed Surgeon to his regiment,
23, Letter from Joseph Trurnbull, Commissary-
General, to the New-York Convention,
23, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington: For a supply of nails for General
Gates,
23, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates,
23, Letter from General Gates to the President of
Congress: His plan for recruiting the new
army in the Northern Department,
CONTENTS.
XLIV
- 790
- 455
o
- 456
456
457
- 457
- 457
il
- 457
- 458
458
458
- 459
459
- 460
460
- 494
- 462
462
- 463
463
- 463
- 464
r
- 465
- 466
467
- 832
469
- 469
469
469
- 470
1776.
General Orders: Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga,
September 3 to 23, - - 471
General Return of the Forces of the United
States of America, serving in the Northern
Department under the command of the Hon-
ourable Major-General Gates, Ticonderoga,
September 22,' - - 479
Sept. 23, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler:
It is a lamentable case that the galleys must
wait for cordage and for gun carriages to be
completed, - - 481
Abstract of Lieutenant Benjamin Whitcomb's
report, ------- 483
23, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold:
Is labouring day and night to get the galleys
to his assistance, - - - 484
23, Letter from Christopher Pelissier, Engineer, to
General Gates : His opinion on the best
mode of strengthening the fortifications at
Ticonderoga, - - - 484
23, Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga: Intelli-
gence brought by a Sergeant who deserted
from the enemy, ----- 484
23, List of persons held up to view as enemies to
their country, - - - 485
23, Publication in the newspapers of an efficient
mode of punishing Tories ; the halter and the
gibbet is the only remedy that can with safety
be relied on at present, - - - 485
23, Letter from William Bradford to General Wash-
ington : Application for exchange of seamen,
prisoners, - - 485
23, Intelligence at Newport : Arrival of prizes, - 486
23, Arrival at Newport of two of the men who were
made prisoners at the attack on Quebeck, - 486
23, Letter from James Bowdoin : Transmitting re-
solve of the General Court of Massachusetts
relative to the fitting for the sea the Conti-
nental frigate the Hancock, - - 486
23, Letter from General Warren to Massachusetts
Council : Confining the vessels belonging to
the State to such narrow limits is very dis-
couraging to all employed in service, - - 487
23, Petition of Peter Gourley, a captive, for permis-
sion to return to England, his native home, 787
24, Letter from Captain Cooke to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Loss of an anchor in Chesa-
peake Bay, - 487
24, Letter from Captain Cooke to Commodore
Boucher, - - - - 488
24, Letter from Captain Cooke to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety : Hopes to be at sea by ten
o'clock at night, where he makes no doubt
but to provide the ship with as good an an-
chor as the one lost, - - 488
24, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Washington : The Congress have come
to the determination to augment the Army,
and to engage the troops to serve during the
continuance of the war, - - 488
24, Letter from the President of Congress to the
Assemblies of the several States: Requesting
that they will at once, and without a moment's
delay, bend all their attention to raising their
quotas of the American Army, - - 489
24, Letter from Benjamin Marshall and Brothers to
the President of Congress : Requesting lib-
erty to export pipe-staves, any quantity not
exceeding twenty thousand, - - 490
24, Letter from Benjamin Fishbourn to Richard
Peters : Soliciting the appointment of Pay-
master to Colonel Wood's Battalion, - - 490
24, Proceedings of Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Com-
mittee, - - 490
24, Address of New-Jersey Assembly to Governour
Livingston, and the reply of the Govern-
our, - 491
24, Letter from Sir William Howe to Lord George
Germain: Has taken possession of the bat-
teries on Paulus Hook, - - 492
Return of Ordnance and Stores taken in the city
of New-York, and in the adjacent batteries
and redoubts, after the retreat of the Rebels,
September 15, 1776, - - 493
24, Letter from Governour Tryon to Lord George
Germain : Vacancy in the Council by the
death of Lieutenant-Governour Golden ;
present stale of the remaining eleven, - 493
CONTENTS.
XLV
1776.
Sept. 24, Letter from Governour Tryon to Lord George
Germain : New- York set on fire b.y incen-
diaries ; many circumstances lead to conjec-
ture that Mr. Washington was privy to this
villainous act, - - 493
24, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - ... 494
24, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress : His thoughts on the for-
mation of the new Army and other important
matters, - ..... 495
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the t
line, held at Harlem, September 19 : Trial of
Ensign Macumberand Ebenezer Leffingwell, 498
General Orders: Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, September 23 and 24, - - 501
24, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer :
Hears that our forces were obliged to aban-
don Powle's Hook yesterday evening, - 721
24, Letter from Benjamin Depuy to New-York
Convention : Alarm at Cosechton and neigh-
bourhood, from fear of an attack by disaffected
persons and Indians, .... 502
25, Letter from John Sloss Hobart to the New-York
Convention : Conference with General Wash-
ington respecting sending a reinforcement
to the Highlands and the exchange of Gen-
eral Woodhull. Fire in New-York, - - 503
24, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates :
Attack on Crown-Point expected ; a thou-
sand'men without artillery can do no injury, 504
24, Letter from Colonel Henry B. Livingston to
General Washington : Is told that a reward
of five hundred pounds is offered for his head
by General De Lancey; is in great hopes of
being even with him soon, - - 504
24, Account of the proceedings at Brook-Haven,
on Long-Island, ..... 506
24, Letter from Massachusetts Council to General
Washington : General Lincoln has been ap-
pointed to the command of the Militia
drafted to reinforce the Army at New- York, 506
24, Letter from John Torrey to Massachusetts
Council: Apprehension of Benjamin Mars-
ton and Gideon White, refugees, - 507
24, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Gover-
nour Trumbull: Have ordered the battalion
of Militia destined for Rhode-Island to pro-
ceed with all possible despatch, - 507
24, Letter from New-Hampshire Committee of
Safety to President of Congress: The thou-
sand men raised to aid the Army at New-
York are beginning their march, - - 507
24, Letter from New-Hampshire Committee of
Safety to General Washington, - 508
24, Letter from New-Hampshire Committee of
Safety to General Ward, - - 508
24, Petition to New-Hampshire Committeeof Safety
for the appointment of Lieutenant Perkins
to a Captaincy, ..... 5Q8
24, Memorial of the Committee of Safety for the
County of Sunbury in Nova Scotia: The in-
habitants wish to be considered as a part of
the free States of America, - - 785
24, Petition of John Rowe for a commission for the
sloop Phoenix, - - - - 787
24, Petition of Samuel Webb and others, for a com-
mission for the schooner Liberty, - - 787
24, Petition of Daniel Donnovan and others in cap-
tivity, for liberty to take passage for some
part of Europe, - ... 788
24, Petition of John Emmes, taken and brought
into Boston by the Yankee, privateer, - 788
24, Petition of John Rowe, of Boston, for a supply
of powder for the sloop Phrenix, - - 789
24, Petition of John Stalker, for liberty to return to
England, - 789
24, Petition ofCaptain William Brown, foracomrnis-
sion for the privateer frigate-ship, the Boston, 790
24, Form of bond given by agents for captures, - 790
24, Letter from Colonel Bayley to Colonel Hurd :
Intelligence from Canada, brought by Ser-
geant Daniel Booth, a deserter, ... 508
25, Letter from M. Champigny, at Nanlz, to the
Continental Congress: Can engage five hun-
dred artificers at a thousand French crowns
each, to establish manufactories of arms, &c.,
in America. --.... 509
XLVI
1776.
Sept. 25, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Captain Nicholson: Repeating their request
for a speedy settlement of his accounts, - 509
25, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Messrs. Willing and Morris: reminding them
of their engagement with the State for the
supplying of arms and gunpowder, - - 510
25, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to the
- Secret Committee of Congress : Grant a ton
of powder, and complain of having been re-
fused fourteen pieces of canvas; they are
equipping sixteen armed vessels, - 510
25, Letter from Ca;sar Rodney to Thomas Rod-
ney, - - 510
25, Letter from Jonathan Smith to the President of
Congress: Resigning his commission of Dep-
uty Mustermaster-General for the Flying-
Camp and Militia, - - 511
25, Letter from Colonel Shee to the President of
Congress: Resigning his commission, - . 511
25, Letter from Commissioners for Indian Affairs
to Committee of Congress, - 511
26, Report of William Wilson to the Commission-
ers for Indian Affairs, .... 514
25, Letter from Sir William Howe to Lord George
Germain: Has not the smallest prospect
of finishing the contest this campaign, not
until the Rebels see preparations in the spring
that may preclude all thoughts of further re-
sistance, - - - - - - -518
25, Extract of a letter received in London from Mr.
James Drewitt, on board the Mercury frigate
at New-York, - -519
25, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - ... 519
Increased pay of the Officers, proposed by
General Washington, enclosed in his letter •
of the 25th September, •',-." '. - 520
Return of American prisoners taken on the
Island of New- York, 15th and 16th of Sep-
tember, - - 522
Return of prisoners sent by General Guy Carle-
ton from Canada to New- York, - 522
25, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer :
Unsuccessful attempt on Montresor's Island, 523
25, Extract of a letter from an officer at Harlem :
Attack on Montresor's Island, - - 524
25, Letter from Captain Dumond to John McKes-
son, ... 524
25, Memorial of Cornelius Atherton to the New-
York Convention, ... - 719
25, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress : Requests to be permitted to
defend his conduct, and to point out other
causes of the miscarriages in Canada besides
those taken notice of in the resolutions of
the 30th July, - - - - 525
25, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington : Hopes the resolution of Congress of
the 14th September was not meant to insult
him, --- - 525
25, Proceedings of General Convention held at
Dorset, on the New-Hampshire Grants, - 526
25, Letter from H. Glen to General Schuyler:
Every thing to the westward is in good
order; there is a good stock of provisions
at Fort Stanwix, German Flats, and Johns-
town, - ... . 534
25, Letter from Colonel Hay to Captain Raymond :
Directing to survey the road from Mount
Independence to Otter Creek, and ascertain
whether the party making it has been suffi-
ciently diligent, - - 534
rj5, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General St.
Glair: Is informed every day that hundreds
of savages watch the fleets, and take every
opportunity, in company with the Regulars,
to annoy them, - - - - - 534
25, Notice to all persons in Connecticut who have
any demands for services in the Northern
Department to present their accounts to the
Commissioners, at Albany, - 535
25, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Schuyler: Begs him to suspend awhile the
publication of the narrative in vindication of
his conduct, - .... 535
25, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Gates, - - 536
XLVII
1776.
Sept. 25, Letter from Governour Trumhull to his son,
John Trumbull, - - 536
25, Letter from Thaddeus Burr to General Wash-
inoton : Disposition of the prisoners of war
sent by General Heath, .... 537
25, Deposition ol'Elisha Cole, Masterofthc schooner
Triton, captured by the Millford man-of-war, 538
25, Letter from Captain Jackson to John Avery, - 538
25, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Govern-
our Cookc: The General Court have ordered
sixty whale-boats to be procured for the use
of the expedition to Long-Island, - - 538
25, Letter from Alexander Coffin to Massachusetts
Council : Particulars of his voyage from Nan-
tucket to London, and from thence to the
West-Indies and Nantucket, and of his sei-
zure by the Congress privateer, - - 539
25, Order of Massachusetts Council for procuring
cannon for the ship Boston, - - 791
25, Petition of William Nickols, for a commission
for the schooner Independence, - 791
25, Petition of Charles Reid, for permission to go
to England, - - 791
25, Petition of Alexander Tough and Thomas Ma-
hony, for permission to go home to England, 792
25, Permission for the ship William, with her pas-
sengers, to sail for England, - - 792
25, Petition of James Kennedy, for liberty to go
to England, - - 797
26, Ships loading at Nantz with military stores for
America, - - . - ... 540
26, Advices from the southwest frontier: Colonel
Christian on his march against the Cherokees, 540
26, Letter from Benjamin Harrison, Jun., Deputy
Paymaster-General, to the President of Con-
gress: The payments he has to make imme-
diately will leave his office without money 540
26, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Bal-
timore Committee, - - - 541
26, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Dele-
gates in Congress, - - -541
26, Letter from Colonel Hollingsworth to Mary-
land Council of Safety, - - 542
26, Last proceedings of Pennsylvania Assembly, - 542
26, Incidental expenses of Pennsylvania for the
year 1776, as passed by the Assembly the
day it was dissolved, - - 544
26, Proceedings of Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Com-
mittee, - --- - - 546
26, Letter from General Mercer to the Board of
War: Is doing all he can to forward supplies
to the Army in New-York, - 547
26, Letter from Henry Remsen to New- York Con-
vention, - 547
26, Extract of a letter from Harlem : Fire in New-
York, - - 548
26, Letter from General Washington to General
Mercer: If the troops can be prevailed upon
to defend their post, it must cost General
Howe a great many men to carry it, if he
succeeds at all; if this should be his opinion,
he will turn his thoughts another way, - 548
26, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull : Some severe examples ought to
be made of the late deserters. Requests a
return of the prisoners in Connecticut, with
a view to an exchange, - - 549
26, Letter from Colonel Rufus Putnam to General
Washington: Urging the establishment of
a corps of Engineers, - - 549
26, Proceedings of Courts-Martial, at Harlem and
King's Bridge, - - 550
26, Extract of a letter from Mount Washington:
Notice of Major Henly, killed in the skirmish
on Montresor's Island, - - 552
26, Letter from Aaron Burr to Mrs. Edwards: The
advantages gained by the enemy have been
of but trifling consequence. The Hessians
are fonder of plunder than blood, and are
more the engines than the authors of cruelty, 552
26, Letter from Captain Ballard to General Wash-
ington: Giving his reasons for selling his
commission, - - 604
26, Letter from John Sloss Hobart to New-York
Convention, - - - 553
26, Letter from Captain Cregier to New-York Con-
vention: Condition of the schooner General
Putnam, 553
CONTENTS.
XLVHI
1776.
Sept. 26, Letter from Major Hoisington to the New-
York Convention, - - 721
26, Memorial of John Macamly and Nathaniel
Finch, to New-York Convention: On sale of
salt, - - 554
26, Letter from Johannes Sleght to John McKes-
son: The Committee of Kingston have
thought good to hire a man to go twice a
week to the Convention or King's Bridge, for
intelligence, - - 554
26, Letter from General Schuylcr to the President
of Congress; Unless a speedy supply of
clothing, especially shoes and stockings, is
sent, the most fatal consequences must in-
evitably ensue, - - ... 555
26, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates:
Has sent his resignation — a step which Con-
gress drove him to, - - - 555
26, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold, 555
26, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates:
At Split-Rock firing was heard on the Lake;
what it was is uncertain, - - 556
26, Letter from Captain Fassett to General Gates:
Attack by a party of Indians. Cannot keep
the men together; his command is gone;
flattery is all he can do, - - 556
26, Letter from Colonel Barrett to General Gates:
Completing the new road as fast as possible, 557
26, Letter from John Broom to Abraham Yates, - 557
26, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 557
26, Letter from David Matthews to Abraham Yates :
If he -is to appear before the Convention,
would be glad that it might be soon, - - 558
26, Letter from Daniel Tillinghast to General
Washington : Has forwarded seventy-two
tents, - - 559
26, Letter from General Ward to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety : Has ordered a quantity
of powder and ball to be forwarded with the
utmost expedition for Hartford, - - 559
26, Letter from Aaron Hobart to Richard Devens, 560
26, Captures by American privateers, - 560
26, Petition of James Hodges, praying for leave to
return to England, - - 793
26, Petition of William Emle and James M'Gill, for
permission to depart for England, - - 794
26, Order for furnishing supplies to Captain Sam-
son of the brigantine Independence, - - 794
26, Petition of Watson Spooner, for a commission
for the schooner Hope, - - 794
26, Order to Captain Bangs to march to Dorchester
Heights, - - - - 795
26, Petition of Alexander Liddell and Thomas Cre-
marty, for permission to return to England, 795
26, Petition of Robert M'Kown, Commissary for the
troops stationed at Bristol, - 795
27, Letter from Major Driver and Colonel Stanton
to Maryland Convention: Recommendation
of persons for officers of the company to be
raised in Caroline County, - 560
27, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Schuyler: On the organization of the
new Army, - 560
27, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Gates: On the new Army, - - 561
27, Letter from Richard Peters to Jasper Yates :
Requesting that the baggage of Captain
Hesketh, a prisoner of war, may be sent to
Lancaster, - - 562
27, Extract of a letter from a gentleman of obser-
vation and integrity in New-York, a great
sufferer by the rebellion, and inflexibly at-
tached to the honour and interest of Gov-
ernment, - 562
27, Extract of a letter to England from the master
of the Dorothy transport, at New- York, - 564
27, Extract of a letter to England from New- York:
Mr. Washington narrowly escaped being
made prisoner, at Bloomingdale, - 564
Copy of a paper sent through the County of
Suffolk, New-York, by order of Governour
Tryon : All who had removed from Long-
Island are deemed Rebels, - - 564
27, Orders of John Morrison to seize the grain and
forage of Rebels, - - 565
27, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: Has received General
Howe's proclamation of September 19, - 565
XLIX CONTENTS.
1776.
Sept. 27, Letterfrom J. Cable, in Major Robert Rogers's
Battalion: The whole say and desire of the
Artny is to have the Rebels stand their
ground, and the jig will soon beat an end, - 1029
Force of the British in Canada and on the Lake, 566
General Orders: Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, September 25 to September 27, - 566
27, Return of the six Independent Companies and
First Regiment of Maryland Regulars, in the
service of the United Colonies, commanded
by Colonel Smallwood, - - - 567
27, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler: Cannot send a supply of nails;
has no power to give directions in respect to
building barracks in Schenectady, - - 567
27, Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath :
Directing him to have Colonel Tyler put
under arrest for cowardice, ... 569
27, Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held
on the Heights of Haarlem, ... 569
27, Letter from Tench Tilghman to Committee of
New-York Convention : General Howe was
much chagrined at the escape, of the Army
from New-York ; he looked upon it as good
as if in his hands, - - . - - 569
27, Letter from Colonel Patterson to Cassar Rodney, 570
27, Letter from Colonel Moylan to the President of
Congress: Is willing to resign his office of
Quartermaster-General, as it appears to be
for the publick good. The principal causes
which have given rise to the dissatisfaction
in the Army with his department, - - 570
27, Letter from Elbridge Gerry to General Gates :
Requests a list of such of his officers as he
can recommend to appointments in the new
Army, - - - 572
27, Letter from Captain Cregier to Peter R. Liv-
ingston, - - ... 572
27, Letter from Robert Yates to General Washing-
ton : Report of the Committee appointed for
devising ways and means to obstruct the
navigation on Hudson's river, - 572
27, Letter from Colonel Cortlandt to General Gates, 573
27, Letter from Doctor Wigglesworth to New-
Hampshire Committee of Safety : Distressed
situation of th^j troops for want of medicines, 574
27, Letter from Captain Raymond to Colonel Hay:
Report of his survey of the new road from
Mount Independence to Otter Creek, - 534
27, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Has given orders for Govern-
our Skene and Gjovernour Browne to set out
for Head-Quarters to be exchanged, - - 574
27, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Desires to know whether the
row-galleys can be spared from further Con-
tinental service, - - 574
27, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 575
27, Letter from Thaddeus Burr, Sheriff of Fairfield
County, to New-York Convention, - - 575
27, Letter from Daniel Tillinghast to General Wash-
ington : Sends a further supply of tents, - 576
27, Letter from Council of Massachusetts to the
President of Congress : Recommending the
case of Captain Coffin to the consideration
of Congress, ... . 576
27, ArrivalofprizesatNewburyportand Portsmouth, 576
27, Vote of Petersham (Massachusetts) Town
Meeting, on the question whether they will
consent that the present General Court shall
form a Constitution of Government agreeable
to their resolve of the 17th instant, - - 576
27, Petition of Peter Roberts, for a commission for
the schooner Ranger, ... 796
27, Petition of James Fulton, for liberty to go with
his servant by the first opportunity that may
offer to Britain or Portugal, - 796
27, Petition of Richard Pyne, for liberty to depart
the country, - - 797
27, Petition of John Donneston, for permission to
return home by the first vessel that goes to any
part of Britain, Spain, or Portugal, - - 798
27, Application of Richard Derby, Jun., for permis-
sion to Captain Dudfield to return to England, 798
28, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Colonel Read, - - 578
28, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Baltimore Committee, .... 573
1776.
Sept. 28, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Colonel Rumsey and others, - - 578
28, Letter from Judge Hall to Matthew Tilghman:
Declines the appointment as Judge of the
Admiralty, ...... 573
28, Letter from Captain Nicholson to Maryland
Council of Safety : Will attend in a few days,
to settle his accounts, ... 579
28; Letter from Samuel Calwell to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Resigning his commission, - 579
Letter from Colonel Hollingsworth to Maryland
Council of Safety : On the state of his ac-
counts, and his progress in manufacturing
gun barrels, - t 579
Memorial of Gunning Bedford, Mustermaster-
General, to the Continental Congress, - 580
Address of Pennsylvania Convention to the
Freemen of the Commonwealth, - - 581
Address of the Council of New-Jersey to Gov-
emour Livingston, and the Governour's Reply, 587
List of American officers taken prisoners in
Canada, arrived at Elizabethtown, New-
Jersey, - ... . ggg
Memorial of Lieutenant-Colonel Shepard :
Complains of injustice done him, and begs
General Washington will permit him to re-
sign, 604
Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: Recommends Captain
Daniel Morgan to be appointed Colonel of
.the new Rifle Regiment, .... 589
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the
Line, held on the Heights of Haarlem, - 589
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial, held
at King's Bridge, ..... 590
Letter from General Heath to General Salton-
stall : Orders for the march and encampment
of the three regiments of Militia under his
command, - - - . . 591
Letter from General Heath to General Parsons:
Directing him to order Colonel Tyler under
arrest, - - - . 59]
Letter from Stephen Fountain to Darias Olm-
sted : Unless the Rebels lay down their
arms and accept of mercy, they will all be
destroyed and cut off, ... 1030
Letter from Isaac Pierce to Doctor Potts : Di-
recting him to put an immediate stop to
abuses at the Hospital, and to repair to
Head-Quarters as soon as possible, - - 591
Letter from General Arnold to General Gates, 591
The testimony of Thomas Day, examined on
oath before Robert Lewis, one of the Justices
of Charlotte County, in the Province of New-
York, - - - • - 592
Proceedings of a Council of War holden at
Williston : Agreement entered into between
the officers and soldiers, .... 621
Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Transmitting petition of Chas.
Nicoll- and others, - - ... . 593
Petition of Charles Nicoll and others to Gov-
ernbur Trumbull, for permission to return
to Long-Island, as no mischief can possibly
arise from it, - 593
Parole of James Babbige; of the Island of New-
Providence, ...... 594
Letter from Walter Spooner to General Wash-
ington : Informing him that two loads of iron
pots had been forwarded from Massachusetts
for the use of the Continental Army, - - 594
Letter from Walter Spooner to Richard Devens, 594
Letter from Nathaniel Guild to Richard Devens:
Informing him that the fire is in the furnace,
and he will make the wheels as soon as pos-
sible, - - - 594
Petition of Pearson Jones, of Falmouth, Casco
Bay, for a commission for the sloop Putnam, 799
Petition of Samuel Ward and Joseph Sprague,
of Salem, for a commission for the private
sloop-of-war the Dolphin, - - 799
Order of Massachusetts Council, for supplies
for General Washington, - - 799
Arrival at Portsmouth of the prize ship Royal
Exchange, taken by Captain Whipple, - 595
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia to a gen-
tleman in Annapolis : Giving list of Maryland
officers taken prisoners on Long-Island, - 595
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
28,
29,
LI
1776.
Sept. 29, Letter from Rev. James Caldwell to William
Paterson : Introducing Mr. Hackett, - - 595
29, Letter from General Washington to the Deputy
Governour of Rhode-Island : Requesting to
be furnished as soon as possible with a list
of all the Continental prisoners in the State, 595
29, Letter from General Washington to the Mas-
sachusetts Assembly : Requesting list of pris-
oners, - - - - - 596
29, Letter from General Washington to Colonel
Campbell : Desiring the necessary additions
and alterations to be made in the returns of the
Forty-Second and Seventy-First Regiments, 596
28, Letter from Francis Mentges to the President
of Congress : Renewing his application for
the place of Major in the Army of the United
States of America, - - 596
• Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath :
Requesting him to have his division ready
to march, if necessary, - 597
29, Letter from Colonel Nicoll to John M'Kesson :
Has had a good deal of conversation with
some of the Highland Regulars, one in par-
ticular, who wished heartily for a reconcilia-
tion, - ... 597
29, Examination of prisoners relative to joining or
giving intelligence to the enemy, - - 597
29, General Return of the Army at Ticonderoga, - 617
29, Letter from John Taylor to General Gates:
Sends a prisoner to give him information, - 599
29, Letter from Mrs. Adams to John Adams, - 599
29, Letter from General Ward to General Wash-
ington : Has sent to the Army with the ut-
mostexpeditionanumberofcookingutensils, 600
29, Extract of a letter to a member of the Massa-
chusetts Assembly, dated Salem : It is mat-
ter of general complaint that the ships of
war ordered more than seven months since
to be built at Newbury and Portsmouth, are
not in readiness to this day, - - 600
29, Petition of James Dargie for permission to leave
the country, - - 800
30, Letter from Lord George Germain to General
Howe : It is very unfortunate that so great a
part of the Forty-Second and Seventy-First
Regiments should have fallen into the Rebels'
hands, - ..... 600
30, Letter from Silas Deane to Robert Morris: To
solicit arms, clothing, and tents, for thirty
thousand men, and to be destitute of one
shilling of ready money, has left him in a
critical situation, ----- 601
30, Proceedings of Baltimore Committee, - - 601
30, Letter from Thomas Stone to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - 601
30, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon, - 602
30, Letter from General Thompson to Richard Pe-
ters : Requesting some months' pay may be
got for a number of officers and privates who
have arrived from Canada in. a distressed sit-
uation, - - 602
30, Extract of a letter from Philadelphia: The
Hessians say they will plunder every thing
before them, and have even insisted on trans-
ports to carry over their stolen cattle and
other plunder to their families, - - 602
30, Proclamation of Sir William Howe, offering a
full pardon to all deserters who shall surren-
der themselves on or before the 31st day of
October, - - - - 603
30, Letter from General Washington to the Board
of War: Is of opinion that the service will
be most advanced, in general cases, by
directing promotions in a regimental line, - 603
30, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress ; Recommends that Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Shepard be promoted to the
command of the Fourth Regiment, - - 603
General Orders : Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, September 28 to September 30, - 605
Return of the Brigades under the more imme-
diate command of General Washington, Sep-
tember 30, - 607
Return of ten Companies in the Regiment of
Artillery, and one Colony Company, in the
service of the United States of America, com-
manded by Henry Knox, Esq., Mount
Washington, September 28, . - 607
CONTENTS.
1. 11
1776.
Return of Troops in General Greene's Division,
in English Neighbourhood, September 29, - 607
Sept. 30, Letter from General Washington to General
George Clinton: Directing him to concert
with General Lincoln and others an expedi-
tion to Long-Island, for the purpose of aid-
ing the inhabitants in removing or destroying
the stock, grain, &.C., - - 607
30, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler: Does not think the resolution of
Congress of the 14th was calculated or de-
signed in the smallest degree to give him
offence, - ... 609
30, Letter from General Washington to General
Lincoln : Requests him to halt his men till a
conference with General Clinton relative to
expedition to Long-Island, - 609
30, Letter from General Washington te Governour
Trumbull: Requesting him to afford every as-
sistance he can for carrying into execution
the expedition to Long-Island, - - 609
30, Letter from Colonel Harrison to General Heath, 610
30, Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the
Line held on the Heights of Haarlem, - 610
30, Letter from Major Adams to Maryland Conven-
tion : Hopes they will consider him in the
election of officers, - - * * - 613
30, Letter from A. De Witt to Matthew Cantine :
The inhabitants of Papaconk are in great
fear of a rupture of the Indians, - - 614
30, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington, - - 614
30, Notice of the Commissioners for the Northern
District to publick creditors to present their
accounts for settlement at Albany before the
31st of October, - 614
30, Letter from General Gates to the President of
Congress, - - - - 614
General Orders : Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga,
September 24 to 30, 616
General Return of the Forces of the United
States of America, serving in the Northern
Department, under the command of Hon.
Major-General Gates, Ticonderoga, Septem-
ber 29, ... - - 617
30, Letter from General Gates to peneral Schuyler, 619
30, Letter from General Gates to Governour Trum-
bull, .... - 620
30, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates :
The day the firing was heard, the vessels
were firing at a mark, and the enemy were
rejoicing or cleaning thjeir artillery, - - 621
30, Letter from Captain Fassett to General Gates:
Refusal of men to obey their officers, - 621
30, Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull : Complains of inlistments being
made from his men for the privateers, - 622
30, Letter from Christopher Leffingwell to Gover-
nour Trumbull : Account of his proceedings
in removing cattle, &.C., from Long-Island, - 623
30, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to the Marine
Committee: There are so many privateers
fitting out, which give more encouragement
as to shares, it makes it difficult to man the
Continental vessels, - - 623
30, Letter from General Ward to Massachusetts
Council : Entreats them to see that Dorches-
ter Heights are supplied with proper cannon,
and well furnished with ammunition, - - 624
30, Letter from Captain John Paul Jones to the
Marine Committee: Account of his cruise
since the 7th current, •- 624
30, Order of Massachusetts Council for the dis-
charge of Constant Church, an Indian, - 800
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
1776.
Sept.%, Four gun-locks to be delivered to Captain
Thomas Beall, - - 625
2, Captains Forrest and Bourke immediately to
march their companies to Annapolis, on their
way to the Flying-Camp, - - 625
2, Commissaries of Stores to deliver to Colonel
Ewing, guns, tents, &c., - - 625
2, Captain Tootell to provide a sergeant and eight
men to guard the magazine near his house, 626
I HI
CONTENTS.
1776.
Sept. 4, Warrafit issued to Abraham Boyd to enroll
fifty men for the Flying-Camp, -
5, Commission to be issued to Robert Polk, of the
schooner Montgomery,
5, One barrel musket gunpowder to be delivered
to John Davidson,
5, Commissions issued to officers of an Independ-
ent company, - - -
5, Eighty-six knapsacks, &c., to be delivered to
Captain Fiddeman, - -
6, Permit granted to Hugh Sherwood of the
schooner Betsey,
7, Commissions issued to Surgeon and Surgeon
Assistants to Colonel Griffith's battalion of
Flying-Camp, - -
11, Captain Brooke's company commissioned,
11, All the guns Belonging to the State to be
stamped with the word Maryland,
11, Warrants issued to officers of a company for
Flying-Camp, -
11, Advertisements to be inserted for one thousand
pikes, - - -
11, Commissions issued to officers of company of
Militia in Kent County, ....
12, Samuel Messersmith to deliver to Captain For-
rest all the guns which were left in his cus-
tody to be repaired by Captain Hammond, -
12, Commissary of Stores immediately to send to
Annapolis one hundred camp-kettles,
12, Permit granted to Job Greene, of the schooner
Two-Brothers, ------
12, Permit granted to Thomas Ridley, of the sloop
Fanny,
12, Mr. Hollingsworth to deliver to Mr. Stephen
Steward two thousand weight bread and ten
barrels flour, - ...
12, Commissary of Stores at Baltimore to deliver
to Henry Howard one half barrel powder to
try cannon, ------
12, Commissions issued to a company of Militia in
the Nineteenth Battalion, - - -
12, Commission to Captain Conway, of the sloop
Molly, as a letter of marque,
13, Contract of James Boyd for making muskets, -
13, Henry Killum, Zerobabel Maddox, and William
Corbin committed for having deserted to the
enemy, - - -
13, William Tumblesome discharged on parole, -
13, John Evans, John Price and Robert Howarth
discharged upon giving bond, -
14, Lambert Purnell, of Captain Watkins's com-
pany, discharged and permitted to return
home,
16, Permit granted to William Thomas, of the
sloop Hazard, -
16, Captain Smith directed to let Job Green, of
the schooner Two-Brothers, proceed on his
voyage, - •
16, Barton Tabbs appointed Assistant Surgeon, -
16, Lambert Purnell discharged from the service, -
16, Commissions issued to the Friendship's com-
pany, in Dorchester County, - -
16, William Matthews, of Captain Gunby's com-
pany, discharged, - -
16, Permit granted to Thomas Waters, of sloop
Baltimore Hero, - - - .'• • ' -
17, Warrants issued to a company for Flying-Camp,
17, Dr. Tootell requested to remove any soldiers of
infectious disorders, to be nursed in private
houses, - ---..
17, Mr. Stephen Steward to take> possession of all
the military stores, guns, and rigging of the
schooner Resolution, ....
18, Mr. Nicholas Thomas attended and took his seat,
18, Permit granted to Josh- Hayman, of sloop
Betsey, - ...
18, Court-Martial ordered for the trial of Captain
John Fontleroy, - ...
18, Warrant issued to Frederick Teems, appointed
Captain, - - ...
19, Mr. Tilghman attended, ....
19, Parole of James Cunningham and William
Tomlinson, ------
19, Two bolts of osnaburgs to be delivered to Cap-
tain Cooke, for ship Defence's use,
19, List of effects taken off the Island in Somerset
County, - ...
19, The above effects to be sold at publick sale, -
1776.
Sept. 1
627
19,
627
19,
627
20,
627
20,
627
20,
628
21,
628
629
21,
629
23,
629
23,
629
23,
629
24,
629
24,
629
24,
630
24,
630
25,
26,
630
26,
630
26,
630
26,
630
636
26,
631
26,
631
27,
631
28,
631
28,
631
28,
631
30,
631
631
Oct. 1,
2,
631
2,
*631
3,
631
3,
632
3,
3,
632
3,
3,
632
4,
632
4,
632
5,
633
6,
633
7,
633
7,
633
633
,
633
8,
633
19, Captain Goldsborough requested to purchase
muskets, -
Commissions issued to officers in the Seven-
teenth Battalion of Militia,
Samuel Messersmith requested to deliver to
Captain Brooke all the guns in his possession,
Commissions issued to Captain Michael Lowe's
company, in Prince George's County,
Warrant granted to Nicholas Norwood to raise
a company, -
Such part of the captures lately made out of
Dunmore's fleet as may be deemed perish-
able to be disposed of for the use of the State,
Warrant granted to Andrew Hynes to raise a
company, ------
Captain George Beall and Hezekiah Magruder
appointed Inspectors of the George-Town
warehouse, Frederick County, -
Warrant granted to Richard Wilson to raise a
company, - - -
Warrant granted to Robert Harriss to raise a
company, ------
Warrant granted to Francis Holland to raise a
company, - - - -
William Jones appointed Inspector of White's
warehouse, in Dorchester County, • » -
Contract with Joseph Selby for making two
thousand cartouch-boxes, bayonet-belts, and
gun-slings, ------
Similar contract with George Gordon, -
Muskets, powder, and lead to be delivered to
Captain Richardson, - - - -
Order for delivering muskets to Lieutenant
Skinner, -------
Warrant granted to William Ridgaway to raise
a company, .---.-
Passport granted to Josh. Dowson and others
in the boat Sally, to pass to and from Po-
towmack, &c., ------
Commissions issued to a company of Militia in
Washington County, - -
Order for delivering gunpowder for the Conti-
nental frigate at Baltimore,
Thomas Noble Stockett appointed Second Sur-
geon's Assistant to Colonel Richardson's
battalion, - - ...
Contract with Charles White for making one
thousand pike staffs, - - -
Warrant issued to William Patterson to inlist
twenty-five men for the marine service,
Commissions issued to a company in Cecil
County, - - ...
Contract with William Nevin and Anthony
Pinkney for one thousand blades for pikes, -
When unwholesome provision is furnished by
the contractor, the same to be condemned
and charged to the contractor, -
Commission granted to James Tibbit, of the
sloop Independence, as a letter of marque, •
, Mr. Smyth and Mr. Plater attended,
Permit granted to William McGarry, of sloop
Nancy, tp go to Virginia for tobacco, -
Dennis Griffith appointed Ensign, .'.»'-. -
Commissions issued to Captain Maxwell's com-
pany, - - - - . -
Schooner Friendship purchased by the Council,
Commissions issued to a company in Frederick
County, - - ...
Commission issued to Ensign Richardson,
William Bartlett Townsend discharged, having
given bond for his appearance, -
William Bartlett discharged on giving bond, -
Commission issued to Captain Holland,
Ezekiel Towson appointed Captain of a guard
for a magazine in Baltimore County, -
Four shillings and three pence to be paid to
Elizabeth Hunter for ferriage of General Lee,
Apology of General Stephens, of Virginia, for
impressing a pilot of Annapolis,
John Perry appointed Surgeon,
Thomas Selby, William Orme, and Leonard
Pearce, to be sent under guard to Annapolis,
for refusing to join their corps, -
Commission issued to Michael Wallace, as Sur-
geon, and Francis Neale, as Surgeon-As-
sistant,
Benjamin Bradford commissioned Captain, and
William Smith Second Lieutenant, -
LIV
633
634
634
634
634
634
634
634
634
635
635
635
635
635
635
635
636
636
636
636
636
636
636
636
637
- 637
637
637
637
637
638
638
638
638
638
638
638
639
639
639
640
- 640
640
640
LV
1776.
Sept. 8, Captain Joseph Byus directed to attend the
Council of Safety on the 24th instant, to an-
swer the charge against him alleged, -
10, Ensign's commission issued to William Ewing,
11, Five thousand pair of shoes advertised for,
11, Commission of reprisal issued to James Handy,
of the Harlequin privateer,
11, William Barker appointed Inspector of the
warehouse at Nanjemoy, -
11, Benjamin King appointed Captain of the
schooner Resolution,
12, Commissions issued to officers of a company in
Frederick County, raised to compose part of
the Flying-Camp,
12, Commissionsissued to Field OfficersoftheGun-
powder Upper battalion, in Baltimore County,
12, Permit granted to John Patterson, master of
the schooner Industry, -
14, Mr. Nicholson attended,
14, Captain Keltic appointed to rig and get the
schooner Ninety-Two fit for sea,
15, Commissionsissued to officers of Captain Hol-
land's company of Flying-Camp,
15, Privates who have inlisted in Captain Norwood's
company and will not serve in Captain
Deem's company, to be discharged, -
18, Commissary of Provisions to supply Captain
Patterson with what provision he may want,
18, Contract with Nicholas McCubbin for making
twelve hundred and fifty pair of shoes,
19, Commissions issued to officers of a company in
Harford County, to compose part of the
Flying-Camp, -
19, William Bartlett Townsend to be discharged on
his giving bond of one thousand pounds for
his future good behaviour,
19, Basil Clarkson discharged, -and his property to
be forthwith returned him,
18, Resolution of the Convention empowering the
Council of Safety to determine on the
case of William Bartlett Townsend, -
Depositions against Townsend and Scar-
borough, - - - - 645
21, Complaint against John Francis Taney, for
detaining three pieces of sprig-lawn, the
property of the State,
21, Dr. Brehon to deliver up the books of physick
in his possession, or appear before the Board
and show cause for their detention,
23, Commissions issued to the Field Officers of
the Nineteenth Battalion of Militia, -
23, Court-Martial appointed for the trial of Lieu-
tenant Willin and Ensign Todd,
23, William Gerwood appointed Surgeon Assistant
to Dr. Tootell, ... -
24, William Webb Haddaway appointed FirstMajor
ofthe Thirty-Eighth Battalion of Militia, -
25, Commission and letter of marque issued to
Francis Speake, commander of sloop Po-
towmack,
25, Depositions to be taken relative to a sloop sunk
by Dunmore's fleet near St. George's Island,
25, Permit granted to William Thomas, master of
schooner Edward,
26, Leonard Clements, of Captain Stone's com-
pany, discharged on account of sickness,
26, Contract with James Claypole for making six
hundred pair of shoes,
26, Commissions issued to a company of Matrosses,
raised for the defence of Annapolis, -
28, Warrant issued to John David, appointed
Lieutenant of one of the gondolas, to inlist
fifty men, - * - - -
29, Commission issued to William Patterson, ap-
pointed commander of the schooner Dolphin,
29, Warrant issued to John Skinner, appointed a
recruiting Sergeant for Matrosses and Con-
tinental troops, -
29, Commission issued to Edward Markland, Lieu-
tenant, and Richard Coward, master, ofthe
schooner Dolphin,
31, Permit granted to John Norton, master of the
schooner Endeavour,
31, Permit granted to John Smith, master of the
schooner Polly,
31, Warrants issued to Edward Geale, Michael
Morgan, and Clement Smith, recruiting Ser-
geants for the Artillery,
CONTENTS.
1776.
Nov. 1,
640
641
5,
641
641
8,
641
8,
642
9,
642
9,
642
9,
642
643
NEW-1
643
643
1776.
Sept A,
643
4,
644
4,
644
4,
644
Sept. 5,
5,
644
645
5,
5,
645
5,
5,
-654
5,
5,
654
5,
5,
654
654
5,
654
655
5,
5, i
655
5,
5,
655
655
5,
5, j
655
6,
655
6, 1
656
656
6,
656
6,
656
6,
656
7,
7,
656
7,
657
7,
657
7,
657
, Commissary of Provisions to supply Captain
Martin with rations for brigantine Friend-
ship's crew,
Alexander Furnival appointed Captain of a
company of Matrosses, to be stationed at
Baltimore Town,
Keepers of Patapsco and Susquchanna ferries
desired to put the Postmaster General's rider
over those ferries during the war,
Contract with Colonel Hooe for all the salt im-
ported in the brigantine Friendship, -
Commissions issued to Captain Mackall's com-
pany, Frederick County, -
Contract with Colonel Hooe for all the jackets
imported in the brigantine Friendship,
Colonel Scott requested to purchase all the lead
that can be procured ibr the1 use of this State,
LVI
- 657
- 658
- 659
!-
- 659
[-
- 659
659
659
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OP SAFETY AND CONVENTION.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Sept. 4, Report of Committee against ordering out any
more of the Militia of Westchester, Orange,
Dutchess, and Ulster Counties, - - 660
Letter to General Washington, - - 661
Fire-arms cannot be supplied to the Militia,
and four thousand lances to be procured with
the utmost expedition, - - 662
Persons appointed to procure the lances, - 662
CONVENTION.
Sept. 5, Met in the Episcopal Church at Fishkill,
The church being very foul with the dung of
doves and fowls, and without any seals, ad-
journed to the Dutch church,
Report of Commitlee on the difficulties stated
on behalf of the Committee of Kingston, -
Letter to the Committee of Kingston,
Examination of John Wolley, ...
One hundred and seventy-six blank commis-
sions to be prepared and signed,
Harmen Van Bueren appointed Major, -
Petition of the Committee of Tryon County, -
Militia of Tryon County to be formed into a
brigade separate from the Militia of Albany,
Nicholas Herkhiemerappointed Brigadier-Gen-
eral, and John Frey, Brigade-Major, of the
Mililia of Tryon County, - • -
Resolution for the removal of the bells in
the churches and publick edifices from the
city of New-York to Newark, in New-
. Jersey, - .....
Letter to General Washington,
Sureties offered for John Wooley, and approved,
Petition of Henry Chase, a prisoner in the gaol
of Westchester County, -
Petition of Colonel Benjamin Birdsall, acting as
Captain of a company in Colonel Smith's
Regiment, ......
Bond of John Wooley,
Report of the Committee who visited the forti-
fications on Hudson's river,
Any member absenting himself without leave,
to be fined and reprimanded, -
Information relative to the state of Forts Mont-
gomerie and Constitution communicated by
Mr. Duane,
Reinforcement of six hundred men to be sent
with all possible despatch to Forts Mont-
gomery and Constitution, -
Further consideration of the state of the gar-
risons of Forts Montgomery and Constitu-
tion, and the works erecting on Red-Hook,
Resolutions for raising troops to reinforce the
garrisons, - ....
Order for the landing the stores brought from
White-Plains, - ...
Information given by Mr. Harrison relative to
the enemy and disaffected on Nassau-Island,
Committee to succour the well-affected on
Nassau-Island, - - -
Committee of Safety and Correspondence
formed for that part of the State which lies
below the Highlands,
Colonel Hoffman excused from attending at
New-York as a correspondent, -
- 662
- 662
662
663
663
664
664
664
664
- 664
665
665
665
- 666
666
666
- 666
667
- 667
- 667
668
- 668
i
- 669
669
- 669
- 669
it
- 669
LVII
1776.
Sept. 7, Committee of Safety at New-York directed to
take from the houses in the city all the brass
knockers, ... - 669
7, The consideration of the report of the Com-
mittee who were sent to visit the Forts
Montgomery and Constitution, resumed, and
the resolutions agreed to, - - - 670
9, Ordered that Henry Schenck have discretion-
ary power to provide for certain poor, - 672
9, Payment stopped of all accounts passed for the
payment of Colonel Smith's and Colonel
Remsen's Regiments, - ... 673
9, Committee of Safety appointed until the next
meeting of the Convention, - - 673
9, Fifteen hundred weight of lead and one thou-
sand flin'ts to be sent to Charlotte County,
and one ton and an half of lead and three
thousand flints to Tryon County, - - 673
COMMITTEE OP SAFETY.
Sept. 8, One ton of lead ordered for the County of Al-
bany, ... . 673
9, Letter from General Scott, dated September 6, 673
9, A certain Warns ordered to be apprehended
for spreading false reports tending to injure
the cause of America, .... 673
9, Committee appointed to take the spears brought
from New-York, and get a model for making
other spears, - - 674
Letter written to John Schenck to know whether
he will undertake the agency for furnishing
Fort Montgomery with stores, - - 674
General James Clinton requested to forward
barracks -as soon as possible for the reinforce-
ment to be sent to Fort Montgomery, - 674
Letter from General Washington, dated Sep-
tember 6, - - 674
Letter from General James Clinton, Septem-
ber 8, - 674
Return of necessaries wanted at the fortifica-
tions in the Highlands, .... 674
Letter from General Washington, Septem-
ber 8, - - - - 675
Letter from General Washington, September 8, 675
Four large sloops to be impressed to go to New-
York for the sick, ... . 675
Letter to General Washington, enclosing the
resolutions of the 7th instant, - - 676
Letter to General James Clinton, - 676
Warrant for impressing four sloops, - - 676
9, Warrant for impressing two sloops, - - 676
9, Examination of William Warne, apprehended
by order of the Convention, - 677
William Warne committed to the custody of
Captain Weeks till further orders, - - 677
Letter to Delegates in Congress: Hope from
the measures they have taken for the protec
tion of the posts in the Highlands, the com-
munication between the northern and south-
ern States may be kept up, - 677
10, John Schenck accepts the agency for supplying
stores, - - 678
Stores at Fishkill landing ordered out to Mr.
John Schenck for the forts, ... 678
Order to Mr. Schenck for supplying the forti-
fications, instead of the order made on the
7th instant, - . 678
Colonel Curtenius requested to acquaint the
Convention with the quantities of lead he
has shipped from New-York, - '- 679
Mr. Norwood, Commissary, directed to make
a return of stores sent out of the City of
New-York, &c., . 679
Letter from General Ten Broeck, August 23:
Recommends several gentlemen for officers
in Colonel Graham's Regiment, - - 679
Letter to General Ten Broeck: Officers in ser-
vice to be retained, and new ones to be ap-
pointed only when vacancies occur, - - 679
Committee appointed to report a plan of estab-
lishing riders to the city of New-York, - 679
Deposition of Guisbert Schenck on the late
conduct of William Warne, ... 679
Affidavit of Abraham W. de Peyster respecting
Joseph Roade, - - 680
Letter to Committee of Westchester County, .
enclosing affidavit of Mr. de Peyster, - - 680
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
CONTENTS.
LVIII
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
10,
10,
10,
10,
10,
10,
10,
10,
10,
10,
1776.
Sept. 10, Two letters from Ebenezer Hazard, 1st and
6th September,
10, Lettej- to Mr. Hazard, on the routes of (lie
post-riders, ......
Mr. Moore reported that he had impressed two
sloops, - - -
Depositions' of Roeloff Schenck, Theodorus
Van Wyck, Jun., and Peter Horton, as to
the conduct and declarations of Mr. Warne,
William Warne to be safely kept till to-morrow
morning, - . .
Letter from Colonel Remsen, dated at New-
Haven, September 7,
Captain Wiltse's sloop, impressed to go to
New- York, delayed for want of a master, -
Report of Committee on employing post-riders
to New-York referred to the Convention, -
Letter to Colonel Remsen, - - -
Determination on the case of William Warne,
Two trusty sentinels, well armed and accou-
tred, to be sent with all possible despatch
ready to execute such orders as they may
receive from the Committee of Safety,
Rev. Samuel Seabury confined to the farm of
Colonel Brinckerhoff, being notoriously dis-
affected to the American cause,
Sloop to be impressed for the purpose of re-
moving the sick from the city of New-York,
Letter from General Schuyler,
The levies directed to be raised in Ulster
County to reinforce the garrisons in the
Highlands to be immediately completed, and
the remainder subject to the requisitions of
General Schuyler,
Egbert Dumond ordered to render accounts of
all the publick moneys which have been put
into his hands, with all possible despatch, -
Letter from General Schuyler, September 9,
read and referred,
Commission of Colonel Snider, appointed to
command the detachment to reinforce the
garrisons in the Highlands, (note,)
Messenger directed to summon absent mem-
bers, ......
Letter from Colonel Swartwout, September 10,
read and referred,
Letter from General George Clinton, Septem-
ber 8, read and referred, -
Report of Committee on General Clinton's and
Colonel Swartwout's letters, (note,) -
Detachment of a Sergeant and twelve men to
attend the Committee of Safety without delay,
Major Schenck requested to apprehend a cer-
tain Riley, suspected of being a deserter from
the Army of the United American States, -
Letter from Ebenezer Hazard, September 12,
Letter from General George Clinton, Septem-
ber 12, :
Samuel Gale and Isaac Ludlum to be imme-
diately apprehended, being concerned in a
dangerous correspondence with the enemy,
Sundry persons in Ulster County, inimical to
the cause of American liberty, ordered to be
apprehended, - '/*•"«
Report of Committee on General Schuyler's
letter of September 9, and the letters of Com-
fort Sands and Thomas Grant, -
Letter to General George Clinton, respecting
the obstructions to the navigation of Hud
son's river, -
CONVENTION.
10,
10,
10,
10,
10,
11,
11,
11,
11,
11,
11,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
- 680
680
- 681
681
682
- 682
682
683
6S3
683
- 683
- 683
684
684
- 684
684
685
- 686
686
- 686
- 686
i
- 687
687
687
688
688
688
688
688
- 689
14, Appropriation of two hundred pounds to pur-
chase saltpetre, - - - 690
14, Members required to be regular in their attend-
- 690
14,
14,
14,
14,
16,
ance,
Letter from General George Clinton, September
13: Sends William Tredwell and Benjamin
Ludlum to the Convention for examination, 691
Sub-Committee of Philips's Precinct empow-
ered to purchase five or six arms, - - 691
Auditor General of the State requested to attend
the Convention, - 691
Letterfrom General Washington, September 12, 692
General Morris,*now at the General Congress,
directed to immediately return and resume
the command of his brigade, - - 693
CONTENTS.
1776.
Sept.
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
18,
19,
16, Committee appointed to examine Samuel
Gale, now in custody,
Committee of Correspondence appointed,
Petition of Henry Chase praying to be released
from imprisonment, -
Petitions of Jonathan Purdy, Jun., Rynier Van
Housen, and John Fowler, • -
Lieutenant Colonel Ferris's resignation ac-
cepted,
Committee appointed to inquire into the state
of the Light-Horsemen who were obliged to
flee from Long-Island,
Report of Committee appointed to report what
further measures are necessary to bring
Abraham Lott to account to the Convention
for the publick moneys now in his hands as
Treasurer of the Colony of New-York,
All moneys belonging to the State to be paid
only to Peter V.B.Livingston, now Treasurer,
An account of moneys paid by the Treasurer,
for which no accounts have been rendered by
the persons to whom they were paid, (note,)
Captain Greenhill appointed to ascertain with
all possible despatch and secrecy whether
the channel of Hudson's river opposite to
Fort Washington is sufficiently obstructed, -
Letter from Colonel Trumbull, Commissary-
General, - - - -
Resolutions for procuring flour, in pursuance of
the letter of the Commissary-General,
Letter to the Commissary-General,
Letter from Gilbert Livingston, at Poughkeep-
sie : The chain intended to obstruct the na-
vigation of Hudson's river has been delayed
for want of iron,
The Secret Committee for obstructing the navi-
gation of Hudson's river, granted permission
to go to the fortifications in the Highlands
to-morrow, -
Committee of Safety appointed, -
Committee to dispose of the sloop-of-war Mont-
gomery, - - -
Committee appointed to wait on General Wash-
ington to solicit his assistance and advice in
negotiating the exchange of General Wood-
hull,
William Tredwell, Benjamin Ludlum, and Sam-
uel Gale, to be kept in safe custody and sep-
arate from each other,
Report of Committee on disposition of the
sloop Montgomerie, - - -
Letter to Joseph Hallett, agent for prizes, • -
Committee appointed to devise means for the
support of the poor, ....
Committee of Safety and Correspondence ap-
pointed for that part of the State which lies
below the Highlands,
A detachment not exceeding twenty men,
placed under the control of Nathaniel Sack-
ett, to be used at his discretion, -
Report of the Committee on the more easy and
effectual mode of raising the quotas for gar-
• risoning Forts Constitution and Montgome-
rie, read and disagreed to,
COMMITTEE OP SAFETY.
Letter from Hugh Hughes, Assistant Quarter-
master-General, September 17, -
Letter from the Committee of Albany, Septem-
ber 12: The detachment from Cumberland
County has not come into the service,
Letter from the Committee of Albany, Septem-
ber 16: Express great concerned! account
of General Schuyler's resignation,
Letter from General Schuyler, September 15, -
Letter from Cornelius Glenn, Treasurer of the
County of Albany, September 13,
Report of the Committee to whom it was re-
ferred to direct some mode for the relief of
debtors confined for debt in the gaols of the
respective Counties in the State,
CONVENTION.
Agents for building the ships at Poughkeepsie
directed to supply such and so much cordage
ns General Schuyler requires for the Navy on
Lake Champlain, - ...
1776.
Sept.
693
694
19,
694
19,
694
19,
695
19,
695
19,
696
19,
697
20,
697
20,
20,
20,
699
20,
699
700
20,
700
20,
21,
700
11,
701
701
21,
701
21,
701
21,
702
21,
702
702
21,
702
702
21.
21,
703
21,
703
21,
703
21,
703
21,
703
704
21,
704
23,
23,
704
23,
23,
23,
705
19, Quorum to represent Dutchess County re-
duced from five to three, -
Committee appointed to devise ways and means
for preventing the dangers which may aiise
from the disaffected in the State,
Committee appointed to examine and report on
present state of the Treasury,
A hatter's shop belonging to Mrs. Mary Blood-
good, to be repaired for a guard house,
Report of Committee appointed to repair to
General Woodhull, on Nassau-Island, to as-
sist in the execution of the orders given to
him by the Convention, - -•
Committee appointed to inquire whether any
and what bounty is necessary for encoura-
ging the manufacturing of gunpowder,
Committee appointed to employ proper per-
sons for making discoveries and assays of
sulphur, lead, and flint,
Report of Committee on General Schuyler's
letter of the 15th and 16th September,
Information given by a Hessian deserter,
Letter to New-York Delegates in Congress on
the resignation of General Schuyler, -
Report of Committee on the state of the Treas-
ury, ------
The President, with any five members, to have
power to send for any member absent with
out leave, - - -
Isaac Ketchum ordered to be brought, mana-
cled and under a proper guard, before th'e
Convention, - -
Two deserters to be sent to Fort Constitution,
A reinforcement to be requested from General
Washington, if it can be spared, for the
Highlands,
Proceedings on the Report of the. Committee
of a more effectual mode of detecting and
defeating the designs of the internal enemies
of the State, -
Letter from General Washington, September
20, - - -
Two fire-ships to be delivered to such person
as General Washington shall appoint to take
charge of them, - ...
Letter to General Washington : A Committee
of Correspondence has been established for
sending to, and receiving intelligence from,
the Army,
Committee appointed to confer with Captain
Cook on completing the obstructions in
Hudson's river,
Three letters read relative to Tories and desert-
ers. The disaffected are grown troublesome
and impudent ; deserters are supported by
the disaffected, -
Letter from Thomas Randall, one of the Ma-
rine Committee, September 7, -
Letter from Thomas Quigley, Mate of the pri-
vateer Putnam, - -
Report of the Committee on a more effectual
mode of detecting and defeating the designs
of the internal enemies of the State, resolved
on, and agreed to by the Convention,
Committee for the express purpose of inquiring
into and detecting conspiracies formed in
the State,
Order for committing Samuel Gale, Benjamin
Ludlum, and William Tredwell, to the officer
of the guard, rescinded, and they admitted
to bail, - - - - -
Resolutions on the report of the Committee to
confer with Captain Cook on completing
the obstructions in Hudson's river,
Committee of Safety appointed,
LX
706
- 706
706
- 706
- 706
- 706
- 707
707
708
- 709
- 710
- 711
711
712
- 712
- 712
713
- 713
- 713
- 713
- 714
- 714
- 714
- 714
- 715
- 715
716
716
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Abram Ten Broeck elected Chairman, - - 716
Intelligence of a great fire in the city of New
York, - - ... 716
Letter from John Barclay, chairman of the Com-
mittee of Albany, ... 716
Memorial of William Tredwell referred to the
Committee for detecting conspiracies, &c., - 717
Report to be made of all the indigent persons
which have been sent into Westchester
County, - - - 717
LXI CONTENTS.
1776.
Sept. 24, Captain Crcgier submits whether it would be
proper to keep the schooner General Put-
nam longer in service, being very much out
of repair, - - - 718
24, Letter from Colonel Levi Pawling, September
23: Complains of the want of a Surgeon to
his Regiment, - - 718
25, Letter from General Washington, September
23: Containing a particular account of the
manoeuvres of the enemy, - - - 718
25, Letter from General Scott, giving a particular
account of the great fire in New- York, - 719
25, Letter from Messrs. Clark & Nightingale, Sep-
tember 16, relative to two prizes, - 719
25, Memorial of Cornelius Atherton, praying to be
exempted from military duty that he may be
enabled to fulfil his contract for making
muskets, - - - - - - - 719
LXII
CONVENTION.
26, Colonel Peter R. Livingston elected President, 719
26, Committee of Safety appointed, '- •'-'*' - 719
•
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
26, Application of Stephen de Lancey, now con-
fined at Hartford, for a horse, said to be taken
from him and employed in the Continental
Army ; rejected, - - 720
26, Letter from Captain Thomas Cregier: Relating
the condition of the General Putnam and
her crew, ---..--- 720
26, Committee on directing the mode of the sales
of salt, - - - 720
26, Letter from Tench Tilghman, Head-Quarters,
September 24, - - - 721
26, Commissions issued for officers in Mamacot-
ting Precinct, Ulster County, ... 721
26, Letter from Major Joab Hoisington : Asks that
bounty rations and wages for the Rapgers
may be forwarded, ... . 721
26, Deputies from Cumberland fully acknowledge
the jurisdiction of the State over that County, 722
27, Letter from Tench Tilghman, Head-Quarters,
September 25, - - - 722
27, All the powder at Wisner's and Livingston's
mills tor be sent to King's Bridge with all
despatch, - - 722.
27, Letter from Brigadier General Petrus Ten
Broeck, - - u.* ,f w „-. ':•, . - . 733
CONVENTION.
27, Reply of Abraham Lott to the resolutions of the
Convention relative to the publick treasure,
and his contempt in not having accounted, - 723
27, Proceedings on the application of Major Hois-
ington for bounty and pay for the Rangers, - 723
27, Questions asked of the Deputies from Cumber-
land County, and their answers, - - 724
27, Committee appointed on Major Hoisington's
letter, - - - - - 724
27, The Committee for detecting conspiracies au-
thorized to place guards at such places as
they may think proper, - - 724
27, Account of Walter Hyer for services done as
cooper, - - - 725
27, Committee of Safety appointed, - .,,- 725
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
27, Michael O'Farrell and Richard Gazart, sus-
pected of being deserters, to be confined in
the guard-house till further order, - - 726
RESOLVES, &.C., OF THE COUNCIL AND HOUSE OF REPRESEN-
TATIVES OF MASSACHUSETTS.
1776.
May 30, Memorial of General Joseph Frye, - - 725
Aug. 16, Petition of Jeremiah Colburn and Joshua
Eayre, of Penobscot river, - - 729
19, Petition of Stephen Bussell and others, settlers
on the east side of Penobscot river, - - 729
19, Petition of Selectmen of Waldoborough, for
gunpowder, - - 730
Petition of the Committee of Safety for the
town of Cape-Elizabeth, f 730
1-776.
Aug. 23, Petition of Jotham Bush, who was disarmed
and confined to his homestead farm by the
Committee of Shrewsbury, - 730
28, Petition of Ichabod Jones, - - -' 731
28, Petition of Selectmen of Harpswell, - - 732
30, Petition of Thomas Edwards, ... 733
28, Memorial of Jonas Ball and others, in behalf
of John Taylor of Northboroujjh, - - 733
28, Petition of Jonathan Eddy, Willilim How, and
Zebulon Roe, late of Cumberland, in Nova-
Scotia, - . 733
30, Resolve relative to the brig Rising Empire, - 734
31, Resolve on the petition of John Fox, - - 734
31, Resolve on the petition of Ebenezer Beckford
and others, ..... 734
31, Resolve directing Captain Welden to deliver
the brig Rising Empire to William Wat-
son, Esq., ... 734
31, Resolve for paying Colonel Abijah Brown, - 734
31, Resolve on the petition of George Williams,
Jun., and others, - - 734
31, Resolve on the petition of Joseph Spragueand
others, - - 734
31, Resolve appointing a Committee to view places
suitable for erecting furnaces, - - 735
31, Resolve to revive actions that were pending' in
the Inferiour Courts, - - 735
Sept. 2, Resolve on the petition of Jonathan Eddy and
others, - . 735
2, Resolve annulling a resolve of the 29th of April,
allowing the officers of vessels in the sea
service to inlist men out of the sea-coast
companies, - ... 735
2, Resolve appointing a Committee to repair to
New-Hampshire to endeavour to get one of
the Continental frigates fixed out, - - 736
2, Resolve to supply six soldiers in Colonel Dyke's
Regiment with guns, «- 736
2, Resolve on the petition of Francis Butler, - 736
2, Resolve recommending to the Government of
New-Hampshire to pass an act for prevent-
ing the exportation of lumber, - 736
Jlug. 29, Petition of Joseph Sprague and otheVs, for
gunpowder for the schooner General Gates,
William Carlton, Commander, - 737
30, Petition of John Fox, - « - - 737
Sept. 2, Petition of Joseph North, of a plantation called
Gardnerstown, in the County of Lincoln, - 737
2, Order for the issue of a commission to Eleazer
Niles, as commander of the brigantine Re-
taliation, - - •' . 740
2, Commission issued to Isaac Somes, as com-
mander of the sloop Union, ... 741
3, Orders in Council, - ... - 741
3, Petition of Charles Goodrich, .J.1 741
3, Resolve for paying Joseph Rowland and Tim-
othy Goodwin the balance due for post-riding, 743
4, Petition of Committee of Framingham, - - 743
Petition of Catharine Brinley, - - 744
4, Benjamin Warren commissioned as command-
er of the private sloop-of-war Revenge, - 745
4, Nathaniel Freeman commissioned as com-
mander of the sloop Wolfe, " .' - - 745
4,^ Resolve directing the Commissary to deliver Jon-
athan Eddy and others bread instead of pork, 746
4, Resolve for the delivery of a 4-pound cannon
to Isaac Collier, - - - 746
5, Petition of Joseph Mayhew and Shubael Cattle, -746
Petition of Nathaniel Guild, - - 746
2, Petition of Committee of Middleborough, - 747
5, Resolve for supplying Captain Plummer's Com-
pany with powder, &c., - - - - 748
5, Resolve for the delivery of six firelocks to Cap-
tain Leighton, - - . . 748
5, Resolve for the delivery of four firelocks to
Captain Lyman, ... 743
5, Resolve for paying Eleazer Spaulding for the
loss of a gun, ------ 748
Commission ordered for Thomas Nicholson, as
commander of the sloop America, - - 748
4, Petition of Thomas Cragg, .... 748
Commission issued to Jonathan Greely as com-
mander of the schooner Speedwell, - - 749
6, Petition of Walter Logan, Comptroller of the
Customs of Perth-Amboy, in New-Jersey, - 749
6, Petition of Nathaniel Barstow and Daniel Whit-
more, of Sunderland, in the County of Hamp-
shire, .--.... 750
LX11I
1776.
Sept. 6
6,
7,
CONTENTS.
LXIV
, Petition of Anne Tweeclie and others, lately
from the Island of Antigua, - 750
Resolve relative to the' adjournment of a "Mari-
time Court at Pownalborough, - - 751
Petition of Elisha Hedge, of Marlborough, in
the County of Essex, - - 751
Petition of John Codman, for gunpowder for
the schooner Langdon, - - 752
Petition of Joseph Sprague arid Samuel Ward,
for gunpowder for the schooner Dolphin, - 752
Petition of Isaac Collyer, - - 752
7, Resolve for the payment of wages and rations
to Jeremiah Colburn and Samuel Low, - 752
7, Resolve relative to building a barrack on the
Gurnet, - - 752
7, Choice of an Adjutant for the Second Regiment
of Militia in the County of Lincoln, - - 752
7, Resolve on the petition of Thomas Nicholson, 753
7, Resolve on Captain John Parker's muster-roll, 753
7, Field Officers chosen for the Boston Regiment, 753
7, Adjutant chosen for the Fourth Regiment of
Militia in the County of Middlesex, - - 753
9, Benjamin Wormell commissioned as command-
er of the schooner Viper, - - - - 753
9, Petition of Nathaniel Dowse, in behalf of his
.sister Elizabeth Fenton, - - 754
Petition of Thomas Melville, for powder for the
schooner Speedwell, - - 754
9, Petition of the Committee of Rochester, rep-
. resenting Samuel Sprague as unfriendly to
the cause of the Colonies, - - - 754
Petition of David Kemp, - 755
9, Resolve for the payment of Captain Dodge's
roll,- - - - 756
9, Resolve for furnishing Caleb Turner's Company
with powder, &c., - - 756
9, Resolve for paying Moses Harrington for loss
of a gun, - 756
9, Resofve for paying the heirs of Obadiah Adams
for loss of a gun, - - - 756
9, Resolve for paying mileage to the Militia called
in to the Heights of Dorchester, - 756
9, Resolve for paying Samuel Stockbridge for
billeting and mileage of fifty-seven men, - 756
9, Resolve for delivery of powder to Thomas
Melvill, - - - 757
9, Resolve for sale of powder to Jonathan Hobby, 757
9, Resolve on the petition of John Codman, - 757
9, Resolve on the petition of Joseph Sprague and
Samuel Ward, - - 757
9, Resolve on the petition of Isaac Collyer, - 757
9, Resolve on the petition of John Winthrop, Jun., 757
9, Resolve on the petition of James Swan, - 757
9, Petition of Thomas Harris, for powder for
schooner America, - - - 757
Commission ordered for Nathaniel Leech, as
commander of the sloop Polly, - - 758
10, Petition of Jedediah Preble, Jun., and Jeremiah
Colburn, of Penobscot, - - 758
Petition of Shubael Cottle, in the behalf of
Nathan Smith, Captain of sea-coast men, in
Tisbury, - - 758
10, Petition of William Whiting, for remuneration
for his improvements in making saltpetre, - 759
10, Resolve for the sale of powder to Thomas Har-
ris, - - 761
10, Resolve for supplying Dr. Watts with medi-
cines, - - 761
10, Resolve for paying Militia, raising men, &.c., - 761
10, Resolve for the delivery of an iron cannon to
Joseph Homan, - 761
10, Resolve respecting deserters from the Northern
Army, - - 762
10, Resolve for raising one-fifth part of the Militia
of the State to reinforce the Army at New-
York, - - 762
11, Petition of Ethan Compstock, Second Lieu-
tenant in the Diligent, schooner-of-war, - 764
I'l, Resolve for paying Samuel Freeman, Clerk of
the House, - 764
II, Resolve for paying Wemyss Orrock, Colony
agent at Dartmouth, one hundred pounds, - 764
11, Resolve for procuring couriers, - - 764
12, Memorial of John Jones in behalf of the Com-
mittee of Hopkinton, - - 764
12, Memorial of Jeremiah Colburn, of Penobscot, 765
12, Resolve appointing Richard Derby, Junior, to
lay claim to the ship Lord Dartmouth, - 765
1776.
Sept. 12, Resolve relative to the purchasing cannon of
the town of Newburyport, - - 765
12, Resolve for placing a guard of thirty men on
Penobscot river, - 765
12, Resolve relative to vouchers of accounts against
the Continent, - - 765
12, Resolve for supplying Martha's Vineyard with
three cannon, - - - 766
12, Resolve permitting Cnptain Barber's schooner
to come to the port of Boston, - - 766
Commission for Isaac Snow, as commander of
the schooner America, - - 766
Memorial of Thomas Crafts, - - 766
13, Resolve directing the Commissary-General to
send ammunition to Fairfield, - - 767
13, Resolve to alter the rigging, &c., of the Tyran-
nicide from a sloop to a brig, - - 767
13, Resolve for ordering the men drafted from Ply-
mouth and Barnstable brigades to march to
Rhode-Island instead of New-York, - - 767
13, Resolve on the petition of Richard Mayberry, 768
13, Resolve for paying Solomon Wood for the loss
of his gun, - 768
13, Resolve to furnish the Agent for buihjing the
Continental ships with guns for one of them, 768
13, Resolve on the petition of James McCobb, - 768
13, Resolve on the petition of the Selectmen of
Harpswell, - 768
Jlug. 30, Representation from the Committee of New-
buryport, - - 768
Sept. 14, Resolve for supplying Thomas Crane with a
large copper, - - 769
14, Resolve forbidding the sale of two Negroes
brought in as prisoners, - . - - 769
14, Resolve appointing Colonel Simons and others
to execute in the County of Berkshire the
resolve for raising one-fifth of the Militia, - 770
14, Additional resolves for procuring clothing for
the Army, - 770
14, Resolve for supplying the ship Boston with
cannon, - ..... 770
16, Petition of Robert Campbell, - 770
16, Memorial of Richard Adams, of Maduncook,
in the County of Lincoln, - - - 771
Petition of Juliana James, - - - - 771
16, Benjamin Lincoln chosen to command the
Militia, - - - - 772
16, Resolve to continue military commissions in -
force until the 19th of January, 1777, - 772
16, Resolve for supplying the town of Falmouth
with powder and cannon balls, - - 772
16, Resolve for procuring whale-boats, &,c., - - 772
16, Resolve appointing a Committee to sign and
number bills, - .... 773
16, Resolve directing Committees to return money
to the Treasury, - 773
16, Resolve for paying off" Captain Wigglesworth's
portage bill, - - 773
16, Resolve on the petition of Preserved Clap, - 773
16, Resolve for erecting or purchasing an air fur-
nace for casting cannon, - - 773
17, Petition of Committee of Cambridge, - - 774
17, Resolve relative to Nathaniel Brinley, - - 774
17, Resolve for a loan to the town of Goldsborough, 774
17, Resolve appointing Mr. Davis and Colonel
Goodwin to sign bills, - - 774
17, Resolve on the petition of Jonathan Hale rela-
tive to receiving saltpetre, - ... 774
17, Resolve for the delivery of household goods to
Juliana James, - - 774
17, Resolve for pay ing Brigadier Preble eight pounds
for the use of two Indians, - 775
17, Resolve on the petition of Shubael Cottle re-
specting the capture of a vessel, - 775
17, Resolve for recalling the Militia ordered to
New-York within the space of two months,
&.C., - 775
17, Resolve for the delivery of gunpowder, Stc., to
Mr. Jeremiah Colborn, - - - - 776
17, Resolve directing Richard Derby to make ap-
plication to the Superiour Court relative to
the ship Queen-of-England, - - 776
17, Resolve for granting three of the Judges the
sum of eighty pounds each, - - 776
17, Resolve on the petition of Richard Adams, of
Maduncook, - - 77fa'
18, Resolve for paying Daniel Henshaw, Junior,
for his services as Deputy Commissary, - 776
LXV
1776.
Sept. 18, Resolve for paying the Committee of North-
field twenty-seven pounds for the use of pris-
oners,
18, Resolve for confining John Graves, - 777
18, Resolve excusing the town of Charlestown from
furnishing men, - - 777
18, Resolve for supplying Brigadier Palmer, to buy
cannon at JSfewburyport, - - 777
18, Resolve empowering the Committee of Deer-
field to make sale of Nathaniel Dickenson's
personal estate, .... 777
18, Resolve for furnishing the frigate Hancock with
guns, &c., - 777
18, Resolve to encourage the manufacture of fire-
arms, - ..... 778
18, Resolve on the petition of Nathaniel Guild, - 778
18, Resolve respecting vouchers to the accounts
against the Continent, - - 778
18, Resolve relative to the Hospital at Sewall's
Point, - - 778
18, Resolve for staying executions on attachments
of Tories' estates, - - 779
18, Resolve vesting the Council with certain pow-
ers during the recess of the Court, - - 779
18, Resolve permitting Jolley Allen to sell part of
his effects, - - 779
18, Resolve for discharging the two vessels of ob-
servation, - - - - 779
18, Orders in Council to provide supplies for'armed
vessels, - - .... 780
19, Commission to Andrew Giddingsascommander
of the brig Civil Usage, - - 780
19, Orders to Alexander Shepard, - 780
Petition of officers of the schooner Diligent, - 780
20, Petition of John Frazier, late commander of
the prize ship Susanna, .... 781
20, Orders to Colonel Mitchell to take command
of five companies of sea-coast men, - - 781
20, Petition of Lyonel Bradstreet, late commander
of the ship Nolly Frigate, taken by the Han-
cock and Franklin privateers, - - 782
Petition of George Ashburn, late Master of the
prize ship Isaac, ... . 782
20, Instructions to Captain John Clouston, of the
sloop Freedom, - - 782
19, Petition of Thomas Buckmore, of Concord,
Armourer, - - 783
12, Petition of William Jenkins, of the city of Bris-
tol, in England, - 783
22, Petition of Robert Brown and John Moon, late
of the prize ship Rachel, taken by the Ty-
rannicide, - - 784
24, Memorial of Committee of Safety for the
County of Sunbury, in Nova-Scotia, - - 785
18, Petition of William Pascal!, late of the prize
ship Anna Maria, taken by the sloop Revenge, 786
18, Petition of Adam High and Thomas Lemmon,
of the prize ship Anna Maria, - - 786
Commission issued to Joseph Cunningham, as
commander of the sloop Phrenix, - - 787
Commission issued to Ebenezer Peirce, as com-
mander of the sloop Liberty, - - 787
23, Petition of Peter Goulay, carpenter on the ship
Anna Maria, - - 787
Petition of Daniel Donnavan, George Bates,
and Mark Sedden, - - 788
18, Petition of John Beardwell Barnard, of the
prize ship Pecary, - * - 788
Petition of John Emmes, of the prize ship
Creighton, taken by the Yankee privateer, - 788
Petition of John Brown, of the prize ship Earl
of Erroll, taken by two privateers from New-
York, - ... 789
Resolve for delivering gunpowder to John
Rowe for the Phoenix, - 789
20, Petition of John Stalker, mariner on board the
prize ship Anna Maria, - - 789
Commission issued to William Browne, as
commander of the Boston, - 790
Form of bond given by agent for captures, - 790
Petition of Hugh Walker, Archibald Bog, and
Robert Park, taken in prize ships, - - 790
25, Order for procuring cannon for the ship Boston, 791
William Nickols commissioned as commander
of the schooner Independence, - - 791
Petition of Charles Reid, taken in a prize ship, 791
Petition of Alexander Tough and Thomas Ma-
hony, taken in a prize ship, - 792
CONTENTS.
LXVI
1776.
Sept. 25, Permission for the ship William, lately the
Creigliton, to depart the State in ballast, - 792
Petition of William Ross, of Jamaica, - - 792
26, Petition of James Hodges, of Aberdeen, in
Scotland, - - 793
Petition of William Ernie and James McGill,
taken in the prize ship Zachary Bayley, - 794
23, Order for supplying Captain Samson, of the
brigantine Independence, with stores for a
cruise, - - 794
Commission ordered for 'the schooner Hope,
Walter Hatch, commander, - 794
26, Order to Captain Bangs, - 795
Petition of Alexander Liddell and Thomas Cre-
marty, - ..... 795
Order for the payment of the troops stationed
at Bristol, - - - - 795
Commission ordered for Peter Roberts, com-
mander of the schooner Ranger, - . - 796
Petition of James Fulton, late master of the
Jean, - - 796
25, Petition of James Kennedy, late master of the
ship Peggy, - - - 797
Petition of Richard Pyne, late captain of the
brigantine William, - - 797
Petition of John Donneston, late master of the
ship Ann, - ;. , > 798
27, Application in favour of Captain Dudfield, - 798
Jacob Bayley commissioned as commander of
the sloop Putnam, ----- 799
Commission ordered for John Leach, as Cap-
tain of the schooner Dolphin, ... 799
28, Order for supplies for General Washington, - 799
29, Petition of James Dargie, - - - 800
30, Order for discharge of Constant Church, an
Indian, - - - 800
Order for supplies for the sloop Ma'chias Liberty,
under the command of Jeremiah O'Brien, - 800
Oct. 1, Order for supplies for Captain Williams, of the
sloop Republick, and Captain Clouston, of
the sloop Freedom, - - - 801
1, Commission ordered for William Le Craw, as
commander of the schooner Necessity, - 801
-, Memorial of the town of Spencer: Tories in
the County of Worcester have frequent meet-
ings in large bodies, ----- 801
-, Petition of Joseph Thompson, of Medford,
to be restored to the enjoyment of his estate, 802
5, Petition of David Griffin, of Sheffield, in the
County of Berkshire, - - - 802
-, Petition of Committee of Medford, respecting
the property of Sir William Pepperell, an
absentee, • - - 802
Petition of Susannah Leech, - - 803
Commission ordered for Edward Rowland, as
commander of the schooner Sturdy Beggar, 803
3, Order of Council respecting prisoners, - - 803
3, Order for delivering guns to Captain McNeil, 804
Elias Smith commissioned as commander of
the brigantine Washington, ... 804
Sept. 30, John Wheelwright commissioned as com-
mander of the brigantine Reprisal, - 804
Oct. 3, Payment of £14 to Captain John Clouston for
one month's advance wages to the crew of
the sloop Freedom, - > - - - - 805
4, Memorial of Thomas Gushing, agent for build-
ing the Continental frigates, ... 805
4, Order respecting the three regiments fordefence
of Massachusetts, - ... 805
4, Petition of Ebenezer Porter for permission to
remove from Nova-Scotia to Salem, - - 806
Petition of Nathan Utley and others, - - 806
Petition of Richard Valpy, - - 807
4, Ebenezer Porter, Nathan Utley, Richard Valpy,
and others, permitted to bring their families
and effects from Nova-Scotia to Massachu-
setts, - - 807
5, Orders to Commanders of the State vessels of
war, -
4, Memorial of John Anderson, of the Rive| St.
John's, in Nova-Scotia, ... - 808
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &C.
1776.
Oct. I, Address of the Earl of Abingdon to the Mayor
and Corporation of the borough of Walling-
ford, England, - - 807
CONTENTS.
LXVII
1776.
Oct. 1, Letter from Silas Deane to the Secret Com-
mittee, - ... 809
1, Reward offered by the Insurers of London to
seamen for recaptures, - - 811
Speech of the Governour of Barbadoes to the
Council and Assembly of the Island, ut the
opening of the new session in Septem-
ber, .•:.•-. - 812
1, Reply of the Assembly, - - 813
The sentiments of the several companies of
Militia and Freeholders of Augusta, in Vir-
ginia, communicated by the Deputies from
the said companies and freeholders to their
Representatives in the General Assembly of
the Commonwealth, ----- 815
Strictures on the above, by a Member of the
Established Church, (note,) - 815
1, Letter from Thomas Hughes to Maryland Con-
vention: A company of volunteers raised
and officered, - - - - - 817
1, Letter from Dr. Weisenthall to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Report of his examination of
the saltpetre earths on the south bank of the
Potomack, - 817
1, Letter from Jesse Hollingsworth to Maryland
CouncU of Safety, - - - 818
1, Letter from Lux and Bowley to Maryland
Council of Safety, ----- 818
1, Intelligence communicated by Thomas Story
to the Committee of Secret Correspondence,
which they agree that it is their indispen-
sable duty to keep secret even from Con-
gress, ... - 818
1, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to Silas Deane, - - - 819
1, Letter from the Committee of Secret Corres-
pondence to William Bingham, - 822
1, Letter from Benjamin Franklin to C. W. F.
Dumas : Acknowledging receipt of two
packets, - - 823
1, Letter from Marine Committee to Lieutenant
Albertson : Sailing orders, - 823
1, Letter from Robert Morris to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety : Reasons for not complying
with their request for canvas, - - 823
1, Armed vessel fitting out in Philadelphia, to be
called the Parry, - - - 824
1, Letter from Colonel Z. Butler to Roger Sher-
man : The Indians are disposed for peace,
and think it necessary that Westmoreland be
appointed to hold their Council at, - - 824
A Conference held at Wyoming, or Westmore-
land, between Captain John, in behalf of the
Six Nations, and Colonel Butler, of the Col-
ony of Connecticut, - - - 825
1, General Howe's orders for seizing grain, &c.,
on Long-Island, New- York, - - 825
1, Letter from Mrs. De Lancey to General Wash-
ington : Requests permission for herself and
daughter to return to her home in West-
chester, - - 894
1, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull, ... - 826
1, Letter from Colonel Reed to the 'Committee of
Congress at HeadrQuarters to inquire into
the state of the Army: Wishes to resign the
office of Adjutant-General, - 826
1, Letter from Colonel Grayson to General Heath :
Communicating General Washington's ap-
proval of sentences of Court-Martial on
James McCormick and others, - - 827
1, Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath:
Requests McCormick to be ordered down
under guard, for execution, - 827
1, Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath :
Fears his letter of this morning has miscar-
ried; repeats the direction respecting Mc-
Cormick, - - 827
1, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
Acquaints him that a frigate came through
Hell-Gate last night, arid anchored within
the mouth of Harlem river : General Lee
looked for every day, - 828
1, Letter from General Heath to General Salton-
stall: Begs him to hurry his Militia forward,
as they are wanted immediately, - 828
1, Letter from General Saltonstall to General
Heath, - - - - - - - 828
LXVI1I
1776.
Oct. 1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
Letter from General Scott to General Gates :
Recommends to his particulai attention Mon-
sieur Sennalet, a young gentleman from the
French Islands, - 829
Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President
of Congress: Has drawn for sixty thousand
dollars in favour of Colonel Lowry, - - 829
Letter from the Committee of Safety for West-
chester County to the Commanding Officer
at Mount Washington : Informing that
several companies in Westchester and
Dutchess are making ready to go off and join
the King's Army, - - - 829
Letter from Colonel Webb to General Heath:
Strictest guard to be kept, to prevent de-
sertions, - ... 829
Letter from William Miller to Captain Osborne:
Relative to conspiracies among some per-
sons upon Cortlandt's Manor, - - 829
An account of ball and flints delivered by P. T.
Curtenius, before Mr. Norwood's appoint-
ment, - 830
Letter from John Simpson and others, prison-
ers on parole, to New-York Convention:
Application for subsistence, - - 830
Petition of prisoners confined in Morristown
jail, - - - 830
Letter of Committee of Shawangunk to New-
York Convention, - - 831
Letterfrom Lieutenant Alger to New-York Con-
vention: Requests the command of a company
of Marines on board the ship Montgomery, 831
Letter from General J:imes Clinton to General
Washington: Butter seized on suspicion of
being rpeant for the enemy, - 832
Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington : Commending to his notice two Ca-
yuga Sachems, - - - - 832
Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates:
It is probable that a blow is meditated on
Fort George. Has had no answer to any
letter to Congress since July, - - 833
Letter from Colonel De Hart to Governour
Livingston : Advises that measures be adopt-
ed to prevent the Province being deprived of
six or seven hundred good Jersey arms, the
very best guns on the Continent, - 833
Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates :
General Arnold seems very uneasy that the
galleys do not come down, as he every mo-
ment expects the enemy, - - 834
Letter from General Arnold to General Gates:
Hopes to be excused, after the requisitions
so often made, if with five hundred men, half
naked, he should not be able to beat the en-
emy with seven thousand men, well clothed,
and a naval force near equal to his, - - 834
Examination of Sergeant Stiles, sent on a scout
to Isle-aux-Noix, October 1, - - 835
Memorandum of articles which have been re-
peatedly wrote for by General Arnold, and
which he is in the extremest want of, Octo-
ber 1, - - 836
Letter from Colonel Barrett to General Gates, 835
Letter from Joseph Hawley to General Gates:
Suggesting the necessity of timely provision
.of snow-shoes for the Northern Army, - 836
Letter from Governour Trumbull to Massachu-
setts Council : Application for one ton of
sulphur, - - 836
Letter from Nathaniel Shaw to General Wash-
ington : Sends nine markees and ninei/-
seven common tents, in addition to seventy-
two shipped the 29th ultimo, - - 836
Letterfrom Stephen Hopkins to John Adams:
Intercedes for the release of a strange group
of about fourteen prisoners, confined in
Somerset County, in the Jerseys, - - 837
Petition of Jeremiah O'Brien, in behalf of him-
self and crew of the sloop Machias Liberty, 800
Petition of Joshua Orne, of Marblehead, for a
com mission for the armed schooner Necessity, 801
Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Rev. Samuel
Hopkins: He did not enter into the Navy as
a divine, and is not qualified to act nor give
directions concerning the morals of the peo-
ple belonging to the Navy; desires to have a
chaplain but has not been able to get one, - 837
LXIX
1776.
Oct. I,
2,
2,
2,
.2.
2,
2,
2,
2,
CONTENTS.
Letter from John Avcry to President of Con-
gress, - - 837
Extract of a letter received in London, dated
Halifax, Nova-Scotia: Captures made by the
American privateers, - - 837
Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Col-
onel Smallwood: Are desirous of having a
particular account of the troops under his
command, ..... 838
Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to Col-
onel Hughes, - - 838
Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Messrs. Cravath and Dugan : They wish to
purchase the schooner Ninety-Two, - - 838
Letter from the President of Congress to the
Assemblies of the southern States: Urging
the importance of a full representation in
Congress, ..... 838
Letter from the President of Congress to the
Assemblies of the northern States, - - 839
Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Washington, - - - 839
Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to Silas Deane: Transmitting a treaty
of commerce and alliance with France, and
other important papers, .... 939
Letter from Cassar Rodney to Thomas Rodney:
Mr. Moylan has resigned his commission of
Quartermaster-General, as unable to conduct
the business of so many troops. General
Mifllin has accepted the office, - - 840
2, Advertisement for volunteers for the floating
battery, in the Delaware river, ... 841
2, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress, ..... 841
General Orders: Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, October 1 to 4, - - 842
2, Letter from General Heath to General Saltonstall, 844
Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath:
Desires him to make the witnesses attend in
the affair of Scott and Weimer, who will
probably escape, a^s by one means or other
all such rascals do. The Captain who suf-
fered McCormick to escape to be put under
close arrest and tried immediately, - - 845
2, Letter from General Healh to Major Backus:
Information having been received that several
companies are forming to join General Howe,
guards and sentinels must be very alert, - 845
2, Letter from Ezra Thompson to New-York Con-
vention : Report of his attendance at the
mines, - - . 845
2, Letter from Evert Bancker to John M. Hobart:
Desires him to supply Captain Rogers with
as much money as may be necessary to fit
out the privateer Montgomerie, - - 845
2, Letter from Evert Bancker to the New-York
Marine Committee : Captain Rogers's men
are unwilling to proceed on their cruise till
the wages due them are paid, - 846
Instructions to Captain William Rogers, - 846
2, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour
Trumbull: The line of conduct which Con-
gress held with him will put it out of his
power to continue in any publick office
where the appointment must come immedi-
ately from them, ----- 846
2, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold, 847
2, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington: Hopes the State will in a
proper manner discover their resentments
against the deserters. Asks his advice in
appointing officers for the new Army, - 847
2, Connecticut Council of Safety, ... 848
2, Letter from John L. C. Roome to Governour
Trumbull: Asks the liberty of waiting on
him, either on parole or with such person as
may be thought proper, .... 849
2, Extract of a letter from Boston to a gentleman
in London: Arrival of a French ship with
sixty-two guns sent out by Silas Deane, - 849
3, Letter from Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas:
Has obtained a method of sounding the sen-
timents of the King of Prussia, which, vol-
untarily offering, he has accepted, - - 849
3, Letter from William Aylett, Deputy Commis-
sary-General, to John Adams: On the busi-
ness of his office, 850
LXX
1776.
Oct. 3, Letter from the President of Congress to Joseph
Trumbull, - 851
3, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to William Hodge, Jun.: Directing him
to buy and man a frigate in France, to cruise
in the English Channel, - - 851
3, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to William Hodge, Jun., bearer of de-
spatches to Mr. Deane, - - - 852
3, Report of Committee sent to the camp near
New-York, - - 1385
3, Letter from Marine Committee to Messrs.
Hewes and Smith: Desire them to ship one
hundred barrels coal tar, two tons tallow in
barrels, and twelve barrels rosin, for the use
of the Navy, - - 853
3, Letter from Governour Livingston to the Pres-
ident of Congress: Representing state of
prisoners in Somerset gaol, who are in a de-
plorable condition for want of clothes, - 853
3, Letter from Colonel Grayson to General
Heath: Desires him to make himself entire-
ly acquainted with the grounds where there
is any probability the enemy will make an
impression, - - . - ..«' - 853
3, Letter from Colonel Grayson to General Heath:
It is of the last importance for him and his
officers to be well acquainted with the
grounds leading from places where the ene-
my may land to his several posts, - 854
3, Letter from Colonel Putnam to General Wash-
ington: Enclosing a plan for establishing a
corps of Engineers, Artificers, &c., - - 892
3, Letter from Tench Tilghman to Egbert Ben-
son: Is sorry that the Convention do not
think themselves legally authorized to make
examples of those villains they have appre-
hended: the General is determined if he can
bring some of them in his hands under the
denomination of spies, to execute them, - 854
3, Extract of a letter from Harlem: The corn,
hay, &c., which lay on Harlem Plains was
brought off yesterday in sight of the enemy:
five French officers came to the camp this
week, ... ... 855
3, Letter from General Heath to Colonel Chester:
Disposition of troops to be observed in case
the enemy make an attack, - - - 855
3, Letter from General James Clinton to New-
York Convention : Stoppages for expenses t
of taking up thirteen men in Captain John-
son's company, - - - 856
3, Letter from William McKerman to Richard
Peters, - - .... 857
3, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress : If Congress has notdetermined
that he never should be honoured with a
line from them, he shall hope one acknowl-
edging the receipt of his of this day ; he has
ordered the express to wait one day for an
answer, and then to jeturn, ... 857
Return of officers of Colonel Nicholson's Regi-
ment, April 15, ..... 857
3, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress, - - - - 858
3, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 859
3, Letter from Colonel Cortlandt to General
Gates : Asks leave of absence for six or
seven days, ...... 860
3, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold :
Takes it for granted he will consult with
General Waterbury and Colonel Wiggles-
worth, and with them determine when it is
the proper season to retire up- the Lake, - 861
3, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Commo-
dore Hopkins, - - ... 861
3, Letter from Philip Skene to Governour Trum-
bull, - 861
3, Letter from General Ward to General Wash-
ington : Requesting him to forward such
receipts as are necessary for settlement of
accounts for purchasing arms,
Memorandum of moneys paid to purchase arms, 862
3, Letter from Richard Derby to Massachusetts
Council: Arrival of Captain Souther with a
prize, having on board a captain and twenty
privates of the Sixteenth Regiment of Dra-
goons, with their horses and accoutrements, 943
LXXI
1776.
Oct. 3,
Letter from Massachusetts Council to General
Washington : Transmitting copy of a letter
from Richard Derby, - - 943
3, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Richard
Derhy, .... - 943
3, Prize sent into Boston by Captain Whipple, - 863
4, Letter from Robert Gordon (dated Cork, Ire-
land) to Thomas White: Intelligence of
American privateers, - 863
4, Letter from Captain Cooke to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Has taken two prizes; list of
vessels stationed off St. Augustine, and Cox-
spur in Georgia, - 863
4, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Washington, - ... 864
4, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Schuyler: The Congress have fully ex-
pressed their sense of his past conduct, and
their determination to do his character that
justice which he has a right to expect from
them; at the same time they cannot give
their consent to his retiring from the Army
in its present situation, - - - 864
4, Letter from the Marine Committee to William
Bingham, - - - 864
4, Letter from John Adams to Mrs. Adams: The
proceedings of the late Convention of Penn-
sylvania are not well liked by the best of the
Whigs, - - - 864
Brutus to the People of Pennsylvania : On the
oath prescribed by the new Constitution,
(note,) - - 864
A Friend to Truth and the People to Brutus,
(note,) - - 865
4, Observations on Finance, by Pelatiah Webster, 434
Act of New-Jersey to punish Traitors and dis-
affected persons, - ... 865
4, Extract of a letter from Head-Quarters at Ber-
gen : To-morrow they evacuate Bergen, a
measure which will first be condemned, and
afterwards approved of, - - 867
4, Letter from General Howe to General Wash-
ington : It rests with him to see the agree-
ment between Captain Forster and General
Arnold fulfilled, or to return the prisoners
given up by Captain Forster, » - 893
4, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress: On the measures neces-
sary to be pursued in the formation of the
new Army, - 867
4, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler, - -. - - - - - 869
4, Letter from Colonel Harrison to General
Heath, - - 869
4, Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath, - 869
4, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
Greene is, beyond a doubt, a first rate mili-
tary genius, and one in whose opinions the
General places the utmost confidence, - 870
4, Returns of officers in Colonel Chester's Regi-
ment, - - - 870
4, List of commissioned officers in Colonel New-
comb's Regiment, - - 871
4, List of the names of the officers in Colonel
Nicoll's Regiment, - ' - 871
4, True state of the officers in Colonel Swart-
wout's Regiment, - - 871
4, Return of officers in Colonel Tyler's Regiment, 872
4, Officers in Colonel Graham's Regiment fit for
duty, - - - - 872
4, List of officers in Colonel Thomas Thomas's
Regiment, - 872
4, Return of officers in Colonel Cunningham's
Regiment, ... - 873
4, List of officers in Colonel Andrew Ward's
Regiment, - 873
4, Return of officers in Colonel Paul D. Sargent's
Regiment, - 874
4, Colonel Lasher's list of officers, - - 875
4, Colonel Hardenberg's list of officers, - - 875
4, Return of names of officers in Colonel Samuel
Wyllys's Regiment, - - 876
4, Return of officers in Colonel Jonathan Ward's
Regiment, - 876
4, Return of officers in Colonel Huntington's
Regiment, - - 877
4, Return of the officers in Colonel Forman's
Battalion, 877
CONTENTS. LXXII
1776.
Oct. 4, Return of Field Officers in General Wads-
worth's Brigade,
4, Return of officers in Colonel Haller's Battalion, 878
4, Return of officers in Colonel Brodhead's Rifle
Regiment, - 878
4, Return of officers in Colonel Selden's Regi-
ment, that are now in camp,
4, Return of officers in Colonel Magaw's Battalion, 879
4, Return of officers of First Battalion Pennsylva-
nia Rifle Regiment, - - 879
4, Return of officers of late Colonel Selden's
Regiment, - - 880
4, List of officers in camp of Colonel William
Douglas's Regiment, - 880
4, Return of officers that are absent in Colonel
Smith's Regiment, - - 880
4, Return of Colonel Cadwallader's officers, - 880
4, Return of officers in Colonel William Prescott's
Regiment, - 881
4, Return of officers in the Second Battalion of
General Scott's Brigade, - - 1060
4, Return of officers in the Regiment late Colonel
M'Dougall's, - - 1060
4, Return of officers in Colonel Ritzema's Bat-
talion, - - 1060
4, Return of officers in Colonel Small wood's Bat-
talion, - - 1060
4, Letter from Colonel Haslet to Thomas Rod-
ney : Account of the battle of Long-Island,
August 27, - 881
4, Proceedings of a Court-Martial held at Mount
Washington, for the trial of Mr. Champney,
Wagonmaster-General, - - - 882
4, Letter from General Heath to Captain Stewart:
Directing him to arrest Justice Palmer, Mr.
Read, and Mr. Underbill, and deliver them
to the Convention of New-York, - 882
4, Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held in
General Heath's division: Trial of Ensign
Benjamin Snow, - - 883
4, Notification to call a Town-Meeting at New-
Marlborough, Cumberland County, New-
York, - - - 883
4, Letter from William Miller to Captain Osborne :
Has received an urgent order for the detec-
tion of conspirators, and is empowered to
call, out any part of the Militia to his assist-
ance, - - - - 883
4, Letter from New- York Convention to the Presi-
dent of Congress : Return thanks for one
hundred thousand dollars advanced to the
State, - - 884
4, Letter from Colonel Seth Warner to the Presi-
dent of Congress: Entreats that there may
be no longer delay in settling his accounts, 884
4, Letter from General Gates to General Schuy-
ler: No good reason can retard the imme-
diate march of Colonel Dayton's Regiment
to Fort George, - 885
4, Letter from General Gates to John Carter:
Again requests the Commissioners of Publick
Accounts to come to Ticonderoga ; if that
request is not complied with, he shall be un-
der the necessity of acquainting Congress
that their order is wanting to bring them
there, - 885
4( Reuben Plum published by the Middletown
(Connecticut) Committee as an enemy to
the United States, - - 885
4, Richard Miller, who had taken a commission
under General Howe, shot on Long-Island ;
prize ship from Jamaica sent into port, - 886
4, Letter from Massachusetts Council to General
Ward : Have given directions to replace the
cannon on Dorchester Heights: the three
regiments raised for the defence of the State
put under his direction, - - 886
5, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Jesse Hollingsworth : Desire him to pur-
chase as soon as possible, on account of the
Province, nine hundred barrels of superfine
flour, and twenty hogsheads of tobacco, - 886
5, Letter from Maryland Council of Saf<;iy to
Messrs. Lux and Bowley: On contracting to
make cordage for the armed vessels, - - 887
5, Petition of a majority of Captain Richard
Chew's company of Militia to the Conven-
tion of Maryland, - - 887
LXXIII
CONTENTS.
LXXIV
1776.
Oct. 5, Letter from General Thompson to General
Washington : The wants of the prisoners
being many he procured them credit with
Mr. Truman, at Quebeck, and for the pay-
ment of which he has made himself liable, - 888
5, General Lee daily expected at Philadelphia from
the southward, - - 888
5, Philadelphia Committee : Allotment of salt to
the townships of Philadelphia County, - 888
5, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Henry : Retreat from Long-Island and New-
York ; evils of short inlistments ; recom-
mends row-galleys for defence; urges care
in the appointment of officers, - 888
5, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress : Could wish them to re-
consider their refusal to recognize the agree-
ment between Captain Forster and General
Arnold, and to carry it into execution: Re-
commends the establishment of a Board of
Engineers : It has become absolutely neces-
sary that Congress should determine the
mode by which promotions are regulated, - 892
5, Letter from General Washington to General
James Clinton : Advises that the butter
taken from Mr. Conner be sent to the Com-
missary-General, who will pay the current
price, 894
5, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Livingston : Wishes an exact return of the
British prisoners in New-Jersey, - - 894
5, Letter from Colonel Reed to General Beall :
Requests a reconsideration by the Court-
Martial of the decision in the case of Captain
Weisner, - - - - 895
6, Letter from General Beall to Colonel Reed :
The Court with surprise and concern con-
sidered the remarks of his Excellency on the
opinion in the trial of Captain Weisner;
they conceive the judgment they have given
in the case consistent with their duty as offi-
cers and the rules for the government of the
Army, - ... . 895
5, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
The enemy this morning sent a small party
over and took possession of Harlem, - - 896
5, Extract of a letter from Colonel John Haslet to
General Cffisar Rodney: Suggests that he
cannot lay out a part of his ample fortune to
more noble purposes than in serving his
country, - - 896
5, Letter from General Heath to Captain Pain,
directing him to apprehend Samuel Smith,
and convey him to King's Bridge for exami-
nation, - - 896
5, Return of the officers present and absent of the
First Regiment of Foot, commanded by Col-
onel Edward Hand, 897
5, Return of the Field Officers of the Maryland
Flying-Camp, - - 897
5, Return of the Field Officers absent and present
of the regiment stationed at De Lancey's
Mills, under the command of Colonel Hand, 897
5, Return of the officers of the Delaware Regi-
ment, - . 898
5, Return of the Field Officers in the Pennsylva-
nia Battlions encamped near Head-Quarters, 898
5, Return of officers fit for duty in Colonel Mar-
tin's Regiment, ... . 899
5, Return of officers of Colonel Richardson's Regi-
ment, - . - 900
5, List of the officers belonging to Colonel Phil-
ips's Battalion of Jersey Levies. - - 900
5, Duty return of General Wadsworth's Brigade, 901
5, Return of Field Officers of First Virginia Regi-
ment, - - ... 901
5, List of the Field Officers in General Heard's
Brigade, - - 901
5, Return of the names of the officers in the
Twenty-Seventh Regiment, commanded by
Colonel Israel Hutchinson, - 901
5, List of the names of the Field Officers in Gen-
eral Fellows's Brigade, .... 9Q2
5, Return of the names of the officers in the late
Colonel Gay's Regiment, - - 902
5, Return of officers in Colonel Swing's Battalion
of Maryland Forces, raised for the Flying-
Camp, - . 903
FIFTH SERIES VOL. II.
1776.
Oct. 5, Return of the absent officers in the Tenth Regi-
ment, under the command of Samuel Pren-
tice, - 903
5, List of the names of the officers in Colonel
Sage's Regiment, in camp, - 904
5, Return of officers in Colonel Silliman's Regi-
ment, - 904
5, Return of officers that are absent in Colonel
Jonathan Smith's Regiment, - - 904
5, Return of the commissioned officers in the
Twenty-First Regiment who are absent, - 905
5, List of the officers' names absent belonging to
Colonel William Douglass's Regiment, - 905
5, Companies in the regiment of Artillery com-
manded by Henry Knox, - - 905
5, Return of officers of the First Virginia Regi-
ment, commanded by James Read, - - 906
5, Return of officers in Colonel Samuel Drake's
Regiment, fit and unfit for duty, - 906
5, Return of officers in Colonel Varnum's Regi-
ment, - - 1061
5, Weekly return of the regiments of Horse and
Foot in the service of the United States of
America, under the immediate command of
General Washington, - 907
5, Return of a regiment of Artillery, commanded
by Colonel Knox, - - 909
5, Return of two brigades of Militia from Connec-
ticut and Rhode-Island, - - 909
5, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates:
It seems hard that Congress should have
gone into an inquiry in the affairs of Canada
without giving him notice. The exculpa-
tory resolve in favour of General Wooster,
and total silence with respect to himself,
must indicate to the publick that he is cul-
pable, - - - 909
5, Letter from Samuel Mabbett to the New- York
Convention : Begs to be permitted to keep
two hundred and fifty bushel of salt for salt-
ing beef and pork, - - - 911
5, Letter from Colonel Easton to the President of
Congress : Earnestly prays that the Commis-
sioners from Congress may be fully authorized
to settle the accounts laid before them: a
general complaint among officers of all ranks
as well as soldiers is heard against General
Arnold, and it is hoped he will ere long meet
the just demerit of his deeds, - - 911
5, Letter from Tryon County Committee to Messrs.
Parris, Moore, and others: Are under abso-
lute necessity for money, .... 911
5, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Gates: Asks to be furnished with the names
of such officers in the Northern Army as are
willing to serve in the new Army, and are fit
for the service, - - - - 912
5, Letter from Benjamin Paine to Governour
Trumbull, - - - 912
5, Letter from Governour Cooke to General
Washington : It has been concluded to
stop the march of Colonel Richardson's bat-
talion, and to permit such of the men as
should incline to inlist in the Continental
navy,
- 913
5, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Governour
Trumbull: The Alfred and Hamden are
ready; the two new frigates will be ready in
about a week, if they can be manned, - 913
5, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to John
Bradford: Empowers him to act as agent till
further orders, - - - - 914
5, Letter from Massachusetts Council to General
Washington: Seven of the Penobscot tribe
of Indians have inlisted for one year; have
not as yet any certain intelligence whether
any can be depended upon from the St. John's
or the Mickmacks tribe, - 914
5, Letter from a gentleman in Boston to his friend
in the country: A few thoughts on the late
conference between Lord Howe and a Com-
mittee of the Continental Congress, - - 914
5, Arrival of a vessel at Portsmouth from Bordeaux:
Informs that the French custom-house offi-
cers permitted the American vessels to pass
without examination, while the English ves-
sels were all searched, - - 916
6, Letter from Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas, - 916
J,XXV
1776.
Oct. 6, Extract of a letter from Bilboa: An order has
been obtained by which all American vessels
are allowed to enter (lie Spanish ports with-
out distinction, whether privateers or mer-
chantmen, ... - 917
6, Letter from General Lewis to the President of
Congress, .... 918
6, Letter from Colonel Patterson to Caesar Rodney, 918
6, Letter from General Washington to General
Howe: Congress, to whom he is amenable,
have taken upon themselves the considera-
tion of the agreement between General Ar-
nold and Captain Forster, - - 919
6, Letter from Colonel Webb to General Heath :
Boats were moving up the Sound the most
of the night, - - 919
6, Letter from General Scott to General Heath:
Has received the order of battle; thinks he
ought to take the right, as he knows of but
two Brigadiers in the Army, Stirling and
Miffiin, that rank before him, - - 919
6, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
The enemy did not give the trouble of re-
moving them from Harlem last evening: they
went off themselves. The American troops
have evacuated Bergen, - - - 920
6, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President
of Congress: As to salt and salted provisions
he shall immediately take effectual care; the
only danger he apprehends is for want of
salt, - - - 920
6, Letter from Captain Cluggage to Colonel Hand:
Resigns his commission of eldest Captain,
on account of the promotion of a junior
officer over his head to the rank of Major, - 921
6, Extract of a letter from John Jay to Gouverneur
Morris: Plan of defence he would have pur-
sued had he been vested with absolute power, 921
6, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress : Thinks it extremely extra-judi-
cial to determine on his conduct as an offi-
cer, without giving him an opportunity of
defending himself, - - 921
6, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington: He does not apprehend that the
enemy will be able to do any thing of conse-
quence to the northward, unless they should
suspend their operations until inlistments of
the troops expire, - - 922
6, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates:
Is happy to find that he is so well supplied
with provisions, - - 923
6, Letter from Dr. Stringer to General Gates : Has
met with the greatest success in procuring
medicines, - - - - 923
6, Letter from Christopher Yates to General Gates, 923
Letter from Henry J. Van Rensselaer to Gene-
ral Gates : Resignation of Commissary of
Forage, - - 924
6, Letter of Joseph Hawley to General Gates :
The country are made vastly uneasy at being
informed that there is scarce any medicines
for the sick, and that it is rare that any ra-
tions are dealt out to the privates but meat
and bread, or any money paid in lieu of the
other articles; he has between fifty and sixty
pair of snow-shoes, ... 924
6, Letter from General Ward to General Washing-
ton, enclosing an account of plaids and mil-
itary stores in the possession of John Brad-
ford, agent for Continental prizes, - - 924
7, Letter from the Prime Minister of Spain to the
Commissary of Marine: Directing him imme-
diately to put Captain Lee at full liberty, re-
turning him all his papers, and permitting
him to purchase what provisions and goods
he needs to return to America, but without
assisting him in any prohibited articles, - 918
7, Letter from General Armstrong to the President
of Congress: Is on his way to the northward ;
the English shipping which lay at Cape Fear
are entirely gone off. having first burnt three
vessels unfit for service, - ... 925
7, Letter from Colonel Hawkins to Maryland
Council of Safety: Is under the necessity of
informing of the misbehaviour of the Twelfth
Battalion, - - 925
7, Proceedings of Baltimore Committee, - - 925
CONTENTS.
LXXVI
1776.
Oct. 7
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
7,
8,
Letter from Committee of Congress to New-
York Convention: Send ten thousand dol-
lars for the purchase of soldiers' clothes, - 925
Letter from Committee of Congress to New-
York Convention: Send them the hundred
thousand dollars voted to the State by Con-
gress, .... . 926
Account of the cruise of an American sloop-
of-war, - - - 926
Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress : Is under no small difficul-
ty on account of the French gentlemen,
having no means to employ them, - - 927
Letter from General Washington to the Gov-
ernour-General of the French part of St.
Domingo, October 7: Has ordered the im-
mediate release of Monsieur Dechambault, 928
Proceedings of a Court-Martial of the Line
held on the Heights of Haerlem by order of
General Washington, - 929
Proceedings of a Court-Martial held by ad-
journment, by order of General Heath, - 930
Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
Anchors and cable will be wanting to moor
the boats in order to throw a bridge over
Harlem river, ------ 931
Letter from John Field to New-York Conven-
tion : The raising a company of Rangers, or
County guards, in the southern part ofDutch-
ess County is very necessary, - - 931
Letter from New-York Convention to Albany
Committee: Request them to apply for the
use of the stove in the Presbyterian church,
with the pipes and fixtures: they will either
return the same or order another to be cast
with all despatch, - - 931
Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington : All the nails he can procure are in-
sufficient for the works at Tyconderoga, - 932
Letter from General Schuyier to Robert Yates, 932
Letter from General Schuyler to New- York
Convention, ----.. 932
Letter from Samuel Mott to Governour Trwn-
bull : In the Northern Army there are so many
sick, and in so many places, it is impossible
for the doctors to attend them properly, - 933
Letter from General Arnold to General Gates:
If the enemy do not make their appearance
by the middle of this month, he has thought
of returning to Button-Mould Bay: if they
attempt crossing the Lake, makes no doubt
of giving a good account of them, - - 933
Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Schuyler: His intention to do nothing pre-
judicial to the common cause reflects honour
upon him, and will be the best defence when
every thing is impartially considered, - - 934
Letter from John Sloss Hobart to New- York
Convention : Two hundred Infantry and one
hundred Cavalry are at Huntington, in order
to force the people to join the British troops;
entreats that measures may be taken to in-
duce the people to quit Long-Island, by offer-
ing a support to those who cannot maintain
themselves, .... ._ 934
Edward Smith and Lieutenant Daniel Brunday
advertised as enemies to America, - - 935
Arrival of prizes taken by American privateers, 935
The Mate of a London ship informs that the
Ministry are so suspicious of plots and con-
spiracies being laid, that four persons dare
not be seen conversing together in London,
but they are immediately dispersed, - - 936
Sutton (Massachusetts) Town Meeting: Can
by no means consent that the present House
of Representatives and Council should form
and ratify a Constitution for the State, - 936
Oxford (Massachusetts) Town Meeting: Not
willing for the present General Court to enact
a Constitution for the State, ... 935
Letter from Silas Deane to the Secret Com-
mittee: The French Court, as well as several
others in Europe, expected the United States
to announce their independency to them in
form, and ask their friendship ; but a three
months' silence appears to them mysterious,
and has more than once come near frustra-
ting his whole endeavours, ... 937
LXXVH CONTENTS.
1776.
Oct. 8, Letter from Colonel Gadsden to John Lewis
Gervais: Desires him to send down a month's
salt provisions and a hogshead of rum as soon
as possible, ... -
Letter from Samuel Boone to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Has sent seventy-nine gun-
locks, and has a quantity more all ready to
put together, - - -
8, Letter from John Adams to Mrs. Adams: The
spirit of venality is the most dreadful and
alarming enemy America has to oppose: it
is as rapacious and insatiable as the grave ;
this predominant avarice will ruin America,
if ever she is ruined. He is surprised with
her account of prayers in publick for an ab-
dicated King; it is treason against the State,
8, Letter from Pennsylvania Council of Safety to
Continental Congress: Have appointed a
committee to confer with a committee of
Congress on the defence of the State in view
of the probable approach of a detachment
of the British Array, - - - - -
8, Meeting of the inhabitants of Carlisle, Pennsyl-
vania: Resolved unanimously, That they will
not take the oath directed by the late Con-
vention to be taken at the ensuing election,
8, "Scipio" to the Freemen of Pennsylvania on
the conduct of the late Convention, -
8, Dismission of Colonel Slough's Battalion of
Pennsylvania Associators, - - - -
8, Return of the Army in New-Jersey under the
command of General Mercer, ...
8, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - ...
Unanimous opinion of the members in camp
who sat on the Court-Martial for the trial of
Ensign McCumber, that they ought not to
assign any reasons for the verdict of that
court, October 7, - - -
General Orders, Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, October 5 to 8, -
8, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull : He thinks all the prisoners will
have to be returned, but those who wish may
afterwards escape, and bring others with
them, to which they should be encouraged,
8, Letter from Charles C. Griffith to Maryland
Council of Safety : Recommending Major
Adams to be placed among the first in the
Continental officers to be appointed from
Maryland, ...
8, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer :
Lord Stirling came on shore yesterday ; he
confirms the account of the bad blood be-
tween the English and Hessian troops,
8, Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held
by adjournment, by order of General Heath,
8, Petition of a number of Scotch prisoners of
war, quartered at Goshen, Orange County,
New-York, ------
8, Letter from the New- York Convention to Gen-
eral Morris: They expect his immediate
attendance on the duties of his department,
8, Letter from Johannes Sleght to the New- York
Convention: Urging them to pass a general
resolve respecting the tea within the State,
8, Letter from John Sloss Hobart to Messrs.
Bancker and others: If the Convention mean
that the Montgomery should cruise before the
chance of prizes is over, a person should be
sent immediately with cash sufficient to pay
off the arrears, and furnish the needful for
another voyage, -
8, Letter from William Coit to Richard Devens, -
8, Certificate relative to Benjamin Wood, slain lit
Bunker Hill, - - ...
9, Letter from Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas:
Mr. Carmichael will give him the best intel-
ligence of affairs in America,
9, Extract of a letter received in London from
Lisbon: Advices of prizes taken by Ameri-
can privateers, - - -
9, Letter from Edward Pendleton to the President
of Congress, ----..
P, Maryland Council of Safety to Jesse Hollings-
worth: Have sent him eight hundred pounds
to be laid out in the purchase of superfine
flour, .........
LXXVIII
1776.
Oct. 9,
938
9,
938
9,
939
9,
9,
939
9,
9,
939
940
9,
940
9,
941
9,
941
9,
944
944
9,
9,
947
9,
947
948
9,
948
949
9,
949
950
9,
9,
9,
9,
9,
950
950
8,
951
951
9,
951
9,
9,
951
9,
952
Letter from John Scott to Matthew Tilghman:
Asking permission to pass some time among
his friends in Virginia, - - - - 952
Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Washington : Congress have made ample
provision for the support of both officers and
soldiers who shall enter into the service du-
ring the war, - - - 952
Letter from the President of Congress to the
Assemblies of the Northern States : Request-
ing them to appoint committees to repair
immediately to the Army, to induce the
troops to inlist during the war, and to ap-
point officers for the same, ... 953
Memorial of John Melchior Neffto the Conti-
nental Congress, ... 953
Letter from Marine Committee to Stephen
Hopkins: On the conduct of the Committee
at Providence in respect to the cannon cast
in Rhode-Island for the use of the Conti-
nental frigates, - - - - 954
Letter from Marine Committee to the Commit-
tee at Providence, ----- 954
Orders from Marine Committee to Committee
at Providence to deliver cannon for the Ra-
leigh to John Langdon, - 955
Orders from Marine Committee to Nathaniel
Falconer to inspect the two frigates lately
built at Providence, ----- 955
Letter from Marine Committee to John Lang-
don, - 956
Letter from Marine Comreiltee to New-York
Convention: Directing their attention to the
necessity of securing the frigates building in
their State, - 956
Letter from the Board of War to Lancaster
(Pennsylvania) Committee, for baggage of
Captain Hesketh, prisoner of war, - - 956
Men-of-war have left the Savannah river, - 957
Notice of the arrival of General Lee at Philadel-
phia from the southward, on Monday, the
7lh inst., - 957
"Demophilus" to the People of Pennsylvania,
on the Proclamation of Lord and General
Howe, - -•.;.,- 957
Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull: As the present Army is upon the
eve of dissolution, every nerve should be
exerted to inlist immediately for the new
one, '• - - - - - 957
List of officers now in the Army recommended
for appointments in the troops to be raised
by the State of Connecticut, - - - 959
Letter from Tench Tilghman to New-York
Committee : Three of the enemy's ships
passed through the chevaux-de-frise without
the least difficulty, and without damage from
the forts, - - - - - 961
Letter from Colonel Tilghman to General
Heath: To take measures for the protection
of the two new ships, - - 962
Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath, - 962
Orders of General Heath to Colonel Sargent, - 962
Note from General Putnam to General Heath, 962
Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President
of Congress: The salt in the hands of the
Continental agents will fall vastly short of
what will be necessary, - - - 963
Letter from Lieutenants Putnam and Cleaves
to General Washington : Proceedings on
board the galley Independence, - - - 963
Letter from Samuel Ten Broeck to Colonel
Peter R. Livingston : The disaffected begin
to be rather more troublesome and daring
than formerly, but through proper application
don't doubt shall soon be rid of some or the
major part of these villains, - - 963
Letter from Albany Committee to the New-
York Convention : Have procured the stove
from the Presbyterian church, - - 964
Letter from R. Hughes to Mr. Winslow, - 964
Letter from Colonel Winds to General Gates :
Requests permission for his Regiment to
march as soon as convenient for New-Jer-
sey, 964
Letter from Samuel Bird and others to Gov-
ernour Trumbull : Asking for a number of
cannon to fit out a privateer, ... 965
LXXIX
177G.
Oct. 10, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Colonel Henry Hollingsworth : Unless he
complies in a short time with his contract,
or gives satisfactory reasons for the delay,
his bond will be put in suit, - 965
10, Letter from Conrad Hogmire to Maryland
Council of Safety : Resigns his commission
on account of his age and bad health, - 965
10, Letter from Van Bibber and Harrison to Mary-
land Council of Safety, - - 965
10, Letter from Jesse Hollingsworth to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 966
10, Petition of James Clarke and others to the
Maryland Council of Safety, - - 966
10, Letter from James Clarke and Melchior Keener
to Maryland Council of Safety, - - - 966
10, " Philo-Alethias" on the present state of Amer-
ica, - - - 967
10, Rank of the Captains of the Navy, - 1394
10, Letter from Marine Committee to Commodore
Hopkins : Directing to proceed on an expe-
dition to the southward, - - 970
10, Letter from Marine Committee to Henry-
Tucker and Thomas Godet: Requesting them
to load five or six fast-sailing vessels with
salt at Bermudas or Turk's Island, - - 970
10, Letter from William Atlee to John Cox: Asks
to have his accounts settled as soon as pos-
sible, - - 971
10, Letter from General Lee to the President of
Congress : The ridiculous idea, that Lord
Howe has some reasonable terms to offer,
and that the Congress are desirous of their
being communicated to the people, gains
ground every day, and does infinite mischief, 972
10, Letter from General Mercer to the President of
Congress : Yesterday twenty-two sail of the
enemy's fleet fell down to Sandy-Hook, and
this morning stood out to sea an easterly
course, ------- 972
10, Letter from Thomas Randall to the New- York
Convention, - - 972
10, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler: Showed every civility in his power
to the two Caughnuaga sachems who visited
the camp, - - 973
10, Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath, - 973
10, Letter from General Greene to the President of
Congress : The sick of the Army are in a
most wretched condition, the Surgeons being
without the least article of medicine, - - 973
10, Letter from Tench Tilghman to Robert R. Liv-
ingston : Two new ships are to be sunk im-
mediately in the North River, to try to hinder
the men-of-war already up from coming
down, or more going up, - - 974
10, Letter from John Sloss Hobart to Peter R. Liv-
ingston : Sends him Israel Ketchum, man-
acled, - - .... 975
10, Letter from General Scott to the New- York
Convention : Thomas Lawrence wishes to
visit his family on Long-Island without hav-
ing his character hereafter subject to doubt-
ful construction, - 975
10, Letter from General Heath to Captain Benson :
Must get the ships off, and send them down
this tide if possible, - - 975
10, Letter from General George Clinton to New-
York Convention, - - 975
10, Orders of General Heath to Colonel Sargent, - 976
10, Letter from Colonel Sargent to General Heath, 976
10, Letter from Colonel Gary to General Heath :
General Washington wishes him to be well
informed on every occasion, and in the
speediest manner, of the movements of the
enemy up the North River, - 976
10, Letter from Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay to the
New-York Convention : His regiment con-
sists of only three hundred men, and very
near one half of them are without arms, - 976
10, Letter from Samuel Ten Broeck to New-York
Convention : A company of sixty men ne-
cessary to suppress the disaffected, who in-
crease daily, anil no doubt will strike a blow
on the first favourable opportunity, - - 977
10, Letter from Petrus Van Gaasbeck to Peter R.
Livingston: Offers to raise and take command
of a company to suppress the disaffected, - 977
CONTENTS.
LXXX
1776.
Oct. 10, Letter from Peter Schuyler to New-York
Committee of Safety: The enemy's ships
have passed the chevaux-de-frises, - - 978
Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to
General Washington : Nothing can be more
alarming than the present situation of the
State; they are daily getting the most au-
thentick intelligence of bodies of men inlisted
and armed in order to assist the enemy, - 991
10, Letter from New- York Committee of Safety to
Generals Schuyler and Clinton : A Commit-
tee specially appointed for the purpose by
the Convention, are sitting daily to frustrate
the machinations of the disaffected, - - 979
10, Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to
Governour Trumbull : Apprehending a union
of a body of the enemy with the disaffected,
request the Militia of Connecticut maybe in
readiness to come to their aid on the short-
est notice, ... . 979
10, Letter from Comfort Sands to New- York Con-
vention, - - - 979
10, Letter from Hubert Ostrander to Charles de
Witt, 980
10, Letter from H. Glen to General Schuyler : Is
waiting for information about the Barracks
near Schenectady, ----- 9gQ
10, Letter from H. Glen to General Schuyler: Ex-
pects Colonel Dayton's Regiment at Sche-
nectady on the 14th, - 980
10, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates :
Is pleased to hear part of New-York is burnt;
hopes to hear the rest of that nest of Tories
has shared the same fate, - - 981
10, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates :
Shall do nothing of consequence without
consulting General Waterbury and Colonel
Wigglesworth. It is an object of the utmost
importance to increase the Navy on the
Lake, - - 982
Address of " A Militia-Man" to the Assembly
of Connecticut: On the late call for the
Militia to march, the rich staid at home,
while their poor neighbours were obliged to
go, - - - 983
10, Letter from William Bartlett to General Wash-
ington, concerning the prizes taken by Com-
modore Manly, - 983
10, Letter from John Bradford to the President of
Congress, - - 984
10, Letter from Benjamin Davis, Junior, to James
Bowdoin : Considers himself a prisoner of
war, and knows no reason why he is more
severely dealt by than others, - - 984
10, Letter from the Council of Virginia to their
Delegates in Congress : There are now ten
tons of lead which are ready to be delivered
for the use of the Continental Army, - - 986
11, Letter from Thomas Jefferson to the President
of Congress : Declines the appointment of
Commissioner to France, - - 987
11, Letter from Edmund Randolph to General
Washington : Congratulates him that Colo-
nel Harrison is again restored to the Coun-
cils of America, - - - - 987
11, Notice of meeting of the General Assembly of
Virginia, - - 988
11, First Company of the Second Georgia Battalion
desired to rendezvous at Louisa Court-House
by the 15th of November, - - 988
11, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to
Colonel Bond, - - 988
11, Letter from William Lux to Maryland Council of
Safety : For commission for Captain Handy,
appointed commander of the privateer Har-
lequin, - ... - 988
11, Letter from Messrs. Lux &. Bowley to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 989
11, Letter from Richard Henry Lee to Samuel Pur-
viance, Junior: In ranking the Captains of
the Continental ships, the Congress have
placed Captain Nicholson at the head, - 989
11, Letter from William Ellery to Governour Cooke, 989
11, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - - 990
General Orders, Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, October 9 to 12, - - 991
Recruiting Instructions, October 11, - - 993
LXXXI
1776.
Oct. 11, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler : Is not able to supply him with a
single nail, nor are they to be procured in
Philadelphia; for want of them he is build-
ing huts of sods, logs, &c.,
11, Letter from Colonel Reed to Mrs. Reed, - 994
11, Letter, from General Wadsworth to Governour
Trumbull: Great number of sick in his bri-
gade, and has but one Surgeon's mate pres-
ent. If any hospital stores are procured, begs
that Doctor Morgan may not have the least
concern with or about them, - - 995
11, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to General Gates :
The Tory interest is for General Schuyler ;
Walter Livingston is to be nominal contract-
or, and Philip Schuyler, Major-General, real
contractor, .... - 995
11, Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to General Gates:
The enemy appear rather shy since a drub-
bing they got some weeks ago ; the Hessians
and British troops disagree, and are kept en-
tirely separate, ------ 995
11, Letter from General Greene to Governour
Cooke : Without more attention is paid by
the different States in the appointment of
the officers, the troops never will answer
their expectation ; there has been some
shameful conduct in the Army, owing in a
great measure to the bad conduct of the
officers, ------- 996
11, Letter from General James Clinton to New-
York Convention : For commissions for the
officers in the Second New- York Regi-
ment, - 997
11, Letter from Peter R. Livingston to the New-
York Delegates in Congress : Severely dis-
appointed in not receiving the hundred thou-
sand dollars applied for, - - 998
11, Letter from Comfort Sands to the President of
the New-York Convention, - - 998
11, Letter from John Jay to Edward Rutledge : Is
clear for indemnifying General Lee ; hopes no
consideration may excuse General Mi HI in
from the office of Quartermaster-General ;
Moylan acted wisely and honestly in resign-
ing, 998
11, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour
Trumbull : Finds by private letters from gen-
tlem§n in Congress to their friends that they
approve of the step he has taken in resign-
ing, -------- 999
11, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Dayton has been ordered from the Mohawk
to Fort George. Promises that if he is in
Congress the commander in the Northern
Department shall have more attention than
he has himself had, - - - 999
11, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler:
The fleet under Arnold were well on the
7th instant, - 1000
11, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates :
Hopes the works at Crown-Point will not be
weakened by taking away the guns they
have, or by replacing them with guns which
perhaps they might as well do without, - 1000
11, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Naval expedition against the
ships of the enemy in the Sound is still in
contemplation, and preparations making for
it as fast as they can, - 1001
11, Connecticut Council of Safety : Consultation
concerning the expedition of Colonels Rich-
mond and Livingston to Long-Island, - 1002
11, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Commodore
Hopkins, - - 1002
11, Memorial of Stonington Committee to Con-
necticut Assembly, - - 1003
11, Petition of the town of Groton to the Con-
necticut Assembly, - - 1004
11, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Daniel
Tillinghast, - - - 1004
11, Letter from John A very to E. Thompson: For
a number of commissions for commanders
of armed vessels, - - - 1005
12, Letter from South-Carolina Navy-Board to Cap-
tain Thomas Pickering, - - 1323
12, Letter from John Hanson, Jun., to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - - 1005
CONTENTS.
LXXXH
1776.
Oct. 12, Baltimore Committee: Francis Sanderson
committed to custody for having spoken
words tending to disunite the people in their
opposition to Great Britain, ... 1005
12, Letter from Captain Hindman to Maryland
Council of Safety: The men are much dis-
contented for fear they should be kept the
whole winter through, - ... JQ06
12, Pennsylvania Council of Safety: Resolve for
the purchase and sale of salt, ... 1007
12, Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Committee, - - 1008
12, Letter from General Lee to the President of
Congress: Urging that ten thousand men be
immediately assembled and stationed some-
where about Trenton, for the defence of
Philadelphia,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
12,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
13,
1008
Dismission of Colonel Allison's Battalion of
Pennsylvania Associators, - ... 1009
Escape of Captains Coffin and Grennell from
Staten-Island, 1009
Letter from General Washington to Governour
Cooke: On the necessity of a judicious ap-
pointment of officers in the new Army.
The enemy have landed at Frog's Point, - 1010
Letter from Robert H. Harrison to Colonel
Philips, - - - - 1010
Letter from Colonel Harrison to General Heath :
Orders have been given for all the regiments
to be under arms, that they may be ready to
act as occasion may require, ... 1010
Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President
of Congress, ---... 1011
Letter from General Beall to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - - - - - - 1011
A return of Field Officers fit for duty in Gene-
ral Beall's Brigade, 1011
Letter from Colonel Smallwood to Maryland
Convention: Detail of occurrences upon the
march to Long-Island, and since that period, 1011
Letter from Robert R. Livingston to General
Washington: Recommends sending a re-
giment with a good Engineer to take pos-
session of the passes in the Highlands, - 1014
Letter from General Greene to General Wash-
ington: Has three brigades in readiness to
reinforce him, if they are needed, - - 1015
Letter from the President of the New-York
Committee of Safety to Samuel Ten Broeck, 1016
Letter from General Schuyler to Robert Yates:
Suggestions relative to forming the new
Army, - ... - 1016
Letter from General Gates to General Arnold, 1017
Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates :
There must have been an action down the
Lake yesterday ; will immediately despatch a
boat towards the fleet, - - 1018
Letter from General Arnold to General Gates:
Engagement with the enemy's fleet yester-
day, - - 1038
List of the American armed vessels on Lake
Champlain, - ... 1039
Letter from Major Hoisington to General Gates :
Intelligence given by four deserters from
Canada, 1018
Letter from Colonel Gushing to Massachusetts
Council: Difference between himself and
Colonel Cook with regard to rank, - - 1018
Naval intelligence ; prizes, - ... 1019
Letter from Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas, - 1020
Letter from William Fitzhugh to General Wash-
ington : The delay of Congress to settle a
confederation has created some uneasi-
ness,
- 1020
Letter from Aquilla Hall to Maryland Council
of Safety: Names of officers of a company
of volunteers selected out of the Twenty-
Third Battalion, in Harford County, - - 1021
Letter from Lieutenant Bond to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 1022
• Letter from Thomas Hughes to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - - 1022
Letter from Marine Committee to Captain Fal-
coner: Request him to purchase as many
coals for smiths' use as will load two schoon-
ers, -------- 1022
Circular from Marine Committee to Continen-
tal agents: Recommending Mr. Falconer to
their friendly attention, - - 1023
LXXXIII
1776.
Oct. 13, Letter from Marine Committee to Committee
at Rhode-Island: Countermanding the order
to send a set of cannon to New-Hampshire,
13, Letter from Marine Committee to John Lang-
don,
13, Letter from Gouverneur Morris to the New-
York Convention: Mr. Lott is employed in
perfecting a state of his accounts for the
House, and is the remotest degree possible
from contravening, disbelieving, or doubting
their authority, - - -
13, Letter from Richard Dallam to Michael Hille-
gas,
13, Letter from Captain Smith to Samuel Glover:
Directing him to impress wagons and horses
for his Majesty's service, -
13, Letter from Colonel Ewing to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: His battalion is very sickly,
and great numbers are badly off for clothing;
what of them are in health appear to be in
good spirits, though ragged, and several with-
out shoes to their feet,
13, Extract of a letter from Harlem : Yesterday
morning about four thousand men landed at
Frog's Point, - ...
13, Letter from General Washington to General
Ward: Is again deprived of the navigation
of the North River, and the supplies which
used to come through that channel, -
13, Letter from General Washington to Colonel
Tash: Directing him, in consequence of the
number of the disaffected, to march his re-
giment with all possible despatch to Fish-
kills, where he will receive further directions
from the New- York Committee of Safety, -
13, Letter from Colonel Reed to General Heath:
Notice of meeting of General Officers to be
held at twelve o'clock, -
13, Letter from Colonel Grayson to General Heath :
Informs him the General thinks it would be
advisable to send a stronger force towards
the two passes near the enemy,
13, Appointment of officers in Ulster County, New-
York,
13, Major Conkling's parole,
13, Letter from John Cirter to General Gates : The
Committee for auditing accounts are not
under the direction of any officer in the
Army,
13, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates:
The alarm of yesterday proves to be a true
one; the enemy are approaching,
Account of an engagement on Lake Cham-
plain on the llth between General Arnold
and General Carleton,
18, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington: A plan is forming by the noted
Major Robert Rogers to make a sudden de-
scent, with a battalion of Tories, on Nor-
walk and other towns, to take the stores
there, and to burn and destroy all before
them, ------
13, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Colonel
Livingston: Acquainting him with the de-
signs of the infamous Major Robert Rogers,
13, Letterfrom Joseph Whipple to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety: Requesting immediate
consideration of the repairs of roads and
bridges, for the conveyance of warlike and
other stores,
14, Intelligence from the Indian country: Progress
of the war with the Cherokees, -
14, Letter from Baltimore Committee to Maryland
Council of Safety: Transmit Francis Saun-
derson to them for further examination,
14, Letter from William Davis to the President of
Congress : Resignation of commission as
Deputy Mustermaster-General to the Flying-
Camp,
Memorial of the Chevalier d'Antignac to the
Continental Congress, offering his services
for raising a regiment of Light-Horse,
14, Letter from the Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Com-
mittee to Richard Peters: Send Captain
Hesketh's baggage, -
14, Resignation of Captain Andrew Long, of First
Battalion Pennsylvania Riflemen, on account
of ill-health, ....
CONTENTS.
LXXXIV
1776.
Oct. I'
1023
14,
1023
14,
14,
1023
H,
1024
1024
14,
1024
1025
14,
14,
1026
14,
14,
1026
14,
1026
14,
1027
1027
1027
14,
14,
14,
14,
14,
1027
14,
1028
1028
14,
14,
14,
1028
1030
14,
14,
1031
1031
14,
1032
14,
14,
14,
1032
1032
14,
1033
14,
14,
1033
14,
Oct. 14, Thanks of General Williamson to the officers
and soldiers of Colonel Slough's Battalion, 940
Thanks of General Williamson to volunteers
that turned out yesterday in the excursion to
Staten-Island, - - 941
Letter from Rowland Chambers to Governour
Livingston, respecting prisoners in So.merset
County, - - - 1237
Account of prisoners taken in three vessels
from Halifax, bound to Sandy-Hook, - - 1238
Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the President
of Congress: Every day's intelligence from
the Convention of New-York holds forth the
discoveries of new plots. Disposition of the
troops has been again changed, on account
of the enemy declining an attack in front, - 1034
Letter from General Lee to General Gates:
The Congress seem to stumble every step; he
does not mean one or two of the cattle, but
the whole stable: Washington is much to
blame for not menacing them with resigna-
tion unless they refrain from unhinging the
Army by their absurd interference, - - 1034
Letter from Robert H. Harrison to Peter R.
Livingston, - - 1035
Letter from Tench Tilghman to Robert R. Liv-
ingston: The enemy have made no move
from Frog's Point since yesterday, - - 1035
Letter from General Heath to General Nixon :
Disposition to be made in case of an attack, 1035
Letterfrom General Heath to Colonel Sargent:
Not to march over to support the regiments
near Frog's Point without further orders, - 1036
Extract of a letter from Colonel Reed to Charles
Pettit : The enemy keep constantly the same
object in view, that of surrounding them ;
too many officers from all parts leave the
Army when danger approaches, - 1036
Letter from Peter Van Ness to Peter R. Liv-
ingston, - - 1036
George Howell's parole, - 1027
Letter from Richard Varick to General Gates, 1036
Letter from Richard Varick to New-York Con-
vention, ----- - 1037
Letter from Colonel Varick to General Wash-
ington, ... ... 1038
Letter from Richard Varick to the Committee
of Stockbridge : Action on Lake Champlain
on the llth instant, - - - 1039
Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates:
Has ordered all the Militia of New York and
the neighbouring States to be ready to march
at a moment's warning, - - 1039
Letter from Colonel Brewer to General Gates:
Information brought by a scout, - - 1040
Letter from Dr. Potts to Richard Varick: Is
making up every rag into bandages, - - 1040
Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Lord George
Germain: The Rebel fleet has been entirely
defeated in two actions, the first on the llth,
and the second on the 13th, - - 1040
List of the Rebels' vessels on Lake Champlain
before their defeat, - - - 1041
Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington, - - - - 1041
Letter from Colonel Livingston to General
Washington : His plan for the expedition to
Long-Island, - - 1041
Dissolution of Committees of Suffolk County,
and disavowal of all former orders and reso-
lutions, ... - 1042
Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Captain
Hacker: Orders for a cruise, - - 1042
Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Messrs.
Dunscome and Frazer,
Naval intelligence : Prizes, - - - 1043
Letter from a gentleman in the country to his
friend in Boston: Showing what may be
expected from the British Ministry should
they make a conquest of America, - - 1043
Testimony of John Rowe, to be used in the
trial of the capture of the ship Charming
Peggy, - - 1045
Letter from Richard Derby, Jun., to Richard
Devens, - - 1045
Letter from Captain Abijah Bangs to Massachu-
setts Council, - - 1046
Arrivals of prizes, 1046
CONTENTS.
1776.
Oct. 15, Extract of a letter from Kingston, Jamaica:
Martial law has been suspended about a
month; an American schooner, taken by
the Squirrel, has been demanded by a French
frigate, and refused by the Admiral, - - 1046
15, Judge Drayton's Charge to the Grand Jury of
Charleston, South-Carolina, - - - 1047
15, Presentments of the Grand Jury of Charleston, 1059
Letter from Samuel Duvall to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, ---...
Letter from Captain Richard Smith to Maryland
Council of Safety : List of men now enrolled
under his command, - - ... 1062
Letter from Nicholas Maccubbin to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - . . .
Letter from the Board of War to General Wash-
ington: Request to be furnished monthly
with exact returns of ordnance stores, - 1062
Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon, 1063
Letter from Mease and Caldwell to General
Gates: Have sent another supply of nails,
shoes, linen shirts, and milled yarn hose, - 1064
Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull: Requests him, if possible, to spare
some aid in securing the passes in the High-
lands, - ---.". 1064
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the
Line held on the Heights of Harlem, by
order of General Washington: Trial of Lieu-
tenant Pope and Corporal Wilson, - - 1065
Letter from William Floyd to the New-York
Convention, ----.. 1066
Letter from the Committee of Poundridge to
New-York Convention: Are apprehensive
that there is danger of their prisoners leavinw
them, and going to the Ministerial Army, - 1066
Letter from Colonel A. Hawkes Hay to the
New-York Convention: If the enemy should
land at Haverstraw, they would proceed
through the mountains, and attack the forts
in the Highlands with great ease; asks for
an immediate support, - ... 1066
15, Letter from Robert Yates to General Schuyler, 1067
15, Letter from Colonel Bayley to General Wash-
ington: An account of the expenses of the
road from Newbury to St. John's, - - 1067
Letter from Elisha Avery to General Gates, - 1068
LXXXVI
15,
15,
15,
15,
15,
15,
15
15
1072
1072
1073
1973
1074
1075
15
15,
15,
15, Letter from Colonel Wyncoop to General Gates, 1069
15, Recommendation of Frederick Auburey for
Second Lieutenant in Captain Green's Com-
Pany> - - - 1069
15, Letter from General Gates to General Schuy-
ler : Defeat and almost total loss of the fleet ;
it has pleased Providence to preserve Gene-
ral Arnold, - ... 1080
General Orders: Head-Quarters, Ticondero^a,
October 1 to 13, 1081
15, Letter from General Arnold to General Schuy-
ler: Loss of his fleet on the 13th, - - 1079
15, List of the enemy's fleet on Lake Champlain, 1080
15, Letter from Captain Pringle to Mr. Stephens,
Secretary of the Admiralty: Congratulates
their Lordships upon the victory completed
the 13th of this month by his Majesty's fleet
under his command upon Lake Champlain, 1069
Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Governour
Trumbull: The new ships and Alfred are
ready, all but the men, ... 1070
Letter from Massachusetts Council to Gov-
ernour Cooke: On difference respecting
command between Colonel Cook and Col-
onel Gushing, ---... 1070
Letter from Committee of Framingham to Mas-
sachusetts Council: Have sold the estate of
Nathaniel Brinley, who signed the address
to General Gage, &c., ... 1070
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Fal-
mouth, Casco Bay: It is surprising sugars
continue so dear, when such immense quan-
tities are brought in ; but is informed that
the rich merchants are buying it all up to
ship to Spain, - ... 1071
Letter from Stephen Steward to Maryland
Council of Safety, - ... 1071
Letter from Amos Garrett to Maryland Council
ofSafety, ... ... 1Q71
15
15,
15
15,
16
16,
, . .
16, Letter from George Wells to Maryland Council
of Safety, - ..
1776.
Oct. 16, Letter from Robert Peter and Thomas Richard-
son to Maryland Council of Safety : Dispute
with regard to the right of the ferry over the
Potowmack at Georgetown, ...
16, Naval and foreign news. Prizes, -
16, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash-
ington : A party of British and Hessians
surprised at Richmond town, Staten-Island,
16, Examination of two regular soldiers and one
Hessian, taken prisoners on Staten-Island
this morning at the church,
6, Letter from Thomas Quigley to Thomas Ran-
dall: Has chased several vessels off Cran-
berry Inlet; is in want of provisions and
clothing, ----..
16, Address of the inhabitants of New- York to
Lord Howe and General Howe,
16, Address of inhabitants of New-York to Gov-
ernour Tryon,
16, Letter from General Washington to Governour
Trumbull : Cannot furnish any soldiers from
the Army towards manning the ships. The
enemy's frigates are not deterred from pass-
ing through Hell-Gate, - .
16, Letter from General Greene to Governour
Cooke: A battle is daily, nay hourly ex-
pected, -----__ 1076
16, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
A deserter says a man-of-war lays at the
Hook ready to sail with the news of the issue
of their move to Frog's Point, ... 1077
16, Letter from Colonel Broome to Peter R. Liv-
ingston, --...._ 1077
16, Letter from the New- York Convention to the
President of Congress: Reasons why the
State is not more fully represented in Con-
gress, ----... 978
16, Orders to Captain Osburn : For mendino- the
post road from the south line of Dutchess
County to King's Bridge, - ... 1073
16, Letter from Jonathan Landon to Ezra Thomp-
son : A further trial is to be made of the lead
mines in Dutchess County, New- York, - 1078
16, Letter from General. Schuyler to the President
of Congress : In the alarming situation of
affairs he shall continue to act some time
longer, but Congress must prepare to put
the care of the department into other hands, 1078
16, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington : The manner in which the Cayu^a
sachems were treated will be attended with
very salutary consequences, - 1079
16, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington: Total destruction of the American
fleet on Lake Champlain; shall write to
every State nearest him to march up their
Militia to support the Army, ... 1079
16, Letter from General Schuyler to the New- York
Convention: It is of the highest importance
that all the Militia that can be spared should
march up without delay, either to support
General Gates, or to cover his retreat, - 1131
16, Letter from General Schuyler to Abraham
Yates : Suggests that the Convention's
moving to Albany would be attended with
good consequences, - .... 1087
16, Letter from General Schuyler to Berkshire
(Massachusetts) Committee: The Militia of
Massachusetts should immediately march to
sustain the Army, 1057
16, Letter from General Schuyler to the Selectmen
of Boston, ----.. J087
16, Letterfrom Colonel Wynkoop to General Gates:
Major Skeene's clerk is an enemy to his
country, and is busy every day viewing and
prying into every circumstance, ... 1088
16, Letter from Colonel Wynkoop to General Gates, 1088
16, Letter from Lewis T. Costigan to General
Gates : Is fully convinced that the appoint-
ment of another in the place he lately held,
was owing to a want of knowledge of the
circumstances which occasioned his long
absence, - - - ...
16, Letter from Colonel Henry B. Livingston to
the New-York Convention : Arrest of Col-
onel Fanning, Major Conkling, and George
Howell, thought to be disaffected, but who
profess themselves friendly, ... 1Q88
LXXXVII
1776.
Oct. 16, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Captain
Hacker: Order to bring into Newport har-
bour the privateer sloop Captain Dennis, - 1089
16, Letter from Colonel Pierce Long to New-
Hampshire Committee of Safety,
17, Letter from Alexandria (Virginia) Committee
to the President of Congress : Praying for an
order to Messrs. Hughes to furnish them
with cannon out of those engaged for the
Continental service, -
17, Letter from Silas Deane to the Secret Com-
mittee: His distressed situation, totally des-
titute of intelligence or instructions since he
left America,
17, Letter from Silas Deane to the Secret Com-
mittee : Protest at the Court of Madrid
against Captain Lee of Newburyport as a
pirate,
17, Letter from Silas Deane to the President of
Congress : Introducing M. Motin de la
Balme, an officer of reputation in the armies
of France,
17, Letter from Silas Deane to William Bingham :
Requests him to inquire into the state of the
Island of St. Vincent by proper emissaries,
and if the Caribbs are disposed to revolt, to
encourage them, and promise them aid of
arms and ammunition, - - - 1092
CONTENTS.
Lxxxvm
- 1089
- 1127
- 1090
- 1091
- 1092
17, Letter from the South-Carolina Navy Board to
- 1324
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
17,
- 1325
- 1325
- 1092
- 1092
- 1093
- 1094
Anthony Bonneau, -
Letter from the South-Carolina Navy Board to
Captain John Copithorn, - - - 1325
Letter from South-Carolina Navy Board to Al-
exander Horn, -
Letter from South-Carolina Navy Board to Ed-
ward Darrell, - - 1325
Letter from South-Carolina Navy Board to
Captain Stephen Seymour, - 1325
Letter from South-Carolina Navy Board to
Captain Edward Allen,
Letter from General Stephen to Francis Light-
foot Lee : It would be for the good of the
service to supply muskets and bayonets in-
stead of rifles, -
Additional Instructions to the Commissioners
from the United States to the King of France, 1404
Letter from Marine Committee to Captain
Isaiah Robinson : Directing him to receive
instructions from the Secret Committee for
a voyage under their direction, -
Letter from General Mercer to the President
of Congress: Attempt against the British on
the east end of Staten-Island, -
A list of prisoners taken at Richmond Town,
on Staten-Island,
A return of the arms and accoutrements taken
from the enemy on Staten-Island, October 16, 1094
Letter from Mary Hay Burn to John Hay Burn, 1094
Letter from General Washington to the New-
York Convention : Has sent up Mons. Im-
bert to take their directions respecting the
passes through the Highlands, and such
works as they may esteem necessary to pre-
serve them,
Letter from General Washington to Governour
Cooke : The reasons assigned for counter-
manding Colonel Richmond's march appear
strong and substantial,
Letter from General Washington to Colonel
Bayley : Requiring vouchers before settling
the account of the expense incurred in cut-
ting a road from Coos to St. John, - - 1095
Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer :
Every step is taken to prevent the enemy
out-flanking the Army, and at the same time
to secure a retreat in case of need ; the ap-
pearance of General Lee has contributed not
a little to strengthen the spirits of the troops,
Letter from General M'Dougall to Committee
of Arrangement of the Army,
Letter from General Greene to the New- York
Convention,
Division Orders: Head-Quarters, King's Bridge, 1096
Letter from Colonel Samuel H. Drake to John
M'Kesson, requesting commissions for cer-
tain officers, ------ 1097
Letter from Colonel Smallwood to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 1097
- 1094
- 1094
1095
- 1096
- 1096
1776.
Oct. 17, Petition of William M'Neall to the New- York
Convention, - - 1101
17, Letter from Henry Wisner to the New-York
Convention, - - 1102
17, Letter from Richard Varick to General Gates :
Hopes Arnold will still humble the pride
and arrogance of haughty Britons, and con-
vince them that one defeat does not dispirit
Americans, ... - 1102
17, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
If the communication should be cut off by
the way of Lake George, it will be absolutely
necessary to have a number of batteaus at
Skenesborough,
17, Letter from Colonel Wynkoop to General Gates, 1103
17, Letter from John B. Scott to General Gates :
Asks that he may not be kept under arrest
at this critical time, - - - - 1103
17, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Schuyler: Asks to be informed what is need-
ful and expedient to ensure a supply of Sur-
geons and medicines for the new Army, - 1104
17, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Gates: Reminds him again of the nomina-
nation of officers for the new Army, - - 1104
17, Colonel Phineas Fanning' s parole, - 1104
17, Providence (Rhode-Island) Town Meeting:
Proceedings relative to Mr. Samuel Starbuck, 1104
17, Letter from Captain John Paul Jones to Robert
Morris : Has taken sixteen sail, sent in eight
prizes, and destroyed the rest. It is to the
last degree distressing to contemplate the
state of the Navy. An expedition of im-
portance may be effected this winter on the
coast of Africa, - 1105
Account of provisions on board the ship Alfred, 1 107
Table of wages proposed by Captain Jones to
be established in the American Navy, - 1107
17, Providence (Rhode-Island) Town Meeting, - 1107
17, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Meshech
Weare : Notice of repeal of an act to pro-
hibit the exportation of lumber for a limited
time, 1107
17, Letter from James Bowdoin to General Wash-
ington : Names and rank of a number of
French officers, who offer their services to
the United States, ... - 1108
17, Letter from James Bowdoin to the President
of Congress, ------ H09
Petition from Faneuil and others to the Assem-
bly of Massachusetts-Bay, and a resolve
passed by the said Assembly, - 1109
18, Letter from Lord George Germain to the Earl
of Dunmore : His conduct in leaving Vir-
ginia is approved by his Majesty, - 1110
18, Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Wil-
liam Howe: He will receive an augmenta-
tion of the corps of Hessian Chasseurs early
in the next campaign, - - - -1111
18, Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Wil-
liam Howe : The behaviour of both officers
and soldiers, British and Hessians, in the
operations against the Rebels upon Long-
Island has obtained his Majesty's strongest
approbation, - - 1111
18, Letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Wil-
liam Howe : His Majesty has been graciously
pleased to nominate him to be one of the
Knights Companions of the most honourable
Order of the Bath; Vice-Ad miral Lord Vis-
count Howe will perform the ceremony of
investing him with the ensigns of the order, 1111
18, Six new battalions of Infantry to be raised in
Virginia, and employed in the Continental
service, - - 1112
18, Letter from James Nourse to General Gates, - 1112
18, Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to the
President of Congress, - - 1113
18, Letter from Thomas Bond to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - - - 1113
18, Letter from Captain Bond to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - 1113
18, Letter from Marine Committee to Continental
agents: Directing them to account to them
for the Continental share of all prizes, and
to pay the amount thereof to their order, - 1113
18, Lnttorfrom Marine Committee to Prize Agents:
Instructions, ------ 1114
LXXXIX
1776.
Oct. 18, Letter from Marine Committee to Captain
James Robinson : Directing him to make a
voyage under orders of the Secret Com-
mittee, ... - - 11 15
18, Letter from Marine Committee to Captain Hal-
lock: Consign him to the management of
the Secret Committee for the present voy-
age, - 1115
18, Considerations on the present revolted state of
America, addressed to its inhabitants at large, 1115
18, Letter from General Washington to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - - - - -1116
Proceedings of a Council of General Officers,
October 16, - - - - 1117
General Orders: Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights, October 13 to 20, - 1118
18, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General
Schuyler: His Excellency apprehends the
Stockbridge Indians might render material
service to him as scouting parties, if they
can be spared from the Northern Army, - 1120
"A Soldier" on the employment of Indians in
America, - - * ' - 1120
18, Letter from Colonel Reed to Governour Trum-
bull: The Captains of the galleys from Con-
necticut (except Captain McCleave) have
misbehaved invariably from the first moment
they came to their departure; they have mani-
fested such want of spirit and judgment as
to be despised by the whole Army, - - 1121
18, Letter from Colonel Richmond to Maryland
Ccuncil of Safety, 1122
18, Letter from General Heath to Captain Horton, 1123
Deposition of Lieutenant William B. Alger
respecting refusal of Continental money by
Jacob Deane, - - - - 1123
18, Letter from Henry Wisner to the New- York
Convention: Finds the entrance of the
Highlands on the south side capable of being
made quite defensible with very little ex-
pense, - - 1123
18, Letter from Colonel Snyder to the New-York
Convention: State of his regiment, - - 1124
18, Letter from Colonel Snyder to the New- York
Convention: Asking commissions for cer-
tain officers, - - - 1125
18, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour
Trumbull : General Waterbury, who is pri-
soner on parole, will acquaint him with the
state of affairs at Ticonderoga, - - 1125
18, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Suggests the necessity of throwing booms
across from the redoubt to Fort Independ-
ence, and anchoring large rafts in the chan-
nel, - - 1125
18, Halifax, Cumberland County, New-York, Town
Meeting: Voted not to set up a new State,
but continue still in the State of New- York, 124
18, Prize taken by the Montgomery privateer, - 1125
18, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Captain
John Paul Jones: Thinks it best to let Cap-
tain Dennis's sloop and her people go, - 1126
18, Arrival of a prize at Newburyport, - - 1126
19, Address of the Lord Mayor, Recorder, Alder-
men, Sheriffs, and Commons of the city of
York to the King, 1126
19, Letter from South-Carolina Navy Board to An-
thony Bonneau, - 1326
19, Letter from Charles Rumsey to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: The company out of his bat-
talion will be ready in two days at most, - 1128
19, Letter from Amos Garrett to Matthew Tilgh-
man, .... H28
19, Letter from Pennsylvania Council of Safety to
Colonel Cadwallader: Frequent complaints
have been made that the officers who have
received the pay of the privates do withhold
their money from them, .... 1128
19, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon:
A great number of foreigners, especially
French officers, are almost daily arriving at
Philadelphia, and requesting to be employed
in the Army, many of whom are well recom-
mended, .... . . 1128
19, Letter from George Taylor to the President of
Congress: Sends him six prisoners which
he took out of a schooner which was drove
on the Jersey shore, ..... 1129
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
CONTENTS.
xc
1776.
Oct. 19, Letter from General Mercer to the President of
Congress: Hessian prisoners to be permitted
to escape for the purpose of distributing the
advertisements of Congress among their
countrymen, - '""> " ! rmi
Return of Artillery, commanded by Colonel
Knox, camp below King's Bridge,
Extract of a letter from Fort Lee: Skirmish
near New-Rochelle, - -
Letter from Henry Wisner to the New- York
Convention: The building any fortifications
in the Highlands would be labour badly spent
and worse than lost, - ...
Letter from Robert Hodge to John McKesson,
Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to
the President of Congress,
Letter from Abraham Lott to the New-York
Convention: Has got his accounts in such
a train that he hopes to be able to set out in
about ten days, -
Charlotte County (New- York) Committee:
Request a loan of two hundred pounds from
the State,
Letter from H. Glen to Elisha Avery,
Letter from J. Baldwin, Engineer, to General
Gates: Recommendations for defence,
Letter from Governour Trumbull to the com-
manding officer at Boston: Application for
his friendly assistance for the relief of Colo-
nel Ethan Allen and eighteen other prison-
ers with him at Halifax, ....
Letter from Governour Cooke to General Wash-
ington, ...
Letter from Commodore Hopkins to John
Bradford, - -
Letter from Nathan Rumsey, at Nantes, to
Maryland Convention: Requests that prefer-
ence in their business which he has already
been honoured with from the Secret Com-
mittee of Congress, -
Letter from Van Bibber &. Harrison, St. Pierre,
Martinique, to Maryland Council of Safety:
The market is glutted with tobacco and all
kinds of provisions; indigo the best article
for shipment, - ....
Letter from Peter T. Curtenius to the New-
York Convention: Account of clothing pur-
chased for the New-York troops,-
Letter from Colonel Griffin to Richard Peters:
Requests to be furnished with the Jate re-
solve of Congress relative to pay; all the
officers are making out their pay-rolls at an
advance of fifty per cent., -
Extract of a letter received in London from
New-York: Every time the King's troops
attack the Rebels they rout them with great
loss; hopes by the next letter to give an ac-
count of an end being put to a Government
that have dared to call themselves the Inde-
pendent States of America, .
Letter from General Greene to the President of
Congress: Requests all the cartridges at
Philadelphia to be sent forward in light
wagons that can travel with great despatch ;
the article of salt is essentially necessary, and
must be procured if possible,
Letter from General Mifflin to William Duer:
Believes the enemy have some design against
the White-Plains,
Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Presi-
dent of Congress: It is generally conjec-
tured the enemy mean to take their route by
the way of the White-Plains, and from thence
to draw a line to the North River,
Letter from General Washington to Colonel
Trumbull: His alarming situation on ac-
count of the state of the provisions, -
Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
To be obliged to follow an enemy whose
route is a secret is not a little distressing,
especially as there are not wagons enough
to transport the baggage and provision,
Brigade Court-Martial ordered by Brigadier
General McDougall, for the trial of deserters
and offences not capital, -
Letter from Elisha Avery to the New-York
Convention : Requests their interposition and
aid in procuring a supply of flour,
19,
19,
19,
19,
19,
19,
19,
19,
19,
19,
19,
19,
20,
20,
20,
20,
20,
1129
1130
1130
1131
1131
- 1131
- 1132
1132
1132
- 1133
1133
1133
1134
- 1134
1134
1135
- 1136
20,
20,
20,
20,
20,
- 1136
1136
1137
1137
1138
1138
1139
1141
XCI
1776.
Oct. 20, Letter from Major Wilkinson to General St.
Clair, ...
20, Letter from Committee of Congress to General
Gates: Will proceed immediately to Ticon-
deroga, if he thinks it advisable, -
20, Letter from General Schuylerto General Gates:
Clothing and bounty granted by the Conven-
tion to encourage the soldiers to reinlist,
20, Letter from Colonel Wynkoop to General
Gates,
20, Letter from General William Maxwell to Gov-
ernour Livingston: General Arnold, their
evil genius at the North, has got clear of all
their fine fleet, and has managed his point
so well with the old man, the General, that
he has got his thanks for his good services;
has no more opinion of his abilities by land
than water, ------
20, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the Commit-
tee at Bennington : Requesting them to lend
all the assistance in their power in forward-
ing provisions to Ticonderoga, ...
20, Letter from James Yancey to the Committee
at Bennington : For provisions for the North-
ern Army, ...
20, Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga : Expect
an attack every moment; whenever it comes
it will be furious, and the defence obstinate,
cruelly obstinate, - -
20, Letter from Colonel Brewer to General Gates:
The enemy appear to be fortifying on the
east side of Crown-Point, - - - -
20, An Oration delivered at the head of Colonels
Mott's and Swift's Regiments, when under
arms, expecting the approach of the enemy
. hourly, by the Rev. Mr. Tenent, Chaplain, -
20, Letter from Colonel Warner to General Gates :
For further orders, -
Letter from Colonel Bellows to General Gates:
For particular instructions and advice,
20, Letter from Massachusetts Council to Gov-
ernour Trumbull : Have passed a resolve to
furnish his State on loan one ton of sulphur,
21, Letter from Pliarne, Penet & Co. (Nantes) to
the New-York Convention: Making offers
of their service in Europe,
21, Letter from Captain Deams to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Has used the greatest exertion
in purchasing guns, and can get but thirty ;
as for blankets, has got but few,
21, Letter from Nicholas Maccubbin to Maryland
Council of Safety,
21, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to William Bingham,
21, Letter from Marine Committee to Augustus
Lawrence and Samuel Tudor: Refer them to
the New- York Convention for directions
relative to the launching and otherwise dis-
posing of the ships Congress and Montgom-
ery, - ...
21, Letter from Francis Lewis to Captain Hodge,
21, Letter from Jacob Bamper to New-York Com-
mittee of Arrangement, -
21, Resolutions passed at a meeting in the State-
House yard, Philadelphia, ....
Remarks on the proceedings and resolutions of
the meeting in the State-House yard, Phila-
delphia, October 21, 22, -
21, Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Committee,
21, Arrival at New- York of troops and provisions
from England, - - -
21, Notice of the meeting for preparing Address to
Lord Howe and General Howe and Gov-
ernour Tryon, -
21, Petition and representation of Queen's County
in New-York to Lord Howe and General
Howe,
21, Address of Queen's County to Governour
Tryon,
Answer of Governour Tryon to the Address of
Queen's County, November 12, -
21, Order of march to be observed by the division
of the Army under the command of Major-
General Heath, in their route from King's
Bridge to White-Plains,
21, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to William
Duer: The enemy marched to-day from
East-Chester towards New-Rochelle, -
CONTENTS.
XCII
1141
1776.
Oct. 21
21,
1142
1142
21,
1142
21,
21,
1143
1143
21,
1143
21,
1144
21,
21,
1144
1144
21,
1146
21,
1146
1146
21,
1146
21,
21,
1148
1148
21,
1148
21,
1148
1149
1149
1149
21,
21,
21,
21,
1152
1155
21,
1158
1158
21,
1159
1164
21,
21,
1164
1164
1165
21,
, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - - - 1165
Letter from General Washington to Major Zab-
diel Rogers : Ordered to make the best stand
he can against the enemy, who are advanced .
this morning to Maroneck, - 1165
Letter from General Washington to Colonel
Trumbull: Again entreats his every exertion
to supply the posts with flour and beef for
present use, --.-.. 1165
Letter from General Washington to Colonel
M'Intosh : To march immediately with the
two regiments under his command towards
Byram river, if matters are not ready for the
intended expedition to Long-Island, - - 1166
Letter from General M'Dougall to Robert
Yates : The contrast between those troops
who are well and those who are ill officered,
now in service, is so great, that it is impossi-
ble to have an adequate idea of it but by ex-
perience, - ... H66
Letter from Colonel Hasbrouck to the New-
York Convention : Asking commissions for
certain officers, ... . 1167
Major Andrew Wyncope appointed Jo the com-
mand of two companies, to be raised out of
the County of Ulster for two wejks, - - 1167
Information relating to the enemy communi-
cated to the New- York Convention, - - 1167
Letter from James Auchmuty to John Jay : Ap-
plication to be paid what is allowed to pri-
soners of war, not having received one shil-
ling either for himself, wife, or son, since he
was taken - 1168
Letter from Stephen Ward to Robert R. Liv-
ingston : Asking direction with regard to a
resolve for purchasing hides, - - 1168
Letter from Colonel Bayley to General Wash-
ington : Would have sent vouchers with his
accounts, but was informed that only an ab-
stract was needful, ----- 1168
Letter from Colonel Whiting to the Albany
Committee: Informing of some matters re-
specting the disaffected within and around
King's district, - - - 1169
Letter from General Schuyler to Governour
Trumbull, 1169
Letter from General Gates to Colonel Warner : .
Much approves of his zeal and activity in
spiriting up the Militia to come and defend
their country, - - - - 1170
Letter from Isaac Peirce to Colonel Ganse-
voort : The boats at his post must be all kept
in good repair, - - - 1170
Letter from General Gates to Captains Stilton
and Parker: Must exert their utmost vigi-
lance in finishing the road to Castletown ;
they have done nothing worth notice these
four days past, - - - - 1170
Lieutenant-Colonel Pelissiere's observations on
the Jersey redoubt, at Ticonderoga, - - 1170
Proclamation by Governour Trumbull, calling
out the Militia, - 1171
Connecticut Council of Safety, - - 1171
Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington, - - ... 1171
Vote of the General Assembly of Connecticut
for calling out certain of the Militia, - - 1172
Letter from Colonel Livingston to Governour
Trumbull : Shall do all in his power to hurry
forward the expedition to Long-Island, as
he is convinced a better opportunity can
never offer, - 1173
Extract of a letter from the North River: The
Tories begin to rear their heads from Howe's
late successes, - - 1173
Arrival of a number of prizes in safe ports, - 1174
Intelligence from Hispaniola that no vessel is
suffered to wear English colours in any
French port; but Continental colours are
displayed every Sunday, and much admired, 1174
"A Soldier" to the Independent Sons of
America: So sure as the rising sun will
reach its meridian, so sure will the rising
States of America (unless they fail in their
duty) reach the summit of human glory, - 1174
Letter from Richard Derby, Junior, to the
President of the Massachusetts Council, - 1175
XCIII
CONTENTS.
1776.
Oct. 21, Letter from New-Hampshire Committee of
Safety to General Washington : Appoint-
ment of a Committee to repair to camp, - 1175
21, Letter from New-Hampshire Committee of
Safety to General Gates : Committee ap-
pointed to repair to the camp, - 1176
21, Instructions from the New-Hampshire Com-
mittee of Safety to the Committee sent to
the Army, - - 1176
Mr. Blanchard's return of the Committee's do-
ings at Ticonderoga, ... 1176
Petition of Jonathan Burt for the value of a
horse, - 1177
21, Letter from Captain Douglass, of the Isis, to
Mr. Stephens : The Rebels on Lake Cham-
plain ran into utter confusion the moment a
three-masted ship made her appearance,
being a phenomenon they never so much as
dreamed of, - - - 1178
List of his Majesty's naval force on Lake
Champlain, - - - 1179
List of the Rebel fleet on Lake Champlain, - 1179
List of the seamen detached from his Majes-
ty's ships and vessels in the river St. Law-
rence, to serve on Lake Champlain, - - 1179
22, Letter from William Carmichael, Amsterdam,
to C. W. F. Dumas, - - - 1179
22, Address of "A Carolinian" to their Excellen-
cies Richard Viscount Howe, Admiral, and
William Howe, Esquire, General, of his Brit-
tanick Majesty's forces in America, - - 1180
22, Letter from the Board of War to General
Washington : Have ordered two hundred
thousand cartridges to be instantly forwarded
to him, - - - - 1185
22, Resolution of Congress for suspending till
further orders the return of the Canadian
prisoners, published by order of the Board
of War, - 1185
22, Letter from Joseph Hallett to the New-York
Convention, ------ 1185
22, Letter from Major Greene, of De Lancey's
Brigade, to Captain Smith : Directing him
to drive in all the horses he can find, the
property of notorious Rebels and disaffected
persons in the County of Suffolk, - - 1186
22, Letter from General Washington to General
Schuyler: His opinion of the besH measures
to be pursued for the defence of Ticonderoga, 1186
22, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Board
of War: Their requisition for an immediate
return of ordnance stores cannot possibly be
complied with in the present unsettled state
of the Army, - - 1187
22, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to Governour
Trumbull: All the movements of the enemy
indicate their intention of penetrating the
country from the Sound by way of the White-
Plains, - - - - - 1187
22, Extract of a letter from Colonel Glover : An
account of the skirmish with the enemy on
the 18th, - - - 1188
22, Committee for the detection of conspiracies in
New- York : Application to Committee of
Safety for five hundred pounds, - - - 1 189
Letter from Ne.w-York Convention to Francis
Lewis : Requesting him to sell them a quan-
tity of salt, - - 1189
22, Letter from Henry Glen to General Schuyler, 1190
22, Mr. Duane's minutes of the meeting of the
Committee from Congress with General
Schuyler and Lieutenant-Colonel Gansevoort, 1190
22, Instructions of General Schuyler to the officers
appointed to recruit for the service of the
United States of America, - 1297
22, Letter from John Trumbull to the Committee
at Bennington : Militia requested to march .
immediately to Tyconderoga, - - - 1191
22, Letter from Captain Stewart to General Gates, 1191
22, Letter from General Gates to Governour Trum-
bull : Carleton, with his fleet and army, now
at Crown Point, - 1192
22, Letter from Colonel Brewer to General Gates:
Begs the Indians may be dismissed; it is with
the utmost difficulty he has kept them in any
order until now, - - - 1192
22, Ensign Daniel Pittee advertised as an infamous
runaway, - ..... 1193
XCIV
1776.
Oct. 22, Speech of Indians of Onenhoghkwage and
Tuscarora to the officers at Otsego Lake, - 1193
22, Connecticut Council of Safety, ... 1194
22, Letter from Committee of Danbury, Connecti-
cut, to Ebenezer Lockwood, ... 1194
22, Letter from Tench Tilghman to President of
New-York Convention, .... 1194
22, Extract of a letter from Providence, Rhode-
Island: Thirty-two prizes have been brought
into this port; two twenty-gun ships are fit-
ting out, and there will soon be two new
brigs built, . 1194
22, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Captain
John Paul Jones : Orders for a cruise in the
Alfred, - . 1194
22, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Captain
Jones : Desiring him to attend a Court-Mar-
tial, - -. - . H95
22, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Captain
Hacker : Orders for a cruise in the Hampden, 1 195
22, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to John
Bradford, Agent for the Continent in Massa- » ..
chusetts-Bay, - - - - 1195
22, Letter from Aaron Root to Massachusetts
Council: Resignation of his commission of
Lieutenant-Colonel on account of advanced
age and infirm health, ... HQG
22, Arrival of prizes at Portsmouth and Falmouth, 1196
23, Advices from Colonel Christian to the Gover-
nour of Virginia: War with the Cherokees, 1196
23, Letter from Samuel Chase to General Sullivan:
He is engaged in framing a government for
the State of Maryland, -1197
23, Letter from Lux and Bowley to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - 1197
23, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen-
eral Schuyler, - - 1197
23, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to Silas Deane, - ... H97
23, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to William Bingham, - 1198
23, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to Silas Deane; - - 1198
23, Letter from Robert Morris to Stephen Ceronio, 1198
23, Letter from Robert Morris to Messrs. Samuel
and J. H.Delap, - 1198
23, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to Silas Deane, - - - 1198
23, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to William Bingham, - 1199
23, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to Arthur Lee: Informing him of his
appointment as one of the Commissioners to
France, - - - - 1199
23, Letter from Marine Committee to the Gover-
nour of North-Carolina : Requesting him to
aid Commodore Hopkins in his attempt to
take or destroy the British men-of-war on
the southern coasts, - - - - 1199
23, Letter from Marine Committee to Commodore
Hopkins: Instructions for an expedition to
Cape Fear, - 1200
23, Instructions of Marine Committee to Captains
Manley, McNeil, and Thompson, - 1200
23, Inhabitants of New-York compelled to swear
obedience to Parliament in all cases whatso-
ever, -
23, Cumberland County (Pennsylvania) Committee :
Satisfied with the Constitution and the oath
directed to be taken by the late Convention,
Statement of facts as they happened at the late
meeting of the Cumberland County Com-
mittee, -------
23, Letter from Commissioners for Pennsylvania to
General Washington: Requesting that re-
cruiting orders be issued to Colonels Magaw
and Cadwalader for the new establishments,
23, Extract from a General Officer at Mount
Washington: America has little to fear from
General Howe's Army, who have gained no
ground but what they could reach by their
shipping, - - - -
List of prisoners who served in Major Robert
Rogers's corps, taken by Colonel Haslet on
thesis! of October, -
23, Extract of a letter from East-Chester, New-
York : Engagement with Major Robert
Rogers's corps,
1200
1201
1201
1202
1202
1203
1203
xcv
1776.
Oct. 23, Instructions from Committee of New- York
Convention to recruiting ollicors, - 1204
23, Letter from Tench Tilghnian to William Duer:
Engagement of General Lee's division with
the enemy, - .... 1204
23, Letter from Robert R. Livingston to Peter R.
Livingston: Recommends the immediate
establishment of expresses to Albany, trans-
mitting the earliest intelligence by handbill,
since nothing else can effectually silence
the falsehoods that are daily propagated by
the disaffected, - 1205
23, Letter from Colonel Smallwood to Maryland
Delegates in Congress, .... 1205
23, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress: Complains that the resolution
exculpating General Wooster from any mal-
conduct in Canada, implies a censure on
himself, - ... . 1205
23, Letter from General Schuyler to Goneral Wash-
ington : Supposes that General Carleton will
make an attempt on Tyonderoga in a few
days, if he has not already; the Militia move
up slowly and very reluctantly, - 1206
23, Letter from General St. Clair to Governour
Livingston: Recommends Captain Howell ;
since the disaster to the fleet the enemy have
made no motion, - - - 1207
23, Letter from Colonel Brownson to General Gates :
Carleton allowing the northern settlers to
continue on their farms in peace will favour
much to lull the people to rest; another spur
must be put to their sides, - 1207
23, Letter from Elkanah Day to the New-York Con-
vention : Resigns his appointment of Captain
in the Rangers, on account of the multipli-
city of his business as a physician, - - 1207
23, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Governour
Cooke: Account of the action on Lake
Champlain, - - 1208
23, Proceedings of Connecticut Council of Safety, 1208
23, Letter from Benjamin Huntington to Nathaniel
Shaw: Requesting him to furnish the ships
Defence and Oliver Cromwell with provisions
and stores for a cruise of two or three months, 1209
23, Two thousand bushels of salt, stored in one of
the churches at New-Rochel, taken by the
enemy, - - 1209
23, Letter from William Sever to Richard Devens, 1209
24, Letter from South-Carolina Navy Board to
Messrs. Archibald Brown & Co., - - 1327
24, Letter from P. Sim Smith to Maryland Council
of Safety: Reasons why a Court-Martial has
net been held for the trial of Captain John
Mackall and Levin Miles, - - 1209
24, Letter from the President of Congress to Gene-
ral Washington, - 1210
24, Letter from the Board of War to General Wash-
ington : Abuses in regiments or companies
receiving more rations than they are entitled
to, - - - - 1210
24, Plan of the Board of War for preventing the
abuses above referred to, - - 1211
24, Letterfrom the Board of War to General Wash-
ington : The two Virginia Regiments now at
Chester to be ordered immediately to Tren-
town, there to wait his Excellency's com-
mands, - - 1211
24, Letter from the Committee of Secret Corres-
pondence to C. W. F. Dumas : Dr. Franklin
appointed Commissioner to France, - - 1180
24, Letter from the Committee of Secret Corres-
pondence to the Commissioners in France :
Desiring them to make immediate applica-
tion to the Court of France to grant the pro-
tection of their ports to American men-of-
war and their prizes, - 1211
24, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to Stephen Ceronio, - - 1213
24, Letter from Marine Committee to Lambert
Wickes : The Reprisal, under his command,
has been placed under the direction of the
Committee of Secret Correspondence, - 1213
24, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to C. W. F. Dumas: Dr. Franklin
unanimously appointed one of the Commis-
sioners to France; names of the members of
the Secret Committee, .... 1213
CCWTENTS.
XCV I
1776.
Oct. 24, Letter from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence to Silas Deane, - 1214
24, Letter from Marine Committee to Captain
Wickes: Instructions for conveying Dr.
Franklin and his suite to France, and for
cruising on the coast of England, - - 1215
24, Letter from John Lucas to General Gates :
Since his arrival in. Philadelphia he has done
every tiling in his power in forwarding clothing
for the Army, ... . 1217
24, Letter from George Ross to Lancaster (Penn-
sylvania) Committee, - - 1217
24, Letter from Colonel Zedtwitz to General
Washington: Plan for obtaining arms the
most requisite for the present use of the
Continental Army. - - - - - 1217
24, Letter from Colonel Curtnnius to the New-York
Convention: A letter from the Convention
to him has miscarried, - 1219
24, Letter from Colonel Curtenius to the New-York
Convention : His accounts and vouchers are
in Tarrytown ; is afraid of their loss by falling
into the hands of the enemy, - - 1219
24, Declarations of Committees of Suffolk County,
New-York, - - 1219
24, Letter from General Greene to General Wash-
ington, - - - 1221
24, Letter from General George Clinton to John
M'Kesson: Movements of the enemy, - 1221
24 Certificate for Moses Yeoman, - - 1222
24, Letter from Charles D. Witt to the President of
the New- York Convention : The troops are
in absolute necessity for want of clothing;
scheme for exciting the desertion of the
Hessians, - 1222
24, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler:
General Carleton keeps very close at Crown-
Point, his Navy at anchor upon his flanks, - 1257
24, Letterfrom the Bennington Committee to James
Yancey : Several teams loaded with flour
will be on the road toward Skeensborough
this week; the residue will with all conve-
nient speed, --.... 1223
24, Extract of a letter from Mount Hope, near
Ticonderoga : Are in daily expectation of
an attack from the enemy; are not in the
least in want of provisions or ammunition, - 1223
24, Letter from General Waterbury to the Presi-
dent of Congress: Account of the naval
engagement on Lake Charnplain, - - 1224
24, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Requesting his interposition
to procure the release of Colonel Ethan
Allen and others, - - 1224
Resolve of the Connecticut Assembly in favour
of Colonel Ethan Allen and others, - - 1225
24, Proclamation of Governour Trumbull, offer-
ing pardon and indemnity to certain delin-
quent non-commissioned officers and sol-
diers, - - - 1225
24, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to John
Langdon : Empowering him to act as agent
for the officers and people belonging to the
American fleet, for all vessels that may come
within New-Hampshire, - - 1226
24, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to -the Ma-
rine Committee, - - - 1226
24, Letter from Lieutenant Knight (prisoner) to
General Washington : Repeating his request
to be released on parole, - - 1226
24, Letter from Oliver Prescott to Richard Devens, 1227
24, Letter from Selectmen of Boston to Benjamin
Austin: Don't see how it is possible to pro-
cure the supply of nails, but by taking of
those that were lately brought in as prize, - 1227
24, Arrivals of prizes at Salem and Boston, - - 1227
24, Orders of New-Hampshire Committee of Safety
to the Committee for giving orders and direc-
tions to the companies of Rangers on Con-
necticut river, - - 1228
25, A Proclamation by the King, for encouraging
seamen to enter themselves on board his
Majesty's ships of war, - - - 1228
Impressment of seamen in England, - - 1229
25, Order in Council: Embargo on vessels laden
with provisions in Groat Britain, - 1233
25, Order in Council : Embargo on vessels laden
with provisions in Ireland, - - 1233
xcvn
CONTENTS.
XCVIII
Watkins to Maryland
to Maryland
- 1234
1235
1327
1327
1235
1236
1236
1236
1236
1776.
Oct. 25, Letter from Silas Deane to the Secret Com-
mittee: Must again urge them to hasten
their remittances. Their silence since the
5th of June discourages him at times and
well nigh distracts him,
25, Letter from Silas Deane to Robert Morris:
Sends to the care of Monsieur Deant two
hundred tons of powder, -
25, Letter from South-Carolina Navy Board to
Captain Edward Allen,
25, Letter from President Rutledge to the South-
Carolina Navy Board,
25, Extract of a letter from North-Carolina : Intel-
gence by a gentleman who accompanied
General Rutherford on the expedition against
the Cherokees of the Middle and Valley set-
tlements, -------
25, Order for Captain Smith's Company to attend
at Gloucester, Virginia, to receive their pay,
25, Eleven settlers killed at the mouth of Weeling
by the Indians, -
25, Letter from Captain
Council of Safety,
25, Letter from William Johnson
Council of Safety,
25, Letter from John Ennalls to Maryland Council
of Safety: For a Court-Martial to try Lieu-
tenant Cook, - - 1236
25, Extract of a letter from the Secret Committee
to Thomas Morris, agent to superintend all
their business in Europe, - - - 1237
25, Letter from the Marine Committee to Govern-
our Trumbull: Requesting him to provide
sixty-four cannon for the' use of the frigate
building in New-Hampshire and one of those
in Massachusetts, - - - - - 1237
25, Letter from Governour Livingston to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - - 1237
25, Answer of Governour Tryon to the Address of
the Inhabitants of New- York, ... 1075
25, Extractof a letter from Fort Lee : One of theene-
my's'vessels fired on and compelled to retreat, 1239
25, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Presi-
dent of Congress, - - 1239
General Orders: Head-Quarters, at Harlem
Heights and White-Plains, October 21 to 24, 1240
25, General Court-Martial, held at the Court- House,
in the White-Plains : Trial of Lieutenant
Ethan Sickles, - - - 1242
25, Letter from Robert R. Livingston to General
Washington: Will do his utmost to remove
the wants under which the Army labours, - 1242
25, Letter from Major Wilkinson to General Gates, 1243
25, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 1243
25, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Bellows :
Urges him, if he loves his country, to come
forward, - ..... 1244
25, Letter from John Noble Gumming to Dr. Scud-
der: The campaign (to the northward) has
been full of fatigue, as well as unsuccessful,
chiefly owing to the too precipitate advances
to the northward, or rather going in so un-
prepared a manner, - - 1244
25, Letter from Colonel Henry B. Livingston to
Governour Trumbull, - - - 1245
25, Arrival of prize at Newburyport, - - 1245
25, Extract of a letter from Dr. Franklin to D. C.:
No time should be lost in fortifying three or
four posts on our extended coast as strong
as art and expense can make them, - - 1245
25, Letter from General Ward to Massachusetts
Council: Forwarding papers respecting Col-
onel Ethan Allen, - - 1245
26, Letter from Colonel Hollingsworth to Maryland
Council of Safety, - . 1246
Memorial of Colonel Hollingsworth to Mary-
land Council of Safety, . 1246
Recommendation of Ebenezer Reyner to a
lieutenancy, - - - 1247
26, Letter from Richard Peters to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Were it in the power of Con-
gress to supply muskets they would speedily
reduce the number of rifles, - - 1247
31, Letter from John Gibson to James Bowdoin:
Requesting him to forward to the Commis-
sioners for the Northern Department an ac-
count of such advances as have been made
by the State of Massachusetts, ... 1247
1776.
Oct. 26, Letter from Francis Lewis to the New- York
Convention: State of New-York has not
been represented in Congress for several
weeks past, ...... 1247
26, Letter from William Whipple to John Langdon :
There is no prospect for cannon from Phila-
delphia, - . . 1248
26, Letter from William Ellery to Governour
Cooke, - ... 1248
26, Letter from Abram Clark to Colonel Dayton:
The Congress, when they cleared General
Wooster of misconduct, never thought of
laying it on General Schuyler; but imputed
the miscarriage there to short inlistments,
the small-pox, and the want of hard money, 1248
26, A return of the forces encamped on the Jersey
shore, under the command of Major-General
Greene, - . 1250
26, Letter from Colonel Lasher to General Heath :
The Artillerymen and ammunition at King's
Bridge are not sufficient for its defence, - 1250
26, Extract of a letter from Colonel Reed to Mrs.
Reed: The business of this campaign, and
possibly the next, may probably be deter-
mined this week, - - - 1250
26, A report of the evidence taken at the Court of
Inquiry, on the charge against Colonel Tyler,
of cowardice and misbehaviour before the
enemy on the 15th last, .... 1251
26, Letter from General MifDin to William Duer:
Directions for the erection of barracks, - 1254
26, Letter from Colonel Stockton to Robert Ben-
son: Recommending certain officers as pro-
per to bear commissions, .... 1254
26, Letter from Colonel Tash to the New-Hamp-
shire Committee of Safety: Report of his
proceedings in command of a detachment
to New- York, 1255
26, Letter from Peter R. Livingston to Pierre Van
Cortlandt, . . - 1256
26, Richard Stockton and George Clymer to Presi- '
dent of Congress: Report of the progress
made in the execution of their commission
to the Northern Army, .... 1256
26, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash-
ington: The change of Commissaries has
very considerably interrupted the supplies for
the Army, >- ... 1257
26, Letter from General Schuyler to the Committee
of the New- York Convention: He can hard-
ly imagine the enemy will attempt an irrup-
tion on Mohawk river, until they have met
with success at Ticonderoga, which he be-
lieves they will not have, - ... 1258
26, Letter from General Schuyler to Committee of
Bennington: Wishes the Militia of the east-
ern Governments on their march to hasten
as fast as possible to Skenesborough, and
every man to carry as much flour or bread as
he conveniently can, - 1258
26, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler :
Where is Dayton's Regiment? If they re-
ceived orders in time, their behaviour is
shameful, - - - 1287
26, Letter from Colonel de Hart to Theunis Dey and
John C. Symes: It is the general wish of the
officers that the State of New-Jersey postpone
the regimental appointments until their re-
turn, or until the attack on Ticonderoga is
over, - 1258
26, Connecticut Council of Safety, - - 1259
26, Memorial of William Forbes to the New-York
Congress, praying that his dismission or trial
may be speedy, - - • 1259
26, Arrival of prizes in safe ports, - - 1260
27, Letter from William Carmichael, Amsterdam,
to C. W. F. Dumas: Sends him Common
Sense, - - 1260
27, Letter from Joshua Clarke, Supervisor of Salt-
petre Works in Caroline County, to Mary-
land Convention, - - 1261
27, Letter from Captain Deams to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: The most of his company are
willing to inlist for the war, provided he
might give them twenty dollars as bounty, - 1261
27, Letter from Richard Henry Lee to General
Washington: The policy of the Court of
Great Britain, 1261
XCIX
1778.
Oct. 27, Letter from Robert Morris to General Gates:
The Congress have too many objects, and
retain too much executive business in their
own hands for their members to effect with
that vigour and despatch that is necessary, 1262
27, Letter from General Greene to General Mitllin, 1263
27, Invoice of ammunition sent by Colonel Chee-
vers, Commissary of Stores, to General Mif-
flin, - - - 1263
27, Letter from Robert H. Harrison, - - 1264
27, Letter from General Heath to Colonel Lasher:
Directing him to remove the cannon and
stores left with him to Mount Washington,
and inarch his detachment without delay to
White-Plains, - 1264
27, Letter from General Heath to General Putnam :
Acquainting him that the works at No. Two
are in a dangerous condition, - - 1264
27, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
The Waldeckers, prisoners, are amazed at
the kind treatment they receive ; they say
they were torn away from their country, and
if their fellow soldiers knew how kindly they
would be treated, they would lay down their
arms and come over, - 1264
James Budd's examination, taken 25th Octo-
ber, - 1265
27, Letter from H. Hughes to Captain Kierse, - 1266
27, Letter from James Abeel to Robert Harper :
Recommending Christopher Codwise as a
person properly qualified to bear the com-
mission of Captain. - - 1266
27, Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, - - - 1266
27, Letter from Volkert Veeder to Robert R. Liv-
ingston, - ... 1267
27, Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga : Gover-
nour Carleton had said that he should soon
drive the Rebels from their lines, and should
have done it before, but was -waiting for
them to lay down their arms, and deliver
themselves to the mercy of his Majesty, - 1267
27, Letter from John B.Scott to General Gates:
Begs leave to resign his commission as a
Captain in the Second New-Jersey Regi-
ment, - - - - - 1267
27, Letter from Jesse Root to Governour Trumbull :
The Committee desires further powers, for
the punishment and suppression of Tories, - 1267
28, Letter from James Clarke to Maryland Council
of Safety, - - - 1268
28, Petition of Joseph Whayland, a languishing
prisoner in the gaol at Annapolis, to the
Maryland Convention, - - 1268
Letter from Stephen Steward to Maryland
Council of Safety : Recommending Gideon
Adair for a commission as Captain of Ma-
rines on board of the largest Province
schooner, - - - 1268
28, Letter from President of Congress to General
Washington : Informing him that his de-
spatched had been stolen from the express, - 1269
28, Letter from President of Congress to Rev.
Jacob Duche: Sends him one hundred and
fifty dollars by order of Congress, as an ac-
knowledgment for his services, - - 1269
28, Letter from General Greene to the President of
Congress, - - - - 1269
28, Extract of a letter from Colonel Haslet to
General Rodney : Attack on the party of
Colonel Robert Rogers, the late worthless
Major, - - 1270
28, Return of the killed and wounded of the Sec-
ond Brigade, commanded by Brigadier-
General Leslie, British, - - 1270
28, Extract of a letter from White-Plains, - - 1271
28, Extract of a letter from White-Plains, at two
o'clock, P. M.: Skirmishes with the enemy, 1271
28, Letter from Doctor John Morgan to John Jay:
Requesting to be allowed the remainder of
the stock of medicines purchased for the use
of the State of New-York, - 1272
28, Letter from the Committee of Bedford to the
New-York Convention : Names of the poor
of the parish of New- York that came to
Bedford on the 28th of August last, - - 1272
28, Letter from Samuel Tuder to Pierre Van Cort-
landt: The General-Montgomery will be
launched the 4th November next, - - 1273
CONTENTS.
1776.
Oct. 28, Letter from Seth Curtis to Captain E. Has-
brouck, - - 1273
28, Letter from General Schuylei to General Gates :
Has given orders and done every thing in his
power to hasten up the Militia, - - 1274
28, Letter from Richard Stockton to Abraham
Clark : Urging the necessity of sending cloth-
ing to the Northern Army, - 1274
28, Letter from Colonel Wynkoop to General
Gates : Desires to know where the powder
is to be left, 1275
28, Letter from Colonel Wynkoop to General
Gates : Has sent batteaus to bring down two
or three regiments from Fort Ann, - - 1275
28, Letter from Colonel Livingston to General
Washington : Under the restrictions laid on
the commanding officer, he does not think
any thing of consequence can be achieved
by the expedition to Long-Island, - - 1275
28, The Tories on Long-Island and in New-York
begin to be sick of their new lords and masters, 1276
28, Letter from Rev. William Gordon to General
Gates, ... . 1276
Letter from Rev. William Gordon to General
Gates, - ... . 1276
28, Memorial of Adam Babcock to the Council of
Safety of Connecticut : Asks leave to pur-
chase fourteen cannon at their furnace in
Salsbury, - 1277
28, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to J. Paul
Jones : Has received his disagreeable letter,
and directs him to go immediately to New-
port, - 1277
29, Extract of a letter from Dublin : Three sloops
of war and an armed cutter have been or-
dered to cruise in the Channel, to keep a
look out for the American privateers, - - 1278
29, Letter from AmosGarrett to Maryland Council
of Safety, - .... 1278
Petition of a majority of Castlehaven company
to the Maryland Convention : Preferring
charges against Captain Byers, - - 1278
29, Letter from Rev. Jacob Duch6 to the President
of Congress : Requests that the hundred and
fifty dollars offered to him may be applied
to the relief of the widows and children of
Pennsylvania officers, - - - 1280
29, Letterfrom Dr. Shippen to General Washington:.
The sick will perish unless timely care is paid
to provide for them proper winter apartments, 1280
29, Letter from General Greene to General Wash-
ington : Colonel Magaw petitions very hard
that the Rangers may remain with him, - 1280
29, Letter from General Greene to General Wash-
ington : The English ships have fallen down
the North River, - 1281
An estimate of the Magazines to be laid in at
the posts between Fort Lee and Philadelphia
for the subsistence of the troops, and for the
horses in wagons and artillery, - 1281
29, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the Presi-
dent of Congress : An engagement with the
enemy, yesterday, at White-Plains, - - 1282
General Orders : Head-Quarters, White-Plains,
October 25 to 29, - - - 1282
29, Extract of a letter from White-Plains to a gen-
tleman in Annapolis, - 1284
29, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
Except they can get a vast superiority of
ground, their raw troops are not a match for
the disciplined soldiers of the enemy, espe-
cially when backed by constant lire of artillery, 1285
29, Letter from General James Clinton to the
New- York Convention, - - 1285
29, Letter from Petrus Van Gaasbeck to William
Duer: A large number of Tories keep con-
cealed in the woods, - 1285
29, Letter from Peter R. Livingston to William
Duer: The Committee will send down a list
of all our bad people in a little time, - - 1286
29, Letter from Peter R. Livingston to Pierre Van
Cortlandt, - 1286
29, Letter from General Schuylerto General Wash-
ington : If General Gates was not so very im-
portunate to have the Militia at Tyonderoga,
he should certainly dismiss many of them, as
they move with much reluctance, and will
neither assist in fortifying or mounting guard, 1286
CI
1776.
Oct. 29, Letter from General Schuyler to General
Gates: Has sent Mr. Evans to him, to be for-
warded to Canada if he thinks it advisable, 1287
29, Letter from Colonel Gansevoort to General
Gates, - - 1287
29, Letter from Benjamin Payne to the Committee
for Wethersfield, Connecticut: Suspicious
character of three travellers, two of them
calling themselves French Colonels, - - 1288
29, " P. W." on Monopolizers, - - - 1288
29, Petition of the town of Lyndsborough to the
General Court of New-Hampshire for a town
stock of powder, ----- 1289
30 A Proclamation for a General Fast in England
and Wales, - .... 1289
30 A Proclamation for a General Fast in Scot-
land, - 1290
30, Letter from Captain Cooke to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety : Has taken a small schooner
laden with provisions, - 1291
30, Letter from Captain Cooke : Has no doubt of
doing something clever befoie he returns, - 1291
30, Letter from Richard Bond to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety: Is setting up a gun factory,
where work will be done in the best manner, 1292
30, Letter from Marine Committee to Daniel Til-
linghast, - - 1292
30, Letter from Marine Committee to Commodore
Hopkins: Directing him to proceed to the
Capes of Virginia and destroy the enemy's
ships Galatea and Nautilus, - 1292
30, Letter from John Witherspoon to General
Gates: Explains why he had not received an
immediate and fully satisfactory answer to
his letter to Congress relating to the dis-
solving the Court-Martial, - - - - 1293
30, Extract of a letter from a British officer to his
friend in London: The Rebel Army are in
so wretched a condition as to clothing and
accoutrements, that no nation ever saw such
a set of tatterdermalions, - - - - 1293
30, General Court-Martial held by order of General
Washington : Trial of Captain Poole, for
abandoning his post, - - 1294
30, General Court-Martial, held by order of General
Lee: Trial of Peter Buise, for desertion, - 1295
30, Letter from General Schuyler to the President
of Congress : The resolution inhibiting the
payment of one and one-third dollar for the
reinlistment of soldiers in the camp, will
much retard the reinlistment of the troops.
His anxiety lest the Army should suffer for
provisions is happily vanished, - - 1296
30, Letter from General Schuyler to the Board of
War: The want of tents in this campaign
has not only greatly distressed the troops,
but occasioned an enormous expense in the
article of boards, - - 1298
30, Letter from General Schuyler to Secretary of
the Board of War, - ' - - - 1298
30, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates :
Begs he will delay publishing the resolution
of Congress inhibiting the payment of one
and one-third dollars for any soldiers rein-
listed in camp, - - - - 1299
30, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates:
The account that the enemy may probably
attempt to penetrate through the country to
the Mohawk river seems to be confirmed, - 1299
30, Letter from J. Trumbull to Committee of Ben-
nington, - . - - - - 1300
30, Letter from Colonel Brewer to General Gates, 1300
30, Proceedings of Convention of the Representa-
tives from the several Counties and Towns
of the New-Hampshire Grants, holden at
Westminster, - - 1300
30, Connecticut Council of Safety, - - 1302
30, Letter from Matthew Tallcott to Governour
Trumbull : Suspicious character of two gen-
tlemen calling themselves French officers, - 1303
30, Letter from Commodore Hopkins to Captain
Hacker: To take command of the Providence,
and leave the Hamden under the command
of Captain Olney, - - 1303
30, Letter from Captain J. Paul Jones to the Marine
Committee, - - 1303
Account of the cruise of the American sloop-
of-war Providence, ----- 1303
CONTENTS.
CH
1776.
Oct. 30, Parole given by American prisoners of war to
General Carleton, •- - 1304
31, Order to the soldiers of the Virginia Regiments
who have been indulged with furloughs for
the recovery of their health, to repair to Wil-
liamsburg without loss of time, - - - 1304
31, Letter from Landon Carter to General Washing-
ton : Remarks on men and proceedings in
Virginia, - - 1304
31, Letter from Amos Garrett to Maryland Council
of Safety, . 1307
31, Letter from James Clarke to Maryland Council
of Safety: Offers a vessel for sale, - - 1308
31, Letter from Board of War to General Washing-
ton : Introducing Mons. le Chevalier Lan-
tagniac, - - 1308
31, Letter from John Gibson, Jan., Auditor-Gene-
ral, to New-Hampshire Assembly: Requests
an account of the advances made by the State
may be sent to the Commissioners appointed
by Congress, - - 1308
. 31, Letter from Peter Adams to the Maryland Del-
egates in Congress, - - - 1308
31, Prize sent into Philadelphia by the privateer
Hancock, - - 1309
31, John Baldwin published as an enemy to his
country by the Council of Safety, of Pennsyl-
vania, - - - 1309
31, Berks County (Pennsylvania) Committee: Vote
approving the resolutions passed at Philadel-
phia respecting the conduct of the late Con-
vention, ... . 1309
31, Letter from William Atlee to Richard Peters, 1309
Letter from Lieutenant Anstruther (prisoner)
to Richard Peters, October 29, - - - 1310
31, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- •
ington: On the expediency of holding all •
the ground from King's Bridge to the lower
lines, - ' - 1294
31, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to the President
of Congress: The Army is decreasing fast;
large numbers of Militia are returning home :
nor are any measures taken as yet to raise
the new Army, - - - 1310
General Orders: Head-Quarters, White-Plains,
October 30, 31, - - 1310
31, Letter from Tench Tilghman to William Duer:
The German troops are kept so very ignorant
of what would be their happy situation in
this country, that he does not expect much
from desertion, - - - 1311
31, Letter from General George Clinton to John
McKesson: Is likely to lose more in his
brigade by sickness, occasioned by extra
fatigue and want of covering, than in an
active campaign is ordinarily lost in the most
severe actions, - - - - - -1312
31, Letter from Augustin Lawrence and Samuel
Tuderto the New- York Convention: If there
are no directions to the contrary, the ship
Montgomery will be launched on Monday,
November 4, - - - - 1313
Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to
Augustin Lawrence and Samuel Tuder, No-
vember 1 : Direct the launch of the frigates
as soon as possible, ----- 1313
31, Letter from Colonel Welch to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety: On sending disaf-
fected persons from New-York to New-
Hampshire, ------ 1313
31, Letter from John Jay to the General Court of
New-Hampshire : Two hundred dollars to be
paid them on account of the expenses they
may be put to in receiving and disposing of
the disaffected persons sent from New-York, 1314
31, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 1314
31, Letter from General Gates to General Schuy-
ler : Threatenings of an attack by the enemy, 1314
31, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Washington : Has sent him a reinforcement
of Militia; requests all the sick in the
Militia incapable of further service may be
discharged, - - - - 1315
31, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General
Gates, - - 1316
31, Donations for the Boston poor, received by the
hands of Samuel Adams; prizes taken in
the port of Liverpool, Nova-Scotia, - - 1316
cm
1776.
Oct. 31, Letter from Samuel Curwen, Exeter, to Judge
Sewall, London: Wishes to be included in
any measures of relief adopted for the exiles
from America, - ...
"A Soldier" to the Independent Sons of
America, -
The Quartermaster-General's estimate of the
probable expense of his department for one
month, - - -
A li»t of British ships on the American station,
Return of the Second Regiment of Foot, in the
service of the United Colonies, commanded
by Colonel William Prescott,
Return of the Regiment of Foot, in the service
of the United Slates of America, commanded
by Colonel Thomas Thomas, in Brigadier-
General George Clinton's Brigade, -
Weekly Return of the Eighth Regiment of
Militia, from State of Connecticut, com-
manded by Oliver Smith, Esq., Lieutenant-
Colonel, - - •
Return of the Regiment of Foot, in the service
of the United Slates, commanded by Colonel
Jacobus Swartwout, - - - - -
Return of the Regiment of Foot, in the service
of the United States of America, under the
command of Colonel Morris Graham,
CONTENTS.
CIV
31,
31,
31,
31,
31,
31,
NAVY BOARD OF SOUTH-CAROLINA.
1776.
Oct. 9, Oath taken by the Commissioners of the Navy
Board, ------
9, Edward Blake chosen First Commissioner of
the Navy, -------
9, Advertisement for a Clerk to the Board,
9, Nomination of Captain to command the brig-
antine-of-war Comet, ...
12, John Calvert elected Clerk, -
12, Letter to Captain Thomas Pickering, requiring
him to use the utmost diligence in manning
the brigantine Defence,
12, Similar letter to Captain Edward Allen, of the
Comet, - ....
15, Advertisement for salted beef and pork, -
15, Orders to Captain Allen to proceed to sea as
soon as possible, -
15, Orders to Captain Pickering to get ready for
sea, --------
17, Letter to Anthony Bonneau, requesting him to
act as agent at Georgetown to furnish pro-
visions, &c., for the armed schooner Rattle-
snake stationed there,
17, Letter to Captain John Copithorn, requesting
him immediately to procure as many schoon-
ers as he can hire for the service of the pub-
lick, -------
17, Letter to Alexander Horn, requiring him to
make the flood-gate convenient to receive
the boats belonging to the publick,
17, Letter to Edward Darrell, requiring him, with
all possible despatch to furnish the Comet
and Defence with stores, -
17, Letter to Captain Stephen Seymour: On the
desertion of soldiers and sailors,
17, Letter to Captain Edward Allen: Nathaniel
Havens appointed Purser of the brigantine
Comet, -------
17, Advertisement of two schooners to be sold at
auction, - -
19, Archibald Brown & Co. propose to contract
for pork and bread, -
19, William Hopkins proposes to contract for twen-
ty barrels of flour,
19, Order to Edward Darrell to procure certain in-
struments for the Defence,
19, Letter to Anthony Bonneau: Order to purchase
naval stores,
19, Fifty men allowed as the full complement for
the schooner Rattlesnake, -
24, Letter to Archibald Brown & Co.: Their pro-
posals to contract for pork accepted, -
24, Form of inlistment into the Navy,
24, Letter to Captain John Turner,
25, William Hopkins's proposal to furnish twenty
barrels of flour accepted, -
25, Letter to Captain Allen, desiring him to take
four of the carriage guns out of the Comet, 1327
1776.
Oct. 25
25,
1317
1317
25,
1318
1318
28,
1319
28,
28,
1319
31,
1321
31,
1321
1321
1776.
Sept. 3,
3,
3,
1323
3, .
1323
3, .
1323
3, 1
1323
1323
3, I
1323
3,
1324
4, '
1324
4,
1324
4,
1324
4,
1324
4, '
5, ]
•
1325
5, I
1325
5, I
1325
6, (
1325
6, 1
6, J
1325
7, '
1326
7, (
1326
1326
7, ]
1326
7, 1
1326
1326
7, '
1327
1327
7, ]
1327
7,
1327
7,
1327
Oct. 25, List of spars to be provided for the use of the
Navy,
Letter from President Rntlcdge: The Council
is unanimously of opinion that the Commis-
sioners of the Navy have not authority to
order the armed vessels of the State to sea,
or on a cruise, -
Resolution expressing the unanimous opinion
of the Commissioners respecting the extent
of their powers,
Commissary directed to purchase a quantity of
Hour and iron, ... . 1328
Letter to the President, desiring him to give
directions to contract for building galleys,
and to provide necessaries for the same,
Recommend to the President that the Comet
and Defence proceed directly to the West-
Indies, to procure seamen,
Captain Pickering ordered to drop the brigan-
tine Defence down to Rebellion Road to-
morrow, - .
Mr. Hall appointed to draw up a letter of in-
structions for Captain Pickering,
- 1327
- 1327
- 1328
- 1328
- 1328
- 1328
- 1328
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
, Message from Lord Howe to Congress by Gen-
eral Sullivan, - - 1329
General Sullivan's letter to Lord Howe, August
30, - - 1329
His Lordship's answer, August 30, - 1329
John Mifflin elected Regimental Paymaster to
Colonel Magaw's Battalion, - - 1329
Jeduthan Baldwin appointed Engineer in the
Continental Army, - - 1329
General Schuyler directed to inquire whether
the baggage of the officers taken at St. John's
and Chamble was plundered, and by whom, 1330
General Washington to suffer no damage to be
done to the city of New-York, - - 1330
Orders for the reinforcement of the Army at
New-York, - - 1330
Virginia Battalion, on their inarch to New-York,
to have one month's pay and clothing, - 1330
Colonel Adam Stephen elected Brigadier-Gen-
eral, - 1330
German Battalion to be formed and forwarded
to New-York with all possible expedition, - 1330
General Sullivan to be exchanged for General
Piescot, and Lord Stirling for Brigadier-Gen-
eral McDonald, . 1330
Tents to be made and forwarded to General
Washington as soon as possible, - 1331
Mr. Hewes to be supplied with four hundred
three-pound shot for the use of the Conti-
nental Army in North-Carolina, - - - 1331
Samuel Brady appointed First Lieutenant, and
William McMurray Second Lieutenant, of
Captain Doyle's Company, - - 1331
Message to be sent by General Sullivan to
Lord Howe, - - 1331
Committee appointed to confer with Lord
Howe, - - 1332
Leave granted to Captain William Jenkins to
resign his commission, - - - 1332
John Paul Shott appointed a Captain, - - 1332
Two hundred thousand dollars to be sent to
Richard Dallam for the use of the Flying-
Camp and Militia, - «._,.,,. 1333
Commissions granted to officers of a Rifle com-
pany in Colonel Stevenson's Virginia Bat-
talion, - . 1333
Michael Hoofnagle elected Adjutant for the
battalion to be raised in Westmoreland
County, - . 1333
Members appointed on the Committee on the
cause of the miscarriages in Canada in the
room of those who are absent, - - 1333
Two members appointed on the Committee to
consider the proposal made by the President
of South-Carolina respecting General Lee, 1333
Election of Field Officers of the two battalions
raised in Rliode-Island, - - - 1333
Colonel Lippit's Battalion ordered to New- York, 1333
Three pieces of coarse cloths to be delivered
to the Delegates of Maryland, for the use of
the Maryland troops, - - 1333
cv
1776.
Sept. 7, Sick soldiers in Philadelphia to be provided
with proper lodgings and attendance,
7, A copy of the part of General McDonald's let-
ter respecting his treatment in North-Caro-
lina to be sent to the Convention of that
State,
7, Report of the Board of War on the petition of
Jeremiah Halsey,
7, Election to fill vacancies in the Second Penn-
sylvania Battalion, -
9, Committee appointed on the case of the
schooner Thistle and her cargo,
9, In all instruments where the words " United
Colonies" have been used, the style to be
altered for the future to the " United States,"
9, Frederick Seeger elected Quartermaster for the*
German Battalion, -
11, Committee appointed to inquire into the con-
duct of Mr. Livingston, Deputy Commissary-
General in the Northern Department,
11, Clothing and other necessaries to be provided
for the First Virginia Battalion, now on their
march to New-York,
11, Francis L. Lee added to the Board of War, in
the room of Colonel Harrison, - - -
12, Report of the Committee for Indian Affairs,
12, Report of the Committee appointed to inquire
into the conduct of Mr. Livingston,
12, David McClure elected Chaplain, and Ephraim
Douglass Quarterma'ster, of Colonel McCoy's
Battalion, - - - -
12, John Trumbull elected Deputy Adjutant-Gene-
ral, and Morgan Lewis Deputy Quartermaster-
General, of the Northern Army, -
12, The French officers who have received commis-
sions ordered to repair immediately to the
places of their destination,
12, Major Painter directed to repair to Philadelphia, 1338
13, Committee to confer with Lord Howe ordered
to report in writing, - - -
14, Winter quarters to be prepared for the Northern
Army, -
14, Ammunition to be immediately sent to General
Gates, - -
14, Deputy-Commissary Livingston's resignation
accepted, -------
14, All troops going home from service to restore
all Continental arms and other property,
14, Twenty-five thousand dollars advanced to the
State of Maryland,
14, Colonel Thompson's Regiment of Rangers of
South-Carolina to keep the same station it
had in the Provincial arrangement,
16, Vacancies filled in Colonel Warner's Bat-
talion, - - ....
16, Christopher Gadsden, William Moultrie, and
Lachlan Mclntosh, elected Brigadier-Gene-
rals, ... .
17, Commissions granted to officers of Colonel
Stevenson's Maryland Battalion,
17, Report of the Committee appointed to confer
with Lord Howe, - ...
17, Plan of a treaty with France, ...
Plan of treaties, &.c., reported by the Committee
of the Whole, August 29, (note,)
Report of the Committee on the plan of treaties,
&c., September 10, (note,)
17, The form of the sea letters and passports to be
given to ships and vessels, according to the
28th article of the treaty, -
17, The form of the act containing the oath,
17, The form of the certificate to be required of,
and to be given by, the magistrates or officers
of the customs, according to the 28th article
of the treaty, ----..
17, Instructions to the Commissioners for negotia-
ting the treaty, - - -
17, Direction for arming the Maryland company on
its march to New- York, ....
18, Rate to be paid in money instead of a ration, -
18, Jacque Paul Govert appointed a Captain-Lieu-
tenant of Artillery, - -
18, Medical Committee directed to send an assort-
ment of proper medicines to the Northern
Army, --.....
18, Monsieur de Vermonet to have the rank and
pay of a Major by brevet, ....
18, Extension of bounty and grants of lands,
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL,. II.
CONTENTS.
177G.
Sept. 1
1333
18,
IS,
1333
19,
1335
19,
1335
19,
1335
19,
1335
19,
1335
19,
19,
1336
19,
1336
19,
1336
1337
20,
1337
20,
1338
20,
20,
1338
20,
1338
1338
20,
1338
23,
1339
23,
1339
23,
1339
23,
1340
23,
1340
24,
1340
1341
24,
24,
1341
24,
1342
24,
1342
1344
24,
1344
24,
1350
25,
1357
25,
1358
25,
25,
1358
25,
1358
25,
1359
1360
25,
1360
25,
25,
1360
26,
1360
1360
CVI
Sept. 18, No officer in the Continental Army to hold
more than one commission, or to receive pay
but in one capacity, at the same time, - 1360
Captain McKenzie liberated on parole, - - 1360
Report brought in on the ways and means of
raising five millions of dollars, ... 1360
One hundred dollars advanced to Captain Wil-
liam Davies, - - 1361
Pelition from Captain Woelper read and re-
ferred to Committee, - ... 1361
Report of Board of War; several French gen-
tlemen commissioned, - - 1361
Representation from Commissioners for settling
accounts in the Northern Army, - 1361
Memorial from the Chevalier Dorre read, and
referred to the Board of War, '- - 1362
Report from Committee for Indian Affairs, - 1362
Talk of the United States of America to their
brethren, the chiefs and warriours of the
Shawanese nation, - - 1362
Adjutants of Regiments allowed the pay and
rations of Captain, and to have the rank of
First Lieutenants, - - 1362
Secret Committee to supply New-Jersey with
one ton of powder, - - - 1362
No grant of lands to be made to any person or
persons claiming under the assignment of
an officer or soldier, ----- 1363
Medical Committee to forward three hundred
pounds of Peruvian bark to the Southern De-
partment for the use of the troops there, - 1363
Articles of War, - - - 1363
Petition from Charles Roberts, commander of
the schooner Thistle, read, and laid on the
table, - - 1373
Committee appointed to repair to Head-Quar-
ters, - 1373
Dr. William Brown appointed Assistant Physi-
cian for the Flying-Camp and troops in New-
Jersey, - - - 1373
Petitions from Colonel Stark and Mons. Devou-
rouy read, and referred to Board of War, - 1374
Captain Hamilton's petition granted, - - 1374
Mr. Hooper and Mr. Ellery added to the Com-
mittee on the Treasury, - - 1374
Committee appointed to devise ways and means
for providing clothing and other necessaries
for the Army, - - 1374
Report of Committee to whom were referred
the several papers from the Convention of
the State of New-York, - -1374
Petition from Benjamin Marshall and Brothers,
and one from John Hazard, read, and referred
to the Marine Committee, ... - 1374
Petition from Charles Startin read, and laid on
the table, - - 1375
Report of Committee on petition of Colonel
Hazen, - - 1375
Committee appointed on providing provisions,
&c., for Northern Army, - - 1375
Medical Committee directed to apply to Coun-
cil of Safety of Pennsylvania for a quantity
of medicines, - - 1375
Instructions to the Commissioners agreed to, - 1375
Committee of Secret Correspondence ordered
to lay before Congress the intelligence lately
received from abroad, - 1375
Report of Committee on the petition of Cap-
tain James Ross, - - - 1376
Two months' pay advanced to Mons. P. Govert, 1376
Resolution respecting pay of Pennsylvania
Militia, - - 1376
Report of Committee appointed to devise ways
and means for providing clothing and other
necessaries for the Army, - • - 1377
Lieutenant Boger and Lieutenant Ball to be
released from prison on parole, - T - 1377
Resolution respecting printing and selling the
Journals of Congress, - 1377
25, Report of Committee on providing provisions,
&c., for the Northern Army, - - 1377
25, Report of the Board of War, - 1378
25, Report of the Committee appointed to settle the
rank of the Captains and Subalterns in the
German Battalion, - - 1379
Mr. Franklin, Mr. Deane, and Mr. Jefferson
elected Commissioners to the Court of
France, - ... - 1379
CV1I CONTENTS.
1776.
8ept.%(), Committee appointed to prepare the draft of
letters of credence to the Commissioners to
France, and to report the ways and means of
providing for iheir subsistence, -
26, Secrecy to be observed respecting negotiations
with France, - ...
26, Mr. Stockton and Mr. Clymer elected a Com-
mittee to go to Ticonderoga,
26, Instructions to be drawn up for the Commis-
sioners relative to their entering into treaties
or negotiations with other foreign States in
Europe, .... -
26, Resolution respecting printing the Journals, -
26, General Washington directed to procure an ex-
change of the officers and soldiers taken on
Lonj-Island, -
27, Resignation of Colonel J. Shee and Jonathan
B. Smith accepted, -
27, Resolutions of the New-York Convention re-
specting General Schuyler referred to a Com-
mittee, - ....
27, Secret Committee to deliver to the Board of
War all arms, &c., imported by them, -
27, Marine Committee to import as much salt as
possible, - -
27, Hamilton Young's petition granted,
27, Resolution respecting deserters from the Penn-
sylvania Battalions, - -
27, Permission to Francis Guillot to fit out a pri-
vateer, - ...
28, Memorial from Gunning Bedford, Mustermas-
ter-General, read, and laid on the table,
28, Petition of William McCue referred to the Com-
monwealth of Virginia,
28, Letters of credence to Commissioners to France,
28, Commissioners to live in a style suitable to the
dignity of their public character,
28, A handsome allowance to be made to the Com-
missioners besides their actual expenses,
28, Secretary of the embassy allowed a salary of one
thousand pounds sterling per annum, with
the expenses of his passage out and home, - 1382
28, A lodgment often thousand pounds sterling to
be made in France, subject to the orders of
the Commissioners, for their present support,
30, Petition from J. Rowe and other?, owners of
goods on board the ship Elizabeth, referred
to a Committee,
30, Directions to the Board of War for furnishing
stores, ------
30, Mr. Hopkinson added to the Committee of
Treasury, -------
30, Petitions of Mons. de Boy and Mons. Ja. Val-
lier referred to the Board of War,
30, Petition of Colonel Hazen referred to the Can-
ada Committee, - - -
30, General Washington directed to call upon such
members of the Court-Martial as concurred
in the acquittal of Ensign Macumber, to as-
sign their reasons, - -
30, Mr. McDonald not to be exchanged for any
officer under the rank of Brigadier-General,
30, Legislatures of the respective States recom-
mended to appoint suitable gentlemen to ex-
amine those who offer to serve as Surgeons,
30, Regimental Surgeons and Mates to be subject
to the control of the Directors in the several
Departments, - - -
30, Regulation respecting soldiers discharged for
disability, -
Oct. 1, Letters to be written to the respective Assem-
blies, requesting a full representation of the
States in Congress, -
1, General Mifflin appointed Quartermaster-Gen-
eral, in the place of Stephen Moylan, re-
signed,
1, A Committee appointed to prepare a plan of a
Military Academy at the Army, -
2, Lieutenant-Colonel Shephard promoted to the
rank of Colonel,
2, Board of War directed to sell sixteen hundred
pounds of powder and eight hundred pounds
of lead, for the use of the privateers General
Lee and Colonel Parry,
8, Report of Committee appointed to confer with
General Mifflin,
2, Committee appointed to consider of a plan for
providing carriages for the publick service, - 1384
1776.
Oct. "2,
1379
2,
1379
2,
1379
2,
3,
1379
1380
3,
1380
1380
3,
1
3,
3,
1380
3,
1381
3,
1381
1381
4,
1381
5,
1381
5,
1381
1381
1381
1381
5,
5,
1382
7,
1382
7,
1382
7,
1382
1382
7,
7,
1383
7,
1383
1383
7,
7,
1383
1383
7,
1383
7,
1383
7, I
1383
7, 1
1383
7, 1
1383
1383
1383
8, ]
8, 1
8, J
1384
8, i
1384
1384
8, f
1384
CV11I
, Benjamin Fishhourne appointed Paymaster to
the Second Pennsylvania Battalion, - - 1384
Memorial from the Council of Safely of Penn-
sylvania referred to the Committee on the
Treasury, - - 1384
Resignation of General Schuyler not ac-
cepted, - - 1384
Limits prescribed in the parole of John Foxcroft
and Fnincis Daslnvood extended, - 1385
Michael Holt discharged from gaol on applica-
tion from the Council of Safety of North-
Carolina, ... . 1385
One hundred hogsheads of rum to be purchased
immediately for the use of the Army, - - 1385
Letter of General Mercer referred to the Coun-
cil of Safety of Pennsylvania, - - 1385
Captain Persifer Frazer cotrmissioned as Major
of Colonel Wayne's Battalion, - - 1385
Report of the Committee sent to the camp
near New-York, (note,) - - 1385
Ways and means for -raising a further sum of
money, - - 1386
Secret Committee empowered to equip a frigate
and two cutters in Europe, for a cruise in
the British Channel, - - 1387
Resolution on a petition from the officers and
men of the brig Andrew Doria, - - - 1388
Petition of Jacob Sheafe referred to Commis-
sioners, - - 1389
Pay advanced to officers and men who were
taken prisoners in Canada, and sent back by
General Carleton, - - 1389
Board of War directed to lay before Congress
the papers relative to the dispute between
the Conrt-Martial and General Arnold, - 1389
The Continental Agents directed to deliver to
the Commissary-General, for the use of the
Army, all the salt in their hands belonging
to the Continent, - - 1389
William Davies elected Deputy Mustermaster-
General for the Flying-Camp, - 1389
Recommendation to the respective States to
annex same penalties for counterfeiting cer-
tificates of Loan Office, as for counterfeiting
Continental currency, - 1389
Resolution for borrowing five millions of dol-
lars, and the above resolve, to be published, 1389
General Lee ordered to attend in Congress, - 1389
A Commissary of prisoners of war to be ap-
pointed by each State, and to make monthly
returns to the Board of War, - - 1389
General Lee attended, and gave an account of
the state of affairs in the Southern Depart-
ment, - - 1389
Governour and Council of Virginia requested
to give all the assistance in their power in
manning and despatching the ship Aurora, - 1389
Lieutenant Hite to have a Continental commis-
sion in lieu of that which he received from
the Committee of Safety of Virginia, - - 1390
General Lee directed to repair to the Camp at
Haerlern, with leave, if he thinks proper, to
visit the posts in New-Jersey, - - 1390
Report of the Committee appointed to take
into consideration the application from the
President of South-Carolina in behalf of Gen-
eral Lee, - 1390
Mons. Pierre Francois de Bois commissioned
as a Major by brevet, - 1390
Report of the Committee appointed to inquire
into the causes of the miscarriages in Can-
ada, (note,) - - 1390
Pay of officers in the battalions to be furnished
by the several States increased, - - 1391
Petitions from sundry prisoners referred to the
Committee on the state of the prisoners, - 1392
Measures for raising the new Army, - 1392
Further encouragement to the non-commis-
sioned officers and soldiers to inlist during
the war, - - 1392
States recommended to take the most effectual
measures for completing, by the 10th of No-
vember, their proportions of the levies to be
raised during the war, - ... 1393
States recommended to appoint as officers men
of honour and known abilities, without a
particular regard to their having before been
in service, ..... 1393
CIX
1776.
Oct. 8, Order for (he disposition of sundry articles im-
ported by the Secret Committee, - 1393
9, Application of Captain Dirks to be appointed
Engineer referred to the Board of War, - J393
9, The form of a bond to be given by General Lee
for the thirty thousand dollars advanced to
him, brought in and agreed to, - - 1393
9, Resolutions on the report of the Committee
who went to the camp, - - - 1393
10, Petitions from Captain Daniel Morgan and
others, late returned from Canada, referred
to the Board of Treasury, • - 1394
10, Petitions of John Melchior NeflTand Paul Fooks
referred to the Board of War, - - - 1394
10, Captain Whipple, of the ship Columbus, pro-
moted to the command of the Providence
frigate, - 1394
10, Rank of the Captains of the Navy, • - 1394
10, Marine Committee empowered to settle the
rank of the Lieutenants of the Navy, - - 1395
10, General Schuyler directed to take measures for
effectually securing the command of the
Lakes, 1395
10, William Patten appointed Third Lieutenant in
Colonel Hand's regiment, - 1395
10, Regimental Paymasters to have the rank of
First Lieutenants, and receive rations as
Captains, - - - - 1395
10, General Washington directed to negotiate an
exchange of the officers returned from Can-
ada, - - - 1395
10, General Washington directed, if he shall judge
it necessary, to sink the new ships sent down
by the New- York Convention for obstructing
the channel opposite Fort Washington, - 1395
10, Plan for providing carriages, &c., for the Army, 1395
10, Board of War to confer with a Committee of
the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania on the
expediency of having troops stationed near
Philadelphia, - - 1395
10, Promotions and appointments in the Virginia
Battalions, 1395
10, Memorial of George Measam laid on the table, 1396
10, Inhabitants of Canada captivated by the United
States, and not taken in arms, released on
parole, except St. Luke la Corn and MODS.
Rouville,' - ... 1396
11, The release of Mons. de Chambault, as pro-
posed by General Washington, agreed to, - 1396
11, General Washington desired, by every art, and
at whatever expense, to obstruct effectually
the navigation of the North River, - - 1396
11, Arrival of a vessel at Rhode-Island with sundry
articles imported by the Secret Committee, 1396
11, Continental cruisers placed under the orders of
the Secret Committee, - - 1397
11, Three members added to the Committee of
Secret Correspondence, - - - 1397
11, Petition of William Jenkins referred to the
Board of Treasury, - - 1397
11, General Washington empowered to appoint a
Deputy Commissary of Stores for the Army
near New-York, - - 1397
11, Form of an oath to be taken by the officers of
the Army and Navy brought in and« laid on
the table, - - 1397
11, Mr. Ellery added to the Marine Committee, - 1397
14, Petition from Francis Mentges referred to the
Board of War, - - 1398
14, A report of the Board of War, (note,) - -1398
14, General Washington authorized to appoint P.
Penett his Aid-de-Camp by brevet, - - 1398
14, The States desired to furnish an account of ex-
penses incurred on account of prisoners, - 1398
14, Five hundred thousand dollars to be immedi-
ately sent to the Paymaster-General, to pay
the bounty to such of the troops as shall
reinlist to serve during the war, - - - 1398
14, Report of the Committee appointed to hear
and determine in the case of the ship Eliza-
beth, . 1398
14, Report on the state of the prisoners brought in
and laid on the table, - 1398
14, No allowance to be made to officers for any
arms lost or taken from them by the enemy, 1398
14, No officer holding two appointments in the
Continental Army to be paid for more than
one, 1400
CONTENTS.
cx
1776.
Oct. 14, A Committee appointed to devise ways and
means for supplying the Treasury with a
further sum of money, .... 1400
14, A Committee appointed to consider what is to
be done with negroes taken by vessels of
war in the service of the United Stales" - 1400
15, William Bavins granted leave to resign his com-
mission of Deputy Mustermaster-General of
the Flying-Camp, - - - 1401
15, Distribution of the cargo lately arrived at Prov-
idence, imported by the Secret Committee, 1402
16, Mr. Wharton supplied with money for the pur-
chase of salt and pork, .... 1402
16, George Measam elected Commissary of Clothing
for the Northern Army, and allowed the pay
and rations of a Major, .... 1403
16, The Commander-in-Chief of the Northern De-
partment to appoint appraisers of clothing, 1403
16, General Washington empowered to appoint a
Commissary of Clothing for the Army under
his immediate command, and a Deputy Mus-
termaster for the Flying-Camp. - 1403
16, One ton of powder to be sent to North-Carolina
for the use of the Continental forces in that
State, - 1403
16, Report of Committee on the state of the pris-
oners, ....... 1403
16, Recommended to the General Court of Massa-
chusetts-Bay to give the full weight of their
influence to make the frigate Hancock ready
for sea immediately, ----- 1403
16, A petition of Captain C. Roberts referred to a
Committee, ... - 1403
16, A memorial from the Chevalier d'Antignac re-
ferred to the Board of War, - - 1403
16, Commanding Officer in the Northern Depart-
ment to confirm or disapprove the sentence
on Colonel Campbell, as he shall think proper, 1404
16, Resolutions respecting distribution of prizes
taken by the cruisers fitted out by General
Washington at the Continental expense, - 1404
16, Additional instructions to the Commissioners
to France, (note,) - - - 1404
17, Committee appointed to hear and determine
upon the appeal of Henry Keppele against
the sentence passed on the ship Charming
Peggy, .-• - - - 1404
17, Committee appointed to review such of the re-
solutions of Congress as relate to the cap-
ture and condemnation of prizes, - - 1404
17, Petition from Carpenter Wharton referred to
the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania, - 1405
17, Ephraim Elaine appointed Commissary to Col-
onel Mackay's Battalion, ... - - 1405
17, Francis Lewis, Jun., permitted to go to New-
York with Mr. Foxcroft, - 1405
17, Report of Committee on the state of the pris-
oners in the gaol of Philadelphia, - - 1405
17, Committee appointed to publish, from time to
time, authentick accounts of the state of the
Armies and Navy, ..... 1405
17, Committee appointed to bring in a plan for
the better regulating the Treasury Board, - 1405
17, One hundred and fifty dollars presented to Mr.
Duche, Chaplain to Congress, ... 1405
18, Thaddeus Kosciusko appointed an Engineer,
with the pay of sixty dollars a month, and
the rank of Colonel, - - -. - 1406
18, Report of Committee on the petition of Colonel
Hazen brought in and read, ... 1406
21, Arrival of a vessel in New-Hampshire with a
cargo imported by the Secret Committee, - 1406
21, Board of War directed to apply to the Council
of Safety for the loan of as many cartridges
as they can spare, - 1406
21, The powder in the magazine to be kept for the
publick service, - 1406
21, Board of War directed to have the lead at the
lead mi nes in Virginia brought to Philadelphia, 1407
21, A memorial from Monsieur Dorre referred to
the Marine Committee, - - - 1407
21, The Deputy Commissary-General in Virginia
to make contracts for the supply of the troops
in that department, - - 1407
21, The Commander-in-Chief in each department,
at the instance of the Commissary-General,
to employ as many persons as he may think
proper, ------- 1407
CXI
1776.
Oct. 21, Rations of Staff Officers, - - -1407
21, Form of the oath to be taken by the officers in
the service of the Continent, - - 1408
22, A letter from General Miffiin to Captain Falk-
ner read and referred to a Committee, - 1408
22, General Schuyler's application to the Eastern
States, and to the State of New-York, for
their Militia, approved, - - 1409
22, The resolution for sending home the Canadians
suspended till further orders, - - 1409
22, No prisoners to go beyond the bounds allowed
them, nor to come to Philadelphia, without
leave from the Board of War, - - 1409
22, The Commissioners to France directed to pro-
cure from that Court, at the expense of the
United States, and with all possible diligence,
eight line-of-battle ships, - - 1409
22, Report of Secret Committee on the contents
of the cargo lately arrived at Portsmouth in
the brig Marquis of Kildare, - - 1409
22, Distribution of the cargo of the brig Marquis of
Kildare, - - 1409
22, Arthur Lee elected Commissioner to France in
the room of Mr. Jefferson, who declined, - 1410
23, GovernourCooke requested immediately to pur-
chase for the Army under General Washing-
ton, all the blankets and cloths lately arrived
at Rhode-Island in a prize vessel, - 1410
23, Colonel William Maxwell and Colonel William
Smallwood elected Brigadier-Generals, - 1410
23, Resolutions passed by the Convention of Mary-
land respecting the raising the eight batta-
lions allotted to their State, read and referred
to a Committee, - 1410
23, Referred to the Board of War to consider in
what way Monsieur De Roche Ferrnoy may
be employed in the service of the Continent, 1411
23, Colonel Hazen's Regiment to remain on its
original establishment, and be recruited to
its full complement in any of the thirteen
United States, - - 1412
24, Petitions of William Moore and William Rigg
referred to the Marine Committee, - - 1412
24, Five hundred dollars advanced to Committee
appointed to send wharf-builders to General
Washington, - - - - - 1412
24, A representation from the Council of Safety of
Pennsylvania to the Board of War read and
laid on the table, - - - 1412
24, Leave granted to David Franks and his clerk to
go to New- York, upon giving their parole
not to give any intelligence to the enemyj
and that they will return to Philadelphia, - 1412
24, A petition of Benjamin Eyre read and referred
to a Committee, - 1412
24, A petition from Captain Anstruther, a prisoner,
and one from Simon Carbolais, read and
rejected, - - - ... 1412
25, A certificate in favour of Rev. John Nevelling,
Chaplain, referred to the Board of Treasury, 1413
25, A petition from Alice Brazier read and referred
to the Board of Treasury, - - 1413
25, Three thousand dollars advanced to Colonel
Hazen towards inlisting his battalion, - 1413
25, A letter from P. Zabriskie and J. Morgan re-
ferred to the Board of Treasury, - 1413
25, Recommendation to the several States forth-
with to import, or otherwise procure, full
supplies of arms, ammunition, clothing, &c.,
for such of their Militia as are deficient therein, 1413
28, Report of the Court of Inquiry appointed to
discover what stores were on board the
enemy's fleet taken in the river St. Lawrence,
read and referred to the Board of Treasury,
CONTENTS.
CXII
28, Mons. du Bois, upon resigning his commission,
28,
1414
- 1414
to have leave to return to Marlinico, -
Committee appointed to inquire into the reports
of persons monopolizing and engrossing the
articles necessary for the Army, - 1414
1776.
Oct. 28, The Committee to whom the memorial of
Matthew Invin was referred, ordered to
request the Pennsylvania Council of Safety
to sell to Mr. Irwin, for the use of the
Army, as much salt as they can possibly
spare, - - 1414
28, The Marine Committee empowered to employ
such persons as they shall think proper to
execute the business entrusted to them, and
report their names to Congress, - 1414
29, Committee appointed to lake every step they
think proper for the recovery of despatches
from General Washington, said to have been
stolen from an express, - - - 1414
29, Colonels Cadwalader and Bayard requested to
accompany the said Committee to Bristol, - 1415
29, Recommended to the Convention of North-
Carolina to fortify and secure immediately,
at the expense of their State, the entrance
of Cape Fear river, ... - 1415
29, No private ships of war, merchant ships, or
other vessels belonging to the subjects of
these Stales, to wear pendants when in com-
pany with Continental ships of war, without
leave from the commanding officer thereof, 1415
30, Thirty dollars paid to Captain Moore to enable
him to proceed to Europe, - - - 1415
30, Andrew Stalker, late commander of the brig
Three Friends, granted leave to depart the
States of America, and revisit his native
country, - - 1415
30, A petition from John Tillman read, - 1415
30, Jacob Myle appointed Quartermaster, and Eber-
hart Michael Paymaster, to the German Bat-
talion,
30, The one hundred and fifty dollars voted to Mr.
Duche applied, by his request, to the relief
of the widows and children of such of the
Pennsylvania officers as have fallen in bat-
tle, -
30, Determination of Congress on the resolutions
passed by the Convention of Maryland re-
specting the raising the eight battalions al-
lotted to their State, -
30, The rank of officers of Marines to be the same
as officers of similar commissions in the land
- 1416
•.
if
e
- 1416
1416
1417
service, -------
30, The officers and men in the Continental Navy '
to be entitled to one-half the value of mer-
chantmen, transports, and store-ships, and
the whole value of vessels of war and priva-
teers, by them taken, - 1417
31, Two thousand dollars advanced to Colonel
Zebulon Butler, and leave granted to him to
purchase fifty bushels of the salt belonging
to the Continent, for the use of the troops
raised in Westmoreland, - - - 1417
31, The Committee appointed to make inquiry for
the lost despatches from Head-Quarters, re-
port that they have not boen able to find
them, and recommend the arrest of the ex-
press, - 1417
31, Committee appointed to prepare an effectual
plan for suppressing the internal enemies of
America, and preventing a communication
of intelligence with other enemies, - - 1418
31, The Board of War to remove the prisoners to
some convenient places back in the country,
and to have a sufficient guard kept at the
publick prison and over the Continental
stores in and near Philadelphia, - 1418
31, Recommendatio'n to the States to provide laws
for effectually preventing monopolies of ne-
cessaries for the Army, - - 1418
31, The Committee on Mr. Bache's letter ordered
to report, as soon as possible, ways and
means of establishing expresses, and con-
veying intelligence to and from the Army
with safety and despatch, - - - 1418
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY, &c.
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, HELD AT PHILADEL-
PHIA, THE FIFTEENTH DAY OF JULY, 1776, AND CONTINUED BY ADJOURNMENT TO SEPTEMBER
THE 28TH FOLLOWING, WITH THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SAID STATE.
At a meeting of the Convention for the State of Pennsyl-
vania, held at the State House in the City of Philadel-
phia, on the fifteenth day of July, in the year one thousand
seven hundred and seventy-six.
Monday, July 15, 1776, P. M.
The respective Judges for the election for the City of
Philadelphia and the several Counties made their Returns,
as follows, viz :
For the City of PHILADELPHIA.
Timothy Matlack, James Cannon,
Benjamin Franklin, George Clymer,
Frederick Kuhl, George Schlosser,
Owen Biddle, David Rittenhouse.
For the County of PHILADELPHIA.
Frederick Antis, John Bull,
Henry Hill, Thomas Potts,
Robert Loller, Edward Bartholomew,
Joseph Blewer, William Coates.
For the County of BUCKS.
Joseph Hart, William Vanhorn,
John Wilkinson, John Grier,
Samuel Smith, Abra. Van Midleswarts,
John Keller, Joseph Kirkbride.
For the County of CHESTER.
Benjamin Bartholomew, Samuel Cunningham,
John Jacobs, John Hart,
Thomas Strawbridge, John Mackey,
Robert Smith, John Flemrning.
For the County of LANCASTER.
George Ross, Joseph Sherrer,
Philip Marsteller, John Hubley,
Thomas Porter, Henry Slaymaker,
Bartram Galbreath, Alexander Lowrey.
For the County of YORK.
John Hay, . Francis Crazart,
James Edgar, James Smith,
William Rankin, Robert M'Pherson,
Henry Slagle, Joseph Donaldson.
For the County of CUMBERLAND.
John Harris, William Duffield,
Jonathan Hoge, James Brown,
William Clarke, Hugh Alexander,
Robert Whitehill, James M'Clean.
For the County of BERKS.
Jacob Morgan, Daniel Hunter,
Gabriel Heister, Valentine Eckart,
John Lesher, Charlce Shoemaker,
Benjamin Spyker, Thomas Jones.
For the. County of NORTHAMPTON.
Simon Dresbach, Jacob Stroud,
Jacob Arndt, Neigal Gray,
Peter Buckholder, Abraham Miller,
Peter Rhoads, John Ralston.
For the County of BEDFORD.
Thomas Smith, Joseph Powell,
John Wilkins, Henry Rhoads,
Benjamin Elliot, John Burd,
Thomas Coulter, John Cessna.
For the County of NORTHUMBERLAND.
William Cooke, Walter Clark,
James Potter, John Kelley,
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 1
Robert Martin, James Crawford,
Matthew Brown, John Weitzell.
For the County of WESTMORELAND.
James Barr, John Carmichael,
Edward Cook, James Perry,
James Smith, John M'Clellan,
John Moore, Christopher Lavingair.
The Convention adjourned to three o'clock to-morrow in
the afternoon.
Tuesday, July 16, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Doctor Benjamin, Franklin was unanimously chosen
President.
Colonel George Ross was unanimously chosen Vice
President.
John Morris, Esq., was chosen Secretary.
Mr. Jacob Garrigues was chosen Assistant Clerk to the
Secretary.
Mr. Morris not being in this City at present, Colonel
Matlack is requested to perform the duty of Secretary till
Mr. Morris may return.
The qualification and profession of faith recommended by
the Conference of Committees, held at Philadelphia on the
25th of June last, were read, taken, and subscribed by all
the Members now present, viz :
Benjamin Franklin, James Smith,
Timothy Matlack, Robert M'Pherson,
Frederick Kuhl, Joseph Donaldson,
Owen Biddle, John Harris,
James Cannon, Jonathan Hoge,
George Clymer, William Clarke,
George Schlosser, William Duffield,
David Rittenhouse, James Brown,
Frederick Antis, James M'Clean,
Henry Hill, Jacob Morgan,
Robert Loller, Gabriel Heister,
Joseph Blewer, John Lesher,
John Bull, Benjamin Spyker,
Edward Bartholomew, Daniel Hunter,
Joseph Hart, Charles Shoemaker,
John Wilkinson, Thomas Jones,
Samuel Smith, Simon Dresbach,
John Keller, Jacob Arndt,
William Vanhorn, Peter Buckholder,
John Grier, Peter Rhoads,
Joseph Kirkbride, Jacob Stroud,
John Hart, Neigal Gray,
Thomas Strawbridge, Abraham Miller,
Robert Smith, John Ralston,
Samuel Cunningham, Thomas Smith,
John Mackey, John Wilkins,
George Ross, Benjamin Elliot,
Bartram Galbreath, Thomas Coulter,
Joseph Sherrer, Joseph Powell,
John Hubley, Henry Rhoads,
Henry Slaymaker, John Burd,
Alexander Lowrey, John Cessna,
John Hay, Walter Clark,
James Edgar, John Kelly, and
Francis Crazart, James Crawford.
William Sheed is appointed Doorkeeper.
3
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, JULY, 1776.
A Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, Esquire,
President of the Congress of the United States of America,
directed to this Convention, was read, recommending to
them to take such measures as may be judged proper and
necessary for procuring as much Lead within this State as
can be obtained : Whereupon it was
Resolved, That the said recommendation of Congress be
immediately complied with ; and therefore that it be recom-
mended to the Committee of Safety immediately to take the
most vigorous and effectual measures to procure all the Lead
which can be obtained, and which may at present be used
in spouts, window-weights, clock-weights, ornaments of
houses, or in any other form ; and that they make reasonable
compensation for the same to all persons from whom it may
be had or received, having regard also to any particular
inconveniences which individuals may sustain by affording
the publick this necessary supply.
And it is likewise recommended to the inhabitants of this
State to part willingly with such Lead as they have in their
possession for the publick service.
A Letter was read from General Robcrdeau respecting
the Guard recommended by Congress to be kept in this
City; and the same being considered, it was
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Committee of
Safety to take the necessary steps thereupon, as being within
their department.
A Letter was read from the Delegates of the State of
Virginia, now in the Congress, proposing that a temporary
line between Pennsylvania and Virginia may be agreed
upon, until a final determination may be had, and declaring
their readiness to confer on this subject with any gentlemen
this House may be pleased to appoint for that purpose.
The same being considered, it was
Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be de-
ferred to Thursday morning next.
On motion, Resolved, That application be made to Gen-
eral Roberdcau, requesting him to issue an order for permit-
ting John Morris, Esq., and Jacob Garrigues to return to
this City, they being appointed to the offices of Secretary
and Assistant Clerk to this Convention.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o'clock.
Wednesday, July 17, 1776.
The Convention met according to adjournment.
Upon motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. William
White be requested to perform divine service to-morrow
morning, before this Convention, that we may jointly offer
up our prayers to Almighty God to afford us his divine
grace and assistance in the important and arduous task com-
mitted to us; and to offer up our praises and thanksgivings
for the manifold mercies and the peculiar interposition of
his special providence in behalf of these injured, oppressed,
and insulted United States.
Colonel Matlaclc and Mr. Clymer are appointed to wait
on the Rev. Mr. White, and furnish him with a copy of the
foregoing Resolve.
Moved, That Colonel Miles be appointed Brigadier-
General and Commander-in-Chief of the forces of Pennsyl-
vania.
Referred for further consideration.
Mr. Matthew Brown, John Flemming, Philip Marsteller,
and Robert Whitehill, appeared in the House for the first
time, took the oaths, and made and signed the profession of
faith required.
Moved, That effectual measures be taken to obtain the
Arms from all Non-Associators, as they are absolutely neces-
sary for the defence of the country. And as the Associa-
tors in this State are not all completely armed, and the
Resolve of the honourable Congress for disarming disaffected
persons and Non-Associators has not yet been effectually
executed, therefore,
Resolved, That Mr. Ritlenhouse, Mr. Hull, Mr. Kirk-
bride, Mr. Flemming, Mr. Marsteller, Mr. Edgar, Mr.
Harris, Mr. Coulter, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Gray, and Mr.
Crawford, be a Committee for bringing in an ordinance for
the purpose of carrying fully into execution the said Resolve
of Congress.
A Petition from divers debtors now confined in the Jail
of Philadelphia, praying releasement from their confinement,
was read; and
Ordered to lie on the table.
Adjourned to to-morrow morning, eight o'clock.
Thursday, July 18, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met according to adjournment.
Mr. Morris, the Secretary, now attending, it was ordered,
upon motion, that he should take the following Affirmation,
viz:
" I, John Morris, do declare that I do not hold myself
bound to bear allegiance to George the Third, King of
Great Britain ; and that I will steadily and firmly, at all
times, promote the most effectual means, according to the
best of my skill and knowledge, to oppose the tyrannical
proceedings of the King and Parliament of Great Britain
against the American Colonies, and support a government
in this State on the authority of the people only; and that
as Secretary of this Convention, I will be faithful, and make
fair and just minutes of all their proceedings, according to
the best of my abilities, and keep all such secrets as shall
be directed to be kept by the Convention;" which he did
accordingly.
Ordered, also, That the Clerk, when he shall come, shall
make a declaration to the like import.
The Rev. Mr. White attending, agreeable to the request
of yesterday; and having performed divine service, and being
withdrawn, it was
Ordered, on motion, That Mr. Matlack and Mr. Clymer
wait upon that gentleman with the thanks of the Convention
for his services.
On motion, That a Committee be appointed to draw up
Rules and Regulations for the government of this Convention
in their proceedings,
Ordered, That Mr. Ross, Mr. Matlack, and Mr. Jacobs,
be a Committee for that purpose.
On motion, Resolved, That the Secretary call upon the
Clerk of the Assembly, from time to time, for such of the
.publick Records, Papers and Documents belonging to this
Government, as the Convention shall think necessary; and
the said Clerk is hereby directed to deliver the same.
Resolved, That the members of this Convention have, at
all seasonable times, free access to the publick Library of
this State.
A Report from the Committee appointed yesterday to
bring in an ordinance respecting the Arms of Non-Associa-
tors, was read, and ordered to lie on the table for a second
reading.
The gentlemen appointed to draw up Rules and Regula-
tions for the government of this Convention in their proceed-
ings, withdrew ; and, after some time, brought in an essay
for that purpose ; which, being read, was agreed to, and is
as followeth, viz :
First. That the Members, when speaking, address them-
selves to the Chair.
Second. That no Member interrupt a Member when
speaking.
Third. That no Member use indecent or reflecting lan-
guage, or wilfully pervert the sense of what another Member
has said.
Fourth. That the Members are not to use each other's
names, but in their answers, to take notice of their time of
speaking, or their situation as to the right or left of the
Chair, &.c.
Fifth. That no Member cross between the Chair and a
speaking Member.
Sixth. That the President have a right to call to order,
where a Member may wander from the matter in debate.
Seventh. That no Member speak above twice on the same
subject, without obtaining leave from the Convention.
Eighth. That where any debate proves very tedious, and
any four Members rise and call for the question, the Presi-
dent shall put the same.
Ninth. That where the President shall enjoin secrecy, it
is expected that every Member is bound by his honour to
observe the- same.
Tenth. That where the House is equally divided, the
President shall have the casting vote.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, JULY, 1776.
6
Upon motion, Resolved, That two-thirds of the persons
chosen as Members of this Convention be a quorum.
Upon motion, Resolved, That no Member of this Con-
vention absent himself without leave.
Upon motion to resume the consideration of the Letter
from the Virginia Delegates, it was agreed to postpone the
same for some time, as the members for Westmoreland are
not yet arrived.
Upon motion, and after debate, Resolved, That a Com-
mittee be appointed to make an essay for a Declaration of
Rights for this State.
Resolved, also, That the said Committee consist of eleven
persons, viz : Mr. Biddle, Colonel Bull, the Rev. Mr. Van-
horn, Mr. Jacobs, Colonel Ross, Colonel James Smith, Mr.
Hoge, Mr. Morgan, Colonel Stroud, Colonel Thomas Smith
and Mr. Martin.
Mr. Abraham Van Midleswart, Mr. Robert Martin, Mr.
John Weitzel, and Mr. John Jacobs, appeared in the House
for the first time, took the oath or affirmation, and made and
signed the profession of faith required.
Adjourned to four o'clock, P. M.
Thursday, July 18, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment, when a
Letter to this House from the honourable the President of
the Congress was read, desiring them to recommend Field-
Officers for a Battalion to be raised in the Counties of Bed-
ford and Westmoreland, in this State, for the defence of its
western frontier.
After some deliberation thereon, the further consideration
thereof was postponed till to-morrow morning.
It was proposed by the President that the Convention
should now proceed to the choice of Delegates to serve in
the Continental Congress ; whereupon, a debate arising, it
was previously moved, and
Resolved, unanimously, That the said Delegates, to serve
this State in Congress, shall be chosen by ballot.
Also, Resolved, That the number of the said Delegates
be nine.
It was then considered, whether this House will proceed
to the election of the said Delegates, or postpone it till to-
morrow afternoon ?
And it was thereupon agreed to postpone the same till
to-morrow afternoon.
It was moved and Resolved, That a majority of the Dele-
gates for this State, who are at any time present in Congress
at the determination of any question, shall be a quorum to
give the vote of this State.
Moved and Resolved, That the Council of Safety for this
State shall consist of fifteen members, residing in or near the
City of Philadelphia, and of one for each of the Counties ;
and that seven be a quorum for the transaction of business.
Moved and Resolved, That the whole Council of Safety
be voted for together by one general ballot.
Adjourned to to-morrow morning, ten o'clock.
Friday, July 19, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met according to adjournment.
Colonel James Potter, one of the Members for Nor-
thumberland, appeared in the House for the first time, took
the oaths, and made and subscribed the profession of faith
required.
The Ordinance brought in yesterday respecting the Arms
of Non-Associators, was read a second time, and then read
by paragraphs. During the debates on which, a letter was
handed to the President from the honourable the President
of the Congress, informing that a false report had been
spread through the country, which, it was apprehended, had
retarded the march of the Pennsylvania Associators, and
that therefore it had been resolved by the Congress, that it
should be recommended to this Convention to hasten their
march with all expedition.
Whereupon, it was moved and unanimously Resolved,
That Circular Letters be written to the several Committees
of Inspection and Observation of this State, to send orders
immediately to the several Colonels or Commanding Officers
to march their Troops with the utmost expedition to New-
Jersey, agreeable to a former request of Congress.
Also, moved and unanimously Resolved, That Letters be
forthwith written to the several Colonels and Commanding
Officers in the several Counties, and printed copies thereof
also sent to the several Committees, to be by them forwarded
to the Officers:
And that the Resolve of Congress of this day and the
Letter of the honourable President to this Convention, be also
printed, and the copies thereof sent with the other Letters.
And also, that Colonel Mallack, Colonel Hill, and Mr.
Cannon be a Committee to write the said Letters, and to print
and forward them.
Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.
Friday, July 19, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee appointed to write the Letters to the
Committees of Inspection and Commanding Officers, reported
drafts of them, which being read, and some small amendments
made at the table, were approved of, and ordered to be
printed and expedited as quickly as possible.
Mr. William Rankin, one of the Members for York County,
appeared in the House for the first time, took the oaths, and
made and subscribed the profession of faith.
The House resumed the consideration of the Ordinance
respecting the Arms of Non-Associators ; and after a consider-
able time employed in debating thereon and amending the
same, it was ordained in the following words, viz :
Whereas the Non-Associators in this State have either
refused or neglected to deliver up their Arms according to
the Resolves of the honourable Continental Congress and
the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and effectual measures have
not been taken to carry the said Resolves into execution :
Be it therefore Ordained, by the authority of this Con-
vention, That the Colonel or next officer in command of
every Battalion of Militia in this State, is hereby authorized,
empowered and required to collect, receive, and take all the
Arms in his district or township nearest to such officer,
which are in the hands of Non-Associators, in the most expe-
ditious and effectual manner in his power, and shall give to
the owners receipts for such Arms, specifying the amount of
the appraisement; and such as can be repaired shall with
all possible despatch be rendered fit for service, and the value
according to the appraisement of all such Arms, together
with the repairs and transportation, shall be paid to the
officers by the Treasurer, on the order of the Council of
Safety, for the use of the owners, and defraying the charges.
And be it further Ordained, That the same Arms shall
be appraised by any three reputable freeholders appointed
by the Commanding Officer. But if the owner of any
Arms shall neglect or refuse to apply for such money within
six months, the same shall be applied towards the repairs of
the Arms : and the Colonels are hereby authorized to draw
for the necessary sums of money, for the purposes aforesaid,
on the Council of Safety.
And it is further Ordained, That the Colonels aforesaid
shall arm the Associators with the said Arms, and keep an
account to whom they are delivered, and return the same to
the Council of Safety ; and every Associator shall be an-
swerable for such Arms or the value, unless lost or destroyed
by some unavoidable accident, or in actual service.
And be it further Ordained, That in case any Arms so
collected shall not be worth repairing, the same shall be laid
by until such time as may be thought proper by the Com-
mittee of the County to return them to the owners.
Moved and Resolved, That the salary of each of the
Delegates to be chosen to serve this State in Congress shall
be twenty shillings per diem.
The election of Delegates is adjourned to eight o'clock
to-morrow morning.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o'clock.
Saturday, July 20, 1776.
The House met according to adjournment.
When, according to the Order of the Day, they immedi-
ately proceeded, by ballot, to the election of Delegates to
serve in the Continental Congress, and chose for that service
Doctor Benjamin Franklin, Colonel George Ross, George
Clymer, Esquire, Robert Morris, Esquire, Colonel James
Wilson, John Morton, Esquire, Doctor Benjamin Rush,
Colonel James Smith, and George Taylor, Esquire.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, JULY, 1776.
8
Moved and Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to
draw up Instructions for the Delegates in Congress ; and
that Colonel Matlack, Colonel Thomas Smith, Mr. Cannon,
Mr. Rittenhouse, and Colonel Bull, be that Committee.
Moved and Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Colonel
Thomas Smith, Mr. Lowrey, Mr. Biddk, and Colonel
Potter, be a Committee to confer with the Virginia Dele-
gates on the subject of a temporary line between the two
States of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Colonel Ross informed the House, at the request of the
Secret Committee of Congress, that the Congress, for certain
pressing and important reasons, desired that this Convention
would direct that the common Prisoners be removed from
the new Jail to the old Jail in this City, and would give up
the said new Jail to the Congress for the use of the State
Prisoners ; for which they would willingly pay any reasonable
rent or compensation.
Whereupon it was moved, and unanimously Resolved,
That the said request of Congress be complied with, and
that the said common Prisoners be forthwith (that is, this
day) removed from the said new Jail, and that the same be
immediately delivered up to Congress for the use aforesaid:
and the Sheriff of the City and County of Philadelphia is
commanded to keep his civil Prisoners safely in the old Jail
until they may be properly discharged : and of this Resolve,
all persons whom it may concern are required to take notice,
and give prompt obedience thereto.
The House then resumed the consideration of the Field-
Officers for the Battalion intended for the defence of the
western frontier, and agreed to recommend jfineas M'Coy,
Esquire, as Colonel, George Wilson, Esquire, as Lieutenant-
Colonel, and Richard Butler. Esquire, as Major.
Adjourned to Monday morning, eight o'clock.
Monday, July 22, 1776, A. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The following Members for Westmoreland, viz : James
Barr, Edward Cook, John Moor, John Carmichael, John
M' Clellan, Christopher Lavinger, and James Smith now
appeared in the House, took the oaths, and made and sub-
scribed the profession of faith, as did also Hugh Alexander,
of Cumberland, at the same time.
Moved and Resolved, That the Committee of Safety of
this State lay their Accounts and Proceedings before this
Convention ; and that Mr. Clymer communicate this Reso-
lution to the said Committee.
On motion, Ordered, That Mr. John Moor be added to
the Declaration of Rights Committee, and that the said
Committee have leave of absence.
A Letter from the President of the Congress, requesting
this Convention to increase the quota of this State for the
Flying-Camp with four Battalions of Militia, was presented
and read ; birt so many of the Members had gone upon the
Committee of the Declaration of Rights, that a quorum was
not then in the House. The consideration of it was there-
fore postponed to the afternoon.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Monday, July 22, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
Mr. Valentine Eckart appeared in the House for the first
time, and took the oaths, and made and subscribed the pro-
fession of faith.
A Petition from William Dewees, Esquire, as High Sheriff
of the City and County of Philadelphia, was read, praying
that before he obeyed the Resolve of this House of the 20th
instant, respecting the removal of the Prisoners from the new
to the old Jail, he and his sureties might be indemnified.
Upon consideration thereof, it was moved and Resolved,
That the said William Dewees be ordered to pay immediate
obedience to the said Resolve of the 20th instant ; and that
if he thinks necessary, he may apply to the Commanding
Officer of the City Guard for a Guard to the old Jail, till
it be put in a state of security: and the said officer is hereby
required and ordered to grant the same.
Upon motion, Ordered, That Colonel Matlack and Mr.
Clymer be a Committee to go immediately and examine the
state of the old Jail.
They went, and returning, report that they had viewed
the same, and find it sufficiently secure to receive and keep
safe the Prisoners.
The said William Dewees attending, requested as a favour
that he might be indulged till .the morning before he removed
the Prisoners. His request was granted, the evening being
too far advanced to remove them conveniently.
The House then resumed the consideration of Mr. Presi-
dent Hancock's Letter respecting the increase of the quota
for the Flying-Camp; and after some debate thereon, agreed
to refer it for further consideration till to-morrow morning.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.
Tuesday, July 23, 1776, A. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The consideration of Mr. President Hancock's Letter
was resumed ; and after some debate thereon, it was, upon
motion,
Resolved, That Mr. Cannon, Colonel Kirkoride, Major
Lollcr, Mr. Mackay, Colonel Lowrey, Colonel M'Pherson,
Mr. Harris, Mr. Ralston, and Mr. Eckart be a Committee
to fix the proportions of the City and the several Counties
of this State, towards composing the four additional Battal-
ions required by Congress for the Flying-Camp.
Whereas the Associators in this State, on the requisition
of the honourable the Continental Congress, have freely and
bravely gone into the field for the defence of the common
liberties of America, while the Non-Associators remain at
home in peace and security, without affording, by personal
service or otherwise, that just and necessary assistance they
owe to the State for their protection : Therefore,
Resolved, That this Convention will take the most
effectual measures to render the burthen and expense of the
inhabitants of this State just and equal.
Ordered, That this Resolve be published in the News-
papers of this City.
On motion, that as the safety and security of the State
should at all times call the attention of its members for its
preservation : Therefore,
Resolved, That Colonel Ross, Colonel James Smith, Mr.
Biddle, Mr. Hoge, Mr. Clymer, Mr. Rittenhouse, and Colo-
nel Thomas Smith, be a Committee to bring in an ordinance
declaring what shall be high treason and misprision of treason
against this State, and what punishment shall be inflicted
for those offences.
On motion, Resolved, That the same gentlemen men-
tioned in the preceding Resolve be a Committee to bring in
an ordinance declaring what shall be the punishment for the
counterfeiting the paper Bills of Credit issued by the hon-
ourable Continental Congress, or by the late Assembly of
Pennsylvania, or by any other of the United States of
America; and which of them, and how far, and in what
cases, they shall be a legal tender.
A Petition from Colonel James Easton, a prisoner now
confined in the Jail of Philadelphia, was read, setting forth
the very great and peculiar hardships of his case : Where-
upon it was,
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Jacobs, Colonel Mat-
lack, and Mr. Hubley, be a Committee to inquire into the
truth of the facts set forth in his Petition.
Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.
Tuesday, July 23, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
Mr. Benjamin Bartholomew and Mr. James Perry
appeared in the House for the first time, and took the oaths,
and made and subscribed the profession of faith.
On motion, Resolved, That eight shillings shall be the
salary of each Member of the Council of Safety for every
day in which he shall be engaged in the publick service.
The House then proceeded to the election, by ballot, of
the Council of Safety for this State. The following gentlemen
were chosen, viz:
David Rittenhouse, Jonathan B. Smith, Owen Biddle,
James Cannon, Timothy Matlack, Nathaniel Falconer,
Samuel Morris, junior, Samuel Hoivett, Frederick Kuhl,
Samuel Morris, senior, Thomas Wharton, junior, Henry
Keppelc, junior, Joseph Blewer, Samuel MiJ/lin, George
Gray, and John Bull, for Philadelphia County.
9
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, JULY, 1776.
10
Henry Wynkoop for Bucks County ; Benjamin Bartholo-
mew for Chester County; John Hubley for Lancaster County;
Michael Swoope for York County; William Lyon for Cum-
berland County; Daniel Hunter for Berks County; Peter
Rhoads for Northampton County; David Espey for Bedford
County; John Weitzel for Northumberland County; and
John Moor for Westmoreland County.
Who being declared elected, the House adjourned to to-
morrow morning, ten o'clock.
Wednesday, July 24, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met according to adjournment.
Colonel Henry Slagle appeared in the House for the first
time, and took the oath, and made and subscribed the pro-
fession of faith.
On motion, Resolved, That the Members of the Council
of Safety, before they enter upon the execution of their
office, shall take and subscribe the following Oath or Affirm-
ation, viz :
" I, . . . . , do declare that I do not hold myself bound
to bear allegiance to George the Third, King of Great
Britain; and that I will steadily and firmly, at all times,
promote the most effectual means, according to the best of
my skill and knowledge, to oppose the tyrannical proceed-
ings of the King and Parliament of Great Britain against
the American States; and that I will, according to the best
of my judgment, execute with fidelity the trust reposed in
me, as a member of the Council of Safety."
And that 'trie Vice President of this Convention admin-
ister the said Oath or Affirmation to such a number of the
said Council of Safety as may be sufficient to make a quo-
rum, and then that the President of the said Board, for ttye
time being, qualify the rest.
Resolved, upon motion, That it be recommended to the
Council of Safety to provide a sufficient number of Pikes for
the use of the Militia of this State.
A Letter from the Chairman of the Committee for Berks
County, was read ; and, on motion, it was
Ordered, That the same be referred to the Council of
Safety.
On motion, Resolved, That the same gentlemen who are
on the Declaration of Rights Committee, be appointed to
draw up an Essay for a frame or system of Government for
this State.
The Committee for bringing in Ordinances respecting the
counterfeiting the paper Bills of Credit, and respecting
treason and misprision of treason, reported that they had
made essays for those purposes ; which were both read and
ordered for a second reading.
On motion, Resolved, That the two Companies, of fifty
men each, now raising by the Committee of Westmoreland,
for the defence of the frontier, be considered as Militia in
actual service, from the time of their inlistment to the fifth
day of August next.
And also, that it be referred to the Council of Safety to
consider whether they will keep the same in pay till the
15th day of September next, provided the officers, or any
of them, should not be sooner appointed in, or any of the
men before that time enter into the Continental Battalion
now to be raised in Bedford and Westmoreland Counties. •
The Committee for Instructions to the Delegates in Con-
gress, reported a draft for that purpose, which was left on
the table for consideration.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, July 24, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. John Lesher be one of
the Committee for essaying a frame of Government, in the
room of Mr. Jacob Morgan, who is absent with leave.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Cannon, Mr. Benjamin
Bartholomew, and Mr. Hubley, be a Committee to prepare
and bring in an Ordinance for delivering from imprisonment
all persons confined in the several Jails in this State, except
those who are imprisoned for practices against the State, or
for capital offences.
The House took into consideration Colonel Easton's
Petition, and the report of the Committee thereupon, which
Report is as follows, viz:
That your Committee have heard Colonel Easton and his
evidences, after notice being sent to the attorneys for the
plaintiffs to attend, if they should think proper: it appears
that Colonel Easton had given to his principal creditors
such security for their debts as at the time was satisfactory
to thorn ; that he has since offered to surrender into the
hands of his creditors all his effects, upon condition that the
same should be sold to the best advantage, and the surplus-
age, after the payment of his just debts, should be returned
to him; and that his creditors have not paid that attention
to so reasonable an offer that was justly due to it. It there-
fore appears to your Committee that there is no equitable
cause for continuing the said Colonel Easton in confine-
ment> * TIMOTHY MATLACK,
JOHN JACOBS,
Philadelphia, July 24, 1776. J°HN HuBLEY.
Whereupon, on motion, it was Resolved, That this House ,
will gi ve relief to Colonel Easton, and that Colonel Matlack,
Mr. Jacobs, and Mr. Hubley, be a Committee to bring in an
Ordinance for his release from the Jail of Philadelphia, upon
the particular circumstances of his case.
Adjourned to to-morrow morning, ten o'clock.
Thursday, July 25, 1776.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
Mr. Thomas Porter appeared in the House for the first
time, and took the oath, and made and subscribed the pro-
fession of faith.
It was moved and Resolved, That this Convention do
agree to the following Resolution and Declaration, viz :
We, the Representatives of the freemen of the State of
Pennsylania, in General Convention assembled, taking into
our most serious consideration the clear, strong, and cogent
reasons given by the .honourable Continental Congress for
the declaring this, as well as the other United States of
America, free and independent, do thereupon resolve, and
be it hereby resolved and declared, that we, in behalf of
ourselves and our constituents, do unanimously approve of
the said Resolution and Declaration of Congress of the 4th
instant ; and we do declare before God and the world, that
we will support and maintain the freedom and independence
of this and the other United States of America at the utmost
risk of our lives and fortunes.
The Committee for essaying a Declaration of Rights,
reported a draft for that purpose ; which, being read, was
ordered to li? on the.table for furthe,r consideration.
A Letter was read from Captain Falconer, one of the
new elected Council of Safety, informing the House that he
cannot, consistent with his other publick engagements, pos-
sibly serve in that station, and praying that another member
might be elected in his room.
On motion, Ordered, That the Ordinance reported yes-
terday by the Committee for declaring what is Treason, &c.,
be recommitted to the same gentlemen for amendment.
The Committee appointed to fix quotas for the four ad-
ditional Battalions, made a Report; which was read, and
ordered to lie on the table for further consideration.
The Report of the Committee for Instructions to the Dele-
gates in Congress, was read the first time, and ordered to
lie on the table for further consideration.
The Committee appointed to draw an Ordinance respect-
ing the release of Colonel Easton, reported a draft for that
purpose; which was read the first time, and ordered for a
second reading to-morrow.
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Matlack, Mr. Can-
non, Colonel Potter, Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. WhitMll, and
Colonel Galltreath, be added to the Committee for bringing
irr an essay for a frame of Government.
Adjourned to to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.
Friday, July 26, 1776, A. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A Letter was read from General Roberdeau, dated July
24, 1776, at Amboy, complaining of the slowness with
which the Militia of this State come in ; and desiring that
11
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, JULY, 1776.
12
some gun-screws be sent for the use of the troops. The
Convention apprehends that they have done everything at
present in their power to expedite the inarch of the forces
of this State. With respect to the gun-screws, that matter
is referred to the Council of Safety.
Upon motion, Ordered, That Colonel Hill, Colonel
Lowrey, and Mr. John Hart, be a Committee to examine
the situation of the funds of this State, and make report
of what sums are in the hands of the Treasurer and late
Committee of Safety, and also what debts are yet due and
unpaid by the State.
The Report of the Committee for the Declaration of
Rights, was again read, and a motion was made and
seconded, that the same be recommitted ; but the previous
question being called for, it was thereupon
Resolved, That the question be not now put on the said
motion.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Friday, July 26, 1776, P.M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The Ordinance for the release of Colonel James Eastern
was read, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
Upon motion, Resolved, That the Minutes of this Conven-
tion be published weekly in English and German, and that
this House will appoint a Committee to superintend the
publication.
The House resumed the consideration of the Report of
the Declaration of Rights ; and after some considerable time
spent therein, it was,
Upon motion, Resolved, That the said Report be recom-
mitted to the same Committee who were originally ap-
pointed thereon.
The Committee appointed to bring in an Ordinance for
delivering the Jails of this State, now presented an essay for
that purpose ; which, being read, was ordered to lie on the
table for a second reading.
The draft of Instructions for the Delegates in Congress
was read, and unanimously approved, and is as follows, viz :
" In Convention, Philadelphia, July , 1776.
" GENTLEMEN : This Convention, confiding in your wisdom
and virtue, has, by the authority of the people, chosen and
appointed you to represent the free State of Pennsylvania
in the Congress of the United States of America, and autho-
rized you, or a majority of such of you as shall at any time
be present, to vote for and in the name of this State, in all
and every question there to be decided ; and this Conven-
tion apprehend it to be a duty which ^hey owe the publick
to give you the following general directions for your con-
duct, confident that you will at all times pay the utmost
attention to the instructions of your constituents.
" The immense and irreparable injury which a free country
may sustain by, and the very great inconveniences which
always arise from a delay of its councils, induce us, in the
first place, strictly to enjoin and require you to give not only
a constant, but a punctual attendance in Congress.
" The present necessity of a vigorous exertion of the united
force of the free States of America,' against our British
enemies, is the most important object of your immediate
regard, and points out the necessity of cultivating and
strengthening, by every means in your power, the present
happy union of these States, until such a just, equal and
perpetual Confederation can be agreed upon and finally
effected as will be the most likely to secure to each other
the perfect direction of its own internal police. In the
forming of which Confederation, you are to give your utmost
assistance. •
" We recommend to you to use your utmost power and
influence in Congress, to have a due attention paid to the
establishing and maintaining a respectable naval force; as
such a force is absolutely necessary to every trading nation,
and is the least expensive or dangerous to the liberties of
mankind.
"With respect to the forming of treaties with foreign
Powers, it is necessary only to say, that we strictly charge
and enjoin you, not to agree to, or enter into any treaty of
commerce or alliance with Great Britain, or any other for-
eign Power, but (on the part of America') as free and inde-
pendent States.
" And that whenever Great Britain shall acknowledge
these States free and independent, you are hereby autho-
rized, in conjunction with the Delegates of the other United
States, to treat with her concerning peace, amity, and com-
merce, on just and equal terms."
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, July 27, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, Ordered, That Mr. Edward Cook be added
to the Committee appointed to confer with the Virginia
Delegates.
Two several Petitions, the one from John Williams, the
other from James Forbes and William Patton, prisoners in
the Jail of Lancaster County, praying relief, were read; and
the Convention, being of opinion that their cases will be pro-
vided for in the ordinance brought in for the relief of Prison-
ers in general, they were
Ordered to lie on the table.
A Letter from the Committee of Lancaster County being
read, was ordered to be referred to the Council of Safety.
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Hill and Mr. Hublcy
be a Committee to revise the Minutes of this House, and
superintend the printing them in English and German.
The House resumed the consideration of the Report of
the Committee for the quotas for the additional Battalions;
and, after some debate thereon, agreed to postpone the same
till another day.
The Ordinance for the release of Colonel James Easton
being engrossed, was read a third time, and ordained in the
following words, viz :
"An Ordinance for the release of Colonel JAMES EASTON.
" Whereas it appears to the Convention, upon the report
of their Committee upon the case of Colonel James Easton,
a prisoner confined in the Jail of the City and County of
Philadelphia, on actions for debt, that there is no equitable
cause for continuing the said Colonel Easton in confinement :
Therefore,
" Be it ordained, and it is hereby ordained by the Conven-
tion of the State of PENNSYLVANIA, That William Dewees,
heretofore appointed High Sheriff of the said City and
County of Philadelphia, (under the late Constitution of
Pennsylvania,) do forthwith discharge the said Colonel
James Easton out of custody."
The Committee appointed to bring in an essay of the
Declaration of Rights, and to whom the same was recom-
mitted, reported a new draft thereof, which, being in part
read by paragraphs, and debated upon for some time, was
postponed for further consideration.
Adjourned to nine o'clock Monday morning.
Monday, July 29, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the draft of
the Declaration of Rights, and went through the same by
paragraphs: Whereupon it was
Ordered, That Colonel Hi/Zand Mr. Hubley procure to
be printed ninety-six copies of the said draft, for the further
consideration of the Members of this House.
Adjourned to three o'clock to-morrow afternoon.
Tuesday, July 30, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Application being made to this House, by the Council oi
Safety, that this Convention would determine the matter
respecting the command of the Fleet of this State : It was,
after debate,
Ordered, That the consideration of the said application
be postponed.
On motion, Resolved, That on Saturday next the Mem-
bers of this Convention will visit the Fortifications, the Ships,
Floating Battery, Galleys, &c., at Fort-Island.
A Memorial from the Committee of Inspection, and a
Petition from many of the inhabitants of the County of
Northumberland, were read, praying the assistance of this
13
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, JULY, 1776.
14
Convention to provide against the expected hostilities of the
Indians.
Ordered to lie on the table.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Wednesday, July 31, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The consideration of the draft of an Ordinance brought
in for relief of the Prisoners confined in the several Jails of
this State was resumed ; and the same being read by para-
graphs, debated upon, and amended, was ordered to be
transcribed for a third reading.
On motion, Resolved, That the Council of Safety be
empowered and directed to transact the business specially
referred to the Committee of this House, appointed on the
18th day of July instant, to confer with a Committee of the
honourable Congress.
The consideration of the draft of an Ordinance brought
in for punishing the Counterfeiting the Paper Currency of
America was resumed ; and the same being read by para-
graphs, debated upon, and amended, was ordered to be
transcribed for a third reading.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, July 31, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Petition of William Nichols was read, and ordered
to be referred to the Overseers of the Poor, to take care of
the Petitioner.
The Petitions of Matthew Knox and William Caldwell
were read ; and the House apprehending that the cases of
the petitioners will be provided for in the General Ordinance
for the relief of Prisoners, they were
Ordered to lie on the table.
The House resumed the consideration of the Petition and
Memorial from Northumberland, and it was
Moved and Ordered, That Colonel Kirlcbride, Colonel
Lowrey, Mr. Arndt, Colonel Potter, and Major James
Smith, of Westmoreland, be a Committee to inquire into the
facts set forth in the Memorial and Petition from Northum-
berland, and report thereon to this House.
The Ordinance respecting Treason was read by para-
graphs, and after some time spent thereon, the further con-
sideration of it was postponed.
Adjourned to to-morrow morning nine o'clock.
Thursday, August 1, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The engrossed copies of the drafts of the two proposed
Ordinances, the one intituled "An Ordinance for the relief
of the Prisoners in the several Jails in the State of Pennsyl-
vania ;" the other intituled " An Ordinance to prevent the
Counterfeiting the Paper Money issued by the honourable
the Continental Congress, or by this or any other of the
United American States;" were read and compared at the
table, and passed into Ordinances, and ordered to be signed
by the Vice President.
These Ordinances are in the following words, viz:
"An Ordinance for the relief of the Prisoners in the several
Jails in the Stale of PENNSYLVANIA.
" Whereas at this time the Courts of Justice within this
State are surceased, and all process and proceedings, by
which suits can be legally commenced, proceeded in, or
determined, are by the authority of the people justly and
totally suppressed : And whereas the detaining in custody
debtors under execution, who are willing to deliver up their
estates for the use of their creditors, or debtors confined
under mesne process, who have no legal mode of entering
bail in order to free their persons from imprisonment, is not
only oppressive, but can be of no real benefit or advantage
to the creditors : And whereas a total change of government
by the assistance of Divine Providence has been effected
within the United States, and acts of grace to criminals
sometimes are granted on events of such importance:
"Be it ordained and declared by the Representatives
of the Freemen of the State of Pennsylvania, in General
Convention met, That all and every person and persons
imprisoned or detained in any Jail within this State by
reason of any process, writ, or commitment for debt, or any
criminal offence whatsoever, (except for capital offences,
or practices against the present virtuous measures of the
American States, or prisoners of war,) be forthwith released
and discharged.
" Provided always, That all and every person and persons
who shall take or claim the benefit of this ordinance shall,
before his, her, or their discharge, exhibit a petition in the
respective Counties where such person or persons are con-
fined, to the persons hereinafter named, setting forth the
reasons of such their imprisonment; and if he, she, or they
so petitioning shall be charged in execution, such prisoner
or prisoners shall, with his, her, or their petition, annex the
name of his, her, or their creditors, and the debts due, as
near as can be, and certify an account of his, her, or their
whole real and personal estate, with the securities wherein
any part of it consists, and the deeds, books of accounts,
notes or bonds relating thereunto ; and upon such petitions
and certificates delivered, the persons hereinafter named in
the respective Counties, or any two of them, may, and they
are hereby required to order such prisoners to be brought
before them, and administer or tender to such prisoners the
path or affirmation heretofore required and taken in cases of
insolvent debtors, by act of Assembly of Pennsylvania
made in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and twenty-nine; and upon having taken such oath or
affirmation, such prisoner or prisoners shall make an assi^n-
ment of such his, her, or their estate, in the same manner°as
required by the said act of Assembly, and to and for the
purposes therein mentioned, and subject to the pains and
penalties declared in the said act; and thereupon he, she, or
they shall be discharged out from custody : From and after
which discharge he, she, or they shall not at any time here-
after be imprisoned for the same debt or debts for which he,
she, or they have made such assignment. And in case it
shall appear that the person or persons confined, is or are in
custody upon mesne process only, the persons hereinafter
named, or any two of them, in the respective Counties, shall
and are hereby required, by order in writing under their
hands, to discharge such prisoner or prisoners from his, her,
or their confinement: Provided nevertheless, That such suit
or action shall not cease until finally determined by due
course of law.
"And be it further ordained, That George Bryan, James
Young, Jacob Schryner, John Bull, Henry Hill, and Peter
Knight, of the City and County of Philadelphia, or any
two of them, be, and are hereby nominated, empowered, and
required to hear and discharge the prisoners in the Jail of
the City and County of Philadelphia ; and John Wilkin-
son, Henry Wynkoop, and James Wallace, of the County of
Bucks, or any two of them, be, and are hereby nominated,
empowered, and required to hear and discharge the prisoners
in the Jail of the County of Bucks ; and David Cowpland,
John Crosby, and John Sellers, of the County of Chester, or
any two of them, be, and are hereby nominated, empowered,
and required to hear and discharge the prisoners in the Jail of
the County of Chester ; and William Henry, William Bows-
man, and John Hopson, of the County of Lancaster, or any
two of them, be, and are hereby nominated, empowered, and
required to hear and discharge the prisoners in the Jail of
the County of Lancaster ; and Samuel Johnston, Martin
Eychelberger, and William Leas, of the County of York, or
any two of them, be, and are hereby nominated, empowered,
and required to hear and discharge the prisoners in the Jail
of the County of York; and Robert Miller, John Homes,
and Stephen Duncan, or any two of them, be, and are hereby
nominated, empowered, and required to hear and discharge
the prisoners in the Jail of the County of Cumberland;
and James Read, William Raser, and Daniel Hiester, of
the County of Berks, or any two of them, be, and are hereby
nominated, empowered, and required to hear and discharge
the prisoners in the Jail of the County of Berks; and
Robert Trail, Abraham Birlain, and Henry Barnet, of the
County of Northampton, or any two of them, be, and are
hereby nominated, empowered, and required to hear and dis-
charge the prisoners in the Jail of the County of North-
ampton; and William Todd, Charles Cissna, and Robert
Elliot, of the County of Bedford, or any two of them, be,
and are hereby nominated, empowered, and required to hear
and discharge the prisoners in the Jail of the County of
15
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776.
16
Bedford- and Samuel Hunter, Lmi'Mln M' Cartncy, and
John Boyd, of the County of Northumberland, or any two
of them, be, and are hereby nominated, empowered, and
required to hear and discharge the prisoners in the Jail ol
the County of Northumberland ; and Edward Cook, Rob-
ert Hanna, and David .SV/«/</<-, of the County of Westmore-
land or any two of them, be, and are hereby nominated,
empowered, and required to hear and discharge the prisoners
in the Jail of the County of Westmoreland: And that al
Sheriffs and Jailers heretofore elected and appointed, and
all other persons within this State, give due obedience to
the said persons, or any two of them, within their sevrra
Counties, who have been hereby authorized and appointed
to hear and discharge the prisoners aforesaid.
"And be it fiaiher ordained, That the several Sheriffs
and Jailers, of the several and respective Counties, hereto-
fore'elected and appointed, shall, and they are hereby au-
thorized, directed, and commanded, to keep in safe custody
all such persons that now are, or shall hereafter be, commit-
ted to them for capital offences, practices against the present
virtuous measures of the American States, and prisoners of
war, until they shall be discharged by due course of law,
or by the authority of the honourable the Congress of the
United States.
" By order of the.Convention :
"GEORGE Ross, Vice President.
" Passed 1st day of August, 1776.
" Attest: JOHN MORRIS, Jun., Secretary."
"An Ordinance to prevent the Counterfeiting the Paper
Money issued by the Honourable the Continental Con-
gress, or by any other of the UNITED AMERICAN STATES.
" Whereas great mischiefs may arise to the United Slates
of America, and the property of the good people, inhabitants
thereof, rendered precarious and insecure, by wicked and
designing persons counterfeiting the paper Bills of Credit,
issued by the honourable the Continental Congress, or by any
of the United States of America : For remedy whereof,
" Be it ordained and declared, and it is hereby ordained
and declared by the Representatives of the Freemen of the
State of PENNSYLVANIA, in General Convention met, That if
any person or persons shall presume to counterfeit any of the
Bills of Credit issued, or hereafter to be issued by the honour-
able the Continental Congress, or by and under any laws or
resolves of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, or by the Legis-
latures, or Assemblies, or Conventions, of this or any other
of the United States, by printing or procuring the same to
be printed, in the likeness of the said genuine Bills of Credit;
and also, if any person or persons shall forge the name or
names of the signers of the true Bills of Credit to such coun-
terfeit bills, whether the counterfeiting of the bills or names
be done within this State or elsewhere, or shall utter such
bills knowing them to be so counterfeited as aforesaid, and
being thereof legally convicted by confession, standing mute,
or by verdict of twelve men in any Court of Oyer and Ter-
miner hereafter to be erected within this State, he, she, or
they shall suffer death, and the discoverer or informer shall
have, as an encouragement for his or her discovery, the sum
of £50, to be levied out of the goods and chattels, lands
and tenements of the person convicted ; and if no such goods
or chattels, lands or tenements can be found, a reward of
£20 shall be paid out of the puhlick Treasury : And if any
person or persons shall counterfeit any of the said Bills of
Credit, by altering the denomination of the said Bills, with
design to increase the value of such Bills, or shall utter such
Bills knowing them to be so counterfeited or altered as afore-
said, and shall be thereof legally convicted in any court of
record hereafter to be established in this State, such person
or persons shall be sentenced to the pillory, and have both
his or her ears cut oft' and nailed to the pillory, and be pub-
lickly whipped on his or her bare back with thirty-one lashes
well laid on.
" And moreover, every such offender shall forfeit the sum
of £100, to be levied on his lands and tenements, goods
and chattels, the one-half to the use of the State and the
other half to the discoverer; and the offender shall pay the
party double the value of the damages thereby sustained,
together with the costs and charges of the prosecution ; and
in case the offender hath not sufficient to satisfy the dis-
coverer for his or her damages and charges, and pay the
forfeiture aforesaid, in such case the offender shall, by order
of the Court where he or she shall be convicted, be sold, for
any term not exceeding seven years, for satisfaction ; and
in such case, the Treasurer of this State shall reward the
discoverer of such insolvent offender to the value of £5, out
of the publick moneys in his hands; and every such coun-
terfeit bill shall be delivered to the said Treasurer, to be
burnt and destroyed.
" And be it further ordained and declared, 1 hat the
paper Bills of Credit issued by the honourable the Conti-
nental Congress, or under the late laws, or by the resolves
of the late Assembly of Pennsylvania, shall be legal tender
in all cases whatsoever within this State.
" By order of Convention.
"GEORGE Ross, Vice President.
"Passed the 1st day of -August, 1776.
" Attest: JOHN MORRIS, Jun., SccrcJary.
On motion, Resolved, That this Convention will, to-mor-
row morning, resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole
House in o'rder to take into consideration some important
matters relative to the proposed new frame of Government.
Also, Ordered, That every Member of this Convention be
punctual in his attendance at the House to-morrow morning.
The Committee appointed to consider the Petition and
Memorial from Northumberland County, reported that the
facts therein set forth are well supported by evidence, and
therefore recommend the immediate consideration thereof
to this Convention.
And the House having deliberated thereon, it was
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that
the inhabitants of the said County, and County of North-
ampton, are greatly exposed to Indian incursions, without
being able to make a proper defence, on account of the
scattered situation of the inhabitants, they being settled in
such manner as to be unable to afford each other necessary
assistance.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention that
it will be proper to raise and keep up a body of Troops for
the defence of the frontiers, not only of the County of North-
umberland, but also of the County of Northampton, the latter
County being equally exposed to Indian incursions.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that
the defenceless situation of those parts of our frontiers be
made known to the Congress, by the Delegates of this State,
and that they further inform them that the Battalion ordered
to be raised for the defence of the western frontiers, can
afford no assistance to those two Counties, and that the
quota of the Militia of Northampton, first required for the
Flying-Camp, is already inarched, and the residue of the
Militia is about to march, agreeable to the late request of
Congress, by which means they will be without the least
defence, and request Congress to take these matters into
their consideration.
The draft of an Ordinance for punishing High Treason
was read a second time by paragraphs.
Ordered to be transcribed for a third reading.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Thursday, August 1, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, August 2, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Memorial from the inhabitants of Turkey Foot Town-
ship, in Bedford County, setting forth their opinion respecting
the intended new frame of Government, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
The Order of the Day was then read ; and the Conven-
tion, in consequence thereof, resolved itself into a Committee
of the Whole House.
Colonel Joseph Kirlcbride was called to and assumed the
Chair.
After a very considerable time spent in deliberation, the
President resumed the chair, and then Colonel Kirkbride,
the Chairman of the Committee, reported that it was the
opinion of the said Committee that the future Legislature of
this State shall consist of one. branch only, under proper
restrictions.
Whereupon, it was moved and Resolved, That the future
17
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776.
18
Legislature of this State shall consist of one branch only,
under proper restrictions.
Adjourned to Monday morning, nine o'clock.
Monday, August 5, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, Resolved, That when any Member shall be
absent above half an hour after the time of adjournment, or
shall leave the House without permission first obtained, he
shall be fined seven shillings and six pence, if there shall
be a quorum then met; and if there shall not, within another
half hour, appear a quorum, then each absent Member shall
be fined ten shillings, as soon as a quorum appears. The
said fines to be given to the Hospital.
And also, that Mr. James M' Clain collect the said fines.
The Report of the Committee for inquiring into the state
of the publick funds, was read.
Ordered to lie on the table for the consideration of the
Members.
The House resumed the consideration of the application
made to this Convention by the Council of Safety, to deter-
mine the matter respecting the command of the Fleet of this
State :
Whereupon, it was moved and seconded, that the said
determination be referred wholly to the said Council of
Safety ; and that the officers and others in the naval and
land service of this State, ought not, in all cases, to rise in
command according to seniority, although proper regard
should be had to that circumstance in promotions where
there are equal merit and equal military abilities. And that
the Council of Safety of this State shall have full authority
to use their best discretion so as most effectually to promote
the service. And all officers and others are hereby required
and strictly enjoined to give and pay full and implicit obe-
dience to their regulations and orders.
But the previous question being called for and seconded,
it was thereupon
Resolved, That the question be not now put on the said
motion.
Jacob Garrigues, the Assistant Clerk, now appearing,
took the affirmation required by a former Minute.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Colonel
Antis, Mr. Samuel Smith, Mr. John Hart, Major Marsteller,
Mr. Edgan, Mr. Duffield, Mr. Shoemaker, Mr. Gray, Mr.
Wilkins, Mr. Kelley, and Major James Smith, be a Com-
mittee to bring in an Ordinance for regulating the Militia of
this State, so as to render the burthens and expenses of the
Associators and Non-Associators as nearly equal as possi-
ble.
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Jacob Morgan be
reappointed one of the Committee for bringing in an essay
for a frame of Government, in the room of Mr. Lesher, who
is absent.
Moved and Resolved, That Mr. Biddle, Colonel Hill,
and Mr. Hubley be a Committee to bring in an Ordinance
to regulate the sale of Tea and Salt in this State.
Moved and Resolved, That Mr. Biddle, Colonel Hill,
and Mr. Hubley, be a Committee to bring in an Ordinance
respecting the Salt imported by Joshua Fisher and Sons.
Adjourned to three o'clock to-morrow afternoon.
Tuesday, August 6, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met according to adjournment.
On motion, Resolved, That Colonel Potter, Colonel Gal-
breath and Mr. Hubley be a Committee to considerthe grant-
ing of Commissions for the Officers of the Flying-Camp.
A Petition from Thomas Wigton, now a prisoner in the
Jail of Northampton County, was read, complaining of his
arbitrary imprisonment by Mr. Gordon and Mr. Berlin;
and thereupon it was
Resolved, That Colonel Loivrcy, Mr. Arndt, and Mr.
Rabson be a Committee to inquire into the truths of the
facts therein set forth.
Moved, That a Committee be appointed to bring in an
Ordinance for regulating the Militia of this State; but the
previous question being called for, it was thereupon
Resolved, That the question on that motion be not now
put.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 2
Application being made to this House by the Deputy
Quartermaster General in this City, for directions with re-
spect to quartering the Troops marching through the same,
the consideration thereof is referred to the Council of Safety.
On motion, Ordered, That Mr. Schlosser be added to
the Committee appointed for regulating the Militia, &tc.
Adjourned to three o'clock to-morrow afternoon.
Wednesday, August 7, 177G, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Mr. William Cook appearing in the House for the first
time, took the oath, and made and subscribed the profession
of faith.
Leave of absence for three days (on special occasions)
was given to Major Marsteller.
A Letter from Colonel Bird, of the Berks County Militia,
respecting a dispute between him and some of the other
officers of that County, was read ; and thereupon it was
Resolved, That the Colonels Bird and Old be ordered
to march with the Companies under their respective com-
mand to New Jersey, and continue to command them until
the retufn of the Militia, subject to such regulations as this
Convention or the Council of Safety may hereafter establish
in that particular affair, on hearing the parties.
A Letter from the Field-Officers of the Third Battalion
of Northampton County, respecting the want of Arms and
Ammunition for that corps, and the danger of Indian incur-
sions on that frontier County, was read, and ordered that
the same be referred to the Council of Safety.
The Committee appointed to examine the facts set forth
in the Petition of Thomas Wigton, report, that the said
Wigton was released before the appointment of the Com-
mittee, and that nothing further is necessary to be done
thereon.
On motion, Resolved, That Colonel Hill, Mr. WhitehiU,
Mr. Gray, Colonel Thomas Smith, and Colonel Potter, be
a Committee to consider of the most effectual and expedi-
tious measures for raising the quota of this State for the _
Flying-Camp ; and that it be an instruction to the said Com- '
mittee to inquire of the Delegates to Congress from Mary-
land and the Delaware Counties, what measures have been
taken by those States for the raising their proportions.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Thursday, August 8, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Member observing that this was a day appropriated by
a very respectable religious society for Humiliation and
Prayer: It was thereupon
Resolved, That this Convention do adjourn to nine
o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, August 9, 1776, A. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee appointed to consider of the most effectual
means to raise the quota for the Flying-Camp, &ic., reported
a draft of an Ordinance for that purpose; which was read,
and ordered to lie on the table for a second reading to-mor-
row.
A Letter from Colonel John Dickinson, dated Elizabeth-
town, August 6, 1776, to this Convention, relating to the
uneasiness of the First Battalion of the Pennsylvania Militia,
was read.
A Report from the Committee appointed to consider of
the granting Commissions to the Officers of the Flying-
Camp, was read, recommending that blank Commissions
should be signed by the President of this Convention and
sent to General Roberdeau. After some debating thereon,
the consideration thereof was ordered to be postponed.
A second Petition of Thomas Wigton, complaining of his
imprisonment in Easton Jail, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
On motion, Ordered, That two thousand copies of the
particulars of the Rations allowed for the Flying-Camp, be
printed and dispersed among the men.
Upon a motion to resume the consideration of the draft
19
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776.
20
of the Declaration of Rights, it was agreed that the same
be postponed to Tuesday next.
On motion, Resolval, That Colonel Hill, Colonel Kirk-
liriilc. Mr. Cunningham, Colonel James Smith, Mr. Hoge,
and Colonel Potter, be a Committee to bring in a draft
of an Ordinance, appointing certain persons therein to b
named, in the City and several Counties of this State, to
preserve the publick peace, under the name of Conservators
of the Peace; and that it bean instruction to the said Com-
mittee to insert therein the names of the Council of Safety
as conservators of the peace throughout the whole State ;
and also the names of such persons for the City and the several
Counties respectively, as shall be respectively nominated by
the Members of this House, for the City and several Counties;
and that the said Committee shall frame a test to be taken by
each of the said conservators, before he acts in the said office.
The Petition of David Gready was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
Whereas the time for which the Committee of Inspection
Committee for considering of the quotas for the additional
Battalions for the Flying-Camp, in the room of Major
Loiter.
Ordered, That the Secretary transmit the Resolves to
General Roberdeau.
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday morning.
Monday, August 12, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Letter from Colonel Dickinson, informing of the de-
sertion of two soldiers of his Battalion, was read, and ordered
to be referred to the Council of Safety.
Letters from General Mercer and Colonel Dickinson,
relative to the desertions of the Militia, were, by order of
Congress, laid before this House.
Mr. Vice President, Colonel Matlack, and Colonel Sla-
gle, were chosen, by ballot, Commissioners to go to Head-
Quarters in Jersey, to form the Flying-Camp.
A Petition from Major Loxley was read, praying this
- —
and Observation for the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, uouse would be pleased to appoint a Committee for him to
as well as the times for which the Committees of several of
elected into that office, are
the Counties of this State were
near expiring ; and whereas the Associators of the said City
and Counties, who compose a great majority of the elect-
ors, are, or may be at such expiration, absent in the service
of their country, and it would be highly inexpedient that
the said City or Counties should either be without such
Committees, or that they should be partially elected :
Resolved, therefore, That the present Committees of the
said City and Counties, respectively, shall continue to exe-
cute the duty of their said offices, until the Militia of such
City and Counties respectively shall return, and other Com-
mittees be regularly chosen : excepting from this resolve the
Committees of theCounties of Cumberland, Bedford, North-
umberland, and Westmoreland.
On motion, Resolved, That no Tavern-keepers or others
take out any licences from the officers of the late Govern-
ment of this State.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, August 10, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
According to the Order of the Day, the draft of the
Ordinance respecting the Flying-Camp was read by para-
graphs, and after long debates thereon, the House came to
the following Resolutions :
1st. Resolved, That the Commanding Officers of the
several Battalions in the respective Counties of this State,
immediately march into Jersey, with their whole Battalions.
2d. Resolved, That the Associators of the Counties of
Bedford, Northumberland, Northampton, and Westmore-
land, and the Guards of the City of Philadelphia, retained
by the Council of Safety, and two Companies of Colonel
Ross's Battalion, and two Companies of Colonel Slough's
Battalion, of about fifty men each, left to guard the prison-
and about sixty carpenters and workmen, retained by
consult with on the business committed to his charge : upon
consideration the same was referred to the Council of Safety.
The House resumed the consideration of the Report of
the Committee appointed to fix the quotas of the four addi-
tional Battalions for the Flying-Camp; and, upon motion,
it was
Resolved, That the House do approve of the same.
The said Report is as follows, viz:
ers
The City of Philadelphia, . .
The County of Philadelphia, .
" " Bucks, . .
" " Chester,
" " Lancaster, . ,
" " Berks, . .
« York, . '.
" " Northampton,
" " Cumberland, ,
Resolved, That
628 men.
160
100
160
323
240
515 "
278 "
580 " 2,984.
Secretary furnish the
the Committee of Lancaster, be excepted out of the fore-
going resolve.
3d. Resolved, That a Bounty of three pounds be paid to
every Associator who has entered or will enter into the ser-
vice in the Flying-Camp, to continue until the first day of
January next, if not sooner discharged, excepting such as
have already received a Bounty.
4th. Resolved, That such Battalions as have or shall fur-
nish their quotas for the Flying-Camp, and have been in
actual service six weeks, shall be permitted to return home,
if the Generals and Field-Officers shall judge it consistent
with the publick safety ; and when the whole cannot be
permitted to return, furloughs are to be granted in cases of
particular necessity.
5th. Resolved, That three Commissioners be appointed to
go to Head-Quarters in Jersey, to form the Flying-Camp.
6th. Resolved, That the Commissioners, with the Field-
Officers of the Counties respectively, shall nominate the
Officers for the Flying-Camp, where they are not already
nominated.
7th. Resolved, That Money be put into the hands of the
Commissioners for the purpose of paying the Bounty.
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Hill be one of the
Moved and Resolved, That the
Members of this House for the several Counties in this State
with copies of the Resolves of last Saturday, in order that
they may be transmitted to the several Committees, and by
them to the Commanding Officers of the several Battalions.
Adjourned to four o'clock, P. M.
Monday, August 12, 1776, P. M.
. The House met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, Resolved, That an Order be drawn on the
Council of Safety of this State, for £10,000, in favour of
the Commissioners appointed to go to Head-Quarters in
Jersey, to form the Flying-Camp; which money is to be
applied by them to that service.
On motion, Resolved, That no Associator of, or belonging
to this State, inlist any men to serve in the Flying-Camp,
for any other County or City than that to which he belongs,
until the quotas of such County or City is completed.
The Petitions of the Captains of the Galleys of this State
being read, it was thereupon
Resolved, That Mr. Schlosser, Colonel Hill, Mr. Samuel
Smith, Mr. John Mackey, Colonel Lowrey, Mr. Edgar,
Mr. M' Clain, Colonel Morgan, Colonel Stroud,Mr. Thomas
Coulter, Colonel William Cook, and Mr. Edward Cook,
be a Committee to hear the Petitioners on the subject-mat-
ter of their Petitions ; and the said Committee are desired
to take the earliest opportunity of attending to this business.
Two Ordinances respecting the sale of Salt and Tea,
were read the first time, and ordered to lie on the table for
a second reading.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Tuesday, August 13, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the Report made
by the gentlemen appointed to consider the granting of
Commissions for the Officers of the Flying-Camp ; and after
some amendments made therein at the table, it was agreed
to, in the following terms, viz:
" That Commissions for the Officers of this State for the
21
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776.
22
Flying-Camp should be granted by this Convention; and
that a number of blank Commissions, signed by the Presi-
dent of the Convention, be immediately prepared and
delivered to the Commissioners appointed to form the Fly-
ing-Camp, to be by them and the Field-Officers of the
respective Battalions, filled up and delivered to the respec-
tive Officers, having due regard to the time of the appoint-
ment of such Officers."
The Order of the Day was then read ; and, thereupon,
the draft of the Declaration of Rights being read, the House
resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole.
Colonel Kirkbride was called to, and assumed the chair.
After some considerable time spent in debating thereon,
the President resumed the chair; when Colonel KirJcbride
reported from the Committee, that they had made some
progress in the business referred to them, and desired leave
of the House to sit again.
Adjourned to four o'clock, P. M.
Tuesday, August 13, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The President presented to the Convention a Petition
from some of the inhabitants of Berks County to Congress,
praying an exemption of Weavers and Blacksmiths from
personal service, which was referred to this House by Con-
gress. The same being read, was
Ordered to lie on the table.
The Convention then resolved itself into a Committee of
the Whole House. Colonel Kirkbride was called to and
assumed the chair ; and, after some considerable time spent
in debating and considering the draft of the Declaration of
Rights, the President resumed the chair; when Colonel
Kirkbride reported from the Committee that they had made
considerable progress in the business committed to them,
and desired leave of the House to sit again on Thursday
next.
Adjourned to Thursday, the 15th instant, at nine o'clock
in the morning.
Thursday, August 15, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee appointed to bring in an Ordinance for
rendering the burthens of Associators and Non-Associators
as equal as possible, reported a draft for that purpose; which
being read the first time, was ordered to lie on the table for
a second reading.
The Committee appointed to hear the Petitions of the
Captains of the Galleys, made a report in writing; which,
being read, was
Ordered to lie on the table.
A Member presented to the House the draft of an Ordi-
nance for regulating the Militia of the frontier Counties, in
case of Indian incursions; which, being read, was
Ordered to lie on the table.
The House then, agreeable to the Order of the Day,
resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, in order to
resume the consideration of the draft of the Declaration of
Rights. Alter some time spent in considering and delibe-
rating thereon, the President resumed the chair, and Colonel
Kirkbride reported from the Committee that they had made
some further progress in the business committed to them,
but had not completed the same, and desired leave of the
House to sit again in the afternoon.
Adjourned to three o'clock P. M.
Thursday, August 15, 177G, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. '
A Petition was read from Andrew Hagenbuck and Wil-
liam Stumpff, in behalf of themselves and others, inhabitants
of the Township of Albany, in the County of Berks, praying
that the said inhabitants, being in a frontier County, and ap-
prehensive of an Indian war, may be excused from marching
into Jersey.
Ordered to lie on the table.
According to the Order of the Day, the Convention re-
solved itself into a Committee of the Whole House. Colonel
Kirkbride was called to and assumed the chair. After
some further deliberation on the Declaration of Rights, the
President resumed the chair, and Colonel Kirkbride, from
the Committee, reported that they had agreed to the Report,
which he then delivered in to the House ; and, being read,
the further consideration thereof was postponed.
A Petition from a number of the inhabitants of Chester
County, praying that Colonel Lloyd's Battalion may remain
at home, which Petition had been presented to the Council
of Safety, and is by them referred to this House, was read,
and
Ordered to lie on the table.
Upon motion, Resolved, That Colonel Potter be Vice
President pro tempore of this Convention.
Colonel Kirkbride moved that he might have leave to
join his Battalion at Amboy; and the question being put,
It was carried in the negative.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, August 16, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Colonel Kirkbride again moved for leave of absence, in
order to visit his Battalion at Amboy, till Monday, the 26th
instant ; and it was thereupon
Resolved, That he have the leave desired, but that this
House expects his attendance at the time appointed.
A Letter was read from Colonel Dickinson, at the Camp,
complaining of the desertion of some of the Associators, and
praying that this Convention would provide some remedy
in that case; whereupon, the House agreed to the following
Resolutions, viz:
Whereas this Convention hath received information that
several Associators of this State have deserted the Camp, in
the face of the enemy, and returned home before the forma-
tion of the Flying-Camp, and without the leave of their
Commanding Officers, to the great danger of the publick,
and evil example to others : It is therefore
Resolved, 1st. That all such Associators as shall join their
respective corps at the Camp from whence they came, in
eight days from this date, with such arms and accoutrements
as they may have brought away with them, shall be ex-
empted from any punishment ; and those who neglect so to
do, shall be apprehended and sent under a guard to the
Camp, there to be tried ; and in case of absconding or conceal-
ing their arms, that they be advertised in the publick news-
papers, and the reward of three pounds offered for appre-
hending every such person ; and every Associator who shall
hereafter desert his colours shall be treated as those who
have already deserted and neglect to join their respective
corps, agreeable to this resolve.
Resolved, 2d. That the Commanding Officers of the Com-
panies or Battalions of the Militia of this State, who are now
on their march to New-Jersey, do apprehend all deserters
they may meet on the road, and convey them, under a
guard, to the Camp.
Resolved, 3d. That, notwithstanding the foregoing Reso-
lutions, it is not the intention of this Convention to detain
the Militia unnecessarily from home: the Associators are
therefore assured, that as soon as the Flying-Camp is formed,
and the publick safety will admit, they shall be permitted to
return home.
On motion, the Petition from Chester County was read
again, and rejected.
The House then resumed the consideration of the. Report
of the Committee respecting the Declaration of Rights, which,
being read by paragraphs, received the final assent of this
Convention, and is as follows, viz:
A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the
State of PENNSYLVANIA.
1st. That all men are born equally free and independent,
and have certain natural, inherent, and unalienable rights,
amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and lib-
erty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting- property, and
pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
2d. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to
worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own
consciences and understanding ; and that no man ought, or
of right can. be compelled to attend any religious worship,
pr erect or support any place of worship, or maintain any
23
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776.
24
ministry, contrary to or against his own free will and con-
sent ; nor. can any man who acknowledges the being of a
God, be justly deprived or abridged of any civil right as a
citizen, on account of his religious sentiments, or peculiar
mode of religious worship; and that no authority can or
ought to be vested in, or assumed' by, any power whatever,
I hat shall in any case interfere with, or in any manner con-
trol the right of conscience, in the free exercise of religious
worship.
3d. That the people of this State have the sole, exclusive,
and inherent right of governing and regulating the internal
police of the same.
4th. That all power being originally inherent in, and
consequently derived from, the people, therefore all officers
of Government, whether legislative or executive, are their
trustees and servants, and at all times accountable to them.
5th. That Government is, or ought to be, instituted for
the common benefit, protection, and security of the people,
nation, or community, and not for the particular emolument
or advantage of any single man, family, or set of men who
are a part only of that community ; and that the community
hath an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to
reform, alter, or abolish Government in such manner as shall
be by that community judged most conducive to the publick
weal.
6th. That those who are employed in the legislative and
executive business of the State may be restrained from
oppression, the people have a right, at such periods as they
may think proper, to reduce their publick officers to a private
station, and supply the vacancies by certain and regular
elections.
7th. That all elections ought to be free; and that all free
men, having a sufficient evident common interest with, and
attachment to, the community, have a right to elect officers,
or be elected into office.
8th. That every member of society hath a right to be
protected in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property,
and therefore is bound to contribute his proportion towards
the expense of that protection, and yield his personal ser-
vice, when necessary, or an equivalent thereto ; but no part
of a man's property can be justly taken from him, or applied
to publick uses, without his own consent, or that of his legal
representatives : nor can any man who is conscientiously
scrupulous of bearing arms, be justly compelled thereto, if
he will pay such equivalent: nor are the people bound by
any laws, but such as they have in like manner assented to,
for their common good.
9th. That in all prosecutions for criminal offences, a man
hath a right to be heard by himself and his counsel, to de-
mand the cause and nature of his accusation, to be con-
fronted with the witnesses, to call for evidence in his favour,
and a speedy publick trial, by an impartial jury of the coun-
try, without the unanimous consent of which jury he cannot
be found guilty: nor can he be compelled to give evidence
against himself: nor can any man be justly deprived of lib-
erty, except by the laws of the land, or the judgment of
his peers.
10th. That the people have a right to hold themselves,
their houses, papers, and possessions, free from search or
seizure; and therefore warrants without oaths or affirma-
tions first made, affording a sufficient foundation for them,
and whereby any officer or messenger may be commanded
or required to search suspected places, or to seize any per-
son or persons, his or their property, not particularly de-
scribed, are contrary to that right, and ought not to be
granted.
llth. That in controversies respecting property, and in
suits between man and man, the parties have a right to trial
by jury, which ought to be held sacred.
12th. That the people have a right to freedom of speech,
and of writing and publishing their sentiments; therefore
the freedom of the press ought not to be restrained.
13th. That the people have a right to bear arms for the
defence of themselves and the State; and as standing armies,
in the time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, they ought
not to be kept up : and that the military should be kept
under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil
power.
14th. That a frequent recurrence to fundamental princi-
ples, and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance,
industry, and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve
the blessings of liberty, and keep a government free : The
people ought, therefore, to pay particular attention to these
points in the choice of officers and representatives, and have
a right to exact a due and constant regard to them from
their Legislatures and Magistrates in the making and exe-
cuting such laws as are necessary for the good government
of the State.
15th. That all men have a natural inherent right to emi-
grate from one State to another that will receive them, or
to form a new State in vacant countries, or in such coun-
tries as they can purchase, whenever they think that thereby
they may promote their own happiness.
16th. That the people have a right to assemble together,
to consult for their common good, to instruct their Repre-
sentatives, and to apply to the Legislature for redress of
grievances, by address, petition, or remonstrance.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, August 17, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Petition of James M'Cormoughy was read, and
referred to the Council of Safety.
On motion, Ordered. That the Petition of the inhabi-
tants of Albany Township, in the County of Berks, be
rejected.
On motion, Ordered, That all Officers of the Militia of
this State, who are Members of this Convention, and all
other Members who are now absent without leave of this
House, or whose times of leave of absence are expired, or
who have an indefinite leave of absence, do immediately,
and without delay, attend their duty in this House : And
that Colonel Butt be desired to signify this Resolution to
such of them as he shall meet with in his intended journey
to the Camp.
Ordered, on motion, That Colonel Bull have leave of
absence, in order to visit his Battalion, at Amboy, till Mon-
day, the 26th instant.
Ordered, on motion, That the attention of this House be
wholly confined for the next ensuing week, to the consi-
deration of the frame of Government, the Ordinance for
making equal the burthens of Associators and Non-Asso-
ciators, and the Ordinance for appointing Conservators of
the Peace, unless such emergency should arise as, in the
opinion of this House, should supersede these matters.
Moved and Resolved, That the Fines to be incurred by
the Members of this House for non-attendance, or absenting
from the House without leave, shall be punctually collected
by the gentlemen appointed, unless they shall give an ex-
cuse satisfactory to this House ; and that Messengers shall
be, from time to time, sent by order of this House, to compel
the attendance of such Members as shall or do absent them-
selves without leave; the expense of such Messengers to be
paid by the delinquents.
Adjourned to eight o'clock on Monday morning.
Monday, August 19, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, Ordered, That this House will, on Monday
next, the 26th instant, proceed to the election of Members
of the Council of Safety, in the room of those who have
neglected or refused to attend the Board.
A Letter from General Roberdcau, dated Amboy, August
14th and 16th, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
At the same time was read, an Address, made by the
General, to the Associators under his command, which
being highly approved of by this House, was ordered to be
printed in the English and German Newspapers of this
city.
The Committee appointed to essay a frame or plan for
the future Government of this State, brought in a draft
for that purpose, which, being read, was ordered for consi-
deration on Wednesday next, the 21st instant.
The Ordinance for making equal the burthens of Asso-
ciators and Non-Associators, being read a second time, and
about to be read and debated by paragraphs ; it was,
On motion, Resohed, That the said Ordinance be re-
25
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776.
26
committed to Mr. Cannon, Mr. Rittenhouse, and Colonel
M'Pherson.
On- motion, Ordered, That Mr. HuUey and Mr. Jacobs
be added to the Committee appointed to draw up an Ordi-
nance for creating Conservators of the Peace.
The Report of the Committee for inquiring into the Peti-
tions of the Captains of the Galleys, was read ; and there-
upon, it was
Resolved, That the said Petitions, Reports, and all things
relative thereto, be referred to the determination of the
Council of Safety; and that the most full and perfect sub-
mission be given by all concerned, to their decision.
Resolved, That the Officers in the naval and land ser-
vice of this State, ought not in all cases to rise in command
according to seniority; although a proper regard should be
had to thai, circumstance in promotions where there are
equal merit and equal military abilities, of which the Coun-
cil of Safety is to judge ; and that the said Council have
full authority to use their best discretion herein, so as most
effectually to promote the service : And all Officers and
others concerned, are hereby strictly required and enjoined
to yield and pay full and implicit obedience to all their
appointments, regulations, and orders, at their peril.
Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning.
Tuesday, August 20, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee to whom the Ordinance for making the
burthens of Associators and Non-Associators equal was
recommitted, brought in a new Ordinance for that purpose,
which being read, the Convention resolved itself into a
Committee of the Whole House, in order for the greater
freedom of debate thereon. Mr. David Rittenhouse was
called to and assumed the chair. After some considerable
time the Vice President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rit-
tenhouse reported from the Committee, that they had made
some progress in the business committed to them, and prayed
leave of the House to sit again in the afternoon :
Whereupon, it was Ordered, That the Committee have
the leave desired.
Adjourned to three o'clock, <P. M.
Tuesday, August 20, 177G, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, Resolved, That the Delegates in Congress
for this State do apply to the honourable the Continental
Congress for the loan of One Hundred Thousand Dollars,
to be put into the hands of the Council of Safety for the
use of this State.
The Convention resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole House, in order to consider further of the Ordinance
read in the morning. Mr. Rittenhouse was called to, and
assumed the chair. After a considerable time spent in de-
bate, the Vice President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rit-
tenhouse reported from the Committee, that they had made
some further progress in the business committed to them,
and desired leave of the House to sit again on some future
day; which was given accordingly.
Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning.
Wednesday, August 21, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, Resolved, That the Secretary send Messen-
gers express for Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Slaymaker, agree-
able to the Resolve of this House of the 17th instant, to
require their immediate attendance in Convention.
On motion, Resolved, That Captain Richard Peters be
directed forthwith to appoint proper Guards over the Stores
of Joseph and Stephen Sewell, under the direction of the
Committee of Inspection of the City and Liberties of
Philadelphia, to prevent the removal of the Salt stored
therein.
The Convention, according to the Order of the Day,
resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House, in
order to take into consideration the frame of Government.
Mr. Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair. After
a very considerable time employed in debating and delibera-
ting, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rillenhouse
reported from the Committee, that they had made some
progress in the business committed to them, and desired
leave of the House to sit again to-morrow morning ; which
was given accordingly.
Mr. Crazart had leave of absence to visit his sick family.
Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning.
Thursday, August 22, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Agreeable to the Order of the Day, the Convention
resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House. Mr.
Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair. After
some time spent in deliberating on the frame of Govern-
ment, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse
reported from the Committee, that they had made some
further progress in the business committed to them, but had
not completed it; he therefore desired leave of the House
to sit again in the afternoon ; which was granted.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Thursday, August 22, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee for bringing in an Ordinance for appoint-
ing Conservators of the Peace, reported a draft for that
purpose, which, being read the first time, was ordered to lie
on the table for a second reading.
Agreeable to the Order of the Day, the Convention
resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House. Mr.
Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair. After
some time spent in deliberating on the frame of Govern-
ment, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse
reported from the Committee, that they had made some
further progress in the business committed to them, but had
not completed it; he therefore desired leave of the House to
sit again to-morrow; which was granted.
Ordered, on motion, That Colonel Hill have leave of
absence to visit his Battalion in Jersey.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, August 23, 1776, A. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A Petition from John Smyth and Benjamin Lewis, two
languishing prisoners in the Jail of Philadelphia, praying
relief from their confinement, was read; and thereupon, it was
Ordered, That Mr. Cannon and Colonel William Cook
be appointed to inquire into the petitioners' case, and report
thereon to this House.
Agreeable to order, the Convention resolved itself into
a Committee of the Whole House. Mr. Rittenhouse was
called to and assumed the chair. After some time spent
in deliberating on the frame of Government, the President
resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the
Committee, that they had made some further progress in
the business committed to them, but had not completed it ;
he therefore desired leave of the House to sit again in the
afternoon; which was granted.
Adjourned to four o'clock, P. M.
Friday, August 23, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
According to the Order of the Day, the Convention
resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House. Mr.
Rittenhouse was called to, and assumed the chair. After
some time spent in deliberating on the frame of Govern-
ment, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse
reported from the Committee, that they had made some
further progress in the business committed to them, but had
not completed it; he therefore desired leave of the House
to sit again ; which was granted.
Mr. Thomas Jones had leave of absence for three days.
Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, August 24, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Upon application made by the Committee of Inspection
and Observation for the City and Liberties of Philadelphia,
the House came to the following Resolution, viz :
Whereas it appears to this Convention, upon due inquiry
27
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776.
28
and information of the circumstances, that the Salt now in
this city has been imported at low prices, and under moderate
insurance: And whereas divers persons, in contempt of the
just and wholesome regulations of the Committee, &.C., of
'Phil(tdrli>hiti, under directions of Congress, have continued
to dispose of their Salt at most exorbitant prices, to the great
grievance and distress of their fellow-subjects of this State :
It "is therefore Resolved, That the said regulations be
hereby confirmed, tod all persons whatever are hereby strictly
enjoined to pay due obedience thereto; and the said Com-
mittee are authorized and directed to seize and take into
their possession the Salt belonging to such persons as have
refused or shall refuse conformity to the regulations so estab-
lished, or shall altogether withhold or refuse to sell their Salt
during the continuance of such regulations, allowing to the
said persons, upon the sale thereof, the fixed and settled
prices, first deducting the expenses incurred upon the sale.
And whereas it is but reasonable that every part of this
extensive State should be accommodated, as nearly as may
be, with their proportion of this article, so justly esteemed a
necessary of life:
Be it Resolved, That the Committee of Philadelphia,
are hereby further directed to distribute the Salt that may,
as aforesaid, come into their possession, in equal quantities
in the several Counties, having regard to the respective
numbers of inhabitants contained in the said Counties.
The gentlemen appointed to examine into the cases of
John Smyth and Benjamin Lewis, report that they are
proper objects of the relief and commiseration of this House,
and that they are Gunlock makers, and willing to engage to
work in the Factory in this City: It is thereupon
Resolved. That the Sheriff or Jailer of the City and
County of Philadelphia do release and discharge the said
John Smyth and Benjamin Lewis out of their or either of
their custody, upon their signing a written agreement, by
which they and each of them engage to work at the Gun-
lock Factory in this City.
Adjourned to eight o'clock on Monday morning.
Monday, August 26, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Colonel Clarke representing to the House that his indis-
position was so great that he could not continue to do his
duty in this House without a recess of some time for his
refreshment, obtained leave of absence for a few days.
Upon application of Colonels Galbrcath and Lowrey, for
leave of absence to visit their Battalions at Amboy, it was
Resolved, That both have not the leave required, but
that one of them may be permitted to go.
On motion, Ordered, That a Letter be written to Gene-
ral Mercer, requesting him to grant leave of absence to such
gentlemen who are members of this Convention, and now in
New-Jersey under his command, in order that they may
attend their duty in this House, provided such leave be
compatible with the publick safety.
Upon motion, Resolved, That as soon as Colonel Roses's
Battalion of the Militia of Lancaster County shall return
into the said County, Colonel Slough be ordered to march
his Battalion, immediately on their arrival, to the Cam]) in
New-Jersey; and that the Secretary transmit a copy of this
Resolve to Colonel Slough.
The Convention resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole House, in order to consider of the Ordinance respect-
ing the Associators and Non-Associators. Mr. Rittenhouse
was called to and assumed the chair. After some time, the
President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported
from the Committee, that they had made some progress in
the business referred to them, but not having completed the
same, desired leave of the House to sit again in the after-
noon; which was granted.
Adjourned to four o'clock P. M.
Monday, August 2G, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Letters from General Roltrdeau and Colonel Bull, from
Amboy, requesting that Colonel Bull might have leave to
stay in the Camp, his presence being particularly necessary
there, were read : And it was thereupon
Ordered, That Colonel Bull have leave to stay some
time longer.
A Letter from Colonel Matlack, at Amboy, respecting
the Flying-Camp, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
Some Resolves of Congress, of the 23d of August instant,
desiring this Convention to recommend suitable persons for
Lieutenant-Colonel and Major, and to appoint the Captains
and Subalterns for the six Companies to be raised for the
Counties of Northampton and Cumberland, were read, and
Ordered to lie on the table for further consideration.
The Convention then, agreeable to the Order of the Day,
resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House, in order
to consider of the Ordinance respecting Associators and Non-
Associators. Mr. Rittenhouse was called to and assumed
the chair. After some time, the President resumed the chair,
and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the Committee that they
had made some further progress in the business referred to
them, but not having completed the same, desired leave
of the House to sit again on some future day; which was
granted.
The Vice President informed the Convention that the
honourable Congress had agreed to lend to this State the
100,000 Dollars mentioned in the Minute of the 20th of
August instant, and that he had obtained an order on Mi-
chael Hillegas, Esq., the Continental Treasurer, for that
sum : Whereupon it was
Resolved, That the President draw an order for 30,000
Dollars, part thereof, in favour of Colonel Kirkbiide and Co-
lonel M'Pherson, who are to deliver the same to Colonel
Clarice, now on his journey to the Camp in New-Jersey,
who is to deliver over the same to Colonel Matlack and
Colonel Slagle, two of the Commissioners appointed to form
the Flying-Camp.
The said Order was accordingly drawn, and signed by the
President, and delivered to Colonel Kirkbride and Colonel
M'Pherson.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Tuesday, August 27, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Petition from several of the inhabitants of Tulpehoclcen,
in Berks County, praying that some of the Associators in
that part of the country may remain to protect them against
the Indians and banditti, was read, and referred to the
Council of Safety.
A Letter from General Mercer, to the President of the
Congress, was read, and referred to the Council of Safety.
The House resumed the consideration of the bill for the
appointment of Conservators of the Peace, &c.; and after
some time, it was ordered to be recommitted to the same
Committee, with the addition of Colonel Ross and Mr.
Clymer.
Mr. Clymer informed the House that the Artillery Com-
panies of this City, at Amboy, were desirous of being put on
the same footing with the other Militia, with respect to their
being relieved after having served the usual time.
Ordered, That the request be referred to the Council of
Safety.
Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M.
Tuesday, August 27, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the bill for
appointing Conservators of the Peace ; and the same being
readand debated by paragraphs, was ordered to be transcribed
for a third reading.
Colonels Kirkbride and M'Pherson reported that they
had received the 30,000 Dollars of Mr. Hillegas, and paid
them to Colonel Clarke, agreeable to the directions of yes-
terday.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Wednesday, August 28, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Major William Coats, one of the Members for Philadel-
phia County, appeared in the House for the first time, took
29
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
30
the oath, and made and subscribed the profession of faith
required.
The House resumed the consideration of the Salt belong-
ing to Joshua Fisher fy Sons, and thereupon came to the
following Resolve, viz:
Whereas a quantity of Salt belonging to Joshua Fisher
fy Sons, imported contrary to the Non-Importation Agree-
ment, remains stored under the care of the Committee of
Inspection of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, and
the same being an article of general use, and the present
necessity thereof very urgent: Therefore
Resolved, That the said Committee dispose of the said
Salt among the inhabitants of the City of Philadelphia and
the several Counties of this State, in proportion to the
reputed numbers in each, allowing to the owners a reason-
able compensation for the same.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, August 28, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Convention resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole House, in order to take into consideration the Ordi-
nance respecting Associators and Non-Associators. Mr.
Rittenhouse was called to and assumed the chair. After some
time the Vice President resumed the chair, when the Chair-
man reported from the Committee, that they had made some
further progress in the business committed to them, but not
having quite finished the same, desired leave to sit again on
some future day; which was granted.
The Ordinance respecting Treason and Misprision of
Treason was read again, and ordered to be printed before it
be finally passed.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Thursday, August 29, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
It was moved by a Member for Northampton County,
that, as the Militia of that County was ordered not to march
into Jersey, that therefore their second quota for the Flying-
Camp must be made up at home; and that it was necessary
that the Bounty Money should be sent up thither; where-
upon it was
Resolved, That the President draw an Order on Michael
Hillegas, Esq., for the sum of £834, to be paid to Mr.
Neigle Gray and Major Jacob Arndt, to be by them trans-
mitted to Northampton County, in order to pay the Bounty
for the second quota for the Flying-Camp for that County ;
which Order was drawn accordingly, and signed at the
table.
The House then resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole, to consider of the draft of the frame of Govern-
ment. Mr. Rittenhouse was called to and assumed the chair.
After some time the President resumed the chair, and Mr.
Rittenhouse reported from the Committee, that they had
made some progress therein, but not having completed the
same, desired leave to sit again in the afternoon ; which was
granted.
Adjourned to three o'clock this afternoon.
Thursday, August 29, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House, agreeable to the Order of the Day, resolved
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to consider of the draft
of the frame of Government. Mr. Rittenhouse was called
to and assumed the chair. After some time the President
resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the
Committee that they had made some further progress therein,
but not having completed the same, desired leave to sit
again to-morrow; which was granted.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, August 30, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Convention, agreeable to the Order of the Day,
resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House, to
consider of the draft of the frame of Government. Mr. Rit-
tenhouse was called to and assumed the chair. After some
time the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse
reported from the Committee that they had made further
progress therein, but not having completed the same, desired
leave to sit again in the afternoon ; which was granted.
Adjourned to four o'clock, P. M.
Friday, August 30, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Convention, agreeable to the Order of the Day, re-
solved itself into a Committee of the Whole House, to
consider of the draft of the frame of Government. Mr.
Rittenhouse was called to and assumed the chair. After
some time the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Ritten-
house reported from the Committee, that they had made
further progress in the business referred to them, but not
having completed the same, desired leave of the House to
sit again to-morrow; which was granted.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, August 31, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Petition from Peter Wlthington, praying to be ap-
pointed a Captain of one of the Companies to be raised in
Northampton and Northumberland, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
A Memorial of Stephen and Joseph Shewell, justifying
their conduct with respect to their Salt, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
The Convention then resolved itself into a Committee of
the Whole House, in order to take into consideration the
frame of Government. Mr. Rittenhouse was called to and
assumed the chair. After some time the President resumed
the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the Commit-
tee, that they had made some progress therein, but not having
completed it, desired leave to sit again ; which was granted.
Colonel Kirkbride requested leave of absence to join his
Battalion at Amboy: Whereupon it was
Ordered, That he have not the leave of this House.
Adjourned to nine o'clock on Monday morning.
Monday, September 2, 1776, A. M.
A number of the Members met, but there not appearing
a quorum,
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Monday, September 2, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Memorial from the Committee of Inspection of Cum-
berland County, setting forth the advices they had received
from the frontier inhabitants respecting their apprehensions
of an Indian war, and praying that some of their Militia
might be permitted to remain at home for their protection,
was read, and
Ordered to be referred to the Council of Safety.
A Petition from John Timmons, a prisoner confined in
Carlisle Jail, on suspicion of murder, asserting his innocence,
and praying to be admitted to bail, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Ross and Colonel
Thomas Smith be a Committee to bring in an Ordinance,
empowering the Justices of Peace in this State, in certain
cases, to compel Debtors to give security to their Creditors.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Tuesday, September 3, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Mr. Hubley moved for leave of absence, but, perceiving
the House not inclined to grant his request, withdrew it; but,
nevertheless, desired that it might be entered on the Minutes.
A Member informing the House that Colonel M'Pherson
had received an account of the loss of a son in the late bat-
tle on Long-Island, and that he desired leave to visit his
afflicted family on that melancholy occasion ; it was there-
upon
Ordered, That Colonel M'Pherson have leave of ab-
sence.
The House then proceeded to the third reading of the
Ordinance for appointing Justices of the Peace in this State,
which, being compared at the table, was passed into an
31
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
32
Ordinance, and ordered to be signed by the President ; the
said Ordinance follows in these words:
"An Ordinance for the Appointment of Justices of the Peace
for the State of PENNSYLVANIA.
" Whereas it is necessary that proper officers of Justice be
appointed under the authority of the people only, and de-
riving no power whatever from the late Constitution : Be it
therefore ordained and declared, and it is hereby ordained
and declared, by the Representatives of the freemen of the
Slate of PuniCTLTAHU in General Convention met, That
David'Riltcnhouse. Jonathan B. Smith, Owen Biddle, James
Cannon. Tinwthy Matlack, Samuel Morris the elder, Sam-
uel Howell, Freieridc KM, Samuel Morris the younger,
Thomas llliarton the younger, Henry Keppcle the younger,
Joseph Bleiver, Samuel MMin, George Gray, John Bull,
Henry Wynkoop, Benjamin Bartholomew, John Hubley,
Michael Siooope, William Lyon, Daniel Hunter, Peter
Rhoads, David Espy, John Weitzal, and John Moore,
Esquires, Members of the Council of Safety, are hereby
made, constituted, and appointed, Justices of the Peace for
this State.
"And that Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, George
Bryan, James loung, James Biddle, John Morris the
younger, Joseph Parker, John Bayard. Sharp Ddany,
John Cadwallader, Joseph Copperthwaite, Christopher
Marshall the elder, Francis Gurney, Robert Knox, Matthew
Clarkson, William Coatcs, William Ball, Philip Boehm,
Francis Casper Hasenclever, Thomas Cuthbert the elder,
Moses Bartham, Jacob Schrciner, Joseph Moulder, Jona-
than Paschal, Benjamin Paschal,BenjaminHarbeson,Jacob
Bright, Henry Hill, Samuel Ashmead, Frederick Antis,
Samuel Erwin, Alexander Edwards, Seth Quee, Samuel
Potts, Rowland Evans, Charles Btnsel, and Peter Evans,
of the City and County of Philadelphia, Esquires, are here-
by made, constituted, and appointed, Justices of the Peace
for the City and County of Philadelphia.
"And that Joseph Hart, Richard Walker, Joseph Kirk-
bride, John fl'ilkinson, John Kidd, Robert Patterson, John
Clark, James Benezet, Samuel Smith, James M'Mullen,
Theophilus Foulke, Joshua Anderson, George Wickart,
and Thomas Long, of the County of Bucks, Esquires, are
hereby made, constituted, and appointed, Justices of the
Peace for the County of Bucks.
"And that Alexander Johnston, William Clingen, Evan
Evans, Richard Baker, John Sellers, Nicholas Fairlamb,
John Jones, John Wilson, William Heslet, Israel Whelin,
William Deney, Samuel Bond, and Robert Mendenhall, of
the County of Chester, Esquires, are hereby made, consti-
tuted, and appointed, Justices of the Peace for the County
of Chester.
"And that Emanuel Carpenter, Edward Shippen, William
Henry, Michael Hubley, William Bausman, Ludwig Lau-
man, James Bird, James Work, Timothy Green, John
Thome, Moses Irwin, John Feme, Zaccheus Davis, David
Jenkins, John Whitchill, James Clemson, William Brown,
James Murray, Robert Thomson, Robert Barber, Thomas
Whiteside, Michael Bright, and Christopher Wegman, of
the County of Lancaster, Esquires, are hereby made, con-
stituted, and appointed, Justices of the Peace for the County
of Lancaster.
"And that Robert M'Pherson, Martin Eichelbergcr, Sam-
uel Edie, David M' Conau^hy, Richard M' Calister, Henry
Single, Matthew Dill, William Rankin, JVilliam Lees,
Hi/Ham Bailey, William Scott, William Smith, William
M • Caskey, Josias Scott, Thomas Latta, William M' Clean,
and John Mickle the younger, of the County of York,
Esquires, are hereby made, constituted, and appointed, Jus-
tices of the Peace for the County of York.
"And that John Armstrong, John Bycrs, John Reynolds,
Jonathan Hoge, Robert Miller, George Robinson, John
Holmes, James Olivar, John Agnew, John Alison, James
Maxwell, Samuel Lyon, William Brown, James Dunlap,
John Me Clay, William Elliot, Matthew Henderson, and
Frederick Watt, of the County of Cumberland, Esquires,
are hereby made, constituted, and appointed, Justices of the
Peace for the County of Cumberland.
"And that James Read, Peter Spykcr, Jacob Morgan,
George Douglass, Mark Bird, Henry Chriest, Baltzar
Gear, John Patton, Thomas Dundas, Christopher Witman,
Richard Tea, and Bastion Levan, of the County of Berks,
Esquires, are hereby made, constituted, and appointed, Jus-
tices of the Peace for the County of Berks.
"And that Robert Trail, Jacob Moory, Christopher Wag-
encr, Henry Kooken, John Weitzel, Peter Traxlcr, Senior,
Nicholas Dupni, Evan Morgan, Robert Forgeman, and
Henry Barnet, of the County of Northampton, Esquires,
are hereby made, constituted, and appointed, Justices of the
Peace for the County of Northampton.
"And that Bernard Dougherty, William Proctor, George
Wood, Abraham Cable, Thomas Smith, Thomas Coulter,
Henry Lloyd, John Piper. Samuel Davidson, William
Latta, John WUkint, William Todd, Benjamin Elliot, Wil-
liam Parker, Evan Shelby, David Jones, Henry Rhoads,
William Johnston, William M'Lcavy, Gideon Ritchey,
John Mellot, Edward Coomb, Hugh Davis, Matthew Pat-
ton, Robert Ramsey, Benjamin Bird, John Shaver, Samuel
Thompson, William Phillips, W'illiam Holliday the younger,
Charles Cessna, John Mitchell, and Richard Brown, of the
County of Bedford, Esquires; are hereby made, constituted,
and appointed, Justices of the Peace for the County of
Bedford.
"And thatSflmuc/ Hunter, JamesPotter, WilliamM'Clay,
Robert Moodie, John Lowden, Benjamin Weiser, John
Fleming, Henry Antis, and John Simpson, of the County
of Northumberland, Esquires, are hereby made, constituted,
and appointed, Justices of the Peace for the County of
Northumberland.
"And that Robert Hanna, William Lockray, Alexander
M'Lean, Providence Mounts, Andrew M'Farlin, James
Pollock, James Caval, Samuel Sloane, Thomas Scott,
Michael Hufnagle, James Wilson, David Allen, Benjamin
Davis, Philip ^Rogers, Joseph Caldwell, James Wilkins,
William Elliot, George Latimore, and Samuel Burns, of
the County of Westmoreland, Esquires, are hereby made,
constituted, and appointed, Justices of the Peace for the
County of Westmoreland.
"And be it further ordained and declared, That the said
Justices, and every of them, shall have full power and au-
thority to take acknowledgments of deeds, and cognizance
of criminal offences and breaches of the peace. And in
cases of petty larceny, under five shillings, to proceed to
punishment.
"And be it farther ordained and declared, That the laws
which were in use before the dissolution of the late Govern-
ment, shall be the rule of their proceedings, so far as the
same may not be inconsistent with the oath or affirmation
hereinafter directed to be taken and subscribed, and that
the style of their precepts shall be in the name of the State
of Pennsylvania.
"And be it further ordained and declared, That the said
Justices, and every of them, before they respectively enter
upon their office, do take and subscribe the following oath
or affirmation :
" I do swear or affirm, that I do not hold myself bound
to bear allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Bri-
tain, and that 1 will steadily and firmly, at all times, promote
the most effectual means, according to my skill and know-
ledge, to oppose the tyrannical proceedings of the King and
Parliament of Great Britain against the United American
States, and to support a Government in this State on the
authority of the people only; and that as a Justice of the
Peace I will do everything in that office to the best of my
knowledge and abilities, consistent with the freedom and
independence of this State.
"And be it further ordained and declared, That the Mem-
bers of the Council of Safety above named, do make and
subscribe the said oath or affirmation before their President
for the time being ; and that the Justices appointed for the
City and County of Philadelphia, do take and subscribe
the same oatli or affirmation before Benjamin Franklin,
John Dickinson, Samuel Morris, Samuel Ashmead, and
Alexander Edwards, Esquires, or one of them ; and that
the Justices appointed for the County of Bucks, do take and
subscribe the said oath or affirmation before Joseph Hart,
Joseph Kirkbride, and John Kidd, Esquires, or one of them;
and that the Justices appointed for the County of Chester,
do 'take and subscribe the said oath or affirmation before
Richard Baker and John Sellers, Esquires, or one of them ;
and that the Justices appointed for the County of Lancaster,
do take and subscribe the said oatli or affirmation before Wil-
liam Henry. John Hubley, John Thome, and Moses Erwin,
33
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Esquires, or one of them; and that the Justices appointed
for the County of York, do take and subscribe the said oath
or affirmation before Martin Eichclbcrger, Samuel Edie, and
William Smith, Esquires, or one of them; and that the Jus-
tices appointed for the County of Cumberland do take and
subscribe the said oath or affirmation before Jonathan Hogc,
John Holmes, John Alison, and Samuel Lyon, Esquires, or
one of them ; and that the Justices appointed for the County
of^Berks do take and subscribe the said oath or affirmation
before James Read, Peter Spyker, and Jacob Morgan,
Esquires, or one of them ; and that the Justices appointed
for the County of Northampton do take and subscribe the
said oath or affirmation before Robert Trail and Henry
Kooken, Esquires, or one of them ; and that the Justices
appointed for the County of Bedford do take and subscribe
the said oath or affirmation before George Wood and David
Espy, Esquires, or one of them; and that the Justices
appointed for the County of Northumberland do take and
subscribe the said oath or affirmation before Samuel Hunter
and James Potter, Esquires, or one of them ; and that the
Justices appointed for the County of Westmoreland do take
and subscribe the said oath or affirmation before Robert
Hanna and Alexander M'Lean, Esquires, or one of them.
"And be it further ordained and declared, That the Jus-
tices of the respective Counties shall have full power and
authority from time to time, when they shall think it neces-
sary, to appoint Jailors to take care of the several Jails and
prisons, and of the prisoners committed to them.
"And be it further ordained and declared, That all Coro-
ners, Constables, Overseers of the Poor, and Supervisors of
the Highways, who were lawfully in office at the time of or
immediately before the dissolution of the late Government
. of this State, shall continue to exercise the powers and per-
form the duties of their respective offices until a new ap-
pointment or future provision be made in such case.
"And be it further ordained and declared, That this Or-
dinance shall continue and remain in force until altered or
repealed by the future Legislature of this State, or by this
Convention.
" Passed in Convention, September 3, 1776, and signed
by their order. B. FRANKLIN, President.
"Attest: JOHN MORRIS, Jun., Secretary."
The House then resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole, in order to take into consideration the frame of
Government. Mr. Rittenhouse was called to and assumed
the chair. After some time the President resumed the
chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the Committee,
that they had made some further progress in the business
committed to them, but not having completed the same,
desired leave to sit again in the afternoon ; which was
granted.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Tuesday, September 3, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The Convention then resolved itself into a Committee of
the Whole House, in order to take into consideration the
frame of Government. Mr. Rittenhouse was called to and
assumed the chair. After some time, the President resumed
the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the Committee,
that they had made some further progress in the business
committed to them, but not having completed it, desired
leave to sit again to-morrow; which was granted.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Wednesday, September 4, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Memorial from Messrs. Carnahan and Proctor, two
Colonels of the Militia of Westmoreland County, informing
that their two Battalions wanted about four hundred stand
of Arms, and also praying that this House would settle some
mode of calling out the Militia in case of invasion, was read,
and
Ordered to lie on the table.
A Petition from Andrew Ledlie, of Easton, in Northamp-
ton County, complaining of great ill usage from some of the
inhabitants of that town, on account, as he apprehends, of
his attachment to the cause of liberty, was read, and ordered
to be referred and recommended to the Justices of the Peace
appointed for that County, to take immediate notice of the
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 3
complaints of the said petitioner, and afford him all the re-
dress and security which the nature of his case requires.
A Petition from William Hardy, praying to be appointed
the officer for this State to register those who shall be dis-
abled in the service of the United States, agreeable to the
Resolve of Congress of the 26th of August last, was read,
and referred to the future Legislature of this State.
Ordered, That a Messenger be sent to Benjamin Bar-
tholomew, Esq., an absent Member of this House, to compel
his attendance on his duty in this House.
It being represented, that in the Ordinance for constituting
Justices there is no direction before whom the President of
the Council of Safety shall be qualified as a Justice of the
Peace for this State: Thereupon it was
Ordered, That he take and subscribe the oath or affirma-
tion required by said Ordinance, before the honourable the
President of this Convention.
The House resumed the consideration of the Ordinance
respecting Treason and Misprision of Treason, and ordered
the same to be engrossed for a third reading.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, September 4, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole,
to take into consideration the frame of Government. Mr.
Rittenhouse was called to and assumed the chair. After
some time, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rit-
tenhouse reported from the Committee that they had made
some further progress therein, but not having completed the
same, desired leave of the House to sit again to-morrow;
which was granted.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Thursday, September 5, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Major Arndt informing the House that he had received
an account that his son was wounded in the late battle on
Long-Island, and was now lying ill at Bergen, desired leave
to visit him ; which was granted, on his promise to return as
soon as he conveniently could.
The Convention then resolved itself into a Committee of
the Whole House, in order to resume the consideration of
the frame of Government. Mr. Rittenhouse was called to
and assumed the chair. After some time, the President re-
sumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse reported from the
Committee that they had finished the business referred to
them, and were ready to report thereon.
A Letter from Mr. Hancock, with some Resolves of
Congress of the 3d instant, requesting that this State would
immediately send forward to New-York all the aid they can
in the present dangerous and critical state of affairs, was
read, and
Ordered to lie on the table for consideration.
Adjourned to half-past three o'clock in the afternoon.
Thursday, September 5, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The Report of the Committee of the Whole House, on the
frame of Government, was now read : And thereupon it was
Ordered, That the President, Mr. Rittenhouse, and Mr.
Vanhorn be desired to revise the same, and make such
alterations therein in method and style, without affecting the
sense, as they may think proper; and, when that is done,
to get four hundred copies printed for publick consideration.
The House then proceeded to the third reading of the
Ordinance for Treason and Misprision of Treason ; which
being compared at the table, was passed into an Ordinance,
and ordered to be signed by the President.
The said Ordinance follows in these words:
"An Ordinance of the State of PENNSYLVANIA, declaring
what shall be Treason, and for punishing the same and
other Crimes and Practices against the State.
" Whereas Government ought at all times to take the most
effectual measures for the safety and security of the State :
" Be it therefore ordained and declared, and it is hereby
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
35
ordained and declared by the Representatives of the free-
men of the State of PENNSYLVANIA, in General Convention
met That all anil every person and persons (except pris-
oners of war) now inhabiting or residing within the limits of
the State of Pennsylvania, or that shall voluntarily come
into the same hereafter, to inhabit or sojourn, do and shall
owe and pay allegiance to the State of Pennsylvania.
"And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid,
That all and every such person and persons, so owing alle-
giance to the State of Pennsylvania, who, from and alter
the publication hereof, shall levy war against this State, or
be adherent to the King of Great Britain, or others the
enemies of this State, or to the enemies of the United States
of America, by giving him or them aid or assistance within
the limits of this State or elsewhere, and shall be thereof duly
convicted in any Court of Oyer and Terminer hereafter to
be erected according to law, shall be adjudged guilty of
bigh treason, and forfeit his lands, tenements, goods and
chattels, to the use of the State, and be imprisoned any term
not exceeding the duration of the present war with Great
Britain, at the discretion of the Judge or Judges.
" And be it further ordained and declared by the au-
thority aforesaid, That any person or persons (except as
before excepted) residing, inhabiting, or sojourning in this
State, who shall hereafter know of such treason, and con-
ceal the same, or that shall receive or assist such traitor,
knowing him to be such, and shall be thereof duly convicted,
as aforesaid, shall be adjudged guilty of misprision of treason,
and suffer the forfeiture of one-third of his goods and chat-
tels, lands and tenements, to the use of the State, and be
imprisoned any term not exceeding the duration of the
present war with Great Britain, at the discretion of the
Judge or Judges.
" And be it further ordained and declared, That in all
convictions for high treason, the Judge or Judges, before
whom the trial is had, may, out of the estate forfeited by
virtue of this act, make such provision for the wife or chil-
dren, if any, of the criminal, as he or they, in his or their
discretion, may deem necessary.
" And be it further ordained and declared, That this
ordinance shall be in force till the end of the first session
of the first Assembly that shall meet under the new Con-
stitution of this State, and no longer.
" Passed in Convention, September 5, 1776, and signed
by their order. « B FRANKLIN, President.
" Attest : JOHN MORRIS, Jun., Secretary."
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, September 6, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Convention resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole House, to consider of the Ordinance respecting
Associators and Non-Associators. Mr. Rittenhouse was
called to and assumed the chair. After some time the
Vice President resumed the chair, and Mr. Rittenhouse
reported from the Committee that they had essayed a draft
of an Ordinance respecting the Associators and Non-Asso-
ciators ; which being read, was
Ordered to lie on the table for a second reading.
On motion, Ordered, That Major Coats and Mr. Jacobs
be a Committee to inquire into the number of copies of the
Laws of Pennsylvania that was printed by order of the late
Government ; how many of them have been disposed of,
and in what manner ; and what number of them remain in
the hands of the printer; and make report to this House.
The House resumed the consideration of the Resolves of
Congress of the 23d of August respecting the Companies to
be raised in the Counties of Northampton and Northumber-
land:
And upon motion, it was Ordered, That the Delegates
in Congress for Pennsylvania represent to that honourable
Board the difficulties which this House apprehends will
obstruct the raising the men in the manner proposed by
those Resolves.
An Ordinance respecting advisedly writing and speaking
against the American cause, was read the first time, and
° Ordered to lie on the table for a second reading.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
36
Friday, September 6, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment, and ad-
journed to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, September 7, 177C.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
\pplication was made to this Convention, by the Cap-
tain of a vessel who arrived here this morning with a cargo
of Salt, to know whether he was at liberty to dispose of it,
without any regard to the regulations made respecting that
commodity: Whereupon, after debate, it was
Resolved unanimously. That this House will not, in any
manner, interfere with the said Salt ; but that the owner
has a right to sell or dispose of it, at such rates and to such
persons, as he may think proper.
The House then proceeded to the second reading of the
Ordinance respecting Associators and Non-Associators, and
after a considerable time spent in debating thereon by para-
graphs,
Adjourned to nine o'clock on Monday morning.
Monday, September 9, 1776.
A number of the Members met, but not being a quorum,
adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Monday, September 9, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
After the clause in the Ordinance respecting Associators
and Non-Associators, wherein it is ordained, that Non-
Associators shall pay at the rate of 20s. per month, was
carried in the affirmative, it was moved, that the yeas and
nays might be taken on that clause; and thereupon, it was
Resolved, That the yeas and nays be not taken.
On motion, Ordered, That the President pro tern, draw
an Order on the Treasurer for the sum of twelve pounds,
in favour of William Sheed, Doorkeeper to this Convention,
for his wages till this time, being forty-eight days, at 5*. per
diem.
The House proceeded in the further consideration of the
bill respecting Associators and Non-Associators; and after
some time spent therein,
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Tuesday, September 10, 1776.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
A Letter, dated the 5th instant, at King's Bridge, from
Lieutenant-Colonel Broadhead, of the Pennsylvania Forces,
was read, giving a relation of the battle on Long-Island,
and a particular account of the behaviour of the Pennsylva-
nians on that occasion ; and of the wants of the soldiers,
who had most of them lost their blankets, which they had
thrown away in the engagement. This letter also contained
the returns of the three Regiments under his command, and
some inquiries respecting the rank, &.C., of the officers.
A Letter dated the 5th instant, at Amboy, from Colonel
Slayle, was read, complaining of his ill state of health, and
desiring that another Commissioner may be appointed in his
stead.
A Letter of the 31st of August, from the Indian Com-
missioners at Fort Pitt, was read, communicating the in-
formation they had received respecting the danger of an
Indian war: Whereupon it was
Resolved, That Colonel Thomas Smith, Colonel Potter,
and Major James Smith, be a Committee to confer with the
Committee of Congress for Indian Affairs on that subject,
and on the most proper mode of defending the frontiers.
Resolved, That Colonel Matlack, Mr. Cannon, Mr. Rit-
tenhouse, Mr. IVIritehill, and Mr. Edward Cook, be a Com-
mittee to take- into consideration all the Military affairs of
this State respecting the Flying-Camp and the operations of
war to the eastward ; and that they make an essay of such
temporary regulations for tire Militia as may render it more
effectual for the immediate publick defence.
Colonel Matlack, one of the Commissioners for forming
the Flying-Camp, being now returned, informed the Con ven-
tion, among other things, of the difficulties that had occurred
with respect to the two Companies of Artillery of the Mili-
tia of this State, now at Amboy; and that, in order to
37
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
38
relieve them as expeditiously as possible, (after they had
cheerfully staid considerably beyond the usual time,) the
Commissioners had agreed to advance a month's pay, in
addition to the bounty, to such as would inlist in that ser-
vice: Whereupon the House expressed their approbation of
their conduct therein.
A Member informed the House of some inconveniences
and discouragements which he had observed arising from
the small number of General Officers belonging to this State,
and desired that the Convention would take that matter into
consideration.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Wednesday, September 11, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Some gentlemen of the Committee of Inspection for the
City and Liberties of Philadelphia, waited on the Conven-
tion with an application from that Board, setting forth, that
they had continued acting, by the direction of this House,
now above four weeks beyond the time for which they were
originally chosen, and that they proposed to dissolve them-
selves on Tuesday evening next; but that, previous thereto,
they submitted to this House, whether a new Committee
should be chosen, and if so, that then a new line of conduct
should be drawn for them.
The House resumed the consideration of the Ordinance
respecting the burthens of Associators and Non-Associators,
and, after considerable time spent therein, it was recommit-
ted to Mr. Cannon, Mr. Rittenhouse, Colonel James Smith,
and Colonel Matlack.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, September 11, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House proceeded to the second reading of an Ordi-
nance respecting the advisedly speaking and writing against
the American cause, which, being read and debated by para-
graphs, was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
The Committee appointed to bring in an Ordinance re-
specting Debtors giving security in certain cases, reported a
draft for that purpose, which, being read, was ordered to lie
on the table for a second reading.
The House then proceeded to the election of four Mem-
bers of the Council of Safety, in the room of Nathaniel
Falconer, Jonathan B. Smith, Samuel Mifflin, and Samuel
Morris, Jun.; when John Bayard, John Cox, Francis Gur-
ney, and Samuel Cad. Morris, were chosen by ballot Mem-
bers of the said Council of Safety for this State.
A Memorial of fFzffiam Wild to the Congress, and by
them referred to this House, is by this Convention referred
to the Council of Safety.
A Petition of Lawrence Feagan, relating to the damage
he sustained by reason of a riot among the soldiers at the
Barracks, was read, and ordered that the same be referred
to the Council of Safety.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Thursday, September 12, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Ordinance for obliging Debtors to give security in
certain cases, was read a second time ; and, after being de-
bated by paragraphs, was ordered to be transcribed for a
third reading.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Thursday, September 12, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Ordinance respecting advisedly speaking and writing
against the American cause, was read the third time, and
passed into an Ordinance in the following words, viz :
"An Ordinance for punishing persons guilty of certain
offences therein mentioned against the UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA.
" Whereas evil disposed persons may, by speaking or
writing, endeavour to influence the minds of weak or unwary
persons, and thereby impede the present virtuous opposition
made by the free, independent, and united States of America
against the wicked and tyrannick measures pursued by the
King and Parliament of Great Britain : For the prevention
thereof,
" Be it ordained and declared by the Representatives of
the freemen of the State of PENNSYLVANIA in General Con-
vention met, That if any person or persons within this State
shall, by advisedly speaking or writing, obstruct or oppose,
or endeavour so to do, the measures carrying on by the Uni-
ted States of America, for the defence and support of the
freedom and independence of the said States, such person
or persons, on complaint and proof made on oath or affirma-
tion before any Justice of the Peace of the City or County
where the offence shall be committed, shall be held to give
security for his or their good behaviour, in such sum or sums
of money as the said Justice may think necessary; and, in
default of giving such security, shall be committed to the
common jail of the said City or County respectively, by the
said Justice, there to remain until he or they shall give such
security, or be otherwise legally discharged; and if the said
Justice shall, on the evidence given, judge that such offender
is too dangerous, unfriendly, or inimical to the American,
cause to be admitted to bail, then, and in such case, he may
and shall associate to himself two other Justices of the Peace
of the said City or County respectively; and if they, or any
two of them, shall judge in like manner, they may, by war-
rant under their hands and seals, commit such persons to the
common jail of the City or County respectively, for such
time as they shall deem proper, not exceeding the duration
of the present war with Great Britain.
" And be it further ordained and declared by the autho-
rity aforesaid, That if any person or persons shall think him
or themselves aggrieved by the judgment of the said Justice
or Justices, he or they may appeal to the Council of Safety
for this State, who shall, without delay, determine the same ;
and may confirm, nullify, suspend, alter, or mitigate the
judgment of the said Justice or Justices.
" And be it further ordained and declared by the autho-
rity aforesaid, That this Ordinance shall continue in force
until the end of the first session of the future Legislature of
this State, or until altered or repealed by the same, or by
this Convention.
"Passed in Convention September 12, 1776, and signed
by their order. GEORGE Ross, Vice President.
"Attest: JOHN MORRIS, Jun., Secretary."
Information being given to this Convention that the Bat-
talion, or a part of the same, under the command of Colonel
Peter Grubb, of Lancaster County, after having received
one month's pay advance, and having also been supplied
with a number of arms in this City, have returned home
without marching into New-Jersey, and without being dis-
charged, and have taken the said arms with them,
Resolved, That the Council of Safety do forthwith make
diligent and strict inquiry into this matter; and that they
have power to call before them the Colonel and such other
officers of the said Battalion as they shall judge necessary.
A Petition from six Captains of Companies of Colonel
Montgomery's Battalion of Chester County, Pennsylvania
Militia, complaining that they had not received their pay,
and desiring the interference of this House, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
The House resumed the consideration of the Bill respect-
ing Associators and Non-Associators, and, after some time
spent therein,
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, September 13, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House proceeded to the second reading of the Ordi-
nance respecting Associators and Non-Associators; and the
same being debated by paragraphs, was ordered to be tran-
scribed for a third reading.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Friday, September 13, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee appointed to consider of the Military
affairs of this State made their report in writing; which, being
read, was
Ordered to lie on the table for consideration.
39
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
40
The Ordinance compelling Debtors to give security, being
compared at the table, was read a third time, and ordered
to pass into an Ordinance, in the following words :
" An Ordinance to compel Debtors, in certain cases, to give
Security to their Creditors.
" Whereas at this time, when the Courts of Justice in this
State are shut, it is absolutely necessary that honest creditors
should be made secure, when it shall appear that otherwise
they might, by dishonest debtors taking advantage of the
time's, run the risk of losing their just debts :
" Be it therefore ordained and declared by the Repre-
sentatives of the freemen of the State of PENNSYLVANIA
i« Gnunil Convention met, That where complaint, by oath
or affirmation by the complainant, or some person for him,
shall be made to any one Justice of the Peace for this State,
that any person or persons residing within the City or
County where such Justice hath jurisdiction, is justly indebted
to the complainant in any sum not exceeding five pounds,
and that such debtor is about to depart this State, with de-
sign to defraud his creditors, as is believed ; and that such
debtor, being of sufficient ability, in the judgment of the said
Justice, on full examination had, refuses to pay or give rea-
sonable security in the nature of special bail for the same,
to abide the judgment of such person or persons as shall
hereafter be empowered to judge and determine the matter
in controversy, it shall and may be lawful for such Justice
to issue either a summons or capias, as the case may require,
directed to the proper Constable, requiring him to cause the
defendant to come before such Justice, and the said Justice
shall order the said defendant to give such reasonable bail
as the nature of the case may require ; and if such defendant
shall neglect or refuse to give such bail, then the said Justice
is hereby empowered to commit such defendant to the Jail
of the said City or County, and the keeper thereof is hereby
required there to keep him safely until he shall give such
bail, or be otherwise lawfully discharged : And if any such
person or persons shall be indebted to any one or more per-
son or persons in a sum exceeding five pounds, then on the
like complaint, on oath or affirmation being made to two
Justices of the City or proper County, they shall proceed in
manner as before mentioned and directed in cases not ex-
ceeding five pounds.
"Passed in Convention, September 13, 1776, and signed
by their erder.
"JAMES POTTER, Vice President pro tern.
"Attest: JOHN MORRIS, Jun., Secretary.''
Two Petitions from the Townships of Upper and Lower
Smithfield, Delaware and Hamilton, in the County of
Northampton, praying a supply of Ammunition, &tc., were
read, and referred to the Council of Safety.
The House being informed that Mr. Swoope, the gentle-
man chosen the Member of the Council of Safety for the
County of York , had accepted the command of a Battalion
in the Flying-Camp, now proceeded to the choice of another
Member for that County, when Colonel Joseph Donnaldson
was chosen by ballot to that office.
On motion, Resolved, That the Members of the Council
of Safety for this State, who have not hitherto made and
subscribed the Oath or Affirmation directed in the Ordinance
for appointing Justices of the Peace, or the Oath or Affirma-
tion of office, may take and subscribe the same before any
Justice of the Peace for the County wherein they respect-
ively reside.
Resolved, That, on Monday next, this House will re-
sume the consideration of the frame of Government.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, September 14, 177C.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Return of such Men of Colonel Montgomery's Batta-
lion of Chester County Militia, who left the Camp in New-
Jersey without regular discharges, was made to the House,
aud referred to the Council of Safety.
Whereas from the Letters received from the Commis-
sioners for Indian Affairs for the Middle Department, with
the affidavit therein enclosed, there is too much reason to
apprehend that the Indians have been encouraged, by the
agents of his Britannick Majesty, to fall on the frontiers of
these States; therefore it behooves this Convention to take
every prudent precaution for the safety of our western fron-
tiers: And as, by the resolves of the late Assembly of this
State, the Council of Safety have the sole power of calling
out the Associators within the same; but, by reason of the
great distance of the frontier Counties, and by reason that
it may be absolutely necessary, at a very short warning, to
order out the Associators of the said Counties, or such part
of them, from time to time, as persons on the spot can only
judge thereof:
Resolved, That the Member of the Council of Safety
for the County of Bedford, and Bernard Dougherty, Wil-
liam M' Coomb, James Anderson, and Robert Elliot, of the,
said County; that the Member of the Council of Safety for
the County of Northampton, and Nicholas Dupui, David
Deshler, Herman Schneyder, and Arthur Lattimore, of the
said County; and that the Member of the Council of Safety
for the County of Northumberland, and Wi&antM'day,
Michael Troy, Walter Clark, and Laughlin M'Carlney, of
the said County; and that the Member of the Council of
Safety for the County of Westmoreland, and Samuel Sloane,
William Lockray, John Giffen, and Christopher Trubey, of
the said County, respectively, or a majority of them in each
County respectively, be, and they are hereby empowered
to order or approve of the going out of such part of the
Associators as they may think necessary, in case of an ac-
tual invasion, to march to the protection of such part of the
said Counties as may be exposed to the depredations of the
Indians, or to repel any attack which may be made by
them, in the most effectual manner: And in case of any
sudden invasions made by the Indians, and not otherwise,
the Captain or Commanding Officer of any Company in
the said County, is hereby empowered to order out such
part of his Company as he may judge necessary for the
purpose aforesaid: And in case any of the said Counties
should be invaded, the said Members of the Council of
Safety, and Commissioners of the said other Counties re-
spectively, are hereby empowered, as often as they shall
judge necessary, to order out the Associators, or a part of
them, for the assistance of such County which may be so
invaded : And the Member of the Council of Safety and his
associates for the respective Counties aforesaid, are hereby
directed to make out the accounts of the pay, subsistence,
and necessary expenses of such Associators as shall be called
out as aforesaid, and lay the same before the Council of
Safety or future Assembly of this State, in order that the
same, appearing to them just and reasonable, may be
paid.
The Committee who were appointed to confer with the
honourable Delegates in Congress from the State of Vir-
ginia, on the settlement of a temporary Boundary between
the State of Virginia and this State, reported to the Con-
vention that they met the said Delegates, who delivered to
them the following resolve of the Convention of Virginia
and the following letter from the Committee of Safety of
that State to their Delegates, as their proposal on this sub-
ject. In answer to which the Committee delivered the letter
and proposal (which answer and proposal the Committee
approve of) in reply; to which they received the letter here-
inafter last mentioned, by which it appears that the power of
the honourable Delegates on this subject is at an end ; but,
as they therein inform the Committee, that they will, without
delay, transmit their proposal to the Governoiir and Council
of Virginia, in order to be laid before the General Assembly
of that State; this Convention having the utmost confi-
dence that that honourable body will readily agree to any
proposal that will settle the disputes in question on the prin-
ciples of justice and equity, do therefore warmly recommend
the settlement of the said line, on these principles, to the
future Assembly of this State. And, in the mean time, it is
earnestly recommended to the inhabitants of that part of the
country to forget their former heats and animosities, which
were fomented by those who were equal enemies to both
States, and to promote peace and harmony, and to cultivate
a good understanding with one another, as they tender the
liberty and happiness of both States, as well as of America
in general, which can only be preserved by the union of all
her sons.
" Virginia, in Convention, June 15, 1776.
" Whereas disputes have for some time subsisted between
the people settled under the Government of this Colony and
41
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
42
others settled under the Proprietors of Pennsylvania) which
cannot be determined for want of having the boundary be-
tween the two countries settled and ascertained ; and as the
people are uncertain which Government they ought to sub-
mit to, consequences of the most alarming nature are justly
to be apprehended from a contention and clashing of juris-
dictions between the Magistrates and officers of the respec-
tive countries: For prevention whereof, and in order to
restore peace and harmony to all those people :
" Resolved, That it be proposed to the General Assembly
or Representatives of the people of the Province of Penn-
sylvania to agree to the following temporary boundary be-
tween the two countries, that is to say: From that part of
the meridian of the head fountain of Potoivmack, where it
is intersected by Braddock's Road, along the said road to
the great crossing of Youghagany; thence down the meadows
of that river to the Chestnut ridge; thence along that ridge
to the easterly branch of Jacob's Creek, otherwise called
Grcenlick run ; thence down the said run to Braddock's old
road; thence along the same and the new road leading to
Pittsburgh, to a place called the Bullock Pens, now in the
tenure of William Elliot; and from thence a direct course
to the mouth of Plumb run, on the Alleghaney River, above
Colonel Croghan's : Which lines, this Convention are of
opinion, will give most general satisfaction to the inhabitants,
as it will nearly leave them in the respective country under
which they settled; that the present inhabitants on either
side the line ought quietly to enjoy their possessions, and be
subject to the regulations of the Government they will re-
main in, without considering under which they derive their
title, until a final and ultimate boundary can be settled, when
nothing which may be done in consequence of this agree-
ment shall tend to prejudice the titles of individuals, or the
claim of either country to a fair- and equal boundary.
" EDMUND PENDLETON, President.
" JOHN TAZEWELL, C. C."
" Ordered, That the Committee of Safety be desired im-
mediately to transmit the foregoing Resolution to the Dele-
gates appointed to represent this Colony in General Congress,
requesting them to negotiate the same on the part of this
Colony. " EDMUND PENDLETON, President.
" JOHN TAZEWELL, C. C."
" Williamsburgh, June 17, 1776.
" GENTLEMEN : The confusion which hath for some time
happened amongst the people in the disputed lands between
Pennsylvania and this Colony, and a representation to the
Convention that a civil war was like to be the consequence
if something was not done to prevent it, induced that body
to take the subject into consideration, who were sorry to
discover that a jealousy seemed to prevail in the governing
powers of Pennsylvania, of our intending the garrisons on
the Ohio to influence that dispute and to overawe their
people. Whereas we only mean by them to protect our
people and those in the contested settlement from the danger
they are exposed to of Indian ravages, without the most
distant view to offer any injury to our friends and neighbours,
with whom it is our inclination as well as interest to unite,
a temporary boundary appeared to the Convention the
only means of quieting the people until we have leisure to
refer the final decision to some arbitrating power between us ;
and in fixing that, they judged that to point a line which
would most nearly leave the inhabitants in the country they
respectively settled under would be most likely to give gene-
ral satisfaction ; and having examined several gentlemen well"
acquainted with that country, who were of opinion that end
would be answered by the line described in the enclosed
resolution, they have resolved to propose that line to the
Pennsylvania Assembly, and have commanded us to trans-
mit it to you, requesting that you would negotiate the matter
in such manner as you shall think most effectual.
" We are, with great regard, gentlemen, your obedient
humble servants,
„" EDMUND PENDLETON, THOMAS LUD. LEE,
"DUDLEY DIGGES, WILLIAM CABELL,
" P. CARRINGTON, Jos. JONES.
"To the Hon. the Virginia Delegates in Congress."
"The Committee of the honourable Convention of the
State of Pennsylvania, appointed to confer with the hon-
ourable Delegates in Congress from the State of Virginia,
on the settlement of a temporary boundary between the said
States, are of opinion, that the line proposed by the honour-
able Delegates will be very wide from the true limits of
Pennsylvania, according to the Charter; and as the State
of Virginia, in one of their most solemn acts, published as
the future form of Government for that State, and intending
thereby to lay the most solid basis for union and confeder,a-
tion with the neighbouring States, has 'ceded, released, and
forever confirmed to the people of this State all the territo-
ries contained within the Charter erecting this Colony, with
all the rights of property, jurisdiction, and government, and
all other rights whatever,' the proposing a temporary bounda-
ry, w hich would cut off so large a part from this State, seems
inconsistent with the said full, free, and absolute release, and
instead of being the basis of union, would certainly be the
occasion of much confusion; and as the minds of the in-
habitants of that part of the country are greatly agitated by
the disputes between the two Governments, we have reason
to apprehend fatal consequences, should a temporary bound-
ary so apparently partial be agreed to, even upon the
principle mentioned by the honourable Convention of Vir-
ginia in their resolve, empowering their Delegates to con-
fer on this subject, (supposing it equitable, which may be
liable to dispute,) the line proposed, we apprehend, cannot
be admitted ; and we are convinced that honourable body
must have been misinformed as to the settlement of that
part of the country which lies between the temporary bound-
ary proposed and the true line. We can assure the hon-
ourable Delegates that it is far from the wish of the people
of this State to extend the same beyond its due bounds; it
is equally far from their wish to establish a temporary juris-
diction confessed far within those bounds, as such a tempo-
rary boundary would, on many accounts, be productive of
more confusion and greater inconveniences than if it was
permanent and final:
"Therefore, as the only means of restoring peace and unity
amongst the inhabitants of the frontiers of each State, it is
our earnest desire that a temporary boundary as nearly cor-
respondent to the true one as possible, and such as will 'do
no injury to either party,' should be run, which may be done
in a very short time, and at a trifling expense, with no con-
siderable error, by one or more Commissioners appointed on
the part of each State.
" It will give us great pleasure should this proposal meet
with the approbation of the honourable Delegates, as such
a settlement will enable the inhabitants to join heart and
hand in the great cause wherein we are all equally inte-
" DAVID RITTENHOUSE, OWEN BIDDLE,
"THOMAS SMITH, JAMES POTTER,
" ALEXANDER LOWHEF, EDWARD COOK."
"The Virginia Delegates have received the proposal for
establishing a temporary boundary between the State of
Virginia and Pennsylvania, from the Committee of the
honourable Convention of the State of Pennsylvania, and
for answer say : That their power is ended, having been
expressly limited to the line already proposed to the hon-
ourable Convention of the State of. Pennsylvania, as a
temporary boundary; that they will, without delay, transmit
the proposal of the honourable Committee to the Governour
and Council of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in order tb
its being laid before the General Assembly which meets
early in October next ; and in the mean time they wish the
influence of both Governments may be exerted to preserve
friendship and peace between the people of both States on
the controverted boundary.
"THOMAS NELSON, Jun.,
" RICHARD HENRY LEE,
"FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE.
" Philadelphia, September 12, 1776."
The House proceeded to the third reading of the Bill
respecting the burthen of Associators ; and the same being
compared at the table, was passed into an Ordinance, in the
following words, viz:
"An Ordinance for rendering the burthen of Associators
and Non- Associators in the defence of this State as near-
ly equal as may be.
" Whereas the Associators of this State have bestowed
much of their time, and been at a considerable expense in
qualifying themselves for the defence of their country, and
are now gone forth into actual service, to the great prejudice
43
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 17TG.
44
Thomas Clark of Dromore, Caspar Shaffner, and John
Jemminson the younger, Assessors for the County of Lan-
caster; who, or a majority of them, shall be a Board of
Commissioners and Assessors for the County of Lancas-
ter.
"And that Peter Wolfe, John Nesbit, and Archibald
M'Lcan, be, and are hereby appointed Commissioners ; and
Patrick Scott, Benjamin Pidon, Frederick Wolfe, John Ag-
new, Christopher Lowman, and James Dill, Assessors for the
County of York; who, or a majority of them, shall be a Board
of Commissioners and Assessors for the County of York.
"And that Patrick Maxwell, Samuel Leard, and James
Pollock, be, and are hereby appointed Commissioners ; and
Henry Polling, John Davis, James Lyon, Alexander Mor-
row, John Carson, and William Rippey, Assessors for the
County of Cumberland; who, or a majority of them, shall
be a Board of Commissioners and Assessors for the County
of Cumberland.
"And that Henry Reitmeyer, Christian Lower, and Mor-
decai Lincoln, be, and are hereby appointed Commissioners;
and Conrad Hershner the elder, Nicholas Jones, Frederick
Mayerle, George Kelchner, Warner Stam, and John Ro-
binson, Assessors for the County of Berks; who, or a majority
of them, shall be a Board of Commissioners and Assessors
for the County of Berks.
"And that Peter Burkhalter, Jacob Opp, and Henry
Lewald, be, and are hereby appointed Commissioners; and
Peter Kokr, Abraham Arndt, Benjamin Dupui, Peter
Haas, Peter Beisel, and John Van Camp, Assessors for the
County of Northampton; who, or a majority of them, shall
be a Board of Commissioners and Assessors for the County
of Northampton.
"And that Charles Cissna, Edward Coomb, and John
Cissna, be, and are hereby appointed Commissioners ; and
Matthew Patton, Harmon Husbands, William Todd, Wil-
liam Parker, William Phillips, and Benjamin Elliot, As-
sessors for the County of Bedford; who, or a majority of
them, shall be a Board of Commissioners and Assessors for
the County of Bedford.
"And that Thomas Hewit, William Gray, and John
Weizel, be, and are hereby appointed Commissioners; and
Jonathan Loudge, Walter Clark, Peter Holsterman, James
Harrison, Nicholas Miller, and Jacob Heverlan, Assessors
for the County of Northumberland ; who, or a majority of
them, shall be a Board of Commissioners and Assessors for
the County of Northumberland.
"And that Robert Hanna, James Cavat, and James Pol-
lock, be, and are hereby appointed Commissioners; and
William Elliot, John Shields, Samuel Moorhead, Jame$
M'Lean, James Beard, and Christopher Truby, Assessors
of the County of Westmoreland; who, or a majority of
them, shall be a Board of Commissioners and Assessors for
„ the County of Westmoreland: Who shall meet at the Court
tlarbeson, William Witt, and William Hollingshead, Houses of their several and respective Counties, on Monday
Assessors for the City of Philadelphia ; who, or a majority of the fourteenth day of October next ensuing, or as soon after
t Min-ii f ni 1 1 t~if\ n I -C/-.H »<1 jif •*«.«.. ~, !_,.!,. 1A r. .1 . i - ."
as tney can conveniently meet, and appoint proper persons
to make returns to them of all the Non-Associators in their
of their private concerns, while others, by not associating,
have exempted themselves from those difficulties, and pur-
sued their business to advantage; and whereas no effectual
measures have hitherto been taken to render the burthen of
the defence, which is a common benefit, as nearly equal as
possible: Therefore,
"Be it ordained and declared, and it is hereby ordained
and declared, by the Representatives of the freemen of the
State of PENNSYLVANIA in General Convention met, That
every Non-Associator, between the ages of sixteen and fifty
years, shall pay for and during the time of his continuing a
Non-Associator, at the rate of twenty shillings for each and
every month, to commence from the publication of this Ordi-
nance, and to continue until the end of the first session of
the future Assembly of this State, unless the said Assembly
shall, before that time, alter or repeal the same.
"And be it further ordained and declared by the authority
aforesaid, That every Non-Associator, above the age of
twenty-one years, shall pay, in addition to the aforesaid fine,
at the rate of four shillings in the pound on the annual value
of his estate, as rated under the late laws of this State for
raising provincial taxes.
"And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid,
That all the moneys which shall be raised by the aforesaid
assessments and fines, after discharging the necessary ex-
penses attending collecting the same, shall be paid into the
hands of John Bayard, Esquire, for the relief and support
of the families of poor Associators of this State, while out
in the service, and to afford assistance to those poor Asso-
ciators who are by the service rendered incapable of sup-
porting themselves and their families, and also to afford such
assistance to the widows and children of such poor Associ-
ators as lose their lives in the service of their country.
"And be it further ordained and declared by the authority
. aforesaid, That when any of the said Associators, or their
widows and children, shall be so entitled to a share of the
moneys arising from the aforesaid assessments and fines,
the Field-Officers of the Battalion, or any three of them,
and a private of the company to which such Associator, at
the time when he or his widow and children became so en-
titled, did belong, shall certify the particular circumstances
of the said Associator or his wife, (or of his widow and
children, if he should be killed,) to the future Assembly of
this State, in order to enable them to fulfil the intent of this
Ordinance.
And to the end that the said four shillings in the pound,
and the said monthly fines of twenty shillings, may be duly
assessed, levied, collected, and paid, for the purposes here-
inbefore mentioned :
"Be it further ordained and declared by the authority
aforesaid, That Jacob Morgan, Joseph Moulder, and Jacob
Bright, be, and .are hereby appointed Commissioners; and
Isaac Snowden, James Milligan, Michael Shubart, Benja-
„„"„ tf__/,«_ M/?77* Uf'll 1 TJT'I?' -TT 11' 1 •
them, shall be a Board of Commissioners and Assessors 'for
p
Henry Dernier, and Isaac Hughes, Assessors for the riiy aforesaid, That the said Commissioners and Assessors
it Philadelphia; who, or a majority of them, shall shall have all the powers, authorities, and jurisdictions which
r llTTj , .Commissloners and Assessors for the County any Commissioners and Assessors heretofore enjoyed under
Jhe late laws of the Province of Pennsylvania, and shall
Ana Uenezet, Captain William Roberts,and proceed in raising, levying, and collecting the said sum of
Molkswars, be and are hereby appointed Com- four shillings in the pound and twenty shillings per month
;rs ; am ornet, Abraham Britten, James in the same manner and under the same appeals, rates, di-
rt/' ft » ^rrnstrong Benjamin Segal, and George rections, penalties, and forfeitures, in all respects, as in and
roy, As essors for the County of Bucks; who, or a by the several late laws of the late Government of Pennsyl-
maj y of them, shall be a Board of Comm.ssioners and vania, which were in force on the first day of July last, for
TnT ^t Th yT • ir,r V raisi"S' ]ev^' C°llecting> and WmS the7 assessments and
And that L homas Levis, William Evans, and Tlwmas ' ' **
for the Conn.v nf PA 7 K r , y a/oresaia, mat tne direction in the said laws shall be
who, or a majority of them, effectual to all intents and purposes for raising, levying, col-
County of ChesL C°inraiSS10nere and AsS6SSOrs for the 1(f' "S> "curing, «-d accounting for the said fates and^ums
of money, and for levying and recovering the penalties and
45
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
46
except in such cases as are herein ascertained, provided for,
or" altered.
" And be it further ordained and declared by the autho-
rity aforesaid, That the Commissioners, on any appeal from
the rate or assessment of twenty shillings per month, may
remit the whole or any part thereof, in case of the poverty,
sickness, or bodily inability to labour, of the Non-Associator,
or other such case as would exempt an Associator from mus-
tering or marching when duly called thereto, but in no other
case whatever.
" And whereas persons above fifty years of age are ex-
empted from personal service, by reason of their inability to
bear the fatigue of military duty, yet it is but just and rea-
sonable that they should contribute towards the security of
their property:
" Be it therefore ordained and declared by the authority
aforesaid, That all and every such person above the age of
fifty years shall pay the like sum of four shillings in the pound
on the annual value of their estates.
" Provided always, That this tax shall not be levied on,
or paid by, any such person above fifty years of age who
shall have one or more sons, who are Associators, unmarried,
and residing with his or their father.
" And provided also, That if any person above fifty years
of age, who shall be judged by the commanding officer of
the Battalion fit for military duty, shall voluntarily enter into
the Association, then and in such case such person shall be
exempted from paying the said tax.
" And provided also, That nothing herein contained shall
prevent or obstruct the levying, collecting, and paying the
fines heretofore set on Non-Associators by the late Assem-
bly, but the same shall be collected under the same penal-
ties, in the same manner and by the same persons as are
mentioned and appointed to levy and collect the moneys to
be raised by virtue of this Ordinance.
"Passed in Convention, September 14, 1776, and signed
by their order. B. FRANKLIN, President.
" Attest: JOHN MORRIS, Jun., Secretary."
Adjourned to two o'clock on Monday afternoon.
Monday, September 16, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House, agreeable to the Order of the Day, resumed
the consideration of the frame of Government.
It was moved by Colonel Ross, and seconded by Mr.
Clymer, that the first and second sections of the proposed
frame of Government be debated upon and amended.
Whereupon it was
Resolved, That the further debate on the second section
is precluded; because it was fully debated and determined
before, as appears by the Minutes of the 1st and 2d of Au-
gust last.
Moved and seconded, that the yeas and nays on any
question in the frame of Government shall be entered on the
Minutes, when it shall be requested by any four Members;
but the previous question being put, it was determined that
the question be not now put.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. •
Tuesday, September 17, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Tuesday, September 17, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government.
A Member informed the House that there were now in
town' two Shawancse Indians, who were soon about to re-
turn home, and proposed that the Convention should take
some friendly notice of them, and embrace this opportunity
of sending a message to the Shawanese Nation: Where-
upon it was
Ordered, That Mr. Jacobs, Colonel Lowrey, and Major
James Smith, be a Committee to prepare a speech and wam-
pum for a conference with the said Indians.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Wednesday, September 18, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee appointed to prepare a speech, &c.,to
the Shawanese Indians, reported a draft thereof, and that
they had procured some wampum according to order. The
said draft, being read, was approved.
On motion, Resolved, That the sum of 40 Dollars be
given to the said two Indians as a present; but, the money
not being now here, the gift and interview were deferred till
to-morrow morning.
The House then resumed the consideration of the frame
of Government; and, after some deliberation thereon, it was,
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Matlack, Mr. Jacobs,
and Mr. Hubley be a Committee to revise and bring in a
substitute for the fifteenth section.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, September 18, 1776, P. M. |
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government; and after some considerable time employed
therein,
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Thursday, September 19, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The gentlemen appointed to revise and bring in a substi-
tute for the fifteenth section of the bill, reported a draft
thereof; which was read.
The two Indians now attending, the President read to
them the Message to their Nation ; which, being translated
by Colonel Lowrey, was delivered to them in writing, and
is as follows:
" The State of PENNSYLVANIA, by their Representatives
in Convention at PHILADELPHIA, to their Brethren the
SHAWANESE INDIANS :
" BRETHREN : Listen to us ! We have been much pleased
to see our brothers the Shawanese among us, and we hope
they are well satisfied with their visit to our towns. They
can tell you that we keep our roads open and clear from all
bad weeds, briars, and thorns. A String.
" Brothers, we hope you will also be careful of your roads,
and not suffer the evil spirit to interrupt our ancient friend-
ship. A String.
" Brothers, listen to us ! The great Council of the Thirteen
United States have appointed Commissioners to speak to
you, at Pittsburgh, about our ancient friendship. We de-
sire you will listen to them, and you may depend that your
white brethren, who have grown out of this same big island
with you, will hold fast the ancient covenant-chain of friend-
ship entered into by our ancestors. And we desire, breth-
ren, that you will not let our friendship go ; but that you will
be strong in the good work of peace, which you are invited
to meet about at Pittsburgh, and not listen to the evil spirit
which you know has been striving to make mischief between
us; for we, on our parts, are resolved to preserve our ancient
friendship with you. And we desire you will assist your
white brethren of the United American States to live in
peace with all nations. To confirm our words, we send,
by our brothers Wenthissica and Pellawa, this belt, which
we desire you will show in Council to all our Indian breth-
ren of every nation." A Belt.
After which the present of twenty Dollars to each was
made, and thankfully received by them.
It was also, on motion, Ordered, That it be recommended
to the inhabitants of this State in general, and particularly to
the Committees of the several Counties, to treat with respect
the bearers Wenthissica and Pellawa, two Shawanese In-
dians ; and, if occasion should require, to afford them pro-
tection as they travel on their journey home, they being the
bearers of a message from this Convention to their nation.
Some Letters from the Commissioners for Indian affairs,
at Fort Pitt, to the Committee of Westmoreland County,
and from the said Committee to their Members in this Con-
vention, dated the 31st of August, and the 1st and 8th of
September instant, relative to the danger of an Indian war,
and requesting a supply of arms and ammunition, were read,
and ordered to be referred to the Council of Safety.
47
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
48
A Ivetter from Colonel Kachkan, dated at Amboy, Sep-
tember I ] , 1776, informing of some deserters from his Bat-
talion of the Ducks County Militia, was read, and referred
to the Council of Safety.
The House then resumed the consideration of the frame
of Government ; and, after some time employed therein,
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Thursday, September 19, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House then resumed the consideration of the frame
of Government ; and, after some time employed therein,
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, September 20, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Memorial from the Committee of Northumberland,
setting forth their apprehensions of an Indian war, and the
defenceless state of that frontier County, and praying the
assistance of this House for their defence, was read, arid
Ordered to lie on the table for consideration.
Leave of absence was given to Colonel Clark to go and
visit his Battalion at Amboy.
Mr. Hay had leave to go home to see his sick family.
The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government; and, after some time spent therein,
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Friday, September 20, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government.
On motion, Resolved, That the expenses of the two
Companies raised by the Committee of Westmoreland, in
consequence of Colonel M' Coy's instructions preventing
him from stationing his Battalion in proper places, shall be
liquidated and paid in the same manner as is directed by
the resolves of this House of the 14th instant: And, that
the Council of Safety be desired to send up, for their use,
such a sum of Money as they may think necessary.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, September 21, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government ; and, after some time,
Adjourned to nine o'clock on Monday morning.
Monday, September 23, 1776, A. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The Convention proceeded to the further consideration of
the frame of Government.
A Letter from Amboy, from General Roberdeau, contain-
ing his sentiments on the regulations of the Militia of this
State, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table for consideration.
Adjourned to half-past three o'clock in the afternoon.
Monday, September 23, 1776, P. M.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Matlack, Mr. Jacobs,
and Colonel Thomas Smith, be a Committee to brin^ in the
draft of a resolve for settling and regulating the General Elec-
tion for this present year.
The Convention resumed the consideration of the frame
of Government; and, after considerable time spent therein,
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Tuesday, September 24, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Member of the Council of Safety acquainted the
House that he was instructed by that Board to inform them
that it would be necessary to apply to Congress for a further
loan of 100,000 Dollars: Whereupon it was
Resolved, That the Delegates of this State in Confess
be directed to apply to the Congress for the loan of 100,000
Dollars, on the credit and faith of this State.
Resolved, That the Members of the late conference of
Committees be allowed the same mileage and wages as
have been usually paid to the Members of the Assembly,
and that the Treasurer of this State pay the same on the
certificates of either of the Secretaries of the said con-
ference.
Resolved, That it be referred to the Council of Safely to
pay such expenses as they think were justly incurred by the
sending expresses to call together the people for choosing
Brigadier-Generals.
Resolved, That the Wardens of the City of Philadelphia
do continue to exercise the duties of their said office as
Wardens, until the first Tuesday in November next, and
until new Wardens shall be chosen.
A Memorial from Mr. Paul Fooks, respecting the ap-
pointment of a sworn Interpreter for foreign languages and
Notary Publick, and desiring to be nominated to those offices,
was read, and
Ordered to be referred to the Council of Safety.
The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government; and, after some time spent therein,
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Tuesday, September 24, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government; and, after some time,
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Wednesday, September 25, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
A Letter from the Reverend Messrs. Duffield and Mar-
shall, praying that the Clergy of this State may be exempted
from the burthen of civil officers, and setting forth their rea-
sons for such exemption, was read, and
Ordered to lie on the table for consideration.
A Petition from the Reverend Messrs. Muhlenberg and
Weynberg, praying for an addition to the 47th article of the
proposed frame of Government, confirming the incorpora-
tions for promoting religious and charitable purposes, was
read, and
Ordered to lie on the table.
A Letter from Colonel Hancock, President of Congress,
to this Convention, informing of the late resolution of Con-
gress for raising a number of additional Battalions, and for
inlisting the soldiers until the end of the war, and warmly
requesting this House to take the most speedy and effectual
measures for that purpose, was read, and
Ordered to be taken into consideration in the afternoon.
^ The House resumed the consideration of the frame of
Government.
Ordered, That Mr. Cannon, Mr. Jacobs, and Mr. Rit-
tenhouse, be appointed to prepare the draft of a preamble
to the Declaration of Rights and frame of Government, and
of the oaths of Allegiance and Office, to be inserted in the
said frame.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, September 25, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House, agreeable to order, took into consideration
the Letter from Colonel Hancock; and, after some consider-
ation, it was
Ordered, That Colonel Bull, Colonel Matlack, Colonel
Potter, Mr. Hubley, and Colonel C7«rfr,be a Committee to
the said Letter, and report thereon to this House.
The gentlemen appointed to draw up a preamble to the
Declaranon of Rights and frame of Government, reported
an essay for that purpose, which was read, and referred for
further consideration.
They also reported an essay for the oaths and affirmations
f Allegiance, and of Office; which, being read and amended
at the table, were approved of, and
Ordered to be inserted in the frame of Government.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning
O
49
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Thursday, September 26, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee appointed to draw up the resolve re-
specting the Elections for the present year, reported a draft
for that purpose; which, being read and amended, was
agreed to in the following words :
In Convention for the State of PENNSYLVANIA.
Whereas it is not convenient to hold the next election
throughout this State for choosing the elective officers there-
of, on the day on which it will be most convenient to the
people to hold their elections for the future; and this Con-
vention being desirous that the freemen of this State may,
as soon as possible, enjoy the advantages of a free and
established Government: It is therefore
Resolved, That the next election of Representatives in
General Assembly, and of all other elective officers hereto-
fore usually chosen on the first day of October, shall be held
for the City of Philadelphia, and for the County of Phila-
delphia, and for every other County of this State, on Tues-
day, the fifth day of November next; and, except in the
Counties of Bedford, Northumberland, and Westmoreland,
at the places where the elections for Representatives in this
Convention were held. The election for Inspectors is to
be held in the City of Philadelphia, and in each of the
Counties of this State, on Saturday, the second day of
November next. The Judges of the said elections shall be
chosen and appointed by the Inspectors on the day of elec-
tion ; and shall be subject to the like forfeitures and penal-
ties for fraud or wilful neglect as the Sheriff would have
been in the like case by the late laws of this State. The
Constables of the wards in the City of Philadelphia, and of
the Townships of the several Counties of this State, shall
give six days' notice of the election for Inspectors. The
Judges, or one or more of them, shall, within two days fol-
lowing the election, meet at the Court-House of the respect-
ive Counties in which elections shall be held in Districts,
and returns shall be made to them from the Districts, of the
names of the candidates, and number of votes for each:
And the Judges shall cast up the votes, and shall certify
those who are highest in votes, to be duly elected to the
respective offices: And the elections shall, in all other
matters, be held and carried on, as nearly as may be, accord-
ing to the directions of an act of Assembly of the late
Government of Pennsylvania, made in the year one thou-
sand seven hundred and sixty-six, intituled, "An Act direct- .
ing the choice of Inspectors, and for holding the general
elections in this Province:" And in case any Township or
Townships neglect to choose an Inspector or Inspectors,
the other Inspectors and the Judges present at the election,
shall appoint an Inspector or Inspectors for such Township
or Townships.
The freemen of the County of Bedford shall vote in
four Districts for this present year, as follows, viz :
The freemen of the First District, containing the Town-
ships of Bedford, Colerain, and Cumberland Valley, at the
Court-House in the Town of Bedford; of the Second,
containing the Townships of Bethel, Air, and Dublin, at
the house of John Burd, at Fort Lyttleton; of the Third,
containing the Townships of Barre, Hopeu-ell, and Franks-
town, at Standing-Stone; and of the Fourth, containing the
Townships of Brothers Valley, Turkey foot, z.nA Quemacho-
ning, at the house of John Kemberlin, near the junction of
the said three Townships.
The County of Northumberland shall be divided into
four Districts, to wit: the freemen of Augusta, Penns, and
Mahoney Townships, shall meet at the Town of Sunbury;
of Turbutt, Mahoning, and Wioming, shall meet at the
Town of Northumberland ; of Buffaloc, White Deer, and
Potter, shall meet at Foutz's Mill, in Buffaloe Township;
"and of Munsey and Bald-Eagle, shall meet at the house of
Amariah Sutton, in Munsey Township.
The electors of the County of Westmoreland shall hold
their alection in manner following, that is to say: the elec-
tors on the north side of Kiskemmetas and Cannemach, shall
hold their election at Captain Samuel Morchead's Mill ; the
Second District shall be bounded by the Laurel Hill, Can-
nemach, the Cftestnut Ridge, and Youghagany, and shall
hold their election at Ligonier ; the other electors in the
said County, not comprehended in the foregoing Districts,
shall hold their elections at the two places directed by the
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 4
conference of Committees for electing Members of this
Convention.
Every elector, before his vote is received, shall take the
following Oath or Affirmation, instead of that heretofore
required, viz : " I , do swear, (or affirm,) that I will be
faithful and true to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
and that I will not, directly or indirectly, do any act or
thing prejudicial or injurious to the Constitution or Govern-
ment thereof, as established by the Convention."
And the Judges and Inspectors of the said elections shall,
besides the oaths prescribed in the law directing the choice
of Inspectors above-mentioned, take the oath of allegiance
above recited. And
Resolved, That the said General Assembly, chosen in
consequence of the foregoing resolves, shall meet at Phila-
delphia, on Tuesday, the nineteenth day of November next.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Thursday, September 26, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The Committee appointed to consider of the matter con-
tained in Colonel Hancock's Letter, made their report in
writing ; which, being read, was agreed to by the House,
and is as follows :
That three persons be commissioned immediately to repair
to the several stations where any of the forces of this State
now are, and obtain a full account of the strength and con-
dition of the Battalions raised in this State, except in the
County of Westmoreland.
That the officers of these Battalions, who shall appear to
be qualified for their stations, be continued, if they shall
enter to serve during the war.
That the vacancies occasioned by officers declining to
serve, or which have happened, or may happen by other
means, be filled by the Council of Safety, where it is neces-
sary to be done before the sitting of the General Assembly.
That as many as possible of the soldiers, who are now in
the service, be induced to inlist to serve during the war; and
that persons be appointed to recruit the several Battalions as
soon as may be, and that the Commanding Officers of each
Battalion be directed forthwith to order out recruiting par-
ties to complete their Battalions.
That the Commissioners be authorized to apply to Con-
gress for money, from time to time, to pay the bounty as
fast as the men may inlist in the service, to be accountable
to the State.
That the' Commissioners be authorized to inquire into the
conduct of the Commissaries and Quartermasters, if they
shall think it necessary.
That persons be immediately appointed to purchase
woollens for clothing, blankets, and other necessaries, and
particularly arms.
On motion, Ordered, That this House will to morrow
morning proceed to the election, by ballot, of the three Com-
missioners recommended, by the above report, to inquire,
&c., into the condition of the Troops raised in this State.
On motion, Resolved, That the Commissioners for raising
the Flying-Camp account with the Council of Safety, or
future Assembly, for such Moneys as have been or shall be
put into their hands for that purpose.
The House resumed the consideration of th|e draft of the
preamble offered to them yesterday, and the same was
agreed to.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Friday, September 27, 1776, A. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The House, according to the Order of the Day, pro-
ceeded to the election, by ballot, of the Commissioners
recommended to be chosen by the report of yesterday; when
Major Lollar, Major Coates, and John Morris, Jun., Esquire,
were elected.
On information, that a number of soldiers, belonging to
Colonel Miles's Battalion, had mutinied and returned to
this city, it was
Resolved, That Colonel Kirkbride, Mr. Cannon, Mr.
Whitehill, and Colonel James Smith, be a Committee to
inquire into the affair, and make report to this House.
Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
51
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
52
Fridny, September 27, 1776, P. M.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion, 7>Y.v«/r<W. That Captain farmer and the
other Officers of the three Battalions belonging to this State,
be directed to march the soldiers, who have returned from
the Camp, to the Barracks ; that the Commissary be directed
to supply them with provisions, and that they be kept there
until the Convention, or Council of Safety, shall have con-
sidered their case, and shall give further directions.
On motion, Resolved, That it be recommended to the
first General Assembly of this State, to make a law similar
to the habeas corpus act of England, for the security of the
personal liberty of the inhabitants.
The Committee appointed to inquire into the affair of the
returned soldiers, made their report in writing ; which, being
read, was referred for further consideration.
Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
Saturday, September 28, 1776.
The House met pursuant to adjournment.
The frame or plan of Government, and preamble agreed
to yesterday, being now fairly engrossed, were deliberately
read and compared at the table; and, being bound up with
the Declaration of Rights, were passed and confirmed unani-
mously, in the words following, viz :
The Constitution of PENNSYLVANIA.
Whereas all government ought to be instituted and
supported for the security and protection of the community
as such, and to enable the individuals who compose it to
enjoy their natural rights and the other blessings which the
Author of existence has bestowed upon man; and, when-
ever these great ends of government are not obtained, the
people have a right, by common consent, to change it, and
take such measures as to them may appear necessary to
promote their safety and happiness: And whereas the inhab-
itants of this Commonwealth have, in consideration of pro-
tection only, heretofore acknowledged allegiance to the King
of Great Britain ; and the said King has not only with-
drawn that protection, but commenced and still continues
to carry on with unabated vengeance a most cruel and un-
just war against them, employing therein not only the troops
of Great Britain, but foreign mercenaries, savages and
slaves, for the avowed purpose of reducing them to a total
and abject submission to the despotick domination of the
British Parliament, with many other acts of tyranny, (more
fully set forth in the declaration of Congress,) whereby all
allegiance and fealty to the said King and his successors
are dissolved and at an end, and all power and authority
derived from him ceased in these Colonies: And whereas it
is absolutely necessary for the welfare and safety of the
inhabitants of said Colonies that they be henceforth free and
independent States, and that just, permanent, and proper
forms of government exist in every part of them, derived
from, and founded on the authority of, the people only,
agreeable to the directions of the honourable American
B
Congress :
We, the Representatives of the freemen of Pennsylva-
nia, in General Convention met, for the express purpose of
framing such a government, confessing the goodness of the
Great Governour of the Universe, (who alone knows to
what degree of earthly happiness mankind may attain, by
perfecting the arts of government,) in permitting the people
of this State, by common consent, and without violence, de-
liberately to form for themselves such just rules as they shall
think best for governing their future society; and being fully
convinced that it is our indispensable duty to establish such
original principles of government as will best promote the
general happiness of the people of this State and their pos-
terity, and provide for future improvements, without parti-
ality for or prejudice against any particular class, sect, or
denomination of men whatsoever, Do, by virtue of the autho-
rity vested in us by our constituents, ordain, declare, and
establish the following Declaration of Rights and frame of
Government, to be the Constitution of this Commonwealth,
and to remain in force therein forever, unaltered, except in
such articles as shall hereafter, on experience, be found to
require improvement, and which shall, by the same authori-
ty of the people fairly delegated, as this frame of Govern-
ment directs, be amended or improved for the more effectual
obtaining and securing the great end and design of all gov-
ernment hereinbefore mentioned:
CHAPTER I.
A Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the
Commonwealth or State of PENNSYLVANIA.
1st. That all men are born equally free and independent,
and have certain natural, inherent, and unalienable rights,
amongst which are the enjoying and defending life and lib-
erty, °acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and
pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
2d. That all men have a natural and unalienable right to
worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their
own consciences and understanding; and that no man ought,
or of right can, be compelled to attend any religious worship,
or erect or support any place of worship, or maintain any
ministry, contrary to, or against his own free will and con-
sent ; nor can any man who acknowledges the being of a
God, be justly deprived or abridged of any civil right as a
citizen, on account of his religious sentiments, or peculiar
mode of religious worship; and that no authority can or
ought to be vested in, or assumed by any power whatever
that shall in any case interfere with, or in any manner con-
trol the right of conscience, in the free exercise of religious
worship.
3d. That the people of this State have the sole, exclusive,
and inherent right of governing and regulating the internal
police of the same.
4th. That all power being originally inherent in, and con-
sequently derived from the people, therefore all officers of
government, whether legislative or executive, are their
trustees and servants, and at all times accountable to them.
5th. That government is, or ought to be, instituted for
the common benefit, protection, and security of the people,
nation, or community; and not for the particular emolument
or advantage of any single man, family, or set of men, who
are a part only of that community; and that the community
hath an indubitable, unalienable and indefeasible right to
reform, alter, or abolish government, in such manner as
shall be by that community judged most conducive to the
publick weal.
6th. That those who are employed in the legislative and
executive business of the State may be restrained from
oppression, the people have a right, at such periods as they
may think proper, to reduce their publick officers to a private
station, and supply the vacancies by certain and regular
elections.
7th. That all elections ought to be free; and that all free
men having a sufficient evident common interest with, and
attachment to the community, have a right to elect officers
or be elected into office.
8th. That every member of society hath a right to be
protected in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and
therefore is bound to contribute his proportion towards the
expense of that protection, and yield his personal service
when necessary, or an equivalent thereto; but no part of a
man's property can be justly taken from him, or applied to
publick uses, without his own consent, or that of his legal
representatives; nor can any man who is conscientiously
scrupulous of bearing arms, be justly compelled thereto, if
he will pay such equivalent; nor are the people bound by
any laws but such as they have in like manner assented to
for their common good.
9th. That in all prosecutions for criminal offences a man
hath a right to be heard by himself and his counsel, to
demand the cause and nature of his accusation, to be con-
fronted with the witnesses, to call for evidence in his favour,
and a speedy publick trial, by an impartial jury of the coun
try, without the unanimous consent of which jury he cannot
be found guilty ; nor can he be compelled to give evidence
against himself; nor can any man be justly deprived of his
liberty, except by the laws of the land or the judgment of
his peers.
10th. That the people have a right to hold themselves,
their houses, papers and possessions free from search or
seizure ; and therefore, warrants without oaths or affirmations
first made, affording a sufficient foundation for them, and
whereby any officer or messenger may be commanded or
required to search suspected places, or to seize any person
or persons, his or their property, not particularly described,
are contrary to that right, and ought not to be granted.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
54
llth. That in controversies respecting property, and in
suits between man and man, the parties have a right to trial
by jury, which ought to be held sacred.
12th. That the people have a right to freedom of speech,
and of writing and publishing their sentiments; therefore,
the freedom of the press ought not to be restrained.
13th. That the people have a right to bear arms for the
defence of themselves and the State ; and, as standing 'armies
in the time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not
to be kept up; and that the military should be kept under
strict subordination to and governed by the civil power.
14th. That a frequent recurrence to fundamental princi-
ples, and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temper-
ance, industry, and frugality, are absolutely necessary to
preserve the blessings of liberty and keep a government
free: The people ought therefore to pay particular atten-
tion to these points in the choice of officers and representa-
tives, and have a right to exact a due and constant regard
to them from their legislatures and magistrates in the making
and executing such laws as are necessary for the good gov-
ernment of the State.
15th. That all men have a natural inherent right to
emigrate from one State to another that will receive them,
or to form a new State in vacant countries, or in such
countries as they can purchase, whenever they think that
thereby they may promote their own happiness.
16th. That the people have a right to assemble together,
to consult for their common good, to instruct their repre-
sentatives, and to apply to the Legislature for redress of
grievances, by address, petition, or remonstrance.
CHAPTER II.
Plan or Frame of Government for the Commonweallh or
State of PENNSYLVANIA.
SECTION 1st. The Commonwealth or State of Pennsyl-
vania shall be governed hereafter by an Assembly of the
Representaiives of the freemen of the same, and a Presi-
dent and Council, in manner and form following:
SECT. 2d. The supreme legislative power shall be vested
in a House of Representatives of the freemen of the Com-
monwealth or State of Pennsylvania.
SECT. 3d. The supreme executive power shall be vested
in a President and Council.
SECT. 4th. Courts of Justice shall be established in the
City of Philadelphia, and in every County of this State.
SECT. 5th. The freemen of this Commonwealth and their
sons shall be trained and armed for its defence, under such
regulations, restrictions, and exceptions, as the General As-
sembly shall by law direct; preserving always to the people
the right of choosing their Colonels, and all commissioned
officers under that rank, in such manner, and as often as by
the said laws shall be directed.
SECT. 6th. Every freeman of the full age of twenty-one
years, having resided in this State for the space of one whole
year next before the day of election for Representatives,
and paid publick taxes during that time, shall enjoy the
right of an elector : Provided always, That sons of free-
holders of the age of twenty-one years be entitled to vote,
although they have not paid taxes.
SECT. 7th. The House of Representatives of the free-
men of this Commonwealth shall consist of persons most
noted for wisdom and virtue, to be chosen by the freemen
of every City and County of this Commonwealth respect-
ively: And no pei-son shall be elected, unless he has resided
in the City or County for which he shall be chosen, two
years immediately before the said election; nor shall any
member, while he continues such, hold any other office,
except in the Militia.
SECT. 8th. No person shall be capable of being elected
a member to serve in the House of Representatives of the
freemen of this Commonwealth more than four years in
seven.
SECT. 9th. The members of the House of Representa-
tives shall be chosen annually by ballot, by the freemen of
the Commonwealth, on the second Tuesday in October for
ever, (except this present year,) and shall meet on the fourth
Monday of the same month; and shall be styled The Gen-
eral Assembly of the Representatives of the freemen O/PENN-
SYLVANIA, and shall have power to choose their Speaker, the
Treasurer of the State, and their other officers — sit on their
own adjournments, prepare bills and enact them into laws,
judge of the elections and qualifications of their own members;
they may expel a member, but not a second time for the
same cause; they may administer oaths or affirmations on
examinations of witnesses, redress grievances, impeach State
criminals, grant charters of incorporation, constitute towns,
boroughs, cities, and counties, and shall have all other
powers necessary for the Legislature of a free State or Com-
monwealth; but they shall have no power to add to, alter,
abolish, or infringe any part of this Constitution.
SECT. 10th. A quorum of the House of Representatives
shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of members
elected : and, having met and chosen their Speaker, shall
each of them, before they proceed to business, take and
subscribe, as well the oath or affirmation of fidelity and alle-
giance hereinafter directed, as the following oath or affirma-
tion, viz:
"I , do swear (or affirm) that, as a member of
this Assembly, I will not propose or assent to any bill, vote,
or resolution, which shall appear to me injurious to the
people, nor do or consent to any act or thing whatever that
shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights and
privileges, as declared in the Constitution of this State; but
will, in all things, conduct myself as a faithful, honest rep-
resentative and guardian of the people, according to the
best of my judgment and abilities."
And each Member, before he takes his seat, shall make
and subscribe the following Declaration, viz :
" I do believe in one God, the Creator and Governour of
the universe, the rewarder of the good and punisher of the
wicked; and I dp acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old
and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration."
And no further or other religious test shall ever hereafter
be required of any civil officer or magistrate in this State.
SECT. llth. Delegates to represent this State in Congress
shall be chosen by ballot, by the future General Assembly,
at their first meeting, and annually forever afterwards, as
long as such representation shall be necessary. Any Dele-
gate may be superseded at any time by the General Assem-
bly appointing another in his stead. No man shall sit in
Congress longer than two years successively; nor be capa-
ble of reelection for three years afterwards. And no person
who holds any office in the gift of the Congress shall here-
after be elected to represent this Commonwealth in Con-
gress.
SECT. 12th. If any City or Cities, County or Counties,
shall neglect or refuse to elect and send Representatives to
the General Assembly, two-thirds of the members from the
Cities or Counties that do elect and send Representatives,
provided they be a majority of the Cities and Counties of
the whole State when met, shall have all the powers of the
General Assembly as fully and amply as if the whole were
present.
SECT. 13th. The doors of the House in which the Rep-
resentatives of the freemen of this State shall sit in General
Assembly, shall be and remain open for the admission of all
persons who behave decently, except only when the wel-
fare of this State may require the doors to be shut.
SECT. 14th. The votes and proceedings of the General
Assembly shall be printed weekly during their sitting, with
the yeas and nays on any question, vote or resolution, where
any two members require it, except when the vote is. taken
by ballot; and when the yeas and nays are so taken, every
member shall have a right to insert the reasons of his vote
upon the Minutes, if he desires it.
SECT. 1 5th. To the end that laws, before they are enacted,
may be more maturely considered, and the inconvenience of
hasty determinations as much as possible prevented, all bills
of a publick nature shall be printed, for the consideration of
the people, before they are read in General Assembly the
last time for debate and amendment; and, except on occa-
sions of sudden necessity, shall not be passed into laws until
the next session of Assembly; and for the more perfect
satisfaction of the publick, the reasons and motives for making
such laws shall be fully and clearly expressed in the pre-
ambles.
SECT. 16th. The style of the laws of this Commonwealth
shall be, " Be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted by the
Representatives of the freemen of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and by the autho-
rity of the same." And the General Assembly shall affix
their seal to every bill as soon as it is enacted into a law;
55
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
56
which seal shall be kept by the Assembly, and shall be
called "The Seal of the Laws of Pennsylvania," and shall
not be used for any other purpose.
SECT. 17th. The City of Phi/ddr/phia, and each County
in this Commonwealth respectively, shall, on the first Tues-
day of November, in this present year, and on the second
Tufsday in October annually for the two next succeeding
years, to wit, the year one thousand seven hundred and
seventy-seven and the year one thousand seven hundred and
seventy-eight, choose six persons to represent them in Gen-
eral Assembly ; but as representation, in proportion to the
number of taxable inhabitants, is the only principle which
can at all times secure liberty and make the voice of a
majority of the people the law of the land, therefore the
General Assembly shall cause complete lists of the taxable
inhabitants in the City and each County in the Common-
wealth respectively to be taken and returned to them on or
before the last meeting of the Assembly elected in the year
one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, who shall
appoint a representation to each in proportion to the number
of taxables in such returns ; which representation shall con-
tinue for the next seven years afterwards ; at the end of
which a new return of the taxable inhabitants shall be made
and a representation agreeable thereto appointed by the said
Assembly, and so on septennially forever. The wages of
the Representatives in General Assembly, and all other
State charges, shall be paid out of the State treasury.
SECT. 18th. In order that the freemen of this Common-
wealth may enjoy the benefit of election as equally as may
be until the representation shall commence as directed in
the foregoing section, each County at its own choice may
be divided into districts, hold elections therein, and elect
their Representatives in the County and their other elective
officers, as shall be hereafter regulated by the General As-
sembly of this State. And no inhabitant of this State shall
have more than one annual vote at the general election for
Representatives in Assembly.
SECT. 19th. For the present the supreme Executive
Council of this State shall consist of twelve persons, chosen
in the following manner: The freemen of the City of Phil-
adelphia, and of the Counties of Philadelphia, Chester, and
Bucks, respectively, shall choose by ballot one person for
the City and one for each County aforesaid, to serve for
three years and no longer, at the time and place for electing
representatives in General Assembly. The freemen of the
Counties of Lancaster, York, Cumberland, and Berks, shall
in like manner elect one person for each County respectively,
to serve as Counsellors for two years and no longer; and the
Counties of. Northampton, Bedford, Northumberland, and
Westmoreland respectively, shall in like manner elect one
person for each County, to serve as Counsellors for one year
and no longer. And at the expiration of the time for which
each Counsellor was chosen to serve, the freemen of the
City of Philadelphia, and of the several Counties in this
State respectively, shall elect one person to serve as Coun-
sellor for three years and no longer; and so on every third
year forever. By this mode of election and continual rota-
tion, more men will be trained to publick business; there will
in every subsequent year be found in the Council a number
of persons acquainted with the proceedings of the foregoing
years, whereby the business will be more consistently con-
ducted, and moreover the danger of establishing an in-
convenient aristocracy will be effectually prevented. All
vacancies in the Council that may happen by death, resig-
nation, or otherwise, shall be filled at the next general election
for Representatives in General Assembly, unless a particular
election for that purpose shall be sooner appointed by the
President and Council. No Member of the General As-
sembly or Delegate in Congress shall be chosen a member
of the Council. The President and Vice President shall be
chosen annually by the joint ballot of the General Assembly
and Council, of the members of the Council. Any person
having served as a Counsellor for three successive years,
shall be incapable of holding that office for four years after-
wards. Every member of the Council shall be a Justice of the
Peace for the whole Commonwealth by virtue of his office.
In case new additional Counties shall hereafter be erected
in this State, such County or Counties shall elect a Coun-
sellor, and such County or Counties shall be annexed to
the next neighbouring Counties, and shall take rotation with
such Counties.
The Council shall meet annually, at the same time and
place with the General Assembly.
The Treasurer of the State, Trustees of the Loan Office,
Naval Officers, Collectors of Customs or Excise, Judge of
the Admiralty, Attorneys General, Sheriffs, and Prothonota-
ries, shall not be capable of a seat in the General Assembly,
Executive Council, or Continental Congress.
SECT. 20th. The President, and in his absence the Vice
President, with the Council, five of whom shall be a quorum,
shall have power to appoint and commissionate Judges,
Naval Officers, Judge of the Admiralty, Attorney General,
and all other officers, civil and military, except such as are
chosen by the General Assembly or the people, agreeable
to this frame of Government and the laws that may be made
hereafter; and shall supply every vacancy in any office occa-
sioned by death, resignation, removal, or disqualification,
until the office can he filled in the time and manner directed
by law or this Constitution. They are to correspond with
other States, and transact business with the officers of Gov-
ernment, civil and military, and to prepare such business as
may appear to them necessary to lay before the General
Assembly. They shall sit as judges to hear and determine
on impeachments, taking to their assistance, for advice only,
the Justices of the Supreme Court, and shall have power to
grant pardons and remit fines in all cases whatsoever, except
in cases of impeachment ; and in cases of treason and mur-
der shall have power to grant reprieves, but not to pardon,
until the end of the next sessions of Assembly; but there
shall be no remission or mitigation of punishment on im-
peachments, except by act of the Legislature. They are
also to take care that the laws be faithfully executed ; they
are to expedite the execution of such measures as may be
resolved upon by the General Assembly ; and they may
draw upon the Treasury for such sums as shall be appropri-
ated by the House. They may also lay embargoes, or pro-
hibit the exportation of any commodity, for any time not
exceeding thirty days, in the recess of the House only. They
may grant such licenses as shall be directed by law, and
shall have power to call together the General Assembly
when necessary before the day to which they shall stand
adjourned. The President shall be Commander-in-Chief
of the forces of the State, but shall not command in person,
except advised thereto by the Council, and then only so long
as they shall approve thereof. The President and Council
shall have a Secretary, and keep fair books of their proceed-
ings, wherein any Counsellor may enter his dissent with his
reasons in support of it.
SECT. 21st. All commissions shall be in the name and
by the authority of the freemen of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, sealed with the State seal, signed by the
President or Vice President, and attested by the Secretary;
which seal shall be kept by the Council.
SECT. 22d. Every officer of State, whether judicial or
executive, shall be liable to be impeached by the General
Assembly, either when in office or after his resignation or
•removal for mal-administration : all impeachments shall be
before the President or Vice President and Council, who
shall hear and determine the same.
SECT. 23d. The Judges of the Supreme Court of Judica-
ture shall have fixed salaries, be commissioned for seven
years only, though capable of reappointment at the end of
that term, but removable for misbehaviour at any time by
the General Assembly : they shall not be allowed to sit as
members in the Continental Congress, Executive Council,
or General Assembly, nor to hold any other office, civil or
military, nor to take or receive fees or perquisites of any
kind.
SECT. 24th. The Supreme Court and the several Courts
of Common Pleas of this Commonwealth shall, besides the
powers usually exercised by such Courts, have the powers
of a Court of Chancery, so far as relates to the perpetuating
testimony, obtaining evidence from places not within this
State, and the care of the persons and estates of those who
are non compotes mentis, and such other powers as may be
found necessary by future General Assemblies, not incon-
sistent with this Constitution.
SECT. 25th. Trials shall be by Jury as heretofore: and
it is recommended to the Legislature of this State to provide
by law against every corruption or partiality in the choice,
return, or appointment of Juries.
SECT. 26th. Courts of Sessions, Common Pleas, and Or-
57
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
58
phans' Courts shall be held quarterly in each City and County;
and the Legislature shall have power to establish all such
other Courts as they may judge for the good of the inhabi-
tants of the State. All Courts shall be open, and justice
shall be impartially administered, without corruption or un-
necessary delay : all their officers shall be paid an adequate
but moderate compensation for their services: and if any
officer shall take greater or other fees than the laws allow
him, either directly or indirectly, it shall ever after disqualify
him from holding any office in this State.
SECT. 27th. All prosecutions shall commence in the name
and by the authority of the freemen of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania ; and all indictments shall conclude with
these words: "against the peace and dignity of the same."
The style of all process hereafter in this State shall be, The
Commonwealtli of Pennsylvania.
SECT. 28th. The person of a debtor, where there is not a
strong presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in prison
after delivering up, bona fide, all his estate, real and personal,
for the use of his creditors, in such manner as shall be here-
after regulated by law: all prisoners shall be bailable by
sufficient sureties, unless for capital offences, when the proof
is evident or presumption great.
SECT. 29th. Excessive bail shall not be exacted for bail-
able offences ; and all fines shall be moderate.
SECT. 30th. Justices of the Peace shall be elected by the
freeholders of each City and County respectively, that is to
say, two or more persons may be chosen for each Ward,
Township, or District, as the law shall hereafter direct; and
their names shall be returned to the President in Council,
who shall commissionate one or more of them for each Ward,
Township, or District so returning, for seven years, removable
for misconduct by the General Assembly. But if any City or
County, Ward, Township, or District in this Commonwealth,
shall hereafter incline to change the manner of appointing
their Justices of the Peace as settled in this article, the Gen-
eral Assembly may make laws to regulate the same, agree-
able to the desire of a majority of the freeholders of the City
or County, Ward, Township, or District so applying. No
Justice of the Peace shall sit in the General Assembly unless
he first resign his commission; nor shall he be allowed to take
any fees; nor any salary or allowance except such as the
future Legislature may grant.
SECT. 31st. Sheriffs and Coroners shall be elected annu-
ally in each City and County by the freemen ; that is to say,
two persons for each office, one of whom for each is to be
commissioned by the President in Council. No person shall
continue in the office of Sheriff more than three successive
years, or be capable of being again elected during four years
afterwards. Tlie election shall be held at the same time
and place appointed for the election of Representatives ; and
the Commissioners and Assessors, and other officers chosen
by the people, shall also be then and there elected, as has
been usual heretofore, until altered or otherwise regulated
by the future Legislature of this State.
SECT. 32d. All elections, whether by the people or in
General Assembly, shall be by ballot, free and voluntary;
and any elector who shall receive any gift or reward for his
vote, in meat, drink, moneys, or otherwise, shall forfeit his
right to elect for that time ; and suffer such other penalty as
future laws shall direct. And any person who shall directly
or indirectly give, promise, or bestow any such rewards to
be elected, shall be thereby rendered incapable to serve for
the ensuing year.
SECT. 33d. All fees, license money, fines and forfeitures
heretofore granted, or paid to the Governour or his Depu-
ties, for the support of Government, shall hereafter be paid
into the publick treasury, unless altered or abolished by the
future Legislature.
SECT. 34th. A Register's Office for the probate of wills
and granting letters of administration, and an office for the
recording of deeds, shall be kept in each City and County:
the officers to be appointed by the General Assembly,
removable at their pleasure, and to be commissioned by the
President in Council.
SECT. 35tb. The printing presses shall be free to every
person who undertakes to examine the proceedings of the
Legislature, or any part of Government.
SECT. 36th. As every freeman, to preserve his indepen-
dence, (if without a sufficient estate,) ought to have some
profession, calling, trade, or farm, whereby he may honestly
subsist, there can be no necessity for nor use in establishing
offices of profit, the usual effects of which are dependence
and servility, unbecoming freemen, in the possessors and ex-
pectants; faction, contention, corruption, and disorder, among
the people. But if any man is called into publick service
to the prejudice of his private affairs, he has a right to a
reasonable compensation; and whenever an office, through
increase of fees, or otherwise, becomes so profitable as to
occasion many to apply for it, the profits ought to be lessened
by the Legislature.
SECT. 37th. The future Legislature of this State shall
regulate entails, in such a manner as to prevent perpetuities.
SECT. 38th. The penal laws as heretofore used, shall be
reformed by the future Legislature of this State, as soon as
may be, and punishments made in some cases less sanguin-
ary and in general more proportionate to the crimes.
SECT. 39th. To deter more effectually from the commission
of crimes, by continued visible punishment of long duration,
and to make sanguinary punishments less necessary, houses
ought to be provided for punishing by hard labour those
who shall be convicted of crimes not capital; wherein the
criminals shall be employed for the benefit of the publick,
or for reparation of injuries done to private persons; and all
persons at proper times shall be admitted to see the prisoners
at their labour.
SECT. 40th. Every officer, whether judicial, executive or
military, in authority under this Commonwealth, shall take
the following oath or affirmation of allegiance, and general
oath of office, before he enter on the execution of his office:
The Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance.
"I , do swear (or affirm) that I will be true
and faithful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; and
that I will not, directly or indirectly, do any act or thing
prejudicial or injurious to the Constitution or Government
thereof, as established by the Convention."
The Oath or Affirmation of office.
"I , do swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of for the of , and I will
do equal right and justice to all men, to the best of my
judgment and abilities, according to law."
SECT. 41st. No publick tax, custom, or contribution, shall
be imposed upon or paid by the people of this State, except
by a law for that purpose ; and before any law be made for
raising it, the purpose for which any tax is to be raised ought
to appear clearly to the Legislature to be of more service to
the community than the money would be, if not collected,
which, being well observed, taxes can never be burthens.
SECT. 42d. Every foreigner of good character, who comes
to settle in this State, having first taken an oath or affirma-
tion of allegiance to the same, may purchase, or by other
just means acquire, hold, and transfer land or other real
estate ; and after one year's residence, shall be deemed a
free denizen thereof, and entitled to all the rights of a natural
bom subject of this State, except that he shall not be capable
of being elected a Representative until after two years' resi-
dence.
SECT. 43d. The inhabitants of this State shall have
liberty to fowl and hunt in seasonable times on the lands
they hold, and on all other lands therein not enclosed; and
in like manner to fish in all boatable waters and others not
private property.
SECT. 44th. A school or schools shall be established in
each County by the Legislature, for the convenient instruc-
tion of youth, with such salaries to the masters paid by the
publick as may enable them to instruct youth at low prices:
And all useful learning shall be duly encouraged and pro-
moted in one or more Universities.
SECT. 45th. Laws for the encouragement of virtue, and
prevention of vice and immorality, shall be made and con-
stantly kept in force, and provision shall be made lor their
due execution : And all religious societies or bodies of men
heretofore united or incorporated for the advancement of
religion and learning, or for other pious and charitable pur-
poses, shall be encouraged and protected in the enjoyment
of the privileges, immunities, and estates, which they were
accustomed to enjoy, or could of right have enjoyed under
the laws and former Constitution of this State.
SECT. 46th. The Declaration of Rights is hereby declared
to be a part of the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and
ought never to be violated on any pretence whatever.
59
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
60
SECT. 4~th. In order that the freedom of this Common-
wealth may be preserved inviolate for ever, there shall be
chosen by ballot by the freemen in each City and County
rt'spi-ctively, on the second Tuesday in October, in the year
one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, and on the
second Tuesday in October in every seventh year thereafter,
two persons in each City and County of this State, to be
called the Council of Censors; who shall meet together on
the second Monday of \vicmber next ensuing their elec-
tion ; the majority of whom shall be a quorum in every case,
except as to calling a Convention, in which two-thirds of
the whole number elected shall agree; and whose duty it
shall be to inquire whether the Constitution has been pre-
served inviolate in every part; and whether the legislative
and executive branches of Government have performed
their duty as guardians of the people, or assumed to them-
selves, or exercised other or greater powers than they are
entitled to by the Constitution; they are also to inquire
whether the publick taxes have been justly laid and col-
lected in all parts of this Commonwealth, in what manner
the publick moneys have been disposed of, and whether the
laws have been duly executed : For these purposes they
shall have power to send for persons, papers, and records;
they shall have authority to pass publick censures, to order
impeachments, and to recommend to the Legislature the
repealing such laws as appear to them to have been enacted
contrary to the principles of the Constitution: These powers
they shall continue to have for and during the space of one
year from the day of their election, and no longer: The
said Council of Censors shall also have power to call a
Convention, to meet within two years after their sitting, if
there appear to them an absolute necessity of amending any
article of the Constitution which may be defective, explain-
ing such as may be thought not clearly expressed, and of
adding such as are necessary for the preservation of the
rights and happiness of the people: But the articles to be
amended, and the amendments proposed, and such articles
as are proposed to be added or abolished, shall be promul-
gated at least six months before the day appointed for the
election of such Convention, for the previous consideration
of the people, that they may have an opportunity of in-
structing their Delegates on the subject.
On motion, Ordered, That the President and every
Member of this Convention present do sign the same ;
Which being accordingly done, it was thereupon
Ordered, That the Constitution of this Commonwealth,
as now agreed to and signed by the Members of this Con-
vention, be committed to the charge of the Council of Safety,
with directions to deliver the same to the General Assembly
of this State, at their first meeting, immediately after they
shall have chosen their Speaker.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Can-
non, and Mr. Matlack, be a Committee to settle the inci-
dental expenses of this Convention.
On motion, Resohed, That the President of this Con-
vention be allowed the same wages as the Speaker of the
late House of Assembly, and that the Vice President draw
an order on the State Treasurer for the amount thereof.
On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Jacobs,
and Mr. Clymer, be a Committee to prepare the Seals for
the future Legislature and Executive Council of this State.
Resohed, That immediate publick notice be given by the
Secretary, that the freemen of this State are empowered, by
the frame of Government this day passed, to choose at their
next election for Representatives, in the City of Philadel-
phia and each County, one person as a Counsellor of State.
Resolved, That the Council of Safety be directed to pre-
pare materials necessary for printing Paper Currency for
this State, to be ready at the time of the first meeting of
the General Assembly.
Resolved, That Mr. Cannon, Mr. Rittenhouse, Colonel
Matlack, and Colonel Bull, be a Committee to revise the
Minutes of this Convention, and print two hundred and
fifty copies of the same, together svith the Constitution, Or-
dinances, Sic., (one hundred of which to be bound,) for the
use of the Members of this House.
On motion, Resolved, That the President of this Con-
vention fill up and sign a commission for General Roberdeou,
as first Brigadier-General of this State; and that he also
fill up and sign a commission for General Ewing, as second
Brigadier-General of this State.
On motion, Resohed, That Mr. Cannon, Mr. Ritten-
house, and Colonel Matlaclc, tie a Committee to draw up an
address to the publick, setting forth the reasons which in-
duced this Convention to make the several Ordinances and
Resolves which they have passed in the course of the sitting
of this Convention.
The Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into
the complaints of the mutinous soldiers was again read, and
Ordered to be referred to the Council of Safety.
Major Coatcs and Major Lollcr, two of the gentlemen
elected yesterday to visit the Troops raised in this State, at
New- York Island and Ticondcroga, informed the Conven-
tion that the state of their domestick affaire was such that
they could not possibly serve on that duty: Whereupon the
House proceeded to the election of two other gentlemen in
their stead, when Colonel Potter and Colonel Clark were
chosen by ballot for that service.
The Petition of Peter Withington for a Captaincy, was
again read, and referred to the Council of Safety.
The draft of a Commission and Instructions to the gen-
tlemen chosen to visit the Troops of this State was read
and approved of, and is as follows:
"PENNSYLVANIA, ss.
"The Honourable the Convention of the Commonwealth
of PENNSYLVANIA, to E. T., Esquire.
" SIR: You are hereby commissioned and instructed (in
conjunction with A B and C D) immediately to repair to
the army near New-York and at Ticonderoga, and make a
particular inquiry into the condition and state of the troops
raised in or by this State; whether they are properly sup-
plied with necessaries, and whether the quartermasters,
commissaries, paymasters, and other officers for the supply-
ing of clothing, provisions, fcc., have done their duty, and
therein particularly to attend to the information which you
shall receive from intelligent privates as well as officers.
You are to engage all officers and privates, who are willing
to serve during the war, on the terms offered by the honour-
able Congress. You are to inquire into the merits of such
officers, that proper promotions may take place when neces-
sary. You are to inquire into the condition and state of
the arms and accoutrements of the troops, and to make true
returns of all such and other matters as you may find neces-
sary, with all convenient dispatch, to the Council of Safety
or future House of Assembly. This commission and in-
struction to continue until altered or annulled by this Con-
vention, the Council of Safety, or the future House of
Assembly.
" By order of the Convention."
The Report made on the 13th instant, by the Committee
on Military Affairs, was again read, and ordered to be re-
ferred to the Council of Safety, except as to that part which
relates to the Brigadier-Generals.
Colonel Potter informed the House that he had been
desired, by the Delegates in Congress for this State, to
acquaint the House that they were desired to appoint and
nominate the officers for the Battalion to be raised in the
Counties of Northampton and Northumberland. Where-
upon the House proceeded to the election by ballot of Ficld-
Officers for the said Battalion, when William Cook, Esquire,
was chosen to be recommended as Colonel ; Neigh Gray,
Esquire, as Lieutenant-Colonel; and James Crawford, Esq.,
as Major.
The appointment of the other officers is referred to the
Council of Safety.
On motion, Resohed, That those Associators who have
neglected or refused to march into Jersey and serve agree-
able to the resolution of the honourable Congress and this
Convention, or who have returned without having served
six weeks, or having a regular discharge, be considered as
Non-Associators, and fined and assessed as such by the
Commissioners and Assessors appointed by an Ordinance of
this Convention respecting Non-Associators.
The Memorial from Northumberland was read again, and
Ordered to be referred to the Council of Safety.
The House resumed the consideration of Colonel Slagle's
61
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
62
Letter, desiring to be excused from his office of Commis-
sioner for the Flying-Camp; and it was
Resolved, That his request be granted, and that Major
Coates be appointed in his stead.
On motion, Ordered, That the President sign orders on
the State Treasurer for the wages and mileage of each mem-
ber of this Convention.
On motion, Ordered, That the Secretary of this Con-
vention have the same wages as have been usually paid to
the Clerk of the Assembly. But, as the Secretary has not
kept any account of particulars, the President is to ascertain
the same, according to the rate and in proportion to the
account settled for Charles Moore, Esq., in September last,
and to draw an order on the State Treasurer for that sum.
Resolved, unanimously, That the thanks of this Conven-
tion be given to the President for the honour he has done it
by filling the chair during the debates on the most important
parts of the Bill of Rights and frame of Government, and
for his able and disinterested. ad vice thereon.
Then the Convention rose.
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
In Council of Safety, September 2, 1776.
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, John Hub-
ley, Joseph Blewer, Frederick Kuhl, Henry Keppele, Samuel
Morris, Sen., Chairman, Owen Biddle, James Cannon.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Colonel Porter
thirteen stand of Arms, taking his receipt.
John M. Nesbitt, Esq., was directed to pay John Young,
Jun., £243 15s., for sixty-five Muskets and Bayonets; to
pay Richard Dennis £31 5s., for fifty barrels of Tar, de-
livered Captain Hazlewood, for the use of Fire Rafts; to pay
Captain Joseph Blewer £2, for eight hundred Flints, de-
livered Mr. Towers; to pay Valentine Vanhalt £9 2s. 3d.,
for victualing Militia on their march to this city; to be
charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Abraham Hargis be appointed a Lieu-
tenant in the Rifle Regiment commanded by Colonel
Samuel Miles ; and that Mr. John Morton, Esq., do com-
mission him accordingly, to bear date the 6th July last.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Hugh Lloyd
£185 9s. 3d., of which £177 6s. to be charged to Colonel
Lloyd, being for Arms, Blankets, &tc., and £8 13s. 3d., being
for Mileage, &.G., for one hundred and forty-two men of his
Battalion; to pay Robert Me Culloch £5 10s. for a Rifle,
bought for the use of Captain Morrison's Company, Colonel
Porter's Battalion, to be charged to the Colonel ; to pay for
mileage of five men of Captain Boyd's Company, Col'onel
Porter's Battalion, seventy-six miles, at one penny each,
£1 lls. 8d. ; to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Samuel Mifflin, Esq., be appointed Com-
modore and Commander-in-Chief of all the Naval Arma-
ments of this State, and that the President be requested to
send him his commission, with orders to repair to his com-
mand.
Resolved, That Mr. Owen Biddle be authorized to import
from St. Eustatia such necessaries for clothing and equip-
ping the Troops employed in the service of the State as
may be wanted for that purpose, on account of this State.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mat-
thew Hand, for £50, towards Bounty Money for a Com-
pany now raising by him for the Flying-Camp ; to be charged
to his Account.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Colonel Smith ninety
stand of Arms, for the use of his Battalion, taking his re-
ceipt.
Mr. Towers was directed to pay Captain Joseph Blewer
£2 10s., for a Fusee delivered to Mr. Towers.
The Council adjourned to two o'clock in the afternoon,
when the following Members met :
Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rittenhouse,
Vice President, Owen Biddle, Frederick Kuhl, John Moore,
Henry Keppele, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer,
George Gray.
Discharge Gilmore, Sfc.
In Council of Safety, September 3, 1776.
Present : Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, Samuel Morris, Frederick Kuhl, John Moore,
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer, Henry Keppele, George
Gray.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Peter Grub
£95 for Cartouch Boxes, bought by him for the use of his
Battalion, to be charged to the Colonel, and £19 for forty
Cartouch Boxes; to pay Philip Wert £135 for ninety days'
Shallop hire, and Martin Wert £55 10s. for thirty-seven days'
ditto, they being employed in the service of this State; to
pay Andrew Work £4 15s. 6d., for Blankets purchased by
Captain John Eackman, of Colonel Porter's Battalion, to
be charged to the Colonel ; to pay Jacob Frits £3 6s., for
two Guns, to be charged to Colonel Hill; to pay Peter
Knight and George Graham for providing the families of
Associators of Fourth Battalion £7 17s. 6rf. ; to pay Captain
James Falconer for expenses mounting Guard at Magazine,
State House, fee., £16 16s. 3d.; to pay Captain Knox
£18 3s. for the same purpose — charge Congress; to pay
Colonel Peter Grub for Arms taken from Non-Associators,
and distributed to his Battalion £402 Os. Id., to be charged
to Colonel Grub; to pay Captain Lower one hundred and
four meals, at nine pence, £3 18s., Colonel Potts's Battalion,
to be charged to Congress; to pay Captain Walery Ming
£3 for a Drum and Drumhead for his Company, of Colonel
Matlack's Battalion ; to pay Colonel Peter Grub £6 3s. 6d.
• for thirteen Cartouch Boxes, for the use of his Battalion.
Messrs. Mease fy Caldwcll were requested to pay Captain
McMullen's Company for their attendance as City Guards,
agreeable to the Mustermaster's Return.
In Council of Safety, September 4, 1776.
Present : David Rittenhouse, Vice President, Samuel
Morris, John Hubley, Joseph Blewer, George Gray, Fred-
erick Kuhl, James Cannon, Owen Biddle.
John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to pay
Colonel Robert M'Pherson £6 14s. for diet of part of his
Battalion on their march towards New- Jersey :
To pay £16 15s. 6d. to Jehoshaphat Polk for Cartouch
Boxes, Stc., to be charged to Colonel Porter, being for
Captain Patton's Company of his Battalion :
To pay Esther Burke for two weeks' nursing of one of
Colonel Miles' 's Battalion, £1 2s.
Resolved, That the remainder of the Militia under the
command of Colonel James Wilson, of Cumberland County,
that have not marched to New- Jersey, be ordered to remain
in said County for the defence of the frontiers thereof, until
further orders from this Board.
In Council of Safety, September 5, 1776.
Present : Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., Owen Biddle, Henry Kep-
pele, James Cannon, Joseph Blewer, John Weitzel, John
Hubley.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Robbim £25
11s. I0d., for repairing armed boat Warren.
Mr. Towers to deliver Messrs. Dehaven Sf Co. 200 wt.
Brass.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Messrs. Dehaven fy Co. £500; charged
to them.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of John
Mitchel, Esq., for £1,500, to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Captain Shibley £12 15s. 3d., for
diet; Captain Lowers £1 16s. 9d., for diet of Colonel
Potts's Battalion ; to be charged to Congress.
To pay Tobias Rudolph 18s. for Horse Hire going after
Thomas; to be charged to Congress.
To pay James $• Drinker £132 12s. 3d., for Sash
Weights delivered Thomas Nevell.
To pay Captain John Eackman for Dinner for sixteen
men 12s., to be charged to Congress, and 27s. for repairing
Arms.
To pay Jacob Garrigues £4 17s. 8%d., for nursing a
Sergeant of Captain Grub's Company, Colonel Miles's Bat-
talion.
To pay Andrew Work 13s. for expenses for providing
necessaries for Captain Eckman's Company.
63
PENNSYLVANIA'COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, me.
64
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Captain Jack twenty
stand of Arms, for the use of his Company, of Colonel Alli-
sons Battalion.
In Council of Safety, September 6, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David
tenhouse, Joseph Blewer, John Wf.itzel, Hairy Egmfe,
John Hitbley, James Cannon, John Moore, Benjamin Bar-
tholomni'. Samnel Morris, Sen., George Gray.
John .W. .No-/./« wa< directed to pay John Moore, Esq.,
£250, to be by him delivered to the Committee of Inspec-
tion and Observation for Westmoreland County, for the
purpose of paying off the Troops in that County raised for
the defence of the frontiers of said County.
Mr. \>.<[>itt was directed to pay an Order drawn on this
Board by Joseph Kirkbride, in favour of Ebeneser Lundy,
for £200, for the purpose of purchasing Tents for the use of
his Battalion of Burks County.
To pay Andrew Park Us. for expenses in providing
Provisions for Captain John Tweed's Company, of Colonel
Porter's Battalion ; to be charged to Congress.
To pay James Gressu'old for porterage of Powder and
Lead, imported per Captain Bell, £13 5s. 6d.
Resolved, That the Gunsmiths employed in making Arms
for this State be allowed £4 10s. for every good Musket with
a Bayonet.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Messrs. Peter Deha-
ven tf Co. 1 50 wt. of Copper, for the use of the Lock Fac-
tory.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay diet for five Companies
of Colonel Potts' s Battalion, viz:
Captain Protyman £7 17s. 6d.; Captain Derringer £5
16s. 3d.; Captain Bishop £7 19s.; Captain Potts £9 4s.6d.:
and Captain Richards £7 13s.; to be charged to Congress.
To pay Martin Holman for 84 Meals for Captain Joshua
Evans's Company of Eighth Battalion, Lancaster County,
£3 3s.; for 410 Meals for Captain William Parry's Com-
pany £15 7s. 6d.; for 321 Meals for Captain John Jones,
£12 Os. 9d.; to be charged to Congress.
To pay Captain Henry Weaver £11 2s. 9d., for diet for
his Company, Colonel Grub's Battalion ; to be charged to
Congress.
To pay Samuel Rain for boarding a sick man belonging
to Captain Farmer's Company, Colonel Miles's Battalion,
£1 7s. 9d.
To pay John Britton £26 14s. ll^d.; for Boards and
Scantling for Sentry-Boxes of Guard-Houses, for Continen-
tal service, to be charged to Congress; and £19 4s. lOd.
for Boards and Scantling for the use of the Magazine at
State House.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Shievly for dieting
three Companies of Colonel Peter Grub's Battalion, viz:
Captain Isaac Adams £13 10s.; Captain Henry Weaver
£7 4s.; and Captain D. Morgan £ 17 6s. 6d.; to be charged
to Congress.
To pay Robert Towers £37 16s. 3d., for making Car-
tridges, Saltpetre, &ic.
Two Orders were drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of
Walters fy Bedwell, one for £30, the other £40; making
£70 towards their Account for refining Sulphur.
To pay Lewis Guion £5 for a Rifle delivered Colonel
Matlack; to be charged to Colonel Mallack.
To pay John Damson £13 6s. for 28 Cartouch-Boxes
for Captain Culbersons Company, to be charged to Colonel
James Armstrong; and £2 17s. for 6 Cartouch-Boxes for
Captain McCune, to be charged to Colonel Clark.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Ludwig Kercher £636
9s., being the balance of his Account for victualing the
Troops in the pay of this State per account certified by Mr.
Rittenhouse, Mr. HiHegas, and Mr. Gray, a Committee ap-
pointed to settle said Kerchcr's Account.
A Commission was filled up for Samuel Mijjlin, Esquire,
Commodore in the Fleet in the service of this State, dated
the 2d instant, and a Letter wrote to him to return from
Amboy, (where he now is,) and take the Fleet immediately
under his care and direction.
A Letter was also wrote to General Mercer, requesting he
will permit Commodore Mijjlin to return home for that
purpose.
A Petition was read from William Whitcpain, a Midship-
man on board the ship Montgomery, praying that he may
be discharged, as he expects to go into the Continental ser-
vice- After consideration of said Petition, it was
Resolved, That said William Whitpain be discharged
from the service of this State.
In Council of Safety, September 9, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, President, David Ritten-
house Vice President, Samuel Morris, Sen., Timothy Mat-
lack, John Weitzcl. Joseph Blewer, Henry Keppele, Jun.,
James Cannon, Fred. KM, George Gray.
Robert Towers was directed to deliver to Captain Goudy,
of Colonel James Wilson's Battalion, 6 Muskets, taking his
rccoi t)t i
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Tyler &/• Co., for
repairing Arms, £8 3s.
To pay James Webb, for stocking Guns, be., £6 19s. 6d.
To pay Dr. James Dunlap £16 13s. 6d., for Medicine,
&c., for the use of the Fleet.
Mr. Towers to deliver Captain Jack four stand of Arms
for Colonel Allison's Battalion, Cumberland County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Mean £6 2s. 6d.
for Arms, &c., delivered to Colonel Henry Holler, to be
charged to the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain John Tweed
£14, for two Rifles, to be charged to the Colonel.
James Feme, Esquire, of Germantown, was directed to
deliver Dr. Harris one ton of Saltpetre and 500 weight of
Sulphur, out of the stores under his direction.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jonathan Butcher £3,
for Blankets bought for Colonel Kirkbride's Battalion, of
Bucks County; to be charged to the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wm. Stadleman £135
13s. 3d., for dieting sundry Troops on their march to
Camp ; to be charged to Congress.
An Order was given Robert Jewell, Esquire, who was
authorized and requested to receive the bodies of Messrs.
James Forrest, Thomas Ryan, and Shanks, into his custody,
they being Prisoners of War, taken by Captain Isaiah Ro-
binson, of the armed sloop Sachem.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Lieutenant-Colonel
Peter Heydrick, of Colonel Green's Battalion, of Lancaster
County, sixty stand of Arms.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Abraham Hasselberg,
£7 5s. 10d.; to pay Schlosser Sf Frank, £2 18s.; to pay
ditto, £4 2s.; to pay Benjamin Town, £1 11s. 4(/.; being
for Sundries for the use of the Artillery Companies.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James McBride £2 10s.,
for a smooth Rifle; to be charged to Colonel Green.
To pay Alexander Kidd £6 2s. 6d., for Rifle; to be
charged to Colonel Green.
To pay Alexander Kidd £ 1 5s., for Blankets ; to be
charged to Colonel Green.
To pay Valentine Weaver £6 14s. 3d., for dieting
Captains Dehuff's and Marshall's Companies.
To pay John Davis 30s.
To pay Michael Zigler £33 16s. 6d., for forty-two
Blankets and Coverlids; to be charged to Colonel Thomas
Potts.
To pay Thomas Curge, for repairing Arms belonging to
Captain Gurnet's Company, 16s. 9d.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Damson, late
Commodore of the Fleet, his wages to this day.
In Council of Safety, September 10, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, Fred. KM, Timothy Matlack.
An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea-
surer, who was directed to pay Mr. Isaac Levan £50, on
account of the Committee of Berks County, for supplying
the Families of poor Associators, who are now in actual
service, with necessaries; to be charged to said Committee.
The Committee of Inspection and Observation of Read-
ing, in Berks County, having represented to the Board the
necessity of keeping a Guard in that Town,
Resolved, That the Committee of Reading be empow-
ered to appoint a small Guard in that Town, so long as
the Prisoners of War shall reside there, and this Board will
take proper measures to defray the expense attending it.
65
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
66
In Council of Safety, September 11, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, Joseph
Blewer, Fred. Knhl, James Cannon, Henry Keppele, Jan.,
John Weitzel, George Gray.
Mr. Ni-.sbitt was directed to pay the following Accounts:
Benjamin Wallace, for seventy-four Rations, Captain
James McConnel's Corn party, £2 15*. 6d.; charge to
Congress.
Ditto, forty-four Meals, Captain William Ashton, Col-
onel Dill's Battalion, York County, £1 13s. 6d.; charge
to Congress.
Ditto, sixty-six Meals, Captain William Huston, Second
Battalion, Cumberland County, £2 9s. (id.; charge to Con-
gress.
Ditto, forty -four Meals, Captain James Chamberlin, Fifth
Battalion, York County, £l 13s. 6d.; charge to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following Accounts:
Richard Jacob, for dieting Militia on their march to-
wards this City, in order to join the Troops at Camp, New-
Jersey, £66 0*. lOrf. ; to be charged to Congress.
Captain Patrick Jack, for diet to this Cily, for Colonel
Allison's Battalion, Cumberland County, £32 2s.; to be
charged to Congress.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
John Cox, for £1000; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Captain John Tweed, for twenty-four
stand of Arms, taken from Non-Associators, £89; to be
charged to Colonel Porter, of Lancaster County.
To pay Captain James Miller, for a Rifle, £5; to be
charged to Colonel Porter.
To pay Ebenezer Lundy £180, for balance of his Ac-
count, for forty Tents for Colonel Kirkbride's Battalion.
Ebenezer Lundy £137 10s., for Cartouch Boxes and
Bayonet Belts, delivered Mr. Towers,
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
John Weitzel, for £300, towards Arms making in North-
umberland County; to be charged to the Commissioners.
To pay Mary Miller, for diet of Militia, £56 12s.; te
be charged to Congress.
Michael Stadleman £35 4s. 3d., for diet Militia; to be
charged to Congress.
Valentine Vanhall, for diet Militia, £8 5s.; to be charged
to Congress.
John Kling, for a Rifle delivered to Captain John Doug-
lass, £3 10s.; to be charged to Colonel Matlack.
Jeremiah Baker, for Wood delivered at Barracks, £50
19s. 2rf.; to be charged to Congress.
Colonel Timothy Green, of Lancaster County, £403 Is.
6d., for Arms, Blankets, &.C.; to be charged to his account.
Order of Colonel William Montgomery, for £6 Is., for
two Guns, two Bayonets, and one Cartouch Box; to be
charged to Colonel Montgomery.
William Sutton gave his parole not to go more than seven
miles from this City.
Commission granted for Sloop Jupiter, privateer, Francis
lllingsworth Commander, eighty tons, ninety-five men,
fourteen carriage guns, owned by Nicholas Low fy Co.
In Council of Safety, September 12, 1776.
Present : David Ritttnhouse, Vice President, Timothy
Matlack, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, Frederick
Kuhl, Henry Keppele, Jun., James Cannon.
John M. Nesbitt, Esquire, Treasurer, was directed to pay
Thomas Moss £4 10s., for nursing a sick man of Major
Proctor's Company of Artillery.
The Minutes of a part of the Council, September 10,
was read to the Board; whereupon, it was
Resolved, That the said Proceedings be confirmed.
Resolved, That on Saturday next the Council will take
the Naval Armaments of this State, and the Guard for this
City, into their consideration; and the Secretary is ordered
to summon the Members to meet on that day precisely at
eight o'clock, A. M.
In Council of Safety, September 13, 1776."
Present : Thomas Wharton, Jun., David Rittenhouse, Vice
President, Samuel Morris, Sen., Frederick Kuhl, James Can-
non, Joseph Blewer, Timothy Matlack, George Gray.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay David Dominick for
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. <
painting Ammunition Carts, &,c., £5 6s.; Captain Robert
ILirdie £4 10s., lor bounty to three men.
Resolved, That proper persons he imoiediately employed
in each County of this State to purchase up all the Blankets,
coarse Linens, Woollen Cloths, Mittens and Stockings,
which can be had, for the use of our Troops.
As the Associators of the St ite of Pennsylvania who have
been called into service are now returning, therefore
Resolved, That this Board do apply to Congress, praying
that directions may be given for paying in this Cily their
wages and mileage; and request that Congress will explain
whether it is intended by their resolve rejecting Mileage,
that the Officers should have as many pence per mile as
they are allowed rations by resolve of Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Reed £ 1 1 1 2s. 6d.,
for dieting lour Companies of Militia ; to be charged to
Congress.
Captain John McDowell, for Bayonet Belt, &.C., 17s.
6d.; to be charged to Colonel William Montgomery.
Captain John McDowell, for Cartouch Boxes, Bayonet
Belts, repairing Drum and Arms, &,c., £3 2s.; to be
charged to Colonel William Montgomery.
Archibald Thompson £4 7s. 9d., for dieting Captain
Adams' and Captain Morgan's Companies, of Colonel Peter
Grub's Battalion ; to be charged to Congress.
Permission was given for Christopher McClure, Thomas
Gaskil. Isaac Tublin, and Benjamin Cliffton, Blacksmiths,
on board our Fleet, to come to this City, to work on An-
chors making by De Offley for the Continental Frigates, if
they are not already employed in the service of this State.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Miles 14s. for
rifling one Gun, for Captain Patrick Jack; to be charged
to Colonel John Allison, Cumberland County; and £2 2s.
for rifling three Guns, for Captain John Tweed's Com-
pany, of Colonel Porter's Battalion.
James Gillingham, for ninety-eight Splinters delivered
Doctor Duffield, £2 9s.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Robert Towers £59 2s.
6d., for wages of Workmen at State House, making Car-
tridges, &iC.
James Porter £1 9s. 3d., for dieting thirty-nine men,
of Captain John Boyd's Company, Colonel Thomas Por-
ter's Battalion.
James Porter £2 8s., diet sixty-four men, Captain Reed's
Company, Colonel Smith, York County.
James Porter £2 8s. 9d., diet for sixty-five men, Cap-
tain William Ross's Company, Colonel Thomas Porter's
Battalion.
Joseph Ogden, for Ferriage of Militia, £36 17s. 3d.; to
be charged to Congress.
In Council of Safety, September 14, 1776.
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, Samuel
Morris, Sen., Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer, Henry
Keppele, Jun., Frederick Kuhl, John Moore, John Weitzel,
George Gray, James Cannon.
Four new Members added to the Board by Conven-
tion, viz : John Bayard, John Cox, Francis Gurney, and
Samuel G. Morris, the llth.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Arthur Thomas five
weeks' Boarding in the State Prison £5; to be charged to
Congress.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Peter
Dehaven If Co., for £500 ; to be charged to their account,
being on account of Lock Factory.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Parkison £8 5s.,
for two hundred and twenty Meals, Captain Lewis Wil-
liams's Company, Colonel Matthew Dill's Battalion.
Mr. Francis Gurney appeared, took and subscribed the
qualification directed by Convention.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Charles Barnet £20 6s.,
for Drums, Arms, &tc.; to be charged to Colonel Dill and
Colonel Donaldson.
Resolved, That Captain Bleiver and Mr. Gurney be em-
powered to contract with some person or persons to fill up
and complete the Piers sunk in the channel of the river
Delaware, near Fort Island, and fix the Chain for stopping
the navigation upon an emergency.
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
67
Mr Nesbitt was directed to pay Major John Rogers for
Drums pu.flu.sed for the use of Colonel Timothy Grteni
Battalion, of Lancaster County, £45 17s.; to be charged
to the Colonel. .
Captain Steel £82 12*. 6d., for M.leage of his Com-
pany t<> and fro... this City— to be charged to Congress— Col-
onel Robert ( 'allrmlcr's Battalion, of Cumberland County.
Adjourned to half past three o'clock, when the following
Meml.rrs met: Duvid liittcnhouse, Vice President, Tmo-
thy Matlack, Joseph Blewer, George Gray, Francis Gur-
ney.
In Council of Safety, September 16, 1776.
Present: Thomtu Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhoiiv. Vi,'.- President, George Gray, Frederick Kuhl,
John Moore, Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer, Francu
Gurney, John Bull, James Cannon, Samuel Morns, Sen.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Benjamin Hall £33
15s. 9-i</., for Bolts and Spikes for the Piers.
A Letter was wrote to Commodore Samuel Mifflin, re-
questing his speedy return to this City to take the Naval
Armaments under his care.
John Bayard and Samuel Cad. Morris appeared and took
and subscribed the qualification directed by Convention.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Galbrealh £l
0*. 9d., for repairing Arms belonging to his Battalion.
To pay Conrad Snyder for Mileage for sixteen men two
hundred and forty miles, £17 12*. 6U, on their return from
Camp; to be charged to Congress.
The Accounts of Mileage for the Militia of this State
having so constantly employed the time of the Board, that
the military affairs of this State have suffered exceedingly
thereby.
Therefore, Resolved, That the said Accounts be here-
after referred to the Continental Treasury Office.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to Captain Daniel
Joy five hundred pounds of Powder for proving Cannon.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay widow McEnry £4 15*.,
for a Rifle delivered Captain John Douglass ; to be charged
to Colonel Matlack.
Resolved, That a House be taken for a Hospital, and that
a Matron be hired to nurse sick Soldiers of this State.
Resolved, That Doctor Gerardus Clarkson be appointed
to attend the sick in the said Hospital.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Valentine Vanholt
£1 19*. 8d., for diet fifty-two men, Captain John Hags' t
First Battalion Cumberland County.
Mr. Towers, to deliver Captain Lewis Williams, of Col.
DilFs Battalion, thirty-two stand of Arms.
An Order was drawn on the Marine Committee for what
Arms are due from Congress to this State, to be delivered
to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Major Thomas Proc-
tor one hundred and thirteen stand of Arms.
Colonel Timothy Matlack was directed, per order, to
deliver Robert Morris, Esquire, Chairman of the Secret
Committee, thirty-five thousand Flints, to be charged to
Congress.
Mr. Peter Brown was ordered to procure what Iron he
may want for the service of his State.
Resolved, That Mr. Wharton and Mr. Bayard be directed
to engage and send off, as soon as possible, three fast-sailing
Sloops or Schooners, to bring in such articles of Clothing,
Blankets, and other necessaries as are wanted for the use of
the Troops belonging to this State.
Resolved, That Mr. Nesbitt be directed to appoint some
proper person to pay the Battalions belonging to this State
in the Continental service in quality of Regimental Paymas-
ter, and dispatch him immediately to the Camp.
Resolved, That application be made to the Board of War
to know whether the Council may proceed immediately to
erect the Fortification at Billingsport, agreeable to such
plan as the Council may think best, the inhabitants of this
State being very uneasy on account of the delays in this
matter ; and that Mr. Rittenhouse and Colonel Bayard do
wait on the Board of War with said resolve.
Resolved, That application be made to the Members of
68
Convention for the several Counties, and request them to
recommend proper persons in their respective Counties to
be employed by this Council to purchase Blankets, coarse
Woollen, Linens, and Stockings, lor the use ol the 1 toops
belonging to this State.
Resolved, That application be made to the Board of War
to employ the Marines now in this City as guards over the
Frigates, Prison, and Powder, belonging to the Continent,
be.
In Council of Safety, September 17, 1776.
Present- Thomas Wharton, Jr., President. John Bayard,
Francis Gurney, Frederick KM, John Hubby, George
Gray, Samuel Morris, Timothy Matlack, John Bull, David
Rittenhouse, Henry Keppele, Owen Biddle.
Mr. KM was requested to deliver to Mr. Jacob Shoema-
ker the Money found in George Crow's chest.
Alexander Morris discharged on his parole.
Richard Wallace, Samuel Walston, and Levi Homer,
prisoners, taken on board the Sloop Lady Susan, com-
manded by William Goodrich, were discharged, and per-
mitted to go to their families in Maryland.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Rachael White £28, for
four week's Board of Terence Doran, a wounded man of
Colonel McPherson's Battalion.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jonathan Meredith
£101 9*., for Cartouch Boxes, &.c.
Resolved, That the wages due to the Men in the service
of this State be not stopped by their Officers on any pre-
tence, unless with the consent of the Men, or by special
orders from this Board.
An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treas-
urer, in favour of Jacob S. Howell, for £ 100 on account of
Intrenching Tools, to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Hermanns Oner Us. 6d.,
for Medicines for a sick Soldier.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Nathan Boyce
£19 10*. bd., for expenses bringing Deserters (mm Egg-
Harbour.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Joseph Ferree, of German-
town, one ton of Saltpetre, in favour of Thomas Hum-
berger.
In Council of Safety, September 18, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., Timothy Matlack, Francis
Gurney, Samuel Cad. Morris, John Hubley, Owen Biddle,
George Gray, James Cannon, John Moore, John Bayard,
Frederick KM, Joseph Bleiver, Henry Keppele, Jun., John
Bull.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel
Timothy Matlack, for £300; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Dennis £37 Is.,
for Bayonet Scabbards and Belts, to be charged to Colonel
Henry Hill.
Joseph Ferree, Esq., was directed to deliver Doct. Harris
one ton of Saltpetre, out of the stores at Germantown, under
his care.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers £59
15*., for Saltpetre bought, making Cartridges, &LC.
Resolved, That Colonel Bayard and Colonel Matlack be
appointed to employ proper persons to make a number of
Gun Carriages for the service of this State.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Reed £25 1*.,
for Blankets and Coverlids ; to be charged to Colonel Tho-
mas Potts.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Arthur
Donaldson, for £300, on account of the Floating-Battery
building by him; to be charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Robert Towers, directing him
to deliver Mr. GustavusResberg 150,000 Musket Cartridges,
to be forwarded to Camp in New- Jersey; to be charged to
Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William Roberts £81
10s. <W., for building Guard Houses, &tc.; to be charged to
Congress.
69
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
70
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Wm. Perkins £3 18*.
Id., for Blacksmith work clone on board the Galleys.
An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea-
surer, in favour of Mr. Owen Biddle lor £ 1 ,000. on account
of Goods to be imported for the use of the Troops of this
State; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Burke for nursing
sick Soldiers, &ie., £7 '2s.
An Order w as drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq.. in favour
of Mr. William Rush, for £250, on account of Blacksmith
work done by him ; to be charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John
Stacey, for £12 10s.. for ten cords of Wood, delivered at
Fort-Island, for ihe service of the Garrison there.
Resolved, That Mr. Isaac Cox be appointed Regimental
Paymaster for the Troops belonging to this State now in
the Continental service, and that application be made to the
Board of War for a Commission for Mr. Cox.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Michael Raup £3 12s.,
for a Rifle bought by Lieutenant-Colonel Brodhead.
Resolved, That Major Thomas Proctor be empowered
to inlist any Associator of this State, provided he is not
already engaged in the Flying-Camp, or a servant or ap-
prentice.
In Council of Safety, September 19, 1776.
Present : David Rittenhouse, Vice President, Samuel
Morris, Sen., John Moore, Joseph Blewer, James Cannon,
Samuel Cad. Morris, Owen Biddle, John Bayard, Fred.
Kuhl, John Bull, Timothy Matlack, John Hubley, Henry
Keppele, Jun., George Gray.
The Vice President being under a necessity to attend the
Convention, Colonel Bayard was requested to take the chair.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for £400, in favour
of Ross Sf Ega, on account of Cannon-Shot cast by them
for this State; to be charged to their Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Stetler Sf Co. £10,
on account of work done; to be charged to Thos. NevilCs
Account.
Resolved, That Captain Daniel Joy be desired to exam-
ine and prove a number of Cannon at Mr. Philips 's Rope
Walk, and report to this Board whether they are fit for
service.
Mr. Owen Biddle reports that he has sent the following
articles to Colonel Brodhead, for the use of the Pennsyl-
vania Troops, viz: 169 pair of Breeches, 288 pair yarn
Stockings, 158 pair drilling Spatterdashes, 59 Jackets, 107
pair Shoes, 93 Blankets.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Knox £19 4s. 1 £rf.,
for Rum supplied workmen on board the galleys Congress
and Franklin.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Messrs. Moulder Sf Coats
£161 19s. 5d., being the balance of their Account for build-
ing a Magazine ; to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Clawges and Wil-
liam Ritter £13 18s. 5d., for repairing Arms at Camp; to
be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. John Coburn be directed to appear
before the Board to-morrow morning at one o'clock, to render
an account of all the necessaries he has had in his care for
sinking the Chevaux-de-Frise and the Piers at Fort-Island,
and also to settle his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Marshall's Ac-
count, £5 10s., for a Musket.
James Welsh a month's wages, he being sick and in Town,
£2 10s.
Peter Kline, for a Gun, Sic., £4, delivered to Mr. W.
Scull, A. D. Q. M. G. at the Flying-Camp.
Mr. Michael Conner exhibited a complaint against Jactb
Petterman, John Slice, and C. Roreman, of New- Providence
Township, who, with several others, had assaulted and
threatened him so as to put him in fear of his life and prop-
erty: Whereupon the Secretary was ordered to issue sum-
monses to be served on the said Peterman, Slice, and Rore-
man, to be and appear before the Board on Tuesday morning
next at ten o'clock, to answer the complaint of said Michael
Conner, and to give directions to the Constable to serve them.
Resolved, That Colonel Bayard, Captain Gurney, Mr-
Sam. Cad. Morris, and Mr. Owen Biddle, be a Committee
to inspect into the state of the Artillery Stores, Arms, Ac-
coutrements, and Ammunition, belonging to this Stale, and
report to this Board the situation of the same, and what
further supplies of each are necessary to be made; and Mr.
Robert Towers is required to give them assistance in per-
forming this business.
Resolved, That James Maul be appointed a Pilot to carry
Vessels through the Chevaux-de-Frise, in the room of
Daniel Gordon, deceased, No. 6.
The Council adjourned to seven o'clock P.M., when the
following Members met:
John Bayard, Samuel Morris, Sen., Timothy Matlack,
Fred. Kuhl, John Mnore, James Cannon, John Bull, Fran-
cis Gurnty, Samuel Cad. Morris.
A Commission was filled up for Mr. Isaac Cox.
Resolved, That Indented Servants and Apprentices ought
not to be inlisted for the Flying-Camp of this State without
consent of their Masters and Mistresses, in writing; and
that all such who have been inlisted heretofore shall be dis-
charged on the application of their Masters and Mistresses
for that purpose.
In Council of Safety, September 20, 1776.
Present : David Rittenhouse, Vice President, John Bay-
ard, Chairman, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Bull, John
Moore, Timothy Matlack, Frederick Kuhl, Joseph Blewer,
Francis Gurney, Samuel Cad. Morris, George Gray, John
Hubley.
Resolved, That the Lockmakers in this State shall be
allowed 25s. for every good Gun-Lock they deliver at our
Lock Factory.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Doc-
tor Robert Harris, for £100, towards manufacturing Pow-
der; to be charged to his Account.
Resolved, That Major Nicola be directed to apply to
Mr. Nicholas Hicks to provide Bricks and lay Gutters and
Gravel between the wall and the gutters in the Barracks
near this City.
Resolved, That John Moore, Edward Cook, James Barr,
James Smith, JohnMc Clelen, John Carmichael, James Perry,
and Christopher Lavingair, Members of Convention for
Westmoreland County, be empowered to purchase four
hundred stand of Arms for the defence of said County; and
that half a ton of Rifle Powder and one ton of Lead be
immediately sent to said County for the use of the Militia;
and that they draw on this Board for the cost of the Arms
and carriage of the Ammunition.
Samuel Mifflin, Esq., declined serving as Commodore and
Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet of this State.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Conrad Cuts Sf Co. for
four Arms delivered to Mr. Robert Towers.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Thomas
Humberger, for £60, towards Powder manufactured by him ;
to be charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Joseph Ferree, Esq., at Ger-
mantown, in favour of Thomas Humberger, for one ton of
Saltpetre, out of the store at Germantown.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
John Philip, for £140, for four Cannon, 12-pounders.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Joseph Blewer
50s., for scraping the galley Convention, and 20s. for Flints
delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Corgee £3, for
Handspikes for Artillery.
The Board adjourned to two o'clock, when the following
Members met, viz: David Rittenhouse, Vice President,
John Bull, Joseph Blewer, Francis Gurney, Timothy Mat-
lack, John Bayard, Frederick Kuhl, Samuel C. Morris,
John Weitzel, George Gray.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Edward Bartholo-
mew £1646 9s. 8d., being the balance due him for Car-
touch-Boxes, Haversack, Knapsacks, &c., bought by him
for the use of the Militia of Philadelphia County.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Colonel William
Clark, of Cumberland County, six stand of Arms, for the
use of his Battalion, taking his receipt.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. John Hay £26 18s.
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
71
2rf., for fifty-eight days' waives, at 8s. per diem, and 10//.
per mil.! lor lifty-iiine mile.. Ix'ing for service in Convention.
In Council of Safely, September 21, 1776.
Present: T'wmas Wharton, Jun., President, Samuel
Morri* Sen.. //r//n/ AV/^r/r, Jun., James Cannon. l'"r,in-
cis Gurn, ,/. /•>••»/ Kn'tl. <!<-<>w Gray, John BuB, Timothy
Mnthirlc. 'John U'tilzel, Joseph Blno r, John Hubley.
An Older was dra«n on Mr. \cxbitt, in favour of Cap-
tain William Richards, for £500; to be charged to his
Account.
Ordered, That Captain John Rice be directed to raise
men for the armed boat called the Convention, with all ex-
pedition.
Resolwd, That Captain William Brown be appointed
commander of the Floating Battery now building by Mr.
Arthur Donaldson.
Ordered, That Captain William Brown do raise men
for the Floating Battery now building by Mr. Arthur Don-
aldson.
.Mr. Nfsbltt was directed to pay Samuel Raine £1 10s.,
for two weeks' Board of B. Broxon.
Mr. Nexbitt was directed to pay Mr. Mordecai, Mr. Mc-
Kinney, and William Maclay £24 3s., for expen-es attending
the carriage of Powder and Lead, 8tc., to Northumberland
County.
M r.' Nesbitt to pay John Elmslie £9, for four Cartridge
Boxes, for 6 and 4-pounder Cannon delivered James Craig
Sf Co., Commissaries, in lieu of the like number borrowed
out of Continental Store, and sent to Camp; to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Samuel Smith £32 10s., for five hun-
dred and twenty Match Rope delivered Mr. Towers.
In Council of Safety, September 23, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, Samuel Mor-
ris, Sen., John Hubley, John Moore, Fred. Kuhl, Henry
Keppele, Jun., Owen Biddle, George Gray, Francis Gur-
ney, Samuel Cad. Morris, Joseph Blewer, John Bayard,
James Cannon, John Bull.
Resolved, That Captain Blewer, Captain Gurney, and Mr.
Samuel Cad. Morns, be appointed to form a regular Mus-
ter Roll for the Navy of this State, and produce the same
to this Board.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Michael Boyer £18
2s. 6d., for riding two hundred and ninety miles to give
notice to the Officers of the Associators to meet at Lancas-
ter, to choose General Officers.
To pay Ebenezer Lundy £137 10s., for two hundred
Cartouch Boxes and two hundred Bayonet Belts, delivered
to Mr. Towers.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Robert Towers, in favour
of a Messrs. John Moore, John McClelen, John Carmichael,
James Perry, Christopher Lavingair, Edward Cook, James
Barr, and James Smith, Members of Convention for West-
moreland County, for half a ton of Rifle Powder and one
ton of Lead, for the defence of said County, agreeable to
resolve of the 20th instant.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Captain John Hazlewood £50, on
account of the Fire Rafts; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Thomas Davis £250, on ac-
count of Piers built by him to be sunk in the River Dela-
ware, near Fort-Island; to be charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, m favour of Messrs.
Peter Dehaven Sf Co., for £500, on account of the Gun-
Lock Factory.
Owen liiddle, Esq., reports that he received from Colo-
nel Matthias Slough, for the use of the Troops belonging
to this State, viz: 250 men's Shirts; 153 Black Velvet
Stocks, with Brass Buckles; 118 Brass Stock Buckles; 237
pair men's Shoes; 55 Regimental Coats and Waistcoats,
and 6 Linen Waistcoats; 40 pair Buckskin Breeches, 76
pair ditto; 138 Knapsacks; 5 Bound Hats; 45 Powder-horn
Straps, and 3 Shot Pouches; 10£ dozen men's milled
Stockings; and forwarded to Colonel Brodhead, at Head-
Quarters.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Wil-
liams If Clinton, for £100, on account of the armed boat
72
Delaware, building by them; to be charged to their Ac-
An Order was d.awn on Mr. Nesbilt, in favour of Ro-
bins, Dun, if Hails, £60. on account of the armed boat
Convention, built by them; to be charged to their Ac-
count.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Philip Veintz £l 4s. 9d., for clean-
ing two pieces of Cannon sent to Amboy some time since;
to be charged to Congress.
Resolved, That the Officers recruiting for the Naval
Armaments of this State be allowed 20s. per man, in lieu
of all expenses, for inlisting, and that each man be allowed
one month's pay advance at their inlistment, to be con-
tinued in service until discharged by this or future Council
of Safety.
Mr. Towers to deliver to Gustamts Resberg, A. D. Q.
M. G., for the use of the Flying Camp, one hundred Pitching
Axes; to be charged to Congress.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col-
linson Reed, Esq., for £100, to be by him put into the
hands of the persons appointed by the Committee of Berks
County, in order to supply the Families of poor Associators
who are now in actual service.
Resolved, That Hamilton Hazleton be discharged from
the Ship Montgomery, provided he enters into an engage-
ment with Messrs. Dehaven 8f Co. to work at the Gun-Lock
Factory of this State under their direction, until discharged
by this Board or some future Council of Safety.
The Board adjourned to three o'clock, P. M., when the
following Members met:
Thomas Wharton,3an., President, John Bayard, Henry
Keppele, Jun., John Bull, Fred. Kuhl, Timothy Matlack,
John Moore, Francis Gurney, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph
Bkwer, James Cannon, Samuel Cad. Morris, George Gray.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver to Colonel
John Lawrence sixty stand of Arms, taking his receipt to
be returned in good order when demanded by this Board.
In Council of Safety, September 24, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, John Hub-
ley, John Bayard, Francis Gurney, Joseph Blewer, John
Bull, David Rittenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., John
Moore, Samuel Cad. Morris, Fred. Kuhl, Timothy Mat-
lack.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Robert Towers, in favour
of Messrs. Jacob Strowd, Neigal Gray, Abraham Miller,
Simon Dreisback, John Ralston, Jacob Orndt, and Peter
Bunkhalter, Members of Convention for Northampton
County, for three hundred pounds Powder and six hun-
dred pounds Lead, for the use of said County, taking
their receipt to be accountable for the same.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William Clark Sf Co.
£96 Is. l%d., for Tow Linen, bought by Mr. Nicola, for
making Bed Case for the Barracks.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Henry Rhoads, a
Member of Convention for Bedford County, £33 4s., for
6fty-eight days' attendance, at 8s., and travelling expenses
two hundred and forty miles, at lOrf.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Joseph Simons £53 17s. 6d., which,
with seventy-two pounds Powder, ordered to be delivered
him by Mr. Towers, is in full for two hundred and eighty-
seven and a half pounds of Saltpetre, delivered to Mr.
Towers.
Joseph Ferree, at Germantown, was directed to deliver
Mr. Jacob Lush one ton Saltpetre.
An Order in favour of Mr. Jacob Lush for £100.
The Council adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon,
when the following Members met:
Thomas Wharton,iun., President, John Bayard, Samuel
Cad. Morris, John Bull, Francis Gurney, Joseph Blewer,
Frederick Kuhl, Samuel Morris, Sen., David Rittenhouse,
James Cannon, Timothy Matlack.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
Thomas Ncvill, for £50, on account of Gun Carriages; to
be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Captain Joseph Stiles, for sundry
necessaries for the Artillery Company under his command,
£18 19s.
73
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
74
Resolved, That George Bryan, Esq., Naval Officer of
this Port, be directed to give notice to this Hoard of all
Military Stores imported and entered in his office, as soon
as possible after their arrival.
Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Cad. Morris be appointed
to assist Colonel Bayard in procuring Gun Carriage, in-
stead of Colonel Matlack, who is going to Camp.
Resolved, That Paul Fooks, Esq., Notary Publick and
sworn Interpreter for the French and Spanish Languages,
be continued in those offices, with all the powers granted
him by his former Commission, until the form ol Govern-
ment of this State is established, or until it shall be altered
by proper authority.
In Council of Safety, September 25, 1776.
Present: Thomas WTiarton, Junior, President, Samuel
Morris, Sen., David Rittenhouse, Francis Gurney, Henry
Keppete, Jim., John Bull, John Bayard, Joseph Blewer,
Frederick Kuhl, Samuel Cad. Morris, Timothy Matlack.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Colonel Andrew Kuh-
line £7, lor two Guns, to be charged to the Colonel.
To pay the Managers of House of Employment £4
6s. 9d., for Oakum.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Mr. William Will
half a pig, or about two hundred weight of Block Tin, he
paying for the same.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay William Chambers £2, for a Gun
delivered to Colonel Joseph Armstrong, of Cumberland
County ; to be charged to the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt was detected to pay Mr. Nicholas Hicks
£ 1 17 14s. 2£</., for work done at Billingsport ; to be charged
to Congress.
George Ross, Esq., as counsel for William Ross, a pris-
oner in the Jail of this City, committed on a charge of his
having killed a certain Thomas Ralph, appeared before this
Board, and, for reasons contained in a written paper pre-
sented by. him, " moves the Council of Safety to admit the
prisoner to bail ;" the Board thereupon, having taken the
opinion of John Dickinson, Esq., on the cases, and having
deliberated upon the arguments offered for and against the
motion,
Resolved unanimously, That bail ought not to be taken
in this case.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Baltzer Spongier
and others £9, for going express to the several Colonels of
York County, to order them to collect the Militia in order
to march to Camp in New-Jersey.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Elijah Etting, for dieting ten Soldiers,
prisoners of war, seven days after their arrival at Yorktown,
before they were put in quarters, £3 15*.; to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Robert Stevenson, for ten Guns de-
livered Captain Samuel Nelson, £23 19s.; to be charged to
Colonel Matthew Dill, of York County, Fifth Battalion.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay an Order drawn on this
Board by James Chapman, Commissioner, and John Van-
degriff, Assessor of Bucks County, for £300, towards Arms
and Accoutrements, procuring by them in said County ; to
be charged to the Commissioners and Assessors.
In Council of Safety, September 26, 1776.
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, John Bay-
ard, John Httblty, John Bull, Samuel Morris, Sen., James
Cannon, Timothy Matlack, Francis Gurney, Samuel Cad.
Morris, Joseph Blewer.
Resolved, That Colonel James Potter be allowed to con-
tract on the lowest terms in his power for the making of fifty
Rifle Guns, for the use of his Battalion; the said contract to
be made good by this Board.
Mr.jVesfo'ftwas directed to pay Colonel Kirkbride £51 Is.,
for Arms purchased from Non-Associators; to be charged to
the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay William Ross for dieting part of Cap-
tain WeitzeCs Company, of Col. Miles's Battalion, £6 6s.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Ezekiel Webb £9 10s. 3d., for diet
of part of three Companies of Colonel Miles's Battalion.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Thomas Forrest
£17 18s., for balance of his Account for recruiting ex-
penses.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Condy £2 5s.,
for Spy Gla«s, delivered to Lieutenant Christee.
Mr. Ntsbitt was directed to pay Martin Pendergrass £5
Is. 6d., for work done to Guard Boats.
The following persons were appointed Officers to carry
on the Fortifications intended to be erected at Billingsport,
viz:
Engineer, Captain Blaitioaite Jones; Assistant ditto, Mr.
Thomas Hanson; Superintendent General of Workmen,
Colonel John Bull; Assistant ditto, Jinnes Dundass; Clerk
to Superintendents, Robert Gather; Commissary of Uten-
sils, John Moyes; ditto of Provisions ; Bricklayers,
Charles Souder and Edward McCaggen.
Adjourned to three o'clock.
Met at three o'clock.
Present : John Bayard, Timothy Matlack, John Bull,
Samuel Cad. Morris, Samuel Morris, Francis Gurney, John
Moore, John Hubley, Joseph Blewer, David Rittenhouse.
Resolved, That Thomas Seymour, Esq., be appointed
Commodore and Commander-in-Chief of all the Naval
Armaments in the service of this State.
Resolved, That David McCutchen be discharged from
his confinement.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Matthias Young £3
15s., for painting the guard boat Vulture.
Resolved, That the Members of this Board, or as many
as conveniently can, go down to Fort Island, to-morrow
morning, to accompany Commodore Seymour to the Fleet;
that Instructions be drawn up to deliver the Commodore with
his Commission.
The following are the Instructions delivered to the Com-
modore, viz:
" In Council of Safety, September 26, 1776.
"The Council having thought proper to appoint you
Commodore and Commander- in-Chief of all the Naval
Armaments of this State in the River Delaware, which you
are to notify to the Officers of the Fleet, by publishing to
them your Commission, it becomes necessary to give you
some Instructions.
"Instructions to regulate your conduct in some points of this
important trust:
" And first, you are by all possible means to establish such
a proper sense of subordination in the Fleet, that all the
orders you think necessary to issue be punctually and im-
plicitly obeyed; a loose and relaxed discipline utterly enfee-
bling every military establishment, however respectable it may
otherwise be in the circumstance of number and force.
" Secondly. As it is the duty and inclination of this Council
to maintain the Fleet in a constant preparation to receive
the enemy, you must immediately take an exact survey of
its present condition, and whatever may be wanting in its
equipments to make report to Captain William Richards,
who is appointed and directed to supply all its deficiencies.
" Thirdly. An attack from the enemy being highly prob-
able, though the time uncertain, it is necessary that every
part of the Fleet should have its proper station assigned, in
such way as to afford mutual support, and that the whole
may act to the best effect.
" Fourthly. You must particularly attend not only to the
situation of the Fleet, but take great care that the officers
and men are not absent from their respective vessels any
length of time, and at any great distance ; but as it is prob-
able that some of the officers of the boats may be desirous of
coming up to this City, you may give leave of absence to
them in such number and for so long a time as the service
may admit, so that not more than one-third be absent at any
one time, or longer than forty-eight hours from their respect-
ive vessels.
" Lastly. Should any accident or circumstance happen in
the Fleet, that has the least tendency to affect the service,
you are to give the earliest information to the Council of
Safety, that they, if they have the means of remedy, may
apply such as the nature of the case may require.
" These being the principal matters that have occurred to
the Council, they earnestly recommend to you, however,
that you endeavour to promote the utmost harmony between
you and the officers of the Fleet, and between one another,
on which depends so much the success of every undertaking
75
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
76
where men are to act in concert and mutual assistance re-
quired."
Resolved, That the Officers of the Fleet belonging to this
Slaii- lie allowed the same pay that the Officers in the Con-
tinental service have, from the 1st of October next.
In Council of Safely, September 27, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse. Samuel Morris, Sen.. John Bayard, Fred. Kuhl,
Henry K(fi/»le, Jun., John Bull, John Moore, Timothy
Matlack, Samuel Cad. Morris, Joseph Blewer, Francis
Gurniy.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Major
Nicola, for £'25, for sundry necessaries for Barracks ; to be
charged to his Account.
Mr. Ne.b'tt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers £77
2*. 8|</., for 62 days' service up to 19th instant, and sundry
expenses at Magazine, &c.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Rain 15*., for a
week's Board of one of Colonel Miles' 's soldiers.
An Order was drawn on Joseph Ferree, Esq., to deliver
Henry Huber one ton of Saltpetre and 600 pounds of Sul-
phur, out of the stores under his care at Germantown.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Messrs.
Butler Of Potts, for £3,000, on account of Cannon cast by
them for this State; to be charged to their Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Dr. Parke £8 2s. 6d.,
for attendance on sick Soldiers.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Henry Huber £50, towards Powder
made by him.
An Order on Mr. Ferree to deliver George Hubner 500
pounds Sulphur, taking his receipt.
Agreeable to a resolve of yesterday, a number of the
Council accompanied the Commodore to Fort-Island, when
the Vice President read the Commission and Instructions
to him ; and those officers who chose to continue in the ser-
vice were desired to apply for new Commissions on Tuesday
next.
In Council of Safety, September 28, 1776.
Present : Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, John Bayard, Samuel Cad. Morris, Francis Gur-
ney, Fred. Kuhl, George Gray, John Bull, Samuel Morris,
John Moore, Joseph Blewer, John Weilzel, Timothy Mat-
lack, Owen Biddle.
The honourable Congress having directed this Council to
recommend Officers for the Battalions raised in this State for
the Continental service, and the Board being informed that
a Paymaster is wanting for the Second Battalion under the
Priming Wires, &tc., sent to General Mercer, £31 17s., to
be charged to Congress; and £24 for thirty Budge Barrels
delivered to Major Proctor, to be charged to this State.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Joseph Bonsall for Plank and Scant-
ling delivered to Benjamin Loxley, £23 15s., for making
Cannon Carriages.
To pay Paine Newman for six Anchors delivered to Cap-
tain Hazlewood, £16 8s. 6d.
To pay Mary McGinnis 40s., to be charged to account
of her husband, a soldier in Second Battalion of Penn-
sylvania Riflemen.
To pay to Doctor William Currie, Surgeon of the Penn-
sylvania Musketry, £13 14s. 3d., for his account of ex-
penses, wages, &.c.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Thomas Armour for Accoutrements,
repairing Arms, &.C., for Militia of York County, £132
3s. 9d.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Matthias Slough,
£ 1 77 12s. 6d., for Arms purchased by him for the use of his
Battalion, to be charged to his Account; also, £665 4s. 9%d.
for Clothing, &ic., for a Company in the Flying-Camp,
under the command of Captain Jacob Glatz.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Colonels of the
City Battalions of Militia to call them out on Monday next,
in order to know what number of men will turn out of each,
to be employed by this Board on the Fortification at Bil-
lingsport, the said workmen to be allowed 3s. day and to
have provisions found them. The immediate necessity of
this service, the Council have no doubt, will have a proper
weight with every person willing to put this City in a proper
state of defence.
Doctor William Currie informing the Board that his
health will not admit of his continuing Surgeon of Colonel
Alice's Battalion, therefore requests to resign this employ-
ment.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr-
John Moore, of Westmoreland, for £100, to be applied
towards defraying the expenses of two Companies, some
time since raised by the Committee of that County for the
protection of the frontiers.
Robert Etterington, a prisoner confined in the State
Prison, was enlarged upon his parole.
In Council of Safety, September 30, 1776.
Present : David Rittenhouse, Vice President, John Bay-
ard, Frederick Kuhl, Francis Gurney, Samuel C. Morris,
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer, John Moore, James Cannon,
Timothy Matlack, Samuel Morris.
command of Colonel Jos. Wood, now at Ticonderoga, the Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Bridges,
Council do recomijiend Mr. Benjamin Feshburn for Pay- £648 4s. 6d., for one hundred and eight Tents left at Camp
master to said Battalion. in New-Jersey.
_ Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. John Moore, £43 12s. 6d., for
nine Rifles, bought for the defence of the frontiers of West-
moreland County, to be charged to Mr. Moore.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Robert Towers, in favour of
Mr. John Moore, for four thousand Flints, for the service of
Westmoreland County, taking his receipt.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay George Tiddeman, £28 10s. 4d., for
Plank, &c., delivered Mr. Benjamin Loxly, for making Gun-
carriages.
Mr. Michael Swoope, who was appointed a Member of
Resolved, That Mr. John Weitzel be requested to pur- l^.'s .Council, for York County, having accepted of a corn-
chase for this State a quantity of Blankets, coarse Cloths, nl'sflon m *he Flying-Camp, the Convention therefore made
coarse Linens, and five tons of Hemp, and forward to this c'lolce of Colonel Joseph Donaldson instead of Mr. Swope;
Board as soon as possible, and his orders for the same shall and Colonel Donaldson appearing, took and subscribed the
be paid. qualification directed by Convention.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Jo An Weitzel a Mr' NcsJ)itt was directed to pay Johnston Elliot £3 15s.,
Member in Convention for Northumberland County, for for a Gun delivered to Mr- Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William Deane £1 17s.,
for repairing Arms, &c., belonging to Second Battalion of
Philadelphia County.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lieutenant-Colonel Wil-
liam Dean £20 18s. 9d., for Arms taken from Non-Associ-
ators ; to be charged to Colonel Robert Lewis.
^ Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Col. Richard Thomas
£6 16s. 6d., for repairing Arms, &.c., to be charged to this
State; and £2 15s. for nursing sick Soldiers, to be charged
to Congress.
and mileage one
sixty-four days' attendance in Convention
hundred and forty miles, £32 8s. 3d.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Robbins £24
5i. 5d., for work done for Armed Boats.
Congress having resolved that they will provide for persons
in their service who shall be so disabled as to be incapable
of serving on board their Fleet, or in the Army, and a
certain Nicholas Curry, a seaman lately belon"ing to the
Mr. JVeshtt to pay Josiah Wood £30 10s., for one bun- Bull-Dog armed boat belonging to this State, having been by
i delivered Mr. Towers. accident disabled from ever performing his duty, the Council
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Michael Kuhn for going express £7 therefore do resolve that the said Nicholas Curry be allowed
0»., to be charged to Congress; and 11s. 9d. for porterage, half pay from the time of his discharge until further provis-
charged to Slate. ion is made for persons in like situation.
> pay Eleas Botner for Gunners' Belts, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Webber £22 15,.,
77
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
78
for sixteen and one-fourth cords Wood, delivered at Fort
Island.
Colonel William Clark deposited a receipt from Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Henry Single, one of the Commissioners
appointed by Convention to fix the Flying-Camp, for
$30,000, which sum he received from Michael Hiltegas,
Esq., it being for the purpose of paying the bounty ordered
by Convention for the Flying-Camp.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Neslitt, in favour Wil-
liam Clarke, James Potter, and John Morris, Jun., for
£187 10s., and charge the same to their Account, it being
for the purpose of paying their expenses to Ticonderoga.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel William Clark
£5, for ten Hays' Chair-hire, to carry $30,000 to Camp.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William Bitner £ 1 9
16s. 4d., for repairing Arms.
Resolved, That John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer
of this Board, apply to the President of the Congress for an
Order in his favour for $100,000, granted by Congress for
the use of this State.
Resolved, That Mr. Lewis Nicola be continued in the
office of Barrackmaster until further orders.
In Council of Safety, October 1, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, President, David Ritten-
house, John Bayard, James Cannon, Henry Keppele, Sam-
uel Cad. Morris, Francis Gurney, Joseph Donaldson, John
Bull, Frederick Kuhl, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Hubley,
Joseph Blewer, George Gray, Owen Biddle, Colonel Mat-
lack.
Drawn an Order on the Treasurer, in favour of Edward
Bartholomew, for £21, by way of commissions, for laying
out £21, in the service of the Militia.
An Account of seventy -two Breakfasts for Captain Rich-
ard Brown's Company of three Battalions of State Troops,
at 9d., given by Jonathan Valentine, £2 14s.; passed in
Council.
Two Accounts for Nails bought of Adam Zantzinger;
one of June 24th, amounting to £13 16*.; and another of
August 28th, amounting to £9 13*. 10d., passed in Coun-
cil; these Accounts by Thomas Savadge.
Granted a Parole to Joseph Gary and Jonathan Pearson.
Thomas Miles's Account for repairing Guns, dated Sep-
tember 28, certified by Robert Towers, amounting to £9
4*.
A request to Mr. Nesbitt to let John Clindinin have
£100 on his bond, to assist him in carrying on Saltpetre
Works.
An Account for repairing Guns, by George McGunngile,
for £4 9*. 2rf., to be charged to the State; and three new
Guns, value £9, to be charged to Colonel Calender, of
Cumberland County, certified by the Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Inspection of Cumberland County; passed in Coun-
cil. £ 13 9*. 2d.
Another Account of £50 7s. Id., certified by the Commit-
tee of Inspection of Cumberland County; £ 19 to be charged
to Colonel Calender, for six Guns ; £3 to Colonel Wikon
for one Gun; and to Colonel Montgomery £4; the remainder
for repairing Guns; to be charged to the State. Passed.
Resolved, That a return of the Arms, belonging to the
State, be ordered to belaid before the Council, and that they
be delivered out to the Associators in proportion; and that
the Colonels of the several Battalions be informed thereof,
and that the Associators who have the Arms belonging to
the State be allowed to retain them.
A Draft for £200, in favour of Mr. Arthur Donaldson,
for Floating Battery, No 2.
Resolved, That Colonel John Bull be appointed General
Superintendent of the works to be carried on at Billings-
port.
Adjourned to three o'clock.
Met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Thomas Wharton, President, John Bayard,
Joseph Blewer, James Cannon, Francis Gurney, John
Bull, Samuel Morris, Frederick Kuhl, David Rittenhouse,
Owen Biddle, Henry Keppele, George Gray.
Resolved, That Mr. Peter Withington be appointed a
Captain in Colonel Cook's Battalion, his rank to be settled
hereafter.
Samuel Royal received a Captain's Commission in the
Second Battalion of Militia, belonging to Cumberland
County, commanded by Colonel Alison; and George Wal-
lace, tile Commission of First Lieutenant in said Company,
signed by the President.
Jacob Meyers's Account of £15 12s. 4%d., for smith's
work; passed.
Resolved, That this Board will, on Saturday next, ap-
point twelve Recruiting Sergeants to raise the more expe-
ditiously the quota of men to be furnished by this State to
the Continent, agreeable to a late resolve of Congress.
- o n
Ordered, That the above Resolve be published, that
persons willing to engage in that service, who can be well
recommended, may send in their applications.
Resolved, That Thomas Slrawbridge, Samuel Cunning-
ham, John Flemming, and William Evans, be appointed to
procure Blankets, Stockings, and Woollen Cloths, for the
use of this State.
That two hundred Dollars be put into their hands for the
foregoing purpose.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt for two hundred
Dollars, in favour of the above gentlemen, and delivered to
John Flemming.
Adjourned to the 2d, at three o'clock, P. M.
In Council of Safety, October 2, 1776.
Met agreeable to adjournment.
Present: Thomas Wharton, President, Samuel Morris,
Sen., Owen Biddle, Francis Gurney, John Bayard, Fred-
erick Kuhl, George Gray, David. Rittenhouse, Henry Kep-
pele, John Bull, Samuel C. Morris, Jun., James Cannon.
An Account, passed for Blankets, attested by Frederick
Antis, Lieutenant-Colonel of Colonel Potts's Battalion,
Philadelphia County, to be charged to his Account, left in
the Flying-Camp, amounting to £21 Is. Qd.
An Order to James McCanless, Captain in Colonel Wil-
liam Smith's Battalion, York County, was drawn, direct-
ing him to hire a wagon to carry some sick belonging to
his Company to their homes, and that the Council would
pay all reasonable expenses attending the same.
Passed an Order in favour Peter Lukins for £7 14s.;
ordered to be charged to Colonel T. Potts.
An Order was drawn upon the Treasurer for £500, in
favour of Samuel Morris, Esq.
An Order was drawn in favour of John Mitchell, Esquire,
for Joseph Ferree, for forty bushels of Salt.
An Order of Congress on their Treasurer, Michael Hille-
gas, Esq., for $ 100,000, in favour of this Commonwealth,
was directed in Council to be passed to thte credit of the same
by said Michael Hillegas.
An Order on Michael Hillegas, Esq., in favour of John
M. Nesbitt, Esq., for $30,000 passed the Council.
An Account in favour of Jeremiah Baker for £139 12s.
lid., for Wood for the Barracks, certified by Lewis Nicola,
was passed.
An Account, for ten Rifles and eight smooth bores, of
£52, to be charged to Colonel Timothy Green's Account,
passed.
An account of Guns and repairing, of £35 10s. 6d., passed,
viz: two Guns valued £9 10s., to be charged to Colonel
Calender's Account, Cumberland County; Colonel Mont-
gomery's Account, five Guns valued at £16 10s.; the rest
in repairs, charged to the State.
In Council of Safety, October 2, 1776, )
Three o'clock afternoon. J
Members present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President,
Samuel Morris, Samuel C. Morris, John Bull, Geo. Gray,
Francis Gurney, John Bayard, Frederick Kuhl, Joseph
Blewer, James Cannon.
An Account passed of Vandel Burdisway, of £3, for
bringing down Captain Pawling's Company; to be charged
to Congress.
An Account of eight Guns received by Robert Towers,
amounting to £66.
An Account of thirteen Blankets delivered to Clement
Biddle, Esq., at Camp, delivered by Abraham Laitcher,
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
80
Major in Colonel Green's Battalion, Lancaster County,
anointing to £14 8s., passed; to be charged to Congress.
j\t-w Commissions were given out to the Captains of the
Galleys, and they \\t-re qualified to execute their trust faith-
fully, &c., which qualification they signed.
Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning.
In Council of Safety, October 3, 1776.
Present: David Riltetihouse. Vice President, John Bay-
ard Joseph Bl.mr. .W/«<7 Morris, Sen., Francis Gurney,
John Bull, Fred. Kuhl, Samuel C. Morris, James Cannon,
Owen Bidille.
M i- \< shift was directed to pay Emanuel Woodbey £4 5s.,
for seventeen days' Boat hire. .
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nttbitt, in favour of Major
Lewis Nicola, for £100; to be charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
James Dundass, for £ 100, on account of the Fortification at
. .f
An' Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
John Sparhawk, for £2 3s. 6d.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colonel
Nicholas Housaker, for $1,000; to be charged to the Colo-
nel, for the use of the German Battalion.
The following Commissions were granted this day agree-
able to the Resolve of Congress, viz :
For the Privateer Sloop Congress, William Greenway,
Commander, of the burthen of 40 tons, mounting 6 carriage-
guns, navigated by 40 men, owned by John Bayard, Jos.
Dean Sf Co.
Privateer Brig General Lee, John Chatham, Commander,
burthen about 100 tons, mounting 12 carriage-guns, naviga-
ted by 90 men, owned by John Bayard, Alexander Hen-
derson ^ Co.
The Council adjourned to three o'clock, afternoon, when
the following Members met: John Bayard, Francis Gur-
ney, Joseph Blewer, Frtd. KM, Samutl C. Morris.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Henry Fraley £4 15s.,
for a Rifle delivered to Colonel MatlacJc; to be charged to
the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Sacheveral Wood £46 12s. 5d., for
dieting Prisoners in the State Prison in this City; to be
charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Robert Towers' s Account for
making Cartridges, and men's wages, &tc., £42 Is. 6d.
In Council of Safety, October 4, 1776.
Present : David Rittenhouse, Vice President, John Bay-
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Lewis Grant £4, for a set of copper
Powder Measures, &.C., sent to Camp in New- Jersey.
An Order v«as drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Col-
onel H'illiiini Cook, lor $1,000, on account of recruiting
the twelfth Battalion of Regulars, in the Continental ser-
vice ; to be charged to the Colonel.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Sam-
uel Wheeler, for £100, on account of work done for this
State ; to be charged to his Account.
Resolved, That Nicholas Milltr and Hawkins Boon be
appointed Captains, and Thomas Brand en First Lieutenant,
Robert King Second Lieutenant ; and Hannaniah Lincoln
First Lieutenant, and James Williamson Second Lieutenant,
(Withington's Company,) in the Twelfth Battalion of Foot,
to be raised in this Stale, for the Continental service, and
their commissions delivered.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Richard Pe-
ters, Esq., Secretary at War, one hundred Cannon Shot for
22-pounders, and Sheet Lead sufficient for aprons for twenty
Cannon ; to be charged to Congress.
The Council being informed that an election had been
held in Chester Count\ , on the first instant, in direct viola-
tion of the Declaration of Convention; hearing that Nathan-
iel Vernon, Sheriff of said County, was in town, ordered
him to appear before this Board, and deliver up the returns
he brought with him.
The Minutes of yesterday afternoon being read, at which
time a quorum did not meet, this Board do hereby confirm
the proceedings of the Members then present.
In Council of Safety, October 5, 1776.
Present: ThomasWharton, Jun., President, DavidRitten-
house, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Bayard, Joseph Blewer,
Francis Gurney, Frederick Kuhl, George Gray, James
Cannon, Owen Biddle.
Josiah Wood's Account for one hundred and fifty Pikes
delivered to Mr. Towers, amount £45 10s., passed the
Board, and Mr. Nesbitt directed to pay.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mrs. Connelly £7 10s.,
for six weeks' Board, to first October instant, at 25s. per
week, agreeable to direction of Congress.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Major Proctor twen-
ty-six Blankets, for the use of the Artillery.
Resolved, That the two Companies of Artillery, under
the command of Major Thomas Proctor, be officered with
one Captain and three Lieutenants, for the present ; and
that the following gentlemen be, and are hereby appointed
Officers in said Companies, viz :
First Company : John Martin Strohbogh, Captain ; Wars-
_ 7 __ j ^-- _ •---• f j I ] ] ^ i Vj'Wiu iJaii j , v Vf vim J.T**** win M^rvi VFVWV »*j -vju j
ard, Samuel Morns, Sen., Joseph Blewer, It red. Kuhl, ieyEmes^ First Lieutenant; Charles Twenbull, Second Lieu-
/ ' .»'* /.'./>-..,,/ ffftirn Jfermp/f -Inn. i\fint1tj>l ( ,flfl . nfiftms. " -wir-Ti. -n mi • i T •
Francis Gurney, Henry Keppele,Jua., Samuel Cad. Morris,
James Cannon.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Hemphill for
Tow Linen delivered Lewis Nicola, for Bed-Cases for
Barracks, £28 19s. 4K
Colonel William Cook, Major James Crawford, and
Capt. Peter Withington, officers appointed for the Twelfth
Battalion of Regulars, to be raised in this State, for the Con-
tinental service, took the qualification directed by Conven-
tion, and delivered their Commissions signed by the President
of Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay William James £2 Os.
Qd., for six Kettles; to be charged to Colonel Thomas
Hackley.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas and Isaac Hes-
ton, for Painting, &c., on board the armed boat, £6 11s.;
Lawrence Fagen, for Major Rogers, £5 6s. Id.; to be
charged to Congress.
Resolved, That Mr. Jrilliam Evans be desired to pur-
chase all the coarse Cloths, Blankets, and Stockings, in
Chester County, for the use of State, and draw on this
Board for the cost.
Resolved, That the Ship Montgomery, belonging to this
State, be brought up and exchange hel- present cannon,
(18-pounders,) and take sixteen 12-pounders ; and that
Captain Blewer and Captain Gurney be directed to procure
proper carriages for said 12-pounders, and attend particu-
larly to their being fitted and put on board said Ship.
tenant; William Ferguson, Third Lieutenant.
Second Company: Thomas Forrest, Captain; Hercules
Courtney, First Lieutenant; Francis Proctor, Second Lieu-
tenant; Patrick Duffy, Third Lieutenant.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Christian Schaider £39,
for thirteen Guns delivered Mr. Towers.
A Commission granted for William Connell, commander
of Schooner General Thompson, six carriage-guns, twelve
men, forty tons, owned by Edmund Beach fy Co.
Resolved, That the three Pennsylvania Battalions, now
in the Continental service, at New-York, be arranged as
follows : two of them to be on the new Continental estab-
lishment, and to serve during the war; the other to be re-
tained in the service of this State, until the first of January,
1778, unless sooner discharged, and to consist often Com-
panies of one hundred men each, officers included; the pri-
vates of the three Battalions to continue in the service of this
State ; the officers according to seniority to have the choice
of entering into either ; the two Battalions to be recruited
to their full complement of men, as speedily as possible;
nothing in this resolve to affect the rank of the officers who
are prisoners with General Howe.
SIR: TheCouncilof Safety havingenteredintotheenclosed
arrangement of the three Battalions, belonging to this State,
are desirous of having a return of the officers who choose to
enter into the Continental service on the new establishment,
that the Council may give them such rank as they conceive
them entitled to. They mean to order and retain at home the
81
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
82
troops which are to continue in the service of the State, as
soon as the condition of the Continental Army will admit of
it. As they are hereafter, by the said arrangement, to keep
twelve complete Battalions in the Continental service, Col-
onel Broilhead is therefore requested to consult the officers
as speedily as possible on the subject, and make return to
the Council of such as are desirous to enter into the Con-
tinental service, and who are willing to continue in the ser-
vice of the State ; that they may proceed in the affair, as it
is of immediate necessity and very great importance.
To Colonel BRODHEAD.
A letter was wrote to General McKinky, at Wilming-
ton, Ne.w-Castle County, requesting him to purchase all
the coarse cloths, blankets, and stockings, he can procure,
for the use of the troops of this State, and his drafts shall be
answerer).
Resolved, That a detachment be made from the Artillery
Companies of this State of fifty men, to be sent to Fort
Mr. Nesliitt was directed to pay to Jnmes Boylan £3
14s. 6^., for twenty-five Canteens; four of which delivered
to Mr. Towers, to be charged ti this State; and twenty-one
delivered at Flying-Camp, to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to John Mover, Com-
missary of Stores for Blllingsport, 50 Shovels, 50 Spades,
20 Pitching Axes, 20 Wheelbarrows, 20 Handbarrows, 20
Pick Axes; for the use of the Fortification at Billingsport,
taking his receipt.
It i order that all the Accounts for pay due to those who
attended as Members of the late Conference of Committees
or Convention of this Slate, may be in one person's hands,
Mr. Nesbitt is hereby directed to call upon Mr. Hillegas
and receive from him any money he has paid by order of
this Board to such Members, the same to be charged by Mr.
Hilkgas, agreeable to the resolve of Convention made for
that purpose.
This Board, taking into their consideration the advance
Montgomery, under the command of Captain Strohbogh, Prices of allnost every necessary of life, and upon a proper
subject to the direction of the Commander-in-Chief; and representation from the chevaux-de-frise Pilots respecting
that two of the commissioned officers in his Company, and l Slluatlon- oo hereby
Resolve, That the said Pilots, in addition to their pay
from this State, be allowed, from the date hereof, to receive
5s. per foot for every vessel they conduct through the che-
vaux-de-frise to and from Chester, to be paid by the captains
or owners of such vessels.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John
Lieutenant Proctor, of Captain Forrest's Company, pro-
ceed with the said detachment, that they may have an
opportunity of seeing service; to be relieved at such a time
as the Board may think proper, and that they shall march
as soon as they are furnished with necessary camp equipage.
Major Proctor is to see this resolve carried into execution.
In Council of Safety, October 7, 1776.
Martin, for £5, to defray the expenses of bringing him from
Camp and during his being under the Doctor's hands, he being
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, Samuel wounded on Long-Island; to be charged to Congress.
Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, Francis Gurney, Samuel Cad.
Morris, George Gray, Fred. Kuhl, John Bayard.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Hemphill £47
9*. 6d., for two hundred and eleven yards Tow Linen, and
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Thomas Dun-
gan, of Colonel Hill's Battalion, of Philadelphia County,
for sundry Arms, &c., for the use of his Company, £161 6*.
Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Wharton, Jun., and Colonel
John Lynn £68 6s. 4%d., for three hundred and twenty- John Bayard, be appointed to fit out the ship Montgomery,
one and a half yards Tow Linen, delivered to Mr. Lewis
Nicola, for Bed Cases.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Captain
John Hazlewood, for £50, on account of Fire Rafts; to
be charged to his Account.
now in the service of this State, and load her with such mer-
chandise as may be proper to purchase such articles of cloth-
ing, &,c., as may be necessary for the service of this State; for
which purpose they are authorized, as soon as the situation
of our river and bay will permit, to dispatch her to any place
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Archibald Dick tnev may judge will be the best market and most probably
£11 9s., for repairing Anns belonging to Colonel Miles' a
Battalion.
supply the goods which shall be ordered.
Mr. Owen Biddle produced a receipt for a cask of Tow
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Pringle £53 8s. Linen No. 4, signed by Lewis Nicola, which cask he re-
'!• .Ill 1 I • .1 /• i ••-» •
'3d., being the balance due him on the cargo of the Brig
Greyhound.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver to Captain
James Craig two hundred Grape and one hundred Swivel
Shot, he engaging to return the like quantity.
Resolved, That all the Powder now on board the Ship.
1 . • T"» • I 1 T» 11 •
ceived from Colonel Matthias Slough, of Lancaster, and
delivered unopened to said Nicola.
Commissions were this day granted for Officers of the
Fourth Battalion of Associators \nNorthumberland County,
viz:
Philip Cole, Colonel ; Thomas Sutherland, Lieutenant-
Floating Batteries, and armed Boats, belonging to this State, Colonel ; Thomas Foster, First Major ; Gasper Yost, Second
be delivered to Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, who is Major; Devalt Miller, Standard Bearer; James McCoy,
hereby directed to replace it with a like quantity.
Adjutant.
First Company: John Clark, Captain ; Henry Pongius,
First Lieutenant; James Moor, Second Lieutenant ; Pat-
rick Watson, Ensign.
Second Company: Michael Weaver, Captain.
Third Company: Jacob Link, Captain.
Fourth Company: William Wirach, Captain; John Sher-
red, First Lieutenant; William Gill, Second Lieutenant;
Nathaniel Moon, Ensign.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Philip Becker, for boarding men of J'f,h Company: George Wolf ; Captair i; George Con-
.1 — i «,f.-/.-'. D_.._I: — r-,n*n f j rod, r irst Lieutenant ; Michael Wildgoos, Second Lieuten-
John Hesler, Ensign.
In Council of Safety, October 8, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., David Rittenhouse,
Samuel Morris, Sen., John Bayard, Joseph Blewer, Owen
Biddle, Henry Keppele, Jun., Francis Gurney, Samuel C.
Morris, Fred. Kuhl, John Bull.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Alexander Dick
£13 5s., for six Muskets, delivered to Mr. Towers.
Colonel Miles' s Battalion, £12 10s. 6d.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Moses
Marshall, for thirteen and a half cords of Wood, delivered at
Fort-Island, at the market price.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colo-
nel Philip Cole, of Northumberland County, for £100, for
the purpose of providing Drums, Colours, &c., for the use
of his Battalion; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Randolph
£18 13s. 2rf., for Plank, delivered for use of Fort- Is land.
^ Mr. NetbittvfU directed to pay Captain Wiiliam Hallock
£21 Is. Id., for salvage of sundries saved out of Brig
Nancy, blown up at Cape May.
ant :
Sixth Company: George Obermiar, Captain; James Mc-
Calvery, First Lieutenant ; Peter Wirach, Second Lieuten-
ant; Michael Schnider, Ensign.
The Board then adjourned to five o'clock afternoon, when
the following Members met :
Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, John Bull, Frederick
Kuhl, Samuel Morris, Sen., David Rittenhouse, Owen Bid-
die, Samuel C. Morris, John Bayard.
Whereas the honourable Congress have resolved that the
Accounts of the Militia of this State shall be paid as soon as
certificates can be produced to the Committee appointed to
Mr. NesbiU was directed to pay Mr. Given Biddle £446 settle the same, of their having returned all the publick stores
14s. \d., being the balance of his account for Clothing in their possession; and as many poor people who cheerfully
purchased by him for Colonel Atlee's Battalion, and sun- turned out in the service of their country may be deprived
dries for Fort-Island, &ic., &c. of their pay for a considerable space of time, to the prejudice
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 6
83
PENNSYLVANIA. COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
84
of their families and affairs, in consequence of the officers of
the several Companies not being acquainted with the before-
mentioned resolutions in time: Therefore
Resolved, 1st, That the State of Pennsylvania will be
accountable to the Congress for all the Continental stores
not delivered to the Deputy Quartermaster-General, that the
payment of accounts of the Associators may meet with as
little <l>'l;ty as possible.
2d. That the Officers of the several Battalions do forth-
with apply to the Committee appointed by Congress for
payment of their accounts, and when received, that they
immediately pay off their men.
3d. That the Commanding Officer of every Battalion of
Associators which has been in the service, do return to Robert
Toinrs, K<q., Commissary, as speedily as possible, all such
Continental or State stores, arms excepted, as were delivered
to his Battalion, in order that such as belong to Congress
may be restored.
As it is not improbable that General Howe may detach
part of his Army by water from New-York, to invade this
State, and as we should be unable to make any defence against
them by land in our present unarmed condition ; and as not
only the safety of this State but the preservation and security
of a great part of the military stores belongin g to Congress
is thereby endangered :
Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Colonel Bayard, and
Mr. Biddle, be appointed to confer with a Committee of
Congress on the expediency of having a body of Troops
stationed near the City of Philadelphia, for the defence of
this State, and that a General Officer of some experience be
appointed to have the command of said force.
In Council of Snfety, October 9, 1776.
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, John Bay-
ard, Samuel Morris, Sen., Henry Keppele, Jun., John Bull,
Francis Gurney, Frederick Kuhl, Joseph Blewer, Henry
Wynkoop, Owen Biddle.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Lewis
Giron, for £50, on account of Stone for sinking Piers at
Fort-Island.
Mr.Nesbilt was directed to pay Joel Zone £10 16s. 3d.,
for Sash Weights delivered to Thomas Nevill.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Dunlap £139 lls.
3d., for Cartridge Paper, and printing Commissions, &tc.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver John Vandergrest two
hundred Gun-Locks, taking his receipt.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of John
McMicken, for £150.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
Thomas Nevill, for £100, towards Gun-Carriages; to be
charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major E. Williams
£105 19s. 9d., for his pay and rations to 1st October.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Henry
Wynkoop, Esq., for £500, for the payment of Arms, &tc.,
purchased for this State; to be charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Jacob
Rittenhouse, for £24 19s. 2d., for Cartridge Paper delivered
to Mr. Towers.
The Council being informed that several people have
purchased a cargo of Salt from the importer at 12s. per
bushel, and that they have since advanced the price of that
necessary article on the consumer to 22s. 6d. :
Resolved, That this Council highly disapprove the con-
duct of those mercenary men, who, regardless of the publick
good and the interests of their country, in this unreasonable
and avaricious manner, monopolize those articles, so neces-
sary to the community, and lay on such enormous profits as
puts it out of the power of the industrious poor to procure a
necessary supply for their families; and therefore this Board
do further
Resolve, That the aforesaid purchase is, and shall be,
void, and the cargo of Salt shall be purchased from the cap-
tain at the price aforesaid, and sold out to the inhabitants in
such quantities as may be necessary for their families, at the
prime cost, adding thereto so much only as will defray the
necessary expense of unloading and measuring it; and that
in future no person be admitted to make purchase of any
goods or merchandise coming from sea to this port until the
vessels arrive and regularly enter at the custom-house, and
until report of the cargo on said vessels to made to this Board.
In Council of Safety, October 10, 1776.
Present: Joseph Blewer, Francis Gurney, Frederick
Kuhl, Samuel Morris, Sen., Chairman, Samuel C. Morris,
Henry Keppele, Jun., George Gray.
Alexander Morrice was permitted to depart this State in
the schooner Mariamne, Captain William Graham, to Cape
Nicola Mole, in Hispaniola.
In Council of Safety, October 11, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, John Bayard, Frederick Kuhl, Francis Gumey,
Joseph Blewer, Samuel C. Morris, Owen Biddle.
John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer was directed to pay
James Tulton, to porterage of Anchors £2 14s., to be
charged to this State; and £11 10s. tjd., for porterage of
Cannon, &ic., sent to Camp in New-Jersey; to be charged
to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Bazelee £11 15s., Gun Car-
riages, &tc.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Colonel John
Cadwalader, or his order, one hundred Muskets, with Bay-
onets and Accoutrements, and take his receipt for the same.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Peter
Jones, for £5, on account of his wages, he being a wounded
soldier belonging to Colonel Wagner's Battalion, and inform
his Company.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Thomas
Miles and Thomas Curgee, for £50, on account of Arms
making by said Miles, taking their joint bond for the same.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Doctors Duffield and
Rush for their attendance on the Fleet and Artillery Com-
pany of this State, from 27th September, 1775, to July 5,
1776, with rations, £182 8s. Id.
A Commission was granted, agreeable to Resolve of
Congress, to James Smith, Commander of the letter of
marque brig Rutledge, mounting twelve carriage guns,
navigated by sixty-men, burthen about one hundred and
twenty tons, owned by Alexander Gillson.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Charles Cooper £57,
for seventy-six Cartouch Boxes, Belts and Scabbards, de-
livered to the Commissioners of Cumberland County ; to be
charged to their Account.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Joseph Dean
and Thomas Irvin forty pounds of Powder, they paying for
the same at 7s. 6d. per pound.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Robert Towers, in favour of
Major Thomas Proctor, for fifty Knapsacks, fifty Haversacks,
and fifty Canteens, for the use of his Artillery intended to
be sent to Fort Montgomery.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Chris-
tian Shaffer, for £20, towards repairs of Barracks; to be
charged to his Account.
Resolved, That Colonel Brodhead be directed to pro-
cure proper lists of such Clothes and other articles now in
possession of the Quartermaster, which were the property of
the soldiers belonging to the three Battalions belonging to
this State, either killed or taken prisoners on Long-Island,
to have them properly appraised, and to cause certificates of
such appraisements, with the names of the persons whose
property they were, to be transmitted to this Board; and
after such appraisement made, the Colonel is to distribute
the said Clothing, &tc., amongst the men now under his
command in such manner as he shall think proper.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Joseph
Carson, for £500, to be charged to Mr. Robert Smith, on
account of chevaux-de-frise building at Billingsport.
The Council adjourned to three o'clock, when the fol-
lowing Members met: Thomas Wharton, Jun., David Rit-
tenhouse, Owen Biddle, John Bayard, Frederick Kuhl,
John Bull, James Cannon, Francis Gurney, Samuel C. Mor-
ris, Joseph Blewer.
Resolved, That Messrs. David Rittenhouse, Joseph
Blewer, Emanuel Eyres, and Peter Brown, go down to the
Piers to-morrow, and fix upon a method for fastening the
chain, and give directions to Thomas Davis and Lewis
Gyon to prepare everything necessary to fasten it without
delay; and that the Commodore order the boom to be
85
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
86
brought up to Kensington, to Mr. Peter Brown's landing, as
soon as the tide will serve.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt to pay William
Coleman, a sick soldier, discharged from Colonel Miles's
Battalion, £ 1 5*. per month, agreeable to resolve of Con-
gress, until he recovers his sight, or further orders ; to be
charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of James
Dundas, for £100, and charge the same to his Account.
In Council of Safety, October 12, 1776.
Present : Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, Samuel Mor-
ris, Sen., John Bayard, Frederick Kuhl, James Cannon,
George Gray, John Bull, Francis Gurney, Owen Biddle,
Samuel Cad. Morris.
An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., in favour
of Messrs. Peter Dehaven Sf Co., on account of the Lock
Factory; to be charged to their Account.
Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary of Stores, was directed
to deliver Messrs. Peter Dehaven Sf Co. all the Gunlocks
in his hands, taking their receipt.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to fay Baldwin &f Tyler £15
19*. 6d., for repairs of Arms.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
Nicholas Hicks, for £ 100, towards repairs at the Barracks;
to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Major Enion Williams,
for Guards, at State- House, Powder- House, &tc., from July
to November, 1775, viz: sixty-six Privates and thirteen
Officers, at 2s. 6d. per day, £9 17*. 6d.; to be charged
to Congress.
Whereas it has been represented to this Council that
some persons in this State, preferring their own private
emolument to the duties of humanity and the publick good,
have monopolized and engrossed whole cargoes or large
quantities of Salt; and as it is the practice in every well-
regulated State, not only to discourage, but even to punish
all monopolizers of the necessaries of life; and as such evil
practices at this time are pernicious and very unjustifiable,
as, for the want of an established Government, provision
cannot be made against them ; and being desirous to give
every reasonable encouragement to the importers of such
article, this Council do
Resolve, That they will allow the generous price of 15s.
per bushel for every bushel of Salt that may be imported
into this State, and delivered to them, until the 15th day of
November next ; the same to be sold out to the publick in
small parcels at the first cost, by such person or persons as
they may hereafter appoint, in order that the necessities of
the good people may be supplied at as reasonable a rate as
possible, and the rapacious practices of avaricious men de-
feated ; it is therefore earnestly recommended to said import-
ers not to demand a higher price than is here offered ; and
to make report to this Council of the quantities they have
or may import, that they may be treated with for the pur-
chase of the same.
Resolved, That Colonel Brodhead be allowed $30 per
month from the time of Colonel Miles's captivity, while he
continues commander of the Pennsylvania Troops, for the
support of his table, agreeable to the resolve of Assembly;
and that all the officers of the said Troops be allowed
twenty-five per cent, on their pay, as established by the late
Assembly, from the time of their march into New-Jersey
until the new Continental allowance has taken place, in
consideration of the extraordinary expense attending their
services in the neighbouring States.
In Council of Safety, October 14, 1776.
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, Samuel
Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, Francis Gurney, George
Gray, Samuel C. Morris, Frederick Kuhl, Henry Keppele,
Jun., John Bayard, John Bull.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Daniel King
fifty pounds of Copper, for the use of the Salt Works.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Dr. Dunlap £ 15 9s. 3d.,
for Medicines purchased for the use of the Fleet.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Captain
William Brown, for £100, on account of inlisting men for
the Floating Battery ; to be charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Ncsbitt, in favour of Lewis
Nicola, for £100; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Lewis Nicola ten
Wheelbarrows and ten Shovels, for the use of the Barracks.
Joseph Ferree, Esquire, at Germantown, was directed to
deliver Doct. Harris one ton of Saltpetre, taking his receipt.
Resolved, That the Commissions of all the Captains and
Subalterns of the Twelfth Battalion of Foot, to b« raised
in this State for the Continental service, shall be dated the
1st of October, 1776, and their rank hereafter settled.
Resolved, That John Brady and John Harris be ap-
pointed Captains, and Christopher Gettig First Lieuienant,
in the Twelfth Battalion of Foot, to be raised in this State
for Continental service, &c.
Commissions were delivered them dated 1st October.
Resolved, That Francis Allison be appointed Surgeon of
the Twelfth Battalion, to be raised in this State for the
Continental service.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jeremiah Baker £ 138 4s.
., for Wood, &.c., delivered at the Barracks for Con-
tinental Troops stationed there; to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Edmund Beach, for
pine Boards, for the use of the Convention, £ 1 1 Os. 6|rf., for
Armed Boat.
Resolved, That a number of the publick Arms be deliv-
ered to the Commanding Officers of the several Battalions
of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, upon their
application to this Council; and that the Captains of each
Company be directed to enter in a book the names of the
Associators who receive any of the publick Arms, and place
the number or other mark of each Musket opposite to his
name.
Resolved, That the several Colonels of the Associators in
this State, do, as soon as possible, make return to the Council
of Safety of the number of Arms and Accoutrements in their
respective Battalions, that this Board may take proper meas-
ures to supply their deficiencies.
The Council adjourned to two o'clock afternoon, when
the following Members met: Thomas Wharton, Jun., Presi-
dent, David Rittenhouse, Vice President, John Bayard,
Samuel Morris, Sen., Frederick Kuhl, T. Matlack, James
Cannon, George Gray, Joseph Blewer, Samuel C. Morris,
Owen Biddle.
Resolved, That Major Proctor be empowered to exchange
two hundred Arms, now in his possession, for the like number
of light Arms belonging to Congress.
The Council having received from Congress a copy of
letter from General Lee, informing that the Hessians had
embarked from Staten-Island, and did not doubt but that
they intended a visit to this State, whereupon a letter was
wrote to the Commodore, directing him to get the Fleet in a
proper state of defence : likewise a letter to Samuel Morris,
Jun., Esq., requesting him to send up the ammunition sloop,
and supply himself with a shallop in her stead, to assist
in sinking the chevaux-de-frise at Billingsport ; also an
express was despatched with the intelligence to Mr. Henry
Fisher, at Lewistown, directing him to despatch two fast-
sailing boats, to go as far as Egg-Harbour, and in order to
give intelligence of the movements of the enemy, and if any
discoveries were made to forward the same to this Council,
and to direct the signals to be attended to.
The Council adjourned to seven o'clock, when the fol-
lowing Members met: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President,
David Rittenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Bayard,
James Cannon, Joseph Blewer, Owen Biddle, Francis Gur-
ney, Samuel Cad. Morris, Timothy Matlack.
A complaint being made by Captain Sharp Delany, that
a certain John Brigs, of Willtts Town, Chester County, had
insulted his Company of Militia returning into town from
exercise; and he appearing before this Council, and being
charged with making use of disrespectful words against the
liberties of America, and not denying the same, was com-
mitted to the State Prison.
Resolved, That a bounty of $10 be given to every able-
bodied man who shall enter to serve during the war on board
the Fleet belonging to this State; and that Commodore
Seymour be directed to take the most effectual measures for
manning the Fleet to its full complement.
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
87
In Council of Safety, October 15, 1776.
Present: Thomas Warton, Jan., President, Timothy
\latlacl:, Samm-l Morris, Sen., Joseph Viewer, D<md Rit-
/fiiAoiiv,-. ll,nry AV/v«7e, Jun., Benjamin Bartholow.w
John Hayard, Fred. Kuhl, Samuel C. Morris, Owen Mid-
dle, /•>«»(•/.< Gurney.
Jn/in >/. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Morris, Sen.,
and Frutiris Gurney, £510, being so much delivered to two
Indian meaMgcn tram Slockbridge to Fort Pitt; lobe
charged to Congress.
Mi-. Nesbitt to |.;iy Cornman 8f Barge for 120 bushels of
Coal, delivered to Major licnjawin Loxly, for the use o! the
Cannon Foundry, £30; to be charged to Maj. Loxly.
.Mi. \t.<liitt to pay William Roberts £40 6s. 3d., lor
making Ammunition Boxes; and sundry Carpenters, work
done at the State House and Magazine.
Mr. Ntsbitt to pay Walters Sf Bedivelllhe balance due
them for refining 1 95 pounds of Continental Sulphur, £ 125 ;
to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Britton £42 18s., for white oak
Scantling for the Pier sunk in the channel near Fort-Island.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to Messrs. Walters &/•
Bedwell all the crude Sulphur in his possession , to be refined.
An Order was drawn on John Maxwell Nesbitt, in fa-
vour of Captain John Harris, or his order, for $4,000,
taking his receipt for the same, to be delivered to Col. Wil-
liam Code, of the Twelfth Battalion ; to be charged to the
Colonel.
Mr. Neibitt to pay Pollodore, (a Negro,) for beating drum
for Colonel Magaw's Battalion, two months and four days,
£9 15s.; to be charged to Congress, by their particular
desire.
Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Colonel Matlack, Col-
onel Bayard, and Mr. Biddle, be appointed to view the
several avenues to this City, and report to this Board the
places most suitable in their judgment to erect works^of
defence; and they are directed to apply to General Ste-
phens, Colonel Dickinson, Colonel Cadwalader, and Col-
onel Hampton, and acquaint them of this appointment, and
request that they will give their assistance and advice in this
important business.
Resolved, That application be made to the Board of War
for a letter to the Commanding Officer in the State of New-
Jersey, to deliver to persons appointed by this Board, three
pieces of Brass Cannon, with the stores and ammunition
belonging to them, to be brought to this City for the imme-
diate defence of this State.
The Council then adjourned to four o'clock, when the
following Members met : Thomas Wharton, Jun., President,
Timothy Matlack, Owen Biddle, John Bull, Francis Gur-
ney, John Bayard, David Rittenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen.,
Frederick Kuhl.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Dean Senkin, for 4| cords
of Wood, delivered at Fort-Island, at the market price.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Adam
Drinkhauze, for seven Muskets, £21 10s., delivered to Col.
Holler, at Flying-Camp ; to be charged to the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Thompson, for
35£ gallons of Rum, and 4 quarts Molasses, for the use of
Colonel Miks's Battalion while at Lewistown ; to be charged
to Congress, £18.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Ilillegas, in favour of John
M. Nesbilt, Esq., for $40,000, being part of $100,000
borrowed of Congress.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Colonel Bull 30
Spades, 50 Shovels, 50 Grubbing-Hoes, 60 Wheelbarrows,
and 20 Axes, for the use of the Fortification at nillingaport.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Daniel Reybold £2 10s.,
for one day's stage hire, going to Rudolph's Ferry, to carry
a Committee of this Board to Billings-port, and going ex-
press to Chester to forward a letter to Henry Fisher.
In Council of Safety, October 16, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, Samuel Mor-
ris, Sen., John Bayard, Owen liiddle, Jos. Blcwer, Timo-
thy Matlack, Frederick Kuhl, Samuel C. Morris, Francis
Gurney.
Mr. Isaac Cox informing the Council that his private busi-
ness will not admit his continuing Paymaster to the Penn-
sylvania Troops any longer, therefore begged leave to resign
his commission ; which was accepted.
Resolved, That John Redman. Jun., be appointed Pay-
master to the Troops belonging to this State, late commanded
by Colonels Miles and At'lee, with the rank of Captain.
A commission was filled up and delivered to Mr. Redman
dated this day.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Captain
James Copperthwaite, for £ 1 ,000, for carrying on the Con-
tinental Powder Mill ; to he charged to his Account.
Major Proctor was desired to hold in readiness the detach-
ment intended to be sent to Fort Montgomery, to march at a
moment's warning.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Towers to deliver to Robert
Thompson half a ton of Saltpetre.
Then adjourned to two o'clock. Met : Thomas Jf'har-
ton, Jun., President, David Rittenhouse, Samuel Morris,
Sen., John Bayard, Fred. Kuhl, Owen Biddle, Francis
Gurney, Joseph Blewer, Timothy Matlack, Samuel C.
Morris.
Mr. William Lyon, Member of this Council for Cumber-
land, appeared, and took and subscribed the qualification
directed by Convention.
Resolved, That the following gentlemen be appointed
Officers in the Twelfth Battalion of Foot, to be raised in
this State for Continental service, commanded by Colonel
William Cook, viz:
Captains : Henry McKinley, Alexander Patterson, Wil-
liam Work.
First Lieutenants : Stephen Chambers, William McElhat-
ton, John Reily, John Henderson, William Sayre.
Second Lieutenants: John Boyd, Samuel Quin, Edward
McCabe, John Hays, William Bard, John Carithers.
Ensigns: Benjamin Lodge, Jun., John Stone, William
Boyd, Thomas Hamilton, Blackall William Ball, Stewart
Herbert, Andrew E/igle, Henry Strieker.
Adjutant: Thomas Hanson.
Resolved, That the following representation be made to
the honourable Board of War:
The Council of Safety for the State of Pennsylvania
propose to the honourable the Board of War that the following
force be continued in the State, or at Trenton or Billings-
port, in New-Jersey, as a necessary defence for this city, not
only against the British Troops, but the growing party of
disaffected persons which unhappily exists at this time; also
for the protection of the vast quantity of stores belonging to
Congress that are now in the publick Magazine, and at the
same time to carry on such works of defence as have been
or may be thought necessary, viz : The two Virginia Bat-
talions, the German Battalion, and four Companies of Ma-
rines.
And it is proposed to raise four Battalions of Militia, to be
taken into pay for the immediate defence of this State, to be
furnished by the following Counties, viz : One from York
County, of five hundred men ; one from Cumberland County,
of five hundred men ; one from Lancaster County, of five
hundred men; one from Berks County, of five hundred men.
It is apprehended that the above force, with the assistance
of our Militia, might obstruct the progress of any body of
troops that General Howe might detach from his army, until
reinforcements could arrive from the Flying-Camp, or Gene-
ral Washington's Army ; and it is presumed that a less force *
than the above-mentioned will by no means be adequate to
the support of the present Government in this State against
the opposite party, should General Washington's Army be
defeated ; and they would beg leave earnestly to urge the
necessity of retaining for that purpose the Continental Troops
now in this State.
As there are no persons of military experience amongst us,
it is proposed that General Stephens be appointed to the
command of this force.
In Council of Safety, October 17, 1776.
Present : John Bayard, Chairman, Owen Biddle, Samuel
Morris, Sen., Timothy Matlack, George Gray, Francis
Gurney, Joseph Blewer, Samuel C. Morris, Frederick Kuhl,
William Lyons.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain David Burch
89
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
90
for five hundred and eighteen bushels of Salt, at 4s., £362
12*.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel James Kirkbride
£46 8*. \0d., for Anns and Accoutrements taken from Non-
Associators; to be charged to the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Little &f Owner £9 Is. 6d., for
making Ammunition Chest (or Fire Guard Boats.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Robert Fitzgerald £28 2s., for
Rammer and Ladle Shafts, Heads, and Pins, &,c., for Major
Proctor.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay George Graham £3 3s., for wharfage
of the armed boat Convention.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed 10 pay Major Thomas Proctor
£48 14s. 5d., for boarding sick Soldiers belonging to the
Artillery Companies commanded by him.
Resolved, That Captain Bletver be appointed to employ
proper persons to build ten flat-bottom Boats, for transport-
ing Troops.
Resolved, That no persons be permitted to view the Fort-
ifications, or go on shore at Fort-Island unless they are
employed in our service, or have permission from the Com-
mittee for Fort-Island, or this Board.
A Letter was wrote to Commodore Seymour, directing him
not to suffer any persons but such as are employed in the
service of this State, to sound the channel through the che-
vaux-de-frise, or take any measures to gain information of
our works of defence ; and if any such should be discovered,
to apprehend them, and inform this Board thereof.
The Council adjourned to three o'clock afternoon, when
the following Members met: John Bayard, Chairman,
Owen Biddle, George Gray, Samuel C. Morris, Francis
Gurney, William Lyons, Joseph Blewer, Frederick Kuhl.
Resolved, That five hundred bushels of Salt be sent to the
Committee of Trenton, to be sold out in small quantities to
the inhabitants of the State of New-Jersey, at the rate of
15s. per bushel; with such other cost of freight, &c., as the
said Committee may assess; and that Captain William
Richards be directed to take up the Salt in his shallop, and
receive of the said Committee at the rate of 15s. per bushel
for the same; for which he is to be accountable to this State.
Resolved, That Jonathan Coupland be appointed Captain
of a Guard Boat, in the service of this State.
In Council of Safety, October 18, 1776.
Present: John Bayard, Chairman, Sarmiel Morris, Sen.,
Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer, George Gray, Timothy Mat-
lack, Francis Gurney, Frederick Kuhl, Samuel C. Morris,
William Lyons.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Robert Towers, in favour of
Mr. Owen Biddle, for thirty pieces of Sail Duck, to be re-
placed by him or accounted for to this Board.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
John Mitchell; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain John Lighburn
for eight hundred bushels of Salt, at 14s., £560.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Chris-
tian Shaffer, for £60, for work done at Barracks: to be
charged to his Account.
Resolved, That in consideration of the high price of
Clothing, &sc., the pay of the men on board the Fleet
belonging to this State, be advanced to £3 per month, to
commence from the next pay day.
John Brigs was discharged from his confinement upon
giving security for his good behaviour.
Adjourned to three o'clock, afternoon; Members met:
John Bayard, Chairman, Owen Biddle, George Gray,
Francis Gurney, Joseph Blewer, Samuel Morris, Sen.,
Timothy Matlack, Frederick Kuhl, William Lyons.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Joseph Blewer
£9 2s. 3d., for Junk delivered to Captain Richards.
In Council of Safety, October 19, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, John Bay-
ard, Samuel Morris, Sen., Francis Gurney, David Ritten-
house, Joseph Blewer, Timothy Matlack, Samuel C. Morris,
Frederick Kuhl, William Lyon.
Mr. Nsbitt was directed to pay Alexander Rutherford
£76 5s. for Cartouch-Boxes, Bayonet-Belts, fkc.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to JohnPringle £468,
for three hundred and sixty Gun-locks delivered to Mr.
Robert Towers.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Jacob Lush one ton
Saltpetre and eight hundred pounds Sulphur.
Captain William Gamble requested leave to resign his com-
mission as commander of the fire sloop Etna; which was
accepted, and he is discharged from the service of this
State.
Resolved, That John Brice be appointed Captain of the
fire sloop Etna, in the room of Captain William Gamble,
resigned.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Sergeant Wever £ 1 6; to
be charged to the Commanding Officer of the First Penn-
sylvania Battalion.
An Order was drawn on John Maxwell Nesbitt, in favour
of John Williams, for £60, towards the armed boat Dela-
ware, building by him ; to be charged to his Account.
A Letter was received from Abmr Davis, a Third Lieu-
tenant in the Second Battalion of Riflemen, belonging to
this State, resigning his commission, as his health will not
admit his continuing longer in the service; which resignation
was accepted, and he is discharged accordingly.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Sacheveral Wood, for
Provisions, &tc., &.C., for Convention and Council of Safety,
when visiting Billingsport and Fort-Island, at several dif-
ferent times, £146 9*. Id.
In Council of Safety, October 21, 1776
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, Jol<n Bay
ard, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, John Buff,
George Gray, Owen Biddle, Frederick Kuhl, Samuel C.
Morris, Henry Keppele Jun., Timothy Matlack, William
Lyons.
John M. Nesbitt, Esquire, was directed to pay to Major
Lewis Nicola £193 Is. 2rf., being the balance of an ac-
count for repairs at Barracks.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour Major
Lewis Nicola, for £100 ; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Jas. Cochran
£1082 12s. 6d., for one thousand four hundred and forty-
three and a half bushels of Salt delivered to Robert Est-
burn.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Ebenezer Lundy £137 10s., for two
hundred Cartouch-Boxes and two hundred Bayonet-Belts,
delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Captain Ayres a
sufficient quantity of Ammunition to prove nine 6-pounder
Cannon.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of James
Dundass, for £500, on account of the Fortification at
Billingsport ; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Messrs. Peter Deha-
ven 8f Co. three hundred pounds Copper, for the use of
the Lock Factory.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Peter Dehaven for super-
intending Lock Factory, two hundred and twenty days, at
7s. 6rf., £82 10s.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Carter for super-
intending Lock Factory, eighty-one days, at 6s., £24 6s.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Messrs.
Peter Dehaven Of Co., for £500, on account of Lock
Factory; to be charged to their Account.
Resolved, That Mr. Gray and Captain Blewer be ap-
pointed to sound the eastern channel of the River Delaware,
near Fort-Island, and to give directions for stopping that
passage, if they should find it necessary.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver William Kinnard one
piece of Russia Duck, for making Sails for the armed boat
Delaware.
Resolved, That Captain Francis Gurney be appointed to
receive of Robert Eastburn all the money now in his hands
for Salt sold by him by order of this Council, and all other
moneys which may be received by the said Eastburn, for
any future cargoes; the said Francis Gurney to be account-
able for such sums to this Board..
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Alli-
son Sf Worrel, £50, on account of work done at Fort-
Island; to be charged to their Account.
91
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
92
Mr. Robert Eattburn was directed to deliver Carpenter
WJiarton, Esq., five hundred bushels of Salt, he paying at
the rate of 15s. per bushel for the same.
In Council of Safety, October 22, 1776.
Present : Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., Henry Keppele, Jun., Fran-
cis Gurney, John Bull, Samuel C. Morris, William Lyons.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colo-
nel Nicholas Hausagger, for twelve hundred Dollars, for
the use of the German Battalion; to be charged to the
Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Scott, for ten
cords of Wood, delivered at Fort-Island, at 26s., £13.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Robert Towers, Com-
missary of Stores, £119 4s. 6d., for making Cartridges,
men's wages, Nitre purchased, &c.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Hennesey £1 9s.
2d., being the balance of his Account for expenses in search-
ing after Deserters.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
Mo/at, for £120, for Smith work; to be charged to Mr.
Robert Smith.
In Council of Safety, October 23, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharlon, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, John Bayard, Samuel Morris, Francis Gurney,
Samuel C. Morris, Fred. KM, James Cannon, Joseph
Bkwer, Timothy Matlack, Owen Biddle, George Gray.
Mr. Peter Rhoads, Member for Northampton County,
appeared the first time, and took and subscribed the qualifi-
cation directed by Convention.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob James £2 9s. 6d.,
for dieting Captain Albright's Company, of Col. Miles's
Battalion.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Doctor Bond three
pounds of Saltpetre for Medicine.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Major
McMasters, for £6, to be charged to this State, for expenses
concerning Bucks County election.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Archibald McCatt
£175, for seven six-pounder Cannon, at £25; to be
charged to Congress, being sent to Amboy.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay James Oelhrs £178 Os.
6d., for twenty-one tierces and barrels of Sulphur, delivered
Mr. Towers.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Towers, to deliver Captain
Daniel Joy three hundred pounds of Powder for proving
Cannon.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Cap-
tain William Richards, for £500; to be charged to his
Account.
Resolved, That Mr. Wharton, Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr.
Biddle, and Colonel Hampton, be appointed to view the
country, and fix upon a spot for a Magazine for military
stores, and make report to this Board.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Matthias Slough £198
15s., for seven hundred and ninety-eight pounds Saltpetre,
delivered Mr. Towers.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Matthias Slough
two hundred and sixty-five pounds of Powder, which, with
the above sum, is in full for one thousand and sixty pounds
Saltpetre.
Mr. Ne.sbitt was directed to pay Doct. Thomas Hendry
£18 15s., for one hundred pounds Saltpetre, which, with
twenty-five pounds Powder, ordered to be delivered to him
by Mr. Towers, is in full for said Saltpetre.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Isaac Taylor £5, for
two Guns and two Bayonets, delivered to Mr. Towers.
Adjourned to three o'clock, afternoon.
Met according to adjournment. John Bayard, Chairman,
George Gray, Francis Gurney, Samuel C. Morris, Joseph
Blewer, William Lyons, Frederick Kuhl.
In Council of Safety, October 24, 1776.
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, Francis
Gurney, Samuel Morris, Fred. Kuhl, Owen Biddle, James
Cannon, Joseph Blewer, Samuel C. Morris, William Lyons,
John Bayard, George Gray.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mon-
sieur Thaddeus Kosciusko, for £50, as a reward for his ser-
vices in laying out a plan of a Fortification at Billingsport;
to be charged to Congress.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain John Jemeson
£6 15s. 10</., for the expenses of his Company, in order
to suppress the election at Newtown, Bucks County, per
order of Colonel Baxler, Second Battalion.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Com-
modore Seymour, for $1,000, for the purpose of reciuiting
men for the Fleet; to be charged to his Account.
Resolved, That Captain Joseph Blewer and Captain
Francis Gurney be desired to take such steps as they may
think necessary to secure the person of Charles Roberts,
Captain of the Schooner Thetis, at Reedy-Island, with all
his papers, and lay them before this Board.
Resolved, That Jacob Myle be appointed Quartermaster
to the German Battalion, commanded by Colonel Hausag-
ger.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay David Potts £42 9s.,
for Bar Iron, delivered to Jacob Myers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel Richard Thomas
£17 3s. 2rf., for eight Guns, aken from Non • Associators in
Chester County; to be charged to Colonel Thomas.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Robert Semple
£2 10s.
Major Knox received an order for eighty Shot of twenty
ounces, and one hundred Swivel Shot, on the Commissary,
to be returned.
Resolved, That the Officers of the Troops belonging to
this State, who are now prisoners with the enemy, shall take
rank in the service of this State according to their several
commissions, and be entitled to pay and rations the same as
if they were in actual service.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Tyler £6 11s. 9d., for repairing
Arms belonging to Captain Willis's Company, of Colonel
Moore's Battalion.
Agreeable to resolves of this Council, the following ar-
rangement of Captains and Subaltern Officers for the Bat-
talion to be kept in the pay of this State, was agreed to,
viz:
Captains: 1. Lewis Farmer ; 2. JohnMurry; 3. Patrick
Anderson; 4. James Marshall; 5. Philip Albright; 6.
Abraham Dehuff; 1. Henry Crist ; 8. John McGowen ;
9. Martin Ganat ; 10. James Francis Moore.
First Lieutenants : 1. Benard Ward; 2. Peter Shaffner;
3. John Thompson ; 4. James Lang ; 5. John Clark ; 6.
John Carpenter; 7. JohnRobb; 8. Robert Burns; 9. Jas.
Hamilton; 10. Joseph Finly.
Second Lieutenants : 1. Jacob Metz; 2. Thomas Gouer-
ly; 3. Thomas Boyd ; 4. Stephen Hanna; 5. Abraham
Smith; 6. James Sutor; 7. Robert Campbell; 8. George
Grant; 9. Joseph Davis; 10. James Holmes.
Third Lieutenants, or Ensigns : 1 . James Whitehead ; 2.
George Shaffner ; 3. William Moore ; 4. George Hafner;
5. Andrew Little ; 6. Thomas Wilson; 1. Jacob Sneider;
8. Casper Weaver; 9. Thomas Me Comb; 10. George
Guyer.
Surgeon : Jacob Reiger.
Surgeon's Mate: James Buck.
Jacob Laverswykr Quartermaster, with the rank of
Thomas Wallace, Adjutant.
The Council adjourned to three o'clock, when the follow-
ing Members met: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, Owen
Biddle, George Gray, John Bayard, Francis Gurney , Jo-
seph Blewer, William Lyons.
Mr. Nesbilt was directed to pay the following Accounts:
Captain Levering, for repairing Arms, £3 4s. 9d.
John Dunlap, for printing for the Convention, £33 10s.
Benjamin Town, for printing for the Convention, £4 5s.
Resolved, That Captain Blewer be appointed to contract
with proper persons for building twelve Boats to guard the
Fire Rafts.
Resolved, That the Committee for Fort-Island be desired
to erect a Fire at Fort-Island, and employ persons to man-
ufacture Nails at said Island.
93
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
94
In Council of Safety, October 25, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., Henry Keppele, Jun., John
Bayard, Frederick KM, Francis Gurney, Samuel C. Mor-
ris, Owen Biddle, George Gray, Joseph Blewcr, William
Lyons.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Frederick Snider £5 5s.
9d., for riding express to Berks County, with despatches to
the Commanding Officers of the several Battalions to hold
themselves in readiness to inarch to this City in case of an
attack.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Captain Wm. Brown
a sufficient quantity of Ammunition to prove the Guns for
the new Floating Battery.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Jesse Jones £11 10*., for seven Mus-
kets delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Adam Zantzinger £ 108, for Saltpetre
delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter for part of
a Company's expenses in Bucks County, in order to disperse
the people at the late election there.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Mr. Evans, for Blankets, coarse Cloths,
&ic., purchased by direction of this Council, for the service
of this State, £50 1*. Id.
Resolved, That the following arrangement be made in the
Battalion belonging to this State, viz :
1st. That the men in the Companies lately commanded by
Captains Lewis Farmer, John Murray, Patrick Anderson,
James Marshall, Philip Albright, Abraham De/iuff, and
Henry Crist, while formed in three Battalions, do now con-
tinue under the command of the said Captains respectively.
2d. That the men lately commanded by Captain Henry
Shade be commanded by Captain John McGowen.
3d. That the men lately commanded by Captain Francis
Murray be commanded by Captain Morton Garret.
4th. That the men lately commanded by Captain Richard
Brown be commanded by Captain James Francis More.
5th. That eight Companies of the Battalion of this State
be armed with muskets, and that their rifles be exchanged
as soon as convenient.
6th. That two Companies be armed with rifles, and that
the Colonel or Commanding Officer is to select the best men
for that purpose out of the whole corps ; the Captains to have
the choice of said Companies according to seniority.
7th. That after the two Rifle Companies are formed, the
men lately belonging to the Companies under Captains An-
drew Long, William Peebles, Casper Weitzel, Joseph Irvine,
Peter Grub, Jun., Peter Z. Lloyd, Thomas Herbert, John
Nice, Joseph Howell, Jun., and Joseph McCltland, be
united to Captains Farmer's, Murray's, Anderson's, Mar-
shall's, Albright's, Dehuff's, Crist's, McGowen's, Garret's,
and Moore's Companies, equal in number of effective men,
and that the Commanding Officer of the Battalion allow the
said men the liberty of choosing what Companies they will
enter into, so far as he can consistent with the foregoing
arrangement.
8th. That the Subaltern Officers be allowed to arrange
themselves under such Captains as they, by mutual agree-
ment, may think proper; but upon the Commanding Officer's
representing to them any impropriety in the said arrange-
ment, they are to rectify it.
9th. That all Non-Commissioned Officers be appointed
by the Commanding Officer of the Battalion; which appoint-
ments are to be made known in Regimental Orders, which
shall be sufficient authority for their acting in said stations.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Jacob Tusten £ 18 4*.,
for thirteen cords of Wood, delivered at Fort-Island.
Resolved, That, in forming a new Battalion, this Board
will appoint such persons for Officers as, in their opinion, are
suitable, without being confined to those in service. That
all Captains and Subalterns in the Army shall rise regiment-
ally. That all Field Officers shall be promoted according
to the line. That the Board will make the foregoing a rule
for their conduct, except in such instances where the good
of the publick may require a deviation, of which the Board
will at all times reserve the right of judging.
Resolved, That Lieutenant-Colonel James Irvine be pro-
moted to the rank of Colonel, and appointed to the Ninth
Battalion of Continental Troops of this State :
That Lieutenant-Colonel Lambert Cadwalader be pro-
moted to the rank of Colonel, and appointed to the Fourth
Battalion (late Shee's) of ditio:
That Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Penrose be promoted to
the rank of Colonel, and appointed to the Tenth Battalion
of ditto:
That Richard Hampton, Esq., be appointed Colonel of
the Eleventh Battalion of ditto:
That Daniel Brodhead, Esq., be appointed Lieutenant-
Colonel of die Fourth Battalion (late Shee's) of ditto.
That Major Anthony James Morris he promoted to the
rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and appointed to the Second
Battalion (De Haas's) of ditto:
That Major George Nagle be promoted to the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel, and appointed to the Ninth Battalion
of ditto :
That Major James Dunlap be promoted to the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel, and appointed to the Tenth Battalion
of ditto:
That Francis Gurney, Esq., be appointed Lieutenant-
Colonel of the Eleventh Battalion of ditto:
That John Patton, Esq., be appointed to the rank of
Major of the Ninth Battalion of ditto :
That Captain Jonathan Jones be promoted to the rank
of Major, and be appointed to the Second Battalion (De
Haas's) of ditto :
That Captain John Beaty be promoted to the rank of
Major, and be appointed to the Sixth Battalion (Magaw's)
of ditto :
That Major Henry Becker be removed to be Major of
the Tenth Battalion of ditto:
That Captain William West be promoted to the rank of
Major, and appointed to the Fourth Battalion ( Cadwalader' s)
of ditto :
That Francis Mentges, Esq., be appointed Major of the
Eleventh Battalion of ditto :
That Captain David Greer be promoted to the rank of
Major, and appointed to the Seventh Battalion (William
Irwin's) of ditto :
Resolved, That the above-mentioned Officers have rank
according to the order in which their names are here set down.
Adjourned to four o'clock afternoon, when the following
Members met: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David
Rittenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., Francis Gurney, William
Lyons, Frederick Kuhl.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay an Order drawn on this
Board by George Stevenson, Chairman of the Committee of
Inspection for Cumberland County, in favour of Mr. Robert
Miller, for £550, for one hundred Rifles, making in said
County for this State.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Charles Cooper, for
Cartouch Boxes, &tc.; to be charged as follows : £95 18*. 6d.
to Colonel Robert Callender, of Cumberland County; £13
11*. Od. to Colonel John Montgomery, of Cumberland
County; £ 1 1 8*. Qd. to Colonel Armstrong, of Cumberland
County; £56 6s. 6d. to Colonel James Wilson, of Cumber-
land County; making £177 4*. 6d. in the whole.
In Council of Safety, October 26, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., David Rittenhouse,
Samuel Morris, Sen., Frederick Kuhl, Timothy Matlack,
Joseph Blewer, Owen Biddle, George Gray, John Bull,
Francis Gurney, Samuel C. Morris, Frederick Kuhl, James
Cannon, William Lyons.
Mr. John M. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain John
Lightburn £842 5s., for eleven hundred and twenty-three
bushels of Salt, delivered to Robert Eastburn.
Resolved, That Major Proctor be ordered immediately to
send forward the detachment of Artillery to Fort Mont-
gomery, in the State of New-York, agreeable to a request
of Congress, there to remain until further orders from this
Council.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Pryor Sf Co.,
£520, for (bur hundred Gun-Locks, delivered to Mr. Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Luke Keating £37 16*. 3d., for five
barrels of Pork ; to be charged to the Salt Works.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Alexander Boyle for going to Bucks
and Chester Counties, to summon Judges and others con-
cerned in the said election, £6 5*.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Richard Peters, Esq.,
three hundred stand of Arms, for the Board of War.
95
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
96
Mr. Fowtrs was directed to deliver John Boggart one
quarter cask of Pmsder. to be by him delivered to the Com-
mittee (.1 Infection and Observation of Bucks County, and
by them distributed to the Associalors of said County.
R solved, That the Officers of the three late Provincial
Battalions, who have signified their desire to engage in the
service on the new establishment, and accordingly are not
provided for in the arrangement already made, be directed
to repair to Philadelphia, as soon as the situation of the
Amrricnn Army will admit of their absence; and that
Major Williams acquaint them with this resolve.
Mr. \rsbitt to pay Colonel Henry Gciger £6, for two
Rifles, and £16, for six Firelocks, for the use of the Flying
Camp.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Mr. Gunusy one hun-
dred Swivel-Shot, he paying for the same.
Resolved, That this Board will, on Monday, the fourth
day of November next, proceed to appoint Captains and
Subalterns in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Battalion, to be
commanded by Colonel Richard Hampton.
In Council of Safety, October 28, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wiarton, Jun., President, David Rit-
enhouse, John Bayard, George Gray, Samuel Morris, Sen.,
Owen Biddle, Francis Gurney, William Lyon, Frederick
KM. Timothy Matlack, Samuel C. Morris, Joseph Blewer,
John Bull.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Mr. Robert Towers £69
Os. 2c/., for workmen's wages, making Musket Cartridges,
&c.
Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver John Spar-
hawk one hundred and three pounds of Shot, to be replaced
by him.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Colonel John Bull
forty Pitching-Axes, one hundred Shovels, one hundred
Wheelbarrows, and fifty Grubbing-Hoes, taking his receipt,
being for the Fortification at Billingsport:
An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esquire, in
favour of Messrs. Rutter 8f Potts, for £ 1 ,000, on account
of Cannon and Shot cast for this State; to be charged to
their Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Michael Kuhn £5 12s.
6d., for going express to Chester, to summon Judges, 8ic.,
of the late election at Chester.
The Council adjourned to three o'clock, when the fol-
owing Members met: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President,
David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle, John Bayard, George
Gray, Samuel C. Morris, William Lyon, Frederick Kuhl.
John M. Nesbitt, Esquire, was directed to pay Francis
Clark £150, for two hundred Cutlasses delivered to Mr.
Towers.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Samuel Pos-
tlethwaite £175 4*., for Muskets, &tc., First Battalion,
Cumberland County.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Michael Finley £10 5s., for Shot-
Pouches, for Colonel John Montgomery's Battalion, of
Cumberland County; to be charged to the Colonel.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Captain Zebulon Potts £63 5s., for
Arms, &ic. ; to be charged to Colonel Henry Hill.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Captain J. Kean £158 Is. 2d., for
Flints, Arms, &c., for Militia.
In Council of Safety, October 29, 1776.
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, Owen Biddle, John Bayard, Samuel Morris, Sen.,
William Lyon, Frederick Kuhl, Timothy Matlack, Samuel
C. Morris, Francis Gurney.
An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esquire, in
favour of Mr Josiah. Hcices, and others, Wardens of this
City, for £300 Os. lOrf., for purchasing Oil for this State;
to be charged to their Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Frederick Vernon £ 1 4
10s., for noticing the Commanding Officers of the different
Battalions, in Lancaster, York, and Cumberland Counties,
to hold themselves in readiness to march to this City, ten
days and expenses.
Colonel .Mitt lack reports that there is an order for paying
to him about $ 19,000, the balance remaining of a sum of
money put into the hands of Colonel Biddle, by the Com-
missioners for raising the Flying Camp; and requests this
Board will order the same to be paid into the hands of their
Treasurer : Therefore,
Resolved, That the said sum be paid to John Maxwell
Nesbitt, Treasurer to this Board.
John M. Nesbitt was directed to pay Leonard Rupert
£ 16 4s. 2</. ; to be charged to Colonel Halter, of the Flying
John M. Nesbitt to pay Thomas Weir £6 Os. 4d., for
expenses of his Company going to Newtown, Buck County,
to suppress the election held there the first and second in-
stant, per order of Lieutenant-Colonel William Baxter.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay Hans Morrison £12 15s., for Arms
purchased ; to be charged to Colonel Robert McPherson.
Mr. Nesbitt to pay John Kerling for nine new Guns de-
livered to Mr. Towers, at £4 10s.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Cap-
tain Zeb. Potts, for eleven Blankets; to be charged to Col-
onel Hill.
An Order was drawn on Michael Hill gas, Esquire, in
favour of John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., for $20,000, being
part of $ 100,000 borrowed of Congress.
Resolved, That Ludowick Sprogel, Esq., Mustermaster,
of the Fleet and Army of this State, be allowed the rank,
pay and rations of Captain, from the 21st October, 1776.
In Council of Safely, Philadelphia, October 30, 1776.
Present : Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit-
tenhouse, Francis Gurney, Samuel Morris, Sen., George
Gray, John Bull, Joseph Blewer, Fred. Kuhl, Samuel C.
Morris, Timothy Matlack, William Lyon.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Benjamin Davis, for a
Drum, £2 10s., delivered to Captain James Cowden, of
Colonel Burd's Battalion, of Lancaster County.
Ludowick Sprogel, Esq., £162 Is. 3d., for his wages
and expenses going to muster the Troops, when in Jersey
and New-York Government, and rations to 21st October.
Benjamin Davis £2 3s., for Drum-Heads and Snares,
for the First and Third Companies of Artillery Militia of
this City.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr
Francis Gurney, for £ 100, for the purpose of purchasing
Woollens; to be charged to his Account.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Pet&f
Dehaven fy Co., for £500, to be charged to their Account,
for the use of the Lock Factory.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver to Doct. Harris one
ton of Saltpetre, to manufacture into Powder for Congress.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Mr.
Thomas Nevill, for £150, on account of Gun Carriages,
making by him for this State; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Samuel Kerr was discharged from his parole, as he
appears to be very friendly to our cause, per certificates from
Colonel J. Parker and others, and is permitted to return to
his family at Edentown, in North- Carolina.
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Captain John Rice
twenty Muskets, for the use of the Convention galley.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of James
Old, for £500; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Samuel Boy d
£35 5s., for fifteen stand of Anns, and £58 10s. for twen-
ty-five stand of Arms, taken from Non-Associators; to be
charged to Colonel George Ross.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Colo-
nel David Porter, of New-Jersey, for £200, on account of
one hundred and fifty barrels of Pork, to be purchased and
put up by him for this State. (For the condition, see Memo-
randum Book.)
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay two Accounts exhibited
for work done at Fort-Island, by men under the command
of Major Proctor, certified by the Check Clerk, amounting
to £112 17s. 6d.
Resolved, That Monsieur Vttendorfbe appointed Adju-
tant of a Battalion to be raised in this State for the Conti-
nental service ; and, as he has heretofore held a commission
as Captain in a foreign service, that he now rank as Cap-
tain, his pay to commence from this day. That he be per-
mitted to go to the camp in the State of New-York.
97
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
98
Resolved, That, in consideration of Monsieur Uttendorf
having lost his Baggage in his voyage hither, it be recom-
mended to our Treasurer to advance him the sum of two
hundred Dollars, hereafter to be discounted out of his pay;
to be charged to him.
Resolved, That Major Proctor be directed to reinlist
such men belonging to the Artillery, in the service of this
State, whose times are now expired, or such as may here-
after expire, who are willing to serve during the war, to be
allowed the bounty of ten dollars, given for that purpose
by the Council, and that the engagement entered into by
him with Mease fy Caldwell, respecting the clothing the
Artillery under his command, be fulfilled by this Council.
In Council of Safety, October 31, 1776.
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice President, John Bay-
ard, William Lyon, Joseph Blewer, John Bull, Samuel
Morris, Sen., Francis Gurney, Fred. Kuhl, Samuel C.
Morris, Timothy Matlack.
Upon application from some inhabitants of York-Town,
Resolved, That Doct. John Kearsley, now a prisoner in
that Jail, be removed to the Jail in Carlisle, and that the
Committee of York-Town be requested to see it done.
John M. Nesbitt, Esq., was directed to pay Jacob Myers,
for Slit Iron and Steel he bought of Jacob Morgan for the
use of Fort-Island.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Thomas
Strawbridge, for £75, on account of coarse Woollens, &.C.;
to be charged to his Account.
An Account was exhibited for Muskets and Rifles, be-
longing to the Militia of Northampton County, commanded
by Colonel Jacob Strowd, amounting to £29 15s., which
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay, and charge to the Colonel.
By order of the Council, two blank commissions, for
Privateers or Letters of Marque, were delivered to Messrs.
James Mease fy Robert Mease, for a ship and brig, to be
fitted out by them in a foreign port.
Complaint having been made to this Council by Chris-
topher Elliot that John Baldwin, of this City, Cordvvainer,
has refused to receive in payment the Continental Bills of
Credit issued by order of Congress, Thereupon the said
Jnhn Baldwin was ordered to appear before this Board, and,
being informed of the said complaint, did acknowledge that
he had refused to receive the said Bills of Credit in pay-
ment. The Council urged the pernicious and destructive
tendency of such conduct, and requested him to reconsider
it, allowing him several days to form his judgment and fix
his final resolution. This day, agreeable to notice given
him, he again appeared before the Council, and declared
that he was determined not to receive the said Bills in pay-
ment: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the said John Baldwin is an enemy to
his country, and precluded from all trade or intercourse
with the inhabitants of these States.
Resolved, That the said John Baldwin be committed to
Jail, there to remain, without bail or rnainprize, until he
shall be released by order of this Council, or some other
power lawfully authorized so to do.
Ordered, That the proceedings in John Baldwin's case
be made publick.
The Council adjourned to three o'clock, afternoon, when
the following Members met: David Rittenhouse, Vice Pres-
ident, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Bayard, Timothy Mat-
lack, Joseph Blewer, Francis Gurney, Samuel C. Morris,
Fred, Kuhl.
An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Major
Lewis Nicola, for £100; to be charged to his Account.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following Accounts:
Sarah Austin's Account for Boat-hire, £5, at several
times.
Woolery Mengs's Account for two hundred and ninety-
seven Bayonet Scabbards, delivered to Mr. Towers, £44
11*.
The Nurse at Hospital, at Province-Island, Account for
attending sick belonging to the Fleet, £153 16s. 4d.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, August 31, 1776.
SIR : Adjutant General Reed's letter of the 24th instant
came to hand Tuesday morning, the 27th; yours of the
same date, yesterday. On receiving the former, I advised
with my Council. We concluded to send Benjamin Hun-
tington, Esq., one of my Council, with direction to take
with him Major Ely, at New-London, an officer there well
acquainted with the people on Long-Island, to proceed
there, and consult and agree with some of the sure friends
of our cause, with secrecy as far as the circumstances would
admit, for a number of their men, assured friends, and well
acquainted on the Island, to join with a body from this
State, if possible, to accomplish your wishes to cause a
diversion to the enemy, to harass them on their rear, and to
prevent their excursions in pursuit of the provision the Island
affords. I hear they sailed for the Island yesterday. His
return is expected the beginning of next week. If he suc-
ceeds according to our hopes, shall proceed with vigour to
put the same in execution.
No exertions of this State, I trust, will be wanting at this
critical conjuncture to harass and to keep the enemy at
bay — to gain time and every advantage the case may admit.
I shall give the earliest intelligence of our proceedings,
that you may cooperate with our designs. The race is not
to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. It is nothing with
God to help, whether with many, or with those that have
no power. He hath so ordered things in the administration
of the affairs of the world as to encourage the use of means;
and yet so as to keep men in continual dependence upon
him for the efficacy and success of them : to make Kings
and all men to know the reins of the world are not in their
hands, but that there is One above who sways and governs
all things here below.
I am just closing; a post comes in, and brings the letters,
copies ol which are enclosed. Now expect Mr. Hunting-
ton's speedy return. Have sent for my Council. My own
thoughts and such of my Council as come to me, are to send
forward four or five of the companies now stationed at New-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
London, with four field-pieces, (I hope six pieces to join
those men which may be ready for the service on Long-
Island,) four or five companies to follow from New-London,
as soon as they can be marched down ; and also to order on
other companies to take the places of such as are removed
from thence.
I am inclined to think we shall fall upon some measure
similar to what is mentioned. No delay can be admitted
at this critical moment. Please to give me the earliest intel-
ligence how we may best serve agreeable to your desires.
Shall send in the morning this intelligence to Governour
Cooke, of Rhode-Island, and ask his assistance in the best
way he shall think the circumstances of that State will
admit.
September 1st. — Enclosed is a copy of another letter, dated
yesterday, from Southhold, that you may observe the con-
tents. I hope to pursue our measures so as to stop the
enemy getting into Suffolk County.
I am, with esteem and regard, your Excellency's most
obedient, humble servant, JONTH. THUMBULL.
His Excellency General Washington.
COLONEL REED TO GOVERNOUR TURMBULL.
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 24, 1776.
SIR: There can be no doubt but that before this reaches
you, you will have heard that the enemy have landed a con-
siderable body of men on Long-Island, within seven miles
of our lines. We cannot yet determine whether the main
body of the army is landed with a view to make a general
attack on that side, or whether it is a large detachment sent
to draw off our attention from this place, while they pro-
ceed up with their fleet and principal force. The success
has been various in the little skirmishes we have had, but
our troops have generally drove them back. Before his
Excellency rode out this morning, he directed me to acquaint
you with our situation, and to submit to your consideration,
whether it would be possible to transport a body of men,
say one thousand, to Long-Island, below the enemy, with.
99
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
100
a view to divide their force and make a diversion. His
Excellency is not insensible that great part of the Western
Militia are now in this Camp, but he supposes it might be
possible that tin- Kastrrn Militia miuhtbe employed in such
a si-nice. 1 should illy express the General's intentions, if
what I have said should be construed into an order, or even
a request, unless in your judgment, and those with whom
you think proper to consult, it should stand fully approved :
nor will our operations be governed in the least by a depend-
ence on such a measure. But at the same time, the great
•dvMUga arising from it are so extremely obvious that 1
need not enlarge upon them.
I have the honour to present you with the General's re-
spects, and to assure you that I am your Honour's most
obedient and humble servant,
JOSEPH REED, Adjutant General.
CHARLES W. F. DUMAS TO COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRE-
SPONDENCE.*
ler 7bre, 1776.
MONSIEUR: Apres avoir envoye a votre correspondent
a Si. Kuslache, dont vous m'avez donne 1'adresse dans votre
lertre du 12" Xbr, 1775, ma troisieme lettre cotee C, dont
vous trouverez ci-joint un ample extrait, qu'il vous plaira
de retire, du inoins la fin, ou j'ai ajoute quelque chose. Je
commence ma quatrieme depeche D.
En supposant qu'il ne vous soit parvenu qu'une seule de
mes trois precedentes depeches, vous ne devez pas etre em-
barrasse de lire ce qui sera chiffre ici, et a 1'avenir.
680 606 613 652 672 677 678 663 673 4*14, dont M.
A. L., votre ami, m'a parle dans deux de ses lettres comme
charge d'affaires du Congres, qui viendroit me voir, et a
qui il avail donne mon adresse, n'a pas encore paru devant
moi.
Je n'ai pas rec,u non plus la lettre que vous m'avez ecrite
apres celle du 12e Decembre, 1775, et avant celle du
2" Mars, 1776, comme vous me 1'apprenez dans cette der-
niere.
La non-apparition de cet homme et de cette lettre m'in-
quiete et m'afflige, non seulement parce que tout ce qui me
vient de vous, Monsieur, et de vos amis, m'est cher et pre-
cieux plus que je ne saurois le dire, mais aussi et surtout,
parce que je crains que le service du Congres General n'en
souffre.
[* TRANSLATION.]
SIR: After having gent to your correspond
Le respectable porteur de celle du 2e Mars est arrive
a Paris le 7'' Juillet, d'ou il me I'a envoyee avee une des
siennes datee du 26' JitiHit. J'en ai une autie de lui du
18" Aofil, ou il me marque that he has a certain prospect of
succeeding in his business. II m'y fait aussi une prumesse
qui me rend heuietix d'avance, c'est de vouloii bien loger
cliez moi. Ma femme a deja prepare son appartement ; et
nous verifierons la fable de Philemon &. Baucis: car un
homme veitueux est pour moi un Jupiter; &, je me trouverai
plus honore d'un tel hole, que d'une douzaine de ces princes
qui out vendu leurs sujets a vos ennemis. S'il n'arrive rien
qui altere ses desseins, j'aurai ce bonheur au mois d'Octobre
prorhain.
Du 30' Ibr. Je vous ai dit, Monsieur, dans ma prece-
dente, que les lettres de M. A. L. ont beaucoup contribue
a rendre mes visiles, mes lettres et mes memoires, agiea-
bles dans une certaine maison. En voici une que i'en ai
... T j
re^ue depuis peu, qui vous le prouvera.
Du 26' Aout, 1776. Apres m'a voir parle d'un service
qu'il veut bien me rendre en son pays, ou j'ai quelques af-
faires a demeler, dont nous sommes convenus de nous servir
comme de pretexte pour masquer nos entrevues, voici comme
il poursuit : "Madame * * * * apris /apeinedc me
remettre vos lettres, et je vous prie de m'envoyer par elle la
suite de tant de chases interessantes, y compris le recit de la
personne que vous attendiez | du porteur de votre lettre de
Philadelphie du 2e Mars.] Je vous prie de me rnander tout
ce qui vous est parvenu depuis la derniere lettre que vous avez
eu la bonte de m'ecrire. Je suis dans 1'usage de recevoir
des paquets de toutes les mains ; c'est le devoir de mon poste.
Ainsi je recevrai avec reconnoissance, mais d'une maniere
distinguee, ce que vous aurez la bonte" de me faire passer,
comme ce qu'il y aura surement de mieux en fails, en por-
traits, en situations. Puis toutes les plumes n'ont pas le
talent de la votre.
" Dans tout ce que je demande a votre amitie, Monsieur,
vous aurez bien du nouveau souvent a exposer."
L'eloge donne a ma plume, doit retourner a M. A. L.,
car je n'ai fait que le traduire.
Du I" Ibr. "Je vous prie de continuer a me donner
de vos nouvelles. Je vous remercie bien sincerement du
dernier envoi. [Je lui decouvris ce qui concernoit M. *
* porteur de votre lettre du 2e Mars, apres en
avoir eu la permission de ce dernier.] Rien n'est plus in-
teressant, et n'eclaire peut-etre davantage les matieres."
shnll have the kindness to send to me, as it will surely be of the best in
:-i portraits, in circumstances. For all pens have not the talent of
you will please read again, at least the latter part, where I have adde
something. 1 commence my fourth despatch, D.
Even supposing that only one of my three preceding despatches may
have reached you, you ought not to be embarrassed in reading what will
b« in cypher here, and in future.
This Hortalet, of whom Mr. A. L., your friend, has spoken to me in
two of his letters as entrusted with the business of Congress, who was
to come to see me, and to whom he had given my address, has not vet
presented himself to me.
I have not either received the letter which you wrote me after the one of
the 12th December, 1775, and before the one of the 2d March 1776 ,
you inform me in this latter.
The non-appearance of this man and of this letter disturbs and afflicts
me, not only because everything which comes to me from you, sir and
from your friends, is more dear and precious to me than 1 can express
but also and especially because 1 fear that the service of the General
Congress may suffer in consequence of it.
The respectable bearer of the one of the 2d March, arrived at Paris on
the 7th July, whence he sent it to me with one of his own dated 26lh Juh,
I have another from him of the 18th JJugust, in which he tells me
that he has a certain prospect of succeeding in his business He also
therein makes me a promise which renders me happy in advance, that he
will lodge at my house My wife has already prepared his apartment
and we shall verify the fable of Philemon and Baucis: for a virtuous man
is for me a Juptltr; and I shall think myself more honoured with such
guest, than with a dozen of those princes who have sold thtir subjects to
your enemies. If nothing occurs to alter his intentions, 1 shall have this
pleasure in the month of October next.
30lh September.— I have ^stated to you, sir, in my preceding [despatch 1
that the letters of Mr. A. L. have greatly contributed to render mv
visits, my letters, and my memoirs, agreeable in a certain house Here
,s one which have lately received from him, which will prove it to you.
26IA August, 1776.— After having told me of a service which he
consented to render me in his country, where I have some business to
arrange, which we agreed to make use of as a pretext to mask our
interviews, he continues as follows: " Madame - has taken the
trouble to send meyour letters, and I beg you to send me by her the com",!
uation of so many interesting matters, together with the account of the
p?TV!oSrwT!1vT!!ns for [ihe bearer °f y°ur ieuer f™™ »«•**««
*J March.} I beg you to send me all that has reached ynu sinre
the last letter you had the goodness to write me. I am in the I
of receiving packets from every hand; it is the duty of my post- hence I
.shall receive wuh gratitude, but of a distinguished characte^" what you
The praise given to my pen, should revert to Mr. A. L., for 1 have
done nothing but translate it.
1st September.—" I beg you to continue to give me your news. I thank
you very sincerely for the last sent. [I informed him about Mr
the bearer of your letter of the 2d March, after having had the permission
of the latter ] Nothing is more interesting, nor perhaps elucidates affairs
more fully."
16(fc September.— "You had flattered me with having the honour to see
you in the course of the week which has just closed. It is that expectation
which has prevented my answering you, intending to tell you the
remainder verbally, as 1 shall do the first visit you shall make to th
Hague.
"All that you have recommended to me has been done and put in train
according to your desires. Mine shall always be to merit your confidence
and to serve you.
1 had sent 10 him open, with a flying seal, the letter which I wrote
you by St. Domingo. We had agreed to this verbally, and he had
promised me to send it to Bordeaux well recommended. I have reason
to believe that this letter has been sent, and read to certain persons, for
whom I had put expressly at the close of the letter, that when by a wise
legislation and constitution you shall have, gentlemen, crowned the
work of your liberty, I shall die contented with having seen a -Teat
[King] and a great Repfublic] sincerely desire the good of nations
I received some days ago another letter from Mr. S. D. at Paris' 14th
September. All those which I receive from him, as from you, gentlemen
are precious to me; and this one is doubly so, because, besides the most
kind expressions with which it is filled, my zeal for your cause, gentle-
men, is iherem recompensed by the acknowledgment of having well
served it. 1 cannot resist the temptation to transcribe here what he said
to me on that point:
" The measures you took before my arrival here are perfectly right. You
are eni.rely in the right, in saying that the H. of B. are the lilies we
should first and principally court; that F. is at the head of this H. and
:herefore what is done here, is sure to be done by the whole This
iherefore, requires my whole attention; and 1 can only say to you my
prospects are no way discouraging. I hope in person soon to tell you
how very much I am yours und your lady's."
I cannot add anything more analogous to what you have just read
than the assurances of my perfect attachment to the United States of
MA America, and to their worthy Representatives in the General
ingress. Deign to receive, sir, those of my profound respect for all the
members in general, and for you and Messrs. Dickinson and Jay in
101
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
102
Du 16" Ibr. " Vous m'aviez flatle quej'auroi- I'honneur
de vous voir Hans le courant de la seiiuiine qui vient de finir.
C'esi c tie attente qui m'a einpeche de vous re^ondre,
com plant vous dire de vive voix le reste, comma je vous \p
dirai au premier voyage que vous ferez a La Hide.
" Tout ce que vous m'avez recoinmande, a eie fait et
achemine suivant vos desirs. L.es miens seront toujours de
meriter votre con fiance et de vous servir."
Je lui avois envoye ouverte, avec un cachet volant, la
lettre que je vous ai ecrite par St. Domingue. Nous etions
convt-Mius de cela de bouche, et il rn'avoit promis de 1'en-
voyer a Bordeaux bien recommandee. J'ai lieu de croire
que cette lettre a etc envoyee et lue a de certaines per-
sonnes pour qui j'avois mis expres a la fin de la lettre, que
lorsque par une legislation et constitution sage vous aurez
couronne, Messieurs, 1'ouvrage de votre liberte, je mourrai
content d'avoir vu un grand r. et une grande rep. vouloir
sincerement le bien des peuples.
J'ai recju il y a quelques jours une autre lettre de M. S.
D. de Paris 14I! 7br. Toutes celles que je rec.ois de lui,
comme de vous, Messieurs, me sont precieuses; &, celle-ci
1'est doublement, puisque, outre les expressions les plus af-
fectueuses dont elle est remplie, mon zele pour votre cause,
Messieurs, y est recompense par le temoignage de 1'avoir
bien servie. Je ne puis resister a la tentation de transcrire
ici ce (ju'il me dit la-dessus:
" The measures you took before my arrival here are per-
fectly right. You are entirely in the right in saying that
the H. of B. are the allies we should first and principally
court; that F. is at the head of this H., and therefore what
is done here is sure to be done by the whole. This, there-
fore, requires my whole attention ; and I can only say to
you, my prospects are no way discouraging. I hope in per-
son soon to tell you how very much 1 arn yours and your
lady's."
Je ne saurois rien ajouter de plus analogue a ce que vous
venez de lire, que les assurances de mon parfait attachement
pour les Etals-Unis de I'Amerique Stpttntrionale, et pour
leurs dignes Representants au Congres General. Daignez
recevoir, Monsieur, celles de mon profond respect pour tous
les mernbres en general, et pour vous et Messrs. Dickinson
et Jay en particulier.
Vous pouvez, Monsieur, mettre a 1'avenir mon vrai nom
sur vos lettres, comine vous avez fait ci-devant, et les
adresser, sous couvert, soit a M. Marc Michel Rey, libraire
You can, air, in future, put my real name upon your letters, as you
have heretofore done, and address them, under cover, either to Mr.
Marc Michel Rty, bookseller, Amsterdam, or to Mr. A. Sluckey, merchant,
Rotterdam, according to the destination of the vessel which will carry
them.
In order to be able to finish this letter at my ease, I have made my
two pupils walk out with a lady, I promising to amuse her little boy;
this little fellow has amused himself so well, that he hits overturned my
inkstand upon a sheet of this despatch. I have recopied only what he
has spoiled, so as to be able to send my packet without delay.
If 1 continue to not sign my name, it is not from pusillanimity, but
because I believe that your service requires that I should remain still for
some time unknown; at least until Mr. D. comes to lodge at my house:
for then I shall be known everywhere as the most zealous .Imerican in
the whole Republic, and I shall glory in it. All that could happen to
me, would be the loss of my present post; but in that case I am sure that
Congress would indemnify me with an equivalent subsistence for me and
mine, because 1 shall be able to continue to be useful to it, as much, and
even more than heretofore, since I shall no longer be pressed by other
duties, and my whole person shall be at all times and in all places, in
the service of America. I have been mortified (and 1 have noticed it in
my last letter to Mr. D.) at not being free in the last instance, i would
have flown to P. in order to assist him, at least with the knowledge I
have of several European languages.
1 have another letter from Mr. S. /)., from Paris, 3d October. Here
is an extract from it: " Since my last, in which 1 mentioned the King
of Prussia, I have attained a method of sounding that Monarch's senti-
ments more directly through another channel, which voluntarily offering
1 have accepted, and therefore waive writing on the subject, for the
present, anything, [he was speaking to me about a memoir, upon
whicii 1 would have composed a letter for that Monarch,] save that
you may undoubtedly serve the United Slates of America most essentially
in this affair, in a few weeks from this. The attention to my business
here, the critical situation of affairs at this Court, and the anxious sus-
pense* for the events at New-York and Canada, have actually fixed me
here, and having received no intelligence for some time past, has well-
nigh distracted me. I have, however, favourable prospects, and the most
confirmed hopes of effecting my views in Europe."
I have another letter from Mr. A. L. from London, 23d September, in
which he tells me, among other things, " we may every day expect to
hear of a decisive action at New York — decisive, I mean, as to the fate
of Mew-York und of General Howe, — but not of America, which depends
very little upon the event of New-York being taken or saved. I have
been apprised by Hortales that the business for which I recommended
him to you is to be transacted through France, which is the reason of
your not seeing him.
* Ah, how much I share tliis anxiety with this worthy man ! God grant that both
be auJ 1 may very soon have some good news.
a Amsterdam, soit a M. A. Stuckey, merest, Rotterdam,
selon la destination du vaisseau qui les portera.
Pour pouvoir finir cetie lettre a mon aise, j'ai fait protne-
ner mes deui eleves avec une dame, en m'engaeeftDt a.
C5 O
amuser son nounisson; ce marmouset s'est si bien amuse,
qu'il m'a jetie I'ecritoire sur une feuille de cette depeche
Je n'ai recopie que ce qu'il a barbouille, afin de pouvoir en-
voyer mon paquet sans retard.
Si je continue de ne pas signer mon nom, ce n'est point
par pusillanimile, mais parce que je crois que votre service
exige que je reste encore quelque temps inconnu; au moins
jusqu'a ce que M. D. vienne loger chez moi : car alors je
serai connu partout pour le plus zele Americain de toute la
republique, et je ni'en ferai une gloire. Tout ce qui pour-
roit m'en arriver, seroit la perte de mon poste actuel: mais
en ce cas je suis sur que le Congres me dedommageroit par
une subsistance equivalente pour moi et les miens, vu que
je pourrai continuer de lui etre utile, autant et plus encore
que par le passe, parce que je ne serai plus gene par d'au-
tres devoirs, et que toute ma personne pourra etre en tout
temps, et en tout lieu, au service de I'Amerique. J'ai etc
bien mortifie (et je 1'ai marque dans ma derniere lettre a.
M. D.) de ne pas etre libre en dernier lieu. J'aurois vole
a P., pour lui aider, au moins par la contioissance que j'ai de
plusieurs langues Europeennes.
J'ai une autre lettre de M. S. D. de Pans 3e 8bre en
voici 1'extrait : " Since my last, in which I mentioned the
Kin gofPrussi a,
28 16 14 104 2 22 60 17 3 39 44 21 19 207, I have at-
t h atmonar
tained a method of sounding 15 424 69 33 76 9 27 75 25
chssentiments
49 613 11 12 5 51 34 53 202 13 54 57 58 more directly
through another channel, which, voluntarily offering, 1 have
accepted, and therefore waive writing on the subject for the
present, anything, (il m'avoit parle d'un memoire, sur le-
t h a t m o
quel j'aurois compose une lettre pour 15 424 69 33 76 9
n a r c h
27 75 25 49 613,) save that you may undoubtedly serve
the United States of America most essentially in this affair
in a few weeks from this. The attention to my business
a t t his
here, the critical situation of affairs 85 61 64 613 66 87
court ,
115 50 10 91 97 268, and the anxious suspense for the
I shall close this despatch by telling you, sir, that in the last interview
which I have had with a certain personage, he has testified to me that
they are well satisfied with me. " Continue," he told me, " to give us
copies, extracts, translations, of the interesting letters which you receive
from your friends beyond and on this side of the sea; extend your
correspondence still more and more; multiply your correspondents as
much as you can; become the channel, the centre, of what your friends
will have to say to their friends in England, and the latter to their friends
in America; the confidant, in a word, on each side, and'take me for yours
always, and you will finish by entering at last into a correspondence with
the Minister himself. I shall see him frequently this winter, and I shall
labour to bring that to bear."
Finally, sir, permit me to recommend to your attention, and to that
of the General Congress the memoir enclosed, marked by a JV. B. For
abundant precaution, I will enclose in my next despatch a copy of this
memoir, and I shall then be able also to inform you, gentlemen, of the
success that it will have had in Hamburgh, for the young man who took
charge of it has already sent it.
Enclosed is an Exposition of the Rights of the Colonies to Independence.
I do not know the name of the well-wisher, who is the author of it; but
the manuscript was sent to me by the printer, to know if it was good,
that is to say, in booksellers' language, if it would be worth publishing.
I have replied to him that it had all the requisites to merit it.
I recommend you, gentlemen, with your brave armies, and all your
brave people, to the care and protection of the Being, sovereignly good
and wise, with my whole heart, which is entirely yours.
I close, and despatch this packet to day, the 10th October.
10th October, 1776.
Continuation of Despatch D: At the moment, sir, when I was going to
close this packet, a letter came 10 me with this address: a Monsieur,
Monsieur Dean, Envey of the Congress of the Americans, now at the Hague,
in Holland.
To-morrow I shall send this letter to its address. I see by certain
marks, that it comes from England. The same personage through
whom I am in relations with a certain Court, sent it to me with a letter,
which says as follows: " The letter which I have the honour to send
to you enclosed, has been addressed from Cambray, in France, under
cover to me by the last post. You will know belter than I where it
ought to be sent to. Hence, from my interest for you and for your
friends, I think I ought not to delay a moment to confide it to Madam
Utoder. Have the goodness to remember, I pray you, that you have
promised me a participation in alt that shalt come into your hand-t and to
your knowledge, from more than one place; I rely upon it, with a real
eagerness to serve you."
You will doubtless understand, sir, that it is in the packet of a Power
which is a very good friend to the United Slates of America, that this
letter has reached me.
103
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
104
events at New York and Canada* have actually fixed me
here, and having received no intelligence for some time past,
has well nigh distracted me. I have, however, favorahle
prospects, and the most confirmed hopes of effecting my
views in Europe."
J'ai une autre lettre de M. A. L. de Londres 23" Septem-
bre, ou il me dit entr'autres, "\\e may every day expect to
hear of a decisive action at New York — decisive I mean as
to the fate of New York and of General Howe, but not of
America, which depends very little upon the event of New
York being taken or saved. 1 have been apprised by
613 65-2 672 677 678 663 673 414 that the business for
which 1 recommended him to you is to be transacted through
600 666 660 679 680 681 634 638 682, which is the rea-
son of your not seeing him."
Je terminerai cette depeche par vous dire, Monsieur, que
dans la derniere entrevue que j'ai eue avec un certain per-
sonnaire, il m'a temoigne qu'on est fort content de moi.
"Continuez," m'a-t-il dit, "de nous donner des copies, ex-
traits, tradiictions, des interessantes lettres que vous recevez
de vos amis dela et dec,a la mer; etendez meme de plus en
plus votre correspondence ; multipliez vos correspondents
tant que vous pourrez; devenez le canal, le centre, de ce
que vos amis auront a dire a leurs amis en Angleterre et
ceux-ci a leurs amis en Amerique, le confident, en un mot,
de part et d'autre et prenez moi pour le votre toujours,
et vous finirez par entrer enfin en correspondance avec
— lemini s t r e m e
612 663 671 528 330 100 302 101 230 200 630 420 422
m e
488 300 401. Je le verrai frequemment cet hiver, et je
travaillerai a menager cela."
Enfin, Monsieur, souffrez que je recommande a votre at-
tention, et a celle du Congres General le memoire ci-joint
marque par un N. B. Pour surcroit de precaution, je
mettrai dans ma suivante depeche une copie de ce memoire,
et je pourrai alors vous apprendre aussi, Messieurs, le succes
qu'il aura eu a Hambourg, car le jeune homme qui s'en est
charge 1'a deja envoye.
Voici un Expose des Droits des Colonies a Vlndepen-
dance. J 'ignore le nom du brave homme qui en est 1'auteur;
mais le manuscrit m'a etc envoye par I'imprimeur, pour
savoir si cela etoit bon, c'est-a-dire, en langue de libraire,
s'il se debiteroit bien. Je lui ai repondu, qu'il avoit tout ce
qu'il faut pour le meriter.
Je vous recommande, Messieurs, avec vos braves armees,
et tous vos braves peuples, a la garde et protection de 1'Etre
souverainement bon et sage, de tout mon coeur, qui est tout
a vous.
Jeferme et depeche ce paquet aujourd'hui, 10e Octobre.
Du lOe Octobre, 1776.
Suite de la depeche T). Au moment, Monsieur, ou
j'allois expedier ce paquet, il m'est parvenu une lettre avec
cette addresse: a Monsieur, Monsieur Dean, envoye par le
Congres des Americains actuellement a La Haie en Hol-
lande.
Demain j'enverrai cette lettre a son adresse. Je vois a
de certaines marques, qu'elle vient d' Angleterre. Le meme
personnage par lequel je suis en relation avec une certaine
Cour, me 1'a envoyee avec une lettre, qui dit ce qui suit :
" On m'a adresse de Cambray en France, sous mon cou-
vert, par la poste derniere, la lettre que j'ai 1'honneur de
vous envoyer ci-jointe. Vous saurez mieux que moi ou il
faut la faire passer. Ainsi, par egard pour vous et pour
vos amis, je crois ne pas devoir dift'erer un moment de la
confier a 517 234 444 243 498 641 88 99 244 307 299
33 194 401. Ayez, je vous supplie, la bonte de vous sou-
venir, que vous m'avez promis une participation a tout ce
qui parviendra dans vos mains, et a votre connoissance, de
plus d'un endroit ; j'y compte avec un veritable empresse-
ment pour vous servir."
Vous comprendrez sans doute, Monsieur, que c'est dans
le paquet d'une Puissance qui est bien bonne amie des Etats-
Unis de P Amerique, que cette lettre est venue jusqu'a moi.
•Ah que je partage bien eetle anxiele avec ce digne homme! Dieu
reuille que nous ayiona bieniot, lui et moi, de bonnes nouvelles.
CAROLINE COUNTY, VIRGINIA, COMMITTEE.
In Committee, Caroline, September, 1776.
Having cause to doubt the fidelity of the following per-
sons to the United States, the Sub-Committee was directed
to tender them the test oath, as prescribed by Convention,
which was accordingly tendered, and refused by James Mil-
ler, at Roy's warehouse, James Dunlop, Andrew Leckie,
John Gray, James Coates, John Thompson, James Gordon,
James Craigy, James Stark, John Wallace, and Archibald
M'Lean, of Port Royal.
There is no doubt but these monsters of ingratitude
will be pleased with this notification of their attachment
to the jurisdiction of Great Britain, serving to recom-
mend them as fit instruments to enslave their American
benefactors, and consequently proper objects of Royal mu-
nificence, a large portion of which, perhaps, will fall to
the man whose name stands foremost in this black list,
as a reward for his disapprobation of and opposition to
publick measures, sufficiently manifest, we think, in his
refusing to accept the High Sheriff's commission, in re-
fusing to qualify as a Justice of the Peace, in not complying
with a requisition of Convention to contribute to the pur-
chase of arms and ammunition, and in not voting at elec-
tions of Delegates and Committees.
Ordered, That a copy of this be transmitted to Mr.
Purdy, to be published in his Gazette.
SAMUEL TEMPLE, Clerk.
COLONEL RICHARDSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
(j 1 1 pill's Point, September 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Upon Dr. Potter's resigning his warrant for
the inlistment of men to compose a company for the Flying
Camp, my brother, Joe Richardson, undertook to inlist
them, and having in three days made up the number, he
now waits upon you for a commission, and I hope he will
meet your approbation and appointment. The Ensign ap-
pointed for Captain Potter's company declines to act, there-
fore it is necessary to have a new appointment: my brother
will mention a young man to your honourable Board, which I
believe will answer the purpose very well; he is a sprightly,
active, stout young man, and has engaged part of his men
already. I have no doubt but the company will be filled up
in the course of this week, and ready to begin their march,
if your Board can assist him with some of the arms brought
up by the Defence, which I hope will be done. He has
picked up some arms already and will want cash to pay for
them, the money lodged in the Committee's hands being
expended on Captain Fiddiman's company.
All the companies are, I believe, now on their march
to the camp, except Captain Goldsborough's and the above.
Captain Goldsborough's, I expect, will set off in a few days,
and I hope he will soon be followed by the Caroline com-
pany. I set out to-day on my way to camp.
I am, with due respect, gentlemen, your most obedient
servant, WM. RICHARDSON.
To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.
CAPTAIN NICHOLSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, September 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The bearer, Mr. Morris, waits on you with
an application to have Mr. Middleton's privateer stopped
and examined for four deserters from the frigate. Cir-
cumstances are very strong that they are or will be on board
her, for the particulars of which refer to him. This I hope
you'll think necessary, for should there not be an example
made of these, if to be found, thirty-odd (likewise from the
Eastern Shore) I expect will leave her in the same manner.
I have sent three craft from this to wait your orders to
get a load of coal. The first two went before I expected
or should have wrote by them, and the last was out of the
way. The Resolution returned here yesterday, the officer
says by your direction. The Defence has required so much
caulking that I do not expect she can be down before the
last of the week. I am fitting and victualling her sufficient
to go to sea should you think proper to order her. I have
found great difficulties in getting her about two months' salt
provisions, and as I did not use your order in Philadelphia
for that purpose, (for the reason refer to Messrs. Chase and
Paca,) you'll please to send by Mr. Turnbull £514,
105
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
106
one month's pay, which I shall apply to pay the ship's
necessary disbursements.
I am, gentlemen, your most obliged humble servant,
JAMES NICHOLSON.
To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.
COL. HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Head of Elk, September 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Some time since I wrote you how neces-
sary it would be to have cash lodged in the County in some
person's hands that I could occasionally call on as the ser-
vice required it. As I have heard nothing since from your
Honours, it induces me to suppose in the multiplicity of your
business I have been forgot. Your Honours are too well
acquainted with the nature of this business to think of its
being done without money and much perplexity and trouble.
I have laid out about £200 for beef, bread, wagons,
&,c., and have assumed for how much more I can't say,
as the accounts from Wilmington and Chestertown have
not come in yet, though doubtless they are in want of
cash, as they have only my word for all they have done
in forwarding the Maryland troops. 'Tis impossible for me
to furnish the account with all the necessary probates till the
troops have gone forward, as the forwarding them takes up
all of my time ; to see them delayed here would give me as
much uneasiness as it would your Honours to hear of it.
Necessity, therefore, now emboldens me to draw on you for
one hundred and fifty pounds, and also to request that at
least some more be sent to me at Elk, that I may be en-
abled to fulfil my contracts and forward the remaining part
of the troops. There has no part of the troops sent on
been delayed one hour for wagons, shallops or provisions.
If Mr. Joseph Gilpin, whom I have drawn for, has the money
lodged with him, there's no doubt but he can get a safe
conveyance of it to Elk.
I am, gentlemen, your Honours' most obedient and most
humble servant. H. HOLLINGSWORTH.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
P. S. Since writing the above, as an opportunity offers,
I have thought it most convenient and least complicated to
draw in favour of Mr. Gilpin for £300 in one draft, which
I have enclosed to him. And am H. H.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, September 1, 1776.
MY FRIEND : I am now to acknowledge thy favours of
the 7th and 19th ult., which are come to hand, and ere this,
you have received by Colonel Whipple, every necessary
both for fitting out the ship and for your conduct as agent.
Pray send her to sea as soon as possible, that she may be
doing something to distress our enemies and assist our
friends.
By the enclosed papers, you will see what is the news
current here. The affairs at New-York seem at present to
engross our chief attention. We have not had the particu-
lars of the engagement last week on Long-Island, but
believe it was very sharp and bloody. Generals Sullivan
and Lord Sterling are prisoners to the enemy. I believe
the enemy out-generalled our people, by decoying them out
of their intrenchments, and then surrounding then) ; but be-
fore this reaches you, you will have later accounts from our
Army, and more particulars than I can inform you.
September 2rf. — This morning General Sullivan arrived
here on his parole. He says he has a verbal message from
Lord Howe to propose his being exchanged for General
Prescott ; and Lord Sterling for General McDonald. He
also says that Lord Howe is desirous to converse with some
of the members of Congress, not as such, (because he can-
not acknowledge any such body,) but as private gentlemen,
to see if they can't agree on some proposals for accommo-
dation, and that he will meet them in any convenient place.
These are verbal messages, and we have besides every rea-
son to believe that Lord Howe has not, and cannot in the
nature of things, have power to grant any terms that we can
possibly accept ; yet, as these reports are spread among the
people by half Tories and those called moderate men, who
(if it should be refused) would represent it that the Congress
refused to hear his proposals, and would add ten thousand
lies of their own, on purpose to disaffect the common people,
especially at this very critical time. When 1 consider these
things, I am at a loss what is best to be done ; however, I
hope we shall be directed to those measures that are best
for the United States.
I am, sir, your most obedient, JOSIAH BARTLETT.
P. S. Wm. Barrell is dead and buried.
COMMITTEE OF LANCASTER, (PENN.,) TO THE COMMITTEE OF
CARLISLE.
In Committee, Lancaster, September 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: You will receive this by Captain John
Witmer, who conducts to your town Lieutenant William
Harrington, of the Royal Fusileers, ordered by the Council
of Safety to be sent from hence (where he hath been some
time confined) to the town of Carlisle, to join the other
officers of that corps at that place. He was released from
his confinement here on his engaging, by letter to the Coun-
cil of Safety, to sign his parole agreeable to the directions
of Congress, which he is to do on his arrival with you, or
be confined. As he is one of the gentlemen who were sta-
tioned at Lebanon, we thought it best to take his temporary
parole, binding him till his arrival with you, which we have
entrusted with Captain Witmer for your perusal, and request
you to return it by him. He takes with him a soldier of
the Seventh Regiment, named William Croft, from among
the prisoners here, as his servant, who we likewise beg
leave to place under your direction, and for him he is to
engage to be amenable.
We are, gentlemen, your very humble servants,
URI ATLEE, Chairman.
To the Committee of Inspection of Carlisle.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW YORK CONVENTION.
New York, September 1, 1776.
SIR: I was yesterday honoured with your favour of that
date, and should have answered it by the return of the per-
son who brought it, had I not been engaged then in a mul-
tiplicity of business, which occasioned me to forget it till he
was gone.
In respect to the cattle on this Island, I shall desire the
Commissary to purchase as many of them from the inhabi-
tants as he can conveniently, and will afford every assist-
ance the situation of affairs will admit of, to have the
remainder secured ; but as to those on Long-Island, it is
impossible for me to take any measures, or give any assist-
ance, to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands. I
am persuaded the number of rangers you mention, were
they to exert themselves, might be of service, and annoy the
foraging parties of the enemy not a little ; but, sir, I cannot
spare any men for that purpose. Though our force is called
in from the outposts and collected on this Island, yet it will
not be more than competent to the defence of the several
lines necessary to be maintained ; nor is it, perhaps, by any
means so great as common estimation and report make it.
I am extremely obliged by your opinion on the defencible
state of the grounds above King's Bridge, though they had
not escaped my observation. Their importance I am fully
sensible of; and as far as the critical situation of things will
allow, their defence shall be attended to, to prevent, if pos-
sible, the enemy from possessing them.
I have the honour to be, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
The Hon. Abm. Yates, Junr., Esq., President, &,c.
P. S. As the posts at King's Bridge are of such great
importance, I think it will be well, and extremely necessary,
to be favoured with your friendly exertions in affording every
aid in your power for their defence. Cannot some more
Militia be prevailed on to give their assistance, and in whom
you can confide? I will not enlarge, being fully assured
you will do all you can.
DR. MORGAN TO GENERAL GATES.
New-York, September 1, 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL : The first chest for ten regiments I
sent by Dr. Potts, and saw it on board the vessel myself.
The other was put on board the vessel with Dr. Kennedy,
Surgeon of Colonel Wayne's regiment, and committed to his
particular care, with a card directed to Dr. Stringer, who,
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
108
I thought, was at the Lakes. Dr. £mnerfyoogbt certainly
to he arcoiiotahle what has become of that chest. If it has
Duacarried, it must he owing to his Mgtect.
1 now send you a l.irije assortment of medicines, all capi-
tal articles. If you knew that I had already supplied fifty
or sixty regiments, you would think this no small exertion
of mine ; hut it is in favour of a General and friend I love.
That you may have the hetter chance of getting it, I have
ordered a mate with it, who will tell you we have got it
through fire and water for you. The invoice is enclosed.
I have directed it to you on purpose that it may not be
stopped at Albany. But the bearer is to return to Dr.
Stringer, unless Dr. Stringer should order him to slay.
Your Aid-de-Camp, Major Pierce, will be up with you,
before this can possibly come to hand. Wherefore, being
in the greatest hurry, I omit news, as he can give you in-
formation of the present state of our army belter than I can.
I must tell you thai by ihe resolves of Congress, July 17,
which 1 sent to Dr. Potts, and which he received, and
which he can show to you, the Director in each Depart-
ment is to provide his own medicines, and not depend on
me. However, if 1 can further oblige you, my dear friend,
I will wiih the greatest pleasure. Mrs. Morgan writes me
word she had a letter lately from Mrs. Gates, who (and
your son Bob) is well. Wishing you success, I remain,
my dear sir, your affectionate friend and most humble ser-
vant, JOHN MORGAN.
Hon. Major General Gates.
P. S. My compliments to Major Stewart, Colonel Trum-
bull, Mr. Avery, Dr. Potts, and all friends. I understood
Dr. Stringer took medicines wilh him from Philadelphia.
It is his business, therefore, to supply you further.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED SEPTEM-
BER 1, 1776.
Last Monday morning we went over to Long-Island, and
about midnight we were alarmed by the return of some of
our scouting parties, who advised us that the English were
in motion, and coming up the Island with several field-
pieces ; it was generally thought not to be the main body,
but only a detachmenl, with a view to possess themselves of
some advantageous heights. Upon which near three thous-
and men were ordered out, consisting chiefly of ihe Pennsyl-
vania and Maryland troops, to attack them on their march.
About sunrise we came up with a very large body of them.
The Delaware and Maryland battalions made one party.
Colonel Atlee, with his battalion a little before us, had taken
post in an orchard and behind a barn, and on the approach
of the enemy he gave them a very severe fire, which he
bravely kept up fora considerable time, until they were near
surrounding him, when he retreated to the woods. The
enemy then advanced towards us, upon which Lord Ster-
ling, who commanded, immediately drew us up in a line,
and offered them battle in the true English taste. The
British army then advanced within about three hundred
yards of us, and began a very heavy fire from their cannon
and mortars, for both the balls and shells flew very fast, now
and then taking off a head. Our men stood it amazingly
well ; not even one of them showed a disposition to shrink.
Our orders were not to fire until the enemy came within
fifty yards of us ; but when they perceived we stood their fire
so coolly and resolutely, they declined coming any nearer,
although treble our number. In this situation we stood from
sunrise to twelve o'clock, the enemy firing upon us the chief
part of the time, when the main body of their army, by a route
we never dreamed of, had entirely surrounded us, and drove
wilhin the lines, or scattered in the woods, all our men
except the Delaware and Maryland battalions, who were
standing at bay with double their number. Thus situated
we were ordered to attempt a retreat, by fighting our way
through the enemy, who had posted themselves, and nearly
filled every field and road between us and our lines. We
had not retreated a quarter of a mile before we were fired
upon by an advanced party of the enemy, and those upon
oiii rear \\ ere playing upon us with their artillery. Our men
fought with more than Roman courage, and I am convinced
would have stood until they were shot down to a man. We
forced the advanced party, which first attacked us, to give
way, through which opening we got a passage down to the
side of a marsh, seldom before waded over, which we passed,
and then swam a narrow river, all the time exposed to the
fire of the enemy. The companies commanded by Captains
Ramify and Scott were in the front, and sustained the first
fire of the enemy, when hardly a man fell.
The whole of the right wing of our battalion, thinking it
impossible to pass through the marsh, attempted to force
their way through the woods, where they were almost to a
man killed or taken. The Maryland battalion has lost two
hundred and fifty-nine men, amongst whom are twelve offi-
cers : Captains Veazey and Bowie, the first certainly killed ;
Lieuts. Butler, Sterrett, Dent, Coursey, Muse, Prawl ; En-
signs Coats and Fernandes ; who of them are killed, or who
prisoners, is yet uncertain. Many of the officers lost their
swords and guns. We have since entirely abandoned Long-
Island, bringing ofT all our military stores.
Generals Sullivan and Sterling are both prisoners. Col-
onels Atlee, Miles and Piper, are also taken. There are about
one thousand men missing in all. We took a few prisoners,
By a Lieutenant we took, we understand they had about
twenty-three thousand men on the Island that morning.
Most of our Generals were upon a high hill in our
lines, viewing us with glasses. When we began our retreat,
they could see the enemy we had to pass through, though
we could not. Many of them thought we would surrender
in a body, without firing. When we began the attack,
General Washington wrung his hands, and cried out, Good
God! What brave fellows I must this day lose! Major
Guest commanded the Maryland, battalion, the Colonel
and Lieutenant-Colonel being both at York. Captains
Adams and Lucas were sick. The Major, Captain
Ramsey, and Lieutenant Plunkett, were foremost, and
within forty yards of the enemy's muzzles, when they were
fired upon by the enemy, who were chiefly under cover of
an orchard, save a few that showed themselves and pre-
tended to give up, clubbing their firelocks until we came
within that distance, when they immediately presented and
blazed in our faces ; they entirely overshot us, and killed
some men away behind in our rear. I had the satisfaction
of dropping one of them the first fire I made. I was so near
I could not miss. I discharged my rifle seven times that day
as deliberately as I ever did at a mark, and with as little
perturbation.
COLONEL CARY TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, September 1, 1776.
SIR: I am instructed by his Excellency to acknowledge
the receipt of your favour yesterday, and to acquaint you he
has directed the Quartermaster-General to furnish you with
the horses wanted. He has also desired Colonel Moylan to
place an Assistant Quartermaster up at King's Bridge, to
supply such articles as are necessary, which would thereby
save much trouble to all parties, and particularly to the
General, as a considerable part of his time is taken up in
reading letters from different quarters upon such subjects,
which at this time is far from being agreeable to him.
Should such an Assistant Quartermaster be placed at
King's Bridge, it is presumed care will be taken that no
applications be made to him for any articles but only such
as cannot be dispensed with.
I am, with due respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
RICH'D. CARY, Jun., A. D. C.
Major General Heath, King's Bridge.
EBENEZER HAZARD TO JOHN M'KESSON.
Dobb's Ferry, September 1, 1776.
SIR : Your express found me at the door and delivered
me your letter. As I was only one of the persons concerned
in the privateer I could do nothing in the matter, but sent
the express to town with the letter, that the other persons
concerned might be consulted and do what was necessary.
The express has returned to this place and informed me he
could not find either of the persons to whom I directed my
letter, so that nothing yet can be done. But I intend send-
ing the letter to town again to-morrow, and you may de-
pend upon the earliest information respecting the sale of the
privateer. I am willing for my own part to accept the offer
of prime cost, and I imagine the rest of the partners will
have no objection ; but I think as only prime cost is offered,
109
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
110
it is hardly fair to expect us to run the risk of getting the
sloop to Poughkeepsie; however, I will consent to whatever
the rest agree to. I am, sir, your very humble servant,
EBKN'R HAZARD.
P. S. Will it not be proper for the Convention to have a
rider daily to and from New-York, and to call on me both
going and coming? 1 may be found at Major Abraham
Storms's. Shall pay proper attention to the Committee's
resolve about the post's riding on this side the river, but I
fear people on the west side will be dissatisfied. Will you
send word over the river, so that the post may be prevented
going on the west side to New-York this trip ?
OFFICERS COMMISSIONF.D IN KING'S COUNTY, NEW-YORK.
A Return of the Officers chosen by the different Companies
in KING'S County, who have signed the Declaration and
taken their Commissions.
Light Horse: Adolph Waldron, Captain; Wm. Boerum,
1st Lieutenant; Thomas Everet, 2d Lieutenant; Jacob
Sebring, Jr., Ensign; Isaac Sebring, Quartermaster.
Troop of Horse: Lambert Suydarn, Captain; Daniel
Rapelje, 1st Lieutenant ; Jacob Bloom, 2rf Lieutenant ;
Peter Van De Voort, Ensign ; Peter Wykoff, Quarter-
master.
Flatlancls : Jeremiah V. D. Bilt, Captain ; Albert Stot-
hoff, 1st Lieutenant; Thomas Elsworth, 2d Lieutenant;
Peter V. D. Bilt, Ensign.
Gravesend: Rem Williamson, Captain; Samuel Hub-
bard, 1st Lieutenant; Garret Williamson, %d Lieutenant ;
John Lane, Ensign.
Half of Brooklyn: Barent Johnson, Captain; Barent
LerTerts, 1st Lieutenant ; Joost D. B. Vooise, 2d Lieuten-
ant; Martin Schenck, Ensign.
Flatbush : Corn's V. D. Veer, Captain ; Peter LerTerts,
1st Lieutenant ; John Van Duyn, 2d Lieutenant ; John
Ben ham, Ensign.
Half of Brooklyn : Ferd's Suydam, Captain ; Simon
Bergen, 1st Lieutenant; Wm. Brower, 2d Lieutenant;
Jacob Stellenwert, Ensign. •
Bushwyck: John Titus, Captain; Ab'rn Van Ranst,
1st Lieutenant ; Peter Colyer, 2d Lieutenant; John Skil-
man, Ensign.
New Uytrecht: Adrian Van Brunt, Captain; Adrian
Hegernan, 1st Lieutenant ; Harm's Barkulo, 2rf Lieuten-
ant ; William Barre, Ensign.
JOSEPH BULL TO GENERAL WOODHULL.
SIR: I was last Friday evening taken in custody by
order of General Scott, since which time I have been kept
a prisoner (though humanely treated) at Nnc-Rochelle, and
by letter from General Scott, arn acquainted I must go
on board a sloop for Norwich, in Connecticut ; this, with-
out a hearing is hard ; but what renders such a voyage truly
distressing is my wife's being near her time of lying in, a
woman of feeble constitution, without father or mother. I
am very fearful it may end her days. All these evils, if
justly deserved, I could the more cheerfully endure. As
early as the first forming a Committee in New-York, I was
one of the promoters, in which Committee I served about two
years, as I thought with the approbation of my fellow-citi-
zens at large, as I was, on a dissolution of the committee
always nominated by the Committee and the people out-
doors, who used often to correct our nomination, and was
finally dismissed on account of my business often calling
me abroad, so that I could not give due attendance. Be-
tween the dissolution of the first and the choice of a second
Congress, I was informed a number of people had assem-
bled to counteract, and if possible frustrate a second choice.
I attended, and, with the assistance of a few others, they
were prevailed on to drop that opposition, but would and
did oppose a convention. When there was an answer ap-
peared to the paper called Philipis, I carried them through
Westchester and Dutchess County, and so on through the
borders of New-England as far as the first had reached,
and if I had time, I could produce witnesses who would
acknowledge I have proselyted them from toryism. One
matter is within the compass of your knowledge, which doth
not speak a wish the country might be subdued ; and if I
can before this goes from me, I shall furnish you with some
circumstances more, all of which, if it should appear to you,
sir, are small, still they will, I think, evince that my wish is
that way. I could further add, all my friends are, if the
country is conquered, ruined, ties which, if nothing else, \\ould
induce me to be friendly to the American cause; but other
motives alone uould influence me.
If you can, sir, be of service to me in this case, you may
be the instrument of saving life, and 1 am conscious will not
lessen the strength of the cause. If the matter, sir, sl'ould
lie with the General, I don't know but it is asking too much,
but I should be much obliged if you could wait on him, and
if you think proper, show him this letter, all which favours
I shall thankfully acknowledge, and no one will more cheer-
fully retaliate them.
Your most obedient, very humble servant,
JOSEPH BULL.
To General Woodhull, at Harlem.
N. B. If Colonel Philips, Colonel Corset and myself
must proceed, we should be glad to give security and pro-
ceed by land ; a boat will be exceedingly disagreeable at
this hot season, and most of us subject to be sea-sick. We
are the only prisoners here except Mr. Jauncey.
LIEUTENANT EDGET TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
GENTLEMEN: As I was nominated as Lieutenant in
Johannes Van Steenbergh's company, and in Colonel Gra-
ham's regiment, and as I was, while in the service, but
unhealthy, very unfit for duty, and particularly at my de-
parture from the army, and so I continue incapable of being
in any ways serviceable to my country : therefore I humbly
request your honourable body to please to grant my dismis-
sion from the service ;' and in so doing you shall very much
oblige, gentlemen, him who is yours, with respect.
Your devoted friend and very humble servant,
STEPHEN EDGET.
To the Honourable Congress of the State of New-York and
Territories therein depending for the time being.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 1, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Yesterday I received your favour of
the 26th, continued to the 27th, and about four o'clock an
express went off to General Washington, with copy of your
letter and the several enclosures.
Not a sheet of musket cartridge paper is to be had here,
or anywhere in this part of the country. A quantity sent
from New- York on the 19th ultimo is not yet arrived. The
grindstones and the other articles mentioned in the list sent
me by Mr. Lewis, you will receive the soonest possible, ex-
cepting the wire, emery, and screw-plates, which must
come from New-York, and the bar iron, which is sent for
to Mr. Livingston's forge.
If you cannot procure a sufficiency of carpenters out of
the troops to replace the sick find lame, let me know it, and
1 will try to send some from hence.
Not a man is stopped on the route to the army by my
order, except such as have lately had the small-pox ; and
that was in consequence of information given me immedi-
ately before my order of the 20th ultimo to General Water-
bury, which information is since corroborated by a letter of
the 22d ultimo, yesterday received, from Governour Trum-
bull, who says : " Inoculation for the small-pox I find has
been .practised by the troops on their way to join the army.
I hope a practice so pernicious in every respect will be dis-
couraged. I have taken the liberty to suggest my fears and
sentiments to General Gates on this subject. Indeed, sir,
if it is not timely restrained, it appears to me it must prove
fatal to all our operations, and may ruin the country."
You are perfectly right in taking it for granted that I
send all your letters that contain anything that Congress or
General Washington ought to know, to them, as also all
papers of the least importance.
September 2. — Last night three Philadelphia gentlemen
who passed through New-York on their way to this place,
informed us that on Tuesday last there were several smart
rencountres between our troops and the enemy on Long-
Island, with alternate success; that considerable numbers
fell on both sides; that on Wednesday they attacked our
lines, but were repulsed with loss. It is supposed they lost
Ill
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
112
three thousand, we two thousand. General Grant, of
theirs, killed. General Sullivan and I-ord Stirling missing.
Two of the Pennsylvania battalions suffered most. We
wait \\ith impatience for more particulars. One of the
gentlemen, who left New-York on Thursday morning, heard
a smart cannonade when at King's Bridge. Some of the
Hessians. The enemy's ships of war, on Thursday morn-
ing, were still near Stolen- Island, and no appearance of
their moving.
The gentlemen above mentioned have brought half a
million of dollars to our military chest. Let us know what
part of it you will want. The troops can now be regularly
paid off.
I send this by express, and hope it will soon be followed
by another, announcing the total rout of the enemy.
Mr. Avery has not complied with my orders. Whether
he is subordinate to Mr. Livingston or not, it was his busi-
ness to obey, and if he thought himself injured, to have
complained. I have wrote Mr. Trumbull the Commissary
General, and have declared, that whilst Mr. Livingston is in
this department, the returns shall be made as I have di-
rected, and that I would have sent Mr. Avery down under
arrest, but as I did not know what orders he had given him,
I should waive the matter till I heard from him, that no
damage might accrue to the service. Two heads to the
same branch, and in the same department of the army,
involves such an absurdity that I will never suffer it whilst
I command.
Adieu, my dear General. I am your most obedient
humble servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. General Gates, &c.
Tyconderoga, September 1, 1776.
This may certify the most advantageous post on Onion
River for the posting of six companies of men, raised for the
defence of the frontier, is at Jericho, at Baker's block-house,
and at Colchester Point.
Certified : JOSEPH WAIT, Lieutenant Colonel.
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, September 1, 1776.
SIR : You are directed to maintain your post at Jerico on
Onion River, with the company under your command, send-
ing out scouts and following the directions you may from
time to time receive from the Committee of the County and
Town, and the advice of Deacon Rood. You will remain
till you receive orders from the commanding officers here.
Any intelligence, or deserters of the enemy, are to be sent to
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, immediately.
1 arn, sir, your obedient servant, JOHN TRUMBULL,
Dep. Adj. Gen'l Northern Army.
Commanding Officer of the Company raised by Captain
Faucett.
GENERAL ST. CLAIR TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALLEN.
Ticonderoga, September 1 , 1776.
DEAR SIR: This is my third to you since yours of the
25th of July. Whether the former have reached you or
not is doubtful, as our communication seems not to be much
more open than heretofore. How that happens God knows,
but certain it is, few letters to or from this army get on.
I wish to God you had returned to the regiment, though I
well know your sentiments. I really expected you would
have come back. The osier keeps its footing when the oak
is torn up by the roots. You know my way of thinking,
and you know likewise the obligations I have to your family
— obligations which no change of circumstances can ever
cancel. But you will excuse me, my dear sir; I believe it
would have been true policy to have given some way to the
temper of the times.
If I remember right, there were two points on which we
were perfectly agreed: First, that independence was not
the interest of America if the liberties of America could be
otherwise secured ; secondly, that if foreign troops were
employed to reduce America to absolute submission, that
independence or any other mode was justifiable. There is
now no doubt about the employment of foreign troops,
which I own I think was the watchword to every man of
property in America, for I doubt very much whether, if
Great Britain should succeed by force, much odds would
be made by the lordly conquerors between friends or foes,
or if native and foreign avarice and rapacity would not be
glutted with the indiscriminate spoil of both. I am per-
suaded many worthy men would not have wished things to
go as they have done, because they thought it not consistent
with the true interest of America, which might have long
been happy in a regulated (not unwarlike) subordination to
Great Britain — but that fatal proceeding, amongst whom I
think I may reckon your venerable father, has cast the die.
Do not, my dear sir, imagine my late promotion has
altered my sentiments. I will own to you I am pleased,
not flattered with it. I am come to that time of life, and
some hosv or other have always had a way of thinking, what
some people call philosophy, but it is nothing but constitu-
tion, that puts me out of danger of that flutter and emotion
that sudden and unexpected elation gives some people. I
assure you I would rather experience the heartfelt satisfac-
tion of discharging one social duty, one debt of gratitude,
than have as many Honour's and Excellency's stuck to my
name as would fill a quire of paper. To your father and
brother, and Mr. Penn, I have obligations that I must ever
feel, that I will never forget. You know I am a bad poli-
tician, but if you have not already taken too decisive a
post — I cannot say one word more about the matter, and
when I reflect on your own good sense and the superior
understanding and experience of many of your friends, it
would be insolence to offer you any advice.
We have made this a very strong post. The old French
lines are repaired, and redoubts upon redoubts constructed,
and men enough to defend them. If they come we shall
certainly give a good account of them. General Arnold is
down the Lake with the fleet — three schooners and a sloop,
and ten gondolas, mounting in all about one hundred guns.
The time is certainly near now. I wish you was here to
share the honours, for we shall certainly bear them. We
shall make up for the Three Rivers — but wherever you are,
my best wishes shall ever attend you. Your baggage
Major Scull takes to Albany, all but your bedding. Your
matrass and blanket I let Mn Clajon have, his having been
stolen one day out of the General's house. The rest I will
keep. Let me know the price, and the money shall be
remitted for the whole. I thank you for the marque. I
will take all the care I can of it, and bring it with me when
I return. If I return not, you do not want friends here who
will do me the kindness to send it. Next time I will tell
you all about the money, and am, &tc.
WILLIAM GILLILAND TO GENERAL ARNOLD.
September 1, 1776.
SIR: The troops and sailors accompanying you on your
cruise this day week, have wantonly and wickedly com-
mitted great destruction on several of my plantations on this
settlement. They have forcibly raised two fields of potatoes
that, if full grown, would have filled two hundred bushels ;
an acre of peas are entirely destroyed, which would have
yielded sixteen to twenty bushels ; five or six acres of corn
are ruined; about ten dollars worth of smith's tools, and a
multitude of other irons; two pleasure sleighs, five new sash
windows, a new bedstead and bed-cord, several chairs, and
many other articles, they have carried off, tearing houses,
breaking doors, and committing every villany in the most
insolent and licentious manner, even before my servants'
face, whom I sent to guard these things, telling them it was
by order of the officers they came for the vegetables, and
have them they would, were I present myself. This was a
bad return for seventy-five salmon given to them and Cap-
tain Alexander's people on that and the preceding day. As
I am convinced you would not by any means countenance
such proceedings, I rely and request you will have immedi-
ate justice done me, by ordering a survey or inquiry to be
made to ascertain the amount of my damage. You may
easily remember how General Gates served Captain Ro-
mans for suffering some of his men to pull up a few potato
hills near Ticonderoga. It grieves me to see my crops
destroyed, for whose preservation I came here and remain
here at the risk of my life, and those crops on the deserted
lots are all the pay I shall probably ever get from those by
whom they were formerly occupied, who owed me very
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Stc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
114
considerable sums of money, and many of whom have died
since their removal, the others gone down the country. I
shall hope for your ready compliance, and that you will
believe me to be, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient
humble servant, WILL. GILLILAND.
To General Arnold.
P. S. My salmon crib and all its apparatus were carried
off last Monday night by the violence of a very great flood.
If your carpenters could be spared to assist me one day or
two, I should very soon be able to send you some salmon.
W. G.
If the men belonging to the vessels are suffered to come
ashore where there are settlements, 'twill be irnpossilile to
prevent their doing mischief. Besides what I have mentioned
above, the people belonging to one of the gondolas went ashore
last Sunday afternoon to Point Pleasant Bay, three and a half
miles south of my river, and not finding any of my people
there, carried off five of my blankets, which my people left
in a barn there where they lodged whilst reaping near that
place. These things could not possibly have all been taken
on board without the knowledge of the officers.
to make laws for an extensive empire, (we conceive,) can be
lodged nowhere in so safe hands as that of the whole body
of freeholders in a State. Bribery and corruption, intrigue
and undue influence, is much more easily practised upon a
few than many; although we have the highest value for our
own General Assembly, whose members have heretofore been
governed and directed by the most laudable of principles, the
love of their country's welfare, yef we are not sure that in all
future times, the same attention will be paid to the true in-
terest of their constituents, or the same principle be the
ruling motive of action ; and we must declare to you that we
think it a right which unalienably belongs to the freeholders
of this State to elect members to represent them in the
General Congress of America, and a right and power which
posterity cannot be deprived of by any previous or present
obligation to others. We do, therefore, as part of the free-
holders of this State enjoin it upon you as our Representa-
tives in General Assembly, to use your utmost influence that
the Assembly do order and direct that such election of Dele-
gates to represent this State in General Congress, be annually
made by the freeholders, or freemen at large, and not by
their Representatives in General Assembly.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, September 1, 1776.
HONOURED GENERAL: The sentry informs me that he
heard a morning gun from the fleet to-day. I presume they
remained near Gilliland's yesterday ; this seems a little
strange as there was so good a wind. The General will
doubtless proceed on to-day. He may get to the Isle
Motte if he pleases.
I have just despatched two boats, one to Gilliland's, the
other to Major Grier to the fleet, really to see what they
are doing on board, and to be able to give some account
of their dispositions. He will goon till he meets with them.
He is to return as soon as possible.
The galley and gondola came here this morning. I have
procured a pilot, directed some biscuits to be put on board.
The other apparatus he promises to send as soon as possible.
The few artillery men I mentioned are not yet come. I
would detain them but a very short time.
We endeavoured to take the large cannon out of a broken
boat and put it into a sound one, but could not effect it, for
want of a gin. We will make another trial, and if possible,
send it up.
The party to cover the oar cutters is not yet arrived,
though the one sent to bring the saw-mill gears is gone past.
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
THO. HARTLEY.
To Major General Gates.
Twenty minutes past twelve o'clock,?. M.
P. S. If the post is arrived, I would be glad if a news-
paper could be sent me. Yours, &ic. T. H.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, VOTED BY THE
FREEMEN OF A TOWN IN CONNECTICUT, AT THEIR ANNUAL
MEETING IN SEPTEMBER, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Although we repose the highest confidence
in your zeal for the publick weal and particular attention
to the true interests of your constituents ; yet we think it
our duty to manifest to you our sentiments respecting a
matter which we hope may come under the consideration of
the honourable General Assembly of the State of Connecticut
the ensuing session, and in our apprehension, is of the utmost
importance to the people of this State, viz : The mode of
electing Delegates to represent this State in the General
Congress of America.
The exigency of publick affairs have heretofore seemed
to require that they should be nominated and appointed
by the General Assembly, which has been done to gen-
eral satisfaction. America is now declared independent,
and is forming into an empire unconnected with any
other part of the globe. We think it a duty we owe
ourselves and posterity to guard our rights and privileges
on every quarter, lest a precedent founded at first in
necessity or accident, should in time be construed to deprive
us of one privilege which we deem essential to the preserva-
tion of all the rest. The power of electing Representatives,
who, with others, are entrusted with power to declare war
and make peace, to form alliances with foreign nations, and
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
COLONEL H. B. LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Camp, River Head, September 1, 1776.
MAY rr PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : I wrote to you the day
before yesterday an account of the prevailing reports, since
which, I have seen a Mr. Hobart, whose accounts are not
more encouraging. But I am informed from undoubted
authority that he has brought letters from the lower class of
people in Huntington directed to the people at large in this
County, tending to discourage them from making any further
attempts against the enemy. I can't as yet find any certainty
of their being very formidable ; however, if they are, I am
still determined as soon as the whole of my detatchment
arrives, to harass and distress them all in my power, until
I can have your or General Washington's advice, which I
wait with impatience for. Yours, &rc.,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Excellency Governour TrumbuU, (to be forwarded by
all Committees,) Lebanon.
P. S. Mr. Hobart is a member of the New- York Con-
vention. If a retreat is determined upon, a number of boats
will be necessary to carry off the the troops and the inhabi-
tants ; which I hope your Excellency will take into consid-
eration.
8
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN.
Lebanon, September 1, 1776.
SIR: There being necessity of sending a number of
troops from New-London to the east end of Long-Island,
you are desired to provide necessary transports, and imme-
diately provide for the carrying over Colonel Erastus Wol-
cott's regiment with their baggage and the six field-pieces
at New-London, and you are directed to forward with them
sufficient quantity of powder and ball. And as Captain
John Deshon is directed to forward sufficient quantity of
provision for the forces, would have you confer with him,
and so cooperate that the provisions may be forwarded as
the troops go over. Mr. Andrew Huntington, of Norwich,
per order engaged of Captain Jabez Perkins one suitable
vessel for said service, which must be improved as a trans-
port or to carry stores ; and there is more to be had at Nor-
wich if wanted, and quite likely a further number will soon
be wanted besides those immediately for Colonel JVolcott't
regiment.
Resting satisfied that nothing will be wanting on your
part to forward this important expedition, remain yours to
serve. JONTH. THUMBULL.
To Mr. Nath. Shaw Jan., in New-London.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September 1st, 1776:
Present : his Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, Jed'h ElderTcin, Wm. Hillhouse, Nathaniel
Wales, Jun., Benjamin Huntington, Esquires.
His Honour the Governour gave an order on Captain
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
116
Sam' I Squire, to send two hundred pounds salipetre to
New-York, to the care of General Wolcott, dated this day,
and delivered to Dr. Turner to curry.
His Honour the Governour, with advice of this Council,
gave orders to the Commanding officers of the 3d, 5th, 8ih,
llth, I •-'th, '20th, 21st and 25th Regiments of Militia in
this State, forthwith to call out their said regiments, and see
them equipped and marched to New-London, and have in
readiness both officers and men to embark for Long-Island,
and there to land in the most convenient place, to march
from thence to the assistance of our army, against the troops
and mercenaries of the King of Great Britain on that Island,
or to be stationed at New-London, as occasion may require ;
all due pay and wages to be made by the Assembly of this
State, and by the United States of America, in a just and
equitable manner, as others of the Militia, lately sent from
this State, are treated.
His Honour the Governour, by advice of this Council, gave
orders to Colonel Erastus Wolcott, of the regiment at the
forts at New-London, Groton, &.C., without delay to put his
officers and soldiers stationed at New-London and Groton,
in readiness, well equipped, to embark for Long-Island, and
to see the Sound is so clear that they may with safety pass
the same, and forthwith to embark with them, and go upon
the Island, and there cooperate with the forces on the Island,
and from our army to command them in such manner as
to secure and defend the inhabitants, assist to dispose of the
stock in such manner as shall be agreed upon, and lo annoy
the enemy in such sort as he shall be able, and to take with
him six of the field-pieces now at New-London, and order
such as he may have to follow, to bring the residue to the
number of six field-pieces ; to use his prudence in engaging
men, and take with him one of the Captains, and a suitable
number of officers, and twenty-five matrasses for the service ;
all due pay and wages are and will be made by the Assem-
bly of this State, or of the United States of America, in a
just and equitable manner, as others of the Militia, lately
sent from this State, are treated.
Gave orders to Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jim., to supply the
troops going to Long-Island with stores of powder and trans-
ports for their use, and in particular that he employ a sloop
belonging to Captain Jabez Perkins, which has already been
engaged for that service.
Gave an order to Captain John Deshon to provide bread,
flour, and other provisions necessary for the troops going
from this State on to Long-Island.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Providence, September 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I stopped at New-Haven on Wednesday,
and found the Hampden near ready for sea as Mr. Lawrence
informed me, all but men and officers, which she had none;
Captain Hacker had not got there. I left orders for him,
when he came, to get as many men as would be sufficient,
and come with the brig to New-London.
I came to New-London Thursday morning ; did not find
Mr. Shaw at home, but learned that the schooner and bomb
brig were both sold, with all their stores, so that at present
I do not know of any vessel that can be had that will answer;
how Mr. Shaw came to sell them and their stores, or by
whose orders, I can't tell. I likewise found the Cabot was
gone out on a cruise ; she had been gone out about a week,
and have no knowledge how long she is to cruise, nor by
what authority Captain Hinman could undertake to go out,
as he had my orders, when 1 left New-London for Philadel-
phia, not to go to sea without he received orders from the
Marine Committee or from me.
I came here yesterday ; have not seen Captain Salton-
slall, but hear the Alfred is about five miles below, with
about forty men, including officers, on board, having spared
some to Captain Biddle, and a number to Captain Whipple,
who sailed on a cruise in four days after he got home, with
one hundred and seventy-eight men on board. As soon as
I get a little over the fatigue of my journey, shall set myself
about manning the Alfred. Should be glad to know when
I get her ready whether I may send her out under the com-
mand of Lieutenant Mr. Jonathan Pitcher, whom I believe
to be a prudent, capable man. Should be glad of your sen-
timents, to know whether you approve of Captain Hinman's
sailing with the Cabot, as I believe he has gone without
orders from any person. Mr. House, whom you appointed
Lieutenant of the Brig Hampden, is gone out in the Colum-
bus. If you think proper to appoint Mr. Walter Spooner
as second Lieutenant, that he may act as first until House
gets on board, I believe it will be best for the service.
1 am, gentlemen, your most humble servant,
E. HOPKINS.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Ma-
rine Committee, at Philadelphia.
P. S. I hear a sloop of Dunmore's is carried into the east-
ward by one of their privateers, loaded with tobacco.
COLONEL JOSEPH WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Boston, September 1, 1776.
SIR : Your Excellency's letter of the 26th of August
came by the last post. General Ward being out of town,
I have transmitted the letter, with the enclosed resolve
of Congress, to him.
I am sorry to inform your Excellency that Captain Burke,
in the armed schooner Warren, on the 26th of August,
was taken by a British frigate about ten leagues without
this bay. Captain Ayers, in the armed schooner Lynch,
was in company with the Warren, but made his escape,
and brought this intelligence.
We hear with inexpressible pleasure of the repulse which
our troops, under your Excellency's command, gave the
enemy, and most ardently pray that it may be a prelude to
the total defeat of those infamous tools of the most infamous
tyrant.
I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency's most
obedient humble servant, JOSEPH WARD, A. D. C.
To His Excellency General Washington.
WINTHROP SARGENT TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Gloucester, September 1, 1776.
SIR: This is to inform you that Captain Daniel Waters,
of the schooner Lee, retook and brought into this harbour
an old coasting sloop, which was taken last Sunday by the
Milford frigate of thirty-two guns ; on board of the sloop
were Mr. Richey and Captain Alexander Lumsdale, late
Captain of the powder ship True Runaway, for Salem ; for
further particulars the prisoners can inform your Honours.
The Milford is now off the Cape with one brig, one
schooner, and a sloop, which are prizes ; they have burnt
and sunk four — two in sight of this place. Enclosed you
have all the papers found on board the sloop, which please
to return, as it is all we have to show the sloop was taken.
Captain Waters has left the sloop here, and shall wait your
directions in regard to her, and am, with due respect, your
obedient, humble servant,
WINTHHOP SARGENT, Agent.
State of Massachusetts Bay, in Council, Sept. 4, 1776. "
The foregoing having been laid before this Board and
read,
Resolved, That the Sheriff of the County of Suffolk be,
and he is hereby directed to take the said Richey, and Alex-
ander Lumsdale, and keep them in close custody till further
order. SAMUEL ADAMS, Secretary.
Council Chamber, September 4, 1876.
Whereas application is made that Mr. Francis Curtice,
now a prisoner of war at New-Salem, in this State, under
the care and custody of the Committee of Correspondence,
Safety, and Inspection, of said place, may be exchanged for
Philip Stevens, lately taken on board a coasting vessel at
or near New- York, and now a prisoner on board some of
the men-of-war of the enemy on that station ; said Stevens
being an inhabitant of, and belonging unto Killingsworth,
in the State of Connecticut:
Whereupon, Ordered, That the Committee of Correspon-
dence, Inspection, and Safety, of New-Salem aforesaid, be,
and hereby are directed to deliver the said Francis Curtice
unto Samuel Redfield, of Killingsworth aforesaid, to be ex-
changed for said Philip Stevens: Provided he, the said
Samuel Redfield, shall give the said Committee a receipt,
promising to return the said Francis Curtice into their cus-
tody, in case the proposed exchange shall not take effect.
[Mr. Robert Basden, mate of his Majesty's ship Niger,
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
118
who was taken in a sloop belonging to Perth-Amboy, and
carried into Beverly, loaded with wine. We suppose them
to be at Northampton. Mr. Curtis, belonging to the said
ship, who was taken in a brig loaded with salt, and carried
into Plymouth, near Boston. Supposed to be at the same
place.]
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN DEANS.
Annapolis, September 2, 1776.
SIR : Sergeant Barnes of your company having suggested
to this Board that his private concerns will suffer very con-
siderably by his continuing in your company, more espe-
cially as the company is now on their march to the north-
ward, we therefore think that the publick service will not
suffer by Sergeant Barnes's leaving your company ; therefore
you are directed to give him a discharge. We are, &tc.
To Captain Deans.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND CONVENTION.
In Committee, Baltimore, September 2, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: This Committee having heard that your
honourable House are about to raise a battalion or two in this
Province, we beg leave to recommend the bearer, Mr. Robert
Wilmott, a native of this County, and attached to the liber-
ties of America, as a Lieutenant or Ensign in the service.
We are, with all due respect, your most obedient, humble
servants, SAML. PURVIANCE, Jun., Chairman,
WILLIAM Lux, Vice Chairman.
ANDREW BUCHANAN,
EDWARD TALBOTT,
JNO. BOYD,
BENJAMIN GRIFFITH,
WILLIAM WILKINSON,
THOMAS RUTTER.
To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of the
Convention of Maryland.
the ship before Lieutenant Auchenbact had his commission.
From, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,
JOHN BURRELL.
To the Hon. Council of Safety, now sitting at Annapolis.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
WILLIAM DEAKINS, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Lower District of Frederick County, September 2, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Yours of the 17th last month to my brother
Leonard, came to hand a few days after he had marched for
Philadelphia ; he waited several days after his letter to you
of the 12th, but receiving no orders, he consulted Colonel
Griffith, who ordered him to march, and recruit on the way
four or five men to complete his company, after which his
return was made from Philadelphia. I hope my brother
will stand excused for this step, for both the Colonel and
himself thought it for the good of the Province ; his would
have been one of the first companies full, had he not been
unlucky in some of his officers. He has himself recruited
most of his men. Bruce, who solicited you for the Ensign's
commission, has not recruited one man, notwithstanding he
engaged to go with the company till the day they marched,
and even then promised the Captain to follow him in a day
or two, but has since declined.
I know my brother will wish to have his first Sergeant,
Mr. Dennis Griffith, appointed his Ensign, and when he
makes his return, I expect he will solicit you in his favour.
He is a very deserving young man, and I think merits the
commission. The cash you sent by Mr. Nicholls for my
brother, is delivered to the Committee of this District, who
will account for it.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant,
WILL. DEAKINS, Jun.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
JOHN BURRELL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, September 2, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I was first shipped as master's mate of the
ship Defence, at her first setting out in the Provincial service.
At the time Lieutenant Boucher left the ship I was advanced
to master, by the Council of Safety. I hope your Honours
will continue to advance me in rotation, or as Commodore
Nicholson shall think right; as imagine him to be the best
judge what I may deserve. Lieutenant Nicholson I hear
is going; to leave the ship, likewise Lieutenant Johns. If
so, think I should be first Lieutenant, as I was master of
At a meeting of the Committee, September 2, 1776,
Present : S. Purciance, Chairman ; W. Lux, Vice-Chair-
man ; W. Buchanan, W. Wilkinson, J. Stamlefort, W.
Tolley, Jun., G. Vaughan, B. Griffith, J. Calhoun, T.
Sailers, E. Talbot, D. Shaw, J. Smith, J. Boyd.
Mr. Edmund Stansbury is appointed to take an account
of the number of inhabitants in Gunpowder Upper Hundred,
in the room of Captain James Bosley, who resigned.
Upon motion, Resolved, That Messrs. Walter Tolley,
Jun., William Buchanan, and James Calhoun be, and they
are hereby appointed a committee to examine the accounts
of Messrs. Lux and Bowly, relating to the schooner Reso-
lution, who are to make their reports on Wednesday next.
Colonel Walter Tolley is unanimously appointed one of
the committee for licensing suits, vice Captain John Egar
Hotvard, who is marched with his company, to New-York.
Isaac Wigley having enrolled in Captain Garritson's
company, and Isaac Dew in Captain Thomas Rutter's, the
fines assessed on them as non-enrollers are remitted.
The Sheriff is directed to allow three shillings and nine
pence per bushel, for good, clean, merchantable wheat, in
discharge of an execution against John Riley, William
Reily, and Zebulon Bosley, at the suit of John Barrow.
Attest: GEO. Lux, Secretary.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO GENERAL FOLSOM.
Philadelphia, September 2, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR: I have received yours of the 14th ulti-
mo, with the acts of our Legislature enclosed, for which I
thank you, as it gives me particular satisfaction to be informed
of the situation of affairs in our own State. I am fully
sensible of the great difficulties we labour under by the sol-
diers being enlisted for such short periods, and that it would
have been much better had they at first received a good
bounty, and been enlisted to serve during the war. But
you may recollect the many, and, to appearance, almost
insuperable difficulties that then lay in our way. No money,
no magazines of provisions, no military stores, no govern-
ment; in short, when I look back, and consider our situa-
tion about fifteen months ago, instead of wondering that we
are in no better situation than at present, I am surprised we
are in so good. Who of us at that time expected that the
infatuation of Britain would have forced us to the state we
are now in? As circumstances now are, 1 think we ought,
by all means, to be provided with a well-disciplined army,
to serve during the war, and that they ought to be raised as
soon as possible.
I am glad to hear that our powder mill is ready to be set
going. Pray take particular care that the powder is good.
A considerable quantity made by one of the mills of this
State appears not to have above half the force of good
powder, and does not catch quick. The danger from bad
powder in an engagement is so great that the Congress have
ordered that no powder be sent to the army but such as
has been well tried and approved by inspectors appointed
for that purpose, and have recommended it to the several
Legislatures to appoint inspectors to prove all the powder
that is made or imported into their respective States. A
copy I will enclose if I can procure one before the post sets
off. I will also enclose the orders of Congress concerning
wounded and maimed soldiers and seamen.
The affairs at New-York seem at present almost wholly
to engross our attention. We have not had the full of the
particulars of the action of the 27th ultimo on Long-Island
from the General; but by the best accounts we have
obtained it appears that our people were decoyed and sur-
rounded by the main body of the enemy, and obliged to
fight their way through, or surrender prisoners. It appears
there must have been some very great neglect, either in not
sending out proper guards and parties to gain intelligence,
or they not doing their duty. General Sullivan and Lord
Sterling are prisoners, and I believe six hundred or seven
hundred others. The consequence has been the evacuation
of Long-Island and Governour's Island, of both which the
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
120
enemy are now in possession — a very unfortunate begin-
ning of the campaign there. However, it is not irreparable,
and I hope it will make both officers and soldiers more care-
ful to keep proper guards, and not suffer themselves to be
taken by surprise any more.
After writing the above, General Sullivan came to my lodg-
mg- in this city, and, by his account, the affair at Long-Island
was much as 1 had heard. He says he has two verbal messages
from l^rd Howe, which he is on his parole to come to Con-
gress to propose. One is, the exchange of himself and Lord
Sterling for Generals Prescott and McDonald; the other is,
to propose a meeting of some of the members of Congress,
(as private gentlemen, for he can't acknowledge any such
body as Congress,) to see if they can:t agree on some propo-
sitions for an accommodation without further bloodshed ; and
says he will meet at almost any place for the purpose.
These are only verbal messages, and I can easily foresee
great difficulties that may arise, let the Congress accept or
refuse the proposed conference. What the Congress will
do is at present uncertain ; but hope they will be directed
by the Supreme Disposer of all events to do in this, and
every other affair before them, what will be most conducive
to the safety and happiness of these American States.
So wishes your friend and most obedient and humble
servant, JOSIAH BARTLETT.
To General Folsom.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO DANIEL TILLINGHAST.
Philadelphia, September 2, 1776.
SIR: The Secret Committee of Congress have directed
Mr. Thomas Green, of Providence, in your State, to put
into your hands the following articles belonging to the Con-
tinent, now in his possession, for which you will please to
give him a receipt: 330 bolts of best Holland and Russia
duck ; 26 J casks of powder ; 2 pair four-pound cannon ; 3
pair three-pound do.; 4 pair swivels; 3 casks leaden ball ;
21 casks twine; 598 pounds saltpetre; 60 pounds brim-
stone; 470 bushels salt ; 50 half-johannes; 1 drum.
You have underneath a copy of a resolve of Congress,
of the 30th ult., ordering such part of the above duck as is
suitable for tents to be made up and forwarded with all pos-
sible expedition to his Excellency General Washington,
which we request you will immediately execute ; you will
hold the rest of the articles ready for the future orders of this
Committee, who are, sir, your humble servants.
" In Congress, August 30, 1776.
" Resolved, That the duck in the hands of Mr. Green,
al Rhode-Island, be made up into Tents, and forwarded
with all possible expedition to General Washington."
Extract from the minutes :
CHAS. THOMSON, Secretary.
PETITION OF MICHAEL FITZGERALD.
[Read September 2, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.]
To the Honourable the Congress for the UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA:
The humble address of Michael Fitzgerald humbly show-
eth : That your petitioner, from the Kingdom of Ireland, and
last from Havre-de-Grace, having been cruelly and unjustly
persecuted in his native country by the present enemies of
these States, is heartily willing to bear a part in the present
glorious struggle against oppression and tyranny; and having
served seven years in a military capacity in a foreign king-
dom, would request this honourable Board to place him in
such a situation as to have it in his power to merit a char-
acter among them, and show his talents in the military line,
as he did not think it necessary to bring recommendations
from his friends, nor would they have countenanced his
coming over at such a juncture. Your petitioner, for reasons
which most strangers after expensive travelling may readily
adduce, would beg to be taken notice of as soon as possible ;
and he promises, by a strict attention to the duties of his
station, to endeavour to merit the esteem of his superiors,
and to look for advancement only as his character and con-
duct may appear to deserve it.
With humility and deference, the petitioner is buoyed
with hopes this honourable Board will take his case into
their serious consideration, with that expedition that can be
allowed an humble volunteer waiting for orders.
COMMITTEE OF READING TO THE COMMITTEE OF LANCASTER,
PENNSYLVANIA.
Reading, September 2, 1776.
SIR: The Committee at Lancaster are requested to per-
mit one Hamilton Hannon, a prisoner there, to come over
with Mr. Rose and company to Reading, where his master,
Captain Swan, is stationed, as it was by mere accident he
happened to be separated from the Captain, who has since
been without a servant.
Enclosed there is also a passport for a servant of Captain
Anstruther, and his engagement for his good behaviour,
agreeable to the order of the War Office. We hope they
may both be sent by this opportunity, as their masters are
in great want of ihem. By order of the Committee.
I am, sir, yours, &.C., C. READ, Secretary.
To Mr. William Attlee.
War Office, August 12, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Please to permit Captain Anstruther' s ser-
vant, William Brown, a prisoner at Lancaster, to reside
with his master at Reading, on his said master sending you
an agreement that he will, by every means in his power,
prevent the misbehaviour of his servant, either in corres-
ponding with the enemy, or other misconduct as a prisoner,
and as scon as he discovers any such misbehaviour, that he
will give information thereof to the Committee of the town
or place where he resides, that the said servant may be
properly secured. Your obedient servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To the Committee of the Borough of Lancaster.
I do hereby promise to endeavour to prevent William
Brown, soldier in the Twenty-sixth Regiment, from doing
anything unbecoming the station he is in as a prisoner,
(while he is in my service,) and to report to the Committee
of the town of Reading any impropriety in his conduct
that may come within my knowledge. As witness my
hand, at Reading, the 13th August,
WM. ANSTRUTHER, Capt., 26<A Regiment.
To the Chairman of the Committee of the Borough of
Lancaster.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
New- York, September 2, 1776.
SIR: As my intelligence of late has been rather unfa-
vourable and would be viewed with anxiety and concern,
peculiarly happy should I esteem myself were it in my
power at this time to transmit such information to Congress
as would be more pleasing and agreeable to their wishes ;
but unfortunately for me — unfortunately for them, it is not.
Our situation is truly distressing. The check our detach-
ment sustained on the 27th ultimo has dispirited too great a
proportion of our troops, and filled their minds with appre-
hension and despair. The Militia, instead of calling forth
their utmost efforts to a brave and manly opposition in order
to repair our losses, &.C., are dismayed, intractable, and im-
patient to return. Great numbers of them have gone off,
in some instances almost by whole regiments, by half ones,
and by companies at a time. This circumstance itself, inde-
pendent of others, when fronted by a well-appointed enemy,
superior in number to our whole collected force, would be
sufficiently disagreeable; but when their example has infected
another part of the army — when their want of discipline
and refusal of almost every kind of restraint and govern-
ment have produced a like conduct but too common to the
whole, and an entire disregard of that order and subordina-
tion necessary to the well-doing of an army, and which had
been inculcated before as well as the nature of our military
establishment would admit of, our condition is still more
alarming, and with the deepest concern I am obliged to con-
fess my want of confidence with the generality of the troops.
All these circumstances fully confirm the opinion I ever en-
tertained, and which I more than once in my letters took
the liberty of mentioning to Congress, that no dependence
can be put in a Militia or other troops than those enlisted
and embodied for a longer period than our regulations here-
tofore have prescribed. 1 am persuaded, and as fully con-
vinced as 1 am of any one fact that has happened, that our
liberties must of necessity be greatly hazarded, if not en-
121
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
122
tirely lost, if their defence is left to any but a permanent
standini; army. I mean one to exist during the war. JNor
would the expense incident to the support of such a body of
troops as would be competent almost to every exigency, far
exceed that which is daily incurred by calling in succour
and new enlistments, and which, when effected, is not at-
tended with any good consequences. Men who have been
free, and subject to no control, cannot be reduced to order in
an instant, and the privileges and exemptions they claim,
and will have, influence the conduct of others, and the aid
derived from them is nearly counterbalanced by the disorder,
irregularity and confusion they occasion. I cannot find that
the bounty of ten dollars is likely to produce the desired
effect ; when men can get double that sum to engage for a
month or two in the Militia, and that Militia frequently called
out, it is hardly to be expected. The addition of land might
might have a considerable influence on a permanent enlist-
ment. Our number of men at present fit for duty, are un-
der twenty thousand. They were so by the last returns and
best accounts I could get after the engagement on Long-
Island, since which numbers have deserted. I have ordered
General Mercer to send the men intended for the flying
Camp to this place, about one thousand in number, and
to try with the Militia, if practicable, to make a diversion
upon Staten- Island. Till of late, I had no doubt in my own
mind of defending this place, nor should I have yet if the
men would do their duty ; but this I despair of. It is pain-
ful and extremely grating to me to give such unfavourable
accounts, but it would be criminal to conceal the truth at so
critical a juncture. Every power 1 possess shall be ex-
erted to serve the cause, and rny first wish is, that what-
ever may be the event, the Congress will do me the justice
to think so.
If we should be obliged to abandon the town, ought it
to stand as winter quarters for the enemy ? They would
derive great conveniences from it on the one hand, and
much property would be destroyed on the other. It is an
important question, but will admit of but little time for delib-
eration. At present I dare say the enemy mean to preserve
it if they can. If Congress, therefore, should resolve upon
the destruction of it, the resolution should be a profound
secret, as the knowledge of it will make a capital change in
their plans.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your most
obedient servant, Go. WASHINGTON.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 1, 1776.
(Parole, Hartford.) (Countersign, Boston.)
It being necessary there should be an arrangement of the
troops, in order that they may act with union and firmness,
the Army, as brigaded yesterday, is now arranged in three
grand divisions, under the following Officers, viz: Major-
General Putnam to command the following brigades : Par-
son's, Scott's, Clinton's, Fellows's, and Silliman's.
The centre divisions, under General Spencer and General
Greene, the former to command the whole until General
Greene's recovery, viz: Nixon's, Heard' 's, McDougalFs,
Wadsworth's, Douglass's, and Chester's.
General Heath's to consist of General Mifflin's brigade
and General George Clinton's.
The centre divisions to hold themselves in readiness to
march immediately to Harlem, to prevent the enemy's land-
ing on this Island.
Samuel Augustus Barker to act as Major to the brigades
under Colonel Douglass, Benjamin Talmadge Brigade-
Major to Colonel Chester.
Colonel Hasktt's regiment to march to join General Mif-
flin, to whose brigade he is to belong.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 2, 1776.
i (Parole, Kffin^ham.) (Countersign, Putnam.)
The General hopes, after the inconveniences that have
been complained of, and felt, that the Commanding officers
of corps will never in future suffer their men to have less
than two days' provisions always upon hand ready for any
emergency. If hard bread cannot be had, flour must bt»
drawn, and the men must bake it into bread, or use it other-
wise in the most agreeable manner they can. They are to
consider that all the last war in America, no soldiers (except
those in garrison) were ever furnished with bread ready
baked, nor could they get ovens on their march. The same
must be done now.
The brigades under General Spencer are still to keep
themselves in readiness to march at the shortest notice, but
in the mean time are to have regimental and brigade parades
assigned them in case of an alarm before they move — these
parades not to interfere with any of those in General Put-
nam's division ; to avoid which the officers commanding them
are to consult him, and each other, that they may be dis-
posed of to the best advantage.
When regiments march away in future, the officers are to
see that the men take their tent-poles in their hands, all their
tin camp-kettles, and see the tents tied up carefully and a
sufficient guard left to take care of them.
The brigades of General Putnam's division are to furnish
fifty men to attend at the Hospital upon Dr. Morgan, to
whom their names are to be returned.
COLONEL LEWIS TO GOVERNOUH LIVINGSTON.
New- York, September 2, 1776.
SIR, YOUR HONOUR : I herewith present you with the
state of the Militia ordered out under my command to this
place, which at present is not so happy as I could wish, by
reason of the discipline exercised upon them by the General
officers of the Continental establishment.
When I arrived here I went to see his Excellency Gen-
eral Washington, to inform him of my circumstances, how
that I had no field officers to assist me in the command of
the regiment, fee.; to which he replied, it was hard to take
the charge alone, and that I ought to have some assistance.
I told his Excellency that I believed I could make it do with
a Major, and that if it might be his pleasure I would appoint
my oldest Captain, Jonathan Dimon. His Excellency re-
plied, to be sure, I ought to have some assistance ; from which
I inferred that he acquiesced in it, and I accordingly ap-
pointed him. And most of the officers who have command
of companies were subalterns in Connecticut, but were
obliged to take upon themselves the duty of Captains on
account of such officers refusing to come, and being in Con-
tinental service. Wherefore they respectively acted in that
character, and distinguished themselves as such by cockades;
but here it is general orders, that no officer or officers of
Militia assume distinctions superior to his or their commis-
sions from their respective Governours. And two gentlemen
from Connecticut — one a General, the other a Colonel, in
Continental service — recommended it to those officers who
had infringed, to pull off their cockades, and not appear on
guard in a character above their commissions. So they
accordingly have observed this injunction, and requested me
to write your Honour to obtain your Honour's opinion, and
be governed and determined thereby. I would signify to
your Honour these restrictions have caused no small uneasi-
ness, as I am informed, in the Militia in general, but particu-
larly so in the regiment under my command — as at Fair'
field, when the regiment was embodied I proceeded to
dignify it, and recommended it to officers commanding com-
panies to appoint subalterns to vacancies, and encouraged
them that they should retain their offices and reap the
advantages thereof; but now their prospects wear other
features, and those honours now no more exist. In these
circumstances your Honour can view their discontent without
my displaying it ; indeed they are much dissatisfied with
their situation. They reflect upon the encouragement they
had before they carne away ; they represent their circum-
stances at home ; how they left their land unsowe^ and their
harvest ungathered cheerfully for the sake of liberty — but
with their liberty they would preserve their honour, which
they now think is already degraded ; all which I have en-
deavoured very much to soothe, and they now act in obe-
dience to command without badge or distinction, and wait
your Honour's pleasure, which shall be their direction.
In the interim 1 am your Honour's most obedient, humble
servant, ICHABOD LEWIS.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governour of the
Colony of Connecticut, at Lebanon.
P. S. I am at present very unwell and many of the regi-
ment are out of health. We have at present no Doctor,
and if 1 should not recover soon, and should procure a fur-
lough to come home, 1 hope your Honour would make no
imputation to my disparagement. I. L.
123
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
124
EXTRACT OF A LETTKR FROM COLONEL JOSEPH REFD TO
MRS. REF.D, DATED, NEW-YORK, SEPTEMBER 2, 1776.
I have only time to say I am alive and well ; as to spi-
rits, but middling. The justice of our cause, the hope of
success, and every other circumstance that can enliven us,
must be put into the scale against those of a contrary kind,
which I allow to be serious. I hope you will endeavour
cheerfully to submit to the dispensations of Providence,
whatever they may be. My honour, duty, and every other
tie held sacred among men, call upon me to proceed with
firmness and resolution; and I trust that neither you nor my
children will have reason to be ashamed of my conduct.
Walking in this path, I am sure I am right; and having done
this, the event must be left to the great Disposer of events.
My country will 1 trust yet be free, whatever may be our
fate who are cooped up, or are in danger of being so, on
this tongue of land, where we ought never to have been.
GENERAL HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE.
Head-Quarters, Long-Island, September 2, 1776.
Mr LORD: As there may probably be another campaign
before this rebellion is quelled, I would humbly propose an
augmentation of eight hundred men to Colonel Donop's
Chasseurs, to be sent from Germany in the Spring. A corps
of these troops, consisting of one thousand, would be of
infinite service in covering the march of the army, and would
prevent much loss and fatigue to the main body, particularly
in the present low state of our establishment; and if one
hundred dismounted Hussars were sent over from Hesse,
with proper accoutrements, to be added to this corps, horses
might be procured here, and they would prove very service-
able in all our movements.
I am, Sic., WM. HOWE.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN ENGLISH FIELD-OFFICER,
DATED, CAMP, IN LONG-ISLAND, SEPTEMBER 2, 1776.
I have just heard there has been a most dreadful fray in
the town of New-York. The New-Englanders insisted
upon setting the town on fire and retreating. This was
opposed by the New-Yorkers, who were joined by the
Pennsylvanians, and a battle has been the consequence, in
which many have lost their lives. By the steps the Gen-
eral is taking, I imagine he will effectually cut off their retreat
at King's Bridge, by which the Island of New-York is
joined to the Continent.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN ENGLISH OFFICER OF THE
GUARDS, DATED LONG-ISLAND, SEPTEMBER 2, 1776.
It is very certain that the Rebels do not agree among
themselves : That three nights ago there was a good deal of
firing in the town of New- York : that the New-Englanders
and Pennsyhanians wanted to set fire to the town : that
the New- Yorkers opposed it, and that a battle ensued, in
consequence of which the New-England and Pennsylvania
people had withdrawn themselves ; and that this, with other
favourable circumstances, gave hopes that this distressful
business would be soon brought to a happy issue.
PETITION OF CAPTAIN TOWNSEND's COMPANY TO THE CON-
VENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
The Petition of the Lieutenant, Non-Commissioned Officers,
and Privates, belonging to Captain Micah Townsend's
Company, raised to be under the direction of the Com-
mittee of fVestchester County, humbly shovveth :
That the honourable the Provincial Congress of this
Colony, when they gave instructions for raising Captain
Townsend's company, allowed the Lieutenant twelve shil-
lings per week, and the Non-Commissioned Officers and
Privates eight shillings each per week, in lieu of rations and
subsistence.
That at and near the White-Plains (which is the head-
quarters of the company) the allowance for their subsistence
does not amount to near enough to support them, they being
unable to get victuals for less than one shilling per meal, or
to hire their board at any tolerable rate but by the week.
That your petitioners entered the company and did duty
in the most busy season of the year, before and during harvest
time, and have had a harder share of duty than the troops
who were allowed by your honourable House twenty dollars
bounty and who have generally received near forty dollars.
Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your hon-
ourable House will be pleased to increase the pay for their
subsistence so far as to enable them, when they live with
frugality, to support themselves by it in the part of the
County where they may reside or be ordered. And your
petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c.
ZEPHANIAH MILLER, Lieutenant,
JACOB TRAVIS, Sergeant,
WILLIAM MAHTINE, Sergeant,
JOSHUA MEADS, Sergeant,
REUBEN BLOOMER, Corporal,
THOMAS BROOKS, Corporal,
JAMES STROBOG, Corporal,
ANTHONY MILLER, Fifer,
JAMES CARPENTER, NATHAN HOLMES,
JONATHAN FERRIS, ABSALOM HUTCHINS,
WILLIAM WILLIAMSON, THOMAS RAMOND,
ROBERT BLOOMER, JR., DANIEL DEAN,
ELVEN HYOTT, JOHN BROADSTREET,
SAMUEL HOWELL, JEREMIAH ROYELL,
WILLIAM SNIFFEN, SAMUEL MILLER,
URIAH TRAVIS, JR., JOHN MILLS,
MOSES HIGENS, SAMUEL LYON, JR.,
JONATHAN FINCH, JEDEDIAH OWEN,
JOHN BEAKS, STF.PHEN MUNDAY,
JOHN TRAVIS, BENJAMIN FRETENBOROUGH,
WILLIAM SEAMAN, FREDERICK DATEN,
JAMES MILLER, JR., ROBERT MERRITT,
ELIJAH MILLER, JR., WILLIAM FREDENBOROUGH.
ZACHEUS DIBLE,
In Committee of Safety for the County ofWestchester, )
at the White-Plains, September 2, 1776. )
Resolved, That this Committee recommend to the hon-
ourable the Convention of this State, the reasonableness of
increasing the subsistence money for Captain Townsend's
company, as they are of opinion that eight shillings per week
per man is not a sufficient provision for them.
By order of the Commitee:
JOHN THOMAS, JR., Chairman.
HALIFAX, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW-YORK, TOWN MEETING.
At a town meeting, regularly warned, held at Halifax,
the 2d day of September, Anno Domini 1776, Lieutenant
John Thomas chosen Moderator.
Put to vote whether they would choose a Delegate to,
meet the Green Mountain Boys. Voted in the negative.
A true copy. Test: PELATIAH FITCH, Town Clerk.
At a town meeting, regularly warned, held at Halifax
the 18th day of October, Anno Domini 1776, Mr. James
Gray was chosen Moderator.
Then it was put to vote, who present are for setting up a
new State in this difficult and distressing time, and who for
continuing through the present troubles, still to the State of
New-York. Voted to continue still to the State of New-
York, as above — nemine contradicente.
A true copy. Test : PELATIAH FITCH, Town Clerk.
ROCKINGHAM, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, TOWN MEETING.
At a legal and full meeting of the inhabitants of the town
of Rockingham, met and assembled at our meeting-house,
on the 26th day of August, 1776, and passed the following
votes, viz:
First, Voted and chose Major Oliver Lovett Moderator,
to govern said meeting.
%dly, Voted, When Dr. Reuben Jones had exhibited the
papers in his hand which contained the substance of a peti-
tion sent to the honourable Continental Congress, by a number
of Delegates of a General Convention, assembled at Dor-
sett, on the 16th and 17th days of January, 1776 ;
Also, the extracts of the votes and proceedings of a Gene-
ral Convention, held at Dorsett, on the 24th day of July,
1776, together with an association published by said Con-
vention : The same was taken into consideration, and after
deliberation,
125
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
126
Sdly, Voted, To associate with the inhabitants of that
District nf land, commonly called and known by the name
of the New-Hampshire Grants. Dissentients only two.
4thly, Voted, To send two Delegates to the Convention
at Dorsetl.
bthly, Voted, And chose Dr. Reuben Jones, and Lieu-
tenant Moses Wright, members to join the Convention at
Dorsett, on the 25th day of September next.
6thly, Voted, And chose a committee to make a draught
for instructions for the Delegates, and to make report to the
town of their instruction.
Ithly, Voted, And chose Major Oliver Lovell, Lieutenant
Peter Evans, Jun., and Mr. Colborn Preston, to be the
committee.
8thly, Voted, And accepted the report of the above com-
mittee, which is as follows : The Delegates are to use their
best influence in said Convention, that proper measures be
taken to get that district of land commonly called and
known by the name of the New-Hampshire Grants, formed
and incorporated into a separate district or State, and to act
on any other thing that shall be thought proper by said Con-
vention met.
A true copy. WILLIAM SIMONDS, Town Clerk.
COUNTY COMMITTEE.
Persons consulted with for a new State.
r,, C Jabez Servant and
Chester> • i John Chandler, Esq.
Rockingham, - - - - William Simons.
Windsor, ------ Eben. Horsington.
,-, „ C Lieut. Spaldwin,
Fullom> - - ~ - Jo. Hildreth.
up to purchase boards by the Assistant Quartermaster
General, had procured a quantity from a master of a sloop,
and had engaged that he should have the advantage of car-
rying them down in his own vessel, and represented further,
that a very considerable time would elapse before they could
reach New-York in that way, as there are several sloop
loads, and requesting my advice on the occasion. Conceiv-
ing that you are in immediate want of the boards, I advised
that they should be sent down in any vessels they could
procure to carry them. I mention this, lest it should be
thought that I had interfered in the Quartermaster Gene-
ral's Department.
I am sorry that Dr. Morgan has put me under the neces-
sity of writing him the enclosed; but as I am resolved not
to be insulted by any person worthy of my notice, I could
not pass over the false and scandalous assertion in silence.
I have met with the most unjust, cruel, and ungenerous
treatment.
I have it amply in my power to justify every part of my
conduct, and I hope the inquiry which I have entreated
Congress to be made into it, will evince to the world how
hardly I have been dealt by.
Someof the Captains in Colonel Nicholson's regiment have
enlisted so very few men, that I durst not venture to sign war-
rants for their pay. The excuse they make is, that with
the bounty allowed by Congress they could not engage any
men, as it was so greatly inferior to what was given to the
Militia.
I am, with sentiments of the greatest regard and esteem,
your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER
To His Excellency General Washington, &c., &c.
Kent,
Westminster, - - - - -
Chester, ------
N. Marlboro', - - - -
Gilford,
Rockingham, - - - -
Putney, ------
Abijah, ------
Deacon Akin.
C Nathaniel Robinson,
£ Joshua Webb.
Colonel Chandler.
Benj. Whitmore.
Benj. Carpenter.
Dr. Jones.
Locklen.
Lovejoy.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read Sept. 16, 1776. Referred to the Committee for Indian Affairs.]
Albany, September 2, 1776.
SIR: The bearers, two gentlemen from Dartmouth Col-
lege, were referred to me by General Gates; they put into
my hands copy of a memorial to Congress from the Rev.
Dr. Wheelock, which has not yet been delivered, and re-
quested of me to know if I could take any steps with respect
to the Indian boys mentioned in it; if not, they begged my
opinion on the subject. I did not hesitate to declare that I
thought provision ought to be made for them, but that I
did not conceive myself authorized to do it.
I have observed that all the youths of the Six Nations
who have been at Mr. Wheelock's school, except one or two
under the immediate influence of the Johnson family, are
much attached to us in this contest, and I believe that an
attention to those now there will be followed by like salu-
tary consequences. In this sentiment it is my duty to re-
commend to Congress some allowance for those boys.
I have the honour to be, with great respect and esteem,
sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 2, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have received a requisition from General
Gates for two pounds binding and two pounds large wire,
six pounds of emery, and six screw plates, none of which
can be procured here or anywhere in this part of the
country. Your Excellency will please to order these arti-
cles to be sent by the first conveyance.
Yesterday a gentleman from the Committee of this City,
waited on me, and advised me that a person who was sent
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVEHNOUR TKUMBULL.
Monday, September 2, 1776.
SIR: On Saturday I had the honour to receive your
favour of the 22d ultimo, by Mr. Williams; and yesterday,
by Mr. Brown, that of the '28th — both of which claim my
best thanks. I shall immediately order copies of the trans-
actions of the last treaty to be made out, and if Mr. Williams
does not return to-day, I shall beg the favour of him to take
charge of them. Mr. Williams will carry with him the
money 'Still due to the troops raised in your State, as also
the amount of the several accounts enclosed in your letter.
The invoices of clothing mentioned in your favour of the
28th, I did not receive: I suppose they were forgot to be
enclosed. I shall immediately advise Congress that you
have sent the clothing and tents, &c. Some of the swivels
at Salisbury are finished, and batteaus go down to-day to
bring them from Red-Hook, where they are to be to-mor-
row. I am happy that your Honour has suggested your
fears and sentiments on that ill-timed measure of inoculation,
by the troops destined for our army. On the 20th ultimo I
despatched the orders to General Waterbury, pointing out
what measures he was to take to prevent the infection reach-
ing the army. I have long since written to Congress, beg-
ging them to point out the line of duty to be observed by
the regimental Paymasters, but have not yet been honoured
with an answer. As soon as I am, shall give those their
instructions whom you have been pleased to appoint.
If many gentlemen in high offices, who have it not only in
their power to be well informed of every part of my con-
duct, but who are so, and on whom I think it was incum-
bent to have justified me, were influenced by that candour and
ingenuousness, which, whilst it distinguishes you for the good-
ness of your heart, reflects lustre on your every action, they
would not have given ear to the variety of calumny to which
I have been exposed, much less would they have counte-
nanced it; in which case I should have looked down with
silent contempt on my envious accusers, and bore with
patience the unjust animadversions on my conduct, well
knowing that the character of every man sustaining a publick
office is exposed to them. Last evening we received an
account that the enemy had made an attack on our lines
on Long-Island, and were repulsed with loss. We wait
anxiously for a confirmation of this favourable account. As
our cause is just, as we have made use of and are still exert-
ing that power which it has pleased God to afford us, we
may have a humble hope that Providence will smile on our
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
127
endeavours. If il does, may Heaven inspire us with grateful
hearts lor its mercies, and may no unbecoming, unjust and
ungenerous jealousies ever divide the United States, lou,
sir, and every one that profits by your example, will heartily
join in ihe wish.
1 am, sir, with every friendly wish and every respectful
sentiment, your most obedient humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq.
GENERAL GATES TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Ticonderoga, September 2, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have a thousand obligations to you for your
attention and care of the army in this department. The Con-
gress have in some instances forgot us; but they are excusa-
ble in the vast demand that has been made upon them nearer
home. Medicines, which with clothing you are forwarding
to us, are articles in the utmost request. How much we are
obliged to you for your regard to us, I think my masters
will tell you also, they acknowledge that. You make me
happy in acquainting me that camp equipage is coming for
your regiments. All things conspire to make me believe
that America will be free. If it is not, you will have the
honour to reflect it is not your fault. The sickness of
the carpenters at Skenesborough has delayed our row-
galleys, and the misfortune General Waterbury met with in
wounding his leg, contributed not a little (hereto. All will
be well at last. That is all you and I care for, as our boys
will reap the fruits of our labour, and we shall die happy in
the consolation of having done our utmost for them and for
human kind.
I am your much obliged and most obedient humble ser-
vant) HORATIO GATES.
To Governour Trumbull.
128
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WATERBURT.
Ticonderoga, September 2, 1776.
SIR: This minute the Conductor of Stores waited upon
me, to inform me that the rigging, cables, blocks, and every-
thing necessary for the equipment of the row-galleys had
arrived last night. I should therefore be glad to have your
opinion whether you think (as Skenesborough proves so very
sickly) they had not better come down here as they are
launched, in order to be rigged ; but if, on the contrary, you
think you can do it more conveniently and expeditiously
with you, you must send the Captains of each boat down
for what may be necessary in order to fit them out. Cap-
tain Titcomb, when he was last here, recommended himself
for the galley he is now building. I acquainted General
Arnold therewith, who approves of his being appointed if his
health will permit and he is willing to undertake it. I
would have him come down with his galley as soon as she
is launched and fit to be sent forward.
As it is not my intention to leave more than five hundred
men, artificers included, at Skenesborough, after the galleys
are finished, I desire you will keep sending forward such as
you think useless at that post.
VPynkoop's regiment are all to remain at Skenesborough.
If there are any detachments from any other of the New-
York regiments, you will order them forthwith to march to
Albany to join General Schuyler. HORATIO GATES.
To General Waterbury.
JOHN TRUMBULL TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, September 2, 1776,
GENTLEMEN: I have it in command from the Honourable
Major General Gates to transmit you the enclosed returns of
the Northern Army. They are nearly correct, except that
from Skenesborough, which is too imperfect in the original
to be inspected by you. 1 have, in the general return,
collected nearly the true state of the troops at that post.
The returns of the names, rank, Sic., of the officers of the
corps at this post are likewise enclosed. Irvine's, Dayton's,
and the York regiments being at a distance, prevents my
sending them.
The artificers at this post, the people on board the fleet,
and the two additional companies of Artillery, are returned
on command by their respective regiments.
I am, gentlemen, with the highest respect, your most
obedient humble servant, J- TRUMBULL,
D. A. G. Northern Army.
To the Honourable Board of Ordnance and War.
P. S. Since the returns were made up, one regiment from
Boston (Whitcomb's) and pan of a regiment of Militia have
arrived.
JOHN TRUMBULL, D. A. G., TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULF,.
Ty., September 2, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Last night Brown arrived with yours
to the General and me. We are pleased that the tents and
clothing are coming.
One Colonel Brown arrived from York to-day with
letters from our friends there, giving the same accounts.
The General has just now dispatched an express to Con-
gress. The necessary work, &tc., in my department has em-
ployed my time so fully that 1 can only write a line. The
Genera) has.
I find there is so much ceremony in the Congress, that I
am not to be appointed in this place without a particular
recommendation. As my name has been mentioned by
General Gates, I have informed my brother at York that I
shall ask no further recommendation. I am very willing to
retire the moment that my country is desirous of it, or that
Congress think that they can better the army by appointing
an officer in my place.
You will not be surprised, sir, if you should hear me dis-
placed. An inferior post 1 shall by no means accept, but
either enter in the fleet as a privateer or return home.
I am, honoured sir, your dutiful
JOHN TRUMBULL, D. A. G.
To the Hon. Jon'th. Trumbull, Esq., Governour of the
Colony of Connecticut.
GENERAL ST. CLAIR TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Camp at Ticonderoga, September 2, 1776.
SIR : I received your favour of the 1-Oth of August, en-
closing my commission as Brigadier-General, and return you
thanks for the trouble you took to transmit it.
I am extremely sensible of the honour conferred upon me
by the appointment, and it shall be my study to convince
Congress they have not misplaced their confidence.
My most respectful compliments wait upon Mrs. Han-
cock; and I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient
and most humble servant, AR. ST. CLAIR.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the most
honourable the Continental Congress, and Major-General
of the Forces in the service of the United Stales of
America.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown Point, Monday evening, September 2, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: I have just now got a good saddle of
venison, and send it you by the bearer. I hope it will
afford you an agreeable dinner to-morrow. I have taken
the advantage of the night to forward it to you.
The party you said you would send to cover the oar-cut-
ters are not yet arrived. The men who went there are only
to bring away some irons, &c., by direction of Major Hay.
By sending the party down the Lake with Major Grier,
in order to go on with our works, I have all my healthy
men on guard and fatigue. I wish the party were sent to
Raymond's Mill immediately. What is very strange, Gen-
eral Arnold was within ten miles of this, yesterday after-
noon. He then proceeded down the Lake. My men, with
Major Grier, will go further, in order, if possible, to bring
some more material account from the fleet. I am, sir, your
most obedient humble servant, THOS. HARTLEY.
GOVERNOUR THUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 2, 1776.
SIR: Since my last of the 31st ultimo, have resolved to
throw over upon Long-Island a thousand or fifteen hundred
129
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
130
troops, and the necessary orders are accordingly gone forth,
and expect the same will be immediately effected. Have
likewise wrote toGovernour Cooke to afford what assistance
in his power for the same purpose. Thought it expedient
to give your Excellency the earliest intimation of this move-
ment, that you might be able to direct in what manner they
may best cooperate with the other troops in serving the
general cause, and frustrating the intentions of our enemies
upon that Island.
As we have various accounts, but no certain intelligence,
respecting the situation of our armies, we are anxious to
learn the particulars.
We remain, sir, with the highest esteem and regard, your
most obedient humble servant, JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To his Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and
Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United States
of America, New- York.
Order
said Colonel ElderJcin. in balance of the above sum.
delivered Colonel Elderkin, September 2, 1776.
Colonel Jedediah Elderkin exhibited an account of his
son, Mr. Bela Elderkin, of £6 12s. 8cl., for service done
in setting the furnace at Salisbury to work ; which is allowed,
and voted to draw on the Pay-Table for the above sum of
£6 12s. 8d., in favour of Be!a Elderkin, in full of said
account. Order delivered Colonel Elderkin, September 2,
1776.
Copy of the above votes given Colonel Elderkin. Sep-
tember 4, 1776.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Lebanon, September 2, 1776.
SIR: Beg leave to recommend to your notice and atten-
tion the purport of the within application, and would wish
and desire that the exchange might be effected ; and doubt
not, if can be consistently done, you'll give the bearer,
Mr. Samuel Redjield, all the assistance and direction that
may be needful for said purpose.
I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your obedient
humble servant, JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. President of the State of Massachusetts Bay.
Killingsworth, September 1, 1776.
These wait on your Honours, by Mr. Samuel Redjield, to
inform that Messrs. Daniel Redjield and Philip Stevens,
joint-owners of a small coasting vessel, on their return from
New- York, (where they had been in order for the trans-
portation of some of our troops,) early on Monday morning
last fell in with, and were taken by, the men of war in the
Sound of Branford, who took them on board, and burnt
their vessel. After detaining Mr. Redjield until Wednes-
day evening, five o'clock, he was suffered to come on shore,
and is arrived home, and says that Mr. Stevens is still de-
tained on board, and that he had the promise he should be
exchanged for either of the men mentioned in the enclosed
paper.
Mr. Redjield now waits on you for your direction and
influence to procure one of the within-named persons for
that purpose.
We need not add on this head, to induce your Honour to
effect so benevolent a purpose, but only to say he is de-
scended from one of the first families in this town — that he
is a son of one of the deacons of this church, and has an
aged father and several small children, whose support de-
pends on his industry.
We are, may it please your Honour, with great esteem,
your most obedient and most humble servants,
ELNATHAN STEVENS, Justice of the Peace.
AARON ELIOT, Justice of the Peace.
THEOPS. MORGAN.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September 2, 1776:
Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, Jedh. Elderkin, William Hillhouse, Na-
thaniel Wales, Jun., Benj. Huntington, Esquires.
On intelligence received by Colonel Marsh, from Neie-
York, that our troops have withdrawn from the Islands near
New-York, and are about to make a stand at some more
convenient place, his Honour the Governour sent orders to
Colonel Erastus Wolcott, at New-London, not to embark
for Long-Island until further orders.
Colonel Jedediah Elderkin exhibited his account of sev-
eral journeys to New-London and Salisbury, on service of
this State, on which a balance appears to be due to him of
£12 19s. 5d.; which is allowed, and voted to draw on the
Pay-Table for the said sum of £12 19s. 5d., in favour of
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 9
PETITION OF JOSEPH HUTCHINSON AND OTHERS.
To the Honourable the Governour and Council of the State
of CONNECTICUT:
The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the County
of Windham, to your Honours, beg leave humbly to show
and represent, that in your petitioners' opinion the office of
High-Sheriff of a County is at all times an office of im-
portance to the State and to individuals in the respective
Counties, and ought at all times to be lodged in the hands of
men of responsibility, and such as are known and approved
friends to the State, whereby conspiracies against the State
will be suppressed, the publick tranquillity preserved, and
justice duly administered in the execution of wholesome,
approved lasvs of the land, and fraud prevented. Being pos-
sessed of such principles, we cannot consistent with our duty
sit still at this alarming crisis, when every right, liberty, privi-
lege, and immunity of the people of this and the rest of the
United States of America are invaded, without remonstrating
to your Honours against your Honours' any longer continu-
ing in office the present High-Sheriff of the said County of
Windham. We would, therefore, inform and make known
to your Honours that Eleazcr Fitch, Jun., Esq., of Windham,
the present High-Sheriff of the County of Windham, is
really unfriendly and inimical to the liberties and privileges'
belonging to, and claimed by, the American United States,
and the measures they are pursuing in order to secure them-
selves in their just rights and privileges, and that he is really
friendly to our enemies, in that the said Filch hath and doth
frequently associate with the Continental prisoners now in
Windham County Jail, to their great encouragement, and
also with other persons inimical to this and the United States,
and with such persons only, and also treats with derision,
and endeavours to discourage every preparation of the o-ood
people of this State for their own preservation, and by the
whole of his conduct hath shown himself averse to the suc-
cess of the American arms. We therefore beg leave to say
to your Honours, that we look upon the said °Fitch totally
unfit any longer to sustain the office of High-Sheriff of
said Windham County. We beg leave, further, to observe to
your Honours, that for some years last past the said Sheriff
Fitch has greatly neglected the duties of his said office,
whereby many creditors have been, and now are, delayed in
recovering their just dues. Executions against him, the said
Fitch, issued on judgments obtained for his, or his Deputies',
default in said office, have been frequently returned (non
est inventus) by proper returning officers — his body being
exempted from imprisonment in said County on account ol
his being Sheriff of said County. Whereupon your peti-
tioners most humbly pray your Honours to take the matters
aforesaid into your wise consideration, and remove the said
Fitch from said office of Sheriff of said County, and appoint
some suitable person of responsibility who is a known friend
to this and the other American States, and a friend to the
publick peace of this County, whereby the great and impor-
tant purposes of said office may be accomplished, and the
minds of the people of this County and State be quieted.
And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
Dated at Windham, in Windham County, September 3,
A. D. 1776.
The evidences to support the first part of the foregoing
complaint, are: Nathan Hebard and Mary, his wife ; Asahel
Sawijer, John Dingleu, Richard Howard, Lydia Phillips,
Resolved Wheeler, all of Windham aforesaid ; and Jerusha
Frink.
With respect to the last part, Mr. Elkanah Tisdale, of
Lebanon, in said County ; Captain Jabez Huntington, of
said Windham; the records of the Supreme and County
Courts for Windham County; Sam1 1 Gray, Nath'l Wales,.
131
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
132
Jun., and Hezekiah Bissell, all of Windham; and Nathan
Frink, Esq., of Pomfret, in said County.
Joseph Hulrhinami, Wm Hovey, Benjamin Flicher,
Sam'l Humington, Amos Hovey, David Curtu,
Josiuh Southworlh, Samuel Siorrs, Thomas Builer,
Jacob Bihertu , Prince Afipanwell, Sie|)hen Johnson,
Elenz'rHumington, Solnmnn Albe, Nathan Abbe,
Jeded. Huntington, Elijah Albe, Zrbadiah Builer,
Andrew Hartshorn, Daniel Siorrs, Jno. Bicknell, Jun.,
Daniel Linkon, Jonas I Irblmrd, Amns Babcock,
Naihan Johnson, Amos Arnold, Oliver Clark,
Samuel Linken, Nath'l Phelps, Israel Clark,
Ephraim Parker, Jonathan Crosby, Ebenezer Gary,
John King;, Paul Phelpe, Juduh Storra,
Seth Allen, Timothy Harding, Ehenezer Slorrs,
Barzillai Swift, James Leovens, Henry Storrs,
Jahez Burrows, S«m'l Claik, Josiah Slons,
Edmond Hovey, Jed. Oana, John Hunt,
Exp'r Storrs, Jonathan Nichols, Josiah Stoel,
John Gilbert, Prince Freeman, Maltier Bingham,
Ab'm Storra, Samuel Wood, Joshua Abbe, Jun.,
Dan'l Baldwin, Noah Upham, Aaron Geer,
Justus Storrs, Samuel Upham, Samuel Linken,
Daniel Allen, Dufty Jacobs, Naihan Linken,
Shubad Conant, Thomas Swift, William Cross,
John Martin, John Flitcher, David Johnson.
Cons't Southworth, John Swift,
Jacob Sargant, Josiah Storrs, Jun.,
PETITION OF WILLIAM DURKEE AND OTHERS.
To the Honourable the Governour and Council of the State
of CONNECTICUT:
The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of the County
of Windham, to your Honours, beg leave humbly to show
and represent, that in your petitioners' opinion the office of
High-Sheriff of a County is at all times an office of import-
ance to the State and to individuals in the respective Coun-
ties, and ought at all times to be lodged in the hands of men
of responsibility and such as are known and approved friends
to the State, whereby conspiracies against the State will be
suppressed, the publick tranquillity preserved, and justice
duly administered in the execution of the wholesome, ap-
proved laws of the land, and frauds prevented. Being pos-
sessed of such principles, we cannot, consistent with our duty,
sit still at this alarming crisis, when every right, liberty, privi-
lege, and immunity of the people of this and the rest of the
United States vf America are invaded, without remonstrating
to your Honours against your Honours' any longer continu-
ing in office the present High-Sheriff of the said County of
Windham. We would, therefore, inform and make known
to your Honours, that Eleazer Fitch, Jun., Esq., of Wind-
ham, the present High-Sheriff of the County of Windham,
is really unfriendly and inimical to the liberties and privileges
belonging to, and claimed by, the American United States,
and the measures they are pursuing in order to secure them-
selves in their just rights and privileges, and that he is really
friendly to our enemies, in that the said Fitch hath and
doth frequently associate with the Continental prisoners now
in Windham County Jail, to their great encouragement, and
also with other persons inimical to this and the United States,
and with such persons only, and also treats with derision,
and endeavours to discourage, every preparation of the good
people of this State for their own preservation, and by the
whole of his conduct hath shown himself averse to the suc-
cess of the American arms. We therefore beg leave to say
to your Honours, that we look upon said Fitch totally unfit
any longer to sustain the office of High-Sheriff of said
Windham County. We beg leave, further, to observe to
your Honours, that for some years last past the said Sheriff
Fitch has greatly neglected the duties of his said office,
whereby many creditors have been, and now are, delayed
in recovering their just dues. Executions against him, said
Fitch, issued on judgments obtained for his, and his Depu-
ties', default in said office, have been frequently returned
(non est inventus) by proper returning officers — his body
being exempted from imprisonment in said County on ac-
count of his being Sheriff of said County. Whereupon your
petitioners most humbly pray your Honours to take the mat-
ters aforesaid into your wise consideration, and remove the
said Fitch from said office of Sheriff of said County, and
appoint some suitable person of responsibility who is a
known friend to this and the other American States, and a
friend to the publick peace of this County, whereby the
great and important purposes of said office may be accom-
plished, and the minds of the people of this County and State
quieted. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever
pray.
Dated at Windham, in Windham County. September 3,
A. D. 1776.
The evidences to support the first part of the foregoing
complaint are: Nathaniel Hebbard and Mary, his wife;
Asael Sawyer, John Dinghy, Richard Howard, Lydia
Phillips, Resolved Whteler, all of Windham aforesaid ; and
Jerusha Frink.
With respect to the last part, Mr. Elkanah Tisdale, of
Lebanon, in said County; Captain Jabez Huntington, of
said Windham; the records of the Supreme and County
Courts for Windham County ; Sam'l Gray, Nath'l Wales,
and Hezekiah Bissdl, all of Windham; and Nathan Frink,
Esq., of Pomfret, in said County.
William Durkee, Peter Robinson, Benj. Griffin,
Joseph Gerrings, Ephraim Smith, Joseph Ashley,
Nath'l Linkcn, John Webb, Jun., Philip Abbott,
Jonathan Breweter, Benjamin Smith, Eb'r Griffin, Jun.,
Jacob Simons, Hezekiah Manning, John Blanchard,
John Clark, Joshua Wieght, Nath'l Forde,
Sam'l Geers, Oliver Smith, Dan'l Denison,
James Sawyer, William Robinson, Abraham Ford,
Robert Cunningham, Sam'l Morgan, Reuben Maynard,
Abraham Bliss, Jonah Palmer, Thomas Hodgkins,
Silas Dana, Jonathan Robinson, Henry Durkee,
Wm. Warner, Reuben Robinson, Henry Durkee, Jun.,
Zaceheas Waldo, Expe'r Rohinson, Wm. Abbott,
Sam'l Baker, Pelatiah Kimball, John Fuller,
Sam'l Baker, Jun., John Howard, Naih'l Hovey,
Benjamin Baker, David Martin, Benj. Meather,
John Baker, James Howard, Dan'l Clark,
John Baker, Jun., William Howard, SethMilher,
Isaac Bingham, Isaac Bennet, John Parish, Jun.,
Nath'l Bingham, Joseph Dougset, Sam'l Kasson,
Jonah Smith, Elijah Greenslitt, Jacob Perkins,
Nath'l Caiy, Wm. Martin, Jun., Wm. Preston,
John Walden, Zebadiah Hall, Wm Preston, Jun.,
Jeremiah Bingham, Sam'l Dorrance, Jacob Parish,
Jer. Binghnm, Jun., Thomas Stedman, James Flint, 3d.,
William Perkins, Henry Abbott, Jereminh Welsh,
Elisha Lillie, Sam'l Moulton, John Welsh,
Abner Flint, Benj. Abbott, Jun., Thomas Snow,
John Kingsley, Nath'l Hovey, John Brewster,
Penvel Cheney, Josiah Collins, John Spafford.
Ebenezer Devotion, Ebenezer Grifan,
Richard Kimball, John Hovey,
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Providence, September 2, 1776.
SIR : I am ordered by the Marine Committee to get the
valuation of the stores that I brought from New-Providence,
and as part of them was sent to New-York by your order,
should be glad you would order Mr. Knox or some other of
your officers to put a value on them, and order them to
transmit such valuation to me as soon as convenient.
Sir, sliould be extremely obliged to you, if you have
settled a cartel with Admiral or General Howe, if you
would endeavour to get one Mr. Henry Hawkins, who was
taken out of the sloop L'Aimable Marie, Peter Donvilk
master, the 20th May last, off Shrewsbury Inlet, near Sandy-
Hook, and I believe is now on board the Phtenix, and I
hear acts as a common hand. He is a young man and a near
kinsman of mine, and his father and mother are very anxious
to get him exchanged. I can send a prisoner of almost any
rank that may be required for him.
Your assistance in this matter will very much oblige, sir,
your most humble servant, E. HOPKINS.
To his Excellency George Washington, Esq., Command-
er-in-Chief of the American Army, at New-York.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN JOSIAH.
Providence, September 2, 1776.
SIR : I received your letter yesterday ; have inquired,
and find Mr. Charles Elder is now at North-Hampton —
make no doubt but shall be able to procure him as soon as
Captain Symonds has leave to exchange you. Please to
let me know by a line, and I will send immediately for him,
and send him to Block-Island, if Captain Symonds gives
his word a boat may come safe. There is a number of
officers prisoners now in this Government. If there are any
more men on board than belonged to the Continental fleet,
should be glad to exchange them.
I have applied to Congress, and they have given General
Washington directions to get you exchanged, if in his power,
with Admiral Howe.
I am your friend, E. HOPKINS.
To Mr. James Josiah, on board the ship Cerberus, off Block-
Island.
133
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
134
ISAAC LATHHOP TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Plymouth, September 2, 1776.
SIR: I am interested in a furnace which is now preparing
for a blast and will be soon ready to go, and should be glad
to furnish the Colony with shot or anything else in that
way. You may remember I mentioned it to you some time
since. As I don't expect to be at Watertown soon, I should
be obliged to you to let me know by the way of Colonel War-
ren what quantity you may want, the sizes, &ic., and you may
depend on being as well served as at any works in the
Colony. As I have never had an opportunity of supplying
the Colony with any kind of warlike or other stores, and
have spent my time and almost everything else in the com-
mon cause, I think I have an undoubted right to be favoured
in this instance in preference to many others.
Your answer as above, by the first opportunity, will much
oblige your friend and humble servant,
ISAAC LATHROP.
To Richard Devens, Esq.
ELNATHAN BATES TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Wey mouth, September 2, 1776.
SIR: I received £47 by Mr. Cotton Tu/ts, the 23d of
August, and 1 would be glad if you would send the remain-
der of the account I sent relating to the nine-pounders ; the
further sum of £11 2rf. I wrote for under the account, I
expected to be part towards paying for the forty-two pound-
ers. The iron I have sent for, and expect the cannon will
be conveyed to HuU. The small-pox prevents my coming
to Boston myself, but Dr. Tuffts can give you an account
of the affair relating to the guns I have stocked, and those
stocks 1 have prepared for the forty-two-pounders.
I have not been to the Castle yet, but desired Colonel
Lovett to inquire of Colonel Burbeck with respect to what
guns had no stocks prepared.
I am your humble servant, ELNATHAN BATES.
To Commissary-General, Mr. Richard Devens, Boston.
P. S. SIR : Send what money you can by Cotton Tuffts,
Esq., and make me accountable for the same.
ELNATHAN BATES.
Received £15 by virtue of the above order, for which I
have given a receipt of September 10, 1776, for the same.
COTTON TUFFTS.
MASSACHDSETTS COUNCIL.
In Council, September 2, 1776.
Whereas, by a resolve passed by the General Court the
29th April last, the officers of vessels in the Colony sea
service were allowed to inlist men out of the companies
raised for the defence of the sea-coasts, and the officers of
the said companies were thereby directed to permit any of
their men to inlist into the Colony and Continental sea
service only, and to inlist others to supply vacancies occa-
sioned thereby as soon as may be :
And whereas such liberty or allowance, which was then
given to the officers of vessels in the Colonial and Conti-
nental service, has been found to be very detrimental, having
weakened and very much exposed to the enemy many of
our harbours and towns on the sea-coast ; and many of the
officers of the sea-coast companies, after much expense of
time and money to raise their companies, have had their
men taken from them, to their great loss and damage, and
thereby been discouraged from further recruiting ; and some
parts of the sea-coasts may, if this practice is allowed, be
left destitute of all defence, and thereby become a harbour
for our enemies, which would not only further distress our
trade, but involve us in many other difficulties:
Therefore, Resolved, That the aforesaid resolve of the
29th of April be, and is hereby discontinued, and made
null and void.
Sent down for concurrence.
JOHN AVERY, Dep. Secretary.
In the House of Representatives, September 2, 1776.
Read and concurred. J. WARREN, Speaker.
A true copy. Attest :
JOHN AVERY, Dep. Secretary.
COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF PITTSFIELD.
Mr. WATSON : The cause of justice obliges us the Com*
mittee of the Town of Pittsfield, in conjunction with said
Town, to desire you to give the following Declaration and
Resolves a place in your publick paper, in order that the
publick may not be misled by an enemy.
As every man's principles are best known by their con-
duct, so it appears that Captain Charles Goodrich, who
was advertised by the Committee of Safety in September 2,
1776, in order to exculpate himself from the charge of being
an enemy to his country, has endeavoured to turn the charge
of inimical conduct on the Committee, and has carried his
unlimited satire even against the Council of the State of the
Massachusetts Bay. He tells the publick in September 16,
1776, that the Council had judged him to be a Iriend to his
country, and condemned the Committee as being entirely
ignorant of the line of their duty, and guilty of great inde-
cency towards the constitutional authority of this State. If
there was any such resolve, it must be judging ex parte;
for the Committee were neither cited nor called upon by the
Council, nor anybody else, to answer for their conduct ; so
that it appears said Goodrich has represented the Council
to be the most partial, arbitrary body of men that ever
existed, not giving the Committee the privilege of a hearing
or any trial in the case. In this light said Goodrich has set
forth the constitutional authority of this State, as he calls it.
But that there is no such constitutional authority in this
State, is evident, for in September, 1776, the House of Rep-
resentatives have sent out their handbills to each Town in
this State, to see if they would give leave to the present
House to form the model of a new Constitution, and whether
they, the people, choose to have it sent abroad to the peo-
ple at large to be inspected before its ratification ; by all
which it appears said Goodrich has set the honourable Coun-
cil in the most odious and contemptible light possible. If
any should be so bold as to say we have a Constitution, we
ask what is it? We never had but one Constitution, which
was that of our charter, which we have some time ago re-
jected, and now we are to seek for another.
The Committee being thus injuriously treated, referred
the matter to the Town, to whom they are responsible, who
have taken the matter into hand, and passed the following
resolves :
First, The question being put whether the Town will
adopt the above Declaration ? Voted in the affirmative.
Second, The question being put whether the Town is
satisfied respecting the facts charged against Captain Charles
Goodrich in an advertisement bearing date September 2,
1776, and whether the Town will justify the Committee in
publishing said Goodrichl Voted in the affirmative.
Third, The question being put whether Captain Charles
Goodrich has acted as an enemy to the union of the people
and the cause of justice, in publishing the Committee in an
advertisement bearing date September 16, 1776? Voted
in the affirmative.
Fourth, The question being put whether the Town will
order the above Declaration and Resolves to be published in
the Connecticut Courant, for the restoration of the character
of their Committee ? Voted in the affirmative.
By order of the Town of Pittsffeld.
ELI ROOT, Moderator.
A true copy: ISRAEL DICKENSON, Town-Clerk.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN DENNISON, OF THE
EXPEDITION TRANSPORT, DATED HALIFAX, SEPT. 2, 1776.
Being commissioned by Lord Howe, after our arrival at
Sandy-Hook with the fleet under his command, to return to
Halifax with instructions for Governour Arbuthnot, and
with directions for all those vessels that should arrive
at Halifax to proceed immediately to the northward,
I sailed on the voyage without interruption until we arrived
in latitude 44°, when two American privateers bore down
upon us, leaving a large brig astern of them, which we
afterwards found was a prize they had taken the day before,
being a transport from Cork, called the James, Captain
O'Reilley, laden with provisions for the British troops.
As we mounted eight guns, I ordered the vessel to be laid
to, and everything prepared for the engagement, which
continued for about one glass, when the smallest privateer
135
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
136
struck to us, and the other sheered off with her prize.
The vessel we took carried eiijht guns, and was called the
Adventurer, Captain Bronson; the other was called the
Defiance, of eight guns, Captain Morris, of the same port.
We brought our prize safe into this port, where she has
been condemned and sold, the men sharing near twelve
pounds sterling each.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON, BY THE NKW-
YORK MAIL, DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1776,
As the General's letter will doubtless be made publick at
full length, I shall not trouble you with any account of the
action, but only with my opinion of things at present,
which indeed wear a very lavourable aspect. I must
inform you then, that half the number the Provincials
were would have put them to the rout. I was with the
Light Infantry, and therefore can give a tolerable account of
their behaviour. Many of them fired their pieces and run,
and numberless others, I believe, never saw which way
they did fire, for when they discharged, both eyes were
shut. Could we have trusted our spies' accounts, a terrible
slaughter might have been made ; but the General appears
throughout his whole conduct to have been very wary, and
perhaps to that wariness we owe our present conquest. By
the prisoners and some deserters, we learn that there are
near four thousand now sick in New-York, and the people
of that city heartily tired of the war- The inhabitants
of Long-Island and the Provinces of Jersey, are indeed a
good sort of people, and appear to be very industrious, and
I am apt to believe have no great stomach to the present
war. An attack is certainly intended against New-York,
and the .east end, the place thought the weakest and least
defensible. I suppose the General will not give them time
to breathe, but push his successes like a winning gamester.
I saw poor Captain Logan interred, who commanded in the
Marines : he was a brave man and a good officer — the
corps will miss him. The troops we left behind on Statf.n-
Isk have been reinforced, in case any attempt should be
made from the Jerseys. Provisions are plenty, except fresh
meat, which, however, we have now and then, as often as
it can possibly be procured for us. We are a noble fleet
and army, able to attack almost any thing, and have very
few sick.
JAMES LLOYD CHAMBERLAINE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF
SAFETY.
Talbot County, September 3, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Agreeable to your order I have this day
engaged Sergeant Bannen with a guard of eight men to
take charge of the publick magazine in this County, and
hope for your order on our Paymaster to furnish him with
one shilling per man for each day's sustenance, and with
such pay as is due to the Militia, when in actual service, at
the expiration of each month.
I am very respectfully, gentlemen, your obedient, humble
servant, JAMES LLOYD CHAMBERLAINE.
To the Hon. the President of the Council of Safety.
PRESIDENT OF CONORESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, September 3, 1776.
SIR: I do myself the honour to enclose you sundry re-
solves, by which you will perceive that Congress having
taken your letter of the 2d instant into consideration, came
to a resolution in a Committee of the whole House, that no
damage should be done to the City of New-York.
I have sent expresses to order the battalions up to
Head-Quarters agreeably to the resolves herewith trans-
mitted ; and likewise to the several States to the northward
of Virginia, to send all the aid in their power to the army.
I have the honour to be with perfect esteem and regard,
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To his Excellency General Washington.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL LEWIS.
Philadelphia, September 3, 1776.
SIR : The Congress having just received information
from General Washington of the very great and superior
strength of the enemy, and being convinced that they are
determined to bend all their force against New- York, in
order if possible to penetrate into that and the neighbouring
States, have judged it absolutely necessary to augment our
troops in that quarter. I have it in command, therefore,
to direct that immediately on receipt hereof, you order
three more Continental battalions to march from Virginia
to reinforce the army at New-York.
The critical state of our affairs will not admit the least
delay in executing this order. Suffer me, therefore, to press
you to the greatest expedition, with that earnestness so natu-
rally suggested by the importance of the cause, although I
doubt not your own ardour would be a sufficient stimulus,
when called on by the voice of Liberty and your Country.
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To General Lewis, Virginia, three battalions.
[General Moore, North- Carolina, two battalions; Com-
manding Officer of Continental Troops in Rhode-Island,
one battalion.]
In Congress, September 3, 1776.
Resolved, That three more Battalions be ordered from
Virginia to reinforce the Army at New-York.
That two of the North- Carolina Battalions be ordered to
march with all possible expedition under the command of
Brigadier General Moore, to reinforce the Army at New-
York.
That it be recommended to the Assemblies and Conven-
tions of the several States to the northward of Virginia,
immediately to send all the aid in their power to the Army
at New-York.
That one of the Continental battalions in Rhode-Island
be ordered immediately to march to reinforce the Army in
New- York.
That it be recommended to the Assembly of Massa-
chusetts to send to Rhode-Island a battalion of their Militia
to supply the place of the Continental Battalion ordered
from thence.
By order of Congress : JOHN HANCOCK, President.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE ASSEMBLY OF NEW-HAMP-
SHIRE.
Philadelphia, September 3, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Our enemies being determined to make a
powerful attack on New-York and the States adjoining
thereto, and having for this purpose collected their* whole
force from every part of the continent, it is incumbent on
the United States of America to take the most effectual
measures to defeat this deep laid scheme against their
country.
The Congress have just received information from Gen-
eral Washington of the very great and superiour strength of
the enemy, and if we consider the recent change in the
situation of our affairs at New- York, we shall soon be con-
vinced that nothing will prove an adequate remedy in our
present circumstances but the most vigorous exertions on our
part. I am, therefore, by order of Congress, to request you
will immediately send all the aid in your power to our
army at New- York.
The state of our affairs is so extremely critical that delay
may be attended with fatal consequences. Suffer me, there-
fore, to press you, in the name and by the authority of your
country, to an immediate compliance, and with all the
earnestness so naturally suggested by the importance of the
cause ; although I doubt not your own ardor would be a
sufficient stimulus when called on by the voice of Liberty,
yet my anxiety is so great I cannot refrain on the present
occasion from beseeching you to exert yourselves. Every-
thing is at stake. Our religion, our liberty, the peace and
happiness of posterity, are the grand objects in dispute, which,
that we may be able to preserve and transmit to future gen-
erations, is the constant and uninterrupted wish of,
Gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,
J. HANCOCK, President.
To Assembly of New- Hampshire.
[Same to Assembly of Massachusetts Hay, Assembly of Connecticut, As-
sembly of Rhode-Island, Convention of Pennsylvania, Convention of
Delaware Government, Convention of Maryland.]
187
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
138
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO WILLIAM WHIPPLE.
Philadelphia, September 3, 1776.
DEAR SIR : By that time this reaches you I expect you
will be near ready to set out on your return to this city.
Make all convenient haste. The Congress is, at this time,
very thin. Colonel Lee is arrived here, but several others
have taken leave of absence, among them Mr. Jefferson and
Mr. Haywood. The unhappy affair of the 27th, on Long-
Island^ has occasioned the evacuation of our works there and
on Govenwur's Island. Our people were ensnared, and,
what vexes me, in a very careless manner.
Yesterday General Sullivan arrived at my lodgings, being
on his parole. He says he has a verbal message to Con-
gress, to propose himself and Lord Sterling in exchange for
Generals Prescott and McDonald. He also says that Lord
Hoive expressed himself very desirous of an accommodation
with America, without any more bloodshed — that he was
very willing to meet, at almost any place, a number of the
members of Congress, (as private gentlemen, for he could
not own any such body as Congress,) to try if they could
make any proposals for an accommodation ; that he said
he had waited near two months longer in England than he
should have otherwise done, to procure proper powers for a
final accommodation, with which he said he was now vested,
&c., and he allowed General Sullivan to come here to pro-
pose the aforesaid conference to Congress. What will be
done in the affair by Congress I know not, but think there
are difficulties on both sides. If the Congress should accept
of the proposed conference, only on a verbal message, when
at the same time Lord Howe declares he can consider them
only as private gentlemen, especially when we are certain he
can have no power to grant any terms we can possibly
accept, this, I fear, will lessen the Congress in the eye of
the publick, and perhaps at this time intimidate people when
they see us catching hold of so slender a thread to bring
about a settlement. On the other hand, General Sullivan's
arrival from Lord Howe with proposals of an accommoda-
tion, with thirty falsehoods in addition, are now spread over
this city, and will soon be over the Continent; and if we
should refuse the conference, I fear the Tories, and moderate
men, so called, will try to represent the Congress as obsti-
nate, and so desirous of war and bloodshed that we would
not so much as hear the proposals Lord Howe had to make,
which they will represent (as they already do) to be highly
advantageous for America, — even that he would consent that
we should be independent provided we would grant some
advantages as to trade. Such an idea, spread among the
people, especially the soldiers, at this time, might be of the
most fatal consequence. Whatever is done by Congress in
the affair will, I hope, be ordered for the benefit of America.
William Barrell died on Sunday morning and was buried
last evening.
I am, sir, your friend and most obedient,
JOSIAH BARTLETT.
PETITION OF JEREMIAH HALSEY.
[Read September 5, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.]
To the Honourable the Continental Congress :
The Petition of Jeremiah Halsey humbly showeth: That
in the month of May, A. D. 1775, your petitioner was
by the honourable General Assembly of the Colony of
Connecticut legally appointed and commissioned a Lieuten-
ant in Captain Edward Mott's company, in Colonel Parsons'
regiment, and said company being ordered to join the army
in the Northern Department, your petitioner joined said army
and faithfully served through the tedious campaign at the
siege of St. John's as an assistant engineer, and faithfully
served through the whole siege until after the taking of that
important fortress, when soon after your petitioner was taken
sick of the camp disorder and a bad cough and a slow fever,
and thereby not able to perform his duty and business, and
the commander of St. John's being ordered by the General
(who was then at Montreal) to send all the sick from St.
John's to Ticonderoga, under the care of proper officers, and
in pursuance of said orders Captain CooJce, the commander
at St. Johns, ordered your petitioner to take a batteau and a
number of sick and prisoners, and transport them across
Lake Champlain to Ticonderoga, and there to make report
to his Honour Major-General Schuyler, which your peti-
tioner did, and delivered the prisoners to the proper guards,
according to General Schuylcr's orders — the time your
petitioner left St. John's being but two days before General
Montgomery discharged the whole of the Connecticut troops;
and when your petitioner arrived at Ticonderoga he was
then sent by General Schuyler express to his Honour Gov-
ernour Trumbull, on his return home ; before his arrival the
time for which your petitioner was engaged expired, and
after your petitioner came away some evil-minded person
falsely and wickedly informed General Montgomery, being
then at Montreal, that your petitioner had deserted said
service and returned without orders, and thereupon the Gen-
eral, very justly as matters were represented to him, desired
that the scandalous and atrocious crime might be punished
with severity for a publick example; and upon which infor-
mation being transmitted by General Schuyler this honour-
able Congress on the 9th day of January last resolved that
said conduct of your petitioner should be inquired into by a
Court-Martial, and thereupon ordered General Schuyler to
appoint a Court-Martial for that purpose, of which complaint
and resolution your petitioner to his surprise had been
informed by a letter wrote by General Schuyler, so that
your petitioner by the false representation made to General
Montgomery, is wholly deprived of seven months' wages as
a Lieutenant, and also of his wages as an assistant engineer
from the 22d September to the 14th November, being £11
4s. lawful money, and also injured in his publick character as
an officer, and thereby prevented of doing that publick service
for his country in this critical day, and in the defence of all
that is dear to mankind, which your petitioner being deter-
mined to defend his injured country until all tyranny shall be
subdued or perish in its ruins : He therefore humbly prays
your Honours that as said charge is founded wholly upon
mistake, as your petitioner is clearly able to evince by the
orders given him, which he religiously observed, as will
appear, and as General Schuyler hath not ordered a Court-
Martial your petitioner is very loth to have a publick censure
appear against him in the records of this honourable Con-
gress founded wholly upon mistake, and thereupon prays
that your Honours would appoint a committee to examine
and inspect his papers and orders, which may be done in a
few minutes and clearly show the mistake, and that the
aforesaid resolution of Congress of the 9th of January last
may be revoked or countermanded, as no Court-Martial has
been called ; and order the wages of your petitioner to be
paid, or in some other way grant proper relief to your
petitioner as your Honours in your great wisdom shall think
just. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
Dated at Philadelphia the 3d day of September, 1776.
JEREMIAH HALSEY.
COLONEL JOSEPH WOOD TO BRIGADIER GENERAL ARTHUR
ST. GLAIR.
Philadelphia, September 3, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I this moment received yours of the
3d instant, and return you many thanks for your kind con-
cern for my health, which I am sorry to say is not so well
as I could wish or expect, considering the length of time,
from so small a wound ; but one reason is, I can't get quit of
the fever. Two or three days I seem perfectly well — after
that comes on an inflammation in my leg, which spreads all
over it — then I am forced to keep my bed five or six days,
and bathe and poultice; and so I go on. God knows when I
shall have the pleasure of seeing you. I long to be with
you. I intend setting off next week, sick or well, making
all the haste my health will permit. I am more easy that
I have two such field officers as Craig and Butler; their
commissions I have got, and shall bring them with me. I
hope they will do all — hope did I say ? — I am certain they
will do everything possible for the good of the regiment. I
have not seen my little favourite, so have heard no melody;
nor have I seen your lovely partner — the two dear nymphs
are out of town. At Ticonderoga how agreeable would
they be. I am in doubt about our army at New-York.
A letter from an officer of rank, this day, says they are in
want of ten thousand men — if so, the Lord have mercy on
them. All the Militia going and returning with such speed
smells strong of cowardice, and dispirits the troops. I dined
yesterday with five or six of the Congress. They think a
few days will decide the matter one way or the other. It
may for us, but not for the enemy; they can retreat to their
139
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
140
lines. You must know before this we have given up New-
York, and must do what they wish for — fight them in the
open field. You know, sir, how we are provided for that.
Some of our men are brave — must be — to make a stand
against double their numbers, and six times better armed.
We can only hope that God will fight our battles as in old
times — but I'll say no more.
Mr. Willson, with his lady, went for Carlisle to-day. He
desired me to give his best compliments to you, and when
be returns will send you a letter a mile long to make up for
the short ones or the very few he has wrote you.
God bless you. All the family join in their good wishes
for your prosperity in every shape, but none more so than,
dear sir, your affectionate friend and very humble servant,
Jos. WOOD.
My compliments to Colonel Craig and Major Butler and
all friends.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL MERCER.
New-York, September 3, J776.
DEAR SIR: From the present complexion of our affairs,
it appears to me of the utmost importance, and that the
most salutary consequences may result from our having a
strong encampment at the post on the Jersey side of the
North River, opposite to Mount Washington, on this Island.
I therefore think it advisable and highly necessary that you
detach such a force from Amboy and its dependencies, under
the command of an officer of note, authority, and influence,
with a skilful engineer, to lay out such additional works as
may be judged essential and proper, and the situation of the
ground will admit of. They should be begun and carried
on with all possible diligence and despatch.
It will be proper that a considerable quantity of provision
should be collected for the maintenance and support of the
camp; and for this purpose I wish you to have proper
measures adopted to procure it, and have it deposited there,
and at places of security not far distant.
As the Continental officers now at this post will take
rank, and the command probably, of any you may send,
unless he should be a general officer, I think and wish, if
you have one that possibly can be spared, and in whose
judgment, activity, and fortitude you can rely, that he may
be appointed to the command, rather than an officer of infe-
riour rank.
I am, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General Mercer, New-Jersey.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL MOYLAN.
New- York, September 3, 1776.
SIR : Enclosed you will receive an extract of a letter of
the 29th ultimo, from General Schuyler to his Excellency,
which he directed me to transmit you, that you may be
informed of what the Committee at Albany say and have
done respecting the boards Mr. Hughes wrote to them for.
His Excellency desires that you will take measures, not only
for getting those they have sent to Peekskill down to King's
Bridge, or some place near it, but also that you will exert
yourself to have a pretty considerable quantity provided, as
many will be wanted, in all probability, to shelter the troops
that may be stationed there and at the posts about it.
1 am,£ic., R. H. HARRISON.
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, Quartermaster-General.
WILLIAM PALFREY TO GENERAL HEATH.
New- York, September 3, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: As the books, papers, &c., belonging
to my office are of importance to the publick, as well as to
myself, 1 have taken the freedom to send them to your quar-
ters, requesting the favour of you to give them house-room
for a little while. As I expect a large sum of money, by
the way of Dobbs's Ferry, soon, the General has directed me
to deposit it somewhere in your neighbourhood. If it is
agreeable to you, and you have room to spare, I should be
extremely happy that we may mess together.
I am most respectfully, sir, your obedient humble ser-
vant, WM. PALFREY.
To the Hon. Major-General Heath, near King's Bridge.
COLONEL MOYLAN TO GENERAL HEATH.
New York, September 3, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Major Bacon, the superintendent of the
smiths, will deliver you this. The General has ordered the
tools and necessaries belonging to his department to some
place of security from the enemy, and at some time, as con-
venient as the nature of our situation will admit of, to your
encampment. He is to consult with you, and take your
orders hereon. Give him every assistance you can. It will
oblige, dear General, your assured friend and very humble
servant, STEPHEN MOYLAN.
To Major-General Heath, King's Bridge.
REPORT OF COL. RUFUS PUTNAM TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Bloomingdale, September 3, 1776.
SIR: According to your Excellency's order, I have recon-
noitered every part about the Island of New-York and the
main, as far as Frog's Point, and, on a full view, find the
enemy have such a variety of places to choose out of, that
it's impossible to prevent their landing when they please.
They have such guides and intelligence of our movements
that they can always avoid or surprise any parties that are
posted to oppose their landing. Their army is so numerous
that they can attack any division of our army with a supe-
riour force ; and yet, while our army is extended from New-
York to King's Bridge, 'tis necessary to have a body of
reserve at this place. But I cannot think it would be
best, nor have we time, to make fortifications; since the
moment any quarter is attacked, the whole body of reserve,
I conclude, will be ordered to support it. I should advise
the throwing obstructions in the way of landing. That they
have one week's provisions always with them, and teams
ready to carry their baggage wherever the service requires.
I mentioned to your Excellency that I thought your army
should be collected together in some advantageous place,
where supplies might be had, and a camp fortified in such a
manner as the enemy dare not attack, or, if they did, must
be repulsed ; and I think so still, if it be possible to effect
it. And to defend the passage of the North River, which I
take to be the capital object, and at the same time keep
open a communication with the Eastern and Southern Colo-
nies, is to press the army from Bundet landing, on the Jersey
shore — Mount Washington and the Heights, south as far as
Colonel Thompson's house, on Harlem River — the Heights
we now possess at King's Bridge, and as far south as the
Three Trees. The batteries on the Jersey side to be filled
with guns ; the battery on the rocks below Mount Washing-
ton completed ; a new one built below the hill opposite the
sunken vessels. These, well filled with guns and ammuni-
tion, if the galleys also afforded their assistance, would ren-
der it very difficult for ships to pass. If they attempted to
force this post, I think they must be beaten. If they de-
tached into the country on either hand, it must scatter their
army in such a manner that your Excellency must drub
them. But if supplies cannot be had at this place, at the
Highlands they may, both by land and water. I think
there has been some proof the ships dare not attempt that
passage ; but they are not prepared to defend against a land-
ing. This is surely worth attention ; for if they possess
themselves of this passage, we shall be in a bad box. For
my sentiments about that place, I refer your Excellency to
Lord Stirling's report last May. I know that this doctrine
gives up York to destruction, and exposes many other towns
to be ravaged by them. But what are ten or twenty towns
to the grand object? If they once pass the Highlands, I
see no way to prevent the junction of their armies. Bur-
goyne need never come from Canada. If Howe gets to
Albany, our Northern Army must quit Ticondcroga, or fall a
sacrifice.
I am your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
RUFDS PUTNAM.
To his Excellency G. Washington, Esq., General, &.C., Sic.
GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
King's Bridge, September 3, 1776.
SIR : Agreeable to a resolve of the Committee of Safety
of this State, I now send you the examination taken against
John Wooly, together with the prisoner under care of Ser-
geant MUlt. The other person who was taken with Wooly
141
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
142
escaped our guards, as will appear by the enclosed letter
from Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkins, dated 31st August. The
enemy's shipping lay opposite Hunt's Point, and a consid-
erable number of their troops are encamped on the opposite
shore. We are very considerably reinforced at this post,
Horn's Hook, Sic., so that should they attempt paying us
a visit in this quarter, 1 have not the least doubt but we
shall be able to give a very good account of them. No
movements have been made, except that of the enemy's
possessing themselves of the different works evacuated by
our troops on Long-Island and Natton-Mand, and some of
their shipping moving up near the city, one of which was
yesterday washing up under cover of Nullon-Island into
the East River, as I am just now informed.
I am, with the utmost respect, your most obedient servant,
GEO. CLINTON.
To the. President of the Convention of State of New- York.
KING'S BRIDGE, ss:
The Examination of John Wooly, prisoner, confined on sus-
picion of going on board the enemy's shipping, and sup-
plying the enemy with provisions.
And upon examination of the said John Wooly, he being
asked how often he had been on board the said shipping,
answer was made by the examinant, only once; observing
that a boat, the property of this examinant's father, lay ex-
posed to being taken by the enemy, whereupon this examinant
with his brother Philip, went in order to remove said boat out
of the aforesaid danger, in accomplishing which they were met
by a barge from the shipping (fairly exposed to their view)
and taken, and thereupon carried on board the shipping, and
upon the enemy's receiving intelligence from persons, as he
thinks, who fled aboard upon principles of toryism. The
examinant being asked whether or no he was a brother to
Thomas Wooly, who this examinant says fled aboard and
absolutely refused to take up arms against the Ministerial
army, whereupon he answered, he was; whose conduct this
examinant says he conjectures was a means of his and his
brother's being treated with the lenity and usage they re-
ceived; at the same time asserts and says that offers being
made to him, this examinant, in case he would supply and
fetch them provisions he should be set at liberty, whereupon
this examinant answered he had none; nevertheless, together
with his brother, was dismissed. This examinant being
further asked in regard to the shipping, what number of
shipping — also, what number of men he took to be on board
the ship he was taken ; in answer to which says, he saw two
thirty-two gun ships and one twelve gun brig, and as for
the number of men on board the vessel he was on board of,
he says he imagines to be about two hundred and twenty
or about that number, which being all the information he
can give relative to the state of said shipping.
The above examination taken by us this 2d of Septem-
ber, 1776. THOMAS MOFFAT, Major.
ALBERT PAWLING, Major of Brigade.
Your petitioner therefore humbly submits his case to your
Honours, and begs for such relief as to your Honours shall
seem meet. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever
pray- JOSHUA FERRIS.
PETITION OF JOSHUA FERRIS.
To the Honourable the President and Members of the
State of NEW- YORK, in Congress met:
The Petition of JOSHUA FERRIS, a prisoner confined in the
Gaol of the WHITE-PLAINS, in WESTCHESTER County,
humbly showeth:
That your petitioner was inlisted in his Majesty's service
the fifteenth of April last, and received his bounty money in
the said service, not having the least suspicion of an altera-
tion of the form of Government, and as your petitioner, on
coming on shore, was apprehended and immediately loaded
with irons, in which state he hath continued almost ever
since, and as he humbly conceives himself to be under the
limitation of a prisoner of war, he begs of this honourable
House that his irons may be taken off, as he cannot possi-
bly shift himself, or get clear of the vermin with which he
is greatly infested, to the great disturbance of his unfortunate
fellow-prisoners ; and he further relies on your Honours' well-
known humanity to treat him as an unfortunate prisoner of
war, and allow him the same liberty as other prisoners be-
longing to his Majesty, as your petitioner declares that he
will not interfere in any matters concerning the present
unhappy troubles, but behave himself as becomes a faithful
prisoner of war.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 3, 1776—6 o'clock, A. M.
DEAR GENERAL: Yesterday's post did not bring me a
line from General Washington, and 1 deferred writing to
you in hopes of an express by this time.
By a letter which Mr. Trumbull, the Paymaster, has
received from his brother, and another from a Delegate in
the Provincial Congress, we have the disagreeable intelli-
gence that our troops have been obliged to retreat from
Long-Island, and that it is probable the whole army will
move, if it is not already, to this side of King's Bridge.
Another letter says the enemy buried fourteen hundred and
sixty-one, killed in the engHgements on Tuesday and Wed-
nesday, and we six hundred and ten of ours.
General Sullivan and Lord Stirling are prisoners. The
former was in New- York on his parole when the post came
away on Friday morning, who confirms the above account,
and adds that the enemy's ships were in motion when he
left the town. If so, I apprehend we shall sustain some
loss in our military stores, should not a previous movement
of part have taken place.
I cannot learn that we left any cannon on Long-Island,
although the enemy were already firing on our works on the
Governour's Island.
They have two frigates, an armed brig, and a tender, in
the Sound, about twenty miles from New-York.
The traitor Zedwitz, who held a correspondence with
Tryon, is only broke for his treason.
General Lee not yet arrived at New-York. The Pro-
vincial Congress moved up to Fishkill.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To General Gates, &c.
H. GLEN TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Schenectady, September 3, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I find by three companies of batteau-men I
have employed between this and Fort Stanwix in carrying
provisions, &.C., that I can spare the one company, that is,
Van Epp's in particular; they are but twenty-one men.
Should you think proper, I would discharge them, unless
the General thinks there will be occasion for them this
Fall. Should there be no more troops ordered for Fort
Stanwix this Fall, I can supply that garrison with the two
companies, Lansing's and Wolcott's, and will have a good
deal of cash by discharging Van Epp's company, as they
are very indifferent hands, and should there be any occasion
for any hands, I can get in one day as many hands as I
want, in town.
Yours, &tc. H. GLEN.
To Major General Ph. Schuykr, Albany.
GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES.
Skenesborough, September 3, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I received yours of yesterday, per Mr.
Avery, which advised me of the arrival of the rigging and
other necessaries for the galleys. 1 am fully of your Hon-
our's opinion, that it is best for the galleys immediately after
they are launched, to be sent and rigged at Ticonderoga,
and for the troops to come forward with them, as it is very
sickly at this post. I shall send the Philadelphia galley
to-morrow or next day to Ticonderoga.
I have received a considerable quantity of clothing which
was sent by his Honour Governour Trumbull, for the use of
the troops, and I should be glad to know whether I must
send them forward to Ticonderoga. If it is your Honour's
orders, I will send them forward forthwith. The Assistant
Deputy Quartermaster-General is taken sick at this place and
has petitioned for liberty to go home for a short space of
time till he can gain his health better, and I don't choose to
give him liberty till I can have your Honour's opinion in the
affair.
1 am your Honour's most obedient humble servant,
DAVID WATERBURY, JR.
143
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
144
I shall send forward Colonel Swift with part of his regi-
ment in the first galley, and as the galleys are finished I
shall continue sending the Connecticut troops forward, and
come myself in the third. I shall send the hoards they have
hutted themselves with here, that they may do the same
there, as they have no tents.
I would acquaint your Honour ofa complaint from Colonel
Phinney against Ensign William Garwood. The complaint
is as follows:
SIR: Please to order under an arrest Ensign William
Garwood, of Captain Casdorp's company of carpenters,
for insulting language, and damning and threatening of me
when endeavouring to suppress a riot, and desire that lie may
be brought to trial immediately.
EDMUND PHINNEY, Colonel.
To His Honour General Waterbury.
The above is a true copy of the complaint and desire, and
I put him under arrest according to his desire.
D. W., JR.
To Major-General Gates.
COLONEL BROWN'S COMPLAINT AGAINST GENERAL ARNOLD.
To the Hon. Horatio Gates, Esquire, Major-General in the
the Northern Department:
The complaint of John Brown, Lieutenant-Colonel in
the regiment whereof Samuel Elmer, Esquire, is Colonel,
humbly showeth:
That at the Camp before Quebeck, on the 22d of Feb-
ruary last, Brigadier-General Arnold, then Commander-in-
Chief of the Continental Army at that place, did then and
there in the presence and hearing of Colonel Jeremiah
Duggan and others, declare and affirm that your complain-
ant was guilty of the worst and blackest of crimes, viz :
of plundering the baggage of officers taken prisoners, (con-
trary to articles of capitulation,) and other publick stores.
Your complainant further showeth that the same General
Arnold, at the camp aforesaid, on the 1st of February last,
by his letter to Congress of that date, declared " that your
complainant had been publickly accused of plundering the
baggage of officers taken prisoners at SoreJ, contrary to
articles of capitulation, and to the great scandal of the Amer-
ican arms, and that it was his opinion that the promotion
of your complainant would give great disgust to the army
in general, till this matter should be cleared up."
Your complainant further showeth that the same Gen-
eral Arnold, at or near the Sorel, in Canada, on or about
the middle of May last, did, in the presence and hearing of
General Thomas and Major Sedgwck, (then Secretary to
General Thomas,) declare and affirm that your complainant
was guilty of plundering officers' baggage taken prisoners,
contrary to articles of capitulation, and that your complain-
ant was a dangerous man and ought not to be continued
in the army.
All which declarations and affirmations of General Ar-
nold,made as aforesaid, were false, scandalous, and malicious,
made and calculated with an avowed design to injure and
ruin the character of your complainant, who flatters himself
that his character as an officer and gentleman is equal to
any of his rank in the Continental Army, without exception.
And as the false and malicious charges made against your
complainant by General Arnold are of such a high nature,
and so essentially affect his character, fame, and reputation,
as well as the character of every officer in the Continental
Army, your complainant requests that General Arnold be
immediately arrested and brought to trial, that your com-
plainant may have justice done hirnin this particular.
Your Honour's most obedient and humble servant,
JNO. BROWN.
Tyconderoga, September 3, 1776.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September 3, 1776:
Present : His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, Jedediah Elderkin, William Hillhouse,
Nathaniel Wales, Jun., and Benjamin Huntington, Esqrs.
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £300, in favour
of Captain Uriah Ilayden, towards building the ship Oliver
Cromwell, and to be in account. (Order drawn September
3, 1176, delivered Captain Ilayden.)
Voted, That Jabez Huntington, Richard Law, Jedediah
Elderkin, William Hillhouse, Nathaniel Wales, Jun., and
Benjamin Huntington, Esquires, be appointed, desired, and
empowered to repair immediately to New-London, as a
committee to observe the circumstances of our troops there,
the state of the Sound, whether infested with the enemy or
not, and to consider and direct what measures are best to
be taken with regard to the inhabitants and stock on Long-
Island, how to preserve them from the hands of the enemy,
and to determine with regard to throwing troops upon
said Island.
They are also empowered to take care that suitable stores
of ammunition, provisions, and every necessary, be made
thereon, according to the determination they shall make and
the orders they shall give to Colonel Wolcott and others
concerned therein. They are also to take into consideration,
and give directions concerning the vessel belonging to the
Colony, wherein Captain Hardin lately sailed — to order, if
they see fit, that she be fitted for a guard vessel at the har-
bour of New-London, and on the Sound; and report what
they find, and the directions and orders they shall give, to
the Governour and Committee of Safety on Thursday
next.
JAMES M'COBB TO HENRY GARDNER.
Georgetown, Massachusetts, September 3, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : I send enclosed the subscription of a
few of the inhabitants of this poor town. I believe we are
all to a man hearty in the common cause, but our poverty
restrains us. The resolve of the honourable Court never
came to hand until the 1st of August, which was the rea-
son of our being so far behindhand. Our not having a post
established any farther than Falmouth, which is fifty miles
from here, is a very great damage to us. We ha'nt an
opportunity to know our duty. The money will be ready
as soon as the bills are sent down, and I suppose mostly in
dollars. The honourable Court will be pleased to order
how it will be transported.
I am, honoured sir, with the greatest respect, your most
obedient, humble servant,
JAMES McCoBB, Chairman.
To Henry Gardner, Esq., Province Treasurer, at his office,
in Watertown.
Georgetown, August 3, 1776.
Whereas, application has been made to the several Towns
in this Colony, to procure a sum of Hard Money to carry
on the Canada expedition with success, to be exchanged for
Continental Bills ; We, the subscribers, do hereby promise
that we will pay to the Committee of Georgetown aforesaid,
the sum set to our names, on the conditions above, in hard
money.
Witness our hands.
James McCobb, -
Hannah McCobb,
Jordan Parker, -
Thomas Capron, -
Saml. McCobb, -
Willm. Rogers,
John Parker,
Nathl. Wyman, -
David Mors,
William Walless, -
Sarah McKentier,
William Sprague,
George Rogers, -
Daniel Ring,
James Butler,
John Hinson,
William Butler, -
James Jewctt,
Benj. Lemont,
James Lemont,
David King,
Jona. Wood,
Henry Sewall,
200 dollars,
50 dollars,
20 dollars,
20 dollars,
50 dollars,
30 dollars,
100 dollars,
9 dollars,
8 dollars,
4 dollars,
9 dollars,
10 dollars,
20 dollars,
16 dollars,
16 dollars,
60 dollars,
16 dollars,
40 dollars,
20 dollars,
20 dollars,
13 dollars,
15 dollars,
20 dollars,
2
1
£60 00 0
15 00 0
6 00 0
6 00 0
15 00 0
9 00 0
30 00 0
2 14 0
8 0
4 0
2 14 0
3 00 0
6 00 0
4 16 0
4 16 0
18 00 0
4 16 0
12 00 0
6 00 0
6 00 0
3 18 0
4 10 0
6 00 0
145
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS. &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
146
COLONEL BAYLEY TO COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Newbury, September 3, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I find that Doctor Porter has been very
busy collecting testimony in order to invalidate Daniel
HaWs evidence ; but I know of no authority for what he
has been doing. However, the evidence relating to Hall's
character must be looked upon as inimical to our common
cause, as well as all those who assist a man so inimical as
Esquire Porter, and think that should any man appear
from hence endeavouring to do it before you, they ought
not to have their liberty to return. Thomas Chamberlaine,
who swears something against Hall, has been very friendly
to Hall till their plot was found out, and, by his conduct,
must be of Porter's party.
As to any further trial of either of those we condemned
as inimical, except they petition for it, I know of no authority
they have for it ; but what I thought was for them to be
kept out of mischief, which I still think they and all such
as espouse their cause, should be secured. You will doubt-
less see the need of it when you hear the evidence and trial.
Certainly they that are not for us are against us. I shall
be glad to know whether you will, if needed, receive from
our State the unfriendly, &tc.
I only mention things as I hear that have been done by
Doctor Porter without any authority as I supposed. I
took no notice of it, so as to attend his courts.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
JACOB BAYLEY.
CERTIFICATE IN FAVOUR OF ASA PORTER.
We, the subscribers, being a part of the Committee who
sat on examination of Asa Porter, Esquire, hereby certify,
that the said Porter was kept under guard with orders for
no person to speak with him privately, and the cause of his
arrest was not made known to him till he was brought be-
fore the Committee aforesaid, which was then made known
to him. He was also informed by the Chairman of the
Committee, to this effect, that he was not then to be tried, but
only to be examined whether there were sufficient grounds of
suspicion to bring him over for trial. After the vote of the
Committee of said Porter's case was read to him, he told
the Committee to this effect, that he did expect they
would have given judgment on his case without giving him
opportunity to defend himself, or to bring his evidence.
We further certify, that the said Porter afterwards petitioned
the said Committee for a hearing and for time to get his
evidences, but he not being able to get all the Committee
together which sat on the examination, part of them being at
a distance and gone from home, those who came together,
though they were a major part, and all gave it as their
opinion that said Porter ought to have time to get his evi-
dences or to be heard, yet as the whole were not together,
did not think themselves at liberty to countermand the orders
which had been given to Colonel Bayley, Colonel Hurd
and Thomas Johnson, to send him to Exeter. Two of said
last Committee being formerly at variance with said Porter,
seemed to discover prejudice against him, and forced him
out of town without giving him time to get the whole
Committee together to hear his evidence or to make his
defence ; and said Porter hath been kept under guard with
orders to suffer no person to speak with him in private from
the time of his arrest to the time he was sent off to Exeter,
excepting one night and part of a day.
As we think he, the said Porter, has not had that privilege
allowed him which every freeman hath a right to demand,
we will engage, if the honourable Committee to which
he is consigned will give him liberty to be tried in his
County, when he may have advantage of getting his evi-
dences, and by persons who know the character of the
persons who informed against him, to give sufficient surety
for his good behaviour till the time of his trial.
NICHOLAS LOWELL,
JAMES BAYLEY.
COLONEL PORTER'S OBJECTIONS.
Plea to the jurisdiction of the Honourable Assembly of
NEW-HAMPSHIRE in the case STATE versus PORTER.
1st. Because it is the Legislative body, and it doth not
consist with the liberties of the people that the same body
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 10
which hath the power of making laws, should have the
power of executing the laws, or determining the causes of
individuals.
2d. All jurisdiction implies superiority of power, and
therefore it would be absurd to suppose that this body of
men, constituted for the purpose of legislation, would
thereby become vested with authority to arraign before
them for trial or punishment the persons of their consti-
tuents, whose servants they are, and to whom they are
accountable for their conduct.
3d. Because Courts are now open in this State for the
trial both of criminal and civil causes. In which case it
• the Assembly should single out the present accused, and
contrary to his inclination confine him to a trial before them,
it would confirm the suggestion of Colonel Hurd, a mem-
ber of the Assembly, by whose order he was brought
before them, that it was done out of personal prejudice.
4th. Because in accusations of a criminal nature,
especially where the State is concerned, the party accused
ought to have some share in the choice of his judges, or to
have liberty to except against so many appointed by the
law, that those who remain may be deemed his own choice,
as is the case in trial by jury.
5th. If the Assembly should take cognizance of this
case, it would carry the person accused to a distance from
home, or from his County, for trial ; by which means he would
be deprived of the benefit of evidence, and the credit of
the witnesses (which ought to be tried as well as the facts)
would not be known to the triers, and would be replete
with those very inconveniences, and equally oppressive and
burthensome with that adopted by the British Parliament,
so much complained of in the late Admiralty Courts.
6th. Because the Assembly hath already heard the evi-
dence against the accused, professedly in the quality of a
grand jury.
7th. Because the accused would be thereby deprived of
the privilege of trial by jury, which he hath repeatedly
claimed, and which hath not only been held by the greatest
authorities to be the best and only mode of trial consistent
with the safety of the people, especially in cases of treason,
but hath by this Assembly been acknowledged to be a right
inherent in the people, which they ought not to be de-
prived of.
8th. Because the Representatives of the people (as
such) can have no powers but what are delegated to them
by the people whom they represent, and the people of
New-Hampshire have not delegated to their Assembly or
Representatives, the executive or judicial powers of govern-
ment.
9th. In case the Assembly should assume a jurisdiction
in this case, a precedent would be thereby formed for future
trials of treason, in which the will of that court shall be
the law, as well to determine the crime and penalty as to
try the truth of the facts, by which manner the lives,
liberties, and property of the people, would be made
to depend solely on the will of the Legislative body,
which would be an establishment of the most despotick
tyranny.
As it hath been suggested that 1 am only endeavouring to
evade a trial by claiming a trial by jury, when there is no
law in this State to determine the crime and punishment of
treason, which is a bar to that mode of trial, I would ob-
serve, that much less can be objected to a trial by jury
without law, than to a trial by the Legislative body without
law, especially when the former mode hath the consent of
the party to be tried, and in favour of which there is a pre-
cedent in this State in a capital case. And should the
Assembly deprive a man of his right because they have not
provided a mode of trial consistent with thai right, it
would be making an advantage of their own wrong. But
notwithstanding, it is not through my laches that there is no
law made to determine the crime of treason, (upon which
the safety of the State and the liberties of the people so
essentially depend,) I have no inclination to make an
advantage of it, and am willing to be tried by the County
and if found by the judgment of my peers to have done
any act against this State, which having been done against
the former Government, would have been determined
treason by the municipal laws thereof, I am content to
incur the like penalty.
147
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
148
LF.TTKR FROM COLONEL HURI).
Haverhill, (Cohos,) July 15, 1776.
SIR : I have heard nothing from Exeter since I wrote
per Colonel Bayley, from Concord. Upon my coming
into this town last Tuesday, 1 found the people had been
in great consternation about the Indians, as I before advised ;
that most of the women and children had come down from
Zer Cohos, through fear, and got into garrison, the
erhill folks having collected together in different parts
of the town and built several picketed forts, with good
breastworks of pine logs, and in Bath or Gunthwaite,
above us, they have done the same, otherwise the upper
towns had been wholly deserted. I endeavoured to quiet
them all in my power, by assuring them that besides the
force raising to go into Canada, we should have a sufficient
number to protect us on our frontier, which would soon be
along ; but it is with difficulty they can be persuaded to
think so : and some ill-minded persons, before Mr. John
Hale came up with the powder and fire-arms, took pains to
popagate that we should be neglected, and seriously pro-
posed that if neither our Assembly nor the Massachusetts
would send us speedy assistance, the best way to preserve
ourselves from the insults of the savages, was to send over
to General Burgoyne, acquaint him of our weak condition,
and ask his protection. And this might verily easily be
done, did the enemy know our circumstances, and had forces
to spare. Nothing but their ignorance of the geograph-
ical part of the country, or want of strength, does prevent
it. This was Brush's plan, and I am really surprised,
when I reflect on the danger, that our Assembly are not
more attentive to it ; it is certainly our weakest side.
The Haverhill and Newbury Committees have kept
constant scouts going for some time past between Lake
Champlain and this river, and by the last that came in,
we have letters (copies of which I herewith transmit) that
give us some encouragement. By a scout that went out
yesterday to Onion River, and another to Crown-Point, I
took the liberty to write to General Sullivan and Colonel
Waite, informing them what our General Court had done
lately, and how I imagined ourselves most exposed to the
enemy, which I hope may be some way serviceable.
There have been many reports spread here, of Indians
being seen and scouts fired at, but upon further search have
proved groundless, and the people in general appear more
composed. Some are returning to work on their planta-
tions, but leave their wives and children here as the surest
place. What has already happened has been considerable
damage to the new settlements.
The bearer, Mr. Atkinson, of Boscawin, can inform of
further particulars that you may please to inquire respecting
our circumstances here, as he, with a number of others
from the towns below, came up volunteers for our assistance
on the first alarm. He has been good enough to send us
two swivel guns, or small field-pieces, that have laid some
years at Boscawin, perhaps since last war, (belonging, as
they suppose, to the Province,) for the use of our forts, and
he tells us there are two more at Canterbury, under Esquire
dough's care, which may be very useful to us. I beg the
favour he may have the direction of the Committee of
Safety to forward them also. They are of no service
where they lie, and can be easily transported here.
I wish to hear that some part of the detachment designed
for our protection were upon their march. If we had but a
small company to guard the settlements at Upper Cohos for
the present, it would be a great satisfaction to the people,
and some among us talk of going on that duty for a fortnight
or three weeks as volunteers, to chance their pay.
[The remainder of this letter is wanting. It was ad-
dressed to the Committee of Safety.]
COLONEL HURD TO PRESIDENT WEARE.
August 7, 1776.
SIR: In my last I hinted to you that we had our eyes on
those persons who were propagating the notion of the expe-
diency of sending into Canada for protection from the In-
dians, and should keep a strict watch upon their conduct.
Colonel Asa Porter we knew was the principal promoter
of it, and Colonel Taplin, of Newbury, who have both
openly declared their opinion. Some few of us here and at
Newbury were secretly informed that there was a plan pro-
pagating, by those very persons, to send into Canada, and
that soon. We thought best to let it run on till their scheme
was nearly ripe ; but Sunday morning an accident took
place that alarmed us, and obliged us to stir in the matter a
little sooner than intended — an Indian young hunter, that
knew the road, and was tried upon the matter, happening to
blab it out. We expected the others would take the alarm,
when some of the gentlemen on the Newbury side sent over
to us of this town that they thought it absolutely necessary
the Committee here should immediately secure Colonel
Porter, while they were apprehending others on their side;
which was soon done, together with one person in his house
. and another at Bath, who had been employed under him.
They were all put under guard. And on Monday morning
the Committees of these two towns met to consult on the
business, and formed themselves into a Court of Inquiry, at
which I assisted, in consequence of your orders in your last
to take up such persons; and after two days' close attention
to this business of examination of the several persons taken
up, it appeared to them, by the evidence and circumstances
attending, that Colonel Porter, Colonel Taplin, with two
others, David Weeks, of Bath, and Jacob Fowler, of New-
bury, had been practising things very inimical to their coun-
try—judged them accordingly, and doomed them to be sent
to Exeter, to the care of the Committee of Safety there ;
for we must look upon them as dangerous persons in this
quarter of the country, and more so at this critical time.
With this shall be transmitted copies of the two principal
evidences, and when I come down to Exeter, which I intend
next week, will bring the minutes of the whole trial, and
inform the Committee more particularly.
August 8. — We had before written to Captain Wood-
ward to be here with a party of his men at the time we
intended taking them up, and he readily attended accord-
ingly; and being desirous of seeing the Committee on the
business of this company, we have entrusted him with the
care of Colonel Porter, to see him safe down In Exeter, and
to wait on you. The other persons now under guard we
thought best to let remain a few days longer.
Colonel Porter was very averse to the orders for his going
to Exeter, and would fain have had a final decision here,
pretending there is not nor ought to be, any higher power
than pur town Committees ; for he has all along denied the
jurisdiction of our General Court, and must be conscious to
himself that he has used us ill by frequent denial of our
authority, and misrepresentation. The people here in gen-
eral are much exasperated against him, so that we have been
obliged to keep him under strict guard since the trial, at his
own house, not suffering him to go out on his parole. It
being now a very busy time with us in the midst of harvest-
ing, and Colonel Porter pretending he wanted time to col-
lect some evidences in his own favour, the committee (chosen
for the purpose of sending him off) agreed to allow him five
days.
We refer to Captain Woodward for further particulars on
this matter ; also of what news we have by another scout just
come in from Missisquo Bay, where he was informed by
Mr. Metcalf, that resides there, that the Ministerial Army was
now fifteen thouand strong — British and German troops;
that the Canadians, all except those who took commissions'
under Congress, are forgiven, and join them in multitudes;
and that they can have, besides, what Indians they want.
The Caynawaga, Canausadaga, and St. Francis tribes
have determined to take up on their side ; but that no In-
dians will come into this part of the country without Regu-
lars at the same time; that the farmers need not be
concerned ; they will not be molested unless they are found
in arms ; and any person unarmed may travel into Canada.
But this we look upon as a scheme only to lull us asleep,
that we may fall an easy prey to them whenever they may
think proper to push through this way. They have also
propagated in Canada reports that our army at New-York
is all cut up — fifteen thousand killed, and the rest dispersed;
and that the regular army can easily march through the
whole country. They keep but few troops at St. John's,
being chiefly at Montreal, and are fortifying at Isle de Noix.
No account now of a French fleet in the river St. Law-
rence. I rather think they are reinforced, but do not give
much credit to Metcalf 's story, as he has all along favoured
that side, though he professes to be friendly to us.
IQth. — We have now another party come in from Ticon-
149
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
150
deroga with Mr. Atkinson, of Boscawen, (who was sent
over as a guard to the four last Frenchmen,) by whom we
have a letter from General Gates, a copy of which I shall
enclose. The General is so much encouraged by the
Frenchmen's account of things in Canada, he thinks of
making a push there again, and would have Colonel Bayley
go on with the road.
I am sorry to mention that the General makes great com-
plaint of our men deserting the service. It is said there is
not less than three thousand men lately gone off from the
army, that are scattering through the country, whom the
Committees of the several towns ought to take up and send
back. It is a most shameful, wicked thing that men should
take such large bounties, and then desert their country's
cause.
Should Colonel Bayley receive orders, as now expected,
to set his men to work again on the road, the Committee
will immediately set about raising the fifty men, as directed
by the honourable Committee of Safety, which appears to us
absolutely necessary.
Pray excuse my lengthy epistle and small paper; my
stock of it being almost exhausted, obliges me to write in
12mo., sermon-wise. Mr. Secretary I fear will lose his pa-
tience before he gets through ; but I'll read as much for him
another time, or for either of the Committee that will take
the task off his honour's hands.
Being very respectfully, sir, your most obedient, humble
servant, J. HURD.
DANIEL HALL'S DEPOSITION AGAINST COLONEL PORTER.
The Deposition of DANIEL HALL, of NEWBURY, husband-
man, relating to a plan forming by sundry persons at
COHOS, to send over into CANADA for protection from the
BRITISH Troops.
I, the said Daniel Hall, testify and declare, that, being
in company with David Weeks some time in the beginning
of July, and discoursing on our present distress and our
army's leaving Canada, Weeks, seeming to hang in favour
of the Ministerial troops, said he wished he knew my mind,
that he would tell me something. I replied that he need
not be afraid. "Then," said he, "I will tell you," but
swore if ever I told he would kill me. " There is," says
he, " a parcel of men joining to send to Canada, to General
Burgoyne, for protection, and you are to be one of them;
and they are to go with flags on their guns ;" when I agreed to
join them, and assist all that lay in my power. Sa.ys~Weeks,
" You must wait on Colonel Taplin for further instructions."
After that I waited on Colonel Taplin, and requested to
know of him what we should do, for I was afraid we should
be all cut off. Taplin replied, "By God! if you will be
regulated by me, we will do well enough," and that we
must send to Canada for protection, and immediately, and
he was afraid 'twas now too late. " But," says he, " I want
to see Colonel Porter before I do anything ; but, by God .'
I dare not be seen with him. I want to see Willard
Stevens." I said, "You may see him at any time." Tap-
lin then desired I would go and call him to his house.
Calling again on Taplin, I inquired how he made out with
Stevens. He said well enough, but they could do nothing
till they sent down the river; that they should have word
by Solomon Stevens in eight days. Taplin desired that I
would come by two or three times a day; that he would he
walking out, so as to speak w ith me often. He said further
that he had seen Porter, but could not do anything till they
had a return up the river. " We will, however, do well
enough yet ; we will own all Cohos yet."
July 10. — Soon after this I went to Colonel Porter's to
buy rum, and when he gave me the bottle, said I had better
come and see it put up myself. When we were in the
cellar he said he supposed I was not ignorant of the plan
they had laid. I answered I knew of one by Taplin. He
said it was a matter of great consequence, and they must
be as expeditious as possible, but not drive matters too fast.
We must have news from New-York. I answered that
we must not mind all that was in the papers. He said, " I
do not take much notice of them ;" but they should have
letters from private gentlemen; and that it depended, in a
great measure, on the news they should hear from New-
York. " Can't you," says he, " lay a plan to go catching
moose, for the Continent will stand in need of meat. We
won't say much now, but call on me once in a day or two,
and I will let you know how we proceed."
July 24. — I then waited on Colonel Porter, as before
agreed. He said that things worked well ; but still we must
wait a few days for news from New-York ; that he then
should be ready to furnish me with a writing to carry to
Canada ; and he would have me carry the writing ten or
fifteen miles in the woods, till I got one or two more to go
with me, under pretence of going a moose hunting, and
then to proceed into Canada to General Burgoyne ; that he
should do the letters up in such manner that if we were to
be taken they should not be discovered ; for the writing should
be on the outside — the wrapper to be some old account.
July 27. — Saw Colonel Porter again, when he said he
had thoughts of altering the plan ; for, as Byal Chamber-
lain was going with a scout to St. John's, that they would
get all their party to go with Chamberlain, so that when
they were arrived at St. John's they should take care of him
as they pleased ; then to go and see Colonel Peters, who,
we hear, has deserted into Canada, and to let him know
their plan.
July 29. — This day was in company with Colonel Tap-
lin, and with Willard Stevens and Solomon Stevens — each
of them by themselves. They say it was best to rest send-
ing over to Canada till Colonel Porter comes up the river,
expecting something of consequence by him — (he was then
gone down to Number-Four, on a journey after his negro man
Neptune) — and Mr. Abiel Chamberlain comes back from
Canada, as the news seems to be against them at present.
But they said as soon as Chamberlain returns they would
have me go right off, and take Tim Omsted with me.
Willard Stevens said he was afraid to send writings, but
could send a token that should do. Taplin said they would
have some writings for him to carry to Colonel Porter's ;
that I need not stay more than half an hour in Canada,
under pretence to catch moose.
August 2. — I waited again on Colonel Porter, when he
told me that he had been down the river; that he had seen
Lawyer Okott, who liked the plan well, and would assist
us as far as he could. Says Colonel Porter, "Indians are
seen down the river frequently. They have been seen in
reality. There has been one regular officer and an Indian
to Claremont, to see Mr. Cossit. They waited two or three
days before they durst venture in, but very luckily came
into one of our friends' houses, and there stayed till they
had done their business — having seen several friends, but
could not see Mr. Cossit. Their business was principally to
see how many friends there are here to the Ministerial troops,
and to see if they would help to conduct them to this part
of the country." Colonel Porter further said that it would
be best for Solomon Stevens to go soon to Mr. Metcalf's,
and let him know the plan ; " and there," says he, " he can
be protected a few days, till he can be sent into Canada to
find Colonel Peters, to let him know you are coming, and
in a few days. I would have you go over with Tim Om-
sted, but I want to hear more of that fleet that they say is
in the mouth of Canada River, and whether the regular
army is drawing back from St. John's or not, or whether
they be coming this way or not. I have just thought that
I would write to Colonel Peters, by you, to this purpose,
by way of cloak, that I hear paper money is of no value
there, and that if he would send me over a quantity of it, I
would spare him my negro boy; and under that I shall write
further to this purpose, that he would remember his friends
here. When he sees my name he will know the plan, for
I dare not write further. You may tell him the rest by
tokens." Colonel Porter also engaged that whatever pro-
visions and money I wanted to carry me there, I should
have from him.
The above was sworn to before the Committee of New-
bury and Havcrhill, and in a publick hearing.
Attest: J. KURD, Clerk,
August 5, 1776.
JOHN BAYLEY'S DEPOSITION.
The Deposition of John Bayley, of Newbury, husbandman,
relating to a plan forming by sundry persons between here
and Cohos, to send over into Canada for protection from
the British Troops.
I, the said John Bayley, declare that on Saturday, the
151
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
152
there was considerable more talk, all tending to discourage
such as, there were seventeen thousand Regulars now
us
20th July, happening to fall in conversation with Colonel
John Taplin, of whom I had been a little jealous, with
sundry other persons, having had some hints from Mr.
Nath'l M< rrill that there was a plan on fool of sending
into Canada for protection ; observing also a good deal of
uneasiness about him, and concern in his countenance, I
asked the question by way of leading on, What we should
do? He answered, if anything was done we must ask pro-
tection from General Carleton or Burgoyne, if he should
come with his army ; he would let us enjoy our privileges
as before. After this 1 saw Colonel Porter ; falling into
company with him, we walked along towards the Court-
house, and going up into the Chamber, sat down and talked
considerable of publick matters. I asked him what we
should do in these troubles? He said, "Though we are
called Rebels, we might be forgiven. If we can't protect
ourselves, I don't see why we may not send into Can-
ada for protection. We can send a flag of truce to St.
John's, to secure our interests and be protected." One Mr.
Morse, being in hearing, said he should be afraid to go on
such business ; said Porter replied " He should not be con-
cerned about sending the nearest friend he had on earth on
such an errand : he thought it was a good plan, and that num-
bers of our people would join in it. He knew the Scotch
people would readily come into the same, or were all on our
side ;" and much more to this purpose. And then upon hear-
ing Colonel Taplin again Monday, 22d July, I told him
what Colonel Porter had said, and asked, Have you thought
further about what I said to you on Saturday 1 With great
concern on his countenance, he replied, " If I dared, I could
say something to you; but nothing could be done except we
j r>«». A* „,! .I,™ mine necoum uo was iu mane an mo uurjjaiainjii j/vraoiw.»-
have somethmg drawn up and sent to Canada and then 6 This was the substance of their discourse, to
we shal have protection I warrant you. I said, fur her » best of my remembrance. EBENEZER RICE.
What shall we send, and whom shall we get to write?
He said, « Colonel Porter will write what we think best." Haverhill, August 28, 1776
Then, says I to him, Whom shall we send ? He answered, Grafton, us., November 6, 1776:
Then personally appeared Mr. Ebenezer Rice, and made
US • &UU1I clo. buwftv « v« v «-<•
in Canada, and if there should be twenty thousand they
would be sufficient to defend the Lake against all the force
of the Americans. JOSEPH HAYNES.
Haverhill, August 24, 1776.
Grafton, ss., November 29, 1776:
Then personally appeared Mr. Joseph Haynes, and made
solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition, by him
subscribed.
Before me : J- HURD, Jus. Peace.
EBENEZER RICE'S DEPOSITION.
I, Ebenezer Rice, of Haverhill, husbandman, do declare
that on or about the 24th of July last, when my brother,
Captain Edward Buckman, of Lancaster, came up the river
from his journey to Athol, and along through Number-Four,
while he was in my house telling us some news, Colonel Asa
Porter called in, and Buckman said it was reported in seve-
ral places he had been at that General Burgoyne did not
intend to do the people on Connecticut River any harm, or
molest them, unless it should be those who were found in
Upon which Colonel Porter replied, he should be
anus.
glad to know the truth of that ; if he thought so, should
be fond of sending over to Canada, as in that case it would
be best not to build any forts here — they would be more
damage to us than do us good ; and by his conversation,
Porter appeared very earnest to send a party over to Can-
ada, and would fain have had Captain Buckman joined with
him ; but he, Buckman, declined, saying he thought the best
thing he could do was to make all the preparation possible
" Daniel Hall will go, and all the Scot people will sign
what we shall draw up. 1 have talked with several of them,
and I want to see one more." Who is that ? said I. " Mr.
Harvey." You had better go, says I, to see and feel of
him. He says, " I shan't see him — can't you see him ?"
I replied, I am going to Oxboro'; I will see him. The
same evening about sunset, I saw Colonel Taplin again.
He says to me, " How does Harvey stand ?" 1 answered,
He will fight against Indians to the last extremity ; but as to
the Ministerial troops, they had not been invited, nor did he
mean to do it. Taplin says, " By God, that's right." On
the 23d day Colonel Taplin came to me and says, that he
believed it was best to let all rest a few days, while we hear
something from York ; for 'twas a damn nice point, and we
shall be hanged if we are found out. But through the whole
of our conversation he all along said he did not want to in-
jure any man, not knowing what may be the event; fearing
the Ministerial troops might get the better of us, or let the
Indians in upon us, 'twould be best to send over in time to
St. John's. As to Colonel Porter, by my conversation with
him I judged he meant to get help from Canada.
The substance of the above deposition was sworn to be-
fore the Committees of Newbury and Haverhill in a publick
hearing.
Attest: J. HURD, Cleric.
solemn oath to the truth of the
subscribed.
Before me :
above Deposition, by him
J. HURD, Jus. Peace.
THOMAS MINOR'S DEPOSITION.
I, Thomas Minor, of Guildhall, at Upper Cohos, lately
residing in Haverhill, husbandman, declare that being at
the house of Mr. Maxi Hazleton, in said Haverhill, about
the time of the alarm there, when Colonel Asa Porter came
in, and several other persons present, said Porter told
them all that our Assembly at Exeter had treated the peti-
tion or request of the people here sent down by Mr. Jona-
than Hale, for assistance, with neglect and contempt, so that
we were not likely to have any assistance from below, and
he imagined the best way for us to do was to send over to
Canada to General Burgoyne for protection, and he would
be bound we should have protection from that quarter ; with
a good deal of other conversation to this purpose.
THOMAS MINOR.
Haverhill, August 24, 1776.
Grafton, sa., November 30, 1776:
Then personally appeared Thomas Minor, and made
solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition, by him
subscribed.
Before me : J. HURD, Jus. Peace.
JOSEPH HAYNES S DEPOSITION.
I, Joseph Haynes, of Gunthwaite, husbandman, declare
and say that being at the house of Captain John Young, in
said Gunthwaite, some time about the latter end of June,
while Colonel Asa Porter was there also, I heard him, said
Porter, saying that we were not likely to have any assist-
ance from below ; and after some considerable conversation
on the subject, he said he thought it would be proper to send
over to General Burgoyne to see what he intended to do
with us. Captain Young replied, that he thought it would
not be proper to do that until we could choose a committee
to send to the Congress and know the truth of it, whether
we were to have help or not ; upon which Colonel Porter
added, " Perhaps it might then be too late." Mrs. Young
then said, she thought it would not be safe to go over to
Canada. Colonel Porter replied again, there was no dan-
ger, he should not be afraid to go — there were enough that
would go. This was the purport of what he said, though
EDWARD BUCKMAN S DEPOSITION.
I, Edward Buckman, of Lancaster, in the County of
Grafton, husbandman, declare that on or about the 24th
July last, on my return from a journey down country, while
at the house of my brother, Lbenezer Rice, in Haverhill,
Colonel Asa Porter came in to inquire about the news,
when I told him the report that I had heard in several places,
that General Burgoyne did not intend to do the people on
Connecticut River any harm, or molest them, unless it should
be those who were found in arms; upon which, Colonel
Porter replied, he should be glad to know the truth of that;
if he thought it was really so, it would be better for us to
send over to Canada, and not to build any Forts ' here ;
they might do us more hurt than good ; or words to that
purpose. To which I answered, I thought rather we had best
build Forts, and be in readiness for them. It might be more
likely to discourage the Indians from coming against us, if
153
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
154
they see we had Forts. Upon the whole, Colonel Porter
said he thought it best, and appeared earnest to send a party
over to Canada, to know the truth of the above report. I
also recollect, that about a fortnight before this, being at his
house, and talking about Mr. Johnston's returning from the
Massachusetts Assembly, and not likely to get any help from
them, as 'twas said they did not look upon us as in any dan-
ger, Colonel Porter said we had best send over to General
Burgoyne for protection, and he would be bound he (mean-
ing Burgoyne) would protect us. This, Colonel Porter
spoke in a laughing or sneering way, though from the tenour
of his conversation I thought it was his real sentiment. Yet
I think he said, too, he should have thought that they
(meaning the Massachusetts people) would not have scrupled
to send us help, but when demanded only asked how many
men were necessary. This conversation was before Mr.
Hale returned from Exeter. I recollect nothing further at
present, the above being the substance of what passed be-
tween us to the best of my remembrance.
EDWARD BUCKMAN.
Grafton, ss., November 6, 1776:
Then personally appeared Captain Edward Buckman,
and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition,
by him subscribed.
Before me : J. HUBD, Jus. Peace.
ROBERT HASELTINE'S DEPOSITION.
I, Robert Haseltine, ofHaverhill, blacksmith, declare that
about a fortnight before Colonel Asa Porter was taken up
here by the Committees, he called at my shop to have a little
work done, when in our conversation he said, that as the
Indians were a merciless set of people, " it would be better to
send over to Canada, to Burgoyne, for protection than to
suffer ourselves to be cut to pieces by them, for we were not
likely to get help from below. They'll do nothing for us."
To which I answered him, Why, do you think we should
have more mercy shown us from the Regulars ? " Oh, yes,"
says he, " the English are remarkable for their lenity. There
was an instance of this sort, the last war, in Lord Fraser, a
Scotch Rebel, who, though executed as such and forfeited
his estate, yet his son, Colonel Fraser, was like to come in
possession of the estate again ;" " and I question," added he,
" if they would put Hancock himself to death if they were to
catch him." I told him, I believed if they were to catch
him, they would hang him right off hand without judge or
jury. This conversation we had after Mr. Jonathan Hale
came home from Exeter, to the best of my remembrance.
ROBERT HASELTINE.
Haverhill, August 26, 1776.
Grafton, SB., November 29, 1776:
Then personally appeared Mr. Robert Haseltine, and made
solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition, by him
subscribed.
Before me : J. HUBD, Jus. Peace.
JOHN SANBOEN S DEPOSITION.
I, John Sanborn, of Haverhill, husbandman, declare that
some time about the middle of July last, being at the house
of Lieutenant Hutchins, inn-holder in said Haverhill, with
a number of other persons who were assisting to build the
fortification about the house, when Colonel Asa Porter came
to the door on horseback, and gave the people a dollar to
treat them with liquor, he then took the opportunity to tell
us that Mr. Hale was not likely to get any help at Exeter;
it was so resolved, (as he heard;) but perhaps he might get
a little help if he waited awhile, though for his part, if he was
Hale, he would not wait a minute, but come right off home.
Then he said it would not do to keep that petty Congress
in much longer. He looked upon it, if we kept them, 'twas
worse than to have none, as they would not help us. It
would be like jumping out of the frying-pan into the fire.
This was the purport of what he said, to the best of my
remembrance. JOHN SANBOBN.
Haverhill, August 26, 1776.
Grafton, as., November 20, 1776:
Then personally appeared John Sanborn, and made
solemn oath to the truth of the Deposition by him sub-
scribed.
Before me : J. HUBD, Jus. Peace.
JOSHUA HOWARD S DEPOSITION.
I, Joshua Howard, of Haverhill, in the County of Graf-
ton, husbandman, declare that about the time of our alarm
and apprehension of Indians coming upon us when we were
raising a stockade fort about Mr. Barron's house, I went
to Colonel Asa Porter and asked him if he would let a gal-
lon of rum go towards building the fort. He said he had
supplied one gallon already. Well, says I, so have I too.
He said, "I shall not let my rum go till somebody is security
for it." I again said I am not going to be security for the
rum — you'll get your money as soon as I shall, and you are
as able to wait for it or to lose it as I am. He said further,
"I am willing to do my part with the rest of the neighbours,"
and asked what Mr. Hale had done, or Colonel Hurd. 1
told him Mr. Hale's people had been at work on the fort,
and I did not doubt he'd do his part, but he was not at
home, being gone down country — nor was Colonel Hurd at
home, but we had his oxen and some help from his hands.
Upon the whole, Colonel Porter did not incline to let his
rurn go, and I went off without it. JOSHUA HOWABD.
Grafton, Haverhill, November 18,1776:
Then personally appeared Joshua Howard, and made
solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him sub-
scribed.
Before me : J. HUBD, Justke Peace.
BENAJAH HALL'S DEPOSITION.
I, Benajah Hall, of lawful age, testify and say that on
Wednesday last, being at Colonel Porter's house in Haver-
hill, I heard Joshua Howard say, "Neptune, Colonel Por-
ter's servant has 'listed twice and took his money." Then
says Colonel Hurd to said Neptune, "make yourself easy —
when I go down I will inquire and know whether you can
go or not, and write to you that you may know." And the
deponent further saith that he heard John Bay ley say on
oath before the Committee of Safety, on the day Colonel
Porter was brought before said Committee, that in his con-
versation with said Porter, which happened a little before,
he (said Bayky) carried matters as far or farther than Col-
onel Porter, in order to find him (said Porter) out, and that
said Bayley further said that Colonel Porter said to him, at
said Court-House, it is best to send to General Burgoyne if
we can't get help elsewhere. BENAJAH HALL.
Grafton, Haverhill, August 31, 1776 :
Then the above named Benajah Hall, personally appear-
ing, made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Depo-
sition.
Before me: CHARLES JOHNSTON, Town Cleric.
EPHBAIM WESSON'S DEPOSITION.
I, Ephraim Wesson, of lawful age, testify and say, that
some time after General Sullivan's retreat from St. John's
to Crown-Point, being in company with Colonel Porter, he,
the said Porter, asked me whether I did not think it would
answer a good end to send to the Commander-in-Chief in
Canada to have a line of protection drawn, over which the
Savages should not come ? He thought it would be no bet-
ter than murder to suffer them to scalp men, women, and
children, unarmed and about their business, and answered no
end on their side or on ours to do the like. I asked him
whether he meant that we (at Cohos) should send over.
He (the said Porter) said, " no, I mean the Congress or Gen-
eral Washington;" and I had no reason from said Porter's
conversation to think him an enemy to his country, but
rather thought him a friend to the late declaration of the
Continental Congress for independence,; and being at Col-
onel Porter's the day before he set out for Exeter, where
was a number of the Committee of Safety for Newbury, and
a major part of the Committee for Haverhill, of which I
was a member, I heard said Porter request said committees
that he might be tried at Haverhill, or somewhere in the
County of Grafton, by a Committee of the County of Glou-
cester and Grafton, or by a Committee taken from the several
Committees of said Counties, or if they would send to the
Upper Cohos or Number-Four, he would be at the whole
expense and abide their judgment, as he thought it a hard-
ship to be sent to Exeter, which would not only enhance
the expense of trial but prevent his getting such evidence as
he could get at or near home. The question was accord-
155
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
156
ingly put to the Committee there together, and the answer
was, we are willing that the Committee chosen to send Col-
onel Porter to Exeter should defer sending him till the
whole Committees who ordered him to be sent may be called
together. And we, the said Committees, afterwards, the
same day, moved to two of the Committees for sending said
Porter to Exeter, that said Porter might not be sent till the
Committees who ordered him to be sent could bo called
together, as they were not all there; but the said Committee
for sending said Porter to Exeter said, we will send him if
we are not ordered to the contrary, and passed along and
sent said Porter off the next day, without giving us time to
notify the said Committees who ordered him sent.
Question. What is Daniel Haffs general character?
Answer. According to what I have heard people say of
him, he is not a man of truth, or so industrious as he ought
to be.
Question. What did you hear Colonel Hurd say about
sending Colonel Porter to Exeter 1
Answer. I heard Colonel Hurd say, Colonel Porter
shall leave this town or I will. And further, Colonel Hurd
said, I choose he should be sent to Exeter, for the Court
there will be glad to see him, as they have heard he, the
said Porter, has spoke against their proceedings.
EPHRAIM WESSON.
Grafton, ts., Haverhill, August 30, 1776 :
Then the above named Ephraim Wesson, personally
appearing, made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing
Deposition.
Before me: CHARLES JOHNSTON, Town Clerk.
THOMAS CHAMBERLAIN'S DEPOSITION.
I, Thomas Chamberlain, of lawful age, testify and say
that Daniel Hall's general character is that he is a lying
fellow.
Question. Is Daniel Hall's general character that he is
a lazy fellow?
Answer. Yes.
Question. Do you think from what you have heard
people say of him that he is a drinking fellow?
Answer. Yes. I think from what I hear people say of
him he drinks more than is for his profit.
Question. Did you ever hear any person say that Dan-
iel .naff was a thief?
Answer. I heard a man say that he had stole from him
about three hundred feet of boards.
THOS. CHAMBERLAIN.
Grafton, Haverhill, August 30, 1776:
Then the above named Thomas Chamberlain, Esquire,
personally appearing, made solemn oath to the truth of the
foregoing Deposition.
Before me: CHARLES JOHNSTON, Town Clerk.
EZEKIEL I, Ann's DEPOSITION.
I, Ezekiel Ladd, of lawful age, testify and say that I saw
Colonel Porter about the 1st of July in Haverhill. I asked
said Porter whether he was going off. He said, " no, I am
only going to the height of land on Baker's River, and as
soon as I can 1 shall return." I said to said Porter, we are
determined to take the goods of such people as go off and
leave us, and use them if we want them. Said Porter says,
" if I don't come back again you are welcome to use them —
but I mean to come right back again."
EZEKIEL LADD.
Grafton, Haverhill, August 30, 1776:
Then personally appeared Ezekiel Ladd, and made
solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition.
Before me: CHARLES JOHNSTON, Town Clerk.
NOAH MOULTON'S DEPOSITION.
I, Noah Moulton, of lawful age, testify and say that on
Monday, the day before Colonel Porter was sent to Exeter,
1 heard Colonel Porter say to Colonel Hurd as follows:
Colonel Hurd. before this affair happened, you would not
have trusted Daniel Hall for one copper. Colonel Hurd
answers, It is true, I would not.
Asked by Colonel Johnson; 1st Question. Have you
often heard people speak of Daniel Hall?
Answer by said Moulton. Yes.
2d Question. What do people in general say of him ?
Answer. They say he is a lying fellow, and not to be
believed, and a lazy, good-for-nothing fellow.
3d Question. Do you think that those people you havo
heard speak so of him were acquainted with him ?
Answer. Yes. NOAH MOULTON.
Grafton, Haverhill, August 31, 1776:
Then personally appeared Noah Moulton, and made sol-
emn oath to the truth of the above Deposition.
Before me: CHARLES JOHNSTON, Town Clerk.
EXTRACT OP A LETTER FROM A HOUSE IN LISBON TO THEIR
CORRESPONDENT IN LONDON, DATED SEPTEMBER 4, 1776.
Yesterday we received advice from Setuval of an Eng-
lish commander having arrived there with part of his crew
in a boat, who met an armed American privateering sloop,
which took his vessel and cargo about fourteen leagues off
Cape St. Vincent. She belongs to Mr. Moore, of F almouth,
and was richly laden, bound from London to Salerno and
Messina. The same privateer had taken several vessels, and
would send them all to the first port in America they could
make. There is a report of several American privateers
cruising in the track of the Straits' mouth and to the east-
ward of the Western Islands.
THOMAS STONE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Philadelphia, September 4, 1776.
SIR : Enclosed I send you part of an Indian speech which
respects Maryland. I have only to inform the Convention
that assistance is extremely wanted at New-York, and to
express my hope that the exertions of that honourable body
will be in proportion to the exigency of our affairs.
I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
T. STONE.
To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of the
Convention of Maryland, Annapolis.
LETTERS RECOMMENDING LIEUTENANT VON HEDERICK.
St. Croix, September 4, 1776.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN : My attachment to your Con-
tinent by the tenderest and most endearing connections of
affinity and friendship ; the great zeal and ardour I feel for
the glorious cause of liberty and justice in which you are em-
barked, and my ardent wishes lor your prosperity and suc-
cess in your present laudable struggle against tyranny and
oppression, and that your happy country — happy, indeed, if
it can, under your sage and prudent counsels, inspired and
directed by unerring Providence, vindicate and ascertain the
sacred rights which it claims, and hand them down to a
remote posterity — may be, in all future ages, an asylum and
sanctuary for the sons of want and oppression of all nations,
incline me to render you every assistance within the narrow
sphere of my ability and influence. It is with this view that
I have taken the liberty to recommend to your attention and
friendship the bearer, Lieutenant Von Hederick, by birth a
German, who has from his infancy been trained up in the
military life, and is esteemed an experienced, well-disciplined
officer, and to be endued with every accomplishment which
can adorn the character of a good soldier. Hearing that
you were raising and embodying four battalions of his coun-
trymen, who were to be commanded only by German
officers, although in much honour and actual service on this
Island, where during eight years' residence he has supported
a very unexceptionable good character, he immediately pro-
posed himself for the Continental service, provided he could
be properly recommended to your honourable body, and
might expect promotion adequate to his merits.
And, although I have the honour of being personally
acquainted but with few gentlemen of your very respectable
body, I gladly undertook this office, and it gives me partic-
ular pleasure in assuring you that it is highly probable that
several other very respectable officers in this Island may be
inclinable to follow his example, provided they could meet
with due encouragement.
You well know the nature of our Government ; Lieutenant
Hederick's ostensible motive, therefore, for going to your
Continent, is the recovery of his health, and if he is well
157
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
158
received I make no doubt others of our best officers will in
a short time find themselves indisposed also — for I have the
honour to assure you that most of the Danes of this Island,
and the Germans almost to a man, are warmly attached to
your glorious cause.
I can only add, that, if in anything I can serve, you while
here, you may lay your commands on him who is, with the
most perfect esteem, honourable gentlemen, your most obe-
dient and devoted servant, JOHN HEYLIGER.
To the Honourable Continental Congress of the free and
independent States of America.
St. Croix, September 4, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I am doubly happy in this opportunity, as
it not only affords me an occasion of paying my respects to
a gentleman for whom I have a most particular esteem, but
also flatters me with the pleasing thought of being in some
degree serviceable to a country to which I am riveted by the
tenderest and dearest of ties, and also sincerely attached to
the good people of it. The bearer, Lieutenant Von Hed-
erick, observing by the resolve of Congress their directions
for raising four companies of Germans, was desirous of a
letter to some gentlemen of weight and consequence in your
Province, and knowing of none more so than yourself, in-
duced me to be thus troublesome. He is a gentleman who
has from his infancy been constantly in the military service,
and is esteemed an experienced, well-disciplined officer, who,
during eight years' residence with us, has supported a very
unexceptionable good character, and is possessed of every
virtue that constitutes the good officer, and nothing doubt,
under your auspices, of his being approved of and acceptable
to your truly worthy and honourable Congress.
Mrs. Heyliger joins me in best respects to your truly
amiable lady and every particular branch of your worthy
family, and hope you will pardon this liberty when I assure
you that I am, at all times and on all occasions, with the
most perfect esteem, dear sir, your most obedient and very
humble servant, JOHN HEYLIGEH.
To Thomas Willing, Esq.
St. Croix, September 3, 1776.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN: I take the liberty to recom-
mend Lieutenant Hederick to you, being a gentleman in the
King of Denmark's service. His two brothers are Captains
of the Fort in this Island. He has been in the arrny since
a child, and he comes to serve you and America in general.
With a good heart he gives up his commission here, on pur-
pose to serve in America in the grand struggle for liberty.
He has many letters of recommendation, and I hope he will
meet with encouragement from the honourable Congress.
I have the honour to be, with respect, your humble ser-
vant, CORNELIUS HAIGHT.
PETITION OF JOHN PAUL SCHOTT.
[Petition read September 5, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.]
To the Honourable the Continental Congress : The Pe-
tition of JOHN PAUL SCHOTT most humbly showeth :
That your petitioner having served as a Lieutenant with
the German troops commanded by Prince Ferdinand during
the last war, and having acquired a considerable share of
military skill in the profession of soldier, most humbly begs
the honourable Congress (as he has ample testimonials with
him of his good character) to grant him a Captain's commis-
sion in the Continental Army. And he, as in duty bound,
will ever pray. JOHN P. SCHOTT.
Philadelphia, September 4, 1776.
Philadelphia, September 4, 1776.
Since our last, arrived here between thirty and forty
inhabitants of this State, who have been taken at different
times by the English Pirates on our coast. They were
brought from the fleet at New- York on board the Orpheus,
and landed at Lewestown, on Cape Henlopen.
GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read 6th September.]
Perth-Amboy, September 4, 1776.
SIR: I returned to this post yesterday, from New- York,
where I was ordered, by instructions of 25th and 27th
August, to march as many of the troops under my com-
mand as could be spared from guarding this part of the
country. In obedience to those orders from General Wash-
ington, between three and four thousand of the Militia of
Pennsylvania and New-Jersey assembled at Bergen, ready
to pass on to New- York, but were countermanded on the
retreat of the army from Long-Island. We have, how-
ever, strengthened the posts of Poivles's Hook and Bergen
Neck to the complement of twenty-five hundred men.
By orders received last night, a body of troops are imme-
diately to proceed to take post under General Ewing, oppo-
site to Mount Washington.
The movements of the enemy seem to indicate their
design of enclosing the army on New-York Island, for
effecting which a powerful navy affords many advantages.
On a general view of our force, compared with that of
the enemy, the event of this campaign is, in my opinion,
greatly to be dreaded. General Washington has not, so far
as I have seen, five thousand men to be depended on for the
service of a campaign, and I have not one thousand. Both
our armies are composed of raw Militia, perpetually fluctu-
ating between the camp and their farms. Poorly armed
and still worse disciplined, these, sir, are not a match, even
were their numbers equal, which they are not, for veteran
troops, well fitted, and urged on by able officers. Numbers
and discipline must prevail at last. We may have both, if
proper measures are speedily adopted and invariably prose-
cuted. Inlistments for a short period is the bane of mili-
tary service, as well as doubly expensive ; and giving soldiers,
or even the lower orders of mankind, the choice of officers,
will forever mar the discipline of your armies.
Should any disaster befall General Washington's army,
either by another sweep of his best troops, or his being cut
off from the necessary supplies, a body of men in reserve be-
comes absolutely necessary. It cannot be provided too soon ;
nor can any expense too great be held out to induce the
first men in the country to engage in the service, till a period
is put to the efforts of the enemies of America.
I beg the honourable Congress will not take amiss the
freedom with which my sentiments on this most interesting
subject are offered. The confidence you have honoured me
with would be justly forfeited were I to suppress such ob-
servations as appear to me essential in support of the cause
of American freedom.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
HUGH MERCER.
To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.
LORD DUNMORE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
[No. 5.]
Ship Dunmore, off New- York,
September 4, 1776.
MY LORD : Since my arrival here, I have received your
Lordship's letter of the 21st of May, and am sorry to find
that the Duke of Cumberland packet-boat, with the de-
spatches, were lost, though I am afraid your Lordship would
have found but little information that would have been
agreeable to you. One reason why I am sorry that they
did not get safe is, that mine contained originals of inter-
cepted letters, that would have gone far to have warranted
the securing the bearers of them. These were chiefly
French, which it was not in my power, from the shortness
of the time from their being intercepted and the sailing of
the packet, to have copied. Of the others I have already
sent you duplicates, and now triplicates.
It becomes necessary now that I should give your Lord-
ship my reasons for being here. They are few, but I hope
your Lordship will think them conclusive. First, the im-
practicability of watering, our numbers being reduced (o
one hundred and eight men capable of doing duty, and those
decreasing every day. The last time we were on shore (as
your Lordship will have seen by No. 4) we were opposed
by above three times our number ; and that we were sure
to meet with, wherever we went. Secondly, our sickly state ;
yet I cannot say our sick list increased much in numbers, as
there were as many died almost as there were added to it ;
in short, there was not a ship in the fleet that did not throw
one, two, three, or more dead overboard every night. The
Roebuck, I will venture to say as well regulated and as
clean a ship as any in the navy, had seventy-five on her
159
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
160
sick list ; and so in proportion had every other ship. Cap-
tain Hamond and myself finding it absolutely requisite to go
to sea immediately, as the only chance of recovering the
sick and saving those that were well ; and being at sea, and
knowing this to be the place of rendezvous for both fleet
and army, we both thought it best to run in here, where we
would have an opportunity of giving the General and Ad-
miral every information that came within our knowledge
relative to the state of the Southern Colonies and our own
situation, and at the same time to procure some aid. Though
both General and Admiral approve very much of our con-
duct, yet they seem very unwilling to part with any of their
force at present. Indeed it is hardly to be wished till the
fate of New- York is determined ; when I hope, if they are
able to spare us any assistance, they will. Sure I am, re-
turning to Virginia without can answer no good end to his
Majesty's service, but, on the contrary, would be giving fresh
vigour and spirits to the Rebels, who would have it in their
power to drive us from every spot where we might en-
deavour to land for water ; and if we run up any of the
rivers for water, they are there so narrow that the Rebels
may annoy a ship from either side, with cannon, with impu-
nity.
I have offered my services here, in the mean time, to
General Howe, and shall be happy if I can be of use.
I have now only to congratulate your Lordship on the
success of his Majesty's arms on the 26th ultimo. I was
with the Highlanders and Hessians the whole day, and it
is with the utmost pleasure I can assure your Lordship that
the ardour of both these corps on that day must have ex-
ceeded his Majesty's most sanguine wish; and I am well
convinced, from everything I have heard, that the fervour
of the rest of the army was in no ways inferiour to those I
have just now mentioned, but of which I was not an eye-
witness.
I am, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, humble
servant, DUNMORE.
To Lord George Germaine.
LORD DUNMORE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
Ship Dunmore, in Elizabeth River, Virginia, )
-6. ;
[No. 1.]
30th March, 1776.
MY LORD: It gives me great comfort, in the very un-
happy situation in which I am left, to think that my conduct
meets with his Majesty's approbation. I can assure your
Lordship, were it not for that, and the earnest desire I have
to serve him, no earthly consideration could induce me to
continue in this wretched State, where there is not a hope
of gaining either honour, credit, pleasure, or profit. No !
my sole comfort is that I am doing my utmost to serve the
best of sovereigns.
What your Lordship observes in my despatches of the
22d of October, of the disposition of many of the people
here to take an open part against the Rebels, is exactly as I
had the honour to inform your Lordship ; and I really be-
lieve now, had the Liverpool arrived (as your Lordship had
reason to expect) about that time, I am well satisfied it
would have made a wonderful change on the face of affairs
in this country. But, my Lord, she did not arrive here till
the 19th of December, two months after that, as your Lord-
ship will have seen by my subsequent despatches.
Common fame has long since informed me that an arma-
ment was preparing for the southern part of this Continent ;
and many a pleasing idea it gave me, in the midst of my
distress, the hopes that I should soon have relief. And
your Lordship, however sensible your feelings may be, will
not easily conceive what I felt on the receipt of yours,
which informs me that, notwithstanding all my applications,
representations, sufferings, and the efforts I had made with
two incomplete companies of the Fourteenth Regiment —
that notwithstanding all I had said or done — no attention
was paid to it, but am left, in the first Colony on the Conti-
nent for riches, power, and extent, without the smallest as-
sistance, and the preference given to a poor, insignificant
Province, which has not a safe harbour with depth of water
that will admit half the fleet that is sent there ; and, as I
am informed, should the army land, they must wade through
a sandy pine-barren for many miles, before they reach the
inhabited part of the country.
General Clinton, in his way to North- Carolina, called
here, and stayed with me two or three days, when I gave
him every information in my power, relative to the situation
of this Colony; and his Majesty may be assured, should the
General return here, he shall have every assistance that one
most zealously devoted to his Majesty's service can give
him.
Your Lordship will observe, by my letter No. 34, that I
have been endeavouring to raise two regiments here — one of
white people, the other of black. The former goes on very
slowly, but the latter very well, and would have been in
great forwardness had not a fever crept in amongst them,
which carried off a great many very fine fellows. The
medical people here thought, and I believe with reason, that
it proceeded from their being much crowded on board the
ships, and want of clothing — both of which we have now
provided against : the first, by landing, and taking possession
of a small neck of land, which I have fortified in the best
manner our abilities and circumstances would admit of; and
I think, though we have now several thousands of the Rebel
army in our neighbourhood, who frequently come and take a
few shots at us, and retire, yet I am satisfied they will not
willingly give us any disturbance there, though they threaten
it much. We have in this little fort four ovens, and pretty
good barracks for our Ethiopian corps. I have bought a
large quantity of oznaburgs, of which I am making summer
clothing for our garrison.
My Lord, in my despatch No. 34, 1 had frequent occasion
to mention a family of the name of Goodrich, natives of
this Colony. This is a spirited, active, industrious family,
and it has cost me much trouble and pains (knowing the
service they would be of to whichever party they joined) to
secure them in his Majesty's service. The male part con-
sists of a father and seven sons, five of which are arrived to
the age of manhood, who are now most zealously engaged
in his Majesty's service. Four of them are perfectly well
acquainted with every river, creek, or branch within this
Bay. I have now five of their vessels employed constantly
running up the rivers, where they have orders to seize, burn,
or destroy everything that is water-borne that they can get
at. They often land, and take off what provisions they can
get, which keeps the Rebels in constant motion ; and I gen-
erally send a few of the Fourteenth Regiment with them.
They land only where they are not likely to meet with
opposition, and have orders to retire on board so soon as they
see any force coming against them. I mention this family
to your Lordship for two reasons : the first is, lest any of
their vessels, of which they have many in various parts of
the world, should fall into the hands of any of our ships of
war, that they may have that attention shown to them that
1 think them so well entitled to. My second reason is, that,
should we ever see better times in this quarter, (which I
pray God we may soon !) his Majesty may show them
such marks of his favour as he thinks their services are de-
serving of. They have all left their houses, negroes, planta-
tions, stock, and every thing else, at the mercy of the Rebels,
and are now, with their whole families, water-borne in this
fleet.
I have received the late act of Parliament, with your
Lordship's despatches, which I have hardly yet been able
to look into, but should be glad to have your Lordship's
opinion whether the word "not," in the 217th page and
18th line, standing between the words " Provinces" and
" herein," is meant to be part of the bill, or is only an errour
in the press. If it is part of the act, it then restrains every
Governour, Lieutenant-Governour, or Commander-in-Chief
of any of his Majesty's Colonies or Provinces now in rebel-
lion, from sending vessels to supply themselves, or those
under their protection, with the necessaries of life ; which I
hope could never be meant.
Enclosed* I send your LordshTp a letter of Mr. John
Norton, dated the 22d of November, 1775, to Mr. Robert
Carter Nicholas, Treasurer of this Colony, wherein Mr.
Norton informs him that about £3,000 of the bills he drew
in favour of Mr. N. had been presented and accepted.
This Mr. JV. most certainly means Mr. Thomas Newton,
Junior, the endorser of the bills sent your Lordship in my
letter No. 34.
My long residence in this quarter of the globe, in the
publick capacity in which his Majesty has been pleased to
employ me, has given me an opportunity of making many
•Received no enclosure with this duplicate.
161
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
162
observations on the policy of this Continent, that I should
be happy to have an opportunity of communicating to your
Lordship before matters are finally settled on this Continent.
Since writing the above, I have been reading the Act
with more attention than I had leisure to do before, and I
must observe to your Lordship, if my construction of it is
right, it will be impossible to be complied with, for the Act
says, in the 222d page, that " the prizes are not to be
carried into any of the Colonies herein particularly men-
tioned." Now, all come under that predicament, Nova
Scotia and .the Floridas excepted ; so that every vessel
so soon as taken must be sent to one or other of these
places, which would take them near three months to go and
return, in which vessel they must send an officer and a
number of men, according to the size of the vessel. Was
this to be the case, there is not a man-of-war on this sta-
tion, that would have either officer or man left in her in a
month ; were they even to detain them in the fleet, where
such capture was made, they must leave so many men in
them that in a very short time their ships would be so weak
that they would not be fit to go to sea, which was the case
here for some time, and having no Judge of the Admiralty
here to try them, I was obliged to find a remedy for this
inconveniency, which was this: I appointed five gentlemen
in the fleet to act as Commissioners, who are empowered
to take depositions and inquire fully into the circumstances
of any captures made by the men-of-war, or the tenders ;
if in their opinion the vessel and cargo were seizable, they
then appointed sworn appraisers to put a value on the
vessel and cargo, and the vessel and cargo were sold to the
highest bidder at publick auction, and the moneys arising
from such sales are deposited in the hands of responsible
people, either till his Majesty's pleasure should be known,
or if a Judge of the Admiralty should afterwards be ap-
pointed, and the owners of the vessels were not satisfied
[No. 3.]
Ship Dunmore, in Gwin's Island Harhour, )
Virginia, June 26, 1776.
MY LORD: Since writing your Lordship of the 2d of
April, nothing very material has happened, except our
change of harbour, which I found absolutely necessary, as
we were constantly exposed to the fire of the musketry of
the enemy, (Elizabeth River not being above musket-shot
over,) and in daily expectation of their bringing heavier
metal down against us, and that we lay in a tide's way,
and exposed to be burnt by fire-rafts, or boats, which they
might have sent down amongst us, which indeed they did
attempt, as your Lordship may see by the enclosed, (No.
1) which is authentick, as I had it from a spy I had amongst
them who may be relied on ; added to this, our salt pro-
visions were quite expended, and we had no fresh. It there-
fore became requisite to move to a place where we could
have an immediate supply of the latter, and there was no
place (known to me) that appeared so eligible as the one
we now occupy, and indeed so it has proved, for a finer
harbour never was seen. We found on this Island (which
contains two or three and twenty hundred acres of land) a
considerable quantity of stock of different kinds, with great
abundance of fish on all sides of it. The only fault that I can
find to it, that it lies too near the main, which the Rebels
occupy, all around us, as the haren between it and the
main in some places don't exceed two hundred yards wide.
On the west end of this Island, where it is narrowest, I have
thrown up a small work, in which I have five cannon, with
another on the east end with two, and two smaller ones,
towards the centre, which I would willingly flatter myself
will secure us from any insult from our enemy, who, how-
ever, seem to neglect no opportunity of annoying us.
I am extremely sorry to inform your Lordship that that
fever, of which I informed you in my letter No. 1, has
proved a very malignant one, and
has carried off an m-
with the judgment of the Commissioners, the cause might credible number of our people, especially the blacks. Had
be tried by the Judge of the Admiralty from the depositions, 'l not been for this horrid disorder, I am satisfied I should
etc., taken by the Commissioners, of which they are re- have had two thousand blacks, with whom I should have
had no doubt of penetrating into the heart of this Colony.
I have done everything in my power to get the better of it, but
am sorry to inform your Lordship that all our efforts have
hitherto proved ineffectual ; but every other means shall be
tried to put a stop to it. I have now separated the sick
from the well, by the breadth of the Island, and mean if
provisions, which we should ere this have been in the possible to keep them from each other.
I am sorry also to inform your Lordship that old Mr.
Goodrich, whom I mentioned in my last to your Lordship,
he having taken two prizes in one of the Rebel harbours,
and not being able by contrary winds to get out, was in the
night boarded with a number of boats by the Rebels, and
taken, and is now confined in the gaol at Williamsburg,
quired to keep regular books, properly authenticated. This
was the mode I thought requisite to adopt, rather than his
Majesty's service should suffer by employing the sailors
in taking care of prizes, and to prevent the goods from
perishing and being totally lost, and probably the vessel
also ; indeed, most of these prizes have been loaded with
greatest want of, had we not been so fortunate as to have
taken them.
1 am, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, humble
servant, DUNMORE.
To Lord George Germaine.
[No- 2.] Ship Dunmore, in Elizabeth River, Virginia,
April 2, 1776.
MY LORD: The packet not yet being sailed on account
of the wind, and Lieutenant Ordd, of his Majesty's ship
the Roebuck, having brought in two small vessels, one of
which is from Saint Nicola Mole, bound to Philadelphia,
in which were three Frenchmen. Two of the three were
officers in the French army; one of them, Monsieur De la
loaded with very heavy irons, and I really fear their in-
human treatment of him will put an end to his life ; soon
after this, two of his sons were unfortunate enough to fall
likewise into their hands, who I doubt will not fare much
better than the father.
Enclosed I send your Lordship (No. 2) the printed paper
wherein the Convention of this Colony declare themselves
independent of Great Britain, and I am well pleased they
Bussiere, says his only reason for wishing to go to Phila- have declared themselves, for notwithstanding that they
delphia was on account of his health, which may be true • have by every artifice prepared the minds of the people
he had, however, about him the letters (No. 1) to Mr! for this ?vent> ?et l am we" convinced 't is quite repugnant
Hancock, and his discharge, (No. 2.*) The other officer to the wish °f most" . Th^ir havinS ordered the prayers for
acknowledged to me his intention was to go into the service th® preservation^ his Majesty, and^those of Jhis family ,^etc.,
of the Rebels, of which, were it requisite°the enclosed No.
3 is a very sufficient proof, as it is wrote by his own hand.
The other was supercargo in the vessel, and had a large
quantity of molasses and coffee on board. I have sent the
three by the packet for ypur Lordship to dispose of as you
shall think proper. I beg leave to inform your Lordship,
that either two or three vessels (one of which was a French
one, and navigated by Frenchmen,) loaded with powder,
had sailed a short time before the schooner left the Mole,
all bound to Philadelphia, but I make no doubt Captain
Hamond, who is now in the river Delaware, will give a
good account of them ; sure I am he won't fail of zeal.
I am, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, humble
servant, DUNMORE.
To Lord George Germaine.
*Ho enclosures received with this duplicate.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
to be erased, and substituted others for their Congress, Con-
ventions, etc., in their place, I am well convinced (though
this Colony is by no means remarkably over-religious) that
this change will have a wonderful effect on the minds of
the lower class of people, who, I am satisfied, even now only
wait for an army able to protect them, which army, I doubt
not, were they landed, they would immediately join; even
many of those, I am satisfied, that now appear in arms
against us would willingly change sides.
Finding the expense of hiring small vessels for tenders
considerable, and that the prizes they were daily bringing
in were selling for a song, I thought it best for his Majesty's
service to purchase a few of the fittest for that purpose. I
have therefore bought five small vessels which are all now
employed in that service.
Hearing a few days ago, that there were a number of
well-affected subjects to his Majesty on the Eastern Shore
11
163
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
164
of Maryland, I sent immediately three of the tenders there
to bring off as many as were willing to come. They last
night brought me between fifty and sixty, and would have
brought many more had they had room for them ; directly
on hearing this I sent off five small tenders and a ship to
bring as many more as wished to serve his Majesty; I
have inlisted those that came in the Queen's Own Loyal
Virginia Regiment.
By the Virginia Gazette, which I have just now re-
ceived, I am sorry to see that the Oxford transport from
Glasgow, having on board two hundred and seventeen
Highlanders, was taken by two of the Rebel armed vessels
on their way here ; they had been taken before to the
northward, by one of the Rebel vessels, who disarmed them
and took the officers from on board, and put eight of their
own people on board to carry her into port, but the carpen-
ter of the vessel formed a party and retook her from these
eight, and was bringing her in here to me, when they were
again most unfortunately retaken ; of what service would
they not have been to me here !
Since I wrote your Lordship last, Mr. John Grym.es is
the only person of any consequence in this Colony, that
has joined me, (who is a great acquisition.) He is of the
first family in this country, of good fortune, but what is
more valuable than either, he is a most amiable character,
being a man of the strictest honour, of an excellent dispo-
sition, and good parts; brave, active and enterprising.
The Island being between four and five miles in length,
and our numbers fit to do duty very few, and finding horses
on the Island, I advised Mr. Grymes to form a little troop,
and take the command of it, which he has done, by which
he (being posted in the middle of the Island) is able to give
assistance to either end that should be attacked. Mr.
Ralph Wormeley, one of the Council, and Mr. Philip
Grymes, brother to John, are made prisoners by the Rebels,
and sent to the back country.
I am, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, humble
servant, DUNMORE.
To Lord George Germaine.
[Enclosure in No. 3 ]
INFORMATION OF A SPY, GIVEN TO LORD DDNMORE THE 3D
DAY OF MAY, 1776.
Saturday, in the evening, as I was lying on the floor of
Neafs house, as if asleep, I heard Major Thomas Parker,
Josiah Parker, and Lawson, speak freely that that
night or before morning, that Dunmore and the fleet would
be destroyed ; and that on Major Parker's being ordered
out with a company to join Hoffler at the mouth of the
Western Branch, he asked Josiah Parker what should be
done with the Tories he found on board the vessels, he an-
swered, " Damn them, tomahawk them all and throw them
overboard, and give yourself no further trouble about them ;"
that on firing signal guns at four o'clock on Sunday morn-
ing (which was done) the ship Dunmore if possible, if not
her, that any other vessel should be boarded and set on fire,
at the same time they should attack the lines on the Mill
Point, and burn Portsmouth; that on Sunday morning about
seven o'clock the party returned to Neafs, when Parker
reported to the other officers that just before daylight they
were under the stern of the Dunmore, heard a noise in the
cabin, went close by the accommodation ladder, and thought
to have boarded her, but daylight approaching too fast pre-
vented the attempt ; that they shot a negro going ashore in a
canoe with a bottle of rum, which they drank to his health
as he was expiring.
INFORMATION OF ANOTHER SPY, GIVEN llTH OF MAY, 1776-
MY LORD : Since I had the honour of waiting on your
Excellency on Friday evening last, I have received the fol-
lowing interesting intelligence : That the Shirtmen are and
have been busy some time past in constructing boats, every
way fit and proper to attack and destroy the fleet lying off
Norfolk, that the whole or greatest part of said boats°are
ready, and only wait for favourable weather to be conducted
to the shipping ; that they are to be fully manned with des-
peradoes, and have a proper proportion of combustibles for
burning the vessels ; that their horrid plan is to operate in
various ways, and conducted with the greatest secrecy at
dead of night ; that some of the ships they are to board,
some they are to burn, and cut the cables of the rest, so as
they may drive on shore; that the landings on each side of
the shipping are to be covered with their infernal demons,
who are to put to death all that attempt to put their feet on
shore ; and lastly, that a very strong party are destined to
your Excellency's ship in order that she may be with
certainty destroyed. Such, my Lord, is the bloody plan
intended to be perpetrated by those sons of murder and devas-
tation, and your Excellency has had sufficient and repeated
proofs of their barbarous inhumanity to convince you that
no crime is too black and dismal for them to perform, and
that they are well provided with desperate villains who will
undertake to execute the most dreadful and horrid butchery.
When I deliver my weak sentiments upon this very inter-
esting and momentous affair, it proceeds from no presump-
tion, but a real and great solicitude for the safety and pre-
servation of your Excellency's person, which, believe me,
my Lord, in the present situation of affairs, cannot be out
of danger; your Lordship ought to have a much greater
number of hands on board your ship, and their characters,
if possible, well known ; for be assured, my Lord, the fleet
have too many villains on board, who give intelligence to
the Shirtmen of everything that passes in the fleet, and they
have the information almost as soon as it reaches your own
ears ; and I sincerely wish that your ship may be clear of such
vermin. The most strict watch and outlook is necessary,
and every implement of defence and destruction ready and
prepared to repel those bloodhounds of murder and rapine.
Upon a subject of such consequence, I do think I can-
not, especially if I omit any that ought to be mentioned,
exceed. Your Excellency will please to know that the
three fellows that came lately on board your ship, had no
meaning in their application, but were intended as spies
under the protection of a flag of truce, and to observe the
situation, condition, and strength of your Excellency's ship;
and I think the names of two of the three were Campbett
and Fleming.
TNn 4 1 Sh'P Dunmore, in Potowmack River, Virsinia, )
July 31, 1776. \
MY LORD: Since writing your Lordship of the 26th of June,
at Gwin's Island, we have again been obliged to shift our
quarters. The enemy brought down ten pieces of ordnance,
and on the 9th instant began to play on my ship from two
batteries ; she was laid very near the shore in order to pre-
vent the Rebels from landing on the Island ; we were so near
one of their batteries (which consisted of an eighteen and a
twenty-four-pounder) that they struck the ship every shot.
I got our raw and weak crew to fire a few shot at them, but
I soon perceived that our six-pounders made no impression
on their batteries. Our boatswain being killed, and several of
the people wounded, I found it impracticable to make them
stand any longer to their guns; we were therefore obliged to
cut our cable, though there was not a breath of air stirring;
but the little tide there was drifted us from the shore. When
the Rebels found their guns had no further effect on us, they
next day turned them on two small tenders that we found
it requisite to place in the haven between the Island and
the main, which soon obliged our people to quit them and
geton the Island. One of them was set on fire; Mr. Thomas,
midshipman of the Fowey, who commanded the other, wns
obliged to abandon her before he could effect it, being
almost surrounded by the boats of the enemy; in making
his escape he received two slight wounds, so near had they
got to him ; they made only one boy a prisoner. On the
llth we left the Island, and on the night of that day came
to anchor in the Bay, at the mouth of the river Potowmack:
there sprung up a fresh of wind, which parted the cables of
many of the small crafts of our ill-provided fleet, some few
of which were lost, but the people of all were saved except
of one sloop, which drifted on shore and fell into the hands
of the Rebels. We next morning put into the river Potow-
mack, where we are wooding and watering on an Island.
I have taken this opportunity of advising all those who
have put themselves under the protection of his Majesty's
ships, to proceed to such place of safety as they shall think
proper ; some go immediately to Great Britain, others to the
West Indies, and others to St. Augustine, by which means
we shall be disincumbered of everything but the transports,
which I hope will enable us to harass and distress these
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &ic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
166
inveterate foes to the best of Sovereigns, and a most indul-
gent parent State.
Not finding water in that abundance we could wish on
St. George's Island, I ordered all the empty water casks of
the fleet to be put on board two of the transports, with
which Captain Hamond, in the Roebuck, and this ship went
up the river about a hundred miles, into fresh water, where
we soon filled our casks ; during our stay here about three
hundred of the Rebels assembled themselves at the house of a
Mr. Brent, who is one of their Colonels ; we were, with the
assistance of the Roebuck's Marines, volunteers, blacks and
whites, able to muster one hundred and eight men ; with these
we landed under cover of two small tenders and a small row
crnlley, which I had fitted up at Gwin's Island, in which
Captain Hamond has put a six-pounder, and occasionally an
officer and twenty men. She is proof against musket-shot
and draws but eighteen inches of water. We were no sooner
landed than the Rebels fled on all quarters from the house
and offices, all of which we burned, and having done all the
mischief in our power, we reimbarked without the loss of a
man killed, and only four or five wounded, of which number
is Lieutenant Wallace of the Fourteenth Regiment ; it is
only a flesh wound, which I am satisfied will be well in a
few days ; every praise is due to the spirit of this young
gentleman. We found only three of the bodies of the Reb-
els, but we flatter ourselves there were several more, that
the rest had carried off; in Mr. Brent's house we found the
enclosed newspaper, (No. 1,) by which your Lordship will
see that the Virginians have altered their Constitution into
a strange motley, which they call a Commonwealth ; they
therein set forth their reasons for so doing.
I have also the honour to transmit to your Lordship five
letters which were intercepted by Captain Hamond. I
need not comment upon them to your Lordship, whose
judgment will much better direct you what is proper to be
done with them and their authors than I can possibly do ;
sorry I am, however, to find that the letters of Mr. Lee,
which I transmitted home in No. 34 were not found suf-
ficient to secure him from giving further information to his
countrymen here ; the letters Nos. 2 and 3 are from the
Whartons, who seem to me to have good intelligence, and
very willing to communicate it to their friends here; L wish
I was able to inform your Lordship where they had it from.
I hope your Lordship will make them discover it. I am
really sorry to inform your Lordship that Cox, the bearer
of these letters, together with Mr. Jennings, his Majesty's
Attorney General for Maryland, and the master of the
sloop in which they came from the West Indies, made their
escape from the sloop on the night before they were to have
been delivered over to me ; had I been so fortunate as to
have got them into my possession I should most certainly
have sent them home to your Lordship, as I most believe
they are both freighted with every information their friends
in London could communicate to them. It is by the West
Indies that the Rebels receive all their information ; it is
first sent to the British West-India Islands, and from thence
conveyed to St. Eustatia, with which place the Rebels have
a constant intercourse, and are supplied by the Dutch with
powder and ammunition of every kind, as well as all sorts
of dry goods, rum, and sugar. 1 had certain information a
few days ago of the safe arrival of a brig from that port with
thirty tons of powder besides small arms and ammunition of
all sorts to one of our outports; in short, it is impossible for
Captain Hamond (who does all in his power) without more
assistance, to prevent them from running small craft, and
sometimes larger, into the numerous ports of these two Colo-
nies ; they are now become so formidable, even by water,
in this Bay, that they have actually drove all our tenders
up to the fleet, and Captain Hamond does not think it safe
to trust one of his Majesty's sloops alone in the Bay; nay,
they had the impudence a few days ago, with one of their
ships of eighteen guns and two of her tenders, to run up
within a few miles of the fleet. We were then just turning
down this river from watering ; the Roebuck and Fowey both
gave them chase, but they were so far windward, that they
could not come up with them ; at the same time the Rebels
on shore opened a battery on the Foiocy, whilst she was
getting under way.
We are now anchored in the river, and I hope to-morrow
will clear us of everything but the ships-of-war and the
transports ; but where we are to go, or what we can do next,
to render service to his Majesty, I own I am puzzled to
know, and I find there is now not even a chance of our
receiving any assistance. I really am at a loss what to
determine on, for next month it will become very unsafe for
the ships to keep the Bay, and I do declare I know not
where we can go with our present force to make a harbour
of any tolerable safety; for we no sooner appear off the
land, than signals are made from it, when the coast is
covered with men, and if we come to anchor within cannon-
shot of either shore, guns are immediately brought to bear
upon us, which it is not in the power of the ships to dislodge,
as the shoals will not permit them to get near enough.
Enclosed is another paper (No. 4) that was found whilst
we were last on shore, but I hope most sincerely that mat-
ters may be greatly exaggerated in it. We have had no other
account of the matter either by land or water, but what I
enclose your Lordship. Lest your Lordship should not have
seen the resolutions of the Congress relative to Indepen-
dence, I have sent it your Lordship, marked No. 5.
August 4.
Seeing a tender of Captain Hamond's (that he had sent
to Sir Peter Parker) coming up, I would not close my letter
till I saw Mr. Whitworth, who commands her ; and I am
extremely sorry to find that No. 4 contains but too true
an account of our loss before Charlestown. I have letters
from Sir Peter and General Clinton, both informing me that
it is perfectly out of their power to give me any sort of
assistance ; which will render my situation, if possible, more
intolerable than it has been for these fourteen months past
that I have been constantly penned up in a ship, hardly
with the common necessaries of life ; but what makes it now
a thousand times worse, is, that I am left without even the
hopes of being able to render his Majesty the smallest ser-
vice ; this, I must say, is truly discouraging, and leaves me
in the utmost difficulty to determine what to do; my utmost
desire is (when I do resolve) that I may do what may be
most agreeable to his Majesty's wishes, and the best for his
service. Mr. Simonton, the bearer of this, or Governour
Eden, who accompanies him, will be able to inform your
Lordship particularly of the forlorn state in which they have
left us.
And I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's
most obedient humble servant, DUNMORE.
To Lord George Germaine.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL GAY.
New- York, September 4, 1776.
SIR: Whether you do not get the General Orders with
that regularity which is to be wished, or whether (which is
hard to suppose) you do not attend to them, I will not under-
take to determine ; but it is a melancholy truth that returns
essentially necessary for the Commanding officer to govern
himself by, and which might be made in an hour after they
are called for, where care and order are observed, are ob-
tained with so much difficulty. Nor can I help regretting,
that not only regular returns, but that orders, in instances
equally important, should be so little attended to. I there-
fore address myself to you in this manner, requesting in ex-
press and peremptory terms, that you do without delay make
out and return to the Adjutant-General's office immediately,
an exact state of the regiment or corps under your com-
mand, and that the like return be given in every Saturday,
at orderly time, without fail.
I also desire, in terms equally express, that you do not
suffer the men of your corps to straggle from their quarters,
or be absent from camp without leave, and even then but
few at a time. Your own reputation, the safety of the army,
and the good of the cause, depend, under God, upon our
vigilance and readiness to oppose a crafty and enterprising
enemy, who are always upon the watch to take advantages.
To prevent straggling, let your rolls be called over tln^e
times a day, and the delinquents punished. I have one thing
more to urge, and that is, that every attempt of the men to
plunder houses, orchards, gardens, &tc., be discouraged, not
only for the preservation of property and sake of good order,
but for the prevention of those fatal consequences which
usually follow such diabolical practices. In short, sir, at a
time when everything is at stake, it behooves every man to
exert himself. It will not do for the commanding officer of
a regiment to content himself with barely giving orders ; he
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
168
should see (at least know) they are executed. He should
call his men out frequently, and endeavour to impress them
with a just and true sense of their duty, and how much de-
pends upon subordination and discipline.
Let me, therefore, not only command, but exhort you and
your officers, as you regard your reputation, your country,
and the sacred cause of freedom in which you are engaged,
to manly and vigorous exertions at this time, each striving to
excel the other in the respective duties of his department.
I trust it is unnecessary for me to add further, and that these
and all other articles of your duty you will execute with a
spirit and punctuality becoming your station.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Colonel Fisher Gay.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL LIVINGSTON.
September 4, 1776.
SIR : In answer to both your favours, just received by
Lieutenant Smith. I can only say, that circumstanced as we
both are at present, it is not in my power to give you other
instructions for your conduct than that you pursue every
step which shall appear to you necessary and judicious for
annoying and harassing the enemy and to prevent their for-
aging ; and while those measures are in any degree effectual,
I would wish to have you continue on the Island ; but as
soon as you find that you can be of no longer service, I
would have you make your retreat to the main without
further delay. You will take care to have the boats so pro-
vided as to secure your retreat in the best manner possible.
I am, with due regard, sir, your very humble servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Henry B. Livingston.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
New-York, September 4, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Your favours of the 29th and 31st ultimo,
with their several enclosures, have been duly received.
I sincerely wish the event of the skirmish on Long-Island
had been as favourable to us as reported to you. Hurried
and involved in a multiplicity of business, I cannot give you
a particular detail of it. I shall only add, that we lost in
killed and wounded and prisoners, from seven hundred to one
thousand men ; among the prisoners are General Sullivan
and Lord Stirling. The enemy's loss has not been ascer-
tained yet, but there is reason to believe, from the continu-
ance of the action and the heavy firing between them and
Lord Stirling's detachment, that it was considerable. We
have been informed so by deserters. They overpowered our
people by their numbers and constant reinforcements.
When I have an opportunity, and circumstances will ad-
mit, I will inquire after Lieutenant Johnson, and order him to
Albany.
I am extremely obliged by your interposing to have the
boards sent down. I have informed the Quartermaster-Gen-
eral, and directed him to take measures for obtaining a large
supply, as I have grounds to apprehend many will be
wanted.
The short inlistment of our troops has been the source of
some of our misfortunes, and of infinite trouble and difficulty
already, and I am not without apprehension that, sooner or
later, must prove of fatal consequence. I have wrote my
sentiments very fully to Congress upon this subject two or
three times. In a late letter I have urged the expediency
of a permanent army during the war. The necessity is too
obvious to require arguments to prove it. I think it will be
advisable to recruit out of the present army as fast as pos-
sible; but I fear the progress will be but small. The
bounties given by the different States, to raise their quotas of
men for so short a time, must have a pernicious tendency.
Many will refuse to inlist, as that allowed by Congress is so
low, in hopes of exacting more.
The letters from our officers in Canada, transmitted by
General Gates, 1 have sent to Congress with the return you
enclosed. I have also perused and delivered your letter to
the Commissary, having sealed it first, and wish matters to
be so ordered as best to promote the service.
Observing that General Gates, in his letter to you, men-
tions his want of cartridge paper for muskets, I have wrote
to Congress and requested them to supply it if possible,
having none here or but very little, and have also directed
the Quartermaster-General to send up some grindstones, not
knowing whether they can be had at Albany.
I am, dear sir, &.C., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Schuykr, N. Department.
P. S. Your letter preceding the two last came to hand
when I was sending away my papers, and being put up with
them after a cursory reading, I don't recollect it sufficiently
to answer.
Being certain that we shall have occasion for a large
quantity of boards for barracks and shelter for the troops
which will be posted at King's Bridge, in its vicinity, and
over the river, opposite the works erected at the upper end
of this Island, I wish to be informed if they can be supplied,
and shall be glad those who undertake it will begin to hurry
'em down with all expedition to the nearest landing place to
the bridge.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON, DATED
LONG-ISLAND, (NEW-YORK,) SEPTEMBER 4, 1776.
Mr. Washington has issued a recommendation that all the
women, children, and infirm persons, leave the city of New-
York, as a bombardment and attack may be hourly ex-
pected, adding the following words : "Trusting that with the
blessing of Heaven upon the American arms, they may soon
return to it in perfect security." From which, added to
certain accounts that there are six thousand of their soldiers
sick in the place, it may be hoped that loyal city may not
be sacrified to the inexorable fury of fanatical and Congres-
sional proscription. Our prospects of its safety are strength-
ened by the following circumstance: In the night of the 2d
instant three persons escaped from the city in a canoe, and
informed our General that Mr. Washington had ordered
three battalions of New-York Provincials to leave New-
York, and that they should be replaced by an equal num-
ber of Connecticut troops; but the former, assured that the
Connecticutians would burn and destroy all the houses,
peremptorily refused to give up their city, declaring that no
cause of exigence whatsoever should induce them to entrust
the defence of it to any other than her own inhabitants.
This spirited and stubborn resolution prevailed over the
orders of their Commander, and the New-Yorkers continue
snugly in possession of the place. We have just been
informed that the two battalions from Cumberland County,
in Pennsylvania are sick of the contest, and dreading the
Light Infantry, Hessians, Chasseurs, and Dragoons of the
Royal Army, have very prudently bid adieu to military
achievements, and in a body returned to their own farms,
there to cultivate the arts of peace and reconciliation.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LORD PERCY TO A GENTLEMAN
IN LONDON, DATED CAMP AT NEWTOWN, SEPTEMBER 4,
1776.
It was the General's orders that the troops should receive
the Rebels' first fire, and then rush on them before they had
recovered their arms, with their bayonets, which threw them
into the utmost disorder and confusion, they being unac-
quainted with such a manreuvre. A light dragoon discover-
ing three riflemen in a wood, who had secreted themselves
in order to pick out the officers as they appeared, attacked
them, shot one, took the other two prisoners, and brought
them to Lord Percy, who rewarded him for his gallant be-
haviour. A great many of the horses belonging to Preston's
regiment, that were left in Boston at the evacuation, were
found on Long-Island.
CAPTAIN THOMAS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Harlem, September 4, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOURS : The unhappy situation
of the Maryland troops now here, makes it absolutely neces-
sary that you should be acquainted with it, and also you
might have received information from others, yet I think it
my duty also (though low in office) to make you acquainted
with it, and I have not the least doubt but you will imme-
diately apply a remedy.
We have now, and have had for some time, a number of
our men sick, a number very ill. I have had from fifteen to
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
170
twenty of my men extremely ill, and have not yet been able
to procure them the least assistance. The Province have
but two Surgeons here — one of them very ill — and none can
be procured here. From the best authority I can assure you
we have, at this time, near two hundred men unfit for duty,
and most of them without any assistance from the doctor.
The neglect of the troops when sick discourages them more
than any other circumstance, and I am convinced, if it was
generally known, would have the worst of consequences,
both as to recruiting for the troops already raised or in
raising new levies. I hope the freedom I have taken will be
readily excused, especially when 'tis considered, and I hope
believed, that I have no other motive than the publick ser-
vicfe. With this hope, I conclude myself your most obedi-
ent humble servant, J. A. THOMAS.
To the Hon. the Convention of Maryland, or in their
recess the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland.
COLONEL NICOLL TO GENERAL HEATH.
Mount- Washington, September 4, 1776.
SIR : Last night, about ten o'clock, there came two regi-
ments to this post of Brigadier-General Heard's brigade;
and as Colonel Hutchinson is gone to New- York, who I
understood was to give me orders, I send my Orderly-Ser-
geant to your Honour for orders. I have nothing particular
to acquaint you of.
I remain with sincere affection, your obedient and humble
servant, ISAAC NICOLL, Colonel.
To General Heath.
GENERAL HEATH TO COLONEL NICOLL.
King's Bridge, September 4, 1776.
DEAR SIR : As Colonel Hutchinson is absent, I think you
had better remain at Mount- Washington until he returns,
(which will be soon,) and acquaint the Commanding officer
who is come to that post with as many particulars respecting
the post as you can ; and after Colonel Hutchinson's return
you will march back your detachment to this post.
I am, sir, yours, Sic., W. HEATH.
To Colonel Nicoll
CAPTAIN WILLIAMS TO GENERAL GATES.
Skenesborough, September 4, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : The blacksmiths that I have here to
work are very uneasy ; they want to know what they are
to have per day, besides their wages. I beg that your
Honour would let me know what they shall have.
I remain your very obedient, humble servant,
EDWARD WILLIAMS, Captain.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
PASS FOR NEHEMIAH CARPENTER.
Westchester County, New-Rochelle, New- York, )
September 4, 1776. J
Permit the bearer hereof, Nehemiah Carpenter, Sen., to
pass as far as Norwark, he being a friend to the American
liberty. ABRAM GUION, Chairman of Sub- Committee.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED CAMP MOUNT-INDEPENDENCE,
OPPOSITE TICONDEROGA, SEPTEMBER 4, 1776.
On the 31st ultimo departed this life, of a bilious disorder,
Colonel William Bond. He met the last enemy with the,
greatest calmness and intrepidity. In his death our country
has lost a true patriot and most vigilant officer of tried
bravery. The first of this instant his remains were escorted
with military parade to the place of burial, in the front of
the regiment, where the Rev. Ebenezer David delivered a
funeral oration, and made a prayer; after which the corpse
was interred and the Colonel's character honoured by the
discharge of three twenty-four-pounders from the Fort, and
the usual volleys from the musketry. The whole was con-
ducted in a manner suitable to the occasion.
New-Haven, Wednesday, September 4, 1776.
By advice of a Council of War, last Thursday night
and Friday morning the whole of our army then on
Long-Island returned to New-York, and brought off,
it is said, all their carnp equipage, cannon, stores, &.c.
Their return was conducted with such secrecy that it was
not discovered by the enemy till all our army and baggage
were got over, and only three persons, who left the Island
last in a batteau, fell into their hands. Saturday and Sun-
day our troops on Governour's Island and Red-Hook, evac-
uated our fortifications there, and brought off their cannon,
&tc., notwithstanding a very heavy fire from the enemy on
Long-Island, in which we lost some men.
We hear that the main body of the enemy's army are
now encamped near Hell-Gate. They have transported a
number of boats over land, and it is supposed they intend
to cross and land a little above their encampment, and attack
our army near King's Bridge, where we are making great
preparations to receive them, and our army in high spirits.
General Sullivan and Lord Stirling, who were both miss-
ing after the battle on the 27th ultimo, are both alive and
well. The former having, on his parole, obtained leave to
go to Congress, last Saturday passed New- York on his way
to Philadelphia. It is said his business is to obtain an ex-
change for himself and Lord Stirling, for General Prescott,
a prisoner in Pennsylvania,&nd General McDonald, a pris-
oner in North- Carolina.
Since our troops have evacuated Long-Island, the Tories
and Regulars treat the friends to their country with the
greatest severity. Colonel Woodhull, late President of
New-York Congress, for refusing to give up his side-arms,
was wounded on the head with a cutlass, and had a bayonet
thrust through his arm.
By some people who left Huntington last Monday, we
hear that the inhabitants of Suffolk County were to resign
up their arms yesterday.
Our loss in the battle on the 27th ultimo remains yet
uncertain, the calculations being from six hundred to one
thousand. Colonel Huntington 's regiment is said to have
suffered much, there being missing 6 Captains, 6 Lieuten-
ants, 21 Sergeants, 2 Drummers, and 126 Rank and File.
Yesterday sixty-four women landed at Milford from
Long-Island, and we hear numbers are coming off daily to
the Continent.
Captain Redfield, of Killingworth, on his return from
New- York, was taken by one of the frigates, who burnt his
vessel, and after detaining him a few days he was dismissed.
There was another person in the vessel, whom they de-
tained.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO THE COUNCIL OF WAR OF CONNEC-
TICUT.
Seabrook, September 4, 1776.
SIR : Being informed that you are appointed by Govern-
our Trumbull to preside at the Council of War, to be held
at New-London, in order to determine whether it is proper
to send a body of troops to the east end of the Island —
Long-Island — in order to encourage and assist the inhabi-
tants to repel our enemies : I have been stationed in that
part of the Island with a detachment of two hundred men
in order to protect the inhabitants from insult, also to do all
in my power to distress the enemy whenever they should
make any attempts in those parts. On Saturday last I
received an account of the approach of the enemy; accord-
ingly endeavoured to raise the Militia of the County, and
marched my men to River-Head^ within about five miles of
a body of the enemy's Light-Horse. While I continued,
there came an account to the officers commanding the Mil-
itia that our troops had abandoned and given up the Island.
This so discouraged them that they dismissed their men and
proposed to submit to the enemy. In this disposition I left
them and effected a retreat, disarmed about seventy of the
inhabitants, and brought off four pieces of ordnance, with
our baggage and a quantity of provisions. The detachment
are now with me at Seabrook, and are ready to acquiesce
in any determination you shall make, and to proceed in con-
junction with you to oppose our enemies stationed on that
Island.
Your advice in this matter would oblige your most obe-
dient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON, Lieutenant- Colonel.
To the President of the Council of War held this day by
order of Governour Trumbull.
171
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
172
CAPTAIN J. PAUL JONES TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Providence, at Sea, in N. Lat. 37° 40', and W. Long. 54°,
September 4, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I had the honour of writing to you the
27th August, per the brigantine Britannia, which. I sent
under the care of Lieutenant William Grinnell. Since that
I have been to the southward, near the parallel of Bermuda,
and brought to four sail of French, Spanish, and Danish
ships, homeward bound, but without gaining any useful
information. On the 1st current, I fell in with a fleet of 6ve
sail. One of them being very large, it was the general
opinion on board here that she was either an old Indiaman,
outward bound, with stores, or a Jamaica three-decker,
bound homeward. We found her to be an English frigate,
mounting twenty-six guns upon one deck. She sailed fast,
and pursued us by the wind, till, after four hours' chase, the
sea running very cross, she got within musket shot of our
lee quarter. As they had continued firing at us from the
6rst, without showing colours, 1 now ordered ours to be
hoisted, and began to fire at them. Upon this they also
hoisted American colours, and fired guns to leeward. But
the bait would not take; for, having everything prepared, I
bore away before the wind, and set all our light sail at once,
so that before her sails could be trimmed and steering sails
set, I was almost out of reach of grape, and soon after out
of reach of cannon shot. Our " hair-breadth 'scape," and
the saucy manner of making it, must have mortified him
not a little. Had he foreseen this motion, and been pre-
pared to counteract it, he might have fired several broadsides
of double-headed and grape shot, which would have done
us very material damage. But he was a bad marksman,
and, though within pistol shot, did not touch the Providence
with one of the many shot which he fired. I met with no
other adventure till last night, when I took the Bermuda-
built brigantine Sea-Nymph, bound from Barbadoes for Lon-
don, with a cargo of two hundred and twenty-seven hogsheads
and eight barrels of rum, five hogsheads, two tierces, and
ten barrels of sugar, six bags of ginger, fourteen casks of
oil, and twelve pipes " best particular London market Ma-
deira wine." The brig is new, and sails very fast, so that
she is a pretty good prize. By the master of the brig and a
passenger, I hear that the Andrew Doria was off Bermuda
a few days since ; also, that Captain Weeks had an action
with an English sloop-of-war off Martinico, and that our
side was victorious, and drove the Englishman into Mar-
tinico.
I am now convinced that I am too late in the season. I
will, however, try my utmost. 'Tis not impossible that I
may yet fall in with another prize. I did not expect to have
found a frigate convoying two ships, a brig, and a sloop. Il
the storeships come out all under convoy, my hopes of suc-
cess from that quarter must fall short.
I have the honour to be, with much esteem and respect,
gentlemen, your most obliged and very obedient, humble
servant, JNO. P. JONES.
To the Hon. Marine Committee, at Philadelphia.
N. B. The brigantine Sea-Nymph's crew are all as fol-
lows, viz:
1, Francis Trimingham, master; 2, William Lovie,
mate; 3, William Johnson, sailor; 4, John Hardy, sailor; 5
Jamie, 6 Anthony, 7 Peter, 8 Will, 9 Davie, negro sailors;
and Mr. Samuel Scott, merchant, of London, passenger
CAPTAIN J. PAUL JONES TO COMMODORE HOPKINS.
Providence, at Sea, in N. Lat 37° 40', and W. Long 54°,
September 4, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: I know you will not suspect me of flat-
tery when I affirm that 1 have not experienced a more sin-
cere pleasure, for a long time past, than the account 1 have
had of your having gained your cause at Philadelphia, in
spite of party. Your late trouble will tend to your future
advantage, by pointing out your friends and enemies. You
will thereby be enabled to retain the one part, while you
guard against the other. You will be thrice welcome to
your native land, and to your nearest concerns. After your
late shock, they will see you, as gold from the fire, of more
worth and value; and slander will learn to keep silence when
Admiral Hopkins is mentioned. But enough of this.
And now for my success. I sent in a NantucJcet whaler
by Captain Grinnell, 27th ultimo. She appeared, by the
voluntary testimony of the master, mate, &c., to be the
property of rank Tories, who had ordered their oil to be
carried to the London market, and the amount of it to be
shipped out in English goods to Nantucket. Since that
time I have been further to the southward, where I brought
to a number of French, Spanish, and Danish ships, but saw
no Englishmen till the 1st current, when I fell in with five
sail. One of them being very large, we took her to be
either an old East-Indiaman, or a Jamaica three-decker ;
but she proved to be an English frigate, mounting twenty-
six guns upon one deck. She sailed fast, and pursued us
by the wind, till, after four hours' chase, the sea running
very cross, she got within musket shot of our lee quarter.
As they had continued firing at us from the first, without
showing colours, I was angry at this low piece of conduct ;
therefore, ordered ours to be hoisted, and began to fire at
them. They then hoisted American colours, and fired guns
to the leeward. But the bait would not take. Having
everything prepared,! bore away across his forefoot, and set
all our light sails at once, so that before her sails were trimmed
and steering sails set, I was almost out of reach of grape,
and soon after out of reach of cannon shot. Our " hair-
breadth 'scape," and the saucy manner of making it, must
have mortified him not a little. Had he foreseen this motion,
and been prepared to counteract it, he might have fired sev-
eral broadsides while we were within pistol shot. He was
a bad marksman, and did not hit the Providence with one
of the many shot which he fired. I met .with no other
adventure till last night, when I took the brigantine Sea-
Nymph, bound from Barbadoes for London, with a cargo
of two hundred and twenty-seven hogsheads of rum, be-
sides oil, sugar, ginger, and Madeira wine. I understand
by this brig that the Andrew Doria is off Bermuda, and that
Captain Weeks hath given a trimming to an English sloop-
of-war off Martinico. I am too late for West-Indiamen,
but will not yet give up hopes. I am much afraid that the
storesliips come out under convoy; for who would have
expected to find a frigate with no more than two ships, a
brig, and a sloop ?
If I meet with further success, I will write you in course.
In the meantime, I rest assured that your good offices will
not be wanting in my favour when the Navy rank and senior-
ity come to be settled. If I was worthy of the rank of
eldest Lieutenant of the fleet, I deserve not to be superseded
in favour of any person who then bore an inferior or junior
commission. It will be good policy if the Congress or the
Marine Committee fix the parity of rank between land and
sea officers, as it is in the English establishment, viz: An
Admiral ranks with a General, a Vice-Admiral with a Lieu-
tenant-General, a Rear- Admiral with a Major-General, a
Commodore with a Brigadier-General, a Captain with a
Colonel, a Master and Commander with a Lieutenant-
Colonel, a Lieutenant-Commanding with a Major, and a
Lieutenant in the Navy with a Captain of Foot or Marines.
This would prevent numberless disputes and duelings, which
otherwise will be unavoidable. But I remember that this
agrees with your own opinion, and therefore I need use no
arguments to enforce it.
My best wishes and respects await yourself and family;
and I am, with much esteem and grateful respect, honoured
sir, your very obliged and most humble servant,
JNO. P. JONES.
To the Hon. E. Hopkins, Esq., Admiral of the American
Fleet, Rhode-Island^; per the Brig Sea-Numph, Captain
TJT TT 1 *
W. Hopkins.
CAPTAIN JONES TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Providence, at Sea, September 4, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: I herewith enclose, for your inspection,
all the letters and papers which 1 found in the brigantine
Sea-Nymph. For the particulars of my cruise hitherto, 1
must beg leave to refer you to the within open letter to the
Marine Board, which please to lay before them. I purpose
to stand to the southward, in hopes of falling in with some
ships, which, I understand, are now on their passage from
Barbadoes. But at this late season my success is very uncer-
tain. I will, however, ply about in this meridian as long as
I think I have any chance, and if I fail at last, I can run to
the northward, and try for better success among the fisher-
men, which may answer no bad purpose, by increasing the
173
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
174
number of our seamen. However my cruise may terminate,
I forget not the singular obligation I owe to Mr. Morris,
who promoted it for my honour and advantage; and I esteem
the honour done me by his accepting my correspondence as
the greatest favour I could have aspired to. I conclude
that Mr. Hewes hath Acquainted you with a very great mis-
fortune which befell me some years ago, and which brought
me into North America. I am under no concern, however,
that this or any past circumstance will sink me in your
opinion. Since human wisdom cannot secure us from acci-
dent, it is the greatest effort of reason to bear them well.
I will, from time to time, carefully communicate to you
every intelligence in my power; and as the regulations of
the" Navy are of the utmost consequence, you will not think
it presumption if, with the utmost diffidence, I venture to
communicate to you such hints as, in my judgment, will
promote its honour and good government. I could heartily
wish that every commission officer were to be previously
examined ; for, to my certain knowledge, there are persons
who have already crept into commission without abilities or
fit qualification. I am myself far from desiring to be excused.
From experience in ours, as well as from my former intimacy
with many officers of note in the British Navy, I am con-
vinced that the parity of rank between sea and land or
marine officers is of more consequence to the harmony of
the service than hath generally been imagined. In the
British establishment, an Admiral ranks with a General, a
Vice-Admiral with a Lieutenant-General, a Rear-Admiral
with a Major-General, a Commodore with a Brigadier-Gen-
eral, a Captain with a Colonel, a Master and Commander
with a Lieutenant-Colonel, a Lieutenant-Commanding with
a Major, and a Lieutenant in the Navy ranks with a Captain
of Horse, Foot, or Marines. I propose not our enemies as
an example for our general imitation ; yet, as their Navy is
the best regulated of any in the world, we must, in some
degree, imitate them, and aim at such further improvement
as may one day make ours vie with, and exceed, theirs.
Were this regulation to take place in our Navy, it would
prevent numberless disputes and duelings which otherwise
will be unavoidable. Besides, sir, you know very well that
Marine officers, being utterly unacquainted with maritime
affairs, are, in those cases, unfit persons to preside at, or com-
pose half the number of a Court-Martial.
I beg pardon for this liberty. I thought that such hints
might escape your memory in the multiplicity of business.
I have always understood that the sentence of a Court-
Martial, when confirmed by a Commander-in-Chief, was
definitive, and admitted of no appeal. To prove this, I
must again recur to English authority, in the case of Lord
George G. Sackville, who, for disobeying the orders of
Prince Ferdinand at the battle of Mindon, was, by a Court-
Martial held at the Horse Guards, rendered incapable of
serving afterwards in any military capacity, although his
great abilities were then well known, and are generally
acknowledged at this day. I am led into this subject by
hearing, with astonishment, the application and complaint of
the late Captain Hazard to the Marine Board, after he had
been found " unworthy of bearing his commission in the
Navy," by the undivided voice of a Court-Martial, where I
had the honour to sit as a member. If he was then
unworthy of bearing his commission, I cannot see what new
merit he can have acquired. And even if he had merit, it
would not be sound policy to reverse the sentence. It would
make officers stand less in awe, and attend less punctually
to their duty; and it is not impossible it might induce future
Courts-Martial, in some cases, to inflict personal punishment,
from whence there is no appeal.
There was a mistake made in the date of my commission,
which, unless you stand my friend, will make a material dif-
ference when the Navy rank is settled. I took command
here the 10th day of May, as appears by the order and
appointment of the Commander-in-Chief on the back of
my commission, as eldest Lieutenant of the fleet ; and my
commission is not dated till the 8th day of August, which,
you know, is not fair, as it would subject me to be superseded
by Captain Robuson, who was at first my junior officer by
six. Perhaps it might subject me to be superseded by
others. If I have deserved so ill as to be superseded, I am
unworthy of bearing my commission. I esteem it a greater
disgrace and severer punishment than to be fairly broke and
dismissed the service.
I have ordered Mr. Hopkins, the prize-master, to deliver
you a turtle, which please to accept.
I have the honour to be, with grateful esteem and much
respect, honoured sir, your very obliged and very obedient,
humble servant, JNO. PAUL JONES.
To the Hon. Robert Morris, Esq.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY to JOHN CLOUSTON, Com-
mander of the Sloop FREEDOM, in the service of said
State :
You are hereby directed and commanded to repair, with
the vessel under your command, to the harbour of Boston,
in company with the sloop Republick, commanded by Cap-
tain John Foster Williams, now in Dartmouth ; and there
to wait for the further orders of the Council.
By order of a major part of the Council, the 4th of Sep-
tember, 1776: SAMUEL ADAMS, Secretary.
Return of Officers on board the Armed Sloop calkd the
FREEDOM, whereof JOHN CLOUSTON is Commander.
John Clouston, Captain.
James Scott, First Lieutenant.
Timothy Tobey, Second Lieutenant.
In Council, September 4, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the above Officers be commis-
sioned agreeable to their respective ranks.
SAMUEL ADAMS, Secretary.
FOR SLOOP FREEDOM.
100 double-headed Shot at Plymouth.
10 6-pound Cannon and Carriages at do.
11 Swivel Guns and 1 Cohorn.
The Brig's Spritsail Topsails.
30 Hammocks.
2 bolts Duck.
2 Studding-sails.
2 barrels Powder.
CAPTAIN JOHN CLOCSTON.
In Council, September 3, 1776.
Read and Ordered, That William Watson, Esquire, be
and he is hereby directed to deliver Jerathmeel Bowers
the above articles out of the armed brig called the Rising
Empire, Welden, Commander, which was ordered to
be hauled up by a resolve of the General Court, passed the
31st August last. SAMUEL ADAMS, Secretary.
Boston, September 1, 1776.
TO CARPENTERS' STORES FOR THE SLOOP FREEDOM.
To 100 feet of oak Plank, 2-inch.
To 200 feet 2-inch pine Plank.
To 60 feet 4-inch Plank, oak.
To 50 weight Spikes, 6 inches long.
To 28 pounds of Deck Nails. > , T „,..,
To 1000 Drawing Nails. \ 1 Iron Tiller.
To 1000 Shingle Nails.
To 1000 Clap-Board Nails.
To 10 pounds Pump Leather. 2000 Pump Nails.
To Jack Plane. To one Smoothing Plane.
To 100 feet pine Boards.
To 2 hhds. Rum.
To 2 bolts Duck.
Watersail and Ringsail, and Gafftopsail, and Topmast
Steeringsail. Brig at Plymouth.
To 4 double Blocks, Iron Pins and Brass Cogs.
To sundry Hooks and Thimbles, and Bolts for deck and
ring.
To 1 Yawl 17 feet; 1 Iron hearth, aboard the Brig at
Plymouth.
To 2 tons of broken Cannon for ballast.
To 1 Anchor, about 200 pounds weight, for Hawser of 6
inches.
To 1 Iron grappling, aboard the Brig.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO COLONEL AARON WILLARD.
You are hereby directed and commanded to repair imme-
diately to the heights of Dorchester, and there make strict
inquiry what number of men and officers are there, who
175
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
176
were
were inlisted for the Northern or Canada department, and pan and elsewhere, until Monday, the 2d instant. When he
to form one complete company out of those men, to be under had for a long time daily attended the company from t
the command of Captain John Wentworth; and you are Sullivan to New-Castk, to exercise with Colonel Oilman s
Regiment, that he remonstrated to Colonel Oilman that his
duty was hard and unequal in being obliged to take the
command of Captain Daniefs company every day, and
that he, the said Captain, should be wholly excused; and
that he informed Colonel Oilman that he was heartily
willing to attend the company every day if his Captain
would take the command thereof, or that he would equally
At a General Court-Martial, ordered to be held this day, divide the tour of duty with the officers of the company,
to try all Prisoners that shall be brought before them. That Colonel Oilman paid no attention to his complaints,
vi • M T>*,.;j,nf but still persisted with Captain Daniel in overcharging
your petitioner with unreasonable duty and fatigue. That
your petitioner refusing to lead the company to New-Castle,
when he humbly conceived that the Captain ought to have
to make report to the Council as soon as possible.
By order of the major part of the Council.
To Colonel Aaron Willard.
DECREE OF A COURT-MARTIAL ON LIEUTENANT MARSHALL.
New-Castle, September 4, 1776.
MEMBERS :
Captain Dearing,
Captain Hodgdon,
Captain Brovm,
Lieutenant Worthen,
Lieutenant Perkins,
Lieutenant Aikens,
Lieutenant Cooper,
Lieutenant H'hite,
Lieutenant Tanverin,
Ensign Leighton,
Ensign Bell,
Ensign Peevy.
THOS. BOWLER, Judge Advocate.
attended, he was arrested, a Court-Martial appointed,
and your petitioner tried and most disgracefully discharged
from the service. That as your petitioner has never been
behindhand with any officer in his duty, and is ever ready
and willing to sacrifice the last drop of blood for the defence
of his country, he therefore humbly prays that the honour-
euienant Andrew Marshall, belonging to Captain Dan- able Court would take the matter into consideration and
«!-, Company, confined by Capt. Daniel for disobedience g™t him a re-hearing before your Honours that he may have
of orde™ for not going to Great-Island with a party of men that justice done him which he now thinks himself unreason-
ordered this duty on the Grand Parade at New- Castle, he, "^JfJ^J^
the said Marshall, said he would not go without his Captain
went with his company. Furthermore, he said, on Satur-
day last, 31st August, that he, the said Marshall, had done
the Captain's duty in exercising the men for some months
past.
Your humble servant,
September 6, 1776.
ANDREW MARSHALL.
State of New- Hampshire,
In the House of Representatives, Sept. 6, 1776.
The above Petition being read, Voted, That the Petitioner
be heard thereon, Tuesday next, at three o'clock, afternoon,
and that the said Marshall serve Colonel David Oilman,
The Prisoner, being brought into Court, pleaded Wot Ca tain Eliphalet Daniel, and Major Hercukt Mooney,
Guilty. The evidences being duly sworn : with the substance of the petition and this order thereon, by
Evidences : William Simpson, Benjamin Dam, bergeant reading the same to the said Captain Daniel and Major
Langley, Samuel Banfield. Mooney, and delivering a copy thereof to the said Colonel
Sergeant Langley testified that Lieutenant Marshall told Gibnan> that they or any of tnem may appear on said day
his Captain he would not go with the company, without he, before ^ Hous6) to angwer to the said petition> and to snow
said Captain Daniel, went with him, but he was willing to cause wh the said officers have djsmissed him from his post.
go his proper turn. The other evidences agree to the same
purport.
The Prisoner's Defence : Lieutenant Marshall says he
thought he had no right to go or obey in that point out of
his turn.
The Court having duly considered of the offence, are of
opinion that the Prisoner is guilty of a breach of the 18th
Article of the Rules and Orders of the Continental Army,
and sentenced that the Prisoner be discharged from service.
HERCULES MOONEY, President.
SAMUEL CUTTS, Speaker pro tern.
Sent up for concurrence.
In Council, eodem die, read and concurred.
E. THOMPSON, Secretary.
VOTE FOR DISMISSING LIEUTENANT MARSHALL.
In the House of Representatives, September 10, 1776.
The House taking into consideration the Petition and
Remonstrance of Andrew Marshall, respecting his having
unreasonable duty and fatigue imposed upon him by Colonel
David Oilman and Captain Eliphalet Daniel, and respect-
The Commanding Officer having considered the nature jng his being disgracefully discharged from the service as
of the within crime and evidence produced, as well as the First Lieutenant of the Second Matross Company, by the
result of the Court, fully agree with the same, and ordered judgment of a Court-Martial, being read, and the matter
the within named Andrew Marshall to be immediately dis- fully debated, and duly considered,
Voted, That this House approve of the judgment and
decree of the said Court-Martial, and of Colonel Oilman's
order thereon, for discharging the said Andrew Marshall
from the said service.
Sent up for concurrence.
SAMUEL CUTTS, Speaker pro tern.
In Council, eodem die, read and concurred.
To the Honourabk Council and House of Representatives
of the State of NEW-HAMPSHIRE, in General Court
assembled :
The Remonstrance and Petition of Andrew Marshall, First
Lieutenant of the Second Matross Company, in the service
of said State, humbly showeth, that when he had the honour
of receiving his commission, he accepted of the same with
September 4, 1776.
charged from the service. DAVID GILMAN, Colonel.
The Court having no further Prisoners laid before them)
is dissolved.
And accordingly is dissolved.
HERCULES MOONEY, President.
LIEUTENANT MARSHALL'S PETITION.
E. THOMPSON, Secretary.
LIEUTENANT MARSHALL S PETITION.
a firm and steadfast resolution to exert himself to the utmost,
that he might with honour to himself and faithfulness to his
country, discharge the trust reposed in him. That he had
spared no pains in exercising and disciplining the men in
the company, and this without the least assistance or encour-
agement from his Captain, who never directly or indirectly
To the Honourable the Council and House of Representa-
tives of the Colony of NEW-HAMPSHIRE, in General As-
sembly convened, humbly shows :
Andrew Marshall, late First Lieutenant of the company
of Matrosses, of which Eliphalet Daniel is Captain, in the
service of said Colony, that he was by the said Captain
lately accused of a breach of orders, for which he was tried
by a General Court-Martial and sentenced to be broke. That
at the time of disobeying the said orders he thought his con-
duct therein justifiable, but is now fully convinced to the
conformed with the company in this respect — imposing the contrary. That he is heartily sorry for his misbehaviour
arduous and difficult task wholly on his officers, all which
he is ready to verify ; that he cheerfully complied with
and bad conduct, and as it was his first transgression of the
rules of military discipline, he humbly prays your Honours to
every order and command of duty, both within Fort Sulli- take his case under your mild consideration, and that you
177
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
178
will pardon his crime and restore him to his said station in
the said company.
And, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
ANDREW MARSHALL.
September 10, 1776.
State of New- Hampshire, )
In the House of Representatives, Sept. 11, 1776. )
The above Petition being read and considered,
Voted, That the prayer thereof be granted, and that the
petitioner be restored to his office.
Sent up for concurrence.
SAMUEL CUTTS, Speaker pro tern.
In Council, September 19, 1776, read and concurred.
E. THOMPSON, Secretary.
COLONEL EWING TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, September 5, 1776.
HONOURED SIRS : As I am just going for Philadelphia,
have thought proper to advise you that I have ordered my
clerk, Mr. Robert Porteous, to settle my accounts with the
Province, and to pay to Mr. Jared Hopkins the balance of
what money is in my hands, all but £25, which I will re-
serve of the Province money in my hands for small contin-
gent expenses I may incur. As Mr. Porteous is my cash-
keeper and knows the amount, he can with propriety prove
the account since the last settlement.
I am, with due respect, honoured sirs, your most obedient,
humble servant, THOS. EWING.
To the Hon. Council of Safety, of Maryland.
SIR JOHN HART, CONSUL-GENERAL AT LISBON, TO THE MAYOR
OF BRISTOL.
Lisbon, September 5, 1776.
SIR: I think it proper to acquaint you that a North
American privateer sloop is now cruising on the coasts of
this Kingdom. She has already taken on the 1st instant,
at a few leagues N. W. of Cape St. Vincent's, the brigan-
tine Mary and James, of London, last from Falmouth, with
a rich cargo, and sent away the Captain, with six of his
men, who landed at Setuval, and bring this account. They
learned, further, from the privateer's people, that four other
American privateers were now at sea between the Western
Islands and Portugal; that she had already made on these
coasts five other prizes, and proposed, with a rashness that
will not, 1 trust, go unpunished, to try a cruise on the Medi-
terranean coasts of Spain.
I send you this advice to the end you may take the best
precautions in your power for the security of the British
trade within your jurisdiction ; and am, sir, your most hum-
ble and obedient servant, JOHN HART.
To the Right-Worshipful Thomas Fair, Esq., Mayor of
Bristol.
P. S. It appears by express just received from Algarve,
that of the masters of the vessels taken, three of them put
on shore at Algarve prove to be as follows : Gregory Pot-
bury, of the brig Sarah Anna, from Exeter, for Gibraltar
and Malaga ; William Carter, of the snow Lively, from
Chester, for Genoa; William Davis, of the brig Good In-
tent, from Newcastle, for Gibraltar. The Guinea vessel
blown up was the Africa, of Bristol, Captain Baker.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN FIDDEMAN.
[No. 168.] Annapolis, September 5, 1776.
SIR : As your Lieutenant, Mr. Downes, informs the Coun-
cil that the arms of your company want a good many re-
pairs, we would have you halt at Chestertown until you can
get them done. Mr. Winters and Mr. Robert Read are
employed to repair guns for the Province.
We are, &c.
To Captain Fiddeman.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COL. HOLLINGSWORTH.
[No. 169.] Annapolis, September 5, 1776.
SIR: This will be handed you by Captain Watkins,
whom we desire you will supply with what blankets he
wants for his company. We request you will, if possible,
get enough for him.
We are, &tc.
To Colonel Henry HoUingsworth.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THOMAS STONE.
[No. 170.] Annapolis, September 5, 1776.
SIR : This will be delivered to you by Captain Watkins,
whose company is in a very bad situation for clothes, which
cannot be procured on any terms in this Province. We
must, therefore, beg that you will use your utmost endea-
vours to procure them for them at Philadelphia ; but if the
making of them up will take up too much time, they may
be made up and sent to camp.
We are, &tc.
To Thomas Stone, Esquire.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
MR. WITHERSPOON S SPEECH IN CONGRESS, ON THE CONFER-
ENCE PROPOSED BY LORD HOWE.
Mr. PRESIDENT : The subject we are now upon is felt
and confessed by us all to be of the utmost consequence,
and perhaps I may also say, of delicacy and difficulty. I
have not been accustomed in such cases to make solemn
professions of impartiality, and shall not do it now, because
I will not suppose that there are any suspicions to the con-
trary in the minds of those who hear me. Besides, the
variety of opinions that have been formed and delivered
upon it, seem to prove that we are giving our own proper
judgment without prejudice or influence, which I hope will
lead to the discovery of what is most wise and expedient
upon the whole.
As the deliberation arises from a message sent to us by
Lord Howe, at least by his permission, I think it is of im-
portance to attend with greater exactness to all the circum-
stances of that message than has been done by any gentleman
who has yet spoken on the subject. It comes from the Com-
mander-in-Chief of the forces of the King of Great Britain,
and one who is said to carry a commission to give peace to
America.
From the conduct of the Ministry at home, from the acts
of Parliament, and from Lord Howe's proclamation in con-
formity to both, it is plain that absolute, unconditional sub-
mission is what they require us to agree to, or mean to force
us to. And from the most authentick private intelligence,
the King has not laid aside his personal rancour ; it is rather
increasing every day. In these circumstances Lord Howe
has evidently a great desire to engage us in a treaty ; and
yet he has constantly avoided giving up the least punctilio
on his side. He could never be induced to give General
Washington his title. He plainly tells us he cannot treat
with Congress as such ; but he has allowed a prisoner of
war to come and tell us he would be glad to see us as pri-
vate gentlemen.
It has been said that this is no insult or disgrace to the
Congress; that the point of honour is hard to be got over in
making the first advances. This, sir, is mistaking the matter
wholly. He has got over this point of honour; he has
made the first overtures ; he has told General Washington,
by Colonel Putnam, that he wished that message to be con-
sidered as making the first step. His renewed attempts by
Lord Drummond, and now by General Sullivan, point out
to all the world that he has made the first step. It will,
doubtless, be related at home ; and I am of opinion it is
already written and boasted of to the Ministry at home that
he has taken such a part. Therefore, any evil or conde-
scension that can attend seeking peace first, has been sub-
mitted to by him. Yet has he uniformly avoided any
circumstance that can imply that we are anything else but
subjects of the King of Great Britain in rebellion. Such
a message as this, if in any degree intended as respectful to
us, ought to have been secret ; yet has it been open as the
day. In short, such a message was unnecessary ; for if he
meant only to communicate his mind to the Congress by
private gentlemen, he might have done that many ways,
and it needed not to have been known either to the publick
or the Congress till these private gentlemen carne here on
purpose to reveal it. These, then, are the circumstances
which attend this message as it is now before us : and the
question is, shall we comply with it in any degree or not ?
Let us ask what benefit shall be derived from it ? There is
none yet shown to be possible. It has been admitted by
12
179
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
180
every person without exception who has spoke, that we are
not to admit a thought of giving up the independence we
have so lately declared ; and by the greatest part, if not the
whole, that there is not the least reason to expect that any
correspondence we can have with him will tend to peace.
Yet I think in the beginning of the debate such reasonings
were used as seemed to me only to conclude that we should
grasp at it as a means of peace. We were told that it was
easy for us to boast or be valiant here, but that our armies were
running away before their enemies. 1 never loved boasting,
neither here nor anywhere else. I look upon it as almost
a certain forerunner of disgrace. I found my hope of suc-
cess in this cause, not in the valour of Americans or the
cowardice of Britons, but upon the justice of the cause, and
still more upon the nature of things. Britain has first
injured and inflamed America to the highest degree, and
now attempts, at the distance of three thousand miles, to
carry on war with this whole country, and force it to abso-
lute submission. If we take the whole events of the war
since it commenced, we shall rather wonder at the uniformity
of our success than be surprised at some cross events. We
have seen bravery as well as cowardice in this country, and
there are no consequences of either that are probable, that
can be worth mentioning as ascertaining the event of the
contest.
Lord Howe speaks of a decisive blow not being yet struck,
as if this cause depended upon one battle, which could not
be avoided. Sir, this is a prodigious mistake. We may fight
no battle at all for a long time, or we may lose some battles,
as was the case with the British themselves in the Scotch
rebellion of 1745, and the cause notwithstanding be the same.
I wish it were considered, that neither loss nor disgrace worth
mentioning has befallen us in the late engagement, nor com-
parable to what the British troops have often suffered. At
the battle of Preston, sir, they broke to pieces and ran away
like sheep, before a few Highlanders. I myself saw them
do the same thing at Falkirk, with very little difference — a
small part only of the army making a stand, and in a few
hours the whole retreating with precipitation before their ene-
mies. Did that make any difference in the cause ? Not in
the least — so long as the body of the nation were determ-
ined, on principle, against the rebels. Nor would it have
made any other difference, but in time, though they had got
possession of London, which they might have easily done
if they had understood their business; for the Militia in
England there gathered together, behaved fifty times worse
than that of America has done lately. They generally dis-
banded and run off as soon as the rebels came within ten or
twenty miles of them. In short, sir, from anything that has
happened, I see not the least reason for our attending to this
delusive message. On the contrary, I think it is the very
worst time that could be chosen for us, as it will be looked
upon as the effect of fear, and diffuse the same spirit in some
degree through different ranks of men.
The improbability of anything arising from this confer-
ence, leading to a just and honourable peace, might be shown
by arguments too numerous to be even so much as named.
But what I shall mention only is, that we are absolutely
certain, from every circumstance, from all the proceedings
at home, and Lord Howe's own explicit declaration in his
letter to Dr. Franklin, that he never will acknowledge the
independence of the American States.
I observed that one or two members said, in objection to
the report of the Board of War, that it was like a begging
of a question, and making a preliminary of the whole sub-
ject in debate. Alas, sir, this is a prodigious mistake. It
was not only not the whole, but it was properly no subject
of debate at all, till within these three months. We were
contending for the restoration of certain privileges under
the Government of Great Britain, and we were praying for
re-union with her. But in the beginning of July, with the
universal approbation of all the States now united, we re-
nounced this connection, and declared ourselves free and
independent. Shall we bring this into question again ? Is
it not a preliminary? has it not been declared a preliminary
by many gentlemen, who have yet given their opinion for
a conference, while they have said they were determined
on no account and on no condition to give up our indepen-
dence ? It is then a necessary preliminary — and it is quite
a different thing from any punctilios of ceremony. If
France and England were at war, and they were both
desirous of peace, there might be some little difficulty as to
who should make the first proposals : but if one of them
should claim the other as they did long ago as a vassal or
dependent subject, and should signify a desire to converse
with the other, or some deputed by him, and propose him
many privileges, so as to make him even better than before,
I desire to know how such a proposal would be received?
If we had been for ages an independent Republic, we should
feel this argument with all its force. That we do not feel
it, shows that we have not yet acquired the whole ideas and
habits of independence : from which I only infer, that every
step taken in a correspondence as now proposed, will be a
virtual or partial renunciation of that dignity so lately ac-
quired.
I beg you would observe, sir, that Lord Howe himself
was fully sensible that the Declaration of Independence
precluded any treaty, in the character in which he appeared ;
as he is said to have lamented that he had not arrived ten
days sooner — before that declaration was made. Hence it
appears, that entering into any correspondence with him in
the manner now proposed, is actually giving up, or at least
subjecting to a new consideration, the independence which
we have declared. If I may be allowed to say it without
offence, it seems to me that some members have unawares
admitted this, though they are not sensible of it ; for when
they say that it is refusing to treat, unless the whole be
granted us, they must mean that some part of that whole
must be left to be discussed and obtained, or yielded, by
the treaty.
But, sir, many members of this House have either
yielded, or at least supposed, that no desirable peace, or no
real good, could be finally expected from this correspond-
ence, which is wished to be set on foot ; but they have
considered it as necessary in the eye of the publick, to satisfy
them that we are always ready to hear anything that
will restore peace to the country. In this view it is con-
sidered as a sort of trial of skill between Lord Howe and
us, in the political art. As I do truly believe, that many
members of this House are determined by this circumstance,
I shall consider it with some attention. With this view it
will be necessary to distinguish the publick in America into
three great classes : 1 . The Tories, our secret enemies,
2. The Whigs, the friends of independence, our sincere and
hearty supporters. 3. The Array, who must fight for us.
As to the first of them, 1 readily admit that they are
earnest for our treating. They are exulting in the prospect
of it ; they are spreading innumerable lies to forward it.
They are treating the Whigs already with insult and inso-
lence upon it. It has brought them from their lurking
holes ; they have taken liberty to say things in consequence
of it, which they durst not have said before. In one word,
if we set this negotiation on foot, it will give new force and
vigour to all their seditious machinations. But, sir, shall
their devices have any influence upon us at all ? If they
have at all, it should be to make us suspect that side of the
question which they embrace. In cases where the expe-
diency of a measure is doubtful, if I had an opportunity of
knowing what my enemies wished me to do, I would not
be easily induced to follow their advice.
As to the Whigs and friends of independence, I am well
persuaded that multitudes of them are already clear in their
minds, that the conference should be utterly rejected ; and
to those who are in doubt about its nature, nothing more
will be requisite than a clear and full information of the
state of the case, which I hope will be granted them.
As to the Army, I cannot help being of opinion, that
nothing will more effectually deaden the operations of war,
than what is proposed. We do not ourselves expect any
benefit from it, but they will. And they will possibly im-
pute our conduct to fear and jealousy as to the issue of the
cause ; which will add to their present little discourage-
ment, and produce a timorous and despondent spirit.
War Office, Philadelphia, September 5, 1776.
Congress having directed the Board of War "to call in
the several recruiting parties of the German Battalion, and
that they have them formed and armed with all possible
expedition and forwarded to New-York, taking measures
and giving proper directions to have the battalion recruited
to the full complement as soon as the same can be done,''
181
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, SEC., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
182
the officers of the said battalion are hereby enjoined im-
mediately to repair with their men to the City of Phila-
delphia, that the Board may take the necessary steps to
fulfill the directions of Congress.
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
UNIFORM OF NAVY AND MARINE OFFICERS.
In Marine Committee, Philadelphia, September 5, 1776.
Resolved, That the Uniform of the Officers of the Navy
in the United States be as follows :
Captains : Blue cloth with red lappels, slash cuff, stand-
up collar, flat yellow buttons, blue breeches, red waistcoat
with narrow lace.
Lieutenants: Blue with red lappels, a round cuff faced,
stand-up collar, yellow buttons, blue breeches, red waistcoat,
plain.
Master: Blue with lappels, round cuff, blue breeches,
and red waistcoat.
Midshipmen: Blue lappelled coat, a round cuff faced
with red, stand-up collar, with red at the button and but-
ton hole, blue breeches, and red waistcoat.
UNIFORM OF THE MARINE OFFICERS.
A green coat faced with white, round cuff, slashed sleeves
and pockets, with buttons round the cuff, silver epaulette on
the right shoulder, skirts turned back, buttons to suit the
facings.
White waistcoat, and breeches, edged with green, black
gaiters and garters.
Green shirts for the men, if they can be procured.
Extract from the Minutes :
JOHN BROWN, Secretary.
CAPTAIN GORDON (PRISONER) TO THE COMMITTEE OF LAN-
CASTER, PENNSYLVANIA.
Yorktown, September 5, 1776.
SIR : The Committee of this place having been pleased
to grant permission for Thomas Deaken, of the Twenty-sixth
Regiment, to come over here as my servant, your procuring
him a pass for that purpose as soon as convenient, will
oblige,
Sir, you very humble servant,
A. GORDON, Captain, 26<A Regiment.
In Committee of Inspection for the County of York, )
September 4, 1776. $
On motion of Captain Gordon, prisoner of war here,
that a boy named Thomas Deaken, of the Twenty-sixth
Regiment, a prisoner in the Borough of Lancaster, be per-
mitted to move here and reside with the Captain:
Granted, by order of the Committee :
THOS. ARMOR, Chairman.
sufficient to carry them on. More, I conceive, will be
unnecessary, and may be better employed elsewhere.
1 am, dear sir, &,c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General Mercer, New-Jersey.
P. S. You will be pleased to keep in view the matter I
mentioned to you about Staten-lsland ; esteeming a diver-
sion there, if it can be effected, will be of great service.
DISCHARGE OF PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATORS.
Amboy, September 5, 1776.
The first and third divisions of Artillery of the Philadelphia
Associators having served with cheerfulness and alacrity at
this post, and otherwise discharged their duty as good sol-
diers, from the time of the first march of the troops from
Philadelphia, are hereby regularly discharged from their
present station at Amboy, and to return to their families,
with my hearty thanks in behalf of the publick.
DANIEL ROBERDEAU, Brigadier-General.
To Samuel Mifflin, Esq., Colonel of the train of Artillery
at Philadelphia.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL MERCER.
New- York, September 5, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I have been favoured with your two letters
of the 3d instant, and observe what you have done in con-
sequence of my instructions. When I wrote for troops to
be sent to the post opposite Mount- Washington, I did not
imagine you would have so many to spare. About a thou-
sand under General Ewing, in addition to those already at
the post, I think will be fully competent to its defence and
such works as may be necessary to erect, and will also be
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New- York Island, September 5, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The critical situation which the army is in,
will, I hope, sufficiently apologize for my troubling your
Excellency with this letter. The sentiments are dictated,
I am sure, by an honest mind — a mind which feels deeply
interested in the salvation of this country, and for the honour
and reputation of the General under whom he serves.
The object under consideration is, whether a general and
speedy retreat from this Island is necessary or not. To me
it appears the only eligible plan to oppose the enemy suc-
cessfully, and secure ourselves from disgrace. I think we
have no object on this side of King's Bridge. Our troops
are now so scattered, that one part may be cut off before
the others can come to their support. In this situation,
suppose the enemy should run up the North River several
ships of force and a number of transports at the same time,
and effect a landing between the town and middle division
of the army; another party from Long-Island should land
right opposite; these two parties form a line across the
Island, and entrench themselves. The two flanks of this
line could be easily supported by the shipping ; the centre
fortified with the redoubts, would render it very difficult if
not impossible to cut our way through.
At the time the enemy are executing this movement or
manoeuvre, they will be able to make sufficient diversions,
if not real lodgments, to render it impossible for the centre
and upper divisions of the army to afford any assistance
here. Should this event take place (and by the by, I don't
think it very improbable,) your Excellency will be reduced
to that situation which every prudent General would wish
to avoid — that is, of being obliged to fight the enemy to a
disadvantage, or submit.
It has been agreed that the city of New- York would not
be tenable if the enemy got possession of Long-Island and
Governour's Island. They are now in possession of both
these places. Notwithstanding, I think we might hold it
for some time, but the annoyance must be so great as to
render it an unfit place to quarter troops in. If we should
hold it, we must hold it to a great disadvantage.
The City and Island of New- York are no objects for us;
we are not to bring them into competition with the general
interests of America. Part of the army already has met
with a defeat; the country is struck with a panick; any
capital loss at this time may ruin the cause. 'Tis our busi-
ness to study to avoid any considerable misfortune, and to
take post where the enemy will be obliged to fight us, and
not we them. The sacrifice of the vast property of New-
York and the suburbs, I hope has no influence upon your
Excellency's measures. Remember the King of France.
When Charles the Fifth, Emperor of Germany, invaded his
Kingdom, he laid whole Provinces waste; and by that
policy he starved and ruined Charles's army, and defeated
him without fighting a battle. Two-thirds of the property
of the city of New- York and the suburbs belongs to the
Tories. We have no very great reason to run any consider-
able risk for its defence. If we attempt to hold the city
and Island, and should not be able finally, we shall be wast-
ing time unnecessarily and betray a defect of judgment, if
no worse misfortune attend it.
I give it as my opinion, that a general and speedy retreat
is absolutely necessary, and that the honour and interest of
America require it. I would burn the city and suburbs,
and that for the following reasons : If the enemy gets pos-
session of the city, we never can recover the possession with-
out a superiour naval force to theirs ; it will deprive the enemy
of an opportunity of barracking their whole army together,
which, if they could do, would be a very great security. It
will deprive them of a general market ; the price of things
would prove a temptation to our people to supply them for
the sake of the gain, in direct violation of the laws of their
country.
163
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
184
All these advantages would result from the destruction of
the city, and not one benefit can arise to us from its preser-
vation, that I can conceive of. If the city once gets into
the enemy's hands, it will be at their mercy either to save
or destroy it, after they have made what use of it they think
proper.
At the retreat, I would order the army to take post at
King's Bridge, and post along Westchester shore, where
barracks may be procured for that part of the army that are
without tents. I must confess I am too ignorant of the
ground to form much judgment about posting the troops.
Your Excellency's superiour judgment, formed from your
own observation upon the ground, will enable you to make
a much better disposition than I can conceive of.
If my zeal has led me to say more than I ought, I hope
my good intentions may atone for the offence.
I shall only add that these sentiments are not dictated from
fear, nor from any apprehensions of personal danger; but
are the result of a cool and deliberate survey of our situa-
tion and the necessary measures to extricate us from our
present difficulties. I have said nothing at all about
the temper and disposition of the troops, and their appre-
hensions about being sold. This is a strong intimation that
it will be difficult to get such troops to behave with proper
spirit in time of action, if we should be attacked.
Should your Excellency agree with me with respect to
the two first points, that is, that a speedy and general retreat
is necessary, and also, that the city and suburbs should be
burned, I would advise to call a general council upon that
question, and take every general officer's opinion upon it.
I am, with due respect, your Excellency's most obedient
humble servant, N. GBEENE.
To His Excellency Gen. Washington, King's Bridge.
CLEMENT BIDDLE TO GENERAL HEATH.
Fort Washington, September 5, 1776.
SIR: Having received orders from Brigadier-General
Mercer to provide a considerable number of wagons in the
State of New-Jersey, to be sent to Burdelfs Ferry, opposite
this place, I had pressed near three hundred wagons,
about one half of which had arrived at the Ferry last night.
His Excellency General Washington ordered a number of
them to be discharged, and a part to be sent over to this
place. I have tried to procure craft on the Jersey shore,
but find none suitable for the purpose of passing them, but
imagine some may be had on this side the river ; and as I
am under a necessity of repairing to Amboy I beg you will
be pleased to give such orders therein as you may think neces-
sary.
I have wrote to Colonel Moylan and Colonel Reed, and
expect answers from them before I leave this.
I have the honour to be, very respectfully, your most
obedient, humble servant,
CLEMENT BIDDLE,
D. Q. M. General Flying-Camp, fyc.
To the Hon. Major-General Heath, King's Bridge.
It is with extreme concern that we find* ourselves under
the disagreeable necessity of having recourse to this unhappy
but necessary expedient, or of troubling your Excellency
with a commission of this nature. But the critical situation
of this State, the total want of brass field-pieces, and our
inability to have this resolve executed by the Committee of
the city of New- York, on account of their absence from the
city, reduces us to the present dilemma, either of adopting
this measure, or of neglecting the publick safety.
They therefore trust that your Excellency's zeal for the
publick service will induce you to pardon the liberty they
take of troubling you on this occasion.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, your Excel-
lency's obedient, humble servant,
By order : ABM. YATES, JUN., President.
To His Excellency General Washington.
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New- York, )
Fish-Kill, September 5, 1776. )
Whereas the King of Great Britain is studiously endeav-
ouring by every means which artifice and lawless power
can devise, to deprive the inhabitants of the United States
of America of Ammunition, Cannon, and every warlike
store, in order that they may fall a more easy prey to his
tyrannical purposes, which cowardly designs have unhappily
so far succeeded that this State is now distressed for the
want of sufficient Arms to resist the powerful and unnatural
enemy by whom they are now invaded :
And whereas the duty which the Representatives of a
free people owe both to God and their country obliges them
to make every possible exertion to procure Arms and Ammu-
nition, in order to defend their rights and liberties, which are
derived from>the Supreme Being, and which posterity have
right to claim as an unencumbered inheritance :
Resolved unanimously, therefore, That his Excellency
General Washington, be requested and authorized to cause
all the Bells in the different Churches and public edifices,
in the City of New- York to be taken down, and removed
to New-Ark, in New-Jersey, with all possible despatch, that
the fortune of war may not throw the same into the hands
of our enemy, and deprive this State, at this critical period,
of that necessary though unfortunate resource for supplying
our want of Cannon.
Extract from the Minutes :
JOHN MCKESSON, Secretary.
GENERAL PARSONS TO GENERAL HEATH.
H. GLEN TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Schenectady, September 5, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I this day received a letter from Mr. Lansing,
wherein I find the General is desirous to know if 1 have
advanced any money on account to the batteau-men. This
acquaints you I have given none to any of the batteau-men
on any account whatever. Mr. Van Epps showed me a
roll of his company, and I saw he had credit for £100
received from the General. I would be glad to know if the
smiths must continue any longer than this week to make
spikes.
I am, your most obedient, humble servant,
H. GLEN.
Septembers, 1776.
SIR : As the machine designed to attempt blowing up the
enemy's ships, is to be transported from the East to the
North River, where a small vessel will be wanted to receive
it, I wish you to order one for that purpose. As all things
are now ready to make the experiment, I wish it may not
be delayed. Though the event is uncertain, the experiment
under our present circumstances is certainly worth trying.
I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
SAM'L H. PARSONS.
To Major-General Heath, at King's Bridge.
To Major-General Schuyler, Albany.
ABRAHAM YATES, JUN., TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, )
Fish-Kill, September 5, 1776. $
SIR : I am directed by the Convention of this State to
transmit to your Excellency a copy of a resolution which
they entreat may be carried into execution with all possible
despatch.
H. GLEN TO CAPTAIN DICKERSON.
Schenectady, September 5, 1776.
SIR : I yesterday saw a letter you wrote to Captain Ernst
Van Epps of the batteau-men, wherein I find your company
is intended for Fort Schuyler, formerly Fort Stanwix, and
that you had five loads of baggage. General Schuyler has
this day thought proper to discharge Van Epps's company,
as there was no more occasion for three companies of batteau-
men. I now send two empty batteaus to Major Fonda on
purpose to take in your baggage : the two boats will take
six loads. I must therefore request of Captain Dickerson
to have his baggage at Major Fonda's on Sunday evening,
or Monday morning. After the wagoners have delivered
their loading at Major Fonda's, Captain Dickerson will give
them a certificate for the time employed, on me for payment.
1 am your most humble servant, H. GLEN.
To Captain Dickerson, Johnstown.
185
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
186
H. GLEN TO WALTER LIVINGSTON.
Schenectady, September 5, 1776.
SIR: Mr. Abraham Fonda has seventy barrels of flour,
but will not let me have it at the present price of 16s., but
insists as the price shall be the 5th of October next ; as such,
would be glad to have your sentiments. I would like to
take Fonda at his word, as the batteaus are here lying idle,
and the batteau-men are already victualled for the trip. I
shall expect your answer by the bearer this evening.
I am, sir, yours, &.C., H. GLEN.
To Walter Livingston, Esq., Deputy Commissary-General,
Albany.
GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES.
Skenesborough, September 5, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I would acquaint you the carpenters
are going off, and they are all desirous to sell their tools, and
I have no proper person here to receive them ; and I don't
imagine we shall want them, as there is a great part of them
already discharged. The Rhode-Island carpenters are all
discharged, but two, that ever arrived, and the whole of the
tools belonging to the company are here, and I think it would
be proper that some care should be taken of them, as no
officer never came forward; but shall wait for your directions.
I remain, dear sir, your Honour's most obedient, humble
servant, DAVID WATERBURY, JR,
To Major-General GATES.
P. S. I have received one hundred and eighty-one more
felling-axes, and the reason of my not sending them forward
is by reason of the carmen's leaving the helves fifteen miles
back. I have sent for the helves, and as soon as they arrive,
I will immediately forward the axes.
therefore conclude your Indian news was false. I, how-
ever, ordered General Waterbury to send all the detach-
ments of the New-York regiments (Wynkoop's excepted)
to Albany; you can put them to mend the roads, if you
do not think their services immediately wanted upon the
Mohawk River.
The seamen you mention in a former letter to be inlist-
ing at New-York for the Northern Department, will, I dare
say, be pushed forward the instant they arrive at Albany.
Lieutenant-Colonel Gansevoort is very earnest for a rein-
forcement to be sent to Fort George. If the service does
not immediately require the New- York troops to be all sent
up the Mohawk River, you will, if you think proper, send
Colonel Gansevoort the reinforcement he desires.
I am, &c., H. GATES.
To Hon. Major-General Schuyler.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLEH.
Tyonderoga, September 5, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Your favour of the 1st and 2d 1 had
the pleasure to receive yesterday morning by express. The
great and awful event which you mention to have happened
last Wednesday se'n-night at New-York, fills our minds
with anxious expectation to have the particulars confirmed
by authority. I am confident when those arrive, you will
not lose a minute in forwarding them to Ty.
All the carpenters I could procure out of the troops to
assist the shipbuilders at Skenesborough, have been sent
there above a week ago. By one of the master carpenters
who came here Monday night, I am informed it will not be
possible for them to finish more than one galley, after those
now on the stocks are launched ; and to do this, they must
put all the healthy men they have into one gang, and dis-
charge the rest. If you think you can immediately despatch
as many ship carpenters from Albany as will enable those at
Skenesborough to do more, you will send directions accord-
ingly to General Waterbury.
Yesterday I received a letter from General Arnold, dated
from Willsborough, 2d September. He acquaints me he
left Button-Mould Bay, and arrived at Willsborough the
1st September, at night. Before he passed the Split-Rock,
he saw the Lee and a gondola heave in sight — they left
Ty on Monday. The General further adds, "we are now
under sail with a fresh southerly breeze, and expect to be
at Isle-aux-Tetes before night."
I am pleased to find so much attention is beginning to be
paid to the Northern army. I have ordered Mr. Winslow
to write to Mr. Trumbull for half of the half-million of dollars
you mention to have arrived from Congress.
I have acquainted Mr. Avery with the paragraph in your
letter relative to him. He has my order to answer it. I
wish the precise line Mr. Livingston and Mr. Avery are to
walk, was once settled. In the state things are in, there
will be eternal contention. If the army is well served, I
am well satisfied, let who will serve it.
As the fleet is large and mounts a great number of cannon,
and the body of troops here very considerable, it is imme-
diately necessary that fifteen tons of powder, ten of lead,
with flints and cartridge paper in proportion, should be sent
to this post.
You mention nothing in your two last letters of the
enemy's attempting to penetrate by the Mohawk Kiver. I
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD.
Tyonderoga, September 5, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Yesterday I received the following in-
telligence from General Schuyler, by express :
Extract from General Schuyler's letter dated at Albany,
September 2, 1776:
" Last night three Philadelphia gentlemen who passed
through New- York on their way to this place, inform us
that on Tuesday last there were several smart rencountres
between our troops and the enemy on Long-Island, with
alternate success ; that considerable numbers fell on both
sides ; that on Wednesday they attacked our lines, but were
repulsed with loss. It is supposed they lost three thousand,
we two thousand. General Sullivan and Lord Stirling
missing. Two of the Pennsylvania battalions suffered most.
We wait with impatience for more particulars. One of the
gentlemen who left New-York on Thursday morning heard
a smart cannonade when he was at King's Bridge ; some
of the Hessians were engaged. The enemy's ships of war
on Thursday morning were still near Staten-Island, and no
appearance of their moving. I send this by express, and
hope it will soon be followed by another announcing the
total rout of the enemy."
The instant any further news or intelligence of this great
event arrives, you may be assured I shall despatch it imme-
diately to you. I am attentive to what you mention with
regard to an officer being appointed to the command of the
Royal Savage, and have accordingly fixed my eye upon
Colonel Wigglesworth, who has, upon my recommending it
to him, most readily undertaken to serve as the third officer
on board the fleet: yourself first, and General Waterbury
second. He will sail to-morrow morning in the gondola
now here. The Colonel is a good seaman ; appears to be
much of a gentleman; and has, as far as I can learn, an
unimpeached good character.
Lieutenant Calderwood delivers you this letter, and car-
ries down with him the seventy men you have demanded.
I understand two hundred seamen are inlisted at New-York
for this service. They shall be put on board the row-gal-
leys the moment they arrive. The first row-galley will be
to-day, the other two, General Waterbury assures me, will
be launched this week. No time shall be lost in rigging
them and despatching them to the fleet. As soon as you
get the reinforcement I now send you, you will not, per-
haps, think it necessary to detain Colonel Hartley's detach-
ment. He seems exceeding anxious for them to return, as
he hopes to engage his whole regiment for another year.
I send you by the bearer, Lieutenant Calderwood, the
draught of the Lake, as you desire. Colonel Trumbull
writes to you by this conveyance.
When General Waterbury and Colonel Wigglesworth
join the fleet you will be able to dispose of it in three divis-
ions : yourself in the centre, General Waterbury on the
right, and Colonel Wigglesworth on the left. This dispo-
sition will teach the Captains of the vessels to know their
commanding officers, and prevent any confusion or dispute
about command in case an unlucky shot or other accident
should take off the General.
Enclosed 1 send the declaration of a German deserter,
brought here yesterday from Metcalf's. As you have seen
and examined every part of the Lake in your way down, I
should he glad to know your opinion what is the properest
and most defensible station for the fleet to take. Gales of
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
188
wind will probably be heavy about the equinox ; you are
too good a seaman not to take a secure place for anchorage
against that season. I am very much pleased to find the
gondolas are such good sea boats.
I fancy you will think it is immediately necessary you
should send hither your most experienced pilot to conduct
the row-galleys with safety to the fleet. Let him have
your positive and particular instructions how you think proper
he should proceed. It will be proper you should commu-
nicate the orders you from time to time receive, to General
Waterbury and Colonel Wigglesworth, that they may know
how to act upon any emergency.
That the blessing of the Almighty may prosper all your
undertakings, is the sincere prayer of, dear General, your
affectionate, humble servant, H. GATES.
To General Arnold.
CAPTAIN FASSETT TO LIEUTENANT LEE.
Head-duarters, Pittsford, September 5, 1776.
SIR : You are hereby commanded forthwith to repair to
this place with all the men now under your command, and
bring with you all the families and their effects (such as you
can bring) north of Monkton. Hereof you will not fail.
From yours, &c., JOHN FASSETT, Captain.
To Lieutenant Thomas Lee.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 5, 1776.
SIR: Since my last to you, I have received intelligence
that since our troops retreated from the west end of Long-
Island, the Militia have disbanded themselves, laid down
their arms, and are making their submission to General
Howe, and that all ideas of opposition there are at an end.
Two companies of Continental troops that were stationed
there are arrived at Saybrook. In this situation we cannot
hope to make a diversion there to any purpose with what
force we can throw over. We can only assist such as choose
to retire from the Island in getting off their persons and
effects, which to the utmost of our power will be done.
I have now ordered such of the remaining regiments of
Militia in this State as can be spared from the immediate de-
fence of the sea-coast, to march towards New- York with all
expedition, that they may be ready, if wanted, to join and sup-
port the army under your command, make a diversion either
on the main or on Long-Island, or cover the country ; and
if not necessary for any of these purposes, that they, or such
part of them as shall be thought proper, may relieve and
take the places of an equal number of the Militia of this,
State now in service, whose interest greatly suffers by their
absence, as well as the general interest of the country.
I have also ordered the two regiments of Light Horse
which did not before march with Colonel Seymour, to march
towards New- York, and rendezvous at or near Westchester,
where they are to attend your orders, and perform such duty
as you shall prescribe, either by scouring the country and
preventing or suppressing any risings of our internal enemies,
in which service it is apprehended they may be particularly
useful, or any other duty they are capable of, or to join the
army, and act with them, if you shall judge it necessary and
expedient.
The critical situation of affairs at this juncture, and the
information in your favour of the 24th ultimo, that your
numbers were yet outdone by the enemy, has induced me
to order these regiments on this service, that nothing may be
wanting on our part to the support and defence of the rights
and liberties of the rising States of America.
I have likewise taken the liberty to propose to the Gen-
eral Assembly of the Massachusetts-Bay, and Governour
Cooke, of Rhode-Island, to send forward a part of their
Militia, as may be most convenient for them, to join and
assist the army under your command. I am informed by
Governour Cooke that they have a regiment there nearly
raised, and that the State of Rhode-Island is ready to co-
operate to the extent of their power in every measure neces-
sary for our common defence.
I have it likewise in contemplation, if practicable, to pro-
cure a sufficient naval force to clear the Sound of the
enemy's ships now in it, and have proposed the matter to
Governour Cooke, and requested of him to join their force
with ours, and ask the concurrence of Commodore Hopkins
with such part of the Continental fleet as are ready and
capable to act.
1 beg leave to ask your opinion whether a plan of this
nature be practicable and useful, and, in case it should be
attempted, whether a number of seamen may not be drafted
from the army to assist in the enterprise?
I am, sir, with every sentiment of respect and esteem,
your obedient, humble servant, JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General
and Commander-in-Chief of all the Forces of the United
States of America, at New- York.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September 5, 1776,
Present : His Honour the Governour, Honourable Mat-
thew Griswold, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington, Rich-
ard Law, William Hillhouse, Titus Hosmer, Nathaniel
Wales, Jun., Esq'rs.
Voted, That all the Troops of Horse, in this Colony, that
are east of Connecticut River, be ordered forthwith to march
to New-York, as far as West- Chester, there to await further
orders, in order to cooperate with the Continental troops
in defending against our common enemies.
Voted, That the persons at New-London that were di-
rected by this Board to reside at East-Haddam, have liberty
to go and reside at Middletown, upon their already given
parole, and said Sherbrook to reside at Wethersjield, upon
his parole aforesaid, until further orders.
New-London, September 4, 1776. — This Committee
finding Long-Islanders in great distress, removing them-
selves and effects, on consideration, advise the Committees
of Inspection of New-London and Groton, to pursue the
advice and answer the requisitions of the Congress of New-
York, with regard to assisting the inhabitants of Long-Island
to come off with their effects to the main; and in order to this,
the Committee further advise and recommend to Colonel
Wolcott to put as many of his men on board the transports
as may be thought sufficient to assist and guard them in pros-
ecuting this design ; and further advise the armed vessels
now in this harbour to go as convoys to the transports, and
that the same be done without delay.
Attest: BENJ. HUNTINGTON, Committee's Clerk.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety,
September 6, 1776,
Present : His Honour the Governour, His Honour the
Deputy Governour, Jabez Huntington, Richard Law, Eli-
phalet Dyer, Jedediah Elderkin, Titus Hosmer, William
Hillhouse, Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Benjamin Huntington,
Esq'rs.
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £80 Os. Od., in
favour of William Lux, to enable him to carry on the work
of making Carriages for Cannon for this State, and to be in
account. (Order drawn September 6, delivered Colonel
Jabez Huntington.)
Voted, To appoint Thursday, the 19th day September,
1776, to be kept and observed as a day of Publick Fasting
and Prayer throughout this State.
His Honour the Governour, with advice of this Council,
gave orders to the 3d, 5th, 8th, 1 1th, 12th, 20th, 21st, 25th,
and 7th Regiments of Militia, and to the 2d and 4th Regi-
ments of Horse, in this State, forthwith, without delay, to
call out their regiments, and see them well equipped, both
officers and men, and march towards New-York, and rendez-
vous at or near West-Chester, and there wait till further
orders, in order to be ready to cooperate with the Conti-
nental Army in the best manner to defeat the purposes of
enemies, who appear to be endeavouring to throw over a
force upon the main, to cut off our communication with
New-York, both by land and water; 20*. per man to be
paid before or on their march.
Whereas the Militia of this State, upon the east side of
Connecticut River, is ordered to march towards New- York,
to rendezvous at or near West-Chester, which troops will
want to be provided for with Provisions and all necessary
Camp Utensils, Tents, &c.,
189
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
190
Voted, therefore, That Jonathan Fitch and Samuel
Squire, Esq'rs., be, and they are hereby ordered and di-
rected to make all the necessary provisions and preparations
aforesaid. (Copy delivered Mr. Law, September 6, 1776.)
Voted and Resolved, That two Companies of the Regi-
ments at New-London and Groton, under command of
Colonel Erastus Wolcott, be detached by said Colonel fVol-
cott, and marched towards New-York with the Militia now
ordered out into actual service there ; and that they join
themselves to the regiment of Militia under command of
Gurdon Saltonstall, Esquire, Colonel ; and that John Ely,
Esquire, Major of Colonel Wolcott's Regiment, do proceed
with said two companies, and take command in the regiment
to which they are ordered to join as aforesaid, in his proper
rank as Major and second in command of the same ; and
that the place of said two companies in Colonel Wolcott's
Regiment be supplied by such men from Colonels Coifs and
SaltonstaWs regiments of Militia as are not and cannot at
present be armed and equipped for immediate service against
our enemy.
Voted, That a Guard, consisting of fifteen men, be sta-
tioned at the mouth of Connecticut River, on the Lyme
side ; that Ensign John Griswold, of said Lyme, be and he
is hereby appointed the officer of said guard, and that he
do immediately proceed to inlist said guard out of the Mil-
itia or other able-bodied men ; and that said guard, when in
actual service, shall be allowed the same wages other troops
of this Colony have and receive, and shall also be allowed
and paid nine pence per day for their billeting and sub-
sistence.
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for the sum of £44
Is. 3d., in favour of Captain William Tyler, for a cask of
Jamaica Spirits by him bought of Captain John Chenevard,
for the Colony use. (Order drawn September 9, 1776 :
delivered to Mr. Hosmer.)
DAVID GELSTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Saybrook, September 5, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: After delivering your despatches to the
several Committees from Horse-Neck eastward to this place,
I thought best to proceed to Lebanon with the despatches
to Governour Trumbull, where I reached Sunday morning,
and sent forward copies to the other Committees, agreeable
to your order.
Upon the Governour's reading your despatches, and
making some inquiries, he advised me to proceed without
delay to Providence and wait on Governour Cooke, whom I
saw next day. After delivering the despatches to Govern-
our Cooke, returned to Governour Trumbull, and from thence
to this place, and last night went to New-London, to see the
Council of War there held respecting the distressed situation
of Long-Island, and returned to this place this morning.
When at Lebanon, was informed by Governour Trumbull
he had written to Convention upon the subjects mentioned
in your letter. Can only tell you the distresses which I
hourly see and hear from Long-Island are beyond my
power to describe. Expect to return to Convention soon.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient,
humble servant, DAVID GELSTON.
To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New-
York.
Boston, September 5, 1776.
The Governour of Halifax received the Declaration of
Independence about four weeks since, but would not permit
the poor dupe of a printer (had he ever so good a mind)
to publish any more of it than barely the last clause, where
it says, " We, therefore, the Representatives of the United
States of America, in General Congress assembled, do,"
Sic., &c.; and his reason (as we are credibly informed) was,
" Because it may gain over to them (the Rebels) many
converts, and inflame the minds of his Majesty's loyal and
faithful subjects of the Province of Nova Scotia."
Our last accounts from Halifax say they left there forty
sail of vessels, prizes, &c.: that they were in a great fright,
expecting an attack from our troops every day. Three
expresses arrived, successively, with an account of their
being at Cumberland, and having five hundred Indians with
them, and, it was supposed there, about two thousand Ameri-
cans- They had, it was said, cut a road of ninety miles, in
three weeks, through the woods, from Shepperday to Cum-
berland ; that the above news came from the mouth of an
express from Colonel Gorham, who every moment expected
to be besieged, and wrote to Halifax for succours; and that
an Indian (of the St. John tribe) was executed for damning
his Excellency General Washington; that General Massey
commanded there, and had with him near one thousand
troops, chiefly Marines ; that they were under apprehension
of an attack from the Indians ; that the refugee Tories were
so alarmed they were preparing to go off for London in the
ship Princess Royal, that was retaken — such as Doctor
Gardner and family; Foster Hutchinson and tribe ; Robert
Hollowell and family; Mr. Mills, printer ; and Lady Draper,
&.C., &ic.; that in addition to those ingrates formerly men-
tioned as joining General Howe's army, are the following:
Henry Liddle, John Burroughs, sailmaker, Archibald
McNeil, Junior, William Hill, baker, Francis Skinner,
Hugh Gordon, Doctor Sullivan, Anti Gallop, Cambridge,
young Jones, who broke out of Concord jail, Sharwin, sad-
dler, and Roberts, jeweller, John Patin, blacksmith, Andrew
Cazneau, Francis Johonnet, Leveret Saltonstall, Haws
Hatch, John Mansfield, breeches-maker, Charles Low,
Parker and Philips, painters to the Artillery, and Camp-
bell, of Worcester ; and the following prisoners are still con-
fined in one room, among felons, thieves, robbers, negroes,
soldiers, &c., which we here publish for the satisfaction of
their anxious friends:
James Lovell and Richard Carpender, of Boston.
Consider Howland, master, and Jacob Taylor, mate, of
the privateer brig Washington.
Bigelow, Kemp, Peak, and Sessions, Bunker's Hill.
Corporal Cruise and Cornelius Turner, Riflemen.
David Wells, Dorchester Neck.
Captain Francis Proctor, of Philadelphia.
Corporal Jeremiah Low, of Fredericksburg.
Colonel Ethan Allen, Bennington.
Sergeant Levi Munson, Wattingsford.
Sergeant Zechariah Brillmade, Woodbury.
Corporal Charles Steward, Stanford.
Corporal Roger Moore, Salisbury.
Corporal Samuel Lewis, William Gray, David Goss, and
Adonijah Maxum, Sharon.
Ebenezer Mac and Levi Barnum, Norfolk.
John Gray, Arlington.
Ishural Flower, New-Hartford.
Barnabas Cane, Saratoga.
Preston Denton, Stillwater.
In the Hospital.
Amos Green, Norwich.
Jonathan Mayhew, Goshen.
William Drinkwater, New-Milford.
Jn the King's Yard.
John James Burkie, (a Swiss,) New-York.
Twelve Canadians.
Not one of Colonel Allen's men died until after their
return from England; then Anthony Belisk, a Canadian,
died, off Cape Fear.
All in the jail, but Sessions, are well, and in good spirits,
but wishing for an exchange.
CLAUDE CRESPIGNY TO RALPH IZARD.
Tingmouth, Devonshire, September 6, 1776. -
DEAR SIR: I return you many thanks for your favour of
the 3lst, and must beg that your next may be directed to
me in the Crescent, at Bath. I propose to be there on this
day se'n-night.
Mrs. C., who desires me to thank you for the plan you
was so kind as to send her, is entirely recovered. Not so
with me ; but the Bath waters are to do wonders for me.
I sincerely congratulate you on the Carolina business. It
seems to me to have been as ill conducted as it was unsuc-
cessful. Was General Lee there? I hope he was. I
believe him to be very able, and I want him to give proofs
of his being to be trusted.
To see a King a tyrant, and his Ministers tools and rogues,
is not very surprising; but to see a whole nation mad, is
rather more extraordinary. Even now I can scarcely meet
with one man in twenty who does not wish to see the nation
and himself bankrupt, rather than not bring America to the
191
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
192
feet of Lord George Germaine. This, indeed, is an address-
ing country, and a blessed stock of Tories overrun it.
I am called away, and if I were not I have neither news
or entertainment to send you. We unite most heartily in
regards and best wishes to yourself and Mrs. hard and
family.
I am, very heartily, yours, CLAUDE CRESPIGNY.
To Ralph hard.
COLONEL BULL1TT TO COLONEL JOSEPH REED.
Charlestown, September 6, 1776.
SIR : Enclosed you have the returns of the battalions that
have acted in South- Carolina this campaign. The exten-
siveness of the department, and our being hurried on the
campaign before there was time to properly regulate the
troops of this department, renders it something difficult to get
the returns in that order I could wish; yet everything in my
power I will do to accomplish the desirable end. I could
wish some general regulation was established by the War
Office. An order for the different returns of the different
States to be made to the Deputy Adjutant-General, would
enable him to be regular in his. As matters stand, there are
orders from the Board to make the returns to them from the
different States, by the Generals commanding in them. Such
regulation will interfere with my ever being able to make
up a proper return of the department. At least, the Gen-
erals of each State should let me have monthly returns, to
enable me to discharge my duty. This, as also to have a
statement of the number of battalions taken into the service
of the Continent, in this department, sent to me, that I may
be enabled to regulate their ranks, I should be obliged to
you to procure from the War Office, that I may be able to
regulate the ranks of the battalions. At present, I am
uncertain what troops are Continentals or Provincials. You
will greatly oblige me in having the above regulations adopted,
and letting me hear from you as soon as possible on the
subject, that I may be enabled to proceed, in this interval
of real action in the campaign, to regulating and forming
the battalions.
I am, with respect, yours, T. BULLITT, D-. A. G.
To Colonel Joseph Reed, Adjutant-General.
would have given him a parole to return to his sick quarters,
as his low state of health required it much at that time, but
Colonel Caswett objected thereto, and had him conducted
prisoner to Newbern, but gently treated all the way by Col-
onel Caswell and his officers.
From Newbern he was conducted by a guard of Horse to
Halifax, and committed on his arrival, after forty -five miles,
journey the last day, in a sickly state of health, and imme-
diately ushered into a common gaol, without bed or bedding,
fire or candles, in a cold, long night, by Colonel Long, who
did not appear to me to behave like a gentleman. That
notwithstanding the promised protection for person and prop-
erty he had from General Moore, a man called Longjield
Cox, a wagon-master to Colonel Caswell's army, seized
upon his horse, saddle, pistols, and other arms, and violently
detained the same by refusing to deliver them up to Colonel
Bryan, who conducted him to Newbern. Colonel Long
was pleased to detain his mare at Halifax when sent pris-
oner from thence to here. Sorry to dwell so long upon so
disagreeable a subject.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO WILLIAM HINDMAN.
[No. 171.] Annapolis, September 6, 1776.
SIR : As the state of our Treasury on the Western Shore
is at present very low, and demands are daily increasing, we
request you will send to Annapolis by the first safe oppor-
tunity what money you can conveniently spare, not exceed-
ing £10,000. We request you to send it in unsigned bills,
if you have that quantity by you. We are, &.c.
To Mr. William Hindman.
GENERAL M'DONALD (PRISONER) TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
[Read September 7, 1776.]
Philadelphia Gaol, September 6, 1776.
To the SECRETARY OF WAR:
General McDonald's compliments to the Secretary of
War. He is obliged to him for his polite information, that
the Congress have been pleased to agree that Generals
Prescott and McDonald shall be exchanged for the Gen-
erals Sullivan and Stirling. General McDonald is obliged
to the Congress for the reference to the Board of War for
his departure. The indulgence of eight or ten days will, he
hopes, be sufficient to prepare him for his journey. His
baggage will require a cart to carry it. He is not irovided
with horses — submits it to the Congress and the Board how
he may be conducted with safety to his place of destination,
not doubting his servant will be permitted to go along with
him, and that his sword may be returned to him, which he
is informed the Commissary received from his servant on the
25th of May last.
General McDonald begs leave to acquaint the Secretary
and the Board of War, for the information of Congress, that
when he was brought prisoner from sick quarters to General
Moore'* camp, at Moore's Creek, upon the 28th of February
last, General Moore treated him with great politeness, and
told him that he should be treated with respect to his rank
and commission in the King of Great Britain's service. He
JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS.
Philadelphia, Friday, September 6, 1776.
This day, I think, has been the most remarkable of all.
Sullivan came here from Lord Howe, five days ago, with a
message that his Lordship desired a half an hour's conversa-
tion with some of the members of Congress in their private
capacities. We have spent three or four days in debating
whether we should take any notice of it. I have, to the
utmost of my abilities, during the whole time, opposed our
taking any notice of it. But, at last, it was determined by
a majority, "that the Congress being the Representatives of
the free and independent States of America, it was improper
to appoint any of their members to confer in their private
characters with his Lordship. But they would appoint a
Committee of their body to wait on him, to know whether
he had power to treat with Congress upon terms of peace,
and to hear any propositions that his Lordship may think
proper to make."
When the Committee came to be balloted for, Doctor
Franklin and your humble servant were unanimously
chosen. Colonel R. H. Lee and Mr. Rutledge had an
equal number; but, upon a second vote, Mr. Rutledge was
chosen. I requested to be excused, but was desired to con-
sider of it until to-morrow. My friends here advise me to
go. All the staunch and intrepid are very earnest with me
to go, and the timid and wavering, if any such there are,
agree in the request. So I believe I shall undertake the
journey. I doubt whether his Lordship will see us, but the
same Committee will be directed to inquire into the state
of the army at New-York, so that there will be business
enough, if his Lordship makes none. It would fill this
letter-book to give you all the arguments for and against this
measure, if I had liberty to attempt it. His Lordship seems
to have been playing off a number of Machiavellian manoeu-
vres, in order to throw upon us the odium of continuing this
war. Those who have been advocates for the appointment
of this Committee, are for opposing manoeuvre to manoeuvre,
and are confident that the consequence will be, that the
odium will fall upon him. However this may be, my lesson
is plain — to ask a few questions and take his answers.
I can think of but one reason for their putting me upon
this embassy, and that is this : An idea has crept into many
minds here that his Lordship is such another as Mr. Hutch-
inson, and they may possibly think that a man who has been
accustomed to penetrate into the mazy windings of Hutch-
inson's heart, and the serpentine wiles of his head, may be
tolerably qualified to converse with his Lordship.
RICHARD DALLAM TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
State of New- Jersey, Brunswick, September 6, 1776.
SIR: James May, who is concerned with me in the Gun
Factory, will, in my absence, want a sum of money to go
on therewith, and as he is unknown to your Board, I have
thought it necessary to advise you thereof, and to request
your Board to furnish him with what sum Mr. Jame.s Harris
may draw on you for on my account, to be paid in guns,
part of which, I expect, are already finished. The Council
of Safety's compliance herewith, I expect, will be to the
193
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
194
publick advantage ; and oblige, sir, your Honour's very hum-
ble servant, RICHARD DALLAM.
To the Hon. Daniel of St. Tlwmas Jenifer, Esq., Presi-
dent Council of Safety.
RICHARD DALLAM TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
State of New-Jersey, New-Brunswick, September 6, 1776
SIR : I have drawn a bill in favour of Colonel Charles
Reed, Esq., for the sum of £440, Continental currency,
(being balance due his battalion,) on the Continental Trea-
surer, to whom you will please to give an order for the
payment thereof.
I shall be to-morrow entirely without money, and large
demands are making for the payment of troops who have
staid out their time. The Congress will please to order me
a further sum as soon as possible.
I am, honourable sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
RICHARD DALLAM, Deputy Paymaster-General.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.
RICHARD DALLAM TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
State of New-Jersey, Brunswick, September 6, 1776.
SIR: The return of the Pennsylvania and Jersey Militia
has occasioned such large draughts on me this week, that
I have not more than two thousand dollars left. The hon-
ourable Congress will therefore order me a further sum as
soon as possible.
I have this day drawn in favour of Colonel Charles Reed,
for the balance due his battalion Jersey Militia, (being
£440,) which you will please to order payment of, and
charge to my debt.
I am, sir. your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
RICHARD DALLAM, Deputy Paymaster-General.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read 9th. Referred to the Board of War.]
New-York, September 6, 1776.
SIR: I was last night honoured with your favour of the
3d, with sundry resolutions of Congress ; and perceiving it to
be their opinion and determination that no damage shall be
done the city in case we are obliged to abandon it, I shall
take every measure in my power to prevent it.
Since my letter of the 4th nothing very material has oc-
curred, unless it is that the fleet seem to be drawing more
together and all getting close in with Governour's Island.
Their designs we cannot learn, nor have we been able to
procure the least information of late of any of their plans or
intended operations.
As the enemy's movements are very different from what
we expected, and from their large encampments a considera-
ble distance up the Sound, there is reason to believe they
intend to make a landing above or below King's Bridge,
and thereby to hem in our army and cut off the communi-
cation with the country, I mean to call a Council of Gen-
eral Officers to-day or to-morrow, and endeavour to digest
and fix upon some regular and certain system of conduct to
be pursued, in order to baffle their efforts and counteract their
schemes, and also to determine on the expediency of evacu-
ating or attempting to maintain the city and the several
posts on this Island. The result of their opinion and delib-
erations I shall advise Congress of by the earliest opportu-
nity, which will be by express, having it not in my power
to communicate any intelligence by post, as the office is
removed to so great a distance and entirely out of the way.
I have enclosed a list of the officers who are prisoners,
and from whom letters have been received by a flag. We
know there are others not included in the list.
General Sullivan having informed me that General Howe
was willing that an exchange of him for General Prescott
should take place, it will be proper to send General Prescott
immediately, that it may be effected.
As the Militia regiments in all probability will be impa-
tient to return and become pressing for their pay, I shall be
glad of the direction of Congress, whether they are to
receive it here or from the Conventions or Assemblies of the
respective States to which they belong. On the one hand,
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 13
the settlement of their abstracts will be attended with trou-
ble and difficulty; on the other, they will go away much
better satisfied, and be more ready to give their aid in future,
if they are paid before their departure.
Before I conclude I must take the liberty of mentioning
to Congress the great distress we are in for want of money.
Two months' pay, and more to some battalions, is now due
the troops here, without anything in the military chest to
satisfy it. This occasions much dissatisfaction and almost
a general uneasiness. Not a day passes without complaints
and the most importunate and urgent demands on this head
As it may injure the service greatly, and the want of a regu-
lar supply of cash produce consequences of the most fatal
tendency, I entreat the attention of Congress to this subject,
and that we may be provided as soon as can be with a sum
equal to every present claim.
I have wrote to General Howe proposing an exchange of
General McDonald for Lord Stirling, and shall be extremely
happy to obtain it, as well as that of General Sullivan for
General Prescott, being greatly in want of them and under
the necessity of appointing, pro tempore, some of the Colo-
nels to command brigades.
I have the honour to be with the highest respect, sir,
your most obedient servant, Go. WASHINGTON.
P. S. As two regiments from North- Carolina, and three
regiments more from Virginia, are ordered herey if they
could embark at Norfolk and come up the bay with security,
it would expedite their arrival and prevent the men from
a long, fatiguing march. This, however, should not be
attempted if the enemy have vessels in the bay, and which
might probably intercept them.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 3, 1776.
(Parole, Pirnon.) (Countersign, Miffiin.)
The General most earnestly requests that the several
Brigadiers and Commandants of Brigades get their respect-
ive corps in the best order as soon as possible, and for this
purpose they should join in brigades as soon as can be, on
a parade appointed for that purpose.
The Brigade-Majors, according to the new arrangement,
are to attend every day for orders while they stay in town ;
if they should march to reinforce General Mifflin's and
McDougatt's brigades, they will fix upon one to come to
Head-Quarters every day for orders.
General Fellows' s Brigade to furnish a Captain, two sub-
stitutes, and fifty men, for boat duty, till further orders, to
parade at Head-Quarters, and receive orders at eight o'clock
every morning.
Some instances of infamous cowardice, and some of scan-
dalous plunder and riot, having lately appeared, the General
is resolved to bring the offenders to exemplary punishment;
the notion that seems too much to prevail of laying hold of
property not under immediate care or guard, is utterly
destructive of all honesty and good order, and will prove the
ruin of any army when it prevails. It is therefore hoped
the officers will exert themselves to put a stop to it on all
future occasions. If they do not, ere long death will be
the portion of some of the offenders.
The state of the ammunition and arms should be a sub-
ject of constant attention to every officer.
The General hopes the justice of the great cause in which
they are engaged, the necessity and importance of defending
this country, preserving its liberties, and warding off the
destruction meditated against it, will inspire every man with
firmness and resolution in time of action, which is now
approaching — ever remembering that upon the blessing of
Heaven, and the bravery of the men, our country only can
be saved.
The General orders a return of every Regiment to be
made immediately, and delivered to the Brigadier, or Com-
mandant of the brigade, so that the Brigade Returns may be
made at twelve o'clock to-tnorrow.
The near approach of the enemy obliges the guard to be
doubled. The several Brigade-Majors are immediately to
settle the duty of their brigades, according to their strength.
This is confined to General Putnam's division.
After Orders. — Captain Hezekiah Holdrige, of Colonel
Wylly's regiment, appointed to act as Major of said regi-
ment for the present.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
196
Ilead-Uuarters, New-York, September 4, 1776.
(Parole, Jmtrica.) (Countersign, Skelkurne.)
It is with amazement and concern the General finds that
the men of every regiment are suffered to be constantly
rambling about, and at such distances from their respective
quarters and encampments, as not to be able to oppose the
enemy in any sudden approach. He therefore not only
commands, but most earnestly exhorts, the Colonels and
commanding officers of corps, as they value their own repu-
tation, the safety of the army, and the good of the cause, to
put an immediate and effectual stop to such an unsoldierlike
and dangerous practice ; as one step towards the accomplish-
ment of which, he orders and directs that all those who shall
be absent without leave be immediately punished.
The sick of the several regiments of Militia are to be dis-
charged, if they are well enough to get home, and choose to
be discharged. All the other sick are to be provided for in
such a manner, and in such places as the Director-General
of the Hospitals and the several Regimental Surgeons shall
think best for them. In giving these discharges, particular
care is to be taken by the Colonels and General Wokott to
see that none but those who are really sick be dismissed,
and that the discharges be given in writing by General
Wokolt.
The General does in express and peremptory terms insist
upon exact returns of the several regiments and other corps;
and the Brigadiers and officers commanding brigades, are to
see that this order is complied with without delay, as it is
essentially necessary for the General to be acquainted with
the exact state of the army.
Colonel Glover, during the absence of General Clinton,
is to be considered as Commandant of his brigade, and to be
obeyed accordingly.
The increased number of wagons, will, in future, admit
of more regularity in marching the regiments than has yet
prevailed. Whenever, therefore, a regiment is ordered to
march, they should get their baggage in readiness ; but not
move it till conveniences are provided. The Quartermas-
ter of the regiment should then overlook it, and stop all
heavy, useless lumber ; and the Commanders of regiments
would do well to take particular care in this matter. No
Colonel is to seize any boat or wagon by his own authority,
on penalty of having his baggage turned out and left.
The Brigade-Majors are ordered to have their Brigade
Returns immediately made, or the General will put the del-
inquents in arrest, unless the Adjutants fail in their duty,
and they put such Adjutants in arrest.
The Brigade-Majors, both standing and temporary, are
hereafter punctually to attend at eleven o'clock at Head-
Quarters. There has been of late a shameful remissness in
some of them.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 5, 1776.
(Parole, Chatham.) (Countersign, Maryland.)
The Brigade-Majors immediately to settle a Court-Mar-
tial, making an allowance for the absence or indisposition of
any officers. They are to meet at the brick house near the
encampment, late of General McDougall, to-morrow at ten
o'clock. Notice to be given accordingly. They are first
to try the scoundrels who have been detected in pillaging and
plundering Lord Stirling's, and other property.
Such as were directed by yesterday's orders to apply to
General Wokott for discharges, are in future to apply to the
Brigadiers under whom their regiments are ranged.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 6, 1776.
(Parole, Pitt.) (Countersign, Oamdcn.)
David Henly, Esq., is appointed Deputy Adjutant-Gen-
eral until further orders ; and is immediately to repair to
General Spencer's division to regulate the several returns,
and do the other duties of said office, extending his care to
the division under General Heath; he is to be obeyed and
respected accordingly.
Colonel Glover, commandant of General Clinton's brig-
ade, is to recommend a suitable, active officer, for Major of
Brigade, in Major Henly's stead.
The General expects the Majors of Brigade to be very
active and careful ; to get their brigades in the best order ;
to bring on their guards and fatigue parties early; see the
proper reliefs marched off; returns made ; and to march with
the brigade to the alarm-posts as frequently as possible.
The Adjutants being under their particular direction, they
are to see that they do their duty, and put them in arrest
where they fail in it.
The Majors of Brigade and Adjutants are reminded that
the returns are all expected in to-morrow, both regimental
and brigade, in order to complete the General Return. Any
one who fails will be noticed in publick orders.
The General is resolved to put a stop to plundering and
converting either publick or private property to their own
use, when taken off or found by any soldiers. He therefore
calls upon all the officers to exert themselves against it ; and
if the Colonels or other officers of regiments see or know of
any horses, furniture, merchandise, or such other property
in the hands of any officer or soldier, and do not immediataly
take hold of it, giving immediate notice of it to the Brigadier-
General, such officer will be deemed a party, brought to a
court-martial, and broke with infamy. For, let it ever be
remembered, that no plundering army ever was a successful
one.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE.
Head-Quar^rs, New-York, September 6, 1776.
SIR: By a letter from Major-General Sullivan, while on
Long-Island, and which he acquainted me was wrote by
your permission, I was informed it would be agreeable to
exchange that gentleman for Major-General Prescott ; and
Brigadier Lord Stirling for any Brigadier of yours in our
possession.
In consequence of this intelligence I have wrote to Con-
gress, requesting that General Prescott may be sent here,
that this proposal may be carried into execution.
We have no Brigadier of yours a prisoner with us, except
General McDonald, taken in North- Carolina, whom I am
willing to exchange for Lord Sterling, and shall be glad to
know your pleasure on the subject.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Lieutenant-General Howe.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF
SAFETY.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 6, 1776.
SIR: I have now before me your letter of the 4th instant,
enclosing the report against ordering out any more of the
Militia from the Counties of Orange, Dutchess, We.it-
chester, or Ulster. The reasons alleged by the Committee
to whom this matter was referred, are entirely satisfactory
to me, and therefore I do not expect a compliance with
that part of my letter which respects this matter.
I have the honour to be, &c.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., Chairman, &.c.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
New-York, September 6, 1776.
SIR: I have been honoured with your favour of the 31st
ultimo, and am extremely obliged by the measures you are
taking in consequence of my recommendation letter. The
exertions of Connecticut upon this, as well as upon every
other occasion, do them great honour, and I hope will be
attended with successful and happy consequences. In
respect to the mode of conduct to be pursued by the troops
that go over to the Island, I cannot lay down any certain
rule; it must be formed and governed by circumstances
and the direction of those who command them.
I should have done myself the honour of transmitting
you an account of the engagement between a detachment
of our troops and the enemy, on Long-Island, on the 27th,
and of our retreat from thence, before now, had it not been
for the multiplicity of business I have been involved in ever
since ; and being still engaged, I cannot enter upon a mi-
nute and particular detail of the affair. I shall only add,
that we lost, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, from seven
hundred to one thousand men. Among the prisoners are
General Sullivan and Lord Stirling. The enclosed list
will show you the names of many of the officers that are
prisoners. The action was chiefly with the troops from
Jersey, Pennsylvania, the lower Counties, and Maryland,
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
198
and Colonel Huntington's regiment ; they suffered greatly,
being attacked and overpowered by numbers of the enemy
greatly superiour to them. The enemy's loss we have not
been able to ascertain, but we have reason to believe it was
considerable. The engagement was warm, and conducted
o o '
with great resolution and bravery on the part of our troops.
During the engagement, a deep column of the enemy
descended from the woods, and attempted an impression
upon our lines, but retreated immediately on the discharge
of a cannon, and part of the musketry from the line nearest
to them. As the main body of the enemy had encamped not
far from our lines, and I had reason to believe they intended
to force us from them by regular approaches, which the
nature of the ground favoured extremely, and at the same
time meant, by the ships of war, to cut off the communi-
cation between the City and the Island, and by that means
keep our men divided, and unable to oppose them any-
where, by the advice of the General Officers, on the night
of the 29th, I withdrew our troops from thence, without
any loss of men and but little baggage.
I am, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.
COLONEL MOYLAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
New- York, September 6, 1776.
SIR: I am informed there remains in the hands of
Thomas Greene, Esquire, of Providence, a quantity of
Russia duck, which is ordered by the Secret Committee to
lay till further orders from them. We are here in great
want of tents ; if, sir, you would procure an order from said
Committee to have the duck made up into tents and for-
warded to me, it will be of the greatest service to the
army.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your
most obedient and humble servant,
STEPHEN MOYLAN.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.
COLONEL MALCOH TO JOHN M'KESSON.
New-York, September 6, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I am apprehensive that the State hath a bad
bargain of my countrymen. I believe Captain Stewart is
a very good man, but he has made a horrid collection of
soldiers. If the Convention think proper to send me the
conditions upon which the company is raising, the bounty
allowed, with an order to take some direction concerning it,
perhaps I might save the State money, with respect to their
pay. I shall return with my regiment, so that the Con-
vention will be relieved of the expense so far. I under-
stand they allow fifteen dollars bounty to the Captain, and
he to get the men as he can ; if so, they will most certainly
be disappointed in their hopes. The reason is obvious —
half a dozen men have already been flogged, and thrice the
number have deserved to be so.
I would be happy to see a good company or regiment of
my countrymen in the army, but equally mortified to see it
disgraced by such a set as I have got with Captain Stewart.
They are the very last sweepings of hell.
I had a letter from our old friend, good General Wood-
hull. Mr. Morris must prophecy no more. He said,
"Colonel Elliot would do to redeem the General."
As to news or lies I can send nor make none: duty
is too severe. However, it agrees well with me. I have
never in my life been so stout as when lying in the woods
on Long-Island — dry once a week. General Lee hourly
expected, as if from heaven, with a legion of flaming
swordsmen. I fear we shall evacuate your poor city. The
very thought gives me the horrours. Offer my respects to
the President and members, and Mr. Benson. Accept the
same, and believe that I am with sincere esteem,
Dear sir, your much obliged and humble servant,
WILLIAM MALCOM.
To John McKesson, Esq.
Let me hear from Convention on the first subject soon ;
the sooner the better. Indeed if the order was even discre-
tionary to stop a further inlistment on bounty, it would be
proper. I will not stop it without sufficient cause.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO
MRS. HEED, DATED NEW-YORK, SEPTEMBER 6, 1776.
I have written twice this week, but whether any letters
ever reach you or not, I do not know. I hope they do, as
they will serve to keep up your spirits in our critical situa-
tion. We are still here, in a posture somewhat awkward ;
we think, (at least I do,) that we cannot stay, and yet we
do not know how to go : so that we may be properly said to
be between hawk and buzzard. To attempt a description
of all the circumstances which attend us, would lake more
time than I can spare, nor would it give you any great con-
solation. Our comfort is, that the season is far advanced,
and if a sacrifice of us can save the cause of America,
there will be time to collect another army before Spring,
and the country be preserved. The councils of the Con-
gress seem to be dark and intricate, and very badly cal-
culated to raise or continue an army from which substantial
benefit can be derived. My sensations are too acute and
forebodings too strong for such a service, though I do not
find my spirits sink under difficulties, but rather rise. I
sometimes think my mind is a very peculiar one ; it rises
when the spirits of others fall, and suffers by anticipating
evil. To use the modern phrase, I have made it up for
whatever may happen, and feel no other concern than what
arises from thoughts of you and our dear little folks, and
even these I get rid of as soon as possible, for it can only
unfit me for duty, without doing you any service. When I
look around, and see how few of the numbers who talked
so largely of death and honour are around me, and that
those who are here are those from whom it was least ex-
pected, (as the Tilghmans, &c.,) I am lost in wonder and
surprise. Some of our Philadelphia gentlemen, who came
over on visits, upon the first cannon went off in a most
violent hurry. Your noisy Sons of Liberty are, I find, the
quietest in the field. The motions of the enemy are very
dark and mysterious. Such another surprise would do us
mischief. I send a list of such officers as have sent out for
their baggage, and are certainly prisoners. I suppose there
are others whom we shall hear of soon. I am glad Atlee
is safe, because everybody allows he behaved well. An
engagement, or even the expectation of one, gives a won-
derful insight into character. But we are young soldiers.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER IN THE ARMY TO
HIS FRIEND IN THE COUNTRY, DATED
Turtle-Bay, September 6, 1776.
Monday, August 26, the Regulars, who were landed, in
a body of twenty thousand men, on Long-Island, began,
in the afternoon, to advance, in large bodies, up towards
Flatbush; and large columns were seen, towards night, to
file off towards the grand road to Newtown. A regiment of
Riflemen and some others were posted in the woods and
eminences towards Flatbush, to prevent the enemy from
making an approach that way. General Sullivan posted
himself on a high and advantageous ground on the Bedford
road, and some works were cast up there, to prevent the
enemy's penetrating that way. Our numbers on these
advanced posts were but small compared with the enemy.
They might, possibly, consist of fifteen hundred or two
thousand men. The grounds were so advantageous, the
woods so thick, fcc., that our people imagined that they
could, with small numbers, withstand the enemy, at least
till such time as that they might be reinforced. But all
these advantages were, by good generalship in the enemy,
lost at once. The enemy, in the night, filed off, with the
Light Horse and Light Infantry, to the eastward, until they
came on the great Jamaica road, which was not guarded,
and passed by all our posts, and flung themselves, in great
numbers, into the woods on our left wing, and there lay con-
cealed, without our knowledge, just by our lines. While
this was effecting on our left, the enemy had the art to land
a party on the right, between our lines and the Riflemen in
their rear. This they effected under cover of the night,
which was dark and gloomy, being assisted by a small creek,
which ran up on the right of the Riflemen. This cut off all
intelligence from the army, so that the officers had no intelli-
gence of what had been done. When the enemy had thus
prepared matters, they began an attack upon our right wing,
down near Flatbush, where our officers expected it would
begin, about three o'clock in the morning. As soon as this
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
200
was perceived, General Lord Stirling and General Parsons,
with a detachment of about a thousand men, were sent off to
reinforce the advanced posts on our right; hut before they
could reach the out-posts, they, being attacked on the right,
both in front and rear, were much scattered and broken. In
the mean time, the enemy which had advanced to the woods
on our left, advanced some of them, briskly, almost to our
lines, from which receiving a heavy fire, they gave way, and
wheeled to the left, towards our right, to flank and surround
Lord Stirling and his detachment, which they, in a manner,
effected. In this detachment there was a regiment from
Maryland, which were proper Regulars, kept together in
a body, and fought the enemy nobly. The fire was kept
up till near twelve o'clock, when our people retreated down
to a creek, being surrounded by the enemy and water.
After pouring a most heavy lire upon the enemy, they
attempted an escape across the creek, which most of them
effected, but some were killed and some drowned. Some
of our people kept coming in almost all day and next night,
and some the day after. Our whole loss consists of between
five and six hundren men, the most of whom are taken.
General Sullivan and General Lord Stirling are among the
number captured. Colonel Huntington's and the Mary-
land regiments suffered the most.
General Parsons says that some of our men fought through
the enemy not less than seven or eight times that day. He
lay out himself part of the night, concealed in a swamp,
from whence he made his escape, with seven men, to our
lines, about break of day the next morning.
This unfortunate affair gave the enemy all the woods and
high grounds, and confined us to our lines. These were a
good defence against musketry, but not against cannon and
shells. When we had spared as many men from our other
posts as we could with any safety, and manned our lines on
the Island as amply as we could, the enemy had more than
two men to our one. We were determined, however, to
defend them, if the enemy should attempt to force them,
sword in hand ; but it soon appeared that this was not their
design. They began to entrench themselves, and to make
regular approaches, which, it was judged, we could not with-
stand. There was danger that the enemy would get up
some of their ships between the Island and the town, and
cut off our retreat ; which, should it have happened,
business will induce you to undertake anything pro bono
publico.
I am, dear sir, yours, TH. MIFFLIN.
To Major-General Heath, Head-Quarters, King's Bridge.
so
would have been very fatal to the cause. It was, therefore,
determined to retreat, by a council of officers. Thursday,
August 29, orders were given, towards night, for all the sick
to be moved to New-York, in such a manner that nobody
so much as suspected the design. Orders were given for all
the regiments that had been on duty for a day or two to
parade at seven o'clock, and to be replaced by new regi-
ments, &.c. As soon as it was dark the army retreated, and
from that time to the next morning, nine thousand five hun-
dred men passed the river, with all our military stores and
baggage, and most of our cannon; and that with so much
secrecy and silence that the enemy never so much as sus-
pected it till we called off our sentries from the lines, after
break of day. Scarce anything was lost in the retreat.
It perhaps equalled almost anything of the kind with which
history gives us any acquaintance, and was, doubtless, a wise
measure, and much of the goodness of God is to be seen
in it.
The army are now much more collected, and able to
make a defence whenever a grand attack shall be made ;
and our retreat, in case of a defeat, would not be so ex-
tremely difficult and hazardous. The troops, in general,
are in good spirits, and I believe will do their best to defend
the country.
GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL HEATH.
Mount- Washington, September 6, 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL HEATH: General Washington has
ordered me to remain here, in order to forward the works,
which are to be finished as soon as possible. This order
puts it out of my power to attend to the necessary regula-
tions of the regiments on the east of Harlem River. Let
me, then, beg you to give your eye a cast over them, and
make such regulations as you would wish and direct me to
make, were it in my choice to be with those regiments. I
know your great and frequent perplexities will interfere,
now and then, with my request ; but your zeal and love for
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON FROM A BRIT-
ISH OFFICER, DATED NEW-YORK, SEPTEMBER 6, 1776.
General Howe finding himself at the head of twenty-one
thousand men, in high health and fit for action, was deter-
mined to begin upon it as soon as possible. Accordingly,
a great number of regiments were embarked on board the
transports, and everything prepared for an expedition, so
secret that neither the second in command at land or sea
could guess where the blow was to fall.
Everything being prepared and the cannon embarked, in
the night of the 21st of August, the Rainbow, of fifty guns,
commanded by Sir George Collier, got under weigh, and
anchored near a strong post of the enemy's, called Denys's,
upon Long-Island, who fled from thence instantly, expect-
ing the man-of-war would level the place to the ground.
A little after nine the transports all anchored in Gravesend
Bay, on the southern part of Long-Island. The flat-bot-
tom boats immediately landed the troops, and the gallant
Lord Howe was present to direct the operation.
The army, when landed, consisted of eighteen thousand
men — the rest being left upon Staten- Island. Lord Corn-
wallis commanded one of the advance posts, General Grant
another, and Earl Percy had a post of difficulty and danger,
to which he, on all occasions, showed himself equal.
The King;s forces lay still, getting ashore cannon, &z,c.,
for three or four days, and then encamped at Flat-Bush.
After this, they moved on in three bodies, and surprised
many of the enemy's out-posts, and killed and took a num-
ber of men.
The 27th, was a pretty smart action between a body of
our troops and one of the enemy; but they fled, with con-
siderable loss. Among the prisoners taken was Lord Stir-
ling, one of the Rebel Generals.
The 23th, the Rebels made another stand, but retreated
again very soon. This day Sullivan was taken, another of
their Generals. Nothing could behave better than the
Hessians, and particularly their Jagers, or Riflemen, who
are as much superiour to those of the Rebels as it is possible
to imagine.
The 29th, upon a movement of the men-of-war and the
troops, the Rebels ran away, and left the Island to the con-
querors, flying over to New-York in the greatest confusion
and dismay.
Long-Island being thus in our possession, with so little
loss, (for our killed is but fifty-nine, and our wounded and
prisoners only two hundred and seventy,) our men are elated
beyond measure, and our enemies depressed.
The Rose, commanded by Captain JVallis, is gone into
the last river, to cover the transit of the troops over. But
she has been very roughly handled ; and two other men-of-
war, I hear, are just ordered in her room. General Wash-
ington is ready to receive us on the other side, and will
welcome us ashore with the feu de joie of forty thousand
men.
I am told that the enemy have detached a body of twenty
thousand men from Boston to besiege Halifax • and I hear
some of the men-of-war will sail, in two or three days, for
its defence. It is supposed Sir Peter Parker, as Commo-
dore, will go there in the Chatham.
Matters go on swimmingly; and I don't doubt the next
news we send you is that New-York is ours, though in ashes,
for the Rebel troops have vowed to put it in flames if the
Tory troops get over.
EBENEZER HAZARD TO ABRAHAM YATES.
Dobbs's Feiry, September 6, 1776.
SIR : I received yesterday a letter from the Comptroller,
in which he says, " Mr. Franklin has received no letter from
Convention respecting the Albany riders ; unless there is
an absolute necessity for his going constantly on one side
the river, it had best not be altered." However, notwith-
standing this, I imagine the Convention's design may be
answered by the post's riding constantly on the east side as
far up as the Fishkill, and then crossing, when it is his turn
201
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
202
to ride on the west side, to New- Windsor; and as there are
few or no letters between New- Windsor and New-York,
the revenue of the office will not be diminished by the alter-
ation.
In the same letter the Comptroller mentions that it is
the Postmaster-General's desire I should keep my office at
Head-Quarters, as most of the letters now going are for the
army. In consequence of this I expect the Convention will
not long have the office so near them, unless they furnish a
rider to ply constantly between Head-Quarters to carry
thither such letters as may come for the army, and wait
there while the General gets his despatches ready to go by
return of post. This 1 should think they might do without
being at any additional expense, as I understand they have
a rider here who is to hold himself in constant readiness to
go to Head-Quarters whenever called upon. Please to
favour me with a line upon this subject as soon as you con-
veniently can.
I have not had a word from town yet respecting the
privateer.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
EBEN. HAZARD.
To Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President of Convention
at Fishkill.
EBENEZER HAZARD TO JOHN M'KESSON.
Dobbs's Ferry, September 6, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Sampson gave me your letter yesterday in
due season. Their Honours, according to your account,
are like myself, very busy doing nothing. I cannot tell
where the post-office will be fixed ; it is kept at present at
Hercuks Cranks', next door to Major Abraham Storms', one
mile above Dobbs's Ferry;, but the Comptroller has informed
me that it is the Postmaster-General's desire it would be
kept at Head-Quarters, and I am apprehensive I shall be
obliged to remove thither, unless the Convention will keep
a rider to go from hence to Head-Quarters with letters, and
wait there till the despatches are ready to go by return of
post. When the matter is settled I will let you know.
Whenever you determine contrary to the opinion of so re-
spectable a body as the Representatives of the State of
New-York, you should do it " with submission." I cannot
get one word of true news here, though I have made dili-
gent inquiry. I send you a newspaper containing a new
resolve of Congress.
I am yours, EBEN. HAZARD.
To John McKesson, Esquire.
COLONEL BIRDSALL TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fishkill, September 6, 1776.
SIR: At this critical hour I conceive time will not admit
for me to tarry. The Secretary told me to-day to wait till
four o'clock and my business should be done soon enough to
ride part of the way home to-night. I have nothing at
present to ask for but the bounty for my company, and that
to them I am engaged, and that I have to-day applied for.
It is a fact, if soldiers are not paid according to promise
they have a just cause to complain.
N. B. In regard to Colonel Smith's regiment, he has dis-
charged none of his men ; but when he parted with me at
New-Rochelle he was determined to make a stand on some
part of the east end of Long-Island, and collect his regi-
ment to advance, as circumstances would admit, westward
to oppose our enemy ; but as his regiment now, some part
of them went with him and some by themselves, and some
now waiting and ready to go, and some dispersed to their
friends for relief till further orders, an immediate call is
now for every hearty American friend to proceed, as I intend
to do, for the protection of Long-Island. And so I remain
your sincere friend, and am ready with heart and hand to
defend the cause of America.
BENJ. BIRDSALL, Lieutenant- Colonel.
the best information relative to Colonel Smith's regiment.
Time will not permit me in person to do it. After my com-
pliments to the Convention, I take the pleasure of giving
them a detail of the affair as nigh as I can. The day our
regiment inarched from New-York we were met near Har-
lem by Mr. Townsend and Lawrence. They informed us
that we were to be put on Long-Island at some rate or
other; but whether we were to be put over as a regiment to
be stationed there or not, I cannot particularly tell. How-
ever Colonel Smith gave leave for every man to shift for
himself in getting their effects and families off from Long-
Island, and as I took it he did not expect the regiment to
form again. I told them that I did not look upon it in the
power of the Colonel to discharge me from the service, and
therefore should hold myself in readiness to execute any
lawful orders should be given by your Convention, and
should expect to continue in service until discharged agree-
able to resolution of Congress.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
THOS. WILLIAMS, 1st Lieutenant of
Captain Nostrctnd's Company.
To the Convention of the State of New-York.
LIEUTENANT WILLIAMS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fishkill, September 6, 1776.
GENTLF.MEN: I was informed this day by some of the
gentlemen of the Convention, that you wanted me to give
RICHARD THORNE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fishkill, September 6, 1776.
SIR : I have been informed that one of the Representa-
tives of the State of New-York publickly said in the hon-
ourable body over which you preside, that from the testi-
mony of Colonel Jeronimus Remsen I had deserted his
regiment without any cause known to him, or words to that
effect ; and that some disagreeable intimations were then
given of my being disaffected to the cause of my country.
As I feel myself much injured by such declarations or inti-
mations, I beg the patience of you, sir, and the Convention,
while I shortly state the manner and occasion of my short
absence from the regiment.
On Tuesday, the 20th ultimo, in the lines at Brookland,
I was seized with a disorder frequent in our camps — the
flux. I continued there without any remission on duty with
my disorder increasing, and on Thursday night following
was almost all night out with a guard on Fort Oblong, with
a very heavy dew and extremely uncomfortable, although
my disorder had then become of the worst and bloody spe-
cies of that name. The too free use of the good things of this
life by the commanding officer of the regiment, to which,
however, he might have been induced by the inclemency of
the weather and the absence of the Lieutenant-Colonel,
left me that night without any assistance, and obliged me so
to expose myself to the most inclement weather during the
night, and nearly endangered my life from my disorder. I
continued, however, in camp with the disorder increased to
a high degree, affording every countenance and aid in my
power until Sunday, the 25th day of the month, when Col-
onel Remsen was pleased to give me a permit, here ready to
be shown to the honourable Convention, and in the words
following, to wit :
" Brookland, August 25, 1776.
" The bearer hereof, Mr. Richard Thorne, Major of Col-
onel Jeronimus Remsen's regiment, being sick and weak, not
able to do duty in the regiment, is permitted to return home
to recruit himself. JERONIMUS REMSEN.
" To all Officers concerned."
As to the state of weakness and debility I was reduced
to by the disorder and fatigue I underwent, I cheerfully ap-
peal to Dr. Latham, who attended me, and is now in Fish-
kill. The almost unrernitted application of my time, and
any little talents God has been pleased to give me, to the
attending Committees and the cause of my country, in one
way or another, for several months past, will, I trust, effect-
ually prevent any suspicions of those who best know me
that I have any spark of disaffection ; but it cannot hut give
me pain that any such disagreeable intimations with respect
to me should from any quarter undeservedly have been given
to the Convention.
I have the honour to be your most obedient, humble ser-
vant, RICHARD THORNE.
To the President and Convention of the Representatives of
the State of New-York.
203
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
204
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Ticonderoga, September 6, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Yesterday I received the enclosed let-
ter from Colonel Bayky, from Cohos, with a Hessian de-
serter, whose examination and capitulation you will find in
the packet.
This moment I got yourletter of the 3d instant, and have
just now seen Captain Todd. The measure of quitting
Long-Island may, for anything I can tell, be a necessary
one, but I cannot help having my apprehensions for the
consequences. I am happy to hear our troops behaved
with so much true courage and magnanimity. To lose a
post, or even a battle, may be our misfortune, as it has often
been the misfortune of the bravest and most experienced
veterans, but Great Britain loses everything upon this Con-
tinent the moment our troops can be brought to fight theirs
in the open field.
Enclosed is a copy of my last letter to General Arnold ;
also a copy of my orders and instructions to Colonel Wig-
glesworth.
If your Indian intelligence, of the enemy intending to
penetrate by the way of Oswcgo, has proved abortive, I
wish you would immediately reinforce Fort George with all
the troops that can be spared from Albany, and upon both
communications, as Colonel Gansevoort complains for want
of men to guard and forward the provisions across the Lakes.
Pray order Mr. Douw, the A. D. Q. M. G., to attend his
duty immediately at the carrying-place. The grindstones, so
much wanted, are not yet sent here. If my Aid-de-Camp,
Major Peirce, is in Albany, 1 beg you will acquaint him it
is my positive orders he conies here immediately.
September 8, 1776. — The grindstones are just arrived,
but no musket cartridge paper. The enclosed letter from
Lieutenant-Colonel Gansevoort, obliges me to send Colonel
Phinney's New- Hampshire regiment to Fort George, to
balteau the flour from thence. This regiment came lately
from Boston, where they were all inoculated and cleansed
from the small-pox. At the same time as you order a
detachment from below to Lake George, you will order
Colonel Phinney, upon his being relieved, to return to this
post. No intelligence that can be depended upon has yet
arrived from the fleet. Scouts and parties are out, both by
land and by water, to make discoveries. This moment two
hogsheads with cartridge paper are arrived from Fort
George. The paper is rather too thick for musket cart-
ridges, and too thin for cannon — but it must do until we get
better. I am, &c., Ho. GATES.
To Major-General Schuyler.
The Exammation of Anthony Hasselaband, of Colonel
RiedeseFs regiment of Dragoons, who deserted at Montreal
the 24th June, with nineteen others, but does not know
what became of them. Says :
That in February one thousand Hessians, three thousand
Brunswickers, and three thousand Westphalians, the latter
all Roman Catholicks, embarked on board forty-six Dutch
vessels, at Staad, in Hanover, and sailed for America ; that
forty-three of these arrived at Quebeck 27th May, the other
three being blown off from the fleet in a storm about Easter,
and supposed to be lost; that some time in June, the whole
marched for Montreal, where they arrived the latter end of
the same month.
That five hundred of the Westphalians and Brunswicker
troops were drafted as Dragoons, horses purchased in Can-
ada, and daily training for that purpose. Five hundred
more were drafted as Riflemen. The whole are new re-
cruits, from sixteen to twenty-two years of age, quartered
at Longueil, opposite Montreal, under the command of
Colonel Beluitz, of the Brunswick troops.
That at Quebeck ten of the Germans had deserted; one
was afterwards, at Longueil, ordered to run the gauntlet,
through three hundred men ; but the whole of the German
troops mutinied, owing to their not receiving their pay and
provisions as promised them, refused to inflict the punish-
ment, and were going to murder the General, but Colonel
Beluitz quieted them with promises of their receiving their
allowances regularly for the future. That he understood all
the Germans were to return about Michaelmas, and that the
English and Canadians amounted to about 5,000 men.
September 5, 1776.
CAPITULATION.
His Serene Highness the Duke of Brunswick, having
thought fit to complete and strengthen his serene Dragoon
Regiment, all his Infantry Regiments, and his Rifle Corps,
and committed the recruiting to me, the subscriber, Colonel
Riedesel, Lord of Eisenback, and me thereunto authorizing :
therefore, have herewith engaged Anthony Hasselaband,
born in Kirchshagen, age twenty-one years, months,
religion Catholick, measuring five feet seven inches, as a
Ranger of Horse, and promise him his usual Brunswick
pay, and more than double the pay in case of a march,
besides bread and other emoluments and capitulation of six
years, after which determination he shall be discharged
without hindrance.
Given at Head-Quarters, Wolfcnbuttd, 20th Jan., 1776.
RIEDESEL,
[SEAL.] Colonel and Chief of a
Dragoon and Independent Regiment.
GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL HARTLEY.
Tyonderoga, September 6, 1776.
SIR : I have sent General Arnold, by this conveyance, a
reinforcement of seventy men. and have desired him to re-
turn the detachment of your regiment to Crown-Point. I
desire you will directly order the oar-makers to bring up all
the oars now made to Tyonderoga. If convenient, they
may also bring what stuff" they have on hand unmade up.
There will be no necessity for their returning to that place.
So you may for the present withdraw any party you had at
the oar-makers' encampment. All the oar-makers must
come up with the oars, &c.
I am, sir, your very humble servant, Ho. GATES.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley. •
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, September 6, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : There has been a very heavy cannon-
ading down the Lake all this morning. It is, undoubtedly,
between our fleet and the enemy; so that you may prepare
accordingly. 1 have sent down a boat just now, to know
more particularly.
Sir, I think it of the greatest consequence to hold this
ground, if possible. If the enemy should get it, it will be
a severe blow. I mean to act agreeable to your orders in
all respects.
I would be glad you would immediately send down
Colonel Wayne's regiment, or the Second Regiment of
Pennsylvanians. If you, from the information I can give
you, should think proper to reinforce or strengthen this post
further, it may be done if the regiment could be here this
evening, with some intrenching tools. I think we could
finish a work, by morning, that would hurt them as much as
the action at Bunker's Hill.
I am, in haste, your most humble servant,
THOS. HARTLEY.
To General Gates.
P. S. I shall fire three four-pounders, within a short space
of time from each other, in case the enemy approach before
I can send or hear from you. T. HARTLEY.
GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL HARTLEY.
Tyonderoga, September 6, 1776—8 at night.
SIR : This moment I received your letter of this forenoon
by the bearer. Instead of thinking the support of Crouii-
Point an object upon this emergency, it is my positive or-
ders to you, that in case of the defeat of our fleet, you
immediately retire, with what is saved from their overthrow,
to Tyonderoga ; better fortune may await America, than that
its naval force upon this Lake should be destroyed. Should
unhappily that be the case, you are to obey my orders.
1 am, &z.c., HORATIO GATES.
To Colonel Hartley.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, September 6, 1776 — >
8 o'clock at night. J
SIR: The following is an extract of a letter this moment
205
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
206
received from Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley, commanding
officer at Crown-Point :
"Friday, 2 o'clock. — There has been a very heavy can-
nonading down the Lake all this morning. It is, undoubt-
edly, between our fleet and the enemy; so that you may
prepare accordingly. I have sent down a boat just now, to
know more particularly."
I am exceedingly vexed that it is above a month since I
wrote you. repeatedly, for musket cartridge paper, and not
one sheet yet arrived. Let me entreat you to send, if not
the exact sort we want, as many old books or such substi-
tute as you can procure. The moment I know the result
of this firing down the Lake, I will acquaint you of it by
express.
I am, dear General, &tc., HORATIO GATES.
To General Schuykr.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, Sept. 6, 1776—2 o'clock, p. m.
HONOURED SIR : Since my last, at eleven o'clock this morn-
ing, we have heard no firing down the Lake. There must
have been hot work. Some noise was heard all the morn-
ing, but not till about ten o'clock was it known to be
cannon, when upwards of one hundred cannon shot were
distinctly heard. I have sent a trusty officer and five men
down the Lake, who are to return immediately and bring me
intelligence. There are about one hundred officers and men
of this regiment along with the fleet. Perhaps this is no
unlucky circumstance.
I have called in all my out-parties except a few scouts.
I have. all my men on fatigue — four four-pounders, three of
them mounted. I shall give you the signal of firing three
guns within a minute or two of each other, should the
enemy be approaching.
In my works here I can fight one thousand or fifteen
hundred men conveniently. If you send me a good regi-
ment I will dispose of them to the best advantage I am
capable. There are only three places on this point which
the enemy can make a landing at without the utmost diffi-
culty. Those three avenues may be stopped in a little time.
My men are in good spirits, as many as I have. By
to-morrow morning, if I should have no assistance, we would
give a couple of thousand men some difficulty to take our
little works from us.
If you send a regiment to reinforce me, I believe, sir, you
might securely leave the eighteen-pounder here, and send a
few more artillerymen ; or, if you please, I shall send the
cannon up immediately.
I have made every disposition that my small judgment
would admit of, either to fight the enemy, or to make a re-
treat, if upon all circumstances, it were necessary. 1 hope to
act in such a manner as will be perfectly agreeable to you.
Please to direct the following articles to be sent me this
evening : One field carriage (if possible) for a four-pound-
er, one hundred cartridges for the same gun, and the like
number of bags of cannister shot ; if the eighteen-pounder
remains here, a carriage for that. Excuse my incorrectness,
being in great haste.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble
servant, THOMAS HARTLEY.
To General Gates.
P. S. Entrenching tools are very badly wanted. I shall
perhaps send you another express this evening, if I hear any
firing from below. Should our fleet have happened to have
been successful, the regiment you send may return to-morrow
or next day. I would also be glad that the following arti-
cles were sent this evening : 4 lint stocks, 4 priming-wires
for a four-pounder, 1 coil slow-match, 3 ladles for those guns,
and 3 pair drag-ropes.
Yours, &c., THOMAS HARTLEY.
As our officers have delivered up all their papers to make
cartridges for the Artillery, we shall want paper to write let-
ters unless a few quires be sent us. T. H.
are in possession of that and Governour's Island, which,
with the command of the west end of the Sound, will
enable them to land at pleasure either at York-Island, at
Westchester, or Horse-Neck. In case they should land on
the first, they will divide our army into two parts, but should
they elect either of the latter places, and their ships should
at the same time run up the North River, they will cut off
our army from the country and all supplies, and will lay the
country, especially the west part of this State, from whence
all our Militia are drawn off to join the army, wholly at
their mercy. Should this be the case, it will be of great
importance that a sufficient force should be collected at or
near Westchester, to protect the country from incursions,
and, as opportunity may offer, make a diversion in favour ol
the main army. To effect this purpose as far as is in our
power, I have ordered two regiments of Light- Horse, and
the regiments of Militia which remain in this State, to march
with the utmost expedition to Westchester, but as they alone
will be inadequate to the purpose intended, I have taken
the liberty to propose to the State of Rhode-Island to join
their Militia with ours, and now beg leave to propose to you
to send such part of your Militia as you think proper to
join them.
The critical situation of the army, and the important
consequences that will ensue from the events of this cam-
paign, make it necessary to exert ourselves to the utmost,
to procure a favourable issue. I make not tbe least doubt
of your ready concurrence in every proper and necessary
measure, and am,
Gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. General Assembly of the State of Massa-
chusetts-Bay.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT.
BY THE CAPTAIN-GENERAL.
To SAMUEL ABBOT, Esq., Lieutenant- Colonel of the Twen-
tieth Regiment of Militia, in this State, Greeting :
Whereas it appears our enemies are now making their
most vigorous exertions to subjugate and destroy these
American States ; and by their movements it looks highly
probable, they are endeavouring to throw over a force upon
the main, to cut off our communication with New-York,
both by land and water, which makes it necessary to throw
in all the succours in our power, in this critical and perhaps
decisive moment :
I do hereby, therefore, by the advice of my Council of
Safety, order and direct you forthwith, without delay, to
call out your regiment, and see them well equipped, both
officers and men, and march towards New-York, and ren-
dezvous at or near Westchester, and there wait till orders,
in order to be ready to cooperate with the Continental
Army in the best manner to defeat the purposes of our
enemies.
Given under my hand at Lebanon, this sixth day of Sep-
tember, A. D. 1776. JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To Colonel Samuel Abbott, in Norwich.
N. B. Those troops who are ordered to march out of
this State will be paid twenty shillings each, before or on
their march, in part of pay or wages, and the chief com-
manding officer in each regiment, on application to him,
may excuse such of his regiment from marching as on ac-
count of sickness, or other peculiar circumstances, he shall
judge reasonable. J. T.
GOVERRNOUR TRUMBULL TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.
Lebanon, September 6, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I presume you are already informed that
our army has retreated from Long-Island, and the enemy
JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fairfield, September 6, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: This will be handed to you by Mr. Uriah
Mitchell, of Queen's County, who was employed by Mr.
Townsend and myself as an express, but was prevented
from crossing the Sound till we got to Southhold. He has
despatches which will inform you of our proceedings till
Saturday noon ; for what has happened since that time I
must refer you to him, as he is perfectly acquainted with
all the particulars.
Mr. Mitchell had been driven from home by the Tories
for having been very active in the American cause, on
which account I take the liberty to recommend him to
207
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
208
Convention for some employment that will afford a main-
tenance for the present.
I shall sail upon an expedition to the Island to-night. As
soon as it is over, I shall use all possible despatch to join
Convention.
In the mean time, have the honour to be your obedient
servant, JOHN SLOSS HOBART.
To Abraham Yates, Esq., President of the New-York
Convention.
DAVID GELSTON TO THE COMMITTEE FOR NEW-LONDON,
CONNECTICUT.
Saybrook, September 6, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: By accounts this moment received from
Long-Island, there are no Ministerial troops to the east-
ward of Jamaica. Colonel Livingston is now gone off for
Long-Island with his men ; he had no time to write you.
I write by his request. He and I submit to your considera-
tion, that if it be possible to send over a number of troops,
as many as you can, if only one hundred men, whether it
would not be of great service ? If ten thousand could be
sent as was talked of (when with Mr. Shaw yesterday) to
Huntington, I presume, gentlemen, you see the infinite ser-
vice it would be to the grand struggle we are engaged in.
Would not naval force be of great use ? If it should be
determined upon to send only a small number of troops,
Colonel Livingston begs they may join him at Canoe
Place. Does not all possible despatch appear necessary ?
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient,
humble servant, DAVID GELSTON.
To the Committee, New-London.
GOVERNOUR COOKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Providence, September 6, 1776.
SIR: The necessity which caused the unexpected evacua-
tion of Long-Island, hath alarmed the General Assembly
of this State, as it seems that communications cannot be
kept open with an Island where the enemy's ships can ap-
proach. This hath filled us with apprehensions for the
Town of Newport and the Island of Rhode-Island, which
are of so great importance to this and the other United
States. Upon which the Assembly hath thought proper to
appoint John Collins, Joshua Babcock, and Joseph Stanton,
Esquires, a committee to wait upon your Excellency, to ac-
quaint you with the state of this Government, and to confer
with you upon the best measures to be taken for its defence,
and with respect to the Island of Rhode-Island. I beg the
favour of your Excellency to treat them with the most
entire confidence, and have no doubt but that the same dis-
position which hath always induced you to manifest your
regard to this State, will induce you to give us your best
advice and assistance.
Upon receiving information of the landing of the enemy
upon Long-Island, and a letter from Governour Trumbull,
acquainting us with your request that a body of men might
be thrown upon the east end of that Island, this State
ordered the whole brigade, with the two galleys, and a
sufficient quantity of provisions and ammunition, to proceed
to that Island, and ordered them to be replaced by the
Militia of the State.
We exerted ourselves to get them in readiness, and some
of them were under orders to proceed, when we received
the most uncertain and aggravated accounts of the evacua-
tion of Long-Island, which occasioned us to stop the men
until we could receive intelligence to be depended upon ;
which we did not gain until the last evening. I beg leave
to observe to your Excellency the advantages that may
accrue to the common cause from the several States having
early and autbentick intelligence of all matters of impor-
tance that shall happen, and to request your Excellency to
favour us with accounts of everything material.
I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of esteem
and respect, sir, your Excellency's most obedient, humble
servant, NICHOLAS COOKE.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General
and Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the United
States of America, New- York.
SELECTMEN OF CHARLESTOWN TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COM-
MITTEE OF SAFETY.
Charlestown, [Number Four,] September 6, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Your favour came to hand yesterday, in-
lorming us of General Gates's complaint against the con-
duct of a person acting as a physician in this town, inocu-
lating soldiers for the small pox when on their march to
the army. Had the General's complaint been founded
upon the whole truth of facts, it would most certainly have
been highly justifiable by all good men, and the doctor pun-
ished, as every enemy to his country deserves. No doubt
the General was by somebody informed of such proceed-
ings: probably an enemy to the doctor, or to the scheme of
inoculating for the small pox — the most glorious invention
ever yet found out for the preserving the lives of mankind
against the power of that sovereign disorder in its natural
course, which has been for many years approved of by the
most skillful physicians in most of the civilized States on
earth, and is now recommended by the Continental Con-
gress, and by the several Assemblies of New-York, Con-
necticut, Rhode-Island, and the Massachusetts-Bay.
We received General Gates's letter of the 10th of Au-
gust, upon the subject of complaint, which hath been
answered by the Committee of Safety, a copy of which
you have herewith enclosed.
We conceive it rather hard that we should bear the whole
weight of General Gates's resentment, since other towns
have been guilty of the like offence. There have been
many of the soldiers inoculated at Keene and Clarcmont,
and we do not at present see why it is not as likely that the
small pox should be carried to the army from either of those
places, as from here. We have no reason to believe that
any of the soldiers have carried it from hence to the army,
but we can wiih great truth assert that the small pox has
been, by the soldiery, brought and left here — one man
who came from Ticonderoga, another belonging to Colonel
Wigglesworth's regiment, and another belonging to Colonel
WhilcomUs regiment. And we have reason to suspect that
several of the inhabitants have taken it from the soldiers
of the two Continental regiments, on their route through
this town, from Boston to Ticonderoga, who were inoc-
ulated at Boston.
We are desirous of quieting the minds of our brethren in
the army, in case we can be assured that the small pox
shall not be brought here again by the soldiers, who are
continually marching to and from the army. Upon these
several circumstances we suppose it cannot be kept out of
the town, and we must conceive it to be a breach of privi-
lege to be denied of the same liberty (of inoculating our
families) that other towns in this Colony enjoy, which we
suppose at present to be highly expedient for their safety,
which we can do, and not expose any soldiers marching to
and from the army, or anybody else, as we had proposed to
remove the pest-house from where it now is to about two
miles distance from the town and from the road ; and put
the management of it under such proper regulations as that
no person hereafter shall be exposed to take it in the natural
way. We had proposed to lay the doctor, the- nurses, at-
tendants, and each person inoculated, under bonds, not to
spread it through their means, so that all persons may be
assured of safety in that regard. Notwithstanding, if it be
your will and pleasure that a final stop be put to it in this
town, we will do our endeavour to do it, but it's impossible
at present to cleanse the town of it. The inoculation is
stopped at present; therefore beg to know your sentiments
of the matter. Pray, gentlemen, consider that we are more
exposed than all the people of the Colony besides.
Gentlemen, we are your humble servants.
SAMUEL HUNT,
WM. HAYWOOD,
ENDS STEVENS.
Selectmen of Charlestown.
To the Hon. Committee of Safety.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM GUILFORD, SOUTH CAROLINA,
DATED SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
Since my last, our publick affairs are in statu quo, except
our Indian affairs. General Rutherford, from the District
of Salisbury, hath gone over the mountain with a considera-
ble army, to the middle towns, where the Southern Army
209
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
210
and ours are to join the 9th of this instant, by whom we hope
to have a good account of the Indians. The Virginia troops
are forming at Long-Island, and expect to be ready to visit
the upper towns by the middle of this month. The South-
ern army hath destroyed several of the lower towns, got a
great deal of old corn, and destroyed the new. The Indians
seem sick of their undertaking, and threaten to kill all the
whites in the nation. The Tories who fled to them, and
perhaps incited them to take up the hatchet, are flying from
them, and surrendering to the friends of liberty, among whom
is the famous Robinson.
some time, and is now willing to go as such in a battalion
going to the flying camp. His abilities for that station are
such that can recommend him.
Being with due respect, sir, your most obedient, humble
servant, C. WEISENTHALL.
To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of the
Convention, Annapolis.
Williamsburg, Va., September 7, 1776.
A vessel is safe arrived at Hampton with one thousand
bushels of salt, and a small quantity of rum and sugar; the
master of which gives us reason to expect a number of
others in a few weeks, with salt and other useful articles.
The West-India Islands are in a starving condition for want
of the American supplies.
COUNCIL OF VIRGINIA TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
In Council, Williamsburg, July 20, 1776.
SIR: We had the honour to receive your letter of the
8th instant, enclosing the Declaration of Independence and
the resolve of Congress respecting the augmentation of the
Rifle corps at New-York. We shall take care to have the
Declaration immediately published so as that the people
may be universally informed of it, who, we have the pleas-
ure to inform you, have been impatiently expectin^ it, and quences to "s- J ma7 fal1 sick, and not be able to attend
will receive it with joy. Congress when some matter may be brought upon the car-
pet which will immediately relate to our State ; not to men-
WILLIAM ELLERY TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Philadelphia, September 7, 1776.
SIR: As Mr. Hopkins expects that the post will get to
Providence before him, he hath left with me the second and
third of exchange drawn by Andrew Caldwell, Treasurer,
upon Philip Moore, A. Mercer, J. Donaldson, and W.
Erskin, Esquires, owners of the privateers Congress and
Chance, New-England, in favour of you and others, a com-
mittee for building the two frigates at Providence, for thirty-
seven thousand five hundred Continental dollars, value
received of Stephen Hopkins, Esquire ; and hath requested
me to transmit to you one of the bills by the post, and to
keep the other. Agreeably to his request, I now enclose
you the second of exchange — the first bill he hath with
him — and wish it may go safe.
Mr. Hopkins tells me that he doth not propose to return
to Congress until Spring, if ever. It is, therefore, necessary
that an additional Delegate should be immediately appointed;
for, otherwise, the State of Rhode-Island may be unrepre-
sented, which might be attended with pernicious conse-
We are perfectly satisfied of the utility of riflemen, and
wish it was in our power to assist in raising the number in
our country, voted by Congress for the support of New-York;
but the Convention has adjourned, and we are vested with
no powers which can, in any manner, enforce or carry into
execution that vote. If commissions could be sent to proper
persons, they might raise companies which would have a
right to march to New-York, but we could not oblige them
to do so.
It is with pleasure, sir, we observe that you say, in con-
sequence of the Declaration you are fully convinced that
our affairs may take a more favourable turn, and we firmly
rely on the protection and continuance of the powerful
interposition of that Being whose power no creature is able
to resist.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant,
JOHN PAGE, President.
To the President of Congress.
CAPTAIN NICHOLSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
September 7, 1776.
SIR: By the enclosed requisition, you'll find 1 have taken
upon me to put part of the Militia on duty. Be pleased to
take the matter under consideration, and give such orders to
the Generals or Colonels as you shall think proper. They
are both out of town, which obliges me to act. For further
particulars, must refer you to my brother.
I am yours, B. NICHOLSON.
A COPY OF ORDERS.
Baltimore town, September 6, 1776.
SIR: I must request your company to go on guard until
I can hear from the Council of Safety, which, I judge, will
be to-morrow or next day at furthest. The necessity of
the case will, I hope, induce you to comply (although my
requisition does not flow from strict authority) when llnform
you that the German companies have marching orders, and
this day at twelve o'clock desire relief; and Captain
Nathaniel Smith, whom I have applied to for that purpose,
says 'tis out of his power. B. NICHOLSON.
To the Commanding Officer of the Independent Company.
DOCTOR WEISENTHALL TO MATTHEW TILGHMAN.
Baltimore town, September 7, 1776.
SIR: The bearer, Dr. Andrew Porter, having been a
candidate for a Surgeon's place on the Surgeon's list for
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 14
tion that if two Delegates were here, they might have an
opportunity to relax, now and then, from that constant atten-
tion which, if one Delegate only should be continued here,
he would be obliged to give, unless he should leave the
State unrepresented in Congress, which I am determined
not to do, let what will be the consequence; and a constant
attendance on Congress for nine months, without any relax-
ation, is too much even for a robust constitution. Besides,
it is necessary that motions should be made and supported;
in which case, the advantage of having two on the same
side is manifest. In causes of no great importance it is
common to engage two lawyers ; and the vulgar observation,
that "two heads are better than one," is just. Can, then,
the State of Rhode-Island hesitate about immediately ap-
pointing an additional Delegate? I am sure it cannot.
I should be exceedingly glad that Governour Hopkins
might return ; for he is well acquainted with the mode of
conducting business, and is well esteemed in Congress ; and
I have reason to think, from what hath passed, that we
should act in concert and harmony. But if he should con-
clude not to return, it would be best that two should be
immediately appointed ; for matters of great consequence
will be on the carpet. In the multitude of council is safety;
and, in that case, the Delegates might alternately visit
home, brace up their relaxed minds and bodies by a journey
and enjoying their native air, and thereby be better able to
discharge the duties of their office. There is nothing against
our State appointing three Delegates but the expense; and
if the amount of the allowance to the two Delegates, and
their expenses for one year, be summed up, and compared
with what would be the amount of the expense, to the State,
of these Delegates, at five dollars per day, I believe the dif-
ference will be found to be but trifling. But if it should be
something considerable, I am sure 'the benefits resulting to
the State therefrom would compensate for any such addi-
tional expense. If a Confederacy should hereafter take
place, a Council of State would doubtless be appointed, in
which case, our State would have only one Delegate to
support constantly. The other two, if three should be
appointed, would be present only a small part of the year,
when the Congress should sit.
Mr. Hopkins will acquaint you with the news, and the
state of our armies, &.C., so that I hope I shall be excused
in not saying anything on those subjects. The same reason
will excuse my not writing to the Assembly by this post.
I wrote a letter to send by the last post, but, unluckily, the
post had set out before my letter reached the office.
Congress have ordered one of our battalions to New-
York, and its place to be supplied with a battalion of Mili-
211
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
212
tia from Massachusetts. It was moved, at first, that both
the battalions should be ordered thilher. I opposed the
motion to the best of my abilities, and think we have come
off pretty well. I expect that if our affairs at New-York
should take an ill turn, that the other battalion will be
ordered from our State ; for it is the sentiment of Congress
that the Continental battalion should be drawn together,
for that greater reliance is to be placed in them than in a
Militia unaccustomed to discipline and the hardships of a
camp; and, indeed, the liberties of this country, in my
opinion, cannot be established but by a large standing army.
Heartily wishing success to our cause, and to you, sir,
and your family, health and prosperity, I continue to be,
with great respect, yours, W. ELLERY.
To Governour Cooke.
CERTIFICATE IN FAVOUR OF JOHN RYON.
SIR: I entered on board his Majesty's ship Roebuck at
London, Augmt 14, 1775; and being stationed on this
coast, on the 27th March last I was ordered on board of B
pilot boat under the command of Lieutenant Ball. The
28th of the same instant was taken prisoner at Lewistown;
from which place I was sent to Dover, where 1 remained
till the 12th of May; from which place I was sent to New-
Castle, where Mr. Ball and myself were to go on board
the Roebuck; but, to our great disappointment, the Roebuck
sailed for Virginia. By orders from the Committee of
Safety, on the 19th of May I was confined to this gaol,
where, most of the time, I have been close-locked in one
room, not being allowed any friend to speak to me.
I am, sir, your most humble and obedient servant,
JOHN RYON.
Philadelphia Gaol, September 7, 1776.
These are to certify that the above John Ryon, seaman
of his Majesty's ship the Roebuck, is prisoner in this gaol
since the 19th of May last, in close confinement; and from
all the inquiry I have made, find that he behaved himself
firm and steadfast to his duty, by refusing every temptation
and offer which have been made to him by the Rebels ; do
therefore recommend him to his Captain, and all officers in
his Majesty's service, as a well-behaved young man.
DANL. McDoNALD, Brigadier-General.
ADDRESS TO THE PUBLICK.
Freedom of speech and writing, on matters of puhlick
concern, having, in every free country, been considered the
best bulwark to preserve the spirit of liberty from degener-
ating into supineness and slavery, it gave me great pleasure
to observe that the Convention of Pennsylvania, in their
declaration of the rights of the inhabitants, have made it an
object of their deliberation, viz : " That the people have a
right to freedom of speech, and of writing and publishing
their sentiments ; therefore, the freedom of the press ought
not to be restrained."
On this principle I presume to offer a general hint to the
consideration of the publick, and hope I do not therein
exceed the line of prudence, or injure the personal charac-
ter of any one.
Those who indulge the idea that the conduct of men in
publick stations is exempt from impartial scrutiny, enter-
tain notions incompatible with the good of society; for it is
not merely the men, but the measures, which form'the good
or ill of society. It is the right of examination, and to
remedy the defects, that constitute the safety of the people ;
and when that right is infringed, the Constitution falls a
sacrifice to tyranny and usurpation. To appoint men of
wisdom and virtue to places of publick notoriety is the char-
acteristick of a judicious nation. Justice and temperance
should be the standard for the appointment, and the meas-
ures will ever be gloriously supported ; for the end cannot
be crowned with a happy success where the means to obtain
it are founded in publick or private wrongs.
The statesman, the officer, Quartermaster, Commissary,
and all those in subordination to them, should be honest,
disinterested, and free ; otherways, the people, from whom
they derive all their power, and are accountable to, will feel
the effects of their intemperate measures : instead of distri-
butive justice, we shall be subdued by passion and resent-
ment ; and the property of the subject, instead of being
protected, will be robbed by avaricious and wicked men.
We are now entering on a scene of publick calamity, to
which our feelings and possessions have before been rather
strangers ; and great care ought to be taken to admit none
to govern us, either in a civil or military capacity, but those
whose ways are marked out by justice and peace.
The Americans, in general, are considered as a noble
and generous people; and their contest with Great Britain
founded on the rights of mankind, and in the historick page,
will fill posterity with amazement and veneration.
It will be well to examine into the propriety of the hint
I have here offered, and if any advantages may be reaped
from it, we shall show our wisdom and our spirit of liberty
by determining to pursue them. D .
Philadelphia, September 7, 1776.
GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Amboy, 8 o'clock, A. M., September 7, 1776.
SIR : I have been confined two days by a fever, which
has not yet left me. It is a great mortification that I have
it not in my power to attend at Head-Quarters. It would,
however, have been impossible for any officer from this place
to be in time at New-York. By some neglect of the mes-
senger, your letter was not delivered till seven this morning.
General Roberdeau waits on your Excellency, to know
the result of your determinations, and to inform you of the
state of the troops in the New-Jerseys.
My ideas of the operations for this campaign are to pre-
vent the enemy from executing their plan of a junction
between the armies of Howe and Burgoyne, on which the
expectations of the King and Ministry are fixed. We
should keep New-York if possible, as the acquiring of that
will give eclat to the arms of Great Britain, afford the sol-
diers good quarters, and furnish a safe harbour for the fleet.
If it even could be retained a month or two, keeping the
field so long in this climate may be supposed to affect the
health of European troops very much. On the other
hand, a free and safe communication with the Counties from
whence supplies of men and provisions can come to your
army, is a consideration of superiour moment to any other.
How far both those objects may be within the compass of
your Excellency's force I cannot pretend to judge, having
a very inadequate knowledge of the particulars necessary to
found an opinion upon.
I have not seen Colonel Rawlings, but gave general
orders at all the posts along the Jersey shore that the troops
from Maryland should proceed immediately to New-York.
I hope to be able very soon to effect some enterprise on
Staten-Island, when we have a sufficient number of men for
the Flying-Camp to dispose along the different posts ; but
the Militia are not the men for such a purpose. Four Col-
onels were with me some nights ago to inform that their men
would fight the enemy on this side, but would not go over
to Staten-Island.
I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency's most obe-
dient servant, HUGH MERCER.
To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in-
Chief.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read 13th September.]
New-York, September 7, 1776.
SIR: This will be delivered you by Captain Martindale
and Lieutenant Turner, who were taken last Fall in the
armed brig Washington, and who, with Mr. Childs, the 2d
Lieutenant, have lately effected their escape from Halifax.
Captain Martindale and those two officers have applied
to me for pay from the 1st of January to this time ; but
not conceiving myself authorized to grant it, however reason-
able it may be, as they were only engaged till the last of
December, at their instance I have mentioned the matter to
Congress, and submit their case to their consideration.
I have the honour to be with profound respect, sir, your
most obedient servant, Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
213
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
214
JOSEPH TRUMBULL, COMMISSARY-GENERAL, TO THE PRESI-
DENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read llth September. Referred to Colonel Lee, Mr. Hooper, and Mr.
Sherman.]
New-York, September 7, 1776.
SIR: Enclosed I send you copies of three letters from
me — one to General Schuyler, one to Mr. Elisha Avery, (a
person of as much probity as any on earth, whom I sent to
Tyconderoga in my department,) and one to Mr. Walter
Livingston, Deputy Commissary-General — by which you
find the situation of the affairs of my department in that
quarter, and my sentiments thereon. 1 beg the same may be
laid before Congress, and that they will consider this as my
request to be dismissed from having any further charge of
commissary matter in that district. I cannot undertake to
act where I not only have not the countenance of the Com-
mander-in-Chief there, but every step is taken by him to
counteract all my regulations. When Mr. Avery went from
hence, he expected to go into Canada with General Gates.
At Albany General Schuyler told Mr. Avery in express
terms he would furnish money to no person in the Commis-
sary Department there but Mr. Livingston; however, Gene-
ral Gates persuaded Mr. Avery to go on. When he came
to Tyconderoga he found enough to do to put matters on
any tolerable footing. Mr. Livingston had not then, nor
has he since, ever been beyond Albany, but left all to others,
and all was in confusion. Soon after his arrival at Tycon-
deroga, General Schuyler sent Mr. Avery a temporary au-
thority to act, when he knew he had full authority from me,
which he had seen at Albany, and tacked to his authority a
clause restraining him from purchasing anything whatever,
however much the army might suffer for want of it. This,
Mr. Avery noticed to me. 1 advised with General Wash-
ington on the subject, and sent an order to Mr. Avery to
buy anything he could procure that the army wanted, any
order from General Schuyler notwithstanding. General
Washington had never restrained me or mine, and advised
the measure. After this I directed Mr. Livingston to furnish
provisions, and forward to Mr. Avery on his application or
my direction, and to regulate the several stages and posts
south of Lake George, and left Tyconderoga and Skenes-
borough to Mr. Avery's direction and regulation. On Gen-
eral Schuyler's return from German Flats, he sent an order
to Mr. Avery to make weekly returns of provisions to Mr.
Livingston. Mr. Avery shew the order to General Gates,
and wrote General Schuyler that he did not consider himself
subordinate to Mr. Livingston, and sent the returns de-
manded to General Schuyler instead of sending them to Mr.
Livingston. On this, General Schuyler. wrote me he should
send for Mr. Avery down under arrest, but would first give
me notice, on which I wrote the enclosed to him, Mr. Avery,
and Mr. Livingston. I never meant to have the returns
made by Mr. Avery to Mr. Livingston ; I intended in that
department, as in this, to have the issuing store account a
check on the Magazine, and vice versa, which 1 have ever
thought necessary and kept up but in this instance.
My authority from Congress of displacing, &tc., any
Deputy Commissary-General, I can't exercise, as I can't put
myself, or ask any other person to take the office, where we
can't have the countenance or support of the Commander-
in-Chief. On the whole, where 1 can't have the appoint-
ment and direction of my own people, who I am in some
degree accountable for, I do not choose to act, and there-
fore beg in this case to be dismissed from any further care
or concern, and wish I may have such dismission as soon
as possible, as I can't be easy to think myself in any mea-
sure accountable where I can be of no real service.
I am with great esteem and respect, sir, your most obe-
dient, humble servant, Jos. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
t
New-York, September 5, 1776.
SIR : I have received letters from General Schuyler, Mr.
Avery, and yourself, by which I find Mr. Avery and Mr.
Yancey can neither of them be of any further service at
Tyconderoga. I must say your treatment to Mr. Avery in
some of your letters is such as I should not expect you to
give him on my account or his own ; such treatment I will
not have him subject to as I find he must be if he stays
there, both from your manner and General Schuyler's sup-
porting you in it. I have, therefore, directed them both to
come off, and I give you this notice of it that you may imme-
diately take particular and effectual care that the service
does not suffer. They will deliver everything to such per-
son or persons as you send to receive them, and I think it
necessary that you go yourself immediately forward to
Tyconderoga and the other posts, and see yourself that all
matters are put on a proper footing at each place.
I am, sir, your humble servant, Jos. TRUMBULL.
To Walter Livingston, Esq.
New-York, September 5, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I received your favours — three of them by Mr.
Lucas yesterday, and one from General Schuyler. By his, I
find he is determined to get rid of you by his own sovereign
authority. I therefore think it best for you to come off at
once and leave Ticondcroga. I must desire Mr. Yancey to
stay till* Mr. Livingston can send somebody to take his
place, which shall be soon. Let General Gates know this
order, and the ground of it. Tell him I will not risk my
character in the office while General Schuyler commands
that army, but will let Congress know my refusal imme-
diately.
I am, dear sir, your most humble servant,
Jos. TRUMBULL.
To Mr. Elisha Avery.
New- York, September 5, 1776.
SIR : I received your letter respecting Mr. Avery. I have
directed him to withdraw from Tyconderoga immediately.
I find he nor any other person can have anything to do in
the Commissary Department in the northern district, without
a continual clashing with Mr. Livingston, and that he is
supported by the Commander-in-Chief ; therefore all must
give way to him. Mr. Yancey will also withdraw.
This I have noticed to Mr. Livingston, that he may take
care accordingly. I never intended Mr. Avery should be
subordinate to Mr. Livingston.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Jos. TRUMBULL.
To Major-General Schuyler.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM DOBBS's FERRY, TWENTY-SIX
MILES FROM NEW-YORK, DATED SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
My last gave some brief account of matters on Long-
Island. Since that letter several things have taken place
worth relating. The principal is the evacuation of Long-
Island. This movement occasioned at first some murmur-
ings among the rash and inconsiderate; but all men of sense
and reason who exercised their reflecting faculties, saw the
necessity and evident propriety of it. The enemy, whose
force upon the Island, from the best intelligence, nearly
doubled ours, had advanced within two musket-shot of our
lines, flushed perhaps with the advantage of the ground, and
rapid progress they had made towards us. • The continued
rains, past fatigues, present hardships, from being exposed
to the inclement season without any covering, and future
alarms, were but lesser reasons for this measure. The im-
possibility of securing a proper retreat in case our lines
should be carried by fixed bayonets, or we should be drove
out by bombardment, was the grand operative reason, and
such a one as all military men would deem sufficient, with-
out any other, for the manoeuvre. Our Commander-in-
Chief, and the whole flower of our army, in case of a defeat,
must have been killed or taken, as no reinforcement could
have afforded them any assistance, by reason of the shipping.
To transport across a wide ferry fifteen thousand troops, with
all the baggage, military stores, and even cannon, from the
forts in the enemy's mouths (as it were) in a short Summer's
night, without even those who were retreating knowing any-
thing of the matter till just embarked, required the conduct,
the vigilance, the generalship of a Washington: and if Fame
does not clarion his praises for it, she is not impartial. By
eight o'clock on the Friday morning after the date of my
last, everything was safe landed in the city — the General
Officers in the last boat ; and so unsuspecting were the
enemy of the movements, that after the army was all safe
landed many went over and plundered divers things from
the Island before they peeped over our lines.
215
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
216
Governor's Island, which is partly commanded by Long-
Island, was occupied by two regiments of our troops; these
had no orders to embark for the city till ten o'clock. The
liritish troops after cannonading some time, sent by a flag of
truce Colonel (formerly Major) Small, to demand this Island,
and every creature and thing upon it, telling our officers that
they would all be cut in pieces with their troops if they did
not directly surrender, for that General Howe would take the
Island immediately. He begged, therefore, " for God's sake,
and to prevent the effusion of blood, that they would instantly
comply with" his modest request. Major Coburn, who
happened to be present, answered this warm and pathetick
address with a most stoical coolness and indifference, telling
the Colonel that General Howe was welcome to the Island
whenever he could take it, but that General Washington
was the only person to treat with about surrendering posts.
A young officer then present told the Colonel that he had
violated an inviolable custom amongst civilized wajriors, by
firing upon them when the flag of truce lay off. This was
really a fact, for General Sullivan had just come up with a
flag. The Colonel protested his entire ignorance of the
matter, and begged pardon, alleging upon his honour that
he knew nothing of the flag. Upon being asked how many
men they had lost upon Long-Island, he replied,^" We
are above a thousand the worse for that engagement." He
spoke within bounds, for eighteen hundred were killed and
disabled, as we are credibly assured by persons from the
Island. Notwithstanding the Colonel's great concern for
the vast effusion of blood, this Island was evacuated with
the loss of one man's arm by a cannon-shot from the ships-,
and the baggage and artillery were brought off also.
P. S. I had forgot to inform you that in a furious cannon-
ade up the East River, in consequence of a man-of-war's
presuming to lie there, the gallant and experienced Major
Crane, of the Artillery, lost a part of his foot, but is likely
to do well. We have shattered the ship prodigiously, and
are opening another battery against her.
THOMAS RANDALL TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
September 7, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Enclosed is a letter from the Lieutenant of
your schooner General Putnam, who informs you that the
Captain went away without letting him know of his going,
and of course it must be a neglect of his duty; you also have
a petition from the ship's company, which complaint I fear is
too true. You'll be pleased to take such steps as you think
fit ; for my part, I think it would be best to appoint a new
commander for her. The Lieutenant, I believe, would be
more industrious in the service. I also think it would not
be amiss to order the people to be paid about one half of
their wages to supply them with clothes and stores. I should
do myself the pleasure of waiting on Congress, but cannot,
owing to my bad situation ; being so near the enemy, and
at a loss where to find a place of safety for my family.
Anything you command me to do here I shall readily comply
with.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
THOMAS RANDALL.
To the Hon. President and gentlemen of the Congress of
the State of New-York.
would write me as soon as possible, and let me know in what
manner you think it is most prudent for me to act.
Your compliance will much oblige your humble servant,
THOMAS QUIGLEY.
To Thomas Randall, Esq., one of the Marine Committee,
Elizabethtown.
EXAMINATION OF EMANUEL GABRIAL AND RICHARD KING.
Examination O/NICHOLAS EMANUEL GABRIAL, Adjutant in
Colonel SWARTWOUT'S Regiment, and Mr. RICHARD
KING of the same Regiment, taken by HENRY GODWIN,
Captain of the Main Guard at KING'S BRIDGE, Septem-
ber 1th, 1776, against one GILBERT TIPPIT, confined
under Guard, in the main Guard-House by order of
Major-General HEATH.
Richard King saith: That on September 5th, 1776,
Gilbert Tippit said in publick company, amongst soldiers
and others, that if we were united that the Regulars would
overcome us ; and that at several times he hath found fault
with the measures, and spake words tending to a discour-
agement of the measures now pursued by the United States
of America; and that he (Tippit) was no ways the worse
for liquor when he spake these words, but looked upon him
to be a sober man.
Adjutant Gabrial saith : That on the 5th of September,
Anno Domini 1776, that he heard Gilbert Tippit discoursing
among several soldiers and other persons, and endeavoured
to discourage them, and that he (Gabriaf) heard him (Tippit)
say, that if all the men in the United Colonies were united,
that the Regulars would overcome us yet ; and that he (Ga-
brial) heard him also speak disrespectfully of the Command-
ing Officers in the service of the United American States.
CASE OF JOHN GROUT, OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW-YORK.
September 7, 1776.
SIR: As no man is so likely to have a clear remembrance
of what passes at any time, as he who is principally con-
cerned in the business, and because it is probable your
memory may need refreshing, I have within put to writing
the most material facts relating to my trial at Chester, last
Fall ; and as to my last trial there, I think you told me you
were not present all the time; I shall therefore content
myself with the depositions of some who attended the whole
time.
You will please to commit to writing what you remember
respecting my first trial.
Your friend and servant, JOHN GROUT.
To Major Lovejoy.
My remembrance of the trial at Chester is as follows, viz :
When the accusation was read, I was asked whether I
was guilty or not, and instead of answering the question, I
asked who was to try me, and was answered, that it was
the Committee of Chester, namely: Thomas Chandler, Caleb
Church, George Earl, Jabez Sergent, Abraham Sawyer,
Moses Guild, and David Hutchimon. I then asked whether,
if I would make such objections against any of those per-
sons, and should show such matters against them, as would
be sufficient to remove them from trying me as jurors in the
common law courts, whether in such case the Committee
would remove such persons, and not allow them to pass on
my trial? I was answered by one and all the Committee,
that no individual of the Committee should sit to try me
went
informing me of it. They, I understand, had told him they
determined not to sail under his command, and
were
On board the Putnam, Cranberry Inlet, September 4, 1776.
SIR: I am sorry to inform you that there is a great dis-
turbance in the vessel, which made its appearance during against whom I should make such just objections. 1 then
my absence ; and Captain Cregier went away without objected against Thomas Chandler, Abraham Sawyer, and
Caleb Church, and assigned the following reasons, viz : That
some time before, I had had information that said Chandler
and some others had an intention to murder me, and that in
consequence of that information, I had applied to Rev. Mr.
Whiting to use his endeavours to prevent it. That he had
applied to Chandler's father to hinder his son's designs ; that
notwithstanding which, said Chandler had endeavoured to
put his designs in execution by attempting to draw me
naked out of bed into the open air when sick of a fever, and
requested that they might be permitted to petition the Con-
gress for a discharge from the vessel on account of his bad
conduct, which he did not grant ; on my requesting to weigh
the anchor in order to go out, they one and all acquainted
me it was their determined resolution never to act in the
schooner while he had the command of her, upon which I
have thought fit to grant them the liberty to petition, and
send it by the bearer of this letter ; as I imagine that the
Captain will not inform you of these disturbances, have
thought to acquaint you in this manner, and as he is not
expected back under eight or ten days, should be glad you
afterwards by forcing me when sick, as aforesaid, through
the open air about half a mile, and there attempting to choke
me for denying some things he charged me with ; and that
the said Caleb Church and Abraham Sawyer at both those
217
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tec., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
218
times were present with Chandkr, and did not disapprove
of the violence. On which Chandkr acknowledged the
abuses aforesaid, and the Committee who were not objected
to, unanimously resolved that Chandkr should go off and
not sit on my trial: and as he before was chairman, the
Committee chose in his room another chairman, namely
Jabez Sergent. The question being likewise put, whether
the objections against Sawyer and Church were sufficient to
remove them from sitting on the trial, on which question the
Committee was divided — half being on the yea side, and
half on the nay side. After which Mr. Chandler took his
seat, declaring that he had a right to sit as chairman of the
Committee, and commanded the other members to sit with
him at their peril; on which Church, Sawyer, Earl, , and
Sergent, sat down with him. But Guild and Hutchinson
protested against the procedures and withdrew; and I re-
fused to make any defence, and remained entirely inactive.
Some witnesses were sworn and examined, and judgment
given that I was an enemy to my country, &,c.
To the Gentlemen Committee of Safety for the County of
CUMBERLAND.
John Grout humbly showeth :
That he lately was accused by Oliver Lovett, Esq., of
speaking disrespectfully of Congresses and Committees.
That in consequence of it he was brought before the
Committee of Chester, and a quarrel arose among the Com-
mittee, in respect of the manner in which your Petitioner
should be tried ; the consequence of which trial was this,
viz : a part of the Committee withdrew and would not sit to
try your Petitioner with the rest ; and a part of the remainder
by the whole Committee was ordered to withdraw and not
sit to try your Petitioner, for reasons which your Petitioner
then offered. Nevertheless, the same remainder did sit to
try your Petitioner; but your Petitioner finding the said
Committee in a quarrel, made no defence, and they adjudged
your Petitioner to be an enemy to his country, Sic., from
which judgment he appealed to the Committee of Weath-
ersfield.
But as your Petitioner finds that persons accused of such
crimes ought, agreeable to the advice of the Provincial Con-
gress, to be tried by the County Committee, your Petitioner
has not prosecuted his said appeal; and prays directions in
the premises of this Committee. JOHN GRODT.
[Endorsed— 29th November, 1775. This Petition was laid before the
Committee, who refused to sustain it or act upon it, and ordered me to
withdraw it.]
In Committee of Safety, Cumberland County, )
July 24, 1776. )
Voted, To supersede the order passed yesterday, recom-
mending to the Sub-Committee of Chester to call Mr. John
Grout to an account, touching a complaint exhibited by
John Chandler, Esq.
Also, Resolved, That the order for seizing said Grout's
papers be null and void, and that no seizure of said papers
be made.
Resolved, That Mr. Grout answer to the complaint of
John Chandler, Esq., next sitting of Committee, viz : first
Tuesday of November next; and that complainant serve
Mr. Grout with a bill of particulars within fifteen days after
notice of this order.
A true copy from the minutes :
ELKANAH DAY, Clerk.
In Committee of Safety, Cumberland County, )
July 26, 1776. \
In consequence of divers complaints of John Grout, it is
recommended, that if the said Grout shall be accused be-
tween this time and the next sitting of this Committee, that
he be not brought before, or tried by, the Committee of
Rockingham or Chester, or either of them, but before the
Committee of some other town.
A true copy from the minutes :
ELKANAH DAY, Clerk.
Voted, That this people do behave themselves decently,
and that there he no rout, riots, or unlawful assembly, at this
critical day; and that every person in this County defend
the property of every person, and the prisoners in particu-
lar, and more especially the person and property of Samuel
Gale, Esquire, William Willard, Esquire, Richard Hill,
and their wives and families. All which we do highly recom-
mend ; persons that have not been called to an account for
the transaction of the late murder excepted.
A true copy from the votes of said Committee.
Test: REUBEN JONES, Clerk.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Be it remembered, that on the 28th day of August, A.
D. 1776, personally came before me, Elkanah Day, Clerk
of the Committee of Safety for said County, Daniel Ranney,
of lawful age, and, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith:
that on the 22d of this instant, August, Mr. John Grout
was brought before the Sub-Committee of Chester, being
accused by Reuben Jones ; that the accusation was read to
Mr. Grout, and he was asked whether he was guilty or not
guilty, to which he made no answer; and the question being
more than once repeated, Mr. Grout at length spake, and
said that he durst not make any answer, for, having been
once before brought before the Chairman of the said Com-
mittee upon an accusation, and asked whether he was guilty
or not guilty of the matters charged, he answered that he
was not guilty, and that his thus answering was considered
as a crime by the said Chairman, who immediately took the
said Grout by the throat, and used him roughly for it.
This Mr. Grout having said, neither the Chairman nor any
of the Committee denied it, but told Mr. Grout that he
should not be used in that manner any more. Mr. Grout
then told the Committee that he had complained to the
County Committee of the aforesaid ill usage, and likewise
of the Chairman's having attempted to murder him, by
attempting to draw him into the open air when sick of a
fever. This the Chairman acknowledged. Mr. Grout
then produced a copy of a resolve of the County Commit-
tee, made at their last meeting at Westminster, whereby
they forbid the Committee of Chester arresting or trying
Mr. Grout for any matter whatever, and ordering, that if
Mr. Grout should after be accused, that he be carried before
the Sub-Committee of some other township for that purpose.
Mr. Grout then urged, with great earnestness, that they
carry him before some other Sub-Committee; and I insisted
that he could never submit to be tried by a Committee
whose Chairman had attempted to choke him, for no other
cause than because he had ventured to plead not guilty
when he was absolutely innocent, and who had maliciously
attempted to murder him as aforesaid. The Committee
refused to carry said Grout before some other Sub-Com-
mittee, agreeable to the said resolve of the County Com-
mittee; and said Grout refused to submit to trial before
them, alleging he was afraid of savage violence if he should
venture to deny the accusation. The Committee never-
theless proceeded, and ordered the said Grout to prison.
DANIEL RANNEY.
Sworn, the 28th August, A. D. 1776, before me,
I, the aforenamed Daniel Ranney, do hereby certify, that
as there is now no acting Magistrates in this County, 1 have
offered the above to Doctor Elkanah Day, Clerk to the
County Committee, and desired him to administer to me
that the same is true ; but he refuses, alleging that he has
no right so to do. I do therefore hereby certify that the
same above deposition by me subscribed is true, and that I
am ready to make oath to the same whenever lawfully
required; as witness my hand, the 28th of August, 1776.
DANIEL RANNEY.
In presence of
ABIJAH LOVEJOY,
ROBERT NICHOLS.
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK.
Westminster, Cumberland County, September 3, 1776.
At such a time as this, when the Constitution of this State
is not settled, no Courts constituted and organized, nor any
Magistrates commissioned, there is no doubt but every man
who thinks himself injured by others has a right to appeal
from the decisions of his arbitrary adversaries to the justice
of the impartial puhlick. And to your justice, my country-
men, I now appeal, to determine whether I am not injured
in a manner not to be borne in a free country.
219
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
220
My case is this, (in few words :) About fifteen months
go, I had information that Thomas Chandler, Jun., and some
others intended to murder me ; in consequence of -which
information, I applied to the Reverend Mr. lVhiting to use
his endeavours to hinder any such attempt. Mr. Whiting
kindly undertook, but without success ; for but a very few
days afterwards, 1 being sick in bed of a fever, which raged
to a great height, Mr. Chandler, with a small party with
him, came to my house and made divers attempts to draw
me naked out of my bed, swearing he would draw me in
that manner about half a mile. He was entreated by sun-
dry of my good neighbours, happening then to be present,
to cease from an attempt so horrid, but to no purpose ; for
immediately a desperate fellow, then with him, at his com-
mandment, divers times seized me and attempted to execute
his aforesaid horrid orders; but was hindered partly by a
brave defence my wife made, and partly by the most
moving intreaties of my aforesaid neighbours. Nevertheless,
the next morning Chandler and his aforesaid party came to
my house and forced me away from it about half a mile,
and there attempted to execute his wicked designs by
choking of me ; but a number of people coming to the
place, he desisted, and I as well as I could fled for refuge
to the Chairman of the then County Congress, who'received
me with kindness and tenderness, and wrote to Mr. Chand-
ler, requiring him to desist from such practices ; and the
next week the Congress met, before whom I appeared, as
did Mr. Chandler likewise, and I there prayed protection
from future danger and abuses. Mr. Chandler made me
great pretensions of doing me no injury in future, and the
Congress thereupon declined meddling any further with it.
Nevertheless, Mr. Chandler afterwards continuing his threats
and abuses, I made repeated applications to the County
Committee for relief, and at the meeting of that Committee
the 24th of July last, they, on my proving that this same
Chandler, who is Chairman of the Committee of Chester,
having had me before him on an accusation of being guilty
of a crime, asked me whether I was guilty or not, and that
because I answered him that I was not guilty, he pinched
my throat, shook, and otherwise abused me, which was all
the trial he gave, refusing to call any witness. The County
Committee, on account of this, as well as on account of
Mr. Chandler's brother, John Chandler, being another of
Chester Committee, ordered that that Committee should not
try me on any accusation in a future time, but that I should
be triable only by other Committees. Notwithstanding
which, Chandler afterwards wrote a complaint, and pro-
cured the well-known Reuben Jones to sign it; in conse-
quence of which I was brought before him and his brother
John, &.C., being in that manner accused of being an enemy
to my country, and by them sent and committed to close
gaol here, where I have been for more than ten days in a
room more cold and wet than any cellar in town ; during
which time I have three times applied to Captain James
Clay, Chairman of the County Committee, for trial before
them, whether I deserve this imprisonment or not. But
Clay being a great friend of Chandler's, by his written as
well as verbal answers has absolutely refused to allow such
trial before the County Committee.
Friends and countrymen of the State of New-York, and
of this County in particular, you well know that the Con-
vention or Assembly of this State have wisely ordered that
any person imprisoned by a Sub-Committee, shall be allowed
an appeal to the County Committee : And judge ye what
Captain Clay deserves for refusing to grant this appeal,
(but I thank God he cannot hinder my appeal to you.)
Captain Clay having thus arbitrarily shut those doors of
right, which our Congress or Assembly so wisely opened,
and thereby damned my appeals to the County Committee,
I appeal to my country at large, to you, my countrymen,
who I know will judge righteously.
I entreat that no one of my countrymen may suffer him-
self to believe or suspect, that any inimical practices of
mine towards my country has occasioned this extraordinary
treatment. My firm and unshaken attachment to the glori-
ous cause in which my country is engaged, makes my ad-
versaries dread the thoughts of my having a trial ; their
dirty souls know that a trial will certainly deliver me from
their savage cruelties with honour.
That the publick may perceive why such men as the
Chandlers are Committeemen in Chester, they are hereby
informed, that the township of Chester is a new planta-
tation. The whole township, about ten years since, was
the sole property of Colonel Chandler, father of the afore-
said Thomas and John; that the Colonel has settled only
about thirty families thereon, and is now superannuated,
and it will not, therefore, be thought strange that his sons,
Thomas and John, should have such influence on a majority
of thirty settlers, as to obtain an election for Committee-
men ; although it is well known that the aforesaid John
Chandler is the same John Chandler who some years since
fled from Woodstock, in Connecticut, for reasons which I
conceive are well known to the publick.
JOHN GHOUT.
GENERAL SCHUYLEH TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 7, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Last night I received a letter from
Colonel Dayton, dated at Fort Stanwix, the 4th, enclosing
the substance of a message sent from Onondaga, and that of
another from Oneida, advising that seven hundred Indians
and whites, under the command of Butler, were to arrive at
Oswego on the 4th instant, and that great numbers would
follow those. The Oncidas, who are, I believe, our real
friends, advise that reinforcements should be sent. They
also inform that a strong party, making, as they express it,
five roads where they march, are on their way to that part
of the Mohawk River called Canajoharie.
Should this information be confirmed, our force in that
quarter will be greatly too weak ; nor will it be much
increased by the Militia, as the country is drained of men.
You will, therefore, please to order three regiments to keep
themselves in readiness to march at a moment's warning.
My last letter from General Washington was of the
24th of August, since which I have not heard a word
from New-York, except by common report. 1 cannot,
therefore, give you any certain intelligence of what is doing
there. It seems agreed that Long-Island is evacuated, and
so is the Governors Island. General Sullivan is gone
to Philadelphia on his parole, to try to get exchanged for
General Prescott, and some say with offers for an accommo-
dation from Lord Howe. Adieu, my dear General.
I am, most sincerely, your obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. General Gates.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 7, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Two of the three Commissioners ap-
pointed by Congress to audit the publick accounts in the
Northern Department, are arrived here. You will please to
give out in orders that every officer or other person to
whom or by whom money has been advanced on account
for the publick service, and which remains unaccounted for,
immediately to transmit their accounts to Jonathan Trum-
bull, Jun., Esq., Deputy Paymaster-General, that the same
may be laid before the Commissioners ; and that such
whose accounts cannot be adjusted without their personal
attendance, will have your permit to repair to this place. It
is probable that General Arnold may have accounts
unsettled; but as I suppose he cannot be spared at this
juncture, if they cannot be settled without his personal
attendance, I will request the Commissioners to go up, or
postpone the settlement to a future day. I would have
wrote the General on the subject, but my letter would not
soon reach him, as he is, I suppose, with the fleet.
Your most obedient, Iambic servant,
PH. SCHUYLER,
To General Gates.
WALTER LIVINGSTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 13, 1776. Referred to the Board of war.]
Albany, September 7, 1776.
SIR: The gentlemen whoareappointedtoauditthepublick
accounts in the Northern Department, are now here for that
purpose; and I could wish Congress would enable me to
make a final settlement of mine, by previously ascertaining
what wages I am to allow those gentlemen whom I have
employed as Assistant Commissaries at Ticonderoga, the
221
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
222
Landing, Fort George, Stillwater, Saratoga Falls, Half-
Moon, Albany, Schenectady, Johnstown, German Flats,
Fort Stanwix, the two principal Commissaries in Canada,
and their assistants ; likewise what number of rations each
must be allowed.
Another matter which will greatly retard the settlement
of my accounts, is, the value of a ration for the Northern
army has never been fixed. I have applied to General
Schuyler (by order of the Commissary-General, who is
empowered to supersede me, without assigning a cause) for
an order, fixing the sum to be paid as an equivalent lor a
ration. The General has referred the matter to Congress,
and till Congress determines on the above, I cannot properly
produce my accounts for a settlement, having paid consider-
able sums on account.
The Commissary-General has sent a Deputy-Commissary
for this department, who, as he is not obliged to follow my
directions, refuses to make me the necessary returns, which
puts it out of my power to furnish the army with such supplies
as from time to time must be wanted. As I received my
commission from Congress, to them I now resign it. This
dispute may injure the publick cause, which I am determined
never to have a hand in. I beg Congress would, as soon
as convenient, send a person to fill my office, or direct the
Commissary-General to do it effectually. I have wrote the
Commissary-General that I would this day send my resigna-
tion to Congress, and, as he is empowered to supersede me,
requested him to send a proper person to furnish the army,
informing him that I will continue to forward supplies till
the first of next month, and if that time was not sufficient,
that I would continue one week longer. Whatever Congress
may think proper to allow me as a compensation for past
services, I shall gratefully accept.
Requesting you to lay this before Congress, I remain,
with the greatest esteem, your most obedient and most
humble servant, WALTER LIVINGSTON,
Deputy Commissary- General.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
H. GLEN TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Schenectadjr, September 7, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I would be glad to know by Captain Lansing
if any officers have a fight to inlist any of the baiteau-men that
are inlisted to serve as batteau-men during the campaign,
as I am much disappointed this morning by Captain John
Bradt and his officers inlisting some of the batteau-men
as they were just setting off for Fort Schuyler with provi-
sions ; and some of the boats are lying here loaded for want
of men Captain Bradt and his officers have inlisted of
Captain Lansing's batteau-men.
Should Captain Bradt, or any officers of the Rangers
which are now raising in Albany or Tyron County, have
no right to inlist any batteau-men, I would be glad you
would furnish Captain Lansing with a written order, that I
may show them they have no right to inlist them. Should
they have a right to inlist men who are engaged, it will
hurt the batteau Service, which should not be the case at
present.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
H. GLEN.
To Major-General Schuyler, Albany.
ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN
BARRETT, OF THE MILITIA OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, IN
THE STATE OF NEW-YORK.
You are immediately to proceed to cut the road from
Number Four, to the foot of Mount Independence, taking care
to construct a good bridge over Otter Creek, at or near the
Falls at Rutland. In doing this publick service, you are to
exert your utmost vigilance with the detachment of Colonel
Van Dyck's regiment of Militia, and all others under your
command ; to obey all orders and directions given you by
your senior officers in forwarding a work so essential to the
interest of the United States, and so necessary for the safety
and protection of the interiour inhabitants of all the Middle
States of this Union.
Given at Ticonderoga, this 7th day of September, 1776.
GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES.
Skenesborough, September 7, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I received yours of this instant, and
agreeable to your request, have got all the paper I could
procure here, both cartridge and common writing paper, as
your Honour made no distinction in your letter.
I shall proceed forward to Ticonderoga to-morrow morn-
ing with one of the galleys, and the other will go forward
to-morrow evening or next day morning, which Captain
Thatcher will be left to bring forward.
I am, dear sir, your Honour's most obedient, humble
servant, DAVID WATERBURY, Jr.
To General Gates.
P. S. I should be glad that some of Colonel Swift's
regiment may be ordered up, with some batteaus, to forward
the troops in.
ORDERS FOR CAPTAIN JONATHAN FASSETT, COMMANDING ONE
OF THE INDEPENDENT COMPANIES RAISED FOR THE
DEFENCE OF THE INHABITANTS LIVING ON THE GRANTS.
SIR: You'll immediately repair with the company under
your command to Jerico, there to remain until such time as
these orders are countermanded. You will keep constant
scouts out to watch the motions of the enemy, and not fail,
frequently and by every opportunity, to report to Head-
Quarters any discoveries they may make, and the situation
you and your company are in.
Given at Ticonderoga, this 7th day of September, 1776.
H. GATES.
[Mem: The same orders were sent to Captain Mm Fassett, for hit
station at Colchester Point.]
COLONEL PORTER TO GENERAL GATES.
Mount-Independence, September 7, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Your orders of last night are received,
and immediately executed. I am not able to do myself the
honour of waiting upon you this morning by reason of sick-
ness. My men are well prepared, well armed, and have
sufficient quantity of ammunition ; and will be ready to turn
out on the shortest notice. All that I want is to know my
alarm-post.
I am, with great respect, your most obedient, humble
servant, ELISHA PORTER.
To the Hon. General Gates.
P. S. I am too weak to write myself, and am obliged to
employ another hand to write to you for me, but not too
weak to subscribe myself as above, E. P.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MOUNT INDEPENDENCE, NEAR
TICONDEROGA, SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
Last evening an express brought intelligence from Crown-
Point, that heavy firing had been heard for several hours
that day on the Lake, upon which the General (eleven at
night) issued orders that we should hold ourselves in readi-
ness for an attack ; but we are all still to-day and hear noth-
ing from our fleet. What boats the enemy had we know not,
but it is thought here they have not a sufficient naval force
to cope with us. Upon a moderate calculation we have
now twelve thousand men which are effective. The Col-
onels Whitcomb's and Finney's regiments arrived here last
week, and we hear there are two more hard by. Our works
go on briskly. We have plenty of good bread, beef, and
salt pork.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, September 7, 1776—9 o'clock, P. M.
HONOURED SIR: The wind being so hard down the
Lake, I have yet received no intelligence from the fleet ;
neither of my boats returned. At twelve to-night I shall
send off a cannon some leagues down if I do not receive
intelligence sooner ; in the mean time will prepare part of a
letter.
When 1 wrote for a reinforcement, 1 was not on any
knight errant scheme: I did not mean that with such a
small force to hold this ground against ten or twelve thous-
and men (should the fleet have unluckily been beat.) The
reinforcement as well as my own regiment might have been
in such a situation as to have retreated with security, had it
223
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
224
been imprudent to attack the enemy on their landing. At
the same time to have been prepared to take any advantage
the casualties of war, wind, time, &c., might have put in
our power, and perhaps give some check to the enemy
whilst you might have been preparing above, and have rein-
forced us if upon all circumstances you should think it
proper. There are few pieces of ground in America where
our irregulars could act against the enemy with a greater
prospect of success than at their attempting a landing here,
unless it were in an open woody country. However, sir, to
your judgment and orders I shall always submit with pleas-
ure. It was from an intimation in one of your letters that
I asked for any reinforcement.
Had the fleet been beat, my situation here would have
been rather critical. A little skirmishing might have been
necessary whilst I sent off the sick, and was preparing for a
retreat ; the four pieces of artillery, if well worked, might
have been useful. I wrote for a few cartridges, &tc., for
those guns. I have not received them.
I shall send up the eighteen-pounder as soon as possible.
I hope the fleet may have been successful, whatever enter-
prise or action it may have been engaged in. But it is
always best to prepare for the worst.
I have done all I could to procure intelligence and secure
us against surprise. I have received a letter from George
Campbell, Esq., dated at Albany the 3d of September, rela-
ting to what he knew of the action on Long-Island. He
mentions something of a letter which had come to Albany,
giving an account that our troops had evacuated Long-
Island. I hope there may be no truth in the last. I should
be much obliged to you, if you would let me know the par-
ticulars as soon as you have them from Neiv- York.
September 8, 1776 — 17 minutes past 10 o'clock, A. M.
The wind being so unfavourable yesterday and last night,
has prevented either of my boats from returning. The wind
has shifted. I expect every moment the arrival of one or
other, when I shall immediately send the news to you. The
guns were heard about twelve miles down the Lake, from
about sunrise till eleven o'clock, on the 6th instant.
As you might wonder why you had not heard from here
sooner, I now send this letter. Mr. Burrows presents his
compliments to you.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble
servant, THOS. HARTLEY.
To Major-General Gates.
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES.
Windmill-Point, September 7, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I wrote you the 2d instant, from Wills-
borough, by Lieutenant Calderwood ; the same evening
anchored at Schuyler's Island, and on the 3d instant arrived
safe at this place, which is four or five miles from the Isle-
aux-Tetes, and seven miles from the Isle-aux-Motte. We
found the Lle-aux-Tetes occupied by the enemy, and sev-
eral hundred men encamped between that and us, who, the
evening of our arrival, made a precipitate retreat.
I have posted my guard-boats at a point running into the
Lake, about one mile below us. The enemy's boats have
several times appeared on the Lake with a view of decoying
our boats, but I have never suffered them to be pursued.
Lieutenant Whitcomb arrived here the 5th, in the evening,
and went off the same night with three men for St. John's,
on the west side. I sent off Ensign McCoy early the next
morning on the east side, with three men. They are to
send me intelligence from time to time. I expect to hear
from them to-morrow. Early yesterday morning the boats
were ordered on shore to cut fascines to fix on the bows and
sides of the gondolas, to prevent the enemy's boarding and
to keep off small shot. One of the boats went on shore,
contrary to orders, before the others were ready. They
were attacked by a party of savages, who pursued them
into the water. They all reached the boat, but before they
could row off, three were killed and six wounded. The
party was headed by a Regular officer, who called to our
people to resign themselves. On our firing a few shot
among them, they immediately dispersed. A party was
sent on shore, who found a laced beaver hat, the button
marked 47th Regiment. The Lee and Gondola arrived
here yesterday morning. We are moored in a line across
the Lake in such a manner, it will be impossible for a batteau
to pass us. I hope the galleys are nearly completed. The
force of the enemy is uncertain. However, they have the
advantage that they can man all their balteaus with soldiers
whenever they think proper to attack ; and our vessels are
so low that numbers may carry them by boarding. This
must be attended with great loss on their side, as I am
positive they will not be able to surprise us. If I find the
enemy have a considerable naval force, I design to retire to
Cumberland Head, or Schuyler's Island, until joined by the
three row-galleys, which will be superiour to all our present
force, when the whole are joined. 1 believe the Isle-aux-
Motte will be the best stand, as the enemy can bring nothing
against us by land, nor will they dare to come on the Island;
and by our guard-boats we can prevent any boats going
from Missisque Say. As you have more troops at Ticon-
deroga than you want, will it not be prudent to send up one
thousand or fifteen hundred men, who might encamp on the
Isle-aux-Motte and be ready at all times to assist us if
attacked? Twenty men to a batteau will be sufficient.
They might load under cover of the vessels, push out and
fire, and retire under cover again; and if the enemy's boats
should make their principal attack on any particular vessel,
these batteaus might assist her. Each should be fixed for
a swivel in each end, and if they are armed, one should be
fixed in them. If you should think it necessary to send a
detachment, it will be necessary to bring entrenching tools,
that they may cover themselves from small-arms.
We have but very indifferent men in general. Great
part of those who shipped for seamen know very little of the
matter. Three or four good gunners are wanted. Enclosed
is a list of our sick, who increase fast. I have sent up in
these batteaus twenty-three men, who will be of no service
for some time. I wish fifty seamen could be procured and
sent down. I enclose you a letter from Samuel Chase,
Esq.; you will observe he requests an explanation of your
letter to Mr. Adams. He observes my character is much
injured by a report prevailing in Philadelphia of my having
sequestered the goods seized in Montreal. As you have had
an opportunity of hearing that matter canvassed on the trial
of Colonel Hazen, I beg you will be kind enough to write
your sentiment to him on the matter. I cannot but think it
extremely cruel, when I have sacrificed my ease, health, and
a great part of my private property in the cause of my coun-
try, to be calumniated as a robber and thief; at a time, too,
when I have it not in my power to be heard in my own
defence.
The 15th of August, when we left Ticonderoga, the fleet
were victualled for thirty days, which time is elapsed except
six days. We have on board the fleet six or eight days'
provision, beside twenty barrels of flour, left at Crown-Point
to be baked, and ten barrels of pork, which I have ordered
Lieutenant Calderwood to bring down; which will serve the
fleet to the 20th. As the Lake is often very difficult to pass
for a number of days, we ought to have at least one month's
provisions on hand. Major Grier goes up with the sick,
to whom I must refer you for particulars.
We are very anxious to hear from New-York ; hope soon
to have that pleasure by one of the galleys, which I think
must be completed by this time.
Please to make my compliments to the gentlemen of your
family, and believe me, with much respect, esteem, and
affection,
Dear General, your obedient, humble servant,
B. ARNOLD.
To Major-General Gates.
LIST OF THE SICK ON ROARD THE FLEET, TO BE SENT TO
THE GENERAL HOSPITAL, VIZ:
Royal Savage. — Alexander Asson, Nathaniel Hender-
son, Josiah Smith.
Sloop Enterprise. — Wounded Men — Robert Owens,
George Stanley, Arch'd McDonald, James Quarel, John
Shoemaker, Jonathan Stody.
Sloop Enterprise.. — Sick Men — John Lynch, William
Hinds, Thos. Hargins, Thos. Owens.
Lee. — James Wyman, Samuel Combs, Abel Wighting.
Galley New-Haven. — Benj. Murray.
Galley Boston. — Rufus Sumner, Josiah Row, Timothy
Heath, Abial Atwood.
Galley Connecticut. — Solomon Thompson, George Jack-
son.
225
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
226
Died this morning of their wounds — Michael Sargent,
Thomas Allen, Moses Powel.
On board Sloop Enterprise, September 6, 1776.
STEPHEN McCBEA, Surgeon.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO THE CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF
WAR.
Sag-HarboUr, September 7, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Having received certain intelligence that
the inhabitants of East-Hampton had driven all their stock
from Montauk westward, in order to furnish the Ministerial
troops, I determined to make one more effort to save or de-
stroy them. In this I have not succeeded, on account of
my having had an account that the Ministerial fleet, or part
of them, are turning Montauk-Point, lest they should destroy
them. I have saved nearly three hundred and seventy
small-arms, and now, through uncertainty whether assistance
will be sent, have determined and ordered a second retreat
as soon as a few distressed families can be brought. I am
so much distressed for them that I cannot consent to leave
them.
I am, gentlemen, your much obliged and humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To the Council of War at New-London or Lebanon.
ABRAHAM GARDINER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
East-Hampton, September?, 1776.
To His Honour JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq., Governour of
the Colony of CONNECTICUT:
SIR : In consequence of a report prevailing in town that
the people of Connecticut are coming to take away our live
stock and effects, the Trustees who transact the business of
the town have met early this morning and unanimously
agreed to send an express humbly requesting your Honour's
prohibition of such measures, as apprehensive if prosecuted
we shall be involved in perplexities and sufferings far be-
yond those we are now the subjects of, in that it may be
construed we are somehow accessory thereto, which we are
not, being subjects of his Majesty King George, and there-
fore mean not to act a part exposing of us to his displeasure.
We have therefore thought proper to request your Honour's
interposition as we judge in our favour.
We are your Honour's humble petitioners.
Signed per order of the Trustees :
ABRAHAM GARDINER, Clerk.
To his Honour Governour Trumbull.
SIR: The Trustees have desired me, the subscriber, to
signify to your Honour my acquiescence in the above re-
quest, which I now do ; and, in testimony thereof, subscribe
myself your Honour's humble and obliged petitioner,
SAMUEL BUELL.
To his Honour Governour Trumbull.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO COLONEL LIVINGSTON.
Lebanon, September 7, 1776.
SIR: Yours of the 4th instant to the Committee at New-
London, together with a copy of their answer, has been laid
before me. The contents of their answer might be well at
that time ; but as matters now are, it appears to me to be
most conducive to the good of the service for you to join
the Continental army at New-York unless otherwise ordered.
You will not construe this as an order from me, but act
as your wisdom shall direct. I have, with advice of my
Safety Council, ordered nine regiments of Foot and two of
Horse to march with all possible despatch tow.ards New-
York, to rendezvous at or near Westchester, until further
orders, to prevent the designs of the enemy, who seem to
meditate the encircling the Continental army, and to cut off
all communications between us and them, which will be
attended with the worst of consequences, and must at all
events be prevented.
I am, sir, your humble servant, J. TRUMBULL.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston, with a party, at Say-
brook.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September 7, 1776,
Present : His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyer,
Titus Hosmer, Jedediah Elderkin, William Hillhouse, Na-
thaniel Wales, Jun., Benjamin Huntington, Esquires.
In the forenoon, sundry Letters from the northward,
received by Brown., were read and considered, as well as
several Letters and several Despatches sent out to forward
the marching the Militia the east side of the river towards
New- York.
An order was given to William Morgan, Esq., to pur-
chase two hundred fat Sheep, and drive to the Army at the
northward, and deliver the same to the Commissary in that
department, or by the order of General Waterbury, with
encouragement that if the money is wanted to purchase the
Sheep, the same shall be paid said Morgan out of the
Treasury as he passes through Hartford.
HENRY REMSEN TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
New-Haven, September 7, 1776.
SIR: The bearer, Mr. Peter Colt, is agent for Colonel
Trumbull, the Commissary-General, and goes up the North
River to purchase flour and other necessaries for the army,
and being a stranger, desired me to point out the most eligi-
ble method to proceed, so that our army may be fully sup-
plied. In consequence I have taken the liberty to request
the gentlemen in Convention who represent the Counties
along the North River, to communicate to Mr. Colt the per-
sons' names he may apply to, and who are likely to be able
to supply him with the provisions he may want, and to de-
sire they will be pleased to furnish him with every other
needful information on the subject.
I have been here some days waiting the arrival of Cap-
tain Harrison, with the goods from Providence, which were
imported by Mr. Van Zandt and self for the State of New-
York, and hope soon to be able to render an accurate ac-
count of the same, and should be obliged to Convention for
orders what to do with them — whether they must be trans-
ported by land to the Fishkills or any other place within
the State of New- York, or if they are to be stored in any
inland town of this State. Many of our brethren have been
obliged to abandon Long-Island, and come over into this
State with their families, some of them almost naked, having
left most of their wearing apparel and bedding. Perhaps
Convention will order a sale of part of these goods, to
supply such with clothing as may want.
I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
HENRY REMSEN.
To Robert Yates, Jun., Esq., President of the Convention.
CAPTAIN J. PAUL JONES TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Providence, at Sea, in North Latitude, 36° 40', and )
West Longitude 51°, September 7, 1776. \
GF.NTLEMEN: I had the honour of writing to you 27th
ultimo per the brigantine Britannia, a Nantucket whaler,
which I sent under the care of Lieutenant Grinnell. Also
4th current per the brigantine Sea-Nymph, from Barbadoes
for London, which I sent in under the care of Mr. Hopkins,
master of the Providence, with a particular account of my
cruise till that time. Nothing has since happened till last
night, when I took the brigantine Favourite, laden with
sugar, from Antigua for Liverpool, as per custom-house
certificates herewith enclosed. As this vessel did not sail
from Antigua till 18th ultimo, my future success must be
very uncertain. The West-Indies are very much thinned
of shipping, and 1 have already succeeded beyond my ex-
pectation; however, I will not yet give up the pursuit. I
send this vessel in under the care of Mr. Vesey, my acting
master. Since I despatched the Sea-Nymph, I have under-
stood that there is a very considerable property in wine and
cash over and above what is enumerated in her clearance.
I hope this may appear in time to take measures accord-
ingly. I herewith forward you a large bag of letters, which
may, I hope, contain some useful information. Some of
them contain bills of lading for the cargo. As I have no
clerk, I hope to be excused for not sending copies of my
former letters.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
15
227
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
228
I have the honour to be, with grateful esteem and much
respect, gentlemen, your much obliged, very humble ser-
vant, JNO. P. JONES.
The Favourite's crew are as follows, viz:
John Davis, Master; Bernard Gallawny, Mate; Jno.
Williamson, Second Mate ; Jno. Wilson, Ben. Allen, Wm.
Robarts, James Bacop, Saml. Cornish, Jno. Gaunt, Jno,
Irvine, Seamen.
Providence, September 7, 1776.
Thursday last, arrived here a prize sclwoner, taken by
the Joseph, privateer, Captain John Field, in consort with
a Letter of Marque, commanded by Captain Joseph Til-
Unghast, both of this port. She was in ballast, and bound
from Grenada to Liverpool, in Nova-Scotia.
Captain Biddle, of the Andrew Doria, in the service of
the United States, we hear, has taken four valuable prizes,
one of them said to be a large ship, which Lord Dunmore
was sending to England with fifteen thousand bushels of
wheat. Two of the prizes have arrived safe in port.
We learn that Captain Jabez Whippk, in the privateer
Independence, of this place, has taken three valuable prizes,
viz., a ship, brig, and sloop, and conveyed them into a
safe port.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS-BAT.
GENTLEMEN: The recovery of the Colony from the
wounds occasioned by the present glorious struggle, and
its future flourishing condition, should engage our earliest
attention. Nothing will be more likely to promote these
valuable ends, next to the good morals of the people,
than a proper form of government, securing and perpetu-
ating to every man and his posterity the full enjoyment
of their rights and privileges, civil and sacred. This
will probably induce numbers to come and incorporate
themselves with us. But as many, through Colonial preju-
dices, may object to strangers settling among us, allow me
to point out the advantages thereof: Were these strangers
only to reside among us till they had acquired fortunes, and
then to remove back to their native country with themselves,
families, and substance, sound policy would dictate their
exclusion ; whereas the strangers I mean to have admitted,
are those that, groaning under the oppressions, difficulties,
and absurd Government of their own country, fly to this,
that they may enjoy their natural rights, with a design of
continuing among and becoming one of us, through interest
and intermarriages. Such flocking in upon the Continent,
as we may suppose will be the case shortly, with riches,
health, arts and sciences, will soon raise it to a more flour-
ishing condition than it hath ever yet known : and this
Colony will act wisely in endeavouring to secure its propor-
tion of them. Their wealth will supply with loans those that,
for want of them, are not now able to make the best
improvement of their lands and estates, and it is likely some-
thing under the common interest ; their numbers will help
to consume the surplus produce arising from such improve-
ment ; their knowledge will assist in forwarding such
improvement upon the most advantageous terms ; their
labour and industry will be so much gain to the publick
stock ; their persons and fortunes will lessen the proportion
of taxes paid by the natives ; and should any of them
merchandise, that will tend to keep down the price of
imported, and to raise the price of exported, commodities.
The more merchants, the smaller the profits upon and the
cheaperthe goods brought from abroad. When the number is
great, they cannot so easily enter into combinations to keep
up the prices: each sells as cheap as possible to get custom,
and gives as high as he can afford for the materials he wants
to export. I imagine more great fortunes in proportion were
made when the Colony had the fewest merchants, than
hath been done since. Let strangers, such as above men-
tioned, be cordially received and encouraged ; and waste
lands will be cultivated, cultivated rise considerably in value,
foreign trade be greatly increased, farming in all its branches
be increased proportionably, and the strength of the State
be soon doubled. Every traveller is amazed at the rapid
progress that has been made in settling of Pennsylvania.
To what has it been owing ? Not so much to the excellency
of its soil as to the encouragement that has been given by
the State for all strangers, and of every denomination, to
settle among them. As the friend of liberty, I must wish
each Colony the possession of it, in the highest degree
attainable. As the friend of this Colony, I would willingly
contribute to its uniting in its own particular form of
government all the excellencies of the others, while it avoids
their defects.
The former letter turned chiefly upon the necessity of
having the Legislature consist of more than one branch. I
shall now proceed to mention, that the members of each
should be independent, neither placemen nor pensioners,
or what is equivalent. The South Carolinians have
resolved, (article the 10th,) " that if any member of the
General Assembly, or of the Legislative Council, shall
accept any place of emolument, or any commission (except
in the Militia) he shall vacate his seat, and there shall there-
upon be a new election, but he shall not be disqualified
from serving upon being reelected." In allowing him to be
re-chosen, they have virtually destroyed the advantage
aimed at by the first part of the resolve. How few of the
British Commoners but what are re-chosen immediately
after having vacated their seats by accepting places ? That
the like should not exist among us, the sure way is to make
the person ineligible ; or, if that should be thought an
infringement upon the rights of the electors, to oblige him
to resign his place of emolument, or his commission, should
he prefer being in the Council or Assembly. The Jerseys
have' made it one of their chartered rights, (the 20th,) " that
the Legislative department of this Colony may, as much
as possible, be preserved from all suspicion of corruption,
none of the Judges of the Supreme or other courts, Sheriffs,
or any other person or persons possessed of any post of
profit under the Government, other than Justices of the
Peace, shall be entitled to a seat in Assembly ; but that, on
his being elected and taking his seat, his office or post shall
be considered as vacant." To have perfected the article,
"the Council" also should have been inserted, and the para-
graph have run, " to a seat in Council or Assembly." The
Virginians have done the business completely, by ordaining
and declaring, in the beginning of their form of Government,
as followeth: "The Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary
departments shall be separate and distinct, so that neither
execute the powers properly belonging to the other: nor
shall any person exercise the powers of more than one of
them at the same time, except that the Justices of the
County courts shall be eligible to either House of Assembly."
This appears to me a most important regulation ; but clashes
so with contrary cases among ourselves, that I am fearful
whether it will be adopted. Under Royal Governours a
clamour was once raised against having certain characters
in the Council, and all such were gradually left out. If the
like are suffered under a new-modeled Government, it will
be thought that the clamour was needless, and only the
offspring of a party to serve a purpose. Let us be consis-
tent, and not resemble the knavish Whigs of King George
the First's time, who by a septennial act prolonged the
Parliament four years beyond its natural life, which ought
to have expired at the end of three, thereby subverted the
Constitution, and, as an author says, "went farther in
impoverishing and enslaving their fellow-subjects, than all
their predecessors from the Restoration." I humbly appre-
hend, that sooner or later we must follow in the main the
example of the Virginians, or rue the consequence. The
deviations that may now exist in our infantile State with-
out much danger to the present generation, will, if contin-
ued, prove extremely prejudicial when we have attained to
maturity, and are become a rich people. And let it ever be
remembered, that it is easier to prevent errours getting into the
Constitution, than to eradicate them after a long indulgence.
But would we avoid the errours alluded to, and set aside the
arguments used in support of them, we should pay the persons
filling the Judicial and Executive departments rather gene-
rously than otherwise. Pay well, and suitable men will be
found that will be content with single places, and apply
themselves to the proper discharge of the duties thereof. Be
niggardly, so that your servants cannot live in character, and
they will either seek more services than they can discharge, or
will, by secret ways and means, supply deficiencies, or will
do your work in a bungling, slovenly manner, and occasion
more damage to the publick than the difference saved by
an injudicious parsimony can repair. It is beneath the
229
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
230
dignity of a State to lay its servants under a temptation
either to neglect the publick so that they may attend to
their own private business, or to commit frauds, or to receive
bribes in the way of presents, that they and families may be
decently supported, answerable to their rank. It argues a
mean and contracted soul to attempt it. When your
rewards are fully proportioned to the services expected, see
that you are well served, put up with no neglects, be careful
how you admit of customs and perquisites, and punish
criminals with exemplary severity.
I have above expressed my desire that the Judiciary,
Executive, and Legislative departments might be preserved
separate and distinct. The governmental powers being
thus divided, the people are the better secured in the pos-
session of their liberties. Each department hath enough to
employ it, and by confining itself to its own particular
business, will perform it with the greater despatch and ad-
vantage, to the no small emolument of the State; and being
thus separated the guardians of the publick are increased, and
dangerous encroachments upon the Constitution become the
less probable. But that the proposed plan may take place,
besides excluding the Judges from each branch of the Legis-
lature, the Council should be solely legislative, and the
executive power be entrusted with other individuals. Let,
then, the Legislative Council consist of thirty, as mentioned
in the former letter, upon the supposition of a rotation ; and,
instead of a Governour, let there be a Council of State, con-
sisting of a given number, with President and Vice-Presi-
dent, who shall occupy the Legislative Department. I was
formerly attached to the name of Governour, but considering
how apt persons wearing that name are to imagine that they
have an innate right to govern,- distinct from what has been
communicated, I prefer the word President, as less liable to
make the creature vain and domineering. The Carolinians
having constituted the President a branch of the Legislature,
appoint that the Vice-President of the Colony should be a
member and President of a Privy Council, which consists of
six other members chosen by ballot — three by the General
Assembly, and three by the Legislative Council ; but they
provide, that no officer of the Army or Navy, in the service
of the Continent, or of the Colony, shall be eligible. A
member of the General Assembly or Legislative Council
does not lose his seat by being chosen of the Privy Council,
unless elected Vice-President of the Colony. The Privy
Council is to advise the President and Commander-in-Chief
when required ; but he is not bound to consult them in all
cases. New-Jersey hath vested the Government of that
Province in a Governour, Legislative Council, and General
Assembly ; and any three or more of the Council are, at all
times, a Privy Council. Virginia chooses a Governour or
Chief Magistrate annually, who, with the advice of a Coun-
cil of Slate, exercises the 'executive powers of government
according to the laws of the Commonwealth, and is not,
under any pretence, to exercise any power or prerogative
by virtue of any law, statute, or custom of England. The
Privy Council, or Council of State, consists of eight mem-
bers, chosen by joint ballot of both Houses of Assembly,
either from their own members or the people at large; their
advice and proceedings are to be entered of record, and
signed by the members present, (to any part whereof any
member may enter his dissent,) to be laid before the General
Assembly when called for by them. The members of this
Council are incapable, during their continuance in office, of
sitting in either House of Assembly. Two of them are to
be removed by joint ballot of both Houses of Assembly at
the end of every three years, and be ineligible for the three
next years. The vacancies occasioned by death or inca-
pacity are to be supplied by new elections in the same
manner. With all deference to the great abilities that com-
posed the Virginia plan of government, I conceive that it
is capable of an improvement, or, at least, of being better
suited to this Northern Colony. If I understand this ex-
pression aright — " two members shall be removed at the end
of every three years" — there must be a chasm of three years
between every removal ; of consequence, two members may
be continued in twelve years before the first rotation is con-
cluded , and after that, each may sit thus long in the Council
of State; and yet the Governour is not to continue in office
longer than three years successively, and is not eligible until
the expiration of four years after he shall have been out of
that office. This regulation appears out of proportion.
Besides, twelve years is certainly too long for any person to
possess a share of the executive power, in a well-ordered
Commonwealth, before he is reduced to a private station.
The Executive department should be stable, and have men
of knowledge and experience in business ; but this may be
provided for, without admitting any man's remaining in it for
so long a time. I would, with all due respect, gentlemen,
offer to your consideration the following proposals: Let
there be a Council of State consisting of eight members,
chosen out of the Legislative Council, the House of Assem-
bly, or the people at large. Let each branch of the
Legislature choose four, instead of choosing by joint ballot;
and at the end of every year, in the like manner, remove and
add two, till at the end of four years they have gone through
the first rotation ; after which, in the succeeding years, let
the two that have been in four years be invariably removed.
By this means no one will be in more than four years, and
ever after the three first years the Council of State will con-
sist of two members that are in their first year of service,
two that are in their second, two that are in their third, and
two that are in their fourth. Are any of them chosen out
of the Legislative body, let their places in that body be
vacated, and filled up by new elections. In case of vacan-
cies by death or resignation, let them be filled up, when the
number is even, by each branch of the Legislature's choosing
a moiety as before ; when odd, by the odd one's being
chosen by joint ballot, or from time to time alternately, first
by the House, then by the Legislative Council. Let no
member, when removed, be eligible till he has been out as
many years as he was in. Let no officer of the Army or
Navy, in the service of the Continent, or of the Colony, be
eligible. To this Council of State, let the Legislature add
a President chosen by joint ballot, or let the Assembly
nominate two or three, and the Legislative Council choose
out of that nomination. Let the Council of State choose
from among themselves a Vice-President. Let four make
a quorum for doing business. Let the President have a
single vote with the Council, besides a casting vote when
necessary ; the Vice-President the same when the President
is absent. Let the advice and proceedings of the Council
be entered on record and signed by the members present, (to
any part whereof let any member be at liberty to enter his
dissent,) to be laid before the whole Legislature, when called
for by the joint voice of both branches, but not otherwise.
Lest I should be too lengthy, I shall close for the present,
and remain, gentlemen, your faithful servant,
WILLIAM GORDON.
Roxbury , September 7, 1776.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO THOMAS FLETCHER.
Watertown, September 7, 1776.
SIR: The Council have received your letter of the 27th
of July, informing us that the Indians of the Penobscot Tribe,
for good reasons by. them suggested, conclude not to engage
in the Continental army at present. Therefore the £30
put into your hands to enable you to inlist and bring up a
number of said tribe cannot be improved for that purpose ;
therefore the General Court direct that you return said £30
to Henry Gardiner, Esq., Receiver-General for this State,
and take his receipt therefor, the first safe opportunity.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO COLONEL WILLARD.
Council Chamber, September 7, 1776.
SIR : You are hereby directed and commanded to take
into your regiment a company of men commanded by
Captain John Wentworth, now on Dorchester Heights, and
give direction to said Captain to march said company im-
mediately to the Northern Department of the American
army, by the same routes the other part of your regiment
were ordered to march ; and you are further directed and
commanded to take into your regiment a company of men
lately marched from the County of Middlesex, under the
command of Captain Sargent, and you are to give direc-
tions to said Captain respecting marching his company and
joining your regiment, as you shall think best, having regard
to former orders received from the Board respecting march-
ing your regiment.
In the name and per order of the Council :
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary,
To Colonel Aaron Willard,
231
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
232
RETURN OF FIRE-ARMS, ETC., BELONGING TO THE STATE
MASSACHUSETTS.
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Exeter, New-Hampshire, September 7, 1776.
We have certain intelligence from Onion River, which
is about seventy miles from Haverhill, ( Cohoss,) that a party
of the King of Great Britain's troops, ten or twelve days
ago, burnt °nine houses, and destroyed everything in their
way except one small fort, and carried off a Tory family.
On the door of a building they left wrote the following noti-
fication: "We did not destroy this because we suppose it
belongs to a friend ; and if we have destroyed any effects
belonging to a friend of the King's troops, send a bill, and it
shall be paid on sight."
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON FROM A
MERCHANT AT BARBADOES, DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 1776.
The Ranger, a privateer brig of sixteen guns, fitted out
here to cruise against the Americans, has brought into
Carlisle Bay an American armed schooner of ten carriage
guns, from Brest bound to Philadelphia, on board of which
were found several letters ; amongst others, was one ad-
dressed to the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., from one Mr.
Hamilton, an American gentleman who has been for some
time at the Court of Versailles. I just had a sight of it ;
cannot remember the particulars, but have, as near as
possible, sent you the contents, which are as follow :
" SIR : I have the happiness to acquaint you that you may
assure the Congress that the French Ministry perfectly
acquiesce with the proposals which Messrs. Needham,
Gunning, and myself, had the honour to lay before them.
They have sent orders for a number of ships-of-war to be
fitted for sea with all possible despatch ; and a strong squad-
ron will certainly sail from Brest for Philadelphia early in
the month of November; and they will also have a very
formidable squadron, two bombs, and a fire-ship, ready against
Spring, which they intend to send to Quebeck.
" FRED. HAMILTON."
JAMES CAMPBELL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Chingoteague, Virginia, September 8, 1776.
SIR: I have the pleasure to inform you that the Enter
prise, privateer, of Baltimore, under my command, is arrived
safe in this inlet, having taken during my cruise the following
prizes, viz:
The Lancashire, ship, a Guineaman in ballast, now in
Sinapuxent, in Maryland — 4 guns, 16 men;
The Betsey, brigantine, of Jamaica, from Guadaloupe
for Halifax, having on board 120 hogsheads and tierces of
molasses, now in this inlet ;
The Black River, ship, from Dominica for Bristol, having
on board 158 hogsheads sugar, 58 hogsheads rum, 60
hogsheads molasses, Egg-Harbour ;
The snow James, of Lancaster, from Antigua, having
on board 100 hogsheads sugar, 171 bales of cotton, 2
hogsheads rum, 14 tierces and 47 barrels sugar, and 50 tons
fustick, 23 men — not yet arrived ;
The brigantine Betsey, Guernsey, from St. Croix, having
on board 240 hogsheads rum, not yet arrived — expected
this day ;
The sloop Modesty, of Dartmouth, in England, from
Barbadoes for Newfoundland, 30 hogsheads and 4 tierces
rum, and 20 barrels sugar, arrived yesterday in Sinapiixent.
The schooner Liberty, of Nova Scotia, from Montreal
and Anguilla, having on board 1,000 bushels salt, 14
hogsheads rum, and ten casks nails ;
A sloop from Tortola, with a small cargo of salt and rum.
Dismissed, with thirty prisoners, being quite outnumbered by
them.
When I sailed, I had fifty-three men and boys, twenty-
nine of whom never were at sea. I suffered much in my
health, and sprung both my masts; but expect to get better
soon, and be out again before the Winter. I shall send your
honourable Congress a survey of this inlet when my health
permits, it being of great importance, and ought to be for-
tified, for which four guns would be sufficient. In it is
fifteen feet water, and among the shoals without, a ship of
any size may find shelter till lightened.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JAMES CAMPBELL.
To John Hancock, Esq.
SAMUEL CHASE TO GENERAL GATES.
Annapolis, September 8, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I was by yesterday's post honoured with
your letter of the 23d of August. I cannot account for the
delay of my letter of the 14th of June. I wrote you a letter
on the subject of yours to Mr. John Adams, the first of last
month. I suppose it has not reached you.
I sincerely rejoice to hear of our respectable force with
you, and cannot but solicit you to inform me frequently of
your affairs.
I am now attending our Convention for the framing of a
new Government for this State. I wish and much pressed
the completion of this business six months ago.
The same good opinion of Colonel St. Clair which
induced me to recommend him to your notice, compelled
me to urge his promotion, and for which I stayed in Congress
beyond my time limited for my return here.
I have not heard from my friend General Schuyler since
his treaty with the savage princes of the wilderness. I
cannot express the respect, the affection, and friendship with
which I desire to be remembered to that gentleman. I
wrote to General Arnold the 9th of August. I wish to hear
from him, and am anxious to procure some knowledge, and
if possible a map, of the Lakes. Can you get one for me ?
Present my warmest wishes to General Arnold. Erit mihi
Neptunus, if he will defeat Burgoyne.
I presume General St. Clair is at New- York, and there-
233
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
234
fore I omit to express my esteem and regard for him. I
shall write to that gentleman to New-York.
I shall write to your lady on to-morrow. Every good
attend you. Farewell.
Your affectionate and obedient servant,
SAMUEL CHASE.
MATTHEW TILGHMAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 10, 1776.]
Annapolis, September 8, 1776.
SIR: I received by Henry Frick your letter to our
Convention, after their rising yesterday evening. I imme-
diately requested their attendance this morning, that I
might communicate the contents, and doubt not, at this
most critical juncture, they will exert all the power of this
State in support of the common cause.
I had ordered the express to wait, that I might inform of
the result, but I cannot keep him.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir,
your most obedient servant,
MAT. TILGHMAN, President.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress,
at Philadelphia.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, Septembers, 1776— Sunday, 6 o'clock, P. M.
SIR : I am this minute honoured with your favour of the
6th instant, and am to acknowledge the receipt of your
several favours to that date.
The Congress, concurring with the proposal of exchanging
Generals Prescott and McDonald for Generals Sullivan
and Stirling, have authorized the Board of War to send the
two former to you for that purpose, as soon as possible.
In consequence of the message which General Sullivan
delivered to Congress from Lord Howe, respecting a con-
ference with some of their members, they have, after great
debate, been induced to pass the first resolution of the 5th
of September, and have since appointed three gentlemen on
that business, as you will observe by a subsequent resolution,
to which, without any comment, I beg leave to refer you.
But, in order to prevent similar messages for the future, they
have passed a resolve directing the mode in which all
applications shall hereafter be made, either to Congress or
the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and to which only
any attention is to be paid. I beg leave to refer you to the
resolve itself as the future rule of your conduct with respect
to every such verbal application, until it shall be altered, or
you shall hear further from Congress on the subject.
The list of officers wh'o are prisoners with the enemy,
which you mention as enclosed in your favour of the 6th, it
is probable was through hurry omitted, as it has not come to
hand.
Before this reaches you, a supply of money will doubtless
be arrived, it being now two days since it was sent.
Henceforth you will be more regularly supplied with that
article. The Congress have ordered a large stock of cloth
here to be immediately made up into tents, and to be
forwarded to you with all possible despatch. They have
likewise ordered some duck in the Eastern States to be made
into tents and sent you.
To-morrow morning I will lay your letter before Congress,
and acquaint you immediately of the result. General
Sullivan went from here two days ago. The committee to
wait on Lord Howe will set out to-morrow morning for
New- York.
The interesting state of our affairs, and the anxiety of
Congress to hear from you as often as possible, will naturally
suggest to you the propriety of giving them all the informa-
tion in your power, as often as your important concerns will
admit of it.
My most ardent and incessant wishes attend you, that
you may still rise superiour to every difficulty, and that your
great and virtuous exertions on behalf of your country may
be crowned with that success which, from the Supreme
Being's love of justice, and the righteousness of our cause,
in conjunction with our own endeavours, it is not irrational
to expect.
I am to request you will direct Major Hausegger to
repair to this city as soon as possible, to take the command
of the German battalion, of which he is appointed Colonel,
being extremely wanted.
I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect
and esteem, sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To General Washington.
DR. FRANKLIN TO LORD HOWE.
Philadelphia, September 8, 1776.
MY LORD: I received your favour of the 16th past. I
did not immediately answer it, because I found that my cor-
responding with your Lordship was disliked by some mem-
bers of Congress. I hope now soon to have an opportunity
of discussing with you, viva voce, the matters mentioned in
it ; as I am, with Mr. Adams and Mr. Rutledge, appointed
to wait on your Lordship, in consequence of a desire you
expressed in some conversation with General Sullivan, and
of a resolution of Congress made thereupon, which that
gentleman has probably before this time communicated to
you.
We propose to set out on our journey to-morrow morn-
ing, and to be at Amboy on Wednesday about nine o'clock,
where we should be glad to meet a line from your Lordship,
appointing the time and place of meeting. If it would be
agreeable to your Lordship, we apprehend that either at
the house on Staten-Mand opposite to Amboy, or at the
Governour's house in Amboy, we might be accommodated
with a room for the purpose.
With the greatest esteem and respect I have the honour
to be, my Lord, fcc., B. FRANKLIN.
To Lord Howe.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON BY WAY OF
NANTZ, DATED PHILADELPHIA, SEPTEMBER 8, 1776.
The defeat of the Provincial forces at Long-Island was
in a great measure owing to the bad conduct of Lord Stir-
ling, who neglected sending a proper force for the defence
of the heights above Flatbush, and by that means afforded
General Howe an opportunity of showing his superiour gen-
eralship, in surrounding their lines, instead of attacking them
in front as was expected. Only one battalion of Rangers,
under the command of Colonel Trail, was left to defend the
pass on the road to Jamaica Plain, where the grand attack
was made. That young officer for a long time made head
against the whole force of General Clinton's body of In-
fantry ; but as no support was sent him, after losing two
thirds of his men, and being dangerously wounded himself,
he made good his retreat and joined General Putnam at
Brooklyn. General Sullivan, Colonel Smith, and Major
Guy, behaved with great bravery.
General Washington is at King's Bridge; the grand
army under his command consists of about thirty-three thou-
sand men. Lee is ordered by the Congress to make an
attack upon St. Augustine. Every prospect of a reconcil-
iation is at an end.
LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec-
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart,
September 8, 1776,
Present: William Atlee, Mathias Slough, Adam Rei-
gart, William Bowsman, Michael Musser, John Miller,
George Moore, and Henry Dehuff. William Atlee in the
Chair.
Resolved, That Captain Zantzinger's, Captain Boyd's,
and Captain Musser's Companies be taken into pay as
Guards under the direction of the Committee, for the ensu-
ing month, and that the publick Arms in the hands of the
other Captains and Officers and Privates of Colonel Ross's
Battalion, who have heretofore done duty as Town Guards,
be taken by Colonel Reigart into his care and distributed
to the Captains Zantzinger, Boyd, and Musser, to put into
the hands of their Companies as Guards, and that the ap-
prentices, gunsmiths, lockmakers, and such persons as are
employed at the works at the Barracks, and belong to those
Companies, be excused from duty as Town Guard, and be
called upon only as Associators on the appointed days of
exercise until further orders.
235
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
236
WILLIAM TRENT TO JACOB S. HOWELL.
Trenton, September 8, 1776.
SIR : By the bearer I have sent you two samples of sul-
phur ore, the largest piece which is part of a ball I got from
Mr. Van Swearingham, tavern-keeper at Middletown, on
the road that leads from Hagerstown to Fredericktown, in
Maryland; the other comes from the Ohio. If either of
them are of value enough to make the mines worth inquir-
ing after, Mr. Van Swearingham can inform you of the place
where the first was got, and 1 can give directions to find the
mine the other was taken from.
On a plantation of one Adam Small, a Dutchman, near
the Red-House on the road leading from the mouth of Co-
nicocheque to Winchester, are plenty of black flint-stones.
Several hunters who have made flints for their guns of them,
say they are very good. If flints are wanted for present
use, I am informed there are stones which were brought for
ballast and unloaded at Moles' Point, Petapseco Landing,
sufficient to make flints to last the army several years.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
WILLIAM TRENT.
To Jacob S. Howell, Secretary to the Committee of Safety,
in Philadelphia.
In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, September 8, 1776.
This Board being informed that the publick stock of
Flints is nearly expended, they therefore refer this letter to
the Board of War, which has that matter immediately under
their care. By order of Council :
THOS. WHARTON, JUN., President.
COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
Perth-Amboy, September 8, 1776.
SIR : I find the troops here begin to want many necessa-
ries that they will suffer for want of unless speedily supplied.
Blankets will be much wanted. I have delivered out a num-
ber which I received from the Council of Safety of Penn-
tylvania, and have taken the order of the commanding
officers of the battalions with receipts to be accountable for
them. I beg to be instructed whether the blankets are to
be paid for or not by the Flying-Camp.
The other articles which begin to be much wanted, are
shoes, stockings, warm jackets, breeches, and shirts, and I
would get a good number of them if I had orders, and that
the Colonel or Commanding officers of the Flying-Camp
were to stop the amount of what necessaries they took up
from the men's pay. I would not proceed farther than I
have done from the necessity in this business, until I could
receive the directions of the honourable Congress or of the
Board of War on this subject. I beg you will lay this before
your Board, that I may receive their directions herein.
I have ordered Mr. Risberg, A. D. Q. M. G., to apply
to you when necessary in my department, and beg the favour
of your assistance to him.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
CLEMENT BIDDLE, D. Q. M. G.
To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary of War Office, at Phil-
adelphia.
Colonel Uliles's troops lost chief of their blankets. I
have sent a number forward to supply them, but have few
now left.
COLONEL GRIFFIN TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
Head-duartere, Perth^Amboy, September 8, 1776.
SIR: I have enclosed a return of the army in the Jerseys,
as also a list of the prisoners taken at Long-Island by Gen-
eral Howe's army. You will please have it published, in
order that the friends of the gentlemen may send them such
things as they think necessary.
We find, by a resolution of your Convention, they have
ordered all the Militia to march to this place, whether armed
or unarmed. It has been an exceeding ill-advised plan, as
we have not one hundred stand of arms in our stores; nor
would we give them to Militia if we had a much larger
number. I hope in a few days we shall have enough of the
Flying-Camp, with the Jersey Militia, to prevent the enemy
from making any incursions on the Jersey side, so that we
shall be able to dismiss the whole of the Pennsylvania
Associators.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
SAML. GRIFFIN.
To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary to the Board of War,
at Philadelphia.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read 10th September.]
New-York, Head-Quarters, September 8, 1776.
SIR: Since I had the honour of addressing you on the
6th, I have called a council of the General Officers, in order
to take a full and comprehensive view of our situation, and
thereupon form such a plan of future defence as may be
immediately pursued, and subject to no other alteration than
a change of operations on the enemy's side may occasion.
Before the landing of the enemy on Long-Island, the
point of attack could not be known, or any satisfactory
judgment formed of their intentions. It might be on Long-
Island, on Bergen, or directly on the city. This made it
necessary to be prepared for each, and has occasioned an
expense of labour which now seems useless, and is regretted
by those who form a judgment from after-knowledge. But
I trust men of discernment will think differently, and see
that by such works and preparations we have not only
delayed the operations of the campaign till it is too late to
effect any capital invasion into the country, but have drawn
the enemy's forces to one point, and obliged them to decline
their plan, so as to enable us to form our defence on some
certainty.
It is now extremely obvious from all intelligence, from
their movements, and every other circumstance, that, having
landed their whole army on Long-Island, (except about
four thousand on Staten-Island,) they mean to enclose us
on the Island of New-York, by taking post in our rear,
while the shipping effectually secure the front; and thus,
either by cutting off our communication with the country,
oblige us to fight them on their own terms or surrender at
discretion, or, by a brilliant stroke, endeavour to cut this
army in pieces, and secure the collection of arms and stores,
which they well know we shall not be able soon to replace.
Having therefore their system unfolded to us, it became
an important consideration how it could be most success-
fully opposed. On every side there is a choice of difficul-
ties, and every measure on our part (however painful the
reflection is from experience) to be formed with some appre-
hension that all our troops will not do their duty. In delib-
erating on this great question, it was impossible to forget
that history, our own experience, the advice of our ablest
friends in Europe, the fears of the enemy, and even the
declarations of Congress, demonstrate that, on our side, the
war should be defensive (it has been even called a war of
posts ;) that we should, on all occasions, avoid a general
action, or put anything to the risk, unless compelled by a
necessity into which we ought never to be drawn. The
arguments upon which such a system was founded were
deemed unanswerable; and experience has given her sanction.
With these views, and being fully persuaded that it would
be presumption to draw out our young troops into open
ground, against their superiours, both in number and discip-
line, I have never spared the spade and pick-axe. I confess
1 have not found that readiness to defend even strong posts,
at all hazards, which is necessary to derive the greatest
benefit from them. The honour of making a brave defence
does not seem to be a sufficient stimulus when the success is
very doubtful, and the falling into the enemy's hands proba-
ble ; but I doubt not this will be gradually attained.
We are now in a strong post, but not an impregnable
one ; nay, acknowledged by every man of judgment to be
untenable, unless the enemy will make the attack upon our
lines when they can avoid it ; and their movements indicate
that they mean to do so. To draw the whole army together,
in order to arrange the defence proportionate to the extent
of lines and works, would leave the country open for an
approach, and put the fate of this army and its stores on the
hazard of making a successful defence in the city, or the
issue of an engagement out of it. On the other hand, to
abandon a city which has been by some deemed defensible,
and on whose works much labour has been bestowed, has a
tendency to dispirit the troops and enfeeble our cause. It
237
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
238
has also been considered as the key to the northern country;
but, as to that, I am fully of opinion that the establishing
strong posts at Mount Washington, on the upper part of
this Island, and on the Jersey side opposite to it, with the
assistance of the obstructions already made, and which may
be improved, in the water, that not only the navigation of
Hudson's River, but an easier and bettercornmunication.may
be more effectually secured between the northern and south-
ern States. This I believe every one acquainted with the
situation of the country will readily agree to, and will appear
evident to those who have an opportunity of recurring to
good maps. These, and many other consequences which
will be involved in the determination of our next measure,
have given our men full employ, and led every one to form
a judgment of the various objects presenting themselves to
his view.
The post at King's Bridge is naturally strong, and is
well fortified. The heights about it are commanding,
and might soon be made more so. These are important
objects, and I have attended to them accordingly. I have
also removed from the city all the stores and ammunition,
except what was absolutely necessary for its defence, and
made every other disposition that did not essentially interfere
with that object — carefully keeping in view, until it should
be absolutely determined, on full consideration, how far the
city was to be defended at all events. In resolving points
of such importance, many circumstances peculiar to our
own army also occur. Being only provided for a Sum-
mer's campaign, their clothes, shoes, and blankets will soon
be unfit for the change of weather which we every day
feel. At present we have not tents for more than two-
thirds — many of them old and worn-out; but if we had a
plentiful supply, the season will not admit of continuing in
them long. The case of our sick is also worthy of much
consideration. Their number, in the returns, forms at least
one-fourth of the army. Policy and humanity require they
should be made as comfortable as possible.
With these and many other circumstances before them,
the whole council of General Officers met yesterday, in order
to adopt some general line of conduct to be pursued at this
important crisis. I intended to have procured their separate
opinions On each point, but time would not admit. I was
therefore obliged to collect their sense more generally than
I could have wished. All agreed the town would not be
tenable if the enemy resolved to bombard and cannonade
it ; but the difficulty attending a removal operated so strongly,
that a course was taken between abandoning it totally and
concentrating our whole strength for its defence. Nor were
some a little influenced in their opinion, to whom the deter-
mination of Congress was known, against an evacuation
totally, as they were led to suspect Congress wished it to be
maintained at every hazard. It was concluded to arrange
the army under three divisions: five thousand to remain for
the defence of the city ; nine thousand to King's Bridge
and its dependencies, as well to possess and secure those
posts as to be ready to attack the enemy, who are moving
eastward on Long-Island, if they should attempt to land on
this side ; the remainder to occupy the intermediate space,
and support either. That the sick should be immediately
removed to Orangetown, and barracks prepared at King's
Bridge, with all expedition, to cover the troops.
There were some General Officers, in whose judgment
and opinion much confidence is to be reposed, that were for
a total and immediate removal from the city, urging the great
danger of one part of the army being cut off before the
other can support it — the extremities being at least sixteen
miles apart ; that our army, when collected, is inferiour to
the enemy ; that they can move, with their whole force, to
any point of attack, and, consequently, must succeed by
weight of numbers if they have only a part to oppose them ;
that by removing from hence we deprive the enemy of the
advantage of their ships, which will make at least one-half
of the force to attack the town ; that we should keep the
enemy at bay — put nothing to the hazard — but, at all
events, keep the army together, which may be recruited
another year ; that the unspent stores will also be preserved ;
and in this case, the heavy artillery can also be secured.
But they were overruled by a majority, who thought, for the
present a part of our force might be kept here, and attempt
to maintain the city a while longer.
I am sensible a retreating army is encircled with difficul-
ties; that the declining an engagement subjects a General
to reproach ; and that the common cause may be affected
by the discouragement it may throw over the minds of many.
Nor am I insensible of the contrary effects, if a brilliant
stroke could be made with any probability of success, espe-
cially after our loss upon Long-Island, But when the fate
of America may be at an issue — when the wisdom of cooler
moments and experienced men have decided that we should
protract the war, if possible — I cannot think it safe or wise
to adopt a different system, when the season for action
draws so near a close. That the enemy mean to winter in
New- York, there can be no doubt ; that with such an arm-
ament they can drive us out, is equally clear. The Con-
gress having resolved that it should not be destroyed, nothing
seems to remain but to determine the time of their taking
possession. It is our interest and wish to prolong it as much
as possible, provided the delay does not affect our future
measures.
The Militia of Connecticut is reduced from six thousand
to less than two thousand, and in a few days will be merely
nominal. The arrival of some Maryland troops, &,c., from
the Flying-Camp, has, in a great degree, supplied the loss
of men ; but the ammunition they have carried away will
be a loss sensibly felt. The impulse for going home was so
irresistible, it answered no purpose to oppose it. Though I
would not discharge, I have been obliged to acquiesce; and
it affords one more melancholy proof, how delusive such
dependencies are.
Enclosed I have the honour to transmit a general return,
the first I have been able to procure for some time; also, a
report of Captain Newell, from our works at Horn's Hook
or Hell- Gate. Their situation is extremely low, and the
Sound so very narrow, that the enemy have 'em much
within their command.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most
obedient servant, „ „,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the President of Congress.
P. S. The enclosed information this moment came to
hand. I am in hopes we shall henceforth get regular intel-
ligence of the enemy's movements.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarteri, New-York, September 7, 1776.
(Parole, Templt.) (Countersign, Liberty.)
John Davis, of Captain Hamilton's Company of Artil-
lery, tried by a Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Makom
was President, was convicted of " Desertion," and sentenced
to receive thirty-nine lashes.
Levi Webster, of Captain Hyde's Company, Colonel
Wylly's Regiment, convicted by the same Court-Martial of
the same offence, sentenced to the same punishment.
The General approves the sentences, and orders them to
be executed, on the Regimental Parade, at the usual hour
in the morning.
A Court-Martial consisting of a Commandant of a Bri-
gade, two Colonels, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Majors,
and six Captains, to sit to-morrow, at Mrs. Montagnie's, to
try Major Post, of Colonel Kachlein's Regiment, for cow-
ardice, in running away from Long-Island when an alarm
was given of the approach of the enemy. The same Court-
Martial also to try John Spanzenbury, Adjutant of the same
Regiment, for the same offence, and likewise Lieutenant
Peter Zachltin.
Benjamin Stone appointed Quartermaster, William Ad-
ams appointed Paymaster, Nathaniel Webb, Adjutant of
Colonel Durkee's Kegiment. Daniel Tilden, Esq., to do
duty as Captain, till further orders.
Richard Sill appointed Paymaster to Colonel Tyler's
Regiment.
Major Lee is desired to do -the duty of Brigade-Major in
Major Henly's stead, till an appointment is made.
(Parole, Grayson.)
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 8, 1776.
(Countersign, Tilghtnan.)
Alexander Mclntire, of Captain NcwalFs Company,
James Butler, of Captain Dalley's Company, and John
Knowlton, of Captain MaxwtWs Company, all of Colonel
Prcscott's Regiment, tried by a Court-Martial whereof Col-
onel Makom was President, and acquitted of " plundering
239
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
240
a letter belonging to a citizen of New- York ;" each ordered
to be discharged and join their regiments.
Ames Reed, Corporal in Captain Van Cleaver's Com-
pany, Regiment late Colonel Johnson's, tried by the same
Court-Martial, and convicted of "speaking disrespectfully
and villifying the Commander-in-Chief," sentenced to receive
thirty-nine lashes, at different days successively, thirteen
each day, and reduced to the ranks.
John Lillie, of Colonel Knox's Regiment of Artillery,
Captain Hamilton's Company, convicted by the same Court-
Martial of "abusing Adjutant Henly, and striking him,"
ordered to receive thirty-nine lashes in the same manner.
The General approves the above sentences, and orders
them to be put in execution at the usual time and place.
The General directs that in future, in case of any soldier
detected in plundering, the Brigadier-General, or Colonel,
or Commanding Officer of the Regiment, immediately call
a Court-Martial, and have the offenders tried and punished
without delay.
[No. 1.] Sunday Morning, 9 o'clock.
SIR: I would inform you that the enemy has opened two
three-gun batteries, and have at least four royals, and have
very much damaged two platforms, and the breastworks are
very much shattered. They have also broke our limbers.
They have sent a shot through one of our large carriages.
One of Colonel Sargent's regiment is killed, and two or three
wounded ; but we have none lost or wounded. They con-
tinue to keep up a very severe bombardment and cannonade.
Their ordnance is twelve and twenty-four pounders. I
should think it necessary that there should be carpenters
sent here to repair platforms.
ELIPHELET NEWELL, Captain.
To Colonel Henry Knox.
P. S. We can bring but two guns to bear upon them.
[No. 2.] New-Rotchel, September 8, 1776.
DEAB SIR: We have sent one Samuel Hunt, on Long-
Island, a young man I think will answer every purpose he
is sent after. It is uncertain when he will return ; but this
evening there is one Mr. Sands to be over, who can give us
a particular account. There was one Mr. Tredwell, and
sania, and Delancy's Mills, and indeed any other which you
conceive there is a probability of the enemy's making use
of, in order to prevent, or at least delay them, in the convey-
ance of their artillery. In some places it may be necessary
to fell trees across the roads; in others I would recommend
deep pits to be dug. In short, 1 must request you will have
them broke up and destroyed in such a manner as to render
them utterly impassable.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Heath.
P. S. I mean those roads within your district leading
from King's Bridge down to the points on which it is sup-
posed the enemy will land.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL MERCER.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 8, 1776.
SIR : I have received your letter by General Roberdeau,
of the 7th of September, and am sorry to hear of your indis-
position, which, however, I hope will in a short time be
removed. There has nothing very critical passed in this
quarter since you were here; still matters wear so critical an
aspect that I have determined to call over Colonel Ward's
regiment from the post opposite Mount Washington; you
will therefore be pleased to detach so many of the troops
under your command as will make up this deficiency, and
still keep General Swing's complement of fifteen hundred
men entire. Notwithstanding this assistance, I shall still
stand in need of two or three thousand men to reinforce the
posts here, and am anxious for the arrival of the Maryland
and Virginia troops, which are on their march to this place.
I shall be glad you will immediately inform me by ex-
press where they are, and when I may with certainty
expect them. I could wish they were pushed forward with
all possible expedition. General Roberdeau will communi-
cate to you the result of the Council ; also any other things
material which are not mentioned in this letter.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General Mercer, New-Jersey.
P. S. I desire you will direct the engineer to expedite
another person from Goshen, in Orange County, the latter the works, to the utmost of his abilities, which are necessary
unknown to me, across here four or five days ago. Mr.
Tredwell is a disaffected person, and all his friends live on
Long-Island. I understand that his brothers are warmly
engaged against us, and I am well persuaded he will go
through the whole of their camps. He is expected over
every hour. I have secured the horses, and intend to secure
them, put them apart, and bring them to you, as soon as
they cross. We will be able to get all we want from them.
The news collected since I saw you, is, that the main body
of their army is at Newtown, and Lord Howe keeps that
as Head-Quarters ; that all the wagons, as far eastward as
they have been able to go, are pressed and carried to New-
town, and that every horse fit for the troop is pressed and
taken away from their proper owners, without any respect of
persons. They talk of raising three regiments — one to be
a regiment of Rangers, to be commanded by Major Robert
Rogers — and if the people will not turn out volunteers, they
will draft them. They had their general muster yesterday,
but raised no recruits on account of the weather ; at which
meeting they agreed to keep but two sentries on Cow-Neck —
one at Long-Point, and the other at Watch-Point — which
makes it safe to cross. It is said there are three regiments
at Flushing, one at Jamaica.
From your humble servant,
ISAAC NICOLL, Colonel.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 8, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have lately received information, on which
I can in some measure rely, that it is impracticable for car-
riages to pass from Harlem-Point, or any of the landing-
places contiguous to it, towards King's Bridge, any other
way than along the publick roads. I should therefore con-
ceive it would be highly expedient to throw every impedi-
ment and obstruction in the ways leading from the above
mentioned places, as also in the roads leading from Morris-
foe the defence of General Swing's post.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL JAMES CLINTON.
New-York, September 8, 1776.
SIR: I have this day wrote to the President of the Con-
vention of Neio- York, requesting that an aid of six hundred
Militia may be sent to you from the Counties of Ulster and
Orange, or any other that is more proper and convenient,
for the purpose of assisting you, either in the defence of the
Highlands, in case they should be attacked, or of construct-
ing new works and fortifications by which they may be
rendered more secure. However, whether you receive this
remforcement or not, I must entreat you in the strongest
manner to exert yourself to the utmost of your abilities in
making those two posts at the Highlands as defensible as
possible. Their great importance must be obvious to every
person.
I am, sir, &ic., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General James Clinton, Fort Montgomery.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
New-York, September 8, 1776.
SIR: I have just received the resolve of your Con-
vention, respecting the removal of the bells belonging to
the different churches and publick edifices in this city to
Newark, in the Province of New-Jersey. The measure I
highly approve of, and shall accordingly have it carried
into execution.
I have lately been conversing with General Clinton con-
cerning the defence of the forts in the Highlands, who
agrees with me in sentiment that the force already there is
by no means sufficient. I should therefore conceive it would
be greatly in advancement of the service, if you would
cause a reinforcement of Militia, amounting to about six
hundred men, to be sent there from the Counties of Ulster
241
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
242
and Orange, or any other that may be most proper and
convenient. They may be usefully and importantly em-
ployed, as well in defence of the Highlands, in case they
should be attacked, as in erecting new works and fortifica-
tions by which they may be rendered more secure.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President, &ic.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
New-York, September 8, 1776.
SIR: I wrote you this morning by your express, but forgot
to mention a matter of consequence. It being determined
to remove our sick to Orange-Town, we shall want four large
Albany sloops for that purpose. The fatigue of travelling
that distance by land would not only be more than the
patients could bear, but we have full employ for our wagons
in transporting baggage, tents, &.C., for the troops from
hence to our own posts. I must therefore beg the favour
of your honourable body to procure the above number of
vessels, and send them down with as much despatch as
possible to this city.
I am, with respect, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President, &.c.
0
P. S. I shall be glad to know, by return of the express,
when I may probably expect the sloops down. There are
several now on the lower parts of the river with boards;
perhaps you might engage them to come this day, which
would save time.
GENERAL GREENE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 13th.]
Camp at New- York, September 8, 1776.
SIR: This will be handed you by Captain Sion Martin-
dale and Lieutenant Moses Turner, that were taken in the
brig Washington, in Boston Bay, last Fall. They were
sent home prisoners to IJngland and ordered back to Halifax,
where they were confined in gaol for some time ; at last they
found means to cut a passage out, and made their escape,
and have got safe home. There is one Lieutenant Child,
that was made prisoner with them, and made his escape at
the same time the others did. They apply to Congress for
their wages and rations due during their captivity. They
also apply for an allowance for the losses they met with,
and for several advancements they made for the brig Wash-
ington and the crew, during the time they were fitting for the
cruise; all which, doubtless, the Congress will take under
consideration, and grant what justice and equity entitle
them to. They all belonged to the Rhode-Island regiments,
and while they were under my- command, they discharged
their duty as became good and faithful officers. How they
behaved after they entered on board the brig Washington, I
am not able to say. They are men who have families, and
no means of support for them but their industry.
I am, with due respect, your obedient servant,
NATHANAEL GREENE.
To the Hon. John Hancock, E«q., President of the Con-
tinental Congress, at Philadelphia.
Red-Hook, August 23, 1776.
I do hereby certify that Captain Sion Martindale, who
commanded and was taken prisoner off Plymouth, in the
brig Washington, was arranged in the Ninth Regiment,
under my command ; that during the time of his captivity, the
place was considered vacant, and filled, by which means he
lost his promotion to the rank and command of a field officer,
which, from the casualties of the regiment, would have been
his right. J. N. VARNUM, Colonel 9th Regiment.
To all whom it may concern.
GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
King's Bridge, September 8, 1776.
SIR: Since I was honoured with the resolve of Conven-
tion of the 3d instant, respecting Colonels Benson's and
Smith't regiments, I have used every means in my power
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 16
to discover the situation of those troops, and join them (if
possible) to my brigade. I find them much dispersed —
many (leaving their arms behind, as is said) having gone
over to Long-Island and are not yet returned ; where the
Colonels and most of the other officers are, I have not yet
been able to discover. Captain Tour, of Colonel Smith's,
and Lieutenant Hobart, of Benson's regiment, only, have
been with me ; they promised to collect all the men they
could find and join me, though at the same time they were
very apprehensive of difficulties arising from Smith's regiment
being inlisted not to go off the Island, and Benson's till the
1st of September only. I doubt not, however, but they
will use their best endeavours. Some few of the men of
both regiments are strolling about Westchester and New-
Rochelle.
By the enclosed return of my brigade, you will observe
that there are wanting to complete five hundred and ninety-
six men ; that this deficiency principally arises from the dif-
ferent Militia regiments not having furnished their quotas
— from desertions, which latter have been so frequent that
unless some effectual method can be devised to prevent
in future, not only my brigade, but the whole army, will be
much injured if not ruined. If I am rightly informed, the
Militia regiments drafted their full numbers ; but, having
drafted them, never took the proper steps to make them
join their companies, and now suffer them as well as de-
serters to go at lauge openly among them about their ordi-
nary business, without apprehending and sending them back.
I know it is my duty as well as the duty of every other
officer in the service, to cause deserters to be apprehended ;
but it is also the duty of every friend to his country, and
more particularly so of members of Committees and officers
of Militia. They can do it without injuring the publick
service in any degree. I can't : if I send officers and par-
ties of faithful men after them, I thereby weaken the army.
The deserters hear of them in their neighbourhood — their
business — and, I am sorry to add, are too frequently aided
in evading my guard. I wish the companies raised in
Dutches! and Westchester, and put under the direction of
the Committees of those Counties, might have it in special
charge from your honourable body to apprehend and send
back deserters in their respective Counties — the extra
expense attending which could easily, and with justice, be
defrayed out of such deserters' pay. I now enclose a list
of Dutchess County deserters, and as soon as I can obtain
a list of those from Colonel Thomson' 'i regiment, I will
(if approved by the Convention) forward it to Captain
Townsend.
I beg leave to lay before you a petition I just now
received from Colonels Grahame, Hopkins, and others,
respecting the Surgeon of their regiment, which ought (in my
opinion) to have been addressed to you in the first instance,
the Convention only having power to redress the com-
plainant.
I have confined one William Mahony, of Fishkill Land-
ing, in the main guard, for seducing a soldier from his
duty in the city, bringing him up here and endeavouring to
pass him by our guards at King's Bridge, and thereby en-
able him to desert. Mahony confesses the soldier worked
as a journeyman with him six weeks before he inlisted ; that
he knew he afterward inlisted, yet though I offered to re-
lease him if he would tell the soldier's name, the com-
pany and regiment he belongs to, (which I have the greatest
reason to believe is in his power,) he will give me no other
satisfaction than that the soldier's name is Riley; and from
Mahony's conduct, I am induced to think the soldier, not-
withstanding our guards did not suffer him to pass the
bridges, has escaped by crossing the river some other way.
I also enclose examination taken against one Tippet,
of this neighbourhood, who is also confined in our main
guard by some of my officers, for the crime therein par-
ticularly mentioned, which is (in my opinion) of the most
dangerous nature, and has been too much practised, and not
without effect, by the disaffected, since the retreat from
Long-Island, which is given out by them as a total defeat.
I am extremely unhappy in being obliged to deprive any
man of personal liberty but by due course of law ; but in
the above cases I flatter myself the Convention will justify
me till I can have their directions, which shall be faithfully
pursued on every occasion.
Nothing very material has occurred since my last. From
243
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
244
the best information we have had, the main body of the
enemy lie at Newtown and Bedford. Their guards on
tin- Nand extend to the Neck, east of White-Stone. The
Highlanders are in that quarter. It is said they have im-
pressed from one thousand to fifteen hundred teems to
carry across their boats and baggage, and they are erecting
a battery opposite Horn's Hook, and heavy cannonade was
heard all last night at or near that place, which continued
till about seven o'clock this morning. I have not yet heard
the particulars, but believe it was from our people against
the enemy's new works; perhaps it was reciprocal.
From the disposition of the enemy's army and their delay,
I imagine they intend attacking us in two or three different
quarters; and I think it more than probable that their grand
aim is to hem in our army and cut off our communication
with the country, in which case this division of our army,
were it possible, should be augmented. It ought to be con-
sidered they hem us in by water on three sides. The dis-
tance across up as far as Maw-Neck, between the two rivers,
don't much exceed twelve miles, though I hope their ship-
ping won't be able to pass Fort Washington ; but this is very
uncertain. I mention these matters to show the necessity
of the Militia holding themselves in the most perfect readi-
ness. For should the enemy attempt anything of this kind
so high up, it will be of the utmost consequence to fight
and vanquish them before they have time to throw up any
works whatever.
My Brigade-Major, Pcnvling, who has served in that
character ever since the brigade was formed, is without a
commission, which is the case also with many others of the
officers, who express uneasiness on that score. I wish some
method could be fallen upon to grant them their commis-
sions. I fear confusion may arise for want of an ar-
rangement of the Field Officers: every Colonel claims
seniority. I have taken some pains to settle their respec-
tive ranks, but without effect. I most earnestly wish the
Convention would give me some directions in this respect,
and point out how it is to be done.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ferris is now with me ; he complains
of being troubled with an old settled disorder in his head,
which at present is so violent as to render him unfit for duty.
I believe he is a good man, and acts from principle. He
means to ask the Convention to supply his place until a
return of health, which he hopes will take place on retiring
a short time from the noise of the camp.
I am just informed that there are many disaffected per-
sons near the Sound and East Riter, possessed of large
stocks of cattle; that they neglect driving them back, and
refuse to part with them to the Commissary at the ordinary
prices. It is more than probable they will fall into the
hands of the enemy, (where I believe the owners wish
them,) unless some proper measures are speedily taken to
prevent it.
I am, with the highest esteem, your most obedient ser-
vant, GEORGE CLINTON.
To the President of the Convention of the State of New-
York.
P. S. The cannonading was from the enemy's new bat-
tery against ours at Horn's Hook. I hear one of their
shells killed one and wounded three men, but did no other
damage.
JAMES WILLIAM PAYNE TO ROBERT BENSON.
Westchester, September 8, 1776.
SIR: On my first arrival from Canada, I made applica-
tion to the honourable Convention to get in the Artillery
service, a department which I rather choose to serve in, as
I made it my study early, and having the charge of all the
ordnance in the first campaign against Canada, I acquired
a tolerable knowledge in the practical part; but there being
no vacancies, I could not be provided for, and since my
return home have been in a bad state of health, in conse-
quence of the violent fatigues I suffered in Canada.
A few days ago I applied to his Excellency General
Washington, laying before him my grievances, that I had just
fled from Long-Island, leaving my family behind prisoners,
having only time to escape with the clothes on my back.
His Excellency desired I would write to the honourable
Convention, where there were members who know my
family and character; by their recommendation he would
immediately provide for me, as I embarked very early in
defending the rights of America by every means in my
power, and shall ever be actuated by the same principles in
preserving the freedom of my country. I make no doubt
those gentlemen of the Convention who are acquainted with
me, will take my distress in their immediate consideration.
You will please to let this be presented to the House, and
if from motives of humanity to my little family they choose
to write to his Excellency on the occasion, they will as soon
as possible; which shall always be gratefully acknowledged
by their most obedient humble servant,
JAMES WM. PAYNE.
To Robert Benson, Esq., Secretary to the Convention of
New-York, at
LIEUTENANT SAYRE TO GENERAL HEATH.
Westchester, September 8, 1776.
SIR : There seems to be a movement of the enemy; there
is a tender moved from the man-of-war to the brig, and has
taken all the small crafts along the shore, and the officer of
the party sent one of my sentries in order to go to Colonel
Hand, and I thought it proper to give your Honour notice.
From your humble servant,
JAMES SAYRE, Lieutenant.
STANDARD OF THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
Ground, Light Buff. Device, Pine-Tree and field of
Indian Corn, (emblematical of New-England fields.) Two
Officers in the uniform of the Regiment, one of them
wounded in the breast, the blood streaming from the wound.
Under the pine several children, one of the officers pointing
to them, with the motto, "For posterity I bleed."
GENERAL NIXON TO GENERAL HEATH.
MY DEAR SIR: You have no doubt observed that the
enemy decamped last night from the Heights to the north-
ward of Flushing Bay. About three or four regiments are
now encamping on the hill to the westward of the Bay, and
opposite to the Island which forms Hill-Gate. Whether
this body is that which decamped, or one marched from
Newtown, we cannot determine. Certain it is, their move-
ments indicate an intention to land near you or at Harlem.
Four boats were sounding the channel a few minutes since,
between Little Hell-Gate and the opening to Harlem.
These appearances render it necessary that post should be
taken on Morris's Hill this night, for reasons too obvious to
be mentioned. If you have strength to do it with the troops
marched up to-day, would it not be proper to be done? If
you have not strength, (of which advise us,) we will post
some regiments there to-night ; although it will weaken the
middle division, if a landing should be made below this
evening. Whatever may be your determination, pray advise
us of it in time.
I have the honour to be your humble servant,
JNO. NIXON, Brigadier-General.
To the Hon. General Heath or General Mifflin.
COLONEL NICOLL TO GENERAL HEATH.
New-Rotchel, September 8, 1776.
DEAR SIR : We have sent one Samuel Hunt on Long-
Island, a young man I think will answer every purpose he
is sent after. It is uncertain when he will return; but this
evening there is one Mr. Sands to be over, who can give us
a particular account. There is one William Tredwell and
another person from Goshen, in Orange County, the latter
unknown to me, crossed here four or five days ago. Mr.
Tredwell is a disaffected person, and all his friends live on
Long-Island. I understand that his brothers are warmly
engaged against us, and I am well persuaded he will go
through the whole of their camps ; he is expected over every
hour. 1 have secured the horses and intend to secure them,
put them apart, and bring them to you as soon as they cross,
as we will be able to get all we want from them. The
news collected since I saw you, is, that the main body of
their army is at Newtown, and Lord Howe keeps that as
Head-Quarters; that all the wagons as far eastward as
245
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
246
they have been able to go, are pressed and carried to New-
town, and that every horse fit for the troop is pressed and
taken away from their proper owners, without any respect
of pei-sons. They talk of raising three regiments ; one to be
a regiment of Rangers, to be commanded by Major Robert
Rogers, and if the people will not turn out volunteers, they
will draft them. They had their general muster yesterday,
but raised no recruits on the account of the weather ; at
which meeting they agreed to keep but two sentries on
Cow-Neck — one at Long-Point, and the other at Watch-
Point — which makes it safe to cross. It is said there are
three regiments at Flushing, one at Jamaica.
From your humble servant,
ISAAC NICOLL, Colonel.
To Major-General Heath, at King's Bridge; or in his
absence, to Brigadier-General George Clinton.,
RECOMMENDATION OF MAJOR GRAY.
Camp, White-Plains, September 8, 177S.
We, the subscribers, from a knowledge of Major Gray's
abilities and integrity, and out of a regard for the good of
the service, would recommend Major Gray to the Commis-
sary-General's berth in the Northern Department, as a per-
son every way qualified for it, and one who has great merit
for his exertions last campaign in that quarter ; and who,
we make no doubt, will discharge the functions of that office
with fidelity to the publick, honour to himself, and to the
satisfaction of the troops who are on the way to be stationed
there.
ENOCH POOR, Brigadier-General.
JNO. NIXON, Brigadier-General.
JNO. PATERSON, Brigadier-General.
ALEXANDER SCAMMEL, Brigadier-General.
3s. BALDWIN, Engineer.
SAML. COULTON, Lieut. Colonel Commandant.
To B. Arnold, Major-General.
GENERAL SCHDYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read 13th September. Referred to Board of War.]
Albany, September 8, 1776.
SIR: I did myself the honour to address Congress in a
letter of the 16th August. As I humbly conceive Congress
could have decided on that part of it which respected rny
disagreeable situation with very little interruption to those
momentous concerns of the publick which claim their atten-
tion, I have reason to believe that either my letter or the
answer to it has miscarried ; and as the calumny against me
daily increases, I take the liberty to enclose a copy of that
letter, and again request that a committee or court may be
instituted to inquire into every part of my conduct since I
have been honoured with the command in the Northern
Department ; for, however littlethe publick may be interested,
it is of some moment to a man conscious of the rectitude of
his conduct, that he should be justified and his character
cleared from aspersions that may involve him and his family,
in this jealous day, into a variety of difficulties.
In obedience to the resolutions of Congress of the 6th
July, I have stated the late General Montgomery's accounts
as far as I was capable to do it, with the papers transmitted
to me from Canada by General Wooster; amongst which
there is not any book or memorandum in which it is noted
what money the deceased General received either from me
or any other person. 1 have, therefore, only charged.what
money he received from or through me, and struck the bal-
ance, against which is to be put the money he received in
Canada from Mr. Price, or others; and what that is, may
probably be determined by Congress. Copy of the Gen-
eral's account of disbursements I lodged in the pay-office
here; and I believe most, if not all, that was advanced as
pay to officers and soldiers is stopped by the Paymaster-
General; but I believe very little of that for contingent
expenses is yet accounted for.
When I received General Montgomery's papers, I caused
my Secretary and Assistant Secretary to open, examine, and
make schedules of them, as you will see by their certificates
endorsed.
As the Commissioners appointed to settle accounts in this
department are not furnished with copies or abstracts of dis-
bursements made by the several commanders in Canada,
and by Mr. Price and others, they will find it extremely
difficult, if not impossible, to liquidate the various accounts
that will become the subject of their inspection. They
should also be furnished with what money sent me by Con-
gress, and which I stand charged with, and with what has
been sent to the Paymaster-General in this department ; for
although I can give credit for what I have received, yet that
may not be satisfactory to them. I have mentioned this to
the gentlemen that are here, (Mr. Wells and Mr. Carter,)
and desired them to apply for the necessary papers.
Every kind of clothing for the army, but shoes and stock-
ings especially, are so absolutely necessary, and such great
demands are daily made for them, that a mode of supply
claims the most early attention. Could not yarn socks, to
rise as high as the ancle, be procured in Pennsylvania 1
The leg-part might be supplied with Indian stockings, which,
as they are much more lasting and more comfortable for the
men in cold weather, would ultimately be cheaper.
As the publick labours under such difficulty for a supply
of shoes, and that the demand will increase in a future cam-
paignj perhaps Congress may think proper to appoint per-
sons to erect a tan-yard in some part of the country where
the materials for tanning can be most handily procured, and
to which the hides from both armies in this Colony can be
the easiest and most expeditiously conveyed. This, though
perhaps not the cheapest mode of supplying the army, would,
1 conceive,-be the most effectual.
General Trumbull has sent to the amount of £2,206 6s.
lawful, in clothing, to the Northern Army, and was trying to
procure more, as also tents for the troops. He has desired
me to advise Congress of this.
The season advances so fast that it is time to think of
preparing the Winter quarters for such troops as are not to
be kept in garrison. The commander in this department
should be advised of the intentions of Congress on this head
the soonest possible, that barracks may be prepared at such
places as Congress may direct, and magazines of fuel, straw,
&c., provided in time. Perhaps it would be best not to
canton the troops too far from Ticonderoga, as it may be
supposed that an attempt will be made by the enemy in the
course of the Winter on that post, or at least they will try
to burn our navy in order to ensure their passage over the
Lake in a future campaign. The barracks in this place
will not contain above five hundred men, (if the Hospital is
not occupied as a barrack, and I fear it will be wanted for
the use of the sick.) If new ones are to be built, would it
not be best to erect them in such parts of the country above,
where the soldiers can at once have the advantage of pur-
chasing vegetables, and where a plenty of firewood can be
procured at a rate so easy as to make it an object worthy
of attention, and where the materials for building are to be
procured greatly cheaper than in town ? Stillwater or Sar-
atoga might be proper places. The amazing quantity of
nails that were necessary for so many batteaus and vessels
as we have built, has most effectually drained the country
of that indispensably necessary article. All we can now get
are from the blacksmiths, at a most immoderate price. I
wish to have a quantity sent by way of HackinsacJc to Hud-
son's River, and forwarded as soon as possible to this place.
A very considerable quantity of glass will also be wanted,
and cannot be procured anywhere nearer than Philadel-
phia.
As there is no appointment of a Deputy Adjutant-Gen-
eral in this department, Colonel John Trumbull now acts as
such under a temporary appointment of General Gates. As
he is active, discreet, and sensible, I beg leave to recom-
mend him to Congress to be confirmed in that post.
The originals of the enclosed from ColoneJ Dayton came
to hand on the 6th instant. I have requested the Commit-
tee of this County to order all the Militia to march into
Tryon County; but before they can be ready, I expect
further information from Colonel Dayton.
1 have requested a further supply of ammunition from
General Washington, which I shall soon have if he can
spare any ; but lest he should not have any to send, I must
entreat Congress to forward both powder and ball in con-
siderable quantities.
Since writing the above, a letter from General Gates, of
the 5th instant, is come to hand. He observes that " as
the fleet is large and mounts a number of cannon, and the
body of troops here very considerable, it is immediately
247
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
248
necessary that fifteen tons of powder, ten of lead, with flints
and cartridge-paper in proportion, should be sent to this
post." I have not any of the articles here, and must entreat
that they may be sent with all expedition. My Secretary
and Aids-de-Camp have hitherto mustered the troops as
they /passed. I deferred making a temporary appointment,
as I was in hopes Congress would have, sent a muster-
master; but the necessity is now so pressing that I have
requested General Gales to appoint one if he can find a
person fit for it; if not, to advise me thereof, and I would
try to procure one here. Since I received the resolution of
Congress that no officer should hold double commissions, I
have attempted to procure a proper person to reside at Fort
George as an Assistant Deputy Quartermaster-General in
the room of Lieutenant-Colonel Buel, (of Burrelfs,) who
was appointed one last Spring; but I have not yet suc-
ceeded. Persons fit for such employments, where judgment
and activity are both so essentially necessary, are not easily
frocured, especially where so many of them are wanted,
mention this lest Congress should imagine that I had wil-
fully omitted obeying the resolution.
1 am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the President of Congress.
P. S. Colonel Dayton cannot be short of salt provisions)
as he mentions, unless the Commissary at his post has made
a false return. He has had a constant supply of fresh meat
since his last return, copy whereof I now enclose.
, Fort-Schuyler, September 4, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : The enclosed is a message this minute
received from Oneida by the hands of three warriors.
Yesterday about two o'clock in the morning, Sconondo,
with another Indian of the Castle, arrived express with in-
telligence by a letter from Mr. Spencer, that a numerous
army, chiefly of Indians, were that day to arrive at Oswego;
but he advised me to suspend my operations until the return
of an express despatched to Onondaga, to know the cer-
tainty of the rumour, where it seems it had originated. That
express has not yet arrived, but the earnest anxiety of the
Oneidas on the occasion causes me to despatch this mes-
sage before the other arrives.
We are pretty well supplied with flour, but scant of salt
provisions.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, very humble ser-
vant, ELIAS DAYTON.
P. S. I have transmitted copies of the Oneida letter to
the commanding officers at the Flats and Johnstown.
Oneida, September 4, 1776 — morning.
SIR : News from Onondaga inform that there are seven
hundred Indians and whites at Swagotche that will be at
Oswego this day, and that there are parties out for destroying
the inhabitants along the river, and they desire them to be on
their guard. They are to come first to Stone Arabia and
go down ; and that there are particular parties designed to
take Major Fonda and Colonel Harkman. The Indians
here desire word may be sent with all speed down to the
places exposed — the number unknown. They make five
roads where they pass in the woods. The Onedages sent
word to Conishelage, fourteen mijes from hence, that they
take care of three of their warriors that have lately come
from Canada; they will not be stopped; they will strike
whenever they see white people — first here ; if they fail,
your Fort is the next place. The Indians desire you to
keep all your people within on account of those arrived at
Oswego, and that you will not send white people for spies
lest they meet with harm. This news did not come by the
messengers sent Onendage two days past ; they are not yet
arrived ; but was sent by two particular chiefs. Three head
warriors from hence are going to meet those three villains, in
order to turn them back. I am guarded by rny neighbours
at present, though I expect I shall not be able to stay here
long, on account of private villains in the neighbouring towns,
though I shall be advised by the Indians, who have under-
taken to protect me.
Your humble servant, THOMAS SPENCER.
To Colonel Dayton.
N. B. The party designed for Oswego are commanded by
Walter Butler. I am at a loss whether they are yet arrived
at Oswego or not. Great numbers will soon arrive after the
above seven hundred at Oswego.
" BROTHER: We are threatened by those Indians coining
to Oswego, on account we sit still and meddle not in the
war. We expect to be struck by them. We think it is
time to take care, and expect trouble from our enemies. It
is the advice of the Onondagas so to do. We desire you
will reinforce with all speed. We think there is occasion
for more troops this way. We desire the Mohegan Indians
in New-England may take their axe and come speedily to
our assistance, as they agreed to do. We give our compli-
ments to all the officers and great men, wherever this news
may come, and that proper care may be taken that this our
desire may be sent to the proper places for our speedy
relief. The Chiefs met in council desire the above may be
taken as their real sentiments.
"Present: Your humble servant,
"THOMAS SPENCER.
"To Colonel Dayton."
This is a true copy of a letter received this day from the
Onondaga Chiefs, with a belt, by the hands of three of their
warriors, written and signed, as in the copy, by Thomas
Spencer. ELIAS DAYTON.
September 4, 1776.
A Return of Provisions at Fort Schuyler, formerly Fort
Stanwix: 180 barrels of Pork, 226 barrels of Flour, and 23
head of Cattle.
Soldiers Victualled — 467. H. GLEN.
August 13, 1776.
To Major-General Schuyler.
A true copy : RICHARD VARICK, Secretary.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 13. Referred to the Board of War.]
Albany, September 8, 1776.
SIR : Since sealing my letter of this day's date, Mr. Liv-
ingston, the Deputy Commissary-General, has informed me
that he has sent his resignation to Congress. I am sorry for
it, and wished to have him remain in the employment, as I am
confident Congress will not be able to procure a person of
more integrity or better qualified to discharge the duties of
that office. It is a justice I owe him to observe, that he has
not only acted as Commissary, but as Quartermaster, Store-
keeper, and in every office in which he could promote the
service, and if any person is entitled to an extra allowance,
it is surely he. Some other person ought immediately to
be appointed a Deputy Commissary-General in this depart-
ment, for without such an officer we cannot possibly carry
on the business with any degree of regularity.
You will be so good, sir, as to acknowledge the receipt
of the despatches carried by the bearer, whom I wish should
be sent back to me, with all possible despatch, and with
such letters as Congress may please to honour me with.
I am, sir, with every sentiment of esteem and respect,
your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 8, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Yesterday I was honoured with your
two favours of the 20th ultimo and 4th instant — the former
by Mr. Pelissier, the latter by Mr. Allen. Mr. Pelissier
will leave this for Tyonderoga to-morrow morning.
Notwithstanding the retreat from Long-Island, I am still
in hopes that the enemy will not be able to accomplish their
intentions, and that you will, in the end, reap those laurels
which you so highly merit.
General Gates, in a letter just received from him, ob-
serves, " that as the fleet is large, and mounts a great number
of cannon, and the body of troops here very considerable,
it is immediately necessary that fifteen tons of powder,
ten of lead, with flints and cartridge paper in proportion,
should be sent to this post." I have taken the liberty to
transmit this request directly to Congress, supposing that
249
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
250
you would not be able to comply with it. Should I be
mistaken, and your Excellency be able to order up any of
these articles, you will please to advise Congress thereof.
By the enclosed papers, your Excellency will perceive
that we are threatened with an enemy from the westward.
I have requested the Committee of this County to order
the Militia to march. They have directed half of the whole
Militia of the County immediately to move to Tryon County,
and I have requested General Gates to hold three regiments
in readiness to march.
Colonel Dayton cannot be short of salt provisions as he
mentions, unless the Commissary at his post has made a false
return. He has had a constant supply of fresh meat since
his last return, copy whereof I now enclose.
Enclose an account of what boards have gone from here.
By comparing that with the account of what is received, the
Quartermaster-General will know what number may be at
Peck's-Hill, and on their way down. I shall order all to be
sent that can be collected, but I fear they will be very incon-
siderable, as not many boards have been sawed lately.
My mills, that used to cut from forty to fifty thousand
boards of fourteen feet long, have not cut one this year, as
I was under a necessity of sending my oxen to the army.
That has been the case with several others. Should you
want timber for the buildings, I believe it might be procured
here and sent down in sloops. Should you stand in need of
small craft, to convey troops from one quarter to the other,
they might be brought from Lake George. I believe fifty
could be spared.
I am, dear sir, with the greatest esteem, your Excellency's
most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLEK.
To his Excellency General Washington, &.C., &c.
P. S. I have advised Congress of the information given
me by Colonel Dayton.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 8, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Your favour of the 5th instant was last
night delivered to me. An hour or two before, I received a
letter from General Washington, copy whereof you have
enclosed.
I shall immediately try to procure as many ship carpen-
ters as possible, and advise General Walerbury thereof.
Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars shall be sent you
immediately.
I am sorry Mr. Avery cannot see the propriety of com-
plying with my request. I have wrote the Commissary-
General that I was pleased with his services, and had no
reason to complain 01 his conduct, except in the instance of
not making the returns as I directed. He will probably
soon have the whole department to himself, and he will
receive from me the same countenance and assistance which
it is my duty to give Mr. Livingston whilst he is in employ,
so long as I remain in the department.
I had already mentioned to Congress the necessity of a
further supply of power and lead. 1 shall send an extract
of your letter, and renew the request.
I have requested the Committee of this County to order
the Militia to Tryon County. I have not heard from Col-
onel Dayton since mine to you of yesterday.
One company of seamen, twenty-six in number, will be
here to-day and leave this to morrow.
If Courts-Martial would severely punish officers for illib-
eral abuse against their superiours, such virulent and ill-found-
ed complaints as you mention to be made by Lieutenant-
Colonel Brown, against General Arnold, would soon cease.
The latter gentleman'will always be the subject of com-
plaint, because his impartiality and candour will not suffer
him to see impropriety of behaviour with impunity.
The resolution of Congress not to suffer officers to hold
double commissions, distresses me much. I have attempted
to procure a person to act as Assistant Deputy Quarter-
master-General in the room of Colonel Bvstl, who is at
Fort George, but cannot succeed. It is not an easy matter
to get the variety of people we want, unless we take officers.
Is there any one with you, that is not an officer, proper to
be appointed a Mustermaster ? If there is, pray appoint
him ; if not, advise me thereof the soonest possible, that I
may procure one here.
Soldiers are discharged from the General Hospital as unfit
for further service. On their arrival here they apply for
money. There seems a want of humanity in not supplying
them with some, and yet the Paymaster risks a loss if he
does. Please to order that none be discharged unless they
are fully paid, and the receipt endorsed on the back of the
discharge. I enclose you the Storekeeper's returns of what
has lately been sent to you from hence.
A heavy cannonade was heard on Friday morning, by
some people on their way up from New-York. A large
body of the enemy were encamped on Long-Island, oppo-
site Hell-Gate, and had taken possession of some of the
islands there. It seems agreed that our troops behaved with
great spirit on Long-Island.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 8, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Last evening I received a letter from
Mr. Egbert, desiring me to order up shoes and other articles
for the army. In answer to which I am sorry to say no
shoes and stockings are to be had here. The General has
wrote to Congress on this head. Shirts are sent up as fast
as they can be procured. Small cartridge paper was sent up
last week, and more is wrote for to New-York. Iron pots
and kettles shall be sent as fast as they can be collected and
wagons procured. It is not in our power to furnish any
more lead or musket ball until it arrives from the southward.
I do myself the honour to enclose you a return ef cannon,
grape and swivel shot, being the first that has arrived in con-
sequence of the requisitions from Tyonderoga. I shall order
it up instanter, and as much more as may arrive, without the
least delay. I am informed that some of the swivels ordered
are arrived. If so, you may be assured that despatch in this
instance will also be made.
I am, dear General, most respectfully, yours,
RICHARD VARICK.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
H. GLEN TO CAPTAIN EISENFORD.
Schenectady, September 8, 1776.
SIR: Yours of the 30th ultimo and 2d instant I have
both now before me, and would have answered your first
sooner, had I not been overcrowded with business, and the
last just came to hand. As to salt provisions, it is entirely
out of my power to help you to until the pork comes in,
and that will be some weeks. I am well pleased with
making two chimneys more in the barn, and in making a
bake-oven ; the latter and a well are very necessary in a
garrison. As to sending you some cash in discharging some
of the debts, in particular Captain Bloomfield's company,
I would do with the greatest pleasure, but my orders from
General Schuyler are to pay no money unless properly
certified by the officers who have had things done for the
publick. As to the wagoners not coming down next Win-
ter, makes no odds, as the certificates they have will be
paid by me to any person in this town, by producing
the certificates will receive the money, or one person may
receive the whole if he brings the whole of the certificates.
As to the guns, I had expected they would have been brought
to my store fifteen days ago, and instead of that Mr. Van
Tice came to me this morning, and told me they were now
done, but seems determined not to part with them till he has
his money. Colonel Van Dt/ck told me you were to pay
for them. I have told Van Tice to send you an account
and write you a few lines on the subject, as I have no
opportunity to send the guns, as my batteaus are all gone
for Fort Schuyler. By the time the boats are back Van
Tici may know where he is to get his money. As to the
billeting money for your company and the rations for the
officers, I believe the billeting money must be paid by the
Deputy Paymaster-General, and the ration money by Walter
Livingston, Esq., Deputy Commissary-General. If you
will send down an account of the number of officers and
rations due them, commencing and ending the time, and
another account of the billeting money, I shall do my
endeavours to get you the money, which I believe will be
251
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
252
no great difficulty in getting the money, so the accounts are
Boperly drawn out and directed to the right person. If the
eputy Paymaster told you that Mr. Livingston was to pay
it, then you had better draw the whole against Mr. Living-
ston, and an order on the account in favour of me or my
order, so that I can get some of my friends at Albany to
draw it, should you think proper, as I hjve hardly time to
go to Albany myself. Should there be any thing wanting
at your place, the commanding officer always better write
to the General. If I had it in my power, no man would
be more happy than I to serve my friends with any thing I had.
I must conclude, with compliments to all friends, and believe
me to be your most humble servant, H. GLEN.
To Captain John Eisenford.
P. S. No receipt for kettles come to hand ; nor your
commission come to hand.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, September 8, 1776—10 o'clock, P. M.
HONOURED SIR : Two of my boats have just now arrived
from down the Lake, but neither of them bring satisfactory
accounts from the fleet.
Sergeant Mitchell, with five men, went to the tour
Brothers — the place where I ordered him — but saw no
appearance of an enemy, or the fleet, this morning.
A party of upwards of twenty of my men were at Gilli-
land's. They heard a cannonading, supposed to be at the
White-House, from Wednesday evening to Friday, near
noon, last. You may perhaps judge what the cause of it
may have been.
Part of my men at Gilliland's set off towards the fleet
this morning.
Mr. Brooks, who first went from here, has not returned.
He is either taken or will soon bring intelligence. I send
another boat off to-morrow morning. My scouts have
returned. No appearance of an enemy in the woods.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble
servant THOMAS HARTLEY.
To Major-General Gates.
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES.
Isle-aux-Motte, September 8, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: When I wrote the foregoing letter, I
designed sending off the batteaus last evening, but was
prevented by the stormy weather. Last night the enemy
were heard by the guard boat and the people on board the
vessels near in shore. On both sides of us several trees
were felled and lights discovered. I believe the enemy
were erecting batteries, which might have injured us, as the
Lake is only one and a quarter miles over, and their design
was doubtless to have attacked us both by land and water
at the same time. I make no doubt we should have been
more than a match for them, but did not think it prudent
to run any risk, as it would answer no good purpose. I
therefore ordered the fleet under way this morning, and at
two o'clock, p. m., anchored at this place. Here, the Lake
is about two miles over, and safe anchorage. We effectually
secure any boats passing us. Just as we came to anchor,
Lieutenant Brooks came on board, sent down by Colonel
Hartley in consequence of hearing our cannon fired at the
Indians on Sunday morning. 1 have thought it necessary
to despatch him back again, that you may be out of suspense
with regard to us. Four guard boats are constantly out,
the rounds go every two hours at night, and every precau-
tion is taken to prevent being surprised.
Our men are extremely bare of clothing, and the season
is cominc on severe, and more so on the water than land. If
a watch-coat or blanket and one shirt could be sent for each
man, it will be of great service for them. Rum is another
necessary article. When the howitzers arrive, I beg three
or four of six inches may be sent us, mounted on field
carriages, with shells, fee., &c. Fifty swivels are much
wanted ; the last vessels have none.
I am, very affectionately, dear General, your obedient,
humble servant, B. ARNOLD.
To Major-General Gates.
P. S. Send me a few quires paper.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
HONOURED SIR: Since I wrote to your Honour, the
people of East and Southhampton have almost universally
taken an oath of allegiance to George III., King of Great
Britain. It was tendered to them by Colonel Gardiner.
They are now driving their cattle into the woods in order
to hide them from us. They had brought them from Man-
tauk-Point to Easthampton, in order to drive them west-
ward to the enemy, in compliance with a proclamation
issued by General Erskine, who is appointed commanding
officer for the eastern part of Long-Island, by General
Howe.
The want of whale boats is a great inconvenience to us,
as a retreat is almost impracticable without them, should
any vessels of force be in the Sound. I am informed there
are as many as three hundred whale boats at Boston,
that may be had for asking for.
If your Honour should send a body of troops to the Island,
I should imagine they might be of service. If it should please
your Honour to send any forces upon the Island, I should be
extremely glad if I could know it beforehand, as his Excel-
lency General Washington has honoured me with the com-
mand on the east end of the Island. I have just received a
letter from him, desiring me to endeavour with all my powers
to distress the enemy as much as possible, but not to run any
risk of the detachment by suffering my retreat to be cut off.
The town of Southold are to-morrow to have a meeting
in order to take the oath of allegiance, by Colonel Phineas
Fanning's order ; but I intend they shall have some unex-
pected guests at the meeting. The Tories at Coram are
beating up for volunteers to join our enemies. Negroes as
well as whites are taken into pay. If speedy measures are
not used, the whole County of Suffolk will shortly be in
arms against us. A small reinforcement will prevent it.
General Washington was informed that I was joined by
five thousand one hundred men, therefore thought it need-
less to send me any assistance.
'I send with this a letter brought by express from the town
of Easthampton ; but from some words he dropped here, it
was imagined that he had grown tired of the business he
came upon, and instead of proceeding with the letter to your
Excellency, intended to return to Long-Island. He has
taken the oath of allegiance above mentioned. I have
detained him in custody until your Honour's pleasure shall
be known. I have also in confinement one Patching, for-
merly of Connecticut, and lately very active against us.
What to do with these men I know not, unless the State will
take charge of them. The bearer, Captain Conklin, has
offered his services to cruise off Mont auk Point, to give
intelligence of the enemy's motions, if he can be furnished
with a swift -sailing vessel he has in his eye at New-London.
But the propriety of this I submit to your Honour's superiour
judgment.
I remain, with all respect, your Honour's most obedient,
humble servant, HENRY R LmNGSTON<
To His Honour Governour Trumbull, Esq., of the State of
Connecticut. New-London.
[Per Captain Conklin.']
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saybrook, September 8, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: I just now received
your favour by express. I was just going to Long-Island,
in order to prevent the people of Southold from swearing
allegiance. But would do as you advise, immediately
march my detachment to New-York, if I had not permitted
many of them to go for their homes, on Long-Island, in
order to bring off their families. They are to join me at this
place, as soon as they have effected this. I shall wait for
them three days, and then proceed to ,New-York, if no
reinforcement is sent to Long-Island, in the meanwhile.
I remain your Honour's most obedient, humble, servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Honour Governour Trumbull.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED BOSTON, SEPTEMBER 8, 1776.
Captain Proctor is confined in the common gaol in Hali-
fax, is treated most barbarously, and has been in irons ten
253
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
254
weeks on board the Mercury man-of-war. They threaten to
take away his life, but he despises their threats; all that he
wants is to meet his enemies in the field. He has been in
Halifax gaol about five weeks, together with Colonel
Allen, Mr. Lovell, and twenty-eight others.
CAPTAIN C. S. SMITH TO MATTHEW TILGHMAN.
Charles County, September 9, 1776.
SIR: As it is disagreeable to me to hold my commission
as Captain of the Militia any longer, I now return it to the.
Council of Safety, enclosed herein. My reason for so doing,
is, that the company seem to be discontented and getting
into confusion. I therefore would prefer standing in the
ranks as a common soldier.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
CHARLES S. SMITH.
To Matthew Tilghman, Esq.
Franklin, Mr. J. Adam, and Mr. E. Rutledge, for that
purpose, but not as private gentlemen, but as a Committee
of Congress ; whether or not he will receive them in that
capacity, is at present uncertain. They set off this day for
New- York.
Yesterday, was sent in here by the Sachem, Continental
vessel, a brig bound from Antigua to the British army.
She mounted six guns, and fought obstinately; killed three
men on board the Sachem; her loading said to be rum and
«sugar.
I hope before this our State has appointed another Dele-
gate in your stead. Pray hurry them forward as fast as
possible, as my very bad state of health hinders often our
State from being represented in Congress, though I attend
as much as possible.
I am, sir. your friend, JOSIAH BARTLETT.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee, September 9, 1776,
Present: S. Purviance, Chairman; Wm. Lux, Vice-Chair-
man ; T. Gist, J. Boyd, D. Shaw, J. Smith, W. Buchanan,
A. Buchanan, W. Wilkinson, T. Rutter, T. Sotters, A.
Brittain, B. Griffith, J. Calhoun, W. Aisquith.
Job Green having appeared before the Committee and
desired a passport to pass the Fort for the schooner Two
Brothers, now loaded with Bread and Flour intended for
the West-Indies, and the Committee being informed that
the said schooner was the same vessel which belonged to
Mr. James Clarke, and was then called the Sea-Flower,
demanded of Mr. Green whether he would make oath that
the said vessel was his own property before the time Mr.
Clarke was published as an enemy to his country; he an-
swered that he would not. The Committee therefore unani-
mously rejected a clearance for said vessel to pass the Fort,
the more especially as Mr. Green has refused to associate,
and has paid a fine of £10.
Hugh Finley .having applied for a mitigation of his fine,
declaring himself willing to enroll :
Ordered, That £5 be remitted on producing a certificate
from Captain Thomas Philips to that purpose.
Edmund Hogan's fine is remitted, he having made it
appear that he enrolled in April last.
The German Companies which were appointed by the
honourable Council of Safety to guard the Magazine and
Laboratory in Baltimore Town, being ordered to march, and
no directions given by the said Council about a guard, it
then became necessary for the Militia to undertake that
office, and accordingly, the Independent Company were
ordered on duty; this Committee considering the expense
that will accrue to the publick from a whole Company being
in pay, when a few only are necessary to do duty, and at
the same time being of opinion they had not authority to
undertake such a measure without the direction of the Coun-
cil of Safety, applied to Charles Carroll, Esq., one of that
honourable Board, for his concurrence therein, who, by his
letter recommends the measure. The Committee therefore
Resolve, To employ twelve men as a guard, and to pay
them 3s. 6d. per day for such service, and to be under the
command of an officer of the Militia; the said men to find
themselves — the officers to be paid as usual. Captain Henry
Shaafe is appointed to take the command, and release the
Independent Company immediately.
Attested: GEO. Lux, Secretary.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, September 9, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Yours of the 26th ultimo I have received,
and delivered the enclosed to Mr. Hancock. I perceive
you had not then received mine of the 12th, and am at a
loss to guess the reason. I wrote by the post, expecting it
would come to your hand before the arrival of Colonel
Whipple. His 'arrival has, no doubt, settled all difficulties.
Yours, by Commodore Manly, I have not received as yet.
The Congress have agreed to the exchange of Generals
Prescott and McDonald for Sullivan and Stirling; and
agreeable to Lord Howe's request for an interview with
some of the members of Congress, they have appointed Dr.
MRS. SUSANNA CONNOLLY TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
September 9, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I am sorry to be under the necessity of
giving you such repeated trouble, but my health has become
so infirm, that since I last wrote to you, I have not enjoyed
the satisfaction of one day's comfort ;< and the repeated
hysterical fits to which I am become subject, render me
truly miserable. I beg, gentlemen, you may be good
enough to acquaint the Congress of my distressed situation,
hoping they will permit me to return home, as I am
willing to come under any restriction that the gentlemen
may think proper to require of me. If the honourable
Congress think I may be any prejudice to them at Pitts-
burg, as I hear Mr. Morgan is in town, if the gentlemen
please to inquire of him. I hope, gentlemen, you will
not let this pass unnoticed, as my situation is truly dis-
tressing— the loss of my health and being obliged to live
in a prison. It's true gentlemen you do not desire me to live
there ; the allowance the gentlemen were pleased to make
for me, I find it impossible for me to get lodgings for that
sum in this City, as lodgings are now raised to a guinea per
week. Mr. Connolly's confinement prevents me from having
any assistance from him. I would with pleasure, gentlemen,
live in gaol if my health was not so impaired.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
SUSANNA CONNOLLY.
June 10, 1776.
SIR: As I expected from the nature of your letter tome,
that before now I should have been permitted to return
home, I patiently awaited your further orders ; but finding
no appearance answerable to my expectation, and uncon-
scious of having done anything to merit a detention here
from an only child, at an expense very enormous, I must
request the liberty of returning on next Monday. I am
ready to submit to any examination, or to come under any
restriction you may judge necessary ; but if I do not hear
from you before that time, I shall conclude that I have your
permission, and depart accordingly.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
SUKEY CONNOLLY.
To John Hancock, Esq.
PETITION OF LIEUTENANT ANDREW PEPIN, OF CANADA.
[Rend September 9, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.]
To the honourable the Continental Congress : The Petition
of ANDREW PEPIN, Lieutenant in Colonel LIVINGSTON'S
Regiment, in the service of the UNITED STATES in
CANADA, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner was Captain of Militia in Canada,
and on account of his zeal and attachment to the American
cause was noticed by General Montgomery, who gave him
his said commission of Lieutenant in the aforesaid regiment,
commanded by Colonel Livingston, which commission was
given the 20th of November, 1775. That your petitioner
has done all in his power to maintain and support the cause,
faithfully performing the several duties required of him.
That in consequence of his late petition to your Honours, he
has received his pay as Lieutenant to the 20th May last
past, for which he returns his grateful thanks. He now
begs leave to represent, that there is half a year's pay and
rations now due to him; that he has a wife and four small
255
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
256
children, one of them blind ; that he has been obliged to leave
his native place and possessions by reason of his zeal for
the United States ; is now destitute of many necessaries of
life, in a strange country, without any other support for
himself and family than the said pay of Lieutenant. That
he applied for a commission, but was informed no army is
to be kept up at present in Canada. That he is desirous
to serve in the American army, has been a long time on
expenses in Philadelphia ; and humbly prayeth your Honours
will be pleased to take into consideration the present,
deplorable and necessitous situation of your petitioner and
family, and make an order 'that the arrearages of his pay and
rations now due be paid to him, and grant him such other
encouragement and relief as to you in your wisdom shall
seem meet. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, Sic.
ANDREW PEPIN.
Philadelphia, September 9, 1776.
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE LANCASTER
COMMITTEE^1 -
In Council of Safety for tjr'3 "ave j^nnsylvania,
PhiladelplT them bring SJ776.
Messrs. James Craig and JameJ iployed
to manufacture cordage for the lBie«*HJtent to America,
an article very much wanted, and being appretfeut .?fc they
may meet with difficulty in procuring wagons to transport
hemp from the country to the rope-yards, we take the
liberty to request the favour of you, gentlemen, to afford
them all the assistance in your power, and if necessary, to
give them letters to any other Committees of Inspection
and Observation for same purpose. Those gentlemen will
furnish money for the payment of wagon hire.
By order of the Council :
THOS. WHARTON, JUN., President.
To the Committee of Inspection and Observation, Lancaster
County.
COLONEL BURD TO WILLIAM ATLEE.
Middletown, September 9, 1776.
SIR : In consequence of a letter from the Committee of
the County of Northumberland to us, which we herewith
transmit to you, as also a letter to us from Mr. John Harris,
we send you by Mr. Michael Sheever (our battalion mes-
senger) the two prisoners sent to us, viz: William Chattam
and James Parker. We make no doubt you will pay Mr.
Sheever and his party ; and we are with much esteem, gen-
tlemen, your most obedient servants,
GEORGE FRY,
ABRAHAM DORR,
Members of the Township Committee of Paxton.
SIR : I have provided a party as above, and am with
much respect, gentlemen, your most humble servant,
JAMES BURD.
To William Atke, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of
Lancaster County.
ROBERT FRUTE TO THE PAXTON (pENN.) COMMITTEE.
In Committee for Northumberland County,
September 5, Anno Domini 1776. ,
Whereas it appears that William Chattin and James
Parker, who are believed to be two of His Britannick
Majesty's soldiers, lately made prisoners at the surrender of
St. John's, have behaved themselves in such sort as to give
great uneasiness to the good people of this County, in pro-
viding themselves with arms, and making other prepara-
tions, which appeared to indicate some ill design ; and as the
attempts of evil-minded persons, either to instigate the In-
dians to acts of hostility, or to raise dissensions among the
inhabitants, may be attended with the most pernicious con-
sequences, this Committee are therefore of opinion that the
said William Chattin and James Parker be immediately
removed to Lancaster to the cojps to which they are sup-
posed to belong.
By order of the Committee :
ROBERT FRUTE, Chairman.
To the Committee of Paxton Township, or to any Com-
mittee in Lancaster County.
JOHN HARRIS TO GEORGE FRY.
Paxton, September 9, 1776.
SIR: The bearer, a Sergeant of Captain Parr's, has
two of the Regulars' soldiers prisoners, sent by the Com-
mittee of Northumberland County to the Committee of
Paxton Township. My advice to you and the other
members in town of said Committee, is to apply this day to
Colonel Burd for a guard of our Militia to escort them safe
to the Committee of Lancaster, delivering the paper signed
by the Chairman of their Committee containing their crime
or misbehaviour among the peaceable inhabitants of said
County. I make no doubt but that Colonel James Burd
will immediately order a proper guard at the publick expense,
and write the Chairman of the Committee of Lancaster
County, who will receive them and dispose of them prop-
erly. Prevail on the Sergeant to keep them in his custody
till you can get a guard ready to receive the said prisoners
from him. Show the Colonel this letter, with the paper
from Northumberland.
I am, sir, with esteem your very humble servant,
JOHN HARRIS.
To Mr. George Fry.
DISCHARGE OF PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATORS.
Head-Quarters, Perth-Amboy, September 9, 1776.
The officers and soldiers of Colonel Hart's battalion of
Pennsylvania Associators having done their duty as good
and orderly soldiers, and having furnished a company for the
Flying-Camp, are hereby discharged the service of the
Stales, and permitted to return home.
SAMUEL GRIFFIN, Deputy Adjutant-General.
To William Baxter, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel.
REGULATIONS FOR CARRYING THE PUBLICK MAILS.
" IN CONGRESS, August 30, 1776.
"Resolved, That the communication of intelligence with
frequency and despatch from one part to another of this
extensive Continent, is essentially requisite to its safety ;
that therefore there be employed on the several Post-Roads
a Rider for every twenty-five or thirty miles, whose business
it shall be to proceed to his stage three times in every week,
setting out immediately on receipt of the mail and travelling
with the same by night and by day, without stopping, until
he shall have delivered it to the next Rider ; and that the
Postmaster-General be desired, either by the use of way-
bills or by such other means as he shall find. most efficacious,
to prevent delays in the Riders, or to discover where they
happen, that such dilatory Riders may be discharged.
" And as it is requisite that the Deputy Postmasters should
attend with punctuality at their several offices for the receipt
and delivery of Letters:
"Resolved, That it be recommended to the Assemblies
and Conventions of these States, to consider how far it may
be consistent with the policy and good of their respective
States, to excuse such Deputy Postmasters from those pub-
lick duties which may call them from attendance at their
offices, and to proceed therein as to their wisdom shall seem
best.
" Extract from the Minutes :
"CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary."
New- York, September 9, 1776.
In consequence of the foregoing Resolution of Congress,
" for the more frequent and speedy communication of intel-
ligence," &c., William Goddard, Esquire, Surveyor of the
General Post-Office, arrived here on Saturday morning last,
on his way through the Northern States, in order to carry
into immediate execution that necessary and important busi-
ness.
We hear that the Deputy Postmaster of this city hath
received orders to remove his office immediately from
Dobbs'n Ferry to Head-Quarters ; so that the obstruction
that correspondence hath lately met with will now, in a great
measure, be removed.
New- York, September 9, 1776.
Since the retreat of our army from Long-Island, the
enemy have extended themselves a considerable length on
the shore bordering the Sound ; and on Tuesday a large
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
258
number of them landed on BlackwelTs Island, about three
miles from this city, but the shot from our Batteries soon
made them recross the river. On Wednesday a ship from
the fleet (supposed to be a frigate) passed between Govern-
our's Island and Red-Hook, and that night got up the
Sound abreast of the Island the enemy had been drove
from. When under cover of her guns, they the next day
again came over to it in large bodies. This brought on a
brisk cannonade for near two hours, in which the ship sus-
tained so great damage in her hull, &c., as obliged her to
move close in with the Long-Island shore for shelter from
our shot and bombs. At the same time of attack a firing
also began from the enemy's batteries on Long-Island oppo-
site the city, which was returned with such spirit by our
people in their fortresses at and about the ship-yards, that
they gave us little or no annoyance since from that quarter.
Several men-of-war now lie within gun-shot of our main
battery, and the greatest part of the fleet behind Govern-
our's Island, though they have lately had very favourable
winds to come up to the city, which gives us reason to think
they mean not to attack it by water till they know the suc-
cess of their forces in attempting to land on this Island.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO COLONEL MOYLAN.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 9, 1776.
SIR: His Excellency commands me to desire that you
would without loss of time set about preparing a sufficient
quantity of boards, scantling, and every material necessary
for the building of barracks at King's Bridge and the posts
thereabouts. His reasons for pressing you to exert yourself
at this time, are, that the North River, down which most
of the articles must come, is now entirely free from any
obstruction by the enemy, but how long that may continue
is uncertain. The season advances fast when it would be
impossible for the troops to lay in camp, even if they were
all supplied with tents, and had a sufficient stock of blankets
and other warm clothing ; but you well know that in the
article of tents, at least one-third part of the army are un-
provided, and those that we have are worn and bad : as to
bedding and other clothes, they are in a manner destitute.
We have every reason to fear and suppose, that the great
naval force of the enemy will oblige us to quit this city
whenever they please to make an attack upon it. We
must then depend upon barracks for shelter, and for that
reason his Excellency calls upon you and your deputies to
exert yourselves in the most strenuous manner, in collecting
such a stock of wood for the building, and brick or stone
and lime for the chimneys and ovens, as will enable you
in a short time to provide comfortable covering for the men
at the different posts. The commanding officers in con-
junction with the Engineers will fix upon the proper spots
for making the collection of materials, which will be nearest
the places where the barracks shall be erected.
I am, sir, by his Excellency's command, your most
obedient servant, TENCH TILGHMAN.
To Colonel S. Moylan, Quartermaster General.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO LORD HOWE.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 9, 1776.
MY LORD: I do myself the honour of transmitting to
your Lordship the enclosed letter, recommended to my care
by Dr. Franklin, and which just now came to hand.
If your Lordship shall incline to return an answer to Dr.
Franklin, and will honour me with the charge of it, I will
immediately forward it to him by express.
I am, my Lord, with the greatest respect, your Lord-
ship's, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Lord Viscount Howe.
pulsion I suppose, but more from inclination. As a diver-
sion upon the Island lias been impracticable under these
circumstances, I think you have done well in assisting the
removal of the persons and effects of our friends from
thence.
I observe, with great pleasure, that you have ordered the
remaining regiments of the Militia that can be spared from
the immediate defence of the sea-coast, to march towards
New- York with all expedition. I cannot sufficiently ex-
press my thanks, not only for your constant ready com-
pliance with every request of mine, but for your own
strenuous exertions and prudent forecast in ordering matters
so, that your force has generally been collected and put in
motion as soon as it has been demanded.
With respect to the Militia, both Horse and Foot, I am of
opinion that they will render us more service by rendez-
vousing at different places along the Sound, in Westchesler
County and thereabouts, than by coming directly to this
city. It will not only give the enemy, who are extending
their encampment up the Island, an idea of our force along
the coast, but if they should attempt a landing above
King's Bridge, they will be in readiness to join our force
about that place — the Horse particularly, whose rapid mo-
tion enables them to be in a short time at any point of
attack. Besides, the difficulty of procuring forage upon this
Island for any number of horses, is an objection to their
being stationed here. I fear the Militia, by leaving their
homes so suddenly, and in a manner unprepared for a long
absence, have sustained some injury. To this cause I must
impute, in a great measure, their impatience to return, and
the diminution of their numbers at this time to about two
thousand. Their want of discipline, the indulgences they
claim and have been allowed, their unwillingness, I may
add refusal, to submit to that regularity and order essential
in every army, infecting the rest of our troops more or less,
have been of pernicious tendency, and occasioned a good
•deal of confusion and disorder. But, sir, these things are
not peculiar to those from any one State ; they are common
to all Militia, and what must be generally expected ; for
men who have been free, and never subject to restraint or
any kind of control, cannot be taught the necessity, or be
brought to see the expediency, of strict discipline in a day.
1 highly approve of your plan and proposition for raising
such a naval force as will be sufficient to clear the Sound
of the enemy's ships-of-war. If Admiral Hopkins will
join you, I should suppose it not only practicable, but a
matter of certainty ; and if it can be effected, many valu-
able and salutary consequences must result from it. As to
drafting seamen from the Continental regiments, it cannot
be done, as their numbers have been reduced so low already
by taking men from them for the galleys, boats, and other
purposes, that some of them have hardly any thing left but
the name ; besides, I must depend chiefly upon them for a
successful opposition to the enemy. If it can be done out
of the Militia, I shall not have the least objection, and
heartily wish the enterprise, whenever attempted, may be
attended with all possible success. Secrecy and despatch
will be the most likely to give it a happy issue. The
enemy's ships can receive no reinforcements but such as go
round Long-Island. Our works at Hell-Gate preventing
their sending ships that way, they are sensible of their im-
portance, and yesterday opened two three-gun batteries to
effect their destruction, but as yet have not materially
damaged them ; and they must be maintained if possible.
I have the honour to be, &tc.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.
P. S. The more the Militia and Horse keep on the Sound
towards King's Bridge, the better, as they will be ready to
oppose any landing of the enemy, and also to receive orders
for reinforcing any posts on this side, in case of necessity.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 9, 1776.
SIR: I have the honour of your favour of the 5th instant,
and am sorry to say that, from the best information we have
been able to obtain, the people on Long-Island have, since
our evacuation, gone generally over to the enemy, and made
such concessions as have been required — some through com-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL MIFFLIN.
Head-Quarters, September 9, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: We understand that a number of
sloops, shallops and petiaugers are collected at or near your
post. As they are wanted here hourly, you will please to
order them down to call at this place for orders. I fear the
flat-bottomed boats will soon be in a bad condition unless
17
259
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
260
put under some good direction. Will you be also good
enough to do it? Tapper complains of the want of whale-
boats. You mentioned some being about King's Bridge.
Enable one or two to get down. The galleys might also
come nearer to us, except Stanter's, which is too heavy
for any thing else but to lay guard.
You will excuse my troubling you with these matters ,
but the masters of sloops, galleys, &c., will not obey the
orders given by the Quartermaster-General or myself, with-
out your driving them.
I am your most obedient servant, J. REKD.
To Brigadier-General Miffl-in.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL MIFFLIN.
Head-Quartern, 8 o'clock, P. M.
DEAR GENERAL: Colonel Sargent has just now informed
us, by express, that about four thousand men, attended by
a number of wagons, have marched down to the place from
which the troops embarked this morning, which came to
Barnes's or Buchanan's Island, and that they were landing
on these islands.
The General desires you would have your brigade in
readiness to turn out, and hopes that, agreeable to his letter
to-day, you have found a communication over Harlem
River.
You will please to despatch this intelligence to General
Heath, that his troops may be also ready to march, if neces-
sary, which, it is thought here, will be the case.
I am, in haste, your obedient, humble servant,
J. REED.
To Brigadier-General Mfflin.
The General further adds, that, at all events, the enemy
must be prevented gaining possession of the heights this
side of Harlem River, or the communication will be cut off.
The General is very anxious on the subject, but being very
much fatigued is gone to lie down. This depends much on
your vigilance and industry.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, New-York, Septembers, 1776,
8i o'clock, P. M.
SIR : I am to inform you, by his Excellency's command,
that all the Maryland troops that were here yesterday were
ordered to march to-day, and join those troops at King's
Bridge and its dependencies. Three companies more
arrived this evening, which are also ordered to march to-
morrow morning.
By a letter from Governour Trumbull, of the 5th instant,
his Excellency is informed that he had ordered such of the
remaining Militia regiments as could be spared from the im-
mediate defence of the sea coast, to march towards this place
with all expedition ; also, two regiments of Light-Horse, to
move forward and rendezvous above, near Westchester, for
the purpose of affording such succour as the exigency of our
affairs might require. His Excellency, conceiving that both
the Militia and the Horse would be most serviceable if placed
on the Sound and towards King's Bridge, where they might
be ready to oppose a landing, and to give their assistance as
it might be wanted, wrote to his Honour this morning to this
purpose. He would have you inquire if any of 'em are in
Westchester, or any where near King's Bridge, and take
such measures for regulating their motions and conduct as
may be most serviceable and beneficial, and most likely to
give the speediest aids in case of an attack.
His Excellency, judging it of exceeding importance that
the several roads leading from the rocks and points where
the enemy may make a landing towards King's Bridge
should be stopped and obstructed, wishes your particular
attention to be paid to the business, agreeable to his letter of
this morning.
Enclosed is a copy of a letter received from General
Nixon just now, which his Excellency directed to be trans-
mitted to you, that you may be on your guard in case the
enemy should have a design to attempt a landing to-night.
A copy is also enclosed for General Miflin, in the letter
directed to him, which you will immediately forward.
I am, in haste, very respectfully, sir, your humble servant,
ROBT. H. HARRISON.
To the Hon. Major-General Heath, at King's Bridge.
MAJOR VAN RENSSELAER TO GENERAL TEN BROECK.
Fort Constitution, September 9, 1776.
SIR: We are very much in want of thread and twine for
cartridges, and sheet lead for aprons for the guns. If any of
this thread or twine is to be had, I beg the favour of you to
assist those men, Andrew McFarlin and Thomas Preston,
to get them, for there is none to be had here.
By complying with the above request, you will much
oblige, sir, your humble servant,
HENRY VAN RENSSELAER, Major.
To Abraham Ten Broeck, Brigadier-General, FishkiU.
JOHN SCHENCK TO ABRAHAM YATES.
Poughkeepsie, September 9, 1776.
SIR: This is to inform you I am willing to undertake to
supply the garrison at the forts in the Highlands with such
articles as you may order, if they are to be had ; and, agree-
able to your request, shall attend you to-morrow morning, to
take my instructions.
I am, sir, with respect, your most obedient servant,
JOHN SCHENCK, Jun.
To Abraham Yates, Esq., President of the State Conven-
tion of New- York.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO NEW-YORK DELEGATES IN CON-
GRESS.
[Read September 20, 1776. Referred to Mr. Chase, Mr. Paine, and Mr.
Stockton.]
In Committee of Safety for the State of New-York, )
Fishkill, September 9, 1776. \
GENTLEMEN: Sensible of the great importance of the
posts in the Highlands, we have lately directed an inquiry
into their situation, which will appear from the enclosed
returns to be far from such as we could wish.
The necessity General Washington has of all the troops
that compose his army at New-York, prevented his sparing
to those fortresses sufficient garrisons, or the necessary stores.
What may be the fate of the country below the Highlands
is as yet uncertain, and may possibly depend on the event
of a single battle. Should these posts be properly secured,
we cannot but hope that the greater part of this State might
nevertheless be retained, and the communication between
the Northern and Southern States be by that means kept
up; for which reason we wish you to call the attention of
the Congress to an object of whose importance they have
always been sensible, and to ask a proper supply of stores.
We have already afforded them all in our power to supply.
Fire-ships would be of great use; yet for want of materials
we are unable to proceed in preparing them. Seamen can-
not be procured here to man our armed vessels without the
greatest delay and difficulty, unless drafted from the army;
perhaps they may be got at Philadelphia.
By the enclosed resolves, you will find that we have
endeavoured to reinforce the garrison in the Highlands. As
these men were all taken from the plough, we are very
anxious to have them relieved as soon as the circumstances
of the Continent will admit.
We have borrowed of the State of Connecticut twenty
pieces of cannon — ten twelve and ten six-pounders — for
the forts. We wish they were heavier, but we fear this
deficiency cannot be supplied ; and therefore must endeavour
to do without them.
You will find by the enclosed resolves that we have taken
measures to increase the number of our field artillery.
You will be mindful to transmit us every publick resolve
of Congress, and at least one of the Pennsylvania Gazettes
every week.
We remain, gentlemen, your very humble servants.
By order: ABM. YATES, JUN., President.
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York,
Fishkill, September 7, 1776.
The Committee appointed the 2d instant to visit and
examine into the state of Forts Montgomery and Constitu-
tion, in the Highlands, laid before the Convention returns
from different officers at those fortresses, showing the con-
dition and wants of the respective garrisons ; from which,
and the report of the Committee, (among other things,) it
appears that there are at present no more troops in the
261
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
262
Highlands than seven hundred and sixty-four men, whereof
three hundred and ninety-eight are at Fort Montgomery, and
two hundred and sixteen at Fort Constitution — that the
troops consist of Militia of the State, excepting five com-
panies of the New-York Continental Battalion.
That to render Fort Constitution tenable, the West Point,
which commands it, ought to be fortified.
That considerable progress is made in fortifying an advan-
tageous eminence on the western shore, a little to the south
of Fort Montgomery, and within the reach of cannon ; but
is still incomplete.
That the remaining part of the said troops, being one
hundred and fifty, are employed in erecting works on the
east side of the river, being about three miles below Fort
Montgomery, at a place called Red-Hook, near Peekskill,
which are well calculated to prevent the enemy's landing
and becoming master of the Highlands opposite to Fort
Montgomery,
That Brigadier-General James Clinton, commanding at
the said fortress, informed the Committee that, exclusive of
the post of Red-Hook, an augmentation of one thousand
men was requisite for completing and defending the fortress
under his direction ; and earnestly requested that the Con-
vention would immediately procure such reinforcement, as
well as the several articles of ammunition, stores, and neces-
saries hereafter specified, of which he stood in the utmost
need.
This Convention having duly considered the said repre-
sentation and requisition, and well knowing how much the
safety of this State, as well as the success of the united
efforts of this oppressed Continent in the defence of our
common liberties, must depend on maintaining the posses-
sion of the Hudson River, and guarding it against the
invasion which is to be apprehended from the enemy ; con-
sidering at the same time, the little probability that it can at
present be in the power of his Excellency General Wash-
ington to detach for this service any of the army which is
employed in opposing the progress of the enemy in the
southern parts of this State: the Convention, under these
circumstances, must again have recourse to the good people
of this State ; not doubting but that, inspired by a virtuous
love for their country, they will, on an occasion so pressing,
and at a period when their lives, their liberties, and every
temporal blessing are in imminent danger, stand forth with
zeal and alacrity in the greatest and best of causes ; There-
fore,
Resolved, That six hundred men be, with all possible
despatch, detached from the Militia of this State, and sent
to the Forts Montgomery and Constitution, as a reinforce-
ment to those garrisons.
That one hundred and fifty men from that part of the
County of Albany which is within and to the southward of
the Manor of Rensselaerwyck, including the City of Albany ;
one hundred and seventy-five men from the County of
Dulchess; two hundred men from the County of Ulster,
and seventy-five men from that part of the County of
Orange which lies above the mountains — all exclusive of
commissioned officers — be immediately detached by ballot,
and march to augment the garrisons at Forts Montgomery
and Constitution.
Resolved, That the above reinforcement continue in ser-
vice two months after their arrival at the said fortresses, and
that this Convention will discharge them sooner in case
sufficient garrisons of Continental troops shall be ordered to
and arrive at those forts before the expiration of the said
two months ; and that the Militia so drafted shall be entitled
to the same pay and rations as are allowed to the Conti-
nental troops.
Resolved, That the above levies be formed into Com-
panies, in the following manner, viz : Those from the County
of Ulster into three companies, and those from Albany and
Dutchess respectively into two companies each, and those
from the County of Orange into one company; and that
each company have one Captain, two Lieutenants, four
Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, and one Fifer.
That the said reinforcement shall be formed into one Bat-
talion, to be commanded by a Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel,
and Major, to be appointed by this Convention. That a
Surgeon, Adjutant, and Quartermaster, shall be appointed
for the said battalion ; the first by the Convention, and the
last two by the Colonel.
That the Captains and Subalterns be appointed by the
Field Officers of the Regiments of Militia in each respective
County from which the quotas are to be raised, out of the
Militia officers, having regard to their ranks, and the dates
of their commissions, if a sufficient number of such are willing
to serve, if not, that they shall be at liberty to appoint such
others as they may think properly qualified ; and that the
non-commissioned officers be appointed by the Captain of
each company under whom they are to serve.
Resolved, That each non-commissioned officer and private
shall provide himself with a good musket or firelock, bayo-
net or tomahawk ; a blanket and knapsack ; and every six men
with a pot or camp kettle ; and that one penny per mile be
allowed to each non-commissioned officer and private during
their march, for subsistence-money; and one day's pay for
every twenty miles between their respective houses and
rendezvous, going and returning.
And to the intent that the Levies so raised may not be
unfurnished with arms, the Committees in the different
Townships and Districts in the said Counties, and the Col-
onels of the respective regiments are hereby authorized and
empowered to furnish all such as have not arms, by taking
them from those who are not drafted, and such other persons
in the Districts as have arms; the same being valued by the
Committee of each District, the amount of such valuation
hereafter to be paid to the proprietors of said arms, restored
in the same order to their former proprietors.
Resolved, That fifty spades, fifty wood-axes, fifty pick-
axes, twenty-four shovels, twenty-five bill-hooks, two thou-
sand pounds weight of lead, one thousand pounds weight of
langrage, one thousand round and bar-shot for nine-pound-
ers, fifty set of cast-iron carriage-wheels for cannon, one
thousand pounds weight of nails for building barracks, one
thousand round of six-pound ball and grape shot, three sets
of men's harness for drawing cannon, thirty pounds of twine
and twelve pounds of thread for cartridges, and one armourer,
with the tools of his business, be immediately procured and
forwarded to Fort Montgomery ; and that John Schenck be
appointed an agent for that purpose, with authority to draw
on the Treasurer for a sum not exceeding twenty-five hun-
dred dollars, for which he shall keep and render an exact
account.
In Committee of Safety for the State of New-York, I
Fishkill, September 10, 1776. J
Colonel Livingston informed the Committee that the fol-
lowing articles mentioned in General James Clinton's return
of necessaries for Forts Montgomery and Constitution are
in store at Fishkill landing, and may be ordered out to
Mr. John Schenck, for the Forts. Thereupon the following
order was unanimously made, and signed by the President,
viz:
Please to deliver to Mr. John Schenck out of the stores in
your custody, the following articles for the use of the Forts
Montgomery and Constitution, taking his receipt for the
same: Twenty-five spades, twenty-five bill-hooks, twelve
shovels, five thousand pounds weight of lead; delivering first
all the lump lead in store, and the residue in ball and buck-
shot, and seven skeins or balls of thread.
ABM. YATES, JUN., President.
To Nathaniel Socket, Esq.
The following Order was given to Mr. John Schenck for
supplying the Fortifications, in the stead of the Order made
by the Convention, on the 7th instant, the copy whereof
Mr. Schenck returned :
SIR: You are requested, with all despatch, to procure the
undermentioned articles for the use of the garrisons of Forts
Montgomery and Constitution, and as soon as they are ready,
to send them to Brigadier-General James Clinton, com-
mander at the said garrisons, taking his receipt for the
same, viz:
An Armourer, with all his tools complete.
50 wood-axes, 25 spades, 25 mattocks.
13 shovels, 20 wheelbarrows.
1,000 Ibs. weight of 6 Ib. iron shot, > one-half of each
1,000 Ibs. weight of 9 Ib. do. 5 double-headed.
3,000 Ibs. weight of grape-shot from 4 to 6 ounces.
50 sets of great gun carriage-wheels.
32 thousand bricks — 10 thousand shingles.
700 weight of bar iron — 25 Ibs. blistered steel.
400 weight of lOd nails — 300 weight of 20d nails.
263
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
264
7,000 feet of three-inch oak plank.
20 hogsheads lime.
2,000 tacks — 24 sheep-skins.
1 large magazine lock — 2 pair shears.
A quantity of oil and paints to paint the carriages.
1 dozen of flat and half-round files — 1 dozen 39 square, do.
— 2 large sledges — 2 hand-vices — 10 broad-axes — 10
hand-saws — 10 hammers — 5 iron squares — 2 dozen
nail gimblets — 6 pair compasses — 5 sets of framing
chisels and augers— -6 spike gimblets — 2 sets of match-
planes for 1 and 1£ inch plank — 10 Ihs. of twine.
By order: ABM. YATES, JUN., President.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 16: Referred to Board of War.
Albany, September 9, 1776.
SIR: At half past ten this morning 1 received a letter
from General Gates, [of September 6,] copy whereof I do
myself the honour to enclose.
As it is most probable that the enemy are attempting to
cross the Lake, I have therefore thought it necessary to
apply to the neighbouring Counties of the New-England
States, and those of Ulster and Dutchess in this, to order
their Militia to march up. As soon as they arrive, I shall
either move with that part which may go to the northward,
or with those to the westward, as may be most necessary.
Further information from General Gates and Colonel Day-
ton must determine me.
What cartridge paper his Excellency General Washing-
ion could spare, he has sent me. It arrived here on the 2d
instant, was sent forward on the 3d, and arrived at Fort
George on the 5th, and was probably forwarded from thence
on the 6th.
I am informed that the army is in the greatest distress for
medicines and hospital stores. As every misfortune and want
they labour under is imputed to me, so is this. If I had not
been able to foresee a scarcity of medicine, it ought not to
be imputed to me as a crime ; but Congress has it in their
power to exculpate me, as they will find by a retrospect to
my letter of the 10th of February last.
It is a duty I owe to myself, as well as my country, that
I should not continue any longer in an office so much
envied me, and in which I have suffered so much. I am
therefore under the necessity of acquainting Congress that I
shall resign my commission as soon as I return from Ticon-
deroga or Tryon County, not to prevent, but to insist on
the most critical examination of my conduct. In this
alarming day I shall find sufficient occasion to evince how
unjustly my character has suffered, and that, as I have ever
been the friend to my country, I will live and die so.
Permit me to assure Congress of the indispensable neces-
sity of having a General officer at this place. If there
remained one in the service who had not enlarged and
liberal sentiments, I should not hesitate to beg that he might
not be sent here.
I am, sir, with every respectful sentiment, your most
obedient, humble servant, PH. SCHTJYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
medicines. As every misfortune and want they labour
under is imputed to me, so is this. I am heartily tired of
abuse, and was in hopes that Congress would have ordered
an inquiry into my conduct. I requested it most earnestly
on the 16th of last month, but have not yet been honoured
with an answer. I will no longer suffer the publick odium,
since I have it most amply in my power to justify myself,
and shall therefore resign my commission as soon as I return
from Ticonderoga or Tryon County. Of this I shall advise
Congress, that orders may be given for a General officer to
reside in this place, without which the service will suffer.
But in doing this, I shall never forget the duty I owe to my
country, and if I can, by advice or any other means, pro-
mote the weal of it, none will do it with more alacrity.
I am, dear sir, with every sentiment of esteem and res-
pect, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHTJYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 9, 1776—11 o'clock, A. M.
DEAR GENERAL : Half an hour ago, your letter of the
6th instant was delivered me. I shall immediately write to
every quarter for the Mililia to come up, and as soon as any
of them arrive order them to march to you, and shall either
conduct them myself, or march with part of them into
Tryon County.
Two hogsheads of cartridge paper left this on the 3d
instant, and which I hope has reached you. Not a sheet
of any kind is to be procured here.
I hope General Arnold will give a good account of the
enemy ; but if he should unfortunately be drove back, I
trust they will meet with a drubbing from you. God grant
us success.
Pray give me the most early advice, that, if it is not
necessary for the Militia to move up, they may be dismissed
the soonest possible, as they are much wanted at home to
get in their seed for their winter wheat.
Expresses should be sent by the way of Skenesborough
to stop the Militia from New-England. Adieu.
I am, dear sir, most sincerely, your obedient, humble
servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 9, 1776.
DEAR SIR : At half after ten this morning I received a
letter from General Gates, copy whereof 1 enclose your
Excellency.
As it is most probable that the enemy are attempting to
cross the Lake, I have therefore thought it necessary to
apply to the neighbouring Counties of the New-England
States, and those of Ulster and Dutchess in this, to order
their Militia to march up. As soon as they arrive, I shall
either move with what part may go to the northward, or
with those to the westward, as may be most necessary.
This can, however, only be determined by further intelli-
gence from General Gates and Colonel Dayton, which I
momently expect to receive.
The cartridge paper arrived here on the 2d instant, was
sent forward on the 3d, and arrived at Fort George on the
5th, at night, and was probably forwarded from thence on
the 6th.
I am informed that the army is in the greatest distress for
GENERAL SCHDTLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 9, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The bearer, Colonel Pclissiere, is appointed
an Engineer in the Army of the United States. His Excel-
lency General Washington has directed him to me to be
employed in the Northern Department. He now goes to
put himself under your command.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant.
PH. SCHUYLEH.
To the Hon. General Gates, &.c.
H. GLEN TO WALTER LIVINGSTON.
Schenectady, September 9, 1776.
DEAR SIR: This moment received a letter from Captain
Eisenford, who writes at the desire of the commanding-
officer, Colonel Elmore, at the German-Flats, to send
some pork and salt; complains of the soldiers getting sick of
the fresh meat. I have had several applications for pork.
If you have any, pi-ay send some over, and will forward it ;
and if there is none, let me know, that I may acquaint them
what they have to depend on in regard to the pork. I
would be glad to know if I must send any flour to Johnston,
and what quantity.
Yours, &c., H. GLEN.
To Walter Livingston, Esq., Deputy Commissary -General.
Albany.
GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL HARTLEY.
Tyonderoga, September 9, 1776.
SIR : I have just now received your letter of last night,
and arn entirely at a loss what to believe in regard to the
fleet. Your conjecture of the firing on Thursday being at or
near the White-House, is the most probable, as it was a
265
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
266
post the enemy were not unlikely to endeavour to possess.
I cannot think it possible any accident could have happened
to the whole fleet, so as to cut off their communication with
us, and if any extraordinary blow has been struck by either
side, General Arnold would have sent a report. I exceed-
ingly approve of your vigilance to get intelligence, and am
certain you will send me the earliest you can procure of
every thing that has passed upon the Lnke.
Enclosed is all the news I know. Neither General Schuy-
ler nor myself have had a line from General Washington. I
shall give you the first authentick account I receive.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley.
P. S. Pray send the oar-cutters, with all their oars, as
soon as possible.
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES.
Isle-aux-Motte, September 9, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Your favour of the 5th instant was
delivered me this minute by Colonel Wigglesworth ; the
intelligence it contains is truly important. I shall wait with
the greatest anxiety for the particulars, though the loss is
great on our side. If the enemy have been repulsed, and
suffered the loss of three thousand men killed, the number
of their wounded is doubtless much greater, and must so
much weaken and discourage them that they will hardly
make another attack this season ; and time must gain us a
victory. I am extremely glad you have sent Colonel
Wigglesworth ; lie is a gentleman of whom I have a good
opinion. The master of the Royal Savage is ill with the
fever and ague. I shall observe your directions very
particularly. I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing
General Waterbury and the three galleys. I think the
station we are in the best in the Lake to stop the enemy ;
there is not a good harbour, except where the Lake is wide,
until you come to Button-Mould Bay, thirteen miles this
side Crown-Point. Here I think we are very safe from
gales of wind; the anchorage good, and several small
harbours in the vicinity where the gondolas will ride safe
from any wind that blows. I have sent you Robert Atkins,
an experienced pilot, to bring down the galleys, and have
given him particular directions.
I am heartily obliged to you for your good wishes, and
make no doubt the Almighty will crown our virtuous
struggles with success.
I am, with respect and esteem, your affectionate and
obedient, humble servant,
B. ARNOLD.
To Major-General Gates.
P. S. I wrote you fully last night by Lieutenant Brooks ;
and now send by Major (freer twenty-two sick men, exclu-
sive of fifteen of Captain Alexander's company.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO COLONEL LIVINGSTON.
Lebanon, September 9, 1776.
SIR: The almost constant vicissitude in affairs I find
obliges us to alter our measures, and before I had received
yours of yesterday, and in consequence of information and
application from Captain Leffingwett, I have ordered his
company, with such a number as was thought proper from
Colonel Westcott's, at New-London, immediately to repair
to Long-Island, to coftperate with you in such measures
as may be thought proper to interrupt or obstruct the designs
of the enemy there. You will, therefore, instead of pro-
ceeding to New-York, in consequence of my last advice,
for the present join your troops and those I have sent forward,
on Long-Island, and pursue every measure there to obstruct
the designs of the enemy in that quarter. It is expected
that General Washington will still give some diversion to
the enemy on Long-Island. You will I dare say do every
thing in your power there, till further advice, unless you find
yourself obliged to retire to the mainland again. You will
give us advice of every important appearance, and any
assistance in our power will be afforded. Our Militia are
forwarding towards New- York, but will not be out of the
way to throw across to Long-Island, if the General thinks
proper.
May success attend your spirited endeavours; and am,
with sincere regard, your humble servant,
J. TRUMBULL.
To Colonel Livingston.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO COLONEL LIVINGSTON.
Lebanon, September 9, 1776.
SIR: Since writing to you this day. received another of
your favours without date, giving intelligence of some
surprising conduct of the people on the east end of Long-
Island relative to the present contest, as also of your having
two persons in custody, who are suspected to have acted
inimical to the interests of America. I can recollect nothing
of importance to add to what I wrote to-day before, save
only with regard to the two persons you mention which you
have in custody. Those two persons you will deliver to the
Committee of Inspection for the town of Saybrook, who are
directed to examine them relative to the aforesaid conduct,
and, if they find sufficient cause, to send one or both of them
to the Committee of the town of Colchester, to be detained
there upon their parole till further orders. Have enclosed
an order to the Committee of Saybrook, which you will
please to deliver accordingly.
I am, with esteem, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
J. TRUMBULL.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Henry B. Livingston.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.
Lebanon, September 9, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The vast importance of preventing the Min-
isterial Army taking the benefit of the stock on Long-Island,
and availing themselves of the advantages of that post — assist-
ing such of the inhabitants to remove, with their effects, who
are disposed for it, and prevent their total seduction — I appre-
hend are matters of more consequence to the common cause
thau we can easily imagine. To dislodge that army front
Long-Island, and destroy the two ships and tenders in the
Sound, which at present prevent supplies that way by water
to our army, might, at one blow, in a great measure relieve
our bleeding country from its impending danger. How far
it would be practicable, or what measures are proper to take
at this alarming crisis, is matter of serious concern with
us. It's supposed here, that in case an attempt should be
made to collect a force at the east end of Long-Island,
remove stock, fee., a number of whale-boats would be abso-
lutely necessary to transport troops, stores, supplies, &c., as
they might avoid all the vessels of force the enemy might
send to obstruct us. I am informed that a large number of
whale-boats that belong to the Continent are at and near
Boston, and might be used for this important service. We
have but very few with us. I am also informed that a regi-
ment is ordered from you to Providence, to replace the
Continental battalion removed from the State of Rhode-
Island ; and whether your regiment could not come in the
Awhale-boats to Providence, carrying them across the land
at Buzzard's Bay, is, I apprehend, worthy of your consid-
eration, and to be executed without delay.
We are equipping what naval force we have, with all pos-
sible expedition. We-are exerting ourselves, and desirous
to unite our whole strength with the other States in our
common cause. I don't doubt of your utmost attention
and most vigorous exertions therein. Must entreat your
answer to this, and such other measures as you judge may
be beneficial. I have communicated to Governour Cooke
on the subject.
I am, with great truth and esteem, gentlemen, your most
obedient, humble servant, JONTH. THUMBULL.
To the Hon. Assembly of the State of Massachusetts.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September 9, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour, his Honour the
Deputy Governour; Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huiitington,
Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, William Hil/house, Nathaniel
Wales, Jim., Benjamin Huntington. Esquires.
Voted, To give, and accordingly gave, orders to Captain
267
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
268
Zebediah Smith, master of the prize-schooner Elizabeth
and Hannah, (now at Newport,") lately taken and sent in
by the armed schooner Spy, to embrace the first fair wind
and weather, when the coast is clear of the enemy, and
proceed with said prize to New-London, and up to Nor-
wich, and take the necessary steps to procure a legal con-
demnation to be passed thereon as soon as may be.
Voted and Resolved, That one of the Committee of
Pay-Table be appointed to receive, out of the Treasury, a
sufficient sum of money to pay the twenty shillings to each
man of the Militia now ordered to march towards New-
York, and repair with the same to New-Haven, and then
pay to the Colonel or chief officer of each regiment the
sum of twenty shillings for each man his regiment shall con-
sist of, taking his receipt for the same: the said sum to be
paid over by such Colonel or chief officer to the soldiers of
his regiment — that is to say, twenty shillings to each soldier;
and his Honour the Governour is desired to write to the
Committee of Pay-Table, and give them orders accord-
ingly.
Voted, That Mr. Martin Levingwell be, and he is here-
by, directed to deliver out to the Selectmen of Norwich the
Arms contained in a chest of Arms left in his care, last Spring,
by one Mr. Lay, of Lyme — taking care to have them prized,
and a particular account of the price, mark, and number of
each gun, cartouch-box, &.C., and to whom delivered in the
present service for which said arms are now taken, with the
marks heretofore sent. It is directed that the Selectmen of
t'ie towns proceed upon the usual plan for furnishing the
men now ordered to march; and that those men who have
balls for their own guns make use of them.
Voted, That Messrs. Elderkin and Wales be desired to
send forward one ton of the Connecticut Powder in their
possession, to the care of Colonel Jonathan Fitch, of New-
Haven, for the use of the publick.
Voted, That the two Prisoners in the hands of Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Livingston, at Saybrook, if on examination
they are found culpable, be committed to the care of the
Committee of Inspection at Saybrook, and by them con-
veyed to the care of the Committee of Inspection at Col-
chester, to be kept on their parole, or in such way as they
find most convenient, until further orders.
Hartford, September 9, 1776.
The Standing Militia of this State, together with the
Troop of Light-Horse on the east side of Connecticut
River, are ordered to march, with the utmost expedition, to
Westchester, near New-York, where it is imagined the
enemy will make an attempt to land from Long-Island.
JABEZ HUNTINGTON TO COLONEL LIVINGSTON.
New-London, September 9, 1776.
SIR : Yours of yesterday came to hand per Mr. Franks,
and in answer to the contents was desired by the Com-
mittee to signify their advice for your troops not to proceed
to New-York for the present, as we are in hopes of a requi-
sition to act in conjunction with a force from Rhode-Island,
where your troops will be most useful, as you are best
acquainted with the advantages to be taken of the ground
in any operations there. In the mean time, transports are
going, and some gone, from here with guards on board to
assist the Islanders in removing themselves and effects ; and
no doubt many will take the same measures from the vicinity
of Saybrook, in which case we think your prudence will
suggest the expediency of what assistance you can afford
them in that design.
I am, with esteem, your humble servant,
JABEZ HUNTINGTON.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO SAMUEL CHEW.
Providence, September 9, 1776.
SIR : I received yours, and now acquaint you that I had
directions from the Marine Board to offer you the command
of a schooner which they made no doubt was in New-
London, and directed Mr. Shaw, their agent there, to pre-
serve her, which can't be done, as the schooner is gone.
If Mr. Shaw procures any other in her room, shall fit her
out ; but I have no orders to buy a vessel myself, that mat-
ter being entrusted to their agent, Mr. Shaw. If any thing
offers, shall acquaint you. I shall be at New-London in a
few days, when I shall be able to inform you with more
certainty. In the mean time, I am your humble servant,
ESEK HOPKINS.
To Captain Samuel Chew, at New-Haven.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO NATHANIEL SHAW.
Providence, September 9, 1776.
SIR : I received yours, ^md desire you will supply Captain
Hacker with every thing that may be necessary to enable
him to get with despatch his vessel ready to cruise. As to
purchasing the schooner you best can tell, as you had direc-
tions in procuring the vessel. My instructions are to man
her and order her where to cruise. I have no orders to buy
or to direct any other person to buy ; perhaps you would do
well to write to the Marine Committee for orders in that
matter, as I believe they had no apprehension of any war-
like vessel, guns, or stores of any kind being sold without
their especial orders so to do. I expect to come to New-
London soon.
Am, sir, your humble servant, ESEK HOPKINS.
To Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Agent for the Continental
Fleet at New-London.
4
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO HOYSTEAD HACKER.
Providence, September 9, 1776.
SIR: I received yours of the 5th instant, and observe
that you think your vessel is in bad order. If it is neces-
sary, direct you as soon as possible to grave or clean the
brig and fit her for the sea, with five or six months' provis-
ions on board. Mr. Shaw will supply you with every^ thing
necessary. I shall come to New-London soon and give
some directions about filling up your officers.
I am your friend, ESEK HOPKINS.
To Hoystead Hacker, Esq., Commander of the Hampden,
at New-London.
COLONEL DIKE TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Dorchester, September 9, 1776.
Agreeable to the orders of Major Ward, I send you an
Indian fellow supposed to be a Spy from Canada. He
says he was sent by Carleton to view Boston, Dorchester
Point, and Nantasket. One of my soldiers says he saw
this same Indian at Quebeck \sslApril, and he was dressed
as one of their Chiefs. Said soldier will be able to give your
Honours a more full account. Two men belonging to
Milton say that they saw said Indian at Charlestons,
Number-Four, about a month ago.
All which is humbly submitted to your Honours by your
humble servant, NICHOLAS DIKE, Colonel.
To the honourable Council of the Colony of Massachusetts-
Bay.
Dorchester, September 8, 1776.
A Declaration of Constant Church, an Indian belonging to
the Conet Tribe, eight miles from Quebeck, now under
Colonel Dike's Quarter-Guard.
The said Church says he left Quebeck after our army
retreated to Montreal; that he is one of their Chiefs ; that
Carleton has agreed with the Conet Tribe to join his army,
to give one dollar per man per day for scalping, and five
dollars per scalp, and to kill all, both Tory and Whig, that
will not join his army, and also women and children ; and
also to burn houses and barns and kill their cattle. Said
Church also says that he was to come down by Onion
River, and then on by Number-Four, and so on to Boston
and the Castle and Nantasket, and then to return by Cohos
to Quebeck. And also that Carleton was to drive our army
to Albany, and the Indians were to come on our back settle-
ments and kill, scalp, and destroy. The said Indian can
act better than he will act before any body of men. The
said Indian says that he was taken up at Number-Four,
but they got nothing from him. Said Indian also says that
he was sent by the Governour of Quebeck down to Boston
about two years past.
RD. O. LYMAN, Captain.
269
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
270
State of Massachusetts-Ray, >
Council-Chamber, September 9, 1776. )
To the Keeper of the Gaol in CAMBRIDGE in the County of
MIDDLESEX :
You are hereby ordered and directed to receive into your
custody Bill, alias Constant Church, an Indian, supposed to
be a Spy sent from Canada, and him safely keep in close
confinement till the further order of the major part of the
Council.
In the name and by order of the Council :
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
M. DE BERRUJER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Boston, September 9, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: In the quality of a French officer I have
the honour of addressing myself to you to reclaim the equity
in the circumstance which I find myself.
I shall have the honour to inform you that I had been
sick for the space of six months in the French Cape. I
then did decide it to come to New-England to establish my
health. In consequence I did buy in company of two of
my friends a sloop, which we did load to come to North
America. We were under sail, and after we had been forty
leagues at sea we sprung a leak, making five feet water in
her hold in an hour. Being that distance from St. Domingo
so we were not able to reach Cape Nicola Mole then. At
that time we were forced always to come to this place in
order to establish my health. I did then at sea, finding
myself in danger, embark sundry goods and merchandise
on board of an English vessel bound to Piscataqua; and as
my health is repaired, I have bought a vessel at Piscata-
qua, being a small brig, which I ordered to be got ready for
my departure for St. Domingo, to continue in my former
service, and am now informed of the embargo for all ship-
ping, for which reason it leaves me in a critical circumstance.
Seeing that my conjecture is expired, besides I fear that
war will be declared in France against England, which
bears a true resemblance, as I was informed before I came
away from France ; besides one of my friends Monsieur Le
Chevalier Delatouch, who commands a man-of-war at St.
Domingo, who showed me a letter which he had received
from his father who desired him to return to Old France im-
mediately, which shows that there are appearances of war in
France, being that there are orders to arm several vessels
and frigates ; in consequence of which he must go to France
to exchange his ship, his not being capable to go or fight.
This news ought to be believed, finding that the father of
said officer is commander of the department Ftochefort.
So you'll be pleased to consider each day that I stay from
my duty will do me great damage, whereas if I should not
find myself there in time of war I should be deprived to
continue in my service, and in consequence I shall be at the
King's displeasure, which I may expect if I am not there
immediately, after serving twenty-seven years, although I
am but thirty-six years old.
I believe, sir, that you would wish that I might return to
France, and beg the permission to order my vessel may go,
to which effect I have the honour to address you my request
in company of the gentlemen of the Congress, in which I
flatter myself you'll be favourable tome. My acknowledg-
ment will be forever even as my sentiments, in consideration
and respect with which I shall have the honor to be
Your Honour's most humble servant,
DE BERRUYER, Dunourouy,
Officier des troupes de St. Domingue.
ELEAZER RUSSELL TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF
SAFETY.
Portsmouth, September 9, 1776.
HONOURABLE SIR: By mistaking the time of the court's
sitting, I am rather late in mentioning fees for the maritime
office.
As no fees were ordered by authority, I did not care to
act my own judgment in the case ; therefore asked the opin-
ion of several merchants on the articles in the enclosed list,
and upon their advice have hitherto acted, at the same time
keeping an exact account of what I have taken from each
pei-son, and promising, if the honourable court shall fix the
fees lower, to return the overplus.
From wood coasters, (which is the bulk of the business at
present,) I have taken only one shilling and sixpence for a
pass, and that because the authority of the forts should be
kept up, and proper submission made to them.
There has been but one foreign vessel cleared since my
appointment, and the owners, who were present, said the
fees were not enough, and offered me more.
The coasting fees are one-quarter part of what was for-
merly taken by the King's officers, and the foreign not more
than one-fifth part.
In the Massachusetts State no offices are yet fixed, and
some of their coasters have murmured at these fees being so
high. One or two of our men, who had run for some time
without order, have also thought hard of paying any thing.
I ardently wish to be instructed on the matter, in order to
proceed without blame.
Far be it from me to utter any thing that may bear the
air of dictating, and yet duty to those who appointed me
strongly urges that I should offer some thoughts for consid-
eration, especially as my stand in life has given me an insight
into the affairs of office, and an opportunity of observing the
conduct of those who nave rioted on the spoils of trade.
I have ever thought it unreasonable that an individual
should grow rich upon the labours of the publick, and yet
an equivalent may be expected for a person's devoting his
whole time to a service. Fees that would now give a bare
decent living, would be too high if trade should return to its
natural flow, and exorbitant if it should be double what it
was seven years past ; and yet a difficulty would attend their
being fixed too low now. Such are the humours of man-
kind that innovations are ever disagreeable, and in this case
it might be much better to reduce than to enlarge.
At present, and perhaps for some time, one person may
easily do the duty of the maritime office, and 1 honestly
declare that fees which numbers of people might despise
would perfectly satisfy me.
Should trade return to the course it had five or seven
years ago, I'm sure from experience that the whole time of
two persons would be scarce sufficient to go through the
business. Then it may be proper for the profits to be such
that the officer might pay a deputy or clerk, rather than
return to -the old, erroneous track, of multiplying officers, or
paying them out of any revenue that may be collected.
Would it not be better that one list of fees should answer
for the whole Continent? There ever was a murmuring
when they were higher in one place than another. I should
prefer their being rather lower than here.
There formerly has been, and is now, some uneasiness
that a vessel of ten tons should pay as one of an hundred.
This I submit, after mentioning that there is the same ex-
pense of paper, and often more time, in doing the business
of the smaller. The case seems similar to going through
the courts to recover a debt of ten pounds or a hundred
pounds.
I have made no mention in the enclosed list of endorsing
registers as often as vessels change their masters, or of can-
celling or filing bonds, both which occasion considerable
writing.
If I have erred in offering my thoughts, it's being from a
sense of duty I hope will expiate the fault; and am, hon-
ourable sir, your most obedient and dutiful humble servant,
E. RUSSELL.
To the Hon. Meshech Weare, Esq.
WILLIAM LEE TO C. F. W. DUMAS.
London, September 10, 1776.
SIR: The 27th ult. and the 7th instant, in the absence
of my brother, Arthur Lee, your two letters for him came
safe to my hands. My brother is now on the Continent,
and perhaps may write to you from where he is. The
declaration of independence on the part of America, has
totally changed the nature of the contest between that
country and Great Britain. It is now on the part of Great
Britain a scheme of conquest, which few imagine can suc-
ceed. Independence is universally adopted by every indi-
vidual in the thirteen United States, and it has altered the
face of things here. The Tories, and particularly the
Scotch, hang their heads and keep a profound silence on the
subject; the Whigs do not say much, but rather seem to
think the step a wise one, on the part of America, and what
271
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
was an inevitable consequence of the measures taken by the
British Ministry. In short, every one wants to form his
judgment by the event of the present campaign, as some-
thing decisive is expected to happen from the arrangements
under General and Lord Howe, and General Carltton,
before the meeting of Parliament, which will be the 24th of
October.
In the mean time every effort is made to prevent France
from taking any open or even private part with America, for
which purpose Mr. Stanley, Mr. Jenkinson, one of the
Lords of the Treasury and confidential friend of Lord Bute
and of the Solicitor-General, Mr. Wedderbwrne, have been
at Paris some time to aid the negotiations of the British
Minister, Lord Stormont. As far as money will answer
their purpose, it will not be spared. The French are gen-
erally acute enough in observing what is for their interest,
but most people here are at a loss to conceive what plan
they have in view, as they have not hitherto, as we know of,
taken any part with America.
The publick papers will tell you all the material news we
have from America,bul in general it is supposed the Ameri-
cans will stand greatly in want of arms, ammunition, and
artillery, to oppose such a force as is sent against them, and
it is evident they have not experienced officers sufficient to
manage such extensive operations as they have in hand.
Should you have occasion to write to me, you may address,
under cover, as you do to my brother.
I am, with esteem, sir, &c., WILLIAM LEE.
Magazine and Laboratory at Baltimore Town, and that
Captain Smith's company cannot perform that duty, and do
duty at the fortifications at the same time. We therefore
request the favour of you to order such of the Militia of your
County upon that service as you may think requisite.
We are, &tc.
To General Buchanan.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL SMALLWOOD
AND GENERAL BEALL.
[No. 175.] Annapolis, September 10, 1778.
GENTLEMEN: Enclosed we send you an order of the
Council of Safety, relative to the arms belonging to this
State. You are also requested to cause the several Cap-
tains in your department to return an exact list of all the
guns, cartouch-boxes, knapsacks and haversacks, camp-
kettles, blankets, tents, canteens, wooden bottles, priming-
wires and brushes, and every other the effects or utensils
belonging to this State, carried away by their respective
companies, that we may know how to raise a proper account
against the Continent for the same. This may be attended
with some little trouble, but 'tis absolutely necessary to be
done for the benefit of the publick. We request, therefore,
that you will give proper directions, and make the returns
as soon as conveniently can be. We are, Sic.
To Brigadier-General Rezin Beall and Colonel WiUiam
Smallwood.
GENERAL LEWIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 17: Referred to Board of War.]
Williamsburg, September 10, 1776.
SIR : I this day received your orders directing three more
of the Continental battalions in this State to march to New-
Yorlf. The Fourth, commanded by Colonel Stephen, the
Fifth, and the Sixth, are those I shall order to march with all
possible speed. I heartily wish they were more fit for ser-
vice. Near half of them are sick, and the Seventh in the
same condition, which is the only regiment left, the Ninth,
On the Eastern Shore, excepted. The time for which the
Second Battalion was enlisted being expired, all are gone to
their respective homes. The officers have received bounty
money, and are endeavouring to reinlist them and others
for the completion of that battalion. I have ordered an
express to General Moore, and another to Brigadier-General
Stephen, with his commission and your orders.
General Lee not yet returned, nor have I heard of his
being on the way.
I am, honourable sir, your most obedient and very humble
servant, ANDREW LEWIS, Brigadier-General.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COL. HOLLINGSWORTH.
[No. 172.] Annapolis, September 10, 1776.
Sir : Enclosed you have Captain Lines' bill of lading, for
one hundred half-barrels of powder, belonging to our Prov-
ince. You will be pleased to have it wagoned to the Head-
of-FJk, and sent to Baltimore Town, to the care of the Com-
mittee of that place. We are, &tc.
To Colonel Henry Hollingsworth.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
[No. 173.] Annapolis, September 10, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We have desired Colonel Hollingsworth to
wagon from Christine Bridge to the Head-of-Elk, one
hundred half-barrels of powder, belonging to our Province,
and to send the same to your care when it arrives. Be
pleased to stow it in the new magazine. We think it would
be prudent to remove a considerable part of the Province
powder that is now stored in Baltimore to the same place,
as it may be dangerous to keep large quantities of that article
within reach of the enemy. We are, &c.
To the Committee of Baltimore County.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL BUCHANAN.
[No. 174.] Annapolis, September 10, 1776.
SIR: It has been represented to this Board that it's
absolutely necessary that competent Guards be kept at the
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH.
[No. 176.] Annapolis, September 10, 1776.
SIR : You are requested to sell at vendue all the flour
you have belonging to this State that you think unfit for
baking into bread. We are, &c.
To Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GERARD HOPKINS.
[No. 177.] Annapolis, September 10, 1776.
SIR: We this day gave an order to Captain Forrest to
receive from you one hundred camp-kettles. We must
request that they may be put on board the Defence's tender;
and that by the same vessel you send some cannon shot,
and that they may sorted in the following manner, viz : four
hundred of four-pounders, four hundred of three-pounders,
and two hundred of two-pound shot; and also, eighty-six
canteens, with as many priming-wires and brushes.
We are, 8tc.
To Mr. Gerard Hopkins, Deputy Commissary.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO WILLIAM WHIPPLE.
Philadelphia, September 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR : The proposal of Lord Howe for the exchange
of Generals Sullivan and Lord Stirling for Prescott and
McDonald is accepted by the Congress. We have also
agreed to send three of our members, not as private gentle-
men, but as a committee of our body, to meet Lord Howe,
to know of him whether he has any terms of peace to pro-
pose, and what they are, &.C., &,c. Whether Lord Howe
will meet them as a committee of Congress, is uncertain.
The gentlemen appointed are Doctor Franklin, Mr. Adams,
and Mr. Rutledge. The two former had the unanimous vote
of Congress, and at the first vote there was a tie between
Colonel R. H. Lee and Mr. Rutledge; but as Mr. Lee
had opposed the measure, he declined being voted for, as
he said he could not accept. The votes then were for
Stockton and Rutledge, and the latter carried it.
Nothing has since been done about the Confederation, as
the Congress is pretty thin, and hurried with other busi-
ness.
I am sorry to hear you did not arrive at Boston till the
20th ultimo, as I fear you will not return here so soon as I
could wish; and what makes me more anxious for your
speedy return, is my ill state of health, which has hindered
my constant attendance at Congress. 1 have, for above a
fortnight, been troubled with a very severe cough and asthma,
and with a slow fever, if not a hectick ; and, though I have
attended the Congress every day, I have been often obliged
to leave it long before it rose. I am loath that our Colony
273
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1775.
274
should be unrepresented, and therefore hope you will return
as speedily as possible.
There is a report from the Board of War now before
Congress, for putting our army on a more respectable foot-
ing than at present. The substance is, that eighty-four
regiments should be inlisted to serve during the war, and to
give, as an encouragement, one hundred acres of land and
dollars bounty, to be proportioned to such State,
who are to take care that it's quota is raised. The propor-
tion set to our Colony is four regiments, which is too much,
and shall try to get it altered if I am able to attend Con-
gress when it comes on. This plan^perhaps, may be some-
what altered, but will, I am pretty sure, be adopted in the
main, tyuere: whether, as this is like to be the case, it is
best for our State to do any thing. at present about raising the
regiment ordered in the Spring for our own defence; and
whether petitioning Congress to take into their pay our Col-
onial troops will not be best, considering all circumstances?
You'll excuse me, as I am hardly able to write.
I am your friend, &,c., &c., JOSIAH BARTLETT.
To William Whipple.
PETITION OF COLONEL SETH WARNER.
[Read September 10, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.]
To the Honourable the Delegates of the Thirteen UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress assembled, the
representation of the subscriber humbly showeth :
That, having been honoured with your orders to raise a
regiment on the New-Hampshire Grants for the service of
the United States, he advised with the officers who had
formerly commanded under him, as well as those more
recently appointed to command, and was much troubled to
find but two Captains of the late appointment, and not one
of the former, who would serve under Elisha Painter, Esq.,
last July commissioned a Major for said intended regiment.'
A sense of duty to the publick alone constrains your me-
morialist to relate any thing that may affect Major Painter's
reputation. But he rests assured, that, in the present criti-
cal situation of affairs, all parties concerned must be better
served by making your Honours acquainted with the real
state of the case, than by suppressing the whole or any part
of this intelligence.
The Captains in question are remarkably popular, and
have great influence with the men many of them have com-
manded. With their assistance, a regiment would, in all
probability, be readily completed. Without them, nothing
to purpose can be expected ; which disappointment would
unspeakably mortify your Honours' most devoted and obe-
dient, humble servant, SETH WARNER.
Philadelphia, September 10, 1776.
MEMORIAL OF COLONEL WARNER AND CAPTAINS HOPKINS
AND BROWNSON.
[Read September 11, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.]
To the Honourable the Continental Congress, now assem-
bled at PHILADELPHIA, the Petition of WAIT HOPKINS
and GIDEON BROWNSON, in behalf of themselves and
Captains OLIVER POTTER, MICAH VAIL, and WILLIAM
FITCH, humbly showeth:
That, on the 28th of July, 1775, your petitioners were
appointed Captains in the regiment established by the Pro-
vincial Congress of New-York, under the command of
Colonel Seth Warner.
Your petitioners, in full faith of receiving the premiums
paid to other companies in the State of New-York, ad-
vanced much of their own money; which premiums, together
with their back rations, are still due and owing to them, and
that after repeated applications to the State of New-York
for a settlement of affairs.
Your petitioners being again called upon to enter into the
publick service, and to make application to a soldiery to
whom they are unavoidably in arrears, implore your Hon-
ours to prescribe some way for the discharge of these just
demands, which will greatly facilitate the raisino- the recruits
needed upon the present pressing occasion. °And, as in
duty bound, they shall ever pray, &c.
WAIT HOPKINS,
Philadelphia, September 10, 1776. GlDEON BROWNSON.
N. B. As your petitioners have incurred much extra
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. i
expense in prosecution of the moneys due to themselves,
their subalterns and soldiers, they would humbly request to
be considered in that article, together with those petitioned
for.
LORD HOWE TO DR. FRANKLIN.
Eagle, off Bedlow's Island, September 10, 1776.
Lord Howe presents his compliments to Dr. Franklin,
and, according to the tenour of his favour of the 8th, will
attend, to have the pleasure of meeting him and Messrs.
Adams and Rutledge, to-morrow morning, at the house on
Staten-Island, opposite to Amboy, as. early as the few con-
veniences for traveling by land on Staten-Island will admit.
Lord Howe, upon his arrival at the place appointed, will
send a boat, (if he can procure it in time,) with a flag of
truce, over to Amboy; and requests the Doctor and°the
other gentlemen will postpone their intended favour of pass-
ing over to meet him, until they are informed, as above, of
his arrival to attend them there.
In case the weather should prove unfavourable for Lord
Howe to pass in his boat to Slaten-Island to-morrow, as
from the present appearance there is some reason to suspect,
he will take the next earliest opportunity that offers for that
purpose. In this intention he may be further retarded,
having been an invalid lately; but will certainly give the
most timely notice of that inability. He, however, flatters
himself he shall not have occasion to make further excuses
on that account.*
R. H. HARRISON TO JOSHUA WENTWORTH.
New-York, September 10, 1776.
SIR: 1 am directed by his Excellency to acknowledge
his receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo, advising of the
capture made of the ship Nelly Frigate, and of the acquit-
tal of the brig Elizabeth, on a trial had the 22d ; also, of
your appealing to Congress from that decision.
Removed at such a distance as his Excellency is, and
involved in a multiplicity of important business, it is impos-
sible for him to give directions about, or to pay attention to,
the Continental armed vessels at the eastward. Therefore,
at the same time that he doubts not but your conduct is
right respecting the appeal, he apprehends you should cor-
respond with the Marine Committee appointed by Congress,
in all matters that may occur in your department, presuming
that they were appointed and are intended for that purpose.
His Excellency can only repeat what he has already said,
that the laws prescribed by Congress are the only rules by
which you can conduct yourself. It is not his wish nor in
his power to give any orders or advice authorizing a devia-
tion or departure from them. If, in any instances, hardships
of a peculiar nature cast up, Congress, and Congress alone,
have it in their power to relieve, on proper representations
being made.
The estate of Colonel Lee, late of Marblehead, having
lent the Continent some guns to fit out their armed vessels,
which are now wanted and applied for, you will deliver
Nathaniel Tracy, Esq., eight that were at Portsmouth,
which were taken in some of the prizes. Mr. Tracy has a
claim to ten, which his Excellency would have replaced, if
you have so many. The reason of mentioning eight is, that
he has no account of your having more.
1 an'> &C., R. H. HARRISON.
To Joshua Wentworth, Esq., Portsmouth,
GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL HEATH.
Mount Washington, September 10, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL HEATH : The enemy are making dis-
positions to land at Harlem. They will probably attempt
Frog's Point at the same time in which their landing may
be urged at Harlem. That consideration has induced Gen-
eral Washington to order me to remain at Colonel Morris's
and upon the first intelligence of the enemy movino- towards
Harlem, to order one thousand men to join me at Morris's
"The Committee being arrived at Jlmboy, opposite to the Island, and
in possession of the Americans, the Admiral sent over his baree to
receive and bring them to him, and to leave one of his principal officers
as a hostage for their safe return. The Committee of Congress had not
desired a hostage, and they therefore took the officer back with them
The Admiral met them at their landing, and conducted them through his
guards to a convenient room for conference. — W. T. F.
275
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
276
from Mount Washington, and with them and the Maryland
troops, march to the assistance of our friends at Harlem. I
have therefore ordered Colonels Cortlandt, Martin, New-
comb, and Farman, to hold themselves in readiness to join
me at Colonel Morris's ; Colonels Hulchinson and Phillips
to remain at Mount Washington with five hundred men as
a garrison.
If a landing is attempted at Frog's Point and no danger
appears of an attempt at Harlem, I am to join you with
three battalions from Mount Washington and all the Mary-
landers. For that purpose, I have ordered several boats
to be ready near Colonel Morris's, to carry our men over
to the Heights of Harlem, which will save us much time.
The General expects you to prepare for a brunt on the
side of Frog's Point, or he expects one at Harlem. I told
him your disposition was made and you all ready.
I am, with respect, your obedient, humble servant,
THO. MIFFLIN.
To Major-Genera] Heath, at King's Bridge.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 10, 1776.
SIR: The great extent of the army, and the confusion
consequent thereupon, for want of a sufficient number of
experienced officers, has induced the General to appoint
Major Henley Deputy Adjutant-General, and Major Scam-
mel as assistant to me in my department. Major Henley
is with General Spencer. Major Scammel is ordered to
repair to your division. From his accuracy and industry I
hope order and regularity will prevail, and doubt not he will
be useful to you, as well as, sir, your obedient, humble
servant, Jos. REED.
To Major-General Heath.
GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL MIFFLIN.
King's Bridge, September 10, 1776 — quarter past 1, A. M.
DEAR SIR : The enclosed I have just received in one to
me by express from his Excellency General Washington,
by which I am informed that all the Maryland troops that
were in the city the day before yesterday, were yesterday
ordered to march and join the troops at King's Bridge and
its dependencies, and -that three companies more arrived
the last evening, which are also ordered to march this
morning.
You will, therefore, early this morning, order those troops
which arrived yesterday at Mount Washington (I mean
those from Maryland) to march to this post, and the three
companies to halt at Mount Washington. Two regiments
of Light-Horse from Connecticut are ordered here by Gov-
ernour Trumbull, as is also a number of the Militia.
I am yours, &c., WM. HEATH.
To General Mifflin.
many more will be landed there for the conveniency of
landing on the main, or to raise a battery to facilitate their
landing at Morrisiania. I judged it necessary to give you
this intelligence.
Your humble servant, ALEX. McDouoALL.
To General Heath or General Mifflin.
COLONEL SWARTWOOT TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Head-Quarters, King's Bridge, September 10, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: As Lieutenant-Colonel Fcrres of my re-
giment hath got liberty from General Clinton to return home,
upon condition either to resign his commission or return to
the regiment when he gets in a better state of health, he
tells me when he was appointed by the County Committee
that he was not fitting for that commission — for that he had
a disorder very often which rendered him unfit for the
service of an officer. The complaint of that disorder is that
he is spleeny and a dizziness in the head, and that attends
him whenever he has trouble. We can expect nothing
but trouble in our present condition, so, consequently, he
will not be fit for the service of this present campaign ; for,
should he not be here when we have action, he cannot
be of great service to the regiment. He further tells me
he has spoke with the General, and should be glad that
Colonel Ludington might take his place as Lieutenant-
Colonel, but the General tells me that he intends to leave
that to your honourable Board. In my humble opinion,
it would give greater satisfaction to the officers of my regi-
ment that Major Thompson might be appointed to the com-
mission of Lieutenant-Colonel, and Captain Mott Major, as
he holds the oldest commission in my regiment as Captain.
My regiment has been joined for some time. If matters
should be ordered in another manner it might be productive
of bad consequences, as I have seen several instances in the
army heretofore; and as there are several of my regiment
that have got no commissions, and some that have had
subalterns' commissions, which were appointed as Captains
by the field officers of the Militia. If there were some
blank commissions sent to the General, he might fill them up
agreeable to the muster rolls.
General Clinton tells me he has wrote you about the
rank of the several regiments. I am almost confident .my
commission is the oldest of the regiments now raised, but
as die General has left that matter to you, I am content to
submit the same to your consideration, not doubting but you
will do justice. As to my part, I can assure you, gentlemen,
I mean to make no uneasiness about the question. I hope
you will consider that the whole charge of the regiment lies
on my shoulder, as Major Thompson is on the command.
I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your very humble
ervan ' JACOBUS SWARTWOUT.
To the Honourable Convention of the State of New-York,
at Fishkill.
GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL MIFFLIN.
King's Bridge, September 10, 1776—6 o'clock, P. M.
DEAR SIR : I have just returned from Frog's Point, Hunt'8
Point, and Morrisiania, having been riding ever since ten
o'clock this morning, without even so much as alighting to
dine. I find the enemy making a very considerable move-
ment from Long-Island to Montressor's Island, where the
boats have been passing all this day. I have ordered two
hundred men, as a picket, this night to the widow Morris's,
and General Clinton's brigade to lie on their arms. General
Clinton is yet absent. 1 have this moment received a line
from him, informing .that the brig has been collecting boats
all this day, and at two o'clock was standing up for Frog's
Point. 1 think you would do well to be at the Pennsylva-
nia camp this night, if you can; if not, that you repair there
immediately on the first alarm, as you will be much wanted
with that brigade.
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, WM. HEATH.
To General Mifflin.
GENERAL M'DOUGALL TO GENERAL HEATH.
September 10, 1776.
SIR : Early this morning about one thousand of the
enemy landed on Montressor's Island, and it's probable
GENERAL JAMES CLINTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fort Montgomery, September 10, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: Yours of the 8th of
this instant I just received, and am glad to hear your Ex-
cellency has ordered a reinforcement of six hundred men,
which I hope will be sufficient, and are as many as we can
find barrack room for, if the three barracks were finished
that I have ordered to be built.
I hope the Quartermaster-General can supply me with
the nails, agreeable to an order sent him — and if not already
sent, he may send them with one of the four sloops that
goes down to bring the sick from the Hospital in New- York
to Orangetown.
We are busy in fortifying these garrisons with the other
posts as fast as possible, and order all the garrison out every
day, both officers and soldiers, except those on guard and
the sick, and a very few number of cooks, and those de-
tached in the Artillery, who are employed daily in making
cartridges, &ic., and learning the Artillery exercise, for which
I have as yet exempted them from any other kind of duty,
in order to encourage them to learn.
I have likewise received two letters this day from Con-
gress. Copies of them you have enclosed.
I have just now stopped Captain Dirck Schuyler's sloop
277
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
278
from Albany, and sent her down to New-York to remove
the sick to Orangetown.
I have ordered Lieutenant Henry Pawling of the Second
New-York Regiment, to proceed down the river with a
whale-boat and eleven men. to press the first three good
sloops he meets with for the same purpose.
I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES CLINTON, Brigadier-General.
To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters,
New- York.
REV. DAVID JONES TO GENERAL, GATES.
Albany, September 10, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : When I left Philadelphia, Dr. Franklin
delivered to me a large bundle of papers sealed and directed,
and as he was reserved respecting the contents, I did not
think it proper to send them by this express, but 1 hope
shortly to have the pleasure to see you, when I shall give
verbally the news of New- York. There is here a draft of
the Militia to go to Fort Stanwix. It is said three parties
are coming against them. I fear we are but weak in that
department ; but General Schuyler uses his best endeavours
to reinforce them. We hear of a battle on the Lake, below
Crown-Point; this hurries my return; 1 shall therefore
come with the first wagon.
As the express will not wait, I must subscribe myself
your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
DAVID JONES.
To Major-General Gates.
DR. JONATHAN POTTS TO GENERAL GATES.
Fort George, September 10, 1776.
HONOURED. SIR: I found on my arrival here a quantity
of old linen had been sent in by the Committee of Salis-
bury, which I have forwarded to Ticonderoga, under the
care of Doctor Tillotson, one of the senior Surgeons of the
General Hospital, whom I beg leave to recommend to your
Honour as a worthy gentleman. He has directions from me
to make it up into bandages and lint for the use of the
army.
I have received a letter from Dr. Stringer this day, which
informs me that he could not procure that supply of medicines
which he thought necessary lor our Hospital at Philadelphia,
and intends to proceed immediately to New-England to
purchase such articles as we are in want of. He- mentions
no news from New-York, but that General Schuyler had
authentick intelligence that seven hundred of the enemy
were at Oswego, and that Colonel Fanning had gone over
to the enemy.
Your Honour may be assured, should any fresh intelligence
arrive at this post, I will immediately forward it to you.
I am your Honour's most obedient and very humble
servant,
JONATHAN POTTS.
To Major-General Gates.
GENERAL GATES TO CAPTAIN VARICK.
Tyonderoga, September 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR: This moment I received yours of the 8th
instant from Albany, with General Schuyler 's letter of that
date. I shall write fully to the General as soon as I receive
accounts from General Arnold, as those are every hour
expected ; in the mean time, this is sent express by Skenes-
borough to order two of the blacksmith's bellows from
hence hither, as the three row-galleys here cannot be fitted
without them. This is, therefore, to desire you will with-
out delay replace the bellows we now take from Skenes-
borough.
General Waterbury arrived yesterday, and is busy
equipping the galleys, and will sail with them immediately
after they are finished. Colonel Cortlandt has mv orders
to command at Skenesborough, but has a slight touch of
the ague. I wish Colonel Wynkoop may be well enough
to go there directly.
I am, sir, your affectionate, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To Captain Varick.
GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL CORTLANDT.
Tyonderoga, September 10, 1776.
SIR: On receipt of this you will immediately order
Lieutenant-Colonel Abijah Brown (who is now at Skenes-
borough) to this post. If he offers to make any hesitation or
delay, you will instantly put him under an arrest and send
him down under a good guard.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Cortlandt, Skenesborough.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, September 10, 1776—8 o'clock, A. M.
HONOURED SIR: Mr. Brooks's and my other boat are just
now returned ; very bad weather and strong winds prevented
him from being here sooner.
On Thursday it seems there had been some firin^ of
cannon, and Friday morning a small action at Windmill-
Point; this with the discharging of the loaded artillery to
get them in order, has occasioned the alarm. It is very
strange that the firing could be heard so far.
A considerable number of the enemy all around the fleet.
Mr. Brooks discovered the tracks of a large party in the
woods. This regiment has had one killed and four
wounded.
Mr. Brooks has had a great deal of fatigue ; but I have
persuaded him to go up with this letter. He will be able
to inform you particularly concerning the fleet, Sic.
One Cross, a man who lives near Cumberland-Head,
informed some of my men at Gilliland's that the enemy
intended to be up in a week or ten days. This perhaps
has no weight.
I am happy to find that no accident has befallen our fleet.
I hope the alarm has otherwise had no bad consequences.
Twenty-four men of the detachment taken by General
Arnold are returning back sick. I hope my regiment will
be relieved, as the party has been gone three weeks.
I would be glad the news from New-York may also be
favourable.
My scouts have discovered no enemy near this.
The gondolas I have ordered to proceed down this
morning.
I am, honoured sir, with the greatest respect, your most
humble servant, THOS. HARTLEY.
To Major-General Gates.
P. S. The oar-makers will be up this evening.
GOVERNOUR THUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 10, 1776.
SIR : When your Excejlency was pleased to request the
Militia of this State to be sent forward with all possible
expedition to reinforce the army at New- York, no time was
lost to expedite their march ; and am happy to find the spirit
and zeal that appeared in the people of this State to yield
every assistance in their power in the present critical
situation of our affaire. The season, indeed, was most
unfavourable for so many of our farmers and labourers to
leave home. Many had not even secured their harvest •
the greater part had secured but a small part even of their
hay, and the preparation for the crop of winter's grain for the
ensuing year totally omitted ; but they (the most of them)
left all to afford their help in protecting and defending their
just rights and liberties against the attempt of a numerous
army sent to invade them. The suddenness of the requisi-
tion, the haste and expedition required in the raising,
equipping and marching such a number of men after the large
drafts before made on this State, engrossed all our time
and attention.
On such a sudden demand of the Militia, your Excellency
could not expect to find ihem all completely officered with
either field or commission officers, when you consider that
many of both were just before engaged in the service in the
eight regiments we had so lately raised. At that time the
Assembly could not think it proper to supply their places
in the Militia by appointing other officers in the room and
stead of those who only had left the Militia for a few
months' service in the army, then to return : beside, it
cannot be expected but, on such a sudden call as this,
many officers may be sick, or at present unfit for service, or
some necessary hindrance which may prevent their goin^
forward at this time. And if in these cases we had under-
279
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
280
taken to appoint and commission field commission officers
and subalterns in the room or places of those absent or
Otherwise hindered, in a little time we should soon have the
greatest part of our Mililia to become officers: for when
once formally appointed and commissioned, they must
remain, and others in whose room they are appointed,
when they return, would be out of the Militia, and totally
useless; beside many other inconveniences which might
follow; and as it is necessary that every company be
properly officered, at least in proportion to their numbers,
and that those who do the duty of an officer in a particular
rank, be considered and treated as an officer of the rank in
which he does duty. To explain myself: A colonelcy is
vacant, the Lieutenant-Colonel must act for the present
company as Colonel, the Major as Lieutenant-Colonel, the
eldest Captain in the regiment as Major, and if a captaincy
is vacant the First Lieutenant ; and when they return they
will of course be reduced to their former rank in the Militia
at home, to act as Captain, and so in succession. This is
the only way I can possibly imagine to relieve the difficulty.
Our Militia set out with these ideas; they were encouraged
by them ; and we could conceive of no difficulty to the
publick, either in point of expense or expediency, for the
vacancy to be rilled up in this way, and to do the duty,
take the rank, and receive the pay during the present service.
This I am induced to suggest to your Excellency, as I am
informed a great uneasiness has arisen by means of those
who had taken rank in the manner above proposed, and
have been surprised and obliged to relinquish their claim. I
can conceive of no possible method beside to supply and fill
up these vacancies. Am persuaded it will be agreeable to
this State and will be attended with the least inconveni-
ences of any method which occurs, and will give great
satisfaction to the Militia who have joined your army, as
well as those now going forward; and should be extremely
sorry to have any damp on the spirits of so many who have
in this critical time, sacrificed their interest beyond most
others on the present occasion. Therefore should be much
obliged to your Excellency, if no insuperable objections
should arise, which at present do not occur to me, if orders
might be given for our Militia to be filled up with officers
proper to take rank in succession in the respective regiments,
in manner as above proposed, for the present campaign ; and
am, with the greatest respect and esteem, your Excellency's
most obedient, humble servant,
JONTH. TRUMBULL.
COVERNOUR TKUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Lebanon, September 10, 1776.
SIR : I am honoured with your favour of the 2d instant,
and am greatly obliged by the readiness with which the pay-
ment of our arrears for last year and our bills for advance-
ment this Summer was ordered as soon as it was in your
power, and for the encouragement you give of favouring me
with copies of the transactions of the last Indian treaty.
The money received by Mr. Williams, I have the pleasure
to hear, is safe arrived at Hartford and lodged with the
Treasurer. The invoices were sent by the teams that carried
the clothing, and will be delivered by the teamsters with
their loads ; if these will not be sufficient, new ones, upon
advice, may be easily procured and sent you. It gives me
the greatest pleasure to find the measures taken to prevent
the inroads of the small-pox on the Northern Army have
proved effectual, and that the liberty I have taken to hint
my fears and sentiments on that subject has been received
with your wonted candour. I sincerely lament that you
should experience the want of it in respect to any part of
your conduct, and especially that it should be found in any
gentlemen in high offices. The sufferings of our army in
the Northern Department last year, though in a great meas-
ure resulting from the nature of the service and inevitable,
have left a deep impression upon the minds of the soldiery
and laid us under the necessity of offering a double bounty
this year to induce men to engage in that service. To prevent
as far as possible every occasion of complaint of a similar
nature this year, seems as well to be dictated by sound
policy as justice to the soldiery. With this view I have
sent forward clothing and medicine upon being informed of
their wants, without waiting for particular orders from Con-
gress, and again the last week I have ordered two hundred
sheep, with some salt and vinegar, to be sent over to our
regiments with the camp utensils and tents which had been
requested, upon being informed that our people were many
of them sick at Skenesborough and in want of refreshments,
especially mutton-broth and salt for their fresh meat which
served to them six times a week, the want of which is sup-
posed to be in part the cause of their sickness.
I am sensible, sir, the great variety of business on your
hands renders it impossible for you to attend minutely to the
transactions of your officers in lower departments ; neither
am I able to determine how far the complaints made are
just, or the deficiencies complained of inevitable ; but I must
entreat your indulgence whilst I suggest that I am informed
by what seems to me very good authority, that at Skenes-
borough scarce any provisiops besides meat and bread are
issued to the troops ; that the sick suffer for want of wines
and other refreshments ; and that what little is to be pur-
chased in the neighbourhood is procured by the soldiers
at their own expense, and at the most exorbitant rates.
Surely the Commissaries might furnish salt, v'megar, and
vegetables, such as beans and peas at least, with suitable
refreshments for the sick? If the idea should this year be
fixed in the minds of the soldiery, that they are neglected in
the Northern Department, or not sufficiently attended to,
we must despair of engaging men for that service in future.
The anxiety I feel for our troops, and for the future as well
as the present defence of these States, will plead my excuse
for troubling you with these matters. I must entreat your
pardon for again mentioning the old gun-barrels and locks
found at Croton Point and Ticonderoga. 1 am informed
there is a large number of arms that have been in service
and unfit for use now at Albany, Ticonderoga, and Fort
George, &.c. Our extreme want of good fire-arms compels
me again to request they may be sent to me to be fitted
for use.
I am, with great esteem and regard, sir. your most obe-
dient, humble servant,
JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
To General Schuyler.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES.
Lebanon, September 10, 1776.
SIR: I am honoured with your favour of the 2d instant,
and am glad to find it is in our power in any measure to
relieve your wants, or contribute to the publick service in
your department.
I am informed our battalions at Skenesborough are many
of them sick, and in want of proper refreshments. To
alleviate this inconvenience, the teams going and gone
from hence with camp utensils, a few tents, and clothing,
will carry some salt and vinegar ; and I have also ordered
two hundred sheep to be purchased and sent forward imme-
diately. This, I am sensible, will bring them only a tem-
porary relief. I find it is the opinion of some that their
feeding principally upon fresh meat, and being destitute ol
vegetables, milk, salt, &tc., are among the causes of their
sickness. Surely it is in the power of the Commissaries to
furnish salt, and vinegar, and vegetables, at least dry beans
and peas. You are not insensible how much the soldiery
complained for want of necessaries to the northward last
year. 'Tis evident a disinclination to the service that way
will ensue, and the consequences are equally evident.
I am informed there are some old gun-barrels and locks
and arms rendered unfit for service at Crown-Point, Ticon-
deroga, and Fort George. Could they be sent to me by
the return of some of oiir teams, I could soon have them
repaired and fitted for use, and as they are so much wanted,
I could wish you would give orders to that purpose. The
value of them we should expect to account for with the
Continent.
I am, with great truth and esteem, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant, JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Connec-
ticut, September 10th, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour, his Honour the
Deputy Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Ilunlington.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
282
Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, William Hillhouse, Nathan-
iel Wales, Esqrs.
Voted and Resolved, That the Military Companies in
the first and third societies in Saybrook be excused from
marching towards New-York with the Regirnent they
belong to, at present ; and that they remain at home, to
assist in erecting the Fort there till further orders. (Copy
delivered Captain Samuel Shipman.)
This Board do appoint Gurdon Saltonstall, Esq., Briga-
dier-General of the nine Regiments of Militia of this State,
now ordered to march towards New- York, and rendezvous
at or near Westchester ; and his Honour the Governour is
desired to grant him a commission accordingly.
This Board do appoint Oliver Smith, Esq., to be Lieu-
tenant-Colonel of the Eighth Regiment of Militia for the
present expedition towards New-York, and desire his Honour
the Governour to grant him a commission accordingly.
And it is further Resolved and Ordered, That said Smith
do proceed with said Regiment on the expedition towards
New- York.
Voted and Resolved, That the First and Second Compa-
nies in the town of New- London, be excused from marching
with the Regiment towards New- York, and be permitted
to stay at home for the defence of the port and harbour of
New-London.
This Board do appoint Dr. Thomas Gray, to be Sur-
geon's Mate and Physician of the ship Oliver Cromwell, and
his Honour the Governour is desired to give him a warrant
accordingly.
They are endeavouring to get off their stocks, and to pre-
vent the impositions of the boatmen, some of them having
been so unreasonable as to exact one-half the stock they
carried off for freight. By these cruel impositions, the
inhabitants of Long-Island suffer much. Two or three of
these hardhearted wretches I myself have detected and pre-
vented, since I have been at this place. As soon as the
detachment returns, I shall give Major Ely at Southold
notice, and with your Excellency's approbation, prevail on
him to join me at Huntington, as nothing of consequence
can be achieved eastward of that place.
By what I can learn of the enemy, their whole attention
is bent on their operations at New-York ; it is possible we
may do them some mischief before they are aware of it. I
am extremely obliged to your Honour for the assistance you
have afforded me, as it gives me an opportunity of pleasing
his Excellency General Washington, who has just wrote to
me to endeavour to distress the enemy all in my power. If
I have no other motive, this request would prove a powerful
incentive. I shall not fail to give your Honour advice of
every material occurrence.
In the mean while, I have the honour to be, with esteem,
your most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Honour Governour Trumbull.
P. S. Your Excellency will attribute to the hurry I was
in, and not to inattention or neglect, my omission in not
dating my letter of the 8th instant.
RICHARD LAW TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Milford, September 10, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Agreeable to your Honour's direction,
have opened the enclosed from General Washington, and
observed the contents, and now forward the same. Am
happy to find the General highly approves every plan and
movement made and taken by your Honour. Observe he
thinks it best to have them rendezvous from King's Bridge
eastward, through Westchester, along upon the Sound.
Have seen and conversed with Colonel Fitch ; and should
have seen Mr. Squiers, but he was gone to New- York, and
is expected home to-day, and intend to-morrow to see him.
But by what I can learn of Mr. Fitch, it will be impossible
to get tents. He says he has not been able to procure but
three ; and also camp-kettles, fee., are not to be had here.
He tells me he heard they were to be had in New- York ;
advised him to send down immediately and procure them.
I should think it would be best to extend the troops along
the Sound as far eastward as Eastchester, if not Rockal;
by that means, perhaps houses and barns may be found suf-
ficient to supply the want of tents. However, as soon as
Mr. Squiers returns, shall be better able to acquaint your
Honour of what can be provided by them.
Have nothing new; but a heavy cannonading has been
heard here all the forenoon, supposed to be at Hell-Gate.
Mr. Gray was taken sick here, and another express was
forwarded in his room.
Remain your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
RICHARD LAW.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governour of the
State of Connecticut.
[Per favour of Mr. Gray.]
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saybrook, September 10, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: I just now received your
favours of yesterday, since which I have taken Colonel
Abram Gardiner, who tendered the oath of allegiance to
the inhabitants of South and Easthampton. I am told
he, with a party of men, surrounded the houses of Colonel
Hedges, at Sag-Harbour, and Colonel Mulford, at East-
hampton, and obliged them to take the oath, much against
their inclination. This gentleman with the other two, are
inhabitants of and taken in the State of New-York. I
should think it highly proper they were confined until they
could have their trials in that State ; but this I submit to
your Honour's better judgment. Before I received your
favour, I had sent off the greater part of my detachment to
the assistance of my distressed countrymen on Long-Island.
COLONEL DAVIS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Norwich, September 10, 1776.
SIR: I take the liberty to inform your Excellency of my
safe arrival at Norwich last evening, after a long detention
in getting up the Sound, by reason of the enemy and con-
trary winds. Although I have endeavoured to make all
despatch in my power, and from the best advice I can get
here, together with my own judgment, think it not prudent
to come any farther by water, am now making prepara-
tions to come by land, with all possible expedition.
Pursuant to my orders from General Ward, as expected
when I left Boston to come up to York by water, not know-
ing the Sound was blocked up, did not bring money to pay
the vessels' pilots and sundry other charges that will arise.
If your Excellency think proper, please to send me one
hundred pounds or more, for which I must give an account,
I hope to your satisfaction.
Any orders your Excellency shall be pleased to send,
shall be thankfully received and punctually obeyed, by your
most obedient servant,
JOSHUA DAVIS.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Providence, September 10, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Enclosed you have copies of Captain
Hacker's and Mr. Shaw's letters, by which you will know
circumstance of the brig and the schooner which Mr. Shaw
was to purchase. The Alfred is this day going to New-
port, there to be hove down, as upon examining find her
bottom so foul that she will not do well to cruise until
cleaned.
The Andrew Doria has sent in here two brigs — one
from Dunmore, with salt, tobacco, rice, and flour, one
phaeton and chaise, bound to Antigua ; the other with fifty
hogsheads of rum, from Barbadoes to the land. Captain
Biddle had also taken a ship with fifteen thousand bushels
of wheat, which Lieutenant McDougall thinks was bound
to the westward.
There has also arrived in this port this week a large ship
loaded with sugar, from Grenada, and a brig with rum from
Antigua, taken by the sloop Independence of this place.
The people on board Captain Biddies prizes inform that
they left the Columbus in latitude thirty-six, and when they
parted a sixty-gun ship was in chase of her.
The whole attention of merchants and seamen at present
seems to be on privateering, through the whole Neui-
Enghmd Colonies. Any small carriage guns will now sell
at the extraordinary price of four hundred dollars per ton.
I believe if you were to give the same prize money, which
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
284
ts one-half, as they do, it would be a great deal easier to
man the Continental vessels.
I am, with great regard, your most humble servant,
ESKK HOPKINS.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Marine
Committee, at Philadelphia.
SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Paris, September 11, 1776.
SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the
29th ultimo, of the 2d, 5th, and 7th of this month, and at
the same time to make my excuses for not answering them
earlier ; which was owing to my hurry of business, in part,
and part to my hopes of being able to send you something
agreeable from America, when I should next write you.
Forgive, therefore, this seeming inattention, and accept my
warmest thanks for the kind sentiments which you and your
good lady entertain for me and my country. The cause of
the Americans is the cause of mankind in general, and
naturally interests the generous and the good in every part
of the world.
The measures you took before my arrival, respecting this
Court, were perfectly right, and you may rely on my
secrecy as to your concerns. Our commerce is now on as
good a footing in this kingdom and in Spain, as the com-
merce of any other nation, and I trust will very soon have
an important preference. When I said in a former letter
we wanted only a friendly intercourse by way of commerce,
I had not the vanity to suppose the actual assistance of
European Powers was not an object deserving attention;
but I must say seriously, that if the American commerce can
be established with the trading Powers of Europe, and if
those Powers of Europe would protect that commerce, it
would be all the assistance necessary ; and the Colonies by
land would be more than equal to any thing Great Britain
could bring against them. You are entirely right in saying
that the House of Bourbon are the allies we should first and
principally court. France is at the head of this House, and
therefore what is done here is sure to be done by the whole.
This, therefore, requires my whole attention, and I can only
say to you, my prospects are nowise discouraging.
As to the King of Prussia, I will, in my next, explain
more fully my meaning, and at the same time send to you
a state of the United Colonies, of their commerce, of their
present contest, with some thoughts or observations on the
manner in which Europe must be affected, and what part
they ought to take in the present important crisis. My name
and business have long since been known to the British
Ambassador here, and to the Court of London, and they
have remonstrated, but finding remonstrances to no purpose,
thay have wisely determined to take no notice of me, as I
do not appear as yet in a publick character.
Let me ask of you if a workman skillful in the founding
of brass and iron cannon can be engaged in Holland to go
to America 1 Also, if I can engage two or three persons
of approved skill in lead mines, to go to America on good
engagement? Your answer will oblige me, and by the
next post I will write you more particularly. The British
arms will not, probably, effect any thing in America this
season, as they had not begun to act the 8th of August, and
that brings Winter to the very door, as I may say, and an
indecisive campaign must prove to Great Britain a fatal
one. I am, &tc., SILAS DEANE.
Articles of Agreement agreed on and entered into by and
between SILAS DEANE, Agent for the UNITED COLONIES
OF NORTH AMERICA for transacting their business, com-
mercial and political, in FRANCE, on the one part, and
the Sieur PHILIPPUS-CHARLES JOHN BAPTIST TRONSON
DU COUDRAY, Adjutant-General of Artillery in the
service of FRANCE.
1. The Sieur Du Coudray, under title of General of
Artillery and Ordnance, and in rank of Major-General in
the Forces of the United Colonies, shall have the direction of
whatever relates to the Artillery and Corps of Engineers,
under the order and control only of the Congress of the
United Colonies, their Committee of War, or the Com-
mander-in-Chief for the time being.
2. The Corps of Artillery and Engineers, as well officers
as soldiers composing the same, shall be under his immedi-
ate command, with all the privileges and authority annexed
to such command respecting either rewards or punishments,
and in case of vacancy in said corps by death, removal, or
new creations, it shall be for him to recommend to the Con-
gress, or their Committee of War, the persons proper for
filling the same.
3. Whatever relates to the supplying the said corps with
provision, to the construction of artillery and fortification, to
any plan or scheme relative to these objects, will be con-
sulted on with him, and the execution of whatever may be
agreed on committed to him, as within his department.
4. His allowance for pay and table shall be the same as
to a Major-General in the service of the United Colonies in
a separate command. Should he be made a prisoner, the
same shalj be continued. Should he by accident of war in
the said service be rendered incapable of serving, or should
he choose after six years' service to retire, he shall be allowed
an honourable annual stipend or reward by the Congress,
the particular amount of which Mr. Deane refers to the hon-
ourable Congress.
5. Monsieur Du Coudray shall be furnished with an
Adjutant, two Aids-de-Camp, or one Aid-de-Camp, and a
Secretary, and Designer, at the expense and in the pay of
the United Colonies.
6. Monsieur Du Coudray's expenses, also those of his
servants, in their voyage to America, shall be refunded him
by the United Colonies.
7. No .proceedings shall be had against Monsieur Du
Coudray but in the same manner as is established and pro-
ceeded in against any other officer who is a native of said
Colonies, of the same rank in said service ; nor shall he be
deprived or deposed from his office, but in consequence of a
regular and accustomed proceeding against him.
8. Monsieur Du Coudray having, ever since the first day
of August last, been employed in the service of said Colo-
nies in procuring stores, &c., his title and emoluments to
commence therefrom.*
9. In explanation of article four, be it remembered, that
when Mr. Deane left the Congress, " what stipends or '
rewards to such as were disabled in the service, or might
retire," was not settled, and it would be improper in him to
make a precedent for them. Further, Monsieur Du Cou-
dray's zeal in entering into this, to him, foreign service, the
services he has rendered the United Colonies already in
France, and the expected future services' in his most
important department, will not, in justice, put him in this
respect on a footing of a native of the United Colonies, but
merit a particular consideration, which, on the part of Mr.
Deane, will be warmly recommended to the honourable
Congress, in whose generosity Monsieur has the fullest
confidence.
10. Monsieur Du Coudray will exert himself in despatch-
ing the Artillery and Stores agreed on ; also will embark
himself as early in the season as is consistent with such
despatch.
11. Considering the particular situation of Monsieur Du
Coudray as a foreigner, and his uncommon exertions for and
in behalf of the United Colonies, it is agreed, that his pen-
sion or annual stipend on his quitting the service, as afore-
agreed, shall be the one-half of his pay and table whilst
serving, or other equivalent gratification.
12. Horses and carriages will be supplied Monsieur Du
Coudray, at the expense of the United Colonies, when he
has occasion for removing from one part of the Continent to
another ; also to the officers proposing to go out with him,
or advance to him such sum as will be sufficient to procure
them in the Colonies where they are serving.
13. Considering the situation of the American war at this
time, Mr. Deane thinks that two Engineers, four Captains,
and four Lieutenants, with the proposed Adjutant-General,
will be as many as he can prudently agree for at present.
Fresh intelligence is hourly expected, which may incline
him to increase the number, but he now agrees for those at
the rates proposed by Monsieur Du Coudray, viz : For the
Adjutant-General five thousand livres per annum ; for the
Captains four thousand livres per annum; for the Lieuten-
ants two thousand livres per annum; relying on their being
*As;reed to commence on the 1st of Jhigust, in consideration of hia
expenses in procuring the Artillery and Stores.
Signed : S. DEANE.
285
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
286
officers which Monsieur Du Coudray can depend on for
their skill and experience as well as fidelity in their depart-
ments.
14. Mr. Deane will advance to them the one-half of a
year's pay at their embarking.
15. At the close of the war they shall be entitled to the
same pension in proportion to their pay as Monsieur Du
Coudray, but in this case Mr. Deane thinks they should be
held to settle in the United Colonies, to be in the way of
future service if called upon.
16. None of the aforesaid officers shall be at liberty to
enter the service of any foreign Power, France excepted,
without giving up said annual stipend, nor into the service
of any Power whatever at war with the United Colonies,
unless said Colonies shall refuse to employ them or dismiss
them by agreement.
17. The sum advanced to the officers embarking is not
to be considered as so much of their pay, and to be by them
as such accounted for, but as a full satisfaction for their
whole expense during their voyage, and their providing
themselves with necessary camp equipage on their arrival.
Their pay to commence, independent of this, from the time
of their embarkation.
In testimony hereof the contracting parties have hereunto
set their hands and seals, this 1 1th day of September, 1116,
in the presence of v,
MONS. DE COCDRE,
September 11, 1776. and MB. DEANE.
. Charlestown, Wednesday, September 11, 1776.
On Friday his Excellency General Lee arrived here from
Georgia, and on Monday he set out for the northward. In
the orders of the 9th, his Excellency was pleased to signify
his approbation of the conduct of our forces in the following
terms :
" General Lee thinks it his duty, before his departure, to
express the high sense he entertains of the conduct and
behaviour of the Colonels and officers of the battalions of
South- Carolina, both as gentlemen and soldiers, and begs
leave to assure them that he thinks himself obliged to report
their merits to the Continental Congress."
On Thursday the brigantine-of-war Comet, Captain Tur-
pin, returned from a cruise, with the ship Clarissa, which he
took lying at anchor off Augustine Bar, on the 28th of
August. Her cargo consists of lumber, with about forty
negroes and some household furniture, said to belong to a
gentleman who was removing from Georgia to East-Florida.
The day before Captain Turpin's arrival he saw a frigate,
which gave chase on that day and part of the next, and
came close into the land ; but being considerably to leeward,
and a dull sailer, could not come up with either the brig or
her prize.
Deep-Spring, >Virgini», September 11, 1776.
All the Officers, Cadets, and Soldiers of the Sixth Regi-
ment that are absent with leave, are desired to join their regi-
ment immediately, although their limited time of absence
should not be expired. Should any soldiers be so imprudent
as to disobey this order, they will be looked on as deserters,
and treated accordingly.
Wanted in the Sixth Regiment a Chaplain, who is allowed
by Congress thirty-three and one-third dollars per month, and
two rations per day. MOBDECAI BUCKNER,
Colonel of the Sixth Regiment.
NOTICE OF MEETING OF DELAWARE CONVENTION.
^ We are informed by authority that the honourable the
Convention of the Delaware State, which was elected on
the 19th day of August last, for the special purpose of
" ordaining and declaring the future form of Government of
that State," met at Newcastle on the 27th day of the same
month, and having furnished their quota of the FlyiiiT-
Camp, and ordered another battalion to be forthwith raised
under the command of Colonel Samuel West, to reinforce
the army of the United States of America, and havin"- also
6nished the work for which they were particularly chosen,
they dissolved themselves on the 21st instant.
The names of the Members for NEW-CASTLE County:
Nicholas Van Dyke, Richard Cantwcll, Alexander Porter,
John Thompson, Abraham Robinson, Thomas McKean,
George Read, John Evans, John Lea, John Jones.
KENT County: Thomas Collins, Charles Ridgely, James
Sykes, Richard Bassett, Jacob Stout, John Cook, Samuel
West, John Clarke, Thomas White, Richard Lockwood.
SUSSEX County: Jacob Moore, James Rench, Isaac
Bradley, John Wiltbank, Isaac Horsey, WilKam Polke,
Joshua Hill, Peter Hubbert, Phillips Kollock, Alexander
Laws.
The Hon. George Read, Esq., was unanimously chosen
President, and Mr. James Booth Clerk, of the Convention.
In Convention of the Delaware State, )
Wednesday, September 11, 1776, A. M. \
A Declaration of Rights and Fundamental Ruks of the
DELAWARE State, formerly styled the Government of
the Counties of NEW-CASTLE, KENT, and SUSSEX, upon
DELAWARE. •
1. That all government of right originates from the peo-
ple, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the
good of the whole.
2. That all men have a natural and unaliena'ble right to
worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their
own consciences and understandings, and that no man ought,
or of right can be compelled to attend any religious worship
or maintain any ministry contrary to or against his own free
will and consent, and that no authority can or ought to be
vested in, or assumed by any power whatever, that shall in
any case interfere with, or in any manner control, the right
of conscience in the free exercise of religious worship.
3. That all persons professing the Christian religion ought
forever to enjoy equal rights and privileges in this State,
unless under colour of religion any man disturb the peace,
the happiness, or safety of society.
4. That the people of this State have the sole, exclusive,
and inherent right of governing and regulating the internal
police of the same.
5. That persons entrusted with the Legislative and Ex-
ecutive powers are the trustees and servants of the publick,
and as such accountable for their conduct; wherefore, when-
ever the ends of Government are perverted and publick
liberty manifestly endangered by the Legislative singly, or
a treacherous combination of both, the people may, and of
right ought to, establish a new or reform the old Govern-
ment.
6. That the right in the people to participate in the
Legislature is the foundation of liberty and of all free gov-
ernment, and for this end all elections ought to be free and
frequent; and every freeman having sufficient evidence of a
permanent common interest with, and attachment to, the
community, hath a right of suffrage.
7. That no power of suspending laws or the execution
of laws ought to be exercised, unless by the Legislature.
8. That for redress of grievances, and for amending and
strengthening of the laws, the Legislature ought to be fre-
quently convened.
9. That every man hath a right to petition the Legisla-
ture for the redress of grievances in a peaceable and orderly
manner.
10. That every member of society hath a right to be
protected in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and
therefore is bound to contribute his proportion towards the
expense of that protection, and yield his personal service
when necessary, or an 'equivalent thereto; but no part of a
man's property can be justly taken from him or applied to
publick uses without his own consent or that of his legal
representatives: nor can any man that is conscientiously
scrupulous of bearing arms in any case be justly compelled
thereto if he will pay such equivalent.
11. That retrospective laws punishing offences commit-
ted before the existence of such laws are oppressive and
unjust, and ought not to be made.
12. That every freeman for every injury done him in his
goods, lands, or person, by any other person, ought to have
remedy by the course of the law of the land, and ought to
hare justice and right for the injury done to him freely
without sale, fully without any denial, and speedily without
delay, according to the law of the land.
13. That trial by jury of the facts where they arise, is
one of the greatest securities of the lives, liberties, and
estates of the people.
287
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
288
14. That in all prosecutions for criminal offences, every
man hath a right to be informed of the accusation against
him, to be allowed counsel, to be confronted with the
accusers or witnesses, to examine evidence on oath in his
favour, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury, without
whose unanimous consent he ought not to be found guilty.
15. That no man in the courts of common law ought to
be compelled to give evidence against himself.
16. That excessive bails ought not to be required, nor
excessive fines imposed, nor cruel nor unusual punishments
inflicted.
17. That all warrants without oath to search suspected
places, or to seize any person or his property, are grievous
and oppressive ; and all general warrants to search suspected
places, or to apprehend all persons suspected, without naming
or describing the place or any person in special, are illegal
and ought not to be granted.
18. That a well-regulated Militia is the proper, natural,
and safe defence of a free Government.
19. That standing armies are dangerous to liberty, and
ought not to be raised or kept up without the consent of the
Legislature.
20. That in all cases and at all times the military ought
to be under strict subordination to and governed by the civil
power.
21. That no soldier ought to be quartered in any house
in time of peace without the consent of the owner ; and in
time of war, in such manner only as the Legislature shall
direct.
22. That the independency and uprightness of judges are
essential to the impartial administration of justice, and a
great security to the rights and liberties of the people.'
23. That the liberty of the press ought to be inviolably
preserved.
A true extract from the Journals of the Convention.
JAMES BOOTH, Clerk.
LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec-
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart,
the llth September, 1776,
Present: William Atlee, Lodwick Lawman, William
Bowsman, Henry Dehuff, George Moor, Adam Reigart,
Sebastian Graff, and Andrew Graff. William Atlee in the
Chair.
Michael Sherrer yesterday brought a letter from Colonel
Burd, with two of the Regulars, prisoners of war, here
named, William Chatten and James Parker, who had got as
far as into Northumberland County; thought proper to send
them to the Committee of Paxton, who, by said Sherrer,
forwarded them here, where they are now in confinement ;
and it is ordered by the Committee that Mr. Atlee pay said
Sherrer, for his trouble and expenses in bringing down the
said prisoners, the sum of thirty-six shillings and four pence,
out of the Continental moneys in his hands.
Ordered, That the Chairman grant a pass to William
Gay, the son of Sergeant Gay, to go to Reading, with
accounts and papers from Adjutant Thompson to Captain
Crawford, of the Twenty-Sixth.
Ordered, That the Chairman grant a pass to Thomas
Deacon, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, to go over to York,
to attend Captain Gordon as his servant.
John Smith, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is permitted
to work with George Cryder, shoemaker, he here in Com-
mittee engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable to the
resolves of Committee.
John Gostitch, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per-
mitted to work with Leonard Eielcholtz, skin-dresser, he
here in Committee engaging to be answerable for him, agree-
able to resolves of the Committee.
William Woodill, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted
to work with Henry Halfenstein, he here in Committee
engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable to the resolves
of the Committee.
EDWARD RUTLEDGE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Brunswick, Wednesday evening, )
Sept. 11, 1776—10 o'clock. $
MY DEAR SIR: Your favour of this morning is just put
into my hands. In answer, I must beg leave to inform you
that our conference with Lord Howe has been attended
with no immediate advantages. He declared that he had
no powers to consider us as independent States ; and we
easily discovered that were we still dependent, we would
have nothing to expect from those with which he is vested.
He talked altogether in generals; that he came out here to
consult, advise, and confer with gentlemen of the greatest
influence in the Colonies, about their complaints ; that the
King would revise the acts of Parliament and Royal instruc-
tions, upon such reports as should be made ; and appeared
to fix our redress upon his Majesty's good will and pleasure.
This -kind of conversation lasted for several hours, and, as I
have already said, without any effect.
Our reliance continues, therefore, to be (under God) on
your wisdom and fortitude, and that of your forces. That
you may be as successful as I know you are worthy, is my
most sincere wish.
• I saw Mrs. Washington the evening before I left Phila-
delphia. She was well. I gave Mr. Griffin a letter from
her for you.
The gentlemen beg their respects. God bless you, my
dear sir !
Your most affectionate friend, E. RUTLEDGE.
To General Washington.
P. S. We wrote you about two hours ago, by the post.
SPEECH OF GOVERNOUR LIVINGSTON.
To the Council and Assembly of the said State, at a Ses-
sion of the General Assembly at PRINCETON.
Speech of His Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esquire,
Governour, Captain-General, and Commander-in- Chief
in and over the State of NEW-JERSEY and Territories
thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary of the
same :
GENTLEMEN OF THE COUNCIL AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
Considering how long the hand of oppression had been
stretched out against us, while the most assiduous applica-
tions for redress were either totally disregarded or treated
with insult — how long the system of despotism concerted
for our ruin had been insidiously pursued, and was at length
attempted to be enforced by the violence of war — reason
and conscience must have approved the measure, had we
sooner abjured that allegiance from which, not only by the
denial of protection but the hostile assaults on our persons
and properties, we were clearly absolved. It may, however,
afford some consolation to every man duly regardful of the
convictions of his own mind and the honour and reputation
of his country, that America deferred this important step
till the decisive alternative of absolute submission or utter
destruction, announced by a numerous fleet and army, had
extinguished all hope of obtaining justice, and the whole
Continent, save a few self-interested individuals, were unani-
mous in the separation; in a word, till the most scrupulous
conscience could, on the matures! reflection, find itself jus-
tified, before God and man, in renouncing those tyrants who,
after having ravaged a great part of Asia, and dissipated,
in venality and riot, the treasures extorted from its innocent
inhabitants by the hand of rapine and blood, finally meant
to prolong their luxury and corruption by appropriating to
themselves the hard-earned competence of the American
world.
Thus constrained to assert our own Independence, and
dissolve all political connection with a nation insatiate with
plunder, and deaf to the voice of reason, of justice, and
humanity, the late "Representatives of the Colony of New-
Jersey, in Congress assembled, did, pursuant to the advice
of the honourable the Continental Congress, the supreme
council of the American Colonies, agree upon the form of a
Constitution," which, by tacit acquiescence and open appro-
bation, hath since received the assent and concurrence of
the good people of this State, to whose consideration it was
for that purpose submitted.
Agreeable to this Constitution, you, gentlemen, have been
chosen the Legislative Council and Assembly of this State ; and
being jointly met, have, in further pursuance of it, proceeded
to the choice of a Governour. Having conferred that honour
upon one who feels himself very unequal to the task, but at
the same time upon one who, having, during the whole con-
test, taken an active part in opposing the meditated bond-
289
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, 8tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
290
age, now disdains, in its most perilous period, to shrink from
a station which must render him peculiarly obnoxious to the
common enemy, he can, with great sincerity, assure you that
it shall be his constant endeavour faithfully to discharge the
trust reposed in him. He is, moreover, confident, that how
greatly soever you may find yourselves deceived in the
favourable opinion you may have been pleased to entertain
of his abilities, he will never give you any reason to call in
question the rectitude of his intentions.
Gentlemen, in the present situation of affairs, it is abso-
lutely necessary to turn our first attention to the operations
of war.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 13, 1776.]
New-York, September 11, 1776.
SIR: I was yesterday honoured with your favour of the
8th instant, accompanied by sundry resolutions of Congress,
to which I shall pay the strictest attention, and, in the
instances required, make them the future rule of my con-
duct.
The mode of negotiation pursued by Lord Howe I did
not approve of; but as General Sullivan was sent out upon
the business and with a message to Congress, I could not
conceive myself at liberty to interfere in the matter, as he
The pay of our Militia, lately called out for the defence was jn tne character of a prisoner and totally subject to
of New-York, (which has acquired signal renown by the t[leir power and direction.
spirit and alacrity with which it engaged in the common T<U- i:.._r _.: u
cause,) admits of no delay. That of half our Militia now
on duty will be due in a few days.
Some further regulations respecting the better ordering
the Militia, merit your speedy attention.
A law for regulating the impressing of such articles as
the exigencies of the service may require, is of great impor-
tance.
No allowance having been made for the provender of the
Light- Horse when in actual service, and it being impossible,
from their perpetual station and being frequently employed
as expresses, for the Commissaries to provide them, it is
reasonable the men should be allowed an equivalent for
keeping their horses themselves.
The fixing the seat of Government in some convenient
and plentiful part of the State, calls for your seasonable
deliberation.
Such other matters as may occur to me during the ses-
sion, and appear more particularly conducive to give vigour
to the Executive branch of the Constitution, I shall take
•the liberty to lay before you
The list of prisoners before omitted through hurry, is no«w
enclosed, though it will probably have reached Congress
before this.
I shall write by the first opportunity for Major Hausegger
to repair to Philadelphia; he is in the Northern Army; and
will also mention the several appointments in consequence
of Colonel St. Glair's promotion.
As soon as Generals Prescott and McDonald arrive, I
shall take measures to advise General Howe of it, that the
proposed exchange for General Sullivan and Lord Stirling
may be carried into execution.
Since my letter of the 8th nothing material has occurred,
except that the enemy have possessed themselves of Mon-
tressor's. Island, and landed a considerable number of troops
upon it. This Island lies in the mouth of Harlem River,
which runs out of the Sound into the North River, and
will give the enemy an easy opportunity of landing either
on the low grounds of Morrisiana, if their views are to
seize and possess the passes above King's Bridge, or on the
plains of Harlem, if they design to intercept and cut off the
communication between our several posts. I am making
To enable me, gentlemen, the more successfully to exe- every disposition and arrangement that the divided state of
cute the arduous office wherewith your unsought and unex-
pected predilection hath invested me, it affects me with
singular pleasure to find both Houses composed of the most
respectable characters. This affords a happy presage of
your zeal and unanimity in promoting the true emolument
of that State of which the uncorrupted voice of a free peo-
ple has made you the guardians and protectors. As it is
our indispensable duty, may it be our invariable aim to
exhibit to our constituents the brightest examples of a disin-
terested love for the common weal ; and be inflexible in our
resolution to know neither friend nor favourite, whenever
his solicitations appear incompatible with the general good.
In our publick capacities we ought to rise superiour to all
our troops will admit of, and which appear most likely and
the best calculated to oppose their attacks, for I presume
there will be several. How the event will be, God only
knows; but you may be assured that nothing in my power,
circumstanced as I am, shall be wanting to effect a favour-
able and happy issue.
By my letter of the 8th you will perceive that several of
the Council were for holding the town, conceiving it practi-
cable for some time. Many of 'em now, upon seeing our
divided state, have altered their opinion, and allow the ex-
pediency and necessity of concentrating our whole force, or
drawing it more together. Convinced of the propriety of
this measure, I am ordering our stores away, except such as
private attachment or resentment, and make the intrinsick mav be absolutely necessary to keep as long as any troops
--* -r — ~i:j~.~ r~- ffl«~ ~..- e^l0 -.1° fXr V,;= rema;n) that if an evacuation of the city becomes inevitable,
and which certainly must be the case, there may be as little
to remove as possible.
The enclosed packet contains several letters for particular
members of Congress, and for some gentlemen in Phila-
delphia. They came to hand yesterday, and were brought
merit of every candidate for an office our sole rule for his
promotion. Let us, gentlemen, both by precept and prac-
tice, encourage a spirit of economy, industry, and patriotism,
and that publick integrity and righteousness which cannot
fail to exalt a nation ; setting our faces, at the same time,
like a flint, against that dissoluteness of manners and politi-
cal corruption which will ever be the reproach of any peo- from prance by a Captain Levez, lately arrived at Bedford,
in the Massachusetts State. I must request the favour of
you to open the packet and to have the letters put in a
proper channel of conveyance to the gentlemen they are
addressed to.
I have the honour to be, with the highest esteem, sir,
your most obedient servant, GQ "WASHINGTON.
pie. May the foundation of our infant State be laid in
virtue and the fear of God, and the superstructure will rise
glorious, and endure for ages! Then may we humbly
expect the blessing of* the Most High, who divides to the
nations their inheritance, and separates the sons of Adam.
In fine, gentlemen, while we are applauded by the whole
impartial world, for demolishing the old fabrick, rotten and
ruinous as it was, let Us unitedly strive to approve ourselves
master-builders, by giving beauty, strength, and stability to
the new- fWiL. LIVINGSTON.
Princeton, September 11, 1776.
•Deut. xxxii. 8.
f PHILADELPHIA, October, 1776.— In the speech of his Excellency
Governour Livingston there is a passage which ought to be printed in
letters of gold, that it might engage the attention of the most heedless
American. The passage f mean is as follows:
"The most scrupulous conscience could, on the matures! reflection,
find itself justified, before God and man, in renouncing those tyrants
who, after having ravaged a great part of Jlsia, and dissipated, in venality
and riot, the treasures extorted from its innocent inhabitants by the hand
of rapine and blood, finally meant to prolong their luxury and corrup-
tion by appropriating to themselves the hard-earned competence of the
American world."
This observation is true as the voice of truth itself. It u highly
important. May it make a lasting impression on the mind of every
one who wishes well to mankind ! R.
FIFTH SERIES.— VOL. U. 19
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 9, 1776.
(Parole, JffiJHn.) (Countersign, Putnam.)
Ellas Matthew, appointed Quartermaster to Tyler's Re-
giment.
Gardner Carpenter, appointed Paymaster to Colonel
Huntington's Regiment.
The Colonels or Commanding Officers of Regiments, or
Paymasters where appointed, are immediately to prepare
and send in their pay abstracts for the months of July and
Au<nut. The Paymaster will attend at his old office at
Mr. Lispenard's, on Thursday and Friday, to receive those
of the division under General Putnam. A time and place
will be appointed in general orders to-morrow, to receive
those of Generals Heath's and Spencer's divisions.
291
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
292
Mr. Adjutant Bradford to do the duty of Brigade Major
to General Nixon's Brigade, during Major Box's illness.
The Maryland Brigade being ordered to march, General
Fellows to supply two hundred and fifty men in their stead,
till further orders.
The several Brigade Majors are required to have their
men on the grand parade at eight o'clock every Monday
precisely, or they will be publickly reprimanded. The
late relief of the guards is a subject of general complaint.
No failure of duty in the Adjutant will excuse, unless the
Adjutant is put in arrest.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 10, 1776.
(Parole, MarUthead.) (Countersign, Orange.)
Major Popst, of Colonel Kachlein's Battalion, having
been tried by a Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Silliman
was President, on a charge of " cowardice and shamefully
abandoning his post on Long-Island, the 28th of August,"
is acquitted of cowardice but convicted of misbehaviour in
the other instance. He is, therefore, sentenced to be dis-
missed the Army, as totally unqualified to hold a military
commission.
Adjutant Spangenburg and Lieutenant Kachlein, tried
for the same offence, were acquitted. The General ap-
proves the sentence as to Spangenburg and Kachlein, and
orders them to join their Regiment. But as there is reason
to believe further evidence can soon be obtained with
respect to the Major, he is to continue under arrest till they
can attend.
The Brigade Major of the day to carry the parole and
countersign to the several Guards as formerly, taking care
that it be done early.
The Brigade Majors are directed to have the several
Regiments join in Brigade as often as possible, and to be
very careful that they are thoroughly acquainted with their
alarm posts and the lines they are to man.
The General observes with great concern, that too little
care is taken to prevent the men straggling from their quar-
ters and encampments, so that in case of a sudden attack,
it will be difficult to collect them ; he therefore most
anxiously desires both officers and men would attend to it,
and consider how much their safety and success depend
upon their being at hand when wanted. The order for
calling the roll three times a day is to be punctually obeyed,
and any officer omitting it will be brought to a court-
martial.
Great complaints are made of the Adjutants, as being
irregular and remiss in duty. The General informs them
that he expects an alacrity and despatch of business equal
to the importance of their situation, and will certainly make
some examples, if (which he sincerely hopes may not be
the case) there should be any further reason for complaint.
The Court-Martial to sit to-morrow for the trial of Cap-
tain Rapaljee, confined by Colonel Lasher for refusing to
do duty.
Major Scammel is appointed a temporary assistant to the
Adjutant General, and is to repair to General Heath's di-
vision. He is to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 11, 17T6.
(Parole, UUer.) (Countersign, Albany.)
Robert Williams, of Colonel Glover's Regiment, is ap-
pointed Paymaster to said Regiment.
William Arnold and Samuel Clark, of Captain Smith's
Company, Colonel Smallwood's Regiment; Daniel Donovel,
of Captain Hardenberg's Company, tried by a Court-Mar-
tial, whereof Colonel Malcom was President, on a charge of
"plundering the house lately occupied by Lord Stirling;"
Donovel was convicted of the crime, and sentenced to re-
ceive thirty-nine lashes, the others acquitted. The General
approves the sentence, orders the latter to join their Regi-
ment, and Donovel to be whipped to-morrow, on the grand
parade, before the guards march off. The Provost Mar-
shal'to see it executed, Colonel Rilzema's Regiment beino
removed.
Peter Richards, Sergeant in the General's Guard, con-
victed by the same Court-Martial of " abusing and striking
Captain Gibbs," sentenced to be reduced to the ranks, and
whipped thirty-nine lashes. The General approves the
sentence, and orders it to be executed to-morrow morning,
at the head of the company, at eight o'clock.
Colonel Palfrey, Paymaster, will receive the pay abstracts,
agreeable to yesterday's orders, of General Spencer's di-
vision, at General McDougall's quarters, near Harlem, on
Saturday and Sunday; of General Heath's division at
his Head -Quarters, at any time.
The Commanding Officers of Colonel Silliman's, Colonel
Lewis's, Colonel Mead's and Colonel Thompsons Regi-
ments, to examine the state of the ammunition of their
Regiments, it being reported that their men on guard last
night were deficient.
John Christy, of Colonel Humphry's Regiment, con-
victed by a Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Malcom was
President, of "desertion," ordered to receive thirty-nine
lashes. The General approves the sentence and orders it
to be executed to-morrow, at the usual time and place.
Such Regiments whose Paymasters have not been named
in general orders, are by their Field Officers immediately
to recommend suitable persons to the General for that office.
Every recommendation is to be signed by the Field Officers
of the Regiments who are present.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL MERCER.
New-York, September 11, 1776.
SIR: I have received your favour by Colonel Wcedon.
As it seems every day more probable that the posts at
King's Bridge will be occupied by this army, and the prin-
cipal defence made there, I have ordered Colonel Bradley'i
regiment to move from Bergen, as that post does not seem
to be an object of the enemy's attention. I am in doubt
whether it is necessary for you to replace this regiment, or
leave it to the remaining troops. As you best know what
number there are from your camp at that post, I must leave
it to you to direct a further supply or not, as, under all
circumstances, you think best and necessary. We find a-
moving camp will require a greater number of wagons than
was expected. If Mr. Biddle could engage about fifty of
the common country wagons, or in proportion of the Phila-
delphia teams, to go up to Burdett's Ferry, it would greatly
relieve us. The idea of impressing is very disagreeable,
and only to be adopted in case of the most urgent necessity.
The enemy is taking post on the Islands about Hell-Gate,
so as to make a landing with the greater ease and conve-
nience. We are endeavouring to give them a suitable
reception, and hope they will not be able to execute their
scheme.
I am, &ic., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General Mercer, New-Jersey.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 11, 1776.
SIR : I am commanded by his Excellency to acknowledge
yours of last night, and to inform you that he is fully sensi-
ble that you are deficient in men, which is not only the case
of your post, but of every other one, which he well knew
would inevitably be the consequence, when it was determined
that our defence should be divided and extended to so
many objects. This having been determined on, and the
point of attack uncertain, our attention must be had to every
part where it is likely to fall.
That you may be reinforced, his Excellency has issued
orders for Colonel Ward's regiment at Burdett's Feiry im-
mediately to cross and be under your direction. He also
desires that you would send out and get information, if you
can, of the Connecticut Militia and Light Horse, and give
them orders to advance as fast as possible, and take such
stations as you shall think most proper.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
ROBT. H. HARRISON.
To the Hon. Major-General Heath.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO GENERAL GATES.
New- York, September 11, 1776.
My DEAR GENERAL: Congress having been pleased to
appoint Major Haussegger to the command of a German
battalion, and signified their earnest desire of his repairing
immediately to Philadelphia, I have it in command from
his Excellency to request that he may set out for that place
without delay. They have also appointed Joseph Wood.
293
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
294
Esq., Colonel of the regiment lately commanded by Colonel
St. Clair; Thomas Craig, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel ; Wil-
liam. Butler, Esq., Major.
I could wish to write you a line or two more, but as I
cannot for want of time, I shall conclude with my best
wishes for your happiness.
Yours affectionately, ROBT. H. HARRISON.
CERTIFICATE ON WISNER's POWDER MILL.
In Committee, Wallkill, Ulster County, September 11, 1776.
This is to certify that Henry Wisner, Jun., has made
sufficient proof to this Committee that he had manufactured
at his Mill nine thousand one hundred and eighty-four
pounds gunpowder, between the 1st of March and the 9th of
June last.
By order of the Committee:
WILLIAM WILLKIN, Chairman.
To the Honourable the Representatives of the State of
New- York.
In Committee, Wallkill, Ulster County, September 11, 1776.
This is to certify that Messrs. Henry Wisner, Jun., and
Morris Phillips have made sufficient proof to this Commit-
tee, agreeable to a resolve of Congress, that they had erected
a Powder-Mill in this precinct, and had her complete at
work by the 20th of May last. And also, that sufficient
proof has been made as aforesaid, that thfere was manufac-
tured at said mill, one thousand four hundred and fifty-nine
pounds of good merchantable gunpowder in seven days suc-
cessively.
By order of the Committee :
WILLIAM WILLKIN, Chairman.
To the Honourable the Representatives of the State of
New-York.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 11, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: At eleven this morning, I received
your favour of the 7th continued to the 8th, with the sev-
eral enclosures. I was in hopes to have received some
intelligence of what occasioned the cannonade heard at
Crown Point, on Friday the 5th. I have not heard a word
from Colonel Dayton since my last to you. Many of the
Militia are already arrived in this town and at Schenectady,
where I have halted them, until, by intelligence from you and
Colonel Dayton, I shall be enabled to judge which way it
will be most necessary to conduct them.
Colonel Gansevoort is strangely mistaken to suppose that
I ordered Colonel Van Dyck's corps to this place. I shall
immediately order him back. He is not yet arrived -here.
It would be far from prudent, even if Colonel Dayton's
information prove groundless, to draw what few troops are
upon the western communication from thence; for as sure
as we do, the enemy will attempt to distress us in that
quarter. At this place we have no troops except two com-
panies of Van Schawk's, so very incomplete by desertion
and sickness, that they are hardly sufficient for the necessary
gHards of the stores and magazines. Veeder's and Vosbntgh's
company ofWynkoop's, are employed in repairing the roads.
If they are taken from that, all supplies must stop. Even
now the roads are extremely bad.
I have ordered Mr. Douw immediately to his post. He
informed me that he was here by your leave. Major Pierce
is gone down the country, when or where I do not know.
As soon as I can find where he is, he will be sent up.
As you will be best able to judge whether Colonel Phin-
ney ought to be moved from Fort George, when Colonel
Van Dyck arrives there, you will give orders accordingly,
and I shall also write to Colonel Gansevoort on the subject.
I have wrote to Congress and General Washington that
as soon as I return from either Tryon County or Tionde-
roga, to either of which I must go accordingly as intelligence
determines, I shall resign my commission and insist upon a
hearing.
I have advised them of the necessity of having a General
Officer at this place, and as you will command in chief, it
is necessary that you should in time fix your own mind on
the person that will be most proper for it. I believe my
countrymen will be astonished to find that I shall not only
clearly exculpate myself of all the infamous charges laid to
me, but point out that they ought to be bestowed elsewhere.
I am, dear General, with every friendly wish, your most
obedient, humble servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. General Gates.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
September 11, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Your letters of the 7th and 8th are
now before me. I can make no judgment of the depend-
ence that ought to be placed upon the Indian intelligence
sent Colonel Dayton from Onondaga and Oneida ; a small
diversion that way, it is natural to conclude, the enemy may
think will divide our force and cause this important pass to
be weakened in a considerable degree of its defence; there-
fore any drafts from hence should be made with the utmost
wisdom and caution, and upon no account made at all before
certain information is actually received that the enemy are
to the east end of the Oneida Lake. Are the Indians who
gave Colonel Dayton the information such men as you
confide in? or is there any reason to suspect they are paid
for giving the alarm ?
I have published the order you desired, in regard to the
arrival of the Commissioners of Accounts at Albany, and to
the measures those who have received the publick money
are to take to have their accounts settled ; but it certainly
would be highly proper for those gentlemen to come here
immediately, as I cannot spare General Arnold from his
command, nor any of the publick officers from their duty at
this post. Besides, there are many demands due to poor
inhabitants here and at Crown Point, which it would be
distressing them exceedingly to be obliged to go to Albany
to be paid. As to Mr. Avery, I desire not to be concerned
in the dispute between him and Mr. Livingston. It is a
matter of moonshine to me who is Commissary, so the troops
are well supplied. I shall take care you do not want
returns of men and provisions upon this ground. I have
sent those continually, and now send you one of this day's
date. General Waterbury, with the row-galleys, is now
here. They are fitting for service with the utmost expe-
dition. I wish Colonel Wynkoop were sent to' Skenes-
borough to command there. I hope his health is reestab-
lished.
The Congress may think as they please, but unless the
officers for the upper staff of the army are taken from the
troops, I see not how this army is to be supplied. You
cannot take Assistant Deputy Quartermaster-Generals, &.C.,
&c., &,c., as you do cannon carriages, from the stumps of
trees. You desire I would recommend a Mustermaster,
and you will send him a commission. Mr. Peter Huges, I
believe to be an honest, sensible man of business. There
is a variety of trees in these woods, and but few that bear
such fruit. Your news, and every body's news, and all the
news from New-York, want a something to make it com-
plete. Clear up this obscurity as soon as you can. This
moment I received the enclosed letter from General Arnold.
General Waterbury and two of the row-galleys are now
here; the third is hourly expected from Skeen. The
General promises to lose no time in preparing them for
action, and sailing instantly to join General Arnold. I
shall be careful to send a timely supply to the fleet. 1 send
you by this conveyance the Tyonderoga mail. I desire
you will order the postmaster to send in it all the letters in
his office for this army, sealed up to you, and I must beg
you to forward it here.
Colonel Wigglesworth, with Lieutenant Calderwood, in
two batteaus, with men and provisions, and the last gondola,
joined the fleet in a short time after General Arnold's
express came away, so that the fleet now consists of thirteen
sail. Pray forward as much pork as possible ; the fleet will
want a considerable quantity. 1 send to Gilliland's, and
the inhabitants in the rear of the fleet, to supply General
Arnold with all the fresh beef and mutton, garden stuff,
&c., that they can furnish. While we are uppermost
Gilliland and the rest will take our money; it is all we can
hope from them.
I am astonished at the calumnies that go to Congress
against General Arnold, and more astonished they should
be one moment attended to. To be a man of honour, and
295
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
296
in an exalted station, will ever excite envy in the mean and
undeserving. I am confident the Congress will view what-
ever is whispered against General Arnold as the foul stream
of that poisonous fountain, detraction. My respectful com-
pliments wait upon the ladies.
I am, dear General, &.C., Ho. GATES.
To General Schuykr.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 11,1776.
SIR : The bearer, Major Backus, has the command of the
troops of Light-Horse now ordered from this State to ren-
dezvous at or near Westchester, and there attend your
Excellency's orders. I take the liberty to introduce him to
you as an officer prepared to execute your orders to the best
of his power, and hope, under your direction, he may do his
country good service.
I am, sir, with great truth and regard, your obedient,
humble servant, JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To His Excellency General Washington.
N. B. A Major is the chief officer in each regiment of
Light-Horse formed by this State.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 11, 1776.
SIR: The bearer, Gurdon Saltonstall, Esq., Brigadier-
General of the regiments of Militia now ordered to march
and rendezvous at or near Westchester, I beg leave to intro-
duce to your Excellency as a worthy man, a steady and
warm friend to the. States of America, and an old, tried, and
faithful servant of this State, and wish he may meet with
that favour and countenance from your Excellency as his
zeal and services deserve.
I am, sir, with great truth and regard, your obedient,
humble servant, JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To His Excellency General Washington.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OP SAFETT.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September llth, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour, His Honour the
Deputy Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Titus Hosmer, William Hillhouse, Nathaniel Wales, Jun.,
Benjamin Huntington, Jedediah Elderkin, Esq'rs.
Voted, That a draft be made on the Pay-Table for the
sum of £500 0*. Od., in favour of Ebenezer Backus, Esq.,
Major and Commander of the Second and Fourth Regi-
ments of Horse, now ordered to march towards New-York,
to enable him to provide for and support the gentlemen of
the Horse, under his command, on said expedition, he
giving his receipt to be accountable therefor. (Order drawn
September 11, 1776, delivered Major Backus.)
Voted, That the Committee of Pay-Table be, and they
are directed to liquidate the accounts of the Selectmen of
the several towns, incurred in furnishing the Militia with
guns and other warlike stores and equipments for service,
and draw for the payment thereof, in the same manner
as was directed by the General Assembly for the troops
last raised by them.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Saybrook, September 11, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: Since my last by
Lieutenant Smith, I have been able to collect no assistance.
The Militia of Southold, about one hundred and fifty in
number, deserted me at the River-Head, on my way to
Huntington, having heard that Long-Island was given up
to the enemy. Colonel Mulford was gathering the Militia
of South and Easthampton when this report (industriously
circulated by our enemies) was spread among them. In
vain I endeavoured to remove the fallacy. Colonel Smith's
regiment, having been dismissed by their Colonel, arrived
in small parties and confirmed the report.
I received, at the same time, letters from the town of
Huntington, praying me, for God's sake, not to advance
any farther, as they had already submitted to the enemy,
and much feared that terms would not be granted them
should I proceed any farther. These considerations, to-
gether with a fear that our retreat might be cut off, as I had
engaged no boats to take off the troops, induced me to
determine a retreat, which was effected on the 2d of Sep-
tember. In three hours after, we arrived at this place. Since
that time I have almost constantly been employed in assist-
ing the unfortunate inhabitants of Long-Island to remove
their stock. On my way from the River-Head, hearing
that the disaffected in and about Huntington were disarming
our friends, I took the same method, and have collected
about two hundred and thirty-six small arms, have also
brought off six pieces of ordnance — one nine, one twelve,
and four six-pounders — all unmounted; five quarter casks
powder, two and a half boxes of ball, one hundred and
ninety cartouch-boxes, one hundred and sixty powder-
horns, (filled,) one hundred and fifty-three bayonets.
Before I left Long-Island the towns of Easthampton
and Southampton had sent for their pardons to Lord
Howe. Since I have left it they have almost universally
taken the oath of allegiance to his Britannick Majesty, ten-
dered to them by Colonel Gardiner. I have since taken
him, and have him now in custody at this place, with two
others. Governour Trumbull has appointed a committee to
examine them, and if they merit the indulgence, to permit
them the liberty of a town in Connecticut, on their parole.
The Governour has also sent about two hundred and eighty
men to my assistance, as my own are not to be depended
on, their connexions being on Long-Island. Twenty-one
deserted on the day of our retreat ; since that, many others.
This has reduced the detachment to a trifle.
I propose sailing from this place for Huntington to-morrow
morning, and hope to have an opportunity of being servicea-
ble. The whole of the troops I shall have with me will be
about four hundred and twenty. I am thus particular, as I
understand your Excellency was informed I had a greater
number. I believe if ten thousand men were sent on the
east end of Long- Island, they would give a very unexpected
turn to affairs ; the diversion would certainly surprise our
enemies. I would not have had the presumption to men-
tion this had I not heard it was your Excellency's intention.
They are now perfectly secure. Their whole attention is
bent on their operations at New- York.
I send enclosed a true state of the detachment under my
care, and remain, with respect, your Excellency's most
obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Excellency General Washington.
P. S. The enclosed are the Proclamations of Generals
Howe and Erskine, which I intercepted at River-Head.
A General Return of a detachment of Colonel
Regiment, or the First Regiment of YORKERS, com-
manded by Lieutenant- Colonel LIVINGSTON, September
12, 1776.
Present — 1 Lieutenant-Colonel, 3 Captains, 6 Lieuten-
ants, 3 Ensigns, 1 Adjutant, 10 Sergeants, 10 Corporals,
5 Drums and Fifes.
Rank and File Effective — 178 present, fit for duty, 16
on command, 2 on furlough, 28 deserted ; total 224.
Arms — 320 good, 60 bad.
A true return, except two Sergeants and two Corporals
on command. As Commanding officer of the regiment, I
have taken upon me to nominate an Adjutant, until your
Excellency's pleasure is known. I shall be joined to-
morrow by Captain LeffingwelFs Independent company
of fifty men, and three companies of Colonel Wolcott's
regiment, sixty men each, by Governour TrumbulFs order.
They are commanded by Major Ely, who is commanded to
act in concert with me.
1 remain your Excellency's most obedient, humble ser-
vant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Excellency General Washington.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saybrook, September 11, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : I am just now applied
to by Mr. Marvin for the arms I have taken from the
Militia on Long-Island. I have collected about two hundred
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
298
and thirty-six stands — about one hundred and ninety of them
complete with bayonets. If your Honour has occasion for
any or all of them, they will be delivered to your order.
The Militia, or owners of them, were, if they came over to
the main, to have them on their application. However, if
they are to be again returned, I should imagine it would be
no detriment to the owner to have them in the service,
provided they knew who to apply to for them hereafter. 1
did intend to take them over with with me to Long-Island,
in order to put them in the hands of those who should join
us in defence of the Isle ; but if your Honour has need of
them they shall be delivered.
I remain your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Honour Governour Trumbull.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO MAJOR ELY.
Saybrook, September 11, 1776.
SIR: Since I received your favour, I received a letter
from Governour Trumbull, acquainting me with your desti-
nation. I should be glad you would immediately get in
readiness your little detachment to proceed in conjunction
with me to Huntington, as nothing of consequence can be
achieved short of that place. I shall join you some time
to-morrow at Hashemomuck Beach, or as soon as I can get
in readiness. I have some reason to think a very powerful
diversion will shortly be made on Long-Island. Keep
secret our destination, or my design may be frustrated. If
we are expeditious we may be of infinite service.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To Major John Ely.
ORDERS BY THE SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF BOSTON
RELATING TO THE SMALL-POX.
Boston, September, 11, 1776.
It appearing to the Town, at their late meeting, that there
were but few persons then sick with the Small-Pox, the
Committees who had visited the several Wards were directed
to revisit them, and cause that such houses as were unoc-
cupied and suspected of being infected, be well smoked and
cleansed ; as also to make strict inquiry how the orders
given the inhabitants for cleaning the houses that had been
infected have been complied with. The Selectmen were
also directed to put the resolve of the General Court and
the several laws now in force relative to the small-pox into
immediate and strict execution, and to take the same meas-
ures to rid the town of infection as have been practised to
prevent that disease from spreading in the town.
In compliance with the above, the Selectmen are deter-
mined to remove any persons who may be taken with the
small-pox, and to prosecute those who neglect to give in-
formation of any in their families who have that distem-
per.
By order of the Selectmen :
WILLIAM COOPER, Toum- Clerk.
Annapolis, September 12, 1776.
B. T. B. Worthington, Charles Carroll, Barrister, and
Samuel Chase, Esqs., Delegates for this County in Conven-
tion, having received instructions from their constituents
directing them in framing of a Government to vote for
measures in their opinion incompatible with good govern-
ment and the publick peace and happiness, resigned their
seats in Convention, and on Wednesday last a new election
was held for this County. On Saturday afternoon the polle
were closed, and John Hall, B. T. B. Worthington, and
Samuel Chase, Esqs., were declared and returned duly
elected.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MESSRS. VANBIBBER AND
HARRISON.
[No. 178.] Annapolis, September 12, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Your favours of the 9th, 24th, and 25th of
July, and August 1st and 15th, are before us. It has been
unlucky for this State, as well as for you, that so many of
our outward-bound vessels have miscarried. We have been
tolerable lucky in our importations, having only lost the
adventures by Scott and Simmerton, that we as yet hear of.
Captain Luce is safe arrived in Delaware, and we daily
expect to hear of the arrival of the rest of the powder you
advise us that you have and are about to ship. We are
very solicitous to charter or buy vessels to load out to your
address, as we want a large sum of money in your hands
for the purchase of salt, arms, coarse cloths, blankets, and
lead, but we fear that we shall be disappointed in procuring
as many as we want. You will, therefore, if possible,
charter or buy vessels with you, and load them in with salt
as far as thirty thousand bushels, and draw bills upon us or
upon Messrs. Willing, Morris &f Co., at Philadelphia, and
you may depend upon their being duly honoured. Next to
salt, we want a large quantity of coarse cloths, blankets,
sail-duck, light as- well as heavy, lead, and muskets. We
do not restrict you in price, but leave it to you to do the
best you can for the State of Maryland, and your bills for
the whole or any part thereof will be paid.
We are, &tc.
To Messrs. Vanbibber Sf Harrison.
P. S. Your bill on T. Johnson, Esq., wil be duly hon-
oured.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MESSRS. VANBIBBER AND
HARRISON;
[No. 179.] Annapolis, September 12, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Enclosed you have invoice and bill of
lading for twenty-five hogsheads tobacco, two hundred bar-
rels superfine flour, and one hundred barrels bread, on
account of this State, which we wish may get safe to hand
and to a good market. You will be pleased to despatch
Captain Conway with a light load of salt and such of the
articles as you can purchase for us, as recommended to you
in our letter of equal date with this.
We are, &c.
To Messrs. Vanbibber fy Harrison.
PHILIP THOMAS TO MATTHEW TILGHMAN.
Fredericktown, September 12, 1776.
SIR : I am directed by the Committee to inform the Con-
vention that there are many deserters from our regiment
now in this and the Upper District, and that they have
sufficient reasons to believe they are secreted by their friends.
Under these circumstances, the Committee wish the Con-
vention to take some order therein, as they conceive the
interposition of their authority may be necessary for the
speedy apprehending them and discouraging desertion in
future.
I am likewise to mention, that there have been and still
are several sick soldiers lodged in this town, belonging to
the Continental army, and as no provision hath been made
for them, I am to request your directions.
I am, sir, with great respect, your very obedient servant,
PHILIP THOMAS,
of Committee Correspondence.
To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of Con-
vention.
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
War-Office, September 12, 1776.
SIR : By direction of Congress to the Board of War, I
have procured two of the Philadelphia Light- Horse to
conduct the Generals Prescott and McDonald to your
Excellency, to be exchanged, agreeable to the resolve of
Congress, for the Generals Sullivan and Lord Stirling. I
have directed the gentlemen of the escort to stop short a(
some safe place on the road, and send off an express to
your Excellency for your directions in the matter.
The Generals are on their parole not to attempt an
escape or take any steps contrary to the rules of war, but
to deliver themselves to your Excellency for your proper
disposal of them, until their exchange can be effected.
1 have the honour to be your obedient, humble servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To His Excellency General Washington, &c., &tc., New-
York.
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CORRESPONDE1NCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
300
ROBERT GATES TO COLONEL STEWART.
Princeton, September 12, 1776.
DEAR SIR : It gives me great concern to find by your
letter of the 26th of August, which I received last Saturday,
that my answer to one you were so kind as to favour me
with some time ago had not then come to hand. 1 hope
you will not impute this to negligence, as it has been my
desire to keep up a correspondence you assure me will give
so much satisfaction to yourself and my friends. To pre-
vent your letters from miscarrying for the future, please send
them in my father's packet ; Mr. Francis Lewis will do me
the favour to convey mine in the President's packet.
You inform me that General Arnold with the fleet is gone
down the Lake. When I consider the march he performed,
and his actions before Quebeck, I join with you in making
no doubt but lie will signalize himself.
Many remarkable things have happened in this part of
the world ; one thing in particular, that our troops should
abandon Long-Island. I will not pretend to give you a
circumstantial account of the action upon this place; let it
suffice to say in the language of the people, " We were
out-generaled, they were out-fought." It is reported in
town to-day that the New-England Militia have come upon
the back of the Regulars on Long-Island; Lord Stirling
and General Sullivan were both taken prisoners in the en-
gagement. The latter had a long conversation with Lord
Howe, who permitted him on his parole to go to the Con-
gress and settle an exchange of prisoners, (my Lord and
himself for Prescott and McDonald,) and to tell the Con-
gress that he should be glad to converse with any of the
members of the Congress, not as members of that body, but
as private gentlemen. The Congress sent Mr. J. Adams,
Dr. Franklin, Mr. Rutledge, as Commissioners from the
Congress of the United States. They met day before yes-
terday on Staten-lsland, where, as far as we hear, they
conversed two hours ; but they did not converse on publick
matters, Lord Howe having told them that he could not
confer with them as members of Congress, being not author-
ized so to do by his commission. They this day passed
through on their return to Philadelphia.
I am very sorry that Major Peirce has been so ill ; hope
he is by this time recovered, and that I shall soon have the
happiness to hear from him. Pray remember me affection-
ately to him. I am. much obliged to you for your kind
inquiries concerning my health. The journey to Princeton
quite drove that mean companion, the ague, away.
Remember me to Major Lewis, Colonel Trumbull, and
Mr. Clajon. Adieu, my dear sir.
Yours sincerely and affectionately, R. GATES.
To Colonel Walter Stewart.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 12, 1776.
SIR : His Excellency being called from Head-Quarters
to-day on business of importance, which prevents his writing,
I therefore do myself the honour to inform Congress of what
has happened since his letter of yesterday.
Last evening the enemy transported a number of men
from Buchanan's to Montressor's Island, and by their several
movements more strongly indicate their intention to land
somewhere about Harlem or Morrisiana — most likely at
both at the same time.
This morning one of the ships that has been for some
time in the Sound moved down towards Hell-Gate, but the
tide leaving her she could not get near enough to bring her
guns to bear upon our fortification. If she means to attack
it, it is probable she will warp in the next tide. Their bat-
teaus have kept up a prelty constant fire against ours at that
place, but without any considerable effect. This morning
they opened a new one.
I do not recollect any other material occurrence, and shall
only add, that I have the honour to be, with the highest
respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
ROBERT H. HARRISON.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.
the 9th, with its several enclosures, and am extremely happy
that your honourable body had anticipated my recommenda-
tion, by resolving on an augmentation of six hundred men to
the garrisons in the Highlands. The importance of those
posts demands the utmost attention and every exertion to
maintain them.
The vessels for the removal of the sick are not yet arrived ;
their present situation gives me great anxiety. As the wind
is now favourable, I would fain hope that a sufficient number
will coma down to-day to take in the whole ; if they do not,
my distress will be much increased.
General Clinton, in a letter of the 8th, transmitted me a
list of artillery and ordnance stores wanted at Forts Mont-
gomery and Constitution, which included the several articles
you have determined to procure, except those mentioned
below. I directed that they should be sent up; but as the
situation of our affairs at this time may not perhaps admit
of it, I think it will be prudent for Mr. Schenck, whom you
have appointed an agent in this instance, to get all he can.
Should he be able to obtain the supply you have voted to
be necessary, and General Clinton's demand be complied
with also, no damage will be done ; our stores will not be too
large.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most
obedient servant, Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Abm. Yates, Jan., Esq., President, &c.
Entrenching tools, iron carriages, cannon harness, Ar-
mourer with the tools.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL JAMES CLINTON.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 12, 1776.
SIR : I have before me your two letters of the 8th and
10th instant, the first enclosing returns of the number of
men and ordnance and artillery stores at Forts Montgomery
and Constitution; the last, copies of two letters from the
Convention of the State of New- York, by which it appears
they had ordered in six hundred Militia as a reinforcement
to the two posts, and which I hope will prove sufficient to
put them in a proper state of defence.
I ordered Colonel Knox to provide and forward the dif-
ferent articles wanted by you in the ordnance department,
but he informed me that from the present unsettled state of
our Magazine and Laboratory (many of our stores being
removed and on their way to King's Bridge and Mount
Washington) he could not comply at once with the whole
of the demand, but would send what he could conveniently
collect. The Convention of New- York having appointed
Mr. Schenck to provide what articles they found wanting at
their late review of your works and stores, and which include
many of the articles you wrote for, I hope, as he will make
it his business, that he will collect many articles which
Colonel Knox, from the present hurry of our affairs, cannot
attend to ; and if they should both provide the same things,
your store will only be fuller. I have again ordered the
Quartermaster-General to send up the nails with all possible
expedition. The Convention having ordered an Armourer,
with proper tools, to be fixed at your two posts, I hope what
arms are at present out of repair will be soon fit for use.
We must make every shift with our old arms till we can get
better supplied.
I am, &tc., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General James Clinton, Fort Montgomery.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 12, 1776.
SIR : I yesterday received the favour of your letter of
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 12, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I yesterday evening received your favour of
the 8th instant, with its enclosures.
You were right in supposing me unable to comply with
General Gates's request. I am by no means provided to
supply so large a demand, and am glad you transmitted his
application immediately to Congress.
The papers you enclosed but too strongly indicate the
hostile intentions of the Indians; however, 1 trust if they
should attempt an incursion upon the frontiers, that the force
you will be able to oppose to 'em will be sufficient to repel
their attacks, and prevent their doing much mischief.
I have delivered the returns of boards and plank to the
Quartermaster-General, who will examine them and pay
whatever is due as soon as proper accounts are rendered
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
302
him. As we shall have occasion for a great quantity, I
must request your assistance in furnishing every supply in
your power; neither timber or boats will be wanted. I am
exceedingly hurried by a variety of business now before me,
and shall only add that
I am, dear sir, with great respect, &tc.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.
DR. MORGAN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New- York, September 12, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY : Agreeable to
orders I have been into the County of Orange, and
collected seven members of Committee, and spent the
whole of yesterday and part of this day in viewing the
country, and looking out for proper coverings for the recep-
tion of the sick and wounded.
I am sorry to report that, in a circuit of fourteen miles in
that County, 1 cannot find or hear of any suitable accom-
modations for more than about one hundred sick. No
country can be worse provided in all respects ; and the
places proposed are remote from any landing. From the
knowledge 1 have of New-Ark, I am persuaded it is a place
infinitely superiour in all respects for the establishment of a
General Hospital. There are but four miles of land carriage
required ; all the rest is water carriage. The houses are
numerous, large, and convenient. If it be objected that
they are full of inhabitants from New-York, so is every
hovel through Orange County ; and as to the town of
Orange, I cannot find that there is room for one sick person
without incommoding some one or other.
After this report, which is grounded on the most careful
inquiry and inspection, I wait your Excellency's further
orders ; but if I may be permitted to offer my sentiments it
is, that no time be lost in applying to the Committee at
New-Ark by requisition for room for the sick ; and if your
Excellency thinks proper, I will immediately repair with all
despatch to urge the matter without delay, or proceed in
any other way your Excellency may see fit.
I am your Excellency's most obedient and very humble
servant, JOHN MORGAN.
To His Excellency General Washington.
River, and cross it at the FishMl or New-Windsor, when
it is his turn to ride on the west side. In answer to it, I beg
leave to inform you that I can see no reason why he
should not ride as the Committee request, unless it will be
contrary to the following order from the Comptroller, dated
the 7th instant : " I desire the route of the Albany post may
not be altered till there is an absolute necessity, or order
from the Postmaster-General." However, sir, I cannot
conceive that, the alteration you propose can any way affect
the revenue of the Post-Office, or occasion any inconveni-
ence to the publick; and, therefore, for my own part, shall
have no objections against it, but I do not expect to have
the management of these matters much longer, having
desired that another Postmaster may be appointed for the
district of New- York.
I am respecfully, sir, your and the Committee's most
obedient, humble servant, EBEN. HAZARD.
To Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President of the Committee
of Safety, at Fishkill.
P. S. The Convention are indebted to me for some
postage : will you please to procure an order for the payment
of it?
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 12, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Yesterday I was favoured with a letter from
General Gates of the 7th instant, continued to the 8th,
covering the information given by a Hessian deserter, and
copy of his capitulation, copies whereof I do myself the
honour to enclose.
General Gates informs me " no intelligence that can be
depended upon has yet arrived from the fleet. Scouts and
parties are out by land and by water to make discoveries."
Part of the Militia of this County are now in this town
and Schenectady, and more are daily coming in. I have
not had a line from Colonel Dayton since that of the 4th
instant ; I have therefore requested the Militia to remain
here until I shall be enabled to judge which way it will he-
proper to march them.
I am, dear sir, most respectfully, your Excellency's
obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington, fyc.
STEPHEN MOYLAN TO COLONEL HARRISON.
September 12, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I have given a bill of scantling to a man who
engages to get as much as will be wanted for the Barracks,
between this and Peekskill, so that I don't think it
necessary for the General to mention any thing at present
relative to the timber.
I am yours, S. MOYLAN.
To Colonel Harrison.
GENERAL CHESTER TO CAPTAIN ISHAH.
September 12, 1776.
SIR: In consequence of yesterday's orders I appoint you
to take the charge and oversight of all the sick in my brigade
who are not able to transport themselves from place to place.
You are to continue to collect them together in some
convenient house near the banks of the North River, and
to provide necessaries for their comfort, both as to medicine
and food, advising with the Hospital Surgeon who shall
be appointed for that purpose, as well as the Regimental
Surgeons who may attend the sick. And you are to apply
to the Quartermaster-General for money for to supply the
same, which you are to use with the utmost frugality.
Bloomingdale may be as convenient a place to collect them
together, as may be.
JOHN CHESTER, Commandant.
To Captain John Isham.
EBENEZER HAZARD TO ABRAHAM YATES.
Dobbs'a Ferry, September 12, 1776.
SIR: I am honoured with your letter of the 10th instant,
desiring, in behalf of the Committee of Safety, that the
Albany post may ride on the east side of the Hudson
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD.
Tyonderoga, September 12, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I had the pleasure to receive your letters
by Lieutenant Brooks, of the Sixth Battalion of Penn-
sylvanians, from Me-aux-Mottes. I am perfectly satisfied
with your leaving Isle-aux-Tetes, and think from yours and
every other account that the post you now occupy is much
preferable. Point-aux-Fers is an object that should employ
your serious attention. Should it be possible for the enemy
secretly to get artillery and a post fixed there, while you
are to the northward of that remarkable spot, it might prove
a great annoyance to your fleet. Remember how exceed-
ingly you ought to guard against the possibility of the
enemy's possessing any narrow pass in your rear, a caution
which you so much approved in the orders and instructions
you received.
The row-galleys are all three at this place, and fitting
with the utmost diligence. General Waterbury is indefati-
gable, and promises to sail without the smallest unnecessary
delay ; your best pilot should be sent by the return of the
bearer to conduct them down. You wrote to General Schuy-
ler to apply to Governour Trumbull for Captains to com-
mand these galleys. The Governour has sent four; by this
we are encumbered with double officers, as you appointed
three before you left Tyonderoga. What is best to be done
in this difficulty? I shall endeavour to pacify all claimants
until I hear from you. A good many seamen are procured,
and will be sent in the galleys. I have ordered Commissary
Avery, and Mr. Deacon. Rood of Onion River, to acquaint
all the inhabitants upon both sides the Lake, that what cattle,
sheep, garden-stuff, or hogs, are sent to you, shall, upon
your certificate be paid for in ready money, upon the present-
ment thereof to me.
Enclosed is a copy of a letter I have just received from
Dr. Franklin. The tobacco is not yet come; it shall be
sent to you in the first row-galley. Would it not now and
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
304
then be proper for a row -galley or gondola to cruise a little
to the southward, above Point-aux-Fers, to protect boats,
fee., passing to the fleet? The enemy are subtle, and
quick at expedients; they may endeavour to impose false
friends upon you ; your watchword should never be given
until sunset, and all boats at daylight kept at a proper
distance, until their crews are examined.
In obedience to your request, I wrote very fully yester-
day in my publick letter, upon the subject you so earnestly
mentioned. I fancy when my letter is received, the Con-
gress and your friends will be convinced that every report
to your prejudice is founded in calumny, and should meet
with the contempt and disregard it so justly deserves.
A fourth row-galley will be quite planked up by Satur-
day night. Your barge is here, and most elegantly painted
and finished. She will be sent by Captain Arnold. The
provisions I now send will last much longer than will be
necessary for the supply of the fleet, until the first row-
galley arrives, even if the inhabitants upon the Lake do not
send you any fresh provisions, &.c.
I hope to be able to send all the clothing you demand by
Captain Arnold. Rum goes by this conveyance, and all
the hard bread baked at Crown Point. Commissary Avery
has my orders to write, and obey all your orders. The
swivels will come with the galley. Gunners are very scarce,
but you shall be supplied.
I would fain send you some intelligence from authority,
of the proceedings of the armies at Long-Island; but neither
General Schuyler or myself have received any letters from
General Washington that are particular upon the subject.
By private letters it is clear the enemy lost upwards of
fourteen hundred men in the three repulses they met with
in their attack upon our lines, Wednesday, the 28th ultimo;
and Commissary Trumbull writes that we are still in pos-
session of our lines upon Long-Island, and the City of
New-York. It is beyond a doubt that our people have
behaved with the greatest spirit, and that the enemy have
suffered greatly, and must view our troops in a very respect-
able light.
I am, &c., Ho. GATES.
To Brigadier-General Arnold.
P. S. When you receive an order to send a flag to the
enemy, or have an opportunity by the return of one of theirs,
send them the Act of Independence enclosed. H. G.
MAJOR SHEPARDSON TO GENERAL GATES.
Rutland, September 12, 1776.
SIR : The detachment of Colonel Van Dyck's regiment
now on the road in repairing the same, under Colonel Bar-
rifs inspection, consisting of ninety men, officers included,
are without ammunition. If your Honour will please to
give orders for their supply by Lieutenant Coolce, the bearer,
you will greatly oblige
Your Honour's most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN SHEPARDSON, Major.
To the Hon. Horatio Gates, Major-General.
[Endoised : The bridge is building at Rutland, and the road to Mount
Indtpcndencc comes in at Ciuilrlotcn.
Delivered one thousand cartridges and one hundred flints.]
COLONEL SIMONDS TO GENERAL GATES.
Williamstown, September 12, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to an express from his Honour Major-
General Schuyler, I have caused the Militia under my
command to be on their march to Tyonderoga. I thought
proper to send this by express, so that in case the men
should not be wanted, they may have early orders for their
return, that so expense of their march farther than neces-
sary may be prevented.
I am your Honour's most obedient servant,
BENJ. SIMONDS, Colonel.
To General Gates.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO COMMITTEE FOR NEW-HAVEN,
CONNECTICUT.
Lebanon, September 12, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I am informed that Mr. Ralph Isaacs of
New-Haven, has done and said many things tending to
depreciate and obstruct the currency of the Continental
bills of credit, and hath likewise encouraged and assisted
deserters to make their escape from our army. How these
matters are I do not pretend to judge, but think them very
worthy your attention. Mr. Dapeau and the French Cap-
tain in company with him, can give you information. The
same French Captain complains of great injustice from said
Isaacs. As he is a merchant stranger, who is come to trade
with us upon the faith of the resolves of Congress, I think
his case falls within your cognizance as executors of these
resolves; and as it is of the greatest importance that speedy
justice should be done to such strangers, to encourage them
to come and trade with us, I am of opinion you ought
immediately to call said Isaacs before you, and take speedy
and effectual care that equal and impartial justice be done
this stranger.
To the Committee of Inspection, of New-Haven.
GOVERNOUR THUMBULL TO COLONEL LIVINGSTON.
Lebanon, September 12, 1776.
SIR: I received your favour of the llth instant, per Mr.
Marvin, wherein you are so kind as to offer to supply some
of our troops with arms for the present service. There are
two companies from Norwich who want. Please to deliver
Captain Jabez Wright, for his company, three guns, bayo-
nets, and cartouch-boxes, and to Captain Ezra Brewster,
for his company, fifteen guns, Sic., taking their respective
receipts, with promise to return them, extraordinaries ex-
cepted. If it appear they want more, please to deliver them
accordingly. Let them be prized by judicious men, under
oath. Take duplicate receipts and accounts of appraisal;
one of each to be sent me.
I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your obedient, humble
servant, t m
JONTH. IRUMBULL.
To Colonel Henry B. Livingston, (in his absence to be
opened by Mr. Dickaso?i,) at Sayorook.
GOVERNOUR THUMHDLL TO COLONEL LIVINGSTON.
Lebanon, September 12, 1776.
SIR: Since my last of the 9th instant, I am favoured
with a letter from General Washington, in which he gives
his opinion, that, under present circumstances, a diversion
on Long-Island is impracticable, and that the only object
there is the securing and bringing off the persons and effects
of our friends ; perhaps some of the provisions for our ene-
mies may be intercepted or destroyed.
I am obliged to recall Major Ely, to take charge of a
regiment of Militia ordered towards New-York. The rest
of the men from this State will remain there for the present,
and so long as they can be serviceable in assisting our
friends, or intercepting the provisions for our enemies. I
confide in your prudence to direct their operations, and when
the aforesaid objects are attained, upon the appearance of
danger from the enemy's ships, to make a timely retreat to
the Continent.
I am, &tc., JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To Colonel Henry B. Livingston.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO ADMIRAL HOPKINS.
Lebanon, September 12, 1776.
SIR : Since my last to Governour Cooke, on the subject
of a naval preparation and expedition against the enemy's
ships, &.C., in the Sound, near White-Stone, have received
a letter from General Washington, urging the attempt, with
the greatest confidence and almost assurance of success, if
you fall in with the measure, and will take with you such
Continental ships and vessels of force as are now in the
ports of the State of Rhode-Island, and such others as that
State can furnish. We are exerting ourselves to get in
readiness those we have or can procure ; which are, a twenty-
gun ship, new built, a fourteen-gun brigantine, and the bomb
brigantine which you brought in there. There is Captain
Pond, in the Continental privateer, and another one, Cap-
tain Rogers' s, belonging to the State of New- York, which
probably may be had.
This measure requires secrecy and expedition. We
entertain no doubt of your inclination, zeal, and activity, in
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
>06
taking the command and conducting this squadron, which,
we are persuaded, will clear the Sound, disappoint our
enemy, and give great advantage to our army.
The main difficulty which occurs is the manning this
fleet. But, after exerting ourselves in your State and ours
to rally what men we can, sailors and marines, General
Washington proposes a draft from the Militia lately gone
towards New-York, and stationed along WeitckeiterCoanlj
and thereabout. We want much to hear from you of your
opinion on the proposed plan, and what force you can col-
lect, and how soon. .
We herein transmit to you an extract of a letter received
from General Washington, so far as concerns this subject;
which is as follows :
"I highly approve of the plan and proposition lor raising
such a naval force as will be sufficient to clear the Sound
of the enemy's ships-of-war. If Admiral Hopkins will
join you, I should suppose it not only practicable, but a
matter of certainty; and if it can be effected, many valua-
ble and salutary consequences must result from it.
"As to drafting seamen from Continental regiments, it
cannot be, as their numbers have been reduced so low
already, by taking men from them for the galleys, boats, and
other purposes, that some of them have hardly any thing
but the name. Beside, I must depend chiefly upon them
for a successful opposition to the enemy. If it can be done
out of the Militia, I shall not have the least objection ; and
heartily wish the enterprise, whenever attempted, may be
attended with all possible success.
"The enemy's ships can receive no reinforcement but
such as go round Long-Island, as our works at Hell-Gate
will prevent their sending any ships that way."
You will be so good as to communicate this letter to
Governour Cooke, or, in his absence, to such gentlemen as
is proper. I have wrote him very lately on the subject.
We shall want twenty four and six-pounders, with car-
riages, for the brigantine, as we fear we shall not be able to
procure them from our furnace at Salisbury, timely; there-
fore should be glad you would bring that number with you,
if possible, for the present expedition.
A speedy answer from you on the above proposal, and
your opinion and advice in the preparation, from time to
time, will much oblige your humble servant,
JONTH. THUMBDLL.
To Admiral Hopkins.
and Benjamin Huntington, Esqs., attended to do business
in Council, the other gentlemen not attending. Richard
Law, Esq., arrived from Millford in the evening.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, JUN.
Say brook, September 12, 1776.
DEAR BROTHER: I have just time to tell you I have been
obliged to.refreat from Long-Island to this place for several
reasons that I have not now time to mention. 1 have given
General Washington a particular account by the same con-
veyance this is sent by. I shall to-morrow, at the head of
four hundred men, set out for Huntington. If I succeed in
the attempt I am going to make, I shall yet save Suffolk
County, though most of the inhabitants have been prevailed
upon to take an oath of allegiance to the King of Great
Britain through a persuasion that the Island was given up
as indefensible. If you write to me, direct to the care of
Governour Trumbull. He has assisted me with two hun-
dred and sixty men ; with him a correspondence is estab-
lished. Remember me to all my friends.
Yours, Sic.,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To Robert R. Livingston, Jun., Esq., in Convention at
Fishkills.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety
of Connecticut, September 12, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour, his Honour the
Deputy Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Titus Hosmer, William Hillhouse, Nathaniel Wales, Jun.,
Benjamin Huntington, Jedediah Elderkin.
Voted, That the Selectmen of the Tojvn of New-Haven
have liberty, at the expense of said Town, to take three of
the Twelve-pounders at the Furnace at Salisbury for the
use of the Fortifications at New-Haven; also one ton of
Shot assorted for the Cannon at said Forts, said Cannon and
Shot to be made use of at said New-Haven until further
orders from the General Assembly, or the Governour and
Council of Safety; and if the General Assembly or Gov-
ernour and Council of Safety shall see fit to order said three
Cannon and Shot to any other use during the present con-
test, the expense of transporting said Cannon and Shot from
Salisbury to be paid by the State to the said Town of New-
Haven; and the Overseers of said Furnace are directed to
deliver said Cannon and Shot accordingly. (Copy deliv-
ered Captain Timothy Jones, 12th September.')
Voted and Ordered, That Mr. Hosmer do, as soon as may
be, procure some proper person to proceed to Simsbury and
Salisbury if needful, and forward the Six-pound Cannon
that are ready there to Hartford or Middletown, with Shot
for them, and assist and consult with Mr. Humphrey therein,
and in the mean time procure proper Carriages for them.
Also the Swivels and proper Shot for them, and have twenty
of the Swivels swivelled at Hartford or Middletown; and
the Overseer of the Furnace at Salisbury is ordered to de-
liver such Cannon, Swivels, and Shot, accordingly. (Copy
delivered Mr. Hosmer, 12th September, 1776.)
Memorandum, September 17, 1776. — William Hillhouse
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
GENERAL SALTONSTALL TO GOVERNOUR TKUMBULL.
New-London, September 12, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : The honour done me by the commission
enclosed in your letter of the 10th instant, appointing me
Brigadier-General of the Militia now ordered to march from
this State to the aid of General Washington's army, lays
me under the highest obligations to your Honour and the
honourable Council of Safety.
I lament my ignorance in the duty of the office in every
respect but zeal ; however, will exert the utmost of my
power to do the duty incumbent upon a commanding officer
of a brigade. Intend to be at the head of the brigade next
Sabbath day at New-Haven.
Your favour of 8th instant, per Captain Lord, received
the 9th at Lyrne, and that day gave orders for all the men
that could be equipped at Lyme to march to the rendezvous
at Westchester. The number, including officers, amounted
to one hundred and four. And appointed officers to march
those that were not equipped (invalids excepted) to Fort
Trumbull, there to obey the orders of Colonel Wolcott —
eighty in number. Captain Chadwick's company, the eighth
in said regiment, did not produce any men equipped.
Returned from Lyme the 9th and found your favour of
9th, and observe what you say with respect to Major Ely,
who had embarked for Long-Island before your Honour's
express reached Colonel Wolcott, and is not returned. The
lads of sixteen years rising are excused from duty. The
10th instant, gave marching orders to the three companies in
New-London, (north parish,) amounting to eighty-four — all
that could be equipped — and have appointed officers to return
those remaining of the three companies to Fort Trumbull.
The first and second companies in the town of New-London
are by your Honour and Council of Safety excused from
marching. Captain Jonathan Calkins, of this town, of the
eleventh company in the regiment, is no>v ready to march
with about thirty men equipped, and waits orders from the
commanding officer of the Third Regiment. Captain Jon-
athan Croker's company of this town, and seventh in the
regiment, is in the same sad state of Captain Chadwick's.
not any equipped. On 10th instant, finding Major Ely
absent, and the two companies ordered from Fort Trumbull
not in a condition to march until his return, sent an express
to order the companies marched from Lyme to halt at New-
Haven for further orders ; — and the like orders are given to
the three New-London companies that are marched. 1
informed the regiment they would receive at New-Haven
from the Committee of Pay-Table, twenty shillings per man
towards wages. The New-London companies had not
money to support them on the march to New-Haven; and to
forward the service lent each Captain money sufficient for
that purpose, who are to reimburse themselves out of money
received at New-Haven. Your Honour will no doubt order
that the brigade be supplied with more money than the
twenty shillings per man; otherwise it will in my opinion be
20
307
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
308
impossible to march said brigade very far from New-Haven
without discontent.
I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
G. SALTONSTALL.
To Governour Trumbull.
ALEXANDER EVANS TO ABRAHAM LOTT.
New-London, Sepiemb«r 12, 1776.
SIR: I am sorry to acquaint you with the loss of part of
my cargo of salt — about seven hundred bushels that was
stowed on the south side — and my medicines. I saved my
pepper and paper, raisins and prunes, the medicines being
so heavy that 1 could not get them down to the boat, and
the wagons were all pressed to carry the Regulars' bag-
gage. ~The Island was delivered up forty-eight hours before
I knew any thing of it. The privateers left it two days be-
fore I could get away, and left six prizes, which were all in
Tory possession. I have about seven hundred bushels in,
more or less, which I have put under the direction of the
Congress here till hearing from the honourable Congress of
New-York. I should be glad to know how to proceed.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
ALEXANDER EVANS.
To Abraham Lott, Esq., Member of the honourable Con-
gress of New- York.
Boston, September 12, 1776.
Notice is hereby given that the Lecture this day is turned
into a Day of Prayer, more especially on account of the
critical state of our military operations.
Captain Gill, in a small privateer schooner, Independency,
from this port, has taken and sent into Plymouth a brigan-
tine, from Antigua, bound to Europe, laden with rum and
sugars. She was first taken by a Connecticut privateer, but
the people rose and retook her, and had her in possession
three days before Captain Gill came up with her.
We hear a privateer from Salem has taken a brigantine
from Cork, loaded with provisions for New-York, and sent
her into some port at the eastward.
We hear from New-York that the Roebuck, of forty-four
guns, Captain Parker, in attempting to* get up East River,
through Hell-Gate, got very roughly handled, being hulled
fifteen times.
Captain James Tracey, and Lieutenant Mains, of the
Yankey Hero brig, were sent from Halifax to Staten-
Mand, the last of July, on board the Mercury Pirate frigate,
James Montague.
Captain Procter, of Philadelphia, who is now a prisoner
in Halifax gaol, was eleven weeks in irons on board the
above frigate, during which time he was treated in the
most barbarous manner by the above Montague, who several
times threatened to hang him, and offered one of his sailors
forty shillings to swear his life against him. Mr. Carpenter,
of this town, is closely confined in irons in Halifax gaol, by
order of General Massey, who commands there.
We learn from undoubted authority that the. schooner
Sally, Captain Roach, which lately went from Piscataqua
to Halifax, as a flag of truce, with prisoners, was, on her
arrival there, made a prize of, (by that petty, paltry Jack-
tar, Commodore Arbuthnot,) and the hands put on board a
man-of-war.
One day last week were sent into Providence seven ves-
sels, prizes, with supplies for those unrelenting, barbarous,
tyrannical, blood-thirsty butchers, the Royal savage of
Britain's troops, now on Staten- Island. They were taken
by the Captains Biddle and Whipple, in two vessels-of-war
belonging to the United and Confederated States of America.
Particulars of their cargoes have not yet come to had.
Last Sunday was taken and carried into Gouldsborough,
by two small boats, a brig from Ireland, bound for Halifax,
laden with beef, butter, &.c. She parted company with
twelve other provision vessels the day on which she was
taken, all bound for the above port.
By the Hartford Post we are informed that the Royal
pirate frigate Rose, commanded by the infamous Wallace,
in attempting to get up the Soundest New-York, was hulled
several times, and obliged to put back to the Ministerial
fleet.
Williamsburg, September 13, 1776.
A vessel is arrived at Hampton with fourteen hundred
bushels of salt and a small quantity of rum. The Captain
informs that he spoke a French ship, one of a fleet of four-
teen sail, laden with goods, and bound for Delaware. A
number of French officers were likewise on board, .who
intended to offer their services to the United States of
America.
By letters from Cape Nicola Mole, of the 28th ultimo,
we learn that two frigates had lately arrived at St. Domingo
from France, completely manned, in order to cruise off that
island, and protect all American vessels within their limits.
Two more frigates were daily expected, for the same pur-
pose. These four frigates are to act in conjunction with two
Spanish frigates, which are stationed at Porto-Rico, for the
protection of all North-American vessels. The Spanish
Captains are to pay equal attention to the General of St.
Domingo's orders as to those of the Commander at Porto-
Rico. There is every appearance of a speedy rupture
between France, Spain, and Great Britain, as Spain and
Portugal are absolutely now at war.
Sampson Matthews, Esq., is chosen Senator for the dis-
trict of East Augusta and Dunmore, and William Cabell,
Esq., for Buckingham, Albemarle and Amherst district.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GEORGE COOKE.
[No. 180.] Annapolis, September 13, 1776.
SIR: We have the pleasure to inform you that you were
yesterday appointed Commander of the ship Defence, now
lying at Annapolis, bound out on a cruise, and the honour-
able Convention have directed us to inform you of this
appointment, and to request your immediate attendance to
take the command of said ship.
We are, &,c.
To Captain George Cooke, St. Mary's County.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BENJAMIN RUMSEY AND
JAMES TILGHMAN.
[No. 181.] Annapolis, September 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We are directed by the Convention to re-
quest your attendance in the Council of Safety immediately.
Be pleased to signify when you can attend. The President
is left with only three others, who are all members of the
House, and the Convention do not incline to any new
appointment until they hear from the absent members.
We are, &ic.
To Colonel Benjamin Rumsey and James Tilghman, Esq's.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
At a meeting (jf the Committee, September 13, 1776,
Present: Samuel Purviance, Jun., Chairman; A. Bu-
chanan, W. Buchanan, B. Nicholson, J. Gittings, J. Moale,
D. Lux, T. Sollers; W. Wilkinson, W. Aisqiiilh, B.
Griffith, J. Calhoun, A. Britain, T. Rutter, D. Shaw.
The Resolves of Convention for appointing Officers for
two Companies of Militia in this County being read, the
Committee, jointly with the Field Officers, proceeded to the
choice of such Officers by ballot; when the following gen-
tlemen were chosen, viz:
First Company: Frederick Deams, Captain; David
Evans, First Lieutenant; Charles Moale Croxall, Second
Lieutenant ; Samuel Kinsey, Ensign.
Second Company: Nicholas Norwood, Captain; Na-
thaniel Bond, First Lieutenant; Vincent Greer, Second
Lieutenant; Henry Dunn, Ensign.
The Committee being informed that Job Green had
obtained permission from the Council of Safety for the sailing
of the Schooner, which they, the Committee, had refused to
grant at the last meeting, are unanimously of opinion that
the said Vessel should not be suffered to depart this Port
until the Council is made acquainted with a state of the
case.
Whereupon it was Resolved, That Captain Nathaniel
Smith, Commander of the Fort, be instructed to prevent
the Vessel from sailing, and that the following Letter be
immediately sent to him, viz:
309
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
310
"In Committee, Baltimore, September 13, 1776.
"Sin: The Committee being informed that Job Green
has obtained a permission from the Council of Safety for
the sailing of James Clarke's schooner, contrary to a resolve
of the Committee entered into on Monday last, they are
unanimously of opinion that the Council would not have
granted Mr. Green the said permission had they been
acquainted with the facts relative to the vessel in question.
For this reason, the Committee requests of you that you
will not permit the said vessel to depart this port until they
have an opportunity of transmitting to the Council the state
of the case, and receiving an answer thereto, of which they
will advise you as soon as in their power.
"Per order of the Committee:
"S. PUKVIANCE, Jr., Chairman."
Permissions are granted to the following gentlemen to
load the following Vessels, by the Chairman, viz:
To Mr. Hugh Young, for the schooner Polly, Wil-
liam Gosnald, master, to Carolina, with bar-iron and
rum.
To Mr. Bowly, for the schooner Favourite, Benjamin
Eark, master, to Martinico.
To Mr. David Stewart, on behalf of himself and others,
for the sloop Independence, James Tibbett, master, for
Martinico; and the schooner , William Gartner,
master, for Hispaniola.
Attest: GEO. Lux, Secretary.
SECRET COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL
OF SAFETY.
Philadelphia, September 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We have been applied to for a supply of
powder for the Continental frigate built at Baltimore, which
should have been ordered down there; but as we understand
you have a sufficient quantity at that place, and as there is
some powder due to the Continent from your State, we
request the favour of you to supply Messrs. William Lux,
Samuel Purviance, and David Stewart with four tons and
a half of gunpowder, for the use of the said frigate, and
for proving her cannon, &tc.; and hereafter we will repay
you in powder the balance that will then become due to
your State, or supply you with more should it become neces-
sary.
Your compliance with this request will save time and
charges. It will oblige the Secret Committee of Congress,
of which we are a quorum; and we remain, gentlemen,
your obedient, humble servants,
ROBT. MORRIS,
RICHARD HENRY LEE,
B. FRANKLIN,
JOSIAH BARTLETT.
To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
In Committee, Baltimore, September 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We take the liberty of transmitting you a
copy of a resolve of this Committee, entered into on Mon-
day last, relative to an application made us by Job Green,
of this place, for a permission for the departure of a schooner
loaded with provisions. The copy of said resolve we should
have sent to you before now, had we not apprehended that
Mr. John Smith, who was present in Committee during the
transaction, had taken a copy of it with him, which we have
reason to suspect he did not — it being reported to us that
Job Green hath obtained from your Board a permission for
the departure of said vessel, which we are inclined to think
you would not have granted had you been acquainted with
the circumstances of the case. In the mean time, to pre-
vent Mr. Green making an advantage of your permission
until you were fully informed of our reasons for refusing him
permission, we have requested Captain Smith not to suffer
the said vessel to sail before we receive further directions
from you on the subject.
The true state of the case is as follows : Mr. Green lately
applied to the Chairman to know if he might have a permit
to load a schooner with flour to the West-Indies; which he
was answered he might have, if he would engage to comply
with the terms required by the Committee, of giving secu-
ity in double the value of the cargo, (when the vessel
sailed,) that the vessel should not proceed to any port or
place prohibited by Congress or Convention. On promis-
ing these terms should be complied with, a permit to load
was granted by the Chairman to Mr. Green, not suspecting
that any fraud was intended. But being informed shortly
after that the schooner which Mr. Green had obtained per-
mission to load was a vessel belonging to Mr. James Clarke,
of this town, who had been a few days before published by
this Committee as an enemy to the interests of America, of
which Mr. Green could not be ignorant, it gave us great
room to suspect that the whole matter was a collusion be-
twixt Mr. Green and Mr. Clarke, and only intended to evade
the incapacity of the latter from trading, to which he was
subject by his conduct. We apprehend there is more
room for such suspicion from Mr. Green's conduct, which
does not stand so fair as we could expect from a friend to
our common cause. But, at any rate, we conceived that
every person was precluded from trading with Mr. Clarke
after he was published by the Committee; and by Mr.
Green's own acknowledgments before us. it appeared that
no sale of the vessel was made to him before that time.
Per order of the Committee :
SAML. PURVIANCE, Jr., Chairman.
To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland, at Annap-
olis.
GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
King's Bridge, September 13, 1776.
SIR : The bearers, William Treadwell and Mr. Ludlum,
went over from New-Rochelle to Long-Island, soon after
the retreat of our army from that place, and continued
there till yesterday. On their return to New-Rochelle, Col-
onel Drake, by my directions, sent them here. I have
examined them, and transmitted the intelligence they gave
to his Excellency General Washington ; and I now send
them to the honourable the Convention of the State, as well
to account for their conduct in going over to the Island
when in the hands of the enemy, as that they may be
further examined.
I am, with much esteem, your most obedient servant,
GEO. CLINTON.
To the Honourable the President of the Convention of the
State of New-York.
Enclosed is a line they wrote to General Washington,
which he handed over to me.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY COMMITTEE TO THE NEW-YORK CON-
VENTION.
In Committee, Westchester County, September 13, 1776.
In consequence of orders from your honourable House
to me directed, as Chairman of the General Committee of
Westchester County, relative to the examination of the per-
sons apprehended with Lounsberry, I caused the said
prisoners, to wit : Jacob Scureman, Bloomer Neilson, Joseph
Turner, and Samuel Haines, to be brought before me :
Josiah Disbrow, the other prisoner, being unable to be
removed, on account of his being wounded at the time of
his apprehension.
Scureman says he was going over to Rye from New-
Rochelle, came across three or four men with Lounsberry,
in the woods ; stopped and talked with Lounsberry; did not
show the inlisting paper, nor ask him to sign it ; he did not
know Lounsberry was there till he saw him. They had
three or four guns in company; did not bring one himself;
says he was on board the Phoenix in the North River; was
persuaded by Godfrey Haines to go, but he went with
Joshua Ferris ; did not come away with him. Upon the
whole, said Scureman did not incline to tell the truth.
Neilson says he was in company with Lounsberry at the
place aforesaid ; did not meet by an agreement ; confesses
his name was put to the inlistment; he got no money; says
that Lounsberry came from Staten-Island last; that Louns-
berry over-persuaded him.
Turner taken upon Sutton's Neck; his name was in
Lounsbcrry's list. Says Lounsberry asked him to sL;n the
inlistment: he did not sign it himself, but Lounsberry put
his name down ; was to have £3 sterling, bounty promised
him by Lounsberry.
Haines says he promised Lounsberry to inlist with him
311
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
312
last Spring ; Misted a few days before taken. The night after
Lousberry was taken lie was to go to Slaten-lsland. you
The above persons appeared altogether evasive in their
answers, and not willing to give a true account. They are
sent up to Kingston gaol.
I would further inform your honourable House that Jon-
athan Partly, Jun., a young fellow who went with Barnes
to Staten- Island, in March last, and Gilbert Horton, of the
White-Plains, have, before our Committee, called them-
selves subjects of King George, and claim the privilege of
prisoners of war. These persons are in confinement, and
should be glad your honourable House will give us some
directions concerning them and all others who declare in
that way, as we expect more of them.
From your very humble servant,
JOHN THOMAS, Jun., Chairman.
arms, or a proper receipt, according to the form I send
Your most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
CORNELIUS GLENN TO ABRAHAM YATES, JUN.
Albany, September 13, 1776.
SIR: Whereas the time for the annual election of a
Treasurer is near at hand, I have this day consulted with
Judge Ten Eyck, who refers me to your opinion on this
matter, as being privy to the intention of Congress as well
to the new form of Government now a forming, and as such
should be very glad of your advice, whether we must pro-
ceed in the ususal mode, or drop the matter until a plan is
prescribed for this department. Your answer on this head
will be very agreeable, and necessary to have it soon.
And am, with respect, your most obedient, humble
CORNELIUS GLENN.
To Mr. Abraham Yates, Jun.
P. S. Mr. Yates is undoubtedly acquainted that the
expense of this department is always accrued and due the
year before it is raised ; so that if it is not continued, it is a
grievance to the people performing the service.
H. GLEN TO WALTER LIVINGSTON.
Schenectady, September 13, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Yours of the 10th instant I have received.
As to the salt and pork which are intended for .Fort Schuyler,
German Flats, and Johnstown, when come to hand, shall
be forwarded immediately according to your directions. I
don't believe there is any pork to spare in Johnstown, though
1 shall know to-morrow, as I have wrote Egberts. Yester-
day afternoon, Mr. John Visher came in town with about
fifty head of cattle ; wanted to leave some with me ; I had no
occasion for any yet, and should I want any, I can purchase
a few round this place. I have a little pork left to victual
the batteau-men once more for about twelve days, exclusive
of what is to go up to Fort Schuyler.
Last evening Messrs. Seller and Outhout delivered me
the enclosed proposals for some cattle they have. I am
told it is very good for the season of the year. Should you
approve of the proposal to take the cattle, there would per-
haps be no occasion for the whole of the one hundred head
you wrote me were to come this way in about twelve days'
time. You might order some of them to the northward. I
have made it publick that whoever has any publick demands
against you, must call between this and October 1st. Your
answer on this subject, with directions when the salt comes,
I shall expect.
Your humble servant,
H. GLEN.
To Walter Livingston, Esq., Deputy Commissary-General,
Albany.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO COLONEL HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
Lebanon, September 13, 1776.
SIR: Please to deliver to Colonel Samuel Coit, or his
order, such number of guns, bayonets, and cartouch-boxcs
as will be sufficient to arm and equip such of his regiment
as are destitute, taking care to have them appraised, and his
receipt to see the same returned, extraordinaries excepted.
A duplicate of such receipt and appraisal to be returned to
me.
I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
To Colonel Henry B. Livingston, Saybrook.
COLONEL HENRY B. LIVINGSTON TO COLONEL SAMUEL COIT.
Saybrook, September 14, 1776.
SIR: I expected to have been sent for previous to the
delivery of the arms you had of me this morning. You have
not signed a receipt that I can with any face show to Gov-
ernour Trumbull. I send you a form of one, and desire
Captain Davis to deliver you the other. The arms deliv-
ered you are not by any means intended to be sold ; 1 have
not authority to go so far — they are only a loan. They
belong to the Province of New-York; they are not my
property, t must therefore beg you either to deliver the
New-London, September 13, 1776.
Yesterday, the armed schooner Spy, Captain Robert
Niles, belonging to this State, returned here. She brought
in with her the schooner Mary and Elizabeth, Bruce, bound
from Barbadoes to Halifax, laden with fifty-nine hogsheads
of rum and eight barrels of sugar. About eighteen days
ago, she took the ship Hope, Quince, bound from St. Vin-
cent's to London, laden with two hundred and fifty hogs-
heads of sugar, thirty-two puncheons of rum, some molasses,
cocoa, and coffee, and may be daily expected into some
port.
In latitude 38°, longitude 65°, Captain Niles saw five
large ships, which he supposed were transports, under con-
voy of a large man-of-war; the latter chased him some time.
WILLIAM BRADFORD TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.
Newport, September 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The most honourable the Continental
Congress having ordered one battalion of their troops sta-
tioned here to march immediately to New-York, and
informed this State that they recommended to you to
replace the same with a regiment of your Militia, the
General Committee, appointed to act during the recess of
the General Assembly, have exerted themselves to <;et that
battalion in readiness to proceed with the greatest expedi-
tion ; part of which will march to-morrow and the remainder
the next day. The Committee have appointed Colonel
Church, who will deliver you this, to make application to
you to send forward the said regiment as soon as possible.
Mr. President Hancock having also written in the most
pressing terms to this State to afford all the aid in our powc r
to the army at New- York, the Committee have recommended
it to Colonel Richmond to hold the other Continental bat-
talion in readiness to march at a moment's warning. And
he will accordingly march with it as soon as he receives
authentick intelligence that the regiment of Militia from
your State shall enter into this. They have also ordered a
battalion, to consist of seven hundred Militia, to be imme-
diately raised to supply the place of one of the Continental
battalions removed. I have no doubt of your compliance
with the application of Colonel Church; and beg leave to
subscribe myself, with great respect and esteem, gentlemen,
your most obedient and most humble servant,
WILLIAM BRADFORD.
To the Hon. General Court of the Massachusetts-Bay.
JEREMIAH POWEL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, September 13, 1776.
SIR: The General Assembly of this State have for some
days past been anxiously expecting the particulars of the
late attack upon the Continental Army, under your Excel-
lency's more immediate command; but the accounts hitherto
received have been vague and uncertain.
It is the earnest desire of the Assembly, at this important
crisis, to furnish you with every needed assistance in their
power; and having just received a letter from Governour
Trumbull, proposing the raising a part of our Militia for this
important purpose, and soon after a letter from the hon-
ourable Congress to the same effect, as also a resolve
of Congress relative to this matter, they have ordered a
313
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
314
a fifth part of the Militia not already in the service, (the
remote Counties and some sea-port towns excepted) to be
immediately drafted out, and lo march with all possible
despatch to your assistance, excepting one battalion ordered
to Rhode-Island, in consequence of the resolve before-
mentioned.
Our troops will gladly receive upon their route, your
Excellency's orders for their destination, as the express re-
turns.
A copy of our resolve respecting said draft is enclosed.
As we cannot furnish tents for these troops, your Excel-
lency will provide for them — perhaps four thousand men.
We shall subsist them till they arrive at Horse-Neck, and
depend upon your Excellency's giving orders for their
receiving rations after that time.
We ardently wish you victory over the enemies of the
American States, and remain, with great respect, your Ex-
cellency's most obedient, humble servant,
JER. POWELL, President.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., Commander-
in-Chief of the Forces of the United States of America,
New- York.
Resolves respecting Draft.
Whereas it has been represented to the General Court of
this State, by the honourable the Governour of the State
of Connecticut, that it is of the utmost importance to the
United States of America, to have a large body of Troops
stationed above the Island of New-York, to prevent the
British Army's cutting off the communication between the
American Army at the City and Island of New- York, and
the country : And whereas the honourable Congress, in
consequence of an application made to them by his Excel-
lency General Washington, in the present critical state of
our affairs, have since called upon this Government in the
most pressing terms, immediately to send all the aid in our
power to the Army at New-York: this Court being sensi-
ble that the safety, freedom and future happiness of America
depend upon and demand a vigorous and manly manage-
ment of this campaign, and well considering that, while all
that is dear to this people is at stake, they should be charge-
able with great remissness if they did not exercise the powers
with which they are vested by this State for its salvation at
this critical moment, by sending such reinforcement to the
Army at New-York as the exigency of the case requires:
And whereas the Militia of this State, within the Counties
of York, Cumberland, and Lincoln, are too remote to march
to the timely aid of the Army: And whereas the situation
of the Counties of Nantucket and Dukes County, the Towns
of Boston, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Salem, Marblehead, Glou-
cester, Manchester, Beverly, and Newburyport, renders it unfit
for any part of the Militia to be drafted from them at present :
It is Resolved, That one-fifth part of the Militia of this
State, not now in actual service by sea or land, excepting
those of the Towns and Counties above named, be ordered
by the major part of the Council to march immediately,
under the command of such General officer as shall be
appointed by the General Court and commissioned by the
Council to command them, to remain and continue in the
service within the four New-England Governments or the
State of New-York or the Jerseys, until they are recalled
by the General Court of this State, the House of Represent-
atives, or the major part of the Council, under such regula-
tions and upon such establishment as is hereinafter provided.
And that the said fifth part of said Militia may march
without delay,
It is Resolved, That the major part of the Council
make out their order in writing to Major-General Warren,
commanding him that he immediately order the Briga-
diers of the several Counties of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex,
Worcester, Hampshire, Plymouth, Barnstable, Bristol, and
Berkshire, to cause the Militia, as well of the alarm-list as
training-band of their respective brigades, to be mustered
without delay, excepting those in the towns above excepted,
and that they cause to be drafted therefrom when so mus-
tered every fifth able-bodied man of the non-cornmissioned
officers and private soldiers under fifty years of age, except
the officers and students of Harvard College, grammar-
school masters, and persons necessarily employed in the
manufacture of gunpowder, not exceeding four to each
powder-mill, and armed with a good fire-lock, a bullet-
pouch and powder-horn or cartridge-box, a bayonet, cut-
lass or hatchet, and twenty bullets fitted to their gun, with
a knapsack and blanket; to march to the reinforcement of
the Army as aforesaid, and that they form those so drafted
into companies of sixty-four men each, including non-
commissioned officers, or as nigh thereto as they conveni-
ently can ; and that the said Brigadiers, from the officers
of their respective brigades, order one Captain and two
Lieutenants to take the command of each of said com-
panies, and that said Brigadiers shall form such companies
as are raised and drafted from their respective brigades not
amounting to sixteen into each regiment, and where they
do amount to that number of companies, or upwards, into
two regiments, and to each regiment so formed, assign or
order from the Field Officers of such brigade, one Colonel,
one Lieutenant-Colonel, and one Major, to command the
same, and the officers of said detachment of the Militia
drafted as aforesaid, shall have, while in said service, the
same relative rank with each other as they now have.
And it is further Resolved, That if any person of the
alarm-list or train-band, non-commissioned officer or soldier,
shall, after being duly warned thereto, neglect to appear
upon such muster designed for drafting, as aforesaid, he
shall forfeit and pay the sum of ten pounds, one half
thereof to the use of this State, and the other half to the
person who shall sue for the same, by action of debt in any
court proper to try the same; and if any person so drafted
shall refuse to march upon being ordered thereto, not having
a sufficient excuse therefor, and shall not secure some able-
bodied and effective man to go in his stead, or shall absent
or conceal himself, so that his officer cannot find him to
give him marching orders, he shall for either of the said
offences pay a fine not exceeding ten pounds, or be com-
mitted to prison not exceeding two months, upon his being
convicted thereof on indictment or presentment therefor by
the grand jury for the County where the offence shall be
committed, before any court proper to try the same, whose
duty it shall be to make a presentment thereof.
And it is likewise Resolved, That the said detachment of
Militia shall, while out of this Government, be under the
general command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Con-
tinental Army, and shall be under the laws and regulations
provided by Congress for said Army.
And it is further Resolved, That the pay and allowance
of provisions for said detachment, shall be every way the
same as that allowed the Continental Army.
And it is likewise Resolved, That the Selectmen of each
Town from whence any part of said detachment shall be
drafted, shall be and hereby are directed and empowered to
procure as many teams or other conveyances within their
respective towns, as shall be sufficient to carry the baggage
of the said fifth part of the Militia to Fairfield, in Connec-
ticut, in the most expeditious manner. And the said Select-
men are also directed to furnish said men with kettles and
canteens, and also to pay each man one penny for each
mile from the place they march from to the place of their
destination, to support themselves.
And it is also Resolved, That the Brigadier of each
County shall appoint one Chaplain, one Surgeon and Mate,
one Adjutant, and one Quartermaster, to each regiment that
shall be so drafted from his brigade, and the General officer
appointed to command the detachment, shall appoint a
Brigade-Major to each brigade.
And it is also Resolved, That each Brigadier-General, as
soon as the men are drafted and formed into companies, be
and hereby is directed to order them to march to Horse-
Neck: subject, however, to such further orders as they may
receive from the General Court of this State, the House of
Representatives, or the major part of the Council, or the
orders of the General and Cornmander-in-Chief of the Con-
tinental Army.
And it is Resolved, That in the absence of any Brigadier
of any County, the next officer in command in said brigade
shall be held to do the duty assigned to the Brigadier and
shall be observed accordingly.
And it is also Resolved, That the Commissary-General
of this State be and hereby is directed to send forward
immediately to New-Haven such quantities of ammunition
as this Court shall order.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secrete ry.
315
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
316
MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLy TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
September 13, 1776.
SIR : The General Assembly of this State beg leave to
inform the honourable Congress thai the Milford, frigate,
of twenty-eight guns, and another ship-of-war, have been
for some time cruising on this coast, and have taken several
merchantmen and valuable prizes coining into port. We
have applied to the Hon. Thomas Gushing and John Lang-
don, Esq., agents for building the Continental ships, at
Newburyport and Portsmouth, requesting that one or more
of those ships might be sent out to protect our coast ; but
are informed by those gentlemen that they have no guns,
and if they had, they have no orders to send the ships to
sea. Upon this information, the General Assembly of this
State resolved to furnish the agent for building the Conti-
nental ships at Newburyport, with a sufficient number of
guns for one of them, and afford him every other assistance
in their power in fitting out and manning said ship, provi-
ded leave can be obtained from the honourable Congress for
said vessel to cruise on this coast, for the protection of the
trade thereof — the agent engaging to reimburse all the
expenses this State shall incur in fitting out and manning
said ship, and return said guns whenever said ship shall be
otherwise employed.
We would further inform the honourable Congress that
the guns proposed for the above purpose are twenty-four
nine-pounders, which we apprehend are suitable for the
ship under the command of Hector McNeill, Esq., and
which is in the greatest forwardness for sailing.
As said ship will be inferiour to the enemy in force,
this State beg leave to suggest to the honourable Congress
the great advantage of having the ship under the care of
John Langdon, Esq., fitted out immediately to act in con-
cert with her.
The readiness of the State of New-Hampshire to give all
possible assistance to Mr. Langdon for th% above purpose,
will appear by a resolve of that State herewith enclosed.
Signed by the President.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
In the House of Representatives, September 6, 1776.
Voted and Resolved, That it be and hereby is recom-
mended to John Langdon, Esq., Continental Agent for the
Continental Frigate now at Portsmouth, to equip the said
Frigate as soon as possible for a cruise against the Milford or
any other of our enemies on this coast, in conjunction with
one of the Continental Frigates in the Massachusetts Bay,
and other of their Colony armed vessels — and Colonel
Samuel Sherburne, with such as the honourable Board shall
appoint, to be a Committee to consult with said Mr. Lang-
don on that affair, and to assist him if he need it. And that
any soldier in the Colony service have liberty to inlist for
the cruise, and their wages to continue besides the emolu-
ments of captures, and to return to their service when the
cruise is over. E. THOMPSON, Secretary.
Honour for your exertions in the common cause, and assure
you it will be our ambition to cooperate with the United
States to the utmost of their power in efforts for their com-
mon safety. We are, &ic.
J. WARREN, Speaker.
To Governour Trumbull.
Plymouth, September 9, 1776.
Received of Captain Richard Wheller the brigantine
Rising Empire, with her appurtenances, cannon, and stores,
for the use of the State of the Massachusetts-Bay, to be
delivered when called for by authority.
Received per WILLIAM WATSON.
MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, September 13, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to your Honour's proposal and the earnest
recommendation of the honourable Congress, expressed in
their letter lately received, the General Court have ordered
one fifth part of the whole Militia of this State not already
in the service, those in some of the remote Counties and
sea-ports excepted, to march immediately. One battalion
of them, in consequence of a resolve of Congress accompa-
nying their said letter, is ordered to Rhode-Island, and the
remainder to New-York. They have wrote his Excellen-
cy General Washington, informing him thereof, that he may
order their destination as the service may require. A copy
of the Court's resolve respecting the draft of the said
fifth part of the Militia is enclosed. We thank your
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Watertown, September 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We have your letter of the 29th ultimo,
and consider the sending out the Continental ships (as you
do) of the greatest importance to these United States, and
should be glad to promote their being sent out immediately,
by every means in our power, for we trust they might be
employed to very good purposes, especially as several of
the enemy's cruisers are now infesting this coast.
We further assure you that we shall embrace such occa-
sions as may present to render an American State any
reasonable services ; but considering how much this State is
drained of its men by the publick calls, and how much our
sea-coast is exposed to the incursions of the enemy, we have
thought it needful some time since to pass a resolve, prohib-
iting the inlisting our sea-coast men into any other service,
even such as it may concern this State particularly to attend
to. We cannot, therefore, consent to your request that Mr.
Grannis may be permitted to inlist his complement of
Marines out of the troops in our pay.
If Mr. Grannis chooses another service in preference to
ours, we shall endeavour to supply his place by as good a
man.
Signed by the President.
To Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Chairman of Committee at Prov-
idence.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WARREN.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, )
In Council, September 13, 1776. J
SIR: In pursuance of two resolves of the General Court
of the State of the Massachusetts-Bay — one passed the
12th instant, and another passed the 13th instant — you are
hereby ordered and commanded immediately to issue out
your orders that one-fifth part of the Militia of this State, not
now in actual service by sea or land, excepting those of the
Counties of York, Cumberland, Lincoln, Nantucket, and
Dukes County, and also the towns of Boston, Dartmouth,
Plymouth, Salem, Marblehead, Gloucester, Manchester,
Beverly, and Newburyport, to march immediately to Horse-
Neck, in the State of New-York, under the command of
such General Officer as shall be appointed by the General
Court and commissioned by the Council to command them,
to remain and continue in the service within the four New-
England Governments, the State of New- York, or the Jer-
seys, until they are recalled by the General Court of this
State, the major part of the Council, or the House of Repre-
sentatives ; and in order that the said fifth part of the Mililia
may march without delay, you are hereby ordered and com-
manded immediately to order the Brigadiers of the several
Counties of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, Worcester, Hamp-
shire, Plymouth, Barnstable, Bristol, and Berkshire, to
cause the Militia, as well of the alarm-list as training-band
of their respective brigades, to be mustered without delay,
excepting those in the towns above excepted, and that they
cause to be drafted therefrom, when so mustered, every fifth
able-bodied man of the non-commissioned officers and pri-
vate soldiers under fifty years of age, except officers and
students of Harvard College, grammar-school masters, and
pei-sons necessarily employed in the manufacture of gun-
powder, not exceeding four to each powder-mill, and armed
with a good firelock, a bullet-pouch and powder-horn or
cartridge-box, a bayonet, cutlass, or hatchet, and twenty
bullets fitted to their gun, with a knapsack and blanket, to
"•march to the aid of the army at New- York, excepting such
men as are drafted from the Counties of Plymouth and Barn-
stable, which you are to direct the Brigadiers of said Coun-
ties to order to march to the State of Rhode-Island, to sup-
ply the place of a Continental battalion ordered from thence
to the aid of the army at New-York, and there remain until
recalled by the General Court, the major part of the Coun-
cil, or the House of Representatives, and that they form
317
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
318
those so drafted into companies of sixty-four men each,
including non-commissioned officers, or as nigh thereto as
they conveniently can, and that the said Brigadiers, from
the officers of their respective brigades, order one Captain
and two Lieutenants to take the command of each of said
companies, and that the said Brigadiers shall form such
companies as are raised and drafted from their respective
brigades, not amounting to sixteen, into one regiment, and,
where they do amount to that number of companies, or up-
wards, into two regiments, and to each regiment so formed
assign or order from the field officers of such brigade, one
Colonel or Lieutenant-Colonel, and one Major, to command
the same.
And you are to direct the Brigadier of each County to
appoint one Chaplain, one Surgeon and Mate, one Adju-
tant, and one Quartermaster, to each regiment that shall be
so drafted from his brigade.
And you are directed to make a return of the men drafted
out of the several brigades before mentioned as soon as may
be.
In the name and by order of Council.
JER. POWELL, President.
J. LOTHEOP TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Plymouth, September 13, 1776.
SIR : I just now received your favour of 9th instant. In
answer thereto, would inform you that we have been waiting
for a few grindstones from Boston, which, when they come
to hand, will enable us to blow in a few days, and am now
about hiring a boat to go on purpose for them. I am
obliged to you for your kind offers. You may be assured
rny utmost exertions shall be used to rid this business with
despatch, and I believe I can with truth say you cannot be
so soon supplied from any works whatever. I purpose to
be to Watertown in a few days, and shall want to take some
further directions with respect to the size of the weights,
&c.
In great haste, I am, with esteem, your friend and humble
servant, J. LOTHROP.
CLARK AND NIGHTINGALE TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Providence, September 13, 1776.
SIR: We now enclose you a bill of lading for twenty -one
hogsheads lime, which were all we had in town when this
opportunity offered ; for the demand for that article has been
so great that it is impossible to keep it, and if an opportu-
nity does not offer to ship it as soon as it is dropped out of the
cart some other persons will have it. This makes ninety-
two hogsheads shipped by us, and if we should meet with
any vessel bound your way we will send the other eight.
We are, sir, your most obedient servants,
CLARK &i NIGHTINGALE.
To Richard Devens, Esquire.
Shipped in good order and well-conditioned, by Clark fy
Nightingale, in and upon the good vessel called the Cen-
turion, whereof is master for this present voyage Joshua
Johnson, and now riding at anchor in the harbour of Prov-
idence, in New-England, and bound for Boston: to say,
twenty-one hogsheads lime, being marked and numbered as
in the margin, and are to be delivered in like good order and
well-conditioned at the aforesaid port of Boston (the danger
of the seas only excepted) unto Richard Devens, Esq., or
to his assigns, he or they paying freight for the same — lime
twelve shillings per hogshead, with primage and average
accustomed.
In witness whereof the master or purser of said sloop hath
affirmed to two Bills of Lading, both of this tenor and date :
the one of which bills being accomplished, the other to stand
void. Dated in Providence, the 9th day of September,
1776. JOSHUA JOHNSON.
JOSEPH JOSSELYN TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Hanover, September, 1776.
SIR: After my compliments, I desire you to send me all
the old shot or gun iron you can, for to make shot. You
sent Mr. Harris for shot; I intend to make them for you,
but am in great want of iron to make them with. If you
can send me iron, I shall make you some more shot as soon
as possible.
From your humble servant, JOSEPH JOSSELYN.
To Richard Devens, Esq., Commissary-General.
P. S. Pray send me a line by this bearer, Mr. Wales.
JOSEPH JOSSELYN TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Hanover, September 16, 1776.
SIR: I have sent you a number of shot by the bearer,
Captain James Lincoln, viz :
H. Q. tt.
To 83 shot, 32-pounders, 23 2 24 @ 30s. £35 12 9
To 147 shot, 9-pounders, 11 3 7 @ 30s. 17 14 5
To 173 shot, 4-pounders, 6 0 20 @ 50s. 15 10 8
41 2 23
To carting the above to Hingham, - - 180
To one 32-pounder,
£70 15 10
0 1 6 @ 30*. 093
£70 15 1
45 6-pounders received at the same time.
Sir, the reason I have sent you the 32-pound shot and the
9-pound shot is because Major Aaron Hobart desired me to
make them and send them to you, and take a receipt for them
at that price for JOSEPH JOSSELYN.
To Richard Devens, Esq., Commissary-General.
COLONEL G1LMAN TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE ASSEMBLY.
Portsmouth, September 13, 1776.
Gentlemen of the Council and of the House of Representa-
tives :
I am informed that you have niade choice of Captain
Pierce Long to command the battalion now raising for the
protection of this State — a person I ever esteemed as a very
great friend of mine ; and if he obtained the appointment
fairly had as lief be superseded by him as any person in the
State.
If it had been agreeable, I should have been willing to
have continued in the service ; but as I find it otherwise, am
content to live a retired life, though I have been at great cost
to equip myself for a short service — much shorter than I
expected when I engaged.
1 think, gentlemen, that since I have been in the service
I have discharged my duty to a punctilio, and that I have
done part of the duty of a former Engineer, Colonel, and
almost every other officer belonging to the regiment. And
I have endeavoured that none of the interests of the State
should be wasted ; and what thanks have I got for my ser-
vices, but to be slighted by my own countrymen, in that
they have not dealt so generously with me as they have
with my subaltern officers in giving me the offer of tarrying
in the service, although I have taught them the first princi-
ples of the military art? Gentlemen, I do not make this
complaint because I desire you to make any alteration in
your choice ; neither do I desire it, but to let you know I
have a spirit as well as another man, and know when I am
treated with the respect that is due to a person who has been
engaged in the cause of his country as early as any one, and
does not want a lawyer to plead his sincerity.
I think, gentlemen, at least you ought to be as cautious
of slighting or offending real friends as you are of pleasing
or reclaiming of enemies, lest you make enemies instead of
friends; for such treatment as I have received will have a
natural tendency to make enemies, though God forbid it
should have that effect on me. I don't remember that when
we groaned under our old Constitution that ever an officer
was slighted or neglected for faithfully discharging his duty,
but on the contrary promoted. But I am sorry that 1 hare
it to say there is too much of that in this day. I fear very
much if there is not some alteration very soon, you will be
put to it to get any person who is worth employing to en-
gage in your service ; for men of spirit will be cautious of
engaging and fitting themselves when they are daily liable
to be discharged without any crime laid to their charge, or
reason assigned therefor.
I shall conclude at this time in wishing you Divine direc-
tion, and hope that Providence will, in His own time, open
a door for our relief, and that our troubles will have a final
319
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
320
issue. I am a well-wisher to my country and the glorious
cause we are engaged in.
From your affectionate friend and very humble servant,
DAVID OILMAN.
Williamsburg, in Council, September 14, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Three days ago the Board delivered to
Colonel Thomas Fleming of the Ninth Battalion, commis-
sions for the several Captains and Subalterns under his com-
mand, upon his representing the very disagreeable situation
they must be in, to be engaged in the service of the Continent
without having their commissions to show in case the fortune
of war should throw them into the enemy's hands. There
was no resisting so powerful an argument, and yet the
Board were so much at a loss for the proper date of the
several commissions that they have issued them without any
date, endorsing thereupon that that was purposely omitted,
to reserve the matter of rank to the future determination of
Congress, upon which head the Board would be glad to
have their directions as soon as possible. It may be proper
to observe that this matter ought to be settled so circum-
spsctly as not to give any ground of offence to the different
officers by inverting the order of their rank. Should the
honourable Congress direct the commissions to be dated at
the times the several regiments were respectively taken into
Continental pay, such would certainly be the unhappy
consequence; the Eighth and Ninth Regiments, for instance,
would by that rule of precedence be postponed to the Seventh,
which has ever hitherto taken rank of the other two. And
it is submitted whether any other method can so effectually
avoid this as the dating their commissions at the times they
were respectively dated in the Virginia service. This
would moreover remove the hardship which the officers
here think they labour under as they stand related to those
commissioned in the other States ; for otherwise they must
yield rank to officers who have not been so long engaged in
opposition to our common enemy, but who have had the
good fortune to receive their Continental commissions sooner.
In case the honourable Congress should judge the rule
here recommended to be equal, it may be necessary that
they should have the dates of the commissions granted to the
officers of the First and Second Regiments, on the Provincial
establishments, which therefore is enclosed. Those of the
other regiments have been already transmitted. The Field-
Officers of the Ninth Battalion have not yet received their
commissions, which they are desirous of having as soon as
may be.
Your several letters have been received desiring the
Council to recommend proper persons to fill the vacant
Majorities, and in doing so to pay a particular attention to
military merit. If the nature of the service here had been
such as to give an opportunity of distinguishing, the General
must have been able to distinguish with more precision and
certainty than this Board ; yet even he has not probably
had the proper opportunities of judging, to enable him to
comply with the intentions of Congress. In this situation of
our army, the Board think there is nothing left them, but
to refer you to the lists of officers which have been sent, and
which will show how they stand in point of seniority.
We have received £1076 2». 6d, by the hands of Mr.
Ayletl. which shall be carried to the credit of your account.
I am, gentlemen, your most respectful and obedient
servant.
Signed by order of Council :
JOHN PAGE, President.
To the Honourable Virginia Delegates at Congress, Phil-
adelphia.
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
By order of the Board of War, I enclose you a copy of
the arrangement of Officers in the old Virginia Regiments.
At Colonel Crawford's instance I enclose a letter from him,
and am, with the greatest respect,
Your very obedient and most humble servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To His Excellency General Washington.
List of Field- Officers in the service of Virginia.
si
£•£
Colonels.
DateofCommis'ns.
Promoted or Declined.
2d
3d
4lh
5th
6lh
7th
8th
9th
1st
William Woodford...
February 13, 1776.
do. Major-Gen '!..
William Peachy
Mordecai Buckner...
William Dangerfield..
Peter Mughlenburg.. .
Thomas Flemming. . .
William Christian....
February 29, 1776.
March 1,1776
March 2, 1776
Brigadier-General 21 . .
Dead
Has declined service..
Lieutenant-Colonels.
2d
3d
4th
5th
6lh
7th
8th
9th
1st
Charles Scott
February 13, 1776.
Same date
George Weedon
Made Colonel Brig'e. .
William Crawford . . .
Alex'r McClanachan .
Abraham Bowman . . .
George Matthews. . . .
Francis Eppes
February 29, 1776.
March 1,1776
March 4,1776
Majors.
2d
3d
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
1st
Alex 'r Spottswood. . . .
Thomas Marshall. . . .
February 13, 1776.
Lieutenant-Colonel . . .
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
James Hendricks
William Nelson
Peter Helphinston. . . .
February 29, 1776.
March 1,1776
Dead
John Green
A List of Ojjvxrs in the First and Second Battalions of VIRGINIA Forces, while on Provincial Establishment, with
the date of their Commissions.
Captains.
Firat Lieutenants.
Second Lieutenants.
Ensigns.
Date of Provincial Commis-
sions.
September 6 1775
September 16, 1775.
Willis Wilson
Jonathan Godwin
David Anderson
September 30, 1775.
October 2, 1775.
October 7, 1775
lat'l John Fleming
Robert Ballard
William Campbell
Edward Garland
December 15 1775
( George Johnston ... .
Richard Parker, Jun .
William Taliaferro . .
2d. George Nicholas... .
William Fontaine . . .
Richard Kidder Meade
Morgan Alexander...
Thomas Tibbs
September ... 21 1775
September 28, 1775.
September 29, 1775.
October .... 3 1775
John Willis
October .... 21 1775
October 24 1775
George Jump..
Marques Calmes
John Holden
November 27, 1775.
Five Companies were added by Convention to complete these Battalions, the Officers to which being appointed since
the Battalions were taken into Continental pay, received Continental commissions only:
Date of their Continental
Commisssions.
1st
2d.
Thomas Nelson, Jun.
Edmund B. Dickinson
Samuel Hawes, Jun..
February 22 1776
John Queries
Thomas Herbert
Thomas Catlett
John Worsham
Francis Cowherd
February 25 1776
February 19,' 1776.
March 8, 1776.
May 8, 1776
Francis Taylor
William Taylor
321
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
322
A List of Captains and Subaltern Officers in the VIRGINIA service, Dates of Commissions, fyc.,
Captains.
First Lieutenants.
Second Lieutenants.
Ensigns.
Dates of Com-
missions.
Promoted, &c.
'iO-
CS
2
&**
«H
Jan 'y 20, 1776.
Jan'y 21, 1776.
Jan'y 22, 1776.
Jan'y 26, 1776.
Jan'y 27,1776.
Jan'y 29, 1776.
Fel/y 3,1776.
Feb'y 2,1776.
Feb'y25,1776.
Capt. Green, promoted,
dipt. Markham..do.
Capt. S.i) n :-• do.
Cant. Davies do.
Dead.
Resigned.
William Cunninghame..
Tarlton Woodson
Nathaniel Burwell....
Willis Wilson
Clairborne Lawson...
William Campbell
Alexander Cummings ..
EdwM B. Dickenson...
*•
6
I
I
-8
e
o
1
Jan'y 23,1776.
Jan'y 24, 1776.
Jan'y 25,1776.
Jan'y 28, 1776.
Jan'y 30, 1776.
Jan'y 31, 1776.
Feb'y 1,1776.
Feb'y 19,1776.
March 8,1776.
May 8,1776.
Lt. Monroe, resigned.
Promoted.
Lt. Hughes and Ens.
Robertson resigned.
Lt. Travis, promoted in
[the Navy.
Richard Parker, Jun....
William Talliafero
Castesby Jones
John Willis ....
Alexander Parker....
Benjamin Holimes —
William Robertson...
Richard Kidcler Meade.
Samuel Hawes, Jun. . . .
William Taylor
Benj. Porter, Jun Francis Cowherd
ti
V
I
«
(?•
"H
*mg
£
pi
Feb'y 5,1776.
Feb'y 6, 1776.
Feb'y 9,1776.
Feb'y 12, 1776.
Feb'y 23, 1776.
Feb'y 26, 1776.
March 8,1776.
M'rch21,1776.
Dapt. Leitch,dead.
Promoted.
David Aril!
Charles West . .
Robert Slaughter. . . .
Gustavus Baron Wallace
William Washington...
Phil. Richard Fran. Lee
John Francis Mercer. . .
Allen Waller
Matthew Whiting, Jun.
Anderson Thompson . . .
William Randall, Jun. .
John Tyler, Jun
Joseph Bay nham
William White
John Blackwell, Jun....
1
1
»
*e
1
S
George Walls
William Chevry
Samuel Jill
Edward Wood
Feb'y 10, 1776.
Feb'y 19, 1776.
Feb'y 23, 1776.
M'rch 11,1776.
M'rchH, 1776.
M'rch 19, 1776.
M'rch 21, 1776.
M'rch 25, 1776.
April 1,1776.
Edward Reed
Thomas Spencer, Jun. . .
Richard Blow
Nicholas Massenburg..
Nathaniel Lucas
Nicholas Parker, Jun.. .
William Davenport...
Jason Rid dick
t»%
1
|
1
Henry Fauntleroy
Feb'y 10, 1776.
Feb'y 12, 1776.
Feb'y 24, 1776.
Feb'y 26, 1776.
Feb'y 26, 1776.
March 1,1776.
March 7,1776.
March 9,1776.
M'rch 12, 1776.
M'rch 25, 1776.
Resigned Captain.
1
George Stubblefield. .. .
John Pleasants, Jun. . . .
Thomas Gaskins, Jun..
Benjamin Winslow...
Le Roy Edwards. . . .
Isham Tolbert
Ralph Faulkner
Richard C. Anderson..
William Bently
Robert Tompkins. . . .
Waffendal Kendall
Harry Terril
Thomas McRenolda. . . .
Robert Walk ins
William Smith
t*»
!
i
Feb'y 16, 1776.
Feb'y 16, 1776.
Feb'y 24, 1776.
Feb'y 26, 1776.
Feb'y 26, 1776.
March 1,1776.
March 4,1776.
M'rch 11, 1776.
M'rch21,1776.
Dead.
Captain Gregory dead.
Oliver Towles
Obia Clay
Thomas Ruffen
William HalleyAvory.
Samuel Joran Cobell. . . .
Benjamin Talliaferro.. .
(William Armistead...
William Starke, Jun.. .(Dinwiddie Godwin...
1
4
s
V
6
4
Thomas Hill
James Pendleton ....
Feb'y 7,1776.
Feb'y 26, 1776.
Feb'y 29, 1776.
March 5,1776.
March 7,1776.
March 7, 1776.
M'rch 18, 1776.
M'rch 20, 1776.
May 8,1776.
Benjamin C. Speller... .
Do.
Mays Carrington. * . .
John Webb
Griffin Faunleroy
Edward Wade
Leonard Thompson. . . .
John Champ Carlem.
Thomas Posey
William White
John Cunninghame..
1
•<
!
Dec'r 10,1775.
Feb'y 9,1776.
Feb'y 19,1776.
Feb'y 19,1776.
March 4 1776
Promoted.
•
William Darke
George Slaughter
i Richard Campbell
1 Abel Westfall
Robert Higgons
AndrewTurk
M'rch 12,1776.
M'rch 25, 1776.
M'rch 27, 1776.
April 19,1776.
Thomas Borry
William Made ....
Abram Kirkpatrick.. . .
«•
I
•«
I
Ch 1 C
Feb'y 5,1776.
Feb'y 10, 1776.
Feb'y 12, 1776
Feb'y 14, 1776
MVch 11, 1776
M'rch 13, 1776.
M'rch 16, 1776.
Cashiered.
J Lt. Carr appointed a
( Captain of Marines.
Charles Sneed
Thomas Pttrramore.. . .
Nathaniel Wilkins....
Wm. Black Bunting.
Thomas Walker
William Henderson...
Nathaniel G. Morris. . . .
Andrew Moore
Robert Woodsen
Wm. Holman, Jun..
1 John Hayse
A true Copy from the Original Lists in the War Office,
/ J. NOURSE, Clerk.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
21
323
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
324
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO COLONEL WHIFFLE.
Philadelphia, September 14, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I have not received a line from you since
yours of the 20th ultimo, from Milford. I have wrote to
you every week since you left this City, which I hope are
come safe to your hand, but shall not write you after this
as I expect you will be on your return here by the time
you receive this, or soon after. I hope our Legislature has
appointed another Delegate to return with you, that I may
return home immediately on your arrival, and try whether a
change of air will be serviceable to my health, which is very
much altered since you left me, though I am now rather
better than I was last week. I shall be under some diffi-
culty about procuring a horse and waiter to attend me on
my return, unless you and your colleague will agree to
deliver up one of yours to me for that purpose on your
arrival, and keep but one to wait on you both here. If you
shall not agree to that, I have wrote to Mrs. Bartlett to
procure (if she can) a man and horse, and send with you
here to accompany me back, as I think it will be much
cheaper and better than to hire here. Pray inform Mrs.
Bartlett of your determination, that she may know what
to do.
Last Wednesday our Committee met Lord Howe on
Staten-Island, where they ate and drank together. He
treated them with great civility and politeness; and after about
three hours' conversation, they took their leave of each other.
His Lordship's conversation was full of his friendship for
America — particularly the town of Boston, for their respect
to the memory of his brother. He said that the ravaging
and destroying America would give him great pain and
uneasiness. Dr. Franklin replied that we should take
proper, and he hoped effectual, care to prevent his Lord-
ship's feelings on that account. On the whole all the terms
he had to propose were, that we first of all lay down our
arms and return to our allegiance; and then, he said, the
King and Parliament would consider the acts we formerly
complained of, and if they judged it proper would alter or
amend them. They told him that General Sullivan said,
that his Lordship in conversation told him that the King
and Parliament would give up the right of taxation and of
intermeddling with the internal police of the Colonies, and
desired to know what authority he had to say it. Lord
Howe replied, that General Sullivan must certainly have
misunderstood him, as he had no right to say any such
thing, nor did he believe the Parliament would give up those
claims. The Committee are about to publish the whole
affair, which I hope will stop the mouths of the weak and
credulous, who have had great hopes of peace from the
supposed great powers entrusted with Lord Howe as a
Commissioner for that purpose.
Captain Wickes, in the Reprisal, is returned from Martin-
ico, which he left the 26th ultimo; he has brought four or
five hundred muskets, some powder, &c., &tc. The affair
of the Reprisal and the Shark man-of-war in the harbour
of St. Pierre, in Martinico. occasioned the British Admiral
Young to send to the French General, informing him that
the Captain of the Shark would have taken the Pirate ship
commanded by Captain Wickes if it had not been for the
French Forts protecting him, and he, in the name of his
Britannick Majesty, demanded that she should be forthwith
seized and delivered up into his hands, or otherwise his
protecting, not only the trading ships of Rebels, but their
ships-of-waf, would be deemed a breach of the peace
between the two nations, and that on his refusal he should
immediately send a man-of-war to acquaint his Britannick
Majesty of the circumstances, &.c.', Sic.
The French General, in answer, told Admiral Yoimg
that he had been misinformed concerning the affair; that the
Forts did not interfere, but that the Shark, after engaging the
American vessel for some time, thought proper to quit her
and sheer off, and that the Forts did not fire on the Shark
till after she had quitted the Reprisal, and was attempting,
as they suspected, to seize an unarmed vessel that was then
within reach of their cannon; that Captain Wickes had put
himself under his Most Christian Majesty's protection, and
that he should not deliver him up, or suffer him to be
injured while there ; that if the Admiral had been well
acquainted with him (the General) he would never have
made such a demand of him ; that he should immediately
send an account of the affair to the King, his master, to
whom alone he was answerable for Jiis conduct, Sic., Sic.
This is the substance as near as I can remember. I have
seen authentick copies of both.
The affair of the Confederation rests at present. The
Committee of the Whole have agreed that ninety regiments
shall be inlisted for five years, if not sooner discharged
by Congress. The affair of bounty is not yet settled ; the
proposal of giving lands as a part of the bounty has boggled
us; however, it will be got over in a few days, I believe,
and sent forward. The great difficulty of raising men for
so long a period, made me think it my duty to prevent
more being required of our State than their just proportion
by numbers; and by producing the return of our number of
inhabitants, I have got the proportion to be fixed at three
instead of four regiments for our State, to be raised and
completed for that term.
Mr. Wythe is come to Congress.
My very poor state of health makes it uncertain whether
I may not be obliged to leave Congress before your return.
If it should happen so, I should be very glad to meet you
on the road, and would therefore propose your coming the
upper road to Hartford, if you can conveniently.
I am, sir, your friend and most humble servant,
JOSIAH BARTLETT.
To Colonel Whipple.
War Office, September 14, 1776.
Congress having directed that the Board of War order
all the French Officers who have received commissions in
the service of the States, to repair immediately to their
place of destination, the said Officers are hereby required
to repair to their posts without delay.
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS.
Philadelphia, Saturday, September 14, 1776.
Yesterday morning I returned with Dr. Franklin and
Mr. Rutledge from Staten-Island, where we met Lord
Howe, and had about three hours' conversation with him.
The result of this interview will do no disservice to us. It
is now plain that his Lordship has no power but what is
given him in the act of Parliament. His commission
authorizes him to grant pardons upon submission, and to
converse, confer, consult, and advise with such persons as
he may think proper, upon American grievances, upon the
instructions to Governours and the acts of Parliament,
and if any errours should be found to have crept in, his
Majesty and the Ministry were willing they should be rec-
tified.
I found yours of 31st of August and 2d of September. I
now congratulate you on your return home with the children.
I am sorry to find you anxious on account of idle reports.
Don't regard them. I think our friends are to blame to
mention such silly stories. What good do they expect to do
by it?
My ride has been of service to me. We were absent
but four days. It was an agreeable excursion. His Lord-
ship is about fifty years of age. He is a well-bred man,
but his address is not so irresistible as it has been repre-
sented. I could name you many Americans, in your own
neighbourhood, whose art, address, and abilities are greatly
superiour. His head is rather confused, I think.
When I shall return, I can't say. I expect now every
day fresh hands from Watertown.
Philadelphia, September 14, 1776.
On Friday last arrived here from Martinico, the Conti-
nental ship-of-war the Reprisal, Lambert Wickes, Esq.,
commander. On board of said ship came passengers sev-
eral French officers, who we hear are strongly recom-
mended to the honourable the Congress by the Governour
of Martinico. One of them it is said is an accomplished
Engineer.
On Thursday evening and Friday morning the Hon.
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge,
Esqs., returned to this city from Staten-Island, where they
spent three hours in a conference with Lord Howe, upon the
32->
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
326
subject of his propositions to the Congress. We hear that
his Lordship possesses no other powers to accommodate the
dispute between Great Britain and the United States than
those mentioned in the act of the British Parliament, for
appointing Commissioners to grant pardons, fcc.
A vessel has arrived in this port with two thousand
bushels of salt. The whole of it was immediately bought
up by a respectable merchant of this city, who is now sell-
ing it out in small quantities, at a very moderate advance,
for the benefit of the publick.
On Friday last Major-General Prescott and Brigadier-
General McDonald set off from this city for New- York, in
order to be exchanged for Major-General Sullivan and
Brigadier-General Lord Stirling.
Several letters from France mention the very friendly
disposition of the Court and people of that Kingdom
towards the United States.
NATHAN H1LANDS S RECANTATION.
Hamilton Township, Cumberland County,)
Pennsylvania, September 14, 177C. |
I, Nathan Hilands, have some time past in words inim-
ical to American liberty expressed myself, which I do by
these presents acknowledge to be sorry for, and promise for
the future to act agreeable to the directions of Congress,
Convention, or Committees, and to hold the same in that
due esteem and respect as becomes a lover of American
liberty ; and do likewise allow this, my recantation, to be
put in the publick papers.
By order of Committee : JAMES MOORE, Clerk.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN PHILADELPHIA, DATED
NEW-YORK, SEPTEMBER 14, 1776.
The enemy, from their different manoeuvres and great
preparations, intend soon to strike a decisive blow. Their
plan is to outflank and hem us in ; but I think they will be
disappointed, for the heights above Harlem and King's
Bridge are strongly manned and fortified, and all the points
up to Frog's, securely picketed, the avenues blocked, and
the roads cut up to prevent the approaches of their artillery.
They have opened the Courts of Justice upon Long-
Island, in which Mr Ludlow presides as Chief Judge.
They have confiscated several estates, and condemned one
man to perpetual confinement, to linger out his life in chains,
and to be fed on bread and water. I think such acts of
oppression will turn to our advantage ; they carry a high
'hand, and, flushed with the success which nature and not
their own strength has given them, they think in a little time
to sweep off our army and be in possession of America.
Old Oliver de Lancey is a Colonel, your poor friend Wood-
hull is killed, and that fawning, treacherous courtier, Gov-
ernour Tryon, lies at the point of death. This intelligence
was got from a person who has been among them for some
time, and I think may be depended on.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 16.]
New-York, September 14, 1776.
SIR: I have been duly honoured with your favour of the
I Oth, with the resolution of Congress which accompanied it,
and thank them for the confidence they repose in my
judgment respecting the evacuation of the city. I could
wish to maintain it, because I know it to be of importance,
but am fully convinced that it cannot be dorre, and that an
attempt for that purpose, if persevered in, might and most
certainly would be attended with consequences the most
fatal and alarming' in their nature. Sensible of this, sev-
eral of the General Officers, since the determination of the
Council mentioned in my last, petitioned that a second
Council might be called to reconsider the propositions which
had been before them upon the subject. Accordingly, I
called one on the 12th, when a large majority not only
determined a removal of the army prudent but absolutely
necessary, declaring they were entirely convinced, from a
full and minute inquiry into our situation, that it was ex-
tremely perilous, and from every movement of the enemy
and the intelligence received, their plan of operation was
to get in our rear, and by cutting off the communication with
the main oblige us to force a passage through them on the
terms they wish, or to become prisoners in some short time
for want of necessary supplies of provision.
We are now taking every method in our power to remove
the stores, fee., in which we find almost insuperable diffi-
culties. They are so great and so numerous that I fear we
shall not effect the whole before we meet with some inter-
ruption. I fully expected that an attack somewhere would
have been made last night. In that I was disappointed,
and happy shall I be if my apprehensions of one to-night or
in a day or two are not confirmed by the event. If it is
deferred a little while longer, I flatter myself all will be got
away, and our force be more concentred and of course
more likely to resist them with success. Yesterday after-
noon four ships of war, two of forty and two of twenty-
eight guns, went up the East River, passing between Gov-
ernour's and Long-Island, and anchored about a mile
above the city, opposite Mr. Stuyvesant's, where the Rose
man-of-war was lying before. The design of their going,
not being certainly known, gives rise to various conjectures,
some supposing they are to cover the landing of a part of
the enemy above the city, others that they are to assist in
destroying our battery at Horn's Hook, that they may have
a free and uninterrupted navigation in the Sound. It is an
object of great importance to them, and what they are
industriously trying to effect by a pretty constant cannonade
and bombardment.
Before I conclude, I would beg leave to mention to
Congress, that the pay now allowed to nurses for their
attendance on the sick is by no means adequate to their
services — the consequence of which is, that they are ex-
tremely difficult to procure; indeed they are not to be got,
and we are under the necessity of substituting in their place
a number of men from the respective regiments, whose
service by that means is entirely lost to the proper line of
their duty, and but little benefit indeed to the sick. The
officers I have talked with upon the subject all agree that
they should be allowed a dollar per week, and that for less
they cannot be had. Our sick are extremely numerous,
and we find their removal attended with the greatest diffi-
culty. It is a matter that employs much of our time and
care, and what makes it most distressing, is the want of
proper and convenient places for their reception. I fear
their sufferings will be great and many ; however, nothing
on my part that humanity or policy can require shall be
wanting to make them comfortable, so far as the state of
things will admit of.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your
most obedient servant, Go. WASHINGTON.
Petition of Major-General GREENE and others for a re-
consideration of the Proceedings of a Council of General
Officers.
September 11, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: The situation of
the army under your Excellency's command is, in our opin-
ions so critical and dangerous, that we apprehend a Board
of General Officers should be immediately called for the
purpose of considering it. We do not mean to condemn as
unwise or imprudent any measures which have heretofore
been taken, but we conceive a reconsideration of an impor-
tant question determined at the last Board of General Officers
to be absolutely necessary to satisfy our own apprehensions
and the apprehensions of many excellent Field Officers and
others, from the dispositions now making by the advice of
that Board.
We know the danger and bad policy of giving way to
applications for the reconsideration of common propositions,
which may have been solemnly determined, but the present
case is of such magnitude and is big with such consequences
to all America, that a breach of common forms and even
the risk of establishing wrong precedents, should, in our
opinions, be now overruled.
What we have to offer to your Excellency in general
council, proceeds not from fear of personal danger nor the
expectation ol deriving to ourselves any honour and reputa-
tion from a change of measures : it proceeds from a love of
our country and a determined resolution to urge the best
and wisest measures, and finally, to execute if possible even
327
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
328
erroneous ones, which, on cool, dispassionate reconsidera-
tion, cannot be avoided.
NATHL. GREENE, Major-General
JNO. NIXON, Brigadier-General.
THOS. MIFFLIN, Brigadier-General.
REZIN BEALL, Brigadier-General.
SAML. H. PARSONS, Brigadier-General.
JAMES WADSWORTH.
I think it a mark of wisdom to reconsider opinions upon
subjects of high importance, whenever so many respectable
gentlemen request it as have signed above me. I therefore
heartily concur with them in the application above men-
tioned.
JOHN MORIN SCOTT, Brigadier-General.
To His Excellency General Washington.
A Return of the Army in the service of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in and near the City of NEW-YORK, commanded
by His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esquire, General and Commander-in- Chief .
OF
FICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
11 anting *
to
complete, la
lltnulitin*
since
st Returns.
Commissions
Slo/T.
•A/on-ccm-
missioned.
V:
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General PARSONS'S Brigade. £ .£ | ^ .£ ^
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. 1 2 1 2 x
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On Command.
On Furlough.
5
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| sergeants.
Drums nnd Fifes.
JH
£
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| Una.
j Discharged.
1 Deserted.
i
'«
to
i
> 1 1 1 1 - 1 -
13111- 11
. 6 1 1 1 - 11
! 7 1 1 1 - 11
8 1 1 - - 11
7 1 1 1 - 11
16
18
28
31
29
27
13
13
11
14
13
16
80
153
201
199
303
285
89
169;
123
180
115
147
78' 101 -
12 65 i
2174 -
4147 -
1104 -
8124 .
348
! 399
502
530
520
i 569
16 3
2 -
1 3
1 -
- 2
292 -
241 -
118 -
1 1 -
4 - -
-
\,l,in.>l Wnr/l . 1 - 1 4 8 f
110 -
120 -
70 -
- 1 -
1 - -
1 - -
.
Colonel Tyler 1 1 1 7 6 t
Total 5 2 328353*
132 6 6 5 - 65
149
80
1221
823105715 72868
20 {
971 -
7 2 -
-
General McDouo ALL'S Brigade.
,.-111-1- 16
r 7 - i i i - i 31
) 3 1 - 1 - 11 17
i 6 - 11- 11 19
13
14
9
8
238
397
233
265
4'J
146
122
65
59
15
10
30
V8
26 -
176
71
1 428
584
1 542
t 434
4
13 <
t
_
212 -
1 292 -
1 98 1
i 206 -
- - (
3 - -
1 - '.
> -
i -
Total, with Artificers 2 2 320232
24 2 3 4 1 3 3 83
44
1133
382114
351
31988
171'
) 808 1
4 - 8l-
General SCOTT'S Brigade.
Colonel Lasher 1 1 110 10 11
1 - 1 - 1 - 11
1 - 1 1 1 - 1 -
) • 1 1 1 - 11
> - - 1 1 - 1 -
20
30
28
17
13
17
13
7
317
237
244
165
11!'
37
78
51
36
10
99
27
35
13
38
17
3 510
1 297
459
1 261
3 -
2
3 372 -
7 211 7
3 80 4
17 -
. .
1 -
j -
5 -
3 -
Colonel Malcom 1 1 110111!
Colonel Drake 1 1 1 10 8 11
Total 3 4 335344'
1 - 3 3 4 - 42
95 50
963
285
172103
51517
51
3 6K311
18 - 1
8 -
General WADSWORTH'S Brigade.
Colonel Sage 1 1 ] 8 8
r a- i i - 11
3 6 1 1 1 - - 1
i 8 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 8 1 1 1 - 11
31
31
31
32
14
12
16
15
2401173
253146
253 149
449 59
1
20
6d -
65 -
46
37 -
482
464
1 449
569
1
1
1 -
2 182 -
i 200 -
215 -
2 -
1 -
:
Colonel Selden 11187
Colonel Gray • - 1 1 7 8
Colonel Bradley 11178
1 71 4
2 -
i -
Total 34 430313
130 3 4 4 1 3 4 125
57
1195527
21
216
11964
3
7 668' 4
5 -
i -
Brigade commanded by Colonel SILLIMAN.
7 6 1 1 1 - 1 -
• 11 - 1 1 - 1 •
• 3 - 1 1 - 1 -
• 6 - 1 1 - 1 -
- 8 - 11--.
32
61
21
30
32
15
15
7
4
9
23;
Hit
Mi-
ll-
2'
111
243
140
illl
14£
3
.
.
6
31
67
13
12
21
34
1 415
- 416
- 300
b 'Joi-
- 237
.
1 249 -
- 16
1 342
3 511
J!:
8 -
6 -
2 -
Colonel Hinman 1 1 11012
. . .
5 67
Total 2 5 33441
734 1 5 5 - 4 -
176
50
67-
753
40
147
91626
1 249 -
91685
6 -
General NIXON'S Brigade.
6 8 - 1 1 - 1 -
7 6 - - 1 - 1
55- 1 1 - 1
5 5 - 1 - - 1 -
4 7 - 1 1 - 1
21
1 28
1 19
21
1 17
10
14
15
9
11
25J
30<
205
23'
17<
! 9i
26
104
1 79
i<;:
9
44
5
21
3
38i
72
50
85
152
- 391
- 45i
- 36c
- 41S
• so:
4
-
-
1
-
94Q
Colonel Little 11185
- 186 1
- 272 -
1 221 -
1 128 -
1 -
2 -
2 -
1 1
• -
Colonel Hitchcock 11176
Colonel Nixon 1153
Colonel Bailey 11155
Total 3 5 531265
!731 - 4 4 - 5l
3 106
59 ll 183 472 82
397
- 2134 5
21056 1
6 1
.
General CLINTON'S Brigade.
Colonel Glover 11165
Colonel Read 11187
4 7 - 1 - - 1
6 8 - 11--
5 6 1 1 1 - 1
8 8 1 1 1 - 1
1 20
1 31
1 21
1 32
15
16
10
14
17"
16i
20'
is:
4£
183
174
I12t
8
9
g
6
131
150
82
211
- 36;
- 5Uc
- 46f
1 521
1
-
-
- 275 -
- 135 -
1 172 -
2 119 -
1 -
1 -
4 -
4 -
Colonel Baldwin - 1 1 4 4
Late Colonel Learned ..." - 1 1 8 8
Total 2 4 42624
2329 21 4 3 - 3
4 104
55
727 52$
31
574
1 185f
1
3 701 -
6 -
4 -
General HEARD'S Brigade.
1 Colonel Van Cortlandt I 1 ]| 1 61 5
541)1- 1
5 6 - 1 1 - 1
7 7 1 1 1 - 1
7 8 1 1 1 - 1
7 7 1 1 1 - 1
1 22
• 22
1 28
1 21
• 28
6 208i 31
12 204 2S
5 2681 46
12 267 34
12 305 64
SB
.
19
55
1C
a
2
11
1
16
- 26i
2 23i
- 33(
5 37:
2 385
1 3
, 5
2'
H
4 163 ]
3 227
9 167 -
2 104
3 200
- -
- 1
- -
1 1 -
10 2'
7 -
23 -
1 1
Colonel Martin' 11188
Total |~4 4 53131
3132U 55-5
3! 121
471252204
IK
9 1594!l021i 861 <
1 1
11 3
General FELLOW'S Brigade.
Colonel Gary ] l 11010
B 8 1 ] 1 - 1
9 6 - 1 1 - 1
8 8 1 1 1 - 1
1 32
1 35
1 32
1
1
1
B 36
3 36
j 39
7 11
215
3 12
5 -
1 •
) -
93
56
38
• 6(1
- 56
- 55
5 -
1 5
I -
Colonel Smuh 11188
1 1
- -
Total 3 3 32626
2522' 2 3 3 - 3! 3 99
5
111223961 -
187
• 172
i 5
1 163 -
1 1
- -
329
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &<?., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Return continued.
330
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
.'Illrrnliom
since
last Ittturns.
Commissioned.
Stiff.
Non-com-
missioned.
Brigade commanded by Col. DOUGLASS.
»
5
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7
8
7
10
8
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8
7
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7
8
8
4
4
6
9
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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\
\
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1
32
46
24
19
19
16
18
7
8
12
314
162
46
104
118
112
39
22
101
108
1
55
56
77
13
3
29
47
-
506
215
12fi
240
•
-
172
-
-
41
4
6
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Colonel Tal<*ott •
Total
—
—
41
5
3
540
35
831
4
6
e
-
4
1
140
61
744
382
169
-
1087
-
-
172
10
_
Brigade commanded by Colonel CHESTER.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
tj
7
12
4
4
V
11
11
12
7
1
4
8
9
10
11
B
1
l
l
1
1
l
i
i
i
i
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
31
46
70
56
37
Ib
19
31
19
18
219
169
22C
232
93
76
152
90
87
5
98
1
535
391
•
-
129
55
31 1
-
-
31
37
30
46
6
78
2^
1
426
344
437
-
•
;
1 23
3 25
- 2
18
5
7
30
•
Total
1' 2
I
3548
37
47
1
5
s
.
S
4
240 102
1176
498
10322830
2133
.
129
55 7 51
u
Brigade commanded by Colonel SARGENT.
1
1
1
1
9
8
10
B
ti
5
7
7
5 1
7 1
1
1
1
i
i
i
.
1
1
2
1
21
24
49
14
7
14
295
118
308
63
63
71
53
98
13
-
527
319
•
-
113
1
-
•
2
8
11
Total
—
—
T"
2 2
22418 7!14 2
3
3
.
4
1
94
35
711
126
124111
- 845
.
113| 1
10
11
General MIFFLIN'S Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
8
7
6
3
5
8
;
6
7
6
6
g
7
1,
9
7
7
8
b
8
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
l
l
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
21
31
32
25
11
15
30
14
10
11
13
7
5
14
210
348
302
311
182
153
296
25
93
119
63
11
47
52
18
49
48
1!
49
38
10
10
9
1 2s
b
3
2
288
496
480
513
243
4
1
1
2
6
5
1
354
144
160
126
3
21
1
7
1
2
3
7
11
3
4
12
19
4
ei
135
297
11
74
10
355
437
Colonel Ward
1
2
207
-
1
10
-
Total
5 5
540485335 5
7
7
2 5
3 165
74
1802410
223
232
2812
7
16
991
24
12
53
General G. CLINTON'S Brigade.
Colonel N ichols
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
J
1
1
1
4
8
I
C
t
8
7
7
e
8
9
(
E
.
-
-
•
1
1
1
1
J
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
19
28
29
21
24
13
16
15
15
15
223
283
25fc
220
226
53
45
66
85
40
4
10
4
1
'J
9
27
47
7
11
5
1
289
354
364
358
267
2
1
2
5
1
1
1
3
80
121
117
120
158
2
2
S
10
43
4
4
-
Tntal
5
4
4
3;
31
34
-
4
sl-ls
1
121 74ll208289
19
92
24
1632
G
596
4
_
61
A Return of the Regiment of Artillery, in the service of the UNITED STATES, commanded, by HENRY KNOX, Esquire.
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1
11
20
8
3
17
21
7
4
20
-
13
1
5
127
29
13
89
3
6
4
7
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-
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Total
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8
9 7
16
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1 1
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26
26
48 52
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19
961
PROCEEDINGS OF A COUNCIL OF GENERAL OFFICERS.
At a Council of War held at General McDougaWs
Quarters, September 12, 1776.
Present — His Excellency General Washington; Major
Generals : Putnam, Heath, Spencer, Greene ; Brigadier-
Generals: Mifflin, Parsons, McDougall, Nixon, Wadsworlh,
Scott, Fellows, Clinton.
The General read a Letter signed by some General Offi-
cers, proposing that there should be a reconsideration of the
matter determined in Council last week, with respect to
the state and further disposition of the Troops.
The question was put whether the determination of last
week should be reconsidered, and the opinions were as fol-
lows :
To reconsider: Generals Beall, Scott, Fellows, Wads-
worth, Nixon, McDougall, Parsons, Mifflin, Greene, Put-
nam.
To adhere : Generals Spencer, Clinton, Heath.
It was considered what number of men are necessary to
be left for the defence of Mount Washington and its depen-
dencies ; agreed that it be eight thousand.
(Parole, Franklin.)
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 12, 1776.
(Countersign, Congrest.)
The difficulty of procuring milk and other proper food
for the sick, has induced the General to establish an Hospital
where those necessaries can be procured in plenty. The
regimental sick are, therefore, to be immediately mustered
for this purpose. One of the Hospital Surgeons will attind
with the Regimental Surgeon. Such as are able to remove
themselves will be allowed so to do, under the care of a
proper officer.
A suitable officer, not under the rank of a Captain, is to
331
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
332
be appointed by the Brigadier out of each brigade, to attend
such sick of each brigade as cannot remove themselves;
they are under the advice of the Surgeon, who also attends
to see that all proper care is taken for their comfort while
removing and afterwards.
The same Court-Martial which tried Major Popst to try
Major Hatfield, charged with " making a false report of the
guards."
As the care of the sick is an object of great importance,
the General directs that a person, not under the rank of a
Captain, be also appointed in like manner in each brigade,
who shall be empowered to procure necessaries for them,
and moneys furnished for that purpose, he taking care that
the utmost regularity and care be used.
John Porter, Esq., is appointed Paymaster to Colonel
Ward's Regiment, in the Continental service.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 13, 1776.
(Parole, Newark.) (Countersign, dmboy.)
Sergeant Clements, late of the General's guard, convicted
by a Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Makom was Presi-
dent, of "remissness of duty," is ordered to be reduced to
the ranks. The General approves the sentence, and orders
that he be sent back to the regiment from which he was
taken.
The visiting officer has again reported that the men from
Colonel Silliman's, Colonel Lewis's, and Colonel Thomp-
son's regiments go upon guard deficient in ammunition, and
with bad arms. The General hopes the officers of those
regiments will immediately attend to it.
Simon Learned, late Lieutenant in Learned's Regiment,
having resigned his commission as Lieutenant, is appointed
Paymaster to said regiment.
General Fellows's Brigade to remove into the adjoining
out-houses, and raft the boards which compose their present
encampment to King's Bridge, or such part of them as
may be deemed necessary by him.
A disappointment with respect to a proper place for the
removal of the sick, in some measure vacates the order of
yesterday, and the following is now to be attended to and
obeyed. The situation of the Army rendering it difficult
to make that provision for the relief and support of the sick
in the City of New-York which their cases may require,
in order in the most speedy and effectual manner to remove
the sick to some place where they can be supplied with
every thing necessary for them, the General directs the Sur-
geons of each brigade, under the immediate inspection of
the Brigadiers, to examine the state of the sick, and to make
a list of the names of such as they suppose can remove
themselves to the Brigadier-General of the brigade, who is
directed to send such convalescent persons to some con-
venient place in the neighbourhood of New-York, to be
chosen by and be under the care of a discreet officer and
one of the Regimental Surgeons, who is in the most prudent
manner to make the necessary provision for the reception
and support of such convalescent persons, who are imme-
diately to be returned to their regiments, when their health
will admit of their doing duty. Such as are so ill as not to
be able to remove themselves, are to be collected under the
care of another officer of the like rank in one place, and
notice given to the Director-General of the Hospital, that
they may be taken proper care of. In each of the above
cases, the superintending officer is permitted to lay out
money in the most frugal manner for the comfortable sub-
sistence of his sick, which will be allowed him on rendering
his account.
Mr. Hendrick Fisher is appointed Paymaster to Colonel
Prescott's Regiment;
Charles Holby Hubbard, Esq., to Colonel Sargent's
Regiment, until the person arrives who is designed for that
office.
Head-Quarters, New-York, September 14, 1776.
(Parole, Brttlol.) (Countersign, Roxbury.)
The Court of Inquiry on Major Halfield not having been
able to proceed, he is released from his arrest until they
can attend.
The General is exceedingly anxious that every soldier
should be well provided with ammunition, and desires that
every officer will be careful to see there is no deficiency in
this respect, as it is highly probable they may soon be called
to action.
It is so critical a period, and so interesting to every true
lover of his country, that the General hopes that every officer
and soldier will now exert himself to the utmost. It is no
time for ease or indulgence; the arms of the men, the con-
dition of the sick, care to prevent imposition in order to
avoid danger and duty, vigilance of sentries and guards, are
all now requisite. We have once found the bad conse-
quences of a surprise : let the utmost care be used to prevent
another. For this purpose the General directs, that none
be put out as sentries at night but picked men, that they be
visited every half hour, and every motion of the enemy
narrowly watched.
General Wadsworth's Brigade to furnish two sentries
upon the road, to prevent wagons in the publick service
going out empty or carrying sick.
Benjamin Haywood, late Lieutenant in the Fourth Re*
giment, is appointed Paymaster to said regiment.
Captain Brown is excused from duty on account of his
assisting the Qartermaster-General.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO
MRS. HEED, DATED NEW-YORK, SEPTEMBER 14, 1776.
The enemy are evidently intending to encompass us on
this Island by a grand military exertion, which, if successful,
must immortalize the name of Howe, to get this whole army
and its stores in their power. I hope they will fail. It is
now a trial of skill whether they shall or not, and every
night we lie down with the most anxious fears for the fate
of to-morrow. My own personal safety is not regarded
further than as respects you and our dear children. If my
life would render any essential service to my country, I
would cheerfully lay it down. I am called away.
Ever yours, &ic.
P. S. My baggage is all at King's Bridge. We expect
to remove thither this evening. I mean our Head-Quarters.
CAPTAIN HAMILTON S CERTIFICATE.
I do hereby certify that William Douglass, the bearer
hereof, faithfully served as a Matross in my company till he
lost his arm by an unfortunate accident, while engaged in
firing at some of the enemy's ships. He is therefore recom-
mended to the attention of those who have been appointed
to carry into execution the late resolve of the Continental
Congress, by which provision is made for all persons dis-
abled in the service of the United States.
A. HAMILTON, Captain of Artillery.
New- York, September 14, 1776.
EZEKIEL CHEEVER TO GENERAL GATES.
King's Bridge Inlet, September 14, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Being on board a sloop in which Major
Pierce has taken passage for Albany, embarrassed and per-
plexed to have the sloop cleared of stores brought from
York, in order to proceed to Albany, although not of my
department, I have effected the same. When I first saw
Mr. Pierce in York, 1 did not think he would be of any
service for this campaign ; but he has surprisingly fast reco-
vered health. His great anxiety to be with you in short
time as possible, has induced me to mention the affair.
Last evening four ships-of-war more passed the East
River up to Horn's Hook ; the particulars 1 don't know, as
I am in this place to take care of ordnance and stores, and
have no one to assist me. I must refer you to Mr. Pierce
for particulars. Wishing you all imaginable success in the
department, and great good luck to ourselves, I remain, with
the truest regard and esteem, your most humble servant,
EZEKIEL CHEEVER.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
GENERAL HEATH TO HUGH HUGHES, A. O.. M. G.
King's Bridge, September 14, 1776.
DEAR SIR : You are immediately to engage and impress
all the wagons and teams that you possibly can, which, with
those here, you are to send to New-York, where they are
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
334
extremely wanted. The vessels also which come up with
stores, baggage, &tc., must be unloaded without delay, and
sent down. I am, sir, yours, Sic.
To Hugh Hughes, Esq., Assistant Quartermaster-General.
P. S. Such wagons as have taken sick contrary to orders,
are to be sent back immediately.
CAPTAIN BAYLY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Camp White-Plains, September 14, 1776.
SIR : I am extremely sorry that the present circumstances
of my family will not admit of my indulging an inclination
to continue in the service ; and as the new arrangement
which is about to take place will probably occasion some
supernumerary officers in the regiment in which I com-
mand a company, the justice due to the inferiour and very
deserving officers of the same regiment, who are determined
to spend their lives in the army, and the duty I owe my
country, induce me to remove an obstruction to their pro-
motion, and offer my resignation, which I flatter myself you
will do the regiment the justice and myself the satisfaction
to accept.
I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
MOUNTJOY BAYLY, Captain.
To His Excellency Gen. Washington, Camp White-Plains.
GILBERT LIVINGSTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Poughkeepsie, September 14, 1776.
SIR: Your letter of the 14th is safely come to hand.
Am sorry it is not in my power to take the chain down to
the Fort. The iron the Committee (by the advice of the
smiths) first engaged, on working up, we find vastly short
of the quantity wanted. Since I have been here, have been
obliged (no other of the Committee being with me) to send
an express to the forge for ten tons more. This, I fear, will
cause a delay we by no means expected, and as finishing
the work depends on the contingency of getting the iron, it
is impossible for me to guess the time when it will be finished.
I sincerely wish that at least one of the gentlemen of the
Committee were with me, as I expect to be obliged to go
down to the Fort to see that the apparatus is got ready to
fasten and stretch her chain with, that there may be no delay
on that account. If one of the gentlemen comes up, it will
be necessary that he brings at least two or three thousand
pounds with him, as our Treasury is nearly exhausted.
I am, sir, with great respect, your very humble servant,
GILBERT LIVINGSTON.
To Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President of the Conven-
tion of the State of New- York.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 23, 1776.]
Albany, September 14, 1776.
SIR: When I had the honour to address Congress on the
9th instant, it was probable that I should have been under
the necessity of inarching the Militia either to Ticonderoga
or into Tryon County ; that necessity is superseded, as Con-
gress will perceive by the information contained in the
enclosed papers, in consequence of which the Militia are
dismissed ; and I do, therefore, now, agreeable to my reso-
lution signified in that letter, hereby resign my commission
as Major-General in the Army of the American States, and
all and every other office or appointment which I have been
honoured with by the honourable Continental Congress.
I do not, however, by this step mean to decline or elude
an inquiry which Congress may hereafter be pleased to make
into my conduct ; on the contrary, it is a duty I owe to my-
self, to my family, and to the respectable Congress of this
State, by whose recommendation, unsolicited by me, Con-
gress, I believe, was induced to honour me with a command,
that I should exculpate myself from the many odious charges
with which the country resounds to my prejudice. I trust I
shall be able fully to do it to the confusion of my enemies
and their abettors. But aggrieved as I am, my countrymen
will find that I shall not be influenced by any unbecoming
resentment, but that I will readily persevere to fulfill the
duties of a good citizen, and try to promote the weal of my
native country by every effort in my power. I trust that
my successor, whoever he may be, will find that matters are
as properly arranged in this department as the nature of the
service will admit. I shall most readily give him any
information and assistance in my power.
As Congress may perhaps judge it necessary that a Gen-
eral Officer should constantly reside at this place, I shall
continue to act as usual until such a reasonable time is
elapsed in which one could be sent, which, I should sup-
pose, need not exceed a fortnight. I wish it the soonest
possible, as I propose attending my duty in Congress with
out delay.
It is a natural wish, sir, that those gentlemen who have
been of my family, and incline to continue in the service,
should be provided for. The office of Deputy Mustermas-
ter-General in this department is vacant; Congress will
permit me to recommend my Secretary, Captain Richard
Varick, a gentleman of merit, strict honour, probity, and
capacity, to that employment. Major Henry Brockholst
Livingston, my Aid-de-Camp, I also beg leave to recom-
mend to the attention of Congress as a gentleman of a most
amiable and deserving character; Major Rensselaer, my
other Aid-de-Camp, declines any further service.
I am extremely sorry that I am not the only one of the
General Officers in this department against whom the viru-
lent tongue of slander has been employed. I perceive by
General Arnold's letter that his reputation is also cruelly
attacked. I have not the least doubt of the falsity of the
reports that prevail to his prejudice ; but as I have expe-
rienced that innocence is no guard against malevolence, I
am the less astonished at what is said of him. I sincerely
lament that this unhappy spirit is so prevalent at a time
when unanimity is so essentially necessary. I dread the
consequences to our common cause ; we have external evils
sufficient to contend with, without adding that of internal
dissension.
As Mr. Douw is removed out of town, and the other
Commissioners of Indian Affairs reside so remote that they
cannot pay attention to that department, I humbly conceive
it will be necessary that others should be immediately
appointed.
I beg leave to suggest to Congress the necessity of a
speedy answer to the matters I laid before them respecting
the Nantikoke Indians, as the Ochquaques have already
called upon me to know if 1 had received an answer.
I am informed that the term for which some of the New-
Jersey and Pennsylvania troops, now at Ticonderoga, were
engaged will soon expire, and that there is reason to appre-
hend many of the men will not reengage ; if so, it may be
attended with many disagreeable and dangerous conse-
quences. Permit me earnestly to entreat Congress to take
some measures to retain them if possible.
I am, sir, with very sincere regard, your most obedient,
humble servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 14, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Your favour of the llth I had the
pleasure to receive yesterday. 1 am happy to learn that
General Arnold and our fleet are safe. I think his plan of
being supported by a number of armed batteaus a good one.
But would it not in that case be best for him to keep a
station somewhere near the Split-Rock, that he might be
more readily reinforced in case of necessity ?
Mr. Livingston informed me that no pork is to be had in
any part of the country. Would it not be well to send
some of the best cattle to the fleet in the galleys and gon-
dola, or to send them a daily supply of corned beef in a
batteau doubly manned? It is probable that it would keep
a few days, as the weather begins to grow cool.
I have advised the Commissioners of what you say rela-
tive to the persons that have accounts to adjust.
I have not yet had a line from Colonel Dayton since that
of the 4th instant. I am in hopes the account he sent me
was groundless. If I do not hear from him to-day, I shall
take it for granted that it was so and dismiss the Militia.
I cannot inform you of what is passing at New-York.
General Washington's time is so totally engrossed that I
can hardly expect he should write me, unless there is an
absolute necessity.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &cc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
336
It is much to be lamented that calumny is so much
cherished in this unhappy country, and that so few of the
servants of the publick escape the malevolence of a set
of insidious miscreants. It has drove me to the necessity
of resigning.
Another company of seamen leave this to-day; I cannot
say whether more are expected from New-York.
Mr. Avert/ observes that the roads by which the cattle
came to Ticonderoga are scarcely passable. Is it not pos-
sible to send a small party to repair them. I have no men
here, nor are any to be had in the country.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. General Gates.
RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Head-Quarters, Albany, September 14, 1776.
SIR: The honourable the Continental Congress having
(by their resolution of the llth July) informed the Hon.
Major-General Schuyler that officers of their army are pro-
hibited from holding more offices than one, I do, therefore,
in obedience to the said resolve, hereby resign to your Ex-
cellency the company which I now have in the regiment of
forces of the United States of America raised in the State
of New-York, whereof the Hon. Brigadier-General Mc-
Dougall was late Colonel ; and I do hereby request your
Excellency to accept of this my resignation.
I am, sir, your Excellency's most obedient and very hum-
ble servant, RICHARD VAKICK,
Secretary to Major-General Schuyler.
To His Excellency General Washington.
MAJOR HOISINGTON TO GENERAL GATES.
Newbury, September 14, 1776.
By the positive command received, and the reflections in
the same on the troops under my command, and sensible
of your Excellency's being entirely unacquainted with the
footing on which they are raised, as well as a false repre-
sentation of our neglect of the publick service, for your
further information, I have enclosed you the resolves of the
honourable Congress in which my orders are set forth,
agreeable to which 1 have exerted myself to the uttermost of
my power, as well as the recruiting officers appointed by
the Committees — the first of which is but a little odds of
four weeks, some three, and the last a little more than one,
out of which time 1 have kept scouting parties two weeks ;
and now part of the company ordered on fatigue under the
command of Colonel Barrett, are now in the woods towards
St. John's, which has orders not to return under eight days,
and the rest are at Newbury in Coos. Therefore, would
beg the favour, if one of these companies of Rangers, raised
and ordered to reconnoitre the woods, must join Colonel
Barrett on fatigue, that Captain Day's company who have
not yet marched, may do it. Accordingly I have given
orders to be conveyed by the bearer, Captain Wait.
Am, sir, your humble servant,
JACOB HOISINGTON.
To His Excellency General Gates, Commander-in-Chief of
the Northern Department.
RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 14, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Your favour of the 10th instant was
delivered me on the 12th. Immediately on receipt there-
of, I ordered the storekeeper to purchase the blacksmith's
tools. I am this morning informed that he has procured
them, and will be forwarded immediately.
Major Pierce is gone down to New-York. He was ill
during his stay here, and was advised to go farther down to
recover his health. This is the last place, in my opinion,
that a sick person should come to, in the hot season, to
reestablish impaired health.
To-morrow I shall send you another return of all the
stores forwarded to Fort George since my last.
I am, dear General, with every sentiment of esteem and
respect, your most obedient and very humble servant,
RICHARD VARICK.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
COLONEL CORTLANDT TO GENERAL GATES.
Skenesborough, September 14, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I just received a letter from Colonel
Simons, who is marching to this post about two thousand
Militia-men. In consequence of the report of our fleet being
taken, I send his letter forward by express, and have let
him (Colonel Simons') know my opinion about his coming,
which I thought was unnecessary, and advised him to wait
the general orders. It is very sickly here ; almost all my
men are down. I cannot well do without my other com-
pany, which I hope the General will please to send me.
They can bring some batteaus and oars with them. The
galley will soon be finished, as they go on rapidly, being
just planked up.
I am, dear General, your obedient humble servant,
PHILIP COHTLANDT.
To General Gates, at Ticonderoga.
COLONEL HUNTINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUWBULL.
Norwich, September 14, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Mr. Erastus Perkins, the bearer, is
sutler to my regiment, and has come here to get some
liquors, &.c. I find I gain strength daily ; am in hopes of
returning to my place in the army in two or three weeks.
My father is gone to New-London agreeable to your desire.
My love and duty as is due, and remain, your affectionate
son, JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull.
CHRISTOPHER LEFF1NGWELL TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
New-London, September 14, 1776.
SIR: Having returned from Long-Island, beg leave to
report, that agreeable to the orders 1 received from your
Honour, of Sunday, 10th present, I mustered and embarked
the Infantry company under my command that evening ;
took up what shipping I could find suitable; joined Major
Ely cf Colonel Wolcott's, at New-London on Monday, who
had four companies under his command ; advised with the
Colonel, and on Tuesday morning proceeded with them in
the shipping, under convoy of the Continental brig, Captain
Hacker, for Southold. Lost sight of the brig that night,
and saw no more of her until we returned to New-London.
Arrived with the remainder of the shipping at Stirling that
evening, and landed. Previous to our sailing, gave proper
signals to the commander on board every vessel. Wed-
nesday and Thursday penetrated about twelve or fourteen
miles up the Island to the westward as far as Cutchague,
until we found families and effects sufficient to load our
shipping, which effected and brought to New-London, and
have mostly landed, viz: two hundred head cattle and
about five hundred sheep, several families, furniture, pro-
visions, &,c. Before we had completed the loading of our
shipping, several applications were made for vessels to go
farther westward, but we gave no encouragement of sending
any. Had the pleasure of observing our officers and men,
both of Major Ely's as well as the Infantry, go through the
fatigue with cheerfulness, activity and spirit.
1 am, with the greatest esteem, your Honour's most obe-
dient, humble servant,
CHRISTOPHER LEFFINGWELL.
Isle-aux-Noix, September 14, 1776.
Permit the bearer, Antoine Gcrouse, to pass from hence
to his own habitation on Missisqui Bay.
QUIN JOHN FREEMAN, Major Brigade.
To all concerned.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR THUMBULL.
Saybrook, September 14, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : I did not so soon think
to have troubled you again, but being detained longer than
I expected by the Commissary to this detachment, who the
day before yesterday was sent to Norwich for a supply of
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
338
flour, which we are almost out of. He has not yet returned,
or I should, hy this time, have been on my way to Long-
Island.
1 just received your Honour's favour by Colonel Coit.
Judges are now appraising the arms in my possession, for
his use. I have also just received an account that the
troops sent to Long-Island by your Honour have returned.
I had just sent them a guide and an express, to desire them
to continue there until I could join them. I have also pre-
vailed upon many of the Militia of Southold to join us.
If your Honour should still be of the mind to honour me
with the command of the detachment that were on Long-
Island, to act in conjunction with mine, I should be ex-
tremely obliged to you. My object is to seize upon a large
quantity of arms lodged at Sautunket, at the house of Mr.
Richard Miller ; also to cut off the communications between
Suffolk and Queen's County : that while we are thus em-
ployed the stock, &ic., may be removed from Suffolk
County to the main; also to seize upon any other advan-
tages that may offer. Your Honour's approbation or
disapprobation will determine me for or against the expe-
dition.
I remain your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Honour Governour Trumbull.
P. S. Two tenders have passed Hell-Gate, into the
Sound. An escort of an armed vessel will be sufficient, if
your Honour determines we shall proceed.
WILLIAM BRADFORD TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
State of Rhode-Island, &c., Bristol, )
September 14, 1776. J
SIR : Governour Cooke having entered the Hospital for
inoculation, makes it necessary for me to inform your Hon-
our that immediately upon the receipt of your letter of the
3d instant, with the enclosed resolves of Congress, I called
the Committee to act in cases of emergency during the
recess of the General Assembly, who have taken every
necessary measure to facilitate the march of the Continental
battalion ordered by Congress to New- York — part of which
set out this day, and the remainder to-morrow.
The Committee have the highest sense of the regard
expressed by Congress for the security and defence of this
State, in recommending to the Massachusetts-Bay to supply
a regiment of their Militia to replace the battalion going
to New-York; to make application for which they have
appointed one of their members to wait upon the General
Court of that State.
The Committee, also, in this exhausted state of this
Government, still more weakened by the great number of
privateers fitted from it, and not having it in their power to
afford so speedy an aid in any other way, requested Colonel
Richmond, who commands the other Continental battalion
stationed here, to hold it in readiness to march at a moment's
warning, and he accordingly will march for New- York as
soon as he shall receive intelligence from the regiments from
the Massachusetts entering this State. To replace it the
Committee have ordered a battalion of Militia, of seven hun-
dred men, to be immediately raised and embodied.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem and respect,
sir, your Honour's most obedient and most humble servant,
WILLIAM BRADFORD, Deputy Governour.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
WILLIAM BRADFORD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
State of Rhode Island, (fee., Bristol, )
September 14, 1776. \
SIR: Governour Cooke having entered the Hospital for
inoculation, it becomes incumbent upon me to acquaint
your Excellency that upon the receipt of a letter of the 3d
instant, from Mr. President Hancock, enclosing several
resolves of the General Congress, one of them ordering one
of the Continental battalions in this State to march imme-
diately to New-York, and requesting the Massachuselts-
liay to send a regiment of their Militia to replace it, and
another recommending it to all the States northward of
Virginia to furnish all the aid in their power to the army
at New-York, I summoned the Committee appointed to act
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 2
in cases of emergency during the recess of the General
Assembly to meet, who have taken every necessary measure
to forward the march of the battalions ordered to New-
York. Part of them will proceed this day and the remain-
der to-morrow.
The Committee not having it in their power to afford so
speedy an aid in any other way, have requested Colonel
Richmond, who commands the other Continental battalion
in this State, to hold it in readiness to march at the shortest
notice; and he accordingly will proceed with his battalion
to New-York as soon as he shall receive intelligence that
the regiment from the Massachusetts hath entered this State.
To replace it, the Committee have ordered a battalion of
Militia, of seven hundred men, to be raised and embodied.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem and respect,
sir, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble ser-
WILLIAM BRADFORD, Deputy Governour.
To His Excellency General Washington.
REGIMENTAL ORDERS.
Camp at Newport, September 14, 1776.
That the whole Regiment march to join the Continental
Army at New-York, agreeably to resolve of Congress of the
3d instant. Captain Carr, Captain Gorton, Captain Dyer,
Captain Arnold, and companies, will form the first detach-
ment, and cross the ferries to Narraganset South-Ferry,
this forenoon, if possible. Major Tew will go forward with
and have the care of them. Captain Peck, Captain Hop-
pin, Captain Martin, Captain Bailey, and companies, to
march this afternoon, and cross the said ferries. The
Adjutant to go with and assist them. The other four
companies to march to-morrow. The Quartermaster to
have the necessary care of the whole, and is hereby fully
empowered to impress and issue his warrant to impress any
thing that is needful for accommodating and enabling the
troops to get to New-York as above said. Lieutenant-
Colonel Comslock will follow as soon as possible. Com-
missary Phillips will supply the whole with provisions, as
far as New-London, which are to be received here and
carried with the companies.
And in the most feeling manner I hereby order that you,
on your way, behave in all respects with that order, de-
cency, and character, which become a soldier fighting for his
bleeding country, sensible of the necessity of supporting their
rights and the liberties of their country. Each Captain will
furnish himself with a copy of the above order ; besides, it
must be entered on the Orderly-Book, by the Orderly-Ser-
geant, and see that the same be read at the head of the
company before they march.
CHRISTOPHER LIPPITT, Colonel.
Providence, September 14, 1776.
The privateers Montgomery and Yankee Ranger, of
this port, have taken three large brigs bound from the
West-Indies to England, laden with rum, sugar, coffee,
cotton, and oil. They are all arrived in sale port.
We hear that Captain Samuel Dunn, in a privateer from
Swansey, has taken a large brig with two hundred and
sixty hogsheads of rum.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO CAPTAIN SOUTHER.
September 14, 1776.
The brigantine Massachusetts, under your command,
being properly armed and manned, and in other respects
fitted for a cruise, you are hereby ordered and directed
immediately to proceed to sea, and use your utmost endea-
vours to protect the sea-coast and trade of the United States,
and you are also directed to exert yourself in making
captures of all ships and other vessels, goods, wares, and
merchandise, belonging to the King of Great Britain or
any of his subjects, wherever residing, excepting only the
ships and goods of the inhabitants of Bermuda and the
Bahama Islands. And you are directed not to cruise
farther south than latitude 34° north, nor farther east than
the Grand Bank of Newfoundland, nor farther west than
the Shoals of Nantucket, at all times using necessary pre-
339
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
340
caution to prevent your vessel from falling into the hands of
the enemy.
And whereas you have received a commission, authori-
zing you to make captures as aforesaid, and a set of instiuc-
tions have been delivered to you for regulating your conduct
in that matter, these instructions you are hereby directed
diligently to attend to ; and if you are so fortunate as to
make any captures, you are to order them to make the first
safe harbour within the United States of America. And
you are further ordered, not to expend your ammunition
unnecessarily, and only in time of action, or firing alarm
or signal guns.
SELECTMEN OF BOSTON SMALL-POX.
September 14, 1776.
The Selectmen inform the publick, that by the return of
the Committees appointed to inquire into the state of the
Town respecting the Small-Pox, there .are now but eighteen
persons sick of that distemper, and those chiefly in the out-
skirts of the Town. They are so far recovered, that the
Selectmen are determined to take off the guards from the
Neck and the Ferries after Wednesday next; at which
time, according to present appearances, the Town will be
free of infection.
JOHN SCOLLAY,
I'.itr.N F./,I:K STOKER,
SAMUEL AUSTIN,
HENRY BROMFIELD,
JOHN GREENLEAF,
Selectmen of the Town of Boston.
ON COUNTY CONVENTIONS AND COMMITTEES.
MR. EDES : In last Monday's paper, I observed sundry
resolutions of the Committees of Correspondence, fee., in
the County of Middlesex in General Convention assembled.
The matter suggested in said resolutions (excepting what
respects their convening together) was to me highly agree-
able, as it was full evidence of their patriotism and zealous
endeavours to serve their country. I heartily wish their
sense in this regard may be adopted ; but however evident
their patriotism may be, however worthy of notice their
suggestions, yet I think the mode and channel in which
they were originated, and were exhibited to publick view,
are highly inproper. Committees of Safety, fee., are offi-
cers made by, and known in, the law ; therefore the law
must be their rule. They are Town Officers, chosen in
the same manner as the Selectmen are; their business is
to inspect the political behaviour of their townsmen, and
use their endeavours to suppress every effort of the enemies
of their country, and whatever else is of the same complexion.
But for the Committees of several towns to assemble
together, and organize themselves into a body, resembling a
Congress or General Assembly, exhibiting their doings
under the name of Resolutions, is without their line, and
beyond their sphere.
When the powers of government in this State were
suspended by the enemies of our peace, such political
manoeuvres were necessary, and tended greatly to the
salvation of America; but when this suspension was at an
end, and the forms and execution of Legislative and Execu-
tive Government were assumed and restored, the reason
and necessity of County Conventions came to a period ;
all that Committees of Correspondence, fee., now have to
do, is, to take care of the enemies of the State, in their
several towns, and to give all necessary information to each
other and to proper Magistrates. County Conventions, at
this time of day, can do no good, and may be productive of
lasting mischief. If in their resolutions they coincide with
the doings of the Legislature, it is nugatory, because the
business may as well be done without them, and charges
saved. But on the other hand, should their resolutions
clash and interfere with the sense of the General Assembly,
the State must be divided against itself. By the same rule
that one hundred members are collected in one County, a
proportionable number may be collected in the whole State,
which (to say the least) would be double the number of the
General Court. And no reason can be given why a State
Convention of Committees, fee., may not take place, as
well as a County Assembly. Should this Convemion pro-
ceed to publish resolutions different from the acts and the
intentions of the Legislature, founded on mature and solemn
deliberation, they (the Court) must be under duress, and
in continual fears ; the consequence of which (at least) must
be formidable.
I hope and trust, as the General Court are the creators
of Committees, that they will define their power, and limit
their jurisdiction ; for at present, it is unlimited, which
cannot be affirmed of any constitutional part of State
administration.
I am no friend to mysteries in Government — a rule within
a rule, a wheel within a wheel ! The line of Government
should be unperplexed with intricacies, and the same should
be affirmed of the law. ,-,
SPECULATOR.
County of Middlesex, September 14, 1776.
BENJAMIN GILES TO COLONEL BELLOWS.
State of New-Hampshire, Exeter, September 14, 1776.
To Colonel BENJAMIN BELLOWS, Jr.:
Pursuant to a resolve of the Council and Assembly of
said State, in consequence of a requisition of the Continental
Congress, you are required with all the despatch possible,
not exceeding ten days, to raise and see equipped with arms
complete, out of the Militia in your regiment, fifty men, and
march them off for New- York to assist our brethren there in
this important 'crisis; and for your assistance you are to call
upon the alarm-list as well as the training-band, and direct
their march to Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, where
further directions and orders will be given for their regula-
tions, and you are to let them know that they are to be
detained in the service until the first of December next, unless
sooner discharged, and that they are to receive twenty dollars
down upon their being mustered, and with that the bounty
to be made equal to the bounty of the Massachusetts State's
afterwards ; that the wages of the officers and soldiers and
rations to be the same as in the Continental army ; that the
officers and soldiers be paid two pence per mile for travelling
expenses from their homes to Head-Quarters, to be paid them
at the place of rendezvous ; that the Commanding officer of
your regiment for the time being, is to appoint one Captain
and two subalterns out of said men, which are to make up
one company. D ,-,
BENJAMIN GILES,
Chairman of Committee appointed for this purpose.
N. B. You are to make returns to the Assembly or
Committee of Safety of this State as soon as may be.
You are appointed Mustermaster and Paymaster for the
men to be raised in your regiment, and you are to pay the
Captain eight pounds, Lieutenants five pounds eight shillings,
Ensign four pounds, being one month's advance pay; non-
commissioned officers and soldiers six pounds each.
STEPHEN EVANS TO MESHECK WEARE.
September 16, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: As I am informed by the Committee
appointed by both Houses of the Legislative body of this
State, that I am to raise in my regiment one hundred men,
including officers, to be drafted for the purpose of marching
and joining the Continental Army in New-York as a rein-
forcement there, and that I was appointed by said Committee
Mustermaster and Paymaster to said men when raised, and
in order to my complying, and discharging that trust, it is
necessary that I should be supplied with money therefor,
which will be for five commission officers, and all other
officers necessary for arrangement with the number of men,
and for the soldiers in the whole, one hundred men, which
sum please to order paid to Major Ebenezer Tibbctts, and
it shall be accounted for by your very humble servant,
STEPHEN EVANS.
To the Honourable Mesheck JVeare, Esq., President of the
Council of the State of New-Hampshire.
P. S. SIR: According to the orders 1 have received, the
men are not to receive their billeting money before they get
to Hartford, which I find will make a difficulty if they
havn't it here before they start. I hope that will be ordered
otherwise. As before, yours, S. E.
341
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel
Colonel
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, 8tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
342
Whipple,
Evans, -
Moulton,
Oilman,
Thornton,
Webster,
Gale, -
Meor, -
Sleeking,
76 or 73 476
100 600
59 354
109 6o4 Major Bartlett.
44 264
38 22d
7o 450
84 504
77 46:2
504
ORDERS TO CAPTAIN HOUSE.
State of New-Hampshire, Exeter, September 14, 1776.
To Captain JOHN HOUSE:
Pursuant to a resolve of the Council and Assembly of this
State, in consequence of a requisition of the Continental
Congress, you are hereby authorized and empowered to
raise a company of not less than fifty men, to march with
all possible despatch (not exceeding ten days) for New-
York, towards reinforcing the Continental Army there, of
which you are to take the command, and have the appoint-
ment of the subaltern officers ; and for their encouragement
you are to inform them, that they shall receive twenty
dollars down upon being mustered, and with that the bounty
to be made afterwards equal to that of the Massachusetts
State; and that the wages of officers and soldiers be the
same, and the rations the same, as in the Continental Army,
and to be two pence per mile for traveling expenses from
their homes to Head-Quarters, the same to be paid at
Hartford, in Connecticut State, on their arrival there; and
you are to join and put your company under the command
of one of the Colonels appointed to the regiments ordered
from this State on the same service, to continue on duty
until 1st December, unless sooner discharged.
But you are to observe this direction, not to take any of
the men out of the regiments from which drafts are now
making for the two regiments ordered from this State, and
make return of your doings herein as soon as may be.
B. GYLES, Chairman of the Committee.
ORDERS TO COLONEL HUMPHREY.
Rhinebeck, September 15, 1776.
SIR: As the Convention has been pleased to make a
resolve to order one hundred and seventy-6ve men to be
raised in the County of Dutchess, for a reinforcement for the
forts in the Highlands, you are hereby commanded to
raise twenty-five men in your regiment immediately for your
quota, and supply them with good arms, if possible, and all
accoutrements, and a camp-kettle to every six men, and to
be on Continental pay from their inlistment, and be allowed
one penny on their march to the fort, and stand two months
after their arrival, if not sooner discharged by the Conven-
tion. You are hereby desired to meet me on Friday, the
20th instant, at twelve o'clock that day, at Poughkeepsie, to
consult raising the officers. Fail not at your peril.
Given orders by my hand, Head-Quarters, to the above
PETRUS TEN BROECK, Brigadier-General.
To Colonel William Humphrey.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Albany, September 15, 1776.
SIR : Yesterday I had the honour to receive your favour
of the 10th instant. As I could not find time to get the
treaty with the Indians copied, 1 took the liberty to send
you the originals, which I hope you have received. It will
not be necessary that I should be furnished with the invoices
of the sundry articles you have been so good as to send to
Ticonderoga. The amount of the first parcels was endorsed
on one of the accounts brought me by Mr. Williams, and
not discovered until after I had written.
J am happy, sir, that the reflections you have made on
the state of I he Northern army, are similar to those I have
long since done myself the honour to communicate to Con-
gress. The officers and soldiers who were last year engaged
in the service, and those that are now, will be convinced
that I have paid early and repeated attention to their dis-
tresses. As soon as 1 can publish a narrative in justification
of my conduct, which I am bound to do, in justice to
myself, to my family, and to the Convention of this State,
who, unsolicited by me, wrote a letterso favourable to Con-
gress as induced them to confer the command in this
department upon me, and who also kindly, though without
my knowledge, requested Congress above two months ago,
that an inquiry should be made into my conduct that if
guilty I might suffer; if otherwise, the odium which I so
generally laboured under might be wiped away. I had
gone before the Convention in this request, and I have since
repeated it in the most pressing terms, but hitherto without
success. Perhaps, it may hereafter appear, that it was in
the power of Congress to have justified me against every
calumny ; if so, it is probable the candid will ask why it
was not done. That, too, may possibly appear.
Your attentions, sir, to supply the army merits the wannest
acknowledgments of every friend of his country. You have
mine most unfeignedly. How it comes that the troops are
not supplied with salt, vinegar, aiid mutton, I really do not
know. By the last return, of the 1st of this month, four
hundred and sixty sheep were at Fort George. There are
not less than seven hundred barrels of salt at Fort George,
&c., which I had ordered to be purchased last Fall, and a
very considerable quantity of vinegar is gone up, for which
I have given a special permit to a person who had it for
sale. Peas have only lately been forwarded — as none were
to be had of the last year's crop. I shall immediately write
to the Superintendents of the Hospital, on the subject of
wine and refreshments for the troops, and order that it be
furnished the unhappy sick. I assure you, sir, that 1 have
always felt much for them, and wished and strove to alle-
viate their distresses as much as lay in my power. Before
fresh meat could be got for them from the interiour parts of
the country, I sent an hundred sheep from my farm at
Saratoga, with as many milch cows as I could possibly
spare, and ordered a number to be purchased in the vicinity
of this place — which were sent the soonest they possibly
could — nor shall I slacken to aid them during the short time
I am to remain in the command, which I believe will not
exceed a fortnight, as 1 have sent my resignation to Con-
gress. I sincerely wish rny successor may meet with less
trouble than I have had, and give more satisfaction than I
have been able to, with my best exertions. If he deigns
to consult with me, I will do all in my power to aid him,
and in every instance will try to convince my countrymen
that I am the honest and warm though injured friend of
America.
The cannonade on Lake Champlain, which was sup-
posed to be occasioned by our fleet's meeting with the
enemy, was only a few cannon fired by General Arnold at
a party of the enemy, who attacked a boat belonging to the
fleet, and killed three and wounded six of the crew. Our
fleet lays off Isle-au-Motte, consisting of thirteen sail, and
will very soon, if it is not already, be reinforced by three
large and stout galleys. The intelligence from Fort Stanwix
proved fallacious.
The Commissioners of Congress appointed to adjust the
publick accounts in this department are arrived. I beg you
will be so good as to cause publication to be made in°your
State, requesting all persons that have any accounts to settle
to repair to this place Little can, however, be done in the
Canada accounts until they are furnished with General
booster's. Will your Honour be so good as to advise that
gentleman of this, if he should be in Connecticut?
The Storekeeper informs me, that he has not above fifty
gun-barrels that cannot be repaired here. These he will
send by the first conveyance, together witli such as he may
receive from Ticonderoga, which are ordered to be sent for.
1 am, sir, most respectfully, and with great esteem, your
J 7
most obedient humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Sic.
COLONEL CORTLANDT TO GENERAL GATES.
Skenesborough, September 15, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: The clothing is gone off on board a
petiauger which I detained for that purpose. She belongs
to a person living near Crown Point. The Commissary °is
343
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
344
on board with the goods. I can give the General but little
information about the road from Chesher's to Fort Edward.
Report says the labourers are idle and the road very bad.
Colonel Yates writes me that the men are under no com-
mand, their Major sick, and they swear that they will obey
none but their own officers ; from which account, I believe
little is done. Colonel Wynkoop is in Kingston, very
unwell, so that I do not expect him for some time. I am
in hopes that I shall keep my health, as I have been clear
of the fever several days.
I am, with respect, dear General, your humble servant,
PHILIP CORTLANDT.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Tyonderoga, September 15, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: This moment General Waterbury de-
livered me the enclosed list of naval stores, which are
immediately wanted to complete the equipment of the row-
galleys, and which they cannot sail without. I despatch
Mr. Egbert to receive and bring them forward without
delay. He is sober and vigilant. Pray strain every nerve
to supply us, for it is of the greatest consequence to get the
galleys down to General Arnold. Enclosed is General
Arnold's last letter to me. He has stationed the fleet in a
masterly manner.
Yours, Ho. GATES.
Wanted to complete the three Galleys — Three 8-inch
cables, (new if possible ;) seventy-one fathom 7-inch rope ;
ten ditto 5-inch do; five coils 3-inch do; six do If -inch
do; one do 4-inch do; six do 2-inch do; two do 2£-inch
do ; three do spun-yarn.
The> above-mentioned coils must be full coils.
N. B. The cables that are sent are good for nothing, old
and rotten. No rope here fit for the breechings of guns;
the seventy-one fathom 7-inch rope intended for that
purpose.
GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL SYMONDS.
Tyonderoga, September 15, 1776.
SIR : I this moment received your letter, dated Williams-
town, 12th instant. As I did not send the orders for your
march to camp, I could not take measures more early to
stop your proceeding. The last account from General
Arnold convinces me there is no immediate necessity for the
Militia coming forward at this time. A copy of his last
letter to me I send you enclosed. The alarm was occa-
sioned by some firing from our enemy on the shores opposite
Isk-aux-Tetes ; and I believe a great number of small-arms
and cannon fired that and the succeeding days by brigades
of the enemy at exercise at their post below, all which
deceived the Commanding Officer at Crown Point.
A good road will be finished by this day se'nnight, from
Rutland through Castletown to the east foot of Mount
Independence, and an excellent bridge over Otter Creek, at
Rutland, will be completed in three days. For the future,
any body of men intended for our succour should march
that way.
The United States are, in general, obliged to you for
your alertness to succour their army, and particularly, sir,
Your, &c., &tc. Ho. GATES.
To Colonel Benjamin Symonds.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED MOUNT
INDEPENDENCE, SEPTEMBER 15, 1776.
The 7th instant, our fleet lying across the Lake, against
a place called the Isle of Motte, they sent a boat ashore with
eighteen men, to cut fascines for some use on board ; as soon
as they got on shore they set their guns against a rock,
when the Sergeant took two men as a sentry, while the
others were at work. He had not placed them before he saw
an Indian within half a stone's throw. The Indian hailed
the Sergeant, saying, who is there ? The Sergeant answered,
who are you ? To which he replied, I am a Caughnawaga.
Then the Sergeant and men ran on board, and pushed off
the boat as soon as possible ; but the Indians were too nigh
for them, for they came so nigh as to near tomahawk them.
The Sergeant had a match in his hand just going to fire a
cannon charged with shot, when an Indian fired and cut the
match off, so that he could not fire. They then discharged
their eighteen pieces, but do not know whether they killed
any. After which the fleet fired a considerable number of
cannon into the woods, which soon scattered the savages.
In the action we have three men killed, and five wounded,
though not mortally. After the fleet found they had fled,
there went a number on shore, but could find nothing but
one laced hat. Our people are making strong here as fast
as possible.
TO WILLIAM WINDS, MATTHIAS OGDEN, AND WILLIAM DE
HART.
GENTLEMEN : When persons who are appointed and com-
missioned as officers in a regiment, or other department,
neglect or absent themselves from their duty, or behave in
a manner unbecoming the rank and character of officers and
gentlemen, we think it the indispensable duty of others to
make known their conduct; it is indeed a duty they owe to
themselves, to the regiment, and to their country. Permit
us, therefore, to inform you (if it has as yet escaped your
notice) that the behaviour of Mr. Lewis Johnston Costigan,
a Lieutenant in our regiment, is, and constantly has been,
such as makes a complaint highly necessary. He is now
absent, and has been so upwards of six weeks, although he
desired leave only of fourteen days, and obtained twenty,
and that, we have the greatest reason to believe, on a false
pretence. Had this been the first instance of his endeav-
ouring to sconce his duty, possibly it might have passed
unnoticed ; but his whole conduct ever since our knowledge
of him has been the same, and he has not done, nor do we
expect any duty of him while he can possibly avoid it.
We are, gentlemen, your most humble servants,
JOSEPH MORRIS, Captain.
SILAS HOWELL, "
JOHN CONWAY, "
J. POLHEMUS, "
JOSEPH MEEKER, "
ANDW. McMyER, "
DANIEL ROOT, "
We are of opinion that the above representation of Lieu-
tenant Costigan's conduct is just, and request he may be
superseded. WILLIAM WINDS, Colonel.
MATT. OGDEN, Lieutenant- Colonel.
WM. D. HART, Major.
Tyconderoga, September 15, 1776.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO COLONEL HENKY B. LIVINGSTON.
Lebanon, September 15, 1776.
SIR: I have before me yiJursof the 14th inst. Acknowl-
edge the favour of the arms you are so kind as to lend for
the use of our Militia.
Yesterday, Captain Leffingwell, of Norwich, was here.
I gave him a letter to Colonel Wolcott, wherein I have said,
" What may be further done for the relief of the people on
Long-Island cannot be so well judged by me at this dis-
tance; must therefore leave the same to your good discretion.
If by the assistance of men from your regiment, with Captain
LeffingweWs company, and some armed vessel that may be
employed, any thing further can be reasonably expected to
be done on Long-Island, for relief of those people, or bring-
ing off" stock, you will give your orders accordingly. Other-
wise, Captain Leffingwell to join the Twentieth Regiment,
at or near Westchester."
By this, you see my desire to serve those people doth
agree with your inclinations. And if Colonel Wolcott shall
judge it prudent to make any further attempts on the Island,
I readily comply therein, and the command of the detach-
ment of course devolves on you, in which I do heartily
acquiesce, and wish you success in that, or whatever you
undertake.
I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your obedient, humble
JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
To Colonel Henry B. Livingston, at Saybrook.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saybrook, September 15, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : I am just informed that
345
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, be., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
346
General Howe has issued orders for the inlisting and im-
pressing of two thousand men on Long-Island. The
wharves are covered with our friends at Sag-Harbour.
They are resolved to perish rather than take up arms against
their countrymen. Now is the most favourable period for
sending assistance to them, as they will join us to a man
rather than be our butchers. I will embark to-day in order
to give them all the assistance in my power. A most in-
famous abettor of the Ministry is just now brought in here —
one Zeb Howell. A number of vessels are wanting to
carry off the families and effects of these unhappy people.
I shall wait for your Honour's answer by Lieutenant Ha-
vens, as I am still of opinion that it will be of much greater
advantage to us, and a greater obstacle to the enemy's design,
for us to land at Huntington.
I remain your Honour's most obedient and humble ser-
vant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To his Honour Governour Trumbull.
Southampton, September 13, 1776.
DEAR SIR: A universal consternation is this moment
fallen upon me and all my neighbours, by express by Zeb
Howell, arrived from Head-Quarters at Jamaica, viz., that
one brigade be forthwith raised for the sole purpose of de-
fending his Majesty's well-disposed subjects on Long-Island,
and for driving out or apprehending all secreted Rebels in
said County, and for all other purposes, which other pur-
poses explains us in the front of their main body in the
hottest battle. Said express further saith, that all the fat
cattle and sheep, except for the families' use, be forth-
with drove unto Jamaica, and men pointed out to do it.
Thirdly, all the Captains are commanded to take all the
guns, except long fowling-pieces, and convey them in boats
to Hempstead, south, and men nominated to receive them,
and to do it immediately. And fourthly, that all effects,
estates personal and real, belonging to those persons who
have evacuated their houses and gone over to the Rebels, are
confiscated, and if any person be found with any of their
goods, they shall suffer as principals. Lastly, we have
orders to send two men to Jamaica to give General Howe
a true account of the state of Suffolk County. The
western part of the County have appointed Nathan Wood-
hull, of Setauket, and to-morrow at one o'clock at Sag
meeting-house, we have directed the town of Easthampton
to meet us to make choice of one man for that purpose.
Sir, this gloomy moment is so similar to the first day's march
of the twelve tribes from Egypt's galling yoke, when an
impassable mountain was on their right and left wing, the
Red Sea before, and Pharaoh in burning rage behind them
close pursuing, that we are in a perishing necessity for the
same Almighty deliverance. May that great and glorious
Being whose mercies are over his other works, look down
in mercy and save us, or we perish. So you can't be at any
loss how much sincere friendship I have for you, your
brother, your spouse, and tender offspring, for whom my
boA els yearn. I am, &c., &.c.
To Uriah Rogers, at Guilford.
P. S. I have just heard that Elisha Halsey has got a
commission or warrant to inlist, and the General informs us
that he hopes we shall cheerfully inlist into the service to
prevent the disagreeable necessity of detaching them.
Saybrook, September 15, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: The above letter is a
copy of one just now intercepted ; though no name is signed,
yet from the style and character I am at no loss the author
to be Mr. Ubadiah Jones, of Southampton.
Our men are embarking in order to proceed for Lon<r-
Ishnd. Your answer by Lieutenant Haven is the only
thing that detains me.
I remain, with respect and esteem, your Honour's most
obedient, humble servant, H. B. LIVINGSTON.
To his Honour Governour Trumbull.
P. S. The prisoner I have now in custody has been
guilty of holding an intercourse with our enemies — a crime
which is declared death in the State of New- York. A
parole, therefore, in my opinion, ought by no means to be
taken.
Watertown, Monday, September 23, 1776.
Yesterday se'nnight, arrived at Newburyport the brigan-
tine Georgia Diana, Peter Rigan, master, bound from
Grenada to London, taken by the Washington, privateer,
Nathaniel Odiorne, having on board two hundred and fifty
hogsheads rum and sugar, and about twenty chaldrons of
coal, &tc., &tc.
Monday last returned to Plymouth, Captain Sampson,
after a short cruise, in which he has taken five prizes, three
or four of which are arrived safe into port.
On Monday evening last, was sent into Cape Ann, by
Captain Coas, of the Warren, privateer, a brig of about
one hundred and twenty tons, mounting three carriage
guns and ten swivels ; she was from the coast of Guinea,
but last from Tobago, with some elephants' teeth and gold
dust. When she left Captain Coas, he was in chase of a
ship.
The ship which the Warren sent in last Saturday was
from Tobago, bound to London, called the Picary, Captain
Breckholt Cleveland, commander, having on board three
hundred and twenty-five hogsheads of sugar, fifty hogs-
heads of rum, one hundred and sixty-one bales of cotton,
one hundred and eighteen pipes, twenty-nine hogsheads,
and ten quarter-casks Madeira wine, and some indigo.
The Honourable Matthew Thornton, Esq., of London-
derry, is chosen a member of the honourable Continental
Congress, for the State of New-Hampshire, in the room of
Colonel John Langdon, who has resigned.
Thursday afternoon, arrived in Boston harbour, Wait
Ratchbun, prize-master to the ship Venus, from Honduras,
of near four hundred tons, taken by Elijah Freeman Paine,
in the schooner Eagk, from Providence, on the 23d August,
at night, in latitude 35°, longitude 57°, west. Her cargo
consists of one hundred and sixty tons of chip logwood, four
hundred logs of mahogany, and one hundred and fifty
weight of turtle-shell. The next day Captain Paine espied
a brigantine, gave chase, and took her; she was from Vir-
ginia, bound to Hamburgh, laden with tobacco, belonging
to one Smith of that place, but by the papers and letters
found on board it appeared she was designed for London.
The New-York Post informs that on Monday last,
about five thousand of the enemy landed about seven or
eight miles above New- York, when a body of our troops
attacked them, killed about five hundred, took a number of
prisoners, four field-pieces, two standards, and a number of
small-arms. Our loss in this affair, it is said, is about one
hundred killed.
The same day two of the enemy's frigates, in attempting
to get up the North River, were burnt by our people.
A letter from New-York mentions that when the Tories
on Long-Island went to congratulate Lord Howe on his
success in driving the Rebels from thence, he replied, "that
he thought they ought rather condole with him on the loss
of eighteen hundred brave men, and three Generals."
Charlestown, South-Carolina, October 2, 1776.
Intelligence having been received at Savannah on Sep-
tember 16th, by Colonel Elbert, that a party of the enemy
from Cockspur had surprised two of the guard posted on
Wilmington Island, and that they were expected to return
the next night to plunder the other part of the Island, where a
Sergeant and six privates from the Georgia battalion were
fixed ; he ordered a reinforcement of fifteen men to march
and take post on the above mentioned Island. The reinforce-
ment consisted of one private from the First Regiment, two
from the Second, and twelve privates and one Sergeant from
the Rangers of South Carolina, commanded by Lieutenant
Hicks, of Thomson's Rangers. They arrived on the Island
early in the morning of the 17th of September, and soon dis-
covered the plunderers, viz., twenty-one blacks, and five white
associates, busy in carrying off their booty. They were soon
interrupted by Mr. Hicks, who, on the first fire, killed seven
or eight of them ; an engagement here ensued. The enemy
lost eleven or more negroes killed, and one prisoner; four of
the whites were also taken, one wounded. The one who got
off was much wounded. Lieutenant Hicks lost two men.
Captain Goodwyn, of the Rangers, was sent immediately
off to the assistance of our men, in expectation of the enemy
returning to the Island, but they had learned wisdom by
their late drubbing, and did not care to venture for more
delicacies for their brother pirates' palates.
347
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
348
COLONEL DOKSET TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Anne Arundcl County, September 16, 1776.
The Field Officers of the Elk-Ridge battalion of Militia
beg leave to recommend to the honourable Convention Mr.
Leven Laurence as First, and Mr. Thomas Todd as Second
Lieutenant under Captain Thomas Walking, Jan., of Col-
onel Weems's battalion, agreeable to a resolve of Conven-
tion the 10th instant. THOMAS DORSET, Colonel.
We the Field Officers of the Thirty-First Battalion, beg
leave to recommend Captain Thomas Walking as Captain,
and John Ijams, Jun., as Ensign, to one of the companies
to be raised in Anne Arundel County, agreeable to the late
resolve of the honourable Convention passed the 10th in-
stant. JOHN\VEEMS,
RICHARD HAHWOOD, Jun.
JOSEPH GALLOWAY.
To the Honourable Council of Safety.
COLONEL TYLER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Monday, September 16, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Conformable to your request, I met my
battalion on Friday last, when I assisted all in my power
to raise the company wanting to reinforce the American
army at New-York, and am very sorry to inform you there
was the greatest backwardness that could be in our young
men. I also was at the meeting of Colonel Sims's battalion
the next day, which behaved with the same lukewarmness.
There are several gentlemen recruiting, viz: Mr. Levin
Covington, Mr. Abraham Boyd, and Mr. Richard Woolen,
but am afraid a company will not be made, especially as
the people will be divided with regard to their commander.
I am of opinion that were we ordered by the Convention to
meet our battalions together at Upper Marlborough, we
should be able to settle all such difficulties, and by that
means make out a company. I should be glad you would
fix on a day for our meeting ; it would save us the trouble
of meeting on that account. Monday next would answer
very well. All which I submit to your Honours, and am,
gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
ROBT. TYLER.
To the Honourable the Convention of Maryland.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, September 16, 1776.
SIR: The Congress having at different times passed
sundry resolves relative to a variety of subjects, I do myself
the honour to enclose you a copy of the same, as necessary
for your information and direction.
The resolve of the 12th, respecting Colonel TrumJuC,
will, I trust, be satisfactory, and prove the means of his con-
tinuing in an office of such importance to the army, and
which he has hitherto discharged with the greatest fidelity
and success.
I have the honour to be, with perfect esteem and respect,
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To General Washington.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL.
Philadelphia, September 16, 1776.
SIR : I have the pleasure to enclose you a resolution of
Congress relative to your department, by which you will
perceive that your letter and the papers transmitted there-
with have been Under their consideration, and that it is the
expectation of Congress your difficulties will be thereby
removed.
Since passing this resolve, your brother, Mr. John Trum-
bull, has been appointed by Congress Deputy Adjutant-
General of the Northern Department, and Mr. Livingston's
resignation as Deputy Commissary has been accepted,
agreeable to his request.
The honour and reputation with which you have hitherto
executed the arduous and extensive business of your office,
and the satisfaction you have afforded the publick, convince
me that you will still continue to render your country all
the service in your power, and by no means decline your
present employment.
Your bills on me till this date have been duly honoured.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To Jos. Trumbull, Esq., Commissary-General.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee September 16, 1776,
Present : Samuel Puniance, Jun., Chairman ; B. Grif-
fith, J. Calhoun, W. Aisquith, T. Rutter, T. Cockey,
J. Moak, W. Buchanan, A. Buchanan, T. Sollers, E.
Talbot; Geo. Lux, Secretary.
The Committee having received a Certificate signed by
Henry Lowes, on behalf of Doctor James Houston, repre-
senting him as an Associator in Somerset County, and
vouching that no charge has been alleged against him, nor
no suspicion of his being inimical to the liberties of America,
the bond entered into by_ Doctor Weisenthall is hereby de-
clared cancelled.
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman being absent, Mr.
John Moale was appointed Chairman pro tern.
Mr. Benkid Willson (one of the Quakers) appeared to
further a charge respecting fines assessed on him and his
two sons as Non-En rollers, &tc., &.C., &c.
Ordered, That the fine of £10 laid on William Willson,
who lives in Harford County, be released, and that the
Committee of Harford be informed of it by a letter from
the Chairman of this Committee, that they may take order
therein.
The Committee are also of opinion that if Mr. Benkid
Willson can make it appear to this Committee by Monday
next, that his son Benjamin was not sixteen years of age
on the 15th of March last, the fine of £10 be released;
otherwise that he pay the sum of £5 in lieu of the said fine
of £10.
Mr. John Bailey was appointed First Lieutenant in
Captain Frederick Deam's Company, vice Mr. David
Evans, who resigned.
A Letter from Jacob Karns to the Clerk of this Com-
mittee, vindicating himself from being inimical to America,
was received, read, and ordered to lie on the table.
Attest: GEO. Lux, Secretary.
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
War-Office, September 16, 1776.
SIR : The Board of War have directed me to lay the
foregoing memorial of the Second Lieutenants of the Vir-
ginia Regiments before your Excellency for your opinion
and advice thereon, which the Board request you will com-
municate to them as soon as convenient.
I have the honour to be your most obedient, humble
servant> RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To His Excellency General Washington, Esq., fyc., fyc.,
New-York.
PETITION OF THE SECOND LIEUTENANTS OF THE FIRST VIR-
GINIA BATTALION.
[Read September 14, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.]
To the honourable the Continental Congress, now sitting in
the City of PHILADELPHIA, the Petition of the Second
Lieutenants of the First VIRGINIA Regiment humbly
showeth :
That your petitioners stood forth amongst the foremost in
offering their service for the defence of the liberties of their
country, and took the earliest opportunity of getting in the
army as soon as the first troops were raised in Virginia.
That though your petitioners were not influenced by any
sinister motive of rank or precedence, yet they by no means
supposed their pushing forward early was to be an almost
total obstacle to their promotion, which must be the case if
Lieutenants are to rise by their rank in companies and not
by the date of their commissions. Your petitioners would
further represent that when the last seven regiments were
raised in Virginia, the greatest part of their regiment was
immediately in the face of the enemy, which prevented your
petitioners from seeking that preferment in their different
Counties which their services and friends would probably
have procured them. Your petitioners cannot help ob-
serving, that Sergeants and Privates from their regiment
were permitted, at the same time, to go home on furlough,
and some of them were elected First Lieutenants. In short,
349
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
350
if they are to rise by their rank in companies, and not by
the date of (heir commissions, there are now seventy-five
Lieutenants in the new-raised regiments of Virginia that
stand between your petitioners (who have borne the heat
and burthen of the day) and preferment. Your petitioners
are now at a long distance from their friends and places of
nativity; they have been informed that six new regiments
are to be raised in Virginia, and consequently sixty more
First Lieutenants put over their heads. Under thesa cir-
cumstances your petitioners have the melancholy prospect
of growing grey in the service without a possibility of pre-
ferment.
Your petitioners would represent that they never con-
ceived that First and Second Lieutenants had reference to
any thing but companies — their pay and the number of men
in their command being the same. Your petitioners, there-
fore, look up to your honourable House for justice, and pray
that they may rise according to the dates of their commis-
sions, and not be suffered to look forward with the gloomy
certainty of being still further from promotion the older they
grow in the service o( their country. And your petitioners,
as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
To His Excellency General WASHINGTON .- The Memorial
of the First Lieutenants of the Third VIRGINIA Regi-
ment, humbly showeth :
That the memorialists have seen the petition of the
Second Lieutenants of the First Virginia Regiment, but
they cannot conceive that it can be entitled the Petition of
the Second Lieutenants of the Virginia Regiments, it being
calculated to serve the purposes of that regiment only.
Your memorialists, however, shall leave the petition to its
fate, and only consider the distinction between First and
Second Lieutenants.
Your memorialists would humbly represent to your Ex-
cellency the, mode by which the troops were raised in Vir-
ginia. Field-Officers being appointed by Convention, a
Captain, two Lieutenants, and an Ensign, were appointed
by each County Committee. They proceeded first to
appoint the Captain, then the First Lieutenant, then the
Second Lieutenant, and then the Ensign. By this mode of
appointment, every First Lieutenant was supposed to be
equal in abilities, and superior to every Second Lieutenant.
Your memorialists would further observe to your Excel-
lency, that the mode of rising was settled in the two first
raised regiments thus, viz : Every First Lieutenant took
command and succeeded to a company before any Second
Lieutenant, although the commission of the Second Lieu-
tenant was of elder date. (The dating of commissions of
the Virginia officers being from the completion of the com-
panies, was the reason why any Second Lieutenant bore a
commission of an older date than a First Lieutenant.)
Further, the idea of the Convention of Virginia concerning
the rank of Lieutenants, was it not already fully known,
might be plainly gathered from the number of men which
they appointed each officer to raise; to a Captain twenty-
eight, to a First Lieutenant twenty-one, to a Second Lieu-
tenant sixteen, to an Ensign nine. With these expecta-
tions many gentlemen who offered for companies accepted
of First Lieutenanteies, expecting to rise upon the first
vacancy.
Your memorialists would further observe, and can assure
your Excellency, that, till very lately, no Second Lieuten-
ant entertained an idea of ranking before a First Lieutenant.
On the contrary, many of the eldest Second Lieutenants
(where vacancies happened) received First Lieutenants'
commissions, and many First Lieutenants, bearing commis-
sions of a younger date than Second Lieutenants, have suc-
ceeded to companies, without the smallest objection on the
part of the Second Lieutenants, and this even in the regi-
ment to which the petitioners belong. By this your Excel-
lency will plainly perceive that any innovation with respect
to the rank of Lieutenants would materially injure the First
Lieutenants, and that the Second Lieutenants can by no
means suffer, though no new regulation should take place.
Your memorialists, trusting in your Excellency's wisdom
and justice, hope that they will not be deprived of that
rank which they have always deemed, and which custom
has established to be, their right. That your Excellency
may enjoy all happiness, is the earnest prayer of your
memorialists.
RICHARD HENRY LEE TO SAMUEL PURVIANCE, JR.
Philadelphia, September 16, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Since your brother left this city, Mr. Nichol-
son has been confirmed First Lieutenant of the Washington ;
and his worthy brother may be assured that in settling the
ranks of the Captains, his merit will not be forgotten. It is
not probable that the frigates will sail in fleets for some
time, and therefore it is likely that no higher appointment
than that of Captain will soon take place. It will be highly
proper for Captain Nicholson to hasten on the Virginia (for
that is most certainly the name of the Baltimore frigate) as
much as possible. Her great obstruction, I fear, will be the
anchors; however, we hope that will be removed ere long,
as means have been taken to forward them.
You will shortly see published the conference of our
members with Lord Howe, on Staten-Island, in which you
will find that his Lordship's much talked of powers are no
more than to confer and converse with gentlemen of influ-
ence, and to prosecute the war! We anxiously expect
here the issue of a long cannonade at York, and another
lately on Lake Champlain.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
RICHARD HENRY LEE.
To Samuel Purviance, Jun., Esq., Baltimore.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, September 16, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have not had the pleasure of receiving but
one letter from New-Hampshire for some time. I fear
there is some stoppage in the post, and that my friends in
New-Hampshire find it as difficult to get letters from this
place as I from them.
The Congress have passed a new order concerning the
posts, which will, I hope, put them in a better situation.
Yours by Captain Roche I have just received, and if it is in
my power to serve him, will do it, depending on your recom-
mendation ; but at present know of no place open for him.
The Secret Committee are in want of proper goods to
export to an European market, such as potash, dry fish,
beeswax, See., &.c. ; and they have desired me to write home
to New-Hampshire to know whether any quantity sufficient
to load a vessel or two can be procured ; if so, they would
give somebody a contract for that purpose. Please to make
inquiry, and inform me if such things can be procured and
sent from our State. It will be an advantage both to the
publick and to individuals. I have wrote to some others to
make the same inquiry.
As to news we have nothing very material here, and
must beg leave to refer you to my letter to Colonel Whip-
pie for what I have to send. I suppose you have formally
resigned your seat in Congress, and another is appointed in
your stead. Pray send them forward with all expedition,
as my ill state of health will, I fear, prevent my attending
Congress till they arrive here.
I am, sir, your sincere friend and humble servant,
JOSIAH BARTLETT.
RICHARD DALLAM TO JOHN HANCOCK.
[Read September 18, 1776.]
State of New-Jersey, Brunswick, September 16, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : By order of General Mercer, I have
despatched the bearer, Mr. Francis Dallam, for a supply of
money for this department.
The demands on me are very great and pressing, espe-
cially from the Deputy Quartermaster-General's Depart-
ment, which is at this time in a strait for want of cash.
1 am, sir, your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
RICHARD DALLAM,
Deputy Paymaster-General to the Flying- Camp.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esquire.
COLONEL CURTENIUS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Hackensack, September 16, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Agreeable to your order of the 10th instant,
I have enclosed an account of the quantity of lead, &c.,
shipped oft", and the persons' names to whom delivered. As
to military stores, 1 have none remaining in my hands, having
delivered them from time to time to the military store-keeper,
351
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
352
Mr. Norwood; and after his removal the residue was deliv-
ered to Mr. Zedekiah Mills.
Mr. Allen and Mr. Varick have set up their business in
this place, and I have engaged of them one hundred mus-
kets, which will be ready Tthey say) in the course of a
month ; twenty-five of which are ready.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
PETER J. CURTENIUS.
P. S. Mr. Norwood is removed to Passaick Falls.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 17, 1776.]
Head-Quarters, at Colonel Roger Morris's House, )
September 16, 1776 $
SIR: On Saturday, about sunset, six more of the enemy's
ships, one or two of which were men-of-war, passed between
Governour's Island and Red-Hook and went up the East
River to the station taken by those mentioned in my last.
In half an hour I received two expresses, one from Colonel
Sargent at Horn's Hook, (Hell-Gate,) giving an account
that the enemy, to the amount of three or four thousand, had
marched to the river, and were embarking for Barnes's, on
Montressor's Island, where numbers of them were then
encamped ; the other from General Mifflin, that uncommon
and formidable movements were discovered among the
enemy, which being confirmed by the scouts I had sent out,
I proceeded to Harlem, where it was supposed — or at Mor-
risania, opposite to it — the principal attempt to land would be
made. However, nothing remarkable happened that night;
but in the morning they began their operations. Their ships
came up the North River as high as Bloomingdale, which
put a total stop to the removal by water of any more of our
provisions, &tc.; and about eleven o'clock those in the East
River began a most severe and heavy cannonade, to scour
the grounds and cover the landing of their troops between
Turtle Bay and the city, where breastworks had been thrown
up to oppose them. As soon as I heard the firing, I rode
with all possible despatch towards the place of landing,
when, to my great surprise and mortification, I found the
troops that had been posted in the lines retreating with the
utmost precipitation, and those ordered to support them,
(Parsons's and Fellows's brigades,) flying in every direction
and in the greatest confusion, notwithstanding the exertions
of their Generals to form them. I used every means in my
power to rally and get them in some order ; but my attempts
were fruitless and ineffectual ; and on the appearance of a
small party of the enemy, not more than sixty or seventy,
their disorder increased, and they ran away in the greatest
confusion, without firing a single shot. Finding that no
confidence was to be placed in those brigades, and appre-
hending that another part of the enemy might pass over to
Harkm Plains and cut off the retreat to this place, I sent
orders to secure the heights in the best manner with the
troops that were stationed on and near them ; which being
done, the retreat was effected with but little or no loss of
men, though of a considerable part of our baggage, occa-
sioned by this disgraceful and dastardly conduct. Most of
our heavy cannon, and a part of our stores and provisions,
which we were about removing, were unavoidably left in the
city, though every means, after it had been determined in
Council to evacuate the post, had been used to prevent it.
We are now encamped with the main body of the army on
the Heights of Harlem, where I should hope the enemy
would meet with a defeat in case of an attack, if the gen-
erality of our troops would behave with tolerable bravery;
but experience, to my extreme affliction, has convinced me
that this is rather to be wished for than expected. How-
ever, I trust that there are many who will act like men, and
show themselves worthy of the blessings of freedom. I
have sent out some reconnoitring parties to gain intelligence,
if possible, of the disposition of the enemy, and shall inform
Congress of every material event, by the earliest oppor-
tunity.
I have the honour to be, with the highest respect, sir,
your most obedient servant.
P. S. SIR : The above letter is merely a copy of a rough
one sketched only by his Excellency this morning, and who
intended to sign it ; but having rode out, and his return or
where to find him uncertain, I have sent it away without.
And 1 have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient ser-
, vant, ROBERT H. HARRISON.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM HARLEM, SEVEN MILES FROM
NEW-YORK, DATED SEPTEMBER 16, 1776.
Yesterday was an unlucky day for us. The enemy
landed about ten o'clock, at Turtle-Bay, below Hell-Gate,
under cover of many ships-of-war. The brigade under
General Parsons were soon obliged to retire from the water-
side, and give ground for the enemy to land. General
Mijlin immediately marched from Mount Washington with
a thousand men, to the ground near and below this place,
where he made a stand, threw up some works, rallied our
retreating troops, and in an hour after had the principal part
of our army (who were stationed below us) drawn up in
good order on the heights. Generals Putnam and Scott
were in New- York, but made their way through the ene-
my's line, with all their men and the guards of the city.
Colonel Knox is missing, and supposed to be taken, as he
was late in town looking for a boat to cross the North River.
Three days since it was resolved to quit the town, and we
have been removing ever since. We have taken almost
every thing out of the city, but lost some cannon and stores.
New- York never was tenable, and the holding of it obliged
us to divide our army into many weak parts, but now I think
we are in a good way ; we only want two or three days to
refresh our men and secure the heights.
JOHN WHITE TO CAPTAIN PLATT.
Rhinebeck, September 16, 1776.
SIR : Desertion has arrived to such a pitch now amongst
the troops in or belonging to this State at present, that I fear
if not timely remedied our army will shortly be reduced to
a mere shadow. Merely inflicting punishments on the delin-
quents when taken, I fear, will answer little purpose, as they
find so many who will conceal and support them. 1 am,
therefore, of opinion that Congress ought to take this matter
into consideration, and devise ways and means to punish
those who harbour, conceal, or support such deserters, with
a strong recommendation to County and Precinct Committees
to see that every man exerts himself properly in bringing to
justice all such delinquents ; otherwise they cannot be appre-
hended. I suppose there are not less in this and Northeast
Precinct than thirty of them, who keep in the woods, and
are supported by their friends. Our Committees are rather
more indolent than formerly, and ought to be quickened a
little ; as long as they pass by these people without taking
notice of them, private persons will also, and those fellows
robbing the publick go unpunished.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
JOHN WHITE.
To Captain Zephaniah Platt, in Congress, at Fishkill.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 16, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I do myself the honour to enclose you copies
of General Arnold's and Colonel Dayton's letters. In con-
sequence of the intelligence they contain, I have dismissed
the Militia.
Yesterday I transmitted to Congress copies of the papers
here mentioned, together with my resignation, and have
advised them that I shall continue to act as usual, until
such a time is elapsed in which a General Officer can be
sent here, if they think it necessary that one should reside
here, which I suppose could not exceed a fortnight, imme-
diately after which I propose attending my duty in Con-
gress.
As there is not sufficient water at this season to raft
boards to this place from the mills which border on Hudson's
River above this, they must be brought part of the way by
land, which will considerably enhance the price, and of
which I have advised the Quartermaster-General.
I am informed that the term for which De Haas's, Max-
well's, and Winds' s regiments were engaged expires the
beginning of October, and I fear the soldiers will not remain
in the service after that. If they leave Tyonderoga it will
not only weaken, but greatly dispirit our troops. I sin-
cerely wish Congress would take some measures, if possible,
to detain these people, until the season shall be so far
advanced as that there will be no prospects of the enemy
attempting any thing in this quarter until another year.
353
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
354
Your Excellency's favour of the 12th instant, Mr. Allen
delivered me yesterday.
I am, dear sir, most respectfully and sincerely your obe-
dient, humble servant, pH ScHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington.
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, September 6, 1776, )
8 o'clock at night. )
SIR : The following is an extract of a letter this moment
received from Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley, commanding-
officer at Crown-Point :
"Friday, two o'clock. — There has been a very heavy
cannonading down the Lake all this morning ; it is undoubt-
edly between our fleet and the enemy, so that you may
prepare accordingly. I have sent down a boat just now to
know more particularly."
I am exceedingly vexed to think that it is above a month
since I wrote repeatedly for musket cartridge-paper and not
one sheet yet arrived. Let rne entreat you to send, if not
the exact sort we want, as many old books or such substitute
as you can procure.
The moment I know the result of this firing down the
Lake, I will acquaint you with it by express.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
Ho. GATES.
To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler.
Windmill-Point, September 7, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I wrote you the 2d instant, from Wills'
borough, by Lieutenant Calderwood. The same evening
anchored at Schuyler's Island, and on the 3d instant arrived
safe at this place, which is four or five miles from the Isle-
aux-Tetes, and seven miles from the Isle Matte. We
found the Isle-aux-Tetes occupied by the enemy, and several
hundred men encamped between that and us, who, the
evening on our arrival, made a precipitate retreat.
I have posted my guard-boats, at a point running into
the Lake, about one mile below us. The enemy's boats have
several times appeared on the Lake, with a view of decoying1
our boats, but I have never suffered them to be pursued.
Lieutenant Whitcomb arrived here the 5th, in the evening,
and went off the same night, with three men, for St. John's,
on the west side. I sent off Ensign McCoy early the next
morning on the east side, with three men. They are to
send me intelligence from time to time. I expect to hear
from them to-morrow.
Early yesterday morning the boats were ordered on shore
to cut fascines, to fix on the bows and sides of the gondolas, to
prevent the enemy's boarding, and to keep off small shot.
One of the boats went on shore (contrary to orders) before the
others were ready : they were attacked by a party of savages,
who pursued them into the water. They all reached the boat,
but before they could row off, three were killed and six
wounded ; the party was headed by a regular officer, who
called to our people to resign themselves. On our firing a
few shot among them, they immediately dispersed ; a party
was sent on shore, who found a laced beaver hat, the button
marked 47th Regiment.
The Lee and gondola arrived here yesterday morning.
We are moored in a line across the Lake in such a
manner it will be impossible for a batteau to pass us.
I hope the galleys are nearly completed. The force of the
enemy is uncertain. However, they have this advantage,
that they can man all their batteaus with soldiers whenever
they think proper to attack us, and our vessels are so low
that numbers may carry them by boarding ; this must be
attended with great loss on their side, as I am positive they
will not be able to surprise us. If I find that the enemy
have a considerable naval force, I design to retire to Cum-
berland-Head or Schuyler's Island, until joined by the
three galleys, which will be superiour to all our present force.
When the whole are joined, I believe the Isle Motte
will be the best stand, as the enemy can bring nothing
against us by land, nor will they dare to come on the Island ;
and by our guard-boats we can prevent any boats going
from Alississqui Bay. As you have more troops at Ty
than you want, will it not be prudent to send up one thousand
or fifteen hundred men, who might encamp on the Isle
Motte, and be ready at all times lo assist us if attacked ?
FIFTH SERIES.— VOL. II. 23
Twenty men to a batteau will be sufficient ; they mi^ht
load under cover of the vessels, push out and fire, and retire
under cover again ; and if the enemy's boats should make
their principal attack on any particular vessel, those batteaus
might assist her; each should be fixed for a swivel in each
end, and if they are arrived, one should be fixed in them.
If you should think it necessary to send a detachment, it
will be necessary to bring entrenching tools, that they may
cover themselves from small-arms.
We have but very indifferent men in general ; great part
of those who shipped for seamen know very little of the
matter. Three or four good gunners are wanted.
Enclosed is a list of our sick, who increase fast. I have
sent up in three batteaus twenty-three men, who will be of
no service for some time. I wish fifty seamen could be
procured and sent down.
I enclose you a letter from Samuel Chase, Esq. You
will observe he requests an explanation of your letter
to Mr. Adams. He observes my character is much injured
by a report prevailing in Philadelphia of my having seques-
tered the goods seized in Montreal. As you have had an
opportunity of hearing that matter canvassed on the trial of
Colonel Hazen, I beg you will be kind enough to write
your sentiments to him on the matter. I cannot but think
it extremely cruel, when I have sacrificed my ease, health,
and great part of my private property, in the cause of my
country, to be calumniated as a robber and thief — at a time,
too, when 1 have it not in my power to be heard in my own
defence.
The 15th August, when I left Tyonderoga, the fleet
was victualled for thirty days, which is elapsed except six
days. We have on board the fleet six or eight days' provi-
sions, besides twenty barrels flour, left at Crown-Point to
be baked, and ten barrels pork, which I have ordered Lieu-
tenant Calderwood (o bring down, which will serve the fleet
to the 20th. As the Lake is often very difficult to pass for
a number of days, we ought to have at least one month's
provisions on hand.
Major Grier goes up with the sick, to whom I must refer
you for particulars. We are very anxious to hear from
New-York; hope soon to have that pleasure by one of the
galleys, which 1 think must be completed by this time.
Please to make my compliments to the gentlemen of your
family ; and believe me, with much respect, esteem, and
affection, dear General, your humble servant,
B. ARNOLD.
To Major-General Gates.
Isle Mott, September 8, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: When I wrote the foregoing letter, I
designed sending off the batteaus last evening, but was pre-
vented by the stormy weather. Last night the enemy was
heard (by the guard-boats, and by the people on board the
vessels near in shore,) on both sides of us. Several trees
were felled, and lights discovered. I believe the enemy were
erecting batteries, which might have injured us, as the Lake
is only one and a quarter miles over ; and their design was
doubtless to have attacked us by land and water at the same
time. I make no doubt we should have been more than a
match for them, but did not think it prudent to run any risk,
as it could answer no good purpose ; and therefore ordered
the fleet under way this morning, and at two o'clock, p.
m., anchored at this place. Here the Lake is about two
miles over, and safe anchorages, and effectually secure any
boats passing us. Just as we came to anchor, Lieutenant
Brooks came on board, sent down by Colonel Hartley, in
consequence of hearing our cannon fired at the Indians on
Sunday morning. 1 have thought it necessary to despatch
him back again, that you may be out of suspense with
regard to us. Four guard-boats are constantly out; the
rounds go every two hours at night, and every precaution
is taken to prevent being surprised.
Our men are extremely bare of clothing, and the season
is coming on severe, and more so on the water than land.
If a watch-coat, or blanket and one shirt, could be sent for
each man, it will be of great service for them. Rum is
another necessary article.
When the howitz arrive, I beg three or four of six inches
may be sent us, mounted on field-carriages, with shells, &c.,
355
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
356
&c. Fifty swivels are much wanted ; the last vessels have
none.
I am, very affectionately, dear General, your obedient,
humble servant, B. ARNOLD.
To Major-General Gates.
P. S. Please to send me a few quires paper. B. A.
Fort Schuyler, September 11, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: An express has just delivered your
letter, dated the 9th instant, as also one of the 2d.
As I have been waiting for more authentick intelligence
than that contained in my last message, I have delayed
transmitting any accounts from this post longer than other-
wise would have been my duty. No parties have as yet
been discovered about or near this place, so that I begin
even to suspect the truth of the report in general. Since
my first message from Oneida, I have endeavoured to
despatch a scout of Indians, accompanied by one of my
regiment, toOswego, but could not accomplish it, the Chiefs
objecting to any of our men making one of the party. At
length I obtained a few Indians only to start for Osicego,
and proceed there, or at least until they should meet with
an enemy, who left this Fort last Monday. As they had
positive orders to return immediately with all speed, should
they spy an enemy between here and Oswego, and they
have not yet returned, I conclude there is none on their way.
When they arrive you shall speedily be furnished with their
intelligence. I constantly keep a large party commanded
by a trusty Captain, at the east end of the Oneida Lake,
supplied with axes, so that the passages may be stopped at
the approach of an enemy ; but I assure you, sir, I possess
very little uneasiness from any expectation of their coming.
Our Fort is now very strong, our men healthy and spirited,
so that I will undertake to vouch for the security of Fort
Schuyler.
Captain Bloomfield, with his company, arrived here about
a week ago; but I can obtain no intelligence of Captain
Dickinson's company.
Enclosed 1 transmit you the return of my regiment for
the month of September.
I am, my dear General, your most obedient, humble ser-
vant, ELIAS DAYTON.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 16, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Enclose you a letter from General
Washington. His Excellency gives me not a word of the
state of the army, in one he did me the honour to write
on the 12th instant. He is so immerged in business that
he really has not time to lengthen a letter.
I have just received a letter from Colonel Wynkoop, who
is still very much indisposed at Kingston, but hopes a
speedy recovery, and will join his corps the soonest possible.
Governour Trumbull has forwarded sundry necessaries
for the army, amongst which are some medicines. As you
will soon command in this department, permit me, as a
friend, to advise you to open, if you have not already done,
a regular correspondence with that gentleman. You will
find him one of those who dignifies human nature by his
virtues — sincere, candid, and liberal in his sentiments. You
will at once receive pleasure and profit by the intercourse.
It is said that there is an interview at Amboy between
Lord Howe and a committee of Congress — Messrs. Frank-
lin, J. Adams, and Rutledge, the members. On what
occasion I do not know, for I have not heard from Congress
for a long while past, although I have frequently wrote.
If General Arnold is with you, beg him to share in my
best wishes. I owe him a letter, which I will repay with
interest. Adieu.
Accept my best wishes, and believe me, dear General,
very sincerely, your obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. General Gates.
COLONEL VAN SCHAICK TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Albany, September 15, 1776.
SIR: Having understood that a resolution appointing
Paymasters to the several regiments at present on foot, has
been passed by Congress, and being well convinced of the
utility thereof, and the many salutary purposes that will
thereby be answered, I take the liberty to recommend to
you as a fit person to officiate in that station to rny regiment,
Mr. Leonard Gansevoort, Jun., in whose integrity 1 can
place the utmost confidence. I would be exceeding glad, if
you should think proper to appoint him, that it might be
done as soon as possible.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble
servant, GOOSE VAN SCHAICK.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
JACOB CUYLER TO NEW-YOKK CONVENTION.
Albany, September 16, 1776.
SIR : In obedience to the order of the Committee of
Safety, I did, on my arrival here yesterday morning, wait
on General Schuyler with the papers to me delivered, and
conferred with the General on the subject-matters; but
previous to my arrival, orders were sent down to Ulster and
Dutchess to stop the march of the Militia. The General
mentioned to me he would write to the Convention, and
give them all the intelligence both from the northward and
westward. It will therefore be needless for me to say any
thing on that subject. I propose to stay a few days with
my family, and then to join the Convention.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient
and most humble servant, T ^
JACOB CUYLER.
To Abraham Yates, Esq., President of the Convention.
GENERAL GATES TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Tyonderoga, September 16, 1776.
SIR: 1 am just now presented with your Excellency's
favour of the 10th instant by Mr. Brown. Believe, sir,
it is not the want of vegetables, salt, vinegar, or any very
necessary article of salt or fresh provisions, that has occa-
sioned the sickness at Skencsborough ; but the natural
unwholesomeness of the place alone is the cause of all the
fever and ague there, here, and upon every part of the
shores of this Lake, from Skenesborough to St. John's,
inclusively. This is a calamity the inhabitants suffer in
common with the troops, and the enemy's troops perhaps
much more than ours, as the Isle-aux-Noix and St. John's
are reputed to be the most unhealthy spots upon the Lake.
The same climate that affects us distresses our enemies ; with
this difference, that they, to my knowledge, are not half so
much indulged nor have half the comforts that our troops
enjoy. The provisions delivered to the troops here are
excellent, and plenty reigns in our camp. The two hun-
dred sheep sent by your Excellency will be a seasonable
supply. About one hundred thousand feet of boards have
been distributed to, or rather taken, by the troops that were
at Skenesborough, so there has been but little distress
for want of tents. The Doctor, that is cold weather, is
beginning, and the intermittents will cease of course. We
grow daily more and more healthy. A good bounty will
give us more troops ; but those should be all engaged for
the war, and, if possible, officered by men who have au-
thority, and sense to exert it properly. General Walerbury
is active in fitting the three row-galleys now here ; the instant
that is done, they will sail under his command to join General
Arnold and Colonel Wigglesioorth, at Isle-aux-Molte.
I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
Ho. GATES.
To His Excellency Governour Trumbull.
ENSIGN WEBSTER TO GENERAL GATES.
Mount Independence, September 16, 1776.
I arrived here the night before last, but have been so ill
of the ague was not able to come to your Honour to make
my report, which I hope you will excuse. I left Lieutenant
Whitcomb at Rangers' Island, near the Isle-au-Motte, where
I was sick, and not being able to follow him, when I got
some better I proceeded towards Head-Quarters. I dis
covered one batteau loaded with men, and four bark canoes.
They were dressed in blanket coats, as near as I could judge.
357
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
358
As soon as I am able to move, will wait upon your Honour
and inform you of all I have seen.
I am your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
AMOS WEBSTER,
Ensign Colonel Wait's Regiment.
To Major-General Gates.
GOVERNOUR THUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, August 16, 1776.
SIR: Major-General Schuyler has requested that two
hundred seamen may be raised in this State to man the
vessels on the Lake. As most of our seamen are marched
with the Militia to join your army, I have to ask the favour
of you to permit Captain David Hawley and Captain
Frederick Chappel to inlist such number of seamen out of
our Militia as may be necessary for that service.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient, humble ser-
vant, JONTH. THUMBDLL.
To His Excellency General Washington.
Norwich, September 16, 1776.
Last week returned from Long-Island the Norwich Light
Infantry company, commanded by Christopher Leffingwell,
Esq., and seemed well pleased in having been instrumental
in assisting and relieving a number of the distressed inhabi-
tants, and removing them from thence to New-England.,
with their families and effects.
We learn by a gentleman from Long-Island, that it gave
the distressed inhabitants great satisfaction to see our men
in such high spirits when they were assisting them to em-
bark with their families and effects ; that a number of the
worthy inhabitants, who slill remain on that Island, are
willing to embrace the first opportunity and move off with
their families, &c., as they are in great fear of the enemy,
who are daily expected.
CLARK AND NIGHTINGALE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Providence, September 16, 1776.
SIR: Last week we received a letter from Captain
William Rogers, commander of the sloop Montgomery, in
the service of your State, requesting us to undertake the
agency, and act in behalf of the State and himself, in libel-
ing one brig, which was returning from a whaling voyage
with about three hundred barrels oil, and had been taken
by the English, carried into New-York, and acquitted by
diem, and afterwards taken by Captain Rogers, in company
with the privateers Schuyler and Mifflin, and sent in here.
The commander and Continental Agent in behalf of the
other two privateers (which are fitted out by the Continent)
gave the brig up, as there were no papers appeared by
which they could condemn her, and they produced a cer-
tificate, a copy of which you have enclosed, of their permis-
sion to sail at the time they did. As matters were thus
circumstanced, we imagined it would be in vain to libel her,
when the others, who were two thirds concerned, saw no
prospect of condemning her ; and after consulting with the
Prize-master, we declined prosecuting. The other is a-
Bermudian sloop, which was taken with intrenching tools
on hoard. The tools are taken out and were sent to
General Washington, and they put a quantity of flour on
board from some other of their prizes. She is libelled, and
will be tried the 1st of October next, and as there is no
claimer, she will of course be condemned. We shall now
await your orders in what manner to proceed, as she was
taken in company with the above-mentioned privateers, and
shall be glad to hear from you as soon as possible. We
are, in the mean time, with due respect, sir, your most
After her clearing and before her sailing, to wit, in the
month of August, the following resolve passed in the House
of Representatives of the Massachusetts-Day and concurred
with by the Council: "That from and after the 15th day
of this instant, August, no ship or vessel shall sail out of
any port of this Colony on any whaling voyage whatever,
without leave first had from the Great and General Court of
this Colony, or from some committee or committees or per-
sons they shall appoint to grant such leave." The brig
sailed from Nantucket under the command of Joshua Mor-
ns, some time the last of October, for the coast of Brazil, on
a whaling voyage, and upon her passage home, having
about three hundred barrels of oil on board, she was taken
by a British man-of-war and carried into Sandy-Hook,
and after being detained a few days was dismissed with a
pass from Admiral Howe to proceed to Nantucket. Soon
after she left the Hook, to wit, on the 20th of August, 1776,
she was taken by the Continental sloops of war called the
Mifflin and the Schuyler, and by the sloop Montgomery,
fitted out by the State of New-York, and carried into the
harbour on the south side of Long- Island, where she lay till
the British troops got possession of Long-Island, when the
captors sent her into this port to be libeled.
At the time of capture she had on board no certificate
that she had obtained leave to go on a whaling voyage; but
since her arrival here, her owner, from Nantucket, has sent
the following certificate, to wit :
" Treasury Office, September 28, 1775.
" I hereby certify that William Rotch hath given bond
according to the direction of the General Assembly of this
Colony, in order to send on a whaling voyage the brig
Temple, Joshua Morris master.
HENRY GARDNER, Treasurer."
Quere — Whether it is advisable to libel the brig or no ?
Newport, Monday, September 16, 1776.
The sloop , Captain Lever, belonging to New-
obedient servants,
CLARK &, NIGHTINGALE.
To the Chairman of the Congress of the State of New- York.
P. S. Enclosed with the certificate you have the affair
of the brig stated by the lawyer.
TJIE CASE OF THE BRIGANTINE TEMPLE.
It appears by her papers that she was owned by William
Hoick, of Nantucket, and cleared out there on a whaling
voyage the 26th May, 1775, in common Ibrm, but did not
sail till the last of October following.
York, arrived at Dartmouth, last Thursday, in seven weeks
from France, by whom we learn that American vessels find
a very free trade there, and that the French only waited for
a declaration of independence from this country, when they
were determined to strike some capital blow.
We learn by the above vessel that the carpenters were
so closely engaged in the ship-yards, she could not procure
a single hand to do one day's work on her; that Mr. Deane,
from the honourable the General Congress, was at the
French Court, and that letters for the Congress from him
came in this vessel, which were despatched forward last
Friday morning.
On the 3d of August Captain Nathan Bull, of this
place, and Mr. Gideon Coggeshall, of Middletown, with
twelve other Americans, made their escape from Halifax
in an open boat, in which they came round Cape Sable,
crossed the Bay of Fundy, and arrived at Beverly on the
14th of August, from whence Captain Bull was brought to
town by land last Wednesday, in a very low state of health ;
by whom, and Mr. Coggeshall, we learn that Halifax was
left without one ship of war; that the whole force they can
raise there would amount but to fifteen hundred men ; that
a little before they came away a number of transports
arrived from England, which brought out three hundred
head of cattle, but ninety-three of which lived through
the passage, and those miserably thin.
The fore part of last week the Cerberus, frigate, retook
a prize brig between Block-Island and Norman's Land ;
this prize was one of Dunmore's motley squadron, bound
to Bermuda, with a number of passengers, some household
furniture and dry goods, from Virginia, and was taken by
the Andrew Doria, Captain Biddle, close in with the
Island ; the people put on board to bring her in, made their
escape in the boat, and landed at Block-Island, from whence
they came to this place.
Captain Samson, in a brig belonging to Plymouth, has
sent a sloop into an Eastern port, loaded with rum and
cotton, bound for Halifax.
Three brigs loaded with rum, sugar, and molasses, arrived
in some neighbouring port since the 9th ; and it is said the
ship loaded with fifteen thousand bushels of wheat, taken
by the Andrew Doria, is arrived a little way to the East-
ward.
359
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
360
Last Tuesday a fine large brig, loaded with about two
hundred and forty hogsheads of rum, &.C., went up the
east passage ; she was taken by the sloop Revenge, from
Sivansey, Captain Samuel Dunn, who was reported to have
been taken.
The Hon. Gurdon Saltonstall, of Connecticut, is ap-
pointed Brigadier-General of the Eastern Militia of that
State, and is marched with the whole of said Militia for
New- York.
AARON HOBART TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Abington, September 16, 1776.
SIR : I have delivered to Thomas Durfee, Esq., eight of
6-pound cannon, and I had pig iron of him for the Province,
six ton more than what I have given credit for. He de-
sireth to settle with me himself about the cannon.
Sir, I should be glad you would send me one thousand
pound by Captain Tilden, be sent with this account,
and the remainder is to be let alone till I can see your
Honour.
There are ready for the market eight 6-pound cannon,
which I have sold to Captain Tilden, hoping that you have
got supply. In case you want any more, let me know. 1
have got made three or four ton of 42-pound, 32-pound,
and 9-pound shot.
From your humble servant, AARON HOBART.
To Richard Devens, Esq.
Richard Devens, Esq., to Aaron Holart, Dr.
SIR: I have delivered to John Foster Williams' s order,
six Cannon, 6-pound, £50 each, - - - - £300 0 0
To John Closton, per order, seven Cannon of
6-pound, each £50, 350 0 0
To Shell, upwards of twenty ton, at £20
per ton, 400 0 0
To three ton Grape Shell, £100, - - - - 300 0 0
To freight and Iron, one ton. ----- 20 00
To 630 Pots, 5s., - - '- 157 10 0
To two ton of Shot, to Closton, at £30 per
ton, 60 00
To carting six loads to Watertown and Rox-
borough, six dollars per ton, - - - - 10 16 0
To carting twenty-seven loads to Weymouth,
20s., 27 0 0
To seven Casks for Grape Shot, 4s., - - - 180
To freight of twenty-seven loads Shell, 6s., - 820
To carting thirteen guns to Taunton, 10s., for
Williams and Closton, 6 10 0
£1681 6 0
CR.
By thirty tons Pig Iron, by Mr. Spencer, of
Dartmouth, £270 0 0
By cash by Thomas Gosling, 100 00
By cash by Mr. Orn, 100 0 0
"470 0 0
Due, £1211 6 0
Abington, June 10, 1776.
Watertown, September 16, 1776.
Last Sunday se'nnight was taken and carried into
Goldsborough, by two small boats, a brig from Ireland,
bound for Halifax, laden with beef, butter, &c. She
parted company with twelve other provision vessels the day
on which she was taken, all bound for the above port.
List of Prizes lately taken and carried into the WEST-
INDIES, by some of the Ministerial Pirates.
The brigantine Hester, John Marshall, master, belonging
to New-York, was taken on the coast of Africa, the 12th
of May, 1776, and carried into Antigua, by the sloop
Weazel, Samuel Warren, commander, the 12th of June.
Her cargo consisted of ivory, wax, dry goods, and wood.
The brig Duff, Captain Knapp, from Guadaloupe, bound
to Newfoundland, with rum, sugar, and molasses, was
carried into Bassatcrre Road the 3d of May, by the Po-
mona, sloop of war, Captain Eastward.
May 8th. — Brig Hero, Captain Jones, from Saba, in
stone ballast, taken off Eustatia, by the Pomona, arrived at
St. Kitts this day.
May 10th. — The sloop Two-Brothers, Sandford Thomp-
son, master, from Ocracock, for St. Croix, with white oak
staves and heading, taken by the Pomona, arrived at St.
Kitts this day.
June 19th. — The sloop Fanny, Captain Worth, from the
coast of Braziletto, bound to St. Eustatia, laden with
spermaceti oil, &.C., arrived at St. Kitts. She was taken
by the Pomona.
June 20th. — The sloop Prince of Orange, Eber Wa-
terous, master, from Guadaloupe, laden with sulphur and a
small quantity of powder, taken by the Pomona, and sent
up to Antigua.
June 23d. — The brig Regicobus, Captain Booker, from
St. Eustatia, bound to Amsterdam, laden with sugar and
coffee, but it is imagined she has a quantity of powder and
warlike stores in sugar casks, taken off St. Eustatia by the
Pomona, arrived at St. Kitts this day.
Taken by the Portland, Thomas Dumaresque, Esq.,
commander, two days after he left the fleet he was convoy
for, and carried into Antigua, the sloop Sally, of ninety
tons, Giles Buckingham, master, from Philadelphia, bound
to St. Croix, taken in latitude 24° north, longitude 62°
30' west. Her cargo consists of six hundred and fifty bar-
rels of flour, three hundred kegs of white biscuit, a few
barrels of beef and pork, a great quantity of staves and
heading ; also, a new four-wheeled wagon, with iron axle-
trees, brass bushes for the wheels, and harness complete.
Two days after was taken by the Portland's tender, and
carried into Antigua, the brig Resolution, of two hundred
and fifty tons, Robert Stacy, master, from Piscataqua, bound
to Martinico, laden with lumber. When she was taken
she was in musket-shot of Port-Royal harbour.
July 17th. — The schooner Fox, Buck, master,
from New-London, for Curaco, taken by the Seaford,
Captain Colepoice, arrived at St. Kitts this day.
Also the brig Betsey, Dresser, master, from
North-Carolina, for St. Eustatia, laden with lumber, taken
by the Pomona.
July 19th. — -Sloop Maria, Captain Gurley, from St.
Croix, for St. Eustatia; her cargo consists of twenty-one
hogsheads rum ; taken by the Pomona.
A sloop from New-London, with oxen, horses, and lum-
ber, taken by the Pomona, sent into Tortola.
And the sloop , Captain Hutterfield, from -St.
Eustatia, for Bermuda, laden with rum, taken by the Po-
mona.
The firing heard last Sunday morning was occasioned by
the safe arrival of a fine prize ship of three hundred tons,
at Cape Ann. The contents of her cargo at present un-
known to us.
ORDERS FOR COLONEL BELLOWS.
Exeter, New-Hampshire, September 16, 1776.
SIR: Orders were yesterday sent off from hence to you,
for your raising fifty men in your regiment, to recruit our
Army at New- York, and three hundred pounds in money to
pay them six pounds each. Upon a review of the matter
this day, considering the frontier state of your regiment, it
is determined that you omit raising the men at present; and
as one Captain John House, of Hanover, hath received
orders to raise a company of volunteers for said service, you
are appointed Mustertnaster to said company, and to pay
each able-bodied, effective man he inlists six pounds; and
if he should inlist more than fifty rncn, you are desired to
advance the money, and your draft therefor shall be hon-
oured ; but if he should not be able to inlist so many as fifty
men, it is expected you will make up that number out of
your regiment. You are desired to acquaint Captain House
of your being appointed Mustermaster to his company.
By order of the Council and Assembly.
I am your very humble servant.
To Colonel Benjamin Bellows, Jun.
ORDERS TO COLONEL JOHN LANGDON.
State of NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
To JOHN LANGDON, Esquire, Colonel of an independent
Company of Militia in the Town of PORTSMOUTH :
Pursuant to a resolve of Council and Assembly, in con-
sequence of a requisition of the Continental Congress, you
361
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
362
are hereby required, with all the despatch possible, to raise,
and see equipped, out of the company under your command,
three men, and join them to those that shall be raised in
Colonel Whipple's regiment, to recruit the Army of the
United States of America at New-York, to assist our
brethren there; and you are to let them know that they are
to be detained in said service until the first day of Decem-
ber next, unless sooner discharged. The men are to receive
twenty dollars on their being mustered, and with that the
bounty to be made equal to the bounty of the Massachusetts
State afterwards ; that the wages of the men be the same, and
their rations the same, as in the Continental Army; that the
men be paid two pence per mile for their travelling expenses
from their place of residence to New-York.
You are to make return of your doings to the General
Assembly, and, in their recess, to the Committee of Safety.
Given at Exeter, the 16th day of September, 1776.
BENJAMIN GYLES,
Chairman of a Committee appointed for that purpose.
To Colonel Langdon.
State of New-Hampshire, Portsmouth, September 28, 1776.
Agreeable to the within requisition to me directed, the
company under my command have raised three men, viz :
Benjamin Dockum, Benjamin Dockum, Jun., and Jonathan
Kenneston, all able men, and equipped with one good musket
each, which are to be charged to them, or returned to the
Colony; the price of which three guns is twenty -three dol-
lars. JOHN LANGDON.
Portsmouth, September 23. 1776.
The brigantine Three-Friends, burthen about eighty tons,
mounting eight carriages, owned by Philip Moore and John
Donaldson, of the city of Philadelphia, in the State of
Pennsylvania, merchants, and Archibald Mercer, of the
town of Brunswick, in the State of New-Jersey, merchant,
commanded by Captain Daniel Jackson, and Henry Nut-
ter, Mate, navigated by twenty men, with twenty barrels
provisions and four hundred weight powder and ball.
JOHN DONALDSON &. Co.
ORDERS FOR CAPTAIN PARKER.
To Captain ROBERT PARKER:
You are hereby empowered to inlist a company of Mat-
rosses, to consist of forty-four men, including officers, to
guard and defend the battery on Levey's Island, for the term
of one month, unless it should appear expedient to the
Congress, or this Committee, to dismiss them sooner. And
you are hereby acquainted that they shall receive, for the
time they shall be in the service, the same wages as Captain
Salter's company. And you will take care to inlist no man
but what is properly accoutred.
SILAS DEANE TO ROBERT MORRIS.
Bordeaux, September 17, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I shall send you, in October, clothing for
twenty thousand men, thirty thousand fusils, one hundred
tons of powder, two hundred brass cannon, twenty-four
brass mortars, with shells, shot, lead, &ic., in proportion.
I am to advise you, that if. in future, you will give com-
missions to seize Portuguese ships, you may depend on the
friendship and alliance of Spain. Let me urge this measure.
Much may be got, nothing can be lost, by it. Increase, at
all events, your Navy. I will procure, if commissioned,
any quantity of sail-cloth and cordage.
A general war is undoubtedly at hand in Europe, and
consequently America will be safe, if you baffle the arts
and arms of the two Howes through the Summer. Every
one here is in your favour.
Adieu ! I will write again next week.
SILAS DEANE.
To Robert Morris.
in the West-Indies, and also the carrying on any trade what-
soever with them. The answer given to Sir Joseph is said
to be this : That Holland only considered itself as a commer-
cial country, and that any check to its trade must be severely
felt by its inhabitants; that the West-Indies received great
part of their support from the Continent of America, which
it would be very ill policy in them to put a stop to, and
indeed would he almost impossible, as hardly any commands
would tie a people down when they were in want of pro-
visions : and that Sir Joseph might assure his Court that
they had hitherto, and would still continue, to prevent any
military stores being furnished to the Americans from any
part of the dominions belonging to the States. The present
trade with the Americans is exceedingly beneficial to them.
Deep-Spring Camp, September 17, 1776.
Deserted last night from rny company of Riflemen, the
following soldiers, viz : Josiah Jones, about twenty-two years
old, six feet two inches high, well made, has short black hair,
a very lively countenance, and when intoxicated very talk-
ative and desirous of raising disputes; he carried away with
him a hunting-shirt trimmed with red, a pair of leather
breeches, several new shirts, and other things which I cannot
recollect at present. David Barnett, aged twenty-one years,
six feet four inches high, well made, has short black hair, a
thin visage, (occasioned by the ague and fever, which he had
when he deserted,) is very serious, and speaks but seldom ;
he carried with him a hunting-shirt trimmed with red, a pair
of leather breeches, a pair of new shoes, and several yards of
linen, which I had delivered to him about two days before he
deserted. Joseph Canterbury, aged twenty-eight years, five
feet ten inches high, well made, has short red hair, a reddish
complexion, and a dejected look; he carried along with him
a hunting-shirt trimmed with red, a gray-coloured broadcloth
waistcoat and breeches, a pair of black stockings, two pair
of shoes, and several yards of linen, which I delivered to
him a few days before he deserted. They went off indebted
to the publick store, and were raised and inlisted in Amherst,
where I expect they will endeavour to get. Whoever will
deliver the said deserters to the commanding officer in Wil-
liamsburg, or safely contrive them to the Sixth Virginia
Regiment at New-York, shall have £4 10s. for each, and
all reasonable expenses paid.
SAMUEL JORDAN CABELL,
Captain in the Sixth Virginia Regiment.
LETTER FROM THE HAGUE TO A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON,
DATED SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
Sir Joseph Yorke has made application to the States of
Holland to forbid the Americans entering any of their ports
COLONEL STAINSTON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Caroline County, September 17, 1776.
SIR : Agreeable to the requisition of the Convention, made
to the Field-Officers of this County, to endeavour to get a
company made up to march for New- York, I thought it
necessary to convene the Twenty-Eighth Battalion of Militia
on Saturday last for that purpose ; and after meeting in the
usual field of parade, the several companies were drawn up,
except the company under the command of Captain John
Fauntleroy. I then requested he would draw up his com-
pany, who made me for answer, that he had but a few
officers in the field, and that he should not draw up under
me as the commander of the field.
Captain Fauntleroy 's reasons for not joining the battalion
I do not certainly know, but after the battalion was dis-
missed, I am credibly informed, he endeavoured to see who
would join him against me ; for what purpose I do not know,
unless to treat me ill.
As it appears to me, sir, that he is a disobedient officer,
and possibly was I to look over this injury to the common
cause it might prove to be of bad consequences, besides
under these circumstances my person as well as character
may not be altogether safe, and in order, sir, that peace
and harmony may again take place, I pray that a Court-
Martial may be appointed by your Board for the trial of
Captain Fauntleroy, in order to find out what I am to be
accused with, and that he or myself may meet with the
instant dements we deserve.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
BENSON STAINSTON.
To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esquire, President of
Council of Safety.
363
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
364
ALEXANDER M'FADON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Georgetown, September 17, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I received your favour of the 8th instant,
and duly observe the contents, wherein you request to know
the steps I have taken to fulfill my engagements witli the
publick, what progress I have made, and what returns. The
steps I have taken are as follows, viz: I have, at a very
considerable expense, prepared a house that will contain
sixteen looms and all other utensils for carrying on the
weaving business. I shall by the last of next week have
up eight looms, and as soon as I can procure hands will set
up the remainder. I have purchased looms, hired jour-
neymen, taken apprentices, fcc. I have erected a mill for
bruising and mangling flax, the best on the Continent. I
have purchased a quantity of flax, and employed spinners,
and expect in a short time to have it in my power to finish
one hundred yards of linen per day, which the Convention
may have, provided they will give me as much as I can sell
my linen for. By receiving letters from the Council of
Safety that they are much wanting coarse linen for tenting
and sheeting, I carried two hundred and thirty-nine and a
half yards to Annapolis the week before last, and by the
valuation the Committee put on it I lost from six to ten
pounds of what I could have sold it for here, notwithstand-
ing they confessed they had not received as good linen from
any other factory. This is publick punishment, in place of
publick encouragement. With regard to the progress I have
made in manufacturing, it is so well known to the most of
the gentlemen in this part of the Province; and some of the
members in Convention know I have brought manufacturing
of linen to greater perfection than has ever before been done
in the Province, and am able to bring it to as good perfection,
both in fineness and whitening, as any imported, provided
I meet with proper encouragement.
I am, with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your very
humble servant.
ALEXANDER Mcr ADON.
To the Committee for inquiring into Manufactory.
BENJAMIN RCMSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Joppa, September 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: In the last letter wrote you by the Har-
ford Committee, of which I was late a member, I was
desired by them to inform you of their transactions in a
particular department under the signature of the Chairman,
and also of their dissolution, which they in consequence
notified to the people by advertisements set up in the most
publick places in the County.
Since my writing the above I received a letter from Mr.
Ashmead, in which he informs me he had sent down to
Harford the remainder of his guns and blankets, and also
the enclosed account proved, which closes the affair of the
£300, and there remains in my hands a balance of £10
18*. Id.
No expectations can be formed of our Committee's acting
longer without a new election. They universally looked
upon the Convention's continuing them beyond the time for
which they were elected by the people to be unconstitu-
tional, and laying a foundation and precedent for one of the
most alarming stretches of power — the continuation of some
future Convention or publick body for many years. This
was their opinion before the resolve of the Convention. I
have no right to think it changed.
In obedience to the commands of the Convention, I called
my battalion together on Monday last, and on reading their
resolves, three Captains in the battalion, with their commis-
sioned officers, to wit: Captain James McComas, Captain
Alexander Cowen, and Captain Robert Harris, the first with
thirty-one, the others with thirty of their privates, offered to
serve their country agreeable to the resolves of the Conven-
tion ; and to-day the Field-Officers meet in order to decide
who shall go, and believe the lot will fall on Captain Harris,
as he is a single man, of spirit, very desirous of going, and
the farthest from the water and internal enemies,'in case of
an attack.
I should be glad to know of you if the arms and blankets
in this County collected and now at Harford, could be
spared for the use of the company in my battalion. It will
be necessary to inform me immediately, and also to give
Hollingsworth orders to make bayonets for them. They
can be sent there directly, and before they march I think I
can have the residue with some difficulty got from the people
in the same manner they were collected by the Committee.
Money being the life of all business and the sinews of
war, it will be. absolutely necessary to send up immediately
and lodge in the hands of some one of this battalion a sum
of money large enough to discharge the bounty and month's
pay advance, and also gun and blanket money.
I returned from our place of meeting to attend six compa-
nies to-morrow at Deer-Creek, to assist our Captain in com-
pleting his company, and to endeavour to inspire as many as
I can with a love of their country, and desire to serve her,
and assure those that inlist with their speedy getting the
money, though it would have the most charms if glittering
in their sight.
Tents will be necessary. The soldiers that will go will
chiefly be farmers and their sons. What price per yard
will the Province pay if they find it, or can the Council of
Safety furnish all the troops ?
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
BENJAMIN RUMSEY.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, An-
napolis.
COLONEL BUCHANAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Lexington, Baltimore County, September 17, 1776.
SIR: In compliance with yours of the 8th, (and the
resolves of Convention therein referred to,) a meeting of
the Field-Officers of Colonel Tolly's, and the Baltimore
Town Battalions, with the Committees of Observation, was
held on Friday last, by appointment previously advertised,
for the purpose of nominating officers for two companies of
Militia to march immediately for New- York, which nomina-
tion was accordingly made.
On Saturday I met my battalion to publish the same, and
solicit volunteers. They were very backward in offering,
until some officers of the companies turned out. This in
some degree roused the ranks, and enabled the officers of
three companies to get a considerable number of their men
to offer to go. I met all these officers yesterday in town ;
each tells me he has engaged some; on the whole, I think
about a number sufficient for one company, mostly of this
battalion ; and say if they had money to discharge the
bounty advance and purchase of arms, they have no doubt
of succeeding. Here we wait not only the money, but
also for an explanation respecting the offers of companies,
whether they are to be confined to two, and therefore super-
cede our nomination, or whether all volunteer companies,
together with the two by us nominated, are to be taken into
pay, not that I have the least expectation that the whole
County can turn out more than the two companies properly
equipped, in good time, one of which we would have a good
chance of effecting by consolidating the three offering com-
panies of my battalion, with one of those nominated.
I know not whether I have been right in telling the vol-
unteers that so high a bounty is given to enable each to
equip himself with a blanket as well as other necessaries
for their immediate march. This, however, will be the
most expeditious method of procuring blankets, should they
be paid for by the State, which is by some expected. The
bearer, Captain Teams, one of our nominated Captains,
will be a good opportunity to send money by for this busi-
ness ; he wails upon you for that purpose ; and further in-
structions therein, to,
Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
WM. BUCHANAN.
To Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of the Con-
vention of Maryland.
P. S. Some directions for the subsistence of the troops
are also wanting.
JOSEPH HEWES TO SAMUEL PURVIANCE.
Philadelphia, September 17, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Agreeable to my promise to your brother, I
now send a printed article for seamen. You will observe
the wages allowed to able seamen, is eight dollars per
month ; ordinary seamen and landsmen, six dollars and two-
thirds of a dollar, per month.
I am respectfully, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
JOSEPH HEWES.
To Samuel Purviance, Esq.
365
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
366
PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE.
In Committee of Inspection and Observation for the City
and Liberties of Philadelphia, September 17, 1776:
On motion, it was unanimously
Resolved, That the Committee of Inspection and Obser-
vation for the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, and the
Townships of Moyamensing and Passyunk, be dissolved,
and they are hereby dissolved. The Committee of Ac-
counts, and for the Distribution of Salt, to be continued
until the business for which they were appointed be finally
settled.
Extract from the minutes:
SAMUEL C. MORRIS, Secretary.
Committee of Accounts.
Philadelphia, September 25, 1776.
All persons who have any accounts against the late Com-
mittee of Inspection for this City and Liberties, are desired
to bring them in immediately to any one of the subscribers,
in order for settlement. It is expected that every demand
will be furnished by the 15th day of October next, at which
time they intend completing this business.
JOHN BAYARD,
JONATHAN B. SMITH,
JOSEPH DEAN,
SHARP DEL ANY,
FRANCIS GURNEY,
CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL,
WILLIAM BALL, and
SAMUEL C. MORRIS,
Committee of Accounts.
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA, COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation and In
spection, and Observation and Correspondence, at the house
of Adam Reigart, the 17th of September. 1776,
Present: William Atlee, William Bowsman, Lodwick
Lowman, Adam Reigart, John Miller, Andrew Graff,
Christopher Crawford, Henry Dehuff, George Moore,
Sebastian Graff. William Atlee in the Chair.
Resolved, That Mr. George Moore, bricklayer, be em-
ployed, and he is engaged, to build the addition to the Bar-
racks of Brick and Stone : the first or Cellar story of Stone,
and the residue of Brick ; that he be allowed for the stone-
work at the rate of four shillings per perch, and at the
rate of twelve shillings and sixpence per thousand for the
brick-work; he, as usual, to find his own workman and la-
bourers.
Robert Dixon, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted to
work with Jacob Kehler, wheelwright, he here in Committee
engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable to the Resolves
of the Committee.
Resolved, That the Bricks of the additional Buildings at
the Barracks be had of Peter Albright, Lewis Peters, and
George Lindetberger, in equal proportions, and each of
them are requested to deliver twenty thousand Bricks as
expeditiously as possible, for which they are to be allowed
twenty-two shillings and sixpence per thousand, delivered
at the Barracks.
John Rycraft, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted to
work with Sebastian Graff, he here in Committee engaging
to be answerable for him, agreeable to the Resolves of the
Committee.
SPEAKER Or THE ASSEMBLY OF NEW-JERSEY TO RICHARD
STOCKTON, DELEGATE IN CONGRESS.
[Read September 23, 1776. Copy sent to General Mercer.]
Prince Town, September 19, 1776.
SIR : I take the liberty of enclosing you an extract of a
letter from Amboy, from a gentleman who is a true friend
to this country, and hearty in the American cause; and also
a resolve of our House of Assembly, sent you by order of
the House. The inconveniences the inhabitants of Amboy
now labour under are daily increasing; therefore the House
beg you and our other Delegates will please to use your
utmost endeavours to get the grievances complained of
redressed as speedily as possible, by appointing some per-
son in that town, and others where troops lay, who are well
acquainted with the business, to furnish them with sufficient
quantities of fire-wood.
I am, with respect, sir, your most humble servant,
By order of the House: JOHN HART, Speaker,
Resolve of the Assembly.
Resolved, That the President write to General Mercer,
enclose him extracts of the Letter from the Speaker of New-
Jersey, and the enclosed Letter from Amboy, and that
General Mercer be desired to take such steps as shall
effectually introduce order and remove the complaints of
the inhabitants of the State of Jersey.
Extract of a Letter from AMBOY, dated September 16, 1776.
I would suggest the House to immediately make some
law for protecting the little property still left in this town ;
the means must leave to them, but wood is the grand article.
I think a provider in this town, for wood only, would be a
great means of removing the complaint here, and there
might be one in every town from this to the northward, as
far as the camp goes. Leaving it to Quartermasters, living
in other Governments, entire strangers to the method of
procuring that article here, has been one great cause of
complaint; but the season of the year and scarcity of hands
to cut wood, it being salt hay time and sowing time, have
greatly helped on the distress. The destruction and havock
made here with fences and houses, is great; another reason
of our distress is, that the teams, when they bring wood,
are impressed and detained -in the service, which prevents
them coming to town with wood, &,c.
House of Assembly, September 19, 1776.
Mr. Manning, one of the members of Middlesex, informed
the House, that from certain information by him received,
the inhabitants of Amboy are great sufferers by their houses
and fences being destroyed by the troops now there, owing
in a great measure for the want of proper persons being
appointed for purchasing a sufficient quantity of wood.
Resolved, That the Speaker do write a Letter to the
Delegates for this State at the Continental Congress, desiring
they will endeavour to have Samuel Serjeant, Esq., or some
other suitable person or persons in Amboy to furnish the
Troops with fire-wood, in order that the property of the
inhabitants and that peace may be in future preserved, and
the grievances complained of remedied.
REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE STATE
OF NEW-JERSEY.
State of New-Jersey, Council Chamber, September 19, 1776.
Your Committee, appointed to meet a Committee of the
House of Assembly, in a free conference on the subject-
matter of a memorial from the Committee of Elizabeth-
town, and a letter from Brigadier-General Williamson,
respecting a supply of ammunition, and the pay of the
Militia called into actual service, beg leave to report:
That the said Committees having met in conference,
according to order; and having read and considered the said
Memorial and Letter, came to sundry resolutions, which are
as follows, viz:
1. Resolved, That the publick Magazine of Ammunition
kept for the use of the Militia, at or near Elizabethtown,
is nearly exhausted; and that it is necessary that provision
should be immediately made for replenishing the said
Magazine.
2. Resolved, That it is proper that his Excellency be
requested to procure an immediate supply of one ton of
Gun powder for the use of the Militia; and that he be em pow-
ered to draw from the Treasury of this State, as much
money as may be necessary for the purchase and carriage
of the same.
3. Resolved, That large bodies of the Militia of this State
have been called out, at sundry times, in the Continental
service; and that for the want of a proper mode having
been established for the pay of the said Militia, many incon-
veniences have arisen, and are daily increasing; There-
fore,
4. Resolved, That it is proper that his Excellency the
Governour be requested to make application to the honour-
able the Continental Congress, and desire that they will be
367
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
368
pleased to direct the immediate payment of such of the
Militia of this State, as have been called out in the service
of the Continent, and to establish some mode for the regular
and punctual payment of such of the Militia of this State
as shall hereafter be called into the said service.
By order of the Committee :
JOHN COOPER, Chairman.
A true Copy: CHAS. PETTIT, Clerk of the Council.
AFFIDAVIT OF ELIZABETH FRANKLIN.
Province of NEW-JERSEY, City of PERTH- AMBOY:
Personally appeared before me, Samuel Sergeant, Esq.,
one of the Aldermen of said city, Mrs. Elizabeth Franklin,
of the same place, and she being duly sworn on the Holy
Evangelists of Almighty God, on her oath doth depose and
declare that she has no knowledge at all of the books of the
Council of said Province, papers relative thereto, or chest
»in which they were said to be contained. That she never
did see but one of the books, which was last May, at a time
the Council were sitting. That Governour Franklin did,
some time before he was made prisoner, as he informed this
deponent, send away or secure some things ; but she knows
not what they were, or where sent. That she is an utter
stranger as to the place where said books, papers, &c., now
are, and verily believes they are not in the house where she
now resides ; and further saith not.
ELIZABETH FRANKLIN.
Sworn this 17th of September, 1776,
Before me: SAMUEL SERGEANT, Alderman.
GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Perth-Amboy, September 17, 1776, 4 P. M.
SIR: I received just now the favour of Colonel Gray-
soris letter of yesterday, and in consequence shall send off
a detachment of the men inlisted for the Flying-Camp to
PauJus-Hook. The Militia of Pennsylvania and Neiv-
Jersey, stationed on Bergen and at Paulus-Hoolc, have be-
haved in a scandalous manner, running off from their posts
on the 6rst cannonade from the ships of the enemy. At
all the posts we find it difficult to keep the Militia to their
duty.
By some accounts received to-day, the enemy met with
a repulse from your troops. I beg leave to congratulate your
Excellency on the success, and hope it will animate our
army to act more generally with the spirit of freemen.
I have the honour to be your Excellency's most obedient
H. MERCER.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Head-Quarters, at Colonel Morris's House, )
September 17, 1776. \
SIR : I received the honour of your favour of the 6th
instant by Messrs. Collins, Babcock, and Stanton, and
should have acknowledged it before now had I not been
prevented by the peculiar situation of our affairs.
I communicated my sentiments to those gentlemen upon
the subject of your letter and the several propositions that
were before me, who, I doubt not, will make a full and due
report of the same to you and your honourable Assembly ;
however, I shall take the liberty of adding, that the divided
state of our army, which, when collected in one body, is
inferiour to that of the enemy, their having landed almost
the whole of their force on Long-Island, and formed a plan
of culling off all communication between that and the city
of New- York, which we had but too good reasons to be-
lieve practicable and easy to effect with their ships of war,
made it necessary and prudent to withdraw our troops off
from the former, that our chance of resistance and oppo-
sition might be more probable and likely to be attended
with a happy issue.
I feel myself much concerned on account of your appre-
hensions for the town of Newport and the Island of Rhode-
Island, and should esteem myself peculiarly happy were it
in my power to afford means for their security, and that of
the State in general, or to point out such measures as would
be effectual for that purpose. But, circumstanced as I am,
it is not possible for me to grant any assistance; nor can I,
with propriety, undertake to prescribe the mode which will
best promote their defence. This must depend on such a
variety of circumstances, that I should suppose you and the
Assembly, who are in the State, will be much more compe-
tent to the task than what I or any person out of it can be;
therefore, I can only recommend that you will pursue such
steps as you in your judgment shall think most conducive to
that end, observing that it appears to me a matter of extreme
difficulty, if practicable, to prevent the enemy's ships doing
danrage to every island accessible to 'em, unless the passes
between them and the main are so narrow as to oblige them
to come very near such batteries as may be erected for their
annoyance, on commanding ground.
I cannot sufficiently express my thanks for the readiness
you and your Assembly manifested in ordering troops, &,c.,
to Long-Island, on hearing my request to Governour Trum-
bull upon that subject. At the time that I made it, I con-
sidered the plan of much importance, and that many valu-
able and salutary consequences might have resulted from it.
But as things have undergone a material change since, it
may not be improper to consider and be satisfied of some
facts, which ought to be clearly known previous to any at-
tempt to carry it into execution, and on which the success
of it will greatly depend ; such as an entire conviction of
the friendly disposition of the inhabitants on the island ; the
number that would join the troops that might be sent over ;
the lengths they would go; the support they would and can
give, and whether a retreat from thence could be safely
afforded in case it should be necessary. Those matters,
and others which a more minute consideration of the plan
will present to your view, should be well weighed and
digested, and which I thought it my duty to mention,
especially as the scheme had originated with me. My
anxiety and concern for the inhabitants at the east end of
the island, who have been represented always as friendly
and well attached to the cause of the States, prompt me to
wish them every assistance. But if the efforts you could
make, in conjunction with Governour Trumbull, would not
promise almost a certainty of success, perhaps they might
tend to aggravate their misfortunes. The Committee stated
sundry propositions respecting this expedition : such as, if
any thing was attempted, where a stand should be made?
This must be left to the discretion of those who command ;
nor can I spare an officer for that purpose or recommend
one. What number of men should be sent, and what pro-
portion from the Massachusetts 1 The number necessary
will depend upon the force they will have to oppose, and
the assistance they would derive from the Islanders; the
proportion from the Massachusetts, on the will of the Legisla-
ture or voluntary engagement of the people in the service.
What artillery should they have? I am of opinion the
artillery would be subject to loss, without any great advan-
tage resulting from it. They also asked whether any frigates
should be sent, Sic. As the enemy have now the free and
entire command of the Sound, and many ships of war in it,
they will be much more liable to be taken than they would
have been some time ago, and when it was proposed by
Governour Trumlndl to make an attempt upon the ships
above Hell-Gate. In this instance, however, I do not con-
ceive myself at liberty to say any thing peremptory one
way or other, having no power over the frigates.
I am sensible of the force of your observation, that the
common cause might be benefited by the several States
receiving early and authentick intelligence of every material
occurrence ; permit me at the same time to assure you, that
I often regret my incapacity in this instance, and that the
neglect does not arise from want of inclination or through
inattention, but from the variety of important matters that
are always pressing upon, and which daily surround me.
Before I conclude, I shall take this opportunity to in-
form you that having received certain information that the
enemy's plan was, to pass from Long-Island and land in
our rear with their army to cut off all communication
with the country, and for which they were making every
possible disposition, a council of General Officers deter-
mined last week on a removal of the army from the city, in
order to prevent the fatal consequences which must inevi-
tably ensue, if they could have conducted their scheme,
resolving at the same time that every appearance of defence
should be kept up till our sick, ordnance, and stores could
be removed. This was set about with the greatest industry,
369
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
370
and as to the sick was completely effected; but on Sunday
morning before we had accomplished the removal of all our
cannon, provisions and baggage, they sent three ships of
war up the North River, whereby the water carriage was
totally stopped, the ships anchoring not far above the city,
and about eleven o'clock those that were lying at Turtle Bay,
or rather below it in the East River, being six or seven in
number, besides some transports, began and continued for
some time a most severe and heavy cannonade, to scour the
grounds and cover the landing of their troops. I had gone
the night before to the main body of the army, which was
posted on the Plains and Heights of Harlem, apprehending
from many uncommon and great movements among the
enemy, that they meant to make an attack there that night,
or to land on the east side of Harlem River. As soon as
the firing began I rode with all possible despatch towards the
place of landing, where breastworks had been thrown up,
and to my great surprise and mortification found the troops
that had been posted in the lines, retreating with the utmost
precipitation and disorder, and those ordered to support
them notwithstanding the exertions of their Brigadiers (Par-
sons and Fellows) to form them, running away in the most
disgraceful and shameful manner, nor could my utmost
efforts rally them or prevent their flight. This scandalous
conduct occasioned a loss of several tents and other baggage,
which otherwise would have been easily secured. The
remainder of the troops that were in the city got out, and
the retreat of the whole was effected with the loss of but
very few men ; not more than three or four that I have heard
of were made prisoners, and only one or two killed.
I am now encamped on the Heights above mentioned,
which are so well calculated for defence, that I should hope
that if the enemy make an attack, and our men will behave
with tolerable resolution, they must meet with a repulse, if
not a total defeat. They advanced in sight yesterday in sev-
eral large bodies, but attempted nothing of a general nature,
though in the forenoon there were some smart skirmishes
between some of their parties and detachments sent out by
me, in which I have the pleasure to inform you our men
behaved with bravery and intrepidity, putting them to flight
when in open ground, and forcing them from posts they had
seized, two or three times. From some of their wounded
men which fell into our hands, the appearance of blood in
every place where they made their stand and on the fences
as they passed, we have reason to believe they had a good
many killed and wounded, though they did not leave many
on the ground. In number our loss was very inconsid-
erable, but in the fall of Lieutenant-Colonel Knowlton, I
consider it as great, being a brave and good officer ; and it
may be increased by the death of Major Leitch. of the
Virginia regiment, who unfortunately received three balls
through his side.
Having given you a summary account of the situation of
our affairs, and in such manner as circumstances will admit
of, I have only to add, that I have the honour to be, with
sentiments of the highest esteem, sir, your most obedient
servant,
bo. WASHINGTON.
To Governour CooJce, Rhode-Island.
P. S. The Committee have expressed their apprehen-
sions of being obliged to abandon the Island of Rhode-
Island and Newport, and requested my opinion. At
present, I can see no causes for it, and the propriety of the
measure must depend upon circumstances. But I should
suppose they ought to be very pressing, and the necessity
great, before they ought to be given up. Most certainly no
imaginary ills or necessity should lead to such a measure.
At this time the danger can only be ideal ; and if the enemy
persevere in their plans here, and our men behave as they
should do, I am persuaded they will not have an opportu-
nity to employ their attention elsewhere this campaign.
GENERAL GREENE TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Uamp at Harlem Heights, September 17, 1776.
SIR: I suppose you have heard of the retreat from Long-
Island, and the evacuation of New-York. The retreats
we?e both judicious and necessary, our numbers being very
insufficient to hold such an extent of ground. His Excel-
lency had proposed to evacuate the city and suburbs of
New-York some time before the enemy made their last
landing, and had the Quartermaster-General been able to
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 24
furnish the necessary wagons to remove the stores and bag-
gage, the retreat would have been effected in good order,
had the enemy delayed their landing twenty-four hours
longer. Almost all the old standing regiment was drawn
out of the city, in order lo oppose the enemy at Hell-Gate,
where they made an appearance of a very large body of
troops, and movements as if they intended a landing.
We made a miserable, disorderly retreat from Neiv-York,
owing to the disorderly conduct of the Militia, who ran at the
appearance of the enemy's advance guard ; this was General
Fellows's brigade. They struck a panick into the troops
in the rear, and Fellows's and Parsons '* whole brigade ran
away from about fifty men, and left his Excellency on the
ground within eighty yards of the enemy, so vexed at the
infamous conduct of the troops, that he sought death rather
than life.
The retreat was on the 14th of this instant, from New-
York; most of the troops got off, but we lost a prodi-
gious deal of baggage and stores. On the 16th we had
a skirmish at Harlem Heights : a party of about a thousand
came and attacked our advance post. They met with a very
different kind of reception from what they did the day before.
The fire continued about an hour, and the enemy retreated ;
our people pursued them, and by the spirited conduct of
General Putnam and Colonel Reed the Adjutant-General,
our people advanced upon the plain ground without cover,
and attacked them and drove them back. His Excellency
sent and ordered a timely retreat to our advanced post, for he
discovered or concluded the enemy would send a large rein-
forcement, as their main body lay near by. I was sick
when the army retreated from Long-Island, which by the
by, was the best effected retreat I ever read or heard of,
considering the difficulty of the retreat.
The army now remains quiet, but expect an attack every
day. Colonel Varnum's and Colonel Hitchcock's regiments
were in the last action, and behaved nobly, but neither of
the Colonels was with them, both being absent — one sick,
the other taking care of the sick. Time won't permit me
to say much more, as I am wanted to go into the Jerseys.
I had the honour of seeing and conversing with your
Committee. I think, and so does his Excellency, that the
operations of the campaign will have no effect upon you, as
it will be impossible for the enemy to detach any part of
the army, while our army is able to make any stand. I
would not evacuate one foot of ground, as it will tend to
encourage the enemy and dispirit our people. I am sure
the Government is safe, and will remain so, unless the enemy
can ruin this army. This is their grand object, and every
nerve will be exerted to effect it; but they will not have
opportunity and strength sufficient to molest you. I have
not time to add one word more.
I am, with all due respect, your most obedient, humble
servant,
To Nicholas Couke, Esq.
N. GREENE.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN ANNAPOLIS,
DATED AT HEAD-QUARTERS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
We are now encamped between York and King's
Bridge, on very advantageous heights, and have formed
our lines from the North River to a creek that makes out of
East River, running up to King's Bridge.
Soon after we came to New- York, there was a council
held by the General Officers, and the question was put,
whether New-York was tenable against the King's forces.
It was carried in the negative.
Three days ago the whole of our troops evacuated New-
York ; and the day before yesterday the King's troops
landed about three miles below this, where there were two
brigades stationed, who abandoned their posts with precipi-
tation.
Yesterday morning the Regulars came within half a mile
of our lines, and made a stand. A few of our scouts, who
were out, attacked and drove them off. In two hours after,
two thousand of them returned. General Beall sent out
three companies of Riflemen, under the command of Major
Mantz, who attacked them. Immediately General Wash-
ington reinforced with the remainder of our brigade, together
with General (Veedon's regiment from Virginia, Major
Price's three independent companies, and one regiment of
Rhode-Islanders. Never did troops go to the field with
371
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
372
more cheerfulness and alacrity ; when there began a heavy
fire on both sides. It continued about one hour, when our
brave Southern troops dislodged them from their posts.
The enemy rallied, and our men beat them the second time.
They rallied again; our troops drove them the third time,
and were rushing on them, but the enemy had got on an
eminence, and our troops were ordered to retreat, the Gen-
eral considering there might be a large number of the enemy
behind the hill, concealed ; which was the case. We were
informed by a prisoner that our men took, there were about
eight or ten thousand concealed.
From the number of the enemy that I saw lay on the
field dead and wounded, I think their loss must be three or
four times ours. I have not yet been able to get a full
account of our loss, only of our brigade, which is as follows :
Captain Low, wounded through both his thighs. Twelve
privates wounded, and three missing. Major Leitch, of
Colonel Weedon's regiment, received three balls through his
belly. More is the pity, for never was a braver hero. He
stood the field, with the greatest bravery, till the third shot,
when he was obliged to fall. He appears to be in good
spirits. The doctors are of opinion he will recover.
Colonel Knowlton, from Boston, killed in the field, who dis-
tinguished himself at Bunker's Hill, as well as in this engage-
ment. He will be interred to-day, with all the honours of
war.
From our present situation, it is firmly my opinion we
shall give them a genteel drubbing, in case the Yankees will
fight with as much spirit as the Southern troops.
As near as I can collect, our loss, killed, wounded, and
taken, amounts to fifty men.
We expect every hour when the general engagement will
come on; and if we prove successful, the campaign will be
settled for this present year.
General Washington gave great applause to our Mary-
land troops, for their gallant behaviour yesterday.
Baltimore, September 23, 1776.
By a gentleman of undoubted veracity, just come to town
from the camp at Harlem, we have the following intelligence,
viz: That on Sunday, the 15th instant, the enemy landed
their army near Turtle Bay, under cover of their shipping ;
from thence marched to the city of New-York, which we
had evacuated, after taking out almost all our stores, &cc.
General Putnam, who commanded with a small detachment
of our army, retreated, with little molestation or loss, to the
main body of our army.
By the above gentleman, we are favoured with the fol-
lowing extract of a letter from a General Officer who was
present at the time of action, viz:
"On Monday morning, September 16, the enemy appeared
in several large bodies on the plain, about two miles and a
half from our lines. About noon a firing began between a
party of our Rangers, under the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Knowlton, and an advanced party of the enemy, who
were supposed to be about three hundred. Three com-
panies of Colonel Weedon's regiment of Virginians, under
the command of Major Leitch, and Colonel Knowlton, with
his Rangers, composed of volunteers from different New-
England regiments, were ordered to try to get into the rear
of the enemy, whilst dispositions were making as if to attack
them in front, and thereby draw their attention that way.
This took effect ; for, on the appearance of our brave troops
in front, the enemy immediately ran down the hill, took
possession of some fences and bushes, and a smart firing
began, but at too great a distance to do much execution on
either side. The parties under Colonel Knowlton and Major
Leitch began their attack too soon, as it was rather in flank
than in rear. In a little time, Major Leitch was brought off
wounded, having received three balls through his side; and
in a short time after, Colonel Knowlton got wounded, which
proved mortal. Our men, however, persevered, and con-
tinued the engagement with the greatest resolution. Part
of Colonel Griffith's and Colonel Richardson's Maryland
regiments, with some volunteers from the Northern regi-
ments, who were nearest the place of action, advanced to
support our men. These troops charged the enemy with
great intrepidity, and drove them from the wood into the
plain, and were pursuing them from thence, having silenced
their fire in a great measure, when it was thought prudent
to order a retreat, fearing the enemy (as it was since found
to be really the case) would send a large body to support
their party.
" Major Leitch, it is hoped, will recover; but KnowUon's
fail is much to be regretted, as that of a brave and good
officer. We had about forty wounded. The number of
slain is not yet ascertained, but is very inconsiderable.
'4 By a Sergeant who deserted from the enemy, and came
in this morning, we were informed that their party consisted
of the Second Battalion of Light Infantry, a battalion of
Koyal Highlanders, and three companies of the Hessian
Riflemen, under the command of Brigadier-General Leslie.
The deserter reports that their loss, in killed and wounded,
amounts to one hundred and forty, about forty of which we
found dead on the field, and buried.
"On the whole, the enemy got completely defeated,
which has given great spirits to our army, who are encamped
on the heights at Harlem, where they are advantage-
ously posted, and in high spirits, waiting the attack of the
enemy."
By letters received from New- York, we are informed that
the enemy were encamped about two miles from Head-
Quarters ; that they were landing their artillery from Lon<r-
Island at Horn's Hook; and that an attack was shortly
expected on our lines, which were very formidable.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OP CONGRESS.
[Read September 23, 1776.]
King's Bridge, September 19, 1776.
SIR: Since I wrote Congress requesting my dismission
from any further concern with Commissary matters in the
Northern Department, I find Mr. Livingston has sent his
resignation to Congress, and General Schuyler has sent my
letter to Mr. Avery, ordering him off, back to me; and the
time Mr. Livingston sets for leaving the business is near at
hand. I must, therefore, beg a speedy determination of
Congress thereon, or all will be in confusion.
I also wrote, some time since, respecting salt for curing
provisions the approaching season, to which I have had no
answer as yet. I must now also apply for directions con-
cerning the purchasing and curing provisions for the next
year. The season is now near at hand when it must be
done, and an early attention thereto may make a very con-
siderable saving to the Continent, by making the necessary
preparations therefor, at the proper places, and in due time.
1 would humbly propose to Congress that large quantities of
salted pork and beef, proportioned to the number of men most
probably to be employed, should be put up, in the proper
season, in different parts of the country, at the expense and
for the benefit of the Continent, as it will be impossible to
foresee or determine where we shall be attacked. Had a
large quantity been secured last season, in and near this
State, as was done in Massachusetts-Bay, it would have
saved an immense sum to the Continent, which has since
been paid to purchase the same pork from individuals. If
it had not been wanted, it could have been disposed of
without loss, if not to profit. What happened last season
must another, if not provided against in time. I secured
for the Continent last winter, and now have, a quantity of
salt, near Boston.
My attention, from my employment, is led to these mat-
ters. I thought it my duty to mention them to Congress,
and beg their early attention to, and orders on, these subjects.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Jos. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL, COMMISSARY GENERAL, TO THE PRESI-
DENT OV CONGRESS.
[Reud September 23, 1776.]
King's Bridge, September 19, 1776.
SIR: I have this day drawn on you in favour of Colonel
Thomas Lowrey, for sixty thousand dollars, for supply of
the Continental troops in New-Jersey, which you will
direct to be paid, and charge the same to my account ac-
cordingly.
I am, most respectfully, sir, your most humble servant,
Jos. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
373
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
374
HUGH HUGHES TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
King's Bridge, September 17, 1776.
SIR: The Commissary-General, and Commissary of Ord-
nance Stores, having complained of two Albany skippers who
have deserted the service without discharging their loading,
one of them named Brooks, has such utensils for supplying
the army with soap and candles, that the business cannot
be carried on without them. The other, named Rolf or
Roff, has ammunition on board, besides sundry articles
belonging to the Quartermaster-General's Department, it is
said. ° It is not known but the first mentioned may have
some things belonging to the same Department also.
As such conduct may immediately be attended with the
worst consequences to the United States, besides setting a
most dangerous and scandalous example, the General has
directed me to acquaint your honourable House therewith,
in order that a suitable remedy may be timely applied.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, your
most obedient, and very humble servant,
HUGH HUGHES,
Assistant Quartermaster-General.
To the Hon. the President of the Convention of the State
of New-York.
THADDEUS CRANE TO MAJOR JOSEPH BENEDICT.
Salem, Westchester County, New-York, September 17, 1776.
DEAR SIR : 'Tis with regret I address you on the follow-
ing subject. I have left no stone unturned to the end
the opposition to our cause which has so wickedly pre-
vailed here might be suppressed. I find my neighbours
inflexibly determined to fill up the measure of their guilt
to the brim. The present situation of our enemy has so
spirited up our Tories that, except our Convention pro-
vide some immediate remedy, I shall be drove to the
disagreeable necessity of seeing our important measures
obstructed by the men whose principles I abhor, and
make no attempt to detect their machinations. I have
several times lately been called upon to execute orders with
which it has not been in my power to comply, and am
continually liable to misfortunes of this kind — a circumstance
with which I am extremely disobliged. However, sir, I
might tell you that such is the state of the neighbourhood
in which I am unhappily situated, that except some more
effectual measures are taken, and that speedily, I might with
some few of my good neighbours, suppress my sentiments
through fear of falling under the resentment of a set of
abandoned fellows, of whose cruel designs we want no proof.
But, sir, 'tis needless for me to dwell on a subject with
which you are so well acquainted. I would only suggest to
you what I think might be done, through which your friends
might be relieved, and the general cause served. If you
should concur in sentiment with me, I beg the favour of you
that you wait on the honourable Convention of this State,
and through our members petition the House, that Captain
Samuel Dellivan be commissioned to raise a company of
twenty-five or thirty men, for the purpose of awing and
detecting those insulting villains ; his known character is
a sufficient recommend to all who know him. He has,
I think, every qualification requisite to such appointment,
his situation very convenient.
On the whole, sir, I beg leave to suggest to you that the
removal of a number of persons from this and other parts
of our County is absolutely necessary, and that advantage
which may be expected therefrom, depends on it being
speedily done.
I am, sir, with much esteem, your very humble servant,
THADDEUS CRANE,
Chairman of the Committee.
To Major Benedict, Cortlandt's Manor.
DUTCHESS COUNTY (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE.
In Committee, Dutchesa County, September 17, 1776.
It having been suggested to this Committee by the dep-
uties from this County in Convention that the quorum at
present necessary to represent the County, being five, was
too numerous, and that by means thereof was frequently
deprived of a voice in the Convention,
Resolved, therefore, That the number of the quorum be
reduced from five to three, and accordingly that of the nine
Deputies to represent this County in the Convention of the
Representatives of this State, any three of them be a quorum
for that purpose.
By order: EGBERT BENSON, Chairman.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 17, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Your favour of the 15th instant, was
delivered me by Mr. Egberts about half after twelve, this
day. I immediately attempted, but in vain, to procure the
articles mentioned in the list you enclosed. Not an inch of
such cordage was to be had. I therefore despatched two
batteaus, with a most pressing letter to Mr. Van Zandt, at
Poughkeepsie. The batteaus went off before two o'clock,
with positive orders to the officer to go without delay, both
in the night and day, so that 1 hope soon to receive the
cordage, which will be forwarded from hence in wagons, the
moment it arrives, with orders to procure fresh horses on
the roads, that you may receive it the soonest possible.
The bearer is Major Livingston, my aid-de-camp, who
goes on a visit to Tyonderoga. His amiable disposition will
entitle him to your attention whilst he stays.
I am, dear General, yours most sincerely, &tc., &z.c.
PH. SCHUYLER.
To Hon. General Gates, &ic., &.c.
PETITION FROM NEW-HAVEN TO THE GOVERNOUR, ETC., OF
CONNECTICUT.
New-Haven, September 17, 1776.
The memorialists, from their maritime situation, are mpre
exposed to the destructive measures of our internal enemies,
than their brethren who live more remote from the sea-coast ;
as the conveyance of intelligence to the British army, who
are now in possession of the whole of Long-Island, is liable
to less interruption, than if there was a tract of inhabited
country to travel through, before the camps of our enemies
could be entered. These circumstances, added to a full
persuasion and belief that there are persons, now residents
in this town, who at least would rejoice at the loss of our
liberties, and, we fear, contribute to the obtaining that end,
induce us to approach your Honours on the present occa-
sion. We should esteem ourselves very unfortunate, should
we, in our zeal for the preservation of our liberties, entertain
jealousies of any that are really friends to our country ; but
if an early disapprobation of Congressional measures ; fre-
quent assertions that we should certainly be overcome ; that
it was in vain to enter the lists against so potent a Power as
Great Britain ; invariably treating with singular marks of
approbation the professed enemies of American liberty ; in
short, if an uniformity of conduct, the completion of which
bears striking marks of their suspected character, will justify
suspicion, we flatter ourselves we shall stand acquitted by
your Honours of the imputation of feigning our fears.
Your Honours will permit us to point out the persons we
have particularly in view: Abiathar Camp, James Curgen-
ven, William Glen, Edward Carringto?i, Ambrose fftard,
and Ralph Isaacs, are the men we have in our eye ; besides
particular acts and expressions of these men, which will
admit of no construction but what pronounces them un-
friendly to the general cause, they have by the whole tenour
of their conduct, evinced to us most clearly the same point.
We therefore consider their residence among us to be dan-
gerous to our safety. We are every night exposed to be
destroyed by our open enemies ; we live on their borders,
separated only by a few miles of water, the absolute com-
mand of which is in their hands ; our internal enemies, inti-
mately acquainted with our harbours and our defenceless
situation, can introduce them into our houses, can involve
us, our property, our wives, and our little ones in ruin, before
we apprehend their approach. The great law of self-
preservation, therefore, calls upon us to leave no avenue
unguarded — no measure that will procure our safety unes-
sayed. As the laws of this State have not provided a
remedy adequate to the evil, we are under the necessity of
applying to your Honours for your interposition in our
behalf; praying that your Honours would order and decree,
that the aforementioned persons be removed to some interiour
part of the country, or that your Honours would in some
other way make provisions for our security. This mode of
375
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
376
procedure, we conceive, is not unprecedented among civil-
ized nations ; and if we are rightly informed, was very
recently adopted in a neighbouring State, with regard to
persons whose conduct had not afforded more grounds of
jealousy than the conduct of those persons we have pointed
out to your Honours.
And your memorialists, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
Lamberton Smith,
James Gilbert,
Thomas Wilmott,
Allen Mather,
Jonathan Osborne,
John Scott,
Josiah Burr,
Ather Jervis,
Abel Burrit,
Michael Todd,
Nathaniel Fitch,
Samuel Munson,
Edward Meloy,
David Gilbert,
Silas Merriman,
Jonathan Edwards,
Amos Gilbert,
Samuel Horton,
Zephaniah Hatch,
Ezekiel Hotchkiss,
William Scolt,
John Ailing,
David Osborne,
John Mire,
Jer'h Parmalee, Jr.,
Ebenezer Lines,
Caleb Hotchkiss,
Hezekiah Parmalee,
Stephen Bradley,
Pierpont Edwards
John Wise,
Samuel Wilmott,
Eliphalet Brush,
William Doak,
Samuel Huggma,
David Dongal,
Joseph Peck,
Fitch Allin,
Joel Gilbert,
Joseph Hull,
Timothy Bradley,
Henry Daggett,
Samuel Clark,
H«zekiahSabin,Jr.
Elms Beam,
Caleb Ford,
Robert Townsend,
Isaac Dooliltle,
Silas Kimberly,
Ebenezer Townsend, Isaac Sears,
Jacob Daggett, Samuel Green,
Benj. Dorchester,
Benjamin Brown,
John Sherman, Jr
Isaac Bishop,
Phmeas Bradley,
Paul Noyce,
Stephen Peck,
Jonathan Brigden,
Nathan Beers,
Giles Mansfield,
John Storrs, Jr.,
James Prescott,
Samuel Thatcher,
Israel Munaon,
William Punderson,
Gold Sherman,
Samuel Squire,
Isaac Gorham,
David Woodin,
Stephen Herrick,
Jacob Pinto,
Abraham Pinto,
Jonathan Austin,
Isaac Jones,
Major Lines,
I. Co
Tuley Blakslee,
Ezekiel Eays,
David Beecher,
Job Potler,
Samuel Clark,
Jonathan Brown,
Joseph Mix,
Stephen Sanford,Jr.,
Jonathan Mire,
Stephen Pardee,
Samuel Griswold,
Enoch Moultrop,
Aaron Gilbert,
John Hotchkiss,
Nathan Dummer,
John Denison,
Joseph Smith.
. Cosens Ogden,
John Luthrop,
Stephen Hotchkiss,
John Benham,
Asa Hotchkiss,
John Pierpont,
Philip Binford,
A true copy, as on file. Attest :
BENJAMIN HUNTING-TON, Clerk.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety,
September 27, 1776:
Upon the Memorial of Isaac Doolittle and others, inhab-
itants of the Town of New-Haven, setting forth the fears and
apprehensions they are under on account of sundry persons
suspected of being inimical to the liberties of America;
praying this Board to take the matter up, and order and
decree such suspected persons to be removed, Sic., as per
Memorial, dated September 17, 1776;
Voted, That the consideration of said Memorial, and the
matters therein contained, be referred to the honourable
General Assembly, to be holden at New-Haven, on the
second Thursday of October next ; and that in the mean
time a citation go forth thereon, to cite said suspected per-
sons therein complained of, to appear before said Assembly,
to make answer thereto; and that the civil authority, Select-
men, and Committee of Inspection for said town, be directed
to make inquiry, and collect the evidence relating thereto,
and lay the same before said Assembly, that justice may be
done thereon.
A true copy of record. Attest :
BENJAMIN HUNTING-TON, Cleric.
On the final trial Ralph Isaacs and Abiathar Camp were
found guilty.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saybrook, September 17, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : I send you a duplicate
receipt and appraisal of the arms taken on Long-Island ;
they are valued extremely low, owing to their having been
much rusted, and want of judgment in the appraisers ; I
hope it will be no temptation to their being kept from the
State of New-York, as the want of them is great, and they
can no ways be supplied for the value affixed.
I think, I informed your Honour in my last, that I had
taken a prisoner accused of a capital crime, viz : carrying
on an intercourse with our enemies ; he has since been
before the Committee of Saybrook, and confessed that he
having been told the contents of a letter delivered him for
the purpose of carrying it to Lord Howe, and that he did
carry said letter to Lord Howe, and that the purport of said
letter was to inform General Howe some arms taken from
the people of Easthampton, by order of Colonel Gardiner
in the King's name, had been retaken by the subjects of the
States on this side the water ; that the towns of South and
Easthampton did send this letter to avoid the imputation
of being in connection with us. Thus much I collected
from Mr. HoweFt own confession. The Committee have
thought proper to permit him his parole to remain in the
County of Colchester ; as this appears very singular to me,
that a criminal accused of a capital crime, should be per-
mitted to be at large previous to his trial, I have thought
proper to remit your Honour an account of it ; that if possible
this matter may be rectified if wrong. Few men would pay
much regard to their honour, when life is at stake. I should
have proceeded early this morning for Long-Island, but the
wind and tide being both contrary, prevents.
I remain your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Honour Governour Trumbull.
Saybrook, September 14, 1776.
Received of Colonel Henry B. Livingston, sixty-nine
arms, valued, marked and appraised as above. These arms
are delivered on condition they be returned to said Colonel
Henry B. Livingston, or his order, unless taken in war by
our enemies, they being only a loan in the present emer-
gency. One hundred cartouch-boxes and sixty-nine bayo-
nets being included.
(Duplicate.) SAMUEL COIT, Colonel.
PROVIDENCE (RHODE-ISLAND) TOWN MEETING.
At a Town-Meeting of the Town of Providence, legally
warned and assembled on the 17th day of September, A. D.
1776. Captain John Updike, Moderator.
This meeting being especially called pursuant to an order
of a meeting of the Committee appointed to act during the
recess of the General Assembly, held at the Court-House in
Newport, on the 12th day of September. A. D. 1776, to raise
the Town's proportion of the Battalion of Militia ordered
for New-York; and the Town having taken the said order
of said Committee into consideration, do thereupon vote and
resolve, that in order to raise this Town's proportion of said
Battalion with as much expedition as possible, the sum of
six pounds lawful money be given as a bounty to each
soldier who voluntarily inlists himself into said Battalion as
one of this Town's proportion thereof; and that the Town
Treasurer be requested immediately to hire a sufficient sum
of money for this purpose.
Voted, That Messrs. Daniel Hawkins, Joseph Fuller,
David Bacon, James Arnold, and Nathaniel Wheaton,
Esq., be a Committee to number the male persons suitable
to bear arms in the Town of Providence.
Voted, That Colonel Jabez Bowen be empowered to
inlist men for this Town's proportion of the battalion afore-
said, until the officers are appointed.
MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY TO WILLIAM BRADFORD.
Watertown, September 17, 1776.
SIR: We have your letter of the 13th instant, and would
now inform you that in consequence of orders issued by this
Court some days since, (he most vigorous exertions are now
making to detach as large a proportion of the Militia of this
State as it's supposed can possibly be spared, to march to
the aid of the army at New- York, with the utmost expe-
dition. Since the issuing these orders, we have been re-
quested by the honourable Congress to send one regiment
of our Militia to Rhode-Island, to supply the place of one
of the Continental regiments ordered from thence. Where-
upon that part of our Militia to be raised in the Counties of
Plymouth and Barnstable were destined to Rhode-Island,
and Major-General Warren was commanded to give the
necessary orders therefor. But as this regiment is to take
the care of a number of whale-boats as far as Rhode-Island,
agreeable to Governour Trumbuirs proposal in a letter now
come to hand, their arrival with you may be in some meas-
ure delayed ; but you may be assured that every means will
be used to get them there as soon as possible.
To the Hon. William Bradford.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WARREN.
Council Chamber, September 17, 1776.
You are hereby directed and commanded to give orders to
the Brigadiers of the Counties of Plymouth and Barnstable,
377
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
378
to cause the men drafted from their respective brigades, in
consequence of the resolves of the General Assembly of this
State, of the 12th and 13th instant, to march as soon as may
be to Falmouth, or Buzzard's Buy, in the County of Barn-
stable, and to Dartmouth, in the County of Bristol, with their
baggage, or such part of them as may be necessary, there
to take charge of sixty whale-boats, to be provided by a
Committee of the General Assembly, and in said boats, with
all possible despatch, to proceed to Rhode-Island, and them
Philadelphia, September 18, 1776.
Yesterday arrived the Continental brig Andrew Doria,
Captain Biddle, from a cruise, in which he took six vessels,
viz: ship Molly, Brigder Goodrich, late belonging to Mr.
Jonathan Hudson, of Maryland, and brig Peggy, Cook,
both prizes of Lord Dunmore's, bound from Virginia to
Bermuda; brig Elizabeth, Captain Johnson, a prize taken
by the English, from Cape-Fear, North- Carolina, for Ber-
muda; brig Lawrence, Captain Layburn, from Barbadoes
to deliver to the Hon. Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Governour of to Newfoundland, and two other brigs, in ballast, from Vir-
said State. Hereof fail not, and make return of your doings ginia, with Tories, for Bermuda. The two latter, being
as soon as may be. short of water and provisions, he let go.
To Major-General Warren. % sundry gentlemen who arrived from New-York yes-
terday and the day before, we collect the following intelli-
gence: That last Monday General Washington having
received intelligence that an advanced party of the enemy
was approaching his lines at Harlem, he prepared to attack
them with one party in front, whilst another attacked them
in the rear, to prevent their retreat, which was nearly
effected, when the enemy, after a smart engagement, se-
cured their retreat under cover of their men-of-war in the
East River. Colonel Knowlton commanded one party, and
Major Leitch the other — the former killed, and the latter
wounded. That the Regulars had lost thirty men killed ;
that we had taken three field-pieces, and lost only five men.
We are also informed that on Sunday evening last our peo-
ple had sent three fire-ships down upon the enemy's fleet,
one of which had grappled with a man-of-war; but the man-
of-war disentangling herself, they burnt to the water's edge
without doing any damage.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENS. FARLEY AND PRESCOTT.
In Council, September 17, 1776.
As one-fifth part of the Militia in this State are ordered
to march to reinforce the .army at New-York, and as you
may be called to take the command of a brigade appointed
to that service, you are ordered to hold yourself in readiness
to march with said Militia on the shortest notice. If there
is any thing in the situation of your affairs which will pre-
vent your taking this command, you will immediately inform
the Council thereof, that some other person may be called
on to march in your stead.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
To Brigadiers Farley and Prescott.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAPE NICOLA MOLE, DATED
SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
The French here are, to a man, in favour of America.
There are ten thousand men in this island, one thousand
here, who, with five hundred Negroes, are busy employed
in building forts, and a French war is inevitable. A French
frigate arrived the other day from France, with orders to
the General to protect all American vessels. A pilot boat
sm WILLIAM HOWE T0 LORD «EORGE GERMAINE.
Head-Quarters, York-Island, September 21, 1776.
.^Y LORD: I have the satisfaction to inform your Lord-
smP °^ ™s Majesty's troops being in possession of the City
New-York.
, „ r.. UP00 tlle Rebels abandoning their lines at Brooklyn, the
belonging to a merchant in Philadelphia, was taken the day King's army moved from Bedford, leaving Lieutenant-
before yesterday and sent to Jamaica; a French frigate of General Heister encamped upon the Heights of Brooklyn,
thirty-six guns, and a guarda-costa, which last hoisted Con- w'1^ two brigades of Hessians and one brigade of British
tinental colours, were immediately sent after her, with orders at Bedford, and took five positions in the neighbourhood
to follow her into Port-Royal harbour, if they could not °^ Newtown> Bushwick, Hell-Gate, and Flushing.
overtake her before, and demand her. What will be the T*16 two k'anck °f Montresor and Buchanan were oc-
consequences time will discover. The French were very cuP'ed, a"d batteries raised against the enemy's work at
much exasperated at her being taken, which was within two Daren's Hook, commanding the passage at Hell-Gate.
On the 15th instant, in the morning, three ships of war
passed up the North River as far as Bloomingdale, to draw
the enemy's attention to that side; and the first division of
troops, consisting of the Light Infantry, the British Reserve,
the Hessian Grenadiers, and Chasseurs, under the command
of Lieutenant-General Clinton, having with him Lieutenant-
leagues of the land.
PETITION OF CAPTAIN FULFORrj's ARTILLERY COMPANY.
The humble Petition of Captain JOHN FULFORD'S Com-
pany, the Royal Train of Artillery, or Second MARY-
LAND Matrosses, humbly showeth :
That your worthy patriots, that are filled with a due sense
General Earl Cornwallis, Major-General Vaughan, Briga-
dier-General Leslie, and Colonel Donop, embarked at The
of liberty, and were inlisted under the banners of the same, head of Newtown Creek, and landed about noon upon New-
and are ready to advance into the field at a moment's call, York Island, three miles from the town, at a place called
and there to fight our daring foes in the present cause and Kepp's Bay, under the fire of two forty-gun ships and three
behalf of America, and, in the highest spirits, like the bold *-'— *~
soldier, willing to go to the field conquering and to conquer,
undaunted like tyrants, not fearing to die, you will give them
a hearing.
Gentlemen, from the great veracity and confidence that King's troops landing at ^Stuyvesant's Cove, Horen's Hook,
we repose in your Honours, we hope, therefore, that you and at Harlem, which they had reason to conclude, Kepp's
frigates, as per margin,* Commodore Hotham having the
direction of the ships and boats.
The Rebels had troops in their works round Kepp's Bay,
but their attention being engaged in expectation of the
will allow us, most "honourable gentlemen, an addition to our
pay, in order to alleviate our pain, and for our laborious
work, and most fatiguing in life, and much more so than any
company has gone through hitherto; namely, in building or
assisting to build fortifications or batteries, together, most
honourable gentlemen, with the hard fatigues of guard,
namely, once every other day mounting, and still, gentle-
men, we are resolved that our motto shall be, Death or Glory.
TM C. _* 1 LI _ - __»!_._ _•'
Bay became only a secondary object of their care. The
fire of the shipping being so well directed and so incessant,
the enemy could not remain in their works, and the descent
was made without the least opposition.
The conduct of the officers of the navy does them much
honour; and the behaviour of the seamen belonging to the
ships of war and transports employed to row the boats, was
highly meritorious. Much praise in particular is due to the
Therefore, most honourable gentlemen, we hope your Hon- masters and men of six transports that passed the town on
ours will take your poor petitioners' petition into your most
serious consideration, and consult deliberately thereon, and
give us a grant, most honourable gentlemen, of something
more than our present pay, which will make a retaliation o°
recompensation for our hard duty. And in so doing we shall
be in duty bound to pray, most honourable gentlemen.
THE ROYAL TRAIN OF ARTILLERY.
God bless the Congress and direct our General !
Annapolis, September 18, 1776.
the evening of the 14th, under a heavy fire, being volunteers,
to take troops on board for the more speedy disembarkation
of the second division.
The British immediately took post upon the commanding
height of Inclenberg, and the Hessians movin^ towards
New- York, fell in with a body of Rebels that were retiring
from Stuyvesant's Cove; some firing ensued, by which a
Brigadier-General, other officers, and several men of the
•Phoenix, Roebuck, Orpheus, Caryafort, Rose.
379
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
380
Rebels were killed and wounded, with the loss of four men
killed and eight wounded on the part of the Hessians.
As soon as the second embarkation was landed, the
troops advanced towards a corps of the enemy upon a
rising ground three miles from Inclenberg, towards King's
Bridge, having McGowan's Pass in their rear, upon which
they Immediately retired to the main body of their army
upon Morris's Height.
The enemy having evacuated New-York soon after the
ariny landed, a brigade took possession of the works in the
evening.
The prisoners made in the course of this day were about
twenty officers and three hundred men. The enclosed re-
turn will show the artillery and stores taken.
The position the King's army took on the 15th in the
evening, was with the right to Horen's Hook, and the left at
the North River, near to Bloomingdale, the Rebel army
occupying the ground with extensive works on both sides
of King's Bridge, and a redoubt with cannon upon a height
on the west side of the North River, opposite to the Blue
Bell, where the enemy have their principal work, in which
positions both armies still continue.
On the 16th, in the morning, a large party of the enemy
having passed under cover of the woods, near to the ad-
vanced posts of the army, by way of Vanderwater' s Height,
the Second and Third Battalions of Light Infantry, supported
by the Forty-Second Regiment, pushed forward and drove
them back to their entrenchments, from whence the enemy
observing they were not in force, attacked them with near
three thousand men, which occasioned the march of the
reserve with two field-pieces, a battalion of Hessian Grena-
diers, and the company of Chasseurs, to prevent the corps
engaged from being surrounded ; but the Light Infantry and
Forty-Second Regiment, with the assistance of the Chasseurs
and field-pieces, repulsed the enemy with considerable loss,
and obliged them to retire within their works. The enemy's
loss is not ascertained ; but from the accounts of deserters
it is agreed that they had not less than three hundred killed
and wounded, and among them a Colonel and Major killed.
We had eight officers wounded, most of them very slightly,
fourteen men killed, and about seventy wounded.
Major-General Vaughan was slightly wounded in the
thigh, on the 15th, by a random shot, as he was ascending
the Heights of Inclenberg with the Grenadiers ; and I have
the pleasure of informing your Lordship that Lieutenant-
Colonel Monckton is so well recovered he has been walking
about some days.
Captain Balfour, my second Aid-de-Camp, will have
the honour of delivering your Lordship this despatch ; and
with the most profound respect, I have the honour to be,
&c<) W. HOWE.
To Lord George Germaine.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM VICE-ADMIRAL LORD VISCOUNT
HOWE, TO MR. STEVENS, DATED EAGLE, NEW-YORK RIVER,
SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
I have the satisfaction of being able to inform their Lord-
ships that a disposition having been made for landing the
army on York-Island, on the morning of the 15th, the
Captains Parker and Wallace, whose abilities and distin-
guished resolution point them out for the most important
services, with the Captains Fanshaiv, Hamond, and Hud-
son, officers of great merit, passed the fire of the town of
New-York with their ships on the evening of the 13th, to
wait off Bushwyck Creek, opposite to Kepp's Bay, where
the landing was proposed to be forced in the East River.
The flat-boats, batteaus, and galleys, under the direction
of Commodore Hotham, but arranged in divisions com-
manded by the Captains Vandeput, Caldwtll, Dickson,
Coalfield, Phipps, and Molloy, and the Lieutenant Ho-
worth, of the Eagle, assisted by the Lieutenants Henry,
Parry, Chads, and Bristow, agents of transports, were
manned from the two-decked ships and transports, as on the
former debarkation, and sent up at different times under the
shore of Long-Island, undiscovered by the enemy on the
opposite side.
Six transports, which Messrs. Robert Roughcad, Richard
Fowler, John Randall, Thomas Brown, Chambers,
and Stuart, (the different masters making a volun-
tary offer of their services,) engaged to conduct, were sent
up the East River on the 14th, under the direction of the
agent, Lieutenant Knowles, with Lieutenant Laird, whose
active assistance in the most fatiguing parts of the debarka-
tion duty, the conveyance of the artillery, has marked his
zeal for the King's service in a particular manner. They
were appointed to take in a number of troops from Bush-
wyck, lor facilitating the more timely support of the first
division embarked in the flat-boats at Newtown Creek.
The pilots declining on account of the strength of the
tide to take charge of the particular covering ships that were
intended to be placed towards Hell-Gate, for countenancing
the appearance of a descent on that part of the coast, all
the five were placed in Kepp's Bay on the morning of the
15th, and having, by the etfect of their well-directed fire,
compelled the Rebels to quit their entrenchments upon the
shore, the debarkation was made without further opposi-
tion.
The General's publick acknowledgments addressed to the
Commodore and the several officers and seamen employed,
will be the best testimony I can render of their meritorious
services on this occasion.
In order to facilitate the operations of the army in the
East River, another detachment of the ships of war was
appointed by the General's desire, to proceed up the North
River to give jealousy to the enemy on this side. The
Renown, Captain Banks, with the Captains Davis and
Wilkinson in the Repulse and Pearl, were ordered for that
purpose. They passed the enemy's battery without mate-
rial injury early on the 15th, to a station about six miles to
the northward of the town. On the ensuing night the
enemy directed four fire-vessels in succession against them,
but with no other effect than that of obliging the ships to
move their stations, the Repulse excepted. The Renown
returned on this side the town, but the two frigates remain
still in the North River, with the Tryal armed schooner, to
strengthen the left flank of the army, extending to the
western shore of York-Island, as circumstances will ad-
mit.
SIR WILLIAM HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE.
Head-Cluarters, York-Island, September 23, 1776.
MY LORD : Between the 20th and 21st instant, at mid-
night, a most horrid attempt was made by a number of
wretches to burn the town of New- York, in which they
succeeded too well, having set it on fire in several places
with matches and combustibles that had been prepared with
great art and ingenuity. Many were detected in the fact,
and some killed upon the spot by the enraged troops in
garrison ; and had it not been for the exertions of Major-
General Robertson, the officers under his command in the
town, and the brigade of Guards detached from the camp,
the whole must infallibly been consumed, as the night was
extremely windy.
The destruction is computed to be about one quarter of
the town ; and we have reason to suspect there are villains
still lurking there ready to finish the work they have begun,
one person escaping the pursuit of a sentinel the following
night, having declared that he would again set fire to the
town the first opportunity. The strictest search is making
after these incendiaries, and the most effectual measures
taken to guard against the perpetration of their villainous
and wicked designs.
I have the honour to be, &c., W. HOWE.
To Lord George Germaine.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT Or CONGRESS.
[Read September 20, 1776.]
Head-Cluarters at Colonel Roger Morris's House, )
September 18, 1776. J
SIR: As my letter of the 16th contained intelligence of
an important nature, and such as might lead Congress to
expect that the evacuation of New-York and retreat to the
Heights of Harlem, in the manner they were made, would
be succeeded by some other interesting event, I beg leave
to inform them, that as yet nothing has been attempted
upon a large and general plan of attack. About the time
pi the post's departure with my letter, the enemy appeared
in several large bodies upon the plains, about two and a
half miles from hence. I rode down to our advanced posts,
to put matters in a proper situation, if they should attempt
381
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
382
to come on. When I arrived there I heard a firing, which,
I was informed, was between a party of our Rangers under
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Knowlton, and an ad-
vanced party of the enemy. Our men came in and told
me, that the body of the enemy, who kept themselves
concealed, consisted of about three hundred, as near as they
could guess. I immediately ordered three companies of
Colonel Weedon's regiment from Virginia, under the com-
mand of Major Leilch, and Colonel Knowlton with his
Rangers, composed of volunteers from different New-Eng-
land regiments, to try to get in their rear, while a disposition
was making as if to attack them in front, and thereby draw
their whole attention that way.
This took effect as I wished on the part of the enemy.
On the appearance of our party in front, they immediately
ran down the hill, took possession of some fences and
bushes, and a smart firing began, but at too great a distance
to do much execution on either side. The parties under
Colonel Knowlton and Major Leitch unluckily began their
attack too soon, as it was rather in flank than in rear. In a
little time Major Leitch was brought off wounded, having
received three balls through his side ; and in a short time
after Colonel Knowlton got a wound, which proved mortal.
Their men, however, persevered, and continued the engage-
ment with the greatest resolution. Finding that they wanted
a support, 1 advanced part of Colonel Griffith's and Col-
onel Richardson's Maryland regiments, with some detach-
ments from the Eastern regiments, who were nearest the
place of action. These troops charged the enemy with
great intrepidity, and drove them from the wood into the
plain, and were pushing them from thence, having silenced
their fire in a great measure, when I judged it prudent to
order a retreat, fearing the enemy, as I have since found
was really the case, were sending a large body to support
their party.
Major Leitch, I am in hopes, will recover ; but Colonel
Knowlton's fall is much to be regretted, as that of a brave
and good officer. We had about forty wounded ; the num-
ber of slain is not yet ascertained ; but it is very inconsider-
able. By a Sergeant, who deserted from the enemy and
came in this morning, I find that their party was greater
than I imagined. It consisted of the Second Battalion of
Light Infantry, a battalion of the Royal Highlanders, and
three companies of the Hessian Riflemen, under the com-
mand of Brigadier-General Leslie. The deserter reports that
their loss in wounded and missing was eighty-nine, and eight
killed. In the latter, his account is too small, as our people
discovered and buried double that number. This affair I
am in hopes will be attended with many salutary conse-
quences, as it seems to have greatly inspirited the whole of
our troops. The Sergeant further adds, that a considerable
body of men are now encamped from the East to the North
River, between the seven and eight mile-stones, under the
command of General Clinton. General Howe, he believes,
has his quarters at Mr. Apthorp's house.
I have the honour to be, with sentiments of the highest
regard and esteem, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
P. S. I should have wrote Congress by express before
now, had I not expected the post every minute, which I
flatter myself will be a sufficient apology for my delaying it.
The late losses we have sustained in our baggage and
camp necessaries, have added much to our distress, which
was very great before. I must therefore take the liberty of
requesting Congress, to have forwarded, as soon as possible,
such a supply of tents, blankets, camp-kettles, and other
articles, as can be collected ; we cannot be overstocked.
Go. WASHINGTON.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, New- York, September 15, 1776.
(Parole, Eaez.) (Countersign, King's Bridge.)
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 16, 1776.
(Parole, Beall.) (Countersign, Maryland.)
The Arrangement for this Night.
General Clinton to form next to the North River, and
extend to the left. General Scott's Brigade next to General
Clinton's. Lieutenant-Colonel Sayer, of Colonel Griffith's
Regiment, with the three companies intended for a reinforce-
ment to day, to form upon the left of Scott's Brigade.
General Nixon's, Colonel Sargent's division, Colonel Wee-
don's, and Major Price's Regiments are to retire to their
quarters and refresh themselves; but to hold themselves in
readiness to turn out at a minute's warning. General
McDougall to establish proper guards against his brig-
ade upon the height, and every regiment posted upon the
heights, from Morris's house to General McDougall's camp,
to furnish proper guards to prevent a surprise, not less than
twenty men from each Regiment. General Putnam com-
mands upon the right flank to night; General Spencer
from McDougall's brigade up to Morris's house. Should
the enemy attempt to force the pass to night, General
Putnam is to apply to General Spencer for a reinforce-
ment.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 17, 1776.
(Parole, Leilch.)
(Countersign, Virginia.)
The General most heartily thanks the troops commanded
yesterday by Major Leitch, who first advanced upon the
enemy, and the others who so resolutely supported them.
The behaviour of yesterday was such a contrast to that of
some troops the day before, as must show what may be
done, when officers and soldiers will exert themselves.
Once more, therefore, the General calls upon officers and
men to act up to the noble cause in which they are engaged,
and to support the honour and liberties of their country.
The gallant and brave Colonel Knowlton, who would
have been an honour to any country, having fallen yester-
day while gloriously fighting, Captain Brown is to take the
command of the party lately led by Colonel Knowlton.
Officers and men are to obey him accordingly.
The loss of the enemy yesterday would undoubtedly have
been much greater, if the orders of the Commander-in-Chief
had not, in some instances, been contradicted by inferiour
officers, who, however well they may mean, ought not to
presume to direct. It is therefore ordered, that no officer
commanding a party, and having received orders from the
Commander-in-Chief, depart from them without counter
orders from the same authority ; and as many may otherwise
err through ignorance, the Army is now acquainted that the
General's orders are delivered by the Adjutant-General, or
one of his Aids-de-Camp, Mr. Tilghman. or Colonel Moylan,
the Quartermaster-General. m .
Brigade Majors are to attend at Head-Quarters every day
at twelve o'clock, and as soon as possible to report where
their several Brigades and Regiments are posted. If many
Regiments have not been relieved for want of the attend-
ance of their Brigade Majors for orders, it is therefore the
interest and duty of every Brigadier to see that his Brigade
Major attends at twelve o'clock at noon, and five in the
afternoon ; and they are to be careful to make the Adjutants
attend them every day.
The several Majors and Brigadier-Generals are desired
to send to Head-Quarters an account of the places where
they are quartered.
Until some general arrangement for duty can be fixed,
each Brigade is to furnish guards, who are to parade at their
respective Brigadiers' quartern, in such proportions as they
shall direct.
.Such Regiments as have expended their ammunition, or
are otherwise deficient, are immediately to be supplied by
applying to the Adjutant-General for an order; but the
Regiment is to be first paraded, and their ammunition exam-
ined ; the Commanding Officer is then to report how such
deficiency has happened.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 18, 1776.
(Parole, Jersey.)
(Countersign, Newport.)
The Brigade Majors are immediately to settle a Court-
Martial for the trial of prisoners, to meet at the white house
near Head-Quarters.
Commanding Officers of Regiments, and all other officers,
are charged in the strictest manner to prevent all plundering,
and to seize every soldier carrying plunder, whether belong-
ing to the same Regiment or not, or on whatever pretence
it is taken; and the General positively commands that such
plunderer be immediately carried to the next Brigadier, or
Commanding Officer of a Regiment, who is instantly to
have the offender whipped on the spot.
The Regimental Surgeons are to take care of their own
sick for the present, until the General Hospital can be estab-
363
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
384
lishcd on a proper footing. They are to keep as near their
Regiments as possible, and in case of action, to leave the
sick under the care of their mates, and be at hand to assist
the wounded.
Under the pretence of ranging or scouting, the greatest
irregularities and excesses have been committed; the General
therefore forbids, in the most express manner, any such
parties, hut by his leave, or of the Brigadier-General of the
day, in writing, and then always to be under the direction
of an officer. The General does not mean to discourage
patrolling and scouting parties, when properly regulated;
on the other hand, he will be pleased with and accept the
services of any good officers who are desirous of being thus
employed, and will distinguish them.
General Parsons's, General Scott's, and Colonel Sargent's
Brigades are to inarch over King's Bridge, and take Gen-
eral Heath's orders for encamping. Colonels Shee, Magaw,
Haslett, and the Regiment under Colonel Brodhead, are to
return to Mount Washington, and be under the immediate
care of General Mifflin.
Colonel Ward's Regiment, from Connecticut, may, for the
present, be annexed to the Brigade commanded by Colonel
Sargent.
Generals Mifflin's, McDougalCs, Heard' s, Wadsworth's,
and Fellows's Brigades, and the Brigades under the com-
mand of Colonels Silliman and Douglass, are to have each
a Regiment in the field this evening, by Mr. Kortright's
house.
GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO COMMITTEE OF NEW-YORK
CONVENTION.
King's Bridge, September 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Since my last, many matters of importance
to the publick, and more particularly to this State, have
taken place; but I have been so situated as neither to find
leisure or opportunity of communicating them to Congress.
I returned late last night from the command of the picket
or advanced party, in the front of our lines, and was just
sitting down to write to the Convention, and intended send-
ing an express, when I was favoured with yours of yesterday.
About the middle of last week it was determined, for
many reasons, to evacuate the City of New-York; and
accordingly, orders were given for removing the ordnance,
military, and other stores from thence, which, by Sunday
morning was nearly effected. On Saturday, four of the
enemy's large ships passed by the city up the North River,
and anchored near Grenage, and about as many up the
East River, which anchored in Turtle Bay; and from the
movements of the enemy on Long-Island and the small
Islands in the East River, we had great reason to appre-
hend they intended to make a landing, and attack our lines
somewhere near the city. Our army for some days had
been moving upwards this way, and encamping on the
heights, southwest of Colonel Morris's, where we intended
to form lines, and make our grand stand. On Sunday
morning the enemy landed a very considerable body of
troops, principally consisting of their Light Infantry and
Grenadiers, near Turtle Bay, under cover of a very heavy
cannonade from their shipping. Our lines were but thinly
manned, as they were then intended only to secure a retreat
to the rear of our army, and unfortunately by such troops
as were so little disposed to stand in the way of grape-shot
that the main body of them almost instantly retreated, nay,
fled, without a possibility of rallying them, though General
Washington himself, (who rid to the spot on hearing the
cannonade) with some other General Officers, exerted them-
selves to effect it.
The enemy, on landing, immediately formed a line across
the Island. Most of our people were luckily north of it, and
joined the army. The few that were in the city crossed the
river, chiefly to Paulus-Hook, so that our loss in men, artil-
lery, or stores, is very inconsiderable; I don't believe it ex-
ceeds one hundred men, and I fancy most of them, from their
conduct, staid out of choice. Before evening, the enemy
landed the main body of their army, took possession of the
city, and marched up the Island, and encamped on the
heights extending from McGown's and the Black-Horse to
the North River.
On Monday morning, about ten o'clock, a party of the
enemy, consisting of Highlanders, Hessians, the Light In-
fantry, Grenadiers, and English troops, (number uncertain,)
attacked our advanced party, commanded by Colonel
Knowlton, at Martje Davit's Fly. They were opposed
with spirit, and soon made to retreat to a clear field, south-
west of that about two hundred paces, where they lodged
themselves behind a fence covered with bushes. Our peo-
ple attacked them in front, and caused them to retreat a
second time, leaving five dead on the spot. We pursued
them to a buckwheat field on the top of a high hill, distant
about four hundred paces, where they received a considera-
ble reinforcement, with several field-pieces, and there made
a stand. A very brisk action ensued at this place, which
continued about two hours. Our people at length worsted
them a third time, caused them to fall back into an orchard,
from thence across a hollow, and up another hill not far
distant from their own lines. A large column of the
enemy's army being at this time discovered to be in
motion, and the ground we then occupied being rather dis-
advantageous, a retreat likewise, without bringing on a
general action, (which we did not think prudent to risk,)
rather insecure, our party was therefore ordered in, and the
enemy was well contented to hold the last ground we drove
them to.
We lost, on this occasion, Colonel Knowlton, a brave
officer, and sixteen privates, killed. Major Leitch, from
Virginia, and about eight or ten subaltern officers and pri-
vates wounded. The loss of the enemy is uncertain.
They carried their dead and wounded off, in and soon after
the action ; but we have good evidence of their having
upwards of sixty killed, and violent presumption of one
hundred. The action, in the whole, lasted about four
hours.
I consider our success in this small affair, at this time,
almost equal to a victory. It has animated our troops,
gave them new spirits, and erased every bad impression the
retreat from Long-Island, &c., had left on their minds.
They find they are able, with inferiour numbers, to drive
their enemy, and think of nothing now but conquest.
Since the above affair, nothing material has happened.
The enemy keep close to their lines. Our advance parties
continue at their former station. We are daily throwing up
works to prevent the enemy's advancing. Great attention
is paid to -Fort Washington, the posts opposite to it on the
Jersey shore, and the obstructions in the river, which, I
have reason to believe, are already effectual, so as to prevent
their shipping passing ; however, it is intended still to add
to them, as it is of the utmost consequence to keep the
enemy below us.
None of Smith's or Remsen's regiment have yet joined
me, nor do I believe they intend. I have heard that many
have gone over on the Island, and continued there. I have
not been able to get any late account from thence. We
are getting a new supply of Connecticut Militia in here;
if they are not better than the last, I wish they would keep
them at home. I hope, however, they are ; they look better.
A regiment or two lately arrived from Virginia. I can't
recollect any thing else worth mentioning.
I am, with much respect, your most obedient servant,
GEO. CLINTON.
To Henry Wisner, William Allison, Robert R. Livington,
Esq., or either of them, at Fishkill.
P. S. I have lately heard, and believe General Wood-
hull is not dead, as was reported.
We shall want oak plank for platforms, and square tim-
ber. How can it be procured ? I am sure, if left to the
Quartermaster-General, he will not get it in time. The
General desired me to make some inquiries when it may
be had.
MAJOR BENEDICT TO COLONEL DRAKE.
Cortlandt-Manor, September 18, 1776.
SIR: The unhappy situation of our affairs at this most
critical conjuncture, will no doubt sufficiently apologize for
this address to you. Tile state of Cortlandt's Manor and
northern post of Salem you are too well acquainted with to
want any intelligence from me. The almost criminal disaf-
fection of our ungrateful neighbours is, I think, now become
a subject worthy the immediate attention of the guardians
of this State. The present near approach of the enemy has
emboldened our Tories to a most intolerable degree. They
385
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
366
are indeed now prepared for adventures such as till now
they dared not attempt. I am under the painful necessity
of telling you that except the leaders of this baneful herd
can be removed to some remote part of the country, whereby
the mischievous effects of their secret conferences with
their remaining adherents may be prevented, your friends
must not only be insulted as advocates for the cause of our
country, but lie continually under pressing apprehensions of
more important sufferings, through the wicked attachments
of those abandoned fellows, made on their persons or estate.
What horrid crimes they may soon commit Heaven only
knows ; I have no reason from present appearance to think
they are governed by principles of manhood or justice. On
the whole, sir, a delay in this matter for a few days may
prevent all the advantage of such measures as may now be
under deliberation. I think the immediate removal of some
persons is of great, of very obvious importance.
I am, sir, with esteem, your very humble servant,
JOSEPH BENEDICT.
To Colonel Gilbert Drake, Member of the Convention.
day he came away there was a man from Venango that
informs that Butler has sent to them for to come and treat
with him, or else he would send an army to cut them off;
and the Chiefs are all gone to the treaty ; and the Onaguaga
Indians say that if they cannot have help soon they must
either join or do something else. The Onaguaga Indians
say they must have word within ten or twelve days, so as
to know what to do in the affair.
LETTER FROM WILLIAM JOHNSTON.
Tunadilla; September 18, 1776.
An extract of a letter from Mr. Spencer at the Oneidas,
MATE OF A VESSEL ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN TO THE NEW-YORK
CONVENTION.
Left camp 18th September, 1776; about two hundred
sick, principally with a little flux ; most of them fit to stand
on guard at the camp ; none dangerous ; little fever and
ague.
That they have made fascines at Isle-aux-Noix to land
their cannon on ; their cannon in good order ; the army in
general well ; Isk-aux-Noix low land bears clover; a French
family on it ; a large barn on it, which would make a good
barrack ; a dry, fine soil.
Met Lamb opposite to Isle la Motte; they went about
eight knots ; would get to the army in four hoars ; met him
Stanwix, warning the inhabitants to take care, for Butler
was landed at Oswego with one hundred men, Indians and
Canadians; and it is said there is more corning. They
are intended to attack your country in five different places,
viz : German Flat-Stone, Ruby, Mohawk River, the Dela-
ware, and it is supposed the Susquehannah River, too. Now,
you can take care and put yourselves in readiness, and send
word to Coschcthton, and stand your ground, and keep a
Ranging company to watch their roads from Chenango
across to you, and from Oswego and from Tioga. The
people at the Mohawk River are in great confusion, so that
our Tnnadilla people cannot get much help from them.
They have raised three companies, seventy-eight men in
each company, to range in the woods on the frontiers, and
are all employed now; and the country has had an alarm,
occasioned by our scout finding a fire in the woods, and some
fresh pork on sticks roasting by the fire, above Shanackadigo,
up the North River. The scout was so close to them that
they ran up a hill, and it appeared by their tracks to be
about seventeen or eighteen men, and our scouts ran round
the hill, but could not see them. It is supposed they got
their meat from some that support them there; and I hope
that all good people upon Delaware will take particular
care, and not let any disaffected persons be harboured about
you in your woods.
Now, sir, you may see by the above the danger you and
we are in; and as we lie just in the way for the enemy to
make their march to you, and to prevent their so doing, and
Goforth at Isle-aux-Noix ; three companies at Tifonde-
roga, of grey with green ; at Lake George a company,
(Captain Woodward, 25th,) of grey with blue — these were
proceeding; at Albany, 27th, part of three companies, wait-
ing for arms — they were proceeding ; a company from New-
York at Crown Point, only staid a night — 21st, in the
morning, they proceeded ; Stephen McDougall there.
Near three thousand fit for duty ; Major Brown came
with a guard of fifty Canadians and got one hundred men
volunteers, who went to Chamblee ; got safe ; belongs to
Eastern regiment; lives at Sandersjield; about twenty-six
years of age.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September 18, 1776,
Present : His Honour the Governour, his Honour the
Deputy-Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, William Hillhouse, Nathaniel Wales, Jun.,
Benjamin Huntington, and P. M., Titus Hosmer, Esquires.
Voted, That an order be given to Colonel Porter to cast
proper wheels and bed for a Powder-Mill, for Colonel Wil-
liam Pitkin &f Co., for the use of their Powder works at
Hartford ; taking the direction of Colonel Pitkin for the
model thereof.
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £220, in favour
of Colonel William Pitkin, for making of Powder, and to
be in account: (Order drawn September 18, 1776.)
Voted, That this Council do advise his Honour the Gov-
ernour to grant to James Church, of Hartford, a permit to
for our mutual safety, oh! sir, you would do well to use your export a cargo of the value of sixty or seventy pounds to
best endeavours to send us thirty or forty men, to be stationed tne foreign West-Indies, for the purpose of purchasing a
load of Salt, to be brought into this State, for supplying the
inhabitants with that article.
Upon the representation of Colonel Samuel Coit, of the
Eighth Regiment of Militia in this State, that he, by reason
of age and infirmity, is unable to serve in the present expe-
dition as a Colonel in the Militia, now ordered to New-York,
praying his Honour to release him, &.c. :
Voted and Resolved, That said Colonel Coit be, and he
is hereby, excused from said service in the present expedi-
tion, and he has liberty to return home accordingly.
Voted, That this Council do approve of an order drawn
by his Honour the Governour on the Pay-Table, in favour
of Colonel Jonathan Filch, for £1,000, dated September
13, 1776, to be in account.
Voted, That this Council do approve of an order drawn
by his Honour the Governour, September 17, 1776, upon
Colonel William Pitkin, for forty pounds of Powder, in
here for some time at Tunadilla, with store of arms and
ammunition; for we resolve as long as life permits to stand
our grounds if we can have but some assistance. Our Ona-
quagas at the news of Butler's army at Oswego, mustered
up in all speed about twenty-five or thirty of their Chiefs,
and they were pleased in a friendly manner to come out of
their way to tell us not to fear, as yet they would meet their
friends at Oneida to prevent the enemy coming down upon
us, and advise all Indians to lie by and not meddle in the
present dispute ; and if friend Indians would not be advised
to lie neuter, our Indians are gone prepared to make battle
against them ; and if there was any immediate danger they
would send two of their number to inform us. As yet we
have had no account; in four or five days we expect them
here, if they can keep the friend Indians from liftin" the
hatchet against us. What further may be said on this sub-
ject, the bearer, Mr. Carr, can inform.
Your care in this, and answer with speed, will greatly
oblige us, your friends and well-wishers here in general, and
me and mine in particular, who remain yours in all sincere
affection, „,
WILLIAM JOHNSTON.
P. S. This to be laid before your Committee, or such
good friends as will give us immediate aid against approach-
ing danger. Further the bearer informs that the self-same.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
favour of Mr. Asahcl Case, of Norfolk, for town stock,
to be delivered at 5s. 4d. per pound.
Voted, To draw an order on the Pay -Table for £50, in
in favour of Captain Elijah Hide, to enable him to advance
in part of wages of the gentlemen of the Horse under his
command on their expedition to New-York, &c., to be in
account.
Voted, To desire his Honour the Governour to draw on
25
387
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
388
Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston for eight Guns, for the use The sickness here rather abates, and lam persuaded that
of the gentlemen of the Horse on their expedition to New the mortality would not have been nigh so great as it has
been, if the sick had been sent here sooner. Major Loring
and other officers mend that came but lately, and they in-
tend as soon as possible to return to their respective regi-
ments.
Part of the troops that went from here returned last night,
but not all, nor enough to do the duty necessary to be done,
as I am informed. But Colonel Phinney is ready for your
orders, and would have returned now if all the troops had
come back. As for news, we have nothing very late that
is very material.
Wishing, sir, that you may long be continued a great
blessing to the United American States, and that your ene-
mies may fall before you, I subscribe myself your Honour's
most obedient, humble servant,
JOHN CARNES.
York.
Voted, That his Honour the Governour is desired to draw
on the Pay-Table to amount of 20s. per man of the gen-
tlemen of the Horse on their expedition towards New-York,
who are to march under command of Captain Andrew
Lathrop, of Norwich ; said order to be in his favour, and
to be in account.
Whereas great numbers of our distressed friends, inhabit-
ants of Long-Island, by advice and request of the Conven-
tion of New-York, have fled and escaped from the enemy
there, and more are still expected from thence into this
State, in a destitute and helpless condition, and stand in need
of assistance of the people here for their support, there being
no law of this State which fully extends to their case:
Wherefore it is Voted and Resolved by this Council, that
the Committee of Inspection in the several Towns where
such distressed people come, be, and they are hereby, advised
to provide such things as they shall judge necessary for the
support of the people aforesaid, until the sitting of the Gen-
eral Assembly in October next, keeping an exact account
of their expenses thereof, and that they lay the same, with
the circumstances of those people, before said Assembly, for
such orders and advice as they shall give thereon.
It being represented to this Board that many of the
To the Hon. Horatio Gates.
P. S. Colonel Phinney's men are, almost all of them,
used to the water, and understand boating.
OLIVER ELLSWORTH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Hartford, September 18, 1776.
SIR : Your Honour will not, perhaps, expect to be in-
o , , - formed that any accounts of disbursements by this State, for
Troops from this State are returning home sick and wounded, the common safet t,)e t> reinain yet unprepared to
,n,1 tl.nt thpv are exnosed to suffer for want of orooei 1&y before the Continentai Congress for adjustment. This,
however, is the case with regard to all the Commissaries' ac-
counts, none of whom, notwithstanding the Assembly have
ordered, and the Pay-Table Committee by advertisements re-
quested their speedy settlement, have as yet exhibited their
accounts, except Mr. Commissary Bissel, with whom a set-
tlement could not be completed, as he was not, at that time,
possessed of all the requisite vouchers. Your Honour will
please to advise what further steps are to be taken for
and that they are exposed to suffer for want of proper accom
modations and refreshments :
Voted and Resolved, That convenient Hospitals be pro-
vided for the reception and accommodation of the Troops
from the Army at and near New-York, who are sick, on
furlough, or discharged ; that one or more such Hospitals be
procured in every Town between New-Haven and King's
Bridge, in the State of New-York ; that a suitable person
be employed at each of said Hospitals, whose duty it shall
be to see that the same be furnished with provisions and
refreshments for the use of the sick and wounded soldiers
that may be received there, and that they be properly
attended and taken care of therein ; that the Selectmen in
the Towns from New-Haven to Greenwich be appointed
and empowered on behalf of this State, to take up and pro-
vide such Hospitals in their respective Towns, and to procure
proper persons to oversee and furnish said Hospitals as afore-
said, and 'also to examine into the state and circumstances of
sick soldiers belonging to this State on the road home, and
to afford them such assistance as they judge necessary, and
that Mr. Elkanah Tisdale be appointed to provide such
Hospitals in the State of New-York, and appoint overseers
to furnish them as aforesaid ; that an order be drawn on the
Pay-Table to draw upon the Treasurer, to pay said Elkanah
Tisdale the sum of £100 lawful money, to enable him on
his part to carry this Resolve into execution, and render his,
account of the same, and that said Tisdale do communicate
and leave attested copies of this Resolve with several Select-
men aforesaid, and that he do also advise with, and ask the
assistance of, the Committees in the State of New-York, and
also of General Washington, (if necessary,) in executing this
Resolve as aforesaid. (Order drawn and delivered Mr.
Tisdale, September 20, 1776.)
bringing those accounts to a final close, by, sir, your Hon-
our's most respectful and obedient, humble servants,
THOMAS SEYMOUR, for
OLIVER ELLSWORTH.
To the Hon. Governour Trumbull.
MAJOR CARNES TO GENERAL GATES.
Fort George, September 18, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: My Colonel not being very well, I
thought it my duty to acquaint you with it, and with the
progress the regiment has made in the business we came
upon.
The next day after we got here our men were despatched
with flour and other stores for the use of the army with you,
and they continue to carry cattle and stores daily, and have
made great despatch, and to the entire satisfaction of the
gentlemen here.
Colonel Greaton (with whom I came down at his earnest
desire) began, as we thought, to mend upon his coming
here; but for several days has been very ill indeed, and his
life measurably despaired of, and it is now thus. He is very
dangerous. But too much cannot be said in praise of the
Conductor-General, and other gentlemen of the faculty.
They have done every thing for the Colonel, and for others,
that it was possible for men to do.
To the Printer of the CONNECTICUT Courant:
In your Courant of the 2d instant I was advertised as an
enemy to my country; whether injuriously or not, you will
better enable the publick to judge by publishing the fol-
lowing extracts from the Journals of the Assembly of the
State of the Massachusetts-Bay.
The Petition of Charles Goodrich, Esq., of Pittsfeld, in
the County of Berkshire, having been considered, the fol-
lowing Resolve is passed thereon, viz:
"In Council, September 16, 1776.
" Whereas the Committee of the Town of Pittsfidd have
advertised the said Goodrich in the Connecticut Courant of
September 2d, 1776, as an enemy to his country, to the end
that all connections and commercial intercourse be with-
drawn from him till he give satisfaction for his unfriendly
conduct ; and the said Committee have set forth the reasons
of their proceeding against him in this manner, the principal
of which are, 'his having procured to himself a commission
in the King's name, to exercise authority over the people
as a Justice of the Peace, which they seem to have consider-
ed as a submission to British authority; his not paying
a proper regard when he was drafted from the alarm-list
to serve in the expedition against Canada; and his having
joined himself with the most ancient Tories and implacable
etiemies among us.'
"As to the first charge, Mr. Goodrich received a com-
mission from the major part of the Council of this Colony,
of such tenure and form as they judged it proper to adopt,
and such, as far as they could learn, as was agreeable to the
practice of the other Colonies, and agreeable to the senti-
ments of the Congress. The said Committee, therefore, in
exhibiting this charge, have discovered an entire ignorance
of the line of their duty, and great indecency towards the
constitutional authority of this State.
" With regard to the second article of charge, it appears
that Mr. Goodrich considered himself as not liable, by the
.laws of this State, to be drafted from the alarm-list, in such
389
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
390
manner and for such purposes as was intended ; and that
therefore it was he did not yield a ready compliance, ac-
cording to the expectation of the Committee. The other
charges being general, and not supported by any proper
proof or evidence, do not merit attention.
• " Wherefore, it is Resolved, That it does not appear to
this Court that the said Charles Goodrich, Esq., ought to
be stigmatized as an enemy to his country ; but that on the
other hand, we consider him as a friend to the rights of man-
kind, and to the grand cause in which these United States
are engaged.
"In Council, September 16, 1776,
"Read and accepted. Sent down for concurrence.
"JoHN A VERY, Deputy Secretary."
"The foregoing is a true copy of the Resolve on the
Petition of Charles Goodrich, Esq., which passed the hon-
ourable Board, and brought down to the House of Repre-
sentatives, September 16, 1776.
"Attest: SAM. FREEMAN, Clerk"
The following Vote is the reason that a concurrence with
the proceeding was not tried in the House of Representa-
tives, viz:
"In the House of Representatives, September 16, 1776.
" On motion, Voted, That no private matter be taken up
during the present sitting of this Court.
" Extract from the minutes.
"Attest: SAM. FREEMAN, Clerk."
The Committee above referred to are: Valentine Rath-
burn, Joseph Wright, William Francis, Aaron Baker, Jo-
seph Keeler, William Barber, Stepan Crowfoot, James
Noble, and John Strong. If these men, as the honourable
Council have adjudged, ignorant of the line of their duty,
would usurp a power to control their own constitutional
Legislature, and punish with infamy a man for paying a
dutiful respect to their acts and appointments — if these men,
with the cry of liberty, and the misplaced confidence of the
credulous, are aiming at a total dissolution of the powers
of Government, and force a people, made desperate with
anarchy, to seek a refuge in the jaws of British tyranny —
if these are their views, and this the tendency of their con-
duct, they ought to be named to the publick, and guarded
against as the most dangerous species of internal enemies.
I am, sir, your's and the publick's friend and humble
servant, CHARLES GOODRICH.
Pittsfield, September 18, 1776.
PROVIDENCE (RHODE-ISLAND) TOWN-MEETING.
At a Town-Meeting of the Town of Providence, holden
on the 18th day of September, A.D. 1776, by adjournment,
Captain John Updike Moderator :
Voted, That each soldier who inlists himself into this
town's proportion of the Battalion to replace Colonel Rich-
mond's Regiment, equip himself fit for marching to New-
port.
Voted, That the officers be ordered not to inlist any men
out of the neighbouring towns in the County into this town's
proportion of the men for the Battalion now raising to go
upon Rhode-Island, until Saturday, the 21st instant, and
that they inlist the number of forty-three able-bodied men,
as this town's proportion of said Battalion, officers included,
who belong to this town.
Voted, That one hundred small-arms, belonging to the
Town of Providence, be sold and delivered to Colonel John
Matheu-son, for the use of the State, at the price of £3 18*.,
each, and that the money therefor be paid to the Town
Treasurer as soon as may be.
GENERAL LINCOLN TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Boston, September 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : By the late resolve of Court, the General
Officer is to appoint a Brigade Major to each brigade. I
should be glad of your Honours' advice, whether I am con-
fined in the appointment to Militia officers ? There are now
no Brigade Majors in the Militia. It is an office of great
importance, and requires a good degree of knowledge in
military matters. I should be glad of your Honours' ad-
vice, also, whether such an officer may expect allowance
for a horse ? Without one he cannot go; neither can he, in
common case, do without one in camp.
Colonel Crafts will wait on your Honours for an answer.
I am your Honours' most obedient servant,
BENJ. LINCOLN.
TO THE PRINTER OF THE LONDON CHRONICLE.
London, September 19, 1776.
SIR: Observing that the Earl of Chatham's speech in
favour of the Americans is now republished, and circulating
by thousands through the kingdom, will you be pleased, at
this most important crisis, to publish the following extract from
Governour PownalFs celebrated speech in defence of the
Americans, in 1769, which, with all submission, is no way
inferiour to his Lordship's :
" If you attempt to force taxes against the spirit of the
people of America, you will find, when perhaps it is too
late, that they are of a spirit which will resist all force,
which will grow stronger by being forced — will prove
superiour to all force — and ever has been unconquerable :
they are of a spirit to abide, nay, to court persecution :
and if, amongst other propositions which they have taken
up, they should once take it into their heads, that they are
under a state of persecution, that spirit of enthusiasm
which is of their temper, and of their very nature, will arise,
and every mischievous consequence, in every extreme, will
accompany it.
" This spirit is not dead in them ; it is only dormant; the
utmost care and skill of those who lead them, either in
civil or religious matters, is employed to restrain and keep
it down. If this spirit should once take fire — and believe
me, sir, it is in such a state of inflammability, that the
smallest spark would give it fire — it will break out into a
flame, which no reason, no prudence, no force, can restrain :
those who yet retain some lead, and have kept matters from
running to extremities, to whom the people still listen — will
either lose that lead, or will take the lead of this spirit when
it shall be once gone forth — and if the ministers (whom we
here call the clergy) once fall in with this spirit, if the
people once call on them, they must take the lead — and if
they do, the people (to use their own phrase) will be led by
Moses and Aaron, by the civil and religious, under a bond
of unity that no factions will divide, no force can break.
" The spirit of their religion will, like Moses' serpent,
devour every other passion and affection ; their love for the
mother country, changing its nature, will turn to the bitterest
hate ; their affectation of our modes and fashions (the pre-
sent source of great part of our commerce) will become
an abomination in their sight.
" That spirit which led their ancestors to break off from
every thing which is near and dear to the human heart ;
from every connection which friendship, relation, blood,
could give; which led them to quit every comfort that
a settled and civilized country (their own native country)
could afford ; and to encounter every difficulty and distress,
which a wild wilderness of savages could oppose to them ;*
to struggle even for their existence, — that spirit equally strong,
and equally inflamed, has but a slight and trifling sacrifice
to make at this time; they have not to quit their native
country, but to defend it ; they have not to forsake their
friends and relations, but to unite with and stand by them, in
one common union. The only sacrifice they have to make is,
that of a few follies and a few luxuries. It is not necessity
that is the ground of their commerce with you ; it is merely
the affectation of our modes and customs: the love for home,
as they call England, that makes them like every thing
which comes from thence ; but passion may be conquered
by passion, and they will abominate as sincerely as they
now love you ; and if they do, they have within themselves
every thing which is necessary to the food, raiment, or the
dwelling of mankind, and have no need of your commerce.
" But, that gentlemen may not think this to be mere
harangue, I will come to particulars. They have a great
surplusage of hides; and leather hides are even part of their
exports. They have peltry. They have wool, linen, and
cotton. They work up all these, and have home-made and
home-spun sufficient for their clothing. They have fish,
game, beef, mutton, and every other article, at about one-
third of the price which we pay here ! They have iron
* See Ilutcliinson's history, as he calls it.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
392
and copper, which they cast and work up in every form
that is necessary. The only difficulty which they have at
first to lahour against, will be the manufacture of hardware.
But when I lell the House that they do already make all
the implements of husbandry better than those which come
to them from England — and that the husbandmen buy
such in preference to those made in England — they will
see how large a stride they have taken towards the estab-
lishment of this branch of business; and (overloaded, from
various reasons, as every branch of our manufactures is with
manufacturers,) if a stop be put to them but for one year!
The tide is on the turn ; the manufacturers with the turn of
that tide, will go over in shoals to America, as they once
came over hither from the Netherlands. If it be not the
humour of the House to bear to be told this now, they will
remember it hereafter.
" In one word. If the spirit of the Americans should
once arise upon the idea of persecution, those people
whom Great Britain hath, to this hour, drawn as it were
with a thread, and whom it has governed, as you have been
ingeniously told, * with a little paper and pack thread,
you will not, for the future, be able to govern it with a rod
of iron : and every benefit which this country has derived
from that country, will be stopped at every source.
" If it be not the humour of the House to believe this at
present, I only beg they will remember it has been said,
and that they are forewarned of it."
Is it possible that any man living could have foretold
with greater precision, the precise crisis that hath now, in
this our day, come into event? Could an angel from
Heaven have spoken more to the purpose ? Yet this did
not please ; a certain late Governour's hypocritical epistles
and criminal misrepresentations suited better, and for which
he now enjoys an enormous pension, while Mr. Pownall
(really the King's friend) has nothing at all from Govern-
ment.
I am, sir, your most obliged, humble servant,
AN AMERICAN.
TO THE PRINTER OF THE LONDON CHRONICLE.
London, September 19, 1776.
SIR : I confess I was once an advocate for the Americans;
their claim to be exempted from Parliamentary taxation
seemed to me to be founded in justice ; and I thought it
was equitable at least to give them security against an
oppressive exercise of it. But some of their late proceed-
ings have convinced rne that their opposition is not dictated
by true patriotism, but by a spirit of tyranny and des-
potism. I shall not insist on their having destroyed
the liberty of the press, and preventing any thing from
being published amongst them, which controverted the
measures of the Congress ; I shall not mention their having
obliged peaceable citizens, at the peril of the loss of their
lives and fortunes, to subscribe associations, however con-
trary to their principles and opinions. Some of the late
resolutions of the Provincial Congress at New-York, must
fill the mind of every good man, of every friend to the rights
of humanity, with indignation and horrour. We there find
these pretended advocates for freedom audaciously depriving
their fellow-citizens of the common privilege of investigation
and speech, precluding them of the benefit of trial by jury,
subjecting them to punishments by ex post facto laws, and
exposing to the mercy of an unconstitutional and inquisi-
torial judicatory, the fortunes and lives of those whom they
may determine have spoken disrespectful of their proceed-
ings, or controverted their authority. A judicatory, indig-
nant reader ! which may be composed of men who may at
the same time act in the capacity of accusers, legislators,
and judges, and enjoy the forfeited estates of those who may
be so unhappy as to fall under their sentence. Are these
the men for whom Englishmen are contending? Is the
happiness of thousands to be sacrificed, to aggrandize riches
like these? Shall the sacred name of Liberty be made the
instrument to glut the avarice, the tyranny, of such enemies
to civil society ? I beg leave only to insert an extract from
the resolves of the Provincial Congress, which met at New-
York, on September 1, 1775, and submit it to the perusal
of every impartial Briton:
"Resolved, That if any person or persons shall hereafter
deny or oppose the authority of the Continental or this
» By Mr. Burke.
Congress, or the Committee of Safety, or the Committees of
the respective Counties, Cities, Towns, Manors, Precincts or
Districts, in this Colony, or dissuade any person or persons
from obeying the recommendations of the Continental or this
Congress, or the Committee of Safety, or Committees afore-
said, and be thereof convicted before the Committee of the
County, or any thirteen or more of their number, who shall
or may meet upon a general call of the Chairman of the
Committee where such person or persons may reside,
that such Committee shall cause such offenders to be dis-
armed, and for the second offence they shall be committed
to close confinement at their respective expense; and in
case any of the said Committees are unable to carry this or
any resolution into execution, they are hereby directed to
apply to the next County Committee, or Commanding Offi-
cer of the Militia, &tc., for necessary assistance, as the case
may require. But if it shall so happen, that any violators of
this resolution shall reside in a County where there is no
Committee of the County, in that case the matter shall be
triable before the Committee of the next County, &c.
"Resolved, further, That the respective Committees and
the Militia of the several Counties by order of their respec-
tive Committees, or of the Commissioned Officer of the
Militia then nearest, are expressly enjoined to apprehend
every inhabitant or resident of this Colony, who now is, or
shall hereafter be discovered to be inlisted, or in arms
against the liberties of America, and to confine such offender
or offenders into safe custody, and his or their punishment
is reserved to the determination of this or some future Pro-
vincial Congress. And the Committee nearest to anv person
who shall be so inlisted, or hath taken up arms against the
liberties of America, are hereby directed to appoint some
discreet person to take the charge of the estate, both real
and personal, of any such person or persons; which person
so appointed, shall be invested with such estate, and render
on oath a just and true acqount thereof to this or some
future Congress, or to Commissioners to be by them
appointed, and pay the issues and profits thereof to the
Treasurer appointed by this Congress for the use of the
associated Colonies."
Thus have these pretended advocates for liberty given us
a true picture of their spirit and designs ; and the best pun-
ishment which can be inflicted on their abettors in this
country, would be to transport them to that, that they may
experience the difference between the mild and equitable
laws of a British Parliament and the tyrannical edicts ol an
American Congress.
1 am, sir, your humble servant, APPIUS.
SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN RUTLEDGE, ESQ., PRESI-
DENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN AND OVER THE STATE
OF SOUTH-CAROLINA, TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MET AT
CHARLESTOWN ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1776.
Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council,
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the General Assembly :
I think it my duty to pay this tribute of applause to those
brave troops, who, in repelling the formidable British
armament which attacked them on Sullivan's Island, vainly
flattering themselves with an assurance of easy conquest,
displayed firmness and intrepidity that would have reflected
honour on Roman veterans ;<md I most heartily congratu-
late you on their heroick behaviour. It is an auspicious
presage of what may be expected from the valour of our
other troops, when theirs shall be the post of danger; as it
demonstrates that men, animated by an ardent zeal for the
sacred liberties of their country, and trusting in the Divine
support, are capable of the most glorious achievements.
The Cherokee Indians having committed such barbarous
acts of hostility as threatened desolation to the frontier set-
tlements, at a time when the enemy lay in view of this
town and an attack on it was daily expected, a considerable
force was immediately sent into that nation to obtain satis-
faction for their cruel outrages, by acting with the greatest
vigour. Our people have behaved with much spirit. It
has pleased God to grant very signal success to their opera-
tions, and I hope, by His blessing on our arms and those of
North- Carolina and Virginia, from whom 1 have promises
of aid, an end may soon be put to this war.
Since your last meeting, the Continental Congress have
declared the United Colonies free and independent States,
393
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
394
absolved from allegiance to the British Crown, and the
political connection between them and Great Britain totally
dissolved — an event which necessity had rendered not only
justifiable but unavoidable. This declaration, and several
resolves of that honourable body received during your
recess, shall be laid before you. I doubt not you will take
such measures as may be requisite in consequence of them.
A well-regulated Militia being essential to the preserva-
tion of our freedom, I am persuaded you will think with me
that your time cannot be better employed than in framing a
law for making such improvements in the Militia as may
produce the most beneficial consequences.
It is not improbable that, at the season appointed for the
meeting of the next Assembly, the business of legislation
must yield to that of a different nature ; and it behooves us
to employ this time of the enemy's absence in making the
best preparations for defence, and enacting such laws as the
present exigencies demand. I have therefore thought it for
the publick service to call you together now, that you may
deliberate on those matters which tend to the interest and
security of the State.
I shall propose what, in the course of your session, appear
so to me, and be happy in receiving your advice on, and
concurring with you, in any that may effect those important
objects. JOHN RUTLEDGE.
September 19, 1776.
To this Speech, the Legislative Council returned the
following Answer:
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY : We, the Legislative
Council now met in a Constitutional Assembly of the State,
return your Excellency our thanks for your speech to both
Houses at the opening of the present session ; it contains
information truly glorious and important, and must be highly
acceptable to every true lover of his country.
The late defeat of the British forces by our troops on
Sullivan's Island, near Charlestown, is an illustrious event
in our history. Those troops acquired as much honour as
troops could obtain. By their bravery, under God, our
country was relieved from much anxiety, and procured
present safety. And we rejoice at the opportunity we have
of paying our tribute to their merits, at the same time con-
gratulating your Excellency upon their conduct, which was
and is as honourable to themselves as important to the
State. We embrace this auspicious presage of what may
be expected from our other troops, in whom we have a
most perfect confidence ; and we are persuaded, that men
animated with an ardent zeal for the liberties of their coun-
try, and trusting in the Lord of hosts, are equal to the most
ardent enterprises.
The critical commencement of the Cherokee war fills us
with a just indignation of the treachery of those savages,
and convinces us of what, indeed, we had before little
reason to doubt, of the indiscriminate atrocity and unrelent-
ing tyranny of the hand that directs the British war against
us. But it has pleased God to take an injured people under
his protection, and to bless our arms with distinguished
success, as well against our British enemies as their savage
allies. In repelling this barbarous attack on our people,
the spirit of our frontier inhabitants deserves the highest
commendations; and with a continuance of the Divine favour
upon their efforts, now in conjunction, as we have reason
to believe, with the good people of North- Carolina and
Virginia, we hope by a speedy and complete conquest of
the Cherokee lands, already so happily and far advanced by
our arms, this State, as well as our neighbouring States,
will be effectually secured from a repetition of those hostili-
ties from those merciless savages in a day of distress.
The Declaration of the Continental Congress, that " the
United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and in-
dependent States — that they are absolved from all allegiance
to the British Crown, and that all political connection
between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought
to be, totally dissolved," calls forth all our attention. It is
an event which necessity had rendered not only justifiable,
but absolutely unavoidable. It is a decree now worthy of
America. We thankfully receive the notification of and
rejoice at it ; and we are determined at every hazard to
endeavour to maintain it, that so, after we have departed, our
children and their latest posterity may have cause to bless
our memory.
We shall pay all proper attention to the resolves of the
truly honourable Continental Congress, and enter into such
measures respecting them as may be expedient for the
publick service.
Sensible as we are that a well-regulated Militia is essential
to the preservation of our freedom, your Excellency may
be assured that we shall endeavour to place that bulwark of
our safety upon the best foundation ; and that now, while
we have an opportunity free from the immediate alarms of
war, we shall diligently proceed so as to amend our old
laws and to form others as may effectually tend to prosecute
the publick interest, to be in a proper state of preparation
to repel the expected attacks of the enemy, and in general
to establish the best polity in our new State.
We beg leave to notify to your Excellency our entire
satisfaction in afid approbation of your publick conduct
during the time of your administration.
In the Legislative Council the 20th day of September,
1776.
By order of the House :
THOMAS SHUBRICK, Speaker.
To this Answer of the Legislative Council, the President
replied :
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN: The sentiments which you
express respecting our troops, must give them great pleasure.
Your determination to endeavour, to maintain the inde-
pendence of the United States, at every hazard, proves that
you know the value and are deserving of those rights for
which America contends.
I doubt not your attention to publick business ; and am
glad to find that my conduct meets with your approbation.
JOHN RUTLEDGE.
September 20, 1776.
To His Excellency JOHN RUTLEDGE, Esq., President and
Commander-in- Chief of the State O/"SOUTH-CAROLINA:
The Address of the General Assembly of the said State.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: We, the Represent-
atives of the State of South- Carolina, met in General
Assembly, beg leave most heartily to join your Excellency
with our tribute of applause to those brave troops who
lately signalized themselves by their firmness and intrepidity
in repelling the formidable British armament which at-
tacked them on Sullivan's Island, and thereby, disappoint-
ing the vain and flattering expectations of our cruel and
unnatural foes ; a tribute we deemed justly due from an
injured country for such heroick behaviour, and a grateful
testimony of the early and auspicious presage of the future
valour and heroism of men animated by the noblest of all
incentives — an ardent zeal for the sacred liberties of their
country, and a confidence in Divine justice.
We are happy to find the barbarous and ungrateful at-
tempt of the Cherokee Indians, instigated by our British
enemies, on our frontier settlements, are checked by the
spirit and activity of our brave countrymen in those parts ;
and from their past success, as well as the zeal and activity
of our friends of North- Carolina and Virginia, hope a
speedy end will be put to the outrages of those detestable
savages.
It is with unspeakable pleasure we embrace this oppor-
tunity of expressing our satisfaction in the declaration of the
Continental Congress, constituting the United Colonies free
and independent States, absolved from allegiance to the
British Crown, and totally dissolving all political union
between them and Great Britain ; an event unsought for,
and now produced by unavoidable necessity ; and which
every friend to justice and humanity must not only hold
justifiable as the natural effect of unrernitted persecution,
but equally rejoice in as the only effectual security against
injuries and oppressions, and the most promising source of
future liberty and safety. The Declaration of Independency
and Resolves of the honourable the Continental Congress,
now laid before us, shall be the principal objects of our
attention in our deliberations for the publick good.
We are fully persuaded that it is essential to (he liberties
and support of a free State to have a well-regulated Militia ;
and more especially to this State, in the present circumstan-
ces of affairs in America. We shall therefore think it our
duty, while the business of legislation is not interrupted by
the din of arms, to employ every opportunity to effect a
395
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
396
purpose so beneficial, in making the best preparations for
defence, and in framing such laws as are necessary for the
safety and security of the State.
In the General Assembly the 20th day of September,
1776.
By order of the House :
JAMES PARSONS, Speaker.
His EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER.
MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN : This most honourable
reward cannot fail to make the deepest impression upon
generous minds. It will increase the laudable ambition of
those on whom it is conferred, and excite others to emulate
that fame which they have acquired.
May the happiest consequences be derived to the United
States from the independence of America, who could not
obtain even peace, liberty and safety by any other means.
Your disposition and assurances afford a confident ex-
pectation that this session will be usefully employed.
JOHN RUTLEDGE.
September 21, 1776.
GENERAL MOORE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 7, 1776 ]
Wilmington, September 19, 1776.
SIR: Yours of the 3d instant I had this day the honour
to receive, and shall with all possible despatch proceed to
execute the order of Congress, for marching two battalions
of the Continental troops to the reinforcement of the army
at New-York.
One entire battalion and a considerable part of two others
havin» marched on an expedition to Florida, will put it out
of my power to make up two full battalions. I flatter
myself I shall, however, be able to march with about eight
hundred men, and leave a sufficient number for the defence
of this place.
I hope to begin my march in two days, and be assured,
sir, nothing in my power shall be wanting to afford a timely
aid to our friends engaged in the glorious cause of liberty,
than which not any thing will contribute more to my hap-
piness.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and
very humble servant, JAMES MOQRE
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
ADDRESS TO GENERAL STEPHEN.
The Address of the Officers of the Fourth VIRGINIA Bat-
talion to ADAM STEPHEN, Esq., Brigadier-General in
the service of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
SIR : It is with heartfelt satisfaction that the Officers of
the Fourth Battalion have been informed, that the honour-
able Continental Congress have been pleased to promote
you to the rank of a Brigadier-General in the Continental
service. We conceive it a promotion justly due to your
merit ; and please to permit us to congratulate you on this
event, which we cordially hope may be attended with every
possible degree of happiness to yourself, and service to the
just cause in which you have so early and readily embarked.
When we reflect, sir, on the kind, the indulgent, the
manly treatment we have received whilst under your imme-
diate eye, as commandant of our battalion ; when we also
consider with what facility you established amongst us that
discipline and order so essential to the preservation and
glory of an army, we are at a loss which most to admire,
the polite gentleman or the accomplished officer.
By the regulation of Congress we fear we shall be
deprived of you — although it is amongst one of the most
desirable wishes of our hearts to be still under your imme-
diate direction and command ; should we, sir, be so unfor-
tunate as to find our conjectures right on this occasion, we
would wish you to know that the officers of the Fourth
Battalion, with hearts replete with gratitude and respect,
will devoutly implore the Divine Being for your safety and
protection, in whatever part of America the service of the
United States thereof may require your presence..
Portsmouth, September 19, 1776.
GENERAL STEPHEN'S ANSWER.
GENTLEMEN: I am sensible of the honour done me by
your friendly and affectionate address.
In the course of all my service, and this is the twelfth
campaign, I have seldom met with officers so warmly at-
tached to the service, or so anxious and attentive to study
their duty.
It is owing to you, gentlemen, that discipline has been
established in the regiment with so much facility.
The harmony that has subsisted in the corps, and your
exemplary conduct to the soldiers, has made me easy and
happy in the command.
I will be ever interested in the behaviour of the Fourth
Battalion, and am firmly persuaded that, when opportunity
offers, they will distinguish themselves in the most honour-
able manner, in the service of the United States.
That your ardour may be tempered with prudence, and
your efforts crowned with success, is the ardent wish of,
gentlemen, your most affectionate, humble servant,
ADAM STEPHEN.
To the Officers of the Fourth Regiment.
COLONEL TRAVERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
September 19, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The conduct of Levi Willen, First Lieu-
tenant, and Job Todd, Ensign, in Captain Henry Lake's
company, of my battalion, being very exceptionable, I beg
you will be pleased to appoint a Court-Martial to inquire
into their conduct.
I am, with much respect, gentlemen, your most humble
servant> WILLIAM TRAVERS.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, An-
napolis.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL SIM.
[No. 184.] Annapolis, September 19, 1776.
SIR : We send by Captain L. Covington, the bounty
money for raising a company of Militia in your County. We
do not send the month's pay advance, because we think the
company ought to be in some forwardness before that money
is issued. Arms are to be borrowed or impressed. You are
to have a meeting of Field-Officers and Captains on Mon-
day next, by order of Convention. When the recommen-
dations are completed, we will send down warrants and
money for guns, on having the appraisement returned.
We are, &c.
To Colonel Joseph Sim.
THOMAS GANTT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
September 19, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : Mr. Thomas N. Stockett being desirous
of being appointed Assistant Surgeon, applied to me for a
recommendation concerning his medical knowledge, having
lived with Mr. Stockett for four or five years past, the
greatest part of which time he applied himself to the study
ofphysick; and since my leaving that place, have had fre-
quent opportunities of being acquainted with his method of
practice ; think him sufficiently qualified to act in that char-
acter, should you think proper to appoint him.
Remain your obedient servant,
THOMAS GANTT, 3D.
To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq.
COLONEL SIM TO THE MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Prince George's County, September 19, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: In compliance with a resolve of Conven-
tion, of the 6th instant, and sent me, I have recommended
the bearer, Captain Levin Covington, to command the com-
pany to be raised in this County ; and I have also recom-
mended the other three commissioned officers, who are all
very agreeable to the people, and are now engaged in re-
cruiting; and I flatter we shall be able, in a very short
time, to complete the company within my district. But as
nothing effectual can be done without having both the
bounty and advance money in hand, Captain Covington
now waits on you for it ; which I hope will be furnished
him.
As the guns are to be furnished for this company, it will
397
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
398
be absolutely necessary the money for this purpose should
be also sent down immediately.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
JOSEPH SIM.
To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland.
AN ACT FOR THE SECURITY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW-
JERSEY.
Whereas it is essentially necessary for the safety of the
State that every person who holds any office or post of a
publick nature should evince his fidelity and attachment to
the Government from whence he derives protection, and
under which he is authorized to act : and whereas, to effect
this important purpose, it is necessary that a proper test be
established, to be taken by all officers, civil and military,
within this State ; and that the Governour or Cornmander-
in-Chief be authorized by law to administer such test, and
the official and other necessary oaths, in the several Coun-
ties thereof:
1 . Therefore, Be it enacted by the Council and General
Assembly of this State, and it is hereby enacted by the
authority of the same, That the following test shall be
taken by all officers, civil and military, who are now in
office, or hereafter shall be appointed, elected, or commis-
sioned, within the several Counties of this State ; that is to
say:
"I, A B, do sincerely profess and swear (or, if one of
the people called Quakers, affirm) that I do not hold myself
bound to bear allegiance to the King of Great Britain; so
help me God."
"I, A B, do sincerely profess and swear (or, if one of
the people called Quakers, affirm) that I do and will bear
true faith and allegiance to the Government established in
this State, under the authority of the people ; so help me
God."
Which oaths or affirmations shall be administered by any
person or persons who shall be duly authorized to tender
the same by the Commander-in-Chief of this State, by
dedimus protestatem or otherwise. And all officers refusing
or neglecting, for the term of one month after notification
given by any person named in the dedimus protestatem, to
take the said test, are hereby declared to be disqualified and
incapable of executing such their offices; in which case
some other fit person or persons shall, pursuant to law, be
appointed or elected, as the case may require.
2. And whereas it is necessary that fit persons be duly
empowered to qualify the Magistrates and other officers who
have been or shall be elected, appointed or commissioned
throughout this State:
Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That his Ex-
cellency the Governour, or the Commander-in-Chief for the
time being, shall be, and he is hereby authorized to issue
commissions of dedimus protestatem, or other commissions,
from time to time, as occasion may require, for the purposes
aforesaid.
3. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That
the act passed the 5th of May, 1772, intituled " An Act
for the security of his Majesty's Government of New-Jer-
sey" and so much of the act passed the 10th of February,
1727-'8, intituled " An Act prescribing the forms of declar-
ation of fidelity, the effect of the abjuration oath and affirm-
ation, instead of the form heretofore required in such cases,
and for repealing the former acts in the like cases made
and provided," as relates to taking affirmations to the King
of Great Britain, and the acts thereby repealed, shall be,
and the same are hereby, repealed.
Passed at Princeton,-the 19th of September, 1776.
Pursuant to the foregoing Act, his Excellency the Gov-
ernour has been pleased to issue a commission to the Mem-
bers of the Council, the Justices of the Supreme Court, the
Secretary and the Clerk of the Supreme Court, empower-
ing them, and each of them, to administer the oaths and
affirmations, as the case may require, to all officers, civil and
military, within this State ; and commissions to the Judges
and Clerks,of the Inferiour Courts of Common Pleas, em-
powering them, and each of them, to administer the oaths
and affirmations, in like manner, within their respective
Counties.
By RICHARD Viscount HOWE, of the Kingdom of IRELAND,
and WILLIAM HOWE, Esquire, General of His Majes-
ty's Forces in AMERICA, the King's Commissioners for
restoring Peace to His Majesty's Colonies and Planta-
tions in NORTH-AMERICA, fyc., ffc., fyc.
DECLARATION.
Although Congress, whom the misguided Americans suf-
fer to direct their opposition to a reestablishment of the
Constitutional Government of these Provinces, have dis-
avowed every purpose of reconciliation not consonant with
their extravagant and inadmissible claim of Independence,
the King's Commissioners think fit to declare that they are
equally desirous to confer with his Majesty's well-affected
subjects, upon the means of restoring the publick tranquillity,
and establishing a permanent union with every Colony as
a part of the British Empire. The King being most gra-
ciously pleased to direct a revision of such of his royal
instructions to his Governours as may be construed to 'lay
an improper restraint on the freedom of legislation in any
of his Colonies, and to concur in the revisal of all acts by
which his Majesty's subjects there may think themselves
aggrieved, it is recommended to the inhabitants at large to
reflect seriously upon their present condition and expecta-
tions, and judge for themselves whether it be more incon-
sistent with their honour and happiness to offer up their
lives as a sacrifice to the unjust and precarious cause in
which they are engaged, or return to their allegiance, accept
the blessings of peace, and to be secured in a free enjoy-
ment of their liberties and properties, upon the true princi-
ples of the Constitution.
Given at New- York, September 19, 1776.
HOWE.
W. HOWE.
By command of their Excellencies: STRAGHEY.
EXPLANATION OF A LATE DECLARATION.
By RICHARD Viscount HOWE, of the Kingdom (^IRELAND,
and WILLIAM HOWE, Esq., General of his Majesty's
Forces in AMERICA, the King's Commissioners for
deluding the good people of AMERICA by insidious offers
of peace, or shedding their blood without mercy.
DECLARATION.
Although the Congress, whom the much-injured Ameri-
cans suffer to direct their opposition to the establishment of
tyranny, and an unconstitutional Government over these
Provinces, have disavowed every purpose of reconciliation
not consonant with that liberty to which they have the most
clear and undeniable right, the King's Commissioners afore-
said think fit to declare, that they are equally desirous to
confer with his Majesty's subjects (if any so weak and
abandoned are to be found) upon the means of establishing
a permanent tyranny over every Colony, and fix them the
everlasting slaves of the British empire.
The King being most graciously pleased to direct a revision
of such of his Royal instructions as may seem not to lay a
sufficient restraint upon the freedom of legislation in any of
the Colonies, and to concur in the revisal of all acts by
which his subjects there may think themselves aggrieved,
for the better strengthening and confirming the same, it is
recommended to the inhabitants at large to reflect seriously
upon their present condition and expectations, and to judge
for themselves, whether it be more consistent with their
honour and happiness to risk their lives in defence of a
glorious Independency, or return to the galling yoke of
tyrannick usurpation, and be deprived of every security in
the enjoyment of their liberty and properties upon the true
principles of a wicked and destructive policy.
HOWE.
W. HOWE.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-duarters, at Colonel Roger Morris's House, )
September 19, 1776. $
SIR: Since I had the honour of addressing you yesterday
nothing material has occurred ; however, it is probable in a
little time, the enemy will attempt to force us from hence
as we are informed they are bringing many of their heavy
cannon towards the heights and the works we have thrown
up. They have also eight or nine ships of war in the
399
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
400
North River, which, it is said, are to cannonade our right
flank, when they open their batteries against our front.
Every disposition is making on our part for defence, and
Congress may be assured that I shall do every thing in my
power to maintain the post so long as it shall appear prac-
ticable and conducive to the general good.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE.
Head-duarters, September 19, 1776.
SIR: I have the honour to advise you, that in conse-
quence of General Sullivan's information, first by letter and
afterwards verbally, that you were willing to exchange him
for Major-General Prescott, and Brigadier-General Lord
Stirling for any Brigadier of yours in our possession, I wrote
to Congress to send General Prescott to some convenient
place from whence the proposed exchange might be made.
And supposing that it would be agreeable to exchange
Lord Stirling for Brigadier-General McDonald, he is also
come forward with General Prescott. Both these gentle-
men are now at Elizabcthtown, and I only wait your answer
to this, in which you will please to fix the time and place,
when and where the exchange may be effected.
I am, sir, with due respect, &tc.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Lieutenant-General Howe.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COMMANDING OFFICER OF MASSA"
CHUSETTS MILITIA.
Head-Quarters, at Colonel Morris's House, ten miles from \
New-York, September 19, 1776. \
SIR: The honourable Assembly of the State of the Mas-
sachusetts-Bay having informed me by letter of the 13lh
instant, that they have ordered a number of Militia to rein-
force the army under my command, and requested my order
for their destination, I therefore request that you will give
direction that the whole of them may be brought forward as
expeditiously as they can ; sending before you, when you get
within three or four days' march of King's Bridge, an officer
to receive instructions from me how they are to be stationed
and disposed of. It will be proper to send notice of this
to the officers who are behind you with part of the men,
that they may know how to conduct themselves.
I am, sir, &.C., Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Commanding Officer of the First Division of the
Massachusetts Militia marching towards King's Bridge.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.
Head-Quarters, Colonel Roger Morris's House, ten miles from )
New-York, September 19, 1776. J
GENTLEMEN: I was honoured the night before last with
your favour of the 13th instant, and at the same time that I
conceive your anxiety to have been great, by reason of the
vague and uncertain accounts you received respecting the
attack on Long-Island, give me leave to assure you that
the situation of our affairs, and the important concerns which
have surrounded me, and which are daily pressing on me,
have prevented me from transmitting, in many instances,
the intelligence I otherwise should have conveyed.
In respect to the attack and retreat from Long-Island,
the publick papers will furnish you with accounts nearly true.
I shall only add, that in the former we lost about eight
hundred men; more than three-fourths of which were taken
prisoners. This misfortune happened, in great measure, by
two detachments of our people who were posted in two
roads leading through a wood, in order to intercept the
enemy in their march, suffering a surprise, and making a
precipitate retreat, which enabled the enemy to lead a great
part of their force against the troops commanded by Lord
Stirling, which formed a third detachment, who behaved
with great bravery and resolution, charging the enemy and
maintaining their posts from about seven or eight o'clock in
the morning till two in the afternoon, when they were
obliged to attempt a retreat, being surrounded and over-
powered by numbers on all sides, and in which many of
them were taken. One battalion (Smallwood's of Mary-
land) lost two hundred and fifty-nine men, and the general
damage fell upon the regiments from Pennsylvania, Dela-
ware, and Maryland, and Colonel Huntington's, of Con-
necticut.
As to the retreat from the Island, it was effected without
loss of men, and with but very little baggage. A few heavy
cannon were left, not being moveable on account of the
ground's being soft and miry through the rains that had
fallen.
The enemy's loss in killed we could never ascertain ;
but have many reasons to believe that it was pretty con-
siderable, and exceeded ours a good deal. The retreat from
thence was absolutely necessary, the enemy having landed
the main body of their army there to attack us in front,
while their ships of war were to cut off the communication
with the city, from whence resources of men, provisions,
&.C., were to be drawn.
Having made this retreat, not long after we discovered
by their movement and the information we received from
deserters and others, that they declined attacking our lines
in the city, and were forming a plan to get in our rear with
their land army, by crossing the Sound above us, and thereby
cut off all intercourse with the country, and every neces-
sary supply. The ships of war were to cooperate ; possess
the Nortli River, and prevent succour from the Jerseys,
&ic. This plan appearing probable, and but too practica-
ble in its execution, it became necessary to guard against
the fatal consequences that must follow, if their scheme was
effected ; for which purpose I caused a removal of a part
of our stores, troops, &c., from the city; and a council of
General Officers determined on Thursday last that it must
be entirely abandoned ; holding up, however, every show
and appearance of defence, till our sick and all our stores
could be brought away. The evacuation being resolved
on, every exertion in our power was made to baffle their
design and effect our own. The sick were numerous, and
an object of great importance; happily we got them away;
but before we could bring off all our stores, on Sunday morn-
ing, six or seven ships of war, which had gone up the East
River some few days before, began a most severe and
heavy cannonade, to scour the ground and effect a landing
of their troops. Three ships of war ran up the North
River that morning above the city, to prevent our boats and
small craft carrying away our baggage, &.c.
I had gone the evening before to the main body of our
army, which was posted about the Heights and Plains of
Harlem, where it seemed probable, from the movements and
dispositions of the enemy, they meant to land and make
an attack the next morning. However, the event did not
happen. Immediately on hearing the cannonade, I rode
with all possible expedition towards the place of landing,
where breastworks had been thrown up to secure our men,
and found the troops that had been posted there, to my
great surprise and mortification, and those ordered to their
support, (Parsons's and Fellows's brigades,) notwithstand-
ing the exertions of the Generals to form them, running
away in the most shameful and disgraceful manner. I used
every possible effort to rally them, but to no purpose ; and,
on the appearance of a small party of the enemy, not more
than sixty or seventy in number, they ran off without firing
a single shot. Many of our heavy cannon would have inev-
itably fallen into the enemy's hands, as they landed so soon;
but this scandalous conduct occasioned a loss of many tents,
baggage, and camp-equipage, which would have been easily
secured had they made the least opposition. The retreat
was effected with the loss of three or four men only. We
encamped, and still are, on the Heights of Harlem, which
are well calculated for defence against their approaches.
On Monday morning they advanced in sight in several large
bodies, but attempted nothing of a general nature, though
there were smart skirmishes between their advanced parties
and some detachments from our lines, which 1 sent out. In
these our troops behaved with great resolution and bravery,
putting them to flight in open ground, and forcing them from
posts they had seized, two or three times. A Sergeant who
deserted from them says, the report was they had eighty-
nine missing and wounded, and eight killed ; in the last
instance his account is too small, because our people have
buried more than twice as many. In number our loss was
very inconsiderable ; but in the fall of Lieutenant-Colonel
Knoivlton, of Connecticut, I consider it .as great, being a
brave and good officer. Major Leitch, who commanded
a detachment from the Virginia regiment, unfortunately
401
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, to., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
402
received three balls through his side ; he still supports his
spirits, and seems as if he would do well. Colonel Knowlton
was interred with every honour due to his merit, and that
the situation of things would admit of. Since this affair,
nothing has happened. The enemy, it is said, are bring-
ing forward several heavy cannon to force us from the
Heights. At the same time that they open their batteries
in front, their ships of war, seven or eight of which are in
the North River, are to cannonade our right flank.
Thus have I run over, in a cursory, rough way, an account
of the most material events from the battle on Long-Island
to the present moment. I have not time to study order or
elegance. This, however, I do not so much mind, and only
wish my narrative was more agreeable ; but we must set
down things as they are. I hope they will be better; noth-
ing on my part shall be wanting to bring about the most
favourable events.
1 am now to make my most grateful acknowledgments to
your honourable body for the succour they meant to afford
me in the Militia lately ordered to march, and have only to
lament that they should be so unprovided with tents and
other camp necessaries. Our distresses in these instances
are extremely great, having by no means a sufficiency for
the troops already here; nor do I know how they can be
procured. I am at a loss for the officers' names who com-
mand this reinforcement, as they are not mentioned ; how-
ever, I have wrote by Fessenden that they should lead the
men on as fast as possible, sending before them, when they
get within one or two days' march of King's Bridge, an
officer to receive orders from me how they are to be dis-
posed of. Instructions given now might become improper,
by the intervention of a variety of circumstances.
I have the honour to be, &tc.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Jeremiah Powell, Esq., President, Sic.
JOHN -HUNTER TO JOHN M(KESSON.
King's Bridge, September 19, 1776.
SIR : I have been very industrious in getting the Linen
Manufactory removed to Hackensack ; it is necessary for
me staying there, to have it carried on. General Scott
would not have me resign my commission without orders
from Congress. Mr. Rosevelt is for my continuing with the
Factory. Mr. Ramsey has been sick for some time at Eliza-
bethtown. Please send me an answer by return of the post,
to be left at General Scott's.
I am, sir, yours respectfully,
To John McKesson, Esquire.
JOHN HUNTER.
JOHN THOMAS, JUN., TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
In Committee of Safety for the County of Westchester, )
While-Plains, September 19, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : As a great number of poor and indigent
persons, as well from the work-house as others of New-
York, have been sent into this County, and no person to
lake care of them, it has been recommended to us to pro-
vide houses for said poor, which we have done in the best
manner we could, which was to divide them in the several
districts of said County ; and as we find they must suffer,
though they have houses provided, unless they have food,
and as food is not to be got without money, we cannot find
any one to provide for the said poor, without your honoura-
ble House will interpose either by appointing some person or
persons to provide for them, or else to empower us to appoint
persons in each district to provide for them, and at the same
time we must be furnished with money as well to pay what
has been laid out for the use of said poor as to purchase
more provision. Humanity causes us to solicit your interpo-
sition, as without it the poor must suffer in spite of all can
be done. By order of Committee :
JOHN THOMAS, Jun., Chairman.
To the President of the Convention of the State of New-
York.
chased in that place. On applying to the Committee for a
permit to go round in ballast, they did not incline to agree
thereunto. Their reasons against it were, the danger of the
Captain's availing himself of such an opportunity of going
over to the enemy. The design of her voyage was to take
a cargo of flour for Curacoa, and return with a freight of
salt. We should thank the Convention if they would,
as soon as convenient, give us their determination on the
matter.
KOBERT & JAMES TOTTEN.
To the President of the Convention of New- York.
ROBERT AND JAMES TOTTEN TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
September 19, 1776.
We, having part in a brig laying in Saivpit Creek, agreed,
with the other owners, to have her loaded in Philadelphia,
in consequence of which we ordered a freight of flour, pur-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 26
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD.
Tyonderoga, September 19, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Last night I received your letters of
the 15th and 16th instant, with the examination of Sergeant
Thomas Day, late of Colonel McLane's regiment, and the
old Canadian. The former I take to be the truth as nearly
as he had an opportunity of knowing it. The latter I
think of exactly as you do. However, it behooves us to
keep a good look out.
I am much pleased with the disposition you have made
with the fleet ; confident it is the best. General Waterbury
is indefatigable in fitting the galleys, and if he is not detained
for want of proper rope for breechings, I see nothing can
stop them more than a week at most.
This will be delivered you by Captain Hawley ; General
Waterbury thinks you will immediately appoint him to the
command of the Royal Savage ; he takes all his seamen
with him.
Mr. Avery writes you by this conveyance, and explains
the article relative to provisions ; sufficient of both fresh and
salt shall be sent you by the galleys.
I have this morning a letter from General Schuyler, in
which is the following paragraph :
"I cannot inform you of what is passing at New-York;
General Washington's time is so totally engrossed that I can
hardly expect he should write me, unless there is an abso-
lute necessity." This is every syllable I have heard since
I had the pleasure to write to you last.
As this conveyance is not so entirely certain as that of
the galleys, I shall defer being more particular until General
Waterbury sails.
I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To Brigadier-General Arnold.
P. S. The tobacco papers will be delivered you by the
bearer.
COLONEL BARRETT TO GENERAL GATES.
Rutland, September 19, 1776.
SIR: In obedience to your Honour's commands, as soon
as I arrived on Otter Creek, I immediately sent an express
off with your Honour's orders to Major Hoisington. Said
express has this instant returned without any thing from the
Major more than verbal, which is that they were under the
direction of the Committees only, and were not raised or
incorporated to work on the roads, but for scouting only ;
therefore refuse to comply. The express informs me the
reason assigned therefor was, that he had a scout out or
about to go out, of two men of his party, but was not out
when your Honour's orders arrived there, as the express
avers. I would inform your Honour that there are two
hundred men stationed that way, exclusive of Major Hois-
ington's, raised by the State of New-Hampshire. Your
Honour's further orders in the affair I shall cheerfully and
vigorously pursue. The party I have on the road and
bridge are as expeditious as possible. The great bridge
will be raised next week, and I hope finished if the weather
permits. I am in want of spades; I could get but eight at
Skenesborough.
From your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
JOHN BARRETT, Superintendent.
To the Hon. General Gates.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL LINCOLN.
Watertown, September 19, 1776.
SIR: Your two letters of yesterday are now before us,
403
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
404
and you now have enclosed a printed copy of a resolve of
the General Court ; by perusing the same you will find that
no provision is made for the appointment of brigadiers to
this service. The Council on finding this to be the case,
have given over the purpose of appointing any. By the
same resolve yon will also' learn the power vested in you of
appointing Brigade-Majors; and the Council have no doubt
of your making judicious appointments. The Council
apprehend they cannot with propriety give directions as to
the furnishing horses for the use of officers or any other
pereons.
To General Lincoln.
COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN BRAITHWAITE, OF THE
HAMPDEN PACKET, DATED FALMOUTH, ENGLAND, SEP-
TEMBER 20, 1776.
September 5. — I received the mail and sailed for Lisbon,
with the wind to the northward. I received as passengers
Mr. Scott, Mr. Fisher, and Mr. Smith, and as distressed
subjects. Captain Thomas Moore, his mate and five of his
people, being the master and part of the crew of the Mary
and James, of Falmouth, bound from London to Salermo,
Naples, and Messina, but last from Falmouth, having
sailed from thence the 20th of August, with a cargo
worth between twenty and thirty thousand pounds, and was
taken the 1st instant, on the coast of Portugal, fourteen
leagues northwest from Cape St. Vincent, (in sight of
Mount Chigo,) by an American privateer of eight carriage
guns and a number of swivels, commanded by Simon For-
ester,* an Irishman, well known at Lisbon and Falmouth.
The privateer was sloop rigged and called the Rover; it
being little wind, and rowing with twelve oars, she soon
came up with Captain Moore. She had taken before, six
sail on the coast, whose people she landed at Faro. The
22d of August a Guineaman, from Bristol, John Baker,
master, engaged her, but blew up in the action, and only
three men saved out of twenty-eight. They stripped Cap-
tain Moore and his people of every thing, and even threat-
ened their lives, and sent the prize direttly for America.
The next day, being about eight leagues from Cape Spichell,
they gave Captain Moore his boat, in which he reached
Setuval that night. The Captain of the privateer would
not tell him what place he belonged to, but said there were
an hundred and fifty of them fitted out of different ports of
America, The people told Captain Moore they belonged
to Salem, and that several more had sailed from thence for
the coast of Spain and Portugal.
T. P. BRAITHWAITE.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN MOORE, LATE COM-
MANDER OF THE MARY AND JAMES, DATED FROM ON BOARD
THE HAMPDEN PACKET-BOAT, ARRIVED AT FALMOUTH.
You will be surprised at hearing from me in this part of
the world. The reason you will see by the protest handed to
you. I was taken by a privateer called the Rover, a sloop
of eight carriage guns and fourteen swivels ; when she left
America she had on board eighty men, but when they took
me they had only thirty-eight. The Captain's name is
Simon Thomson; where she belonged to, I could not learn
from them. They appeared more like pirates than any thing
else. They had taken six vessels before mine, but I do not
remember any of their names ; she had also an engagement
with a snow belonging to Bristol, Captain Bates, which
blew up after fighting six hours ; only three of the crew
were saved out of twenty-six, two of whom were landed
on the coast of Algarve, with three masters of vessels and
their crews, and the others entered on board the privateer.
There were men of different nations on board of her, but
the Captain and major part of the crew were Irish.
A. J. ALEXANDER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Grenada, September 20, 1776.
SIR: It is probable the many years I have been settled
in this country, may almost have made you forget the ac-
quaintance we once had. The noble and generous part
you have acted in the foremost rank of the most honourable
struggle that mankind were ever engaged in, shall always
•Another account calls him Thompson.
make me look upon that acquaintance as the greatest honour
of my life.
I must confess I have long had an ambition to write you,
to convince you of my hearty concurrence in measures
which appear to me planned and executed with equal wis-
dom and justice. No man in the same humble sphere has
raised his voice higher than myself in the cause of liberty,
and I should be too happy to be able to contribute towards
the support of that cause, which I consider as the cause of
mankind.
Captain Moulton, the bearer of this, has promised to
deliver it if he should be taken ; if not, he will destroy it.
I need hardly recommend him to your protection ; the known
humanity of your disposition makes me certain that he will
meet with every indulgence which is consistent with the
general welfare. I beg my most respectful compliments to
your brothers, to Dr. Franklin, to Richard Henry Lee
my old and intimate school-fellow, and in general to all
your friends in Virginia, most of whom were formerly my
acquaintance.
I am, with the greatest respect, sir, your most obedient
and most humble servant, A. J. ALEXANDER.
To General Washington.
COLONEL CRAWFORD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Williamsburgh, September 20, 1776.
SIR: 1 should have been glad to have the honour of being
with you at New-York, but I am doubtful we shall be in-
volved in an Indian war to the westward, as the Shawnees
and Delawares seem in doubt, and from the last accounts
from Fort Pitt, had not met our people (Doctor Walker
and the Commissioners) who were sent to treat with them
from this Government. I should have come to New-York
with those regiments ordered there, but the regiment I be-
long to is ordered to this place. If a war with the westerly
Indians happen, I am to go there.
I this Spring, before I came from over the mountains,
called at Simpson's, to see your mill go (or the first time of
its running ; and can assure you I think it the best mill I ever
saw any where, though I think one of a less value would
have done as well. If you remember, you saw some rocks
at the mill-seat ; those are as fine mill-stone grit as any in
America. The millwright told me the stones he got for
your mill there were equal to English burrs. Your land on
Shurlee's Creek is well cultivated, ready to your hand; the
men on it thinking you have no patent for that land, or
that, if you have, that you will sell them the land on reason-
able terms.
At our last Convention I mentioned the state of lands,
and the state of the claimants in general, and amongst other
circumstances, mentioned the expense you had been at in
having the first improvements on that land, and then lay-
ing a warrant on them, and notwithstanding those persons
would take it at any rate, upon which an ordinance passed,
that all equitable claims should take place. Some, I under-
stand, have since been trying to sell their right of your land;
but I have had some advertisements printed and sent up,
forewarning any person to purchase those lands, setting
forth your title.
I have laid the balance of your warrant on some land on
the river that I think will suit, but have not got it run out
to my mind, as there is some dispute, and I believe I shall
buy them out, if I can reasonable.
Excuse the length of this letter. I shall only add that I
wish you to enjoy life, health, and overcome all enemies,
and should be happy to see you once more enjoy yourself
in pleasure at Mount Vernon.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
WM. CRAWFORD.
To His Excellency General Washington, New-York.
Williamaburg, September 20, 1776.
A vessel has arrived at Hampton, with twelve hundred
bushels of salt; and on Thursday one came up to Bunvell's
Ferry, with a quantity of that useful article, besides rum,
sugar, linens, &c. She came from Cape Nicola Mole, and
brings advice of an insurrection of the Negroes in Jamaica,
on account of the scarcity of provisions. Between sixty
and seventy white people had been killed, numbers of the
405
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
406
Negroes taken and gibbeted, and martial law proclaimed
through the Island.
His Excellency General Lee is expected here daily from
the southward.
Last Thursday Captain Theodorick Blond's Troop of
Light-Horse arrived in town from Petersburg; and yester-
day arrived, from Gloucester, the Seventh Regiment of Foot,
(late Daingerfidd's, now Crawford's) in place of the Fifth,
who, as well as the Fourth and Sixth, are under orders to
proceed to New- York.
COLONEL, WEIGHT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY,
dueen Anne's County, September 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : In obedience to a request from the Presi-
dent of the Convention, signified to me by his letter of the
8th instant. I immediately wrote to the several Captains,
and Commanding-Officers where there are no Captains,
requesting them to call their companies together — those on
Kent Island to meet on Monday, and those on the main to
meet on Tuesday, now past. A few days after 1 had wrote
to the officers on the main, the principal persons in five of
the companies (some of the officers in them excepted) had
a meeting, and determined to meet on the Monday, and not
on the Tuesday, agreeable to my request. Being in hopes
it would be in rny power to remove some prejudices, I de-
sired Majors Hemsley and Emory to attend at Kent Island,
(where more than an hundred privates attended,) and deter-
mined to go myself to the other field, where, after the pri-
vates were drawn up in one line, to the number of sixty or
seventy, Mr. James O'Bryon informed them that the busi-
ness of the day was to choose Field-Officers ; that there was
a probability of there being none gratified ; that he offered
himself for the first office, and said he demanded it as a mat-
ter of right for two reasons : first, because he was the oldest
officer in the battalion, and, secondly, because he thought
himself as well qualified, if not better, than any other.
Three gentlemen were then named to take the polls. The
number of those who voted, I cannot, with certainty, pre-
tend to say, as I was by the company denied a copy of the
number of votes, but believe it somewhere between fifty and
sixty. However, on the clerks examining their numbers,
Mr. James O'Bryon was declared duly elected Colonel,
Mr. James Bordley Lieutenant-Colonel, Mr. John Dames
First, and Mr. George Hause Second Major.
While the men were standing up, 1 happened to be in
argument with Mr. Turbutt Wright, a threat was made to
throw us over the fence. I knew it was designed for my-
self. However, it did not intimidate me from speaking my
sentiments.
It is well known that gentleman has publickly advised
the people not to meet in battalion under any appointment
but their own, and he avowed it.in the last Convention. It
is said that some of the gentlemen (Delegates from Queen
Anne's County) have wrote over to some of their friends,
who have long opposed the Convention with regard to their
appointments, not only of Field Officers, but other Militia
officers, that the Convention is disposed to gratify them in
their own appointments, and that now is the time. If that
be the case, why does not the Convention signify it to us,
or take the commissions from us by commissioning others?
The people have been induced to believe they ought not to
submit to any appointments but those made by themselves;
so that whenever I have requested a meeting of the bat-
talion, part of the officers and five of the companies have
met before, and not on the days I appointed. The other
four companies in the Twentieth Battalion have always con-
formed to the regulations of Convention, and, I believe,
approve of the power being lodged in that respectable body.
It appears to me needless to attempt, hereafter, to call
the battalion, as some of those who have received commis-
sions from Convention, as well as others, refuse to obey
orders — particularly those voted for and chosen last Mon-
day.
There have been very few applications made to the Field
Officers, and as we are of opinion no time was to be de-
layed, if any service was expected this Fall from the com-
pany to be raised in this battalion, we met yesterday and
have recommended ; but I am really apprehensive there will
be great difficulty in arming them, if it is to be done with the
Militia arms. There may be a few muskets offered for sale,
and I believe but few. As for impressing, which the Con-
vention has given authority for, 1 shall not choose by any
means to do it, and believe the other gentlemen will not. I
most heartily wish some mode could be adopted to restore
harmony to this distracted country; but which way it can be
effected, I know not. Some are displeased with the Con-
vention or Council of Safety appointing, and others, I be-
lieve, are not.
I have been informed the Convention has adjourned till
Monday week, which is the reason of my giving your Board
the trouble of this; but am determined, if I can make it con-
venient, to attend their next meeting, in hopes that some-
thing may be done to settle the unhappy disputes.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
TH. WRIGHT.
To the President of the Council of Safety, at Annapolis.
CUMBERLAND DUGAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, September 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Having a large quantity of bread belong-
ing to the publick on hand already baked, and a vessel to
dispose, that we think must answer your purpose, thought it
most proper to advise you thereof. She is a large schooner
that will carry about eleven hundred barrels flour, completely
found ready for sea, a good sailer and as tight as a bottle.
The price we ask for her is £850. If she will any way
suit you, beg you'll advise me immediately for my gov-
ernment, as if she does not answer you, hope very shortly
to dispose of her to some people of this place. Dare say
the quantity of bread we have baked belonging to you,
together with what Mr. Spear has baked for you, will
entirely load this vessel, and if immediately sent out must
come to a good market almost any where. 1, myself, am
just now returned from Boston, where I have been on a
visit to my friends there, where I found both bread and flour
very scarce and high; indeed scarcely any to be got; not one
barrel of sweet flour was to be had in the whole town of
Boston, and bad as it was, sold quick at four dollars per
hundred weight. I think this vessel of ours loaded with a
cargo of bread in bulk to go to Boston, must answer well
with a little flour, and for returns could purchase best India
goods of any kind very low, as they are falling still lower
every day, from the great quantities of prizes that are
constantly coming into them. I was myself for several
days at their publick sales of prize cargoes, where I saw
great quantities of sugars, spirits, rum, coffee, cotton, &tc.,
sell very low indeed ; or if those articles would not answer,
it appears to me there might a great deal of money be made
on a cargo of salt. I see it sell in Boston at four shillings per
bushel by the quantity, and it was thought by most people
there it would be lower, as a great many of their vessels
were gone after salt, thinking it will be scarce and dear,
which is thought there will not be the case ; that I really
believe salt may be bought as low in Boston as any where
we can safely send for it, as there are many circumstances
in favour of a vessel getting there safe, from their good forts
on Nantucket and other heights, near which no King's
ships will dare to come, and their coast is so much of iron-
bound one (so called) that no ship will dare to lay off there
this time of the year.
This vessel of ours will carry about four or five thousand
bushels of salt, which would be a very handsome back
freight, and she is extremely adapted for the purpose of car-
rying salt, being a very buoyant vessel that will not load too
deep. I hope, gentlemen, you wont't imagine I intend to
dictate to you what should be done in those matters, as you
undoubtedly do know much better than I can think or ima-
gine ; but several of my friends here advised me to write to
this purport, what I know of these matters, which 1 hope
you won't take amiss, as so great a quantity of bread being
ready and much in our way, want to make more room, &c.,
and get it out while the bay is clear. Your favouring me
with a line on this subject immediately will much oblige
me, and if I can in any wise serve you in loading this ves-
sel, shall be extremely glad of the favour, in which hope 1
act to your approbation in every respect.
Gentlemen, your most obedient, most humble servant,
CUMBERLAND DUGAN.
To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.
407
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
408
JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
GENTLEMEN: The vessel Mr. Dugan mentions in his
letter I know well, and do think she would answer your
purpose either to carry bread or bring salt. She is a good
vessel, and I think a fast sailer. I loaded her once, when
she had a passage of about twenty days from here to Bristol
in England, and I do believe what Mr. Dugan sets forth in
his letter is matter of fact. There is not another vessel in
this place will suit you as well as this. Indeed I believe
there is not another you can have here at any rate.
Gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH.
N. B. As to the value of this vessel, leave that to you
and Mr. Dugan, but she is valuable.
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
War-Office, September 20, 1776.
SIR : This will be handed you by four French gentle-
men, who arrived from Martinique, well recommended, and
they have accordingly been appointed by Congress officers
in the Army of the United States. The first, Monsieur
Marquis de Malmcdy. is appointed Major by brevet. Mon-
sieur Jean Louis Imbert is an Engineer, and goes without
any particular appointment, to be employed in that capa-
city, in order to show to your Excellency his abilities, that
you may judge of his qualifications. Monsieur Christian de
Colerus, is appointed to the rank and pay of Major by bre-
vet, and Monsieur Jean Louis de Vernejout. is appointed a
Captain, by brevet. They are ordered to wait on you for
directions as to the duty they are to execute.
I have the honour to be, your obedient humble servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary Board of War.
To His Excellency General Washington, &ic., &tc., Head-
Quarters.
TH. JOHNSON, JR., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Philadelphia, September 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I enclose you a letter from Mr. Harrison,
which came under cover, together with a bill of lading for
seventy-four casks of powder, each fifty weight, in the
Nancy, Captain Cirvin, to Messrs. Willing 8f Morris. We
have entrusted the powder into Mr. Hollingsivorth's care,
and requested him to forward it to you. The bill of lading
is for the delivery of the goods on payment of £40 5*. in
dollars at Is. 6d., but the owner of the vessel alleges an
agreement with Mr. Harrison that the customary freight
should be paid. Nothing of the kind is mentioned in Mr.
Harrison's letter to Willing fy Morris. Will you be pleased
to write us whether Mr. Harrison has advised you of it,
and what you would have done ? The claim is ten per
cent, on the powder, valued at 5s. per pound, which comes
to just double the money mentioned in the bill of lading.
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant> TH. JOHNSON, JR.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
MARYLAND DELEGATES IN CONGRESS TO COUNCIL OF SAFF.TY.
Philadelphia, Friday, September 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Captain Walkins waits on you by our
advice with a return of his company, by which it appears
he has now here only thirty-seven effective men, and indeed
several of that number appear to us not really effective.
The men complained of not being furnished with blankets
and clothing according to the engagement made with them,
and from this ground, as Captain Watkins alleges, the
present discontent of the men originated. We have no cer-
tainty of getting the clothing, though our endeavours shall
be continued. The officers have procured the blankets.
Lieutenant Long goes to Worcester to endeavour to get the
deserters to return to their duty, under our assurance, which
we have presumed to give, that on their immediate return
the past shall be forgiven. Captain Watkins and his men,
we are very sorry to inform you, are on very ill terms.
The Captain has beat some of them. He says he had
great cause; they say he had none. Some of the men
have said nothing shall induce them to continue in the
company under Captain Watkins. We shall endeavour to
keep the remnant of the men together under the care of the
Third Lieutenant until your orders can interpose; for though
an inquiry seems to us to be necessary, it cannot be had
here. If the Independent companies should be regimented,
or even if the soldiers' clothes can be got, perhaps order may
be restored in the company.
We have a letter of the 1 5th instant from Captain
Thomas, from whence it appears our sick have not such
care taken of them as they ought. We wish, if it is in your
power to send a skillful and attentive person, who should
have the immediate care of the Independent companies, you
would do so. We have requested Doctor Bond to recom-
mend such a one that we may prefer him to Congress for
this purpose; but from the Doctor's answer, we almost
despair of finding a suitable person here.
By a letter from General Washington of the 8th instant,
we had a little brush on Monday, in which the enemy had
about one hundred killed and wounded. Our loss was
considerably less. Report had much exaggerated our
advantage. Major Lcitch, of the Virginians, is wounded,
though it is hoped he will recover. Some of Richardson's
and Griffith's battalions were in the action, and behaved
well.
Colonel Richardson told William Paca that he lodged
in the same house as Captain Watkins — that he is addicted
to drink; and his appearance at several times we have seen
him bespeaks it. Perhaps Colonel Richardson would not
choose that what he said should be mentioned to Captain
Watkins.
We are, gentlemen, your most obedient servants,
THOS. JOHNSON, Jun..
WM. PACA,
SAM'L CHASE,
T. STONE.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, at An-
napolis.
By a letter this minute received from General Washing-
ton, dated the 19th, we are informed that he expects a
general attack on his lines.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO GOVERNOUR THUMBULL.
[Private.] Philadelphia, September 20, 1776.
HONOURED AND DEAR SIR: It will undoubtedly be
needless for me to give you any account of the evacuation
of New- York by our army, on Sabbath-day, the 15th — of
most of our heavy cannon falling into the hands of our ene-
mies, &c., as it will be communicated to you by my brother
Commissaries, many ways ere this can reach your hand.
This event, unhappy and distressing as it is, has been fore-
seen and known ever since the quitting of Long-Island, and
had been determined by the General and his Council. Con-
gress had been made fully acquainted with, and assented to it,
as absolutely necessary, and directed that the city should not
be destroyed by us on leaving it. These events, however,
and signal advantages gained by our opposers, and the dis-
tress to which our army and country are and must be sub-
jected in consequence of them, are loud-speaking testimonies
of the displeasure and anger of Almighty God against a sin-
ful people — louder than sevenfold thunder. Is it possible
that the most obdurate and stupid of the children of America
should not hear and tremble? God has most certainly a
controversy with this people, and he is most certainly able
to manage it, and he will accomplish his designs, and bring
us to repentance and reformation, or destroy us. We must
bend or break. The ways of his providence are dark and
deep, but they are holy, wise and just, and altogether right.
though our feeble understandings comprehend them not;
and though his chastisements are severe and dreadful, they
are dictated by unbounded wisdom and love. They have
a meaning of awful and kind import: "Turn unto me, for
why will ye die, oh sons of America 1" We have thought
God was for us, and had given many and signal instances
of His power and mercy in our favour, and had greatly
frowned upon, and disappointed our enemies, and verily it
has been so. But have we repented, and given him the
glory ? Verily, no ! His hand seems to be turned and
stretched out against us; and strong is his hand, and high is
his right hand. He can and will accomplish all his pleas-
ure. It is God who has blunted the weapons of our war-
fare— that has turned the counsels of wise men into foolish-
ness— that has, thus far, blasted and disappointed our hopes;
409
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
410
and made us flee before our enemies, and given them pos-
session of our strongholds. Trouble does not spring out of
the dust, nor rise out of the ground. I have always thought
this was a just and righteous cause in which we are engaged.
I remain unshaken in that firm persuasion, and that God
would sooner or later vindicate and support it. I believe so
still ; but I believe this people must first be brought to know
and acknowledge the righteousness of his judgments, and
their own exceeding sinfulness and guilt, and be deeply
humbled under his mighty hand, and look, and cry to, and
trust in Him, for all their help and salvation, but in the use
and exertion of all the strength he has given us. Surely we
have seen enough to convince us of all this; and then why
are we not convinced? — why is not every soul humbled
under the mighty hand of God, repenting and mourning
for its sins, and putting away the evil of its doings, and
looking to him that smites us, by humble, earnest and fervent
prayer and supplication, day and night? Why are not the
dear children of God (surely there are many, through the
scorn and insult of our enemies) besieging the Throne of
Grace, sighing and crying for their own sins and backslidings,
and for all the abominations that are done in the land, saying,
"Spare, spare thy people, O Lord ! and give not thine herit-
age to reproach. Let not the vine which thy right hand
has planted here be rooted up and destroyed. Let not thy
churches be washed and drowned. Let not virtue and the
remains of religion be borne down and trampled in the dust.
Let not thy name be blasphemed, nor our insulting, wicked
foes say, Where is your God? — nor the profane world that
there is no God that rules the world and regardeth the right
— that vindicateth the just and righteous cause." I know
that God can vindicate his own name and honour without
our help, and out of the stones raise up children to Abra-
ham; and it is amazing folly and madness to cry, The temple !
the temple of the Lord ! and trust in that while we remain
an incorrigible people. But such things are what God
would have us learn and practise while his judgments are
abroad in the land, and with such like arguments fill our
mouths, and pour out our souls before him. Are any, are
not all in New-England, especially who have any interest
in Heaven, crying, begging, and entreating for the outpouring
of the blessed spirit of God upon the land ? 'Tis a most
grievous and distressing consideration that God is pleased so
to withhold the blessed influences and operations thereof,
without which we shall remain stupid forever. Therefore,
with redoubled fervency of ardent prayer and supplication,
should every soul that has one spark of heavenly fire, kindle
it to a fervent heat and expanded blaze. Oh New-England,
oh my dear native land, how does my soul love thee ! Be
instructed, therefore, lest God's soul depart from thee — lest
thoube like Chorazinznd Bethsaida in condemnation asthou
hast been in privileges — lest he make thee as Admah, and
set thee as Zeboim. Are the ministers of the Gospel alive
and awake, and lifting up their voices like a trumpet, and
sounding the alarm of the Almighty's anger and wrath,
ready to break on the defenceless heads of a guilty people ?
Are they warning the wicked of their infinite danger, ani-
mating and urging them to consideration ? Are they, with
ardent zeal and fervour, animating and enlivening the lan-
guid graces of the godly, exciting and leading them to
fervent prayer — sighing and crying for their own dissensions
and lukewarmness in religion, and for the sins and iniquities
of the land, praying, begging and entreating with unceasing,
and as it were, resistless importunity, for the copious effusion
of the Blessed Spirit upon all orders and degrees of people,
and refusing to let God go without an answer of peace, and
in " the midst of wrath to remember mercy," and not give up
this his heritage to reproach, nor blast the blooming hopes
and prospects of this infant country, the asylum of liberty
and religion ?
Strange that mankind should need such alarming provi-
dences to produce such an effect. It is no more than to act
like reasonable creatures; to possess a spirit and temper that
will add a thousand-fold sweetness and pleasure to all the
enjoyments of this world; to exchange the slavery of the
devil, that accursed enemy of our souls, for the service
of God arid the liberty of his children ; to act justly, to
love mercy, and walk humbly with our God; to answer
the sole end of our creation, to secure a peace here infinitely
better than the world can give, and an eternity of peace
and happiness in the world to come. But still more
strange, if possible, and astonishing, is it that they should
disregard the voice of the Most High, remain thoughtless
and stupid under the dreadful tokens of his anger and the
awful judgments of his hand by sickness and by the sword,
of our unnatural and enraged enemies, threatening to de-
populate the land and drench the plains with the blood
of its inhabitants, leaving the weeping widows, helpless
orphans, and all that survive the shocking carnage and
subsequent massacre, to drag out their lives in want,
wretchedness and miserable bondage, and all this ai'tra-
vated with the constant prospect of leaving this dreadful
curse entailed on all posterity. A thorough repentance
and reformation, without all peradventure, will appease the
anger of a holy and just God, avert these amazing calami-
ties, secure liberty and happiness to this and all succeeding
ages, and eternal felicity and glory to all the subjects of it.
If such considerations and motives won't awake a serious
thoughtfulness and attention, I know not what will but the
voice of the archangel and the trump of God.
I am, honoured and dear sir, most affectionately, your
dutiful son and servant,
WM. WILLIAMS.
To Hon. J. Trumbull, Esq., fee.
P. S. You will not think proper to communicate this letter
to the Assembly. 1 am anxious beyond the power oflanguage
to describe of contributing something to the good and salva-
tion, temporal and eternal, of my countrymen. (Hope I
have not been totally useless here.) If you should think
this may have any tendency to awake our sleepy people,
and be of no disadvantage, I am willing it should be printed,
and, from other possible reasons, leaving out such of the
beginning as may be a clue to guess the author or where
he is, and with the description or signature of a letter from
a gentleman of Connecticut now in a distant Colony.
May God in great mercy preserve your health and long
continue your valuable and important life! With kindest
remembrance to my dear wife and friends, W. W.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN YOUNG.
September 20, 1776.
SIR : The sloop Independence, of which you are appointed
Commander, being now laden, completely fitted, armed,
victualed, and manned, you are to proceed with said sloop
and cargo for the Island of Martinico, putting into Fort
Royal or St. Pierre's, just as the winds and other circum-
stances point out for the best. On your arrival at either
place, you must inquire for Mr. William Bingham, our
resident in that island. Should he be at the place where
you put in, deliver to him the sundry despatches now com-
mitted to your care ; should he be at any other part of the
Island, you will send an express to inform him of your
arrival, and that you have such despatches, which you are
directed to deliver intp his own hands. He will then repair
to you immediately, and you must comply with his orders
by landing the cargo wherever he may direct. You must
also consult with him, and be advised by Mr. Bingham in
all things that respect the interest or honour of the United
States in the concerns of their sloop under your command.
If you put into Fort Royal and Mr. Bingham is not there,
you must wait on the General, and inform him you belong
to the United States of America ; ask the liberty of the
port, and protection during your stay there. If you put into
St. Pierre's, and don't find Mr. Bingham, wait on the
Governour and Intendant, observing the same conduct. If
Mr. Bingham is present, he will direct what you are to do
on these points. You are to consider the French, and all
nations but Great Britain, as the friends of these United
States, and conduct yourself towards them accordingly ;
and during your stay in any French ports, be particularly
attentive to the behaviour and prudent conduct of your
people. You are to receive on board the sloop any arms,
ammunition, or other goods, Mr. Bingham may order;
receive from him, also, his despatches, and then proceed
back for this port. You are to consider that we are
anxious for you to make an expeditious voyage, notwith-
standing which, as you are well armed and manned and
the sloop sails fast, we do not forbid you chasim* sucn
vessels either going or coming as you think may become
your prize. For this purpose you have a commission;
a book containing the resolves of Congress respecting
411
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
412
prizes, which you must strictly conform to ; and a list
of the Continental agents, to some of whom you must
address any prize you take. Should Mr. Bingham find
it necessary to detain you any time, and he and you
should think it advisable to make a short cruise during that
time, we do not forbid it ; but take care not to fall into the
enemy's hands. It is an object with us that you should
pick up, and bring home with you, as many seamen as pos-
sible ; the more the better ; and you may enter all you get
on the same pay and terms of those you carry out. You
must sling our despatches to Mr. Bingham, and on your
return his to us, with a weight sufficient to sink them, and
always keep them ready to be thrown overboard should you
unfortunately be taken ; for you must not let these packets
fall into the enemy's hands on any account. You are to
afford relief or assistance to any of the subjects of the United
States that want it, if in your power, unless proof should
appear that they are inimical to their country and its cause.
You are authorized to take, burn, sink, or destroy the vessels
and property of all British subjects, except those residing
in Bermuda and New-Providence ; but we recommend
humanity and politeness to be inseparable companions of
the officers in the Continental service. It is necessary you
should be careful of the stoop, her materials and stores ;
diligent in the discharge of your own duty, and careful to
make your officers and men perform theirs ; strict in disci-
pline, but attentive to render the service agreeable to all
concerned in it. We expect you will be frugal in your
expenses, and on your return furnish us with duplicates of
your log-book and journal, giving, also, a satisfactory account
of your voyage ; and when you approach this coast, keep a
good look out, as you may expect many of the enemy's ships
will be cruising for plunder. If you cannot get in here,
you may push for any of the inlets or other places of safety;
the nearer to this the better.
We are, sir, your humble servants.
ACT OF NEW-JERSEY.
An Act to render certain Bills of Credit a legal tender
within this State, and to prevent the Counterfeiting of
the same and other Bilk of Credit.
Whereas sundry disaffected persons have refused to take
in payment the Bills of Credit emitted by the Continental
Congress, and also the Bills of Credit emitted by the late
Congress or Convention of this State ; and whereas it is
expedient that the said bills, and also the Bills of Credit
lately issued on loan in this State, should be a legal ten-
der:
1. Be it therefore enacted, by the Council and General As-
sembly of the State of New-Jersey, and it is hereby enacted
by the authority of the same, That the Bills of Credit emit-
ted and made current by the Continental Congress, the Bills
of Credit emitted and made current by the Congress or Con-
vention of this State, and the Bills of Credit issued on loan
by virtue of an act of the Legislature of New-Jersey, made
and passed in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hun-
dred and seventy-four, intituled, " An act for striking one
hundred thousand Pounds in Bills of Credit, and directing
the mode for sinking the same," shall be, and they and
each of them are hereby, declared to be a legal tender for
the payment of money ; and if any person or persons, from
and after the publication hereof, shall refuse to take any of
the Bills of Credit when the same shall be properly tendered
in payment of any debt or demand whatsoever, (provided
the whole of such debt or demand be so tendered,) he, she,
or they, so refusing, shall b^ forever barred from sueing for
or recovering the same in any court in this State ; and if any
suit or suits shall be commenced for such debt or demand
after tender and refusal as aforesaid, the defendant may
plead payment, and give this act and the special matter in
evidence.
2. And whereas it is necessary that the counterfeiting of
the Bills of Credit, made current by publick authority,
should be prevented, Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That all and every person and persons who, from and after
the publication hereof, shall counterfeit or alter any of the
aforesaid Bills of Credit by this act made a legal tender, or
any of the Bills of Credit emitted and made current by
any of the Assemblies, Conventions, or Congresses of any
of the United States of North America, or utter any bill or
bills so counterfeited or altered, knowing the same to be so
counterfeited or altered as aforesaid, and be duly convicted
thereof, shall be adjudged guilty of felony, and be punished
with death in like manner as persons convicted of counter-
feiting or altering the former Bills of Credit of this State,
and knowingly uttering the same, might or should have
been.
Passed at Princeton, the 20th of September, 1776.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 20, 1776.
SIR: I have been honoured with your favour of the 16th,
with its enclosures. To prevent the injury and abuses which
would arise from the Militia and other troops carrying away
ammunition and Continental property, I have published
the substance of the resolves upon the subject in general
orders.
Since my letter of yesterday, nothing of importance has
cast up. The enemy are forming a large and extensive
intrenchment in the Plains mentioned in my last, and are
busily employed in transporting their cannon and stores
from Long-Island. As they advance them this way; we
may reasonably expect their operations will not long be
deferred.
Enclosed are sundry letters, &c., to which Congress will
be pleased to pay such regard as they may think them
deserving of. The letter from Monsieur Devouroney came
open under cover of one to me. Those from Colonel
Hand and Colonel Ward contain a list of vacancies in their
regiments, and of the persons they esteem proper to fill
them. The former I believe returned no list before. The
latter says he never got any commissions. Generals Howe's
and Erskine's proclamations show the measures that have
been pursued to force and seduce the inhabitants of Long-
Island from their allegiance to the States, and to assist in
their destruction.
As the period will soon arrive when the troops composing
the present army (a few excepted) will be disbanded ac-
cording to the tenour of their inlistments, and the most fatal
consequences may ensue, if a suitable and timely provision
is not made in this instance, I take the liberty of suggest-
ing to Congress, not only the expediency, but the absolute
necessity there is, that their earliest attention should be had
to this subject. In respect to the time that troops should
be engaged for, I have frequently given my sentiments; nor
have I omitted to express my opinion of the difficulties that
will attend raising them, nor of the impracticability of
effecting it without the allowance of a large and extraor-
dinary bounty. It is a melancholy and painful considera-
tion to those who are concerned in the work and have the
command, to be forming armies constantly, and to be left by
troops just when they begin to deserve the name, or perhaps
at the moment when an important blow is expected. This,
I am informed, will be the case at Ticonderoga with part of
the troops there, unless some system is immediately come
into by which they can be induced to stay. General
Schuyler tells me, in a letter received yesterday, that De
Haas's, Maxwell's, and Winds' s regiments stand engaged
only till the beginning of next month, and that the men, he
is fearful, will not remain longer than the time of their in-
listments.
I would also beg leave to mention to Congress that the
season is fast approaching when clothes of every kind will
be wanted for the army. Their distress is already great,
and will be increased as the weather becomes more severe.
Our situation is now bad, but is much better than the Militia
that are coming to join us from the States of the Massa-
chusetts-Bay and Connecticut, in consequence of the requisi-
tion of Congress. They, I am informed, have not a single
tent or a necessary of any kind, nor can I conceive how
it will be possible to support them. These circumstances
are extremely alarming, and oblige me to wish Congress to
have all the tents, clothing of every kind, and camp neces-
saries, provided and forwarded that are to be procured.
These Eastern reinforcements have not a single necessary,
not a pan or a kettle, in which we are now greatly deficient.
It is with reluctance that I trouble Congress with these
matters, but to whom can I resort for relief unless to them ?
The necessity, therefore, which urges the application will
excuse it, I am persuaded.
413
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
414
I have not been able to transmit Congress a general re-
turn of the army this week, owing to the peculiar situation
of our affairs, and the great shifting and changing among
the troops. As soon as I can procure one, a copy shall be
forwarded to Congress.
I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect,
sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
P. S. September 21st, 1776. — Things with us remain in
the situation they were yesterday.
Westchester, August 14, 1776.
SIR: I take the liberty to request that when you next
write to Congress, you may be pleased to recommend the
appointment of a Major to my regiment. As I learn that
Congress have an objection to the advancement of my
oldest Captain, I can't think myself at liberty to recommend
any. The annexed gives your Excellency the names and
rank of the Captains ; one of them I hope will be pro-
moted : Robert Clugnge, Matthew Smith, James Ross,
Henry Millen, Charles Craig, James Grier, David Harris,
James Parr, James Hamilton.
I beg your Excellency may please to appoint Third
Lieutenant John Dick to be Second Lieutenant, vice Jacob
Zank, who has resigned since the last promotion, and Robert
Cunningham to be Third Lieutenant, vice John Dick.
If the Major be appointed from my Captains, I beg leave
to recommend the following promotions in consequence,
viz:
First Lieutenant John Holliday, to be Captain ; Second
Lieutenant, William Wilson, to be First Lieutenant ; Third
Lieutenant, John Dougherty, to be Second Lieutenant, and
Benjamin Lion to be Third Lieutenant.
I wish to remind your Excellency that Lieutenant Francis,
of my regiment, is still in arrest for associating and drinking
to excess with the soldiers of the regiment.
I am, sir, with much respect, your Excellency's most
boedient, humble servant, EDWARD
To the Commander-in-Chief.
A Return of the Names of those recommended to Jill up the Vacancies in the Twenty-First Regiment under my command,
and the date of said recommendations or engaging, who have not had Commissions in said Regiment, Sfc.
VACANCIES.
Mames of those that were
and are recommended to
Jill up vacancies.
THE RANK THEY HAVE SUSTAINED.
For a Captain..
For a Major.. .
For a Captain..
Ephraim Burr
Captain Josiah Fay.
Ebenezer Cleavland.
For a First Lieutenant. .
Baxter How.
For a Second Lieutenant Jonathan
For an Ensign
For an Ensign
For a Major
For a Captain
For a First Lieutenant.
Champney..
Jonaa Sno w
Caleb Noble
Captain James Mellen
Nahum Ward
Samuel Shelden
For a Second Lieutenant Samuel Clofflin
For an Ensign
For a Chaplain
For a Surgeon-Mate. . .
For a Chief Surgeon. . .
Joseph Freeland
Ebenezer Cleavland. . . .
Israel Whiting
Elihu Wright
In the room of Captain Hubbard, deceased, engaged Jipril 1, 1776.
Published in general orders to do ihe duty of Major, June 30th. Died August 8, 1776.
Who was First Lieutenant in Fay's Company, was recommended as Captain in the room
of the late Major Fay, deceased, July 12, 1776.
Who was Second Lieutenant in said Fay's Company, was recommended as First Lieutenant
in said Company, July 12, 1776.
Who was Ensign in said Company, was recommended as Second Lieutenant in said Company,
July 12, 1776.
Who was Orderly Sergeant in said Company, was recommended in said Company as Ensign,
July 12, 1776.
Who was Orderly Sergeant in Captain Bartlett's Company, was recommended as Ensign in
said Company, July 20, 1776.
Published in general orders to do duty of Major, August 15th, in room of the late Major Fay,
deceased.
Who was First Lieutenant in said Mellen's Company, is recommended as Captain in room of
Major Mellen, September 11, 1776.
Who was Second Lieutenant in said Mtllen'i Company, is recommended as First Lieutenant
in said Company, September 11, 1776.
Who was Ensign in said Company, is recommended as a Second Lieutenant in said Mellen's
Company, September 11, 1776.
Who was Orderly Sergeant in said Company, is recommended as Ensign to said Company,
September 11, 1776.
Joined January 1, 1776.
Joined July 1, 1776.
Engaged August 1, 1776.
N. B. I doubt not but the above, if duly commissioned, will behave well, as their experience and former good
behaviour indicate the same.
So I am, with due submission, your Excellency's most devoted, humble servant, J. WARD, Colonel.
To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
If it's agreeable, I desire the persons recommended in the within for Captains and subalterns may be appointed, in
orders, to do duty in said stations, as recommended.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-duarters, Harlem Heights, September 19, 1776.
(Parole, Hancock.) (Countersign, Warren.)
The Companies from Maryland, under the command of
Major Price, are to join Colonel Smallwood's Battalion and
General McDougalCs Brigade; and it is expected that the
commanding officer of every corps will, together with all
the officers therein, exert themselves in seeing good order
and discipline observed. They are to consider that it is
the duty of a good officer to see, or at least to know, that
orders are executed, and not to content themselves with
being the mere vehicles through which they are conveyed
to the men. We are now arrived at an important crisis,
which calls loudly for the zeal and activity of the best of
officers. We see, we know, that the enemy are exerting
every nerve, not only by the force of arms, but the practices
of every art, to accomplish their purposes ; and that among
other pieces of policy, which is also founded on justice, we
find them exceeding careful to restrain every kind of abuse
of private property, whilst the abandoned and profligate
part of our own army, countenanced by a few officers, who
are lost to every sense of honour and virtue, as well as their
country's good, are by rapine and plunder spreading ruin
and terrour wherever they go; thereby making themselves
infinitely more to be dreaded than the common enemy they
are come to oppose ; at the same time that it exposes men
who are strolling about after plunder, to be surprised and
taken. The General, therefore, hopes it will be unnecessary
on any future occasion, for him to repeat the orders of
yesterday, with respect to this matter, as he is determined
to show no favour to officer or soldier who shall offend
herein, but punish without exception every person who
shall be found guilty of this most abominable practice, which,
if continued, must prove the destruction of any army on
earth.
That the men may be acquainted with the orders relative
to plundering as well as others, the neglect of which will
incur blame or puishment, the General directs and positively
orders, that every commanding officer of a corps takes
special care that the orders are regularly read to the men
every day.
General Nixon, with his brigade, is to remove over to the
Jersey, and will receive his orders from General Greene,
with respect to his encamping, &z.c. Such men oi his bri-
gade as are now on duty must be relieved.
The picket guards which are to occupy the outposts most
advanced to the enemy, are to consist of eight hundred men,
officered with two Colonels, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two
Majors and Captains, and subalterns in proportion. They
are to be furnished by detachment from the several brigades
below King's Bridge, and so every day till further or-
ders.
415
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
416
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 20, 1776.
(Parole, Sjwi.i.) (Uoiinlewlgn, /•V«n«.)
As many of the Regiments that came last from New-
York liave lost their tents and cooking utensils, (not from
any delimit of their own, but want of teams and vessels to
bring them off in time,) by which means one part of the
army are greatly distressed, whilst the other part are com-
fonably supplied, the General earnestly advises and directs
the Colonels and commanding officers of such corps as
have not suffered, to store their men thicker in their tents,
and lend all they can spare to their suffering fellow-soldiers,
till such time as others can be provided. The tents, &c.,
are to be sent to General Spencer's, at Mr. Kortrights
house, who will cause them to be delivered to the regiments
standing most in need of them, which regiments are to be
answerable for them when called for.
The General hopes that soldiers fighting in such a cause
as ours, will not be discouraged by any difficulties that may
offer; and informs them that the grounds he now possesses
are to be defended at all events. Any officer or soldier,
therefore, who, upon the approach or attack of the enemy's
forces, by land or water, presumes to turn his back and
flee, shall be instantly shot down, and all good officers are
hereby authorized and required to see this done, that the
brave and gallant part of the army may not fall a sacrifice
to the base and cowardly part, or share their disgrace in a
cowardly and unmanly retreat. The Heights we are now
upon may be defended against double the force we have to
contend with, and the whole Continent expects it of us.
But that we may assist the natural strength of the ground
as much as possible, and make our posts more secure, the
General most earnestly recommends it to the commanding
officers of every brigade and regiment to turn out every man
they have off duty for fatigue, and apply to Colonel Put-
nam for tools and directions where and how to work. This
measure is also earnestly recommended to the men, as it
will tend greatly to their own security and ease, as the
guards will be lessened in proportion as the grounds get
strengthened.
General Greene is to appoint some careful officer at Bur-
dett's Ferry to examine passengers, and see that none come
over but such as have proper passes. General Mifflin is to
do the same on this side, to prevent disaffected or suspected
persons from passing. If Captain Johnson and the other
gentlemen who were employed in this business at New-
fork, incline to engage in it again, they are to have the
preference given them.
The Colonels or commanding officers of the Militia regi-
ments now in the service, may make out their pay abstracts,
in order to receive payment ; they will be particularly at-
tentive in doing it, as the disorderly manner in which many
of those men have left the service, will require the utmost
care to prevent impositions on the publick. And the Con-
gress have resolved, that all Continental troops and the
Militia going home from service, shall restore all Continental
arms and other property, and also all ammunition remaining
iu their possession at the time of their being about to return,
or to have the value of it deducted.
The guards will be relieved at four o'clock this afternoon,
after which they are to be relieved constantly and regularly
at nine o'clock every day.
The General desires that the Brigade Majors may attend
him precisely at seven o'clock to-morrow morning, and ac-
count for the remissness in their several departments, as he
is determined to put up with no more negligence in office.
He expects the punctual attendance of the whole.
General Wadsworth must look out a good person to do
the duty of his brigade.
Commanding and other officers of regiments, are to col-
lect the horses straying about their encampments, and send
them to the Quartermaster-General, or one of his deputies;
the uses these horses may answer when properly employed,
will be an inducement to every officer to exert himself.
The officers of the guard at King's Bridge to be careful
that no soldiers take horses over the bridge, though such
soldier should have a common pass. Every person riding
without a saddle, is to be immediately taken up, and the
horse sent to the Quartermaster, till released by lurther or-
ders.
The scarcity of fodder makes it necessary that no horses
should come into camp but what belong to the army. All
visitants, therefore, are to leave their horses beyond the
bridge, unless they obtained a special order from some
General officer, or commandant of a brigade.
General Beall, Brigadier of the day, to meet the guards
at four o'clock, on the parade, and report immediately what
Brigade Major fails of bringing his proportion of guards at
the lime.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Head-duartcrs, Heights of Harlem, September 20, 1776.
SIR: Having received authentick advice from Long-
Island that the enemy are recruiting a great number of men
with much success, and collecting large quantities of stock
throughout the island, for their support, I have directed
Brigadier-General Clinton forthwith to repair to Fairfield,
to meet General Lincoln on his march hither, with a part
of the troops lately voted by the Massachusetts State to
reinforce this army, in order to concert with him an expe-
dition to the island, to check and suppress, if possible, a
practice so injurious and detrimental to our cause.
Those gentlemen will wait on you for your advice in
the matter, if time and the situation of things will admit of
it, and with a view of obtaining such aid as you and they
may judge necessary to facilitate the enterprise. However,
if it should not be in their power personally to attend you,
I must take the liberty of requesting your good offices upon
the occasion, and that you will afford them every assistance
that you conveniently can, and which they require, either
in men, vessels, &tc., for carrying their scheme into execu-
tion.
It is absolutely necessary that the measures of the enemy
should be effectually counteracted in this instance, or in a
little time they will levy no inconsiderable army of our own
people. The influence of their money and their artifices
has already passed the Sound, and several have been
detected of late, who had inlisted to serve under their ban-
ner, and the particular command of Major Rogers.
Being in haste, I have not time to add more than that I
have the fullest confidence that your favour will not be
wanting in this instance, and that I have the honour to be,
with regard and esteem, ^ »,,
Go. WASHINGTON.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Head-Quarters, Colonel Roger Morris's, ten miles from
New- York, September 20, 1776.
SIR: I have your several favours of the 9th, 12th, and
16th instant, with their enclosures. I am particularly
happy to find, by the copies of General Arnold's and
Colonel Dayton's letters, that your apprehensions of an
Indian war in your quarter have entirely vanished, and
that you have disbanded the Militia in consequence.
I clearly see, and have severely felt, the ill effects of
short inlistments, and have repeatedly given Congress my
sentiments thereon. I believe they are by this time con-
vinced that there is no opposing a standing, well-disciplined
army but by one upon the same plan ; and I hope, if this
campaign does not put an end to this contest, they will put
the army upon a different footing than what it has hereto-
fore been. I shall take care to remind them that the terms
for which De Haas's, Maxwell's, and Winds' s regiments
inlisted, expire the beginning of October ; but if they have
not already thought of taking some steps to secure them a
while longer, it will be too late, except the officers will
exert themselves in prevailing on the men to stay until their
places can be supplied by some means or other. If the
officers are spirited and well inclined, they may lead their
men as they please.
I removed my quarters to this place on Sunday last, it
having been previously determined, by a Council of General
Officers, on the preceding Thursday, to evacuate New-
York. The reasons that principally weighed with them
were, that from every information, and every movement of
the enemy, it was clear that their attack was not meditated
against the city ; their intent evidently was, to throw their
whole army between part of ours in New-York and its
environs, and the remainder about King's Bridge, and
thereby cut off our communication with each other and
with the country. Indeed, their operations on Sunday
last, fully satisfied the opinion of the Council, and the steps
417
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
418
taken hi consequence; for on that morning they began their
landing at Turtle Bay, and continued to throw over great
numbers of men from Long-Island, and from Montrcsor's
and Buchanan's Islands, on which they had previously
lodged them. As we bad exerted ourselves in removing
our sick and stores of every kind, after the measure of
abandoning bad been determined upon, very few tilings,
and but three or four men, fell into the enemy's hands.
On Monday last, we had a pretty sharp skirmish between
two battalions of Light Infantry and Highlanders and three
companies of Hessian Riflemen, commanded by Brigadier
Leslie, and detachments from our army, under the command
of Lieutenant-Colonel Knowlton, of Connecticut, and Major
Leitch, of Virginia. The Colonel received a mortal
wound, and the Major three balls through his body, but be
is likely to do well. Their parties behaved with great
bravery, and being supported with fresh troops, beat the
enemy fairly from the field. Our loss, except in that of
Colonel Knowlton, a most valuable and gallant officer, is
inconsiderable — that of the enemy, from accounts, between
eighty and one hundred wounded, and fifteen or twenty
killed. This little advantage has inspirited our troops pro-
digiously ; they find that it only requires resolution and good
officers to make an enemy (that they stood in too much
dread of) give way.
The British army lies encamped about two miles below
us ; they are busy in bringing over their cannon and stores
from Long-Island, and we are putting ourselves in the best
posture of defence that time and circumstances will
admit of.
I enclose you copies of several resolutions of Congress,
respecting the Northern army, &ic., not knowing whether
they have yet been transmitted to you. I received Captain
Varick's resignation, which shall be forwarded to Congress
this clay.
I am, sir, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.
COLONEL REED TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Camp at King's Bridge, September 20, 1776.
SIR: The bearer, Mr. Bartholomew Van Heer, has been
mentioned to the General as a person who may render the
publick some service. He desires an opportunity of pre-
senting himself and producing his certificates. I have his
Excellency's directions to forward him to you for that pur-
pose; and am, with the greatest respect, sir, your most
obedient, and very bumble servant,
Jos. REED.
To the Honourable President of Congress.
atives of this State to enclose to Congress resolutions of the
Convention, requesting the advance of a sum of money to
enable them to pursue their exertions in the present exi-
gencies of this State, and earnestly to request a speedy
consideration thereof. From the papers attending the reso-
lutions, it will appear that a large balance is due to this
State from the Continent, which will no doubt have due
weight at this distressing period.
I have the honour to be, most respectfully, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
AB'M YATES, Jun., President.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES.
King's Bridge, September 20, 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL: This will be delivered you by Mr.
Yancey, who I have appointed to Mr. Avery's place. He
and Mr. Avery will apply to you, and show their warrants
and orders, and I must beg your kind aid, assistance, and
directions. And whatever cash Mr. Yancey wants, and
you give him warrants for on the Paymaster, I shall hold
myself accountable for the disposition of by him, for use of
the army.
I find by a letter from Mr. Gerry, that General Sehuy-
ler is about to resign. I congratulate you and myself
thereon. Also that Congress is about to raise eighty -eight
full battalions, for next year, the officers to have gratuities
in land, and the men who engage for the war twenty dollars
and one hundred acres of land at the close, and same wages.
We have nothing since I wrote my brother, which lie
will receive and show you, before you receive this. I think
we shall .keep them at bay, now we are away from their
ships.
I am, dear General, your most humble servant,
Jos. TRUMBULL.
To Major-General Gates.
NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT Or CONGRESS.
[Read September 27, 1776.]
Fishkill, September 20, 1776.
SIR: I am directed by the Convention of the Represent-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 27
NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO THEIR DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.
Fishkill, September 20. 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The Convention have much at heart the
subject of the enclosed resolutions, and have directed me
to recommend them to your particular attention. They are
persuaded that General Schuyler's resignation will not only
be highly prejudicial to the common cause of America, by
the loss of an able and vigilant officer, singularly qualified
for the command he now fills, but will be productive of
internal jealousy and discontent at a period when union and
harmony are necessary for our preservation.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient,
humble servant, . , v n . ,
AB M YATES, Jun., President.
To the Honourable the Delegates of the State of New- York
in Congress, at Philadelphia.
P. S. I am directed to add that the Convention have
received no answer to their last letter. They would wish
to hear from you on the matter contained in that and this
letter as soon as possible.
Resolutions enclosed in the Letter from the Convention of the
State of NEW- YORK.
[Read September 27, 1776. Referred to Mr. McKean, Mr. Rutledge,
Mr. Hooper.]
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, )
Fishkill, September 20, 1776. J
The Committee appointed to " examine into and report
the present state of the Treasury, the progress which has
been made in emitting £200,000 to supply the exigencies
of the State agreeable to a resolution of the Convention
passed on the 13th day of August last, the obstructions
which have prevented the settlement of the publick accounts
of this State against the Continent, and further means for the
immediate supplying the Treasury with money," delivered
in their report, which was read, and is in the words follow-
ing, to wit :
Your Committee do report that they have according to
order considered the several matters submitted to their exam-
ination ; that the Treasury is exhausted, as appears by the
account No. 1, being a general state of receipts and pay-
ments of the Treasury down to the 17th instant, and that
the most speedy and effectual means ought to be adopted to
supply the Treasury with money that the publick credit
may be supported, and the heavy expenses to which this
State must unavoidably be exposed in its present critical and
dangerous situation be provided for ; that by reason of the
evacuation of the metropolis, the loss of the paper-mills,
the dispersions of the printers, as well as the gentlemen
entrusted to procure the plates, superintend the press, and
sign the bills of credit directed to be emitted, there cannot
be the least prospect of supplying the Treasury from the
intended emission so as to answer the exigencies of the Stafe ;
that the Committee have examined into the measures which
have been pursued for adjusting the publick accounts of this
State against the Continent, and for that purpose have been
attended by the Deputy Treasurer, to whose state of facts,
mentioned in the paper No. 2, they refer, and from which it
appears that several of the persons named in the list deli-
vered in by the Deputy Treasurer on the 17th instant, who
have been entrusted with publick money have, though called
upon, neglected to settle their accounts with the Auditor-
General of this State, which putting it out of his power
precisely to ascertain how much of the moneys have been
applied for Continental services, and how much for the more
immediate purposes of this State, hath hitherto proved an
insurmountable obstruction to the adjustment of the publick
419
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
.420
accounts of the State against the Continent : that neverthe-
less, from an estimate made by the Deputy Treasurer, con-
tained in the paper No. 3, which is herewith presented, it
appears, and your Committee are satisfied that upwards of
sixty-two thousand dollars are due from the United Slates
to the State of New-York: Whereupon your Committee
have agreed to the following resolutions:
Resolved, 1st, That it is the opinion of this Committee,
that the Auditor-General be directed to use all possible dili-
gence in completing the settlement of the publick accounts
of this State with the United States, and procuring the neces-
sary vouchers, in order that the said accounts and vouchers
may, without further delay, be transmitted to the Treasury
office of the United States at Philadelphia, there to be
finally settled and passed, and to remove the impediment
which hath hitherto retarded the settlement of the said
accounts.
Resolved, 2dly, That in the opinion of this Committee,
such of the persons named in the said list who have been
entrusted with the publick money and have neglected to
produce their accounts and vouchers to the Auditor-General
of this State be, and they hereby are, enjoined, on pain of
incurring the displeasure of this Convention, to attend the
said Auditor-General at the Fishkills, with the respective
accounts and vouchers, as soon as possible after receiving
notice for that purpose from the said Auditor-General.
Resolved, 3dly, That it is the opinion of this Committee,
that the honourable Congress of the United States be re-
quested to advance to this State one hundred thousand
dollars in consideration of the vast expense to which we are
exposed, and the impracticability, for the reasons herein set
forth, of emitting bills of credit with a despatch suitable to
the urgency of our publick affairs and the calamitous circum-
stances into which we are involved ; that in case this requi-
sition shall be complied with, the Convention do pledge this
State to be accountable for the sum so to be advanced, de-
claring that the receipt of the Delegates of this State, or
either of them, shall be a sufficient voucher for the same,
and directing the said Delegates to forward the money as
expeditiously as possible.
Resolved, 4thly, As the opinion of this Committee, that
if it shall be inconvenient to the United States to advance
to this State the sum specified in the before-mentioned re-
quisition, that then the honourable Congress be, and are
hereby, requested to advance to this State the sum of sixty
thousand dollars on account of the balance due from the
Continent to this State — this Committee being of opinion
upon the best evidence they have been able to procure, that
at least that sum must be due from the United States to this
State.
The said Report being again read by paragraphs, was
agreed to : Thereupon,
Resolved, unanimously, That this Convention agree with
their Committee in the said Report.
Ordered, That a copy of the said Report be immediately
transmitted by the President of this Convention to the Pres-
ident of the honourable Continental Congress, and that a
copy be also transmitted to the Delegates of this State at
the Continental Congress.
Extract from the Minutes :
ROBERT BENSON, Secretary.
[No. 1.]
The State of NEW- YORK in Account Current with P. V.
B. LIVINGSTON, Treasurer:
DR.
Tb Cash paid sundry persons between the 31st day of May,
1775, and the 30th day of April, 1776, as per partic-
ular account, - £159,86515 OJ
To ditto paid ditto between the 1st day
of May, 1776, and the 17th day of
September following, as per account of
particulars drawn out and ready to be
produced, - 89,469 7 1J
To balance due the State, - 29 10 11
£246,364 13 I
CR.
By sundry sums of money received for account of this State
between the 31st (lay of May, 1775, and the 30th day
of April, 1776, as per account, - £161,823 03 09
By ditto received between the 1st day
of May, 1776, and the 17th day of
September following, as per particular
account, - - 84,5410904
£246,364 13 01
Errours excepted.
Fishkill, September 17, 1776.
For P. V. B. Livingston.
GERHARD BANCKER.
[No. 2.]
On the llth March, 1776, the Convention of this State
appointed a Committee, viz: Mr. Van Zandt, Captain
Denning, Mr. Beekman, Colonel Brasher, and Mr. Sands,
to examine the Treasurer's accounts, and to point out what
part of the charges therein were to be considered as Conti-
nental, and what Provincial. A fair copy of the Continental
account as stated by them, was prepared by the Auditors'
clerk.
In May last, the Auditors, viz: Messrs. Van Zandt,
Bancker, Beekman, Sands, and Denning, continued this
account down to the 30th of April last. It was after-
wards examined by some of the New- York members of the
Continental Congress, and then taken to the Convention of
this State, where it underwent several alterations, in which
state it is now fair copied. Many accounts being not then
come in, the Auditors deferred sending it to Philadelphia
till some of the principal ones could be procured, and many
letters were wrote for that purpose.
Nothing more was done with the Continental account till
the Auditor-General was appointed the latter end of July
last, when he came to the Plains to endeavour to continue it
down to that time, but the number of outstanding accounts
was so increased by the great sums of money that had been
paid out there by order of the Convention, on account of
the services to be performed, as to induce him to defer the
completion of it till they could be got in, several of which
accounts he procured abroad, and left orders for writing to
many persons who had neglected sending in theirs, which
letters have accordingly been wrote, and copies of some of
them sent, and though the number of outstanding accounts
is greatly diminished, there are still many to be brought in,
as per the annexed list, amounting to about forty thousand
pounds.
G. BANCKER.
Fishkill, September 18, 1776.
[ No. 3. ]
The CONTINENTAL CONGRESS in Account Current with the
State of NEW-YORK :
DR.
1776, April 30. To amount of an account as prepared by
the Auditors up to this date, - £102,666 15 11|
To amount of expenses accrued in
this State since that time, being
£86,469, about three-fifths of
which (according to the estimate
of the Treasury) will be Conti-
nental, ........ 51,881 8 0
'£154,548 3 llg
CH.
1775, August 23. By cash received by Mr. Joseph Hal-
let, ........ £70,0000 0
1776, January 12. By cash received
by Messrs. Palmer, &c., - - 20,000 0 0
March 8. By cash received by Mr.
Francis Lewis, ..... 18,800 0 0
July 12. By cash received on a war-
rant from his Excellency General
Washington, ...... 20,000 0 0
By balance due this State, - - - 25,748 31 If
£154,5483
Fishkill, September 18, 1776.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 20, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Since my last of yesterday, I have received
sundry papers from General Gates, copies of all which I do
421
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
422
myself the honour to enclose. I have mentioned to Con-
gress that I had sent them to your Excellency.
I am, dear sir, respectfully your Excellency's most obe-
dient, humble servant, pH sCHuyLEK.
To His Excellency General Washington.
GENERAL GATES TO MAJOR HOISINGTON.
Tyoncleroga, September 20, 1776.
SIR: I received your letter of the 14th instant from New-
bur y by Captain Wait. Until you sent me the orders of
the Convention of New - York, I was unacquainted with the
nature of your engagement, and the services expected from
the men placed under your command. You will now
exactly observe the orders you have received from the Con-
vention, sending a return once a fortnight of the companies
raised, and the stations they are posted at. As to assisting
Colonel Barrett upon the new road and in building the
bridge over Otter Creek, I fancy that is sufficiently pro-
vided for, as I have sent a large detachment from hence
to aid the Colonel in forwarding those works. In case of
general alarm, you will hold all the companies under your
command in readiness to march hither.
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
• Ho. GATES.
To Major Hoismgton.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, September 20, 1776
HONOURED SIR : I arrived here yesterday afternoon, found
all my people in tolerably good spirits, but many of them
unwell ; those that will not be fit for duty in a month, I send
on to Fort George.
Ludwick Potter, a German, who had been taken prisoner
by the Indians and carried to Montreal, has given me the
following intelligence, which perhaps may be of some con-
sequence :
The Indians took him by the Isle Noix and St. John's.
At the first place, he saw about three hundred Regulars and
a dozen Canadians, with two pieces of artillery. The
Canadians were employed in cleansing the ditches. When
he arrived at St. John's he saw a sloop and schooner on the
stocks, besides seven gondolas ; he supposes there were about
six hundred Regulars there. At Montreal he was confined.
He can give no account from there. He left St. John's a
month past. The sloop and schooners were not finished —
two of the gondolas were. They came up with him to the
Isle Noix ; they carried a long twelve-pounder each. He
saw about fifty batteaus at the Isle Noix and St. John's.
He is clear that there were no other vessels building then on
this side of St. John's, but some parties were cutting large
timber between the two places. He understood the enemy
were also busily engaged at Chamblee, but they could be
building nothing more than batteaus there, as the rapids near
St. John's prevent a larger vessel from coming up this time
of year. Most of the timber in all the vessels and boats,
seemed to be seasoned. I have treated Potier with the
utmost civility. He will return home to-morrow. He seems
a plain, honest man. What he says may be relied on, I
believe. The enemy were making a good road from
Chamblee to St. John's — they may have done much within
this last month.
In order if possible to intercept the small party of Indians
mentioned by the Frenchman, I sem a note to Major Dun-
lop from Ticonderoga, desiring him to despatch a batteau,
a good officer and twenty-five woodsmen, if possible, to
waylay them about four or five miles below GiUiland's.
They set off this morning early. This, with a party sent
to the fleet before, and the officers and men General Arnold
detains (and means to do until the galleys come down, as he
has informed by letter) as you will observe by my return,
will reduce me very low. I should be glad some good
company were sent here to assist in doing the duty of guards,
till my other men arrive.
A good party returned from the westward yesterday even-
ing. It had been upwards of fifteen or twenty miles off.
No appearance of an enemy ; the way was very rough and
disagreeable ; the men were much fatigued.
I have wrote to Major Badlam for a few things. I pre-
sume he will send them.
I am, sir, with great respect, your most humble servant,
THOS. HARTLEY.
To General Gates.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 20, 1776.
SIR : Since the receipt of your favour of the 9th instant,
our nine regiments of Foot under command of Brigadier-
General Saltonstall, and two regiments of horse under the
command of Major Backus have begun their march, with
orders to rendezvous at or near West-Chester, and there to
attend your orders, and trust that many of them are arrived
there as the rest will soon.
It gives me great concern to learn that so many of our
Militia have refused to submit to proper discipline, and that
such numbers have deserted as to reduce those that remain
to about two thousand. 'Tis certain that by their absence
they were great sufferers in point of interest, yet this is far
from justifying their desertion, which ought not to pass un-
noticed. I must therefore entreat your Excellency, as soon
as it can be conveniently done, to order returns to be made
of all such deserters, and communicate them to me, that
proper measures may be taken with them, either by return-
ing them to their corps, mulcting them of their wages, or
otherwise. If the Militia may desert with impunity, there
is an end of their usefulness.
To His Excellency General Washington.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, held in Lebanon,on the 20th day of September,
1776,
Present : His Honour the Governour, his Honour the
Deputy Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Titus Hosmer, Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Esquires.
Voted, To allow Mr. Elkanah Tisdale lor his service in
procuring Hospitals for sick soldiers returning from New-
York, six shillings per diem, with his expenses and horse
hire.
Voted, That an Account now exhibited by Noadiah
Hubbard, of Middletown, for carting a load of Clothing
from Middletown to the Northern Army, amounting in the
whole to £31 13s. 8d., be allowed, and that an order be
drawn on the Pay-Table accordingly. (Order drawn and
delivered Chauncey Whittlesey.)
Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table to
draw on the Treasurer, in favour of Mr. Chauncey Whittle-
sey, for the sum of £1,200, to enable him to pay for the
goods he hath already purchased for Clothing for the Con-
tinental Army, and to enable him to continue his purchases
for that purpose. (Order drawn and delivered Mr. Whit-
tksey.)
September 24, 1776. — Colonel Jabez Huntington, Col-
onel Jedediah Elderkin, Titus Hosmer, and Nathaniel
Wales, Jun., Esquires, met and assisted his Honour the
Governour on business of the publick.
September 26, 1776. — Colonel Jabez Huntington, Col-
onel Jedediah Elderkin, Titus Hosmer, and Nathaniel
Wales, Jun., Esquires, met and assisted his Honour the
Governour on business of the publick.
ALEXANDER EXUEN TO THE NEW-YORK CONGRESS.
New-London, September 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I again take this opportunity to acquaint
you of my safe arrival here from Firy-Island, where I was
obliged to leave part of my cargo behind. To my great
sorrow, I have lost my medicines, all excepting two boxes,
my pepper, prunes and raisins; such as I could get off with
my people I saved. The wagons being all pressed to carry
the Regulars' baggage, if that the rascal Wallace, that
had unloaded me, had not refused to take any thing off on
board the brig, I should saved most part of my cargo, if not
all. But the Tories mustering so strong and carrying such
sway, I was obliged to leave, as I did to my sorrow. The
privateer left the place forty-eight hours before I did myself.
423
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
424
I have stored the salt here, and wait your orders, by the
orders of the Committee here, which I think is best, as it
takes the vessels off of damage.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
ALEX. EXUEN.
To the Provincial Congress of the State of New- York.
P. S. Be pleased to send your orders as soon as possible.
JOHN KURD TO COLONEL CHASE.
Exeter, September 20, 1776.
SIR : The bearer, Mr. Moses Chase, will inform you of
the two additional ranging companies allowed by our As-
sernblv to be raised for the defence of our frontiers, to serve
till the first of December next, one of which is expected
will be taken chiefly out of your regiment, the officers being
so appointed— Mr. Russell, of Plainfield, for the Captain,
by the recommendation of Mr. Chase— the said company
to consist of fifty-five men including officers, and which you
are desired to see mustered and properly equipped; for
which purpose the money is now sent by Mr. Chase, viz,
the bounty or blanket money of twelve shillings each, and
half month's advance pay, which you'll please to receive of
him and deliver out to officers and men, agreeable to the
memorandum herewith. This company is to rendezvous
and make their head-quarters at Cohos, and for their scouting
marches to be under the direction of a Committee there —
Colonel Charles Johnstone, Mr. Jonathan Hale, Mr. James
Bailey, and myself; and as I am authorized to furnish them
with provisions, 1 must desire you would in my behalf
supply them when and while they are in your neighbourhood,
for the amount of which I will either pay you the money
or give an order on 'the Committee at Exeter for it. Mr.
Moses Chase has also promised rne to assist you in this
business. I shall write you again from Cohos, when I re-
turn there, in about a fortnight from this, and shall be glad
to hear also from you. In the mean while remain, with
due respect, sir, your most humble servant,
JOHN KURD.
Money paid to Officers and Men.
Captain, half month's pay £3 00
Lieutenant, 200
Ensign, ------------1
Four Sergeants, at 24s. 4160
Four Corporals, at 22s. 480
One Drummer, at 22s. 120
Forty-three Privates, at 20s. 43 00
£60 1 0
Fifty-Five Blankets, at 12s. 33 0 0
93 fo
Paid out, £83 15
Cash left in my hands, - - - - 9 6
£93 I 0
LETTER RECEIVED BY A MERCHANT IN LONDON FROM PARIS,
DATED SEPTEMBER 21,1776.
The American Plenipotentiary created great debates in
the Cabinet. Lord Stormont exercised all his powers of
intrigue and persuasion to gain a refusal to negotiate with
them, and remonstrated with many of the Ministers, some of
whom, who did not hesitate to deliver their real opinion,
opposed the treaty, and spoke with great acrimony .against
the Colonies : among these was the Count de St. Germain,
who endeavoured to impress in the minds of the other
members a conviction of the justice of the measure. This
statesman seemed to have the greatest weight ; and had not
the Queen interfered, it is thought Mr. Silas Deane would
have returned a very different answer to the Congress.
It is astonishing the interest this she-politician bears in
matters of State ; she can cajole and threaten into com-
pliance the most popular Minister about the palace. The
Count, however, dared to represent the inconvenience that
mifrht arise to the Kingdom upon taking an active part
in the dispute. It was not England alone that could
raise any fearful apprehensions in his breast, but it was the
resentment of her allies. He depictured the horrotirs of war
in the most lively and emphatick strains of eloquence ; upon
the blessings of peace, he bestowed every eulogiutn that he
thought might be the means of rendering it an object of
cultivation ; hut all was in vain ; the treaty was signed,
which it is confidently reported will be attended with the
disgrace of the Count. Certain it is that his parsimony has
given universal disgust, and every means are trying to
render him obnoxious to the King.
During Mr. Dcane's stay here, he was frequently at
Court, where he often met with Lord Stormont. All out-
ward etiquette was preserved, and they often conversed
together upon general topicks, so that strangers might easily
mistake them for cordial friends. They never entered into
political debate at the levee. His Lordship, however, ob-
served him with a jealous eye, whenever he was in conver-
sation with any of the members of the Cabinet. Notwith-
standing the caution used, it came to the knowledge of his
Lordship that Mr. Deane had private conferences at some
of their houses. This underhand proceeding, procured, we
may conjecture, by the most powerful and never-failing
application, raised his Lordship's choler, and he upbraided
them with it openly in the King's presence ; the charge
was positively denied, and as positively persisted in ; the
matter grew warm, the King interposed, and for the present
the dispute subsided.
The good old Count de St. Germain, fruitless to frustrate
the league, yielded at length to the torrent of opposition,
and was apparently reconciled to the resolutions of the
Cabinet. After giving his opinion as above related, he
remained a silent spectator, and passively approved of the
treaty. After it had undergone the Royal sanction, he issued
immediate orders to the several ports to put the maritime
department in the most formidable state. Various conjec-
tures are formed, whether these preparations are made with
an offensive or defensive view. There can be no doubt
that a war will be the consequence of our support to Amer-
ican rebellion ; but who will open the business, is the ma-
terial question ; your Court, if they have spirit, are furnished
with a very justifiable pretext.
GENEUAL GADSDEN TO JOHN LEWIS GERVA1S.
Sullivan's Island, September 21, 1776.
SIR : We are out of rum, of which, for the work 1 am
about, I am obliged to use a great deal. Pray send a
hogshead for this garrison as soon as possible, by Captain
Ham, if you can.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
CHRIST. GADSDEN.
To John Lewis Gervais, Esq., Commissary -General,
Charlestown.
COLONEL ROBERTS TO JOHN LEWIS GERVAIS.
Colonel Roberts's compliments to the Commissary, and
informs him that it is -not the season either for carrion or salt
beef — both of which when he takes the trouble of sending
to Fort Johnson for the Artillery he will order to be re-
turned, &c.
Saturday, September 21, 1776.
[ENDORSED— Impertinent note of Colonel Roberta, 21 Sept., 1776,
treated wilh contempt — not answered.]
DELAWARE CONVENTION TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
New-Castle, September 21, 177R.
SIR: In an answer to your letter, dated from the War
Office, requesting a list of prisoners in this State, I am to
inform you that none are within it at present; the fesv we
had were ordered to Philadelphia, for the purpose of ex-
changing them for a Captain Buddcn and others, under a
resolution of Congress. One Continental battalion only
hath been raised in this State ; and a complete list of the
officers, their ranks, and dates ofcommissions, was transmitted
to Mr. President Hancock, by the President of the Council
of Safety of this State, and I must refer you to that list for
the information you want.
I am your most obedient and very humble servant,
GEO. READ, President of Convention.
To Richard Peters, Esq.
425
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
426
DELAWARE CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 23, 1776.]
New-Casile, September 21, 1776.
SIR: The Convention of this State, upon the receipt of
your letter of the 3d of this instant, enclosing the resolution
of Congress of the same date, requesting all the aid in our
power to be sent to the army at New-York, immediately
took the same into their consideration, and have at length
ordered a battalion, to consist of four hundred and eighty
men, including officers, to be forthwith raised and equipped,
to reinforce the army of the United States, and to serve till
the last day of December next. The want of arms, and the
great extent of our frontiers on the river and bay of Dela-
ware, must apologize for the smallness of this aid — it is the
widow's mite. God grant that it may, in the least degree,
contribute to the common safety, is the sincere wish of, sir,
your most obedient and very humble servant,
GEO. READ, President of Convention.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM
BINGHAM.
Philadelphia, September 21, 1776.
SIR: Your several letters of the 4th, 15th, and 26th
August, to this Committee, have been duly received, with
the several enclosures, and the whole have been laid before
Congress. We can therefore communicate that satisfaction
which we dare say it must afford you to know, that you
have so far obtained the approbation of that august body.
It is not necessary that we should enter into minute
replies to the contents of your letters; therefore, we shall
only notice such parts as seem to require it.
Captain fVickes's behaviour meets the approbation of his
country, and fortune seems to have -had an eye to his merit
when she conducted his three prizes safely in. You made
a very proper use of his engagement by your question to
the General, and it is extremely satisfactory that our prizes
may be carried into and protected in the French ports; but
hitherto the Congress have not thought proper to entrust
blank commissions beyond seas, neither can their resolve
for bringing prizes into some of these States for condemna-
tion, be dispensed with. These matters are now under
consideration of a committee, and should any alteration take
place, you shall be informed of it.
We are bound to return thanks to his Excellency the
General, for the information he authorized you to give us,
as mentioned in your letter of the 4th, and particularly for
his disposition to favour our commerce in port, and protect
it at sea ; and likewise, for that concern he expressed at not
having it in his power to assist us with the arms and powder
we requested. You will therefore signify to his Excel-
lency, that this Committee entertain the warmest sentiments
of esteem and respect for his person and character, and of
gratitude for his favourable attention to the concerns of our
much-injured country ; that we request the continuance of
his friendship, and hope during your residence at Marlinico,
there will be many opportunities of benefiting by his favour-
able disposition, particularly in countenancing you in the
purchase and exportation of arms, ammunition, and clothing.
We are not surprised that Admiral Young's letter should
have altered the General's sentiment respecting convoys;
but we esteem much his spirited answer to the Admiral,
which may probably be productive of some alteration.
We like well your proposal for a constant intercourse by
packets ; and the sloop Independence, Captain John Young,
is now sent on that service, in which we hope she will be
successful and continue; more of the like kind shall follow,
and probably this may be found the best method of support-
ing our intercourse with Europe; and as these vessels are
properly commissioned, we cannot see any impropriety in
fitting out tenders, with copies of their commissions, pro-
vided the commanding officers of those tenders are really
officers belonging to the vessel whose com mission they bear;
but the prizes must be sent to America for condemnation,
unless the cargoes are perishable, and in such case, if prop-
erly certified, we suppose it might be best to make sale of
them.
We thank you for Mr. Price's pamphlet, and wish you
would write to Mr. Deatie and Mr. Morris to contriveyou
a constant and ample supply of the English, Irish,a.nd
French newspapers, political publications, &c. We send
you by this opportunity the Journals of Congress, as far as
published, and the newspapers to this time.
We received the arms and powder by the Reprisal.
They come seasonably, and we wish there had been more
of them. The Secret Committee will supply you with
funds for the payments of these and more.
Since the arrival of Lord Howe and General Howe in the
neighbourhood of New-York, with their forces, they have
been rather too strong for our people to cope with, and
consequently have succeeded in their enterprises ; which,
however, have not been of that importance that they will
probably represent to the world. They have been ten or
twelve weeks, with a powerful fleet and a numerous army,
well provided and appointed with every thing necessary,
and what have they done? They have got possession of
three small islands on the coast of America. These were
hardly disputed with them, and yet, if every acre of Amer-
ican territory is to cost them in the same proportion, the
conquest would ruin all Europe. Our army are now col-
lected to a point, and are strongly intrenched on New-York
Island and at King's Bridge, so that in fact Mr. Howe is
hemmed in, as he was at Boston, except that he has more
elbow-room, and a powerful fleet, commanding an extensive
inland navigation. Our Northern army are strongly posted
at Tyconderoga, and expect they will be able to keep Mr.
Burgoyne from crossing the Lakes this campaign.
We are worse off for woollen clothing for our army than
any other matter, and you must exert your utmost industry
to buy, and send us every thing of that kind you can meet
with in Martinico, or any of the neighbouring Islands.
We have gone into this detail of our present situation,
that you may have a just idea of it, and be able to make
proper representations to the General and inhabitants of
Martinico.
We recommended the French officers that came with
Captain Wickes to Congress, and the Board of War have
provided for them to their satisfaction. On this subject
your remarks have been very proper; officers unacquainted
with our language cannot be useful ; therefore we do not
wish to encourage such to come amongst us ; at the same
time, men of merit and abilities will always meet with suita-
ble encouragement. You must therefore pursue the line
you set out in ; give general discouragement to those that
apply, and recommend none but such as the General will
pledge his word for, and you may even intimate to him,
that if too many come over, the Congress will not know
what to do with them.
We are now at the 1st of October, and have not heard
from Mr. Deane after his arrival at Bordeaux. His last letter
is dated 23d June, when he was just setting out for Paris.
We have later intelligence than his ; in consequence of
which we desire you to inquire of the General and Gover-
nour, whether they have received any arms or ammunition
from Monsieur Hortalez, with directions to deliver the same
to any persons properly authorized by Congress to receive
them. If they have, we hereby authorize you to receive
the same, giving your receipts on behalf of the United States
of America. If none such are arrived, inquire if they have
any advice of such, and request they will make known to
you when they do arrive. We desire you will make the like
application to the Governour of St. Eustatia, but proceed
cautiously in this business. We think you should go there
yourself in a French vessel, or if that might be unsafe, or
make a noise, get Mr. Richard Harrison or some person
in whose prudence you can confide; let the first question be,
whether his Excellency has received any advices from
Monsieur Hortalez; if the answer be in the negative, tell
him that he will receive letters from such a person, and that
those advices have reference to you; therefore request the
favour of being immediately made acquainted when they
come to hand, and you will wait on him or send a proper
person in your stead. If the answer be in the affirmative,
then inquire if his Excellency had received any thing beside
advice from Monsieur Hortalez, and if he has, inform him
you are empowered to receive the same from him agreeable
to the directions sent with the goods. We believe you had
best proceed in the same cautious manner at Martinico, and
open no more of this business than circumstances shall
make absolutely necessary.
We also enjoin you to the strictest secrecy, and herewith
427
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
428
enclose you two separate letters as your proper authority
for receiving any goods or money Monsieur Hortalez, our
agent in Europe, may remit.
It was intended that Captain Young should deliver you
this letter; but as we have some important despatches to
send Mr. Deane, we have concluded to send Mr. William
Hodge, junior, the bearer hereof, with the same, in order
that he may deliver them with his own hands. You'll
please to show Mr. Hodge proper attention, and assist him
to the utmost of your power in procuring him a passage
immediately from Martimco to France, in a good ship. If
any men-of-war or packet should be going, make application
to the General, to recommend Mr. Hodge to the com-
mander; also, to the Governour, commander of the port
where he goes to in France, to give him passport and
assistance from thence to Paris, with the best despatch.
If Mr. Hodge should want money for his expenses, supply
him, and transmit us his receipts for the same. You will
serve your country by forwarding Mr. Hodge without delay;
but you need not mention to the General how urgent
we are on this point, unless you find it will promote his
despatch.
We learn, from many quarters, that a fleet of twenty sail
of the line are fitting at Brest and Toulon. Should they
come out to the West-Indies, and be destined to commit
hostilities against the British trade or territories, they have
a fair opportunity to strike a capital stroke at New-York,
where they have upwards of four hundred sail of ships,
guarded only by two sixty-four-gun ships, two fifties, and
six forties — the rest are all frigates, &.c. Twenty sail of
the line would take their whole fleet, with ease, and then
we could as easily manage their army.
We had omitted above to desire that you should send
back in the sloop Independence, Captain Young, a propor-
tion of the arms, ammunition, money, or other stores you may
receive either at Martinico or St. Eustatia, from Monsieur
Hortalez, taking bills of lading for the same, deliverable to
us, or our order; and if the quantity you receive should be
considerable, you may send by Captain Young about the
value of three or four thousand pounds sterling, observing
that we want muskets and woollen clothing most imme-
diately.
We shall send more armed vessels after Captain Young,
to bring away the remainder of what you may receive or
buy, and are, sir, your obedient, humble servants.
To William Bingham, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO THOMAS CUSHING.
September 21, 1776.
SIR : In consequence of a letter from the President of
Massachusetts-Bay, dated the 13th instant, to the President
of the Congress, which was by Congress referred to this
Committee, we have determined to comply with the wishes
of your Assembly by ordering the frigate commanded by
Captain McNeill, and that by Captain Thompson, of New-
Hampshire, to be fitted immediately and proceed on a cruise
on your coast, in hopes of taking the Millford frigate, or
driving her or any other enemy away from those seas. We
therefore authorize you to accept the proffered assistance of
the said Assembly, or any Committee they appoint to assist
in fitting, equipping, arming and manning that frigate. You
are also to accept their offer of twenty-four nine-pounders
cannon, and to cooperate with them in getting the ship to
sea with the utmost expedition ; and we agree to reimburse
the State of Massachusetts-Bay for all just and necessary
expenses they incur in effecting this business.
We shall in due time cause their cannon to be returned
unless they think proper to make sale of them for the use of
this ship, and in that case we would choose to purchase
them, provided they are good guns, quite suitable for the
service. You will please to purchase a proper number of
swivel-guns, good muskets, blunderbusses, cutlasses, pikes,
and other arms and instruments suitable for this ship. You
will apply to the State for a proper quantity of powder, ball,
musket shot, and other military stores, to be paid for or
returned by the Congress; and in short as this ship will
instantly go into danger, we hope nothing will be neglected
that ought to be done in fitting and manning her.
If Mr. Langdon applies to you, Mr. Bradford, or to
your State, lor assistance in fitting out the frigate under his
care, we hope it will be granted, and we shall reimburse
all just expenses and charges. The intended enterprise
should be kept secret as possible.
We are sincerely, sir, your most obedient servants.
JOHN HANCOCK.
To the Hon. Thomas Cashing, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO JOHN BRADFORD.
September 21, 1776.
SIR: In consequence of some overtures from the As-
sembly of your State, we have determined to order the
Continental frigate, commanded by Hector McNeill, Esq.,
to be immediately armed, manned, and fitted for the sea,
and accordingly have this day written what we judged
necessary to Mr. Gushing and the Captain on that subject.
The present is to desire you will give them all the aid and
assistance in your power in this business. You are to sup-
ply them with any Continental stores you may have in
your possession that are wanted, and assist in procuring
such. Similar orders are sent to John Langdon, Esq., of
New-Hampshire, respecting the frigate there ; and should
he apply to you for any assistance, we pray it may be
granted.
We are, sir, your humble servants.
To John Bradford, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN THOMPSON.
September 21, 1776.
SIR : The Assembly of New-Hampshire and Massachu-
setts having offered their assistance in equipping, arming,
and manning the frigate under your command, we have
accepted their kind offers, and hope in consequence thereof
you will soon be ready for sea. We expect the same will be
the case with the frigate commanded by Captain McNeill,
of Massachusetts ; and our design is that you should join
company soon as possible and cruise in concert. We are
informed the Millford frigate now infests the coast of those
States, and does much injury to their commerce. It is our
duty to prevent the continuance of this soon as we can ;
and as the two frigates mentioned will be an overmatch for
the Millford, or any single frigate of the enemy, you are to
join Captain McNeill and go in search of that or any of the
enemy's ships in those seas that you can cope with; and
we hope in due time that you have taken, destroyed, or
drove off the said enemy. The rank betwixt you and
Captain McNeill is not yet established; you are therefore
to act in concert, and consult each other in all things that
relate to the good of the service, to the safety and preserva-
tion of your ships, or to the interests and honour of the
United States of America.
The Continental agents in any State you put into, will
supply provisions or any necessaries that may be wanted
To some of them you are to address your prizes, and you
must advise the Committee of your proceedings as opportu-
nities occur. You are also to furnish us, in due time, with
copies of your log-book and journal, and advise us of any
important intelligence that may come to your knowledge. '
With the best wishes for your success, we are, sir, your
humble servants.
To Captain Thomas Thompson.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN MCNEILL.
September 21, 1776.
SIR: The Assembly of Massachusetts having offered
their assistance in equipping, manning, and arming the
frigate under your command, we have accepted the same,
and therefore hope you will very soon be ready for the sea.
We expect the same {mm the frigate in New-Hampshire,
commanded by Captain Thompson, and our design is that
you should join company as soon as possible and cruise in
concert. We are informed that the Millford frigate now
infests the coasts of these States, and does much injury to
their trade. It is our duty to prevent this soon as we are
able: and as the two frigates mentioned will be an over-
match for the Millford, or any single frigate of the enemy,
and go in quest of that or any other of the enemy's ships
in those seas, provided they be such as you are able to
cope with ; and we hope in due time that you have taken,
429
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
430
destroyed, or drove the enemy off the coast. The rank
betwixt you and Captain Thompson is not yet established ;
you are therefore to act in concert, and consult each other
in all things that relate for the good of the service, to the
safety and preservation of your ships, or to the interest and
honour of the United States of America.
The Continental agents in any State you put into, will
supply provisions or any necessaries that may be wanted.
To some of them you are to address your prizes, and must
advise this Committee of your proceedings as opportunities
occur. You are also to furnish us in due time with a copy
of your log-book and journal, and advise us of any im-
portant intelligence that may come to your knowledge.
With the best wishes for your success, we are, sir, your
friends, &tc., &tc.
To Captain Hector McNeill.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO JOHN LANGDON.
September 21, 1776.
SIR: The Assembly of Massachusetts-Bay having repre-
sented the necessity and utility of fitting out, with all pos-
sible expedition, one of the frigates built in that State, and
that under your direction, to cruise on your coasts, in order
to take or drive off the enemy that now infest them, and
having offered their assistance to equip and man these ships,
and also handed us the copy of a note or resolve of your
honourable Assembly, to the same purport, we have deter-
mined to comply with their wishes, so far as depends on us,
and have this day given the necessary orders to Mr. Gush-
ing, Captain McNeill, and Captain Bradford, for getting
their ship ready. We are, therefore, to request that you
will exert your utmost endeavours to have the frigate under
your care completed immediately.
You will accept the assistance of your Assembly, or the
Committee they appoint for that purpose. You may either
purchase or borrow suitable cannon, swivels, blunderbusses,
muskets, pistols, cutlasses, pikes, ball, shot, powder, &.C.,
&c. You may apply to the State of Massachusetts, to the
Honourable Mr. Gushing, or to any of the Continental
agents in the neighbouring States, for materials or other
assistance you stand in need of; and this Committee, on
behalf of the United States, will pay all just and equitable
charges that you or any of them incur in effecting this busi-
ness : so that we hope Captain Thompson will soon be
able to join Captain McNeill in this enterprise, which ought
to be kept as secret as possible.
We are, sir, your friends, &.C., &c.
To John Langdon, Esquire.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN WICKES.
September 21, 1776.
SIR: This Committee being very desirous of sending the
Reprisal under your command on immediate service, desire
that you forward her outfit, take in provisions and stores for
two months, and get ready for sea, with the utmost expedi-
tion ; and all commanders and officers of the fleet now in
this port, as well as all other persons in the Continental
employ, are hereby desired to aid and assist you in getting
your ship immediately fitted and manned.
We are, sir, &tc., &tc.
To Lambert Wickes, Esquire.
SAMUEL CHASE TO GENERAL GATES.
Philadelphia, September 21, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I came from Annapolis ten days ago, and
have the pleasure to inform you that your lady was well, at
Frederickton, a few days before, as Mr. Beatty informed
me. I wrote to Mrs. Gates, and enclosed her your letter
to me.
I readily make peace with you, and shall wait, with
patience, till I see you, for a full explanation. I could not
but be mortified at your censure, because I both respect
and esteem you. I wish you would, by letter, inform me
of your suspicions, and disclose the secret springs which
you suppose have influenced men and measures in your
department. It is not curiosity, but an earnest desire to
hunt out the villain, and to drag him before the awful tribu-
nal of the publick, that urges me to know the mystery.
Our affairs here wear a very unfavourable aspect. You
have been, undoubtedly, informed of the battle on Long-
Island. On this day week the enemy landed a body of
forces at Turtle Bay, (after a severe cannonade from their
ships in the East River, to scour the country, and to cover
their landing.) Our troops, posted in lines thrown up to
oppose their landing, abandoned them, at the first appear-
ance of the enemy, with the utmost precipitation and con-
fusion. Two brigades, commanded by Generals Parsons
and Fellows, were ordered to support them. They also
fled in every direction, without firing a single shot, notwith-
standing the exertions of their Generals to form them, and,
oh, disgraceful ! on the appearance of only about sixty or
seventy of the enemy. By this infamous conduct we lost
a great part of our baggage and most of our heavy cannon
which had been left at New- York. Our army retreated,
and possessed themselves of the Heights of Harlem; our
Head-Quarters at Roger Morris's house.
On Monday last the enemy appeared in the plains, two
and a half miles from the Heights; about four hundred,
under General Leslie. A skirmish began between them
and a party of volunteers from several New-England regi-
ments, commanded by Colonel Knowlton. Our people
were supported by companies from a Virginia battalion
and from two Militia Maryland regiments. The enemy
were obliged to retreat, with the loss of about one hundred,
killed and prisoners. Colonel Knowlton, a brave officer,
was killed. Major Leitch, of Maryland, was wounded,
and despaired of.
The enemy's main army is now encamped between
seven and eight miles-tone ; General Howe's Head-Quarters
at one Mr. Apthorp's.
On the 19th, General Washington writes that he expects,
from the movements of the enemy, a general attack. I
greatly fear the event.
If General Schuyler is with you, make me most respect-
fully remembered to him; also to Generals Arnold and
St. Glair. Adieu!
Your affectionate and obedient servant,
SAML. CHASE.
Congress have resolved to raise eighty-eight battalions of
Regular forces, to be inlisted during the war. Would it
had been done last year !
TO THE PEOPLE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Tt has been said that many timid people begin to be very
apprehensive for the fate of the Continental currency, and
are vesting it with great expedition, in lands and certainties
of various kinds; for, say they, "should the forces of Great
Britain prevail over the Colony troops, the currency will
be totally abolished by the conquerors, and the possessors
will sink the whole." Surely those who thus reason, are
but little acquainted with the movements of Government,
neither are they aware of the injury they do their country ;
for by such conduct they immediately effect, in part, the
evil they wish to avoid. When paper money circulates in
the common course of trade, its value gradually rises and
falls according to its quantity, when relatively considered
with the value of the real effects of a country, such as
houses, lands, provisions, gold, silver and merchandise
of every kind ; for though paper merely has not any signifi-
cant value in itself, and has only such nominal value as we
please to fix on it, a single dollar bill being as large as an
eight dollar bill, yet as by general consent, we agree to
receive and pass this as one and that as eight, so long
as this mutual confidence and resolution continues, they are,
to all intents and purposes, of as much real worth as so
much actual gold and silver, which are, of themselves, of
no other absolute value than what mankind have been
pleased to fix on them. The Mexican Indians found iron
of vastly greater use than gold, and freely exchanged one
for the other, till they learned, by fatal experience, that the
Eastern world preferred the gold at the risk of life, honour,
and their boasted religion.
Paper bills are, with respect to the publick, what private
bonds and notes of hand are amongst individuals — mere
promissory notes; and so long as the grantor is good and
sufficient, they will bear a very safe assignment ; for he that
receives an eight dollar bill in payment, does in fact only
431
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
432
receive an assignment of a Continental promissory note,
which at some future day is to be paid off. It must he
granted, that the issuing large sums will gradually decrtttM
the value of the emission, in the same proportion as the
introduction of an over-quantity of any article of merchan-
dise would affect its price and sale ; hut as this decrease in
value can never instantaneously take place, the trader, l>y
keeping his money in a constant circulation, will gradually
raise the price of his commodities in proportion to the
decreased value of the money, and thereby always keep
fairly and safely above water. A loss can only happen
where long credits are given, or to such as keep large sums
useless by them; therefore, it becomes, of course, their
interest to throw such money immediately into trade; for
the captures may happen in the course of their adven-
tures, the prices of such goods as arrive safe must, in the end,
amount to more than the losses ; for whether insurance be
made or not, the consumer must actually pay such advanced
price as will be equal to the risk run, and leave a profit to
the trader besides ; otherwise, there must be a general bank-
ruptcy amongst the merchants, a general cessation of
exports, a stoppage to the raising of the several staples of
America, and of course an almost total stagnation to the
circulation of money ; for, without trade, little money will
serve us. But as the necessities of our unhappy contest
still call for large and continued emissions of paper money,
it becomes absolutely necessary for every cashholder to push
it into trade ; for though we are a people individually con-
sisting of distinct fortunes, yet on the great scale we are one
large trading company, and must sink or rise together.
If the whole Continent upon an extensive view of the
matter, are unequal to the conflict, the suffering must be
individually felt, and nothing will so effectually support us,
as steadily and resolutely extending our trade to the utmost
limits it will bear. It is a grand Continental experiment we
are trying, and nothing but the experiment itself can deter-
mine the expediency ; we are not to look on our present
situation as a matter of choice, but necessity; we have got
into a labyrinth, and must get out of it as well we can. If
by giving a general credit to our money, and forcing a trade,
we should weary out Great Britain, or involve her in a war
with some of her European neighbours, we may then take
our own time to pay off the debt we have been contracting,
and every year will restore the currency nearer to its original
value. To what extent a country may venture to run
itself in debt, is a question beyond my abilities to solve ;
whether a community and an individual may with propriety
be compared, I cannot pretend to determine ; but if the
comparison would hold, I should say, that as an individual
has a right to spend or run into debt to the exact amount of
what he is worth, without injury to his creditors, so may a
community ; if this be true, it may be easy to determine
how much farther we may safely go. The present value of
all the estates in America is about three million two hundred
thousand dollars per annum, supposing the rated taxes to
be, on an average, only one-sixth of the real annual value
of the estates. Some may think that the rates bear a much
greater proportion to the real value, yet it should be con-
sidered, that there are large estates in land as well as money,
which are scarcely rated at all. If I am right in this esti-
mate, the whole present worth of America, at twenty years'
purchase, is sixty-four millions of dollars. Thus if the
whole Continent belonged to one man, it would be very
safe to trust him to the amount of sixty-four millions, and I
presume the debt we have yet contracted, both continentally
and provincially, does not amount to near half that sum;
and besides, we should consider that land will annually
increase in value, and that there will be large tracts to dis-
pose of to foreigners, who may be tempted by a mild
administration of equitable laws, to come amongst us. Here
it is to be observed, I go upon the presumption, that we
shall carry our point of independence ; but supposing the
worst that can happen, that we should be reduced to our
former situation of allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain,
it can never be the interest of England to abolish our paper
currency, for many weighty reasons. She must certainly
wish to renew her trade with us upon her former advan-
tageous plan ; but, if by a total reduction of our currency,
she should ruin all the moneyed men upon the Continent,
where should \ve find merchants to build ships and export
the produce of the country in exchange for English manu-
factures ? Or where would she find customers to purchase
the thousand useless articles which luxury had introduced
amongst us? The rich would be no more, and it would
take half a century to reinstate them; the poor, becoming
industrious, would make a few necessaries serve them, and
the consumption of English goods would be amazingly
diminished. But why should they wish to destroy our
paper currency? To punish us, say some, for our miscon-
duct, and to deter us in future from repeating it.
If punishment be their aim, it would certainly be more
heavily felt by their leaving us in the full possession of our
money; for as we should be under a necessity of paying an
annual tax for a long series of years to come, in order to sink
the money emitted during the war, we shall more sensibly
feel the effects of the present dispute, than if the whole was
to be at once annihilated ; for such annihilation falling prin-
cipally on the moneyed men, those of small or no fortunes,
who form the majority in every country, would be thereby
released from defraying any part of the expenses incurred,
and would therefore have no memento of any past inconve-
niences of the moneyed kind, to deter them from renewing
the attempt to cast off the slavish yoke which conquest
might fix on them ; and the once rich, becoming now poor,
would be men of so little importance, either from numbers
or influence, that no remembrance of their sufferings would
retard the design, whenever there appeared a prospect of
success. Like the distresses of an earthquake or shipwreck,
the horrours would exist for a short period, and then be
remembered no more; like extracting a tooth, it would give
one violent twinge and then be forgotten ; but, on the other
hand, should perpetual rumblings and storms daily disturb
our quiet, or continual grumbling pains deprive us of rest, we
might be more doubtful of the propriety of renewing the
experiment ; in one case, every year's tax would bring
the dispute fresh to our minds ; in the other, not a trace
would be left behind, except the wandering shades of
departed fortunes, denouncing feeble but bitter execrations
against the authors of their ruin. The punishment would
be too partial to answer the designs of our inveterate ene-
mies ; for if the money remains to be sunk by taxes in the
several Provinces, every man, who by success in trade or
steady industry, increases his fortune, will pay additional
taxes in proportion to this growing wealth, and of conse-
quence will feel a proportionably greater part of the effects
of the dispute, which would not be the case if a general dis-
solution of paper money should take place. We may de-
pend on the determination of the King and Parliament to pur-
sue that mode which would be the longest felt, and I should
expect no favour from them but what arose from their own
interest to grant ; but as I am confident that a sudden sup-
pression of our money would be but a temporary and partial
suffering, they are too deep politicians to attempt it. It is
to be observed, I here take up the argument as if Great
Britain had made a complete conquest of America, which
1 by no means grant she is likely to accomplish ; it is for
argument sake that I admit it, in order to convince those
who are fearful of losing by Continental money, that it can-
not be the intention, because it is not the interest of England
to destroy it ; they would rather desire to leave us with a
perpetual burthen on our shoulders, which, like their own
national debt, may incline more to peace than war, and
would wish us, like the wood-cutter in the fable (who
thought all his toiling and sweating proceeded from the sins
of his first parent) to cry with every stroke of the axe, "Oh,
Adam !" But 1 trust we reside in a Paradise from which
the powers of Great Britain can never expel us.
CONTI .
Philadelphia, September 21, 1776.
POSTSCRIPT TO THE PAPER ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE OF
PENNSYLVANIA.
Looking over the calculations I had made in the piece
published in the last Evening Post, I perceived a very gross
errour; and the discovery being too late to be corrected
before the paper was struck off, I must request an insertion
of the following remarks ; and as the correction tends more
fully to support my argument of the goodness and safety of
433
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
434
Continental money, I make no doubt but it will find a place
in next paper.
I have said that "the present value of all the estates in
America is three million two hundred thousand dollars per
annum, supposing the rated taxes to be, on an average, only
one-sixth of the real annual value of the estates ;" and that,
at this "estimate, the whole present worth of America, at
twenty years purchase, is sixty-four millions of dollars."
As this calculation was made from a series of figuring, it
had escaped my notice, at first, that I was calculating upon
the actual taxes paid, and not upon the rates from which
those taxes arose. For instance, I supposed Pennsylania,
by an eighteen-penny tax, to bring in twenty-five thousand
pounds per annum; and as our Province is generally ranked
in the quotas at about one-eighth of the Continent, the
whole income would be two hundred thousand pounds;
and, taking for granted that this was not above one-sixth of
the sum which would arise from a just and full valuation, I
called the whole value one million two hundred thousand
pounds — equal to three millions two hundred thousand dol-
lars ; and this, at twenty years' purchase, amounted to sixty-
four millions: whereas I should have calculated upon twenty
years purchase on the rates from which the eighteen-penny
tax was drawn, which would make the whole value of the
Continent just thirteen times and one third as much, viz:
about eight hundred and fifty-three millions of dollars, of
which we yet have expended but a small portion. I the
more readily fell into the errour, as this part of my essay
was not the object I had in view, which was to persuade
those who possess Continental money, that we have nothing
to fear from Great Britain, and that it is our interest to
force a trade, and give a brisk circulation to the money,
which will necessarily prevent individuals from suffering
by any gradual depreciation, which is by no means so great
as some would infer from the extravagant height of bills of
exchange. In our present circumstances, bills are by no
means a proper touchstone to try the value of our money
by. It is the small exports to Europe which occasion the
scarcity of bills ; and the great profits made by imports
from foreign ports, has increased the proportion of bill
buyers far beyond the bill sellers. Let us but send off our
ships, and having the same open trade we formerly had,
and I am confident, notwithsanding all our fears, that the
value of Continental money will rise — that is, bills of ex-
change will soon fall to near their old standard.
CONTI .
REMARKS ON THE PAPER ADDRESSED TO THE PEOPLE OF
PENNSYLVANIA.
MR. TOWNE: My present purpose is not to investigate
whether your correspondent means well or ill to the com-
munity, by his essay concerning the Continental currency
in your Saturday's paper ; but I mean to rectify a capital
mistake, to prevent wrong and pernicious conclusions.
This essayist supposes the annual value of all the estates in
America to be three millions two hundred thousand dollars,
and thence concludes the whole present worth of America
to be sixty-four millions of dollars, at twenty years purchase.
Here we discover a gross errour in the first outset, because
it has been admitted, even by our enemies, that the annual
exportation of North America to Great Britain only, is of
value two millions of pounds sterling, to which we may
safely add one million for the exportation to the other parts
of Europe and the West-Indies. If this be right, then the
value of the annual produce of North America is near
fifteen millions of dollars, which estimated at twenty years
purchase, the whole present worth of North America, is
nigh three hundred millions of dollars, instead of sixty-four
millions, which this writer values it at. These, however,
are very inadequate modes of estimating the incomputable
value, if I may be indulged the expression, of a vast Conti-
nent, filling fast with industrious freemen, and abounding in
all the valuable products which the finest soils and climates
are capable of producing.
Let it be our care to prevent the killing grasp of tyranny
from destroying this our hopeful harvest and fair inherit-
ance; we need not apprehend for the paltry debt the war
may create, which the industrious hands of agriculture and
commerce unrestrained, will quickly wipe away.
DoRIA.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
OBSERVATIONS OF FINANCE, BY PELATIAH WEBSTER.
The computations of the value of the free States of
America by Conti and Doria in the Evening Post of
September 21, rather prove that value to be immense than
reduce it to a certainty. Perhaps another method of com-
putation might be admitted, viz : From the quantity of land
within the present inhabited part of those States, which is
at least two hundred millions of acres, and worth a dollar
per acre I should think, at least, some say two or three
dollars, and perhaps the personal estate may be computed
at as much more, which I do not think is reckoning high,
and will make the amount four hundred millions of dollars.
All these computations prove with certainty enough that
the funds on which the Continental money depends are
sufficiently great to support a very much larger quantity
than is already emitted. I would further observe, that the
American States owe nothing to pay any body but them-
selves, and employ no ships, soldiers, Sic., but their own, so
that they contract no foreign debt ; and I take it to be a
clear maxim, that no State can be ruined, bankrupted, or
indeed much endangered, by any debt due to itself only ;
nor can it be much impoverished by any war ; and the
people that are left at home can furnish the provisions,
clothing, &c., necessary for themselves and the soldiery,
together with all other necessary stores and implements of
war.
There requires no more to preserve such a State in a war
of any length of time than good economy in bringing the
burthen equally on all, in proportion to their abilities ; but
then I think it very necessary that they should pay as they
go as near as may be. The soldier renders his personal
services down on the spot, the farmer his provisions, the
tradesman his fabricks, and why should not the moneyed
man pay his money down, too? Why should the soldier,
tradesman, farmer, &,c., be paid in promises, which are not
as good as money if the fulfillment is at a distance ? Pay-
ment in promises or bills of credit is a temporary expedient,
and will always be dangerous where the quantity increases
too much ; at least it will always have the consequences of
a medium increased beyond the necessities of trade ; and
whenever that happens a speedy remedy is necessary, or
the ill effects will soon be alarming, and, if long neglected,
will not be easily remedied. The remedy, or rather pre-
vention, of this evil I take to be very easy at present. If
the quantity of Continental currency is greater than is neces-
sary for medium of trade, it will appear by a number of
very perceptible effects, each of which point out and facilitate
the remedy. One effect will be that people will choose to
have their estates vested in any goods of intrinsick value
rather than in money, and of course there will be a quick
demand for every kind of goods, and consequently a high
price for them ; another effect will be discouragement of
industry, for people will not work hard to procure goods for
sale while the medium for which they must sell them is
supposed to be worse than the goods ; and of course another
effect will be a discouragement of trade, for nobody will
import goods and sell them when imported for a medium
that is worse than the goods themselves, for in that case
though the profits may be nominal the loss will be real ; these
effects all point out their only remedy, viz : lessening the
quantity of the circulating medium, and this can be done
but by three ways that I know of: First, the destruction of
it by some casualty, as fire, shipwreck, &,c. ; or, secondly,
exportation of it, which cannot happen in our case, because
our medium has no currency abroad, and I think it very
well for us that it has not, for in that case our debt would
soon become due to people without ourselves, and of course
less sensible, more difficult to be paid, and more dangerous ;
the third, and in my opinion the only practicable way of
lessening the quantity, is by a tax, which never can be paid
so easy as when money is more plenty than goods, and of
course the very cause which makes a tax necessary facili-
tates the payment of it ; the tax ought to be equal to the
excess of the currency, so as to lessen the currency down
to that quantity which is necessary for a medium of trade,
and this, in my opinion, ought to be done in every State,
whether money is immediately wanted in the publick
Treasury or not, for it is better for any State to have their
excess of money, if it is in bullion, hoarded in a publick
Treasury or Bank than circulated among the people, for
nothing can have worse effects on any State than an excess
28
435
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
436
of money. The poverty of the States of Holland, where
nobody can have money who does not first earn it, lias pro-
duced industry, frugality, economy, good habits of body and
mind, and durable and well-established riches, whilst the
excess of money has produced the contrary in Spain, i. e.,
has ruined their industry and economy, and filled them with
pride and poverty ; and perhaps England owes much of her
ruin to the same causes.
But there is, besides this general principle, a special rea-
son in our case why we should pay a large part of our Con-
tinental debt by a present tax. The great consumption of
our armies and stoppage of our imports, makes a great de-
mand for the produce of our lands, the fabricks of our trades-
men, and the labour of our people, and of course raises the
prices of all these much higher than usual, so that the hus-
bandman, tradesman, and labourer, get money much faster
and easier than they used to do ; and it is a plain maxim
that people should always pay their debts when they have
a good run of business, and have money plenty. Many a
man has been distressed for a debt when business and money
were scarce, which he had neglected to pay when be could
have done it with great ease to himself had he attended to
it in its proper season ; this applies to a community or State
as well as to private persons. These last observations will
apply with great exactness to these parts of the Continent,
which lie nearest to the great scenes of the war, and have
suffered most by it, and if they can bear the tax, I think
those who lie at a distance from those horrours and have felt
little more than a sympathy of the distress of their brethren,
can have no reason to complain if they are called on for
their share of the expense. The Continental money is to
be considered as a debt fastened on the person and estate of
every member of the United States ; a debt of great honour
and justice — of national honour and justice — not barely
empty honour, but that essential honour and credit in which
the safety of the State is comprised, and, therefore, by con-
fession of every body, must be punctually and honourably
paid in due time, otherwise all security arising from publick
credit must be lost, all confidence of individuals in our pub-
lick councils must be destroyed, and great injustice must be
done to every possessor of our publick currency to the detri-
ment of all and ruin of many who have placed most confi-
dence in our publick administration, and nothing but shame,
scandal, and contempt can ensue, for which nothing but
most inevitable necessity can be any excuse. And in this
great agreement is every individual of our United States so
deeply interested that I cannot conceive one sensible person
can be persuaded to risk these consequences for the sake of a
little delay of payment of that which must one day be paid,
or must all be ruined together. The Continental debt is
already a heavy one, and there is no way of sinking it but
by paying it while we can ; it is still increasing fast, and
without a speedy tax, and a very sufficient one, it will grow
upon us beyond any possibility of payment. If a man only
suffers his rents, butcher's, and tradesman's bills, &tc., to be
unpaid a number of years, it will endanger his whole for-
tune. An expense account ought always to be paid up as
it becomes due ; these are accumulating sums, and it is dan-
gerous to neglect them.
I have heard some people say, it is no matter for the pres-
ent payment of the Continental debt ; we are a country of
rapid increase, and what is contracted by three millions of
people will soon be paid by six. But how unfatherly and
ungenerous is it to load posterity with an immense debt
which we have an advantage in sinking a good part of it
ourselves ; besides, it will be a great discouragement to for-
eign emigrants to settle in this country to be told that the
country is loaded with an immense debt, and their first title
to an enfranchisement will be by beginning to pay it.
We are engaged in a cause, which, in all annals of time,
bas ever been deemed most honourable and glorious, and
most characteristick of noble and generous minds, viz:
spurning off slavery, and asserting our liberty. As things
now stand, the most hardened, impudent Tory does not
pretend, that if we fail of supporting our cause, we have any
other chance but that of absolute submission and pardon;
and even that pardon, doubtless, with numerous exceptions.
Good God! who can bear the thought of absolute submis-
sion and pardon ? Pardon, for the greatest virtue of a civil
nature that the human mind is capable of! Who can think,
without distraction, of coming under the domination of
Tories, sueing to them for favour and intercessions ? Tories,
with standing armies at their heels; soldiers, with bayonets
ready to enforce all the respect and submission they may
claim. This dreadful apprehension intrudes, with great
force, on my mind, another reason why we ought to sink,
by a sufficient tax, as much as we can of the Continental
debt, viz : That without this it is not possible to continue
the war, and avoid absolute submission. I conceive the
value of the currency of any State has a limit, a nephts ultra,
beyond which it cannot go ; and if the nominal sum is ex-
tended beyond that limit, the value will not follow. No
human wisdom or authority can be able to stretch the nom-
inal currency beyond such real value. That the conse-
quence of any attempt to extend such nominal addition,
must depreciate the value of the whole, till it is reduced
within said limit. I will explain my meaning thus : Sup-
pose that thirty millions of dollars was the utmost limit of
currency to which the United States of America could give
real effectual value, and they should emit thirty millions
more, I say the last thirty millions would add nothing
to the value of the whole, but would sink the value of the
whole sixty millions down to its limits, viz: thirty millions,
i. e., the whole sixty millions, in that case, would not pur-
chase more real substantial goods than the thirty millions
would have done before the other thirty millions were added
to it. It follows from this, that any attempt to continue
the war, by increasing the currency beyond the above-said
limit, is vain, and must fail of the effect intended, and ruin
all those who possess the currency already emitted. Whether
the currency already emitted arises to the said limit, is a
question of fact that may admit some doubt; but that it is
not greatly within it, 1 think can be no doubt witli people
well acquainted with the nature and circumstances of this
great subject ; and be that as it may, I think every incon-
venience arising from it is easily remedied by a sufficient
tax. I do not apprehend we have yet suffered by a depre-
ciation of the currency, because I cannot observe that the
general prices of goods are more raised than the circum-
stances of the war will make necessary, were our money all
gold and silver; and further extremities may produce further
effects of the same kind, without depreciating the currency
at all.
No kind of necessities have risen to the excess of price
given last winter in Boston, for fresb provisions, though
their currency was all gold and silver. Increase of risk
must raise the price of all imported goods ; scarcity of
labourers must raise the price of labour, and of consequence,
of every thing produced by labour; scarcity of tradesmen
(many of whom are gone into the war) and demand for
tradesmen's fabricks, must raise the price of them ; besides,
many raw materials used by the tradesmen, must be imported
at great risk, and I do not see that the prices of most, or
all these, are greater than they would be if every Conti-
nental dollar was a silver one; and should we admit that we
are on the verge of depreciation, or that our currency hath
suffered some little already in its value, two consequences
will follow, which deserve great and immediate considera-
tion : First. That a speedy remedy is immediately necessary,
which shall operate effectually, and prevent the ruin of our
currency; and the second is, that the remedy, by this very
means, becomes more easy and practicable than otherwise
it could be: because a tax will be paid much more easily
in this case than it could be if money was in credit enough
to be avariciously hoarded ; and this holds, let the tax be of
any nature, such as general assessment of polls and estates,
excises, imposts, or duties on goods, lotteries, &tc., &ic. ; in
any or all these ways, our currency may be lessened much
easier when its credit is a little doubted, than when it is at
its highest. What contributes not a little to this facility
is, that it may be done by general consent, without publiuk
uneasiness and disturbance; for a depreciation of currency
can be wished for by nobody but those who are deeply in
debt, the weight or number of whom, I have reason to
believe, is not great at present in these States. It is the
mighty interest of all the rest of the inhabitants to prevent
a depreciation, and I conceive every man of estate who has
cash in hand, or due to him, would be willing to contribute
his share to the lessening our currency, and so preserving
its credit; yea, would eagerly choose this, rather than risk
his own loss by a depreciation of the cash he has in hand,
and in debts due.
437
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
438
In this time of distress, the publick has a right to every
man's best thought. 1 have not the vanity to think I can
exhaust the subject; but 1 have said so much on it, as I
hope will set abler heads and pens on a thorough disquisi-
tion of it; for I think all will agree that the subject is a very
important one, and deserves the most immediate and most
serious attention. A FINANCIER.
Philadelphia, October 4, 1776.
GEORGE PEACOCKE TO RICHARD PETERS.
Carlisle, September 21, 1776.
SIR: My bad state of health entreats you will be so good
as to procure me leave to go to Philadelphia, in order that
I may have proper advice, as my illness does not centre in
one disorder. Would wish, if leave can be obtained, to
have it sent before the warm weather is entirely over.
I am, sir, your very humble and obedient servant,
GEO. PEACOCKE, a Prisoner.
To Richard Peters, Secretary of War.
ting myself by an act of retaliation upon those in my
power.
My Aid-de-Camp, charged with the delivery of this let-
ter, will present to you a ball cut and fixed to the ends of
a nail, taken from a number of the same kind found in the
encampments quitted by your troops on the 15th instant.
I do not make any comment upon such unwarrantable and
malicious practices, being well assured the contrivance has
not come to your knowledge.
I am, with due regard, sir, your most obedient servant,
W. HOWE.
To General George Washington, &c., Sic.
Return of Officers, Non- Commissioned Officers, Drum-
mers, Rank and File, Prisoners, of the following Corps
September 21, 1776.
GENERAL SIR WILLIAM HOWE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Head -Quarters, York Island, September 21, 1776.
SIR: I have the favour of your letters of the 6th and
19th current. In consequence of the latter, directions are
given for Major-General Sullivan being conveyed to Eliza-
bethtown on the earliest day; and I conclude Major-Gen-
eral Prescott will return in the same boat.
The exchange you propose of Brigadier-General Alex-
ander, commonly called Lord Stirling, for Mr. McDonald,
cannot take place, as he has only the rank of Major by my
commission ; but I shall readily send any Major in the
enclosed list of prisoners that you will be pleased to name,
in exchange for him ; and that Lord Stirling may not be
detained, I would propose to exchange him for Governour
Montfort Browne, although the latter is no longer in the
military line.
Enclosed you have a list of officers, belonging to the
army under my command, who are your prisoners. It is
not so correct as I could wish, having received no regular
return of the officers of the Forty-Second and Seventy-
First Regiments taken this year, but beg leave to refer you
to Lieutenent-Colonel Campbell, of the Seventy-First, to
rectify any omissions that may be ; and am to desire that
you will put opposite to their names such of your officers
of equal rank as you would have in exchange for them.
The names of the non-commissioned and private prison-
ers with you are not sent, being unnecessary ; but the return
herewith enclosed specifies the number; and I shall redeem
them by a like number of those in my possession ; for which
purpose I shall send Mr. Joshua Loring, my Commissary,
to Elizabethtown, as a proper place for the exchange of
prisoners, on any day you may appoint, wishing it to be an
early one, wherein I presume you will concur, as it is pro-
posed for the more speedy relief of the distressed.
As it may be some time before Mr. Lovell arrives here
from Halifax, though I took the first opportunity of send-
ing for him after your agreement to exchange him for Gov-
ernour Skene, I am willing to believe, upon my assurances
of Mr. Lovell's being sent to you immediately on his arrival,
that you will not have any objections to granting the Gov-
ernour liis liberty without delay; and am induced to make
the proposal for your compliance — neither of the persons
being connected with military service.
General Carleton has sent from Canada a number of
officers and privates, as per return enclosed, to whom he has
given liberty upon their paroles; and in pursuance of his
desire and their engagements to him, I shall send them to
Elizabethtown on the earliest day. It is nevertheless the
General's expectation that the exchange of prisoners, as
settled by Captain Forster in Canada, will be duly com-
plied with; and I presume you are sufficiently sensible of
the sacred regard that is ever paid to engagements of this
kind, not to suffer any infringement upon the plighted faith
of Colonel Arnold.
It is with much concern that I cannot close this letter
without representing the ill treatment which I am too well
informed the King's officers now suffer in common gaols
throughout the Province of New-England. I apply to
your feelings alone for redress, having no idea of commit-
CORPS.
Lieut. Colonel.
£
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First Brigade Light Infantry, -
Second Brigade Light Infantry,
Second Brigade Grenadiers, -
Fourth Brigade Grenadiers, -
i
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20
1
10
3
11
2
2
2
1
87
1
1
2
500
74
59
2
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1
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Twenty-Second Regiment, -
Twenty-Third Regiment,
-
1
Forty-Second Regiment, - -
-
-
1
2
1
5
2
1
20
5
15
10
2
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Seventy-First Regiment, - -
Royal Highland Emigrants, -
1
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5
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2
12
2
4
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22
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780
Officers' Rank and Names.
SECOND BRIGADE GRENADIERS : Lieutenant Ragg.
FIFTH REGIMENT : Lieutenant Hill.
TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT : Major French.
FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT : Captain Smith, (exchanged
December 3, 1776;) Lieutenants Munro and Franklin,
(exchanged December 3, 1776 ;) Ensign Campbell.
SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT: Lieutenant-Colonels Camp-
bell, McKenzie, and Maxwell; Captains J. Campbell, L.
R. Campbell, McLeod, (exchanged December 3, 1776,) C.
Campbell, A. Campbell, Duncanson, Gordon, and Christie;
Lieutenants Fraser, Balneavis, Colquhoun, McKenzie, H.
Campbell, McLeod, (exchanged December 3, 1776,) and
Campbell; Ensigns Murchison and Fraser.
FIRST BRIGADE ROYAL HIGHLAND EMIGRANTS: Cap-
tains Campbell, Robertson, and McDonald; Lieutenant
Symes; Ensign McDonell.
SECOND BRIGADE ROYAL HIGHLAND EMIGRANTS: Major
Donald McDonald, (exchanged December 3, 1776 ;) Cap-
tains Alkn McDonald and Duncan McNicoll; Lieutenant
Fraser.
ROYAL ARTILLERY: Captains fVilliams and Godwin;
Lieutenants Schalch, Abbott, Smith, and Colleton.
Return of Prisoners sent by General GUY CARLETON from
CANADA to NEW- YORK.
Fifty-one commissioned officers, three hundred and sev-
enty-three non-commissioned and privates.
N. B. Two Majors, nine Captains, twenty subalterns,
and four hundred men, were taken at the Cedars, by Cap-
tain Forster, and returned upon an agreement to send as
many of our people taken at St. John's.
RICHARD MURRAY, Commissary of Prisoners.
439
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
440
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM HARLEM, SEPT. 21, 1776.
One of our cruisers to the eastward has carried a prize
into Cape Ann, with three hundred and fifty hogsheads of
sugar, one hundred and fifty pipes wine, one hundred hogs-
heads rum, and one hundred and fifty bales cotton.
Last night there was a dreadful fire at New- York ; it
burnt ten hours ; what damage is done, we know not; but
one of the steeples which we could see from hence, is
missing.
COLONEL GRAYSON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 21, 1776.
SIR: In answer to your letter of this date, I am com-
manded by his Excellency to inform you that he thinks it
expedient that an officer with about twenty men should be
immediately sent to Dobbs's Ferry, and that the Penn-
sylvania troops under your command should be marched
directly to this place ; he is of opinion it is advisable they
should be paid off here.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
WILLIAM GRAYSON, A. D. C.
To Major-General Heath, King's Bridge.
made by persons under oath, in the most equitable and
expeditious manner possible, in order that satisfaction may
hereafter be made by this Convention to the owners of such
vessels. And it is recommended to the said Committee to
request the services of Captain Thomas Grenell in ballast-
ing, navigating, and delivering those vessels to Captain
Cooke, at Mount Washington.
Resolved, That the said Committee be directed to send
all the oak Plank which they have in their possession to
Mount Washington, with the utmost despatch.
Resolved, That the superintendents for building the Con-
tinental Frigates at Poughkeepsie, be earnestly requested to
send as much of their short oak Plank as they possibly can
spare to Fort Washington with the utmost despatch ; and
this Convention do engage to justify their conduct in this
particular to the Continental Congress.
Extract from the Minutes :
ROBERT BENSON, Secretary.
ORDERS TO MAJOR BACKUS.
King's Bridge, September 21, 1776.
SIR: You are to order one of the troops of Light-Horse
under your command, to be posted at Mareneck, Ncw-
Rocheile, and Eastchester. The remainder (after six or
seven troopers to his Excellency General Washington's
quarters, and about the same number somewhere in this
neighbourhood, if you can find quarters for them) are to
be posted in parties from Frog's Neck to Morrisania.
They are to act as videttes, and also to be ready in case the
enemy should land, to harass them and their light troops.
The videttes are to be very vigilant, and take always two
together ; on any new discovery or movement of the enemy,
they are to give immediate notice to the officer of the guard,
who will transmit it to Head-Quarters. The videttes are
to be constantly mounted, whilst on guard, and relieved
often during the night. As soon as they perceive any
object moving towards them, one of the two must advance
and challenge. If after having challenged three times he
receives no answer, or a false watch-word, he must fire
his piece and retire with his comrade towards the guard,
in case the enemy advance ; but if they move off, one of
the videttes reports to the officer, and the other remains on
his post. They are never to suffer a patrole to advance
within twenty paces of their post, until they have received
the watch-word. They are not to make any fire or smoke
tobacco during the night, and are to be quite silent, as
their chief dependence must be on their ears. They are
as soon as possible to get well acquainted with all the
roads, lanes, and by-paths in the vicinity of the camp, that
they may be able to conduct the troops by the nearest and
best roads. They are to preserve good order and regularity,
both on guard and in quarters. They are also to have a
watchful eye that none of the inhabitants correspond with
the enemy, or supply them with any kind of provisions or
stores.
Further orders and instructions will be given as occasion
may require. An order of battle for the whole division
will soon be given out, when the posts and duty of the Horse
will be pointed out.
I am, sir, yours, affectionately,
W. HEATH, Major-General.
To Major Backus, Commander of the Light-Horse from
the State of Connecticut.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New- York,
Fishkill, September 21, 1776.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee for obstructing the
navigation of Hudson's River, be empowered and directed
to purchase or impress for the service of this State, any
number of Vessels not exceeding six, which they shall think
best calculated for the purpose of completing the obstruc-
tions in Hudson's River, opposite to Mount Washington.
That they cause an appraisement of the said Vessels to be
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES.
Bay St. Amand, September 21, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: My last was the 18th instant, by
Lieutenant Whitcomb. The next day at noon weighed
anchor with the whole fleet, which arrived here the same
evening. This is a fine Bay and good anchorage, two
leagues to the northward of Cumberland-Head, on the west
shore. The Liberty was ordered to cruise off the Isle-la-
Motte until two o'clock, and then join the fleet. On her
return, opposite to the Isle-la-Motte, a Frenchman came down
and desired to be taken on board ; the Captain suspected
him and went near the shore with his boat, stern in, swivels
pointed, and match tiled ; the Frenchman waded near a
rod from the shore, but when he found he could decoy the
boat no farther, he made a signal to the enemy, when three
or four hundred Indians, Canadians, and Regulars, rose up
and fired on the boat ; they wounded three men. The boat
returned the fire with their swivels and small-arms, and the
schooner fired several broadsides of grape before they dis-
persed, though several were seen to fall. On their way
down, they discovered a large party of savages on the
western shore ; they imagined two or three hundred. They
have a large number of white birch canoes, with which they
can pass us in the night, and in the day time secure them
in the bushes. It will be dangerous sending down single
boats. I have sent up the Liberty to guard the return
boats and bring down the medicines, 8ic. The Surgeons
can be of no use to us without. Captain Hawley is
appointed to the Royal Savage.
I must renew my request for more seamen and gunners ;
there is a plenty of the former in the army, provided they
have liberty of inlisting. Though it is a bad precedent, this
emergency will justify the measure. I am greatly at a loss
what could have retarded the galleys so long. I verily
believe if we are attacked this fall by the enemy, it will
be in the course of a week or ten days ; the want of those
galleys may decide the contest against us.
I am surprised our intelligence from New-York is so
imperfect. I hope we shall soon have the particulars. The
tobacco papers were delivered me. I will endeavour to
send them soon. The articles I wrote for in my last, I hope
will be sent, if possible. I have sent up Mr. Dunn to
collect the shot and other articles I want, and bring them
down.
We had an exceeding hard gale here the 20th, and a
prodigious sea. The galleys rode it out beyond my expecta-
tion.
I have sent two boats to sound round the Island Valcour,
who report that it is an exceeding fine and secure harbour.
I am determined to go there the first fair wind, as the fleet
will be secure, and we can discover the enemy, if they
attempt to pass us up the East Bay on the back of Grand
Isle. I make no doubt you will approve of this measure ; if
not, I will return to any of my former stations. We are as
well prepared for the enemy as our circumstances will allow:
they will never have it in their power to surprise us. The
men are daily trained to the exercise of their guns, and if
powder was plenty, I would wish to have them fire at a
mark with their great guns often. At present we cannot
afford it.
I wish the workmen could all be employed on one galley,
441
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
442
and finish her first, that something might be added to the
fleet. I cannot help thinking that they are hindering each
other; there was all the material sufficient for one when I
came away. I hope they will not mount twelve-pounders,
if eighteens or twenty-fours can be procured.
I am, with great respect and esteem, dear General, your
affectionate, obedient, humble servant, g ARNOLD.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
P. S. The drafts from the regiments at Ticonderoga, are
a miserable set ; indeed the men on board the fleet in general,
are not equal to half their number of good men. B. A.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Lebanon, September 21, 1776.
SIR: Your letter of the 3d instant came the 9th. Know-
ing the circumstances of the army at New-York, and the
difficulty which attends the Militia, from their impatience,
want of discipline, and the suffering of their affairs and
business at home, the Governour and Council of Safety had
before ordered nine regiments in the eastern part of this
State, likely three thousand men or more, under command
of Brigadier-General Saltonstall, and two regiments, proba-
bly three hundred Light Horse, under command of Major
Backus, to march to or near Westchester, in aid to the
army, and, if possible, to give some relief to the Militia
which was sent some time since from the westward part of
this State. Sensible that the situation of our affairs at New-
York required vigorous exertions, stimulated by the voice
of liberty and the General Congress, no delay hath happened
to forward our Militia; and I trust many of them have
arrived before this time.
Assistance is, and hath been afforded to the sufferers in
Suffolk County, on Long-Island. Many of the inhabitants,
their furniture, their cattle and sheep, are transported to
the main.
Just now received letters from the Northern army, that
there are eight thousand five hundred fit for duty. The
sickness is the fever and ague, with which part of the
country is every year attended. The sick are bettering.
This State is in advance for clothing, &tc., agreeable to
a former request of Congress, near seven thousand pounds.
More than double that sum will soon be wanted. I am
not able to give any exact estimate.
It was answered in a former letter to you, that leather
breeches could not be had here ; since which I am told
that three or four hundred pairs may be purchased if needed.
The time of the inlistnient of our soldiery is beginning to
expire. Congress will suffer me to ask, if it is not a matter
worthy serious and speedy consideration, that measures
should be adopted for their further inlistment? In which
case, I think it of great moment that the engagement should
be for longer time than has hitherto been. Would it not be
well that recruiting orders be immediately issued to officers,
who may inlist the old soldiers for a new time, even before
the expiration of their present engagements? Men may be
induced, while in service, to engage. If they are suffered
to disperse and return to their homes, it will be very diffi-
cult again to collect them, without greater expense attending
it than a small bounty to be given them now. The mode
of supporting our army by Militia, I fear, is a measure not
to be depended on. Men turning out for a short time and
remaining only a few days, cannot be brought to know the
duties of a camp, or attend to the discipline necessary
in an army. They will be impatient of command, and
uneasy to return home. We must have a durable army, or
I fear the consequences will be fatal.
To Hon. President Hancock.
COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO GENERAL GATES.
Watertown, September 21, 1776.
SIR: We have received a letter from John Trumbull,
Esq., Deputy Adjutant-General, dated Head-Quarters,
Ticonderoga, August 31, 1776, acquainting us that Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Reed, of Colonel Patterson's regiment, has
left the army without proper leave of absence, and request-
ing that we would make inquiry into the occasion of his
stay in the country. Upon inquiry we find that Colonel
Reed's ill state of health is the occasion of his absence from
the army, and that he obtained from General Schuyler leave
of absence, till his health should be restored; copy of which
we inclose. We have sent Colonel Reed a copy of Mr.
Trumbull's letter, and expect that he will either return to
his duty or resign his commission.
In the name and by order of Council.
I am, sir, with great esteem, your most humble servant,
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
To Hon. Horatio Gates.
ELNATHAN BATES TO RICHARD DEVENS.
From Hull, September 21, 1776.
SIR: Colonel Lovett informed me that you had a number
of small cannon to stock, and was ordering a letter to be
wrote to me about them when he was there about the iron I
sent for, and I have not received any letter about said can-
non, but should be glad if you would send me one as soon as
you can. I am laying the platforms for cannon at Hull, but
hope to complete them soon, and shall then engage upon
stocking the cannon above mentioned, if wanted. I re-
ceived the half ton of iron from Colonel Lovett, and Dr.
Tufts told me, when I was at home, he had fifteen pounds
in cash for me from you. Pray, sir, send me a few lines as
soon as you can, and in so doing you will oblige your humble
servant> ELNA'N BATES, of Weymouth.
To the Commissary-General Mr. Richard Devens.
COLONEL BABCOCK TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Westerly, September 21, 1776.
SIR: We arrived at New-York 13th current; in concert
with John Collins, Esq., waited on General Washington,
with the other General Officers. Just after dinner three
frigates and a forty-gun ship (as if they meant to attack
the city) sailed up the East River, under a gentle breeze,
towards Hell-Gate, and kept up an incessant fire, assisted
with the cannon at Governour's Island. The batteries
from the city returned the ships the like salutation. Three
men agape, idle spectators, had the misfortune of being
killed by one cannon ball. The other mischief suffered on
our side was inconsiderable, saving the making a few holes in
some of the buildings. One shot struck within six foot of
General Washington, as he was on horseback riding into
the Fort.
We this day (being a very busy time with the officers of
the army) were assured by the General should have an
audience at six o'clock next morning. However, his Ex-
cellency came and breakfasted with us at General Putnam's,
hard by the fort whereat we lodged. He further assured
us he would attend us at General Putnam's an hour before
dinner. He did so. A number of interrogatories were
proposed to his Excellency, viz: 1, Whether it would be
expedient to attempt, with all our force, to defend the town
of Neivport and Island of Rhode-Island 1 He answered, if
it was defensible, it would ; but, he added, he was incapable
of judging of its defensibility, having never been there but
once formerly and transiently ; but the State must be the
best judges of the propriety of the measure. His Excellen-
cy had ordered half the brigade to New-York, and their
places to be supplied with like number from the Massachu-
setts. Was agreeably elated when we assured him that the
General Assembly had voted the whole of the brigade and
forty of the train to be sent off, even from that exposed
Island, for the defence of such of our brethren as were im-
mediate sufferers or in imminent danger, and the places of
those troops to be supplied by a like number of each town's
proportion, (by a certain estimate taken,) to be sent to
Newport. 2d quere. Whether, in concert with the neigh-
bouring States, it would be advisable to fortify any part of
Long-Island"! If so, whereat? What number of troops
to be raised on this occasion ? What number and size of
field-pieces should be sent, and whether he would recom-
mend a General Officer to take the command, &c., Sic. It
was also requested to communicate to us in confidence a
regular return of the troops, which he promised we should
have. His Excellency's answer to the second quere was
to this purpose, viz : That it would be prudential to send a
committee on Long-Island and learn the sentiments of those
towards the east end, and whether they would, i. e. the
443
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
444
bulk of the inhabitants of such part of the Island, cooperate
with the neighbouring States in protecting or removing them
and their stock ; and this to be previously done before an
attempt to defend, intrench, Sic.
At parting with his Excellency, Saturday afternoon, 15th
instant, he promised us a letter to your Excellency, with
such answers to the interrogatories (a copy of which he
requested and were given him) as he should be able to
make. But the troops gathering fast from the landing of
the enemy, under the thunder of their cannon, which was
on Sunday morning, 16th, his Excellency, from his closest
attention to his command then found it impracticable.
This morning, Mr. Collins and we parted, he for Philadel-
phia, being fearful of being left in the city and captivated by
our enemies. But Colonel Knox, we conjecture, procured
him a passage to the Jersey side. The despatch we would
make in our obstructed negotiations, has caused us to omit
that on Sunday morning five more frigates sailed up the East
River, anchored near the four former, which, with Wallace,
who was there before, augmented their number to ten. At
the same time three capital ships went up the North River,
causing a most tremendous firing, assisted with the cannon
on Governour's Island, discharging to no purpose against
our batteries, though they made a few holes in some of the
buildings ; which firing was returned on our side as well as
could be from the scantiness in and about the city of
heavy cannon, the bulk having been carried to a hill about
four and a half miles south of King's Bridge, whereat an
impregnable fortress was begun and well-nigh perfected,
and which could not be annoyed by the enemy's ships.
For more minute particulars must refer your Excellency to
Colonel Stanton, who will inform you of the interview we
had with Governour Trumbull, who anxiously requested our
return that way, but an accident prevented us ; although
at New-London we spent an hour or two with some of his
Council.
I am, sir, with profound respect, your Excellency's most
obedient and most humble servant, JOSH. BABCOCK.
To His Excellency Governour Cooke.
London, November 1, 1776.
In letters from Isle Madame, were the following particu-
lars: On the 21st of September, a number of armed men
belonging to the sloop Providence, Jones, master, with four-
teen guns, came in a shallop to Arichat from Petit-de-Grats,
and took possession of the vessels and storehouses ; that on
the 24th they went off with the Alexander, Luce, having
twenty-two hundred quintals of fish on board. On the
25th, they burnt the Adventure, and plundered the store-
houses. This privateer took at Petit-de-Grats, the Success,
Balliene, loaded with fish. The Alexander, Luce, and
Success, Balliene, are supposed to be retaken by the Mill-
ford, man-of-war, and carried to Halifax, with the Provi-
dence privateer.
JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS.
Philadelphia, September 22, 1776.
We have at last agreed upon a plan for forming a regular
army. We have offered twenty dollars and a hundred
acres of land to every man who will inlist during the war.
And a new set of articles of war are agreed on. I will send
you, if I can, a copy of these resolutions and regulations.
I am at a loss what to write. News we have not. Con-
gress seems to be forgotten by the armies. We are most
unfaithfully served in the Post Office, as well as many other
offices, civil and military. Unfaithfulness in publick stations
is deeply criminal. But there is no encouragement to be
faithful. Neither profit, nor honour, nor applause is acquired
by faithfulness. But I know by what. There is too much
corruption even in this infant age of our Republick. Virtue
is not in fashion ; vice is not infamous.
COLONEL REED TO MRS. REED.
Harlem Heights, September 22, 1776.
I have just received yours of the 20th, by which I ima-
gine one of mine, written the day after the engagement of
the 17th, had not yet come to hand, wherein I gave you
the particulars, which I was able to do better than almost
any other person, as I happened to be in it when it began,
and assisted in calling off our troops when they had pursued
the enemy as far as was thought proper. It hardly deserves
the name of a battle ; but as it was a scene so different from
what had happened the day before, it elevated the spirits of
our troops, and in that respect has been of great service.
It would take up too much time and paper to go into a
minute description of the whole affair. The substance of it
is this : Just after I had sealed my letter to you, and sent
it away, an account came that the enemy were advancing
upon us in three large columns. We have so many false
reports, that I desired the General to permit me to go and
discover what truth there was in the account. I went down
to our most advanced post, and while talking there with the
officer of the guard, the enemy's advanced guard fired upon
us at about fifty yards' distance. Our men behaved well,
stood, and returned the fire, till overpowered by numbers,
they were obliged to retreat. The enemy advanced upon
us very fast. I had not quitted the house five minutes
before they were in possession of it. Finding how things
were, I went over to the General to get some support for
the brave fellows who had behaved so well. By the time
I got there the enemy appeared in open view, and sounded
their bugles in a most insulting manner, as is usual after a
fox-chase. I never felt such a sensation before. It seemed
to crown our disgrace. The General was prevailed upon
to order out a party to attack them ; and, as I had been
upon the ground, which no one else had, it fell to me to
conduct them. They were Virginia troops, commanded
by a brave officer, Major Leitch. I accordingly went with
them, but was unhappily thwarted in my scheme by some
persons calling to the troops and taking them out of the
way I intended. In a few minutes our brave fellows
mounted up the rocks, and attacked the enemy with great
spirit ; at the same time some of our troops, in another quar-
ter, moved up towards the enemy, and the action began.
Major Leitch fell near me, in a few minutes, with three
balls through him ; but he is likely to do well. Colonel
Knowlton, a brave Connecticut officer, also fell, mortally
wounded. I mounted him on my horse, and brought him
off. In about ten minutes, our people pressed on with great
ardour, the enemy gave way, and left us the ground, which
was strewed pretty thick with dead, chiefly the enemy,
though it since turns out our loss is also considerable. Our
greatest loss is poor Knowlton, whose name and spirit ought
to be immortal. I assisted him off, and when gasping in
the agonies of death, all his inquiry was if we had driven in
the enemy. The pursuit of a flying enemy was so new a
scene, that it was with difficulty our men could be brought
to retreat, which they did in very good order. We buried the
dead, and brought off the wounded on both sides, as far as
our troops had pursued. We have since learned that the
main body of the enemy was hastily advancing, so that, in
all probability, there would have been a reverse of things if
the pursuit had not been given over.
You can hardly conceive the change it has made in our
army. The men have recovered their spirits, and feel a
confidence which before they had quite lost. I hope the
effects will be quite lasting.
You will probably hear from other quarters of the double
escape I had. My own horse not being at hand wften the
alarm was first given, I borrowed one from a young Phila-
delphian. He received a shot just behind his fore shoulder,
which narrowly missed my leg. I am told he is since dead.
But the greatest was from one of our own rascals, who was
running away. Upon my driving him back, he presented
his piece and snapped it at me, at about a rod distance. I
seized a musket from another soldier, and snapped at him ;
he had the same good luck. He has since been tried, and
is now under sentence of death ; but I believe I must beg
him off, as, after I found I could not get the gun off, 1
wounded him on the head, and cut off his thumb with my
hanger. I suppose many persons will think it was rash and
imprudent for officers of our rank to go into such an action.
General Putnam, General Greene, many of the General's
family, Mr. Tilghman, &tc., were in it ; but it was really to
animate the troops, who were quite dispirited, and would
not go into danger unless their officers led the way.
Our situation is very much the same as it was. We are
fortifying ground naturally strong. The enemy lie about
three miles from us. They have been very busy bringing
over cannon, &tc., from Long-Island, but we cannot learn
what they intend.
445
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
446
The night before last there was a most dreadful fire in
the city, but how it happened we are quite at a loss.
There was a resolve in Congress against our injuring it; so
that we neither set it on fire or made any preparations for
the purpose; though I make no doubt it will be charged
to us.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO GENERAL. HEATH.
Harlem Heights, September 22, 1776.
SIR: I am directed by his Excellency to inform you in
answer to your's, that he has no objection to your making
the attempt you propose, if you are of opinion that the intel-
ligence given by the two lads is satisfactory and will warrant
it, and of which he says you are as good a judge as he is.
He requests that you will acquaint him in time of the reso-
lution you come to in this affair, that he may know how to
conduct himself with respect to our guards. If it is under-
taken they certainly must be apprised of it, to prevent an
alarm. I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
ROBERT H. HARRISON.
To Major-General Heath.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON.
Heights of Harlem, September 22, 1776.
DEAR BROTHER: My extreme hurry for some time past
has rendered it utterly impossible for me to pay that atten-
tion to the letters of my friends, which inclination and
natural affection always incline me to. 1 have no doubt,
therefore, of meeting with their excuse. With respect to
the attack and retreat from Long-Island, the publick papers
would furnish you with accounts nearly true. 1 shall only
add, that in the former we lost about eight hundred men,
more than three-fourths of whom were taken prisoners.
This misfortune happened in a great measure by two
detachments of our people, who were posted in two roads
leading through a wood, in order to intercept the enemy in
their march, suffering a surprise, and making a precipitate
retreat, which enabled the enemy to lead a great part of
their force against the troops commanded by Lord Stirling,
who formed a third detachment, and who behaved with
great bravery and resolution.
As to the retreat from Long-Island, under the circum-
stances in which we then were, it became absolutely neces-
sary, and was effected without loss of men, and with that
of very little baggage. A few heavy cannon were left, not
being moveable, on account of the ground being soft and
miry, occasioned by the heavy and incessant rains which
had fallen. The enemy's loss in killed we could never
ascertain, but have many reasons to believe that it was
considerable, and exceeded ours a good deal. Our retreat
from thence, as I said before, was absolutely necessary, the
enemy having landed the main body of their army to attack
us in front, while their ships of war were to cut off all com-
munication with the city, from whence our resources of men
and provisions were to be drawn.
Having made this retreat, we not long after discovered,
by the movements of the enemy and the information we
received from deserters and others, that they declined
attacking our lines in the city, and were forming a plan to
get in our rear with their land army, by crossing the Sound
above us, and thereby to cut off all intercourse with the
country and every necessary supply. The ships of war
were to cooperate, possess the North River, and prevent
succour from the Jerseys. This plan appearing probable,
and but too practicable in its execution, it became necessary
to guard against the fatal consequences that must follow, if
the scheme were effected ; for which purpose I caused a
removal of a part of our troops and stores from the city ; and
a Council of General Officers determined that it must be
entirely abandoned, as we had, with an army weaker than
theirs, a line of sixteen or eighteen miles to defend, to keep
open our communication with the country, besides the defence
of the city. We held out, however, every show of defence,
till our sick and all our stores could be brought away.
The evacuation being resolved upon, every exertion in our
power was made to baffle their designs and effect our own.
The sick were numerous, amounting to more than the fourth
part of our whole army, and an object of great importance.
Happily we got them away; but, before we could bring off
all our stores, on Sunday morning six or seven ships of war,
which had gone up the East River some days before,
began a most severe and heavy cannonade, to scour the
grounds and effect a landing of their troops. Three ships of
war also ran up the North River that morning above the
city, to prevent our boats and small craft from carrying away
our baggage.
I had gone the evening before to the main body of our
army, which was posted about these Heights and Plains
of Harlem, where it seemed probable, from the movements
and disposition of the enemy, they meant to land and make
an attack the next morning. However, the event did not
happen. Immediately on hearing the cannonade, I rode with
all possible expedition towards the place of landing, and
where breastworks had been thrown up to secure our men ;
and, to my great surprise and mortification, I found the
troops who had been posted there, and those ordered to their
support, consisting of eight regiments, notwithstanding the
exertions of their Generals to form them, running away in
the most disgraceful manner. I used every possible effort
to rally them, but to no purpose; and, on the appearance of
a small part of the enemy, not more than sixty or seventy,
they ran off without firing a single gun. Many of our heavy
cannon would inevitably have fallen into the enemy's hands,
as they landed so soon ; but this scandalous conduct occa-
sioned a loss of many tents, baggage, and camp equipage,
which would have been easily secured, had they made the
least opposition.
The retreat was made with the loss of a few men only.-
We encamped, and §till remain, on the Heights of Harlem,
which are well suited for defence against their approaches.
On Monday morning, they advanced in sight in several
large bodies, but attempted nothing of a general nature,
though there were smart skirmishes between their advanced
parties and some detachments from our lines, which I sent
out. In these our troops behaved well, putting the enemy
to flight in open ground, and forcing them from posts they
had seized, two or three times. A sergeant, who deserted
from them, says they had, as he was told, eighty or ninety
wounded and missing, but other accounts make the number
of wounded much greater. Our loss in killed and wounded
was about sixty; but the greatest loss we sustained was in
the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Knowlton, a brave and
gallant officer. Major Leitch, of Weedon's regiment, had
three balls through his side, and behaved exceedingly well.
He is in a fair way of recovery. Nothing material has
happened since this skirmish. The enemy, it is said, are
bringing up their heavy cannon, so that we are to expect
another attack soon, both by land and water, as we are upon
the Hudson, at the place where we have attempted to stop
the navigation by sinking obstructions in the river and erect-
in ir batteries.
The dependence which the Congress have placed upon
the Militia has already greatly injured, and I fear will totally
ruin our cause. Being subject to no control themselves,
they introduce disorder among the troops whom we have
attempted to discipline, while the change in their living
brings on sickness, this causes an impatience to get home,
which spreads universally, and introduces abominable deser-
tions. In short, it is not in the power of words to describe
the task I have to perform. Fifty thousand pounds would
not induce me again to undergo what I have done. Our
numbers, by sickness and desertion, are greatly reduced. 1
have been trying these four or five days to get a return, but
have not yet succeeded. I am sure, however, we have not
more than twelve or fourteen thousand men fit for duty,
whilst the enemy, who it is said, are very healthy, cannot
have Jess than near twenty-five thousand.
With sincere love to my sister and the family, and com-
pliments to any inquiring friends, I am, &c.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
GENERAL, WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 23, 1776 ]
Camp near King's Bridge, September 22, 1776.
SIR: I had nattered myself that the Congress would
before this time have forwarded the amended articles for the
government of the army ; but as they have not, I think it
my indispensable duty to lay before then) the necessity, the
absolute necessity, of forming an article against plundering,
marauding, and burning of houses. Such a spirit has gone
447
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
448
forth in our army that neither publick or private property is
secure. Every hour brings the most distressing complaints
of the ravages of our own troops, who are become infinitely
more formidable to the poor farmers and inhabitants than
the common enemy. Horses are taken out of the Conti-
nental teams ; the baggage of officers and the hospital stores;
even the quarters of General Officers, are not exempt from
rapine. Some severe and exemplary punishment, to be
inflicted in a summary way, must be immediately adminis-
tered, or the army will be totally ruined. I must beg the
immediate attention of Congress to this matter, as of the
utmost importance to our existence as an army.
I am, sir, with due respect, your most obedient and very
humble servant, GQ WASHINGTON.
To the Honourable the President of Congress.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 21, 1776.
(Parole, Lisbon.)
(Countersign, Dover.)
If the Quartermaster-General has any sails or other cover-
ing, he is to deliver them to General Spencer's order, who
will see that the regiments most in need of it now under his
immediate command are first supplied.
The General earnestly exhorts the commanding officers
of every regiment and corps to fall upon the best and most
expeditious method of procuring clothes and necessaries for
their men before the season gets too far advanced. For this
purpose they are hereby authorized to send out one or more
officers, as the nature of the case shall require, and the ser-
vice will admit of, to purchase and provide them.
Generals Putnam and Spencer, together with the several
Brigadiers on this side King's Bridge, are to look over the
grounds within our lines and fix upon places to build liar-
racks or huts for quartering the men in. No time should be
lost in making the choice, that covering may be had as soon
as possible for the ease and comfort of the men.
It is earnestly recommended to all Brigadiers and com-
manding officers of corps, to see or know that the orders
relative to their respective brigades. &.C., are complied with;
and they, as well as commanding officers of regiments, &tc.,
are requested to attend particularly to the state of the men's
health ; that those that are really sick may be supplied in
the best manner our situation and circumstances will admit
of, while such as feign themselves sick merely to get excused
from duty meet with no kind of countenance or favour, as
it only tends to throw the burden upon the spirited and
willing men, who disdain such scandalous practices. The
General would remind all officers of the indispensable ne-
cessity there is of each of them exerting himself in the
department he acts ; and that where this is the case, of the
advantages resulting from it, as an army, let it be ever so
large, then moves like clock-work ; whereas without it, it is
no better than an ungovernable machine, that serves only to
perplex and distract those who attempt to conduct it.
The Brigadier-General and the Brigade-Major of the
day are both to attend the parade at the hour of mounting
guard ; see them brought on and marched off, and so con-
tinue near the advanced lines till they are relieved the next
day, in order that they may be ready in case of an attack
to command at the lines. When they are relieved, they are
to report extraordinaries to the Commander-in-Chief.
Head-duarters, Harlem Heights, September 2y, 177G.
(Parole, Hampton.) (Countersign, Newark.)
The Court-Martial of which Colonel Sage was President,
is dissolved. The Brigade-Majors to form a new one imme-
diately, Colonel Magaw to preside, to meet to-morrow at
Head-Quarters, nine o'clock. The Brigade-Majors to give
notice to the officers of their respective brigades.
There is a shameful deficiency of officers at guard-mount-
ing and other duty. The Brigade-Majors are to put in arrest
any officer who, being warned, does not attend his duty,
unless excused by the Brigadier-General.
The many complaints that are hourly made of plundering
both publick and private property, induces the General to
direct that every regiment be paraded at five o'clock this
evening ; the knapsacks and tents of the whole to be exam-
ined under the inspection of the Field-Officers, and all arti-
cles not the proper baggage and accoutrements of a soldier,
set apart and kept by the Colonel or commanding officer
till inquiry can be made how they came possessed of them.
A report is expected from the commanding officer of the
regiment to Head-Quarters whether any articles are found
or not, and the General depends upon the honour of the
officers to inspect carefully and make a faithful report.
It is with particular pleasure that the General has it in
his power to inform the officers and soldiers who have been
wounded in their country's cause, and all others whose lot
it may be to be disabled, that the Congress have come to
the following resolution, viz :
"That officers and privates losing a limb in any engage-
ment, or who shall be so disabled in the service of the United
States of America as to render them incapable of getting a
livelihood, shall receive half of their monthly pay during life
or the continuance of their disability, from the time their pay
ceases as officers or soldiers."
" Also such officers or soldiers as are wounded in any
engagement and rendered incapable of service, though not
totally disabled from getting a livelihood, shall receive
monthly such sums towards their subsistence as the Assem-
bly or representative body of the State they belong to, or
reside in, judge adequate, they producing in the cases above
mentioned to the committee or officer appointed to receive
the same in the State where they reside or belong, or to the
Assembly or legislative body of such State, a certificate,
from the commanding officer who was in the engagement in
which they were wounded, or, in case of his death, from
some other officer of the same corps, and the Surgeon that
attended them, of their names, office, rank, department,
regiment, and company, the nature of their wounds, and in
what action or engagement they were wounded."
The Brigadier of the day, where the guards mount at the
lines, is to give strict charge to all the officers, not to suffer
any person whatsoever to go beyond the out-sentries without
an order in writing from himself. All the sentries are to be
informed of this, and if any person whatever presume to
disobey the orders, they are to fire upon in the same manner
as they would do on a common enemy. Any persons coming
in from the enemy's lines are to be carried to the Brigadier
of the day immediately for examination, who is to take their
information in writing and send it, with the person or persons,
to the Cornmander-in-Chief. The Brigadier is to see that
a chain of sentries extend from the North River to Harlem
River, beyond which no stragglers are to pass.
The officer commanding the scouts is to attend at Head-
Quarters at seven o'clock every morning, to know if there
are any orders for these corps.
The commanding officers of the several regiments are to
be particularly attentive in seeing that their men are supplied
with ammunition, and that they account regularly for the
cartridges delivered to them. They are not to suffer any
pieces to be discharged at retreat-beating but such as will
not fire in an engagement and cannot be drawn. The great
waste of ammunition is such that unless the officers will
exert themselves to see justice done to the publick, a suffi-
ciency cannot be kept upon hand to supply them.
Mr. Josiah Adams is appointed Paymaster to Colonel
Little's Regiment, and Mr. Elisha Humphrys to Colonel
Webb's Regiment.
The Court-Martial whereof Colonel Sage was President,
having found Ebenezer Liffenwell, of Captain Cliffs com-
pany and Colonel Durkee's Regiment, guilty of " cowardice
and misbehaviour before the enemy on Monday last," and
also " of presenting his firelock at his superiour officer when
turning him back a second time," which, by the 27th arti-
cle of the Rules and Regulations of the Army, is death,
he is accordingly adjudged to suffer death.
The General approves the sentence, and orders that be
be shot at the head of the army on the grand parade, near
Kortright's house, to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock.
The men of the several regiments below King's Bridge, not
upon fatigue or guard, are to march down at that hour; the
Provost-Marshal to attend. Major Henley, acting Deputy
Adjutant-General, will order twelve men out of the guards
paraded for duty to-morrow, to execute the sentence.
The same Court-Martial having found Ensign McCnin-
ber, of Captain Harm's company and Colonel Sargent's
Regiment, guilty of the infamous crime of "plundering the
inhabitants of Harlem," ordered him to be cashiered.
The General approves the sentence, and orders him to be
turned out of the army immediately as an officer.
449
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
450
General Return of the Army in the service of the UNITED STATES or AMERICA, at KING'S BRIDGE and its Dependencies*
commanded by His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-in- Chief. Sept. 21, 1776.
BRIGADES.
OFFICERS PKESENT.
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rn
•&
0*
I
•
1
B
1
£
£
•o
c
a
CO
I
Q
j|
tn .
_ X
5 3
•> ~
1
tt
c
V
at
V
a.
M
u
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c
w
1
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M
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c
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i
o
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01
D
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£
c
o
a.
c
•
&
1
2
14
1
m
a.
£
•a
c
~
X
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JV
£
•a
c
I
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C
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-d
p
fe
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O
71
Q
1
U
V
!_
General Parsons'*.
i -
i
i -
i -
1
1 -
1
1
3
5
2
2
c
5
3
7
3
3
6
C
3
5
2
5
1
4
5
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
19
20
16
23
16
13
15
12
in
8
195
286
96
162
225
62
88
40
43
24
63
61
102
78
119
71
121
98
205
137
4
1
2
7
391
560
337
490
515
1
2
3
1
7
249
77
252
150
127
-
r
1
i
n
1
.
Colonel WaM
Total Brigade
4
I 3
15
24
33
17
3
5
5
.
5
4
96
58
964
2571 423
632
2293'l7
855
{
t
2
General Clinton's.
1
1
1
1
1
1 1
1 1
1
1 1
1 -
9
7
9
7
5
8
(i
!)
6
1
7
5
9
6
7
• *
-
1
1
1
1
1
~
1
1
1
1
1
1
27
22
28
20
21
16
16
16
13
14
249
136
209
245
264
37
38
88
56
70
33
8
3
5
29
51
38
24
4
3
2
348
233
343
304
365
1
1
2
1
1
3
7
129
135
139
64
111
-
1
1
16
29
4]
Total Brigade
r
*
4 4
37
38
34
.
.
5
c
-
5
1
118
75
1103
289
49
142
91593
578
-
i
1
96
General Scott's.
i
i
i
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 -
5
9
10
4
7
8
10
5
5
8
8
5
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
l
1
1
1
1
1
24
20
29
16
6
4
11
6
182
175
231
142
13
31
57
12
•
137
24
6
21
16
2
213
184
422
239
C
10
1
14
1C
9
4
455
486
248
96
-
-
4!
Total Brigade
3
4 3
28
30
26
.
2
3
4
i
4
f
89
27
730
101
182
43
2
1058
17
43
1287
• -
6
1
44
Commandant Sargent's.
1
1
1
1 1
1 1
1 -
2
7
6
2
8
5
5
5
3
r
1
4
7
6
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
i
1
1
1
1
1
16
25
13
5
11
12
5
4
298
247
69
4
42
96
22
18
79
16
75
11
90
88
19
26
-
508
448
184
59
-
Colonel Ward
1
•:
187
i
I
-
-
-
-
-
194
11
Total
3
3 4
23
18
13
17
1
4
4
2
2
3
59
32
618
178
18ll 223
.
1199
1
3
1871 1
I
I'I4
12
Commandant Chester's.
1
1 1
1
1 -
1
8 6
4 8
6 6
4 8
6 7
8
1
7
9
5
6
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
32
32
29
39
27
15
21
7
15
13
262
168
69
71
114
104
77
38
97
57
38
43
82
33
18
149
62
31
36
47
1
1
1
7
554
351
221
837
243
-
1
110
110
i
i
1
I
f
1
44
49
44
53
22
44
i
M Major Terry
Total
1
2 3
2835
9
32
2
5
5
.
5
4
159
71
684
373 214
325
10
1606
.
1
i
13
191
78
Commandant Hands'.
1
1 •
1 -
1 -
7
1
4
7
9
9
G
9
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
23
19
25
14
7
7
218
201
335
28
14
54
18
38
25
15
(
9
290
215
405
9
1
4
422
115
8
g
f
C
r
•
L
"t
Total
2
a-
225
5
6
2
3
3
.
2 1
67
28
754
96
56
40
C
91810
537
8 3
2
20
- •
i
4
3
3
3
-
1
1
-
-
-
4
3
101
-
3
104
General Nixon's.
1
1
i i
i
i i
i i
5
5
a
5
5
6
5
6
7
3
5
5
5
3
7
6
6
4
G
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
23
17
23
14
26
10
10
9
12
14
260
191
184
152
253
61
154
28
5
86
23
2
109
135
11
68
142
61
73
102
-
412
499
382
358
452
2103
1
1
1
228
141
258
282
188
097
1
4
1
2
3
1
11
-
1
1
1
Colonel Little
Total
2
3 4
25
27
25
27
1
4
4
.
4
3
103
55
1040
468
149
446 -
1
2
1
.
;
Commandant Sittiman's.
.
1 1
) ,
4
(
8
10
1
1
1
1
1
:
-
1
1
1
.
32
40
16
8
15
15
12
1
4
194
130
54
24
14
57
99
34
20
34
81
2
2
15
2
60
22
17
5
18
-
392
253
107
64
68
-
1
272
-
2
2
1
12
12
9
f
1
1 -
- 1
6
-
j
|
-
1
1
j
-
1
-
!
Total
—
1
272
i
3 2
2fe
23
8
29
1
5
e
»J
.
4
-
111 32
416
244
10sl 122
.
884
8
4
25
General McDougall's.
Colonel Webb
1
1
- 1
1 -
4
7
e
11
4
G
f
1(
3
4
8
9
i
t
10
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
c
18
13
22
31
7
7
11
17
219
215
265
427
• 89
49
22
39
38
44
60
294
192
79
66
80
2
4
540
382
417
840
10
15
4
5
4
11
100
258
223
316
1
2
3
1
1
]
4
8
1
1
35
1
44
Total
2
1 128
2fj
24
23
;j
31 3
2
3
2
84
42
1126
199
436
417
6
2179
25
24
897
General //card's.
1
1
1
1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
6
&
7
3
5
6
8
6
I)
5
8
7
7
4
4
8
\
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
22
31
28
19
22
5
10
5
10
7
180
234
257
210
172
39
39
50
18
27
45
101
26
124
1
5
10
6
4
1
.'
269
374
337
363
208
2
1
3
6
12
7
6
9
3
7
31
163
202
167
213
296
1
G
I
1
1
2
2
C
i
3
1
1
Total
4
5 5
2<J
3:
3130
4
5
I
.
E
3l 122
37
1050
173
296
10
22
1551
11)41
10
2
10
Commandant Glover's.
1
1
1 1
- 1
1 1
1 1
4
3
(
4
i
4
a
1
t
5
e
7
e
1
-
.
1
1
1
1
1
1
]
1
-
]
32
17
18
26
14
14
15
12
208
212
170
225
99
153
43
147
6
8
8
19
200
128
138
77
1
514
501
361
468
1
1
2
1
1
4
126
139
279
172
-
-
1
3
Tfttal
a
3 417
2f
25
26 2 4
4
-
T
1
93
55
815
442
41
543
1 1844
716
.
.
1
3
Genera/ Feltows's.
i
i
i
1 1
1 ]
1 1
& 1
10 1C
8 6
i
S
f
!«
6
f
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
31
36
32
15
18
16
344
310
336
76
130
85
102
62
76
72
55
46
-
594
558
543
4
2
172
-
1
-
-
Total
—
3
3 J
26 2S
|252S
a
3
3
1
•)
3
99
49
999
291
240
173
-
1695
4
9
172
1
-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
29
451
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
RETURN — Continued.
452
BRIGADES.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
last Return.
Commissioned.
s<n/r.
Won- com-
missioned.
3
B
9
9
—
"v
c
c
c
0 «
= .£
$i
CD
C
2
;i
2
c
03
C
0>
3
V
J
00
E
8
4
5
4
CD
C
3
E
3
-a
c
c
o
1
to
c
-'
"y.
Id
I
c
E
c
•
c
K
r
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<
T.
L.
a,
1
i
s
c§
DC
S
V.
I
J-,
Z
c
K
C
C
•
t!
do
•r.
E
c
2
•
a
a
V
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1
ac
.8
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13
C
as
m
3
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1
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00
V
£
j
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QJ
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c
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JB
a
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u
W
•a
c
1
1
o
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w
n
£
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a
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I
1
ri
£
£
IB
c
•
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£
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B
•3
-*L
C
03
»
ii
^
!
!•
i
tr.
a
•a
V
S
&
Commandant Douglass's.
Colonel Douglass
1
1
1
3
1 -
7
1 5
1 6
8
f_
8
8
2
4
\
1C
1
1
1
]
]
1
1
1
3
-
1
1
1
1
-
31
14
29
10
17
1
6
193
22
41
41
196
24
48
104
4
8
11
-
493
60
137
122
1
i
M. Colonel Cook
13
•1i
70
-
-
-
-
i
i
ii
13
Total
1
-'
1
2 18
21
2
3
-
4
-
84
24
297
3)9
72
124
812
-
-
t
;
15
General WadsMorth's.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1 6
1 7
1 8
5
1 7
7
8
6
5
8
8
7
1)
S
8
8
8
8
8
1
]
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
]
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
31
30
30
20
31
16
14
15
10
15
200
217
271
48
493
46
54
46
57
54
142
142
Ufa
i
4
47
65
52
13
22
a
432
487
485
135
573
1
2
2
2
1
232
177
179
2(
i
3
-
4
Colonel Shelden
Colonel Chapman
-
-
65
4
1
i
1
Total
3
3
4 33
34
29
40
3
:>
§
.
142
70
1229
267
321
199
2
2112
5
3
653
31
5l li S
General Btale's.
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1 9
1 9
1 7
1 4
18
16
13
8
.
c
j
6
tj
i
i
i
i
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
-
34
29
25
18
16
14
10
6
553
487
426
251
122
52
85
75
i
1
2
761
537
543
344
1
2
4
4
10
35
155
-
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
17
Total
29
3
4
4 29
55
4
i
-
4 -
106
46
1717
334
-
-
2
21 8!)
1
190
-
3
2
23
General Mtfflin's.
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
1 6
1 8
1 7
1 8
1 3
1 4
. 1
6
6
6
c
j
34
5
9
7
7
3
3
8
6
8
(
(
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
j
1
-
1
J
1
1
1
1
1
1
20
31
32
26
15
13
8
14
9
10
15
3
6
5
265
293
319
435
9C
165
82
67
54
5S
27
34
t
12
90
96
125
62
35
40
165
56
c
8
10
22
10
1
4
1
509
494
480
568
189
257
138
1
1
7
(i
1
130
146
160
72
-
1
3
-
-
c
41
63
49
, ( 1st Pennsylvania Battalion.
MM'" N d°' d°-"-
Mlles73d do. Musketry ....
Total
—
5
6 37
34
37
6
-
5
s| 145
62
1649
241
560
2801 6
2635
1
14
508
4
.
166
Colonel Weedon's Regiment, Fir- )
1
1
• 10
8
8
1C
1
1
1
-.
1
!>
37
17
383
147
53
17
-
602
TOTAL OP BRIGADES.
4
5
3
3
1
2
2
2
2
4
£
3
3
3
3
4
1
1
4
4
3
2
2
3
o
c
1
t
j
t
4
C
]
3 15
4 37
3 28
4 23
3 28
• 12
1 4
4 25
2 28
1 28
5 29
4 17
3 26
2 18
4 3?
24
38
30
18
35
25
3
27
23
26
33
20
25
21
34
27
34
8
23
34
26
13
9
15
3
25
8
24
31
22
25
8
29
28
34
8
17
17
3-;
i
2'
2C
2:
31
2;
&
U
4(
2!
3'
II
3
L>
2
2
2
1
1
2
4
2
2
2
3
3
1
5
t
i
(
5
5
4
4
5
3
1
4
5
3
5
4
3
4
5
3
6
1
1
2
5
5
4
2
5
'->
4
4
3
5
3
S
4
3
4
5
1
4
1
2
3
4
1
3
2
3
1
3
4
3
2
96
118
89
59
159
67
4
103
111
84
122
93
99
84
142
106
145
37
58
75
27
32
71
28
3
55
32
42
37
55
49
24
70
46
62
17
964
1103
730
618
684
754
101
1041
416
1126
1050
815
99(1
297
1229
1717
1649
383
257
981
423
49
182
181
214
56
14!
103
436
296
41
24C
75
32]
632
142
43
223
325
40
446
122
417
1C
543
173
124
199
280
17
7
9
2
10
C
G
22
1
2
2
6
2293
1593
1058
1199
1606
918
104
2103
884
2179
1551
1844
1695
812
2112
2189
2635
602
17
1
17
1
Id
7
7
43
3
1
7
855
578
1287
187
110
537
1
1
&
3
2
6
2
13
3
2
1
1
194
191
2
2
96
44
12
78
20
101
176
373
96
lii-
244
19£
17C
•Ik
00,
Major Backus's Light Horse
1
25
12
1
4
1
5
1
1
2
1
24
31
4
2
3
10
14
1097
272
897
1041
716
172
653
191)
508
1
8
3
10
30
11
8
2
1
2
5
3
4
4
]
2
1
9
1
2
2!
44
1C
15
1
23
166
3K
26"
334
24C
14"
4 23
6 37
- 10
56C
53
Total of Brigades
4-
48 £
3427
451
3G5
3c:
32
70
70
36S
si-
1718 1783
15,666
441£
3379
3736
93
27,377
97
159 9100
G2
65
411
556
COL. KNOX'S REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY.
i
JD
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Deserted— 1 Drum and Fife; 4 Matrosses. Discharged— 1 Bombardier; 1 Matross. JVfissiiig— 1 Sergeant; 1 Bombardier; 1 Gunner; 2
Drums and" Fifes; 39 Matrosses.
There is besides the above a Company of Artillery at Powle'a Hook, of which no return has been made this week. Colonel Ouriee's
Regiment is also at Powle's Hook, and has made no return this week.
N. B. — Those regiments with the letter M before them are Continental Militia.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO GENERAL HEATH.
September 22, 1776.
SIR: His Excellency wishes success to the expedition
that is to be attempted, and requests that no houses or pri-
vate property may be destroyed by burning or otherwise,
unless there shall be an absolute necessity.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
ROBERT H. HARRISON.
To the Hon. Major-General Heath.
ORDERS TO COLONEL JACKSON.
King's Bridge, September 22, 1776.
SIR: It being determined to make an attempt to dislodge
the enemy from Montresor's Island this night, you are to
take the command of the party designed for that purpose,
who are to parade at the new bridge at eleven o'clock.
You will then, without delay, embark them on board the
flat-bottomed boats, and fall down with the tide to Morris-
ania, where you are to remain very silent until the flood
453
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
454
makes sufficiently to enable you to proceed to the Island,
where you are immediately to land, leaving a party with
your boats, and surround the enemy, killing or taking them
prisoners, as occasion may require. You are not to allow
any abuse to the prisoners, should you take any. You are
not to burn the buildings, but, according to your best dis-
cretion, effect the enterprise. Silence, secrecy, and despatch
are all necessary.
I am, sir, yours, &c., W. HEATH.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson, of the Sixteenth Regiment.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 27, 1776.]
King's Bridge, September 22, 1776.
SIR: I received your favour of the 16th instant, enclosing
Congress resolutions respecting Commissary matters in the
Northern district. I have taken the necessary steps to put
matters on a proper footing there, and doubt not I shall
succeed.
Congress may depend that while I remain in the depart-
ment, my utmost abilities shall be exerted to have the duties
of the office well executed, in every part, and as far as pos-
sible, to acceptation.
I am, most respectfully, sir, your most humble servant,
Jos. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
WILLIAM DUER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fishkill, September 22, 1776.
SIR: The Convention of this State have established a
Committee of Correspondence for the purpose of facilitating
the intercourse of intelligence betwixt this place and Head-
Quarters. I am directed by that Committee (of which I
have the honour of being a member) to order their express to
wait on your Excellency daily, to know your commands,
and to receive such accounts of the operations of our army
as your Excellency's leisure will admit you to inform us of.
Captain Cooke, who has been employed in sinking the
vessels opposite to Mount Washington, informed me in his
way to Poughkeepsie that he is apprehensive the chevaux-
de-frise which are sunk in the river may not be sufficient for
stopping the enemy's ships; and he is of opinion that
it would tend much to render the obstructions effectual to
sink five or six vessels to the northward of the chevaux-de-
frise.
In consequence of this information, the Convention of this
State, ever solicitous to exert themselves in effecting so im-
portant an object as the obstruction of the navigation of the
river, have entered into the enclosed resolutions, which I
have the honour to transmit to your Excellency.
They have likewise given the necessary directions for
supplying you with a quantity of oak plank, agreeable to
General Clinton's request in a late letter.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your
Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
WM. DUER.
To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in-
Chief of the American Army, King's Bridge.
WALTER LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 22, 1776.
SIR: I received your order to furnish the officers of the
army and the sick with Madeira wine, coffee, chocolate,
loaf-sugar, and butter, or such articles as Mr. Avery, Dep-
uty Commissary-General, may order me. I shall not remain
here to obey the Deputy Commissary -General's orders. Jn
compliance with yours, I have sent seven hundred pounds to
Kingston, to purchase wine, and ordered a sloop to be hired
to bring it up. When it arrives, I will send it all forward
myself, unless you order part thereof to be detained for the
other garrisons. I have sent three tierces of loaf-sugar and
a barrel of coffee. Chocolate and butter I cannot procure.
Whatever necessaries you may think proper to order, I will
with pleasure furnish, whether within the line of my duty or
not.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
WALTER LIVINGSTON.
To Major-General Gates.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER DATED TICONDEHOGA, SEPTEM-
BER 22, 1776.
The fleet is well. Lieutenant Whitcomb is this mo-
ment arrived from St. John's, with an officer and Corporal,
prisoners. They are out of humour. We shall gain some
intelligence from them, I expect, but have not examined
them yet. The army is in good spirits; the season almost
too far advanced to expect an alack.
"INCOGNITO" TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Easthampton, September 22, 1776.
SIR: When of late I have wrote your Honour, it has
been seized and stopped by the way ; nor have I been able
to devise a method of conveyance till this day. Countless
reports have from lime to lime been ventilated and spread,
with much assurance, that your Honour had given positive
orders for the removal of the people from the east end of
this Island, with all their effects, and those who obeyed not
must be judged inimical to the general good of America,
and expect to be utterly laid waste and destroyed. But
relying upon your Honour's wisdom and benevolence, I have
told the people that your Honour and the Government of
Connecticut, they might depend, would never pursue meas-
ures oppressive to the oppressed, whatever individuals might
design. By converse this day with some gentlemen your
Honour hath sent over here, people are convinced that no
more has been proposed to be taken from them, by orders
given by your Honour, than an overplus of what they have
not present necessity for, and which, perhaps, would soon
be demanded by General Howe. Last week a vessel load
of cattle and a boat load of calves were taken from Mon-
tauk, and carried to Groton, or thereabouts, supposed en-
tirely without orders. Some orders given at Head-Quarters,
at Saybrook, and executed, whereby the people of South-
ampton and Bridgehampton have thousands of sheep, and
even all their flocks, taken from ihem, poor and lean sheep
as well as fat, and are utterly destitute, hath extremely dis-
tressed poor people, and alarmed their fears, so that they
know not what sufferings they shall soon share in. As to
the orders your Honour hath given, the people think not
strange, who were expecting them in consequence of war
and their present unhappy situation. But to have the whole
species and kind indiscriminately and entirely taken from
them, and vessel loads of stock taken away, without orders
given properly, and without any account taken, this they
judge oppressive, and effective of their utler ruin in the
issue. In this, their distressed situation, the people have their
waiting eyes lifted up to your Honour, requesting and sup-
plicating that, if possible, a stop may be put to these last-
mentioned oppressive methods of procedure. They look
upon themselves as a people given up by the Continent, and
know they must obey the orders which are given them, or
abide the infinitely shocking consequences of a refusal.
They wish, too, and presume they will be looked upon in a
proper point of view. Notwithstanding emigration, there are
now at least a thousand people in the town of Easthampton.
'Tis impossible for them all to remove to the Continent with
their effects. Many families would be ruined as to worldly
substance in so doing. The people, in their present dis-
tressed and perplexed situation, would yet hope that they
may not be as a torch on fire at both ends, which must
necessarily have a quick consumption.
Considering the times in which we are fallen, your Hon-
our will please to excuse me, if I only add, your Honour's,
&c., &tc., &tc., INCOGNITO.
To Hon. Jona. Trumbull, Esq., Governour of Connecticut,
in New-England.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Providence, September 22, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Since my last I have been to see Govern-
our Trumbull on the business of his letter to me, a copy of
which you have enclosed. From there I went to New-
London, which place I left the 19th instant. Captain
Hacker is there with the Hampden; he has proved her, and
she will be ready for sea in a few days, but not full manned.
Have ordered her round to Newport, there to join the Al-
fred, who I expect will be cleaned and ready for the sea in
a week. The two frigates here will be ready for sea in a
455
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
456
week or ten days, but it will be very difficult to man any of
them, without you will make the chance of prize money as
good as they get in the privateers, which is one half, and
large sums advanced to the people before they go to sea.
I expect Govemour Hopkins every day; hope he will
bring with him the commissions for the officers of the new
ships. The Alfred and the Hampden shall send as soon
as possible on the station you ordered, and if Governpur
Hopkins brings no other orders for the new frigates, I think
it will be the best use they can be put to, to attempt to clear
the Sound with them, as Governour Trumbull advises, as
that, if effected, will give great ease to supplying our army
near New-York.
Since I wrote you there have arrived here seven or eight
valuable prizes, sent in by the privateers out of this place,
and a brig (Captain Btddle's prize) was taken by the
Cerberus ; a few days ago the people got on shore in their
boats, and are set out for Philadelphia. There is a report
that a prize brig, taken by the Columbus, was spoke with a
few days ago.
Enclosed you have a list of the privateers out of this
place; them that are called letters of marque, expected to
get manned in the French Islands. You likewise have a
list of the prizes brought in here.
I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your most humble
servant' ESEK HOPKINS.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Marine
Committee at Philadelphia.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO GOVEKNODR TRUMBULL.
Providence, September 22, 1776.
SIR: When I left you I went to New-London, and saw
your ship, and come from there here, and I am of opinion
that the two frigates here will be ready for the sea by the
time your ship will be ready, if it is possible to man them.
If I receive no orders to the contrary from the Marine Com-
mittee, by my brother, who I expect every hour, shall be
ready to follow any orders or advice you may think best to
give me respecting their operation.
I am, with great respect, sir, your most humble servant,
ESEK HOPKINS.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire, Governour of
Connecticut, at Lebanon.
ARTHUR LEE TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
London, September 23, 1776.
DEAR SIR: My absence from town till now prevented
my answering your two last favours of September 3d.
By our latest and best accounts from America the die is
now cast, and we may every day expect to hear of a deci-
sive action at New-York; decisive I mean as to the fate of
General Howe and New- York, but not of America, which
depends very little upon the event of New-York being
taken or saved.
There is a publick torpor here, which, without being
superstitious, one may regard as a visitation from heaven.
The people in general think the declaration of indepen-
dence as a thing of course, and do not seem to feel them-
selves at all interested in the vast consequences which that
event must inevitably draw after it. The Ministry have
by certain manoeuvres contrived to keep up the demand
for, and price of manufactures ; and while trade and manu-
factures apparently prosper, the people are so deaf, that
wisdom may cry out in the streets and not be heard. But
the course of the seasons is not more fixed, than it is cer-
tain that these ministerial arts must be temporary in their
operation and fatal in their issue ; because the more men
are nattered, the more desperate they are when the calamity
comes upon them. Already the West-India Islands begin
to cry out, as you will have seen in the address from the
Island of Barbadoes. The great number of captures lately
made of West-India ships by the Americans, have already
had very visible effects upon the Royal Exchange. Hol-
land taking the alarm, which the least movement on the part
of France would produce, must shake our stocks to the foun-
dation, and give an equal shock to a deluded prince and a
deluded people.
The characters you desire me to touch upon are such as
seldom occur in the same period. Lord Sandivich has
been noted through a long life for every thing in word and
deed, directly opposite to honesty and virtue. With mod-
erate abilities, and little real application, he maintains an
appearance of both by impositions and professions, which,
at a time so averse to inquiry as the present, pass for facts.
Lord George Germain, though cradled in England, has
all the principles of a Scotchman ; subtle, proud, tyrannical,
and false. In consequence of his patronising the Scots,
they have always been his panegyrists and his advocates,
and as they are a people indefatigable in all interested pur-
suits, they have procured him a character for ability which
he very little deserves. Dissimulation and craft in worldly
occurrences too often pass for real wisdom ; and, in that
sense, Lord George is a wise man. Such a man could not
long pass unnoticed and un patronised by a Court which
searches with lyncean eyes for the basest hearts, and is
actuated by Scotch principles and Scotch counsels. Lord
Suffolk is a peer of sullen pride and arbitrary principles.
He listed in the publick cause with Mr. Wedderbume, under
the banner of George Grenville ; and while his life gave
the hope ol success in getting preferment, they were the
loudest in opposition; but immediately upon his death, they
made their terms, and have been ever since the most de-
voted tools of the Court. Lord Suffolk recommends him-
self very much to the King, by an indefatigable attention
to the little detail business of his department, and an obse-
quiousness that knows no bounds. Lord Rochford is by
birth a Tory, and is linked with Lord Mansfield ; but his
fears have made him withdraw himself upon an ample pen-
sion, for he is persuaded that France will soon strike a blow
which will endanger the heads of those who conduct these
measures.
I have been apprised by Hortalez, that the business for
which I recommended him to you is to be transacted
through France, which is the reason of your not seeing him.
I do not conceive you need be under any alarm about
intercepted letters, as the Ministry have too much upon
their thoughts, and too many more immediately dangerous
and known opponents at home, to suffer them to look abroad
for victims. Their success must be certain and decisive
before they will venture to attack the friends of America
in Europe, and provoke retaliation. I flatter myself with
being as much within the eye of their enmity as any man
can be. But I think that the enmity of bad men is the
most desirable testimony of virtuous merit. Adieu.
ARTHUR LEE.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL RUMSEY.
[No. 186.] Annapolis, September 23, 1776.
SIR : We received your letter by the post, and observe
what is said about the expenditure of the three hundred
pounds formerly sent the Committee of Harford. We say
nothing in answer to that at present, nor to what you say
about the Committee of Observation refusing to act with
regard to arms and blankets in Harford. We are willing
that the company which is first ready in your County should
have them. We expect it will be from your battalion ; but
if otherwise, the first ready must have them, for their en-
couragement. We have given Mr. Steel the bounty money
and one month's pay for a company to be raised according
to your letter of recommendation on Saturday last. We
shall hereafter advance for another company when we
receive the recommendations.
We have heretofore wrote you about attending the
Council of Safety, to which you have given no answer,
from whence we conclude you have not received it. The
Convention would not proceed to any new appointment,
only in the room of Mr. Hands, who declined. Pray let
us have your personal attendance here for two or three
weeks, as soon as you can ; at furthest by the first of next
week. We are, &tc.
To Colonel Benjamin Rumsey.
N. B. Get linen for tents, if you can procure any upon
reasonable terms ; you are as good a judge of the price as
we are.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL HALL.
[No. 187.] Annapolis, September 23, 1776.
SIR : We send you the bounty and advance money for
457
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
458
Captain Francis Holland's company. Colonel Rumsey
wrote tliis day about the guns and blankets collected in
your County for the publick. Our answer was, that the
company first ready must have them, by way of encourage-
ment to exert themselves. Mr. Ray's order on the Treasury
was for the sum of four hundred and twenty-nine pounds
currency. We are, &c. •
To Colonel Aquila Hall.
except myself, the gentlemen anointed by Convention
having resigned and returned their commissions, and are
unwilling to act again, it's very troublesome and disagreeable
to me to continue. I have therefore now returned you my
commission also, and beg a new appointment may be made
of Field Officers. And I am, gentlemen, your most obedient
servant,
JOSBPH SIM.
To the Honourable Council of Safety, Annapolis,
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THOMAS KINGGOLD.
[No. 188.] Annapolis, September 23, 1776.
SIR : Be pleased to bring with you when you come over
to the Convention the Continental money which is in your
possession, belonging to this State. We are, &c.
To Thomas Ringgold, Esq.
In Committee, Baltimore, September 23, 1776.
Upon motion, Resolved, n. c. d., That Lieutenant Eze-
kiel Towsin be recommended to the honourable Council of
Safety as a proper person to command the guard to be
stationed at the magazine at Armstrong's tavern.
Extract from the Minutes :
GEO. Lux, Clerk.
N. B. The house will be completed in about a fortnight.
TORIES WHO BROKE GAOL AT FREDERICK-TOWN ON THE
NIGHT OF THE 23D OF SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Aaron Verdue, an Englishman, about six feet high, a
very strong, well-made man, ruddy complexion, chestnut
brown curled hair ; had on an old brown broadcloth coat
and jacket, a pair of leather breeches, stockings, shoes, and
an old hat.
Alexander McCraw, a Scotchman, a well-made man,
about five feet nine inches high ; had on a coarse hunting-
shirt and leather breeches, a pair of striped trowsers, and a
pair blue stockings, yarn, a pair of shoes and Scotch bonnet.
Kennith Stewart, a Scotchman, well-made, about five
feet nine inches high ; wears a long hunting-shirt with
pockets in the sides of it, a pair of leather breeches, white
stockings, a brown surtout coat and Scotch bonnet; pre-
tends to have some knowledge in physick.
Robertson York, a Pennsylvanian, about five feet seven
or eight inches high, slender-made man, red hair, curled on
his neck, remarkable large lips, and bad teeth ; is a very
chattering fellow; had on a short brown coat, mixed
coloured cloth jacket, and leather breeches, shoes and
stockings.
Robert Turner, an Englishman, about five feet eleven
inches high, well-made, strong man, short brown hair; had
on a light-coloured surtout coat, made in the Quaker
manner, a country cloth close brown coat, blue cloth jacket,
pieced in the back with pale blue cloth, a pair of grey
cloth and a pair of fustian breeches, several pairs of ribbed
yarn stockings, shoes, and hat.
Thomas . Branford, an Englishman, about five feet six
inches high, a slim made man, and very pale countenance,
short black hair; an old grey cloth coat, striped cotton
jacket, leather breeches, worsted stockings, shoes and hat.
Stephen Lysney, a Pennsylvanian, five feet five inches
high ; a well-proportioned man, has a dimple in his chin,
short, dark brown hair; a hunting-shirt, a brown shalloon
jacket, leather breeches, and a pair of trowsers, stockings,
shoes, and a large hat.
Whoever takes up and secures the above persons, so that
they may be brought back to their place of confinement,
shall have at the rate of eight dollars for each, or fifty-six
dollars for all of them. Per order.
COLONEL SIM TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Upper Marlborough, September 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I received by Captain Covington two
hundred and twenty-two pounds of bounty money for the
company to be raised in this County, which I have this day
paid to Messrs. Levin Covington, R. Wooton, R. Crable,
and Thomas Hands, gentlemen recommended by the Field
Officers of this County to recruit said company. As there
are no Field Officers belonging to the Eleventh Battalion
^DOCTOR WEISENTHALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore town, September 23, 1776.
SIR: I received a letter from Dr. Tootell which I take
the liberty to communicate to you, as it refers to a verbal
order of the Council of Safety to deliver to him all the
medicines, shop-furniture, instruments, &.C., belonging to the
Province, now under my care.
As the reason for it is, because the hospital in Annapolis
is crowded with patients, and medicines are much in request,
I will take the liberty to observe, that the whole shop can-
not be so easily removed without manifest loss and great
trouble ; every thing must be taken out of boxes, drawers,
&c., and packed up singly, then packed into chests or bar-
rels ; the shop furniture likewise must suffer, besides we
being burthened with several useless articles in bulky furni-
ture, as well as medicines, and the expenses made in putting
them in order, would be likewise thrown away. If I add
to this, that our hospital is perhaps crowded equally to that
in Annapolis, and wants medicines, and considering that
this may be deemed the safest place for the repository, if at
any time any disturbance should happen in the Province.
The Defence and Resolution, as well as the frigate, have
been from time to time supplied with medicines, which is
another reason I must give.
Dr. Tootell, at his first accession to his majority, gave
me an invoice of medicines he wanted; but as we had not
the fourth part of them, neither in quantity nor at all, I fur-
nished him with what we had ; and when in Philadelphia
I made inquiry, the whole city could not have furnished the
half. I assorted our shop as well as the scarcity would
admit of. I have not received any order from the Doctor
since for a supply, which is about ten days ago. I got a
little supply ; should have furnished him if he would return
his prescriptions to the present situation of affairs. I shall,
however, deliver every thing according to order of the
Council, whenever it is so desired, along with the patients.
Chirurgical instruments are not in my possession except
a few lancets, a bullet forceps, and some needles, as well as
three small catheters, having hitherto made use of my own
instruments. The capital instruments are on board the
Defence, and in Annapolis.
I beg to excuse my intruding on your patience, and am,
with due respect, your most obedient, humble servant,
C. WEISENTHALL.
To Charles Carroll, Esq., Barrister, Mount Clare.
CAPTAIN COOKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Potowmack, Ship Defence, September 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I have thought it best to send the tender
up, as her mainmast head is sprung, and am under the neces-
sity of keeping Mr. Middleton as a pilot, to carry the ship
down the bay. I have endeavoured to get one at Smith's
Creek, but could not. I am informed by Commodore
Boucher that he was chased by the Fowey off the capes.
I shall use every proper method in my power for the saiety
of our ship. I have the pleasure to inform you that the
greatest harmony subsists amongst the whole ship's crew,
and all in high spirits and good health. I shall inform you
fully of our state by the return of Mr. Middleton.
1 have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient,
humble servant, GEQRGE C(JOKE
To the Honourable Council of Safety.
N. B. Commodore Boucher was chased the 14th instant.
G. C.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee, September 23, 1776,
Present: William Aisqulth, Chairman, P. D. ; Andrew
459
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
460
Buchanan, W. Buchanan, W. Wilkinson, C. Ridgely of
William, D. Lux, J. Smith, J. Boyd, T.flutter, J. Cockey,
D Shaw, J. Standeford, and E. Talbot.
The fine of Mr. George Counsellman is reduced from six
pounds to three pounds.
The fine of ten pounds assessed on Mr. Aquila Gallo-
way, as a non-enroller, is remitted, it appearing from a cer-
tificate from Dr. Weisenthall that he is non-effective.
The fine of five pounds imposed on Joseph Hilton, as a
non-enroller, is reduced to three pounds.
Mr. Charles Rogers is hereby directed to delay distressing
the effects of Safer Stevenson and Nathan Perigo till further
orders from this Committee.
Fifty -five shillings was given to Mr. Edward Talbot for
a gun, and fifty shillings to Mr. Michael Craner for a gun,
and an order for payment given to Mr. Samuel Purviance,
Chairman of Committee.
Upon motion,
Resolved, n. c. d., That Mr. Ezekiel Towson be re-
commended to the honourable Council of Safety as a proper
person to command the guard to be placed at the magazine
at Armstrong's.
Attest: GEO. Lux, Secretary.
ROBERT MORRIS TO JOHN JAY.
Philadelphia, September 23, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Although your express delivered me your
favour last Wednesday or Thursday, yet I did not receive
the letter from Mr. Deane until this day, and shall now
send after the express, that he may convey this safe to your
hands ; should he be gone, I must find some other safe con-
veyance. You will find enclosed both Mr. Deane's letters,
as you desired, and I shall thank you for the copy of the
invisible part. He had communicated so much of this
secret to me before his departure, as to let me know he had
fixed with you a mode of writing that would be invisible to
the rest of the world ; he also promised to ask you to make
a full communication to me, but in this use your pleasure ;
the secret, so far as 1 do or shall know it, will remain so to
all other persons. It appears clear to me, that we may
very soon involve all Europe in a war, by managing prop-
erly the apparent forwardness of the Court of France. It is
a horrid consideration that our own safety should call on us
to involve other nations in the calamities of war. Can this
be morally right, or have morality and policy nothing to do
with each other? Perhaps it may not be good policy to
investigate the question at this time. I will therefore only
ask you whether General Howe will give us time to cause
a diversion favourable to us in Europe1! I confess, as things
now appear to me, the prospect is gloomy indeed. There-
fore, if you can administer comfort, do it. Why are we so
long deprived of your abilities in Congress? Perhaps they
are more usefully exerted where you are : that may be the
case ; but such men as you, in times like these, should be
every where.
I am, with true sentiments of respect and esteem, dear
sir, your obedient and humble servant,
ROBERT MORRIS.
To John Jay.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, September 23, 1776.
DEAR Sin: Yours, by Captain Manly, 1 have received,
and should have been glad of affording him any assistance
in my power, but unluckily they (the Marine Committee)
commonly meet in the evening, when I am not able to attend
them on account of my health. The latter end of last week
Captain Roche called on me, and told me Captain Manly was
taken very sick. I have not heard from him since, so hope
he is better.
I hope Colonel Whipple and your successor as a Dele-
gate are now setting off for this city to relieve me. I am
very anxious to have them here, as some very important
affairs are before the Congress, and my health will not per-
mit my constant attendance ; and I am loth to be absent,
as you know the voice of a single Colony is often very
important. I shall not write to Colonel Whipple, as I think
he must be on his journey before this reaches you.
I am sorry our affairs at New-York have succeeded so
badly. We want a regular, well-disciplined army, and
more experienced Generals. A regular standing army we
must have, at all events, against another year. You will
see the plan the Congress lias laid for effecting it. The
conduct of some of the New-England soldiers this year has
afforded me great pain, though I believe some of the disaf-
fected this way have represented their conduct worse than
it deserved, yet the affair at the Cedars, and of some at
New-York, are not to be excused.
I have this moment received Colonel Whipple's letter of
the 10th instant, wherein he recommends Hopley Yeaton
for a Lieutenant of your ship, in the room of Mr. Wheel-
right, and some other marine affaire, which I shall lay
before the Marine Committee, and try to procure the orders
he mentions, though at present I cannot meet with them in
the evening, as I am at present troubled with a fever-fit
every evening ; however, 1 will do the best I can in the
affair. Colonel Whipple informs me the Colony had not
then appointed another Delegate in your stead. I hope
the Colonel has set off without him, and the other may be
appointed and follow after as soon as convenient.
I hope you will soon have the Raleigh fit for sea. I will
try to procure orders for her and one of the Newbury ships
to take the Millford frigate, which it seems is a great plague
to the Northern States. Prepare her as soon as possible
for the business.
I am, dear sir, your sincere friend,
JOSIAH BARTLETT.
To Mr. John Langdon.
JOSEPH GARY AND JONATHAN PIERSON TO RICHARD PETERS.
Philadelphia, September 23, 1776.
SIR : This being the second time of troubling you, hope
you will not take it amiss our sending this epistle to inform
you that we should think ourselves very happy in having a
hearing before you, or who is proper to examine us. This
being the first time of our being in confinement, and that
without a cause, as we never were employed, or any other
way meddled or made, but on the contrary were endeavour-
ing to get out of the country towards the West-Indies, where
we might be quiet, we hope you will take our matter into
consideration ; and as we are strangers here, and not ac-
quainted with any one, our request is that we may have
either the liberty of a parole or leave to depart from this
Continent.
We are your most obedient, &ic.,
JOSEPH CART,
JONATHAN PIERSON.
EXTRACT FROM A JOURNAL KEPT BY THE CHAPLAIN OF COL-
ONEL DURKEE'S REGIMENT.
Powle's Hook, September 15, 1776. After Long-Island
was evacuated, it was judged impossible to hold the city of
New-York, and for several days the artillery and stores of
every kind had been removing, and last night the sick were
ordered to Newark, in the Jerseys ; but most of them could
be got no farther than this place and Hoebuck, and as there
is but one house at each of those places, many were obliged
to lie in the open air till this morning, whose distress when
I walked out at day-break gave me a livelier idea of the
horrours of war than any thing I ever met with before.
The commandant ordered them every thing for their comfort
that the place afforded, and immediately forwarded them to
the place appointed and prepared for them.
About eight this morning three large ships came to sail
and made up towards the Hook. The garrison, consisting of
the Twentieth Continental Regiment, (Colonel Durkee's,}
and a regiment of Jersey Militia, (Colonel Duyckinck's,)
were ordered into our works. Soon after they had taken
their posts, the ships came up near Jersey shore to avoid
our shot from the grand battery, (the removal of the cannon
from which they were ignorant of,) and as they passed up
the North River kept up an incessant fire upon us ; their
shot (a great part of which was grape) raked the whole
Hook, but providentially one horse was all the loss we sus-
tained by it. The fire was briskly returned from our battery
by Captain Dana, who commanded a company of the train
on this station. It gave me great pleasure to see the spirit
of the troops around me, who were evidently animated by
the whistling of the enemy's shot, which often struck so
near them as to cover them with dust.
461
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
462
About eleven o'clock a furious cannonade was heard a
little above New-York, and before night numbers came over
from the city and informed that it was evacuated by our
troops, and about sunset we saw the tyrant's flag flying on
Fort George.
Having received intelligence that a number of our troops
were in the city, and the enemy spread across the Island
above it, two small parties were ordered to assist them in
making their escape. Two Captains, with about forty men,
two brass howitzers, and about two tons of military stores,
were brought off by one of them ; the other party, con-
sisting of five men only, were fired upon by the enemy,
(supposed the Tories, who have committed a number of
robberies on the friends of America,) when one Jesse
Squire, of Norwich, was wounded, who, together with
another, fell into their hands.
16th. About two o'clock this morning an attempt was
made to burn the ships that passed up the North River yes-
terday and anchored about three miles above us ; one of
them (the Renown, of fifty guns) was grappled, but broke
her grappling and came down by us again. Another
cannonade ensued, but no damage was received on our
side.
The brave Colonel Duyckinck, who did all he could to
retain his men, could now keep his regiment no longer, but
was obliged to retreat to Bergen, from which time Colonel
Durkee was left on the Hook with only a part of his regi-
ment, consisting of about three hundred effective men.
l~lth. An express arrived with information that Colonel
Williams, from Connecticut, was ordered to reinforce us,
and might be expected the next day, but was not able to
join us till our retreat to Bergen, the 23d. This day a
large quantity of lead musket-ball and buckshot was dis-
covered in a suspected house, about a mile and a half
above us, and brought down to this place and properly
secured for the United States. Towards night the Renown
returned back to her station up the North River, but kept
near the eastern shore to avoid the shot from our battery,
which, however, kept up a brisk fire upon her as long
as she was within reach.
18th. Nothing material happened here. Just at even-
ing, intelligence was received that the brave Lieutenant-
Colonel Knowlton, of our regiment, was killed in the action
that happened a little below King's Bridge on Monday, as
he was fighting with undaunted courage at the head of a
body of Rangers, the command of which was assigned him.
The joy the success of that action would have occasioned
was greatly lessened in this department by the loss of an
officer so greatly respected and beloved.
20<A. The Renown returned back again to the fleet, and
though she passed close in with New- York shore, yet as
there was very little wind about forty shot from our battery
were fired at her, many of which took effect. She lay all
next day upon a careen to repair.
21*<. At two this morning we were waked up by the
guards, who informed us that New-York was on fire. As
the fire began at the southeast end of the city, a little east
of the grand battery, it was spread by a strong south wind,
first on the East River, and then northward across the
Broadway, opposite to the old English Church, (if I mis-
take not the name ;) from thence it consumed all before it
between Broadivay and the North River, near to the Col-
lege, laying about one third part of the city in ashes (in the
opinion of those best acquainted with it ;) and had not the
wind as it veered to the west, died away, the remainder of
that nest of vipers would have been destroyed.
This evening a seaman, who said he belonged to Provi-
dence, that he was taken and obliged to fight against his
countrymen on board the Roebuck, made his escape by
swimming from New-York to this place. He informed that
the men on board the Roebuck were very sickly, that they
had lost one hundred since they left the Capes of Virginia.
He also gave notice that preparation had been made to attack
this post ; that a number of large ships were to come up and
endeavour to silence our batteries, while a large body of the
troops in boats (which we discovered on the opposite shore
above us this afternoon) were to make a descent above us
and endeavour to cut off our retreat; that it was to have
been executed this morning, but the fire prevented.
22(7. As no reinforcement could be sent us, we received
orders this morning to remove our artillery, stores, and bag-
gage, and hold ourselves in readiness to retreat ; and before
night most of them were removed.
About nine, A. M., we saw the enemy embarking in flat-
bottomed boats, about two miles above us, who appeared in
large numbers on the shore after their boats (about thirty)
were full. Four ships at the same time came to sail below,
and stood up towards us, but they soon came to anchor
again, and the boats which had pushed off" returned back.
Had they come at this time, we must either have retired and
left them large quantities of artillery stores, or fought their
army and navy at the same time with our small detach-
ment, and that under every disadvantage ; but they saw fit
to retire to get more strength, as appeared afterwards, though
they could not be ignorant of our weakness, as our men
were paraded every day in full view of them.
23rf. Atone o'clock, P. M., having removed every thing
of value, we were ordered to retreat from the Hook. As
soon as we began our march, four ships came up and
anchored near the shore around the Hook ; at the same
time a number of boats and floating-batteries came down
from just above New-York ; the latter run up into the
cove opposite the causeway that leads to Bergen. After
taking a considerable time to see that there was nobody to
hurt them, they began a most furious cannonade on our
empty works, which continued until they had wearied them-
selves. In a word, they dared to come much nearer, and
displayed the boasted British valour in much brighter colours
than ever they had while there remained a single man to
oppose them. Meanwhile our little battalion retreated, with
drums beating and colours flying, to Bergen ; and before
night the brave Britons ventured on shore and took posses-
sion of our evacuated works, where they have taken every
precaution to prevent our formidable detachment from
returning and driving them from a post which, with so great
a display of heroism, they have got possession of. '
The post we now possess covers the Jerseys. Here we
are reinforced by a number of regiments; more are daily
coming in ; the sick are recovering ; the troops in high
spirits, and we have no fear but we shall be able to main-
tain our ground against all the banditti of George the
Third.
Newark, September 28, 1776.
In our last we informed our readers that the city of New-
York was in flames on Saturday morning, the 21st instant;
since which we have many and different reports concerning
that melancholy affair, the most authentick of which, we be-
lieve, is as follows, viz: That the fire originated at or near
Whitehall, soon extended to the Exchange, took its course
up the west side of Broad street, as far as Verlattenberg
Hill, consuming all the blocks from the Whitehall up.
The flames extended across the Broadway from the house
of Mr. David Johnston to Beaver lane, or Fincher's alley,
on the west, and carried all before it, a few buildings ex-
cepted,to the house at the corner of Barclay street, wherein
the late Mr. Adam Vandenberg lived, sweeping all the
crossed streets in the way. The buildings left standing on
the west side of the Broadway are supposed to be Captain
Thomas Randall's, Captain Kennedy's, Doctor Mallet's,
Mr. John Cortlandt's sugar-house and dwelling-house, Dr.
Jones's, Hull's tavern, St. Paul's, Mr. Axtell's, and Mr.
Rutherford's. The cause of the fire is not known. We
imagine a sixth part of the whole city is destroyed, and
many families have lost their all.
SIR WILLIAM HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAIN.
York-Island, September 23, 1776.
MY LORD: Between the 20th and 21st instant, at mid-
night, a most horrid attempt was made by a number of
wretches to burn the town of New- York, in which they suc-
ceeded too well, having set it on fire in several places with
matches and combustibles that had been prepared with great
art and ingenuity. Many were detected in the fact, and
some killed upon the spot by the enraged troops in garrison;
and had it not been for the exertions of Major-General
Robertson, the officers under his command in the town, and
the brigade of Guards detached from the camp, the whole
must infallibly have been consumed, as the night was
extremely windy.
The destruction is computed to be about one-quarter of
463
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
464
the town ; and we have reason to suspect there are villains
still lurking there, ready to finish the work they had be»un,
one person, escaping the pursuit of a sentinel the following
night, having declared that he would again set fire to the
town the first opportunity. The strictest search is making
after these incendiaries, and the most effectual measures
taken to guard against the perpetration of their villainous
and wicked designs.
I have the honour to be, he., W. HOWK.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK TO A GENTLEMAN
IN LONDON, DATED SEPTEMBER 23, 1776.
The day after the city was taken I repaired to it, and
found it a most dirty, desolate, and wretched place. My
house had been plundered by the Rebels of almost every
thing I had left behind. However, our late success, and
the pleasing prospect before us, especially as the city was
not destroyed, made me forget this loss. 1 thought little
about it.
I flattered myself that the city would soon be peopled
again, and that matters would speedily be restored to their
former state; but the authors of our calamities were deter-
mined to frustrate this expectation. The destruction of the
city was resolved on by some villains who were concealed
in the city. Accordingly on Thursday night following,
when every thing was very dry, and a brisk southerly wind
blew, some of them set fire to the houses near Whitehall.
The fire instantly spread and raged with inconceivable vio-
lence. There were few citizens in town ; the fire-engines
and pumps were out of order. Two regiments of soldiers
Were immediately ordered into town, and many boats full
of men were sent from the fleet. To these, under Provi-
dence, it is owing that the whole city was not reduced to
ashes. The destruction was very great. Between a third
and fourth of the city is burnt. All that is west of the new
Exchange, along Broad street to the North River, as high
as the City-Hall, and from thence along the Broadway and
North River to King's College, is in ruins. St. Paufs
Church and the College were saved with the utmost diffi-
culty. Trinity Church, the Lutheran Church, the parson-
age, and charity-school are destroyed. Between a thou-
sand and fifteen hundred houses are burnt, and we are
under the most dismal apprehensions that there are some
more of these villains concealed in town to burn what is
yet left. Our distresses were great before, but this calam-
ity has increased them ten-fold. Thousands are hereby
reduced to beggary. This scheme was executed to prevent
the King's troops from having any benefit by the city.
The clergy of this Province and New-Jersey have shut
up their churches, as they refused to comply with the orders
of the Congress. In Connecticut the clergy met and opened
their churches ; but they omit the service, and only read the
lessons and a sermon. Before sermon, they use the accus-
tomed collect and Lord's prayer.
We got in New- York several thousand barrels of flour.
The storehouses were full of provisions of all sorts, and we
have every eatable in plenty.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Head-Cluarteri, Heights of Harlem, September 23, 1776.
SIR : I have nothing in particular to communicate to
Congress respecting the situation of our affairs. It is much
the same as when I had the honour of addressing you last.
On Friday night, about eleven or twelve o'clock, a fire
broke out in the city of New- York, near the new or St.
PauFs Church, as it is said, which continued to burn pretty
rapidly till after sunrise the next morning. I have not been
informed how the accident happened, nor received any cer-
tain account of the damage. Report says many of the
houses between the Broadway and the river were con-
sumed.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your
most obedient servant, Ga WASHINGTON.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL MERCER.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 23, 1776.
SIR : General Howe, by letter ypsterday evening, having
concurred in the proposition for the exchange of General
Sullivan for General Prescott, and informed me that the
former would be sent in a boat to-day to Elizabethlown, in
order that it may be effected, you will be pleased to have
General Prescott in readiness at the point, that he may
return without delay in the boat that brings General Sulli-
van.
In respect to Mr. McDonald, General Howe does not
allow htm the rank of a Brigadier, and refuses to execute
the exchange proposed between him and Lord Stirling.
Under these circumstances you will direct his return to
Philadelphia, with the escort that is with him, where Con-
gress will give their direction concerning him.
lam,&.c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General Mercer, or officer commanding at
Elizabethtown.
P. S. You will please to deliver the enclosed letter to
General Prescott.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE.
Head-Quarters, Heighti of Harlem, Sept. 23, 1776.
SIR: I yesterday evening received the favour of your
letter of the 21st, by your Aid-de-Camp, Captain Mon-
tresor, in consequence of which I this morning despatched
an express to Elizabethtown, with orders that Major-Gen-
eral Prescott should be permitted to return in the boat that
carried General Sullivan over to that place.
I most readily concur in the proposition you are pleased
to make for the exchange of Brigadier-General Lord Stir-
ling for Governour Montfort Browne, and have sent for
him accordingly. I should hope that Lord Stirling will
be immediately set at liberty, on my promise that Govern-
our Browne shall be sent to you as soon as he arrives.
I had no doubt but Mr. McDonald's title would have
been acknowledged, having understood that he received his
commission from the hands of Governour Martin ; nor can
I consent to rank him as a Major till I have proper author-
ity from Congress, to whom I shall state the matter, upon
your representation.
Agreeable to your request, I shall transmit to Lieutenant-
Colonel Campbell a copy of the list of officers of the Forty-
Second and Seventy-First Regiments, taken by us last
Spring, that it may be rectified in the instances in which it
may be wrong ; and will then place opposite to their names
the officers I would wish in return for them.
The exchange of privates I shall take the earliest oppor-
tunity in my power to carry into execution ; but they being
greatly dispersed through the New-England Governments,
in order to their better accommodation, will prevent it for
some time.
Having the fullest confidence in your assurance that Mr.
Lovell will be released when he arrives from Halifax, I
have wrote for Governour Skene to come to Head-Quar-
ters, that he may proceed immediately to you.
As to the exchange of prisoners settled between Captain
Forster and General Arnold, 1 beg leave to inform you that
it was a transaction in which I had not the smallest con-
cern; nor have I authority to give directions, in any degree,
respecting the matter.
The information you have received concerning the ill
treatment of your officers, I would fain hope is not gene-
rally well founded. The letters from them, which have
passed through my hands, hold forth a different language.
In particular instances, it is true, there are some who have
been restrained to a closer confinement and severer treat-
ment than they otherwise would have been, for breaking or
refusing to give their paroles. Such (I am confident) will
not be countenanced by your Excellency ; and I am per-
suaded, by a closer investigation of the inquiry you will
discover that there have been no other persons whatever
who have experienced the smallest harshness from us. I
shall, however, obtain all the information on the subject in
my power, that every ground of complaint (if any exists)
may be entirely removed, it being my most earnest wish
that, during this unhappy contest, there be every exercise
of humanity which the nature of the case will possibly
admit of.
Your Aid-de-Camp delivered me the ball you mention,
which was the first of the kind I ever saw or heard of.
You may depend the contrivance is highly abhorred by me,
465
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
4G6
and every measure shall be taken to prevent so wicked and
infamous a practice being adopted in this army.
I have the honour to be, with due regard, your most obe-
dient servant, Go WASHINGTON.
To Lieutenant-General Howe.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, Sept. 23, 1776.
SIR: General Howe, in a letter received from him yes-
terday evening, by a flag, having offered to exchange Briga-
dier-General Lord Stirling for Governour Montfort Browne,
and also requested that Governour Skene may be granted
his liberty without delay, assuring me that Mr. Lovell shall
be immediately enlarged on his arrival from Halifax, and
whose exchange for Governour Skene has been agreed
upon, I must take the liberty of requesting the favour of
The enemy have formed a large encampment in the
plains, or rather heights, below us, extending across, as it
were, from the East to the North River ; but have attempted
nothing, as yet, of a general nature. We are making every
disposition in our power for defence ; and I should hope,
from the ground we are on, if they make an attack, and
our men behave with tolerable resolution and firmness, that
they will meet with a repulse, or, at least, any advantage they
gain will be attended with sorrow and a considerable loss.
Major Leilch, who led on a detachment of the Virginia
regiment in the affair of Monday, received three balls through
one side. He still retains his spirits, and seems as if he
would recover.
On Friday night, about eleven or twelve o'clock, a fire
broke out in the city of New-York, which, burning rapidly
till after sunrise next morning, destroyed a great number of
houses. By what means it happened we do not know;
the gentleman who brought the letter
the
when
I have, &,c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.
P. S. I would choose that Governours Browne and
Skene should be stopped when they come within ten or
twelve miles, and detained till one of the escort can inform
me of their coining, and receive my directions respecting
them.
Howe's request be complied with respecting Governour
Skene's being returned. The gentlemen are to consider
themselves under parole till such time as they are sent from
Head-Quarters to General Howe.
I must beg your excuse for not having wrote you of late
upon the situation of our affairs and such events as have
cast up in the military line. I shall only add that the
important concerns which have commanded my closest
attention have been the cause, and 1 am fully persuaded,
will furnish" me with a sufficient apology.
Of the evacuation of the city of New-York on Sunday
se'nnight, and the retreat to this place, you will have heard
before now, and of the manner in which it was conducted.
I am certain a minute relation of them would only increase
the uneasiness which would naturally arise upon hearing the
events, and therefore, as I have not time, 1 shall not enter
upon it.
The enemy, by their movements, having unfolded their
plan of operations, and discovered that they declined making respecting the great cause in which we are engaged,
a direct attack upon the town, and that their designs were The manoeuvres of the enemy before their landing
to land in our rear, and to cut off all intercourse with the Sunday last, were various and perplexing ; however, about
country, at the same time to prevent any communication eight o'clock in the morning they became extremely plain
with the Jersey, and States south of the North River, by and obvious. At that time they began their operations, by
means of their ships of war, it became necessary to adopt sending three ships of war up the North River, as high as
such measures as seemed best calculated to baffle their Bloomingdak, which put a stop to the removal of our stores
To these
re-
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Head-Quarters at the Heights of Hnrlem, )
September 23, 1776. J
SIR: Your favour of the 21st instant, enclosing the i
solution of the Representatives of the State of New-York,
has come duly to hand and will be properly attended to. I
am exceedingly obliged by the readiness you declare you
will pay to any commands which you may receive from me,
on
schemes and promote the common interests,
ends, a Council of Officers determined the evacuation of
the city absolutely necessary; and I have only to wish that
it had been made in a way more honourable, and with less
loss of baggage ; which might have been the case had the
troops that remained there for the defence of the lines not
betaken themselves to a most precipitate and disgraceful
flight, contrary to the exertions of their General Officers
and every effort in my power to prevent and form them,
having gone from hence, as soon as the ships began their
cannonade, and whither I had come the night before, to the
main body of our army, in expectation of an attack that
night or the next morning, as the parade of the enemy and
the unusual stir amongst them strongly indicated one.
The next morning several large columns of them appeared
on the plains, at the distance of about two miles and a half
below us; and some smart skirmishes ensued between their
advanced parties, composed of the Second Battalion of
Infantry, a regiment of Royal Highlanders, and three com-
panies of the Hessian Chasseurs or Riflemen, and the
detachments which I sent out to oppose them. Upon this
occasion our men behaved with great spirit and intrepidity,
putting the enemy to flight, and forcing them from their
posts two or three times. Our people buried sixteen or
eighteen of their dead, as they say ; and a Sergeant who has
since deserted, reports they had eighty-nine missing and
wounded. Our loss in number was inconsiderable, but
must be considered as great in the fall of Lieutenant-Col-
onel Knowlton, of your State, who commanded a party of
by water, and' about eleven of those in the East River
began a constant and heavy cannonade, for the purpose of
securing the grounds and covering the landing of their
troops, where breastworks had been thrown up to oppose
them. As soon as I heard the firing I immediately repaired
to the place of landing, when, to my extreme astonishment,
I discovered the troops who were posted in the lines retreat-
ing in the greatest disorder, and Parsons's and Fellows's
brigades, who were directed to support them, retreating in
the greatest confusion, and without making the slightest
opposition, although only a small party of the enemy
appeared in view. As I perceived no dependence could
be reposed in these troops, and apprehending another
impression might be made on Harlem Plains, by which
means our retreat to this place might be cut off, I directed
the Heights to be secured, and our retreat was effected with
little or no loss of men, though of a considerable part of the
baggage. Some of our heavy cannon, and a part of our
stores and provisions, which we were about removing, were
unavoidably left in the city, though every means (after it
had been determined in Council to abandon the post) had
been used to prevent it.
On Monday morning last, several parties of the enemy
appeared on the high grounds opposite to our Heights, and
some skirmishing had happened between our troops and
those of the enemy. On reconnoitering their situation, I
formed the design of cutting off such of them as had or might
advance to the extremity of the wood ; I accordingly ordered
three companies of Virginia Riflemen, under the command
i ft i i Y7~ i . • . i i * n
Rangers, composed of volunteers from the several New- of Major Leitch, and Colonel Knowllon with his Rangers,
England regiments, and who was a brave and good officer, to endeavour to get in their rear, while an apparent disposi-
Every honour was paid to his merit, in his interment, that tion was making as if to attack them in front. The enemy
the situation of things would admit of. ran down the hill with great eagerness to attack the party
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 30
467
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
468
in front; but unluckily, from some mistake or misapprehen-
sion, the parties under Major Leitch and Colonel Knowlton
began the fire on their flank, instead of their rear. The Major
was soon brought off the field wounded, and Colonel Knowl-
ton soon received a wound of which he is since dead. Their
men, however, behaved with the greatest resolution. Find-
ing that they wanted assistance, I advanced part of Colonel
Griffith's and Colonel Richardson's Maryland regiments,
with some detachments of Eastern troops, who charged the
enemy and drove them from the wood to the plain, and were
still pursuing, when I judged it prudent to withdraw them,
fearing the enemy might 'be sending a large reinforcement
to the troops which were engaged, which was the case as I
have since understood. A Sergeant who deserted from the
enemy has informed me their party was greater than I
imagined, as it consisted of the Second Battalion of Light
Infantry, a battalion of Royal Highlanders, and three com-
panies of Hessian Riflemen, under the command of General
Leslie. Their loss by his report amounted to eighty-nine
wounded and missing, and eight killed; in the latter his
account is altogether imperfect, as our people discovered
and buried double that number. I am in hopes this little
success will be productive of salutary consequences, as our
army seems to be greatly inspirited by it.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Abraham Yates, Jun., President of the Con-
vention of the State of New- York.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the Line held
an the Heights of HARLEM, by order of His Excellency
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-
in-Chiefof the Forces of the UNITED STATES OF AME-
RICA, for the trial of all Prisoners to be brought before
them. SEPTEMRER 23, 1776.
Colonel MAGAW, President.
Lieut. Colonel Chandler, Captain Brown,
Lieut. Colonel Russell, Captain Chamberlain,
Captain Ledyard, Captain Prentice,
Captain Greaton, Captain Rogers,
Captain Wiley, Captain Foster,
Captain Hindman, Captain Stanley.
Captain Scott,
William Tudor, Judge- Advocate.
The Court being duly sworn, proceeded to the trial of
Lieutenant Stewart, of Captain Thomas's Independent
Company, under the command of Colonel Smallwood,
brought prisoner before the Court, and accused of "striking
Sergeant Phelps, of Colonel Silliman' s regiment, and of
threatening the life of Colonel Silliman, for arresting him,
Lieutenant Stewart."
The prisoner being arraigned on the said charge, pleads,
" Not guilty."
Captain HUBBEL. Last Wednesday morning Lieutenant
Stewart came to my hut and inquired for Ensign Phelps,
calling him a damned coward. I sent for the man, who is
a Sergeant in my company; he came up, and Lieutenant
Stewart told him he wanted to know his name to report
him for a coward, for he had behaved like a damned cow-
ard the day before, and told him he was not fit for an
Ensign ; on which Phelps replied, he was as fit for an Ensign
as he (Stewart) was for a Lieutenant. Upon which Lieu-
tenant Stewart immediately struck him in the face with the
flat of his hand. I went off and complained to Colonel
Silliman, and Lieutenant Stewart came up with the Adju-
tant of our regiment, when Colonel Silliman very mildly
talked with Lieutenant Stewart, and told him he ought
to have taken another course; Lieutenant Stewart grew
warm, when Colonel Silliman ordered him under an arrest.
On this, Lieutenant Stewart took his hat and flung it on
the ground, and said, " I'll go to my tent — all you can do
b to take my commission, but I am a gentleman, and will
put it out of your power, for I will resign it, and in less than
two hours will be revenged on you, God damn you."
He soon went off. He damned Colonel Silliman several
times.
Sergeant BASS confirms Captain HubbeFs testimony
throughout.
JOSEPH PHELPS confirms Captain Hubbefs testimony.
Lieutenant STEWART'S Defence.
Mr. CHESLEY. Was present when Lieutenant Stewart
and Sergeant Phelps were talking. The deponent says,
Lieutenant Stewart said Phelps, who he supposed was an
Ensign, had behaved cowardly the day before, and that he
meant to report him for a coward. Phelps replied, he was
no more a coward than Stewart was — some more words
ensued, when Phelps said something which looked like
giving Stewart the lie, when Mr. Stewart struck him in
the face.
Lieutenant- Colonel WARE. Was present at the conver-
sation between Lieutenant Stewart and Colonel Silliman,
and did not hear Lieutenant Stewart damn Colonel Silli-
man.
Captain SMITH. I went up with Lieutenant Stewart to
Colonel Silliman, and Lieutenant Stewart showed the
utmost complaisance to the Colonel, and begged to be heard ;
the Colonel refused to hear him, and ordered him under an
arrest. Lieutenant Stewart grew warm, and made use of
some hasty expressions.
The Court after mature consideration, are of opinion, that
Lieutenant Stewart is guilty of striking Sergeant Phelps, but
the Court are of opinion that Lieutenant Stewart was pro-
voked to do so; and the Court are of opinion, that Lieuten-
ant Stewart is not guilty of threatening the life of Colonel
Silliman. ROBERT MAGAW, President.
The Court proceeded to the trial of Lieutenant Daniel
Pelton, of Captain Riker's Company, in Colonel Ritze-
ma's Regiment, brought prisoner before the Court, and
accused of "leaving camp and being absent two days with-
out leave from his commanding officer."
The prisoner beingarraigned on the above complaint, pleads
guilty, and acknowledges "that he left camp on Monday
morning without leave of absence, and went three or four
miles beyond King's Bridge, and relumed on Wednesday
afternoon following."
The Court are of opinion, that the prisoner is guilty of a
breach of the nineteenth article of the rules and regula-
tions for the government of the Continental troops, and
sentence the said Lieutenant Pelton to be mulcted of one
month's pay for said offence.
ROBERT MAGAW, President.
The Court proceeded to the trial of Sergeant William
Phelps, of Captain Hubbel's Company, in Colonel Stili-
man's Regiment, brought prisoner before the Court, and
accused of "cowardice and deserting his party when out on
a scout" on Tuesday, September 17.
The prisoner being arraigned on the above charge, pleads,
" Not guilty."
Lieutenant STEWART deposes. That he was on a scout-
ing party on Tuesday, 17th of September, and met Captain
Northrop with another party, of which the prisoner was
one, and we agreed to endeavour taking the enemy's
advanced guard. We were prevented doing it, but got
down to a fence, where we exchanged some shot with the
enemy. Both parties were together. In about ten min-
utes the prisoner and three or four others ran off to a fence
a hundred yards. The prisoner had a large pewter dish
under his arm; I ordered him to lay down his dish and go
back, or I would shoot him. I was so intent on the motions
of the enemy, I did not observe him afterwards ; it was
immediately after a shot from the enemy that the prisoner
run away.
JOSEPH MILLER confirms Lieutenant Stewart's deposi-
tion.
NATHANIEL THOMAS confirms Lieutenant Stewart's de-
position, and adds, that the prisoner ran two hundred and
fifty yards and lay behind a fence, and did not join the party
again, as he saw.
Prisoner's Defence.
JOSEPH BASS. After Lieutenant Stewart had threatened
to shoot Sergeant Phelps, and Phtlps found that the party
was not going to the fence, he asked Captain Northrop if
he should go back, who told him yes, and he accordingly
joined Captain Northrop, and came off with him when the
party retreated.
Captain NORTHROP. After Lieutenant Stewart ordered
469
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
470
Phelps back, he came back in a minute and a half and
joined me, and we came off together. The prisoner was of
my party, and I saw nothing of cowardice in him, and would
take him again as soon as any man I know upon a scouting
party.
The Court are of opinion, that the prisoner is not guilty
of the charge against him.
ROBERT MACAW, President,
COLONEL PAWLING TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
King's Bridge, September 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I am laid under the disagreeable necessity
to inform your Honours that I have not had a Surgeon
appointed to my regiment agreeable to the resolve of your
honourable House, passed the 16th July last. On my
arrival at this place, (which was the 12th ultimo,) found
many inconveniences, which were all surmounted without
difficulty, except the non-appointment of a Surgeon, which
I had reason to expect had been done, in compliance to
said resolve; but as it was not done. I attended your hon-
ourable Board at Harlem, and got Dr. Gregur appointed
temporary until another should be appointed. This gen-
tleman gave all the attendance in bis power; he at length
told me it was not in his power to attend any longer, and at
the same time recommended Mr. Joseph Crane; accordingly
Mr. Crane was wrote for; he came, and has attended the sick
of my regiment since the 1st of this instant, and with gen-
eral satisfaction. I therefore desire that this gentleman may
be appointed Surgeon to my regiment, and also that he
may receive proper directions concerning medicines.
Your Honour's compliance will much oblige your very
humble servant, LEVJ PAWLING<
To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New-
York, now at the Fishkill.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL, COMMISSARY-GENERAL, TO THE NEW-
YORK CONVENTION.
King's Bridge, September 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Your letter and resolutions in consequence
of my application for your assistance in procuring immedi-
ately a supply of flour, is received. I most sincerely thank
you for your ready compliance therewith. I doubt not that
the kind assistance of the gentlemen appointed by you will
secure me success. I paid Mr. Banker twelve thousand
five hundred dollars, on account of the pork. When the
vouchers are procured and the price is settled, the remainder
will be paid on demand.
I am, with greatest respect and gratitude, gentlemen,
your obliged, humble servant, Jog TRUMBULL>
To the Honourable Convention of the State of New- York-
is to be had in this country. I shall try to get some made.
On the 8th instant I wrote to Congress, and entreated them
to send up nails. It is possible they may order some
to be forwarded to this place ; as soon as any arrive, they
will be expedited to you.
I wish I could give a confirmation of the account of last
week's transactions on York-Island, as you will have re-
ceived it by Major Pierce. It is partly contradicted by
Captain Lucas, who left King's Bridge on Thursday last.
It will undoubtedly be necessary to build barracks for a
strong garrison, both at Tyonderoga and on Mount Inde-
pendence. And I beg you to make every preparation for
it in your power, and also effectually to repair the old fort,
as soon as you shall be in a condition to do it.
The cordage from Poughkeepsie arrived last night, ex-
cept the cables, which were not finished, and for which I
shall send express.
If potatoes and turnips cannot be procured in sufficient
quantity for the army nearer than Saratoga, and if Mr.
Avery wants any, he may send to my overseer. I suppose
a thousand bushels may be spared.
Not less than one hundred and sixty thousand boards are
wanted at King's Bridge. I greatly fear we shall not be
able to procure them.
If you can possibly spare any men, a considerable number
should be employed in cutting fire-wood, and bringing it to
Tyonderoga. If it is long delayed, it will be difficult to
procure a stock sufficient for the winter's consumption.
I am just now informed by a letter from Mr. TrumbuU,
the Commissary-General, that Mr. Avery is appointed to
act as Commissary in this department, in the room of Mr.
Livingston, Deputy Commissary-General, resigned ; and
that he has ordered him to repair to this place. You will
therefore please to send him down.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. General Gates.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 23, 1776.
DEAR SIR: General Gates has requested me to send up
twenty casks of shingle nails. He says " the carpenters are
unable to proceed with the publick works for the want of
them." I have wrote to Congress on the 8th instant,
begging that a quantity might be sent up; but if your Ex-
cellency can spare any, I wish to have them sent with all
possible despatch, as we cannot procure any here, and those
from Philadelphia may probably not arrive in time, if at
all.
The Committee of the town of Schenectady have requested
me that barracks should be built there for the accommoda-
tion of any troops that may be quartered there, or pass through
it. I do not conceive myself authorized to take such a step
without your Excellency's consent, or that of Congress.
I am, with the greatest respect and esteem, your Excel-
lency's obedient, humble servant, pH ScHU¥LER
To His Excellency General Washington, &c., Sic.
GENERAL GATES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 2, 1776.]
Ticonderoga, September 23, 1776.
SIR : As the freedom and welfare of the United States
depend in a great measure upon the speedy establishment
of the new army, I cannot suffer another day to pass over
without sending my sentiments upon a concern so highly
important to your Excellency.
The War-Office returns, which go by this conveyance,
will show exactly the term for which each particular corps
is engaged to serve under the present establishment ; the
future, therefore, is to be attended to with the utmost wis-
dom and speed. With the most respectful submission to
the commands of Congress, I take the liberty to propose
the following plan for recruiting the new army in this depart
ment:
Let every regiment, and every officer in each regiment,
now upon the Continental establishment, be continued in
the new ; such officers who shall decline all further service
in this, may be replaced by the best men who are desirous
to serve on that establishment. Let twenty-three dollars, or
the following bounty in clothing, be given to every soldier
who will inlist to serve during - years, or the war:
Value in Dollar}.
1st. One black leather cap with a turned-up cape, $1J
2d. One blanket coat, -------- 4
3d. One thick-set waistcoat with sleeves, - - 2£
4th. Two shirts, --------- 5
5th. Two pairs of shoes, ------- 3
6th. Two pairs of yarn hose, ------ 2
7th. One hunting-shirt, ------- 2§
8th. One pair of baize or duffil leggins, - - - _ 2J
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 23, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I am extremely sorry that it is not in
my power to furnish you with shingle nails. Not a pound
Let a contract be made for supplying five thousand of each
of these articles, and delivering them at Albany, by the first
day of January. This is intended for a magazine, to supply
those who shall have taken dollars for their bounty, and will
afterwards want clothing. If some soldiers prefer to take
dollars, let them have dollars ; their pay must afterwards be
stopped for their clothing, which makes it a matter of indif-
ference to Congress. Most of the Eastern men will take the
471
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
472
clothing ; there the largest number must be supplied. The
Congress should immediately contract for five thousand of
the articles here mentioned ; one half of which must be at
Ticonderoga by the first day of November. In the mean
time, (that is as soon as the resolve of Congress shall be
sent to me,) proclamations may be made to the army ol the
bounty intended to be given, and such as choose dollar*
may be paid as fast as they incline to take them; those who
choose the clothing, may be assured of receiving it upon a
certain day, to be named. Two thousand five hundred men
and officers will be enough to guard this post from Novem-
ber till April, and the like number at Albany, Fort Stan-
wix, and the posts upon the communications leading to that
fort and Ticonderoga. If Congress approve this mode of
recruiting their Northern army, they will find their troops
will be all warmly and suitably clothed for the climate they
are to serve in, and there will be no hurry or confusion in
the Spring in preparing them for the field.
As the time is so short that a further application to Con-
gress can be of no eflicacy before this or some other plan
be carried into execution for recruiting the new army, for
this reason, if the Congress have no objection, it may be
proper to invest the Commanding General in this department
with a discretionary power to do what shall seem best to
him to be done in the present emergency. At all events, it
would be prudent to have a body of men, not less than two
thousand, ready to march for Ticondtroga, so as to be certain
of their arriving there by the 20th of December. These
are to be discharged the instant the like number can be
recruited for the service. The enemy have by this time
undoubtedly been made thoroughly sensible of the very great
opportunity they lost at Boston last year, and will certainly
endeavour to avail themselves of our inattention should we
be again unguarded. This is perhaps their most sanguine
hope. If. upon the attempt to recruit, it be found practica-
ble to raise that number out of the regiments now here, then
the General in this department will of course stop the march
of the two thousand men above-mentioned. Your Excel-
lency, and the Congress, will see clearly the propriety of a
military oath being administered to every officer and soldier
of the army, especially now that the United States of
America are wisely declared independent ; and we ought,
by every method in our power, to persuade our friends, as
well our enemies, that we will support and render permanent
the noble establishment of our independence. The com-
mission to each officer should also correspond with the oath,
and be made subordinate to the supreme power of the Con-
gress, under the new system ; an inconsistency which the
multiplicity of business alone must have occasioned, may
turn to the prejudice of those whom the fate of war may
put into the hands of the enemy, and expose us to the just
censure of the impartial.
I depend upon General Schuyler's sending your Excel-
lency by this conveyance the letter and report I received
last night from Brigadier-General Arnold, which I now
transmit to General Schuyler by this express.
With great respect I am, sir, your Excellency's most
obedient, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To the President of Congress.
(Parole, New-York.)
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, September 3, 1776.
(Countersign, Washington.)
The General sees with concern the shameful dilatoriness
with which the publick works are carried on on Mount Inde-
pendence, at a time when our friends and countrymen are
hotly engaged with the enemy, and every moment bleeding
in the cause of liberty and their country. Is it not shameful
that there should any where be a body of the troops of the
United States who are so wanting in spirit and love of their
country as not to exert every nerve for her defence ? Let no
man at this time murmur or complain, or for an ague-fit give
up the service he owes to himself, his family, and his posterity.
The same heats and colds that affect us affect our enemies.
They probably, as they are at present more unwholesomely
situated, feel more the miseries of disease than we ; and
shall Americans, whose all is at stake, want that firmness
to animate them to arms which is necessary to defeat the
unprincipled mercenaries of an unrelenting tyrant? As
nothing is more necessary to purify the air than fire, the
best physicians always recommend large fires to be made in
new ground or damp situations. The General, therefore,
desires the commanding officers of the regiments upon
Mount Independence to order a small fatigue party every
morning and evening to turn up heaps of brush around
their several encampments.
The main guard upon Mount Independence being found
not to answer the intention of the General in securing the
rear of the camp effectually, the General directs that lor the
future two guards, each consisting of one Captain, three
Subs, four Sergeants, four Corporals, two Drums, sixty Pri-
vates, be mounted in lieu of the above main guard ; one at
the present post of said guard, the other on an eminence in
the rear of Colonel Pnterson's Regiment. One Field-
Officer of the day to superintend the whole guard of that
camp : one third of the men in each guard are constantly
to be on sentry, or on scouting parties.
Head-Quarters, September 4, 1776.
(Parole, Lee.) (Countersign, Pulntim.)
All the spare arms belonging to the First Jersey Regiment
are to be immediately valued, and then delivered to Colonel
Wayne, commanding the Fourth Battalion of the Pennsyl-
vanians, for the use of that regiment, which valuation shall
be paid to such person as may be authorized to receive it,
or the arms again returned to the Jersey Regiment, at such
time and place as will be directed in general orders.
Major Payne, of Colonel Wheeloclc's Regiment, and
Lieutenant Archibald Dallas, of Colonel Winds' s Regiment,
and Ensign William Parrott, of Colonel Maxwell's Regi-
ment, are appointed Assistant Engineers, under the Chief
Engineer, Colonel Baldwin.
Brigade-Major Wilkinson is to do duty in the Fourth
Brigade, commanded by General St. Clair.
Captain Howell, of the Second Jersey Battalion, is ap-
pointed Major of Brigade to the Third, commanded by
Colonel Stark.
At a late General Court-Martial of the Third Brigade, of
which Lieutenant-Colonel McDuffee was President, Captain
Woodbury, of Colonel Sfark's Regiment, was Iried for keep-
ing a soldier out of his pay, and denying that he had drawn
it. The Court having considered the evidences, do adjudge
Captain Woodbury is not guilty, and therefore acquit him
with honour.
Captain William Harper, of Colonel Wyman's Regiment,
tried by the same General Court-Martial, for inlisting one
James Marston, knowing him to be a deserter from Colonel
Poor's Regiment, and for detaining him at Number Four,
to screen him from punishment. The Court having con-
sidered the evidences, do unanimously adjudge that Captain
Harper is guilty of the charges alleged against him, and
that he incurs the penalty of the fiftieth article of war, and
has behaved unbecoming the character of an officer and
gentleman, and sentence him to be dismissed the service.
The General approves these sentences of the Court, and
orders them to take place immediately.
Thirty-three men from Colonel JVhitcomb's Regiment, to
parade to-morrow morning, at six o'clock, at Head-Quarters,
to serve as Marines on board the fleet. The same number
of seamen from Colonel Brewer's Regiment, will parade at
the same time and place, to serve on board the fleet. They
will proceed directly and join General Arnold, under the
command of Lieutenant Calderwood, of Marines. Colonel
Phinney's Regiment is to join the Second Brigade.
Head-Quarters, September 5, 1776.
(Parole, SuUiran.) (Uuiinierugn, Stirling.)
The following Resolve of the most honourable the Gen-
eral Congress of the United States of America, was made
17th June, 1776:
" Resolved, That no Officer suttle or sell to the Soldiers,
on penalty of being fined one month's pay, and dismissed
the service with infamy, on conviction before a Court-
Martial."
The General earnestly hopes that no officer, high or low,
will be guilty of a breach of the above resolve. When an
officer descends to be mean enough to turn a huckster to
his men, he cannot expect any due obedience from them.
Soldiers will forever esteem a man of honour as much as
they will despise a contrary character.
473
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
474
Lieutenant James Matthews, of Colonel Poor's Regi-
ment, tried by the late General Court-Martial of which
Lieutenant-Colonel McDuJfee was President, for often
appearing on parade disguised with liquor, selling liquor to
private soldiers in his own tent, and associating with persons
below the character of an officer. The Court having duly
considered the evidence, do adjudge that Lieutenant Mat-
thews is guilty of the several charges alleged against him;
that he has behaved in a manner unbecoming an officer
and a gentleman, and sentence him to be dismissed the ser-
vice.
The General highly approves this sentence of the Gen-
eral Court-Martial, and orders Mr. Matthews to leave the
camp immediately.
Isaac Alnby, of Captain Lowry's Company, in Colonel
Maxwell's Regiment, tried by the same General Court-
Martial for leaving the main guard without permission.
Plead guilty, and is sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes
on his bare back.
The General approves the sentence, and orders the exe-
cution of it at such time and place as Colonel Maxwell shall
direct.
The following promotions are ordered to take place in
Colonel De Haas's Regiment:
Second Lieutenant John Ellis, a First Lieutenant, vice
Lieutenant Hubbley, promoted.
John Patterson, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant
Ellis, promoted.
In Colonel Wigglesworth's Regiment:
Major Roberts, Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Lieutenant-Col-
onel Fuller, deceased.
Captain Rogers, Major, vice Roberts.
Lieutenant French, Captain, vice Rogers.
Thomas Smart, Adjutant, vice Adjutant Clark, dis-
charged.
In Colonel Maxwell's Regiment:
Ensign Htnry, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant Ash-
more, deceased.
Mr. Andrew Bankson, Ensign, vice Henry, promoted.
Head-duarters, September 6, 1776.
(Parole, T/iomfton.) (Countersign, Armstrong.)
A return of all the spades, axes, shovels, pick-axes,
bill-hooks, and hoes, now remaining in store, to be de-
livered to the Quartermaster-General at six o'clock this
evening.
The commanding officers of regiments will take notice
that the falling-axes lately delivered to their respective
corps, are to be ready to be returned when called for; and
such as are de6cient must be paid for by a stoppage out of
the regimental abstract.
As a considerable body of troops will join the army this
week, the Chief Engineer must take care to provide intrench-
ing tools sufficient to employ all the working parties.
At a General Court-Martial held on Mount Independence,
of which Colonel Maxwell was President, Colonel Wyman
was tried on an accusation of receiving and clandestinely
carrying off the ration money of Colonel Stark and his
officers at Cambridge, the last campaign, and for not settling
his mess bill. The Court having heard the evidences and
defence, do adjudge that Colonel Wyman is not guilty, and
therefore do acquit him with honour.
The General approves the sentence, and orders Colonel
Wyman to be released from his arrest immediately.
Nathaniel Chace, a soldier of Colonel Stork's Regiment,
tried by the same General Court-Martial for deserting three
several times. Pleads guilty, and is sentenced "to be
whipped thirty-nine lashes on his bare back, and pay all
the costs that have arisen from his desertions.
Moses Crommit, of Captain Bill's Company, in Colonel
Poor's Regiment, tried by the same General Court-Martial
for desertion, and inlisting into another regiment. The
Court having examined the evidences, do adjudge him
guilty, and sentence him to be whipped fifteen lashes, and
return to his duty in Colonel Poor's Regiment.
Daniel Reading, of Captain Howel's, in Colonel Max-
well's Regiment, tried by the same General Court-Martial
for declaring his intention to desert as soon as convenient,
and persuaded many others to desert. The Court are of
opinion that the prisoner is guilty of the second part of the
charge only, and sentence him to be tied naked to the
post for five minutes, and to be severely reprimanded by
the Colonel of the Regiment.
The General approves the above sentences, and orders
them to be put in execution to-morrow morning, at guard-
mounting, in front of their respective regiments to which the
prisoners belong.
The following promotions are to take place in Colonel
Poor's Regiment:
Lieutenant Benjamin Kimball to be Captain, in place of
Captain Shortridge, deceased.
Lieutenant James Carr to be First Lieutenant, in place of
Lieutenant Carr, advanced.
Lieutenant William Roivello be First Lieutenant, in place
of Lieutenant Kimball, advanced.
Ensign Enoch Chase to be Second Lieutenant, in place of
Lieutenant Heard, advanced.
Ensign Charles Gliden to be Second Lieutenant, in place
of Lieutenant Rowel, advanced.
Win. Bell Ensign, in place of Ensign Gliden, advanced.
Noah Robinson Ensign, in place of Ensign Chase, ad-
vanced.
After-Orders. — As a very sharp cannonading has been
heard all this morning, by the report of the commanding
officer at Crown Point, supposed to be between our fleet
and that of the enemy, the General hopes and expects every
officer and soldier under his command, will, to the utmost
of his abilities, prepare himself to repel the attacks of the
enemy. Our fleet is only our advanced guard ; that defeated,
the defence of the United States and the support of Ameri-
can freedom falls upon this army. The General has the
greatest confidence in their firmness and fidelity, and is con-
vinced that every officer and soldier will show himself deter-
mined to save his country, his posterity, and himself, from
falling into the shackles which tyrants have ever prepared
for conquered slaves.
Head-duartera, September 7, 1776.
(Parole, Mifflin.) (Countersign, Arnold.)
The Surgeons of the Regiments on Mount Independence
to attend Doctor Potts, the Director of the Hospital, at
Head-Quarters, as soon as possible, with a particular return
of their sick, and a supply of medicines will be immediately
furnished to such as are in want.
The following promotions to take place in Colonel
Phinney's Regiment, viz:
Lieutenant Cara McClallan, First Lieutenant, in place
of William McClannan, deserted.
Ensign David Watts, Second Lieutenant, in place of
Lieutenant McClallan, advanced.
Sergeant James Mains, Ensign, in place of Ensign Watts,
advanced.
Head-ftuartere, September 8, 1776.
(Parole, Roberdeaa.) (Countersign, Mercer.)
Colonel Phinney's Regiment to prepare to embark for
Fort George as soon as the weather is fair. The Colonel
will come to Head- Quarters, to receive the General's orders,
as soon as possible.
Mr. Edward Raymond is appointed Wagonmaster to the
division of this army stationed upon the west side of the
Lake, opposite Mount Independence.
Mr. William Battcrsbee is appointed Storekeeper and
Issuer of Stores in the department under the Deputy Quar-
termaster-General.
The batteau guard is to be increased to an Officer, two
Sergeants, two Corporals, and twenty-one men.
One Captain, two Subalterns, two Sergeants, one Drum,
and fifty rank and file, to parade at sunrise to-morrow morn-
ing, to begin to cut the road from the east side of Mount
Independence towards the bridge now building across Otter
Creek. Mr. Benjamin Hicock and Mr. David Remington,
who have marked the road, will constantly attend, to direct
the party. The party to be taken from Colonel Wingate's
New-Hampshire Regiment, and to take their aims, ammu-
nition, and packs with them; the Captain to Head-Quarters
at six o'clock this afternoon.
A General Court-Martial, from the two Brigades of Gen-
erals St. Clair and Brickel, to sit to-morrow morning, at
nine o'clock, in the President's tent: President, a Field
Officer; Members, Captains. They are to try all such
prisoners as shall be brought before them.
The General Court-Martial, of which Colonel Maxwell
was President, is dissolved.
475
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
476
Head Quarters, September 9, 1776.
(Parole, MiMMon.) (Countersign, Elliolt.)
The General has reason to believe that the enemy have
spies in and about our camps. It is the duty, and it will
be the care, of every officer to endeavour to discover such
person or persons, if any there be amongst us.
The General is surprised at the negligence and careless-
ness of the guards on Mount Independence. Had the
troops never served till this month, there might be some
excuse for the countersign not being demanded or passen-
gers challenged. The officers commanding guards will be
answerable in future for every neglect of this kind.
The fatigue parties from the Militia of New-Hampshire
are to turn out at half-past five o'clock, and work (as all
the troops are ordered) till twelve o'clock, and from two till
sunset. The officers will answer for every neglect.
Colonel Maxwell is to take the command of the First
Brigade during the illness of Colonel Greaton.
Head-Quarters, September 10, 1776.
(Parole, Putnam.) (Countersign, Lee.)
The Commanding Officers of corps are to furnish Lieu-
tenant Bowman, of the smiths, with such workmen, for car-
rying on the iron work of the galleys and cannon carriages,
as he may require.
No boats are to be sent down the Lake in future without
permission from Head-Quarters.
The Commissioners appointed by Congress to audit the
publick accounts being arrived at Albany, every officer and
other person who may have advanced moneys on account
of the publick, and whose accounts remain unsettled, are
immediately to make out and transmit them to Jonathan
Trumbull, Jun., Esq., at Albany, Deputy Paymaster-Gen-
eral of this army, that the same may be adjusted.
Head-Quarters, September 11, 1776.
(Countersign, barren.)
(Parole, Sydney.)
The General is sorry he is again under the necessity of
taking notice of the shameful neglect of the publick works
upon Mount Independence. He makes great allowance for
sickness, feebleness, &.C., but is yet convinced, from the
returns, that much more might be done for our defence than
is at present attempted. The Field Officers of Colonel
Wingate'i and Colonel Wyman's Regiments are desired to
see those under their immediate command exert themselves
in a spirited manner to save themselves and serve their
country. A short time will determine whether we are to
be freemen or slaves. Let us not lose the precious moments,
but, by perseverance and a manly firmness, show we are
determined to conquer and be free.
At a General Court-Martial, of which Lieutenant-Col-
onel Brown is President, Captain Jonathan Danforth, of
Colonel Whitcomb's Regiment, was tried for disobedience
of orders, neglect of duty, and not joining his regiment
upon the march from Boston to Number-Four, and also for
keeping some privates, belonging to the regiment, with
him, without leave from the commanding officer. The
Court, having considered the evidences, are of opinion that
the prisoner, Captain Danforth, is not guilty, and therefore
acquit him with honour.
John Donnelly, soldier in Captain Whiting's Company,
and Colonel Whitcomb's Regiment, tried by the same
General Court-Martial, for deserting and inlisting in another
company. The Court, on an examination of the evi-
dences, are of opinion the prisoner is guilty of two crimes,
and sentence him to receive thirty-nine lashes for deserting,
and thirty-nine lashes for inlisting in another company, and
to return to the company he first inlisted in.
Arthur Clark, a soldier of Captain Bullard's Company,
Colonel Whitcomb's Regiment, was tried, by the same Gen-
eral Court-Martial, for threatening and insulting the officers
of the regiment. The Court, on examination of the evi-
dences, adjudge the prisoner not guilty.
The General approves the above sentences, and orders
them to take place immediately.
No non-commissioned officer or soldier will, in future, be
discharged the service until a receipt is signed by him, on
the back of the certificate, acknowledging he is paid all the
pay and arrears due to him from the publick for his service
in the army.
Those .Regiments which have not received their ammu-
nition may apply at Head-Quarters for an order on the
Commissary of Stores for that purpose.
Head-Quarters, September 12, 1776.
(Parole, Wythe.) (Countersign, Henry.)
Mr. Alexander Orr, of Colonel Whitcomb's Regiment,
is appointed an Ensign in said regiment, in place of En-
sign Barber, cashiered.
Lieutenant William Augustus Paterson, of Colonel Pat-
erson's Regiment, is appointed a Captain in place of Cap-
tain Nobles, deceased. Samuel Martin, Second Lieuten-
ant, is appointed First Lieutenant, in place of Lieutenant
Paterson, promoted. Ensign Mathew Hail is appointed a
Second Lieutenant, in place of Lieutenant Martin promoted.
And Sergeant Eb. Williams an Ensign, in place of Ensign
Hall, promoted. And Sergeant Jesse Hollister is ap-
pointed an Ensign in Captain Bliss's Company, in place of
Ensign Arnold, deserted.
Head-Quarters, September 13, 1776.
(Parole, Qutkecfr.) (Countersign »V/e.)
The Independent company of Indians from Stockbridge,
under the command of Captain Ezra Whittlesey, are posted
with two regiments at the Saw-Mills, under the command
of Colonel Brewer. The Colonel will give proper orders,
and they are severally to wear a blue and red cap, as a
distinguishing mark from the enemy's Indians. Of this all
officers and soldiers in this army are to take particular
notice, to the end that we may not, by mistake, kill our
friends instead of our enemies.
Mr. Silas Miriam is appointed Surgeon to 'the regiment
commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Wait.
The following promotions are to take place in Colonel
Wayne's Battalion, viz : Ensign Job Vernon to be a Second
Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant Moulder, resigned ; Sergeant
Alexander Martin to be an Ensign, vice Ensign Vernon,
advanced.
(Parole, Belhaven.)
Head-Quarters, September 14, 1776.
(Countersign, Mason.)
Mr. Jonathan F. Morris is appointed an Ensign in
Captain Morris's Company, of Colonel Winds' s Regiment,
in place of Mr. Halstead, deserted.
At a General Court-Martial, of which Lieut. Colonel
Brown is President, Alexander Watson,' an inhabitant, was
brought before the Court, charged with retailing spirituous
liquors to the soldiers, contrary to general orders. No eviden-
ces appearing, the Court ordered him to be set at liberty.
Richard Morrison, a soldier in Captain Bullard's Com-
pany, in Colonel Whitcomb's Regiment, tried by the same
General Court-Martial, for deserting and inlisting in another
company. The Court, on examination, find that the pri-
soner came and joined his proper company (Captain Bul-
lard's) of his own accord, and from the nature of the
offences, are of opinion that the prisoner's leaving one
company and joining another, was more the effect of
ignorance than design, and therefore order the thirty-three
dollars paid him as bounty, to be stopped from his pay by
his proper Captain, and paid into the hands of Captain
Drew, who inlisted him the second time, and by him to be
refunded to the State of New- Hampshire, from whom the
bounty was received. The prisoner to be set at liberty.
The General confirms the above sentences, and orders
them to take place immediately.
The General Court-Martial, of which Lieutenant-Col-
onel Brown was President, is dissolved.
Head-Quarters, September 15, 1776.
(Parole, WilKamsburg.) (Countersign, Virginia.)
A General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow morning, in
the First Brigade, for the trial of such prisoners as may be
brought before them. A Captain, President ; Subalterns,
Members.
Captain Stevens, of the Artillery, with his company, are
to encamp in the French lines to-morrow with General St.
Clair's Brigade, and is to take the command of all the
Artillery on the west side of the Lake.
(Parole, Connecticut.)
Head-Quarters, September 16, 1776.
(Countersign, Trumbull.)
So much counterfeit money being of late brought into
this camp from the Eastern parts of the Continent, the
477
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
478
General forbids any money passi'ig or being received but
Continental money.
Head-Quarters, September 17, 1776.
(Parole, Providence.) (Counteraisn, Coake .)
Whereas a quantity of Russia sheeting and osnaburg
shirts are come to the Continental store, also a number of
pair of trowsers, such regiments as are in immediate want
thereof will send to-morrow morning, at eleven o'clock, an
order signed by the commanding officer of each corps for
the quantity of each sort of goods they demand.
At a General Court-Martial in the First Brigade, of
which Captain Goold was President, John Hicks, Benja-
min Robinson, John Holt, and John Van Gilder, all of
Colonel Porter's Regiment, were tried for desertion, and
plead guilty. The Court are unanimously of opinion that
John Hicks, Benjamin Robinson, and John Holt, shall re-
ceive each thirty-nine lashes, and John Van Gilder thirty
lashes, on the bare back.
The General approves the above sentences, and orders
them to take place immediately.
The above General Court-Martial is dissolved.
A General Court-Martial, taken from the two Brigades
commanded by Generals St. Clair and Bricket, to sit to-
morrow morning, at nine o'clock, in the President's tent, to
try such prisoners as may be brought before them. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Johnson is President. Members: Two
Field Officers and ten Captains.
Mr. Michael Ryan, Adjutant of Colonel Wayne's Bat-
talion, is to do the duty of Major of Brigade to General St.
Glair's Brigade, until the return of Major Wilkinson.
f
Head-Quarters, September 18, 1776.
(Parole, Ward.) (Countersign, Boston.)
His Excellency Governour Trumbull having sent from
the State of Connecticut a quantity of shirts, shoes, stock-
ings, and other necessary articles for clothing the troops,
such regiments as are in immediate want of any of the
above articles, may have them delivered by Mr. Laraby,
Paymaster to Colonel Mott's Regiment, upon the com-
manding officer of such regiment giving an order upon the
credit of the regiment for the payment of the sum charged
for the costs of the said goods.
Leonard Chapin is appointed Quartermaster of Colonel
Winds' s Regiment; Second Lieutenant Voorhees is ap-
pointed First Lieutenant in Captain Conway's Company,
in place of Lieutenant Costigan, deserted ; Ensign Robin-
son is appointed Second Lieutenant of the same company,
in place of Lieutenant Voorhees, advanced.
Mr. James Gardner is appointed Deputy Commissary of
Artillery.
Mr. Cyrus De Hart is appointed an Ensign in Captain
Pratt's Company, in place of Ensign Robinson, advanced.
Head-Quarters, September 19, 1776.
(Parole, Lincoln.) (Countersign, Salem.)
The Regiments are to prepare their abstracts, ready to
be delivered in the last day of this month, for all the pay
due to them to the 30th September, (this instant.)
The following promotions are to take place in Colonel
Burrelfs Regiment:
First Lieutenant Jesse Kimball, Captain, vice Captain
Swift, dead.
Second Lieutenant Mat. Patterson, First Lieutenant, vice
Lieutenant Kimball, advanced.
Ensign Nat. Swift, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant
Patterson, advanced.
Sergeant David Rees, Ensign, vice Ensign Swift, ad-
vanced.
Second Lieutenant John Reilly, First Lieutenant, vice
First Lieutenant Moore, dead.
Ensign Baza Wells, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant
Reilly, advanced.
Sergeant Josiah Whitney, Ensign, vice Ensign Wells,
advanced.
Ensign Joseph Fox, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant
Hurd, dead.
Sergeant John Tiffany, Ensign, vice Ensign Fox, ad-
vanced.
Sergeant Seth Spencer, Ensign, vice Ensign Steel, cash-
iered.
Head-Quarters, September 20, 1776.
(Parole, Warren.) (Coumeraign, Otii .)
General St. Clair' s and General Bricket' s Brigades are
to mount the following guards to-morrow morning, at the
usual time of guard mounting, viz:
lu the French lines, one Captain, three Subs, three Ser-
geants, three Corporals, two Drums, sixty Privates. Of this
guard a Subaltern, Sergeant, Corporal, and twenty men, are
to be posted on the road advanced of the lines.
For the Redoubt next the French lines, one Sub, one
Sergeant, one Corporal, one Drum, twenty-one Privates.
For the Semi-circular Redoubt, one Sub, one Sergeant,
one Corporal, one Drum, twenty-one Privates.
For the Jersey Redoubt, one Captain, two Subs, two
Sergeants, two Corporals, two Drums, forty Privates.
For the Redoubt to the east of the Jersey Redoubt, one
Sub, one Sergeant, one Corporal, one Drum, twenty-one
Privates.
For the old French Redoubt, one Sergeant, one Corporal,
twelve Privates.
Tents are to be provided by the two Brigades, until
proper guard-rooms can be built for the guards above men-
tioned.
General St. Clair and General Bricket, attended by the
Deputy Adjutant-General, will see these guards and the
sentries from each properly posted, giving all the necessary
orders to the officers. A Field-Officer for the day is like-
wise to mount daily, who is to go the grand rounds and
visiting rounds, and see that the guards are under arms,
every morning, half an hour before day, in the redoubts to
which they are appointed. A Major of Brigade of the day
is likewise to mount with the Field-Officer, who is to parade
the guards, and see them marched to their several posts,
and afterwards attend the General at Head-Quarters for his
orders.
Colonel Brewer will mount an advanced picket guard in
the front of his encampment, at sunset, every evening. He
is to be very careful in sending out his evening and morning
scouts, and having his and Colonel Willard's Regiment
under arms every morn before day.
Field-Officer of the day to-morrow, Colonel De Haas;
Brigade-Major of the day to-morrow, Brown.
The persons to whom counterfeit money has been passed
lately, are to attend the General Court-Martial at Colonel
Johnston's tent, to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock, when
the offenders are to be tried.
The sentries at the bridge, and on the west side of the
French lines, are not to suffer any of the Stockbridge In-
dians, of Captain Whittkscy's Company, to pass into this
encampment without a written pass from Colonel Brewer.
The following promotions are to take place in the Second
Pennsylvania Battalion :
Ensign George Me Cully, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieu-
tenant Chambers, discharged.
Daniel St. Clair, Ensign, vice McCully, promoted.
Sergeant Nath. McMullen, Ensign, vice Parke, dis-
charged.
Sergeant Inglis, Ensign, vice Evans, deceased.
Head-Quarters, September 21, 1776.
(Parole, Mamt.) (Counter«ign, Lyncli.)
In consideration of the troops having been constantly
employed in the publick works every day without intermis-
sion ever since their arrival at this camp, the General orders
all work but that for the equipment of the vessels, gun-
carriage makers, and blacksmiths, to cease to-morrow —
those shall be indulged hereafter. Divine service to be
performed in every brigade at eleven o'clock in the fore-
noon, when the whole are to attend with their arms and
accoutrements in good order.
The following promotions are ordered to take place in
Colonel Wigglesworth's Regiment:
Ensign Adams, First Lieutenant, in place of Lieutenant
French, advanced.
Adjutant Swart, Second Lieutenant, in place of Second
Lieutenant Clark, discharged.
Sergeant Perkins, Ensign, in place of Ensign Adams,
advanced.
William Badlam is appointed Quartermaster of the Corps
of Artillery in place of Mr. Gardner, advanced.
Field-Officer of the day to-rnorrow, Colonel Wayne;
Brigade-Major of the day, Ryan.
479
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
480
Head-Gluarters, September 22, 1776
(Parole, Franklin.) (Countersign, Wyl/ic.)
A General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow morning, at
nine o'clock, in the Third Brigade, commanded by Colonel
Stark; Lieutenant-Colonel Shntse, President; Members,
two Field Officers and ten Captains ; to try such prisoners
as may be brought before them. All evidences and persons
concerned will attend the Court.
Colonel Wyman's Regiment is to do duty in the Second
Brigade, commanded by Colonel Paterson, in place of
Phinney's Regiment, gone to Fort George.
Field Officer of the day to-morrow, Winds ; Brigade-
Major of the day, Brown.
Head-Q.uarters, September 23, 1776.
(Parole, Tke Omtrets.) (Countersign, Likcrty.)
From intelligence yesterday received of the motions and
situation of the enemy, it clearly appears they meditate an
immediate attack upon this post. The General, therefore,
entreats the officers and soldiers under his command to show
by their alertness, vigilance, and assiduity, that they are
determined not only to defend their country from invasion,
but either live victorious or die free.
The General recommends the reconsideration of the after-
general orders of the 6th instant, and hopes that officers
and men engaged in the noblest of all virtuous struggles,
will want no further incentive to save themselves, their
families, and their posterity, from slavery, and their country
from inevitable ruin.
The officers commanding Guards are to give in their re-
ports to the Field Officers of the day, immediately after
being relieved. The officer of the day will send his general
report of the whole to Head-Quarters at eleven o'clock.
Lent or taken from Head-Quarters, the first volume of
Chesterfield's Letters. On the first leaf was wrote J.
Trumbull, May, 1776. Whoever now has it, is desired to
return it immediately.
Field Officer of the day to-morrow, Colonel fVoodbridge ;
Brigade-Major of the day, Ryan.
General Return of the Forces of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, serving in the Northern Department, under the com
mand of the Honourable Major-General GATES. TICONDEROGA, September 2'2, 1776.
CORPS.
Greaton
Late Bond
Burrell
Porter
Late Reed
Paterson
Late Bedel
Stark
Poor
Maxwell
Wingate
Wyman
Late St. Clair
De Haas
Nelson's Independents.
Winds
Wayne
Whitcomb
Reed
Wheelock
Wigglesworth
Woodbridge
Brewer
Willard
Swift
Molt
Total.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
Commissioned.
0
10
Staff.
1
11
Aon-
Com'd
i
EFFECTIVE RANK AND
FILE.
80
34
59
31
80
153
126
162
123
190
225
202
188
247
8
213
29
236
217
171
167
283
455
283
138
127
141420157141151144 8S3191818 598 256 4490 3439 829211620011,12429714564 663601
200
108
180
177
86
9!
120
200
116
221
229
76
80
128
99
269
208
54117
q
129
211
95
30
178118
19
129
78
124
89
IS
44
60107
25
81
13
159
146
76
18
40
38
71
8b
126
253
141
80
69
6'
*
28
*!
314
345
353
323
33!
378
407
338
456
386
613
585
423
436
57
387
508
449
622
637
447
576
631
387
510
23.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
ast Return.
310
326
295
273
23'
308
262
233
305
184
254
140
171
21
204
1
253
132
191
84
169
173
13C
517
223
2
5
1
1
3
7
Corp* on command at different Posts.
Irvine
Phinney
Van Scnaick .
Van Dyck. . .
Wynkoop...
P. A. Mott..
Artificers.. ..
.(Crown Point).
.(Fort George)..
.(Fort George) .
.(Fort George)..
.(Skeen's)
.(Skeen's)
.(Skeen's)
Total.
1] 4
II 6
1
194
179
157
83
20
67
57
1 5 2 20 19 15 15 1 4 4 4 1 74 49 757 478 86 241 22 1584 4 2 469 1 923 4
165
34
55
81
87
78
28
486
218
273
102
134
208
103
152
186
96
35
18
HORATIO GATES, Major-General.
CORPS OF ARTILLERY COMMANDED BY
MAJOR II Mil. AM.
Toinl
Commissioned.
(3
j
Staff.
O
u
A"on- Commissioned.
O
II)
JVfn(rosses.
41 1 45
13
105
N. B. — The whole of Dayton's, .VtchoJson's, and Elmore's Regiments, with a part of Wynkoop's, Van Schaick's, and Van Dyck's, are at .llbany,
the German Flats, and Oneida Carrying Place, which prevents their sending returns to this place. It is said that Nicholson's Regiment consists
of forty officers and eighty men.
(Copy.) JOHN LANSING, Jun., Assistant Secretary.
J. TRUMBULL, Deputy Adjutant-General.
481
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
482
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
September 23, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Enclosed I send you General Arnold's
letter of the 18th, together with the examination of Ser-
geant Stiles. The General makes no doubt the enemy
will soon pay him a visit. I hope not before we get the
row-galleys to his assistance. Then succeed or fail, we have
done our best. It is a lamentable case that our galleys
must wait for cordage and for gun-carriages to be completed.
So long ago as the middle of July, I acquainted the Congress
that we were necessitated to make all the carriages upon
the spot. Surely a supply might have been sent us before
this day. To provide against the worst, it will be proper to
send all the troops that are below to Lake George and
Skenesborough, and to direct the Militia to be every where
in readiness to march to us upon the first alarm. The
powder, lead, and flints, I wrote for so long ago, is not yet
even in part arrived. Pray hurry it up. The moments
are precious, and not one of them should be lost. I have
said much to Major Livingston, but my hands are too full
to write more.
I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To General Schuykr.
Isle-la-Motte, September 18, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: My last was on the 16th instant by
Ensign Botsford. The next morning Lieutenant Whitcomb
and his party returned from St. John's with two prisoners,
Ensign Sounders and a Corporal of the Twenty-Ninth
Regiment, who were taken between St. John's and La
Prairie. The Ensign says there is a ship on the stocks at
St. John's designed to mount twenty guns, nine and twelve
pounders, several schooners and small craft, but seems
ignorant as to their size and numbers. He says there was
talk of their crossing the Lake soon, but in general it was
not thought they would cross this fall. Both him and the
Corporal seem cautious of giving any information. A Ser-
geant who was sent with Ensign McCoy, returned the 16th,
and says he parted with the Ensign that morning ; soon
after, he found a canoe on shore, and when paddling off
was fired upon by a party of Indians. He apprehends the
Ensign has fallen into their hands. Enclosed is his exami-
nation.
I am inclined to think, on comparing all accounts, that
the enemy will soon have a considerable naval force ; the
ship, the Ensign says, will be completed in a fortnight, and
is to be manned from the navy in the river. I make no
doubt of their soon paying us a visit, and I intend first
fair wind to come up as high as Isle Valceur, where is a
good harbour, and where we shall have the advantage of
attacking the enemy in the open Lake, where the row-gal-
leys, as their motion is quick, will give us a great advantage
over the enemy; and if they are too many for us we can
retire. I believe their army in crossing the Lake depend
entirely on the advice they may receive from New-York.
i beg that at least one hundred good seamen may be sent
rne as soon as possible. We have a wretched motley crew
in the fleet ; the marines the refuse of every regiment, and
the seamen few of them ever wet with salt water. We are
upwards of one hundred men short of our complement.
Ensign Bush arrived here last night, and brought four
beeves, which is all the fresh provision we have received.
By him I send up Lieutenant Whitcomb and his prisoners.
I could wish to have a six or eight inch howitz, mounted in
two or three of the galleys, if they are arrived. They will
be of infinitely more service than guns, especially to attack
a large vessel. If the grape and chain shot is arrived, I
beg it may be sent, with some good slow matches, and
three cables and anchors ; we have not a spare one in the
fleet, and the blowing season is now coming on. There is
a small brass royal at Ty, which, with a hundred shells and
a gunner, may be very useful to us. I am anxiously
waiting to hear the particulars of the affair at New-York;
we are told our troops have evacuated Long-Island. This
I cannot credit.
I am, with sentiments of respect and esteem, dear Gen-
eral, your affectionate, humble servant,
t>. ARNOLD.
To General Gates.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
31
Examination of Sergeant STILES, sent from the Fleet with
Ensign McCov, to reconnoitre, SEPTEMBER 6, 1776.
September 16. Says that on the 9th instant he saw all
the tents on Isk-aux-Noix and counted them, about one
hundred, and believes there is about one thousand men there.
The 12th arrived opposite St. John's, where were a large
number tents, which could not well be counted; he ima-
gines about three hundred ; when there, he counted thirty-
four large birch canoes paddle by him towards Isle-aux-Noix;
supposed they contained about six hundred Indians and one
regular officer. Saw a schooner at St. John's mounting
twelve iron guns, supposes six-pounders. Another schooner
lay at the wharf with a foresail bent, which supposed was
not completed, and believes she mounts not more than
twelve guns; one other vessel on the stocks was planked to
the wales ; she appeared built in the common form, and
something larger than the other two. Two small gondolas
were at the wharf, but saw nothing of any rideaux or float-
ing batteries, and believes there was none. Their batteaus
appeared twice as large as ours, and carried fifty or sixty
men, one of which rowed near by him. Left St. John's
the 12th, in company with Ensign McCoy, and parted with
him on the 15th, at ten A. M., opposite Hospital Island,
where are about twenty tents.
kLi STILES.
Lieutenant WHITCOMB'S Journal on his scout.
August 20, 1776. Set out from Ticonderoga with my
party and arrived at Crown-Point that day, where I showed
my orders to General Arnold, who advised me to wait for
the fleet, which was to sail the next day. I staid according
to orders, and sent over the river to buy some sauce. My
party found a man at one of the inhabitants' houses who
they suspected to be an enemy to the cause. Upon their
return and information they gave of the person, I went over
the next day and brought him to General Arnold. He
could give no account of himself, only came up to work.
General Arnold told him he would send him to General
Gates, and that night set him at liberty. I never knew
what became of him since. The winds being contrary,
was detained until the 25th, when we set sail and only
made two miles. The 26th made Gilliland's Creek ; 27th,
the winds being high, the gondolas could not lay there,
moved off to Button-Mould Bay. I remained there till the
31st; on the same day I went to my party to Gilliland's
Creek, and had orders to take two Tories and examine
them, which I did, with Captain Alexander, and found them
not guilty; 2d September, at evening, left Captain Alexander,
and set out with two canoes, and the wind being against us
put up on an island near Cumberland Bay; my Ensign was
took sick with the ague, so that we could not move him;
left two men to take care of him. The fleet passed us
while on the island. 4th, at evening, I set out with Wright
in a canoe, when we lost our way, the night being dark,
and got into a bay; we could not find our way back, but was
obliged to stay till morning. Early in the morning we set
out, and came in sight of the vessels, when we were at the
lower end of the Isle-au-Motte. The wind being so high, we
could make way till about ten o'clock. Arrived that day
about two o'clock with General Arnold. I took two men
out of the vessels and went on shore, where we encamped
that night. On the 7th September, early in the morning, set
out and arrived opposite the Isle-aux-Noix. The day being
wet, and I was taken with the ague, durst not venture
to wade the water. On the 8th, was something better;
waded over to the bank of the river, and made a discovery
of near one thousand men, as I judged, on the Island, but
not a vessel or batteau to be seen. Then returned across
the water and travelled five miles towards St. John's. I
sent one man back to General Arnold, to inform him of it.
The 9th, went above two miles, and was then seized with
the ague. 10th, only made one mile, the ague being so
violent, llth, travelled seven miles and came to the road,
when the ague seized me again. 12th, saw one of the
enemy, but being sick, durst not venture to make an attack
upon him. The day before I saw three hundred and nine-
teen Regulars and a small number of Indians, with their
baggage pass by to St. John's. 13th, saw seventy-two
Indians, armed, returning from St. John's for Montreal.
Before they were out of my sight, I saw two persons coming
483
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
484
after them; when they came against me, I found them to be
the enemy; I immediately stepped out and told them they
were my prisoners, and must immediately go to Ticonderoga
and see General Gates. They asked me whether 1 was not
a Canadian, as they were sure I was no soldier. I told
them soldier or not, they must go with me; and I immedi-
ately ordered them to march out of the road ; and they then
offered me sums of money to let them go. I told them I
would not for all the money King George was worth. We
marched that night about eight miles. The 14th, marched
about twelve miles; loth, came to the place where the ves-
sels lay when I left them, and found them gone, which sur-
prised the prisoners very much, as we were just out of
provisions, and we were greatly afraid of starving. I told
them their fleet had most certainly taken ours or drove them
off, with an intent to try them. They asked me the strength
of our fleet; I told them; they said it was impossible for
them to drive us, that our fleet had not gone far. We
marched about six miles, and came in sight of a fleet, to a
river which we could not pass. The Indians frequently
came there to view our vessels, and the ground being so wet
in other places we were obliged to lie there that night, and
sent off a man to the vessels, who arrived next day about
ten o'clock with a batteau — he crossed the river on a small
raft. 16th, we immediately went on board the batteau,
and in about two hours got to the vessels. 17th, about two
o'clock left the vessels in a batteau commanded by one of
Colonel Hartley's subs, and went about twenty miles that
night. 1 8th, early in the morning we set off and made
Gilliland's Creek; the officer having business there, we
remained until the 19th, at twelve o'clock; then set out; the
wind being against us, made only twelve miles. 20th, late
in the morning we set out and got to Crown Point about
three o'clock. 21st, arrived at Ticonderoga.
BENJ. WHITCOMB, Lieutenant.
Abstract of Lieutenant BENJAMIN WHITCOMB'S Report.
Lieutenant Whitcomb departed from the fleet, then sta-
tioned at Isle-la-Motte on the 7th of September, and reached
the IsIe-aux-Noix that day, when he was seized with the
fever and ague, several fits of which svere very troublesome
to him during his scout. He observed about one thousand
men encamped on Isle-aux-Noix, but neither a vessel nor a
batteau; and he sent one of his men to inform General
Arnold of that circumstance. On the 13th, being concealed
near the road between St. John's and La Prairie, he saw
seventy-two armed Indians going from St. John's to Mon-
treal ; and before they were out of sight, two men coming
after them. He then sallied out, told these they were his
prisoners, that they must go to Ticonderoga and see General
Gates. Lieutenant Whitcomb and two men he had with
him, being designedly dressed in such manner that they
could not be supposed military men, one of the prisoners
(who afterwards declared himself to be Ensign Saunders, of
the Twenty-Ninth Regiment) asked him whether he were
not a Canadian, as he was assured he (the Lieutenant) was
not a soldier. The Lieutenant answered him, "soldier or
no soldier, you must go with me," and immediately ordered
the Ensign and his companion, a Corporal of the same
regiment, to march out of the road. They then offered
him a sum of money to let them go ; but he told them he
"would not for all the money King George was worth."
They all marched on, and the Lieutenant, notwithstanding
the ague, as well as the scouting parties of the enemy to inter-
cept ours and apprehend their deserters, safely brought his
two prisoners to the place where he left the fleet, which he
could not see; at which, with an intent to try his prisoners,
who were extremely reserved, he feigned to be much alarmed.
As the Lieutenant had no more provisions left, the prisoners
who were already much fatigued and tired of sharing with
the Lieutenant the allowance of a small bit of biscuit and
raw pork, and lying in swamps, were exceedingly afraid of
being compelled to undergo a tedious march through the
woods, and be exposed to the danger of starving. On his
telling the prisoners that the enemy must certainly have
taken our fleet or driven them off, they answered it was
impossible, encouraged Mr. Whitcomb to go on and look for
our fleet, which they assured could not be far off. And
indeed, it was so, as the Lieutenant himself had judged, no
uncommon firing having been heard by him or his party.
The fleet was not above six miles off, and he saw several
Indians come near to them to view our vessels, and observe
their motions. He sent off to General Arnold one of his
men, who having returned on the next day morning, with a
batteau, favoured them with an opportunity to join the
fleet on the 17th, after having crossed the river on a small
raft.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD.
Tyonderoga, September 23, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Yesterday evening I received your
letter of the 18th instant, from Islc-la-Motte, with the ex-
amination of Sergeant Stiles enclosed. Lieutenant Whit-
comb and his prisoners also arrived at the same time. This
morning I despatched your letter, the examination, and the
prisoners, to General Schuyhr, under the care of Major
Livingston, his aid-de-camp, who came Friday (torn Albany.
I also wrote to the General, pressing him in the most earnest
manner, to forsvard every necessary succour, both of men
and materials.
Believe me, dear sir, no man alive could be more
anxious for the welfare of you and your fleet, than General
Waterbury and myself: we are, early and late, labouring
to get the galleys to your assistance; one will sail Thurs-
day at farthest, and the two others, we hope, on Saturday.
It is the blacksmith's work that has delayed us so much,
notwitlistaading we have got more forges, and although,
with different gangs of men, they are worked night and
day.
Enclosed are the two latest newspapers that have come
to hand. Major Livingston brought us word that Lord
Howe had requested a meeting with a Committee from
Congress at Amboy, in the Jerseys, and that in conse-
quence, Messrs. Franklin, J. Adams, and Rutledge, were
commissioned to attend his Lordship there. Not one sylla-
ble more of news transpires from Ntw-York. This goes
by a Sergeant, whom General Waterbury sends with some
provisions and the things you demanded.
I am, &c., Ho. GATES.
To General Arnold.
M. CHRISTOPHER PELISSIER, ENGINEER, TO GEN. GATES.
Tyconderogn, 7bre 23, 1776.
MONSIEUR: Ayant etc informe ce matin, par Mons.
Clajon, que vous desireriez connoitre ma fac_on de penser au
sujet des partis que Ton pourroit tirer des fortifications nou-
vellement faites icy, et des travaux les plus essentiels que
1'on pourroit y ajouter en huit ou dix jours, ayant egard au
terns et aux circonstances : inon opinion seroit d'etablier, a
quatre-vingt toises de distance des lignes des Franfais, un
glacis, et de remplir 1'intervalle qu'il y a entre luy et le
fosse d'un plus grand nombre des branches qu'il n'y en a.
Avec une telle disposition, 1'ennemi ne pourroit point attaquer
les lignes avec du canon, a moins qu'il n'en fut le siege, ce
qui prendroit du terns. Si 1'on donnoit dix-huit pieds de
large au banquette, on pourroit, au moyen de cinq ou six
coulisses portalire, battre avec du canon par-dessus le para-
pet, et enfiler les colonnes par tout ou elles se presenteroient.
Une fascine d'epine qui borderoit le bord exterieur du para-
pet, ne seroit pas inutile.
II seroit bon aussy qu'il y eut un chemin convert, pour
communiquer, sac 1'aile droite d'une redoute a 1'autre, celle
du General Briquet non comprise.
J'ay 1'honneur d'etre tres respectueusement, Monsieur,
votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur,
PELISSIER.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED SEP-
TEMBER 23, 1776.
Our sick decrease fast, and the army is in high spirits,
but whether we shall have the pleasure of giving Burgoyne
a rap upon his knuckles is uncertain, as at present he does
not seem disposed to come this way. A Sergeant, who
deserted from the British army at Point-aitx-Trembles,
between Montreal and Sorel, the 31st of August last, says,
that Colonel Maclean's regiment was quartered at Point-
aux-Trembles. Twelve hundred foreigners are at Quebeck ;
all the Thirty-Fourth at Montreal, except two companies
with Colonel Johnson and his Indians at Le Chien. That
455
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
486
he heard the officers compute their army at seven thousand,
in which were the Ninth, Twentieth, Twenty-First, Twenty-
Fourth, Twenty-Ninth, Thirty-First, Thirty-Fourth, and
Forty-Ninth, and the Germans. There are none of the
Canadians in the King of England's service ; but they are
in a worse situation than the children of Israel in Egypt, for
the Regulars have robbed them of every necessary of life,
and now compel them to work without any prospect of re-
ward. They universally wish we were in possession of their
country again, declaring their eyes are now fully opened.
That Burgoyne had a few gondolas, two sloops, and a
floating battery, building at St. John's. That he frequently
heard it said, they were to cross the Lake to Crown-Point,
as soon as their naval preparations were perfected. That
the troops in general were very sickly, the foreigners in
particular being afflicted with the fever and flux. And that
fifty of the soldiers had signed an agreement to desert
together ; but being betrayed by one of their accomplices,
some of them were condemned to be sent to Senegal, and
there to serve during life.
Hartford, Connecticut, September 23, 1776.
Persons held up to publick view as enemies to their
country :
Jonathan Hill, Egramont, - - Massachusetts-Bay.
Deodat Ingersoll, Alford, . - - ditto.
David Vaughn, Jericho, - - - - ditto.
John Bancroft, Westfield, - - - ditto.
William Eastman, Granby, - - - ditto.
Benjamin Killdorn, Litchfield, - Connecticut.
Roger Marsh, Litchfield, - - - ditto.
Daniel Griswold, Litchfield, - - - ditto.
Mark Prindle, Harwinton, - - - ditto.
John Birdsey, Middletown, - - - ditto.
Gershom Birdsey, Middktown, - - ditto.
Benjamin Griffith, Killingsworth, - ditto.
John Clark, Orford, - - - - New-Hampshire.
Alexander Brink, Hartford, - New- York.
(Confession, one dollar.)
Fairfield County, September 2, 1776.
MR. WATSON : You have for a long time published a
number in your paper as enemies to the publick. Their
obstinacy is a demonstration of the insignificancy of such a
mode of punishment, or that their neighbours are greatly to
blame in not breaking off connection with them agreeable
to the resolves of Congress. I never had, indeed, a very
exalted opinion of the efficacy of such publications — they
might answer in early times, and be sufficient to reclaim such
as were honestly under a delusion ; but the Tories at this
day require other means of conviction, or rather, they sin
with their eyes open, and don't mean to be convinced.
The application of the halter and the gibbet, I conceive, is
the only remedy that can with safety be relied on at pres-
ent. Newgate, indeed, under proper regulations, might be
a proper receptacle for such, if there be any such as have
not merited the gallows. But, be that as it may, it is a
pity, Mr. Printer, that your paper should be eternally pol-
luted with the hateful names of tliis stinkin^ race.
O
JUSTICE.
The Printer returns his thanks to the above writer for
the hints he has given, and shall leave out of his paper the
names of this sort of gentry for the future.
WILLIAM BRADFORD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
State of Rhode-Island, &c., Bristol,
September 23, 1776.
SIR: Having seen in the publick papers that your Ex-
cellency and the British Admiral have agreed upon an
exchange of prisoners in the naval department, I beg leave
to apply to you in behalf of a mate of a vessel and four
seamen, all belonging to Warwick, in this State, some of
whom are connected with very reputable families. They
were all taken in the merchant's service, and are prisoners
on board one of the ships of war now in the Sound. We
have a mate of a merchant ship, and four seamen, who
were taken in a transport with part of one of the Highland
regiments, to give for them.
I request your Excellency's directions as soon as may
be, whether we shall send the prisoners directly to you,
or how I shall proceed to procure the exchange, which
will very much oblige many worthy people here.
I am, with great esteem and respect, your Excellency's
most obedient and most humble servant,
WILLIAM BRADFORD, Deputy Governour.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and
Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of the United States
of America, New-York.
Newport, September 23, 1776.
Last Monday a ship and a brig, taken by the Montgom-
ery, went up the east passage. On Wednesday a large ship,
taken by the General Greene, and a Baltimore schooner and
a brig, taken by the Revenge, got safe into a neighbouring
port. On Friday another ship, taken by Captain Munro,
went up the bay; and the same night another brig, taken
by the Revenge, passed the east passage. All the above
are valuable prizes. That taken by the General Greene,
&ic., is three hundred and ten tons, loaded with three
hundred and seventy-two hogsheads of sugar, eighty-two
puncheons of rum, thirty-six pipes and four hogsheads of
Madeira wine, and eighteen hundred weight of copper.
Newport, September 23, 1776.
Last Thursday arrived here Mr. Joseph Kinyon and Mr.
William Clarke, who were two of the men made prisoners
at the attack on Quebeck. On the 16th of June, they, with
eight more, were taken out of prison to go on a fishing
voyage to Gaspee, which place Kinyon and Clarke, with
four others, left in a boat the 5th of August, and got to
Casco Bay, from whence they travelled by land. As they
came along they lodged at Newburyport, where they were
informed that a number of prisoners who had been taken in
prizes, had been paid their wages, &c., and allowed a ves-
sel to go home in, but went immediately to Halifax, and
that another set were then about purchasing another vessel
for the same purpose.
It is reported that General Arnold has lately destroyed
most of the enemy's boats at the north end of Lake Cham-
plain, and made prisoners six hundred English, Scotch, and
Hessian soldiers, on a small island in the Lake.
JAMES BOWDOIN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 5. Referred to the Marine Committee.]
Boston, September 23, 1776.
SIR : I have the honour to transmit to Congress the en-
closed resolve of the General Court, passed the 18th instant,
relative to the fitting for the sea the Continental frigate
Hancock, of thirty-two guns, now at Newburyport.
If this frigate, with the other at the same port, could be
expeditiously fitted out, it is very probable several of the
enemy cruisers, which have much infested our coast, would
be soon brought in and made a valuable addition to the
naval strength of the United States.
You will please to lay the said resolve before the hon-
ourable Congress, whose speedy determination correspond-
ing with the resolve may be attended with many happy
consequences. In the mean time every aid in our power
will be given to the Continental agent for getting the said
frigates in readiness with the utmost expedition.
In the name of the Council of the State of Massachu-
setts-Bay, I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant, JAMES BOWDOIN.
To the honourable the President of Congress.
P. S. Agreeable to the resolve of our General Court,
copy of which has been sent to you, one-fifth part of our
Militia, under the command of Major-General Lincoln, are
getting ready to march with all possible expedition. By a
return from the County of Worcester, near one thousand
men, in two regiments, are now on their march from that
County.
We should be glad to have some particular and authen-
ticated account of the late actions at Long- Island and New-
York. If any such has been collected, be so good as to
•favour us with it.
487
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
488
In the House of Representatives, September 18, 1776.
Resolved, That this State will furnish the agent for
building the Continental ships at Ntwburyport with a suf-
ficient number of guns, provided they can be obtained by
purchase or otherways, for the Continental frigate called
the Hancock, John Manky Commander, and which ship is
built to carry thirty-two guns, and will afford him every
other assistance possible for fitting out and manning said ship.
And the Honourable Richard Derby, Esq., is appointed
agent in behalf of this Colony for the purposes aforesaid,
provided leave can be obtained from the honourable Con-
gress for said vessel to cruise on this coast for the protection
of the trade thereof; the said Continental agents engaging
to reimburse all the expenses this State shall incur in fitting
out and manning said ship; and return said guns whenever
said ship shall be otherways employed, it being of great
importance that there should be a sufficient number of
armed vessels fixed for sea, effectually to free this coast
from the enemy's armed vessels now infesting of it.
In Council, September 18, 1776. Sent up for concur-
rence. J- WARREN, Speaker,
SAMUEL ADAMS, Secretary.
Consented to by the major part of the Council.
A true copy.
Attest: JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
GENERAL WARREN TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Plymouth, September 23, 1776
SIR: Captain Samson, the bearer of this, waits on the
honourable Council for their orders for his next cruise. I
beg leave to mention to them that the confining the vessels
belonging to this State to such narrow limits is very dis-
couraging to all employed in service, and occasions them
to wish themselves at liberty to enter into private service.
They see these successful, taking many prizes, while they,
by this confinement, have not a bare chance of meeting
with any, and such only as uncommon accidents of wind
and weather may put out of their way, and force into the
limits you have assigned these vessels. I don't pretend to
judge of the policy of this measure; but it seems to me it
must produce bad effects in the end. It not only prevents
the State from receiving great emoluments from captures,
but will soon make it the least eligible of any service, and
we shall find it very difficult to man them, or to keep the
men when obtained.
Captain Samson, in his last cruise, took one Gideon
White, Jun., who is now in the gaol here, by order of the
Committee of this town. Since this a privateer, Captain
Paine commander, has brought in Benjamin Marston, Esq.,
of Marblehead, taken in a schooner from the JVest-Indies,
bound to Halifax. These were both refugees to Boston,
and, I conceive, very dangerous men. Both have friends
here, very subtle and very inimical. I think, therefore,
they cannot be so secure here as they ought to be, and
that it would be best to order them to some internal coun-
try, there to be properly secured.
I hope the Council will excuse these suggestions, as I
really think them calculated to promote the publick good ;
and am, with great respect, your most obedient, humble
servant, J. WARREN.
To Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq.
CAPTAIN COOKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Off Point Look-Out, September 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I honoured myself by writing you by the
Amelia tender. At that time was in hopes of having a
fine night and good run down the bay. At ten, p. m., the
wind came round to the eastward ; the night had all the
appearance of a gale rising. I thought it prudent to have
the ship brought to anchor under Point Look-Out. And
this morning early, when hove 'bout, the small bower cable
parted near the anchor. We got the pilot-boat to the buoy
rope, when a strain bore on it, parted the buoy rope at the
crown of the anchor. The wind blowing a fresh gale at
northwest puts it out of our power to get the anchor at this
time. We have left a watch buoy at the place, and set
sevreal places for finding it some other time. Mr. Middle-
ton will have the marks, and know the place where the
anchor lies.
At ten, a. m., I purpose going down to Gwynn's Island,
as I'm informed, by some gentlemen on board, of sundry
anchors being there, and propose getting one.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient
and humble servant, <-,
(JEORGE COOKE.
To the honourable Council of Safety, Annapolis.
CAPTAIN COOKE TO COMMODORE BOUCHER.
Ship Defence, September 24, 1776.
SIR: Unluckily, this morning, our small bower cable
parted near the anchor. I endeavoured to weigh it by the
buoy rope ; that also parted at the crown of the anchor. I
have left a watch buoy near the place. I am afraid it will
intrude on you too far to ask your kindness. Should it be
calm, will you please suffer some of your boats to endea-
vour to get the anchor, for the good of the service? It will
so far suffice, that on seeing the buoy that is to show where
our anchor lies.
I am, sir, with esteem, your most humble servant,
GEORGE COOKE.
To Commodore Boucher, of the Congress; or Captain
Brook, of the Liberty.
CAPTAIN COOKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Abreast New Point Comfort, September 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I wrote you this morning, favoured by
Commodore Boucher, acquainting you of the loss of our
small bower, and my intention of going to Gwynn's Island,
to get an anchor. We hauled up for the place, but the
gale at northeast increasing, the pilot thought we could not
fetch into smooth water. I then bore away, and hope to
be at sea by ten o'clock at night, where I make no doubt
but to provide the ship with as good an anchor as the one
lost.
Our ship's company is all in high spirits; and am in
hopes we shall be able to let you hear from us often, by
prize from time to time.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
GEORGE COOKE.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, September 24, 1776.
SIR: You will perceive by the enclosed resolves of Con-
gress, which I have the honour to forward, that they have
come to the determination to augment our army, and to
engage the troops to serve during tfie continuance of the
war. As an inducement to inlist on these terms, the Con-
gress have agreed to give, besides a bounty of twenty dol-
lars, a hundred acres of land to each soldier; and in case
he should lose his life in battle, they have resolved that his
children, or other representatives, shall succeed to such
grant.
It is unnecessary to repeat to you the numberless ill con-
sequences resulting from the limited inlistment of troops.
The untimely death of General Montgomery, alone, inde-
pendent of other arguments, is a striking proof of the dan-
ger and impropriety of sending troops into the field under
any restriction as to the time of their service. The noblest
enterprise may be left unfinished by soldiers in such a pre-
dicament, or abandoned the very moment success must have
crowned the attempt. Your own experience has long since
convinced you that, without a well-disciplined army, we
cannot rationally expect success against veteran troops, and
that it is totally impossible we should ever have a well-dis-
ciplined army, unless our troops are engaged to serve during
the war. The Congress, therefore, impressed with these
and other reasons, and fully convinced that our Militia is
inadequate to the duty expected of them, have adopted the
enclosed resolves, which, I am persuaded, will afford you
pleasure, as the only means left to defend our country in its
present critical situation.
I have wrote to all the States, and forwarded a copy of
the printed resolves herewith transmitted, and urged them,
in the most pressing language, to comply, in the fullest
manner, with the requisition of Congress.
As the troops now in service belonging to the several
489
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
490
States will be considered as part of their quota in the
American army, it will be necessary to ascertain what num-
ber of the troops, as well as what officers, will engage to
serve during the war. For this purpose I have wrote to
the States, and forwarded blank commissions for all such
officers and others whom they shall appoint agreeably to
the enclosed resolves.
The articles of war, as first adopted by Congress, being
exploded, I send you sundry copies of those which they
have instituted in their room. I enclose you, also, sundry
other resolves, to which I beg leave to request your atten-
tion.
As the Committee of Congress will confer with you on
the state of the army, to them I beg leave to refer you ;
and am, with every sentiment of esteem and respect, sir,
your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To His Excellency General Washington.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE SEV-
ERAL STATES.
Philadelphia, September 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : You will perceive by the enclosed resolves,
which I have the honour to forward in obedience to the
commands of Congress, that they have come to a determi-
nation to augment our army, and to engage the troops to
serve during the continuance of the war. As an induce-
ment to inlist on these terms, the Congress have agreed to
give, besides a bounty of twenty dollars, a hundred acres
of land to each soldier; and in case he should fall in
battle, they have resolved that his children, or other rep-
resentatives, shall succeed to such land.
The many ill consequences arising from a short and lim-
ited inlistment of troops, are too obvious to be mentioned.
In general, give me leave to observe, that to make men well
acquainted with the duties of a soldier, requires time ; and
to bring them under proper subordination and discipline,
not only requires time, but has always been a work of much
difficulty. We have had frequent experience that men of
a few days' standing will not look forward, but as the time
of their discharge approaches grow careless of their arms,
ammunition, Sic., and impatient of all restraint ; the con-
sequence of which is, the latter part of the time for which
the soldier was engaged is spent in undoing what the greatest
pains had been taken to inculcate at first. Need I add to
this, that the fall of the late General Montgomery before
Quebeck, is undoubtedly to be ascribed to the limited time
for which the troops were engaged, whose impatience to
return home compelled him to make the attack contrary to
the conviction of his own judgment? This fact alone fur-
nishes a striking argument of the danger and impropriety of
sending troops into the field under any restriction as to the
time of their inlistment. The noblest enterprise may be
left unfinished by troops in such a predicament, or aban-
doned at the very moment success would have crowned the
attempt.
The heavy and enormous expense consequent upon call-
ing forth the Militia, the delay attending their motions, and
the difficulty of keeping them in camp, render it extremely
improper to place our whole dependence upon them. Ex-
perience hath uniformly convinced us of this, some of the
Militia having deserted the camp at the very moment their
services were most wanted. In the mean time, the strength
of the British army, which is great, is rendered much more
formidable by the superiour order and regularity which pre-
vail in it. Under these circumstances, and in the situation
of our affairs, it is evident that the only means left us of
preserving our liberties is the measure which the Congress
have now adopted, and which I am ordered most earnestly
to recommend to you to carry into immediate effect. With-
out a well-disciplined army, we can never expect success
against veteran troops ; and it is totally impossible we
should ever have a well-disciplined army without our troops
are engaged to serve during the war. To attain, therefore,
Uiis most desirable end, I am to request you will at once,
and without a moment's delay, bend all your attention to
raise your quota of the American army.
The times call for the greatest despatch and vigour of
conduct. When the bloody standard of tyranny is erected
in a land of liberty, no good man, no friend to his country,
can possibly remain an inactive spectator of her fall. Dis-
play, therefore, I most ardently entreat you, that virtue
which can alone save her on this occasion. Let us con-
vince our enemies that as we entered into the present
contest for the defence of our liberties, so we are resolved,
with the firmest reliance on Heaven for the justice of our
cause, never to relinquish it, but rather to perish in the
ruins of it. If we do but remain firm, if we are not dis-
mayed at the little shocks of fortune, and are determined
at all hazards that we will be free, I am persuaded, under
the gracious smiles of Providence, assisted by our own most
strenuous endeavours, we shall finally succeed agreeably to
our wishes, and thereby establish the independence, the hap-
piness, and the glory of the United States of America.
As the troops now in service belonging to the several
States will be considered as part of their quota in the
American army, you will please to take such steps as you
judge necessary to ascertain what number of the troops, as
well as what officers, will engage to serve during the war.
I send by this express blank commissions, to be filled with
such as you shall please to appoint. I also forward a
number of the rules and articles of war, as altered by Con-
gress and just published.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient
and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To the Honourable Assembly of New-Hampshire.
[Same to Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut Assemblies,
JVeu>- York Convention, New-Jersey Assembly, Pennsylvania Convention,
Delaware Government, Maryland Convention, Virginia Assembly, JVorfA-
Carolina Convention, South-Carolina Assembly, Georgia Convention.]
BENJAMIN MARSHALL AND BROTHERS TO THE PRESIDENT OF
CONGRESS.
[Read September 24, 1776. Referred to the Marine Committee, 'to
take into consideration on Wednesday, October 25, 1776 ]
Philadelphia, September 24, 1776.
In January, 1775, the subscribers, by orders from London,
exported a cargo of flour, wax, staves, &ic., to Terceira, one
of the Western Islands. The vessel in which they were
shipped belonged to us, was purchased at the island afore-
said, and payment made in bills of exchange on London,
one of which, to the value of £800 currency, was returned
protested for non-payment in March last ; since which, have
had no opportunity to send it for recovery ; therefore, are
under the necessity, as the only probable means of saving
it, to purchase a small vessel. But lest any thing should
prevent our recovering it, the expenses of the voyage would
be considerable, and as pipe-staves are an article in demand
there and small value here, and less detrimental to the state
of the Colonies than flour, should she be unhappily taken
by our enemy, induces us to request the honourable Conti-
nental Congress to grant us liberty to export pipe-staves,
any quantity not exceeding twenty thousand, which indul-
gence will be esteemed as a favour conferred on your
friends, BENJ. MARSHALL &t BROTHERS.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esquire.
BENJAMIN FISHBOURN TO RICHARD PETERS.
Philadelphia, September 24, 1776.
SIR: I understand a Paymaster is wanted for Colonel
Wood's battalion, (late Colonel St. Clair's,) now at Ticon-
deroga. If the honourable Board of War will please to
favour me with that appointment, they may depend I will
exert myself to discharge the trust with care and fidelity.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your obe-
dient servant> BENJ. FISHBOURN.
To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary at War.
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA, COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation and In-
spection at the house of Adam Reigart, the 24th Septem-
ber, 1776,
Present: William Allee, Edrvard Shippen, Adam Rei-
gart, Jacob Klatz, Christopher Graffort, George Moore,
Henry Deliuff. William Atlee in the chair.
491
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
492
A Letter from the Council of Safety, dated the 18th
instant, was read in Committee, mentioning that the Board
of War some time since sent them a Resolve, requesting an
exact account of the number of State Prisoners confined
in the State of Pennsylvania, with their rank or station in
the* Army, the time of their being taken, and the particular
circumstances attending their situation, &,c. ; and therefore
requesting this Committee immediately to furnish them with
a particular account of all the Prisoners in this County, that
they may be enabled to furnish the Board of War with the
said account, agreeable to their resolves.
The Committee, taking the said Letter into consideration,
direct that the Sergeant-Majors of the Seventh and Twenty-
Sixth Regiments be immediately sent for, and directed to
furnish this Committee with lists of the Prisoners of their
respective Regiments, who have from time to time been
brought to this place.
Mr. Hugh appears in Committee, and requests that the
Accounts which he left with the Committee against the
Officers who made their escape from Lebanon, may be
delivered up to him, as he says he has a prospect of getting
his Moneys ; and it is ordered that Mr. Ailee deliver them
to him, taking his receipt for them.
Ann Brown having been convicted of stealing sundry
goods at Mr. Slough's Mill, and the goods being returned to
the owner, and the said Ann Brown being far gone with
child, and the gaoler being apprehensive of her being soon
delivered there, it is the sentiments of the Committee that
she be discharged and sent out of town.
Rebecca Williams having been confined on suspicion of
stealing goods from , being also in the same situation,
and the winter approaching, it is also the sentiments of the
Committee that she be discharged and sent out of town.
ADDRESS OF NEW-JERSEY ASSEMBLY TO THE GOVERNOUR.
To His Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esq., Governour,
Captain-General, and Commander-in- Chief in and over
the State of NEW- JERSEY and Territories thereunto
belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same:
The Address of the Assembly of the said State.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: Whilst we antici-
pate the blessings of a Government founded on freedom,
having for its sole object the happiness of the people, it
affords the most pleasing reflection that all our measures for
attaining that great end are strongly marked with delibera-
tion and firmness, and will bear the strictest scrutiny of
reason and conscience. To those disposed to trace the
hand of approving Heaven in our deliverance from the
galling yoke of slavery, the unparalleled unanimity of the
American States in resisting the encroachments of despot-
and refusing the insidious offers of precarious peace —
ism
the rejection of our petitions, though fraught with unrefuted
reasoning and clear demonstration, joined to the infatuated
policy of our enemy and the success of our arms, afford the
most unequivocal marks of Providential agency ; whilst our
willingness even to relinquish some of our indubitable rights
for the sake of peace — our patience under repeated injuries
and insults — the declaration of our rights and consequent
independence, long delayed — plainly evince to the impartial
world our aversion to shedding human blood. But com-
pelled by the insatiate plunderers of the East to assert our
freedom, we have burst the bands of political slavery, and
arisen into a" life of liberty. Thus situate, we cannot evince
more fully to the world the purity of our intentions and our
sense of the value of our purchase, than by placing in the
most conspicuous points of view those gentlemen who have
taken an early and decisive part in our glorious struggle for
freedom.
Our conviction of the rectitude of your Excellency's
intentions stands confessed by your appointment to the
office of Chief Magistrate of this free State. But, whilst
we feel our own inadequacy to the business assigned us by
our country, we must acknowledge, with your Excellency,
that your task is arduous indeed, and entreat you to look up
with us to the indulgent Parent of the universe, who, when
the end proposed is stamped with his approbation, can
make the abilities keep pace with the will.
Convinced, with your Excellency, of the necessity of a
well-regulated Militia for the defence of a free State, and of
their being duly puid for their service, our earliest attention
shall be given to that most important business; and permit
us, sir, to assure you, that, whilst we have aught to bestow,
the voice of murmuring for services unpaid, or merit unre-
warded, shall not be heard in this State.
If, in fixing the seat of Government according to the local
circumstances and convenience of the various parts of this
Slate, we should appoint a place agreeable to your Excel-
lency, it will double our satisfaction. The law mentioned,
and such other salutary regulations as may occur to your
Excellency during this session, when communicated to us,
shall meet with all due attention.
Your obliging mention of the importance of the station in
which the uncorrupted voice of our constituents hath placed
us, demands our acknowledgments, and will, we hope, spirit
us to such exertions in our duty, as may redound to the
benefit of the State. And we assure you, with sincerity,
that, laying aside all private attachments and resentment,
it shall be our study to cultivate that harmony between the
branches of the Legislature, that spirit of economy, industry,
and patriotism, so justly recommended, and so essential to
the publick welfare; and that whilst our Heaven-directed
Generals and Soldiers, with an ardour peculiar to freemen,
brave the dangers of well-fought fields against the lawless
sons of rapine and plunder, ours shall be the important task,
in conjunction with your Excellency and the honourable
Council, to give our cool deliberations and useful resolves
the most unambiguous marks of that spirit which ought to
animate a Senate of freemen.
We hope that no situation in life can make us lose sight
of that evident truth, so loudly proclaimed in the historick
page, that dissoluteness of manners and political corruption
are inseparable companions in the destruction of kingdoms,
whilst the concurring testimony of the inspired penman will
enforce on the most obdurate heart, that "Righteousness
exalteth a nation, but that sin is a reproach to any people."
Determined to employ the talents given, in procuring and
transmitting inviolate to posterity the fair inheritance of civil
and religious liberty, though bought at the price of life, we
will look for the permanency and stability of our new gov-
ernment to Him who bringeth Princes to nothing, and
teacheth Senators wisdom.
By order of the House : JOHN HART, Speaker.
House of Assembly, September 24, 1776.
To which his Excellency was pleased to make the fol-
lowing Reply:
GENTLEMEN : Your kind and affectionate address deserves
my cordial thanks ; and I feel myself most agreeably affected
with your obliging assurances of paying all due attention
to the laws and regulations recommended to your con-
sideration.
I heartily participate with you in the pleasure of tracing
that conspicuous Providential agency which has hitherto
frustrated the sanguinary purposes of our enemies; and
which, that is not more generally and devoutly acknowl-
edged, is greatly to be deplored. But while with pious
gratitude we survey the frequent interpositions of Heaven in
our behalf, we ought to remember that as the disbelief of an
overruling Providence is atheism, so an absolute confidence
of having our deliverance wrought out by the more imme-
diate hand of God, without our own exertions, is the most
culpable presumption. Let us, therefore, inflexibly perse-
vere in exerting our most strenuous efforts in an humble and
rational dependence on the great Governour of the world,
and we have the fairest prospect of surmounting all our
difficulties, and of seeing our merciless oppressors involved
in that destruction which they have so long been meditating
for others.
SIR WILLIAM HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAIN.
Head Quarters, York-Island, September 24, 1776.
MY LORD: After wailing two days for a favourable wind
to move the ships of war up to the batteries upon Paulus
Hook, it was effected yesterday at noon, and the troops
landed and took possession of the works without the least
resistance, the enemy having abandoned their batteries and
redoubts upon the approach of his Majesty's ship Roebuck,
and two frigates.
I have the honour to be, &tc., W. HOWE.
493
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
494
RETURN OF ORDNANCE AND STORES TAKEN IN THE CITY OF
NEW-YORK, AND IN THE ADJACENT BATTERIES AND
REDOUBTS, AFTER THE RETREAT OF THE REBELS, SEP-
TEMBER 15, 1776.
Taken in the field. — Ordnance, light brass, mounted on
travelling carriages with limbers — 1 six-pounder; 1 five-inch
and half howitzer.
In the New- York and the adjacent Redoubts.
Iron Ordnance, mounted on garrison carriages — 15 thirty-
two pounders ; 7 twelve-pounders ; 9 nine-pounders ; 1 six-
pounder ; 6 four-pounders ; 2 three-pounders. On a travelling
carriage, 1 three-pounder. Dismounted, 26.
Shot, round loose — 965 thirty-two pounders; 9,300
twenty-four pounders; 276 eighteen-pounders; 1,342
twelve-pounders; 32 six-pounders; 41 three-pounders.
Double-headed — 747 thirty-two pounders; 460 twelve-
pounders; 12 nine-pounders; 29 six-pounders. Double-
headed with sliding bars — 100 thirty-two-pounders; 170
twelve-pounders; 7 nine-pounders. Grape quilted — 71
thirty-two-pounders ; 69 twelve-pounders. Case-fixed with
powder — 32 nine-pounders; 12 three-pounders.
Shells, empty — 54 thirteen-inch ; 944 ten-inch; 395
eight-inch; 738 five-inch and half; 17,871 four-inch two-
fifths. Filled with fusees drove — 5 thirteen-inch ; 12 ten-
inch; 30 eight-inch; 53 five-inch and half; 45 four-inch
and two-fifths.
Powder — whole barrel 1; iron crows 6; mantelets 52;
chevaux-de-frise complete, 81 ; tar barrels 42; breast-plates
for Engineer's armour, 35; wagons covered, 4.
SAMUEL CLEAVELAND,
Brigadier-General commanding Royal Artillery.
GOVERNOUR TRYON TO LORD GEORGE GERMAIN.
New- York, September 24, 1776.
MY LORD: On the 21st instant, Lieutenant-Governour
Golden departed this life at Flushing. This makes a
vacancy in the Council. The following is the present state
of the remaining eleven : Mr. Chief-Justice Horsemanden,
very old and feeble; Mr. Oliver De Lancey, Mr. Charles
Ward Apthorp. Mr. Axtell, and Mr. Henry Cniger, at liber-
ty to attend the summons of Government. Mr. William
Smith withdrawn to his plantation up the North River, and
not been heard of these five months; Mr. Hugh Wallace
and Mr. James Jauncey, prisoners with the Rebels; Mr. John
Watts, Colonel Morris, and Mr. Henry White, in England.
By this state, your Lordship will observe 1 have but five
Councillors 1 can summons, and Judge Horsemanden 's
infirmities will probably prevent his attendance; therefore
your Lordship will view the necessity I shall be under of
appointing other Councillors, if the gentlemen in England
do not return to take a share in the reestablishment of
Government, or that those in captivity are released.
Mr. Thomas Jones, one of the Judges of the Supreme
Court, and Mr. David Matthews, Mayor of the City of
New- York, with many other gentlemen of the country, are
in the hands of the Rebels.
I arn, with all possible respect, my Lord, your Lordship's
most obedient, humble servant, WM. TRYON.
To Lord George Germain.
GOVERNOUR TRYON TO LORD GEORGE GERMAIN.
New-York, September 24, 1776.
MY LORD: At the same time that I have the happiness
to acquaint your Lordship that on the 15th instant, General
•Howe, with the forces under his command, by admirable
skill, spirit, and conduct, made himself master of the City of
New- York, and one-half of the Island, it grieves me to
inform you that on the 21st, about two in the morning,
the western part of the town was set on fire by a number
of incendiaries, and which raged with such violence as
destroyed, it is thought, one-fourth part of the city, before
the flames could be extinguished. Many of the incendiaries
are now in confinement, and two or three were killed as
they were detected in their hellish design. Many circum-
stances lead to conjecture that Mr. Washington was privy
to this villainous act, as he sent all the bells of the
churches out of town, under pretence of casting them into
cannon; whereas, it is much more probable to prevent the
alarm being given by ringing of the bells before the fire
should get ahead beyond the reach of engines and buckets;
besides, some officers of his army were found concealed in
the city, supposed for this devilish purpose. The town was
thought to be saved more by a sudden change in the wind
(which blew strong) and pulling down intermediate houses,
than by water. It is afflicting to view the wretched and
miserable inhabitants who have lost their all, and numbers
of reputable shop-keepers that are reduced to beggary, and
many in want for their families of the necessaries of life.
The fire broke out in sundry places nearly at the same time,
but was first discovered at Whitehall stairs, and has burnt
the whole body of the buildings that lies between George
street and Broad street, as high up as the City Hall, and
all the buildings on the north of Fort George, lying between
the North River and Great George street, as far up as King's
College, excepting a few houses and St. PauFs Church;
and almost all the houses on the church estate, with Trinity
Church, are totally consumed. It really seems the conflag-
ration was directed against the interest of the church. The
ship-docks, warehouses, and the commercial part of the city is
as yet safe, and every measure pursued by General Robert-
son, commanding officer in New-York, assisted by myself,
to establish such regulations and police as may ensure its
future security. I was at Flatbush, at Mr. Axtell's, four
miles from the city, for the recovery of my health and
strength, when this dreadful event befell this devoted city.
As this country is in the present period too much con-
vulsed for the civil Government to act with any good effect,
it is the opinion of both his Majesty's Commissioners for
restoring peace to the Colonies, that I should postpone any
executive acts of Government, until the Province is more
liberated from the control of the Rebels. I therefore have
kept, the executive powers of civil Government dormant,
leaving every thing to the direction of the military; never
ceasing, however, to throw every information I can procure
to the General and Admiral, as it may concern them, and
to exhort and recommend to the inhabitants the proper line
for their duty and interest.
General Oliver De Lancey, under General Howe's
orders, is endeavouring to raise a brigade of fifteen hundred
men for the defence of Long-Island, and Major Rogers a
corps of Provincials for the war generally.
The two New-York companies, under the Captains
Campbell and Grant, have acquitted themselves in action
so honourably as to obtain the General's thanks, transmitted
to them in publick orders.
I am, with all possible respect, my Lord, your Lordship's
most obedient and most humble servant,
WM. TRYON.
To Lord George. Germain.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 25, 1776.]
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 24, 1776.
SIR: The post being about to depart, I have only time to
add that no event of importance has taken place on this
side Hudson's River since my last, of the 22d instant.
The enclosed letter received last night from General
Greene, who now commands in the Jerseys, will give Con-
gress all the information I have respecting the evacuation
of Powles Hook, and the landing of the enemy to possess
it.
I this minute obtained a copy of the gerreral return of
our force, the first 1 have been able to procure for some
time past, which I do myself the honour of transmitting for
the satisfaction of Congress.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient
servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
P. S. The thirteen Militia regiments from Connecticut
being reduced to a little more than seven hundred men rank
and file fit for duty, I have thought proper to discharge the
whole, to save the States the immense charge that would
arise for officers' pay. There are, too, many Militia that
have just come in, and on their way from that State, none
of which are provided with a tent or a single camp utensil.
This distresses me beyond measure.
Camp Fort Constitution, September 23, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The enemy are landed at Powlty's Hook ;
495
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
496
they came up this afternoon and began a cannonade on the
batteries, and after cannonading for half an hour or a little
more, they landed a party from the ships. General Mercer
had ordered off from the Hook all the troops except a small
guard, who had orders to evacuate the place from the first
approach of the enemy. General Mercer mentions no
troops but those landed from the ships; but Colonel Bull,
ana many others that were along the river upon the heights,
saw twenty boats go over from York to Poivley's Hook.
This movement must have happened since General Mercer
wrote. I purpose to visit Bergen to-night, as General
Mercer thinks of going to his post at Amboy to-morrow.
I purpose to detain him one day longer.
I am, with due respect, your Excellency's obedient ser-
vant, N. GREENE.
To His Excellency General Washington.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read 27th. Referred to Mr. Wythe, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Rutledge,
Mr. J. Adams, and Mr. Stone ]
Colonel Morris's, on the Heights of Harlem, >
September 24, 1776. >
SIR : From the hours allotted to sleep I will borrow a
few moments to convey my thoughts on sundry important
matters to Congress. I shall offer them with that sincerity
which ought to characterize a man of candour, and with
the freedom which may be used in giving useful information
without incurring the imputation of presumption.
We are now, as it were, upon the eve of another dissolu-
tion of our army. The remembrance of the difficulties which
happened upon that occasion last year, the consequences
which might have followed the change if proper advantages
had been taken by the enemy, added to a knowledge of the
present temper and situation of the troops, reflect but a
very gloomy prospect upon the appearance of things now,
and satisfy me beyond the possibility of a doubt, that un-
less some speedy and effectual measures are adopted by
Congress our cause will be lost.
It is in vain to expect, that any or more than a trifling
part of this army will again engage in the service on the
encouragement offered by Congress. When men find that
their townsmen and companions are receiving twenty,
thirty, and more dollars for a few months' service, which is
truly the case, it cannot be expected, without using com-
pulsion; and to force them into the service would answer
no valuable purpose. When men are irritated, and their
passions inflamed, they fly hastily and cheerfully to arms ;
but after the first emotions are over, to expect among such
people as compose the bulk of an army, that they are in-
fluenced by any other principles than those of interest, is to
look for what never did, and I fear never will happen; the
Congress will deceive themselves, therefore, if they expect
it. A soldier, reasoned with upon the goodness of the cause
he is engaged in, and the inestimable rights he is contending
for, hears you with patience, and acknowledges the truth of
your observations, but adds -that it is of no more importance
to him than others. The officer makes you the same
reply, with this further remark, that his pay will not sup-
port him, and he cannot ruin himself and family to serve
his country, when every member of the community is
equally interested, and benefited by his labours. The few,
therefore, who act upon principles of disinterestedness are,
comparatively speaking, no more than a drop in the ocean.
It becomes evidently clear then, that, as this contest is not
likely to be the work of a day, as the war must be carried
on systematically, and to do it you must have good officers,
there are in my judgment no other possible means to obtain
them but by establishing your army upon a permanent
footing, and giving your officers good pay. This will induce
gentlemen and men of character to engage; and till the
bulk of your officers are composed of such persons as are
actuated by principles of honour and a spirit of enterprise,
you have little to expect from them. They ought to have
such allowances as will enable them to live like and support
the characters of gentlemen, and not be driven by a scanty
pittance to the low and dirty arts which many of them
practise to filch the publick of more than the difference of
pay would amount to upon an ample allowance. Besides,
something is due to the man who puts his life in his hand,
hazards his health, and forsakes the sweets of domestick
enjoyments. Why a Captain in the Continental service
should receive no more than five shillings currency per day
for performing the same duties that an officer of the same
rank in the British service receives ten shillings sterling for,
I never could conceive, especially when the latter is provided
with every necessary he requires upon the best terms, and
the former can scarce procure them at any rate. There is
nothing that gives a man consequence, or renders him fit for
command, like a support that renders him independent of
every body but the State he serves.
With respect to the men, nothing but a good bounty can
obtain them upon a permanent establishment; and for no
shorter time than the continuance of the war ought they
to be engaged; as facts incontestibly prove that the difficulty
and cost of inlistments increase with time. When the
army was first raised at Cambridge, I am persuaded the
men might have been got without a bounty for the war.
After this they began to see that the contest was not likely
to end so speedily as was imagined, and to feel their con-
sequence by remarking, that to get the Militia in, in the
course of last year, many towns were induced to give them
a bounty. Foreseeing the evils resulting from this, and the
destructive consequences which unavoidably would follow
short inlistments, I took the liberty in a long letter written
by myself, (date not now recollected as my letter book is
not here,) to recommend the inlistments for and during the
war, assigning such reasons for it as experience has since
convinced me were well founded. At that time twenty
dollars would, I am persuaded, have engaged the men for
this term. But it will not do to look back ; and if the pre-
sent opportunity is slipped, I am persuaded that twelve
months more will increase our difficulties fourfold. I shall,
therefore, take the freedom of giving it as my opinion, that
a good bounty be immediately offered, aided by the proffer
of at least one hundred or one hundred and fifty acres of
land and a suit of clothes and blanket to each non-com-
missioned officer and soldier, as I have good authority for
saying, that however high the men's pay may appear, it is
barely sufficient, in the present scarcity and dearness of all
kinds of goods, to keep them in clothes, much less afford
support to their families.
If this encouragement, then, is given to the men, and such
pay allowed the officers as will induce gentlemen of charac-
ter and liberal sentiments to engage, and proper care and
precaution used in the nomination, having more regard to
the characters of persons than the number of men they Can
inlist, we should in a little time have an army able to cope
with any that can be opposed to it, as there are excellent
materials to form one out of. But while the only merit an
officer possesses is his ability to raise men, while those men
consider and treat him as an equal, and, in the character of
an officer, regard him no more than a broomstick, being
mixed together as one common herd, no order nor no dis-
cipline can prevail; nor will the officer ever meet with
that respect which is essentially necessary to due subor-
dination.
To place any. dependence upon Militia is assuredly rest-
ing upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender
scenes of domestic life, unaccustomed to the din of arms,
totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill, which,
being followed by a want of confidence in themselves when
opposed to troops regularly trained, disciplined, and ap-
pointed, superiour in knowledge and superiour in arms,
makes them timid and ready to fly from their own shadows.
Besides, the sudden change in their manner of living, (par-
ticularly in their lodging,) brings on sickness in many, impa-
tience in all, and such an unconquerable desire of returning
to their respective homes, that it not only produces shameful
and scandalous desertions among themselves but infuses the
like spirit in others. Again, men accustomed to unbounded
freedom and no control, cannot brook the restraint which is
indispensably necessary to the good order and government
of an army, without which licentiousness and every kind
of disorder triumphantly reign. To bring men to a proper
degree of subordination is not the work of a day, a month,
or even a year; and unhappily for us and the cause we are
engaged in, the little discipline I have been labouring to
establish in the army under my immediate command, is
in a manner done away, by having such a mixture of troops
as have been called together within these few months.
Relaxed and as unfit as our rules and regulations of war
are for the government of an army, the Militia (those prop-
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
498
erly so called, for of these we have two sorts, the six
months' men, and those sent in as a temporary aid) do not
think themselves subject to 'em, and therefore take liberties
which the soldier is punished for. This creates jealousy ;
jealousy begets dissatisfaction ; and these by degrees ripen
into mutiny, keeping the whole army in a confused and
disordered state, rendering the time of those who wish to
see regularity and good order prevail more unhappy than
words can describe. Besides this, such repeated changes
take place that all arrangement is set at nought, and the
constant fluctuation of things deranges every plan as (list as
adopted.
These, sir, Congress may be assured, are but a small
part of the inconveniences which might be enumerated and
attributed to Milita ; but there is one, that merits particular
attention, and that is the expense. Certain 1 am that it
would be cheaper to keep fifty or one hundred thousand
men in constant pay, than to depend upon half the number
and supply the other half occasionally by Militia. The
time the latter are in pay before and after they are in camp,
assembling and marching, the waste of ammunition, the
consumption of stores, which, in spite of every resolution
and requisition of Congress, they must be furnished with,
or sent home, added to other incidental expenses conse-
quent upon their coming and conduct in camp, surpasses all
idea, and destroys every kind of regularity and economy
which you could establish among fixed and settled troops,
and will, in my opinion, prove, if the scheme is adhered to,
the ruin of our cause.
The jealousies of a standing army, and the evils to be
apprehended from one, are remote, and in my judgment,
situated and circumstanced as we are, not at all to be
dreaded ; but the consequence of wanting one, according to
my ideas, formed from the present view of things, is certain
and inevitable ruin. For, if I was called upon to declare upon
oath, whether the Militia have been most serviceable or hurt-
ful upon the whole, I should subscribe to the latter. I do
not mean by this, however, to arraign the conduct of Con-
gress ; in so doing I should equally condemn my own meas-
ures, if I did not my judgment; but experience, which is
the best criterion to work by, so fully, clearly, and decisively
reprobates the practice of trusting to Militia, that no man
who regards order, regularity, or economy, or who has any
regard for his own honour, character, or peace of mind, will
risk them upon this issue.
No less attention should be paid to the choice of Sur-
geons than other officers of the army ; they should undergo
a regular examination, and if not appointed by the Director-
General and Surgeons of the hospital, they ought to be sub-
ordinate to and governed by his directions. The regimental
Surgeons 1 arn speaking of, many of whom are very great
rascals, countenancing the men in sham complaints to ex-
empt them from duty, and often receiving bribes to certify
indispositions, with a view to procure discharges or fur-
loughs. But independent of these practices, while they
are considered as unconnected with the .general hospital,
there will be nothing but continual complaints of each
other — the Director of the hospital charging them with
enormity in their drafts for the sick, and they him for deny-
ing such things as are necessary. In short, there is a con-
stant bickering among them, which tends greatly to the
injury of the sick, and will always subsist till the regimental
Surgeons are made to look up to the Director-General of
the hospital as a superiour. Whether this is the case in
regular armies or not, I cannot undertake to say ; but cer-
tain I am, there is a necessity for it in this, or the sick will
suffer. The regimental Surgeons are aiming, I am persua-
ded, to break up the general hospital, and have in number-
less instances drawn for medicines, stores, Sic., in the most
profuse and extravagant manner for private purposes.
Another matter highly worthy of attention is, that other
rules and regulations may be adopted for the government of
the army, than those now in existence ; otherwise the armv,
but for the name, might as well be disbanded. For the
most atrocious offences, one or two instances only e\cepted,
a man receives no more than thirty-nine lashes, and these,
perhaps, through the collusion of the officer who is to see it
inflicted, are given in such a manner as to become rather a
matter of sport than punishment ; but, when inflicted as
they ought, many hardened fellows who have been the sub-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
jects, have declared that for a bottle of rum they would
undergo a second operation. It is evident, therefore, that
the punishment is inadequate to many crimes it is assigned
to. As a proof of it, thirty and forty soldiers will desert at
a time, and of late a practice prevails (as you will see by
the letter of the 22d) of the most alarming nature, and
which will, if it cannot be checked, prove fatal both to the
country and army; I mean the infamous practice of plun-
dering. For, under the idea of Tory property, or property
which may fall into the hands of the enemy, no man is
secure in his effects, and scarcely in his person ; for, in order
to get at them, we have several instances of people being
frightened out of their houses, under pretence of those
houses being ordered to be burnt, and this is done with a
view of seizing the goods ; nay, in order that the villany
may be the more effectually concealed, some houses have
actually been burnt to cover the theft. I have, with some
others, used my utmost endeavours to stop this horrid prac-
tice; but under the present lust after plunder, and want of
laws to punish offenders, I might almost as well attempt to
remove Mount Atlas. I have ordered instant corporal
punishment upon every man who passes our lines, or is
seen with plunder, that the offender might be punished for
disobedience of orders ; and enclose you the proceedings
of a Court-Martial held upon an officer, who, with a party
of men, had robbed a house a little beyond our lines of a
number of valuable goods, among which (to show that noth-
ing escapes) were four large pier looking-glasses, women's
clothes, and other articles, svhich, one would think, could be
of no earthly use to him. He was met by a Major of
Brigade, who ordered him to return the goods, as taken con-
trary to general orders; which he not only peremptorily
refused to do, but drew up his party, and swore he would
defend them at the hazard of his life ; on which I ordered
him to be arrested and tried for plundering, disobedience of
orders, and mutiny. For the result I refer to the proceed-
ings of the court, whose judgment appeared so exceedingly
extraordinary that I ordered a reconsideration of the matter,
upon which, and with the assistance of a fresh evidence,
they made shift to cashier him.
I adduce this instance to give some idea to Congress of
the current sentiment and general run of the officers, which
compose the present army; and to show how exceedingly
necessary it is to be careful in the choice of the new set,
even if it should take double the time to complete the levies.
An army formed of good officers moves like clockwork ;
but there is no situation upon earth less enviable, nor more
distressing, than that person's who is at the head of troops
who are regardless of order and discipline, and who are
unprovided with almost every necessary. In a word, the
difficulties which have forever surrounded me since I have
been in the service, and kept my mind constantly upon
the stretch; the wounds which my feelings as an officer
have received by a thousand things which have happened
contrary to my expectation and wishes ; the effect of my
own conduct, and the present appearance of things, so little
pleasing to myself as to render it a matter of no surprise (to
me) if I should stand capitally censured by Congress ; added
to a consciousness of my inability to govern an army com-
posed of such discordant parts, and under such a variety of
intricate and perplexing circumstances, induces not only a
belief, but a thorough conviction in my mind, that it will
be impossible, unless there is a thorough change in our mili-
tary system, for me to conduct matters in such a manner
as to give satisfaction to the publick, which is all the recom-
pense I aim at, or ever wished for.
Before 1 conclude, I must apologize for the liberties taken
in this letter, and for the blots and scratchings therein, not
having time to give it more correctly. With truth I can
add, that with every sentiment of respect and esteem, I arn
yours and the Congress's most obedient and most humble
servant, „ -,,r
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. John Hancock, President of Congress.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the Line, held
on the Heights of HARLEM, by order of his Excellency
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-
in-Chiefofthe Forces of the UNITED STATES or AMER-
499
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
500
ICA, for the trial of all Prisoners to le broitght before
them, SEPTEMBER 19, 1776.
Colonel SAGE, President.
Lieut. Col. Brearly, Captain Good,
Major Howell, Lieutenant Bleeker,
Captain Smith, Lieutenant Skellon,
Captain Bond, Lieutenant De Witt,
Captain Burke, Lieutenant Humphreys, .
Captain Higgins, Lieutenant Blackman,
Captain Brown, Lieutenant Case.
Captain Chamberlain,
WILLIAM TUDOR, Judge-Advocate.
The Court being duly sworn, proceeded to the trial of
Ensign Matthew Macumber, of Captain Barnes's Company,
in Colonel Sargent's Regiment, brought prisoner before the
Court-Martial and accused of plundering and robbery, and
also of mutiny.
The prisoner being arraigned on the above charge, plead
" Not guilty."
Major Box. Last Tuesday, about two o'clock, I saw a
number of people plundering down on Harlem Plain. I
took a party and went down on the Plain, and met Ensign
Macumber, with a party of upwards of twenty, all loaded
with plunder, such as house furniture, table linen, and
kitchen utensils, China and delf ware. I ordered him to
lay it down, or carry it back to the place he took it from.
He said he had his Colonel's order for what he had done,
and that he would defend the plunder as long as he had
life. I asked him if he knew me, and told him who I was,
and told him how express the General's orders were about
plundering. I told him if he did not deliver up the plunder,
I should fire upon him, and jumped over a fence, and my
little party followed. On this the prisoner and his party
surrounded me, and the prisoner gave orders for the party
to make ready; they did so, and told me they would die by
the plunder, and Macumber, the prisoner, declared the same.
When I found I could do nothing, I left them and went up
and got a party, and went down. The prisoner seeing me
coming, left his party and put off across the fields, loaded
with something. I disarmed the party, and made them
prisoners. The prisoner ordered his party to make ready,
before I jumped over the fence.
Sergeant THAYER. I was one of the party with Major
Box, on Tuesday, and met Ensign Macumber, as has been
related. Major Box told the prisoner's party to lay down
their plunder; they all refused, and the prisoner said that he
had obeyed the Colonel's orders, and that he would carry
the plunder to his Colonel. On Major Box presenting his
pistol at the Ensign, he ordered the men to form themselves.
The men were clamorous, and the Ensign was quieting
them. He said he had orders from his Colonel, and had
obeyed them, and would obey them to the spilling his
blood; which I took to mean that he would defend his
party and the plunder. The Major went off, and we
returned soon after ; but I know nothing more of the pri-
soner. There was women's clothing among other articles
of plunder.
WILLIAM THOMAS. Says he was one of the party, and
confirmed Sergeant Thayer's testimony.
SAMUEL BROWN. Confirmed Sergeant Thayer's testi-
mony, and adds that the prisoner told Major Box, after he
had ordered his men to form, that he would see which had
the strongest party, or that the ground should drink his
blood. Several of his men said they would blow out Major
Box's brains, if he cocked his pistol again.
WILLIAM CORNISH. Confirms Brown's testimony, and
adds, that from every appearance, he doubts not the prison-
er's party would have fired upon them had they attempted
to have rescued the plunder out of their hands.
Prisoner's Defence.
JOHN PETTY. Just before we entered the town of Har-
lem, Ensign Macumber stopped the party and expressly
ordered us not to plunder. I was posted as a sentry, and
know nothing of the party plundering. I was one who
drove the cattle off, and did not join the party who had the
plunder.
GORDON SPENCER. After we got into Harlem, Ensign
Macumber took some of the party and went off with them.
After he was gone, some of the men broke into the house.
I went and found the Ensign, and told him of it. He said
it was against his orders, and bid me go and tell them to
leave the house. Before we met Major Box, Ensign Ma-
cumber had told the men they should carry all the plunder
to Colonel Sargent.
The Court being cleared, after mature consideration are
of opinion, that the prisoner is not guilty of plundering or
of robbery, nor of mutiny, but that he is guilty of offering
violence to and disobeying Major Box, his superiour officer.
And the Court sentence and adjudge that the prisoner ask
pardon of Major Box, and receive a severe reprimand from
the commanding officer at the head of the regiment he
O O
COMFORT SAGE, President.
Note by General WASHINGTON. — It is to be observed that
the men who were to share the plunder, became the evidence
for the prisoner. G. W.
The Court proceeded to the trial of Ebcnezer Leffingwell,
of Captain Cleft's Company, in Colonel Durkee's Regiment,
brought prisoner before the Court, and accused "of coward-
ice and misbehaviour before the enemy, and of presenting
and snapping a musket at Colonel Reed, the Adjutant-
General."
The prisoner being arraigned on the above 'charge, pleads
"Not guilty."
Colonel REED deposes. On Monday forenoon I left
Colonel Knowlton, with a design to send him a reinforce-
ment. I had accordingly ordered up Major Leitch, and
was going up to where the firing was, when I met the pri-
soner running away from where the firing was, with every
mark of trepidation and fear. I followed him, and ordered
him back after striking him ; he promised to return, and
went on into the bushes. A little after, I saw him running
off again, and pursued him with a determination to mark
him ; and came up to him and struck him with my hanger,
and wounded him in the head and hand. He bid me keep
off, or he would shoot me ; he presented his piece, and I
think snapped his piece at me. I found him after this lying
in a ditch ; on his seeing me he fell to bellowing out, and I
should have shot him, could I have got my gun off. He
has since confessed to me that he was running 'away at the
time I met him.
Lieutenant SHIPMAN, evidence for the prisoner. The
prisoner was one of the party with Colonel Knowtion, on
Monday, and behaved well in the first of the skirmish ; he
was after in a small flank guard with me, and stood his
ground till we were ordered to retreat. In the second
attack, I know nothing of the prisoner, or where he was.
The Court being cleared, are of opinion, that the prisoner
is guilty of "misbehaving before the enemy, and of present-
ing his musket at Colonel Reed." and of a breach of the
twenty-seventh article of the rules and regulations for the
government of the Continental forces, and the Court sen-
tence him to suffer death for said crime.
COMFORT SAGE, President.
The Court adjourns to Saturday morning, 21st of Sep-
tember, at nine o'clock.
Proceedings of a Court-Martial on Ensign MACUMBER,
SEPTMBER21, 1776.
The Court met according to adjournment, when the
Judge Advocate laid before the Court the proceedings of
yesterday, respecting Ensign Macumber, with the order of
his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief (hereto annexed)
for a reconsideration of the sentence against the said Ensign
Macumber; which being read, the Court proceeded to a
reconsideration of the judgment in the case of the aforesaid.
Present, all the members as yesterday, except Lieutenant-
Colonel Brearly and Captain Bond.
Captain RAMSAY being sworn, deposes. Last Tuesday,
in the beginning of the afternoon, I was crossing Harlem
Plains; I saw a number of men loaded with plunder. I went
up to them and told them they had been acting exceeding
wrong, and would have to answer for their conduct ; they
said they had acted in obedience of their officers' orders.
Presently Ensign Macumber came up, and I renewed the
conversation with him; he told me he had gone out by
orders of his officer, and that he had a right to take any
thing outside of our lines. Ensign Macumber had at this
time a knapsack full on his shoulder, out of which stuck two
waxen toys, which I took hold of, and jested with him on
his having such a pretty sort of plunder; he made me no
501
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
502
reply, but ordered them to proceed with what things they
had; they had a large chair full, consisting of poultry and
some house furniture ; some were loaded with kettles and
kitchen furniture. Just upon this, Major Box came up, and
spoke to the foremost of the party, who told him they had
got the plunder at Harlem; on which the Major, with a
pistol in his hand, ordered the man to lay it down; the man
hesitated and looked round on his party; upon this, Major
Box ordered the whole party to lay down their plunder, or
he would shoot the first man that refused; immediately on
this, Ensign Macumber called out to his men, " my lads,
stand to your arms and form," and said to Major Box,
"we'll see who has the strongest party," or words to this
effect; the men instantly formed ; on this, Major Box asked
the Ensign if he knew him; the Ensign replied, yes, that he
knew him to be Major Box. The Major replied that he
was so, and that he came with express orders from his
Excellency to act as he did, and to prevent plundering;
the Ensign told him that he had acted by orders of a supe-
riour officer. Major Box said, I must put you under an
arrest, and ordered a man to take his arms. Macumber said
he would not be disarmed, but would go with them and his
plunder to his General, who might act with them as he
pleased, and that he would spill his blood before he would
give them up there. At this time his men were exceeding
mutinous; several of them cocked their pieces and brought
them nearly to a present at Major Box. The Major asked
for the Ensign's name, and went off. The men were ex-
ceeding abusive to the Major, and Ensign Macumber ordered
them to be quiet. I have no doubt but if any attempt had
been made to disarm the prisoner, his party would have
fired ; and I was so apprehensive of this, that 1 stood on my
guard.
Ensign Macumber offers no evidence.
The Court after a thorough reconsideration of the evi-
dence for. and against the prisoner, and after the matures!
consideration of the further evidence which has been pro-
duced, are of opinion, that the prisoner is guilty of plunder-
ing and of mutiny, and the Court annul the sentence of
yesterday, and are of opinion that the prisoner be cashiered
for said offence; and he is accordingly cashiered.
COMFORT SAGE, President.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 23, 1776. .
(Parole, Stamford.) (Countersign, ATorwott.)
Ebenezer Leffingwell, being convicted of offering vio-
lence to his superiour officer, of cowardice, and misbehaviour
before the enemy, was ordered to suffer death this day.
The General, from his former good character, and upon the
intercession of the Adjutant-General, against whom he pre-
sented his firelock, is pleased to pardon him ; but declares
that the next offender shall suffer death, without mercy.
Sergeant-Major Hutton is appointed Adjutant to Colonel
Mead's Regiment, Colonel Silliman's Brigade.
Mr. Charles Knowles is appointed Paymaster to Colonel
Knox's Regiment of Artillery.
Colonel Douglass's Brigade-Major being ordered in arrest
for "neglect of duty, in not giving the parole and counter-
sign to the guards," Colonel Douglass is to appoint another
to do the duty.
Colonels and Commanding Officers of Regiments have
neglected to make reports of the examination of their regi-
ments after plunder. They are now reminded of it, and
will be mentioned in orders if they neglect it.
A report is to be made at Head-Quarters, as soon as
possible, of the several officers under arrest, that they may
be tried ; Colonels and Commanding Officers of Regiments
to attend to it.
Head-Cluarters, Harlem Heights, Septem1 er 24, 1776.
(Parole, Bridoi.) (Countersign, Satem.)
The Quartermaster-General and the Chief Engineer are
to mark the grounds, to-morrow, on which the barracks and
huts are to be built this side King's Bridge. They are to
call upon the General, previous to their setting out upon
this business, for directions. When the ground" is marked
out, the Quartermaster-General is to cause the materials for
building to be laid thereon as quick as possible.
The General is informed, that in consequence of his
recommendation of the 20th instant, many regiments have
turned out very cheerfully to work, when others have sent
few or no men on fatigue. The first he, thanks for their
conduct, whilst the others are to be informed that their con-
duct will be marked. The General would have them
recollect that it is for their own safety and self-defence these
works are constructing, and the sooner they are finished, the
sooner they will be able to erect warm and comfortable bar-
racks or huts for themselves to lodge in.
The Militia which came to the assistance of this Army,
under the command of General Wolcott, are to hold them-
selves in readiness to return home. Before they go, they
are to return into the publick stores every thing they drew
from thence, such as ammunition, camp-kettles, &,c.
Joseph Jackson appointed Paymaster to Colonel Hutch-
inson's Regiment.
Major Henly, Aid-de-Camp to General Heath, whose
activity and attention to duty, courage, and every other
quality which can distinguish a brave and gallant soldier,
and must endear him to every lover of his country, having
fallen in a late skirmish on Montresor's Island, while bravely
leading a party on, his remains will be interred this after-
noon, at five o'clock, from the quarters of Major David
Henly, acting Adjutant-general, below the hill where the
redoubt is thrown up on the road.
The General thanks the Colonels and Commanding
Officers of Regiments, for their care in examining the tents
and knapsacks of the soldiers, after plunder. He directs
that what has been found be sent to the house on the road
side, below Head-Quarters ; and that Regimental Courts
Martial immediately sit, to try every one who cannot prove
that he came honestly by what is found in his possession.
The offenders to be punished as soon as the sentence is
approved by the Colonel or Commanding Officer. As a
little wholesome severity now may put a stop to such ruin-
ous practices in future, the General hopes a very strict
inquiry will be made, and no favour shown. The General
does not admit of any pretence for plundering. Whether
it is Tory property taken beyond the lines or not, it is
equally a breach of orders, and to be punished in the officer
who gives orders, or the soldier who goes without. Such
Colonels or Commanding Officers of Regiments as have not
reported, will be mentioned by name in to-morrow's orders,
if reports are not made before.
A working party, of one thousand men, properly officered,
to parade to-morrow, opposite Head-Quarters, at seven
o'clock. The parade will be attended by some General
Officers, who will put in arrest any officer found delinquent
in bringing his men in time.
A Field Officer of the Regiment posted at Mount Wash-
ington is to visit the guards there carefully, the distance
from the lines not admitting the General Officer of the day
to go up.
BENJAMIN DEPUY TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Mamacoting Precinct, Weatchester County, New-York, )
September 24, 1776. $
Whereas Captain Tyler, from Cosechton, arrived here as
an express, the 22d instant, at night, with an account that
all the neighbourhood the,re and farther up the Delaware,
were greatly alarmed, so that several of the inhabitants up
that way intended to move down into the more populous
settlements. The occasion of said alarm was a letter sent
by one Mr. Johnson, from Tunadilla, down the Delaware,
an extract of which Captain Tyler brought here, which we
send per bearer, Thomas Kyte, to lay before your Honours.
We, concluding that the Cosechton people were in great
confusion and terrour, persuaded Captain Tyler for to return
and pacify the people, which he consented to do, upon our
sending this express to your Honours; and he will send
another express here this week, to receive your Honours'
answer and directions how to behave in this affair, hoping
you are better acquainted with the cause of this alarm than
either they or we are. As for other particulars, the bearer
can inform you, who is a person you may rely on and con-
fide in, as faithful and zealous in the cause.
From your Honours' friends and humble servants.
Per order of the Committee:
BENJAMIN DEPUY, Chairman.
To the Hon. Congress held for the State of New-York.
P. S. If there should happen to be an attack made on
503
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
504
our frontier by disaffected persons or Indians, we are in a
poor state of defence at present, our companies being so
weakened by the different drafts out of them, but especi-
ally by the volunteers that entered into the service under
Captain De Witt, who are at present under no command,
not being mustered.
JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Camp at King's Bridge, September 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : In pursuance of your orders I called at
the Fort in the Highlands, and found things in as good a
state as could be expected, considering the number of men
in garrison. I have mentioned to General Washington
your request that a reinforcement might be sent from hence;
his answer was, that from the state of the army it was im-
possible to be complied with. 1 saw him yesterday eve-
ning, but as he was much indisposed, and crowded with
business, I avoided pressing him upon the subject. I have
not waited on him to-day, as I suppose him engaged
with a Committee of Congress, who arrived as I left Head-
Quarters last evening, but intend to urge, if I should see
him as I propose to-morrow, that at least Colonel Living-
ston with his detachment may be sent there.
When I showed him your resolve respecting the ex-
change of General Woodhull, he asked me who we had to
propose. I mentioned Mr. Matthews, as the only person
they would probably think of as an equivalent. He doubtt d
the propriety of such an offer; as Mr. Mattheivs was not in
the military line, he could not, perhaps, be accepted; and
besides, the exchanging a person charged with treasonable
practices against the United States, for a gentleman taken
in arms, might probably be thought not altogether so proper
by some people. These were doubts which, I confess, it
was not in my power to obviate; however, I shall introduce
the subject again to-rnorrow, and endeavour to have the
General's sentiments explicitly upon it. He told me if I
would draw up any proposal he would send it over by the
first flag. I was in hopes he would have offered some one
of the persons he took up and sent to Connecticut; but as
he did not mention it. I thought such a proposal would
come with a very bad grace from me, as we had neglected
to take the precaution of securing the Crown officers and
disaffected persons amongst us. However, that I may
leave no stone unturned for the relief of our worthy Presi-
dent, I shall consult Mr. Lewis, who is one of the Commit-
tee of Congress, and, if possible, draw from the General an
offer of one of those men. Should I fail of success, shall
set out with a heavy heart for Fairfield, in order to comply
with your directions about Ketchum, who, I arn informed by
Captain Rogers, is there in gaol.
While I am writing, General Clinton has picked up a
letter from Mr. Duer, requesting to know the particulars of
the conflagration of New-York, and what measures are
taking to exchange General Sullivan and Lord Stirling,
The city is burnt from the Bowling-Green, on the west side
of the Broadway, to the College, except the buildings of
Mr. J. Cortlandt and Mr. Rutherford's houses ; and on
the east side to within two doors of the house lately occu-
pied by General McDougall, and the west side of Broad
street from the Exchange to Vervlatenburgh street. Gen-
eral Howe disclaims any knowledge of the matter till the
city was in flames ; and in order to evince his sincerity, we
are told he threw several persons, suspected of being con-
cerned, into the flames; several others were hung up by the
heels, and afterwards had their throats cut. This, we sup-
pose, has been done in order to take the odium of such a
crime from the army. The most rational conjecture we
can make for the cause of the fire is, that the army, having
been promised the plunder of the town in case of conquest,
and finding from their late repulse that such an event is
rather too far distant for their impatience, have set fire to
the town in order to facilitate their views. As to the ex-
change, General Prescott is on his way to relieve General
Sullivan. The matter of Lord Stirling is not settled, as
General Howe excepts to his being exchanged for McDon-
ald, who, he says, only bears the rank of a Major in his
army. Our Canada prisoners are at the Hook, and are to
be sent on shore on their parole.
This will be handed you by Captain Rogers, who will
give a full account of his cruise and success, from svhich
you will be able to judge of the expediency of retaining
or selling the Montgomery. Should the latter be your
determination, beg 1 may have the refusal of her, as I will
take her with her cannon and stores at the appraisal of any
two indifferent persons. Shall be glad to know how I shall
dispose of the three hundred and twenty pounds of publick
money I lett at Fairfield.
A letter in answer, by Captain Rogers, will much oblige
your most obedient servant, J S H
To the Honourable the Convention of New- York.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, September 24, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: I received yours of this morning, and
shall carefully attend to your directions.
You wilt understand by Captain Duer that there is a
probability of some Canadians and Indians, with some
Regulars, paying us a visit at this place. They look
upon it as an easy acquisition for a few hours, and are con-
vinced they can destroy the small party here. I differ with
them in the fact. A thousand men, without artillery, can
do us no injury, or, at least, we shall be able to kill more
of them than they will of us. It is very practicable to cut
off the retreat of any party that may enter upon the pro-
ject. I shall give you timely notice to send a party to cut
off their retreat, should they make an attempt with any thing
less than the main body.
The canister shot has not been sent, but I expect to re-
ceive it as soon as the canisters can be made. In the
present situation of the fleet, it is practicable for small craft
to pass it ; but I am yet under no apprehension. My men
are recovering within these few days very fast.
I am, honoured sir, your most humble servant,
THOS. HARTLEY.
To General Gates.
COLONEL HENRY B. LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Saybrook, September 24, 1776
SIR: Since my last I have made a little excursion upon
Long-Island, and brought off three thousand one hundred
and twenty-nine sheep, and four hundred head of horned
cattle, from Shemcock's Plains, about thirty miles from Sag-
Harbour. There hearing a Mr. Richard Miller and some
others were raising companies to aid and assist General
Howe, I despatched Captain Roe, with about thirty men,
to seize their leaders and hinder the people from collecting.
At the time of Captain Roe's arrival at Satucket, he found
that Mr. Miller had inlisted about forty men, and was on
his way to head his company, when he fell in with Captain
Roe and his party, who lay in wait for him, in hopes to
make him their prisoner. He was hailed several times, and
ordered to stop; but attempting to make his escape, was
shot through the body. I have thought proper to be thus
particular with regard to this transaction, lest it should be
misrepresented, as the young gentleman has many friends.
He is said to have been recommended to the notice of Lord
Howe by Judge Ludlow.
Oliver De Lancey is a Brigadier-General under Lord
Howe, as your Excellency may see by the enclosed copies
of orders sent to Colonel Phineas Fanning. 1 was per-
mitted a sight of the originals, on condition they should
be again returned. A reward of five hundred pounds is
offered for my head by General De Lancey, I arn told. I
am in great hopes of being even with him soon, if your
Excellency pleases to continue me on this station. If it
was possible for me to obtain a few more men, I believe it
would be in my power to make their quarters very warm
for them at Jamaica, as I am informed most of their army
have crossed the East River. However, should this not be
a fact, it is certain that Lord Howe has ordered all grain,
hay, &.C., to be valued and reserved for the use of the
British army; the defending or destroying this would be
advantageous, I should imagine. The New-England peo-
ple are very backward in supplying vessels to carry off
stock, otherwise 1 should have removed treble the quantity.
Most of those I have, have been pressed for that purpose,
and 1 have given them certificates on the Convention of
New-York in payment for the time they were employed.
505
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
506
Any directions your Excellency will be pleased to honour me
with shall be strictly complied with.
I remain your Excellency's most obedient, humble ser-
n ' HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Excellency General Washington.
Jamaica, September 1, 1776.
SIR: I am ordered by his Excellency the Honourable
William Howe, Esq., General and Commander-in-Chief of
all his Majesty's forces in North America, from Nova-
Scotia to the Floridas, on the application of the County of
Suffolk, by Nathaniel Woodhull and Samuel Phillips, who
have signified to him that the inhabitants of said County are
desirous to lay down their arms and again become legal and
obedient subjects, that for the peace, and ease, and security
of the inhabitants, he is willing to accept of their submis-
sion, and promise them protection on the King's Colonels
or other inferiours of Militia, respectively making and caus-
ing the men through the country to lay down their arms,
take the oath of allegiance, and sign the said roll of sub-
mission, disclaiming and rejecting the orders of Congress
and Committees, and totally refusing obedience to them,
and to obey the legal authority of Government, and in all
places of worship in future to pray for the King and Royal
family, as was usual before the present unprovoked rebel-
lion. OLIVER DE LANCEY,
Major-General of Militia in the
Southern District of the Colony of New-York.
To Colonel Conklinz.
A true copy :
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
Huntington, September 2, 1776.
SIR: You are hereby ordered and directed to give orders
to all the King's Captains, or next Commanding officers of
the Militia in the Third Battalion in Suffolk County, to call
their several companies together, at the usual places, imme-
diately, and to order all them that have taken up arms
against the King to lay down their arms, and to take the
oath of allegiance to the King, and to sign a roll of submis-
sion, disclaiming and rejecting the orders of Congress or
Committees, and to obey the legal authority of Govern-
ment.
I hereby enclose a true copy of the writing sent rne from
General Howe. This by order of General Howe, by di-
rection of „
OLIVER DE LANCEY.
To Colonel Phineas Fanning, or the next Commanding
Officer.
A true copy from the original :
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
Jamaica, Queen's County, September 5, 1776.
His Excellency the Honourable tVilliam Howe, General
and Commander-in-Chief of all his Majesty's forces within
the Colonies lying on the Atlantick Ocean from Nova-Scotia
to West-Florida inclusive, Sic., &.c., &tc., having authorized
me to raise a brigade of Provincials, solely for the defence
of this island, and to reestablish order and government
within the same, to apprehend or drive all concealed Rebels
from among his Majesty's well affected subjects, and other
purposes :
1 do hereby for the encouragement of the inlisting men in
the County of Suffolk, give notice, that upon any persons
of good recommended character raising a company of
twenty men, they shall have commissions for one Captain,
one Lieutenant, and one Ensign, and shall be paid and sub-
sisted as the officers and soldiers are in the British pay ;
and it is hoped that the inhabitants of the County will cheer-
fully raise the men wanted for this service, as it will prevent
the disagreeable business of detaching them, which I shall
be under the necessity of doing, if the companies cannot be
raised without it.
Given under my hand the date above.
OLIVER DE LANCEY, Brigadier-General.
A true copy : HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
Jamaica, September 11, 1776.
I am ordered by his Excellency General Howe to write
to you, and order all the fat cattle and sheep in Suffolk
County to be immediately drove down to Jamaica, where
proper persons will be appointed to ascertain the weight of
them, give certificates of the value of them, that the owners
may be paid for them, keeping a distinct account of those
cattle, &,c., that belong to people who are in actual rebel-
lion, whose cattle must be forced down for the refreshment
of the King's troops. This order must be speedily obeyed,
as the County will otherwise feel the resentment of the
King's troops.
Given under my hand the above date. Reserving only
as many cattle as is necessary for their own subsistence.
OLIVER DE LANCEY, Brigadier-General.
To Colonel Phineas Fanning, at Southold.
DANIEL ROE TO EBENEZER WATSON.
Saybrook, September 24, 1776:
MR. WATSON: Enclosed I send you an account of our
proceedings at Brook Haven, on Long-Island, which you
will please to insert in your next, and oblige many of your
readers, as well as your humble servant, ^
DANIEL ROE.
Last Friday, a party from Lieutenant-Colonel C. Liv-
ingston's detachment was put under the command of Cap-
tain Daniel Roe, to go from Saybrook to Brook Haven, on
Long-Island, for the purpose of bringing off said Captain
Roe's family and a number of others. On Saturday night,
at twelve o'clock, Captain Roe left the sloop at Brook
Haven, taking fourteen men with him to assist in bringing
down the family, (leaving on board fourteen men to guard
the vessel, under the command of Lieutenant George Smith.)
He proceeded to his house, pressing teams as he went, to
bring down the goods, not being able to procure them by any
other means. At nine o'clock in the morning, just as he was
in readiness to return with his family and effects, he was
informed by one of his guards, that Mr. Richard Miller, of
Brook Haven, a young gentleman of family and fortune, but
a notorious enemy to his country, was passing his house ;
upon which Captain Roe ordered his men to hail him, and
if he refused to stop, to fire upon him. He was accordingly
hailed three times, upon which he stopped, and five men,
with their pieces presented, told him they would instantly
kill him if he attempted to stir; he stood and viewed them
about half a minute, then discharged a pistol at them, and
rode off with the utmost expedition, upon which he was
ordered to stop several times; but he still refusing, five guns
were separately fired at him, from the last of which a ball
was shot through his body, upon which he dismounted, and
was carried into Captain Roe's house, where he was left
in the care of a number of the inhabitants. Captain Roe
being informed that one Jacob Smith, who was in conjunc-
tion with Miller, and not far distant when he was taken,
had collected a party, and were endeavouring to surround
and take him and his men prisoners, he thought it prudent
to retreat on board" his vessel, where he had but just time to
arrive with his wife and family, being obliged to leave the
whole of his effects behind him.
The above named Richard Miller and Jacob Smith had
received commissions under the King of Great Britain, and
had been raising men for the Ministerial service, and pressing
horses and wagons, together with persons to drive them, to
assist" General Howe in removing his baggage. They had
likewise taken fat cattle from the inhabitants, and obliged
them to drive them to the Ministerial army.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Watertown, September 24, 1776.
SIR: The Board have received your favour of the 19th
instant, and we are much obliged to your Excellency for the
particular account you have favoured us with, relative to
the attack and retreat of the Continental troops from Long-
Island, as also of their evacuating the city of New-York.
We are glad to hear the retreat was effected with the
loss of but three or four men. We should have been well
pleased to have heard, that in the late action on the 15th
instant, the troops had made a bold and resolute stand
against the enemy, instead of being informed that some of
them deserted their posts in so shameful and disgraceful
manner, as you represented, notwithstanding the exertions
of their Generals and the attempts your Excellency made
507
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
508
to rally them. At the time we informed you that this State
had resolved to draft one-fifth part of their Militia, to rein-
force the army at New-York, there had been no appoint-
ment of a General Officer to command these troops. We
have now to inform you that since our last, the Hon. Ben-
jamin Lincoln, Esq., Major-General of the Militia of this
State, has been appointed to this command, who will soon
be able to give you the necessary information with respect
to the officers who are to command the respective regi-
ments of which this reinforcement will consist.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq.
JOHN TORREY TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Plimouth, September 24, 1776.
SIR: The Committee of Correspondence, &,c., of this
town beg leave to represent to the honourable Council, that
there are two persons, viz : Benjamin Marston, Esq., of
Marblehead, and one Gideon White, of this town, taken
and brought in here, who are refugees to the town of Bos-
ton, and from thence to Nova-Scotia. The character and
conduct of these men have been so well known to us, and
the danger of their going at large so apparent, that we con-
ceived it our duty to confine them. We have accordingly
ordered them to the gaol in this town, 'till your Honours'
pleasure can be known. We would further inform you,
that we conceive the gaol here is not a proper place to
confine them in. They have many connexions here, espe-
cially the last of them, of the same character of themselves,
by whose assistance they may make an escape, and get off
with some vessel, to the injury of this town and the common
cause. We would therefore beg leave to suggest to your
Honours the propriety of sending them to some gaol in the
internal parts of this State.
We wait your further directions, and are with the greatest
respect, your most obedient, humble servants, the Committee
of Correspondence and Safety for the town of Plimouth.
Per order, JOHN TORHEY, Chairman.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GOVERNOUK TRUMBULL.
Council Chamber, Watertown, September 24, 1776.
SIR: Upon the receipt of your Honour's favour of the
9th instant, the General Court of this State appointed a
committee to purchase sixty whale-boats, and a suitable
number of oars for them, and have ordered the battalion of
Militia destined for the State of Rhode-Island, to proceed
with the boats to their place of destination, with all pos-
sible despatch, and deliver the boats to Governour Cooke.
The mode of removing them from thence to Connecticut,
will be settled between your Honour and him. We hope
that they will arrive safe, and that the valuable and im-
portant purposes for which they are designed be fully
answered, our enemies disappointed, our friends relieved
and supported. General Lincoln, who' is appointed to
command the Militia from this State, to reinforce the army
at New-York, will wait on your Honour, from whom you
will learn what further steps have been taken.
To Governour Trumbull.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO THE PRESIDENT
OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 5, 1776.]
State of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, )
At Exeter, September 24, 1776. J
SIR: The resolve of Congress, accompanied by your
letter, requesting aid to be sent to the army under Gene-
ral Washington, at New-York, came to Exeter, the 14th
instant. The General Court then sitting, immediately
resolved to raise one thousand men for that purpose, and
issued orders accordingly. By returns, and information
from the different parts of the State, we find the whole num-
ber hath voluntarily inlisted, are now just beginning their
march, and we expect in two or three days from this time
all of them will be on the road. They are formed into two
regiments of equal numbers.
I am your most obedient, humble servant,
NATHANIEL FOLSOM, Chairman pro tern.
To Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GENERAL
WASHINGTON.
State of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, )
Exeter, September 24, 1776. I
SIR: In pursuance of a requisition from the honourable
Continental Congress, received the 14th instant, this State
hath raised one thousand men, who are just beginning
their march for New-York. They are formed into two
regiments, of five hundred men each, under Colonel Thomas
Task and Colonel Nahum Baldwin, who are ordered to
march their regiments forward with all possible speed, and
put themselves under your direction at New-York, and con-
tinue so until the first of December next.
That your Excellency and the troops under your com-
mand, may be guided by unerring wisdom, save your
country, and defeat the cruel purposes of our inveterate
enemies, none more fervently wishes, than your most obe-
dient, humble servant,
NATHANIEL FOLSOM, Chairman pro tern.
To His Excellency General Washington.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GENERAL WARD.
State of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, )
Exeter, September 24, 1776. $
SIR: One thousand men, raised by this State to recruit
the army under General Washington, at Neiv-York, are
now just beginning to march, and, we expect, will all be
on the road in two or three days.
As no direction was sent us about ammunition, in the
hurry of raising the men that matter was overlooked until
now ; and whether there is a necessity of any being carried
from hence, we are not enough acquainted with the state
of the magazines at New- York to determine. Therefore,
we thought it necessary to send the bearer express to'
Boston; and if you suppose it prudent for the men to be
supplied with any before they reach New-York, we request
you will send forward to Hartford, in Connecticut, where
our troops are to rendezvous, such a quantity of powder
and balls as you judge necessary for one thousand men, out
of the Continental stock in your care. We request this
more particularly as our stock is small for our own internal
defence.
By order of the Committee. I am, &c.
To Hon. Major-General Ward.
PETITION OF HERCULES MOONEY AND OTHERS.
To the Honourable the Committee of Safety for the State
of NEW-HAMPSHIRE, humbly shows:
The subscribers, officers in the battalion in the Conti-
nental service under the command of Colonel Pierce Long,
that, before the promotion of Major Hodgdon, he, as Cap-
tain of a company in said battalion, with his subaltern
officers, had inlisted sixty men for said service, forty of
whom have passed muster ; that as said company, by rea-
son of said promotion, is now without a Captain, it would
be very agreeable to them, as well as to most of the officers
of the said battalion, if the command of the said company
should be conferred on Mr. Abraham Perkins, the First
Lieutenant of said company, who is an able, expert officer,
and one who has always been ready and willing to dis-
charge the duty of his station, and to whom, we imagine,
the said command naturally falls. Wherefore, we pray
your Honours to appoint him Captain of the said com-
pany, as we conceive you will thereby give content to the
soldiers belonging to the said company, and contribute to
the increase of the harmony subsisting among the officers
of said battalion. And, as in duty bound, shall pray, &c.
HERCULES MOONEY, TITUS SALTEH,
CALEB HODGDON, SHACKFORD SEAWARD,
ELIPHALET DANIELS, WILLIAM COOPER,
MENDON JARVIN, MESACH BELL,
EBENEZER DEARING, TOBIAS LAIGHTON,
THOMAS BOWLER, JOHN CALFE.
September 24, 1776.
COLONEL BAYLEY TO COLONEL KURD.
Newbury, September 24, 1776.
By Sergeant Daniel Booth, of Colonel Hitchcock's regi-
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
510
merit, and Captain Tappan's company, taken at Qucbeck,
in General Montgomery's defeat, and inlisted, May last, into
the Royal Emigrants, deserted from them from Point-aux-
Trembles twenty-three days since, we learn that Colonel
Maclean is gone to London; that there are thirteen regi-
ments in Canada, about four hundred and fifty men in each ;
that they are stationed in different parts of Canada; that
Sir John Johnson has about one thousand Indians eighteen
miles above Montreal; that in Canada the regiments are as
follow, viz: the Ninth, Twentieth, Twenty-First, Twenty-
Fourth, Twenty-Ninth, Thirty-First, Thirty-Fourth, Forty-
Seventh, Fifty-Third, and Seventy-Second, Royal Emi-
grants, Sir John Johnson's five companies of the French,
one hundred and fifty Marines, and two regiments of
Hessians, one of Horse, the other Foot. Great prepara-
tions for crossing the Lake; and two vessels of force, &c.
I should have wrote more particular, but am now setting
out for New-York.
Am, sir, your humble servant, JACOB BAYLEY.
To John Hurd, Esq., Exeter.
M. CHAMP1GNY TO THE CONGRESS.
Nantz, September 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The desire 1 have always had of being
serviceable to you has induced me to seek for every means
of being so. I imagined I would not succeed better than
by engaging workmen capable of supplying your troops in
America with arms and ammunition; in consequence of
which, I have considered of ways to collect a number of
artificers, sufficient to establish a manufactory of arms, in
which may be made two thousand guns a month. This, I
think, may easily be effected. I have also looked out for a
man to cast brass cannon, and have found one well skilled ;
but he demands a handsome establishment. I have also
found a person to cast iron cannon, a refiner of saltpetre, a
director of powder mills. All these workmen amount to
the number of five hundred. If their service is agreeable
to you, you can send vessels here, to take them in ; and, in
the mean while, provide, on the side of some small rivers,
where the works are to be established, wood, stone, and
bricks, necessary for building the houses and furnaces. You
must also provide good copper, tin, and German steel, if
possible. I believe I ought to inform that every man will
cost you, one with another, a thousand French crowns. But
each will be provided with a fusil and a brace of pistols.
If you have occasion for any other workmen, you have
only to inform me, and you may rest assured I will use my
utmost endeavours to procure them.
I have, for this twelve months past, laboured to gain an
acquaintance with these men, and to establish the general
proportions for cannon, mortars, and howitzers.
1 ought also to inform you that if you want to send for
powder, I can procure it for you from the King's magazines
at Raison, at the rate of twenty sols a pound.
If you have any orders for me, you will send them
addressed to M. Paul, tenant le Cafe des Quatre Nations
a Nantz, (keeper of the Coffee House of Four Nations at
Nantz,) where all the Captains call who come from New-
England. He will forward them to me, and I will execute
them with all possible zeal.
I expect, gentlemen, the favour of an answer, that I may
not keep the workmen in suspense; and am, gentlemen,
with all possible zeal and attachment for you, gentlemen,
and New-England, your most humble and faithful servant,
GOUESLARDDE CHAMPIGNY,
Formerly an Officer of the Infantry ; at
present, of the Order of ST. LAZARRE.
accounts adjusted, and your attention to the frigate may
render it more inconvenient to you some time hence.
We are, &c.
To Captain James Nicholson.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MESSRS. WILLING AND
MORRIS.
[No. 192.] Annapolis, September 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Eight battalions are to be raised in Mary-
land by order of Congress. Small-arms will be much wanted;
permit us, therefore, to remind you of your engagement with
our State for the supplying of arms and gunpowder. We
hope that it is, or soon will be, in your power to complete
your contract. We are, &c.
To Messrs. Willing and Morris &/• Co.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE SECRET COMMITTEE
OF CONGRESS.
[No. 193.] Annapolis, September 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Your favour of the 13th we only received
the 23d instant ; the delay was occasioned by the letter's
being delivered to a member of our Board who resides on
the Eastern Shore, which, through hurry of business for
some time, escaped his memory.
We have ordered our Commissary of Stores at Baltimore
Town to deliver one ton of powder to Messrs. Lux, Pur-
viance, and Stewart, for proving the cannon intended for
the frigate ; and the further quantity that you desire for the
use of her shall be supplied when she is ready, should it
not, in the mean time, be convenient for you to send it from
Philadelphia. It is true that we have a considerable quan-
tity of powder at Baltimore Town ; but as we have and are
equipping sixteen armed vessels of one sort or other, we shall
in all probability have use for all the powder we have by us,
and indeed more.
Upon all occasions, we have furnished the honourable
Congress, and our neighbours, with whatever has been re-
quested of us ; and we wish the same measure had been
dealt out to us ; if it had, we should not have been denied
fourteen pieces of canvass, which we were in the greatest
want of, to complete the sails for some armed vessels that
we were fitting out ; and for want of it, we have been
obliged to substitute oznaburgs. Had we christened our
own child first, we could not have let Congress and our
friends of Virginia have had two hundred and forty pieces
sail-duck, nor yet the cannon, muskets, &tc., that we sup-
plied for the Hornet and Wasp.
You will be pleased to excuse our reminding your Board
of these things ; for we are exceedingly hurt by its refusing
us so trifling a quantity of canvass, at a time when we were
informed that not less than two thousand bolts were imported
to Philadelphia by Congress in one vessel.
We are, &tc.
To the honourable Secret Committee of Congress.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN NICHOLSON.
(No. 189 ] Annapolis, September 25, 1776.
SIR: We wish to avoid being thought troublesome, but,
conceiving it to be indispensably our duty to have all ac-
counts with this Board adjusted as speedily as possible, are
obliged again to repeat our request that you will immedi-
ately render us a complete account of all pecuniary matters
which you have had the transaction of, relative to the ship
Defence, since you took the command of her. The sooner
this matter is brought to a conclusion the better, as our
Convention, as well as this Board, are anxious to have those
Baltimore, September 25, 1776.
One of the prize ships, taken by the Harlequin, Captain
Woolsey, of this port, is arrived at Chinquetague, and most
of her cargo safely landed.
On Monday night, the 23d instant, arrived here from
Philadelphia, on her way to Virginia, the lady of his Ex-
cellency General Washington, accompanied by Thomas
Nelson, Jan., Esquire, (a Delegate from Virginia,) and his
lady, John Custis, George Washington Lewis, Nathaniel
Nelson, and Robert Gates, Esquires, of Virginia ; and this
morning they proceeded for Alexandria.
CJESAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY.
Philadelphia, September 25, 1776.
SIR: That the New-England men placed to defend the
landing-place, behaved in a most dastardly, cowardly,
scandalous manner, is most certain ; but that courage is not
always to be found the same, even in the same person, is
equally true, and verified in the very same men ; for some
of them the day following were in the other engagement,
and behaved with great bravery, as did the whole body
enframed. You have some account of the skirmish in the
511
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
512
papers; therefore I shall refer you to them and a letter I
wrote by Wilds and Bickley. I saw Carson, but not till
this morning, when he told me that some person by the
name of Jones, from Mifflin's Cross-Roads, had set out
from below since he did, and having got here before him,
with subscription papers signed by some people below,
went to the several printing offices before he did and en-
gaged the packets to carry down as a post in the place of
Parks. After I saw Bradford the last, and telling him
what accounts I had from below, and what Carson himself
had said, they said they would let Carson have the papers
for the gentlemen of Dover and elsewhere, except those
who subscribed to the other. I suppose the subscribers
will settle the matter between them when they go down. I
doubt whether you will get any powder and shot. The
schooner is not arrived as I know of; and you have made
no mention of the sloop, but sent the schooner before you
heard what my opinion was about selling her. I wrote you
concerning them both by the Bickley. My pen is con-
founded bad, and I am too blind to mend it, and Captain
Papley, who mends and makes them for me. is gone out ;
therefore must bid you farewell. Ca;gAR RoDNEy
To Thomas Rodney, Esquire.
P. S. The Convention is dissolved ; made a plan of Gov-
ernment it seems, and ordered an election at a short day.
Quere: Do their late opponents intend calmly to submit,
or try again to rally ? I am sorry for Mr. Killon's illness.
JONATHAN SMITH TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
September 25, 1776
HONOURED SIR : I was honoured by the Congress with
a commission of Deputy Mustermaster-General for the
Flying-Camp and Militia ; and being happy of every op-
portunity of rendering any service to the United States, I
have been engaged in the trust reposed in me. I am fully
impressed with a grateful sense of the honour of being
called to bear a pail in so great a cause, and under so
respectable a guidance; yet, although my chief ambition
is to be found in the line of duty to my country, reasons of
publick as well as of private consideration have reduced me
to the necessity, at this time, of asking permission from the
honourable Congress to resign the said commission.
With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, hon-
oured sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
JONATHAN SMITH.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
COLONEL. SHEE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Claremont, September 25, 1776.
SIR: The love I ever bore my country, induced me,
contrary to the wishes of my nearest connexions, to accept
the honour done me by Congress in appointing me to a
regiment. Time and my unwearied endeavours, I flattered
myself, would have taken off from the poignancy of those
feelings which but too sensibly affected my family, and left
me at liberty to pursue a line dictated by duty. With this
expectation I quitted rny home, and have long combatted
the most powerful solicitations, nor would I, till convinced
that the entire ruin of those dearer to me than life, depended
on my further perseverance, be induced to take the present
resolution of resigning that commission with which 1 was
entrusted, and which I now reluctantly enclose you. Let
me request you will put the most favourable construction on
this conduct, think me, as my uniform conduct has shown,
one of the warmest friends of my country, nor blame too
rigidly that want of fortitude which the fondest attachment
to my family has obliged on this occasion to discover.
I am, with the greatest respect, sir, your obedient, humble
servant' JONATHAN SHEE.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
COMMISSIONERS FOR INDIAN AFFAIRS TO COMMITTEE OF
CONGRESS.
Pittsburgh, September 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We did ourselves the honour of writing to
you on the 31st ultimo by express, since that time we have
taken some measures, which it is incumbent on us to
account for and explain to you the grounds on which we
acted.
We received advice that a body of Chippawas and Otta-
was, fifteen hundred in number, intended to rendezvous
shortly at Tuscarowas, and that a smaller party of Puta-
watomaws had set off in order to attack the settlements in
this neighbourhood.
The Mingo, Wiandot, and Cockanawaga warriors, as-
sembled at the Kispapoo town, we knew were unfriendly to
us. The chiefest part of them consist of a banditti formed
out of the Six Nations, headed by one Pluggy, an inveterate
enemy of America. Though frequently sent for by the
Chiefs of that confederacy, to return to their several nations,
they have long refused obedience to their orders, or to
hearken to their advice. We had heard that these Mingoes
had already taken some prisoners on the Kentuckie, and the
latest intelligence we have received from Mr. Anderson,
whom we sent down to reside at Coochocking, in the Dela-
ware country, confirms us in our opinions of the intentions
of these outlaws. The White Mingo and Keyashuta, two
of the Seneca Chiefs, repeatedly represented to us in private
council, that the hearts of the Chippewas were black and
ill affected towards us ; and that four of them, who had
just arrived, were come as spies, and with a design of
doing mischief, they themselves afraid some danger from
the Chippawas' visit. Urged by these considerations, we
thought no time was to be lost. The importance of this
place demanded our immediate attention. We wrote,
therefore, to the Colonels Carnahan and Proctor, of West-
moreland County, to order detachments of one hundred dis-
creet good marksmen, and equipped chiefly with rifle, out of
each of the battalions, to inarch here as soon as possible.
We also requested three hundred men of the Militia of West-
Augusta, by our letter to Dorsey Penticost, Esq., Lieutenant
of that County.
We used at the same time every precaution in our power
not to affright the country by our procedure, and intimated
to the committees and commanding officers of the Counties
of Westmoreland and West-Augusta, that the intelligence
should be communicated to the inhabitants, in the most pru-
dent and discreet manner, that they might be put on their
guard, but not too much alarmed. We likewise took care
to insinuate to the Indians amongst us, that our young men
too had been ordered here with no ill designs, but on account
of some news we had received of the intention of some
foolish people of their tribes, and of the avowed purposes of
the commanders of Niagara and Detroit. In pursuance
of the plan we had adopted, we appointed a proper Com-
missary to purchase provision through the country. Flour
was both then, and is now, very scarce here, owing to the
great wetness of the season ; our Commissary would naturally
serve the purposes of delivering out the rations regularly to
the Militia, and at the same time prevent any impositions
which might be practised on us by the Indians. We also
recommended to Colonel Mackay to lay in provisions at
the Kittaning, for his battalions for three months on the
most frugal terms.
In execution of the powers vested in us by the late resolve
of Congress, on the 2d, -3d, and 4th instant, we held coun-
cils with the few Chippawas who had arrived, and some of the
Senecas. The former, we at length had reason to believe,
did not come as spies, but with a friendly intention towards
us. The chief object of their visit seemed to arise from a
desire of coming to an explanation with the Senecas con-
cerning some murders committed by them on the Chippawa
nation. We were told by the Interpreter that they had
brought the bloody belt to the Senecas, but it was not
thought proper by them to deliver it. In the course of our
conferences, we observed a good deal of difference and alter-
cation between the two nations ; but were obliged to c-heck
the flame for the present. This conduct, in some measure,
accounted for the sentiments of the Seneca Chiefs; and their
own dissensions relieved us from any great fears on account
of the Chippawas. The party at the Kispapoo town not
having committed any fresh outrages, added to our satisfac-
tion; and Onondageone, of the head Seneca warriours,
offering himself to go down and use his influence with
Pluggy and his banditti, in order to recall them from our
settlements, made us still more easy. We rewarded him
properly, and he set off seemingly desirous to accomplish a
513
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c.. SEPTEMBER, 1776.
514
peace. The white Mingo likewise proffered his service to
us to go to the Wiandot towns, and give us intelligence of
the operations of our enemies. The four Chippawas in a
few days became anxious to return home to quiet the minds
of their friends, who, it was said, were very uneasy; hut we
prevailed on them to stay, and fVassoung, the king of that
nation, coming here shortly after, with three more of his
people, they all agreed to continue amongst us until the
treaty was over. Influenced by these events, we determined
on retaining only a small part of the Militia we had ordered.
We soon experienced the difficulty of procuring provisions,
unless at a most enormous price, and could readily antici-
pate the disputes and disorders which would probably take
place amongst the inhabitants and Indians, if a large number
of both were collected; add to this, it would naturally calm
the fears of the country, and prevent a general flight, if a
large number of the Militia were directed to return home by
the Commissioners. We thought it prudent, however, to
keep a few to prepossess the Indians with an idea that
we were not defenceless or unprepared in case of an at-
tack.
On the 8th instant, we were informed that the detach-
ments from Colonel Carnation's battalion were rendezvous-
ing at the Bullock Pens, seven miles from hence. We
accordingly rode there the next day, and found near one
hundred and fifty volunteers collected. We thanked them
for their alacrity and despatch, and having explained to
them the principles on which we had ordered their march,
we dismissed them all except forty. We likewise wrote to
Colonel Proctor, ordering back his detachments (of which
three hundred and fifty were on their march hither,) except
the like number of forty. The Militia of JVest-Augusta
having arrived here from all parts of the County, on the
14th instant, we expressed to them our sense of their spirited
conduct, and kept only one hundred of their number. The
garrison here now consists of two hundred men, including
the Augusta Militia, who are lodged in the Fort, and do
regular duty, and the Militia in this town, including the
inhabitants who have associated, amount to about one hun-
dred and forty men. It gives us singular satisfaction when
we reflect on the cheerfulness with which the Militia turned
out on our call. Their behaviour merits our warmest
encomiums ; and we trust, should the savages be prevailed
on to take up the hatchet against us by our merciless
enemies, they will find a race of hardy, experienced woods-
men, whom it will be no easy task to overcome. We have
not the least doubt but the wise counsels of the honourable
Congress will enable such men to exert themselves to the
utmost against a perfidious foe. In case an Indian war
breaks out, which is by no means improbable, the back
inhabitants, properly supported, would form an effectual
barrier against the Indian depredations.
Thus, gentlemen, have we endeavoured to point out the
grounds on which we first formed our resolutions, and the
principles on which we deviated from them afterwards. If
we have in some degree pursued a path out of the line of our
duty, we humbly hope the circumstances of the country will
render our conduct not wholly unpardonable. Conscious of
the most fervent zeal for the true interests and honour of the
United States of America, we have sought only the security
of the frontiers against the horrours of Indian cruelty, and to
inspire that confidence into the minds of the inhabitants,
which is so essentially necessary for their safety and preser-
vation. We cheerfully submit the steps we have taken to
the candid opinion of your Committee and Congress.
We herewith transmit to you some intelligence given to us
by a Seneca Indian. It was imparted to us under the
strongest injunctions of privacy, and we thought proper to
engage to him, that upon the settlements being attacked he
should be received amongst us and protected. We also
send you the information given to us by two spies whom
we sent to Guyahoga to discover the intentions of the
savages, and watch their motions.
We are, gentlemen, with great truth and regard, your
very obedient and humble servants,
THOMAS WALKER,
JOHN HARVEY,
JOHN MONTGOMERY,
J. YEATS.
[NOTE. The papers said to be enclosed were not in the letter.]
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
REPORT OF WILLIAM WILSON TO THE COMMISSIONERS FOR
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
Pittsburgh, September 26, 1776.
Some time in June last, 1776, 1 was sent by Mr. George
Morgan, agent for Indian affairs in the Middle Depart-
ment, to the Shawanees, to prevent their going to Detroit
to a treaty, until he arrived there and spoke to them. Upon
my reaching the towns, I found them ready to set off for
Detroit; but on my delivering Mr. Morgan's message,
they agreed to stay until he came to their towns. When
Mr. Morgan came and spoke to them, they referred him to
the Wyandots to fix the time of holding the treaty, as they
had great influence over the western tribes. I continued
in the Shawanese town with Mr. Morgan whilst he stayed.
Some time in July I left the towns in company with the
Cornstalk, the Hardman, and several others, in order to go
to the Wyandot towns with a message from Mr. Morgan,
inviting them to a treaty to be held at Pittsburgh the last
of August ; but Mr. Morgan directed me to settle some
other time for holding the treaty, if I should find it was not
convenient for them to attend then.
We prdceeded to a small Shawanese town, about ten
miles from the principal towns, the first day, and continued
there ten days, waiting for some of the chief warriours to
join us. I grew impatient, and prevailed on the Cornstalk
to set off with me. The Hardman and the others pro-
mised to follow the next day. The following morning, a
couple of runners were sent to us to inform us that the
Hardman had heard the Shade was at Pittsburgh, on his
way from Niagara, and that he would wait four days for
him to hear the news from the treaty held there. We then
proceeded to Pluggy's town. There were very few people
in the town, and we agreed to encamp there that night.
We were detained the next day by an Indian, who said he
had some news which he wanted to inform us of. It turned
out to be nothing more than that he had understood the
Shade was arrived at the Shawanese towns, and that we
might expect the Hardman, and others which we left
behind, to overtake us in a few days.
That evening we were alarmed by an Indian who came
in with the alarm halloo, from the Shawanese towns. The
Cornstalk went to him immediately, to hear the news. He
soon returned, and informed me that the white people over
the big river had fired on a party of Shawanees and Chero-
kees; that one of the party had got into the towns, who
said that one of the Shawanese was certainly killed, and he
did not know but more of them were, for there were a great
many guns fired at them. I told the Cornstalk that I
imagined the white people had sufficient reasons, or they
would not have fired on them. He said he was of the
same opinion; and on hearing the news, he told the Min-
goes it was they who had killed his young men and not the
white people ; that the mischief was done in consequence
of the prisoners they took from Kentucky.
Some time afterward, the Mingoes assembled together at
a house belonging to a French smith, and began to counsel.
The Frenchman overheard them, and told me that they had
determined to take Joseph Nicholson and myself prisoners
to Detroit the next day; that perhaps they might attempt
to amuse us by speaking in a friendly manner, but he ad-
vised us to pay no regard to them, but to make our escape
that night. Some time after night the Mingoes came to
where we were encamped, and said they wanted to speak
to us. They produced a string, and spoke to the following
effect: they desired the Shawanees and Delawares not to
be displeased at their laying hold of their two white brothers
and detaining them for two days ; that they had sent mes-
sengers to the Wyandot chiefs, and that within that time
they and all the neighbouring chiefs were expected to
assemble there, and that all the speeches were to be told
over. I told them that as they desired me to continue with
them for two days I would do sp, on which they went off
seemingly satisfied.
I advised with the Cornstalk and Delawares what was
the most prudent step for me to take, and what they thought
of the before-mentioned speech. The Cornstalk said they
only wanted to deceive rne, and he and the Delawares
recommended to us to make our escape that night, and
endeavour to get to Coochocking, a Delaware town. We
did so, after engaging a Delaware man to go to the Shaw-
SB
515
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
516
anese towns to hear the news which the before-mentioned
person brought, and to discover the temper they were in.
1 thought it expedient to continue at Coochocking until the
return of the messenger I had sent to the Shatvanees. He
returned in four days, and informed that the party of Shaw-
anees and Cherokces before mentioned had killed two men
and taken a woman prisoner, on the Kentucky; that the
white people pursued them, came up with them the next
day, and killed two of the Shawances, and rescued the pri-
soner ; that the Cherokee* had sent a tomahawk-belt with
two scalps tied to it, to the Shawanees, informing them that
they had struck the white people, and it was his opinion
that the Shawanees would join, provided the other nations
did. He further said that the Hardmnn intended to pro-
ceed to the Wyandots with the messages from Mr. Morgan,
and would meet me at Sandusky.
I thought it advisable to engage some of the Delaware
chiefs to go with me to the Wyandot towns. I therefore
assembled the Delawares and desired they would appoint
some persons for that purpose. They pitched upon Cap-
tain Killbuck and two young men, to accompany me. After
I had made the necessary preparations for my journey,
King Newcomer spoke to me and said, he thought it was
dangerous for me to pursue my intended journey, as it was
probable the Mingoes might waylay the road and kill me ;
that he would send a message of his own to the Wyandots,
with Mr. Morgan's, and advised me to continue at Cooch-
ocking, and let Captain Killbuck proceed with the messages,
and to send Joseph Nicholson to Mr. Morgan to inform
what I had done. I took his advice. Killbuck returned in
eleven days, with the messages sent by him, and a message
from the Wyandots to me, signifying that those who lived
on this side of the Lake were not able to give an answer
without consulting their chiefs on the other side ; that 1
must come with my message myself; that I need not ap-
prehend any danger from them ; that if my heart was good
towards them I would come, if it was not I would stay
away. .
On* receiving this message, I determined to go, and Kill-
buck and two young men were again appointed to accom-
pany me. We travelled about ten miles from Coochocking,
when Killbuck was taken sick, which obliged us to return.
I then applied to Captain White-Eyes to go with me, who
very readily consented. At Winganous town, about six
miles from Coochocking, I met with John Montour, whom I
employed to go with me, and a Wyandot man, who told me
that he imagined that Cornstalk and other Shaivanees, and
the Wyandot chiefs, had left Sandusky, and that he would
pilot me a nearer way to where the chiefs were. Nothing
material happened until we arrived at a Wyandot village
opposite to Detroit, where the chiefs were assembled.
They received me in a very kind and friendly manner, and
thanked me for coming among them in consequence of their
invitation. They said they had heard many bad reports
from the Big-Knife, but my coming among them was a
convincing proof that they were false. One of the Wyan-
dots refused to shake hands with me. On the others asking
the reason, he said he would not do it, for he did not love
the Big-Knife. I asked them if all the chiefs were then
present, and if they chose to hear my message at that time.
They said they were all present, and were willing to hear
me immediately. I first spoke to them on a string, telling
them that in consequence of the message sent to me from
Sandusky, I had visited them ; that I put myself under
their protection, and that they should determine how long I
should continue among them. I then produced the belt
and speech sent me by Mr. Morgan. The purport of it
was to ask their assistance in brightening and strengthening
the chain of friendship with all the western tribes of In-
dians, and inviting them to a treaty to be held at Pittsburgh
in twenty-five days from that time, which was the 2d of
September.
Captain White-Eyes then spoke to them and said, that
as the path to their towns appeared to be somewhat dim,
he had accompanied me, that I might not lose myself. He
assured them that the Big-Knife desired nothing more than
to live in peace and friendship with all the Indians. They
answered that they were convinced the Indians desired to
be in friendship with the white people, and as far as their
influence extended, they would endeavour to promote the
good work of peace. They then withdrew to consider of
my speech. After some time, they returned and told me
they were glad their brother, the Big-Knife, thought so
much of (hern as to ask their assistance in brightening the
chain of friendship. They assured me they would use all
their influence with the other tribes to preserve peace ; and
desired that I would remain with them two days, to hear
them explain my speech to the other nations who were
assembled at Detroit.
Next morning they sent to the Governour of Detroit,
informing that I was in their town, and if he desired to
speak to me in a friendly manner, he might have an oppor-
tunity of doing so. They made me acquainted with this
message. On the return of their messenger, they delivered
back the belt they received from me, and said they thought
it best I should deliver it in publick in Detroit, to which 1
agreed. I imagine they were directed by the Governour
to return the belt. Captain White-Eyes, John Montour,
myself, and the Wyandot chiefs, went to the Council-house
at Detroit together. After the Indians and the Governour
met, one of the Wyandot chiefs got up and informed the
other nations that they had met with one of their brothers,
the Big-Knife, which might delay the business they were
upon. Then addressing himself to the Governour, he said,
he thought that he, as their father, was the proper person to
inquire of me the business I came upon.
The Governour then asked from whence I came, and
what business I was upon. I told him I came from Pitts-
burgh, with a message from Mr. Morgan, agent for the
Colonies, to the Wyandots; and told him of the message I
had received from the Wyandots from Sandusky, and that
in consequence of that message, I had come to the Wyandot
village. He then asked if I had my message in writing.
1 told him I had. He desired to see it, and I delivered it
to him. After perusing the speech, he addressed himself
to the Indians, and said that after the message was ex-
plained to them they should consider of a proper answer to
make to it, and that he would join them in their answer.
The speech was then interpreted to the Indians present,
and I delivered the belt to a Wyandot chief. He gave it
to the Governour, telling him that he was their father, and
knew best what to do with it.
The Governour then spoke to the Indians as follows :
"CHILDREN: I am your father, and you are my chil-
dren. I have always your good at heart. I am sent here
to represent the great King over the waters, and to take
care of you. Those people from whom you received this
message, are enemies and traitors to my King; and before I
would take one of them by the hand, I would suffer my
right hand to be cut off. When the great King is pleased
to make peace with his rebellious children in this big island
I will then give my assistance in making peace between
them and the Indians, and not before."
With that he tore the speech and cut the belt to pieces,
and contemptuously strewed it about the Council-house.
He then told the Indians it was not customary with the
English to detain or injure a publick messenger, and that,
therefore, I must be suffered to return unmolested; at which
the Indians seemed to be greatly pleased. He then asked
me if I had any thing more to say to the Indians; that if I
had, to speak out. I told him I had nothing further to say
to them. He then ordered me to leave the place immedi-
ately, and said he would order us ten days' provisions to
take us home. I told him I came in a canoe belonging to
a Wyandot man, and could not go until he was ready. He
said he would furnish me with a canoe. I then told him
that my blankets and shirts were at the Wyandot village,
and that I must go over for them. He said he would fur-
nish me with blankets and shirts likewise. However, at
last, he suffered me to go to the village.
While I was in the Council-house the Governour spoke
on a tomahawk belt to the Wyandots; but as he delivered
the speech in French to the interpreter, I did not know what
he said upon it. The Wya?idot chief delivered the belt to
the Cornstalk. The Governour asked him if he knew what
the belt meant. The Cornstalk answered he did not. He
said he would tell him in a few words. He then informed
him that that belt was put into the hands of the Wyandots
last March, desiring them to request the nations who lived
next the river, from Presque-Isle downwards, to be watch-
ful, and if they discovered any army attempting to cross the
517
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
518
river, to let him know it ; but that it now had a greater
meaning, and referred him to the Wyandots for an explana-
tion of it, and told the interpreter to tell the Cornstalk to
show that belt to the Cherokees, for they had joined the
English in the general cause. He then asked the nations
present if any of them had any thing to say at that time.
The Mingoes then produced a black belt, telling the other
nations that the Spring before last they received that belt of
Guy Johnson, informing them that he was going over the big
water — that they must hold themselves in readiness against
his return, and, until then, to sit still and listen to no one.
They said they thought he was approaching near them, for
they perceived the waters to shake. They then produced
a white belt, which was sent by the Mingoes at Niagara,
with the Shade, (a Shawanet) to the Shawanese towns,
telling them they intended to have sent a messenger with it
to them, but as they had met with one of their brothers at
Niagara, they thought proper to send it by him. They
told them they had their words among them, (meaning the
tomahawk,) and desired them to take them up and send
them among all their friends. These speeches were ex-
plained to me by John Montour.
The Governour then spoke to the Indians, and said he
was extremely pleased with the belts produced by the Min-
goes.
While we were in the Council, the Governour told me he
had inquired no news of me, nor did he want to hear any.
"For your part," says he to Montour, "I knew your father
well. He was a good man. 1 don't know how you came
to join with those people. If you should come this way
again, (though not upon the same errand,) I will give you
something." He told White-Eyes he knew his character
well, and so did all the nations present. He ordered him
to \eaveDetroit before the sun-set as he regarded his head;
that he would lose the last drop of his blood before he
would suffer any nation to come there and destroy the
union which was brought about by so many nations.
White-Eyes made no reply at that time, but after we had
left the place, he said the Governour was a fool ; that he
did not know what he scolded him for; that he had never
done him any injury, nor any other white man, since he had
made peace with them — nor never would, unless they in-
jured him ; that if he had a mind to join the Buckskins, he
would soon make him tremble for his head; and if he joined
either side, it would be the Buckskins.
After we left the Council-house, the Governour came up
to me and said he would be glad if I would inform the peo-
fle on my return of what I had seen ; that all the Indians
saw there at the treaty were of the same way of thinking ;
and that he would be glad if the people would consider the
dreadful consequences of going to war with so terrible an
enemy, and accept the King's pardon while it could be ob-
tained. He- then informed me that an army of twenty
thousand men were landed in Canada, and had driven the
Rebels entirely out of that Government, and were pursuing
them to the southward; that twenty-thousand more were
landed in New-York, and the same number to the south-
ward, with the completes! train of artillery that ever came
out of Europe on any occasion; and that the King must be
sure of success, or he would not have sent so large an army
against the Americans. He then ordered William Tucker,
one of his interpreters, with whom I had a small acquaint-
ance, to go with me and get provisions for me.
On our way I asked Tucker his opinion of the disposi-
tions of the Indians at Detroit, and if he thought they
would strike soon. He hesitated for some time, but at last
told me, that without matters took a very sudden turn, it
was his opinion they would.
On receiving my provision, I left Detroit, in company
with the Hardman and others, on our way to the Wyandot
village. I told the Hardman that Governour Hamilton had
informed me that all the Indians who were at Detroit were
of the same way of thinking, and that I expected they would
all strike the white people very soon. He said he did not
doubt the Governour wished them to be of ihe same way
of thinking, but it was not in his power to make them so,
unless they chose it; that, for his part, he came there in
search of good, and he should not put evil in his heart ; and
desired me to tell all his white brothers that his heart was
good towards them.
I wanted to leave the village that evening, but the Wy-
andots insisted on my staying longer with them. They
said they would consider my message, for as yet I had seen
nothing that was good. That night they all got drunk.
The next morning White-Eyes and myself grew impatient
to get off, but the head chief of the Wyandots still insisted
on our staying, and gave us the strongest assurances that no
injury should be done to us. He and some others, in com-
pany with White-Eyes, went over to Detroit and returned
in the evening. He told White-Eyes that his errand was
to obtain the Governour's leave for us to stay a few days
among them, but that he would not suffer it ; so that we
must leave the village directly. The Governour saw White-
Eyes, and threatened to put him in irons and send him to
Niagara, if he did not leave Detroit immediately.
We left the Wyandot village in company with a Wyan-
dot man, and proceeded that evening as far as his house.
The next day one Isaac Zane came to see me. In the
course of conversation he told me that in talking with the
half-king of the Wyandots, he asked him if the Governour
had not delivered him a tomahawk belt. He said he had.
That the Big-Knife had threatened them for some time
past, so that they could not mind their hunting, and that
now they would threaten them. I asked him if it was his
opinion that the Wyandots would join generally. He said
it was almost certain that one half of them would not.
The next day Zane and a Wyandot man came to where
we were. We conversed a good deal on the subject of the
quarrel between Great Britain and the Colonies. I asked
the chief what the Indians promised themselves by joining
the King's troops ? I told him, that perhaps, while the con-
test continued, they might be furnished with clothes and
such like, but when it was over they must return to their
former way of living; that if the Americans should be suc-
cessful, they would be so incensed against the Indians who
fought against them, that they would march an army into
their country, destroy them, and take their lands from them.
He said it was very true. "There," said he, "is my toma-
hawk. I will never lift it, nor shall any of my family fight
against the Big-Knife, if I can help it, unless they come into
rny own house."
John Montour, and the Wyandot man who piloted me to
Detroit, came up with us. Montour continued at Detroit
two days after I left it. He told me, that after I came
away he was drinking in company with the half-king of the
Wyandots, and that when he got a little in liquor, he told
him that the Big-Knife need never expect him to be
friends with them again ; and that, for his part, he should
follow nothing but breaking their heads, wherever he met
with them.
We set out for Coochocking. Nothing material hap-
pened on our journey. White-Eyes appeared to be a good
deal chagrined, as well at the reception he met with from
the Governour as from the more western tribes of Indians.
He said the Delawares, he thought, were equally as liable
to be struck by the western tribes as the Big-Knife was;
that they kept every thing secret from them; and that, as
soon as they found they were determined for war, he would
collect all his people together, and would apply to his
American brothers to send men to him, and erect a strong
fort ; that then he should not regard them, for the western
tribes were but very indifferent warriours, and if they struck
he would soon return the blows. "Then," said he, "the
Governour of Detroit will need to take care of his head ;
and the people of the great falls of Niagara shall tremble,
too." It was his opinion, if that should be the'case, a num-
ber of the Shawanees would join him ; for that one of their
chiefs told him, at Detroit, that his sentiments were the
same as his, respecting Great Britain and the Colonies.
SIR WILLIAM HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAIN.
New- York Island, September 25, 1776.
MY LORD: Upon the present appearance of things, I
look upon the further progress of this army for the cam-
paign, to be rather precarious, an attack upon Rhode-
Island excepted, which I would willingly defer for a short
time, in case it should be thought advisable to employ our
whole force together. The duration of the campaign must
be short, and the second division of Hessians not arrived;
nor have I any dependence upon General Carleton's ap-
proach, to act with influence this year, upon the main Rebel
519
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
520
army, opposed to us, though it is reported to-day by the
deserters, that General Burgoyne, with a large corps of
troops and Indians, is advancing fast to Albany, by way of
the Mohawk River. If he gets possession of Albany, it will
no doubt, facilitate General Carleton's movement to that
place, and will be attended with favourable consequences.
But in my situation, I presume, I must not risk, as a check
at this time would be of infinite detriment to us.
The enemy is too strongly posted to be attacked in front,
and innumerable difficulties are in my way of turning him
on either side, though his army is much dispirited, from the
late success of his Majesty's arms; yet have I not the
smallest prospect of finishing the contest this campaign, not
until the Rebels see preparations in the Spring, that may
preclude all thoughts of further resistance. To this end, I
would propose eight or ten line-of-battle ships, to be with
us in February, with a number of supernumerary seamen
for manning boats, having fully experienced the want of
them in every movement we have made. We must also
have recruits from Europe, not finding the Americans dis-
posed to serve with arms, notwithstanding the hopes held
out to me upon my arrival at this port.
Finding the Hessians averse to having their accounts
methodized, in the manner observed by the British regi-
ments, I have given them money on account, taking care,
that the sums advanced are sufficiently within the whole
pay due to them by treaty, to answer for their stoppages of
provisions.
An exchange of prisoners has taken place, and Major-
General Prescott, in consequence of it, is with me, being
exchanged for Major-General Sullivan, of the Rebel army;
Governour Montfort Brown is to be returned for Lord
Stirling, and Governour Skene for an inhabitant of Boston
taken into custody by General Gage.
I am, my Lord, &.C., W. HOWE.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON FROM MR.
JAWKS DREWITT, ON BOARD THE MERCURY FRIGATE, AT
NEW-YORK, DATED THE 25TH SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Our army has met with great success; we just arrived
from Halifax, when they made their landing on Long-
Island, and saw the battles fought between our troops and
the Rebels — the latter being drove out, leaving behind them
their provisions, camp equipage, intrenching tools, &ic.
The Mercury was ordered abreast the place where they
first engaged, to cover the boats sent to bring off the
wounded, but, thank God, there were only three hundred
killed, a few wounded, and a Lieutenant and thirty marines
taken prisoners.
One of the fellows who set fire to this town cut a poor
woman's arm off, for attempting to extinguish the fire in her
own house, but a party of soldiers coming up run their bay-
onets through him, and some of the seamen hoisted him up
by the heels to a sign-post. There are upwards of six
hundred suspected persons taken up and imprisoned in the
town. On the 22d, we hung a man who was sent as a spy
by General Washington.
The Indians in the back settlements of Virginia, com-
mit great cruelties among the inhabitants by burning their
houses, scalping men, women and children. The Virgin-
ians had drove all their cattle to the back parts of the
country, to prevent the troops from getting them, which the
Indians have taken.
We hear General Burgoyne has an army of twenty thou-
sand men, besides Indians, and has boats made to pass
Lake Champlain, and expects he will soon approach near
New- York. He has sent from Quebeck a number of pri-
soners, and a General Thompson. It is strongly reported
Washington wants to throw up his commission, as the Rebels
will not stand to their works ; but they say, as he has
brought them into a scrape, he shall continue, or get them
out of it. The Rebels are now very strongly fortified at
King's Bridge, about sixteen miles from New- York.
accompanies this, I mean principally now to enclose a
copy of a letter received from General Howe, on Sunday
morning, with the list of the prisoners in his hands, of those
in our possession belonging to the army immediately under
his command, and of my answer, which were omitted to be
put in the other.
His letter will discover to Congress his refusal to exchange
Lord Stirling for Mr. McDonald, considering the latter
only as a Major. They will be pleased to determine how
he is to be ranked in future.
The number of prisoners 'according to the returns, is
greater than what we expected. However, I am inclined
to believe, that among those in the list from Long-Island,
are several Militia of General Woodhull's party, who were
never arranged in this army. As to those taken on the
15th, they greatly exceeded the number that I supposed fell
into their hands in the retreat from the city. At the time
that I transmitted an account of that affair, I had not ob-
tained returns, and took the matter upon the officers' reports.
They are difficult to get with certainty at any time. In the
skirmish of Monday se'nnight, they could not have taken
but very few.
Before I conclude, I shall take occasion to mention, that
those returns made with such precision, and the difficulty
that will attend the proposed exchange on account of the
dispersed and scattered state of the prisoners in our hands,
will clearly evince the necessity of appointing Commissaries
and proper persons to superintend and conduct in such
instances. This I took the liberty of urging more than
once, as well on account of the propriety of the measure,
and the saving that would have resulted from it, as that the
prisoners might be treated with humanity, and have their
wants particularly attended to.
I would also observe, as I esteem it my duty, that this
army is in want of almost every necessary — tents, camp-
kettles, blankets, and clothes of all kinds ; but what is to be
done with respect to the two last articles, I know not, as the
term of inlistment will be nearly expired by the time they
can be provided. This may be exhibited as a further proof
of the disadvantages attending the levying of an army upon
such a footing as never to know how to keep them without
injuring the publick, or incommoding the men. I have
directed the Colonel or commanding officer of each corps,
to use his endeavours to procure such clothing as are abso-
lutely necessary ; but at the same time I confess, that 1 do
not know how they are to be got.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your
most obedient servant, Go. WASHINGTON.
Increased Pay of the Officers, proposed by the General;
enclosed in his Letter of the %5th' SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Present Pay.
Supposed intended.
Difference.
£ s.
£ *.
£ s.
1 Colonel, - - -
15 0
25 0
10 0
1 Lieut. Colonel, -
12 0
20 0
8 0
1 Major,- - - -
10 0
15 0
5 0
8 Captains, at £8 0,
64 0
£10 0, 80 0
16 0
16 Lieutenants, £5 8,
86 8
£ 710,120 0
33 12
8 Ensigns, £40,
32 0
£ 6 0, 48 0
16 0
1 Chaplain, - - -
10 0
15 0
5 0
1 Adjutant, - - -
5 10
10 0
4 10
1 Quartermaster,
5 10
10 0
4 10
1 Surgeon, - - -
10 0
15 0
5 0
Mate, - - - -
4 0
7 10
3 10
£1H 2
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read 27th. Referred to Mr. Wythe, Mr. Hopkinson, Mr. Rutledge,
Mr. J. Adams, and Mr. Stone.]
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 95. 1776.
SIR: Having wrote you fully on sundry important sub-
jects this morning, as you will perceive by the letter which
Head-Quarters, York-Island, September 21, 1776.
SIR: I have the favour of your letters of the 6th and
19th current. In consequence of the latter, directions are
given for Major-General Sullivan being conveyed to Eliza-
bethtown on the earliest day, and I conclude Major-General
Prescott will return in the same boat.
The exchange you propose of Brigadier-General Alex-
ander, commonly called Lord Stirling, for Mr. McDonald,
cannot take place, as he has only the rank of majority by
rny commission ; but I shall readily send any Major in the
enclosed lists of prisoners, that you will be pleased to name,
in exchange for him ; and that Lord Stirling may not be
detained, I would propose to exchange him for Governour
521
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
522
Montfort Brown, although the latter is no longer in the
military line.
Enclosed you have a list of officers belonging to the army
under my command, who are your prisoners. It is not so
correct as I could wish, having received no regular return of
the officers of the Forty-Second and Seventy-First Regi-
ments, taken this year, but beg leave to refer you to Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Campbell, of the Seventy-First, to rectify any
omissions that may be; and I am to desire you will put
opposite to their names such of your officers of equal rank
as you would have in exchange for them. The names of
the non-commissioned and privates, prisoners with you,
are not sent, being unnecessary; but the return herewith
enclosed specifies the number, and I shall redeem them by
a like number of those in my possession ; for which purpose
I shall send Mr. Joshua Loring, my Commissary, to Eliza-
bethtown, as a proper place for the exchange of prisoners,
on any day you may appoint, wishing it to be an early one,
wherein I presume you will concur, as it is proposed for the
more speedy relief of the distressed.
As it may be some time before Mr. Lovell arrives here
from Halifax, though I took the first opportunity of send-
ing for him after your agreement to exchange him for Gov-
ernour Skene, I am willing to believe upon my assurances
of Mr. LoveWs being sent to you immediately on his arrival,
that you will not have any objections to granting the Gov-
ernour his liberty without delay, and am induced to make
the proposal for your compliance, neither of the persons
being connected with military service.
General Carleton has sent from Canada a number of
officers and pri fates, as per return enclosed, to whom he
has given liberty upon their paroles; and in pursuance of
his desire, and their engagements to him, I shall send them
to Elizabethtown on the earliest day.
It is nevertheless the General's expectation, that the
exchange of prisoners, as settled by Captain Forster, in
Canada, will be duly complied with, and I presume you
are sufficiently sensible of the sacred regard that is ever paid
to engagements of this kind, not to suffer any infringement
upon the plighted faith of Colonel Arnold.
It is with much concern that I cannot close this letter
without representing the ill treatment, which I am too well
informed the King's officers now suffer in common gaols
throughout the Province of New-England. I apply to
your feelings alone for redress, having no idea of committing
myself by an act of retaliation upon those in my power.
My Aid-de-Camp, charged with the delivery of this letter,
will present to you a ball cut and fixed to the ends of a nail,
taken from a number of the same kind found in the encamp-
ments quitted by your troops on the 15th instant. I do not
make any comment upon such unwarrantable practices,
being well assured the contrivance has not come to your
knowledge.
I am, with due regard, sir, your most obedient servant,
W. HOWE.
To General George Washington, &,c., &.C., &c.
Head-duarters, Heights of Harlem, September 23, 1776.
SIR: 1 yesterday evening received the favour of your
letter of the 21st, by your Aid-de-Camp, Captain Mon-
tresor, in consequence of which I this morning despatched
an express to Elizabethtown, with order that Major-General
Prescolt should be permitted to return in the boat that carried
General Sullivan over to that place.
I most readily concur in the proposition you are pleased
to make for the exchange of Brigadier-General Lord Stir-
ling for Governour Montfort Brown, and have sent for
him accordingly. I should hope that Lord Stirling v/\\l be
immediately set at liberty, on my promise that Governour
Brown shall be sent to you as soon as he arrives. I had
no doubt but Mr. McDonald's title would have been
acknowledged, having understood that he received his com-
mission from the hands of Governour Martin; nor can I
consent to rank him as a Major till I have proper authority
from Congress, to whom I shall state the matter upon your
representation.
Agreeable to your request, I shall transmit to Lieutenant-
Colonel Campbell a copy of the list of officers of the Forty-
Second and Seventy-First Regiments, taken by us last
Spring, that it may be rectified in the instances in which it
may be wrong, and will there place opposite to their names
the officers I would wish in return for them. The ex-
change of privates I shall take the earliest opportunity in my
power to carry into execution ; but they being greatly dis-
persed through the New-England Governments in order to
their better accommodation, will prevent it for some time.
Having the fullest confidence in your assurance that Mr.
Lovell will be released whsn he arrives from Halifax, I
have wrote for Governour Skene to corne to Head-Quar-
ters, that he may proceed immediately to you.
As to the exchange of prisoners settled between Captain
Forster and General Arnold, I beg leave to inform you that
it was a transaction in which I had not the smallest concern,
nor have I authority to give directions in any degree respect-
ing the matter.
The information you have received concerning the ill
treatment of your officers, I would fain hope is not generally
well founded. The letters from them which have passed
through my hands, hold forth a different language. In par-
ticular instances, 'tis true, there are some who have been
restricted to a closer confinement and severer treatment
than they otherwise would have been, for breaking or
'refusing to give their paroles. Such, I am confident, will
not be countenanced by your Excellency; and I am per-
suaded, by a closer investigation of the inquiry you will dis-
cover that there have been no other persons whatever who
have experienced the smallest hardship from us. I shall,
however, obtain all the information on the subject in my
power, that every ground of complaint, if any exists, may
be entirely removed, it being my most earnest wish that
during this unhappy contest there be every exercise of hu-
manity which the nature of the case will possibly admit of.
Your Aid-de-Camp delivered me the ball you mention,
which was the first of the kind I ever saw or heard of.
You may depend the contrivance is highly abhorred by me,
and every measure shall be taken to prevent so wicked and
infamous a practice being adopted in this army.
I have the honour to be, with due regard, sir, your most
obedient servant, -~, ,,T
Oo. WASHINGTON.
To His Excellency General Howe.
Return of Prisoners taken on the Island of NEW-YORK,
15th and 16th of SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Colonel.
9
i*
c
_C
0
^
B
j
0_
1
CD
c
*c
C-
0
Lieutenants.
•
•
W'
'~*
K
Privates.
I
-
i
1
T
.1
B
1
l
8
3
•-'•
Connecticut Militia, - - - -
1
1
i
-
Tofal
1
a
2
5
7
-
260
Jos. LORING, Commissary of Prisoners.
Officers' Names and Rank.
FIRST BATTALION NEW-¥ORK: Captain Van Dyck.
SECOND BATTALION NEW-YORK: Captain De Witt.
NEW LEVIES : Colonel Samuel Seldon, Lieutenant-Col-
onel Hart, Major Porter, Major Willis, Captain Wells t
Lieutenant Benjamin Brewster, Lieutenant Thomas Catlin.
CONNECTICUT MILITIA : Lieutenant-Colonel Moulton,
Lieutenant James Clark, Lieutenant John Trowbridge,
Lieutenant Joseph Moore.
THIRD CONTINENTAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIMENT: Cap-
tain Davenport.
LONG-ISLAND MILITIA : Captain John Titus and Lieu-
tenant Jacob Bloom.
TENTH CONTINENTAL REGIMENT: Lieutenant William
Cleveland.
Return of Prisoners sent by Ge?ieralGvr CARLETON from
CANADA to NEW-YORK.
51 Commissioned Officers.
373 Non-Commissioned and Privates.
N. B. 2 Majors, 9 Captains, 20 Subalterns, and 400 men
523
CORRKSPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
524
were taken at the Cedars by Captain Forster, and returned
upon an agreement to send as many of our people taken at
St. John's.
RICHARD MURRAY, Commissary of Prisoners.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Head-ttuarlers, Harlem Heights, September 25, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I am to give you an account of the evacua-
tion of the post at Powle's Hook, as I promised in mine of
yesterday. General Greene informs that General Mercer,
seeing the enemy were determined to possess themselves
by a stronger force of ships and men than we could oppose,
removed all the stores and useful cannon, so that nothing
fell into the enemy's hands but the guns that had been ren-
dered unfit for further service.
Our army is posted at the town of Bergen, and our
advanced party has possession of the mill just back of
Powle's Hook.
What the next move of the enemy will be, I don't know.
They have been quiet on this side since the affair of the
16th. They are throwing up some works in the front of
their encampment on the plain, between the seven and
eight mile stone.
We were unlucky in the miscarriage of a small enter-
prise, the night before last, which was intended to surprise
the guard on Montresor's Island, and bring off what tents
and baggage remained there. The party consisted of three
hundred, in six boats. The headmost boat, in which were
Colonel Jackson, Major Hatfield, and Major Henly, Aid-
de-Camp to General Heath, pushed to the shore, landed,
and drove off the guard at the water side, with ease. The
other boats rowed back as soon as the firing began, though
they were repeatedly called after. This damped the spirit
of the first boat's crew, who could not be prevailed upon
to stay. In the retreat, Colonel Jackson was wounded,
Major Henly killed, and Major Hatfield is missing. A
very strict scrutiny is making into the conduct of the officers
who thus shamefully deserted their leader, and it is expected
they will meet the fate their cowardice deserves.*
His Excellency begs your Board would immediately
order down what powder is ready at Wisner's and Livings-
ton's Mills.
A Committee of Continental Congress are now here, in-
specting the present state of the larmy, and endeavouring
to form some new regulations for the better government in
future. One principal step will be, inlistment during the
war.
I am, with due respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq.
* September 22, 1776. — Two seamen, belonging to the La Brunt, a Brit-
ish ship of war, which lay near Montresor's Island, deserted, and came to
General Heath's quarters, and informed him, upon examination, that the
British had then but a few men on the Island, stating the number; that
the piece of cannon which had been put on the Island was taken back
again, on board the La Brunt; that there were a number of officers at
the house, in which there was a considerable quantity of baggage depos-
ited, &c. General Heath supposed that these troops might be easily
taken; and, having called the General Officers of his division together,
took their opinion, who all coincided with him in sentiment. He then
communicated his intention to the Commander-in-Chief, who gave it
his approbation. Two hundred and forty men were destined for this
enterprise. The command was given to Lieutenant-Colonel Michael
Jackson, of the Massachusetts Line, with Majors Logan and ,
whose name cannot be recollected, of the New-York troops. They
were to embark on board three flat-boats, covered by a fourth with a
detachment of Artillery, with a light three-pounder, in case it should be
found necessary in retreating from the Island. The mode of attack was
settled, and every circumstance secured to promise success. They were
to fall down to Harlem Creek with the ebb. The time was so calculated
that the young flood was to be so much made, at the break of day, as
to cover the flats at the Island sufficiently for the boats to float. Mat-
ters being thus settled, General Heath ordered the two sailors to be
brought in. He then told them that, in consequence of their informa-
tion, an enterprise against the British troops on Montresor's Island was to
take place that night; that he had ordered them to be kept in safe cus-
tody until the next morning, when, if their declarations respecting the
state of the British on the Island proved to be true, he would give them
a passport to the back country, whither they wished to go; but, in case
their information was false, he would order them hanged immediately,
as spies; that he gave them the opportunity, if they had made a wrong
statement to him, then to correct it. They both answered, with perfect
composure, that they would cheerfully submit to the condition.
Major Thomas Htnly was now one of our General's Aids-de-Camp.
He importuned that he might go with the detachment. He was refused,
and told that he had no business there; that he could exercise no com-
mand. He grew quite impatient, returned again to the General's room,
and addressed him, "Pray, sir, consent to my going with the party.
Let me have the pleasure of introducing the prisoners to you to-mor-
row." All his friends present advised him not to go. The General
finally consented.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER AT HARLEM,
DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 1776.
I last night paid the last tribute to the remains of a gal-
lant young officer, Major Henly, Aid-de-Camp to General
Heath. He fell unsupported and unrevenged, owing to the
backwardness of the rest of the party, consisting of one
hundred and forty, who intended to have surprised a guard
of the enemy, consisting (as was supposed) of about fifty,
on Montresor's Island, which lies in the East River, on the
inouth of the little river Harlem. This party went in four
boats : Major Henly, Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson, Majors
Hatfield and Hubbart, were in the first boat, and landed
and at first drove the enemy ; but neither of the other boats
coming to their assistance, they were obliged to retreat, but
not till every one of these gallant officers were either killed
or wounded, and with the loss of half their men.
By the best accounts, we learn, that about a quarter part
of the city of York is burnt, and that it was purposely
fired by some private persons. Since this fire, the enemy
have practised some inhuman cruelties on the unfortunate
wretches they have in their power, under pretence of their
being concerned in the plot. They have hanged numbers
by the feet, and then cut their throats ! The Hessians are
continually plundering, and are countenanced by their Gen-
eral ; and General Howe dares not punish them for fear of
producing a general mutiny.
CAPTAIN DUMOND TO JOHN M'KESSON.
Kingston, September 25, 1776.
SIR: When I was last at Fishkill, the Convention made
an order to render an account of the flour, bought agreeable
to an order delivered to me last summer, to be sent to
Ticonderoga for the use of the army, which I herewith
enclose. Beg you to deliver the same to Mr. Banker, as
I have made no charge for any expenses, and not being
acquainted what is customary to charge commissions, beg
you will do it, or desire Mr. Banker to do it for me. Mr.
Van Vleek promised me to pay into your hands the sum
of seventy pounds, which said money was left in his hands
to pay this account since last fall ; as I have laid out the
other part of the cash that remains, for powder and other
charges. The County Convention long disputed who was
the Treasurer. Could not get the accounts audited to draw
the money due to me from the Treasury. As soon as the
County Convention meets, shall settle the whole, as the
Convention of the State of New-York has settled that
point about the Treasury. Must beg the favour of you to
send me a few lines by our post, as I expect to be at Fish-
kill soon, the latter end of next week, if the County Com-
mittee meets. I was this morning at Mr. Clinton's; your
sister and all the family are well. I am with part of Col-
The troops, at the hour assigned, embarked. General Heath informed
them that he, with others, would be spectators of the scene from a cer-
tain point near Haarlem Creek. Notice had been given to the guards and
pickets on the York-Island side, not to hail the party as they went
down. Unfortunately, the lower sentinel had not been so instructed.
He was nearly opposite to the point where General Heath was to be;
and just at the instant when he arrived, had challenged the boats, and
ordered them to come to the shore. From the boats they answered,
"Lo! we are friends." The challenge was repeated. The answer
was, "We tell you we are friends; hold your tongue." A bounce into
the water was heard, and instantly Major Henly came wading to the
shore, stepped up to our General, catched him by the hand, and said,
" Sir, will it dor" General Heath, holding him by the hand, replied,
** I see nothing to the contrary." To which Henly concluded by say-
ing, " Then it shall do." He waded back to his boat, and got in.
The sentinel called again, " If you don't come to the shore, I tell you
I'll fire." A voice from some one in the boats was, " Pull away!"
The boats went on, and the sentinel fired his piece. The boats reached
the Island almost at the moment intended, just as the glimmer of the
dawn was discoverable. The three Field Officers were in the first boat.
Their intention, on the moment of landing, was, for the two seconds in
command to spring, the one to the right, and the other to the left, and
lead on the troops from the other two boats, which were to land on each
side of the first boat. The Field Officers landed, and the men from
their boat. The enemy's guard charged them, but were instantly
driven back. The men in the other two boats, instead of landing, lay
upon their oars. The British, seeing this, returned warmly to the
charge. The Americans, finding themselves deserted, returned to their
boat; but not until Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson received a musket ball in
his leg, and Major Henly, as he was getting into the boat, one through
his heart, which put an instant end to his life. The boat joined the
others, and they all returned, having, in the whole, about fourteen
killed, wounded, and missing. Major Henly deeply regretted. Had
only one of the other boats landed her men, the success would have
been very probable; but the two would have insured an execution of
the whole plan, in the opinion of all concerned. The delinquents in
the other boats were arrested, and tried by Court-Martial, and one of
the Captains cashiered. — Heath.
525
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
526
onel Snyder's regiment, now going to the forts ; shall return
in two or three days.
I am, sir, your friend and humble servant,
Excuse haste. EGBERT DUMOND.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 4, 1776 ]
Albany, September 25, 1776.
SIR: Yesterday I was honoured witli a letter from his
Excellency General Washington, of the 20th instant, cover-
ing sundry resolutions of Congress.
I thank Congress with a sincerity equal to the attention
they have evinced in their resolution of the 14th of Septem-
ber, whereby I am made acquainted that my letter "of the
16th of August was duly received, and referred to the com-
mittee appointed to inquire into the causes of the miscar-
riages in Canada." Permit me to entreat the favour of a
further resolution, that I may be permitted to defend my
conduct, and if possible point out other causes of the mis-
carriages in Canada, besides those taken notice of in the
resolutions of the 30th July — causes which are so obvious,
that I could not but wonder that they passed unnoticed.
I must also beg the indulgence of Congress to order some
answer to be given to such parts of my several letters of the
20th July, 16th, 18th, 25th, and 29th August, and 2d,
8th, and 9th September, as are yet unanswered, and one or
other of which, I humbly conceive contain matters of some
moment to the weal of the American States. Congress
will pardon me, if I presume to hint, that there appears to
me a little impropriety in resolving that the powder, &c.,
" be immediately sent to General Gates for the use of the
army in the Northern department," as I believe my resig-
nation had not reached Congress on the day that resolution
was made. It might perhaps have been as well, if it had
been sent to me, as I then could have ordered part of it to
Fort Stanwix, and such other places where it is wanted.
Should it, however, come to hand, whilst I continue in the
command, I shall take the liberty of ordering some into
Tryon County. General Gates has begged me to send
him twenty casks of shingle nails; not a pound is to be had
here, except such as the blacksmiths make, and they can-
not complete them as fast as they are wanted for the works
now in hand. It will, therefore, be very difficult to build the
necessary barracks, until a supply comes up. I believe I
applied for nails in one of the letters referred to.
Indians are daily applying for clothing. If some provision
is not made to enable your Commissioners to supply them,
it may be attended with the most fatal consequences.
• I shall transmit a copy of the resolutions to General
Gates, with a request to publish such as are necessary so
to be.
I do not know the occasion of the resolution respecting
the Commissary-General's department. If it is in conse-
quence of any intervention of mine in that branch, I must
advise Congress that I have acted in such a manner as not
to leave the least occasion to repent of what I have done ;
returns must and shall be made me, through the proper
channel, or I will punish the offender, whilst I am in com-
mand, and I will always interfere in every department
under my command, when it becomes necessary for the
good of the service; and if I had not held this kind of con-
duct, perhaps things would be in a much worse condition
than they are.
I am, sir, very sincerely, and very respectfully your obe-
dient, humble servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
GENERAL SCHUYLEH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 25 1776
DEAR SIR: I am honoured with your Excellency's fa-
vour of the 20'h instant. Your situation at New-York has
been truly alarming; and it is probable, that had you not so
judiciously retreated, and with such good order and des-
patch, you would have been involved in almost inextri-
cable difficulties. I hope the enemy have got all they will
get this campaign, and that we shall be better able to cope
with them in another.
I thank your Excellency for the copy of the resolves of
Congress enclosed in yours. They had not been trans-
mitted me from Philadelphia. Indeed, I have not been
honoured with a line from Congress for a very long time
past, a neglect which I do not think I have deserved, and
which I, therefore, feel the more sensibly.
I shall hope that one of their resolutions of the 14th
instant, was not meant to insult me. It was certainly
improper to resolve that the military stores should be im-
mediately sent to General Gates, " for the use of the North-
ern department," as Congress had not then received my
resignation.
I have taken measures to have all the boards in the
country brought to this place, and to the banks of Hudson's
River, below it, and shall have them forwarded to you as
fast as they arrive; and, give me leave to assure, that al-
though I shall soon be out of the army, I shall with as great
cheerfulness obey any commands that you may honour me
with when I am a private citizen, as I have always done
those which I received from you as my superiour officer.
I am, dear sir, with every sentiment of esteem and affec-
tion, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS.
Cephas Kent's, Dorset, September 25, 1776.
At a General Convention of the several Delegates from
the Towns on the west side of the range of Green Moun-
tains, the 24th day o(Jufy last, consisting of fifty-one Mem-
bers, representing thirty-five Towns, and holden this day by
adjournment, by the Representatives on the west and east
side of the Green Mountains ; the following Members being
present at the opening of the meeting, viz:
Captain JOSEPH BOWER in the Chair. Dr. JONAS FAY,
Clerk.
POWNALL: Captain Samuel Wright, Dr. Obadiah Dun-
ham.
BENNINGTON: Mr. Sim. Hatheway, Dr. Jonas Fay,
Captain John Burnham, Nathan Clarke, Esq., Major Sam-
uel Safford, Colonel Moses Robinson.
SHAFTSBURY: Major Jeremiah Clark, John Burnham,
Sen.
SUNDERLAND : Lieutenant Joseph Bradley, Colonel Tim-
othy Brownson.
MANCHESTER: Colonel William Marsh, Lieutenant
Martin. Powell, Lieutenant Gideon Ormsby.
DORSET : Mr. John Manley, Mr. Abraham Underhitt.
RUPERT : Mr. Reuben Harmon, Mr. Amos Curtis.
PAWLET : Captain William Fitch, Major Roger Rose.
WELLS : Zaccheus Mattery, Ogden Mallery.
POULTNEY : Mr. Nehemiah How, Mr. William Ward.
CASTLETON: Captain Joseph Woodward.
BRIDPORT : Mr. Samuel Benton.
ADDISON: Mr. David Vallance.
STANFORD : Mr. Thomas Morgan.
WILLISTON: Colonel Thomas Chittenden.
COLCHESTER: Lieutenant Ira Allen.
MIDDLEBURY : Mr. Gamaliel Painter.
BURLINGTON : Mr. Lemuel Bradley.
NESHOBE: Capt. Timothy Barker, Mr. Thomas Tuttle.
RUTLAND : Captain Joseph Bowker, Col. James Mead.
WALLINGFORD : Mr. Abraham Ives.
TINMOUTH: Capt. Eben. Allen, Major Themis Rice.
DANBY: Captain Micah Veal, Mr. William Gage.
PANTON : Mr. John Gale.
BROMLEY: Captain William Utley.
Colonel Seth Warner and Capt. Heman Allen, present.
Members from the East side of the GREEN MOUNTAINS :
MARLBOROUGH : Captain F. Whittemore.
GUILFORD : Colonel Benjamin Carpenter, Major John
Shepherdson.
WINDSOR: Mr. Eben. Hoisington.
KENT : Mr. Edward Aikens, Colonel James Rogers.
ROCKINGHAM: Dr. Reuben Jones.
DUMMERSTON: Mr. Joseph Hildrick, Lieutenant Leonard
Spalding.
WESTMINSTER: Mr. Joshua Webb, Nathan Robinson,
Esq.
HALIFAX: Colonel Benjamin Carpenter.
Wilmington and Cumberland were represented by let-
ters from some of the principal inhabitants.
527
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
528
At a General Convention of forty-six Delegates on the
New-Hampshire Grants, on the east and west the range of
Green Mountains, representing thirty-six Towns on said
Grants, held at Dorset, the 25th day September, 1776, by
adjournment:
Whereas this Convention have for a series of years had
under their particular consideration the disingenuous conduct
of the former Colony, now State of New-York, towards
the inhabitants of that district of land commonly called and
known by the name of the New-Hampshire Grants; the
several illegal, unjustifiable and unwarrantable measures
they have taken to deprive by fraud, violence, and oppres-
sion, those inhabitants of their property, and in particular
their landed interest; and as this Convention have reason
to expect a continuance of the same kind of disingenuity,
unless some measures effectual be taken to form the said
district a separate and distinct one from New-York:
And whereas it at present appears to this Convention,
that for the foregoing reasons, together with the distance of
road which lies between this district and New- York, that it
will be very inconvenient for those inhabitants to associate
or connect with them, for the time being, directly or indi-
rectly :
Therefore, this Convention, being fully convinced that
it is necessary that every individual in the United States of
America should exert themselves to their utmost ability in
the defence of the liberties thereof, and that this Conven-
tion may the better satisfy the publick of their punctual
attachment to the said common cause, at present as well as
heretofore, we do make and subscribe the following, viz :
We, the subscribers, inhabitants of that district of land
commonly called and known by the name of the New-
Hampshire Grants, being legally delegated and authorized
to transact the publick and political affairs of the aforesaid
district of land, for ourselves and constituents, do solemnly
covenant and engage that for the time being we will strictly
and religiously adhere to the several resolves passed in this
or a future Convention, constituted on said district, by the
iree voice of the friends to American liberties, that shall not
be repugnant to the resolves of the honourable Continental
Congress, relative to the general cause of America.
David Vallance, John Gale, Michael Dunning,
Samuel Benton, Gideon Ormsby, Moses Robinson,
Ira Allen, James Mead, Nathaniel Robinson,
John Manley, Jonas Fay, Reuben Jones,
Abraham Underbill, Edward Aikin, Seth Warner,
William Gage, Joseph Bradley, Michael Veal,
Martin Powell, Elisha Clark, Jeremiah Clark,
Reuben Harmon, Zaccheus Mallery, Lemuel Bradley,
Nathan Clark, John Burnham, Jun. Abner Sealy,
Benjamin Carpenter, Nehemiah How, Obadiah Dunham,
Timothy Bronson, Francis Whilmore, Ebenezer Allen,
William Ward, Joseph Woodward, Samuel Safford,
Thomas Tuttle, Leonard Spaulding, William Fitch,
Ebenezer Hoisington,Amos Custice, Timothy Barker,
Abraham Ives, Samuel Write, Heman Allen.
In General Convention, New-Hampshire Grants, )
Dorset, September 25, 1776. )
Whereas the difference which has for a number of years
last past subsisted between the State of New- York and the
inhabitants of the said New-Hampshire Grants, relative to
the title of the lands on said district, has not as yet subsided,
Resolved, therefore, by this Convention, That no law or
laws, direction or directions, from the State of New-York,
should be accepted; neither will they hold themselves bound
thereby.
Extract from the Minutes : JONAS FAY, Clerk.
In Convention of Fifty- Six Representatives from the several
Counties and Towns of the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS,
holden at DORSET, 25th of SEPTEMBER, 1776, by ad-
journment*
For a Colonel refusing or neglecting to comply with any
orders from this Convention, to pay a fine of thirty-three
* Extracts of Minutes of the General Convention, NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS,
25lfc of SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Rtsolvcd, That the Committee of War are hereby invested with suffi-
cient power to hear and determine any complaint brought by a commis-
sioned officer of the Militia on said Grants for neglect of duty, and to
proceed against them, or either of them, to collect by warrant or execu-
tion from under the hand of the Chairman of said Committee, such fine
and fines as heretofore appointed by the Convention, and the Field-Offi-
cers of Militia in like manner to hear and determine any complaint
against any the other commissioned officers of their respective regiments,
and to award execution in manner and form as before prescribed; and
in like manner the Captains and subaltern officers of each regiment to
dollars; for a Lieutenant-Colonel neglecting to obey his
commanding officer, twenty-five dollars; Major, twenty dol-
lars; Captain, fourteen dollars; Lieutenant or Adjutant,
nine dollars ; Ensign or Quartermaster, seven dollars ; Ser-
geant or Clerk, two dollars; Corporal, Drummer, or Fifer,
one and a half dollars ; Sentinel, one dollar. If a Soldier
drafted in any particular service, and absconding, shall be
subject to pay a fine of twenty-five dollars, and an Officer in
proportion as above.
That the Committee of War have full power to hear any
complaint against any Field-Officers for neglect of their duty,
and to proceed against them, or either of them, to collect by
warrant or execution from under their hands such fine or
fines as appointed by this Convention. In like manner the
above-said Field-Officers to try all the commissioned officers
in their respective regiments for the time being ; said warrants
to be directed to some suitable person to collect the same.
And in like manner two commissioned officers of each com-
pany try all non-commissioned officers and soldiers, to award
in the same manner as above ; said fines to be used or ap-
plied to furnish themselves with arms and ammunition that
are not able to furnish themselves with arms and other ac-
coutrements as required ; and that each non-commissioned
officer and private provide himself with a suitable gun,
and one pound of powder, four pounds of bullets fit for his
gun, six flints, powder-horn, cartouch-box, or bullet-pouch,
a sword, bayonet, or tomahawk ; and for the want of a gun,
to pay a fine of two dollars on each time so requested to
appear under arms, and for want of each other accoutre-
ment the sum of a dollar, when required as aforesaid.
Fines for each day's neglect. — A Colonel, £l 16*.;
Lieutenant-Colonel, £1 10s.; Major, 18s. ; Captain, 16s.;
Lieutenant, 14s.; Adjutantor Ensign, 12s.; Quartermaster,
10s. ; Sergeant or Clerk, 8s. ; Corporal, 6s. ; Drummer
and Fifer, 4s. ; Sentinel, 3s. 6d.
That the Committee of War be, and are hereby, em-
powered to issue their warrants in the name and by the
authority of this Convention, to the several Field-Officers
in the Militia on the district of the New-Hampshire Grants.
That on any sufficient notice received from the General or
Commander-in-Cbief of any of the Armies of the United
States of America, or the honourable Continental Congress,
requesting the assistance of the Militia, to march immediately
to the relief of such part of the Continent as they may be
requested to ; and in case any person legally warned or no-
tified justly belonging to any or either of the Company or
Companies of the Militia on said district, shall refuse on such
notification to attend and perform the duty enjoined on him
or them by the officers of the Regiments to which he or they
do or may belong, that they be fined, unless sufficient excuse
be rendered to the said Committee of War.
Extract from the Minutes :
IRA ALLEN, Assistant Clerk.
Extracts of the Votes and Proceedings of General Conven-
tion, held at DORSET, on the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS,
by adjournment, the 25th, 26th, and 21th days of SEP-
TEMBER, in 1776.
2. Voted that the Records of the Proceedings of this
Convention, held at this place, from the 16th of January
try all non-commissioned officers and soldiers in their respective regi-
ments, said fines to be applied to furnish those soldiers in said regiment
with arms, ammunition, and accoutrements, &c., as are not able to fur-
nish themselves.
Resolved, That each non-commissioned officer and soldier immediately
furnish himself with a good gun, with a bayonet, sword, or tomahawk,
one pound powder, four pounds of bullets suitable for his gun, six
flints, powder-horn, cartouch-box, or bullet-pouch; and for want of a
gun, to pay a fine of two dollars on each day required to appear under
arms, and for want of each other accoutrement the sum of half a dollar.
Resolved, That the Committee of War be, and they are hereby, em-
powered to issue their warrants to the several Field-Officers of Militia
on the district of the New-Hampshire Grants, on any sufficient notice re-
ceived from the General or other Commander-in-Chief of any of the
Armies of the United States of America, or from the honourable the Csn-
tinental Congress, requiring the assistance of the Militia, commanding
the several officers and soldiers of such regiment immediately to collect,
with such necessaries as the route may require, and repair forthwith to
such part of the United States as they may be required; and in case any
commissioned, non-commissioned officer or soldier who shall be legally
warned, justly belonging to any the Company or Companies of such
Militia, shall refuse or neglect on such notification to attend and perform
the duty or duties enjoined on him by the officers of the Regiment to
which he or they do or may belong, that the officer, non-commissioned
officer, or soldier, so refusing or neglecting to do and perform the duty
or duties so required, be subject to the payment of such fine respectively
as shall be laid on him or them at the discretion of the said Committee
of War.
529
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
530
last to this time, be read, to give light to those gentlemen
Delegates from the east side of the Green Mountains in
particular, and the whole in general.
6. Voted to make a general list of the names of those
of the several Towns on the New-Hampshire Grants, who
have signed the General Association voted by the last
Convention to be signed.
7. Voted that no Member of this Convention be per-
mitted to speak more than three times to one cause, at one
sitting, without leave of the Board.
8. Voted that the Association originally signed be re-
turned to the Clerk of this Convention, at their next sitting
at Westminster, the last Wednesday of October next.
9. Voted to submit the Vote relative to making applica-
tion to the Continental Congress for a new State, to those
gentlemen delegated from the east side of the Mountains,
for their consideration, which they report, or have reported,
their acquiescence therein.
10. Voted to show our minds, whether we will take
every suitable or proper step to obtain to be a separate or
distinct State by ourselves; and it passed in the affirmative,
not one dissenting vote.
11. Voted to choose seven persons for a Committee to
form a plan for future proceedings, and report to this Con-
vention.
12. Choose Colonel William Marsh, Doctor Jonas Fay,
Doctor Reuben Jones, Captain Ira Allen, Colonel Thomas
Chittenden, Colonel Benjamin Carpenter, and Colonel
James Rogers, a Committee for the above purpose.
14. Voted that a compact or covenant be made and
subscribed by the Members of this Convention, for them-
selves and constituents, for the security of their common
liberties and properties, in conjunction with the free and
independent States of America.
15. Voted that the above covenant be made and sub-
scribed at this meeting; and that the several Counties on
the New-Hampshire Grants be furnished with a copy, to
be signed by the several individuals to be returned to this
Convention.
16. Voted that some covenant or compact be entered
into by this Convention.
17. Voted that Colonel William Marsh, Colonel Moses
Robinson, Mr. Ebenezer Hoisington, Doctor Reuben Jones,
Colonel Thomas Chittenden, and Doctor Abijah Durham,
be and are a Committee to form the said covenant, and
report the same to this Convention to-morrow morning.
The foregoing Committee reported to Convention, in the
morning, as follows:
19. Voted that suitable provisions be made that the
whole of the inhabitants of said New- Hampshire Grants,
on each side of the Mountains, be notified, and have proper
opportunity, to join and coincide with the measures taken,
and to be taken hereafter, for the benefit of forming said
District into a separate body or State.
20. Voted that Colonel Jacob Bayley, Captain Abner
Sely, and Colonel Jacob Kent, be a Joint Committee to
exhibit the Proceedings of this Convention to the inhabi-
tants of the County of Gloucester, and request them to join
the Association left with them at their County Convention,
held at Hetford, the 13th day of August last ; and return
the same by the Delegate or Delegates chosen, or to be
hereafter chosen, to meet and join this Convention at their
next sitting.
21. Voted that it be and is hereby recommended to the
several Chairmen of the several Committees of the several
Towns on the west side the range of Green Mountains,
on the New-Hampshire Grants, faithfully see to it, that
the Association made at the last silting of this Committee
be forthwith signed by every individual male inhabitant of
each Town, from sixteen years old and upwards, and that,
for the future, each person subscribe his own name or mark;
that said Association thus signed be returned to Jonas Fay,
the Clerk of this Convention, at or before the next sittiii"
of this Convention, on the last Wednesday of October next",
to be held at Westminster; as also the names and reasons
of those who refuse to sign said Association.
22. Choose Colonel William Marsh and Captain Ira
Allen to go over the east side of the Mountain, to assist in
collecting their minds and signing of Association in the
Counties of Cumberland and Gloucester.
23. Choose Doctor Jonas Fay, Doctor Reuben Jones,
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II 34
and Colonel William Marsh, a Committee to draw a remon-
strance or petition to send to the Continental Congress, and
report to this Convention as soon as may be.
24. Voted that Doctor Jonas Fay write an answer to
Doctor John Wheelock's letter.
25. Voted that the Committees of Safety for the several
Towns on the New-Hampshire Grants be legally invested
with the same power as other Committees of Safety for
other Towns in any of the free States in America.
26. Voted that a sufficient Gaol be made on the west
side of the range of Green Mountains, at such place as
shall hereafter be agreed on, for securing Tories, &z.c.
27. Voted that Nathan Clark, Esq., Captain Michael
Veal, Captain Samuel Benton, Major Jeremiah Clark, and
Colonel James Mead, be and are hereby appointed a Com-
mittee to assign the place for erecting a Gaol as above, and
prescribe some method for effecting the same as soon as
may ; and report to this Convention as soon as they con-
veniently can.
28. Voted that every Colonel issue his orders, immedi-
ately, to his several Captains, to muster their Companies,
and to take the number of men gone in the service, and
what service, and how many at home, and their arms and
ammunition; and the Colonels to make their returns to the
Committee of War, and they to this Convention.
34. That Doctor Reuben Jones and Lieutenant Spauld-
ing wait, and take the Proceedings of this Convention, and
deliver to their constituents.
35. That thirteen Members from this Convention to the
Convention on the other side.
36. It's recommended for every Town to send one
Member.
38. Voted that Jonas Fay, Colonel William Marsh, and
Doctor Jones, be a Committee to prepare a Petition to the
honourable Continental Congress.
46. That as it appears that the Town of Arlington are
principally Tories, yet the friends of liberty are ordered to
warn a meeting, and choose a Committee of Safety, and
conduct as other Towns. If they meet with opposition, to
make application to the Committees of Safety of the neigh-
bouring Towns for assistance.
47. That Colonel Benjamin Carpenter, of Guilford,
notify Hinsdak, Halifax, and Guilford; Captain Francis
Whitmore, of New-Marlborough, notify New-Marlborough,
Brattleborough,and Draper; Lieutenant Leonard Spauld-
ing and Captain Samuel Fletcher notify Putney and New-
Fain, Townsend, and Dummerston, for the purpose of the
within Resolves.
49. That this Convention be adjourned to Wednesday,
the 30th day of October next, to be held at the Court
House at Westminster, at ten o'clock in the forenoon.
A true copy from the original. Attest:
JONAS FAY, Clerk of said Convention.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Ticonderoga, September 22, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Your favours of the 14th, 16th, and
17th instant, are now before me. In return, I have the
pleasure to send you, enclosed, General Arnold's letters to
me of the 15th and 16th, together with the examination of
Sergeant Day, a deserter from Colonel Maclean's Regiment,
formerly a Sergeant in Captain Lamb's company of artil-
lery; also, the examination ofAntoine Girard, a Canadian.
The men themselves will be with you soon, as they set out
this day for Albany. The Sergeant has the appearance of
an open, honest fellow, well attached. The old Canadian,
General Arnold has in his letter given reasons for suspect-
ing, which are strongly increased by what you will find
enclosed from my Secretary.
1 am convinced you have done every thing in your power
to procure the cordage, &c., wanted for the row -galleys, as
I must gratefully acknowledge you have constantly done, to
send every supply demanded for the troops here.
As the command you mention is going to devolve upon
me, is totally unsought for and unsolicited, I must in truth
and sincerity assure you, that it is an honour from the pos-
session of which I cannot receive the smallest satisfaction,
unless you will suffer me to hope that you will continue to
give every aid which your experience, interest, and authority,
so preeminently supply. The business of this campaign,
531
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
532
wit!) the climate, 8ic., &c., has so worn me down, that I
believe all honour or command will be to me no more than
the last blaze of the candle. 1 devoted myself to the
service when I entered it, and will, while I am aide,
continue to serve. If we finish triumphantly, our posterity
will be happy, and in process of time, I hope, all mankind
free. These are objects of higher import than a million of
lives such as mine.
I am, dear General, your affectionate and most obedient,
humble servant, Ho. GATES.
Isle la Motte, September 15, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Your favour of the 12th instant was
delivered me last night, by Ensign Botsford, who narrowly
escaped being lost in his passage down, and svas obliged to
throw overboard the barrels of provision, to lighten his bat-
teau. I am happy to find you approve of my returning
from the IsIe-aiix-Tctes. Our present situation is five miles
to the southward of Point-au-Fer, and two miles to the
southward of the north end of Isle la Motte, at a part of the
island, where that Lake is one and a half to two miles over.
To the southward of us there is no part of the Lake less
than two miles over, and entirely out of the reach of any
batteries that can possibly be erected by the enemy, of
whose naval force I have been able to procure no other
intelligence than from a deserter, Thomas Day, whom I
have sent you by Ensign Botsford, with his examina-
tion, which is enclosed. I have heard nothing from Lieu-
tenant IVhitcomb, or Ensign McCoy, since they left the
Isle-aux-Noix, from which a man returned from each party,
who agree that there is about one thousand men encamped
there. They saw no water craft except batteaus.
I have despatched a Frenchman to St. John's for intel-
ligence, whom I found in the bay of Missisqui; he has
promised to return in four days with intelligence. If 1 hear
nothing from St. John's soon, I design making a remove to
the Island Valcour, until joined by the three galleys. There
is a good harbour, and if the enemy venture up the Lake, it
will be impossible for them to take advantage of our situa-
tion. If we should succeed on our attack on them, it will be
impossible for any of them to escape ; if we are worsted,
our retreat is open and free; in case of wind, which generally
blows fresh at this season, our craft will make good weather
when their batteaus cannot keep the Lake.
I am glad to hear General Waterbury has taken charge
of the galleys. I make no doubt they will soon be com-
pleted. My best pilot I sent up by Major Greer.
I requested General Schttyler to send for four Captains
of the galleys, since which I have appointed only two At
that time three galleys were nearly finished, and four others
ordered to be put on the stocks, which still left a vacancy
for one Captain. Captain Warner is one of the four which
was requested ; one of the others I wish sent for the Royal
Savage, the third for the galley on the stocks, and the fourth
for one of the others ordered to be built, which ought to be
put on the stocks long ere this. The greatest part of the
timber was cut for the four last galleys before I left Skeens-
borough; and as the carpenters and materials are procured,
will it not be prudence and economy to have them com-
pleted ?
In my last I wrote you we were victualled to the 20th
instant. In that calculation I computed ten barrels of pork
and twenty of flour, left at Crown-Point, which I ordered
to be sent down in the gondola. The order was neglected
and the provision left behind, so that the supply sent now
will victual us no longer than the 26th instant, unless sup-
plied by the inhabitants on the Lake, of which there is little
prospect. Cannot a Frenchman or two, who is acquainted
in Canada, and can be depended upon, be sent me with
the tobacco?
I keep the two small schooners continually cruising above
and below us. The countersign is never given until four
o'clock. Two guard-boats are posted every night two miles
below us, at a proper distance, to discover the approach of
the enemy; another boat goes the rounds every two hours
all night; every ship keeps half their men constantly on
deck under arms and matches lighted. It will be impossible
for the enemy to surprise us.
I am greatly obliged to you for the friendly notice you
have taken of me in your publick letter, which, I make no
doubt, will have the desired effect.
I am surprised you have received no particular accounts
of the battle on Loiig-hland. The severe check the enemy
have met with will doubtless dispirit them greatly, and will,
I hope, prove a happy prelude to future success. I hope
you will soon have the particulars of the affair. The Act
of Independence I will send, agreeable to your directions.
I am, with sentiments of respect and esteem, dear Gen-
eral, your affectionate, humble servant,
B. ARNOLD.
Isle la Motte, September ]G, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL- The hard s;ale of yesterday prevented
my sending back Ensign Botsford. This morning at one
o'clock, Antoinc Geroure, whom I mentioned to have sent
to St. John's, returned, and gives the following account,
viz : That at Isle-aux-Noix there are three thousand troops
encamped, and forty pieces of cannon mounted on their
lines. At St. John's are three thousand men, one hundred
and fifty batteaus ; and he was told by a Frenchman two
hundred batteaus were at Chamblee, and a party of men
sent down to fetch them up ; that two schooners were com-
pleted and manned, one mounting twelve and the other
fourteen brass twelve-pounders; the small vessels on the
stocks to carry three guns each ; one gondola taken from us
and three new ones built there, to mount three guns each ;
a number of flat-bottomed boats and batteaus, to carry one
gun each, and a floating battery with two masts, nearly
done, to carry twenty-four eighteen-pounders and two mor-
tars. He imagines the whole will be completed in a fortnight.
He has brought a pass from the Isle-aux-Noix, from which
and the distance he had to go, the bad weather and time he
has been gone, I believe lie has been no farther than the
Lle-aux-'Noix, and that he has been enjoined by the officer
there to give the foregoing account. Had not they been
convinced he was in their interest, I don't imagine they
would have suffered him to return. He formerly lived
with Metcalf, whom he says is gone to St. John's, now
remains at a French house opposite the Isle-aux-Motte,
where Sergeant Day says a number of deserters were lately
taken, betrayed to the Indians by the Frenchman. I have
every reason to think him placed as a spy on us. I have
therefore sent him to you, to be disposed of as you may
think proper. 1 had promised him fifty dollars, provided
he procured an exact account of the strength of the enemy.
Agreeable to the accounts I received from others, from the
accounts of the two men who have viewed the Isle-aux-
Noix, one of whom I now send, the accounts of this French-
man must be false, and a story formed (or him by one of the
English officers.
I have heard nothing of Lieutenant Whitcomb, or Ensign
McCoy, and am very apprehensive for their safety, as the
woods are full of Indians.
I am, respectfully, dear General, your obedient, humble
servant, B. ARNOLD.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
Examination of Sergeant THOMAS DAY, of Colonel MAC-
LEAN'S Regiment, late of Captain LAMB'S Company,
who deserted from POINT- AUX-TREMBLES, between MON-
TREAL and SORREL, ivith two others, the 3lst AUGUST.
Says : That the whole of his Regiment were quartered
at Point-aux-Trembles ; that there are at Quebeck twelve
hundred of the foreign troops; the Thirty-Fourth Regiment
are at Trois Rivieres and Sorrel ; three Companies of the
Twenty-Ninth Regiment at Montreal, two Companies, with
Colonel Johnston and his Indians, at Lachine. The re-
mainder of the army at St. Johns, Chamblee, and the Isle-
aux-Noix. The whole arrny in Canada he says he has
heard the officers compute at seven thousand men, including
foreigners. The Ninth, Twentieth, Twenty-First, Twenty-
Fourth, Twenty-Ninth, Thirty-First, Thirty-Fourth, and
Forty-Seventh Regiments are included in the above.
That there are no Canadians in the King's service; that
they are much oppressed and robbed of every thing by the
Regulars, obliged to work without being paid for it, and
universally wish we were in possession of the country again.
That he heard there were two schooners taken to pieces
and brought up to Si. John's, to carry six pounders and ten
swivels each. That he understood there were two or three
more sloops and schooners, with some gondolas and floating
533
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
534
batteries, building at St. John's. That lie frequently heard
for a fortnight before he deserted, that the army were in a
few days to cross the Lake for Crown-Point. That the
troops at Quebeck were very sickly and many died, as well
as at Chamblee, St. John's, and the Isle-aux-Noix, in par-
ticular the foreigners at the latter places; they were attacked
with the fever and flux. That fifty men had signed an
agreement to desert together, but were betrayed by one of
the company, when part of them were condemned to be
sent to Senegal during life. That two men deserted with
him, whom lie parted with the day before.
B. ARNOLD.
On hoard the Royal Savage, September 12, 1776.
Examination of ANTOINE GIRARD, a CANADIAN, and a
tenant of Mr. SIMON METCALF, on MISSISQ.UI BAV, sent
to TICONDEROGA by General ARNOLD, and interrogated
in the FRENCH language in the presence and by the order
oj the Honourable Major-General GATES ; with some
circumstances which may assist the Honourable Major-
General SCHUYLER informing a right judgment of this
prisoner.
Antoine Girard was brought to Ticonderoga about the
latter end of July, from Crown-Point, having been taken
when coming from St. John's, by a scouting party detached
by Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley, the commanding officer at
Crown-Point. Girard, who appeared a harmless, unin-
telligent man, was detained here some weeks, and after-
wards sent back, upon Mr. Metcalf's clerk answering for
his good behaviour.
He says that about the latter end of August, Mr. Met-
calf having heard a great cannonade, which continued a con-
siderable time, and was judged to be about Isle-aux-Noix,
he was anxious concerning the cause and event, and to
obtain information, went towards the Lake, but was taken
by a party of Indians, at the carrying place, from Missisld
Bay to Isle-anx-Noix, and carried to St. John's, as he,
Girard, was afterwards informed of by General Frazer.
On the 10th of September, Mrs. Mttcalf being exceed-
ingly uneasy at Mr. Metcalf's not coming back, sent Girard
to inquire what was the cause of her husband's delay.
Girard proceeded to the house of one Thomas, a French-
man, who lives between Missiski and the Lake, about four
miles from that part of Isle la Motte, where he found our
fleet.
He pretends he did not know before he came to Thomas's,
that General Arnold was stationed there, and that he went
to the fleet in order to know whether our troops had not
taken Mr. Melcalf, who General Arnold told him had not
been made a prisoner by any of his officers, and if taken,
must have been carried off by the English troops.
Girard says that General Arnold proposed to him to go
to St. John's on the pretence of inquiring about Mr. Met-
calf, and considering him as a trusty man, promised him fifty
dollars should he bring good intelligence, but forbade him
to mention to the enemy that he had seen our fleet. Girard
confesses that as he perceived nobody on board the fleet
seemed to know he had been lately suspected of acting as
a spy for the enemy, and brought to Ticondtroga as such,
he concealed that circumstance from General Arnold, and
proceeded on the 1 2th instant as a spy in our service to Isle-
aux-Noix, where he saw next day General Frazer, who
knew him long before, and let him go to St. John's.
Girard says he was informed there were three thousand
men at Isle-aux-Noix, but does not believe it. He saw at
a distance two vessels at St. John's, one o(i which he be-
lieves mounts fourteen eight or twelve-pounders; another,
supposed a gondola, rigged in a very odd manner, which
would carry, some said, twenty-two heavy guns, and be
ready within a fortnight. The enemy have three galleys,
and a great number of batteaus, besides one floating battery.
There is no General officer, but a Colonel at St. John's.
Two hundred Canadians and fifty Regulars are near River
a-la-Collc, and a guard of fifty men daily relieved there, at
one Stout's, a tailor. He likewise says that nine Indians,
with a Canadian interpreter, were sent off as a scouting
party the 10th instant, to carry off some prisoners from this
camp, and were to land about six miles below Crown-Point,
whence they were to march along the mountains to the
skirts of our encampment, and wait for an opportunity to
execute jheir design.
Ticonderogn, Sepember 20, 1776.
I have faithfully interpreted and related in the preceding
writing, the particulars reported by Antoine Girard as
therein mentioned. WM. CLAJON,
Secretary to Major-General Gates.
H. GLEN TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Scheneclady, September 25, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I find by a good many charges that I have
been at, by transporting the baggage of two regiments up
this river, and by forwarding some provisions to Johnstown
in wagons, which could not be done by boats, that I shall
have occasion for some more money. I would be glad to
know if I could get a warrant for the same.
1 am very sorry to learn that you are going to resign your
commission, though the reason is best known to yourself.
1 can assure you with pleasure, that every thing to the
westward is in good order. There is a good slock of pro-
visions at Fort Stanwix, German Flats, and Johnstown.
The bearer hereof is Mr. Haramanus V. S/yck, who has
signed the Association, and is a friend of the cause. I
recommend him to you for a pass for himself and two more
to go with necessaries for the army to Ticonderoga. In
giving him a pass, will be acknowledged a favour done to,
dear sir, your most obedient servant, „ ~
To Major-General Schuyler.
UDNEY HAY TO CAPTAIN RAYMOND.
September 25, 1776.
SIR : You will please ride out to the party who have
been employed in making a road from Mount Independence
to Otter Creek. The entrance to the road you will be
shown by any of the soldiers on Mount Independence. You
will please observe if the road is properly made, if the
stumps are cut sufficiently low, and the necessary bridges
made over such gullies or miry places as cattle would not
be able to pass over when the rainy season comes on. You
will follow Mr. Aoery's directions with respect to the method
necessary to furnish the party with provisions. There is a
Colonel Barrett, who is making a bridge over Otter Creek,
to whom you will be directed the nighest road by the first
party you go to. Acquaint Colonel Barrett that the Gen-
eral desires an exact account of what he has been doing, at
the same lime make such a survey of it yourself, as will
enable you to form an opinion whether the party has been
sufficiently diligent. Wishing you a good ride, am, sir,
IC" UDNEY HAT,
A. D. Quartermaster-General.
To Captain Edward Raymond.
EDWARD RAYMOND TO COLONEL HAY.
September 27, 1776.
In obedience to your order of the 25th instant, I pro-
ceeded to Mount Independence, entered the new road, and
passed on about eight miles ; surveyed the road as I passed,
found it cleared about one rod wide, with bridges where
wanting. Gave the officer of the party Mr. Avery's direc-
tions as to provisions; then proceeded by marked trees about
twelve miles to the old road leading to Crown-Point —
found the land broken and ridgy, bad to clear. 26th, I
passed on to Otter Creek, which I judge to be twelve or
fourteen miles, where I found Colonel Barrett with a party
building a bridge over said creek ; the abutments laid ; one
pair trestles raised ; the others, with the whole of the bridge,
appeared to me to be near ready to raise. 27th, returned
D3OK
EDWARD RAYMOND, W. Master.
To Colonel Hay.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL ST. CLAIR.
Mount Hartley, Crown-Point, September 25, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: You will think it odd that I should he
troubling you when I have nothing material to commu-
nicate.
Ensign Sounders mentions that the English employ no
savages, yet we every day are informed that hundreds of
them watch our fleets and take every opportunity in com-
535
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
536
pany with the Regulars to annoy us. They charge us with
barbarism, when they every day practise it. They are
certainly put to shifts when they call on such scandalous
allies.
I find there is weight in what you said about the enemy's
approaching this fall. They will certainly attempt, I be-
lieve ; but if the galleys get down in time they will be
disappointed. Should the fleet come up to Split-Rock,
which perhaps would be very proper, the Indians on the
Lake will pursue it. They will, doubtless, if they have
any strength, pay us a visit here. Should they, I believe
we will sweat them, especially if we can give you timely
notice, so as to assist us in cutting'off their retreat. I find
the enemy have a very despicable opinion of us ; this may,
perhaps, lead them into a scrape some day or other, which
may not be far off.
Since my return from Head-Quarters, my people have
been employed in making huts, &tc., and will soon be com-
fortable. If we had some more of the bark we would do
well. Such as are in health are really in good spirits.
I have just now sent off two scouts to the westward, with
three days' provision, to see if they can discover any thing
of an enemy. They are two expert men ; they will stand
no great chance of being taken should an enemy be in the
way, and will be very likely to bring us intelligence. My
parties down the Lake made no discoveries lately.
Should any thing material happen at any time in this
quarter, I shall immediately communicate it to Head-Quar-
ters. If there is any thing new from New-York, I would
be glad to hear by the bearer. I do not expect you to an-
swer every letter I trouble you with, as your department
will not, perhaps, grant you as much leisure as my situation
does me:
I am, dear General, with best respects to Colonels
Wayne, De Haas, and Johnston, your most humble and
respectful servant, THQS HARTLEY
To General St. Clair.
P. S. I hope to see you here this week in one of the
galleys.
State of CONNECTICUT — By the GOVERNOUR :
All persons in this State who have any demands for ser-
vices, or disbursements for publick service, in the Northern
department, are directed to prepare well-authenticated ac-
counts of the same, and exhibit or procure them to be
exhibited to the honourable Commissioners of the Conti-
nental Congress, now sitting at Albany, in the State of
New-York, for adjustment and payment. And the several
printers in this State are required to insert this notice in their
newspapers as soon as may be.
Given under my hand in Lebanon, the 25th day of Sep-
tember, Anno Domini 1776. •, rr
JONATHAN THUMBULL.
of your power, in a private station, does you much honour,
and corresponds with the idea I have entertained of your
patriotism ; but I flatter myself I shall yet continue to see
you fill and adorn a sphere of greater extent and useful-
ness.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Lebanon, September 25, 1776.
SIR : I am honoured with your favour of the 1 5th instant,
and thank you for the Indian treaty. I have taken copies
and returned the originals by my son.
That you have sent Congress a resignation of your com-
mand— that you are obliged to vindicate your character by
publishing a narrative of your conduct, are matters 1 cannot
hear of but with deep concern. I make no doubt of your
ability to justify yourself, yet fear the consequences of such
an appeal, at this time especially. I wish to see your char-
acter stand as fair with the world as it does with me, but
cannot wish that Congress should accept your resignation,
that your ability and zeal should be lost to your country,
when she most needs them, or that matters of so much deli-
cacy and importance as those which have passed through
your hands, and have been under your direction, should be
laid open to the world, when our enemies may derive such
advantages from the discovery, and our friends be discour-
aged and disheartened. May I prevail with you to suspend
your publication a little while ? Perhaps your character may
be vindicated from the aspersions you conceive it to labour
under, from another quarter, and in a manner more honour-
able to you and less unhappy for our country. Your resolu-
tion to continue to love and serve your country lo the utmost
I am at a loss to conceive how troops at Skeensborough
came to be in want of salt, vinegar, &.C., when such sup-
plies were at Fort George; or if they were supplied, how I
could be informed they were destitute. Perhaps some want
of attention in the Commissaries may have given occasion
for it.
In behalf of this State, I sincerely thank you for your
attention, both formerly and now, to provide for the relief
of the unhappy sick in that army. I hope it will in event
prove as happy and effectual for them as it is honourable to
you.
I shall publish to all persons in this State to repair to
Albany to adjust their accounts with the Commissioners of
Congress ; and advise General Wooster according to your
request.
I am, sir, with great truth and regard, your obedient,
humble servant, m
JONTH. IRUMBULL.
To General Schuyler.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES.
Lebanon, September y5, 1776.
SIR: Your favour of the 16th instant I had the honour
to receive the 21st, by the return of our post-rider.
I am glad to hear there is so near a prospect of our troops
being relieved, by the approaching season, from the predom-
inant plague of the Lake, which it seems is inevitable and
must be endured, with this only gleam of comfort, that our
enemy's end of the ship will sink first.
That our troops should be officered with persons of au-
thority, and sense to exert it properly, is doubtless just. We
should be happy always to know how to distinguish and
select such men ; but they cannot well be known until they
are tried, and their true and just character in service is not
always attained. It would be of service to the States, and
happy for the future army, might such officers, as upon trial
are found to fall within your description, be pointed out and
known at home ; for the rest, we must make the best choice
in our power, and trust the event. Indeed, it seems but just
that such as serve with ability and honour should have the
credit of it; such as fail, as it will often happen without
their fault, cannot justly consider the applause given to
others as a censure upon themselves. They are willing to
serve their country, but unhappily have not the requisite
capacity.
The late movements and skirmishes at New-York, I pre-
sume you are better informed of than I am. I hope it will
be in the General's power to make an effectual stand on the
ground he has now taken possession of.
It is expected that a new army will soon be formed, and
inlistinents for that purpose will take place with you. We
shall be happy to be furnished with such intelligence as will
enable us in the best manner to serve the army and promote
the publick service.
I am, sir, with great respect and esteem, your obedient,
humble servant, JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
GOVERNOUR THUMBULL TO JOHN THUMBULL.
Lebanon, September 25, 1776.
DEAR SON: I have before me yours of the 16th, per
Brown. When I wrote last I had nothing new to write
you from Neiv- York. Since that time I have from Colonel
Williams the account from Congress relative to their send
ing Dr. Franklin, J. Adams, and E. Rutlcdge, Commis-
sioners to treat with Lord Howe and General Hoive. That
you may see the whole affair in the light he sends it me, I
have enclosed the principal materials he sends me. It
seems the conference with Lord Howe came to nothing.
He has no powers but to pardon.
The Rebels who need pardon from the King of Britain
are not yet discovered. We disclaim the name, and judge
that our rights and privileges have been injuriously invaded.
Our sins against God, the supreme director of all events,
537
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
538
call us to repentance and reformation, and to look to him
for pardon, and humbly to trust in him for his salvation and
deliverance from our destroyers.
You will probably receive accounts from your friends
near New- York, of the late action on Monday se'nnight near
that city, more full than I am able to give. Our acquaint-
ance with it is very various. The best I have is from your
brother, by his letter dated Colonel Cortlandt's, near King's
Bridge, 18th September. Copy of his intelligence is en-
closed. It is probable his may not be so complete, and the
number killed, wounded, taken of our enemies, so many as
they really are; because letters from several who were in the
action mention much greater numbers, and that our party
took from the enemy three or four field-pieces, with the car-
tridges prepared for them, and turned them upon the enemy.
Surely we shall both have more certain intelligence. Your
brother Jonathan hath been with me for more than one
week, and Colonel Jedediah Huntington returned here from
camp more than a fortnight since. He is finally recovered.
His fever and night-sweats left him his spirits better restored
than his flesh and strength. Yesterday morning he and
Jonathan both set out for the army near New- York. From
the latter you'll have a fuller account from thence than can
at present be sent from hence.
I am rejoiced to find the Northern army in so much bet-
ter condition than they have been. Have you any views
of attacking the enemy at St. John's, if they don't think
proper to meddle with you? I knew not the affair between
Arnold and Wynkoop before I received your information.
Your brother at Albany did not know it fully. I shall
expect the return made out for me. I wish to be fully
acquainted with your circumstances and wants, that no
relief from hence may be wanted. The old guns, which
want considerable repairs, I think had best be sent hither.
Your mother, brother David, sister Williams, and all our
connexions, are in usual health ; send their love to you,
with their best wishes for your health, safety, and happiness.
David is very busy in supplying cattle for the army. Cap-
tain Walter Hyde went into the service with a company of
volunteers, to New- York. He was seized with the dysen-
tery, returned 'as far as Horse-Neck, and died. Gambole
went with him ; anxious to get home when sick increased
his disorder, and died on the last Lord's day.
Nine of our Eastern regiments, consisting likely of three
thousand men, commanded by Brigadier-General Salton-
stall, and three hundred Light-Horse, under the command
of Major Backus, are gone to the aid of General Washing-
ton's army.
You will always remember that the business of religion
ought to be the daily concern of our lives. Virtue ought to
be the object of all government, and especially of that of
ourseb/es. Profaneness is a fashionable vice in the army.
It is one of the most foolish and unaccountable sort.
THADDEUS BURR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fairfield, September 25, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to your directions, through your Secre-
tary, we have disposed of the prisoners of war sent us per
General Heath, in the following manner, viz: Lieutenant
John Ragg, and his servant Benjamin Jones, we have sent
to the Committee of Middletown; Sergeant David Wallace,
Corporal Thomas Pike, Edward Gibbon, William Smith,
Isaac Hughs, Thomas Harriman, John Woodward, Ed-
ward Cavil, William Williams, William Cootney, Stephen
Webber, John Smith, Samuel Morsel, Thomas Sorrel, Jos.
Destant, William Jones, William Pearce, John Hopkins,
Henry Weston, Evan Evans, and John Morton, privates,
we sent to the Committee of Wallingford, where they are
placed in the parishes in the interiour part of the country,
agreeable to rules of Congress. We should have sent them
to Litchjield, but upon inquiry found that they already had
a number there. We hope the disposition will be satisfac-
tory to your Excellency. As we could find no rule of
Congress how the charges of marching them were to be
defrayed, we took a guard of a Sergeant and six from our
battery, and advanced them a penny a mile for their sup-
port. Whether we have done right or not we do not know.
The men, we are sensible, could not be marched without
support. We should, therefore, take it as a favour if your
Excellency would direct us to whom we are to look for
their billeting for eleven days, and the advanced money for
marching them to the places of their destination.
We are, with the highest esteem and respect, your Ex-
cellency's most obedient, humble servants.
Signed per order: THADDEUS BURR, Chairman.
To His Excellency General Washington.
P. S. Enclosed is the account as we have made it out.
DEPOSITION OF ELISHA COLE.
Elisha Cole, master of the schooner Triton, bound from
Kennebeck to Cape Francois, testify and declare, that on
the 20th day of July last I was taken by the Millford,
man-of-war, John Burr commander, who took from me my
bed, bedding, sea-clothes, and every thing else, except what
I had in my chest. When I got on board Captain Burr,
he asked me, after taking my papers, where my money was.
I answered that I had not any. Then he ordered his clerk
to search me, and I was searched accordingly. He then
took away my watch, but returned it. Next morning the
Captain called for me, and demanded the key of my
chest, and when opened took every thing out of it to search
for money; finding none, they gave me the chest, and
ordered me to carry it to my berth. On the 25th of July
we discovered a ship, which he took near Newbury bar.
Captain Burr then ordered me to the fourth gun, and the
opposite forward, and compelled me to go, which I was
obliged to do after a long dispute; and my mate and all my
men were put on the ship's books, and compelled to do
duty, and obliged to fight against their American brethren,
as are all the prisoners they take, which I often heard the
officers of the Millford declare. I left Halifax the 1 1th day
of August, leaving my mate and men all on board the Mill-
ford. I told Captain Burr our people gave the masters,
mates, Sic., their adventures, and it was very hard to have
my all taken from me. He replied he could not do it; his
people would not allow it ; and swore by God he would not
give me any thing. The Yankee Hero men, by the infor-
mation of the steward and others belonging to the Millford,
had but three-quarters of the common allowance of pro-
visions to seamen for their support, and no allowance of
clothing. ELISHA COLE.
Boston, September 25, 1776.
Suffolk, ss :
Elisha Cole made oath to the truth of the above Depo-
sition, by him subscribed.
Before me : JOSEPH GHEENLEAF, Justice Peace.
CAPTAIN JACKSON TO JOHN AVERT.
Newburyport, September 25, 1776.
SIR: There are eight swivel guns in this town that were
brought in here the last year by one Captain Johnson, who
was from the West-Indies, in the service of this Colony. Our
company would be glad to purchase them of the State, if
they may be sold, or to borrow them, if to be lent — or part
of them, if any are engaged already. Your making this
application for us to the honourable Board, will much oblige
me, and your sending me their determination per the first
opportunity, will add to the obligations. There is Captain
Roberts (whom I expect to be the bearer of this) will be at
Watertown this week, and returning, by whom please to
write.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
JONA. JACKSON.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Council Chamber, Watertown, September 25, 1776.
SIR: In consequence of a request from the honourable
the American Congress, this State have directed one battalion
of their Militia to your State, to supply the place of a regi-
ment in the pay of the Continent, lately ordered to reinforce
the army at New- York. Your Honour may expect them
soon.
The General Court have, at the request of Governour
Trumbull, ordered sixty whale-boats to be procured for the
service mentioned in his letter of the 9th instant, a copy of
which is enclosed. They will be forwarded to Rhode-
Island, from which place they are to be sent to some conve-
5*9
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
540
nient port in Connecticut; the mode of sending them will be
settled by you and Governour Trumbull. For fuither par-
ticulars, we beg leave to refer you to General Lincoln, who
will wait on you in his way to New-York.
To Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Providence.
ALEXANDER COFFIN TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Boston, September 25, 1776.
GENTLEMF.N: Agreeable to your desire, I have collected
the particulars of my voyage from Nantucket to London,
and from thence to the West-Indies and Nantucket, and is
as follows: 1 sailed in the ship Somerset from Nantucket,
the 27th of August, 1775, with a load of oil, and arrived in
London the 2d October following. There I disposed of my
ship and cargo, and endeavoured to procure a passage back
to Nantucket or some part of America, but by the embar-
rassments arising from acts of Parliament restraining and
cutting off all trade and communication with the Americans,
I could find no opportunity of a passage back to Nantucket,
and was obliged, in conjunction with Captains Folger, Jen-
kins and Gardner, to purchase a brig for that purpose; and
in order to prevent being liable to be seized or stopped in
our intended return to America by any of the King's ships,
or by any of the officers of the King's customs in London,
we were obliged to conceal our intentions, and by advice of
our American friends there, (who entrusted us with letters
of the utmost importance to Messrs. Hancock, Adams,
Franklin, and Lee,) we put a small cargo on board the brig,
that it might appear we intended a trading voyage, and got
her made an English bottom to cover our intention, which
otherwise we could not have executed. We sailed from
London the 23d o( May, 1776, and in the Downs we took
on board Mr. Morris, who was a Major in the British ser-
vice ; but he disapproving of their diabolical proceedings
against this country, sold his commission and secured his
effects in London, and took the resolution of proceeding to
America to enter into their service, and it was recommended
to him, by the friends of America, as the most speedy and
safe way to get there. We arrived at the West-Indies the
2d of July, there disposed of our cargo, and took a small
quantity of rum, sugar, and molasses, and cleared out for
Halifax, but intended for the Continent. On the 20th of
July, in latitude 32°, was taken by the Congress privateer,
Captain Craigie, from Philadelphia, who told us that he
belonged to I-ord Dunmore's fleet, which caused, us to
destroy the bill of sale of our vessel, and many papers
which might have been of service to this country. After-
wards he acknowledged himself to be a Provincial privateer,
which put us in such confusion that we did not know how
to act upon the occasion, and we determined not to open
our minds to him, but to abide by the consequence, for as
he had deceived us in one instance, we did not choose to
give him the opportunity of another, we still believing him
to be one of Lord Dunmore's fleet, and meant to trapan us ;
and we were not convinced that he was not one of them till
ten days after, when we came up with a Frenchman loaded
with powder, bound to the Continent, whom he dismissed,
which convinced us that he belonged to the Continent; we
then opened our minds more freely to him, and let him
know that we belonged to the same, and enlrusted with the
above-mentioned letters, which were concealed in the brig,
and begged of him to let some of us go in the French ves-
sel, as no one knew where they were concealed except our-
selves, which he utterly refused 'to do. He also refused to
let any one of us belonging to the brig proceed in her to
Egg Harbour, but he took every person belonging to her
on board his privateer, with a professed intention to carry
us as far from the Continent as would answer his design of
preventing our arriving in season (as some of his officers told
us) to claim o6r right, and recovering our property. He
also took all our money, being in gold, with him, to a very
considerable amount, and proceeded with it on a cruise.
The letters we were charged with to the members of the
honourable Congress, &tc., were of such importance and
nature as required us to act with the utmost care und cau-
tion ; had they been discovered we hazarded our necks
and the necks of the best and sincerest friends of America.
We were further charged with some verbal intelligence,
such as was judged to be too interesting, and in its
consequences too important and dangerous to be entrusted
in a letter. We also brought off and concealed the afore-
mentioned Major Morris, which if discovered would be as
fatal to us as to him, all which we readily took charge of,
as we heartily wished for and interested ourselves in every
measure that might contribute to the information or success
of the American cause, although, as above, we hazarded our
lives in the attempt. The privateer being short of water
was obliged to put into Abico, one of the Bahama Islands,
where he put us on board a Nantucket vessel, who was
there after a load of salt; and he also detained five vessels
belonging to New-Providence, while he refitted and took
the mast out of one of the vessels, and made a prize of
another loaded with salt, and sent her to the Continent ;
also, out of the five vessels he took twenty negroes, and on
the 19th of August he set sail for Philadelphia, and we at
the same time for Nantucket, where we arrived the 5th
instant.
The Captains Folger and Jenkins, in company with
Major Morris, are gone to Philadelphia, in order to get and
deliver the above-mentioned letters to Messrs. Hancock,
Adams, Frank/in, and Lee, and to petition the honourable
Congress that their property may be restored, and repara-
tion made them for their detention and suffering, without
which they and their families will be very great sufferers, as
that of, gentlemen, your most humble servant,
ALEXANDER COFFIN.
To the honourable Council of the State of Massachusetts-
Bay.
Nantz, September 26, 1776.
There are here no less than twelve or fourteen ships, brigs,
and schooners, &c., belonging to different ports in America,
loading with military stores, &c. They bring wheat and
flour in exchange. A large ship left this port yesterday
bound to America, called the Hancock and Adams, com-
manded by one Smith. The day before he sailed he was
examined by order of the Commandant, when a quantity of
contraband stores was found on board, which he was obliged
to reland ; but the same night they were all reshipped again,
with a great deal more, particularly two thousand stand of
arms, many barrels of gunpowder, and several barrels of
saltpetre. A schooner and a sloop have almost completed
their cargoes, and will sail in a few days. Our comman-
dant takes little or no notice of their proceedings, only now
and then inspecting a vessel to keep up appearances.
ADVICES FROM THE SOUTHWEST FRONTIER.
On Thursday, the 26th of September, a soldier belonging
to Captain Gilmore's company was killed and scalped near
the main camp of our army. About the same time one of
the inhabitants was killed and another taken prisoner. On
Sunday, the 29th, our spies came in and informed that they
had discovered the tracks of a large party of the enemy
making towards the settlements ; upon which, that very same
evening, Colonel Christian went in quest of them with about
five hundred men, who, after marching part of the night and
most of the next day, found that the enemy had tacked
about suddenly, and made off towards their towns. On
Tuesday and Thursday, the 1st and 3d instant, our whole
army, consisting of about two thousand men, healthy, well-
equipped, and in high spirits, crossed the river, together with
pack-horses and bullocks ; and Colonel Christian expected
to be at Broad River in eight or ten days, within forty
miles of the enemy's towns, where he had information they
intended to fight him. Advice had been received that
General Rutherford, with the North- Carolina troops, had
penetrated as far as the Cherokee middle settlements, and
that the savages were flying precipitately before him.
BENJAMIN HARRISON, JUN., TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Williamsburg, September 26, 1776.
HONOURABLE SIR : I do myself the honour to transmit you
an account of the state of the money now in my office, by
which you will see that there is only £10,143 14s. Id. on
hand. The arrears due to the Seventh Battalion now on
Continental pay, and the two Minute battalions taken into
Continental service in the room of the Regulars removed
from hence, will take all that money immediately, so that
541
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
542
the office will be left without any, and the service suffer in
case of any immediate demand.
I have the honour to be, sir, your very obedient servant,
BENJ. HARRISON, JR.,
Deputy Paymaster-General.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esquire.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
[No. 190.] Annapolis, September 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We approve your choice of Mr. Ezekiel
Toivson to command the guard at the Magazine, and request
that he would hire twelve men to keep guard alternately,
according to orders lie may give them. The highest price
we have allowed for privates at other magazines is forty-five
shillings ; some are got for forty. We leave it to Lieuten-
ant Towson to hire the men upon the best terms he can,
not exceeding forty-five shillings per month, the publick to
find them rations.
We are, &tc.
To the Committee of Observation for Baltimore County.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.
[No. 191.] Annapolis, September 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We received yours of the 24th relative to
Captain Watkins, but have not seen him since you wrote.
We have heretofore furnished him and his company with
every thing in our power. Just before he left the Province he
had near one thousand pounds currency for pay and subsist-
ence, agreeable to his own account. Blankets we had not to
give; we wrote to a gentleman at the Head-of-Elk, who we
expected would have furnished his company with some. He
had linen from us for hunting-shirts, &z.c., and we frequently
intimated to himself, and others who applied on his behalf,
that if he would buy woollens to clothe his company we
would pay for the stuff and making, the common course of
business with all the other Captains of independent compa-
nies. He talked of taking money in lieu of clothing ; we
offered him four pounds per man for that article. He some-
times assented, at others made excuses, and appeared unde-
termined ; and to say the truth, we firmly believe that he
renders himself incapable of taking proper care of his com-
pany, by drinking to excess. His distance from us was
considerable ; 'tis but lately we know any thing of him.
He was represented to us as a brave man ; how it has hap-
pened that he and his company have quarrelled, we know
not. The men, we doubt not, have suffered from the inat-
tention of their Captain ; his removal, perhaps, would be
the best method of promoting the publick service.
As to Surgeons, we have sent forward Mr. Stone's letter to
Dr. Brown. We know Captain Thomas wrote to some gen-
tlemen of the Convention, and Surgeons have been appointed,
of which we send you a list enclosed; if they are all gone
up, there can be no just cause of complaint. We have not
appointed Dr. Wallace chief Surgeon to Colonel Small-
wood's battalion, because Dr. fVeisenthall represented to us
that he had been up and settled all things to the satisfaction
of those concerned. We should be glad to hear whether
an appointment be necessary to that battalion ; if so, we
propose to raise Dr. Weisenthall and his present mate, and
send up a second mate.
We are obliged to you for the care of the powder,
and request you would order it by the stages to Balti-
more Town, to the care of Gerard Hopkins, our Deputy
Commissary. The freight we desire you will be pleased
to pay ; must leave the quantum to yourselves. Harrison
Sf Vanbibber say nothing to us what sum ought to be paid
for freight; ten per cent, on the value here is what we
have charged to others, and paid when charged ; we
take it for granted 'tis the customary freight. The bill
of lading, however, ought to be adverted to ; and if the
freight be therein specified, no more ought in our opinion to
be granted. We have a duplicate of the bill of lading,
which ascertains the freight at forty-six pounds five shil-
lings, in dollars at seven shillings and six pence. Enclosed
you have an order of the late session of Convention, which
T. Smyth was to have forwarded; but we are uncertain
whether he transmitted it or not.
We are, &.c.
To the Deputies for Maryland in Congress.
COLONEL HOLLINGSWORTH TO THE MARYLAND COUNCIL OF
SAFETY.
Cecil County, September 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Agreeable to the resolves of Convention,
we have endeavoured to have a company raised, under
Captain Samuel Evans, Lieutenant Henry Dobson, Second
Lieutenant Thomas Ramsey, Ensign William Stuart, which
hope you will commission, they having raised sixty-six
men, which Lieutenant Dobson will return you lists of, and
expect the company will be full in a few days. Colonel
Hollingsworth will furnish them with twenty guns, well
fitted, and we will buy, out of the Militia, twenty-five
more, which, is all can engage for, as the battalion has fur-
nished most of her best pieces before. Major Parker can
furnish us with as much linen as will make ten tents, which
beg you will give orders to have made in Philadelphia, as
the Captain has raised a number of his neighbours that
would not go into the service, unless they had them, at this
advanced season ; or would he receive his commission with-
out them ? Blankets may be had. but ve'y high. We can
purchase cartouch-boxes, if ordered. Knapsacks, wire, and
brushes, with canteens, the residue of arms, we expect to
be furnished with. The company is now on rations, as it
is impossible to keep them otherwise. A drum and fife we
can furnish, if ordered.
I have received three hundred and thirty-three pounds
ten shillings, which will not be near sufficient. Therefore
hope you will furnish us with at least five hundred more,
by the bearer, Mr. Henry Dobson; and don't doubt but
every thing will be had, so as the company may march by
Monday come week.
We are, gentlemen, your obedient servants,
CHARLES RUMSEY,
EDWD. PARKER,
H. HoLLrNGSWORTH.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
PENNSYLVANIA ASSEMBLY.
Monday, September 23, 1770.
Mr. Speaker, with twenty-three Members, met, pursuant
to adjournment ; and a quorum not appearing, they adjourned
to to-morrow, at four o'clock in the afternoon.
Tuesday, September 24, 1776.
Mr. Speaker, with twenty-eight Members, met, pursuant
to adjournment.
The Committee appointed, at the last sitting, to examine
the accounts of the incidental expenses of the past year,
made their Report.
Upon consideration of which, the following question was
called for, and put by the Speaker: "Whether the sum of
one thousand Pounds shall be allowed to the Governour, for
his support during the present year?" Carried in the affirm
ative.
Yeas. Yeas. Nays.
Mr. Gray, Mr. Brown, Mr. Hillegas,
Mr. Howell, Mr. Jenks, Mr. Parker,
Mr. A. Allen, Mr. Humphreys, Mr. Bartholomew,
Mr. Wilcocks, Mr. Pennock, Mr. Gibbons,
Mr. Rodman, Mr. Pyle, Mr. Pearson,
Mr. Haney, Mr. Rankin, Mr. Jacobs,
Mr. Foulke, Mr. Chreist, Mr. Porter,
Mr. Chapman, Mr. James Allen. Mr. Gal breath,
Mr. Hoge,
Mr. Whitehill,
Mr. Arndt,
Mr. Smith.
The House having made some progress in the said Report
of incidental expenses, adjourned to to-rnorrow, at three
o'clock in the afternoon.
Wednesday, September 25, 1776.
Mr. Speaker, with twenty-five Members, met, pursuant
to adjournment.
The Committee appointed to audit and settle the Publick
Accounts, reported a general state of the same, in writing.
The House resumed the consideration of the incidental
expenses; and, having made some further progress in
examining the same, adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow
morning.
Thursday, September 26, 1776.
Mr. Speaker, with twenty-one Members, met, pursuant
adjournment.
i
to adjournment.
543
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
544
The House proceeded to read the Report of the Com-
mittee on the Publick Accounts ; which being in part gone
through, they adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon.
Mr. Speaker, with twenty-three Members, met, pursuant
to adjournment.
The House proceeded in reading the Report of the
Committee on the Publick Accounts: which being gone
through and carefully examined, follows in these words, viz:
The Committee appointed to strike the sum of Eighty-
Five Thousand Pounds in Bills of Credit, directed by the
Resolves of the House of the 6th of April last, produced
to the Chair a receipt from Michael Hillegas., Esq., Pro-
vincial Treasurer, for the said sum of Eighty-Five Thou-
sand Pounds, in the said Bills of Credit to him paid,
agreeable to the directions of the said Resolves.
The said Committee also produced five extra sheets,
unsigned, which had been printed to supply any loss or
deficiency happening in the said Bills during the signing
and numbering <he same; which five extra sheets were
burned, by order of the House, in the presence of the
Members.
The Committee appointed the 29th of March last, to
confer with the Tenants on the Province Island, and to
report what allowance they should think would be reason-
able for the House to make for the losses they had sustained
by the storm in September, 1775, reported, "that they had
conferred with the Tenants, and, upon viewing the Island
and the repairs made after the storm, are of opinion that
this House make an allowance to Samuel Penrose, the
tenant of the said Island, in behalf of the under-tenants,
in consideration of the losses and damages by them sus-
tained and repairs by them made, the sum of three hun-
dred and sixty Pounds ;" which being read by order, was
agreed to by the House.
Ordered, That the Provincial Treasurer allow to Samuel
Penrose, Tenant, the sum of three hundred and sixty
Pounds, out of the rent due from him to this Province.
Upon motidn, Resolved, That Mr. Parker, Mr. Howell,
Mr. Rodman, Mr. Broim, and Mr. Pearson, be a Com-
mittee to settle the Accounts of the Commanding Officers
in the different Battalions of Military Associators in this
Province, for the wages of Adjutants, Sergeant-Majors,
Fife-Majors, Drum-Majors, Fifers, and Drummers, agree-
able to the Resolutions of Assembly of the 5th of April
last ; and to draw orders for such sums of money as they
may find due to the said Commanding Officers, on the Pro-
vincial Treasurer, to be paid out of the twenty-two thou-
sand Pounds issued by an Act of Assembly, passed the
30th day of September, 1775; and that the said Committee
report their proceedings to the next Assembly.
Resolved, That Michael Hillegas, Esquire, Provincial
Treasurer, pay such orders as may be drawn upon him by
the said Committee, out of the said twenty-two thousand
Pounds.
A Member read in his place, and presented at the table,
some Resolutions for the consideration of the House, which
being again read by the Clerk, were taken into immediate
consideration, and after some debate, the previous question
was called for and put, whether a question shall be now
put on the said Resolutions ?
Carried in the affirmative.
The said Resolutions, being accordingly put to the
question, were agreed to, and follow in these words, viz :
"Resolved, by a majority of the Members present, That
it is the sacred right of Freemen to give and grant their
own Money ; and that all Taxes levied without their con-
sent, are arbitrary and oppressive: and that no Freeman
can be constitutionally restrained of his liberty, or be sen-
tenced to any penalties or punishment whatsoever, but by
the judgment of his peers, and a trial had by a jury of his
country.
"Resolved, That the Convention have derived no author-
ity from the good people of Pennsylvania to levy Taxes
and dispose of their property : and therefore, that the late
Ordinance, imposing a rate of twenty Shillings per month,
and four Shillings in the Pound on the Estates of Non-Asso-
ciators, is illegal, and the said sums ought not to be paid.
"Resolved, That the late Ordinance of the Convention,
empowering two or more Justices of the Peace to imprison,
for an indefinite time, at their discretion, all persons whom
they shall judge to be guilty of the offences therein specified,
.is, in the opinion of this House, a dangerous attack on the
liberties of the good people of Pennsylvania, and a violation
of their most sacred rights ; and therefore ought not to be
considered as obligatory."
The House resumed the consideration of the list of Inci-
dental Expenses, reported by the Committee, and the
Accounts therein referred to being allowed, Mr. Speaker in
the Chair signed the several Certificates and Orders for
payment of the Wages of the Members and Committees,
together with the Salaries of Publick Officers and other
Contingent Charges of the past year.
Resolved, by the Members present, That Michael Hil-
legas, Esquire, Provincial Treasurer, pay all such Certifi-
cates and Orders as have been heretofore drawn by the
Assembly for the Salaries of Publick Officers, and services
done the publick, out of the twenty-two thousand Pounds
issued by an act of Assembly passed the 30th of Septem-
ber last.
The House then rose.
Incidental Expenses for the year 1776.
To the Hon. John Penn, Esq., Governour, £ 1,000 0 0
To Benjamin Chew, Esq., Chief Justice of
this Province, 400 0 0
To John Lawrence, Esq., one of the Assist-
ant Judges, --------- 200 0 0
To Thomas Willing, Esq., ditto of ditto, - 200 0 0
To John Morton, Esq., ditto of ditto, - - 200 0 0
To Andrew Allen, Esq., his salary as Attor-
ney-General, -------- 75 00
To George Gray, Esq., for his services on
the Committee of Publick Accounts, thir-
ty-one days, at 10s. per diem, - - - 15 10 0
To Michael Hillegas, Esq., for ditto on ditto,
two days, at ditto, ------- 100
To Samuel Howell, Esq., for ditto on ditto,
twenty days, at ditto, ------ 11 00
To Samuel Miles, Esq., one day on ditto, at
ditto, 0100
To Alexander Wilcocks, Esq., for ditto on
ditto, twenty days, at ditto, - - - - 10 0 0
To Benjamin Chapman, Esq., for ditto on
ditto, thirty days, at ditto, 15 0 0
To Isaac Pearson, Esq., for ditto on ditto,
thirty-four days, at ditto, ----- 17 00
To Charles Moore, Esq., for his attendance
as Clerk of the House, and for transcrib-
ing and engrossing bills, messages, Sic., - 176 3 6
To Abel Evans, for his services as Clerk of
the House, &c., &c., 60 00
To Joseph Shippen, Esq., for his salary as
Clerk of the Council, 30 00
To ditto, for his account of postage of pub-
lick letters, proclamations, &c., - - - 10 6 0
To David Rittenhouse, Esq., for his care of
the State- House clock, 20 00
To Joseph Fox, Esq., his salary as Barrack-
master at Philadelphia, to the 15th of
February last, and his account of dis-
bursements, --------- 211 17 6
To Mr. Lewis Nichola, his salary as Bar-
rack-master at ditto, from the 20th of
March last, 50 00
To Mr. William Bowsman, as Barrack-
master at Lancaster, ------ 30 00
To Edmund Physic, Esq., for affixing the
great seal to laws, ------- 5170
To William Parr, Esq., Master of the Rolls
Office, as per account, ------ 5075J
To ditto for extraordinary services in attend-
ing the committee appointed to revise and
publish the laws, and packing the records, 500
To Messrs. Hall <Sf Sellers, for printing the
laws, proclamations, &tc., as per account, 429 4 3
To the estate of David Hall, deceased, for
stationery, as per account, - - - - 374
To Mr. William Sheed, as Sergeant-at-Arms
to the House, 10 00
To ditto, as Doorkeeper to the Council,
twenty meetings, at 2*. 6d., - - - . 2 10 0
545
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
546
To Mr. Andrew McNair, as Doorkeeper to
the House, and for disbursements, as per
, account, ----------
To Mr. Henry Miller, for printing votes,
fkc., &tc., as per account, - - - - -
To Mr. John Dean, for binding laws, as per
account, ----------
To Mr. John Marshall, as a premium for a
twisting machine, -------
To Mr. Christopher Tally, as a premium
for a spinning machine, - - - - -
To Mr. Joseph Hagey, ditto, for ditto, - -
To Mr. William Sheaf, for filling up com-
missions, &.C., as per account, - - -
To Isaac Pearson, Esq., for revising the
laws, six days, at 10*. per diem, - - -
To John Morton, Esq., on the committee
for adjusting the accounts of the Military
Associaiors, sixteen days, at 10s. per diem,
To Mr. William, Rodman, Esq.. on ditto,
eighteen days, at ditto, ------
To John Brown, Esq., on ditto, four days
at ditto, -
To Joseph Parker, Esq., on ditto, eighteen
days, at ditto, --------
To John Jacobs, Esq., on ditto, twelve days,
at ditto, ----------
To Isaac Pearson, Esq., on ditto, eighteen
days, at ditto, --------
To Abel Evans, attending as clerk to the
committee, sixteen days, at ditto, - - -
To John Dickinson, Esq., for his attendance
as a Delegate in Congress, to November
4,1775,
To George Ross, Esq., for ditto, to ditto, -
To John Morion, Esq., for ditto, to June
14, 1776, - - : -
To John Dickinson, Esq., for ditto, to ditto,
To Thomas Willing, Esq., for ditto, to ditto,
To Robert Morris, Esq., for ditto, to ditto,
To Andrew Allen, Esq., for ditto, to ditto,
To Benj. Franklin, Esq., for ditto, to ditto,
To Charles Humphreys, Esq., for ditto, to
ditto, ---' -
To James Wilson, Esq., for ditto, to ditto,
To John Morton, Esq., for ditto, sixteen
days, to July 20, 1776, at 20*. per diem,
To Charles Humphreys, Esq., for ditto,
nineteen days, to ditto, at ditto, - - -
To Thomas Willing, Esq., for ditto, nine-
teen days, to ditto, at ditto, - - - -
To Robert Morris, Esq., for ditto, thirty
days, to ditto, at ditto, ------
To Benjamin Franklin, Esq., for ditto, thirty
days, at ditto,
To James Wilson, Esq., for ditto, thirty-eight
days, at 25*. per diem, - - - - -
To Mr. Peter Dehaeen, for his services at the
saltpetre works, --------
To John Fulton and James Kelly, for ap-
prehending Fleming Elliot, - - - -
To Mr. Lewis Nichola, Barrack-master, for
disbursements, --------
To Mr. Andrew McNair, for Indian ex-
penses, ----------
To the Managers of the House of Employ-
ment, for the maintenance and clothing of
Catharine Smith, -------
To Mr. Peter Dehaven, for his disburse-
ments at the saltpetre works, and which
lie received from the Treasurer and the
sale of saltpetre; excepting the sum of
£9 17*. (id., now remaining in his hands,
To Abel Evans, for transcribing and copy-
ing the publick accounts, - - - - -
To Joseph Galloway, Esq., for his services
on the committee for revising and publish-
ing the laws, --------
To Samuel Rltoads, Esq., for his services
on the committee for revising and publish-
ing the laws, --------
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
£26 19 8
243 10 0
190 9 0
40 0 0
15 0 0
15 0 0
14 19 8
300
800
900
200
900
600
900
800
107 0 0
34 0 0
80 0 0
81 0 0
197 0 0
168 0 0
140 0 0
166 0 0
172 0 0
381 5 0
16 0 0
19 0 0
19 0 0
30 0 0
30 0 0
47 10 0
30 0 0
60 0 0
10 12 6
46 16 11
27 10 0
453 17 6
800
40 0 0
10 0 0
£6
20
To the estate of John Ross, Esq., deceased,
for his services on ditto, - - - - -
To Michael Hillegas, Esq., for ditto, - -
To Petapanihila, (alias George Allen,) an
Indian, for his fidelity to this Province,
To Mr. Andrew McNair, for expenses, per
account, ----------
To Michael Hillegas, Esq., his account for
repairs at the Province Island and Deep
Water Island, sundry Indian expenses,
fire wood for the Assembly, orders of the
Committee of Safety, and orders of As-
sembly for drums, colours, &.C., - - - 4,654 1 1
0
0
100 0 0
1 13 0
11
£11,001 9 2J
We, the Committee for Incidental Expenses, have ex-
amined the several Accounts herein referred to, and find
them charged as above.
JOSEPH PARKER,
WILLIAM RODMAN,
CHARLES HUMPHREYS,
JONATHAN ROBERTS.
Philadelphia, September 26, 1776.
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA, COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation and In-
spection, at the house of Adam Reigarl, the 26th Septem-
ber, 1776,
Present: William Atlee, Lodwick Lowman, William
Bowsman, John Miller, Christopher Crawford, Henry
Dehuff, George Moore. William Atlee in the Chair.
The Committee, to enable them the better to comply
with the request of the Council of Safety, in returning to
them an account of the State Prisoners in this County,
having required of the Sergeant Major of the Seventh and
Twenty-Sixth to make returns to the Committee of the
number of names and times when the Prisoners of those
Regiments arrived here, with an account of the present
station of such of them as have left Lancaster, the said
Sergeants now make returns, and Sergeants Taylor and J.
Wilkinson, in accounting for the men, having the impudence
to set down irt writing, signed by them, that some of the
men are inlisted with the Rebels, — the Committee look
upon the conduct of those Sergeants as insulting and
designed to affront them ; and therefore
Order, that they be immediately sent to gaol, and be kept
there on bread and water.
Christian Kuntz, John Wittson, Joseph Nagle, John
Muscatuns, Frederick Widely, Martin Frey, Lodwick
Roch, Frederick Keller, John Epple, Frederick Mellinger,
Joseph Seemer, Frederick Segmiller, Frederick Hartoffle,
John Wentzell, of Captain Dehuff' s Company, in Colonel
Atlee's Battalion, appear in Committee and agree to march
off to join the Battalion at three o'clock this afternoon, and
be under the direction of Lieutenant George Brickman
from hence to Philadelphia, by whom the Chairman is
requested to write to the Council of Safety respecting them,
and Mr. Beckham will give certificates for their rations on
the road.
Mr. Henry Huttenstein mentions in Committee, that his
servant-man, John Reed, went from hence with his consent,
with Captain Boyd's Company of Militia, of Colonel
Ross's Battalion, to the camp in the Jerseys. That the
officers of the company promised if in their power, to bring
him back with them, and that the said servant entered into
the flying camp; and Captain Boyd also mentioning these
facts in Committee; the Committee beg leave to certify
the same to the commanding officers of the Battalion in
which the said John Reed serves, and if he can be dis-
charged with propriety and sent to his master, recommends
to his consideration to do therein as he shall judge risfht.
Abraham Holmes tent in £400 to the State of Pennsyl-
vania, for the good behaviour of his Negro man, Nambo, to
all the subjects-and inhabitants of this State, and particularly
to John Clendeman and his family and estate ; and for his
appearance before any court of record of this State, where
his attendance shall be required. Acknowledged in Com-
mittee the 26th September, 1776.
Matthew Kinch, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per-
mitted to go to Yorktown as servant to Lieutenant Dulhunty,
and a pass to be granted him.
35
547
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic.. SEPTEMBER, 1776.
048
GENERAL, MERCER TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
Amboy, September 26, 1776.
SIR: I received the favour of your letter of the 20th just
now, and shall, in compliance with the requisition of the
Board of War, send oft' every article of camp necessaries,
that can he spared from this post. We have ibr some days
past been forwarding tents, camp kettles, and such other
furniture as the army in New-York stood in need of. Col-
onel Biddle has been several days at Fort Constitution,
giving every assistance in his power towards the supplies of
that post, and our army opposite to it.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
HUGH MERCER.
To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary to the Board of War.
HENRY REMSEN TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Morristown, September 26, 1776.
SIR : The day after my return home from Connecticut,
which was the 2 1st instant, I received a letter from Major
G. Abeel, advising that the honourable Convention had
appointed me, with himself and Major Van Zandt, a Com-
mittee of Safety and Correspondence below the Highlands.
I should immediately, with pleasure, have attended on
that or any other business that the Convention appointed
me to, did the situation of my family admit of my absence.
On my return from Connecticut, I found two of my sons
unwell, and they continue very ill of fevers, which the Doctor
calls nervous and remitting, so as to be confined to their
beds; and Mrs. Remsen is at present in a situation that I
cannot with propriety leave her; she is without any of her
relations, among strangers, and near a perilous hour which
she expects soon. I have also some commercial matters of
a publick and private concern to attend to; besides I have
my house to new-cover; in its present situation it is unten-
antable by the leakings of the roof. The carpenters pro-
mised to finish it above six weeks ago ; 1 have hopes they
will begin their work in seven or eight days. 1 shall (God
willing) attend my duty as soon as possible, and I hope in
a few weeks in person to report to Convention my pro-
ceeding in regard to the merchandise imported by Messrs.
Van Zandt, Pintard, and self, by order of a former Con-
gress.
Governour Cooke, of Rhode-Island, has not acted politely
nor friendly to our State. He thought proper to detain
part of our goods some weeks, as a security for a debt due
from one private person in our State to another in their
State, and through my agency the money was sent and our
goods liberated ; for particulars I beg leave to refer you to
Captain John Harrison, who went the voyage. I have
desired him to attend the transportation of the goods by-
land to the Fishkills, and to deliver them to the order of
Convention, and for that purpose advanced him a sum of
money, but I believe not sufficient to pay for the whole
transportation. Captain Harrison will also give information
of his having shipped from prudential motives seventy barrels
of gunpowder on board of our armed vessel, from St. Eusta-
tia to Charlestoum, South- Carolina, to be delivered to the
Committee or Council of Safety there. I shall write a line
to Mr. P. Livingston, at Philadelphia, and request him by
means of the Delegates in Congress for that State, to have
alike quantity (viz: three tons and an half) delivered to
our Convention, or, if used there, money sufficient to pur-
chase as much.
Enclosed you have Mr. Joseph Hallet's account of the
freight for his sloop, stated exactly as we agreed with him
for the voyage ; and as he has applied for the money, shall
be glad if Convention will order payment to Mr. Jacobus
Van Zandt, or his order, who will transmit the same to Mr.
Hallet.
I beg the favour of Convention to spare to my family's
use one piece of the finest blue broadcloth, and two pieces
of the finest linen. On reexamining my stock of linen, find
1 was robbed of more than I at first apprehended. I will
allow the price, be it more or less, and I believe Mr. Gerard
Banker will take the trouble to lay it by for use.
I am very respectfully, sir, your and the Convention's
obedient and very humble servant,
HENRY REMSEN.
To the President of the Convention for the State of New-
York, convened at Fishkills.
Messrs. JACOBUS VAN ZANDT, LEWIS PINTARD, and
HENRY REMSEN, in behalf of the Provincial Congress
of NEW- YORK,
Dr. to Joseph Hallet.
For freight of the sloop Nancy, John Harrison master,
from New-York, in October, 1775, to Bordeaux, in
France, per agreement entered into with them for Pro-
vincial Congress, ----- sterling £550 0 0
For demurrage, (twenty-six days at 40s. ster-
ling per day,) 52 0 0
Sterling~£602 0 0
Exchange at 100 per cent., being the lowest
exchange when the cargo arrived and since
that time, 602 0 0
New-York currency £l204 0 0
This serves to certify that the above account is stated
exactly as our agreement was with Mr. Hallet, and the ex-
change, to the best of our remembrance, has not been lower
than one hundred per cent, for the last six months.
We have seen Captain Harrison's certificate books, and
other vouchers, by which it appears he arrived at the Cas-
tle on river of Bordeaux the 23d November, 1775, and
sailed from thence the 9th of February, 1776, which period
includes the forty working days per agreement — eleven
Sundays and twenty-six days on demurrage.
HENRY REMSEN,
JACOBUS VAN ZANDT.
New-Jersey, September 26, 1776.
To the President of the Convention for the State of New-
York, convened at Fishkills.
EXTRACT Or A LETTER FROM HARLEM, (NEW-YORK,) SEP-
TEMBER 26, 1776.
Friday last was discovered a vast cloud of smoke arising
from the north part of the city, which continued till Satur-
day evening. The consequence was that the Broadway,
from the new City-Hall down to Whitehall, is laid in ashes.
Our friends were immediately suspected, and according to
the report of a flag of truce who came to our lines soon
after, those that were found on or near the spot were
pitched into the conflagration, some hanged by the heels,
and others by their necks, with their throats cut. Inhuman
barbarity ! One Hale in New-York, on suspicion of being
a spy, was taken up and dragged without ceremony to the
execution post, and hung up. General Washington has
since sent in a flag, supposed to be on that account.
The 22d instant was tried for cowardice, disobedience
of orders, and daring to present his firelock at a supeiiour
offiQer in time of the late skirmish, one Lejfingwell, of Nor-
wich, for which he was condemned to be shot; accordingly
all preparations were made, himself brought to the field,
was fixed on his knees, and while the guards were march-
ing to execute the decree, the General sent a pardon,
declaring never to forgive another.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL MERCER.
Colonel Morris's, at Harlem, September 26, 1776.
DEAR SJR: If the troops at this post can be prevailed upon
to defend it as they should do, it must cost General Howe a
great many men to carry it, if he succeeds at all. If this
should happen to be his opinion, there is scarce a doubt but
that he will turn his thoughts another way, as inactivity is not
to be expected from him. Whither his operations may be
directed is uncertain — perhaps an irruption into the Jerseys.
Possibly he may bend his course towards Philadelphia, (for
I conceive that two thousand men, with the assistance of
their shipping, will effectually preserve New-York against
our whole strength,) or, which in my judgment is exceed-
ingly probable, knowing that the troops are drawn oft' from
the Southern Colonies, he may detach a part of the army to
the southward, for a winter's campaign, as was recom-
mended to him last fall by Lord Dunmore.
In either of these cases it behooves us to keep the best
look-out, and to obtain the earliest intelligence possible of
the enemy's motions; and as it is now the current opinion
that the shipping are greatly thinned, I earnestly recom-
mend to you the necessity of having sensible and judicious
persons in different places to observe the movements of
549
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
550
the shipping, among others at the Neversinks ; for if they
should send out a fleet without our giving notice of it to
Congress, we shall be thought exceedingly remiss. In
short. I entreat you to exert your best endeavours to obtain
every useful intelligence you possibly can of the enemy's
motions by sea and land. In doing this, money may be
required, and do not spare it. Communicate every thing of
importance to me with despatch, and be assured that I am,
dear sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General Mercer, New-Jersey.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Harlem Heights, September 26, 1776.
SIR: Your favour of the 20th instant is duly received.
The several Regiments and Militia from Connecticut, lately
commanded by General Wolcott, being reduced to almost
nothing, one having returned under twenty, and another
short of thirty collective men, they were yesterday dis-
charged. I am full in opinion with you that some severe
examples ought to be made of the late deserters. For a
return of their names, I must refer you to the several com-
manding officers of the different regiments. 1 hope those
under Brigadier Saltonstatt may show a better spirit.
A proposal for an immediate exchange of prisoners has
been made by General Howe, agreeable to the resolves of
Congress. I am to request a return as soon as possible of
all those in Connecticut, mentioning the names and ranks of
all commissioned officers, and distinguishing particularly
between those of the army and navy, as well privates as
officers. It appears to me their being marched to some
convenient post, and coming by water, will be much the
most convenient; at least it will save expense, and will pre-
vent their having a view of the different towns and their
situations on the sea-coast. Your sentiments on the sub-
ject, together with the return of the prisoners as early as
possible, will much oblige me.
I am, with esteem, sir, your most obedient and very hum-
ble servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbutt, Connecticut.
COLONEL RUFUS PUTNAM TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Septemb. r 26, 1776.
SIR : I hope the importance of the subject will be a suf-
6cient apology for the freedom I take in addressing your
Excellency at this time. I have long wondered that no
corps of Engineers was yet established. The number of
works to be executed, the necessity of despatch inthem^the
impossibility for common hands to be made at once to
comprehend what they ought to do, without a' corps of
Engineers is established, the works never will be properly
executed, nor done in a reasonable time ; and I cannot give
my ideas of such a corps, and their duty, better than in the
words of Mr. Maignets. Speaking of their subordinary
discipline, he says: "The first part of this discipline
consists of the division of one corps into several, and the
subdivision of the latter into still less." Again : " In the
construction of places, that corps of workmen are divided
into several others, who are called bands, the officers of each
of those companies should be Engineers ; and 'tis a leading
circumstance to the success of any action, that the soldiers
and their officers should be acquainted with each oiher be-
forehand ; and 'tis from the Engineers that the former are to
receive orders for the works of attack, defence, and con-
struction of plans ; 'tis evident that the latter ought to be
charged with the conduct and command of them. Engi-
neers are the natural officers of workmen ; ancient and
constant usage has confirmed the practice." Again: "If
teachers were appointed to each of these principal corps,
such a number of hopeful youth might be formed as would
be a great benefit to the service. These workmen are,
properly speaking, soldiers, or, rather, both one and t'other —
their business being either fighting or working, as occasion
requires. The first exercise to be taught them is the use
oi their arms ; the next is to keep them to their business ; the
third kind of exercise is the instructing them in the several
forms, dimensions, and properties of works/' • Again : " All
workmen employed in buildings of any kind may serve very
well for works of fortifications." Again: "By this means
you may have good miners and sappers in abundance,
who, in time of sieges, may ease the Engineers, and even
supply the want of them upon occasion."
Two years' experience has fully convinced me, sir, that
till the Engineers are rendered independent of any other
department for their artificers, till they have miners and sap-
pers, or persons separate from the common fatigue men, to
take care of sinking the ditch properly, laying the turf
well, and to build the parapet with its proper talus — I say,
till this is done, the Engineer will not be able to execute his
works well, nor do them in a reasonable time. The ser-
vice has already suffered much, and will continue to do so,
till some such corps as what I have mentioned is established.
And to convince your Excellency that I have no interested
motives but the common good in this address, I beg leave
to quit the department, since the army are or may be so
well supplied with regular-bred Engineers.
I am, sir, your Excellency's most obedient, devoted, hum-
ble servant, D D
Kurus PUTNAM.
To His Excellency General Washington.
COURTS-MARTIAL.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the Line, held
on the Heights of HAARLEM, by order of His Excellency
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-
in- Chief of the Forces of the UNITED STATES OF AMER-
ICA,.^ the trial of all Prisoners to be brought before
them. SEPTEMBER 26, 1776.
Colonel EWING, President.
Lieut. Col. Chandler, Captain Lucas,
Lieut. Col. Russel, Captain Brown,
Captain Le.dyard, Captain Chamberlain,
Captain Graydon, Captain Rogers,
Captain Wiley, Captain Foster,
Captain Hindman, Captain Stanley.
WILLIAM TUDOR, Judge-Advocate.
The Court proceeded to the trial of Lieutenant Henry
Drake, of Captain Houghton's Company, in the Regiment
commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Philips, brought prison-
er before the Court, and accused of " leaving the regiment
without permission from his commanding officer, and being
absent for twenty days."
The prisoner being arraigned, acknowledges that he left
the regiment without leave, but that he was only a volun-
teer ; that he has no commission, and that when he came
into the service he publickly declared that he would serve
only for two months; that he has never received, but refused
to accept, either pay or rations ; and that he has tarried his
two months, and now considers himself at liberty to return
home.
Clunn, Adjutant, deposes: That Lieutenant Drake
has justly stated the circumstances of his entering the ser-
vice ; and that the prisoner has never received either pay or
ration money, but refused both.
The Court are of opinion that the prisoner is not culpa-
ble for leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Philips'* Regiment, as he
could never be justly considered as an officer in that corps,
having no commission.
THOS. EWING, President.
At a General Court-Martial held at King's Bridge, on
the 26th day of September, A. D. 1776 :
Colonel LASHER, President.
Lieut. Col. Prentice, Captain Dana,
Major Austin, Captain Dixon,
Captain Sill, Captain Brazier,
Captain Barns, Captain Townshend,
Captain Wyley, Captain Plait,
Captain Allen, Lieut. Durstin.
WILLIAM WILLCOCKS, Judge-Advocate.
Ensign Benjamin Snow, of the Sixteenth Regiment,
brought before the Court, said to be charged with "leaving
his guard and absenting himself from the camp and duty
without leave ;" but no written accusation or accuser ap-
pearing against the prisoner, the Court order that he be
discharged from his arrest. [Arrested again.]
551
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
552
James McCormick, of Captain Farrington's Company,
Colonel Sargent's Regiment, charged with mutiny, at-
tempting to desert, and firing on his own party.
Captain Keith, of the same regiment, being duly sworn,
deposeth: That on the day of the retreat from Horn's
Hook, he, the deponent, was left to cover it ; that he saw
a person go from one of the flanking parties to the prisoner,
who was marching towards the enemy ; that he stopped
him, and high words ensued ; that he saw the prisoner lift
up his tomahawk ; that the person kept him there till Ensign
Fish came up, who ordered him to go back ; he swore he
would not ; that he would go and see his wife. He jvas
told the enemy was near by; he, notwithstanding, insisted
upon going. He was ordered to go and join the regiment,
which he appeared to do. but when the Captain was re-
treating, they met him again returning towards the enemy.
A file of men was ordered to take him up; he swore he
would not go back ; he was answered that he should ; he
then swore he would be the death of some one of the regi-
ment, and swore he would as leave be among the Regu-
lars.
Ensign Fish, in addition to the above, testifies that the
prisoner had no wife ; that he was very turbulent.
Lieutenant Brown, of Captain Perry's Company, and
the same regiment, proves that the prisoner attempted to
desert twice before this on the same day ; that at one time
he had gone above twenty rods from the regiment, but the
Colonel by presenting his piece at him brought him back ;
that he heard him often say he would be the death of some
one in the regiment, and that he wished for a battle.
The charge of firing upon his party is not sufficiently
supported.
The Court adjudge the prisoner guilty of desertion on
the eighth article of war, and of mutiny on the fifth article
of war.
The prisoner is sentenced by the Court to die.
JOHN LASHER, President.
Referred to the Commander-in-Chief.
The above sentence, respecting the condemnation of
James McCormick, is approved of, and General Heath may
appoint the time and place for execution, that a warrant
may be issued accordingly.
Go. WASHINGTON.
At a General Court-Martial held at the same place, on
the 27th day of September, Anno Domini, 1776 :
Captains Keith and Hardenburgh in the places of Cap-
tain Wyley and Lieutenant Durstin.
Prisoner Charles Bowen, of Captain Brenton Parris's
Company, charged with robbery.
The prisoner on his arraignment, pleads guilty ; but offers
in excuse drunkenness.
Witness. — Captain Bowen for the prisoner, testifies, that
he is a man of courage, and a very good soldier.
The Court find the prisoner guilty of robbery and
drunkenness.
The prisoner sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes for
robbery, and twenty lashes for drunkenness. (Sentence
approved.)
Christopher Keil and Daniel Connell, of Captain Town-
shend's Company, Col. Thomas's Regiment, charged with
desertion.
Keil pleads in excuse his going to see his wife ; Connell,
his going to get clean clothes.
William Brown, of the same company, testifies, that he
was sent to take the prisoners ; that Keil was reluctant,
and acknowledged that he did not intend to return again.
Lieutenant Woodward, of Captain Townshend's Com-
pany, testifies : That he found Connell in a barn ; that he
would not answer to his name for some time. That he was
reluctant ; said he went for his clothes. The witness does
not believe he had any there.
The Court find the prisoners guilty. Keil sentenced to
receive thirty-nine lashes. (Sentence approved.)
Connell sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes and be
discharged from the service. (Whipping approved ; dis-
charge disapproved.)
JOHN LASHER, President.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MOUNT WASHINGTON, DATED
SEPTEMBER 26, 1776.
In a skirmish on Montresor's Island, on the morning of
the 23d of September, was killed, Major Thomas llcnlij,
Aid-cle-Camp to Major-General Heath. This young hero
was a native of Charlestown, near Boston, of an ancient
and reputable family. He was in England when the news
of the battle of Lexington arrived there. He instantly flew
to the assistance of his country, and immediately entered
into the Continental service, in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Varnum, from which he was transferred to the corps
of Artillery, commanded by Colonel Knox, as Lieutenant
and Adjutant. In this active situation he was beloved and
respected by the officers, of not only his own corps, but the
whole army, and his reputation as a good officer was such,
that, a few days before his death, he was promoted to be
first Aid-de-Camp to Major-General Heath. It was pro-
posed to surprise a guard of the enemy's, on Montresor's
Island, and as he was impatient for enterprise, he solicited
to be of the party, and was in the first and only boat that
landed. The other boats appointed to support the party,
failed in their duty, by which those who had first landed, after
having first obliged the enemy to retreat, were in their turn
under the necessity to retire; at this moment, Major Henly
received the fatal ball through the heart. Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Jackson was wounded, and Captain Hubbart, Paymaster
of Colonel Sargent's regiment, killed. The genius of
America starts as from a trance, at her neglect to guard the
lives of a Knowlton and a Henly; and then absorbed in
melancholy, sighs, " it was a mistake, they were not to have
fallen, only upon the decision of the fate of an empire."
AARON BURR TO MRS. EDWARDS.
King's Bridge, September 26, 1776.
MY DEAR AUNT : I fear, madam, you give yourself need-
less anxiety about the situation of publick affairs. It has
been always held a maxim, that our island and seaport
towns were at the discretion of the tyrant of Great Britain.
Reasons for the retreat from Long-Island are well known ;
the evacuation of New-York was a necessary consequence.
The manner of conducting these made present advantages
but trifling to the enemy. The loss to us is of still less im-
portance; and indeed some happy consequences resulting
from the manoeuvres appear to be worthy of notice.
We have hitherto opposed them with less than half their
number, and exposed to all their advantages of shipping.
Our force is now more united, theirs more divided. Our
present situation renders their navy of less service to them,
and less formidable to us; a circumstance of vast importance,
and Jo which I attribute all that has heretofore appeared in
their favour. Add to these, besides confirming our internal
union, the effect that every appearance of success on the
part of the enemy has upon our leading men. It arouses
them from the lethargy which began to prevail ; convinces
them that their measures are unequal to their grand designs ;
that the present is the important moment, and that every
nerve must now be exerted.
This is not altogether fanciful. It has been actually the
case. More effectual measures than were ever before thought
of are now taking for levying a new army. A Committee
of Congress are on the spot with us to know all our wants,
and report them properly, that they may be speedily pro-
vided for. I do not intend by this, my dear aunt, to deceive
you into an opinion that every thing is already entirely se-
cure ; that we are now actually relieved from every degree
of danger ; but to remove your apprehensions concerning
the important events which depend on our military exer-
tions. I hope, madam, you will continue, with your usual
philosophy and resolution, prepared for the uncertain events
of war, not anticipating improbable calamities.
Various have been the reports concerning the barbarities
committed by the Hessians, most of them incredible and
false. They are fonder of plunder than blood, and are
more the engines than the authors of cruelty. But their
behaviour has been in some instances savage, and might ex-
cuse a fear, if reckoned among usual calamities ; but these
should be viewed on a larger scale than that of common
complaisance. It should be remembered we are engaged
in a civil war, and effecting the most important revolution
that ever took place. How little of the honours of either
553
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &,c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
554
have we known ! Fire or the sword have scarce left a trace
among us. We may be truly called a favoured people.
I have been not so engaged as common for a short time
past, and have liberty of remaining, for three or four days,
about two miles from camp, from whence I now write you
a little more at leisure; but I am now within drum-call.
Your nephew, A. BUKH.
To Mrs. Edwards.
JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Head-duarters, September 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I wrote to you last night by Captain Rogers,
since which have conversed with General Washington, who
has ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston to repair to the
forts in the Highlands, with his detachment. If this rein-
forcement should arrive it cannot be sufficient; therefore I
hope no pains will be spared to bring the Militia already
ordered to those posts.
With respect to the exchange of General Woodhull, I
have agreed to furnish Mr. Lewis, a man here, with a copy
of the resolution of Convention respecting that subject, and
to solicit his interposition with Congress, that the General
may be exchanged as soon as possible. This being done,
I propose to proceed to Connecticut to-morrow, and there
wait an answer to mine of yesterday by Captain Rogers,
who, I suppose, will return immediately.
I am extremely sorry to say, that I can hear no intelli-
gence of the Committee of Safety you ordered to sit below
the Highlands.
I have been this morning upon the lines, and observe that
the enemy are erecting works to annoy our advanced posts.
God send them disappointment.
In haste I remain your most obedient servant,
JOHN SLOSS HOBART.
To New-York Convention.
CAPTAIN CREGIER TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fishkill, September 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I have done myself the honour in waiting
upon your honourable House in order to lay before you the
state and condition of the schooner General Putnam, under
my command; and finding there can be no Convention, by
reason that some of the members are absent and it being
uncertain when those gentlemen will return, I, to avoid the
expenses which myself and horse being at, think it prudent
to return to my house at the King's Bridge, where I shall
remain at my own expense until I receive further instruc-
tions from your honourable House.
Gentlemen, I must, in the first place, acquaint you that
my provisions being expended, having not more on board
than will support the company about fifteen days ; in the
next place, my vessel being very small and low in the
water, my greatest ordnance being twelve swivel-guns, the
shrouds very old and not trustworthy, my best bower cable
being very poor, the vessel very weak and leaky, which
weakness proceeded from her lying on a bar and heavy surf
breaking over her when I was run on shore by a man-of-
war, the people much exposed when under sail, or even in
hard rains the water pouring into their cabins, which pre-
vents them of lying into their beds, (diligent search has been
made in order to stop the leaks, but all to no purpose,) daily
complaints being made by my people in regard to the ves-
sel's condition, and the season of the year advancing towards
cold and stormy weather ; this, gentlemen, is certainly the
condition of the vessel; the people almost naked, having no
shoes nor stockings, and the most part of them not the second
shirt to their backs ; no money has been advanced to them
but from my own private purse ; no fresh meat allowed, al-
though I have applied for it; no rum allowed them, which
has occasioned much disturbance on board ; they have de-
manded an allowance of half pint of rum per day, which is
allowed the men in the Continental fleet, and insist upon it
that the Provincial Congress gives that allowance. A riot
was made just before I left the vessel in regard to their al-
lowance of rum, in which aftair 1 was obliged to make use
of my authority amongst some of the principal ringleaders,
upon which some of them have undertaken to complain of my
conduct to your Honours by letter. I never heard that the
conduct of a commander was to be taken notice of by a report
made by a common Boatswain, Carpenter, or Gunner, and
men who sacrifice every thing that is dear (o them for a
single can of grog ; men whom I have picked up and put
in office on purpose to have the vessel manned, and as the
vessel is but very small I was glad to pick up any trash. I
am very clear you will not find any principal officers' names
in that complaint; they are men of good families and char-
acters, hearty in the cause of liberty ; if such men were to
complain of my conduct, I confess I ought to stand cor-
rected. Perhaps the names of my chief officers you would
be glad to know : my chief Lieutenant is Thomas Quigley,
David Walker is my Second Lieutenant, Eliakim Littk
is the Master, and Cornelius French is my Mate, and upon
the whole I would recommend it to your honourable House
to give directions to lay the vessel up as unfit for any further
service this season, as I look upon keeping her any longer
in commission will only be a great expense, without the
gleam of any profit or service. As for my part, I am de-
termined not to enjoy a commission unless I can be of ser-
vice to my country ; for I should, on that part of the coast,
where the vessel is, only be picking the publick's pocket,
as nothing is to be met with there but frigates, sloops of
war, and large tenders, which we are not able to engage.
I am determined to serve in the present cause, and will
spend my last moments in serving my country, and fix my-
self at the seat of war, and whenever I am called on will
cheerfully join heart and hand with my staunch countrymen.
The accounts of the vessel should be settled and the people
paid off, which matter I leave to be determined by your
Honours, and shall wait your command with due respect ;
and am your most obedient, humble
THOMAS CREGIER.
To the honourable gentlemen of the Convention of the State
of New- York.
MEMORIAL OF JOHN MACAMLY AND NATHANIEL FINCH.
To the Honourable Convention of the State of NEW-YORK,
now convened at FISHKILL, fyc.
This memorial humbly showeth, that on Tuesday, the
21th of this instant, a number of persons assembled together
at Florida, in Orange County, in order to procure salt by
some means, as there was none exposed for sale ; they were
at a loss what method to take, and had agreed to go, and if
such places as they found quantities of salt deposited in,
was not at their request exposed to sale at a reasonable
price, allowing a sufficient profit to the owner, they were
determined to break open such places and to proceed to sell
the same to such persons as were in want of that article,
according to their present necessity; observing still that the
owners were made good the prime cost and reasonable profits,
and to leave them what might be thought their proportion
of the same according to their circumstances. But as this
method was not thought prudent, they were prevailed upon
to desist the putting the same into execution until the advice
of this honourable Convention could be had in this difficulty,
and further your memorialists saith not.
JOHN MACAMLY,
September 26, 1776. NATHANIEL FINCH.
JOHANNES SLEGHT TO JOHN M'KESSON.
Kingston, September 26, 177fi.
DEAR SIR: Since the time that the printing offices have
stopped, the intelligence which we get is so confused that
we can hardly ever come to the truth of any thing we hear.
The Committee of this town, with the advice of many true
friends and well-wishers to our cause, have therefore thought
' O
good to hire a man to go twice a week to the Convention
of this State, or to King's Bridge, if occasion should re-
quire, to get the certainty at least of such things of conse-
quence as are a secret to no man. We have sent the bearer,
Moses Yeoman, who we can recommend as a person fit to
be trusted with any thing belonging to that business, and as
we don't doubt but this post will be of service to the publick
in general, we have the more reason to hope to be furnished
with this weekly intelligence from your honoured Board,
which if you will oblige us with, shall ever be thankfully
acknowledged by your obedient, humble servants,
By order of the Committee:
JOHANNES SLEGHT, Chairman.
To Mr. John McKesson, Secretary to the Convention of the
State of New- York.
555
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
556
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 4, 1776.]
Albany, September 26, 1776.
SIR: Yesterday I received sundry papers and letters from
Gene.ral Gates and General Arnold, copies whereof I have
transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief, and which his
Excellency will probably forward to Congress by this con-
veyance.
I did myself the honour to address Congress in a letter
of this date, in which I forgot to remind them of the very
great distress our troops are in for want of clothing of every
kind, but more especially shoes and stockings, and that none
are to be had here. I must entreat Congress to pardon me
if I observe, that unless a very speedy supply is sent, the
most fatal consequences must inevitably ensue.
I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient, humble
servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, September 26, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Your favours of the 22d and 23d in-
stant I had the pleasure to receive on the 25th, with the
papers they enclosed, copies of which I have transmitted to
Congress.
I have not yet seen Antoine Girard, the Canadian,
mentioned in your letter.
I can readily conceive, my dear sir, that you have neither
sought nor solicited the command in this department, but it
must devolve of course on you, as I have sent my resigna-
tion— a step which Congress drove me to by what I con-
ceive a most unjustifiable want of attention to the most
reasonable requests repeatedly made. But although I feel a
resentment for ill usage, I can never forget my duty to my
country, and whoever you shall appoint to command in this
place will, if he chooses to accept of it, experience every
assistance in my power to give.
I hope you have before this received the first parcel of
cordage you wrote for. I have sent boats express for what
was mentioned in the list enclosed in your last letter.
What few troops are here cannot be spared. They are
hardly sufficient for the indispensably necessary duty of the
place. The Militia, 1 doubt not, will march with the utmost
expedition as soon as they shall be called upon. It will be
necessary, as soon as you want their aid, not only to let me
know it, but also to send expresses to the New-England
States, by the way of Skenesborough.
I enclose you sundry resolutions of Congress, transmitted
me by General Washington, by which you will perceive
that Congress have resolved to send you the ammunition
wrote for ; but when it was to leave Philadelphia, I do not
know, as I am not honoured with a line from thence. It
will be forwarded from hence without any delay, and under
the best escort I can afford.
Mr. Livingston has sent to Esopus and Poughkeepsie for
wine; not a gallon is to be had in this place.
Dr. Stringer, in a letter of the 19th instant, from Boston,
advises me that he is likely to succeed in procuring a very
considerable quantity of such medicines as we stand most
in need of, and that he will hasten up with them. Dr. Lyn
is out on the same errand.
You will please to publish in orders such of the resolu-
tions of Congress as are necessary so to be. For God's
sake, try to keep the Pennsylvania and New-Jersey regi-
ments in service until every possibility of the enemy's
crossing the Lake this campaign disappears. They may,
as you imagine, soon make the attempt. I rather wish
they would, than delay it five or six weeks longer, as I fear
too many of our troops will leave you by that time.
Adieu, my dear General, and believe me, with every
friendly wish, your obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To Hon. General Gates.
This will be delivered you by Captain Warner, of the
Trumbull row-galley. She carries you a fine reinforcement
of seamen, and besides, is herself a considerable addition to
your squadron. The schooner and the two other galleys
will follow Sunday or Monday, at farthest ; but the cordage
is not yet arrived, and General Waterbury assures me that
if your estimate was as large as you mention it to have been,
not more than a third of it can have been sent, as more
than twenty coils of rigging are now wanted for the galleys
already built. The powder wrote for so long ago, is not
even in part received at Tyondcroga; so economy is the
word. You cannot be more anxious to have all the galleys
with you, than we are to send them. Be satisfied more
cannot be done than is done to despatch them.
Colonel Trumbull writes you an account, or rather rumour,
of an action that happened last Sunday, near Turtle Bay.
When any thing to be depended upon arrives, I will send
it you without delay. Enclosed is Dr. Potts' 's letter to me,
which I received last night. My affectionate compliments
to Colonel Wigglesworth.
I am, dear General, Ho. GATES.
To Brigadier-General Arnold.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, 10 o'clock A. M., September 26, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : A surgeon and a boatswain of the fleet
which were last sent down with provision, in a batteau,
just now arrived here. They were as far as Split-Rock,
when yesterday morning about ten o'clock, they heard a
firing of about fifty cannon, near the Isle la Motte, as they
supposed. They thought it sounded like the noise of ves-
sels engaged. The wind being unfavourable they could
only distinguish it now and then, and then afterwards during
the day. About ten o'clock at night they heard it again —
about fifty guns more. Also, this morning. What firing it
was, is uncertain. I take the earliest opportunity of men-
tioning it to you. It may have been only a firing of our
fleet upon some Indians.
The fellows who returned say they came back here in order
to know of me whether it was proper to proceed. I send
them to the fleet just now with a reprimand for. their timid-
ity. I just now also send off a boat with a Sergeant and
eight men towards the fleet to know what has been the
matter. The galleys are wanted below. I send you the
account as I have it. The enemy will doubtless pay us a
visit if they can.
I am in great want of the forty canisters of grape-shot for
four-pounders. They may be delivered to the bearer. I
have directed him to return this evening with any returns
you may have for me. You will please to give directions
for a boat and some men to assist in bringing him back.
The wind is so unfavourable I must send him by land,
I am, dear General, your most humble servant,
THOS. HARTLEY.
P. S. I would be glad that a couple of thousand car-
tridges for muskets could be sent in a few days, or by the
bearer. Yours, &,c., THOS. HARTLEY.
I ordered a young man to copy my letter. He has done
it incorrectly and signed my name. You will excuse it on
this occasion. I hope the Albany Militia may not be
alarmed till I can send you further intelligence, as I hope
all may yet be well. I am your most humble servant,
11 o'clock A. M.
THOS. HARTLEY.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD.
September 26, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Yesterday I received your letter of the
21st instant. I hope your little schooner had ample satis-
faction for the injury her people suffered in the batteau.
CAPTAIN FASSETT TO GENERAL GATES.
Williston, September 26, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : Yesterday the enemy
was discovered in sundry places near my post. I had three
parties out, one of which discovered a number of the enemy,
at which time a party of Indians came to an advance party
and fired on the party of men, and took three of them 'and
pursued some more which they could not overtake; the
party by the best account, in the whole, is large.
The party under my command, seeing our circumstances,
could not be persuaded to stay on the other side of the
river, and have removed one mile across the river, contrary
to orders. I do all that I can to keep them. They say they
had as good die one way as the other. Our road to the
557
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
558
Lake is stopped. We have not more than three days' pro-
visions with us. I would be willing to stay and do the best
I could, if my men would stay; but they will not, more than
five or six of them, stay. Every thing lies in my power I
will do; I can do no more.
The event of the siege I cannot tell. My command at
this place is gone. Flattery is all I can do. Some of the
inhabitants choose to stay, which gives them hard thoughts
of their conduct. I cannot write the whole; must subscribe
myself your humble servant,
JONATHAN FASSETT, Captain.
In haste to the Hon. H. Gates, Major-Genera).
COLONEL BARRETT TO GENERAL GATES.
Rutland, September 26, 1776.
SIR: I wrote to your Honour the 19th ultimo by Mr.
Swain, the return of your Honour's orders to Major Hois-
ington. Have now the honour of a visit of Captain Ra-
ment from your Honour to inspect the work, who will inform
your Honour how matters are prosecuted. I would inform
your Honour that I am prosecuting your Honour's instruc-
tions as vigorously as possible, with the small party I have,
both on the road and bridge ; as to the great bridge, we have
got it in a good way — part raised, and raising the remainder,
and hope to finish it by the middle of next week, if weather
permits. One party is steadily at work on the road, and I
expect to get through with this part of the new road the
week after next. I should be extremely glad if I could
have some spades and hoes, which would be very service-
able; and I am, sir, your Honour's most obedient, humble
JOHN BARRETT, Superintendent.
To the Hon. General Gates.
JOHN BROOM TO ABRAHAM YATES.
New-Haven, September 26, 1776.
SIR : I was yesterday served with an order of Conven-
tion of the 14th instant, directing my attendance as a mem-
ber fofthwith. Mr. L'Hommedieu and myself had agreed
to set out last week for Fishkills ; but he did not come here
according to appointment, and indeed if he had, it would
not have been in my power to have left home, as three of
my family were taken sick near about that time ; they are
now on the recovery, and hope soon to have the pleasure
of attending. Meantime I atn your and the Convention's
humble servant,
JOHN BROOM.
To the Hon. Abraham Yates, Esq., President of the Con-
vention at Fishkills.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, September 26, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyer,
Jabez Huntington, Richard Law, William Hillhouse, Na-
thaniel Wales, Jun., Titus Hosmer, Benjamin Huntington,
Esqs.
Voted, That an order be drawn on the Pay-Table, in
favour of Captain William Coit. commander of the ship
Oliver Cromwell, for six hund/ed pounds lawful money,
for the Colony use. (Order, September 26, 1776.)
Voted, That an order be drawn on the Pay-Table, in
favour of Captain Ephraim Bell, for three hundred pounds
lawful money, to be on account of ship Oliver Cromwell.
(Order drawn September 26, 1776.)
Voted, To draw an order on Messrs. Elderkin fy Wales,
for ten pounds of Powder, to be delivered to Mr. Simeon
Tucker, of the State of Rhode-Island, he paying five shil-
lings four pence per pound for the same. (Order drawn
September 26, 1776; delivered Mr. Wales.)
Mr. Benjamin Henshaw, of Middletown, exhibited his
account of a journey of himself and expenses to Salisbury,
and transporting five tons of Guns from thence to Middle-
town, amounting to £31 6s. lOJrf.; which is allowed, and
voted an order on the Pay-Table for the same. (Order
drawn September 26, and delivered Mr. Hosmer.)
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for five hundred
pounds, in favour of Colonel Joshua Porter, to enable him
to carry on the publick works of the Furnace at Salisbury,
and to be in account. (Order drawn September 26, 1776;
delivered Hez. Fitch, Esq.)
Voted, That the overseers of the Furnace be directed
to cas't six and four Pounders until the sitting of the Assem-
bly, or until further orders from the Assembly or this Coun-
cil.
Voted, That Messrs. John Hudson Sf Co., from Long-
Inland, be encouraged to depend on purchasing four four-
pound Cannon and four Swivels from this State, as soon as
they can be cast and finished ; and the overseers of the
Furnace at Salisbury are hereby directed to deliver the
same to them accordingly, they paying the customary there-
for.
Voted, That Messrs. Lyon fy Co., at East Haddam, be
encouraged to depend on purchasing two six-pounders and
eight four-pounders of Cannon from this State, as soon as
they can be cast, for their Privateer; and the overseers of
the Furnace are directed to deliver them accordingly, at
the price given by others for Cannon of the same size.
Voted, That Captain Jabez Perkins be encouraged to
depend on purchasing two four-pounders of Cannon from
this Slate, as soon as they can be cast, for the use of his
Privateer or Letter-of-Marque ; and the overseers of the
Furnace are directed to deliver the same accordingly, at
the customary price.
DAVID MATTHEWS TO ABRAHAM YATES.
Litchfield, September 26, 1776.
SIR: I received your letter yesterday, dated the 28th
August; and should be glad, if I am to appear before you,
that it might be soon ; for if it is delayed a few weeks
longer, I shall appear before you as Adam did to himself
after he had eaten the forbidden fruit, for I only brought
here a few summer clothes, and there are none to be bought
here, if 1 had ever so much money ; and you will perceive,
from my letter to Mrs. Matthews, what effect my letter of
credit had. I can get nothing from home, for I have never
heard a word from my wife and children since the King's
troops landed on Long-Island, so that I can't tell whether
they are in the laud of the living or not; and if living now,
it seems very probable that they will starve before next
Spring, as they have no one to provide the least article for
them.
I had one jaunt to Hartford, and was sent back here. I
expect every day to be ordered to some other part of the
Province ; for there are some people at work to make my
life as uneasy as possible, as you will see by this enclosed
copy of a letter from Captain Seymour to the Governour.
The Committee here have been compelled to write to Gov-
ernour Trumbull for my removal, in order to pacify some
people who are set on by some designing man. They insist
that I can blow up this town, if I set myself about it.
They make me out to be a worker of miracles. O that I
could ! I would soon leave them on the town to themselves.
The Sheriff has given orders that I shall not approach the
gaol, lest the doors fly open and the prisoners escape. I
really could never have thought myself of so much conse-
quence, until I came here, where I find, by report, that I
have an army of ten thousand men, and can do more than
any of the ancient knights-errant could boast of. This
mighty consequence, I am afraid, will, nevertheless, be the
means of my being both hungry and naked very soon.
I should not have returned to this cold wilderness, had
not the Sheriff at Hartford declared that he must, if I was
delivered to him, by virtue of Governour TrumbulFs war-
rant, lock me up in gaol, where I had no bed nor any thing
to rest on. However, as it seems it must come to it soon,
I hope my end may come at the same time, and that, I
hope, will satisfy all my enemies.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
D. MATTHEWS.
To Abraham Yates, Esq.
Litchfield, September 20, 1776.
SIR: I am extremely sorry to trouble your Honour, when
matters of the greatest importance are constantly employ-
ing your attention, but being drove to the necessity, by
some very troublesome people, of applying to your Honour
for the justification of my conduct, I make no doubt your
Honour will excuse the trouble I may give you, in a matter
559
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
560
in which some people are pleased to say my character is
concerned.
When I did myself the honour of waiting on you at
Lebanon, I delivered to you a letter from Mr. Matthews,
the contents of which I understood to be a request from
him to your Honour, that he might be either put under the
care of the Committee at Hartford, or be returned to
Litchfield, under my care. Mr. Matthews, before he wrote
that letter, had put the question to me, whether, if he ob-
tained your leave to return to Litchfield, I would consent to
take him to my house? I told him if he would be accom-
modated at Hartford, it would do better, but that if your
Honour should order him back, I would do every thing in
my power to make his stay as comfortable as possible, espe-
cially as I was informed, by some of the Committee, that
they had no objections to his stay at Litchfield, and that the
only difficulty was with some few people, who insisted that
I had nothing to show for my keeping him.
Your Honour was pleased, as I conceive, in consequence
of Mr. Matthews's request in his letter, to order him back
to this place, under my custody, where every thing remained
quiet until yesterday, when about a dozen people, without
alleging the least cause of complaint against Mr. Matthews's
conduct or mine, except in bringing him back, waited on
our Committee, and insisted that I should be called before
them, in order to show why I brought Mr. Matthews back.
I accordingly waited on the Committee, and produced your
Honour's order. They have insisted that such order would
not have been granted only at my particular request, or
some other gentleman's; which has induced me thus to
appeal to your Honour, although my principles and charac-
ter are too well known and established to be hurt by such
people. I should, nevertheless, be extremely obliged to
your Honour for a few lines, by way of information, whether
Mr. Matthews's return here was not solely in consequence
of his letter and the information that the Committee had
no objections to his stay ; for I believe your Honour will
remember that I mentioned that if Mr. Matthews could be
accommodated at Hartford, it would be full as agreeable
to me, as he would be better supplied there than at Litch-
Jield. This, I believe, will put a stop to any further
uneasiness, as they give out that it was solely through my
measures, or some of the Committee, that Mr. Matthews
was sent back here.
I can safely say that my conduct through this whole
business, has been governed by those principles which are
dictated by humanity, and will always induce me to treat a
person well who behaves well. If Mr. Matthews was to
busy himself with politicks, or endeavoured to persuade
people from the cause of their country, there is no man that
would sooner turn him from his house than myself. But I
believe there is no person here knows, from his conduct,
what his political creed is, for he avoids talking on politicks.
However, if your Honour should order him away, I have
no objection.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
MOSES SEYMOUR.
To Governour Trumbull.
DANIEL TILLINGHAST TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Providence, September 26, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to a resolve of Congress, I now forward
your Excellency seventy-two tents, via New-London, to
the care of Nathaniel Shaw, Esq., agent there. I shall
forward a number more as soon as finished.
I am, with great respect, your Excellency's most obedient
DANL. TILLINGHAST, Agent.
To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in-
Chiefof the American Army.
GENERAL WARD TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Boston, September 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 24th instant, I received
last evening; and agreeable to your request I have ordered
five hundred pound of powder and one thousand pound of
ball out of the Continental store, to be forwarded this morn-
ing with the utmost expedition for Hartford, and there to
be delivered to the Committee of Correspondence, who will
deliver it to the commanding officers of your regiments as
soon as they arrive there.
1 am, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant,
ARTEMUS WARD.
To the Committee of Safety in New-Hampshire.
AARON HOBART TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Abington, September 26, 1776.
SIR : For want of cash, I have sold all the cannon I
have by me, so you can't have them. I have waited for
another blast, but can't have none at present for want of
pig iron. Please to send me all your old iron.
AARON HOBART.
To Richard Devens. Esq.
[Per favour of Captain Weston.]
Boston, September 26, 1776.
The privateer General Greene, of East-Greenwich, and
the privateer Harlequin, of Baltimore, have taken a Jamaica
ship of three hundred and ten tons, and sent her into a safe
port. Her cargo consists of three hundred and twelve
hogsheads of sugar, eighty-two puncheons of rum, thirty-six
pipes and four hogsheads of Madeira wine, eighteen hun-
dred pounds' weight of copper, &c. This ship, we hear,
sailed in company with a large fleet, convoyed by two
men-of-war, one of which was soon to leave them; the
other, said to be a dull sailer, was to proceed with them to
Europe.
Last Sunday, was sent into Providence by Captain
Munro, the prize-ship Blaze-Castle, from Barbadoes, bound
for London, having on board one hundred pipes Madeira
wine, one hundred and twenty hogsheads of sugar, eighteen
hundred weight whalebone, one hundred and twenty barrels
of oil, &c.
Last Monday, was sent into this harbour by the Eagle,
Captain Paine, a ship of one hundred and sixty tons, from
Grenada, bound to London, having on board one hundred
and fifty puncheons of rum, one hundred and nine -hogs-
heads of sugar, some cotton, Sic.
Yesterday morning, a sloop, laden with dry fish, was
carried into Salem by Captain Waters, in the schooner
Dolphin, mounting only six swivels.
MAJOR DRIVER AND COLONEL STAINTON TO MARYLAND CON-
VENTION.
Caroline County, September 27, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Agreeable to the resolve of the Conven-
tion, we have had a meeting of the two battalions in this
County, in order to see who would step forth as officers for
the company to be raised in this County, when the gen-
tlemen offered themselves as follows:
Captain William Haslett, Captain Nehemiah Andrew,
Lieutenant William Rich, Mr. James White, as Captains ;
Mr. Ambrose Mitchel, Mr. John Milboun Walls, as Lieu-
tenants ; Mr. William Chipky as Ensign.
And we are of opinion that the proper officers to be com-
missioned of the above-mentioned persons are, Mr. William
Haslett, as Captain ; Mr. Ambrose Mitchel, as First Lieu-
tenant ; Mr. John Milboun Walls, Second Lieutenant, and
Mr. William Chipley, Ensign.
We are, gentlemen, your most obedient servants,
MATTHEW DRIVER, Major and Commander
of the 14th Battalion of Militia.
BENSON STAINTON, Lieutenant- Colonel of
the 20th Battalion of Militia.
To the Honourable the Convention of Maryland, or in their
recess, the Council of Safety, Annapolis.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL SCHDYLER.
Philadelphia, September 27, 1776.
SIR: I have the honour to enclose you sundry resolves,
which are so explicit that I need only request your attention
to them.
You will perceive that Congress have come to a deter-
mination to augment our army to eighty-eight battalions, and
to engage the troops to serve during the continuance of the
war, being thoroughly convinced by repeated instances that
561
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
562
the short and limited inlistment of troops has been the
source of much mischief to the service.
In order that these troops may be better disciplined, the
Congress have abolished the system of rules and articles for
the government of the army which they at first instituted,
and have adopted a new one, sundry copies of which I en-
close you.
It is also their determination that the strictest discipline
should be kept up in the army, that the soldiers should be
daily trained and practised in their different manoeuvres.
An attention to these things, you will observe by the en-
closed resolves, will be the likeliest way to obtain promo-
tion, and will be the surest recommendation to their notice.
The Committee of Congress to confer with you on the
state of the army, &c., will set out to-morrow or next day
for Tyconderoga. To them I beg leave to refer you ; and
am, with every sentiment of esteem and regard, sir, your
most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To General Schuyler, Albany.
P. S. The attention of Congress has been so much taken
up by our affairs at New-York, that I have not time to re-
ply to your several letters, but hope I shall have leisure to
do it by the next conveyance, and that Congress will soon
determine on the subject of them. They are now in the
hands of a special committee.
In Congress, September 25, 1776.
Resolved, That Mr. Mease be directed to send immedi-
ately to General Gates all the white Shirts, Shoes and Stock-
ings he now has in his possession, and which are unappro-
priated, for the use of the Northern Army ; and that he use
the utmost diligence in buying, collecting and getting made
immediately as many more of those articles as possible,
making weekly reports to Congress of what he obtains.
That General Schuyler or the commanding officer at
Albany, be desired to employ proper persons immediately,
to make up into Soldiers' Clothes the woollens mentioned by
General Schuyler, and transmit the same without delay to
the General commanding the Northern Army, for the use of
such of the troops in that army as have inlisted for three
years, or will inlist during the war.
That Richard Varick, (late Captain in Colonel McDou-
gall's Regiment, which office he has resigned,) Secretary
to the Honourable Major-General Schuyler, be appointed
Deputy Mustermaster-General to the Northern Army, and
that Major Henry Rrockholst Livingston, Aid-de-Camp to
General Schuyler, be provided for by Congress in a station
equal to his merit when a proper vacancy happens, he
being recommended by the General as a very deserving
officer.
Mr. Stockton and Mr. Clymer, appointed a Committee
to proceed to Tyconderoga, to confer with General Gates
with respect to the Army under his command, agreeable to
instructions given said Committee, by Congress.
By order of Congress : JOHN HANCOCK, President.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL GATES.
Philadelphia, September 27, 1776.
SIR: I have the honour to enclose you sundry resolves of
Congress, to which I must refer your attention. They relate
to a variety ol subjects, as you will perceive, and are ex-
tremely necessary for your information and the direction of
your future conduct.
The Congress having resolved to raise eighty -eight bat-
talions of Continental troops, are anxious to promote discip-
line and subordination in their army as much as possible.
For this purpose they have repealed the system of military
law they at first adopted, and instituted in its room a more
severe and rigorous one, as better calculated to introduce
obedience and regularity among the troops. It is also the
determination of Congress that an attention to these things
will be the best method of obtaining promotion, and will be
the most effectual means of recommending the officers in
the army of the United States to their notice.
Without a well-disciplined army it is impossible to ex-
pett success against veteran troops. You will therefore
give orders to all the officers under your command to have
the troops daily trained, and to enure them to the most ex-
emplary discipline.
The Congress having appointed a Committee to repair to
Tyonderoga, and to devise ways and means of providing
the Northern army with provisions, medicines, and other
necessaries, have chosen Mr. Stockton and Mr. Clymer,
who will begin their journey on Monday next. To them,
therefore, I beg leave to refer you for further particulars on
this subject ; and am, with great respect and esteem, sir,
your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To General Gates.
P. S. The attention of Congress has been so much taken
up by our affairs at New- York, that 1 have not had time to
reply particularly to your letters, but hope I shall have lei-
sure to do it by the next conveyance, and that Congress
will soon determine on the subject of them.
RICHARD PETERS TO JASPER YEATES.
Philadelphia, September 27, 1776.
DEAR SIR: A Captain Hesketh's baggage is at Lancas-
ter, under the care of his servant and Sergeant Cooper,
prisoners of war. He wants it much at Philadelphia, and
does not know how to get it. Do be so good as to take
the pains of inquiring after it, and send it down, directed to
my care. If it be in the custody of the Committee, this
letter will, I fancy, be a justification for their delivery of it.
He is a British officer, a prisoner of war, and a very good,
but a very helpless man, therefore requires assistance in this
matter. I will pay any expense attending the baggage.
The reason of troubling you is, that the chests are broke
open, and require either new locks or to be corded and
sealed, and sent in the care of some trusty person. As the
baggage is under these circumstances, I know it is disagree-
able to have any thing to do with it. But he knows this,
and though he believes the people who have them honest,
he must run the risk.
I am your affectionate, humble servant,
RICHARD PETERS.
To Jasper Yeates, Esq.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED NEW-YORK, SEPTEMBER 27,
1776.
To THE PRINTER OF THE LONDON CHRONICLE:
SIR: For the comfort of some of your late correspondents, who seem
to be much distressed with apprehensions that the King's Commis-
sioners in America are sacrificing the honour of Old England, in pitiful
negotiations, be so good as to insert in your paper the following extract
from a letter dated New-York, September 27. The writer of the letter
is a gentleman of observation and integrity, a great sufferer by the
rebellion, and inflexibly attached to the honour and interest of Gov-
ernment.
I am very easy as to the Commissioners, their powers,
and their conduct as such, since their arrival. Many and
very ridiculous have been the alarms concerning the frequent
flags of truce that have passed between them and the Rebels,
both before the army landed, and after the action of the
27th ultimo; and these alarms, which have arisen from idle
apprehensions that matters were going to be patched and
juggled up, were so frequent, that many sensible but over-
sanguine people began to be affected. The whole matter
was. that it was thought advisable and proper, during the
interval of preparation for the moving of the army, to draw
up a kind of Declaration, expressing the powers of the
Commissioners, and the terms his Majesty was inclined to
grant to such as would lay down their arms and return to
their duty, which was certainly right. Two flags, one to
Amboy, and the other to Washington, were despatched by
Lord Howe. The former delivered letters to the Rebel
commanding officer there, (at Amboy,} directed to several
members of the grand Congress, at Philadelphia, enclosing
those Declarations, which were politely received and for-
warded: The other, to Washington, being addressed to
George Washington, &.C., &c. ; he immediately returned
unopened, telling the officer he (Washington) knew no such
person. There is a fellow for you! I suppose you do not
wonder that he did not know himself.
A day or two after, the General sent Colonel Patterson
with a flag to Washington, as I was credibly informed,
relative to an exchange of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, and
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
36
5(53
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
564
others, that had been taken by Montgomery, at Chambly
and St. John's, for six hundred men that had been taken
by Captain Forster from Arnold, in Canada, agreeable to
a treaty that had been entered into between Forster and
Arnold, which the Congress had formed artifices and pre-
tences to evade, and which solemn treaty they still refuse
to fulfill, notwithstanding delivered his own son, and eight
or nine of his principal officers, as hostages.
Soon after came down a flag frotn Washington, by a
certain Joseph Reed, formerly a lawyer, but now Washing-
ton's Secretary, and a Major. Being introduced to Lord
Howe, he began a long and laboured harangue, on the
oppressions of the Ministry and Parliament, and the long-
sufferings of injured America. His Lordship heard him ibr
a while, and then asked him very coolly to explain the
nature of the business he was sent upon. He answered,
" He was sent by the army of America to know what terms
Great Britain had to offer." To which his Lordship
replied, " None at all, unless they would lay down their
arms, and return to their duty; that he and his brother
were sent to compel them to terms ; and that if they liked
fighting better than a dutiful obedience, he might assure the
persons who sent him they should very speedily have enough
of it."
I told you General Sullivan was taken in the action of
the 27th; I should have rather said he was caught creeping
out of a swamp on his hands and knees, the 28th, in the
morning, when he was carried to Head-Quarters. He
endeavoured to persuade the General and Admiral that
there was nothing the Rebel army desired so much as peace,
if they could but have any tolerable terms ; and begged the
brothers would suffer him to go to New-York on his parole,
to try what he could do, which was agreed to ; and away
he went to New-York and Philadelphia, and returned on
board the Admiral in eight days. What report he made
to the Admiral I have not yet learned ; but in three or four
days came down a flag of truce, asking his Lordship for a
safe conduct for three Delegates of the grand Congress,
viz : Adams, Franklin, and Rutledge ; which being granted
them, they came on board the Eagle, when his Lordship
asked them, " How they expected to be treated ?" Adams
said, " As Delegates from the free and independent States
of America." His Lordship made them no reply, but
turned upon his heel with a sneer, and ordered (he Ameri-
can ambassadors away immediately. Since which there
have been no more flags of truce, the officers of the army
having, one and all, openly assured the General, that they
wish to have no cartel or treaty of any kind with Rebels
as to exchanges, because they now look upon it as dishon-
ourable to his Majesty's army ; and that therefore they
will very freely take their chance in all engagements that
may in future happen between the army and the Rebels.
These little anecdotes you may depend on as true ; they
have served to convince us, and indeed I am convinced
more and more every day, of the happy and judicious
choice his Majesty and his Ministers have made, in these
two brave and worthy men ; every one of whose actions is
the pure result of wisdom, prudence, and humanity.
I am quite charmed with Lord Howe's behaviour on the
27th; nothing could exceed his anxiety and vigilance.
About nine o'clock in the morning the brigades of the left
wing had made a halt on the hills at the edge of the woods
behind Brooklyn, waiting partly for the front, and partly
for want of ammunition ; which his Lordship understanding,
he immediately collected together what he could in a boat,
and went himself with it, sending the boat's crew with it
upon their backs up the hill from Yellow-Hook, until wagons
could be got for a sufficient supply from the store-ships.
When things go on with such unanimity and cordiality, a
man must be incorrigible in scepticism who can doubt of
the happy issue. Little delays may vex the sanguine and
impatient growler; but even those delays have had their
use, independent of the necessary and immediate causes of
them. They have greatly disappointed the Rebel faction
and their leaders, who fondly imagined the troops would
always rush on headlong to their works, as in the Bunker's
Hill affair; whilst the impenetrable secrecy observed by the
two noble brothers has totally disconcerted and confounded
them to a degree that will ensure a glorious triumph to his
Majesty over this hellish American sedition, its ringleaders,
and abettors.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO ENGLAND PROM THE MASTER OF
THE DOROTHY TRANSPORT, AT NEW-YORK, DATED SEP-
TEMBER 27, 1776.
When the American army landed on Long-Island, they
compelled every seventh man to bear arms; three days
after that, one out of every four ; and the next day, one out
of every two, from twelve to sixty-four years of age; whom
they forced away with them to New-York. The majority
of those are since returned to their allegiance and habitations
in that island. The Congress have been endeavouring to
remove from 'Philadelphia, but the inhabitants have pre-
vented them, declaring they should remain to share the
same fate with themselves.
We have got part of the Jerseys, and plenty of provisions ;
good beef, veal, and mutton, at 3^d. per pound, bread as
cheap as in London, apples and peaches for gathering, and
cabbages and potatoes in abundance. Some little time
before we took New-York, a sermon was preached there
from Isaiah xxi. 15, to animate and inflame the minds of
the Rebels, and depreciate the Britons.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO ENGLAND, DATED NEW-YORK,
SEPTEMBER 27, 1776, RECEIVED BY THE EARL OF HAL-
IFAX PACKET-BOAT, CAPTAIN BOULDERSON.
A general exchange of prisoners, in the array and navy
departments, is soon to take place ; but, I am sorry to add,
it is not to include the many loyal subjects who are now,
and have long been, imprisoned in different parts of the
country. General Howe had sent Mr. Sullivan to the
Congress with the Declaration of Great Britain to the Colo-
nies ; this produced an interview on Staten-Island between
the two Howes, on behalf of the Crown, and Dr. Franklin,
Mr. Edward Rutledge, and Mr. John Adams, who, pre-
vious to any conference, required to be acknowledged as
ambassadors from the free .and independent States of Ame-
rica, were answered that it was inadmissible ; and conse-
quently they separated re infecta. I forgot to mention that
Mr. Washington, presently after the landing on New- York
Island, narrowly escaped being made prisoner. He left
Mr. Apthorp's house, at Bloomingdale, a few minutes only
before the British Light Infantry entered it.
From Canada we are informed that the beginning of
September a belt had been sent to Detroit from the Shaw-
anese and Delaware nation of Indians, with a declaration in
favour of Government, and that they were going to attack
the Provincials on the back settlements of Pennsylvania,
Maryland, and Virginia. That the whole force intended
to embark on Lake Champlain was on board on the 24th
of September, and getting under weigh.
COPY OF A PAPER SENT THROUGH THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK,
NEW-YORK, BY ORDER OF GOVERN OUR TRYON.
The Governour of the Province recommends to the in-
habitants of Suffolk County, the following measures, as the
best means for those who have been active in the rebellion,
to preserve their lives and save their estates, viz:
That all offensive arms, indiscriminately, be forthwith col-
lected in each respective Manor, Township, and Precinct,
as soon as possible, to deliver up at Head-Quarters, to the
Commander-in-Chief of the King's troops.
That those who have been active in the rebellion, if fit
to bear arms, forthwith to wait on the General and inlist in
the regular service, for the term of the present war; if not
fit to bear arms, to send one of their sons to inlist in their
stead ; if no sons, to perform some unasked signal service
that may merit the protection of Government.
The inhabitants of each Town to associate to prevent any
person going to the main, and secure those coming from
thence ; and to secure and deliver up all persons known to
be active enemies to the rights of the Constitution.
And the several Townships to furnish as many men as
possible fit to bear arms, to invite those back who have fled
from the County, to inlist in General De Lancey's brigade.
And lastly, the inhabitants to send all their wood, forage, and
provisions they can spare, to New-York market, or to such
place as the General shall order.
Circular orders have, been sent to the Justices on Long-
Island, directing them to summon the farmers in their several
districts to attend them at some convenient place, and
565
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
566
demand of each of them what grass and straw they can spare.
As to hay, they demand the whole. All Rebels that are
in arms, the whole of their grass and forage they are to
seize for the use of the King. And all who had removed
from the Island are deemed Rebels, and are to be dealt with
as such.
New-York, September 27, 1776.
SIR : You are to desire the Justices of the Peace to sum-
mon the farmers of their districts to attend at some central
place, to demand of each what grain and straw he can
spare. As to hay, we must have the whole, for which you'll
give them proper certificates for me to pay them by. The
whole of the grain and forage of Rebels in arms, is to be
seized for the King's use. All persons removed off are to
be deemed Rebels, and dealt with accordingly.
JOHN MORRISON,
Commissary of Forage.
To Mr. E. Punderson.
Blank Order left with the Inhabitants of SUFFOLK County,
LONG-ISLAND, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
You are hereby ordered to preserve for the King's use
loads of hay, bushels of wheat, of oats,
of rye, of barley, of Indian corn, and all
your wheat and rye straw, and not to dispose of the same
but to my order in writing, as you will answer the contrary
at your peril. JOHN MORRISON,
Major and Commissary of Forage.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 30, 1776.]
Head Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 27, 1776.
SIR: I have nothing in particular to communicate to
Congress by this day's post, as our situation is the same as
when I last wrote.
We are now sitting on the business the Committee came
upon, which it is probable will be finished this evening.
The result they will duly report upon their return.
I received yesterday the enclosed Declaration by a gentle-
man from Elizabethtoivn, who told me many copies were
found in the possession of the soldiers from Canada, that
were landed there a day or two ago by General Howe's
permission. I shall not comment upon it. It seems to be
founded on the plan that has been artfully pursued for
some time past.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
P. S. The account of the troops, Sic., in Canada comes
from a person who is among the prisoners sent from Canada.
It was anonymous, nor do I know the intelligencer; accord-
ing to him the enemy in that quarter are stronger than we
supposed, and their naval force much greater on the Lakes
than we had any idea of. I trust he has taken the matter
up on the enemy's report.
By RICHARD VISCOUNT HOWE, of the Kingdom O/]RELAND,
and WILLIAM HOWE, Esq., General of his Majesty's
Forces in AMERICA, the King's Commissioners for restor-
ing peace to his Majesty's Colonies and Plantations in
NORTH AMERICA, $fc., fyc., $fc.:
DECLARATION.
Although the Congress whom the misguided Americans
suffer to direct their opposition to a reestablishment of the
constitutional Government of these Provinces, have disa-
vowed every purpose of reconciliation not consonant with
their extravagant and inadmissible claim of Independency,
the King's Commissioners think fit to declare that they are
equally desirous to confer with his Majesty's well-affected
subjects, upon the means of restoring the publick tranquillity,
and establishing a permanent Union with every Colony, as
a part of the British Empire.
The King being most graciously disposed to direct a
revision of such of his Royal instructions as may be con-
strued to lay an improper restraint upon the freedom of
legislation, in any of his Colonies, and to concur in the revi-
sal of all acts by which his subjects there may think them-
selves aggrieved, it is recommended to the inhabitants at
large to reflect seriously upon their present condition and
expectations, and to judge for themselves, whether it be
more consistent with their honour and happiness to offer up
their lives as a sacrifice to the unjust and precarious cause
in which they are engaged, or to return to their allegiance,
accept the blessings of peace, and be secured in a free
enjoyment of their liberty and properties, upon the true
principles of the Constitution.
Given at New-York, the 19th day of September, 1776.
HOWE.
W. HOWE.
By command of their Excellencies: IT c.
HEN. OTRACHEY.
The force of the enemy in Canada and on the Lake is
from the best intelligence, as follows:
Ten thousand men landed in Canada from Europe, &LC.
Eight thousand of which, with many Canadians, are to go
against Ticonderoga, &tc. ; all effective men, and in good
order and appearance. It is without doubt General Carle-
ton intends to command in person, with Burgoyne, Fraser,
and Nesbit, &ic.
Their naval force is: A shin built in England, taken to
pieces and brought out on board the fleet; she is put up at
St. John's, and launched there, has eighteen guns, twenty-
four pounders, swivels, &c.
Two brigs, about ten guns each. ) -is
Three schooners, about eight ditto. \ SWM 3ls' &c>
Twenty gondolas, two guns each, from nine to twelve
pounders.
Two hundred and fifty batteaus, all with swivels, and
many of them with guns in their bows.
A very fine train of Artillery, of six companies, and at
least one hundred pieces of cannon, thought to be the finest
ever sent from England. A General officer commands it,
General Phillips.
Every sailor and marine that could possibly be spared is
sent to man their fleet.
Their determined intention is, if possible, to form a junc-
tion of their army with General Howe, in which case Gen-
eral Carleton will command the whole.
Sir John Johnson is gone round by Oswego with near
eight hundred Indians, Maclean's Emigrants, and some
Canadians of Scotch volunteers. There is some doubt he
may come in by Fort George, and cut off our communica-
tion with Ticonderoga. He is sanguine in his expectation
of taking Fort George and getting the command of the
Lake.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 25, 1776.
(Parole, Cumberland.) (Countersign, Pitt.)
Colonel Sargent is to send to the Provost-Guard the
soldiers who were with Ensign Macumber, and charged
with plundering at Harlem.
The Brigadiers who are in want of tents for their bri-
gades, are to meet at the Quartermaster-General's this
afternoon, four o'clock, and divide such as are on hand
among them.
Such regiments of Militia, as have returned to the Quar-
termaster-General the articles belonging to the publick
they have received, and to their respective Brigadiers the
ammunition they have drawn, of which they are first to pro-
duce certificates, are discharged, and may return home as
soon as they think proper.
The General hopes the commanding officers, and all
others of those regiments, will take care that no other men
mix with them when going off; and that particular care be
taken, that no horses be carried away by the men but what
are certainly and properly employed in that service.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 26, 1776.
(Parole, Halifax.) (Countersign, Georgia.)
The Court-Martial of which Colonel Magaw is Presi-
dent, having found that Lieutenant Stewart struck Sergeant
Philips, but that he was provoked so to do by the latter,
and acquitted him of " threatening the life of Colonel Silli-
man," the General approves the sentence, and orders Lieu-
tenant Stewart to be discharged from his arrest.
The same Court-Martial having tried and convicted Lieu-
tenant Daniel Pelton, of Colonel Ritzema's Regiment, of
567
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
568
leaving camp two days, and being absent without leave, the
Court orders him to be mulcted of one month's pay. The
General approves the sentence, and directs that care be
taken accordingly in the next pay abstract.
Sergeant Philips, of Captain IlukbeFs Company, and Col-
onel Silliman't Regiment, tried by the same Court-Martial
for "cowardice and leaving his party on the 17th instant,"
was acquitted. The General approves the sentence, and
orders him discharged.
The regiments of Militia which composed the brigades
commanded by Colonels Douglass and Silliman, being dis-
missed, those regiments are to join their former brigades.
Courts-Martial for the trial of desertion and other crimes
not capital, are immediately to be formed in the several
brigades, and the sentences, when approved by the Briga-
dier, immediately executed.
Colonel Magaw being necessarily detained from the
Court-Martial, Colonel Ewing is to preside during his ab-
sence.
The General expects and insists that all the plunder and
other things found in consequence of the examination lately
made, be sent immediately to the white house on the road
near Head-Quarters, delivered to the Captain of the guard,
to be deposited there till further orders. Colonels and com-
manding officers of regiments are to see that it is done im-
mediately.
The officer commanding the Rangers may give passes to
any of his own parties, but to none others.
Upon any alarm or approach of the enemy towards our
lines, General MMin, with his brigade, is to possess our left
flank from the Hollow way by Colonel Sargent's late en-
campment, to the Point of Rocks, on the left front of our
lines ; and till the regiment commanded by Colonel fVeedon
is brigaded, is to be joined by the same. General McDou-
galFs Brigade is to repair to the plains back of General
Mifflin, and be ready to support him, or the picket in the
front, as occasion may require. General BelFs Brigade is
to repair to the lines which cross the road by Colonel May-
Inn's lodging, and to extend their right flank to the middle
redoubt by Mr. Kortright's house, occupying the same.
Generals Wadsworth and Ftllows are to take the remaining
part of these lines, with the redoubt therein, on the North
River. These three brigades to defend these lines, or wait
there for orders. General Heard' s is to parade, and be ready
to inarch wherever ordered. General Putnam is to com-
mand in front of the lines by Mr. Kortright's; General
Spencer in the rear of them.
Head-duarters, Harlem Heights, September 27, 1776.
(Parole, Hampton.)
(Couniemlgn, Walton,)
Lieutenant Drake, of Colonel Phillips 's Regiment, tried
by a Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Ewing was President,
for " leaving the regiment without permission of his com-
manding officer, and being absent twenty days," was ac-
quitted. The General approves the sentence, and orders
him to be discharged.
The returns are expected to-morrow at orderly time,
which the Brigade-Majors and Adjutants would do well to
attend to.
The General is not more surprised than vexed, to find
that in spite of all his care to prevent unnecessary firing
and waste of ammunition, that every afternoon produces
fresh instances of the shameful discharge of muskets when
there has been no rain to wet or otherwise injure the loads.
He now positively orders that there shall be no firing without
leave from the Brigadier of the brigade the men belong to,
who are to inquire minutely into the necessity of the case,
and whether the pieces cannot be drawn without. The
General also directs that none but the out-sentries shall ever
have their muskets loaded ; and if those would be watchful
and vigilant on their posts, they need not load till occasion
should require it.
Return of the Six Independent Companies and First Regiment of MARYLAND Regulars, in the service of the UNITED
COLONIES, commanded by Colonel SMALLWOOD, September 27, 1776.
COMPANIES.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
lastRtturn.
Commissioned.
Staff.
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54
56
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16
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36
36
21
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33
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19
26
10
24
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55
17
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24
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19
16
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7
7
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7
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94
116
94
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Captain Gunby's Second and Third Lieutenant sick. Barbers anc
Captain Hindman, on command to Philadelphia, to procure clothes for Attending t
his Company: his First Lieutenant and Sergeant sick. Waiters on
Captain Woolford, his First and Second Lieutenants and two Sergeants
sick. Tola
Captain Bracco's First and Third Lieutenants and three Sergeants sick.
Late Captain Veazey's Sergeant on command. Captain Stone, in
Captain Stone sick. as Sergeant IV
Captain Lucas, sick. turned to his
Captain Ramsey's Lieutenant and Ensign sick; two Sergeants also. Captain Jdunu fir
Captain Mams and his First Lieutenant sick. lost at Lnng-i
Captain Scott's Ensign sick. Captain Ramsey, (
Captain Smith's Drummer deserted. Corporals hai
Captain Ford and his Fiist Lieutenant sick.
Camf
ne Sid
Field,
1
-Colour Mei
W. SMALLW
i „• 5
oon.
!8
12
40
30
srgeants
ving re-
ve beet!
his four
Staff, and Commissioned Officers. . . .
lis last week's return, returned one of his S
'ajor, and a man wanting in his place; he ha
former station, makes one more,
da four men in the Hospital, thought to ha
iland.
our men this week more than last, owing to
ing been left out of his last week's return.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 27, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I yesterday received your favour of the 23d
instant. The nails wanted by General Gates cannot be
sent from hence, our own demands being great and pressing,
and supplies but small.
In respect to building barracks in the town Schenectady,
if they are necessary 1 suppose it must be done ; however,
569
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
570
I do not apprehend I have any power to give directions in
the case, nor do I mean to do it. You had better mention
the matter to Congress, and have their opinion and deter-
mination upon it.
A paper, of which the enclosed is a copy, came to my
hands yesterday morning. This account makes the ene-
my's force in Canada greater than what we supposed it to
be ; their naval force on the lakes to surpass any thing we
had an idea of. The person who communicated it is not
known ; he, however, I believe, is among those sent from
Canada by General Carleton, and who have lately arrived
at New-York. I am in hopes it is a good deal exag-
gerated.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Hon. Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.
and army. You may depend on my keeping you fully
advised of any material occurrences.
I am, most respectfully, gentlemen, your most obedient
servant, ™ „,
IENCH TILGHMAN.
To the Hon. William Allair, R. R. Livingston, Henry
fVisner, and William Duer, Esq., at FisKkills.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
September 27, 1776.
SIR: You will please to give direction that Colonel
Tyler be put under arrest for cowardice and misbehaviour
before the enemy on Sunday, the 15th instant.
By order of the General.
Sir, your humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
To Major-General Heath.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the Line, held
on the Heights of HAARLEM, by order of His Excellency
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-
in-Chiefofthe Forces of the UNITED AMERICAN STATES,
for the trial of all Prisoners to be brought before them,
SEPTEMBER 27, 1776.
Colonel WEEDON, President.
Lieut. Colonel Chandler, Captain Brown,
Lieut. Colonel Russell, Captain Prentice,
Captain Ledyard, Captain Chamberlain,
Captain Graydon, Captain Rogers,
Captain Wiky, Captain Foster,
Captain Scott, Captain Stanley.
WM. TUDOR, Judge- Advocate.
The Court proceeded to the trial of William Higgins, of
Captain Hamilton's Company of the Artillery, brought pri-
soner before the Court, and accused of " breaking open a
chest and stealing a number of articles out of it, in the room
of the Provost Guard."
The prisoner being arraigned, pleads, " Not guilty."
Robert Wilson says : A person came into a room where
I was, and told me that some men up in the Provost Room
had broke open a chest and were plundering it. I went up
and found the prisoner, Higgins, with another, tucking a
gown and cloak into his bosom. I took them away from
him. He said that others were concerned as well as him,
and denied that he broke open the chest.
Peter Lynch confirms Wilson's testimony.
The Court are of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of
the charge against him, and sentence him to be whipped
thirty-nine lashes on his bare back for said offence.
G. WEEDON, President.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO COMMITTEE OF NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 27, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The enemy have made no move upon our
quarter since mine of yesterday. We heard a firing this
morning towards Bergen, but as we have had no express
from the commanding officer at that post, I imagine it has
been upon some trifling occasion.
General Sullivan arrived at Head-Quarters this day. He
informs that General Howe was much chagrined and disap-
pointed at the escape of our army from New- York. He
landed thirteen thousand men on the 15th, and looked upon
us as good as if in his hands. He says our motions are
very extraordinary, and Sullivan imagines not a little per-
plexing to Howe. I think if the passage of the North
River can be so obstructed that the ships of war cannot get
above us, our lines will keep them from making any pro-
gress in front. General Sullivan adds, that from some hints
he heard dropped, provisions are not over-plenty in the fleet
COLONEL PATTERSON TO CAESAR RODNEY.
Head-Quarters, Amboy, September 27, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to promise to write you, now in part,
have sat down, having this opportunity by way of a jour-
nalizing.
I arrived here last Monday morning, with six companies,
my battalion. Both have been exceeding polite to me since
here, and admire our battalion much. This has added
much to my pride; also the General has chosen our Light-
Infantry for his body guard.
The evening before last I was officer of the day. About
sun-down a boat of Hessians came over to our shore, oppo-
site a large marsh above the mill guard, and stuck stakes
there, with a number of bills, which were taken down.
Enclosed is a copy of each sort. The General had the rest
delivered him.
This morning a flag was sent over to the Island, with
Captain Hamilton and a lady, Mrs. McMonty's daughter
and child, opposite my door. They ordered them not to
come near, which our people not beating the parley by
drum so soon, they, Hessians, were near firing over our flag
for want. They sent a boat off; would not let ours land.
Since 1 have been here they have been fortifying opposite
to us by batteries and small lines, all masked with bushes, as
also the same done to their tents, which were open here when
I came. It is the opinion here they are afraid of us. 1
hope we shall make them so on trial. The battalion is kept
busy on duty. About twenty-seven sick, owing principally
to the water, but are somewhat mending. J suppose about
four thousand men here. I am happy in my situation, and
hope to continue here if I can. Fine quarters, great plenty
of oyster, fish, &ic.; no ladies, to be sure. God help us; I
hope for better times soon. Please to let Mr. Read know
I am well, and any part of this; and, for God's sake, don't
let the people choose the officers in Colonel West's battalion
— if so, a poor figure.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
SAMUEL PATTERSON.
COLONEL MOYLAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 2, 1776.]
Harlem Heights, September 27, 1776.
SIR: The Field Deputies from Congress conferred with
me this day on the business of the Quartermaster-General's
department. They told me they found a dissatisfaction
prevail in the army by its not being supplied sufficiently
with the necessaries in that department; that it was their
wish to reconcile a body of men so very necessary for the
defence of the glorious cause we are all engaged in, and
proposed that General Mijlin should resume that depart-
ment, as it appears to them an effectual method of giving
satisfaction to the army, and bringing the department into
more regularity, which I must own there has of late been
great need of, owing to causes which I shall take the liberty
of pointing out to you, and through you, sir, to Congress,
before I close this.
These gentlemen urged the necessity of this plan, which
they had adopted, so forcibly, and at the same time in so
delicate a manner, that I did not hesitate in telling them,
that, as a servant to the publick, I would very willingly re-
sign my office, as it appeared to them to be for the publick
good. I placed my honour in their hands, and I shall be
very much mistaken in them if they do not treat it with ten-
derness. They were pleased to tell me I might have the
command of a battalion, which, though I hold to be a most
honourable post, for the following reasons I have declined :
First: As the Quartermaster-General is at the head of
the staff, I conceive that he takes rank of all Colonels in
the army, it being generally the custom in most nations to
give the rank of Colonel to the Assistant Quartermaster-
General at the end of one or two campaigns. I therefore
571
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
572
think that it would be going back in the army rather than
advancing, which is what I cannot reconcile lomy feelings,
especially as there is a precedent which differs.
Secondly : Though I have employed my spare time in
studying the art of war, and for fifteen months past have
seen a great deal of its practice, my views were turned to
the grand and extended parts thereof more than the minute.
I do not, therefore, think myself capable of teaching a new
regiment the necessary duties. These, sir, are the reasons
by which I am actuated. At the same time I can assure
the Congress that I am very willing to sacrifice my life
when called upon, in the glorious cause which, from the
noblest principles, I have voluntarily engaged in. I shall
settle my accounts with the Commissioners as soon as pos-
sible, and serve a volunteer in this army until Congress is
pleased to point out some other line of duty for me.
I will now, sir, beg leave to mention the principal causes
which have given rise to the dissatisfaction in the army with
my department. When I had the honour of being ap-
pointed to the office, the navigation of the North and East
Rivers was ours : every thing wanting was carried to us
by these channels; every thing went on smooth, easy, well.
The few wagons and horses we had, though almost wore
down in the service, with a few more added by me, were
sufficient for the exigencies of the army. It was a long
time after the arrival of the enemy before there was any
just cause for complaint. A large part of our army was
detached to Long-Island. Wagons, carts, and horses, were
necessary to be sent over ; many were sent thither. Per-
haps there does not occur in history a sudden retreat so well
concerted, so well executed, than was made from that
island ; but our wagons, carts, and horses, could not be
brought over. The navigation of both rivers was stopped;
of course we were deprived of our usual supplies, and then
complaints began. We wanted wagons to do that duty
which boats were accustomed to do. I used every en-
deavour in my power to remedy the evil. It was too sud-
den, and not in the power of man to provide, time enough
for the emergency.
The cooking utensils of many regiments left on the Island,
the fluctuating state of the Militia, coming in destitute of
every necessary, drained our stores, and it must take up
time to get fresh supplies ; to this I may add, demands upon
the Quartermaster-General, before unheard of in any army,
which not being complied with, gave cause of complaint.
The removing of the stores from New- York very soon
commenced. All our own, and all the teams that could be
pressed or hired, were employed in that important service.
The Commissary-Generals, the Director-General of the
Hospital, the Commissary of Artillery, and what stores
remained in my department, must be sent off, and that sud-
denly. This movement naturally alarmed the army in and
about the city; they wanted teams to move their baggage,
&c., and none could be spared; this caused great clamour,
and the Quartermaster-General must be to blame. The
stores of the different departments were crowded promiscu-
ously on board of every vessel and boat we could procure, no
store-houses to put them in provided ; of course confusion
in the extreme did ensue. I may be asked, why store-
houses were not provided ? The manoeuvre was unexpected,
no time allowed to build, and very few houses or barns in
this part of the Island.
We were just emerging from this chaos when the Field
Deputies arrived ; but the clamours of the army had not
time to subside. The loss of baggage, which was loaded on
wagons, all falling into the enemy's hands, irritated them,
and I do suppose the representation of many was strong
against me, though themselves were chiefly to blame for
leaving their baggage in their great hurry. The Deputies
from Congress were alarmed at the many complaints, and
proposed the remedy, which I cheerfully acquiesced in, as
it was their opinion that it would be for the good of the
service. General Mifflin's abilities were tried in this depart-
ment ; they are great, and I sincerely hope he will reconcile all
matters. The provision I have made will assist him greatly.
Timber, plank, boards, nails, brick, and lime, are engaged
in sufficient quantities to build barracks for the army. I
have contracted for ten thousand camp kettles, which are
daily coming in; fifty wagons, with four horses to each, are
now purchasing in Pennsylvania. There are between this
and Norwich, coming to camp, fourteen thousand canteens,
and a large quantity of pails, with many other articles, which
would take up too much of your time to enumerate. 1 must
beg pardon of you, sir, and the Congress, for taking up so
much of it as I have done, but justice to my own character,
will, I dare say, with gentlemen of your liberal minds,
plead my excuse. I will therefore add no more, than as-
suring you and them, that I am, with the greatest respect,
sir, your most obliged and very humble servant,
STEPHEN M DYLAN.
ELBRIDGE GERRY TO GENERAL GATES.
King's Bridge, September 27, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR: Being here with a Committee of Con-
gress, for inquiring into the state of the army, 1 take the
opportunity of informing you, by Mr. Trumbull, that we
are endeavouring to new-model the army in every respect,
where necessary. Congress have resolved to establish
eighty-eight full battalions for the war, and the Assemblies
are to appoint the regimental officers ; in doing which, if
some extra measures are not adopted, we shall have such a
corps of officers as the army have been hitherto encumbered
with. I have desired General Washington to furnish the
Committee with a list of such officers in the army here as
he is desirous of having again engaged in the service, with the
States to which they belong ; and the General thinks it will
be necessary to obtain the same from the Northern army. The
use we intend to make of this is, to send it with a member
of Congress to the Assembly of each respective State, who
is to be ordered to impress the necessity of appointing gen-
tlemen of education to military offices, as a measure abso-
lutely necessary for saving the country, and to urge the
Assemblies to apportion the men on the towns, and raise
them by recruiting or drafting, in readiness for reinforcing or
forming the camps by the 1st December next. We have
obtained Colonel Moylan's resignation, and General Mifflin
comes again into the office of Quartermaster-General.
Many other measures will be reported, which I think will
put things on a good footing. I suppose you will hear of
the retreat from New-York ere this is at hand, and the fire
which has consumed about one quarter of the city ; and
remain, sir, in great haste, your assured friend, and very
humble servant, E. GERRY.
To Major-General Gates.
P. S. Pray direct the list to me at Philadelphia, without
delay. The men are to have a bounty of twenty dollars,
and one hundred acres land each, at the end of the war —
the officers land in proportion.
CAPTAIN CREGIER TO PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
Fishkill, September 27, 1776.
MOST WORTHY SIR : Your honourable House has been
pleased to give me liberty to return to my house at King's
Bridge, where I shall wait the commands of your Honours,
and will be glad to have your directions how I am to
apply for the money to pay off my people. I will take it
a singular favour if you will be pleased to direct my letter,
or instructions which you may be pleased to send me, under
cover to Colonel Lasher, at the King's Bridge, who is
noted by every one, as he diets and breakfasts at my
house.
I am, with due respect, sir, your humble servant,
THOMAS CREGIER.
To Peter R. Livingston, President of the honourable Con-
vention, at Fishkill.
ROBERT YATES TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Poughkeepsie, September 27, 1776.
SIR: The Committee which the Convention of this State
appointed for devising ways and means to obstruct the
navigation on Hudson's River, have lately received direc-
tions from the Convention to purchase vessels to be sunk
near Fort Washington. To effect this, we immediately
proceeded up to this place, with Captain Grennal, whose
assistance, by reason of his naval experience, the Conven-
tion conceived might be useful to the Committee.
The Committee upon their arrival here, sent down an old
sloop which we had purchased some time before, and directed
that another sloop lying in the Highlands should also be sent
573
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
574
down ; both are intended to be sunk, and we make no doubt
but by this time they are at the bridge, as also the fire-ship
charged by Captain Hazelwood, he having charged but one
here for want of materials.
The Committee have also impressed, and now send down
two large ships and two brigs, and in order to ascertain their
respective values, have appointed persons of unexceptionable
characters and great experience to appraise the same on
oath, for the purpose that the owners thereof may receive
from the publick a recompense.
The said appraisements stand as follows :
I have heard nothing of Colonel Wynkoop since my last.
I am, dear General, your most affectionate
PH. CORTLANDT.
To General Gates.
The brig of Lowthrop and others, - -
The brig of Malcom and others, - -
The new ship of John Franklin, - -
The new ship of Samuel Franklin, - -
The fire-sloop was purchased for £200 0 0
The sloop sent from Poughkeepsie, 125 0 0
The sloop in the Highlands, - - 130 0 0
£ 400 0 0
760 0 0
3,429 0 0
2,800 0 0
£7^89 0 0
455 0 0
Total amount, £7,844 0 0
We found in the brig owned by Mr. Lowthrop a quantity
of boards, and knowing that they were much wanted at the
bridge, we concluded to send her down, and have requested
Cap'tain North to deliver them to such officer as may be
appointed to receive and purchase the same, and at the
price usually paid, with power to receive the money.
The two ships have never been out to sea, and by the
report of masters of vessels and ship carpenters, they are
exceedingly well built, and of the very best materials. It
would, therefore, become a matter of concern to sink those
vessels, if the interest of the publick should not render the
measure absolutely necessary and unavoidable.
In order to afford Captain Cook all proper assistance in
procuring plank, we directed Captain Casewell, of the sloop
of war Cambden, equipped by this State, to parry down all
the spare plank in the ship-yards here. We have also pur-
chased upwards of six thousand feet, and sent them down
by Captain Donaldson; and as those sloops proceeded
down with a fair wind on Tuesday last, we make no doubt
but they are safely arrived.
We have the honour to be, with great respect, your Excel-
lency's most obedient and very humble servants,
By order of the Committee :
ROBERT YATES, Chairman.
To His Excellency George Washington, Head-Quarters.
COLONEL CORTLANDT TO GENERAL GATES.
Skeensborough, September 27, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: The bearer hereof, William Foster,*.
soldier in Colonel Wynkoop's regiment, having lately buried
his wife, and has with him now at this place five small chil-
dren, and no way to provide provision for them unless he can
be discharged to go to a small farm he has some distance
from here, and begs of me to write in his favour to procure
his discharge. He is of little worth in the army, and there-
fore I think it would be as well to let him go.
I have discharged several sick carpenters, following Gen-
eral Waterbury's example, (who had orders for that purpose.)
Hope I have not committed an errour by so doing, as I have
had no particular directions about it, but thought it best for
the good of the service. But have not discharged any sol-
dier.
Not knowing what to do with a company of Dutch
carpenters, as there was no work for them at the galley, I
set them at getting timber for barracks, ninety-six feet long
and sixteen feet wide, to have six rooms on one floor and as
many above. Shall be glad to have some direction about
this matter, and whether I have acted right or no.
The ill state of health prevailing in the regiment, has
prevented me doing any thing at the fort.
Colonel Mott is preparing to embark for Ticonderoga.
He has sent some men to Fort Ann for boards. He will
leave this as soon as a sufficient number of batteaus arrive to
take him off. The boats which were sent up not being more
than were wanted for the troops of Colonel Willard's regi-
ment, who is arrived, the last of which will leave this to-
morrow. The galley will be off next Thursday, being as
far finished as the others were that we sent off already.
DOCTOR WIGGLESWOIITH TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE
OF SAFETY.
Mount Independence, opposite Ticonderoga,
Septembers?, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: When I waited upon you to receive a
commission for Doctor Mooers, if I am not mistaken, Col-
onel Thornton informed me that there would be a supply of
medicines proper for the campaign without fail. In hopes
that it would be so, I appeased the troops at Number-Four,
but alas ! how have we found ourselves mistaken. Gentle-
men, I wish you could transport yourselves to this place for
a moment, to see the distressed situation of these troops,
and no medicines. Near half of this regiment is entirely
incapable of any service, some dying almost every day.
Colonel Wyman's regiment in the same unhappy situation.
There are no medicines of any avail in the Continental
chest ; such as are there are in their native state, unprepared ;
no emetic nor cathartic ; no mercurial or antimonial remedy ;
no opiate or elixir tincture, nor even any capital medicine.
It would make a heart of stone melt to hear the moans and
see the distresses of the sick and dying. I scarce pass a
tent but I hear men solemnly declaring that they will never
engage another campaign without being assured of a better
supply of medicines.
The above, gentlemen, is this real state of this army.
Now, sirs, think how much more unhappy and distressed
the condition of these troops must be, should the enemy
attack our lines. Numbers of wounded, which is the never-
failing consequence of obstinate battles, and nothing suitable
wherewith to dress their wounds.
Gentlemen, you will excuse the freedom I have used in
transmitting to you the state of this army in the above
respect, and thought it my duty to acquaint you therewith.
I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your humble ser-
vant, SAMUEL WIGGLESWORTH.
To the Committee of Safety of the State of New-Hamp-
shire.
P. S. I have before wrote you on this subject, but fearing
it should not come to hand, I have once more attempted it,
and send by a person of fidelity and trust.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 27, 1776.
SIR: I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favour
of the 23d instant.
I have given orders that Governour Skeene be set at liber-
ty, and that he and Governour Browne set out on Tuesday
next for Head-Quarters, under an escort of ten men, com-
manded by Captain John Skinner, who has orders to detain
them ten or twelve miles on this side Head-Quarters, and
send one of the escort to receive your directions concerning
them.
1 have likewise given notice to them, agreeable to your
request, and appointed as early a day for them to begin their
journey as the necessary preparation for it will admit of.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect and esteem, your
obedient, humble servant, JONTH> THUMBULL
To His Excellency General Washington.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 27, 1776.
SIR: I have your favour of the 23d instant, and have
given the necessary orders respecting the Governours Browne
and Slceene.
The evacuation of New- York, in the situation you were,
appears to me a very prudent and necessary measure, how-
ever we could wish the post had been tenable. The panick
and flight of our troops, and confusion of the retreat, I have
heard from many persons with concern and anxiety. I
flatter myself they will be sensible of the danger and dis-
honour of such conduct, and avoid it in future, and would
consider their spirited and brave conduct on Monday as a
prelude that their future behaviour will atone for the past.
575
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
576
Can your Excellency spare our row-galleys from further
Continental service? The men and their arms may he used
to great advantage on board our ship and brigantine in the
enterprise formerly mentioned to you, in which I have the
promise of Admiral Hopkins's concurrence. Your advice
on this head is wanted, as we are not so well acquainted
what alteration your present situation may make in regard
to it. An early answer will be necessary if the galleys can
be spared, and the intended naval expedition is yet prudent
and practicable.
I am, sir, with great truth and esteem, your obedient,
humble servant, JQNTH TRUMBULL.
To His Excellency General Washington.
P. S. If the galleys cannot be conveniently spared, or
some, cannot a part of the men and arms, especially pistols
and cutlasses?
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, of
Connecticut, September 27, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour, Eliphakt Dyer,
Jabez Huntington, Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, William
Hillhouse, Benjamin Huntington, Nathaniel Wales, Jun.,
Jedediah Elderkin, Esqrs.
Voted, That the overseers of the Furnace at Salisbury
be, and they are hereby directed to deliver to the agents
for building the Continental ship, at Chatham, twenty-four
twelve-pounders, and six six or four-pounders, of Cannon,
they receiving the same at said Furnace, and paying at the
rate of £3 10s. per hundred weight, for the twelve-pounders,
and £4 per hundred for the smaller Cannon. (Order deliv-
ered Mr. Dean, September 27, 1776.)
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £30, to enable
him to go to on General Washington with Governours Brown
and Skeene, to deliver them to the care of the General, and
to render his account. (Order drawn September 27th, and
enclosed in a letter to Mr. Hosmer.)
Upon the Memorial of Isaac Doolittle and others, inhab-
itants of the Town of New-Haven, setting forth the fears and
apprehensions they are under on account of sundry persons
suspected to be inimical to the liberties of America, praying
this Board to take the matter up, and order and decree
such suspected persons to be removed, &c., as per Memorial,
dated September 17, 1776 :
Voted, That the consideration of said Memorial, and the
matters therein contained, be referred to the honourable
General Assembly, to be holden at New-Haven, on the
second Thursday of October next, and that in the mean time
a citation go forth thereon, to cite said suspected persons
therein complained of to appear before said Assembly, to
make answer thereto, and that the Civil Authority, Select-
men, and Committee of Inspection, for said town, be directed
to make inquiry, and collect the evidence relating thereto,
and lay the same before said Assembly, that justice may be
done thereon.
Voted, To draw on the Pay -Table for £10, in favour
of Lieutenant Thomas Bill, to enable him to take up
Deserters from Colonel Burrett's Battalion, and return them
to their duty, and render his account. (Order drawn Sep-
tember 27th, delivered Lieutenant Bill.)
Voted, That Lieutenant Thomas Bill be directed and
empowered to take up all Deserters from Colonel Burrell's
Regiment, which may be found in this State, and return
them to their corps ; and all persons are hereby required to
afford him such assistance as shall be needful in effecting
the same.
Voted, That Dr. Joshua Elderkin, of Windham, be
empowered and directed to provide a sufficient quantity of
Tow-cloth for one hundred and forty Hammocks for the
Ship Oliver Cromwell, and that he forward what Tow-cloth
he has on hand, and purchase a further quantity if to be had
soon for said use, to the amount of four hundred yards in
the whole, and forward the same to Captain Bill, for said
purpose.
THADDEUS BURR TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fairfield, Soptember 27, 1776.
SIR: This is to inform you that at the request of Thomas
Tredwell, and other gentlemen of Long-Island, I have
received into my gaol Isaac Ketchum and Samuel Skidmore,
who are now held by no legal process ; I therefore should
be glad of some directions from the Convention. I shall
hold them until I hear from you.
I am, in great haste, sir, your very humble servant,
THADDEUS BURR, Sheriff of Fairfield County.
To the President of the Convention of the State of New-
York.
DANIEL, TILUNGHAST TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Providence, September 27, 1776.
SIR: I had the honour of addressing your Excellency
25th, by which opportunity I forwarded to the care of
Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq., at New-London, seventy-two
tents, agreeable to a resolve of Congress. By this oppor-
tunity I send nine marques and ninety-seven tents, to the
care of Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq., who, I trust, will
immediately forward the same to your Excellency.
I shall forward a number more as soon as finished; and
am, with the greatest respect, your Excellency's most obe-
dient and very humble servant,
DANL. TILLINGHAST, Agent.
To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in-
Chief of the American Army.
COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Council Chamber, Watertown, September 27, 1776.
SIR : We now enclose you a representation made to the
Board by Captain Alexander Coffin, late owner, in company
with Captains Jenkings, Folger, and Gardner, of a brigan-
tine lately taken, on her passage from London and the West-
Indies to this Continent, by the Congress privateer, Captain
Craigie commander, from Philadelphia. We would hum-
bly submit it to the consideration of the honourable Congress,
whether it would not be for the interest of the American
States to take some order to prevent vessels, under similar
circumstances with the brig above referred to, from being
detained by any of the privateers fitted out from any of the
States of America, as in case this practice should be contin-
ued, all intelligence from those who are desired from time
to time to afford us any, with respect to the measures the
Administration in Great Britain are taking against these
States, will be prevented, and thereby great detriment may
accrue to this Continent. We would, also, recommend the
case of Captain Coffin to the consideration of Congress.
The bonds, commissions, and instructions for the com-
manders of private ships of war, which were sent to us from
Congress some time since, are mostly disposed of. As we
have daily applications for papers of this sort, we desire
your Honour would furnish us with a further supply.
I am, with great respect, in the name and behalf of the
Council, your most humble servant,
WALTER SPOONER, President.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esquire.
Newburyport, September 27, 1776.
Last Tuesday was brought in here by the Washington
privateer, a bark bound to the West-Indies, to fetch sol-
diers for the enemy ; she had on board a quantity of provis-
ions, and a few pieces of cannon.
Yesterday was carried into Portsmouth a ship of between
two and three hundred tons, laden with about two hundred
and fifty hogsheads of sugar, fifty of rum, and some of wine.
We also hear that a schooner of about ninety tons, laden
with salt, linen, and household furniture, was carried into
Ipswich about two days ago.
In Town-Meeting, Petersham, September 27, 1776.
The question being put, whether this Town will consent
that the present General Court shall form a Constitution of
Government agreeable to their resolve of the 17th instant,
and it passed in the negative, unanimously. Also unani-
mously voted, that the following draft be lodged in the
Secretary's office, as the sense of this Town respecting that
matter, agreeable to the resolve aforesaid.
The inhabitants, in order to express their mind respecting
the forming a Constitution of Government for this State,
577
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
578
would humbly show, that it is their opinion that it will be
of little avail for this people to shed their blood and spend
their treasure in opposing foreign tyranny, if, after all, \ve
should fix a basis of Government partial, unsafe, and not fit
for the enjoyment of free and virtuous men. We think that
God, in his providence, has now opened a door, possibly
the only one that this State will ever have, for the laying a
foundation for its prosperity, peace, and glory. A Consti-
tution of Government, one levied on the laws of the people,
cannot easily be altered, (especially for the better,) as the
craftiness of designing men, if any errours are suffered to be
fixed in its foundation in their favour, it will be next to
impossible to remove them ; therefore, in so momentous and
important a matter, we would be willing to set out fair, and
on the most likely ground to obtain the prize. If we may
be allowed to speak our minds freely, we apprehend that
the present General Court of this State are not in a situation
most likely to effect this great work to advantage, nor do
we believe that when all the towns who have not sent a
member, may have sent as many as the late law will allow
them, that they will be in a proper situation for so great
and important a business; for while the mercantile towns
swarm with Representatives, the freehold interest of the
country (in which we presume there is the most safety)
have neglected to choose such a number as the late regula-
tion entitles them; and the late resolve of Court does not
empower any town who have a right to choose a number
and have elected but one, to make any addition ; and further,
a late General Court having taken it upon them in a thin
House, uninstructed and without consulting the people,
materially to alter the fundamental principles of representa-
tion, and as we apprehend much for the worse, most sensibly
affects us.
That it is unsafe and for the worse, we would give the
following reasons, viz:
The mercantile interest being put on a par with the free-
hold, cannot be safe, more especially in a community where
the balance of trade is against us, and likely so to continue
for a considerable time yet to come; which must be where
raw materials are exported, and manufactured ones im-
ported. In such case the merchant's interest will lead him to
keep the people dependent on the channel of his trade, and
of consequence use every means to discourage manufactures
among us, as trade will lessen in proportion to their being
carried on, and must very near come to a stand at the time
when our manufactures are sufficient for our own consump-
tion; and until such time as we change the situation of our
exports and imports to our advantage, as is the case of
England, the merchant's interest must ever operate against
the prosperity of his country. Besides, the late alteration
of Representation must enlarge the House to so enormous
a size that it must be very unwieldy. We therefore think
that, to have remained in our ancient mode of representa-
tion until a more equitable one, if possible, could have been
adopted by the general voice of the people, would have
been much better, than to have pushed the late alteration
through at the close of a long session, in a very thin House,
without any knowledge of the people at large. Neither
can we give our consent that the Council should have any
hand in forming the Constitution for this State.
If it has been thought unsafe for that branch to originate,
or even alter, any money-bill, much more for them jointly
with the House to originate a Constitution of Government,
which may be of vastly more importance to this State than
all their present money and interest put together, and for
the Representative body to choose a number of men less in
number than themselves, and invest them with a power to
tie their own hands, seems to us a giving up that trust, and
exposing that confidence which the people have placed in
them, and is only the remains of the feudal system, and a
species of tyranny we hoped to have been rid of with the
rest of the King's evil ; our voice therefore is, that the law
entitled " for a more equal representation" be repealed; that
writs be issued according to our ancient mode, for a new
House, who may be chosen for the purpose of forming a
Constitution ; that they assemble and hand forth such a
Constitution of Government to the people, that the people
have sufficient time to examine the same, and report their
approbation to such House, and if the major voice of the
people is in favour thereof, that it be ratified, confirmed, and
continued, until after generations, by being more virtuous,
may alter it for the better; or by being more vicious, may
alter it for the worse. But if the people do not approve of
such a Constitution as may be thus Conned, in such case the
then House issue writs for a new House for the same pur-
pose, and dissolve themselves as a representative body.
And may God, of his infinite mercy, assist this people with
wisdom, that they may be able to lay such a foundation as
may render this land the glory of all lands.
And also voted, that a copy of the foregoing be trans-
mitted to the Printers, that if they see cause it may be
made publick.
A true extract from the minutes:
EPHRAIM DOOLITTLE, Moderator.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL READ.
[No. 195.] Annapolis, September 2-i, 1776.
SIR : We do not address this letter to Colonel Barnes,
because we expect he will be at the Convention. We
request you would assist Mr. Middleton in getting a nine-
pounder on board his boat, and also in getting up a small
anchor lost by the Defence. We are, &c.
To Colonel John Hatton Read, of St. Mary's County.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
[No. 196.] Annapolia, September 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We wrote you the 5th of June, requesting
you would render a particular account of the expenditures
of the £1,000 sent the 8th March to defray the expenses
of the Militia on the alarm occasioned by the Otter sloop-
of-war, and also to supply us with your vouchers for the
general charges in the account of moneys expended on the
fortifications at Whetstone Point, but have not as yet been
furnished with them. We again repeat that request, and
as we are anxious to have all our accounts settled, to lay
before the Convention, hope to have the above immediately
transmitted to us. We are, &tc.
To the Committee of Observation for Baltimore County.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL RUMSEY AND
OTHERS.
[No. 197.] Annapolis, September 28, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We have sent you the money you requested,
viz: £700 for Colonel Hollingsworth, also £500 for the
Flying-Camp service. Be pleased to apply for linen for
tents to Major Parker, and get them made where you can ;
perhaps they may be got ready-made at Baltimore Town,
where we would have you apply for cartouch-boxes, camp-
kettles, canteens, also knapsacks and havresacks. Gerard
Hopkins, our Commissary, will furnish you if there be any
ready made. Flints we are not to furnish, unless it be suffi-
cient for the company's guns. We want much to see and
converse with Colonel Hollingsworth, and therefore write
no answer to his letter. We are, &c.
To Colonels Rumsey, Hollingsworth, and Major Parker.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
JUDGE HALL TO MATTHEW TILGHMAN.
[Baltimore, September 28, 1776.]
SIR: Since my appointment of Judge of the Admiralty,
I have had the honour of being chosen one of the Delegates
for Anne Arundel County. 1 have received no commission,
nor acted in any manner under the appointment, and am
determined to decline acting in that department of Judge
Admiral. Be pleased to signify this to the honourable
Convention, with my thanks for their favour in appointing
me.
I am your most obedient servant, J. HALL.
To Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of the Con-
vention.
CAPTAIN NICHOLSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, September 28, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I received yours desiring my attendance to
adjust the Defence's accounts. I was under the necessity
immediately upon my return here of sending the Clerk and
Purser down to the Eastern Shore after men of the frigate,
37
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
580
and expect their return in five or six days, when I certainly wholo, I with much diffidence, submit to your Honours; and
will attend with them for that purpose, let my business with am, with much esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient and
the frigate be ever so pressing.
I am, gentlemen, your most obliged, humble servant,
most humble servant,
JAMES NICHOLSON.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
SAMUEL CALWELL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL, OF SAFETY.
Harford County, September 28, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Enclosed you have my commission. The
reason of my laying it down is, that on the 16th of the month
our battalion was called together to signalize themselves, but
from the cowardice of the greatest part of the company that
I had the command of, 1 think 1 can't head them with
honour to the cause, for I have the interest of my country
at heart as much as ever and am still willing and ready to
act in a private capacity with gentlemen that have distin-
guished themselves as men of courage. I beg leave to re-
turn you thanks and the gentlemen that recommended me
to that honour, for the good opinion they had of me.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
SAM'L CALWELL.
To the Honourable Convention of Maryland.
COL. HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Head of Elk, September 28, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The troops having principally passed on,
I have for this few days past been collecting the accounts,
in order to lay them before your Honours; for which pur-
pose I intended setting out this day for Annapolis, but
yesterday had letters from Colonels Parker and Aylet, of
the Virginia forces, requesting that I would procure pro-
visions, wagons, 8tc., for the Fourth and Fifth Regiments
of Virginia, and that they would leave Williamsburgh on
last Sunday, has retarded my setting out; and as I am in
great want of cash, am emboldened to draw on your Hon-
ours for seven hundred pounds. The accounts I have col-
lected, paid and assumed for, amount to one thousand and
fifty-odd pounds. 1 have received of your Honours, by Mr.
Joseph Gilpin, three hundred pounds. Mr. Gilpin informs
me there was an order sent me on the Eastern Shore
Treasurer, for three hundred more, but I have not received
the order or money. If the order should come to hand, shall
return it, as all the money now drawn for is due.
I submit it to your Honours whether it would not be
conducive to the service, to lodge a sum of money in this
County, in some gentleman's hands who your Honours can
confide in, who I might apply to, as my advancing as much
as 1 have done heretofore (this is supposing the troops that
are now raising to go forward) may be rather prejudicial to
my other concerns. The quantity of musket-barrels and
bayonets, that I have made, amounts to about the sum
received on that account, the accounts of which I shall bring
down with rne as soon as in my power, together with the
accounts for forwarding and arming the troops. It appears
to me that I have a quantity of barrels and bayonets now
by me that Mr. E. Winter will not want, as I sent him
seventy barrels and ninety bayonets the other day. I shall
therefore send them by first opportunity to your Honours,
as I have not locks, (or I would have had them fitted.)
I have now begun in earnest with the large barrels. I
tried it some time since, with some of the best workmen I
had, and found that without stone coal, we should spoil
many barrels, which would make the others come high.
As soon as the passage was safe, I sent a vessel for a load
to Virginia, which has returned with five hundred bushels
coal, which answers well. I shall make six a week, as 1
shall keep one forge with three hands forging those barrels,
and they can forge one each day, some of which I shall
send down for your inspection, first opportunity. If locks
could be had, as Mr. Thomas Johnson informed me he
thought might at Frederick, I could have muskets finished
here, (as I think to advantage,) as they would be ready for
the troops as they pass along to the northward or south-
ward ; and if locks could be made of proper size at Freder-
ick, for the large pieces, and sent by way of Baltimore to
this place, I would have them fitted also at your Honour's
pleasure. As the size and weight of them will make the
carriage of them troublesome and expensive, this with the
H. HOLLINGSWORTH.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
P. S. Pray, gentlemen, excuse the freedom I have taken
with your Honours, as 'tis meant to promote and forward
the service.
MEMORIAL OF GUNNING BEDFORD, MUSTERMASTER GENERAL.
[Read 28th September. Ordeied to lie on the table.]
To the Honourable the Congress of the UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA:
The Memorial of Gunning Bedjord, Mustermaster Gen-
eral, showeth :
That your memorialist delivered an account to the Pre-
sident of the Treasury Board, with a request that when the
account came to be examined, if there were any objections
made to any of the articles contained therein, that your
memorialist might have an opportunity of answering them.
That your memorialist never heard any thing of the account
till yesterday, when he was informed there was an order
passed for his money. This morning he went to the Treasury
Office, and was astonished to find every article in the
account erased, except one, that respected his pay. Your
memorialist humbly apprehends he was not treated so gen-
erous by the Treasury Board as he had reason to expect,
for he could not suppose that the Commissioners of the
Treasury would have proceeded to examine and reject an
account without giving him an opportunity of being heard
and answering any objections that were made against it.
Your memorialist leels himself particularly unhappy on this
occasion, as he thinks a rejection of his account is such a
reflection on his conduct as he by no means deserves. To
overcharge (he Continent, or to attempt to receive publick
money without rendering adequate services, is a conduct
unworthy of any gentleman in your service, and such as
this honourable House, I am convinced, would not suppose
without the fullest evidence.
Your memorialist begs leave to observe to this honourable
House, that those articles of his account which are crossed,
were all erased. As to the first and second, respecting
travelling expenses, it is well known to many of the mem-
bers when your memorialist first received his appointment
as Deputy Mustermaster, it was mentioned that a daily
allowance should be made for travelling expenses, which
was never done ; but the honourable the President, and
many other members, desired him to keep an iiccount of his
travelling and other necessary expenses attending the office,
which he did, and they were allowed on every occasion
while he was Deputy, without any objections either by the
Committee of Claims or Treasury Board.
The third and fourth articles are for your memorialist's
own and servant's board, and servant's wages. While he
was Deputy, whenever he was from home and stationed any
time at one place, he charged his own board and lodgings,
and it was always allowed as Mustermaster. Your memo-
rialist is not entitled to rations, nor indeed could he, from
the nature of his department, receive them with any degree
of regularity. It is a provision for the military, which he has
nothing to do with. While Deputy, he was a few weeks at
home, and then as he did charge board, the Committee of
Claims allowed him five rations per day. While your
memorialist was Deputy, he never charged for a servant ;
but being promoted to Mustermaster General, he thought
himself entitled to one, especially when he considered that
every officer in the service (even down to the lowest sub-
altern) has one, with this distinction, that they take them
out of the ranks at fifty shillings per month, pay and rations,
and your memorialist found it more convenient to take his
own servant at forty shillings per month and board.
As to the fifth article of wages, which was allowed, your
memorialist would beg leave to suggest to this honourable
House that it is much too low for the duty and trouble of
the office. The honourable House remember that it is no
more than he had while Deputy, and what every Deputy
in the smallest department in the States receives. The
difference in pay between principal and deputy in other
departments is as two to one. The duty, trouble and care
of the office has much increased on his hands by promotion:
he has not only the care of the grand army, which is equal
581
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
582
to the duty in any three departments, but he has likewise
to receive returns from the Deputies in all the departments,
and see that those returns are regularly entered and filed.
As to the sixth article, that of a clerk's pay, your memo-
rialist must conceive it a great hardship on him if it is not
allowed. While he was Deputy this honourable House
were pleased to indulge him with an assistant Deputy. The
Deputy for the Flying Camp, (an army much inferiour in
number to that your memorialist lias the care of,) is allowed
two assistant Deputies, each of them, if I am not misin-
formed, receiving the same pay with your memorialist,
whose charge is but for a clerk with twenty dollars per
month, and no allowance for subsistence.
The seventh and last charge is for a horse. This hon-
ourable House gave your memorialist one horse. On his
last tour of duty, confined as the army were to a small spot
of ground, in comparison to what they now occupy, or are
likely to do this some time to come, that one horse was so
wore down, that he was frequently obliged to be indebted
to the Quartermaster-General for one of the common hack
publick horses. And he was the more emboldened to
make the charge, as he is informed from good authority that
the Deputy in the Virginia department is allowed three
horses.
Thus has your memorialist stated his account, with his
reasons for making the charges. The Commissioners of the
Treasury have been pleased to allow him in recompense for
the charges for travelling, board, fee., which they have
erased, four rations. The Committee of Claims on a former
occasion, and when he was but a Deputy, allowed me five
rations. This honourable House, on a view of your memo-
rialist's case, must plainly see in how much better a situation
your memorialist was when Deputy, than he is at present,
and in how much better situation every Deputy in this
department through the States is, than the principal.
Your memorialist being apprehensive that he may not
stand so fair before this honourable House as he could wish,
he therefore hopes the honourable House will indulge him
while he trespasses on their patience to add a few words in
vindication of his conduct. On the 17th June last, your
memorialist was appointed Mustermaster-General ; he re-
paired immediately to Head-Quarters, and continued there
until the army were in such a situation, occasioned by their
retreating from New-York, &tc., that it was impossible for
him to do any thing more in his department. Before our
retreat from Long-Island his Excellency General Washing-
ton thought it impracticable to muster the troops in their
confused situation, numbers being constantly employed on
fatigue, and every regiment ought to be kept two days off
duty when they are mustered. Notwithstanding these diffi-
culties, the whole army were mustered, except one regiment,
which came from Boston, and went on Long-Island just
before the battle there.
The honourable House will be pleased to observe, the
office of your memorialist is entirely civil, and has nothing
to do with the military, save only as a check, and to pre-
vent any frauds being committed by them.
Your memorialist has full confidence that any reflections
cast on him, must have proceeded from a want of a due
knowledge of the nature of his duty. Musters are taken
so often in the year as the situation of the army will per-
mit. After they are finished, the Mustermaster-General has
nothing more to do with the army; he makes up his returns
and sends them to the proper offices. His attendance on
the army is not required, and can be of no kind of service.
It would therefore be extremely hard if your memorialist,
after being in the line of his duty until the situation of affairs
rendered it impossible for him to do more, and after having
finished the business of his department, should not be allowed
to devote a few weeks to his family and friends, without the
mortifying and ungenerous reflections of " eating the publick
bread and neglecting his duty."
Your memorialist therefore begs, that the honourable
House would take the premises into their consideration, and
do therein what to them shall seem just.
ADDRESS OF PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION.
In Convention for the State of Pennsylvania, )
September 28, 1776. )
Resolved, That Mr. Cannon, Mr. Rittenhouse, and Col-
onel Matlack, be a Committee to draw up an Address,
setting forth the reasons which induced the Convention to
make the several Ordinances and Resolves which they have
passed in the course of the sitting of this Convention.
To the I'reemen of the Commonwealth o/ PENNSYLVANIA.
GENTLEMEN: The honourable the Convention holding
themselves accountable to their constituents, and believing
it the duty of every representative body to lay the reasons
of their conduct before those who appointed them, for their
satisfaction, have directed us to unfold to you the causes of
such parts of their proceedings as may appear at first sight
out of the line of their appointment. Sensible that the
purpose for which they were chosen, and the subject on
which they assembled, had many enemies, and those of the
first consequence among us; that a Government under the
authority of the people only, and deriving its powers from
them alone, would meet with warm opposition, and that no
means would remain unessayed to defeat your arduous
struggle in defence of your liberty and independence,
(because the establishing your rights is the downfall of their
power,) the Convention early considered it as a matter of
vast moment, and not altogether out of the line of their
duty, to have some legal principles established whereby
avowed enemies to their country might be brought to pun-
ishment in that way which, while it destroys the power of
the wicked to do mischief, preserves the decorum of civil
society. A spirit of licentiousness, when roused, is not
easily allayed, and the minds of the people ought to be as
calm and composed as possible at the introduction of a new
Government. To preserve this calmness, and prevent a
spirit of licentiousness growing upon the people, while the
course of justice was stopped in the society, the Convention
passed some temporary ordinances which to them appeared
essentially necessary on the occasion. Others were passed
for the same purpose ; but the aspect of those looked towards
our enemies, to deter them from attempting any thing against
us during the interval which, of necessity, came in between
the suppression of the old and establishing of the new Gov-
ernment, through hopes of impunity.
The necessity of those ordinances will strongly appear,
when you consider how many underhanded attempts are
made to excite a confusion in the minds of the people by
anonymous publications of divers complexions, but all tend-
ing to make you averse to receive a Government founded
on your own authority, and absolutely under your control.
Such a Government by no means suits the designs of
your enemies. It has too much regard to the rights of the
people to answer their purposes, and their only way to de-
feat its operation is by using every effort in their power to
bring the Convention which framed it into discredit.
The first ordinance which appears on the minutes of
Convention, respects the disarming the Non-Associators.
Previous to the Convention's passing that ordinance, it was
moved that a resolution might be entered into, declaring
that as the Convention had met by a special appointment,
and for a particular purpose, no ordinance should pass except
such as the exigency of the time would. render indispensably
necessary ; and as no other representative .body at that time
existed in the State, the urgency of the case would justify
the measure.
On considering this motion, it was generally agreed that
it would answer a much better purpose to introduce each
ordinance with a short preamble, expressing the reasons
"which induced the Convention to pass it; as then every one
who should see the ordinance would at the same time be
possessed of the reasons for passing it, but might not be in
possession of the resolution moved for. The preambles to
the several ordinances passed by the Convention will, there-
fore, lead the publick into the reasons for passing them.
These, with the additional ones advanced at the time of their
passing, we make little doubt, will fully satisfy every friend
to our country, and justify the Convention. The preamble
to the first is as follows:
"Whereas the Non-Associators in this State have either
refused or neglected to deliver up their arms, according to
the resolves of the honourable Continental Congress and
the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and effectual measures have
not been taken to carry the said resolves into execution : Be
it ordained,'' &.C.
In addition to these reasons, which sufficiently express
the necessity of the measure, may be added the folly and
583
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
584
danger of leaving arms in the hands of Non-Associators,
when the Associators were absent in the service, and the
great demand for the best arms we could procure to put
into the hands of the Militia from the country, who were
ready and willing to march to the camp, but had no arms
to take with them, weighed greatly with the Convention in
passing this ordinance; and the good effects of it were sud-
denly perceived, for the Militia were furnished with several
hundred stand of good arms in consequence thereof.
The next ordinance is that which was passed for the
release of Colonel James Easton, a man who had merited
well of his country, and who was unjustly detained in the
jail of this city on an action for debt. The publick, we
doubt not, will justify the Convention in- this ordinance,
when it is known that he was the commander at the taking
of Ti-conderos^a, was committed by some gentlemen belong-
ing to New-York not deemed very friendly to our cause,
when attending Congress to settle his accounts, whereby he
could have been enabled to pay the debt, though they had
good security to a much greater amount than the debt
came to.
An ordinance for the relief of the prisoners in the several
jails of this State, is next in order, and introduced with these
reasons for its passing:
" Whereas at this time the courts of justice within this
State are surceased, and all process and proceedings by
which suits can be legally commenced, proceeded in, or
determined, are by the authority of the people justly and
totally suppressed ; and whereas the detaining in custody
debtors under executions who are willing to deliver up their
estates for the use of their creditors, or debtors confined
under mesne process, who have no mode of entering bail
in order to free their persons from imprisonment, is not only
oppressive, but can be of no real benefit or advantage to the
creditors : and whereas, a total change of Government, by
the assistance of Divine Providence, has been effected
within the United States, and acts of grace to criminals
sometimes are granted on events of such importance: Be it
ordained," &c.
An ordinance against counterfeiting the Continental cur-
rency comes next, preceded by the following preamble:
" Whereas great mischiefs may arise to the United States
of America, and the property of the good people, inhabit-
ants thereof, rendered precarious and insecure by wicked
and designing persons counterfeiting the paper bills of credit
issued by the honourable the Continental Congress, or by
any of the United States of America, for remedy whereof:
Be it ordained," &,c.
Nothing, perhaps, shows the necessity of the ordinances
passed by Convention in a stronger point of light, than the
difficulty we are under at this time, arising from not having
a section in this ordinance for the more effectual punish-
ment of those who refuse the Continental bills of credit.
No one of the ordinances but has prevented as great an
evil as the forementioned ; and had this appeared before
the rising of the Convention, it would have been provided
against.
Great licentiousness having arisen about that time, for
remedy thereof the ordinance for appointing temporary
Magistrates to preserve the publick peace and tranquillity,
and to hold persons to bail who should incline to take undue
advantages of the times to defraud their creditors, passed the
Convention. The preamble, though short, will show the
necessity of such an appointment ; and the absence of the
Associators, who were then generally at camp, will justify
the nomination of them by the Convention, as an election
would have fallen principally into the hands of Non-Asso-
ciators and Tories, and the consequence of vesting civil
authority in such men would have soon appeared, had it
not been prevented by the said nomination. The ordinance
is thus introduced :
" Whereas it is necessary that proper officers of justice
be appointed under the authority of the people only, and
deriving no power whatever from the late Constitution : Be
it ordained," &tc.
The ordinance for compelling debtors, in certain cases,
to give security, being nearly connected with the foregoing,
we beg leave to introduce its preamble next:
"Whereas, at this time, when courts of justice in this
State are shut, it is absolutely necessary that honest credit-
ors should be made secure, when it shall appear that other-
wise they might, by dishonest debtors taking advantage of
the times, run the risk of losing their just debts: Be it
ordained," &.C.
The ordinances against treason and advisedly speaking
and writing against the cause of America, are introduced,
respectively, in the following words:
" Whereas Government ought, at all times, to take the
most effectual measures for the safety and security of the
State: Be it ordained," &tc. ; and
"Whereas evil-disposed persons may, by speaking and
writing, endeavour to influence the minds of weak or
unwary persons, and thereby impede the present virtuous
oppositihn made by the free United States of America
against the wicked and tyrannical measures pursued by the
King and Parliament of Great Uritain: for prevention
whereof, be it ordained," &tc.
The powers given to Magistrates in these ordinances
arose from the impossibility of erecting regular courts of
justice before the new Government should take place; and
yet they contain a temporary habeas corpus act, as will
appear to every one who will examine them with candour;
so far was the Convention from attempting to act arbitrarily,
notwithstanding the scurrility with which they are treated.
But men s\ ho have nothing rational to advance, must use
what is in their power.
The ordinance for rendering the burdens of Associators
and Non-Associators, in the defence of this Slate, as nearly
equal as possible, is thus introduced:
'•Whereas the Associators of this State have bestowed
much of their time and been at considerable expense in
qualifying themselves for the delence of their country, and
are now gone forth into actual service, to the great preju-
dice of their private concerns; while others, by not asso-
ciating, have exempted themselves from those difficulties,
and pursued their business to advantage; and whereas no
effectual measures have hitherto been taken to render the
burden of defence, which is a common benefit, as nearly
equal as possible: Be it ordained," &c.
However vain it may appear, at this time, to justify this
ordinance as it stands, and which is condemned with such
severity by those who are the subjects of it, it is no more
than common justice, due to the Convention, to recall the
publick attention to our situation at that time. A powerful
army of the enemy landed on Staten-Island, from whence
they might make an excursion into the Jerst:ys, or even- to
this city; whilst their fleet, by taking possession of the
North River, had it in their power to prevent General
Washington from giving us the least assistance. Amboy,
Elizabethtown, and Newark, exposed to immediate destruc-
tion. At this time no resource was to be found but in our
Militia — that Militia which had so frequently complained
of the unequal burdens they had already borne, and by
repeated petitions demanded redress of the late Assembly.
In a conference of a Committee of Congress, the Commit-
tee of Safety of this State, the Field Officers of the City
battalions, and the Committee of Inspection, it was resolved
to call forth the whole Militia of this State, so far as they
could be armed. Almost insuperable difficulties appeared
in opposition to this measure: amongst others, that of saving
the approaching harvest was not the least. The Militia
nevertheless turned out with amazing alacrity in some
counties; in others, where the Tory interest prevailed, they
were more tardy. The Convention thought it a duty they
owed their country, to give them all proper encouragement,
and, early in the sitting, passed and published a resolve
that they meant to do justice to the Associators; and here
the matter rested.
The Council of Safety, in the mean time, exerted them-
selves, with incredible diligence, to put the Militia into a
condition to serve their country with effect.
The Associators were obliged to leave their homes at the
most busy and important season to farmers, and harassed
with long marches to the camp in New-Jersey, in expecta-
tion of facing a hostile army; while many of the i\on-As-
sociators not only forebore to touch the burden of the day
with a single finger, hut expressed the diabolical pleasure
they enjoyed in beholding the distress of the friends of li-
berty.*
•Though some of them are highly to be commended for their care
and concern for the affairs of their neighbours who were out in the ser-
vice.
585
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
The Convention was often informed of these circum-
stances, perhaps with great aggravation, and reminded of
their promise to the Militia ; but the difficulty of fulfilling
it stared them full in the face, and perhaps contributed as
much as any thing to its delay. However, a Committee
was appointed, the ordinance was brought in, debated, com-
mitted, and recommitted. A spirit of generosity and mod-
eration was, perhaps, never more warmly displayed than
on one side of the House on this occasion ; but the minds
of many were agitated with the situation of our affairs ;
their passions inflamed with the part which the Non-Asso-
ciators in general have acted, and tbe advantages they have
taken of the times; so the ordinance passed the Conven-
tion as it now stands, though not with the majority that
might be expected from a body so universally attached to
the cause, and so sensible of the reasons which the Associ-
ators had to complain.
No one who heard the debates in Convention on the sub-
ject could doubt that impartial justice was aimed at on botli
sides. How far tbey have failed of accomplishing it, is not
for the Convention to determine. This they are persuaded
of, that when the loss of time and other expenses attending
the learning the military exercise, are added to the disad-
vantages the Associators have laboured under in the late
call, and the profits which Non-Associators derive to them-
selves in consequence thereof, the balance is not much in
favour of the Associators. Tradesmen have left their busi-
ness, to face the enemy in the hour of danger ; and the very
men whose property they were protecting at the risk of
their lives, have stepped into their custom. Farmers left
their harvest-fields to be reaped by Non-Associators, and
paid them from five shillings to a dollar per day, in some
parts, for their labour; whilst themselves were guarding the
coasts of a neighbouring State, to preserve it from the incur-
sions of the enemy. Some men have given one half of
their crops to get the other secured. Thus, while the Asso-
ciator was abseHt upon the most important publick duty,
the Non-Associator earned, in extraordinary advantages
derived from that single circumstance, much more than the
fine to be levied upon him.
The Non-Associators, in many parts of the country, had
reason to apprehend that the Associators, as soon as they
returned, would undertake it themselves, if the Convention
did nothing to make the burden eqflal between them ; and
the Convention was greatly misinformed, if those among
them who were actuated by no worse principles than scru-
ples of conscience against war, were not very well satisfied
that the fines were equitable. It is not for us to pretend to
judge of the motives of those who complain ; neither was
it the mind of the Convention to say any tiling in justifica-
tion of their conduct. They meant only to lay the reasons
of it before their constituents. Nevertheless, it may not be
improper to observe on which side they stand who have
ever been enemies to our cause, and to express a desire that
those who are not privy to such men's designs may not be
deceived by them.
The Convention considered the interval which of neces-
sity took place between the suppression of all power derived
from trie Crowp, and the erecting of the same on the authority
of the people, as a period pregnant with important events,
and meant to supply it with such a temporary constitution
as might preserve us from ruin. This caused the ordinances
to pass, and though some of them as they now stand met
with considerable opposition, yet not one passed the Con-
vention but such as appeared absolutely necessary for the
safety of the State. Under this idea they passed the Con-
vention, and nothing has yet appeared to convince of the
contrary. The Associators long and justly complained of
partiality and injustice, and however altered in their minds
with regard to the powers of the Convention, they once
thought otherwise, and had high expectation that the Con-
vention would consider their case, and leave the Non-Asso-
ciators no room to triumph over them. The Convention
accordingly lias done them all the justice they could ; but if
they, now that they have it in their power to forgive, have
changed their minds and are desirous of letting the Non-
Associators escape, they can do it, and that without giving
great offence to the Convention. But they will thereby
preclude all future complaints, and future Legislatures must
not be blamed for their lenity.
The pressing necessity of the times, and the urgent ap-
plication of publick bodies and men in publick stations,
induced the Convention to enter into certain resolves, as
will appear to every one who examines their minutes, which
were published weekly ; for they wished to conceal nothing
from their constituents. The propriety of these resolves
will fully appear to every one who recollects the then state
of our affairs, and wishes to see us maintain our freedom ;
and nothing further need be said on the subject, were it not
that some wicked designing people have endeavoured not
only to ruin the credit of the Convention but the great
cause itself, by infusing hard thoughts into their minds, in
consequence of a resolve which they passed about the
middle of August.
Repeated and pressing letters were continually arriving
from the camp, informing the Convention that some ill-dis-
posed persons who had crept into the Association to cover
their unfriendly principles from the publick eye, were ex-
ceedingly industrious in sowing the seeds of sedition in the
minds of the Militia, and under the show of great patriotism
and attachment to the true principles of liberty, persuaded
them to believe that they were decoyed and entrapped by
their officers, who artfully carried ihern out with a design to
form them into a flying camp, and that unless they rose up
in a mutinous manner and forced their way home, they
would be converted into mercenaries and obliged to march
to Canada, or any other place where their services might
be wanted. This report being industriously propagated,
desertions were the immediate consequence ; and they who
had the virtue and patriotism to withstand their insinuations,
were in danger of being offered up a sacrifice to the enemy,
and the coast of being deserted before the Militia from the
country could arrive.
In the distressing exigence the Convention passed a re-
solve offering a reward of three pounds for taking up every
deserter, at the same time assuring the Militia that it was
not their intention to keep them out longer than six weeks,
having furnished their quota of the Flying-Camp. This
step, so necessary for the safety of every Militia-man who
had the virtue to stay, and which would affect no man who
would wish to preserve the name of a soldier, is by artful
enemies represented as treating the Associators like beasts.
To prevent and discourage desertion is with them a mark of
opprobrium ; and thus every law which supposes bad men
to exist is to be considered as an insult on the good. Can
confidence be placed in men who, wearing a military dress,
are offended with a publick body for offering a reward for
apprehending deserters? Are they soldiers, or do they
mean to do the duty of soldiers, who are dissatisfied with
this? Will any man be offended at offering a reward for
apprehending highwaymen, but he who is one himself, or
has a violent propensity to become such ? A man who
wishes to stand his ground in the day of danger, will ever
be solicitous to have every obstacle laid in the way of de-
serters, that he may be sure of support in the hour of
necessity. Can any thing account for such men's behaviour
but that they wished to see us defeated, while they were
willing to appear hearty friends to our cause? We mean
not this as a general reflection. We know many things
happened to alarm the jealousies and excite the resentments
of the best-hearted of the Militia, and that in the heat of
passion it was easy to inflame them yet more; they are
little if in any degree culpable. The men who took the
occasion of this state of their minds to sow the seeds of
discord and confusion, and who went secretly from battalion
to battalion, and from company to company, are the men
now in our eye; and we are persuaded that had no such
lurking enemies been in the Militia, nothing of the kind
would ever have happened.
Lord Howe is near at hand, and your enemies know that
if they ever do any thing to ingratiate themselves with him
and secure their estates, it must be at this time. They
know nothing can be effected by a fair and open opposition ;
but by dividing and distracting you, they may possibly suc-
ceed. They are, therefore, intent on this only, because that
debility and weakness must be the inevitable consequence.
" A house divided against itself cannot stand," and therefore
if you listen to their artful suggestions, and remain disunited,
you must fall. To the officer they speak disrespectfully of
the private, and to the private they censure the conduct of
his officer. To one they condemn this part of the pro-
ceedings of the Convention, and to another that, according
587
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
588
as they find it suits the person they converse with. What
can be the reason of all this ? Why, by the one they de-
stroy the Association, and by the other they defeat, the
endeavour to establish a Government under your authority,
and by both they ruin the general cause, defeat the measures
of the Continent, prepare the way for a submission to the
enemy, and offer up every friend to his country and asso-
ciator to the gallows, and their estates to confiscation ; and
yet to men who harbour such designs in their hearts against
us, have we the infatuation to listen.
With regard to the resolves and ordinances of the Con-
vention, they are all temporary and intended as such.
Magistrates to preserve the peace of the society until the
Government could fairly take place, &tc. If any one will
show candidly and fairly that the present state of our affairs
does not justify every ordinance passed, and render it neces-
sary, they will do a kindness to the Convention in so doing;
for they mean to defend no measure which the state of the
times will not.
The Convention, with the best motives and from the most
urgent necessity, stepped so far out of the direct line of their
appointment, if it can be thought out of that line, to take
every measure necessary to secure success which prudence
and a love of the cause and the people could inspire ; and
they have in this address set an example of that respon-
sibility which they think due from representatives to their
constituents. Having received power from you, they em-
ploy it solely in your service, and framed a government,
wherein the supreme power is lodged in your own hands,
and only so far delegated as to act solely for your interest.
This has raised a terrible outcry among those who either
have heretofore, or now wish to rule, but not by your
authority. Thus having finished their work in the best
manner in their power, they dissolved themselves, leaving
the further success of your measures and Constitution to the
mercy of Him who loves mankind, and gives the enjoyment
of liberty to those only who are willing to defend it, and
your own virtue, on which you must ultimately depend for
success, if you will free yourselves from the tyrannical yoke
you have heretofore groaned under, and the aristocratical
one which is at this time preparing for you.
ADDRESS OF THE COUNCIL OF NEW-JERSEY.
To His Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esq., Governour,
Captain-General, and Commander-in- Chief in and over
the State of NEW-JERSEY and Territories thereunto be
longing, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same :
The Address of the Council of said State.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY : We, the Council
of the State of New-Jersey, beg leave to congratulate your
Excellency on your appointment to the Government, and to
return you our most cordial thanks for your truly patriotick
speech.
The impartial and disinterested part of the world will
agree with your Excellency, that the separation of America
from Great Britain is fully justifiable before God and man :
a separation at once expedient, inevitable, and essentially
necessary to our very existence as freemen. America, in-
deed, was compelled to break off all union with a nation
which, contaminated with luxury and insatiate with plun-
der, had concerted a system of despotism for her ruin. All
America regrets the necessity, at the same time that all
America applauds the rectitude and spirit of the measure.
The British nation, too, if not totally immersed in venality
and corruption, must applaud an action which accords so
eminently with the true spirit of their own Constitution ; an
action that owes its birth to the same principle which was
so signally displayed in the memorable revolution. What,
however, is peculiarly worthy of remark in the progress of
the present contest is, that wonderful preparation of circum-
stances and singuter combination of causes which gradually
brought on the separation, and disposed the minds of men
for an event so truly important.
The Constitution framed by the late Convention, although
not entirely perfect, has, however, equitably and justly
decided on most of the principal points whereon the happi-
ness of this society depends, and therefore hath met with
general approbation. Upon so respectable and honourable
a bottom, the present Legislature is founded, which, in the
most unbiased manner, hath chosen your Excellency to
preside over the State, and by that choice hath, at this
perilous period, clearly shown how much they admire your
virtues, and what confidence they repose in your abilities.
The several important matters recommended by your
Excellency, merit our serious and deliberate consideration,
and in conjunction with the General Assembly we shall take
such steps, and pass such laws as may appear most condu-
cive to the publick weal. We join your Excellency in
sentiment as to the disinterestedness and integrity so indis-
pensably requisite in all our proceedings. Certainly as pub-
lick men, we are to know neither friend nor favourite, fear
nor resentment. Sensible that, especially in the infancy of
our civil institution, much depends upon the selection of
proper persons to occupy the various departments in the
State, your Excellency may be assured that we shall be par-
ticularly cautious in our choice. Stationed as we are, the
guardians and protectors of the State, the general good should
be the sole object of attention, and of course in the appoint-
ment of officers, intrinsick merit should be the sole rule of
promotion. These, sir, were the considerations which in-
fluenced us in the appointment of such officers as have been
already elected, and we trust will continue to be the rule
of our conduct. No time ever required more economy, in-
dustry, patriotism, purity of manners, and true devotion, than
the present, and the experience of all ages, with the recent
example of Great Britain, hath effectually taught us how
essentially necessary it is to the weal of the State, to incul-
cate these excellent qualifications both by precept and
example.
By order of the House : JNO. STEVENS, V. P.
Princeton, September 28, 1776.
GOVERNOUR' s REPLY.
GENTLEMEN : I am greatly obliged to you for your kind
congratulation on my appointment to the Government, and
for the favourable sentiments you are pleased to express
concerning me. As every office is only honourable in pro-
portion to the publick good it enables the person sustaining
it to do, and the officer himself in proportion to the good he
actually does, 1 can assure you that the reflection of having
promoted the true interest of this State to the extent of my
wishes and of your expectation, will afford me more solid
satisfaction than can result from any external splendour or
the most illustrious titles. LmNGSTON>
Newark, New-Jersey, September 28, 1776.
Tuesday evening last, arrived at Elizabethtown, from
Quebeck, in four transports, about four hundred and twenty
of our people, that had been taken prisoners at different
times in Canada. The names of most of the officers are as
follow, viz:
General Thompson, Colonel Irvine, Lieutenant Carrey,
Lieutenant Bird, Dr. McKinney, Rev. Mr. McCalla, Lieu-
tenant McDougall.
These following were taken the 31st of December last,
and all (except Major Lamb) went from Boston with Col-
onel Arnold, through the wilderness:
Captain Henry Dearborn, Lieutenant Ammi Andrews,
Lieutenant Nath. Hutchins, Lieutenant Joseph Thomas,
from New-Hampshire.
Major Timothy Bigelow, Captain William Goodrich,
Captain Jonas Hubbard, (died of his wound,) Lieutenant
John Compton, Lieutenant Samuel Brown, Lieutenant
James Tisdale, Lieutenant John Clark, from Massachusetts.
Major Return Jonathan Meiggs, Captain Samuel Loch-
wood, Capt. Eleazer Osgood, (volunteer,) Captain Oliver
Hanchett, Lieutenant Abijah Savage, Quartermaster Ben-
jamin Chatten, from Connecticut.
Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Green, Captain John
Toppan, Captain Simeon Thayre, Captain Samuel Ward,
Lieutenant William Humphrey, Lieutenant James Webb,
Lieutenant Edward Slocum, Lieutenant Sylvanus Shaw,
from Rhode-Island.
Major John Lamb, from Neiv- York.
Lieutenant Francis Nichols, Adjutant Archibald Steel,
from Pennsylvania.
Captain Daniel Morgan, Lieutenant William Heath,
Lieutenant Peter O'Brien Bruen, John McGuire, (volun-
teer,) Charles Potterjield, (volunteer,) from Virginia.
Adj't Christian Febiger, from the Kingdom of Denmark.
589
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
590
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read September 30, 1776.]
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 28, 177fi.
SIR : Being about to cross the North River this morning,
in order to view the post opposite, and the grounds between
that and Powles Hook, I shall not add much more than
that I have been honoured with your favour of the 24th,
and its several enclosures, and that since my letter of yes-
terday no important event has taken place.
As Colonel Hugh Stephenson, of the Rifle Regiment,
ordered lately to be raised, is dead, according to the infor-
mation I have received, I would beg leave to recommend
to the particular notice of Congress Captain Daniel Mor-
gan, just returned among the prisoners from Canada, as a
fit and proper person to succeed to the vacancy occasioned
by his deatli. The present field officers of the regiment
cannot claim any right in preference to him, because he
ranked above them, and as a Captain, when he first entered
the service. His conduct as an officer on the expedition
with General Arnold la'st fall, his intrepid behaviour in the
assault upon Quebeck when the brave Montgomery fell, the
inflexible attachment he professed to our cause during his
imprisonment, and which he perseveres in, added to these
his residence in the place Colonel Stephenson came from,
and his interest and influence in the same circle, and with
such men as are to compose such a regiment, all, in my
opinion, entitle him to the favour of Congress, and lead rne
to believe that in his promotion the States will gain a good
and valuable officer for the sort of troops he is particularly
recommended to command.
Should Congress be pleased to appoint Captain Morgan
in the instance I have mentioned, 1 would still beg leave to
suggest the propriety and necessity of keeping the matter
close, and not suffering it to transpire until he is exonerated
from the parole he is under. His acceptance of a commis-
sion under his present circumstances might be construed a
violation of his engagement, and, if not, the difficulty at-
tending his exchange might be increased. The enemy,
perhaps, would consider him as a Field Officer, of which we
have but very few in our hands, and none that I recollect
of that rank.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your
most obedient servant, ,-, ,,r
(JQ. WASHINGTON.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the Line, held
on the Heights of HAARLEM, by order of His Excel-
lency GEORGE WASHINGTON, General and Commander-
in- Chief of the Forces of the UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA, for the trial of all Prisoners to be brought
before them; SEPTEMBER 28th, 1776.
Colonel WEEDON, President.
Lieut. Colonel Chandler, Captain Brown,
Lieut. Colonel Russell, Captain Chamberlain,
Captain Ledyard, Captain Prentice,
Captain Graydon, Captain Rogers,
Captain Wiley, Captain Foster,
Captain Hindman, Captain Stanley.
Captain Scott,
WM. TUDOR, Judge-Advocate.
The Court proceeded to the trial of Ensign Thomas
Fosdick and Ensign Benoni Shipman, both of Colonel
Webb's Regiment, at present in the detachment of Rangers,
under the command of Lieutenant Holmes, brought prison-
ers before the Court, and accused of "abusive language to
their officers, of disobedience of orders, and of mutiny."
The prisoners being severally arraigned on the above
charge, severally plead, "Not guilty."
Lieutenant Cleveland deposes: Last Thursday night I
went home to the house where all of us who are officers in
the Ranging service quarter, and, sitting at supper, a dis-
pute soon arose between some of the officers, when En-
signs Fosdick and Chipman were very abusive to Lieu-
tenant Holmes, and Chipman damned them, told them they
would not obey their commands, and said they would turn
out their company against the rest of the party, and imme-
diately svent in, and came out of their room with their
guns. We disarmed them and confined them to their room.
Lieutenant Holmes. The prisoners being very abusive
on Thursday night, damning the officers, I ordered them to
be quiet, but they utterly refused. Fosdick said he was as
good as any of us, and would not be commanded by any
of us. Fosdick said he could turn out a company equal to
all the rest of the detachment. He was in a great fury, and
got his gun, which we disarmed him of, and 1 ordered him
under an arrest. Chipman was extremely abusive in his
language. There was no one more than another who had
the command of the detachment.
Lieutenant Breed says : After the prisoners were under
an arrest on Thursday evening, I went to the house, and
saw the prisoner Chipman, who was extremely abusive to
the other officers, and disorderly, damning them.
Lieutenant Bacon. Thursday evening, observing several
persons eating with Ensigns Shipman and Fosdick, I ob-
served that we must draw more rations ; when they both
came up and damned me, and abused me very much.
After some altercation, we agreed to refer it to the deter-
mination of Drs. Holmes and Pope. However, they (the
prisoners) soon disagreed, damned them both, and refused
to have any thing to do with them. Finding the disorders
increase, I went away.
Ensign Cleveland. Upon some occasion, the other night,
the prisoners were very disorderly, and Lieutenant Holmes
was ordering them under an arrest. Fosdick said he would
not go under arrest unless he pleased. I went away imme-
diately.
The prisoners produce no evidence.
The Court are of opinion that the prisoners are guilty of
abusive language to Lieutenant Holmes and Pope, and that
the prisoners be reprimanded for this conduct before the
officers of Colonel Webb's Regiment, by the commanding
officer of the Regiment.
G. WEEDON, President.
At a General Court-Martial held at King's Bridge, by
adjournment on the 28th day of September, Anno Domini
1776:
Colonel LASHER, President.
Lieut. Col. Prentice,
Major Austin,
Captain Sill,
Captain Barns,
Captain Keith,
Captain Allen,
Captain Dana,
Captain Dixon,
Captain Brazier,
Captain Toumshend,
Captain Platt,
Captain Hardenburgh.
WILLIAM WILLCOCKS, Judge-Advocate.
John Carter and John Barry, of Captain King's Com-
pany, Colonel Ward's Regiment, charged with desertion.
The prisoners on their arraignment, severally plead,
"Guilty." Sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes each.
(Approved.)
Richard Halloway, of Captain Woofs Company, Colo-
nel Malcom's Regiment, charged with absenting himself
from the Regiment without leave.
The prisoner on his arraignment plead, " Not guilty."
The Court adjudged the prisoner not guilty. (Set at lib-
erty.)
Jos. Wadder, alias Veder, and Peter Vanvreedenburgh,
of Captain Steenborough' s Company, Colonel Graham's
Regiment, and Richard Lawson, of Captain Swarthoufs
Company, Colonel Swarthoufs Regiment, charged with
desertion.
The prisoners all plead excuses.
Henry Molt, of Captain Swarthoufs Company, testifies
that the prisoner, Lawson, went away without leave ; that
being sent after him he met his father, and told him his son
had better deliver himself up, which he did. The Court
adjudge the prisoners guilty of desertion.
The prisoners sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes each.
(Approved.)
Lieutenant Thomas Youngman, of Colonel Haller's Re-
giment, charged by Colonel Haller with absenting himself
from the regiment without leave.
Pleads, " A pass."
Lieutenant Conrad Just, of Captain Henster's Company,
Colonel Haller's Regiment, being duly sworn, deposeth:
That being on his return home he met the prisoner, with two
others, between Woodbridge and Newark, New-Jersey ;
asked him where he was going ? he answered, " Home ; and
that one of the company. had a pass for the three," and so
591
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
592
said the others ; that he is acquainted with them, and be-
lieves they spoke the truth.
The Court adjudge the prisoner guilty on the eighth arti-
cle of war. The Court sentence the prisoner to be cash-
iered.
Lieutenant Oliver Mildeberger, of Captain Leonard's
Company, Colonel Lasher's Regiment, charged with leaving
the Regiment without permission.
The prisoner on his arraignment plead, "Guilty."
The Court sentence the prisoner to be cashiered, and
mulcted one month's pay, on the eighth article of war.
WM. WILLCOCKS, Advocate.
GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL SALTONSTALL.
King's Bridge, September 28, 1776.
DEAR SIR: You will as soon as possible order three of
the regiments of Militia under your command to march for-
ward and encamp on the ground lately occupied by the
Militia of the regiments commanded by Major Neu-bury,
Lieutenant-Colonel Baldwin, Major Strong, and Major
Terry.
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, W. HEATH.
To Brigadier-General Saltonstall.
GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL PARSONS.
King's Bridge, September 28, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The last night I received the following:
"SiR: You will please to give direction that Colonel
Tyler be put under arrest for cowardice and misbehaviour
before the enemy, on Sunday, the 15th instant.
" By order of the General.
" Sir, your humble servant,
" Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
" September 27, 1776."
You will, therefore, upon receipt hereof, immediately
order Colonel Tyler under arrest.
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, W. HEATH.
To General Parsons.
ISAAC PIERCE TO DOCTOR POTTS.
Ticonderoga, September 28, 1776.
SIR : Complaints having been made to the General of
many abuses respecting the discharge of soldiers at the Hos-
pital, he expects that an immediate stop be put to it.
Therefore you will give proper directions to all the Sur-
geons under you, that the General's orders may be ob e
And he desires you should repair to Head-Quarters as soon
as possible.
I am, sir, by order of the General, your most obedient,
humble servant, JSAAC piERCE} Aid_de. Camp,
To Doctor Potts.
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES.
Isle Valcour, September 28, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : My last was from the bay of St. Amont,
the 22d instant, by Captain Dunn, which make no doubt
you have received. The next day the fleet arrived safe at
this place, (which is an excellent harbour.) We are moored
in a small bay on the west side the island, as near together
as possible, and in such a form that few vessels can attack
us at the same time, and those will be exposed to the Gre
of the whole fleet.
The 25th I despatched into Canada a German, who was
a mate of the Revenge, and a New-England man, who
speaks French well. Both are sensible fellows and may
be depended on. They are extremely well acquainted
with the country, go in character of deserters, and have
proper instructions and credentials (sixteen of eacli sort)
sewed up between the soles of their shoes. As they run a
great risk, I have promised them, in case they succeed,
five hundred dollars between them. As soon as they know
the success of their embassy, they are to return. One of them
was a Ranger with Rogers all last war; has since lived in
Canada, and knows the woods perfectly. Two men are
stationed on the Isle la Motte to watch the motions of the
enemy.
Early yesterday morning, Sergeant Strictland, with
twelve men, in a provision batteau, passed this place and
went as far as Point-atuc-Fcrs, but not finding the fleet,
returned. The Revenge (on a cruise) picked them up at
six o'clock last night. The Sergeant took the schooner for
an enemy, and stupidly destroyed all his letters and papers,
when she was at a distance from him, which was very mor-
tifying, as I am deprived of the pleasure of your letter, and
have a long time anxiously waited for the particulars of the
affair at New-York. This fellow can give me no manner
of intelligence respecting the galleys or any thing else. I
expect them every minute, as the time is elapsed in which
you wrote they would be ready.
Enclosed is the deposition of Thomas Day, which I took
at Crown-Point when I came down. I have since exam-
ined a Frenchman and his wife who live opposite the Isle
la Motte, who says that Ned Watson and Wykes came to
his house and there met Captain Frazier who was in pursuit
of some deserters ; they told Frazier they were sent down
by GUIiland and Watson, and acquainted him of Captain
Wilson's and his party being on the Lake, in consequence
of which he was taken. The Frenchman also says that
about a fortnight past, two men whom he knew to be Gilli-
land's tenants, came to his house, said they were sent down
by GUIiland with intelligence ; that they appeared in a great
hurry, and offered him five dollars to set them over Missisqui
Bay, as their canoe was leaky, which he did. This is
partly confirmed by Mr. Hay, who lives opposite this island,
and says that one Cross and Scarr came to his house
about a fortnight past, and supposes they went to St. John's.
Scarr was a servant to MacCawley, who with Cross, were
tenants to GUIiland. I am fully of opinion that GUIiland,
John Watson, and MacCawley have, from time to time,
sent expresses to the enemy, and given them all the inteU
ligence in their power, and no persons have known our
affairs better. I make no doubt that the enemy have often
been harboured at the houses of the first and last. I have
therefore ordered to take them prisoners to Ticon-
deroga, that you may examine and dispose of them as you
think proper. I don't think it is prudent to let them remain
on their farms, unless we choose the enemy should know
all our measures. GUIiland is a most plausible and artful
villain. Enclosed is a letter of complaint which he wrote me
after the fleet passed his settlement, not one syllable of which
is true. One Mr. Dujuit, a tenant of his, who had left his
place, went up with the fleet, and offered me some vegeta-
bles, which he said would be lost if I did not accept them.
I sent some boats on shore under the direction of Captain
Dunn. The whole stuff that was brought off was not
worth forty shillings. No other boats from the fleet were
on shore. As we returned to Button-Mould Bay the next
morning, and on our going down the Lake the second time,
only one boat was on shore, and the few vegetables taken
were from farms deserted, of which I believe GUIiland has
no right. His complaint appears more groundless than that
about his cattle, for which he was paid two or three times,
and carried them home at last.
Colonel Hartley writes me that one galley was expected at
Crown-Point the 26th, and that the others would be there
the 27th. There is a fine wind for the enemy to come down ;
if they appear too strong for us, I will retire until I meet
the galleys.
Adieu, dear General, and believe me your affectionate
friend and humble servant, D .
r>. ARNOLD.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
The testimony of THOMAS DAY, examined on oath before
ROBERT LEWIS, one of the Justices of CHARLOTTE
County, in the Province of NEW-YORK:
Who saith that sometime in the beginning of July last,
being in company with William GUIiland, Esq., and Wil-
liam Wykes, he heard said Wykes say that he was not afraid
to go to St. John's, to the Regulars ; and that it appeared to
him from their intimacy and being frequently together, and
from sundry expressions of Gilliland's, that he contrived
the plan of Wykes and Ned Watson's going off. That he
heard GUIiland say the army acted like a parcel of damned
robbers. That several of Gilliland's tenants, in particular
one Nathaniel Blood, bought sundry tents, axes, guns, &tc.,
from the soldiers of the American army, for a mere trifle of
rum, which said Blood had from said GUIiland, and he
593
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
594
believes said Gilliland was concerned with said Blood.
He, the deponent, observed to Gilliland, that he thought it
very wrong to buy those articles of the soldiers, as it was
defrauding the country; to which Gilliland answered, it was
no matter how much they got out of the country: the more
the better; and that being at Gilliland' s when the army
was going to Canada this spring, several officers passed by
the window, Gilliland said there comes a company of
damned buggers. He was also in company with John
Watson since the late retreat; he heard said Watson say
that he was not afraid of the Regulars if they came, for that
he had several officers for relations among them, and as for
the American army they had acted like a parcel of damned
robbers. THOMAS DAY.
ROBERT LEWIS.
GOVERNOUH TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, September 23, 1776.
SIR: The 25th instant the enclosed petition was delivered
me by two of the subscribers, Messrs. Kissam and Nicoll.
The principal matter they plead is contained in the second
paragraph. It was observed to them the events therein
intended is not over; although Long-Island is evacuated
by our troops, yet the reason of their being sent here con-
tinues ; that their desire to return is an evidence of their
inimical character, for they are sensible, if they return, they
must take an oath of allegiance to King George HI., and
submit to suclf orders as General Howe pleases to give.
Moreover, they having been in this State, puts it in their
power to give important intelligence to the enemy.
They answered that nothing had ever appeared where-
fore they should be sent from their families; that Adjutant-
General Reed gave them encouragement that they should
return as soon as that affair was determined. If never
before, doth not their motion to return to the island show
them to be really inimical ? I told them I was not privy
to Adjutant-General Reed's discourse; but if they were
desirous of it, I would transmit their petition to your Excel-
lency for your consideration and advice, which is my only
apology for this trouble.
Pray God to give you wisdom to guide your councils,
and to crown your arduous labours with success.
I am, with great esteem and respect, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant, JQNTH TRUMBULL>
To His Excellency General Washington.
To the Honourable JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire, Gover-
nour, Captain-General, and Commander-in-Chief in and
over the State of CONNECTICUT, in AMERICA,
The Petition of the subscribers, inhabitants and freehold-
ers of LONG-ISLAND, in (he State of NEW-YORK, humbly
showeth :
That your petitioners having been supposed unfriendly
to the States of America, and their residence on Long-
Island at the time of the landing of the British forces con-
ceived to be dangerous, were, liy an order from his Excel-
lency General Washington, removed from Long-Island to
Norwich, in Connecticut, until such time as the situation
and state of affairs there should admit of their return to their
respective families again.
Conscious of no crime, and solicitous of knowing the
charge against them, they were informed by Adjutant-
General Joseph Reed that there were no particular matters
with which they stood charged ; but that the only occasion
of their being removed was, that an attack on Long-Island
was hourly expected, and that it was thought expedient to
remove them from the place of action until that event was
over. They therefore flattered themselves that as soon as
that affair was determined, they should have been dis-
charged.
That they humbly conceive as their being removed from
thence could not have been intended as a punishment for
their demerits, and as no mischief can possibly arise from
their being suffered to return to their families, to detain them
longer would subject your petitioners to the greatest misery
and distress, especially as they are entirely unacquainted
with the state of their families, and by no means prepared
for a longer stay.
Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your Honour
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
would be pleased to take the matter into your serious con-
sideration and grant them such relief as to jour Honour
shall seem meet and convenient; and your petitioners as in
duty bound, shall ever pray, &.C.
CHARLES NICOLL, THOMAS JONES,
DAVID BROOKS, JOHN WILLETT,
JOHN CHACE, ISAAC SMITH,
JOSEPH GRESWOLD, JOHN RAPALJE,
BENJAMIN HEWLETT, DANIEL KISSAM, Jun.,
DAVID BATTY, WILLIAM THORNE,
WHITEHEAD CORNWELL, A. SEABURY,
CHARLES HICKS, AUG'T V. HORNE.
Norwich, September 17, 1776.
PAROLE OF JAMES BABBIGE.
I, James Babbage, Esq., of the Island of New-Providence,
being a prisoner of war of the United States of America,
and being permitted by the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull,
Esq., Governour of the State of Connecticut, to return to
my family upon my parole, do pledge my faith and" word
of honour to said Governour Trumbull, that I will not bear
arms against the United States of America during the present
war, and that I will not say or do any thing to the pre-
judice of the interest of said States or any of them, and also
that I will return to such place in said States as shall be
appointed by the most honourable the Continental Congress,
the General or Commander-in-Chief of the army of said
States, or by the General Assembly, or Governour and
Commander-in-Chief of the State of Connecticut.
Given under my hand at Middlelown the 28th day of
September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and seventy-six.
JAS. BABBIGE.
WALTER SPOONER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Watertown, Council Chamber, September 28, 1776.
SIR: Your Excellency, in your letter of the 19th instant,
to the General Assembly of this State, having mentioned
that the army under your command were much in want of
camp utensils, and that you knew not how to procure a
sufficiency, the Council have directed the Commissary -jGen-
eral of this State to forward to your Excellency two loads
of iron pots, which he had in his store, for the use of the
Continental army, which we hope will be agreeable to your
Excellency. In case you should have occasion for any
more, if you please to signify it, we will endeavour to pro-
cure and forward them. We should have sent tin kettles,
but tin was not to be obtained.
I am, with great respect, in the name and behalf of the
Council, your most humble servant,
WALTER SPOONER.
To His Excellency General Washington.
WALTER SPOONER TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Watertown, September 28, 1776.
SIR: Since I saw you, I have moved the affair of the
rice again ; and the Board have thought fit to give you
orders to move said rice, in such a way and manner as you
think fit.
I expect to return home some time next week ; and if
you are desirous of my taking any care about it, and will
inform me by a letter, I will make the best provision I can
to send it to you.
I am, sir, your humble servant, W. SPOONER.
To Richard Devens, Esquire.
NATHANIEL GUILD TO RICHARD DEVENS.
MR. DEVENS: Sir, these lines may inform you that tlut
fire is in the furnace, and I will make the wheels as soon as
possible.
Sir, as to the double-headed shot, I must depend upon
you for the bar-iron. Please to inquire of Colonel Gridky
or Major Burbanks as to the quantity and size, and send it
to me as soon as possible, with the account of the same.*
Sir, yours to serve, NATHANIEL GUILD.
To Richard Devens.
38
595
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
596
Portsmouth, September 28, 1776.
On Thursday last, arrived here the prize ship Royal
Exchange, Lawrence Bowden, late master. She was taken
by the Continental ship Columbus, Abraham Whipple,
Esquire, commander, on the 29th ult., on her passage from
Grenada to London, having on board a valuable cargo,
consisting of two hundred and eighty-four hogsheads and
two tierces of sugar, fifty-five hogsheads of rum, eleven hogs-
heads coffee, two hales cotton, and some Madeira, wine.
The prize-master, Mr. Olney, informs of two other
prizes being taken by the Columbia, just before this, on
their passage to Europe from the West-Indies ; and in his
passage hither, spoke with the Providence brigantine,
belonging to the United States, who informed him of her
taking two valuable prizes, and sent into Providence.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN ANNAPOLIS,
DATED PHILADELPHIA, SEPTEMBER 29, 1776.
By a list of prisoners taken on Long-Island, and sent
up by General Howe to General Washington, it appeal's
that of the Maryland troops there are one Captain, eight
Lieutenants, and two Ensigns in the enemy's possession, to
wit: Captain Daniel Bowie, wounded; Lieutenants Wil-
liam Steret, William Ridgley, Hatch Dent, Walter Muse,
Samuel Wright, Joseph Butler, (wounded,) Edward Praul,
Edward De Cwrcy; Ensigns James Fe.rnandes, William
Courts.
Congress have taken measures for the redemption of the
prisoners taken on Long-Maud, and it is expected that an
exchange will take place in a few weeks.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your
most obedient servant.
tio. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. William Bradford, Deputy Governour of
Rhode- Island.
REV. JAMES CALDWELL TO WILLIAM PATERSON.
Elizabethtown, September 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Permit me to use the freedom of introducing
to your notice Mr. Hacket, who offers himself for the ser-
vice of his country in this important crisis. I am fond of
introducing, to the defence of the cause, our young natives
of property and good connexions. This is his case; and I
believe his military talents are as good as any of our untried
youth. He carries letters to the Governour and some other
gentle/nen, and 1 don't doubt will meet with what assist-
ance you can reasonably give him; for which you will
oblige, dear sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES CALDWELL.
To Hon. William Paterson.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE DEPUTY GOVERNOUH OF
KHODE-ISLAND.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 29, 1776.
SIR: I have been honoured with your two favours of the
14th and 23d instant, and am to return you my thanks for
the measures you have taken to forward the two Continental
battalions from your State.
In respect to the exchange of the persons you mention,
I apprehend it cannot be effected till a general one takes
place. This I am trying to carry into execution as well in
the naval as the land service. And therefore must request
the favour of your State, to make out and transmit me a
return as soon as possible, of all Continental prisoners in
their hands, distinguishing the names and ranks of the com-
missioned and staff officers, and the corps to which they
belong, and the number of non-commissioned and privates ;
observing the same rule in regard to those in the sea service.
It will be well to have the whole collected at one or two
commercial places, in order that they may be sent forward
as soon as the plan is properly digested, of which I shall
advise you as soon as I obtain the return.
I have wrote to the other Eastern States upon the same
subject, and to me it appears that the prisoners with you
had better Join those in Connecticut, that they may come
together. I would recommend your writing to Governour
Trumbull for information where their prisoners are to be
assembled, and for his sentiments in this instance. It also
seems advisable that they should come by water rather
than by land ; but of this you will have due notice, as I
mean to settle upon some regular mode with the Admiral
and General Howe against the time I am furnished with
the returns by the States.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.
Heacl-duariers, Harlem Heights, September 21), 1776
GENTLEMEN: General Howe having signified to me a
o o
desire of making a general exchange of prisoners, both
officers and privates, it becomes necessary to have an exact
return of the numbers in our possession. You will, there-
fore be pleased to have all the Continental prisoners of war,
belonging to the land service, in the different towns in
your State, collected and brought together to some conve-
nient place, from whence they may be removed hither, when
a cartel is fully settled. When they are collected, you will
please to have made out, and transmit to me, an exact
return of the names of the commissioned and staff officers,
their ranks, and the corps to which they belong. The names
of the non-commissioned and privates need not be men-
tioned ; their numbers will be sufficient. As it will be
more convenient to send them by water than by land, which
may always be safely effected by means of a flag, 1 think
you had better order the prisoners to some place contiguous
to a port, there to remain till you hear further from me. As
I apprehend the number of prisoners in the State of New-
Hampshire to be too small to make up a freig*ht for a vessel,
I have directed, if that should be the case, that they would
be sent to your State, that they may come forward with
your prisoners.
You will be pleased to forward the enclosed to Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Campbell, of the Seventy-First Regiment.
I am not certain where he is stationed, but think it is at
Reading.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient
servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Jeremiah Powell, Esq., President, &tc.
P. S. Be pleased also to make a return of the prisoners
belonging to the British navy, with the names and rank
of the officers.
Enclosed you have a letter from Captain Campbell, of the
Seventy-First Regiment, to me. As he seems to acknowl-
edge his errour, and promises a more circumspect behaviour
in future, I could wish you would consider his case, and, if
you think proper, admit him to his parole again.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL CAMPBELL.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 29, 1776.
SIR : I have been favoured with a letter from his Excel-
lency General Howe, of the 21st instant, on the subject of
an exchange of prisoners, both officers and privates. To
carry this into execution, it is necessary that the numbers
on both sides should be exactly ascertained. In order to
determine this, General Howe sent me a list of the officers
and privates of the Forty-Second and Seventy-First Regi-
ments, of which the enclosed is a copy ; but adds " it is
not so correct as I could wish, having received no regular
returns of the Forty-Second and Seventy-First Regiments,
taken this year, but beg leave to refer you to Lieutenant-
Colonel Campbell, of the Seventy-First, to rectify any
omissions that may be." I have, therefore, to desire, that
you would as soon as possible make the proper additions or
alterations, and return the same to me.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, Seventy-First Regiment.
FRANCIS MENTGES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
In Camp at Head-Quarters, September 29, 1776.
HONOURABLE SIR : I beg leave by these few lines to re-
new my former application to the honourable Congress for
the place of Major in the Army of the United States of
America. I hope such recommendations as I have hereto-
fore produced, which no doubt your Honour will remember,
will induce the honourable Congress -to grant my request,
and hope I shall with fidelity discharge my duty, and with
advantage to the service. I would further beg leave to
597
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
598
refer you to General Mercer's letter to Doctor Franklin, in
my favour.
1 am, honourable sir, with great respect, your and the
honourable Congress's most obedient, humble servant,
FRANCIS MENTGES, Adjutant in the
Pennsylvania Battalion Musqueteers.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
SIR: Colonel Drake has just sent me intelligence that
there are some movements among the enemy which indicate
an early attack. The General desires you would have
your division ready to march to support the troops here if
necessary, as they will in the like case do with respect to
you. The account says that troops have been coming in
boats to Manhattan Island all day.
I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
To Major-General Heath.
COLONEL NICOLL TO JOHN M'ltESSON.
King's Bridge, September 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I returned last night from Morisceany, which
place I have been at for three days last on command. I
had a good deal of conversation with some of the Highland
Regulars, one in particular, who told me it was disagree-
able to him to take up arms against us, as he had a number
of friends amongst us and wished heartily for a reconcilia-
tion. I asked him how many of the Highlanders got killed
in the skirmish the other night. He told me there were
four killed and one missing, which he expected we had
taken prisoner. His account of Major Hatjield was that he
was wounded just above the eye, and he thought was in
danger of losing his eye. I don't think that there is above
fifty Regulars kept on Montorzor's Island. They mount but
twelve sentinels in the day, and double them in the night.
There is kept, I suppose, above five hundred on the island
next to Montorzor's, according to their tents and move-
ments.
Captain Lamb and about four hundred of our prisoners,
taken at Quebeck, have got to Elizabethtown. They were
sent away upon the parole of honour, to return when
demanded, and not take up arms without a change of pris-
oners.
Mr. Taylor has come from the lines to-day, who acts as
Brigade-Major to General McDougall, and says our people
surprised a parly of Regulars in a house near their lines, and
got a chest of medicines.
I know of no movements in our army nor our enemy's.
We have got our lines well fortified — our people chiefly
under cover, so as to be comfortable. Two large mortars,
from Boston, of solid metal, were day before yesterday car-
ried to Fort Washington.
I am, sir, your sincere friend and humble servant,
ISAAC NICOLL.
To John McKesson, Secretary.
EXAMINATION OF PRISONERS, SEPTEMBER 29, 1776.
David Pinkney, of East-Chester, in West- Chester
County, is a native of that town, and utterly denies that he
ever thought to join the enemy, and declares that he knows
of no person who had any such design ; nor does he know
of any plan to give any assistance or intelligence to the
enemy; nor is he acquainted with either of the persons
who have been apprehended. He says he is about twenty-
three years old, and is a single man.
John Davenport is an Englishman, born in Cheshire.
Has lived seven years in America, and for six years has lived
principally on and near Cortlandl's Manor; came to
America a soldier in the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, and de-
serted from it. At Philip's Manor he met Marsh, Thorn,
and Frost, who told him they were going to Long-Island,
but did not tell the examinant with what design, nor ask him
to go with them ; nor has he any knowledge of their plan, if
they had one ; neither of them had any arms to the inform-
ant's knowledge.
James Thorn is a native of Long-Island. Has lived at
Cortlandfs Manor these ten years, and has a wife there ;
has relations on Long-Island, about Oyster Bay. Came
from Cortlandt's Manor with a design to go to Long-Island
to see his friends, who lie has not visited these six months.
Frost, Marsh, and two Lamorexs, were of the party.
Marsh told the examinant that he went to escape being
obliged to bear arms, and that made him go to Long-
Island. That he was inlisted as a Minute-man, and was
in that service four months last winter, at York. That last
Wednesday he met one Palmer, who belongs to Corllandt's
Manor, who told Frost and him that he had been over to
Long-Island, where it was all peace and quietness, and
asked the examinant if he would inlist into the regular ser-
vice. That the examinant refused. That Palmer told him
he was going up to Cortlandt's Manor to inlist some men
into the regular service, and left him. Davenport told
Thorn he was going to Long-Island.
N. B. This man is rather averse to giving answers to the
questions put to him.
Moses Reed is a native of West- Chester, and has lived on
Cortlandt's Manor these twenty years, and was going down
to East-Chester to see his friends. That he came down
with Thorn and Frost, who were going to Long-Island to
see their friends, as they told Reed, and asked him to go
with them, but he refused. The examinant says one
Palmer, who lives on Cortlandt's Manor, has often asked
him to inlist into the regular service, but that he has always
refused, and never had any thoughts of going to Long-Island,
or in any way assisting the Regulars. That he knows of
no plan to assist the enemy eilher by information or other-
wise.
John Marsh, of Philip's Patent, in West- Chester County,
aged twenty years, says he was taken by a guard com-
manded by Captain Duet, of East-Chester, in company
with George Frost, James Chatterton, Moses Reed, James
Thorn, John Davenport, and David Pinkney, on Wednes-
day night last, the 25th day of September last. That about
a month ago, one Smith, a transient person, came to him,
and frequently persuaded him to inlist in the service of the
enemy, and told him he should have ten pounds bounty,
three and sixpence a day till he passed muster, and two shil-
lings and sixpence after; but the examinant made no en-
gagement to inlist with Smith. That about a fortnight ago,
one Miller, who the examinant believes came from Long-
Island, applied to him and made him the same 6ffer, in case
he would inlist in the service of the enemy, in a company to
be commanded by one Jacob Frost; upon which he engaged
to inlist accordingly, and Miller returned in a day or two
after to Long-Island, as the examinant, from what he said,
has reason to believe. That in a few days after Miller left
the examinant, he set out for Long-Island, and. according
to appointment, met in a field near one Philip Smith's, in
Cortlandt's Manor, the above mentioned Joseph Frost,
James Chatterton, Moses Reed, James Thorn, Abraham
Fleetingburgh, and Jacob Fleetingburgh, of the Manor of
Cortlandt, Joseph Michiel, and John Dobbs, of Collebergh.
That the above-named persons severally informed this
examinant they were also inlisted in the said company, to
be commanded by Captain Frost, and set out with him on
Saturday a week ago from that place to join said company
on Long-Island; that having travelled about ten miles on
their journey, they met with one Edward Palmer, of Long-
Island^ who upon some conversation told them that he was
on his way to inlist men for the same service; and the exam-
inant believes he is now at the Nine-Partners, on that busi-
ness, and is to command a company if he can raise one.
That having parted with Palmer, they proceeded to within
about six miles of East-Chester, at which place they were
to cross to Long-Island. That they laid there one night
in the bushes. That night Davenport came to them and
told them he belonged to the same company, and that there
was an opportunity of crossing over to Long-Island from
Pills-Neck. Davenport continued with them all night; in
the morning he left them to prepare matters for their cross-
ing the River or Sound. They continued there till the next
night, when they set out for the place they were to cross,
and having travelled about three miles, Davenport and Pink-
ney met them in a field and proceeded with them, Daven-
port heading them with a drawn sword in his hand, and
Joseph Michiel with a gun. That having marched two
miles towards the Sound or River, the examinant, with the
six persons first mentioned, were attacked and taken by Cap-
599
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
600
tain Duet's guard as aforesaid, the others having fled and
escaped. And the exaniinant further says, that every man of
their company, at the time of their being taken, well knew
the business they were upon, and that they were severally
inlisted in the same company and service, it having been
frequently puhlickly mentioned and talked over among
them ; and further saith not.
In witness to the premises, I have hereunto set my hand,
this 3d day of October, 1776. , ^
JOHN TAYLOR TO GENERAL GATES.
Skeensborough, September 29, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: The bearer, Thomas Lesley, I have
Known to be a soldier in Captain Hendrix's company, who
was taken prisoner at the storm of Quebeck, He informs
me that he 'listed with the Regulars, and the regiment he
belonged to was stationed near Montreal, and on the 31st
ultimo he, with two other soldiers, deserted. I send him to
you that he may inform you what he may know concerning
the Regulars.
I hare the honour to be, sir, your obedient, humble ser-
vant> JOHN TAYLOR.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
MRS. ADAMS TO JOHN ADAMS.
September 29, 1776.
Not since the 6th of September have I had one line from
you, which makes me very uneasy. Are you all this time
conferring with his Lordship? Is there no communication ?
or, are the post-riders all dismissed ? Let the cause be what
it will, not hearing from you has given me much uneasi-
ness.
We seem to be kept in total ignorance of affairs at York.
I hope you at Congress are more enlightened. Who fell,
who are wounded, who prisoners, or their number, is as un-
determined as it was the day after the battle. If our army
is in ever so critical a state, I wish to know it, and the worst
of it. If all America is to be ruined and undone by a pack
of cowards and knaves, I wish to know it. Pitiable is the
lot of their commander. Cecsar's tenth legion never was
forgiven. We are told for truth that a regiment of Yorkers
refused to quit the city ; and that another regiment behaved
like a pack of cowardly villains, by quitting their posts. If
they are unjustly censured, it is for want of proper intelli-
gence.
I am sorry to see a spirit so venal prevailing every where.
When our men were drawn out for Canada a very large
bounty was given them, and now another call is made upon
us no one will go without a large bounty, though only for
two months, and each town seems to think its honour en-
gaged in out-bidding the others. The Province pay is forty
shillings. In addition to that, this town voted to make it up
six pounds. They then drew out the persons most unlikely
to go, and they are obliged to give three pounds to hire a
man. Some pay the whole fine, ten pounds. Forty men
are now drafted from this town. More than one half, from
gixteen to fifty, are now in the service. This method of
conducting will create a general uneasiness in the Conti-
nental army. I hardly think you can be sensible how much
we are thinned in this Province.
The rage for privateering is as great here as any where.
Vast numbers are employed in that way. If it is necessary
to make any more drafts upon us, the women must reap the
harvests. I am willing to do my part. I believe I could
gather corn and husk it, but I should make a poor figure at
digging potatoes.
There has been a report that a fleet was seen in our bay
yesterday. I cannot conceive from whence, nor do I be-
lieve the story.
'Tis said you have been upon Staten-Island to hold your
conference. 'Tis a little odd that I have never received the
least intimation of it from you. Did you think I should be
alarmed ? Don't you know me better than to think me a
coward ? I hope you will write me every thing concerning
this affair. I have a great curiosity to know the result.
As to government, nothing is yet done about it. The
church is opened here every Sunday, and the King prayed
for as usual, in open defiance of Congress.
If the next post does not bring me a letter, I think I
will leave off writing ; for I shall not believe you get mine.
Adieu. Yours.
P. S. Master John has become post-rider from Boston to
Braintree.
GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Boston, September 29, 1776.
SIR: Having been informed that the army was in great
want of cooking utensils, and there being fifty-five copper
camp-kettles and twenty-nine iron pots and kettles in the
store here, I have this day sent them forward, with direc-
tions to the wagoner to make the utmost expedition in going
to the army, and to deliver them to your order as soon as
he arrives.
I am your Excellency's obedient, humble servant,
ARTEMAS WARD.
To General Washington.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A MEMBER OF THE MASSACHU-
SETTS ASSEMBLY, DATED SALEM, SEPTEMBER 29, 1776.
SIR: It is not merely a matter of speculation, but of gen-
eral complaint, that the ships of war, ordered more than
seven months since to be built at Newbury and Portsmouth,
are not in readiness to tliis day for service on our coasts.
Those who have knowledge in business of this kind are free
and open in their declarations, that those vessels might easily
have been built and fitted for the sea so long ago as to have
taken the transports with Highlanders, who were sailing a
fortnight backwards and forwards in our bay ; and to have
prevented the retaking of several valuable prizes, and other
vessels, to the amount, perhaps, of much more than the
whole cost of our ships, that lay in harbour unfitted for ser-
vice. This long delay has occasioned great uneasiness in
the minds of many, and they are unable to account for it
upon any other considerations than either negligence, the
want of skill and vigorous application, or necessary inter-
ruption by other employments, in those to whom the chief
direction in building and preparing those vessels for the sea
was committed. To whatever cause this delay may be
attributed, it has been unspeakably detrimental to the pub-
lick interest. And may it not, sir, be highly proper that it
should be made a matter of strict inquiry by that court of
which you are a member? and would it not be an instance
of true patriotism in you to motion such an inquiry at the
coming session of the General Court ? If persons unskilled
or inactive are employed in such an interesting affair, or if
their attention to it is taken off by a multiplicity of other
employments, ought they not to be restrained within due
limits, that the publick may not suffer by their having too
much upon their heads and hands ?
LORD GEORGE GERMAIN TO GENERAL HOWE.
, Whitehall, September 30, 1776.
SIR: I am favoured with your letters from the Head-
Quarters upon Staten-Island, dated 6th and 15th August,
in the latter of which you acknowledge the receipt of my
despatches of the 1 lib. and 12th June, and also of the camp
equipage which had been sent to you from Europe.
The safe arrival of the two fleets under convoy of Com-
modore Hotham and the Repulse, was a very welcome piece
of intelligence; and I have had the pleasure of receiving a
confirmation of the report which you mention, relative to
the healthy state of the Guards and Hessians.
I am too well convinced of your zeal and alertness to
suppose that there will be any unnecessary delays in your
operations ; and I most sincerely wish you all the success
during the campaign, which the justness of the cause in
which you are engaged so amply deserves, and which, I
flatter myself, the known bravery of the troops employed
in this service will not fail to ensure.
It is very unfortunate that so great a part of the Forty-
Second and Seventy-First Regiments should have fallen
into the Rebels' hands. The loss of Major Menzies is much
to be lamented, but I trust you will soon have it in your
power to procure the release of Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell,
and the other prisoners, as I observe with particular satisfac-
tion, that you have agreed with Mr. Washington that the
prisoners should be exchanged. 1 am, &.(;.,
GEO. GERMAIN.
601
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
602
SILAS DEANE TO ROBERT MOKRIS.
Paris, September 30, 1776.
SIH : Yours of the 5th of June came to hand on the 25ih
instant. Mr. Delap will inlbnn you of ihe state of remit-
tances in his hands. Messrs. Cliffords fy Teysett, and Mr.
Hodgson, of Amsterdam, have received next to nothing,
about two hundred pounds by the last accounts; from which
you will perceive that not one-third of the sum proposed
has come to hand, and even out of that my private ex-
penses and those lor promoting the other parts of my mis-
sion must take something, let me be ever so prudent and
cautious.
To solicit arms, clothing, and tents for thirty thousand
men, two hundred brass cannon, mortars, and other stores
in proportion, and to be destitute of one shilling of ready
money, exclusive of the fund of forty thousand pounds
originally designed for other affairs, (which you know by
the protests in London was my case,) has left me in a critical
situation. To let slip such an opportunity for want of ready
money would be unpardonable, and yet that was taking out
of a fund before deficient. I hope, however, to execute
both, though not in the season 1 could have wished. I
have, as you see, had but a lew days since the receiving of
yours, in which I have discoursed with some of the persons
to whom I had before proposed such a scheme, and think it
will take well, but as men of property will be engaged in
it, the remittances should be made very punctual.
The insurance 1 am sensible had better be in Europe,
but it cannot be had at present unless in Holland., where 1
am told there are often disputes with the underwriters. On
the whole it must be done in America. I can, I believe,
engage for one hundred thousand pounds sterling during the
winter. I shall write to you further in a few days.
You have mentioned to me a loan. 1 choose to speak of
this in a letter of business particularly by itself, which I
will endeavour to do by a young gentleman going on Sun-
day, to which opportunity 1 also refer what 1 have further
to say on this subject. Pray fonvard the trifles I am send-
ing to my little deserted family as soon as received.
Tobacco is rising very fast, being now seven stivers in
Holland. The scheme of the Farmers-General here is
very artful ; they grow anxious. They held high terms on
my first application. 1 turned off, and they are now apply-
ing to me, as are also some people farther northward.
God bless and prosper America is the prayer of every
one here, to which 1 say Amen and Amen. 1 am, &c.
SILAS DEANE.
have procured clothes for his company, and have directed
Lieutenant Grace, who at present commands, to have every
thing got ready for them as soon as possible.
Every thing here is over-dear; but I thought it better to
pay high than keep the soldiers doing nothing, or send them
naked to camp. 1 have heard nothing of the powder you
mention. My colleagues, I presume, amended to that mat-
ter. Messrs. Chase and Paca left this on Sunday, and I
shall set out on Thursday, if my state of body will permit,
though tins I much doubt, being at present much indisposed.
The two adverse armies remain in statu quo. General
Mijlin, who is in town, says our army is geting into better
order, and he hopes will be able to sustain any attack the
enemy may make. Doctor Brown arrived here the day
after my letter to him was sent ; but has been very ill ever
since. Surgeons are much wanted in camp; but where
proper ones will be procured, I know not.
1 am with great esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient
servant,
T. STONE,
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, Annap-
olis.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee, September 30, 1776,
Present : William Aisquith, Chairman pro tern., T. Rnt-
ter, J. Cockey, E. Talbot, T. Sollers, D. Shaw, A.Buch-
anan, W. Buchanan, W. Wilkinson, C. Ridgely of Wm.,
B. Nicholson.
Messrs. Andrew Buchanan and William Wilkinson are
appointed members of the Committee for licensing Suits, in
the room of Messrs. Walter Tol/ey, Jun., (deceased,) and
James Calhoun, who declines acting any longer as a Com-
mittee man.
Mr. Samuel Baxter, (miller,) is appointed Collector of
Fines for Middle River, Lower Hundred, in the room of
Mr. Abraham Cole, who declined acting
A Letter from the Council of Safety, mentioning that Mr.
Towson is empowered to hire twelve men for a Guard, lor
not more than forty-five shillings per month, was received.
Three pounds is given to Moses McClean for a Gun, and
an order given to Mr. Purviance to pay him. Also another,
for which fifty shillings was given him.
A permission is granted to Mr. George Woolsey to load
the brig Rogers with Flour, Bread, Iron, Tobacco, and some
Lumber, for some foreign West-India Island.
Attest: GEO. Lux, Secretary.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, September 30, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Last Saturday I received yours of the 14th
instant, and am very sorry for your bad success in procuring
guns for the frigate. You say you have mentioned the
affair to the President, and I hope some order will be taken
about it, but what, I know not. I have not been able to
attend either the Marine or Secret Committee for some time
past, and Congress but little. It is now above five weeks
since I have been troubled with a severe cough, slow fever,
profuse sweats, and loss of appetite, except "for light food!
By the advice of my friends and physicians, I design to
leave this city in a few days, and try to move homeward,
in hopes a change of air, moderate exercise, and a recess
from business, may assist in restoring my health. Mr. Han-
cock has offered me a seat in his carriage, which I shall
accept, as it is impossible for rne to return on horseback in
my present state of health. I received Colonel Whipple's
letter of the loth, where he informs me he expects to set
out for this place about the 10th of October. I hope he
will set off before that time, when he comes to be informed
by my letters of my bad state of health, and the necessity
there is of a Delegate here. There is no news here, more
than you will see in the publick prints.
I am your friend, JOSIAH BARTLETT.
THOMAS STONE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Philade'phia, September 30, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 29th, to the delegates of
Maryland, was delivered to me yesterday. Captain Wat-
kins did not leave this city so soon as I expected he would
do. 1 fear nothing will do with him but dismission. I
GENERAL THOMPSON TO RICHARD PETERS.
Philadelphia, September 30, 1776.
SIR: A number of officers and privates have arrived in
this city from Canada, who are generally in a distressed situ-
ation fbr^ want of clothing and almost every other neces-
sary. There are some from every regiment in this State,
but most of Colonel Irvine's. I request you will take the
necessary steps to get the whole some months' pay. Pay
rolls shall be made out as soon as possible.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
WM. THOMPSON.
To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary at War.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA, DATED SEP-
TEMBER 30, 1776.
In the late attack of the enemy on our posts it is certain
they had at least four hundred men killed and wounded,
besides the disgrace of a repulse, which has raised the spirits
of our army, and checked the career of the enemy. The
Hessians, is seems, carry it with a high hand, and greatly
disgust the British troops, who are obliged to truckle and
submit to great preferences given, and indeed taken, by the
former. These foreigners say they will plunder every thing
before them, and have even insisted on transports to carry
over their stolen cattle and other plunder to their families.
Abundance of blankets and other woollens, with most other
dry goods, are now to be had in the French Islands, in
great abundance, and mo e are daily expected. That the
French and Spaniards are on the eve of a war with Great
603
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
004
Britain, seems to be incontestible, and our best accounts
from the British West-Indies, describe them in the greatest
distress imaginable. We understand that Carkton and
Burgoyne are extremely industrious in fitting out vessels to
dispute the mastery of Lake Champlain with us, but I think
they are not likely to succeed this campaign.
A few members, factious men, of the old Pennsylvania
Assembly, met lately under pretence of settling some unfin-
ished accounts, and though not enough to do business by
law, they, by a majority of one vote, came to a parcel of
resolves," respecting the propriety of the Convention of that
State levying taxes on the JNon-Associators ; after which they
dissolved themselves and departed.
PROCLAMATION.
Whereas there are many Deserters from his Majesty's
service now in arms in America, against their rightful Sov-
ereign, and engaged with the declared enemies of Great
Britain, in a most cruel and unnatural rebellion, to shake
off all obedience to the constitutional authority of the State:
And whereas the heinousness of their crime, not admitting
any palliative considerations, will necessarily exclude them
from the smallest claim to mercy, if they should fall into the
hands of his Majesty's troops: The Commander-in-chief
being anxiously desirous to warn them of their danger, to
withdraw them from their present desperate and criminal
situation, whereby they may escape the ignominious death
of Traitors to their King and country, hereby offers a full
pardon to all Deserters, who shall surrender themselves at
the Head-Quarters, or to any division of the King's army,
on or before the 31st day of October, 1776.
Given at the Head-Quarters on York-Island, the 30th
day of September, 1776.
By his Excellency's command : WM. HOWE.
ROBERT McKENziE, Secretary.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
Head Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 30, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Having considered the enclosed memorial,
which you were pleased to transmit for my advice thereon,
I beg leave to inform you, that in my opinion the service
will be most advanced in general cases, by directing promo-
tions in a regimental line. However, I should think this
had better be practiced than resolved on, always exercising
a right of promotion, on account of extraordinary merit, or
preventing a succession to office where it is wanting, and
the person claiming unfit for it.
I have the honour to be, with greatest respect, gentlemen,
your most obedient servant, Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Honourable the Board of War.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT Or CONGRESS.
[Read October 2; referred to the Board of War.]
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 30, 1776.
SIR: Since I had the honour of addressing you last,
nothing of importance has transpired, though, from some
movements yesterday on the part of the enemy, it would
seem as if something was intended.
The enclosed memorial from Lieutenant-Colonel Shep-
ard, of the Fourth Regiment, I beg leave to submit to the
consideration of Congress ; and shall only add that I could
wish they would promote him to the command of the regi-
ment, and send him a commission, being a good and valu-
able officer, and especially as the vacancy is of a pretty
long standing; and I have had, nor has he, any intelligence
from Colonel Learned, and himself, who had the command,
and who obtained a discharge on account of his indisposi-
tion, of his designs to return.
I have also enclosed a letter from Captain Bollard, which
Congress will please to determine on, the subject being new
and not within my authority.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
P. S. A commission was sent for Colonel Learned, which
.is now in my hands, having received no application or heard
from him since it came.
To His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General
and Commander-in- Chief of all the Forces in the thirteen
free and UNITED STATES or AMERICA, the Petition of
WILLIAM SHEPARD,IIOIV Lieutenant- Colonel in the Third
Regiment in the Continental Army, humbly showeth :
That he, in early life, was called forth to war in defence
of his country; that he cheerfully stepped forth, and for six
years successively served in the late war, in various capaci-
ties, from that of a private to a Captain, in which station
he served three years ; during the whole of said term he was
led to believe that he served with good reputation in said
capacities ; that early in the unhappy controversy between
Great Britain and the now free States of America, he was
again called to the field, and his mind being impressed with
the importance of the cause in which he was engaged, and
the duty that he owed to God and his country, he thought
himself under the strongest obligations to draw his sword
against the unnatural enemies of this oppressed country, to
defend its sacred rights and liberties; which considerations
alone induced him to enter the present service in the station
he now holds.
Your petitioner further begs leave to observe that when
he entered the service he expected the same advantages,
with regard to preferment, with other officers of his rank in
the army ; but when he views the regiment to which he
belongs, which has been destitute of a chief Colonel for
almost six months, and not filled, and other regiments vacant
but a few hours before they are filled by advancements from
their own corps, your petitioner is convinced that he is
judged, by the wise and prudent rulers of the States, (whom
he will lionour and esteem,) not to be an officer worthy of
promotion, or the most flagrant injustice is done him. This
being the case, your petitioner thinks himself compelled,
by every principle of justice to himself and to all his
brethren who may continue in the service of their country,
(which has his best wishes, and which service he has no
desire to leave, so long as the cause of his country shall
require his assistance, on any other principle than those be-
fore noted, there being but little expected from a degraded
officer,) to beg your Excellency to grant him liberty to
resign his command.
And your Excellency's petitioner, as in duty bound, shall
ever pray, Sic.
WILLIAM SHEPARD, Lieutenant- Colonel.
Bergen, September 28, 1776.
Fort Constitution, September 26, 1776.
SIR: I informed you yesterday that Colonel Read would
certify to you his willingness for Lieutenant John Petties to
purchase my commission and rank of Captaincy in the First
Regiment of Virginia forces ; but Colonel Read being so
indisposed that he cannot sit up to write, but has promised
to do so as soon as he can sit up, I humbly beg the favour
of General Washington to receive my reasons for selling
my commission, assuring his Excellency that it is not from
any dislike to the service, or for want of zeal to the glorious
cause, but, from experience, find that I cannot afford to stay
in the service, being naturally of an extravagant turn, and
not fortune sufficient to support that dignity that is observed
in our camp.
I have served as a volunteer and Captain since the first
of the raising of troops in Virginia, in which places 1 have
exerted my abilities for the good of the service, and am
still determined to be active.
I have the refusal of a Captaincy of Marines, in an armed
vessel that is now fitting out in Virginia. I am desirous
of accepting the same. Was I a man of fortune, not any
consideration should induce me to dispose of my commis-
sion ; but as I am not, I hope to be indulged, having spent
a considerable sum more than my pay. I therefore humbly
request your favours in writing to the Congress respecting
the matter, provided your Excellency will not suffer Mr.
Petties to purchase without the approbation of Congress.
I must beg leave to trouble you with one other circum-
stance— that of Mr. Petties being very popular in the
County he came from; and as my company is not near
complete, had he the command, he could very soon make
up the deficiency.
I am, with all respect, sir, your most obedient, humble
servant, ROBERT BALLAHD.
To His Excellency General Washington.
605
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
606
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 28, 1776.
(Parole, Stamford.) (Countersign, Rye.)
Mr. Finn Wadsworth is appointed Major of Brigade to
General Wadsworth.
William Higgins, of Captain Hamilton's Company of the
Artillery, convicted by a General Court-Martial, whereof
Colonel Weedon is President, of " plundering and stealing,"
ordered to be whipped thirty-nine lashes.
The General approves the sentence, and orders it to
be executed to-morrow morning, at the usual time and
place.
A number of the new rules and regulations of the Army
having come to hand, the several Brigades Major are to
receive their proportion and deliver them to commanding
officers of the several regiments, who are immediately to
cause them to be read to their regiments, and made known
to both officers and men, so that there may be no pretence
of ignorance.
It is with great concern the General finds that so many
excuses are made by Field-Officers and others, when ordered
on duty, especially on picket. By this means active and
willing officers are discouraged. He hc»pes trifling reasons
and slight complaints will not be urged to avoid duty, when
the utmost vigilance and care is necessary.
The General lias also, in riding through the camps, ob-
served a shameful waste of provision — large pieces of fine
beef not only thrown away, but left above ground to putrefy.
While such practices continue, troops will be sickly. The
Colonels or commanding officers of regiments, who have
not done it, are immediately to appoint camp-colour men;
and officers who have spirit and zeal will see that all such
nuisances are removed. Some of the camps nearest to
Head-Quarters are very faulty in this respect, and will be
pointed out in General Orders if there is not a reforma-
tion.
Stephen Moylan, Esq., having resigned his office of Quar-
termaster-General, Brigadier-General Mifflin is appointed
thereto till the pleasure of Congress is known.
The Quartermaster-General will deliver to General Spen-
cer's order such tents as are wanting for the regiments in
Wadsworth' s and Fellows's Brigades.
That the approach of the enemy to the front of our lines
may lie communicated as speedily as possible, two field-
pieces are to be fired, by order of the Brigadier of the day,
at the redoubt on the road by Colonel Moylan' s; this to
be repeated by two others at Head-Quarters, and the like
number at Mount Washington.
Colonel Shee is to take charge of General Mifflin's Brig-
ade till further orders.
General Sahonstall is to order in four of the Militia regi-
ments under his command, who are to encamp on the hill
opposite to Fort Washington, towards the point opposite to
the encampment, on the other side Harlem liimr.
The General desires that the several works in which we
are now engaged may be advanced as fast as possible, as it
is essentially necessary.
In future, when an officer is ordered on duty, and through
illness or any other private reason cannot attend, he is to
procure one of equal rank to do the duly for him, unless
some extraordinary reason should occasion an application to
Head-Quarters. Otherwise a regular roster can never be
kept.
The Brigade-Majors are to furnish the Chief Engineer
with a detail of the men from their respective brigades
ordered for fatigue. This is to be left at his office near
Head-Quarters, and when any alteration is made they are
to give him a new detail.
Major Bicker is ordered to attend the works, and be
excused from other duty.
Any soldier detected in cutting any abattis without orders
from the Chief Engineer, is to be sent to the Provost-Guard
and tried by a General Court-Martial. Officers are desired
to put a stop to so dangerous a practice immediately.
Fatigue men are to breakfast before they go to parade ;
no man to be allowed to return hereafter to his tent or quar-
ters on this account.
The building up tents with boards is a practice peculiar
to this army, and in our present situation cannot be indulged
without the greatest injury to the service. The boards
brought into camp are for floors to the tents, and officers
will do well immediately to prevent their being applied to
any other use.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 29, 1776.
(Parole, Fairfield.) (Countersign, Leyden.)
Ensigns Fosdick and Chipman, of Colonel Webb's Regi-
ment, but lately in a detachment of Rangers under Caplain
Holmes, having been tried by a General Court-Martial,
whereof Colonel Weedon was President, for "abusive lan-
guage to their officers, mutiny, and disobedience of orders,"
they are convicted of giving abusive language to their offi-
cers, and ordered to be reprimanded for their conduct before
the officers of Colonel Webb's Regiment.
The General approves the sentence, and orders them to
join their regiment, that it may be carried into execution.
As there is the greatest appearance of bad weather, the
General directs and begs that the officers would have a
special care of the arms and ammunition ; wherever there is
a convenient cover for either bell-tents or painted tents, to
have the arms and ammunition put into them.
He also directs that the several brigades, as soon as the
weather admits, be marched down to their alarm posts, as
fixed in the orders of the 26lh, that the troops may know
how to repair to them, and delend them to the best advan-
tage; and that this be repeated until both officers and men
are well acquainted with the ground and the posts.
From some discoveries made yesterday, there is reason to
think the enemy meditate a speedy and general attack ; it
is, therefore, of great consequence that we should be well
prepared in all respects to meet it.
A Court-Martial, consisting of the following members, are
to meet to-morrow at ten o'clock at the White-House near
Head-Quarters, for the trial of Captain Weisner and Captain
Scott, for " cowardice and misbehaviour in the attack made
upon Montresor's Island, on the morning of the 23d in-
stant:" Brigadier-General BELL, President ; Colonel TWa-
gaw, Colonel Newcomb, Lieutenant-Colonel Brodhead,
Major Putnam, Major Mott, Captain Winship, Colonel
Holman, Lieutenant-Colonel Cadwallader, Lieutenant-Col-
onel Russell, Major Hopewelt, Captain Beatty, Captain
Gillet.
All evidences are directed to be punctual in their attend-
ance.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 30, 1776.
(Parole, Norfolk.)
(Countersign, York.)
The movements of the enemy indicating a speedy attack,
the officers of the several regiments, of all ranks, are to be
very attentive to the state of the arms and ammunition of
their respective regiments, and to be particularly alert in
case of alarm.
The order of yesterday with respect to the troops march-
ing to their alarm-posts and making themselves acquainted
with the ground, is to be carried into execution immediately.
Ammunition boxes in each regiment, not having ammuni-
tion in them, are to be collected, that they may be filled.
Commanding officers of regiments will send them to their
respective Brigadiers' quarters immediately.
All the troops are every morning to be under arms a little
before break of day and continue till sunrise, when they
may be dismissed. As the preservation of our country may
depend very much on a strict obedience to this order, it is
hoped that -command ing officers of brigades and regiments
will pay a special attention to it.
A working party of twelve hundred men, exclusive of
those at Mount Washington, to parade at the usual place, at
seven o'clock in the morning, properly officered for the En-
gineers' department. Fellows's and Wadsworth's brigades
to take their tools at Quartermaster Stone's quarters, nigh to
General Spencer's quarters. Major Clift and Captain Par-
sons will attend them. Colonel Wcedon's Regiment will
take their orders fiom Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall. The
overseers of the works will attend at the Engineer's office
every morning to receive their orders and parties. The
number of fatigue men not to be lessened till further orders.
The Engineer must have a list of the several brigades
and the number of men they furnish for the works, or he
never can proportion the men to the works in a proper
manner.
607
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
608
Return of Brigades under the more immediate command of His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Command er-in- Chief
of the Army in the service of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. HARLEM HEIGHTS, Head- Quarters, September
30, 1776.
BRIGADES.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
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49
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559
915
1067
1469
1052
983
864
892
1573
1631
191
272
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155
102
386
406
249
195
394
378
536
334
538
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216
98
54
204
629
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342
51
210
57
398
648
104
80
120
27
439
357
441
32
534
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232
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2096
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2152
1559
1845
1691
2183
2615
17
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23
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924
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172
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General MitHin's .
Reed's, Weedon's & Chester's Reg'is.
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Total 42J44
3763793132856!55
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1502 68014.759 4175 3344 3479'l2225,802 130
19810,641
86
512480
Return often Companies in the Regiment of Artillery, and one Colony Company, in the service of the UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA, commanded by HENRY KNOX, Esquire. MOUNT WASHINGTON, September 26, 1776.
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56
61
20
272
531
Included in the above, though not affixed to any particular Company, Captains Lieutenants Wool, appointed August 1; Randall, promoted
August 10, present, fit for duty; Jlriunt, promoted August 10, on command; Second Lieutenant Geno, appointed September 14, present, fit for
duty. Those on command are in the Jerseys, at Fort Montgomery, and on the heights beyond King's Bridge.
HENRY KNOX, Colonel of Artillery.
Return of Troops in General GREENE'S Division, ENGLISH NEIGHBOURHOOD, September 29, 1776.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
Wanting
Alterations
Commissioned.
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Colonel P. B. Bradley's
1
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Colonel Dey 's Militia
1
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.
Total
3531
3
91214
80
11256
83
4
12
13
12
7
339
157
964
25946
10135707
7
1890
1
12
.
-
One on furlough in General Clinton's Brigade; 3 ditto in General Swing's Brigade; 1 ditto in Colonel Bradley's Regiment.
N. B. Read's, Shepherd's, and Bradley's, Regiments at Bergen; Mixon's Regiment on Fort Island.
NATHANAEL GREENE, Major-General.
Endorsed — Major-General Greene's Return of Brigadiers-General Mxon's, James Clinton's, and Swing's Brigades, and Colonels Bradley's and
Dey's Regiments, September 29, 1776.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON.
SIR : Take with you Lieutenant-Colonel Hurlbut, and
proceed immediately to Fairjield, and there, in consultation
with General Lincoln, of the Massachusetts-Bay, Mr. Ho-
bart, of this State, and Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston, if
vou can meet with him, concert an expedition to Long-
Island, for the purpose of aiding the inhabitants in removing
or destroying the stock, grain, &,c., which must otherwise
fall into the hands of the enemy.
This expedition is to be performed under the command
of such officers as General Lincoln and yourself may fix
upon, and by the troops from Massachusetts-Bay, aided by
609
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
610
the three Continental companies, commanded by Colonel
Livingston.
If there is a possibility of your seeing Governour Trum-
bull without too great a delay of time, I shall much approve
of your consulting him upon this occasion previous to your
concerting any plan; but if this cannot be done conveni-
ently, you will forward my letter, with your reasons for not
doing so, and a request of such assistance from the State of
Connecticut as you shall find necessary to apply for.
Despatch is essentially necessary to the success of such
an enterprise, and secrecy in obtaining craft for the trans-
portation of the troops across the Sound will contribute not
a little towards it. Circumstances and information must
direct you to the number of men necessary for such an ex-
pedition as this, and therefore I shall not bias your judgment
by any order or opinion of mine upon the occasion, but
leave this matter wholly to yourselves, with earnest and
best wishes for success.
Given under my hand, at Head-Quarters, on Harlem
Heights, Colonel Morris's, this 30th day of September,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General George Clinton, New-York Militia.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL, SCHUYLER.
Head-duarters, September 30, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Your favours of the 20th and 25th, with
their several enclosures, I received this morning. The letters
for Congress, with the rest of the papers, I shall transmit
them by the earliest opportunity. I cannot conceive that
their resolution of the 14th was calculated or designed in
the smallest degree to give you offence. The application
for stores had been made as a requisition from General
Gates, which, I presume, occasioned the resolve ordering
'em to be sent to him. Also the words " for the use of
the Northern army," nothing is to be inferred from them.
Whenever stores are sent to any department, it is said
always for the use of the army there.
I am greatly obliged by the measures you have taken to
provide us with boards, as they are so material and so diffi-
cult to procure. Your assurances to execute any commands
I may have occasion to impose upon you, when out of the
military line, call for a return of my warmest acknowl-
edgements; these I tender you, and of these 1 beg your
acceptance.
Since my letter of the 27th, nothing of importance has
occurred. Things remain nearly in the situation they then
were. Yesterday there were some small movements on the
part of the enemy ; but as yet they have attempted nothing,
nor have I been able to find out their design. A little time
I suppose must show what plans they mean to pursue for
the remainder of the campaign.
I am, &tc., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL LINCOLN.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, September 30, 1776.
SIR : Your letter of the 28th instant, noticing me the
forwardness of the troops under your command, was this day
handed me by Major Turner. On receipt of this, you'll
please to halt your men till a conference with General Clinton,
who waits on to advise with you, and determine on a secret
•expedition to Long-Island, which, if properly conducted, I
have no doubt will be attended with success, and be ex-
ceedingly beneficial to the United States. To carry into
execution the proposed plan, I must request a sufficient
number of the Militia from your State, making choice of
(both officers and men) those which may be depended on.
I am, wishing success, sir, yours, &tc.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Benj. Lincoln, Massachusetts Militia,
at Stamford or Fairjield.
P. S. You'll be pleased to return to Fairjield with Gen-
eral Clinton, to consult on the above subject.
Mand that the enemy are recruiting; a great number of men
with much success, and collecting large quantities of stock
throughout the island for their support, I have directed
Brigadier-General Clinton forthwith to repair to Fairjield,
to meet General Lincoln, on his march hither with a part
of the troops lately voted by the Massachusetts State to re-
inforce this army, in order to concert with him an expedition
to the island, to check and suppress, if possible, a practice
so injurious and detrimental to our cause. These gentlemen
will wait on you for your advice in the matter, if time and
the situation of things will admit of it; and with a view of
obtaining such aid as you and they may judge necessary to
facilitate the enterprise. However, if it should not be in
their power personally to attend you, I must take the liberty
of requesting your good offices upon this occasion, and that
you will afford them every assistance that you conveniently
can, and they may require, either in men, vessels, &tc., for
carrying their scheme into execution.
It is absolutely necessary that the measures of the enemy
should be effectually counteracted in this instance, or in a
little time they will levy no inconsiderable army of our own
people. The influence of their money and their artifices has
already passed the Sound, and several have been detected
of late who had inlisted to serve under their banner, and the
particular command of Major Rogers.
Being in haste, and having the fullest confidence that
your favours will not be wanting in this instance, I have
only time to add, that I have the honour to be, &c.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVEHNOUR TRUMBULL.
Head-duarters, Heights of Harlem, September 30, 1776.
SIR: Having received authentick advices from Long-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 39
COLONEL HARRISON TO GENERAL HEATH.
September 30, 1776.
SIR : His Excellency desires that such of General Salton-
stoffs Militia as remain after the two regiments ordered to
the heights opposite to Mount Washington, and after those
have joined or are to join Colonel Chester, in the room of
the Militia lately gone home, may be directed and sent to
encamp on the grounds on the Morisania side of Harlem,
opposite Head-Quarters, which his Excellency, you, and
others, were viewing some days ago, and that they be en-
joined to use their utmost industry in covering themselves as
soon as possible by building huts with straw, rails, and sod.
His Excellency would have some person whom you can
rely upon sent to show them the place, and who will inform
them that they are to build their huts on this side the
heights facing Harlem River, that they may not be in the
way of such works and lines as may be judged necessary
to be thrown upon them.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
ROB. H. HARRISON.
To Major-General Heath.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the Line, held
on the Heights of HAARLEM, by order of His Excellency
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-
in- Chief of the Forces of the UNITED STATES OF AMER-
ICA, for the trial of the Captains WISNER and SCOTT,
in the service of said States. September 30, 1776.
Brigadier-General BEALL, President.
Colonel Magaw, Major Mott,
Colonel Newcomb, Captain Winship,
Lieut. Col. Cadwallader, Captain Stewart,
Lieut. Col. Russell, Captain Beatty,
Major Putnam, Captain Graydon,
Major Hopewell, Captain Weitzell.
WILLIAM TUDOR, Judge-Advocate.
The Court being duly sworn, proceeded to the trial of
Captain John Wisner, of Colonel Nicoffs Regiment of
the New- York Levies, brought prisoner before the Court,
and accused of "cowardice and misbehaviour before the
enemy, and of speaking words inducing others to misbe-
have."
The prisoner being arraigned on the aforesaid charge,
pleads, "Not guilty."
George Marsdin, Adjutant of Colonel Prescotfs Regi-
ment, was sworn, and deposes : I was one of a party ordered
for an attack on Montressorjs Island, on Sunday night, 22d
611
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
612
September. I went on board one of the boats prepared for
us, with a Sergeant and twelve men. There was near fifty
men on board the boat when we put off. The boat getting
aground, I was obliged to go forward to the head of the
boat, where I saw a man sitting down in the bottom of the
boat. I trod upon him, and gave him a kick or two, when
he got up and set upon the fore-thwart. After some time I
discovered the badge of a Captain in his hat, and on asking
him what officer he was, he told me he was a Captain.
This was the prisoner. We had got about a mile from the
place we set off at, when Captain Wisner observed that he
was certain, from information, that there was five times the
number of the enemy on the island that we thought for, and
that we were led into a plaguy scrape ; that a ship lay near
the island which would rake us with grape shot. Some of
the men heard this, and it was soon known throughout the
boat. Soon after this we observed the privateer in the
river, which hailed a boat ahead of us. On this the prisoner
cried out there was the man-of-war, and called out to stop
rowing, or we should all be cut off with grape shot or taken.
On this speech, the men all stopped rowing. I contradicted
him, and encouraged the men to put on. We soon passed
the privateer, and a little below it the boats ran afoul of
each other. We cleared each other and kept down the
river, when our sentries on Haarlem side fired at the boat ;
on which the prisoner got off the thwart and kneeled down
in the bottom of the boat. Captain Eldridge, who had
come on board our boat just before, called out to him, and
bid him get up. He refused, and said he did not choose to
be in the way of those plaguy balls. As we kept along
the prisoner saw the shade of some trees in the water, and
cried out there was the man-of-war. Some of the men
said so too. Presently after this a scattering fire began
from the enemy, on which the prisoner immediately squatted
down in the bottom of the boat ; the firing increasing, the
prisoner said the enemy had a number of boats, and that we
should be cut off, and begged for God's sake that we would
land on a point of land on Morisania side. This was said
loud, and must have been heard by the men. The boats
soon run foul of each other, and so much confusion ensued
that we were obliged to land at Morisania: As every
effort I could make I could not prevail on the men to go on,
Captain Eldridge and I went on shore, where we found
General Scolt, who told us it was too late, and we had better
go back. Before the boats run foul of each other Colonel
Jackson's boat had got out of sight, and we could not deter-
mine whether the Colonel's boat had landed or not. The
prisoner used no speeches of an encouraging kind during
the whole course down the river, but rather discouraged the
enterprise and disheartened the men. We had a man killed in
the boat, which seemed to dishearten the men, when 1 turned
it off by saying the man was asleep, and bid them row on.
Captain Eldridge deposes: About a mile from Montre-
sor's Island, the boats stopping, I went on board the boat in
which Adjutant Marsdin and the prisoner were. Soon
after I had got on board, our sentries from Haarlem side
fired upon us, when the prisoner squatted down in the bot-
tom of the boat. I begged him to get up. He said some-
thing about bullets — 1 don't remember what. He told me
that he had some men down as sentries at Morisania, who
had told him the enemy was five limes as strong as what
we thought, and that we were led into a scrape, and that
the ships would fire grape shot. He said this loud enough
for the men to hear. 1 told him that such talk was discour-
aging to the men, and that the story could not be true.
Presently after this some trees, which made a shade in the
water, were observed by some one (I think it was the pris-
oner) to be the enemy's tenders. We kept along till the
enemy's fire began, when the prisoner instantly squatted
down in the bottom of the boat. I begged him to get up;
told him such conduct discouraged the, men, and gave him
several kicks with my foot, which he did not attend to.
The firing increased, when the prisoner cried out, " for
God's sake retreat, or we shall all be cut off." A number
of the men joined the cry; confusion ensued ; the men laid
down in the boat, and were not to be governed. I attribute
the cowardice of the men to be more owing to the beha-
viour of the prisoner than to the enemy's fire. I doubt not,
had the prisoner been out of the boat, I should have got the
men on. The prisoner showed every sign of cowardice a
man well could.
Sergeant Wcymouth. After the men got into confusion
Captain Eldridge and Adjutant Marsdin exerted themselves
to quiet the men and get them on. The prisoner did no-
thing to encourage us. After the enemy began to fire upon
us, somebody, I can't tell who, in the bow of the boat, cried
out, " let us retreat, or the enemy will surround and cut us
off."
John Kilburn, Corporal, confirms the substance of Adju-
tant Marsdin's testimony, and says the prisoner's conduct
was very discouraging. That Marsdin and Eldridge did
every thing in their power to encourage the men, but the
confusion was so great they did not succeed. The depo-
nent was on the second seat from that on which the pris-
oner sat.
The Court adjourned till to-morrow, 1st of October, at
nine o'clock.
The Court met according to adjournment, and proceeded
on the trial adjourned from yesterday.
Jotham Baker. Heard the prisoner tell Adjutant Mars-
din that they had got into a scrape; that there was five
times the number of the enemy we thought for, and that
the ship would fire grape-shot upon us. When the sentries
fired upon us, the prisoner laid down on the boat. Cap-
tain Eldridge bid him get up, for he discouraged the men.
The prisoner replied he would not be in the way of the
balls. He several times, in going down, talked of the dan-
ger of the ship firing grape-shot. He never said any thing
but what was discouraging. When the enemy fired, he lay
down in the boat. Captain Eldridge and Marsdin begged
him to get up, and damned him. All the reply he made
was, "For God's sake, retreat! We shall all be cut off."
I was within four feet of the prisoner all the time we were
going down. Several of us observed what the prisoner
said. A number of the men were for retreating also.
Adjutant Marsdin and Captain Eldridge did every thing
to get the men on, but after the enemy began firing, the
confusion was so great they were not minded.
Fortune Baker deposes : That he rowed one of the bow
oars, and that the prisoner sat a little before him ; that soon
after the boat set off, the prisoner observed to the deponent
that there was a great number of the enemy on the island,
and that the party would certainly be cut off. The depo-
nent confirms the last witness's testimony ; and adds that
the whole of the prisoner's conduct down the river was
disheartening and cowardly. The deponent says he stood
close to the prisoner the whole time, and observed every
thing that passed.
The Prisoner's Defence.
Increase Wyman deposes: Was in the boat, and stood
close to the prisoner going down the river. The prisoner
took no command ; and the deponent did not hear the pris-
oner say or do any thing that was either encouraging or
not.
Daniel Shaw deposes : When the boats ran foul of one
another. I jumped out of one boat, and got into that in
which Captain Weisner was. At this time the enemy's fire
was very brisk. Captain Weisner said, "Clap to your oars,
boys, and go ashore; for we are safer there than we are
here. The Colonel and Major's boat are landed." On
this Mr. Marsdin said that the Colonel's boat had retreated,
and immediately ordered (he boats to retreat. Captain
Weisner asked Marsdin if he was sure the Colonel's boat
had retreated. Mr. Marsdin said yes. I belong to Cap'-
tain Weisner's Company.
William Davis. When the sentries fired, I saw Captain
JVeisner dodge down his head. Whilst the enemy fired
briskly, 1 heard an officer say, in the bow of the boat,
"Clap to your oars, my boys; we shall be safer on there
than here." From the voice, I took this to be said by
Captain Eldridge, and the shore meant to be where the
enemy was. When the man was killed in our boat, I
heard Captain Weisner say, " it was a joke ; the man was
only asleep." I don't know of Captain Weisner saying
any thing discouraging to the men.
Alexander Meers. I am one of Captain Weisner' 's Com-
pany. In the midst of the enemy's fire, the boat I was in
was within two rods of Captain Weisner's. I heard Cap-
tain Weisner cry out, "Boys, we must land, for our officers
are in the midst of the fire ; and there we must land, for
613
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
614
we are safer there than here." I did not see Captain
Weisner, but know it was him by the voice, which I am
well acquainted with.
Nathan Gary. Was in the same boat with Meers, and
confirms his testimony. The deponent is one of Captain
Weisner's Company.
Joel Cross. Was in the same boat with Meers, and con-
firms his testimony. The deponent is a private in Captain
Weisner's Company.
James Armstrong. The boats had retreated some way
back, when I heard Captain Weisner say, "For God's sake
let us go back where the Colonel and Major are fighting,
and die with them!" I was not in Captain Weisner's boat,
but within half a rod of it, when I saw Captain Weisner,
and heard him say this. 1 know nothing more of him.
The Court being cleared, after mature consideration, are
of opinion that the prisoner was guilty of misconduct and
cowardly behaviour, when on command in an enterprise
ordered against Montresor's Island, on the night of the 22d
September; and the Court unanimously sentence the pris-
oner to be cashiered, and rendered incapable of ever hold-
ing a commission in the service of the United States; and
the prisoner is hereby cashiered, and rendered incapable of
holding a commission ; and the Court adjudge that the
crime, name, place of abode, and judgment against the
delinquent, be published in and about the camp and of the
State of New- York, as ordered by the seventeenth article
of the rules and regulations for the government of the Con-
tinental troops. REZIN E^^ PresidenL
At a General Court-Martial held at the same place, by
adjournment, on the 30th day of September, A. D. 1776:
Colonel LASHER, President.
WILLIAM WILLCOCKS, Judge-Advocate.
Lieut. Col. Prentice, Captain Keith,
Lieut. Col. Johnston, Captain Dixon,
Captain Sill, Captain Brazier,
Captain Barns, Captain Townshend,
Captain Allen, Captain Plait,
Captain Dana, Captain Hardenburgh.
Benjamin Allen and Joseph Chesher, of Captain MicheCs
Company, Colonel Makom's Regiment, charged with de-
sertion by Captain Brenton Paine. The prisoners plead
guilty, with evasive excuses. Judged guilty. Sentenced
to receive twenty lashes each.
John Decker, Elijah Stanbury, and Jonathan Tomkins,
of Captain Blair's Company, Colonel NicoWs Regiment,
charged with desertion. Plead, "Intention to return."
Judged guilty. Sentenced to receive twenty lashes each.
JOHN LASHER, President.
The man who has brought me the letter rode all night.
Came to my house Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning
early, I rode off to Kingston, to Peck and Wynkoop's. He
tells rne that an old squaw, on whom they depended all
summer for a friendly warning, carne to some of the inhabi-
tants last week, weeping much, desiring them to move off
this week, to get out of danger, as she would not see them
in a great while. The inhabitants from Shohawkan were
moved. He also told me that there were yet at Papaconk
nine families, amounting to the number of between sixty
and seventy children, and that they would move away in
short, if they could get no assistance. They have a con-
siderable quantity of grain and stock. I would leave it to
your consideration if it would not be proper, if they must
come away, to send a guard to assist them to bring off as
much of their effects as possible. You know, in case of a
rupture of the Indians, our case will be bad, as our frontiers
will be drained of able-bodied men, and consequently neces-
sary that we should be assisted with men, to preserve our
lives and property, and that early, before the people suffer;
for I conceive the first murder is committed will occasion a
great consternation, and cause a number of people to evacu-
ate their places, the effect whereof you know. I doubt
not but you will do what is in your power for the best ; and
would be glad to receive a few lines from you, in answer,
and news, if there be any certain.
I am, with esteem, your humble servant, &c.,
A. DE WITT.
To Matthew Cantine and Charles De Witt, Esq., Fishkill.
GENERAL SCHCYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, September 30, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have the honour to acknowledge your
Excellency's favour of the 27th instant, with the paper
enclosed, which I shall immediately transmit to General
Gates.
The resolution of Congress of the 14th instant, received
since I wrote your Excellency on the subject of barracks,
has empowered the commander in this department to build
barracks where he may think proper ; but no nails can as
yet be procured.
Major William Edmenston, of the British Forty-Eighth
Regiment, who is now a prisoner sent down by the Com-
mittee of Tryon County, has requested my leave to wait on
you, in order to get exchanged, which I have refused until
I should receive your orders thereon.
We have intelligence from Osivego since the 20th instant.
No enemy then there.
I am, dear sir, with great respect, your Excellency's most
obedient, humble servant, p ^
To His Excellency General Washington,. Sic., &c.
MAJOR ADAMS TO MARYLAND CONVENTION.
Camp, Morris's Heights, September 30, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Being informed you are raising troops for
the service of the United States of America, beg leave to
address myself to your Honours on that particular head.
I flatter myself, since I have been in your service, I have
discharged that duty and trust your Honours were pleased
to repose in me as a soldier. Still being desirous of serving
my country in so glorious a cause as I have already em-
barked in, hope your Honours will consider me in the elec-
tion of officers in your State. From my ability, I can't
flatter myself with any particular post in your service, but
will leave that to your superiour abilities, hoping, at the
same time, you will not give me lower rank than I bear at
present in the army.
I have the honour to subscribe myself, gentlemen, your
most obedient and most humble servant,
DANL. J. ADAMS.
To the honourable the Convention of Maryland.
A. DE WITT TO MATTHEW CANTINE.
Kingston, September 30, 1776.
DEAR SIR: You will see, by the letter from myself,
Wynkoop, :md Fink, and the enclosed letter to the Con-
vention of the State of New-York, that the inhabitants of
Papaconk are in great fear of a rupture of the Indians.
TO THE PUBLICK.
The Commissioners appointed by Congress to examine
and liquidate the Publick Accounts for the Northern District,
give this publick notice that they have opened their office in
this city, where constant attendance will be given from nine
o'clock to two every day in the week, (Sundays excepted,)
and all persons, civil or military, who have been employed
in the service of the United States, whose accounts are not
settled, are required to deliver them in to this office on or
before the 31st day of October next.
JAMES MILLIGAN,
JOHN CARTER,
JOHN WELLES,
Albany, September 30, 1776. Commissioners.
GENERAL GATES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Ticonderoga, September 30, 1776.
SIR: I am much disappointed at not having it in my
power to own the receipt of any letter from your Excellency
since that of the 8th of July, nor a single line from either
the Secretary of the Congress or the Secretary at War, of
any date whatsoever. Knowing how precious your time
must be, I never trouble your Excellency with any letter
that is not immediately upon business, or that does not con-
tain some demand which I am indispensably obliged to
make. Would it not, therefore, be proper, that the demands
615
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
616
contained in my letters to your Excellency, should be
extracted and sent to the War Office, and 'that Hoard
directed to acquaint rne how far they can, and will, comply
with my requisitions?
I hope my letters to your Excellency of the 16th and
29th of J«/y,6th and 23d of August, 2d and '23d of Septem-
ber, are all received, and particularly the last, by Colonel
Hanssager, as it contained a plan for establishing the new
army, than which nothing can be of greater importance.
Enclosed is a copy of my last letter to Major-General
Schuylcr, which, as it contains an account of the state of
affairs here, I thought proper to transmit to your Excellency.
Colonel Haussager carried the returns of this army lo the
War Office: I conclude they have been laid before Con-
gress. The news of the great events that have passed, and
are daily passing, in the neighbourhood of New-York, come
to this army so broken, imperfect, and mutilated, that the
emissaries of our enemies, taking advantage of our want of
an account published by authority, grossly misrepresent
these transactions to the troops here. In some critical
moment, it might injure the publick cause. Would it not,
sir, be proper, upon any great event taking place, to have
a gazette published by order of Congress immediately
despatched to the different Slates, and their armies upon
the Continent ?
I must again remind your Excellency of the total want of
a train of field artillery in this department. Such a one as
that I requested, in my letter of the 6th of August last,
would be no more than what is absolutely necessary : there
is not a single howitzer, or mortar of any kind, upon this
ground. Had not some reason, which remains to be
explained, prevented the approach of the enemy, we must
have suffered exceedingly, perhaps been entirely ruined, by
this deficiency ; and to act offensively against the enemy in
Canada is utterly impossible without a field train. The
ammunition wanted in this department is particularly men-
tioned in my letter to General Schuykr of the 5th of Sep-
tember, a copy of which I enclosed your Excellency in my
packet of the
Your Excellency will find in the packet an extract of
Lieutenant Whitcomb's journal of his last scout to St. John's.
I have taken Ensign and Quartermaster Saunders's parole,
and ordered him and his servant, the Corporal, to Lancaster,
in Pennsylvania. I must now beg leave to recommend
Lieutenant Whitcomb as a very proper person to have the
command of two independent companies of fifty men each,
to be recruited by himself, and the officers to be commis-
sioned agreeable to his recommendation. I never knew any
man more capable of doing good service, in the ranging or
scouting way, than Lieutenant Whitcomb; and his sobriety,
honour, and truth, illustrate his military talents. I must
also do justice to the merit and long service of Colonel
Philip De Haas, by recommending him to Congress as
deserving promotion. Colonel Enoch Poor, of New Hamp-
shire, and Colonel John Paterson, of Massachusetts, are
also deserving officers, worthy the notice of Congress. As
numbers of field and other officers have died in the course
of this campaign, 1 wish, if Congress think proper, that
blank commissions were sent to me, to fill up in the manner
the most beneficial for the publick service : you may be
assured, sir, that is the only end I ever will have in view,
in obeying their commands.
October 3. — My apprehensions for our fleet in the late
storm were perfectly quieted by a letter I received last
night from General Arnold, dated off Isle Valcour, the 1st
instant. I find he had happily stationed the fleet in a situa-
tion where he rode out the gale in safety. One row-galley
had joined the General. The two others, under General
fVaterbury's command, sailed yesterday, and must have
reached the fleet this forenoon, as the wind has been fair
ever since. The fourth row-galley arrived here last night
from Skeensborough, and will be ready to sail in five or six
days at farthest, for Isle Valcour. When this galley gets
down the Lake, we have exerted all our possibles to oppose
the enemy in their approach by water.
This will be delivered to your Excellency by Lieutenant
John Lucas, of Colonel Greaton's Regiment: he was prin-
cipally employed last year at Cambridge, in the Continental
store, under General Mijflin. 1 send him to Philadelphia,
to forward up to Albany the clothing it may be the pleas-
ure of Congress to order to be sent for this army ; or to
procure such a quantity of woolens, linens, and particularly
shoes, as can be supplied from thence. Our troops are
wretchedly in want ol shoes.
I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant.
HORATIO GATES.
To His Excellency John Hancock, Esq.
(Parole, Home's Hook.)
Head-duarters, September 24, 1776.
(Countersign, Hamilton.)
Captain Craig of the Second Battalion of Pennsyl-
vaiiians, is appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, in the place of
Colonel Wood, preferred.
Captain Butler is appointed Major of the same Battalion.
Captain P. Frazier, of the Fourth Battalion of Ptnnsyl-
vanians, is appointed Major of the same, in place of Colonel
Hausager, promoted.
Officer of the day to-morrow, Colonel Wheclock. Brig-
ade-Major of the day, Brown.
Ephraim Carter is appointed an Ensign in the late Col-
onel Bedel's Regiment, in the room of Ensign F. Bayley,
discharged.
After General Orders. — General St. Glair's Brigade to
furnish daily at Head-Quarters, one Captain, two Subs, two
Sergeants, Uvo Corporals, one Drum, and forty-eight Privates,
to serve as a fatigue party under the orders of the Deputy
Quartermaster-General.
Head-duartera, September 25 1776
(Parole, Ward.) (Countersign, .Boston.)
Various frauds, impositions, and abuses being every day
committed by traders and hucksters coining to this camp,
the Quartermaster-General and his assistant are immediately
to regulate the prices to be paid for the several commodities
brought to sell, particularly garden stuff, venison, cheese,
butter, and all manner of eatables. For the future, all
persons bringing any of the above articles immediately for
sale, are to carry them to the foot of the glacis of the old
fort, where the market is constantly to be held. Should
any person or persons be detected monopolizing or fore-
stalling the market, they will be punished by a Court-
Martial, and have all their goods seized for the sick of the
hospital. The market is to be opened every morning at
eight o'clock, and to be allowed to continue till sunset.
Field officer of the day to-morrow, Lieutenant-Colonel
Irvine. Brigade-Major of the day, Ryan.
After General Orders. — The Surgeons and Surgeons'
Mates of all the Regiments to attend at the medicinal store
to-rnorrow morning, between eight and ten o'clock, in order
to receive their proportion of old linen, which is to be con-
verted into lint, and returned to the store.
(Parole, King's Bridge.)
Head-duarters, September 26, 1776.
(Countersign, Mifflin.)
Officer of the day for to-morrow, Lieutenant-Colonel
Ogden. Brigade-Major of the day, Brown.
After General Orders. — Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson,
President of the General Court -Martial being sick, Colonel
Wayne is appointed President in his place. The Court to
meet at nine o'clock to-morrow.
Head-duarters, September 27, 1776.
(Parole, Jersey.) (Countersign, Mercer.)
The Commissary will issue three sheep to each Regiment,
and two lo the corps of Artillery, to-morrow morning at ten
o'clock.
The commanding officers of Regiments will see that the
sick and weak soldiers are supplied with this refreshment.
The Commissary is to reckon the sheep in the allowance of
the Regiment, at their estimated weight.
Field officer of the day to-morrow, Lieutenant-Colonel
Abijah Brown. Major ol Brigade of ihe day, Ryan.
Head-duarters, September 28, 1776.
(Parole, Augustine.) (Countersign, Georgia.)
The following promolions are ordered to take place in
Colonel Reed's Regiment, viz:
Ensign Burton to be Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant
Thompson, promoted.
Sergeant Johnson to be Ensign, vice Ensign Burton,
promoted.
617
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
618
Ensign Cook to be Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant
Pratt, deceased.
Sergeant Green to be Ensign, vice Ensign Cook, advanced.
In Colonel Porter's Regiment: Quartermaster jP. Bishop
to be First Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant Pool, dead.
Tbere was an omission in the orders of tlie 24th instant.
It should have been expressed, that Lieutenant-Colonel
Craig and Major Butler were appointed by the most
honourable the Continental Congress, and Major Frazer
nominated by the General until the pleasure of Congress is
known.
Mr. Christopher Joseph Delezeune is appointed an assistant
Engineer under Col. Baldwin. He is to be obeyed as such.
Whereas, either led by curiosity, or from some sinister
design, many persons intermix with this army, continue
therewith as long as they find convenient, and again depart
without having any certificate from the Committee of Safety
of the place where they belong, or a pass from Head-Quar-
ters here, the General orders that, any person not properly
belonging to this army, who shall be found to have been
within the limits of this encampment above the space of one
hour, without having given in his name and business, either
at Head-Quarters, or to a field officer of some of the regi-
ments, and obtained a proper certificate thereof, shall be
confined, tried by a General Court-Martial, and punished
as the nature of the offence shall seem to deserve. The
General expects all officers will be careful in discovering
such delinquents.
Field officer of the day to-morrow, Lieutenant-Colonel
Leonard. Brigade-Major of the day, Brown.
Head-Quarters, September 29, 1776.
(Parole, Deane.) (Countersign, Hartford.)
The Regiments will deliver in their pay-abstracts to-
morrow at orderly time, agreeable to the General Orders of
the 19th instant.
Mr. Commissary Avert/ has orders to send directly from
Saratoga one thousand bushels of turnips and potatoes,
which will be served out to the troops in due proportion,
upon their arrival at the provision store.
The two hundred bushels of onions just brought to the
carrying-place at Lake George, are to be one half of them
sold at the market upon the glacis of the old Fort, and the
other half at the market place in the front of Colonel Pat-
terson's Regiment, upon Mount Independence.
Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Brown Field officer of
the day to-morrow. Brigade-Major of the day, Ryan.
(Parole, France.)
Head-Quarters, September 30, 1776.
(Countersign, Jejfcryson.)
The Commissary is immediately to issue one-half gill of
rum to every non-commissioned officer and soldier now in
camp.
It appearing upon a candid examination that the onions
brought from fVeathersfield, by Connecticut, have cost Mr.
Sedgwick upwards of ninety-five pounds lawful money,
transporting from thence, he is therefore permitted to sell
the said onions at twenty shillings, Neiv-York currency,
per bushel, and no more.
No Field officer, nor any officer subordinate to them, is
to presume to confine any of the Issuing Commissaries;
when the Commissaries are guilty of any breach of order or
duty, complaint is to be made in writing to the Command-
ing General, or the Deputy Quartermaster-General who will
immediately take proper measures to bring the offenders to
justice.
Lost last Friday, a silver watch, nigh the store at the
head of the wharf; whoever has found the same and will
return it to Lieutenant Smith, in Colonel Whitcomb's Regi-
ment, shall have four dollars reward.
Field officer of the day to-morrow, Lieutenant-Colonel
Craig ; Brigade-Major of the day, Browne.
General Return of the Forces of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, serving in the Northern Department, under the com-
mand of Honourable Major-General GATES. TICONDEROGA, September 29, 1776.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
EFFECTIVE RANK AND
FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
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since
last Return.
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17
30
38
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9
12
10
•
10
(i
13
14
10
16
8
8
16
30
11
13
6
91
40
75
41
88
159
123
164
153
117
180
159
228
220
51
217
342
187
219
147
160
285
386
269
130
111
81
194
83
160
176
81
102
268
124
205
122
246
70
39
4
72
123
110
271
234
145
192
137
78
201
65
14
98
38
2
12
57
22
2
28
3!)
63
6
86
147
2
53
17
51
9
4
10
9
16
5
111
1!)
•tfl
127
77
125
95
43
44
59
159
28
87
19
198
30
26
38
21
96
120
244
156
84
116
116
66
38
2.-)
18
9
33
97
1
2
2
2
]
2
313
340
346
316
328
374
403
593
334
450
384
609
414
432
57
380
503
446
619
631
471
571
655
468
510
233
1
4
9
2
a
a
a
2
4
5
4
a
8
a
<;
3
6
4
(i
7
4
10
1
:i
2
2
327
300
280
244
312
266
234
170
306
190
256
147
226
208
17
260
137
194
-
1
3
1
1
3
3
3
1
•1
B
2
2
5
1
4
1
2
4
1
4
1
1
-
Burrell
Porter
Late Reed
Stark ....
Poor *
Woods
Wynd
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
i
i
i
i
l
i
i
i
1
1
1
1
1
l
1
1
18
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
-
3
2
1
1
-
Wayne
Reed ....
40
5
3
3
1
2
2
3
•>•>
Wheelock
Willard • .
Swift
1
1
52
7
1
1
1
-
3
-
Total
14
i.-
21
151
1481441 823
•>o
is'599
J5*
4342
35K3
2212 192 11,180:2675 413341
47
•J!)
922
Irvine
1
i
i
i
i
1
J
4
3
3
1
g
3
5
3
3
1
2
1
3
5
2
1
2
1
5
2
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
i
i
i
1
1
1
1
1
17
Id
10
:i
4
5
15
11
4
2
3
2
194
156
75
20
73
57
165
50
30
87
103
28
20
3
Si
I
3
3
91
57
61
26
26
15
16
1
1
486
267
187
134
206
103
2
2
1
1
1
152
192
96
-
1
1
6
2
1
)5
-
-
14
1
is
5
-
Total
1
5
1
16 15
14
HI
_
3! 3 3 2
55| 37 575
463 51
276
IK
1383
4
3 440 - 'Ni2741
HORATIO GATES.
By the above General Return, it will appear the numbers that were necessary for the defence of Ticonderoga last year. It should be
observed that this was the exact state of the Army about twelve days before General Carlcton landed at Crown Point. H. G.
N. B. Dayton's, (not in this Return,) Van Schaick's, Van Dyck's, Wynkoop's, and half Moll's, were upon the Mohawk an 1 Hudson Rivers;
Irvine's at Crown Point, but, upon the enemy's approach, withdrawn.
619
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Return of the Corps of Artillery commanded by Major BADLAM.
620
Commissioned.
ft*
Non- Commissioned.
1 JtfalrossM.
q
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C
Chaplains
Surgeon.
Quarterm
Conducto
Sergeants
Corporals
Bombardi
Gunners.
Drums an
w
1
a.
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03
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U
M
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5
7
12
4
42
26
14
10
.
92
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Tyonderoga, September 30, 1776.
SIR: Your letter of the 23d instant is now before me.
The want of shingle-nails distresses us greatly, as we can
not cover our guard rooms, &.C., without them, and the sea-
son grows colder and colder ever day. Spikes, we have too
many. Some barrels came yesterday, ten I think. Colonel
Lewis tells me they were not more than two-thirds full. Is
this owing to theft, or are they sent in that manner? It is
quite unnecessary to send any more of that article. Iron
we also abound with. I cannot think we can use the half
of what we have this winter. The barracks you mention
have been preparing a long time ; three are already com-
pletely finished. There will be no want of good shelter for
a large and strong garrison, provided the shingle-nails are
forwarded in due season. What in the name of honesty
is doing with the boards that must be sawed at Cheshire's 1
We get none of them here. 1 wish you would send an
officer you can depend upon, to superintend that business.
Now I mention Cheshire's, is it not astonishing that the
road is not yet finished from thence, for the only five miles
there was to do in July last, when you and I rode that way ?
And we are to this moment obliged to supply the troops
and artificers, at Skeensborough, with provisions from here.
I always thought the large store .built at Cheshire's was in-
tended to supply the troops this way. That is a much
cheaper and belter communication than this by Lake
George. I wish you would order up all the men of the York
regiments you have to spare, to finish the road to Cheshire's,
that the proper use may be made of that communication.
The New-England Militia will not work properly on that
road. Could not a number of the Canadians, now at Al-
bany, be employed in this business ? They are excellent
fellows at labour.
Commissary Avery has my orders to purchase all the
turnips and potatoes you will supply us with from Saratoga.
The cordage you mention is arrived, but General Water-
bury is greatly disappointed in not receiving the cables.
The galleys must sail with such as are to be had here.
Better shall be sent them the moment they come to my
hands. We are industrious in repairing the old fort, the
stone redoubt at the east point of Tyonderoga, and con-
structing the outline of a strong fort upon Mount Independ-
ence. Preparations are also making to place the fleet in
security for the winter ; these are works which keep us all
employed, the sick and maligners excepted, and they many
more than they ought to be.
Messrs. Renssalaer &f Taylor have sent shirts, &c., for
the troops here, without naming the price, which causes
murmuring, and prevents the officers and men from taking
goods. I desire you will order Mr. Taylor to send without
delay the price he charges for each particular article he has
sent here.
The powder, lead, flints, and musket cartridge-paper
wrote for so long ago, are not even in part arrived. The
large demand supplied to the fleet, reduces our magazine so
much, that should the fleet, after expending their ammuni-
tion, be obliged to retire, we shall not have any thing like
sufficient to make a proper defence here. This should be
seriously attended to, and not a moment more lost in fur-
nishing the quantity demanded in my letter to you of the
5th of this instant.
Lieutenant-Colonel Buel must have imposed exceedingly
upon your friendship, or you would never have granted him
a furlough. Colonel Burrell has for some weeks been sent
home in a very bad state of health, and his regiment in the
utmost want of a Field officer to command it. Colonel
Buel boasted here he had served nine campaigns without
ever being in action, having always had the address to get
employed in some publick work remote from danger. Such
a subject deserves for once to be made to do his duty.
I am informed the fourth row-galley is ready to be
launched, the whole of the different gangs of ship-car-
penters being consolidated into one body to finish her. Is
it not the intention of Congress to continue to increase our
fleet with the utmost expedition ? If it is, more carpenters
should be forthwith engaged, and that work carried with
all the spirit and industry you are capable of. The ague
has so worn down the carpenters sent by order of Congress,
that more cannot be expected from them this season ; there-
fore, to continue this important work, more must be sup-
plied.
I earnestly wish the Commissioners for settling the publick
accounts, who are now at Albany, might be sent here im-
mediately, as there are demands upon the United States,
and several officers in publick stations here whose accounts
cannot be too soon adjusted.
You will consider of the covering that will be necessary
for the officers and soldiers to be quartered in Albany and
Schenectady for the winter, and if any more is wanted than
can at present be provided, you will give orders accordingly.
As there, can be no serious attack upon this side of the
Mohawk river before next summer, you will as soon as
possible order Colonel Dayton's regiment to this post, they
being inlisted to serve until next March, and being almost a
complete regiment. They are the properest to make a part
of the winter garrison here. The New-York regiments
and the Militia of the Mohawk river, must be more than
sufficient to guard the western frontier.
Enclosed is a copy of General Arnold's letter to me of
the 21st instant. His demands are complied with as far as
in my power, by the Trumbull galley, Captain Warner,
which sailed last Thursday evening to join the fleet. Gen-
eral Waterbury sails with the two other galleys to-morrow
morning early, and the schooner Liberty will immediately
after proceed to the fleet. The heavy storm last night
would fill me with great anxiety had not General Arnold,
as you will see in his letter, assured me that he had a safe
harbour within his reach. HORATIO GATES.
To Major-General Schuyler.
GENERAL GATES TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Ticonderoga, September 30, 1776.
SIR: I am just now honoured by the receipt of your
Excellency's letter of the 25th instant, from Lebanon. I
am happy to find your Excellency agree with me in senti-
ment in respect to the officers who ought to have com-
manded in the Continental Regiments, intended in future
to compose the army of the United States. It shall not be
my fault if your Excellency is not acquainted in time with
the merits and demerits of those from the Slate of Connec-
ticut, who have served under my command this campaign.
If the worthy are not regarded, and the unworthy disregarded,
the consequences are evident.
I am exceedingly ignorant of what has passed at New-
York, having never received a line from General Washing-
ton, since fighting took place ihere. And although Congress
pays some attention to my demands, I have not received a
line from the President since that of the 8th of July.
The plan for raising the new army is not yet come to my
hands. That is a business of the last importance. I sent
Mr. Hancock some time ago a scheme of mine for the
establishment thereof.
General Waterbury sails to-morrow morning with the two
remaining row-galleys. Captain Warner, in the Trumbull,
must have joined our fleet off Isle Valcour on Saturday.
We had a violent storm last night; but as General Arnold
621
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
622
told me in his letter of the 21st instant, that he had a secure
harbour within his reach, I am not very apprehensive for
the safety of the fleet.
I have ordered a bridge to be built over Otter Creek, at
Rutland, and a good road to be cut from the east side of
Mount Independence, to join the road at Castleton. The
bridge is almost finished, and the road will in about a week
be completed thither. Your State and that of Massachu-
setts will do themselves and the publick great service, in
making the roads that lead westward to Rutland as good as
possible. For further particulars, I must refer your Excel-
lency to Colonel Trumbull, who writes by this conveyance.
With great respect, I am, sir, your Excellency's most
obedient, humble servant, HORATIQ
To Governour Trumbull.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, September 30, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: I mentioned to you in my last, that I
had sent the boat and crew back towards the fleet, who had
got frightened at the firing of guns and returned. The men
just now arrived here. My boat is not yet corne. The
vessels of our fleet were firing at a mark, and the enemy
were rejoicing, or cleaning their artillery, at the Me Noix,
on the day that the firing was heard. The Sergeant can
inform you of the rest.
Nothing remarkable has happened here since my last. I
promised myself the pleasure of seeing you hereto-day, but
was disappointed. We had some good venison provided.
I am, sir, with the greatest regard and respect, your most
humble servant, ™
J.HOS. HARTLEY.
To General Gates.
P. S. I would be exceedingly glad to hear what has hap-
pened at New- York.
CAPTAIN FASSETT TO GENERAL GATES.
Monkton, September 30, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: On the 25th instant, a
party of Indians came within one mile of Deacon Rude's,
and took a man and his two sons prisoners. About the
same time in the day, was discovered another party of
Indians, seven or eight miles distant, by a parly of our men.
We were then building and preparing in the best manner
for our defence. Our men seeing the situation they were
in, paraded themselves and determined to leave the ground
at all events. We tried all that lay in our power to keep
them on the ground, till we could send word to your Honour,
but could not prevail with them. They said they were
willing to guard the frontiers ; but, they said, your Honour
did not know our situation ; they said they had as good die
one way as another. They marched in the night from the
ground to Williston, across the river, one mile and a half,
where we desired they would stay a few days, which they
did. We sent out scouts, sent your Honour an express,
and sent another down on the Grants, &c.
On the 28th instant, the men paraded themselves again,
and resolved as is in the within writing.
We have marched with the families and some of their
effects to this place, have no provisions valuable, and what
to do we know not. But we know there are evil, designing
men, which we understand are gone to see your Honour.
Perhaps they may give a false representation of our case;
but hope your Honour will wait patiently till there is a true
representation given of the case.
The bearer, Lieutenant Lyon, can give a true represent-
ation, as he is knowing to the whole affair, which we hope
will give your Honour satisfaction.
We are your Honour's most obedient, and very humble
servants,
„
JOHN t ASSETT,
:TT, ;
JONA. FASSETT, ^
To the Hon. Horatio Gates, Major-General and Command-
er of the Northern Department.
At a Council of War holden at Williston, at the house
of Colonel Chittcnden, September 28, 1776, Members
present: Captain Jonathan Fassett, President; Captain
John Fassett, Lieutenant Rufus Perry, Lieutenant Jonathan
Wright, Lieutenant Mathew Lyon, Clerk.
It was motioned by the President, that the soldiers that
should have been under the command of those officers have
paraded themselves this morning, and make the following
proposals to the officers, viz :
Firstly, That the officers take their command in their
proper stations on the following terms, viz: That they will
immediately march the men off Onion River, to the south-
ward to some place on Otter Creek, in order to defend the
frontiers of the New-Hampshire Grants, which was, as they
supposed, the extent of their being raised, and the General's
being requested to encourage the raising them.
Secondly, That they will resign the command on no
other terms.
Thirdly, That the officers may have half an hoar to con-
sider of those proposals.
Fourthly, That in case the officers shall refuse those pro-
posals, that each soldier will immediately march to his
respective home.
Resolved first, That we will accept of those proposals
offered by the soldiery, in our present poor situation, on
condition they resign to justice the leaders of the mutiny
which has taken the command out of the officers' hands, at
Head-Quarters, at Deacon Rude's house, at Jerico.
Resolved, second, That we choose Captain John Fassett
to treat with the soldiery on the foregoing subject.
Captain John Fassett after making application to the
soldiery paraded, he makes the following return, viz: That
the soldiery will not at the risk of their lives deliver up their
leaders, as it was a unanimous thing.
Having taken into consideration the poor, weak situation
we are in — officers without soldiers, and soldiers without
officers in an enemy's land — savages all round us:
Resolved, thirdly, That we will take the command on
the terms proposed by the soldiery.
The above is a true copy. Test :
MATHEW LYON, Clerk.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBCLL.
Saybrook, September 30, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : I had this day determined
to embark, with my little detachment, for Long-Island ; but
the desertion of several of my men, who are supposed to be
gone for New-London, in order to engage on board the pri-
vateer fitting out for that place, has prevented me. I am
informed some of the officers intended for those vessels have
given our men encouragement to desert, having asserted at
this place that they would protect them from the resentment
of their officers in case they would leave them and engage
in the sea service. I have transmitted General Washington
a copy of this letter, with an account of this matter, that he
may, if rny detachment is broken to pieces by this means,
be acquainted that it is not owing to my negligence. I send
this by Lieutenant Smith, who has my or"ders to apprehend
those deserters wherever they shall be found. It would be
an addition to the many obligations conferred upon me, if it
should please your Honour to grant a warrant to search those
vessels for the persons we are in quest of.
I should have no objection to any number of men being
drafted from the detachment for that service or any other,
provided it was thought necessary by General Washington;
but cannot help thinking it a great imposition, after having
by his order inlisted and with pains disciplined them, to have
them, just when they are needed to carry into execution his
orders, taken from me by such methods as these. 1 would
not for a moment continue in the land service was this
allowed of. I have entered it merely to serve my country,
but see plainly that it will be impossible for me to carry into
execution my resolution with effect if the officers of the
navy are suffered to spirit our men away by such low artifices
as these. I should not much mind the desertion of a few
worthless fellows, was it not for the influence their bad ex-
ample may have upon others. A spirit of desertion is now
among my men, and if passed over with impunity will, I
fear, have bad consequences.
I remain, with respect and esteem, your Honour's most
obedient, humble servant, H£NRY R Llv,NGSTON
To His Honour Governour Trumbull.
623
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
624
CHRISTOPHER LEFFINGWELL TO GOVERNOUR TKUMBULL.
Norwich, September 30, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: In pursuance of orders received from
your Honour and from Colonel Wolcolt, in conformity
thereto, I have been with my company and twelve men
from Colonel WolcotCs, with what shipping I could find, to
Sag-Harbour, where I was joined by a company from
Colonel Livingston, with which we have taken off" most of
the fat cattle that was left in the Hamptons and on Mon-
tauk, as also most of the sheep, having left a sufficiency
of fat beef and mutton and the milch cows, for the use of
the inhabitants that tarry on the island, as also the greater
part of the lean and young cattle.
The vessels I took up at Norwich and New-London
brought off seven hundred and ninety sheep, one hundred
and fifty-two head of horned cattle, three families, furniture,
Stc., &.c. The sheep and cattle have been delivered to the
Committee of Norwich. Several of the owners are now
there taking charge of their own. Others are expected
soon, but probably there will be a number that no owner
will appear for this some time.
The Committee of Norwich have never received any
request from the Convention of the State of New-York,
neither had they seen the resolution of that Convention
recommending the removal of the women, children, stock,
&c., until I shew a copy of it to them this day. They
were proposing to advertise the remaining cattle and sheep
for sale at publick auction ; but as it is new business, and
they are not invested with such authority as they could
wish, they desire to be instructed by your Honour. A
great number of the inhabitants of Easthampton own they
have taken the oath of allegiance, and signed the roll of
submission ; many of which have since come off, and more
intend coming. They are threshing their English grain,
and are very desirous of getting their Indian corn, if pos-
sible. My company were the last troops on the island,
Colonel Livingston's men having embarked and sailed
before we had taken all the stock on board. The officers
and men have exerted themselves beyond what is common,
and are much fatigued ; hope your Honour will excuse
them from any further immediate service, that they may
have time to recruit, except something very special should
require their aid.
I have paid some of the masters and people I employed
in the shipping, as I promised them their money immediately
on their return. The owners I have paid nothing; wish
to be directed how to settle with them, and advised how
they shall be paid, and when, as they will be calling on
me.
Beg leave to subscribe, with great esteem, your Honour's
most obedient, humble servant,
CHRIST. LEFFINGWELL.
To Governour Trumbull.
N. B. The vessels em ployed by Colonel Livingston
imagine must have carried off double the number of stock
and ten times as many of the inhabitants as those I em-
ployed. C. L.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Providence, September 30, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Enclosed you have a copy of the account
Captain Whipple gave me of his cruise, who arrived here
yesterday in the Columbus, and a copy of a letter I received
this day from Mr. Goddard. The Columbus is very foul ;
shall order her to Newport the first fair wind to clean. The
Hampdcn and the Alfred are ready all but men, which I
have not been able to get a sufficient number yet. The
new ships are down the river with about one hundred men
each, but as there are so many privateers fitting out, which
give more encouragement as to shares, it makes it difficult to
man the Continental vessels. There are some small-arms
arrived here belonging to the Continent, imported by Messrs.
Nicholas, Brown, fy- Co.; should be glad of an order for
them for the new ships, as I expect to get orders from the
Committee of this State to inlist men out of their troops
when they meet, which will be this week.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
E. HOPKINS.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Marine
Committee, at Philadelphia.
GENERAL WARD TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Boston, September 30, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOURS : As your Honours have
thought proper to remove from the Heights on Dorchester
Point those cannon which I had placed there, 1 must en-
treat you to see that those Heights are supplied with other
proper cannon, and well furnished with ammunition. They
are important posts, and ought not to be destitute of proper
ordnance and ordnance stores one day. It gives me great
uneasiness to think they have been so long destitute, and
not in my power to furnish them. If we should be attacked
when they are in such situation, the consequence will be
bad, and great blame will fall somewhere, and that it may
not justly come on me I give you this notice.
1 am your Honours' humble servant,
ARTEMAS WARD.
To the honourable Board.
CAPTAIN J. P. JONES TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Providence, off the Isle of Sable, September 30, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I had the honour of writing to you on the
27th ultimo, per the brigantine Britannia, a whaler, which
I sent in under the care of Lieutenant Grinnell ; likewise
4th current, per the brigantine Sea-Nymph, which I sent
in under the care of Mr. W. Hopkins ; also 7th current,
per the brigantine Favourite, which I sent in under the care
of Mr. J. Vesey. The Sea-Nymph was from Barbadoes
for London; the Favourite, from Antigua for Liverpool.
From that time till the 14th 1 cruised without seeing any
vessels. I then spoke the Columbus's prize, the ship Royal
Exchange, bound for Boston. By this time my water and
wood began to run short, which induced me to stand to the
northward for some port of Nova-Scotia or Cape Breton.
I had besides a prospect of destroying the English shipping
in these parts. The 16th and 17th I had a very heavy
gale from the northwest, which obliged me to dismount all
my guns, and strike every thing I could into the hold. The
19th I made the Isle of Sable, and on the 20th, being
between it and the main, I met with an English frigate,
with a merchant ship under her convoy. I had hove to, to
give my people an opportunity of taking fish, when the
frigate came in sight directly to windward, and was so good-
natured as to save me the trouble of chasing him, by bearing
down the instant he discovered us. When he came within
cannon shot, I made sail to try his speed quartering, and,
finding that I had the advantage, shortened sail to give him
a wild goose chase, and tempt him to throw away powder
and shot. Accordingly a curious mock engagement was
maintained between us for eight hours, till night, with her
sable curtain, put an end to this famous exploit of English
knight-errantry.
He excited my contempt so much by his continual firing
at more than twice the proper distance, that when he
rounded to, to give his broadside, I ordered my Marine
officer to return the salute with only a single musket. We
saw him next morning standing to the westward, and it is
not unlikely that he hath told his friends at Halifax what a
trimming he gave to a " Rebel privateer" that he found
infesting the coast.
That night I was off Canso harbour, and sent my boat
in to gain information. On the morning of the 22d, I
anchored in the harbour, and before night got off a sufficiency
of wood and water. Here I recruited several men, and
finding three English schooners in the harbour, we that
night burnt one, sunk another, and in the morning carried
off the third, which we had loaded with what fish was found
in the other two.
At Canso, I received information of nine sail of ships,
brigs, and schooners, in the harbours of Narrows hook and
Peter de Groat, at a small distance from each other in the
Island of Madame, on the east side of the bay of Canso.
These I determined to take or destroy, and to do it effect-
ually. Having brought a shallop for the purpose from
Canso, I despatched her witli twenty-five armed men, to
ftarrowshook, while my boat went well manned and armed
to Peter de Groat, and 1 kept off and on with the sloop to
keep them in awe in both places. The expedition suc-
ceeded to my wish. So effectual was the surprise, and so
general the panick, that numbers yielded to a handlul without
opposition, and never was a bloodless victory more complete.
625
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
626
As the shipping that were loaded were all unrigged, I had
recourse to an expedient for despatch: I promised to leave
the late proprietors vessels sufficient to carry them home to
the Island of Jersey, on condition that they immediately
fitted out and rigged such of the rest as might he required.
This condition was readily complied with, and they assisted
my people with unremitting application till the business was
completed; but the evening of the 25th brought with it a
violent gale of wind with rain, which obliged me to anchor
in the entrance of Narrowshook, where I rode it out with
both anchors and whole cables ahead. Two of our prizes,
the ship Alexander and schooner Sea-Flower, had come
out before the gale began. The ship anchored under a point,
and rode it out, but the schooner after anchoring, drove and
ran ashore. She was a valuable prize, being loaded with
oil ; but as we could not get her off, I next day ordered her
to be set on fire. The schooner Ebenezer, taken at Canso,
was driven on a reef of sunken rocks, and there totally lost,
the people having with difficulty saved themselves on a
raft.
Towards noon, on the 26th, the gale began to abate.
The ship Adventure being unrigged and almost empty, I
ordered her to be burnt. I put to sea in the afternoon with
the brigantine Kingston Packet, and being joined by the
Alexander, went off Peter de Groat. I had sent an officer
round in a shallop to order the vessels in that harbour to
meet me in the offing, and he now joined me in the brigan-
tine Success, and informed me that Mr. Gallagher (the
officer who had commanded the party in that harbour) had
left it, at the beginning of the gale, in the brigantine Defiance,
and taken with him my boat and all the people. I am
unwilling to believe that this was done with an evil inten-
tion. I rather think he concluded the boat and people
necessary to assist the vessel in getting out, the navigation
being difficult, and the wind at the time unfavourable ; and
when the gale was begun, 1 know it was impossible for them
to return. Thus weakened, I could attempt nothing more.
With one of our brigs and the sloop 1 could have scoured
the coast and secured the destruction of a large coal fleet
that was loading near Lewisburgh, with the Savage only to
protect them.
The fishery at Canso and Madame is effectually de-
stroyed;' out of twelve sail which 1 took there, I only left
two small schooners and one small brig to convey a number
of unfortunate men, not short of three hundred, across the
Western ocean. Had I gone farther, I should have stood
chargeable with inhumanity. In my ticklish situation, it
would have been madness to lose a moment. I therefore
hastened to the southward, to convey my prizes out 01
harm's way; Dawson's brig having been within fifteen
leagues of the scene of action during the whole time.
On the 27th I saw two sail, which we took for Quebeck
transports. Unable to resist the temptation, having ap-
pointed a three days' rendezvous on the southwest part of
the Isle of Sable, 1 gave chase, but could not come up
before they got into Lewisburg, a place where I had reason
to expect a far superidur lorce, and therefore returned, and
this day joined rny prizes at the rendezvous.
If my poor endeavour should meet with your approba-
tion, I shall be greatly rewarded in the pleasing reflection of
having endeavoured to do my duty. 1 have had so much
stormy weather and been obliged, on divers occasions, to
carry so much sail, that the sloop is in no condition to con-
tinue long out of port. 1 am, besides, very weak-handed,
and the men 1 have are scarce able to stand the deck for
want of clothing, the weather here being very cold. These
reasons induce me to bend my thoughts towards the Conti-
nent. I do not expect to meet with much, if any success,
on my return ; but if fortune should insist on sending a trans-
port or so in my way, weak as 1 am, I will endeavour to
pilot him safe. It is but justice to add that my officers and
men behaved incomparably well on the above occasion.
I have the honour to be, -with much respect and grateful
esteem, gentlemen, your most obliged and very humble ser-
vant,
JNO. P. JONES.
To the honourable the Marine Committee.
[Two copies per the Providence's prizes, the ship Alexander and brig-
antine Success.]
MARYLAND COUNCIL OP SAFETY.
Monday, September 2, 1776.
Council met. Present the same Members as on the 31st
of August.
Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to
John Amber 37s., for attending the Hospital.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Tfiomas White
£16 17s. 6d., for Boatage for Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Richardson £300, for Arms and Blankets.
Ordered, That Captain James Tootell provide a Sergeant
and eight men of the Militia to guard the Magazine near
his house; and that he endeavour to hire that number of
men who will keep guard constantly, and let this Board
know the lowest price at which they can be got.
n , , rr,, , ft, v,/.,,. y-,, Robert Welch was appointed Surgeon Assistant to Colo-
Ordered That said Treasurer pay to William Clayton ne, Ewi ,, Ba[ta,ion ^ th(J K1 j S_C .
27s. Hid., for Cartage lor Hymg-Camp. ' •
y\ 1 7 mi . • * m -r* . A €\ \n\\vnciti\ till t\t\v\ f\n\r t/m r\'fttf\fi\r
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Patrick Hannah
£73 &., for Tent Poles.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Parker £3
5s., for a Gun.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Nevins
and Company £18 16s. 6d., for balance of his Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joseph Gilpin, for
use of Henry Hollingsworth, £300, to provide necessaries
for the Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Byers £13
2*. 6rf., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas
Ewing, for use and by order of Major Gist, £30.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joseph Dorsey
£6 15s., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas B. Hodgs-
Tcin 20s., for Cartouch Paper.
Ordered, That Supervisors of the Gun-Lock Manufac-
tory, at Frederick, deliver to Captain Thomas Beal four
Rifle Gun-Locks.
Copy of Letter No. 167 was sent to Captain Darnes.
Ordered, That Captains Forrest and Bourke immediately
march both their' Companies to the city of Annapolis, on
their way to the Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That Commissaries of Stores deliver to Colonel
Ewing, or to his order, whatever Guns, Tents, Camp-Kettles,
Cartouch-Boxes, Gun-Slings, Bayonet-Belts, Knapsacks, £5 12s. 6rf., for Boatage.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, September 3, 1776.
Council met. Present the same Members as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William
Belwood £5, for Boatage for Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to George
Gordon and Oliver Whiddon £ lu 8s. llrf., lor mending
Guns.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Dronn
13s. 4rf., for making Clothes.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to George
Trumbull, for use of Captain James Nicholson, £514, lor
pay of ship Defence's Crew.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to George Trumbull,
for the use of Jesse Hollingsworth, £200.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Samuel Chester
£2^ 10s., for being Adjutant.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Svlby &. Howard
£13 16s. 6rf., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Samuel Harris
£6., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Daniel Jenifer,
Jim., £9 7s. 6d., for his medical attendance at St. George's
Camp.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Akers
and Haversacks, Priming-Wires, Brushes, and Canteens.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
40
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
627
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
628
Wednesday, September 4, 1776.
Council met. Present same Members as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Thomas £3 9s.. for Subsist of Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joseph Gilpin, for
use of Tobias Rudolph, £18 3s., for Wagonage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joseph Gilpin
£4 19s. Id., for Wagonage.
Warrant was issued to Abraham Boyd to enroll fifty men
for the Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Boyd £135 currency.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Robert Wache
£9 13s. 8d., for Militia duty,
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Matthew Traverse
£94, for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Francis Bruesbanks
£4 10s., for Boatage.
Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to John Crandall
£3 10s., for a Gun.
Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Henry Griffith
36s., for Subsist of Flying-Camp.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, September 5, 1776.
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester-
day.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Wise-
man Claggett £3 10s., for a Gun.
Ordered, That Commission issue to Robert Polk, of the
schooner Montgomery, he having given bond according to
the instructions of Congress.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Richard
Weems 12*., for and on account of his Company.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Annapolis de-
liver to John Davidson one barrel of Musket Gunpowder,
in exchange for one barrel of Cannon ditto.
Commissions issued to Solomon Long, appointed First
Lieutenant, Ely Dorsey, Second Lieutenant, and Richard
Grace, Third Lieutenant, of an Independent Company.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Eliza-
beth Sharpe £2 14s. 6d., for nursing the Sick at Hospital.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Philis Waterland
15s. for attending Sick at Hospital.
Ordered, That Paymaster pay to Captain Waikins one
month's pay, ending 3d day of September instant.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Edward
Abell£ll3 15s. I0d., for his Company of Militia on duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Lieutenant Henry
Dennis, for use of Philip Fiddeman, £475 7s. I0d., for
and on account of his Company.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore' Treasurer pay to Colonel
Benson Stanton £207 2s. 6d., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Annapolis de-
liver to Captain Philip Fiddeman eighty-six Knap and
Haversacks, Priming-Wires, Brushes, and fifteen Camp-
Kettles.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Richard
Barnaby £45, for Boatage.
Ordered. That said Treasurer pay to Charles Wallace,
Esq., £500.
Copy of Letter No. 168 was sent to Captain Fiddeman;
No. 169 to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth; No. 170 to
Thomas Stone, Esq.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Robert
Martin £6 15s., for Boatage.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, September 6, 1776.
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester-
day.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Robert Bowie £94 9s. 3d., for balance of his Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Benjamin Brookes
£4 12s. 6d., for Expresses.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John H. Briscoe
£7 19s., for balance of his Account.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
John Ennalls £90 17s. 4</., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Clark Sprigg, for collecting the number of souls in part of
Prince George's County.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Benjamin Brookes
£15, for collecting number of souls in County aforesaid.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Gordon ty- Patten
£708 18s., for Knapsacks with Haversacks.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Harrington
40s., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Matthew Patten
£29 12s. 3d., for Scabbards.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to said Patten ] 3s. 9d.,
for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jno. Gordon £15
Os. 3d., for amount of his Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Gordon, for
use of George Fitzings, £4 Is., for amount of his Ac-
count.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Allcock £45,
for thirty days' Engineering.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Edward Parker
£110, for Blankets.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
John Addison, for use of Captain Edward Tilliard, £125,
for advance.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain IVilliam
Richardson £62 7s. 4d., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain David
Crawford £3 2s. 6d., for Expresses.
Permit was granted to Hugh Sherwood, of the Schooner
Betsey, to go to Martinico, or any other foreign port, he
having given bond with security, according to Resolves of
Congress.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas
Smyth, Esq., for use of the Committee of Kent County,
£400, for Arms and Blankets.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Pryse
£23 3s. 3d., for amount of his Account.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, September 7, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Francis
Burgess £18, for being Adjutant.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to John
Maltimore £4 10s., for Boatage.
Commissions issued to Joseph Hall, appointed Surgeon,
John Johnson and Richard Donning, Surgeon Assistants,
to Colonel Griffith's Battalion of Flying-Camp.
Adjourned till Monday, ten o'clock.
Monday, September 9, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Lieu-
tenant William Bcall, for the use of Captain Robert Bowie,
£6, for pay for part of his Company.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Uriah
Forrest £334 15s. 9d., for Pay and Subsist of his Com-
pany.
Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to said Forrest,
for use of Belwood 8f Parran, £5 5s., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Pollard Edmond-
son, for use of David Mclntosh, £24, for four months' Ad-
jutancy.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joshua Tugore
£3, for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Robert Cummins
£1000, on account of Subsist of Troops.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Hillary Wilson
30s., for Subsist of part of Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Henry
Stonestreet £14, for being Adjutant.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, September 10, 1776.
Council met. Present same Members as on yesterday.
Copy of Letter No. 171 was sent to William Hindman.
629
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
630
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Daniel
Fowler 50*., for a Gun.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Henry Sewell £8
6s. 1 Id., for Subsist for Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That the Paymaster of the Eastern-Shore ad-
vance and pay to the Guard of the Eastern-Shore Maga-
zine, or any person authorized to receive the same, Is. per
man per day, (or subsist, and such pay as due to the Militia,
when in actual service, the Guard consisting of a Sergeant
and eight men, at the expiration of each month.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Peter
Smith £24 17*., for Drums.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Davidson,
for the use of Archibald Buchanan, £500, on account of
Gondolas.
Copy of Letter No. 172 to Colonel Henry Hollings-
worth; No. 173 to the Committee of Observation for Bal-
timore County.
Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Cap-
tain John Mackall £81 2s. 4d., for Militia on duty.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Wednesday, September 11, 1776.
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester-
day.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
John Brooke, Jun., £399 14*. 4r/., for and on account of
his Company.
Captain John Brooke's Company commissioned.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Tootell £61 13s. 3d., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Urquhart
£4 13*., for Subsist of part of Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Cornelius Garret-
son £24 4*. 3d., for amount of Account.
Copy of Letter No. 175 was sent to Colonel Smallwood
and Brigadier-General Beall.
Ordered, That Colonel William Smallwood be requested
to procure a Stamp to be made, on which the word Mary-
land shall be engraved ; and that he therewith cause all
the Guns belonging to this State in the hands of the Regu-
lar Troops, including the Independent Companies, to be
stamped; and Brigadier-General Beall, or the command-
ing officer of the Militia of the Flying-Camp, is requested
to cause all of the Guns in the hands of the said last-men-
tioned Troops to be stamped in the same manner.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
John Stall £600, for and on account of the Militia Com-
pany to be raised in the Upper District in Frederick
County.
Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Dr. Adam
Fisher £600, for and on account of the Company to be
raised in the Middle District of Frederick County.
Warrants issued to Elijah Roboson, appointed Captain,
Samuel Baker, appointed First Lieutenant, Vetch. Gaither,
appointed Second Lieutenant, Nicholas Worthington, ap-
pointed Ensign, of a Company for Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Major
Elijah Roboson £600, on account of his Company.
Ordered, That Advertisements be inserted lor one thou-
sand Pikes.
Commissions issued to James Lloyd, appointed Second
Lieutenant, and Richard Willis, Ensign, of Captain Frisby's
Company of Militia, in Kent County.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, September 12, 1776.
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester-
day.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Elisha
Williams £600, for to raise the Militia Company in Lower
District of Frederick County.
Ordered, That Samuel Messcrsmith be requested to de-
liver to Captain Forrest all the Guns which were left in his
custody to be repaired by Captain Hammond.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores immediately send
to Annapolis one hundred Camp Kettles; and all the Can-
teens from the Magazine, and Guns, if any, to be sent to
Annapolis.
Copy of Letter No. 176 was sent to Jesse Hollingi-
worth.
Permit was granted to Job Greene, of the Schooner
Two-Brothers, to go to Martinique, or any other foreign
port, he having given bond and returned a manifest, agree-
able to the Resolves of Convention.
Permit was granted to Thomas Ridley, of the Sloop
Fanny, to go to Hispaniola, or otherwise.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Archi-
bald Buchanan £450, for Schooner Dolphin, insured by
this State.
Ordered, That sard Treasurer pay to George Wells
£300, on account of Gondolas.
Ordered, That Mr. Hollingsworth be requested to de-
liver to Mr. Stephen Steward two thousand weight Bread
and ten barrels Flour.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Baltimore-
Town deliver to Henry Howard one half-barrel Powder,
to try Cannon.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Stephen
Steward £200, for Craigh's Boat.
Commissions issued to Ezekiel yickars, appointed Cap-
tain, Thomas Firmin Eccleston, appointed First Lieutenant,
Nathaniel Manning, appointed Second Lieutenant, John
C. Harrison, appointed Ensign, of a Company of Militia
in the Nineteenth Battalion.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Joseph
Middleton £150, for his look-out Boats.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Smith, Esq.,
for use of the Committee of Observation for Baltimore
County, £600, on account of the Fortifications.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Nathaniel Stinchi-
comb £5 5*., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Shilies
£7 4s.. for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to the Committee of
Observation for Caroline County £25 3s. 5d., for amount
of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Conway
£72 12s., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Daniel Campbell
£3 10s., for a Gun.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Greenb. Goldsborough £461 1*. 9d., for and on account
of his Company.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to said Goldsborough
£50 for advance.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
John Ennalls £24 19*. 6d., for amount of Account.
Copy of Letter No. 177 was sent to Gerard Hopkins;
Nos. 178 and 179 to Messrs. Vanbibber Sf Harrison.
Commission to Captain Conway, of Sloop Molly, as a
Leljter-of-Marque.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Josh.
Nicholson, Esq., £16 2s., for his attendance in Council of
Safety.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, September 13, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
James Murray £706 13s. 6d., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
John Parnham £34 17*. 3d., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Dent £8
8s. \0d., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to
Thomas Dent £25, for enumerating the inhabitants in part
of Prince George's County.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Tuck £3
1 1*. 3d., for expenses.
Copy of Letter No. 180 sent to George Cooke, Esq.
James Boyd, of St. Mary's County, contracts with the
Council of Safety for making Muskets, completely fitted
in the usual manner, at £4 5s. each ; the Council enga-
631
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
632
ging to take any quantity of him, and find Powder for their
proof.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to OHvtr
Whiddon £3 10*., for a Musket.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joseph Gilpin,
Esq., £1,000, for three Companies in Cecil County.
Copy of Letter No. 181 was sent to Benjamin Ramsey
and James Tilghman, Esquires.
Henry Killum, Zerobabel Maddox, and William Corbin,
being called upon and examined, and appearing to he per-
sons who had gone over to the enemy, and deserted from
them,
Ordered, That they stand committed, until they give
security, in the sum of £50 currency, each, for their good
behaviour and obeying all orders of the honourable Con-
gress and Convention.
Ordered, That they be put under the care of Mr.
Thomas Price, and be delivered by him to the Committee
of Observation for Somerset County, who are required to
take security according to the above order.
William Tumblesome discharged on his parole not to
leave Annapolis until the further order of the Council of
Safety.
John Evans, John Price, and Robert Howarth, dis-
charged, upon giving bond, with security.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, September 14, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Lambert Purnell, of Captain Watkins' s Company, dis-
charged, and permitted to return to his home.
Adjourned till Monday, ten o'clock.
Monday, September 16, 1776.
Council met. Present as on Saturday,
Permit was granted to William Thomas, Master of the
Sloop Hazard, to go to Martinique, and dispose of his
cargo, he having given bond, and lodged a manifest, agree-
ably to the Resolve of Convention.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Beriah Mabury £13 12*. 8d., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Brittenham Dick-
inson £7 11*. Id., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jonathan Parker
£5 12*., for going Expresses.
Ordered, That Captain Smith be directed to let Job
Green, of the Schooner Two-Brothers, proceed on his voy-
age, according to permit heretofore granted.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
Hooe, for use of Joseph Hanson Harrison, £440 9*. 4d.,
for amount of Account.
Barton Tabbs appointed Surgeon Assistant to Doctor
Briscoe, of the seven Independent Companies.
Lambert Purnell, of Captain Watkins's Company, dis-
charged from the service, and permitted to go to his friends.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
James Murray £3 14s. 4rf., for Militia duty.
Commissions issued to Isaac Reid, appointed First Lieu-
tenant, Nehemiah Messcck, appointed Second Lieutenant,
John Treyford, appointed Ensign, of a Company of Militia
called the Friendship's Company, in Dorchester County.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to John
Bullen £81 10*., for two Horses.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Barton
Tabbs £7 Is. 6d., for medical attendance at St. George's
Carnp.
William Matthews, of Captain Gunby's Company, is dis-
charged.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Bullen £5 15*., for sundries, per Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Peter Shaw £10
10*., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel John En-
nails £21, for Militia duty.
_ Permit granted to Thomas Waters, Master of Sloop Bal-
timore Hero, to go to Martinique or any other foreign port,
he having given bond with security, agreeable to the Resolves
of Convention.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, September 17, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Isaac
Vanbibber, for use of Seth Paddock, £25 10*., for amount
of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Leypold £2
15*., for Express.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Cap-
tain Henry Shaajf' £60 12s. 2rf., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Cox £69
10s. 2o"., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain John
Smith £39 5s. 10(/., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jos. Robson £ 16
8s. 3d., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Richard Sprigg
£40 12*. 6d., for Cannon.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Francis Sanderson
£428 13*., for copper Camp-Kettles.
Copy of Letter No. 182 was sent to Robert Alexander,
Esquire.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
Richard Barnes £145 17*. 3d., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James West £5,
for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Dr. John Parnham
42*. 3d., for Militia LTtensils.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Basil
Brooke £6 8*., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas
Watkins £600, for inlisting a Flying-Camp Company.
Warrants issued to Thomas Watkins, appointed Captain,
Levi Lawrence, First Lieutenant, Thomas Todd, Second
Lieutenant, and John Jiams, Jan., Ensign, of a Company
for Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That Dr. Richard Tootell be requested to re-
move any Soldiers of infectious disorders, to be nursed in
private houses.
. Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Dr.
James Brohon £12 19*., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to William
Traverse £367 6*. I0d., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William
Traverse £74 9s., for ditto. /
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joseph Duvall £4
17*. 3d., for apprehending Deserters.
Ordered, That Mr. Stephen Steward take possession of
all the Military Stores, Guns, and Rigging of the Schooner
Resolution.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Uriah Forrest, for use of Abm. Barnes, S. Belwood, and
C. Chesley, £19 3*. 4a"., for amount of his Account.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Wednesday, September 18, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Peter
Chaille £85 9*., for amount of Account.
Mr. Nicholas Thomas, appointed a Member of this Board,
attended, and having taken the oath prescribed by the Con-
vention, took his seat accordingly.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
Jeremiah Jordan £79 6*. 2</., for Militia Accounts.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Parson £13
15*., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Akers 15s.,
for ditto.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Jeremiah
Jordan £3 13*. Gd.. for repairing Guns.
Permit was granted Josh. Hayman, commander of Sloop
Betsey, to go to Caiman, or any other foreign port.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Bullen £40, to be accounted for.
633
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
634
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
James Nicholson £514, for pay of Defence Ship's Crew.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Christian Rhebeck
£72 [os., for Priming-Wires and Brushes.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Major Thomas
Snowden £78 18s., for Gun Carriages.
Ordered, That a Court-Marlial be held for the trial of
Captain John Fontleroy, of the Twenty-Eighth Battalion.
That Major Matthew Driver be President of the said
Court, and the following persons Members of the same:
Captains Thomas Hughlett. Vincent Price, John Mitchell,
Nathaniel Potter, Josh. Douglass, Peter Richardson, and
Henry Easson, Jun.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
James Nicholson £934 8*. Qd., currency, on account of
Defence.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Oliver Whiddon
£3 10s., fora Musket.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Frederick Teems
£224, for the Bounty of a Company for Flying-Camp.
Warrant issued to Frederick Teems, appointed Captain
of a Company in Baltimore County.
Copy of Letter No. 183 was sent to Colonel William
Buchanan.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, September 19, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Roystone £2 6s. Qd., for amount of Account.
Mr. Tilghman attended.
James Cunningham and William Tomlinson permitted to
pass through any part of the Western-Shore, and not to
depart without leave of this Board, they being prisoners from
Lord Dunmore'i Fleet.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Cunningham £3, for his Subsist while on parole.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Tomlinson
30s., for his Subsist while on parole.
Mr. William Hindman transmits to the Council of Safety,
by the hands of Mr. Gibson, unsigned Bill of Credit amount-
ing to £9,625, which Mr. Harwood, Western-Shore Treas-
urer, acknowledges the receipt of.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Cooke £150, on account of Ship Defence.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Captain
Cooke two bolts of Oznaburgs, for the Ship Defence's use.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Patrick
Bourk £5 Os. I0d., for Express.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Tuck £4,
for Express.
The following list of effects was delivered to the Board
by Colonel Waters, which was taken off the Island in Somer-
sett County : 3 clincker-built Boats, 2 casks of Train-Oil,
200 weight old iron or thereabouts, 1 Long-Boat, 1 Flat,
1 large Long-Boat, 1 Yawl, 2 hogsheads Rum, 1 small
Schooner that will carry about two hundred bushels.
Ordered, That the Flat and large Long Boat be sent up
to Annapolis by the first convenient opportunity, and that
the other effects in the above list mentioned, be sold at
publick sale to the highest bidder, under the direction of
Colonel Peter Waters, after ten days' notice given of such
a sale, and that the money be lodged in the hands of the
Eastern-Shore Treasurer, subject to the order of Conven-
tion ; and Colonel Waters is requested to cause any repairs
to be made that may be necessary to* the above-mentioned
Flat.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Goldsborough £150, on account of his Company.
Ordered, That Captain Goldsborough be requested to
purchase fourteen Muskets, if they can be purchased at £4
10s., each, well fitted with Bayonets.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Captain
Goldsborough fifteen Camp-Kettles and ninety Priming-
Wires and Brushes.
Commissions issued to William Schoolfield, appointed
First Lieutenant, George Schoolfield, Second Lieutenant,
and Brittain Powell, Ensign, of a Company in the Seven-
teenth Battalion of Militia.
Also, to Bollard Bozman, appointed Second Lieutenant,
and James Curtis, Ensign, of a Company in ditto. Also,
to William Waller, appointed Ensign, in a Company in
ditto.
Also, to Benjamin SchooJJield, appointed Captain, Thos.
Jones, First Lieutenant, and Samuel Dixon, Second Lieu-
tenant, of a Company in ditto.
Copy of Letter No. 184, was sent to Colonel Joseph
Sim.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Levi
Covington, £224, for Bounty for a Company of Flying-
Camp Militia.
Warrant issued to him for the purpose aforesaid.
Ordered, That Samuel Messersmith be requested to
deliver to Captain Brooke all the Guns in his possession
belonging to the publick, after repairing the same.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, September 20, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday, except Mr.
Thomas.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Uriah Forrest, £161 Is. I0d., for account of his Com-
pany.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Gibson, £2
12s. 6rf., for amount of his Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Richard
Barnes, £16 Is. 6rf., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Richard
Barnes, £4 8s. 4d., for Sundries furnished Captain For-
rest's Company.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Lucas, 14*.
6d., for cash paid Richard Pottenger, for Medicine for
Lucas.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Michael Lowe, £ 12 17s. I0d., for the service of his Com-
pany.
Commissions issued to Thomas Wilcoxen, appointed First
Lieutenant, William King, Second Lieutenant, and John
Evans, Ensign, of Captain Michael Lowe's Company of
Militia, in Prince George's County.
Warrant granted to Mr. Nicholas Norwood, to raise a
Company of Men, agreeable to the Resolves of the late
Convention.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to said
Norwood, £234, for Bounty Money.
Ordered, That Captain Vernon Hebb and Mr. Timothy
Bowes, or either of them, dispose of, for the use of this
State, such part of the Captures lately made out of Dun-
more's fleet, that may be deemed perishable or wasting.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, September 21, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday, except Mr. Plater.
Warrant granted to Andrew Hynes, appointed to raise a
Company of Men, agreeable to the Resolutions of the late
Convention.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Lieu-
tenant Ezekiel Cor, for the use of Captain Hynes, £234,
for Bounty of above Company.
Captain George Beall and Hezekiah Magruder, ap-
pointed Inspectors of George-Town Warehouse, in the
Lower District of Frederick County.
Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to
Oliver Whiddon, £3, for a Musket.
Adjourned till Monday, ten o'clock.
Monday, September 23, 1776.
Council met. Present as on Saturday.
Warrant granted to Richard Wilson, of Queen Anne's
County, to raise a Cornpimy of Militia, agreeable' to the
Resolves of the late Convention.
Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to
Richard Wilson, £429 for Bounty, and one month's pay.
635
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
636
Warrant granted to Robert Harriss, of Harford County,
to raise a Company as above.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Robert
Harriss £429, for Bounty and one month's pay.
Copy of Letter No. 186 was sent to Colonel Rumsey.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Parker 45*., for a Musket.
Warrant granted to Francis Holland, of Harford County,
to raise a Company of Militia, agreeable to the Resolves of
the late Convention.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Francis
Holland £429, for Bounty and Pay of the above Company.
Copy of Letter No. 187 was sent to Colonel Aquila
Hall.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas
Edison £15, for two and a half months' services as Adju-
tant to Colonel James Johnson's Battalion of Militia.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Niven
£65 10*., for Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Niven,
for the use of Mrs. Pinkney, £5, for rent of her House for
Barracks.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, September 24, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Heroey £5.
William Jones appointed Inspector of White's Warehouse
in Dorchester County.
The Council of Safety contracted with Joseph Selby, for
the making two thousand Cartouch-Boxes, Bayonet-Belts,
and Gun-Slings, to be delivered in one month from this date,
at 12s. 6d.
They also contracted with George Gordon, for the making
two thousand Cartouch-Boxes, Bayonet-Belts, and Gun-
Slings, at 12*. 6rf.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to George
Gordon £300, on account of above Contract.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
John Dorsey and Major Gaither £130, for purchase of
Arms.
Ordered, That Mr. Elisha Winters deliver to Captain
Joseph Richardson all the Muskets he has ready made for
publick service.
Ordered, That the Committee of Observation for Kent
County, deliver to Captain Joseph Richardson ten pounds
of Powder and forty pounds of Lead.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Gilbert
Yeldhall £3 5s., for a Gun.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Wednesday, September 25, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Copy of Letter No. 188 was sent to Thomas Ringgold,
Esq.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William
Tuck £18 10s., for thirty-seven days' attendance as Door-
keeper to the Council.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Catharine Nixon
30s., for attending Hospital.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Selby ty- Howard
34*. 6d., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joseph Selby £250,
on account of his contract for Cartouch Boxes.
Ordered, That Mr. John Yost, of George-Town, deliver
to Lieutenant Frederick Skinner all the Muskets he has
ready made for the publick service.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Lieu-
tenant Colmore Williams £6 2s. I0d., for Board of part
of Captain Bracco's Company.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, September 26, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Mr. Thomas attended.
Warrant granted to William Ridgaway, of Queen Anne's
County, to raise a Company, agreeable to the Resolves of
last Convention.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Lieu-
tenant Mark Benton, for the use of Captain Ridgaway,
£429, for Bounty and one month's Pay.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Dr. J. Hall, of
Colonel Griffith's Battalion of Flying-Camp, £20, for ad-
vance.
Copy of Letter No. 189, was sent to Captain James
Nicholson.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Bullen £200 for the purchase of two Horses, a Cart, or light
Wagon, and proper Geers.
Copy of Letter No. 190, was sent to the Committee of
Baltimore County.
Passport was granted to Josh. Dowson, Arch. Chisolme,
and Negroes Ctesar and Jack, in the Boat Sally, to pass to
and from Potoumack, Great Wicomico, Rhappahannock,
Pearketank, York River, and James River.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Daniel Claysaddle, £54 7s. 6d., for travelling expenses of
his Company from Hagers-Town to Philadelphia, in lieu
of rations.
Commissions issued to Captain Daniel Claysaddle, Lieu-
tenant Frederick Nichodemus, Lieutenant David Harry,
Ensign Mathias Hickman, of a Company of Militia in
Washington County.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Messrs.
Lux, Purviance, and Steward, one ton of Gunpowder for
the Continental Frigate at Baltimore.
Warrant issued to Thomas Noble Stockett, appointed
Second Surgeon's Assistant to Colonel William Richardson's
Battalion of Flying Camp.
The Council contracted with Charles White for makino-
one thousand good, substantial hickory Pike Staffs, at 1*.
6d. each, seven hundred and fifty whereof to be delivered
by the 15th of November, and the residue by the first day of
December next.
Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Mr.
William Patterson twenty bolts of Canvass.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, September 27, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Wil-
liam Niven a quantity of Steel sufficient for to make a Pike
as a sample.
Warrant issued to William Patterson to inlist twenty-five
men for the Marine service.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Jacob
Reasor £90 14*. 8d., for repairing Guns.
Copy of Letter No. 191 was sent to the Deputies in
Congress ; No. 192 to Messrs. Willing fy Morris; No. 193
to the honourable the Secret Committee in Congress; No.
194 to Messrs. Lux Sf Bowley.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
William Patterson £75, for inlisting men as above.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, September 28, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Copy of Letter No. 195 was sent to Colonel John Read.
Commissions issued to Samuel Evans, appointed Captain,
Henry Dobson. First Lieutenant, Thomas Ramsey, Second
Lieutenant, William Stuart, Ensign, of a Company in
Cecil County.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Steele £55, for a Boat.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Henry Dobson, for
the use of Charles Rumsey, Henry Hollingsworth, and
Edward Parker, £500, on account of Flying-Camp.
Ordered, That Edward Parker, of Cecil County, fur-
nish Linen sufficient to make Tents for Captain Evans's
Company.
637
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
638
William Nevin and Anthony Pinkney, of the City of
Annapolis, agree with the Council of Safety to furnish them
with one thousand Blades for Pikes, at 5s. 6d. currency,
each ; the Council of Safety to find steel sufficient for said
work. Five hundred Blades to be delivered on or before
the last day of October, and the whole to be ground, com-
pleted, and finished in a workmanlike manner by the last
day of November. Said Nevin Sf Pinkney are to rivet and
otherwise fasten the Blades to the shafts.
Copy of Letter No. 196 was sent to the Committee of
Baltimore County; No. 197 to Colonels Rumsey, Hol-
lingsworlh, and Major Parker.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Lieu-
tenant Henry Dobson, for the use of Captain Samuel
Evans's Company, twelve Camp Kettles, seventy-six Car-
touch Boxes, Priming-Wires and Brushes, Knapsacks with
Haversacks and Canteens.
Messrs. Ridgely If Howard, of Baltimore County, re-
quired to furnish two hundred Camp Kettles of the sizes
and dimensions of those heretofore furnished.
Ordered, That when unwholesome provision is furnished
by the victualler or contractor, that the same shall be con-
demned, and a proper quantity in lieu thereof purchased by
the Quartermaster at such rates as he shall agree for, and
that the price be charged to the proper account of the con-
tractor.
Adjourned till Monday, ten o'clock.
Monday, September 30, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Mr. Carroll attended.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Davidson £6 15s., for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Samuel
Poole, for the use of John Young, £106 5*., for Knap-
sacks, &iC.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Clerk £20, for
Expresses and other purposes.
Commission granted to James Tibbitt, of the Sloop Inde-
pendence, as a Letter of Marque, he giving bond according
to Resolves of Congress.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to David
Stewart, for use of Isaac Vanbibber, by order of Abraham
Vanbibber, two hundred dollars.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, October 1, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
The Council of Safety agree to pay for any Blankets
which William Parson, Quartermaster, may purchase for
Captain Brooke's Company.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Doctor
John Archer, for use of Richard Dalhouse, £100, on ac-
count of liis Gun manufactory.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Aubler 45s.,
for attending the Hospital.
Mr. Smyth and Mr. Plater attended.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Parran,
Quartermaster, £18 2s., for Quartermaster's duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Nicholas White
£22 13s., for Guns.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Wednesday, October 2, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore. Treasurer pay to William
Wilkins £300, on account of Fortifications at Annapolis.
Permit granted to William Me Garry, master of Sloop
Nancy, to go to Virginia for Tobacco, and return there-
with to Maryland.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Oliver
Whiddon £6, for two Muskets.
Dennis Griffith was appointed Ensign of Captain Dea-
kin's Company, of Colonel Griffith's Battalion of Flying-
Camp Militia; and Commission issued thereon accordingly.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay Chiles
]\foore £5, for Boatage.
Copy of Letter No. 198 was sent to Colonel William
Smallwood.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Samuel
Dorsey £40 Is., for Tents.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, October 3, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday. Mr. Rumsey
attended.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay Doctor
John Boyd £27 7s. l%d., for Medicine.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Lieutenant John
Hartshorne, for use of Colonel Hughes, £570, on account
of Captain MaxweWs Company.
Commissions issued to James Maxwell, appointed Cap-
tain, John Hartshome, appointed First Lieutenant, William
Johnstone, appointed Second Lieutenant, Adam Glason,
appointed Ensign, of a Company, agreeably to the Resolves
of late Convention.
The Council of Safety purchased, of Major Horsey, the
Schooner Friendship, with the rigging, sail, and tackle,
agreeably to inventory lodged, for £1,000 common money.
Major Horsey agrees to deliver said vessel, fit for sea, at
Baltimore-Town; the Council of Safety agreeing to insure
from captures on her way up the Bay. Mr. Henry empow-
ered to purchase twenty hogsheads of Tobacco, not exceed-
ing 20s. per hundred weight, and one hundred barrels of
Flour, at Baltimore prices. The Vessel is not to be de-
tained for the Tobacco or Flour. Flour to be inspected at
Baltimore, if thought necessary by the Council of Safety.
To be ready to take in her cargo within twelve days.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Catha-
rine Minskey 15s. 3d., for attending Hospital.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Major William
Horsey £300, for above purchase.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Edward Timmons
£10, for three Guns.
Copy of Letter No. 199 was sent to Colonel Hughes.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Lieu-
tenant Hartshorne, for use of Captain Maxwell's Com-
pany, eighty-eight Knap, with Haversacks, Cartouch-Boxes,
Belts, and Slings, Canteens, fifteen Camp-Kettles, and
Tents.
Commissions issued to Valentine Creagar, appointed
Captain, Philip Smith, First Lieutenant, George Neit, Sec-
ond Lieutenant, John Perkinson, Ensign, of a Company
in Frederick County.
Commission issued to William Richardson, appointed
Ensign of Captain Grosh's Company, in Colonel Griffith's
Battalion of Flying-Camp.
Smith Bishop and Joseph Mitchell severally recognized,
in the sum of £100 currency, each, for William Bartlett
Toivnsend's appearance before the Convention, when called
upon ; and thereupon, Ordered, That he be discharged.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, October 4, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Commission issued to Francis Holland, appointed Cap-
tain of a Company in Harford County.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Bullen £8 11s. 6d., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Bullen £40, for necessaries for Hospital.
John Williams and Thomas Niambergh, of Captain
Long's Independent Company, permitted to go to Worces-
ter County, for the recovery of their health.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace, Esquire, Paymaster,
advance one month's pay to John Williams and Thomas
Niambergh, of Captain Long's Company, ending the 3d
instant.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Beriah
Maybury £7 Os. 6d., for Boat-hire.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Ezekiel Towson
£20, to be accounted for.
639
MARYLAIVD COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
640
The Council of Safety agree wilh Ezekiel Towson to be
Captain of a Guard for a Magazine in Baltimore County,
he engaging to hire twelve men, not exceeding 45s. per man,
and Captain's pay for himself, and to draw rations.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Bent.
Edward Hall three hundred yards of coarse Linen, for
tenting; also Cartouch-Boxes, Priming-Wires and Brushes,
and Knapsacks, with Haversacks; also, fifteen Camp-Ket-
tles, for Captain Holland's Company.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, October 5, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Stephen
Stewart £1,500, to be repaid in Continental Money, either
at Philadelphia or at this place.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Thomas
£24, for attending as Adjutant to the Twenty-Fifth Bat-
talion of Militia.
Copy of Letter No. 200 was sent to Cravorth fy Dugan.
Ordered, That Major William Horsey be required to
purchase twenty more hogsheads Tobacco, provided he can
send it up in the Schooner Friendship, and that she be not
delayed for it.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Phillis
Waterman 15s., for attending Hospital.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Elizabeth Sharpe
40s., for attending Hospital.
Ordered, That the Paymaster advance to William Wil-
liams, of Captain Gunby's Company, one month's Pay.
Ordered, That Commissary deliver to Nicholas New-
land, of Captain Burne's Company, six yards of Linen.
Copy of letter No. 201 was sent to Mr. Jesse Hollings-
worth ; No. 202 was sent to Lux Sf Bowley.
Ordered, That Captain Fulford be requested to take
into his Company such of the Flying-Camp who have and
shall be discharged from the Hospital, and that they do
duty with his Company regularly, and be under his com-
mand.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Elisa-
beth Hunter 4s. 3d., for Ferriage of General Lee.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Sunday, October 6, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Complaint being made to this Board that General Ste-
phem, from Virginia, had impressed a Pilot of Annapolis,
and confined him, with a view of obliging him, against his
will and inclination, to pilot the Vessel of the said General
Stephens to the Head-of-Elk, in this State, the attendance
of General Stephens was by them requested, who, in con-
sequence thereof, waited on the Board, when Mr. Vice
President, on their behalf, informed him that such conduct
was contrary to the laws of this State, and an infringement
of the rights of the inhabitants thereof; that if General
Stephens, or any officer of the United States, did or should
stand in need of any assistance from us, we should exert
ourselves to the utmost in procuring it; but that it became
our duty, on complaint, to take notice of any violation of
the law.
The General replied that he had the greatest veneration
for the civil law of the land, and should always draw his
sword in support of it ; that he by no means intended to
infringe it; but being under a necessity of passing the Head-
of-Elk, in his way to the Camp near New- York, with part
of the Virginia forces, having no skilful Pilot, and stand-
ing in great need of one, he had at first used some force,
but had afterwards obtained the consent of the owner of
the Pilot; that it did not occur to his mind, at that time,
that there was Council of Safety or Convention sitting, or
even a Justice of Peace ; but that he would restore the
Pilot of his liberty ; and desired the Board to procure him
one ; which they accordingly did, agreeable to his request.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Monday, October 7, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Doctor
Adam Fisher, for use of George Bane, £4 6s., for amount
of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Clcland
£63 6s., for Militia duty.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Adam Fisher, for
use of Jacob Boycr, Michael Olbex, and Nicholas Tice,
£35 18s. 6(/.. for amount of Account.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay William
Johnson £ 16 14s. 6d., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace, Esq., Paymaster, pay
to William Ohano, of Captain Burke's Company, one
month's Pay.
John Perry was appointed Surgeon to the Battalion of
Troops raised under the late Resolves of Convention.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Wil-
liam Johnson £3 14s., for amount of Account.
^ It being represented by Mr. Philip Hill that Thomas
Selby, William Orme. and Leonard Pearce, enrolled in the
Company formerly commanded by Captain Beall, now
Captain Bracco's, refuse to join the corps now at the camp
near New-York, this Board request Captain Aaron Beall,
Jan., to send them under the guard of a Sergeant and six men
of his Company to this place, as speedily as possible.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Chamberlaine £2 9s., for amount of Account.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, October 8, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Commission issued to Michael Wallace, appointed Sur-
geon to Colonel Smallwood's Battalion of regular forces.
Also to Francis Neale, appointed Surgeon Assistant to
said Battalion.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Jeremiah
Satchwell 40s., fora Gun.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel William
Fitzhugh for use of Josh. Vanswearingen, £3 Is. 9d., for
amount of Account.
Commissions issued to Benjamin Bradford appointed
Captain, and William Smith Second Lieutenant, of a Com-
pany in Eighth Battalion in Harford County.
Ordered, That the Memorial against Captain Joseph
Byus, be taken into consideration on Thursday, the 24th
day of October next, and he is hereby directed to attend
the Council of Safety on that day, to answer the charge
against him alleged : John Hubbe'rt, John Lee, and Sarah
Lee, Elijah Marshall, Judah Marshall, William Bennelly,
Samuel Hubbcrt, and William Fraizer, of Dorchester
County, being ordered to attend and testify their knowledge
of, and concerning the facts contained in the Memorial
aforesaid.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace, Esq., Paymaster, ad-
vance one month's Pay to John Pratt, of Captain Thomas's
Company.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay Lieutenant
Levin Lawrence £50, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Lamb £5
10s., for Boatage.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Wednesday, October 9, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Dr.
William Smyth £4 16s., for attendance on Captain Dean's
Company.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to George
Hanson 15s., for cleaning Guns.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Richard-
son, by order and for the use of Abraham Vanbibbcr, six
hundred and thirty dollars.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Stephen Steward,
for use of Jesse Hollingsworth, £800, to be accounted for.
The Committee of Observation Ibr Queen Ann's County,
return a list of the number of inhabitants in Town-Hundred.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Thomas
Todd fifteen Camp Kettles.
Copy of Letter No. 203 was sent to Jesse Hollingsworth.
641
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
642
Ordered. That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Mark
Benton £17 10*., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain James
Tootle £47 5*. 5d., for account about Magazine.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, October 10, 1776.
Committee met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Gil-
chriest fy Richardson £15, for Boatage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Peter Heron 10*.,
for Ferriage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jenifer &f Hooe
£48 10s., for outfit of Sloop Molly.
Copy of Letter No. 204 was sent to Colonel Henry
Hollingsworth ; No. 205 to Colonel Bond and Major John
Taylor.
Copy of Letter No. 206* was sent to Mr. William John-
son; No. 207 to Mr. Amos Garrett ; No. 208 to Dr.
Francis Neale.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Bent.
Edward Hall, for use of Amos Garrett, £100, for Arms
and Blankets.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jacob Morriss, for
use of Thomas Bond and John Taylor, £300, for ditto.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Baltimore-Town
deliver to Captain Harriss, eighty-six Cartouch Boxes,
Belts, Canteens, Knapsacks with Haversacks, and sixteen
Camp-Kettles.
Commission issued to William Ewing, appointed Ensign
of Captain Morriss's Company, in the Eighth Battalion of
Militia.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Buckky £6, for one month's Adjutancy to Colonel Ramsey's
Battalion of Militia.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Oliver Whiddon
£3 10*., for a Gun.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Robert Christie,
Esq., £109 17*. 6d., for detention of two Vessels sunk at
Otter-Alarm.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Mekhor Keener
£41 7*. 6d., for ditto.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William
Worth £126 5*. lOrf., for sinkage of Vessels at Otter-
Alarm.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Clarke £52
15*., for ditto.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Robert Johnson
£105 Is. lid., for ditto.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, October 11, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Gordon £400, on account of contract for Cartouch Boxes.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Catharine Nixon
15*., for amount of Account.
Copy of Letter No. 209 was sent to Dr. Michael Wal-
lace.
Council of Safety advertise for five thousand pair of
Shoes.
Copy of Letter No. 210 was sent to Colonels Veazey
and Thomas, Majors Rumsey and Clayton.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Gordon, for use of Gerard Hopkins, £ 12 6*. 6d., for amount
of Account.
Commission of Reprisal issued to James Handy, of the
Harlequin Privateer, mounting six swivels, he having given
bond according to Resolve.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Robert
Ridge £3 16s. 9d., for amount of Account.
William Barker appointed Inspector of the Warehouse
at Nanjernoy, in Charles County.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Maynard £3 10*., for amount of Account.
* [All Letters of the Council of Safety after No. 205 are missing.]
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 41
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Aquila Randall
£24, for four months' Adjutancy.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas
Watkins £200, for to purchase Arms and Blankets.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Selby &/• Howard
£400, on account of Contract.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Peter
Waters £391 2s. 5d., for amount Account.
Mr. Benjamin King appointed Captain of the Schooner
Resolution, and the Council of Safety agree to pay him the
same wages and merchants' pay, and empower him to pro-
cure hands to man her.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Benja-
min King £50, on account of Schooner Resolution.
Copy of Letter No. 211 was sent to Captain Joseph
Handy.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, October 12, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Tilghman, Esq., for use of John Perry, £15, for one
month's Pay.
Copy of Letter No. 212 was sent to the several recruiting
Captains under the late Convention Resolve.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Daniel
and Samuel Hughes £500, on account Cannon Contract.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Ring-
gold fy Hemsley £500, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas
Smyth, Esq., £500 currency, on account of Gondolas.
Commissions issued to Andrew Hynes, appointed Captain,
Isaac McCrakin, First Lieutenant, Ezefciel Cox, Second
Lieutenant, and John Jacobs, Ensign, of a Company in
Frederick County, raised to compose part of the Flying-
Camp.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Stephen
Johnson £54, for amount Account.
Commissions issued to Edward Cockey, appointed Colo-
nel, Joshua Stevenson, Lieutenant-Colonel, Micajah Merry-
man, First Major, Stephen Cromwell, Second Major, John
Robert Hollyday, Quartermaster, of the Gunpowder Upper
Battalion, in Baltimore County.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Davidson, for use of Blair McClenechan, by order and for
use of Vanbibber Sf Harrison, £300 currency.
Copy of Letter No. 213 was sent to Captain Andrew
Hynes; No. 214 to Samuel Boone.
Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay
to Lieutenant Isaac McCreakin, for use of Captain Isaac
Hynes, £620, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel John Still
£147 2*. 3d., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Osier and
John Miller £2 10*. currency, for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Oliver Whiddon
£3 currency, for a Musket.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas
Tibbies £7, James Wrench £7, John Hall £6 6*., James
Earl Denny £6 10*., Solomon Jones £6 Ids., Matthew
Lewis Burnett £7, for collecting and ascertaining the
number of souls in Talbot County.
Permit was granted to John Patterson, master of the
Schooner Industry, to go to Hispaniola, he having given bond
and lodged manifests, according to Resolve of Convention.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Abra-
ham Haff 40s., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Gilchriest Sf Rich-
ardson £13 15*. currency, for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Francis Linthicum
£4 10*., for a Gun and Bayonet.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Benjamin Rumsey
£9 16*., for fourteen days' attendance in Council of Safety.
Adjourned till Monday, ten o'clock.
Monday, October 14, 1776.
Council met. Present as on Saturday
643
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
644
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Stephen
Stewart £1000, currency, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to George Garston
£8, for Pilotage.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Elizabeth Dune
21s., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Catharine Dixon
12s. Gd., for amount of Account.
The Council of Safety deliver to Captain Brooke nine
Muskets.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay Thomas
and John Dorsey £17 2s. 8d., for amount Account.
Mr. Nicholson attended.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Hutchings £228 15s. 4</., for amount Account.
The Council of Safety appointed Captain Keltic to rig
and get the Schooner Ninety-Two fit for sea, she being
bought of Cravath fy Dugan for £800 currency.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to John
Keltic £50, to be accounted for.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, October 15, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Colonel
Fitzhugh ten pounds of Powder, he having supplied Militia
with that quantity.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Samue^
Dorsey £500, on account of Cannon contract.
Copy of Letter No. 215 was sent to Colonel Thomas
Hughes; No. 216 to Ben. Edward Hall.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Cum-
berland Dugan £1000, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Cum-
berland Dugan £800, for Schooner Ninety-Two.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Philemon Warfield,
for use of Matthew Hammond, £4 4s., for Quartermaster-
ship.
Commission issued to John Carlisle, appointed First
Lieutenant, William Young, Second Lieutenant, and Robert
Morgan, Ensign, of Captan Holland's Company of Flying-
Camp.
Copy of Letter No. 217 was sent to Captain Francis
Holland.
Ordered, That such of the Privates who have inlisted
in the Company of Captain Nicholas Norwood, and will
not serve in Captain Deem's Company, be discharged.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Fred-
erick Teems £200, to be accounted for.
Copy of Letter No. 218 was sent to John Hanson, Esq.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Hanson, Esq., £ 100, for and on account of Tory Prisoners.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Dr. Adam Fisher,
for use of Jacob Schley, £52 18s., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Dr. Richard Tootett
£71 19s. 9d., for amount Account.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Wednesday, October 16, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Little 40s., for a Musket.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Matthew Patten
£3 10s., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Erasmus Uhler
£56 2s. 6d., for amount Account.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace, Paymaster, advance to
Jesse Selby, of Captain Watkins's Company, one month's
Pay.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Richard
Bryan 30s., for going Express.
Ordered. That said Treasurer pay to Nicholas Thomas
£22 4s., for twenty-seven days' attendance and itinerant
charges.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel James
Murray £8 Is., for amount Account.
Josiah Hnll, of Harford County, return to (he Council
of Safety $160, with his warrant, he being appointed Third
Lieutenant of the Rifle Company to be raised in said
County, which said sum the Western-Shore Treasurer
acknowledges to have received.
O
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to David
Evans £6 12s. 8d., for amount Account.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, October 17, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Nicholas
Hall, for use of John Robert Hollyday, £91 10s. 6d., for
amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Contee
£9 19s. 6d., for amount Account.
Copy of Letter No. 219 was sent to Mr. Jacob Schley;
No. 220 to Vernon Hobb and Timothy Bowers; No. 221
to George Wells.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Barry, for use of George Wells, £400, on account Row-
Galleys.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, October 18, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Copy of Letter No. 222 was sent to Jesse Hollingsworth ;
No. 223 to the Continental Board of War; No. 224 to Col-
onel Charles Rumsey.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to George
Crooke £3 15s., for Wagonage.
Ordered, That Commissary of Provisions supply Cap-
tain Patterson with what Provision he may want.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Luke Maybury, for use of Captain Samuel Hawkins Bayne,
£ 1 7 6s., lor Account.
Copy of letter No. 225 was sent to James Claypole.
Council of Safety contract with Nicholas McCubbin for
making 1,250 pairs Shoes, at lljs. currency per pair, and
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to said
McCubbin £300 currency, for above purpose.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Dr. John Parnham,
for use of Josias Hawkins, £41 9s. 2rf. currency, for
amount Account.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, October 19, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Daniel
Falkin £2 9s. 4d., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Smoot £2
6s. 8d., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Major Thomas
Snowden £101 3s. 4d., for Gun-Carriages.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Cheston £31 10s., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Bennett Ryley £ I
12s., amount Account.
Commissions issued to Robert Harris, appointed Cap-
tain, William Cole, First Lieutenant, Benjamin Scott, Sec-
ond Lieutenant, and James Steele, Ensign, of a Company
in Harford County, raised to compose part of the Flying-
Camp.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Robert
Harris £75, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Annapolis de-
liver to Captain Harris eighty-two Priming-Wires and
Brushes.
The charge against William Bartlet Townsend having
been referred to the consideration of the Council of Safety
by the Convention, he was thereupon called upon, and at-
tended, and sundry Depositions against him being read, and
several witnesses being examined, relative to the charge
against him, it was Ordered, That he be discharged upon
his given bond with security, in the penalty of £1000 cur-
rency, lor his future good behaviour.
645
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, COTOBER, 1776.
646
William Bartlet Toimscnd, Cornelius Dickinson, and
Joseph Gray Taylor, recognized the principal in the sum of
£1000 for his good behaviour, and that he will not corres-
pond in any manner with, act, aid, or any way assist the
enemies of America, and be of future good behaviour; the
securities in £333 6s. 8d., each.
Ordered, That he pay all expenses incurred in the pros-
ecution of the above charge.
Ordered, That his Estate be delivered him upon his
paying the Committee of Observation for Worcester County,
and Bartlet Townsend, respectively, all the expenses in-
curred.
Basil Clarkson, of Dorchester County, was discharged ;
and, thereupon, it was
Ordered, That his Property be forthwith returned him.
Jesse Selby, of Captain Long's Company, discharged
from the service of this State.
Ordered, That the Paymaster advance one month's Pay
to Jesse Selby.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay William
Traverse £26 6s. 'id., for Militia duty.
Adjourned till Monday, ten o'clock.
In Convention, October 18, 1776.
Resolved, That the Council of Safety be empowered to
hear and determine on the case of William Bartkt Town-
send, of Worcester County, and to pass such judgment
therein as in their discretion they may think fit.
Extract from the Minutes : o i-» r>j j
G. DUVALL, Llerfc.
Depositions against TOWNSEND and SCARBROUGH.
September 12, 1776.
SIR : Upon request of your wife, I was this day going to
a Magistrate, to give my deposition respecting your case ;
but am informed the Magistrate will not take it, but refers
me to the Committee, and time will not permit the calling,
and my going before the Committee for that purpose, at this
time.
I am informed that you charge my oath against you as the
principal cause of your present troubles. This is to assure
you that 1 never to my knowledge swore an oath against
you that could, in my opinion, injure you, was it fairly laid
before the honourable Convention ; nor indeed could I, with
truth. I cannot now charge my memory what the several
questions was that were asked me about you in Committee,
or what my particular answers, if I said any thing that was
construed to show that you intended to go on board any of
the fleet under the command of Lord Dunmore, introduce
the King's forces, or raise an army to join them. I do now
solemnly declare that I never intended so to be understood,
and, if called upon, would, at any time, make affidavit of it.
But, as I said before, I scarce know the particulars of my
oath before the Committee, as being a close prisoner, and
under fear and apprehension. Yet, be assured, I was not
so scared or surprised as to have sworn what I understand
you have heard of.
Your obedient servant, JOSIAH ROBINS.
To Mr. William Barkley Townsend.
November 16, 1775.
The Deposition of Edivard Pettitt, being of full age, de-
poseth and saith, That he lay at Josiah Robins's the night
before last, and waking before day, about an hour, (as he
apprehended,) he heard some person come to the house, on
which Mr. Robins got up and asked him to sit down by the
fire; upon which he heard the said Robins and the person
then come talking, but did not give attention till he heard
the said Robins say, "talk easy, Pettitt is up stairs;" upon
which this deponent got up and went down immediately,
and asked who had been there so early, and Robins said,
"Benjamin Butler." This deponent said he was early.
Robins said he only came on an errand, and was gone, and
said he was afraid the horses were in the field, and went out
hastily ; upon which the said Pettilt told him if he would
drive them up his horse would follow, and then went to one
of his neighbours. When he came back, said Robins was
gone. He then asked Mrs. Robins where her husband was.
She was slow in answering till she sent the boys out, and
then told this deponent that her husband was gone to Wil-
' Ham BarJdey Townsend's, that Levin Townsend had been
on board the man-of-war and brought powder and shot
enough to his father, and what they called Tories were all
meeting in order to have it delivered, as it would not be safe
to keep it in one place, and when they had divided the
same they were to give the man-of-war notice, and he was
to send up to their assistance, that the matter might be put
an end to in a short time — some time between this and
Christmas. ^
EDWARD PETTITT.
Taken before
JOHN SELBF.
November 15, 1775.
Mary Robbins, wife of Josiah Robbins, being sworn on
the Holy Evangels of Almighty God, deposeth and saith:
That on the 15th of November, 1775, in the morning of the
same day, Benjamin Butler, came to the house of her said
husband, and inquired whether there was any person in his
house except his family ; her husband made answer that
there was; upon which they went out, and after some lime
her husband came in, and told her he was going to a certain
William Barcklay Townsend's; that a certain Levin Town-
send had been down to Norfolk, on board the man-of-war,
and had brought up a quantity of ammunition, and that all
those who were for the King were to go down to the said
William B. Townsend's, to get their share of the ammuni-
tion ; and that the said Levin Townsend had brought a paper
from on board the said man-of-war that they were to sign ;
and that the said Levin Townsend was to set out this day
on his return to the man-of-war ; and that if there was a suf-
ficient number of signers to the aforesaid paper, they were
to have assistance immediately from the said man-of-war.
The above deposition taken before JOHN SELBT.
November 25, 1775.
Josiah Robins, of lawful age, being called upon by the
Committee of Worcester County, deposeth and saith: That
on Wednesday morning, the 15th instant, some little time
before day, came Benjamin Butler to his house, and after
he had been there some time, he asked this deponent if
there was any body there besides his own family, and he
made answer that Pettitt was up stairs; he then give this
deponent a touch and desired him to walk out, and upon
his going out with said Butler, said Butler told this depo-
nent that Levin Toivnsend had come home, and that it was
said that he had been on board the man-of-war at Norfolk,
and that he had brought salt and ammunition, and it was to
be had there, and requested this deponent to bring his gun
as there was to be a muster there ; in consequence of which
this deponent went immediately off to Townsend's, and
arrived there, as he believes, about nine o'clock, at which
time there was about fifteen people, some of whom were
armed ; and that Levin Townsend asked this deponent, as
this deponent believes, to go up stairs ; and then told him
he must swear to keep secret what should be discovered to
him, and at the same time asked him if he did not want
salt; upon this deponent asked him where the salt was to
be had ; he told him it was no matter, and immediately
swore him ; that this deponent heard William B. Townsend
say that salt would not do without ammunition ; and that
deponent heard some of the company say, that they heard
Levin Townsend say, that when they returned they would
not come alone.
Before
JOSIAS ROBINS.
JOHN SELBY.
November 25, 1775.
Joshua Selby, of lawful age, being called upon by the
Committee, deposeth as follows: That he was at William
B. Townsend's on Sunday, the 12th instant, when he heard
Levin Toivnsend say that he had been on board the man-
of-war five days; that Mr. William Allen was at the said
William B. Townsend's, and endeavoured to persuade him
to appear before the Committee ; that said Toivnsend de-
clared that he would die before he would be taken, or sub-
mit to the punishment which he supposed the Committee
would inflict on him; and further this deponent saith, that
early on the Wednesday morning following, Benjamin But-
ler came to this deponent, and asked him to go down to
William B. Townsend's, that there was salt to be got there
647
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
648
cheaper than it could be got at Snow-Hill ; that Butler told
him tlie orders they had, was to carry loaded guns ; that
this deponent accordingly went to Townsend's, and when
he got there, lie was carried up stairs, and sworn to keep
secret by Levin Townsind, (son of William B. Townsend ;)
that on his being sworn, he asked said Townsend for what
purpose it was? Townsend replied, to keep secrecy that they
were going for salt. This deponent asked when they were
going? Toutisend replied, it was no matter when, if you
will go with us, I will tell you. This deponent replied he
could not go, for that he could not leave home. That this
deponent then asked him (Townstnd} what he would do if
he brought salt, and the people attempted to take it from
him ; that Townsend replied, he should not come without
help. That this deponent saw the above-mentioned Levin
Townsend at a desk, as he supposed, taking down the names
of the people who were to go with him for salt, and that
the following persons were attending the said Townsend,
as this deponent apprehended, giving in their names for
that purpose, to wit : William Dickerson, Benjamin Selby,
Thomas Moore, Thomas Cluff, Hugh Cestry, and Solomon
Butler. And this deponent further saith, that he hath not
seen any of those persons since the time above-mentioned,
and supposes they are gone on the aforesaid design.
JOSHUA SELBY.
Taken before
JOHN SELBY.
November 25, 1775.
William Totmsend, being called upon by the Committee
of Worcester County, deposelh and saith: That on Wed-
nesday, the 15th day of November, it being the day before
William B. Townsend and company embarked, he was
at William B. Townsend's house where he believed there
might be sixty or seventy men, many of whom were armed.
That William Barclay Townsend and son Levin told this
deponent that Luke Townsend was to procure a load of
salt, ready for them at Norfolk, and asked this deponent if
he was willing to go along with them for it. That it was
necessary to keep it a secret from the Committee, and for
that purpose Levin Townsend administered an oath of
secrecy to this deponent. That he believes the same oalh
was administered to numbers that were there that day.
That the said William B. Townsend said he wanted friends
enough to attend him as might prevent the salt from being
destroyed. And this deponent further heard Levin Town-
tend say he was on board the man-of-war at Norfolk. That
he, this deponent, has often heard the said William B.
Townsend say, he would never submit to the measures ol
the Committee. -,,* rr,
WILLIAM IOWNSEND.
Taken before
J. MITCHELL.
November 25, 1775.
Samuel Parker, of lawful age, being sworn on the Holy
Evangels of Almighty God, deposeth and saith : That Ben-
jamin Schochley met with this deponent at John Smith's
about a fortnight ago, and requested him to meet Captain
Schooljield's company at Nasaingo Bridge, and to carry
his gun and ammunition with him; that this deponent asked
said Schochley what he wanted him to go for; that Schoch-
ley told him he could not tell for what reason; that he had
opened it to him as far as he dared; that accordingly this
deponent went to the place aforesaid, with his gun, where
he met with about fifty men, chiefly armed with guns ; that
Josiah Ward met the company at the bridge, and told them
they were desired to go down to William B. Tounsend's;
that some of the company asked said Ward on what
account they were to go down ; that he told William B.
Tounsend requested they would go down, for that he ex-
pected his house would be to be pulled down ; and said
informed them that Captain Schoolficld's company were at
Tounsend's; and that this deponent saith that the said
Ward informed them that the reason of the said company
being called to said Tounsend's was to protect him, which
protection this deponent supposes meant that he was to be
defended if he should be sent for by the Committee ; and
this deponent says that he proceeded no farther than the
bridge aforesaid, but immediately returned home.
SAMUEL PARKER.
Taken before
JOSEPH DASHIELL.
December 1, 1775.
Mattheiv Hopkins, of lawful age, being called on by the
Committee of Worcester County, deposeth and saith : That,
agreeable to a summons issued by the Committee of Wor-
cester, he, this deponent, waited on MWliam Bartlett Toun-
send, in order to serve the same; that when lie saw Mr.
Tounsend, he told him he had a summons for him from the
Committee, desiring his attention on that day, and said
Tounsend asked this deponent where this authority was; he
replied, " In his pocket," and also saitli he took it out, and
gave it to Mrs. Tounsend, who went to the door, and gave
it to a young man, who read it, and said it was a summons,
upon which said William Barllett Tounsend said, " Well,
tell them, damn them, I shan't wait on them ; that he had
waited on them once, and that he should never do it again,
unless they svould take him dead;" and further said, that
he said Hopewell and his gang were coming for him, and
said, " Damn them, let them come ; that he was ready for
them." And this deponent further saith not.
MATTHEW HOPKINS.
Sworn before JOHN SELBY.
November 25, 1775.
Philip Rain, of lawful age, being sworn, saith: That a
conversation happened between him and Staunlon Atkins,
and that said Atkins told him that he must make his will,
and said deponent asked said Atkins if he was about to die ;
said Atkins said he "did not know, for there was like to be
war;" and said deponent asked him, " Where?" and said
Atkins replied, " With the people in the country." This
deponent asked if he was down at William B. Tounsend's,
and said Atkins replied, " Yes." This deponent also asked
if he carried his gun with him, and he replied, " Yes," and
further told hiin there was about seventy guns at said
Tounsend's, and at the same time ; and this deponent asked
if his gun was loaded, and he answered, " Yes ;" and this
deponent also asked what was the purpose of his going
down there, and said Atkins replied that it was " to defend
William B. Tounsend;" and the question being asked by
this deponent whom it was he understood the said Tounsend
was to be defended against, said he " believed it was
against the proceedings of the Committee."
Ui
PHILIP X RAIN,
mark.
Taken before JOHN SELBY.
Thursday Evening.
Sm: On Thursday night William B. Tounsend took
Daniel Boston and his sloop. It is reported that he has
seventeen armed man on board the sloop. They are about
one mile below the mouth of the river, aground on the mud
banks. DAVID WILLIAMS.
To Mr. Thomas Bluff.
[The above letter was transmitted to the Committee of Worcester
County, Novetnber 17, 1775.]
November 17, 1775.
William Handy, of lawful age, being called upon by the
Committee of Worcester County, deposeth and saith: That
he had frequently conversed with Mr. Abraham Gibbs upon
the subject of the unhappy disputes now existing between
Great Britain and the American Colonies; that the said
Gibbs, some time last fall, winter or spring, he can't parti-
cularly recollect which, this deponent heard the said Gibbs
say that the Congress he thought either ought or would lose
their heads; and in case the Ministerial troops were sent
over here to lay their hands upon Congress, that he, the
said Gibbs, would be one of the first men who would join
them ; but that he has heard the said Gibbs long since
speak much in favour of the American cause, and at differ-
ent times since he has heard Mr. Gibbs speak against the
cause, and condemn the conduct of those who were friends
to the cause; and that the latest conversation this deponent
had with the said Gibbs, as he believes, was about three
weeks ago, he heard the said Gibbs then express himself
very inimical, although not with (hat degree ol violence or
rancour as he had first heard him express himself respecting
the Congress. WILLIAM HANDY.
Sworn before JOSEPH DASHIELL.
649
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
650
November 17, 1775.
The deposition of Barclay Tounsend, of lawful age,
being called upon by the Committee of Worcester County,
deposeth and saith : That some little time since the rising
of the last Convention of this Province, this deponent was
informed that some of the company that Benjamin Schock-
ley had enrolled, had desired him to attend at the house of
the said Shockley for the purpose of exercising and instruct-
ing a number of people in the military exercise ; that this
deponent accordingly attended, and when he came he had
exercised some of the people who were there ; Schockley
proposed to this deponent that he would be their Captain,
but, upon this deponent's refusal, also asked if he would be
their Lieutenant, which he also refused, upon which said
Shockly then told this deponent he had come as a spy ; he
also asked this deponent if he had seen their articles; he
said he had; he then asked him how he liked them; why,
he said, he did not know; he found they were something
like the association, or articles of his company; they were
for the King and country. " Yes," said Shoddy, " but we
are against Boston." That Shockly afterwards insisted
upon this deponent's hearing the articles read, and when
they were read, they all huzzaed for the King, and pulled
off heir hats; this deponent also cried, Amen, and said he
could huzza for their King, but as he did not pull off his
hat, said Shockly seemed to be displeased, and that this
deponent was under apprehensions he was unsafe in their
company, and immediaitely carne off.
HARTLEY TOUNSEND.
Sworn before
JOSEPH DASHIKLLS.
November 18, 1775.
The deposition of Isaac Hammond, of lawful age, being
called upon by the Committee of Worcester County, depo-
seth and saith : That about four weeks ago he went to a
certain Henry Parker's, where he understood that a num-
ber of people were to assemble for the purpose of entering
into an association contrary to the General Association of
this Province, and that he believes there might be thirty
or forty people, and that a certain article of agreement or
association was handed about for the people to sign ; the
substance of which this deponent understood was, that all
those persons who signed the same bound themselves to
stand together in behalf of their King, and to oppose the
measures of the Committee, and to support each other, and
be in readiness in twenty-four hours' warning to rescue any
one of their number who should happen to be called before
die Committee, and to resist any attempts to apprehend or
seize any of their said number ; and that there was about
seventy who had subscribed the same, and that a certain
Benjamin Shockley was principally active in handing about
the said Association and encouraging the people to sign the
same, and advised them not to sign the General Association
of the Province.
ISAAC HAMMOND.
Sworn before JOSEPH DASHIELL.
November 18, 1775.
The deposition of Nicholas Hamon, of lawful age, being
called on by the Committee of Worcester County^eposeth
and saith : That he lives in the neighbourhood where the
article of agreement or association-paper was circulated
which is taken notice of in the deposition of Isaac Ham-
mond, and that they heard some of them were to be sent to
Boston, and they were determined not to go themselves or
suffer any of their neighbours to go, if they could prevent
it; that the association-paper or article of agreement above
alluded to, was signed by Benjamin Shockley, amongst a
number of others.
NICHOLAS HAMON.
Taken before
JOSEPH DASHIELL.
ACCOMACK County set.:
The deposition of Stephen Riley, aged twenty-eight years,
or thereabouts, being duly sworn on the Holy Evangels of
Almighty God, deposeth and saith: That on Thursday, the
12th of November, 1775, being at Old Point Comfort, he
went on hoard of Edmund Scarborough's schooner and
arrived that night at the said Scarborough's house, where
he heard William Scarborough tell a number at Edmund
Scarborough's, that the Governour asked him who were the
leading men of the Eastern Shore? and the said Scar-
borough told him, Thomas Teackle was one, and that if
the Governour would send him a cutter with eight men
he would convey them to the said Thomas Teackk's in the
night, that they might take him, the said Thomas Teackle,
and carry him on board of the said cutter: and further this
deponent saith that the said Scarborough said that if the
Govornour would send him a tender, with thirty men and
an officer or two, that he would pilot them to every leading
man's house in the County, and carry them to the Gover-
nour; and further, this deponent saith that the said Scar-
borough said at the same time that the Governour told him
if he would bring him fifteen men who would 'list freely
under him he should have a Captain's commission; if
twenty, a Major's ; if thirty, a Colonel's. This deponent
further saith that the Governour told said Scarborough if
he would bring any kind of provisions he should he paid for
it. Further this deponent saith not. ~
STEPHEN KlLET.
Sworn before
WILLIAM MATTHEWS.
November 30, 1775.
Barckley White being sworn on the Holy Evangels of
Almighty God, deposeth and saith: That Levin Toivnsend
sent for this deponent, and that this deponent accordingly
went, and that when he came to William B. Townsend's
that said Levin Tounsend told this deponent that if he
would go with him to the mouth of Potowmack river
that he might have what salt he wanted very reasonable;
upon which this deponent agreed logo; and on their arrival
at the mouth of the river aforesaid, this deponent asked
where the vessel was that had the salt on board ? and the
said Levin Tounsend told this deponent that he always
knew that there was no salt there, and accordingly put this
deponent, with others, under the hatchway, and immediately
pushed off for Norfolk; and on their arrival at Norfolk that
the said Levin Tounsend and Isaac Costen went on board
of Lord Dunmore's ship, and from their return from board
said ship said Levin Tounsend asked this deponent and
some others if they were willing to serve under Lord Dun-
more, that if they would they should have a suit of regi-
mentals, a guinea and a crown entrance, with their standing
pay ; but that Cornelius Dickerson objected to staying ; and
that this deponent said he would choose to return home, and
said Levin Tounsend said he could not return till he had
taken an oath, which oath this deponent saith was adminis-
tered to him in Norfolk by a Magistrate, in the Court-House,
the contents of which oath this deponent can't well remem-
ber; that he heard Levin Tounsend say that as he was
manning out a tender to cruise up and down the bay, and
that he should be in a very short time up Pocomoke river,
and that he intended to try and take the Committee of
Worcester County out of their beds in the dead of night and
carry them on board his vessel, and then proceed as soon as
possible with them down to Lord Dunmore, and that this
deponent heard said Levin Tounsend tell some of the com-
pany to look out sharply, that he should be along in a very
short time ; and this deponent further saith that William B.
Tounsend recommended it to him to inlist under the Gov-
ernour, and said that he never would do any thing better for
himself; and that this deponent heard the said William
Barkley Tounsend say he was determined to have revenge
of the said Committee because they looked upon him as a
Tory, and that he was very sorry for James Atkinson, and
wished he had it in his power to get revenge; and further
this deponent saith not. BAKKLEY WHITE.
Sworn before JOSEPH DASHIELL.
December 1, 1775.
Hugh Vestery being called on by the Committee of Wor-
cester County, deposeth and sailh: That he was sent for by
William B. Tounsend, that this deponent went and carried
a gun, and when he came to said William B. Tounsend's
said Tounsend asked this deponent if he did not want salt,
if he did that he might have enough down at the Mud-
Banks, very cheap, upon which this deponent agreed to go,
and that he set out with sundry others down to the mouth
of the river. Finding there was no vessel there with salt,
agreeable to what Tounsend told him, he asked said Toun-
send where the salt was; the said Tounsend turned it off
with a laugh, and when they were off Merromisco this depo-
651
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
652
nent, with Thomas duff and William Willis, were very
desirous to return home, but Levitt Toitnsend told them
they had better not, for they most certainly would be hanged
if they did return, and advised them to go down to Norfolk
and inlist under Lord Dunmore as soldiers; and when they
were at Merromisco aforesaid said Levin Tounsend, with
others, went on shore, where they killed a beef and brought
on board uncleaned and said they bought it, and imme-
diately pulled the boat on deck, and ordered this deponent,
with sundry others, under the deck, and shut the hatch-
way on them, and immediately proceeded for Norfolk; and
on the arrival at said place the said Levin Tounsend and
Isaac Coston went on board said Lord Dunmore's ship, and
after they returned said Levin Tounsend asked this deponent
and others if they would inlist under Lord Dunmore, that if
they would they should have a suit of regimentals, a guinea
and a crown at entrance, with the gun and bayonet and
standing pay ; to which proposal this deponent objected and
said he would return home; said Levin Tounsend replied
that he would not return horns till he took a certain oath,
which oath was administered to this deponent by a person
wlio he understood was a Colonel, and that the tenour of
said oath, as well as this deponent can recollect, was to
bear faith and true allegiance to his Majesty, and to abjure
aJl authority of the General Congress, &.c. ; and this depo-
nent further saith that he heard said Levin Tounsend say
he was fitting out a tender to cruise up and down the bay
in order to take prizes, and that Isaac Collon was to be his
Lieutenant, and that said Levin Tounsend said he should
in a short time be up Pocomoke river, where he intended
to lay his vessel against the cypresses, Sic., and then seize
the Committee of Worcester in the night whilst they were
asleep and convey them to Lord Dunmore as speedily as
possible ; and further saith that on their return he heard
Cornelius Dickerson say at Accomack County that if he had
thought that he would have been taken up he would most
certainly never have left Boston's vessel, with whom he
went to Norfolk ; and further saith that Levin Tounsend
pressed him, this deponent, to meet and join him when he
came into Pocomoke ; also saith that he saw William B.
Tounsend and Thomas Moore talking very much in private
whilst the said Tounsend was in Worcester, and that said
William B. Tounsend advised him whilst in Norfolk to
inlist in Lord Dunmore's service, and that he, this deponent,
heard Levin Tounsend say he expected a large number ot
men to join him on his return in Annimessick, and that
Thomas Moore aforesaid went down to Finley's Landing,
from which place this deponent embarked and where they
parted, and that Thomas Moore wished them well, and said
he hoped in a short time to see them return safe.
HUGH VESTERY.
Sworn before JOSEPH DASHIELL.
December 1, 1775.
Solomon Butler, of lawful age, being sworn, deposeth
and saith : That Levin Tounsend sent for this deponent by
Hugh Vestery, that he wanted to see him and talk to him ;
that he went on the Tuesday evening before Tounsend went
away; that he (this deponent) was sworn to secrecy, and
Tounsend told him he wanted him to go down to the mouth
of the river, for that there was plenty of salt there very
cheap ; and that this deponent accordingly agreed to go,
and went home next morning to get his clothes, and by
Levin Tounsend's directions carried his gun, Tounsend tell-
ing him there was plenty of fowl at the mouth of the river;
that he accordingly embarked with Tounsend and his com-
pany ; and that in their way down the river they took
possession of Daniel Boston's schooner; that they then
proceeded to the mouth of the river. When they arrived
there and found there was no salt, this deponent and some
others expressed great uneasiness, and were very desirous
of returning ; that Levin Tounsend and his father, and
sundry others, laughed at them, and told them they must
go further for the salt, and immediately took their boat on
board and secured all who were desirous of returning under
the hatches; that when they arrived at Norfolk, Levin
Tounsend and Isaac Colton went on board the man-of-war,
and on their return to their company solicited them very
strongly to inlist under the Lord Dunmore, and told them they
should have a guinea and a crown advance, and standing
pay allowed them, with a suit of regimentals, a gun and
bayonet, &c.; that this deponent and several others refused
to inlist ; that he heard Levin Tounsend say that he intended
to fit out a tender to cruise in the bay and to take all the
prizes they could, and then to proceed up Pocomoke. river to
take the Committee of Worcester County prisoners, and carry
them to Lord Dunmore ; and that Isaac Colton, William
Dickerson, Benjamin, Selby, Francis Britt, Joseph Gray
Taylor, Levi Tounsend, Elias Tounsend, Zadock Tounsend,
Josiah Ward, approved highly of Tounsend's schi'ine, and
were determined to join him in it; that Tounsend repeatedly
expressed a confidence of being joined by a large number
of people on his return home ; that Thomas Moore was at
old Tounsend's the day the company set off, and went with
them to the landing, where he wished them well, and told
them he expected to see them in a short time; that Moore
likewise met them at the Ferry down the river and had
conversation with some of the company, which this depo-
nent did not hear; that as they went down a beef was
killed and brought on board ; that this deponent heard
Isaac Collon and Francis Britt say that they helped to
bring the beef on board, but who the others were he cannot
tell ; that he heard Levin Tounsend say he paid a half-joe
for it, and that he obliged the company to pay their propor-
tion. hi,
SOLOMON X BUTLER.
Sworn before
JOSEPH DASHIELL.
November 18, 1775.
The deposition of John Davis, of lawful age, being called
on by the Committee of Worcester County, deposeth and
saith : That about four weeks ago a certain Benjamin
Shockley came to this deponent's mill, and they were talk-
ing of the Provincial Association, and that Shockley told
this deponent that if any person who had signed the same
were sorry for what they had done, if they would come to
him he would clear them from it.
JOHN DAVIS.
Taken before JOSEPH DASHIELL.
November 19, 1775.
The deposition of Smith Lingo, of lawful age, being
called on by the Committee: That about three or four
weeks ago this deponent was at the house of William
Dykes, where met with Benjamin Shockly, and Shockly
asked him if he was one of the damned Associators ; he,
this deponent, replied, " Why, what if I am ;" " Why," said
Shockly, "they are not worth a damn," or words to that
purpose ; Shockly, taking up a broad-axe, at the same time
told this deponent not to say a word, or he would split his
brains open, or any that dared sign the Association. That
this deponent at sundry times, had seen the said Shockly
very violent in condemning and threatening other people in
the same manner. c
SMITH LINGO.
Sworn before
JOSEPH DASHIELL.
November 30, 1775.
William Willis being sworn on the Holy Evangels of
Almighty God, deposeth and saith, that Levin Tounsend
sent for this deponent, and that he accordingly went, and
said Levin Tounsend told this deponent that if he wanted
salt he might have it down at the mouth of Pocomoke river,
and that this deponent asked him who had it, and said
Levin Tounsend said it was his brother Luke, and that he
might have it almost for going for, and that this deponent
agreed to go ; and after they had proceeded so far as Oyster-
shell Town, this deponent asked where the vessel was that
had the salt, and that the said Levin Tounsend said he
imagined it was lower down ; and on their going farther
down, said Levin Tounsend, Levi Tounsend, and Isaac
Colton, went on shore, where they killed a beef, and brought
it on board uncleaned, which they say they paid for; and
upon this deponent's making further inquiry after the salt
and finding there was none, this deponent requested that he
might return home, but that said Levin Tounsend said he
should not, and immediately hauled the boat upon deck,
and put this deponent with others under the hatchway, and
there kept them till they arrived at Norfolk; and upon their
arrival said Levin Tounsend and Isaac Colton went on
board Lord Dunmore's ship, where they stayed some short
time; upon their return said Levin Tounsend asked this
653
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
654
deponent and others if they were willing to inlist under
Dunmore ; that if they were they should have a suit of regi-
mentals, a guinea and crown, a gun and bayonet ; and that
this deponent replied, he could not stay on them terms;
"Well," replied said Tounsend, "if you won't agree to that
will you stay and go with me privateering up and clown ihe
bay to take prizes?" and this deponent said he could not
do it. This deponent further saith, that said Levin Toun-
send said that Isaac Colton was to be his Lieutenant, and
that he intended to visit Maryland as soon as the Gover-
nour could get him a commission for that purpose, and
that he intended up Pocomoke river in a very short time ;
and that he would take if possible the Committee of Wor-
cester whilst they were asleep in their beds, and carry them
on board his vessel and convey them as speedily as possible
down on board of Governour Dunmore's ship ; and this
deponent further.saith that he was sworn by a person in
Norfolk, unknown to this deponent, the purport of the oath
this deponent can't well recollect ; and further saith, William
B. Tounsend pressed this deponent exceeding warmly to
inlist in Lord Dunmore's service, but that this deponent,
Cornelius Dickerson, Hartley White, Hugh Vestry, Solomon
Butler, and Thomas Cliiff, absolutely refused ; that the rest
of their crew, to wit, Isaac Colton, Joseph Gray Taylor,
Francis Britt, William Dickerson, Zadock I'ounsend,
Elias Tounsend, Josiah Wood, Benjamin Selby, Levi
Tounsend, did, and this deponent believes, inlist in his Lord-
ship's service ; that when this deponent left the said Toun-
send at Norfolk, the said Levin Tounsend told this deponent
he might keep a look out for him in about ten days or a
fortnight, off the mouth of Pocomoke river, and that he
would see him, the said Tounsend.
WILLIAM WILLIS.
Sworn before
JOSEPH DASHIELL.
November 30, 1775.
Thomas Cluff, of lawful age, being sworn, deposeth and
saith: 'lhat he went at a certain place gathering of corn,
and that Levin Tounsend sent for this deponent, and when
this deponent arrived at William B. Tounsend's, Levin
Tounsend asked this deponent if he did not want salt, that
if he did, provided he would go with him, he should have
it very reasonable ; to which this deponent agreed to go with
sundry others down as far as the mouth of Pocomoke river,
upon which the said Levin Towisend administered an oath
to him to keep the matter secret, but not finding any salt
this deponent and some others wanted to return, upon which
the said Tounsend confined them ; and that the said Levin
Tounsend and others went on shore where they killed a
beef, whereupon they proceeded down to Norfolk, and upon
their arrival at Norfolk, the said Levin Tounsend and Isaac
Colton, one of their numbers, went on board Lord Dun-
mare's ship, and some time after returned to this deponent,
and said Levin Tounsend asked this deponent and company
if they were willing to inlist under Lord Dunmore, that if
they would they should have a suit of regimentals, a gun, a
guinea and a crown entrance, with their standing pay : and
this deponent said he would rather choose to return home
again ; and that said Tounsend said you cannot return home,
for you will not be let return, you will be taken up; and
further told this deponent that if this deponent did not go
up to the standard in Norfolk, the Governour would most
certainly detain him; and this deponent further saith tiiat the
aforesaid Levin Tounsend carne with an officer, who admin-
istered an oath to him, the contents of which this deponent
can't particularly recollect : and further saith that said Levin
Tounsend was fitting out a vessel for a tender, and that said
Levin Tounsend told this deponent that he intended to
come up Pocomoke river in the tender aforesaid, and that
a certain Edmond Scarborough, of Virginia, was to go to
Pocomoke with him as an assistant, and that the said Levin
Tounsend said that after he took a cruise or two up the
bay in order to make some prizes, he should lay his vessel
against the Cypresses in Pocomoke river, and that he would
then seize the Committee of Worcester County whilst they
were asleep in their beds, and convey them on board his
vessel, and then proceed down to the Governour as quick
as possible: and this deponent further saith that when Levin
Tounsend was insisting on him to inlist under Governour
Dunmore, William Bartkt Tounsend pressed this deponent
to do it, and told him (this deponent) that he could not do
any thing better for him, and very strongly recommended it
to him; and the said William B. Tounsend further told this
deponent he should come up Pocomoke river in (he tender
with his son Levin: and this deponent further saith that the
said Levin Tounsend desired this deponent and the others
that returned with him, to keep a look out on the Anne-
amessix's shore for his return, to assist the said Levin in his
scheme : and further saith not. his
THOMAS A CLUFF.
mark.
The above oath taken before JOSEPH DASHIELL.
Monday, October 21, 1776.
Council met. Present, the same Members as on yester-
day, except Mr. Carroll.
Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to
William Nevin and Company £22 1 Is. 6^d., for amount
of Account.
Whereas information hath been lodged before this Board,
by Mr. Timothy Bowes, that a certain John Francis Taney,
of St. Mary's County, had detained in his possession three
pieces of Sprig-Lawn, the property of this State, and hath
refused to deliver the same to the persons appointed by this
Board to dispose thereof:
These are therefore to charge and require the said Taney
to deliver the said three pieces of Lawn to Mr. Timothy
Bowes or his order, or, in case of refusal, to appear before
this Board on Monday, the 1 1 th day of November, to show
sufficient cause, if any he hath, for the detention thereof.
Ordered, That Dr. Brehon, of St. Mary's County,
deliver to Timothy Bowes all the books of Physick. or of
any other kind, in his possession, taken on board of any of
the captures at St. George's Island, or, in case of refusal,
to appear before this Board on Monday, the llth day of
November, to show sufficient cause, if any he hath, for the
detention thereof.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Hall, for the use of Amos Garrett, £200, to be accounted
for. .
Ordered, That Richard Dallam, or the supervisor of bis
Gun Manufactory, be requested to deliver to Captain Hol-
land, or order, twelve Muskets, completely fixed and fitted
with Bayonets, and take his receipt therefor.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, October 22, 1776.
Council met. Present, the same Members as on yester-
day.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to the
Clerk £30, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Godfrey &/• Elliott
£32 10s., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Garrett
Brown £50, to be accounted for.
Copy of Letter No. 226 was sent to Mr. Jesse Hollings-
worth; No. 227 to Amos Garrett; No. 228 to Thomas
Stone, Esq.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Wednesday, October 23, 1776.
Council met. Present, the same members as on yes-
terday.
Commissions issued to John Ennalls, appointed First
Colonel, Robert Harrison, Lieutenant-Colonel, Thomas
Muse, First Major, and Thomas Jones, Second Major, of
the Nineteenth Battalion of Militia, of this State.
Ordered, That a Court-Martial be appointed for the trial
of Levi Willin, First Lieutenant, and Job Todd, Ensign of
Captain Lake's Company, in Dorchester County ; and that
Colonel John Ennalls be President of the said Court;
Colonel Robert Harrison, Colonel James Murray, Colonel
John Dickinson, Major Thomas Muse, Major Thomas
Jones, Major Joseph Ennalls, and Major Joseph Richard-
son.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas
Smyth, Esq., for the use of John Sturgis, Robert Read,
Robert Constable, and Robert Blake, £283 3s. Sd., for
amount Account.
655
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776.
656
Copy of Letter No. 229 was sent to Mr. Sheals ; No.
230 to Elisha Winters; No. 231 to Captain Frederick
Teems.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Catha-
rine Nixon 30s., for amount Account.
William Gerwood appointed Surgeon Assistant to Dr.
Richard Tootell.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace, Paymaster, advance
one month's Pay to said William Gerwood.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Mary
Dorsey £6, for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Simmonds
» » * *
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Jiams £10, for amount Account.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, October 24, 1776.
Council met. Present, the same Members as on yes-
terday.
Copy of Letter No. 232 was sent to Mr. William Horsey;
No. 233 to Jesse Hollingsworth ; Nos. 234 and 235 to
John Rogers, Esq.; No. 236 to Lux fy Bowley.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
John Entrails, for use of Peter Korean and Rennis Ben-
nett, £3 8*., for amount Account.
Commission issued to William Webb Haddaway, ap-
pointed First Major of the Thirty-Eighth Battalion of
Militia, of this State.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Com-
mittee of Culvert County £30 12*. 6d., for amount Ac-
count.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Dick
£9 4s. 2</., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Wells £150
on bond, for a Linen Manufactory.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Zadock
Magruder 22*. 6d., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Tilghman,
Esq., £26 12s., for thirty-eight days' attendance in the
Council of Safety.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, October 25, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Commission and Letter of Marque issued to Francis
Speake, Commander of Sloop Potowmack, mounting twelve
carriage guns.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Luke
Maybury £24 6s. 4d., for amount Account.
Copy of Letter No. 237 was sent to Jesse Hollings-
worth.
Vernon Hobb and Timothy Bowes appointed to take
the Depositions of any witnesses relative to a Sloop sunk by
Dunmore's Fleet, near St. George's Island, and the sails,
and other things, taken from and out of her by William
Richardson, and transmit the same, when taken, to the
Council of Safety.
^ Permit was granted to William Thomas, Master of
Schooner Edward, to go to Martinique, he having given
bond, and lodged manifest, agreeable to the Resolves of
Convention.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Charles
Ridge/y £21 19s. lOrf. currency.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, October 26, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday, except Mr.
Tilghman.
Leonard Clements, of Captain Stone's Company, dis-
charged from the service of this State, he being incapable of
duty through infirmity and sickness.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace, Paymaster, advance to
Leonard Clements four months' pay.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Richard
Davis £46 10s., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Sterett £35,
for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Richard Coward,
Edward Marldand, and Thomas Pamphillion, £15, for
amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jacob Myers
£300 on bond, for Wire Manufactory.
Council of Safety contracts with James Claypole for
making six hundred pair of Shoes, at 12s. per pair, and
ordered that Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Isaac Clay-
pole £50 on above contract, he having given bond for per-
formance of said contract.
Commissions issued to Thomas Watkins, appointed Cap-
tain, Levin Lawrence, First Lieutenant, Thomas Todd,
Second Lieutenant, and John Jiams, Ensign, of a Company
of Matrosses, raised for the defence of the City of Annap-
olis.
Adjourned till Monday, ten o'clock.
Monday, October 28, 1776.
Council met. Present as on Saturday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Charles
Carroll, Barrister, £31 10*., for forty -five days' attendance
in Council of Safety.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Bullen,
Quartermaster, £50 14*., for amount of Account.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace, Paymaster, advance to
Osborn Brashears, of Captain Bracco's Company, one
month's Pay.
Warrant issued to John David, appointed Lieutenant of
one of the Gondolas, to inlist fifty men.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
David. £150, for Recruiting Service.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Charles
Williamson £22 16s. 8d., for amount Account.
Ordered, That Captain Kiltie be requested to purchase
of Mr. Smyth whatever Cordage he may want, which Mr.
Lux cannot supply, and the Council of Safety will pay
therefor.
Ordered, That Major Fallin be directed to deliver to
Henry Lowes or order, all the wearing apparel of a certain
Joseph Whaland, now in his possession.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Nicholas
Valliant £3, for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain William
Patterson £60 6s., for amount Account.
Ordered, That the Paymaster pay to William O'Harra,
of Captain Burke1 s Company, one month's Pay.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, October 29, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Amos
Davis, for the use of Charles White, £28 15*., for amount
Account.
Commission issued to William Patterson, appointed Com-
mander of the Schooner Dolphin, mounting eight swivels,
belonging to this State.
Ordered, That Captain Patterson be furnished with
twenty-two Muskets, out of Captains Brooke and Smith's
Company.
Warrant issued to John Skinner, appointed a Recruiting
Sergeant for Matrosses and Continental Troops.
Commission issued to Edward Markland, appointed
Lieutenant, and Richard Coward, Master, of the Schooner
Dolphin.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Bullen £15, for to be accounted lor.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jenifer Taylor,
for use of Thomas Ktiner, £9 11s.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jenifer Taylor,
for use of Ignatius Taylor, £32 10*. 2rf., for amount
Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Benjamin Tolson
£26 Is., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Sliney £3
15s., for amount Account.
657
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, NOVEMBER, 1776.
658
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William
Paca, Esq., for use, and by order of Daniel and Samuel
Hughes, £150.
Copy of Letter No. 239 was sent to Benton Harriss.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John
Skinner £30, for inlisting Matrosses.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, October 31, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Joseph
Selby £200 for Account.
Permit was granted to John Norton, Master of the
Schooner Endeavour, to go to North- Carolina, he having
given bond agreeable to Resolve of Convention.
Permit was granted to John Smith, Master of the
Schooner Polly, to go to North- Carolina, he having given
bond agreeable to Resolve of Convention.
o
Warrants issued to Edward Geale, Michael Morgan, and
Clement Smith, appointed Recruiting Sergeants for the
Artillery of this State; and
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to each of
said Recruiting; Sergeants, £50.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel James
Murray, for use of Thomas Smith, John Fletcher, and John
Langfott, £60 15s., for amount Account.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Richard Smith £67 12*. lid., for amount Account.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William
Wilkins £300, on account of Fortifications.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Friday, November 1, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Chris-
tian Keener, by order, and for use of Abraham Vanbibber,
one hundred and sixty Dollars, for his draft to Lemuel
Cormick.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Melcher Keener,
for the use of Jesse Hollingsworth, £500.
Ordered, That Commissary of Provisions supply Captain
Martin with what Rations he may want for the use of Brig-
antine Friendship's crew.
Copy of Letter No. 240 was sent to General Smallwood;
No. 24 1 to Captain A. Lawson Smith ; No. 242 to Ben-
jamin Rumsay, and others; No. 243 to Samuel Duvall;
No. 244 to Captain Frederick Teems.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Melcher
Keener, for use of Englehard Yeiser, £290 9s. 8d.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Robert
Peters, for use of John Yost, £6 13s. 6d.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, November 2, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered. That John Gawes, of Captain Fulford's Com-
pany, be discharged.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace, Esq., Paymaster, ad-
vance three months' Pay to Robert Shipley, of Captain
Watkins's Company.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James
Taylor £12.
Messrs. Ringgold Sf Hemsley return an order on Western-
Shore Treasurer for the sum of £500.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Samuel
Cheote £18.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain John
Martin £50.
Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Colonel Jere-
miah Jordan, for use of Thomas Hobb and William Thomas,
£10 13s. 6d.
Orderrd, That said Treasurer pay to William Galbrailh,
£197 16s. 6d.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Caleb
Sesson £24.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Stephen West,
Esq., £169 17s.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jos'h Nicholson,
Esq., £16 2s., for twenty-three days' attendance in Council
of Safety.
Adjourned till Monday, ten o'clock.
Monday, November 4, 1776.
Council met. Present as on Saturday, except Mr.
Nichobon.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Nathaniel Smith £236 2*. 6d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thos. Snowden
£l388f.4£
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Dr. Adam Fisher,
for use of Margaret Balswell, William Rutford, and Tobias
Risener, £28 17s. 3d.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Tuesday, November 5, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Peter Adams £40, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That Captain Thomas Walker deliver to Mr.
Jenkins and Milne, all their Clothes and Wearing Apparel,
taking care to detain all such goods for which bills of
lading have been signed, till the further order of the Council
of Safety, or Court of Admiralty of this State.
Alexander Furnival appointed Captain of a Company of
Matrosses, to be stationed at Baltimore-Town.
James Lilleycrap's terms for Gardening accepted, and
Council of Safety agree to give the annual rent of £5
to Major Jenifer, for a lot for Gardening.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Alexander Turnival £200, for the Recruiting Service.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Charles Wallace,
Esq., Paymaster, £1000.
Copy of Letter No. 245 sent to Jesse Hollingsworth;
No. 246 to James Clarke; No. 247 to John Martin; and
No. 248 to Colonel Benjamin Rumsey.
Ordered, That Mr. Brujf be requested to deliver to
Elisha Winters three hundred weight of Steel, bought of
him by the Council of Safety.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Clerk £30, for
Expresses.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Elisha Winters
£150, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Lieutenant Philip
Smith £20, on account of Captain Creagar's Company.
Adjourned till next day.
Wednesday, November 6, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Mons.
Francis Pelletier £291 4s.
. Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Nevin
£17 5*. 2d.
Copy of Letter No. 249 was sent to Jesse Hollings-
worth ; No. 250 to Cumberland Dugan.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Notley
Mitchell £ 121 s.6d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Elizabeth Sharpe
£2 3s. Id.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Cath-
arine Nixon 18s. 9d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Charles Ridgely
£1000.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Thursday, November 7, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas
Pryse 26s. 8d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Bullen £56
7s. 3d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Peter Rich £6.
Ordered, That Charles Wallace pay to John Donse, of
Captain Gunby's Company, one month's Wages.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
42
659
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
060
Friday, November 8, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
The Council of Safety contracted with Jacob Madeira
for two hundred pair of Shoes ; and
Ordered, That Western- Shore Treasurer pay to Jacob
Madeira £60, for the above Contract.
Ordered, That Western- Shore' Treasurer pay to Wool-
man Gibson 30*., for a Gun.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Dr.
Richard Tooth £17 12s. 6rf.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay Robert Cummings
£2000.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Wilson
£10, for his fine, being remitted by order of the Con-
vention.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Bullen £230.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel John Mur-
l02 17s. 3d.
Ordered, That those persons who keep Patapsco and
Susquchana Ferries be desired, from time to time, by night
or day, to put the Postmaster-General's Rider over those
Ferries, during the continuance of the War.
Mr. Thomas Smyth agreed with the Council of Safety
to purchase one hundred barrels of Beef, on account, at the
commission of five per cent.
Council of Safety agree with Colonel Hooe for all the
Salt imported in the Brigantine Friendship, at 15s. per
bushel.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Saturday, November 9, 1776.
Council met. Present as on yesterday.
Commissions issued to William Mackie, appointed First
Lieutenant, Joseph Hill, Second Lieutenant, and John
Thomas, Ensign, of Captain MackaWs Company of Militia,
in Frederick County.
Ordered, That Western- Sliore Treasurer pay to William
Horsey £183 11s. \d.
Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to William
Horsey £1000.
Council of Safety agree with Colonel Hooe for all the
Jackets imported in the Brigantine Friendship, at 22s. 6d.
each.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
William Harrison £177 4s. '3d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain John
Martin £25, as a gratuity for his diligence in the importa-
tion of Gunpowder.
Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Colonel
Hooe four pieces of coarse country Linen.
Ordered, That Colonel George Day Scott be requested
to purchase all the Lead that can be procured for the use of
this State, provided he does not exceed Qd. per pound.
Copy of Letter No. 250 was sent to Stephen West; and
No. 251 to the Commissioners of the State of Maryland
appointed to repair to Camp.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Richard Smith £34 9s. lOd.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain William
Richardson £ 1 1 4s. 8d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Archibald Bu-
chanan £700.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Edward Tirnmons
£7 5s., for two Guns.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Smyth
32s. 3d., for amount Account.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Smyth,
for the use of John Blakeivay, 40s.
Ordered, That Westtrn-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel
George Day Scott £20, to be accounted for.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Chris-
tian Praugle £5 7s.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Smyth, Esq.,
for the use of the Committee of Observation for Baltimore-
Town, £600, on account of Fortifications.
Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock.
Monday, November 11, 1776.
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester-
day.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain
Richard Smith £80 2s. 4d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Doctor Charles
F. Weisenthal £13 8s. 3d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to JohnBalzer £11
18s. 4d.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jacob Miller 24s.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jacob Klein £8
10s.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Jonathan Parker
£7 5s. 6d.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Briga-
dier-General John Dent £9 15s.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Daniel of St.
Thomas Jenifer, Esq., £65 2s., for ninety-two days' at-
tendance in the Council of Safety.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Hall, Esq.,
£28, for forty days' attendance in the Council of Safety.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to George Plater,
Esq., £20 6s. for twenty-nine days' attendance in Council
of Safety.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Smith,
Esq., 14s., for one day's attendance in Council of Safety.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Nicholas T/iomas,
Esq., £18 4s., for twenty-six, days' attendance in Council
of Safety.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Gabriel Duvall
£43, for forty-three days' attendance as Clerk.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Richard Ridgely
£111 4s., for attendance as Clerk from the 7th day of
July till the 12th day of November.
Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Benja-
min Harwood 56s., for four days' as Clerk Assistant for
the Copy Accounts.
Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Robert Rey-
nolds £24 10s., for forty-nine days' attendance as Door-
keeper to Council of Safety.
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Tuck
£21 10s., for forty-three days' attendance as a Doorkeeper.
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY AND CONVENTION.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Die Mercurii, 9 ho. A. M., September 4, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to the adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Robert Harpur, Mr. Evert Banker, Mr.,
James Duane.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Colonel Hoffman.
TRYON. — Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder, Mr. Neivkirk.
ALBANY. — *Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgatc, *Colonel
Renselaer, Mr. John Ten Broeck, Mr. Cuyler, Colonel
Livingston, General Ten Broeclc.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Colonel Williams, *Mr.
Duer.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr. Joseph Smith.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
ULSTER. — Colonel De Witt, Mr. Tappan.
WESTCHESTER. — *Colonel Cortlandl, Judge Graham.
The Committee to whom was referred the consideration
of the Resolution of the Convention of this State, relative to
the calling out the Militia of Westchester, Orange, Dutchess,
and Ulster, and the consideration of General Washington's
Letter of September the 1st, report, that they have maturely
considered the state of the Counties of Orange, Dutchess,
Westchester, and Ulster, both with respect to their Militia
and the number of disaffected persons in the said Counties;
and upon the whole, are of opinion that it will not be lor
the safety of this State, or the general interest of America;
to order out any more of the Militia from the said Counties,
and they submit to this Committee of Safety, the following
reasons, among others, which have induced them to form
this opinion:
661
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
662
1st. That from the best information they have been able
to obtain, the number of armed and well-affected Militia, in
the said Counties, do not exceed three thousand one hun-
dred ; the number of disarmed and disaffected persons two
thousand three hundred, and the number of slaves two thou-
sand three hundred. From a comparison of these numbers,
and from our firm opinion that die disaffected only wait
an opportunity of rising; that General Howe is actually
endeavouring to inlist men in most of those Counties; and
that our enemies would not scruple to stir up our slaves to
bear arms against us, it would be extremely hazardous to
the internal peace of the said Counties to draw out at pre-
sent any more of their Militia.
2d. That from the situation of the County of Westchester,
which borders both on the Sound and Hudson's River, and
the Counties of Dutches*, Ulster, and Orange, on the North
River, (the channel of which we have no reason to think
sufficiently obstructed,) the enemy might land to the north-
ward of our posts at King's Bridge, and take possession of
those Counties, without any possibility of a resistance from
the Militia.
3dly. That from the want of tents or sufficient houses,
the Militia would be extremely exposed to the inclemencies
of weather, and other hardships, which, added to the arts of
the Tories in construing into a defeat the late prudent re-
treat from Long-Island, and the present inconvenient season
of the year, would, we fear, prove too severe a trial for the
virtue and patriotism of common soldiers, and disgust them
so as to prevent their being of service to the State on a still
more critical occasion. This appears to have been lately
the case, both of the Militia and new levies, on Nassau-
Island.
They therefore submit it to the wisdom of the Committee
of Safety, whether it would not be advisable to send an
express immediately to General Washington, informing him,
from the reasons above-mentioned, of our inability to call
forth at present any more of the Militia of the said Counties;
assuring him, nevertheless, that the whole Militia of these
Counties who are armed shall be ready to march on the
earliest notice, whenever they receive orders from either
himself or General Clinton, of the absolute necessity of such
march.
Resolved, That this Committee of Safety does agree with
their sub-Committee in the said Report.
And Ordered, That a copy thereof be prepared and cer-
tified, to be forwarded to General Washington.
Ordered, That his Excellency General Washington's
Letter of the 1st .instant be recommitted to the former
Committee, with the addition of Judge Graham.
Die Mercurii, 4 ho. P. M., September 4, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Duane.
WESTCHESTER. — *Colonel Cortlandt, Judge Graham.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions and Mr. Stevens.
ALBANY. — *Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate, *CoIonel
Renselaer, Mr. John Ten Broeck, Mr. Cuyler, General
Ten Broeck, Colonel Livingston.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr. Joseph Smith.
ULSTER. — Colonel De Witt, Mr. Tappan.
TRYON. — Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder, Mr. New-
kerk.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, *Major Schenck.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Colonel Williams, *Mr.
Duer.
N. B. Those gentleman whose names are marked with asterisms are
a quorum of the Committee of Safety.
A draft of a Letter to his Excellency General Washin"--
ton, to accompany the Report of the sub-Committee of this
Committee on his Excellency's Letter of the 1st instant, was
read and approved, and is in the words following, to wit :
"SiR: I enclose to your Excellency, by order of the Com-
mittee of Safety, a copy of a report which relates to a part
of your letter of the 1st instant, respecting the calling out
more of the Militia of this State, for the purpose of "rein-
forcing the post at King's Bridge. It is with extreme con-
cern that the Committee of Safety see their inability to
assist further in maintaining the important posts. They flat-
ter themselves that the reasons which they have offered, will
appear as satisfactory to your Excellency as they did to
the Committee.
"I am, however, directed to assure your Excellency, that
the whole Militia of the Counties of Ulster, Orange, Dutch-
ess, and Westchester, shall be ready to inarch whenever your
Excellency or General Clinton shall think it absolutely
necessary; and to inform you that the Committee of Safety
will immediately exert themselves in arming with lances
all such of the well-affected Militia as are at present desti-
tute of fire-arms.
" I have the honour to be, most respectfully, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant.
"To His Excellency."
Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed,
and signed by the President, and transmitted.
Whereas many of the Militia of the different Counties in
this State, who are well-affected to the American cause, are
not supplied with fire-arms; and whereas it is the duty of
the Convention of this State, at this critical period, to arm
the whole Militia in such a manner as may prove most for-
midable to our inveterate and tyrannical enemies:
Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That persons be ap-
pointed in the Counties of Westchester, Orange, Dutchess,
Ulster, and Albany, forthe purpose of procuring four thousand
Lances to be made with the utmost expedition, agreeable to
such models as shall be sent to the respective Counties.
Resolved, unanimously, That the following persons be
appointed to procure the following proportion of Lances
affixed to their respective names, in the Counties under-
mentioned; and that this Convention will pay all the neces-
sary charges for carrying this resolve into execution:
In the County of Albany, Hermanns Wendell and
Richard Essektine, Esqrs., ------- 800
In Ulster County, Dirck Wynkoop and Robert
Boyd, Esqrs., 800
In Orange County, Henry Wisner and Joseph
Smith, Esqrs., ---------- 800
In Westchester County, Stephen Ward, William
Miller, and Thaddeus Crane, Esqrs., - - - 800
In Dutchess County, James Weeks, William Cush-
man, and Nathaniel Foster, Esqrs., - - - - 800
Lances, 4,000
CONVENTION.
Die Jovis, 9 ho. A. M., September 5, 1776.
The Convention of this State met pursuant to adjourn-
ment in the Episcopal Church, at Fishkill.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Robt. Harper, Mr. Duane, Mr. Bancker.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Doctor Crane, Mr. H. Schenck.
TRYON. — Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder,
Mr. Newkirk.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
Cuyler, Colonel Livingston, Mr. Adgate, Mr. John Ten
Broeck, Colonel V. Renselear.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Major Webster, Colonel Williams.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Cortlandt, Judge Graham, Mr.
Haviland.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
ULSTER. — Colonel De Witt, Mr. Tappan.
ORANGE. — Colonel Allison, Mr. Joseph Smith, Mr. Wisner.
This Church being very foul with the dung of doves and
fowls, without any benches, seats, or other conveniences
whatever, which renders it unfit for the use of this Conven-
tion, therefore they unanimously agreed to adjourn to the
Dutch Church in this village ; and adjourned to the same
accordingly.
The Convention met in the Dutch Church, at the Fish-
kill, pursuant to the above adjournment.
Present : The President and Representatives above
named.
Colonel De Witt from the Committee appointed yester-
day to consider of and report on the difficulties stated on
behalf of the Committee of Kingston, about the sale of Tea,
and the removal of the Prisoners of War now at Kingston,
reported the following Resolution and draft of a Letter, which
were respectively read and agreed to, viz :
663
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
664
Resolved and Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State
advance to Colonel De Witt, the sum of one hundred and
fifty Dollars to be by him transmitted to the Chairman of the
Committee of Kingston, in Ulster County, for the purpose
of removing the Prisoners of War now at Kingston, to
Morris County, in New-Jersey. And the said Chairman
is hereby ordered to transmit to the Convention of this Slate
a regular account of the expenditure of this money.
The draft of the Letter to the Committee of Kingston was
read and approved, and is in the words following, to wit:
" The Convention having it in contemplation to pass n gen-
eral resolve respecting the tea within this State, a Commit-
tee for that purpose was appointed a few days before we
adjourned from Harlem to this place; but as several of the
gentlemen appointed of that Committee are not yet arrived,
the Convention is prevented from completing that business.
I am therefore directed to acquaint you that the Conven-
tion expect you will use your utmost endeavours to keep
peace and good order amongst you, till such resolutions are
passed, in the best manner you can.
" The old paroles, together with a copy of a resolve of the
Continental Congress respecting prisoners, which were
omitted at the time when the blanks were sent, you have
here enclosed. Also, a resolve to defray the expense of
their removal.
" I am your very humble servant. By order.
" To the Chairman and Members of the Committee at Kings-
ton."
Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed,
and signed by the President, and, together with a copy of the
aforegoing Resolution, transmitted to the Committee at
Kingston.
John Woolley being examined, says that he was on board
of the British ships once lately; that he was carried on
board against his consent, and by violence ; that this hap-
pened on last Wednesday a week, about noon, under the
shore of Nassau-Island, opposite to Frog's Point; that
two ships were there, one named the Bloom, as appeared
by the name on the stern ; that he went to bring a boat
home to be unrigged, and by that means was taken ; that he
was not ill treated on board the ship, and his boat was re-
turned, the reason whereof was, he believes, that his brother
had been on board, and has been a warm partisan for the
British fleet and army; that he could have gone on board
frequently if he had chose it ; that he did not mean to join
the enemy ; that a brother of his, the examinant, was with
him when he was taken ; that he was asked on board if he
could furnish them with provisions, or if they could be
supplied in the neighbourhood ; that he answered in the
negative, and told them the cattle were all drove off; that
he did not learn any of the designs of the enemy, but heard
some of the soldiers say that they expected a large reinforce-
ment of twenty thousand men ; that he is an Associator ;
that his father owned the boat he went for ; that Philip
Woolley was with him when he was taken ; that they called
him a Rebel when he was taken ; that he saw Isaac Barns
from the New City Island, in Westchester County, on board,
and also two negroes belonging to Henry Allen.
John Wooley withdrew.
Major Thome, of Queen's County, called in as a witness,
says: That John Wooley has behaved peaceably, and has
not, to his knowledge, said or done any thing in the Ameri-
can cause on either side ; that he has been excused from
military duty, as a ferryman, and that he is an invalid ; that
he heard at Huntington that the Wookys were removing
their boats from his wharf to Captain Woohy's, and were
intercepted by a barge ; that Captain Wooley's family in
general, through the influence of his son Thomas, is esteemed
disaffected to the American cause.
Mr. Henry Stacker says, that John Wooley has behaved
very" peaceably, and said nothing on either side in the
American cause ; that Wooley's cattle has been removed,
and John Wooley says that he removed those that were
brought to his house ; that he heard that Wooley's ferry-bout
was removed to Mnjor Thome's dock ; that he does not
know, nor has not heard, that John Wooley has supplied the
enemy's ships with provisions.
The Committee determined to admit John Wooley to bail,
if he can find two good sureties to be bound with him, for
his peaceable and good behaviour, and remaining on the
main land in this State. The said John Wooley to be bound
in the penalty of fifty pounds, and the said sureties in the
sum of twenty-five (rounds each.
And Ordered, That the President inform the said John
Wooley thereof in time of the adjournment, and direct him
to inform the Committee in the afternoon whether he can
obtain sureties and who they are.
Ordered, That Mr. McKesson, one of the Secretaries,
pay to Sergeant David Mills twelve shillings, by him paid
for the passage of himself and two men under his com-
mand, sent up as a guard from Peek's Kill with a prisoner
taken, who had been on board of the enemy's ships of war
in the river. That the Secretary take a receipt for the same.
And Ordered, That the Treasurer repay to Mr. Mc-
Kesson the said twelve shillings, and charge the same to
Continental account.
Die Jovis, 4 ho., P. M., September 5, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW- YORK. — Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Bancker, Mr.
Dunne.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Doctor Crane, Mr. H. Schenck.
ALBANY. — Mr. Ab. Yates, General TenBroeck, Mr. Cuy-
ler, Colonel Livingston, Colonel Van Renselaer, Mr.
Adgate.
TRYON. — Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder,
Mr. Newkerk.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Cortlandt, Mr. Haviland, Judge
Graham.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Major Webster, Colonel Wil-
liams.
ULSTER. — Colonel De Witt, Mr. Tappen.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr. Joseph
Smith.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
On motion, Ordered, That the Secretaries prepare the
following number of Commissions, to be signed by the Presi-
dent and attested by one of the Secretaries, and transmitted
to the County Committees hereafter mentioned, on the con-
ditions prescribed in the Resolution of the Convention of this
State of the day of last, viz: 100 Commis-
sions for the County of Albany ; 50 Commissions for the
County of Tryon ; 20 Commissions for the County of Char-
lotte ; 6 Commissions for the Third Battalion of West-
Chester County.
On motion of the Deputies of Albany,
Resolved and Ordered, That Harmen Van Butren, Esq.,
be appointed Major of the Seventh Regiment of Militia of
the County of Albany, and that a Commission issue for that
purpose.
The Petition of the Committee of Tryon County, dated
the instant, was read and filed. They therein set forth
that the Militia of that County would be more advantage-
ously regulated if a Brigadier-General was appointed in
that County, as the distance they are from Brigadier-Gen-
eral Ten Broeck, whom they esteem, is a great inconve-
nience.
Brigadier-General Ten Broeck, present, informed the
Convention that it is a disadvantage to the Militia of Tryon
County, and an inconvenience to himself, to have those
Militia in his Brigade, and the more especially as the Major
of Brigade resides in Tryon County, at a great distance
from him.
Thereupon, Resolved, That the Militia of Tryon County
be formed into a Brigade separate from the Militia of Al-
bany.
And whereas Nicholas Herkhiemer, Esq., is justly entitled
to be appointed the Brigadier-General of the Brigade of
Militia of Tryon County, as well from his military rank
in that County, as from his great merit and many exertions
in the present glorious struggle for liberty :
Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That Nicholas Herk-
hiemer, Esq., be appointed Brigadier-General of the Militia
of Tryon County, and that a commission issue to him accord-
ingly for that purpose.
And Ordered, That John Frcy, Esq., be appointed
Brigade-Major of that Brigade.
665
NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
666
On motion of Mr. Duer, the Convention came to the
following Resolution for the removal of the Bells from the
City of New-York, viz:
Whereas the King of Great Britain is studiously endea-
vouring, by every means which artifice and lawless power
can devise, to deprive the inhabitants of the United States of
America of Ammunition, Cannon, and every warlike store,
in order that they may fall a more easy prey to his tyrannical
purposes; which cowardly designs have unhappily so far
succeeded, that this State is now distresssed by the want of
sufficient Arms to resist the powerful and unnatural ene-
my by whom they are invaded : And whereas the duty
which the representatives of a free people owe, both to God
and their country, obliges them to make every possible ex-
ertion to procure Arms and Ammunition, in order to defend
their rights and liberties, which are derived from the Supreme
Being, and which posterity have a right to claim as an un-
incumbered inheritance :
Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That his Excellency
General Washington be requested and authorized to cause
all the Bells in the different Churches and publick edifices in
the City of New- York to be taken down and removed to
New-Ark, in New-Jersey, with all possible despatch, that
the fortune of war may not throw the same into the hands
of our enemy, and deprive this State, at this critical period,
of that necessary though unfortunate resource for supplying
our want of cannon.
Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the
Ministers, Elders, or Church-Wardens of the respective
Churches, in order that the weight and value of <hose Bells
may be ascertained. And the Convention of this State
pledge the publick faith that the respective Churches shall be
furnished with Bells of equal goodness and value whenever
their constituents, free from the apprehension of having their
civil and religious rights violated by any earthly Power,
shall be enabled to return their publick thanks to the Su-
preme Ruler of the universe for graciously rescuing them
from the gulf of tyranny.
A draft of a Letter to his Excellency General Washington
was read and approved, and is in the words following, to
wit:
"SiR: T am directed by the Convention of this State to
transmit to your Excellency a copy of a resolution which
they entreat may be carried into execution with all possible
despatch. It is with extreme concern that we find ourselves
under the disagreeable necessity of having recourse to this
unhappy but necessary expedient, or of troubling your Ex-
cellency with a commission of this nature ; but the critical
situation of this State, the want of brass field-pieces, and
our inability to have this resolve executed by the Committee
of the City of New- York, on account of their absence from
the city, reduce us to the dilemma either of adopting this
measure or of neglecting the publick safety. They therefore
trust that your Excellency's zeal for the publick service will
induce you to pardon the liberty they take of troubling you
on this occasion.
"I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect,
&,c.
"To his Excellency General Washington."
Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed,
and signed by the President, and, together with a copy of
the last aforegoing Resolution, transmitted to his Excellency,
by Sampson Dyckman, the Messenger.
The President informed the Convention that John
Wooiey offers as his sureties Major Richard Thome and
Henry Stacker, both of Queen's County, of which the Con-
vention approved.
Ordered, That the Secretary present draw a proper Bond
or that purpose, and see it duly executed by the said John
Wooiey and his sureties. •
Major SchencJc informed the Convention that a quantity
of Oil, said to belong to this State, is stored in a store-house
near Rush's Landing, and that it is in a leaky condition
and wasting fast.
Ordered, That Major Henry Schenck be and is hereby
authorized and requested to take proper care of the said Oil,
and direct the same to be properly coopered, so as to pre-
serve it from wasting.
The application or Petition of Henry Chase* a prisoner
in the Gaol of Westchcster County, was read and filed. He
thereby prays to be brought to a trial or discharged.
Ordered, That the consideration thereof be deferred until
more important matters before the Convention are de-
spatched.
The Petition of Colonel Benjamin Birdsall,] acting as
Captain of a Company in Colonel Smith's Regiment, Nas-
sau-Island, was read and filed. He thereby prays for
money to discharge the bounty due to his men.
Ordered, That the consideration thereof be deferred until
Colonel Birdsall can be examined before this Convention
to-morrow.
The Bond of John Wooki/,$ and the condition, were
brought into the Convention and read, and ordered to be
filed.
Mr. Duane, from the Committee who visited the Fortifica-
tions on Hudson's River, produced a number of Returns,
made by various officers there, and gave the Convention
the following information in substance:
1st. That General Clinton told them that he thought the
provisions deficient; that on inquiry they found a quantity
of damaged pork in barrels there, which, from some infor-
mation they received, was, in general, bad when sold for the
use of the garrison, with a little good pork packed as a
cover in each end of the barrels.
2d. That the fire rafts are in such a state as not to be
fit for use, having in part water in them ; and that the Gen-
eral does not know what to do with them.
3d. That at Fort Montgomerie, an Armourer, with the
tools of his trade, is much wanted.
•WHITE-PLAINS JAIL, August 30, 1776. — GENTLEMEN: My confine-
ment is the reason of my petitioning to you, the honourable Provincial
Congress, hoping your Honours will be pleased to take my case into
consideration; for the Committee of Safety says that they have no right
to try me; so I leave my case to your Honours, gentlemen, and beg
that your Honours would consider me, for I have been imprisoned a
long time and nothing appeared against me; so I beg that you Honours
would consider me as quick as possible, for I am a poor man and it is
a great damage to me to lie in prison; so, gentlemen, I leave my case to
your Honours, not doubting but your wisdoms, gentlemen, will do
me justice. This broken petition from me, HENRY CHASE.
To the honourable Provincial Congress at the Fishkills.
P. S. Gentlemen, I should be very glad if your Honours would be
so good as to send for me before your Honours as quick as possible,
and in so doing you will greatly oblige me, HENRY CHASE.
In Committee of Safety for the County cf WESTCHESTER, )
WHITE-PLAINS, August, 1776. • \
You are under the immediate cognizance of the Convention of the
State of New-York, and this Committee thinks proper to inform you
that they cannot take your case into consideration. You must make
application to the Convention, if you want your case considered.
By order of Committee: JOSEPH YOUNGS, D. Chairman.
To H. CHASE, Prisoner.
t FISHKILLS, Sejitember 6, 1776. — GENTLEMEN OF THE STATE OF NEW-
YORK: The conditions of the inlistment of the troops upon Long-Island,
they had the promise of <£4 bounty. I was to command one company;
accordingly I have, but^with only twenty-six men. They have often
complained for the want of their bounty, which is °£104, except of 34 out,
I have received; £1Q is now due for bounty. I pray it may be dis-
charged. I am at your service; and from this purpose, going with my
men to Long-Island to join Colonel Sturlli, as I'm sensible he wants as-
sistance. BENJ. BIRDSALL, Lieut. Colonel.
} Know all men by these presents, that we, John Wooiey, of Hemp-
stead, in Queen's County, Yeoman, and Richard Thome, Esq., and Henry
Slacker, both of Hempsted aforesaid, are held and firmly bound unto
Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President of the Convention of the State of
New-York, in the sums following, to wit: the said John Wooiey in the
sum of =f50, and the said Richard Thorne and Henry Stacker in the sum
of ȣ25 each, to be paid to the said Abraham Yates, Jun., or to his cer-
tain attorney, executors, administrators, or assigns; for which payment
well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves, our heirs, ex-
ecutors, and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these pres-
ents. Sealed with our seals, and dated the 5th day of September, 1776.
': The condition of the above obligation is such, that if the above-bound
John Wooiey do not go to any part of Nassau-Island without the permis-
sion of the Convention or Legislative authority of this State of New-
York for the time being; and in the mean time if the said John Wooiey
shall and do behave himself as a faithful and good subject of the State
of New-York, and not afford any aid, assistance, support, or comfort to
any of officers or soldiers of the British fleets or armies, or their allies or
adherents, or give them any intelligence by any means whatsoever, nor
violate any order or resolution of the Congress of the United American
States, or of the Convention or Committee of Safety of the State of
New-York, then the obligation to be void; but on failure or non-perform-
ance of either of the above conditions, to be and remain in full force and
virtue. JOHN WOOLKY, Jr., [L. s.]
RICH'D THORNE, [L. s.]
HENRY STOCKER, [L. s.]
Sealed and delivered in the presence of us, the word " Hempsted" being
wrote on a former word. DAVID MILLS,
MlCAH 'I'OWNSEND,
JOHN MC-KESSON.
667
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
668
4tli. That there is a great want of men at Forts Mont-
gomerie, Constitution, and Red-Hook; that the last men-
tioned work is very imperfect, but will be extremely useful.
That one thousand more men the General would think
necessary for the Fortifications, excusive of Red-Hook,
That spades, shovels, pick-axes, shot, lead, sheep-skins,
langrage, and many other things, are wanting there ; that
the General desires a reinforcement of men, and that they
may be armed. And he gave an account of the number of
cannon there, and the weight of their metal.
Mr. Duane then moved that five hundred Militia may be
immediately ordered to reinforce those Garrisons, to be de-
tached from Ulster, Orange, and Dutchess.
Debates arose, and the consideration whereof is deferred
till to-morrow.
Die Veneris, 9 ho. A. M., September 6, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Tales, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Duane, Mr. Robert Harper.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Doctor Crane, Mr. //. Schenck.
ALBANY. — Mr. Ab. Yates, General Ten Brotck, Mr. Cuy-
kr, Colonel Livingston, Colonel Van Rcnselaer, Mr.
Adgate.
TRYON. — Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder,
Mr. Newkerk.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Cortlandt, Mr. Haviland, Colo-
nel Drake.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Major Webster, Colonel Wil-
liams.
ULSTER. — Colonel De Witt, Mr. Tappen.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr. Jos. Smith.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
On motion, Resolved, That a Messenger be sent for any
Member of this Convention who shall absent himself with-
out leave; and that the expense incurred thereby shall be
defrayed by the said Member; and that such Member shall
also receive a publick reprimand from the Chair, for a con-
tempt of the House.
Mr. Duane, from the Committee appointed to visit the
Forts Montgomerie and Constitution, gave the Convention
some further information relative to the state of those Forti-
fications.
After some time spent thereon, Resolved, That it is of
the utmost consequence to the safety of this State and the
general interest of America, that a reinforcement should be
immediately sent to the Forts Montgomery and Constitu-
tion, at Hudson's River.
Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That six hundred
men be, with all possible despatch, detached from the Mil-
itia of this State, and sent to the Forts Montgomery and
Constitution, as a reinforcement to those Garrisons.
It was then proposed, and, after some considerable time
spent therein, it was agreed, that the reinforcement for those
Garrisons be detached from the Militia of Ulster, Albany,
Dutchess, and Orange Counties.
A motion was then made by Mr. Duane, and seconded,
that the proportion of men to be furnished by those Coun-
ties be as follows, to wit: From Ulster County, two hun-
dred and twenty-five; from Albany, one hundred and fifty;
from Dutchess, one hundred and fifty ; and from Orange,
seventy-five men.
Debates arose thereon. After some time spent thereon,
a motion was made and seconded, that twenty-five men be
taken from the number proposed to be raised in Ulster
County, and added to the number proposed to be raised in
Dutchess.
Debates also arose thereon ; and the question being put,
it was carried in the affirmative by every County present,
except Ulster; that is to say, for the affirmative, twenty
votes, and for the negative, four votes.
It was then proposed that the proportions of the Militia
from those Counties be fixed as follows, viz: From Ulster.
two hundred men ; from Albany, one hundred and fifty
men; from Dutchess, one hundred and seventy-five men;
from Orange, seventy-five men — six hundred men.
Debates arose thereon ; and the question being put, it
was carried in the affirmative, in manner following, to wit:
For the affirmalirr. For the ncgatiw.
6 Albany, 2 Charlotte, 3 Orange,
3 Try on, 4 Westchester. 4 Ulster.
2 Cumberland, —
17 votes. 7 rotes.
Therefore, Resolved, That the above reinforcement be
detached from the Militia of those four Counties in the
proportions above mentioned.
Die Veneris, 4 ho. P. M., September 6, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Duatic, Mr.
Jay.
DUTCHESS. — Major Schenck, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr.
Sackett, Doctor Crane, Mr. Gilbert Livingston, Captain
Plait.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General -Ten Broeck, Col-
onel P. R. Livingston, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Cuyler, Colo-
nel Renselaer, Mr. John Ten Broeck.
TRYON. — Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder,
Mr. Newkerk.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Cortlandt, Mr. Haviland, Colo-
nel Drake.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Major Webster, Colonel Wil-
liams.
ULSTER. — Colonel De Witt, Mr. Tappen.
ORANGE. — Colonel Allison, Mr. Joseph Smith, Mr. Wis-
ner.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
The Convention resumed the consideration of the state
of the Garrisons of Forts Montgomery and Constitution,
and the works erecting at Red-Hook. After some time
spent therein, the two following Resolutions were agreed on
and resolved, viz:
Resolved, That one hundred and fifty men from that
part of the County of Albany which is within and to the
southward of the Manor of Renselaerun/ck, including the
City of Albany; one hundred and seventy-five men from
the County of Dutchess ; two hundred men from the County
of Ulster; and seventy-five men from that part of the
County of Orange which lies above the Mountains, be
immediately detached by ballot, and marched to augment
the Garrison at Forts Montgomery and Constitution.'
Resolved, That the above reinforcement continue in ser-
vice two months after their arrival at the said Fortresses;
and that this Convention will discharge them sooner, in case
sufficient Garrisons of Continental troops shall be ordered
to and arrive at those Forts before the expiration of the said
two months; and that the Militia so drafted shall be entitled
to the same pay as are allowed to the Continental troops.
A question then arose into what number of Companies
those Levies should be disposed. The same being fully
considered,
Resolved, That the above Levies be formed into Com-
panies in the following manner, to wit: Those from the
County of Ulster into three Companies; those from Albany
and Dutchess, respectively, into two Companies each; and
those from the County of Orange into one Company.
On motion of Mr. Duer, agreed that the Convention
immediately proceed to fix and appoint the Field Officers
to command the said Levies or Detachments intended to
reinforce the said Garrisons.
Mr. Duer then moved that the Field Officers to com-
mand the said reinforcement be appointed out of the Coun-
ties of Albany, Ulster, and Orange, agreeable to the prece-
dence or rank fixed for the said Counties by the regulations
for the Militia of this State.
Debates arose thereon ; and the question being put, it
was carried in the negative, in manner following, viz:
O ' O '
For the affirmative.
4 Ulster,
3 Oranffe,
2 Charlotte.
9 votes.
For the negative.
6 Albany,
5 Dutchess,
3 Tryon,
2 Cumberland.
16 votes.
Therefore the said motion was overruled.
On motion, Resolved, That the Colonel to command that
reinforcement be called into service from Ulster County, the
669
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
670
Lieutenant-Colonel from Dutchess County, and the Major
from the County of Albany.
Colonel De Wilt then moved, and \vas seconded, that
the Troop of Horse in Ulster County, now called out by
General Clinton, and the Rangers which are raised in the
said County, be considered as a part of the troops to be
raised by virtue of the resolutions passed this day.
Debates arose thereon ; and the question being put, it
was carried in the negative, Ulster alone for the affirma-
O '
live.
Resolved, This Convention will, to the utmost of their
power, comply with General James Clinton's requisitions
for the support and supply of those Fortifications.
Colonel V. Cortlandt has leave of absence.
Die Sabbati, 9 ho. A. M., September 7, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW- YORK. — Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Jay, Mr. Dunne.
WESTCHESTEK. — Major Lockwood, Colonel Gilbert Drake,
Mr. Haviland.
ALBANY. — Mr. Yates, General Ten Broeck, John Ten
Broeck, Mr. Cuyler, Colonel Renselaer, Mr. Adgate,
Colonel Livingston.
TRYON. — Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Newkerk,
Mr. Vtder.
ULSTER. — Colonel De Witt.
ORANGE. — Mr. Jos. Smith, Colonel Allison, Mr. Wisner.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Colonel Williams, Major Webster.
DUTCHESS. — Dr. Crane, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. H.
Schenck, Mr. Gilbert Livingston, Captain Plait.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sessions.
The Convention was informed by several Members, that
the Stores from White-Plains, for the removal whereof John
Cregier was lately sent, are now arrived at Mr. Bogardus's
landing in a small Sloop or Pettiauger, under a guard of a
Sergeant and twelve men, who ought to be immediately dis-
charged and furnished with provisions lor their return.
Ordered, That the said Stores be landed and stored under
the care of Nathaniel Sackett, Esq., who is hereby appointed
a Commissary for that purpose ; and that Mr. Sackett be,
and hereby is, authorized and requested to furnish and pro-
vide the guard with provisions for their return.
Mr. Smith, of Suffolk County, informed the Convention
that a certain person of the name of Harrison, is in the
neighbourhood, and can give some information relative to
the situation of the enemy and disaffected on Nassait-
Island.
Mr. Harrison says that the Ministerial Troops have been '
to Oyster-Bay and Hempstead ; that the disaffected inhab-
itants have joined to assist the enemy, and proceeded as far
as Setauket; that General Howe has set guards to prevent
any person coming off the island or removing cattle ; that
Isaac Ketchum has taken a commission and got some men ;
that William Smith, of , administers oaths of fidelity
or allegiance to the inhabitants, and that Thomas Smith, of
Hog-Inland, receives their submissions ; that Colonel Liv-
ingston is moving westward on the island with the Militia ;
that a number of men were going from Connecticut to bring
off some gunpowder from Huntington and a quantity of
flour there, which one Ireland had sold to the Ministerial
Army ; that he saw Colonel Smith, of Suffolk County, in
Connecticut.
Ordered, That Colonel De Witt, Mr. William Smith,
and Mr. R. R. Livingston be a Committee to devise ways
and means to succour the subjects of this State on Nassau-
Island.
On motion of Mr. Jay,
Resolved, That a Committee of Safety and Correspond-
ence for that part of this State which lies below the High-
lands be immediately formed; that Colonel Rcmsen, Major
Abeel, and Major Peter P. Van Zandt, be that Committee.
And Ordered, That Mr. Duanc, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Duer,
be a Committee to draw up Instructions for that Committee
of Safety.
And Ordered, That Colonel Hoffman be excused from
attending at New- York as a correspondent, according to
his late appointment for that purpose.
Resolved, unanimously, That the Committee of Safety
and Correspondence at New-York be appointed and author-
ized to take from the doors of the Houses in the city of
New-York all the Brass Knockers, and that they cause the
same to be sent to some careful pel-son at New- Ark, in New-
Jersey, with all possible despatch; that the said Committee
keep as accurate an account as possible of the weight and
value of them, and of the houses from whence taken, in
order that satisfaction may be hereafter made to the respect-
ive owners.
The residue of the morning was spent in preparing the
Resolutions for reinforcing the Garrisons of the Forts on
Hudson's River. The long preamble prepared by Mr.
Duane, and many other parts, were read, amended, and
agreed to.
Mr. Wisner, of Orange, moved, and was seconded, that
a Bounty be allowed to the Militia now to be called into
service in this State. Debates arose, and the question
being put, the votes were as follows, viz:
For the Affirmative. For the Negative.
2 Cumberland. 2 Charlotte.
6 Albany. 3 Tryon.
3 Orange. 5 Dutchess.
4 Westchester.
11 votes.
14 votes.
But by reason of the absence of several Members, the
consideration of allowing Bounty is deferred till afternoon.
Die Sabbati, 4 ho. P. M., September 7, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Dunne, 'Mr. Jay.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Drake, Major Lockwood, Mr.
Haviland.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck,
Colonel P. Livingston, Mr. Adgate, Colonel Renselaer,
Mr. Cuyler, M r. John Ten Broeck.
TRYON. — Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. feeder.
ULSTER. — Colonel De Witt.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr. Joseph Smith.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Webster, Colonel Williams, Mr. Duer.
DDTCHESS. — Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Gilbert Liv-
ingston, Mr. Plait, Dr. Crane, Mr. Schenck.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sessions.
The Convention resumed the consideration of the Report
of the Committee who were sent to visit the Forts Mont-
gomery and Constitution; and after some time spent thereon,
and the completing of the Resolutions, designed for re-
inforcing the Garrisons at those Fortifications, with the
preambles thereto, and the appointment of the Officers to
command such reinforcements, the same being finally read
and agreed to, are in the words following, to wit :
The Committee appointed the 2d instant, to visit and
examine into the state of Forts Montgomery and Constitu-
tion, in the Highlands, laid before the Convention returns
from different Officers at those Fortresses, showing the con-
dition and wants of the respective Garrisons, from which,
and the Reports of the Committee, among other things it
appears that there are at present no more troops in the Hirrh-
lands than seven hundred and sixty-four, whereof three
hundred and ninety-eight are at Fort Montgomery, and two
hundred and sixteen at Fort Constitution. The troops
consist of Militia of the State, excepting five Companies
of the Second New-York Continental Battalion. That to
render Fort Constitution tenable, the West-Point, which
commands it, ought to be fortified. That considerable
progress is made in fortifying an advantageous eminence on
the western shore, a little to the south of Fort Montgomery,
and within the reach of cannon, but it is still incomplete.
That the remaining part of the said troops, being one hun-
dred and fifty, is employed in erecting woiks on the east
side of the river, about three miles below Fort Montgom-
ery, at a place called Red-Hook, near PeeJakiil, which
are well calculated to prevent the enemies landing on that
side, and becoming masters of the Highlands opposite to
Fort Montgomery. That Brigadier-General James Clinton,
commanding at the said Fortresses, informed the Com-
mittee that, exclusive of the post at Red-Hook, an aug-
mentation of one thousand men was requisite for completing
and defending the Fortresses under his directions, and
earnestly requested that this Convention would immediately
671
NEW-YORK COMMITTED OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
672
procure such reinforcement, as well as the several articles
of Ammunition, stores, and necessaries, hereafter specified, of
which lie stood in the utmost need.
This Convention having duly considered the said repre-
sentation and requisition, and well knowing how much the
safety of this State, as well as the success of the united
efforts of this oppressed Continent in the defence of our
common liberties, must depend on maintaining the pos-
session of Hudson's River, and guarding it against the
invasion which is to be apprehended from the enemy ; con-
sidering, at the same time, the little probability that it can
at present be in the power of his Excellency General
Washington to detach for this service any of the army
which is employed in opposing the progress of the enemy
in the southern part of this State; the Convention must
again have recourse to the good people of this State, not
doubting but that, inspired by a virtuous love for their
country, they will, on an occasion so pressing, and at a
period when their lives, their liberties, and every temporal
blessing, are in imminent danger, stand forth with zeal and
alacrity in the greatest and best of causes :
Therefore Resolved, That six hundred men be, with all
possible despatch, detached from the Militia of this Slate,
and sent to the Forts Montgomery and Constitution, as a
reinforcement to those garrisons.
That one hundred and fifty men from that part of the
County of Albany which is within and to the southward of
the Manor of Renselacrwyck, including the City of Albany,
one hundred and seventy-five men from the County of
Dutchetss, two hundred men from the County of Ulster, and
seventy-five men from that part of the County of Orange
which lies above the Mountains, all exclusive of commis-
sioned officers, be immediately detached by ballot, and
marched to augment the Garrisons at Forts Montgomery and
Cotutitution,
Resolved, That the above reinforcement continue in ser-
vice two months after their arrival at the said Fortresses,
and that this Convention will discharge them sooner in case
sufficient garrisons of Continental Troops shall be ordered
to, and arrive at, those Forts before the expiration of the
said two months ; and that the Militia so drafted shall be
entitled to the same pay and rations as are allowed to the
Continental Troops.
Resolved, That the above Levies be formed into Com-
panies, in the following manner, to wit : Those from the
County of Ulster into three Companies, and those from
Albany and Dutchess respectively into two Companies each,
and those from the County of Orange into one Company,
and that each Company have one Captain, two Lieutenants,
four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, and one •
Fifer.
That the said reinforcement shall be formed into one
Battalion, to be commanded by a Colonel, Lieutenant-Col-
onel, and Major, to be appointed by this Convention ; that
a Surgeon, Adjutant, and Quartermaster, shall be appointed
for the said Battalion, the first by the Convention, and
the two last by the Colonel. That the Captains and Sub-
alterns be appointed by the Field Officers of the Regiments
in each respective County from which the quotas are to
be raised, out of the Militia Officers, having regard to their
rank and the dates of their commissions, if a sufficient
number of such are willing to serve; if not, that they shall
be at liberty to appoint such others as they shall think
properly qualified ; and that the Non-commissioned Officers
be appointed by the Captain of each Company under whom
they are to serve.
Resolved, That each Non-commissioned Officer and Pri-
vate shall provide himself with a good Musket or Firelock,
Bayonet or Tomahawk, a Blanket and Knapsack, and
every six men with a Pot or Camp-kettle ; and that one
penny per mile be allowed to each Non-commissioned
Officer and Private during their march, for subsistence-
money, and one day's pay for every twenty miles between
their respective homes and rendezvous, going and returning.
And to the intent that the Levies so raised may not be
unfurnished with Arms, the Committees in the different
Townships and Districts in the said Counties, and the Col-
onels of the respective Regiments, are hereby authorized
and empowered to furnish all such as have not Arms, by
taking them from those who are not drafted and such other
persons in the Districts as have Arms, the same being valued
by the Committee of each District, the amount of such val-
uation hereafter to be paid to the proprietors of the said
Arms by this Convention, or the Arms restored in the same
order to their former proprietors.
Resolved, That Colonel Johannes Snyder, of Ulster
County be and is hereby appointed Colonel, Lieutenant-
Colonel John Bailey, Jun., of Dutchess County, to be
Lieutenant-Colonel, of the Levies, now ordered to be
detached from the Counties of Albany, Ulster, Dutchess,
and Orange, and that a Commission be sent blank to the
Committee of Albany, for a Major for the said Levies, to
be offered first to the eldest Major of the Militia in the
County of Albany, and in case of his refusal, to the next
eldest in succession until it is accepted.
Resolved, That new Commissions issue for the Officers
of those detachments, and that the Field Officers be by
those Commissions appointed to that command, in addition
to their former commands in the Militia of their respective
Counties.
Resolved, That 50 Spades, 50 Wood-axes, 50 Pick-axes,
24 Shovels, 25 Bill-hooks, 200 weight of Lead, 1000 weight
Langrage, 1000 round and bar Shot for nine-pounders, 50
sets of cast-iron Carriage-Wheels for cannon, 1000 weight of
Nails for building barracks, 1000 rounds of six-pound Ball
and Grape-Shot, three sets of men's Harness for drawing
cannon, 30 pounds of Twine, 12 pounds of Thread for car-
tridges, and one Armourer with the tools of his business,
be immediately procured and forwarded to Fort Mont-
gomery. And that John Schenck be appointed an Agent
lor that purpose, with authority to draw on the Treasurer
for a sum not exceeding twenty-five hundred Dollars, for
which he shall keep and render an exact account.
Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State pay to John
Schenck, as Agent for furnishing the Forts Constitution
and Montgomerie with the articles directed by this Conven-
tion, any sum for which he may apply not exceeding twenty-
five hundred Dollars, for which Mr. Schenck is to keep and
render account.
The subject of granting a Bounty to the detachments of
Militia ordered by the aforegoing Resolutions, was reas-
sumed. After a short time spent therein, the further con-
sideration thereof was postponed till next week.
The following Preamble was read and agreed to, to intro-
duce the copies of the aforegoing Resolutions, which shall
be sent to the Commanding Officers of the Militia in the
Counties from whence the Militia are ordered to be detached,
viz:
"The Committee appointed to visit and examine into
the state of the Fortresses in the Highlands, report, among
other tilings, that an immediate reinforcement is necessary
and earnestly requested by General Clinton, the command-
ing officer."
Ordered, That the Secretaries prefix this Preamble to
the copies to be sent to the Officers of the Militia in the
Counties, instead of the other long introduction.
Ordered, That a copy of the said Resolutions be imme-
diately prepared and despatched to the Delegates of this
State at Congress, and that Mr. Robert R. Livingston pre-
pare a draft of a Letter to the Delegates of this State at
Congress, to accompany the said Resolutions.
Ordered, That a copy of the Resolution of this Conven-
tion, for removing Bells from the Churches and publick
edifices in New-York, be sent to the Delegates of this State
at Congress.
Ordered, That a certified copy of the Committee on
General Washington's Letter, relative to sending Forces to
King's Bridge, be sent to the Delegates of this State at
Congress.
The Convention were informed that there are several
women and a number of children, amounting to fifteen in
the whole, at Captain Wiltse's Landing, in a storehouse,
who came from New-York, and say that they were sent out
by the Committee; but that they have not certificates,
which the Committee usually gave; that they are willing
to work, but are poor and have not subsistence. That the
widow and children of Isaac Teller, deceased, are near this
place, without support, and the widow in a sick and low
condition..
Ordered, That Major Henry Schenck have discretionary
power to provide for the maintenance of the poor now at
673
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
<J74
Wiltse's Landing, and also for the widow and children of
Isaac Teller, deceased.
Resolved unanimously, and Ordered, That the Treasurer
of this State stop payment of all Accounts passed by the
Auditor-General for Colonel Smith's Regiment of Levies,
and for the drafts of the Militia from King's and Queen's
County, commanded by Colonel Remsen, till he shall
receive further orders from this Convention or a future
Legislature of this State.
Resolved, That the President, Mr. William Smith, Major
Webster, Mr. Ditane, Mr. Ac/gate, and Mr. Jay, be a
Committee of Safety of this State until the next meeting of
a representation of the State in this Convention. That the
President and three members be a quorum of that Commit-
tee. That every member of this Convention who shall
attend shall have a voice, and that the said Committee be
and is hereby authorized to take every measure necessary
for the safety, defence, and protection of this State.
Colonel De Witt has leave of absence to go home, and
return as soon as possible.
Mr. Duer has leave of absence for two or three days.
Mr. Wisner, Mr. Joseph Smith, and Colonel Allison,
obtained leave of absence, to return on Monday at noon.
Dr. Crane had leave of absence, to return on Monday
next, at two o'clock.
Mr. Robert R. Livingston had leave of absence, to
return on Monday next.
Mr. R. R. Livingston, according to order, reported a
draft of a Letter to the Delegates of this State at Conven-
tion, which was read, and referred to the Committee of
Safety.
Ordered, That Nathaniel Sackett, Esq., as Commissary,
deliver to any one of the Deputies of Charlotte County,
fifteen hundred weight of Lead and one thousand Flints, to
be sent to Charlotte County, for the yse of the inhabitants
of that County, to be paid and accounted for by the County
Committee and inhabitants of that County, to this State.
Mr. Sackett to take a receipt for the same of the Deputy to
whom he shall deliver it.
And Ordered, That Mr. Sackett deliver one ton and an
half of Lead to any of the Members of Tryon County,
together with three thousand Flints for the use of the inhab-
itants of that County, to be paid and accounted for by the
inhabitants of that County, to this State. And that Mr.
Sackett take a receipt for the same of the Deputy to whom
it will be delivered.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Sunday Morning, September 8, 1776. •
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Esq., President; Mr. Bancker,
Mr. Duane, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Moore, Mr. Ten Broeck,
Mr. Lockwood, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sessions, Mr. William
Harper, Mr. Veder, Mr. Cuyler.
Ordered, That Nathaniel Sackett, Esq., as Commis-
sary, deliver one ton of Lead to the Deputies of the County
of Albany, for the use of the inhabitants of that County, and
take a receipt for the same; the County Committee and
inhabitants of the County of Albany to account and pay for
the same to this State.
Die Luna;, 11 ho. A. M., September 9, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President; Cap-
tain Platt, Major Lockwood, Mr. Haviland, Mr. William
Smith, Colonel Drake, Colonel Renselaer, Mr. Cuyler,
Mr. Jay, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Sessions, Major Webster, and
Mr. Stevens.
A Letter from Brigadier-General Scott, dated the 6th in-
stant, and received yesterday by S. Dyckman, the mes-
senger, was read and filed.
He therein, in pursuance of the request of the Conven-
tion on the instant, gives a particular account of the
situation and movements of the Army since the retreat from
Nassau-Island.
It was represented to this Committee that a certain
Warns is spreading or propagating false and mischievous
re|K>rts tending to injure the cause of America:
Ordered, therefore, That he be forthwith apprehended and
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL,. II.
brought before the Convention of this State, or this Com-
mittee of Safety, and that Captain James Weeks apprehend
him accordingly.
Ordered, That Mr. Cuyler and Captain Plait be a Com-
mittee to take the Spears brought from New-York, and get
a model for making other Spears, with such alterations and
amendments as they may think most advantageous.
Ordered, That a copy of the Resolution of the Conven-
tion of this State for furnishing Fort Montgomery with the
articles and stores reported by the Committee as wanted by
General James Clinton, be immediately despatched to Mr.
John Schenck, and that the President write a letter to Mr.
John Schenck requesting his immediate answer whether he
will undertake the agency therein mentioned ; and if he
should undertake the same that he make the utmost de-
spatch.
The said Letter and order was despatched immediately.
Resolved, That a Letter be written by the President to
General J. Clinton, at Fort Montgomery, acquainting him
of the reinforcement directed by the Convention of this
State for the Fortresses under his command, and that he be
requested to forward barracks for their reception as soon as
possible.
A short Letter was accordingly written and signed by the
President, and delivered, to be forwarded to General James
Clinton.
A Letter received yesterday noon from his Excellency
General Washington was read, and is in the words following,
to wit :
" Head-Quarters, New-York, September 6, 1776.
"Sm: I have now before me your letter of the 4th instant,
enclosing the report against ordering out any more of the
Militia from the Counties of Orange, Dutchess, Westches-
ter, or Ulster. The reasons alleged by the Committee to
whom this matter was referred, are entirely satisfactory to
me, and therefore I do not expect a compliance with that
part of my letter which respects this matter.
" I have the honour to be your most obedient servant,
" Go. WASHINGTON.
" To the Hon. Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President of the
Committee of Safety of the State of New- York."
Die Lunae, 4 ho. P. M., September 9, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jan., Esq., President; Colonel
Peter R. Livingston, Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. William
Harper, Mr. Adgate, Major Webster, Mr. Sessions, Col-
onel Drake, Captain Platt, Mr. Haviland, Mr. William
Smith.
A Letter received of General James Clinton was read,
and is in the words following, to wit :
" Fort Montgomery, September 8, 1776.
" GENTLEMEN : Agreeable to your request I send you a
return of articles wanted at the Fortifications in the High-
lands. I have made a return of carpenters' tools: the
reason of it is, that we have many carpenters amongst us
that we can't employ for want of tools. I have sent to
New-York, to the Quartermaster-General, for nails. I am
in hopes he will supply me. I don't mucU expect to get
the shingles : if they can't be got, we must use boards. As
many of our arms want repair, we would be glad to have
an armourer, with his tools, here for some time. I give you
an account of the artillery stores and ordnance when you
were here, with the number of men at each post ; therefore
think it unnecessary to send it again. In case of an attack
1 think we are too weak of men ; therefore expect you will
consider of some way to reinforce us, if you judge it neces-
sary.
" I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
"JAMES CLINTON, Brigadier-General."
The following Return of Necessaries wanted at the For-
tifications in the Highlands, enclosed in General James
Clinton's Letter, was also read, and is as follows, viz :
A Return of Necessaries ivanted at the Fortijications in
the Highlands.
Fifty Axes; 50 Spades; 25 Mattocks; 25 Shovels; 25
Bill-Hooks; 20 Wheelbarrows; 1 dozen Flat and Half-
round Files ; 1 dozen of Three-square ditto ; 2 large
43
675
NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
076
Sledges; 2 Hand Vices; 10 Broad-axes ; 10 Hand Saws;
10 Hammers ; 5 Iron Squares ; 2 dozen of Nail Gimhlets : 6
pair of Compasses; 5 sets of Framing Chisels and Augers ;
6 Spike Gimblets ; 3 set of Match Planes, for inch and
inch and a half Plank; 32,000 Brick ; 10,000 Similes ;
700 weight of Iron ; 25 Ibs. of Blistered Steel ; 400
weight of lOd. Nails ; 300 weight of 20d. ditto; 20 hogs-
heads of Lime ; 7000 feet of 3-inch Plank ; an Armourer,
with his Tools, is wanting much; 5000 weight of Lead ;
10 Ibs. of Thread ; 2000ofTacks; 24 Sheep-Skins ; 1000
weight of 6-!b. Shot; 1000 weight of 9-lb. ditto, one half
each double-headed; 1^ ton of Grape Shot, from 4 to 6
oz. weight; 1 large Magazine Lock ; 2 pair of Shears; 50
set of cast Carriage Wheels; 10 Ibs. of Twine ; aquan-
tity of Oil and Paint to paint the Carriages.
A Letter from his Excellency General Washington, dated
yesterday, and received by a messenger, was read, and
is in the words following, to wit:
" Head-Quarters, New- York, September 8, 1776.
"SiR: I have just received the resolve of your Conven-
tion, respecting the removal of the bells belonging to the
different churches and publick edifices in this city, to New
Ark, in the Province of New-Jersey. The measure I
highly approve of, and shall accordingly have it carried into
execution.
"I have lately been conversing with General Clinton con-
cerning the defence of the Forts on the Highlands, who
agrees with me in sentiment, that the force already there is
by no means sufficient. 1 should, therefore, conceive it
would be greatly in advancement of the service if you
would cause a reinforcement of the Militia, amounting' to
about six hundred, to be sent there from the Counties of
Ulster and Orange, or any other that may be most proper
and convenient. They may be usefully and importantly
employed as well in the defence of the Highlands, in case
they should be attacked, as in erecting new works and for-
tifications, by which they may be rendered more secure.
"I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
" Go. WASHINGTON.
"To Hon. Abraham Yates, Jun,, Esq."
Another Letter from General Washington, received by
the same messenger, was also read, and is in the words fol-
lowing, to wit :
"Head-Quarters, New-York, September 8, 1776.
"Sin: I wrote you this morning by your express, but
omitted mentioning a matter of consequence. It being
deetrmined to remove our sick to Orange Town, we
shall want four large Albany sloops for that purpose. The
fatigue of travelling that distance by land would not only
be more than the patients could bear, but we have full
employ for our wagons in transporting baggage, tents, &.C.,
for the troops, from hence to our outposts. I must, there-
fore, beg the favour of your honourable body to procure the
above number of vessels, and send them down with as
much despatch as possible to this city.
" I am, with respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
" Go. WASHINGTON.
"To Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President of Convention
of New- York.
" P. S. I shall be glad to know, by return of the express,
when I may probably expect the sloops down. There are
several now on the lower parts of the river, with boards :
perhaps you might engage them to come this way, which
would save time."
Resolved, That Brigadier-General James Clinton be re-
quested to send a careful officer, in a whale-boat well man-
ned, down Hudson's River, to impress four large river
Sloops, to go to New-York for the Sick, agreeable to the
request of his Excellency General Washington, and that a
press warrant issue for that purpose.
And lest such four Sloops should not be large enough for
the purpose,
Resolved, That two other Sloops he impressed at Fish-
kill landing and despatched for the same purpose.
Ordered, That the Secretary present prepare a copy of
the Resolutions of the Convention of this State, of the 7th
instant, for detaching from the Militia of this State a reinforce-
ment to the garrisons of the Fortifications in the Highlands,
to be sent to his Excellency by the return of his messenger.
A draft of a letter to General Washington was read and
approved, and is in the words following, to wit:
"Sin: Your Excellency's letters of the 8ih instant this
moment arrived, and we are happy to inform you ihat the
resolutions enclosed have anticipated your Excellency's
recommendation relative to a reinforcement for the fortresses
in the Highlands; and although we have done every thing
in our power to raise them with despatch, we are appre-
hensive that the whole will not arrive there within less than
fourteen days, and that all the week will elapse before any
of them will be got to the post. The vessels for the sick
shall be procured as soon as possible and sent to the City of
New-York, for which purpose we have directed every
empty vessel down the river to be impressed until the num-
ber required is procured, and have ordered two others from
Fishkill landing, lest the vessels might be small and four
of them insufficient. Their despatch will depend upon
wind and weather; we suppose, however, they may be
down by Wednesday and Thursday next.
" 1 have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your
Excellency's most obedient, humble servant.
"To His Excellency General Washington."
Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed
by the President, and, together with a copy of the Resolu-
tions of the 7th instant, for detaching part of the Militia,
transmitted to his Excellency by his messenger.
A draft of a Letter to Brigadier-General Clinton was read
and approved, and is in the words following, to wit:
"SiR: The Committee received your letter of the 8th
instant, covering a list of the articles wanting at your gar-
rison, and have appointed a person to procure the same.
"They have also to acquaint you they passed a resolve,
and have forwarded the same to the respective Brigadier-
Generals of Ulster, Orange, Dutchess, and Albany, to re-
inforce your garrisonsjwith six hundred men, with all speed.
I have it in charge to desire you to despatch a whale-boat,
well armed, with a proper officer, early to-morrow morning,
to proceed towards New-York, with orders to impress four
of the first large, convenient sloops they may meet with,
and send them to the city of New- York, by request from
General Washington, in order to bring up the sick to the
town of Orange, in Orange County, for which purpose
the captains of the sloops, on their arrival, are to apply to
the Director-General of the Hospital.
" I am, respectfully, sir, your very humble servant.
" By order.
" To Brigadier-General James Clinton."
A Warrant for impressing Sloops was sent to General
James Clinton, in the words following, to wit :
"SiR: You are hereby required, authorized, and empow-
ered, to proceed with a whale-boat, well manned, towards
New-York, and impress the first four large convenient
river sloops you meet with, and send them (in pursuance
of a request of his Excellency General Washington,) to
the city of New-York, to remove the sick from the Hos-
pitals there to Orange-Town, in the County of Orange; for
which purpose you will direct the captains of the said sloops
respectively, on their arrival at New-York, to inform Gen-
eral Washington of their arrival, and to apply to Doctor
Morgan, the Director-General of the Hospital, for further
orders, for which this shall be your sufficient warrant.
"By order of the Committee:
"ABM. YATES, Jun., President.
"To such Officer as General James Clinton shall appoint
to execute this Warrant."
Ordered, That Mr. McKesson pay the bearer of the
above Letter and Warrant eight shillings, to engage them
to make despatch.
Ordered, That John Moore, Esq., one of the members
of this Committee, be authorized to proceed to Fishkill
landing, and there impress two Sloops, with proper per-
sons to navigate them to New-York, to assist in the re-
moval of the Sick from the Military Hospitals to Orange
Town.
Thereupon a Warrant was issued to him in the words
following, to wit:
"Sm: You are hereby required, authorized and empow-
ered to proceed to the different landings near Fishkill, and
677
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &ic., SEPTEMBER, .1776.
678
impress the first two large convenient sloops you may find,
and send them (in pursuance of a request of his Excellency
General Washington) to the city of New-York, to remove
the sick from the Hospital there to Orange-Town, in the
County of Orange; for which purpose you will direct the
Captains of the said sloops respectively, on their arrival at
New-York, to inform General Washington of their arrival,
and to apply to Doctor Morgan, the Director-General of
the Hospital, for further orders, for which this shall be your
sufficient warrant.
"ABM. YATES, Jun., President.
" To John Moore, Esquire."
The Committee were informed that William Warne, who
has been apprehended by their order, is attending in custody.
Ordered, That he be brought in for examination.
Die Luna:, 4 ho. P. M.
William Warne, of Fishkill, wheelwright, being exam-
ined, says, that the news he told that thirty thousand men
were arrived on Long-Island, he heard on Long-Island,
from the inhabitants there; that became front Long-Island
on Thursday last. That David Golden told him there
were above thirty thousand men on Long-Island, and that
ten thousand more were lately arrived at Statcn-lsland ;
that either David Golden or some other person informed
him that fifteen thousand more were expected. That a
Doctor told him that General Burgoyne had so many men
in Canada, of the Canadians and Indians, as, with eight
hundred Regulars, amount to twenty-five thousand.
That he was informed that men were
killed and fifteen hundred taken prisoners. That he was
informed that Lasher's battalion was so far destroyed that
it would not be recruited; that Doctor Ogden informed
that Suffolk County had given up; that General Howe had
sent to Suffolk County that if they would submit and tes-
tify their loyalty, they must send him two hundred wagons,
and that near three hundred had passed his house; that one
of the Light- Horsemen told he had taken General Woodhull
in the dark in a barn ; that before he would answer when
he spoke to the General, he had cut him on the head and
both arms; that the ships in the Sound prevented his get-
ting oft' the Island ; that the enemy said they had about two
hundred men killed and wounded.
William Warne, by order, withdrew.
Ordered, That he be committed to the custody of Cap-
tain Weeks till further orders, and that Captain Platt direct
that the witnesses against him be summoned to attend this
Committee and give evidence.
o
A draft of a Letter to the Delegates of this State in Con-
gress, reported by Mr. Robert R. Livingston on the 7th
instant, was read and amended, and approved of, and is in
the words following, to wit:
"GENTLEMEN: Sensible of the great importance of the
posts in the Highlands, we have lately directed an inquiry
into their situation, which will appear from the enclosed re-
turns to be far from such as we could wish.
"The necessity General Washington has of all the troops
that compose his army at New-York, preventer) his sparing
to these fortresses sufficient garrisons or the necessary
stores. What may be the fate of the country below the
Highlands, is, as yet, uncertain, and may possibly depend
on the event of a single battle. Should these posts be
properly secured, we cannot but hope that the greater part
of this State might nevertheless be retained, and the com-
munication between the Northern and Southern States be by
that means kept up; for which reason we wish you to call
the attention of the Congress to an object of whose import-
ance they have always been sensible, and to ask a proper
supply of stores. We have already afforded them all incur
power to supply. Fire ships would be of great use, yet for
want of materials we are unable to proceed in preparing
them. Seamen cannot be procured here to man our armed
vessels without the greatest delay and difficulty, unless
drafted from the army. Perhaps they may be got at Phil-
adelphia.
"By the enclosed resolves you will find that we have
endeavoured to reinforce the garrisons in the Highlands.
As these men are all taken from the plough, we are very
anxious to have them, relieved as soon as the circumstances
of the Continent will admit.
" We have borrowed of the State of Connecticut twenty
pieces of cannon, (ten twelve and ten six-pounders,) for
the forts. We wish they were heavier, but we fear this
deficiency cannot be supplied, and therefore must endeavour
to do without them. You will find by the enclosed re-
solves that we have taken measures to increase the number
of our field artillery. You will be mindful to transmit us
every publick resolve of Congress, and at least one of the
Pennsylvania Gazettes, every week.
" We are, most respectfully, gentlemen.
"To the Delegates of the State, &c."
Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed,
and subscribed by the President, and transmitted, and that
the Secretaries enclose therein copies of all the Resolutions
which have lately been ordered to the Delegates.
Die Martis, 8 ho. A. M., September 10, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW- YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Jay.
DUTCH ESS. — Doctor Crane, Mr. Sackett, Captain Platt,
Mr. //. Schenck.
ALBANY. — Mr. Yates, General Ten Broeck, Mr. John Ten
Broeck, Colonel Renselaer, Mr. Adgate, Colonel Liv-
ingston, Mr. Cuyler.
TRYON. — Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder, Mr. Moore.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTC HESTER. — Major Lockwood, Mr. Zeb. Mills, Colo-
nel Gilbert Drake, Mr. Jonathan Platt.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Webster.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Major Parks.
ORANGE. — Colonel Allison, Mr. Wisner.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
Mr. John Schenck, attending, informs the Committee he
is ready to execute their orders.
Colonel Livingston informed the Committee that the fol-
lowing articles, mentioned in General James Clinton's return
of necessaries, for Forts Montgomery and Constitution, are
in store at Fishkill Landing, and may be ordered out to Mr.
John Schenck, for the Forts. Thereupon, the following
Order was unanimously made, and signed by the President,
viz:
" Please to deliver to Mr. John Schenck, out of the stores
in your custody, the following articles for the use of Forts
Montgomery and Constitution, taking his receipt for the
same: Twenty-five spades, twenty-five bill-hooks, twelve
shovels, five thousand weight of lead, (delivering first all the
lump lead in store, and the residue in ball and buck-shot,)
and seven skeins or balls of thread.
" ABM. YATES, Jun., President.
"To Nathaniel Sackett, Esq."
The following Order was given to Mr. John Schenck, for
supplying the Fortifications, instead of the order made by
the Convention on the 7th instant, the copy whereof Mr.
Schenck returned :
" SIR : You are requested with all despatch to procure
the under-mentioned articles for the use of the garrisons of
Forts Montgomery and Constitution; and as soon as they
are ready to send them to Brigadier-General James Clinton,
commander at the said garrisons, taking his receipts for the
same, viz :
"An Armourer with all his tools complete ; 50 wood-axes;
25 spades; 25 mattocks; 13 shovels; 20 wheel-barrows;
1000 weight of six-pound iron shot, 1000 weight of nine-
pound ditto — one-half of each double-headed; 3,000 weight of
grape shot from four to six ounces; 50 sets of great gun-car-
riage wheels; 32,000 bricks; 10,000 shingles; 700 weight
of bar iron ; 25 pounds of blistered steel ; 400 weight of ten-
penny nails ; 300 weight of twenty-penny nails ; 7,000 feet
of three-inch oak plank ; 20 hogsheads of lime ; 2,000 tacks;
24 sheep skins ; 1 large magazine lock ; 2 pair shears ; a
quantity of oil and paint to paint the carriages; 1 dozen of
fiat and half round files; 1 dozen three-square ditto; 2
large sledges; 2 hand-vices; 10 broad-axes; 10 hand-saws;
10 hammers; 5 iron squares; 2 dozen nail gimblets: 6 pair
of compasses; 5 sets of framing chisels and augers; 6 spike
gimblets ; 2 sets of match planes for inch and half inch plank ;
10 pounds of twine.
By order: " ABM. YATES, Jun., President."
679
NEW.- YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
680
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Curteniiu be requested
to acquaint the Convention with the quantities of bar and
other Lead he has shipped off from Netv-York, the places
where sent to, and the names of the persons in whose hands
they are deposited, and of the residue of other Military Stores
remaining in his hands.
Ordered, That Mr. Richard Norwood, Commissary,
make a return to the Convention of this State, of the Stores
by him lately delivered to Zebediah Mills, and of those sent
to General Clinton's encampment, or otherwise sent out of
the city of New- York, and of such Stores, if any, as he may
have on hand.
Abraham W. Depeyster being called in at the request
of a member, and desired to give such information respect-
ing Joseph Reade, Esq., as he had heard, Mr. Depeyster
having mentioned sundry matters which he had heard of
him, was directed to withdraw, and reduce his testimony to
writing, in form of an affidavit, and bring it to this Com-
mittee.
A Letter from Brigadier-General Peter Ten Broeck,
dated the 23d August last, was read and filed. He thereby
recommends several gentlemen for Field and Staff Officers
of Colonel Graham's Regiment ; some of the Field and
other officers of that Regiment being now in service.
He also requests blank commissions for three Companies.
He requests to know whether the custom of electing officers
is to be continued, alleges that thereby officers are gen-
erally appointed who have no command over their men;
which matter he submits, and requests an answer.
Colonel Renselaer, Captain Plait, and Colonel Livings-
ton, to whom General Peter Ten Broeck's Letter was com-
mitted, reported a draft of an answer ; which was read and
approved- of, and is in the words following, to wit :
"Sin: I am directed by the Committee of Safety' to ac-
quaint you in answer to your letter of the 23d of August,
it is their opinion that the respective officers now on duty
are to be and remain the officers of the different regiments
to which they belong, unless they should be removed by the
fate of war ; and that no new commissions will be granted
to fill up any vacancies occasioned by officers called out in
the service; but that they return to their respective com-
mands, at the expiration of the service they are now on.
" We shall forward you blank commissions for the three
companies of Militia, provided the officers are now out in
actual service. If so, they are in the same predicament as
above, to which beg your answer.
" I am, respectfully, sir, &tc.
"To Brigadier-General P. Ten Broeck, Dutchess County."
Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed
by the President, and transmitted.
Colonel Livingston and Colonel Allison are appointed a
Committee to report a plan of establishing Riders to the
city of New-York.
Captain Zephaniah Platt informed the Committee that
Mr. Guisbert Schenck, who has been requested to give
information of the late conduct of William Warne, was
attending at the door. Being called in and examined, his
Deposition follows :
" DUTCHESS County, ss :
"Guisbert Schenck, of Dutchess County, being duly sworn,
deposeth and saith : That William Warne lately informed
the deponent that he had come from Nassau-Island ; that
he had been informed, and said it was the publick report on
the island, that the American army had lost in killed and
taken, about three thousand men ; that he had also heard
that the Royal army had lost about two hundred men.
That he told the deponent that he had received his infor-
mation from the Regulars and the Tories. That he also
informed the deponent of a report that one man, by strata-
gem, had taken prisoners either ninety or ninety-nine of the
American army, by informing them, when they had sur-
rounded him, that they were then surrounded by a large
number, and advising them to club their arms and go with
him, with which the Americans complied, and were thereby-
taken prisoners. That he also informed the deponent that
Suffolk County had all surrendered ; that the General had
sent them a message, that if they would testify their loyalty,
they must send him two hundred wagons ; and that they
had sent about three hundred wagons to assist in removing
baggage to Hell-Gate. That he also informed the depo-
nent, that he had heard that the Regulars had thrown up a
breastwork opposite to the fortification at Home's Hook,
and demolished it. That the said William It urn/ inlormed
the deponent that he had left Nassau-Island on Friday last.
That he gave it as his opinion that the Royal army would
conquer America. GYSBERT SCHENCK.
"Sworn this 10th day of September, 1776, before me:
" ABM. YATES, Jun., President."
Mr. Abraham W. De Peyster, agreeable to the directions
given him this morning, brought in this Affidavit, to which
he was sworn, and is in the words following;, to wit:
' O*
" DUTCHESS County, ss:
" Abraham W. De Peyster being sworn, deposeth and
saith : That on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 4th,
5th, and 6th days of September instant, he was at New-
Rochdle, in the County of Wcstchester ; that on one of the
above named days he heard (as far as he can at present
recollect) either Thcodosius Barton, of New-Rochelle,
aforesaid, or Anthony Abrahams, of the town of Wtstchet-
ter, in substance say, in a conversation this deponent had
with the one or the other of them on the American contest,
that Joseph Reade, late of the city of New- York, attorney-
at-law, but at present, as this deponent understood, a resi-
dent in the town of Westchester, was reputed a great Tory.
That the chief of his, the said Joseph Reade's conversation,
was of the Tory kind ; and that he, the said Joseph Reade,
had reported, that in the late battle on Long-Island, be-
tween the American army and that of the King of Great
Britain, the Americans had lost either seven or fourteen
thousand men, (this deponent cannot now recollect which
of the two numbers was mentioned, but rather thinks four-
teen ;) this deponent further says, that the amount of all he
heard at New-Rochelle at the time aforesaid, respecting
Joseph Reid, was that the said Joseph Reid was a great
Tory, and very unfriendly to the American cause, and fur-
ther this deponent saith not. A. W. DE PEYSTER."
Sworn before me the 10th September, 1776:
ABM. YATES, Jun., President.
Ordered, That the said Deposition be transmitted to the
Committee of Westchester County, with a Letter requesting
them to proceed thereon.
A draft of a Letter to the Committee of Westchester
County was read and approved, and is in the words follow-
ing, to wit :
"Sm: I am directed by the Committee of Safety of this
State to send you the enclosed affidavit, and to request the
Committee of Westchester County to make further inquiry
into the conduct of the person charged, and take such other
steps as shall seem proper to them.
" I am, sir, your very humble servant. By order.
"To the Chairman of the County Committee, Westches-
ter."
Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed
by the President, and transmitted.
Two Letters from Mr. Ebenezer Hazard, Postmaster,
the first dated the 1st, and the other the 6th, day of Sep-
tember, instant, was read and filed.
In the first letter he informs that he had submitted the
matter about the privateer, for which the Committee applied
to him, to the other owners, and sent the letter from the
Committee to those owners.
In the postscript to the first letter, and by his second let-
ter, he submits to the Convention the propriety of establish-
ing a rider from Dobbs's Ferry, where the post-office is, to
Head-Quarters ; and that the Albany post should ride alter-
nately on each side of Hudson's river, from Nciv- U'imlsor
upwards, and on the east side only below Fishkill. And
further informs that the Comptroller of the Post-Office had
informed him that the Postmaster-General thought the office
should be kept near Head-Quarters.
A draft of an answer to Mr. Hazard was reported by
Mr. Robert Harper and General Ten Broeck, and approved,
and is in the words following, to wit :
"Sm: Yours of the 1st and 6th instant are now before
us. I am in consequence directed to inform you that it is
the desire of the Convention that the Albany post-rider
should, in going from and returning to New-York, ride on
681
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
682
the east side of Hudson's river, between the Fishkill and
the said city, and that he cross the said river at the Fish-
kill or New-Windsor, when it is his turn to ride on the
west side thereof; and the Convention have no objections
to your keeping your office at Head-Quarters, or any other
place which the postmaster may think proper.
" I am, sir, fkc.
"To Mr. Ebenezer Hazard."
Ordered. That a copy thereof be engrossed and signed
by the President, and transmitted.
Mr. Moore reported that by virtue of the warrant of this
Committee, he had impressed the Sloops of James Jackson
and Martin Wiltse, to proceed to the city of New-York.
Die Martis, 4 ho. P. M., September 10, 1776.
The Committee of Safety met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Jay.
DUTCHESS. — Dr. Crane, Mr. H. Schenck, Captain Plait.
ALBANY. — Mr. Ab. Yates, Colonel Renselaer, Mr. Cuyler,
General Ten Broeck, Colonel Livingston, Mr. Adgate.
TRYON. — Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Gilbert Biuld, Colonel Van Cort-
landt, Mr. Joseph Platt, Mr. Zeb. Mills.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Major Park.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr. Jos. Smith.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
A Member informed the Committee that three witnesses
are, by order, attending at the door, to be examined as to the
conduct and declarations of Mr. Warne.
Dr. Theodorus Van Wyck was first called in, and sworn.
He delivered in his testimony in writing. Being cross-
examined by William Warne, such additions thereto as
became necessary were added ; and the Affidavit is annexed
to the next page.
Roeloff Schenck being duly sworn on the Holy Evangel-
ists, deposeth and saith : That his brother, Guisbert Schenck,
and others, were present at the conversation with William
Warne; that the said Warne, informed them that the enemy
were in possession of Nassait-Island ; that the inhabitants
were making their submission ; that he said that from the
information he had received, the two armies of the enemy
when they met would be near eighty thousand men ; that he
intimated that he thought the Americans would be overcome;
that he seemed inclined to think that the Americans had
best to submit ; that he also said that he had been informed
that the Regulars, by a battery or some works on Long-
Island, had demolished the works at Home's Hook ; that he
said he had his information from David Golden, Dr. Ogden.
and others ; that he said he heard a Highlander say that he
had himself taken ninety-nine men ; that he informed that
he had seen many of the officers, both Hessians and others ;
that he said those called friends to Government, were distin-
guished by a piece of something red on their hats ; that he
said he was not disposed to fight in the affair on either side,
and that he would be willing to comply with the measures
of Government, for that he thought it would be in vain to
resist, or words to that effect ; that he further informed that
he had heard that General Howe had sent down to the
inhabitants of Suffolk County that if they did not submit
he would send down his army and destroy them ; that the
different towns in that County had sent in addresses to the
General ; that he had directed them if they would testify
their loyalty to send him two hundred wagons to transport
cannon and baggage towards Newtown or Hell-Gate, and
that the different towns had sent three hundred wagons ;
that hu further said that he had been informed that Justice
Kissam was administering oaths of allegiance to the inhab-
itants. ROELOFF SCHENCK.
Sworn the 10th day of September, 1776, before me,
ABM. YATES, Jun., President.
I saw William Warnes the 7th instant, who told me he
left Long-Island the 5th in the evening, and says the regular
army on Long-Island is upward of thirty thousand strong ;
that ten thousand had lately arrived on Staten-Island ; that
fifteen thousand was daily expected ; that Burgoyne's army
of Regulars, Canadians, and Indians, was fifteen thousand ;
that they had spies throughout the Continent, and had intel-
ligence of each other frequently ; that in the late skirmishes
on Long-Island we had lost in killed, prisoners, and wounded,
two thousand five hundred ; that when our troops evacuated
Long-Island we left all our cannon and provisions ; that our
army behaved ill, saving two regiments, viz: a Jersey regi-
ment and Colonel Lasher's regiment, the latter but a few
escaped ; that the Regulars' loss did not amount to two
hundred ; that General Woodhull was taken, with Increase
Carpenter, in the said Carpenter's barn ; that General Howe
sent to the inhabitants of Suffolk to come in, and to show
their loyalty to send down two hundred wagons ; they
immediately sent three hundred ; he likewise told me he
was almost a Tory, and advised us all to turn Tories, that
the King would certainly overcome us ; that the said Wil-
liam Warne informed him that he heard the above-mentioned
matters from David Colden, a Surgeon of the Army, sev-
eral of the Light-Horse, and Dr. Ogden; that he did not
say that he knew any of these things of his own knowl-
THEODORUS VAN WYCK, Jun.
Sworn before me the 10th September, 1776:
ABM. YATES, Jun., President.
Peter Horton being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists,
deposeth and saith : That William Warne informed him that
he had seen the Regulars and some of the Hessian officers ;
that he said the Regulars had told him they had killed,
wounded, and taken, three thousand of our men ; that he
said he reckoned they would beat us ; that he said he was a
Tory ; that he told him one of the Regulars said he had
killed one man and taken ninety-nine more, and that one of
the Light-Horse had killed two Riflemen and taken two
others; that this conversation was on last Saturday even-
ing. PETER HORTON.
Sworn the 10th day of September, 1776, before me:
ABM. YATES, Jun., President.
The Doorkeeper was directed to take the said William
Warne to Captain Weeks' or any other place where he may
be safely kept till to-morrow morning.
Colonel Livingston and Colonel Allison, the Committee
to whom was referred the subject of employing Post-Riders,
delivered in their Report, which was read.
Ordered, That the consideration thereof be postponed
till to-morrow morning.
A Letter from Colonel Henry Remsen, dated at New-
Haven, the 7th instant, was read. He therein informs that
Mr. Peter Colt is agent for Colonel Trumbull, the Com-
missary-General ; is employed up Hudson's river to purchase
flour. He recommends Mr. Colt to the Members of the
Convention to direct him where to apply for flour.
Ordered, That Colonel P. R. Livingston, Mr. Wisner,
Captain Platt, Major Park, , be a Committee to
confer with Mr. Colt, and give him the best directions they
can on that subject.
Colonel Remsen further informs by his said Letter that he
is waiting at New-Haven for the arrival of Captain Harrison
from Providence, which were imported by Mr. Van Zandt
and himself for the State of New-York; that he expects
them soon, and requests directions how to dispose of, or
where to lodge the said goods.
Ordered, That that part of Colonel Remsen 's Letter which
relates to the Dry Goods be deferred for consideration till
to-morrow morning.
Major Schenck informed the Convention that Captain
Wiltse's Sloop, which was impressed to go to New-York
for the Sick, is delayed for want of a Master; that Captain
Wiltse's wife is in such a situation that he cannot go abroad,
and that Captain Bush declines going.
Ordered, That Major Schenck go to the landing, and
endeavour to procure some proper person to proceed with
the said Sloop immediately.
N. B. Colonel Renselaer obtained the consent of all the
Members present to go home and take charge of his Regi-
ment, to furnish their quota of men, and to prepare and
command the Regiment should they be generally called to
action. , —
Die Mercurii, 9 ho. A. M., September 11, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., President.
6S3
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
C84
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Duane, Mr.
Bancker, Mr. Jay.
DUTCH ESS. — Dr. Crane, Mr. Zeph. Platt, Mr. Sackett.
ALBANY. — Mr. Yates, Mr. John Ten Broeck, Mr. Cuyler,
Mr. Adgate, General Ten Broeck, Colonel Livingston,
Mr. Robert Yates.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Verier.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr. Joseph Smith.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Parks.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Courllandt, Colonel Gilbert
Drake, Mr. Haviland, Mr. Jonathan Platt, Mr. Zeb.
Mill*.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sessions.
The Report of the Committee on the subject of employ-
ing Post-Riders to New-York, was again read. After some
time spent thereon it was referred to the Convention of this
State.
Colonel Remsen's Letter of the 7th instant, from New-
Havtn, was again read. He therein requested directions
how to dispose of a parcel of Dry-Goods imported by Mr.
Van Zandt and himself, for the use and on the account of
this State.
Thereupon a draft of an answer to Colonel Remsen was
read and approved of, and is in the words following, viz:
"SiR: Your letter, by Mr. Colt, has been received, and
the necessary instructions given him.
" You will be pleased to transport the goods you mention
to Fishkill, in the most cheap and expeditious manner, and
by no means suffer any of them to be detained or sold.
"When the Convention shall be particularly informed of
the circumstances of the inhabitants who have lately quitted
Long-Island, they will doubtless make such a provision for
them as humanity and the condition of this State may
render necessary and proper. We are, &c. By order.
"To Colonel Henry Remsen."
Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed
by the President, and transmitted.
On consideration of the case of William Warne, the
Committee came to the following determination, viz:
Whereas, William Warne has been guilty of propagating
divers false reports calculated to injure the American cause,
and hath also confessed to certain persons that he was a
Tory, and that in his opinion it was best for the country to
submit to its enemies :
Resolved, That the said William Warne be committed
to the Gaol of this County for one month. That the super-
intendents of the ship-yards at Poughkeepsie be requested
and authorized to take the said Warne out of Gaol every
morning, and set him to work in the yards, and return him
to Gaol every night ; and that they pay him weekly such
wages as his labour may be reasonably worth.
Resolved, That at the expiration of the said month, the
said Gaoler bring the said William Warne before the Con-
vention, or a Committee of Safety of this State, whichever
of them may be then sitting, to the end that he may abide
such further order as may be then made concerning him.
Ordered, That Captain Evert Wynkoop Swart, or the
next commanding officer of his Company send, with all
possible despatch, two trusty Sentinels, well armed and
accoutred, ready to proceed to execute such orders as they
may receive from this Committee of Safety.
Whereas the Rev, Samuel Seabury, of the Borough
of Westchester, in the County of Westchester, is notoriously
disaffected to the American cause, and from his vicinity to
the enemy, has opportunities of rendering them essential
services :
Resolved, That Colonel Joseph Drake be directed forth-
with to remove the said Samuel Seabury from Westchester
to the house of Colonel John Brinckerhojf, at this place, to
remain there till the further order of the Convention, or
Committee of Safety of this State ; and that he be not per-
mitted to leave the farm of the said Colonel B rinckerhojf
except in company with the Colonel.
On motion, Ordered, That Colonel Cortlandt, Mr. Jay,
and Mr. Robert Harper, be a Committee to inquire into
the circumstances of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Seabury and his,
and report thereon to the Convention.
Ordered, That the President sign, and that one of the
Secretaries countersign, six blank Commissions, to be deliv-
ered to Mr. Crane for certain officers in Dulchess County,
and five others for certain officers in the County of Ulster,
to be delivered to Christopher Tappen, Esq.
Major Schenck informed the Committee that in obedience
to their order of last night, he had endeavoured to procure
hands to navigate the Sloop from the landing of this place
to New- York, to remove the Sick to Orange Town, but
that he has not been able to procure any.
Therefore, Resolved, That Henry Schenck, Esq., be and
is hereby authorized and empowered to impress a river
Sloop, with a Master and men to navigate her, and that
Mr. Schenck cause the said Sloop to proceed immediately
to the city of New-York to remove sucli indisposed persons
of the Army as General Washington or Dr. Morgan, the
Director-General of the Hospital, shall be pleased to order
on board to Orange Town, in the County of Orange.
Die Jovis, 9 ho. A. M., September 12, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert Harper, Mr.
Duane, Mr. Jay.
DUTCHFSS. — Doctor Crane, Captain Zeph. Platt, Mr.
Sackett.
ALBANY. — Mr. Ab. Yates, General Ten Broeck, Colonel
Livingston, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Robt. Yales, Mr. Cuyler,
Mr. Jno. Ten Broeck.
TRYON.— Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder.
SUFFOLK. —Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel V. Cortlandt, Colonel Gilbert
Drake, Mr. Haviland, Mr. Jonath. Platt.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wuner, Jun., Major Parks.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr. Jos. Smith.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
Egbert Dumond, Esq., of Kingston, in Ulster County,
delivered to the Committee a Letter from General Schuyler,
directed to the President, and which General Schuyler de-
sired to be sent by express.
He also produced to this Committee a Letter from Gen-
eral Schuyler to the Committee of Ulster County, requesting
their Militia to march to Albany immediately. Also an ex-
tract of intelligence received from Lake Champlain.
Mr. Dumond says, that he was desired by their Commit-
tee to bring General Schuyler's Letter to the President.
But there appeared reason to believe that the Committee
of Ulster desired to have the sentiments of the Committee,
whether they should supply the detachments from their
Militia, for the Garrisons in the Highlands.
Thereupon the Committee of Safety made the following
determination, to wit :
The Committee of Safety have taken into consideration
General Schuyler's Letter of the 9th instant to the Commit-
tee of Ulster, and by them transmitted to this Committee :
Thereupon, Resolved, That the Levies directed by the
Convention to be raised in that County, to reinforce the
Garrisons in the Highlands, be immediately completed, and
the more so, as General Washington concurs with the Con-
vention in thinking those Levies highly necessary for the
defence of those important posts.
And it is the opinion of this Committee, that the re-
mainder of the Militia of Ulster ought to comply with such
requisitions and directions as they have, or may receive from
General Schuyler.
Whereas the Publick Accounts of this State, to be laid
before the Continental Treasury Board, to be audited and
passed, are, in a great measure, delayed for want of the
accounts of the expenditures of the publick moneys which
have passed through the hands of Egbert Dumond, Esq. :
Ordered, That Egbert Dumond, Esq., render Accounts
to the Treasurer, or to the Auditor-General, of all the Pub-
lick Moneys which have been put into his hands by the
Representatives of this State, with all possible despatch.
Ordered, That one of the Secretaries deliver to Egbert
Dumond, Esq., a copy of the above order, and the preamble
thereof.
A Letter from M ajor-General Schuyler, dated at Albany,
on the 9th instant, was read, and follows, viz :
685
NEW- YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
686
"Albany, September 9, 1776.
"GENTLEMEN: In consequence of information received
from Colonel Dayton on Friday last, that a body of the
enemy were to be at Oswego on the 4th instant, and
that another body were actually on their march to the*
Mohawk river, I have requested the Committee of this
County to order up the Militia, and they are now convening
here.
" At half past ten this morning, I received a letter from
General Gates, dated the 6th instant, at Tyeoitdcroga, in
which he gives me the following extract of a letter from
Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley to him, dated from Crown-
Point at two o'clock on Friday :
" ' There has been a very heavy cannonade down the
Lake all this morning. It is undoubtedly between our
fleet and the enemy, so that you may prepare accordingly.
I have sent down a boat just now to know more particu-
larly.'
" This intelligence has induced me to call on the neigh-
bouring Counties in the New-England Slates, and those
of Dutchess and Ulster in this, to march their Militia up.
Future accounts from General Gates or Colonel Dayton
must determine which way I am to march the Militia,
whether to Ticonderoga or to the westward. Our army is
in the greatest distress for medicines, and this, in common
with all the other misfortunes that have attended our North-
ern operations, is imputed to me. I am happy that I have
it in my power not only to exculpate myself on the most
minute and critical inquiry, but that I can point out the
source of most of our disasters in this department. Your
respectable body will not be displeased at this declaration,
since you have, more immediately, cause to wish that I
may have discharged my duty with propriety, as by your
recommendation I was appointed to a command which,
notwithstanding your favourable opinion of me, I knew I
was incompetent to, and therefore reluctantly accepted the
arduous task.
"Envy, detraction, and the most unbecoming jealousy
have followed from the beginning. 1 hope I have properly
resented every calumny where 1 could fix it on individuals.
To exculpate myself from the general clamour, I have
entreated Congress to make the strictest inquiry into my
conduct, that if I am culpable, I may meet with the detest-
ation of my fellow-citizens ; if not, and that others are, that
the publick resentment may be transferred to the proper
object. I have even ventured to declare that ' I do not
believe I shall be even convicted of an errour in judgment.'
As twenty-four days are already elapsed since I requested
an inquiry, and have not been honoured with any answer,
and as the calumny against rne increases with rapidity, I
have by this conveyance advised Congress and General
Washington of my intentions to resign, and as soon as I
return from Tryon County or Ticonderoga, and that I will
in some other way strive to evince my affection for my
country and my zeal in its cause.
" I hope this step will meet your approbation, and although
I am not at liberty to lay before you such proofs as I trust
will clearly and fully acquit me of any impropriety of con-
duct, yet it may hereafter be my duty to do it, as well for
my own justification as for that of the Provincial Congress,
who wrote so partially in my favour to the Continental Con-
gress. •
" I am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect and esteem,
your most obedient, humble servant,
"PH. SCHUYLER.
.
" To the honourable the Provincial Congress of the State of
New- York."
Ordered, That Mr. Cuyler, Mr. Duane, Mr. William
Harper, Mr. Robert Yates, and Mr. Sessions, be a Com-
mittee to consider of the said Letter from General Schuyler,
and report thereon with all convenient speed.
Whereas the Convention of the Representatives of this
State, did, on the 7th instant, order a draft of a Commis-
sion to be prepared for the Field Officers of the Detachment
of the Militia of Ulster, Orange, Dutchess, and Albany, to
reinforce the Garrisons of the Fortifications in the Highlands ;
which draft of a Commission has remained several days,
but there has not since been a representation of this State
in Convention, to approve of the same. And whereas it is
necessary for the despatch of those Detachments that a Com-
mission issue to Johannes Snider, Esq.,* the Colonel ap-
pointed by Convention to command the same ; and the said
draft of a Commission and an engrossed copy thereof, has
been read and approved by this Committee:
Therefore, from the necessity of the case, Ordered, That
the President sign, and that one of the Secretaries attest the
said engrossed copy of a Commission for Colonel Snider,
and that it be forwarded to him by Egbert Dumond, Esq.
Which was done accordingly.
Whereas the time limited for the absence of Robert R.
Livingston and William Duer, Esquires, from the Conven-
tion of this State, hath expired, and neither of them hath
returned :
Resolved, That Sampson Dyckman, the Messenger, be
directed to summon those gentlemen to return immediately
to the House, and that they pay a reasonable compensation
to the Messenger for his trouble and expenses.
Resolved, further, That the said Messenger summon all
the absent Members who may reside or be between this
place and the north hounds of the Manor of Livingston, to
attend immediately, except Gilbert Livingston.
Ordered, That Mr. Robert Harper prepare a draft of a
Letter to General George Clinton, requesting him to inform
the Convention of the state of the Chevaux-de-Frise, and
other obstructions to the navigation of Hudson's River,
opposite to Fort Washington.
Ordered, That Colonel Peter R. Livingston have leave
of absence, to depart on Saturday, and return on Tuesday.
Ordered, That the President send Letters to such absent
Members as are not otherwise on duty, desiring their imme-
diate attendance.
A Letter from Colonel Stoartwout, of General Clinton's
Brigade, dated the 10th instant, was read :
He therein mentions that Lieutenant Colonel Ferris, of
his Regiment, on account of his indisposition, had obtained
leave from their Brigadier-General to return to his family ;
that he will probably not be fit for service this campaign,
and he recommends a promotion of the present officers now
in service. Colonel Stvartwout also claims the first rank in
the Brigade to his Regiment.
A long Letter from Brigadier-General George Clinton,
dated the 8th instant, was also read :
Amongst other things he mentions the frequent desertions
from his Brigade, and encloses a return of the Brigade,
whereby it appears that five hundred and ninety-six men
are deficient. That the deficiency arises from the different
Militia Regiments not having furnished their quotas, and
from desertions.
He encloses therein a list of Dutchess County deserters ;
a petition of complaint against William Fordman, the Sur-
geon of Colonel Graham's Regiment ; the testimony of
some witnesses against William Mahany and Gilbert Tip-
pet, by him confined for practices and declarations inimical
to American liberty.
Ordered, That General Ten Broeck, Mr. Zeph. Platt,
Dr. Crane, Colonel Allison, and Mr. Wisner, Jun., be a Com-
mittee to consider of and report on the Letters of General
George Clinton and Colonel Sivarlwout, and the Papers
* In Convention of the Representatives of the State O/NEW-YORK.
To JOHANNES SNYDKR, Esq., greeting:
Whereas this Convention d:d, on the 7th duy of September, instant,
direct and order the raising and embodying out of the Militia of the
Counties ofJIlbany, Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange, six hundred men, ex-
clusive of commissioned officers, to be formed into a battalion in order
to reinforce the garrison in Forts Montgomery and Constitution, in the
Highlands: Now, therefore, we, the Representatives of the State of
New-York, reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism,
valour, conduct and fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint
you, in addition to your command as Colonel of the First Battalion of the
Militia of the County of Ulster, to be Colonel of the troops so to be
raised and regimented. You are therefore carefully and diligently to
discharge the duty of Colonel of the said troops so to be raised, by
doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And
we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your
command, to be obedient to your orders as Colonel aforesaid; and you
are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time,
as you shall receive from this, or a future Convention of the State of
New-York, or of the Congress of the United States oj\tmerica, or any
other your superior officers, according to the rules and discipline of war,
in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This commission to continue
in force until the said troops so to be raised and regimented shall be
discharged.
Attest : By order of the Convention.
687
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
688
•attenflinjj the same. And that the said Committee do also
report a Resolution to prevent harbouring Deserters.*
The Convention of this State, and the Committee of
Safety of the State in the recess of the Convention, have
frequent occasion for guards to apprehend dangerous and
disaffected persons :
Resolved, That Melancthon Smith, Esq., Captain-Com-
mandant of the three Companies raised in the Counties of
Dutchess and Westchester, cause a detachment of a Sergeant
and twelve Men to attend this Committee without delay.
Colonel Drake has leave of absence to return on Tuesday
evening next.
Ordered, That Major Scheticle be requested and autho-
rized to cause to be apprehended and brought before this
Committee, a certain Reily, suspected of being a Deserter
from the Army of the United American States; and that
Major Schenck use his discretion as to the mode of appre-
hending him, with power to demand the assistance of any
Officer of the Militia, or other person or persons, in the
execution hereof, f
Mr. Jay informed the Committee that he can employ
Abraham De Peyster to assist in bringing up the Records
of the Convention of this State, and desired to know
whether the Committee will authorize him to apply to the
said Abraham De Peyster on that subject.
Agreed, That Mr. Jay have leave to apply to converse
with Abraham De Peyster on this subject, and report the
esult or terms proposed, to this Committee.
Die Veneris, 9 ho. A. M., September 13, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert Harper, *Mr.
Duane.
DUTCHESS. — Doctor Crane.
CHARLOTTE. — *Mr. Webster.
ALBANY. — *Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck,
Mr. John Ten Broeck, Colonel P. R. Livingston, Mr.
Adgate, *Mr. Cuykr.
CUMBERLAND. — JVlr. Sessions and Mr. Stevens.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Haviland, Mr. Jonathan Platt, *Col-
onel V, Cortlandt.
ULSTER. — Major Park, Mr. Wisner, Jun.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison, Mr Jo*. Smith.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. William Harper, Mr. Veder.
Those gentlemen whose names are marked with asterisms are a quo-
rum of the Committee of Safety.
Ordered, That Colonel Livingston have leave of ab-
sence till to-morrow week, the order of yesterday notwith-
standing.
The Committee are informed that the services and attend-
ance of Matthew Vischer, Esq., as Clerk to the Secretary
to the Committee in the City and County of Albany, is
absolutely necessary :
* Your Committee, to whom was referred General George Clinton's
Letter of the 8th September, and Colonel Swartwout's of the 10th, with
sundry other Papers, and to report a Resolution to prevent harbouring
Deserters, do report:
That as the time for which Colonel Remsen's Regiment were inlisted
is expired, they ought not to be holden.
Your Committee are of opinion, that circular letters from the Presi-
dent be forthwith forwarded to the Colonels of the several Battalions
from which General Clinton's Brigade was detached, directing them,
without delay, where they have not done it, to furnish their respective
quotas, and to use their utmost efforts to apprehending and sending,
under proper guards, all deserters or drafts who have neglected joining
and marching with their respective companies, which guard shall
receive a proper reward for their service, and a letter wrote to Captain
Melancthon Smith, with a list of the names of the deserters from the
regiments raised in Dutchess County, and the endeavour to have them
apprehended.
t In Committee of Safety for the State of NEW-YORK, September 19, 1776.
Ordered, That Major Schenck be authorized and requested to cause to
be apprehended and brought before this Committee, a certain
Rieley, suspected of being a Deserter from the Army of the United
American States ; and that Major Schenck use his discretion as to the
mode of apprehending him, with power to demand the assistance of any
officer of the Militia, or other person or persons, in the execution hereof.
Extract from the Minutes: ROBERT BENSON, Secretary.
Agreeable to the enclosed order, I this morning went to the place
where the suspected person within named was supposed to be at work.
I was informed that the person so suspected has been at the house of
\lr. Isaac Sclntltz, and he told Mr. Schultz that he intended to make the
best of his way to Pennsylvania, and accordingly went off.
HENRY SCHENCK.
September 13, 1776.
Therefore, Resolved, That the said Matthew Vischer,
Esq., be exempted from all military duty during his con-
tinuance in the exercise of the said offices.
A Letter from Mr. Ebenezcr Hazard, dated yesterday,
was read and filed. He says he cannot see any reason
why the Albany Post should not continue to ride on the
east side of Hudson's River as far as Fishkill, though " the
Comptroller desires his route may not be altered until there
is an absolute necessity or order from the Postmaster Gen-
eral." In a postscript to his Letter, he mentions that some
postage is due to him, and requests an order for payment.
Ordered, That Mr. McKesson, one of the Secretaries of
the Convention of this State, pay the postage due to Mr.
Hazard, and charge the same to this State.
A letter from General George Clinton, dated at King's
Bridge, the 12th instant, and directed to Mr. McKesson,
was read. He therein gives information of the state of the
army near him, and of the enemy ; and from the intelli-
gence therein contained, there is reason to believe that
Samuel Gale and Isaac Ludlum, of Orange County, have
a correspondence with persons inimical, now on Nassau-
Island.
This Committee being informed that Samuel Gale and
Isaac Ludlum, of Orange County, are concerned in a dan-
gerous correspondence with the enemy,
Resolved, That Colonel Allison immediately repair to
Orange County, and take such methods as he may .think
proper to have the said Samuel Gale and Isaac Ludlum
immediately apprehended, together with all papers on the
subject -of the present troubles, or relative thereto, and
cause.them, with the said papers, to be forthwith brought
before this Committee or the Convention of thisi State; and
for that purpose that he be authorized to search the houses
and all such other places belonging to them as he may
judge necessary.
The Committee were informed of sundry speeches and
declarations of Jacob Peets, Johannes Snider, Andries
Hart, and John Archibald, of Ulster County, whereby it
appears to this Committee that they are dangerous persons,
inimical to the cause of American liberty.
Resolved and ordered, That the Committee of Hanover
Precinct, in that County, be and hereby are directed to
have those persons apprehended, examined, and secured ;
and that they report their proceedings to the County Com-
mittee of that County.
The Sub-Committee to whom were referred the letter
from Major-General Schuyler, of the 9th instant, and the
letters from Comfort Sands and Thomas Grant, have,
according to order, taken the same into consideration ; and,
first, that part of the General's letter communicating infor-
mation that a body of the enemy were expected at Oswego
on the 4th instant, and another body actually on their march
to the Mohawk river; and that there had been a very
heavy cannonade down Lake Champlainon the morning of
the 6th instant, between our fleet and that of the enemy ;
that in consequence of this intelligence he had ordered up
the Militia of the Counties of Albany, Ulster, and Dutchess,
to be employed to the northward and westward, as might,
from future accounts, become necessary. Upon which
your Committee observe that the following drafts have
already been made, and directed to be made, from the Mili-
tia of Dutchess and Ulster Counties, to wit: In pursuance
of a resolution of the Provincial Congress of the 7th of
June last, from Dutchess, embodied in Brigadier-General
Scott's Brigade, posted near the city of New-York, three
hundred and thirty-five men ; from Ulster, for the same
service, three hundred men ; a further draft, agreeable to a
resolution of the Convention of this State of the 19th of
July last, of one fourth of the remaining Militia of each of
the said Counties, which form a part of Brigadier-General
Clinton's Brigade, and are stationed at or near King's
Bridge; and a third draft, directed by the Convention on
the 7th instant, of one hundred and seventy-five men from
Dutchess, and two hundred from Ulster, to reinforce the
Garrisons of Forts Montgomery and Constitution, in the
Highlands. That when the last-mentioned drafts shall be
completed, it is suppposed that dependence cannot be
made on more than seven hundred armed and well-affected
Militia in the County of Dutchess, or on more than one
thousand in the County of Ulster. That the Fortresses in
689
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
690
*Mr.
the Highlands (which are of the utmost consequence to the
common cause of America) will, even after receiving such
reinforcements, be far from a state of security. That in case
of an attack on those Fortresses, or any sudden irruption of ALBANY. — *Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
our open, or insurrection of our concealed, enemies, no relief John Ten Broeck.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert Harper,
Duane.
can at present be expected from the armies or Militia to
the southward or northward.
From these circumstances, and considering, further, that
many of the Militia of the County of Dutchess are disaf-
fected, your Sub-Committee are of opinion that no more of
the Militia can, with any regard to the common safety, be
spared from the Counties of Dutchess and Ulster. Having,
however, the highest confidence in General Schuyler's judg-
ment and zeal for the common cause, we cannot advise that
his order for the march of the Militia of the said Counties
should be superseded by act of the Committee of Safety,
but rather that a member be immediately despatched to
confer with the General, that, fully apprised of the reasons
which influence the opinion of this Sub-Committee, he may
be satisfied of the danger of drawing all the Militia from
those Counties, and give such directions as shall appear to
him most salutary in this difficult and arduous conjuncture.
Your Sub-Committee are further of opinion that General
Schuyler be informed, with respect to the subject-matter
of the two last-mentioned letters, that there are a quantity
of medicines at Poughkeepsie, in the hands of Gerardus
Duyckink and Doctor Tappan, and a further quantity at
New-Rochelle, in the hands of Comfort Sands, the original
costs of which last appears to be £340 sterling; such part
of which as shall, in the judgment of the Director of the
Hospital or his agent, be found serviceable, may be pur-
chased for the use of the Continental Army, the Conven-
tion having directed them to be reserved for that purpose ;
and that the letters from Mr. Sands and Mr. Grant, and
the invoice enclosed in the latter, be transmitted to the
General, for his better information.
SUFFOLK. — *Mr. William Smith.
ULSTER. — Major Park, Mr. Wisner, Jun.
Only three Members of the quorum of the Committee of
Safety attending, viz: those gentlemen whose names are
marked with asterisms, the Committee could not proceed to
business for want of a sufficient quorum ; and therefore ad-
journed till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock.
CONVENTION.
Die Sabbati, 9 ho. A. M., September 14, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Du-
ane.
DUTCHESS. — Dr. Crane, Mr. Sackett, Major Schetick, Cap-
tain Zeph. Platt, Mr. R. R. Livingston.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
John Ten Broeck, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Robert Yates.
TRYON. — Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Haviland, Mr. Jonathan Platt, Mr.
Zebediah Mills.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Mr. Duer.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Park.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Mr. Jos. Smith.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sessions.
The information and representation of Lieutenant-Colonel
Benjamin Birdsall, ahd also the representation of Lieutenant
Thomas Williams, of Captain Nostrandt's Company, as to
the state of Colonel Smith's Regiment raised on Nassau-
The Sub-Committee are further of opinion that the re- Island, each dated the 6th instant, were respectively read.
iinina na rt ni tnp Irpnprnl c Ipltpp u/lnnh mr\vc» immpr)i_ /I.-,/....,./ rT1U«» »U — I — J~C 1 c. . !j _-• .M .1
roaming part of the General's letter, which more immedi-
ately relates to himself, be referred to the consideration of
the Convention at their first meeting.
The said Report being read, and again read, by para-
graphs, and amended,
Resolved, That this Committee does agree with their
Sub-Committee in their said Report. And Resolved, That
Jacob Cuyler, Esq., be the Member to wait upon General
Schuyler for the purpose mentioned in the aforegoing Re-
port.
Ordered, That a Letter be written by the President to
General George Clinton, requesting him to cause the Med-
icines and Hospital Stores, which were lately left at the
house of Aaron Bussing, near the Church in Haerlem, to
be removed to some place of safety near his encampment,
or where he may think them most safe from the enemy.
A draft of a Letter to General George Clinton, respecting
the obstructions to the navigation of Hudson's river, was
read and approved, and is in the words following, viz :
"8m: Being informed by a member of the Convention
that some of the cheveaux-de-frise intended to be effectually
sunk in Hudson's river, were, a few days ago, floating with
the tide, I am directed to request the favour of you to inform
me what probability there is of the permanence of those
machines, their distance, and whether you conceive the navi-
gation of the enemy's fleet is thereby obstructed.
"If you have any thing else to communicate on this sub-
ject, whereby defects may be repaired and the plan more
effectually executed, it will be of important service to the
State. 1 am, sir, Sic.'
"To General George Clinton."
Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed,
and signed by the President, and transmitted.
Certain Resolutions to prevent a correspondence with the
enemy, by preventing persons from travelling in this State
from one County to another without a Pass, were proposed
and read.
Debates arose thereon, and they were committed to Mr.
Jay to report thereon.
Die Veneris, 4 ho. P. M., September 13, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
Ordered, That they be deferred for consideration until the
state of Nassau-Island, is taken into consideration, or further
information can be obtained.
Henry Wisner, Esq., informed the Committee that a large
quantity of Saltpetre, in the hands of several persons, is ready
to be purchased, and requested an order on the Treasury for
£200.
Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State pay to Henry
Wisner, Esq., the sum of £200, to purchase Saltpetre; that
the Treasurer take a receipt for the same ; and that Mr.
Wisner hereafter render an account to the Convention of
the expenditure of that money.
Mr. Joseph Smith has leave of absence for three days,
this day included ; then to return or send a Member from
tha^ County in his place.
N. B. Robert R. Livingston, Esq., and William Duer,
Esq., attended, whereby there is a representation of this
State in Convention.
The names of those gentlemen are added to the Members
of their respective Counties, and the Convention proceeded
to business.
Whereas the present critical situation of this State, and
the important objects the Convention have in view, render
it necessary that the good people of this State should be
fully and constantly represented in this Convention :
Resolved, therefore, That all the Members of this Con-
vention do forthwith, and at all times during the session
thereof, regularly give their attendance at it, except such of
the Members as now are, or hereafter may be, absent by
order of the Convention.
Ordered, That copies of the aforegoing Resolution be
immediately transmitted to the Committees of all the Coun-
ties in this State, except those of Richmond, King's, Queen's,
Suffolk, and the City and County of New- York, and to all
the Members of those five Counties who may not be in the
power of the enemy.
Ordered, That the Committee appointed to report a form
of Government, do report with all convenient speed.
Mr. Jay, according to order, reported the draft of certain
Resolutions for granting Passes to travellers and Licenses
to Inn-Keepers. The same were read, and adjourned for
further consideration.
44
691
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
692
Mr. Joshua H. Smith obtained leave of absence till
Monday next.
Ordered, That Sa. Dyckman, the Messenger, be directed
to serve and deliver copies of the abovb Resolution, requir-
ing the regular attendance of the Members of this Conven-
tion.
Mr. Jay reported a set of Resolutions to prevent per-
sons travelling without papers, which were read, and ad-
journed.
•
Die Sabbati, 4 ho. P. M., September 14, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Du-
one, Mr. Jay.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Major Schenck, Captain Zeph.
Plait, Dr. Crane, Robert R. Livingston.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
Robert Yates, Mr. Adgate, John Ten Broeck.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. William Harper, Mr. Veder.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Mills, Mr. Jonathan Platt, Mr. Havi-
land.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Major Webster.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Parks.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sessions.
Henry Wisner, Esq., of Orange County, obtained leave
of absence, to return on Monday next.
On motion, or request, of Mr. Jay, the lietter from Brig-
adier-General Scott, dated the 6th instant, and read in the
Committee of Safety on the 9th instant, was read and com-
mitted to Mr. Robert Yales, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Duer.
Mr. Duer produced a draft of certain Resolutions to en-
courage persons upwards of fifty years, in the respective
districts in this State, to form themselves into military Com-
panies for the defence of their liberties, lives, and proper-
ties.
The same being read and moved for, and seconded, de-
bates arose thereon. After some time spent therein they
were committed to Dr. Crane, Mr. Robert R. Livingston,
and Mr. Duer, to reconsider the same and report thereon.
A short Letter from General George Clinton, dated at
King's Bridge, the 13th instant, was read.
He therein informs that he had examined the bearers,
William Tredwell and Benjamin Ludlum, and sent their
examinations to General Washington, and had sent the
bearers to this Convention for further examination.
A short Letter of the said Tredwell and Ludlum to Gen-
eral Washington, and which was handed over to General
Clinton, and enclosed, was also read. >
Ordered, That Mr. Duane and Mr. Robert Yates be a
Committee to examine the said William Tredwell and Ben-
jamin Ludlum.
And Ordered, That as soon as their examinations are
taken by the said Committee, they be taken into custody of
Lieutenant Robert Brett, or such guard of the Militia as he
may appoint for that purpose, and detained in custody until
further order of this Convention.
Mr. Sackett informed the Convention that five or six
soldiers from Philips's Precinct, in Dutchess County, are
unarmed at the Forts in the Highlands, and that the Com-
mittee of that Precinct requests an order to purchase Arms
for them at the publick expense, on an engagement of the
Committee that the said Arms be restored to the State.
Ordered, That the Sub-Committee of Philips' s Precinct
be, and hereby are, empowered to purchase five or six Arms
for the use of the said soldiers ; the said Arms to be paid
for by this State, and the said Sub-Committee to be ac-
countable so far for the said Arms as to see that they are
restored to the State by being delivered to a Commissary of
Military Stores of this State only, that the State may not
lose those Arms.
Ordered, That the Secretary write a Letter to the Auditor-
General of this State and request his attendance on this
Convention, and that he therein inform the Auditor-General
that the reason of requesting his attendance is to point out
the persons, or their particular accounts wanting, which
prevent stating the accounts of this State with the United
States.
A Letter received this afternoon, from his Excellency
General Washington, dated the 12th instant, was read, and
follows, viz :
"Head-Quarters, New-York, September 12, 1776.
" SIR : I yesterday received the favour of your letter of
the 9th, with its several enclosures, and am extremely
happy that your honourable body had anticipated my re-
commendation by resolving on an augmentation of six hun-
dred men to the garrisons in the Highlands. The impor-
tance of those poats demands the utmost attention and every
exertion to maintain them.
"The vessels for the removal of the sick are not yet
arrived. Their present situation gives me great anxiety.
As the wind is now favourable, I would fain hope that a
sufficient number will corne down to-day to take in the
whole. If they do not, my distress will be much increased.
"General Clinton, in a letter of the 8th, transmitted me
a ;list of artillery and ordnance stores wanted at Forts
Montgomery and Constitution, which included the several
articles you have determined to procure, except those men-
tioned below.* I directed that they should be sent up, but
as the situation of our affairs at this time may not perhaps
admit of it, 1 think it will be prudent for Mr. Schenck,
whom you have appointed an agent in this instance, to get
all he can. Should he be able to obtain the supply you
have voted necessary, and General Clinton's demand be
complied with also, no damage will be done. Our stores
will not be too large.
o
" I ha've the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your
most obedient servant,
"Go. WASHINGTON.
*" Entrenching tools, iron carriages, cannon harness, Ar-
mourer with his tools."
[In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, )
Fishkill, September 14, 1776. J
Whereas the present critical situation of this State, and
the important objects the Convention have in view, render
it necessary that the good people of this State should be
fully and constantly represented in this Convention:
Resolved, therefore, That all the Members of this Con-
vention do forthwith, and at all times during the session
thereof, regularly give their attendance at it ; except such of
the Members as now are or hereafter may be absent by order
of the Convention.
Ordered, That copies of the aforegoing Resolution be im-
mediately transmitted to the Committees of all the Counties
in this State, except those of Richmond. King's, Queen's,
Suffolk, and the City and County of New- York, and to all
the Members of those five Counties who may not be in the
power of the enemy.
Extract from the Minutes :
ROBT. BENSON, Secretary.]
Die Solis, 10 ho. A. M., September 15, 1776.
The following Members met pursuant to adjournment :
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Du-
ane.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Mr. H. Schenck, Mr. R. R.
Livingston.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
Robert Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. John Ten Broeck.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Mr. Duer.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Mills.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Stevens.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun.
TBYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder.
Monday Morning, September 16, 177G.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
For NEW- YORK. — Mr. Duane, Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker,
Mr. Jay.
For DUTCHESS. — Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Schenck,
Captain Platt.
For ORANGE. —
693
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
694
For A tB ANT. — Mr. Abraham fates, General Ten Broeck,
Mr. Ten Broeck, Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. Adgate.
For CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Mr. Webster.
For SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith.
For WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Haviland, Mr. Mills, Mr. Platt.
For ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun.
For TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder.
for CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens.
No other Members appeared. For want of sufficient
number of Members to represent the State, the Members
adjourned to four o'clock, P. M.
Die Luna>, 4 ho. P. M. September 16, 1776.
The Members of Convention met pursuant to adjourn-
ment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Duane, Mr.
Bancker, Mr. Jay.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Mills, Mr. Jonathan Platt, Mr.
Haviland.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Colonel Allison.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck,
Mr. John Ten Broeck, Mr. Adgate.
THYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. Hobart, Mr. William Smith.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Park.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Mr. Duer.
DUTCHESS. — Captain Zeph. Platt, Dr. Crane, Mr. Sackett,
Mr. H. Schenck, Mr. R. R. Livingston.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sessions. <
The Convention was informed that through the absence
of General Morris, the Militia of Westchesler County are
not so properly arranged and managed as they ought to be
at this critical juncture, occasioned by the absence of General
Morris :
Therefore, Resolved, That General Morris, now at the
General Congress, do immediately return and resume the
command of his Brigade.
Ordered, That the President enclose a copy of the afore-
going Resolution in a Letter to General Morris, and trans-
mit the same to General Morris with the utmost despatch.
Ordered, That Mr. Duane and Mr. Robert Yates be a
Committee to examine Samuel Gale, who has been brought
here in custody, by order of the Committee of Safety.
Ordered, That Mr. Hobart, Mr. JR. JR. Livingston, and
Mr. Duer, be a Committee to report what further measures
are necessary to bring Abraham Lott, Esq., to account to
this Convention for the publick Moneys now in his hands,
as Treasurer of the Colony of New- York.
Whereas Ezra L'Hommedieu, Esq., Loan officer of the
County of Suffolk, did some lime since deposit into the
Treasury of this Convention, the sum of four hundred and
twenty Pounds, which he had received of sundry persons
for principal and interest, due on the several sums by them
respectively borrowed of him as Loan officer as aforesaid:
Resolved, That the Treasurer of this State do immedi-
ately pay to Egbert Benson, Esq., Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Dutchess County, the above sum of four hundred
and twenty Pounds, and that the receipt of the said Egbert
Benson shall be a sufficient discharge to the Treasurer for
the payment of the same.
Ordered, That Egbert Benson apply the said sum of
money to the payment of the wages and subsistence due to
the Companies under the command of Captain Melancthon
Smith.
Tuesday Morning, September 17, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
For NEW- YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Duane, Mr. Jay, Mr.
Harper.
For DUTCHESS. — Dr. Crane, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr.
Sackett.
For ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck,
Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. Ten Broeck, Mr. Adgate.
For ORANGE. — Colonel Allison, Mr. Smith, Dr.^Sherwood,
Mr. Wisner.
For SUFFOLK. — Mr. Smith, Mr. Hobart.
For WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Mills, Mr. Haviland, Mr. Platt.
For CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Mr. Webster.
For ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Parks.
For TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder.
For CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
Resolved. That Colonel Allison, Mr. R. R. Livingston,
and Mr. Wisner, Sen., be and are hereby appointed a Com-
mittee of Correspondence. That they be and hereby are
authorized to establish Post-Riders between the Fishkill,
where this Convention now statedly sits, and Head-Quar-
ters, for the purpose of obtaining daily intelligence; and that
this Convention will make provision for defraying the
expense thereof, and that the said Committee be and are
hereby empowered to write Letters to any correspondents,
and take every other proper means to obtain intelligence.*
Sundry Affidavits taken by Robert Erskine, Esq., rela-
tive to the conduct of persons disaffected to the American
cause, were read, and deferred to consideration and expla-
nation until the Members from the country were present.
The Petition of Henry Chase,-\ dated at the White-Plains,
on the J3th instant, praying to be released from imprison-
ment, was read.
The several Petitions of Jonathan Purdy, Jun., Rynier
Van Housen, and John Fowler, were read.J
The said Jonathan Purdy, Jun., thereby declares he is
an inlisted soldier in the British army, and the said Rynier
Van Housen that he is a registered Pilot in the British
Navy ; and they pray to be permitted to their paroles, as
prisoners of war; and th& said John Fowler sets forth the
•Your Committee to whom it was referred to devise ways and means
to obtain intelligence from the Committee at New-York, report it as their
opinion that the following resolve for that purpose be entered into:
Resolved, That Uriah Mitchel and Samuel Dycktnan be employed ai
riders. That Mitchel set out from this place and Dyckman from New-
York on one and the same day, and both meet at the house of John
Blagg, this side Cretan's River, and there exchange mails, with which
each are to return to their respective stages the day following, so as to
arrive as early as possible on that day: that is Mitchel to Fuhkill and
Dyckman to New- York, and set out again the day after and perform the
same stages, and so to continue as long as this Committee or the Con-
vention of this State shall think proper to employ them, and that there
be allowed each respectively, while in said service, the sum of sixteen
shillings per day.
SIR: You are hereby directed and empowered to repair from this place
to New-York, to agree with some person at Peekskill to keep a horse for
the publick service, and with some other person at Odle's to keep another
horse, to employ a rider and a third horse at Head-Quarters, who shall
set out every morning at daybreak from thence, having waited upon the
General and the Postmaster the evening preceding for their letters, and
upon General Clinton at King's Bridge, from whence he shall repair to
Croton river, at which place he shall engage to be by twelve o'clock
every day, and exchange his mail with that which snail go from thi«
place every morning at the same hour, and return the same into the post
office that night.
That such rider shall begin to ride on Thursday next, and continue to
ride every day till the further order of this Congress, for which he shall
be allowed a reasonable compensation, and be exempted from military
duty. Or if he shall find it more advantageous, he may agree with any
Eerson by the great to ride daily from New-York and return thereto,
nding their own horses, for which he may be permitted to allow any
sum not exceeding three dollars per day.
The honourable Convention of the State of NEW-YORK to JACOB ODELL,
DR.
September I, 1776. To riding Express from Philipsbwrgh to New-York
and returning, twenty-seven miles £1 70
To do. from PhiKpsburgk to Fishkill, forty-
two miles 2 20
To riding from 19th September to 1st No-
vember including, forty-four days, at 16s. ,
as per resolve of Congress, bearing date
the 17th September, 1776 35 40
.£38 13 0
JWHITE-PLAINS GAOL, September 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN OP THE HONOURABLE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS: This my
humble petition to beg if your Honours please to send for me, that I
may have my trial, for the County Committee and the Committee of
Safety say that they have no right to try me, and I have desired them
to send me to the honourable Provincial Congress, and they tell me that
they dare not send me without orders from your Honours. Gentlemen,
so I shall be very glad if your Honours will be good enough to send for
me as soon as possible, for I have been in prison going on eight weeks,
and I can't support myself any longer. So, gentlemen, I shall be very
glad if your Honours will take my case into consideration, if your
Honours please, so that I may be cleared orcondemned. So, gentlemen,
I leave my case to your Honours' wise consideration, not doubting but
your Honours will have compassion on a poor prisoner.
HENRY CHASE.
{WHITE-PLAINS GAOL, September 13, 1776.
To the honourable the Prorincial Congress of the State of NEW-YORK :
The Petition of RIVEER. VAN HOUSER, of ORANGE County, humbly shatoeth:
That your petitioner hath now been upwards of six months confined
in New-York, and in this place, where he was ordered by this hon-
ourable House who formerly promised to remove your petitioner to
Jllbany, and to provide for his helpless wife and six children. As
the winter is now approaching, your petitioner humbly begs of this
695
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
69G
manner in which he formerly came on board of one of the
British ships of war.
A Letter from Colonel Makom, dated the 6th instant,
directed to Mr. McKesson, giving some information respect-
ing Captain Stewart's Company, in his Regiment, was
read.
Ordered, That Mr. Hobart, Mr. Robert Yates, and Mr.
Mills, be a Committee to take, consider of, and report on
the said Affidavits, Petitions, and Letter, and that they
bring in reports with all convenient speed.
That part of General George Clinton's Letter of the 8th
of September, which relates to Lieutenant-Colonel Ferris,
was read.
Colonel Swartwout's Letter of the 10th of September,
instant, respecting Lieutenant-Colonel Ferris' s ill state of
health, and the appointment of a Lieutenant-Colonel and
Major for that Regiment, was also read.
Resolved, That Lieutenant-Colonel Ferris be permitted
to decline the present service.
That Major Thompson be appointed Lieutenant-Colonel,
and Captain Mott appointed Major of Colonel Swartwout's
present Regiment of Militia, now in service. Brigadier-
General George Clinton's Brigade, while in the present
service, in addition to their former respective commands in
the Militia, in their respective Counties.
Ordered, That the Secretaries despatch the Commis-
sions for Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson and Major Mott.
Resolved, That the eldest First Lieutenant of Colonel
Swartwout's, be promoted to be 'Captain, vice Major Mott,
and that the other officers rise in succession ; and that the
Secretaries send as many blank Commissions to General
George Clinton as there are officers in that Regiment.
The Convention were informed that a person late one of
the Light-Horsemen of King's County, and a Lieutenant
of Colonel Smith's Regiment are about Poughkeepsie, in
some distress, and that pay is due to them. That sundry of
honourable House to be removed over the river, where he may be
somewhat nearer to his family, as being destitute of money, he can-
not even procure his clothes to be washed or mended, for want of which
convenience your petitioner is rendered quite loathsome by his dirty
rags and vermin, and has no other hope but of perishing in this nauseous
place, unless shortly relieved by this honourable House. And your
petitioner humbly hopes to be admitted to his parole, as he is absolutely
registered on the navy books, and hath been so for the space of seven-
teen months, after passing examination as King's pilot in the fleet.
Your petitioner humbly begs for such relief as to this honourable House
shall seem meet. And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever
pray. RINEER VAN HOUSE.
To the honourable the President and Members of the Provincial Congress
of NEW-YORK.
The Petition of 3 own FOWLER, of 'the City cf NEW-YORK, humbly shou-elh:
That your petitioner now a prisoner in the White-Plains Gaol humbly
begs leave to acquaint your Honours that your petitioner's unhappy
case hath been grossly misrepresented by his enemies, the truth, as he
shall answer to his God, being as follows: That on the day the men
of war passed by the city, your petitioner having obtained leave of
the Captain of the Guard, put off from Mr. Dean's wharf, at the
North River, in a small boat, together with a certain butcher named
Stophell, and your petitioner's son, a boy of about thirteen years of
age, in order to purchase some sheep and calves for New-York market,
of
but being just abreast of the Meadows, as he could not make the
ferry on account of the flats, when the tender fired four or five shot,
which affair was distinctly seen by Mr. Edward Drake, who saw them
hoist out their barge and take every one of us out of boat and carry us
on board the tender, and after detaining your petitioner about an hour
or two, they then carried them on board the Rose, where they were de-
tained all night, when in the morning he sent us on board the Phtenix,
when the Captain asked us where we were going with the boat, when
my partner snowed his pass, which intimated that he had liberty for so
many days to buy creatures in the country; upon which the Captain
interrogated us concerning the strength of the army at New-York; your
petitioner replied that to his opinion he judged there might be about
thirty thousand men or better; when Stophel told the Captain that a re-
inforcement of seven thousand more were on their march to join them,
when the Captain said, "Damn you, you Rebels, why did 'nt you come
to when you were first fired upon?" upon which said, 'that the sails were
»o entangled that he could not get them down, upon which the C';ipt;iiii
asked your petitioners if they would get some fresh provisions for them,
or otherwise they would burn your petitioner's boat, and insisted on
keeping your petitioner's son as a hostage for their fidelity to return
again, when your petitioner on going ashore was with the said Stophel
immediately seized and brought to this unhappy place, where he is de-
prived of the common necessaries of life, and his helpless family in a
deplorable condition, as every thing is going to the utmost ruin.
Gentlemen, your petitioner humbly begs you would consider how
your Honours would have acted in such a situation, as your petitioner
declares he never was on board a man-of-war in his life before, nor ever
contracted or furnished them with any kind of provisions or ever will.
Your petitioner, therefore, humbly begs for a hearing before your
Honours, when he makes not the least doubt of making his innocence
appear to your Honours' entire satisfaction.
Your Honours' kind compliance will ever lay an obligation on your
distressed, humble servant, JOHN FOWLER.
the Light-Horsemen fled from the island, and have left their
horses behind them.
Ordered, That Mr. Duane, Mr. Dwr, Mr. Schenck, and
Dr. Crane, be a Committee to inquire into the situation of
the Light-Horsemen who were obliged to flee from the said
island, and Lieutenant Onderdonk, and that they report
thereon.
Mr. Wisner, of Orange County, proposed to the Con-
vention that the Company of Militia from Orange County,
lately ordered to be detached to augment the Garrisons of
Forts Montgomery and Constitution, be permitted to have
that duty performed by different Companies or parcels of
Militia, in rotation.
Ordered, That Mr. Wisner, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
Sackett, and Major Schtnck, be a Committee to consider of
the said proposal, and report thereon with all convenient
speed.
The Committee appointed to consider what further
measures are necessary to bring Abraham Lott, Esq., to
account to this Conventioa for the publick Moneys now in
his hands, as Treasurer of the Colony of New-York, deli-
vered in their Report, which was read, amended, resolved
on, and agreed to, in the words following, to wit :
Whereas the late Provincial Congress of this State did,
on the 9th day of March last, enter into a Resolution in the
words following, to wit: "Whereas the publick exigencies
of the Colony are so great as to require that all the publick
Revenues of the same should be appropriated to defray its
expenses; and whereas the General Assembly of the Colony
have, by their prorogation, made on the day appointed for
their meeting, been prevented from proceeding to the des-
patch of the ordinary business thereof. It therefore becomes
necessary for the Representatives of the people in Provincial
Congress to attend to the proper application of the publick
Moneys now in the hands of the said Abraham Lott, Esq:
Resolved and Ordered, therefore, That the said Abraham
Lott be directed, and he is hereby directed within thirty
days from this day, to lay before this Congress or the Com-
mittee of Safety, on oath, an account of all the moneys that
now are or shall be in his hands, as Treasurer of this Colony,
particularly stating to what funds they belong, and whether
any and what funds are appropriated to any and what uses,
and every other matter which shall be necessary to consti-
tute a complete state of the Treasury of this Colony •" a
copy of which was left by the Secretary of this Conven-
tion at the usual place of residence of the said Abraham
Lott, Esq., in the city of New- York.
And whereas the said Abraham Lott hath neglected to
comply with the tenour of the said Resolution: Therefore,
Ordered, peremptorily, That the said Abraham Lott do
forthwith attend this House on pain of contempt, and that
he biing with him the Books, Papers, and Money, belonging
to the Treasury, in order that the Publick Accounts of the
Colony of New-York may be settled, and the balance paid
to the present Treasurer of this State.
Ordered, That a copy of the aforegoing Resolution and
Order be served on Abraham Lott, Esq., by Mr. John
Campbell, who is hereby directed to require an answer in
writing for the justification of his conduct.
Resolved, That if Abraham Lott, Esq., shall refuse to
attend this Convention, or neglect to set out within five
days after the receipt of the above order, and pursue his
journey with all reasonable despatch, that he be then appre-
hended, and sent under guard to this Convention, at Fish-
kill, in Dutchess County.
And Mr. John Campbell is hereby required and empow-
ered to apply to any Committee in the State of New-Jersey
or New- York, in order that he may obtain assistance for
carrying the aforegoing Resolution and Order into execution,
and that Mr. Campbell be furnished with a copy of all the
above Resolutions.
On motion, the following Resolutions were agreed to,
viz :
Whereas, since the dissolution of the late Government
under the Crown of Great Britain, it is inconsistent with
sound policy that any of the Publick Moneys should be paid
into the hands of any officers not duly authorized by the
Convention of this State to receive the same:
And whereas it is the duty of the Representatives of the
people to secure the Publick Revenues for the purposes of
697
NEW- YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
698
defending the lives, liberties, and property of the good peo-
ple of this invaded State:
Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That Abraham Lott,
Esq., as Treasurer of the Colony of New-York, cease to
demand or receive any Moneys belonging to the same ; and
that the said Moneys be only paid to Peter V. B. Livings-
ton, Esq., the Treasurer of this State, who is hereby author-
ized and directed to receive the same. And all persons
owing Money to this State are hereby ordered to account
with Peter V. B. Livingston, and to make payment with
all possible expedition.
Resolved and Ordered, That the Loan Officers in the
different Counties in this State do forthwith pay into the
hands of the present Treasurer, all such sums of Money as
they have at present in hands, or hereafter may receive,
either on account of the principal sums lent, or for the
interest due on such sums; and that the receipt of the
Treasurer of this State shall be considered by the Super-
visors of the different Counties, as a voucher for the money
so paid, in as full and ample a manner as if the same had
been paid to Abraham Lott, Esq., late Treasurer of the
Colony of New- York.
Resolved, That all the Loan Officers in all the Counties
in this State be empowered to act in that capacity, till fur-
ther orders from this Convention or a future Legislature of
this State.
Ordered, That the Secretaries do immediately transmit
copies of these Resolves to Abraham Lott, Esq., and to
the Loan Officers in the different Counties in this State ;
and that the same be published four weeks successively in
all the publick newspapers of this State.
Information was given to the Convention by some of the
Members from the Counties of Orange and Ulster, that
there is great reason to apprehend that there are many dan-
gerous persons in those Counties. That from several pieces
of testimony given to the different Committees in those
Counties, it is probable that persons there have been inlist-
ing, or endeavouring to inlist, men to join the enemy.
Ordered, That the Members of this Convention from the
Counties of Orange and Ulster, be a Committee to inquire
into the grounds of the apprehensions, and the particulars of
all such testimony as they can collect on that subject, and
to report the measures necessary to be taken to prevent such
disaffected persons in those Counties from joining or aiding
the enemy.
The Deputy Treasurer delivered in a list of the Accounts*
*An Account of Moneys paid by the Treasurer, for which no Accounts have
been rendered by the persona to whom they were paid.
1775, November 2, To David Clurkson to repay Mr. Lott ........ ,£900
4, To Egbert Dumond to purchase flour ........ 428
" To Colonel Ten Broeck, he received of Treas-
urer Lott .............................. 700
1776, January 12, To McDougal &>• Curtenius, they paid Mr. Ath-
erton on contract for Muskets ........... 350
February 5, To John V. D. Bill to purchase a cargo ....... 1,800
" 6, To John Foster to purchase tow cloth ......... 50
" 24, To Nicoll &f Palmer, to transport Cannon from
New- York to Albany, &c ................. 600
May 11, To Thomas Palmer, for the Fortifications in the
Highlands ............................. 1,152
June 13, To Henry Glen, Bounty ....................... 1,152
July 15, To Nathaniel Sackett, to transport Lead to Dutchess
County ............................... 40
16, To Henry Winner, ditto to Orange and Ulster ..... 50
17, To Colonel Van Cortlandt, to procure Provision
in Highlands .......................... 200
" To Christopher Tappen, on a Secret Committee. . . 5,000
22, To Colonel Hoffman, Bounty, &c .............. 4,000
" To Colonel Allison, do. ....... 1600
24, To William Harpur,
" To John Sessions,
" To Alexander Webster,
" To Arthur Parks,
11 To Samuel Townsend,
" do. do.
" To florid Gelston,
" To Colonel De Witt,
" To General Morris,
do.
do.
do.
do.
do. for Queen's County
do. for King's County. .
do
do
do. ..$
960
1,200
575
960
800
240
800
2,000
800
1,200
600
244
27, To Messrs. V. Cortlmidt (,- Platt ................
" To Captain James Stewart, £U4 and ,£100 .......
" To Colonel Joseph Marsh, to transport Lead, &c.,
to Cumberland, &c ..................... 70
August 8, To Peter Curtenius, Commissary, on account.. . 5 000
" 17, To Messrs. V. Cortlandt 8f Platt, expense of
Miliiia ................................ 1,000
" " To James Beekman, to remove the Poor ........ 300
" 21, To Captain Winner, Bounty, &,c ............. 232
" " To Zebediah Mills, to remove Military Stores
out New-York .......................... 24
" 25, To Robert Harpur, for the Queen's County Com-
mittee ................................. 200
or sums of Publick Moneys, which have at different times
been paid out of the Treasury by order of the Representa-
tives of this State, and which remain unaccounted for,
whereby the Publick Accounts of this State against the Con-
tinent remain unsettled, and are prevented from being trans-
mitted to be audited and paid. The same being read,
Ordered, That Mr. Duane, Mr. Bancker, and Mr
Moore, be a Committee to take the same into consideration
and report thereon.
A Letter from Joseph Trumbull, Esq., Commissary-Gen-
eral, dated the 16th instant, was received by a messenger,
and read. He therein mentions that the American army
had evacuated New-York. That in the retreat he had left
1776, August 29, To Samuel Tmonshend, to forward Colonel Smith's
Regiment .£100
" 31, To Theodorus Barton, Commissary at New-Ro-
chell „ 400
" " To General Clinton 7,000
September 3, To John Crygier, to remove Military Stores
from White-Plains 24
" 7, To Peter Monfoort, to support the New-York
poor at Fishkill 100
" 8, To Charles De Witt, to remove Prisoners from
Kingston (JO
" " To John Shenek, Commissary at Fort Consti-
tution 400
To WILLIAM LIVINGSTON.
The State O/NEW-YORK in Account Current with P. V. B. LIVINGSTON,
Treasurer:
DR.
To Cash paid sundry persons between the 31st day May, 1775, and the
30th day of April, 1776, as per particular account, .£159,865 15 0£
To ditto paid ditto between the 1st day of May, 1776,
and the 17th day of September following, as per ac-
count of particulars drawn out and ready to be pro-
duced 86,469 7 li
To balance due to the State 29 10 11
.£246,364 13 1
CR.
By sundry sums of money received for account of this State, between
the 31st day of May, 1775, and the 30th day of April, 1776, as per
account ^161,823 3 9
By ditto received between the 1st day of May, 1776,
and the 17th day of September following, as per par-
ticular account 84,541 9 4
^246,364 13 1
Errors excepted.
FISHKILL, September 17, 1776.
For P. V. B. Livingston.
GERARD BANCKER.
The Continental Congress inAccount Currentwilh the Slate </NEW-YORK:
DR.
1776, April 30, To amount of an account as prepared by the Auditors
up to this date .................. .£102,666 15 11J
To amount of expenses accrued in
this State since that time, being
.£86,469, about three-fifths of which
(according to the estimate of the
Treasury) will be Continental. ... 51,881 8 0
.£154,548 3 llj
CR.
1775, August 23, By cash received by Mr. Jos. Hallet. . ^70,000 0 0
1776, January 12, By do. by Messrs. Palmer & Co. ... 20,000 0 0
March 8, By do. by Mr. Francis Lewis ......... 18,800 0 0
July 12, By do. received on a warrant from his
Excellency General Washington ---- 20,000 0 0
By balance due this State ............ 25,748 3 11J
FISHKILL, September 18, 1776.
.£154,548 3 llj
G. BANCKER.
On the llth March, 1776, the Convention of this State appointed a
Committee, to wit : Mr. Van Zandt, Captain Denning, Mr. Beeckman,
Colonel Brazier, and Mr. Sands, to examine the Treasurer's accounts,
and to point out what part of the charges therein were to be considered
as Continental, and what Provincial. A fair copy of the Continental
account, as stated by them, was prepared by the Auditor's clerk.
In May last, the Auditors, to wit : Messrs. Van Zandt, Bancker,
Beeckinan, Sands, and Denning, continued this account down to the 30th
day of April last; it was afterwards examined by some of the New-
York members of the Continental Congress, and then taken to the Con-
vention of this State, where it underwent several alterations, in which
state it is now fair copied. Many accounts being not then come in, the
Auditors deferred sending it to Philadelphia till some of the principal ones
could be procured; and many letters were wrote for that purpose.
Nothing more was done with the Continental account till the Audi-
tor-General was appointed the latter end of July last, when he came to
the Plains to endeavour to continue it down to that time, but the num-
ber of outstanding accounts was so increased by the great sums of
money that had been paid out there by order of the Convention on
account for services to be performed, as to induce him to defer the
completion of it till they could be got in, several of which accounts he
procured abroad, mid left orders for writing to many persons who had
neglected sending in theirs, which letters have accordingly been wrote,
and copies of some of them sent. And though the number of outstand-
ing accounts is greatly diminished, there are still many to be brought
in, as per the annexed list, amounting to about £ 40,000.
FISHKILL, September 18, 1776. G. BANCKER.
699
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
700
behind him large quantities of Flour, which reduced the
magazines too low ; and requests the aid of this Convention
to procure flour.
Agreed, unanimously, That Major Henry Schenck, Col-
onel Charles De Witt, and Dirck Wynkoop, Esquires, be
appointed Agents for, and on behalf of, the Commissary-
General, and that a draft of the Resolutions for that pur-
pose be prepared and brought in, in the afternoon.
Die Martis, 4 ho. P. M., September 17, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yales, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Jay, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert Harper,
Mr. Duane.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Parks.
TRYON. — Mr, William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Verier.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
Robert Yates, Mr. John Ten Broeck, Mt.Adgate.
DUTCHESS. — Dr. Crane, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr.
Sackett, Major Schenck.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Mr. Duer.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith, Mr. Hobart.
ORANGE. — Colonel Allison, Mr. Wisner, Mr. Joseph Smith,
Dr. Sherwood.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Mills, Mr. Haviland, Mr. Jonathan
Platt.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
The Convention, on information that the Soundings of
Hudson's River, at and about Fort Washington, is not
accurately sounded, and thereupon came to the following
Resolutions :
Whereas there is reason to apprehend that the Channel
of Hudson's River, opposite to Fort Washington, is not
yet sufficiently obstructed ; and whereas it is of the utmost
importance to the safety of this State and general cause of
America, that the navigation of that River should not be
occupied by the enemy's ships: Therefore
Resolved, That Captain Thomas Greenhill be, and he is
hereby requested and authorized to proceed, with all pos-
sible despatch, to Mount Washington, in order to take an
accurate Survey of the Soundings of that part of Hudson's
River: that he report his proceedings to the Convention of
this State with all possible despatch.
Resolved, That the Commanding Officer of Fort Wash-
ington be applied to by Captain Greenhill, for his permis-
sion to sound the River, and for his assistance in carrying
the above Resolutions into execution.
Resolved, That General James Clinton be requested to
furnish Captain Greenhill with a Whale-boat, and a suffi-
cient number of hands whose attachment to the American
cause may be relied on, in order to assist in carrying this
measure into execution : that General Clinton and Captain
Greenhill be earnestly requested to conduct this matter with
all the secrecy possible.
The Letter from Colonel Trumbull, received at noon,
was again read, and here follows, viz :
"King's Bridge, September 16, 1776.
" GENTLEMEN : Yesterday our troops evacuated New-
York to the enemy, and mean to make a stand at and near
this place. In the retreat, I have been obliged to leave
behind large quantities of flour, which reduces our maga-
zine too low. It is absolutely necessary to have a large
quantity soon. I have taken measures to get it in ; but,
fearing the apprehensions of the people may prevent their
coming, and thereby distress the army, and knowing your
body to be in a great flour country, I must beg the favour
of you to forward, with all despatch, whatever flour can be
had at and about Fishkills to Spiting Devil Creek, or as
near it as may be. I much expect the ships up the North
River again by and by : this makes me in the greater hurry
to have this measure effected, as it may save us great
expense and difficulty in land carriage. Perhaps it may be
best to ensure the vessels of flour against the enemy : this
and the price I will submit to your direction. The money
for the flour will be ready, and paid on delivery.
" Your aid and assistance in this matter will greatly oblige,
gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
"Jos. TRUMBULL, Commissary-General.
"To the Hon. the Convention of the State of New- York."
The Resolutions for procuring Flour for the Commissary-
General, in pursuance of his Letter, being read and agreed
to, are in the words following, to wit:
Whereas Joseph Trumbull, Esq., Commissary-General
of the American Army, by his Letter dated yesterday, at
King's Bridge, and directed to this Convention, informs
that the American Troops have evacuated New-York, and
mean to make a stand at and near King's Bridge; that he
has been obliged to leave behind large quantities of Flour,
which reduces his magazine too low ; that it is necessary to
have a large quantity soon, that the Army may not be dis-
tressed ; and requesting Flour to be forwarded, with all
despatch, to Spuyt den Duyvel Creek, or as near it as may be
to prevent the expense of land carriage, if the enemy's
ships should come up Hudson's River; further suggesting
that it may be best to ensure the Vessels and Flour against
the enemy, which, together with the price, he submits to
this Convention, requesting their aid ; and the said Com-
missary-General therein engages that the Money for the
Flour shall be paid on delivery :
Resolved, therefore, That Major Henry Scherick be, and
hereby is appointed Agent in behalf of the said Commis-
sary-General, to purchase all the Flour which can be
obtained in Dutchess, Orange, and the lower end of Ulster
Counties ; and that Colonel Charles De Witt and Dirck
Wynkoop, Jun., Esq., be, and each of them severally is,
hereby appointed Agent in behalf of the said Commissary-
General, to purchase all the Flour which can be procured
in Ulster County, and places adjacent, not before parti-
cularized ; and the said Agents are hereby respectively
authorized, if it shall be found necessary, to impress Sloops
or Vessels for the transportation of the said Flour ; and to
have such Vessels appraised by three indifferent Free-
holders, one to be elected by the Agents respectively,
another by the Owner of each Vessel, and the third by the
two first elected. That the said Agents shall, in behalf of
the Commissary -General, ensure against all risk of the.enemy,
to the sellers of the Flour respectively, the amount thereof
at the stipulated price, and to the Owners of the Vessels
the value thereof according to appraisement, such price and
valuation, in case of capture, to be paid by the Commis-
sary-General, agreeable to the said Letter. That they shall
take Bills of Lading from the Masters of such Vessels to
deliver the said Flour with the utmost despatch (the danger
of the enemy excepted) to the Commissary-General at
Spiten Duyvel Creek, or as near thereto as may be, for-
warding to the Commissary -General by land, and by each
Vessel, copies of each Bill of Parcels, and of each Ap-
praisement of the Vessels, and Bills of Lading, with Letters
of Advice, that the Sellers of the Flour and Owners of
the Vessels may be under no difficulty in procuring pay-
ment.
Ordered, That a certified copy of the preceding Ap-
pointments and Resolutions be immediately despatched to
the Commissary-General ; and that a certified copy thereof
be given to Major Schenck, and another such copy be
despatched to Messrs. De Witt and Wynkoop, at Kings-
ton.
A draft of an Answer to the Letter of the Commissary-
General was read and approved, and is in the words fol-
lowing, to wit :
" SIR : The Convention of this State have received your
letter of the 16th instant by Mr. Peter Garson, in conse-
quence of which they have entered into the enclosed reso-
lutions, which I am directed to transmit to you. We shall
exert ourselves to the utmost of our power in every measure
which may forward the common cause, which, notwith-
standing the present aspect of affairs, we doubt not will
triumph over our tyrannical enemies. Mr. Colt, your
deputy, has paid into the hands of Major Schenck, one of
the agents for the purpose of procuring flour, the sum of
three thousand six hundred dollars, for which that gentleman
will be accountable.
" I am, sir, with respect, Sic.
" To Joseph Trumbull, Esq."
A Letter from Gilbert Livingston, Esq., at Poughkeepsie,
was read. He therein informs that the Chain intended to
obstruct the navigation of Hudson's River has been delayed
for want of iron. He requests that one of the other Mem-
bers of the Committee may come to him to assist him, and
701
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
702
bring with him two thousand Pounds, as their Treasury is
nearly exhausted ; and informs that he expects to go to the
Fort to see that the apparatus is ready to fasten, and stretch
the chiiin.
Ordered, That the Secret Committee for obstructing the
navigation of Hudson's River, have permission to go to the
Fortifications in the Highlands to-morrow morning.
Resolved, That Mr. Duane, Mr. Hobart, General Ten
Broeck, Mr. Duer, Mr. William Smith, Mr. Wisner, and
Mr. Bancker, with the President, constitute a Committee of
Safety ; that the President and any four of those gentlemen
be a quorum of that Committee; that they continue a Com-
mittee of Safety until the first meeting of a representation of
this State in Convention ; that every other Member who
may attend have a voice in the Committee, and that the
said Committee have power to send for any Members of this
Convention who may be absent.
Ordered, That Mr. Hobart, Mr. Duer, and Mr. Bancker,
be a Committee to consider of and report the most proper
disposition to be made of the vessel or sloop of war Mont-
gomery, belonging to this State.
Ordered, That Mr. Robert Harper be added to and be
one of the Committee for taking the Examination of Samuel
Yale, Esq.
Adjourned.
Die Mercurii, 9 ho. A. M., September 18, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Duane, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert
Harper.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Sackett, Dr.
Crane.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
John Ten Broeck, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Robert Yates.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. William Harper, Mr. Veder.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith, Mr. Hobart.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Colonel Allison, Mr. Joseph
Smith.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Major Webster.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Parks.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Haviland, Mr. Mills, Mr. Jonathan
Platt.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
Whereas this Convention, after many anxious inquiries,
hath at length received certain intelligence that the Hon.
Nathaniel Woodhull, Brigadier-General of the Mil ilia,
and President of the Convention of this State, is at present
in the hands of the enemy, and that he was made captive
whilst actually employed in executing the resolutions of
this House: And whereas they are loudly called upon, not
only by the sacred voice of honour and publick duty, but
likewise by the sympathizing principles of personal affection
and respect, to exert themselves in restoring so valuable a
person to that liberty which he has himself lost in endea-
vouring to secure to others that inestimable blessing:
Therefore, Resolved, That a list of the Prisoners at the
disposal of this State be immediately made -out and trans-
mitted to General Washington ; and that John Sloss Hobart,
Esq., wait on his Excellency, with the earnest request of
this Convention, that he will be pleased to give his assist-
ance and advice in negotiating this exchange.
Whereas the sum of one thousand eight hundred Pounds
was advanced by this State to Colonel Pierre Van Cort-
landt and Captain Zephaniah Platt, as occasional Commis-
saries for such of the Militia of this and the neighbouring
States as were, at the request of his Excellency the General,
called out for the defence of the State, which sum they
have expended and accounted for with Mr. William Pauld-
ing, Deputy Commissary :
Resolved, therefore, That Mr. Gerard Bancker be
directed to get a true state of that account from Mr. William
Paulding, and request payment thereof from the Commis-
sary-General, and on the receipt of the Money, to give a
proper discharge therefor, which shall be considered as a
voucher for the Money by the Auditor and Treasurer of this
State.
Resolved, That Mr. Gerard Bancker, Deputy Treasurer
of this State, proceed immediately to the persons who had
the charge of the Pork and other Provisions belonging to this
State in Westchester County, in order to procure the receipts
for what has been furnished to Joseph Trumbull, Esq.,
Commissary-General, or any of his Agents or Deputies.
And that Mr. Bancker be directed and authorized to apply
to the said Commissary-General for the payment of the
same, at the price current of those articles when delivered ;
and that the receipt of the said Gerard Bancker shall be a
sufficient voucher in behalf of this State.
Ordered, That Colonel Allison be added to and be one
of the Committee for taking the Examination of Samuel
Gale, Esq.
Ordered, That the Officer commanding the detachment
of Captain Melancthon Smith's Company, which attends
this Convention, be and hereby is commanded to take into
the custody of his guard, William Tredwell, Benjamin Lud-
lum, and Samuel Gale, and them safely keep, as separate
from each other as he can, till further orders of this Con-
vention or their Committee of Safety.
Mr. Hobart, from the Committee to report the most
proper disposition of the Sloop Montgomerie, delivered in
their Report, which was read.
That part of the Report which respects the condemnation
and sale of Prizes, was agreed to.
Thereupon Resolved, That a Letter be immediately writ-
ten to Mr. Joseph Hallett, the Agent for Prizes, requesting
him forthwith to repair to New-England, and take the most
speedy and effectual measures for the condemnation and sale
of such Vessels and Goods as Captain Rogers, the Com-
mander of the said Sloop, may have brought into that
country.
The said Committee also reported a draft of such Letter
to Joseph Hallett, as above mentioned, which was read and
approved of, and is in the words following, to wit :
"SiR: The Convention having received information that
Captain Rogers, of the sloop Montgomerie, has left the
south side of Long-Island, and is arrived at Norwalk, in
Connecticut, with some of his prize goods, and that some
vessels which he brought off" with him are arrived in other
ports of New-England, it is their desire that you repair
forthwith to that country, and take the most speedy and
effectual measures for the condemnation and sale of such
vessels and goods ; which I am directed to signify to you.
"And am, sir, your most obedient servant.
" To Joseph Hallett, Esquire."
Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed
by the President, and transmitted.
That part of the said Report which relates to the sale of
the Sloop Montgomerie, was recommitted to Mr. William
Smith, General Ten Broeck, Mr. Duer, and Mr. Bancker,
Mr. Hobart being excused on his earnest request, and reasons
assigned.
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to devise ways
and means for establishing a fund for the board and subsist-
ence of the poor inhabitants of this State who have or may
be by distress of war obliged to abandon their habitations,
upon such a plan as shall be least burthensome to the good
people of this State.
Resolved, That Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Duer,
Mr. Duane, Mr. Jay, and Mr. Robert Yates, be the Com-
mittee.
Ordered, That that part of the Report of a former Com-
mittee on this subject, and which was read and postponed
on the 25th of August last, be recommitted to the same
Committee.
Ordered, That Mr. William Smith have leave of absence
to go to Orange County, ten days from the time of his de-
parture.
Resolved, That Colonel Broome and Captain Denning
be, and are hereby, appointed Members of the Committee
of Safety and Correspondence for that part of this State
which lies below the Highlands ; that they be requested
immediately to attend that business, and that Captain Den-
ning in his way attend this Convention to receive instruc-
tions for the said Committee.
Robert R. Livingston, Esq., informed the Convention
that from intelligence he has received, the particulars whereof
he cannot consistent with prudence disclose, it may be
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
704
necessary to call out a detachment of the Militia or the
guards which are now attending this House ; and that some
Member of this House should be empowered for that pur-
pose. Therefore,
Resolved, That Nath'l Sackett, Esq., be, and is hereby,
empowered to employ from time to time any detachments
of the Companies under the command of Captain Melanc-
thon Smith, or any part of the Militia of Dutchess County,
not exceeding twenty men, which he may think necessary,
and to give them such orders as he may think proper, which
they are hereby directed to observe and obey.
Mr. Wisner, Sen., from the Committee to whom was
referred the consideration of a more easy and effectual mode
of raising the several quotas of the Militia for the garrison-
ing of the Forts Constitution and Montgomerie, delivered in
their Report. The same being read, and the question put
whether the Convention agrees with their Committee in the
said Report, it was carried in the negative.
Resolved, That the Committee of Safety appointed till
the first meeting of the Convention be revived, and that the
same continue until the next meeting of the Convention.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Wednesday Afternoon, September 18, 1776.
The Committee of Safety met.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jim., Esq., Chairman.
For NEW-YORK. — *Mr. Bancker, *Mr. Duane.
For WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Haviland, Colonel Drake, Col-
onel Cortlandt.
For ALBANY. — *Mr. Abm. Yates, *General Ten Broeck,
Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. Ten Broeck.
For CHARLOTTE. — *Mr. Duer.
For SUFFOLK. — *Mr. Smith, Mr. Hobart.
For TRITON. — Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore.
For ORANGE. — Dr. Sherwood, Colonel Allison, *Mr. Wis-
ner, Mr. Smith.
Those names marked with an asterism are the Members appointed
to constitute the Committee of Safety.
A Letter from Hugh Hughes, Assistant Quartermaster-
General, by express, dated yesterday, at Head-Quarters,
near King's Bridge, was received and read. He, at the
request of General Washington, informs the Convention that
two Albany skippers have deserted the service without
unloading their cargoes. The one named Brooks has such
utensils for supplying the army with soap and candles that
the business cannot be carried on without them. The other,
named Rolf or Roff, has ammunition on board, besides
sundry articles belonging to the Quartermaster-General's
department, it is said. Mr. Hughes, by directions of the
General, gives this information that a suitable remedy may
be timely applied.
The said Letter being taken into immediate consideration,
thereupon^
Resolved, That a copy of the Letter received from Mr.
Hugh Hughes be immediately sent by express to the Chair-
man of the Committee of Albany, and that the said Com-
mittee be requested to send back all the property belonging
to the Continent contained in the said Sloops ; and to inquire
into the conduct of Captain Roff and Captain Brooks, and
transmit a state of facts to this Convention, taking good
security of the said .Roland Brooks to abide by the future
order of this Convention in the premises.
Ordered, That a copy of the above Resolution be trans-
mitted to Mr. Hughes.
A Letter from the Committee of Albany, dated the 12th
instant, was read. They thereby inform that the Major
from Cumberland County, with the proportion of men to
have been raised to the eastward of the Green Mountains,
as a part of Colonel Van Dyck's Regiment, have not joined
the Regiment or come into the service.
A Letter from Esq., who was intended to
have been Major of that Regiment, to Brigadier-General
Ten Broeck, was also read.
Ordered, That Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Hobart, Mr.
Duer, and Mr. Robert Yates, be a Committee to take those
two Letters into consideration, and report thereon.
A Letter from tile Committee of Albany, dated the 16th
instant, was also read. The Committee thereby express
great concern on account of General Schuyler's resignation,
and express their fears that it will occasion many other resi"-
nations in the Army, the Militia, and the Civil departments.
Along Letter from General Schityler., dated the 15th,
and a part thereof dated on the 16th instant, was read. The
General therein informs the Convention of his resignation
and in part his reasons for having requested leave to resign
his office, and informs the Convention of the latest intelli-
gence from the northward and westward ; and that the
Militia were countermanded before his receipt of the last
Letter from this Convention.
The Examination of a Hessian Deserter enclosed in Gen-
eral Schuyler's Letter, was also read. Information is thereby
given of the numbers of Hessians, Brunswickers, and other
foreign Troops in Canada.
Ordered, That the Letter from the Committee of Albany,
of the 16th instant, the Letter from General Schuyler of
the 15th and 16th instant, and that part of General Schuy-
ler's Letter of the 8th instant which remains to be consi-
dered, be committed to Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Hobart,
Mr. Duer, and Mr. Robert Yates, to report thereon with
all convenient speed.
A Letter from Cornelius Glenn, Treasurer of the County
of Albany, to the President of the Convention, dated the
13th instant, was read. He requests his opinion whether
the usual election shall be held in that County for a County
Treasurer, or whether it shall be delayed until a plan is pre-
scribed for that department under the new form of Govern-
ment.
Ordered, That the consideration of, and determination
on, this Letter, be referred to the Convention.
[Your Committee, to whom it was referred, to direct some
mode for the relief of Debtors confined for debt in the Gaols
of the respective Counties in this State, do report the fol-
lowing, viz:
Whereas, by the long suspension of the Legislature of this
State, the debtors confined in the respective gaols are
reduced to the greatest misery and distress, and their lives
much endangered by long confinement: And whereas the
detaining in custody debtors, under execution, who are wil-
ling to deliver up their estates for the use of their creditors,
can be of no real benefit or advantage to the creditors, and
at the same time, that by reason of such severity, many
useful members are lost to the community, who might be
advantageously employed at this arduous conjuncture in the
service and defence of their country :
Be it therefore ordained, That all and every person and
persons imprisoned or detained in any gaol within this State,
by reason of any process, writ, or commitment for debt, be'
forthwith released and discharged: Provided always, That
all and every person or persons, who shall take and claim
the benefit hereby intended, shall before his, her, or their
discharge, exhibit a petition in their respective Counties,
where such person or persons are confined, to the persons
hereinafter named, setting forth the reasons of such confine-
ment ; and if he, she, or they, so petitioning shall be charged
in execution, such prisoner or prisoners shall with his, her,
or their petition annex the name or names of his, her, or their
creditors, and the debts due, as near as can be, and certify
an account or inventory of his, her, or their whole real and
personal estate, their bedding and clothing excepted, with
the tenure by which it is held, and the evidences, deeds,
books of account, notes or bonds relating thereunto; and
upon such petitions and certificates delivered to the persons
hereafter named, in the respective Counties, or any two of
them, and they are hereby required to order such prisoner
to be brought before them, and administer to such persons
the following oath or affirmation, in such cases heretofore
required, viz:
" You of do hereby solemnly swear upon the
Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, that the account by you
here produced, and to your petition annexed, to the best of
your knowledge, contains a true and perfect state of all the
debts due to your respective creditors ; and likewise that the
inventory by you exhibited contains a just and faithful ac-
count of all your real and personal estate, your bedding and
clothing excepted, with the tenure by which it is held, and
the evidences, deeds, books of account, notes or bonds rela-
ting thereto, and that you have not knowingly or intention-
ally kept back any part of the same, nor conveyed to any
person or persons whatsoever any part thereof, for your
705
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
706
future benefit, with design to defraud your creditors. So
help you God."
And upon having taken such oath or affirmation such
prisoner or prisoners shall make an assignment of his, her,
or their estate, to two such persons as assignees, being free-
holders, as the persons empowered to administer such oath
or affirmation shall appoint, to be by them equally divided
among all the creditors of the said insolvent debtors, in pro-
portion to their several and respective debts, dues, and
demands ; whereupon, he, she, or they, making such assign-
ment as aforesaid, shall be discharged out of custody, from
and after which discharge, he, she, or they, shall not any
time hereafter be imprisoned for the same debt or debts for
which he, she, or they have made such assignment.
And further, That any two of the Judges of the Infe-
riour Court of Common Pleas, in the respective Counties of
this State, together with the Chairman of the County Com-
mittee for the time being, be and they are hereby nomi-
nated, empowered, and required to hear and discharge the
prisoners in the gaols of the said Counties, and to administer
to them the oath above mentioned, and that all Gaolers and
Sheriffs heretofore appointed, and all persons within this
State, give due obedience to the said persons within their
several Counties, who have been hereby authorized and
appointed to hear and discharge the prisoners aforesaid.
And lastly, That the assignees to be appointed as afore-
said, notify the several creditors of the debtors so discharged
in one or more of the publick newspapers of this State, for
three months successively of their appointment as aforesaid,
with intent that they may be acquainted where to apply for
their several dividends. JOSHUA H. SMITH.
September 18, 1776.
CONVENTION.
Die Jovis, 9 ho. A. M., September 19, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Du-
nne, Mr. Jay.
DUTCHESS. — Doctor Crane, Mr. Sackett, Mr. R. R. Liv-
ingston.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Mr. Duer.
ALBANY. — Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. John Ten Broeck,
Mr. Adgate, General Ten Broeck.
ORANGE. — Colonel Allison, Mr. Jos. Smith, Mr. Sherwood,
Mr. Little.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. Smith, Mr. Hobart.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Drake, Mr. Lockwood, Mr.
Mills, Mr. Haviland, Colonel Cortlandt.
ULSTER. — Major Parks, Mr. Wisner.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder.
Captain Samuel Tudor, one of the Superintendents for
building the Continental Ships at Poughkeepsie, attending,
delivered in a Letter from General Schuyler, dated Albany,
September 17, 1776, and directed to Messrs. Van Zandt,
Tudor, and the other gentlemen to whose care the building
of the Frigates at Poughkeepsie is committed ; wherein the
General informs those gentlemen that he received a line by
express from General Gates, informing him that he is in the
greatest distress for the cordage mentioned in a list enclosed
in the said letter, for the use of the row-galleys, which are
the greatest strength of our naval force on the Lake. Cap-
tain Tudor requested the opinion and advice of the Con-
vention on this subject.
Resolved, That as a Naval strength on Lake Champlain
is an object of the utmost importance, and will greatly con-
tribute to the security of America, that the Agents for build-
ing the Ships at Poughkeepsie be directed to supply such
and so much Cordage as General Schuyler requires,, and,
that this Convention will justify them to the honourable the
Continental Congress.
Mr. Haviland and Mr. Plait have leave of absence, to
return on next Monday week.
A certified copy of a Resolution of the Committee of
Dutc/iess County, was read and filed ; and is in the words
following, to wit :
" In Committee, Dutchess County, September 17, 1776.
"It having been suggested to this Committee, by the
Deputies from this County, in Convention, that the quorum
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 45
at present necessary to represent the County, being five, was
too numerous, and that, by means thereof, was frequently
deprived of a voice in the Convention:
" Resolved, therefore, That the number of the quorum be
reduced from five to three ; and accordingly, that of the nine
Deputies elected to represent this County in the Convention
of the Representatives of this State, any three of them be a
quorum for that purpose.
"By order: EGBERT BENSON, Chairman."
The determination of the Committee of Dutchess County
was approved of.
Ordered, That Mr. Jay, Mr. Duer, Mr. R. R. Livings-
ton, Mr. Robert Yates, and Colonel Drake, be a Commit-
tee to devise ways and means for preventing the dangers
which may arise from the disaffected in this State.
On motion of Mr. Duane,
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to examine into
and report the present state of the Treasury ; the progress
which has been made in emitting the sum of £200,000, to
supply the exigencies of the State, agreeable to a Resolu-
tion of the Convention, passed on the 15th day of August
last; the obstructions which have prevented the settlement
of the publick Accounts of this State against the Continent,
and further means for the immediate supplying the Treasury
with Money.
Resolved, That this Committee consist of those gentle-
men to whom was referred a list of the unsettled Accounts
of publick Moneys, delivered in by the Deputy Treasurer
and committed last Tuesday at noon, viz." Mr. Duane, Mr.
Bancker, and Mr. Moore.
Mr. Jay has leave of absence for eight days from die time
of his departure.
The Committee appointed to procure a proper Guard-
House for the detachment of, Captain Smith's Company, at
this place, by order reported that the most convenient they
have observed, or can obtain, is a hatter's shop belonging
to Mrs. Mary Bloodgood, which needs repair.
Ordered, That Mr. Sackett be added to that Committee,
and that the said Committee repair that shop for a Guard-
House at their discretion.
The Report of the- proceedings of Mr. Hobart and Mr.
James Townshend, the Committee appointed on the 28th
of August to repair to General WoodhuU, on Nassau-Island,
to advise and assist the General in the execution of the
orders given to him by this Convention, was read and taken
into consideration. Thereupon,
Resolved, unanimously, That this Convention approves of
the conduct of the' said Committee while they acted in
conjunction,, and of the conduct of John Sloss Hobart,
Esq., when he acted separately, as the same is stated in
the said Report and the papers therein referred to.
Mr. Jashua H. Smith, from the Committee formerly ap-
pointed to consider of means for the relief of Insolvent Debt-
ors, reported the draft of a Bill or set of Resolutions for the
relief of Insolvent Debtors, which was read and amended;
and being read a second time,
Ordered, That it lay on the table for the further perusal
and consideration of the Members*
Mr. Duer, of the Committee appointed to devise ways
a«d means for preventing the dangers which may arise from
the disaffected in this State, reported a draft of certain Res-
olutions for that purpose, which were read. The same
being read a second time, Mr. Duane moved, and it was
seconded by Mr. William Harper, that the consideration of
this Report be postponed till to-morrow morning.
Debates arose thereon, and the question being put, it was,
carried in the affirmative, in manner following, to wit:
For the Jijfirmalivt.
6. Albany.
2 Cumberland.
4 Ulster..
3 Tryoiu
For the Negative.
2 Charlotte.
5 Dutchess.
4 Westchester.
3 Orange.
15 votes. 14 votes.
Therefore, Ordered, That the further consideration of
the said neport be postponed till to-morrow mornin^.
On motion of Mr. Jay,
Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to inquire
whether any and what Bounty is necessary for encoura"in"
the manufacturing of Gunpowder in this State..
707
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
708
That Mr. William Smith, Mr. Zephaniah Plait, and Mr.
William Harper, be the Committee for that purpose.
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to employ
proper persons for making discoveries and assays of Sul-
phur, Lead, and Flint, within this State.
That for this purpose they have power to draw on the
Treasury for a sum not exceeding five hundred Dollars; and
that they report their proceedings to this Convention; and
that Mr. Wisner, Sen., Mr. Robert Yatcs, Mr. William
Harper, Mr, Adgate, and Doctor Crane, be the Committee
for the purposes above mentioned.
Ordered, That the appointing Inspectors of Saltpetre
and Gunpowder, manufactured in or imported into this State,
be taken into consideration on Saturday next.
Resolved, That the Committee for establishing Posts and
obtaining Intelligence be empowered to appoint a Secretary,
and to allow him a reasonable compensation.
Die Veneris, 9 ho. A. M., September 20, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW- YORK. — Mr. Bancktr, Mr. Harper, Mr. Duane.
DUTCHESS. — Dr. Crane, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr.
Sackett.
ALBANY. — Mr. Ab. Yates, Mr. Robert Yates, General Ten
Brocck, Mr. John Ten Broeck, Mr. Adgate.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. William Harper, Mr. Veder,
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith, Mr. Hubart.
ORANGE. — Mr. Jos. Smith, Colonel Sherwood,Mr. Wisner,
Jun., Colonel Allison, Mr. Little.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Mr. Webster.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Mr. Paries.
WESTCHESTEK. — Mr. Mills, Colonel G. Drake, Major
Loclcwood, Colonel V. Cortlandt.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
The Committee appointed to consider General Schuyler's
Letter brought in their Report, which was read. There-
upon the General's Letter of the 15th and 16th was read,
and hereafter follows, viz :
"Albany, September 15, 1776.
"SiR: I do myself the honour to advise you that, by
accounts received from General Gates and Colonel Dayton,
the necessity of marching up the Militia is superseded. I
have sent express to Ulster and Dutchess Counties to advise
them of this, and have dismissed those that were here. The
cannonade which was heard on Lake Champlain, and
which was supposed to be between General Arnold and
the enemy's army, was only a fire at a party of the enemy,
who attacked a boat belonging to our fleet, at Windmill
Point, in which three of the crew were killed and six
wounded. The fleet continues off Isle-au-Motte, and no
naval force of the enemy had appeared on tile 9th instant.
Our army at Tyconderoga, by the last returns, consisted
of twelve thousand nine hundred and seventy men, are
in good spirits, and so extremely well fortified on advan-
tageous ground, that little is to be feared, even if the enemy
should be able to cross the Lake, and make an attack.
" Many important matters require immediate attention in
this department, to guard the State against the attempts,
which will undoubtedly be made in the winter and spring,
by the enemy from the northward. I suggested my ideas
to Congress ; but as I have not been honoured with a line,
in answer to my letters, for near two months past, I suppose
more momentous concerns so entirely engross their attention
that they have not had time to take them into consideration.
" As I accepted of a command under the fullest convic-
tion of my incompetency, 1 have made more than ordinary
exertions to discharge the duties of it, that, if I could not
gain reputation, I might at least not reflect disgrace on you,
by whose means the command was conferred.
" Unhappily for me, envy and jealousy have followed
me from the beginning. Aware to what a critical situation
I was elevated, with the eyes of a jealous people on me, I
took every precaution that I might have it in my power to
justify myself whenever my conduct should be called in
question. How far I have succeeded I shall beg the Con-
vention of this State to judge, when I shall do myself the
honour to lay a variety of papers before them, which I
believe will be very soon, as I have sent my resignation to
Congress.
" As the Convention is now removed to a place where
they cannot be informed, by the usual channel, of what is
transacting in this department, I shall do myself the honour
to give them the most early information of every event as
it arises.
" September 16. — Last evening I was honoured with the
resolutions of the Convention of the 13th, conveyed to me
by Mr. Cui/ler. I am happy that there is no occasion at
present for the service of the Militia. Should it become
necessary, while I continue in command, (which will prob-
ably be until the 1st of October,') to call for their aid, I
shall pay due attention to the information you have been
pleased to give me, and not call on either Dutchess or
Ulster County, unless on the most urgent necessity.
" I shall immediately despatch a proper person to pur-
chase the medicines from the persons mentioned in your
resolution ; for although I am in hopes that Dr. Stringer,
who is gone to New-England, will procure a considerable
quantity there, yet the consumption in so large an army
will, I fear, be far beyond what he will be able to procure.
'• Enclose you copy of information given by a Hessian
deserter, who lately arrived at Ticonderoga.
" I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient, hum-
" PH. SCHUYLEH.
"To the Hon. Abraham Yates, Jnn., Esq., President of
the Convention of the State of New- York."
The copy of the Information given by a Hessian De-
serter* was again read and filed.
The Letter from Albany, of the 16th instant, was again
read, and follows, viz :
" Albany Committee Chamber, September 16, 1776.
" GENTLEMEN : We are informed that General Schuyler
has sent in his resignation to Congress, a circumstance
truly alarming to the inhabitants of this city, and we fear
will be very detrimental to the publick cause. His conduct
as a General, his indefatigable assiduity on all occasions, are
so very conspicuous, that we cannot help expressing the
deepest concern.
" We are fully sensible, and time will evince, that the
effects of his resignation will be severely felt in the Northern
department, as we are well assured no person can be found
to succeed him, capable of holding so honourable an office,
that has a sufficient influence to conduct matters in the
manner he has done, with such feeble supports.
" This clay a Committee of this Board waited on his
Honour, requesting to know the reason of his resigning.
His answer was, that such inattention was paid to his
remonstrances to Congress, and such calumnies thrown out
against him, that, consistent with the character of a gentle-
man, he could not do otherwise.
"We are very unhappy to think that Congress should
pay so little regard to the character of a gentleman whose
conduct, we are well assured, merits the approbation of
every well-wisher to this much-injured country.
" From what we have already heard, we can inform you,
as a fact, that many resignations will follow his in a short
time, as well in the Militia and Civil as in the Military
departments.
" It is unnecessary for us, we presume, to expatiate on
the great abilities which he possesses, as part of his conduct
has manifested it more fully than we can possibly express.
'The Examination of Jlnthony Fassclabend, of Colonel Riedesel's
Regiment of Dragoons, who deserted at Montreal, the 24th of June,
with nineteen others, but does not know what became of them: Says,
that in February, two thousand Hessians, and three thousand Bruns-
wickers, and three thousand H'estphulians, the latter all Roman Catho-
licks, embarked on board forty-six Dutch vessels, at Stade, in Hanover,
and sailed for America; that forty-three of these arrived at Que&ect
the 27th May, the other three being blown off from the fleet in a storm
about Easter, and supposed to be lost. That some time in June the
whole marched for Montreal, where they arrived the latter end of the
same month. That five hundred of the Westplialians and Brunswick
troops were drafted as dragoans, horses purchased in Canada, and daily
training for that purpose. Five hundred more were drafted as riilemcn.
The whole are new recruius from sixteen to twenty-two years of age,
quartered at Langmlle, opposite Montreal, under the command of Colonel
Betnitz, of the Brunswick troop. That at (luebcck, ten of the German*
had deserted. One was afterwards, at Langnlle, ordered to run ths
gauntlet through three hundred men; but the whole of the German
troops mutinied, owing to their not receiving their pay and provisions
promised 'em, refused to inflict the punishment, and were going to mur-
der the General, but Colonel Belnit: quieted them with promises of their
receiving their allowances regularly for the future. That he understood
all the Germans were to return about Michaelmas, and that the English
and Canadians amounted to about five thousand men.
September 5, 1776.
709
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
710
" From a full conviction of the above facts, we do in-
struct you, that you lay this letter before the Convention of
this State, and desire you'll use your influence to have the
sense of this Board transmitted to Congress on this
occasion.
" We are, gentlemen, your very humble servants,
"By order: JOHN BARCLAY, Chairman.
"To the Deputies of the County of Albany, in Convention
of the State of New-York."
General Schuyler's Letter of the 9th instant, which was
made a part of the minutes of this Convention on the 12th
instant, was again read.
Thereupon, the said Report of the Committee was again
read, and being then read by paragraphs, on reading the
second Resolution, Mr. Duane moved for the following
amendment, to wit, that the words " endanger the peace"
be obliterated, and the words "be productive of discontent
and endanger the safety of this State," be inserted in their
stead. Debates arose thereon, and the question being put
it was carried in the negative, in manner following :
For the Negative. For the Affirmative.
2 Charlotte. 3 Orange. 3 Tryon.
6 Albany. 4 Ulster.
4 Westohester. 5 Dutchess.
2 Cumberland. —
26 votes.
Therefore the said amendment was rejected.
The residue of the said Report being read by paragraphs,
amended and approved of, the whole of the said Report was
again read and adopted by the Convention, is in the words
following, to wit :
Whereas this Convention have received information that
Major-General Schuyler has sent in his resignation to the
honourable the Congress, which they have reason to believe
has arisen from some unhappy misapprehension of and a
neglect to inquire into his conduct: They cannot, there-
fore, in justice to his character, avoid expressing their sense
of his merit, and their apprehensions of the influence his
resignation may have on the publick measures :
1st. Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That Major-Gen-
eral Schuyler, since his appointment to the command in the
Northern department, has, as far as this Convention has
been enabled to judge, discharged the duties of his impor-
tant trust with assiduity, fidelity, and skill.
2d. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention
that the resignation of Major-General Schuyler at this criti-
cal period will, if accepted, greatly affect the general in-
terest of America, and endanger the peace and safety of
the State.
3d. Resolved, unanimously, That the honourable the
Congress be requested (through the Delegates from this
State) to withhold their assent to the resignation of Major-
General Schuyler, and to cause an inquiry to be made into
his conduct ; since this Convention cannot but hope that an
honourable acquittal will, by silencing the voice of calumny,
induce him to continue in his command, and thereby pre-
serve a useful officer to the publick.
Resolved, unanimously, That as Major-General Schuyler
was appointed at the request of this Convention, if no
inquiry should shortly be made into his conduct, that it will
be the duty of this Convention to institute the same, in order
either to justify their recommendation, and vindicate a
character which they have reason to fear has been unjustly
traduced, or to hold him up, if he has disgraced his appoint-
ment, as an object of publick censure.
Resolved, unanimously, That Robert R. Livingston.
Esq., wait upon Major-General Schuyler, in order to inquire
into the reasons of his resignation, and to report the same,
and in the name of this State to request him not to insist
thereon.
Resolved, That a copy of the aforegoing Resolutions be
immediately sent to the Delegates of this Stale at Congress,
in order to be laid before that honourable House.
A draft of a Letter to the Delegates of this State, to
attend the said Resolutions, was read and approved, and
is in the words following, viz :
"GENTLEMEN: The Convention have much at heart the
subject of the enclosed resolutions, and have directed me
to recommend them to your paiticular attention. They are
persuaded that General Schuyler's resignation will not only
be highly prejudicial to the common cause of America, by
the loss of an able and vigilant officer, singularly qualified
for the command he now fills, but will be productive of in-
ternal jealousy and discontent, at a period when union and
harmony are necessary for our preservation.
" I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient.
"P. S. I am directed to add that the Convention have
received no answer to their last letters. They would wish
to hear from you on the matter contained in them and this
matter, as soon as possible."
Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed,
and signed by the President, and transmitted without delay.
Mr. Duane, from " the Committee appointed to examine
into and report the present state of the Treasury, the pro-
gress which has been made in emitting two hundred thousand
Pounds to supply the exigencies of this State, agreeable
to a resolution of the Convention, passed on the Lith of
August last, the obstructions which have prevented the
settlement of the publick Accounts of this State against the
Continent, and further means for the immediate supply of
the Treasury with money," delivered in their Report, which
was read, and is in the words following, to wit :
Your Committee do report that they have, according to
order, considered the several matters submitted to their ex-
amination. That the Treasury is exhausted, as appears by
the account No. 1, being a general state of receipts and
payments of the Treasury down to the 17th instant; and
that the most speedy and effectual means ought to be
adopted to supply the Treasury with money, that the pub-
lick credit may be supported, and the heavy expenses to
which this State must unavoidably be exposed, in its present
critical and dangerous situation, be provided for.
That by reason of the evacuation of the metropolis the
loss of the paper mills, the dispersion of the printers, as well
as of the gentlemen entrusted to procure the plates, super-
intend the press, and sign the bills of credit directed to be
emitted, there cannot be the least prospect of supplying the
Treasury from the intended emission so as to answer the
exigencies of the State.
That the Committee have examined into the measures
which have been pursued for adjusting the publick accounts
of this State against the Continent, and for that purpose
have been attended by the Deputy Treasurer, to whose
state of facts mentioned in the paper No. 2, they refer;
and from which it appears that several of the persons
named in the list delivered in by the Deputy Treasurer on
the 17th instant, who have been entrusted with publick
money, have, though called upon, neglected to settle their
accounts with the Auditor-General of this State, which
putting it out of his power precisely to ascertain how much
of the moneys have been applied for Continental service,
and how much for the more immediate purposes of this
State, hath hitherto proved an insurmountable obstruction
to the adjustment of the publick accounts of this State
against the Continent.
That, nevertheless, from an estimate made by the Deputy
Treasurer, contained in the paper No. 3, which is herewith
presented, it appears, and your Committee are satisfied, that
upward of sixty-two thousand Dollars are due from the
United States to the State of New-York. Whereupon,
your Committee have agreed to the following Resolutions:
Resolved, 1st. That it is the opinion of this Committee
that the Auditor-General be directed to use all possible dili-
gence in completing the settlement of the publick Accounts
of this State with the United States, and procuring the
necessary Vouchers, in order that the said Accounts and
Vouchers may, without further delay, be transmitted to the
Treasury office of the United States, at Philadelphia, there
to be finally settled and passed.
And to remove the impediments which have hitherto
retarded the settlement of the said accounts,
Resolved, 2dly. That in the opinion of this Committee
such of the persons named in the said list who have been
entrusted with the publick Money, and have neglected to
produce their Accounts and Vouchers to the Auditor-Gen-
eral of this State, be and they hereby are enjoined, on pain
of incurring the displeasure of this Convention; to attend the
said Auditor-General at Fishkills, with their respective
Accounts and Vouchers, as soon as possible after receiving
notice for that purpose from the said Auditor-General.
Resolued, 3dly. That it is the opinion of this Committee
711
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
712
that the honourable Congress of the United States be
requested to advance to this State one hundred thousand
Dollars, in consideration of the vast expenses to which we
are exposed, and the impracticability, for the reasons herein
Set forth, of emitting Bills of Credit with a despatch suitable
to the urgency of our publick affairs and the calamitous cir-
cumstances into which we are involved. That in case this
requisition should be complied with, the Convention do
pledge this State to be accountable for the sums to be
advanced, declaring that the receipt of the Delegates of this
State or either of them, shall be a sufficient voucher for the
same, and directing the said Delegates to forward the
Money as expeditiously as possible.
Resolved, 4thly, as the opinion of this Committee, That
if it should be inconvenient to the United States to advance
to this State the sum specified in the before-mentioned
requisition, that then the honourable Congress be and are
hereby requested to advance to this State the sum of sixty
thousand Dollars, on account of the balance due from the
Continent to this State; this Committee being of opinion,
upon the best evidence they have been able to procure, that
at least that surn must be due from the United States to
this State.
The same Report was again read by paragraphs, There-
upon
Resolved, unanimously, That this Convention does agree
with their Committee in the said Report.
Ordered, That a copy of the preceding Report be trans-
mitted by the President of this Convention to the President
of the honourable Continental Congress, and that a copy
be also transmitted to the Delegates of this State at the
Continental Congress.
Ordered, That the President write a Letter to the hon-
ourable the President of Congress, and another to the Dele-
gates of this State at Congress, to accompany the copies of
those Resolutions.
Ordered, That Abraham Yates, Jan., Esq., the President
of this Convention, have leave of absence for one fortnight
from the time of his departure.
Mr. Duer, from "the Committee appointed to report a
more effectual mode for detecting and defeating the designs
of the internal enemies of this State," delivered in their
Report, which was read. The same was read a second time.
Debates arose thereon.
Mr. William Harper moved and was seconded, that the
said Report be rejected.
Mr. Duane moved and was seconded, that the former
Resolutions of the late Provincial Congress of this Conven-
tion, for apprehending and securing dangerous and disaffected
persons, be read.
After many debates on each of .the said two Jastrinen-
tioned motions, the further consideration thereof was deferred
till to-morrow.
Mr. Adgate has leave of absence for a fortnight from the
time of his departure.
Mr. Wisner has leave of absence for a week from the
time of his departure.
Mr. Duer dissents to both.
Resolved and Ordered, That the President for the time
being, with any five Members, have power to send a Mes-
senger for any Member who shall depart the Convention
without leave, or for any Member who having departed with
leave, shall be absent longer than the time of permission to
such Member limited, pursuant to the Resolve and Order
of this Convention of the 6th instant.
The Convention being informed that Isaac Ketcham,
who, as a Traitor against this State, has lately been aiding
and assisting the cruel enemies of the United American
States in ravaging and plundering the Farms and Estates of
the subjects and inhabitants, o/.this State, on Nassau-Island,
and carrying off the Stock, .has been taken by Captain
Rogers, and is now in chains.on board of the Sloop Mont-
gomery:
Ordered, That the said -Isaac Ketcham be brought, man-
acled and und£r a proper guard, before this Convention, to
abide the further .order of th,b Convention ; and that John
Sloss Hobart, Esq., .be requested to see that this order be
jduly executed.
Mr. Duane dissents.
Benjamin Van Vredenburgh, two Deserters from Captain
Van Steinbergh's Company, from Dutchess County, and
now in custody of the Guard of Captain Jffllutm Clark's
Company, be sent to Fort Constitution, and there delivered
to the Commanding Officer; and the said Commanding
Officer is hereby requested to detain the said Deserters in
safe custody, and send them by the first conveyance to the
main guard at General Clinton's encampment, at or near
King's Bridge, together with this order.
Die Sabhati, 9 ho. A. M., September 21, 177G.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW- YORK. — Mr. Duane, Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker.
ORANGE. — Colonel Allison, Mr. fVisner, Dr. Sherwood,
Mr. Joseph Smith, Mr. Little,
ALBANY. — Mr. Ab. Yates, General Ten Brocck, Mr. John
Ten Brocck, Mr. Robert Yates.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Mills, Colonel Drake, Major Lock-
wood, Colonel Cortlandt.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith, Mr. Hobart.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder, Mr. Harper.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jivn., Major Parks.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. IVebster, Mr. Duer.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Zeph. Platt, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr.
Sackett, Dr. Crane.
CUMBERLAND, — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
Mr. Wisner informed the Convention that the Rangers
raised in Orange County are ready for service; but as the
Indians are quiet and the Rangers unemployed, he suggested
to the Convention whether it might not be proper to send
them to Fort Montgomerie for the present, in lieu of the
Company of Militia lately ordered to be detached from that
County.
Resolved, That the state of the Rangers be taken into
consideration on Tuesday next.
Ordered, That Mr. Hobart be directed to call at the
Forts in the Highlands, in his way to Head-Quarters ; that
he get an exact account of the Garrison and the number of
men required to put them in a proper posture of defence;
and that he state to the General the inconvenience we lie
under in raising more of our Militia, and request if they can
be spared, that he would send a reinforcement from his
Army to those posts.
Whereas that part of the order of the 18th instant, which
sets forth that Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt and Captain
Platt had accounted with William Paulding for the publick
Moneys put into their hands for supporting the Militia
employed on the east side of Hudson's River, while the
enemy's Ships of War were in that river, appears to have
been founded on mistake:
On motion, Ordered, That the order of the 18th instant,
respecting those Accounts, together with the Schedule con-
taining the names of the persons who have not accounted
ito the Treasurer, be recommitted to Mr. Ten Broeck, Mr.
Bancker, and Mr. Duer, who are hereby appointed a
GoJBmittee for that purpose.
On motion of General Ten Broeck,
Resolved, Thjit Mr. Gerard Bancker, the Deputy Treas-
urer of the State, do immediately draw upon the Loan
Officers of the City and County of Albany, in favour of the
Chairman of the Committee of Albany, for whatever interest
of the Loan office Money is at present in their hands, not
exceeding the sum of twelve hundred Pounds, and the said
Committee are hereby ordered to apply the sum so received
jo the payment of the one-half of the Bounty to the Rangers
raised in the said County, and to the payment of the
Subsistence Money to the Company raised in the city of
Albany for guarding the Stores and Vessels with Provisions
and Ammunition, in and about the said city.
The Report of the Committee to whom was referred
" the consideration of a more effectual mode of detecting
and defeating the designs of the internal enemies of this
State," was again read.
On motion, the Resolutions of the Provincial Congress
of the 5th day of June last, appointing a Committee to call
before them and secure persons dangerous and disaffected
to the American cause, and those of equivocal character,
were also read.
Ordered, That Jost
, alias Veder, and Peter The Resolution of the Convention of the Representatives
713
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
714
of this State, increasing the powers of the respective County
Committees as to dangerous persons, and also the Resolu-
tions of the Convention on the 26th day of August last,
authorizing the County Committees to secure persons com-
mitted, or to deliver the Gaols, were respectively read.
The Convention then resumed the consideration of the
said Report of the Committee above mentioned ; the same
was again read, and, on motion made and seconded, the ques-
tion was put whether the same shall be rejected, which was
carried in the negative.
A Letter from General Washington was read, and follows,
viz:
" Head-duarters, Heights of Harlem, September 20, 1776.
"GENTLEMEN: Having reason to believe the enemy will
attempt to gall us with their ships of war from the North-
River as soon as they are ready to open their batteries
against the front of our lines, which we expect them to erect
with great industry, I beg leave to mention that I think it
may be of immense consequence if your honourable body
will order down some of your fire-ships, which may lay just
above the obstructions in the river under cover of the guns
of Fort Washington, where they will be ready to act in case
the ships should attempt to come up. Hurried and sur-
rounded with a thousand things, I have only time to add
that I have the honour to be, with great esteem, gentlemen,
your most obedient servant, „ GQ WASHIN(JTON „ '
On reading the Letter of his Excellency General Wash-
ington, of the 20th instant, requesting this Convention to
order down some of their Fire-Ships to lay just above the
obstructions in Hudson's River,
Resolved, That the two Fire-Ships charged by Captain
Hazehvood, be immediately despatched to Fort Washington,
or near it.
And Ordered, That Gilbert Livingston, Esquire, or any
other Member of the Committee for obstructing the naviga-
tion of Hudson's River who may now be at Poughkeepsie,
do immediately despatch the two Fire-Ships prepared and
charged by Captain Hazelwood, with proper persons to
navigate them, under cover of the guns of the said Fort,
and there deliver them to the care of such person as his
Excellency General Washington has or shall appoint to
take charge of them.
Ordered, That a copy of the above Resolution and Order
be despatched to his Excellency General Washington, and
another copy to Gilbert Livingston, Esq.
A. draft of a Letter to his Excellency was read and ap-
proved, and is in the words following, to wit:
"Sin: The Convention have received your Excellency's
letter of September 20, and have in consequence entered
into the enclosed resolution, which I am directed to transmit.
We are sorry that it is not in our power to send down more
than two fire-ships, as they have no more charged in such a
manner as to be depended on.
" A Committee of Correspondence has been established
by the Convention for the purpose of communicating to,
and receiving intelligence from, the army. The express
will receive orders to call upon your Excellency daily ; and
any commands or intelligence which your Excellency may
think proper to transmit, will be thankfully received and
punctually attended to by
" Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant.
"By order.
" To his Excellency General Washington."
Ordered, That a copy be engrossed, and signed by the
President, and transmitted.
A Letter from the Quartermaster-General to Captain
Cook, open, directing him to purchase and procure Timber
and Oak Plank with all possible despatch for the Army ;
and an order of the said Quartermaster to Captain Cook, to
purchase Vessels, or take them at an appraisement, for com-
pleting the obstructions to the navigation of Hudson's River,
opposite to Mount Washington.
Ordered, That Mr. Duane, Mr. Sackett, and Mr. R. R.
Livings/on, be a Committee to go out and confer with Cap-
tain Cook on the subjects of those two papers, and know
what aid he expects of this Convention in the premises.
The Convention resumed the consideration^ the Report
of the Committee on " A more effectual mode of detecting
and defeating the designs of the internal enemies of this
State."
A Letter from Thaddeus Crane to Major Jos. Benedict,
dated the 17th instant, was read. He therein informs that
the disaffected are grown troublesome and impudent, and
that it is necessary that some remedy be provided. He
suggests the necessity of removing a number of disaffected
persons from Salem, and raising a company of twenty-five
or thirty men, under the command of Captain Samuel Del-
lavan, for the purpose of awing and detecting the disaffected,
insulting villains.
A pathetick Letter on the same subject from Major Jos.
Benedict to Colonel Drake, dated the 18th instant, was also
read and filed.
A Letter from John White, of Rhynbeck Precinct, to
Captain Zeph. Platt, dated the 16th instant, was also read
and filed. He therein complains of great desertions from the
Army ; that at least thirty deserters are thereabout in the
woods, and supported by disaffected persons ; that some
remedy ought to be applied.
The Convention then spent some further time in consid-
eration of the said Report, and the Letters above mentioned :
Thereupon,
Resolved, That thirty men be raised in Westchester
County by Captain Samuel Dellavan, and put on the same
establishment as those under the command of Captain
Micha Townsend; that they compose one Company under
the command of the said Captain Samuel Dellavan, who is
hereby empowered to appoint three Sergeants, three Corpo-
rals, and a Drummer and Fifer, in the said Company.
Dr. Crane had leave of absence, to return on Wednesday
next, Mr. Duer dissenting.
The Convention adjourned one hour.
Die Sabbati, 4 ho. P. M., September 21, 1776.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Duane, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Harper.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. -R. R. Livingston, Mr. G. Livingston,
Mr. Platt, Mr. Sackett.
ALBANY. — The President, General Ten Broeck, Mr. John
Ten Broeck, Mr. Robert Yates.
ORANGE. — Mr. Wisner, Mr. Little, Dr. Sherwood, Mr. Jos.
Smith, Colonel Allison.
SUFFOLK. — Mr. William Smith, Mr. Hobart.
WESTCHESTER. — Mr. Mills, Major Lockwood, Colonel
Cortlandt, Colonel Drake.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Major Webster.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Parks.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. William Harper, Mr. Veder.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Stevens, Mr. Sessions.
A Letter from Thomas Randall, Esq., one of the Marine
Committee, dated at Elizabelhtown, the 7th September, was
read and filed.
A Letter from Thomas Quigley, Mate of the Privateer
Putnam, dated at Cranberry Inlet, the 4th instant, was also
read and filed.
The Petition of the Officers and Marines of the said
Vessel-of-War was also read and filed. It thereby appears
that there is a mutiny on board of the said vessel, and the
marines and crew demand their wa^es and refuse to continue
O
in the said vessel under the command of Captain Thomas
Cregier.
Ordered, That those Papers be deferred for considera-
tion.
The Convention resumed the consideration of the Report
of the Committee " on a more effectual mode of detecting
and defeating the designs of the internal enemies of this
State." The same being read by paragraphs, resolved on,
and agreed to, is in the words following, to wit :
"In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, )
"September 21, 1776. $
" Whereas divers of the inhabitants of this State have, by
the wicked arts and insidious and corrupt practices of Wil-
liam Tryon, Esq., late Governour of the Colony of New-
York, and his adherents, been seduced to take part with our
enemies, and aid and abet their measures for subjugating the
United States of America:
" And whereas, although sum'ry of the said parricides
715
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
716
have been discovered and secured, yet there is the highest
reason to believe that the measures hitherto pursued fully to
detect and suppress such iniquitous practices and conspira-
cies, have not been effectual ; and whereas this State is at
present invaded by a powerful army at the capital, and
threatened with the incursions of another army, attended by
an host of savages on its northern and western frontiers, this
Convention find themselves reduced by the great laws of
self-preservation, and the duties which they owe to their
constituents, to provide that no means in their power be left
unessayed to defeat the barbarous machinations of their do-
mestick as well as external enemies ; and do, therefore,
" Resolve, That a Committee be appointed for the ex-
press purpose of inquiring into and detecting and defeating
all conspiracies which may be formed in this State against
the liberties of America ; that they be empowered to send
for persons and papers ; to call out such detachments of the
Militia or Troops in the different Counties as they may from
time to lime deem necessary for suppressing insurrections ;
to apprehend, secure, or remove, such persons who they shall
judge dangerous to the safety of the State ; to make drafts on
the Treasury for a sum not exceeding five hundred Pounds ;
that they be empowered to enjoin secrecy upon their own
members and the persons employed by the Committee, when-
ever they shall judge the same necessary ; and in general to do
every act and thing whatsoever which may be necessary to
enable them to execute the trust hereby reposed in them ;
that the said Committee keep regular Minutes of all their
proceedings and expenditures, together with the examina-
tions which they may from time to time take, and the
correspondence they carry on for executing these resolu-
tions, in order that the whole or any part thereof may be
submitted to the consideration of this Convention, or future
Legislature of this State, whenever and as often as they
may think proper to call for the same ; that they be empow-
ered, if they shall think it necessary, to raise, officer, and put
under pay, any number of men, not exceeding two hundred
and twenty, officers included, to be upon the same establish-
ment with those under the command of Captain Melancthon
Smith, and to station them in such places, and to employ
them on such services, as they shall judge expedient for the
publick safety.
" Resolved, That the Company of thirty men, ordered
this day by this Convention to be raised by Captain Dela-
vergne, be under the direction of the said Committee.
Ordered, That the several Committees in this State, do
from time to time transmit to the above-mentioned Commit-
tee, all such information as they shall receive, relating to
any machinations and conspiracies against this State, and
that copies of these Resolutions be immediately sent by
express to the Chairman of the County Committees, and to
all the Brigadier-Generals, or Commanding Officers of the
Militia in this State, that they may govern themselves
accordingly.
Extract from the Minutes :
ROBERT BENSON, Secretary.
Resolved and agreed, unanimously, That the said Com-
mittee be chosen by ballot.
And the ballots of the several Counties being delivered in
and told, William Duer, Charles De Witt, Leonard Ganse-
voort, John Jay, and Zephaniah Platt, Esquires, appeared
duly elected by a majority of votes, to be the members of
that Committee.
Resolved, therefore, That those gentlemen be the Com-
mittee.
Resolved, That Nathaniel Sackctt, Esquire, be added to
and be a member of the said Committee.
And Ordered, that the Secretaries send notice to Charles
De Witt, Esquire, of his appointment to be one of this Com-
mittee, and desire his attendance.
Resolved, That the Chairman and two members of the
said Committee be a quorum to proceed on business.
Resolved and ordered, That the Examinations of Samuel
Gale, William Tredwell, and Benjamin Ludlum be deli-
vered to the said Committee ; that they take the same, with
any other papers or evidences relating thereto, into consider-
ation ; and commit them or take securities of them, or libe-
rate and discharge them respectively, as the said Committee
may think proper.
Resolved and agreed, That the order for committing
the said Samuel Gale, Benjamin Ludlum, William Tred-
well, to the officer of the guard at this place, be rescinded.
And Ordered, That the Secretaries take security of each
of them, by bond, with a surety to the President, in the sum
of £500, each, with condition for their appearance, respec-
tively, before the said Committee on request, and in the
mean time not to depart farther than two miles from the
Dutch Church, at FnKkill.
On Report of the Committee who went out to confer with
Captain Cook,
Resolved, That the Secret Committee for obstructing the
navigation of Hudson's River, be empowered and directed
to purchase and impress for the service of this State, any
number of Vessels, not exceeding six, which they shall think
best calculated for the purpose of completing the obstruc-
tions in Hudson's River, opposite to Mount Washington;
that they cause an appraisement of the said Vessels to be
made, by persons under oath, in the most equitable and
expeditious manner possible, in order that satisfaction may
hereafter be made by this Convention to the owners of such
vessels. And it is recommended to the said Committee to
request the services of Captain Thomas Greenell in ballast-
ing and navigating, and delivering those Vessels to Captain
Cook, at Fort Washington.
Resolved, That the said Committee be directed to send
all the Oak Plank which they have in their possession to
Mount Washington, with the utmost despatch.
Resolved, That the Superintendents for building the Con-
tinental Frigates be earnestly requested to send as much of
their short Oak Plank, as they possibly can spare, to Fort
Washington, with the utmost despatch ; and this Convention
do engage to justify their conduct, in this particular, to the
honourable the Continental Congress.
Resolved, That the last-appointed Committee of Safety,
with the addition of four Members hereafter named, be
revived. That therefore, Mr. Duane, Mr. Hobart, General
Ten Broeck, Mr. Duer, Mr. William Smith, Mr. Winner,
Mr. Bancker, and the four following Members, viz: Mr.
Ten Broeck, Major Lockwood, Mr. Moore, and Mr. Joshua
H. Smith, constitute a Committee of Safety. That any
four of them present at this place be a quorum. That every
other member who may attend have a voice in the Com-
mittee. That the said Committee have power to send for
any members of this Convention who may be absent; and
that they continue a Committee of Safety until the first
meeting of a representation of this State in Convention.
N. B. Colonel Cortlandt excused from being of the Com-
mittee of Safety, that he may go to relieve his family now
in a boat or pettiauger, on the river.
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Monday Morning, September 23, 1776.
The following Members met in Committee of Safety, to
wit :
Members of NEW-YORK. — *Mr. Bancker, Mr. Duane.
O/DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett.
CHARLOTTE. — *Mr. Duer, *Major Webster.
Of ALBANY. — *General Ten Broeck, *Mr. Ten Broeck.
Of WESTCHESTER. — *Major Lockwood.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens.
ORANGE. — Mr. Little, *Mr. Joseph Smith.
TRYON. — *Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. feeder.
Those whose names are marked with an asterism, are of the quorum
of the Committee.
The Committee proceeded to the choice of a Chairman,
when Brigadier-General Abram Ten Broeck, was unani-
mously elected.
Mr. Duer, one of the Members of the Committee for
establishing Riders betwixt this place and Head-Quarters,
at or near King's Bridge, for the purpose of obtaining the
most early intelligence, reported a Letter from Brigadier-
General Scott, dated at the camp at King's Bridge, Sep-
tember 21st, giving intelligence of a great fire, which hap-
pened the preceding night, in the city of New-York, but
that he had not been able to get any information as to the
particulars of it. The same was read, and immediately
returned to Mr. Duer, to be filed with the Committee pa-
pers.
A Letter from John Barclay, Esq., Chairman of the
717
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
718
Committee of Albany, dated the 21st instant, and directed
to Mr. McKesson, one of the Secretaries of the Convention
of this State, was read. Mr. Barclay acknowledged the
receipt of a Resolution of the Convention relative to Brooks
and jRo/f, skippers of two Albany Sloops, who are charged
with having deserted the service, with their Sloops ladened
with military stores, Sic., and which they took on board at
New- York, to be landed at or near King's Bridge. Mr.
Barclay also informs the Convention that the said Commit-
tee have despatched a batteau well manned down the river
in quest of them.
Whereas the Convention of this State did on the 17th
instant appoint a Committee of Safety, to continue till the
next meeting of a Representation of this State in Conven-
tion, and authorized them to send for any Members of the
Convention who may be absent without leave, which said
Committee was, with the addition of four Members, and
with the like power, on the 21st instant, revived:
Therefore, Ordered, That a Messenger be immediately
despatched to summon the following Members, who are
absent without leave, to attend on the publick business with-
out delay, and that they pay the Messenger a reasonable
compensation for his trouble and expenses, to wit: Mr.
Mills, Major Parks, Mr. Wisner, Jun., Colonel Sherwood,
Colonel Allison, Colonel Livingston, Mr. Zephaniah Plait,
and Mr. Stevens.
On motion of Mr. Duer, the sense of the Committee was
taken, whether Colonel Drake had leave of absence, and
the question being put it was determined, nem. con., in the
negative. The question was then put whether the Messen-
ger shall be. despatched to require Colonel Drake's imme-
diate attendance. Determined in the negative, because
Colonel Drake's presence in Westchester County is abso-
lutely necessary, in order to inform the Committee of the
measures, which at the time of his departure, the Committee
had under consideration, for detecting and defeating conspi-
racies of the disaffected.
Monday Afternoon, September 23, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Brigadier-General Ten Broeck, Chairman.
For NEW-YORK. — *Mr. Bancker, *Mr. Duane.
WESTCHESTEH. — *Major Lockwood.
Of ALBANY. — *Mr. Ten Broeck, *Genera\ Ten Broeck.
TRYON. — *Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder.
Of DUTCHESS.— Mr. Plait, Mr. Sackett.
CHARLOTTE. — *Mr. Duer, *Mr. Webster.
O/ORANGE. — *Mr. Smith, Mr. Little.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions.
Those marked with an asterism are of the quorum of the Committee
of Safety.
The Memorial of William Tredwell, now detained at this
place by order of the Convention, on suspicion of holding
correspondence with the enemy, (he having been on Long-
Island since the same has been in possession of the enemy,)
was read and filed.
Ordered, That the said Memorial be referred to the Com-
mittee appointed for detecting conspiracies, &ic.
Mr. Duer, a member of the Committee of Correspondence
and Intelligence, informed the Committee of Safety that he
has transmitted to his Excellency General Washington copies
of the Resolution of the Convention authorizing the Secret
Committee to purchase or impress any number of Vessels
not exceeding six, to complete the obstructions of the navi-
gation in Hudson's River, opposite to Fort Washington,
and of the Resolution requesting the Superintendents of the
Frigates building at Poughkeepsie, to send down to Mount
Washington all the short Oak Plank they can spare.
The Letter from John Thomas, Jun., Esq., Chairman of
the Committee of Safety for Westchester County, [dated the
19th instant,] which was received in Convention on the 21st
instant, relative to the indigent inhabitants of the city of
New-York, who were sent into that County by a Com-
mittee of the Convention for that purpose appointed, was
read:
Ordered, That the Secretaries write a Letter to Mr.
Thomas, enclosing a copy of the Resolutions of the Con-
vention on that subject, passed the 21st August last, and
request of him that he cause report to be made of all the
indigent persons which have been sent into that County,
agreeable to the directions of the said Resolutions, and that
this Committee or the Convention will make provision for
defraying the expenses of supporting them.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning.
Tuesday Morning, September 24, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Brigadier-General Ten Broeck, Chairman.
NEVV-YOKK Members. — *Mr. Bancker, *Mr. Duane.
ORANGE. — Mr. Little, *Mr. Jos. Smith.
CHARLOTTE. — *Major Webster.
ALBANY. — Mr. Ten Broeck, General Ten Broeck.
WESTCHESTER. — Major Lockwood.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens.
DUTCHESS. — Captain Platt.
TRYON. — *Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder.
Note. — Those marked with an asterism are a quorum of the Com-
mittee of Safety.
There being no material business proper for the Com-
mittee to take up,
Adjourned till four o'clock this afternoon, unless the bell
should be ordered to ring before that hour, in which case
the Members agree to give immediate attendance.
Tuesday Afternoon, September 24, 1T76.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: General Ten Broeck, Chairman.
NEW-YORK Members. — *Mr. Bancker.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Platt.
TRYON. — *Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper.
ALBANY. — *General Ten Broeck, *Mr. Ten Broeck.
WESTCHESTER. — *Major Lockwood.
CHARLOTTE. — *Mr. Duer, *Major Webster.
ULSTER. — Major Parks, Mr. Wisner.
ORANGE. — Mr. Little.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens.
JVbfe. — Those marked with asterisms are a quorum of the Committee.
Thomas Cregier, Commander of the Schooner General
Putnam, a vessel of war fitted out by and belonging to
this State, waited upon the Committee and informed them
that the said Schooner is very much out of repair, and, as
the winter is approaching, submitted to the Committee
whether it would be proper to keep the said Schooner longer
in service. The Committee were of opinion that this mat-
ter be referred to the consideration of the Convention.
Captain Cregier was called in and directed to wait the
meeting of the Convention.
A Letter from Colonel Levi Pawling, dated the 23d in-
stant, was read and filed. The Colonel complains much of
the want of a Surgeon to his Regiment, and requests that
Mr. Joseph Crane may be appointed to that office.
Ordered, That this Letter be referred to the Convention
at their first meeting.
°
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.
Wednesday Morning, September 25, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Brigadier-General Abraham Ten Broeck, Chair-
man.
NEW-YORK Members. — *Mr. Duane, *Mr. Bancker, Mr.
Dunscomb.
ORANGE. — Mr. Little, *Mr. Jos. Smith.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Mr. Webster.
ALBANY. — *General Ten Broeck, Mr. Ten Broeck.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Cortlandt. Major Lockwood,
Colonel Drake.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Mr. Platt.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper.
ULSTER. — Major Parks, Mr. Wisner, Jun.
Those marked with an asterism are a quorum of the Committee.
A Letter from General Washington, dated at the Heights
of Harlem, September 23d, containing a particular account
of the manoeuvres of the enemy on their landing on New-
York Island, and of the behaviour of our Troops who were
stationed to oppose their landing; also an account of the
skirmish when the enemy attacked the Heights at the north
end of Harlem Lane, and of the loss on both sides, was read
and filed.
719
NEW- YORK CONVENTION, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
720
A Letter from General Scott to the Committee of Intel-
ligence, was introduced by Mr. Duer, and read. General
Scott gives a particular account of the great fire which lately
happened in New-York, and also of a little expedition to
Monlresor's Island, in which our Troops failed of success,
and were obliged to retreat with the loss of the brave Major
Henly, killed, and several others wounded and missing.
A Letter from Messrs. Clark 8f Nightingale, dated
Providence, September the 16th, relative to two Prizes, to
wit: the Brigantine Temple, from a whaling voyage, and a
Bermudian Sloop, both taken on the south side of Long-
Island by the armed Continental Sloops Schuyler and
Mifflin, and the armed Sloop Montgomerie, fitted out by
the State of New-York. A state of the case of the Brig-
antine, drawn up by a lawyer, was also enclosed. Were
respectively read and filed.
Ordered, That the said Letter be referred to the Conven-
tion on their first meeting.
A Memorial of Cornelius Atherton,* dated this day, was
read and filed. He prays that he, with his men, may be
exempted from military dnty, that he may be enabled to
fulfil his contract entered into with the Representatives of
this State for manufacturing Muskets. Referred to the Con-
vention.
Adjourned till four o'clock this afternoon.
Die Mercurii, 4to ho. P. M., September 25, 1776.
The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Abraham Ten Broeck, Esq., Chairman ; Mr.
Bancker, Mr. Jno. Ten Broeck, Colonel V. Cortlandt,
Mr. Sackett, Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Lockwood, Mr. Little,
Mr. Moore, Mr. Wm. Harper.
No other Members appearing, and no urgent business
having offered, the Committee adjourned till nine o'clock
to-morrow morning.
CONVENTION.
Thursday Morning, September 26, 1776.
The Convention met. Present :
NEW- YORK Members. — Mr. Duane, Mr. Dunscomb, Mr.
Bancker.
WESTCHESTER. — Major Lockwood, Colonel Cortlandt,
Colonel Drake.
ALBANY. — General Ten Broeck, Mr. Ten Broeck, Col-
onel Livingston.
ORANGE. — Mr. Little, Mr. Jos. Smith.
ULSTER. — Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Park.
TRYON. — Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Captain Plait.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Mr. Duer.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens.
The President, Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., with leave
being gone home to visit his family, the Convention pro-
ceeded to elect by ballot a President. Colonel Peter R.
Livingston was duly elected, and accordingly took the chair.
On motion of General Ten Broeck,
Resolved, That a Committee of Safety be immediately
appointed, to consist of the President, with Mr. Duane, Mr.
Duer, Colonel Cortlandt, Zephaniah Plait, Mr. Wm. Har-
per, and Colonel Drake. That any three of those gentle-
men, with the President, be a quorum. That every member
* To the honourable Convention of the State of New- York: Is humbly
presented the Memorial of Cornelius Atherton, showing the impossibility
of his carrying on the manufacture of fire-arms under the present situa-
tion of this State, there being no exemption for him or his workmen
from the military duty, which is a fatal bar to his progress in making
fire-arms. Your memorialist has taken unwearied pains to employ
workmen, but to no purpose; for before he can get them qualified for
the business they are called into the army, and he has new ones to seek,
and all to no purpose, as the same scene is acted over and over, viz:
the calling of himself and workmen to general musters, Tory hunts,
drafting, &c. All these manoeuvres put together has rendered it im-
possible for me to accomplish my contract with the Congress; and
unless the honourable Convention can see it expedient to pass an act
whereby their memorialist can be secured in keeping his workmen, it
will be forever impossible for him to do much at making fire-arms, and
must of necessity oblige him to quit the business. Your memorialist,
therefore, earnestly prays that your Honours would take the matter into
their serious consideration, and afford their memorialist such assistance
as to your Honours shall seem best. And your memorialist in duty
bound will ever pray. CORNS. ATHERTO.V, .Memorialist.
September 25, 1776.
To the care of Xcphaniah Platt, Esq., attending the Convention for the
State of New- York.
of the Convention who may attend have a vote. That no
Member of Convention depart this neighbourhood without
leave of the Committee of Safety, and that the said Com-
mittee have power and are hereby authorized to send for
absent Members of the Convention of this State.
Mr. Veder being so sick and indisposed that he is unable
to sit or attend the Convention, and there not being Mem-
bers sufficient to continue the Convention without Mr.
Veder's attendance, therefore the Convention from necessity
adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
And Ordered, That the Committee of Safety meet im-
mediately.
COMMITTEE OP SAFETY.
The Committee of Safety met.
Present. — All the Members first named except Mr. Veder.
A Letter from Stephen De Lancey, Esq., now confined at
Hartford, to States M. Dyckman was read.
Mr. Dyckman being called in and examined, says, that
he knows the horses mentioned in Mr. De Lancey's letter;
that they were kept on the farm of James De Lancey, Esq.,
at Westchester. That one of them is a bay horse about
fifteen hands high, the other likewise a bay horse about
fourteen hands high. That about a week ago he went to
the farm of Mr. De Lancey and saw one of the horses, the
large one ; the other, the small one, he thinks perhaps may
have been taken to Long-Island with the family.
States M. Dyckman withdrew. The Committee took
the said letter and Dyckman's application for an order for
the horses of Stephen De Lancey into consideration. After
some time spent therein, an order with recitals on that sub-
ject being several times read, amended, and moved for, is in
the words following, to wit :
Whereas it has been represented in behalf of Stephen
De Lancey, Esq., now confined on his parole to the Town
of Hartford, in Connecticut, by order of the General Com-
mittee of the County of Albany, that one of his horses has
been taken, and is at present employed by persons in the
Continental Army ; and it being highly expedient that
care should be taken to prevent the destruction of the pro-
perty of all persons who are removed from their vacant
places of residence by the authority of this State :
Resolved, therefore, That States M. Dyckman (recom-
mended for that purpose by Mr. De Lancey) be authorized
to take the custody and charge of the said horse, belonging
to the said Stephen De Lancey : Provided, always, That
the said horse, belonging to the said Stephen De Lancey,
has not been impressed by proper authority for the service
of the Army, and that nothing in this resolve contained
shall exempt the horses of the said Stephen De Lancey
from being impressed in common with those of other per-
sons in this State.
Debates arose on the said proposed Resolution ; and the
question being put thereon, the Committee were equally
divided, viz: Nine for the affirmative and nine for the nega-
tive. The Chairman then determined against the said pro-
posed Resolution ; wherefore it was rejected.
A Letter from Thomas Cregier, dated this day, was
read. He therein gives a state of the vessel of war, the
General Putnam, and her crew ; that his men want their
wages; and the vessel out of repair and unfit for the sea;
and advises that she be laid up or sold.
Ordered, That the said Representation be filed, and re-
ferred to the consideration of the Convention.
The Memorial of John McCauley and
of Orange County, setting forth the distresses of the inhabi-
tants, for want of Salt, and that certain quantities of Salt are
stored in Orange County, was read.
A Resolution of the Committee of Dutchess County,
restraining the sale of the Salt stored in Dutchess County,
was also read. They therein pray directions how the said
Salt may be most advantageously disposed of.
The Resolution of the Continental Congress, directing
the mode of the sales of Salt, was also read.
Ordered, That the said Papers, relating to the article of
Salt, be committed to Captain Zephaniah Platt, Mr. Duns-
combe, Colonel Drake, and Mr. Duane, hereby appointed a
Committee to report thereon.
721
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
722
Mr. Duer, one of the members of the Committee of
Correspondence, delivered in a Letter from Tench Tilgh-
man, Esq., dated .the 24th instant; which was read. He
therein mentions his Excellency General Washington's sa-
tisfaction that the Convention should aid in ohstructing the
navigation of Hudson's River.
Ordered, That the said Letter be made a part of the
Minutes of this Committee.
The said Letter follows, viz :
" Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, September 24, 1776.
"DEAR SIR: I have this moment the honour of yours of
the 22d instant, acquainting me that Mr. R. R. Livings-
ton and yourself had been empowered, by your Committee
of Correspondence, to employ some person about Head-
Quarters to communicate, daily, such interesting intelligence
as may be expected to occur at this critical time, and that
you were anxious I should undertake this task. I feel
myse.If highly honoured by this mark of distinction, and you
may be assured I will exert myself to give you satisfaction
in my office.
" His Excellency informs me that he wrote your Con-
vention fully yesterday, and desires me to say that he has
only to thank them for the attention they are paying to the
obstruction of the North River, which he hopes will be
rendered effectual by this intended additional obstruction
above the chevaux-de-frise.
" We hear that our forces were obliged to abandon
Powle's Hook yesterday evening ; but as we have no par-
ticulars of the matter or manner, I must wait the return of
General Greene, who went down that way this morning, to
make himself fully informed. You shall hear more of it
to-morrow.
" I beg you will let me know, in your next, who is Presi-
dent of your Committee of Correspondence, as I suppose
my letters in my official capacity are to be addressed to
him. I shall, till then,, address myself to you.
" You are pleased to call me Richard, but I have the
honour and pleasure-to be your most obedient,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
"To William Duer, Esq., at FishML"
Die Jovia, 4to ho. P. M., September 26, 1776.
The Committee of Safety met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Colonel Peter R. Livington, President.
NEW-YORK. — Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. Duane.
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel G. Drake, Major Lockwood.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
ALBANY. — Colonel Livingston, General Ten Broeck, Mr.
John Ten Broeck.
ORANGE. — Mr. Little, Mr. Joseph Smith.
ULSTER.— rMr. Wimer, Jun., Major Park.
TRYON. — Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Captain Zephaniah Platt.
CHARLOTTE. — Major Webster, Mr. Duer, Colonel Wil-
liams.
A Letter from Benjamin Dupuij, Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Mamacotting Precinct, in Ulster County, was read
and filed, and is dated the 23d instant. The said Chair-
man thereby informs that a vacancy of a military officer
had arisen by Captain De Witt's engaging in the Ranging
service; that thereby the following gentlemen were duly
promoted and elected, viz: Abraham Cuddeback, Jun.,
Captain, Robert Cock, First Lieutenant, Samuel King,
Second Lieutenant, and Samuel Dupuy, Ensign.
Ordered, That the said Commissions issue. And they
were issued accordingly.
A Letter or Request of Joab Hoisington was received
and read, and is in the words following, to wit:
"To the Hon. Nathaniel Wootlhull, President of the honourable Con-
gress of the State of New-York:
" Agreeable to the order of the honourable the Congress,
I have sent the muster-rolls of the several companies under
my command, by Elizur Andrews, the bearer, begginn- the
favour of your forwarding the remainder of the bounty
rations and first month's wages, taking his receipt for the
same.
" Am, sir, your humble servant, JOAB HOISINGTON.
"N. B. Please to remit my wages and rations; likewise
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 46
as much of the rations as the honourable Congress shall
see fit. Find it much easier to purchase supplies with
cash."
A Return of the Commissioned Officers of the four Com-
panies of Rangers, commanded by Major Hoisington, signed
by James Clay, Chairman, was also read ; and certain Mus-
ter-Rolls of the said Companies were also delivered in.
The Committee took the same into consideration. After
some time spent therein, a motion was made and seconded,
that a sum sufficient to answer the purposes of Major
Hoisington 's request be transmitted to him.
It was objected that the Committee of that County had,
by their letter or declaration to this Convention, dated the
2 1st of June last, reserved, or pretended to reserve, to the
people of that County, a right of seceding from the Gov-
ernment of this State; that the State has already been at
great expense for that County ; that further expenditures
on their account ought not to be made until the jurisdiction
of this State is fully acknowledged by the inhabitants of
that County.
After sundry debates on this subject, at the request of a
Member, Mr. Stevens, one of the Deputies from that County,
was interrogated whether he, as a Representative of Cum-
berland County, acknowledges the jurisdiction of this State
over the said County? Mr. Stevens declared that he does
fully acknowledge the jurisdiction of this State over the
said County.
The like question being asked of Mr. Sessions, he also
answered in the affirmative, and declares he does, as a
Representative of Cumberland County, fully acknowledge
the jurisdiction of this State over the County of Cumber-
land and its inhabitants.
The further consideration of this subject was postponed
till to-morrow.
Adjourned.
Friday Morning, September 27, 1776.
Committee of Safety met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Colonel Peter R. Livingston, the President,
Chairman.
NEW-YORK Members. — Mr. Bancker, Mr. Dunscombe,
Mr. Duane.
ORANGE. — Mr. Joseph Smith, Colonel Sherwood, Mr. Lit-
tle.
ALBANY. — General Ten Broeck, Mr. Ten Broeck, Colonel
Livingston. '
WESTCHESTER. — Colonel Drake, Major Lockwood, Colo-
nel Cortlandt.
ULSTER — Mr. Wisner, Major Parks.
TRYON. — Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper.
DUTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, Mr. Platt, Major Schenck.
CHARLOTTE. — Mr. Duer, Major Webster, Colonel Wil-
liams.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens.
Mr. Duer, from the Committee for establishing Posts and
obtaining Intelligence, introduced a Letter from Tench
Tilghman, Esquire, dated at Head-Quarters, Heights of
Harlem. September 25, 1776, and directed to Mr. Duer:
the same being read, it is
Ordered, That such part of the said Letter as relates to
General Washington's application for Powder be immedi-
ately transmitted by express to Henry Wisner, Jun., and
John R. Livingston, Esquires ; and that they be requested
to forward all the Powder which they have on hand to
King's Bridge, with all despatch ; and that they be empow-
ered to apply to General James Clinton for a proper guard
to escort the said Powder.
The part of Mr. Tilghman' s Letter above referred to is
as follows : " His Excellency begs your Board would
immediately order down what powder is ready at Wisner's
and Livingston's mills."
A Letter from Brigadier-General Petrus Ten Broeck,
enclosing the Returns of the Militia of his Brigade in
Dutchess County, (excepting the Regiments of Colonel
Jirntkerhoff and Colonel Graham,) and a request that the
other Field Officers of the Militia may he commissioned in
the place of those called into actual service :
Ordered, That the Secretaries write to the General, and
inform him that the Returns sent by him are irregular, and
that he be requested to transmit to Convention a proper
723
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776.
724
Brigade Return of the whole Militia of Dutchess, that the
Convention be enabled to judge of the remaining strength
of the said Militia.
Colonel Williams delivered in the Return of his Regi-
ment of Militia in Charlotte County. Was put on the file.
Mr. Joshua H. Smith has leave of absence for three
days. Mr. Ducr dissents thereto.
A Letter from David Matthews, dated at Litctifield, the
25th of September, was read.
A copy of a Letter from Captain Moses Seymour to
Governour Trumbull, dated at Litchfield, on the 20th Sep-
tember, instant, relating to the conduct of David Matthews,
was also read.
Ordered, That the said Letters lie on the table for the
perusal of the Members.
John Campbell, who was sent as a Messenger to Abra-
ham Lott, Esq., late Treasurer of the Colony of New-York,
with a certified copy of the Resolutions of this Convention
relative to the publick Treasure, and his contempt in not
having accounted, pursuant to the Order of the Provincial
Congress of the 17th of March last, delivered the following
representation from Abraham Lott, Esq., viz:
"To the Honourable Convention of the Representatives of
the State of New- York:
"GENTLEMEN: Yesterday evening, I received, by Mr.
John Campbell, your resolves and orders of the 17th instant,
directing me to make answer, in writing, why the order of
the Provincial Congress of the 9th March last, relating to
the delivery of my publick accounts, has not been complied
with.
" Permit me, gentlemen, to assure you that the omission
has not proceeded from neglect of your authority, which I
trust many of the honourable Convention are well convinced
of, but from the following causes :
" Shortly after I received the order of the 9th March, I
had the misfortune to wound my left arm in the wrist, in
such a manner that I could not make any use of it for six
weeks. When I got in part over this incapacity, I was
attacked with the gout, which confined me six weeks
longer at this place, and my books and accounts being in
New- York, put it out of my power, for three months, to do
any thing in the matter. After this I went to the city with
intent to comply with the order, but the troubles increasing,
and every body moving out of town, and advising me to do
the same, as the fleet was arrived at Staten-Island, I packed
up my books and papers in a hurry, and brought them here,
about a month ago, from Newark, where they some time
laid for want of a wagon to bring them up. Since which
the times have been so very distressing, that I have not had
resolution to finish the assorting of my papers, and thus not
prepared to make out my accounts. These, and not con-
tempt or neglect, are the true causes why the order of the
9th March has not been complied with.
" However, to convince the honourable Convention of
my readiness to comply with its directions, will, with all
possible speed, make out the accounts, and attend them
without delay, agreeable to the order of the 17th instant,
though cannot exactly mention the day, as I have still a
number of papers to assort. Permit me to add that no
unnecessary procrastination shall happen, and that I am,
with respect, your most obedient servant,
" ABRAHAM LOTT.
"Beverwyck, September 22, 1776.
" P. S. On reading the foregoing to Mr. Campbell, he
was very desirous that I would limit the time of my attend-
ance as near as possible. For the satisfaction of the Con-
vention, do not think it will be in less than a fortnight, but
will come sooner if in my power."
Ordered, That the said Letter be referred to the consid-
eration of the Convention of this State.
Major Henry Sche'nck, one of the Deputies of Dutchess
County, came into the room, who, with the other Mem-
bers before named, were a sufficient number to form a
Convention.
They therefore proceeded as a Convention.
The Convention then took into consideration the appli-
cation of Major Joab Hoisington, from Cumberland County,
for money for the Bounty for the Rangers, and paying their
Wages and Subsistence.
The Letter or application of Major Hoisington was read.
The Return of the Officers of the Companies of Rangers,
under the command of Major Hoisington, signed by James
Clay, Chairman of the Committee of Cumberland County,
was also read.
The Letter from Cumberland County Committee, of the
21st day of June last, to this Committee, was also read.
Debates arose on the application from Major Hoisington,
occasioned by the said Letter of the 21st day of June last.
The following Questions, by order of the Convention,
were asked of the Deputies from Cumberland County, and
their answers are here inserted, viz :
Question. Were you elected by the people of the County
at large, or by the Sub-Committees in the Towns ?
Answer, (by Mr. Sessions and" Mr. Stevens.) We were
elected by the people of the County at large.
Question. How is your County Committee formed?
Answer. By two Members sent from the Committees of
each Town.
Question. Were those Committees appointed or elected
by thepeople of the County, before or after your election as
Deputies?
Answer. The Committees were elected long before the
late election for Deputies to represent that County.
Question. Have your County Committee any power or
authority from the people to give such instructions or direc-
tions, or to make such declarations or reservations, as are
contained in the said letter of the 21st of June 1
Mr. Sessions, in answer, declares; that he is very confi-
dent that the Sub-Committees or Committees in Cumberland
County, had not any directions or instructions from the
people or inhabitants of Cumberland County, to give such
instructions or directions as are contained in the said letter
of the 21st of June, or to make such declarations or reserva-
tions as are therein mentioned. Mr. Stevens makes the like
declaration, and says that the letter of the 21st June was
agreed to prevent any division in the County, as some few
towns in the County were opposed to sending Deputies to
Convention, unless with such instructions. That he had
not any particular instructions from the people of the town in
which he resides, and believes the people of the other towns
did not give any. That he conceives the credentials from
the County give him. full and unrestrained power in forming
a Government. That he conceives himself no further bound
by those instructions than his vote, and then only in rases
where the instructions are agreeable to his own judgment.
Mr. Sessions says he shall think it his duty to pay regard
to his instructions so far as to lay them belbre the House,
and obtain a compliance with them, so far as they shall
appear to be right and beneficial.
The Deputies from Cumberland County were then asked
whether, if on debate it should appear that a matter con-
tained in or directed by those instructions, would be injurious
to the State, they would think themselves bound by those
instructions ?
They respectively answered, by no means. That they
did not think themselves bound by those instructions when-
ever they might work any injury to the State, or whenever
they should be out-voted.
The Convention were informed that the Committee to
whom were referred the said Letter of the 21st of June to
this Convention, have not made any Report thereon, and
that the greater part of the Members appointed on that
Committee are now absent.
Ordered, That the said Letter of the 21st of June last,
and the application of Major Joab Hoisington for money to
pay and subsist the Companies of Rangers mentioned in the
Returns thereof by him made, with the said Returns, be
committed to a Committee.
Ordered, That Mr. Duer, Mr. Duane, and Mr. Zepha-
niah Plait, together with Mr. Sessions and Colonel Stevens,
be a Committee for that purpose, and that they report such
facts relating to this matter, and what will in their opinion
be most eligible to be done in the premises, with all con-
venient speed.
Resolved and Ordered, That the Committee appointed
on the 21st instant, "for the express purpose of inquiring
into, detecting, and defeating all conspiracies which may be
formed in the State against the liberties of America," be
and hereby are authorized and empowered at their discretion
to place Guards at such place or places as they may think
725
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
726
proper, for apprehending Deserters from the American
Army, and for detecting and defeating all conspiracies
which have or may be formed in the State against the lib-
erties of America, and to give such instructions to those
Guards as the said Committee may think necessary for those
purposes.
Major Schenck produced to the Convention an account
of Walter Hyer for services done as a Cooper, in securing
and preserving a quantity of Oil, said to belong to the Con-
tinent, and now in store at Fishkill landing; which is as
follows, viz:
The State o/NEW-YoRK, to WALTER HYER, DR.
September 14, 1776, To trimming 36 Tierces of Spermaceti
Oil, the property of Continental Congress, on board of the
Sloop Captain Cook, £2 12 0
Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., pay
the above Account to Henry Schenck, Esq., for the use of
Walter Hyer, and charge the same to account of the
Continent.
Resolved, That a Committee of Safety be and hereby
are appointed to act until a meeting of this Convention, to
consist of the President, with Mr. Duane, Mr. Duer, Colonel
Cortlandt, Mr. Zephaniah Platt, Mr. William Harper, and
Colonel Drake. That any three of those gentlemen with
the President, be a quorum ; that every Member of the Con-
vention who may attend have a vote; that no Member of
Convention depart this neighbourhood without leave of the
Committee of Safety, and that the said Committee have
power and are hereby authorized to send for absent Members
of the Convention of this State.
Die Veneris, 4 ho. P. M., September 27, 1776.
The Committee of Safety met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: Colonel Peter R. Livingston, Chairman.
NEW- YORK. — *Mr. Duane, Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. Bancker.
WESTC HESTER. — *Colonel V. Cortlandt, *Colonel Drake,
Major Lockwood.
ALBANY. — General TenBroeck, John TenBroeck,Co\oael
P. R. Livingston.
ORANGE. — Mr. Little, Dr. Sherwood.
ULSTER. — Major Park, Mr. Wisner, Jun.
TRYON. — *Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore.
DOTCHESS. — Mr. Sackett, *Mr. Platt.
CUMBERLAND. — Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens.
Lieutenant Brett informed the Convention that sundry
Prisoners are in the Guard-House, in custody of the Guard
at this place under his command; some of them detained as
suspicious persons, travelling without any certificates or
passes, and others for reasons which were particularly
assigned to the Convention.
The said Prisoners being severally brought in and ex-
amined:
Ordered, That Michael O'Farrell and Richard Gazart
be respectively confined in the said Guard-House till further
order of this Convention or their Committee of Safety ; there
being great reason to believe from the imperfect accounts
given of themselves respectively, and particularly from the
many contradictions in the account given by the said Rich-
ard Gazatt, that they are Deserters from the American
Army.
The other Prisoners were respectively discharged.
RESOLVES, &c., OP THE COUNCIL AND HOUSE OF REPRE-
SENTATIVES OF MASSACHUSETTS.
MEMORIAL OF JOSEPH FRYE.
Colony of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council and House of Representa-
tives of said Colony in General Court assembled, MAY
30, 1776:
The Memorial of JOSEPH FRYE humbly showeth:
That your memorialist being settled in a new plantation
at a place called Pigwacket, in the County of York, much
exposed to an enemy from Canada, where the news of the
Lexington battle arriving soon after it happened, it filled your
memorialist and the other inhabitants of said plantation
with great concern, apprehending that, as hostilities were
commenced, a war in a little time would become general.
And as they were far advanced in the County of York, they
expected that the Governour of Canada would send the
Indians, and others he could influence, against them and
other exposed plantations; and as they had no ammunition
to defend themselves, they expected either to be destroyed
or driven from their habitations except they could get some.
Therefore they met and requested your memorialist to try
and procure some for them ; in consequence of which your
memorialist came off from said plantation on the 25th of
May, 1775, for that purpose, but your memorialist could
hear of none in Falmouth, Portsmouth, Newbury, nor in any
other trading towns in the eastern country, in the County of
Essex, nor any where else ; but hearing, after he came to
Andover, a large quantity of powder was expected would
soon arrive in Watertown, he tarried at Andover some days
wailing for the news of its arrival, hoping that if the quantity
he had heard of did arrive, he should be favoured with some
of it for the purpose above mentioned ; and while he was at
Andover, viz: on Saturday, the 17th of June, 1775, news
arrived there of the burning of Charlestoim and the battle
of Bunker-Hill. Your memorialist being much concerned
at that event, being then fully convinced that the Ministerial
plan was to prosecute the unjust war they had begun with
their utmost vigour, he the next day after went to Medford,
where lie tarried the night following, and the 19th went to
Cambridge, where he found the honourable General Ward,
Commander-in-Chief of the forces that were in the field;
also many other gentlemen, some of whom were officers who
had been with your memorialist in the wars with the French
and Indians, and other men that were privates, who had been
under his particular command in those wars, all of whom
appeared very desirous of his company in the army, and not
only those, but several of the honourable gentlemen belong-
ing to the Congress then sitting at Watertown desired the
same. Your memorialist, finding his service so generally
desired, consented to serve his country accordingly, the dis-
tresses of his exposed plantation notwithstanding; where-
upon the honourable the Congress of this Colony were
pleased to honour him with a Major-General's commission,
bearing date the 21st of June, 1775. With that commis-
sion he entered into the service in Cambridge, under the
command of General Ward. After which, about the last of
that month or beginning of July, General Ward received a
packet from Philadelphia, containing his commission from
the honourable the Continental Congress, and a list of Gen-
eral Officers appointed by that Congress to command in the
army, which list he showed to your said memorialist. Upon
looking over said list he thought he might then return to his
family, which he mentioned to General Ward; in conse-
quence of which he went up to Watertoum, and on his
return to Cambridge he informed your memorialist that he
had shown said list to one or more of the Congress of this
Colony, and that a letter would without delay be sent to the
Continental Congress with respect to your memorialist and
sundry other General Officers appointed by this Colony
Congress, and that those of the last-mentioned Congress he
had spoke with desired your memorialist would continue in
the army till an answer to that letter should be returned
from the Continental Congress, upon which your memorial-
ist consented to tarry. Not long after this, the Congress of
this Colony was dissolved, and in the beginning of July,
then next, a General Court for this Colony assembled at
Watertown, from whom your memorialist received a letter
conceived in the following terms, viz :
" In the House of Representatives, Watertown, )
July 22, 1775. J
" SIR : This House, approving of your services in the sta-
tion you were appointed to in the army by the Congress of
this Colony, embrace this opportunity to express their sense
of them, and at the same time to desire your continuance
with the army, if you shall judge you can do it without
impropriety, till the final determination of the Continental
Congress shall be known with regard to the appointment of
General Officers. We assure you that the justice of this
House will be engaged to make you an adequate compensa-
tion for your services. We have such intelligence as affords
us confidence to suppose that a few days will determine
whether any such provisions shall be made for you as is
727
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
728
consistent with your honour to accept, and shall give you
encouragement to remain in the service.
" By order of the House :
"JAMES WARREN, Speaker.
"General Frye."
When your memorialist had received the letter of which
the foregoing is a true copy, he not only judged he could
continue in the army without impropriety, but looked upon
himself bound in duty to his country to do it till the final
determination of the Continental Congress should be.known
with regard to the appointment of General Officers, and
accordingly went to Roxbury with General Ward, and while
there, viz: about the time it was expected a commission
would arrive from Philadelphia for your memorialist, this
Colony's members of the Continental Congress came to Gen-
eral Ward's quarters, when they informed your said memo-
rialist that in the letter sent to them in regard to him and
others, his Christian name was not mentioned, and that as
they knew your memorialist had moved into the County of
York, they could not satisfy themselves it was he, therefore
deferred the affair till they could have the name ascer-
tained ; and then two of those gentlemen desired your said
memorialist to give them an account of his military services
in the French wars, in order to lay it before the members of
the Continental Congress, who were strangers to him ; agree-
able to which your said memorialist gave them the account
they desired ; and about the last of August those gentlemen
set out on their journey to Philadelphia, leaving their desire
of his continuance in the army, not doubting but he would
be commissioned to command a Brigade that was then
vacant. Your memorialist continued at Roxbury accord-
ingly till the 12th day of October following, when being
informed that General Washington had received a letter
from the Continental Congress, wherein, among other things,
he was informed that the appointment of another Brigadier-
General was deferred for the then present, your memo-
rialist left Roxbury, came to Cambridge, where it took him
two days, viz : the 13th and 14th of said month, to get
ready to return home, and on the 15th left Cambridge and
went to Andover, which being his native place he tarried
there till the beginning of November, then next, where he
received a commission and instructions from the honourable
the Council of this Colony, empowering him to take the
command of the men posted in the County of Cumberland
for the defence of the sea-coast, &c., and commanding them
to obey him as their superiour officer.
As the instructions above mentioned were directed to
General Frye, had no doubt on his mind but he would be
esteemed as such, and as he was sure he had done nothing
for which he deserved degradation, he concluded that the
commission meant no more than to subject the troops in the
County of Cumberland to his command, and that he should
be treated in some measure agreeable to the dignity of the
commission he had been honoured with from the Colony Con-
gress. In this service he continued till the beginning of
February, 1776, when he received a letter from General
Washington, whereby your said memorialist was informed
that the Continental Congress had appointed him a Brigadier-
General in the Continental army, and by the same letter he
was ordered to the camp in Cambridge with all possible
speed. In obedience thereto your said memorialist left Fal-
mouth, in said County of Cumberland, and came to Cam-
bridge, where he arrived the evening of the 15th of said
month, and the next morning waited upon General Wash-
ington, who presented him a Brigadier-General's commis-
sion, dated the 10th day of the preceding month. Your
memorialist having informed your Honours how he under-
stood the above-recited letter, begs leave to insert in this
place a Resolve of the late Great and General Court, passed
in the House the 25th of January, 1776, which is as fol-
io weth, viz:
"Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the
publick Treasury of the Colony to the General Officers ap-
pointed by the Congress of this Colony for their services in
the Massachusetts Army, from the lime they entered into
said service until they were put into the pay of the Conti-
nent or were otherwise discharged, at the several rates fol-
lowing, viz: To the Hon. General Ward, who served this
Colony as Cornmander-in-Chief, £21 per month; to Gen-
eral Thomas, who served this Colony as Lieutenant-General,
£18 per month; and to Generals Whitcomb, Heath, Frye,
and Pomeroy, who served this Colony as Major-Generals,
£16 per month each, accounting twenty-eight days to a
month; and they are respectively desired to make up their
accounts accordingly, and lodge them with the Secretary of
this Colony for examination and allowance of the Commit-
tee on the Muster Rolls of the Army."
As your memorialist was brought into the army in the
manner already mentioned, and desired to continue therein,
as appears by the Court's letter of the 22d of July, 1775;
and as the time of his being brought into the Continental
army was deferred by reason his Christian name was omit-
ted in the letter sent to the Continental Congress, and
being sent by the late General Court to take the command
of the sea-coast men in the County of Cumberland, by a
commission dated the 13th of November, 1775; in which
service he continued till the beginning of February, 1776,
when he was called into the Continental army, as before
related, and by comparing the letter from the General Court
to your memorialist, dated the 22d of July, 1775, with the
said Court's resolve of the 25th of January, 1776, and ob-
serving his pay was but £16 per month, which is not half
the sum allowed to a Brigadier-General in the Continental
army, and much less still than half the pay per month of a
Major-General in that army, your memorialist had no doubt
in his mind but the honourable the then General Court of
this Colony designed his pay of £16 per month should be
continued till be was taken into the pay of the Continent.
But so it was, the following Resolve passed in the General
Court, April 24, 1776, viz:
" Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treas-
ury of this Colony to the Hon. Joseph Frye, Esq.. the sum
of £41 7s., in full discharge for his service as Major-Gen-
eral in the Colony Army one month and twelve days, and
also for his service as superiour officer on the sea-coast estab-
lishment at Falmouth, two months and one day."
This is much short of the time of his service, as before
shown. If it should be objected that between the 15th ot
October, 1775, which was the time your memorialist left
the army, as before mentioned, and the 13th of November,
then next, which is the day of "the date of his commission to
command the troops at Falmouth, on the sea-coast estab-
lishment, there is twenty-eight days he was not in actual
service, he begs leave to reply that he allows it ; but as he
was one hundred and forty miles from his family, and one
hundred and twenty miles from Falmouth, he apprehended
that in the first case he should be allowed (as was ever
usual) some time to go home in, and in the latter case, as
no rations were allowed for his subsistence, and it being very
expensive travelling at that season of the year, by reason
there was such a scarcity of hay, no horses, as he was told,
could be kept in Falmouth, he was obliged to hire two
horses in Andover, and a man to bring them back from Fal-
mouth, which was attended with no trifling expense. He
flattered himself that all things considered through the whole
affair, he should be allowed some part of the twenty-eight
days, if not the whole, in either of those cases.
Your memorialist having given your Honour's a true rela-
tion of facts with regard to his service, he begs leave to say
that he really thinks, that as they were not stated in due
order and laid before the late honourable Assembly, it was
the occasion of some mistake with regard to the time of his
service, otherwise he is persuaded a larger sum would have
been allowed him. Wherefore, upon the whole, your
memorialist prays your Honours would please to take the
premises under consideration, when he makes no doubt but
your Honours will make him an adequate compensation for
his services, agreeable to the before-recited letter from the
late honourable Assembly to him.
And, as in duty bound, prays. Jos£pH ^
In the House of Representatives, September, 1776.
Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the
Treasury of this State to General Joseph Frye, over and
above what has been already allowed him, the sum of £44
in full for his services during his continuance in the Army at
Cambridge and Roxbury, and the further sum o! £3 16s.,
over and above what he has received of tjie Commissary lor
his subsistence during his continuance in the sea-coast ser-
vice of this State, in the County of Cumberland, the same to
be in full for his services till his appointment to a command
in he Continental Army.
729
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
730
PETITION OF JEREMIAH COLB0RN AND JOSHUA EAYRE.
To the honourable the Council and House of Represent-
atives of the State, the Colony MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in
General Court assembled at WATERTOWN :
The Petition of JEREMIAH COLBURN and JOSHUA EAYRE,
of PENOBSCOT RIVEK, humbly showeth:
That your petitioners have been settlers on Penobscot
River for a number of years, and that your petitioners was
obliged to quit their settlements after making great improve-
ments on their lands, by order of proprietors, or persons
pretending to own or claim the land, to their great damage,
and had no place to go to. Your petitioners went farther
up the river and settled on wild and unimproved lands, five
miles above any settlement, where they thought no person
could claim to turn them off, there built two dwelling-houses,
one half a saw-mill, cleared a road to a meadow six miles,
cleared another road to the inhabitants five miles, and
cleared and improved a considerable tract of land, and built
the other half of the mill, by being assisted by other people.
Your petitioners began to build said dwelling-houses and
mill in July, 1774. and in October following, moved our
family upon the land, and there continued until May fol-
lowing ; in the mean time the Indians of the Penobscot
tribe were continually at our house, and we were always
ready to assist them in any thing they requested, and were
always welcomed to any provisions they desired, which your
petitioners has given them to the value of thirty pounds,
lawful money, at least, and were always kindly treated by
us. And in May, 1775, your petitioners, being apprehen-
sive of some clanger from reports that the Canadian Indians
intended to assist the people of Great Britain that might
come across the country and destroy us, thought it most
safe to move in to the inhabitants. Your petitioners moved
their families and effects, and remained from May to August
following, and one of us from May, 1775, to June, 1116.
• All this while your petitioners was urged by the Indians to
return to our settlements, and promised we should enjoy our
possessions, and they would protect and support us in the
same ; but since being acquainted that they had a promise
of the lands from the Massachusetts Congress in June, 1775,
we would not move again until they gave us their words
that we should enjoy peaceably our possessions. In de-
pendence of the same, we moved our families up, the time
above mentioned, and since have heard they have resolved,
in council amongst themselves, that every family shall be
removed above the line that was settled by the Congress in
June, 1775. They say they have a promise when the
General Court next sits, that there will be an order to turn
us off, in consequence of which they have told all the in-
habitants within their limits, to get in readiness to move off
when they gather their harvests.
Your petitioners are always ready to comply with any
rule, order, or regulation, as your Honours shall direct.
Your petitioners would inform your Honours that we have
spent all our substance in this settlement, and which renders
us so poor, we are not able to move our families away.
Your petitioners most humbly pray your Honours to take
their difficult circumstances into your wise consideration,
and grant them such relief as you in your great wisdom
shall see meet. And your petitioners, as i» duty bound,
shall ever pray. JEREMIAH COLBURN,
JOSHUA EAYH.
Penobscot River, 16th August, 1776.
September 5, 1776. — The Committee lo whom was re-
ferred the consideration of the above Petition, have attended
that service, and beg leave to report that the petitioners
have leave to withdraw the same.
JEDEDIAH PREBLE, Per order.
PETITION OF STEPHEN BUSSELL AND OTHERS.
To the honourable Council and the House of Representa-
tives of the State of the Colony of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY,
in General Court assembled at WATERTOWN:
The Petition of STEPHEN BUSSEL, DAVID ROWELL, and
PATRICK. McMANNAY, humbly showeth:
That your petitioners are settlers on Penobscot River,
and went on and settled on wild and uncultivated lands on
the eastern side of Penobscot River, above the Falls, in
March 22d, 1774; there built a dwelling-house each of us,
and cleared about six acres of land each, cleared sundry roads
to meadows, Sic. And since being acquainted that the In-
dians of Penobscot tribe had a promise of the lands from
the Congress of the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay, in
June, 1775, your petitioners was willing to make any
reasonable consideration for the lands when they were ac-
quainted whose right it was, and since your petitioners has
had a warning from the said Indians to move off from our
possessions as soon as we can get our harvest in, we have
offered them any pay they should reasonably demand for the
same. But nothing will satisfy them but we must move
off. Your petitioners are very needy, having spent our
strength and substance in subduing the land, to raise bread
to support our families, and therefore don't know where to
go to, to settle, unless enabled by your Honours to settle on
lands back in the country. Your petitioners were and are
always ready to comply with any rule, order, or directions
your Honours in your wisdom shall order for the good and
regulation of your inhabitants.
Your petitioners most humbly pray your Honours to take
their difficult circumstances into your wise consideration, and
grant them such relief as you in your wisdom shall think
right. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever
pray. STEPHEN BUSSELL,
DAVID ROWELL,
PATRICK McMANNAY.
Penobscot River, August the 19th, 1776.
The Committee to whom was referred the consideration
of the above Petition, have attended that service, and beg
leave to report that the petitioners have leave to withdraw
the same. JEDEDIAH PREBLE, Per order.
PETITION OF SELECTMEN OF WALDOBOROUGH.
Colony of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable Council and the honourable House of
Representatives, in General Court assembled:
Humbly show, we the subscribers of the town of Wal-
doborough, in the County of Lincoln, that your petitioners,
by reason of there not being any ammunition in this town,
we labour under many great difficulties and danger, on the
account of not being supplied with ammunition in this town,
for this town has already spent near one hundred pound
by sending for ammunition, and never getting any. There-
fore we would pray your Honours to grant the bearer,
Captain Levi Soule, of JValdobo rough, one hundred pounds
of gunpowder. And your humble petitioners, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray.
JACOB LIDWIG, ^
JACOB WINCHENBACH, \-Selectmen.
NATH'L SIMMONS. j
Waldoborough, August the 19, 1776.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in AMERICA:
To the honourable Council and House of Representatives
of said State :
The Petition of the Committee of Safety for the Town of
CAPE-ELIZABETH, humbly showeth :
That on January 19th, 1776, that Stephen Agen, Ste-
phen Hayter, and Thomas Brierton, enemies to the United
Colonies, and were taken prisoner, were brought to us on
their way to Head-Quarters ; who were put to Mr. Joseph
Mariner, inn-holder in said town; they had three meals of
victuals a man, at eight pence a meal, their lodging nine
pence half-penny.
Your petitioners hereby apply themselves to this honour-
able Court to discharge the debt. As in duty bound shall
ever pray.
N. B. Said prisoners were sent to us by the Committee
of St. George's, in the County of Lincoln.
EBEN. THORNDIKE, Clerk of Committee Safety.
PETITION OF JOTHAM BUSH.
To the honourable Council and House of Representatives
of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in General Court,
or in the recess of said Court, to the said honourable
Council:
The Petition of JOTHAM BUSH, of SHREWSBURY, in the
County of WORCESTER, most humbly shows:
That on the llth day of July last, the Committee of
Correspondence, &ic., for the town, disarmed your petitioner
and ordered him to be confined to his homestead farm ; and
731
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fcc., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
732
his four sons, namely, David, John, Jotham, and Levi, to
be confined to his lands in Shrewsbury and Lancaster, and
never to pass over the bounds aforesaid, without a permit
from said Committee, until the further orders of said Com-
mittee ; and that if he, or his aforesaid sons, should at any
time disobey the said orders of the said Committee, and
be convicted thereof, they should be confined to close gaol,
in the County aforesaid, or otherways dealt with, according
to the discretion of said Committee, as by the proceed-
ings of said Committee herewith exhibited fully appear.
All which proceedings your petitioner is greatly injured in
his character and inte/est, for the following reasons : For
that the said Committee, without ever convening him before
them at the town aforesaid, and upon examination, finding
him guilty of being inimical to the States of America, passed
the aforesaid resolve, as it plainly appears by said resolve.
They have not given any reason for their cruel treatment to
him ; and supposing they had proceeded against him by a
proper examination of him, and upon said examination had
found him guilty, in that case if your petitioner had tendered
bonds for his good behaviour. Agreeable to a late law of this
State, they had no right to imprison him in manner afore-
said ; by which imprisonment he is prevented taking care of
his business, much of which lies in other towns, especially
two farms in Lancaster under his own immediate improve-
ment, which he is deprived personally of taking care of.
Every individual in every State has an undoubted right
to the protection of such State, and ought not to forfeit such
protection without a fair hearing and adjudication of the
crimes charged upon him. Your Honours will perceive
that your petitioner, in the resolve of said Committee, is not
charged with any crime whatever, but the whole proceed-
ings of said Committee appear to be without any founda-
tion against him. He therefore prays you to whom he appeals
to take his case into your consideration, and liberate him
and his sons from their present confinement, or at least to
extend their limits, so far as that they may be permitted to
attend publick worship, go to mill, and to take care of all his
lands that are under his actual improvement or otherwise
relieve them as to your Honours shall seem fit. And as in
duty bound shall ever pray. JOTHAM BUSH.
Shrewsbury, August the 23d, 1776.
PETITION OF ICHABOD JONES.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council and the honourable House
of Representatives of the State aforesaid, assembled in
General Court at WATERTOWN, AUGUST 28, 1776, most
humbly shows :
Ichabod Jones, late of Boston, in the County of Suffolk,
that your petitioner in May, 1775, considering that the peo-
ple at Machias, in the eastern part of this State, were ol
themselves unable to procure the provisions necessary for
their subsistence, and knowing that the greater part of them
depended on your petitioner to supply them, the other tra-
ders having declined to do it, did purchase a quantity of
pork, flour, and other articles of food, and convey the
same to the people aforesaid in two sloops belonging to
your petitioner. That when arrived at Machias the inhab-
itants, at the request of your petitioner, met together and
were informed that if they would furnish themselves in any
other way with necessary provisions, your petitioner would
be extremely glad to be freed from the difficult and haaard-
ous task. That a great majority of them declared they
could not obtain the necessary supplies, without the assist-
ance of your petitioner, and desired him to continue as for-
merly to bring them provisions. That afterwards by means
of some of the Machias people, with the assistance of others
in the neighbouring places, the vessels aforesaid, and the
person of your petitioner were seized ; that at the time of
the seizure the inhabitants of Machias owed to your peti-
tioner and company, nearly the sum of four thousand pounds
lawful money, which he is able and ready to prove. That
your petitioner is lately informed they have taken posses-
sion of his houses, mills, and all his other estate at Machias,
and not only of the estate of which your petitioner was sole
proprietor, but also of the estate which belonged to himself
and others in partnership. That your petitioner learns from
an advertisement in the Wattrtown paper of August 19th,
that libels are filed against the vessels and cargoes above
mentioned, before the Judge of the Maritime Court, for the
Eastern District in this State, and that the justice of the
captures is to be tried at the said court, to be holden at
Pownalboro' , on the 9th of September next.
As your petitioner is confined to the town of Northamp-
ton, under large bonds, (with scanty means of subsistence,)
he is unable to attend himself, or procure any person to
attend in his place on so short a notice, and is greatly
apprehensive that his property therefore will be condemned;
although if allowed to attend the said Court, with his evi-
dence, he persuades himself the innocence of his conduct
would fully appear.
Your petitioner therefore most humbly prays your Hon-
ours to take the premises into your wise consideration, and
that he may be heard thereupon, having no doubt, on a full
knowledge of his case, your petitioner would be discharged
from any further confinement. Your petitioner also prays
that he may have liberty to attend in person the trial afore-
said of his vessels, at some future time, to which the said
court shall by order of your Honours be adjourned ; and
that in the mean time all proceedings touching the vessels
and cargoes aforesaid, may be staid ; all which is most hum-
bly submitted; and in duty bound shall pray.
ICHABOD JONES.
PETITION OF SELECTMEN OF HARPSWELL.
To the honourable Council and the House of Representa-
tives at WATERTOWN, in General Court assembled, the
prayer of your petitioners humbly showeth:
That on the eighteenth day of October, one thousand
seven hundred and seventy-five, when the town of Fal-
mouth was burnt, there was an alarm at Harpswell, and
upon said alarm there came from Topsham Captain James
Hunter, with fifty men, Captain Actor Patten, with thirty
men, and Captain Peter Coombs, with thirty-two men,
from Brunswick, and were all there five days, and were
billeted by order of the Selectmen, which makes eighty-five
weeks for one man, at six shillings per week, comes to
twenty-five pounds ten shillings ; and as the town is a small
town, and under low circumstances at best, and more so
now, by reason of the drought, and the multitude of grass-
hoppers, which have almost cut off our English grain, there
is but few that will get more than their seed, and some not
that, and, to take the town throughout, not more than one-
fifth part of a usual crop of hay is got in the town this year:
therefore your petitioners humbly pray your Honours will
take it under your wise consideration, and allow to the town
the above-said account. And your petitioners, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray.
Per order of the Town,
WILLIAM SYLVESTER, }
JOHN RODICK, > Selectmen.
ANTHONY COOMBS, )
Harpswell, August 28, 1776.
October the 18th, 1775. — Upon an alarm at Harpswell,
Captain Actor Pattin, and Ensign Tibbits, of Topsham, with
twenty-nine men under their command, marched to their
relief, and spent five days. JAMES POTTER, Clerk.
October 19th, 1775. — Upon an alarm at Harpswell, Cap-
tain Peter Coombs and Lieutenant Hosea Baly, and Joseph
Atten, Ensign, with thirty-one men under their command,
marched to their relief, and spent five days, and were bil-
leted there, by order of the Selectmen, at one Michel Cur-
tis's, the whole time.
Per PETER COOMBS, Captain.
PETITION OF THOMAS EDWARDS.
To the honourable the President and Members of the
Council for the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
The very humble Petition of THOMAS EDWARDS, humbly
shoiveth :
That your petitioner, on the evacuation of the town of
Boston, did remain with his family ; and as he was deter-
mined to demean himself in an orderly and most respectful
manner, according to such regulation as might be estab-
lished, so he firmly hoped to receive that protection and
security for his person and property which such a line of
conduct might naturally and justly demand. That however
guiltless your petitioner actually was of any species of
offence, yet he was, at the instance of some malicious per-
son or persons, procured to be committed to close confine-
733
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
734
ment, but for what reason or what pretext he is wholly at
a loss to determine. That your petitioner hath languished
in a painful, close confinement near six months, in want of
many necessaries of life, whereby his health and constitu-
tion, is exceedingly impaired, and in such a declining state,
that, unless speedily relieved, he cannot long survive. That
your petitioner hath a sickly wife, quite helpless, with seven
small children, entirely dependent on his industry for their
support, which bgein now unhappily deprived of, they are
become objects of the most tender and compassionate con-
cern.
Your petitioner therefore humbly hopes that benevolence
which has so strongly marked your characters, will now
operate in his favour, and that you will be pleased, in ten-
der consideration of the peculiar unhappiness of his case, to
give orders that he may be discharged, hereby solemnly
promising that he will continue to demean himself in an
orderly, respectful manner, in due obedience to such regu-
lations as now are or shall be made for the government of
this State. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall
ever pray. THOMAS EDWARDS.
Provost Gaol, Boston, August 30, 1776.
MEMORIAL OF JONAS BALL AND OTHERS.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council and House of Representa-
tives in General Court assembled, at WATERTOWN,
AUGUST 28, 1776 :
The Memorial of JONAS BALL and others, in behalf of
JOHN TAYLOR, of NORTHBOROUGH, in the County of
WORCESTER, yeoman, humbly showeth:
That the Committee of Correspondence for said town of
Northborough, without any just cause therefor, by virtue of
a pretended power vested in them, arrested the said John
Taylor, confined him to the limits of his farm in said North-
borough, and published him in the publick prints as an
enemy to the liberties of America, and forbid him holding
correspondence with any person, on any commercial account
whatever, whereby the said Taylor is greatly injured in his
property and estate. Wherefore your memorialists, deem-
ing him to be a firm friend to the cause of America, and
esteeming it an infringement upon the rights and liberties of
a freeman, to be debarred of his personal liberty, without
any just cause being first assigned, pray the honourable
Court will take the subject-matter of this petition under
consideration, and appoint a committee to make inquiry
into the merits of this complaint, that justice may be impar-
tially administered. And, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
JONAS BALL,
JOHN EAMES,
PETER BALL,,
THADDEUS WYMAN.
PETITION OF JONATHAN EDDY AND OTHERS.
To the honourable Council and to the honourable House
of Representatives in the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-
BAY, in General Court assembled, at WATERTOWN, the
28<A day of AUGUST, Anno Domini, 1776:
The Petition of JONATHAN EDDY. WILLIAM How, and
ZEBULON ROE, late O/CUMBERLAND, in NOVA-SCOTIA,
humbly showeth :
That your petitioners, in behalf of ourselves and dis-
tressed friends residing in the County of Cumberland, in the
government of Nova-Scotia. That your petitioners would
inform your Honours that the British enemy are now
repairing the old forts in that Province, to the great detri-
ment of the inhabitants there : that, we apprehend, can be
for no other intent but to keep the inhabitants in subjection
to their tyrannical measures, especially since their forces
arrived from Boston, the last spring, to Halifax. That the
far greatest part of the people of Nova-Scotia are greatly
concerned about it, and has been the cause of many of
them to leave their estates to be confiscated, and to come
over to these States, and will be the cause of many more to
do the same, if they can effect it, unless they can have
some supplies and assistance. That your petitioners hum-
bly conceive that, if we, your petitioners, with a small
number more to join our brethren there, could be supplied
some necessaries, as provisions and ammunition, we
brethren and friends, by permission from your Honours for
so doing, or in any other way your Honours shall see meet.
And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &,c.
JONATHAN EDDY,
WILLIAM How,
ZEBULON ROE.
Resolve relative to the Brig RISING-EMPIRE; passed
AUGUST 30, 1776.
On the representation of Captain Welden. respecting the
Brigantine called the Rising- Empire:
Resolved, That the said Welden repair forthwith to the
town of Plymouth, and bring said Brig to a good wharf in
said town, and there deliver said Brig with all the appurte-
nances thereunto belonging, to one or more persons that this
Court may appoint to take charge thereof, and then said
Welden is directed to discharge all the officers and men
under his command, and make up his muster-roll for said
officers and men, and lay it before this Court for payment
thereof. Also, that the cannon now on board said Brig be
ordered forthwith to the town of Swanzey, and there put on
board one or both of the armed vessels now fitted out by
this State against the enemies of the United States of
America.
Resolve on the Petition O/JOHN Fox; passed AUGUST 31
1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State
be, and he hereby is directed to deliver John Fox, six hun-
dred pounds of Gunpowder, to be taken from the Powder-
Mill at Andover, for the use of a private sloop-of-war called
the Retrieve ; he, the said Fox, allowing and paying the
sum of six shillings per pound for said powder to the said
Commissary-General, who is to be accountable for the
same.
Resolve on the Petition of EBENEZER BECKFORD and
others ; passed AUGUST 31, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary -General supply Ebe-
nezer Beckford and others, with five hundred pounds of
Gunpowder, from the Powder-Mill at Andover, for the use
of the Harlequin schooner of war ; he, the said Ebenezer
Beckford, paying at the rate of six shillings per pound; the
Commissary-General to be accountable for the money so
received.
Captain WELDEN directed to deliver the Brig RISING-EM-
PIRE to WILLIAM WATSON, Esq., AUGUST 31, 1776.
Resolved, That Captain Welden, commander of the Brig
Rising-Empire, be, and he hereby is ordered and directed
to deliver the said Brig, (which, by a resolve of this Court
of yesterday, was ordered to be hauled up,) with her Appur-
tenances, Cannon, and Stores, unto William Watson, Esq.,
for the use of this State, he taking his receipt therefor, to be
lodged with the Secretary of this State.
Resolve for the paying of Colonel ABIJAH BROWN £9;
passed AUGUST 31, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
to Colonel Abijah Brown, nine pounds, lor twenty-seven
days' service as Lieutenant-Colonel in Colonel Woodbridge 's
Regiment, it appearing he was made up in the muster-roll-
of said Regiment so much short of the time he was
in cer-
vice.
Resolve on the Petition of GEORGE WILLIAMS, Jun., and
others; passed AUGUST 31, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State
supply George Williams with five hundred pounds of Gun-
powder from the Powder-Mill at Andover, for the use of the
schooner of war called the General Putnam, the said George
Williams paying at the rate of six shillings per pound. The
Commissary-General to be accountable for the money so
received.
with
could at present easily destroy those forts, and relieve our
Resolve on the Petition of JOSEPH SPRAGUE and others;
passed AUGUST 31, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State
supply Joseph Sprague and others, with three hundred
735
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
736
pounds of Gunpowder, from the Powder-Mill at Andover,
for the use of the Schooner General Gates; the said Joseph
Sprague and others to allow and pay the sum of six shillings
per pound for said Powder to the Commissary-General, he
to be accountable for the same.
Committee appointed to view places suitable for erecting
Furnaces; AUGUST 31, 1776.
Resolved, That Hugh Orr, Esq., Thomas Durfee, Esq.,
and Deacon Ebenezcr Washburn, be a Committee to repair
immediately to some parts of this State, and take a view of
some suitable place of places for erecting proper Furnaces
for casting Cannon, and where Ore can be procured for that
purpose; and that they apply to some Founder or Founders
to advise in this matter. That they also inquire what sum
or sums any stream, land, or ore, can be purchased for, they
to make a report of their doings as soon as may be.
Resolve to revive Actions that were pending in the Inferiour
Courts ; passed AUGUST 31, 1776.
Whereas, by reason of the difficulties raised by the wicked
designs of the enemies of our liberties, an interruption took
place in the administration of civil distributive justice
throughout this Colony, and whereas by an act of the
General Court removing all officers from their respective
offices, many civil suits which had been commenced, and
were actually entered on the docket or book of entry of the
inferiour courts of common pleas in the several Counties
within this Colony, have not been prosecuted to final judg-
ment, and much injury will happen if an adequate remedy
is not provided in that behalf:
It is Resolved, That all civil actions that were pending
in any inferiour court of common pleas in any County
within this Colony, by having the same entered on the docket
or minute book of said County, and on which judgment has
not been given, may be brought forward at the next term
of the said court, in which the same was entered as afore-
said, and the same proceedings had thereon as though such
causes had been regularly continued in the said inferiour
courts respectively, from term to term, where the same were
pending when such interruption took place. Provided,
always, That nothing in this resolve shall be construed or
intended to be meant to enable any person or persons to
bring forward any civil action which was brought forward,
had, or pending in the inferiour court of common pleas for
and within the County of Suffolk, from and after the first
day of September, Anno Domini 1774, until the 17th day
of March, Anno Domini 1776. Provided, also, That no
execution or writ of possession shall issue on any judgment
given in any of the cases aforesaid, until fifteen days after
such judgment; and that the justices of the said inferiour
courts of common pleas shall continue the said causes and
actions one term at least, and cause the absent party to be
notified of the suits against them ; and where any of the party
shall be out of the County, and in the Continental or Colo-
nial service, the said suits shall be continued until the party
as aforesaid shall return, or be dismissed from the said ser-
vice, any law, usage, or custom, to the contrary notwith-
standing.
Resolve on the Petition of JONATHAN EDDY and others ;
passed SEPTEMBER 2, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he
hereby is directed to deliver to Jonathan Eddy, William
How, and Zebulon Rowe, two hundred pounds weight of
Gunpowder, five hundred weight of Musket-Balls, three
hundred Gun-Flints, and twenty barrels of Pork, taking their
obligation to be accountable for the same, when called for
by order of this Court.
Resolve annulling a Resolve of the %9th of APRIL, allowing
the Officers of Vessels in the sea-service to inlist Men out
of the sea-coast Companies ; passed SEPTEMBERS, 1776.
Whereas, by a resolve passed by the General Court the
29th of April, the officers of vessels in the Colony sea-
service were allowed to inlist men out of the companies
raised for the defence of the sea-coasts, and the officers of
the said companies were thereby directed to permit any of
their men to inlist into the Colony and Continental sea-service
only, and to inlist others to supply vacancies occasioned
thereby, as soon as may be; and whereas such liberty or
allowance, which was then given to the officers of vessels in
the Colonial or Continental service has been found to be
very detrimental, having weakened and very much exposed
to the enemy many of our harbours and towns on the sea-
coasts ; and many of the officers of the sea-coast companies,
after much expense of time and money to raise their com-
panies, have had their men taken from them, to their great
loss and damage, and thereby been discouraged from further
recruiting; and some parts of the sea-coast may, if this
practice is allowed, be left destitute of all defence, and
thereby become a harbour for our enemies, which would
not only further distress our trade, but involve us in many
other difficulties: Therefore,
Resolved, That the aforesaid Resolve of the 29th of
April, be, and hereby is discontinued artM made null and
void.
Resolve appointing a Committee to repair to NEW-HAMP-
SHIRE to endeavour to get one of the Continental Frigates
fixed out ; passed SEPTEMBER 2, 1776.
Resolved, That Benjamin Greenleaf, Esq., Oliver Wen-
dell, Esq., and Captain George Williams, be a Committee
immediately to repair to the State of New-Hampshire, and
apply to the Government there, and if practicable, with the
loan of as many Cannon as can be spared from this State,
to effect the fixing out the Continental Ship now under the
direction of Mr. Langdon, and to take immediate measures
that such number of Cannon and other necessaries, as with-
out distressing this State, may be lent to the Continent, may
be safely and expeditiously transported to Portsmouth.
This Ship to be fixed out for the purpose of attacking the
Milford, or other ships of war distressing our coasts.
And in case said Ship can within any reasonable time be
equipped for the sea:
Resolved, That two or more Colony Armed Vessels be
directed to act in concert with her, and that the said Com-
mittee be, and hereby are empowered, to engage as many
sea-coast soldiers, east of Boston, as may incline to enter
for said service, and in general to do every thing necessary
for effecting the aforesaid purpose. And that the pay of
the sea-coast men continue in addition to the emoluments
of the sea service. The said Cannon and other articles that
may be lent as aforesaid, to be returned as soon as the cruise
shall be over, or as soon as they shall be called for by this
Government.
Resolve to supply six Soldiers in Colonel DYKE'S Regiment
with Guns ; passed SEPTEMBER 2, 1776.
Resolved, That Richard Devens, Esq., Commissary, be
directed to deliver out of the Colony stores six Guns to
Samuel Taylor, Captain of a Company in Colonel Dyke's
Regiment, for the use of six soldiers inlisted in said Taylor's
Company, who are come hither without Guns, viz: Samuel
Slarrow, Ebenezer Greaves, Nathaniel Rice, Joseph Hux-
ford, Cyrus Pratt, and Seth Denis. And that the Com-
missary, upon delivery of said Guns, shall take a receipt of
the Captain for the same, to be returned into the stores at
the end of the campaign, and pay a dollar for the use of
each of the same; and in failure of such return, be obliged
to pay the full value for every Gun not returned.
Resolve on the Petition of FRANCIS BUTLER; passed SEP-
TEMBER 2, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the Treasury of this
State to Francis Butler, £59 8s. 6d., in full for the net
proceeds of the cargo of the Schooner Industry, which was
paid into said Treasury by Jonathan Glover and Joshua
Or ne.
Resolve recommending to the Government of NEW-HAMP-
SHIHE to pass an act for preventing the Exportation of
Lumber ; passed SEPTEMBER 2, 1776.
Whereas Benjamin Greenleaf and Oliver Wendell,
Esquires, and Captain George Williams, are appointed a
Committee to repair to Portsmouth, in the State oi New-
737
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
738
Hampshire, to procure the Continental Frigate to cruise after
the Milford and other Frigates of the enemy that are infest-
ing the sea-coast of these United States :
Resolved, That the said Committee be directed to repre-
sent to the Legislative authority of the State of New-Hamp-
shire., the expediency of forthwith passing an act to prohibit
the exportation of Lumber for a limited time, similar to that
passed by this State for that purpose.
PETITION OF JOSEPH SPRAGUE AND OTHERS.
To the honourable the General Court of the State of
MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
The Petition of the subscribers humbly showcth :
That the said petitioners have fitted at a great expense,
the schooner General Gates, William Carlton commander,
whom the honourable Council have lately commissioned,
with six carriage guns, eight swivels, two cohorns, and
twenty muskets, together with sundry other implements of
war, having fifty men, and provisions for three months' cruise,
with an intention of making captures of the vessels belong-
ing to the enemies of the United States of America. To
effect said purposes, your petitioners humbly pray, that the
honourable Court would grant them three hundred and
fifty pounds of gunpowder upon your petitioners paying
such a price for the same as the honourable. Court shall
think proper. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall
ever pray. JOSEPH SPRAGUE,
BENJ. GOODHUE, Jun.,
EBEN. BECKFORD,
JOHN GARDNER, Jr.
Salem, August 29, 1776.
PETITION OF JOHN FOX.
To the honourable the Council and the honourable the House
of Representatives of the State of MASSACHUSETTS:
The Petition of JOHN Fox, for himself and in behalf of
others, inhabitants of FALMOUTH, CASCO-BAY, humbly
shoivs :
That they are fitting out, and have almost completed for
the sea, a private sloop-of-war, called the Retrieve, com-
manded by Captain Joshua Stone, mounted with ten car-
riage and sixteen swivel guns ; to be navigated by eighty
men; that said sloop is fitting out for the purpose of cruising
against the enemies of the American States; that your
petitioners have endeavoured, but without success, to pro-
vide for said sloop's intended cruise ; that their only hope
to obtain a sufficient supply is by applying to the honour-
able Court; and therefore their humble request is, that
your Honours will be pleased to order the Commissary-
General to supply them, out of the State Magazine, with
six hundred pounds weight, they paying the usual price for
the same. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will
ever pray, &c. JOHN ^
In behalf of himself and the other owners.
Watertown, August 30, 1776.
PETITION OF JOSEPH NORTH.
To the honourable the Council and House of Representa-
tives of the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
The Memorial of JOSEPH NORTH, of a Plantation called
GARDNERSTOWN, in the County of LINCOLN, Esquire,
humbly shoiveth :
That some time in the month of April last, William
Gardner, of Gardnerstown aforesaid, Esquire, presented a
petition to your Honours, setting forth, that at the time of
the evacuation of Boston, on the 17th day of March last, his
father, the late Silvester Gardner, of said Boston, Esquire,
quitted the said town of Boston, and, with the Ministerial
fleet and army, went to Halifax; that, at the same time,
he, the said William Gardner, was in possession of a cer-
tain tract of land, with buildings thereon, situate at said
Gardnerstoum, which land his said father had some time
before (as it seems the son alleged) given him, by deed of
gift; and that the same being left at Boston, in his said
father's house, was, by some evil-minded person, taken out
of his possession. Whether the said Gardner had such a
deed or not, or whether he was deprived of it or not, your
memorialist does not pretend to determine; would only
observe that the negative is generally believed, as he does
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 47
not pretend the deed was recorded ; neither is there one
person in the County or elsewhere, that your memorialist
ever heard of, who has pretended to assert they ever saw or
heard of the deed before the 19th day of April, (after the
evacuation,) at about which time your Honours passed a
resolve that the respective Committees of Inspection and
Safety, Sic., through the Province, should take into their
possession the respective estates of such persons as had
gone off with the said fleet and army, and lease them in
the best manner they could, for the publick benefit, except-
ing such estates, or parts of estates, which were leased or
otherwise conveyed before the 22d of May, 1775. Pur-
suant to the said resolve, the Committee, soon after the
receipt of it, acquainted said Gardner with it, and told him
he must no longer keep possession of the said land, &.c., in
right of his father. But some lime after this information of
the Committee, (how long afier the memorialist is uncer-
tain,) the said William Gardner produced to the Committee
your Honours' resolve and order that the said William be
repossessed of the said tract of land and appurtenances,
upon condition the said Committee, in their judgment, were
convinced that he had not acted an unfriendly part since
the dispute between Great Britain and this Province com-
menced. Upon receipt of the said order, the said William
was repossessed of the said tract of land as before, but
your memorialist and others think without due considera-
tion of the inimical character which the said William did
then bear, and had before deservedly borne, in the said
Plantation and the vicinage, as may appear from the evi-
dences which may be referred to in the sequel of this memo-
rial.
Your memorialist further humbly showeth, that the Com-
mittee of Safety, in June last, warned the inhabitants of
said plantation of Gardnerstone to meet, in order to choose a
new Committee of Inspection, Safety and Correspondence.
At said meeting your memorialist appeared and informed
the inhabitants that the General Assembly had lately passed
a resolve, that all the future meetings for the said purpose
should be notified by warrant of a Justice of the Peace, and
that, therefore, he was of opinion that a choice of those
officers at the present meeting would be deemed illegal ;
that the said William Gardner, with sinister views, as was
supposed, insisted that the inhabitants should proceed to a
choice ; notwithstanding, however, part of the inhabitants,
being convinced of the resolve which your memorialist
had informed them of, left the meeting, unwilling to pro-
ceed 'contrary to law ; but the said William, fond of choosing
a committee at that meeting, for purposes of his own,
persuaded such of the inhabitants as he was able to influ-
ence, to continue the meeting, now consisting of about
fourteen persons only, one half of whom were disqualified
for voting ; notwithstanding which they proceeded to choose
a Moderator and Clerk, and afterwards a Committee of five
persons, such as said Gardner approved of; after which,
through favour of a majority of said Committee, he pro-
cured a paper to be signed, recommending him to your
Honours as a staunch friend to his country, in order to his
obtaining from your Honours a confirmation of the said
tract of land.
Your memorialist further showeth that, after it was
known in the said plantation that a majority of the new
Committee had been induced to sign the recommendatory
paper before mentioned, a complaint was made to your
memorialist, as a Justice of the Peace, by Gideon Gardner,
one of the inhabitants, (and a relative of the said William,)
giving your memorialist to understand, that he had applied
to the said •Committee, and informed them that he was
ready and able to prove the said William Gardner to be an
enemy to these United Colonies, but that the said Commit-
tee had declined taking any notice of his information, and
that, to prevent publick misehief which might arise from the
proceedings of the said Committee respecting the said Wil-
liam Gardner, he had applied himself to your memorialist
to summons divers persons to give evidence of what they
knew touching said William Gardner's behaviour at differ-
ent times, since the arrival of General Gage at Boston.
The persons named were accordingly summoned, and made
oath to their respective depositions, to be produced by your
memorialist when demanded, and he expected that he
should have been furnished with several other testimonies
relative to the said William Gardner's enmity to his coun-
739
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
740
try, by him clearly manifested, as well since as before his
application to your Honours to be repossessed of the tract
of land before mentioned; such as that, some time after
General Gage's arrival, said William Gardner had shown
to several persons a pass, under the hand of the said Gage,
permitting him to go from Kcnnebeck to Quebeck at any
time when he thought proper, and that one of the persons
saw the said pass destroyed by the said William last spring ;
but said persons, as your memorialist was informed, upon
request refused for certain reasons to depose the same ;
and further, that, even in July last, the said William had
declared at Gardner stone, to one of the inhabitants of
Woolwich, then at Gardnerstone, that he (said William)
continued of the same mind respecting the probability of
these Colonies being subjected to the Government of Great
Britain, &tc., but was afraid to speak his mind, as he knew
several persons were watching his words and actions, &.c.
And further, your memorialist showeth that, inasmuch as
the said William Gardner, in his memorial of last spring,
endeavoured to avail himself of his great merit, as being the
principal cause of procuring a number of the Eastern Indians
the last year to go into war against the enemy, it will
appear, by a deposition of one Benjamin Colbourn, that the
said William Gardner, in the year 1774, did declare in his
presence, that, when the Regulars should come, he (said
William') " would put on a red coat, and join with them to
drive the men who had burnt the tea;" as it will also appear
by the same deposition that the said William was so far
from being the principal means of procuring said Indians,
(as set forth in his memorial,) that he only furnished for
their use sufficient coarse ratteen to make one jacket and a
pair of Indian stockings, delivered to one Reuben Colburn,
who declares the said William demanded of him the pay
for the said cloth, and that he accordingly paid him ; and
further, your memorialist would add here, from the affidavit
of Lieutenant Samuel Berry, (also ready to be produced,)
that, upon an alarm at Gardnerstone, in July last, occa-
sioned by a report of the Indians having killed a rnan above
Norridgewalk, and the said Berry having orders from your
memorialist to muster a division of Minute-men to march to
Fort Halifax, to defend the inhabitants in that settlement,
the said William, upon the occasion, manifested himself so
inconsistent with his occasional professions, as to discourage
the said officer from doing his duty ; which your memorialist
and others, with great reason, suppose that, since the said
William's professed exertions to procure a number of the
Eastern Indians to assist us last summer, he bad been ap-
prised by some of his brother Tories, that much money was
arrived from the British Administration, and had been
partly applied to bribe the Indians, and induce them to
take up the hatchet against the inhabitants of these United
Colonies.
Upon the whole your memorialist begs leave to declare
to your Honours, that he does not prefer this memorial from
any personal enmity against the said William Gardner, but
to prevent your Honours being further imposed upon by
him or other person, whom he may have probably procured
to support his credit, and because your memorialist is con-
vinced that it is the indispensable duty of each member of
the community, as far as may be in their power, to expose
to publick view those persons who, while expecting publick
favours, yet evidently have discovered their being inimical
to the publick welfare. The evidences by your -memorialist
produced to prove that the said William Gardner is to be
viewed as one of that character, your Honours, he hopes,
will take into your serious considerations, and in your great
wisdom act as you shall judge most conducive to the safety
of the publick. And your memorialist shall ever pray, &tc.
JOSEPH NORTH.
Watertown, September 2, 1776.
I, Nathaniel Thwing, of lawful age, testify and declare,
that at the time we first received the Act of the British
Parliament for curtailing the Charter of this Province, the
Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Inferiour Court
of Common Pleas was then sitting at Pownalboro, in and
for the County of Lincoln, A gentleman who had just re-
ceived a newspaper which contained the act, was reading
it at table after dinner, William Gardner, Esq., of Gard-
nerston, being present, on hearing it read, expressed him-
self in the following manner, viz: Now we shall see
glorious times ; now we shall be happy ; now we may sit
down, every man under his own vine and under his own fig
tree, and have none to make us afraid ; now we may sing
the song of good old Simeon, "Lord, now lettest thou thy
servant depart in peace." I further say that in the month
of May, 1775. the several towns upon Kennebeck River
sent delegates to meet in Congress, at the Court-House in
Pownalboro, to devise means of safety in case of an attack
from the savages, and to provide a stock of ammunition and
provision, &.C., and seeing in the return from Gardncrston
the name of William Gardner, Esq., as one of the delegates
for said Gardnerston, and knowing from the above expres-
sions of his, rind some conversation which he had with one
Benjamin Gardner, of Bowdoinham, which I had from said
Benjamin Gardner, that the said William Gardner, Esq.,
was inimical to this country,! objected to his being allowed
to sit in Congress with the other delegates as being an im-
proper person to sit there, but after some* short debate the
President moved that as the town where he lived thought
fit to send him, they, the Congress, would not put an
affront upon the town by refusing him; and it being put to
vote, he was admitted to sit. And further saith not.
NATHANIEL THWING.
LINCOLN, ss., August 2, 1776:
Then Nathaniel Thwing, Esq., personally appeared, and
being carefully examined and duly cautioned to testify the
whole truth, made solemn oath to the truth of the above
deposition by him subscribed, being taken at the request of
Gideon Gardner, to be used in the General Court of the
Colony of Massachusetts-Bay. The above-named William
Gardner, Esq., not being within twenty miles of the place
of caption, was not notified nor present.
Taken before me: JOSEPH NORTH, Justice Peace.
.GARDNERSTON, July 29, 1776:
I, Benjamin Colburn, of Gardnerston, in the County of
Lincoln, of lawful age, testify and say, that on the 28th day
of June, 1774, on that day a covenant was offered to Wil-
lium Gardner, Esq., to sign, by Mr. Joseph North, but he
refused to sign it, as the said Gardner said. As he came
up to the deponent, I heard him, the said Gardner, say,
that if the Regulars came that he would put on a red coat
and join them, and go to help them to drive the men that
burnt the tea.
I, the deponent, further say, that in the month of June,
1775, that my brother, Reuben Colburn, desired me to go
after Paul Higins, and engage him to go with him after some
Indians, to come in and take part with the United Colonies,
and to join our army at Cambridge; my brother was the
first that moved to go after and went after them, not Wil-
liam Gardner, Esq. All he, the said Gardiner, did towards
getting the Indians to come in, was to let Paul Higan have
a piece of cloth to make a piece of Indian stockings and a
jacket, which William Gardner said he gave the cloth to
Higan, and he lent to my brother a tin kettle and a jump
line. I know of nothing else he, the said Gardner, did to
forward the said affair, and I think that Higens would went
after the Indians if Mr. Gardiner had not given said cloth to
him, as the cloth might be had other wheres.
BENJAMIN COLBURN.
LINCOLN, ss., GARDNERSTON, July 31, 1775:
Then personally appeared Benjamin Colburn, and being
carefully examined and duly cautioned to testify the whole
truth, made solemn oath to the truth of the within deposi-
tion by him subscribed. The within named William Gard-
ner, Esq., not being within twenty miles of the place of
caption, was not notified nor present.
Taken before me : JOSEPH NORTH, Justice Peace.
PETITION OF JOS1AH BATCHELDER, JUN.
To the honourable the Council of the State of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY :
The Petition of JOSIAH BATCHELDEH, JUN., &t Co., hum-
bly showeth :
That your petitioners have fitted out and equipped the
Brigantine called the Retaliation, for a privateer, to cruise
on the enemies of the United States of America, and having
conformed to all the resolves and regulations of the honour-
able the Grand American Congress, and of the General
Court of this State, relative to fitting out private ships of
741
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
742
war, humbly pray that your Honours would be pleased to
cornmissionate the three within-named persons, with full
power to proceed on their cruise, &tc.
And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
In behalf of himself &s Co.,
Jos. BATCHELDER, Jun.
An account of the Brigantine Retaliation's stores and
appurtenances, as followed), viz:
Brigantine Retaliation, about 75 tons; 10 carriage-guns
from 4 to 2- pounders; 9 swivel guns.
Josia/i Batchelder, Jun., St Co., of Beverly, owners;
Eleazer Giles, Captain; Thomas Stephens, Jun., First
Lieutenant; John Procter, Jun., Second Lieutenant; 70
men .
50 barrels beef and pork; 4,000 weight bread; 4 quintals
fish; 6 jars oil ; 10 bushels potatoes ; 500 weight powder ;
80 weight musket-balls ; 400 cannon shot ; 25 small-arms ;
30 cutlasses; 10 lances.
These may certify that the above is a true account of the
Brigantine called the Retaliation, together with her stores,
appurtenances, and equipment, &.c.
Jos. BATCHELDER, JUN.
Beverly, September 2, 1776.
In Council, September 4, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the above-mentioned Eleazer
Giles be commissionated as Commander of the Brigantine
Retaliation, he complying with the resolves of Congress.
SAMUEL ADAMS, Secretary.
PETITION OF JOHN WINTHROP, JUN.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the CoMMa/D/fAe MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
The Petition of JOHN WINTHROP, Jun., humbly shoiveth:
That your petitioner, owner of the sloop Union, burthen
about eighty tons, armed with two six-pounders, four four-
pounders, four three-pounders, and fourteen swivels, man-
ned with sixty-five men, and with six months provision,
under the command of Isaac Somes, with Daniel Parsons
for First Lieutenant, and Jonathan Russell, Jun., for Second,
all of Gloucester, in the County of Essex, is designed to
cruise against the enemies of these United States. Your
petitioner would, therefore, request your Honours to grant
a commission to the said vessel and Captain, for the pur-
pose before mentioned. And your petitioner, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray. JOHN WINTHROP.
In Council, September 2, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out to
the above-mentioned Isaac Somes, as Commander of the
Sloop Union, he complying with the resolves of Congress.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
ORDERS IN COUNCIL.
In Council, Septembers, 1776.
As the old top of the Light-House is rendered unfit to be
used for that purpose in future, the Commissary -General, is
hereby directed to deliver so much of it to the Committee
for fortifying the Harbour of Boston as they shall need to
supply the cannon with balls.
It being represented to this Board that the men raised for
the Northern department, in the First Regiment, in the
County of Hampshire, on the east side of Connecticut River,
have not marched, it is therefore
Ordered, That all the said men now raised for said pur-
poses are directed to march forthwith under the command
of Phinehas Chapin, Jun., Lieutenant, on the most direct
way to join Captain Flowers' s Company in Colonel Wood-
bridge's Regiment.
PETITION OF CHARLES GOODRICH.
To the honourable Council and honourable House of Rep-
resentatives of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, now
sitting at WATERTOWN, in Great and General Court, or
Assembly :
The Memorial and Petition of CHARLES GOODRICH, of
PITTSFIELD, in the County of BERKSHIRE, in the State
aforesaid, humbly shoiveth :
That the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection and
Safety, of Pittsfield aforesaid, on or about the 25th day of
March last, assumed to themselves power to hear, judge,
and assess, both publick and private damages with cost,
against your petitioner, for defending himself with blows
when previously assaulted by a certain James Morey. That
in the course ol the above affair, your petitioner was dragged
out of his house, and carried before said Committee, by vio-
lence, late in the night, by a number of men, who said they
proceeded by order of said Committee. That said Com-
mittee then refused to dismiss your petitioner, till he had
promised in writing to pay said damages and costs.
That said Committee in proceeding against Moses Graves,
Jun., generally deemed an inveterate Tory, ordered him to
have no conversation with any Tories; who then desired
him to give them in writing the names of such persons,
whereupon said Committee published a list of such names,
including the name of your petitioner, with whom said
Graves should not converse; thereby publickly stating the
character of your petitioner in a most malicious manner,
which will suffer till some way can be pointed out for an
impartial hearing.
That upon the late raising every twenty-fifth man in the
State aforesaid, your petitioner was informed, by report only,
that he was ordered by the commanding officer in Pittsjield
aforesaid, either to serve as a drafted soldier, or to hire one
for that end. That afterwards he was cited to appear
before said Committee to answer to a complaint not pointed
out to him, which he neglected to do, supposing himself
bound thereunto, neither in law, equity, nor common pru-
dence. That since the above, the Clerk of said Committee
hath informed your petitioner that said Committee had sent
to Mr. Watson, printer at Hartford, to advertise your peti-
tioner as an enemy to his country. That your petitioner
conceives that the foregoing violent and oppressive proceed-
ings were had against him principally because he was
appointed to civil office in said County the last year, by the
constitutional authority of this State, by which proceedings
justice and the rights of mankind are trampled upon.
Therefore, as the civil affairs of the County aforesaid are so
near a state of nature that your petitioner cannot have such
protection and redress as societies are instituted to give, he
prays that he may have them in such a way and manner
as the justice of his cause and the rights of mankind
require, and such as you in your wisdom and righteousness
shall deem meet. And your petitioner, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray. /-, ^
3 CHARLES GOODRICH.
Watertown, September 3, 1776.
In the House of Representatives, September 7, 1776.
Read, and committed to the Committee on the Petitions
from the town of Hancock. Sent up for concurrence.
J. WARREN, Speaker.
In Council, September 7, 1776.
Read and concurred, and Benjamin Greenleaf, Esq., and
Benjamin White, Esq., are joined.
JNO. AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
The Committee to whom was referred the consideration
of this Petition, beg leave to report in form of a Resolve,
herewith exhibited. Per order, B. GREENLEAF.
The Petition of Charles Goodrich, Esq., of Pittsjield, in
the County of Berkshire, having been considered, the fol-
lowing Resolve is passed thereon, viz:
In Council, September 16, 1776.
Whereas, the Committee of the town of Pittsjield have
advertised the said Goodrich in the Connecticut Courant,
of September 2d, 1776, as an enemy to his country, to the
end that all connections and commercial intercourse be with-
drawn from him, till he give satisfaction for his unfriendly
conduct, and the said Committee having set forth the reasons
for their proceedings against him in this manner, the princi-
pal of which are, " his having procured to himself a com-
mission in the King's name to exercise authority over the
people as a Justice of the Peace, which they seem to have
considered as a submitting to British authority ; his aot
paying a proper regard when he was drafted on the alarm
list, to serve in the expedition against Canada ; and his
having joined himself with the most ancient Tories and
implacable enemies among us." As to the first charge,
Mr. Goodrich received a commission from the major part
of the Council of this Colony, of such a tenour and form as
743
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
744
they judged it proper to adopt, and such, as far as they could
learn, as was agreeable to the practice of the other Colonies,
and agreeable to the sentiments of the Congress. The said
Committee therefore in exhibiting this charge, have dis-
covered an entire ignorance of the line of their duly, and
great indecency towards the constitutional authority of this
State.
With regard to the second article of charge, it appears
that Mr. Goodrich, considered himself as not liable, by the
laws of this State, to be drafted from the alarm-list in such
manner and for such purpose as was intended, and that
therefore it was he did not yield a ready compliance, accord-
ing to the expectation of the Committee.
The other charges being general, and not supported by
any proper proof or evidence, do not merit attention.
Therefore it is Resolved, That it does not appear to this
Court that the said Charles Goodrich, Esq., ought to be
stigmatized as an enemy to his country ; but that, on the
other hand, we consider him as a friend to the rights of
mankind, and to the grand cause in which the United
States are at present engaged.
In Council, September 16, 1776.
Read and accepted. Sent down for concurrence.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
Resolve for paying £13 12s. Id. to JOSEPH ROWLAND and
TIMOTHY GOODWIN; passed SEPTEMBER 3, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid to Joseph Howland and
Timothy Goodwin, out of the publick Treasury of this
State, the sum of £13 12s. 6d., in full discharge of what
remains due for their service for post riding between Cam-
bridge and Falmouth in the year 1775.
PETITION OF COMMITTEE OF FRAMINGHAM.
Slate of the MASSACHUSETTS :
To the honourable the Council and the honourable the House
of Representatives of this State, now sitting at WATER-
TOWN:
The Petition of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec-
tion, and Safety, of the Town of FRAMINGHAM, humbly
showeth :
That many people in this town are much dissatisfied
that Nathaniel Brinley has the free liberty thereof, which
renders it impracticable for the said Committee to comply
with the order of Court, taken in its largest latitude, as the
people take him for a very villain. The reasons by them
assigned are the following, viz : That when among us here-
tofore, he used his influence to discourage and corrupt the
minds of the people by saying that the Parliament had an
undoubted, right to make void the charter, in part or in
whole; that ten thousand troops, with an artillery, would
go through the Continent, and subdue it at pleasure, &tc. ;
that he had a letter, in which we strongly suspect he had
intelligence of the hostile intentions of the British troops
some little time before the 19th of April, 1775; that he
was preparing to join our enemies several months before
that time, by slowly conveying his best furniture to Roxbury,
and moved his family and goods into Boston a little before
Lexington battle, and remained there so long as he could
have the protection of the British troops ; and approved of
General Gage's conduct in the highest terms. And 'tis
further observable that he left a large farm, on which he
had his chief dependence for subsistence, at the most busy
season of the year; and that his most intimate connexions
were some of our worst enemies and traitors.
Your petitioners beg leave to observe to your Honours,
that since said Brinley has been under our inspection, we
can see nothing, either in his conduct or disposition, that
discovers the least contrition, but contrarywise. He says
he is a gentleman, and has done nothing to forfeit that char-
acter.
All which is humbly submitted to your Honours' wise
consideration, praying for such direction or relief as to your
Honours may seem meet. And, as in duty bound, shall
ever pray.
Per order of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec-
lion' &c' EBEN'R MARSHALL.
Framingham, September 4, 1776.
To the honourable the Council and honourable House of
Representatives of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY,
in General Court assembled, at WATERTOWN:
NATHANIEL BRINLEY, of FRAMINGHAM, husbandman, hum-
bly showeth:
That your petitioner was, in consequence of a power
vested in five Justices of the Peace for the County of Suf-
folk, by said Justices apprehended and examined, as bein" a
person suspected of being inimical to the rights of America,
and, after examination, was sentenced to be sent to the '
town of Framingham, in the County of Middlesex, tin-re
to remain for the space of four months; and your petitioner
entered into a recognizance to Henry Gardner, Esquire,
Treasurer of this State, or his successor in said office, in the
penalty of six hundred pounds, with two sureties in the sum
of three hundred pounds each, for his not departing the
limits of said town, for the said space of four months, and
for his being of the peace, and good behaviour towards all
the inhabitants of the free and independent States of Amer-
ica, specially towards the inhabitants of this State, for the
space of twelve months, and for his not in any manner
aiding, abetting, assisting, or corresponding with any of the
enemies of said States.
Your petitioner conceived, and as he apprehends of right
conceived, both from the judgment of said Justices and the
condition of the recognizance, that he might reside and
dwell in any part of said town of Framingham, and that he
might pass and repass from any one part of said town lo
another, so that he broke not the condition of his reco'mi-
zance.
But your petitioner would represent to this honourable
Court that the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection
and Safety, of said town, have put your petitioner to Mr.
John Fisk, of said town, to labour lor said Fisk, and not
permitted him to go more than twenty rods from said Fisk's
house, without his presence, and have denied him the free
use of pen, ink and paper, all which your petitioner repre-
sents, for your Honours' advisement thereon, as he conceives
the said Justices have no power to alter their former sentence;
and prays that he may be ordered to some other inland
town in this State, or in such other way as to your Honours
may seem meet, may be relieved from his distress, espe-
cially as he apprehends the said Committee are not em-
powered to inflict other or further punishment than that
ordered by said Justices, more specially as the only charge
against your petitioner was his consenting to have his name
put to an address to General Gage, which was brought to
him when he was in great bodily pain, and your petitioner
verily believes he should not have signed it if he had been
in health, as he had always avoided every thing of that
kind.
Your petitioner would further, represent to this honourable
Court, that while he was shut up in the town of Boston,
being accidentally there, and not as a refugee, said Committee
took into their possession the stock on the farm lately im-
proved by your petitioner, as well as his farming utensils of
every kind, his household furniture, &.C., which your peti-
tioner humbly prays may be ordered by this honourable
Court to be restored to him, as he humbly conceives he has
not by any law of this State forfeited the same.
And, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, in behalf of her
husband, Nathaniel Brinley, aforesaid.
CATHARINE BRINLEY.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council and the honourable the
House of Representatives, in General Court assembled,
this 9th day of SEPTEMBER, 1776:
Humbly showeth NATHANIEL BRINLEY, of FRAMINGHAM,
in the County of M IDDLESEX, husbandman :
That your petitioner was, by sentence of a Court of In-
quiry specially appointed by this honourable Court, sent to
the town of Framinghman, in the County of Middlesex,
there to remain for the space of four months ; your peti-
tioner would represent to the honourable Court that the
only offence alleged against him, and the only thing of which
he was found guilty by said Court, was signing an address to
General Gage ; an address presented to your pelitioner
while under great indisposition, and suffering the severest
bodily pain; he, it is true, being in this distress, to avoid im-
portunity and solicitation, which in such circumstances could
745
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
746
not but add to his sufferings, consented to have his name put
to said address ; he did not sign it himself, and he is firmly
persuaded had he been in health he should not have con-
sented to have had his name thereto, as he always avoided
every thing of the kind. Your petitioner would further
represent to the honourable Court that he hath accordingly
been confined in said town of Framingham for near the
space of six weeks; not, as he apprehends, according to the
true intent and meaning of the sentence against him. for lie
is confined to the limits of one farm in said Framingham,
viz: Mr. Benjamin Eaton's, and indeed is not allowed to
depart said Eaton's house without the presence of said
Eaton; that he is not allowed to converse with any person
friendly or unfriendly to the rights of this State, not even
with his wife, unless in the hearing of some one of said
Eaton's family; that he is denied the use of pen, ink and
paper, and is really apprehensive of loss of life should he
even depart the said house ; that these apprehensions are
grounded on good foundations, for he has been insulted even
when in company with said Eaton, and was once struck at
when in a chaise with said Eaton, which stroke, your peti-
tioner apprehends, had it not been happily warded off, would
have dangerously hurt your petitioner. AH these facts your
petitioner can make fully appear to the honourable Court
when called upon so to do. He therefore prays the honour-
able Court that after a due consideration of the premises,
they would order him to some other inland town in said
State, where he may be treated in a manner suitable to a
person suffering the penalties adjudged him by the said
Court of Inquiry, and where a Committee may not add
punishment to punishment already inflicted, and adjudged
by the said Court adequate to his offence. And, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray.
Signed in behalf of her husband, Nathaniel Brinley
aforesaid' CATHAR.NE BRINLEY.
beef, four and half tons bread, five barrels flour; and as
warlike stores, nine hundred and fifty pounds weight powder,
cased and double-headed shot in proportion, with langrage.
Said sloop is designed to cruise against the enemies of these
United States. Your petitioners would, therefore, humbly
pray your Honours to commission the said sloop and com-
mander for the purpose before mentioned. And your peti-
tioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
NATH'L FUEEMAN,
SAMUEL PARTRIDGE,
SAMUEL DOGGETT.
In Council, September 4, 1776.
Read, and Resolved, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted, and that a Commission issue to the within-named
Nathaniel Freeman accordingly, he giving bonds agreeable
to the order of the Continental Congress.
SAM'L ADAMS, Secretary.
Resolve directing the Commissary to deliver JONATHAN
EDDY and others, Bread instead of Pork; passed SEP-
TEMBER 4, 1776.
Whereas, by a resolve of the General Court on September
2, 1776, the Commissary-General was directed to deliver to
Jonathan Eddy, William How, and Zebulun Rowe, sundry
articles of Ammunition and twenty barrels of Pork; and the
said Eddy, How, and Rowe, have represented that a quantity
of Bread would be much more useful to them than such a
quantity of Pork:
Therefore, Resolved, That the Commissary-General be,
and he hereby is directed to deliver to the said Jonathan
Eddy, William How, and Zebulun Rowe, only ten barrels
of Pork, and as much Bread as shall amount to the value of
ten barrels of Pork, taking their obligation as directed in the
resolve aforesaid.
PETITION OF ELIAS HASKET DERBY AND OTHERS.
To the honourable the Council of the State of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY, in NEW-ENGLAND :
The Petition of ELIAS HASKET DERBY, MILES GREEN-
WOOD, and JOSEPH WHITE, all of SALEM, in the County
of ESSEX, and State aforesaid, humbly showeth :
That your petitioners are now fitting out, and have almost
completed for sea, a private sloop-of-war, called the Re-
venge, of ninety tons burthen, to be mounted with twelve
guns, from four to six-pounders, owned by the subscribers,
and whereof Benjamin Warren is intended to be master, to
be manned by eighty men, to be victualled with thirty bar-
rels of pork, fifty barrels of beef, and seventy barrels of
bread, and to be provided with eight hundred pound weight
of powder and one thousand shot. Your petitioner's humble
prayer, therefore, is, that the before-named Benjamin War-
ren may be commissionated Captain of the said private sloop-
of-war Revenge. And your petitioners, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray. ELIAS HASKET DERBY,
MILES GREENWOOD,
JOSEPH WHITE.
Salem, September 4, 1776.
In Council, September 4, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the within Peti-
tion be granted, and that a Commission be issued to the
within-mentioned Benjamin Warren, he complying with the
resolves of Congress. 0 , . „
SAM L ADAMS, Secretary.
PETITION OF SAMUEL DOGGET AND OTHERS.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY :
To the honourable Council now sitting at WATERTOWN :
The Petition of SAMUEL DOGGET, GUSTAVUS FELLOWS,
NEHEMIAH LOMES, SAMUEL PARTRIDGE, of BOSTON,
DANIEL HOWES, and others of HARWICH, humbly show-
eth :
That your petitioners, owners of the sloop Wolfe, burthen
about ninety tons, armed with ten carriage-guns, viz : two
six-pounders, four four-pounders, and four three pounders,
and ten swivel guns, navigated by ninety men, Nathaniel
Freeman commander, Joshua Voane First Lieutenant,
Joshua Winslow Second Lieutenant, and Nathaniel Cooke
master, has on board as provisions, fifty barrels pork and
Resolve for the delivery of a four-pound Cannon to ISAAC
COLLIER; passed SEPTEMBER 4, 1776.
Resolved, That Colonel Crafts be directed to deliver to
Mr. Isaac Collier one four-pound Cannon, which by certifi-
cates, appears to have been delivered for the use of the
Army at Cambridge, in April, 1775.
PETITION OF JOSEPH MAYHEW AND SHUBAEL CATTLE.
To the honourable the Council and the House of Repre-
sentatives of the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in
General Court assembled:
The Petition of JOSEPH MAYHEW and SHUBAEL CATTLE,
members of said House of Representatives for the towns
of CHILMARK and TISBUHY, in the County of DUKES
County, in the State aforesaid, humbly showeth :
That the several companies of soldiers stationed on the sea-
coast establishment on Martha's Vineyard, in said County,
for the defence thereof, do stand in great need of boats, in
order to their passing (as there will be occasion for them to
do) from one place to another ; for which reason the prayer
of your petitioners in behalf of their constituents and other
inhabitants of the County aforesaid, is, that some suitable
person be appointed and directed by this honourable Court
to provide for the use of the officers and private soldiers of
said companies ten boats, and to exhibit to your Honours an
account of the cost thereof, for your allowance and order
for payment, out of the publick Treasury of the State. And
your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, Sic.
JOSEPH MAYHBW,
SHUBAEL CATTLE.
Watertown, September 5, 1776.
PETITION OF NATHANIEL GUILD.
To the honourable the Council and the honourable House
of Representatives for the State of MASSACHUSETTS-
BAY:
Humbly showeth your petitioner that this honourable
Court granted him leave to choose sixteen men out of the
towns of Stoughtonham, Walpole, Norton, and Mansfield, to
work in the furnace in Stoughtonham aforesaid, to forward
the making military stores, ordered by this honourable Court
and General Washington. Your petitioner is informed that
the Militia are ordered to supply the lines in this State, and
747
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
748
of course the men now employed at the furnace must be
called upon to serve in their turns, which must inevitably
stop the going of the furnace now making garrison wheels,
&.C., for the Castle, part of which is now finished, and will
greatly injure your petitioner in his interest, after putting
the furnace into blast at an unseasonable time at a great
expense, should the persons concerned in said furnace be
obliged to attend their turns in the military service ; where-
fore your petitioner humbly begs this honourable Court that
the persons now concerned in said furnace business, may
be exempted from serving in the Militia service during the
blasting of said furnace. And your petitioner, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray. NATHANIEL GUILD.
MEMORANDUM.
The owners of Furnace Hope, in the State of Rhode-
Island, pray that the following persons may be exempted
from military duty in the State of the Massachusetts-Bay,
as they are necessary to carry on the works at said furnace :
Solomon Perkins, Daniel Keth, Jun., Abner Sears, Jere-
miah Keth, James Keth, Ruel Keth, Seth Keth, Jonathan
Keth, Amos Shepherdson, gun moulders ; Martin Das-
tance, fireman ; Ebenezer Hooper, Thomas Wood, topmen ;
James Hill, Jun., blacksmith.
PETITION OF COMMITTEE OF MIDDLEBOROUGH.
To the honourable Board of Counsellors and House of
Representatives of the MASSACHUSETTS State, at WATER-
TOWN, in General Court assembled:
The Petition of the Committee of Correspondence of the
town O/MIDDLEBOROUGH, humbly showeth:
That the said Committee, in serving the publick agree-
able with, and pursuant to, the order and directions of the
honourable Council and House of Representatives, (which
they are resolved seriously and carefully to observe, so far
as shall any ways promote the publick good,) do meet with
some difficulty ; and, in particular, first : As they were
ordered to the possession of, and lease out, the real estates
of all persons that have fled to Boston, &.C., and no direc-
tions given how to clear said real estates from their present
encumbrances, there yet remains such real estate not leased
out, because the present possessor obstinately refused to quit
possession or hire the same ; alluding, at the same time,
to something from two of the present Council as a reason
for such conduct : and further, as the personal estate of the
Olivers hath not been under the care of publick authority,
the said Committee, on taking possession, and also an inven-
tory, of said personal estate, do find, by sufficient testimony
from reputable persons, who were well acquainted with said
estate, that there were many valuable things there, when
and soon after the said Olivers left their estate, which they
do not find now, and there is no person accountable there-
for; and it hath been repeatedly suggested to the said
Committee that particular persons who have had the oppor-
tunities have used, removed, and concealed a part of said
estate ; and further, a part of said personal estate is perish-
able, and liable at any time to be lost, and for that cause no
one will risk it : Therefore your petitioners most humbly
pray that the said honourable Council and House of Repre-
sentatives would immediately grant to the said Committee
further authority and directions adequate to their task ; and
in particular, with submission to your Honours' great wis-
dom, your petitioners humbly pray that your Honours
would grant to the said Committee authority immediately to
remove any person or persons from the possession of any
such real estate as above-said, who have not, nor will not
hire the same at a reasonable rate ; and further, to demand
the assistance of a Justice of the Peace so far as is necessary
for the obtaining such personal estate as above-said that is
yet missing ; and also that any person or persons, being
suspected of having taken any part of such personal estate
as abovesaid, shall be accountable upon oath to the said
Committee therefor, and that all perishable estate as above-
said may be disposed of for the good of the publick. For
all which your petitioners, as in duty bound, for the benefit
of the publick in general, and for the equity, peace, and
good order of the town to which they belong, shall ever
pray. Dated at Middleboro, September the 2d, 1776.
By order of said Committee :
JOHN MILLER, Chairman.
IN COUNCIL, September 5, 1776: Read and sent down.
SAMUEL ADAMS, Secretary.
The Committee to consider the within Petition have
attended that service, and beg leave to report that the peti-
tioner have leave to withdraw said Petition.
OAKES ANGIER, per order.
Resolve for supplying Captain PLUMMER'S Company with
Powder, &fc.; passed SEPTEMBER 5, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General supply Captain
Benjamin Plummer with fifty pounds of Gunpowder, one
hundred pounds of leaden Balls, and one hundred and
fifty Flints, for the use of his Company, he, the said Plum-
mer, to be accountable for the same.
Resolve for the delivery of six Firelocks to Captain
LEIGHTON; passed SEPTEMBER 5, 1776.
On the Petition of Samuel Leighton,
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he
hereby is directed to deliver to Captain Samuel Leighton,
six Firelocks out of the store belonging to this State, for
the use of six soldiers mentioned in his Petition, and that
he, the said Captain, be accountable for said Firelocks, and
that there be deducted out of each of said soldiers' wages,
six shillings for the use of the same.
Resolve for the delivery of four Firelocks to Captain
LYMAN; passed SEPTEMBER 5, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he
is hereby directed to deliver to Captain Lyman, four Fire-
locks out of the store belonging to this State, for the use of
four soldiers mentioned in the Petition, he to be account-
able for the same, and that there be deducted out of each of
said soldiers' wages, six shillings for the use of the same.
Resolve for the Payment of £2 14*. to ELEAZER SPAULDING ;
passed SEPTEMBER 5, 1776.
On the Petition of Eleazer Spaulding, praying that his
son Daniel may be allowed for his Gun lost at the battle of
Bunker-Hill,
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
of this State £2 14*. to the above petitioner, in full, com-
pensation for the loss of his Gun above mentioned.
PETITION OF THOMAS NICHOLSON.
To the honourable the Council of the State of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY :
The Petition of THOMAS NICHOLSON humbly showeth:
That your petitioner is fixing out from Plymouth as a
privateer, a sloop called the America, burthened about eighty
tons, mounting ten carriage-guns and six swivels, owned by
himself, Messrs. Watson &f Spooner, and a number of others.
She has on board six thousand pounds of bread, forty barrels
pork and beef, five hundred weight of powder, two thousand
weight of iron, and three hundred weight of leaden balls ;
manned with seventy men : Thomas Nicholson Captain,
Corben Barnes First Lieutenant, Nathaniel Ripley Second
Lieutenant. Your petitioner therefore humbly prays your
Honours would grant him a commission as Commander of
the said privateer, he giving bond agreeable to the requisi-
tion of the Congress. THOMAS NICHOLSON.
In Council, September 6, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out to
the said Thomas Nicholson as Commander of the Sloop
America, he complying with the resolves of Congress.
JNO. AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF THOMAS CRAGG.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the General Court of said State :
The Petition of THOMAS CRAGG humbly shows:
That your petitioner being part owner of the ship Isaac
and her cargo, was on a voyage in said ship from the Island
of Tortola bound to Liverpool, in England, to visit his
family and attend to his private concerns ; that in prosecu-
ting said voyage he was taken and brought into this State.
This unexpected event has thrown your petitioner into the
749
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
750
most distressed and pitiable circumstances. A principal part
of his fortune is taken out of his hands, and what remains
must suffer inevitable ruin from his absence in a short time.
He has a wife, children, and a large family, who cannot long
subsist without his support ; and himself, though unused to
want the conveniences of life, must soon experience the
wretchedness of extreme poverty. Your petitioner begs
leave to declare that he has never taken an active part in
the unhappy controversy between Great Britain and Amer-
ica ; and from his age and standing in life, it necessarily fol-
lows that he never will. He, therefore, humbly prays your
Honours to take his unhappy case into your consideration,
and grant him and one servant liberty to take passage for
some part of England, in the ship , owned by Mr.
William Ross, and by your Honours' permission bound for
some part of England, or grant him such other relief as your
Honours' well-known wisdom and humanity may point out.
And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.
THOS. CRAGG.
Boston, September 4, 1776.
In Council, September 6, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted, and that the said Thomas Cragg, with one servant,
be permitted to depart from this State to any part of Great
Britain in such Vessel as William Ross and Nathaniel
Morgan (who lately had liberty obtained to depart) may
purchase for that purpose.
JNO. AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF THOMAS MELVILL.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council of said State :
The Petition of THOMAS MELVILL, one of the owners of
armed Schooner SPEEDWELL, in behalf of himself and
the other owners of said schooner, humbly shows :
That the said owners of said schooner have, at a great
expense, armed, fitted, and manned, said schooner, (as men-
tioned in a memorandum given in to the Secretary's Office
of this honourable Board,) to cruise against the enemies of
this and the United States of America. Your petitioner,
therefore, in behalf of himself and other said owners of said
schooner, humbly prays your Honours to authorize, empower,
and commissionate Jonathan Greeley, of Boston, in the
County of Suffolk, mariner, to take the command of said
schooner, and to cruise against the said enemies of the said
States of America. And your petitioner, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray. m ». /• ,, A
1 HOS. MELVILL, one of the Agents.
In Council, September 6, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the within-mentioned Schooner
Speedwell, whereof Jonathan Greely is Commander, be
commissionated, he complying with the resolves of Con-
gress. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
On board the armed Schooner SPEEDWELL, seventy-Jive
tons.
70 men, officers included;
8 carriage-guns, four and three-pounders ;
12 swivels ; 35 small-arms ;
700 Ibs. powder; 400 three and four-pound shot ;
300 swivel shot ; 70 weight small-arm balls ;
45 bbls. beef and pork ; 6,000 weight bread ;
4 bbls. flour, and a number of other small stores.
Jonathan Greely Captain, First Lieutenant not yet ap-
pointed, William Pitman Second Lieutenant, John Wil-
liamson Master.
THOMAS MELVILL,
WILLIAM FOSTER,
DAVID BRADLEY,
JOHN HUCKLEY,
JONATHAN GREELY,
THOMAS HIGHBORN,
Captain GORHAM.
Owners, all of Boston.
PETITION OF WALTER LOGAN.
Needham, September 6, 1776.
To the honourable the Council of the Colony O/MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY :
The Petition of Vf ALTER LOGAN, Comptroller of the Customs
of PERTH-AMBOY, in J\EW-JERSKY, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner, in December last, being about to
remove his family from the town of Needham (the place of
their residence) to his port, his Excellency General Wash-
ington was pleased to order him to remain within the said
town on his parole of honour, and afterwards did refer his con-
dition to the determination of the authority of your Colony.
That the office of your petitioner having now ceased, he
is deprived of his subsistence, which reduces him and his
family to very distressing circumstances. He therefore
prays your Honours will be pleased to permit him, his wife
and son, to return to Britain, and to grant him such liberty
as may be necessary, in the mean time, to prepare for his
voyage. And your petitioner will ever pray.
WALTER LOGAN.
In Council, September 6, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the within Peti-
tioner be so far granted that the said Walter Logan, wife,
and son, may have liberty to depart this State in the first
vessel licensed by this Board ; and that he have liberty to
prepare for his voyage.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF NATHANIEL BARSTOW AND DANIEL WHITMORE.
To the honourable Council and the honourable House of
Representatives of the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY,
in General Court assembled:
The Petition of NATHANIEL BARSTOW and DANIEL WHIT-
MORE, of SUNDERLAND, in the County of HAMPSHIRE,
humbly showeth :
Whereas there is a great scarcity of gunpowder in this
part of the State, and people cannot obtain necessary sup-
plies thereof at this important crisis, and there being consi-
derable quantity of saltpetre manufactured in these parts,
your petitioners apprehending that it would be advantageous
to the publick, and serve the publick cause, to have the
saltpetre made in these parts manufactured into gunpowder
amongst us, one of us has taken pains to acquaint him-
self with the mystery of manufacturing the same, and has
attained it, so that he has already made about forty weight
of what is esteemed excellent good gunpowder; and we
have begun to erect a Powder-Mill by the assistance of
Mr. Cunable, who says it may be ready to go in about three
weeks. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your
Honours would be graciously pleased to grant unto them
the privilege of manufacturing what saltpetre is made in
these parts into gunpowder for the use of the estate, on
the terms that it is manufactured at the other Powder-Mills
in the said State, and also appoint some meet person or
persons to purchase and receive said saltpetre, and also to
dispose of such gunpowder as shall be made therewith.
And in duty bound, will ever pray.
NATHL. BAHSTOW,
DANIEL WHITMORE.
Sunderland, September 6, Anno Domini 1776.
PETITION OF ANNE TWEEDIE.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council of the said State :
The Petition of ANNE TWEEDIE, GEORGE KEYS, MAIN-
SWEETE WALDRON, PHILIP HICKS, and. CHARLES
GRANT, lately from the Island of ANTIGUA, humbly
showeth :
That the said George Keys was lately master and part
owner of a certain ship called the Nancy, bound from the
said Island of Antigua to London, laden with sugars, the
property of inhabitants in the said Island. That the said
ship was made capture of by the brigantine privateer called
the Hancock, from Philadelphia, commanded by Wingate
Newman, which said ship was brought into Newport, in
the said State of Massachusetts-Bay. That some of your
petitioners have the nearest and dearest connexions in
England, who are entirely dependent upon them for main-
tenance; that others of your petitioners have private impor-
tant business in England, concerning themselves only,
which cannot be transacted without their presence there;
that your petitioners are so unhappily circumstanced that
they are unprovided with means by which they may support
themselves in this country. That your petitioners are resi-
dents, and have property in the said Island of Antigua,
but have taken no part in the present unhappy war between
751
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
752
Great Britain and the United States of America. Your
petitioners therefore humbly pray that your Honours will
take their unfortunate case into consideration, and grant
your petitioners and their three servants lately from Antigua,
leave to depart from this State to some part of Europe, in
the ship lately purchased by William Ross, or in
any other vessel bound to Europe, or the West-Indies. And
your petitioners shall ever pray, &tc.
PHILIP HICKS for ANNE TWEEDIE,
GEORGE KEYS,
MAINSWETE WALROUD,
PHILIP HICKS,
CHS. GRANT.
In Council, September 7, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted, and the several petitioners be permitted to depart
from this State to any part of Great Britain, in such vessel
as William Ross and Nathaniel Morgan, who lately had
liberty to depart granted them by this Board, may purchase
for this purpose. JOHN AVEHY, Deputy Secretary.
Resolve relative to the Adjournment of a Maritime Court
at POWNALBOROUGH; passed SEPTEMBER 6, 1776.
On the Petition of Ichabod Jones,
Resolved, That the prayer of this Petition be so far
granted that the Maritime Court for the Eastern District of
this State, to be holden at Pownalborough, on the 9th of
this instant, in order to try the justice of the captures of two
Vessels taken from the petitioner, be adjourned to the first
day of October next, in order that the petitioner, by an
attorney, may show cause, if any he has, why the said
Vessels should not be condemned. And the petitioner, by
his attorney, has liberty to file his claim with the Judge of
the said Maritime Court to the said Vessels and Appurte-
nances, at any time before the said first day of October next,
and that the Judge of said Court be notified thereof, by
being served with a copy of this order.
PETITION OF ELISHA HEDGE.
To the honourable Council and House of Representatives
of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in General Court
assembled:
The Petition of ELISHA HEDGE, of MARLBOROUGH, in
the County of MIDDLESEX, in said State, most humbly
shows :
That in consequence of a late resolve of the honourable
Continental Congress giving full liberty and approbation to
all persons in the American States to buy and sell the arti-
cle of tea, your petitioner, about the 1st of July last past,
sent forty pounds lawful money to one Mr. Jonathan Van-
ford, of Hardwck, in order for the said Danford to pur-
chase a quantity of tea for your petitioner; which tea the
said Danford did actually purchase, and brought the said
tea to Hardwick aforesaid, for your petitioner; but when
your petitioner applied for the said tea, the Committee of
Correspondence for the aforesaid town of Hardwick had
seized the said tea and all the rest of the said Danford's
estate which they could find, without ever convening the
said Danford before them, to gfve him any hearing in his
own defence, or even without proving any crime against
him whatever; all which proceedings of the said Commit-
tee are directly contrary to the resolves of the Congress
aforesaid ; and supposing the said Committee had ever so
good a right to seize the said Danford's estate in manner as
aforesaid, surely they have no right to withhold and detain
the property of your petitioner in their custody. There-
fore your petitioner humbly prays your Honours to take his
case into your consideration, and give him some directions
how he shall proceed, in order to obtain his property afore-
said out of the hands of the aforesaid Committee, as said
Committee have refused to let the aforesaid tea go out of
their hands, but unjustly detain it in their own custody,
greatly to the damage of your petitioner. All which is
humbly submitted. And as your petitioner, in duty bound,
shall ever pray. ELISHA HEDGE.
Marlborough, September the 7th, 1776.
The Committee on the Petition of Elisha Hedge have
attended that service, and beg leave to report that this peti-
tioner have leave to withdraw his Petition.
PETITION OF JOHN CODMAN.
Stale of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council and honourable House of
Representatives, in General Court assembled:
The Petition of JOHN CODMAN, of BOSTON, humbly
showeth :
That your petitioner, with several other owners of the
schooner Langdon, mounting six carriage-guns and ten
swivels, now fitting out to cruise against the enemies of
these United States, and said schooner having every neces-
sary equipment but the article of gunpowder, and for want
of which she is unable to proceed on her cruise, your peti-
tioner therefore humbly prays that your Honours would
grant him permission to purchase five hundred weight of
gunpowder out of the publick store belonging to this State,
and for svhich he will immediately pay the money. And,
as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
JOHN CODMAN.
PETITION OF JOSEPH SPHAGUE AND SAMUEL WARD.
To the honourable Council and House of Representatives
of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
The Petition of the subscribers humbly showeth :
That your petitioners have, at a great expense, fixed out
as a privateer the schooner Dolphin, Samuel Waters com-
mander, whom the honourable Council have commissioned,
with eight swivel-guns and twenty-five men, to cruise on the
enemies of the United States of America. To effect said
purposes, your petitioners humbly pray that the honourable
Court will grant them sixty pounds of gunpowder, they
paying for the same such a sum as the honourable Court
shall think proper. And your petitioners, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray.
JOSEPH SPRAGUE.
SAM. WARD.
PETITION OF ISAAC COLLYEH.
To the honourable the General Court of the State of the
MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, now assembled at WATERTOWN:
The Petition O/JOHN COLLYER, O/"MARBLEHEAD, humbly
showeth :
That your petitioner with sundry others are fitting out an
armed vessel on a four months' cruise against our unnatural
enemies, to carry twelve carriage-guns and one hundred
men, Nathaniel Leech commander, and as it is difficult if
not impracticable to procure ammunition, beg your Honours
would be pleased to order the Commissioners of this Colony
to deliver your petitioner one thousand pounds of gunpow-
der, he paying for the same. And your petitioner, as in
duty bound, shall ever pray, &c.
ISAAC COLLYER.
Resolve for the payment of Wages and Rations to JEREMIAH
COLBURN and SAMUEL Low; passed SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
On the Petition of Jeremiah Colburn and Samuel Low,
Resolved, That there be paid out of the Treasury of this
State to the above petitioners, the same Wages and Rations
as were allowed to the other soldiers of Captain Lane's
Company, viz: six dollars per month, and seven pence half
penny per day, each, for rations, amounting in the whole
to sixteen pounds and eleven shillings each.
Resolve relative to building a Barrack on the GURNET;
passed SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
Resolved, That William Watson, Esq., the Commissary
for the supply of the Troops doing duty for this State at
Plymouth, be and he hereby is empowered and directed as
soon as may 'be, to provide materials and build a Barrack
upon the Gurnet in Plymouth harbour, sufficient to contain
one hundred men.
An Adjutant for the Second Regiment of Militia in the
County of LINCOLN, chosen SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
The House made choice, by ballot, of Ebmezer Farmvell,
as an Adjutant to the Second Regiment of Militia in the
County of Lincoln.
Concurred by Council.
753
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
754
Resolve on the Petition oj THOMAS NICHOLSON; passed
SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
On the Petition of Thomas Nicholson,
Resolved, That William Watson, Esq., deliver unto the
petitioner, Thomas Nicholson, two four-Pounders and six
Swivels, that belonged to the Brig Rising-Empire, he
delivering to the said Watson a bond with sufficient sureties,
payable to the Treasurer of this State, that he will deliver
two four-Pounders and six Swivels of equal goodness with
those hereby ordered to be delivered, within ten days from
this day ; and also, that the said Watson deliver to the said
Nicholson two hundred pounds of Gunpowder belonging to
said brig, he paying the sum of six shillings a pound for the
same.
Resolve on Captain JOHN PARKER'S Muster-Roll; passed
SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
Whereas, by a Resolve of this Court of the 28th of June
last, the sum of £13 11s. 6d., was made payable out of the
Treasury of this State to Captain John Parker, for the use
of the officers and soldiers of a company of men lately com-
manded by said Parker, and it having been made to appear
to this Court that the said Parker was deceased before the
passing said Resolve: Therefore,
Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the
publick Treasury of this State to John Bridge, Lieutenant
of said Company, the above-said sum of £ 13 1 Is. 6d., for
the use of the officers and soldiers borne on the muster-
roll of said Company, made up and attested to by said
Bridge, in full of said roll ; and that the warrant that was
drawn by this Court on the Treasurer, for the above-said
sum, in favour of said Parker, be stayed in the Secretary's
office.
Field- Officers for the BOSTON Regiment chosen.
The House made choice, by ballot, of the following
gentlemen, as Field-Officers for the Boston Regiment of
Militia, in the County of Suffolk: Henry Bromfald, Col-
onel ; Thomas Dawes, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Ephraim May,
First Major; William Dawes, Second Major.
Concurred by Council, September 1, 1776.
An Adjutant chosen for the Fourth Regiment of Militia, in
the County of MIDDLESEX.
The House made choice, by ballot, of Daniel Loring, as
an Adjutant of the Fourth Regiment of Militia, in the
County of Middlesex.
Concurred by Council, September 7, 1776.
PETITION OF WILLIAM SPOONER AND OTHERS.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable Council of said State, sitting at WATER-
TOWN, SEPTEMBER 9, 1776:
William Spooner, Stephen Bruce, and Daniel Martin,
agents for themselves and for Richard Gridley, Paul Dud-
ley Sargent, Henry Newman, Benjamin Wormell, Benjamin
Bird, and Edward Church, all of Boston, of the schooner
Viper, represent to your Honours, that they have, at their
joint and proper expense of the said owners, fitted out,
armed, manned, and equipped, the aforesaid schooner, now
lying in the harbour of Boston, and ready for the sea ;
burthened about seventy tons, to be navigated by fifty men,
mounting six carriage-guns, four-pounders, eight swivels, and
other implements of war, and provided with thirty barrels of
beef and pork, four thousand weight of bread, and' forty butts
of water, together with five hundred weight of powder, and
twelve hundred weight of shot, and to be commanded by
the aforesaid Benjamin Wormell as Captain, Joseph Lovace
as First Lieutenant, Alexander Martin as Second Lieutenant,
as Master, John Martin as Gunner, Josiah Lcvett as
Surgeon ; for the purpose of cruising on the enemies of the
United States of America, and their property. They there-
fore make this application to your Honours for a commission
for the said schooner, the said Benjamin Wormell, in the
bond herewith exhibited, having complied with the requisi-
tions of the honourable Congress, in such case made and
provided. And, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
WILLIAM SPOONER, }
DANIEL MARTIN, > Agents.
STEPHEN BRUCE, )
In Council, September 9, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted, and that a Commission be issued to the said Ben-
jamin Wormell, as Commander of the schooner called the
Viper, he complying with the resolves of Congress.
JOHN A VERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF ELIZABETH FENTON.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable Council now sitting at WATERTOWN :
The Petition of ELIZABETH FENTON, of CHARLESTOWN,
humbly showeth:
That as the circumstances of publick affairs render it
impracticable for your petitioner to have any communica-
tion with, or receive any kind of assistance from, her hus-
band, who is now in England ; and your petitioner under-
standing that Mr. Ross has lately obtained liberty to depart
this State, and has purchased a vessel for this purpose, your
petitioner therefore prays your Honours' leave that she may
be permitted, with her children and a negro girl, to take
passage in said vessel. And, as in duty bound, shall ever
pray.
In behalf of my sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Fenton,
NATHANIEL DOWSE.
In Council, September 9, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be
granted, and the said Petitioner, with her Children and
Servant, be permitted to depart from this State to any part
of Great Britain in such Vessel as Mr. William Ross and
Nathaniel Morgan, who lately had liberty obtained to
depart, may purchase for that purpose.
. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF THOMAS MELVILLE.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY :
To the honourable the General Court of said State:
The Petition of THOMAS MELVILLE, of BOSTON, in the
County of SUFFOLK, in behalf of himself and the other
owners of the armed Schooner SPEEDWELL, now riding
at anchor in the Harbour of BOSTON aforesaid, com-
manded by JONATHAN GREELEY, humbly shows:
That they have, at a great expense, equipped and fitted
said schooner with her carriage-guns, and every necessary
warlike implement for a cruise against the enemies of the
American States, but for the want of about seven hundred
pounds of powder, said schooner is detained in the harbour,
and unable to proceed on her intended cruise. Your peti-
tioner, therefore, in behalf of himself and the said owners of
said schooner, humbly prays your Honours to take the
premises into your wise consideration, and grant him a sup-
ply of seven hundred pounds' weight of powder, for the use
of said schooner against the said enemies of said States, out
of the publick stores or magazines of this State, at such
price, or on such conditions, as to your Honours may seem
fit. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever
pray. THOMAS MELVILLE.
PETITION OF THE COMMITTEE OF ROCHESTER.
To the honourable the Great and General Court or Assem-
bly of the Colony of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOURS :
The Committee of Correspondence and Inspection for
the town of Rochester, being directed by your Honours to
inform of all persons whose conduct is unfriendly to the
cause of the Colonies, &.C., said Committee beg leave to
name Samuel Sprague, who was one of the addressers of
the late Governour Hutchinson, but did, some time after,
subscribe a declaration, manifesting his repentance and
retraction of said Address, and also his abhorrence of the
Qiiebeck Bill, and the Act of Parliament for blocking up
the Port of Boston, &c., which confession and retractation
was to the general satisfaction of the town. But the said
Sprague hath since retracted his former confession and
repentance, and manifests a disposition unfriendly to Amer-
ica, as it appears to us by the enclosed depositions; and the
said Samuel did, before the Committee, on the 7th of June
last, declare that he was not convinced of the justice of the
cause of the Colonies, and that he utterly refused to take up
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
48
755
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, Sic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
756
arms, or be any ways personally active in the defence of the
common cause of the Colonies.
By order of the Committee, fkc.,
ISRAEL SNOW, Chairman.
Rochester, September 9, 1776.
To the Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
I, the subscriber, do testify and declare that I lately
heard Samuel Sprague, Esq., say, in his own house, he was
sorry that he signed a retraction of the Address to Gover-
nour Hutchinson, and that, if it were to do again, he should
not do it. STEPHEN BARDEN.
Rochester, June 21, 1776.
PLYMOUTH, ss., June 21, 1776:
The above-named Stephen Bardin appeared and made
oath that the above deposition is the truth.
Sworn before DAVID WING, Justice of Peace.
I, the subscriber, testify and declare that, in conversation
with Mr. Samuel Sprague, I heard him declare that he did
believe the Quebeck bill complained of to be just, and was
enacted to fulfill a former contract. JAMES COWING.
Rochester, June the 21, 1776.
I, the subscriber, heard Samuel Sprague say, in regard to
his signing a recantor for addressing Governour Hutchinson,
he did that which was wrong, and that he did it for to save
his life, and, had it been in matters of religion, he looked on
it he ought to resist even to bloodshed. JOHN BURGES.
Rochester, June 21, 1776.
PLYMOUTH, ss., June 21, 1776:
The above-named John Burges appeared and made oath
that the above deposition by him subscribed is the truth.
Sworn before DAVID WING, Justice of Peace.
I, the subscriber, being called upon by the Committee of
Correspondence for the town of Rochester to declare what
I heard Samuel Sprague say relative to the Quebeck bill,
do testify and declare that the said Samuel did, in my hear-
ing, plead up for and justify the said bill, as being just and
equitable, and nothing more than a ratification of a former
treaty, and that he could see no ill consequences attending
the same. JABEZ COTTLE.
Rochester, June the 21st, 1776.
PLYMOUTH, ss., June 21, 1776:
The within-named Jabez Cattle appeared and made oath
that the' within deposition, by him subscribed, is the truth.
Sworn before DAVID WING, Justice of Peace.
PETITION OF DAVID KEMP.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAT :
To the honourable the Council and House of Representa-
tives of this Slate in General Court assembled at WATER-
TOWN, SEPTEMBER, 1776:
The Petition of DAVID KEMP, of GROTON, in the County
of MIDDLESEX, humbly showeth:
That your petitioner's son, David Kemp, Jun., a minor,
under the age of twenty-one years, inlisted himself into his
country's service in April, 1775, in Captain Joshua Parker's
Company, in Colonel William Prescott's Regiment, and
served there as a private until the 17th of June, 1775, and
was in the battle at Bunker-Hill; was there taken captive
and carried into Boston, and remained there till the British
troops left Boston last March, at which time he was carried
off" with them to Halifax, and there remained a prisoner with
Lieutenant Scott until the 13th of June last, when said
Scott came off. Your petitioner would represent to your
Honours that Captain Parker made up your petitioner's
son no longer than to the 17th of June, 1775, that your
petitioner has received no wages for his said son's service
but what was allowed in said Captain Parker's roll. Your
petitioner is poor and very needy; therefore desires your
Honours would take the subject-matter of this petition into
your wise consideration, and allow him the wages for his
son to this time, or such part of the time as your Honours
shall think fit. And as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
DAVID KEMP.
This certifies, that Lieutenant Scott, of Peterboro, who
was taken prisoner by the King's troops on the 17th of
June, 1775, married my wife's sister, and told me since his
return from Halifax that David Kemp, Jun., of Groton,
was taken prisoner with him at the same time and carried
to Boston, and there confined in gaol until the town was
evacuated, and then he and said Kemp were carried to Hali-
fax in irons, and confined in the gaol there until he broke
out, that he parted with said Kemp, but was informed by a
deserter that they had retaken said Kemp, and carried him
back to the gaol again ; said Lieutenant Scott said also that
he had heard the same about said Kemp from divers other
persons. ISAAC WOODS.
Groton, September 9, 1776.
David Kemp, son of David Kemp and Hannah his wife,
was born at Groton, January 25, 1758.
A true copy from the Town book, page 119.
Attest: OLIVER PRESCOTT, Town Clerk.
The Committee on the within Petition beg leave to report
that the petitioner have leave to withdraw said Petition.
Resolve for the payment of Captain DODGE'S Roll; passed
SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the
publick Treasury of this State to Captain Isaac Dodge, or
his order, the sum of £22 4s. I0d., for the use of himself
officers, and men, (who were employed in the Continental
service,) in full discharge of his roll.
Resolve for furnishing CALEB TURNER'S Company with
Powder, fyc.; passed SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be and hereby
is directed to deliver to Caleb Turner, fifty weight of Gun-
powder, one hundred weight of leaden Ball, and one hun-
dred and fifty Flints, for the use of his Company, he to be
accountable to this Court for the same.
Resolve for paying MOSES HARRINGTON £2 15s.; passed
SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
of this State the sum of £2 15s., to Moses Harrington, in
full discharge for the loss of his son's Gun, as set forth in
said Petition.
Resolve for paying the heirs of OBADIAH ADAMS £1 16.;
passed SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
of this State the sum of £1 16s., unto the heirs of Oba-
diah Adams, deceased, in full discharge for the loss of a
Gun broken to pieces by a cannon-ball from the enemy on
Dorchester Hill, the 10th of March, 1776.
Resolve for paying Mileage to the Militia called in to the
Heights of DORCHESTER; passed SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
Resolved, That such part of Militia of this State as
marched to the Heights of Dorchester by order of Council,
(for the defence thereof,) made in the last recess of the Gen-
eral Court, be paid their mileage out of the Colony treasury,
at the rate of one penny a mile for the respective distances
which they have travelled to the said place of rendezvous ;
the rolls or abstracts thereof to be made up by the respec-
tive Captains, and paid to the said Captains severally lor
the use of themselves and the men under their command ;
the said mileage rolls to be paid by warrant from the Coun-
cil, after they have been examined by the Committee of
both Houses that is or may be appointed for that purpose.
And it is further Resolved, That the commissions of the
several officers that have been appointed by the Council for
that service, shall be as valid to all intents and purposes as
though the said officers had been previously elected by the
whole General Court.
Resolve for paying £37 Is., to SAMUEL STOCKBRIDGE;
passed SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
On the Petition of Samuel Stockbridge,
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
of this State, £37 Is., to the petitioner in full for billeting
fifty-seven men three weeks, which, together with the mile-
age, makes up the five shillings per week.
757
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
758
Resolve for the delivery of Powder to THOMAS MELVI'LL;
passed SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
On the Petition of Thomas Melmll,
Resolved. That the Commissary-General be, and he is
hereby directed to deliver out of the store belonging to this
State, or order the same to be delivered at the Powder-
Mill in Stoughton, five hundred pounds of Gunpowder, to
Thomas Melmll, he the said Melmll paying six shillings per
pound to the said Commissary for the same. The Com-
missary-General to be accountable for the money so re-
ceived.
Resolve for the sale of Powder to JONATHAN HOBBY;
passed SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
On the Petition of Jonathan Hobby,
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is
hereby directed to deliver out of the store belonging to this
State, or order the same to be delivered at the Powder-Mill
in Andover, four hundred pounds of Gunpowder to Jona-
than Hobby, he the said Hobby paying six shillings per
pound for the same. The Commissary-General to be ac-
countable for the money so received.
Resolve on the Petition of JOHN CODMAN ; passed SEP-
TEMBER 9, 1776.
On the Petition of John Codman,
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State
supply John Codman, with three hundred and fifty pounds
weight of Gunpowder for the use of the schooner Langdon,
at the Powder-Mill at Stoughton, the said Codman paying
at the rate of six shillings per pound. The Commissary-
General to be accountable for the money so received.
Resolve on the Petition of JOSEPH SPHAGUE and SAMUEL
WARD ; passed SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
On the Petition of Joseph Sprague and Samuel Ward,
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State
supply Joseph Sprague and Samuel Ward with sixty pounds
of Gunpowder, they paying after the rate of six shillings per
pound for the same; the Commissary -General to be ac-
countable for the money so received. The Commissary is
directed to deliver the Powder to John Pickering, Jun., or
order, for the use of the Petitioners.
Resolve on the Petition of ISAAC COLLYER ; passed. SEP-
TEMBER 9, 1776.
On the Petition of Isaac Collyer,
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State
supply Isaac Collyer with seven hundred pounds' of Gun-
powder, at the Powder-Mill at Andover, for the use of an
armed Vessel ; the said Collyer to pay after the rate of six
shillings per pound. The Commissary-General to be ac-
countable for the money so received.
Resolve on the Petition of JOHN WINTHROP, Jun.; passed
SEPTEMBER 9, 1776.
On the Petition of John Winthrop, Jun.,
Resolved, That the Commissary -General of this State
supply John Winthrop, Jun., with four hundred pounds of
Gunpowder, for the use of the Union sloop-of-war, at the
Powder-Mill at Andover, the said Winthrop paying at the
rate of six shillings per pound. The Commissary-General
. to be accountable for the money so received.
Resolve on the Petition of JAMES SWAN ; passed SEPTEM-
BER 9, 1776.
On the Petition of James Swan,
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State
supply James Swan with thirty hundred pounds of Gun-
powder, at the Powder-Mill at Stoughton, for the use of
the privateer ship named the Boston, the said James Swan
paying at the rate of six shillings per pound. The Commis-
sary-General to be accountable for the money so received.
PETITION OF THOMAS HARRIS.
To the honourable the Council and the honourable the
House of Representatives for the State of the MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY, in General Court assembled at WATEUTOWN
SEPTEMBER 9, 1776:
The Petition of THOMAS HARRIS, of BOSTON, in the
County of SUFFOLK, in behalf of himself and others,
owners of the Schooner AMERICA, now lying at NEW-
MEADOWS, humbly showeth:
That your petitioners are preparing the said schooner
for a privateer, to cruise against the enemies of the United
American States, but find it impossible to purchase powder
sufficient for the purpose of private persons. They would
therefore humbly pray that your Honours would give orders
that they may receive out of the publick magazine of this
State seven hundred pounds weight of gunpowder, for the
purpose aforesaid, they paying the customary price for the
same.
And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray,
&c. THOMAS HARRIS.
PETITION OF NATHANIEL LEECH.
State o/" MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable Council now sitting in WATERTOWN.
The Petition of NATHANIEL LEECH, and others, O/MAR-
BLEHEAD, in the County O/ESSEX, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner and others, owners of the sloop
called the Polly, burthen about ninety-three tons, armed
with twelve carriage-guns, eighteen swivel-guns, and thirty
muskets, navigated by one hundred men, Nathaniel Leech
Commander, John Dwcey Second Lieutenant, Isaac Col-
yar First Lieutenant, Samuel Green Master, all of Mar-
blehead, has on board as provisions eighty barrels of beef
and pork, ten thousand weight of bread, and other stores
in proportion. Said sloop is designed to cruise against the
enemies of these United States.
Your petitioner would therefore humbly pray your Hon-
ours to commission the said sloop and Commander for the
purpose before mentioned.
And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
NATHANIEL LEECH & Co.
In Council, September 10, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out to
the above-mentioned Nathaniel Leech, agreeable to the
prayer of the petition, he complying with the resolves of
Congress. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF JEDEDIAH PBEBLE, JUN.
To the honourable Council and to the honourable House of
Representatives, in General Court assembled at WATER-
TOWN, in the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, SEP-
TEMBER 10, 1776.
The Petition of JEDEDIAH PREBLE, Jun., and JEREMIAH
COLBOURN, O/PENOBSCOT, in behalf of themselves and
inhabitants adjacent, humbly showeth:
That your petitioners, being inhabitants up the river of
Penobscot, and near adjacent to the Indian settlements, and
are daily exposed to the enemy, and none but Indians to trust
to. That your petitioners imagine they are not fit to be
trusted alone, without some of our guards with them, which
causes the inhabitants to be very uneasy for fear their set-
tlements may be broke up. That your petitioners pray your
Honours would order some guards there, to be connected
with the Indians, in order to keep them from joining against
us, as they are no ways to be trusted alone, would cause us
to dwell much more at ease among us, and much less in
fear of them. That your petitioners pray your Honours
would consider their danger, and relieve them, as in your
great wisdom see meet. And your petitioners, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray.
JEDEDIAH PREBLE, Jun.,
JEREMIAH COLBORN.
PETITION OF SHUBAEL COTTLE.
To the honourable Council and House of Representatives for
the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
SHUBAEL COTTLE, a member of this House, and Represent-
ative of the Town of TISBURY, in DUKES County, in the
behalf of NATHAN SMITH, Captain of the First Company
of sea-coast men, stationed in said TISBURY, in 'DuKEs
County aforesaid, for the defence of the said County,
most humbly showeth:
That from the encouragement given by these States to all
persons to make captures of vessels belonging to the enemy
employed against the United States, as also by a resolve
759
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
760
which passed the honourable Continental Congress on the
23d of March, in 1775, respecting such matters, your peti-
tioner begs leave to say that the above-said Captain Smith,
from a principle of serving his country, and stimulated with
the hopes of reward, he, with divers other persons belonging
to a sea-coast company stationed on the. Island of Martha's
Vineyard, with some of the Militia of the same place, with
three pilot-boats provided by said Smith and company, did,
on the 12th day of April last past, at the risk of their lives,
board, take, and bring into the port of Bedford, in this State,
a certain schooner called the Volante, of about sixty tons
burthen, laden with provisions and stores for the use of the
fleet and army employed against the United States of Ame-
rica, the said schooner then being a part of said fleet, and
tender to the Scarborough man-of-war, one Edward Marsh
master. Your petitioner at the time of the capture did humbly
conceive, after condemnation and deducting the charges inci-
dent thereto, that the vessel, cargo, and appurtenances, were
to be divided among the captors ; but by a resolve which
passed the late General Assembly at their last session on
the 23d day of April, 1775, the State thereby taking two-
thirds of all such captures, and the other third to the use of
the captors, your petitioner humbly suggests that should
your Honours take any part of said capture by virtue of said
resolve passed the 23d of April aforesaid to the use of this
State, that two-thirds is by far too great a part in the opin-
ion of your petitioner. Your petitioner, therefore, in the
behalf of said Captain Smith and company, humbly prays
that you would take the matter into your wise consideration ;
and as the State were at no expense, nor suffered not any
risk for vessel's cannon, in making said capture, that your
Honours would order the whole or such a part of said
schooner, cargo, and appurtenances, to the use of the cap-
tore as you in your great wisdom shall think proper. And
your petitioner, in duty bound, shall ever pray.
PETITION OF WILLIAM WHITING.
To the honourable Council and House of Representatives
of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in General Court
assembled :
Humbly showeth WILLIAM WHITING :
That the honourable Provincial Congress of the Colony or
State aforesaid, in the beginning of the year 1775, so far look
the important matter of manufacturing saltpetre as to resolve
that fourteen pounds per hundred should be given for all that
should be manufactured in this Colony for a certain limited
time, at which time your petitioner observing the profound
ignorance which appeared in all ranks of people respecting
the nature of this manufacture, and being anxious for the
defence of his country against tyranny and vassalage, which
he saw little grounds to hope for without the help of this
important discovery, your petitioner then immediately set
himself with the greatest solicitude to investigate the same,
for which purpose he devoted himself in a great measure to
the procuring and perusing the various authors who had made
any mention of this manufacture, and in making experiments
on the same. Soon after, viz : in the beginning of May, in
the same year, your petitioner laid a short dissertation upon
this subject before the honourable Provincial Congress at
Watertown, showing the practicability of manufacturing salt-
petre in this country, and urging the Congress to a more
zealous and efficient prosecution of the same ; whereupon
the Congress appointed your petitioner a Committee, with
orders to repair to New-York, or elsewhere, in order, if pos-
sible, to acquire sufficient knowledge for the carrying on of
this important business ; upon which your petitioner repaired
to New- York, and from thence to Philadelphia, and returned
through Rhode-Island Colony ; and although in this tour
your petitioner acquired several useful pieces of knowledge
relative to this business, so that on his return he was able to
produce some saltpetre, yet he found the true process far
from being investigated, though he found encouragement
and was determined vigorously to pursue the same. This
being in August, and the honourable Assembly hearing of
a person in Connecticut who pretended great skill in salt-
petre-making, ordered your petitioner, after making some
experiments at Watertown, to repair to Windsor, in Connec-
ticut, which he did, and found the man so famed to be a vile
impostor, as afterwards notoriously appeared, though your pe-
titioner did not wholly lose his labour, having acquired some
additional knowledge from two persons who were endeavour-
ing to carry on the business, although they afterwards failed.
Your petitioner after his return from Connecticut continued
to make experiments at Watertown, with but ordinary suc-
cess, until November, when he was ordered again to Con-
necticut on the Assembly having received intelligence of some
new discoveries being made there in the process of saltpetre-
making ; and from Connecticut your petitioner was ordered
to repair to Newburyport, there to join Deacon Baker, Cap-
tain Peck, and Mr. Fips, who were also of the Saltpetre
Committee, and there to pursue making experiments until
the 15th of December. Your petitioner again repaired to
Connecticut, but instead of finding encouragement, he found
the persons who had been famed for carrying on this busi-
ness with success wholly discouraged and just quitting the
business, having worked one hundred and twenty cart-loads
of earth, and had procured seventy pounds of saltpetre only.
This ill-success of their's shocked your petitioner with dis-
couragement and filled his breast with the greatest anxiety,
being strongly impressed at that time with an opinion that
except a sufficient quantity of that important article of
defence could be procured among ourselves our country
must be lost. He was, however, so far from giving over
the pursuit, that he then determined either to make the
important discovery or spend his life in the cause. In his
long journey from Windsor to Newburyport, your petitioner,
with anxious days and sleepless nights, recollected and
considered every thing he had ever read, heard of, or expe-
rienced, relative to this process, and by the time he arrived
at Newburyport he was so happy as to have determined
upon a method which in theory promised him certain success.
When your petitioner arrived at Nervburyport he found his
worthy brethren of the Committee drooping and almost dis-
couraged. They had worked twelve or fifteen loads of
earth and had produced but six or eight pounds of saltpetre;
they had boiled down the liquor from about seventy bushels
of earth, which appeared very strong, but could get no salt-
petre from it. On a small quantity of this liquor your peti-
tioner made trial of his new projected process, and in a short
time produced a proportionably large quantity of saltpetre
from it, to his very great satisfaction. He then repeated
the trial on the remaining liquor, with equal success. He
then continued for several days making small experiments,
until he had reduced the process to a certain system ; after
which he proceeded to model those works agreeable to hig
new process, and then went on to make about eight or ten
pounds a day for a number of days without the least diffi-
culty ; after which your petitioner, having been repeatedly
solicited, returned to Rowley, where he, with some small con-
veniences, made fifty weight of saltpetre in five days ; from
thence he returned to Watertown, where he was ordered to
publish his new process. Soon after which large quantities
of saltpetre was made in various parts of the Colony, to the
great satisfaction of every true patriot.
Your petitioner begs leave to say that in the foregoing
narration he has not arrogated to himself more of the credit
of this valuable discovery than what truth and justice war-
rants him to do ; and although sundry persons have made
variations and improvements upon this process since its first
publication, yet all of them have been merely circumstan-
tial, and none of them essential.
And your petitioner begs leave further to inform your
Honours, that during the long time he was pursuing this
important discovery, he was necessitated almost wholly to
neglect the business of his profession, the only means he has
had of supporting an helpless and expensive family ; and
since he has been released from publick employment in this
business, much of his time has been taken up in giving
instructions to people who have applied to him for that pur-
pose. Your petitioner also finds to his grief that great
numbers of his former customers have been obliged, in his
absence, to apply themselves to other physicians, and have
become so attached to them as not to return to him again,
in consequence of which his business as a physician is
greatly lessened. He could also demonstrate that the
wages he has already received for those services, have not
been more than sufficient to defray his own personal ex-
penses. From all which your petitioner is humbly of opinion
that the honourable Court will judge him entitled to some
greater reward, though he is sensible this is no time for the
publick to lavish out its bounties in great rewards for ser-
761
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
762
vices, and he is conscious that the ultimate end he had in
view was the salvation of his country. He would not,
however, suffer himself to be so far swallowed up in patri-
otism, as to incur Si. PauFs anathema, viz: "He that pro-
vides not for his own household has denied the faith, and is
worse than an infidel."
Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your Honours
would take this matter under your wise consideration, and
make him such further allowance for his services and suf-
ferings, as to your Honours shall seem meet. And, as he
ought, shall ever pray. WM. WHITING.
Watertowh, September the 10, 1776.
Resolve for the sale of Powder to THOMAS HARRIS; passed
SEPTEMBER 10, 1776.
On the Petition of Thomas Harris,
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is
hereby directed to deliver out of the store of this State, or
order the same to be delivered out of the Powder-Mill in
Andover, five hundred pounds of Gunpowder to Thomas
Harris, he, the said Harris, paying six shillings per pound
for the same to the Commissary-General. He, the said
Commissary, to be accountable for the money so received.
Resolve for supplying Doctor WATTS with Medicines, fyc.;
passed SEPTEMBER 10, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid to Doctor Edward Watts,
out of the Treasury of this State, the sum of eighteen pounds,
to purchase Medicines for the benefit of the sea-coast men
stationed at Falmouth, in the County of Cumberland; he,
the said Doctor Watts forthwith to lodge an account of the
expenditure of said money in the Secretary's office, therein
setting forth the quantity and price of each medicine seve-
rally, and account with this Court for the same whenever
called upon therefor.
And it is further Resolved, That the aforesaid Doctor
Watts be allowed at the rate of six pounds per month as a
Surgeon for the aforesaid sea-coast men, until the last day
of December next, unless sooner duly discharged by order of
this Court.
Sundry Resolves for paying Militia, raising Men, &fc.,
passed in consequence of a message from the Council,
SEPTEMBER 10, 1776.
Resolved, That the guard which did duty at Hull last
winter, be paid wages and billeting, agreeable to establish-
ment made for the men raised in this State for the defence
of the sea-coast.
Resolved, That three Companies of fifty men, each, in-
cluding officers, be raised to augment the Regiment of Artil-
lery, now under the command of Colonel Crafts.
Resolved, That the Militia which have been called in to
duty since March last, (excepting those lately called in on
the Continental establishment,) be paid wages and billeting,
agreeable to establishment made for the Regiments under
the command of the Colonels Whitney and Marshall.
Resolved, That there be paid to the Hon. Benjamin Lin-
coln, Esq., the sum of twenty-one pounds per month, for
the time he served as a General Officer by appointment of
the honourable Council of this State.
And it is further Resolved, That some person be ap-
pointed by this Court to take the command of the troops in
the pay of this State.
Resolved, That Governour Cooke's Letter, his answer to
Lord Howe, together with Lord Howe's Letter and Decla-
ration which accompanied the message, be referred back to
the honourable Board.
Resolve for the delivery of an Iron Cannon to JOSEPH
HOMAN, fyc., of MARBLEHEAD; passed SEPTEMBER 10
1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is
hereby directed to deliver to Joseph Hornan, John Gallison,
and Isaac Collyer, or either of them, or their order, one
piece of Iron Cannon, a four-pounder, which was taken from
Marblehcad the last year, for the use of this State, if it is to
be found ; but if not to be found, then to deliver to the
persons aforesaid, any other Cannon of the same dimensions,
if such there be.
Resolve respecting Deserters from the Northern Army ;
passed SEPTEMBER 10, 1776.
Resolved. That the several Returns of Colonel Patterson,
Colonel Bond, Colonel Greaton, and Colonel Porter's
Regiments, describing the several persons Deserters from
each of said Regiments, with this resolve, be printed and
sent to the Committees of Correspondence, Inspection and
Safety of each town in this State. And the said Commit-
tees are directed to make a strict search and inquiry after
such Deserters as described in said Returns ; and, upon
finding any of said Deserters, to take care and secure them
in the common Gaol of the County, in order that they may
be forthwith returned to their several Regiments. And the
Committees aforesaid are enjoined to take special care, and
use their best endeavours to take up, and confine as afore-
said, any other person or persons who have inlisted into
the publick service, that have or may hereafter leave the
Army, or the Regiments to which they belong, before the
time of their inlistment is out, unless they can show a regu-
lar discharge or furlough from his or their superiour officer.
And the said Committees are enjoined to make returns of
their doings hereon, as soon as may be, to the Secretary of
this State. And all necessary charges attending the secu-
ring such Deserters, shall be paid out of the Treasury of
this State, and shall be deducted out of the said Deserters'
wasres.
Resolve for raising one.-fifth part of the Militia of this
State, to reinforce the Army at NEW-¥ORK; passed
SEPTEMBER 10, 1776.
Whereas it has been represented to the General Court
of this State, by the honourable the Governour of the State
of Connecticut, that it is of the utmost importance to the
United States of America to have a large body of troops
stationed above the Island of New-York, to prevent the
British Army's cutting off the communication between the
American Army at the City and Island of New-York, and
the country. And whereas the honourable Congress, in
consequence of an application made to them by his Excel-
lency General Washington, in the present critical state of
our affairs, have since called upon the Government, in the
most pressing terms, immediately to send all the aid in our
power to the Army at New-York; this Court,' being sen-
sible that the safety, freedom, and future happiness of
America depend upon, and pressing!}' demand, a vigourous
and manly management of this campaign, and well consid-
ering that, while all that is dear to this people is at stake,
they should be chargeable with great remissness if they did
not exercise, the powers with -which they are vested by
this State for its salvation, at this critical moment, by
sending such reinforcement to the Army at New-York
as the exigency of the case requires. And whereas the
Militia of this State within the Counties of York, Cumber-
land, and Lincoln, are too remote to march to the timely
aid of the Army ; and whereas the situation of the Coun-
ties of Nantucket and Dukes County, the towns of Bos-
ton, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Salem, Marblehead, Gloucester,
Manchester, Beverly, and Newburyport, render it unfit for
any part of the Militia to be drafted from them at present,
it is
Resolved, That one-fifth part of the Militia of this State,
not now in actual service by sea or land, excepting those
of the towns and counties above named, be ordered, by
the major part of the Council, to march immediately,
under the command of such General officer as shall be
appointed by the General Court, and commissioned by the
Council, to command them, to remain and continue in the
service within the four New-England Governments, the
State of New-York, or the Jerseys, until they are recalled
by the General Court of this State, the House of Repre-
sentatives, or the major part of the Council, under such
regulations, and upon such establishment, as ic hereinafter
provided.
And that the said fifth part of said Militia may march
without delay, it is
Resolved, That the major part of the Council make out
their order in writing to Major-General Warren, command-
ing him that he immediately order the Brigadiers of the
several Counties of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, Worcester,
Hampshire, Plimouth, Barnstable, Bristol, and Berkshire
763
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
764
to cause the Militia, as well of the Alarm List, as Training
Band of their respective Brigades, to be mustered without
delay, excepting those in the towns above excepted ; and
that they cause to be drafted therefrom, when so mustered,
every fifth able-bodied man of the non-commissioned offi-
cers and private soldiers, under fifty years of age, except the
officers and students of Harvard College, grammar-school
masters, and persons necessarily employed in the manufac-
ture of gunpowder, not exceeding four to each powder-mill,
and armed with a good firelock, bullet-pouch, and powder-
born, or cartridge-box, a bayonet, cutlass, or hatchet, and
twenty bullets fitted to their gun, with a knapsack and
blanket, to march to the reinforcement of the Army as
aforesaid; and that they form those so drafted into Compa-
nies of sixty-four men each, including non-commissioned
officers, or as nigh thereto as they conveniently can ; and
that the said Brigades, from the officers of their respective
Brigades, order one Captain and two Lieutenants to take
the command of each of said Companies ; and that said
Brigadiers shall form such Companies as are raised and
drafted from their respective Brigades, not amounting to
sixteen, into one Regiment ; and where they do amount to
that number of Companies or upwards, into two ; and, to
each Regiment so formed, assign or order from the field-
officers of such Brigade, one Colonel, one Lieutenant-Col-
onel, and one Major, to command said Regiments ; and the
officers of said detachment of the Militia drafted as afore-
said, shall have, while in said service, the same relative
rank with each other as they now have.
And it is further Resolved, That if any person of the
Alarm List or Train Band, non-commissioned officer or
soldier, shall, after being duly warned thereto, neglect to
appear upon such muster designed for drafting as aforesaid,
he shall forfeit and pay the sum of ten pounds, one half
thereof to the use of this State, and the other half to the
person who shall sue for the same, by action of debt, in any
court proper to try the same. And if any person so drafted
shall refuse to march upon being ordered thereto, not having
a sufficient excuse therefor, and shall not procure some
able-bodied and effective man to go in his stead, or shall
absent or conceal himself, so that his officer cannot find him
to give him marching orders, he shall, for either of the said
offences, pay a fine not exceeding ten pounds, or be com-
mitted to prison not exceeding two months, upon his being
convicted thereof, on indictment or presentment therefor by
the Grand Jury for the Couuty where the offence shall be
committed, before any Court proper to try the same, whose
duty it shall be to make a presentment thereof.
And it is likewise Resolved, That the said detachment
of Militia shall, while out of this Government, be under the
general command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Conti-
nental Army, and shall be under the laws and regulations
provided by the Congress for said Army.
And it is further Resolved, That the pay and allowance
of provision for said detachment shall be every way the
same as that allowed the Continental Army.
And it is likewise Resolved, That the Selectmen of each
town from whence any part of said detachment shall be
drafted, shall be, and hereby are directed and empowered
to procure as many teams or other conveyances within their
respective towns, as shall be sufficient to carry the baggage
of the said fifth part of the Militia, to Fairfield, in Connect-
icut, in the most expeditious manner. And the said Select-
men are also directed to furnish said rnen with kettles and
canteens, and also to pay each man one penny for each
mile from the place they march from to the place of their
destination, to support themselves, and to render an account
of those expenditures to the General Court for allowance
and payment.
And it is also Resolved, That the Brigadier of each
County shall appoint one Chaplain, one Surgeon and Mate,
one Adjutant, and one Quartermaster, to each Regiment
that shall be so drafted from his Brigade ; and the General
officer appointed to command the detachment shall appoint
a Brigade-Major to each Brigade.
And it is also Resolved, That each Brigadier-General,
as soon as the men are drafted and formed into Companies,
be, and hereby is directed to order them to march to Horse-
neck, subject, however, to such further orders as they may
receive from the General Court of this State, the House of
Representatives, or the major part of the Council, or the
orders of the General and Commander-in-Chief of the Con-
tinental Army.
And it is Resolved, That in the absence of any Briga-
dier of any County, the next officer in command in said
Brigade shall be held to do the duty assigned to the Briga-
dier, and shall be obeyed accordingly.
And it is also Resolved, That the Commissary-General
of this State be, and hereby is directed to send forward
immediately to New-Haven, such quantities of ammunition
as this Court shall order.
PETITION OF ETHAN COMPSTOCK.
To the honourable the Council and House of Representa-
tives of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in NEW-
ENGLAND.
The Petition of ETHAN COMPSTOCK, Second Lieutenant in
the DILIGENT schooner-of-war, Captain JOHN LAMBERT,
Commander, and JOSHUA WING, Master of said schooner,
humbly showeth :
That your petitioners have been in the service of the
State nearly six months, have made several cruises, but all
of them unsuccessful, by which they have not been able to
supply themselves with any of the necessaries of life, and
your petitioners are now reduced to such a situation (not
having as yet received any wages) as obliges them to pe-
tition your Honours for some relief.
And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray,
&,c. ETHAN COMPSTOCK,
JOSHUA WING.
Boston, September 11, 1776.
Resolve for paying SAMUEL FREEMAN, Esq., Clerk of the
House, £120; passed SEPTEMBER 11, 1775.
Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the
Treasury of this State to Samuel Freeman, Esq., the sum
of £120, for his services as Clerk to the House of Repre-
sentatives the last year, and to enable him to satisfy others
who may have assisted in said service, or officiated as Clerk
in his stead during that time, and the further sum of £19
10s., paid by him to sundry persons for copying resolves,
&c., by which means the said Clerk was better enabled to
carry on the business of his said office.
Resolve for paying WEMTSS ORROCK £100; passed SEP-
TEMBER 11, 1776.
On the Petition of Wemyss Orrock,
Resolved, That Edward Pope, Esq., the Colony Agent
at Dartmouth, be, and he is hereby empowered and directed
to pay to the petitioner £100, out of the Colony's part of
the ship and cargo, of which the petitioner was late master,
if so much there be belonging to this State; if not, whatever
is the Colony's proportion of said expense.
Resolve for procuring Couriers ; passed SEPTEMBER 1 1 ,
1776.
Whereas it is of the utmost importance that at this criti-
cal situation of our publick and military affairs the most
early intelligence should be obtained from the several quar-
ters where our Troops are employed: Therefore,
Resolved, That Brigadier Palmer, Captain Brown, of
Watertown, and Major Osgood, be, and hereby are ap-
pointed a committee to engage suitable persons as Couriers
for this service, upon such terms as they shall judge proper.
MEMORIAL OP JOHN JONES.
To the honourable Council and honourable House of Repre-
sentatives of the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in
General Court assembled:
The Memorial of JOHN JONES, in behalf of the Committee
of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety, of the Town
of HOPKINTON, humbly showeth:
That on the 24th day of June last, the Sheriff of the
County of Middlesex did order to the said Committee of
the Town of Hopkinton, seven officers on parole, and four:
waiters as prisoners, to be supported by said town; that said
Committee have already expended a very considerable sum
of money in their support, and are not in a capacity to sup-
port them any longer, unless they can be reimbursed their
past expenses. Therefore prays your Honours would take
765
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
766
their case into your consideration, and grant them such re-
lease as you shall direct. And your petitioner, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray. JOHN JONES,
In behalf of the Committee of Hopkinton.
Watertown, September 12, 1776.
MEMORIAL OF JEREMIAH COLBURN.
To the honourable Council and to the honourable House of
Representatives, in General Court assembled at WATER-
TOWN, in the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, the 12th
day O/SEPTEMBER, Anno Domini 1776.
The Memorial of JEREMIAH COLBUHN, of PENOBSCOT,
humbly showeth :
That your memorialist would inform your Honours upon
your appointing twenty men, together with ten Indians, as
a guard at Penobscot, under the command of Lieutenant
Aridrew Oilman and myself, that your memorialist would
be glad to know if your Honours would order some subsist-
ence and ammunition for the said thirty men by your me-
morialist, as he is bound home on his duty. And your
memorialist, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c.
JEREMIAH COLBDRN.
Resolve appointing RICHARD DERBY, Jun., Esq., to lay
claim to the Ship LORD DARTMOUTH ; passed SEPTEMBER
12, 1776.
Whereas the ship named Lord Dartmouth, lying in Dan-
vers, is libelled in the Maritime Court for the Middle Dis-
trict, by Bartholomew Putnam and Andrew Cabot ; and
whereas this Court apprehend that as said vessel was owned
in Great Britain, she properly belongs to this State :
Therefore, Resolved, That the Honourable Richard
Derby, Jun., Esq., be, and he is hereby appointed agent in
behalf of this State, to put in and defend their claim to final
judgment ; and if the same shall be adjudged to this State,
that he take possession thereof till the further order of this
Court.
•
i
Resolve relative to the purchasing Cannon of the Town of
NEWBURY-PORT; passed SEPTEMBER 12, 1776.
Whereas, the town of Newbury-Port have offered to sell
to this State five pieces of Cannon, nine-pounders, at the
rate of five pounds per hundred weight, and the carriages
belonging to the same at the prime cost ; and as it is appre-
hended the same may be of great use to this State for its
defence :
Therefore, Resolved, That Brigadier Palmer be a Com-
mittee for purchasing the same.
Resolve for placing a Guard of thirty Men on PENOB-
SCOT River; passed SEPTEMBER 12, 1776.
Resolved, That a guard of thirty men, ten of them to be
Indians, be placed on Penobscot River, under the direction
of Andrew Gilman, and that there be appointed by this
Court to command them, one Lieutenant and one Ensign,
and to be on the same establishment with the men raised
for the defence of the sea-coast.
Resolve relative to Vouchers of Accounts against the Con-
tinent; passed SEPTEMBER 12, 1776.
Whereas many Vouchers are lodged in the hands of the
Treasurer of this State, and in the Secretary's office, that
may be necessary to be produced to prove the several arti-
cles of charge to be transmitted to the Continental Congress
by this State, which the Treasurer and Secretary may not
think they can with propriety deliver out of their possession
without the express directions of this Court: Therefore,
Resolved, That the Treasurer and Secretary be, and they
hereby are severally directed to deliver unto William Story,
Henry Hill, and Joseph Henderson, a Committee appointed
to prepare the accounts of charges and expenses incurred
by this State in the defence of American liberty, to be
transmitted to the honourable the Continental Congress,
they, the said Committee, making out an account of the
amount of the sums, supported by the several vouchers and
their date, and the names of the persons to whom any sums
as aforesaid have been paid, and giving a receipt for the
vouchers they shall receive, which receipt of said Com-
mittee shall be held good and effectual to discharge the
Treasurer and the Secretary in as full and ample manner
and sort as though the vouchers had not been delivered as
aforesaid.
Resolve for supplying MARTHA'S VINEYARD with three
Cannon; passed SEPTEMBER 12, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he
hereby is directed to deliver to Joseph Mayhew, Esq., or
order, proper apparatus for the three Cannon ordered to
Martha's Vineyard, he, the said Joseph Mayhew, Esq., to be
accountable to this Court for the same.
Resolve permitting Captain BARBER'S Schooner to come to
the Port of BOSTON; passed SEPTEMBER 12, 1776.
Resolved, That Captain John Barber be permitted to
bring his Schooner with her cargo, from Cape Ann to the
Port of Boston, he taking due precaution to prevent said
Schooner and cargo falling into the hands of ihe enemy.
PETITION OF ISAAC SNOW.
To the honourable Council sitting at WATERTOWN, in the
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, SEPTEMBER the thir-
teenth day, Anno Domini 1 776.
The Petition of ISAAC SNOW,O/" HARPSWELL, in the County
of CUMBERLAND, humbly showeth:
That your petitioner has the command of a private
schooner of war called the America, of ninety-eight tons
burthen, mounting ten carriage-guns, eight of which are
four-pounders, and two three pounders; eighteen swivel-
guns, five hundred weight of powder, fifteen hundred weight
of shot, thirty-five barrels pork and beef, six thousand weight
of bread, belonging to Aaron Hinckley, Esq., of Bruns-
wick, James McCobb, Esq., of George-Town, Nathaniel
Purrington, Esq., and Messrs. John Snow, Joseph Linscott,
Henry Merritt, Elisha Snow, and Isaac Snow, your peti-
tioner, of Harpswell, in the County of Cumberland, in the
State aforesaid ; whereof Isaac Snow, of Harpswell, afore-
said, is Commander, and Benjamin Lemmount, of George-
Town, in the County of Lincoln, is Lieutenant, with eighty
men.
Your petitioner prays your Honours would grant him a
commission to cruise against the enemies of the United States
of America, and your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall
every pray, &c. ISAAC SNOW,
In behalf of himself and other owners.
In Council, September 13, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out
to the above-named Isaac Snow, as Commander of the
Schooner America, he complying with the resolves of the
Congress.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
MEMORIAL OF THOMAS CRAFTS.
To the honourable the Council of the State of the MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAY:
Some time in June last a Scotch ship and brig were seen
in the Bay by the troops stationed at Hull, standing in for
the Light, and four privateers attacking them without any
probable hopes of success; on this, ordered one eighteen-
pounder to Point Alderton. In the dusk of the evening
the vessels were between said Point and the Fort on Hull;
we fired from the Fort on them ; the brig struck to us, and
sent her boat on shore. I sent in a claim for the vessels in
the name of the State, and in behalf of myself and regi-
ment, but recovered no part of the ship or brig. When the
Queen-of- England was taken 1 had the same idea of the
matter as before: that it was my duty to claim for the
State as well as myself, accordingly gave directions to my
counsel. 1 was afterward, to my great surprise, informed
that the ship was not libelled in the name of the State, and
that it was too late to correct this errour. But at my
request the Hon. Mr. Derby, agent for the State, had leave
to enter his claim, the lime by law for his doing it being
elapsed notwithstanding, for 1 had no disposition that the
State should be deprived of its just right in this vessel,
neither have I now any disposition to contend if the Council
are clearly of opinion that there ought to be a different
767
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
768
disposition of said ship and cargo from that given by the
court and jury.
• I beg your Honours would excuse my troubling you with
this matter ; and believe me to be, with the greatest respect,
gentlemen, your most humble servant,
THOS. CRAFTS.
SUFFOLK, ss:
At the Superiour Court of Judicature, &c., held at Brain-
tree, within and for the County of Suffolk, by adjournment,
on the second Tuesday of September, Anno Domini 1776,
In the case Benedict Eldridge, one of the claimants of
ship Queen-of -En gland, appellant, vs. Caleb Hopkins et al.,
libellants, and Josiah fVhitney, Thomas Crafts, and Thomas
Marshall et al., other claimants of the same ship, cargo,
and appurtenances, appellees. The jury find that the said
ship Queen-of-England, was employed in carrying supplies
to the fleet and army employed against the United Colonies
or States of America, and being so employed, the said ship
was taken at the time when, in the libel, she is said to have
been taken, by the claimants Josiah Whitney, Thomas
Crafts, and Thomas Marshall, and the men under their
command, and Benedict Eldridge, the Pilot, and by them
brought into Boston, in the County of Suffolk, and that
one-fifth part of said ship, and appurtenances, and cargo,
be to the use of Benedict Eldridge, and the remainder of
said prize to the use of Josiah fVhitney, Thomas Crafts,
and the said men under their command.
JOHN ELLIS, Foreman.
September 13, 1776. — Judgment accordingly.
SAML. WINTHHOP, Clerk.
Resolve directing the Commissary -General to send Ammu-
nition to FAIRFIELD ; passed SEPTEMBER 13, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary -General of this State be
directed, as soon as may be, to send forward to Fairfield,
in the State of Connecticut, for the use of the Militia of this
State, this day ordered to be sent to New-York, five thou-
sand four hundred pounds weight of imported Gunpowder,
if such be in store; eleven thousand Gun Flints, and thirteen
reams of paper fit for Musket Cartridges, with thread proper
and sufficient for the same, and five thousand four hundred
pounds weight of leaden Balls of different sizes, there to
be distributed under the care of such person as shall be
appointed by the Commissary, in the following proportions,
viz: one pound of Gunpowder, two Flints, one sheet of
Cartridge Paper, and twenty Musket Balls to each man ;
said person so appointed by the Commissary to be account-
able to this Court for the same.
Resolve to alter the Rigging, SfC., of the TYRANNICIDE
from a Sloop to a Brig; passed SEPTEMBER 13, 1776.
Resolved, That the Hon. Richard Derby, Jun., Esq.,
be directed as soon as may be, to alter the Spars and Rig-
ging of the Tyrannicide, from that of a Sloop to a Brigantine ;
and to lay his account before this Court for examination
and allowance; and in order that this matter may be
effected expeditiously, the honourable Board are desired to
issue their warrant on the Treasury, in favour of the said
Richard Derby, Jun., Esq., for such sum of money as they
judge may be necessary for the purpose aforesaid, the said
Derby being accountable therefor.
Resolve for ordering the Men drafted from PLYMOUTH and
BARNSTABLE Brigades to march to RHODE-ISLAND
instead of NEW-YORK; passed SEPTEMBER 13, 1776.
Whereas the General Assembly of this State did, by their
resolve of the 12th instant, order and direct that one-fifth
part of the Militia, both of the Alarm and Train Band list,
not now in actual service, be drafted from the said Militia
of the Counties of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, Hampshire,
Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Worcester, and Berkshire,
some towns only excepted, to inarch to the aid of the Army
al New-York, in manner as is by said resolve directed;
and whereas the honourable the American Congress have
requested the Assembly of this State to send one Battalion
of the Militia thereof to the State of Rhode-Island, to supply
the place of a Battalion in the service of the United States
ordered from thence to reinforce the Army at New-York:
It is therefore Resolved, That the men drafted from the
Brigades in the Counties of Plymouth and Barnstable in con-
sequence of the aforesaid resolve, be and hereby are ordered,
instead of inarching to the aid of the Army at New-York, to
march to the State of Rhode-Island, to supply the place of
the Continental Battalion aforesaid, and the major part of the
Council of this State be and hereby are desired to make out
their orders in writing to Major-General Warren, command-
ing him immediately to order the Brigadiers of the said
Counties of Plymouth and Barnstable, as soon as their men
are drafted agreeable to the resolve aforesaid, to form them
into Companies of sixty-four men each, including non-com-
missioned officers, and to officer them agreeable to the resol ve
aforesaid, the whole to form into one Regiment, and to be
officered agreeable to said resolve, and to order them to
march to Rhode-Island for the purpose aforementioned, the
resolve aforesaid notwithstanding. This Regiment to con-
tinue in the service until they are recalled by the General
Court of this State, the major part of the Council, or the
House of Representatives.
Resolve on the Petition of RICHARD MAYBERRY ; passed
SEPTEMBER 13, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State
be directed to deliver to Captain Richard Mayberry, the
petitioner, seven effective Fire-Arms, for the purpose in his
Petition mentioned, he being accountable to this Court for
the same; and that he pay one dollar for the use of each of
said Fire-Anns, he being empowered to stop the same out
of the wages of those persons that may receive them.
Resolve for paying SOLOMON WOOD £2 8*.; passed SEP-
TEMBER 13, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Trea-
sury of this State, to Solomon Wood, the sum of £2 8*.,
in full for the loss of his Gun at Bunker-Hill.
Resolve to furnish the Agent for building the Continental
Ships with Guns for one of them; passed SEPTEMBER
13, 1776.
Resolved, That this State will furnish the Agent for
building the Continental Ships at Newburyport with a suf-
ficient number of Guns for one of them, and afford him
every other assistance in their power in fitting out and man-
ning said Ship, provided leave can be obtained from the
honourable Congress for said Vessel to cruise on this coast,
for the protection of the trade thereof; the Agent engaging
to reimburse all the expenses this State shall incur in the
fitting out and manning said Ship, and return said Guns
whenever said Ship shall be otherwise employed.
Resolve on the Petition of JAMES McCoBB ; passed SEP-
TEMBER 13, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
of this State, the sum of £19 4*., or $64, as expressed in
the Petition, to James McCobb, Esquire, Chairman of the
Committee of Safety in the County of Lincoln, or his order,
for the use of Messrs. Pages and Parham, who performed
the services set forth in the Petition, in pursuance of an
agreement with the above Committee, at the rate of thirty-
two dollars per month, as appears by their testimonies before
a Magistrate in said County ; which sum will be in full for
two months' wages on said tour to Canada.
Resolve on the Petition of the Selectmen of HARPS WELL;
passed SEPTEMBER 13, 1776.
Resolved, That the Treasurer and Receiver-General be
directed to pay out of the publick Treasury of this State,
the sum of £8 6s. 8d., to William Sylvester and Anthony
Combs, in full discharge of their account for furnishing
Blankets for seventeen soldiers inlisted in Captain James
Curtis's Company, within mentioned.
REPRESENTATION FROM COMMITTEE OF NEWBURYPORT.
To the honourable the Council of the State of the MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAY:
The Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and
Safety, for the town of Newburyport, would beg leave to
769
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
770
represent to your Honours that a Sub-Committee was ap-
pointed by them, to inspect all vessels arriving at or depart-
ing from this harbour, that the regulations of the honourable
Congress or of this State might not be violated ; that while
on their duty on board the sloop Two-Friends, (which was
some time past taken and brought into this place by Cap-
tains O'Brian and Lambert, and acquitted by a Court of
Admiralty held for this district,) William Hazen master,
bound for St. John's, they were informed of two men that
were bound for Nova-Scotia in said sloop, and of whom it
was suspected that, if not prevented, they would be of real
damage to this State to let pass. Upon further inquiry, we
were satisfied as to the unfitness of their going, and pre-
vented them. It appeared they were to be sent by Mr.
Epes Sargent, of Cape Ann, (the one being his son, and
the other a master of a vessel who had for some time past
been in his employ,) down to East Passage, where he had
a snow and he said a schooner or two lying, with consider-
able interest, we have reason to think has, for some
time past been employed in and under the protection of that
Government. By a letter from Mr. Epes Sargeant, which
was wrote directly upon his being frustrated in this plan, to
Captain Sayword, master of his snow there, and intercepted
just before the sloop sailed, fully convinces us of the above
suggestions.
We are induced to trouble your Honours with this infor-
mation, by a report that the said Mr. Sargeant did, on his
leaving this town, hire' a two-mast boat in Ipswich, and
applied to a friend in Salem, who procured a commission
for said boat; that she has actually sailed, it is supposed
directly for East Passage, and that his son is gone in her;
which your Honours will be pleased to act upon as shall in
your wisdom seem fit.
In behalf and per order of the Committee:
JONA. TITCOMB, Chairman pro tern.
Newburyport, 30 August, 1776.
In Council, September 14, 1775.
On the Representation from the Committee of Newbury-
port, relative to Epes Sargeant,
Read, and Ordered, That the said Epes Sargeant be noti-
fied to appear and make answer in Council, on Thursday,
the 26th day of September, instant, to such matters as are in
said Representation suggested to his prejudice; and that the
declared null and void; and that whenever it shall appear
that any Negroes are taken on the high seas and brought as
prisoners into this State, they shall not be allowed to be
sold, nor treated any otherwise than as prisoners are ordered
to be treated who are taken in like manner.
Resolve appointing Colonel SIMONS and others to execute in
the County of BERKSHIRE the Resolve for raising one-
fifth of the Militia; passed SEPTEMBER 14, 1776.
Whereas it has been represented to this Court that there
is now no Brigadier in the County of Berkshire, to put in
execution a late resolve of this Assembly for raising and
sending to New-York a fifth part of the Militia; and as
the first Colonel of the Militia there is now in the service
of the United States, and the other chief Colonel is sick,
and one Lieutenant-Colonel of the Militia there is also in
the said service : Therefore^
Resolved, That Colonel Simons, of Williamstown, Colonel
Root, of Sheffield, and Deacon Curtis, of Stockbridge, be,
and they hereby are empowered and directed to execute
the late resolve of this Court above referred to, within the
County of Berkshire, in the same manner and observing
the same directions that are given to the Brigadiers or com°
manding officers in the several Counties by said resolve.
Additional Resolves for procuring Clothing for the Army ;
passed SEPTEMBER 14, 1776.
Resolved, That the Committee appointed by this Court
the last Session to purchase Clothing for the Continental
Army agreeable to a recommendation of Congress, be di-
rected to purchase as many suits of Clothes and Blankets
as they may be able to procure before the first day of
December next, and that the said Committee be directed to
make returns to this Court of their doings as soon as possible.
And further Resolved, That the further sum of thirteen
thousand Pounds be granted to the same Committee for the
above purpose, each of them to be accountable to this Court
for that part of said sum they shall severally
Resolve for supplying the Ship BOSTON with Cannon ;
passed SEPTEMBER 14, 1776.
Whereas it_is necessary in order that the Ship Boston,
Secretary be directed to serve him, the said Epes Sargeant, Hector McNeil commander, may be fitted out with all pos-
* . t f * 1 r» . • l.l* yv t t * l_ I _ ..I*.* .1. I i 11
with a copy of said Representation and this Order thereon,
and also serve the Committee of the town of Newburyport
with a copy of the above Order, that they may appear if
they think proper. JOHN A VERY, Deputy Secretary.
Newburyport, August 16, 1776.
Captain JOSEPH SAYWORD:
SIR: I have only time to tell you that your family is
well, and that Heaven must direct you in your movements.
I can't get down. I beg you'd keep a good look out. I
can't say any more.
Your friend, EPES SARGEANT.
To Captain Joseph Sayword, of snow Charles, at East
Passage.
Resolve for supplying THOMAS CRANE, Esq., with a large
Copper; passed SEPTEMBER 14, 1776.
sible expedition, that she should be immediately supplied
with the Guns this Court has resolved, upon certain condi-
tions, to supply her with : Therefore,
Ordered, That the Committee for fortifying the Harbour
of Boston be, and hereby are directed to send forthwith, by
water, so many Cannon, nine-pounders, with carriages and
other apparatus, from those in and about the town of Bos-
ton, as shall be sufficient to arm said Ship, to the town of
Newbury-Port, to be there delivered to Captain Hector
McNeil for the purpose aforesaid ; and in case the whole
number of nine-pound Cannon above mentioned cannot be
obtained from those in and about Boston, then the said
Committee are empowered and directed to procure and send
to Newbury-Port, by water, so many as may be necessary to
make up the deficiency from the towns of Salem and Mar-
blehead, and give them others in lieu of the same from those
in and about the town of Boston.
Resolved, That the Committee appointed to take care And further Ordered, That the Agent for building the
of the Estates, in the town of Boston, of persons who have Continental ships at Newbury-Port, be furnished by the town
fled with our unnatural enemies, be, and they hereby are, °f Newbury-Port, for the purpose before mentioned, with the
five pieces of Cannon this State has lately purchased of said
town, and also with five other Cannon, nine-pounders,
which the town of Newbury-Port has agreed to lend to this
State, with their carriages, &c.; the Agent agreeing to rede-
liver all the Cannon, with their carriages and other appa-
ratus before mentioned, to the order of this State in case
leave cannot be obtained from the honourable Congress for
said vessel to cruise on this coast for the protection of the
directed to deliver to Thomas Crane, Esq., or his order, for
the use of the Powder-Mill at Stoughton, one large Copper
of said effects, which will contain thirty or forty gallons,
said Crane to be accountable to this Court for the same.
Resolve forbidding the sale of two Negroes brought in as
Prisoners; passed SEPTEMBER 14, 1776.
Whereas this Court is credibly informed that two Negro
men lately taken on the high seas, on board the sloop Han-
nibal, and brought into this State as prisoners, are advertised
to be sold at Salem the 17th instant, by publick auction:
Resolved, That all persons concerned with the said Ne-
groes be, and they are hereby forbidden to sell them, or in
any manner to treat them otherwise than is already ordered
for the treatment of prisoners taken in like manner; and
if any sale of the said Negroes shall be made it is hereby
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 49
trade o( this State. And it is strongly recommended to said
Agent to be as expeditious as possible in fixing out said
Ship.
PETITION OF ROBERT CAMPBELL. •
To the honourable Speaker and Gentlemen of the General
Court for the United State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
Permit your humble petitioner to lay before your House a
771
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
772
remonstrance setting forth a state of the circumstances that
has attended me since I came on shore at Cape Cod in
March last, and the treatment I have met with in not being
able till now even to get a line before you, where I only
could expect justice.
I laboured above four months endeavouring to get to Bos-
ton, which Colonel Cobb, one of the Cape members, is not
unacquainted with, and who knows I never acted as if I
intend to leave the place as an enemy, as it was every
day in my power before I came to this place ; but as a tes-
timony of what I always professed, I had not the least
intentions of being concerned in bringing destruction on my
native land. Notwithstanding every convincing proof of
my innocency, as soon as I arrived at Boston I was ordered
to gaol for want of bail, as I being a stranger, I could not
give, nor has any thing appeared since I have been here
against me. I beg the favour I may be admitted to come
into Court with a state of my grievances, not doubting from
the known wisdom of the House my liberty will be accel-
erated, and my private property and wearing apparel will
be returned me.
I beg to be excused in my manner of writing, as all the
table I have is the heels of iron boots to lay my paper on.
I am, with due respect, gentlemen, your most obedient,
humble servant, RQBERT CAMPBELL>
Boston Gaol, the 16th of September, 1776.
MEMORIAL OF RICHARD ADAMS.
To the honourable Council and to the honourable House of
Representatives, in General Court assembled at WATER-
TOWN, in the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, on the
16th day of SEPTEMBER, Anno Domini 1776.
The Memorial of RICHARD ADAMS, O/MADUNCOOK, in the
County of LINCOLN, humbly showeth:
That your memorialist would set forth to your Honours,
that, about the month of March last, there was, at the said
MaduncooJc, a meeting, and chose assessors and collector to
assess and gather the taxes for the present year. That in
May last they called another meeting, and chose another
set of assessors and collector for the same purpose. That
the last of said assessors assessed and made the rates, and
delivered to the collector, who has gathered near one-half
of said taxes, and remitted it to the Hon. Henry Gardner,
Esq., Treasurer for said State, as may appear by said Treas-
urer's books. That your memorialist would further acquaint
your Honours that the first-chosen collectors are applying
for a warrant to collect the same over again ; and those that
have paid have paid the whole that they were assessed to
pay to the last-mentioned collector. That your memorialist
would pray your Honours to take this into your wise con-
sideration, and order therein what your Honours in your
great wisdom shall see meet. And your petitioner, as in
duty bound, shall ever pray, fcc. RICHARD ADAMS.
PETITION OF JULIANA JAMES.
To the honourable the Council and honourable the House
of Representatives of the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-
BAY:
The Petition of JULIAN A JAMES, of BOSTON, Widow, hum-
bly shows :
That soon after the town of Boston was shut up, she,
with great difficulty, obtained passes for herself and child to
go out of town, but was prevented twice, and, finding she
could not get out, was obliged to submit to remain in town
until the British troops were about leaving the town, when
she was told that the town would certainly be set on fire,
which so terrified her, that she, with her child, took passage
on board a sloop, commanded by one Campbell, bound she
could not tell where, which same sloop afterwards went
into Cape Cod, where your petitioner, with the rest of the
passengers on board, was carried on shore at a place called
Provincetown. That your petitioner, with her child, has
remained there ever since, suffering much hardship and dis-
tress by reason that she could not be permitted to take
away with her the few articles of household stuff" she car-
ried with her, without which she cannot support herself and
child. Your petitioner, therefore, humbly prays your Hon-
ours would so far compassionate her case as to order that
her bedding and household furniture may be delivered her,
so that she may be enabled to get some support for herself
and child, as she has no other means than her own labour
to procure it. And, as in duty bound, she will pray, &tc.
JULIANA JAMES.
SUFFOLK, as.: BOSTON, September 14, 1776:
Juliana James personally appeared and made oath, that
the annexed schedule contains a just and true inventory of
the articles of household furniture now at Provincetown,
which she refers to in the foregoing petition, and claims as
her property. Cor. JOSEPH GARDNER, Just. Peace.
Account of the Household Furniture of JULIAN A JAMES.
Eight maple chairs, one old packing desk, one square
table, one round ditto, one small Dutch look glass, one
pair small hand-irons, shovel and tongs, one pair bellows,
one dozen pewter plates, five dishes, one dozen cream-
colour plates, one pair brass candlesticks, two iron pots,
three iron skillets, one gridiron, two beds and bedstead, one
fry pan, one crane, and sundry small articles, together with
wearing apparel.
BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Esq., chosen to command the Militia;
SEPTEMBER 16, 1776.
The House made choice, by ballot, of the Hon. Benja-
min Lincoln, Esq., to command the Militia ordered to be
raised by a resolve of Court, which passed the honourable
Board the 12th instant, to reinforce the Army at New-
York.
Concurred by Council, September 16, 1776.
Resolve to continue Military Commissions in force until the
19th of JANUARY, 1777 ; passed SEPTEMBER 16, 1776.
Whereas, in and by one act or law of this State, made in
the present year of the Christian era, for establishing the
style of Commissions, &.C., and by one other act in addition
thereto, it is ordered that all Military Commissions issued
by the major part of the Council of this State before the
first day of June, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-
six, and bearing the date of the year of the reign of the
King of Great Britain, and not afterwards made conform-
able, as to the style and date, in the manner required by
said acts, before the nineteenth day of September, one thou-
sand seven hundred and seventy-six, should on and after
said day become void, and of none effect: And as sundry
Military Officers of this State have neglected to get their
Commissions made to conform as aforesaid, and it being
necessary, for the defence of this and the other United
States, that the whole Militia be constantly prepared and
properly organized for duty, and especially necessary at
this time to expedite the marching that part of the Militia
now ordered for reinforcing the Army at New-York, and
defence of a neighbouring Government :
It is therefore Resolved, That all Military Commissions
now in force shall be and continue in full force and effect
on the same 19th day of September, and from thence to the
19th day of January next after, such Commissions not being
made to conform as aforesaid, notwithstanding.
Resolve for supplying the Town O/FALMOUTH with Powder
and Cannon Balls; passed SEPTEMBER 16, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary be, and he hereby is di-
rected to deliver to the Hon. Jedediah Preble, Esq., or
order, fifteen hundred weight of Gunpowder, and the follow-
ing Cannon Balls for the use of the town of Falmoulh, viz:
twenty 32-pounders, twenty 18 ditto, one hundred and
fifty-two 12 ditto, one hundred and forty-four 9 ditto, and
one hundred and two 6-pounders : said Preble to be
accountable to this Court for the same.
Resolve, for procuring JVhale-Boats, fyc., passed SEPTEM-
BER 16, 1776.
Resolved, That Joseph Nye, Esq., Shubael Cottk, Esq.,
and Colonel Nathaniel Leonard, be and hereby are ap-
pointed a Committee to purchase sixty Whale-Boats and
Oars, and to collect them at Falmouth or Buzzard's Bay,
and Dartmouth, as soon as may be; and the major part of
the honourable Council are desired to issue their orders to
773
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
774
Major-General Warren, commanding him to give orders to
the Brigadiers of the Counties of Plymouth and Barnstable,
to cause the men drafted from their Brigades in consequence
of the resolves of the General Assembly of this State of
the 12th and 13th instant, or as many of them as conveni-
ently can, with their baggage to proceed to Rhode-Island
in said boats with all the despatch possible, and them to
deliver to the Hon. Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Governour of said
State ; and the Treasurer is hereby directed to furnish the
said Committee with the sum of £360 for that purpose,
each of them to be accountable to this Court for such sums
as they shall respectively receive.
And it is also Resolved, That the Committee aforesaid,
be empowered to take such a number of the sea-coast men
stationed at the Vineyard and Elizabeth Islands, as they
shall judge necessary to assist in removing and collecting
said boats ; and the officers and men of said companies are
hereby directed to conform themselves to such orders as
they shall receive from said Committee, for the purpose
aforesaid.
Resolve appointing a Committee to sign and number Bills;
passed SEPTEMBER 16, 1776.
Ordered, That the Rev. John Murray, Thomas Cook,
Esq., Abraham Fuller, Esq., Jonas Dix, Esq., John Bliss,
Esq., Jonathan Brown, Esq., John Lewis, Esq., and Mr.
Henry Hill, be a Committee to sign and number the Bills
of the present emission of £50,004.
Resolve directing Committees to return Money to the Treas-
ury; passed SEPTEMBER 16, 1776.
Whereas several gentlemen who have been lately em-
ployed by the General Court on various services for this
State, more especially such as have been employed on the
Committees for inlisting men into the service of the United
States of America, having received divers sums of money
for which they are accountable to this State, now have con-
siderable sums of money resting in their hands, which are
not needed for the purposes for which they were received ;
and as the Committee of this Court lately appointed to take
the accounts of the persons accountable as aforesaid, will
not be able speedily to complete so lengthy a business:
It is therefore Resolved, That all such persons having
money so remaining in their hands, be directed to pay the
same to the Treasurer of this State forthwith ; and the said
Treasurer is hereby directed, on the receipt of such moneys,
to make to the person or persons paying the same, a dupli-
cate receipt thereof; and that the person or persons taking
such duplicate, be directed to lodge one part of such dupli-
cate in the office of the Secretary of this State, keeping the
other part for his own use.
Resolve for paying off Captain WIGGLESWORTH'S Portage
Bill; passed SEPTEMBER 16, 1776.
Resolved, That the Treasurer of this State be, and he is
hereby directed to pay out of the publick Treasury to Cap-
tain John Wigglesworth, or order, the sum of £74 4*., in
full discharge of the Portage-Bill of the Sloop Swift, in the
service of this State, and all charges attending the same.
Resolve on the Petition of PRESERVED CLAP ; passed SEP-
TEMBER 16, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treas-
ury of this State to Preserved Clap, £43 Is. I0d., in full
for his account. And whereas said Clap says that he has
invented a machine for boring Cannon, which may be im-
proved to the great advantage of this State,
Therefore, Resolved, That if said Clap will exhibit a
plan or model of said machine to Hugh Orr, Esq., and
others, a Committee for casting large Cannon, so as to satisfy
them of its superiour utility, upon their report thereof to this
Court, there shall then be granted to him such a sum for
his invention as may appear to be adequate to its superiour
usefulness.
mittee appointed to make inquiry with respect to casting of
Cannon be, and they hereby are directed immediately to
erect or purchase an Air Furnace in such place as they may
judge most fit and proper for the purpose of casting and
boring large cannon ; and that they provide all such work-
men, materials, and every thing necessary for the erecting
said furnace, and casting such cannon as aforesaid, and that
they carry the same into effect with all possible despatch.
And it is also Resolved, That Major Crane and Mr.
Root be added to said Committee.
PETITION OF COMMITTEE OF CAMBRIDGE.
To the honourable the Council and the honourable House of
Representatives of the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-
BAY:
The Petition of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec-
tion, and Safety, of the Town of CAMBRIDGE, humbly
showeth :
That whereas we, the said petitioners, have in our posses-
sion personal estate that is wasting, which belonged to certain
persons who were unfriendly and inimical to this State, and
have fled from Cambridge to the British fleet and army for
protection, we, your said petitioners, humbly pray that youi
Honours would appoint some person or persons to sell the
same. And whereas there is certain personal estate which
belonged to those said persons, which has been conveyed
into other towns without our knowledge, we therefore pray
that this honourable Court would pass such orders thereon
as they in their very great wisdom shall think fit. And
your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
By order of the Committee:
ANDREW BORDMAN, Clerk.
Cambridge, September 17, 1776.
Resolve relative to NATHANIEL BRINLEY ; passed SEPTEM-
BER 17, 1776.
Resolved, That Nathaniel Brinley be put under the care
of Francis Brinley, Esq., to be forthcoming at the order of
this Court, said Francis giving security therefor to the
Treasurer in the sum of six hundred Pounds.
Resolve for a Loan of £150 to the Town of GOULDSBOR-
OUGH; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
Resolved, That the town of Goldsborough be favoured
with the loan of one hundred and fifty Pounds out of the
Treasury of this State, for the term of two years, the Com-
mittee of said town giving security to the Treasurer for the
repayment of the same.
Resolve appointing Mr. DAVIS and Colonel GOODWIN to
sign Bilk; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
Ordered, That Mr. Davis and Colonel Goodwin be a
Committee to sign the Bills of Credit of the present emis-
sion, in the room of Major Fuller and Colonel Bliss, ex-
cused.
Resolve on the Petition of JONATHAN HALE, relative to
receiving Saltpetre; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
It appearing to this Court that the Powder-Mill erecting
in the town of Springfield and County of Hampshire is
now almost ready for service, but will be a useless machine
unless duly provided with materials for carrying on the
manufacture of Powder; and whereas the time is near ex-
pired for the bringing in the Saltpetre, in order to be entitled
to the premium : Therefore,
Resolved, That Captain James Sikes be, and hereby is
appointed to receive in the town of Springfield the Salt-
petre made in the Counties of Hampshire and Berkshire for
the use of this State, until the further order of this Court ;
and that the sum of fifteen hundred Pounds be paid to him
out of the publick Treasury to enable him to pay for the
Saltpetre so delivered to him, pursuant to a late resolve of
the General Court of this State, and that he be accountable
to this Court for the same.
Resolve for erecting or purchasing an Air Furnace for Resolve for the delivery of Household Goods to JULIANA
casting Cannon ; passed SEPTEMBER 16, 1776. JAMES; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
Resolved, That Hugh Orr, Esq., and others, a Com- On the Petition of Juliana James, of Boston, widow,
775
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
776
Resolved, That the prayer of said petitioner be granted, be entitled to receive for his support, a further sum of one
and the Selectmen of Province-Town are hereby directed to penny per mile, from the place he marches from to the place
of his destination. And the Selectmen of the several towns
are in like manner as in the former resolve to pay the same,
deliver the said Juliana James the several articles of House-
hold Furniture in the Jist, or such part of them as may be
in their custody, she paying all such charges as may have
arisen thereon.
and lay their accounts before this Court for allowance and
payment.
Resolve for paying Brigadier PHEBLE £8, for the use of
two INDIANS; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treas-
ury the sum of eight Pounds unto the Hon. Jedediah Pre-
ble, Esq., for the use of Joseph Dcnaquara and Peter Andre,
two of the St. John''s tribe of Indians, for their support from
Watcrtown to their home.
Resolve on the Petition of SHUBAEL COTTLE, Esq., re-
specting the capture of a Vessel; passed SEPTEMBER 17,
1776.
On the Petition of Shubael Cattle, Esq., in behalf of
Nathan Smith and others,
Resolved, That whereas it appears to this Court that
certain persons mentioned in said Petition were concerned
in taking and bringing into this State a certain Schooner
mentioned in said Petition; and it further appears that the
vessel or boats which attacked and took said Schooner were
procured by and at the risk of the captors. Therefore,
Resolved, That after the charges of trial and condemna-
tion arc deducted from the gross proceeds of said Vessel and
Cargo, and the share of the other captors have been as-
signed, the Colony shall receive one-third, and the sea-coast
men the other two-thirds of said Schooner, Cargo, and Ap-
purtenances.
Resolve for recalling the Militia ordered to NEW- YORK,
within the space of two months, fyc.; passed SEPTEMBER
17, 1776.
Whereas doubts may arise in the minds of some of the
good people of this State, who are willing to go out at this
important juncture against our unnatural enemies, agreeable
to the resolve of this Court passed the 12th instant, about
what time they shall be held in that service:
Therefore,, for removing any difficulties of that nature, it
is Resolved, That all those persons who shall march out on
this exigence, shall be recalled within the space of two
months from this date, at the farthest, and as much sooner
as the service may admit of.
And whereas some persons may, pursuant to the said re-
solve of the 12th instant, be drafted for the purpose therein
specified, whose business and other avocations may render
it inconvenient for them to attend that duty personally, and
may voluntarily choose rather to pay down their fines, and
some persons that have been already drafted may have paid
the fine, by reason of their not knowing what time they
should be held in the service:
It is further Resolved, That the commanding officer of
each company be, and hereby is empowered to receive the
fines of all such persons who will voluntarily pay the same,
and to dispose thereof in the best manner he can, for the
purpose of raising other men for that service ; and such per-
sons as have already paid their fines, by reason of their not
knowing how long they should be held in the service, shall
have the said fine paid back to them by the officer that re-
ceived it, in case they incline to receive it back and to pro-
ceed upon the service, or do procure some able-bodied,
effective person to proceed in their room.
And in order that there may be no deficiency in the num-
ber of men for the above service, it is further Resolved, That
the commanding officer of each respective company of the
Militia in any town ; or in case the Militia is not duly organ-
ized in any town, then the respective Committees of Safety
of such towns, and the Selectmen where there are no such
Committees, are hereby empowered and directed to muster
the Militia, when and so often as they may respectively find
it necessary, in order for the obtaining the quota designed:
and that all persons for non-attendance, or for not marching
when drafted, shall be subject to the like penalties as are
specified in the said resolve of the 12th instant, to be
applied as aforesaid. And that each man on his march, shall
Resolve for the delivery of Gunpoivdcr, fyc., to Mr. JERE-
MIAH COLBOKN ; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
On the petition of Mr. Jeremiah Colborn,
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is
hereby directed to deliver out of the store belonging to this
State unto the petitioner, sixty Flints and thirty pounds of
Gunpowder, and Lead answerable thereto, for the use of the
guard mentioned in the petition, and also Provisions enough
to supply the, said guard for the space of three months,
according to the established allowance in the army, he, the
said petitioner, Jeremiah Colborn, to he accountable ibr the
distribution and expenditure of the same.
RICHARD DERBY, Esq., directed to make application to the
Superiour Court, relative to the Ship QUEEN-OF-ENG-
LAND; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
Resolved, That Richard Derby, Jun., Esq., Agent for the
Middle District of this State, be, and hereby is directed forth-
with to make application to the Superiour Court of Judica-
ture, &c., for this State, that in the precept or order of sale
that they may issue from that Court for the sale of the Ship
Queen-of-England, her cargo and appurtenances, lately (as
is said) condemned there, by appeal from the Maritime
Court for the Middle District, distribution of two-thirds of
the neat proceeds of such part thereof as the regiments in
the service and pay of this Stnte have had adjudged to them
as original captors, may be directed to be paid to him for
the use of this State, pursuant to a resolve of both Houses
in April last, directing what proportion prizes taken by
officers and men in the service and pay of this State, sta-
tioned in any port or harbour on the sea-coast for the pro-
tection and defence thereof, shall be distributed.
Resolve for granting three of the Judges the sum of £80
each ; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the
publick Treasury of this State to the Honourable William
Gushing, Jedediah Foster, and James Sullivan, Esquires,
three of the Justices of the Superiour Court of Judicature,
&c., severally, the sum of eighty Pounds, in part for their
services the present year.
Resolve on the Petition of RICHARD ADAMS, of MADUN-
COOK; passed SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
Resolved, That the inhabitants of Maduncook, as soon as
may be, assemble a legal meeting, called by some neigh-
bouring Justice of the Peace, then and there to proceed to
choose Assessors and Collectors of the Tax for the year
1775 ; and the Assessors so chosen are hereby empowered
and directed to assess the taxes for said year, according to
law, and return the sum and the Assessors' names to the
Treasurer of this State, as early as possible ; and the said
Treasurer is hereby directed to delay issuing his warrant for
collecting any tax there for said year, until such return is
made to him ; and when he shall issue such warrant, he is
directed to issue it for seven pounds four shillings and five
pence less than the whole tax of said Maduncook for said
year ; and the Collector to whom said warrant shall be
directed, is ordered to accept from any inhabitants of said
place the receipts of the Collectors appointed in May last,
as payment for such sums of said tax as they have paid for
said year.
Resolve for paying DANIEL HENSHAW, Jun., £3; passed
SEPTEMBER ]8, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
of this State to Daniel Henshaw, Jun., three Pounds, in full
for histservices as Deputy-Commissary in the service of this
State.
777
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
778
Resolve for paying the Committee of NORTHFIELD £27,
for the use of Prisoners ; passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury
of this State to the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection
and Safety, of the town of Northfield, or to their order, the
sum of twenty-seven Pounds, for the use of the five prisoners
now in that town on their parole, being at the rate of twelve
shillings per week for each prisoner, from the eighth day of
July last, agreeable to a resolve of the Continental Con-
gress.
Resolve for confining JOHN GRAVES ; passed SEPTEMBER
18, 1776.
Resolved, That the Sheriff of the County of Berkshire
be, and he hereby is authorized and directed to receive from
the Committee for superintending Prisoners of War in the
State of Connecticut, the body of John Graves, of Pittsjield,
in the said County ; who (as is said) was sent to Hartford,
in the said State of Connecticut, by order of the said Com-
mittee of said Pittsfield, charged with aiding and assisting one
Captain McKay, a prisoner of war stationed in said Hartford,
upon his parole, in making his escape therefrom, in violation
of his parole ; and him the said John Graves, closely confine
and keep in the common gaol of the said County of Berk-
shire, that he may be dealt with touching the said charge,
as to law and justice appertained!.
Resolve excusing the Town of CHARLESTOWN from fur-
nishing Men; passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Resolved, That such of the inhabitants of the town of
Charlestown of the Training Band and Alarm-List, who
lived in that part of the town which has been destroyed by
the British Army, be excused from furnishing their quota of
Men lately ordered, by a resolve of this Court, to be raised
to reinforce the Army at New-York, any thing in the said
resolve to the contrary notwithstanding.
Resolve for supplying Brigadier PALMER to buy Cannon
at NEWBURY-PORT; passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Resolved, That a warrant be granted to Brigadier Pal-
mer, from the honourable Board, on the Treasurer of this
State, for such sum as he shall agree for the payment of
five pieces of Cannon, with Carriages, which, by a resolve
of the llth instant, he was to purchase of the town of
Newbury-Port ; and that he pay the same to the order of
the Selectmen of said town, in full for said Guns and Car-
riages.
Resolve empowering the Committee of DEERFIELD to make
sale of NATHANIEL DICKENSON'S personal Estate ; passed
SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Resolved, That the Committee of Inspection, &c., for
the town of Deerfield, be empowered and directed to
make sale, by publick auction, of all the personal Estate of
Nathaniel Dickenson above named, and make return of the
proceeds thereof to this Court.
Resolve for furnishing the Frigate HANCOCK with Guns,
&fc.; passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Resolved, That this State will furnish the Agent for
building the Continental Ships at Newbury-Port with a suf-
ficient number of Guns, provided they can be obtained by
purchase or otherways, for the Continental Frigate called
the Hancock, John Manley Commander, and which Ship is
built to carry thirty-two Guns; and will afford him every
other assistance possible for fitting out and mannin» said
Ship; and the Honourable Richard Derby, Esquire, is
appointed agent, in behalf of this Colony, for the purposes
aforesaid, provided leave can be obtained from the hon-
ourable Congress for said Vessel to cruise on this coast, for
the protection of the trade thereof; the said Continental
agent engaging to reimburse all the expenses this State
shall incur in fitting out and manning said Ship, and return
said Guns whenever said Ship shall be otherwise employed ;
it being of great importance that there should be a sufficient
number of armed vessels fixed for sea effectually to free this
coast from the enemy's armed vessels now infesting it.
Resolve to encourage the manufacture of Fire- Arms ; passed
SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Whereas, notwithstanding the encouragement hitherto
given by this State for the manufacturing of Fire-Arms, a
sufficient number has not yet been obtained : Therefore,
Resolved, That for every effective and substantial fire-
arm which shall be manufactured in this State, with a good
barrel of three feet and nine inches in length, that will carry
an ounce ball, with a good bridle-lock, a good bayonet, with
a blade not less than eighteen inches in length, with a
scabbard for the same, a steel ramrod with a spring to retain
the same, two loops for gun-slings, and the manufacturer's
name stamped or engraved on the lock, and which shall be
delivered at Boston or Watertown, to the Commissary-Gen-
eral, for the time being, on or before the first day of October,
in the year 1777, there shall be allowed and paid out of the
publick Treasury of this State, to the owner thereof, the
sum of four pounds; provided, always, that the owner of
each fire-arm which shall be received for this State, shall
produce a certificate that such fire-arm has been proved by
firing the same properly loaded with four inches and a half
of powder, at least, with a wad thereon, and a ball with a
wad upon it, in the presence of one or more Selectmen of
that town where such fire-arm was manufactured.
Resolve on the Petition of NATHANIEL GUILD; passed
SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
On the Petition of Nathaniel Guild,
Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be so far
granted, that the Committee of Correspondence of Walpole,
be directed to sell to Mr. Nathaniel Guild, as much Wood
of the estate belonging to Isaac Royal, Esq., Sir William
Pepperrel, and George Erving, lying within two miles of
Stoughton Furnace, as they shall think necessary, not
exceeding one hundred cord, provided the said Committee
of Correspondence see that it be cut where it will be the
least damage to the said lots, the said Guild paying the full
value for the Wood to the said Committee, the Committee
being accountable to this Court for the sum or sums so
received.
And it is further Resolved, That sixteen such men as
Mr. Guild most wants to carry on his furnace business, if
being of so great importance for the defence of this and the
United States of America, be excused from service in the
present alarm, if drafted agreeable to the resolve of this
Court, to assist said Guild in his furnace works.
Resolve respecting Vouchers to the Accounts against the
Continent ; passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Resolved, That there appears a deficiency of Vouchers
for the sum of £1,451 10*., and that the Vouchers pro-
duced be sent forward to Congress, together with the State
accounts against the Continent since the last adjustment,
deducting the aforesaid sum of £1,451 10s., from the said
demand.
It is further Resolved, That the persons hereafter
named, who stand chargeable with the sums affixed to their
respective names, viz:
Asa Whitcomb, with the sum of - - -£l,151 3
William Hunt, -------- 228 7
Aaron Blaney, ----.-.. 60 0
Jonas Heywood, -------- 12 0
Amounting to £1,451 10
pay the same to the Hon. Henry Gardner, Esq., Treasurer
of this State, immediately, and the Treasurer is hereby
empowered to demand and receive the same accordingly.
And it is a/so Resolved, That the said William Hunt
do, as soon as may be, deliver the following articles which
he has in his possession, belonging to this State, viz : one
cask of Sweet Oil, 1 ditto of Meat's Foot ditto, 2 ditto of
Wine, 1 ditto Raisins, 89 Ibs. of Coffee, 14 barrels of Vin-
egar, 1 ditto Oatmeal, 9J yards of Swanskin, and 36 Hay-
Rakes, to the Commissary-General of this State ; who is
hereby directed to receive the same accordingly.
Resolve relative to the Hospital at SEWALL'S POINT ;
passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
On the Petition of Edward Marrett, one of the Com-
mittee of the town of Cambridge,
779
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, tic., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
780
Resolved, That the prayer of this Petition be so far
granted as that the Barracks standing within the Fort at
SewalFs Point, be not used for a Hospital, and that they
be kept clear of infection, any thing in the order or license
of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the
County of Suffolk to the contrary notwithstanding.
Resolve for staying Executions on attachments of Tories'
Estates ; passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Whereas divers attachments are made on the Estates of
those persons who have fled from this State, and whose
Estates have been taken into possession by the several Com-
mittees according to the order of Court; and it being
necessary that the circumstances attending said Estates
should be inquired into, that justice may be equally distrib-
uted : Therefore,
Resolved, That executions by stayed on all such attach-
ments, and that no other attachments be made until the
further order of this Court.
Resolve for vesting the Council with certain powers during
the recess of the Court ; passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Whereas it is necessary that in the recess of the Gen-
eral Court, certain powers should be vested in the Council,
or a quorum of them, for the publick good : Therefore,
Resolved, That the honourable Council, or a quorum of
them, at least, be a Committee of Safety, whose business it
shall be, during the recess of the General Court, to direct
the Commissary-General of this State respecting the taking
in and delivering out the warlike stores and provisions
belonging thereto, as they shall judge necessary for the
safety and defence of the State. And that the said Council,
or a quorum of them, have power to appoint agents, and in
all respects provide for and give such instructions to the
commanders of the armed vessels, that are or may be fitted
out on the account of this State, as shall be necessary for
the defence and interest of the same, or of the United States
of America : Provided, always, That instructions be not
contrary to any law or resolve of the General Court of this
State, or resolve of the American Congress. And that the
Council, or a quorum of them, have power to direct the
Commissary-General of this State to procure such warlike
stores and provisions as they shall judge necessary, and that
the said Council, or a major part of them, be empowered to
grant their warrants on the Treasurer of this State, in favour
of the said Commissary, for such sums of money as shall be
necessary for the purposes aforesaid, the said Commissary
to be accountable for the same.
And that all the forces in the service and pay of this
State, within the same, be under the direction of the Council,
or a quorum of them, who may, if occasion should require,
put them under the command of such officer as they shall
judge proper, whose commission or authority shall continue
until the further order of this Court. The foregoing powers
to continue until the next meeting of the General Assembly
and no longer.
And it is further Resolved, That the Council, or a major
part of them, during the next recess of the General Court,
be empowered and authorized to treat with any Indians that
may arrive in this State, and make such provision for them
as they shall judge proper.
Resolve permitting JOLLEY ALLEN to sell part of his effects ;
passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Resolved, That Jollcy Allen be permitted to collect and
make sale of so much of his effects at Cape Cod, as shall
be sufficient to discharge the debts incurred by him and his
family at Provincetown since March last, and after settling
and paying said debts, that the Selectmen of Provincetown
deliver the remainder of his effects into the hands of Mr.
Wendell and Mr. Pitts, at Boston, who shall be accountable
to this Court for what may be so delivered to them.
Resolve for discharging the two Vessels of Observation ;
passed SEPTEMBER 18, 1776.
Resolved, That two small vessels employed for the pur-
pose of obtaining intelligence respecting the movements of
the British Fleet and Army, with their crews be, and they
hereby are discharged from the service of this State. And
that the Hon. James Warren, Esq., be, and he hereby is
empowered and directed to dispose of one of the above
mentioned vessels which was fixed out at Plymouth, with
her appurtenances to the best advantage of this State, and
pay the proceeds arising from said sale into the Treasury of
this State, taking duplicate receipts, the one of which receipts
to be lodged in the Secretary's office ; the said Hon. James
Warren, Esq., to be accountable to this Court.
And it is further Resolved, That Captain Josiah Batch-
eldor be, and he hereby is directed to dispose of any
articles that are the property of this State, that may be
found on board, or belonging to one of the above mentioned
vessels fixed out from Beverly, discharge, and pay the said
vessels and crew, and lay his account before this Court.
Orders to provide Supplies for Armed Vessels.
In Council, September 19, 1776.
Ordered, That Benjamin Austin, Esq., be, and hereby
is appointed and empowered to provide the vessels of war
commanded by Captain Williams and Captain Clouston,
with such stores, cannon, and other articles, as may be
necessary to equip them for the sea ; and the Commissary-
General is hereby directed to supply the said vessels, out of
the publick store, with such things as by said Austin shall
be required of him and William Watson, Esq., of Plimouth,
who has been appointed Agent to take care of the stores
belonging to the Rising- Empire, Captain Walden, late
Master, is hereby directed to furnish the said vessels with
such articles out of the stores of Brig Rising-Empire as
he may be directed to supply by the said Austin.
And it is further Ordered, That Benjamin Austin be
and is empowered to order either of the above-named ves-
sels to sail to Plymouth, and take on board and transport
such stores and other necessary articles there, to the Har-
bour of Boston.
PETITION OF ANDREW GIDDINGS.
Brig Civil Usage, burthened ninety tons, twelve carriage-
guns, viz: four of six pounds, six of four pounds, and two
of two pounds ; owned by Jonathan Jackson, Nathaniel
Tracey, John Tracey, Thomas Thomas, and John Coffin
Jones, all of Newburyport ; the officers, Andrew Gidding
Captain, Joseph Stanwood Lieutenant, Moddie Engs Mas-
ter, Timothy Weir Captain of Marines; eighty men; six
hundred pounds powder, three hundred shot, forty barrels of
beef and pork, five ton of bread.
To the honourable the Council of the State of MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAY:
Your humble petitioner prays your Honours would be
pleased to grant a commission or letter-of-marque and re-
prisal, to set forth the above-mentioned vessel to sea as a
private ship of war, he conforming to the appointed rules.
And, as in duty bound, he shall ever pray.
ANDREW GIDDINGE.
Watertown, September 19, 1776.
In Council, September 19, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out
to the said Andrew Giddings, as Commander of the above
Brig, he complying with the resolves of Congress.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
ORDERS TO ALEXANDER SHEPARD.
In Council, September 19, 1776.
Ordered, That Mr. Alexander Shepard, who is entrusted
with the care of conveying some military stores from this
State to Fairfold, for the use of the Militia now marching
from hence to New- York, be directed to engage a suitable
Guard for the same, at the charge of this State, until he
arrives in the County of Worcester, and then to apply to
some Field Officer in that Brigade to order a Sergeant,
with a sufficient number of men, destined for New-York, to
attend him in guarding said stores to Fairfield; and such
Field Officer as he may so apply to is hereby enjoined to
furnish such Guard accordingly.
PETITION OF OFFICERS OF THE SCHOONER DILIGENT.
To the honourable Council of the State of the MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY:
The Petition of the following persons humbly showeth:
That we, your petitioners, have served this Colony in
781
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
782
different departments on board the schooner Diligent, John
Lambert Commander, since the 16th March last, which,
we are sorry to say, to little advantage to the publick or
ourselves. We therefore beg that your Honours would take
it into your wise consideration, and honourably acquit us,
discounting for the time served, or place us in some way
wherein we may serve the general cause of America and
ourselves, as we cannot be so happy in any other way as
in the defence of the country. But in the channel we are
in we cannot make ourselves easy, unless we are lost to a
sense of all honour and justice, as all the privates have left
the vessel; but as to your petitioners, we are not willing to
leave the service, unless it meets with the sanction of your
Honours' approbation. We therefore beg leave to inquire
the reason of the detainment of our wages. Is the cap-
tures we brought in unlawfully taken, or is it for embezzle-
ments? Or are we accountable for the Captain's conduct,
when our commissions from your Honours oblige us to obey
his commands? If we are impeached with any thing, being
conscious of our innocence, we beg to be brought to an
immediate trial, by which means we doubt not of being
able to acquit ourselves with honour and to your satisfac-
tion, as we esteem our honour dearer than our interest or
even our lives. We therefore heave ourselves at the feet
of your Honours, hoping you'll consider our distressed sit-
uation in so expensive a place as this, having already
expended a great part of our wages in the pursuit of them.
We therefore pray we may no longer be kept in suspense,
but have an immediate answer, that we may not lose our
honour and time; in complying with which we shall esteem
ourselves under the greatest obligations. And, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray.
JOHN O'BRIEN, First Lieutenant.
WALTER PERKINS, Second Lieutenant.
JOSHUA WING, Master.
PETER CLARK, Commander Marines.
In Council, September 20, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That Walter Spooner and Samuel
Holton, Esquires, be a Committee to take the within Peti-
tion under consideration and report.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF JOHN FHAZIER.
To the honourable Council assembled at WATERTOWN, in
the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, the 20th day of
SEPTEMBER, Anno Domini 1776:
The Petition of JOHN FRAZIER, late Commander of the
prize ship SUSANNA, humbly showeth:
That your petitioner, with the above-said ship, was taken
and carried into Piscataqua; that your petitioner has lib-
erty from his Excellency General Washington to depart
from America, on his having given his parole of honour not
to act directly nor indirectly inimical to America during the
present dispute with Great Britain; that your petitioner
has also liberty from the honourable Council and House of
Representatives in the State of New- Hampshire, to depart
from this Continent; that your petitioner prays your Hon-
ours he may have liberty to go as a passenger in the ship
at Boston belonging to Mr. Ross. And your petitioner, as
in duty bound, shall ever pray, &.c. JOHN FHAZER.
In Council, September 20, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the petition be
granted, and the said John Frazier be permitted to depart
from this State to any part of Great Britain, in such ves-
sel as Messrs. Ross and Morgan, who lately had liberty
granted them by this Board to depart, have purchased for
this purpose. JNO. AVEKY, Deputy Secretary.
ORDERS TO COLONEL MITCHELL.
Council Chamber in Watertow», September 20, 1776.
To Colonel JONATHAN MITCHELL:
You being appointed by the General Assembly of this
State to the command of the five companies of sea-coast
men stationed in and about Falmouth, are hereby directed
to keep them in good order and discipline, and continue to
carry on the works there in such manner as will be most
for the security of the town, and let regimental musters for
the present cease.
PETITION OF LYONEL BRADSTREET.
To the honourable Council assembled at WATERTOWN, in
the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, the 20th day of
SEPTEMBER, Anno Domini 1776.
The Petition of LYONEL BRADSTREET, late Commander of
the Ship NOLLY FRIGATE, taken by the HANCOCK and
FRANKLIN Privateers, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner would set forth to your Honours
that the above-said ship, with her cargo, was condemned
the 12th day of August last. That your petitioner has
leave from the honourable Congress in the State of N'amp-
shire to proceed to any port of Great Britain or elsewhere,
upon condition that your petitioner don't act directly or
indirectly inimical to America during the present dispute
with Great Britain. That your petitioner prays your
Honours he may have liberty to go as a passenger in the
ship at Boston belonging to Mr. Ross. And your petitioner,
as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &tc.
LYONEL BRADSTREET.
In Council, September 20, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted, and the said Lyonel Bradstreet be permitted to
depart from this State to any part of Great Britain in such
vessel as Messrs. Ross and Morgan, who lately had liberty
granted by this Board to depart, have purchased for this
purpose. JOHN AVEKY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF GEORGE ASHBURN.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the General Court of said State:
The Petition ofGso. ASHBURN shows:
That your petitioner being master of the ship Isaac, was
on a voyage in said ship from the Island of Tortola, bound
to Liverpool, in England, to visit his family and attend to
his private concerns. That in proceeding said voyage, he
was taken and brought into this State. This unexpected
event has thrown your petitioner into the most distressed
and pitiable circumstance. As his wife was born in Amer-
ica, he is in fear she'll find but few friends in his absence ;
that she and children must suffer without his support. Your
petitioner begs leave to declare that he has never taken an
active part in the unhappy controversy between Great
Britain and America, and from his age, standing in life, it
necessarily follows that he never will. He therefore humbly
prays your Honours to take his unhappy case into your con-
sideration, and grant him liberty to take passage for some part
of England in the ship owned by Mr. William
Ross, and by your Honours' permission bound to some part
of England, or grant him such other relief as your Honours'
well-known wisdom and humanity may point out. And
your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
GEO. ASHBURN.
In Council, September 20, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be
granted, and the said George Ashburn,be permitted to depart
from this State to any part of Great Britain, in such vessel
as Messrs. -Ross and Morgan, who lately had liberty granted
them by this Board to depart, have purchased for this
purpose. J. AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
INSTRUCTIONS TO CAPTAIN JOHN CLOUSTON.
By the major part of the Council:
Captain JOHN CLOUSTON:
The sloop Freedom, under your command, being in all
respects equipped in warlike manner, and being also well
and properly manned, so as to enable you to proceed on a
cruise, you therefore are directed to range the eastern-shore
of this State, laying between the River Piscataqua and
Machias, in order to clear that coast of any of the enemy's
cruisers that may be infesting the same, and from thence
proceed to the mouth of the River St. Lawrence, and there
cruise until the 1st of November, in order to intercept 'any
of the enemy's vessels that may be passing that way, and
from thence you must proceed to the coast of Newfound-
land, and there cruise until the middle of November aforesaid,
in order to surprise and seize such vessels of the enemy as
you meet with upon that coast, or in any of the harbours of
the same, alter which you may proceed upon a cruise as far
to the southward as latitude 38° north, and continue upon
783
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
784
said cruise so long as you find it practicable or expedient ;
and then you are to return to the harbour of Boston, always
using every necessary precaution to prevent the sloop under
your command from falling into the hands of the enemy.
You are to observe and follow such orders and directions
as you shall from time to time receive from Captain Daniel
Souther, provided they are consistent with the instructions
now given you.
And whereas you have received a commission by force
of arms to attack, seize, and take on the high seas, all
ships and other vessels belonging to the inhabitants of Great
Britain, or others, infesting the sea-coast of this Continent,
you are therefore punctually to follow the instructions
already delivered you for regulating your conduct in this
matter, and in all things conduct yourself consistent with
the trust reposed in you.
In Council, September 20, 1776. — In the name and by
order of Council. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF THOMAS BUCKMORE.
To the Honourable Council, sitting at WATEHTOWN, in the
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1776.
The Petition of THOMAS BUCKMOHE, of CONCORD, Ar-
mourer, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner has been employed in making of
fire-arms for this State for upwards of eighteen months
past. That your petitioner has supplied the said State with
new arms, and repairing upwards of three hundred to satis-
faction of his employer, and employed workmen for the said
service with great difficulty. That your petitioner has now
upon hand about one hundred arms, belonging to the State,
and some partly finished, and would be glad to know what
to do with them. That your petitioner is drawn out, with
three of his workmen, by the officer of the town, to pro-
ceed to New-York as soldiers. That your petitioner is not
against proceeding, if his accounts can be made up with the
Commissary, and discharge them, if your Honours think he
can be spared from his business, which instance he never
knew in London upon any such emergency. That if your
petitioner is ordered to proceed, he prays your Honours he
may go in the station of an armourer. And your petitioner,
as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
THOMAS BUCKMORE.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, Council Chamber,
September 20, 1776.
Whereas it has been represented to this Board by
Thomas Buck-more, of Concord, that he has been employed
in making Fire-arms for this State for upwards of eighteen
months past, and has now upon hand a large number of
Arms belonging to the State, and some partly finished, and
that he, the said Thomas Buckmore, is drawn out, with
three of his workmen, by the officer of the town, to proceed
to New-York as soldiers: the Board, considering how
necessary it is that this State should be fully supplied with
Fire-arms, and that the Armourers actually employed in
making such Arms are doing more essential service to the
State, while thus employed, than they could do as soldiers,
are of opinion, that the said Thomas Buckmore and his
workmen ought not to have been counted or drafted to
serve as soldiers in the present reinforcement to be sent to
the Army at New-York:
Therefore, Ordered, That Captain George Minot, of Con-
cord, be, and he hereby is required and directed to dis-
charge the said Thomas Buckmore and Silas Wood from
the service for which they were drafted, and immediately to
proceed to draft two other persons in their room, not en-
gaged in the necessary business of this State.
PETITION OF WILLIAM JENKINS.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council and the honourable the
House of Representatives of said State, in General
Court assembled, at WATERTOWN, this 12th day of Sep-
tember, 1776, humbly showeth:
WILLIAM JENKINS, of the City oj BRISTOL, in the King-
dom of GREAT BRITAIN, Mariner;
That your petitioner, being master of the brigantine
called the Perkins, was, by the chance of war, taken by
the Captains Tucker and Skimmer, in the Continental
armed schooners, called the Hancock and Franklin, and
brought into the port of Boston, where he now is.
Your petitioner would represent to the honourable Court
that, at tlie time of his being taken, he was on a merchant
voyage, bound from St. Augustine to Bristol, in Great
Britain; that he had on board his said brigantine no sup-
plies of any kind, either for the fleet or the army now
employed against these States, neither had he arms or
ammunition.
Your petitioner would further represent to the honourable
Court, that he left in Bristol a wife and four small children,
who are entirely dependent on him for their support and
maintenance, and he is really apprehensive that, even be-
fore this time, they may be suffering all the anxiety and
distress annexed to a want of the necessaries and comforts
of life, unless fortunate enough to find friends to relieve
them in their troubles. However tedious and irksome his
continuance here might otherwise be, this cannot but neces-
sarily render it more so. He therefore prays the honour-
able Court that, from a consideration of the premises, they
would grant him permission to take passage for Great
Britain, or any other part of Europe, the first opportunity
that offers : he also prays liberty to take with him his ser-
vant boy.
He humbly presumes there will be no objection to the
prayer of his petition, as he is not held as a prisoner of war,
and no information that he can give can be of any possi-
ble service or disservice to either party in this war, unless
indeed the humanity with which he has been treated may
be an inducement to the like treatment of others in similar
circnmstances on the other side. And, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray. WILLIAM JENKINS.
In Council, September 20, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted, and said Petitioner be permitted to depart, with
his servant boy, to any part of Great Britain, agreeable to
his request. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
To the honourabk the Council of the MASSACHUSETTS
State:
GENTLEMEN: The bearer, Captain Jenkins, who waits
on the honorable Board with a petition, appears to be a
person deserving the commiseration of the Board. I have
reason to believe nothing but his attachment to his family,
and the reasons set forth in his petition, induces him to leave
America. I pray the honourable Board to gratify the peti-
tioner, and they will lay a lasting obligation on their most
obedient, most obliged, and very humble servant,
C. J. BRADFORD.
September 14, 1776.
PETITION OF ROBERT BROWN AND JOHN MOON.
To the honourable the Council of the State of the MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAY.
The Petition of Robert Brown and John Moon humbly
showeth :
That one of your petitioners, viz : Robert Brown, was
lately chief mate on board the ship Rachel, Moses Henry,
master, bound from Grenada, in the West Indies, to Lon-
don. That your Honours' other petitioner, viz: John
Moon, was steward on board said ship. That, on the 26th
day of August last, the said ship Rachel was taken by the
armed sloop called the Tyrannicide, commanded by Cap-
tain John Fisk, and your petitioners taken out of said ship,
and put on board said sloop, and brought into Salem, in this
State ; but, before the said sloop Tyrannicide was out of
sight of the said ship Rachel, the said ship was retaken by
a British man-of-war. That when your petitioners were
put on board the said sloop Tyrannicide, they left all their
interest, together with their wearing apparel, on board their
own ship. That your petitioners are, by these means,
deprived of the necessary means of subsistence; and, from
the peculiar circumstances necessarily attending their situa^
tion, they are rendered totally incapable of procuring a
maintenance.
Your petitioners' most humble prayer,. therefore, is, that
your Honours would be pleased to grant them permission to
take passage for London in a ship bound there, and lately
purchased by Mr. Ross and others. And your petitioners,
as in duty bound, shall ever pray. ROBERT BROWN.
Salem, September 22, 1776. J°HN MoON.
7»5
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
786
In Cou icil, September 24, 776.
Liberty is hereby granted to Robert Brown and John
Moon to depart this State in the Ship Creighton, Benjamin
Moore, Master, lately purchased by Mr. Ross for the pur-
pose of transporting himself and others to Great Britain.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
MEMORIAL OF COMMITTEE OF SUNBURY, NOVA-SCOTIA.
To the honourable the General Assembly of the State of the
MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in NEW-ENGLAND:
The Memorial of the Committee of Safety for the County
of SUNBURY, in NOVA-SCOTIA, humbly showeth :
That whereas your memorialist did in the month of May
last prefer a petition to the said General Assembly, setting
forth that the inhabitants on the River St. John's were de-
sirous of committing themselves to the government and
protection of the Province (or State) of the Massachusetts-
Bay, and other matters as set forth in said petition.
Having received no direct answer to these particulars, we
have since endeavoured to regulate our conduct agreeable to
the rules made by the United States, as far as we have been
able to get information, but our remote situation renders it
difficult on these accounts.
It is the humble request of the aforesaid Committee, that
if the inhabitants on the River St. John's are esteemed as a
part of the free States of America, your Honours would be
pleased to signify it to them, and give directions for their
Future conduct, who are ready at all times to pursue every
measure in their power that you shall prescribe. And
your memorialists, as in duty bound, shall ever pray for the
service to the people not to do it. He was then asked to
give something from under his hand, he would not inform
or appear at Government against the inhabitants for their
entering into an alliance with the people of New- England;
this he refused. Being told by some of the Committee that
they could not esteem such a man their friend, nor a friend
to the cause in general, nor could they, consistent with their
own resolves, hold any commerce with him, he said if he
did do such a thing, he must represent that he was com-
pelled to do it, which he thought would be rather against
the people. Thus matters remain to this day.
September 24, 1776.
PETITION OF WILLIAM PASCALL.
The honourable the Council of the State of the MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAT :
May it please your Honours :
The humble Petition of WILLIAM PASCALL, steerage pas-
senger on board the ship. ANNA MARIA, WILLIAM PHIN-
GLE Commander, from BARBADOES, bound for LONDON,
and taken by the privateer sloop REVENGE, of SALEM,
JOSEPH WHITE Commander, showeth :
That whereas I hear of a ship in Boston harbour, pur-
chased by Messrs. Ross and Morgan, of said Boston, with
intent of carrying passengers to London, I humbly crave
the favour your Honours will of your goodness grant me
the liberty to return in said ship to London, my native
place, as I have a tender mother, a widow, and two chil-
dren younger than myself, whose whole dependence (under
God) is on my labour and industry for their support. I
peace and prosperity of the American States, and for the complain not, may it please your Honours, of any ill treat-
preservation of your Honours' lives and administration
Signed by order and in behalf of the Committee :
JACOB BARKER, Chairman.
Mauyervill, September 24, 1776.
Attest : ISRAEL PERLEY, Clerk.
For particular information of the circumstances of the in-
habitants on the river St. John's, with regard to commerce,
&c., Sic., the General Assembly are desired to inquire of
the bearer, Francis Shaw, Jun., Esq.
To JAMES SIMONDS, JAMES WHITE, and JAMES SAY, Esqrs.
GENTLEMEN: The disputes between Great Britain and
America are so generally known and so fully understood by
you, that to say any thing upon that subject would be need-
less. Likewise the proceedings of the inhabitants of this
river in that regard you have been made acquainted with.
These measures you have not thought proper to fall in with,
neither have you declared against them. This conduct of ]\fay it please your Honours:
ment since my being made a captive, but on the contrary
declare, and will at all times declare, my being exceedingly
well used. But my money being on the decline, and a
long, and in all probability tedious winter approaching, is
the sole cause of this my earnest prayer. I beg, therefore,
your consideration of my case, and that this my request and
prayer may be granted. And your petitioner, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray. WILLIAM PASCALL.
Salem, 18th September, 1776.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Liberty is hereby granted to the within-named William
Pascall to depart this State in the Ship Creighton, Benja-
min Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr. Ross, for the
purpose of transporting himself and others to Great Britain.
JNO. AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF ADAM HIGH.
yours gives uneasiness to many of the inhabitants, who think
you stand ready to be reconciled to the strongest party, and
if unhappily for the Americans, wherewith should it be but
with the heads of these men ? We, therefore, in the name
and in behalf of our constituents request of you an explicit
declaration of your sentiments on this subject, and what
part you are determined to take in the present controversy.
You will perhaps say you are determined to stand neuter,
but this will not be a satisfactory answer. We conclude
you have determined in your own mind which of the con-
The humble Petition of ADAM HIGH, Second Mate, and
THOMAS LIMMMON, Boatswain, on board the ship ANNA
MARIA, WILLIAM PRINGLE Commander, from BARBA-
DOES, bound for LONDON, and taken by the privateer
sloop REVENGE, of SALEM, JOSEPH WHITE Commander,
showeth :
That whereas we hear of a ship now in Boston harbour,
purchased by Messrs. Ross and Morgan, of said Boston,
with intent of carrying passengers to London, we humbly
crave the favour your Honours will of your goodness grant
tending parties you choose should get the victory, in case us the liberty to return in said ship to our native homes, as
the sword determine it ; and he must be a slothful man who
chooses or desires a thing may come to pass, and yet shall
use no measures direct or indirect to accomplish his desire.
We don't mean to prescribe rules binding on the consciences
of men, nor yet to urge any person into measures contrary
to his inclination : all we request of you is a plain declara-
tion of your sentiments and determinations, and that imme-
diately.
By order of the Committee of Safety :
JACOB BARKER, Chairman.
Mauyervill, June the 20, 1776.
Copy of the original : ISRAEL PERLEY, Clerk.
IVo answer hath been given to the foregoing letter. In
July following Mr. Simonds was up river, and being
questioned concerning those matters, he said he had wrote
an answer, but upon consideration thought best not to send
it. He was then requested by some that if he was a friend
to the cause, that he would leave something privately with
the Committee, expressing his sentiments ; this he declined,
any further than words, alleging that he could be of more
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 50
we have each of us in London a wife and several children,
whose whole dependence, under the Almighty, is on our
labour for their support. We complain not, may it please
your Honours, of any ill-treatment since our being made
captives, but on the contrary declare, and will at all times
declare, our being exceedingly well used. But our money
being on the decline, and a long and in all probability
tedious winter approaching, is the sole cause of this our
earnest prayer. We beg, therefore, your consideration of
our case, and that this our request and prayer may be
granted. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever
pray. ADAM HIGH,
THOMAS LEMMON.
Salem, 18th September, 1776.
To the honourable the Council of the State of the Massa-
chusetts-Bay.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Liberty is hereby granted to the within-named Adam.
High and Thomas Lemmon to depart this State in the Ship
Creighton, Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by.
787
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
788
Mr. Ross, for the purpose of transporting himself and others
to Great Britain. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OP OWNERS OF SLOOP PHOENIX.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council now sitting in WATERTOWN:
The Petition of JOHN ROWE, in be/uilfof himself of BOS-
TON, arid CARLTON B , of VIRGINIA, humbly
showeth :
That your petitioners, owners of the sloop Phoenix, bur-
thened ninety tons, armed will) ten three and four- pounders,
eight swivels and cohorns, one thousand weight of powder
with shot in proportion, navigated by sixty men, and two
months' provisions on board ; said sloop is destined to cruise
against the enemies of the United States of America. The
officers on board are as follows, viz: Joseph Cunningham,
Captain; William Covering, 1st Lieutenant; Daniel Mal-
com, 2d ditto; Henry Jackson, Master.
Your petitioners would therefore humbly request your
Honours to commission the said sloop and commander for
the purpose before mentioned. And your petitioners, as in
duty bound, shall ever pray. JOHN ROWE.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted, and that a Commission be issued out to the above
named Joseph Cunningham, as commander of said sloop, he
complying with the resolves of Congress.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF OWNERS OF SLOOP LIBERTY.
To the honourable Council of the State O/MASSACHUSETTS-
BAY:
The Petition o/ SAMUEL WEBB, SAMUEL FLAGG, and HEN-
RY WILLIAMS, of SALEM, humbly showeth:
That your petitioners are fixing out at Salem, the schoon-
er Liberty as a privateer, to cruise upon the enemies of the
United States of America; which schooner is about twenty
tons burthen, mounts six guns, navigated by twenty-five
men ; has on board fifty pound of powder, eight barrels of
beef and pork, two thousand weight of bread, and will be
commanded, if your Honours please, by Ebenezer Peirce.
Your petitioners therefore pray that your Honours would be
pleased to grant a commission to the said Ebenezer Peirce
to command the said schooner for the above purpose. And
your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, fee.
SAMUEL WEBB, SAMUEL FLAGG,
HENRY WILLIAMS.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be
granted, and that a Commission be issued out to the said
Ebenezer Peirce, as commander of the Schooner Liberty,
he complying with the resolves of Congress.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF PETER GOULAT.
May it phase your Honours :
The humble Petition of PETER GOURLEY, Carpenter on
board the Ship MARIA, WILLIAM PRINGLE Commander,
from BARBADOES, bound for LONDON, and taken by the
Privateer Sloop REVENGE, of SALEM, JOSEPH WHITE
Commander, humbly showeth:
That whereas I am informed of a ship now in Boston
harbour, purchased by Messrs. Ross and Morgan, of said
Boston, with purpose of carrying passengers to London, I
humbly crave the favour, your Honours will of your good-
ness grant me the liberty to return in said ship to my native
home, and to my family, whose whole dependence (under
God) is on my labour for their support. I freely, and with
gratitude, acknowledge to have been treated with the greatest
civility and kindness, since my being made a captive ; but my
money now grows very low, that 1 cannot possibly support
myself the approaching winter. I therefore humbly entreat
your Honours' consideration of my case, and that this rny
earnest request and prayer may be granted. And your
petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
PETER GOIJLAY.
Salem, 23d September, 1776.
To the honourable the Council of the State of the Massa-
chusetts-Bay, assembled at Watertown.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty be hereby granted to
the within petitioner to depart this State in the Ship Creigh-
ton, lately purchased by fVilliam Ross, for the purpose of
transporting himself and others to Great Britain.
JOHN AVEHY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF DANIEL DONNAVAN AND OTHERS.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the General Court of said State:
The Petition of DANIEL DONAVAN, Esquire, GEORGK
BATES, and MARK SIDUEN, humbly showeth:
That your petitioners were passengers on board the ship
Isaac, on a voyage from Tortola to Liverpool, in England,
and being on said voyage were taken and brought into this
State. That all your petitioners have the strongest of family
connexions in England, and some of them wives and chil-
dren, entirely depending upon them for support, added to
the distress of mind occasioned by their separation from
their friends ; they find themselves in a situation that threat-
ens them with the want of every necessary of life. These
calamities are less easily supported, as they have never
taken any active part in that dispute which is the founda-
tion of their present captivity. Your petitioners therefore
humbly pray your Honours to take their unhappy case into
your wise considerations, and grant that Daniel Donavan
and his servant, Mark Sudden and his servant, and George
Bates, may have liberty to take passage for some part of
Europe, in a ship owned by Mr. William Ross, or grant
them such other relief as your Honours may think fit. And
your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, fee.
DANIEL DONNAVAN,
GEORGE BATES;
MARK SEDDEN.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty be hereby granted to
the above petitioners to depart this State in the Ship Creigh-
ton, Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr.
Ross, for the purpose of transporting himself and others to
Great Britain. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF JOHN BEARDVVELL BARNARD.
To the honourable Council of the State O/MASSACHUSETTS,
now sitting at WATERTOWN:
The Petition of JOHN BEAHDWELL BARNARD, passenger,
humbly showeth :
That your petitioner, having been taken on his passage,
bound for London, in the ship Pecary, Breholt Cleaveland
Commander, from Tobago, and carried into Cape Ann, begs
the gentlemen to consider his case, having a wife and three
children, to give him leave to proceed in the first ship per-
mitted to sail for England. And your petitioner will ever
pray. J. B. BARNARD.
Cape Ann, September the 18th, 1776.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty is hereby granted to the
above petitioner to depart this State in the Ship Creighton,
Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr. Ross for
the purpose of transporting himself and others to Great
Britain. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF JOHN EMMES.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
Unto the honourable the Council of said State, sitting in
WATERTOWN, SEPTEMBER, 1776 :
The Petition O/JOHN EMMES humbly shows:
That he was taken on board the ship Creighton, from
Antigua, and brought into Boston by the Yankee privateer.
That his friends and connexions are all in Great Britain.
That he has no money to support him here, and therefore
humbly prays your Honours would be pleased to allow him
to depart in the ship William, owned by Mr. William Ross,
and that he will act as a seaman on board of said ship.
And your petitioner, as bound, shall ever pray, fee.
JOHN EMMES.
In Council, September S4, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty be granted to said pe-
titioner to depart this State in the Ship Creighton, lately
769
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
790
purchased by him for the purpose of transporting him and
others to Great Britain.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF JOHN BROWN.
To the honourable the Council of the MASSACHUSETTS
STATE, now sitting in WATERTOWN :
The Petition of JOHN BROWN, a native and inhabitant of
GREAT BRITAIN, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner belonged to the ship Earl ofErroll,
and was on his passage from the Island Grenada to London,
but, on the 24th July last, was taken by two privateers of
New-York, and sent into Boston.
That your petitioner, having a wife and family in Lon-
don, is desirous of returning to them, and begs the favour of
your honourable Board to grant him a permit to go thither
with Mr. Ross, who, your petitioner understands, is per-
mitted to go in the Ship Clayton. And your petitioner, as
in duty bound, will ever pray. JOHN BROWNE.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That said petitioner have liberty
granted to depart this State in the Ship Creighton, Benja-
min Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr. Ross, for the
purpose of transporting himself and others to Great Britain.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
Boston, September 21st, 1776.
PETITION OF JOHN ROWE.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council noio sitting at WATERTOWN :
The Petition O/JOHN ROWE, of BOSTON, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner, with several others, owners of the
sloop Phomix, now fitting her out to cruise against the ene-
mies of these United States, and said sloop having every
necessary equipment but the article of gunpowder, and
for want of which she is unable to proceed on her cruise ;
your petitioner, therefore, humbly prays that your Hon-
ours would grant him permission to purchase five hundred
weight of gunpowder out of the publick magazine belonging
to this State, and for which he will immediately pay the
money. JOHN ROWE.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this State be,
and he hereby is directed to deliver John Rowe, Esq., five
hundred pounds of Gunpowder, to be taken from the Pow-
der-Mill at Andover, for the use of a private sloop-of-war
called the Phcenix, he, the said Rowe, allowing and paying
the sum of six shillings per pound for said Powder to the
said Commissary-General, who is to be accountable for the
same. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF JOHN STALKER.
May it please your Honours:
The humble Petition O/JOHN STALKER, Mariner on board
the ship ANNA MARIA, WILLIAM PRINGLE Commander,
from BARBADOES, bound for LONDON, and taken by the
privateer sloop REVENGE, of SALEM, JOSEPH WHITE
Commander, showeth :
That whereas I hear of a ship, now lying in Boston har-
bour, purchased by Messrs. Ross and Morgan, of said Bos-
ton, with intent of carrying passengers to London, 1 -humbly
crave the favour your Honours will of your goodness grant
me the liberty to return in said ship to London, it being my
native place, where I have a wife, whose whole support
depends upon my labour and industry; and myself being a
man of a very weakly constitution, very unable to endure the
hardships of a long and in all probability tedious winter,
being always used to a warmer climate; my money also
being much on the decline, that 1 cannot possibly support
myself here much longer.
These, may please your Honours, are the sole cause
of this my earnest prayer ; for I freely and with gratitude
acknowledge to have been treated with the greatest civility
and kindness since my being made a captive. I therefore
beg your Honours' consideration of my case, and that this
my prayer may be granted. JOHN STALKER.
Salem, 20lh September, 1776.
To the honourable Council of the State of the Massachu-
setts-Bay.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty be hereby granted to
the said petitioner to depart this State in the Ship Creighton,
Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr. Ross, for
the purpose of transporting himself and others to Great
Britain. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF CAPTAIN BROWN.
To the honourable Council of the State of the MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY :
The Petition of Captain WILLIAM BROWN showeth:
That your petitioner is appointed by Messrs. Paul Dud-
ley Sergeant, James Swan, Mungo Mackey, and Thomas
Adams, to the command of the privateer frigate-ship named
the Boston, of which they are proprietors, which is almost
ready to sail upon a six months' cruise against the enemies
of America. She carries twenty-two guns — ten nine-pound-
ers, six six-pounders, and six four-pounders, with two hun-
dred and ten hands, including officers and marines; is
burthened about four hundred tons, and has on board ninety
barrels of pork, ninety barrels of beef, with small stores.
The First Lieutenant's name is Heman Doane, the Second
Lieutenant's name is John Snoddin; Captain of Marines,
Gawen Brown, Jr., the Lieutenant of Marines, William
Nichols.
Your petitioner therefore prays your Honours would com-
mission him commander of said frigate, and give him the
necessary papers of instructions. And, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray. WILLIAM BROWNE.
In Council, September 24, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the above Peti-
tion be granted, and that a Commission be issued out to the
above Commander, he complying with the resolves of Con-
gress- JOHN AVEHY, Deputy Secretary.
FORM OF BOND GIVEN BY AGENTS FOR CAPTURES.
Know all men by these presents, that we, Timothy Per-
sons, of Pownalborough, in the County of Lincoln and State
of Massachusetts-Bay, gentleman, and
stand firmly bound and obliged to Henry Gardiner, Esq.,
Treasurer of the State aforesaid, in the sum of ten thousand
pounds, to be paid the said Treasurer or his successors in
said office, to the which payment, well and truly to be
made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and adminis-
trators, jointly and severally, and firmly, by these presents.
In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and
seals, this 24th day of September, Anno Domini 1776.
The condition of the foregoing obligation is such, that
whereas the said Timothy Persons, Esq., is appointed Agent
for the Eastern District for all captures made by any vessel
or otherways in which this State is any way interested or
concerned, whose authority as Agent shall be limited to and
confined within the limits of the aforesaid district for holding
the Court of Captures, as set forth by an act of this State
for the trying and condemning of all vessels as aforesaid.
If, therefore, the said Timothy Persons shall in all things
observe and conduct himself according to the orders and
directions given him respecting his office as Agent afore-
said, and shall duly account, when thereto legally required,
for all moneys and effects by him received in virtue of his
appointment as aforesaid, then the above obligation to be
void, otherways to abide and remain in full force and virtue.
PETITION OF HUGH WALKER AND OTHERS.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council of the said State:
The Petition of HUGH WALKER, ARCHIBALD BOG, and
ROBERT PARK, humbly shows :
That your petitioners were taken in different ships belong-
ing to the inhabitants of Great Britain and brought into
this State ; that they have families in Great Britain suffering
for want of their assistance while they remain here without
the least employment, and must soon suffer for want of the
necessaries of life, or become an unwilling burthen upon
their friends ; your petitioners therefore humbly pray that
your Honours will take their distressed circumstances into
your wise consideration, and grant them a permission to
leave this State with Mr. Ross on his intended voyage, or
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MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
792
any other opportunity under the directions of your Honours,
or make such order and grant them such relief as in your
Honours' wisdom may seem fit. And your petitioners, as in
duty bound, shall ever pray. HUGH WALKER,
ARCH'D BOG,
ROBERT PARK.
Boston, August 22(1, 1776.
In Council, September 25, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty be hereby granted to
the within petitioners to depart this State in the Ship
Creighton, Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by
Mr. Ross, for the purpose of transporting himself and others
to Great Britain.
JOHN AVEHY, Deputy Secretary.
ORDER FOR PROCURING CANNON FOR THE SHIP BOSTON.
In Council, September 25, 1776.
Whereas, by a resolve of the General Court, passed Sep-
tember 16th, 1776, the Committee for Fortifying the Har-
bour of Boston were directed to send forthwith by water,
so many Cannon, nine-pounders, with carriages and other
apparatus from those in and about Boston as shall be suffi-
cient to arm the Continental ship called the Boston, to the
town of Ncwburyport ; and whereas a sufficient number of
nine-pound Cannon cannot be procured out of those in and
about the town of Boston, for the purpose above mentioned :
Therefore,
Ordered, That the Committee for fortifying the Harbour
of Boston be, and hereby are directed to send to Newbury-
port for the Cannon aforesaid, forthwith by water, four
twelve-pound Cannon and other apparatus, with their car-
riages, from those in and about Boston, in lieu of the nine-
pound Cannon that are wanting, and they were directed to
send to the place before mentioned, and also to supply the
said Ship with two six-pounders and four four-pounders, if
to be procured.
PETITION OF OWNERS OF SCHOONER INDEPENDENCE.
To the honourable Council of the State of MASSACHUSETTS
BAY:
The Petition of WILLIAM NICKOLS, in behalf of himself,
STEPHEN HOOPER, and SAMUEL BATCHELDER, humbly
showeth :
That your petitioners are fitting out at Newburyport, in
this State, the schooner Independence, to cruise on the
enemies at the United American States ; said schooner is
about fifty tons burthen, carries six carriage-guns, four and
three-pounders, and eight swivels, with a sufficient quantity
of powder and ball, has twenty barrels of provisions on
board; will be navigated by twenty-five men, and com-
manded by William Nichols ; First Lieutenant Moses Ger-
rish; Cutting Lunt Captain of the Marines. Your petitioners,
therefore humbly pray your Honours to commission William
Niclcols to command said schooner for the above purpose.
And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
WILLIAM NICKOLS.
In Council, September 25, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out
to the above-named William Nickols, he complying with
the resolves of Congress.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF CHARLES BEID.
State of MASSACHUSETTS:
Unto the honourable Council of said State, sitting at
WATERTOWN:
The Petition O/CHARLES REID humbly showeth:
That the petitioner was taken some months ago in his
passage to London, and brought into Boston. That he is
a married man and has six small children, capable of no
support to themselves, and who depend entirely for subsist-
ence on his labour. That he has no way in the world of
getting home to them unless the honourable Council will
please to allow him to go in Mr. Ross's ship, which he
earnestly requests may be granted him. And your peti-
tioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
CHARLES REID.
In Council, September 25, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty is hereby granted to
the above petitioner to depart this State in the Ship Creigh-
ton, Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr.
Ross, for the purpose of transporting himself and others to
Great Britain. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF ALEXANDER TOUGH AND THOMAS MAHONY.
State of MASSACHUSETTS:
To the honourable the Council of said State, sitting at
WATERTOWN:
The Petition of ALEXANDER TOUGH and THOMAS
MAHONY humbly showeth:
That your petitioners were taken some months ago on
their voyage from Jamaica to London, and brought into
Boston. That Alexander Tough has three small children,
who, having the misfortune to be motherless, are in the
utmost need of his personal support. Thomas Mahony is
likewise a married man, and has the additional care of a
parent, who depends entirely upon him for maintenance.
Your petitioners therefore most humbly request the honour-
able Council to permit them to go home in the ship belong-
ing to Mr. Ross, as they have no other prospect of relief.
And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
ALEXANDER TOUGH.
THOMAS MAHONY.
In Council, September 25, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty be hereby granted to
the within petitioners to depart this State in the Ship Creigh-
ton, Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr.
Ross, for the purpose of transporting himself and others to
Great Britain. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PERMISSION FOR THE SHIP WILLIAM.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
Permission is hereby granted unto Benjamin Moore,
Master of the Ship William, together with the several pas-
sengers and others on board her, to depart this State in
ballast, and stores for the people and passengers' sustenance
only, for some port in Great Britain, liberty having been
granted to the said passengers and others by this Board, as
will appear by the several permits delivered them, under
the hand of the Secretary of this State, or his Deputy.
Therefore, all masters and commanders of armed vessels
fitted out from any of the United States will duly notice this
permission, and suffer said ship to pass with her passengers
and others, unmolested accordingly.
In Council Chamber, at Watertown, the 25th September,
1776.
In the name and per order Council :
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
In Council, September 26th, 1776.
Ordered, That the Committee of Safety, Inspection, &,c.,
of the town of Boston be, and they hereby are directed to de-
liver to Mr. William Ross, owner of the Ship William, (lately
the Creighton,) the sails, or any other articles now in their
possession, belonging to said Ship. And the said Com-
rni'ttee are further directed carefully to inspect the said
ship, and to take care that no one person takes passage in
the said ship but such as have a certificate in writing under
the hand of the Secretary of this State, or his Deputy, certi-
fying that liberty has been granted them for that purpose.
And the said Committee are also directed to see that no
other persons but such as produce a certificate as aforesaid,
take passage in said vessel ; and the Committee are directed
to permit Mr. Ross to take on board as provisions for the
voyage such articles named in a bill of stores this day
delivered Mr. Ross, signed by the Secretary, which has been
allowed by this Board ; and the Committee are also directed
to return a list of the names of the persons who shall actually
sail in the said ship, to this Board as soon. as may be.
PETITION OF WILLIAM ROSS.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY :
To the honourable the Council of State sitting in WATER-
TOWN, SEPTEMBER, 1776:
The Petition of WILLIAM Ross, of JAMAICA, gentleman,
humbly shows :
That by an order of this honourable Board of the 7th
793
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
794
ultimo, your petitioner, in conjunction with Mr. Nathaniel
Morgan, were permitted to purchase a vessel for the con-
veniency of transporting themselves and their families to
Great Britain, to depart from this State any time after the
1st instant, and in the mean time giving them leave to pre-
pare such vessel as they might purchase, so as to be. ready to
sail when this honourable Board might think proper to grant
them permission. In consequence of which order your peti-
tioner has purchased a vessel, but in preparing her he has
met with some interruption, particularly in procuring of bal-
last, which has been refused to be supplied him without a
certificate from the Committee of Safety in Boston, of its
being agreeable to them, for which certificate your petitioner
applied to the said Committee, and produced a copy of the
aforesaid order of this honourable Board, but the said Com-
mittee refused granting any such certificate, as the said order
was not addressed to them.
Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your Honours
would be pleased to order the said Committee to grant him
leave to procure such ballast, and to do and provide every
thing else necessary for the putting the said vessel into a
proper condition for going to sea, (excepting the bending of
her sails,) that she may be ready to proceed whenever your
Honours are pleased again to grant permission, the hon-
ourable Board in their wisdom having thought proper to
suspend their former permission till further orders, by an
order of the 21st ultimo. And your petitioner shall ever
pray, &c. WILL. Ross.
In Council, September 3d, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That David Sewall, Esq., be di-
rected to take the within Petition into consideration and
report. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
Council Chamber, September 3, 1776.
Ordered, That William Ross, of Jamaica, who has by
permission of this Board purchased a vessel to transport
himself and family to Great Britain be, and hereby is per-
mitted to procure ballast for his said vessel, and to do
every thing necessary for repairing and fitting the vessel for
the sea, for his intended voyage; and all persons are directed
in no manner to retard, hinder, or molest, the said William
Ross, or such persons as he may employ in that business.
And to the end the said William Ross may not depart till
the order of this Board, the Committee of Inspection, Cor-
respondence, &c., for the town of Boston, are directed to
receive the sails of the said vessel into their custody, and
them detain until the said Ross shall have permission in
writing from this Board to take his departure, and the said
Committee are also directed to use their influence to prevent
the said William's being interrupted in preparing his vessel
for his intended voyage as aforesaid.
PETITION OF JAMES HODGES.
To the honourable Council assembled at WATERTOWN, in
the State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, the 26th day of
SEPTEMBER, Anno Domini 1776 :
The Petition of JAMES HODGES, of ABERDEEN, in SCOT-
LAND, Merchant, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner, about twelve months since, was
passenger in the brigantine Diana, John Wallace Com-
mander, from Quebeck, bound for Boston, and taken by
some boats and carried to Cape Ann. That your petitioner
has. by the kindness of your Honours, been upon parole
ever since, to go any where upon the Continent ; that your
petitioner is of a tender constitution, and not brought up to
labour, and nothing left for his support here, and having no
opportunity to return to his native country, he prays that
your Honours would grant leave therefor. And your peti-
tioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &,c.
JAMES HODGES.
In Council, September 26, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the above petitioner have
liberty granted him to depart this State in the Ship William,
Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr. Ross, for
the purpose of transporting himself and others to Great
Britain.
PETITION OF WILLIAM EMLE AND JAMES M'GILL.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
Unto the honourabk the Council of said State :
The Petition of WILLIAM EMLE and JAMES McGiLL,
humbly showeth :
That your petitioners were taken on their passage on
board the Zachary Bayley, from the West-Indies, to Lon-
don, and brought into Boston; that your petitioners have
wives and families in England, whose only support depends
upon your petitioners, and in case they are not permitted to
go to them, they must be reduced to the greatest misery and
want. Your petitioners, therefore, most humbly pray your
Honours would be pleased to permit them to depart on
board the ship purchased by Mr. Ross, who will take them
with your Honours' permission. And by granting this peti-
tion, your petitioners will be ever bound to pray, Sic.
WILLIAM EMLE,
JAMES McGiLL.
In Council, September 26th, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the above petitioners have
liberty granted to them to depart this State in the Ship
William, Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr.
Ross, for the purpose of transporting himself and others to
Great Britain.
APPLICATION FOR CAPTAIN SAMSON.
Kingston, 23d September, 1776.
SIR: Captain Samson waits upon the Council to make
report, and receive further orders. As some small repairs
are wanting on the brigantine he commands, and if the
honourable Council should order him out again, some pro-
visions, &c., will be necessary, I imagine it will be thought
needful, that some person should be appointed for these pur-
poses, as I don't know that any provision has been made
in these respects.
Captain Samson thinks that it might have been advan-
tageous to the State, as well as to the ship's crews, if he had
not been so restricted by his orders in his last cruise. I
presume your Honours will give him such instructions as
shall be thought most conducive to the good of the State.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
W. SEVER.
In Council, September 26, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the Hon. William Sever be
appointed Agent for the purpose above mentioned, and he
is hereby directed to supply the said Brigantine with such
Stores, and other articles, as may be necessary to equip said
Brigantine for the sea.
JOHN AVERT, Deputy Secretary.
To Hon. James Bowdoine, Esq.
In Council, September 26, 1776.
Ordered, That the Hon. William Seaver, Esq., be ap-
pointed to provide the armed vessel commanded by Simeon
Samson, with such Stores, and other articles, as may be
necessary to equip said vessel for the sea ; and the Com-
missary is hereby directed to supply said vessel out of their
publick store with such things as by said Mr. Seaver shall
be required of him.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
Memorandum for sundry Provisions for Brigantine Inde-
pendence, November: — 25 barrels Beef, 15 barrels Pork, 1
cask Rice, 6,000 Ibs. Bread, 6 firkins Butter, 10 bushels
Peas or Beans, 50 bushels Potatoes and Turnips.
PETITION OF OWNERS OF SCHOONER HOPE.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the Honourable the Council of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
The Petition of Watson and Spooner, Samuel Jackson,
and John Grey, in the town of Plymouth, in behalf of them-
selves and others, owners of the schooner Hope, burthened
about forty-seven tons, armed with five three-pounders and
ten swivels, three hundred weight powder, one hundred
three-pound, and twenty double-head shot, three hundred
swivel shot-, forty two and a half pound shot, eight hundred
grape shot: provisions, twenty-five barrels beef and pork,
and two thousand bread ; navigated by forty-five men ;
Walter Hatch commander ; is designed to cruise against the
enemies of the United States of America.
Your petitioners would, therefore, humbly request your
Honours to commission the said vessel and Captain for the
795
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
796
purpose aforesaid. And your petitioners, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray. WATSON SPOONER,
SAMUEL JACKSON,
JOHN GRAY.
N. B. John C'nirchill, First Lieutenant ; Solomon Whit-
ien, Second Lieu t enant; Sideline White, Master.
In Council, September 26, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out
to the above-named Walter Hatch, he complying with the
resolves of Congress.
JOHN AVERT, Deputy Secretary.
ORDER TO CAPTAIN BANGS.
In Council, September 26, 1776.
Whereas a number of men in the several Towns in the
County of Barnstabk, have been drafted to repair to the
lines at Dorchester Heights, which men have not as yet
arrived at the place of destination :
Ordered, That Captain Abljah Bangs, who was ap-
pointed to command said men, be, and is hereby directed
and commanded immediately to repair to the County of
Barnstable, and to order the men that have been drafted in
the several towns in said County, for the purpose aforesaid,
and who have not yet appeared, immediately to march to
the Heights of Dorchester, there to attend their duty.
PETITION OF ALEXANDER LIDDELL AND THOMAS CREMARTY.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
Vnto the honourable the Council of said State:
The Petition of ALEXANDER LIDDELL and THOMAS CRE-
MARTY, humbly showeth :
That your petitioners were taken in their passage from
Jamaica to London, and brought into Boston. That the
said Alexander Liddell has a wife and two small children
at home, and his wife big with a third when he came away;
that their support entirely depended upon his labour; and
that the said Thomas Cremarty hath a father, who, from
age and infirmities, has been confined to bed for three years
past, whose whole subsistence, as well as that of his sister,
who takes care of him, depends upon your petitioner.
That the conduct of your petitioners since their arrival in
Boston, hath been so satisfactory that the owners of the
privateer who took the ship they were in, knowing the
above circumstances, made them a present of what little
adventure they had on board, though the ship and cargo
was condemned without exception. That, having con-
verted their little property into money, they gave it to Mr.
Ross, who has invested it in the purchase of his ship, &.c.,
and cannot return them their money till his arrival in
England.
Therefore most humbly prays your Honours to allow
them to depart in the said ship, that their families may
receive that relief which they must now be so much in
want of. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever
pray. ALEXANDER LIDDELL,
THOMAS CREMARTY.
William Ross begs leave to inform the honourable Board
that the circumstances mentioned in the above petition
respecting him are true, and most earnestly prays your
Honours would be pleased to permit the petitioners to
depart with him, that he may have it in his power to pay
them their money, which he cannot do here but by bills of
exchange, which, from the unhappy state of affairs, cannot
be negotiated. WILL. Ross.
In Council, September 26, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the within petitioners have
liberty granted them to depart this State in the Ship Wil-
liam, Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by Mr.
Ross, for the purpose of transporting himself and others to
Great Britain.
PETITION OF ROBERT M'KOWN.
To the honourable the Council of the State of the MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAY, at WATERTOWN :
Your petitioner humbly showeth that, as your petitioner,
as Commissary for the troops stationed at Bristol, in the
County of Lincoln, hath received the first and second pay-
ments, and hath settled his accounts for the first, and he is
come up to settle his accounts for the second, and to receive
the third payment according to the resolves of the Great
and General Court, not knowing that tlie Court was ad-
journed, and as those supplies that your petitioner hath
received are nearly exhausted, and the distance he hath
come is two hundred miles, your petitioner humbly prays
that his accounts may be examined ; and that, as the dis-
tance is so great, he may receive the money for the three
ensuing months, which is one hundred and eighty-seven
pounds, ten shillings, or as much as your Honours, in your
great wisdom, shall think proper. And your petitioner, as
in duty bound, shall ever pray. ROBERT M'Koww.
In Council, September 26, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the above Peti-
tion be granted, and that a Warrant be drawn on the
Treasury for £150, in favour of said M'Kown, he to be
accountable for the same.
JOHN A VERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF OWNERS OF SCHOONER HANGER.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council now sitting in WATERTOWN:
The Petition of TRISTRAM DALTON, JONATHAN TITCOMB,
PETER ROBERTS, THOMAS THOMAS, and EBENEZER
PARSONS, humbly shows:
That your petitioners, owners of the schooner Ranger,
burthened about fifty-two tons, armed with six three-pound-
ers, ten swivels, two hundred weight of powder, with shot
in proportion, navigated by forty men; and thirty barrels of
beef and pork, three thousand weight of bread, on board.
Said schooner is intended to cruise against the enemies of
these United States.
The officers on board are as follows, viz : Peter Roberts,
Commander ; Jeremiah Parsons, First Lieutenant ; John
Robinson, Master.
Your petitioners, therefore, humbly request your Honours
to commission the said schooner and commander for the
purposes above mentioned. And your petitioners, as in
duty bound, shall ever pray.
PETER ROBERTS,
In behalf of myself and owners.
In Council, September 27, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition
be granted, and that a Commission be issued out to the
said Peter Roberts, he complying with resolves of Con-
gress. JOHN A VERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF JAMES FULTON.
To the honourable Council of the State of the MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY :
The Petition of JAMES FULTON, late Master of the JEAN
OF IHOIN, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner hath laid his case before your Hon-
ours twice before, this some time ago, to obtain liberty to
return home. At present, your petitioner, understanding
there is a ship bound from the port of Boston to London,
belonging to Mr. William Ross, and that there is liberty
granted to several shipmasters to go with the said William
Ross, your petitioner humbly prays that your Honours
would take his case into consideration, as I was taken by
Captain Tucker, of the Hancock, armed schooner, and car-
ried into Lynn, on the 7th of May, and hath remained
in Lynn ever since, and never hath got any subsistence
since that I came to the country, but hath been obliged to
sell both clothes and other necessaries to support me. For
such reasons your petitioner humbly prays that your Hon-
ours would take his case into consideration, and grant him
liberty, with his servant, to go with the above Mr. William
Ross, or, if disappointed of him, with the first opportunity
that may offer to Britain or Portugal. And your petitioner,
in duty bound, shall ever pray. JAMES FULTON.
In Council, September 27th, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be
so far granted, that the petitioner have liberty to depart this
State in the Ship William, commanded by Benjamin Moore,
lately purchased by Mr. Ross, for the purpose of transport-
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MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776.
798
ing himself and others to Great Britain, provided the said
Ross permit him to go in said ship ; but permission for his
servant is not granted.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretai-y.
Captain Fulton has remained in this town ever since he
was taken, which is about four months, and during that
time he has behaved himself with decency and civility, and
not departed in any respect, as we apprehend, from his
parole. JOHN MANSFIELD,
Chairman of the Committee of Correspondence.
Lynn, 2<1 September, 1776.
To all persons whom it may concern.
PETITION OF JAMES KENNEDY.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable Council of the State of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY, now sitting in WATERTOWN :
The Petition of JAMES KENNEDY, late Master of the Ship
PEGGY, fyc., humbly showeth :
That your petitioner laid his case before your Honours
some time ago, of his bad state of health, and of his having
a wife and small family in London, to which place your
petitioner hears of a ship just going, belonging to a William
Ross; your petitioner, therefore, being yet poorly in his health,
and subject to rheumatism, fears the approaching season,
and likewise in a place where he knows nobody that can
give him support, and already has been obliged to dispose
of his linen and clothes to support himself. He therefore
hopes that your Honours would be pleased to grant him
liberty to go in said ship, together with a servant man named
John Weatherd, and girl named Sophia Kennedy, which
your petitioner was obliged to bring from the West-Indies,
to wait on and take care of him in his trouble, being at that
time unable to put off or on his clothes, and is now been
obliged to have the attendance of a doctor since his arrival
here. Your petitioner therefore hopes that your Honours
would be pleased to grant him said indulgence. And as in
duty bound, he will ever pray, &tc.
JAMES KENNEDY.
Boston, September 25th, 1776.
In Council, September 27, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the petitioner
be so far granted that he have liberty to depart this State
with his servant girl, named Sophia Kennedy, (but his ser-
vant man not permitted to go,) in the Ship William, com-
manded by Benjamin Moore, lately purchased by Mr. Ross,
for the purpose of transporting himself and others to Great
Britain, provided the said Ross permits him to go in said
vessel. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
Boston, 29th September, 1776.
These certify whom it may concern, that Captain James
Kennedy was master, and Thomas Pamp mate, of the Ship
Peggy, when captured by the Captains Skimmer and
Tucker. 3. BRADFORD.
PETITION OF RICHARD PYNE.
To the honourable the Council of the State of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY, humbly showeth:
That your petitioner, Richard Pyne, was chartered on
the 26th of August, 1775, by Messrs. Lettis and Hayes, of
the Island of St. MichaeFs, with a design to carry staves to
the West-Indies; but by an unforeseen accident was pre-
vented, on which said freighters thought proper to load her
with wine and fruit for this Continent, and on the 7th of
May, 1776, was taken by the armed schooner Hancock, of
this Province, and carried into Lynn. Your petitioner now
requests that your Honours will be good enough to give
him liberty to depart from this country, that he may return
home to his family; and as he has some freight due to him
in the Island of St. Michael, would prefer going by that
way ; and some time past bought an old vessel with a design
of proceeding when liberty would be granted, and since,
apprehending that she might be liable to seizure, resold her.
Your petitioner now humbly beseeches your Honours will
permit him to buy a small vessel to return home with, with
a crew of masters and servants to navigate her, that have
your permission to depart from here, or permit him to
depart by any other ways or means I may find most con-
venient for myself and a small boy, an apprentice. And as
many other masters have your Honours' permission, your
petitioner prays your Honours to permit the same indul-
gence to him, as on his being taken he signed a parole not
to act against the Colonies, and is now willing to give your
Honours any other obligations you may require, that a
stranger or an individual can give. And on your Honours'
permission, your petitioner will be forever bound to pray.
RICHARD PYNE.
In Council, September 27, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
so far granted that the petitioner, but not his servants, have
liberty to depart this State in the Ship William, commanded
by Benjamin Moore, lately purchased by Mr. Ross, for the
purpose of transporting himself and others to Great Britain,
provided the said Mr. Ross permits him to go in said ship.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary,
Boston, July, 1776.
Captain Richard Pyne, of the brig William, has given
his parole of honour not to act against the United Colonies.
J. WARD, A. D. C.
Committee of Correspondence, Lynn, September 26, 1776.
Richard Pyne, who was master of the brigantine called
the William, which was taken and brought into the harbour
in this town, has resided here ever since the capture, and
we are fully persuaded has made no attempts to depart the
country secretly and without license, but has in all respects
abided by his parole. And we are unable to suggest any
reason why he should have liberty to depart and return home
denied him, if others in the same condition with him have
liberty granted to them. We esteem him to be a gentleman
and a man of honour, and as such, we recommend him to
the .respect and assistance of all persons.
JNO. FLAGG, per .order.
PETITION OF JOHN DONNESTON.
To the honourable the Council of the State of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY :
The Petition of JOHN DONNESTON, late Matter of the Ship
ANN, humbly showeth :
That your petitioner laid his case before your Honours
some time ago to obtain leave to go out of this country, and
at present there is a ship bound from Boston to the port of
London. He therefore begs your Honours would be pleased
to grant him liberty to go in that ship, along with Mr. Wil-
liam Ross, as he understands several other shipmasters is
going who was taken some time after him. Your petitioner,
therefore, most humbly prays your Honours will grant him
liberty to return home to his wife and family by this ship or
the first that goes to any port of Britain, Spain, or Portu-
gal, as he has been near four months in this country and
never had any subsistence allowed him, and had an interest
on board when taken upward of three hundred pounds
.sterling. Your petitioner, therefore, begs your Honours will
take bis hard case into consideration, and allow him any
part of his private venture your Honours may think proper,
with liberty to depart from this country. And in duty
bound, shall ever pray. JOHN DONNESTON.
In Council, September 27, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted ; the petitioner have liberty to depart this State in
the Ship William, commanded by Benjamin Moore, lately
purchased by Mr. Ross, for the purpose of transporting
himself and others to Great Britain, provided the said Mr.
Ross permit him, the said Donneston, to go in said ship.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
APPLICATION IN FAVOUR OF CAPTAIN DUDFIELD.
To the honourabk the President of the Council, WATER-
TOWN.
Salem, 27th September, 1776.
The bearer, Captain Dudfield, was taken and brought in
here by Captain Fisk, in the Tyrannicide. He has a young
son with him, about six years old, and a black boy; and
now waits on the Council in hopes of obtaining permission
for himself and them, together with the surgeon of his ves-
sel, to sail for England with Mr. Ross. They have very
little to support themselves here, and will soon become bur-
799
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, &c., SEPTEMBER, 1776
800
thensome to the State. May it not, under the circum-
stances, be prudent to let them go ?
With due respect, I am your Honours most obedient ser-
Vant, RICHARD DERBY, JUN.
To the honourable the President of the Council.
In Council, September 28, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That liberty be granted to Captain
Dudjield, his son and servant, to depart this State in the
Ship William, Benjamin Moore Master, lately purchased by
Mr. Ross, for the purpose of transporting himself and others
to Great Britain ; but permission is not granted to his Sur-
geon. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF PEARSON JONES.
To the honourable Council of the State of MASSACHUSETTS:
The Petition of PEARSON JONES, of FALMOUTH, C. BAY,
humbly shows :
That he, with Ebenezer Parsons, of Newbury-Port, have
fitted out a sloop called the Putnam, burthened sixty tons,
navigated by forty-five men, mounted with two carriage-
guns, three-pounds, and sixteen swivel-guns, to carry two
hundred pounds powder, three thousand pounds beef, four
barrels pork, three thousand pounds of bread, &tc. That
said sloop is fitted out for the purpose of cruising against the
enemies to the American States. That the owners of said
sloop have chosen the following officers for her, viz : Joseph
Bailey Captain, John Maxwell First Lieutenant, Nathaniel
Thompson Second Lieutenant, William Thomas Master.
The petitioner therefore prays your Honours to grant a
commission to Captain Joseph Bayley as commander of the
above-mentioned vessel. And, as in duty bound, will ever
pray. PEARSON JONES.
In Council, September 28, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out to
Joseph Bayley, as Commander of the above Sloop called
the Putnam, he complying with the resolves of Congress.
JOHN AVERT, Deputy Secretary.
Watertown, September 28th, 1776.
PETITION OF OWNERS OF SCHOONER DOLPHIN.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY :
To the honourable Council -of the State of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY :
The Petition of SAMUEL WARD, JOSEPH SPRAGUE, and
SAMUEL WATERS, all of SALEM, humbly showeth :
That your petitioners are now fitting out with all des-
patch, a private schooner of war, called the Dolphin, bur-
then about eighteen tons, to carry one hundred pounds
weight of gun-powder, and ten barrels of provisions, to be
mounted with eight swivel-guns, and navigated by twenty-
five men, whereof is intended to be Captain John Leach.
Your petitioners therefore humbly request that the said
John Leach may be commissioned Captain of the said pri-
vate schooner of war. And your petitioners, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray. SAMUEL WARD,
JOSEPH SPRAGUE.
In Council, September 28, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out to
the said John Leach, he complying with the resolves of
Congress. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
ORDER FOR SUPPLIES FOR GENERAL WASHINGTON.
In Council, September 28, 1776.
Whereas General Washington, in his letter of the 19th
instant, to the General Assembly of tin's State, has repre-
sented that the army under his command are much in want
of Camp Utensils, and that he knows not how to procure a
sufficiency:
Therefore, Ordered, That the Commissary-General be,
and hereby is directed to procure two Teams, and load the
same with such a number of iron Pots as they can contain,
and send them forward immediately to Norwich, in the
State of Connecticut, and consign them to William Coit,
Esq., merchant there, and desire him to forward them by
water to the town of Fairfteld, to the address of Thaddeus
Burr, Esq., to be by him forwarded to General Washing-
ton for the use of the Continental Army in the State of
New- York.
PETITION OF JAMES DARGIE.
To the honourable Council and Representatives of the Gen-
eral Court assembled at WATERTOWN:
The humble Petition of JAMES DARGIE, setteth forth :
That he arrived at this place upon the 9t\\ o( April,
1775, to go as an officer on board of a new ship, then build-
ing at Danvars, for Dr. John Calfe, of Ipswich, by Captain
Israel Hutchinson, and further showeth that the said ship
was launched in June, 17.75, from which time to the present,
as the ship has been stopped by the honourable House as
above, your said petitioner has been distressed greatly for
want of the necessaries of life, and as I see no prospect of
the ship going from hence, humbly begs your Honours to
grant me liberty to leave this country, as having a wife and
two small children at home, and must be in a poorer situa-
tion for want of my assistance. Your Honours' compliance
will forever bind your petitioner to pray.
JAMES DARGIE.
Danvars, in the County of Essex, September 29, 1776.
ORDER FOR DISCHARGE OF CONSTANT CHURCH, AN INDIAN.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, Council Chamber, )
September 30, 1776. J
Whereas by an order of Council of the 9th instant, one
Bill, alias Constant Church, an Indian, was committed to
the Gaol in Cambridge, in the County of Middlesex, on sus-
picion of being a Spy sent from Canada, and there to remain
till further order of Council ; and it having been now made
to appear to this Board that the said Indian belongs to the
town of Freetown, and not likely that he was any Spy or
any ways inimical :
Therefore, Ordered, That the said Constant Church be,
and he hereby is discharged from his confinement in the said
Gaol in Cambridge.
In the name and by the order of the Council.
To the Keeper of the Gaol in Cambridge, in the County of
Middksex.
PETITION OF JEREMIAH O BR1EN.
To the honourable Committee of Council, assembled at
WATERTOWN, for the MASSACHUSETTS STATE:
The Petition of JEREMIAH O'BRIEN, in behalf of himself
and Company, humbly showeth :
That he has served with his company on board the sloop
Machias Liberty, in the Colony service, from the 1st day of
February last, under many disadvantages, my officers and
seamen making repeated applications for money, with which
I have supplied to the amount of five or six hundred dollars,
and still lie out of it, which your Honours readily think is a
great disadvantage to me. Also, have furnished the sloop
and schooners now in the Colony service to the amount of
nigh one hundred and sixty pound lawful money, and as
yet have not received any pay therefor; the men on board
had not sufficient clothing to defend them against the in-
clemency of the weather. I have now on board my full
complement of men, who are daily solicited to enter in pri-
vate properties ; they having such great encouragement,
renders it very difficult to keep them on board, and unless
the honourable Committee will in their great wisdom order
payment it will be impossible to confine them on board.
Also would inform that I have made application to the
Commissary for provisions, and can't obtain any without a
draft from the honourable Committee of Council. We hold
ourselves always ready and willing to serve for the good of
our country; but are anxious to know whether we are held
in commission or to be discharged. An immediate answer
from your Honours will lay your petitioner under the greatest
obligations imaginable. As in duty bound, shall ever
pray.
JEREMIAH O'BRIEN.
In Council, October 1, 1776.
Read, and thereupon Ordered, That the Commissary-
General of this State be, and he hereby is directed to fur-
nish necessary Provisions from time to time to the men
belonging to the Sloop Machias Liberty, under the command
of Captain Jeremiah O'Brian, and in actual service on
board the said sloop, until the next meeting of the General
Court. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
801
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, 8ic., OCTOBER, 1776.
802
In Council, October 1, 1776.
Whereas Captain John Foster Williams, of the Sloop
Republic^, and Captain John Clouston, of the Sloop Free-
dom, both belonging to this State, are in want of some iron
ballast that they may immediately proceed on their intended
cruise: therefore the Committee for fortifying the Harbour
of Boston be, and they are hereby directed to deliver the
said Williams and Clouston, out of the row-galley lying in
Boston harbour, so much iron ballast, as they may stand in
need of at this time for their several sloops.
PETITION OF JOSHUA ORNE.
To the honourable Council of the MASSACHUSETTS STATE:
The Petition of JOSHUA ORNE, o/ MARBLE HE AD, humbly
showeth :
That your petitioner, in concert with Captain John Scl-
man, of Marblchead, has been at considerable cost and pains
to equip an armed schooner called the Necessity, to cruise
against the foes of this and the United States of America.
Said schooner is burthened about thirty tons; armed with
twelve swivel guns and blunderbusses ; commanded by
William Le Craw; navigated by thirty men ; victualled
with twelve hundred pounds of bread, twelve hams of beef,
and six of pork; to carry two hundred pounds powder.
Your petitioner being destitute of a supply of powder for
the above vessel, humbly prays your Honours will grant
him an order on the Commissary-General for two hundred
pounds, he to pay for it, and two hundred grape-shot from
the Laboratory, at Boston, as there are none to be had at
the forges for want of rain ; and also a commission for the
above-named Le Craw. And your petitioner, as in duty
bound, will ever pray, fee. JOSHUA ORNE.
Watertown, October 1, 1776.
In Council, October 1, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be
granted, and that a Commission be issued out to the said
William Le Craw, as commander of said Schooner, upon
his comply ing with resolves of Congress; and that the Com-
missary-General be directed to deliver Mr. Joshua Orne,
two hundred pounds Gunpowder out of the Powder-Mill
at Anilover, and two hundred pounds Grape-shot out of
the Laboratory at Boston, for the use of said Schooner; he
paying six shillings per pound for Powder, and for the Shot
the customary price to the said Commissary, who is to be
accountable for the same.
JOHN A VERY, Deputy Secretary.
MEMORIAL OF THE TOWN OF SPENCER.
Colony of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable General Court, sitting at WATERTOWN :
The Memorial of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec-
tion, and Safety, of the Town of SPENCER, humbly
showeth :
That the Tories in several towns in the County of Wor-
cester have frequent meetings in large bodies, which creates
suspicions in the minds of the good people of said County
that said Tories have and are providing magazines of warlike
stores in several places, which we, your memorialists, think
it will be of very dangerous consequence to the lives and
liberties of this and the United Colonies in North America,
if suffered to proceed in their achemes and plans. There-
fore we, your memorialists, humbly pray your Honours that
you would take said affair into your wise consideration, and
give us such instruc'ions and directions, in order to proceed
with said Tories as may be effectual, when put into execu-
tion, to prevent their evil designs against the said Colonies.
As in duty bound, shall ever pray.
ASA BALDWIN,
JEREMIAH WHITTEMORE,
KNIGHT SPHAGUE,
JOSHUA DRAPER,
Committee of Correspondence, Safety, and Inspection.
Spencer, July 13, A. D. 1776.
In the House of Representatives, October, 1776.
Upon the Petition of the Committee of Correspondence,
&c., of the town of Spencer:
Resolved, That said Committee be enjoined to keep a
watchful eye upon suspected persons, and, according to
their best discretion, to redouble their exertions for the
peace and safety of their town.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
PETITION OF JOSEPH THOMPSON.
To the honourable the Council and honourable House of
Representatives of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, in
General. Court assembled at WATKRTOWN, AUGUST, 1776 :
The Petition of JOSEPH THOMPSON, of MEDFORD, humbly
showeth :
That your petitioner, after Lexington battle, left Med-
ford, and retired to Boston, from whence, on the eighth
day of November last, he went to Swanzey, and there lived
till within a few days past. That your petitioner never
signed any addresses or associations, though often solicited
to do it while he was in Boston. He acknowledges he
has, in some instances, acted an imprudent part, for which
he is very sorry. That he lately wrote to the Committee
of Inspection, &tc., in Medford, for leave to return home,
and that he might enjoy his estate again, but they informed
him it was out of their power, and that it lay with this hon-
ourable Court.
Your petitioner therefore humbly prays this honourable
Court to take his case into your wise and compassionate
consideration, and that your Honours would be pleased to
give orders that he may be restored to the enjoyment of his
estate again. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall
ever pray, &ic. JOSEPH THOMPSON.
PETITION OF DAVID GRIFFIN.
To the honourable the General Assembly of the Province
of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, now holden at BOSTON, in
said Province :
The Petition of DAVID GRIFFIN, of SHEFFIELD, in the
County of BERKSHIRE, humbly showeth:
That, whereas there is a considerable quantity of salt-
petre made' and manufactured in said Berkshire County,
and although there is a premium given for encouragement
to those who shall make the same, yet', nevertheless, the
transportation thereof to the powder-mills is attended with
a very considerable trouble and cost, the mills being so far
distant ; and your petitioner, with a view for the benefit
and safety of the United States of this distressed Continent,
as well as for his private interest, having obtained license
from the honourable General Assembly of the Colony of
Connecticut, hath erected and set up a Powder-Mill in the
town of Salisbury, in Litchfield County, a town adjoining
to said Sheffield ; and your petitioner being sensible that
said mill cannot be fully supplied with saltpetre by the
towns adjacent in said Colony ; and your petitioner being
also sensible that the saltpetre made in said Berkshire
County can, with less trouble and cost, be delivered to said
mill than any other in the Province: Therefore your peti-
tioner prays that your Honours would take the matter into
your wise consideration, and enact, order, and decree, that
the towns in the County of Berkshire, or the towns in said
Province, that are nearest said mill, may deliver their salt-
petre at said mill ; and that your Honours would appoint a
Committee to have the charge and oversight of the matter,
that the powder made of said saltpetre be delivered for the
use and benefit of the Province, or in some other way grant
relief. And your petitioner, as- in duty bound, shall ever pray.
Dated in Sheffield, this 5th day of August, 1776.
DAVID GRIFFIN.
PETITION OF COMMITTEE OF MEDFORD.
To the honourable the Council and House of Representa-
tives in General Court assembled, OCTOBER, 1776:
May it please your Honours :
Pursuant to a resolve of Court passed the 19th of April,
Anno 1776, the Committee of Correspondence, Sic., of
Medford, proceeded to take into their care the estates
belonging to the absentees, (as in said resolve described,)
and made due return thereof to said Court.
The present Committee beg leave now further to inform
your Honours, that they have lately discovered a dwelling-
house in said town, (now occupied by the Widow Kidder,)
to be the property of Sir William Pepperell, an absentee,
the particulars of which are fully described in the records
of the County Register.
STEPHEN HALL, ter., ""I „ ...
.,, Committee
ISAAC WAHREN, 1 ,.
JOSF,PH TUFT, | Medford
JONA. PATTEN,
51
803
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
804
PETITION OF SUSANNAH LEECH.
To the honourable Council and House of Representatives
of the State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
The humble Petition of SUSANNAH LEECH, widow of the
late JOHN LEECH, a soldier in Captain WILKINS'S Com-
pany, Colonel WIGGLESWOBTH'S Regiment, was killed
on board the galley TRUMBULL on LAKE CHAMPLAIN,
fn OCTOBER, 1776, showeth :
That your petitioner, being left with two small children,
and incapable of supporting them, owing to the exorbitant
prices of the necessaries of life, by which they must have
suffered, had it not been for the assistance of her friends,
bejjs leave to lay before your Honours the under-mentioned
schedule of what clothes, foe., was lost belonging to her late
husband in that expedition, and humbly solicits such allow-
ance to compensate for said loss, as in your wise judgment
may think meet :
A gun and accoutrements, cost him - - - £4 15
1 cloth jacket, 010
2 homespun do., --------- OL8
1 Damascus do., -.-------- 100
blanket, o 18
1 pair cotton-velvet breeches, ----- 110
1 pair ribbed pattern do., ------ 14
1 pair homespun do., ------- 09
1 pair linen do., --------- 010
4 linen shirts, 2 10
5 pair woolen stockings, ------ 110
2 pair shoes, ---------- 09
1 pair silver shoe-buckles and 1 pair knee do., 1 10
1 hat and 1 silk handkerchief. - - - - 0 15
£19 8
This may certify that the above John Leech was a sol-
dier in my regiment and was drafted on board of above
vessel in the expedition on Lake Champlain.
EDWARD WIGGLESWORTH, Colonel.
PETITION OF BENJAMIN GOODHUE.
To the honourable the Council of the State of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY :
The Petition of BENJAMIN GOODHUE, of SALEM, in the
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, humbly showeth:
That he has, in company with several other persons,
fitted the schooner Sturdy Beggar, of one hundred tons
burthen, with eight carriage-guns, twelve swivels, muskets,
spears, and other weapons of war, with sixty men, and pro-
visions suitable for a six months' cruise, with an intention of
cruising upon and making captures of the property of the
enemies of the United States of America.
To effect said purposes, your petitioner, in behalf of himself
and company, humbly begs that your honourable Board
would grant Edward Rowlland, commander of said schooner,
a commission authorizing him to cruise and make captures
of the enemies aforesaid. And as in duty bound, your peti-
tioner shall ever pray.- BENJ'N GOODHUE, JUN.
In Council, October 2, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be
granted, and that a commission be issued out to the above-
named Edward Rowland, as commander of the Schooner
Sturdy Beggar, he complying with the resolves of Congress.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
ORDER OF COUNCIL RESPECTING PRISONERS.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, Council Chamber, )
. October 3, 1776. $
Ordered, That the Sheriff of the County of Essex be,
and hereby is directed to tender the parole accompanying
this order to now in Salem, lately taken prisoners
of war, and in case they refuse, or either of them, to sign
the same, to commit him or them so refusing to prison agree-
able to a resolve of the honourable Congress. And it is
Airther ordered, that the said Sheriff be, and hereby is di-
rected to employ some suitable person to conduct the said
to the town of Boxford, in the said County of
Essex, to which place the said is destined, upon
their signing said parole, and deliver them to the care of the
Committee of Safety, Sic., of said town. And the said
Sheriff is further ordered to take into his custody
soldiers and sailors taken by Captain (Sawder, and
brought into the town of Salem, and confine them in the
gaol in said Salem, unless they or either of them incline to
labour, or exercise their trades in order to support themselves,
in which case you are directed to deliver to any of the
Committees of Correspondence, Inspection, &tc., in said
County, such individuals of the said prisoners as are uilling
to be employed in labour as aforesaid, to be by said Com-
mittees distributed to such persons as they may think proper
for the purposes aforesaid; and the Sheriff is directed to
take receipts of such Committees expressing (he names of
such of the prisoners as they have received under their care,
and their engagement to return them to yourself (if remain-
ing in their town) when any order of Council shall pass for
that purpose.
ORDER FOR DELIVERING GUNS TO CAPTAIN M'NEIL.
Council Chamber, October 3, 1776.
Ordered, That the Committee of Correspondence, Safety,
and Inspection of the town of Newbury-Port be, and they
are hereby directed to deliver Captain Hector McNeil, for
the use of the ship Boston, eight swivel guns, brought in
said town the last year by one Captain Johnson, who was
from the West-Indies, in the service of this State.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF OWNERS OF BRIGANTINE WASHINGTON.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable the Council, now sitting in WATER-
TOWN:
The Petition of JOHN DYSON, THOMAS DAVIS, WILLIAM
VAUS, of BEVERLY, SAMUEL TWING, and JONATHAN
HOBBY, of BOSTON, humbly showeth:
That your petitioners, owners of the brigantine called
the Washington, burthened ninety tons; armed with twelve
carriage-guns, six and four-pounders, six swivels, four blun-
derbusses, six hundred weight of powder, with shot in pro-
portion; navigated by eighty men; and with twelve thou-
sand pounds beef and pork, twelve thousand pounds bread
on board. Said brigantine is designed to cruise against the
enemies of the United States of America.
The officers on board are as follows, viz: Elias Smith
Captain, James Lovett First Lieutenant, William Tucker
Second Lieutenant, John Vickcry Master.
Your petitioners would therefore humbly request- your
Honours to commission the said brigantine and Commander,
for the purpose above mentioned. And your petitioners, as
in duty bound, shall ever pray. JOHN DysoN,
In behalf of all concerned.
In Council, October 3, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out
to the above-mentioned Elias Smith, as Commander of the
said Brigantine, on his complying with resolves of Con-
gress. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
Council Chamber, October 3, 1776.
Ordered, That the Committee for fortifying the Harbour
of Boston be, and they are hereby directed to send, by
water, to Newbury-Port, twelve Swivel-Guns out of the
Row-Galley in Boston Harbour, to be delivered Captain
Hector McNeil, for the use of the Ship Boston.
JNO. AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF OWNERS OF BRIG REPRISAL.
State of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY:
To the honourable Council of said State, sitting at WATER-
TOWN, SEPTEMBER 30, 1776:
JOB PRINCE and SAMUEL WHITE, agents for themselves
and for JACOB FOWLE, ANDREW CABOT, JOHN COFFIN
JONES, and BENJAMIN HITCHBORNE, owners of the Brig-
antine REPRISAL, represent to your Honours :
That they have, at their joint and proper expense of said
owners, fitted out, armed, manned, and equipped, the afore-
said brigantine now lying in the Harbour of Boston, and
ready for the sea, burthened about severity tons ; to be navi-
gated by seventy men ; mounting eight carriage-guns, three-
pounders, ten swivels, and other implements of war; and
provided with seventy barrels beef and pork and fifty butts
water, together with six hundred weight of powder and
805
MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
806
twelve hundred weight shot; and to be commanded by
John Wheelwright, Samuel Smallcorn First Lieutenant,
Nathaniel Thayer Second Lieutenant, John Gregore Mas-
ter, John Ritchmond Doctor, Peter Johnson Gunner, and
Joseph Pickman Steward.
They therefore make this application to your Honours
for a commission for the said brigantine, the said John
Wheelwright, in the bond herewith exhibited, having com-
plied with requisitions of the honourable Congress in such
case. SAM. WHITE,
In behalf of Captain Job Prince and owners.
In Council, October 3, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That a Commission be issued out
to the above-mentioned John Wheelwright, as Commander
of the said Brigantine, on his complying with the resolves
of Congress. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
State of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY to BENJAMIN AUSTIN, DR.
1776, September 28. — To cash paid Captain John Clous-
ton, of the Sloop Freedom, for one month's advance wages
to the men on board the said Sloop, at 40s. each, £ 14.
Errours excepted. BENJ'N AUSTIN.
In Council, October 3, 1776.
Read and allowed, and Ordered, That a warrant be
drawn on the Treasury for £14, in full of the above ac-
count. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
Boston, 28th September, 1776.
Received of Benjamin Austin, Esquire, fourteen pounds,
being so much he paid me for one month's advance wages
to seven men inlisted on board the sloop Freedom, belong-
ing to this State. Captain JOHN CLOUSTON.
£14.
MEMORIAL OF THOMAS CUSHING, AGENT FOR BUILDING THE
CONTINENTAL FRIGATES.
To the honourable the Council of the State of the MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAY:
The Memorial of THOMAS GUSHING, Agent for building
two Continental frigates, humbly showeth :
That your memorialist has received directions from the
Marine Committee of Congress to apply to this State for
powder, ball, musket-shot, and other military stores, for the
Continental frigate called the Boston, commanded by Hec-
tor McNeil, which they say will be paid for or returned by
the Congress; that your memorialist finds there will be
wanted for the said frigate, four tons of powder, one thou-
sand double-headed shot nine-pounders, one thousand weight
of musket-ball, ten swivel blunderbusses, fifty small-arms,
eighty cartouch-boxes, five hundred flints, some swivel and
some partridge shot, fifty screwed-bottom powder-horns.
He therefore humbly prays that your Honours would sup-
ply him with the articles before mentioned, for the use of
the frigate Boston, Hector McNeil, Commander, which
will either be paid for or returned by the Congress. And
your memorialist, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
THOMAS GUSHING.
October 4, 1776.
In Council, October 4, 1776.
Ordered, That the Commissary-General be, and hereby
is directed to supply the petitioner, Thomas Gushing, Esq.,
or his order, with four ions of Powder, out of the Powder
Mills at the town of Andover, and with other articles men-
tioned in the Petition, as also such other Military Stores as
he finds necessary for the use of the Continental Frigate
called the Boston, he, the said Gushing, giving his receipt
therefor.
ORDER RESPECTING THE THREE REGIMENTS FOR DEFENCE
OF MASSACHUSETTS.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, Council Chamber, )
October 4, 1776. $
Ordered, That the three Regiments now in the pay of
this State, and raised for the defence and service of the
same, commanded by Colonel Josiah Whitney, Colonel
Thomas Marshall, and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Crafts,
be, and hereby are put under the command of Major-Gen-
eral Ward until further order; and the said Colonels Whit-
ney, Marshall, and Crafts, together with the inferiour offi-
cers and soldiers in their respective Regiments, are hereby
commanded to obey the said Major-General Ward as their
General Officer, and to observe and follow such orders and
instructions as they shall from time to time receive from
him.
In Council, October 4, 1776.
Ordered, That the Commissary-General be and hereby
is directed to supply the Regiments under the command of
Colonel Whitney, Colonel Marshall, and Colonel Crafts,
will) such Guns or Muskets as the Colonels of the respective
Regiments may apply for, for the use of the men under
their command.
State of Massachusetts, In Council, )
October 4, 1776. $
Ordered, That the two Independent Companies raised
in the towns of Weymouth and Ilingham, under the com-
mand of Captain Slowers and Captain Trufant, be joined
to the Regiment under the command of Colonel Josiah
Whitney, with them to do duty ; and the two Independent
Companies raised in the town of Braintree, under the com-
mand of Captain Tumer and Captain Thayer, be joined to
the Regiment under the command of Colonel Thomas Mar-
shall, with them to do duty, and that the Secretary forth-
with notify Colonel Whitney and Colonel Marshall, and the
several Captains before mentioned with this order by serving
each of them respectively with an attested copy of the
same.
PETITION OF EBENEZER PORTER.
To the honourable the Council of the State of the MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAY, now silting at WATERTOWN :
The Petition of EBENEZER PORTER most humbly showeth :
That your petitioner, a native of Salem, where he was
brought up, and afterward resided at Woburn until within
this few years, when he, with his family and many others,
removed to Nova-Scotia, and settled at a place called -Yar-
mouth, in the Bay of Fundy, inhabited chiefly by people
from Salem and Beverly, and some from Ipswich and Wen-
ham, who are now drove to great straits and difficulties,
owing to the communication between this State and that
Province being cut off. That your petitioner is very desi-
rous of removing himself and family from Nova-Scotia to
Salem, the place of his nativity, could he have your Hon-
ours' liberty in so doing; and to prevent his little furniture
and effects from being captured on their passage from Yar-
mouth to this place, your petitioner humbly prays your
Honours would be pleased to grant him a license in return-
ing to Nova-Scotia in any way he may be able, and to
remove from thence himself, his wife, and five children, to-
gether with his furniture and effects. And your petitioner,
as in duly bound, shall ever pray.
EBENEZER PORTER.
Woburn, October 4, 1776.
In Council, October 4, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of this Petition be
granted, and that Samuel Holton, Esq., be directed to draft
an order for the above purpose.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF NATHAN UTLEY AND OTHERS.
To the honourable the Council of the Stale of the MASSA-
CHUSETTS-BAY, now sitting at WATERTOWN :
The petition of Nathan Utley, Henry Coggin, Asa Ham-
mond, and Nehemiah Porter, natives of New-England,
where they lived till a few years ago, when they, with
many others, removed to Nova-Scotia, and settled in a place
called Yarmouth, in the Bay of Fundy, inhabited chiefly by
people from Beverly, Salem, Ipswich, and Wcnham, who
are now drove to great straits and difficulties, owing to the
communication between this State and that Province being
cut off. That your petitioners are very desirous of removing
themselves and families from Nova-Scotia to New-England,
the place of their nativity, could they have your Honours'
liberty in their so doing; and to prevent their little furniture
and effects from being captured on their passage from Yar-
mouth to this place, your petitioners humbly pray your
Honours would be pleased to grant them a license in re-
turning to Nova-Scotia in any way they may be able, and
807
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
808
to remove from thence themselves, their wives and children,
together with their furniture and effects. And your peti-
tioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
NATHANUTLEY,
HENRY COGGIN,
ASA HAMMOND,
NEHEMIAH PORTER, in behalf
of his son of the same name at Yarmouth.
Watertown, October 4, 1776.
In Council, October 4, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be
granted, and that Samuel Holton, Esq., be directed to draft
an order for the above purpose.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
PETITION OF RICHARD VALPY.
To the honourable the Council of the Stale of MASSACHU-
SETTS-BAY, now sitting at WATERTOWN :
The Petition of RICHARD VALPEY, most humbly showeth :
That your petitioner is a native of Salem, where he always
resided until within this five years, when he, with his family
and many others, removed to a place called Yarmouth, in
the Bay of Fundy, and Province of Nova-Scotia, inhabited
chiefly by people from Salem and Beverly, who are now
drove to great straits and difficulties, owing to the commu-
nication between this State and that Province being cut off.
That your petitioner is \ery desirous of removing himself
and family from Nova-Scotia to Salem, the place of his
nativity, could he have your Honours' liberty for his so
doing ; and to prevent his little furniture and effects from
being captured in their passage from Yarmouth to this
place, your petitioner humbly prays your Honours will be
pleased to grant him a license in writing, to return to Nova-
Scotia in any way he may be able, and to remove from
thence himself, his wife and nine children, and an aged
mother, together with his furniture. And your petitioner,
as in duty bound, shall ever pray. RICH'D VALPY.
Salem, October 3, 1776.
This may certify that the contents of the foregoing Petition
is true, and that Mr. Valpy has been a respectable ship
master in this State for many years. R. DERBY, Jun.
In Council, October 4, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be
granted, and that Samuel Holton, Esq., be directed to draft
an order for the above purpose.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, Council Chamber, )
October 4, 1776. )
Whereas Ebenezer Porter, Richard Valpey, Nathan
Vtley, Henry Coggin, Asa Hammond, and Nehemiah
Porter, all of Yarmouth, in the Province of Nova-Scotia,
have petitioned this Board that they may have liberty to
remove themselves, their families, and effects, from said Yar-
mouth to this State, and it appearing that the petitioners, not
many years since, removed themselves and families from this
State :
Therefore, Ordered, That the above-named petitioners
be, and hereby are permitted to return from this State to
Yarmouth, in the Province of Nova-Scotia, and bring off
their families and effects to any part of this State that they
shall think proper; and it is hereby recommended to the
commanders of all armed and other vessels, to let the above-
named petitioners, or either of them, pass unmolested to
Yarmouth, in said Province, and from thence to this State
to brin" their families and effects.
O
On Tuesday, the 1st day of October, instant, the privateer
schooner, from Boston, (the day before.) named the Speed-
well, took a snow from London, which sailed last July in
company with twenty four topsail vessels, bound to Boston,
but finding the harbour evacuated steered off; and by the
information of the mate of the above prize snow, the fleet
are now hovering about Nantucket, not knowing where to
go, till they get orders from New-York, as they signed bills
of lading for Boston. This signed by part of the proprietors
of the said privateer Speedwell, commanded by Captain
John Greely, this 5th day of October, 1776.
THOS. HIGHBORN, Jun.
JAM. SWAN,
E. PARKMAN.
SIR : In consequence of the foregoing information, several
gentlemen of the Council in the town of Boston, have thought
it advisable that you proceed towards Nantucket, in order
to fall in with the above-mentioned fleet, and afterwards to
proceed agreeable to the former orders of the Council.
Sir, your most humble servant, JAMES BOWDOIN.
Capt. Souther, Com'rof one of the State vessels of war.
Capt. Samson, do.
Capt. Williams, do.
Boston, Saturday Evening, October 5, 1776.
In Council, October 9, 1776.
The above laid before Council, and they approve of the
same. JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
MEMORIAL OF JOHN ANDERSON.
To the Hon. JAMES BOWDOIN, Esq., President, and the
rest of the honourable Members of the Council of the State
of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, NEW-ENGLAND:
The Memorial of JOHN ANDERSON, of the River ST. JOHN'S,
NOVA-SCOTIA, humbly showeth :
That your memorialist, through the unhappiness of the
times, has been induced to move with his family to Newbury-
Port. That he has sundry effects remaining at his farm, at
St. John's, consisting of several hundred of moose skins,
two iron cannon, nine-pounders, (double fortified,) with a
few wall-pieces, and small-arms, and likewise some pro-
visions, which he is desirous to send a small vessel for, in
order to bring them to Newbury-Port ; and therefore begs
your Honours' permission for the above purpose. On the
receipt of the cannon and small-arms, your petitioner will
look upon himself obliged to give your Honours the first
refusal of the said military stores. And your petitioner, as
in duty bound, shall ever pray, &tc. JOHN ANDERSON.
Newbury-Port, 4th October, 1776.
In Council, October 8, 1776.
Resolved, That John Anderson, within named, be per-
mitted to import into this State the warlike stores and other
effects in his petition mentioned, provided the said Anderson
give bonds with sufficient sureties to the Treasurer of this
State, in the sum of five hundred Pounds conditioned for his
(the said Anderson's) importing the effects in the said peti-
tion mentioned into this State as soon as may be, and give
the refusal of the warlike stores in said petition mentioned
to this State, for the use thereof.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c.
EARL OF ABINGDON'S ADDRESS.
Wallingibrd, England, October 1, 1776.
A few days ago, at the annual meeting of the Mayor and
Corporation of this borough, the Earl of Abingdon, our
High Steward, took occasion to compliment them respect-
ing their unanimous petition to the Throne upon the unhappy
troubles in America, in a speech to the following pur-
port:
"GENTLEMEN: It is with infinite pleasure that I embrace
this opportunity of congratulating you on that humane, in-
dependent, and truly patriotick spirit you so well expressed
in the petition I had the honour, at your request, of present-
ing to the Throne, and, at the same time, of assuring you
that, both for your own sakes and that of the Common-
wealth in general, my only wishes and endeavours have
been to preserve that integrity of disposition you so firmly
displayed, unbiased and unbroken. Happy, gentlemen,
would it have been, in my opinion, had your laudable exam-
ple been followed by every other Corporation in the King-
dom! We should not then have been involved in a war
the most unjust and unconstitutional in its principles and
ruinous in its tendency, of any to be found in the annals of
this or in any other nation upon earth ; for so inauspicious
is this war, that our very successes must destroy us. We
are murdering our own people, choking up the channels of
our own wealth, and, thus enervated and drained, laying
809
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, be., OCTOBER, 1776.
ourselves open to every combination in Europe that should
think proper to fall upon us."
SILAS DEANE TO THE SECRET COMMITTEE.
Paris, October 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Mr. Morris's letters, of the 4th and 5th
June last, of politicks and business, I received, with the
duplicates of my commission and instructions, on the 25th
ultimo. I stand corrected, and confine myself to politicks.
Your letter found me in a most critical situation. The
Ministry had become extremely uneasy at your absolute
silence ; and the bold assertions of the British Ambassador,
that you were accommodating matters, aided by the black
and villainous artifices of one or two of our own country-
men here, had brought them to apprehend, not only a set-
tlement between the two countries, but the most serious
consequences to their West-India Islands, should we unite
again with Great Britain. For me, alas ! I had nothing
left but to make the most positive assertions that no accom-
modation would or could take place, and to pledge myself,
in the strongest possible manner, that thus would turn out
the event. Yet so strong were their apprehensions, that an
order issued to suspend furnishing me with stores. Think
what I must feel upon such an occasion ! Our friend Mon-
sieur Beaumarchais exerted himself, and in a day or two
obtained the orders to be countermanded, and every thing
is again running on favourably.
For Heaven's sake, if you mean to have any connection
with this Kingdom, be more assiduous in getting your letters
here. I know not where the blame lies, but it must be
heavy somewhere, when vessels were suffered to sail from
Philadelphia and other ports, quite down to the middle of
August, without a single line. This circumstance was
urged against my assertions, and was near proving a mortal
stab to my whole proceedings.
Doctor Williamson, of Philadelphia, and Colonel Mercer,
of Virginia, have been in France. The latter, I believe,
is still here. The former has returned, with his budget, for
London. Under pretence of being an American, this man
is doing ^jjie Colonies prodigious mischief; and the situation
of affairs here, at this critical moment, renders it as danger-
ous for the Ministry to take him up, as it is to let him alone.
Let his name be known in America, and every one be put
on their guard how they correspond with him.
One Mr. Hopkins, of Maryland, in this service, and who
is in the rank of Brigadier-General, appeared desirous ol
going to America; but on my not paying him the regard
he vainly thought himself entitled to, formed the dark design
of defeating, at one stroke, my whole prospects as to sup-
plies. At this critical period, he pretended to be in my
secrets, and roundly asserted that I had solely in view a
reconciliation with Great Britain, immediately after which,
the stores now furnishing would be used against France.
This coming from a supposed enemy of Great Britain, from
a native of America, from one who professed himself a zeal-
ous friend to the Colonies, you must suppose had weight.
However thunderstruck I was, as well as my friend Mon-
sieur Beaumarchais, at this unexpected and last effort of
treachery, we exerted ourselves, and truth prevailed. This
mischief has recoiled on himself, and having fallen inlo dis-
grace here, he will strive to get to America, where he
threatens, I hear, to do much mischief to me. However,
he will not, probably, be permitted to depart, unless he slips
off very privately. Should that be the case, or should he
write letters, you have now a clue to unravel him and his
proceedings.
It would be too tedious to recount what I have met with
in this way. It has confined me not only to Paris, but to
my chambers and pen, for some weeks past, in drawing up,
by way of memorial, the true state of the Colonies, their
true interests, the system of policy they must unquestionably
pursue, and that the highest interests of France are insepa-
rably connected therewith. I do not mention a single dif-
ficulty with one complaining thought for myself. My all is
devoted, and I am happy in being so far successful, and
that the machinations of my enemies, or rather the enemies
of my country, have given me, finally, an opportunity of
experiencing the friendship and protection of great and
valuable men. But it is necessary that you should know
as much as possible of my situation.
810
The stores are collecting, and I hope will be embarked
by the middle of this month. If later, I shall incline to
send them by Martinico, on account of the season. It is
consistent with a political letter to urge your remittance of
the fourteen thousand hogsheads of tobacco, wrote for for-
merly, in part payment of these stores. If you make it
twenty, the publick will be gainers, as the article is rising
fast ; in Holland, seven stivers, ten pounds, and must be in
a proportion here.
You are desired by no means to forget Bermuda. If you
should, Great Britain will seize it this winter; or France,
on the first rupture, having been made sensible of its impor-
tance by the officious zeal of that same Mr. Hopkins.
As your navy is increasing, will you commission me to
send you duck for twenty or thirty sail ? 1 can procure it
for you, to the northward, on very good terms, and you
have on hand the produce wanted to pay for it with.
Have you granted commissions against the Portuguese 1
All the friends to America in Europe call loudly for such a
measure.
Would you have universal commerce, commission some
person to visit every Kingdom on the Continent that can
hold any commerce with America. Among them, by no
means forget Prussia.
Grain will be in demand in this Kingdom and in the south
of Europe. Permit me again to urge the increase of the
navy. Great Britain is calling in her Mediterranean
passes, to expose us to the Algerines. I propose applying
to this Court on that subject.
Doctor Bancroft, of London, merits much of the Colo-
nies. As I shall now have frequent opportunities of writing
by officers and others going out, I will not add more, than
that one Mr. Carmichael has now been with me some time,
recommended by Mr. A. Lee, of London. I owe much to
him for his assistance in my despatches, and for his friendly
and sensible advice on all occasions. He is of Maryland,
and is here for his health, and proposes going soon for
America. I expect to hear from London to-morrow, by
Doctor B., who is on his way here.
I am, with my most sincere respect and esteem for the
Secret Committee, and most profound regard to the hon-
ourable Congress, your most obedient and very humble'
servant,
SILAS DEANE.
An agent from Barbadoes is arrived in London, to rep-
resent their distresses. Another from Bermuda, with a
declaration to the Ministry of the necessity of their being
supplied with provisions from the Colonies, and saying if
not permitted they must ask the protection of Congress.
P. S. I have to urge your sending to me, either a general
power for the purpose, or a number of blank commissions
for vessels of war. It is an object of the last importance,
for in this time of peace between the nations of Europe, I
can be acquainted with the time of every vessel's sailing,
either from England or Portugal, and by despatching little
vessels, armed, from hence, and to appearance property of
the subjects of the United States of America, to seiae them,
while unsuspicious on this coast, and to stand directly for
America with them, great reprisals may be made; and
persons of the first property have already solicited me on
the occasion. Indeed, they have such an opinion of my
power, that they have offered to engage in such an adven-
ture, if I would authorize them with my name, but this might
as yet be rather dangerous. It is certainly, however, a
very practicable and safe plan, to arm a ship here as if for
the coast of Africa, or the West-Indies, wait until some
ship of value is sailing from England or Portugal, slip out
at once and carry them on to America. When arrived, the
armed vessel increases your navy, and the prize supplies the
country.
Since writing the foregoing, I waited on Mr. Beaumar-
chais, and while in conversation on our affairs, Mr. Hopkins
came in. He was surprised at seeing me, and evidently
fluttered at the apprehensions that Mons'r B. M. had been
informing me of his informations to the Ministry; and on
my charging him with it, and expostulating, he boldly main-
tained his information to be true, and that his zeal for, and
fidelity to this kingdom, would not permit him to keep it a
secret, and had the confidence to charge me with saying
that I meant a reconciliation, fac., &c. He, however,
previously acknowledged there had been a coldness and
811
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
812
indifference between us for more than three weeks, during
which he complained that I would not let him speak to me
alone. I was, he said, so very reserved towards him, yet
his zeal had prompted him to make this information only
two days before this, and immediately on his resenting a
reception 1 gave him at my lodgings. These, and many
Other circumstances convinced me on what grounds and with
what real intention it was made, to which I added, that I
could not condescend to confront Mr. Hopkins as on a level,
but if one doubt remained in the minds of any one of the
Ministry, my correspondence since in France, which I had
minutely copied, as well as my most secret conversation to
my most confidential friends, might be examined into, and I
would fall if a single sentence ever escaped me, tending in
the least to what Mr. Hopkins asserted. He then perse-
vered in his assertions, and laboured to make the dispute
personal. He finally declared his resolution of going to
America, and gave hints what he would do there ; to which
I replied he was at his liberty, but justice to my country
would oblige me to transmit a true narration of his conduct,
and the bold attempt he had made to intercept the sending
out of supplies, which could be exceeded by nothing but his
inconsistency, in pretending to offer his service to a country
which he had laboured to injure so materially.
We parted, and nothing in his power will be left unat-
tempted against me pretendedly, but against the Colonies
ultimately. However, I am under no great apprehensions.
Such a man, when known, ceases to be formidable ; but I
can by no means avoid cautioning you against him,
should he escape into America, as one of those restless and
unquiet spirits ever dangerous in civil society, but more so
in military operations. Inveterate as he is, I can manage
him in such a Government as this, better than you can in
America. I say, if he escapes, for at present he is closely
watched in all his motions, but he may write letters, and
under pretence of friendship for America cause some un-
easiness here. Should he persevere in his machinations, he
would soon wind himself up; indeed, I am apprehensive he
will, but am determined never more to put myself, or any
affair of mine, in his way. The Ministry are satisfied with
my conduct in the affair, and I believe mean to use the pres-
'ent occasion for dismissing him, which as he may be appre-
hensive of, he will push the harder to get away for America.
It is of importance, as I have mentioned in my former
letters, to have some one deputed and empowered to treat
with the King of Prussia. I am acquainted with his agent
here, and have already, through him received some queries
and proposals respecting American commerce, to which arn
preparing a reply. I have aJso an acquaintance with the
agent of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who proposes fixing
a commerce between the United Colonies and Leghorn, but
has not as yet given me his particular thoughts. France
and Spain are naturally our allies. The Italian States
want our flour and some other articles. Prussia, ever pur-
suing her own interests, needs but be informed of some facts
relative to America's increasing commerce to favour us.
Holland will pursue its system, now fixed, of never quarrel-
ing with any one on any occasion whatever. In this view
is seen at once the power we ought to apply to and gain a
good acquaintance with. Let me again urge you on the
subject of tobacco. One hint further ; it is this : bhould
you apportion a certain tract of the western lands, to be
divided at the close of this war among the officers and
soldiers serving in it, and make a generous allotment, it
would, I think, have a good effect in America, as the poorest
soldiers would then be fighting literally for a freehold ; in
Europe it would operate beyond any pecuniary offers. I
have no time to enlarge on the thought, but may take it up
hereafter; if I do not, it is an obvious one, and if capable of
execution, you can manage it to the best advantage.
I have no doubt but I can obtain a loan for the Colo-
nies, if empowered, and on very favorable terms. I have
already sounded on this subject, and will be more explicit
hereafter, both as to my proposals, for I can go no further,
and the answers I may receive.
I am, as ever, yours, SILAS DEANE.
London, October 1, 1776.
Yesterday, Major Creed, who brought the last despatches
from Lord and General Howe, was at Court, and had a
conference with his Majesty. The insurers of London
have agreed to pay to the master and crew of any vessel
taken by the Americans, and retaken by the said crew, five
pounds per cent, on their several subscriptions, as a reward
to the said crew.
SPEECH OF THE GOVERNOUR OF BARBADOES, TO THE COUN-
CIL AND ASSEMBLY OF THF. ISLAND, AT THE OPENING OF
THE NEW SESSION, IN SEPTEMBER, 1776.
Gentlemen of the Council and
Gentlemen of the Assembly :
It is with the greatest pleasure 1 meet you again in this
new session, which from your zeal for the good of the Col-
ony, and your knowledge and experience in the publick
business of the Island, I trust will be productive of such
useful regulations as may be of lasting service to the com-
munity. The present juncture of publick affairs would
unavoidably awaken the attention of his Majesty's subjects
in every part of his extensive dominions. They must all
feel the effects of a suspension of trade with so many ofhis
Majesty's Northern Colonies in America as are now in re-
bellion; nor was it possible that his fVesl-India Islands
could be exempt from a large share of inconvenience from
this interruption.
But such has been the provident care ofhis Majesty and
both Houses of Parliament, as first in the prohibitory act,
to grant us all the indulgence which the nature of the case
would then admit of, and by a late act to allow the exporta-
tion of wheat and other articles to the East and West-Indies.
We have reason to be very thankful for these marks of
attention from the supreme Legislature towards these distant
Colonies, which, together with the prudence of the planters
and merchants in ordering our supplies, has had the most
desirable effect. Numerous have been the cargoes imported
into this Island within the present year; and even as to the
articles of Indian and Guinea corn, the usual support of the
negroes in the plantations, these have in some measure had
their substitutes; and now from the continual showers of
rain for these two months past, there is the most pleasing
prospect of more plenty of corn and other provisions than
has been yet known, and which ought to relieve our anxiety
on this important point.
But as it must be the sincere wish of every good man to
see peace restored throughout all his Majesty's dominions,
so we have great reason to expect some very favourable
result from the operations of the present campaign. On the
one hand the terms of submission which his Majesty's com-
missioners are empowered to accept, are open to all those
who are desirous of returning to their duty. On the other
hand, the powerful armament of land and sea forces now
upon the coast of America, must have some effect in redu-
cing the most obstinate to obedience. Therefore, it is
scarcely to be doubted that some one or more of these Col-
onies will sue for peace and obtain the King's pardon this
present year. Should an event so devoutly to be wished
come to pass, we then shall have a market open to us, and
all our apprehensions will subside.
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly :
As this Colony shares with the mother country in the
happiness of the noblest form of government that ever
existed, so the inhabitants have a right to expect all the
benefits which can arise from it. As I am fully persuaded
that you, gentlemen, who are the representatives of the
people, are desirous to promote their interest and happiness,
so I must earnestly recommend to your prudence, calmness,
temper, and moderation in your proceedings, as essentially
necessary towards the publick service.
Gentlemen of the Council and Gentlemen of the Assembly :
I have at the commencement of former sessions recom-
mended two points to your serious consideration — the
revisal and amendment of the Militia law, and a daily main-
tenance for the prisoners. They still are objects worthy of
your attention. There are many other matters which might
be proposed for the publick service, but I am fully per-
suaded that your own zeal for the interest of the community
will readily suggest to you such as may be more immedi-
ately necessary. I have no wish nearer my heart than to
contribute to the peace, happiness, and prosperity of this
Island ; therefore you may be sure of my immediate con-
currence in every measure which may be productive of these
singular blessings.
813
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
814
REPLY OF THE ASSEMBLY.
To his Excellency the Hon. EDWARD HAY, his Majesty's
Captain-General, Governour and Command er-in- Chief
of the aforesaid Island; Chancellor. Ordinary, and Vice-
Admiral of the same.
The humble Address of the General Assembly of the said
Island :
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: We, the Repre-
sentatives of the people, return your Excellency the thanks
of our Assembly for your speech, and those favourable senti-
ments which it expresses of our zeal for the good of our
country, joined to our knowledge and experience in the
publick business, and we flatter ourselves that the same
zealous inclination to promote the interests of this Colony,
which distinguished our proceedings in the former sessions,
will continue to animate the conduct of this House on every
laudable occasion through the present.
Unavoidably as the attention of his Majesty's subjects
must have been awakened to this unhappy conjuncture of
affairs in every part of his extensive dominions, yet in no
part of them could the anxiety and apprehensions be natu-
rally so great as in our own, and all the other helpless West-
India settlements in the neighbouring seas; for, dependent
as this Island has been, time immemorial, upon the Northern
Colonies of America, not only for supplies to carry on the
works of our most valuable manufacture, but for the very
articles in a great measure of our subsistence, and both parts
of the importation happily exchanged for the produce of our
lands and labour, we could not behold the first threatening
appearances of an interruption to this necessary commerce
without a just alarm, yet confiding in the wisdom of his
Majesty's councils, ever influenced by a tender regard to the
wants and weaknesses of this dutiful and loyal Colony, and
moreover unwilling from our particular affection to our Sov-
ereign, to add any thing to the weight of his royal cares for
the general welfare of his American dominions, by too hasty
an expression of our fears, we for a long time maintained a
resolute and respectful silence, until by an act of the British
Parliament, we saw our intercourse with the Northern Col-
onies, the granary of this Island, utterly cut off, and yet no
new channel opened for our supply ; but on the contrary we
found a permission tacitly, yet effectually granted by your
Excellency to one of his Majesty's transport vessels, to
export from this Island a part of those very stores which
had been laid up under the same authority for our own
supply; then indeed, the duty we owed both to our country
and ourselves, constrained us to speak out.
We first remonstrated to your Excellency against the
unnatural license which you had been pleased to grant,
under our own alarming circumstances, by requesting you
to grant no more ; and then too justly apprehending an
unlucky interpretation that might be put in England upon
your Excellency's extraordinary indulgence to that vessel,
as a sign of our abundance, rather than a sacrifice from our
scanty store, we in the next place presented a most humble
and dutiful petition to the King, to implore his gracious
attention to the true state of our Colony, and such relief as in
our critical situation, we stood most in need of. Yet for this
last measure, though voted with unanimity, and was but the
natural consequence of the former, the honour of our Assem-
bly stands impeached before his Majesty, and our country
has been disappointed of the hopes of our Sovereign's favour
by the ill offices of your Excellency, the immediate repre-
sentative amongst us of that great father of his people,
whom we had supplicated in the season of our distress.
But if the benevolence of his royal heart, from whence so
gracious a declaration flowed, "of his Majesty's readiness to
do every thing for the advantage of his good subjects of
Barbadoes" be not too far obstructed by the malign inter-
position, our country will at length reap the fruits of our
repeated application to the Throne, and its representative
body too be cleared from every imputation of a factious and
unworthy motive to their proceeding.
Whatever may have been the provident care of his
Majesty and both Houses of Parliament, in the prohibitory
act in our favour, yet we are not sensible that the inhabit-
ants of this Island have actually received the least benefit
by such indulgence; and from the other act, to allow the
exportation of wheat from England to the East and West-
Indies, the benefit is yet to be received. We are, however,
duly thankful for every mark of attention in the supreme
Legislature towards these distant Colonies. But notwith
standing the numerous cargoes which have been imported
into this Island, added to the supplies ordered out by the
prudence of several of the planters on a private account ; and
notwithstanding the substitutes which your Excellency takes
notice of, in the room of our accustomed supplies of corn
from North America, yet certain it is, that from the extrava-
gant prices of the common articles of provisions, many of
our poor white inhabitants have been put to the most
wretched shifts to keep themselves and families from perish-
ing, and many of the planters in those parts of the Island
that were accustomed to rely upon the North American
grain for the support of their negroes, have been to the
greatest degree distressed to find the proper subsistence for
their'people. And even now, that after the Island had been
blessed with continual showers of rain, for the two months
preceding the date of your Excellency's speech, and we were
enjoying the prospect of a plentiful crop of Indian corn,
such is the melancholy uncertainty of our soil, the destructive
worm to which that plant is too frequently liable has since
appeared, and robbed us in many places of the promised
harvest. Nor is it without terrour we have seen some ves-
tiges of the same vermin in the young blades of our other
sort of grain, the Guinea, planted to succeed the Indian, for
our supply; and should there be any failure too of this, the
most beneficial of our internal grain, the miseries of a famine
may yet in some parishes prove their dreadful lot.
From every consideration, then, that can affect the mem-
bers of this House, as men or citizens, we cannot but look
with eagerness for a joyful end of the present' most horrid
conflict upon the Continent of America; since upon the
happy restoration of peace, and a renewal of that ancient
harmony which subsisted betwixt our parent State and her
American dominions, all hope of the prosperity, if not the
very preservation, of our own Colony, can be alone securely
rested.
Perfectly sensible of the happiness which in this Island
we partake of, in the free and noble form of government of
our mother country, this Assembly will be equally careful
not to violate the sacred trust by any unbecoming trespass
on the one part, nor to betray it by any mean surrender of
our glorious birthright on the other ; happy whilst we see no
occasion offer to force us away from that temper, calmness,
and moderation recommended by your Excellency ; yet not
unprepared, however painful it may be to us, in a different
conjuncture, to show that sense of injury, and adopt that
spirit of resentment 'inseparable from the character of a faith-
ful and independent representative of the people.
In the course of our former .sessions, we gave the strongest
proof of our humane attention to the poor prisoners then con-
fined for debt, by an insolvent act, including every unhappy
object found in gaol down to the very day on which the act
passed the House. Nor were our cares wanting to the just
relief of any unfortunate debtors under the like confinement,
as will appear from the proceedings of the House ; but
whether we shall in the present Assembly proceed to a
revival of the plan proposed, but left undetermined at the
expiration of our body, or make the provision recommended
by your Excellency, for the maintenance of those who may
be held in prison under the present laws, shall be the subject
of our mature consideration.
But with regard to an amendment of our Militia law, the
other principal object of your Excellency's earnest and
repeated recommendation to the Assembly, this is a point
on which we cannot help repeating, in our turn, the diffi-
culties and distrusts that rise up in our minds against the
undertaking, and which seem rather to increase than lessen
by every impulse to remove them. Nor can we help
reflecting upon the good fortune of our ancestors, who,
under certain Administrations, were able to keep up a numer-
ous and respectable body of Militia in this Island, yet with
no higher hand than what the present defective law per-
mitted them to hold over their respective corps. In the
principle of a personal regard from their inferiours, the
commanding officers found every deficiency of the law most
happily supplied; and we are therefore most unwilling now,
in times more propitious to the claims of civil liberty in the
Colonies than ever, to renounce a principle of attachment
so honourable to society, and enforce obedience by a power
congenial only with the habits of despotick sway.
In all other matters that may be laid before us by your
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
816
Excellency, for the good of the country, we shall most
cheerfully concur, being bound by every tie of interest no
less than duty lo promote its peace, its happiness, and pros-
perity ; blessings which we rejoice to hear your Excellency
has so near your heart for this Island, and which no generous
endeavour of your Excellency's to procure, can fail to draw
after it the hearts of onr community.
By order ol the House:
JOHN GAY ALLEYNE, Speaker.
House of Assembly, October 1, 1776.
THE SENTIMENTS OF THE SEVERAL COMPANIES OF MILITIA
AND FREEHOLDERS OF AUGUSTA, IN VIRGINIA, COMMUNI-
CATED BY THE DEPUTIES FROM THE SAID COMPANIES AND
FREEHOLDERS TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE GEN-
ERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMONWEALTH.*
GENTLEMEN : We have chosen you at a very critical
juncture to represent us in the General Assembly of our
Commonwealth, and need not tell you that we place great
confidence in you. Your being elected by us, in such times
as these, to an important place of trust, will sufficiently
prove it, and show, at the same jime, our respect for you
and the sense we have of your abilities and virtue.
Our independence on Great Britain and every other
nation, we are determined upon, without a nice calculation
of costs ; for if possible to effect and preserve liberty for
ourselves and unborn generations, we think it will be a noble
equivalent for much blood and treasure, and we trust a full
balance of all our losses.
Attempts, unnatural, cruel, and unjust, to rob us of our
most valuable rights and privileges, have roused almost all
America to defend them, forgetting the illiberal treatment
which a difference in religious sentiments, in some mis-
guided places, has produced. All denominations have
unanimously rushed to arms to defend the common cause.
Their unanimity has made them formidable to their enemies;
their unanimity will be ever preserved by giving equal liberty
to them all ; nor do they crave this as the pittance of cour-
*Mr. PURDIE: In your last paper I saw a piece entitled "The Senti-
ments of the several Companies of Militia and Freeholders of Jlugusta,
communicated by the Deputies from the said Companies and Free-
holders to their Representatives in the General Assembly of the Com-
monwealth;" which piece, as it has been submitted to the publick
inspection, is a proper subject for a few publick strictures.
Its object is the subversion of our Church Establishment, an estab-
lishment which has been found, from the experience of near two hun-
dred years, productive of peace and order, of piety and virtue. Its
independent exordium is, to be sure, of a very popular nature; but then
it would precede with as much, perhaps more propriety, an essay to
prove the expediency of continuing our Establishment. For did not
Churchmen, clergy as well as laity, -when the salvation of their country
rendered it necessary, declare for independence with as much alacrity
as Dissenters of any denomination ? and have they not since been as
active in supporting it? I could instance as many clergymen of the
Established Church who have been more forward in the present glo-
rious contest, than any of the religious of any sect amongst us, although
the former acted at the risk of losing livings, whilst the latter were
tempted with the prospect of creeping into them.
The grand, and indeed the only argument which these sentimental
gentlemen indulge us with, in behalf of their favourite scheme, is, that
by giving equal liberty to all denominations unanimity will be pre-
served; and unanimity, they tell us, has already made us formidable to
our enemies. I would ask, as they acknowledge that unanimity has
heretofore prevailed amongst us, what was our situation at that time?
Had we not a Church Establishment; and were not Dissenters freely
tolerated? Why, then, should unanimity forsake us, as long as we
continue in the same situation ? If it does, it must be because some
people require more than others for having ventured less, and only
having done, to say the most, as much.
But are our gentlemen sure that, by destroying our Church Estab-
lishment, that unanimity, so necessary to the salvation of our country,
will be preserved? 7f they are, they have, I must needs confess, great
confidence in the meek and disinterested disposition of the members of
the Established Church, much more than they evidently have in the
temper of their own sects. They suppose the spirit of our Church so
generous and forgiving, that it will dispose us to submit to laws which
are injurious to us, rather than for a moment endanger the publick wel-
fare; while they declare they will not pay obedience to what is enacted
by the supreme power of this State, unless their particular interest is
preferred to the lasting interest and happiness of the whole community.
If they represent matters fairly, our Legislatures may easily determine
whether they will do their country a greater service by supporting so
excellent a Church as ours is acknowledged to be by its very adversa-
ries, or by depressing it, and encouraging sectaries, who, by their own
confession, are selfish, turbulent, and seditious.
But, what if these men should be mistaken ? They may not have
considered that, though the spirit of the Established Church is meek
and tolerating, still its members are by nature men of like passions
witli themselves; and that though their religion forbids them to trespass
upon the patrimony of others, it by no means authorizes them to give
up, or even neglect, their own. To threaten seems to be the province
of bullies, and of such as have a bad cause; but every reasonable | person
will allow, that to deprive men of what they have always enjoyed,
and been taught to regard as their right, is a much juster cause of com-
plaint, and much more likely to produce dissatisfaction and dissensions,
tesy, but demand it as their patrimony, that cannot be with-
held from them without the most flagitious fraud, pride, and
injustice, which, if practised, may shake this Continent, and
demolish Provinces.
This we think our Representatives in Convention, last
June, had fully in view. Besides other things, they de-
clared, " that all men are equally entitled to the free exercise
of their religion, or the duty they owe to their Creator, and
the manner ol discharging it according to the dictates of
their consciences." We take this to be the true and full
meaning of their words, without any unjust view of favour-
ing some to the hurt of others, and we view their declaration
in this light as a most happy proof of their wisdom and
virtue. Hereby men, how different soever in their religious
opinions, are united in defence of our invaluable inheritance,
which they can equally call their own. Hereby jealousies,
oppositions, and we believe all the plagues of jarring in-
terests, will be prevented, their united force be employed to
accomplish the same ends, and the only strife be who will
become the most approvable, wise, and useful members in
society.
While we most pressingly request you as individuals, or
members of the same community, to use your best endea-
vours to promote the general good, we do, gentlemen, as
our Representatives most solemnly require you, and posi-
tively command you, that, in the General Assembly of this
Commonwealth, you declare it the ardent desire and unani-
mous opinion of your constituents, should such a declaration
become necessary, that all religious denominations within
this dominion be forthwith put in the full possession of equal
liberty, without preference or preeminence, which, while it
may favour one, can hurt another, and that no religious sect
whatever be established in this Commonwealth. This, from
its apparent tendency to promote, and most effectually to
secure the good of our country, we earnestly wish to see
established ; and we hope the number of interested bigots,
illiberal politicians, or of disguised enemies to the freedom
and happiness of Virginia, will be too small and contemptible
to prevent or obstruct a matter of such extensive utility, a
than the withholding from them what they never had in possession,
and what the distresses of their country only could have made them
expect.
I hope this will be considered by our honourable Assembly, and that
they will carefully avoid a measure by which the greater and more
orderly part of the State will be aggrieved, and may be sickened oTour
important dispute.
The rest of this sentimental piece containing only puerile declama-
tion, I shall vouchsafe it no further notice; but, as I am before the pub-
lick, I will take this opportunity of making a few observations on the
advantages of a religious establishment. 1 take it for granted, that the
necessity of the Christian religion, both with respect to our temporal
and eternal welfare, is a point, in Christian countries, generally acknow-
ledged; and, if so, it is undoubtedly the duty of those who are ap-
pointed to take care of a State, to adopt the most likely method of
having it propagated in the greatest purity. An establishment of that
Church which, to the majority, seems most orthodox in its doctrines,
most apostolical in its form, and most rational in its precepts, bids fair-
est to effect this purpose; for when a good provision is made for teach-
ers, and ensured to them by the publick faith, men of abilities will think
it worth their whiles to take some pains in qualifying themselves for
such an office; and men who have been accustomed to think and reason,
who have had their judgments strengthened and assisted by all the
learned treasures of the ancient and modern world, will be more able to
comprehend, and consequently to communicate to their hearers, the
sense of the Holy Scriptures.
On the other hand, when every church and sect is alike countenanced
by the State, when salaries are to depend entirely upon the caprice of
the people, what encouragement is given to men of genius to qualify
themselves for the sacred function ? That person must be but little
acquainted with the world who has not observed that the generality of
the world are more influenced by their passions than by their reason,
and that the harangues of fanaticks are more likely to be attended to,
and to gain followers, than the most sensible discourses of sober-
minded, rational men. The consequence must be, where there is no
Establishment, that all preachers must either turn popular declaimers
or starve; and thus all just notions of religion must be lost.
I own it seems somewhat hard, and repugnant to liberty, to oblige
men to pay towards the support of a Church to which they do not be-
long; but if such a thing be conducive to the general good, us from the
foregoing observations appears to be the case, such persons are in duty
bound to submit, in consideration of the many advantages they may be
supposed to derive from the State; and in so doing they make but a
small sacrifice, especially when they are permitted to enjoy their own
private opinions, and to worship God according to the dictates of their
own consciences. Would any one hesitate a moment to affirm, that it
was highly just and reasonable to oblige every member of a society to
join in supporting that form of civil government which had been judged
best, and adopted by a majority of the society? I am inclined to think
that an advocate for monarchy, whose lot was cast in a republican
government, would not be excused his quota of publick taxes upon any
plea he could urge of disapprobation of that form of government; and
as the cases are similar, why should we not admit in both the same
mode of reasoning?
I shall make no apology, Mr. Purdie, for giving you so much trou-
ble. You must be sensible of the necessity of such publications at this
time. A MEMBER or THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH.
817
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
818
matter so just that the contrary is most evidently iniquitous,
destructive, and oppressive. But should the future conduct
of our legislative body prove to you that our opinion of their
wisdom and justice is ill grounded, then tell them that your
constituents are neither guided nor will ever be influenced
by that slavish maxim in politicks, " that whatever is enacted
by that body of men in whom the supreme power of the
State is vested must in all cases be implicitly obeyed," and
that they firmly believe attempts to repeal an unjust law
can be vindicated beyond a simple remonstrance addressed
to the legislators.
These, gentlemen, are the sentiments with which we have
been entrusted, by communicating of which we have dis-
charged the duties of our deputation. Other things, how
material soever they may be, are committed to your pru-
dence and unremitting care, to be managed conformable to
the declaration of rights.
We are, for ourselves, and the companies and freeholders
for whom we act, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble
servants,
John Mngill,
James Allen,
George Moffett,
David Laird,
James Praizer,
James Marshall,
Walter Moffett,
John Cuningham,
Alexander Sinclair,
James Bruster, Arch. Alexander,
John Poage, David Gray,
John Hington, Robert Wilson,
John Davis, Thomas Hewitt,
Alexander Long, John Wear,
Christopher Graham, Michael Dickey,
William M'Pheeters, Robert Tedford,
Elijah M'Clenahan, James Walker,
Alex. Thompson, Charles Campbell.
WALTER CUNINGHAM, Clerk.
THOMAS HUGHES TO MARYLAND CONVENTION.
Charles-Town, Cecil County, October 1, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to your letter of the 8th ultimo, and the
resolves of the 10th, I called the battalion together, to raise
a company of volunteers, and in a few days after made up
one composed of as hearty young fellows as any company
that has marched out of this Province, who have readily
and willingly agreed to march under the following officers,
viz: James Maxwell Captain, John Hartshorn First Lieu-
tenant, William Johnston Second Lieutenant, and Adam
Glasgow Ensign.
I wrote to the Council of Safety (in your recess) recom-
mending the above gentlemen to be commissioned by them,
and acknowledging the receipt of £333 5s. cash, for the use
of the company, and at the same time begging they would
forward the cartouch-boxes, haversacks, canteens, and what
other necessaries they had there for the troops, and to send
up as much more cash as they thought would be necessary
for the purchase of blankets and provisions for the imme-
diate use of the company, and to pay the remainder of the
bounty and advance agreeable to your resolves, but not
receiving the advices from them, have advised Mr. Harts-
horn to wait on you and receive your further instructions.
Mr. Hartshorn can inform you what situation they are in at
present with respect to arms. Bayonets cannot be got here
at any rate ; and should be glad you would instruct him in
what manner these and all other necessaries that are wanting
may be procured.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient and humble servant,
THO. HUGHES.
To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President Con-
vention of Maryland, Annapolis.
DOCTOR WEISENTHALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OK SAFETY.
Baltimore-Town, October 1, 1776.
SIR: I was, by the former Convention, ordered to ex-
amine the saltpetre earths on the south bank of the Potow-
mack, of which I produced a sample. The Convention
having adjourned before I returned, I now take the liberty
to make a report thereof. The place is on Patterson's
creek, about twelve or fourteen miles from the South Branch,
near Colonel Hight's. It is a perpendicular rock, in the
middle, of which is a cavern, and which was formed from
the stones composing the rock decaying and tumbling
down, carrying along with them a good quantity of rich
mould, which contains the saltpetre ; and as the cavern is
so deep that no rain can come in, the saltpetre is not
washed off. If stones are broke off, or lifted up, there is
sometimes a good quantity of real saltpetre in its white
colour found, which can be scraped offout of the interstices,
where it collects. As for its formation, there is a similarity
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 52
with old cellars, which are known to contain often, (accord-
ing to their age,) great quantities, with this difference only,
that the collection of nitre in these caverns may be formed
thousands of years, which accounts for their richness.
From the situation and causes, I had reason to suppose
that the mountains must contain a great many sub-caverns;
and accordingly informed the inhabitants with my notion,
who have since searched and discovered, about three miles
farther, another sub-cavern equally rich ; and as I have
received a sample of saltpetre from the Ohio, which was
found and scraped off from interstices of stones in a cavern,
which 1 hereby send for the inspection of Convention, it is
evident that our mountains contain everywhere such caverns
full of saltpetre as to furnish the Colonies with that desirable
article to the fullest extent, at reasonable rates.
I attempted a trial to make some saltpetre out of the
mould, and took two bushels thereof, from which I extracted
between two and three pounds, but am sure that it would
have produed considerable more, if I had the necessary
utensils on the spot. A sample of the nitre 1 have brought
to the Council of Safety. This saltpetre was exceeding
strong and in very large crystals. The people on the spot
now make saltpetre, and make use of jt partly in gunpow-
der, and partly for salting meat, that being a scarce article
there, and no doubt squander away great quantities, not
being sufficiently skilled to make it to advantage.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and
humble servant, „ ,,,
C. WEISENTHALL.
To Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of the Convention
of Maryland.
JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY-
Baltimore-Town, October 1, 1776.
Honourable Council of Safety,
To JESSE HOLLINGSWOHTH, Dr.
To cash paid for 134£ Ibs. of 20d. nails, at
1*. Id., £7 5 8£
To cash paid for 32 Ibs. of20d. nails at Is. Id., 1 148
To commission on £ 'at 2£ per cent.
SIR: I have sent the boat and scow down with all the
nails I can get. Please to excuse their not coming sooner,
as it was not in my power. Please hurry the hands home,
as they are by the day.
My part of the timber for gondolas is in the yard, and
shall be glad to serve you in any further orders. From
your humble servant, JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH.
To honourable Council of Safety.
LUX AND BOWLEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 1, 1776.
HONOURABLE SIR: We are favoured with yours of the
27th ultimo, respecting the cordage we were to furnish Mr.
Stewart, for the gondolas, &,c., on the publick account.
We did not enter into any agreement with him to finish
it at any particular day ; but on his return from Philadelphia,
as he could not get it there, we promised to do our endea-
vours to complete it as soon as possible, and which we mean
to comply with, so soon as we get rid of the frigate's rigging,
which we think will be finished in a week ; after that, we
hope to furnish for the gondolas as nearly as fast as it is
wanted, and shall, agreeable to Mr. Stewart's directions,
forward it to Annapolis, as we make it.
We are, honourable sirs, with respect, your most obedient
S6rvantS' Lux & BOWLEY.
To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., Presi-
dent Council of Safety.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.
Philadelphia, October 1, 1776.
"On my leaving London, Arthur Lee, Esq., requested
; me to inform the Committee of Correspondence, that he
: had had several conferences with the French Ambassador,
•who had communicated the same to the French Court ;
1 that in consequence thereof the Duke de Vergennes had
1 sent a gentleman to Mr. Lee, who informed him that the
' French Court could not think of entering into a war with
' England, but that they would assist America by sending
819
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
820
from Holland this fall two hundred thousand pounds ster-
' ling worth of arms and ammunition to St. Eustaliiis,
' Martinico, or Cape Francois. That application was to
' be made to the Governours or Commandants of those
1 places by inquiring for Monsieur Hortalez, and that on
' persons properly authorized applying, the above articles
'would be delivered to them." [Verbal statement of
THOMAS STORY to the Committee.]
The above intelligence was communicated to the subscri-
bers, being the only two members of the Committee of Secret
Correspondence now in the city, and our considering the
nature and importance of it, we agree in opinion that it is
our indispensable duty to keep it secret even from Congress,
for the following reasons :
First, Should it get to the ears of our enemies at New-
York, they would undoubtedly take measures to intercept
the supplies, and thereby deprive us not only of those suc-
cours, but of others expected by the same route.
Second, As the Court of France have taken measures to
negotiate this loan of succour in the most cautious and secret
manner, should we divulge it immediately, we may not only
lose the present benefit, but also render that Court cautious
of any further connection with such unguarded people, and
prevent their granting other loans and assistance that we
stand in need of, and have directed Mr. Deane to ask of
them. For it appears from all our intelligence they are not
disposed to enter into an immediate war with Britain,
although disposed to support us in our contest with them.
We therefore think it our duty to cultivate their favourable
disposition towards us, draw from them all the support we
can, and in the end their private aid must assist us to establish
peace, or inevitably draw them in as parties to the war.
Third, We find by fatal experience the Congress consists
of too many members to keep secrets, as none could be
more strongly enjoined than the present embassy to France,
notwithstanding which Mr. Morris was this day asked by
Mr. Reese Meredith, whether Dr. Franklin and others
were really going Ambassadors to France, which plainly
proves, that this Committee ought to keep this secret, if
secrecy is required.
Fourthly, We are of opinion that it is not necessary to
inform Congress of this intelligence at present, because Mr.
Morris belongs to all the Committees that can properly be
employed in receiving and importing the expected supplies
from Martinico, St. Eustatius, or Cape Francois, and will
immediately influence the necessary measures for that pur-
pose: indeed, we have already authorized William Bing-
ham, Esq., to apply at Martinico and St. Eustatius for what
comes there, and remit part by the armed sloop Independ-
ence, Captain Young, promising to send others for the
rest. Mr. Morris will apply to the Marine Committee to
send other armed vessels after her ; and also to Cape Fran-
cois, (without communicating this advice,) in consequence
of private intelligence lately received, that arms, ammuni-
tion, and clothing can now be procured at those places.
But should any unexpected misfortune befall the States
of America, so as to depress the spirits of the Congress, it
is our opinion, that on any event of that kind, Mr. Morris
(if Dr. Franklin should be absent) should communicate this
important matter to Congress; otherwise keep it until part
of or the whole supplies arrive, unless other events happen
to render the communication of it more proper than it
appears to be at this time.
D. P RANKLIN,
ROBT. MORRIS.
Communicated to me the llth October, 1776, and I
concur heartily in the measure.
RICHD. HENRY LEE.
Communicated to me the 10th October, 1776, and I do
also sincerely approve of the measure.
WILLIAM HOOPER.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO SILAS DEANE.
Philadelphia, October 1, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Mr. Morris has communicated to us the
substance of your letters to him, down to the 23d June.
when you were near setting our for Paris. We hope your
reception there has been equal to your expectations and our
wishes ; indeed we have no reason to doubt it, considering
the countenance we have met with amongst the French
Islands and their seaports in Europe. It would be very
agreeable and useful to hear from you just now, in order to
form certain opinions of the designs of the French Court
respecting us and our contest, especially as we learn by
various ways they are fitting out a considerable squadron at
Brest and Toulon. \\ hat a noble stroke they might now
strike at New- York! Twenty sail of the line would take
the whole fleet there, consisting of between four and five
hundred sail of men-of-war and transports, storeships, and
prizes. Was that piece of business once effected by a
French fleet, we would engage to give them a very good
account of General Howe's army in a short time ; but alas,
we fear the Court of France will let slip the glorious oppor-
tunity, and go to war by halves as we have done; we say
go to war, because we are of opinion they must take part in
the war sooner or later, and the longer they are about it the
worse terms will they come in upon.
We doubt not you will obtain from England a regular
account of the proceedings of Lord Howe and his brother;
and we suppose the General's military operations will be
ushered into the world with an eclat beyond their true
merits; or at least the conduct of our people and their
present situation will be misrepresented as ten times worse
than the reality. We shall therefore state these things to
you as they really are. The fleet under Lord Howe you
know is vastly superiour to any thing we have in the navy
way; consequently wherever ships can move they must
command ; therefore it was long foreseen that we could not
hold either Long-Island or New- York ; nevertheless as our
fortifications are chiefly built with axes and spades, the time
and trouble in raising them was not misspent, for it must
have been owing to those works that they remained several
weeks at Staten-lsland, without making any attempt. TJie
first they did make was on Long-Island where they landed
twenty thousand men or upwards. At this time we had
our army, consisting of not more than twenty thousand effec-
tive men, stationed at King's Bridge, New-York, and on
Long-Island; six to seven thousand was the whole of our
force on the latter, and about three thousand of them com-
manded by General Sullivan and Lord Stirling turned out
of the lines, took possession of some heights, and intended
to annoy the enemy in their approaches. They, however,
outgeneraled us, and got a body of five thousand men
between our people and the lines, so that we were surrounded
and of course came off second best: but they purchased this
victory dear, and many such would be their ruin. Sullivan,
Lord Stirling and many other officers fell into their hands.
These with privates amounted to from eight hundred to one
thousand men in killed, wounded, and taken prisoners.
They lost a greater number in killed and wounded ; but we
took but few prisoners as you may suppose.
General Howe then laid a trap in which he fully expected
to have caught every man we had on that island; but Gen-
eral Washington saw and frustrated his design, by an
unexpected and well-conducted retreat across the Sound.
This retreat is spoken of on both sides as a master-stroke.
The enemy immediately marched up a large body of
men opposite to Hell-Gate. Our people threw up intrench-
inents on York-Island to oppose their landing ; but, shame
to say it, on the day of trial two brigades behaved infa-
mously, and could not be stopped by the entreaties or
threats of the General who came up in the midst of their
flight. It had been previously determined to abandon New-
York, and most of our cannon and military stores were
removed from thence in time. The enemy took possession
of the city and encamped on the Plains of Harlem. Our side
occupy the Heights of Harlem, King's Bridge, and Mount
Washington, where they have made lines as strong as can
be. In this situation they had a skirmish between about one
thousand to twelve hundred men on each side, in which we
gained greatly the advantage, beat them off the field, and
took three field-pieces from them, having killed and
wounded a considerable number of their men.
Since then the city of New- York has been on fire, and
it's said one-fifth or one-sixth of it is reduced to ashes. The
enemy charged some stragglers of our people that happened
to be in New- York with having set the city on fire design-
edly, and took that occasion, as we are told, to exercise
some inhuman cruelties on those poor wretches that were in
their power. They will no doubt endeavour to throw the
odium of such a measure on us; but in this they will fail,
821
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
822
for General Washington, previous to the evacuation of that
city, whilst it was in his power to do as he pleased with it.
desired to know the sense of Congress respecting the de-
struction of the city, as many officers had given it as their
opinion it would be an advisable measure; but Congress
resolved that it should be evacuated and left unhurt, as they
had no doubt of being able to take it back at a future d;ty.
This will convince all the world we had no desire to burn
towns or destroy cities, but that we left such meritorious
works to grace the history of our enemies.
Upon the whole our army near New-York are not suf-
ficiently strong to cope with General Howe in the open
field ; they have therefore entrenched themselves, and act on
the defensive. They want better arms, better tents, and
more clothing than they now have; nor is it in our power, at
this time, to supply them. Consequently we cannot recruit
or increase that army under these discouragements. Men
cannot cheerfully enter a service where they have the pros-
pect of facing a powerful enemy, and encountering the in-
clemency of a hard cold winter, without covering, at the
same time. These are discouraging circumstances, but we
must encounter them with. double diligence, and we still
have hopes to procure clothing, partly by importation, partly
by capture, and chiefly by purchasing all that can be found
on the Continent.
If France means to befriend us, or wishes us well, they
should send us succours in good muskets, blankets, cloths,
coatings, and proper stuff for tents, also in ammunition; but
not like the Venitians, wait until we are beat, and then send
assistance. We are willing to pay for them, and shall be
able soon as we can safely export our tobacco and other
valuable produce.
Our Northern army is strong, well intrenched in an
advantageous post at Tyconderoga, which can only be taken
from them by storm, as it cannot be approached in a regular
manner on account of the situation. We are also formida-
ble on the lakes, in galleys, boats, and gondolas, under
command of your friend Arnold, and that army is belter
provided than the other, so that we do not seem to appre-
hend any danger in that quarter at present.
The Southern States are, from the present, in peace and
quietness, except some interruptions from the Indians, who
were instigated thereto by Mr. Stewart, the Superintendent,
and other agents from our enemies; however, they have not
any cause to rejoice in those machinations as yet, for the
Carolinians and Virginians have attacked and beat them
several times, destroyed several of their towns and corn-
fields, and made them repent sorely what they have done.
So that we have little to apprehend on account of Indians.
The only source of uneasiness amongst us arises from the
number of Tories we find in every State. They are more
numerous than formerly, and speak more openly; but Tories
are now of various kinds and various principles. Some are
so from real attachment to Britain, some from interested
views, many, very many, from fear of the British force;
some because they are dissatisfied with the general measures
of Congress, more because they disapprove of the men in
power and the measures in their respective States. But
these different passions, views, and expectations, are so com-
bined in their consequences that the parties affected by
them either withhold their assistance or oppose our opera-
tions ; and if America falls, it will be owing to such divisions
more than the force of our enemies. However, there is
much to be done before America can be lost, and if France
will but join us in time there is no danger but America will
soon be established an independent empire, and France,
drawing from her the principal part of those sources of
wealth and power that formerly flowed into Great Britain,
will immediately become the greatest Power in Europe.
We have given you as just a picture of our present situ-
ation as we can draw in the compass of a letter, in order
that you may be well informed; but you will only impart
such circumstances as you may think prudent.
Our frigates are fine vessels, but we meet difficulty in pro-
curing guns and anchors. Our people are but young in
casting the former, and we want coals to make the latter;
however, these difficulties we shall surmount, and are bent
on building some line-of-battle ships immediately. The
success in privateering, and encouragement given by the
merchants, will inevitably bring seamen amongst us. This,
with the measure that will be adopted to encourage the
breeding of seamen amongst ourselves, will, in a few years,
make us respectable on the ocean. Surely France cannot
be so blind to her own interest as to neglect this glorious
opportunity of destroying the power and humbling the pride
of her natural and our declared enemy.
We make no doubt but you have been made acquainted
with the negotiations of Monsieur Hortalez, and in conse-
quence thereof we conclude you will be at no loss to obtain
the supplies of goods wanted for a particular department,
notwithstanding we know that the greatest part of those
remittances that were intended you, have been intercepted
by one means or other. It is unfortunate and much to be
regretted that those remittances have had such ill fate, but
we hope you have obtained the goods on credit, and you
may depend that remittances will be continued until all
your engagements are discharged.
Clothing and tents are so much wanted for our armies
that we entreat you to apply immediately to the Court of
France for a loan of money sufficient to despatch immedi-
ately considerable quantities of stuff fit for tents, and of
coarse cloths, coatings, stockings, and such other comforta-
ble necessaries for an army as you can readily judge will be
proper. You will get these goods either -sent out direct in
French vessels, or to their islands, where we can send for
them; but if you could prevail on the Court of France to
send out rnen-of-war with them, it would be most accepta-
ble. Whatever engagements you make for payment of the
cost of such clothing and necessaries, the Congress will order
sufficient remittances to fulfil the same; but in our circum-
stances it requires time to accomplish them. You'll observe
the Secret Committee have given orders to Mr. Thomas
Morris to procure sundry articles and despatch them imme-
diately; and if you succeed in the negotiation of a loan from
the Court for this purpose, you may employ him or act in
conjunction with him to procure and despatch those articles
ordered by them, and such others as you shall judge neces-
sary, and the remittances to be made him will serve to
refund the loan. Should the Court decline this matter per-
haps the Farmers General may be induced to advance the
money or stake their credit for the sake of securing the
tobacco the Secret Committee will remit to Europe. These
things we throw out as hints, and shall only further observe
that you cannot render your injured country more essential
service at this time than by procuring these supplies imme-
diately.
We are told that our vigilant enemies have demanded of
the Courts of France, Spain, and Portugal, to deliver up
the American ships in their ports, and to forbid their having
any future intercourse with them. The Court of Portugal
has complied so far as to order our ships away on ten days'
notice. That France and Spain gave evasive answers. This
is private uncertain intelligence ; but we think you will do
well to intimate to the Ministers of those nations that first
impressions are lasting: that the time has been when they
stood much in need of American supplies; that the time may
come again ; that although we are styled Rebels by Britain,
yet our friendship may hereafter be of the utmost importance
to those Powers particularly that possess American Colonies,
and that injuries now done us will not be easily effaced.
These hints of arguments you'll offer as the suggestions of
your own mind, and endeavour to influence them by interest
or fear from taking any active part against us. On the con-
trary, as it is evidently their interest to encourage our com-
merce, so we hope you'll be able to influence them, by
one means or other, to protect and license it in the utmost
extent.
We shall not lake up more of your time at present, but
remain, sir, your humble servants.
To Silas Deane, Esq.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM BING-
HAM.
Philadelphia, October 1, 1776.
MR. BINGHAM : Sir: Having received advices that our
agent, Mons. Hortalez, is despatching sundry articles,
wanted for the service of the United States of America, to
Martinico or St. Eustatia, recommended to the care of his
Excellency the General, or the Governor and Intendant
there, to be by them delivered lo whoever shall be properly
aulhorized by Congress lo receive the same, we hereby
823
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
824
request you will make application for all arms, ammunition,
money, clothing, or other articles, that may arrive in Mar-
tinico or St. Eustatia with the above directions ; and you
are hereby empowered to receive and grant receipts for the
same, on behalf of the United States of America, or to sign
certificates, or any other writing that may be required,
purporting the delivery thereof to you as agent for the
Congress. We are, sir, your humble servants.
In Congress, Philadelphia, October 1, 1776
I do hereby certify that Benjamin Franklin and Robert
Morris, Esquires, Delegates in Congress from Pennsylva-
nia, have been duly appointed members of the honourable
Committee of Secret Correspondence, and that they are
fully empowered to direct all matters in their department
on behalf of the United States of America, the other mem-
bers of said Committee being now absent. I do also cer-
tify that the delivery of arms, ammunition, specie, or other
stores, to them or their order, on behalf of the Congress, is,
and will be acknowledged as valid and binding on the
United States of America.
B. FRANKLIN TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Philadelphia, October 1, 1776.
SIR : I have just time to acknowledge the receipt of your
two packets, with the pamphlets enclosed, the contents of
which are very satisfactory. You will hear from me more
fully in a little time. With great esteem, I am, sir, &c.,
B. FRANKLIN.
P. S. We have a great force brought against us here,
but continue firm.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO LIEUTENANT ALBERTSON.
October 1, 1776.
SIR: The Continental schooner Muskeito, under your
command, being well fitted and manned, you are to set sail
for Ocracock, in North- Carolina, and proceed up with
said schooner to Edenton. On your arrival there, put into
the post-office any letters you carry with you, and the mili-
tary stores and other goods you have on board deliver to
Messrs. Hewes 8f Smith, merchants, at that place. Those
gentlemen are to lade you back ; therefore you must lose
no time in discharging and getting the vessel ready for the
reception of naval stores, or any other goods which they
may want for to put on board, which you are to receive to
the full lading of your vessel.
You are to apply to the Convention, or any other pub-
lick body at that place, for any despatches they may want
to send by you ; and as soon as you have received your
cargo and despatches from Messrs. Hewes fy Smith, you
are to set sail for this place, proceeding with caution, to
avoid being taken by the enemy. Should you find our bay
shut up by the men-of-war, and that you cannot get in by
the Cape May channel, bear away for some of the inlets,
and write to us when you get in.
You are to be careful of the schooner, her materials and
stores, and we expect you will be diligent and attentive to
the execution of your business.
We are, sir, your humble servants.
To Lieutenant Thomas AJbertson, of the Continental
schooner Muskeito.
P. S. You must make the utmost despatch from Caro-
lina, and take care not to waste any powder. Should you
be taken, throw all letters and papers overboard, slung to a
shot to sink them.
ROBERT MORRIS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
In Secret Committee, Philadelphia, October 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Publick bodies should be equally cautious
of taking offence as of giving it, because mischiefs are very
apt to arise therefrom, and generally before a remedy can
be applied. You have taken amiss the refusal of fourteen
pieces of canvass, wanted for your Colonial vessels, and
had information that two thousand pieces had been imported
in our vessel here. These are your premises ; and the
facts are as follows : It was not this Committee that refused
you the canvass, for we had, agreeable to orders of Con-
gress, delivered the whole to the Marine Committee, and
that whole consisted of about six hundred pieces instead of
two thousand ; but it was not possible the Marine Commit-
tee could spare you a single bolt, because the Congress had
but a day or two before your application ordered all ihe
light duck and other stuff, then in the publick stores, or that
could be bought in the city, to be made up into tenis, and
to be sent immediately to General Washington. The Ma-
rine Committee remonstrated against this measure, alleging
that none of the Continental vessels could be sent out if the
canvass was taken from them. No matter, they were told;
the soldiers should have tents if they stripped the yards of
those Continental frigates and cruisers that had sails made
up ; and in consequence of this measure, which nothing but
the extreme necessity of our army could justify, we have
now a parcel of fine vessels lying here useless at a time they
might have been most advantageously employed. Therefore
judge you, whether that Committee or the Congress itself
could have justified sparing you the canvass you wanted.
You may depend, gentlemen, that no just grounds are
ever meant to be given by Congress, or any of its Com-
mittees, for complaints like yours. We are all embarked
in a cause that requires our utmost united exertions to
carry us through, and be assured you can always demand
our utmost aid and assistance, where it can possibly be
extended consistent with the general welfare.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, for and on behalf of
the Secret Committee, your most obedient and very humble
servant, D n.
KOBT. MORRIS.
To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
Philadelphia, October 1, 1776.
Yesterday arrived in this city from the American camp
at Harlem, Brigadier-General Mifflin, Colonel Ptnrose, and
Major Williams.
We hear that an armed vessel is now fitting out in this
city, which will be called the Parry, in honour of the late
fillant Colonel Parry, of this State, who fell on Long-
land, the 27th of August last, nobly contending for the
freedom and independence of his country.
COLONEL Z. BUTLER TO ROGER SHERMAN.
Westmoreland, October 1, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : In some of my last letters, you will
recollect, I informed you I had sent a messenger among the
Indians upon the head waters of the Susquehannah, and
thereby informed them of an assault made upon one of our
people, whose testimony has some time since been sent to
you. The Indians, you will see by the enclosed messages,
are disposed for peace, and think it necessary that this place
be appointed to hold their council at, and, as they express
it, to have a fire-place here. Their importunity was so
pressing on that account, that I promised them to inform
the Congress and our Assembly of their request, and would
beg the opinion of yourself, and our other Delegates, whether
it is best to lay it before the Congress, and that you would
be pleased to inform his Honour, ourGovernour, immediately
what you apprehend will be best for the Colony to do, if
any thing, in that matter.
The Indians, when they come here, expect presents, or
at least to be supported while among us, and no one is ap-
pointed to treat with them. They come to me, and I have
frequently given them, but find the burthen too great for one
man to bear. They also insist upon a new flag, such as is
used by the army of the United States. They say their old
flag came over the great water, and they now want a new
one, as a token of their friendship to the United States.
By the last papers we find that the report of Colonel
Butler, etc., with Indians and Canadians being at Osioego,
is disbelieved. By the accounts we had before received of
that matter, some were much agitated here, but seem more
easy at present.
I expect to be at the Assembly, and shall gladly receive
any information you shall think proper to send me.
I am, sir, your humble servant, Z. BUTLER.
To Hon. Roger Sherman.
N. B. The Indians deny having any hand in the attack
made upon Wilson, and have engaged to let us know if they
make any discovery of that matter.
825
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
826
A Conference held at WYOMING, or WESTMORELAND, be-
tween Captain JOHN, in behalf of the Six NATIONS, and
Colonel BUTLER, of the Colony of CONNECTICUT.
Captain John : Brothers, we come to make you a visit,
and let' you know we were at the treaty at Oswego, with
Colonel Guy Johnson. We are all of one mind ; we are
friends, and bring good news.
Brothers, we are also come to let you know the Six Na-
tions have been something afraid, but are now glad to see
all things look like peace, and they think there will be no
quarrel with each other, and you must not believe bad re-
ports, or remember times that have been bad or unfriendly.
Brothers, all our spirits are of one colour, why should we
not be of one mind ? — continue to be brothers as our fathers
and grandfathers were?
Brothers, we hope and desire you may hold what liberties
and privileges you now enjoy.
Brothers, we are sorry to hear two brothers are fighting
with each other, and should be glad to hear the quarrel was
peaceably settled. We choose not to interest ourselves on
either side. The quarrel appears to be unnecessary. We
do not well understand it. We are for peace.
Brothers, when our young men come to hunt in your
neighbourhood, you must not imagine they come to do mis-
chief; they come to procure themselves provisions, also
skins to purchase them clothing.
Brothers, we desire that Wyoming may be a place ap-
pointed where the great men may meet, and have a fire,
which shall ever afterwards be called Wyomick, when you
shall judge best, to prevent any jealousies or uneasy thoughts
that may arise, and thereby preserve our friendship.
Brothers, you see but one of our chiefs. You may be
suspicious on that account, but we assure you this chief
speaks in the name of the Six Nations. We are of one
mind.
Brothers, what we say is not from the lips, but from the
heart. If any Indians of little note should speak other-
wise, you must pay no regard to them, but observe what
has been said and wrote by the chiefs, which may be de-
pended on.
Brothers, we live at the head of these waters, (Susque-
hanna.) Pay no regard to any reports that may come up
the stream or any other way, but look to the head of the
waters for truth, and we do now assure you, as long as the
waters run, so long you may depend on our friendship. We
are all of one mind, and we are all for peace.
GENERAL HOWE's ORDERS FOR SEIZING GRAIN, &IC., ON
LONG-ISLAND, NEW-YORK.
In pursuance of his Excellency the Commander-in Chiefs
orders to me, you are hereby directed to take into your cus-
tody all the grain, forage, and creatures you can find on
Long-Island, being the property of persons in actual rebel-
lion, or who have deserted their habitations, and put them-
selves under the protection of the Rebels, taking an exact
account of what is so seized, and report frequently to John
Morrison, respecting grain and forage, and to James Christie
respecting creatures. In execution of this duty you are to
employ such persons as you think proper, who will apply to
his Majesty's Justices of the Peace to impress boats, wagons,
horses, drivers, mills, barns, and what other conveniences
you may require for the benefit of his Majesty's service ;
and all officers, civil and military, are hereby required to
give you their aid. For doing all which, this shall be a
sufficient warrant. ^ , ,-,
L>AN L CHAMIER, Com. Gen.
October 1, 1776.
Jamaica, October 2, 1776.
To JOHN HEWLETT, Esq., L. I.:
You are to use your utmost endeavours to bring me cat-
tle and sheep for the army ; when delivered a receipt will
be given, to be paid at a certain time and place. If any
butcher or others interfere with you under pretence of
bringing them to me, without a written order from me,
seize their cattle, put a fair value on them, and drive them
to me, and the owners shall be paid. Also seize all sheep
and cattle of Rebels who have left their habitations, and
employ proper people to assist you. For doing whereof,
this shall be your warrant. JAMES CHRISTIE,
Commissary for Cattle and Sheep.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.'
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 1, ]776.
Sin: I have the honour of your favour of the 27th ultimo,
and note the contents. The row-galleys belonging to your
State, together with those the property of the United States,
and all other vessels, on the approach of the men-of-war,
ran up the North River, under cover of the battery on
Mount Washington, from whence it is now impossible to
remove them. As they are now posted, they are service-
able to us, by preventing a communication with the ships,
and keeping out row-guards by night, to give us timely,
notice of the approach, or any movements, of the enemy.
To take from them their crew would be rendering them
entirely useless, and to rob them of their weapons would
dispirit the men. However, if it should be thought advi-
sable, after weighing the above circumstances, to have the
crew ordered to Connecticut, or any of the arms or other
weapons on board to be sent there, your orders shall be
attended to. The situation of the enemy's ships is very
different at this time from what it was before the evacuation
of New- York. We then had the command of a narrow
pass, communicating from the Sound to the East River,
commonly called Hell-Gate, which is now in their posses-
sion. Two of their ships came through yesterday — one, I
think, a transport, the other a frigate mounting twenty-four
guns.
October 3. — Since the above, I am honoured with yours
of the 28th, enclosing the petition from the gentlemen sent
from this State on parole to Connecticut. They were
looked upon as favourers to Governour Tryon and the
British troops, and were removed to prevent giving any
intelligence or otherways aiding the enemies of our country.
It was intended that when the theatre of action was
removed, they might return ; but that at present is not the
case. Nor do 1 think it prudent they should be permitted to
return during our present situation, as undoubtedly they
may have it in their power to give information concerning
your State, &.C., which might be prejudicial to the general
good. They particularly mention, in their petition, " that
they were removed from Long-Island into Connecticut
until such time as the situation and state of affairs there
should admit of their return to their respective families
again." You will be pleased to inform them I agree with
you in sentiment that that period is not arrived.
There is no material difference in our situation since I
last wrote you. The enemy have nearly completed their
works from the North to the East River. As the season is
far advanced, we cannot reasonably expect a state of inac-
tivity ; but should they attempt to dislodge us from our
present quarters, I am in hopes to defeat their designs, and
give a favourable account to the publick of the conduct of
the troops under my command.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most humble servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.
COLONEL REED TO THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS AT HEAD-
QUARTERS TO INQUIRE INTO THE STATE OF THE ARMJ .
Camp, near Harlem, October 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Your departure from this place earlier
than I expected, obliges me to communicate to you this
way what 1 intended to have done in person. 1 observe
that the Congress, in the establishment of a new and per-
manent army, have very properly reserved the appointment
of General officers to themselves. As the department I
now have the honour to hold is in that class, and of very
great importance to the publick safety and welfare, I think
it my indispensable duty to acquaint you, as early as pos-
sible, that 1 find my apprehensions of not being able to fill
it to advantage to the publick and satisfaction to myself, .
have been too well realized to allow me to continue in it.
If there is any department in the army which should be
filled by one who has made arms his profession, it is this;
and I doubt whether any abilities or reading can supply the
deficiency of practice. In a well-regulated army, it is a
post of great concern and difficulty, and always filled by
some officer of the greatest experience : how much more
necessary must it be in ours, where the greatest part are
uninformed of their duty, and the frequent changes keep us
constantly ignorant. To set out with the new troops ; to
827
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
828
lead them on step by step in the various duties of the camp,
the parade of the field ; to establish one system of exercise
through the whole, so that the whole machine, though large.
may move with ease, will require an officer to whom the
minute duties arc familiar, and whose knowledge and expe-
rience will claim respect in his discharge of the greater ones.
I feel myself often at a loss in the former, and inexpressibly
so in the latter : to continue, therefore, in an office which
may be filled by a man of capacity, when I am sensible of
my deficiencies, would, in my opinion, be unbecoming a
man of character and honour. In the new arrangement,
therefore, to be made, you will be pleased to consider this
department as one to be provided for, and the sooner, I
apprehend, the better.
The General's friendship and partiality would doubtless
induce him to retain me with him, and supply my defects
from his own knowledge and application to business, both
which are very great. I have not, therefore, as yet, ac-
quainted him with my intentions ; but I beg you would do
me the justice to believe that neither a regard to private
interest, personal danger, or dissatisfaction with the service,
but a single eye to the publick service and welfare, have
actuated me upon this occasion. I shall not hesitate to
apply the little knowledge and experience I have acquired
to the publick service in a channel through which I can
serve it with satisfaction and honour, but I cannot continue
in an important department, where the publick and my own
character will eventually suffer.
I am, with great respect and regard, gentlemen, your
most obedient and very humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
COLONEL GRAYSON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-duarters, Heights of Harlem, October 1, 1776.
SIR : His Excellency has desired me to acquaint you
that he approves of the sentence respecting the condemna-
tion of James McCormick, as also the sentences on Lieu-
tenant Thomas Younkerman, of Colonel Holler's Regiment,
and of Oliver Mildeberger, of Captain Leonard's Com-
pany, Colonel Lasher's Regiment. With respect to James
McCormick, it will be necessary for you to appoint the
place and time of execution, and acquaint his Excellency
therewith, that he may have an opportunity of putting it
into general orders.
I have it further in command to acquaint you, that
whenever any prisoners in your division are charged with
capital offences, that it will be advisable to send them here
for trial : in other instances you are to proceed as heretofore.
His Excellency having some matters to communicate to
you is desirous of seeing you here some time to-day.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
WILLIAM GRAYSON, A. D. C.
To the Hon. Major-General Heath, at King's Bridge.
P. S. His Excellency, upon considering further on the
subject of McCormick, thinks it will be best to order him
here for execution : you will, therefore, be pleased to have
this done. You will please to let the prisoner know he is
certainly to die, and direct that a blessing may attend
him.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, October 1, 1776.
SIR: You will please to order McCormick down here
under a guard, as soon as you conveniently can. Captain
Wilcox has applied for a Court of Inquiry into his conduct
on Long-Island, in August. You will please to order one
if General Sullivan's health will admit his attendance.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
October 1, 1776.
SIR. I wrote you this morning by the General's direction
to desire McCormick might he sent down here to be exe-
cuted to-morrow, but as he has not arrived, I fear the letter
has miscarried.
1 send you back the proceedings of the Court-Martial on
the other prisoners, which the General desires you would
have carried into execution immediately.
I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 1, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have only to acquaint you that a frigate
came through Hell-Gate last night, and anchored within
the mouth of Harlem river, a little below Harlem town.
This looks more and more like an attempt upon that side.
As we have got our front well secured, we are bestowing all
our attention to our flank next the Sound. Mr. Jenifer
arrived here an hour ago ; he left General Lee in Georgia,
the 1st of last month. He would set out for this on the
3d, and as he intended to ride post we look for him every
day. His arrival will greatly relieve our worthy General,
who has too much for any mortal upon his hands.
I have not to add, but that I am, sincerely your most
obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq., Fishkill.
Captain Cook has not yet given his answer respecting
sinking of the ships.
GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL SALTONSTALL.
King's Bridge, October 1, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Your Militia have not as yet come forward.
I beg you would hurry them, as they are wanted imme-
diately. Two regiments are to take post on New-York
Island, agreeable to his Excellency's orders lately given to
you. Four were to join Colonel Chester, two of which are
now to be posted on Harlem river, nearly opposite to Head-
Quarters. Colonel Throop's regiment is also to come
forward without loss of time, and take post at the last-men-
tioned place. Major Rogers's regiment is to remain on
the sea-coast ; Captains Wheat and Perkins are to remain
at the Saw-Pitts; the other companies of that regiment are
to be posted in the most judicious manner between the
Saw-Pitts and East-Chester, in such manner as most effect-
ually to secure and guard the coast.
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately,
W. HEATH.
To General Saltonstall.
GENERAL SALTONSTALL TO GENERAL HEATH.
West-Chester, October 1, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Yours of this day is before me. Yes-
terday ordered two regiments, Lieutenant-Colonel Stores's
and Major Greaves 's, immediately to march on to New- York
Island and encamp on the hill opposite Fort Washington,
and apply to his Excellency for further orders. Two re<n-
ments, Lieutenant-Colonel Ely's and Lieutenant-Colonel
Smith's, immediately to march on the hill westward of my
lodgings, to occupy the tents now standing, left by the late
Connecticut Militia. One regiment, Colonel Douglass's,
is posted here. One regiment, Colonel Hosford's, out of
which one hundred and seventy-five men are posted at
Manor of Pelham, and guard four miles of sea-coast, having
only fifty men more to inarch, as the number of one hundred
and seventy-five was left to my discretion, with advice of
Colonel Joseph Drake, who then urged to have more
guards for that length of coast ; but if you don't order other-
wise this day, will order the remainder of said regiment to
march forward. The four first-mentioned regiments are
now on their march for their destination aforesaid, but shall
order the several regiments, with Colonel Throop's, imme-
diately to march to the post you assign on Harlem river,
and give Major Rogers orders agreeable to your direction.
His Excellency told me my command would be where the
greater part of the brigade was, and consequently on this
side King's Bridge.
I am your most humble servant, G. SALTONSTALL.
To Major-General Heath.
GENERAL SCOTT TO GENERAL GATES.
Camp near King's Bridge, October 1, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Permit me to recommend to your par-
829
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
830
ticular attention Monsieur Sennalet, a young gentleman
from the French Islands, who has entered into the Ameri-
can service, and has a Majority, with orders to repair to
your department. The gentleman has been with me a few
days ; and I flatter myself, from the short acquaintance I
have with him, that you will find him a man of merit. Of
this, however, General Gates will be a better judge than
myself. The General's good sense and politeness will give
merit its due; and I cannot help flattering myself that no
person will be prejudiced in his estimation by the recom-
mendation of his most obedient, humble servant,
JNO. MORIN SCOTT.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
I could see you I could impart further matter of the like
consequence.
I am your very humble servant, WM. MILLER.
To Captain Osborne, at Cortlandt's Manor.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 14, 1776.]
King's Bridge, October 1, 1776.
SIR: I have this day drawn on you, in favour of Colonel
Lowry, for sixty thousand dollars, towards supplying the
Continental troops in New-Jersey with provisions. I hope
the same will be paid and charged to my account accord-
ingly.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
Jos. THUMBULL.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.
WILLIAM MILLER TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT MOUNT
WASHINGTON.
In Committee of Safety for the County of Westchester, )
White-Plains, October 1, 1776. \
SIR: We are well assured that there are several compa-
nies of men in the Counties of Westchester and Dutchess,
who are making ready to go off and join the King's army.
We are taking all possible pains to detect and apprehend
them, by raising and sending off guards. We inform you,
at the same time, that the Convention are apprised of it,
and have recommended it to us to use the utmost vigilance.
We beg, as they may go down the North River this evening,
or perhaps in a night or two, that you'll keep a strict watch
at your fort, by the water-side. They may likewise endea-
vour to pass over the East River to Long-Island; and we
think they will meet with no difficulty in effecting their
scheme that way, as the Continental Militia keep so indif-
ferent a guard along that shore.
We thought proper to acquaint you of this plot, as it
may be in your power to stop them in going down the
North River.
By order of the Committee :
WM. MILLER, D. Chairman.
To the Commanding Officer at Mount Washington.
We beg you'll be kind enough to forward the above
information to the commanding officers along the Sound.
COLONEL WEBB TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, ten o'clock, Tuesday Evening.
The General has this moment received information from
the Committee of Westchester County, that several compa-
nies are formed and forming to join General Howe, and that
it is more than probable they intend to pass this night or in
a day or two. I am therefore to acquaint you his Excel-
lency expects your guards keep the strictest watch from
Harlem river, as far up as they posted.
I am, sir, yours, &.C., SAM'L N. WEBB, A. D. C.
To General Heath.
An account of Ball and Flints delivered by P. T. CUR-
TENIUS, before Mr. NORWOOD'S appointment.
Balls. Flints.
Tryon County, 600 3,000
West- Chester, 800 4,000
Ulster, 400 2,000
Dutchess, 1,000 5,000
Albany, 2,000 9,500
Suffolk, 1,000 5,000
New-York, 1,350
WILLIAM MILLER TO CAPTAIN OSBORNE.
White-Plains, October 1, 1776.
I this day received a letter from the Convention, in which
they inform me of a discovery made to them by you of con-
spiracies among some persons upon Cortlandt's Manor. I
must acquaint you that the Convention have reposed espe-
cial trust in me to be aiding and assisting in bringing the
same to light, as you may learn by applying to Captain
Delavan. I must beg that you will, as soon as possible,
give me further information about the matter, in order that
they may be apprehended before they can escape, and if
28,500
6,150/6*.
JOHN SIMPSON AND OTHERS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
GENTLEMEN: It is now six weeks and two days since
we were admitted to our parole by your body at the White-
Plains — our destination Bedford. We were at the same
time informed that the Committee of that place were to fur-
nish us with two dollars per week on account of the Con-
tinental Congress, for our subsistence, to be repaid by us
when exchanged ; for which we have repeatedly applied,
but through inattention or want of understanding in the
matter, it has hitherto been neglected, which lays us under
the necessity of this application, desiring you would be kind
enough to order the arrears to be paid us, as likeways to
appoint the means of our future support. We have boarded
upon our own credit for these six weeks, at Bedford;
brought from there on Friday last, without a morsel of
victuals being allowed us from seven o'clock of the morning
of that day till Saturday, that we got our dinners upon a
fresh credit at the Plains, where we now sojourn. As we
have no money to get our linen washed or shoes mended,
&c., the favour of your attention to this will much oblige
your humble servants, JNO giMpsoN;
WILL'M ELDER,
JOSEPH WOLLCOMB,
WM. McDfiRMOTT.
To the Congress of the State of New- York.
PETITION OF PRISONERS CONFINED IN MORRISTOWN JAIL.
To the honourable the Provincial Congress for the Colony
of NEW-YORK :
Your petitioners : Barnaby McMaron, belonging to Gen-
eral Greene's brigade, stationed at Long-Island, punished
for sleeping on his post, and ordered one month's confine-
ment, and been confined near three months :
Richard Keef, belonging to Lord Stirling's brigade,
confined for buying a gun ; tried and punished ; ordered
one month's imprisonment, confined three months:
William Gillas, confined for buying of a soldier who was
indebted to him, a shirt and a pair of breeches, which it
? roved he had stole. To excuse himself he informed that
was going on board the Asia, though in years and a crip-
ple ; keeps a small store in York :
Thomas Dennis, confined by Major Crane, under suspi-
cion of desertion into Boston, to the enemy. I was taken
by them and pardoned for deserting from them, which I
have done a second time, leaving all my clothes behind,
and as a reward for returning, I have been long confined
quite naked :
Jeremiah Gilly, confined for getting drunk, and making a
disturbance in the streets of New- York :
Edward Wilson, confined for quarreling with his Corporal,
being a front rank man and he would place me in the rear at
the battle on Long-Island; a rifleman :
John Dougherty, confined for being in a certain house in
York in liquor ; a bowl being broke, the guard being come
in, accused us with being Tories, my company fled, and I
sent to gaol; an inhabitant of York:
James Nowles, confined on suspicion of going to Long-
Island, being fishing in the East River for the Hospital :
Thomas Berry, belonging to General Sullivan's brigade,
confined for striking a Lieutenant on the Holy ground, who
831
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., OCTOBER, 1776.
832
had drawn the sword on two of them. Confined since April
]7, 1776:
John Creig, confined for the above crime, and is the man
who lias disciplined most of the Jersey troops; was to have
been discharged the day after we left York:
John Andrews, a prisoner of war, taken at Si. John's,
hath since disciplined two huttalions of Provincial troops at
' Montannu, where lie left his re»iment and came in Captain
John De Witts company to Horn's Hook. Confined for
being in company with a man suspected to be a Tory.
The man got cleared, I being neglected in the hurry of busi-
ness ; should have been discharged in a few days, if we had
not left AW- York :
John Gee, belonging to the First Battalion of York
Militia, confined for affronting a Sergeant who was in liquor.
I reminding him of his duty for iear of getting mischief,
he charged me with being inimical to the country. I was
tried and honourably acquitted by a Court-Martial, upon a
good character given from my Captain, which he repeatedly
sent me, but could not come and take me, being upon
Long-Island; therefore I remain, though guiltless, through
the hurry and confusion of the times :
Most humbly showeth, that your petitioners think they
are very cruelly treated, to be confined without crimes, or
even the shadow of a crime in reality ; and hurried like
the worst of criminals from one gaol to another, when sol-
diers are so much wanted ; and it is the desire of every man
to join their respective regiments, instead of perishing for
want of clothes, and their health by their close confinement
daily declining. We are used to enjoy liberty in York and
Newark gaols, but here close locked up in dungeons; our
victuals and the treatment we meet with from the gaoler is
kind and good. We beg for justice sake, you will take our
unhappy, as well as unmerited sufferings into your kind and
most serious consideration, (being every resource left us
while the army is in such confusion,) or we must languish
without any hopes, though most of us might be very useful
if we had liberty and justice. Hope you will take these
unhappy circumstances into your most serious consideration;
and your petitioners, in duty, as well as gratitude, be ever
bound to pray, &.c.
Morristown Gaol, October 1, 1776.
Gentlemen, your compliance to this petition will very
much oblige your humble servant.
WILLIAM B. ALOER, Lieutenant.
To Captain Platt, or either of the members of Congress,
at Fishkill.
COMMITTEE OP SHAWANGUNK TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
In Committee, Shawangunk, in Ulster County, )
October 1, 1776. )
GENTLEMEN: Whereas the company of Militia of Foot
formerly commanded by Matthew Rea, in the Precinct of
Shawangunk, and in the regiment commanded by Colonel
Jonathan Hasbrook, have been under the necessity to make
a new choice of officers, by reason of their Captain's resign-
ing and other vacancies, the following gentlemen were
chosen, agreeable to the resolves of Congress, for the offi-
cers of said company, viz: Siah Robenson for Captain,
James Hunter for First Lieutenant, James Karne, Jun., for
Second Lieutenant, and Evert Huffman for Ensign. And
the Committee of said Precinct of Shawangunk do ear-
nestly request that the persons above named may be com-
missioned as early as possible.
By order of the Committee :
MATTHEW REA, Chairman.
To the honourable the Convention of the State of New-
York, now convened at Fishkill.
LIEUTENANT ALGER TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fort Montgomery, October, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Captain Dennis was speaking to me con-
cerning raising a company of Marines to enter on board
the ship Montgomery, lor her safety this winter. 1 make
no doubt but he has acquainted the Convention of the
same. I had some encouragement that 1 should have the
berth, as our regiment will soon be disbanded and our men
will be idle.' By what small encouragement I have had
from Captain Dennis, I have engaged a company of very
fine young men, a great part of them sailors and artillery-
men, which will go through all hardships with me. If you
see cause to appoint me in that station, and send me the
rate that they must engage under, 1 shall engage them
instantly, as they wait for nothing else.
GENERAL JAMES CLINTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fort Montgomery, October 1, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: Enclosed you have
a copy of a letter and a deposition sent to me by the Chair-
man of the Committee of New-Windsor. The prisoners
mentioned in the deposition are both confined in the Guard
House at Fort Constitution, and their butter put in the
Commissary's store. 1 have ordered an exact account of
the quantity of butter taken to be sent to me; but I have
not yet received it. I understand there is between fifty
and sixty firkins and pails. It appears that the said Con-
nor has a quantity of flour in Colonel Ellison's store, at
New- Windsor ; but 1 have not heard how much. Their
conduct has been very suspicious ever since they came into
the country, though the evidence given against Connor is
only what Montgomery informed the said Lightbody. If I
were convinced or had reason to believe that the butter,
&tc., was intended for our army at King's Bridge, I would
be very unwilling to stop it; though, in my opinion, it was
intended for our enemies. I intend to keep them and the
butter until I receive your Excellency's directions about the
matter.
Colonel Snider, who was appointed Colonel of the new
recruits to assist in fortifying and defending these posts, is
lately arrived here, with part of three companies, which
consist of about a hundred men, including officers. There
is part of two companies of the same regiment at Fort
Constitution, but I have no return of their number as yet.
We have not a sufficient number of intrenching tools for
to carry on our work. 1 have applied to Congress for them,
but I am not yet supplied.
I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES CLINTON, Brigadier-General.
To His Excellency General Washington, &c., at Head-
Quarters, King's Bridge.
In Committee for the Precinct of New- Windsor, )
September 23, 1776. $
SIR: Enclosed you have a copy of an affidavit taken
before this Committee this day, on which the Committee
have determined to transmit to you the culprits, with their
property, in order to be disposed of as you may judge
proper. Mr. Connor alleges, in his favour, that he hath,
for some time past, sold necessaries to our army in New-
York, and that he intended what he now possesses should
be disposed of in the same way. But as Mr. Connor pur-
chased the butter after he heard that our people had evacu-
ated the town, and the ships of war hath proceeded some
way up the North River, the Committee was of opinion
that he might design it for the enemy, as he confessed that
he did design to slay in town till the Regulars were on his
back.
It further appeared to the Committee that Montgomery
sold a quantity of butter to Connor after he had heard said
Connor make the declaration as recited in the above affi-
davit; by which the Committee are of opinion that Mont-
gomery is highly culpable.
We are, sir, your most humble servants. By order of
the Committee: SAM>L BREWESTER> Chairman.
P. S. Since the 'Committee determined on the above,
they received information that Connor hath a quantity of
flour in Colonel Ellison's store, which they have not deter-
mined concerning at present.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, October 1, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Two Sachems of the Cayugas, who have
been with me on some business, expressed an inclination to
visit your Excellency, which 1 greedily embraced, as their
reports, when they return, will, 1 hope, eradicate the various
accounts which prevail amongst the savages to our disad-
vantage. They go down under the care of Mr. Deane,
833
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
834
the interpreter to this department. I wish, if convenient,
that they might be shown as much of our force as possible,
and to have some presents made them. They do not wisli
to remain above a day or two with you.
I am, dear sir, most respectfully, your Excellency's most
obedient, humble servant, pH ScH[JYLER>
To His Excellency General Washington.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 1, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Yesterday I received a letter from General
Washington, enclosing a paper containing some information
respecting the strength and intentions of the enemy in
Canada Copies of both I now enclose.
It is probable that a blow is meditated on the commu-
nication. The garrison at Fort George is too weak to
encounter a vigorous attack, and as the fate of the army
depends on the regularity of the supplies, you will please to
detach a battalion to its support, which may again join you
in time, should General Arnold be unable to keep the Lake.
A sufficiency of batteaus should for that purpose be kept at
Fort George.
If it should be left to you to appoint a General Officer to
command here, permit me to hint that St. Clair, I believe,
would be as agreeable as any, as you will not be able to
spare Arnold. Whoever it is, my aid, if necessary, shall not
be wanting. I have not had a letter from Congress, in
answer to any of mine, since July. I feel this slight very
sensibly, and have already and shall continue to resent it.
I am informed that Congress has resolved on raising
eighty-eight battalions during the war; to give twenty dol-
lars bounty, and a gratuity in land to officers and soldiers;
eight-ninetieths of a dollar is to be allowed in lieu of a ration
to officers. How they have come to estimate it so low, I
know not.
Some more cordage left this yesterday, and the remainder
is momently expected, and shall be forwarded without delay.
I am, dear General, very sincerely, your obedient, humble
servant,
To the Hon. General Gates.
PH. SCHUYLER.
COLONEL DE HART TO GOVERNOUR LIVINGSTON.
Tyconderoga, October 1, 1776.
SIR: I have taken the liberty to acquaint you of a mat-
ter so materially interesting to the Province of New-Jersey,
respecting our regiment, that it might be construed a neglect
of my duty was I to omit it, which I trust will serve as an
apology for intruding on your time. When the Continental
Congress gave the order for raising the New-Jersey Regi-
ments, part of the contract was, that the men should find
their own arms. The mode of inlisting men armed, was
found impracticable, and the Province, as I apprehend, at
their own risk, provided them with arms, to be repaid by
stoppages arising from the men's pay at two dollars a month.
How far this mode will indemnify the publick, will at our
return be best known ; this, however, I very much suspect,
that a great number of very good arms will be lost to the
Province.
At the expiration of the soldiers' inlistment the arms are
then their own property, and the distance of way, with
many other reasons will, I fear, occasion the soldiers to dis-
pose of them, and our Eastern friends seem very desirous of
taking them off of the soldiers' hands at a very good price.
Should this happen, and our Province be deprived of six or
seven hundred good Jersey arms, (the very best guns on the
Continent,) I fear that our small, though willing, services to
our country will be more than counterbalanced by the loss.
If the Province look upon this circumstance in the light I
do, and are desirous of remedying it, I will contribute every
thing in my power towards it.
If any person here should be authorized to give the men
assurances that the stoppages that have been made on them
for the arms, should be returned to them upon their being
delivered in New-Jersey, I imagine it would be in my power
to persuade or compel them to return them to New-Jersey
again, a thing, I am of opinion, much to be desired by the
people of that Province. Such intelligence ought to be sent
soon, as I expect we shall march for New-Jersey the begin-
ning of November. I have by an application to General
Gates got orders to secure the arms of the dead and deserted,
which shall be my particular care. Had I received such
orders when our regiment first marched for Canada, it would
have been a happy circumstance. This I request you will
please to communicate to such members of the State as it
may be proper this application should be made to, and at
the same time excuse any impropriety of application, as at
present I am a stranger to your new Constitution.
I heartily congratulate you and our State on your late
appointment, convinced it will produce the good effects
intended, which shall be the constant wishes of, sir, your
most obedient, humble servant. •,,, ,-. *„'
WM. DE HART.
To His Excellency William Livingston, Governour of New-
Jersey.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, October 1, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : I was surprised that the boat I had
despatched to the fleet had not returned ; but the cause now
appears. Sergeant Macolm had orders to take Messrs. Gil-
liland, Watson, and MacCawley prisoners, and to convey
them to Ticonderoga. This occasioned some delay. Gen-
eral Arnold doubtless will inform you the reasons that
induced him to make these orders. I thought that as Mr.
Gilliland's family and Mr. Watson's family were in our
power, there would have been no danger of either of the
men, had they inclined to act against us. Mr. Watson's
family is in great distress, his wife near lying in, very unwell
and made unhappy by his confinement, induces me to desire
that Watson should be permitted to return here to remove
his family as he proposes. There can, in my opinion, be
no great danger, let his offence be what it may.
General Arnold seems very uneasy that the galleys do
not come down, as he every moment expects the enemy.
Should he be attacked by a superiour force, he intimates
that he will be obliged to keep up a running fight till he
joins the galleys. You will doubtless use every expedition
to forward them. Some accident has, I presume, retarded
the two. If the enemy mean to come at all, I should
apprehend it will be the next fair wind.
I am, honoured sir, with the greatest respect, your most
humble servant, THOS. HARTLEY.
To General Gates.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES.
Valcour, October 1, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Last night the Trumbull galley arrived
here, and Captain Warner delivered me your letter of the
26th ultimo. I was rejoiced to hear she brought a rein-
forcement of seamen. I expected at least one hundred, but
was much surprised when Captain Warner informed he had
not one save his own ship's company. I hope to be ex-
cused (after the requisitions so often made) if with five
hundred men, half naked, I should not be able to beat the
enemy with seven thousand men, well clothed, and a naval
force, by the best accounts, near equal to ours. The
Trumbull is a considerable addition to our fleet, but not half
finished or rigged ; her cannon are much too small.
I wrote in July for cordage sufficient for eight galleys; I
then supposed that number would be built. I am surprised
at their strange economy or infatuation below. Saving and
negligence, I am afraid, will ruin us at last.
Colonel Trumbull writes me a very imperfect account of
the affairs at New-York. I am all impatience to hear the
particulars, and know the event.
Enclosed is a list of sundry articles which I have sent
Lieutenant Calderwood to bring down, if to be had. Great
part of my seamen and marines are almost naked. The
weather has been very severe for some time. I don't expect
to be able to keep rny station above a fortnight longer.
We have continual sales of wind, and the duty very severe.
I ordered the Captain of the Liberty to slay no longer
than to overhaul his vessel, which might have been done in
forty-eight hours. I beg you will be kind enough to order
him back immediately. If he brings materials his vessel
may be done here in one day.
This minute Sergeant Stiles is returned from a scout to
the Isle-aux-Noix, where he was sent this day week. En-
53
835
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
836
closed is his examination, by. which it appears the enemy
are exerting every nerve to augment their navy, doubtless
with a design to cross the Lake this fall or be an over-match
for us next spring.
Colonel Wigglesworth joins me in respectful compliments.
I am, dear General, your affectionate and obedient hum-
ble servant,
Jo. ARNOLD.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
Sergeant Stiles returned this morning from the Isle-aux-
Noix, whjere he was sent this day week. Says he left it
last night at sunset; that there appears upwards of two thou-
sand men on the island, in tents; that he saw a schooner
mounting twelve guns, two gondolas, completed, with three
guns in each and a square-sail, one gondola launched and
not completed, and two on the stocks, one of them just set
up; that a number of people were encamped at River la
Cole, where they have erected a battery of heavy cannon.
He also saw many tents on Hospital Island, and on the
west shore between that and the Isle-aux-Noix ; that he
passed Wind mill- Point in the night, and believes there was
four hundred Indians there ; and that on the Bay opposite
he saw many lights and fires, and supposes the regular
troops were encamped there.
Valcour, October 1, 1776.
Memorandum of Articles which have been repeatedly wrote
for, and which we are in the extremest want of, viz:
10 double-headed, 10 grape, and 10 chain shot, for each
of the following guns:
JVo. Lb.
1 18 10 shot each kind, - - - - 30
6 12 10 do. each, 180
22 9 10 do. do. 600
8 6 10 do. do. 240
23 4 10 do. do. 690
1740
300 Ibs. musket ball.
All the useless old iron that will do for langrage.
200 Ibs. buckshot.
A sufficient quantity slow-match for the fleet. Very
little on hand, and that exceeding bad.
Port-fire.
12 horn and tin lanthorns.
50 swivels with monkey tails.
3 anchors— 150 Ibs., 200 Ibs., 250 Ibs. 3 cables for do.
1 set caulking irons.
1 piece osnabrigs.
2 dozen 6 and 7 inch single blocks, for gun-tackles.
6 Ibs. twine and 2 dozen sail needles.
All the old junk that can be spared.
1000 tacks for spunges.
1 barrel pitch. 1 ditto tar.
300 stand grenados, filled, and fuses.
100 Ibs. 5 to 9 inch spikes.
1 cask 20d. nails. 1 do 10d. do.
1 coil 5-inch rope for springs.
1 do. 3 do. do.
1 do. 2£ do. do.
1 do. 1 \ do. do.
1 coil small ratline. 1 do. spun yarn.
30 inch pine boards.
Rum, as much as you please.
Clothing for at least half the men in the fleet, who are
naked.
100 seamen. (No land-lubbers.)
B. ARNOLD.
Valcour, October 1, 1776.
detachment here, and shall by every opportunity inform
your Honour as the work advances.
I am, sir, your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
JOHN BARRETT, Superintendent.
To the Hon. General Gates.
COLONEL BARRETT TO GENERAL GATES.
Rutland, on Otter Creek, October 1, 1776.
SIR: I received a line from your Honour yesterday by
the post of the 28th September. Would inform your
Honour that the underwork of the bridge is raised and the
string pieces all on but two, which frames the upper work,
in which the people are at work on, and making a road to
and from the bridge. I am, sir, pursuing your instructions
as vigorously as possible as is within my power with the
JOSEPH HAWLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Northampton, October 1, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: Among my solicitous
meditations on the slate of our armies, it occurs to me
that if an army of the United States should continue at
Ticonderoga the approaching winter, (as I trust they
will, maugre all the efforts of Britain,) several hundred
pair of snow-shoes will be needed for them. The army
cannot subsist without them. There are in my house, left
here by accident, fifty-nine pair belonging to the States, in
good order, paid for last year. I have wrote to one or two
members of Congress suggesting the necessity of timely
provision of snow-shoes for the Northern army. But men-
tion made of it by your Honour in a list or invoice of neces-
saries for the winter, will have far greater effect than the
suggestion from me.
Pray, sir, pardon my officiousness in this particular. My
only apology is the consideration of the infinitude of matters
which your Honour has to attend to, induced me to suppose
that possibly this article for the winter might not be thought
of so early as would be most advantageous.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient
and most humble servant, JOSEPH HAWLEY.
To General Gates.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Lebanon, October 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The Honourable I± Gerry, Esq., in his
letter of the 6th of August last, informed that upon my de-
sire he applied to you to lend or sell a quantity of sulphur,
for the use of the powder-mills in this State, and that you
was willing to comply with the proposal, but supposed it
expedient for me to advise you what quantity would be
wanted, and whether we should choose to purchase or bor-
row it, that determination of the General Court might be
had thereon. We are still in want of that article, and the
powder-mills here must stop if they cannot obtain it from
your State. I should esteem it a favour if you would spare
one ton at this time, and should choose to purchase it. It is
now likely that more will be wanted. I should be glad that
the Assembly would, at the same time, make provision to
spare us more if needed ; it will be very prejudicial to the
publick to have the powder-mills stopped.
The ton of sulphur now wanted please to deliver to Jede-
diah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Esq., or their
order, who will pay for the same if had on purchase ; other-
wise they will give their receipt to be returned if received
on loan.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To the honourable Council of the State of Massachusetts.
Mr. Story, Mr. Berry, Mr. Noyes, a Committee to in-
quire into the state of the Magazines with respect to Sul-
phur, and report whether the application of Governour
Trumbull to this Court for one ton of that article can be
complied with.
NATHANIEL SHAW TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-London, October 1, 1776.
SIR: The 29th ultimo I shipped by Captain Webster,
seventy-two tents which were sent me by Daniel Tilling-
hast, Esq., of Providence, and hope they will get safe to
hand. 1 now, by Captain Thomas King, send you nine
markees and ninety-seven common tents, which 1 hope will
also come safe. In case any of the British ships should
come down this way, I think we should have the earliest
notice of it, as we are daily shipping goods up the Sound
for the army.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
NATH'L SHAW, Jun.
To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in-
Chief of the American Army.
837
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
838
New-London, October 1, 1776.
Received on board the sloop Susannah, myself- master,
nine umrkee tents and ninety-seven common tents, from
Nathaniel Shaw, Jan., which I promise (the dangers ol the
seas excepted) to deliver as far up the Sound, as the said
vessel can proceed with safety, and deliver to General Wash-
ington, or his order, having signed two receipts of this
date. THOMAS KING.
land privateers, has been to distress the garrison at Halifax.
They expect to be joined by a party in the Colony.]
STEPHEN HOPKINS TO JOHN ADAMS.
Providence, October 1, 1776.
SIR: On my journey homeward, at a town called Mill-
stone, in Somerset County, in the Jerseys, I found confined
there a strange group of about fourteen prisoners, four of
which belong to New-England, and had been taken at
different times by British cruisers, and carried to Halifax ;
and having no other means to get home, shipped themselves
on board some transport vessels bound to New- York, where
they were to be discharged. Four more of them are French
subjects, taken in the same manner on this coast, and carried
also to Halifax, and were returning in like manner, in order
to get home. One of them is a boy of eleven years of age,
belonging to Halifax; the remainder British seamen. I
promised these prisoners that I would write to the Board of
War concerning them, in order to procure their release, or
at least the liberation of the New- England men and French-
men ; and I wish you to use your influence for that purpose.
I remain your friend, STEP. HOPKINS.
To John Adams, Chairman to the Board of War.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO REV. SAMUEL HOPKINS.
Providence, October 1, 1776.
SIR: I received yours of the 20th September, yesterday, and
am very much obliged to you for your address and advice;
and as to your complaints of the morals of the people belong-
ing to the navy, I am now to let you know that I did not enter
into the navy as a divine, and that I am not qualified to act
nor give directions in that matter. The Congress whom I
serve made provision for a Chaplain to perform the neces-
sary duty, but to my mortification, I have not been able to
get a single man to act in that character, although I have
applied to many. If you know of any that has the good of
mankind at heart sufficient to expose himself to necessary
danger of the service, should be glad you would send him,
who may depend, shall be treated with due respect. And
if none can be procured, I cannot but condole with you the
depravity of the times.
I am, with great respect, sir, your humble servant,
ESEK HOPKINS.
To the Rev. Samuel Hopkins, Pastor of the First Congre-
gational Church, at Newport.
JOHN AVERY TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
SIR: I am directed to acquaint the President of the hon-
ourable Congress of the sums advanced to the Sieur Girault
Chavalier and Sieur Coleaux, on account of the Congress,
which you'll perceive by the enclosed resolves that I have
now the honour to transmit to you.
I am, sir, with great esteem, your Honour's most obedient,
humble servant, JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
To Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL SMALLWOOD.
[No. 198.] Annapolis, October 2, 1776.
SIR: We are desirous of having a particular account of
the troops at present under your command, as well Regu-
lars as Militia, distinguishing those that are effective from
those that are sick, wounded, or prisoners; also a list of
those that have been killed. We have heretofore wrote
about sending us an inventory of arms and other stores be-
longing to this State, to which we refer, and repeat our
request that you would comply therewith. We are sur-
prised you have never wrote us a line since you left Annap-
olis, and more especially since the battle on Long-Island.
We are much pleased to hear the great character the
Marylanders have acquired, and heartily wish you health
and success. We are, Sic.
To Colonel William Smallwood.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON, DATED HALI-
FAX, NOVA-SCOTIA, OCTOBER 1, 1776.
On Sunday last we received advice from Liverpool, in
this Province, that some of the American privateers had
taken in port Medway a brig belonging to Captain Hall;
a sloop, the property of Mr. Richard Cunningham, of this
town, and several others ; and also a ship, nearly loaded with
lumber, spars, &,c., out of which they took the provisions,
sails, anchors, cables, &ic., cut away all the rigging, and
after destroying part of the said ship left her. A schooner
loaded with cattle, roots, &c., was likewise taken coming
out of the harbour of Liverpool, bound to this port.
[The obvious object of these excursions, and others, some
on Kennebeck River, Bay of Fundy, &,c., in which the
New-England troops have been assisted by the New-Eng-
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL HUGHES.
[No. 199.] Annapolis, October 2, 1776.
SIR: In yours of the 22d of September last you inform us
that Colonel Hollingsworth would call on us in a day or
two, and that by him we should have an opportunity of
sending the commissions and cash wrote for by you. We
had ourselves reason to expect that gentleman down, as we
had requested he would attend us on business of importance ;
but we have been disappointed, as he has not appeared.
Your letter to the Convention of the 1st instant, informing
them of your not receiving any answer from this Board, and
applying to them, has been laid by them before us, and we
are much surprised at the application, as attention was and
would have been paid to your letter, had Colonel Hollings-
worth, agreeable to your expectation, come here. As soon
as a safe hand, with whom we could entrust the money,
made application from you, it has been immediately sent.
Mr. Hartshorne brings you up five hundred and seventy
pounds, for the purchase of arms, blankets, payment of
subsistence money, and remainder of bounty money, a sum
judged sufficient, but if it should fall short a further sum will
be sent you on transmitting the accounts of the expenditure
of the moneys already sent. Mr. Hartshorne has an order
forcartouch-boxes, haversacks, and canteens, at Baltimore,
and what tents may be ready there. If more are wanting,
and you can get them made with you, the cash will be fur-
nished on requisition. If you can buy materials for them
they can be made at Baltimore. We are, &ic.
To Colonel Hughes.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MESSRS. CRAVATH AND
DUGAN.
[No. 200.] Annapolis, October 2, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: If the schooner Ninety-Two is still un-
engaged we shall be glad to see you immediately on the
subject of chartering or purchasing her. We are, &c.
To Messrs. Cravath &/• Dugan.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE
SOUTHERN STATES.
Philadelphia, October 2, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The Congress being at present deeply en-
gaged in matters of the utmost importance to the welfare of
America, have judged it absolutely necessary that there
should be a full representation of the several States as soon
as possible. For this end, I am to request, in obedience to
their commands, you will immediately take proper measures
to comply with the enclosed resolves, in order that the
United States may be fully represented in Congress, and
the sentiments of America be more fully known upon those
interesting subjects that lie before them. I shall therefore
only once more request your compliance with this requisi-
tion of Congress; and have the honour to be, in great haste,
gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To the Convention of Maryland.
[Same to Assembly of Virginia; Convention of North-Carolina; As-
;mbly of South- Carolina ; Assembly of Georgia.]
830
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
840
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE
NORTHERN STATES.
Philadelphia, October 2, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The many and just complaints of the in-
sufficiency of the Surgeons and their Mates to discharge
their duty in a proper manner, have induced Congress to
pass the enclosed resolves, recommending it to the several
States to appoint some skilful examiners, without whose
approbation no Surgeon or Surgeon's mate shall receive a
commission either in the army or navy.
The Congress being at present deeply engaged in matters
of the utmost importance to the welfare of America, have
judged it absolutely necessary that there should be a full
representation of the several States as soon as possible. For
this end I am to request, in obedience to their commands,
you will immediately take proper measures to comply with
the enclosed resolve, in order that the United States may
be fully represented in Congress, and the sentiments of
America be the better known upon those interesting sub-
jects that lie before them. I shall therefore only once more
request your compliance with this requisition of Congress;
and have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient
and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To the honourable Assembly of New-Hampshire.
[Same to Massachusetts-Bay ; Rhode-Island; Connecticut; New- York;
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, October 2, 1776.
SIR: The bearer, Major Ross, calling on me previous to
his setting out for Head-Quarters, I have only time to en-
close you sundry resolves, and to inform you that I shall
write you fully by General Mifflin. In the interim, I have
the honour to be, with the greatest esteem and respect, sir,
your most humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To General Washington.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO SILAS DEANE.
Philadelphia, October 2, 1776.
SIR: We have this day received from the honourable the
Congress of Delegates of the United States of America the
important papers which accompany this letter: being first a
treaty of commerce and alliance between the Court of
France and these States ; second, instructions to their
Commissioners relative to the said treaty ; and lastly, a com-
mission whereby you will find that Doctor Franklin, the
Hon. Thomas Jefferson and yourself are appointed Com-
missioners for negotiating the said treaty at the Court of
France. These papers speak for themselves, and need no
strictures or remarks from us, neither is it our business to
make any.
You will observe that in case of the absence or disability
of any one or two of the Commissioners, the other has full
power to act. We therefore think it proper to inform you,
that Doctor Franklin and Mr. Jefferson will take passage
with all speed ; but it is necessary that their appointment
on this business remain a profound secret ; and we do not
choose even to trust this paper with their route. Suffice it
therefore that you expect them soon after this reaches your
hands, and if you don't see some evident advantage will
arise by communicating this commission to the French Min-
istry immediately, we give it as our opinion you had best
suspend it until the arrival of one or both these gentlemen,
because you will then benefit of each other's advice and
abilities, and we apprehend their arrival will give additional
importance to the embassy. But should you be of opinion
that delay will be in the least degree injurious to our country
or its cause, you must by all means use your own discretion
in this matter, wherein we are not authorized to instruct or
advise; we only offer you our thoughts on the subject.
Should you think proper to disclose this commission to the
Ministers of France, enjoin the strictest secrecy respecting
the names or rather insist that it be not made known to any
persons but those whose office and employments entitle
them to the communication, that any other are joined with
you in it, because if that circumstance reaches England
before their arrival it will evidently endanger their persons.
The Congress have ordered the Secret Committee to
lodge ten thousand pounds sterling in France, subject to the
orders of the Commissioners, for their support, &.C., and you
may depend that remittances will be made for that purpose
with all possible diligence. We can also inform you that
you may expect instructions for forming treaties with other
nations ; consequently you will cultivate a good understand-
ing with all the Foreign Ministers.
We have committed these important despatches to the
care of Mr. William Hodge, Jun., who we hope will in due
time have the pleasure to deliver them in person. He
knows nothing more of their contents than that they are
important ; and in case of capture, his orders are to sink them
in the sea. This young gentleman's character, family, and
alertness in the publick service, all entitle him to your notice.
He is also charged with some business from the Secret
Committee, wherein your countenance and assistance may
be useful. You will no doubt extend it to him, and also
engage Mr. Morris's exertions therein.
You will please to advance Mr. Hodge the value of one
hundred and fifty pounds sterling for his expenses, and trans-
mit us his receipt for the same.
We most fervently pray for a successful negotiation ; and
are with the utmost attention and regard, dear sir, your
affectionate friends, and obedient, humble servants.
To Silas Deane, Esq.
P. S. Mr. Hodge has some instructions from the Secret
Committee, which he will lay before you, and if the nego-
tiation of Mons. Hortalez respecting arms and ammunition
has been conducted with success it will be needless for Mr.
Hodge to make contracts for those articles. You will know
how that matter is, and direct Mr. Hodge accordingly, and
if you should think it of more consequence to send him
immediately back here with despatches, than to employ him
in the business that Committee have proposed, he will obey
your orders, and Mr. Morris may do the other.
CjESAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY.
Philadelphia, October 2, 1776.
SIR: I received your letter yesterday about three o'clock in
the afternoon, by post. Lake, who set out from the creek's
mouth on Monday morning arrived here yesterday afternoon
about one o'clock ; but did not call on me until the evening.
However, this could be no fault of his, unless it had pleased
God to have endowed him more understanding, for I really
believe (as he says) that he had been hunting from the
minute he came, and could not find me or the house where
I lodged. If he had been lucky enough to have blundered.on
the house he would have found me, as I happened to be at
home all that afternoon. This turned out to be the case at
last ; for stalking along the street he saw Monsieur standing
in my door, which relieved him. I shall sell the vessel as
soon, and as for as good a price, as possible. Mr. Read is
not yet come up. However, I shall set out for Kent on
Saturday or Sunday at farthest, whether he comes or not.
Yesterday I received a letter from Doctor Tilton. The
officers are in pretty good health, except Colonel Haslett,
who has been unwell with the flux for a considerable time
past, but getting better. One paragraph in the old man's
letter is very full of the great honour obtained by the Dela-
ware battalion, in the affair at Long-Island, from the unpar-
alleled bravery they showed in view of all the Generals and
troops within the lines, who alternately praised and pitied
them. By General Howe's return of the prisoners to Con-
gress, Lieutenant Stewart and Lieutenant Harvey are both
alive a'nd well.
General Mifflin came to town the day before yesterday.
He brought letters from General Washington informing
Congress that Mr. Moylan, the Quartermaster-General, had
resigned his commission, as unable to conduct the busi-
ness of so many troops. That in consequence thereof, the
General says he had prevailed on General Mifflin to accept,
confident that there was not another man in the army who
could carry on the business upon the present large plan.
Under these circumstances, Mifflin has with reluctance
accepted. General Mifflin says our army is numerous;
mending fast as to their sickness ; in high spirits ; well forti-
fied, and wish for nothing more than a general engagement.
There is seldom a day but some prize or some French
trading vessel comes into this port — some days two or three.
841
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
842
h ope the children will get better of their sickness soon,
and am glad Sally is better.
I am, with love to all, yours, &c., CSSAR RODNEY.
To Thomas Rodney, Esq.
VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FLOATING BATTERY.
All gentlemen, volunteers and others, who are free, able,
and willing to serve their country in this grand struggle for
liberty, yet may not choose to be far removed from a
parent, family, wife, or sweetheart, have now an opportunity
to show that laudable desire, and gratify their tender feelings
by entering on board the new Floating Battery fitting out
under the command of Captain William Brown, for the
particular defence of the State of Pennsylvania, and will
never be stationed more than six or seven miles down
the river Delaware. Those who are thus inclined to serve
themselves, their country, and posterity, let them repair to
the rendezvous opened by said Brown, at John Stoops's,
at the sign of the Two Tuns, opposite the New Market,
where they shall be well entertained, have a month's pay
advance, and a dollar or a dollar's worth of drink, to drown
all their sorrows, and drive away care. Their pay and sub-
sistence will be fifty shillings per month, and that paid
monthly ; ten pounds of beef, mutton, or pork, seven pounds
of bread, sixpence worth of vegetables, and seven half
pints of rum, per week.
This battery is well constructed for defence, and for the
preservation and accommodation of her men. If any indus-
trious tradesmen, whose business is of a sedentary nature,
should incline to enter this service, he may here have his
house-rent, firing, victuals, and drink free, besides his pay
and a great deal of time, in which he may employ himself
for the emolument of his family (should he have one) or to
fill his pockets for his own amusement. This is encourage-
ment no other service on the Continent can give.
Philadelphia, October 2, 1776.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 4th; referred to the Board of War.]
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 2, 1776.
SIR : I do myself the honour of transmitting to you the
enclosed letter [of September 24] from Lieutenant-Colonel
Livingston, with sundry copies of General De Lancey's
orders, which discover the measures the enemy are pursu-
ing on Long-Island for raising recruits and obtaining sup-
plies of provisions. In consequence of the intelligence they
contain, and authentick advices through other channels res-
pecting these matters, I have sent Brigadier-General George
Clinton to meet General Lincoln, who has got as far as
Fairfield, with part of the troops lately ordered by the
Massachusetts Assembly, to concert with him and others
an expedition across the Sound with these troops — three
companies under Colonel Livingston, and such further aid
as Governour Trumbull can afford, in order to prevent, if
possible, their effecting these important objects, and to assist
the inhabitants in the removal of their stock, grain, &c., or in
destroying them, that the enemy may not derive any advan-
tage or benefit from them. The recruiting scheme they are
prosecuting with uncommon industry ; nor is it confined to
Long-Island alone, having just now received a letter from
the Committee of Westchester County, advising that there
are several companies of men in that and Dutchess County
preparing to go off and join the King's army. 1 have
given directions to our guard boats, and the sentinels at our
works at Mount Washington, to keep a strict lookrout, in
case they attempt to come down the North River. Also to
General Heath, at King's Bridge, that the utmost vigilance
may be observed by the regiments and troops stationed
above there, and down towards the East River, that they
may intercept them, should they take that route with a
view of crossing to Long-Island. I will use every precau-
tion in my power to prevent these parricides from accom-
plishing their designs, but I have but little hopes of success,
as it will be no difficult matter for them to procure a pas-
sage over some part or other of the Sound.
I have been applied to lately by Colonel Weedon, of
Virginia, for permission to recruit the deficiency of men in
his regiment out of the troops composing the Flying-Camp,
informing me, at the same time, that some of those from
Maryland had offered to engage. Colonel Hand, of the
Rifle battalion, made a similar application to-day. If the
inlistments could be made, they would have this good con-
sequence, the securing of so many in the service. How-
ever, as the measure might occasion some uneasiness in
their own corps, and be considered as a hardship by the
States to which they belong, and the means of their fur-
nishing more than the quota exacted from them in the gen-
eral arrangement, and would make it more difficult for them
to complete their own levies, I did not conceive myself at
liberty to authorize it without submitting the propriety of it
to the consideration of Congress, and obtaining their opinion
whether it should be allowed or not.
I have enclosed a list of warrants granted from the 2d to
the 30th ultimo inclusive, the only return of the sort that I
have been able to make since the resolution for that pur-
pose, owing to the unsettled state of our affairs, and my
having sent my papers away. You will also receive sun-
dry letters, &ic., from General Schuyler, which came under
cover to me, and which I have the honour of forwarding.
By a letter just received from the Committee of Safety
of the State of New-Hampshire, I find a thousand of their
Militia were about to march, on the 24th ultimo, to rein-
force this army, in consequence of the requisition of Con-
gress. Previous to their march, General Ward writes me
he was obliged to furnish them with five hundred pounds of
powder, and one thousand pounds of musket ball, and I
have little reason to expect they are better provided with
other articles than they were with ammunition. In such
case they will only add to our present distress, which is
already far too great, and become disgusted with the ser-
vice, though the time they are engaged for is only till the
1st of December. This will injure their inlisting for a
longer term, if not wholly prevent it.
From three deserters who came from the Galatea man-
of-war, about five days ago, we are informed that several
transports had sailed, before they left her, for England, as it
was generally reported, in order to return with a supply of
provisions, of which they say there is a want. General
Mercer in a letter informed me, that General Thompson
said he had heard they were going to dismiss about a hun-
dred ships (mm the service. I am also advised, by a letter
from Mr. Dirby, at Boston, of the 26th ultimo, that, the
day before, a transport snow had been taken and sent into
Piscataqua by a privateer, in her passage from New- York
to the West-Indies. She sailed, with five more, under con-
voy of a man-of-war, in order to bring from thence the
troops that are there to join General Howe. They were
all victualled for four months. From this intelligence it
would seem as if they did not apprehend any thing to be
meditating against them by the Court of France.
October 3d. — I have nothing in particular to communi-
cate respecting our situation, it being much the same as
when I wrote last. We had an alarm this morning, a little
before four o'clock, from some of our out-sentries, who
reported that a large body of the enemy was advancing
towards our lines. This put us in motion. However, it
turned out entirely premature, or at least we saw nothing of
them.
I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect,
sir, your most obedient servant, Go> WASHINGTON-
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 1, 1776.
(Parole, Spotswood.)
(Countersign, Gates.)
The picket duty being too severe on the few Brigadiers
who are now here, after this day, the Brigadier-General of
the day is not expected to lay out on picket. He will
attend on the parade, march off' the guards, see them pro-
perly posted, visit them twice in the day, and at daybreak
in the morning. The Colonel, being the immediate com-
manding officer of the picket, will be very vigilant to pre-
vent surprise; give immediate notice to the Brigadier of any
approach of the enemy, or other extraordinary occurrences.
James McCormick, of Captain Farrington's Company,
Colonel Sargent's Regiment, having been tried and con-
victed by a Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Lasher was
President, of " desertion and mutiny," is ordered to suffer
death, on the eighth and fifth Articles of War. The Gen-
eral approves the sentence, and orders him to be hanged
843
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
844
to-morrow, at eleven o'clock. The troops off duty are to
be paraded on the grand parade at that time.
Captain Marony, late Provost-Marshal, having absented
from camp without leave, is suspended, and Thomas Bryan
appointed in his stead. He is to be obeyed and respected
accordingly.
No officer is, on any pretence, to leave the camp without
permission, in writing, from the Commander-in-Chief, one
of the Major-Generals, through their respective Brigadiers,
or commanding officers.
The General also thinks it proper to acquaint the officers
and soldiers who have stayed and faithfully attended to
their duty, that he has wrote to the respective States, to
order back all officers and soldiers who have absented them-
selves with or without leave, and that he will take the most
effectual measures for the purpose.
From the movements of the enemy, and other corrobo-
rating circumstances, to say nothing of the advanced season
and the necessity which must induce them to bring on a
decisive engagement, the General has abundant reason to
believe that an attack may be hourly expected. He ex-
horts every commanding officer, therefore, of corps to pay
particular attention to the state of the arms and ammunition
of their men, that nothing may be amiss whenever we are
called upon, however sudden it may happen. At the same
time he once more recommends to every officer and soldier
the importance of the cause they are engaged in, and the
necessity there is of their behaving like men who are con-
tending for every thing that freemen should value. He
assures the whole that it is his fixed determination to defend
the posts we now hold to the last extremity ; and nothing
but unparalleled cowardice can occasion the loss of them,
as we are superiour in number, and have a better cause to
contend in than the enemy have. He further declares that
any spirited behaviour in officers or soldiers shall meet with
its reward, at the same time that misbehaviour and cow-
ardice shall find exemplary punishment.
Every Brigadier, or officer commanding a brigade, is
hereby enjoined and ordered to select some good officers
to be in the rear of their battalions; and these officers are
positively ordered to shoot any officer or soldier who shall
presume to quit his ranks or retreat, unless the retreat is
ordered by proper authority. And to prevent the confusion
which is occasioned by every person's undertaking to give
or carry orders, none are to be looked upon as valid that
are not delivered in the manner mentioned in the orders of
the 17lh ultimo.
The Militia, if they have not already done it, are to get
completed with as much powder, ball, and cartridge-paper,
as will make twenty rounds of cartridges.
That no man, either officer or soldier, may plead igno-
rance of these orders, the Colonels or commanding officers
of corps are to take especial care that they be read to the
whole, as they will answer the contrary. The Adjutant-
General is to transmit copies thereof to Major-Generals
Heath and Greene, that the whole army may be apprised
thereof, the General being determined to punish cowardice
the instant it happens, for the sake of example.
Major Colbourne is appointed to command the Rangers
lately under Colonel Knowlton. He is take orders from
General Putnam, to whom they are to make daily reports.
After-Orders. — The following troops to parade at five
o'clock, on the grand parade, and there receive orders from
General Putnam:
Light Infantry of the Pennsylvania Battalions.
General Mijflin's Brigade to furnish a Lieutenant-Col-
onel and three hundred men.
General Wadsworttis Brigade to furnish two hundred
men, to be commanded by Colonel Silliman.
General McDougaWs Brigade to furnish a Lieutenant-
Colonel and two hundred men.
General Fellowis Brigade to furnish a Major and one
hundred and fifty men.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 2, 1776.
(Parole, Hartford.) (Countersign, Harlem.)
Jonathan Pollard, Esquire, is appointed Aid-de-Camp to
General Heath, and is to be obeyed and respected accord-
ingly.
It is with much concern the General is informed that
though the new Rules for the government of the Army have
been out some time, they have not been generally read to
the soldiers. Surely gentlemen do not reflect what preju-
dice it is to the service to omit so material a point of duty.
It is once more repeated that every soldier is to be com-
pleted with ammunition to twenty-four rounds a man ; and
it is the duty of officers to see that they have it. Some of
the troops who went out on the covering party, this morning,
had not their complement; nor had their officers examined
their arms and ammunition before they marched them on
the grand parade. This conduct, if not amended, will be
fatal to the army and the country. Where the cartridge-
boxes will not hold the full complement, application is to
be made for pouches, which may be had at the Commis-
sary's store.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 2, 1776.
(Parole, Ireland.) (Countersign, Florida.)
General Putnam will please to point out proper places,
for huts to shelter the picket guard, (in front of our lines,)
and direct the officers who command these guards to see
that the men are employed, every day, at work thereon, till
they are completed : and this, for the sake of their own
health and convenience, it is hoped they will do as soon as
possible, as the weather will soon grow too uncomfortable
to lay without shelter.
As the new articles for the government of the Army are
to take place on Monday next, it is expected-that the officers
will make their men acquainted with them as soon as possible,
that crimes may not pass unpunished on any pretence of
ignorance.
The several Brigadiers are immediately to return a list to
Head-Quarters, of the Field Officers of their respective
Brigades, who are absent, and on what account ; noting such
(if any) as have absented themselves without leave, or stayed
beyond their limited time. Colonels and commanding offi-
cers of Regiments are to do the same in their Regiments
repectively. This return to be made on Saturday, at twelve
o'clock. When the Brigadier is absent, the eldest officer
of the Brigade to make the return.
Captain Fitzgerald is appointed to act as Major to Col-
onel fVeedon's Regiment, till further orders, instead of the
brave Major Leitch, who is dead of his wounds.
An exact return of the officers' names, " fit for duty," in
camp, and "unfit," is to be made separate from the general
return.
The Brigades which send their detachments first on the
parade are to take the right, as has been the usage for a long
time.
No officer is on any pretence to take off any soldier who
is employed either as wagoner, butcher, tallow-chandler,
or other business under the Quartermaster-General, or Com-
missary-General, without first applying to the head of the
department; and in case of difficulty or difference on the
occasion, to apply to Head-Quarters, and in the mean time
the soldier to continue on the command.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 4, 1776.
(Parole, Holland.} (Countersign, Boston.)
The shameful inattention in some of the camps to decency
and cleanliness, in providing necessaries, and picking up
the offal and filth of the camp, having' been taken notice of
before in general ; after this time particular Regiments will
be pointed out by name when such practices prevail.
The Court-Martial whereof Colonel Magaw was Presi-
dent, is dissolved. The Brigade-Majors are immediately to
settle a new one, Colonel Weedon to preside.
As there are many officers in camp whose health will not
admit their going on piquet, but can attend Court-Martial,
the Brigade-Majors are to attend to this circumstance in
forming the Court, by which means the duty will be easier
to the whole.
GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL SALTONSTALL.
King's Bridge, October 2, 1776.
DEAR SIR: If it be agreeable to you, I should think it
best that Colonel Ely's regiment should take post on the
hill on this side the bridge, near Williams 's Tavern. My
reason for this is that a redoubt must be immediately thrown
up on that height, and two companies of that regiment have
for some mouths been employed in the construction of works
845
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
846
at New-London. Colonel Smith will march forward agree-
able to your orders, and you will please to order one of the
other regiments forward in the room of Colonel Ely's, to
take post on Harlem river.
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, W. HEATH.
To General Saltonstall.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
SIR: We must desire you to exert your authority to make
the witnesses attend in the affair of Scott and Weimer ; they
keep thirteen officers from other duty, and will probably
escape, as by one means or other all such rascals do. The
Captain who suffered McCormick to escape, the General
orders to put under close arrest and tried immediately in
your division. I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
To Major-General Heath.
GENERAL HEATH TO MAJOR BACKUS.
King's Bridge, October 2, 1776.
SIR: Information has just been received that several
companies are formed and forming in this State to join
General Howe's army, and it is probable will very soon, if
possible, get to Long-Island. Your guards and sentinels
are, therefore, to.be very alert, and apprehend such persons
as are suspicious and cannot give a good account of (hem-
selves and their business. In addition to your sentinels let
patroles frequently patrole in the most likely places to dis-
cover them in their attempts to get over to the Island.
I am, sir, yours, &tc., W. HEATH.
To Major Backus.
P. S. You will immediately send one or two of your
Light-Horsemen to give the above notice to all the officers
commanding the guards between your own posts at West-
chester and the Sawpits. and in particular to Major Rogers
and Captain Theyer. You may relieve the Horsemen at
General Washington's as often as you may think proper,
with the like number now posted there. You will direct one
of them to inquire for General Sullivan, at New-Rochelle,
and deliver him the letter directed to him. W. H.
EZRA THOMPSON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Great Nine Partners, October 2, 1776.
To THE HONOURABLE CONVENTION OF THE STATE or
NEW-YORK: By reason of sickness in my family I have
not been able to attend constantly at the mines ; but as Mr.
McDonald appears an honest, industrious man, and one Mr.
Herrick, that I improved, was a man used to the business
and very faithful, therefore I think the business has gone on
very well. I was obliged to go to Mr. Livingston's Powder-
Mill, in order to get powder for the business, and then could
not get it without 'paying the money, at eight shillings per
pound. I got twenty pounds.
Mr. McDonald's report, as far as I can judge, may be
depended upon. He will give you particular account of
the cost and what the damage was apprized at, done to Mr.
Fish, the owner of the land where the mine is.
In great haste, I must beg leave to subscribe myself your
very humble servant,
L.ZRA IHOMPSON.
To the President of the New-York Convention.
EVERT BANCKER TO JOHN M. HOBART.
Fishkill, October 2, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The Convention having determined to send
the Montgomerie, Captain Rogers commander, out on a
cruising voyage again, and appointed us to expedite the
same, and give instructions, and grant such supplies as may
be necessary there, and therefore to desire you will supply
Captain Rogers with as much money as may be necessary
to fit out said privateer, out of the publick moneys you men-
tioned in your letters to Convention. If opportunity will
permit, should be glad you would inspect and see what is
necessary, and that prudence is used in the outfit.
Yours, &c., EVERT BANCKER,
ZEPHA. PLATT, Jun.,
To John M. Hobart, Esq. WM. HARPER.
EVERT BANCKER AND OTHERS TO THE NEW-YORK MARINE
COMMITTEE.
Fishkill, October 2, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We, as a Committee being appointed by
Convention to give instructions to Captain Rogers to pro-
ceed on a cruising voyage with all possible expedition ; but
as his men have some months wages due them, they are
unwilling to proceed on the same. This is, therefore, to
desire you'll please to pay them out of the sales of the prize
goods which has been by them taken.
Remain, gentlemen, your most humble servants,
EVERT BANCKER,
ZEPHA. PLATT, Jun.,
WILLIAM HARPER.
To Messrs. Jacobus Van Zandt, Judge Hallet, and others
of the Marine Committee.
Fishkill, October 2, 1776.
SIR : Whereas the arm sloop Montgomery, yourself com-
mander, now lying in Norwalk, New-England, and on
your application to the Convention of the State of New-
York, they came to a resolution on the 28th ultimo to con-
tinue said sloop in the same service, and we being a Com-
mittee to give such orders as we shall think proper, this
is, therefore, to order and direct that you proceed from hence
with all convenient speed to Norwalk and fit out said
armed sloop with provisions and other necessary articles
which she shall want for a cruising voyage; and as soon as
victualed and well manned, to proceed from thence to such
cruising ground as you may judge most proper to meet with
vessels belonging to the subjects of the King of Great
Britain, Ireland, &c., and meeting with such vessels to do
what is in your power to take the same as prizes ; when
taken to send them to any of the most convenient harbours
belonging to the United States of this Continent, to be con-
signed into the hands of such person or persons as you, or
the Convention of this State may judge fit to act for our
mutual benefit, in order to have the same condemned,
agreeable to the resolves of the Continental Congress.
On the arrival of any prize or prizes in any harbour, you
are to order the Prizemaster or Agent to acquaint the
President of this Convention or Legislature of New- York,
with all convenient speed, letting them know the contents
of the cargo, burthen of the vessel, from whence and where
bound. If the vessel or any of the prizes should have a
cargo of warlike stores, dry-goods, or cloth, linens, threads,
&c., it is the desire of Convention that the same be retained
for the use of this State.
In order to enable you to fit out the sloop Montgomery,
you are to apply to Mr. John Sloss Hobart for so much
cash as you shall want for the same.
We conclude with wishing you a prosperous voyage, and
remain your humble servants, -,-.
EVERT BANCKER,
WILLIAM HARPER,
ZEPHA. PLATT, Jun.
To Captain William Rogers.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVEHNOUR THUMBULL.
Albany, October 2, 1776.
SIR : I am honoured with your very obliging favour of
the 25th ultimo. 1 have not a wish to enter into any
measure that would prove prejudicial to my country, and
since you think the publication of my vindication would
militate against our common cause, I should not hesitate to
defer it if it was now ready for the press as long as I possi-
bly could, consistent with my honour. I cannot help saying
that the line of conduct which Congress has held with me,
will put it out of my power to continue in any publick office
where the appointment must come immediately from them ;
for although my veneration for the representatives of a free
people cannot be exceeded by any member of the commu-
nity, yet 1 cannot patiently sit down, with insult added to
injustice, and must always resent it.
We have nothing new either from the northward or west-
ward ; all seems quiet, and I hope will continue so.
I am, sir, with every friendly wish, and every grateful
sentiment, your most obedient humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., &tc.
847
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
848
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD.
Tyonderoga, October 2, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I received your favour of the 28th,
yesterday, in the forenoon ; and after dinner Messrs. Gilli-
land, Watson, and Macauley, were brought here prisoners:
I found they had a free intercourse together at Crown Point,
so that no end could be answered by keeping them separate
here. I propose sending them to General Schuyler, with
the deposition of Sergeant Day and your letter. The Ser-
geant is by this time at Philadelphia; but Gilliland
designing to remain down the country during the war, there
will be no difficulty in bringing him to answer any accusa-
tion.
I am astonished at the folly and timidity of the fellow
who destroyed your letters. There was a packet from
General Schuyler, one from your family, (as I believe,) and
some other letters. A copy of mine I enclose you. It
contained little news ; but in some degree to make amends
for that, I send you an extract from General Washington's
letter of the 20th ultimo, to General Schuyler.
(Extract, &c., " I removed my quarters," to the end of
the letter.)
This will be delivered to you by General Waterbury. As
I shall be happy to know that he has joined you, desire you
will despatch an express boat with the news. The Liberty
schooner sails to-morrow, by whom 1 shall send any further
accounts that may arrive from our Southern army. The
other row-galley will be here to night from Skeen, and is in
such forwardness that I expect she will be ready to sail
from hence in a week. My best compliments to Colonel
Wiggksworth. For further particulars must refer you to
General Waterbury.
I am, dear General, your affectionate humble servant,
Ho. GATES.
To Brigadier-General Arnold.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Lebanon, October 2, 1776.
SIR: I received your favour of the 26th ultimo, in which
you inform me of the discharge of the Militia under the
command of General Wolcott, who were much reduced by
desertions, Sic. I flatter myself that those under General
Saltonstatt seeing their errour and the dishonour they have
brought on the State to which they belonged, would have
manifested a different temper, but with most sensible pain
have heard that numbers of those have also deserted the
army. I hope and trust this State will in a proper manner
discover their resentments against such vile and scandalous
behaviour, and that those who still remain will faithfully
abide and discharge their duty, till regularly dismissed.
Your request of a return of the names of the prisoners in
this State shall be complied with as soon as possible, and
have given orders to the several Committees immediately to
furnish me therewith ; those in the Counties of Hartford
and Windham will, when I receive your Excellency's direc-
tions, be sent by water down Connecticut river, and through
the Sound as far as Norwalk or Stamford; those in the
County of Litchfteld must be sent down through the
County to one or both of those towns. Should be glad to be
informed whether such of the privates as are mechanicks, and
some others who have a strong inclination to abide and
remain in the County, must be forced and obliged to return
and be exchanged, unless there should be a deficiency to
redeem those of our people in the hands of the enemy ; and
whether it is expected that the charge and expense attend-
ing the keeping the prisoners be forwarded to your Excel-
lency with them.
I have received from the honourable Congress of the
United States their resolution of inlisting a new army of
eighty-eight battalions to serve during the present war, wilh
the bounty of money and land therein offered ; that the
appointment of all officers and filling up vacancies (except
General officers) be left to the Governments of the several
States ; the quota assigned this State, is eight battalions.
The appointment of suitable officers is a matter of the
greatest consequence to the States and armies; wish to have
such persons appointed as may serve with courage, good
conduct, and honour; and ask the favour of your Excellency
to take some suitable steps (consulting our General officers
if agreeable) and furnish me with intelligence of such in the
army who are willing to undertake, and fit (or the service •
and give rue your sentiments on the affair, that appointments
may properly be made. Shall request the same favour
from General Gates, at Tyconderoga, for the three battalions
in that quarter, where will probably be enough to make one
battalion or more. I shall meet the Assembly at New-
Haven, the llth instant, and your information as soon as
convenient will be very acceptable.
I am, with great esteem and regard, sir, your obedient
humble servant, JONTH. TRUMBULL.
P. S. When the Field Officers are agreed upon, will
not they be able to point out the best Captains and Subal-
terns for the respective companies, in their respective regi-
ments, subject to your Excellency's correction.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour arid Council of Safety of
Connecticut, October 3d, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour, Elipht. Dyer, Jabez
Huntington, Richard Law, William Hillhouse, Nathaniel
Wales, Jun., Benjamin Huntington, and Jed'h Elderkin,
Esqrs.
Voted, That the Spy, commanded by Captain Niles, be
ordered and directed to get ready with all possible despatch,
and to cruise in the Sound between Montauck- Point and
Stamford, in order to watch the movements of our enemies,
and to give intelligence in the earliest and best manner for
the security of the navigation belonging to the United
States, and of the towns upon the Sound, and to annoy our
enemies, until further orders.
Voted, To draw on the Pay Table for £ 1 ,500, in favour
of Captain John Deshon, of Neiv-London, to enable him
to provide for the troops there, and to his account. (Order
drawn October 2rf, 1776, and delivered Peter Christopers.)
Voted, That Sergeant John Spencer, of Captain Wells's
Company, in Colonel Wolcott's Regiment, and also seven
or eight seamen or marines of the same, be permitted to
inlist on board the ship Oliver Cromwell, and that others
may be inlisted in their stead in said regiment, if they can
be without premium.
Whereas the great cry and want of the necessary article
of Salt threatens to disturb the publick peace and safety of
the State, that it makes it absolutely necessary in order to
supply both the publick and private necessities of the people,
and that in the most private and speedy method :
Therefore, Voted and Resolved, That a suitable number
of Vessels be provided at the publick expense, to be sent
under convoy, in order to get a supply of that article ; and
Captain John Deshon an agent to carry this resolve into
execution.
Instructions to Captain JOHN DESHON.
You are hereby instructed and ordered forthwith to im-
press and cause to be appraised the schooner Hannah and
Elizabeth, which was taken by Captain Robert Niles, of
the armed schooner Spy, belonging to this State, and take
up and have appraised five hundred tons more of vessels,
from about sixty to about one hundred tons burthen, which
are good for sailing and well found, and see them suitably
manned and supplied with provisions and suitable cargoes for
purchasing the salt, to go out at your discretion and direc-
tion as to their sailing and place of destination, they to be
guarded and protected by an armed vessel ; for which end
you are to advise the Governour and Council of Safety, for
their orders to such one as they shall see fit. You are to
do the whole with the greatest secrecy and despatch.
To Captain JOHN DESHON, of NEW-LONDON, Greeting:
You are hereby authorized and empowered to take up or
impress five hundred tons of vessels, from about sixty to one
about one hundred tons, good for sailing and well found, and
have them appraised by suitable persons under oath, for
publick service, for which this shall be your warrant.
Voted, That his Honour the Governour be desired to
appoint such person as he shall think proper to be master of
the Ship Oliver Cromwell ; also any other officer that shall
be wanted. And also to give orders for medicine on board
said ship, as shall be wanted.
Voted, That Doctor Samuel Lee, of Windham, be, and
he is hereby appointed Surgeon and Physician on board the
Ship Oliver Cromwell.
849
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
850
Doctor Benjamin Dyer exhibited an account of sundry
Drugs, Sic., by him supplied for the use of this State to
amount of £57 11$. lOrf., which is allowed, and voted to
draw on the Pay Table for the same in his favour. (Order
drawn October 2d, 1776, delivered Colonel Dyer.)
Jabez Huntington, Esq., exhibited two accounts of sun-
dries supplied and services done for the publick, amounting
to £171 6s. lOgfA, which is allowed, and voted to draw on
the Pay Table for the same. (Order drawn October 2d,
and delivered B. Huntington.)
Voted, To draw on the Pay Table for £300 in favour
of Doctor Joshua Elderkin, to enable him to purchase Cloth-
ing, Sic., for the publick, and to be in account. (Order
drawn and delivered Colonel Elderkin, October 2d, 1776.)
Voted, To draw on the Pay Table for £300 in favour of
Mr. Andrew Huntington, to enable him to purchase Cloth-
ing, &c., for the publick, and to be in account. (Order
drawn October 2d, 1776, taken by Mr. Huntington.)
Benjamin Huntington, of Norwich, exhibited his account
of sundry services and expenses for ihis State, which is
allowed, being £25 8s. Id, and voted to draw on the Pay
Table for the same. (Order drawn and taken by himself,
October 2d, 1776.)
Prosper Wetmore, Esq., Sheriff of New-London County,
exhibited an account of transporting one Bazeb Boudenot
from Norwich to Worcester, in the State of the Massachu-
setts, amounting to £8 17s., which is allowed, and voted to
draw on the Pay Table for the same. (Order drawn Oc-
tober 2d, 1776, taken by B. Huntington.)
JOHN L. C. HOOMK TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Norwich Gaol, October 2, 1776.
SIR : I must request it as a particular favour that I may
be indulged with the liberty of attending your Honour with
Mr. Samuel Loudon, either on my parole or with such per-
son as your Honour shall think proper, on particular business,
before your Honour and Council remove to New-Haven.
I am with the greatest respect, your Honour's most obe-
dient, humble servant, r „ „
JOHN Li. L. KOOME.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq.
effecting my views in Europe. I am too much engaged to
say more in this, and will be more particular in my next.
I am, fee., SILAS DEANE.
WILLIAM AVLETT (DEPUTY COMMISSARY-GENERAL) TO JOHN
ADAMS.
Virginia, Williamsburg, October 3, 1776.
HONOURABLE SIR: I have reason to believe I can get
the Continental troops in the Commonwealth victualled at
seven-pence half-penny per ration. A Commissary who
has two of the regiments has offered it. I therefore request
you to inform me immediately whether I am to contract or
employ Commissaries, as the time, for engaging pork and
other provisions is now at hand, and, if contracts are admit-
ted, they must be entered into immediately, or the terms
above mentioned will not be obtained, as the present con-
tractors will only lay in a sufficiency to bring about their
year, which ends the 1st of March next. If Commissaries
are to be employed, and the troops victualled on the Conti-
nental account and risk, I shall be glad to know for how
many troops I am to provide, or whether it will not be pru-
dent, as I imagine beef and pork will be cheaper here than
to the northward, to lay in all that can be obtained on rea-
sonable terms, that we may have to spare to the Northern
Commissaries.
I must also request the favour of you, sir, to inform me
respecting the other matter contained in my representation
to the Virginia Delegates, which was laid before Congress
and referred to your Board. The want of those regulations
respecting the rations, forage, Sic., embarrasses me exceed-
ingly in my business, as the parties who are entitled to draw-
backs are perpetually teasing me to settle them. To some
I have paid, though not so many as they think themselves
entitled to, particularly the Artillery officers, who claim four
rations for Captain and three for Lieutenants.
I will here beg leave again to repeat those others which
I have never yet been informed of, and which neither the
Commissary-General at New-York or the Secretary to Con-
gress could inform me of, and therefore suppose no regula-
tion respecting them has been agreed to, viz : the Deputy
Adjutant-General, Deputy Quartermaster-General, Deputy
Commissary-General, Deputy Judge-Advocate, Mustermas-
ter-General of the Southern District, Regimental Surgeons
and Mates. Though I have been obliged to settle with
them, and allow them the same that are allowed to Sur-
geons and Mates of the Hospital; and whether I am, as
Deputy Commissary-General, allowed a clerk, how much
to allow him as towages and rations; and whether I am not
allowed forage for my horses, and rations for my servants
who attend them, for the necessity of keeping horses, not
only to go upon duty here, but to attend at Philadelphia
to settle my accounts, is so obvious that I have no doubt but
a reasonable allowance will be made, as well as for a clerk,
who I am obliged to keep in my office at Head-Quarters in
my absence, to settle the various accounts for recruits, troops
on their march, fee. With such of the contractors who '
EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON, DATED
BOSTON, OCTOBER 2, 1776.
Yesterday a French ship with sixty-two guns arrived in
this harbour, from Toulon. She brought her guns in her
hold, by way of ballast, and was purchased by Mr. Silas
Deane ; she was navigated to this place by French seamen,
who, in a few days, will return home in a schooner ap-
pointed for that purpose.
Since this once nourishing city has been evacuated by his
Majesty's forces, commanded by General Howe, several ad-
ditional new works of strength have been raised, one in
particular, a new battery near the entrance of the harbour,
which is mounted with twenty pieces of heavy cannon, and
is garrisoned by a number of experienced soldiers, and some may aPPb'> 'l ma7 be proper to observe, that if contracting
foreign engineers. The greatest ardour imaginable is still 's adopted the con tractors expect that when the camp moves,
or detachments sent out, they are to be found wagons for
transporting their provision.
I intended to have sent a copy of my accounts by this
opportunity, to show how the various sums of money that
have been paid me have been applied; but there are two
contractors whose accounts are not finally settled, but will
be in a few days, and the accounts shall be immediately for-
warded ; and at such time as your Board will be pleased
to appoint, I will attend with my vouchers, to settle my
accounts finally.
I have hitherto been obliged to advance the contractors
considerable sums of money to enable them to comply with
their engagements, which they have nearly repaid by their
ration returns. I wish to know whether I am justifiable in
using by several hundred troops arrived here from Cam-
bridge, and the inhabitants, to render, if possible, this place
impregnable, as the Congress expect next spring it will be
the seat of war.
SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Paris, October 3, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Since my last, in which I mentioned the
King of Prussia, I have obtained a method of soundin^
that monarch's sentiments more directly through another
channel, which, voluntarily offering, I have accepted, and
therefore waive writing on the subject for the present any
thing, save that you may undoubtedly serve the United
States of America most essentially in this affair in a few
weeks from this. The attention to my business here, which
so doing; in short, unless it is allowed there can be no con-
tracts, ibr no individual who engages in this business has a
is not merely political, but partly commercial, the critical sufficient sum of money of his own to answer the large
situation of affairs at this Court, and the anxious suspense engagements they are obliged to make,
for the events at New-York and Canada, have actually fixed I 'lave tne honour to be, respectfully, sir, your most hum-
me here, and the having received no intelligence for some ^le servant, WILLIAM AYLETT, D. C. G.
time past has well-nigh distracted me. I have, however, To the Hon. John Adams, Esq., President of the Board of
favourable prospects, and the most confirmed hopes of War, at Philadelphia.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 54
851
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
852
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JOSEPH THUMBULL.
Philadelphia, October 3, 1776.
SIR: The enclosed resolve demands, and I beg leave to
request you will pay the greatest attention to it, and exert
yourself to comply with it in the fullest manner in your
power.
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To Joseph Trumbull, Esq., Commissary-General.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM
HODGE, JUN.
Philadelphia, October 3, 1776.
SIR: We deliver you herewith copies of the letters and
credentials you had from us when you sailed on your late
unfortunate voyage, the originals whereof we understand
you destroyed on being taken by the Orpheus man-of-war.
We have since that time taken other measures for procuring
arms and ammunition, which probably may have succeeded;
therefore we request you will lay those copies and this letter
before Silas Deane, Esq., at Paris, and follow such advice
and directions as he may give respecting arms and ammuni-
tion; but with respect to the cutters we approve much of
that plan, and wish it to be executed, and even enlarged.
We therefore propose that you should consult with Mr.
Deane and Mr. Thomas Morris on this subject, and if you
find it will be in your power to procure seamen and obtain
liberty to arm and fit out vessels in France, Spain, or Hol-
land, that you should, if possible, buy a frigate of twenty to
forty guns, have her completely fitted, armed and manned,
putting in a gentleman of unexceptionable good character,
being also an able seaman, to command her, for which pur-
pose we give you herewith a blank commission, to be filled
up with his and the ship's name, which may be the Sur-
prise. The Captain and you may appoint the officers
necessary for this ship, giving to each a certificate showing
his station.
When this ship is completed you must give orders to the
Captain, signed by Mr. Deane, to cruise in the Channel
against the enemies of the United States of America,
making prize of all British property as he can meet with.
He may send his prizes into such ports in France as may be
most convenient, and you will there demand protection for
them, or rather let Mr. Deane demand this, and also liberty
to make sale of such goods as he, Mr. Morris, and yourself,
may think best to sell there. Direct the Captain to take
out any dry goods he finds on board his prize into his own
ship, and when by this means he has got a considerable
quantity on board, let him come away for this coast, and get
into the first place of safety he can in the United States of
America.
The Captain must, before he goes, give bond duly to
observe all the rules and regulations of Congress; and here-
with we deliver you a blank bond, with a book of those
' . rules and a list of the Continental agents. Any prize that
he sends into France you must send forward from thence to
some of these States, unless Mr. Deane, Mr. Morris, and
yourself agree it is more for the publick good to sell in
France; and if you sell them there apply the net proceeds
to pay the debts you contract in this business.
Besides this ship, we approve also of the two cutters, as
mentioned in our former letters. You may arm, fit and man
them, and despatch them hither soon as possible, either with
arms, ammunition, or such other goods as Mr. Deane and
Mr. Morris may recommend or provide. We deliver you
commissions, &c., for these vessels also, and recommend to
you to be very attentive to the choice of Captains. They
should all be good seamen, men of good character and prin-
ciples, strongly attached to this country and its cause; and
prefer Americans, thus deserving, to any other country. If
such Americans are not to be found, seek for good men of
other countries that have been here or have connexions
among us. We know that there are many such in Europe
that would be glad of the employ.
The ship must make but a short cruise in the Channel
and a short one will do the business, for she will daily meet
prizes; but if she is long there, they will have men of war in
quest of her. We hope you'll meet with some fine, fast-
sailing ship for this purpose, and be able to purchase and fit
her on reasonable terms. We shall desire Mr. Deane and
Mr. Morris to join you in the necessary assurances to those
you deal with of being faithfully reimbursed. We a^ain
repeat that we shall make remittances in the produce of this
country for that purpose.
We will also make you a proper compensation lor your
trouble and services hereafter, when they can be better as-
certained. Therefore, wishing you success, we remain, sir,
your humble servants.
To Mr. William Hodge, Jun.
P. S. It is absolutely necessary that you observe the
utmost secrecy in all this business, and make use of every
cloak or cover you can think of to hide the real design.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM
HODGE, JUN.
Philadelphia, October 3, 1776.
SIR: We commit to your care sundry despatches deliv-
ered you herewith, and you are immediately to repair on
board the sloop Independence, John Young commander,
now waiting for you between this and Reedy Island. This
sloop will carry you and said despatches, with the utmost
expedition, to the Island of Martinico, where you must
apply to William Bingham, Esq., delivering to him all the
letters and packages directed for him. This gentleman will
assist in procuring you an immediate passage from thence
to some port in France, on board a French vessel. Choose
a good one if you have a choice, and a man-of-war or a
packet, in preference to a merchantman. The General of
Martinico will give you a letter to the commander of the
port you sail for, requesting him to grant you a passport,
and to expedite you immediately to Paris. On your arrival
there, you must find out Silas Deane, Esq., and Mr. Thomas
Morris, and deliver to each the letters and packages directed
for them.
If you arrive at Nantz, apply to Mr. John Daniel
Schiveighauser ; at Bordeaux, to Messrs. Samuel and John
Hans Delap ; at Havre-de-Grace, to Mr. Andrew Limozin;
at Dunkirk, to Messrs. P. Stival fy Son, in the name of
Willing, Morris, fy Co., to furnish you with the address of
Mr. Deane and Mr. Morris, at Paris, as it will be well
known to them all, and they will also render you any other
services you may stand in need of. Should you go to Paris
without previously finding out the address of these gentle-
men, apply to Messrs. , bankers in Paris, who can
direct you to Mr. Deane.
The letters and packets directed for him and Thomas
Morris you are to consider as despatches of the utmost
importance. You must never suffer them to be out of your
possession one moment until you deliver them safe, with
untouched seals, to those two gentlemen, unless you should
unfortunately be taken, and in that case you must throw
them overboard, always keeping them ready slung with a
weight to sink them if that measure should be necessary,
and for your faithful discharge of this trust, you are answer-
able to your God, your country, and to us that have reposed
this confidence in you.
We have desired Mr. Bingham to supply you with what
money you want at Martinico, and to transmit us your
receipts for the amount. Mr. Deane will supply you with
any sum not exceeding one hundred and fifty pounds sterling
in France. You will keep an account of your expenses,
which will be paid by the Congress, who will also compen-
sate you generously hereafter for your time, trouble, and
risk, in this voyage. Should Mr. Deane think proper to
send you immediately back with despatches for us, you will
no doubt take charge of them and proceed according to his
instructions.
You must cautiously avoid letting any person whatever
know what is your business, or that you have the least con-
nection with publick business.
We wish you a safe and successful voyage, and are, sir,
your obedient, humble servants.
To Mr. William Hodge, Jun.
Philadelphia, October 3, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The bearer hereof, Mr. William Hodge,
Jun., is a young gentleman we esteem ; he now goes for
France, via the (Vest-Indies, and is uncertain at what port
he may land. He has business with Silas Deane, Esq.,
and Mr. T. Morris; we beg, therefore, you will furnish
853
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Stc., OCTOBER, 1776.
854
him with their address, and render him any other service he
may stand in need of. If he wants money for expenses,
please to advance it, and his draft on Mr. Deane will be
honoured. Your compliance will oblige, gentlemen, your
obedient, humble servants.
To Mr. John Daniel Schweighauser, at Nantz ; Messrs.
Samuel $f J. H. Delap, at Bordeaux ; Mr. Andrew
Limozin, at Havre; Messrs. P. Sleval fy Son at
Dunkirk.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO MESSRS. HEWES AND SMITH.
Philadelphia, October 3, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: You will receive this from Lieutenant
Thomas Albertson, commander of the schooner Muskeeto,
now employed in the Continental service as an advice-boat.
She carries but few letters this voyage, but what there are
must be put in the post-office, and the same price charged
for carriage as if they had gone from hence by land, which
you will please to see done. Mr. Hewes having fitted this
schooner himself before he left this, you will take care to
receive the cargo, which consists altogether of Continental
stores, sent for the use of the Continental troops in your
State, and deliver the same to the proper officers, granting
Lieutenant Albertson a receipt for what he delivers, and
you'll please also to supply him with what money may be-
absolutely necessary to defray the charges and expenses of
his vessel, but no more, taking his accountable receipts for
what you pay him, one of which you'll transmit by the
vessel.
We desire you to ship back by this vessel one hundred
barrels coal tar, two tons tallow in barrels, and twelve bar-
rels rosin, for the use of our navy. If the schooner will
carry more, put it on board ; if not so much, you must leave
out a little of each. We beg you will despatch Mr. Albert-
son back immediately; don't allow him to stay on any
account. If he wants a few men, pray assist him in getting
them, and your drafts on the Chairman of the Marine Com-
mittee for the cost of the goods ordered and of the schooner's
disbursements, will be duly honoured.
• We are, sirs, your very humble servants.
To Messrs. Hewes ^ "Smith.
P. S. You have enclosed a manifest of the cargo, and
Mr. Hewes must allow a handsome freight for his goods,
which you'll credit in the schooner's account.
OOVERNOUR LIVINGSTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 5th; referred to Mr. Lynch, Mr. Boss, and Mr. Floyd,
who are directed to take into consideration the case of the Prisoners in
the Gaol of Philadelphia.]
Princeton, October 3, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The signers of the enclosed petition are part
of a number of prisoners who were sent to me while stationed
at Elizabethtown, as one of the Brigadier-Generals of this
State, by the Committee of Newark, to whom they were
sent by General Washington. That Committee not being
able to confine them in the gaol of Newark, which was
already filled with prisoners, desired rne to confine them in
the gaol of Elizabethtown ; but as that was in the same
condition, and the place was upon other accounts improper
to keep prisoners, I sent them to Somerset gaol, at Milston.
I believe they are in deplorable circumstances for want of
clothes, and especially clean linen. I wrote some time
since to General Washington for their baggage, which was
left at New-York, but from the multiplicity of business the
General has not been able to answer me, and probably their
baggage is lost. As they are Continental prisoners, I would
wish the Congress would be pleased to give such directions
concerning them as to their wisdom and humanity shall seem
fit, which this State will cheerfully order to be carried into
execution.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
WILL. LIVINGSTON.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
different officers in your division should be thoroughly and
perfectly acquainted with the grounds between your several
posts and Morrisseana, and the other points or landings
where you conceive there is any probability the enemy will
attempt an impression. In order to obtain this desirable
end, his Excellency thinks it will be advisable in you to
send a few officers every day, as the nature of duty will
admit to reconnoitre those grounds to the end that they
may be entirely acquainted with them.
1 am, sir, your most obedient servant,
WILLM. GHATSON, A. D. C.
To Major-General Heath.
COLONEL GRAYSON TO GENERAL HEATH.
. Head -Quarters, October 3, 1776.
SIR: His Excellency has commanded me to acquaint
you that he conceives it to be highly expedient that the
COLONEL GRAYSON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Heights of Harlem, October 3, 1776.
SIR: His Excellency has desired me to inform you that
on looking over your letter of the 30th of September, he has
discovered a passage respecting Colonel Irumbull, which
he thinks has not yet been answered. He has no objec-
tion to Colonel Trumbull's inlisting the number of men out
of the Militia which you have mentioned ; indeed he looks
upon it as a proper step. 1 have it further in command
from him, that he conceives it to be of the last importance
that you should be well acquainted with the grounds leading
from Morrisiana and other places where you suspect the
enemy may land to your several posts. I wrote you to-day
of the necessity there was that your several officers should
reconnoitre them also. It is the opinion of the General
that you should form and digest proper dispositions for your
troops to take effect eventually on their landing at this or
that place, as the case may happen to be. He imagines it
will be too late after the enemy have actually landed, to
consider of and digest a proper disposition for your forces.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
WILLM. GRAYSON, A. D. C.
To the Hon. Major-General Heath.
His Excellency cannot imagine what has been the occa-
sion why the regiment ordered to the heights opposite to
this, are not yet arrived there ; he desires you may forward
it with all possible despatch ; they may be furnished with
tents from the Quartermaster here.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO EGBERT BENSON.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 3, 1776.
DEAR SIR: We had an alarm this morning at four
o'clock ; we had our men instantly under arms, but it turned
out a mistake of our patroles, who conceited they had seen
a large body of the enemy advancing to our lines.
By a letter from Mr. Derby, of Boston, we are informed
that one of our cruisers had taken and carried into Piscataqua
a transport, one of six that sailed from New-York the 1st
September, for the West-Indies, to bring from thence what
troops might be there. Does not this look as if General
Howe's army was not so strong as we have apprehended ?
Or would he drain the Islands of their weak garrisons, con-
sidering how matters stand affected in the French Islands ?
They have already insulted the British flag, by affording
an asylum to Captain Weeks in a Continental ship-of-war,
and refusing to give her up to the Pomona frigate.
Captain Cook is now up the river cutting timber for
chevaux-de-frise. As he is much wanted here to sink the
old vessels, the General begs that you would immediately
send him down. We are at a stand for want of him ; for, as
he has superintended the matter from the beginning, he best
knows the properest places to be obstructed. If the new
ships should be found necessary to our salvation, you need
not fear their being sacrificed ; but our publick money goes
fast enough without using it wantonly.
I am sorry that your Convention do not think .themselves
legally authorized to make examples of those villains they
have apprehended; if that is the case, the well-affected will
be hardly able to keep a watch upon ill. The General is
determined if he can bring some of them in his hands under
the denomination of spies, to execute them. General
Howe hanged a Captain of ours belonging to Knowllon's
Rangers, who went into New-York to make discoveries. I
don't see why we should not make retaliation.
1 am, with much esteem, dear sir, your most obedient
servant, TENCH TILGHMAN.
855
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
856
EXTRACT Or A LETTER FROM HARLEM, DATED OCTOBER 3,
1776.
Yesterday morning eleven hundred men were ordered to
parade at daylight, to bring off the corn, hay, &.G., which
lay on Harlem Plains, between the enemy and us. This
property has lain for a fortnight past unmolested, both sides
looking at it, and laying claim to it until to-day, when it
was brought off by us. A covering party were within musket
shot of the enemy, but they made no other movements than
to man their lines; and three thousand of our men appear-
ing, the enemy struck their tents, expecting an attack. Our
fatigue party finished the business, and not a single shot
was fired. These plains would afford an excellent field
for a fight. I really expected an action, but the enemy
declined it.
Opinions here are various with respect to the enemy's
designs. This is the best month in the year for fighting.
The enemy must be near twenty thousand effective, and
the taking of York is not a sufficient compensation for the
expense of so vast an armament as the British King has
sent out this year. Thence it is thought General Howe
will attempt to give us a defeat, at least to get complete
possession of the island and the adjoining heights. General
Washington has, in publick orders, assured the whole army,
he intends, at every hazard, to defend the ground the army
now occupies. The other opinion is, that the enemy will
wait for the disbanding of our army, which takes place the
last of December, and then obtain a bloodless victory by
getting possession of our present works, as there may then
be nobody to defend them.
We have had five French officers come to camp this
week ; they come from Old France, last from Philadelphia,
arid are in Continental pay. Two of them are Engineers.
Three of them are very genteel men, and all come well
recommended.
GENERAL HEATH TO COLONEL CHESTER.
King's Bridge, October 3, 1776.
As it is indispensably necessary that a disposition of the
troops should be made previous to action, the following
order is to be observed, in case the enemy should make an
attack on this post, viz :
The adrance-guard, if possible, is to prevent the enemy
from landing, but if this cannot be effected, they are to fight
on the retreat, disputing every spot of ground which they
can to advantage, taking care to avoid being surrounded by
the enemy. Colonel Hand's battalion are immediately to
advance and attack the enemy in front and right flank.
The piquets of the division are instantly to turn out and
form. Those of General Parsons 's brigade being nearest to
the advance-guard, are to advance without delay. If one
of the Field Officers of the piquet should be in that brigade,
he is to command them. If there should be no Field Officer
of the piquet there, the senior Captain of the piquet will
march them to support the guard ; the other piquets
commanded by the Field Officers are to follow as fast as
possible. The whole to be under the Brigadier-General of
the day.
The line is to form immediately, General Parsons's brigade
on the right, on the hill on which Colonel Prescott's regi-
ment encamped, leaving one hundred men to man the
redoubts, lines, &c. General Clinton's brigade (except
Colonel Thomas's regiment, who are to take post in Fort
Independence, and the lines on the east of the fort) to form
on the left of the line in the road to the east of the stone
bakehouse, formerly a church. General Scott's brigade,
leaving one hundred men to man the lines on the hill to the
right of their barracks, are to take post in the centre between
General Parsons's left and Clinton's right. Colonel Sar-
gent's brigade, with Colonel Brewer's artificers, Colonel
Chester's regiment, and the two established companies of
Colonel Ely's regiment, are to be a reserve, (except fifty
men of Colonel Sargent's regiment, who are to be left at
the redoubt of his own encampment,) and are to march at
the distance of one hundred paces in the rear of the line to
support such parts of the line as may stand in need of aid,
or to follow such directions as may be given by the com-
manding officer of the division. A detachment of the
Artillery, with one brass three-pounder, to march with each
brigade, as far as the ground will admit of it with safety.
Colonel Ely's regiment, (except the two before-mentioned
companies,) and Colonel Douglas's regiment to take post
at the redoubt and works, near Colonel Ely's encampment.
The Light-Horse to assemble in the road between Vallen-
tine's tavern and Williams' s, (except such as may be wanted
to ride express,) ten of whom, on the first alarm, will attend
on the Major-General for that purpose. Each regiment is
to have four good axe-men, who are to march with their
fire-locks slung, each carrying an axe. A stout able-bodied
man of a company is to be appointed, who with the camp
colour-men and musick, are to assist the wounded men.
Should the line advance into the wood and broken ground,
upon coining up with the advance-guard and piquets, the
guard and piquets are to pass through the intervals between
the battalions and halt, and form with the reserve. Colonel
Hand's battalions will then form on the left of our line, and
will endeavour if possible, to flank the enemy's right. Col-
onel Throop's and Colonel Smith's Militia are on the side
of Harlem river, to flank the enemy's left.
This order supposes that one attack only is made, and
that to the westward of the brook running down by Deluncy's
Mills. But if two attacks are made, and one of them
should be to the eastward of that stream, Colonel Hand
will send one of his battalions that way for a skirmish with
the enemy through the broken ground, and General Clinton's
brigade will file off to the left to support them. The Militia
at Chester, Marenneck, &c., will march with all expedition
to attack the enemy in flank, on that side. In this case, one
of the troops of Light-Horse will repair to that quarter,
from whom expresses are to be constantly riding to give
intelligence of the enemy's advancing or retreating, and of
their numbers as nearly as can be ascertained, to the com-
manding officer of the divison. The best judgment of the
number of the enemy before they land, may be formed from
the number of boats, which all officers on the out-posts are
desired to ascertain as nearly as possible, and mention iu
the express.
The foregoing disposition to be communicated to the
Field Officers and Captains of their several regiments in the
division, by their respective Brigade-Generals, by giving
copies to each regiment, or in such other way as they may
think proper.
To Commandant Chester.
W. HEATH, Major-General.
GENERAL JAMES CLINTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fort Montgomery, Octobei-3, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I received a letter from the Congress about
the last of November, or some time in December, 1775, with
an order enclosed to stop £27 1 Is. 2rf., being expenses for
taking up thirteen men of Captain Johnston's company and
my regiment. But as those men were chiefly discharged,
except such as listed the second time, I could not stop it out
of their wages, but as they were tried by a Court-Martial,
and each fined a month's pay, I stopped that from the Cap-
tain, and it was stopped out of their wages, which I intended
should answer the expenses of taking them up as soon as
he could get a settlement for his company. But it appears
by a certificate produced to me which Captain Johnston
has, which he can show you, that the Paymaster has stopped
the same sum, notwithstanding I desired it might not be
stopped, as I had already stopped it and was answerable
for it. However, Captain Johnston should not have that
sum twice stopped from him. Therefore, if it be agreeable
to the Congress to order me to pay back the money to Cap-
tain Johnston, I will do it freely, as one of us must in jus-
tice return the money.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,
JAMES CLINTON, Brigadier-General.
To the President of the Provincial Congress of the State of
New-York, Fishkill.
To whom it may concern :
This may certify that Captain Robert Johnson has
allowed on settlement of his account, the sum of £34 i'3s.
4rf., New York currency, for one month's wages of thirteen
men of his company who deserted and returned to their
duty, which was forfeited by judgment of Court-Martial.
Witness: JOHN PIERCE, Jun., Assistant-Paymaster.
Albany, June 18th, 1776.
857
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
858
Fort Constitution, June 27, 1776.
I do hereby certify that I have stopped in my hands one
month's pay of thirteen men in Captain Johnston's com-
pany, who deserted and was taken up, and sent back to
their regiment, and was forfeited by judgment of a Court-
Martial to pay the expense of taking them up, as may be
seen by an order from the New-York Provincial Congress,
dated November 4th, 1775, which expenses amounted to
£27 1 Is. 2d., and must not be stopped, nor any part, from
Captain Johnston, as I am answerable.
JAMES CLINTON, Col. 2d New-York.
Albany, August 12, 1776.
Mr. Turnbutt cannot suffer this money to go out of his
hands, without the General's orders.
WILLIAM M'KERMAN TO RICHARD PETERS.
Sopus, October 3, 1776.
SIR : I arrived here last night, after a great deal of fatigue
and trouble, and was fixed upon starting this morning to
Albany, with the wagons; but the Committee came to
me, and told me it was very dangerous to travel by land
without an enlargement of my guard to at least sixty or
seventy men, with which could not supply me, and their
reasons were, an express has arrived, that the Indians are
breaking out on the frontiers, which has occasioned all the
people to fly in the town, many of whom -I have seen.
Another reason of their stopping me' was, that a sloop could
be hired, for eighteen or twenty pounds, to carry the whole,
and that it was by much the safest, and by a vast deal the
cheapest way. The arguments being so strong against me,
I was forced to give way, and am just going down to unload
the wagons, and discharge them.
Sir, from your humble servant,
WM. McKERMAN.
To Captain Peters, Secretary at War, Philadelphia.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 9th ; referred to Board of War.]
Albany, October 3, 1776.
SIR: Colonel Nicholson delivered me the enclosed list,
which contains the rank and names of the officers of his
regiment, and begs commissions may be sent for them.
If Congress has not determined that I never should be
honoured with a line from them, I shall hope one acknow-
ledging the receipt of mine of this day. I have ordered
the express to wait one day for an answer, and then to
return. If I do not hear from Congress on the subject of
my former letter, before or by him, I shall esteem myself
perfectly disengaged from attending to the duties of those
offices which 1 have resigned.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
Return of Officers of Colonel NICHOLSON'S Regiment.
Head-quarters before Q.uebeck, April 15, 1776.
As it has been necessary to make some alteration in the
arrangements of the Captains and sub-officers in Colonel
Nicholson's Regiment, the following is to take place :
John Nicholson, Esq., Colonel ; Frederick Weissenfels,
Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel — appointed in the Third Regi-
ment Yorkers; John Visher, Esq., Major; John Brogdon,
Adjutant; Israel Evans, Chaplain; Joseph Mirvin, Sur-
geon's Mate.
First Company: Gershom Mott, Captain; Benjamin
Pelton, First Lieutenant, appointed in Third Regiment
Yorkers ; Isaac Nichols, Second Lieutenant ; Charles F.
Weissenfels, Ensign.
Second Company: EKsha Benedict, Captain; Digby
Odium, First Lieutenant; Nathaniel Henry, Second Lieu-
tenant ; Francis Shaw, Ensign.
Third Company: John Graham, Captain; John G. Lan-
tingh, First Lieutenant ; Francis Brindley, Second Lieu-
tenant; Esia Holmes, Ensign.
Fourth Company: Robert Johnston, Captain : William
Martin, First Lieutenant ; Thomas Nicholson, Second Lieu-
tenant; Peter Katan, Ensign.
Fifth Company: Ezekel Cooper, Captain; Timothy
Hughes, First Lieutenant ; William Bellknap, Second Lieu-
tenant; Thomas Pennington, Ensign, a prisoner taken in
Canada.
Sixth Company: Benjamin Evans, Captain ; Isaac Hub~
bell, First Lieutenant; Thomas Maclelan, Second Lieu-
tenant; Samuel Prebble, Ensign.
Seventh Company: Derick Hansen, Captain; William
Tapp, First Lieutenant, appointed in First Regiment York-
ers; Isaac Guion, Second Lieutenant; William Blackney,
Ensign.
Eighth Company: John Copp, Captain; John Brogdon,
First Lieutenant; WilUam Colbreath, Second Lieutenant;
Thomas Logan, Ensign.
i Approved by General Wooster, Commander-in-Chief of
the Continental forces before Quebeck, as taken from Brig-
ade-Major Blagdon's Orderly Book, by my order.
FREDERICK V. WEISSENFELS, Lieut. Col.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 9th; referred to Board of War.]
Albany, October 3, 1776.
SIR: I have this moment received a letter from General
Gates, enclosing a copy of one from General Arnold.
Copies of both I do myself the honour to enclose.
I have, in a former letter, already remarked the situation
we are in respecting nails. .
As active an assistant Deputy Quartermaster-General as
I could procure superintends the business at Cheshire's. I
shall immediately inquire ot him what is become of the
boards. I believe he sends them down as fast as they are \
sawed.
General Gates gives the reason why the road to Cheshire's
is not completed. The Assistant Quartermaster has also
complained; but I have no other troops to send, as there
are none here that can be spared from the necessary guards,
and the Canadians whom I had employed on the roads, left
them, and will not do any kind of duty.
The cables are by this time arrived at Ticonderoga.
They were made at Poughkeepsie, and with despatch, and
forwarded without a moment's delay.
If I move Dayton's regiment from Fort Stanwix, it must
be replaced by Elmore's and Nicholson's, and the Mohawk
river left exposed to the incursions of the enemy. I wish
it was certain that no attempt would be made by the enemy
in that quarter. Whether a removal of these troops would
be prudent, Congress will be able to judge from the enclosed
copy of a letter from Colonel Dayton, and from the infor-
mation given by one of the prisoners from Canada; and
the Cayugas have even brought away our blacksmith.
The prices of the shirts and clothing sent from here I
will order to be immediately transmitted to General Gates.
I mentioned the extravagant price that had been paid for
all these articles, in some of my former letters, and begged
an abatement, in behalf of the soldiers, in a former letter to
Congress. The soldiers will be ruined by the high price of
the clothing.
No carpenters are to be procured here. The far greater
part of the great numbers I sent up in the course of the
campaign, have sickened and returned home.
On the subject of increasing our navy on Lake Cham-
plain, I have already wrote to Congress.
The barracks ordered by the resolution of Congress of
the 14th ultimo, will be built as soon as nails are sent up.
Perhaps it might have been proper to have determined for
what number of troops barracks should be erected.
Lieutenant-Colonel Buel came down to settle his busi-
ness. As the Commissioners were not ready, I gave him
leave to go to his family for a few days. He made no stay,
and is already gone up. I never heard such a disadvan-
tageous report as General Gates mentions to prevail of him.
I must do him the justice to declare that it was with much
entreaty that I could prevail upon him to be employed in
the civil line, and that he frequently pressed me for leave to
join 'his regiment, before I could find a proper person to
relieve him at Fort George.
I am, sir, with great respect and esteem, your most obe-
dient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
859
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
860
Fort Schuyler, September 22, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Since I had the honour of writing to
you last, I have caused Thomas Mayres's conduct as a
Tory to be examined into by a Court of Inquiry. The wit-
ness they collected I have enclosed. I looked upon it to
be sufficient to order Maryes from this place ; accordingly
I sent him under guard to Colonel Elmore, requesting he
would forward him to the Chairman of Tryon County Com-
mittee.
I have also sent down one Armstrong at the same time,
who had repeatedly disobeyed my orders, by selling rum to
the Indians and my men. The Indians he has frequently
made drunk, and ifrom one he took a gun for a gallon of
rum. Yesterday the chiefs and warriours from Kanonwaro-
hare, Hanajhsorage, Onoghquage, amounting to forty, came
here in order to establish with me some sure method of
speedily conveying intelligence to each other, and show
their disapprobation of their men going on scouts with ours ;
but they very readily agreed that their men should go alone
for that purpose.
In the evening, two runners came from the Castle with
the war-whoop, who brought, as they said, certain intelli-
gence of Sir John Johnson's arrival at Oswego, on Thurs-
day last,.with a large force. They say the person who
brought the news to Onondaga stayed at Oswego until a
number of soldiers were landed, and the cannon fired from
the vessels, and then run immediately off with the news.
The White Skin, chief of the Oneidas, insisted on my giving
this intelligence immediately,'and not looking upon it to
be false, as the last accounts proved. He gave it me as
his opinion that parties would soon be along the Mohawk
river, and cut off all communication with our friends be-
low. Messengers and parties from Oneida are frequently
coming in, who undoubtedly expect we should find them
provision. As I have not had particular directions on that
head, should be glad to know the General's pleasure.
24/A. This day Sconado came here from the Oneida
Castle, and informs us that the vessel which was seen at
Oswego several days ago, fired her guns there, went imme-
diately off, and that she had not any soldiers on board of
her. I now send Lieutenant Gifford and Ensign Thomas
and two soldiers to Albany, to be examined respecting the
embezzlement at Johnson Hall.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
ELIAS DAYTON.
To General Schuykr.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 3, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Your favour of the 30th ultimo came to hand
at ten this morning. The shingle nails made here are sent
off as fast as they can be procured. I imagined that the
boards, which are sawed at Cheshire's, were regularly sent
to Skenesborough to be used there, or if not wanted, for-
warded to you. Captain Varick goes up to-morrow on a
visit to Tyonderoga, and will take that route.
It is really astonishing that no further advances should be
made in the road to Cheshire's, but you have given the
reason in your letter, and we have no men to send ; part of
the Yorkers are upon the road between this and Fort
Edward, and the Canadians will not do any duty of any
kind. The cables, I hope, are arrived before this, and all
the last requisition of cordage is gone or going to-day.
I have directed Taylor and Renssalaer to transmit you
the accounts. I was in hopes Congress would have ordered
an abatement on the first coil, as the price is so extrava-
gantly high ; but I have not been able to obtain an answer
to my request for that purpose.
Whenever the powder or any other military stores come
to hand, they shall be forwarded without delay. I have
sent an express to Congress with copies of your and Gene-
ral Arnold's letters. No carpenters are to be had here.
Lieutenant-Colonel .Bue/came down to settle his accounts.
The Commissioners were not ready, and he had my leave
of absence for a few days. He is already returned and
gone up. I cannot account for the declaration you mention
to be made by him. It was with reluctance that he under-
took to bean Assistant Deputy Quartermaster-General, and
he has repeatedly entreated me for leave to join his regi-
ment, before I could find a person to supply his place.
I cannot think of moving Colonel Dayton's corps from
Fort Stanwix. If I had any troops to spare, I would
strengthen that quarter, as all my intelligence agrees that
some blow is meditated. The Cayugas have already brought
away our blacksmith, and the Oneida Indians, our friends,
are collecting together for their better protection.
As it will be necessary for Colonel Lewis to go to Che-
shire's, to see how things are carrying on there in his
department, I wish him to prosecute his journey to this
place, that I may give him directions which I trust he will
find of service to him in conducting his business, of which
he will have plenty as soon as I quit the command ; for then
the whole of your supplies must depend upon him and Mr.
Avery.
I suppose in a few days I shall become a private citizen.
You will, however, at all times command my best efforts.
Adieu.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. General Gates.
COLONEL CORTLANDT TO GENERAL GATES.
Skeensborough, October 3, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I have at present a slow intermitting
fever and jaundice, occasioned by my want of exercise, (I
believe,) riding, and change of air, which I formerly much
accustomed myself to. And as the hurry of business is at
present over at this place, I shall esteem it a great favour,
if I may be permitted to take a tour down as far as Sara-
toga or Albany, which will take me about six or seven
days. I may also have an opportunity to find out the state
of the remainder of Colonel Wynkoop's regiment, and per-
haps purchase some clothes or blankets for my men.
Colonel Wynkoop, 1 fear, will not join us in some time, as
the last accounts I had from him were unfavourable.
I may perhaps find it necessary to pay the Colonel a visit,
which will take me three days extraordinary. Should it be
agreeable to the General, Colonel Trumbull will inform me,
which will oblige, most sincerely, your obedient, humble
servant, PH. CORTLANDT.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD.
Tyonderoga, October 3, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Last night I received your letter of the
1st instant by Lieutenant Calderwood. Captain Hawley
carried with him all the seamen that were to be had here
when he went from hence. Those who have been procured
since, sailed yesterday in the two row-galleys under General
Waterbury's command, to which were added one hundred
and ten men, officers included. Besides the number you
determined upon, for the full complement of each row-gal-
ley, not one of the two hundred seamen promised from
New-York has yet arrived here. 1 now give up the hopes
of seeing them for this year.
As to the equipment of the Trumbull, I am not answer-
able for any deficiency. General Waterbury, who had the
entire management of rigging and arming the galleys, will
satisfy all your questions upon that head. I know not how
much cordage you wrote for in July, or whether it is yet
half arrived ; but this I know, that General Waterbury
assured me there was not more than half the quantity neces-
sary, and we shall have much to do to furnish the galley
which came last night from Skeenesborough. Not a cable
yet arrived from Albany, and those here too bad for use.
Captain Dow, who perfectly understands fitting of vessels,
has my orders to assist Captain in getting his galley
equipped with the utmost possible expedition. I am told
she will sail in a week, being much better fitted when she
left Skeenesborough, than those who came before her from
thence. Colonel Trumbull and Mr. Conductor Lane,
assure me they have put every article that you demanded
in your last letter, on board the Liberty schooner, except
what is not to be had here ; where it is not to be had, you
and the princes of the earth must go unfurnished. As to
any unnecessary delays made by the Captain of the Lib-
erty, I refer you to General Waterbury. I am told the man
was diligent, and that the vessels wanted more caulking than
you suspected.
All the clothing we have goes in the Liberty schooner,
to be delivered to your order.
861
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
862
I have represented to General Schuyler and to Congress,
the absolute necessity of taking immediate measures to aug-
ment our fleet upon this Lake. I suppose so important a
business will not be deferred or delayed.
I take it for granted you will consult with General Water-
bury and Colonel Wigglesworth, and with them determine
when it is proper season to retire up the Lake. I am con-
fident your and their zeal for the publick service will not
suffer you to return one moment sooner than in prudence
and good conduct you ought to do it. Perhaps some station
nearer Crown-Point may, about the time you mention, be
proper to be taken ; but this must be submitted to your
better judgment in maritime affairs.
The Commissary sent, in the galleys which sailed yester-
day, fourteen barrels of rum. Six more go now in the Lib-
erty; a quantity of fresh beef and other, &c., &.C., went by
the same conveyance, which Mr. Yancey acquainted you
with particularly by letter. If you think proper to keep
the Lee gondola, or any other, to go between Ty and the
fleet, we can be able to send you supplies in as ample a
manner as Ty will afford.
I have read and noticed Sergeant Stiles's examination.
By the enemy's building a battery for heavy cannon at
river La Cole, I am inclined to suspect they are rather
acting upon the defensive ; but until the middle of the next
month arrives, I shall not entirely give up the probability of
seeing them this year.
Colonel Trumbull gave you the best account in his power
of the transactions in the neighbourhood of Neiv- York, as I
have constantly done, and as I shall continue to do. There-
fore, be satisfied, when you do not hear all you wish, it is
because all you wish is not come to my knowledge. There
is not a syllable of news, good or bad, since I wrote you
yesterday. My affectionate compliments to General Wa-
terbury and Colonel Wigglesworth, and believe me, dear
General, your affectionate, humble servant,
Ho. GATES,
To General Arnold.
GOVERNOUR TRDMBULL TO COMMODORE HOPKINS.
Lebanon, October 3, 1776.
SIR : I wrote you day before yesterday on the plan for
Naval operations, with an eye to what we had conversed
upon, in relation to the same then mentioned. Last night
received General Washington's letter, and one from Gene-
ral Lincoln. Have conversed freely with our mutual good
friend, ThaJdeus Burr, Esq., and desired him to communi-
cate any of my thoughts more fully than I have time by
writing. Am putting every thing forward in the best man-
ner. Please to promote the forwarding the whale-boats,
and give me intelligence as you see fit.
Sir, your obedient, humble servant,
JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
To Commodore Hopkins.
PHILIP SKENE TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
New-Haven, October 3, 1776.
SIR: I was honoured with your letter on Sunday, the
30th of September, before my matters were regulated for a
march. I missed the opportunity of acknowledging the
receipt of it, and that I am, sir, your most obedient, hum-
ble servant, PHILIP SKENE.
To Governour Trumbull.
GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Boston, October 3, 1776.
SIR: Several persons who were employed to purchase
arms for the Continent, and received money for that pur-
pose, have applied to me to settle their accounts, but, as I
was not possessed of the receipts which they gave for the
money they received, I could not settle with them.
If your Excellency inclines that I should settle those
accounts, you will be pleased to forward copies of those
receipts which are necessary for that purpose.
I am your Excellency's obedient, humble servant,
ARTEMAS WARD.
To General Washington.
Memorandum of Moneys paid to purchase Arms.
1776.
January 30. Colonel Hutchinson $ 200
February 1. do. do 300
15. Colonel Jama Barrett $1000
Jlmos Singletary 1333 1-3
John Homy, Esq 200
Joshua Hathaway, Esq 1000
Drummer Jewell, Esq 1000
JV'oaA Goodman 1300
Captain Jlbner Ellis 1000
Colonel Edward Mitchell 1000
7,833 1-3
16.
19.
20.
22.
23.
13.
Major Putnam 800
Colonel Paterson 302 18-72
do. do 400
Colonel James Reed 383 1-6
Colonel Starks 300
Messrs. Cranson, Caldwell, and Ellis 632
$11,150 54-72
27.
Colonel Wyllys
$500
Colonel Little
500
500
Lieut. Col. Poor, for Col. Starks.
500
2 000
28.
500
March 1.
$500
Colonel Willys
1049 6-72
500
o (UP C.7Q
2.
500
500
1 ( II II I
4.
500
6.
500
9.
500
12.
400
13.
500
14.
500
161 1-6
759 68-72
588 1-2
Colonel Webb
500
o <;np 44-79
15
826 5-8
47 1-6
070 e7 70
16.
491 22-72
20
662 38-72
20
500
22.
51
23.
289 5-6
1 994 2-3
29.
982-3
497 2-3
400
Colonel Ward
400
1000
19.
339 66-72
2 736 18-72
April 1.
150 5-6
3.
439
$27,803 71-72
Drawn out and transmitted to Colonel Warren.
1776.
May 16. Colonel Daniel Hitchcock $750
June 15. Colonel James Mitchell Varnum 1,000
Memorandum of sundry payments for Arms, viz: stopped
from the Reg. old Establishment.
1776.
January 2. 31st Regiment, Phinney's $1303 34-36
1st do., Lieut. Col. Bracket's 863 5-6
10th do., Major Wood's. 94 1-3
$2,2626-72
4. 27th do., Colonel Bridges's 4487-18
7. 30th do., Colonel Scammons's 472 1-6
8. 36th do., Colonel Greaton's 7111-2
28th do., Colonel Sargent's 538
16. 38th do., Colonel Baldwin's 1994-9
25th do., Woodbridge's, paid Captain Pearl .. 39 1-2
20. 38th do., Baldwin's 2416-72
22. 5thdo.,JViron's 7114-9
12. 26th do., Paterson's $1017 1-3
February 1. 3d do., James Reed's 39420-72
5. llth do., Poor's $355 26-72
14th do., Hitchcock's 1882 2-3
6. 15th do., Church's $622 1-2
13. 39th do., Webb's. 2248 21-72
5,623 44-72
1,411 44-72
2,238 2-12
21. 34th do., Major Knowlton's
23. 37th do., Colonel Band's
24. 29th do., Colonel Huntington's . . .$1572
13th do., Colonel Parsons's 2664 66-72
2,870 57-72
2,517 1-2
1,454 5-6
26. Captain Trowbriage
27. Colonel Wiley's 2389 1-6
March 9. Colonel Little 1569 2-3
14. Colonel Hutchinson 8891-6
4,236 66-72
$431 1-6
863
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
864
JtforcAlS. Colonel Bailey 834
16. Colonel learned 1(175 1-2
23. ' Colonel Walter 127 l-(i
Colonel Glover 237 1-18
27. Colonel Pilkin 270
29. Colonel Ward 10771-2
29. Major Thomas Pearct 1141-2
30. Colonel Vanmm 1684 5-6
do. do 1322-3
29,253 49-72
31,185 49-72
19. Colonel Joseph Reed 872 61-72
Drawn out and transmitted to Colonel Warren.
Boston, October 3, 1776.
Yesterday was sent into this harbour, by the Columbus
ship-of-war, Captain Whipple, a brig from Antigua, bound
for Europe, with two hundred and fifty hogsheads of rum.
A ship from Jamaica was also sent into Cape Ann last
Monday, said to have been taken by a Rhode-Island priva-
teer.
Monday last was sent into Cape Ann, a prize ship,
three-decker, from Barbadoes, bound to London, taken by
Captain Coos, in the Warren. She has on board three
hundred and ninety-four hogsheads sugar, one hundred and
eighty puncheons rum, twenty casks indigo, seventy live
tortoise, six casks tortoise shell, fifty bags cotton, some cash
and plate, and a quantity mahogany.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, October 4, 1776.
SIR: The enclosed resolves will inform you of the steps
the Congress are taking to provide for the army. They are
8,469 16-72 so explicit that I need only refer your attention to them ;
and indeed this is all I have time to do at present. By
General Mtfflin, who will set out to-morrow or next day,
I shall do myself the pleasure to write you fully.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem, sir,
your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To His Excellency General Washington.
Enclosed you have Colonel Shephard's commission.
The vacancy of Colonel, in room of the late Colonel Ste-
phenson, is ordered to be kept for Mr. Morgan, agreeable
to your recommendation.
1,932
$32,057 61-72
ROBERT GORDON TO THOMAS WHITE.
Cork, Ireland, October 4, 1776.
SIR : I beg leave to send you the following information,
which may be depended upon : Three American privateers
sailed from Salem in July last, for the Western Islands of
Madeira, to wait for the outward-bound West-lndiamen ;
one sailed the same time to the Straits, and two others to
our Irish Channel, to intercept the linen ships ; the latter
carry eight guns each, and seventy-five men. I request
you will lay this letter, with my humble duty, before his
Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, and request a copy may
be sent forward to England.
I am, sir, Sic., ROBERT GORDON, Commissary.
To Thomas White, Esq.
CAPTAIN COOKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Ship-of-war Defence, at Sea, October 4, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I have the pleasure to inform you by
Captain Broitm, whom I've sent prize-master of a snow
belonging to Glasgow, from the Bay of Honduras, loaded
with mahogany and some logwood, bound to Cork, which
we this morning made a prize of; at the same time took a
sloop from St. Augustine, bound to Liverpool. She has
no cargo on board, except a little indigo. Their papers,
with a large packet of letters, belonging to the sloop, you'll
receive per Mr. Walker, who I've made prize-master.
I'm informed by Captain Bolton, master of the snow,
that he was boarded by a boat belonging to a twenty-two
gun ship, the 1st of this instant, who inquired of him if the
Jamaica fleet had sailed ; he likewise says there was another
ship of twenty-four guns, the names of neither he does not
remember. We are also informed by two passengers from
the sloop, that the Otter, Squires, and lender, the schooner
Kinderhook, Elliss, and three small schooners, with four
and six guns, are stationed off St. Augustine. The Cher-
okee, of six four-pounders, the Raven, of sixteen six-pound-
ers, and the Sphynx, of twenty nine-pounders, stationed off
Coxspur, in Georgia. Which is all the intelligence I have
got at present.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient
and humble servant, GEO. COOKE.
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, at
Annapolis.
P. S. The two passengers above mentioned, I've sent
in the sloop, and am in hopes they'll be able to give you
some satisfactory intelligence. G. C.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL 9CHUYLER.
Philadelphia, October 4, 1776.
SIR: It is with the greatest pleasure I transmit the en-
closed resolves, in which you will perceive that the Congress
have fully expressed their sense of your past conduct, and
their determination to do your character that justice which
you have a right to expect from them. At the same time
Congress cannot give their consent to your retiring from the
army in its present situation. Such a step would give your
enemies occasion to exult, as they might suppose you were
induced to take it from an apprehension of the truth and
reality of their charge against you. The unmerited
reproaches of ignorance and mistaken zeal are infinitely
over-balanced by the satisfaction arising from a conscious
integrity. As long, therefore, as you can wrap yourself in
your innocence, I flatter myself you will not pay so great a
regard to the calumnies of your enemies as to deprive your
country of any services which you may have it in your power
to render her. •
I have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem and
respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To General Schuyler, Albany.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.
Philadelphia, October 4, 1776.
SIR: You have herein a memorandum from the Com-
missioners of the Continental Store for sundry articles wanted
for our navy. If you can send the whole or any part back
by the sloop Independence, do; but if you cannot get them,
send forward this list and the files to Mr. Thomas Morris,
with this letter, requesting him to ship as soon as possible
and charge the amount to the Secret Committee.
We are, sir, your humble servants.
To William Bingham, Esq.
JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS.
Philadelphia, October 4, 1776.
I am seated in a large library-room, with eight gentlemen
round about me, all engaged in conversation. Amidst these
interruptions, how shall I make it out to write a letter?
The 1st day of October, the day appointed by the char-
ter of Pennsylvania for the annual election of Representa-
tives, has passed away, and two Counties only have chosen
members, Bucks and Chester. The Assembly is therefore
dead, and the Convention is dissolved. A new Convention
is to be chosen the beginning of November. The proceed-
ings of the late Convention are not well liked by the best
of the Whigs. Their constitution is reprobated, and the
oath with which they have endeavoured to prop it, by
obliging every man to swear that he will not add to, or
diminish from, or any way alter that constitution, before he
can vote, is execrated.*
* To THE PEOPLE OF PENNSYLVANIA: I do not mean to take up your
time in pointing out the injustice, tyranny, and cruelty of several of the
ordinances of the late Convention of this State, much less shall I dwell
upon the absurdities and danger of their visionary Constitution. I beg
your attention only to the oath which they have prescribed for us in
their last ordinance, for appointing a day for the election of an Assembly.
It is as follows: "1. A. B., swear (or affirm) that I never will do any act
or thing prejudicial or injurious to the Constitution or Government of
Pennsylvania, as established by the Convention."
865
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
866
We live in the age of political experiments. Among
many that will fail, some, I hope, will succeed. But Penn-
sylvania will be divided and weakened, and rendered much
less vigourous in the cause by the wretched ideas of gov-
ernment which prevail in the minds of many people in it.
NEW-JERSEY.
An Act to punish Traitors and Disaffected Persons.
Whereas, in the present time of danger, the safety of the
people more especially requires that all persons who are so
wicked as to devise the destruction of good government, or
to aid or assist the enemies of the State, shall suffer condign
punishment. And whereas all persons abiding within this
State, and deriving protection from the laws thereof, do owe
allegiance to the Government of this State, established under
the authority of the people, and are to be deemed as mem-
bers thereof: and all persons passing through, visiting, or
making a temporary stay in this State, being entitled to the
protection of the law during such passage, visitation, or
temporary stay, do owe, during the same time, allegiance
to this Government :
1 . Be it enacted by the Council and General Assembly
of this State, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of
the same, That every person who is a member of, or owes
allegiance to this Government as before described, and who,
from and after the publication hereof, shall levy war against
this State within the same, or be adherent to the King of
Great Britain, or others the enemies of this State within
the same, or to the enemies of the United States of North
America, giving to him or them aid or comfort, or by giving
to him or them advice or intelligence, either by letters, mes-
sages, words, signs, or tokens, or in any way whatsoever,
or by procuring for, or furnishing to him or them any kind
of provisions or warlike stores, and thereof shall be provably
attainted of open deed by people of his or her condition,
In the Commonwealth of Virginia ^he Convention adjourned after
publishing a plan of their Government, and did not ordain it to be final,
till they found, by consulting their constituents in every state, that it
was agreeable to them. Even by the new Constitution of Pennsylvania,
no law can be proposed and passed in the same session, although that
law is afterwards liable to be repealed in less than a year. But by the
foregoing test a frame of Government is forced upon us without our
consent, and without the interval of an adjournment to consider of it.
Every man of sense in the State complains of its imperfections, and yet
in order to entitle himself to the privilege of an elector, he must swear
or affirm that he will never "directly" or "indirectly" expose these
imperfections, or propose an amendment of them. The present situa-
tion of our affairs requires union and vigour in all our proceedings, and
an uncommon degree of tenderness to the ancient prejudices and habits
of the people of Pennsylvania. But alas ! the Constitution of Pennsyl-
vania excludes them all. The British Parliament held up slavery to us,
but it never enacted a law to forbid our complaining of it. We are now
bound to submit to a Government full of dangerous experiments, wholly
unlike our former Constitution, for seven years, or forfeit the greatest
privilege of a freeman — the privilege of choosing his rulers. I hope the
virtue and good sense of Pennsylvania will be roused by such proceed-
ings. The honour of the, cause in which we have embarked with our
sister States is at stake. The voice of the people can abrogate tyrannical
frames of Government, as well as tyrannical laws. Remember, my
countrymen, .that slavery is a potion equally bitter, whether it comes to
us through the hands of Lord JVbrt/i, Lord Howe, or my Lords the
members of the Convention.
BRUTUS.
PHILADELPHIA, October 2, 1776.
To BRUTUS.
SIR: You assert that the several ordinances passed by the honourable
Convention, are unjust, tyrannical, and cruel, and that their frame of
Government is absurd, dangerous, and visionary. I have examined
both with some degree of attention, and cannot perceive what part you
allude to. You will oblige much in pointing out the particulars, and
assigning your reasons for thinking them such. Brutus would not have
us take all he says for gospel, though he asserts it in as warm a tone as
Jonas did his resentment against the Almighty for smiting his gourd.
Truth and calmness will prevail over heat and errour; therefore prove
your assertions coolly, and it will have a much greater effect on the
people of Pennsylvania than blustering noise without meaning. I call
upon you to prove your assertions, or acknowledge your fault like a
gentleman.
You assert, for you deal in assertion, that the oath of allegiance pre-
scribed in the frame of Government, amounts to swearing that we
" never" will, directly nor indirectly, expose its imperfections, nor pro-
pose an amendment, though every man of sense complains of these
imperfections. Passing by the artful insertion of the word "never, "into
your copy of the oath, which is not to be found elsewhere, I would beg
your indulgence, while I show to the people whom you address, how
little you regarded truth and the fact in this comment.
The Constitution of Pennsylvania consists of a Declaration of Rights
and Frame of Government, each of which contains several sections.
Now, an oath to the whole Constitution, is an oath to each and every
particular part of it; what is true of the whole, being true of the parts
composing it. Let us then apply your comment to the fact, and take
the oath to any one section.
The oath applied to the second section in the Declaration of Rights
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 55
shall be adjudged guilty of high treason, and be punished
accordingly, saving the corruption of blood.
2. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if
any person who is a member of this State, or owes alle-
giance to this Government as before described, shall, from
and after the publication hereof, by any speech, writing,
open deed or act, advisedly and wittingly maintain and
defend the authority, jurisdiction, or power of the King or
Parliament of Great Britain, heretofore claimed or used
within this State, or shall attribute any such authority, juris-
diction, or power to the King or Parliament of Great
Britain, the persons so offending, being duly convicted
thereof, shall be punished by fine and imprisonment at the
discretion of the Court, so that the fine exceed not three
hundred pounds, nor the imprisonment the term of one
year. And if any such offender, after such conviction as
aforesaid, shall commit the said offences, or any of them, in
manner and form aforesaid, and be thereof duly convicted,
he or she shall be set in the pillory, and imprisoned for any
term not exceeding one year.
3. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That
any person who shall maliciously and advisedly revile or
speak contemptuously of the Government of this State, or
of the honourable Congress of the United States of America,
or of the measures adopted by the said Congress, or by the
Legislature of this State, or who shall maliciously and advi-
sedly say or do any thing whatever which will encourage
disaffection, or manifestly tend to raise tumults and dis-
orders in the State, or who shall maliciously and advi-
sedly spread such false rumours concerning the American
forces, or the forces of the enemy, as will tend to alienate
the affections of the people from the Government, or to
terrify or discourage the good subjects of this State, or to
dispose them to favour the pretensions of the enemy ; every
person so offending shall be punished with fine and impris-
onment in manner aforesaid.
would run thus : " I do swear (or affirm) that I will be true and faithful
to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; and that I will not, directly or
indirectly, do any act or thing prejudicial or injurious to the natural and
unalienable right which all men have of worshipping Almighty God
according to the dictates of their own consciences and understandings,"
&c. Does this admit of your comments?
If taken to the twelfth article of the same, which is exactly in point,
it will run thus : " I do swear," &c., " that I will not, directly or indi-
rectly, do any act or thing prejudicial or injurious to the right of the
people to freedom of speech, and of writing and publishing their senti-
ments; nor will I restrain the freedom of the press." And so for any
other article in the Declaration.
Let us try the Frame of Government, &c. Take it to the second arti-
cle, and it will be as follows: "I do swear," &c., "that I will not,
directly or indirectly, do any act or thing prejudicial or injurious to the
supreme legislative power being vested in a House of Representatives
of the freemen of the Commonwealth or State of Pennsylvania, unless
it shall hereafter, on experience, be found to require improvement or
stand in need of amendment, in which case I .will, as the Constitution
directs in the forty-seventh section of the Frame of Government, lend
my aid and assistance to effect such improvement as far as is necessary
for the preservation of the rights and happiness of the people." Thug
let the oath be taken to any or every article of the Constitution, and it
will be so far from favouring your commentary, that it enforces the
very contrary.
Experience begets wisdom, and provision is made to men by expe-
rience; for it is not only expressly provided in the Constitution that
every article which experience shall prove to be defective or improper,
shall be improved and amended, but the declaration of its establishment
runs in these remarkable words : " We, the Representatives of the free-
men of Pennsylvania, met for the express purpose of framing a Govern-
ment on the authority of the people only, do, by virtue of the authority
vested in us by our constituents, ordain, declare, and establish the
following Declaration of Rights and Frame of Government, to be the
Constitution of this Commonwealth, and to remain in force forever,
unaltered, except in such articles as shall hereafter on experience be
found to require improvement, and which shall, by the same authority
of the people, fairly delegated as this Frame of Government directs, be
amended, or improved for the more effectual obtaining and securing the
great end and design of all government herein before mentioned;" viz :
the happiness of the people.
As well, therefore, might Brutus make his inference, as some people
do, that the Convention has denied the God of the Christians, oy
establishing the divinity of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament,
as if there was no account of the Christian 's God to be found in the
Bible.
The Constitution is now formed and the Convention dissolved; the
last attempt to defeat all our measures is to prevent an election. Other
Conventions either resolved themselves into Assemblies, and undertook
to appoint the officers of State, though not appointed for that purpose;
or sat until it took place. Our Convention trusting to the virtue of their
countrymen , on finishing their work dissolved themselves. Our enemies,
if they could prevent an election under the new form, would gain their
point, as all things must in consequence run into immediate confusion.
Brutus appeals to the people, and hopes to prevail on them by misrep-
resentation and artifice to effect this, by making them believe that an
oath which can prevent none but our enemies from voting, is arbitrary
and criminal. I leave it to them to whom you appeal, to form a judg-
ment of your principles and designs.
A FRIEND TO TRUTH AND THE PEOPLE.
867
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., OCTOBER, 1776.
868
4. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That any two Justices of the Peace shall, and they hereby
are empowered and directed to convene, by summons or
warrant, any person whatsoever, whom they shall suspect
to be dangerous or disaffected to the present Government,
and to tender and administer to him the oaths of abjuration
and allegiance, set forth in an act entituled " An act for the
security of the Government of New-Jersey," passed the
19th of September, 1776. And if any person to whom the
said oath shall be tendered, shall neglect or refuse to take
the same, the said Justices shall bind him over, with suffi-
cient sureties, to appear at the next Court of General Quar-
ter Sessions of the Peace, and to be in the meanwhile of
good behaviour, and in default of sufficient sureties, or on
refusal to be bound, the said Justices are hereby empowered
and directed to commit such offender to close gaol, and
certify the same, with the cause of commitment, under their
hands and seals, to the next Court of General Quarter Ses-
sions of the Peace, where, if such offender refuse to take the
said oaths, he shall continue bound to his good behaviour,
or be fined, or imprisoned, as the said Court shall deem
necessary.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM HEADQUARTERS AT BERGEN,
DATED OCTOBER 4, 1776.
To-morrow we evacuate Bergen, a measure which will
at first be condemned, and afterwards approved of. For
my own part, I am sorry that the enemy should possess
another inch of American ground, but prudence requires a
further sacrifice. The reasons of leaving this place I take
to be these: Bergen is a narrow neck of land, accessible on
three sides by water, and exposed to a variety of attacks in
different places at one and the same time. A large body
of the enemy might infallibly take possession of the place
whenever they pleased, unless we kept a stronger force
than our numbers will allow. The spot itself is not an
object of their arms : if they attacked, it would be to cut off
those who defended it, and secure the grain and military
stores. These have been removed ; and when we are gone,
a naked spot is all they will find. No other damage will
follow, except a depression of some people's spirits, who,
unacquainted with places, circumstances, and the secret
reasons of such relinquishments, are apt to despond as if
every thing was lost. We go to Fort Constitution as soon
as we have seen the troops marched off. We shall leave a
guard of observation behind us : this may prevent the
enemy's discovering our removal for a day or two.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 8, 1776.]
Harlem, October 4, 1776.
SIR: Before I knew of the late resolutions of Congress,
which you did me the honour to enclose in your letter of
the 24th, and before I was favoured with the visit of your
Committee, I took the liberty of giving you my sentiments
on several points which seemed to me to be of importance.
I have no doubt but the Committee will make such report
of the state and condition of the army as will induce Con-
gress to believe that nothing but the most vigourous exertions
can put matters upon such a footing as to give this Conti-
nent a fair prospect of success. Give me leave to say, sir,
(I say it with due deference and respect, and my knowledge
of the facts, added to the importance of the cause and the
stake I hold in it, must justify the freedom,) that your
affairs are in a more unpromising way than you seem to
apprehend.
Your army, as I mentioned in my last, is upon the eve of
political dissolution. True it is, you have voted a larger one
in lieu of it ; but the season is late, and there is a material
difference between voting of battalions, and raising of men.
In the latter there are more difficulties than Congress are
aware of, which makes it my duty, as I have been informed
of the prevailing sentiment of the army, to inform them that
unless the pay of the officers, especially that of the Field
Officers, is raised, the chief part of those that are worth
retaining will leave the service at the expiration of the
present term, as the soldiers will also, if some greater
encouragement is not offered them than twenty dollars and
one hundred acres of land.
Nothing less in my opinion than a suit of clothes, annually
given to each non-commissioned officer and soldier, in addi-
tion to the pay and bounty, will avail; and I question
whether that will do, as the enemy, from the information of
one John Nash, who with six others were taken by our
guards, are giving ten pounds bounty for recruits, and have
got a battalion under Major Rogers nearly completed, upon
Long-Island.
Nor will less pay, according to my judgment, than I
have taken the liberty of mentioning in the enclosed esti-
mate, retain such officers as we could wish to have continued.
The difference per month in each battalion will amount to
better than one hundred pounds ; to this may be added the
pay of the Staff Officers, for it is presumable that they will
also require an augmentation; but being few in number, the
sum will not be greatly increased by them, and consequently
is a matter of no great moment ; but it is a matter of no
small importance to make the several offices desirable.
When the pay and establishment of an officer once become
objects of interested attention, the sloth, negligence, and
even disobedience of orders, which at this time but too
generally prevails, will be purged off; but while the service
is viewed with indifference, while the officer conceives that
he is rather conferring than receiving an obligation, there
will be a total relaxation of all order and discipline, and
every thing will move heavily on, to the great detriment of
the service, and inexpressible trouble and vexation of the
General.
The critical situation of our affairs at this time will justify
my saying that no time is to be lost in making of fruitless
experiments. An unavailing trial of a month to get an
army upon the terms proposed, may render it impracticable
to do it at all, and prove fatal to our cause, as I am not sure
whether any rubs in the way of our inlistments, or unfavour-
able turn in our affairs, may not prove the means of the
enemy recruiting men faster than we do. To this may be
added the inextricable difficulty of forming one corps out of
another, and arranging matters with any degree of order in
the face of an enemy who are watching for advantages.
At Cambridge, last year, where the officers (and more
than a sufficiency of them) were all upon the spot, we found
it a work of such extreme difficulty to know their sentiments,
each having some terms to propose, that I despaired once
of getting the arrangements completed, and do suppose that
at least a hundred alterations took place before matters were
finally adjusted. What must it be, then, under the present
regulation, where the officer is to negotiate this matter with
the State he comes from, distant perhaps two or three hun-
dred miles, some of whom, without leave or license from
me, set out to make personal application the moment the
resolve got to their hands ? What kind of officers these are,
I leave Congress to judge.
If an officer of reputation — for none others should be applied
to — is asked to stay, what answer can he give, but in the
first place, that he does not know whether it is at his option
to do so, no provision being made in the resolution of Con-
gress even recommendatory of this measure, consequently
that it rests with the State he comes from (surrounded
perhaps with a variety of applications and influenced proba-
bly by local attachments) to determine whether he can be
provided for or not. In the next place, if he is an officer
of merit, and knows that the State he comes from is to furnish
more battalions than it at present has in the service, he will
scarcely after two years' faithful services, think of continuing
in the rank he now bears, when new creations are to be
made, and men appointed to offices (noways superiour in
merit, and ignorant perhaps of service) over his head. A
committee sent to the army from each State may, upon the
spot, fix things with a degree of propriety and certainty, and
is the only method I can see of bringing matters to a decision,
with respect to the officers of the army ; but what can be
done in the meanwhile towards the arrangement in the
country, I know not. In the one case you run the hazard
of losing your officers, in the other of encountering delay,
unless some method could be devised of forwarding both at
the same instant.
Upon the present plan I plainly foresee an intervention
of time between the old and new army, which must be
filled with Militia, if to be had, with whom no man who has
any regard for his own reputation can undertake to be
869
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
870
answerable for consequences. I shall also be mistaken in
my conjectures if we shall not lose the most valuable officers
in this army, under the present mode of appointing them;
consequently, if we have an army at all, it will be composed
of materials not only entirely raw but if uncommon pains is
not taken, entirely unfit; and I see such a distrust and jeal-
ousy of military power, that the Commander-in-Chief has
not an opportunity, even by recommendation, to give the
least assurances of reward for the most essential services. In
a word, such a cloud of perplexing circumstances appear
before me, without one flattering hope, that I am thoroughly
convinced, unless the most vigourous and decisive exertions
are immediately adopted to remedy these evils, that the
certain and absolute loss of our liberties will be the inevitable
consequence, as one unhappy stroke will throw a powerful
weight into the scale against us, enabling General Howe to
recruit his army as fast as we shall ours, numbers being dis-
posed, and many actually doing so already. Some of the
most probable remedies, and such as experience has brought
to my more immediate knowledge, I have taken the liberty
to point out ; the rest I beg leave to submit to the considera-
tion of Congress.
I ask pardon for taking up so much of their time with
my opinions; but I should betray the trust which they and
my country have reposed in me, were I to be silent upon a
matter so extremely interesting.
With the most perfect esteem, I have the honour to be
their and your most obedient and most humble servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. John Hancock, President of Congress.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DOER.
Head-Q,uarters, Harlem Heights, October 4, 1776.
DEAR SIR: If the enemy do not make some move soon,
our materials for carrying on a correspondence will be ex-
hausted, for I think the sum and substance of most of my
letters is that things remain in statu quo. If we can keep
them at that point, our business will be effectually done.
General Lee may be hourly expected. I shall not be sur-
prised to see Mifflin, who has taken a start to Philadelphia
on business, return with him in his hand. You have a very
just idea of Greene's importance. He is, beyond a doubt,
a first rate military genius, and one in whose opinions the
General places the utmost confidence. He is so near us
that he can give every assistance in the way of advice, and
should the enemy relinquish their plan against the Jersey
side, he can also be spared to attend in time of action.
There are now five ships in the North River, opposite
Greenwich. What their intentions are, cannot be descried
from any thing that has yet appeared. The season for ships
to leave the river and seek docks approaches fast. I sup-
pose the men-of-war will not choose to remain in the Bay of
New-York the whole winter. If we could once get rid of
them, I should not value their land forces.
I am your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Head-duarters, Harlem Heights, October 4, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I last night received the favour of your letter
of the 30th ultimo, and am happy that you have got the
directions of Congress upon thejfubject of barracks, as it is
high {ime they should be begun where they are wanted.
The nails that are necessary I cannot supply.
In respect to Major Edmonds ton's request, I cannot con-
sent to his coming here. You may inform him that a gen-
eral exchange of prisoners is now in agitation, and when it
is ready to be executed, he, no doubt, will have proper
notice of it.
I am in hopes that the expedition by way of Oswego,
that was talked of, is not intended, as the season begins to
grow late.
The situation of our affairs here is much the same as
when I last wrote, which leaves me only to add that I am,
dear sir> &c" Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Schuykr, Northern Department.
COLONEL HARRISON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 4, 1776.
SIR: I am commanded by his Excellency to inform you
that you may permit Captain Douglass, with the part of
the company he has with him, to join the battalion to which
he belongs, directing him, however, to apply to General
Mercer for his particular orders, and a different disposition,
if he should conceive it necessary.
I arn, sir, your humble servant,
ROB. H. HARRISON.
To Major-General Heath,
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
October 4, 1776.
SIR : Captain Maroney, the late Provost-Marshal, having
abdicated his office and absented himself without leave from
camp, another person is appointed in his stead. As he has
a horse, saddle, and bridle, belonging to the publick, and
some effects belonging to prisoners, in his possession, I
should be much obliged to you to have inquiry made after
him, and order him either down here or to deliver up what
he has. Zedwitz's cane, sword, and some other things, are
in his possession.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
To Major-General Heath.
RETURNS OF OFFICERS.
A list of the Officers in Colonel CHESTER'S Regiment,
returned agreeable to general orders of the 3d instant.
Capt. Bacon, - - - Present, fit for duty.
Capt. Sedgwick, - - do.
Capt. Welles, - - - Sick, present.
Capt. Seymour, - - Fit for duty.
Capt. Lyon, - - - do.
Capt. Marcy, - - - Sick, absent.
Capt. Isham, - - - Fit for duty.
Capt. Barrows, - - - Sick, present.
First Lieut. Bacon, - In the Ranging Regiment.
First Lieut. Hurbut, - Present, under an arrest.
First Lieut. Bulkley, - Present, fit for duty.
First Lieut. Bernard, - do.
First Lieut. Childs, - On command, in the mason's
employment.
First Lieut. Chamberlain, On command, in the carpenter's
work.
First Lieut. Dunham, - Oncommand, overseeing the sick.
Second Lieut. Rust, - Present, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. Skinner, Sick, present.
Second Lieut. Wright,- do.
Second Lieut. Curtis, - Present, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. Kimball, do.
Second Lieut. Marcy, - On command, in carpenter's work.
Second Lieut. Trumbull, Present, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. Campbell, do.
Ensign Cleveland, - - In the Ranging Regiment.
Ensign Winchel, - - Present, fit for duty.
Ensign Mason, - - - do.
Ensign Knowlton, - - In the Ranging Regiment.
Ensign Sessions, - - Present, fit for duty.
Ensign Ransom, - - do.
N. B. Two Ensigns have been lately discharged.
TOTAL, AS MENTIONED ABOVE.
Present, fit for duty, - - 5 Captains and 11 Subalterns.
Sick, present, - - - - 2 ditto, - - 2 do.
Sick, absent, •
Rangers,
In arrest,
:ill, - - J.
- - - - 3 do
- - - - 1 do.
- - - - 4 do
- - - - 8
- - - -21
est:
B. TALLMADGE.
Total,
Camp near King's Bridge, October 4, 1776.
FIELD OFFICERS.
Colonel Chester,
Lieut. Colonel Willes,
Major Kipley, -------
Present, fit for duty.
do.
Absent on furlough.
671
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
872
STAFF OFFICERS.
Adjutant Abbey,
Quartermaster Bulkley, - - - -
Surgeon Crocker, ------
Mate Cobb,
Present, fit for duty.
do.
do.
do.
A list of the names of all the Commissioned Officers in
Colonel NEWCOMB'S Regiment, in General HAND'S Bri-
gade, now in camp, October 4, 1776.
CAPTAINS.
FIRST
SECOND
LIEUTENANTS.
LIEUTENANTS.
Abram Dubois,
Sithan,
Smith,
Harris,
William Kelsey,
Mills,
Mulford,
Peck,
Samuel Ogden,
George Anderson,
Allen Congleton,
Kinsey,
Sheppiird,
Jones,
. Loyd,
Tyrell,
Weyman,
McFarland,
lit'iijamin Whkall.
Holmes,
Mitchell,
Comron,
Hametts.
Inskip.
Hampton.
Sick, unfit for duty, Capt. Whitall and Capt. Anderson.
Sick, unfit for duty, Lieut. Loyd, Lieut. Inskip, Lieut.
Sheppard, Ensign Tyrell, Ensign Hampton.
Captain Matlack, sick, absent; Lieut. Shaw, sick, absent;
Lieut. Borden, sick, absent.
A list of the names of the Officers in Colonel NICOLL'S
Regiment, 4th October, 1776.
Col. Isaac Nicoll, ------ Present, fit for duty.
Col. Gilbert Gasper, ----- Present, sick..
Major Thomas Moftat, - - - - Present, fit for duty.
Capt. Joshua Brown, Present, sick.
Lieut. Henry Brewster, absent on command to get clothes
for Capt. Brown's Company.
Lieut. Adjt. Stephen Howells, - - Present, fit for duty.
Capt. Samuel Raymond, - - - - Present, fit for duty.
Lieut. Richard Langdon,
Lieut. William Horton, -
Capt. John Wood, - -
Lieut. Jacob Dunning,
Lieut. Israel Wells, - -
Capt. William Blain,
' v
Present, fit for duty.
Absent, sick.
Present, sick.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
Lieut. Thomas Sears, ----- Present, fit for duty.
Lieut. David Rogers, - - - - - Absent, wounded.
Capt. John Little, ------ Present, fit for duty.
Lieut. John Nantill, absent on command to get clothes for
the Company.
Lieut. Samuel Cole, ----- Present, fit for duty.
Capt. James Smith, ----- Present, fit for duty.
Lieut. Barent Martin, ----- Present, fit for duty.
Capt. John Wisner, ----- Present under arrest.
Lieut. Abraham Dolson, - - - - Present, fit for duty.
Lieut. Obediah Gore, - - - - Present, fit for duty.
Capt. Underdonck and Capt. Deronder, with the subalterns
and companies under their command, at Peekskill.
Stephen Howell, Adjutant, }
Benjamin Walworth, Quartermaster, > Present.
Henry White, Surgeon. )
STBPHEN HOWELL, Adjutant.
King's Bridge, October 4, 1776.
A true state of the Officers belonging to Colonel JACOBUS
SWAHTWOUT'S Regiment, viz :
Lieut. Col. Thompson,
Major William Mott, -
Captain Colkin, - -
Captain Van Wyck, -
Captain Veal, - - -
Captain Ludenton,
Captain Pearce, - -
Captain Swartwout,
Captain Duryee, - -
Captain Schenck, - -
Captain Godwin, - -
Captain Lane, - - -
Lieutenant Crane, - -
Lieutenant Hill, - -
On command at
Peekskill.
In camp.
In camp.
do.
On furlough.
Absent, on whose or-
der unknown.
On furlough.
In camp,
do.
At Morris Sea.
In camp.
In carnp, and just ar-
rived from furlough.
In camp.
In camp.
Lieutenant Smith, - - - Sick in camp.
Lieutenant Bayly, - - - On furlough.
Lieutenant Plat, - - - In camp.
Lieutenant Hyat, - - - do.
Lieutenant Towsend, - - do.
Lieutenant Munrows, - - At Morris Sea.
Lieutenant Butler, - - - On furlough.
Lieutenant Eliot, - - - In camp.
Lieutenant Mott, - - - do.
Lieutenant Dodge, - - At Morris Sea.
Lieutenant Lawrence, - - In camp.
Lieutenant Horton, - - Main Guard.
Lieutenant Langdon, - - Sick in camp.
Lieutenant Ostander, - - In camp.
Lieutenant Bunschouten, - do.
Lieutenant Garrisson, - - In camp.
Lieutenant Berry, - - - Just arrived.
JV. B. The Field Officers and others I refer to the gen-
eral return of the 3d instant.
NICHS. EMC. GABEHCLE, Adj't.
A return of Officers fit and unfit for duly in the Tenth
Regiment, commanded by Colonel TYLER.
Fit for Duty :
Captain Sill.
Captain Eldridge.
Captain Danow.
Captain Gallop.
Captain Ely.
Lieutenant Nevins.
Lieutenant McGrager.
Lieutenant Lee.
Lieutenant Richards.
Lieutenant Baldwin.
Lieutenant Selden.
Lieutenant Avery.
Lieutenant Reed.
Lieutenant Prentice.
Ensign Wait.
Ensign Bulkly.
Ensign Hill.
Ensign Clift.
Unfit for duty. — Lieutenant Hall.
N. B. Captain Sill on General Court-Martial.
JAMES DAY, Adft.
•
Officers in Colonel GRAHAM'S Regiment, fit for duty.
- - Colonel,
- - Lieutenant-Colonel,
- - Major,
-On command at New-Rochelle.
> Captain Barlow's Company.
Morris Graham,
Roswell Hopkins, -
William Barker,
Captain Paine,
Lieutenant Waters,
Lieutenant Meade. 3
Captain Stoughtenburgh,
Lieutenant Wm. Dennison,
Lieutenant Ebenezer Mott.
Lieutenant Ezra St. John,
Lieutenant Ebenezer Carter
Captain Israel Platt,
Adjutant, Lieutenant Reuben Hopkins,
Lieutenant Jonas Parks.
Captain Andries Haermame,
Lieutenant Herman J. Knickerbacker,
Lieutenant George Sharpe.
Captain William Stewart,
Lieutenant John L. Hardenbergh,
Lieutenant John Seaton.
Captain John Van Steenbergh,
Lieutenant Stephen Eget,
Lieutenant Benjamin Bogardus.
Captain James Teller,
Second Lieutenant Paul Van Anden,
Captain Charles Graham.
Captain Barlow, sick, absent.
Lieutenant Tremper, in Captain Teller's company, sick in
camp.
Captain Stewart, on command to Fishkill with Tories.
A list of Officers in Colonel THOMAS THOMAS'S Regiment,
as well of the present fit for duty, as of the unfit and
absent, 4th October 1776.
Captain William Dutcher, }
First Lieutenant Daniel Martling, £ Present fit for duty.
Second Lieut. Gershom Sherwood, )
Captain Abraham Ledew, present fit for duty.
873
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
874
First Lieutenant Isaac Van Wert, in the Artillery at Fort
Independence.
Second Lieutenant Daniel Williams, present fit for duty.
Captain Nathaniel Delivan, sick, absent by leave of General
Clinton, to recruit himself, but soon expected tocarnp.
First Lieutenant Samuel Lawrence, present fit for duty.
Second Lieutenant John Crissey Miller, went from camp
yesterday afternoon by leave of Major-General Heath,
to see his wife who is at the point of death.
Captain James Cronkhyte, present fit for duty.
First Lieutenant Obadiah Purdy, returned yesterday, de-
serted.
Second Lieutenant Joshua Drake, present fit for duty.
Captain Benoni Platt ) p fit for d
V irst Lieutenant Hezekiah Gray, y •
Second Lieutenant Caleb Merrill, at Morrisania, on ad-
vanced guard.
Captain Abijah Gilbert, sick, absent by leave of General
Clinton, to recruit himself, and from information will
not be able to return to camp this three months.
First Lieutenant William Fanshier, sick, absent about ten
days since, but a few days ago procured a person of
equal rank to do his duty in his absence.
Second Lieutenant Thaddeus Crane, present fit for duty.
Captain Elijah Hunter. } n <• /•
First Lieutenant Henry Piers, < Pres?unt fit for
Second Lieutenant Nathaniel Olmstead, )
Captain Samuel Townsend, present fit for duty.
First Lieutenant Richard Hatfield, present, aod Adjutant of
the above Regiment.
Second Lieutenant William Woodward, present fit.
Captain David Dan, > D c ,.
First Lieutenant Reuben Weed, \ Present fit for
No Second Lieutenant to Captain Dan appointed.
Return of the Officers present and absent of the First Regiment of the Flying- Camp from LANCASTER County, in the
State of PENNSYLVANIA, in the service of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, commanded by Colonel CUNNINGHAM.
WESTCHESTEK, October 5, 1776.
Captains.
First Lieutenants.
Second Lieutenants.
Third Lieutenants.
John Reed,
George Graff,
Robert Clark,
Daniel Olinbrook,
Joseph Work,
John McCowan.
James Coiler,
Conrod Connor,
William Steel,
Ludwick Mire,
William Alon,
Thomas Robinson,
Thomas Lindsay.
Thomas Johnson,
Dorington Wilson,
James Turner,
William McClolough,
Wiser,
John Bishop,
John Gamble.
John Coughran,
William Calhoon,
William Nilson,
Benjamin Fickle,
John Barnet,
Andrew Boggs,
Mathew Swan.
OFFICERS PRESENT AND FIT FOR DUTY.
Colonel, James Cunningham; Major, Thomas Edwards.
Staff: Adjutant, John Davis; Quartermaster, James Porter, pro temporary ; Quartermaster, Mathew Swan, at Fort
Constitution, with the three companies there.
THE STATIONS OF THE SEVERAL COMPANIES.
Captain Graff's at Westchester ; Captains Reed's, Watson's, Cloatz's, Green's, Clark's, at De Lancey's Mills;
Captains Olinbrook's, Work's, Me Cowan's, at Fort Constitution.
OFFICERS ABSENT.
Names and rank.
Since what time.
The reasons why they are absent.
Lieutenant Colonel William Hay,
Captain Timolhy Green,
Second Lieulenant John Galgrust, ")
of Captain Reed's company, j
September 27th.
September 16th.
August 14th.
On furlough.
Absent without leave.
By a wound received in the right arm.
VACANT OFFICERS, AND BY WHAT MEANS.
Captain Cloatz, promoted; Captain Watson, resigned ; First Lieutenant Patrick Hay, Third Lieutenant Richard
Keys, discharged, and recommended by the doctor ; Second Lieutenant William Paterson, either killed or taken prisoner,
Long-Island.
List of Officers' names in Colonel ANDREW WARD'S Re-
giment.
IN CAMP, FIT FOR DUTY.
Field Officers: Colonel Andrew Ward, Lieutenant-Colonel
Obadiah Johnson, Major Cook.
Captains: Abner Prior, James Dana, James Stedman,
Ozias Pettibone, Benoni Cutler, Daniel Allen.
First Lieuterfants : William Green, Samuel Granger, Andrew
Fitch, George Griswold, William Maning, Samuel Barker.
Second Lieutenants: Nathaniel Wales, Uriah Holmes, Jos.
Durkee, Joshua Bottom, James Peek.
Ensigns : Benjamin Holcomb, Joseph Hale, Daniel Reed,
Simon Gains, Obadiah Child, Jonathan Nicols, Levi Gav-
ii /
lord.
SICK, PRESENT.
Captains: Noah Phelps, Jehiel Meigs.
First Lieutenant : Elias Weld.
Second Lieutenants: Elisha Chapman, Samuel Carver,
Jerernia Stanley.
Ensign : Benjamin Henshaw.
DEAD.
First Lieutenant, Nathaniel Morgan.
ANDREW WARD, Colonel.
JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Colonel.
A Return of the Field Officers, Commissioned, and Staff
Officers of the Sixteenth Regiment of Foot, commanded
by Colonel PAUL D. SARGENT, specifying those Jit for
duty, sick present, absent, on command, and furlough.
Paul D. Sargent, Colonel, fit for duty.
Michael Jackson, Lieutenant-Colonel, wounded, present.
Jon. Williams Austen, Major, fit for duty.
Capt. Frederick Pope,^
Lieut. Fuller, -
Lieut. Thayre, -
Ensign Fuller, -
Capt. Scott, - -
Lieut. Holmes, - -
Lieut. Morrow,
Ensign Cleveland, -
Capt. Barnes, - -
Lieut. Cleveland, -
Lieut. Straiten, - -
Capt. Vinton, - -
Lieut. Hollis, - -
Lieut. Holbrook, -
Ensign Harlshorn, -
Capl. Perry, - -
Lieut. Drown, -
'
> Present, fit for duty.
- Under arrest.
- On command, Ranging service.
- On command as Adjutant.
- Present, fit for duty.
- Present, fit for duty.
) On command in the Ranging ser-
5 vice.
- Sick, present.
- Fil for duty.
- On command with sick.
- Fit for duty.
- Fit for duty.
- Sick, present.
875
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
876
Lieut. Deliver, - -
Ensign Snow, - -
Capt. Heath, - -
Lieut. Thomas,
Lieut. Carlton, - -
Ensign Eddy, - -
Capt. Farrington, -
Lieut. Doubleday, -
Lieut. Dusten, - -
Ensign Welch, - -
Capt. Wiley, - -
Lieut. Scott, - -
Lieut. Wiley, - -
Ensign Fish, - -
King's Bridge, October 4,
On command as Major of Brig-
ade.
Fit for duty.
• Fit for duty.
On command as Quartermaster.
Fit for duty.
-Fit for duty.
- Fit for duty.
- On command in Ranging service
- Fit for duty.
- Sick, present.
PAUL DUDLEY SARGENT, Colonel.
1776.
Colonel LASHER'S list of Officers, October 4, 1776.
Capt. Van Dyke, -
First Lieut. Brewvort,
Second Lieut. Harsen,
Capt. Wilcox, - -
Lieut. Dunscomb, -
Lieut. Thurrnan, -
Capt. Beekeman, -
Lieut. Lawrence, -
Lieut. Sickles, - -
Capt. Dickson, - -
Lieut. Troop, - -
Lieut. Harton, - -
Capt. Dickenson, -
Lieut. Masur, - -
Lieut. Warner, - -
Capt. Wright, - -
Lieut. North, - -
Lieut. Ricks, - -
Capt. Rapleye, - -
Lieut. Carpenter, -
Lieut. Viedenburgh,
Capt. Banker, - -
Lieut. Beekeman, -
Lieut. Cod was,
Prisoner at New- York.
- Prisoner do.
- Present.
- Present.
- Prisoner at Long-Island.
- Gone to fetch clothes.
> Present.
- Present.
- Taken prisoner on Long-Island.
- Present.
- Present.
i-Sick, absent.
> Present.
- Prisoner in New-York.
- Sick, absent.
- Present.
Return of the names of the Officers of the Twenty-Second
Regiment, commanded by SAMUEL WYLLYS, Esq., as per
the general orders of 'Ad instant.
Captain fit for duty : Ebenezer Huntington.
First Lieutenants fit for duty: Henry Champion, Eliphalet
King, Jonathan Pettibone.
Second Lieutenants fit for duty : Warren Huntley, Jona-
than Hart, Dudley Wright, Roger Hooker, Ellas Still-
well, Bezh. Achley.
Ensigns fit for duty : Richard Duff, Simeon Belding, Heze-
kiah Hubbard, Charles Miller, Samuel Richards.
Captains unfit for duty : Abel Pettibone, Jedediah Hyde,
Ezekiel Scott, Ebenezer Sumner, Samuel Wright, Amasa
Mills.
First Lieutenants unfit for duty : Nathaniel Humphreys,
Robert Warner, Stephen Goodrich.
Second Lieutenants unfit for duty: Benjamin Adams,
Charles Butler.
Ensign unfit for duty : Thomas Phelps.
Henry Champion, Adjutant, present, fit for duty.
Simeon Belding, Quartermaster, present, fit for duty.
Nathan Strong, Chaplain, sick, absent.
Ebenezer Beardsly, Surgeon, on furlough.
John R. Watrous, Surgeon's Mate, at the Hospital in the
Jerseys.
Marcus Cole, a First Lieutenant, Assistant Engineer.
Ensign Pownal Deming in the Commissary business.
N. B. Captain Sumner, on furlough ; Captain Pettibone,
sick, absent ; Nathaniel Humphreys, a First Lieutenant,
and Charles Butler, a Second Lieutenant, and Ensign
Thomas Phelps, sick, absent.
HEZA. HOLDRIDGE, Major.
October 4, 1776.
> Present.
Pryme Hoghland, Adjutant, taken prisoner on Long-
Island.
Gerardus Hardenbrook, Adjutant, present.
Colonel HARDENBERGH'S list of Officers, October 4, 1776.
Colonel Hardenbergh, - - - - Sick, present.
Capt. De Witt, ------ Under an arrest.
First Lieut. Abraham Smeedy, ") p. r .
Second Lieut. Abraham Van Aker, j"
Capt. John Gillespy, ~ ' ~ ~)
First Lieut. Jacob Lawrence, - >Present, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. Cornelius De Bois, j
Capt. James Robinson, - - - - Sick, present.
First Lieut. John Van Buren, - ) p fi f d
Second Lieut. John Me Arthur, ) *
Capt. John Hasbrook, - - - - Discharged by reason
of long sickness.
First Lieut. John Hunter, - - - Sick, absent,
Second Lieut. Jacob Rosecrantz, - Sick, present.
Capt. William Faulkner, - - - Sick, present.
First Lieut. Robert Munnel, - ) v . c. f , .
c. j r • if i\/i r> .• J-r resent, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. Moses M. Cantme, J
Return of the Field Officers in Colonel SARGENT'S Brigade,
tigmfying those present, absent, on command, &fc.
Present, fit for duty : Colonel Sargent, Major Austin, Col-
onel Ward, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, Major Cook.
Sick, present: Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson.
P. DOLLIVER, M. B.
King's Bridge, October 5, 1776. .
A Return of the names of the Commissioned and Staff
Officers in the Twenty-First Regiment, and the respective
duties, commands and places they are in.
Jonathan Ward, Colonel ; present, fit for duty.
Benjamin Tupper, Lieutenant-Colonel; on command.
James Mellen, Major; present, fit for duty.
William King, Captain ; sick, absent.
Job Alverd, First Lieutenant; present, 6t for duty.
William Watson, Second Lieutenant; present, fit for duty.
Simeon Hurlbut, Ensign; sick present.
Daniel Barnes, Captain ; present, fit for duty.
William Boyd, First Lieutenant; Quartermaster.
James Hart, Second Lieutenant; Adjutant.
Henry Brigham, Ensign; present, fit for duty.
Jonathan Allen, Captain; on a General Court-Martial
Joshua Benson, First Lieutenant ; sick, absent.
Jacob Pope, Second Lieutenant ; Ranging party.
Elihu Root, Ensign; present, fit for duty.
Earl Clapp, Captain ; on command.
Jesse Stertevant, First Lieutenant ; on command.
George Dunham, Second Lieutenant; on command.
Samuel Eldred, Ensign; on command.
Samuel Bartlet, Captain ; purchasing clothes for the Regi-
ment.
Samuel Allen, First Lieutenant; present, fit for duty.
William Ashley, Second Lieutenant; sick, present.
Vacant, Ensign.
Ephraim Burr, Captain ; on command.
Elihu Lyrnan, First Lieutenant; present, fit for duty.
Obadiah Mann, Second Lieutenant; sick, absent.
John Kennedy, Ensign; on guard.
Vacant, Captain.
Ebenezer Cleveland, First Lieutenant ; present, fit for duty.
Baxter How, Second Lieutenant; sick, absent.
Jonathan Champney, Ensign ; sick, present.
Vacant, Captain.
Nahum Ward, First Lieutenant; present, fit for duty.
Samuel Shelclen, Second Lieutenant; sick, absent.
Samuel Clafflin, Ensign; sick, present.
Ebenezer Cleveland, Chaplain; on furlough.
James Hart, Adjutant; present, fit for duty.
William Boyd, Quartermaster; present, fit for present.
Elihu Wright, Surgeon; sick, absent.
877
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
878
Whiton, Surgeon's Mate ; present, fit for duty.
John Porter, Paymaster; present, fit for duty.
Per J. HART, Adjutant.
Westchester, October the 4th, 1776.
Return oj Commissioned Officers belonging to the Seven-
teenth Regiment, in camp, fit for duty, Oct. 4, 1776.
Jed. Huntington, Colonel,
Capt. Abraham Tyler,
Lieut. Simeon Huntington,
Lieut. Abraham Wright,
Lieut. John Harris,
Lieut. Eben. Perkins,
Lieut. Simeon Newill,
Lieut. Jona. Humphry,
Ensign Joshua Tracy,
Ensign Elisha Brewster.
JED. HUNTINGTON, Colonel.
N. B. One sub. doing Adjutant's duty. One sub. doing
Quartermaster's duty.
Return of Officers absent in the Seventeenth Regiment;
commanded by Colonel JED. HUNTINGTON, Esq.
3
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OFFICERS' NAMES.
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Capt. Elilza. Hubbard,
sickness
Lieut. Thomas Haydon,
sickness
Lieut. A. Hail, 'absent )
.
by leave of Brig. >
Gen. Parsons, )
-
on com M
Oct. 3, 1776
no limited time
Lieut. Tebed. Parnham,
sickness
• in Camp.
JED. HUNTINGTON, Colonel.
Camp, King's Bridge, October 5, 1776.
* Gone into the country to purchase blankets.
Return of the names of the Officers, Jit and unfit for duty, in
Colonel FORMAN'S Battalion, October, 5 1776.
OFFICERS FIT FOR DUTY.
1. Ralph Mash, First Lieutenant, - " ? • p
David Edgar, Second Lieutenant, - 5
2. Robert Nixon, First Lieutenant, - ? • p
James Patten, Ensign, - - - - £ Irl
3. Jacob Seaburn, Ensign, in Carnp.
4. Tunis Vendervier, First Lieutenant,
Elisha Walton, Second Lieutenant,
John Walton, Ensign, -
5. John Mesorall, First Lieutenant,
James Day, Ensign, - - - - -
6. Gilbert Longstreet, First Lieutenant, on furlough.
7. John Burrows, Captain, - - - -
Jonathan Forman, First Lieutenant,
Jacob Tice, Second Lieutenant,
Jonathan Holmes, Ensign,
8. John Brindley, First Lieutenant,
James Green, Second Lieutenant, - S-in Camp.
John Eaton, Ensign, - -
UNFIT FOR DUTY.
1. Thomas Hadden, Captain, - - - )
John Martin, Ensign, £ Slck absent-
2. Vincent Wetherill, Captain, - - - ^
John Kinnan, Second Lieutenant, - £ absent.
3. John Webster, Captain, - - - _ ~\
Jacob Martin, First Lieutenant,- - ( Sick absent.
Hugh Dunn, Second Lieutenant, - \
4. John Henderson, Captain, - ... Sick absent.
5. Captain Gordon, promoted to Brigade-Major.
Joseph Skelton, Second Lieutenant, sick in Hospital.
6. Peter Wikoff, Captain, Sick absent.
Ephraim Jinkins, Second Lieutenant, ) 0.
John Hutchins, Ensign, - - - ( blck ln Camp.
' O ' J
8. Abraham Woolley, Captain, - - - Sick absent.
A true state of Colonel Forman's Regiment of Officers.
SAM. F. PARKER, Major.
j
t, - >ii:
A list of the Field Officers in the Brigade tinder the com-
mand of Brig. Gen. WADSWORTH, Oct. 3, 1776.
Colonel Silliman.
Lieut. Colonel Chandler, October 6th, taken sick this day.
Major Mead.
Colonel Bradley, -------- at Bergen.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hobby, ----- do.
Major Dimon, -------- do.
Colonel Gay, ...... .
Lieutenant-Colonel Hart,
Major Mott.
Colonel Sage.
Lieutenant-Colonel Russell.
Major Buell.
Colonel Seldon, ------
Lieutenant-Colonel Lattimore.
Major Cleft, .......
Colonel Dounlass.
O
Lieutenant-Colonel Arnold.
Major Porter, -------
Colonel Chester, ...... - at Eastchester.
Lieutenant-Colonel Wills, ----- do.
Major Riply, --------- do.
JAMES WADSWOHTH, Brigadier-General.
Dead.
Captivated.
- Captivated.
- on the Works.
- Captivated.
A Return of Officers in Colonel HALLER'S Battalion.
COMPANIES.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
Officers lost in the
Engagement on
Long-Island.
Commissioned.
Staff.
Commissioned .
Colonel.
Lieut. Colonel.
•~
c
' z
2
m
~
1
5"
Lieutenants.
Ensigns.
Chaplains.
Adjutants.
Quartermasters.
Surgeon.
u
09
?.
Colonel.
Lieut. Colonel.
^
~
's'
3
a
=
5
HL
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Lieutenants.
Ensigns.
I
-
-
-
9
0
-
-
1
•
1
]
-
1
i
1
1
-
-
-
-
•
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
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9
1
1
1
i
1
-
Total
—
1
.
.
4
14
3
-
1
-
1
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s
I
ABSENT OFFICERS, BY LEAVE OF COLONEL HALLEE.
NAMES AND RANK.
Since what
time.
For what time.
For what reason.
Nicholas Broun, Ensign in
Capt. Hiester's Company
John King, Lieut, in Capt.
Douglass's Company.. . .
Paul Kerber, Quartermas-
ter and Lieutenant
10th Sept.
20th Sept.
26th Sept.
To
K
T\
N(
tt
return as £
>on as well.
eelve days.
> time limit- 1
1
Sickly, and un-
fit for duty,
iis family being
ingreatdistress.
lecruiting at
Amboy.
October 5, 1776.
HENRY HALLER, Colonel.
Return of the Officers of the Second Battalion PENNSYL-
VANIA Rifle Regiment, 'October 4, 1776.
PRESENT FIT FOR DUTY.
Capt. Peter Grubb.
Capt. Henry Christ.
3d Lt. Abm. Smith.
3d Lt. Abner Davis.
3d Lt. Wm. Brown.
Surgeon Rieger.
Major John Patton.
Capt. John Murray.
Capt. Jno. Marshall.
1st Lt. B. Bowen.
2d Lt. Robt. Burns.
2d Lt. Jacob Maise.
Adjutant Bowen.
Quartermaster Power.
SICK PRESENT.
Lt. Colonel Brodhead. 1st Lt. Jno. Carpenter.
1st Lt. Jno. Clark. 2d Lt. Jas. Hamilton.
SICK ABSENT.
1st Lt. Jno. Stoner. 3d Lt. Stephen Hanna.
3d Lt. Robt. Campble. 3d Lt. Wm. Moore.
ON COMMAND AFTER DESERTERS.
Captain Jno. Erwin.
2d Lieutenant Thomas Gourley.
Surgeon's Mate Buck, tending sick absent.
879
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &ic., OCTOBER, 1776.
880
A Return of the names of the Officers in Colonel SEL-
DEN'S Regiment, that are now in camp, that are Jit for
duty and unfit for duty.
Lieutenant-Colonel, Jonathan Latimer.
Major. Waterman Cleft.
1st Company : Captain, Abel Sprier.
Second Lieutenant, Park Avery.
Ensign, Jabez Smith.
First Lieutenant, Jacob De Witt.
First Lieutenant, Elijah Wade, Adjutant.
Second Lieutenant, William Raymond.
Ensign, David Bill.
Captain, Eliphalett Holmes, sick, in camp.
First Lieutenant. Isaac Spencer.
Captain, William Belcher.
Ensign, Asa Story.
Captain, Elisha Chapman.
First Lieutenant, John Hart.
Second Lieutenant, Job Wright.
. Ensign, Richard Douglass, Quartermaster.
Captain, Ebenezer VVitter.
First Lieutenant, Elias S. Palmer.
Second Lieutenant, Joseph Smith.
JONA. LATIMER, Lieutenant- Colonel.
Return of Officers of late Colonel SELDEN'S Regiment,
October 4, 1776.
2d Company :
3d Company ;
4th Company :
5th Company :
6th Company :
7th Company ;
8th Company
A Return of the Officers of the First Battalion of the
PENNSYLVANIA Rifle Regiment, October 4, 1776.
Present, fit for duty : Captain Albright, Captain Shade,
Captain Weitzel, Second Lieut. Robb, Second Lieut.
Finley, Second Lieut. Boyde, Third Lieut. Stake, Third
Lieut. Grant, Third Lieut. Homes, Third Lieut. Hargus,
Third Lieut. McGowan.
On command: First Lieut. Moore, First Lieut. Thompson.
Sick, present : Lieutenant-Colonel Broadhead.
Sick, absent: Captain Farmer.
Captain Long, absent without leave.
Staff Officers present: Adjutant McGowan, Quartermaster
Swiler, Chaplain Mr. Rogers.
A LIST OF THE OFFICERS SICK.
Captain Leonard Deakins.
Captain Meroney, on furlough.
Second Lieutenant John Courts Jones.
Ensign David Linn.
First Lieutenant Moses Chaplain.
Ensign Nathan Williams.
First Lieutenant Greenberry Gaither.
Second Lieutenant Richard Anderson.
Who are absent, and on what account.
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N. B. One Captain sick, present.
ELISHA WADE, Adjutant.
A list of the names of the within-mentioned persons:
Names of Officers of the Fifth PENNSYLVANIA Battalion,
commanded by Colonel ROBERT MAG AW, Jit and unfit
for duty, October 4, 1776.
Captains fit for duty : John Beaty, John Miller, Christopher
Stuart, John Sphon, Peter Decker, John Richardson.
First Lieutenants fit for duty : John Lawrence, Robert
Wilkins, John Morgan, Charles Phile, John Helm.
Second Lieutenants fit for duty : Thomas Janney, Richard
Collier, John Finley, William Standley, John Rudolph,
Andrew Dover, Edward Young.
Ensigns fit for duty : John Savage, Isaac Vanhorne, James
Maloy, Edward Hovendon, William Dement, Reading
Beaty.
Captains unfit for duty : Samuel Benezett, sick, absent ;
Nathaniel Vansandt.
First Lieutenants unfit for duty : John Priestley, Richard
Seward, sick, absent.
Second Lieutenant unfit for duty : William Crawford, sick,
absent.
Ensigns unfit for duty : John Gansell, James Gibbons, sick,
absent.
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS FIT AND UNFIT FOR DUTY.
Present, fit for duty : Colonel Robert Magaw, Major
George Neagle, Adjutant William Dement, Quarter-
master Richard Collier, Doctor James McKenry.
Unfit for duty : Doctor Hole.
On furlough : Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Penrose, at Phil-
adelphia ; Doctor John Lynd, D. D.
Capt. Joshua Huntington,
Capt. Elijah Bingham, - -
Capt. Richard Dejhon, - -
First Lieut. Jonathan Palmer,
Second Lieut. Isaac W. Stanton,
Ensign Nathaniel Jones, -
Ensign John Williams, - -
Ensign Jonah Brainard, - -
Reverend Thomas Brockway,
Elias Norton, Surgeon's Mate,
Gibeon Jewitt, Surgeon, - -
Second Lieut. John Hallam, -
Ensign Charles Faning, - -
First Lieut. Jonathan Bruster,
First Lieut. John Comstock, -
Second Lieut. Charles Williams,
Second Lieut. John Wheatley,
The above missing were killed
September.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
With the sick.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Discharged.
Gone after clothing.
Gone after clothes.
Missing.
or taken on the 15th
A List of the Officers' Names, in Camp, belonging to Col.
WILLIAM DOUGLASS'S Regiment, October 4, 1776.
FOR DUTY.
Lieutenant Hine.
Lieutenant Potter.
Lieutenant Branson.
Lieutenant Humaston.
Lieutenant Fuller.
Ensign Beach.
Ensign Hitchcock.
Mr. Trumbull, Chaplain.
Adjutant Barker.
FIT
Colonel Douglass.
Lieut. Colonel Arnold.
Captain Johnson.
Captain Prentice.
Lieutenant Parsons.
Lieutenant Baldwin.
Lieutenant Bryant.
Lieutenant Warner.
Lieutenant Mansfield.
Lieutenant Hart.
UNFIT FOR DUTY.
Captain Higgins. Ensign Norton.
Lieutenant Arnold. Doctor Potter, Surgeon.
> Sick,overKing'sBridge.
Sick, over the Bridge.
October 4, 1776.
Adj't BAYLY.
A Return of the Officers that are absent in Colonel JONA-
THAN SMITH'S Regiment, October 4, 1776.
Capt. Jonathan Houghton,
Capt. Samuel Sawyer,
Capt. Aaron Rowley, - - - )
First Lieut. Ebenezer Bennet, £ Sick, on the Jersey side.
Ensign John Stocking, • • J
First Lieut. Ebenezer Cook, -
First Lieut. Salmon Godfrey, -
Second Lieut. Benjamin Wilson,
Second Lieut. Ebenezer Newell,
First Lieut. Ebenezer Colburn,
Ensign Elijah Browner, - -
First Mate Jonas Prescott,
„,. \ At Horse Neck, taking
Capt. Ohver Root,- ~ ~ ' \ Care of the sick.
First Lieut. Ebenezer Inglcsbee, ) Gone into the country
Second Lieut. George Sloan, - £ after clothing.
ROBERT LONGLEY, Lieui. Colonel.
Return of Colonel CADWALADER'S Officers, &,-c.
1. Captain West, - - - On command to Philadelphia.
2. Captain Graydon, - - Fit for duty.
881
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
882
3. Captain Lenox, - -
4. Captain Byles, - - -
5. Captain Hubley, - -
6. Captain Davenport,
7. Captain Edwards, - -
8. Captain Tudor,- - -
1. Lieutenant Knox, - -
2. Lieutenant Broadhead,
Lieutenant Bettin, - -
Lieutenant Davidson, -
3.
4.
5.
Fit for duty.
Not fit.
Fit for duty.
Taken prisoner at New-York.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
Not fit.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
Absent at PhilaiFa by leave.
Fit for duty.
Lieutenant Tilton, -
6. Lieutenant Bicker, Adjutant, fit for duty.
7. Lieutenant Duguid, - Fit for duty.
8. One First Lieutenant wanting.
1. Lieutenant Forrist, - Fit for duty.
2. Lieutenant Conneley, - Not fit.
3. Lieutenant Woodside, - Fit ; absent with the sick.
4. Lieutenant Bicker, Jun., Fit for duty.
5. Lieutenant Armitage,
6. Lieutenant Hunter,
7. Lieutenant Westcoat,
8. Lieutenant Stout, -
1. Ensign Old,- - -
2. Ensign Mclntire, -
3. Ensign Shriver, - -
4. Ensign Dover - -
Fit for duty.
Not fit.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
Not fit.
Fit for duty.
Not fit ; absent at PhiladeTa.
Fit for duty.
5. Ensign Stediford, and Quartermaster, fit for duty.
6. Ensign Chickley,
7. Ensign Weaver,
8. Ensign Graydon,
- Not fit.
- Fit for duty.
- Fit for duty.
LAMBERT CADWALADER.
Return of the Names of the Commissioned Officers and the
Commissions they bear in the Continental Army, now in
Colonel WILLIAM PRESCOTT'S Regiment.
Captain Hugh Maxwell.
Captain John Nutting.
Captain Joseph Morse, ------ Sick, present.
Captain Samuel Darby, ------ On command.
Captain Jonathan Nowell, ----- Sick, absent.
Captain Samuel Patch.
Captain Samuel Gilbert, ----- Sick, absent.
Captain Joseph Moors, ------ Sick, absent.
First Lieut. Zacheus Walker.
First Lieut. Joshua Broun.
First Lieut. Benjamin Proun, -
First Lieut. John Williams,
First Lieut. Ebenezer Woods.
First Lieut. Elezer Spalding, -
First Lieut. Thomas Nowell.
First Lieut. Joseph Gilbert,
Second Lieut. George Marsdin.
Second Lieut. Joseph Baker, -
Second Lieut. Isack Dodge,
Second Lieut. Nathaniel Sewtle.
Second Lieut. Benjamin Ball.
Second Lieut. Jeddiah Sanger,
Second Lieut. Edmond Bancroft.
Ensign Simeon Lord.
Ensign William Taylor.
Ensign Samuel Nason.
Ensign Obadiah Whetherell, -
Ensign Samuel Lawrence, - -
Ensign Joseph Shead, -
Ensign Ephraim Proctor, - -
George Marsdin, Adjutant.
Samuel Nason, Quartermaster.
Cook, Chaplain, - -
John Hart, Surgeon, - - -
Bacon, Mate, On command
in the Jerseys.
WILLIAM PRESCOTT.
October 4, 1776.
- - - Sick, absent.
- - - Sick, absent.
- - - Sick, present.
- - - Sick, absent.
- - - Sick, absent.
- - - Sick, absent,
- - - Sick, present.
Sick, present.
On command.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Sick, present.
Sick, present.
ordered to Long-Island, in Lord Stirling's brigade, com-
posed mostly of the Southern troops, by whom we were
much caressed, and highly complimented on our appearance
and dexterity in the military exercise and manoeuvres. On
Tuesday, the 27th, his brigade, consisting of five regiments,
and a few of Sullivan's, not exceeding five thousand men,
were ordered to advance beyond the lines and repulse the
enemy. To oppose this small band were seventeen thou-
sand regulars, much better furnished with field-pieces and
every other military appointment than we. Several of the
regiments were broken and dispersed soon after the first onset.
The Delaware! and Marylanders stood firm to the last ; and,
after a variety of skirmishing, the Delawares drew up on the
side of a hill, and stood upwards of four hours, with a firm,
determined countenance, in close array, their colours flying,
the enemy's artillery playing on them all the while, not
daring to advance and attack them, though six times their
number, and nearly surrounding them. Nor did they think
of quitting their station till an express order from the General
commanded their retreat through a marsh and over a creek,
the only opening left, which they effected in good order,
with the loss of one man drowned in passing. The Dela-
wares alone had the honour of bringing off twenty-three
prisoners.
I must also do Colonel Smallwood's battalion the justice
to say, that the spirited attack made by them on the enemy,
at the time the Delawares and themselves were retreating,
greatly facilitated the escape of both. Twenty-seven of
the Delawares next morning were missing. In that number
were Lieutenants Stewart and Harney ; the latter a pri-
soner, the other not yet heard, of. MajorJWc Donough was
wounded in the knee ; a ball passed through the sleeve of
his coat without wounding the arm or his body. Lieute-
nant Anderson had a ball lodged in his throat ; Lieutenant
Corn a ball still in his back ; they are recovered. The
standard was torn with shot in Ensign Stephens' 's hand, who
is now in his element, and a most excellent officer. Such is
our fate. The Delaware battalion, officers and men, are
respected throughout this army. We are now in General
Mifflin's brigade, who a few days since was appointed
Quartermaster-General, and by special order we encamp
on the lines, near the General's house. In the retreat from
Long-Island, which was conducted with great prudence,
Colonels Shee, Swallwood, Hand, and some others I do
not recollect, were called into Council, and requested to
take the defence of the lines upon us, while the main body
of the army crossed the' East River to New-York, which
was accepted ; and last of all crossed ourselves, thank God,
in safety.
Proceedings of a Court-Martial held the 4th day of Octo-
ber, 1776, at MOUNT WASHINGTON, at the BLUE-BELL,
for the trial of Mr. CHAMPNEY, Wagonmaster-General,
arrested by Dr. MARTIN, viz:
Major Samuel F. Parker, President.
Members.
Captain Luce, Captain Congleton,
Captain Vanclief, Captain J. Anderson,
Captain Houton, Lieutenant Pearson.
Captain G. Anderson,
The aforesaid Mr. Champney being arrested for abusing
Dr. Martin, the Court after hearing the parties, and duly
examining the evidences on both sides, are of opinion that
Mr. Champney is not guilty of a breach of any of the articles
of war of the United States of America, and ought to be
acquitted, and do therefore acquit him accordingly.
SAM'L F. PARKER, President.
I approve of the above sentence, and order Mr. Champ-
ney to be discharged from his arrest.
PHILIP V. CORTLANDT,
Colonel, acting Brigadier-General.
COLONEL HASLET TO THOMAS RODNEY.
Camp at Mount Washington, October 4, 1776.
On Sunday, the 25th of August last, my regiment was
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 56
GENERAL HEATH TO CAPTAIN STEWART.
King's Bridge, October 4, 1776.
SIR: You will take into your custody one Justice Pal-
mer, Mr. Read, and Mr. Underhill, now confined at the
main guard, on suspicion of being unfriendly to the State
of America. You are carefully to conduct them to the
town of 1 'ishkill, and deliver them to the Convention of
883
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
884
this Stale. The Light-Horsemen are to return immedi-
ately. You may then proceed yourself to the Nine Part-
ners, from whence you are to return to this place on Wed-
nesday next. w HEATH> Major.General,
To Captain tFilliam Stewart.
GENERAL COURT-MARTIAL.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held in Major-
General HEATH'S Division, October 4, 1776, whereof
Colonel LASHER is President.
Ensign Benjamin Snow, of Colonel Sargent's Regiment,
confined by Colonel Sargent for leaving his guard when on
duty, and absenting himself from camp without leave.
The prisoner pleads, " Not Guilty."
The following evidences after being sworn, deposed as
follows :
Lieutenant Dust in, deposes: That Ensign Snow came
to his tent, and told him that he had some friends he wanted
to visit, and asked him to go with him. I asked him
whether he was not on guard. He said he was, but had
got an officer to take his place. We went away about
three o'clock, P. M., and came back about dark. We went
about two miles from camp. It was a chance whether we
could hear the drums if they beat to arms in our camp.
Sergeant Mclnties : I was Sergeant of the guard with
Ensign Snow. He told me he was going a little way, and
if any thing happened, I should apply to Ensign Fisk.
While the Ensign was absent the Adjutant came, and find-
ing no officer, put one in his room. The Ensign came back
about seven o'clock.
Captain Wykys: I heard Ensign Snow ask Ensign
Fisk to take the guard. He told him he was too unwell ;
but if any thing happened, and the Sergeant came, he would
go with the Ensign. I told him he took too great
PRISONER'S DEFENCE.
Lieutenant Wyleys : The Ensign came to Ensign Fisk,
and asked him to take his place. He said he was unwell ;
but if any thing happened he would go to the guard. The
distance from the guard-house and Ensign Fisk's tent is
about seven or eight rods. It has been the practice in our
regiment to take an officer's place in this manner. It was
a Brigade guard.
The Court upon mature consideration, adjudge the pri-
soner to be not guilty of the charge laid against him, and
order him to be released.
Approved: JOHN LASHER, Presd.
himself in readiness, and at the same time wrote to you for
further information, which to my grief and surprise I have
not received.
I hereby acquaint you I have since received an order
more urgent for detecting them and others, and am empow-
ered to call out any part of the Militia to my assistance.
By virtue of which order I now send to you, desiring you
will advise with tb.6 bearer, who may be confided in, and
will give you all the assistance in his power.
I have sent him also to Captain Delavan, with a request
for him to advise and assist you in taking up all the conspi-
rators. I would inform you that this night we are to strike
below, and hope you will at the same time ; and be sure to
send a guard to the bridge. Our rendezvous is intended at
Stephen Davenport's, in North- Castle, where you may send
at any time. Your compliance with the above may do
great service, and much oblige the Convention and your
humble servant,
WILLIAM MILLER.
To Captain Joseph Osborn.
NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 8, 1776.]
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, )
Fishkill, October 4, 1776. $
SIR: This Convention have had the pleasure of receiv-
ing information through their Delegates that a resolution
has passed the honourable Congress of the United States of
America, for advancing to this State one hundred thousand
dollars.
They are highly sensible of this seasonable relief, which
amidst a crowd of difficulties and accumulating expenses,
may enable them to support the publick credit, alleviate the
sufferings of their (ellow-citizens, and contiuue their strenuous
exertions in the common cause.
They have, sir, directed me to present in the most respect-
able terms, their thanks to the honourable Congress for this
fresh instance of their confidence and regard ; which I beg
you will be pleased to communicate.
I have the honour to be, with the utmost regard, your
most obedient, and very humble servant,
PETER R. LIVINGSTON, President.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Con-
gress of the United States of America.
NOTIFICATION TO CALL A TOWN MEETING.
To notify the freeholders of the inhabitants of this town
to meet at the dwelling-house of Mr. Jonas Whitneys, on
the 15th of October, current, at twelve o'clock in the after-
noon:
To choose a Moderator to order said meeting to consider
the contents of a letter from the Chairman of the Commit-
tee of this County, directed to the sub-Committee of this
town, requesting to know the mind of this town on account
of revolting from New-York.
To hear the report of Captain Whitmore from the Con-
vention at Dorsett.
This above being requested by the Committee of this
town to me, I do hereby appoint the time and place as
aforesaid.
Dated at New-Marlbrough, Cumberland County, New-
York, October 4th, 1776.
WILLIAM MATHER, Town Clerk.
This notification was taken from the tin of a publick
house at New-Marlborough by me. JOHN TAYLOR.
WILLIAM MILLER TO CAPTAIN OSBORNE.
Harrison Precinct, October 4, 1776.
SIR: I received an order from a Committee appointed by
the Convention, for the purpose of defeating all conspiracies
against the States, in which I was told that you had informed
them of two companies raising; and I was ordered and
empowered to call on Captain Delavan to take them. In
consequence of which I wrote to Captain Delavan to hold
COLONEL SETH WARNER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 15, 177G.]
Albany, October 4, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to directions from Congress, I have
waited on the Commissioners for liquidating accounts in the
Northern department, and presented them my petitions,
which were referred to their consideration. To my sur-
prise they inform me they are not instructed, and do not
consider themselves authorized to act on the matter, by
which means I am again disappointed of settlement of my
accounts. The repeated delays I have met with are a great
prejudice to the raising the new regiment for which I have
orders. Some of the men who were in service the last win-
ter's campaign are in great necessity for their pay. It is
really surprising that an order interdicting my pay should be
given, without any particular crime alleged or any return
made to Congress of mal-conduct in me ; more surprising
still that I cannot be remedied at this distant day. Mr.
Chase and Mr. Carroll are the persons who desired General
Schuyler to give the order respecting me. They can, per-
haps, explain their intentions. Let me entreat Congress
that this matter may be brought to an issue, lhat I may be
punished or acquitted for any supposed crimes, and that my
people may no longer be delayed their pay which may be
justly due to them, however culpable I may have been in
my own conduct. Captain Hopkins and Captain Brown-
son beg that their petition exhibited to Congress may be
referred to the Board of Commissioners, or some resolution
be passed thereon, and they informed of it.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very
humble servant,
SETH WARNER.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Conti-
nental Congress, Philadelphia.
885
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
886
GENERAL, GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Tyonderoga, October 4, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Last night I received your letter of the
1st instant, with a copy of General Washington's letter of
the 27th ult., with the paper of intelligence therein enclosed.
I am convinced that paper contained such information as
the enemy wished him (as he very sensibly suspects) to
believe ; but it is our business to act as if the intelligence
was strictly true. By my last return you will clearly see
one-half of this army are sick; one-third of the other half
are feeble, or poorly. 1 can, therefore, spare no men from
hence. I conclude you will, of course, comply with my
request, and immediately order Colonel Dayton's regiment
to Fort George. When they have done what may be
expected from them there, they will be ordered to compose
part of the winter garrison at this post.
Yesterday I received a letter from General Arnold, of
the 1st instant. All then well with the fleet, and my appre-
hensions from the storm perfectly quieted.
Enclosed I send you the examination of Sergeant Stiles,
lately returned from a scout towards Isle-aux-Noix. This
will confirm my opinion of the impropriety of parting with
any troops from hence at this critical juncture, as you may
easily furnish the two hundred men wanted for winter gar-
rison at Fort Stanwix from the troops on Mohawk river;
and, as it is not possible an attack can this winter happen
in that quarter, no good reason can retard the immediate
march of Colonel Dayton's regiment to Fort George. I am
astonished the enemy have given our army so much time to
strengthen themselves at King's Bridge. I hope Howe,
like many abler Generals, has missed his opportunity.
This will be delivered to you by the Rev. Mr. Gordon,
a particular friend of mine, and a gentleman in whose ac-
quaintance you will receive a singular pleasure.
1 am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
Ho. GATES.
To General Schuyler.
'.' a damned cause," and in the bitterest terms reviled the
same, and wished and prayed they may be subdued by their
enemies.
4. That he hath declared himself a Tory, understanding
and explaining himself to mean by said term, an enemy to
the United States of America.
Whereupon it is Resolved, by this Committee, That said
Reuben Plum appears to be, and is an enemy to the United
Independent States of America, and that he be held up and
published to the world as such. And all persons are
required to break off and decline all dealings and correspon-
dence with him.
Voted, Nemine contradicente.
A true extract from the Records.
GENERAL GATES TO JOHN CARTER.
Ticonderoga, October 4, 1776.
SIR: I wrote some time ago to Major-General Schuyler,
to desire he would signify to the gentlemen commissioned
by the most honourable the Congress of the United States
of America, for adjusting and comptrolling the accounts of
the army in the Northern department, that their presence
was necessary at this post. Since then I am informed that
you and your brethren in office conceive you are, by your
instructions, confined to the limits of Albany. I again re-
quest your presence here, and should wish you would, with-
out further application, corne to Ticonderoga. If that
request is not complied with, I shall be under the necessity
of acquainting Congress that their order is wanting to bring
you here.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Ho. GATES.
To John Carter, Esq., one of the Commissioners of Publick
Accounts, at Albany.
MIDDLETOWN (CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE.
In Committee of Inspection, Middletown, )
October 4, 1776. $
Reuben Plum appeared upon a citation and complaint
before this Committee, for acting and speaking at diverse
times against the liberties of America. The citation was
read, to which he pleaded, "Not guilty." Many evidences
were examined and heard on the matters of said citation or
complaint, and the said Plum was likewise heard throu"h,
and the same being fully considered, it was fully proved,
and appears:
1. That said Plum hath cursed particular members of
the honourable Continental Congress, and villified and tra-
duced the whole body.
2. That he hath not only refused to do his duty as an
officer of the Militia, when commanded by his superiour
officer, but discouraged others from engaging in the service
of their country, and villified and imprecated mischiefs on
those that did.
3. That he hath termed the resistance made by the
United States of America, against tyranny and oppression,
Test:
BENJAMIN HENSHAW, Clerk.
New-London, Friday, October 4, 1776.
Last Lord's day se'nnight Captain Rowe, with a party of
men, landed at a place called the Old Man's, near Brook-
haven, on Long-Island, in order to remove his family from
Corum Main, where he met one Richard Miller, a native
of East-Hampton, who had taken a commission under Gen-
eral Howe, and was inlisting men for the regular army, and
as he was riding by Captain Howe's door, where a sentry
was placed, Miller was hailed and ordered to stop, which
he refused to do, and rode the faster, and after being
repeatedly called upon to stop, and he not regarding, the
guard fired at him, when a ball entered his body, and he
died the next morning.
Last Wednesday a prize ship from Jamaica, bound to
London, was sent into port by the armed brig Defence, be-
longing to the State of Connecticut, commanded by Captain
Seth Harding; she sailed from Montego bay in company
with two hundred sail, under convoy of two men-of-war,
who had parted with them and returned into port. Her
cargo consists of three hundred and six hogsheads of sugar,
one hundred and fifty-eight hogsheads of rum, sixteen bales
of cotton, a quantity of coffee and mahogany, and has two
turtle on board. She is about three hundred tons, called
the John, McDonald master, was taken twelve days ago.
An embargo being laid on the shipping in Jamaica, on
account of the insurrection among the negroes for want of
provisions, detained the above fleet, who, when they sailed,
were at short allowance of provisions.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WARD.
Watertown, October 4, 1776.
SIR : We have received your favour of the 30th Septem-
ber, relative to the cannon removed from the heights on
Dorchester Point. They were removed by the Committee
for fortifying the harbour of Boston, and the Council, agree-
able to your desire, have directed the said Committee with-
out delay to supply the forts from which they have taken
any cannon with others as good in their room. We agree
with you that the heights of Dorchester are important posts,
and ought not to be left destitute of proper ordnance.
The Council apprehending that it is absolutely neces-
sary for the keeping up good order and regular discipline
among the three regiments raised for the defence of this
State to put them under some General officer, and being
also convinced of the utility and vast importance of the
troops stationed here in the pay of the Continent, and those
in the pay of this State, being under one and the same di-
rection, in order to make a regular and effectual stand against
the enemy, in case of an attack in these parts, we have
thought fit to put the three regiments before mentioned under
your direction, and have issued an order for that purpose, a
copy of which you have, enclosed. We hope this measure
will be agreeable to your Honour, and that you for the ser-
vice of the common cause will take these troops under your
command and direction.
In the name and behalf of the Council, I am, with great
respect, your most humble servant.
To Major-General Ward.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH.
[No. 201.] Annapolis, October 5, 1776.
SIR : We desire you will purchase and have ready as
887
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
8S8
soon as possible, on account of this Province, nine hundred
barrels of superfine flour, and twenty hogsheads tobacco.
The tobacco and three hundred and fifty barrels of the flour
must be put on board of the schooner Resolution, and the
remainder of her cargo must be made up of the bread
belonging to the Province, now at your town. We shall
send you some money by the first opportunity.
We are, &tc.
To Mr. Jesse Holliiigsworth.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MESSRS. LUX AND BOWLEY.
[No. 202.] Annapolis, October 5, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We have received your favour of the 1st
instant ; and provided you will engage to begin making the
cordage for the armed vessels within ten days from this time,
and will continue in that business till a sufficient quantity is
supplied, we desire you will immediately come down and
contract with us for it ; if you cannot, be pleased to signify
it to us by the first safe opportunity.
We are, Sic.
To Messrs. Lux fy Bowlcy.
PETITION TO THE CONVENTION OF MARYLAND.
The humble Petition of a majority of Captain RICHARD
CHEW'S Company of Militia, belonging to Colonel JOHN
WEEMS'S Battalion:
These humble petitioners doth petition this honourable
house of Convention for a new choice of commissioned
officers to serve under in the Militia, as they thinking them-
selves ill used by the present ones, for the reasons hereafter
mentioned : First, we do complain of an unfair election for
a Second Lieutenant, on Friday, the 9th day of August
last: two judges being appointed to take down the votes,
and one of the candidates desiring to see the poll after it
was closed, was denied the sight of it, for which reason he
thought himself ill used. Secondly, we can and are ready
when called upon to prove our officers have been partial
in regard to fines upon the people for not attending on field
days, and offering to clear all their back fines, that would
vote for Mr. Richard Harrison to be Second Lieutenant.
And thirdly and lastly, we do complain of our Captain and
Ensign speaking in publick company against the poor peo-
ple in general, as you do see in Mr. Gilbert Hamilton
Smith's Ibrm of deposition above mentioned.
Signed :
his his
John Birckhead, Jr., Hopewell X Wood, Lancelot XStallings,
Gilbert H. Smith, mark. mark.
Nehemiah Birckhead, his his
Gideon Shoemaker, Benj.XFrench> Wm. X Larkins,
his mark. mark.
Thomas X Turner, his his
mark. Abrah. X Turner, Samuel X Hare,
Francis Whittington, mark. mark.
William Whittington, Joseph Birckhead. Richard Joice,
F. Whittiiigton, Jr., his his
his Morgan X Wood, Abrah. X Janquay.
Isaac X Tucker, mark. mark,
mark. Thomas Lance, his
his Samuel Lewin, Wm. X Wood,
Seaborn X Tucker, his mark.
mark. John X Wood, Lewis Stevens,
his mark. John Birckhead,
William X Turner, his F. Birckhead, Jr.,
murk. Basil X Guess, Morgan Jones,
Francis Birckhead, mark. his
Nehemiah Birckhead, Math. Birckhead, John X Griffith,
of Sam!., Richard Randall, mark.
West Ward, Daniel Searles, William Fisher,
John Skinner, Robert Young.
And your humble petitioners will be in duty bound to
pray, &c.
October 5, 1776.
The form of a Deposition which Mr. GILBERT HAMILTON
SMITH is ready and willing to swear to if called upon.
ANNE ARUNDEL County:
This is to certify that I, Gilbert Hamilton Smith, of the
County above mentioned, heard Captain Richard Chew, of
the said County, say, that no poor man was entitled to a
vote, and those that would insist upon voting, if he had his
way, should be put to death ; and 1 do affirm also that 1
heard his brother, Samuel Chew, say that a poor man was
not born to freedom, but to be a drudge on earth.
Given from under my hand in the presence of John
Birckhead, Jr., and Nehemiah Birckhead.
GILBERT HAMILTON SMITH.
GENERAL THOMPSON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, October 5, 1776.
SIR: The wants of the prisoners being many, I procured
them credit with Mr. Truman, at Quebeck, for £630 9s.
8J</. Halifax, equal to £945 14s. 6%d. Pennsylvania
currency, for which I have received the following bills and
cash, viz :
Halifax.
Colonel Green's bill for £335 2 6f
Captain Morgan's bill for - - - - 105 6 9J
Captain Lamb's bill for 57 6 0£
Messrs. Nichols &f Steefs bill for - - 40 0 1
Doctor McKenzie, cash, 1234
Mr. Duncan, cash, 8 13 9
Colonel Green, for the sick, (still due,) 63 3 10J
Captain McClean, cash, 8133
£630 9 8
Colonel Green took up for the use of the sick soldiers
belonging to the New-England Colonies, sundry articles
amounting to £63 3*. lOJrf. Halifax, which he has not
included in his bill. Your Excellency will please to direct
whether it is to be charged to the poor soldiers or the
publick.
I have also drawn five months' pay for the officers, and
three months' pay for the soldiers, belonging to the Penn-
sylvania and Jersey regiments, who have returned with me
from Canada. 1 enclose the account, that stoppages may
be made in the regiments to which they belong.
I have made myself liable for the goods supplied by Mr.
Truman to Messrs. Meredith fy Clymer, of this city, and
must request that you will order the bills to be paid, that 1
may be released from that obligation.
I have the honour to be your Excellency's most obedient
humble servant, WM. THOMPSON.
To His Excellency General Washington, King's Bridge.
Philadelphia, October 5, 1776.
Major-General Lee is daily expected in town from the
southward, on his way to the American camp, near.jVew-
York.
Monday last (September 30) arrived in this city, from the
American camp at Haerlem, Brigadier-General Miflin.
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
Philadelphia County Committee, October 5, 1776.
The inhabitants of the County of Philadelphia are hereby
acquainted that each Township in the said County is, by
the allotment of the City Committee, entitled to the pror
portion of between nine and ten bushels of the Salt belong-
ing to Joshua Fisher &f Sons, and Joseph Shewel, at the
moderate price of three shillings for the fine, and seven and
sixpence for the coarse, per bushel. It is requested that
the County committee-man of each township will attend at
the Conestoge Wagon, on Friday, the 18th instant, at ten
o'clock in the forenoon, to receive the proportion allotted to
his township. And it is also expected that those townships
where no committee-man has hitherto been chosen, will
appoint proper persons to give their attendance at the same
time and place, for the like purpose. Should any township
neglect applying on that day. its proportion will be divided
K the rest.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR HENRY.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, October 5, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Your obliging favour of the 20th ultimo
came duly to hand, and demands my best acknowledg-
ments. 1 congratulate you, sir, most cordially, upon your
appointment to the Government, and, with no less sincerity,
on your late recovery. \our correspondence will confer
honour and satisfaction ; and, whenever it is in my power, I
shall write to you with pleasure. Our retreat from Long-
Island, under the peculiar circumstances we then laboured,
became an act of prudence and necessity, and the evacua-
tion of New-York was a consequence resulting from the
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
890
other. Indeed, after we discovered the enemy instead of
making an attack upon the city were endeavouring (by
means of their ships and superiour land force) either to in-
tercept our retreat, by getting in our rear, or else by landing
their forces between our divisions at King's Bridge and
those in the town, to separate the one from the other, it
became a matter of the last importance to alter the dispo-
sition of the army.
These measures, however, although of the most evident
utility, have been productive of some inconvenience ; the
troops having become in some measure dispirited by these
successive retreats, and which, I presume, has also been the
case among several of our friends in the country. In order
to recover that military ardour, which is of the utmost
moment to an army, almost immediately on my arrival at
this place I formed a design of cutting off some of the ene-
my's light troops, who, encouraged by their successes, had
advanced to the extremity of the high ground opposite to
our present encampment. To effect this salutary purpose,
Colonel Knowlton and Major Leitch were detached; with
parties of Riflemen and Rangers, to get in their rear, while
a disposition was made as if to attack them in front. By
some unhappy mistake, the fire was commenced from
that quarter rather on their flank than in their rear, by
which means, though the enemy were defeated and pushed
off the ground, yet they had an opportunity of retreating to
their main body. This piece of success, though it tended
greatly to inspire our troops with confidence, has been in
some measure embittered by the loss of those two brave
officers, who are dead of the wounds they, received in the
action. Since this skirmish, excepting the affair at Mon-
tresor's Island, where Major Henly, another of our best
officers, was slain, there has been nothing of any material
consequence. Indeed, the advantage obtained over the
enemy's light troops might have been improved, perhaps, to
a considerable extent, had we been in a proper situation to
have made use of this favourable crisis, but a want of confi-
dence in the generality of the troops has prevented me from
availing myself of that, and almost every other opportunity
which has presented itself.
I own my fears that this must ever be the case when our
dependence is placed on men inlisted for a few months,
commanded by such officers as party or accident may have
furnished, and on Militia, who, as soon as they are fairly
fixed in the camp, are impatient to return to their own
homes ; and who, from an utter disregard of all discipline
and restraint among themselves, are but too apt to infuse the
like spirit into others. The evils of short inlistments, and
employing militia to oppose against regular and well ap-
pointed troops, I strongly urged to Congress before the last
army was engaged. Indeed, rny own situation at Cam-
bridge, about the close of the last campaign, furnished the
most striking example of the fatal tendency of such mea-
sures. I then clearly foresaw that such an armament as we
had good reason to expect would be sent against us, could
be opposed only by troops inlisted during the war, and
where every action would add to their experience and im-
provement, and of whom, if they were unsuccessful in the
beginning, a reasonable hope might be entertained that in
time they would become as well acquainted with their busi-
ness as their enemies. This method, I am convinced,
would have been attended with every good consequence ;
for, besides the Militia's being altogether unfit for the service
when called into the field, we have discovered, from expe-
rience, they are much more expensive than any other kind
of troops ; and that the war could have been conducted
on more moderate terms, by establishing a permanent body
of forces, who were equal to every contingency, than by
calling in the Militia on imminent and pressing occasions.
I would not wish to influence your judgment with respect
to Militia, in the management of Indian affairs, as I am fully
persuaded the inhabitants of the frontier Counties in your
Colony are, from inclination as well as ability, peculiarly
adapted for that kind of warfare; at the same time I
should think it would be highly advisable, in case you
should conceive yourselves to be in danger from any detach-
ment from the British army, or from their marines, not to
depend on any troops but such as are well officered and
inlisted during the war.
I make no doubt but your State have turned their views
towards forming some obstacles against the enemy's ships
and tenders, who may go up your rivers in quest of provi-
sions, or for the purpose of destroying your towns. If they
have depended on batteries to prevent them, without any
other obstructions, a trial of the matter has taught us to
believe it will be altogether ineffectual ; as, when under
sail, with wind and tide in their favour, any damage they
may receive from a battery will be of very little conse-
quence. At the same time, I must observe, that this kind
of opposition is exceedingly proper for the defence of a
town, or in any case where it is necessary the ships should
come to anchor before the batteries for the purpose of
silencing them. In the first instance, I would strongly
recommend row-galleys, which, if officered with brave and
determined men, and conducted with prudence, would, in
my opinion, be productive of the greatest advantage, and
be the most likely means, in your situation, of securing your
towns and houses on the navigable water from any impres-
sion of the shipping.
I imagine, before this, Congress has made you acquainted
with their resolutions for raising the new army, and that
your Colony is to furnish fifteen battalions, to be inlisted
during the war. As this will occasion the choosing a number
of new officers, I would in the most urgent manner, recom-
mend the utmost care and circumspection in your several
appointments. I do not expect that there are many expe-
rienced gentlemen now left with you, as, from what I have
understood, those who have served in the last war are chiefly
promoted ; however, I am satisfied that the military spirit
runs so high in your Colony, and that the number of appli-
cants will be so considerable, that a very proper choice may
be made ; indeed, the army's being put upon such a per-
manent footing will be a strong inducement for them to step
forth on the present interesting occasion. One circumstance
in this important business ought to be cautiously guarded
against, and that is, the soldier and officer being too nearly
on a level. Discipline and subordination add life and
vigour to military movements. The person commanded
yields but a reluctant obedience to those he conceives are
undeservedly made his superiqurs. The degress of rank are
frequently transferred from civil life into the departments of
the army. The true criterion to judge by (when past ser-
vices do not enter into the competition) is, to consider
whether the candidate for office has a just pretension to the
character of a gentleman, a proper sense of honour, and
some reputation to lose.
Perhaps, sir, you may be surprised at my pressing this
advice so strongly as I have done in this letter; but 1 have
felt the inconveniences resulting from a contrary principle
in so sensible a manner, and this army has been so greatly
enfeebled by a different line of conduct, that I hope you
will readily excuse me.
I am, sir, with sincere regard, your affectionate, humble
servant> Go. WASHINGTON.
To his Excellency Patrick Henry, Esq., Governour of the
State of Virginia.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 8, 1776.]
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, October 5, 1776.
SIR: I was last night honoured with your favour of the
2d, with sundry resolutions of Congress. The officers that
concurred in the acquittal of Ensign Macumber shall be
called upon to assign their reasons for their first judgment,
which shall be sent as soon as they are collected.
In respect to the exchange of prisoners, I fear it will be
a work of great difficulty, owing to their dispersed and scat-
tered situation throughout the States. In order to effect it,
I have wrote to the Eastern Governments to have them
collected, and to transmit me an account of their number,
distinguishing the names and ranks of the field and commis-
sioned officers, and the corps they belong to. I have also
wrote to Governour Livingston, of the Jerseys, upon the
subject, and must take the liberty of requesting Congress to
give directions that a similar return may be made of those
in Pennsylvania and Maryland, and for their being brought
to Brunswick, that they may be ready to be exchanged for
an equal number, and those of the same ranks. I observe
by the resolve of the 26th ultimo, that the exchange is par-
ticularly directed to be made of the officers and soldiers taken
801
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
892
off Long-Island. But should not that follow the exchange
of those officers and men who have lately returned from
Qiiebcck, whose imprisonment has been much longer, and
whose service has not been less severe, and in many
instances, conducted with great intrepidity ? I have had
many applications since their arrival, by which they claim
a kind of preference, as far as their number and the circum-
stances of their rank will allow, and which I thought it my
duty lo mention, that I may obtain some direction upon the
subject.
You will observe by a paragraph of a letter received yes-
terday from General Howe, a copy of which you have at
length, that the non-performance of the agreement between
Captain Forster and General Arnold, by which the latter
stipulated for the return of an equal number of officers and
prisoners in our hands for those delivered him, is considered
in an unfavourable light, and entirely imputed to me, as
having the chief command of the armies of the States, and
a controlling power over General Arnold. The pointed
manner in which Mr. Howe is pleased to express himself
could not personally affect me, supposing there had been
no good grounds for the treaty not being ratified, having
been nothing more than an instrument for conveying to him
the resolutions formed upon the subject; but as there were
but too just reasons, his censure could have no weight was
it not directed against me. However, I would beg leave to
observe from the letters from the hostages ; from what has
been reported by others respecting Captain Forster's having
used his endeavours to restrain the savages from exercising
their wonted barbarities, though in some instances they did ;
his purchasing some of the prisoners for a pretty considerable
premium; but above all, from the delicate nature of such
treaties, and because the non-observance of them must damp
the spirits of the officers who make them, and add affliction
to the misfortunes of those whom necessity and the nature
of the case force into captivity, to give them a sanction by
a long and irksome confinement : for these reasons and many
more that will readily occur, that I could wish Congress to
reconsider the matter, and to carry it into execution. 1 am
sensible the wrong was originally in their employing savages,
and that whatever cruelties were committed by them should
be esteemed their own acts, yet perhaps in point of policy,
it may not be improper to overlook those infractions on their
part, and to pursue that mode which will be most likely to
render the hardships incident to war most tolerable, and the
greatest benefits to the State. I have ventured to say thus
much on the subject from a regard to the service, and
because such gentlemen of the army as I have heard men-
tion it, seem to wish the treaty had been ratified rather than
disallowed.
Enclosed is a list of vacancies in the Third Regiment of
Virginia troops, in part occasioned by the death of Major
Lcilch, who died of his wounds on Tuesday morning, and
of the gentlemen who stand next in regimental order, and
who are recommended to succeed to 'em. You will observe
that Captain John Fitzgerald is said to be appointed to the
duty of Major. This I have done in orders, being the eldest
Captain in the regiment, and 1 believe an officer of unex-
ceptionable merit, and as it was highly necessary at this
time to have the corps as well and fully officered as pos-
sible. There is also a vacancy in the First Continental
Battalion by the promotion of Lieutenant Clark to a majority
in the Flying-Camp, which Colonel Hand has recommended
William Patten to succeed, as you will perceive by his
letter enclosed.
I have taken the liberty to transmit a plan for establishing
a corps of Engineers, Artificers, &.C., sketched out by Colonel
Putnam, and which is proposed for the consideration of
Congress. How far they may incline to adopt it, or whether
they may choose to proceed upon such an extensive scale,
they will be pleased to determine. However, I conceive it
a matter well worthy of their consideration, being convinced
from experience, and from the reasons suggested by Colonel
Putnam, who has acted with great diligence and reputation
in the business, that some establishment of the sort is highly
necessary, and will be productive of the most beneficial
consequences. If the proposition is approved by Congress,
I am informed by good authority that there is a gentleman
in Virginia, in the Colony service, John Hadler, Esq., a
native of Germany, whose abilities in this way are by no
means inconsiderable. I am told he was an Engineer in
the army under General Stanwix, and is reputed to be of
skill and ingenuity in the profession. In this capacity I do
not know him myself; but am intimately acquainted with
him in his private character, as a man of understanding and
of good behaviour. I would submit his merit to the inquiry
of Congress, and if he shall answer the report 1 have had of
him, I make no doubt but he will be suitably provided for.
The Convention of this State have lately seized and had
appraised two new ships, valued at £6,229 York currency,
which they have sent down for the purpose of sinking, and
obstructing the channel opposite Mount Washington. The
price being high and opinions various as to the necessity of
the measure, some conceiving the obstruction nearly suffi-
cient already, and others that they would render it secure,
I would wish to have the direction of Congress upon the
subject by the earliest opportunity, thinking myself that if
the enemy should attempt to come up, that they should be
used, sooner than to hazard their passing. I must be gov-
erned by circumstances, yet hope for their sentiments before
any thing is necessary to be done.
Sundry disputes having arisen of late between officers of
different regiments and of the same rank, respecting the
succession to such vacancies as happen from death or other
causes : some suggesting that it should be in a Colonial line
and governed by the priority of their commissions, others
that it should be regimentally, and there being an instance
now before me between the officers of the Virginia regi-
ments, occasioned by the death of Major Leitch, it has
become absolutely necessary that Congress should determine
the mode by which promotions are regulated: whether
colonially or by priority of commissions, or regimentally ;
reserving a right out of the general rule they adopt to reward
for particular merit, or of withholding from office such as
may not be worthy to succeed. I have only proposed two
modes for their consideration, being satisfied that promotions
through the line, as they are called, can never take place
without producing discord, jealousy, distrust, and the most
fatal consequences. In some of my letters upon the subject
of promotions, and one which I had the honour of addressing
the Board of War on the 30th ultimo, I advised that the
mode should be rather practised than resolved on ; but I am
fully convinced now of the necessity of settling it in one of
the two ways I have taken the liberty to point out, and
under the restrictions I have mentioned, or the disputes and
applicants will be endless, and attended with great incon-
venience.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your
most obedient servant, GQ WASHINGTON.
Perth-Amboy, September 16, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY : By a commission
dated the 14th of this instant, which I have received from
the Convention of the State of Pennsylvania, am appointed
a Major in the Second Battalion whereof Richard McCal-
ister, Esq., is Colonel, in the Flying-Camp. Therefore beg
leave to resign my commission as Lieutenant, and hope it
will be agreeable that some other person be appointed in my
stead.
1 am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
JNO. CLARK, Jun.,
Lieutenant in First Continental Regiment,
To his Excellency George Washington, Esq., Commander-
in-Chief of the United Forces in America.
SIR : I beg leave to recommend Mr. William Patten to
succeed to the Third Lieutenancy, vacant in my regiment
by the promotion of Lieutenant Clark.
I am, sir, with much respect, your Excellency's most
obedient servant, EDWARJ) HAND
To his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY : The following es-
tablishment of artificers, &c., are in proportion to the eighty-
eight battalions of Infantry as one company to five and a
half battalions, which I think is as small a proportion as will
answer the ends proposed. The battalions in general may
give fifty each for the works ; the miners and sappers are in
proportion to these nearly as one to ten. The carpenters
893
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
894
will not exceed, if we are to consider they have in charge
the making of platforms, chevaux-de-frise gates, guard-
houses, ordnance stores and barracks within the fortifica-
tions or necessary for the garrison of each place, and many
other things in the Engineer department. I have had no
regard to carriages, beds, boxes, and other matters belonging
to the Artillery ; nor wagons or other carriages belonging to
the Quartermaster's Department or barracks for the quar-
tering of troops in general, nor any stores for the Commis-
sary (except for the different fortresses, these only come
within the Engineer department.) However, if the car-
penters are thought to exceed, there may be a part of them
attached to the Artillery, and the same with regard to smiths,
and they may also be employed in any other department,
when the fortifications do not require their labour. For my
own part I should rather choose to increase their number
than lessen them some ; if the service does not require their
labour they are not to be paid more than other troops, and
subject to like duty.
I am, sir, your Excellency's most obedient, humble ser-
RUFUS PUTNAM.
October 3, 1776.
To His Excellency G. Washington, Esq., General, Sic.
An establishment for a corps of Engineers, Artificers, fyc.,
to consist of two Battalions of eight Companies each,
one hundred men in a Company, including officers.
Field and Staff Officers in each
Battalion.
Their pay per
month in dolls.
60
50
40
33*
Their extra
allowances.
Dollars per month.
15 for a clerk.
15 for ditto.
15 for ditto.
30 for 2 clerks.
Their pay the same as in the Battalion
service.
1 Colonel or Chief Engineer, -
1 Lieut. Col. or Chief Director,
1 Major or Sub-Director, -
1 Surveyor, ------
1 Adjutant, -
1 Chaplain, -
1 Surgeon,
1 Mate, - -
1 Quartermaster,
1 Paymaster, -
Each Company to consist of the following Officers, Arti-
ficers, &c., their pay the same as in the Battalion service :
Their extraordinary allowance per
day when employed in the works.
1 Captain or Engineer in ordinary, - - 1-2 dollar.
1 Capt. Lieut, or Engineer extraordinary, 3-8 of a dollar.
1 Lieutenant or Sub-Engineer, - - - - 1-3 do.
1 Ensign or Practitioner Engineer, - - 1-4 do.
4 Sentinels or Train men of Band, each, - 1-6 do.
4 Corporals or 2 do. - - - do. - 1-7 do.
2 Drums and Fifes, - - - - do. - — do.
30 Carpenters or Wheelwrights, do. - 1-8 do.
5 Smiths, ------- do. - 1-8 do.
6 Masons, ------ do. - 1-8 do.
25 Miners and Sappers, - - do. - 1-8 do.*
20 Labourers, do. - 1-12 do.
* In time of siege one-fourth of a dollar.
GENERAL SIR WILLIAM HOWE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Head-Quarters, York-Island, October 4, 1776.
SIR: Having heard, by report, of Governour Browne's
vicinity in Connecticut, I have been in daily expectation of
his arrival for the exchange of Lord Stirling ; but as the
Governour is not in the military line, and as 1 proposed the
exchange to gratify your desire for the return of Lord Stir-
ling, whose services would take place with you some days
sooner were I to comply with your request for his immedi-
ate dismission, you will excuse my detaining his Lordship
until the arrival of Governour Browne.
With relation to the non-performance on your part of the
agreement between Captain Forster and General Arnold,
that General being immediately under your command, from
your situation made known to me by your own subscription,
it rests with you to see them fulfilled, agreeable to the
plighted faith of the General, which, no doubt, to save his
honour, he has a right to expect ; or that you will return
the prisoners given up by Captain Forster. In the mean-
while I trust, from the declaration in yours of the 23d last
past, that you will not allow of any delay in the exchange
of the officers and soldiers in your possession belonging to
his Majesty's troops.
Brigadier-General Woodhull was yesterday reported to
me to have died of his wounds.
The enclosed note from Mrs. De Lancey I have taken
the liberty of sending for your determination upon the con-
tents.
I am with due respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
W. HOWE.
To General Washington, &,c., &c.
Mrs. De Lancey's compliments to General Washington;
is concerned, that she is obliged to be troublesome to him,
but hopes an appeal to his feelings will convince him that
her case deserves some attention. Some regard is surely
due to a woman, who without the smallest influence on pub-
lick affairs, feels deeply for the distresses of her country,
and who has been so great a sharer in its calamities.
Some time before the British troops landed on Long-
Island, Mrs. De Lancey came on a visit to her father. His
illness, and the unhappy situation of affairs, obliged her to
prolong her stay beyond the time she intended. Her daugh-
ters and herself being in want of clothes, she sent a servant
with a note to General Mifflin, (who she heard was com-
manding officer at West- Chester,) requesting the favour to
allow of safe conveyance for some necessary apparel. The
servant was seized and confined, and no answer returned.
Since that the death of her father (the Lieutenant Governour)
and the fire at New- York, has destroyed much the greatest
part of her property there, makes her anxious to return to
West- Chester, to try if she can yet preserve what she has
in that place. What she has to request of General Wash-
ington is, that he would be so obliging as to inform her
whether she and her daughter may be permitted to return
home ; and if so, that he would be so kind as to order them
a safe conduct. If this cannot be, may she not hope that
he will take some method to prevent the destruction of her
property.
Spring-Hill on Long-Island, October 1, 1776.
To General Washington.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL JAMES CLINTON.
Head-Quarters, on Harlem Heights, October 5, 1776.
SIR: Your letter of the 1st instant, enclosing one from
the Committee of New- Windsor and a deposition against
Mr. Conner, is duly received. They say the butter was
intended for this army. I would therefore advise its being
immediately sent to Colonel Trumbull, Commissary-Gen-
eral, who will pay the current price. This step cannot
but be agreeable to Mr. Conner, if he is innocent of the
charge ; if otherways, will be secured from going to the
enemy. The Committee should take upon them the further
examination of Conner and Montgomery, and deal with
them according to their crimes. If found guilty, the same
steps ought to be taken in regard to the flour you mention
to be in store at New- Windsor.
In respect to intrenching tools, much time elapses in
sending them from here. Besides, we have not more than
are wanted for present use. You must apply to the several
Committees in the country, or send an officer to pick up
such a number as may be necessary. For the amount, you
may draw on the Quartermaster-General.
I am, sir, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Brigadier-General James Clinton, Fort Montgomery.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR LIVINGSTON.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 5, 1776.
SIR: The Congress having directed me, by a resolve of
the 26th September, to procure, as -soon as possible, an
exchange of the officers and soldiers taken on Long-Island,
for the same number of British officers and privates now
in the United States, it becomes necessary for me to be
informed of the numbers and ranks of the prisoners in the
different States, in order to carry the same into execution.
You will therefore oblige me by having made out and trans-
mitted to me an exact return of the number of officers in
New-Jersey, their ranks, names, and the corps to which
tliey belong. The numbers of the non-commissioned offi-
895
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
869
cers and privates, without their names, will be sufficient.
They should also be collected from the different places
where they are stationed, and brought together to some
convenient place, (Brunswick, I should think,) from whence
they may be sent te General Howe, when the cartel is fully
settled.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To His Excellency fVilliam Livingston, Esq., Governour
of the State of New-Jersey.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL BEALL.
Head-Quarters, October 5, 1776.
SIR: The General being so much engaged in other busi-
ness that he cannot finish the observations he proposed to
lay before the Court-Martial, on the trial and sentence of
Captain Weisner, has directed me to request the Court to
reconsider the matter, and to remark that the discretionary
power of the Court seems to have been exercised rather
from some motive of compassion than any circumstance
appearing on the face of the proceedings. He would there-
fore wish the Court to point out the circumstances which
have induced them to mitigate a sentence which seems to
have been generally expected by the army.
Had the Court, upon the contrariety of evidence, acquit-
ted the prisoner, the General apprehends the same conse-
quences would not have remitted to the publick, and he
should have acquiesced in the opinion, though it differed
from his own. But to convict an officer of the crime of
cowardice, and in a case where the enterprise failed on that
account, where several brave men fell because they were
unsupported, and to impose a less punishment than death,
he is very apprehensive will discourage both officers and
men, and render it, hereafter, difficult, if not impossible, to
rrtake an exemplary punishment, and especially in the case
of a common soldier, who will suppose distinctions are made
by officers in the case of an officer.
I have laid before you, as near as I can recollect, the
General's sentiments and directions, and enclose you the
proceedings ; and am, respectfully, sir, your obedient, hum-
ble servant, Jog REED Adjutant.Generai
To Brigadier-General Rezin Beall, President of General
Court-Martial.
GENERAL BEALL TO COLONEL JOSEPH REED.
Camp near Head-Quarters, October 6, 1776.
SIR: This Court-Martial, with equal surprise and con-
cern, considered your letter which contains his Excellency's
remarks on the opinion of the Court in the trial of Captain
Weisner.
We natter ourselves the following observations will justify
the Court in the opinion of his Excellency or the publick,
and at the same time discover their feelings, as well as the
impropriety of a reexamination of the matter, as his Excel-
lency's sentiments that the Court so far deviated from their
duty (when under the most solemn ties) as to exercise a dis-
cretionary power, rather from motives of compassion than
from any circumstance appearing on the face of the pro-
ceedings.
As no new testimony is mentioned to be offered to the
Court, they conceive the judgment they have given in the
case consistent with their duty as officers and the rules for
the government of the army.
You, sir, must be sensible of the very great diversity
between written evidence and that given viva voce. The
manner, the behaviour, and a number of circumstances in
the conduct of a witness, which may enforce credit, doubt,
or discredit, before a Court, cannot possibly be reduced to
writing, so as to enable a reader to judge with any degree
of certainty or precision. Upon those principles, we con-
tend we are the best, the sole judges.
If his Excellency is of opinion, from the written testi-
mony, that the miscarriage of that unfortunate enterprise
was owing principally to Captain Wcisner's misbehaviour
before the enemy, it far exceeds the amount of the evidence
in the minds of the Court.
The only evidence which stands uncontradicted is that
relative to the prisoner's conduct before the firing from the
enemy began ; and here the testimony of some of the wit-
nesses suffered much, in point of credibility, by their after-
testimony. On this ground the Court proceeded in finding
the prisoner guilty under the seventeenth of the articles of
war, where a species of cowardice is plainly implied differ-
ent from that in the twenty-seventh. His life was in ques-
tion on this article. The testimony was contradictory. On
the part of the States, the witnesses produced were con-
sidered interested. Their lives, in some measure, were at
stake. Throwing the fault on some one or more persons
might be essential to their own justification and preserva-
REZIN BEALL, President.
ROB'T MAGAW, EDWARD MOTT,
SILAS NEWCOMB, ELEZ. WINSHIP,
LAMB'T CADWALADER, JNO. BEATTY,
GILES RUSSEL, ALEXANDER GRAYDON,
EZRA PUTNAM, CHRIST'R SWART,
WM. HOPEVVELL, CAS. WEITZEL.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUEH.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 5, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Marsh shall be immediately sent up to you,
and I hope he will answer the end proposed.
We sent down a party last night, to bring off a parcel of
boards from Harlem, which they effected. The enemy, I
fancy, think we have got more than our share from that
town, for they this morning sent a small party over and
took possession. They have been throwing up a breast-
work to-day ; but we must try to drive them away to-
night.
I hope you will succeed in apprehending Palmer. We
have done nothing yet with the persons apprehended in
company with Marsh ; nor can we, till he returns to give
evidence.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To fVilliam Duer, Esq., Fishkills.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL JOHN HASLETT TO
GENERAL CJESAR RODNEY, DATED CAMP NEAR MOUNT
WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 5, 1776.
SIR : I know you have already sacrificed a large share of
private property to the evil and unthankful. In this you
resemble the Supreme Manager, who makes his sun to shine
on the evil and the good, and, bad as times are, you have
a few friends still of the latter character. And, my dear
sir, who can better afford it ? Providence has blessed you
with a fortune to your prudence inexhaustible, by which
you are enabled to live where you please, and to keep the
first company where you do live, and all this with few draw-
backs upon it. How, then, can you lay out a part of it to
more noble purposes than in serving your country, guarding
her rights and privileges, and forcing wretches to be un-
happy against their will ? In this you will act as an agent
of the sovereign goodness, and cooperate with Heaven to
save a wretched race ; and though you may not effect the
righteous purpose, the testimony of an approving conscience,
the applause of conscious virtue, and the approbation of all
good beings, will more than balance the sacrifice. A thou-
sand things might be urged to the same purpose. But a
word to the wise.
GENERAL HEATH TO CAPTAIN PAIN.
King's Bridge, October 5, 1776.
SIR : Being informed that one Samuel Smith, of Pough-
keepsie, has lately come from Long-Island and gone to that
place, and it is suspected that he may have intentions pre-
judicial to the interest of the States of America ; and being
also informed that your health is such as to render you
unable to do duty in camp at present, would therefore have
you immediately proceed to Poughkeepsie, and, if possible,
apprehend the said Samuel Smith, and convey him here for
examination. You will take care to search his pockets for
inlisting papers. You will also take the advice of the Com-
mittee, and ask their aid if needful.
I am, sir, yours, Sic., W. HEATH.
To Captain Brcnton Pain.
897
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
898
Return of the Officers present and absent of the First Regi-
ment of Foot, in the service of the UNITED AMERICAN
STATES, commanded by Colonel EDWARD HAND ; WEST-
CHESTER, October 5th, 1776.
PRESENT AND FIT FOR DUTY.
Colonel, --- - Edward Hand.
Lieutenant-Colonel, James Chambers.
Major, James Ross.
Captains.
First Lieutenants.
Second Lieutenants.
Third Lieutenants.
Robt. Clugage.
Henry Miller. .
Charles Craig . .
James Grier. . .
John Holliday..
Samuel Craig...
James Matson..
M. McConnell..
Wm. Willson..
Thos. Buchanan
Jasper Ewing. .
Thomas Armor.
John Dick.
Jno. Dougherty.
Wm. Magaw.
Abram Skinner.
David Harris..
Benj. Chambers
William Cross..
Alex'r Wilson.
James Parr. . ..
Mich. Simpson.
Benjamin Bird..
Jas. Holliday-6
Jas. Hamilton-7
James Willson.
Peter Weiser— 7
Fred. Hubley~8
STAFF.
Chaplain, Samuel Blair.
Adjutant, Jasper Ewing.
Quartermaster, Fred. Hubley.
Surgeon, William Magaw.
Mate, ---------- Christian Reinick.
OFFICERS ABSENT AND HOW LONG.
First Lieutenant Archibald Steel, ) Prisoners of war,
Second Lieutenant Francis Nicholas, ) Dec. 31, 1775.
Third Lieutenant David Zeizble, wounded 26th Aug.,
1776.
OFFICERS ON DUTY AND WHAT DUTY.
Captain Matthew Smith, - Recruiting, 1st July, 1776.
VACANT OFFICERS AND BY WHAT MEANS.
Captain James Ross, ------- ) _
Third Lieutenant John Clark, - - - - S
Second Lieutenant Jacob Zank, - - - - i .
Third Lieutenant George Francis, - - - J1
EDWARD HAND, Colonel.
Return of the Field-Officers of the MARYLAND Flying-
Camp, Camp MORRIS'S Heights, October 5, 1776.
'
Fit for
duty.
Sick in
camp.
Sick out of
camp.
Colonels.
Lieut. Colonels.
•
|
"?
Z
Colonels.
Lieut. Colonels.
d
i
:T
--,
Colonels.
Lieut. Colonels.
m
\
a*
2
Absent.
Pnl fharlp* G Griffith -
1
Lieut. Col. Henry Shryock,
-
1
1
Col Jo C Hall - - -
ll
Lieut. Col. William Hide,
1*
1
1
Lieut. Col. John Addison,
-
1
]
Col. William Richardson,
If
|
]
1
3
4
2
-
-
-
1
-
1
REZN. BEALL, Brig. General.
* Had leave to return to Philadelphia till he recovered his health,
•f Has never been in camp.
Return of the Field- Officers, absent and present, of the
Regiment stationed at DE LANCET'S Mills, in WEST-
CHESTER, under the command of Colonel EDWARD HAND
October 5, 1776.
PRESENT AND FIT FOR DUTY.
Continental Regiment: Colonel, Edward Hand; Lieut.
Colonel, James Chambers; Major, James Ross.
Berks County Flying-Camp: Colonel, Henry Hatter.
Lancaster County Flying-Camp : Colonel, James Cun-
ningham.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
ABSENT AND ON WHAT ACCOUNT.
Henry Lutz, prisoner, 26th August, 1776.
William Hay, on furlough in New-Jersey, 27th Sept., 1776.
Edward Burd, prisoner, 26th August, 1776. (Berks
County Flying-Camp.)
Thomas Edwards, on command at Fort Constitution.
(Lancaster County Flying-Camp.)
EDW'D HAND, Colonel First Regiment.
A Return of General FELLOWS'S Brigade, present, and Jit
for duty ; September 14, 1776.
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£
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REGIMENTS.
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12
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322
Smith's
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1725
14
369
Tntal
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2
3J20
1574
.'38
1058
FIELD OFFICERS.
Col. Holman, - - - -
Lieut. Col. Raymond, - -
Maj. Sears, - - - - -
Col. Smith, - - - - -
Lieut. Col. Longly, - -
Maj. Whelock, - - - -
Col. Cary,
Lieut. Col. Richardson,
Maj. Payen, - - - .
> Present, fit for duty.
> Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
- Sick, present.
- Present, fit for duty.
A Return of the Officers of the DELAWAKE Regiment,
October 4, 1776.
PRESENT, FIT FOR DUTY.
Capt.
Capt.
Capt.
Capt.
Capt.
Capt.
Capt.
Lieut.
Lieut.
Lieut.
Lieut.
Lieut.
Lieut.
Stedham,
Caldwell,
Hall,
Darbey,
Pope,
Smith.
Vaughan,
Howell,
Patton,
Kirk wood,
Moore,
Dixon,
Trewett,
Lieut. Popham,
Lieut. McCall,
Lieut. Anderson,
Lieut. Perkins,
Ensign Stevens,
Ensign Hazzard,
Ensign Inquet,
Ensign Wilson,
Ensign Nixion,
Ensign Carty,
Ensign Vaughan,
Lieut, and Adjt. Holland.
Col. Haslet, ----- Sick, absent.
Capt. Adams,
Ensign Course, - - - -
Lieut. Gordon, - - - -
Quartermaster Bale, - - -
Chaplain, Mr. Montgomery,
Lieut. Col. Bedford, )
Maj. McDonough, \
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Sick, present.
Sick, present.
Gone to Philadelphia.
Fit for duty.
A Return of the Field Officers in the PENNSYLVANIA Bat-
talions encamped near Head- Quarters, Oct. 5, 1776.
THIRD PENNSYLVANIA BATTALION.
Col. John Shee, ----- Resigned.
Lieut. Col. Lambert Cadwallader, Present, fit for duty.
Maj. Henry Becker, - - - - Present, fit for duty.
FIFTH PENNSYLVANIA BATTALION.
Col. Robert Magaw, - - - - Present, fit for duty.
Lieut. Colonel Joseph Penrose, gone to Philadelphia, since
29th September, to purchase clothes for the battalion.
Maj. Geo. Nagle, ----- Present, fit for duty,
DELAWARE BATTALION.
Col. John Haslet, sick, beyond King's Bridge.
Lieut. Col. Gunning Bedford, - Present, fit for duty.
Maj. John McDonough, - - - Present, fit for duty.
57
899
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he., OCTOBER, 1776.
900
PENNSYLVANIA RIFLEMEN.
Col. Samuel Mills, taken prisoner at Long-Island.
f Lieut. Col. James Piper, taken at
,,. r> . r Lone-Island.
First Battalion: < ,, . s,-, . w,,-
] Major Lmon Williams, gone on com-
(^ mand to Philadelphia.
j r> .. i- ( Lt. Col. Daniel Brodhead, sick, present.
Second Batta ion : < ., • e. V i .
£ Maj. Patton, present, fit lor duty.
PENNSYLVANIA MUSKET BATTALION.
Col. Samuel John Atlee, taken prisoner at Long-Island.
Lieut. Col. Parry, killed, at Long-Island.
Maj. James Potts, resigned at Philadelphia.
ROBERT MAOAW,
Col. 5th Penn. Batt'n, eldest officer.
Return of Officers fit for duty in Colonel MARTIN'S Regi-
ment, made the 5th day of October, A. D. 1776.
Captain, -------- John Seward.
First Lieutenant, - - -v - - - John Martin.
Ensign, -------- John Welling.
Captain, -------- Robert Gaston.
Ensign, -------- Topher Carn.
Captain, -------- Nathan Luse.
Second Lieutenant, ----- George Hager.
Ensign, -------- Joseph King.
Captain, -------- Abraham Skinner.
First Lieutenant, ------ Jacob Rosecrans.
Second Lieutenant, ----- Aaron Westbrook.
Ensign, -------- Safrine Westbrook.
Ensign John Miller, of Captain Bates's Company.
First Lieutenant John Piper, of Captain Seely's Company.
First Lieutenant Cyrus Beckworth, of Captain Bond's do.
Ensign Schooly, of Captain Bond's do.
Colonel Ejjhraim Martin, wounded, on Long-Island, went
home, and is not got well yet.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Monson, taken sick at Fort Wash-
ington, went home sick, and, by accounts, suppose him
to be yet sick.
Major Cornelius Ludlow, went home sick from New-York,
soon after our retreat from Long-Island, and have
heard that he has had a severe fit of sickness, but get-
ting better.
Captain Sylvanus Seely, went home on furlough thirteen
days ago, to get clothes for his men present, and to look
up those who were absent. His furlough supposed to
be out, and, by accounts from him, expect him in this
day.
Captain David Bates, went away day before yesterday, to
get winter clothes for his men present and look up
those absent; is expected in camp again on Tuesday
next.
Captain William Bond, sick, in camp.
Captain Abraham McKinney, sick, in camp.
Enos Goble, Second Lieutenant in Captain Seward's Com-
pany, went away sick from New- York about a month
ago, and have heard that he has got better, and expect
him in camp again very soon.
Joseph Luse, Second Lieutenant in Captain Gaston' s. Com-
pany, went away unwell on Thursday last.
Daniel Gard, First Lieutenant in Captain Bates's Com-
pany, went home sick from Ne.w-York soon after our
retreat from Long-Island, and from accounts from him,
hear that he is not got well yet.
Joseph Harker, Second Lieutenant in Captain Bates's
Company, went away two days ago, but know not by
what leave, but expect him back very soon.
William Corwin, First Lieutenant in Captain Luse's Com-
pany, went home sick about three weeks ago, and have
heard that he remained sick.
John Harker, Second Lieutenant in Captain Bond's Com-
pany, left the regiment about the middle of August,
very sick, and, by accounts from him, he remains yet
sick.
Richard Atten, Second Lieutenant of Captain McKenney's
Company, went away with the sick (being very sick
himself) from New- York soon after the retreat from
Long-Island, and, by accounts, he remains yet very
sick.
Robert Beavens, First Lieutenant of Captain McKinney's
Company, went away sick about ten days ago, and, by
accounts, hear that he is siek yet.
William Carr, Ensign of Captain McKinney's Company,
went away about ten days ago, after clothes for the
company. Not yet returned.
Bethnell Farrand, Second Lieutenant of Captain Seely's
Company, went away unwell about ten days ago; not
heard of since.
John Roberts, Ensign of Captain Seely's Company, went
away as an assistant to some sick about nine days ago.
Expected in on Monday next.
The Rev. Mr. Chapman, Chaplain, from Newark Moun-
tains, in Essex County, has been unwell some time,
and has not been with us but very little. We have
received word from him that when we let him know
that we have good accommodations for him he will
come. We have sent him no such word yet.
Joseph King, Adjutant, present, fit for duty.
Joseph Sproul, Quartermaster, present, fit for duty.
Jonathan Norton, Surgeon, present, fit for duty.
Guston, Surgeon's Mate, present, fit for duty.
The above is a true and just return of the officers in
Colonel Martin's Regiment, made the 5th of October,
1776.
JOHN SEWARD, Captain Commandant.
A Return of the Officers of Colonel RICHARDSON'S Regi-
ment, October 5th, 1776.
Colonel, ----- William Richardson, not joined.
Lieut. Colonel, - - - Wheatley, > -,-,. r , .
i\i • IT 1 1 > r it for duty.
Major, ----- Hopewell, 5
Captain Isaac Perkins, sick.
Captain Thomas Smyth, on G. Court Martial.
Captain John Dames, on picket.
Captain John Dean, on picket.
Captain Philip Phiddeman.
Captain Joshua George, on G. Court Martial.
Captain Walter Alexander.
Captain Thomas Bourk, on G. Court Martial.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Jesse Cosden,
Nathaniel Rinnard,
Samuel William Thomas,
John Neville,
John Reynolds, (sick,)
John Stockton, (sick,)
Harrnan Arrants,
John Lynch.
ENSIGNS.
Thomas Mason,
Richard Bird,
George Hamilton, (sick,)
A 3d Lt. J. Woodford Gray.
TOTAL NUMBER OF OFFICERS JOINED.
1 Lieutenant-Colonel, 1 Major, 8 Captains, 16 Lieuten-
ants, 1 Ensign, 1 Adjutant, 1 Quartermaster, 1 Surgeon, 1
Mate.
OF WHICH ARE SICK,
1 Captain, 5 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign.
ROBERT CAMPBELL, Adjutant.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
Abram Falconer,
Thomas Lane Emory,
John Hawkins, (sick,)
Henry Downes,
William Veazey,
Andrew Porter,
Brisket Talcon, (sick.)
James Henry,
Josiah Johnston,
John Jackson,
Samuel Earl,
A list of the Officers belonging to Colonel PHILLIPS'S Bat-
talion of JERSEY levies in General HEARD'S Brigade.
OFFICERS PRESENT FIT FOR DUTY.
Joseph Phillips, - - - Colonel.
- - - Lieutenant-Colonel.
Platt Bayler, - - - - Major.
Captain Joel Houghton. Captain Jno. Anderson.
Captain B. Vancleve. Captain Jos. Badcock.
Captain Jer. Dunn.
Lieut. Jno. Clifford. Lieut. Anderson.
Lieut. Holcomb. Lieut. Low.
Lieut. Taylor. Lieut. Lane.
Ensign Jos. Clunn. Ensign Hallet.
901
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
902
OFFICERS SICK IN CAMP, AS WELL AS THOSE THAT ARE
ABSENT, NOT SICK.
Captain D. Frazer, gone to procure winter clothes for his
company.
Lieutenant N. Hunt, absent with leave.
Lieutenant Wikoff, sick in camp.
Lieutenant Pyatt, absent without leave.
Jos. PHILLIPS, Colonel.
Camp at Mount Washington, October 5, 1776.
Duty return of General WADSWORTH'S Brigade.
REGIMENTS.
Colonels.
Lieut. Colonels.
trj
C
j?
K
|
U
73
_£
IB
£
B
&
0
cc
Corporals.
09
5
M
£
3
Q
EC
•
~a
Colonel Silliman, - -
1
1
1
3
2
2
4
1
8
10
12
11
13
7
18
10
15
15
14
12
17
14
13
11
11
10
12
105
144
127
197
155
Colonel Sage, - - - -
1
1
1
1
I
2
Colonel Douglass, - - -
1
Total,
3
4
12
54
57
72
57
728
A Return of the names of the Officers in the Twenty-
seventh Regiment, commanded by Colonel ISRAEL HUTCH-
1NSON.
Capt. Ezra Newhall, on command, purchasing clothes for
the regiment.
Capt. Benjamin Kimball, sick, present.
Capt. Enoch Putnam.
Capt. Nathan Brown.
Capt. Addison Ritcheson.
Capt. John Law.
Capt. John Baker, on command on board the galley.
Capt. Billey Porter.
First Lieut. Job W hippie.
First Lieut. Ephraim Emerton.
First Lieut. Nath'l Cleves, on command on board galley.
First Lieut. Archelaus Batcheldor.
First Lieut. Thomas Downing.
First Lieut. Hatfield White, Adjutant.
First Lieut. John Peirce.
First Lieut. Richard Cox, left sick at Salem when the regi-
ment marched, and remains sick.
Second Lieut. Benjamin Gardner.
Second Lieut. Frederick Breed.
Second Lieut. Samuel Cutter, on command, purchasing
clothes for the regiment.
Second Lieut. David Poore.
Second Lieut. Joseph Herrick.
Second Lieut. Thomas White.
Second Lieut. Joseph Killam.
Second Lieut. Jonathan Trask, on furlough, given by
General Heath.
Ensign John Wats.
Ensign Elisha Hutchinson.
Ensign John Tucker.
Ensign Gibson Clough.
Ensign Jeremiah Putnam, on command on board the galley.
Ensign Leuck Roundy.
Ensign Ezekiel Cooper.
Ensign Eliphalet Perley.
A true Return of the above Regiment:
ISRAEL HUTCHINSON, Colonel.
Mount Washington, October 5, 1776.
Col. Hutchinson, ------ ^
Lieut. Col. Holden, - ----- > Fit for duty.
Major Putnam, ------- )
FIELD OFFICERS FIT FOR DUTY.
Colonels Silliman, Sage, and Douglass.
Lieutenant-Colonels Chandler, Russell, Lattimer, and Ar-
nold.
Majors Meade and Buell.
A Return of Field Officers, First VIRGINIA Regiment.
Colonel Isaac Read, present fit for duty.
Lieutenant-Colonel Eppes, sick in Virginia.
Major Green, present, fit for duty.
October 5, 1776.
A list of the Field Officers in General HEARD'S Brigade,
jit and unfit for duty.
PRESENT FIT FOR DUTY.
Col. Van Cortlandt. Major Day.
Lieut. Col. Brearley.
Col. Newcomb. Major Howell.
Lieut. Col. Reed.
Major Parker, of Colonel Forman's Battalion.
Col. Phillips. Major Bayles.
ABSENT.
Col. Martin, Wounded.
Lieut. Col. Munson, ------ Sick;
Major Ludlow, ------- Sick.
Col. Forman, ------ •)
Lieut. Col. Henderson, - - - - j Without leave.
PHILIP V. CORTLANDT, Colonel.
Camp at Mount Washington, October 5, 1776.
A list of the names of the Field Officers in General
FELLOWS'S Brigade, October 5, 1776.
Col. Holman, - - - - ) 0. .
Lieut. Col. Raymond, - - \ Slck> Present'
Major Sears, ------ Present, fit for duty.
Col. Cary, ^
Lieut. Col. Richardson, - > Present, fit for duty.
Major Payne, - - - - )
Col. Smith, ------ Sick, absent by leare.
Lieut. Col. Lonely, - - - > .,
Major Wheelock, - - - J Present, fit for duty.
JOHN FELLOWS, Brigadier-General.
A Return of the names of the Officers in the late Colonel
GAY'S Regiment, whether present or absent, with or with-
out leave.
Dead.
Missing.
Present, sick.
Present, fit for duty.
On furlough.
On command.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, sick.
Absent, sick, without leave.
Colonel Fisher Gay, - -
Lieut. Colonel Hart, - -
Major Edward Mott, - -
1st Captain Gad. Stanley, -
First Lieut. Ambers Stoler,
Second Lieut. John Allyn, -
Ensign Titus Bunnel, - -
2d Captain Jonah Gillett, -
First Lieut. David Phelps, -
Second Lieut. Phens. Drake, Present, sick.
Ensign Wing, ... - Absent, sick, with leave.
3d Captain Edward Roger, Present, sick.
First Lieut. Nath. Hamlin, - Absent, sick, without leave.
Second Lieut. Hezk. Andruss, Present, fit for duty.
Ensign Joel Hinman, - - Present, fit for duty.
4th Captain Abraham Bradley, Absent, on command.
First Lieut. Tilley Blakesley, Present, sick.
Second Lieut. Thomas Catling, Missing on the 15th of Sep-
tember last.
Ensign James Morris, - - Present, fit for duty.
5th Captain Stephen Goodwin, Present, fit for duty.
First Lieut. Timo. Gaylard, Missing on the 15th of Sep-
Second Lieut. Scovel, - -
Ensign Wright, - -
tember last.
Present, fit for duty.
On furlough.
. O
6th Captain Simeon Walcott, Present, sick.
First Lieut. Charter, - - Present, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. Hezk. Welles, Present, fit for duty.
Ensign Eaton,
7th Captain Saml. Wells, -
First Lieut. Thos. Hollister,
Second Lieut. Buell, - -
Present, fit for duty.
Missing on the 15th of Sep-
tember last.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, sick.
903
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
904
Ensign PhelpS1, - - - - On furlough.
8th Captain Amos Wilson, Discharged.
First Lieut. Rockwell, - - Absent, sick, with leave.
Second Lieut. Abner Wilson, Absent, sick, without leave.
Ensign Goodwin,
Rev. Stoers,
Adjutant John Allyn, - -
Quartermaster Elijah Lewis,
Surgeon Conant, - - - -
Mate William Richards,
Present, fit for duty.
On furlough.
Present.
Present.
Present, sick.
Absent, with the sick.
A list of the names of the Officers in Colonel SAGE'S Regi-
ment m camp,
Captain James Clark, sick. Captain Hezekiah Parsons.
Lieut. David Patten.
Ensign Ichabocl Bozworth.
Captain John Dixson, sick.
Lieut. Abraham Shepherd,
EDWARD MOTT, Major Commandant.
Harlem, October 5, 1776.
Return of Officers in Colonel EWING'S Battalion of
MARYLAND forces, raised for the Flying- Camp, Octo-
ber 5, 1776.
Names
Pit for duty or
otherwise.
Where sick.
Colonel E\ving, - - -
Sick.
In carnp.
Lieut. -Colonel Addison,
Fit for duty.
Major Edin, - - - -
Fit for duty.
Captain Posey, - - -
Sick.
In Hospital.
First Lieuts. Forest, - -
Fit for duty.
Young, -
Sick.
At Hackinsack.
Tillard, -
Fit for duty.
Lowe, - -
Sick.
In Hospital.
Hanson,
Fit for duty.
Magruder, -
Fit for duty.
Bowie, - -
Sick.
In camp.
Second Lts. Bowman, -
Fit for duty.
Wm. Bond,
Fit for duty.
Bond, - -
Fit for duty.
Chew, - -
Fit for duty.
Burgess,
Fit for duty.
Dent, - -
Fit for duty.
Bowie, - -
Fit for duty.
Brooks,
Fit for duty.
Forbes,
Sick.
In Hospital.
Tabbs, - -
Fit for duty.
Smith, - -
Fit for duty.
Belt, - -
Fit for duty.
Duval, - -
Fit for duty.
Jones, - -
Sick.
In camp.
Con tee,
Fit for duty.
Beall, - -
Fit for duty.
Ensigns Fooke, - - -
Fit for duty.
Mattingly, - -
On command.
Tool, - - -
Fit for duty.
Kiltee, - - -
Fit for duty.
Claggett, - -
Fit for duty.
Adams, - - -
Fit for duty.
Trueman, - -
Fit for duty.
Beans, - - -
Fit for duty.
Adjutant Powell, - -
Fit for duty.
Quartermaster Tool,
Fit for duty.
Surgeon Dorsey, - -
Fit for duty.
Assistant Welch, - -
Fit for duty.
JOHN ADDISON, Lieut. Colonel.
Return of the absent Officers in the Tenth Regiment, with
have, without leave, and of those who outstaid their
time, October 5, 1776.
With leave.
Capt. Abraham Waterhouse,
•Capt. Ebenezer Brewster, -
Lieut. Oliver Badcock, - -
Lieut. Richard Hewit, - -
Lieut. Daniel Collins, - -
On what account.
- Sick, absent.
- Providing for the sick.
- With the Rangers.
- Sick, absent.
- Providing for the sick.
C On command at Dobb's
£ Ferry.
- Sick, absent.
- Sick, absent.
Ensign Daniel Billings,
Ensign David Dorrance, -
Ensign Benjamin Haskell, -
OUTSTAID THEIR TIME.
Lieut. Stephen Keys, sixty days; on account of sickness.
Ensign Nathaniel Pendleton, fifty days; reason unknown,
but I supposed to be preferred in another regiment.
None absent without leave.
SAM'L PRENTICE, Lieut. Colonel.
Lieut. Joseph Booth.
Ensign Josiah Blakslee.
Lieut. Wm. Edmunds, sick.
Ensign John Chamberlain.
Lieut. Nathaniel West.
Captain Jonathan Birge.
Lieut. Edward Pain.
Lieut. Josiah Robbins, sick. Ensign Sylvanus Perry.
Lieut. Ichabod Hinkley. Ensign Joseph Rider.
Lieut. Timothy Holt, sick.
Captain Edward Eells. Lieut. Jacob Whitmore.
Ensign Oliver Hubbard. Lieut. Timothy Clark.
Officers absent in Colonel SAGE'S Regiment.
Lieut. Ebenezer West, sick.
Lieut. Josiah Converse, without leave.
Ensign George Hubbard, sick.
Lieut. Jonathan Buck, dead or taken.
Captain Parker, gone for clothes for the regiment.
Lieut. David Smith, sick.
Lieut. Ebenezer Phelps, without leave.
Captain Joseph Churchill, sick.
Ensign Titus Carrior, sick.
One Captain dead.
COMFORT SAGE, Colonel.
October 5, 1776.
Return of Officers in Colonel SILLIMAN'S Regiment.
First Company. Fifth Company.
Capt. Benjamin, sick, absent. Captain Brown,
Lieut. Thompson, sick, absent. Lieut. Webb,
Lieut. Lacy, Lieut. Weed,
Ensign Odell, sick, absent. Ens. Waterbury, sick, present.
Second Company. Sixth Company.
Captain Read, sick, absent. Capt. Northrop, sick, absent.
Lieut. Hendrick, Lieut. Belts, sick, absent.
Lieut. Banks, Lieut. St. John, sick, present.
Ensign Silliman, discharged. Ensign Olmsted.
Third Company. Seventh Company. .
Captain Hobbes, Captain Bostwick,
Lieut. Penfield, sick, absent. Lieut. Deforest, sick, present.
Lieut. Abbot, on command. Lieut. Ruggles,
Ensign Hecock.
Fourth Company.
Captain Mead, dead.
Lieut. Engorson,
Lieut. Waring,
Ensign Hobby.
Ensign Canfield, sick, present.
Eighth Company.
Captain Hurd, sick, absent.
Lieut. Brace, discharged.
Lieut. Judson,
Ensign Clark, sick, present.
Chaplain, - - - -
Adjutant, Comstock.
Quartermaster, Lacy.
STAFF OFFICERS.
- On furlough.
A return of the Officers that are absent in Colonel JONA-
THAN SMITH'S Regiment.
Captain Jonathan Houghton,|sick oyer Kj ,g Brjd
Captain aamueJ aawyer, j
Captain Aaron Rowley, 1
First Lieut. Ebenezer Bennet, V-Sick on the Jersey side.
Ensign John Stocking, j
First Lieut. Ebenezer Cook,
First Lieut. Salmon Godfrey,
Second Lieut. Benjamin Wilson,
Second Lieut. Ebenezer Newell,
First Lieut. Ebenezer Colburn,
Ensign Elijah Browner,
First Mate Jones Prescott,
Captain Oliver Root, at Horse-Neck, taking care of the
sick
First Lieut. Ebenezer Inglesbee, ) Gone into the country
Second Lieut. George Sloan, ^ after clothing.
ROBERT LONGLEY, Lieutenant- Colonel.
October 4, 1776.
Sick at the Bridge.
905
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
906
Surgeon Coggshal, - - - Sick, absent.
Surgeon's Mate, Rogers, - - Sick, absent.
G. SELLECK SILLIMAN, Colonel.
October 5, 1776.
A Return of the Commissioned Officers in the Twenty-
first Regiment, who are absent, and the cause of their
absence.
Captain Dana and Lieutenant Thomas on command at
Bergen.
Captain-Lieutenant Seward, Lieutenants Sutton and Mackin
on command at Fort Montgomery.
Captain-Lieutenant Allen, Lieutenants Price, Burbeck,
Symonds, and Parker on command in General Greene's
Division. HENRY KNOX, Colonel, Artillery.
Names.
Rank.
Reason of Absence.
Benja. Tupper,
Lieut. Col.,
On command.
Wm. King, - -
Captain,
Sick, absent.
Jos. Benson,
1st Lieut.,
Sick, absent.
Jacob Pope,
2d Lieut.,
With the Rangers.
Earl Clapp,
Captain,
On command.
John Stustevent,
1st Lieut.,
On command.
George Dunham,
2d Lieut.,
On command.
Samuel Eldred,
Ensign,
On command.
Samuel Bartlett,
Captain,
Purchasing clothes for
the regiment.
Ephraim Burr, -
Captain,
On command.
Obah. Mann
2d Lieut.,
S.
El. Cleavland,
Chaplain,
On furlough.
Elihu Wright, -
Surgeon,
Sick, absent.
Per order of Colonel /. Ward :
West-Chester, October 5, 1776.
J. HART, Adjutant.
A List of the Officers' names absent, belonging to Colonel
WILLIAM DOUGLASS'S Regiment.
Captain Russell,
Captain Lewis, -
Captain Bracket,
Captain Bunnet,
- With the baggage belonging to the
regiment above King's Bridge.
- Sick at Horseneck.
- Sick at Stamford.
- At Horseneck to provide necessa-
ries for the sick.
First Lieutenant Potter, Sick at Horseneck.
Second Lieut. Dickerman, Sick at Horseneck.
Second Lieut. Gilbert, - Sick at Horseneck.
Second Lieut. Hull, - Sick at Horseneck.
Ensign Shaylor, - - With the boats against Mount
Washington.
Ensign White, - - - With the boats at King's Bridge.
Ensign Mix, - - - - Sick at Horseneck.
Ensign Scovil, - - - Sick at Horseneck.
October 5, 1776.
Company in the Regiment of Artillery in the service of the
UNITED STATES, commanded by HENRY KNOX, Esq.
Colonel, - Knox.
Lieutenant-Colonel, ------- Mason.
t Captains.
Capt. Lieuts.
First Lieuts.
Second Lieuts.
Crafts
Burbeck. .
Oana
Morton...
'erkins...
Bawman.'
Hamilton.
Treadwell
Symonds.. . .
Pachard
Dane
Machin.
Blake.
Thomas.
Parker.
Pierce.
Carnes.
Freeman.
Reed.
Thompson .
Howard.
Fenno.
Geno.
Sutton.
Rumsey
King
Niles
Aiie'n.'."!!!!
Briant
Treat
Lillie
Loring
Moore
Wool
Fleming
Gilliland
Swartswout. ...
Randall
Briant
Chaplain, - •
Adjutant, - •
Quartermaster,
Surgeon, - •
Mate, - - •
- - - - Leonard.
- - - - Shaw.
.... Treat.
- - - - (Vacant.)
- - - Van Waggener.
Sick, present : Captains Newell and Drury, First Lieuten-
ant Slewman, Ensign Steel.
Sick, absent, wounded : Major Crane, Captain Pierce, First
Lieutenant Stevens.
Sick, absent without leave : Captain Foster, Captain-Lieu-
tenant Crane.
Captain Crafts, Captain-Lieutenants Treadwell and Bry-
ant, Lieutenants Dane and Fleming, on command on the
Heights beyond King's Bridge.
A Return of the Officers of the First VIRGINIA Regiment,
whereof JAMES READ, Esq., is Commandant, October 5,
1776.
Captains, pre-
sent, fitforduty.
Lieutenants, present, fit for duty.
Ensigns, present,
fit for duty.
Yates.
Ballard
Smith
Taylor
Gulp, Kirkpatrick, and Moody....
Woodson, duartermaster
Berwick.
Thompson.
Sick, present : Captain Fleming, Lieutenant Pelham, En-
sign Shannon.
On command : Captain Gibson, Lieutenants Eustace and
Lynn, Ensigns Lawson, Payne, and Blackvvell.
Absent, sick : Captains Davis, Nelson, and Croghan, Lieu-
tenants Garland, Boyakin, Cummings, and Higgins.
Absent without leave : Captain Campbell, Lieutenants Wil-
son, Godwin, Trigg, and Clayton, Ensign Lambert.
Return of Officers in Col. SAMUEL DRAKE'S Regiment, fit
and unfit for duty, October 5, 1776.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hulbert, absent, without leave.
Captain David Pearson, present, fit for duty.
First Lieut. Stephen Howell, on command, after clothing
for the men.
Second Lieut. Thomas Baker, sick, absent, without leave.
Captain Johannes Blauvelt, sick, absent, on furlough.
First Lieut. James Rumsey, on command, after clothing for
the men.
Second Lieut. Walter Cure, on command, at work on Col-
onel Drake's house.
Captain Josawah Rogers, on command, after clothing for
his men.
First Lieut. William Clark, sick, absent.
Second Lieut. Philips, present, fit for duty.
Captain John R. Thomas, sick, absent by leave of the
Doctor.
First Lieut. Zephaniah Mills, present, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. David Dutcher, present, fit for duty.
Captain John Hyatt, present, fit for duty.
First Lieut. John Drake, present, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. Smith Hiddie, sick, absent by leave of the
Doctor.
Captain Seth Marvin, sick, present.
First Lieut. Abraham Hanford, present, fit for duty.
Second Lieut. William Bradley, deserted.
Captain Gilbert, on command, overseeing the sick at Dobb's
Ferry.
First Lieut. Sybert Acker, present, fit for duty.
Captain Jonathan Bailey, after clothing for the men.
First Lieut. David Horton, sick, present.
Second Lieut. Benjamin King, sick, absent by leave of the
Doctor.
Captain John Jackson, sick, absent by leave of the Doctor.
First Lieut. Hutchins, after clothing.
Second Lieut. George Vance, present, fit for duty.
Captain Henry Hawson, present, fit for duty.
First Lieut. Noah Doutten, sick, present.
Second Lieut. Ephrairn Lockwood, present, fit for duty.
James Cock, Adjutant, present, fit for duty.
Thomas Stillwell, present, fit for duty.
The Doctor and Mate, fit for duty.
Seven Sergeants, sick, absent.
Five Sergeants, sick, present.
Nine Sergeants upon command.
One Sergeant upon furlough.
SAML. DRAKE, Colonel.
907
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
908
Weekly Return of the Regiments of Horse and Foot in the service of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, under the
immediate command of His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-in- Chief, fyc., fyc,,
HARLEM HEIGHTS, October 5, 1776.
REGIMENTS.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
BANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Mtcnitimis
since
last Retvrn.
Commissioned.
Staff.
JVbn-
Com'ed.
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General Parsons' s Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
5
i
2
5
J6
4
5
2
5
4
(i
5
4
7
3
4
2
5
S
l
l
1
1
1
1
1
i
i
i
i
i
1
1
1
-
1
1
18
19
15
23
18
15
11
B
!»
B
193
243
97
171
189
52
62
47
24
27
71
91
87
80
140
73
149
95
209
149
5
2
389
550
328
486
SOB
14
2
1
2
3
1
251
85
312
154
135
i
1
1
1
1
1
Total
5
1
:i
22
26
19
2h
5l 3
-
•2
93
52
893
212
469| 675
7
2258
16
7
937
3
3
4
General Clinton's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
6
6
7
8
5
7
7
(i
7
5
7
9
4
5
-
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
l
i
l
i
i
1
26
21
26
21
19
15
15
U
13
U
246
135
201
208
271
32
31
12
5
9
4
9
19
50
45
25
2
1
9
2
11
311
226
334
285
377
1
1
2
1
3
99
145
141
72
101
-
-
-
39
1
80
71
61
Total
5
4
5
33 32
30
.
.
5
5
5
1
113
69
1061
275
39 139 25
1533
al e
558 -
-
.
40
Commandant Hands's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
7
4
3
8
7
1
7
8
5
3
8
l
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
25
27
23
15
10
7
259
318
375
46
16
57
20
2
1
30
4
6
2
19
354
338
430
i
3
4
366
119
U
1
1
1
1
1
Colonel Haller's
Total
3 1
1
14
24 22
31
2
-
2' 2
75
32
945
119
23
34
27
1122
7
7
485
4.
2
1
C
Commandant Sargent's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
6
7
13
4
6
3
5
1
7
i
J
1
1
-
1
16
23
U
14
250
241
65
125
91
7
97
57
^
503
430
1
1
-
137
an
-
.
2
Total
2
1
2
HI
8' 13l 1
1
2 -
ill
39
2<
491
190
98
154
.
933
al -
348
i
-
2
General Scott's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
8
c
10
t
7
8
10
5
6
8
10
5
9S
-
.'
1
]
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
22
23
29
15
g
:
s
6
aj
154
151
153
142
34
7f
4.
Ic
4
15S
i
22
12
44
16
15
1
16
4
26
238
177
447
225
l
t
i
11
15
11
4
41
432
493
223
110
r
1!
-
1
B
1
Total
j
4
2
31
30
i
i
4
a
89
600
16C
18'
94
1087
17
1258
-
9
e
General ,A*ixon*s Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
C
(
3
e
6
7
5
4
6
5
6
5
3
6
7
1
5
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
i
i
22
26
16
26
19
11
11
13
14
10
253
224
187
273
196
76
113
17
7
4
13
2
71
42
64
106
147
417
386
363
454
507
1
1
1
223
254
277
186
133
-
1
4
1
4
1
i
i
108
62
162
Total
*
5 5| 26
28l 25 30
.
4 4
e
3 169
59 11331 521
43
430
-
2127
1
2
1073
-
U)
1
a
General McDougaWs Brigade.
Colonel Webb's
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
6
5
3
4
7
4
6
8
3
5
1
10
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
i
i
1
2
16
9
18
34
C
10
10
15
185
153
96
3(
40
67
57
191
210
78
72
71
2
6
533
331
386
836
11
1
HI
5
3
12
106
309
254
320
12
3
1
1
13
3
5
27
19
5
217
322
190
Total
1
1
9
12
U
18
19
234
1
3
3
77
41
867
350
355
431
8\ 2086
22 23
989
U
521
51
General Beatl's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
9
4
"i
9
8
11
7
9
6
11
6
9
7
6
7
-
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
36
30
34
37
1C
9
13
13
441
300
393
431
199
213
180
110
5
21
48
4
3
644
542
625
483
2
2
2
7
3
12
76
108
26
-
2
-
1
f
Colonel Hall's
Total
2
3
4
27
35
32
29
-
4
.
4
137
51
1565
712J 74
4
a
2334
200
-
2
-
Commandant Glover's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
6
5
5
4
4
6
6
3
4
7
8
6
7
6
6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
32
30
20
25
14
16
15
12
204
102
136
30
122
6
8
8
34
200
126
141
74
i
513
496
360
464
c
2
1
127
144
280
176
-
2
4
1
1
1
]
L
226
179
234
Colonel Baldwin 'a
Total
3
2
3
20
20
22
25
2
4
4
.
4
3
107
57
843
390| 56
541
i
1833
c
3
727J -
7
General Heard's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
8
7
1
6
6 4
8 8
7 7
6 4
4 4
4
8
7
8
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
22
32
28
13
22
4
8
6
10
5
195
198
253
190
159
46
37
53
32
24
20
150
23
119
5
4
3
17
14
4
6
2
269
385
332
364
204
2
2
5
8
8
8
4
8
164
190
172
213
303
11
6
1
2
-
10
e
m
Total
4
3
5
38
31 1 27
28
3
5
5
^
5 4 117
33
995
192
.3171 38
19
1554
9
36' 1038
17
*
-
15
General Wadswortk's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
6
7
8
3
8
3
7
8
6
7
8
38
8
7
6
6
5
8
7
8
8
8
5
8
1
1
1;
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
32
30
31
31
32
32
15
15
14
14
17
15
152
189
162
240
201
423
83
63
194
73
62
80
105
137
155
107
120
40
49
40
62
73
93
27
2
389
431
494
476
476
570
2
1
1
1
1
1
275
233
170
188
188
68
3
1
1
1
2
2
a
1
1
1
1
1
4
Total
4
5
5
35
40 44
4 6 5
-
4 4
188 90
1367
555
664
344
2
2836
3
5
1122
5
7
1
General MiJJlin's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
4
5
6
7
3
4
6
4
5
6
3
4
3
6
7
5
a
4
7
5
6
7
S
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
23
19
20
22
10
14
7
14
9
1!)
a
3
3
3
202
276
270
385
95
152
78
72
85
57
6
44
52
15
10
107
120
149
33
30
38
224
6
13
29
4
21
9
1
4
1
2
508
475
464
569
177
255
142
7
8
5
20:
1
6
6
1
8
7
12
31
165
176
71
303
225
198
-
1
4
1
2,
1
1
6
2d do. do
Total
a
5
29
28
28
33l 2
7
7
5
4! 115 54
14581 33l| 487) 306] 8
2590
41
1569 - 6 2
8
909
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
910
RETURN. — Continued.
OFFICERS PRESENT. '
HANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
last Return.
Commissioned.
Staff.
JVon-
Com'ed
•
REGIMENTS.
£ 6
<u
J5 s
o • —
0 J
•
|l
•^^ £_
S o
First Lieutenants.
Second Lieut'nts.
I
Hi
Q
S
I
5.
2
S
~
3
-— i
j
Quartermasters.
Paymasters.
burgeons.
|
rgeants.
CO
a
•o
c
2
a
IH
Jjf.
ck, present.
c
"
On command.
i
_0
1
O
i
Sergeants.
K
a
S
1
Rank and File.
Inlisted.
:i,
-
I
"o
•
5
Deserted.
03
Q
h
O2
OJ
General Fellows's Brigade.
i i
i K
l i
i 7
) 10
i 8
8
9
8
8
6
S
1
1
i
i
i
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
32
36
32
15
18
M
286
274
327
148
144
90
70
75
74
85
64
48
-
589
557
539
4
2
169
-
i
i
1
1
1
1
Colonel Smith 's 1 1
Total 3 3
3!26 25
25
22
a| al 3) -
3
3J 100
49 886
382
219
197
.
1685
4
2
169
-
in
3
1 7 7
5
5
-
i
1
-
1
-
27
6
125
20
1
12
-
158
-
-
-
1
-
4
-
Total of the Brigades 41 36
46317J349
337
27520
;->.r>
55
4
4536
1373
548
13.239J4409
3032
3389
1924,
106
107
185
11,073101
47
46
138
Colonel Weedon 's 1 1
1 K
1 7
- 8
9
9
7
10
7
8
10
9
(i
1
1
]
1
1
.1
1
-
1
1
1
1
1
40
39
31
30
Hi
12
15
364
280
262
14'2
64
123
53
101
23
43
'17
133
6
2
603
483
543
2
4
1
77
121
3
1
1
'i
2
1
1
Total 4439
483423743521
11 HI
J1
5858
4
18
1473 691 14,145 4738!3209 3982 127 25,
735109
19011,271
104
4!)
4!)
142
Jos. REED, Adjutant General.
Return of
the Regiment of Artillery, commanded by HENRY KNOX, Esq.
DISTRIBUTION.
Colonel.
Lieut. Colonel.
jj
c?
i
,O
Capt. Lieut'nts.
First Lieut'nts.
Second Lieuts.
Chaplain.
Adjutant.
Quartermaster.
I
to
&
V
Sergeants.
Corporals.
Bombardiers.
Gunners.
Dtums & Fifes.
Matrosses.
i
o
H
1
1
1
5
2
2
2
7
1
4
5
1
1
3
15
1
9
1
1
1
-
1
25
2
7
21
2
3
19
40
1
7
1C
33
7
10
17
14
1
7
171
17
33
69
3
341
33
59
144
3
Total
1
1
1
11
12
10 25
1
1
1
.
1
34
35
64
67
22
293
580
Return of two Brigades of Militia from CONNECTICUT and RHODE-ISLAND, commanded by Brigadier-General SAL-
TONSTALL and Colonel LIPPET.
'
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wantin
to
compleU
g- Alterations
since
. lastReturn.
Commissioned.
Staff. (
Non-
lom'd
Colonels.
Lieut. Colonels.
1
ST
z
6
First Lieutenants.
Second Lieut nts.
Ensigns.
Chaplains.
c
a
3
£
1
5
OJ
C
g
t-
S
Sergeants.
Drums and Fifes.
Present, fit for
duty.
I
1
B
c
m
c
•
w
i
W
On command.
f
_0
,3
§
1
c
H
Sergeants.
•J.
•^
T3
ff
* 0
09 ^
| \
Inlisted.
|
a
Discharged.
Deserted.
General Saltonstall's Brigade.
1
1
1
i
9
11
9
9
9
8
g
9
- 4
- 7
4 7
- 8
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
i
i
1
1
32
.40
31
371
9 144
7 15S
3 218
5 11J
24
21
(
38
1
2'
17
S
! 2f
2
190
179
'63
193
H
19
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
H
-
Total
i
2
3
3*
35
426
1
4
4
A
1
1403
9 631
88
:K
2825
19
Colonel Commandant Lippet's Brigade.
1
1
1
1
1
1
i—
I
6
- 10
1 7
- 2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
442
371
29
1 34
4 15'
8 14.
114
>1(
!24
4
4
2
J 5!
1 3'
1 4'
1
3
453
253
4
31:
)7 -
-
-
-
Total
1
2i 323
21
119 2
a
3
J
-
1104
3 63
35411
313!
4
J49
4
31:
)7 -
-
-
-
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General.
N. B. General Lincoln's Militia from Massachusetts, computed at four thousand, so scattered and ignorant of the forms of returns, that none
can be got. The magapjnes ofprovisions being formed along the Sound, and among people of an inimical disposition, it is absolutely necessary
they should be well guarded. Two Regiments of New-Hampshire Militia on command — one at the White-Plains, the other at the Fishkills,
under the like circumstances.
The moving state of the Army has prevented returns being made since the above date. J. REED.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 5, 1776.
DF.AR SIR: I have not yet had a line from Congress, nor
are any of the military or other stores so long since sent for
yet arrived.
A letter which I yesterday received from a friend advises
me that the Committee appointed to inquire into the causes
in Canada, were to report on Monday last. It seems hard
that such an inquiry should have been gone into without
giving me notice of it, without calling on me to answer for
my conduct, or even to explain any matter.
I am informed that Congress has some time since entered
into an exculpatory resolve in favour of General Wooster,
which has been published in the papers. A total silence
with respect to me must therefore indicate to the publick
that I am culpable. I shall, however, exculpate myself in
a narration, supported by incontrovertible proofs, and leave
the publick to judge whether I am, or who is in fault.
Until then I wish the candid and ingenuous to suspend
their judgment.
Mr. Avery ought to lose no time in coming down. The
cold season is rapidly advancing, and much is to be done.
911
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
912
I have given Captain Varick directions to inquire what be-
comes of the boards sawed at Cheshire's, and to any thing
that may be out of order.
1 am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
SAMUEL MABBETT TO THE NEW YORK CONVENTION.
October 5, 1776.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONVENTION or THE STATE or
NEW-YOKK : Whereas I have made a practice for many
years past, of taking in large quantities of beef and pork ;
and whereas it appears that them commodities may be
much wanting in the present service, and I have provided
a quantity of salt for that purpose, and I have already con-
tracted with a great number of different persons for large
quantities of provisions. I have been informed that the
Committee have ordered that all the salt that I have shall
be sold on Monday next, therefore I beg leave to submit
the matter to this honourable Convention, whether I may
be permitted to keep two hundred and fifty bushels of salt
for the above use. Your compliance will much oblige your
friend to serve, &c. SAML. MABBETT.
COLONEL JAMES EASTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
{Read October 21, 1776.]
Albany, October 5, 1776.
DEAR SIR : The Commissioners from Congress inform
me that their power from Congress to settle accounts from
the Northern department is inadequate for that purpose.
Officers from various parts, at great expense, have applied
for settlements without succeeding. I have spent almost
three months at my own expense to settle my own account,
and it's not done yet. Warner's and Cody's regiments have
not got their pay, and a general murmuring ensues. I earn-
estly pray that the Commissioners from Congress may be
fully authorized to settle the accounts laid before them.
Colonel Brown has applied, agreeable to order of Con-
gress, for a court of inquiry for himself and me, but without
success, and it's evident General Arnold will evade the
trial if possible, as there appears not the least spark of evi-
dence against us. A general complaint among officers of
all ranks as well as soldiers, is heard against him, and it's
hoped he will, ere long, meet the just demerits of deeds.
By a resolve of Congress I am reserved in pay for future
employment, as I suppose. I don't desert this cause, nor
think it a bad one, because I have been abused by General
Arnold and others, but if could, shall exert myself in it,
having determined never to yield until my country's liber-
ties are secured. Notwithstanding, as circumstances are
with me should gladly take an honourable discharge and my
pay, and quit the service. If that's not granted, would beg
leave that I might know what 1 am to do. If it's to raise
men for the winter service, it's time I was about it ; if it's
to fill any vacancy, should be glad to know as soon as may
be, where and what.
Sir, I am your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES EASTON.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., at Philadelphia.
TRYON COUNTY COMMITTEE TO MESSRS. PARRIS, MOORE, ETC.
In Committee of the County of Tryon, October 5, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: In the other letter of this day's date we
forgot to mention to you the absolute necessity we are
under for money. The people to whom money is due are
daily calling on us. You will therefore, if possible, obtain
four hundred pounds New-York currency for us, and if one
of you do not come up soon send it by the bearer, Lieu-
tenant Simmonds, of the Rangers.
We shall have the accounts ready to be sent down to
Congress soon.
We again recommend it earnestly to you to obtain an
answer to the letters to Congress, so that we have them by
the bearer. We are, gentlemen, your humble servants.
By order: JOHN FREY, Chairman.
To Messrs. Parris, Moore, Harper, and Newkirk, in Pro-
vincial Congress, Fishkill.
OOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES.
Lebanon, October 5, 1776.
SIR: Last evening I received your acceptable favour of
the 30th of September last. I have received from the hon-
ourable Congress of the United States their resolution for
inlisting a new army of eighty-eight battalions, to serve
during the present war, with the bounty of money and land
therein offered ; that the appointment of all officers, and the
filling up vacancies, except General officers, be left to the
Governments of the several States. The quota assigned
this State is eight battalions.
The appointment of suitable officers is agreed to be a
matter of the greatest consequence to the States and armies.
Have to ask your favour to take some suitable steps to fur-
nish me with the knowledge of such in your army as are
willing to undertake and fit for the service. Have requested
the same favour of General Washington. Please consult
Brigadier-General Waterbury, and when field officers are
agreed on, they may be able to point out the best Captains
and subalterns for the several companies in the regiment or
regiments in your quarter, subject to your correction.
I shall meet the General Assembly at New-Haven, the
llth instant. Have ordered the post-rider to come to me
at that place ; by him shall expect your information on this
subject. I have enclosed one of the resolutions of Con-
gress ; that body are extremely busy, which must plead
their excuse for not writing to you. I am unacquainted
with the road you mention ; shall readily join in making the
necessary road as good as possible.
The situation of the army on York Island, from best
information, appears good ; their preparations to receive the
enemy very considerably advanced. The danger seems
most from the want of security against the enemy's entrance
of North River. The works in the river and the strength
at Fort Washington are increasing, and hope may prevent
the ships from going up the North River.
I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant, JQNTH TRUMBULL>
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
BENJAMIN PAINE TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Hartford, October 5, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: Agreeable to your
Honour's requisition, I have enclosed a list of the prisoners
of war ordered to this State, and under the care of the
Committee for Prisoners here. Have endeavoured to make
it as perfect as I can, and am persuaded there are but few
errours or omissions, though the materials which I had to form
it from were not so correct and descriptive as could wish.
I am sorry that it has been delayed so long beyond your
Honour's expectation, which was occasioned by a long
illness I have been visited with, and from which I have not
yet recovered, though through the goodness of God, the
symptoms of my disorder are mitigated, and have now a
prospect of a restoration to health.
My attention to this business has greatly fatigued me in
my present weak state, but the publick exigency requiring
it, I judged it my duty to undertake it, as the other gentle-
men of the Committee were absent. Hope it will meet
your Honour's approbation.
I have the honour to be your Honour's most obedient
humble servant, BENJA
To Governour Trumbull.
GOVEHNOUR COOKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Providence, October 5, 1776.
SIR: Your Excellency's letter of the 17th instant, by
the Committee of this State, hath been received.
Deputy Governour Bradford informed you that it had
been recommended to Colonel Richmond to march with his
battalion to join your army ; since which Mr. Hopkins, a
member from this State of the Continental Congress, arrived
here, by whose advice it was concluded to stop their march,
and to permit such of the men as should incline, to inlist
into the Continental navy. The reasons that induced the
Committee to alter their first intention, were these : eight
companies of the twelve of which that battalion consists,
were inlisted about the middle of November last, for a year;
913
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
914
but part of the regiment of Militia from the Massachusetts
is yet arrived, and it will be some time longer before the
remainder will arrive, so that by the time Colonel Rich-
mon'/'s battalion could be got under proper regulations in
camp, their inlistments would expire, and it might be
expected they would return home to the great discourage-
ment of the troops left behind. In that battalion are a
considerable number of seamen, who, it is thought, will
enter in the navy, and in the present scarcity of seamen in
this State, upwards of twelve hundred being at sea in the
different privateers, it is absolutely impossible to supply
them with men in any other way.
After the Committee had taken the last-mentioned
resolution, Mr. Burr, a gentleman of character, arrived here
from Governour Trtimbutl with a plan of landing a body of
men upon the east end of Long-Inland, and collecting a
considerable naval force in the Sound. Upon conference
with him and Commodore Hopkins, the Committee deter-
mined to recommend it to Colonel Richmond to proceed
with such part of his battalion as should not enter into the
sea service, to New-London, there to receive orders from
such General officers as you should appoint to command in
that expedition.
The two row-galleys of this State, with about sixty whale-
boats from the Massachusetts, and between twenty and
thirty belonging to us, will proceed to New-London with
the battalion and their baggage. The galleys and whale-
boats will be under the direction of Commodore Hopkins,
to assist in the expedition.
I last night received the resolutions of Congress for inlist-
ing eighty-eight battalions in the Continental service during
the war, copies of which without doubt have been trans-
mitted to your Excellency. By them a requisition is made
of two battalions from this State. At the same time, we
are informed by Mr. President Hancock, that the troops
now in service belonging to the several States who shall
inlist for the war, will be considered as part of their quota
in the American army.
There are four battalions in Continental pay which were
originally raised by this State, viz: Colonel Varnum's,
Colonel Hitchcock's, and Colonel Lippitt's, who are now
in the army under your command, arid Colonel Richmond's,
which is under orders for New-London.
I write by this opportunity to the three former to make
report to me of the officers in their several battalions who
will engage to serve during the war. And by the advice
of the Committee, I request your Excellency to transmit to
me, to be laid before the General Assembly at their session
on the 28th instant, the names of such of them as you shall
think merit promotion.
I beg leave to assure your Excellency that this State
will give all possible efficacy and despatch to those important
resolutions ; and that I am, with great sincerity and esteem,
sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
NICH. COOKE.
To His Excellency General George Washington, Esquire,
General and Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of the
United States of America.
P. S. This letter will be delivered to your Excellency
by Mr. Jonathan Hazard, who is a member of the General
Assembly of this State, and whom I beg leave to recommend
to your attention.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Providence, October 5, 1776.
SIR: I received yours of the 1st and 3d of this instant,
and have laid them before the Governour and Council, and
they have passed the enclosed resolves. The Alfred and
Hampden are ready; the two new frigates I expect will be
ready in about a week if they can be manned, which none
of the four are half at present.
1 shall do all in my power to forward your expedition,
and join your fleet whenever you give orders so to do, at
New-London, but expect you will excuse me to Congress,
for not putting their orders in execution with respect to
some of the fleet.
I am, with great respect, sir, your humble servant,
ESKK HOPKINS.
To the Hon. Jonathan TrumbuU, Esq., Governour of Con-
necticut, at Lebanon.
FIFTH SERIES — VOL. II. 58
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO JOHN BRADFORD.
Providence, October 5, 1776.
SIR: Captain Whipple showed me a letter from you
respecting the agency of the people belonging to the fleet :
This is, therefore, to empower you to act as their agent
until further orders. Although you are a total stranger,
any other ways than being appointed by the honourable
Continental Congress, we think it sufficient recommendation
to empower you to act as our agent as long as you act to
our satisfaction.
In behalf of the officers and men in the navy, I am, sir,
your most humble servant, EgEK HopKINS
To Mr. John Bradford, Agent for the Continental Fleet at
Boston.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Council Chamber, Watertown, October 5, 1776.
SIR: In consequence of the measures taken by this
Government to engage a number of Indians, of the Penob-
scot, St. John's, and Mickmack tribes, in the service of the
United States of America, agreeable to the desire of your
Excellency, seven of the Penobscot tribe have inlisted for
the term of one year, and have arrived here on their way to
New- York. As they were very poorly clothed, and would
not proceed without some supply, we have furnished them
with a few necessary articles, amounting to twenty pounds,
four shillings and four-pence, lawful money, which must be
stopped out of their wages and their subsistence, which
amounts to fifteen pounds, sixteen shillings and five-pence.
And we have advanced Mr. Andrew Oilman, who has the
care of them, twenty pounds, lawful money, in order to sub-
sist them in their way to New-York. These were all that
could be obtained from that tribe, and whether you can
depend upon any from the St. John's or the Mickmacks
tribes, we have not as yet any certain intelligence.
In the name and behalf of the Council, I am, with great
respect, your humble servant.
To His Excellency General Washington.
LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN BOSTON TO HIS FRIEND IN
THE COUNTRY.
October 5, 1776.
. SIR : In compliance with your desire, I send you a few
thoughts that obviously occurred to me upon reading the
late conference between Lord Howe and a Committee of
the Continental Congress.
As his Lordship was pleased to convey by General Sulli-
van a message to Congress, importing " his being desirous of
having a conference with some of its members, whom he
should consider for the present as private gentlemen," de-
claring in said message '•' that he, in conjunction with General
Howe, had full powers to compromise the dispute between
Great Britain and America, upon terms advantageous to
both," it was the expectation of some, in agreement with
the desire of all, that it would have been made evident to
the Committee sent by the Congress to his Lordship, that
those full powers he spake of were really vested in him,
together with the General his brother ; and that such pro-
posals, in consequence of such powers, would have been
made, as might have laid a foundation, at least, for the set-
tlement of peace between Great Britain and America.
But, by the report which the Committee made to Congress,
after their conference with Lord Howe, it appears, that they
judged u His Lordship's commission contained no other
authority of importance than what is expressed in the act of
Parliament, viz: that of pardon, with such exceptions as
the Commissioners shall think proper to make, and declaring
America, or any part of it, to be in the King's peace upon
submission." Nothing more was therefore opened to them,
than what his Lordship had before said in his printed dec-
laration, no authority pointed out to settle the dispute with
America, but upon the terms specified in the Parliamentary
act ; which has left us in just the same state with respect to
the communication of any new authority, we were in before
this conference; making it insignificant to any salutary
purpose.
His Lordship, 'tis true, as the report of the Committee
says, "entered into a discourse of considerable length, which
contained no explicit proposition of peace except one, viz :
91.5
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
916
that the Colonies should return to their allegiance and obe-
dience to the Government of Great Britain. The rest
consisted principally of assurances." Of what? An assu-
rance, " that there was an exceeding good disposition in
the, King and his Ministers to make that government easier
to us." Could his Lordship possibly think, that such
words of assurance, indirect contradiction to a long series of
conduct, expressive of a malevolent disposition to an high
degree of excess, would be satisfactory to the Committee,
or Congress, or its constituents ? After many humble peti-
tions and remonstrances, setting forth the many grievous
things America lay groaning under, taking rise from this
"exceeding good disposition" in the Britannick Ministry, all
which petitions and remonstrances, instead of being heark-
ened to, were not only treated with insolent contempt, but
repeatedly followed with heavily increased additions to our
former hardships. I say, after this to speak in the strong
words of assurance, not only of the good, but the exceeding
good, disposition of the King and his Ministers, could have
no other tendency than to inflame the minds of Americans,
and (ill them with resentment. It is to me very extraordi-
nary, that his Lordship should so much as lisp a word of the
good disposition of the King and Ministry towards America,
when he could not but know, from what they were now
doing, as well as from what they barbarously had done, that
notwithstanding its pretended goodness, it was rather to be
dreaded, than relied on for safety. Another assurance,
or rather insinuation was, '' that in case of our submission,
they (that is the King and his Ministers) would cause the
offensive acts of Parliament to be revised, and the instruc-
tions to Governours to be reconsidered." And why ? Says
the report of the Committee, " that so if any just causes of
complaint were found in the acts, or any errours in govern-
ment were perceived to have crept into the instructions,
they might be amended or withdrawn." 'Tis strange his
Lordship should bring in the qualifying supposition " if:"
" If there be any just causes of complaint." With Americans
there is no " if" in the case. They are universally convinced,
and from what they have unhappily felt, that they had just
cause of complaint against those acts and instructions. And
had his Lordship considered but a moment, he would, or
mi"ht have known, that a revisal of those acts, and a recon-
O * *
sideration of the instructions to Governours for amendment,
if there was need of it, were not the things we desired, or
could be satisfied with. Nothing short of a total, everlasting
repeal of those acts, as unfit on account of their barbarity
and cruelty to be in force, and an absolute withdrawal of
many of these instructions, as inconsistencies with that lib-
erty we have a right to, would or could give content.
The truth is, notwithstanding the assurances and insinua-
tions of his Lordship, with respect to the offensive acts and
instructions, the Ministry would be left to act their own
pleasure, and might have refused a revisal or reconsideration
of them, if they saw fit; which sovereign, arbitrary pleasure
of the present Ministry is too well known to us, especially as
we have unhappily had so much reason to know what it is
to have the least dependence on it. Nor would it have
been relied on by America had she continued in her state
of dependence.
Upon the whole it would be undoubtedly the wisdom and
for the interest of the American States to depend, under the
patronage of Heaven, upon themselves and such alliances
as they may be able to come into with foreign States, for
security in the enjoyment of those liberties we have an un-
alienable right to as men and as Christians, and not upon the
British King and his Ministers, from whom we have suffered
more than might have been expected had we been under
the most arbitrary Government in Europe. It very clearly
appears to me, as I know it does to many others, notwith-
standing the appointment of Commissioners to treat with the
Americans upon terms of peace, as their appointment is con-
nected with the mission of a much greater force, both by sea
and land, than was ever seen in these parts of the world, that
the Ministry did not intend to make peace but upon the,
terms proposed in the act of Parliament, that is, in other
words, upon our submission as slaves to an arbitrary and
despotick Government. And it is yet further evident to me
that the ministerial appointment of Commissioners, with
pretended full powers to settle the dispute between Great
Britain and America, was chiefly designed to amuse the
people at home, and through misrepresentation to make
them believe that the fault would be wholly ours if matters
were not accommodated upon reasonable terms. The
Ministry could not expect, they did not expect, our submis-
sion, unless upon terms that would secure to us our rights
and liberties. They knew they did not intend this, and
contrived this expedient that they might have, as they
imagined, something plausible to throw among the people of
England to hurt us and strengthen themselves.
1 have nosv, in a cursory way, given you my sentiments
with respect to the conference between Lord Howe and the
Committee of Congress, and you may make what use of
them you please.
Your friend and humble servant, AMERICANUS.
To Mr.
Portsmouth, N. H., Octobers, 1776.
Yesterday arrived here the brigantine Marquis of Kildare,
Captain Thomas Palmer, in seven weeks from Bordeaux,
with a cargo of military stores, &ic. He informs us the
French treated him with the utmost kindness, and seemed
ready to do every thing in their power to serve him ; that
the custom-house officers permitted the American vessels to
pass without examination, while the English were all
searched.
SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Paris, October 6, 177C.
SIR: Yours of the 1st instant I received, and observe by
the contents that Mr. Lee is returned to London. I have
not seen Mr. Ellis. In answer to your queries: First, a
reconciliation between Great Britain and the United States
of America is improbable ever to take place; it is abso-
lutely impossible, until after the sitting of Parliament.
Secondly, Admiral Howe joined his brother early in August,
and sent on shore to General Washington a letter, which
was returned unopened, as no title was given to General
Washington ; a second was sent, and met the same fate.
The Congress justified the General in his conduct, and
ordered him to receive no letters, except they were directed
to him with his proper title. Lord Howe sent to the Gov-
ernours of several Colonies his proclamation, which, by the
army and people of New- York, was treated with contempt
and ridicule. Thus matters continued until the 20th of
August, when General Howe had collected his whole force,
and was preparing to attack New- York. On the other
side, all the eminences and advantageous posts near the
city were secured and fortified, and the Americans strongly
intrenched on them ; the city of New- York fortified with
batteries next to the water, and all the principal streets
with barriers across them, and, at the same time, the houses
filled with combustibles ready to be set on fire, should the
city be found tenable. The two men-of-war, which had
passed up the river above the city, were returned terribly
damaged by attacking a battery. This, in a word, was the
state of affairs in New- York on the 20th of August, from
which important news may be expected every hour.
Thirdly, I know what Dr. Franklin's sentiments were
when I left America, and that nothing but a miracle could
convert him to wish for an accommodation on other terms
than the independence of the Colonies. Depend upon it,
my good friend, the Ministry of Great Britain labour inces-
santly to propagate stories of an accommodation, for it is
well known, that they despair of reducing the Colonies by
arms this campaign ; at the close of which, the national
debt will amount to nearly £150,000,000 sterling, part of
which will remain unfunded ; and where are their resources
for supporting tfie next campaign ? He that can discover
the philosopher's stone can answer.
To your fourth query, you will excuse my answering
more, than that your conjecture is not far out of the way.
My letter will inform you why I must still delay sending
what I promised you the 14th ultimo. In the mean time,
sir, you may add to indigo and rice, tobacco, logwood,
redwood, sugar, coffee, cotton, and other West-India pro-
duce, which pass through the hands of the North-Ameri-
cans, in payment for their supplies to the West-India
Islands, which cannot exist without their produce. Also,
in course of trade, spermaceti oil and salt-fish may be sup-
plied to Prussia and Germany as cheap, or cheaper from
917
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
918
the Colonies, than from Holland and Germany. The
United Colonies exported to Europe, chiefly indeed to
Great Britain, fish-oil, whalebone, spermaceti, furs and
peltry of every kind, masts, spars, and timber, pot and pearl
ashes, flax-seed, beef, pork, butter and cheese, horses and
oxen ; to the (Vest-Indies chiefly, wheat-flour, bread, rye,
Indian corn, lumber, tobacco, iron, naval stores, beeswax,
rice, and indigo, &tc., &tc., to the amount of more than
£4,000,000 sterling annually, and for some years past, and
received the pay in European manufactures ; and when
I remind you that the inhabitants of that country double
their number every twenty years, and inform you that this
exportation has increased for the last century in the same
ratio, you will be able to form some idea of this commerce,
and of how much importance it is to Europe. 1 hope, by
the coming post, to send you some favourable news from
America; and I may not add to this without missing the
post.
I am, with the most sincere esteem, dear sir, your most
obedient servant, SILAS
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM BILBOA, DATED OCTOBER 6,
1776.
By this time we judge the capital events of the American
armies are over, and from the silence observed in the Court
of London, every body imagines the King's troops have
been worsted. All Europe is in expectation of what has
happened on your side, and we in hourly hopes of some
arrival. May God Almighty bring it soon, and to our
entire satisfaction, is the hearty wish of those that are and
will be with true esteem.
We are now on the 14th instant, and your favour 22d
August, per Lee, is come to hand, after thirty-nine days'
passage, in which he took five prizes, so that he will make
a fine voyage if they get in safe. On his arrival one Mr.
Gomaz, who receives some Newfoundlanders, applied to
the Commissary to stop the vessel, on account of her being
an illegal privateer; and said Commissary granted it, and
ordered the master to present his commission, which we
had him comply with, with a proper protest and petition,
insisting on his being set at liberty; upon which it was
ordered that the vessel should remain until his Majesty
should give instructions how to proceed about it. As soon
as we heard of' it, we drew out a fine petition for his Majesty,
and despatched an express for the purpose, and, notwith-
standing the power and activity of the British Ambassador,
we have obtained a charming order from his Catholick
Majesty, a copy whereof you have herein translated into
English, by which you see the point is now settled for the
future, and all American vessels are allowed to enter into
our ports without distinction, whether privateers or mer-
chantmen. On sight hereof our Commissary released
Captain Lee's vessel immediately, and is now getting things
in order to proceed home. Some great news are just come
to hand.
In consequence of the express sent to Madrid, we find
the Commissary has received orders from his Majesty to
inform Captain Lee, and all other Americans, that all their
vessels, viz: privateers and prizes, will have all manner of
assistance in the Spanish ports ; to say, they will be safe
and unmolested, and will be provided with every thing but
the articles prohibited in such cases. In short, that a strict
neutrality will be observed by his Catholick Majesty, so
that you may henceforward be quite easy, and send your
vessels freely, as well as prizes from any quarter whatso-
ever. You ought to improve this fine opening, and your
worthy rulers ought to send over somebody, or empower
some person.
We are with joy, but in haste.
MARQJJIS OF GR1MALDY, PRIME MINISTER IN SPAIN, TO U.
MANUEL BE MOLLINEDO, COMMISSARY OF MARINE.
St. Ildephonso, October 7, 1776.
By your letter of the 4th instant, and the testimony that
accompanied it, his Majesty is acquainted with what has
occurred respecting the American schooner Hawk, Captain
John Lee, from the time of his entry to the time of your
laying her under a formal embargo, by obliging her to
deliver up the tiller ; all at the instance of Don Vtra Fran-
cisco Gomez de la Terra, inhabitant of your place. His
Majesty has likewise seen the protest of said American
Captain, against all the damages that might ensue. In
consequence of which, says to you, that whereas his
Majesty, from the great friendship he possesses for his
Britannick Majesty, maintains a perfect neutrality in the
present war, not giving to the Colonists any of these
aids prohibited in like cases, so likewise it corresponds to
the same neutrality, not to deny them entrance into his
ports, which they have been always used to enjoy, so
long as they respect the territories of his Majesty, in proper
terms.
Besides the above, his Majesty thinks Mr. Gomez an
unqualified, improper person to solicit a proceeding of this
nature. You will therefore be pleased immediately to put
said American in full liberty, returning him all his papers,
and permitting him to purchase what provisions and goods
he needs to return to his own country, but without assisting
in any prohibited articles.
Signed : MARQ.UIS or GRIMALDY.
GENERAL LEWIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 28, 1776 : referred to the Board of War.]
Williamsburg, October 6, 1776.
SIR: Captain Charles Harrison, commanding the train of
Artillery, will do himself the honour of waiting on you, in
order to obtain instructions from the honourable the Con-
gress respecting his company. He will give a proper
return, by which not only his number of officers and men,
but the number of cannon, and the different stations will be
pointed out, with the distances the batteries are from each
other, which will discover the necessity of having his com-
pany augmented. His number is certainly too small to
man the different batteries, as the several stations are very
wide of each other.
I arn, with great respect, honourable sir, your most obe-
dient and very humble servant,
ANDREW LEWIS, Brigadier-General
To Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
COLONEL PATTERSON TO CJESAR RODNEY.
Head-Quarters, Amboy, October 6, 1776.
SIR: Your three favours came to hand last evening.
For answer, I am extremely sorry for your situation, and
fear your disorder. As soon as I received yours, went
about the inquiry for the root. There is so few of the
inhabitants in town, that it was some time in the night
before 1 got to hear of such. At last found an old lady
who I gave money to, to send off this morning for some.
As yet she has not arrived, or should have sent it by this
hand, Doctor Spencer, of New- Castle. She says it is never
got till November, and then used to be brought into town
to sell ; used as a tea ; and to her knowledge has cured
many that came here on purpose. I shall not fail of for-
warding it to-day to Woodbridge ; to go by post.
As to the other parts of your letters, have not full time to
answer. As to Mr. Watson, have not seen him. Shall let
him know the answer to his; but believes he does not want
to resign, as he begins to know, like all the rest, that money
can be made in that way; and if so, believes he will acqui-
esce in small bluffs.
Captain CaldwelFs company and Colonel Hodgson ar-
rived here about the 1st instant. They are all here now
but what Captain Mitchell's men are to follow him.
I received a letter from the Hon. George Read, acquaint-
ing me another battalion is to be raised with us. I cannot
see the propriety of such an attempt, when mine is not
near full and full officered, to save expenses. I should
thought, as we are not more than four hundred and fifty
men, officers included, instead of six hundred, and at this
season, so far advanced, is, in my humble opinion, hurting
the intention. If any such should come, they must be
mostly of the Militia kind; and half a month will cure them
for ever going again, and peisuade others not, if you should
be ordered to raise one in the spring. They can only say
they go up the hill and down, at this season, as the time is
so short.
We left Captain Mitchell's drum at the maker's, by acci-
dent. I can sell all our drums and I believe colours, at
919
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
920
the end of our campaign, if ordered. This you can con-
sult, and let me know.
My compliments to Mr. Rtad and Mr. McKean.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
SAM. PATTEKSON.
Captain Woodgate is sick. Three men dead in our bat-
talion, from below. About seventy now sick. S. P.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 6, 1776.
SIR: I beg leave to inform you that in consequence of
my directions, founded on your favour of the 21st ultimo,
Governours Browne and Sktne are arrived within the
neighbourhood of this place, and will be conveyed to-mor-
row, between the hours of one and two, to one of the ships
of war in the North River, when it is hoped that my Lx>rd
Stirling will be permitted to return, as also Mr. Lovell, if
he is come from Halifax.
The particular manner in which you rest upon me, by
your letter of the 4th instant, a performance of the agree-
ment between General Arnold and Captain Forster, was
entirely unexpected, as I enclosed you, some time ago, the
resolutions of Congress upon the subject, by which you
would perceive that they, to whom I am amenable, had
taken upon themselves the consideration of the matter.
As to the prisoners mentioned in my letter of the 23d,
their exchange shall be effected as soon as the circumstances
I made you acquainted with will admit of.
The enclosed note for Mrs. De Lancey you will be
pleased to have conveyed by the earliest opportunity.
I am, sir, with great respect, fcc, GQ WASHINGTON.
To Lieutenant-General Howe.
oars, which will be the most expeditious way of going to
her, and 1 promise you, unless accidents should happen, not
to sleep till 1 return. 1 shall set off in an hour, if 1 do not
receive your orders to the contrary, which shall in all cases
be obeyed by, sir. your most obedient servant,
JNO. MOHIN SCOTT.
TENCH TILOHMAN TO WILLIAM DUEK.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 6, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The enemy did not give us the trouble of
removing them from Harlem last evening. They went off
themselves. They had been levelling some small works
we had thrown up there when our troops quartered in that
town, and not throwing up new, as we thought.
Our troops have evacuated Bergen and the places adja«
cent, and will form an entire body, under General Greene,
in Jersey, opposite to this post. When Lee arrives, I think
we may form a fine disposition : Greene in Jersey, the Gen-
eral on this side Harlem, in the centre, and Lee on the other
side. A bridge of boats is to be thrown over Harlem
River, just at this place, which will form a fine, easy com-
munication between, should the attack be made either on
one side or the other.
I have not to add but that Lord Stirling's exchange
takes place to-morrow, Governour Browne being arrived.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq., FishkUl.
COLONEL WEBB TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters on Harlem Heights, October 6, 1776.
SIR : I am directed by his Excellency to inform you,
that in the night, about twelve o'clock, our men distinctly
heard the enemy throwing tools into boats from Montresor's
and Blackwell's Islands, and that boats were moving up
the Sound most of the night. About daylight twenty boat-
loads of men rowed up, and landed on one of the islands
called the Two-Brothers.
The General thinks the above manoeuvre should not, in
the least, draw your attention from Morrisiana, though a
good look-out should be kept on all their movements; and
at the same time bids me add that no time should be lost
in taking possession of the hill you yesterday mentioned to
him, below the gut.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
SAM'L M. WEBB, A. D. C.
To Major-General Heath.
GENERAL SCOTT TO GENERAL HEATH.
Camp near King's Bridge, October 6, 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL : I received your order of battle last
night just going to bed, with which I am highly pleased in
every respect, except that of my being placed in the centre.
I think I ought to take the right, as 1 know but two Briga-
diers in the army, Lord Stirling and General Mifflin, that
rank before me. Of this I am sure I shall be able to con-
vince you, by showing you that I have been a Continental
Brigadier-General since the 9th June last, yet at Head-
Quarters and elsewhere Generals Parsons, Pierson, and
McDougall, and even General Clinton, who claims rank of
me in consequence of a commission from our Convention of
an older date than mine, but merely constituting him Briga-
dier of the Militia of Ulster County, are preferred to me.
I urge this not to induce you now to a change, especially in
General Clinton's absence: I only mean to put in my claim,
and leave the change of disposition, if we should have
leisure for it, to some future time.
I have accounts from Mrs. Scott of her being at Tapan,
with her whole family in one room, she overwhelmed with
distress and continually in tears, not knowing how to dispose
of all that are dear to her except myself. She cannot be
comforted till she sees me, and receives my directions for her
future disposal. I have a light skiff that rows with four
JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
King's Bridge, October 7, 1776.
SIR: I received yours of the 3d instant, enclosing resolve
respecting salt and salted provisions, and Mr. Mease pur-
chasing one hundred hogsheads rum for me. As to the last
1 had an agent at Philadelphia purchasing for me, I wish
they mayn't interfere ; rum and other West-India articles are
now becoming plenty, brought from the eastward to Buy
Rum river, within seventeen miles of this place, for sale,
where I have lately purchased large quantities on very good
terms. As to salt and salted provisions, I have and shall
immediately take effectual care. The only danger I appre-
hend is for want of salt. This matter 1 mentioned to Mr.
Sherman, Gerry, and Lewis, when here, and pointed out to
them fully what I proposed, and what I thought necessary
to be done by Congress, and hoped by this time to have re-
ceived the needful orders, but am yet disappointed. I find
the resolve of Congress is antecedent to their getting to
Philadelphia.
What I mentioned to the Committee was, that a very
considerable part of the salt in the country is in the hands
of Continental agents, on whom I ought to have orders for
the delivery of it to me or my order; and I apprehend that
all the salt in the country will fall very short of a sufficiency.
1 proposed that Congress should give me such orders as
would indemnify me in sending abroad and bringing in, or
encouraging persons to bring in a sufficient quantity for Con-
tinental use, as might be necessary for salting provisions for
the army ; by which means I may be sparing of salt at
first salting, and repack and pickle as I can gel the salt in
afterwards. A bare authority to purchase I suppose will
not be sufficient for this purpose. I have already engaged
proper peisons from Philadelphia to New-Hampshire, in
every proper place in each State, to purchase up every
bushel of salt to be had, and to prepare casks and take in
salt and cure pork and beef.
These matters need an immediate attention, and I pro-
pose going into New-England for the purpose as soon as I
can have orders from Congress on their agents, and the pro-
posed indemnification, if thought proper by Congress,
would have gone ere this, but for want of them; going is of
no importance till I have them. I must first know what
salt I can be sure of before I purchase provisions, and adopt
my orders to the circumstances of the case. I really grudge
every moment that is lost in this matter. 1 shall exert my-
self, and fear nothing but what I mention.
I am, most respectfully, sir, your most obedient, humble
servant, jos. TRUMBULL.
Messrs. Stockton and Clymer left this yesterday morning.
They beg me to press the matter of salt.
921
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
922
CAPTAIN CLUGGAGE TO COLONEL HAND.
Camp at De Lancy's Mills, October 6, 1776.
SIR : It is with great concern I am to request you'll please
to accept of my resignation of the commission of eldest
Captain, which I have had the honour to hold in the regi-
ment under your command.
A constant attention to every part of duty in the service
which my commission demanded, from the earliest raising of
the regiment to this time, I flattered myself would ever be
the surest means to secure me the favour of the United
States, at least so far as by my rank in the service I had
reason to expect. But, sir, from the late promotion of an
officer over my head, so much my junior, to the rank of
Major, I find my mistake, and therefore think myself called
upon to quit the service, which shall, however, have my
most hearty wishes for its success ; as it shall ever be the
rule of my conduct to disengage myself from any service I
may be engaged in, in which promotion must be often con-
sidered as the marks of interest and not the reward of
merit.
I must beg that you'll please to forward this account of
my resignation to his Excellency Gt-neral Washington, as
soon as convenient, in order that an officer may be appointed
in my room.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, your most
obedient, humble servant. D /-i
ROBERT CLUGGAGE.
To Colonel Edward Hand, commanding the First Regiment
at De Lancy's Mills.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN JAY TO GOUVERNEUH.
MORRIS, DATED FISHKILL, OCTOBER 6, 1776.
Had I been vested with absolute power in this State, I
have often said and still think that I would last spring have
desolated all Long-Island, Staten-Lland, the City and
County of New-York, and all that part of the County of
Wesichester which lies below the mountains. I would then
have stationed the main body of the army in the mountains
on the east, and eight or ten thousand men in the highlands,
on the west side of the river. I would have directed the
river at Fort Montgomery, which is nearly at the southern
extremity of the mountains, to be so shallowed as to afford
only depth sufficient for an Albany sloop, and all the
southern passes and defiles in the mountains to be strongly
fortified. Nor do I think the shallowing of the river a
romantick scheme. Rocky mountains rise immediately from
the shores. The breadth is not very great, though the depth
is. But what cannot eight or ten thousand men well worked
effect? According to this plan of defence the State would
be absolutely impregnable against all the world on the sea
side, and would have nothing to fear except from the way
of the lake. Should the enemy gain the river, even below
the mountains, I think I foresee that a retreat would become
necessary, and I can't forbear wishing that a desire of saving
a few acres may not lead us into difficulty.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 15, 1776.]
Albany, October 6, 1776.
SIR: At six last night, I had the honour to receive from
you four bundles of papers, all directed to me; but on
opening, reading, and examining the directions at bottom, I
found one of them was intended for General Gates. The
papers it contained 1 shall enclose and forward to him, to-
gether with the articles of war that were in one of the other
bundles.
In your favour of the 27th ultimo, you advise me that
the Committee of Congress were to confer with me. I
apprehend this mistake crept into your letter by the variety
of business which claims your attention ; for 1 find, by the
resolution of Congress of the 25th ultimo, that the Com-
missioners are to confer with General Gates. My name is
not so much as mentioned in any of the resolutions of that
day, except in the second, and by that it would seem as if
I acted under General Gates. Indeed, from the resolutions
of that day, it seemed unnecessary to have sent me any of
the other papers, as it strongly implied that I do not any
longer command in this department. I only mention this
because, when I resigned my offices, 1 observed that 1 should
continue to act for such a reasonable time that a general
officer might be sent here, and had therefore some reason
to expect that the pleasure of Congress would have been
conveyed to me, on that head, in a manner less liable to
objection.
Although the above-quoted resolution would fully justify
me if 1 forbore every act as Commander-in-Chief of this
department, yet the principle which alone induced me to
accept the command, on which I have acted whilst in it,
and which I trust will mark every action of my life, will
not permit me to forbear acting until matters are put into
such a proper train, by Congress, as that no detriment may
accrue to my country.
When I received no answer to my letter in which the
clothing was mentioned, (as, indeed, I have not, a long time
since, to any,) I ventured to order all the woollens to be
made up ; and all the tailors that can be procured here are
now employed in that business.
Mr. Avery, who succeeds Mr. Livingston in the com-
missary branch in this department, is arrived. The army,
as he informs me, is supplied with about forty days' flour,
including what is at Fort George, and with beef to the first
of next month, including what cattle are on their way up.
I hope Mr. Avery will continue to keep up that stock. He
will have my best advice and assistance to do it whilst I
command, which I hope will be but a very few days longer.
The postscript to your letter mentions "that Congress
will soon determine on the subject of my letters, as they
are now in the hands of a special committee." If deter-
mining on the subject of them means a determination on
the propriety or impropriety of my conduct as an officer, I
cannot but think it extremely extra-judicial, as I have not
had an opportunity given me of defending myself; for
although I have the fullest confidence in the propriety of my
conduct and in the honour of the gentlemen who compose
the committee, yet things may appear in quite a different
point of light to them from what they really are, when unin-
formed of causes and facts, which, perhaps, none but myself
can suggest; and Congress may, perhaps, go into a censure,
which, upon better information, they would find unjust. I
am, therefore, under the necessity of entreating Congress to
suspend their judgments until I shall be heard. This is a
request so reasonable in its nature as, I hope, cannot be
refused me.
I am, sir, with every sentiment of esteem and respect,
your most obedient, humble servant, D c
fU. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, October 6, 1776. •
DEAR SIR: By Mr. Bennet, who arrived yesterday, I
was honoured with your Excellency's very obliging favour
of the 30th ultimo.
I should have been much happier than I am, if the reso-
lutions of Congress of the 25th ultimo had not put it out of
my power to be in sentiment with you on the resolution of
the 14th of the same month. Without advising me that I
am no longer in command, they resolve that "Mr. Stock-
ton and Mr. Clymer are appointed a committee to proceed
to Tyconderoga, to confer with General Gates with respect
to the army under his command."
I believe I shall be able to collect about forty thousand
boards. Part of them are already gone from hence,
together with a considerable number of rafters. I believe
the Committee of this place will be able to procure about
twenty thousand boards; and they have employed people
to procure the timber Mr. Ayers requested of them.
Be so good as to order the Quartermaster-General to
send me about two thousand pounds, on account; or if it
makes no difference, I will draw on the military chest
here.
1 am in great hopes that you have so embarrassed the
enemy by your movement from New-York, that they will
find it impossible to form and execute any plan that will
materially distress you in the remainder of this campaign.
The army in this quarter is well supplied with provision,
and I trust will continue to be so. The three row-galleys
are gone to join the fleet, and a fourth will be very soon
equipped.
I do not apprehend that the enemy will be able to do
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
924
any thing of consequence to the northward, unless they
should suspend their operations until the term of inlistment
of our troops expires. I confess rny hopes of seeing an
army speedily raised on the new establishment are not very
sanguine. That the soldiers are to pay for their clothing
will be a great obstacle, as the .price of every necessary is
so extremely high. Perhaps it would have been as well if
Congress had enumerated the articles each soldier should
be furnished with, and determined the stoppage that should
be made for it.
I am, dear sir, with every friendly wish and every res-
pectful sentiment, your Excellency's most obedient, humble
servant> PH. SCHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington.
endeavour to let the few carpenters I have got here labour
to the best advantage ; and remain your Honour's most
obedient, humble servant,
CHRIS. YATES, A. D. Q. Gen' I
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
HENRY J. VAN RENSSELAER TO GENERAL GATES.
SIR: As I am an officer in the Militia, and look upon it
that I am of greater service to my country than by being
Commissary of Forage, I beg the General will please to
accept of this my resignation of Commissary of Forage, and
you will oblige, sir,
Your humble servant, RY j VAN RENSSELAER-
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 6, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: At six last night, I received four bun-
dles of despatches from Congress, all directed to me; but
on opening, reading, and examining the directions at bot-
tom, I found Mr. Hancock's clerk had made a mistake, and
that one was intended for you. The papers it enclosed I
now send you, as also a bundle of the articles of war,
which were also, it seems, designed for you. Of this I
have advised Congress.
I am happy to find, by Mr. Avery's return, that you are
so well supplied with provisions. I shall advise him by all
means to keep up the stock, and afford him my best assist-
ance to do it, which I expect will now be only a very few
days longer, as you will see, by the resolutions of the 25th
ultimo, that Congress has already implicatively declared me
no longer in command.
I must entreat to send Colonel Lewis to this place. His
office requires that he should be here and on the communi-
cation, that things may be kept in train.
The powder, 8zc., is not yet arrived. I shall order Mr.
Avery to forward it as soon as it comes to hand.
I am, dear sir, very sincerely, your obedient, humble
servant' PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. General Gates, &c.
DR. STRINGER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 6, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I arrived here last night from Boston, where,
I have the pleasure to inform you, I met with the greatest
success in procuring medicines to upwards five thousand
pounds, York currency, which I expect will be here by
Thursday next, when I shall immediately despatch and
follow them.
I hope you have had your health well, with all your
fatigue. I shall trouble you to deliver the enclosed letters,
and, with respect, am, sir, your most obedient, humble ser-
vant> SAM'L STRINGER.
To Major-General Gates.
CHRISTOPHER YATES TO GENERAL GATES. •
Cheshire's, on Wood Creek, October 6, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Having been from here a few days,
occasioned by my indisposition, and on my return the 3d
instant, I found the two companies of Colonel Mott's regi-
ment, to wit, Captain Sharp and Captain Norton, ordered
away. They had left Major Waters, of Colonel Swift's
regiment very ill, as also thirty-seven of the sick people
of their two companies; the one not able to help the other:
no doctor to take care of them, so that I have not one
man to carry on the works here, the road not being half
done. I am obliged to keep two of my carpenters at the
mill, and they can't do half the work that is required, and
carpenters to attend the masons. I have just begun my
first chimney in the barracks. There are a great number
of the tools which I had left in the gentlemen's care when I
went away, wanting. If your Honour would be pleased to
order Colonel Van Dyke, who is now at Fort Edward,
with part of his regiment, this way, I believe they would
answer best on the road and at the mill. I am sure they
would, for I have had Captain Veder of that regiment
there, who did the work extremely well. I shall do my
JOSEPH HAWLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Northampton, October 6, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: I am so well knowing
to your humanity and the goodness of your natural temper,
as to be assured that nothing within your power necessary
to the safety and health of the troops under your command
will be omitted. I only beg leave just to acquaint you that
from the declarations of officers in your army and people
who visit your camps, the country are made vastly uneasy
at being informed that there is scarce any medicines for
the sick, and that it is rare that any rations are dealt out to
the privates but of meat and bread, or any money paid in
lieu of the other articles. They say that there are plenty
of doctors, but no medicine. Your Honour knows whether
there are any grounds for these complaints, and if there are,
whether these defects are chargeable on the Congress, or
the neglects, frauds, and dishonesty of such as are employed
by them.
I have heretofore suggested to your Honour the speedy
need your army will be in of snow-shoes ; and as every little
helps in any case, I mentioned in one or two former letters
that I have by accident, in my custody, between fifty and
sixty pair of snow-shoes, in good condition, belonging to the
States, purchased last winter by Mr. Mifflin.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your
Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
JOSEPH HAWLEY.
To General Gates.
GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Boston, October 6, 1776.
SIR: Yesterday I received from Mr. Glover, agent at
Marblehead, a box of broad swords, which he lately found
in the Scotch ship Ann, that was taken some time since.
Also, received from Mr. Bradford, agent for Continental
prizes, the enclosed invoice of articles which he has in his
hands. The reason which he gave for delaying it so long,
was, the plaids were infected with the small-pox, and he
thought it necessary to cleanse and air them a considerable
time before they were used.
I am your Excellency's obedient, humble servant,
ARTEMAS WARD.
To General Washington.
An account of Plaids and Military Stores in the posses-
sion of JOHN BRADFORD, Esq., Agent for Continental
Prizes, viz:
35 pieces short plaid.
88 yards of long, do.
8 large camp-kettles.
16 small, do.
5 dozen canteens.
2 dozen half-gallon kettles and covers.
2 dozen flat tin candlesticks.
12 dozen hard metal table-spoons.
94 rugs.
84 blankets.
October 6, 177G.
GENERAL ARMSTRONG TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Wilmington, North-Carolina, October 7, 1776.
SIR: Brigadier Howe being now at Charkstown, permit
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
926
me to acquaint you I am this far on my way to the north-
ward, having first obtained the consent of General Lee, and
shall be happy to find my return may not be disagreeable to
Congress ; but still more so should my motives be found
to be such as to meet the approbation of that honourable
body.
As the military affairs of this State are not in so much
forwardness as could be wished, I shall stay one day here
and one in Halifax, in order to represent to the Council of
Safety now sitting at that place, several matters of impor-
tance to the future defence of these States, particularly that
of South- Carolina ; and if health permits shall make but a
short stay at Carlisle, and wait your further commands at
Philadelphia. The English shipping which lay at Cape
Fear are entirely gone off, having first burnt three vessels
unfit for service. A negro who deserted them says he heard
they were bound to New-York.
I am, sir, with perfect respect, your most obedient, humble
servant) JOHN ARMSTRONG.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
COLONEL HAWKINS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Charles County, October 7, 1776.
SIR: I am sorry to be under the necessity of informing
you of the misbehaviour of the Twelfth Battalion, and hope
you will lay the same before the honourable Convention.
On the 23d ultimo the said battalion was ordered to attend
at the usual place of meeting ; and those that attended,
though it was not a full meeting, were drawn up in line to
perform the manual, but immediately upon the Adjutant
giving the word of command, a great number of the soldiers
broke their ranks and collected together in a crowd. Upon
which I instantly went amongst them to inquire into the
reason of such extraordinary behaviour, and some of them
objected to their being mustered by a Scotchman; but the
greater part declared that they would not be mustered by
any Adjutant at all ; alleging that the Province was run to
a very heavy expense by employing Adjutants, and they
thought it the duty of the officers to muster the battalion. 1
said every thing I could, (and so did many other of the
officers,) to show them the absurdity of such conduct, but to
no purpose. I then ordered them to be dismissed until I
should hear from Convention, and hope it will not be long
before some step is taken to reduce them to order.
1 am with great esteem and regard, sir, your most obedi-
ent servant> JOSIAS HAWKINS.
To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of Con-
vention.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee, October 1, 1776,
Present : Samuel Purviance, Jun., Chairman, A. Buch-
anan, W. Aisquith, T. Sollers, A. Britain, E. Talbot, T.
Rutter, D. Lux, T. Gist.
The fine imposed on Robert McCallister, as a Non-
Enroller is remitted, it appearing that he had enrolled with
Captain Philips some time ago.
A list of the Assessments on the Non-Enrollers in Middle
River, Upper, and an additional one of Back River, Upper,
were made out, and sent to the Collectors.
Mr. Benjamin Merryman entered a complaint against
Captain John Foster, that though he has returned an enrol-
ment, yet it is incomplete, and he does not muster his
company according to the resolves of Convention, and
further that he never would take up arms during the present
contest.
Upon motion, Resolved, n. c. d., That Messrs. John Fos-
ter, Solomon Cross, Sen., and Benjamin Merryman, be
ordered to attend this Committee on Monday next.
Attest : GEO. Lux, Secretary.
COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Philadelphia, October 7, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The Committee appointed to carry into
execution the enclosed resolve can think of no method so
proper for the State of New- York as to apply to the Con-
vention; and, for that purpose, we send you ten thousand
dollars, and desire you to appoint proper persons in the
several districts to execute the same ; and if, upon trial, you
find that more clothing may be had than this money will
purchase, you may have more by applying to this Com-
mittee.
ROB. TREAT PAINE, ARTHUR MIDDLETON,
JOSIAH BARTLETT, WM. FLOYD,
WILLIAM ELLERY, LYMAN HALL,
WM. WILLIAMS, GEO. Ross.
Go. WYTHE,
To the honourable Convention of the State of New-York.
In Congress, September 25, 1776.
Resolved, That a Committee of Congress consisting of
one delegate from each State, be appointed with authority
to employ proper persons to purchase in their respective
States, a sufficient number of blankets and woollens fit for
soldiers' clothes ; and that they take the most effectual and
speedy methods for getting such woollens made up, and
distributed among the regular Continental army, in such
proportion as will best promote the publick service ; and
that they also purchase all other necessary clothing for
the soldiers, in such proportion as they judge, upon the
best information will be wanted ; and that the said Com-
mittee be authorized to draw on the President of Congress
for the sums necessary to execute this business, they to be
accountable for the amount of their drafts and disburse-
ments.
The Committee are : Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Paine, Mr. EUe-
ry, Mr. Williams, Mr. Floyd, Mr. Stockton, Mr. Ross, Mr.
McKean, Mr. Paca, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Middle-
ton, and Mr. Hall.
Extract from the minutes:
CHAS. THOMSON, Secretary.
COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Philadelphia, October 7, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Mr. Livingston wrote you a few lines the
28th September, acquainting you that we had obtained a
vote of Congress on the Treasurer for one hundred thousand
dollars, which it was not in our power to send you before
this time.
Enclosed you have Mr. Hunter's receipt for the same.
The gentlemen who carry this money are of the Light
Horse of this city, and of respectable characters. We
request you will pay attention to them as such.
The Committee of Congress to whom your papers respect-
ing General Schuyler were committed, have reported, we
hope to your satisfaction. Mr. Rutledge informs us that he
had transmitted a copy to Robert R. Livingston, Esq., and
a certified copy shall be sent you per post, which will pro-
bably come to your hands before this letter.
On the 5th instant we were going to move Congress, that
they would direct General Washington to propose to Gene-
ral Howe the exchange of Brigadier-General Woodhull for
Brigadier-General McDonald, when a Pennsylvania news-
paper of same date was handed to us, by which it would
appear that Brigadier-General Woodhull had taken such a
part as would put it out of our power to move for his
exchange. Should be glad you would inform us if there
be any truth in this conjecture, and direct it us as to our
conduct therein.
We are respectfully, gentlemen, your very humble ser-
vants,
FHA. LEWIS,
PHIL. LIVINGSTON,
WM. FLOYD.
To the honourable the Convention of New- York.
Received, Philadelphia, October 7, 1776, of the honour-
able the Delegates of New- York, a box containing one
hundred thousand dollars, the which to be delivered to the
honourable the Convention of New- York, now sitting at the
Fishkills, for which given two receipts of equal tenour and
date.
The contents unknown. JAS. HUNTER.
Philadelphia, October 7, 1776.
We are informed by aulhentick intelligence that an Amer-
ican sloop-of-war of twelve guns and seventy men, sailed
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
928
from the Delaware the 21st of August. She cruised be-
tween the latitudes of 39° and 33° north, and went to the
eastward as far as the longitude of 50° west, having taken
three prizes, a whaler, and two West-India men, and having
had a very narrow escape from an English frigate after a
six hours' chase, part of the time within pistol shot. On
the 14th September she hent her course for Nova-Scotia,
and on the 20th had another action with an English frigate,
and in the course of an eight hours' chase ridiculed the
O
enemy, and answered his broadside with only a single
musket.
The next day she went into Canso and took three Eng-
lish schooners, with a Scotch Tory's flag, although the
Savage and Dawson's brig were within a few leagues dis-
tance. The day following she took five sail of Jerscymcti,
in Narrow-Hook, and four more in Peter de Great. It is
remarkable, that though their men were ten to one, they
were so panick struck that they not only gave up their ships
but even assisted to rig and carry them out of their harbour.
The sloop then proceeded to the sveslward, took another
whaler on St. George's Bank, and on the 7th October ar-
rived safe at Rhode-Island, having manned and sent in eight
prizes, viz: six brigantines, one ship, and one sloop, and
sunk, burnt, and destroyed eight more, viz : six schooners,
one ship, and one brigantine, and finished her cruise in six
weeks and five days.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read llth October. Referred to Board of War.]
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, October 7, 1776.
SIR: I do myself the honour of transmitting to you a
copy of a letter from the Compte a" 'Emery, Governour-
General of the French part of St. Domingo, which I
received yesterday, and also my answer, which I have
enclosed, and left open for the consideration of Congress,
wishing that it may be sealed if they approve of the Sieur
De Chambeau's releasement, and which 1 think may be
attended with many valuable consequences. If Congress
concur in sentiment with me, they will be pleased to give
direction for his passage by the first opportunity to the
French Islands. If they do not, I shall be obliged by your
returning my letter.
1 have also the pleasure of enclosing a copy of a letter
from Monsieur P. Penct, which came to hand last night,
and which contains intelligence of an agreeable and inter-
esting nature, for which I beg leave to refer you to the
copy. The polite manner in which Monsieur Pehet has
requested to be one of my Aids-de-Camp demands my
acknowledgments. As the appointment will not be attended
with any expense, and will show a proper regard for his
complaisance and the attachment he is pleased to express
for the service of the American States, I shall take the
liberty of complying with his requisition, and transmit him a
brevet commission, provided the same shall be agreeable
to Congress. Their sentiments upon the subject you will
be kind enough to favour me with by the first opportunity.
The enclosed letter for the Seigneur De Chambeau you
will be pleased to forward to him, if he is to be enlarged,
after closing it.
Before 1 conclude I must take the liberty to observe, that
I am under no small difficulties on account of the French
gentlemen that are here, in consequence of the commissions
they have received, having no means to employ them, or to
afford them an opportunity of rendering that service they
themselves wish to give, or which perhaps is expected by
the publick. Their want of our language is an objection
to their being joined to any of the regiments here at this
time, were there vacancies, and not other obstacles. These
considerations induce me to wish that Congress will adopt
and point out some particular mode to be observed respecting
them. What it should be, they will be best able to deter-
mine. But to me it appears that their being here now can
be attended with no valuable consequences, and that as the
power of appointing officers for the new army is vested in
the Conventions, &tc., of the several States, it will be ne-
cessary for Congress to direct them to be provided for in the
regiments to be raised, according to the ranks they would
wish them to bear, or I am convinced they will never be
taken in, let their merit be what it may ; or to form them
nto a distinct corps, which may be increased in time.
They seem to be genteel, sensible men, and I have no doubt
of their making good officers, as soon as they can learn
as much of our language as to make themselves well under-
stood ; hut unless Congress interfere with their particular
direction to the States, they will never be incorporated in
any of the regiments to be raised ; and without they are,
they will be entirely at a loss and in the most irksome situa-
tion for something to do, as they now are.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient ser-
vant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
St. Domingo, August 4, 1776.
SIR: Although I have not the honour to be known to
your Excellency, I hope you will be good enough to release
a French officer who. like an inconsiderate man, was taken
in Canada, serving in the English army against your troops.
I entreat you to set him at liberty, and suffer him to embark
in some vessel bound to the French Colonies, from whence
he may get a passage to France and rejoin his regiment.
He is called the Sieur De Chambeau, and is an officer in a
regiment of infantry in the service of his Crown.
Although this officer has fallen into an errour by taking
part in a quarrel in which he ought by all means to have
been a neuter, either considered as an officer of France or a
Canadian, 1 could not, seeing he had wrote to me, refuse
to use my interest with your Excellency to suffer him, by an
act of generosity, to regain his liberty and join his regiment
in Europe. I hope your Excellency will not think my
demand impertinent, and that you will pay regard to it. I
took the earliest opportunity to assure you that I esteem
myself happy in having it in my power to prove the high
esteem with which your reputation has inspired me.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your
Excellency's most humble and most obedient servant,
COMPTE D' EMERY,
Governour-General of the French part of St. Domingo,
To General Washington.
Nantes, August 3, 1776.
MY GENERAL: I am pleased to present you my respects,
and to inform you of the success of my operations in France.
I can assure you, you need not fear the want of ammunition.
I have found the means to furnish your armies, and to pro-
vide your garrisons. There will go to you immediately
four subjects, two of which are of distinction and great
merit, and who will deliver into proper hands the political
state of France, England, Spain, and Portugal. We wish
every success to your arms, and also if possible that we may
lend a hand. The letter which will be sent you by one of
these gentlemen, will inform you well of interesting and
advantageous circumstances, which I cannot communicate
to you but by them.
I have, my General, a demand to make of you for a favour
which I desire to obtain, and which I hope to merit. I
have wrote concerning it to Dr. Franklin. It is that you
would grant me the honour of the title of your first Aid-de-
Camp, and that you would permit me to wear the uniform
and also the ribbon. I ask no pay, but the honour only of
being in your service. I hope you will grant me that favour
in consideration of my attachment and the desire I have to
serve with fidelity the nation of the thirteen United Colonies
of North America. I shall make my residence in Nantes,
and don't intend to return to the Continent before the end
of the war, my presence being necessary for your opera-
tions, and not being able to trust such secret affairs but to
myself. If I can be so happy as to be of any use to you,
I am entirely at your disposal. Dr. Franklin can forward
your letters to me, and also the brevet of Aid-de-Camp,
which I hope you will not refuse me, and which I shall
receive with the greatest pleasure.
I beg my best respect, to Madame Washington ; and
assure her that 1 have the honour to be, my General, her
and your most obedient servant, P. PENET &. Co.
To General Washington.
Head-duartera, Haerlem Heights, ten miles from )
New-York, October 7, 1776. $
SIR: I yesterday had the honour of receiving your letter
of the 4th August, and I take the earliest opportunity of
testifying the pleasure I have in complying with your request,
929
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
930
by immediately ordering the release of Monsieur Decham-
bault. He shall be accommodated with a passage in the
first vessel that sails from Philadelphia to the French
Colonies in the West-Indies.
Had it not been for your interposition, Monsieur Decham-
bault must have remained a prisoner till released by a cartel ;
but I could not hesitate to comply with a request made by a
nobleman, who, by his publicli countenance of our cause,
has rendered such essential services to the thirteen United
Independent States of America, whose armies I have the
honour to command.
I have the honour to be, sir, with the highest esteem,
your most obedient servant, r, T.T
(jo. WASHINGTON.
To Monsieur Le Compte d'Emery, Governour-General of
the French part of St. Domingo.
Proceedings of a Court-Martial of the Line, held on the
Heights of HAERLEM, by order of his Excellency General
WASHINGTON, Commander-in- Chief of the Forces of the
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, for the trial of all Prison-
ers to be brought before them ; October 7, 1776.
Colonel Weedon, President.
Members.
Lieut. Colonel Richardson,
Major McDonnough,
Captain Hoit,
Captain Byles,
Captain Braccon,
Captain Gaston,
Captain Wolcott,
Lieutenant St. John,
Lieutenant Janney,
Lieutenant Lane,
Lieut. Drake,
Lieutenant Clarke.
to be dismissed ; there being no evidence against • them,
and the Court upon inquiry, finding the prisoners to have
been in liquor, and wandering about without design, rather
than with a view of desertion.
G. WEEDON, President.
The Court adjourns to Wednesday morning, 9th October,
at nine o'clock.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held by adjourn-
ment, October 7, 1776, by order of Major-General
HEATH.
Colonel Lasher, President.
Lieut. Colonel Prentice, Captain Dana,
Major Austin,
Captain SiU,
Captain Barnes,
Captain Keith,
Captain Allen,
Captain Dixen,
Captain Brazier,
Captain Townshend,
Captain Platt,
Captain Hardenburgh.
William Tudor, Judge-Advocate.
The Court being duly sworn proceeded to the trial of
Sergeant George Douglass, of Captain Forbes's Company,
in General McDougaffs late Regiment, brought prisoner
before the Court and accused "of mutinous conduct and
of exciting mutiny, and also of speaking disrespectfully of the
Commander-in-Chief, and of the General Officers of the
Army of the United States."
The prisoner being arraigned on the aforesaid charge,
pleads " Not guilty."
Ensign Banner deposes : That the prisoner was confined
in the quarter guard of the regiment for disobedience of
orders, while the regiment was stationed on Haarlem Com-
mon. I was officer of the guard and heard the prisoner
say to part of the guard and some other prisoners who were
confined with him, "that the Generals had sold the troops
upon Long-Island, and had brought the army up to Haarlem,
to sell them there."
Captain Forbes deposes: In the morning of the same
day which Ensign Banner mentions, I was walking near the
quarter guard, and heard somebody singing, "God save the
King." I came up to the person, and found it to be Sergeant
Douglass. After he had finished the song he said " he was
his King, and he would have no other King, which we
should soon see." This he said to a soldier who was with
him. The prisoner is a Sergeant in my company, and has
been repeatedly mutinous.
The Court are of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of
mutinous speeches, and speaking disrespectfully of the
Commander-in-Chief; and the Court sentence the prisoner
to be whipped thirty-nine lashes on his bare back for said
offence. G. WEEDON, President.
The Court proceeded to the trial of George Harris, of
Captain Hoefs Company, in Colonel Winds's Regiment,
brought prisoner before the Court and accused of desertion.
The prisoner being arraigned, pleads guilty, and confesses
" that he deserted from the regiment last May, when the
regiment was at Albany, and about three weeks ago was
taken up at Brunswick and sent a prisoner to the camp at
Haarlem."
The Court find the prisoner guilty of a breach of the
eighth article of the rules and regulations for the government
of the Continental troops, and sentence him to be whipped
thirty-nine lashes on his bare back for said offence.
G. WEEDON, President.
The Court order Patrick McCollister, of Col. Hallett's
Battalion, and George Stephens, of General McDougall's
late Regiment, confined for being found outside the lines,
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. IJ. 59
The Court proceeded to the trial of Lieutenant John
Hulburt, of Sedgwick's Company, in Colonel Chester's
Regiment, for having deserted the camp in time of danger,
and being absent twenty-six days without leave.
The prisoner pleads, " Not guilty."
Captain Sedgwick being sworn deposes : That after the
retreat from Long-Island, while they were at New-York,
the Colonel was suspicious their baggage was in danger.
I desired the Lieutenant to go two or three miles with it.
He went. The Colonel asked me soon after, where the
Lieutenant was, as he had not returned ? I said I knew
not. I was afterwards informed by Captain Wells he was
beyond King's Bridge. The Captain thought he looked
better than he had done. I wrote to him to come back,
which letter did not reach him till he got home, he having
pushed on. He lives one hundred and twenty-six miles off.
He was absent twenty-one days.
Adjutant Abbe : When the ships were drawn up, I was
ordered by the Colonel to parade the regiment and man the
lines. I told the Lieutenant of it. He then went off. I
thought him in tolerable health.
Prisoner's Defence.
Pleads the Captain's orders for absenting himself from
the regiment at first, and his ill state of health for proceed-
ing home.
The Court find the prisoner not guilty of having deserted
the camp in time of danger, but find him guilty of absence
without leave twenty-four days, and unanimously adjudge
him to be cashiered and mulcted one month's pay.
JOHN LASHER, President.
The Court next proceeded to the trial of Abraham
Smedes, a Lieutenant in Captain De Witt's Company, in
the regiment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Harden-
burgh, for spreading a false and malicious report concerning
Colonel Hardenburgh' 's conduct on the day of the retreat
from New-York ; also for absenting himself from the regi-
ment without leave.
The prisoner pleads, " Not guilty."
Colonel Hardenburgh sworn: Produces a letter from his
son-in-law at home, which he swears to. The Colonel
then says, that on reading this letter to the prisoner, he
denied the whole except the following paragraph, which he
confessed and said Lieutenant Lawrence told him so. The
paragraph is : " Lieutenant Lawrence and a Sergeant hunted
for you, and found you hid away, and brought you out, and
after that you hid again among some potatoes in a yard,
where they fetched you out again." As to absence without
leave, he went away contrary to my express orders.
Lieutenant Van Orcher. Confirms what the Colonel says
with respect to the prisoner's confessing as above.
Lieutenant Lawrence. I utterly deny my saying any
such thing of the Colonel as the prisoner alleges. The
Colonel was in the intrenchments and behaved well.
Prisoner's Defence.
He says Lieutenant Lawrence did say the Colonel was
at the left of the intrenchments, in an hollow ground, out
of danger. As to absence, he was unwell, and thought he
could slip away.
The Court unanimously adjudge the prisoner to be guilty
of both charges ; and order him for the first charge, to beg
93 L
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
932
the Colonel's pardon at the head of the regiment, and con-
fess that the whole was a scandalous, malicious lie, without
the lenst foundation, and that this confession be inserted in
the publick paper. For the second charge, they order him
to be cashiered and mulcted one month's pay.
JOHN LASHER, President.
Both of the foregoing judgments are approved by
Go. WASHINGTON.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUEH.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 7, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have Mr. Benson's letter of the 5th, by
which I find you are laid up with a sprained leg. I hope
it will not be of long continuance.
Anchors and cable will be wanting to moor the boats, in
order to throw a bridge over Harkm River; all those
belonging to the vessels that were sunk, are sent up the
river, I believe to Poughkeepsie. His Excellency desires
that you would immediately send down six anchors and
cables of the size that are commonly used by sloops. As
they are very much wanted, pray let no time be lost.
We have nothing new from the enemy. We took a
drum and fife, rambling in Harlem, this morning, but they
are entirely ignorant of their own numbers, plans, or any
thing else.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq.
JOHN FIELD TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Dutchess, South-East Precinct, October 7, 1776.
SIR : We esteem it our duty to suggest to your honour-
able House, that we think the raising a company of
Rangers, or County guards, in the southern part of Dutchess
County, is very necessary. Our external enemies seem to
strain every nerve to carrry their insidious plans into
execution. We have too much reason to believe we have
daily spies from the British army in our neighbourhood.
We are now, sir, in pursuit of two persons whom we have
lately discovered, of whose villainous purposes we have
sufficient evidence. Our treacherous neighbours are in a
continual agitation. We wish they and their connection
may be now labouring under the last expiring struggles of that
inhuman spirit which has so long possessed them. However
that may be, we beg leave to say that a strict attention to
their motions is our duty, and that the concurrence of the
Convention with what is above recommended, we think may
serve to detect them in a great degree.
If the honourable House should honour us with their
concurrence, we beg leave to recommend Nathaniel Seribna,
of Fredericksburgh Precinct, as Captain, and Joseph Field,
in Southeast Precinct, as Lieutenant, of the company, and
that they are authorized to inlist their company as soon as
possible. For further intelligence in this matter, we would
refer the House to our worthy friend Doctor Crane.
We are, sir, yours, and the Convention's very humble
servants,
JOHN FIELD.
JONATHAN PADDOCK.
To the President of the Convention of the State of New-
York.
NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO ALBANY COMMITTEE.
In Convention of the State of New-York, Pishkill, )
October 7, 1776. $
GENTLEMEN: I am directed by Convention to request of
you to apply to the gentleman that has the superintendency
of the Presbyterian Church in your city, for the use of the
iron stove, with the pipes and other fixtures thereto belong-
ing. They will either return the same, or order another to
be cast with all despatch, as suits the gentlemen concerned.
The Convention here sits in the Dutch Church, which,
being built of stone, is so very damp that many of the
members cannot attend. They therefore request that your
Board would apply immediately for it, and send it down to
Fishkill Landing for the use of the Convention by the first
conveyance. They will pay all expenses attending the
same.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, October 7, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I arn to acknowledge the honour of your
Excellency's favour of the 4th instant.
1 have long since written to Congress for a supply of
nails. All 1 can procure in this quarter are insufficient for
the works at Tyconderoga, so that I fear no barracks will
be built in this quarter, unless a speedy supply arrives from
Philadelphia.
We have nothing new in this quarter worthy commu-
nicating.
I am, dear sir, most unfeignedly and sincerely, your
Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington, &tc., &c.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO ROBERT YATES.
Albany, October 7, 1776, six o'clock, A. M.
DEAR SIR: Your favour of the 4th instant, enclosing the
resolutions of Congress for raising a new army, were deliv-
ered me just now.
I shall cause returns to be made out of Van Schaick't,
Wyrikoop's and Nicolson's regiments, and transmit them to
you by the first conveyance, which will probably be to-mor-
row, together with the terms on which they were engaged.
You will perceive by a letter of mine, this date, to Con-
vention, that I have presumed to give them a hint on the
subject of the new army. Had I received yours before I
wrote that, I should have enlarged, which 1 shall do in my
next to you. The post waits, and I must conclude.
I am, dear sir, with the greatest esteem, you obedient,
humble servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To Robert Yates, Esq.
From McDougalFs, Clinton's, and Ritzema's corps, I
have never had a return.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Albany, October 7, 1776.
SIR: On Saturday last I received sundry despatches
from Philadelphia. Copy of Mr. Hancock's letter, and of
the resolutions of Congress of the 25th ultimo, I do myself
the honour to lay before the Convention. By the contents
of the former, it would appear as if Congress still considered
me as commanding in this department, and correspondent
to this idea was the direction of the letter; if so, nothing
could be more insulting than that Commissioners should be
sent to confer with any officer under my command, with
respect to the army in this department, or any part of it.
This treatment would fully justify me if I forbore every act
as Commander-in-Chief of this department. Yet the prin-
ciples which induced me to accept the command, on which I
have acted whilst in it, and which, I trust, will mark every
action of my life, will not permit me to forbear acting until
matters are put into such a proper train by Congress as that
no detriment may accrue to my country. Of this I have
advised Congress, and signified my wish that I may be
speedily relieved.
Convention will perceive by the postscript to Mr. Han-
cock's letter, that Congress has referred an inquiry into my
affairs to a special committee. Although I have the fullest
confidence in the propriety of every part of my conduct, and
in the honour of the gentlemen who compose the committee,
yet things may appear in a quite different point of view
from what they really are, to persons uninformed of causes
and facts, which perhaps none but myself can suggest. I
have therefore entreated Congress to suspend their judgment
until I shall have had an opportunity given me of being
heard, a request so reasonable that I hope it will not be
refused me; but if it is, I must, in justification of my conduct,
publish my letters to Congress, with their answers, whatever
may be the consequences, for I cannot sacrifice my honour
to any consideration whatever.
By the resolutions of Congress to inlist eighty-eight bat-
talions during the war, I perceive that this State is to raise
four of them. The Convention will pardon my presumption
in venturing a thought on the subject. By the resolutions
of Congress the soldiers are to pay for their clothing, the
price of which is now so excessively high, that I fear
that condition will greatly impede the levies. Perhaps it
933
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
934
would be best to determine the several articles of clothing
that should be given to each soldier, and ascertain what
stoppages he should be put under for it ; but these, I think,
ought very little to exceed the price that clothing was sold
at before the present troubles arose. This, with the bounty
offered and paid immediately, 1 believe would induce men
to engage with alacrity. That State which is foremost in
publishing their terms, and in appointing recruiting officers
in both armies, to inlist men, I conceive will meet with the
least difficulty in doing it.
I should imagine that many of the New-Jersey and Penn-
sylvania soldiers, whose terms of inlistment expire on the
last of this month, would reengage.
I am, sir, respectfully, your most obedient, humble ser-
vant> PH. SCHUYLER.
To Hon. Abraham Yates, Esq., President, &tc.
SAMUEL MOTT TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Mount Independence, October 7, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: There is nothing new to inform your
Honour of. I wrote by Mr. Brown, and mean to write by the
next post again ; and also to send a true state of my regi-
ment. I have only time now to inform your Honour that
I received the letter by Bozworth, and expect to have the
things of Colonel Alden's sent to my care from Skeensbo-
rough; but don't know what to do with them, for Colonel
Alden is gone away sick towards Albany. The regiment
is yet sickly. We hear of no material movement of our
northern enemy, and if they don't come soon, I expect the
General will begin to discharge the sick. But I 6nd the
General yet expects them. I am extremely anxious to
hear the particulars of the several actions at New-York,
since our army left the city. There is so many sick, and
in so many places, it was impossible for the doctors to
attend them all properly, so that 1 have been obliged to
appoint Lieutenant Maclure, of Captain Robinson's com-
pany, who is a physician, to assist as a physician in attend-
ing the sick.
Am, with great respect, your Honour's humble servant,
SAML. MOTT.
To Hon. Governour Trumbull.
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES.
Valcour, October 7, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I received your favour of the 2d in-
stant, and copy of yours of the 23d ultimo, yesterday, by
General Waterbury, who arrived with the two galleys about
two o'clock. I fully expected by him to have all the par-
ticulars of the evacuating Long-Island and New- York. He
seems to know little of the matter, and General Washing-
ton's letter seems not very explicit. The affair of Long-
Island seems still in obscurity. I am very anxious for our
army and friends below. Lord Howe's desiring a confer-
ence and neglecting his appointments, seems not very
favourable. It appears to me our troops or officers are
panick struck, or why does a hundred thousand men fly
before one quarter of their numbers? Is it possible my
countrymen can be callous to their wrongs or hesitate one
moment between slavery or death? What advantage can
we derive by blockading the enemy when they are in pos-
session of a part of the country sufficient to support them?
It appears to me coercive measures should be adopted.
However, I will say no more, lest I incur the censure we
passed on their council last spring for judging too rashly of
our measures. That Being in whose hands are all hu-
man events, will doubtless turn the scale in favour of the
just and oppressed.
Nothing worth notice has occurred in this quarter since
my last. The weather is very severe here and gales of
wind frequent. If the enemy do not make their appearance
by the middle of this month. I have thought of returning to
Button-Mould Bay, as I think they will not pretend to
cross the lake after that time. We are prepared for them at
all times, and if they attempt crossing the lake, I make no
doubt of giving a good account of them.
I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant,
B. ARNOLD.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
GOVERNOUR THUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUVLER.
Lebanon, October?, 1776.
SIR: I received your agreeable favour of the 2d instant
on Friday. Your intention to do nothing prejudicial to our
common cause reflects honour upon you, and will be the
best defence when every thing is impartially considered,
which cannot be expected in this day of great searchings of
heart.
I have enclosed one of the resolutions for raising a new
army, lest you have not yet received them. The appoint-
ment of suitable officers is a matter of the greatest conse-
quence to the States and armies. Have to ask your favour-
able assistance to furnish me with the knowledge of such
from this State in your army as are willing to undertake and
fit for the service. I know it to be a delicate affair. Shall
treat what you say upon it accordingly.
I am, with sincere esteem and regard, sir, your most obe-
dient, humble servant, JQNTH TRUMBCLL.
To Major-General Schuyler^
JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Pairfield, October 7, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I wrote to Convention from the camp at
King's Bridge, giving an account of the progress I had
made in negotiating the exchange of General Woodhull,
since which have received the melancholy intelligence of his
death. The wound in his arm mortified ; the arm was taken
off, but the mortification still continued, and in a few days
put an end to that useful life. He was attended in his dying
moments by his lady, who was permitted to remove the
corpse to his seat, where it was interred about the 23d
ultimo. These particulars I have from Captain Strong, of
Islip, by whose door the procession passed in its way to St.
George's.
In a day or two after my arrival here General Clinton
called upon me, by desire of General Washington, to attend
at a council of war to be held at New-Haven, from whence
I returned not till Saturday evening. I shall unavoidably
be detained two or three weeks in order to get my family
fixed for the winter; but in the mean time shall send Ketch-
urn to the Fishkills as soon as a guard can be procured.
At present every one is employed in forwarding the Militia
from New-Hampshire and Massachusetts, who are march-
ing to the number of near six thousand to join the grand
army.
By some late accounts from Long-Island, I learn that two
hundred Infantry and one hundred Cavalry were at Hun-
tington, in order to force the people who had been in our
army to join the British troops. This measure will drive
the people to desperation, and, if it can be accomplished,
most of them will quit the country. I hope General Wash-
ington will attempt to assist them in it. Much has already
been done by Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston, who with the
zeal and activity of an excellent officer, has greatly assisted
the people at the east end of the island in removing their
families and effects ; but many of them cannot bring the
means of support with them, which will occasion great dif-
ficulties. Should a number more, under the same circum-
stances, come over, it will be too great a charge upon the
charity of individuals in this State.
The provision made by Convention is inadequate to the
purpose of maintaining the indigent from the island, even
supposing they were to remove into our own State, for certi-
ficates of indigency from the Chairmen of Committees being
necessary to entitle to maintenance, such cannot be had, for
as soon as the necessity of removing took place the Commit-
tees universally declined acting, so that the resolve intended
for their relief becomes of no effect, and they would fail of
the intended reliefin any part of New-Yorkbut here, where
the purity of intention wherewith the Convention was actu-
ated is not known. If the resolve stands in its present form,
I fear it will be construed into a design to delude both the
refugees and the persons who shall entertain them. Some
further regulations are necessary if any thing is intended to
be done for those unhappy sufferers. The Assembly of this
State are to sit in a few days at New-Haven, and I trust
will, upon application, give all the assistance we can reason-
ably ask.
>•.„! hope Convention will not think me impertinently
troublesome upon this subject. My heart aches at every
933
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
986
pore when I consider the deplorable situation to which the
people whom I have the honour to represent are reduced ;
a people who, without boasting, were as warmly attached to
the common cause, and who as cheerfully obeyed the orders
of Convention, as any in the State. Upon the retreat of
the army from the island they viewed themselves as aban-
doned by the Continent, and expecting the enemy hourly
among them, a general removal appeared impracticable;
besides, to quit their pleasant habitations and throw them-
selves with their tender connexions upon the charity of an
unknown world, was a degree of apathy to which they had
not yet arrived. In a fit of despair they laid down their
arms and made an unconditional submission to what they
supposed the conquering army.
The people at large being thus brought to terms, they
found it less difficult, by threats, to induce the individuals
who had formerly held commissions under the Crown of
Great Britain to resume the execution of their offices.
Being once led into the snare, every measure tended to draw
the net closer about them ; notwithstanding which I am from
the best authority informed that they are accused by Mr.
Tryon and his minions of having submitted only the better
to cover their intention of removing, and that unless the
young men do voluntarily take up arms against their coun-
try, an inveterate and disappointed soldiery will be let loose
upon them.
These considerations induce me earnestly to wish that
some measures may be taken to induce the people to quit
the island, by offering a support to those who cannot main-
tain themselves. The aged and infirm might be maintained
at the publick expense. A regiment of Long-Island refu-
gees would provide a support for many of the young men.
Should the Convention adopt the idea, there are many offi-
cers in General Scott's brigade, who, together with some of
Colonel Smith's regiment, now on this side, would make an
exceeding good corps.
Should General Washington send a body of troops on to
the island, it will be necessary to destroy every thing that
would be of service to the enemy, to prevent its falling into
their hands. I beg leave to submit whether it will not be
proper to hold out the prospect of compensation in order to
induce the people the more cheerfully to assist in destroying
their own property.
Give me leave, before I conclude this long letter, to sug-
gest the propriety of filling up the two vacant regiments,
late McDougall's and Clinton's. Your officers, by the de-
lay, will lose the opportunity of rising so fast in the Conti-
nental army as those of the other States. There is some
little uneasiness in the First Regiment on the subject of rank.
That matter may now be accommodated to general satisfac-
tion.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, gen-
tlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
JNO. SLOSS HOBART.
To the honourable the Convention of New-York.
State, loaded with four hundred and twenty-five hogsheads
of sugar, some rum, cotton, Sic.
A ship loaded with dry goods, bound to Quebeck, and
taken by Captain Crawford, went into a safe port yes-
terday. About the same time another ship from Jamaica,
with sugar, rum, &,c., taken by Captain Coffin, went into
a secure harbour.
We hear that last Wednesday, as Captain Harding, in a
Connecticut brig-of-war, was going up the Sound from a
cruise, he was attacked by the Merlin ship-of-war, when a
very warm engagement ensued, but another ship, supposed
to he the Cerberus, coming up, and endeavouring to cut
Captain Harding off from the land, he made from them,
and got safe into Stonington. We don't learn what damage
was sustained on either side. At the same time a third ship
was seen near Block-Island.
Hartford, October 7, 1776.
Edward Smith, of Newfain, in the County of Cumber-
land, in the State of New- York, being convicted of counter-
feiting certain bill or bills of credit emitted by the Colonies,
before the Committee of Brattleborough, in said County, he
is, by their order, here published as a notorious enemy to
the rights of the American States. Also,
Lieutenant Daniel Brunday, of Skeenesborough, Char-
lotte County, having been found guilty of violating the
Continental Association, it is desired by the Committee for
the town of Skeenesborough, before whom he was con-
victed, that he may be treated with the contempt he justly
merits.
Newport, October 7, 1776.
Last Thursday a prize brig, loaded with rum and sugar,
went up the East Passage. She was bound from Antigua
for the British fleet and army at New- York, and taken by
the privateer Industry, Captain Thomas Child, who had
taken another large brig from Jamaica, loaded with sugar,
mahogany, and logwood, which, we hear, is safe arrived at
the eastward.
The Lady Washington, privateer, Captain James God-
frey, has sent a fine ship into a port in the Massachusetts
Boston, October 7, 1776.
The prize taken by Captain Greely, and sent first into
Marblehead, has since come round here. She has papers
to the middle of August, which give particular accounts of
the Spaniards invading the Kingdom of Portugal, and
taking several towns. The inference is plain : war is or
must be declared.
The mate of a London ship, brought up this evening by
Captain Atkins, informs that the Ministry are so suspicious
of plots and conspiracies being laid, that four persons dare
not be seen conversing together in London, but they are
immediately dispersed.
A privateer is just arrived at Salem, after taking three
prizes, one of which is loaded with dry goods to the amount
of £37,000 sterling. This fine prize has not yet arrived.
A day seldom passes without provision vessels, Jamaica-
men, Londoners, or something is taken.
SUTTON (MASSACHUSETTS) TOWN MEETING.
Sutton, October 7, 1776.
At a legal town meeting of the town of Sutton, upon
the handbill sent out by the House of Representatives, to
see if towns will consent that the present House of Repre-
sentatives and Council should form and ratify a Constitu-
tion for this State,
Resolved, That this town can by no means consent to
what is there proposed, for the following reasons, viz:'
1. Because we think it irrational for us to consent to the
setting up any constitution unknown to us, or to vote for
any thing before we see what it is we vote for.
2. Because we look upon the present House of Repre-
sentatives, not only to be a very unequal representation of
the State, also an illegal one, many of them being chosen
by virtue of a pretended law made after the precepts went
out for the election of the House.
3. Because we look upon it irrational and unjust for us
to act any thing that shall operate in any measure for such
an extensive and everlasting effect, while so many of our
neighbours and brethren are gone into the army, and would
be plainly voting away their rights in their absence.
A true extract from the minutes.
Attest: BENJAMIN MORSE, Town Clerk.
OXFORD (MASSACHUSETTS) TOWN MEETING.
Oxford, October 7, 1776.
Whereas the Great and General Court of this State, have,
on the 17th day of September last, recommended it to the
male inhabitants of each town in this State, upwards of
twenty-one years of age and free, that being assembled in
town meeting, they should determine whether they consent
that the present General Court (both Houses being agreed)
enact such a Constitution of Government for this State as
shall appear to them most conducive to the peace, safety,
and happiness of this State for the future:
The town of Oxford met pursuant to the above resolve,
September 30th, last, and chose a committee to consider
and report on said resolve, on the 7th of October then next,
to which time said meeting was adjourned. The said com-
mittee, having met and attended said service, do report as
follows, viz :
1st. It appears that if the present General Court are pro-
perly constituted to act in any matter, since the Declaration
937
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
938
of Independency, (which is disputed,) yet there is a very
unequal representation of the several towns in this State at
present, in that some towns are allowed to send such a
large number of members, barely in consideration of num-
bers, without any regard had to lands and real estates,
which appears to be in consequence of an act passed in a
former General Court, when there was a very thin House.
And therefore, that the present General Court, are not in a
proper situation to act on matters of such importance as
forming a Constitution of Government for after successions
and generations in this State ; and whereas mature con-
sideration and deliberation appears to be necessary to be
used in a case of such importance, we apprehend it not safe
that it should be proceeded upon unless there is more equal
representation, and taking some further time for considera-
tion and information touching said matter.
The town of Oxford met upon adjournment, and after
the above report had been repeatedly read, it was put to
vote whether the same be accepted, and it passed unani-
mously in the affirmative.
Attest: SAMUEL HARRIS, Town Clerk.
SILAS DEANE TO THE SECRET COMMITTEE.
Paris, October 8, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Your Declaration of the 4th of July last
has given this Court, as well as several others in Europe,
reason to expect you would, in form, announce your inde-
pendency to them, and ask their friendship ; but a three
months' silence on that subject appeal's to them mysterious,
and the more so as you declared for foreign alliances. This
silence has given me the most inexpressible anxiety ; has
more than once come near frustrating my whole endeavours,
on which subject refer you to mine of the 1st instant.
Employ must be found for the forces of Great Britain
out of the United States of North America. The Caribbs
in St. Vincent, if set agoing, may be supplied through Mar-
tinico with stores. The mountain negroes in Jamaica may
employ a great number of their forces. This is not em-
ploying slaves, which, however, the example of our enemy
authorizes. Should there arise trouble in these two islands,
which a very little money would effect, the consequence
would be, that Great Britain, which can by no means
think of giving them up, would be so far from being able to
increase her forces on the Continent, that she must with-
draw a large part to defend her islands.
I find every one here acquainted with Bermuda is in my
sentiments ; and by the officiousness of the treacherous
Hopkins, the Ministry here have got it by the end. This
makes me the more solicitous that the island should be for-
tified this winter, if practicable.
Tobacco in Holland is at the enormous price of seven
stivers, and will soon be as dear in France, Germany, &tc.
I have promised that you will send out twenty thousand
hogshead this winter, in payment of the articles wanted
here. Let me advise you to ship the whole to Bordeaux,
after which it may be shipped in French bottoms to any
other port ; the price will pay the convoy, therefore I
would recommend the vessels in which it should be shipped
should be armed, and that each ship sail under convoy
of one of your frigates, which may also ballast with it:
this will be safer than coming in a fleet. On your arrival,
Messrs. Delap, whose zeal and fidelity in our service is
great, will be directed by me, or, in my absence, by Mr.
B. M., or ostensibly Messrs. Hortalez &/• Co., where to
apply the money.
Eight or ten of your frigates, thus collected at Bordeaux,
with a proper number of riflemen as marines, where they
might have leisure to refit and procure supplies, would
strike, early next season, a most terrible blow to the British
commerce in Europe, and obtain a most noble indemnity.
The appearance of American cruisers in those seas has
amazed the British merchants, and insurance will now be
on the war establishment. This will give the rival nations
a great superiority in commerce, of which they cannot be
insensible ; and as our vessels of war will be protected in
the ports of France and Spain, the whole of the British
commerce will be exposed.
I hope to have a liberty for the disposal of prizes here,
but dare not engage for that. The last season, the whole
coast of England, Scotland, and Ireland, has been, and still
remains unguarded. Three or four frigates, arriving, as
they certainly might, unexpectedly, would be sufficient to
pillage Port Glasgow or other western towns. The very
alarm which this would occasion might have the most sur-
prising and important effects, and in this method it might
be effected with the utmost certainty, if entered upon early
next spring : but should that be laid aside, the having five
or six, or more, of your stoutest ships in these ports, where
you may every day receive intelligence of what is about to
sail from England, would put in our power to make great
reprisals.
I wrote for blank commissions, or a power to grant com-
missions to ships of war: pray forward them, as here are
many wishing for an opportunity of using them in this way;
they will take a cargo in an armed vessel for America, and
if they meet with any thing in their way take it with them.
The granting commissions against Portugal would insure
the friendship of Spain.
Grain will bear a great price in this kingdom and the
south of Europe; and I have made application to the Min-
ister of the Marine to supply masts and spars from America
for the French navy : pray inform me how, and on what
terms, the British navy formerly used to be supplied from
New-England.
I am fully of opinion that war must break out soon, and
become general in Europe.
1 need say no more on the situation I am in for want of
your further instructions. I live in hopes, but should I be
much longer disappointed, the affairs I am upon, as well as
my credit, must suffer, if not be absolutely ruined. My most
respectful compliments to the honourable Congress.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble
servant, SILAS DEANE.
COLONEL GADSDEN TO JOHN LEWIS GERVAIS.
Sullivan's Island, October 8, 1776.
SIR : We have now not one barrel of pork left ; therefore
desire you will send us down a month's salt provisions as
soon as possible for a store. The Adjutant, Mr. Hamilton,
will tell you the reason of this. I should also be glad you
would send me a hogshead of rum for the regiment by
the first opportunity. I am obliged to give a great deal of
rum to the labourers about the bridge.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
CHRIST. GADSDEN.
To John Lewis Gervais, Esq., Commissary-General,
Charlestown.
SAMUEL BOONE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
GENTLEMEN: By orders of supervisors of the gun-lock
factory in Frederick town, I have sent you seventy-nine
locks, and have a quantity more all ready to put together.
If you must have all the locks sent to you that is made in
the factory, please to let me know by the bearer, George
Bear.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
SAML. BOONE.
To the Council of Safety of Maryland.
JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS.
Philadelphia, October 8, 1776.
I ought to acknowledge with gratitude your constant
kindness in writing to me by every post. Your favour of
29 September came by the last. I wish it had been in
my power to have returned your civilities with the same
punctuality, but it has not. Long before this you have
received letters from me, and newspapers containing a full
account of the negotiation. The communication is still
open, and the post-riders now do their duty, and will con-
tinue to do so.
I assure you we are as much at a loss about affairs at
New-York as you are. In general, our Generals were out-
generaled on Long-Island, and Sullivan and Stirling, with
a thousand men, were made prisoners, in consequence of
which, and several other unfortunate circumstances, a coun-
cil of war thought it prudent to retreat from that island and
Governour's Island, and then from New-York. They are
now posted at Haerlem, about ten or eleven miles from the
939
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
940
city. They left behind them some provisions, some cannon,
and some baggage. Wherever the men-of-war have ap-
proached, our Militia have most manfully turned their backs
and run away, officers and men, like sturdy fellows; and
their panicks have sometimes seized the regular regiments.
One little skirmish on Montresor's Island ended with the
loss of the brave Major Henley, and the disgrace of the rest
of the party. Another skirmish, which might, indeed, be
called an action, ended in the defeat and shameful flight
of the enemy, with the loss of the brave Colonel Knowlton
on our part. The enemy have possession of Paulm Hook
and Bergen Point, places on the Jersey side of North
River. By this time their force is so divided between Sta-
ten-Mand, Long-Island, New-York, Paulas Hook, and
Bergen Point, that I think they will do no great matter
more this fall, unless the expiration of the term of inlistment
of our army should disband it. If our new inlistments fill
up for soldiers during the war, we shall do well enough.
Every body must encourage this.
You are told that a regiment of Yorkers behaved ill, and
it may be true ; but I can tell you that several regiments of
Massachusetts men behaved ill too. The spirit of venality
you mention is the most dreadful and alarming enemy
America has to oppose. It is as rapacious and insatiable
as the grave. We are in the fcece Romuli non repnblica
Platonis. This predominant avarice will ruin America, if
she ever is ruined. If God Almighty does not interpose by
his grace to control this universal idolatry to the mammon
of unrighteousness, we shall be given up to the chastise-
ments of his judgments. I am ashamed of the age I live in.
You surprise me with your account of the prayers in
publick for an abdicated King, a pretender to the crown.
Nothing of that kind is heard in this place, or any other
part of the Continent, but New- York and the place you
mention. This practice is treason against the State, and
cannot be long tolerated.
Don't leave off writing to me. I write as often as I can.
I am glad Master John has an office so useful to his
mamma and papa as that of post-rider.
their delivering their votes for Representatives to the Inspec-
tors ? It was
Resolved, nemine contradicente, That they would not
take that oath.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the above proceed-
ings be printed in the newspapers.
Extract from the minutes :
ROBERT MILLER, Chairman.
COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF PENNSYLVANIA TO THE CONGRESS.
[Read October 10 : referred to the Board of War ; Board of War to
confer.]
In Council of Safety, October 8, 1776.
As it is not improbable that General Howe might detach
part of his army by water from New-York to invade this
State, and as we should be unable to make any defence
against them by land, in our present unarmed condition,
and as not only the safety of this State, but the preserva-
tion and security of great part of the military stores belong-
ing to Congress is thereby endangered :
Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Colonel Bayard, and
Mr. Biddle, be appointed to confer with a Committee of
Congress on the expediency of having a body of Troops
stationed near the City of Philadelphia, for the defence of
this State, and that a General officer of some experience
be appointed to have the command of said force.
Extract from the minutes :
JACOB S. HOWELL, Secretary.
CARLISLE (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee of the town of Carlisle,
at the Court-House, the 8th day of October, 1776:
Resolved, unanimously, That the inhabitants of this town
at large be called together, to meet at the Court-House, at
two o'clock this afternoon, to consider of the oath directed
by an ordinance of the late Convention of this State, passed
at Philadelphia, the 26th day of September last, to be taken
by every elector in this State, at the ensuing election, be-
fore his vote for Representatives shall be received.
At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Carlisle,
in the afternoon of the same day, on notice given, in pur-
suance of the above resolve, Robert Miller, Esq., was ap-
pointed Chairman.
After the occasion of the meeting was opened to the
people, the oath above referred to was read and considered,
and the question was put, viz: Whether the inhabitants
present will take the oath aforesaid, on the 5th day of
November next, at the ensuing general election, previous to
TO THE FREEMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA.
FRIENDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS : The affairs of our
State now wear a most gloomy aspect. The Convention
have risen, and without consulting the prejudices, habits, or
even inclinations of their constituents, have forced a Govern-
ment upon us big with anarchy and slavery.
The people of the neighbouring States, we are told, are
now enjoying the sweets of Governments founded upon their
own authority, and are employing their whole wisdom and
strength in promoting their own safety and happiness. The
reason is plain : They removed those parts of their consti-
tutions only which were derived from the Crown, and sub-
stituted in their stead an executive power founded upon an,
authority derived from themselves. They have all reserved
the inestimable pillars in a free government, a Legislative
Council or Governour. Such a government would have
been most agreeable to the people of Pennsylvania, and if
they have spirit or sense remaining they will never be
happy without it.
A people who could be free and happy with one Legis-
lature, might be equally free and happy without any Gov-
ernment. Both situations suppose equal degrees of virtue
in a people. The history of all countries shows us that
power has done as much mischief when lodged in the hands
of one assembly, as it has done when lodged in the hands
of one man. The arbitrary Rump Parliament, which sat
eighteen years without dissolving itself, was a single assem-
bly or legislature.
But it is unnecessary to travel into past ages to find ex-
amples of the danger of trusting power into the hands of
a single legislature. The conduct of the late Convention
of Pennsylvania seems intended by Divine Providence to
awaken our fears upon this subject, and to point out to us
the mischiefs which have arisen from the exercise of power
by a single assembly.
What body of men has disposed of our liberty, property,
and lives, without our consent, by cruel and tyrannical
ordinances? The Convention. What body of men paid
themselves above three thousand pounds for sitting above
two months for doing business which might have been trans-
acted in ten days? The Convention. What body of men
published a constitution for a State, deficient in perspicuity,
grammar, and English]* The Convention. What body
of men appointed Justices of the Peace wholly unacquainted
with the business of their offices, and equally unfit and un-
willing to execute them ? The Convention. What body
of men secured to themselves a perpetuity of their power,
by fencing it in with oaths unprecedented in any free coun-
try ? The Convention.
If this is not enough to show us the danger of a single
Legislature, we deserve to be slaves. SCIPIO.
Philadelphia, October 8, 1776.
* " No Justice of the Peace shall sit in the General Assembly unless
he first resisri his commission." — Section 30.
Head-Quarters, Perth-Amboy, October 8, 1776.
Colonel Sloug/i's Battalion of Pennsylvania Associators
having done their duty as good soldiers, are hereby dismissed
the service of the States, and are permitted to return home
from Elizabethtown on Monday next.
SAMUEL GRIFFIN, Dep. Ad. Gen.
Head-duarters, Elizabethtown, October 14, 1776.
Colonel Slough will be so good as to return my thanks
to the officers and soldiers of the battalion under his com-
mand, for their decent and orderly behaviour since their
occupying the post at the Point House. As his battalion
is now discharged from further duty at this post, I take this
opportunity to wish them safe home to their respective fam-
ilies and friends.
MATTHIAS WILLIAMSON, Brig. Gen.
941
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
942
Head-Quarters, Elizabeth town, October 14, 1776. and honour which their spirited conduct, on that occasion,
Sin' I request the favour of you to return my sincere entitles them to receive,
thanks to the officers and soldiers of Colonel Slough's bat-
talion that turned out volunteers with you yesterday, and
joined us in our excursion to Staten-Mand, for their orderly
and soldier-like behaviour while on that service; and they
may depend I shall always mention them with that regard
I am, with the greatest esteem, your most obedient ser-
vant) M. WILLIAMSON, Brig. Gen.
To Major Philip Brussell, of Colonel Slough's Battalion,
Lancaster.
A General Return of the Army in NEW-JERSEY, under the command of the Honourable HUGH MERCER, Esq., Brigadier-
General in the service of the AMERICAN STATES, PERTH-AMBOY, October 8, 1776.
REGIMENTS.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Total Officers and Privates.
WHERE
STATIONED.
FROM WHAT STATE.
Commissioned.
Sfctf.
.mm-
Com'ed.
•
0
C
C
Xl
O
El
_0
c-
I
3
i
o
?
S
ID
a
'5
c.
3
O
First Lieutenants.
W
C
1
3
3
a
•
z
M
'(0
H
</.
C
3
3.
s
,4
U
•
a
£
5_
-c'
".
£
1)
1
J
7^
rt
1
'?•
z
•Z
>.
£
m
=
c
&
1
vj
D
".
2
•
c
•
V
1
OJ
|
£
1
i
»
5
Q
0
a
•?£
2 3
d-O
>
£
M
0
83
s
be
3
£
S
i
T3
OJ
c
•
•
B
Q
8
^3
>
£
3
&
Lieutenant-Colonel Tea. . .
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
i
i
1
i
i
l
2
1
1
1
1
C
]
C
3
4
7
8
9
3
3
5' 5
6; 6
« 8
8 7
3 3
3 2
fj
4 4
2 1
2 1
4
5
7
8
9
I
(i
K
c
c
1
1
1
1
1
9
i
i
i
9
1
i
i
l
i
8
1
13
27
26
35
10
8
22
1
15
6
4
9
li
a
c
i
4
c
i
4
108
268
231
369
103
98
113
246
92
50
22
3!
74
51
(il
18
M
1!)
13
i
s
H
1
1
,
i
a
34
4
3
139
342
311
438
125
109
136
246
107
50
22
185
Pennsylvania Militia.
Delaware Flying-Camp.
Pennsylvania do.
do.
do.
Jersey Militia.
do.
do.
Pennsylvania do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
-
1
1
1
l
1
l
1
-
1
1
-
Colonel Ellis
-
-
-
-
-
Total at Amboy
5 9
5
4940
37
3
(
i
i
6
1
154
41
1592
Ml
17
31
1886
2306
Total at Perth-JImboy.
Colonel Smith
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
4
6
4
6
5
4
6
1
13
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
.
.
-
l:i
25
20
?
12
8
193
138
152
26
39
16
{
1
221
180
168
_
Woodbridge
do.
do.
Jersey Militia,
do.
do.
Total at Woodbridge
:i
2
i
1
14
11
'2
3
-
1
-
60
•27
483
80| 5
1
569
727 Total at Woodbridge.
Lieutenant-Col. Lawrence.
i
i
i
1
1
i
1
L
li
i
2
5
7
7
4
•2
4
7
7
3
a
4
7
7
3
J.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
1
1
1
1
\
15
33
35
16
I
10
12
8
(
to
171
368
405
189
M
e
i:
73
171
368
478
189
-
Elizabeth-Town . .
do.
do.
do.
do.
Pennsyl'a Flying-Camp,
do. Militia.
Jersey Militia,
do.
do.
Total at Elizabeth-Town.
3
9
5
31
25
23
23! -
5l4
-
1
1
106
41
1198
5j
H
14 1279
1550
Total at Elizabeth- Town.
1
1
1
]
1
1
1
a
1
1
1
1
(,
8
3
7
6
t>
8
8
7
7
7
6
7
6
6
1
6
•!
J
1
1
1
1
1
1
:
1
1
1
1
Ifc
30
12
24
27
IIJ
14
1
5
6
23b
314
121
224
368
14
99
13
44
H
(
1
4
1
12
36
4
26t
359
138
305
435
31(1
New-Ark
Jersey Militia.
Pennsyl'a Flying-Camp,
do.'
do.
Fort Constitution.
do.
do.
Colonel Montgomery
Total at Fort Constitution
3 2
4
•24
30
•21
•_>•"
1
:
•„
1
93
38
1027
151.
57(
1
53
1237
1470
Total at Fort Constitution.
Total number
1614
27131
129
99105 £
17
•->!
i
i:
!
444
].r>;
4644
4:
103
r>3fi(j
6546
At the different posts.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 11. Referred to Board of War.]
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, October 8, 1776.
SIR : Since I had the honour of writing you yesterday, I
have been favoured with a letter from the honourable Coun-
cil of Massachusetts-Bay, covering one from Richard Derby,
Esq., a copy of which is herewith transmitted, as it contains
intelligence of an important and interesting nature.
As an exchange of prisoners is about to take place, I am
induced from a question stated in a letter I received from
Governour Trumbull, this morning, to ask the opinion of
Congress in what manner the States that have had the care
of them, are to be reimbursed the expenses incurred on their
account. My want of information in this instance, or
whether any account is to be sent in with the prisoners,
would not allow me to give him an answer, as nothing that
I recollect has ever been said upon the subject. He also
mentions another matter, viz : whether such privates as are
mechanicks and others, who may desire to remain with us,
should be obliged to return. In respect to the latter, I con-
ceive, there can be no doubt of our being under a necessity
of returning the whole, a proposition having been made on
our part for a general exchange, and that agreed to. Besides
the balance of prisoners is greatly against us ; and I am
informed it was particularly stipulated by General Mont-
gomery, that all those that were taken in Canada should be
exchanged, whenever a cartel was settled for the purpose.
Under these circumstances, I should suppose the several
Committees having the care of them, should be instructed
to make the most exact returns of the whole, however
willing a part should be to continue with us. At the same
time I should think it not improper, to inform them of the
reasons leading to the measure, and that they should be
invited to escape afterwards, which in all probability they
may effect without much difficulty, if they are attached to
us, extending their influence to many more, and bringing
them away also.
The situation of our affairs, and the present establishment
of the army requiring our most vigorous exertions to engage
a new one, I presume it will be necessary to furnish the
Paymaster-General, as early as1 possible, with money to pay
the bounty lately resolved on to such men as will inlist.
Prompt pay perhaps may have a happy effect, and induce
the continuance of some who are here ; but without it, I am
certain that nothing can be done, nor have we time to lose
in making the experiment. But then it may be asked who
is to recruit, or who can consider themselves as officers for
that purpose, till the Conventions of the different States
have made the appointments.
Yesterday afternoon the exchange between Lord Stirling
and Governour Browne was carried into execution, and his
Lordship is now here. He confirms the intelligence men-
tioned by Captain Souther, about the transports he met, by
the arrival of the Daphne man-of-war, (a twenty gun ship,)
a few days ago, with twelve ships under her convoy having
Light Horse on board. They sailed with about twenty in
each, and lost about eighty in their passage, besides those
in the vessel taken by Captain Souther. He further adds,
that he had heard it acknowledged more than once, (hat in
the action of the 16th ultimo, the enemy had a hundred
men killed, about sixty Highlanders of the Forty-Second
Regiment, and forty of the Light Infantry. This confession
coming from themselves, we may reasonably conclude did
not exaggerate the number.
In pursuance of the resolve, which you were pleased to
transmit me, I called upon the members who concurred in
943
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
944
the acquittal of Me Cumber to assign their reasons. Enclosed
you have their answer, by which you will perceive the direc-
tion has given them great uneasiness, and from the informa-
tion I have received, it has become a matter of much more
general concern than could have been expected, in so much
that I will take the liberty to advise that it may rest where
it is, having heard that most of the officers have become
party to it, and consider that the resolve materially affects
the whole.
October 9th. About eight o'clock this morning two ships
of forty-four guns each, supposed to be the Roebuck and
Phoenix, and a frigate of twenty guns, with three or four
tenders, got under way from about Bloomingdale, where
they had been laying some time, and stood with an easy
southerly breeze towards our chevaux-de-frise, which we
hoped would have interrupted their passage, while our
batteries played upon them ; but to our surprise and mor-
tification, they ran through without the least difficulty,
and without receiving any apparent damage from our forts,
though they kept up a heavy fire from both sides of the
river. Their destination or views cannot be known with
certainty ; but most probably they are sent to stop the navi-
gation, and cut off the supplies of boards, which we should
have received, and of which we are in great need. They
are standing up, and I have despatched an express to the
Convention of this State, that notice may be immediately
communicated to General Clinton, at the Highland fortifi-
cations, to put him on his guard in case they should have
any designs against them, and that precautions may be taken
to prevent the craft belonging to the river falling into their
hands.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your most
obedient servant, GQ WASHINGTON>
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Council Chamber, Watertown, October 3, 1776.
SIR: I now transmit you a copy of a letter the Council
of this State have just received from the Hon. Richard
Derby, Esq., containing some intelligence which the Board
apprehend your Excellency ought to be made acquainted
with, and have therefore directed me to furnish you with a
copy of the same. The Council would be glad your
Excellency would inform them at what place the particular
regiments that were composed of men inlisted out of this
State, are now stationed, with the names of the officers that
command the respective regiments.
I am, with great respect, your most humble servant.
To His Excellency General Washington.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO RICHARD DERBY.
Council Chamber, October 3, 1776.
Your favour of this day has been considered by the
Board, and I am to inform you the officers mentioned in
your letter are to be put upon their parole, and sent to the
town of Bradford, in the County of Essex, in case they sign
the parole herewith enclosed. Their names you will please
to insert in the blanks left for that purpose, in the said
paroles, and also in the orders to the Sheriff. The soldiers,
or sailors, that are made prisoners, are to be confined in the
gaol in Salem till further order, and treated as prisoners of
war, unless they or either of them incline to go out to
labour, in which case such as incline to labour, the Sheriff is
directed to put out. And you are directed to give all pos-
sible despatch to Captain Souther, that he may immediately
proceed on another cruise.
In the name and by the order of Council.
To the Hon. Richard Derby, Esq.
Salem, October 3, 1776.
SIR: Last evening, the Massachusetts, Captain Souther,
commander of the brigantine belonging to this State, arrived
here, and informs me that a few days after he sailed, he fell
in with and took a brigantine of about two hundred and fifty
tons, from Falmouth, in England, mounting six three-pound
cannon, and having on board a Captain and about twenty
privates of the Sixteenth Regiment of Dragoons, with their
horses and accoutrements. The chaplain of the regiment
is also with them.
With respect to news, I can only inform you that this
vessel sailed from Falmouth on the 27th July. Just a month
after they embarked, in company with twelve others, under
convoy of the Daphne, of thirty-two guns, from whom
they parted but a day or two before, they were taken.
They all had the same kind of cargo, making in the whole
two hundred and thirty horses. A fleet of about seventy
sail, sailed about three days before them, under a strong
convoy, having on board the Remainder of the Sixteenth
Regiment of Dragoons, and the last Division of Hanoverians,
as he says, about five thousand men, bound for New-York.
They were short of horse provisions, and some of the horses
have died of the staggers, and he supposes that the late
gales have destroyed many more. He says the people
of Britain know nothing what is passing in America, and
Captain Souther informs me the chaplain has told him the
people in England begin to grow very uneasy.
Not a single newspaper or letter has as yet been found.
If there should be any more news transpire, you shall soon
be informed of it. I think you may depend on the account
he gives of the sailing of the fleets, and that they are now
near, if not arrived at New-York. A privateer sloop
belonging to this place is just arrived, who fell in with the
fleet of twelve sail, and was so closely pursued by the
Daphne that the enemy fired musket balls into them ; but
by heaving overboard all her guns, water, and provision,
and by sawing down her upper works, barely made her
escape.
I am, with all due respect to the honourable Board, your
most obedient servant, RICHARD Dfm> ^
A true copy. Attest :
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
In pursuance of an order from Congress, the members
now in camp who sat on the Court Martial before which
Ensign McCumber was tried for plundering and mutiny, as
well those who found him guilty of plundering as those
who acquitted him of that charge, met at Colonel Sage's
and took the resolve of Congress into consideration. After
mature deliberation, it is the unanimous opinion of the
members, that we ought not to assign any reasons for the
verdict of that court. It has ever been an established
maxim that judges should be free from all influence, that
their opinions should proceed from the dictates of an honest
and upright mind, and that no bias to any particular party,
or fear of censure, should have weight in their judgments.
Should we consent to assign reasons for our verdict on
McCumber's trial, we think it would be establishing a pre-
cedent of the most dangerous consequences. Whenever
the sentence of a Court Martial is disagreeable to a Com-
mander-in-Chief, or any other power, the members who do
not concur in opinion with them are exposed to their resent-
ment. This certainly must influence some persons, and be
of dangerous tendency. Men of spirit will not attend the
courts, and servile, cringing men, should not be entrusted
with the lives of their fellows. We do not mean absolutely
to refuse complying with the order of Congress. Let us be
convinced that we ought to do it, and reasons shall be given.
We are young and inexperienced in these matters, and are
only guided by the natural impropriety of the thing. Have
not the Congress thought it improper? They have. By
the last articles of war, every member is to be sworn not to
disclose the opinion of any particular member. Are laws
to be made which are not binding on legislators ?
COMFORT SAGE, President.
DAVID BREARLY, Lieutenant- Colonel.
EBN. HOWELL, Major.
SAM. SMITH, Captain.
THOMAS BOURK, Captain.
CORNELIUS HIGGINS, Captain.
JACOB GOOD, Captain.
LEONARD BLEECKER, Lieutenant.
JACOB DE WITT, Lieutenant.
Heights of Harlem, October 7, 1776.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 5, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
The General conceiving it to be his indispensable duty to
lay before the Congress the proceedings of the General
945
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
946
Court-Martial, on the trial of Ensign Me Cumber, has
received the following orders from them, which he desires
those members who were favourers of the first judgment
would immediately comply with.
"In Congress, September 30, 1776.
" Resolved, That General Washington be directed to
call upon such of the members of the Court-Martial as sat
in the trial and concurred in the acquittal of Ensign
McCumbcr, to assign the reasons for their first judgment,
together with the names of such of the said members who
were for the acquittal, to be returned to Congress."
For the greater ease and convenience of doing the duty,
the General directs that the two Virginia regiments be
formed into a brigade, and for the present be under the
command of the eldest Colonel thereof; also that the regi-
ments lately from Rhode-Island, and the Militia regiments
from Connecticut, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Storrs and Major Graves, be formed into another brigade,
and at present be under the command of Colonel Lippet ;
proper persons to do the duty of Brigade-Majors to be re-
commended by the Colonel who commands them, who will
be paid during the time of their acting in that office. It is
expected that gentlemen capable of doing the duty will be
recommended and none others ; as it is a melancholy thing
to have the business of the army conducted with irregularity
and sloth, when every thing should put on the face of ac-
tivity and life.
After Monday, no Adjutant on the east side of Hudson's
river, will be allowed to take orders at Head-Quarters, but
they must attend their Brigade-Majors, and receive 'em from
them. If any Brigade-Major is sick, or otherwise unable
to attend, the Brigadier, or Colonel commanding, is to sig-
nify it to the Adjutant-General, and recommend some suit-
able person to act in his stead.
Head-duarters, Harlem Heights, October 6, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
Forty men, one Captain, two subs., to be furnished by
the regiments at Mount Washington, to assist in ballasting
the vessels. They are to take orders from Andrew Ober,
on board the sloop Nightingale. This party to be con-
tinued till the business is done. Besides, the above regi-
ments stationed at Mount Washington are to furnish men in
proportion to their strength for the works there.
Colonel Lippet's brigade is to furnish men for the works
opposite Mount Washington, to be laid out by Colonel
Putnam, from whom they are to take orders.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 7, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
Captain William McWittiams, of the Third Virginia
regiment, is to do the duty of Brigade-Major in Colonel
Weedon's brigade, till further orders.
Representation having been made to the General that
numbers of the picket guard are absent from their posts,
under pretence of fetching provisions and water, he posi-
tively orders that every man, as well officers as soldiers,
shall carry provisions with, or have it brought to them at
their posts, by their messmates ; as the safety of the army
depends too much on their diligence and attention to admit
of such practices. It is moreover expected of the officer
commanding the picket, that he does not, under any pre-
tence whatever, suffer the men to straggle from their
respective posts, without they are sent upon scouting parties
by himself; but always to have them in readiness to give
such effectual opposition as to allow time to their line to
turn out ; which being the end and design of guards, is de-
feated if the men who mount are not in a posture to give
instant opposition.
The Quartermaster-General is immediately to provide
twenty wood axes for the picket guards in front of our
lines. When provided he is to deliver them to the officer
commanding the picket, who is to see that they are de-
livered over to the officer relieving, and so from one to the
other; the officer failing will be answerable. These axes
are intended for the purpose of providing wood and erecting
huts fur the guards, which last ought not to be delayed.
The Brigadiers and officers commanding regiments are to
prevent the irregular and promiscuous placing of huts, and
to see that they are built in such a manner as to stand the
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 60
weather and weight of snow which may lodge on them,
that no accident may befal the men.
Sergeant George Douglass, of Captain Foster's com-
pany, late McDougaWs regiment, being convicted by a
General Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Weedon is Presi-
dent, of " embezzling and selling provisions belonging to the
company," is sentenced to be reduced to the ranks, and
whipped thirty-nine lashes, to be continued under provost-
guard for " mutinous speeches and disrespectful language of
the Commander-in-Chief." George Harris, of Captain
Howell's company, Colonel Winds's regiment, tried by
the same Court-Martial, and convicted of "desertion," is
ordered to be whipped thirty-nine lashes.
The General approves the above sentences, and the Pro-
vost-Marshal is to see the sentence on Harris executed to-
morrow morning at guard mounting.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 8, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .}
The late Sergeant Douglass, of Captain Foster's com-
pany, late McDougaWs regiment, being convicted by a
General Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Weedon was Presi-
dent, of " mutinous speeches, and speaking disrespectfully
of the Commander-in-Chief," and sentenced to receive
thirty-nine lashes, the General approves the sentence, and
orders it to be executed at the usual time and place. This
offender being a bad character, is to be continued in the
provost guard till further orders.
The commanding officer of the Rangers having repre-
sented that soldiers are continually straggling down to Har-
lem and other places, frequently without arms, and that
when he has apprehended and sent them to their regiments,
no further notice has been taken of them. As this is a
plain breach of general orders the General hopes there is
some mistake in the matter; however, to prevent it in future,
he now orders, that no officer or soldier, (Rangers excepted,)
go on any pretence beyond the lines, without leave from
himself, a Major-General, the Brigadier of the day, or the
Adjutant-General, in writing, unless either of those officers
are with them in person. And in order to distinguish the
Rangers, they are to wear something white round their arms.
If any such straggler is found hereafter, he is to be sent to
the quarter-guard of the regiment, tried by a regimental
court-martial, and receive ten lashes immediately.
There is now an issuing store for ammunition, near General
Spencer's quarters ; the officers of every regiment will be
responsible if there is any deficiency in their regiments, as
they may now receive a full supply by making a return of
the state of their ammunition, and getting an order from the
Adjutant-General.
The brigade lately commanded by General Mifflin is to
be under the care of Lord Stirling, who is just returned
from his captivity.
The General desires the commanding officers of each
regiment, or corps, will give in a list of the names of the
officers and men who were killed, taken, or missing, in the
action of the 27th of August, on Long-Island, and since
that period. He desires the returns may be correct, and
that any persons who have it in their power, will give in
the returns of this kind in behalf of any Militia regiments
which are discharged
The General, to prevent any plea of ignorance, again re-
peats his order against all kinds of gaming, as destructive
and pernicious to the service. He hopes the officers will
set no examples of this kind, and that they will punish it
among the men.
The General is surprised to find that manning the lines
every morning is discontinued. He desires that the practice
of doing it for the future may not be omitted, unless con-
tradicted by general orders.
The Quartermaster-General is to use the greatest diligence
in providing straw for the accommodation of the troops.
Lieutenant Kidd, of Colonel Smallwood's regiment, con-
victed by a Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Ware was pre-
sident, of a breach of general orders, in " taking fatigue
men from their duty," is sentenced to be dismissed the ser-
vice. Ensign Fairly, of the regiment late McDougaWs,
tried by the same Court-Martial for the same, is acquit-
ted and discharged from arrest. Captain Hardenbargh, of
Colonel Ritzcma's regiment, convicted by the same Court-
Martial of " defrauding -his men," is sentenced to be cash-
947
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
948
iered, and his name, place of abode, and offence, published
agreeable to the second and fourth late additional articles of
war.
The General approves each of the above sentences, and
orders to be executed.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBI1LL.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, October 8, 1776.
SIR: I was this morning honoured with your favour of
the 2d instant, and beg leave to return you my thanks for
the measures you have adopted upon my request for obtain-
ing an account of the prisoners in your State, and for your
assurance that I shall be furnished with a return as soon as
it is procured, in order that I may give further directions
about them.
The proposition respecting the prisoners that wish to
remain with us, and about the expense that has been
incurred for the maintenance of the whole that have been in
your State, 1 shall lay before Congress by the earliest op-
portunity, and will transmit you the result of their opinion.
However, it appears to rue that there will be a necessity
for returning the whole of their prisoners, not only because
the balance is against us, but because I am informed it was
particularly stipulated on the part of General Montgomery
for those that were taken in Canada. The case will be
hard upon those who want to remain, and who have all be-
come attached to us ; and should Congress determine on
their being returned, it will be but right that some pains
should be used to inform them of the reasons leading to the
measure ; and I doubt not, if they act with proper caution,
that they may afterwards effect their escape, to which they
should be encouraged. Indeed I think, if they are heartily
disposed towards us, that their exchange may be productive
of many good consequences; they may extend their influence
to many others, and who, perhaps, will be induced to desert.
I hope the resentment which your State mean to express
against those who have scandalously deserted from the de-
fence of our cause will have a happy effect, and prevent a
like conduct in future ; nothing can be too severe for them.
Before the receipt of your favour, I had desired the General
Officers to make out a list of such Field and other officers as
are esteemed worthy of command and entitled to commis-
sions in the service. This is a consideration of exceeding
importance, for without good officers we can never have
troops that will be worthy of the name ; and with them we
may in time have an army equal to any. We have good
materials to work upon. As soon as the list is obtained, I
will forward it by the first conveyance that may offer. I
have strongly inculcated on the Generals the impropriety of
giving in or recommending any but those who are fit for
service ; and you may rest assured, sir, as. you have been
pleased to honour me with your confidence on this occasion,
that, as far as it shall be in my power, 1 will only return
those that are well spoken of, and who, from report, will
answer (what you have ever had in view) the advancement
of our common rights and the happiness of the United States.
I am, sir, with respect, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.
P. S. The following payments have been made to the
Militia of your State, lately here :
1776, September 28, Major Nathaniel Torry, for his regi-
ment, $5,185 9-72
1776, September 30, Captain Amos Barnes,
15th regiment, commanded by Major Shaw, 5,211 38-72
CHARLES C. GRIFFITH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Head-Quarters, Morris's Heights, October 8, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Major Daniel Jenifer Adams informing me
that he is desirous of being in the service of the Continental
troops that are to be raised in the State of Maryland, beg
leave to inform your Honours, from Major Adams's good
conduct, spirit, and alacrity, on all occasions, both in and out
of action, since he has been in this army, leaves me no room
to doubt but he is the good soldier, and worthy your atten-
tion. I would therefore wish that he could be placed among
the first in the present appointment of officers in our State.
I am, gentlemen, with due respect, your most humble
servant, CHAS. C. GRIFFITH.
To the honourable Convention of the State of Maryland.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 8, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Lord Stirling came on shore yesterday eve-
ning. As he was on board ship the whole time of his capti-
vity, he can say very little of the situation or intentions of
the enemy. He apprehends they are not so strong as they
give out, as he often heard them mention the want of their
reinforcement. He confirms the account of the bad blood
between the English and Hessian troops. The latter plun-
der Whig and Tory indiscriminately and without punishment,
while the former are under the severest restrictions. One
of the prisoners that we took yesterday says the Hessians
have wounded some of the British for only endeavouring to
take part of the spoil with them.
By a letter from Mr. Derby, of Salem, we are informed
that a brig belonging to Massachusetts had taken and
brought in a transport with twenty of Sixteenth Regiment
of Light Dragoons, with their horses, &tc. This transport
was one of twelve sail that have since arrived at New-York,
each with the same number of men and horses. They had
been embarked ever since the 27th June, and many of the
horses perished on the passage lor want. Three days be-
fore the fleet of twelve sailed, a fleet of about seventy left
England, having the remainder of the Sixteenth Regiment
of Dragoons on board, and the last division of foreigners,
said to be about five thousand, none of which, my Lord
Stirling says, are received.
Your State has undoubtedly been advised by Congress of
their resolution to raise eighty-eight battalions on Continen-
tal pay, to serve during the war. His Excellency desires
me to remind you of how much consequence the nomina-
tion of good officers will be in this reform of the army. As
the Congress have left the appointment of all officers except
Generals to the different States, his Excellency has wrote
to most of them in the most pressing terms to be careful in
their choice. The State of Connecticut has shown a very
good example for procuring suitable persons either to be
prepared or continued in command — they having desired
the Commander-in-Chief, in conjunction with their own
Generals, to make out a list, and transmit it them, of
those officers who in their opinion have behaved best, and
are most worthy of notice. His Excellency desires me
to say further that he has ever avoided recommending
officers to preferment, lest he should be taxed with par-
tiality, but that he cannot pass by the merit of Lieutenant-
Colonel Livingston, of Colonel Clinton's regiment, he
having upon every occasion exhibited proofs of his activity
and zeal for the service. He therefore wishes he may not
be overlooked in the preferments that must naturally take
place upon the new establishment of your forces. I am
just informed that your Convention have already wrote to
General McDougall upon the subject of new commissions ;
which I am glad to hear.
I had proceeded thus far to be ready for your express
when your favour of the 6th came to hand. I am glad that
you go on apprehending the villains in the country above,
and gladder to find that you have powers to establish a
proper court for their trial. I mistook the matter before.
I am, dear sir, respectfully yours,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held by adjourn
ment OCTOBER 8th, 1776, by order of Major-General
HEATH.
Colonel Lasher, President.
Lieut. Colonel Prentice, Captain Dana,
Major Austin, Captain Bickman,
Captain Sill, Captain Brazier,
Captain Pope, Captain Duryee,
Captain Allen, Captain Platt,
Captain Keith, Captain Hardenbergh.
The Court proceeded to the trial of Captain De Witt,
of Colonel Humphrey's Regiment, charged with liberating
James McCormick, a soldier in Colonel Sargent's Regiment,
on the 1st instant, from the main guard, who was then under
sentence of death.
The prisoner being called, pleads, Not guilty.
Garden Spencer, being sworn, deposeth : I was on the
949
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
950
guard with the Captain about half an hour before the relief,
and heard the Captain say he would release all prisoners
that had no crimes. Afterwards I saw McCormick out re-
questing permission of the Captain to treat the prisoners.
The prisoner now confesses the fact, and in defence saith :
That the evening before, a man with a white cockade, which
he therefore supposed a Captain's, inquired for a prisoner
he had confined. He asked his advice what to do with
McCormick, as he had no crime against him. The officer
told him to let him out in the morning if no crime appeared.
He did so in the morning, as no crime appeared, and per-
mitted him to treat some with cider.
The Court, after consideration, unanimously think the
prisoner not guilty of any crime in discharging the prisoner
McCormick, as there was no crime alleged against him, and
none appeared in the return of the prisoners, &tc., delivered
him by the officer he relieved.
JOHN LASHER, President.
PETITION OF DANIEL WALKER.
Fishkills, October 8, 1776.
SIR: In behalf and at the request of a number of Scotch
prisoners, quartered at Goshen, Orange County, beg leave
to inform the Convention that they have resided there since
the 2d day of July last. That they consider themselves as
prisoners of war, entitled to the value of the Continental
rations in money, or as much as will pay for their weekly
board, and to be at liberty to work at their different trades or
occupations, behaving themselves peaceably during the time
of their confinement. That as to rations they never received
any, except for two men two days, and one woman about
one half of the time. That their wages has been very low,
and that refused to be paid them in several instances.
That the boys is obliged to work for their living only, and
one of them has been whipped and abused without sufficient
provocation. Therefore pray the Convention would take
their case into consideration, and give such direction in the
premises as they, in their wisdom, shall think meet.
An answer to the subscriber, who is waiting, will be
gratefully acknowledged by the Convention's most obedient,
humble servant, DANIEL WALKER.
To the honourable the Convention of the State of New- York.
NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO GENERAL MORRIS.
Fishkill, October 8, 1776.
SIR: The Convention have directed me to inform you,
that they were extremely sorry for the necessity that first
obliged them to request your immediate return to your
brigade, since they hoped that no military officer would
choose to be absent when his country was invaded. They
are willing to acknowledge the force of those reasons for
delaying your return which are derived from the particular
situation of your family. These, they hope, by their safety
and security, have long since ceased to operate. They
now flatter themselves that it will be unnecessary to remind
you of the superiour ties which bind every man to his country,
more particularly those whom the State have vested with
the highest honour.
The Indian affairs of the Middle Department should be
under the consideration of Congress; yet they hope your
attendance may be dispensed with, as the Congress have it
in their power to call upon the other Commissioners, without
injuring the publick so materially as by detaining a military
officer from his station.
The Convention cannot but hope that you have been
deceived in your belief that your brigade is reduced to less
than a Colonel's command, though the loud and well-
founded complaints of the County of Westchester has given
them reason to fear that it has suffered by your absence.
They are pleased to hear that you have laid aside your
design of offering your personal service to General Wash-
ington, since they cannot conceive that a General officer
can with dignity act as a volunteer, when the troops under
his command are like to be called into action.
Upon the whole, sir, they have directed me to inform
you that they expect your immediate attendance on the
duties of your department.
I am, sir, &,c.
To Brigadier-General Morris, Fishkill
JOHANNES SLEGHT TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Kingston, October 8, 1776.
SIR: We have this day received certain information that
a man did come to this town with orders to remove the tea
which was stored in the house of Captain John Elmendorph
by Mr. Grades Beekman. When we received this informa-
tion, a Committee was called, who came to the following
resolution, viz:
" Resolved, That the tea which is now stored in this town
of Kingston shall not be removed from the place where it
now is, by the owners nor by any other person, till such
time as the resolution of the Convention of the State of
New-York respecting the same, shall be made publick."
And as we have been informed by your letter of the
4th September, that the Convention had it in contem-
plation to pass a general resolve respecting the tea within
this State, and that a committee was appointed for that
purpose, who were prevented to complete that business by
reason that some of the members who were appointed for
that committee were not then arrived ; I was therefore
acquainted that the Convention expected that I should use
my utmost endeavours to keep peace and good order among
us, till such resolutions were passed, in the best manner I
could. I am sorry we must give the honourable Convention
so much trouble about this affair, and beg to be excused
when I once more desire the favour of your honourable
House to make an end to this troublesome business as soon
as possible, which we hope will not only restore peace and
good order here, but also much oblige your friends and most
humble servants.
By order of the Committee:
JOHANNES SLEGHT, Chairman.
To the President of the Convention of the State of New-
York.
JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO MESSRS. BANCKER, HARPER, AND
PLATT.
Fairfield, October 8, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Your favour of the 2d instant, per Captain
Rogers is come to hand, informing me that Convention
have determined to send the Montgomery on a cruising
voyage again, and had appointed you to expedite the same,
and give instructions and grant such supplies as may be
necessary, and desiring me to furnish Captain Rogers with
as much money as may be necessary to fit out said priva-
teer, out of the publick moneys now in my hands, in com-
pliance with which have informed Captain Rogers that the
money is at his service ; though I think that in order to have a
proper voucher to the Auditor-General, it is necessary that
I be furnished with a certified order of Convention for paying
that money, which I beg you will send me by the bearer.
But in the mean time, that the business of the privateer
may not be obstructed, shall advance money on your letter ;
but I must beg leave to observe that the Convention will be
disappointed if they expect the sloop will go to sea without
a supply of cash from the Treasury. The money in my
hands amounts only to three hundred and twenty pounds,
while near eight hundred pounds is due in wages to the
people, as Captain Rogers informs me. The prize goods
that are saved are but trifling. Mr. Hallet is in pursuit of
them ; but a considerable time will be spent before they can
be condemned and sold ; so that if Convention mean that
the sloop should cruise before the chance of prizes is over,
a person should be sent immediately, with cash sufficient to
pay off the arrears, and furnish the needful for another
voyage. I thought it my duty to mention these matters to
you, as perhaps the situation of the property which the
publick has in these parts, is not sufficiently known.
I am, with great respect .and esteem, your most obedient
servant> JOHN SLOSS HOBART.
To Messrs. Bancker, Harper, and Platt, Members of Con-
vention, Fishkill.
WILLIAM COIT TO RICHARD DEVENS.
State of Connecticut, Norwich, October 8, 1776.
SIR: Your favour of the 1st instant, received by the
bearer, also your pots and canteens, which turn out some-
thing more than was in the receipt, which shall be forwarded
without delay, agreeable to your directions, to Thaddeut-^
951
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, kc., OCTOBER, 1776.
952
Burr, Esq., if they are not ordered to Fairfield by his
Excellency General Washington. I should think it would
be best to have them sent as near the army as they can go
with safety, which is thirty miles nigher than you have
ordered these. - I only hint this that in case you should for-
ward any thing more, to leave it discretionary, as none of
our craft put into that place, unless specially ordered there.
Any further commands from you shall be faithfully com-
plied with by your humble servant. In haste,
WILLIAM COIT.
CERTIFICATE OF SELECTMEN OF PEPPERELL.
These may certify that Benjamin Wood, who was slain
at Bunker Hill, belonged to Captain Asa Lawrence's Com-
pany, and that Aaron Wood, of Pepperell, has a right to
draw his wages and such money as may be allowed for his
loss, &ic.
NICHS. HOB ART,"]
DAVID BLOOD, I Selectmen for
JONA. SHATUCH, j Pepperell.
JAMES TARBLE, J
Pepperell, October 8, 1776.
forwarded by an express provided by the Committee of
this city.
I am, for the House of Delegates, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant, ,-,
EDWARD rENDLETON, Speaker.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JESSE HOLLINGSWOHTH.
[No. 203.] Annap'olis, October 9, 1776.
SIR : We have sent to you by Mr. Stewart, eight hun-
dred pounds, to be laid out in the purchase of superfine
flour. You may dispose of one half of our bread on the
best terms you can.
We are, &tc.
To Mr. Jesse Hollingsworlh.
SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Paris, October 9, 1776.
SIR: I wrote you by last post. This comes by Mr.
Carmichael, a gentleman of Maryland, in America, who has
for some time lived with, and assisted me in my business.
You can have the fullest confidence in him, and as he knows
I place the most absolute in you, it would be trifling to
swell a letter with news or observations, of both which he
can viva voce satisfy you. He will communicate to you his
business in Holland, and I am sure you will assist him to
the utmost of your power. He can tell you what an anx-
ious and laborious life I lead here ; and, what adds to my
misfortune, how impossible it is, in the present critical situa-
tion of affairs, for me to quit this post for a single day;
much more it is as yet impossible for me to leave long
enough to visit you in Holland, which having long promised
to myself, and anticipated with pleasure, the disappointment
greatly chagrins me. To have so kind and hospitable, and
at the same time, so judicious and safe a friend, inviting me
to what must at once yield me the purest pleasure and the
most solid advantage, viz. an interview, and not to be able
to profit by it at once, is a misfortune I feel most sensibly.
Mr. Carmichael can give you the best intelligence of our
present affairs in America, and his observations and infer-
ences will be from the best grounds, and made with precision
and judgment. My most grateful and respectful acknow-
ledgments to your lady, whom I yet may have the honour
of waiting on in the course of a month.
I have the honour to be, &c. c
SILAS DEANE.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON, DATED
LISBON, OCTOBER 9, 1776.
Captain Emmerson, a London trader, came in last Satur-
day, and brings an account that a ship from London, laden
with wheat and flour, was taken off this port, with a Portu-
guese pilot on board, by an American privateer; and this
day we have further advice of another ship being taken,
loaded with rice from America.
Yesterday two French traders arrived, the Captains of
which had both been chased by three American privateers
in the channel, and off Cape Finisterre, the one of eighteen
guns, and the other of sixteen, which last two came up
with them.
EDWARD PENDLETON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 16, 1776.]
Williamsburg, October 9, 1776.
SIR: I had the honour of receiving your two favours
directed to the General Assembly of Virginia, by express,
which I immediately communicated to the House of Dele-
gates, now sitting, who are taking proper measures to be
fully represented in Congress without delay, and will pro-
ceed in due time to consider the other resolutions you
enclosed. Your southern despatches were immediately
JOHN SCOTT TO MATTHEW TILGHMAN.
George-Town, Frederick County, October 9, 1776.
SIR : Permit me through you to address myself to your
honourable House for permission to pass some time among
my friends in Virginia ; or, if the House can be induced so
far to relax from their sentence, to permit me to remain there
without any limitation of time, under the restraints which
they have been pleased to lay me under, and which I have
given bond with security to the President of the Council
of Safety in the penalty of a thousand pounds sterling to
observe. I beg, sir, that you will lay me with all humility
before the House, with an assurance that I would have
addressed them in the first instance either by petition or
through you ; but unacquainted as I am with bonds and the
forfeitures of them, did not know but it might be going
beyond the line of my engagements.
My principal reasons for desiring to go to Virginia, are,
that I have many near and dear relations there. My for-
tune, little as it is, lays chiefly in that country, and having
lost my living, which has hitherto been my chief support,
I wish, by my industry, to do something for the subsistence
of my family, which 1 cannot possibly do while confined to
Frederick County. I have also, sir, the assurance of seve-
ral gentlemen of no inconsiderable rank and weight in my
native country, that my residence among them will not
only give no offence, but that they will even solicit this
House, if necessary, for my enlargement. That my situa-
tion is a most unhappy one, those acquainted with the
human heart will readily conceive, and if my sufferings can
be alleviated without any injury to the publick weal, I
flatter myself humanity will plead powerfully in my favour.
To be held up to the world as an enemy to my native land;
to be deprived of my living, in which the laws of my coun-
try had taught me to believe I had a permanent estate,
must sink deep into the heart of a man less attached to
worldly affairs than I profess to be. But the voice of the
Representatives of the State has pronounced the sentence,
and I must submit to my fate, yet conscious as I am of
having never harboured one thought injurious to the rights
of mankind.
I cannot but hope your honourable House will remit my
too rigorous sentence, and permit me to try my fate in
some other land, where, if my inclinations lead me, which I
call God to witness they never have done, it will be out of
my power to hurt this country. If not for my own, for the
sake of those innocents who have me alone to look up to
for protection and support, I hope I may gain thus much at
your hands, more especially as the common rights of man-
kind are yet preserved inviolate in the State of Maryland,
give roe some grounds for the hope.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir,
your most obedient and very humble servant,
JOHN SCOTT.
To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
SIR: The enclosed resolves, which I do myself the hon-
our to forward, will inform you of the ample provision the
Congress have made for the support of both officers and
soldiers who shall enter into the service during the war.
The pay of the former is considerably increased, and the
latter is to receive annually a complete suit of clothes, or
in lieu thereof, the sum of twenty dollars, should he pro-
953
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
954
vide the suit for himself. This additional encouragement,
besides the twenty dollars bounty, and fifty acres of land
formerly granted, the Congress expect will be the means,
if any thing can, of engaging troops during the war.
The importance, and indeed the absolute necessity, of
filling up the army, of providing for the troops, and engaging
them during the war, having induced Congress to come
to the enclosed resolves, in obedience to their commands,
I am preparing to forward them with all possible expedition
to the several States.
Your letters to the 5th of October, have been duly re-
ceived and laid before Congress. I shall immediately
transmit all such resolves as may hereafter be passed, any
ways relative to your department, or necessary for your
information.
I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect
and esteem, sir, your most obedient and very humble ser-
vant' JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To His Excellency General Washington.
The several resolves go to the States this day by express.
THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE ASSEMBLIES OF THE
NORTHERN STATES.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The enclosed resolves, which I transmit
in obedience to the commands of Congress, will inform
you of the ample provision they have made for the support
of both officers and soldiers, who shall enter into the service
during the war. The pay of the former is considerably
increased, and the latter is to receive annually a complete
suit of clothes, or in lieu thereof the sum of twenty dollars,
should he provide the suit for himself. This additional
encouragement, besides the twenty dollars bounty, and one
hundred acres of land formerly granted, the Congress
expect will be the means of engaging the troops to serve
during the war. For this purpose also, I am to request you
will appoint a committee or committees to repair imme-
diately to the army, to induce such of the troops as have
been raised by your State, to inlist during the war, and to
appoint officers for the same.
The Congress, for very obvious reasons, are very anxious
to keep the army together. The dangerous consequences
of their breaking up, and the difficulty of forming a new
one, are inconceivable. Were this barrier once removed,
military power would quickly spread desolation over the
face of our country. The importance, and indeed the
absolute necessity, of filling up the army, of providing for
the troops, and engaging them to serve during the war, is so
apparent, and has been so frequently urged, that I shall
only request your attention to the resolves of Congress on
this subject, and beseech you by that love you have for
your country, her rights, and liberties, to exert yourselves to
carry them speedily and effectually into execution, as the
only means of preserving her in this her critical and alarm-
ing situation.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient
and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
The printed resolves herewith enclosed, relative to the
establishing of Loan Offices in the respective States, for the
purpose of borrowing money on Continental security, and
the regulations with regard to the same, I beg leave to
recommend to your immediate notice and attention, and
that you will take the proper steps to comply with them.
To the Assembly of New-Hampshire.
[Same to the Assembly of Massachusetts-Bay ; to the Assembly of
Rhode- Island ; to the Assembly of Connecticut; to the Assembly of New-
Jersey; to the Convention of New- York.]
useful business, was called upon by your Commissaries,
Messrs. Mease and Caldwell, to make and get ready, within
a fortnight, three hundred dozen of gun-brushes and chains
for the army, which he undertook to make after a pattern
that hung up in his own shop, at the rate of six shillings
per dozen. That your petitioner immediately sat about
this work, cut and made up in chains his brass and iron
wires, bought for thirty pounds of brushes, perfected the
Commissaries' whole order within the time limited, and
offered his work to the said Mease and Caldwell, who
refused to accept of and pay for the same, alleging the work
was not good or strong enough, &.c.
May it please your Honours, your memorialist is a very
poor man, but, on account of his knowledge in working
wires, a useful member of society, and by your Commis-
saries detaining what is justly due to him, he is obliged to
discontinue his trade. He thinks that his brushes and
chains are made, first, agreeable to his contract with the
Commissaries ; second, strong and good enough for the
purpose of cleaning a gun-pan ; third, that, in the present
clearness of materials and labour, they are full worth six
shillings per dozen ; fourth, that if, upon culling the whole,
any number of chains should be found insufficient, it would
be more equitable and humane that your petitioner should
mend them, than to throw the whole charge upon him ;
and your petitioner humbly prayeth to order an inquiry of
his case, and report thereof to be made to your Honours, so
that justice may be rendered to him in mercy. And your
petitioner, as in duty bound, Sic.
JOHN MELCHIOR NEFF.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO STEPHEN HOPKINS.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
SIR : We have received from John Langdon, Esq., of
Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, such an extraordinary ac-
count of the conduct of the Committee you appointed to
superintend the building of two frigates in Providence, that
we cannot forbear transmitting you a copy of his letter.
The respect we all entertain for you, and the justice due to
them, induces us to do this ; at the same time we impart to
you that common fame says many things respecting them
which Mr. Langdon does not touch upon. We do not,
however, pretend to condemn them either on his or her
report, but when they exhibit an account of their proceed-
ings, we shall expect these things to be cleared up to the
satisfaction of this Committee or of Congress. We have
ordered them to supply Mr. Langdon with a set of those
cannon that have been paid for; and as we find the demands
of the owners of your furnace are so extravagant, we now
request that you will desire them to give in the terms on
which they will cast another set in lieu thereof, to be ready
in time for the frigates at Providence.
If they persist in these extravagant demands, we shall
supply them either from Hughes's works, in Maryland, or
from this State, as we shall soon be able to spare sufficient
from either place, and no consideration shall induce us to
submit to such extortion as was attempted with Mr. Lang-
don. We hope, sir, that your attachment to the general
interests of America, your regard to the character of your
State and your friend employed therein, and your influence
in that State, will all combine to have those abuses rectified
that have given rise to reflections and complaints, if any
such abuses have really taken place in the management of
marine affairs.
We hope for an immediate answer respecting the terms
of casting more cannon, and are, sir, your very humble
servants.
• To Stephen Hopkins, Esq.
MEMORIAL OF JOHN MELCHIOR NEFF.
[Read October 10, 1776 : referred to the Board of War.]
To the honourable the Continental Congress :
The Memorial and Petition of JOHN MELCHIOR NEFF,
of the city of PHILADELPHIA, Pin and Needle Maker,
humbly showeth:
That on or about the 30th day of August last, your
memorialist being freely occupied in manufacturing pins and
wool and cotton cards, and instructing poor people in that
MARINE COMMITTEE TO COMMITTEE AT PROVIDENCE.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We have been presented with a letter
from John Langdon, Esq., Continental Agent at Ports-
mouth, in New Hampshire, to Josiah Bartlett, Esq., a
member of Congress, giving a very extraordinary account
of your proceedings in respect to the cannon cast in your
State for the use of the Continental frigates. He says that
955
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
956
the frigates at Providence cannot be ready to go to sea for
two or three months, and that the frigate at New- Hampshire
waits only for cannon, which, under one pretence or other,
you have refused to supply him with, although they are
lying useless in Rhode-Island, and another set might be
cast in time for your ship. He represents your refusal of
his reasonable request as having its foundation partly in
interested motives, and partly in jealousy of the New-
Hampshire ship being at sea before yours. We cannot
pretend to judge of the propriety of his observations, having
only heard one side, but if the representation he has made
be a just one, we shall think the Continental interest was
much misplaced when put into the hands of those who are
capable of acting from such motives against the publick
good. You'll observe we do not pretend to decide on your
conduct, because we are willing to hear your defence of it.
Mr. Langdon is a gentleman of character, and puts his
name .to what he writes ; therefore we suppose he will be
ready to make good his charge.
However, it is not our present purpose to inquire into
your condnct at this rime, but to inform you that we have
sent Mr. Langdon orders to call on you again for a set of
cannon suitable for the New- Hampshire frigate ; and as we
understand those cannon are paid for out of the moneys
you have received and drawn for, we now direct and insist
that a complete set most suitable for that ship be immedi-
ately delivered to the said John Langdon, Esq., or to his
order, for the use of the Continental frigate the Raleigh,
now at Portsmouth; and we request that you will render
him or his agents all the assistance in your power in trans-
porting the said cannon to Portsmouth, in the most safe and
expeditious manner.
Mr. Langdon has said nothing about shot or other stores ;
but as it is our business to consider and attend to the Con-
tinental interest at large, abstracted from jarring interest or
jealousy of one State against another, we likewise desire
you may supply Mr. Langdon with shot, or any other
stores you have provided for the Continental service, pro-
vided he wants them to expedite the sailing of the Raleigh,
which is now under orders for immediate service. We also
inform you that we shall send an agent to inspect the state
of the frigates built under your direction, that we may
include them in our intended report to Congress.
We are, gentlemen, your obedient servants.
To the Committee for building Continental Frigates at
Providence.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO COMMITTEE AT PROVIDENCE.
October 9, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We, the subscribers, members of the Marine
Committee of Congress, being duly authorized to give such
directions as may conduce to the service of the United States
of America in all things relative to this department, are now
of opinion that a complete set of the cannon you have had
cast for the Continental service, ought to be applied to the
immediate use of the Raleigh frigate, and therefore do
order and direct that you deliver a sufficient number of the
most suitable cannon for that ship, to John Langdon, Esq.,
or to his agent employed for the purpose of receiving and
forwarding the same to Portsmouth. And for so doing this
shall be your warrant.
Given under our hands at the Marine Office, in Phila-
delphia, the day and year above written.
To the Committee for building the Continental Frigates at
Providence.
and condition of these ships, as to the strength, workman-
ship, beauty, and other qualities; also, as to the quality
and quantity of stores, number of men and officers belong-
ing to them, and of their forwardness for the sea. And all
persons employed in the building or fitting of said frigates
are hereby required to aid and assist you, if need there be,
in performing the service hereby enjoined you. And for so
doing this shall be your warrant.
Given under our hands at the Marine Office, the day
and year first above written.
To Nathaniel Falconer, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
SIR : Your friend Mr. Bartlett having laid before this
Board your letter to him of the 14th ultimo, respecting the
conduct of the Committee at Providence, Rhode-Island, on
your applying to them for cannon for the Raleigh, this
conduct appears to us in the most extraordinary point of
light ; but as it is unbecoming of publick bodies to condemn
the conduct of any before they are heard in their own
defence, we have wrote them of this date, telling the points
of which you complain, and ordering them to deliver you
a complete set of the Continental cannon in their possession,
those that are most suitable for the Raleigh ; and further,
we have directed them to deliver you shot, or any other
Continental stores they have, if you think them necessary
to expedite the sailing of that ship ; we have also requested
them to afford you any assistance in their power in trans-
porting the cannon and stores safe and soon to Portsmouth.
We may not omit telling you that we have thought it
common justice to send Governour Hopkins a copy o'f your
letter, as the Committee were all of his appointment. We
have said that, deeming you a gentleman of honour, we
doubt not but you will support the charge made against
them, and under that belief, we think it is justly your due,
and return you thanks for the information given us, as well
as for your apparent solicitude for the publick good. We
are determined to have the frigates inspected, and report
made thereon. Before we close, we must request your
utmost exertions to get the Raleigh out to sea, and the
Captain's and other officers' commissions will now go
forward immediately.
We are, sir, your obedient humble servants.
To John Langdon, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO NATHANIEL FALCONER.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
SIR: You are hereby authorized and directed to repair
to Providence, in Rhode-Island, and there view, examine,
and inspect two frigates lately built, and now lying at that
place. You are to call on the respectable Committee of
gentlemen under whose direction they were built, and are
to be fitted ; give them notice of your arrival and appoint-
ment to this service ; require from them an inventory of the
Continental stores provided for these ships, .and examine
into the quality of the same, comparing the said stores with
the inventory to see that they agree, and you are to make
report, as soon as may be, to this Committee of the state
MARINE COMMITTEE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Having received information that some of
the enemy's ships-of-war and tenders have passed the
obstructions laid in Hudson's River, and got above the
same, we are very anxious for the fate of the frigates now
building in your State. We, therefore, earnestly desire to
direct your close attention to some probable means of
securing the said ships, either by launching them imme-
diately, if possible, and removing them to some place of
greater safety, or by such other methods as your wisdom
shall devise.
With great respect, we are, gentlemen, your very humble
servants.
To the honourable the Convention of the State of New-
York.
BOARD OP WAR TO LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
War-Office, October 9, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: A Captain Hesketh, a British officer,
prisoner of war at this place, is in great want of his baggage.
I wrote at his request, to Mr. Yeates to send it to him,
but am informed by letter from Mrs. Yeates that he is at
Pittsburg. If any of your body will be so obliging as to
call on Mrs. Yeates, and get from her that letter 1 wrote
him, and comply with the request therein made, you will
oblige your very obedient servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary at War.
To the Committee of the Town of Lancaster.
Captain Hesketh's baggage consists of one trunk, one
valise, one portmanteau, one pair of canteens.
957
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
958
Charlestown, S. C., October 9, 1776.
We hear from Savannah that the men-of-war have left
the river ; so that there is now not one of the enemy's ves-
sels in South- Carolina or Georgia. It is said there are
some in Cape Fear River in North- Carolina.
Philadelphia, October 9, 1776.
On Monday, the 7th instant, his Excellency General
Lee arrived here from the southward, and we hear he sets
off this day for the army near New- York.
TO THE PEOPLE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
As too great a number of the members of this State are
the avowed votaries of submission to higher powers on any
terms, and as those weak people persuade themselves that
the exercise of this Christian virtue, as they esteem it, would
restore them again to tranquillity and happiness. I beg
leave to make a few observations on the declaration which
some of these peaceable men, and all the avowed abettors
of unconditional subjugation, would hold out as the olive
branch, which nothing but the most desperate madness can
tempt us to refuse.
And first I would inquire, what is this constitutional
Government, that our wicked Congress so obstinately
oppose? Do not the King and his Ministers, and that by
the authority of an act of Parliament declare, that they,
with the advice and consent of people with whom we have
no more political connection than with the Siberians, have
and ever had a right to make and execute laws for us in
all cases whatsoever?
2. Does returning to our allegiance mean any thing less
than the acknowledgment of this right in the King, his
Ministers, and obsequious Parliament?
3. Does not the admission of this principle form a new
Constitution, entirely subversive of the Constitution which
even the people called Quakers have ever most strenu-
ously endeavoured to support, and which alone can secure
us the enjoyment of any thing, the privilege, nay, the
unalienable right of having a free, a full, and unbiased
representative voice in the body that makes our laws.
If any one can show me that a closure with R. and W.
Howe's proposal does not imply the above acknowledg-
ment and resignation, I will allow myself to have been
hitherto misguided ; but if absolute power to make, revise,
repeal, or confirm laws binding on us in all cases whatso-
ever, is to be acknowledged to reside in any body of men,
in which the whole body of the American States have no
more weight or influence than the crew of a vessel which
might be stranded on a Maroon island, I know nothing of
the true principles of the Constitution. T-.
UEMOPHILUS.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 9, 1776.
SIR : Agreeably to your request, and the promise con-
tained in my letter of yesterday, I beg leave to transmit you
the enclosed list, comprehending the names of such gentle-
men as are recommended by the General officers from your
State, as proper persons to be promoted in the regiments you
are about to raise, with the ranks which they conceive they
ought to bear. Sensible that the very existence, that the
well-doing of every army, depends upon good officers I
urged, I pressed, the gentlemen to whom the business was
confided, and whose situation has given them an opportunity
of being better acquainted through the different corps than
I am, to pay their most serious attention to the matter, and
to return such, and only such, as will, in their estimation,
by their fidelity, attachment, and good conduct, promote the
great end we have in view — the establishment of our rights
and the happiness of our country, by that mode which sad
necessity has obliged us to pursue. This I hope they have
done ; they have taken no notice of any officer in the North-
ern army, or of those of the Seventeenth Regiment (Hunt-
ington's) who were taken on Long-Island, whose imprison-
ment I should suppose, if they have merit, should be no
objection to their having promotion ; nor do they mean by
the list they have given in, to preclude others of greater
merit than those they have mentioned, if they are to be
found.
Congress, by a late resolution, have allowed a Pay-
master to each regiment; in the appointment of which
I would recommend that particular care be had to the
choosing men intimately acquainted with, and well versed
in accounts, and who will be able to keep them in a fair
and distinct manner; as they will have not only to receive
the regiments' pay, but to keep accounts of every transac-
tion incident to them — such as respect their clothes, &tc.
In some appointments lately made by the Field Officers, to
whom I submitted the matter, they nominated men who
could not write their names legibly.
As our present army is upon the eve of their dissolution,
it behooves us to exert every nerve to inlist immediately
for the new one. Without, I am convinced, we shall have
none to oppose the enemy; and who will have it in their
power to spread havock and devastation wheresoever they
will. I would therefore submit it to your consideration,
whether it may not be proper, as soon as you have made
choice of your officers, and which I think should be effected
as early as possible, to appoint a committee, with power to
repair to this place and make such arrangements as may be
necessary with respect to those who are now in the service,
in order that they may begin to recruit out of the present
corps without any loss of time.
I perceive the Generals in the list they have made, have
set down the Commissary for a regiment. In this I think
they have done exceedingly right, and that it is nothing
more than a reward justly due his merit, in case he should
quit his present department. However, I hope that the
apprehensions which have given rise to this step will never
become realities, and that he will continue in his office, and
upon such terms as may be agreeable to him; but lest he
should decline, the provision they have made is extremely
proper.
1 this minute saw General Spencer, who informed me
that they had never taken the officers prisoners on Long-
Island into consideration, in making out their arrangement,
not knowing whether they could be noticed in their present
situation. 1 have made out a list of them ; and as I have
before observed, if they are men of merit, their imprisonment
most certainly should not operate to their prejudice, if it can
be avoided. If a principle of that sort was adopted, it
would give the greatest discouragement, and have a direct
tendency to suppress every brave and manly enterprise
which might be attended with captivity. I would also
mention Major Sherman, son of Mr. Sherman, of Congress,
a young gentleman who appears to me, and who is gene-
rally esteemed, an active and valuable officer, whom the
General Officers have omitted to set down in their lists,
expecting, I suppose, (if they thought of him at all,) that he
would be provided for in the Massachusetts regiment, be-
cause he is one at this time. But as it is probable promotions
in that State will be confined to their own people, I should
apprehend that he should be properly noticed in your
appointments, lest we should lose an officer who, so far as
I can judge, promises good services to his country.
On yesterday morning, three ships of war, (two of forty-
four and the other of twenty guns,) with two or three ten-
ders, passed up the North River, without meeting any
interruption from the chevaux-de-frise, or receiving any
material damage from our batteries, though they kept a
heavy fire, at them from both sides of the river. Their views
most probably are, to cut off all supplies of boards, &.C.,
which might come down the river, and of which we shall
have great need.
I have given directions to proceed as fast as possible in
carrying on the obstructions, and I would fain hope, if they
allow us a little more time, that they will be so far com-
pleted as to render the passage dangerous, if not altogether
insecure.
I have the honour to be, GQ WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumhull, Connecticut.
P. S. In respect to the appointment of officers, I would
beg leave to add, that the merit of the officers who went
through the Canada expedition with General Arnold,
should, in my opinion, be particularly noticed. They are
now upon their parole, and cannot act; but should not
suitable provision be made for them against their release-
ment, which I should suppose ought to be among the
first?
959
CORRESPONDENCE,* PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
960
PROPOSED APPOINTMENTS OF CONNECTICUT OFFICERS.
Colonel Selden's Regiment.
Colonel Webb's Regiment.
A list of officers now in the army recommended for
Jonathan Palmer,
Jesse Grant,
appointments in the troops to be raised by the State of
Jacob Dewilt,
Elisha Bostwick,
Connecticut.
Elisha Wade,
William Clark,
Those persons to whose names this character * is prefixed
Isaac Spencer,
Selah Benton.
are recommended for promotion to the next rank :
John Hart,
COLONELS.
Colonel Selden's Regiment.
Edward Hallam.
ENSIGNS.
Joseph Trumbull,
Abel Spicer,
Colonel Webb's Regiment.
Colonel Tyler's Regiment.
Jedediah Hunlinglon,
Elijah Bingham,
*Joseph A. Wright,
*Daniel Wait,
Andrew Ward,
Eliphalet Holmes,
Charles Pond,
*Lemuel Cleft,
Gold Selleck Silliman,
William Belcher,
John Shumway,
*Daniel Billings,
William Douglas,
Richard Deshon.
William Green,
*David Durance,
Philip Burr Bradley,
Colonel Ward's Regiment.
Robert Lewis.
John Bulkley,
John Chesler,
Abner Prior,
Benjamin Haskell.
John Durkee.
Noah Phelps,
James Dana,
Benoni Cutler,
Daniel Allen.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
Colonel Tyler's Regiment.
Enock Reed,
*William Richards,
Colonel Chester's Regiment.
Daniel Knowlton,
Elijah Ransom.
LIEUTENANT-COLONELS.
Samuel Prentice,
¥ U /"*! Jl
John Chandler,
James Arnold,
Thomas Hobby,
Giles Russell,
Colonel Webb 's Regiment.
Joseph Hoit,
William Hull,
*Caleb Baldwin,
*Daniel Collins,
*Thomas Avery,
*Ezra Selden.
Colonel Huntington 's Regiment.
*Joshua Tracy,
*Elisha Brewster.
Samuel B. Webb,
Peter Perrit,
Colonel Wyllys's Regiment.
*Samuel McClarren.
Eli Leavenworth,
Colonel Wyllys's Regiment.
*Samuel Richards,
Edward Shipman.
*Roger Hooker,
*Thomas Hander,
MAJORS.
*Jonathan Heart,
^Simeon Beldin^
Hezekiah Holdridge,
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
*Elias Stillwell.
•Charles Miller,"'
Thomas Dyer,
Colonel Tyler's Regiment.
Colonel Chester's Regiment.
Pownal Deming.
UaviG 1 /inion.
Matthew Mead
*David Nevins,
Samuel Campbell.
Colonel Webb's Regiment.
Waterman Cleft,
John Ely,
John Canfield.
*Stephen Keyes,
*Oliver Babcock,
John McGreger,
Colonel Selden's Regiment.
Park Avery,
William Raymond.
Benoni Shipman,
William Smith,
John Ball,
Elisha Lee.
j
Thos. Updike Fosdick,
CAPTAINS.
Colonel Tyler's Regiment.
*David Fithen Sill,
Christopher Darrow,
Colonel Chester's Regiment.
*Edward Bulkley,
Daniel Dunham,
Abner Bacon,
Colonel Sage's Regiment.
Ichabod Hinkley,
Edward Paine,
Joseph Booth.
Stephen Belts.
Colonel Gray's Regiment.
Joel Hinman,
James Morris.
Ebenezer Brewster,
John Bernard,
Colonel Gay's Regiment
Christopher Ely.
Eliphalet Chamberlain,
John Allen.
Colonel Sage's Regiment.
Colonel Wyllys's Regiment.
Ebenezer Wright.
Colonel Durkee's Regiment.
Josiah Blackslee,
Jachabod Bosworth,
Amassa Mills,
Jedediah Hyde,
Colonel Bradley 's Regiment.
Lemuel Benedict,
Jonathan Woodworlh,
Benjamin Durkee,
Sylvanus Perry,
Oliver Hubbard.
Ebenezer Hunlinglon.
William Hawley,
John Walerrnan,
Colonel Huntington 's Regiment.
Abraham Tyler.
Thomas Tanner,
Thomas Stevenson,
Sylvanus Mead.
Seth Phelps,
Josiah Fuller,
Nathaniel Bishop.
Colonel Ward 's Regiment.
Benjamin Holcomb,
Benjamin Henshaw, jr.,
Colonel Durkee's Regiment.
Thomas Grosvenor,
Stephen Brown,
Wills Cleft,
John Keys,
Colonel Wyllys's Regiment.
*Henry Champion,
*Robert Warner,
*Marcus Cole.
Colonel Ward's Regiment.
Samuel Carver,
Elisha Chapman,
Uriah Holmes,
Joseph Hale,
Daniel Reed,
Obadiah Child,
Simon Gains,
Jonathan Nicholls.
Daniel Tilden.
Colonel Douglas's Regiment.
Joshua Bottom,
James Peck.
Colonel Selden's Regiment.
Colonel Silliman 's Regiment.
Sylvanus Brown,
Gamaliel Northrop.
Nathan Parsons,
Samuel Baldwin,
Joseph Mansfield,
Israel Polter.
Colonel Douglas's Regiment.
Stephen Potler,
Michael Brownson,
Jabez Smith,
Charles Fanning,
David Bill,
Asa Story
Colonel Sage's Regiment.
Hezekiah Parsons,
Edward Eells.
Colonel Silliman 's Regiment.
Joseph Webb,
Ambrose Hine.
Colonel Bradley 's Regiment.
11 ¥
Richard Douglas.
Colonel Douglas's Regiment.
Late Colonel Gay's Regiment.
Edward Rogers,
Gad Stanley,
Abraham Bradley.
James Belts. •
Colonel Huntington 's Regiment.
Simeon Huntington,
Zebediah Farnham.
John Jones,
John Blacksleach,
Ezekiel Porter Belding,
Samuel Hoil.
Colonel Silliman 's Regiment.
Charles Norton,
Joseph Shayler,
Timothy White,
Joseph Beach,
John Mansfield
Colonel Chester's Regiment.
/~IL txr 11
Colonel Durkee's Regiment.
Noah Judson,
David Hitchcock.
Chester Wells,
John Isham,
Gershom Barrows.
Colonel Douglas's Regiment.
Edward Russell,
Jonas Prentice,
Nathaniel Bunnell.
Beriah Bill,
William Adams,
Daniel Putnam,
James Sprague.
Colonel Ward's Regiment.
Samuel Granger,
Fliac Wplrl
Lazarus Ruggles,
John St. John,
Thaddeus Weed,
Henry Warren,
Ebenezer Banks,
*Josiah Lacy.
Colonel Huntington 's Regiment
Colonel Silliman 's Regiment.
John Odell,
Benjamin Hecock,
Thomas Hobby,
Gideon Waterbury,
Ebenezer Olmstead,
Elisha Clark.
Colonel Bradley 's Regiment.
J jl l.l^ V V ( HI ,
*Abraharn Wright,
Noble Benedict,
Andrew Fitch,
*Aaron Hale,
Colonel Bradley 's Regiment.
Elijah Abel,
Bezaleel Beebe,
Jonathan Johnson,
William Manning,
George Griswold,
Samuel Barker.
*Siineon Newell,
*Jonathan Humphrey,
*Thomas Hay den,
Timothy Taylor,
Jeremiah B. Eells,
Joseph Hull,
Samuel Keeler,
Colonel Gay's Regiment.
Ebenezer Perkins,
Judson Whiting,
Simeon Smith.
Thomas Hollister.
John Harris.
Jonathan Bellamy.
961
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., OCTOBER, 1776.
962
Colonel Durk
Silas Goodall,
John Durkee,
Watrous Clark,
ee's Regiment.
John Alden,
John Buell,
Bryant Brown.
Staff Officers.
Samuel Johnston, Adjutant, Colonel Sage's Regiment.
Samuel A. Barker, Adjutant, Colonel Douglas's Regiment.
Elias Mather, Quartermaster to Colonel Tyler's Regiment.
Elijah Humphrey, Paymaster to Colonel Webb's Regiment.
Aaron Comstock, Quartermaster to Colonel Silliman's
Regiment.
Richard Sill, Paymaster to Colonel Tyler's Regiment.
Sergeants.
*Elijnh Selden, - - - )
*Ezra Lee, - - - - > Colonel Tyler's Regiment.
*Jonathan Eldridge, - )
*Ezra Smith, .... Colonel Wylly's Regiment.
ISRAEL PUTNAM, Major-General.
Jo. SPENCER, Major-General.
SAM. H. PARSONS, Brigadier-General.
JAMES WADSWOHTH, Brigadier-General.
October 9, 1776.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 9, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: About eight o'clock this morning, the
Roebuck and Phcenix, of forty-four guns each, and a frigate
about twenty guns, got under way from about Blooming-
dale, where they have been lying some time, and stood on
with an easy southerly breeze towards our chevaux-de-frise,
which we hoped would have given them some interruption,
while our batteries played upon them. But to our surprise
and mortification, they all came through without the least
difficulty, and without receiving any apparent damage from
our forts, which kept playing on them from both sides of the
river.* How far they intend to go up I don't know; but
his Excellency thought fit to give you the earliest informa-
tion, that you may put General Clinton on his guard at the
Highlands, for they may have troops concealed on board
with intent to surprise those forts.
If you have any stores on the water side, you had better
have them removed or secured in time, bpards especially,
for which we shall be put to great straits if the communica-
tion above should be cut off. The enemy have made no
move on the land side.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To the Honourable Committee of Correspondence, State of
New-York.
Be pleased to forward this intelligence up the river, and
to Albany. The two new ships are put in near Colonel
Philips's. A party of Artillery, with two twelve-pounders,
and one hundred Riflemen, are sent up to endeavour to
secure them.
• * October 9, 1776. — Early in the morning, three ships, two of forty
guns, and one frigate, with two or three tenders, stood up the North
River. They were briskly cannonaded from Fort Washington and Fort
"Constitution. They however passed our works and the chevaux-de-frise,
the American galleys, small craft, and two large ships standing on before
them. The two ships were ran on shore near Phillips's Mills, and two
of the galleys near Dobbs's Ferry. The enemy took possession of the
two galleys, and got them off. A boat landed a number of men, who
.plundered a store, stove the casks, and then set the store on fire, and
left it. The Americans soon extinguished the fire.
Our General ordered Colonel Sargent, with five hundred Infantry,
forty Light-Horse; Captain Horton, of the Artillery, with two twelve-
pounders; and Captain Crafts, with a howitzer, to march immediately,
with all possible expedition, to Dobbs's Ferry. The enemy took a
schooner loaded with rum, sugar, wine, &c., and sunk a sloop which
had on board the machine invented by and under the direction of a Mr.
Bushnell, intended to blow up the British ships. This machine was
worked under water. It conveyed a magazine of powder, which was
to be fixed under the keel of a ship, then freed from the machine, and
left with clock-work going, which was to produce fire when the machine
had got out of the way. Mr. Bushnell had great confidence of its suc-
cess, and had made several experiments which seemed to give him
countenance ; but its fate was truly a contrast to its design.
Our General's division was formed in line, with its advance, reserve
flank-guards, and artillery, all in order of battle, when they were
moved down over the different grounds which it was supposed might
be the -scene of action. Some of this ground was very broken, ar
COLONEL TILGHMAN TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, October 9, 1776.
SIR: I have this moment yours of this evening. The
party of one hundred men were ordered up to assist a
detachment of Artillery in covering the two new ships, should
the enemy attempt to cut them out or destroy them. Soon
after I got home from Fort Washington, I received a report
that the enemy had passed the new ships and were landing
at Dobbs's Ferry. I then directed Colonel Reed to desire
you, if that should be the case, to send field-pieces and how-
itzers forward if it should be judged necessary, and as Gen-
eral Clinton best knew the ground, to consult him upon the
necessity of sending on the artillery, and if it was sent, that
a strong covering party should go with it. Till I received
yours, I heard no more of the matter. I am sorry you have
been misinformed as to the movement of the other ships
below; they have never stirred from their moorings. You
will therefore be pleased to order Captain Benson to be as
expeditious as possible in getting the new ships afloat and
bringing them down to where they may be conveniently
ballasted. I will take proper care of the prisoners you are
sending down.
While I was writing the above by his Excellency's direc-
tion, he went to bed. I thought it a pity to disturb him to
sign it. I therefore have the honour to subscribe myself
your most obedient servant, T£NCH TlLGHMAN
To General Heath.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
October 9, 1776.
SIR : Besides the men ordered on the duty in bringing
down the ships, the General desires you would order one
hundred men from the regiments of your division nearest
King's Bridge, immediately, to be employed in ballasting
the two hulks which lay at Spiking Devil. These men
are not to leave the service till it is completed, and officers
who can be depended on are to oversee them, as the work
of the army constantly suffers by this means.
I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adjutant-General
To General Heath.
No movement below.
, and
there were many fences. These afforded frequent opportunities for the
troops to break off and form, for the pioneers to open avenues, &c.,
and for the whole to become acquainted with every part of the ground,
and the best choice of it, if suddenly called to action. — Heath.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 61
ORDERS TO COLONEL SARGENT.
King's Bridge, October 9, 1776.
SIR: The enemy, as it is reported, have landed a number
of troops at or near Dobbs's Ferry ; and it being thought
indispensably our duty to dislodge them, you are immedi-
ately to take the command of the detachment designed for
that purpose, consisting of five hundred men. You will
march without the least loss of time, with the said detach-
ment and forty Light-Horse, to Dobbs's Ferry, taking with
you one howitzer and a detachment of the Artillery, now
at Philips's Mills, if you should think it necessary. You
will take particular care that the howitzer is properly cov-
ered, and defended by the battalion men.
You will, if possible, dislodge the enemy ; killing or taking
prisoners, as occasion may require. If the enemy should
have reembarked on board their ships, you will give me
notice thereof by express, as you will frequently of every
occurrence worthy of notice. Colonel Drake will march
with you, and afford you every assistance in his power.
You will also take command of the company commanded
by Captain Darrow, and also the guard now at Dobbs's
Ferry. If you should find upon conference with the com-
manding officers of the Artillery, that they have no express
orders from the Commander-in-Chief, you will give them
such orders as you may think proper for the good of the
service.
I am, sir, with respect, your most humble servant,
W. HEATH.
To Colonel Sargent.
GENERAL PUTNAM TO GENERAL HEATH.
General Putnam's compliments to General Heath, and
begs he will please to furnish fifty men to assist in bringing
the ships from Phillips's, under command of Mr. Benson.
•Wednesday, noon.
963
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
964
JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 15, 1776.]
King's Bridge, October 9, 1776.
SIR: I have this moment received your favour of 7th
instant, enclosing a resolve of Congress directing the Conti-
nental agents to deliver me for the use of the army all the
salt in their hands belonging to the Continent. I wish to
know who all the Continental agents from New-York, (that
is Hudson's river,) eastward, are, that 1 may call on them.
I know some of them, but very possibly not all. I fear,
nay I know, the whole quantity will fall vastly short of what
will be necessary, and hope speedy and effectual care will
be taken to procure what is needful for this and another
year, which will not fall short of eighty or a hundred thou-
sand bushels, beside what I know now to be in the country
and what will be needed for family consumption.
My idea is to put up pork with a small quantity of salt,
and depend on getting more in season to repack and pickle
early in the spring. This will be necessary, for want of
salt. This will also show the necessity of being in season
with a sufficient quantity of salt, or lose all.
I am, most respectfully, sir, your most humble servant,
Jos. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
LIEUTENANTS PUTNAM AND CLEAVES TO GEN. WASHINGTON.
North River, October 9, 1776.
SIR : This is a copy of the proceedings on board the
galley Independence.
On the 8th Colonel Tupper sent orders on board for
Captain Baker to proceed on shore, and that there was no
further business for him on board. On the 9th, at about
seven A. M., we observed the ship below to be moving. We
immediately called all hands. After seeing the other gal-
ley under way, we hove up and stood up the river after
them, and when we got above the chevaux-de-frise spoke
with Cook, and asked what he intended to do. He an
swered that he did not know ; but stood up the river, and
said there was not water enough to go into the creek. The
wind being moderate we gained ahead of them, which gave
us encouragement to keep along. It soon after breezed up,
and the ship gained upon us fast, and, at about eleven A.
M. they began to fire upon us with their bow-chasers. At
about twelve they overreached us, which caused us to bear
in shore, and at half-past one P. M. we run her on shore,
first above Dobbs's Ferry, where we had not time enough
to get our people and things on shore in the boat, and the
shipping began the fire which obliged us to swim on shore;
but no lives lost, but part of their guns and chief of their
baggage ; and I observed the enemy to haul up their boats
and man them, which they immediately dropped on stern
and fired a broadside of grapeshot as we lay in the bushes,
and immediately sent their boat on board with a warp, and
hove her alongside.
From your most obedient servants,
JEREMIAH PUTNAM,
NATHANIEL CLEAVES,
To His Excellency General Washington.
SAMUEL TEN BROECK TO COLONEL PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
District of Manor Livingston, October 9, 1776.
DEAR SIR: We have received your letter of the 30th
September ; the contents have duly examined. The dis-
affected begin to be rather more troublesome and daring
than formerly, but through proper application don't doubt
we shall soon rid ourselves of some or the major part of
these villains. We are sorry that we can't send you here-
with an authentick account of them, but shall in a few days,
as we are about collecting all the materials possible. This
day we received a letter from the Committee of Dutchess
County, informing us that their Militia was ordered to be
out to-morrow, in consequence of which four of our com-
panies are ordered out, to be ready to-morrow morning.
This body will be ordered to scour well and to surround them
if possible, as there is a large number that keep themselves
concealed in the woods. Hope that we may be able to
give you a favourable account of this in a day or two, to-
gether with the particulars of our district in general.
On Monday last we had one Jo*. Chissem before us, who
being examined on oath relative to the Tories, and the out-
rage committed at Captain Jamsen's, reported that on Monday
last, a fortnight gone, being the night when the outrage was
committed, he being in company with a body, in Number
Twenty-Four, in the woods, about four miles from Captain
Jamsen's, Chissem was taken by some of our men that layed
in ambush. We have taken all their names down, and think
that we are in a fair way to find out those villains that com-
mitted the cruel outrage. We have also taken several more
affidavits of those that were suspected in the least, but none
of them give so much light in the affair as the one already
mentioned.
I shall write you further by the first opportunity. We
send this by old Mr. Power; beg to hear from you by him,
as the post and almost every other convenience is now
stopped so that we seldom hear from Head-Quarters. Shall
be glad to hear the news from there.
In haste, we remain your most obedient and very humble
servants,
By order: SAMUEL TEN BROECK, Chairman, p. t.
To Colonel Peter R. Livingston, Fishkills.
ALBANY COMMITTEE TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Albany Committee-Chamber, October 9, 1776.
SIR: We have received yours of the 7th instant, and in
consequence thereof have procured the iron stove, pipes,
and other fixtures from the members of the Presbyterian
Church in this city. We shall send it down to-morrow to
the place directed, and write you fully how and on what
terms we have procured it.
We are, sir, your most obedient servants.
By order: JOHN BARCLAY, Chairman.
To Peter R. Livingston, President of the Convention of
the State of New-York, at Fishkills.
R. HUGHES TO MR. WINSLOW.
Ticonderoga, October 9, 1776.
SIR: General Gates orders you shall to-morrow morning
at the meeting of the Court-Martial, deliver over to the
President, viz: the Hon. Brigadier-General St. Clair, the
amount of the sum paid by you to Captain Jona. Fassitt,
and to desire he will call before him the soldiers of said
company and examine whether they have received one
month's pay, as Captain Jona. Fassitt received one month's
pay for a full company from you, each soldier so examined
to be on oath.
By the General's command : R. HUGHES.
To Mr. Winslow, Paymaster.
COLONEL WINDS TO GENERAL GATES.
Ticonderoga, October 9, 1776.
SIR: Being much indisposed, cannot do myself the
pleasure to wait on your Honour in person ; therefore take
this method to approach you with a request in behalf of my
regiment, which is, that your Honour would suffer it as soon
as convenient to march for New-Jersey, and would beg your
patience while I give my reasons for this application.
In the first place, sir, our regiment was raised in conse-
quence of a proposal from the honourable Continental
Congress to the Provincial Convention of New-Jersey, in
which the former expressly declared that "this regiment,
when raised, should be for the defence of Neiv- York, where
they will be wanted this fall or next spring." On which
account many persons entered the service who otherwise
would not have engaged, as their families and connexions
were much exposed, living mostly along the sea-coast,
where in all probability attacks would be made ; and as the
seat of war at present is near our own shores, where our
property and connexions are more immediately exposed,
and indeed at that very place we were raised to defend, I
humbly conceive it would be for the interest of the
service to order us thither, especially as an indulgence of
this nature might induce some persons to reengage in the
service, which otherwise may not.
Give me leave also to inform your Honour, that our men
are in a most wretched condition for want of clothing and
blankets to screen them from the inclemency of the nearly
approaching season ; and what I presume adds the greater
965
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
966
weight to this reason is, that our men are very severely
afflicted with the disease called the itch, supposed to be
communicated to them in the inoculation for the small-pox
in June last. This disorder, sir, rages in an uncommon
degree among our people ; and as their habitations expose
them so much to the weather, the doctor deems it highly
dangerous to attempt their cure.
I have only to add that our regiment was raised in Octo-
ber last ; the men inlisted for only one year, and therefore,
that their time is now nearly expired.
If these reasons, sir, should operate with you, and your
Honour should concur with me in the opinion that all pro-
bable expectation of the enemy's approach this fall is over,
we would request to be favoured with your Honour's orders
to march, as soon as convenient.
I have the honour to be your Honour's obedient, humble
servant' WILLIAM WINDS, Colonel.
To the Hon. Horatio Gates, Major-General and Com-
mander of the Continental Troops in the Northern
Department.
We are, most respectfully, sirs, your obedient, humble
servants, VAN BIBBER &, HARRISON.
P. S. Captain Martin says that the mistake of the ten
barrels powder you mention, was rectified before he sailed.
SAMUEL BIRD AND OTHERS TO GOVEHNOUR TRUMBULL.
New-Haven, October 9, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: We have associated for
the purpose of fitting out a privateer, but shall be unable to
carry our purpose into execution unless your Honour or the
General Assembly will grant us license to take from the
Salisbury foundry a number of cannon. Our privateer
will carry ten four-pounders and twelve swivels. We
request ypur Honour, therefore, to give us an order for so
many cannon and swivels, to be delivered on our paying the
price affixed by your Honour and the Council of Safety.
Your Honour will recollect that this application was made
viva voce this forenoon at Mr. Mansfield? s. We hope,
therefore, that no application made since that time will
deprive us of our chance of being supplied.
We are, with the greatest respect, your Honour's most
obedient, humble servants, SAM(JEL BIRJ)
ARTHUR JARVIS,
JOHN LOTHROP,
PIERPONT EDWARDS.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COL. HOLLINGSWORTH.
[No. 204.] Annapolis, October 10, 1776.
SIR: By order of the honourable Convention we return
you eighty-four bayonets and a gun-barrel, which Mr. Win-
ters, of Chester-Town, sent here for our inspection, and we
are directed to inform you that unless you comply in a short
time with your contract with this Board, or give us satisfac-
tory reasons for the delay, that your bond will be put in
suit. We enclose you a copy of Mr. Winters' s letter, and
have also given him orders to return you the remainder of
the barrels. We are, Sic.
To Colonel Henry Hollingsworth.
CONRAD HOGMIRE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Hagarstown, October 10, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: My age and bad state of health has ren-
dered me incapable of serving any longer as an officer in
the service. I have therefore enclosed you my commission,
and at the same time return you my most sincere thanks for
the honour you conferred on, gentlemen, your most obedi-
ent, humble servant, „
CONRAD HOGMIRE.
JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 10, 1776.
SIRS : I received your orders for purchasing nine hundred
barrels superfine flour, and twenty hogsheads of tobacco,
and directions to dispose of part of them, which I shall ob-
serve as nearly as I can. I have the best flour engaged for
the Resolution that is made with us, but there is but little
superfine made here; it is best for flour weighing one hun-
dred weight three quarters neat, but there is very little
superfine to be had nearer than the Head of Elk, and there
they send it to Philadelphia, and at this time get twenty
to twenty-two shillings per hundred for it. But I shall
get the best flour that is made in this place, and have it
fitted for a French market, with ten hoops ; have sent off
the tobacco received. I received from Mr. Steven Stew-
ard eight hundred pounds, to be laid out for you.
We have a report this evening that there is a fleet at the
Capes. Please advise me if that should be the case, if I
am to continue the purchase. I am selling the damaged
flour that the bakers would not bake at six, seven, eight
and ten shillings a barrel — each market day from twelve
to twenty barrels. I shall come down soon to show the
accounts, as far as I have gone.
From your humble servant,
JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
I consulted Mr. Stephen Steward about the flour, and
advised me to go on and get the best was to be had, and
such as we have here for our best flour.
VAN BIBBER AND HARRISON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF
SAFETY.
October 10, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We beg leave to refer you to ours of the
8th, herewith sent. Since then, we have received here, in
exchange for the same quantity we had at ' Statia. one hun-
dred and twenty half-barrels of gunpowder, which we have
put on board the brig Friendship on your account ; and
enclosed you will find a bill of lading and invoice for it.
PETITION OF JAMES CLARKE AND OTHERS.
To the honourable the Council of Safety of MARYLAND :
The Memorial of JAMES CLARKE, ROBERT CHRISTIE, Jun.,
MELCHIOR KEENER, ROBERT CHRISTIE, and OLIVER
WHITE, and ROBERT JOHNSTON, showeth :
That early in the month of March your memorialists'
vessels were sunk at Whetstone Point, for the purpose of
preventing any of the British ships-of-war from coming up
to Baltimore-Town. That agreeable to a resolve of Con-
vention, they have already been allowed sums of money
for the damage the vessels sustained by being sunk, but that
your memorialists have never received any satisfaction for
the time their vessels were employed in that service, which
was about three and one half months. As that matter is
referred to the Council of Safety, we would pray that a day
may be fixed for our attendance at Annapolis, and that
the bearer may be informed what voucher will be neces-
sary to lay before your honourable Board. And your
memorialists shall ever pray. T ^
* JAMES CLARKE,
ROBERT CHRISTIE, Jun.,
ROBERT CHRISTIE,
OLIVER WHITE,
MELCHIOR KEENER,
ROBERT JOHNSTON.
October 10, 1776.
JAMES CLARKE AND MELCHIOR KEENER TO MARYLAND
COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Annapolis, October 10, 1776.
We, the subscribers, inhabitants of Baltimore-Town, beg
leave to acquaint the honourable Council that we have
been for a number of years purchasers of produce in said
town, and being informed that a considerable sum is shortly
to be laid out for the use of the Province, do now make an
offer of our best services, and should the honourable Coun-
cil be pleased to employ us in purchasing such produce as
may be bought at Baltimore, we will do it for a commission
of one pound ten shillings on every hundred pounds, and
will give the best of security for our faithful performance.
JAMES CLARKE,
MELCHIOR KEENER.
To the honourable Council of Safety of the Province of
Maryland.
967
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
968
ON THE PRESENT STATES OF AMERICA.
Under the direction of the honourable American Con-
gress, conducted by a chain of wonderful and unexpected
events, by a most gracious all-ruling Providence, the several
Colonies, before unconnected, in spite of their different prin-
ciples, interests, and prejudices, arose to such a degree of
union, strength, credit, and importance, as to excite the
wonder and applause of all the nations in Europe.
When, from the echo of publick affairs (with which I am
only concerned as an individual) I saw that Independence
was unavoidable, safe and honourable to the Colonies, I
reasoned in my mind, and said to my friends, " There can
be no difficulty about new forms of Government;" the
experience, wisdom, and circumstances of these States,
plainly point out the Congress to be the primum mobile and
supreme directress of all momentous affairs in peace, as well
as war, and the last resort unto which appeals must lie to
all who think themselves injured by any Courts or Assem-
blies below ; which Assemblies, therefore, may remain as
heretofore, with only some change of names and forms,
unless the necessity or justice of things require some small
alterations, as the wisdom of Congress, that is, of all the
States by their annually-chosen Representatives, may judge
necessary. Thus it then appeared to me and others. But
when I saw different forms of Government, without so much
as taking notice of the Congress, and others only naming it
superficially, and none leaving any appeal to it, and some
of them even assuming to themselves much of the war
department, as appointing all military officers, fee., I con-
cluded my first thoughts must be wrong, and the wisdom of
the Colonies must be right, and it was needless to mention
my opinion ; but last night an occurrence determined me
otherwise.
A dream or visipn (don't rashly pronounce me super-
stitious, for it was not a dream from any disorder of body
or mind, as both were healthy and clear, and the same was
presented to me twice in the same night, though I have not
had a dream to be before regarded these twenty years) rep-
resented to me a very great luminary (call it the Sun) in the
west, under a great but not total eclipse ; there being one
straight line or stripe across the centre perpendicularly, that
was luminous, the upper end giving most light. At the same
time, and of the same height, (about forty degrees above the
horizon,) I saw several Moons, about southeast, of different
magnitudes, (perhaps thirteen, though I did not count them.)
These having all derived their light from the great luminary
before, were now also eclipsed ; their discs, however, by
means of the luminous diameter of the Sun, were visible, and
appeared like a polished white metal, but giving no light ;
and in each of them I beheld a very deformed black spot,
though in some much larger than others, seeming to corrode
and waste the body, &c. Every one must interpret this as
I do, viz : The Congress is that great luminary that gave
light, beauty, warmth, and usefulness to all the Colonies,
which were also represented by the aforesaid moons or
planets ; for in my dream I called one Saturn, another Ju-
piter, &,c. The black spots, in some large, and the least
three times as large as Venus' s transit over the Sun, must
represent the American Tories, or friends of the English
tyranny, and enemies of the Congress and liberty; traitors
in each Colony, completing every little State into a sepa-
rate policy. These have secretly, and by base intrigues,
eclipsed the Sun ; and under a pretence of greater liberty
in their particular States, prevented the influence of the
Congress, in order to produce general darkness and confu-
sion, and to fly to the midnight of eastern slavery.
How far this may be the present situation of affairs,
others may be better informed than I. But I have since
seen a paper in the Journal signed Brutus, that speaks the
author rather willing to return to the tyranny of Britain
than the new free Constitution of Pennsylvania, though it
breathes more political liberty than any of the States, and
in which whatever errata may have happened are proposed
for amendment, and the whole to be revised after some
trial ; though perhaps three might have been better than
seven years.
In all the forms I have yet seen, there appears to me
one dark and dangerous spot : they are too self-sufficient
and disconnected from the great whole, while they are gen-
erally too complex, and have too many jarring wheels in
themselves.' No machine composed of many wheels, all
depending on each other, and totally interrupted if one
is only warped a little, can be of long duration : thus,
watches that show the phases of the moon, the days of the
month, &,c., are not so durable as the plainer, which only
point out hours and minutes ; and the smaller the works,
the weaker. This is easily applied to some States, as that
on Delaware* which contains only three Counties, and yet
has no less than four distinct legislative bodies, an Assem-
bly, Legislative Council, President, and his Privy Council.
All these opposite and incoherent powers (in that small
and greatly divided handful) must produce endless jars and
confusions, till one of these powers becomes an aristocracy,
and like Aaron's serpent swallows up the rest, or betrays
the whole to some foreign Power, which we know the
present Representatives of two of these Counties, who have
been accounted all along enemies to the cause of America,
would, if they durst, presently do. However, they have
the nomination of members of Congress, and may thereby
effect it, if such discoloured parts of other States prevail.
They have also made their form of Government, without
any appeal to the people, or hearing any objections, or giving
any appeal to Congress, though one whole County was not
represented in Convention, except only the Tories in it.
But the other faulty part of most new constitutions
appears to me yet more dangerous, viz : their too great self-
sufficiency, and want of connection with the great whole.
These States must be one government, or we are undone.
There can be but one supreme head. Monsters of many
heads in the natural world can live but a very short time.
It would be very easy to trace this same truth in the civil
policies of all nations. This was the true cause of the dis-
solution of all the ancient free Republicks. •
Before our little States became independent of each
other, and only looked to the Congress as the animating
soul of one great American republick, how great the union,
how happy the whole ! But now, how changed ! The
Congress eclipsed ; every little State almost separate from
the rest, and every bird of the night utters its ill-boding
sound ; Tories triumph, and those who were in arms
against their country last June, are now again openly read-
ing letters to the people, which they say are from Lord
Howe, full of encouragement to the disaffected, and desiring
them to send only the King's friends to Assembly, and he
will make peace with them, Sic., &tc.
The people here accordingly will send only Tories'; and
I am satisfied, unless some great change of affairs, (which
can be effected only by Congress,) they will never elect
any other members to any of the four or five Delaware
branches of government, for many years to come, except
men who wickedly pretend the Church is in danger, and
who bribe their votes ; but no men of sense, patriotism, or
virtue, at least in this generation. Perhaps something like
this may happen in other counties of other governments.
By such constitutions, what can be expected? Must not
one State fall into contention with another State, and every
degree of anarchy and confusion arise, and the States, thus
weakened, become an easy prey to some foreign kingdom,
or some fortunate ruffian at home ?
Instead, therefore, of leaving ignorant men to contend
about forms of government, endangering our all at stake,
by disunion among ourselves, why do we not remove the
eclipse, and restore the Congress to the supreme power of
all affairs at once? This is a simple government. The
most simple is the best. We cannot be afraid of our liberty
in such hands; they are representatives of all America,
(themselves being bound by every law they make is suffi-
cient security,) removed from every little local prejudice,
under no temptation to be partial. Let them be chosen
every year, and changed every three years, but gradually,
and not all at once : then what need for all this costly
parade of governours, councils, and privy councils? Can-
not every Assembly do all the little common affaire within
itself, and in all greater matters receive orders from the
grand Council or Congress, which should also be the dernier
ressort to settle all greater difficulties of an internal nature?
But it will be said, this would give endless trouble, and
make too much business for that venerable body. I answer,
•There are some good things in the Delaware Constitution, which
are evidently borrowed from the Pennsylvanum, but mangled like a
school-boy's abridgment of a Spectator's paper. Some of their Bill of
Rights, explained by Tories, might prevent all American defence. Jus-
tices of the Peace may also be Assemblymen, i. e., "make and execute
laws, which destroys all liberty." — Montesquieu.
969
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
970
they will be chose of men of ability and leisure ; and let
their support be decent and honourable; then what though
they sit half the year or more ? Their supreme power,
which may be able to call forth the army in times of war,
and the militia in times of peace, would easily settle all
affairs, give general satisfaction, and unite all the most dis-
tant American States in one strong, honourable, and lasting
chain.
It is true there are many united States and Republicks in
the world, on the same plan which these Siates are adopt-
ing ; but is it not certain, too, these have not every liberty ?
Is there not much tyranny in such particular States, for
want of a supreme and impartial tribunal? Monarchies
are often lasting, because simple and expeditious in busi-
ness, and thereby have many advantages over the common
republicks ; and might not such a republick as I plead for,
having their grand council always sitting, with supreme
power, ready to determine on every emergence over a
whole continent, have all the expedition of a monarchy,
and the deliberate counsel of a republick ?
On the present plan of these States, there is no one
supreme power to connect the divided States, which, by
means of new plans, will be internally unhappy, as well as
jealous of each other; their union, strength, and happiness
lost ; they are only connected as a rope of sand crumbling
to pieces.
Is it true, that an old Assembly, or some Tory members
of it, have met and passed acts in opposition to a new Con-
vention, in one of these States already ? Does the same
opposition to American measures openly declare their ex-
pectation of General Howe's paying Philadelphia a visit
before winter? Do not all these things show the imbecility
of Government ? Where is the supreme active power of
America, when leading men boldly espouse the cause of our
most inveterate enemies, who have deluged our (before
peaceful) country in blood ?
Our cruel enemies boasted an easy conquest of America,
because, they alleged, we were cowards : they are convinced
to their cost of their mistake in this. But when they shall
find the black spots in our constitutions, and the wretched
numbers of American traitors, who sell, their country for a
mess of pottage, they may be more encouraged. These
wretches are in almost every State, striving, by the little
arts of policy, to delude, divide, weaken, and subvert every
rational and manly measure, to alarm and terrify us into a
tame submission to tyranny. But I am confident there is
still so much virtue in America, that these cringing candidates
for court favour, these sycophants, dissemblers, and false
friends, will be detected, displaced, and forever despised.
But it will be objected that I would make the Congress
absolute, which might be dangerous as well as a monarchy,
unless restricted by a code of laws, &c. I answer, I can-
not perceive any danger from rendering them absolute, or
restrained by few laws. I would have them be a great
court of chancery, governed only by the *eternal laws of
equity, patriotism, and reason, in order more effectually to
promote the safety, equality, industry, union, virtue, and
happiness of America. And as to codes of laws, they have
had the same effect in all the nations as creeds and confes-
sions, and forms of religion : they have literally and figu-
ratively damned the world.
How happy the Greeks with a few laws, and the Ro-
mans when they had only the twelve tables. In the later
ages, equity and justice have been nearly banished from
the world, by laws complicated to an unwieldy size. The
whole world needs but a few laws, and these simple, clear,
sensible, and easy in their application to the actions of
men.
A grand Congress, chose annually by the people, (not
by their representatives,) would contain the united abilities
and virtues of all these Colonies in one great republick, the
deputed guardians of our civil rights: this would excite the
prompt obedience, the fidelity and publick spirit of a willing
people, no longer bent under the yoke of oppression, by
little tyrants in their own little and wrangling States. The
American nation would then raise its head, and universal
harmony and joy prevail among all classes and orders of
men. This Congress of men of the greatest and most
eminent characters, would be a seminary of statesmen and
*A magistrate of good principles needs no other law; and one of bad
principles will violate or evade every law of God and man.
heroes, a nursery of truth, knowledge, and virtue, to prepare
men of abilities for generals, ambassadors, and the highest
offices of State.
This simple and plain system contains no seeds of disease
or decay ; would connect all America in every liberty that
freemen wish for, and would probably last as long as time
itself.
1 HILO-ALETHIAS.
Delaware, October 10, 1776.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO COMMODORE HOPKINS.
Philadelphia, October 10, 1776.
SIR : We learned some days ago, with much concern,
that the expedition we had planned for you to execute
would prove abortive, as the ships had gone out a cruising,
under the sanction of Governour TnimbulPs recommenda-
tion, with which we cannot be well satisfied, although, in
this instance, we are disposed to pass it by in silence, being
well convinced both he and the several Captains meant to
perform service at a time the ships were idle. Supposing,
therefore, that you will have been obliged to lay aside the
expedition to Newfoundland, we now direct that you imme-
diately collect the Alfred, the Columbus, Cabot, and
Hampden, take them under your command, and proceed
for Cape Fear, in North- Carolina, where you will find the
following ships of war: the Falcon, of eighteen guns, the
Scorpion, of sixteen guns, and the Cruiser, of eight guns,
and a number of valuable prizes, said to be forty or fifty in
number, and other vessels under their protection, the whole
of which you will make prize of with ease. We understand
they have erected a kind of a fort on Baldhead, at the
entrance of Cape Fear river: but it being only manned
with a few people from these ships, we expect you will
easily reduce it, and put the same in possession of North-
Carolina, or dismantle it, as may appear best. When you
have performed this service, you had best deliver to the
Continental agents there such of your prizes as may sell
well, or be useful in North- Carolina; others you may con-
voy into Virginia, or this place, for we don't recommend
your remaining at North- Carolina, for fear of being blocked
up there. Perhaps you will receive advice that will render
it eligible to proceed farther southward to rout the enemies'
ships at South- Carolina and Georgia; and if that is prac-
ticable, you have not only our approbation, but our orders
for the attempt.
We hope, sir, you will not lose one single moment after
the receipt of this letter, but proceed instantly on this expe-
dition.
We are, sir, your humble servants.
To Esek Hopkins, Esq.
P. S. Should the Cabot be still on a cruise, or, if
returned, cannot be ready to proceed upon the above expe-
dition as early as one of the frigates lately launched at
Rhode-Island, you will proceed with the latter in lieu of the
Cabot, as soon as she can be prepared for the sea, or you
may take both the Cabot and the frigate if to be done without
delay. We wish your plan for manning this fleet from the
State of Rhode-Island, may prove effectual ; and we do, in
the warmest manner, urge you to omit nothing on your part
which may tend to promote so important a purpose, and
which we have most earnestly at heart. The commissions
for the officers of the frigates will be forwarded immediately.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO HENRY TUCKER AND THOMAS GODET.
October 10, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We have occasion for a quantity of salt
to cure beef and pork the ensuing season, for the use of
our fleet, and don't care to lay up what arrives here tran-
siently, as the people are much in want of that article, and
would murmur were it to be bought off their hands. We
therefore request that you will immediately on receipt of
this letter, charter five or six good, fast sailing large sloops,
schooners, or brigantines, and either load them with salt at
Bermudas, or send them to Turk's Island for it, just as you
may find safest and best. Send one of them to Edenton,
in North- Carolina, consigned to Messrs. Hewes fy Smith,
one to Baltimore, in Maryland, consigned to our order, and
the others have addressed to us. Perhaps it will be most
prudent to load part in Bermudas, and part in Turk's
971
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
972
Island ; but our great object is to get the salt soon and safe
here.
You will charter these vessels on the best terms in your
power, by the month or other ways. Have them valued,
and we agree to ensure them for so long as they remain in
our service ; and if the terms are reasonable, that may
probably be a long time. You'll buy the salt as cheap as
you can, and give them the utmost despatch, or it will be
too late for our purpose. We must depend on you to
advance the money for the cost of the salt until we can
reimburse you, which shall be done by returning some of
these vessels to you with cargoes of provisions, and probably
a convoy with them. Should any of the vessels be taken
or lost, we will either pay you in provisions, or undoubted
good bills on Europe, or the West-Indies, as may best suit
the owners. We hope you will be able to comply with
these orders immediately, for which we shall allow you
reasonable commission, interest for the advance of your
money and commissions on the goods we shall consign you
hereafter ; and for your security, we pledge you the faith
and credit of the United States of America, being so
authorized to do by the honourable the Continental Con-
gress, of which we are members, and are, gentlemen, your
very humble servants.
To Messrs. Henry Tucker, of Somerset, and Thomas
Godet, Bermuda.
P. S. If you cannot send six, send as many vessels as
you can, short of that number.
be thought best. Mr. Ross will oblige so much as to attend
you, and afford every assistance in having the accounts
expeditiously settled. I have spoke with him. Less than
two and a half per cent. I don't intend to accept, and much
more I don't desire, though the same attention to my own
business would have produced me double or treble the
money.
I hope you will excuse the trouble I ask you to take
for me, and be assured I always take pleasure in executing
your commands, being, dear sir, your affectionate bumble
servant, ,,r
WILLIAM ATLEE.
To Mr. John Cox, Philadelphia.
WILLIAM ATLEE TO JOHN COX.
Philadelphia, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR: After waiting in town a week, I am under
the necessity of returning home without finishing my busi-
ness. The company who came with me in the carriage
want to go, and I understand that the workmen and
labourers employed by the Committee at Lancaster, are
clamorous and want money. I have, therefore, drawn some
more cash, to wit: three thousand pounds from Mr. Hil-
kgas, for the stockade and guards, &.C., in Lancaster ; and
one thousand pounds from Messrs. Mease and Caldwell, to
pay for billeting the marching companies, &c., &c. And
having taken up my accounts and vouchers from the several
offices; beg leave to trouble you with them, and to ask the
favour of you to have them settled for me as soon as possi-
ble. The account relative to the stockade, barracks, and
company's pay on duty in Lancaster, will be settled at the
Treasury Board at Mr. Gibson's ; and the account relative
to the moneys advanced to the marching companies, and
for victualling them, at Messrs. Mease and CaldwelFs. The
vouchers have been examined in both offices, so that I think
very little remains to be done but to fix my commissions
and strike the balances. I expect a generous (but not
exravagant) allowance for my trouble with respect to the
account with Mease and Caldwell. I have had the muster-
ing of the companies, entering a muster roll of each in a book
which is deposited with them, and furnishing two copies,
one for the office and one for a voucher, chief of which I
had to do myself to expedite business; and the settling of
the tavernrkeepers' bills is very troublesome. And with
respect to the accounts to be settled with the Treasury
Board, I have to settle the pay bills of the companies on
guard in Lancaster, and pay them monthly, to settle with
and pay the carpenters, masons, bricklayers, labourers, and
others employed, at the stockade and barracks as they
bring in their accounts for their daily and weekly labour ;
besides purchasing materials, &.C., and taking a share in the
direction of the works. These matters have required more
of my attention, and kept me more constantly engaged than
ever my own business did, (or ever shall,) which I have
been obliged entirely to neglect. Therefore (entre nous) I
should chose to know in time, before I proceed much farther,
what is to be my allowance, and not leave it to a final
settlement of my accounts, when perhaps a thank you sir,
or little better, may be thought sufficient.
Besides these things, I have my share of publick duty,
which the publick are welcome to, having the whole trouble
of the business of the committee as chairman, secretary,
&.C., which claims our attendance daily, and sometimes
from morning till night. The sums last drawn may be
added to the accounts, or left to a future account, as shall
GENERAL LEE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 15th: referred to the Board of War.]
Princeton, October 10, 1776.
SIR: The ridiculous idea, that Lord Howe has some
reasonable terms to offer, and that the Congress are desirous
of their being communicated to the people, gains ground
every day. This idea is strengthened by the industry of the
disaffected, and does infinite mischief; I would, therefore,
with submission, offer it to the consideration of Congress,
whether it would not be politick, in order to efface these
impressions, suffer some gentlemen in the simple character
of individuals who are supposed to have influence, to propose
a conference with his Lordship on this subject, and demand
what terms he has to offer. He most assuredly has none
but unconditional submission. His publick declaration ought,
it is true, to satisfy every reasonable man of this being the
ultimatum ; but in our present circumstances, the unreason-
able and weak must be satisfied, as well as the sensible
and reasonable. A committee deputed from the Congress
after what has happened, would be highly improper, as it
would convey an idea that they themselves did not consider
independency absolutely fixed, for which reason it would
be more prudent that they should suffer one or two persons
in whom they can confide, to propose the conference in
their private characters, who may afterwards relate, explain,
and command at large on the circumstances. I perhaps
may be wrong in my conjectures, but as I am persuaded it
would have a salutary effect, I cannot reconcile it to my
conscience to withhold my opinion, an opinion, I can assure
you, sir, in which 1 am not singular, for many very sensible
men, and the most active friends to the cause in this Province
and the others I have passed through, concur with me. At
all events, I hope the Congress will not think me impertinent,
and presuming in intruding it, but impute it to my anxiety
and zeal for the puhlick welfare.
This Province is so much weaker in numbers than I
imagined in leaving Philadelphia, that the sooner the
Virginia battalions march, at least as far as Brunswick,
the better. You must, sir, excuse the blots of this letter
as I have not paper for a more legible copy.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble,
obedient servant, CHARLES LEE.
To the President of Congress.
GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 14, 1776.]
Perth-Amboy, October 10, 1776.
SIR: Yesterday evening a part of the enemy's fleet, to
the number of twenty-two sail, fell down to Sandy-Hook,
and this morning stood out to sea an easterly course. Five
of the ships appear to be men-of-war. A Mustermaster is
much wanted here. Captain Smith who had that appoint-
ment from Congress, has left us several weeks ; if he has
resigned, it will be necessary to appoint and order on some
gentleman to succeed him. Otherwise it will be impossible
to prevent frauds in making out the pay rolls. No new
movements of the enemy are discoverable on this quarter.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
H. MERCER.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
THOMAS RANDALL TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Elizabethtown, October 10, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I here send you by the bearer, Mr. Little,
the letter I received by him from the Lieutenant of your
973
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
974
schooner General Putnam, which you'll please to have read
and consider the contents. I am well assured they must
want provisions and necessaries. I some time ago forwarded
to you a petition from them, which I would beg your con-
sideration, with respect to Captain Cregier's conduct,
make no doubt but you'll order a supply of provisions and
money for them.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
THOS. RANDALL.
To the honourable Provincial Congress for the State of
New- York.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Head-Quarters , Harlem Heights, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I am now to acknowledge your favour of the
1st instant, and to inform you that the two Sachems of the
Caughnuagas, with Mr. Deane, the interpreter, have been
with me, and spent three or four days. I showed them
every civility in my power, and presented them with such
necessaries as our barren stores afford and they were pleased
to take. I also had them shown all our works upon this
island, which I had manned to give 'em an idea of our
force, and to do away the false notions they might have
imbibed, from the tales which had been propagated among
'em. They seemed to think we were amazingly strong, and
said they had seen enough without going to our posts in
Jersey, or to the other side of Harlem river. They took
their departure yesterday morning, and I hope with no un-
favourable impressions.
Your favour of the 6th came to hand this day by Mr.
Bennet. I have communicated the contents, so far as it
respects the boards, to General Mifflin, who has resumed
the office. of Quartermaster-General, on Mr Moylan's resig-
nation and the application of Congress. He will write you
to-morrow about them, and will send the sum you require
by the return of Mr. Bennet.
It gives me great pleasure to hear the army is so well
supplied with provision, and I would fain hope, that if the
enemy do not effect any thing in this or the next month,
that they will not attempt to pass the lakes till early in the
spring, by which time perhaps we may be able to recruit
" our army, though I have my fears that the business will not
go on with the ease and expedition that I could wish. I
have done all I could, and urged strongly the propriety of
giving the soldiers a suit of clothes annually; how Congress
will determine on the subject I know not. I have also
advised the raising of the officers' pay.
We are again deprived of the navigation of this river by
three ships of war, two of forty-four and the other of twenty
guns, with three or four tenders, passing our chevaux-de-
frise yesterday morning, and all our batteries, without any
kind of damage or interruption, notwithstanding a heavy fire
was kept up from both sides of the river. I have given
directions to complete the obstructions as fast as possible,
and I flatter myself if they allow us a little time more, that
the passage will become extremely difficult, if not entirely
insecure. Their views I imagine are chiefly to cut off our
supplies, and probably to gain recruits.
1 am, dear sir, &.c, Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
October 10, 1776.
SIR : The General desires you would immediately order
a sufficient party of men under Captain Cook to get off and
bring down the vessel which is grounded above; and that in
the mean time the ballasting the rest be proceeded in with
all possible expedition. It is of so much consequence, that
his Excellency begs the utmost attention may be paid to it.
I am, sir, your most obedient, and very humble servant,
Jos. REED, Adj. Gen.
To Major-General Heath.
GENERAL GREENE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 15 : referred to the Medical Committee.]
Camp at Fort Constitution, October 10, 1776.
SIR: The sick of the army, who are under the care of
the regimental Surgeon, are in a most wretched situation,
the Surgeons being without the least article of medicine to
assist nature in her efforts for the recovery of health. There
is no circumstance that strikes a greatest damp upon the
spirits of the men, who are yet well, than the miserable con-
dition the sick are in. They exhibit a spectacle shocking
to human feelings, and as the knowledge of their distress
spreads through the country, will prove an insurmountable
obstacle to the recruiting the new army.
Good policy as well as humanity, in my humble opinion,
demands the immediate attention of Congress upon this sub-
ject, that the evil may be sought out, and the grievance
redressed. The sick in the army are too numerous to be all
accommodated on the contracted plan of the General Hos-
pital. The Director-General says he has no authority by
his commission to supply the demand of the regimental sick,
and the General Hospital being too small to accommodate
much more than one-half, the remainder lies without any
means of relief, than the value of the rations allowed to
every soldier. Many hundreds are now in this condition,
and die daily for want of proper assistance ; by which means
the army is robbed of many valuable men, at a time when
a reinforcement is so exceedingly necessary. Both officers
and men join in one general complaint, and are greatly dis-
gusted at this evil, which has prevailed so long. Some
measures should be taken to justify the Director-General, or
to empower the Commander-in-Chief to qualify him, to fur-
nish the regimental Surgeons, under the direction of the
Colonel of the regiment, with such supplies as the state of
the sick may demand.
Great complaints have been made that the regimental
Surgeons abuse their trust, and embezzle the publick stores
committed to their care; this among others is a reason
urged why the regimental sick suffer as they do. The Sur-
geons, it has been said, cannot be trusted with the necessary
stores.
Whether this complaint be well or ill-founded, I am not a
judge of; perhaps in some few instances it may have been
the case ; but I am far from thinking they are deserving the
charge in general. Besides which the injury arising from a
few abuses of this kind, were they even more common, is
trifling compared with that which the army and publick
suffers in the present state of things.
The Director-General complains of the want of medicine,
and says his stocks are but barely sufficient for the General
Hospital. I can see no reason either from policy or human-
ity, that the stores for the General Hospital should be pre-
served for contingencies which may never happen ; and the
present regimental sick left to perish for want of proper
necessaries. It is wholly immaterial, in my opinion, either
to the States or the army, whether a man dies in the General
or Regimental Hospital.
The platform of the General Hospital should be large
enough to receive all the sick that are unfit to continue in
quarters, or else to supply the Regimental Hospital with such
medicines and necessaries as the state of the sick requires.
I am, with due respect, your obedient servant,
NATHANAEL GREENE.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
P. S. I do not mean to censure the conduct of the Direc-
tor-General, nor to complain of his activity ; but I mean to
point out the defect of the present establishment, and to
show the necessity of giving the Director some further
power, and much more assistance to enable him to satisfy
the numerous wants. N. GREENE.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 10, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Since I wrote you yesterday we have
nothing from the men-of-war, but that they are lying at
Tarrytown. I imagine the intent of their being sent up is
to stop supplies from coming down the river. The two
new ships are going to be sunk immediately, to endeavour
to stop the channel, and try if we cannot hinder the men-
of-war already up from coining down, or more going up.
Enclosed you have an account of expenses incurred by the
guard who carried up and brought down Marsh. As it
seemed more a Provincial than Continental charge, I paid
it.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To Robert R. Livingston, or Wm. Duer, Esqs.
975
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
976
JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
Fairfield, October 10, 1776.
SIR : In pursuance of the order of Convention of the
20th ultimo, I send Israel Ketchum under the guard of the
bearers, William Wakeman and Albert Shtrwood. As lie is
manacled I think two men will be sufficient ; besides I was
apprehensive that the Convention would think him scarcely
worth the price had I employed more men, as I am obliged
to allow them five pounds each, supposing it will employ
them five days.
We have an excursion to Long-Island. The troops
marched to the harbour last night, but an unfavourable wind
prevented their embarkation; hope we shall be more suc-
cessful to-day.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir,
your most obedient servant, JQHN SLQSS HoBART
To Hon. P. R. Livingston, President of the New- York
Convention, at Fishkill.
sent a party to bring them down last night, so that I hope
they are safe. The bearer will inform you of any other
particulars respecting military matters.
I am, with due respect, your most obedient servant,
GEO. CLINTON.
To the Hon. the President of the Convention of the State
of New-York, at Fishkill.
GENERAL SCOTT TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. '
Camp near King's Bridge, October 10, 1776.
SIR : Mr. Thomas Lawrance, the bearer hereof, is in deep
distress on account of the situation of his family, which he was
obliged, by his precipitate flight, to leave on Long-Island.
He is known to me, and I suppose others in Convention, to
be a friend to American liberty. The design of his appli-
cation to Congress is to procure a sanction from them for
visiting his family without having his character hereafter
subject to doubtful construction. He is best able to explain
his particular views, and the Convention the best judges of
what is expedient in the case. The design of this letter is
merely to sta^e his character in a just point of light. No
news worth communicating.
I am, sir, with all imaginable respect, yours and the
Convention's most obedient servant,
JNO. MORIN SCOTT.
To the Hon. the President of the Convention of the State
of New- York.
GENERAL HEATH TO CAPTAIN BENSON.
King's Bridge, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR: You will, if possible, (if it be not already
done,) get off the ships this tide and send them down.
You will call upon the detachment on shore for all the
assistance they can afford you.
I am, dear sir, yours, &,c., W. HEATH.
To Captain Benson.
GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE
NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
King's Bridge, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The money I received from Convention for
the second moiety of the bounty of the men belonging to
my brigade, by the accounts returned to me by the different
Colonels, appears to have fell short of the sum due for that
purpose about eight hundred dollars. Such of the men,
who on account of the above deficiency have not yet been
paid their full bounty, are exceedingly discontented. I have,
therefore, thought it advisable to send the bearer, Lieutenant
Colonel Hammon, for the sum due, that they may be paid,
and have no just cause of complaint. I have not yet been
able to have the men mustered by the Continental Muster-
master-General, though I have frequently mentioned it to
his Excellency General Washington. I am not, however,
apprehensive the State can labour under any disadvantage
on this score, as the General has ordered them paid up till
the last of August, and they have received their pay to that
time accordingly.
Yesterday morning three of the enemy's shipping, to wit,
a forty, forty-four, and twenty-gun ship, and three tenders,
passed by in shore east of our obstructions, in the river op-
posite Fort Washington, receiving but little damage, and
are now up the river as far as Dobbs's Ferry. They took
two or three of our small river sloops of little value, and I
am informed now lay opposite two of our galleys, which
run aground, and I suppose are in their power. The two
ships to be sunk run ashore near Colonel Phillips' s; we
ORDERS TO COLONEL SARGENT.
King's Bridge, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Upon receipt hereof, unless affairs should
appear different from what I think they are by your letter
of this morning, you will leave Captain Darrow's company
with the guard at Dobbs's Ferry, and if it should appear
necessary to leave a Captain and fifty men more there or in
that neighbourhood, you will do it, and also ten or twenty
of the Light-Horse, as may appear most needful ; with the
remainder of your detachment, both Horse and Foot, you
will return to this post without loss of time. You will leave
one or two boxes of cartridges with Captain Darrow, and
such provisions as you do not want for immediate use; the
remainder of the ammunition you will bring back with you.
Major Crafts will also return with the howitzer, at least as
far as the place where our ships lie, and if he is not wanted
there, to this post. You will direct Captain Darrow to
send frequent expresses, as matters worthy of notice may
occur.
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, W. HEATH.
To Colonel Sargent.
COLONEL SARGENT TO GENERAL HEATH.
Half-past two o'clock at night, Dobb's Ferry, )
October 10, 1776. J
SIR : I have just arrived at Dobbs's Ferry. Very peace-
able here; can see nothing of the enemy. There is not any
of the enemy landed. We have no ammunition on the
road for the small arms. The ships are about three miles
above this place, where I shall order a party immediately.
I am your most humble servant,
PAUL D. SARGENT.
To Major-General Heath.
COLONEL CARY TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Agreeable to his Excellency's commands, I
am to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of this morn-
ing, and to acquaint you the General wishes you to be well
informed on every occasion, and in the speediest manner,
of the movements of the enemy up the North River, in
order to frustrate any designs they may have in view. As
General Clinton is supposed to be perfectly well acquainted
with the situation of the ground, and the most advantageous
posts, &.C., adjacent to Dobbs's Ferry, or wherever the
enemy may intend a diversion, General Lincoln is therefore
referred to hijn for advice and direction respecting the num-
ber, and in what manner to post his men, so as to harass
the enemy and effectually prevent any communication be-
tween them and the inhabitants in the country. The Gen-
eral has ordered the proceedings of the Court-Martial to be
returned, and says he leaves the matter entirely with you,
though the conduct of the Captain in releasing the prisoner
appears extraordinary.
I am, with due respect, sir, your very humble servant,
RICHARD CARY, Jun., A. D. C.
To Hon. Major-General Heath, King's Bridge.
You will please to communicate to the General as early
as possible such intelligence as you may from time to time
receive relative to the motions of the enemy. .
COLONEL ANN HAWKES HAY TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Haverstraw, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Yesterday three of the enemy's ships-of-uar,
and some other vessels, passed our forts at King's Bridge,
and are now anchored off Nyack.
My regiment consists only of three hundred men, and
very near one half of them are without arms. I should be
very glad to know what I am to do, and where I must apply
977
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
978
for a reinforcement in case they should attempt a landing
on the west side of Hudson's river.
We are destitute of provisions for the guards I now have
out, and I must therefore request that the Convention will
be so kind as to send me per the bearer a sum of money to
purchase the provisions.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
A. HAWKES HAY.
To Col. Peter R. Livingston, President of the Convention
of the State of New- York, at Fishkill.
SAMUEL TEN BHOECK TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
District of Manor Livingston, October 10, 1776.
SIR: Since the letter wrote yesterday we have seen an-
other instance of the cruel, unnatural intention of our domes-
tick enemies, by their firing again last night a gun at two
young men that were walking decently to their homes ; and
about an hour after six guns were fired in the house of
Jacob Power; but through the interposition of Providence
no lives lost, nor a single person wounded. We take it
a duty incumbent on us to advise with you on this impor-
tant matter, and submit it to your serious consideration and
superiour judgment. Agreeable to the orders issued yes-
terday, some of our men have marched this morning. We
are in hopes they may take them ; but as the men are
uncertain with regard to their receiving pay, they seem to
be rather tardy; besides, taking them by companies, and in
every one they are more or less disaffected, which render
our plans commonly exposed before executed. We are sin-
cerely of opinion that unless there is some other method
taken very soon, (than to take the Militia companies as they
run,) we shall be a ruined people. Daily we hear of more
and more threatenings, and indeed it's very evident they
mean to annoy us by skulking about until a favourable
opportunity presents, when no doubt they will strike a blow,
as they in reality increase daily. In consequence of this
momentous matter, we beg that you will be pleased to
apply to the Convention to grant us a company of sixty men.
We are of opinion that a less number would not be able to
do the business effectually. Captain Gaasbeck has offered
his service to take the command of the men. We judge it
to be essentially necessary for the publick safety to have
this body of men ; otherwise should not request it. If the
Convention thinks proper to grant these men, beg you will
please to detain the bearer and send the necessary orders by
him. If you think proper to leave the appointment of the
subaltern officers to this Board, beg you will send blank
commissions for them. We earnestly entreat that you will
despatch the bearer as speedy as possible, so that we may
know how to regulate.
In haste we remain, dear sir, your most obedient and
very humble servants,
By order: SAMUEL TEN BROECK, Chairman p. t.
To Col. Peter R. Livingston, in Convention, FisKkills.
obtained, I have not yet spoken to them, though don't doubt
but they will accept.
I should have sent you herewith the expenses accrued on
my last jaunt, but am at a loss to make out the roll, as I
don't know whether Continental pay is allowed. Beg you
will inform me of this. As we have not finished with all
the delinquents yet, thought best to suspend until I could
give you the full account. The remainder are to come
before the Committee on Monday.
Bishop has not been before us yet. Shall with the
greatest pleasure embrace every opportunity to let you
know how we come on. Captain Jansen is not yet re-
turned from his New-England jaunt. Before he went from
home we concluded to have advertisements drawn and
printed ; and as there is no printer about here, beg the
favour of you to employ some able hand to draw them
properly, and please to have them printed, and convey
them to us by the first opportunity. The expenses will repay
very readily. At the other side have put the time down
when the outrage was committed.
I remain, dear sir, your very humble servant,
PETRUS VAN GAASBECK.
On Wednesday, 23d September, 1776, in the night, the
outrage was committed. One hundred dollars reward to
him that discovers the person or persons. You will please
to have it drawn in such form as you think will answer the
end best. Twenty-four printed will be plenty, I think.
Yours, &c., P. V. GAASBECK.
PETER 9CHUYLER TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Fort Constitution, October 10, 1776.
SIR: In consequence of yours, just come to hand, I have
made the most diligent inquiry I could obtain.
This morning a number of vessels arrived here from the
bridge, by all which I am informed that yesterday morning
three men-of-war, one of them a large one, and three or
four tenders, passed our chevaux-de-frises, which report is
confirmed in a more particular manner by Captain Grindle,
who says that one man-of-war and two frigates passed the
works close under the east shore, drove the two new ships
ashore just below Philips's, and chased two of our row-
galleys until they were forced ashore between Dobbs's
Ferry and Tarry-Town, at or near which town the ships of
war came to, and kept a constant fire for about one hour at
our row-galleys, and supposes them destroyed.
I remain yours, PETER SCHUYLER.
To Peter R. Livingston, President Provincial Congress,
Fishkill '» •
PETRUS VAN GAASBECK TO PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
Manor Livingston, October 10, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Your favour of 7th instant have now
before me. You may depend upon that I shall keep our
exact accounts of all the expenses relative to the appre-
hending the villains that fired in Captain Jamsen's house.
But 'tis a new instance we have seen again last night of
their inhumanity, by making the other attempt for destroying
the lives of the well-wishers of our noble cause. Our Com-
mittee this morning agreed to request of you to apply to the
Convention to grant them a company of men. In this case
I thought it my duty to offer my service to take the com-
mand of the men, which, if agreeable to you, and liberty is
given to inlist them, I hope we then shall be able to purge
our place effectually. I am of opinion that a less number
than what is specified in the letter from the Committee
would hardly be advisable. However, this must be left to
your superiour judgment. I think I might be able to raise
a company of hearty young men, in a few days, that may be
depended upon.
In case this meets with your approbation, I should beg
to have Samuel I. Ten Broeck and Samuel Thorn for
Lieutenants; but as it's uncertain whether leave will be
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 62
NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRES8.
[Read October 28, 1776.]
Fishkill, October 16, 1776.
SIR: The Convention were honoured with yours of the
2d instant, enclosing some resolves relative to Surgeons
in the army, and urging the necessity of a full representation
at Congress.
If by a full representation, nothing more is intended than
such a number of Delegates from every State as will entitle
each of them to a vote, this Convention hopes that the
recommendation is complied with by this State. They have
always directed so many gentlemen to remain at Philadel-
phia as will answer that purpose ; if on the other hand, it is
expected that all the Delegates of this State should attend
this Convention, though fully satisfied of the propriety of
such a requisition, must beg the Congress to excuse their
non-attendance at present, the critical situation of this
State, equally endangered by open and secret enemies, ren-
dering it extremely improper to deprive the Convention of
the assistance of any gentlemen whose abilities may be of
service to it, at least till the army is arranged, and measures
are taken to form and establish some more permanent Gov-
ernment than we now enjoy. These considerations, we
flatter ourselves, will have some weight with Congress, and
not only induce them to admit our excuse for not permitting
such of our Delegates as are now here to attend at Phila-
delphia, but to defer any matter in which this State is par-
ticularly interested, when the general cause of America will
safely admit of such delay, till they are more fully repre-
sented.
979
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
980
Doctor John Jones, Samuel Bard, and Malachi Treat,
were appointed by this Convention to examine all Surgeons
and Surgeon's Mates that entered into the service of this
State. No warrant or commission have been given to any
in that capacity, unless they produced a certificate of their
examination signed by at least two of those gentlemen,
setting forth that they were fully qualified to discharge their
duty in their stations, excepting a few late instances, when
they could not be obtained by reason of these gentlemen
being dispersed in different parts of the country and could
not attend, in which case five or six have been admitted on
the examination of one only.
Am, respectfully, your very humble servant,
PETER R. LIVINGSTON, President.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GENERALS SCHUYLER
AND CLINTON.
Fishkill, October 10, 1776.
SIR: I am directed by the Committee of Safety of this
State to inform your Excellency that yesterday three of
the enemy's frigates passed the obstructions opposite Mount
Washington, and got up Hudson's river; that we have made
from time to time such large drafts from the Militia of the
four Counties adjoining that river, that the remaining well-
affected are reduced to a small number; and most of the
disaffected in this State are on the east side of Hudson's
river. A Committee specially appointed for the purpose,
by the Convention of this State, are sitting daily to frustrate
their machinations ; and several who had inlisted, or engaged
to inlist with the enemy, have been discovered, apprehended,
and are sent to the westward. Many perhaps remain
undiscovered. Should the enemy and the disaffected be
able to concert measures so as to form a junction of the
latter with a party from on board the ships in the river, the
Committee of Safety are apprehensive of the want of a very
speedy assistance without a diminution of the main army,
and have therefore taken the liberty to despatch a copy ol
the enclosed resolution to each of the Counties therein
' mentioned, and have directed me to request that your
Excellency would he pleased to give such directions as in
case of necessity may afford the most speedy succour.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect.
MEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Fishkill, October 10, 1776.
SIR: Three of the enemy's ships of war having passed
our fortifications near King's Bridge, and proceeded up
Hudson's river within a few miles of the Highlands, and
from the number of disaffected persons in this and West-
chester County, we have reason to apprehend they meditate
the landing some troops in this neighbourhood, and by that
means give those deluded wretches an opportunity of joining
them, and thereby forming a body superiour to the few well-
affected Militia, who are not drafted into the service.
The zealous attachments of your Militia to the common
cause of America, and the readiness with which they stepped
forth to the assistance of this State, when called upon on a
late occasion, renders any arguments unnecessary to induce
them to hold themselves in readiness to come to our aid on
the shortest notice, when requested.
Resolved, That Letters be written to the Commanding
Officer of the Counties of Fairfield and Litchfield, in the
State of Connecticut, informing him of the reasons that we
have to apprehend insurrections in this State, if the measures
of the disaffected should be seconded by the enemy, who
are now in Hudson's river, and requesting that they will
hold their Militia in readiness to lend us every necessary
assistance in case of such an event.
Resolved, That a copy of the above Resolution be sent
to his Excellency Governour Trumbull, and that he be
requested to order the same to be carried into effect.
COMFORT SANDS TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fishkill, October 10, 1776.
SIR: Some time ago I applied to the Convention for a
Committee of the Convention to join with me in a settle-
ment of a large account with Mr. Abraham Livingston,
upon which Mr. Evert Bancker and Mr. John Brown
were appointed, but as those gentlemen are both absent,
and Mr. Livingston now waiting, I beg the Convention will
appoint two other gentlemen immediately, authorized with
me to settle the account finally, which will greatly forward
the publick accounts.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most humble servant,
COMFORT SANDS.
To P. R. Livingston, Esq., President of the Convention
of the State of New- York.
HUBERT OSTRANDER TO CHARLES DE WITT.
Hurley, October 10, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to the resolves of Congress, the Commit-
tee of Hurley have purchased three guns and one cartridge-
box, amount £7 9s. If the Congress should think proper
to pay the money for those guns whilst you are there, the
Committee beg the favour of you to receive it for them, and
send it up when an opportunity offers.
I am, very respectfully, sir, by order of the Committee,
your most obedient servant,
HUBERT OSTRANDER, Chairman.
To Charles De Witt, Esq., in Congress convened at Fish-
kills.
H. GLEN TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Schenectady, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Last evening I received Mr. Henry B. Liv-
ingston's letter by your order, concerning the baggage of
Colonel Dayton's regiment to come down, and part of Col-
onel Elmore's to go up from the Flats. I shall send off
the batteaus this evening, and load them light on that occa-
sion. I have purchased as much flour as will load them
this trip, and am in hopes by the time they come back, to
have as much more as to load, and I believe will not want
a barrel of flour from Albany this fall, so that the Deputy
Commissary-General gives the same price here that he does
to the Albany merchants.
As to the carpenters, I have been with Kooman and Van
De Bogart, two bosses that have been up this summer,
but are unwell, and have sent in other men to try to get
twenty hands, and am afraid won't be able to get them, as
mostly all of them that have been up are unwell with some
disorder or another. I would be glad to know if twelve or
fifteen won't do, and how long they are to stay. I have
partly agreed with a man for the ground to build the bar-
racks upon ; it's just outside of the town, and water near
and plenty. I now just wait your answer how much of
the ground I must take, and in what manner the deed must
be wrote, in whose name, the plan of the barracks, whether
two or three story high, and when I must begin to take
down the old fort. There is wood enough and stone for the
foundation. I have engaged all the bricks in town for the
chimneys.
I am, dear sir, yours, &ic., H. GLEN.
To Major-General Ph. Schuyler, Albany.
H. GLEN TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Schenectady, October 10, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Yours of yesterday's date I received last
evening about six o'clock, with the letter enclosed for
Colonel Dayton, which I sent off about two hours after
I received it, by express. By the best calculation I can
make since the batteau-men have been gone for the bag-
gage of the New-Jersey regiment, under the command of
Colonel Dayton, I expect the regiment here about Monday,
and you may depend on it I shall have the carriages ready
for their baggage the moment they arrive ; so I expect they
will stay here a few hours only, to victual them. As to
spades or shovels, there is none to be had. Six crow-bars
I shall send you this day.
I have purchased two acres of ground for the barracks,
and have carried almost all the timber and stone of our old
fort to the place I intend building the barracks ; but the
Militia being ordered up disappoints me entirely of the car-
penters and masons, so that I have not one. I was to begin
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
982
to-morrow. I shall get some more materials ready while
the carpenters and masons are gone, such as lime and
boards, &c. I was in a fine way with the barracks, had
not this alarm come ; but it seems this is the scene of war.
I arn sorry to hear of our bad success, that our fleet is much
shattered and some lost, but still hope for the best. Should
the matter turn out so that there is no occasion for the
Militia, you will remember I have no carpenters or masons
to carry on the barracks here.
I remain, dear sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
H. GLEN.
To Major-General Schuyler, at Saratoga.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, October 10, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Since the junction of the galleys with
the rest of your formidable armada on Lake Champlain,
nothing has occurred in my department worthy of troubling
you about, and from the present appearance of things, Mars
will have little to do above Split-Rock this fall.
I take notice of the winds. My American standard,
erected upon my citadel, informs me at. once which way
they blow, and I keep my people busy at such work as I
apprehend will conduce to the publick service. If we
have done little, our force could do no more.
If I am not mistaken, I understood from you and General
St. Clair, that it was intended two or three companies
should be stationed here this winter. You were pleased to
approve of some small essays of buildings I was making.
I have, with a few carpenters and other tradesmen, erected
a sufficient number of convenient barracks (when finished)
for the men proposed to be stationed here. This you will
find more proper than attempting to repair the barracks in
the old fort, which could not be effected without many
hands and much labour, and the party stationed in the old
for it would not have been secure, with the works in their
present ruins.
I have had a few nails from you ; perhaps we shall need
no more. We have consumed some boards from a saw-mill
which I got repaired and carried on with my own men.
Some more will be necessary. Your army and fleet have
got four thousand feet from the mill. After the present
week you may have at least two thousand feet a week from
there, to supply you at Head-Quarters. The expense will
be very trifling. I hope my conduct in this business will
meet your approbation. I know you have daily matters
of consequence to transact, and are too frequently troubled
with affairs of little moment. My applications generally
fall among the latter. I am going to reform. They shall
really be very seldom.
Wood is necessary : wood must be cut; and had the last
axes sent me been worth a farthing, I should not have
desired my Ensign yesterday to call for more. Colonel
Lewis some time since sent eighteen. I got them helved.
They flinch at the first attack. Nothing can be done
with them. If I could have twelve more, without dis-
tressing you at Head-Quarters, I would be glad of it. If
that would put you to any inconvenience, there are some
smiths of this regiment, who came from Skenesborough, and
are now at Ticonderoga, if they were sent here with a
little steel and iron, all will be well.
I am pleased to hear part of New-York is burnt. I
hope we shall have intelligence that the rest of that nest of
Tories, and sink of American villany, has shared the same
fate. That cursed town from first to last has been ruinous
to the common cause.
It was generally deemed that Ticonderoga was much
more healthy than Crown Point. There are no less than
one hundred and forty sick present of this regiment, besides
those sent to Fort George. They are almost all ill of
the fever and ague. I hope they will soon be well. The
northwester I presume will brace them up.
The bakers want some casks to pack their biscuit in for
the fleet. Forty or fifty barrels ought to be sent them as
soon as possible.
I am, honoured sir, with the greatest respect and regard,
your most obedient, humble servant,
THOS. HARTLET.
To General Gates.
P. S. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you come
down in the next galley. A few days' notice would be
very agreeable.
P. S. Extra. I must acquiesce in Pope's doctrine
'•' whatever is, is right." The tin-man was sick first; he got
well enough to make some canisters ; a few were sent me
by the Captain of the first galley, but really he carried them
off. I suppose they will give some of the enemy their
quietus, if our fleet should be attacked. The tin-man is
got sick again. In short, I begin to believe that bag-shot
will do almost as well as canister-shot. Should any party
of the enemy pay me a visit, I shall give them a few solid
ball in the bargain. Yours, &c., T. HARTLEY.
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES.
Valcour, October 10, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Your favour of the 3d instant was
delivered me the 7th by Captain Premier. I am greatly
obliged to you for the attention paid to us, and the nurnbe'r
of &c., as sent us, which were greatly wanted.
I am much surprised so little attention is paid to us by
the good people below. I should have imagined two hun-
dred seamen could have been sent us in three or four
months, after they were so pressingly wrote for. I make
not the least doubt there has been the greatest industry used
at Ty in fitting out the fleet. 1 am glad to hear the other
galley is so forward. I expect to see her the first fair wind.
The clothing which is arrived is a sufficient supply of the
kind. We much want one hundred pair shoes and hose,
one hundred watch-coats, fifty pair breeches, and twenty
blankets and hats, or caps. We are victualled for about
ten days.
You may depend I shall do nothing of consequence
without consulting General Waterbury and Colonel Wig-
gksworth, both of whom I esteem judicious, honest men,
and good soldiers. We cannot at present determine how
long it will be requisite to remain here. It may depend on
the intelligence we may receive. We shall not return one
minute sooner than is prudent and necessary. I have
received no late intelligence from the northward ; the loss
of two small canoes (all we had) has prevented my sending
out small parties. I have wrote Colonel Trumbull to send
me three or four, which may be procured at Ty or at
Crown Point.
I am of opinion with you respecting the battery building
at Point-a-Cole, that the enemy are acting on the defen-
sive. They are at the same time exerting themselves to
augment their navy ; and if they hear in time that Lord
Howe is in possession of New-York, they will doubtless
attempt a junction with him. If they think it practicable,
their fleet, I make no doubt, in the course of this month
will be very formidable, if not equal to ours.
I have taken two four-pounders from the Liberty for the
Trumbull, and three of her small guns. There is others at
Crown Point suitable for her, and Colonel Hartley may
be supplied with large ones for his castle, from Ty. The
schooner goes up for provisions ; I wish she may be im-
mediately despatched back. Her guns may be ready when
she returns ; at present she does not want.
I am extremely glad you have represented to Congress
and General Schuyler the absolute necessity of augmenting
our navy on the lake. It appears to me to be an object
of the utmost importance. I hope measures will be imme-
diately taken for that purpose. There is water between
Crown Point and Point-aux-Fer for vessels of the largest
size. I am of opinion that row-galleys are of the best con-
struction, and cheapest for this lake. Perhaps it may be
well to have one frigate of thirty-six guns ; she may carry
eighteen pounders on the lake, and will be superiour to any
vessel that can be built at and floated from St. John's.
Carpenters ought to be immediately employed to cut timber
and plank, and three hundred set at work at Skeens-
borough, the 1st of February. Of these matters I hope we
shall have time to confer hereafter.
General Waterbury and Colonel Wigglesworih join me
in affectionate compliments.
I am, with great esteem and regard, dear General, your
obedient and humble servant, B. ARNOLD.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
P. S. If you have read Price's pamphlet, sent you by
Mr. Franklin, I will take the loan of it a favour. B. A.
983
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
984
ADDRESS TO THE ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTICUT.
To the General Assembly of the State of CONNECTICUT,
now sitting in NKW-HAVEN:
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOURS i In this day of general
calamity, when we are surrounded with enemies at home
and abroad, when our all is at stake, and the sons of
America, one and all, are loudly called upon to stand forth
in defence of their most invaluable privileges, I say in such
a day as this we might reasonably expect that there would
be no hesitation in the breast of any man ; but immediately
on the call of our rulers, each one would strive to appear
the most forward in going forth to serve his country ; but,
alas ! fatal experience proves the contrary. When his Hon-
our the Governour issued his orders for the Mililia to march
to New-York, he, at the same time, strongly invited the
gentlemen householders to join them, which invitation had
but little effect, for sure I am that but very few, if any, of
those gentlemen were ever seen in New-York. And what
was the reason ? Because the law of the State did not
oblige them to go. One had been a Justice of the Peace
under his late Majesty ; another had wore a Captain's com-
mission till he was near forty years of age; another had
been to college; and another had been a constable ; and all
had some apology to make, whereby to excuse themselves
from going into the service. These and many other impor-
tant reasons hindered thousands from going into the war
from the State of Connecticut.
But as I am best acquainted with my own town, I will
state the matter as near according to truth as I can. Of
the Militia that lately went to New-York there was about
one hundred and forty, and much the greater part of them
were men of little property. Of those other gentlemen that
stayed at home, more than one hundred under fifty years of
age, all men of interest, and pray what have they done to
defend it ? Why, they paid their rates, and may be have
given forty shillings to encourage men to inlist ; but what is
that compared with his poor neighbour, who is called forth
when in the midst of his business, has no money, receives
but twenty shillings, and that advance pay, not as a bounty,
obliged to go and leave all his affairs running to ruin? I
ask, are these things equal and just ? No. Surely no man
of common sense will pretend they are; and as this is a war
far different in its nature and consequences from any that
ever was in America, 1 pray that the burdens of it may be
more equally borne, that every man from sixteen to sixty
might be obliged to bear an equal part, ministers only ex-
cepted, which I imagine would invigorate the poor soldier,
strengthen our army, and be the means of establishing peace
and harmony in the State ; which is the hearty wish of
A MILITIA-MAN.
WILLIAM BARTLETT TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Beverly, October 10, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : I once more take the liberty to write
your Excellency, which at this time when you are so deeply
engaged against our unnatural enemies, would gladly omit
did I not think it my duty ; therefore beg you to excuse it.
I wrote your Excellency some time since concerning
those prizes taken by Commodore Manly, viz : the ordnance
brigantine Nancy, ship Concord, and ship Jenny. General
Mfflin having received a part of each cargo, agreeable to
your order, without any price being stipulated, prevents
their being settled, and the poor captors are kept out of
their money, some of which being in the army while their
families are here almost suffering for want of the necessaries
of life. Your Excellency's answer 1 received with the
greatest pleasure, in which you informed me you would
order General Mifftin to have a valuation made upon those
goods and transmitted me in order for settlement, but have
not as yet received it. Beg^ your Excellency will excuse
me, and not receive this as dictating. As I well know your
Excellency to be full of humanity, am well assured it would
have been done long since had not your time been taken up
in matters of more and greater importance.
If your Excellency will please to order me to charge the
United Slates for the coals out of ship Jenny at the same
rate the remainder was sold for, being about eleven dollars
per chaldron, that ship may be settled.
Your Excellency was pleased to appoint or have ap-
pointed a committee to appraise the ordnance stores. They
have presented their bill to me for payment, but have put
it off until I should receive your Excellency's orders, they
having charged one hundred pounds lawful money for their
trouble.
When your Excellency finds it convenient to have trans-
mitted me the value received out of ship Concord, and the
valuation of the ordnance stores, with orders for settlement,
beg you to give me orders to draw for what money I may
want, together with what remains in my hands, to be suf-
ficient to pay the captors. Your Excellency may rely on
my fidelity in not drawing for any more than will be suffi-
cient for that purpose.
Captain Bradford, of Boston, who has superseded me
in my agency, says he has orders to settle with all the old
agents. Beg your Excellency's orders with respect to it.
I shall forever acknowledge with gratitude to your Ex-
cellency that honour you was pleased to confer on me in
appointing me agent for this department, and hope have
transacted the business to your Excellency's satisfaction.
The reflection joined to the impeachment which is generally
implied or at least understood by a dismission from any office
under Government, has, I confess, given me very sensible
pain. If your Excellency thinks me capable or worthy
of being reinstated in the office of agency for this depart-
ment, hope shall do honour in my station, and shall ever
acknowledge the favour with the greatest gratitude.
Hope that Being who governs all things, both in heaven
and in earth, will preserve and protect you from falling into
the hands of those unnatural enemies, and that you may be
the means under Him of driving them back to their native
land, ashamed.
Wishing your Excellency all that happiness that can be
enjoyed in this life, beg leave to subscribe myself your Ex-
cellency's most obedient, humble servant,
WILLIAM BARTLETT.
To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters,
near New- York.
JOHN BRADFORD TO THE PRESIDENT Or CONGRESS.
Boston, October 10, 1776.
SIR: I beg leave to introduce to you Samuel Horlock,
and Livingston, Esqrs., who were lately taken on
their passage from Jamaica to London. They are gentle-
men who have been from the beginning warm partisans in
our favour. They will give you a particular account of the
unhappy situation they at present are in, by their effects
being captured and themselves prevented from pursuing
their voyage to England.
I flatter myself those gentlemen will meet with every
indulgence from the honourable Congress which they can
consistently grant them, and more they don't wish for.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir,
your most obedient and very humble servant,
J. BRADFORD.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., Philadelphia.
BENJAMIN DAVIS, JR., TO JAMES BOWDOIN.
Boston Prison, October 10, 1776.
SIR: My present confinement to close prison, with the
very severe restrictions laid on me, by which I am debarred
the privilege of pen, ink, paper, or candle, and ordered to
be kept in an apartment by myself, and that no person
whatever be suffered to converse with me but in presence
of the keeper of the prison, I understand was in consequence
of an order to the jailor, by a number of gentlemen who it
is said act as Councillors for the Massachusetts-Bay. Never
has any reasons been assigned to me for said restrictions,
although it is now upwards of fifty days since it took place.
It is almost eleven weeks since my first commitment to close
prison in a felon's apartment. As I have no particular
acquaintance with the gentlemen who consented to the
aforementioned order, I therefore take the liberty to address
you on the subject, assuring you that 1 have not the least
intention of offending you in what I shall offer.
I had prepared a petition to Council in order to have the
same preferred, but when I carne to consider of a direction
necessary to it, I was greatly difficultied in my mind, and
finally found myself obliged to give over all thoughts of it,
and came to a determination that if no other just method
985
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
986
could be devised for obtaining my just liberty, to content
myself with my present situation, grievous as it is. Every
deviation from what a person knows to be truth, is a crime
of so high a nature as the thought is sufficient to make a
sober person tremble ; therefore I dare not, if I act con-
sistent with the principles of my profession, act a double
part, which would be the case, was I, in order to obtain
some temporary relief, to model and dress up a petition in
such form as might be acceptable to the Council, and at the
same time so conceal my true sentiments as to deceive
them.
There is a proverb that it will be well for me to attend to,
as it is applicable to one in my present situation : "The fear
of man bringeth a snare." I consider myself now to be
wholly in the power of the people, and that there is no legal
authority for me to apply to for relief. The present dis-
tressed situation I am in, and the method pointed out to me
in order to get relieved, are such as makes it necessary for
me to be much on my guard, lest I get ensnared. I am
bound by God's law to "be subject to the higher power;"
and I have much more to dread from the disobedience of
his commands, than I can have to fear from those who may
be offended at me because I cannot in conscience be
"subject" to an authority founded on the late Declaration
of Independence. I am very sorry I am placed in such a
situation, as though designed to compel me to take such
a step for my enlargement as would be in me a breach of
God's law. To compel me to act or do, contrary to the
dictates of my conscience, any one thing that shall carry
with it any authority founded on the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, until the same be recognized and fully settled so
as to become my duty to be "subject," would be the same,
and I see no odds, as if I was in Spain or Portugal and
committed to the Inquisition as a heretick, and they were to
inflict on me the most cruel tortures in order to compel tne
to deny the faith. I think my conduct must appear in
several glaring instances to be consistent with the aforemen-
tioned principles; as I never laid any claim to my property
on board the ship I was taken in, the value being at least
fifteen hundred pounds sterling, nor do I make application
for the property which I left in my store in Boston, in
March past, worth about a thousand pounds sterling, which
goods I am told are sequestered. It is from this same prin-
ciple that I do not think myself at liberty to sue for any
debts due to me, of which I have a large sum outstanding.
I hold myself obligated, and stand ready to pay all I owe ;
and if I was to be sued for a debt, shall think it very
unjust to make a plea against the jurisdiction of any court,
in order to evade payment of a just debt, but should think
myself bound to pay the same, with all costs that should
arise.
I profess myself a liege subject of his Majesty King
George III., founded on this principle, that all who are
born within his dominions or realm he has a claim upon as
his rightful and lawful subjects ; that the Provinces and
Colonies in North America make a part of his realm. I
was born in this Province; of course allegiance is due from
me to him, nor can it be dissolved but by his consent, or
by a revolution taking place within the Kingdom, or the
Government fixed and established, in which case it would
be dissolved. I am bound by God's law to "honour the
King," and to be subject to the legislative authority of Great
Britain as " the higher power." I cannot, in any way, be
aiding or assisting in any plan or scheme for bringing about
any revolution in the Empire, upon any pretence whatso-
ever, without breaking a positive law of God. But when-
ever any revolution does take place within the Kingdom,
and the Government becomes fixed and established, be the
cause that brings it about what it may, I shall then be bound
in conscience to be " subject" to its authority, for they will
then become the " higher power" in the Apostle's sense.
When I consider that I have for a long time enjoyed one
of the greatest of earthly blessings, under the mildness and
lenity of (he British Government, namely, liberty of con-
science, gratitude, aside from any other consideration, ought
to lead me to speak affectionately of the King, and to
be strongly attached to the British constitution, and to be
waiting lor an opportunity of living in such a part of his
dominions where I may again enjoy that great blessing
uninterrupted. However unpopular these principles of mine
may be, I think they never can be hurtful in any society
where there is settled Government. All who are led to
obey the Gospel, and hold the aforesaid principles, are also
bound by the command of the same Gospel to " do good
unto all men," and to " live peaceably with all men," and to
be "subject to the higher power;" such will be the peaceable
and quiet inhabitants, and will have from Kings and all in
authority, " praise" for their "well doing." As I would
not wish to give offence to any, I have avoided petitioning
the Council, as I should have been under a necessity of
denying their jurisdiction, which might have offended them,
and I would not choose to run the risk of its consequences ;
especially as I am not called upon by the Council, in any
way that makes it necessary for me to open my principles
at all risks. I see no harm in letting all those gentlemen
who ordered my imprisonment and restrictions, read this
letter in their private capacities. I am not desirous of being
abroad, or to appear in publick with any view of busying
myself to make proselytes to my principles of government ;
or to be spying out what is doing in the town, or gaining
information of any plans, or schemes carrying on, and so to
be an informer, or " busybody in other men's matters ;" such
conduct would be against the spirit of my profession, and
would be as unbecoming as to be an informer against rny
neighbour, who may be concerned in an illicit trade; it is
enough for me if 1 can have the privilege of enjoying my
own sentiments.
I was taken in July past, by two armed vessels belonging
to this place. I was bound from Halifax to New-York on
my lawful business, and was brought to Boston a prisoner
of war; I consider myself now in that light, and know no
reason why I am more severely dealt by than others of his
Majesty's subjects, who unfortunately fell into the hands of
the Americans, and became their prisoners. I have not
since March last looked upon myself as an inhabitant of this
Province, or of the town of Boston; I left it with my family
with a determination of settling in some other part of his
Majesty's dominions, and shall think it a great privilege,
when I may be indulged with the liberty of prosecuting my
lawful designs, till which time I shall be glad to be released
from my present grievous imprisonment, and to take lodgings
in town; or if my son, together with myself and servant,
could be exchanged for any prisoners in the hands of his
Excellency General Howe, at New-York, it would be
agreeable to me.
I am, with great respect, sir, your most humble servant,
BENJ'A DAVIS, Jun.
To the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq.
Boston, October 10, 1776.
A letter from a gentleman at Providence, to his friend in
this town, dated October 5th, has the following paragraph:
"The two Continental frigates here have fallen down,
got their guns, and will be ready to sail in ten days. One
carries twelve eighteen-pounders, fourteen twelve-pounders,
eight nine-pounders; the whole thirty-four. The other,
twenty-eight guns ; their names are the Warren and Prov-
idence. Captain Hopkins commands one, and Whipple the
other."
COUNCIL OF VIRGINIA TO THEIR DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.
In Council, Williamsburg, October 10, 177G.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN: Having this moment received
from Mr. Galloway, manager of the lead mines, a return of
what lead he has on hand, and the post being just ready to
set out, I have only time to inform you, that there are now
ten tons of lead, which are ready to be delivered for the
use of the Continental army. The quantity would have
been greater, if there had not been lately a considerable
demand for supplying our army sent on the Indian expedi-
tion. By Christmas, or perhaps sooner, we may be able to
spare as much more.
I should be glad to be informed in what manner you
would choose to have it conveyed. If wagons come from
Philadelphia, Mr. Galloway will have orders to load them ,
but as this country is obliged to make great remittances to
Pennsylvania, for goods supplied from thence, and at a
price far beyond what such goods have usually borne, it is
reasonable that we should embrace every opportunity of
enabling ourselves .to bear so heavy a burthen. If, there-
937
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
fore, I should give orders to send the lead by wagons
belonging to this country, I should be glad to have instruc-
tions where, and to whom they are to deliver their loads.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble
servant' P. HENRY, President.
To the Honourable the Virginia Delegates at Congress,
Philadelphia.
THOMAS JEFFERSON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 16, 1776.]
Williamsburg, October 11, 1776.
HONOURABLE SIR: Your favour of the 30th, together
with the resolutions of Congress of the 26th ult., came safe
to hand. It would argue great insensibility in me, could I
receive with indifference so confidential an appointment
from your body. My thanks are a poor return for the par-
tiality they have been pleased to ascertain for me. No
cares for my own person, nor yet for my private affairs,
would have induced one moment's hesitation to accept the
charge ; but circumstances very peculiar in the situation of
my family, such as neither permit me to leave nor to carry
it, compel me to ask leave to decline a service so honour-
able, and, at the same time, so important to the American
cause. The necessity under which I labour, and the conflict
I have undergone for three days, during which I could not
determine to dismiss your messenger, will, I hope, plead
my pardon with Congress; and I am sure there are too
many of that body to whom they may with better hopes
confide this charge, to leave them under a moment's diffi-
culty in making a new choice.
I am, sir, with the most sincere attachment to your hon-
ourable body and the great cause they support, their and
your most obedient, humble servant,
TH. JEFFERSON.
To the Honourable John Hancock.
P. S. The bearer, Henry Frick, being in want of
money, has a warrant from General Lewis on the Paymas-
ter for six dollars, with which he must therefore be charged.
The Assembly talk out of doors upon the subject of new
levies ; but, for God's sake, from whence are they to be
obtained ? I hear that our Second Regiment, whose term
of inlistment expired in September last, has little prospect
of renewal. An ungenerous neglect prevails in the upper
Counties concerning the defence of the lower. To be in-
genuous, I am afraid we can get neither clothing nor arms
for any more troops.
I am, dear sir, your Excellency's much obliged, affec-
tionate servant, EDM RANDOLPH>
To His Excellency General Washington, New-York.
EDMUND RANDOLPH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Williamsburg, October 11, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I congratulate your Excellency, as a friend
to the reputation of Virginia, and the interests of the Con-
tinent, that Colonel Harrison is again restored to the coun-
cils of America. During his absence at the northward, he
had been appointed one of our Privy Council, but refused to
qualify as such. This afforded him an opportunity to vin-
dicate himself from those malicious insinuations which first
brought about his disgrace: for he informed the Assembly,
that his honour, which had been so deeply wounded on a
former occasion, forbid him to accept any office whatever,
until the stigma, impliedly fixed upon his character by
recalling him home, was wiped away.
His defence, if that could be called a defence the object
of which was to efface unworthy impressions made by
accusers, who whispered poison, and dared not show them-
selves in open day, was spirited, without any degree of bra-
vadoing, and satisfactory even to those who were prejudiced
against him. With this happy revolution in their opinion
of an honest and able statesman, the Senate and House of
Delegates, in the whole amounting to seventy-four members,
have sent him back to Congress, in the room of Mr. Jeffer-
son, who has resigned, with a ballot of sixty-nine to five.
These five are supposed to be the remains of a certain
party not unknown to your Excellency.
Nor is this all : they further thanked him for his past ser-
vices, nem. con. In short, his late disappointment has
served to raise his credit to a higher pitch.
Our soldiery are in a situation truly distressing to them-
selves and the country. To themselves, as they are now
labouring under severe autumnal disorders, many of which
prove mortal ; and to the country, as we are apprehensive
that the upland people, on whom we chiefly depend for
recruits, should be disgusted with the service in the lower
parts, which engender such maladies. From what cause
the present general sickness proceeds I know not, but
Williamsburg, which has hitherto been proverbial for gen-
eral health, is now notorious for the contrary.
Williamsburg, Va., October 11, 1776.
On Monday last, the General Assembly of this Common-
wealth met at the Capitol, agreeable to adjournment and
the plan of government adopted at the late Convention,
when the Hon. Archibald Gary, Esq.. was elected Speaker
of the Upper House, or Senate, and the Hon. Edmund
Pendleton, Esq., Speaker of the House of Delegates.
The honourable House of Delegates have been pleased
to continue the officers of the late Convention to be officers
to their House ; and the Senate have chosen John Pendle-
ton, Esq., to be their Clerk.
Colonel Benjamin Harrison, of Berkeley, was yesterday
chosen a Delegate to represent this State in General Con-
gress, in the room of Thomas Jefferson, Esq. ; and James
Mercer, Esq., a member of the Privy Council, in the room
of Colonel Harrison.
Williamsburg, October 11, 1776.
The gentlemen, soldiers of the First Company of the
Second Georgia Battalion are desired to repair to Louisa
Court-house, by the 15th day of November, which I have
appointed the place of rendezvous.
ROBERT WARD, Captain.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL BOND.
[No. 205.] Annapolis, October 11, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: By Mr. Norris you will receive three
hundred pounds, to be laid out in the purchase of arms,
blankets, and linen for tents, for the use of Captain Harris's
company. One hundred pounds for the use of the Harford
Greens, has been transmitted to Mr. Garrett. The Har-
ford Greens being first made up, will be first entitled to the
arms and blankets lying now at Harford, deducting first
about forty blankets for the use of the Hospital here. If
they leave any, as from their being well furnished with these
articles themselves there is likelihood they will, Captain
Harris may be furnished with an order for them, if he stands
in need. You may go as high as twenty shillings for good
new blankets, and three shillings six pence for country linen
fit for tents, of which one will be allowed for every six men.
Twenty-one and a half yards will make a tent, if the linen
is a yard wide, and Johnson, at Baltimore-Town, will make
them in a few days after sending linen.
You will hereby receive an order in favour of Captain
Harris for as many cartouch-boxes, belts, camp-kettles,
canteens, or wooden bottles, haversacks, and knapsacks, as
he will want for his company, and when they are ready to
march, on sending a line acquainting this Board of their
readiness, they will receive marching orders. It has not
been in our power to purchase linen and blankets, and we
are in hopes you can, or we would not have given you this
trouble. Expedition must be made use of, or Captain Harris
will not get up in time. If Mr. Kean will take a reasonable
price per day, his wagon may carry the baggage to Chris-
teen. When the troops arrive at Philadelphia, the Con-
gress are to take care of them. When you have expended
the money, please to render an account thereof to, gentle-
men, yours, &c.
WILLIAM LUX TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 11, 1776. '
GENTLEMEN: The privateer Harlequin being now ready
to sail, and Captain Benjamin Handy appointed commander,
he now waits on you" to obtain a new commission, the
former one being in the name of Captain William Wolsey,
989
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
990
and he being now on the Eastern Shore, we cannot procure
it to return it to you, but we hereby engage and pledge our
honours that it shall be returned immediately on his getting
here, hoping you will not on that account detain our vessel,
as she is now rather late for the Jamaica fleet, some of
which we flatter ourselves with bringing in.
1 am, in behalf of the concern, gentlemen, your most
obedient servant, WILLIAM Lux.
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
LUX AND BOWLEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL, OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 11, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We are favoured with your letter of the
5th instant. Mr. Stewart is now here, and we are making
some cordage for him, and hope to accomplish the whole
order in time for your vessels. We are well assured that
we can furnish you on a greater certainty than any body
else, and mean to do it, but we will not contract to deliver
it to a certain day. The vessels now furnishing must be
completed. We propose waiting on you some day next
week, either Tuesday or Wednesday. In the mean time,
we are, most respectfully, gentlemen, your obliged, obedient
servants> Lux & BOWLEY.
To the honourable Council of Safety, at Annapolis.
RICHARD HENRY LEE TO SAMUEL PURVIANCE, JR.
Philadelphia, October 11, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Among the inconveniences of this busy
scene, I esteem it not the least to be so often prevented
from acknowledging the favours of my friends sooner than
I do. It has been owing to much business that your letter
of the 27th has not received an answer before now. I
have the pleasure to acquaint you that in ranking the
Captains of our Continental ships, the Congress have
placed Captain Nicholson at the head, he being the first
Captain. I wish it were in my power to give you a satisfac-
tory answer about the building another frigate. Hitherto
nothing has been determined on this subject, the Committee
having been prevented by an infinite multiplicity of other
business ; and to the same cause has it been owing that no
orders have been sent concerning the frigate Virginia. I
have no doubt but that another frigate will soon be directed,
and that the builder of greatest merit will be preferred. It
would give me the greatest pleasure to hear that the Vir-
ginia was ready for sea, and I am happy in being satisfied
that the managers of this business in Baltimore will not lose
a moment in effecting so salutary a work. I suppose a
want of anchors will be the greatest obstruction, as I take
it for granted no time will be lost in getting the guns down
from Mr. Hughes' :s works, and having the carriages made.
I shall be glad to have an exact state of the frigate, and
what she wants to complete her. I refer you to the papers
for news, and am, sir, your most obedient servant,
RICHARD HENRY LEE.
To Samuel Purviance, Jr., Esq., Baltimore.
WILLIAM ELLERY TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Philadelphia, October 11. 1776.
SIR: The President of Congress hath sent you, by
express, all the resolves which have passed since my last,
which he had in charge to communicate to you. You will
receive by this post a letter from the committee to procure
clothing for the army, enclosing two resolves of Congress
on that subject. I hope the General Assembly will take
effectual care that our quota of new levies shall be in the
field in season, well equipped at all points, and well offi
cered ; and that suitable persons in each County be appointed
to collect clothing immediately, agreeable to the request of
the aforesaid committee.
A naval expedition is on foot, which if carried into exe-
cution, will be very advantageous to the United States, and
to the officers and seamen in the navy. If the Cabot
should not be in port, the Marine Committee have ordered
that one of the frigates should be employed in it.
Commodore Hopkins, in a letter to that Committee, hath
informed them that one of the frigates could soon be got
ready, and intimated that he could man her with drafts
from our troops. I hope that the General Assembly will
countenance this measure, and give every other assistance
in their power to forward the sailing of the fleet.
On the 6th instant, General Lee arrived here, and on the
8th set out for the camp on the Heights of Harlem. He
brings the good news, that the Carolinians had utterly
defeated the Cherokee tribe of Indians, had burnt their
towns, killed two hundred and fifty of their warriours, ^ot
seventy-five scalps, and that the remainder of that tribe had
fled to the Mississippi. This expedition, the sickliness of
the troops, and the strong garrison at Augustine had pre-
vented an attempt upon East-Florida. That the garrison
at Augustine consisted of eighteen hundred German and
one thousand British troops. That the Sphinx and Raven
were at Georgia, and that the Governour of that State had
ordered all the stock on the islands on that coast to be
moved off to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy.
The Scorpion, Falcon, and Cruiser, are at Cape Fear.
The Committee have not returned from Ticonderoga.
By the last accounts from thence, they expected to be
attacked very soon, and were preparing to give the enemy
a proper reception. I saw General Mifflin lately, and he
informed that in the fight the day after the enemy took
possession of New- York, by the best accounts he could get,
and from the appearance of the field of battle, they lost
between four and five hundred killed and wounded ; and
that we lost about one hundred killed and wounded. la
the first part of this account, Jared Hopkins, son of the
minister in Newport, who saw the fight, agrees with the
General, but says, that he saw our killed and wounded,
and that they were much short of that number. They
both, too, agree that some of our men who had behaved
shamefully the day before fought gallantly there, and that
with equal numbers we drove the enemy from the field. I
believe they think the Americans will fight, notwithstanding
we have retreated and retreated.
General Washington, as I am told, played off a pretty
manoeuvre the other day. Determined to remove the grain
and the furniture of the houses from Harlem, he drew out
into the field a party of seventeen hundred. The enemy
turned out as many. They approached within three hun-
dred yards and looked at each other. While they were thus
opposed front to front, our wagons carried off the grain and
furniture. When this was accomplished, both parties retired
within their lines. It is said that our men preserved very
good faces. It would be of use to draw out our men in
battle array frequently, to let them look the enemy in the
face, and have frequent skirmishes with them.
General Washington in a letter of the 8th instant, in-
formed Congress that two forty-gun and one twenty-gun
ship with some tenders had passed the chevaux-de-frise and
Fort Washington without interruption or damage, and be-
tween the latter and Fort Constitution. How the chevaux-
de-frise came to be insufficient, I know not; but I am afraid
that the enemy's ships will cut off the communication by
the North River.
Thus, sir, I have given you all the news I can recollect,
with a few observations. I wish I had more — I mean good
news — to communicate, for it would give me great pleasure
to gratify the Assembly. Whenever I shall receive any
intelligence that is well authenticated, and I can be at
liberty to transmit it, you may depend upon having it.
I continue to be, with great respect, your Honour's and
the State's sincere friend and humble servant,
WM. ELLERY.
To the Hon. Nicholas Cooke, Esq.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 15: Referred to Board of War.]
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 11, 1776.
SIR: I beg leave to inform you that since my letter of
the 8th and 9th instant, which 1 had the honour of address-
ing you, nothing of importance has occurred, except that
the ships of war, which I then mentioned, in their passage
up the river took a sloop that was at anchor off the mouth
of Spiten Devil, and two of our row-galleys, which they out-
sailed. The crews finding that they could not prevent them
falling into the enemy's hands, run them near the shore and
effected their own escape. From the intelligence I have
received, the ships are now laying at Tarnjtown, without
991
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
992
having landed any men, which seemed to be apprehended
by some, nor attempted any thing else. Their principal
views in all probability are, to interrupt our navigation, and
to receive such disaffected persons as incline to take part
against us. The former they will effect beyond all ques-
tion, and I fear that their expectations respecting the latter
will be but too fully answered.*
October \.%th. The enclosed copy of a letter received last
night, from the Convention of this State, will show you the
apprehensions they are under on account of the disaffected
among them. I have ordered up part of the Militia from
the Massachusetts, under General Lincoln, to prevent, if
possible, the consequences which they suggest may happen,
and which there is reason to believe the conspirators have
in contemplation. I am persuaded that they are upon the
eve of breaking out, and that they will leave nothing unes-
sayed that will distress us and favour the designs of the
enemy, as soon as their schemes are ripe for it.
October 13th. Yesterday the enemy landed at Frog's
Point, about nine miles from hence, farther up the Sound.
Their number we cannot ascertain, as they have not advanced
from the point, which is a kind of island ; but the water that
surrounds it is fordable at low tide. I have ordered works
to be thrown up at the passes from the point to the main.
From the great number of sloops, schooners, and nine ships
that went up the Sound in the evening full of men, and
from the information of two deserters who came over last
night, 1 have reason to believe that the greatest part of their
army has moved upwards, or is about to do it, pursuing their
original plan of getting in our rear, and cutting off our com-
munication with the country. The grounds from Frog's
Point are strong and defensible, being full of stone fences,
both along the road and across the adjacent fields, which
will render it difficult for artillery, or indeed a large body of
foot, to advance in any regular order, except through the
main road. Our men, who are posted on the passes, seemed
to be in good spirits when I left them last night.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most
obedient servant, . , ,,
Go. WASHINGTON.
Committee of Safety for the State of New-York, )
Fishkill, October 10, 1776. 5
SIR : We received from Mr. Tilghman an account of the
enemy's ships having gone up the river, and have despatched
expresses to General Schuyler and General Clinton, agree-
able to your Excellency's request.
Nothing can be more alarming than the present situation
of our State. We are daily getting the most authentick
intelligence of bodies of men inlisted and armed in order to
assist the enemy. We much fear that they, cooperating
with the enemy, may seize such passes as will cut off all
communication between the army and us, and prevent your
supplies. We dare not trust any more of the Militia out of
this County. We have called for some aid from the two
adjoining ones ; but beg leave to suggest to your Excellency
the propriety of sending a body of men to the Highlands or
Peekskitt, to secure the passes and prevent insurrections,
and overawe the disaffected. We suppose your Excellency
has taken the necessary steps to prevent the landing of any
men from the ships, should they be so inclined, as no reli-
ance at all can be placed on the Militia of IVestchester
County.
We are, most respectfully, your Excellency's most obedi-
ent and very humble servants. By order,
PETER R. LIVINGSTON, President.
To His Excellency General Washington.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 9, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
The General positively forbids covering the bottoms of
tents with earth, as, in a few days, that situation must ren-
der them totally unfit for service. The Commanding officer
•October 11, 1776. There was a considerable movement among the
British boats below. This afternoon, General Washington's pleasure-
boat coming down the river with a fresh breeze, and a topsail hoisted,
w;is supposed by the artillerists at Mount Washington to be one of the
British tenders coming down ; a twelve-pounder was discharged at her,
which was so exactly pointed as unfortunately to kill three Americans,
who were much lamented. The same day, several of General Lincoln's
regiments arrived, two of which were posted on the North River. — Heath.
of each corps will take care to see that this order is strictly
complied with in his own encampment. In order that the
regiments may get out of tents as soon as possible, the
Brigadiers may apply to the Quartermaster-General for
boards, and under his direction employ the spare time of
their men in building barracks, or huts, fit for winter use.
These huts, or barracks, are to be built with regularity.
The works of defence are not to be retarded by these build-
ings: they are to be advanced by the men off duty, if tools
are to be had for them to work.
The respective Brigadiers are to inquire into the state of
the ammunition of their brigades, and every Colonel is to
have a box of spare cartridges to supply occasional defi-
ciencies.
Edward S/ierburne, Esq., is appointed Aid-de-Camp to
General Sullivan, and is to be obeyed and respected ac-
cordingly.
David Dexter, Esq., is appointed to act as Brigade-
Major to the brigade under Colonel Lippet.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 10, 1776.
(Parole, .), (Countersign, .)
If the weather is favourable to-morrow morning, the
General purposes to visit the troops at their alarm-posts.
Commanding officers of regiments, and others, are desired
to make themselves well acquainted with their alarm-posts,
and the best ways to them, and also with the ground in
general, upon which they may be called to act, so as to
avail themselves of every advantage. If officers do not
acquire this knowledge, they will miss the best opportunity
of distinguishing themselves and serving their country.
If there should be any bad weather, the greatest care is
to be taken of the arms and ammunition ; and officers
must attend to it themselves, or from experience we know
there will be great danger of their being unfit for action.
Whenever any Field officer is sick, leaves the camp,
or by any other means becomes incapable of duty, his
Brigade-Major is desired to signify it to the Adjutant-Gen-
eral ; otherwise it is impossible to have the duty regularly
done.
Daniel Murphey, of Captain Edward's Company, Third
Pennsylvania Battalion ; Thomas Dickens, of Captain
Hobby's Company, Colonel Ritzema's Regiment; John
Stone, of Captain Grubb's Company, Colonel Brodhead's
Battalion ; all having been tried by a Court Martial, whereof
Colonel Weedon is President, and convicted of "desertion,"
are sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes each. The
above Daniel Murphey having been convicted by the same
Court-Martial of " inlisting into another Regiment," is sen-
tenced to receive thirty-nine lashes for that offence.
The General approves the above sentences, and orders
them to be executed at the usual time and place.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 11, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
Colonel Ewing, Lieutenant-Colonel Penrose, Major
Fitzgerald, Captains Thome, Bollard, Packay, and Yates,
to sit as a Court of Inquiry into the conduct of Colonel
Van Cortlandt and Major Dey towards each other ; to
meet this afternoon, at three o'clock, at the Court-Martial
room, and make report, as soon as possible, to the General.
Brigade-Majors to give them immediate notice.
Talmadge, Esq., is appointed Brigade-Major to
General Wadsworth, and is to be obeyed and respected
accordingly.
As there is an absolute necessity for the business of the
army to be carried on with regularity, and to do this, that
the officers of each department should have the regulation
and direction of matters appertaining to their respective
offices, in order that they may become amenable to the
publick, or the Commander-in-Chief, when called upon, it
is hereby directed by the General, that no horse or wagon
shall be taken by any officer, of whatever rank, without
an order -from Head-Quarters, the Quartermaster-General,
or Wagonmaster-General. But when either are wanted
for regimental uses, the application shall go from the Com-
manding officer of the regiment, in writing, to the Quarter-
master-General, or Wagonmaster-General, who will issue
his orders therefor ; and if wanted for the despatch of pub-
lick business, the application to be made by the Engi-
993
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
994
neer in writing. All teams belonging to the publick, or in
their pay, are to be delivered to the Quartermaster-General,
registered, and under his direction.
Tbe Quartermaster-General is to take especial care of all
grain and hay belonging to the publick, and see that none
of it is delivered but by his order ; and as these articles are
scarce, it is ordered, that all officers whose duty does not
oblige them to be on horseback, dispose of the horses, or
send them out of camp, immediately, as provender cannot
be spared for them on any pretence.
No boards are to be taken for the use of any brigade or
regiment without orders, nor delivered but by order of the
Quartermaster-General, who is to make as equal a distribu-
tion among the regiments as may be, and see they are put
to the best use possible, and with as little waste, as there
may be difficulty in getting them.
Mutual complaints having been made by Mr. FisJc, the
Engineer, and Mr. Kinsey, the Wagonmaster, against each
other, a Court of Inquiry of three Captains and four
Subs, from General McDougaffs Brigade, to sit, and report
the matter, with their opinion thereon, to meet to-morrow
afternoon, at three o'clock, at the Court-Martial room.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, October 11, 1776.
DEAR SIR: 1 this morning received your favour of the
7th instant, and am to inform you that it is not in my power
to supply you with a single nail, nor are they to be pro-
cured in Philadelphia, as General Mifflin tells me, who
has just returned from thence. For want of them, we are
building here huts of sods, logs, Sic., to cover the troops,
and which I am in hopes will make a tolerable good shift.
Since my letter of yesterday, nothing has occurred, and
I have only to add, that I arn^ &sc.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.
COLONEL REED TO MRS. REED.
Head-Quarters, October 11, 1776.
I wrote you some time ago, that 1 had acquainted Con-
gress with my intention to resign my office of Adjutant-
General. Every succeeding circumstance has confirmed
this sentiment, and I hope ere long to hear that my suc-
If my personal services were of such
, . cessor is appointed. .. ..._, ,
The General being accidentally prevented from going to we;gnt ;n t|le sca]e as to ,nake it preponderate, no consid-
3 alarm-posts this morning, if the weather is fair he will erat;on would make me quit the service, but as 1 am of
visit the troops to-morrow morning, accompanied by the
General Officers. He hopes the whole line will turn out as
full as possible.
The time of the Fatigue-men going out is altered to
eight o'clock instead of seven. The men are to breakfast
before they go, as they are not to leave work on that
quit
opinion that some person may be found more skilled in
military matters, and of more temper to bear the rubs and
obstacles which ignorance and imprudence are constantly
throwing in my way, I think I may with a safe conscience
resign it into other" hands. To attempt to introduce disci-
pline and subordination into a new army must always be a
account. The General hopes the officers will exert them- wor|{ Qf mucj1 difficulty, but where the principles of democ-
selves to complete the works as fast as possible, that the facy SQ universally prevail, where so great an equality and
" u- •u- A so thorough a levelling spirit predominates, either no disci-
men may be the sooner covered.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 12, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
The General orders that one man from every mess be
kept cooking till there are provisions dressed for three days.
The butchers are also to keep killing.
RECRUITING INSTRUCTIONS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 11, 1776.
SIR: You are immediately to inlist such of your regi-
ment, or any other troops raised in the Province of Penn-
sylvania, as are able of body and willing to enter into the
service of the United States of America, upon the following
terms :
1st. You are not to inlist any but freemen, able of body,
and under the age of fifty, carefully avoiding all persons
labouring under any lameness or other defect of body preju-
dicial to the service. If any such persons, or any boys, or
decrepit persons are brought into the service, the officer
inlisting them will be chargeable with the expense they
may be to the publick.
2dly. You are not to inlist any deserters from the army
of the King of Great Britain, or persons of disaffected and
suspicious character, the American service having already
sgffered greatly by the desertion of such persons.
3dly. You are to inlist men to serve during the contin-
uance of the present war between Great Britain and the
States of America, unless sooner discharged by proper
authority.
4thly. The men inlisted by you are to be subject to the
rules and articles for the government of the army published
by Congress the 20th September, 1776, and are to sign
those articles.
As an encouragement to such persons as shall inlist in
the above service, you are authorized to engage, besides
the pay and provisions now allowed :
1st. Each soldier shall receive twenty dollars bounty
money, on being approved by a Major-General, a Brigadier-
General, or Colonel-Commandant of a Brigade.
2dly. He shall also be entitled to one hundred acres of
land at the expiration of his inlistment, and in case of his
death in the service, his representatives will be entitled
thereto.
When any person is inlisted, you are, as soon as conve-
nient, to take him to some person duly authorized by the
above articles, to take the oath there prescribed.
I am, &tc., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Colonel Edward Hand.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 63
pline can be established, or he who attempts it must become
odious and detestable — a position which no one will choose.
It is impossible for any one to have an idea of the complete
equality which exists between the officers and men who
compose the greater part of our troops. You may form
some notion of it when I tell you that yesterday morning a
Captain of Horse, who attends the General from Connecti-
cut, was seen shaving one of his men on the parade near the
house.
I have not yet any answer to my application, but expect
it, as I have expressed myself of and to some people here
with such freedom, after the affair of the 15th of last month,
that I believe many of them wish me away.
You ask me what I propose to do. It is a difficult ques-
tion to answer. My idea is, shortly, this : that if France or
some other foreign Power does not interfere, or some feuds
arise among the enemy's troops, we shall not be able to
stand them next spring. If we keep our ground this fall,
which we may do if a good supply of blankets and clothing
can be had, and there is no disappointment in the provision
to be made for the camp from the northward ; but if the
enemy should make a vigourous push, I would not answer
for our success at any time. In the course of this winter it
will be seen what expectations can be had of the inter-
ference of a foreign Power, in which event 1 have no doubt
the liberties of America may be established on the most
permanent footing. Should this happen, as I never meant
to make arms a profession, my duty to you and my dear
children will lead me to pursue that course of life which
will contribute most to their and your happiness ; for though
I would wish to serve my country, and not spare myself in
the work, I have not the least desire to sacrifice you and
them to fame, even if I was sure to attain it. Should there
be no such interference, my estate is no object of confisca-
tion : my rank is not so high as to make me an example, and
at all events, I have only to set out in the world anew.
The accounts I have from Philadelphia are very unfa-
vourable. From what I can learn, there is a considerable
party for absolute and unconditional submission. Jemmy
Allen was here the other day, to discover I suppose what
prospects we had, so that the party might take their mea-
sures accordingly. I fancy things did not please him, as a
person must be in the secret to know the worst of our
affairs. This letter, my dearest love, is written only for
your own eye. I shall write to Mr. Cox, and give him
what little news we have. I am happiest when I have
none to send you, as I have so little expectation of sending
you what is good. My most sanguine views do not extend
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
996
further than keeping our ground here
closes. If the enemy inclines to press
risk an engagement, for if we cannot
ground, we can on none in America.
only circumstance unfavourable to us
see or hear any thing from the enemy
speedy attack ; but it is certain that if
fall, they must do it 'soon.
till this campaign
us, it is resolved to
fight them on this
The ships are the
here. We do not
which indicates a
they intend it this
GENERAL WADSWORTH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Camp near Harlem, October 11, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : Yesterday I received your letter of the
22d of August, and am now to inform your Honour that
previous to the arrival of the Militia I had sent recruiting
officers into Connecticut, but the marching of the Militia in
many places prevented the inlisting recruits. Soon after
the arrival of the Militia, after advising with the Comman-
der-in-Chief, I gave orders for inlisting from the Militia into
the regiments in my brigade ; but as they did not expect to
be held for a long time, they soon grew uneasy and very
few inlisted. At the time Major St. John arrived, one regi-
ment of my brigade was in the Jerseys, and has remained
there ever since, one was on Long-Island, and very soon
the residue was sent there ; on the retreat, for some days
were in a very unsettled state; Major St. John was taken
sick and returned home, so that none of the troops have
been mustered since we arrived here. The pay abstracts
have been called for and have heard of no objection, there-
fore believe no disadvantage will arise therefrom.
I herewith transmit to your Honour a return of my bri-
gade, made the 4th instant, by which you will see the great
number of sick, who are some of them in the Jerseys, some
in camp in tents and huts, others scattered along the road
as far as Nonvalk, many of them very illy provided with
covering, medicine, or even comfortable food for weak per-
sons. Have with me at the lines five regiments of the
brigade, and only one Surgeon's Mate present. Doctor
Cogswell and Mate, of Colonel Silliman's regiment, gone
home sick ; Doctor Crocker, of Colonel Sage's regiment,
gone out with the sick to Maroneck, his Mate sick in Jersey;
Doctor Jewet, of Colonel Selden's regiment, dismissed, his
Mate Norton gone home without leave ; Doctor Potter,
of Colonel Douglas's regiment, gone out sick, his Mate in
camp ; must, therefore, beg your kind interposition in
making some provision for the sick, as well officers (who
are many of them sick) as the soldiers, and were great
sufferers, and extremely fatigued in the retreat from New-
York, which provision if seasonably made, I cannot but
think may have a happy tendency to encourage the inlisting
the new army.
Am informed by Doctor Morgan he has wrote to your
Honour to procure and forward some Hospital stores, to be
delivered agreeable to his orders. Must beg if any are pro-
cured it may be put into the hands of some gentleman in
whom confidence can be placed for the delivery, and that
Doctor Morgan may not have the least concern with or
about them.
I am, with great truth and regard, your Honour's most
obedient, humble servant, JAMES WADSWORTH, Jun.
To Hon. Governour Trumlmll.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES.
October 11, 1776.
MY DEAR GENERAL: The enclosed 1 received last
evening, under cover from our mutual good friend Mr.
Gerry. The Tory interest is for General Schuyler.
Walter Livingston is to be nominal contractor, and Philip
Schuyler, Major-Genera], real contractor. That Livingston
will take the contract, is now ascertained by his letter to me
the 8th instant.
I am, with great esteem and affection, dear General, your
most humble servant, Jos. TRUMBULL.
General Lee is to be here this evening. He left Phila-
delphia the 8th.
EBENEZER HAZARD TO GENERAL GATES.
Heights of Harlem, October 11, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I have at last received a letter from
you, and am obliged to you for it, but I could not find the
man from whom I was to receive all the intelligence. An-
other misfortune is that General Lee has been to the south-
ward for several months past, so that I could not apply to
him for any. He is expected here to-day. I expect our,
friend Gordon will be with you by the time this reaches
you. The history of the enemy's landing on Long-Island,
their making regular approaches to our weak lines, which a
council o( war declared untenable, and determined to
evacuate, our excellent retreat from Long-Island, and the
evacuation of New- York, you have doubtless had already.
We are now here, and if general orders may be credited,
here we are determined to stand.
The enemy appear rather shy since a drubbing they got
some weeks ago. The Hessians and British troops dis-
agree, and are kept entirely separate. The latter do not
like the former's being allowed to plunder while they are
prohibited from doing it. Those rascals plunder all indis-
criminately ; if they see any thing they like, they say,
" Rebel, good for Hesse-mans," and seize it for their own
use. They have no idea between the distinctions of Whig
and Tory. I have been credibly informed that a Tory
complained to General Howe of his having been plundered
by the Hessians, and that the General said, " there was no
avoiding it, it was their manner of fighting."
All the accounts we have from abroad agree in the friendly
disposition of I'rance and Spain towards America. Tell
my friend Tennent to show you my letter to him ; there are
some articles of intelligence in it, which, as the post waits,
I have not time to write here.
Much love to the Vicar of Roxbury, and believe me to
be, dear sir, yours affectionately,
EBEN. HAZARD.
To Major-General Gates.
GENERAL GREENE TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Fort Constitution, October 11, 1776.
SIR : His Excellency General Washington will transmit
you a list of officers to constitute the two regiments to be
raised by your State. The most of those officers are gen-
tlemen whose conduct has been approved by those under
whom they served. The success of the cause, the defeat
of the enemy, the honour of the State, and the reputation
of the army, altogether depends upon the establishing a
good corps of officers. My little experience has fully con-
vinced me that without more attention is paid by the dif-
erent States in the appointment of the officers, the troops
never will answer their expectation. 1 hope, as every
thing that is dear and valuable is at stake, that no popu-
lar prejudices, nor family connexions, will influence the
House in the election of the officers for the new army.
I am sensible that America has as good materials to form
an army as any State in the world. But without a good
set of officers, the troops will be little better than a lawless
banditti, or an ungovernable mob. The Americans possess
as much natural bravery as any people upon earth, but habit
must form the soldier. He who expects men brought from
the tender scenes of domestick life can meet danger and
death with a becoming fortitude, is a stranger to the human
heart. There is nothing that can get the better of that
active principle of self-preservation but a proper sentiment
of pride, or being often accustomed to danger. As the
principle of pride is not predominant enough in the minds
of the common soldiery, the force of habit must be called
in to its aid to get the better of our natural fears, ever
alarmed at the approach of danger.
There has been, it must be confessed, some shameful con-
duct in this army this campaign, in a great measure owing
to the bad conduct of the officers. I have neither seen
nor heard of one instance of cowardice among the old
troops where they had good officers to lead them on. In
the last action every regiment behaved with a becoming
spirit, especially Colonel Hitchcock's, and Colonel Namun's.
I don't wish to see an officer in the army but such as have
a regard for their reputation, who feels a sentiment of
honour, and is ambitious of distinguishing himself. Such will
answer the publick expectation, and be an honour to the
State that sent him.
Colonel Varnum, from the treatment he has met with
from Congress, has taken the resolution of leaving the army.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ito., OCTOBER, 1776.
998
The Colony are generally acquainted with his abilities, that
he stands in no need of recommendation. Perhaps the
House may think proper to reeled him, and give him the
opportunity to refuse the appointment, as a compliment due
to his past services. Colonel Cornwall and Colonel Carey,
you observe, are both left out in the General's arrangement ;
they were both in the late action, and behaved exceedingly
well, but as there is a reduction of regiments, 'tis not pos-
sible to accommodate the whole, and there is a preference
given by the under officers, though they never have been
consulted upon this occasion. His Excellency has put
down only such as appears deserving, without consulting
them upon the subject, to know whether they would serve
or not. The House will appoint such, and so many, of
those recommended as they shall think proper, and fill the
vacancies of their own choice. But I hope there will be
none in the arrangement but men of merit.
The several retreats and evacuations that have taken
place this campaign, without doubt has alarmed the fears
of the timid and aroused their apprehension of an ap-
proaching ruin. The source of these misfortunes have orig-
inated from several causes. The strength of the enemy far
exceeded the expectations of Congress, the late season that
they attempted to call in a reinforcement to our aid, the
many delays that took place among the different States in
furnishing their proportion, protracted the time of collecting
the forces together to such a degree that when the enemy
had their whole strength together, ours in different detach-
ments were far inferiourto theirs. With a force inferiour to
the enemy in number, with troops that were mostly raw
and undisciplined, with young and ignorant officers, what
could be expected against old, experienced officers with
veteran troops to command, short of what has taken place,
especially when you take in the idea of the extent of
ground we had to guard, and the assistance the enemy
received from their ships, owing to the situation of the posts
we occupied? The Militia has come and gone in such
shoals, that his Excellency could never tell scarcely two
days together the strength he had at any one post.
If the different States complete the establishment agree-
able to the resolves of Congress, and the troops come well
officered, (for on that the whole depends,) I have not the
least doubt in my own mind, but that in a few months we
shall be able to seek the enemy instead of they us. I know
our men are more than equal to theirs, and were our officers
equal to our men, we should have nothing to fear from the
best troops in the world. I do not mean to derogate from
the worth and merit of all the officers in the army. We
have many that are in the service deserving the highest
applause, and has served with reputation and honour to
themselves and the State that sent them ; and I am happy
that I have it to say that the Rhode-Island regiments
hitherto are amongst this number.
Three of the enemy's ships passed the chevaux-de-frise,
in the North River, and went up to Topan-Bay. Our
army are so strongly fortified, and so much out of the com-
mand of the shipping, we have little more to fear this cam-
paign. The troops have been and still are exceeding sickly.
The same disorder rages in the enemy's camp as does in
ours, but is much more mortal. Nothing new from the
Northern army.
I am, with great esteem, your obedient servant,
NATH. GREENE.
GENERAL JAMES CLINTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fort Montgomery, October 11, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : As the officers in the Second New- York
have never received their commissions, I have sent Lieuten-
ant Smith for them, agreeable to a list I formerly gave to
Mr. McKesson, Secretary. I know of no alteration to be
made, except that Gilbert Livingston is appointed Ensign
in Captain Swarlwout's company, in the room of Mr.
Finch, who resigned. His commission ought to bear date
the 1st of September last. If you approve of the young
man, I believe he is deserving of the same.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES CLINTON, Brigadier-General.
To the President of the Provincial Congress of the State of
New- York.
PETER H. LIVINGSTON TO THE NEW-YORK DELEGATES IN
CONGRESS.
Fiuhkill, October 11, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The Convention pleased themselves with
the expectation of receiving one hundred thousand dollars,
advanced by the honourable Continental Congress to this
State, by the 3d instant, agreeable to your favour of the 20th
ultimo. Such is the state of our finances and of the pub-
lick claims, that we severely feel a disappointment for
which we are unable to account.
The Committee of Safety have therefore resolved to dis-
patch their Deputy Treasurer, Mr. Bancker, accompanied
by Colonel Birdsall, to receive and conduct the money to
this place with all possible expedition; and I am directed
to request you to give them all the despatch in your power.
The enclosed resolution of the Committee of Safety will
sufficiently authorize the gentlemen to transact this business.
I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your most obedient
servant, D T> r
PETER li. LIVINGSTON.
To the honourable the New- York Delegates at Continental
Congress.
In Committee of Safety for the State of New- York, )
Fishkill, October 11, 1776. >
Resolved, and Ordered, That Mr. Gerard Bancker, the
Deputy Treasurer of this State, proceed to Philadelphia,
and apply to the Delegates of this State to receive the money
lately voted to this Convention by Congress. That Mr.
Bancker's receipt shall be a sufficient discharge for such
sum as he may receive on account of this State in pursuance
of this order.
That Mr. Bancker take to his assistance Colonel Bird'
sail, and that he be and is hereby authorized from time to
time to procure any other guard or further assistance he shall
think necessary for the safe conveyance of the said money
to the Treasury of this State.
Extract from the Minutes :
JOHN MCKESSON, Secretary.
COMrORT SANDS TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW-YORK
CONVENTION.
Fishkill, October 11, 1776.
SIR: Some days ago I applied to the Convention to fix
the allowance for Colonel Palmer and Colonel Nicolfi
services for superintending the transportation of the cannon.
I was told by the Secretary that the Convention considered
them as members in their service, and as such they would
of course be paid by the County ; that they had agreed
to allow them ten shillings per day for extra services.
Colonel Palmer is now here in order to settle that account.
I told him the resolution of the Convention. He answered
that he had not charged the County for the time he was in
that service, and that he thought it would be unjust to
charge the County for services done the Continent. 1 beg
your direction how I must settle this matter, and am, sir,
your very humble servant, '
To Peter R. Livingston, Esq., President of the Conven-
tion of the State of New- York.
JOHN JAY TO EDWARD RUTLEDGE.
Fishkill, October 11, 1776.
DP. A H RUTLEDGE : Be so kind as to forward the enclosed
by the first opportunity to your brother. It is in answer to
one from him to Messrs. Duane, William Livingston, and
myself, mentioning the losses sustained by General Lee in
consequence of entering into the American service, and
recommending a compliance with the resolution of Congress
for indemnifying him. As he has doubtless written to you
on the subject, I forbear enlarging on the propriety, policy,
or justice of the measure. I am, for my own part, clear for
it, and wish with all my heart that it may take place. I
shall write to my colleagues on the subject.
Let no considerations induce you to excuse General
Mifflin from the office of Quartermaster-General. Moylan
acted wisely and honestly in resigning. Try no new ex-
periments. You have paid for the last. Let me repeat it,
keep Mifflin.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1000
Although extremely anxious to be with you, the circum-
stances of this State will not admit of my leaving it. Gov-
ernour Tryon has been very mischievous, and we find our
hands full in counteracting and suppressing the conspiracies
formed by him and his adherents.
What is your fleet and noble Admiral doing ? What
meekness of wisdom, and what tender-hearted charity ! 1
can't think of it with patience. Nothing but more than
ladylike delicacy could have prevailed on your august body
to secrete the sentence they passed upon that pretty genius.
I reprobate such mincing, jittle, zigzag ways of doing busi-
ness. Either openly acquit or openly condemn.
If General Lee should be at Philadelphia, pray hasten
his departure — he is much wanted at New-York. I wish
our army well stationed in the Highlands, and all the lower
country desolated. We might then bid defiance to all the
further efforts of the enemy on that quarter.
I am, my dear Rutledge, your friend, JQHN
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Albany, October 11, 1776.
SIR : I am honoured with your favour of the 7th instant.
As I have not any list of the officers' names from your
Colony, except those of Colonel BwrreWt regiment, any
thing I can say must be confined to them ; and shall in a few
days transmit you some account of them.
I find by private letters from gentlemen in Congress to
their friends, that they approve of the step I have taken in
resigning, because of the ill treatment that has been given
to me, a treatment which Congress ought not to have given,
even if there had been no doubt of my guilt, until I had
been heard. But I thank my God that I have a soul above
that resentment which would involve in it a prejudice to my
country, and I hope to teach my countrymen by my conduct
under this unjust persecution, that it is the duty of a good
citizen only to justify himself, and not to sacrifice the weal
of the State to any considerations whatever.
I am, with every wish that flows from esteem and regard,
sir. your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To Hon. Jonathan Trumbutt, Esq., &c.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 11, 1776.
DEAR SIR: On Tuesday morning, Mr. Gordon delivered
me your letter of the 4th instant. I have been so much
indisposed with a violent rheumatick attack in the head and
stomach that I have not been able to write since.
By Sergeant Stiles's information, it seems probable that
the enemy still mean to attempt crossing the lake this
campaign. They have not above three weeks, however,
to do it in; at least I should think so.
In mine of the 3d instant, I gave you my reasons for not
moving Dayton's, or any troops from the Mohawk river.
On Tuesday I received a letter from Colonel Dayton; by
the intelligence it contained, and by the information Major
Barber gave me, who brought the letter, I hope the neces-
sity of keeping Dayton's corps in that quarter is superseded,
and he is ordered to Fort George with the utmost despatch.
Had I not received this information, I certainly should not
have moved a man from that quarter, notwithstanding you
say " that no good reason could retard the immediate march
of Colonel Dayton's regiment to Fort George." Because
I well knew that for want of proper information, you could
be no judge whether they were or were not necessary there.
I was excessively alarmed at that paragraph in your
letter, where you say, " by my last return you will clearly
see one half of this army are sick," &.c., until I recurred to
the return, which convinced me of your mistake ; for by it
it appears that to the northward of Fort George and
Skenesborough were at that time near nine thousand effect-
ives, officers included, if Phinney's joined.
I have just received a letter from Captain Yates, Assistant
Deputy Quartermaster-General. He informs me that the
troops that were employed on the road to Cheshire's are all
ordered away ; if so, the road will not be finished this cam-
paign, for I have repeatedly assured you that there are no
men here. Dayton's, at the very soonest, cannot be there
in less than a fortnight ; you will therefore send two hundred
men to Cheshire's without delay, with orders to put them-
selves under the command of Colonel IVynkoop, who is going
up to-day.
The powder is passed this, and I hope will arrive safe.
It was sent in a very bad condition from Philadelphia.
Please to send an Engineer to Cheshire's, to give direc-
tions for a picket fort round the store and barracks. If he
cannot be spared for any considerable time, he need not
remain. It will suflice to give instructions to Colonel
Wynkoop.
You will please to order the depth of the lake in the
channel, from Skenesborough to the bay in front of Crown
Point, to be carefully sounded, that we may be able to
determine what vessels may be borne on it. As I have
long since mentioned to Congress the necessity of construct-
ing large vessels on Lake Champlain, you will probably
receive their orders to prepare for it. It is pity, therefore,
that such of the ship carpenters as were fit for service are
discharged. I suppose they could not be prevailed on to
stay.
Pray send Colonel Lewis down with all despatch, as the
service will greatly suffer if he should not arrive here before
I go to Philadelphia, which will probably be in a very few
days, at most not above a fortnight.
I promise you if I am in Congress, you, or whoever may
command in this department, will have more attention paid
you than 1 have had, if I can in anywise induce others to
be of my opinion.
I am, dear General, very sincerely, your obedient, humble
servant,
To Hon. General Gates.
PH. SCHUYLER.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Tyonderoga, October 11, 177G.
DEAR GENERAL: Your favours of the 3d and 5th instant
are now before me. Nothing remarkable has lately hap-
pened in this quarter. Enclosed is a letter I received last
night from General Arnold; by that you will find the fleet
were well the 7th instant. The fourth row-galley will sail
from hence on Monday, as all the rigging, cables, &c., are
arrived. When she joins the fleet, our whole naval force will
be collected. The nights are getting long and cold, and if
General Carkton is not with us in a fortnight, I suspect he
will take up his winter quarters in Canada. Two of our
prisoners have lately escaped from the enemy; they went
to Cohos, from whence I daily expect them ; as soon as
they come here I shall despatch them to Albany.
Surely General Howe does not mean to stop at Harlem;
if he does, his ruin is not very far off. I must desire you to
urge it with the Commissioners from Congress to order bar-
racks for six hundred men to be built at Schenectady, and
double that number at Albany, provided there is not already
sufficient covering for that number there. Three thousand
men, officers included, are as few as ought to be posted for
the winter upon the Mohawk river, Albany, and the different
posts between Ty and Fort Stanwix.
I shall write to you more fully in a few days, being too
much employed at present to add more than to assure you,
dear General, I am your affectionate, humble servant,
Ho. GATES.
To Hon. Major-General Schuyler.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, October 11, 177G.
HONOURED SIR: I understand General Arnoldhas wrote
to you for the guns I have here. It is well known to your
Honour that we had the greatest search after them. We
spent much time and labour in digging them from under
ruins of wood and earth, where they lay long, and might
have remained there had it not been for us. We cut a
road, and with much trouble have got the necessary appa-
ratus to work them. Though they may not be so useful as is
generally imagined, yet it gives confidence to troops to have
artillery, and the want of it has a contrary effect, especially
among young troops. The little experience I have had has
given me to understand so much. I have a battery and
platform for six guns, and which guns of this size best suit.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1002
All my expectations are in some measure blasted if the
artillery is taken from us. I shall consider that we have
spent much time and labour to the great inconvenience of
my men, to very little purpose, if we lose our guns now. I
know what we have done is not considered of great conse-
quence; I do not mean it should, but this I am confident of,
that the little works we have, with the artillery, will be
sufficient to secure one hundred or one hundred and fifty
men against any party of light troops that might be sent
here this fall or winter, or at least till they could be relieved.
I understand they talk of replacing them with six-poun-
ders. They will be the refuse, I presume. They will
probably not suit my battery. I hope the fleet may be sup-
plied in another way. I make no doubt you will do what
is proper in this affair. General Arnold could not have
been acquainted with these circumstances.
I am willing to do any thing in my power for the publick
good, but I cannot conceive that though the works here are
not strengthened, they should be weakened by taking away
the guns we have, or by replacing them with guns which
perhaps we might do as well without. I beg you will not
be offended at my freedom, as I consider myself and my
people much interested.
I am, with the greatest respect, your most obedient,
humble servant,
THOS. HARTLEY.
To General Gates.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-Haven, October 11, 1776.
SIR: In consequence of your favour proposing a descent
on Long-Island, although I was so unhappy as not to be
able to meet Generals Clinton and Lincoln at this place as
requested, I applied to the State of Rhode-Island and
obtained their consent and orders that Colonel Richmond,
and such part of his battalion as shall not inlist on board the
Continental vessels, should assist in the enterprise. Colonel
Richmond will accordingly begin his march this day for
New-London, and bring with him the whale-boats collected
in Massachusetts-Bay and Rhode-Island, to the number of
between eighty and ninety, which it is apprehended will
be of great use to the troops ordered on this service,
especially to secure and assist their retreat should it be
attempted to be cut off. When Colonel Richmond arrives
at New-London, he has orders to put himself under the
command of such General Officer as your Excellency shall
appoint.
I have this day conferred with Colonels Mclntosh and
Livingston on the subject ; they inform me that they are
supplied with provisions and ammunition for their purpose,
and only want such a number of water-craft as, with the
whale-boats divided into three parts, that in the whole may
be sufficient to transport twelve hundred men, as he means
each division to be so placed at the inlets to the island, as
if cut off from one he may resort to the other tp make his
retreat sure, if necessary. These I have ordered for him,
and dare say will be provided, and ready without delay.
The number of men he proposes to set out with will
doubtless be sufficient for his first attempts, but what rein-
forcements will be necessary soon to follow to answer every
purpose, your Excellency will judge. They may be thrown
over from Stamford or Norwalk very soon if placed there.
I am apprehensive lest some difficulties may arise with
respect to the command of this detachment. Colonel
Mclntosh is a superiour officer to Lieutenant-Colonel Liv-
ingston, and Richmond is superiour in rank to both. Colo-
nel Livingston appears to be a young gentleman of real
spirit and abilities, and has every advantage in his knowledge
of the island and the people there. The other gentlemen
have also their merits. May not a difficulty arise as to the
command ? I hope there will not, as the gentlemen are all
well disposed. I hope they will all cooperate to the best
advantage of the whole. What is further necessary to
render their operations effectual, you will please to consider
and direct.
Our naval expedition against the ships of the enemy in
the Sound is still in contemplation, and preparations are
making for the same as fast as we can. Commodore
Hopkins writes me the 5th instant, that the Alfred and
Haiipden are ready, and that the two new frigates there
would be ready in about a week, if they can be manned,
neither of them having more than half of their complement
at that time. Our ship and brigantine will, we trust, be
ready to join them, and when they are equipped it is pro-
posed that they first attack the two frigates that infest the
coast and Sound, if they, or either of them, shall appear in
their way. Otherwise they will proceed directly up the
Sound and give the best account they can of the ships this
side of Hell-Gate, which is the principal object.
I am now informed that the two frigates and the Alfred
are manned from Colonel Richmond's regiment, which I
hope will prove true ; but if not, am in hopes they may be
completed by volunteers from Richmond and New-London.
But if they should still fall short of their full complement, I
beg leave to suggest to your Excellency, whether they
could not without inconveniency be filled up from some
parts of your army, unless the row-galley men, by the
enemy's ships passing up North River, are rendered useless,
in which case they may be ordered to some proper place
along Sound for Commodore Hopkins to take them in. I
have given Commodore Hopkins the utmost assurance to
give him all possible intelligence from time to time, of the
enemy's ships of force this side of Hell-Gate, that he may
be apprised what he has to encounter. To that purpose I beg
leave to suggest to your Excellency to give orders to such
commanders of the guards or posts in sight of the enemy's
ships, to give me intelligence of their force, situation, and
motions, qr whether and when joined by any other of the
enemy's ships through Hell-Gate. I have heard that one
twenty-four gun ship of the enemy has already passed
through to them.
Since my last from Commodore Hopkins, am informed
that the Columbus, Captain Whipple, has arrived in port at
Rhode-Island. Have wrote to him to take her with him,
which will make considerable addition to his force. Please
to afford me your advice and fullest information. I cannot
but flatter myself with strong hopes of advantages to be
derived from this adventure of our ships, as well as the
expedition to Long-Island; secrecy in both is of utmost
importance.
I am, with great esteem and regard, sir, your most
obedient humble servant, T „,
JONTH. IRUMBULL.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., Head-Quar-
ters, Heights of Harlem.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, at New-Haven, October llth, 1776, present,
his Honour the Governour, his Honour the Deputy Gov-
ernour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington, Titus Hosmer,
William Hillhouse, Benjamin Huntington, Esqrs.
A consultation was had concerning the expedition of
Colonels Richmond and Livingston to Long-Island, and a
mode of preparation adopted, which his Honour the Gov-
ernour took in hand, to give the necessary orders, Sic.
with all possible secrecy; and Mr. Shaw was sent home
with orders to forward said expedition as fast as possible.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO COMMODORE HOPKINS.
New-Haven, October 11, 1776.
SIR : Your favour of the 5th instant came safe to hand,
in which you inform me that the Alfred and Hampden are
ready, and the two new frigates you expect will be ready
in about a week. I hope no attention or diligence will be
wanting to have them prepared by that time, and shall
endeavour that there be no delay as to ours, though am
necessitated to apply to you or your State, to furnish a
quantity of shot for our ships. We have the round, but
double-headed chain sliding, and star shot we have none;
hope you can supply what will be wanting for the present.
We have sent to our furnace for them, but fear it will be
impossible to have them ready at New-London by the time
they may be wanted for the present expedition, but may
be ready to be replaced if necessary, very soon after. The
size of the cannon for which we shall want them are nine-
pounders. I understand the Columbus is now in port ; if so,
cannot she join your squadron ? for no force ought to be
omitted which human foresight can devise to render our
ships as sure as may be at this critical time with our army, as
this expedition, if successful, may much disconcert the enemy.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1004
Since my last to you, there has been two more frigates
up the Sound as far as against Saybrook, but suppose are
now returned towards Block-Island ; how far they or either
of them may be the object of your attention, shall submit.
No doubt, there ought to be a spy upon them out from
New-port or Neiv-London, or both, to watch and give intelli-
gence of their motions, and if they, or either of them, may
be decoyed in so as to fall in your way, and the force from
New-London to join you at an appointed time or signal
given, perhaps you may first give a good account of them
before you proceed up the Sound, which by the way, is the
main object.
I have employed Captain Shaiv, the bearer hereof, to
confer with you on the subject, and acquaint you from time
to time, with every occurrence, and see that every prepara-
tion is made on our part, and give every necessary intelli-
gence and assistance, as it will be difficult for me to do by
letters, and at this distance, where 1 may be detained with
the Assembly for a fortnight or three weeks.
The expedition on Long-Island set forward by General
Washington, will be conducted by Colonels Mclntosh and
Livingston, and Richmond if he joins them. I have
requested Colonel Livingston as soon as he arrives on
Long-Island, to employ trusty spies along the south side to
watch the motion of the enemy's ships from New-York,
and give speedy intelligence, if there is any appearance of
their coming round the island, that you may have the
earliest notice if any such matter should happen.
We hear that your ships are now manned from Colonel
Richmond's regiment; if any failure on that account, 1 hope
numbers of volunteers may be found at Rhode-Island and
New-London ; but if still wanting, there may possibly be
a complement thrown aboard from General Washington's
army upon a sudden occasion, and for so short a time as
they might be wanted if timely notice is sent forward to
General Washington of their being wanted. I understand
there is a twenty-four gun ship got through Hell-Gate, and
joined the two frigates, though now one lies at Huntington,
a considerable distance. I shall endeavour to gain every
intelligence in my power, and acquaint you with any altera-
tion or reinforcement which may happen there.
I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your obedient, humble
servant> JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To Hon. Commodore Hopkins.
P. S. Shall yield you my assistance of excuse to Con-
gress ; the good of the service is their object, as I am sure
it is yours.
flatter ourselves that this our most reasonable request will
be granted. And your memorialists, as in duty bound,
shall ever pray.
Stonington, October 11, 1776.
NATHANIEL MINOR, JOHN DENISON,
PAUL WHEELER, HENRY BABCOCK,
JOHN BROW, Jun., SIMON RHODES,
Committee.
MEMORIAL OF STONINGTON (CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE.
To the honourable the General Assembly now sitting at
NEW-HAVEN :
The Memorial of the Committee of Correspondence and
Inspection of the town of STONINGTON, and sundry of the
inhabitants of said town, most humbly showeth:
That whereas your Honours thought fit, in your last ses-
sion in May, to grant for the defence and protection of this
place, a Captain and ninety men, since which, one half
have been ordered to New-London. Your Honours may
remember, that this town is the only one in this State that
has received any damage from those sons of tyranny and
despotism, sent by that more than savage tyrant George III.,
to deprive us of those inalienable rights that the Supreme
Governour of heaven and earth has invested us with:
Your memorialists therefore pray that the number of men
ordered and destined as above, may still be continued ; and
the two eighteen-pounders and four twelve-pounders, and
shot, Sic., that were ordered in your former session for this
place, may be delivered as soon as possible, as the harbour
is perhaps more used by coasters, and vessels bound to sea,
than any harbour in this State; and is a place of great con-
sequence, not only to this, but other States. We therefore
beg leave to inform your Honours that several vessels have
lately been chased into this harbour by the King's ships,
and have here been protected.
Your memorialists further pray, thai the three large can-
non, (now at New-London,) belonging to this town, be
likewise cr.lered to this place; and the two field-pieces that
were lent by this town to the town of New-London, be
ordered back to the town of Stonington. We therefore
Joseph Denison, John Hancox,
Alexander Bradford, Sam '1 Chesebrough,
Robert Stanton, Moses Brumley,
Jonathan Gray,
William Stak,
Nathan Palmer,
Nathaniel Palmer,
Nathan Palmer, Jr., Henry Burtich
John Daviss,
Andrew Palmer,
Michael Ash,
Lemuel Dewey,
John Ratbun,
John Ratbun, Jr.,
Peleg Brown,
Elisha Denison,
Asa Palmer,
Edward Hancox,Jr., Elijah Hinckley,
Oliver Milliard, John Rock,
John Dodge, James Noyes, Jr.,
Peter Crary, Edward Crosby,
Clement Minor, Wiatt Hinckley,
NabothChesebroughjElihu Babcock,
Wm. Chesebrough,
James Palmer,
Nathaniel Crandall,
Jared Crandall,
Rufus Palmer,
Elijah Palmer,
Thomas Stanton, 4th,
Asa Lewis,
Nathan Hinckley,
John Minor, 2d,
John Newmon,
Andrew Brown,
Elkanah Cobb,
Samuel Salterlee,
Sands Niles,
Thomas Robinson,
John Denison, 5th,
Elijah Utley,
James Tripp,
Edward Ells,
George Batolph,
Abel Hinckley,
James Noyes,
Peleg Noyes,
John Randall,
Eliphalet Budington
James Cornish,
John Breed, Jr.,
Isaac Brown,
Fish Brown,
Hemsted Minor,
Zeb'n Chesebrough, Thomas Randall,
John Denison,
Joseph Champlin,
Walter Palmer,
Jedediah Thompson,
Thomas Palmer,
David Thompson,
Charles Thompson,
William Thompson,
Joseph Vincent,
Nathaniel Fanning,
Thomas Leeds,
Phineas Stanton, Jr.,
Stephen Babcock,
Joseph Page,
Gilbert Fanning,
Daniel Hobart,
John Cotton Rossiter,
Eliphalet Hobart,
James Hancox,
John Hailey,
Peleg Chesebrough,
Nathaniel Fellows,
Nathl. Fellows, Jun.,
Simeon Hiscox,
Thomas Hiscox,
Israel Lewis,
Sylvester Pendleton,
Akors Sheffield,
William Palmer,
Eliph. Budington, Jr.,
Charles Welch,
Job Taylor,
William Scovill.
Rejected in both Houses.
Attest : BENJAMIN HUNTINGTON, Cleric.
Test : GEORGE WYLLYS, Secretary.
PETITION Or THE TOWN OF GROTON, CONNECTICUT.
To the honourabk General Assembly of the State of CON-
NECTICUT, to be held at NEW-HAVEN, on the second
THURSDAY of OCTOBER, A. D. 1776.
We, your Honours' petitioners, being often alarmed by
the appearance of more or less of the King of Great Brit-
ain's ships coming near the harbour of New-Londonl and
do not know how soon they will come into our harbour,
or land a number of troops, and ravage the country near it ;
and as your Honours are fully acquainted with the sea-
coast near this harbour being very much stripped of men,
both for the army and navy, for which reasons we, your
Honour's petitioners, beg leave to entreat of your Honours
to give the necessary orders for the First Company of
Militia belonging to this town to return home, that both
their and our wives and children may be partly relieved
from the very great anxiety they are now in. And your
humble petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c.
Groton, October 11, 1776.
John Williams, Ebenezer Ledyard, Elisha Brown,
Ezekiel Barley, Edward Jeffrey, Thomas Lester,
Luke Perkins, James Street, Benjamin Bill,
Vine Starr, William Ledyard, Samuel Lester,
Richard Starr, Ebenezcr Avery, 3d, Nicholas Starr,
Nathan Forsith, Elnathan Perkins, William Wood,
James Starr, Joseph Latham, Daniel Latham,
Jasper Latham, Jonathan Latham, Thomas Chester,
Walter Budington, Christopher Latham, David Avery,
Ebenezer Budington, Ebenezer Avery, James Avery.
New-London, October 11, 1776.
A ship, burden two hundred and twenty-five tons, taken
by Captain Thomas Nickerson, in the privateer sloop
America, belonging to Plymouth, was last week brought
into a port in this State. The privateer had been only
seven days out when she took this prize, and was left in
chase of another. The cargo of this ship is as follows, viz :
two hundred hogsheads of sugar, one hundred puncheons of
rum, twenty casks of Madeira wine, a quantity of logwood
and mahogany.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO DANIEL TILLINGHAST.
Newport, October 11, 1776.
SIR: The bearer is a lady on board the Cabot's prize,
1005
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1006
Loivther. Should be glad you will take care to provide her
such lodgings as are suitable to her, and see that she is
treated every other way as a woman of character, and you
will oblige yours, at command, ^^ HOPKINS-
To Daniel Tillinghast, Esq., Agent for the Continental
Fleet.
Mrs. Briggs presents her most respectful compliments to
Admiral Hopkins, returns him her best thanks for his polite
offer of providing her a lodging ; but being a little indisposed,
and Captain Hamilton proposing to sail with the first fail-
wind, thinks it best to go up with him, as he has behaved
in the kindest manner. Mrs. B. will be much obliged to
Admiral Hopkins if he will take the trouble of writing a
line with her to Providence.
Thursday afternoon.
JOHN AVERY TO E. THOMPSON.
Council Chamber, Watertown, October 11, 1776.
SIR: I am directed by the honourable Council of this
State to apply to you for a number of commissions for com-
manders of armed vessels, authorizing them to cruise upon
the enemies of America, signed by the President of Con-
gress. As this office is exhausted of those important papers,
please to send me by the bearer as many as you can spare,
and as many bonds, and they shall be refunded as soon as
a sufficient number shall arrive from Philadelphia, which
are hourly expected.
I am, sir, with great esteem, your very humble servant,
JOHN AVERT, Deputy Secretary,
To the Secretary of the State of New-Hampshire,
JOHN HANSON, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Frederick -Town .October 12, 1776.
SIR: The money sent for the support of the prisoners is
very nearly expended, and as this will be a good opportu-
nity by Mr. Saw to send up some more, I hope it will be
done ; and am, sir, your most humble servant,
JOHN HANSON, Jun.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.
At a special meeting of the Committee on Saturday, 12th
October, 1776,
Present : Samuel Purviance, Chairman ; William Lux,
Vice Chairman ; W. Buchanan, B. Nicholson, T. Rutter,
W. Aisquith, J. Calhoun.
Information being given to the Committee on oath, by
Mr. David Evans, that Francis Sanderson had, in a con-
versation with him, spoken words " tending to disunite the
good people of this State in the present opposition to Great-
Britain;" by order of the Committee, October 12, 1776,
Francis Sanderson is required to attend this Committee at
Mr. Purviance's, immediately, to answer a complaint ex-
hibited against him for several words spoken by him, and
tending to disunite the people of this State in their present
opposition to Great Britain. And in case he don't attend,
Captain Cox is directed to bring him by force.
Per order : W. Lux, Vice Chairman.
The said Francis Sanderson appeared in consequence of
the warrant, and having nothing to offer in vindication of
the charge, he was committed to the custody of the guard
for this night, in order to be sent to the Council of Safety,
agreeable to the resolves of Convention in July, 1775.
Attest : GEO. Lux, Secretary.
The Deposition of David Evans, of Baltimore- Town,
aged twenty-five years, who being duly sworn on the Holy
Evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth and saith, that on
Monday or Tuesday last, Francis Sanderson, of Baltimore-
Town, coppersmith, called him into his house as he was
going past the door, and asked him to take a glass of spirits ;
on which he went in, and the said Sanderson told him, this
deponent, he understood that he had taken a commission
in the American army, which he was sorry to hear, as he
looked upon it as dangerous, as all opposition was in vain,
and that he imagined the estates would be confiscated, and
he was afraid for his own house. That he had lately seen
a gentleman from England, who told him the English did
not regard the Americans a snap of the fingers, and that
there were four or five other Powers ready to join them,
but they were refused, as the English thought themselves
strong enough to conquer without their assistance. He
then asked this deponent if he knew the reason why Gen-
eral Lee was gone to the southward. This deponent
answered, because the Congress had appointed him to the
command there. He said no, that was not the reason, but
that he looked on it when Howe came to New-York with
his army, he expected nothing less but to be conquered if
he staid there. That General Lee had advised the members
of Convention at Annapolis that now was the time to make
up with Great Britain, as he knew now they were in
earnest, and that he would go to Congress and use his
influence there to settle it. And further said that many
officers in Pennsylvania were resigning their commissions,
knowing all opposition was in vain ; and that the Congress,
the Convention, the Assembly, and Council of Safety in
Pennsylvania, were all sitting together, some making laws
and others disannulling them. And further this deponent
saith not.
Sworn in Committee, 12th October, 1776.
DAVID EVANS.
Witness : S. PURVIANCE, Jr., Chairman.
Attest: GEO. Lux, Secretary.
CAPTAIN HINDMAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Philadelphia, October 12, 1776.
DEAR SIR: About four days ago I arrived here in search
of necessary clothing for the Maryland regular troops, which
am much afraid shall not be able to procure at present, par-
ticularly shoes and stockings, of which we are in great want,
and unless they can be got will render many soldiers unfit
for duty. I suppose between this and Christmas they may
be procured, but at a most extravagant rate. Common yarn
here are now at six pounds ten shillings the dozen pair, and
every kind of goods in the like proportion. I applied to Con-
gress in hopes of being supplied from the Continental store,
but can get nothing from thence. Am in great hopes your
Honours will order us back to the Province to get recruited
and furnished with the clothing we now are in immediate
want of. Colonel Smallwood wrote me he had wrote down
to the Convention for that purpose. I can assure you the
very thoughts of keeping our troops at camp all winter dis-
heartens them very much ; nor is it to be wondered at from the
severe duty and great fatigue they have undergone ever since
they have been at New- York. A sufficiency of provisions
we do not complain of, if a constant succession of beef and
flour from day to day will do, and that sometimes without
salt ; and one day in the week we get salt pork. No kind
of vegetables does the Commissary furnish us with, and such
our situation we can get none ; being the nearest to the
enemy's lines, any thing of that kind coming from the coun-
try being taken up by the eastern troops over King's Bridge.
Think not, sir, I mean to complain on my own account, or
that I wish to be recalled ; it is for the men in general, who
are much discontented for fear they should be kept the
whole winter through.
The bearer, Mr. Hopkins, who I believe goes down to
solicit favours from your House, and who has been a cadet
with our troops, can give you a very good account of our
treatment and situation at present ; and shall say nothing
further on that subject.
Am informed the army is to be put on a new establish-
ment, and the whole in the Continental service. Could
wish to know what is to be done with the Provincial Regu-
lars of our Province, as they seem to think they cannot be
kept in the Continental service without their consents ; and
if the contract they have entered into for the Provincial
service be once dissolved, I doubt they will not enter very
freely into the Continental service. Such is also the case
with the Flying-Camp. The hard usage:they have met
with will greatly discourage them from inlisting again under
the new establishment struck out by Congress; which I
wish had been earlier fallen upon, as by that means we
might at this day have had a well-disciplined army, and
which I now despair of being raised very soon.
Are the Maryland Independent Companies to be formed
1007
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1008
into battalions? It is the desire of all the officers belonging
to them ihey should. It is very inconvenient so many com-
panies acting together in one battalion, and subject to the
command of one man. Do not suppose I am speaking for
myself in hopes of promotion, but that would be better for
the service they should. I think that melancholy day on
Long-Island convinced us of the want of Field Officers,
having none but Major Gist to command us, who behaved
as well as men could do; therefore do again repeat I think
they should, as soon as possible, be formed into battalions,
and if your honourable House should not think the services
I have done and the line of promotion I now stand in suf-
ficient for my advancement, shall submit to your determina-
tion. I take the liberty, however, of recommending my
First Lieutenant, A. Anderson, as a man worthy of promo-
tion and as good an officer as any in the Maryland service,
and have no doubt when his character is inquired into, you
will find I say no more of him than he deserves. We are
informed that a committee is to go from each State to the
camp, to know what officers will serve, and their merit. I
think they will generally find the Maryland officers merit
the trust and confidence heretofore reposed in them. I
must beg the favour of your notice and attention to James
Morgan, first sergeant in my company, for promotion.
Am satisfied he will merit any favour that may be shown
him in that way, and have no doubt of his making a good
officer. He has acted as such ever since he has been with
me. Shall return with the sundry articles I can procure in
two or three days. Am very sorry to hear from my brother
that a report is spread among Captain Stone's friends that rny
company, the day we were engaged on Long-Island, behaved
very ill. I gave him by the earliest opportunity as true a
state of the whole affair as I could recollect, which he in-
forms me he showed to Mr. Chamberlains, and which I
believe the officers under me can aver to the truth of, as can
the officers under Captain Stone. I cannot judge him
guilty of writing any thing of the kind. Have not had an
opportunity of seeing him since I received my brother's let-
ter, being gone to the country very sick. Such aspersions
are base and ungenerous, and not giving men a fair chance
of vindicating themselves. I have had the vanity to think
the company I have had the honour to command have
behaved themselves as well as any in the service, notwith-
standing the dark insinuations that have been thrown out to
their prejudice, and will refer to Colonel Smallwood for
their behaviour and conduct since they have been under his
command. I lost only three men on Long-Island. My
company wants but few men to complete it. They have
been and still are very sickly, as are all our troops.
I am your much obliged, humble servant,
JAMES HINDMAN.
LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec-
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart,
the 12th October, 1776,
Present : William Ailce, Lodwick Lowman, Adam Rei-
gart, Sebastian Graff, Henry Dehuff, John Witmer, Ed-
ward Shippen, Casper Shajfner, John Miller. William
Atlee in the Chair.
William Patton, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per-
mitted to go to York-Town to attend on Captain Living-
ston there, and the Chairman is requested to grant him a
pass for that purpose.
The Chairman read a Letter from Mr. Peters, Secretary
at War, requesting that Captain Hesketh's Baggage, which
is in the care of Sergeant Cooper, may be sent down to
him ; and it is agreed that the Chairman order Sergeant
Cooper to produce the Baggage of Captain Hesketh, and
that he forward it to the care of Mr. Peters as expeditiously
as possible.
Mr. Atlee is directed, out of the moneys in his hands for
the relief of the poor families of Associators, to pay to Anna
Maria Peter, the wife of Casper Peter, an Associator in
Captain Klatz's Flying-Camp Company, £1 10*.; and
to Deborah Hardy, the wife of Isaac Hardy, an Associator
in Captain Harmon's Company, £1 2*. 6d., to assist
them in the support of themselves and children in the
absence of their husbands at the army.
William Frenniman, of the Seventh Regiment, is permit-
ted to work with Jacob Graeff, Gunsmith, he here in Com-
mittee engaging, &c.
Peter Hoivell, Michael Stanley, put in the guard-house
September 25th, by Captain Boyd, for being drunk, Sic., in
a tavern at nine o'clock. Ordered to be sent to the Bar-
racks with the next relief.
John Jacks, worked with Peter Hollingen; John Brown,
worked with Peter Helm — Met with at the creek with a
knapsack, supposed to be going oft', and sent to the guard-
house, by Captain William Amer. Ordered to the Bar-
racks with the next relief.
David Murphy, of the Seventh, weaving with Christian
Myer, about one and half miles from town.
RESOLVE OF PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, October 12, 1776.
Whereas it has been represented to the Council that
some persons in this State, preferring their own private
emolument to the duties of humanity and the publick good,
have monopolized and engrossed whole cargoes or large
quantities of Salt, and as it is the practice of every well-
regulated State, not only to discourage, but even to punish
all monopolizers of the necessaries of life, and as such evil
practices at this time are pernicious and very unjustifiable,
as for the want of an established Government provision
cannot be made against them, and being desirous to give
every reasonable encouragement to the importers of such
article, this Council do
Resolve, That they will allow the generous price of fif-
teen shillings per bushel, for every bushel of Salt that may
be imported into this State and delivered to them, until the
15th day of November next ; the same to be sold out to
the publick in small parcels at the first cost, by such person
or persons as they may hereafter appoint, in order that the
necessities of the good people may be supplied at as reason-
able a rate as possible, and the rapacious practices of
avaricious men defeated. It is therefore earnestly recom-
mended to said importers not to demand a higher price
than \s here offered, and to make report to this Council of
the quantities they have, or may import, that they may be
treated with for the purchase of the same.
Extract from the Minutes :
JACOB S. HOWELL, Secretary.
GENERAL LEE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Amboy, October 12, 1776.
SIR : The Hessians who were encamped opposite this
post, last night disappeared, and there is the greatest reason
to think that they have quitted the island entirely, which
announces some great manoeuvre to be in agitation. I am
confident they will not attack General Washington's lines :
such a measure is too absurd for a man of Mr. Howe's
genius; and unless they have received flattering accounts
from Bnrgoyne that he will be able to effectuate a junction,
(which I conceive they have not,) they will no longer re-
main kicking their heels at New-York. They will put the
place in a respectable state of defence, which with their
command of the waters may be easily done, leave four or
five thousand men, and direct their operations to a more
decisive object. They will infallibly proceed either imme-
diately up the river Delaware with their whole troops, or
what is more probable, land somewhere about South-
Amboy or Shrewsbury, and march straight to Trenton or
Burlington. We must suppose every case. On the sup-
position that this will be the case, what are we to do?
What force have we? what means have we to prevent
their possessing themselves of Philadelphia? General
Jf'ashington's army cannot possibly keep pace with them.
The length of his route is not only infinitely greater, but his
obstructions almost insuperable; in short, before he could
cross Hudson river, they might be lodged and strongly
fortified on both banks of the Delaivare. I shall make no
apologies to Congress for thus so freely offering my opinion ;
the importance of the matter is a sufficient apology. For
Heaven's sake, rouse yourselves ; for Heaven's sake, let ten
thousand men be immediately assembled and stationed some-
where about Trenton. In my opinion your whole depends
upon it. 1 set out immediately for Head-Quarters, where
1 shall communicate my apprehension that such will be the
next operation of the enemy, and urge the expediency of
sparing a part of his army (if he has any to spare) for this
object.
1009
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1010
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most oheclient,
humble servant, CHARLES LEE.
To the President of Congress.
Head-Quarters, Perth-Amboy, October 12, 1776.
Colonel Allison's battalion of Pennsylvania Associators
having done their duty while in camp as good and orderly
soldiers, and furnished their full complement for the Flying-
Camp, are hereby dismissed the service of the States, and
permitted to return home.
SAMUEL GRIFFIN, Deputy Adjutant-General.
Newark, New-Jersey, October 12, 1776.
Last Thursday se'nnight, Captain Coffin and Grennell,
with a boy, made their escape from Staten-IsJand in a canoe,
and got safe to Bergen Point, and from thence came to this
place Saturday. The former was taken going from New-
York to Nantucket, some months since; and the latter, on
the 28th of August, in latitude 33° 30', longitude 66° 20',
in a brig from the Western Islands for Nantucket, by a new
English twenty-gun ship, called the Galatea, John Jones,
Esq., commander, sheathed with copper, and a most extra-
ordinary sailer, being part of a convoy for some ships from
London bound to New-York, some of which are arrived at
Sandy-Hook.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 12, 1776.
SIR: The situation of our affairs, and the approaching
dissolution of the present arrny, calling for every possible
exertion on our part to levy a new one, and presuming that
your State are about to make an arrangement of officers for
the quota of troops they are to furnish, and that they may
wish to know those belonging to them who have served
with reputation and bravery, I have thought it expedient to
obtain a return by such means as seemed most likely to be
well founded. To this end I have made inquiry, and the
enclosed list, which I have the honour to transmit you, com-
prehends the names of those who, in publick estimation, and
that of the Generals under whom they have more particularly
acted, have behaved themselves well and to good accept-
ance; and whose past conduct gives a reasonable hope that
their future will render material services to their country.
The advantages arising from a judicious appointment of
officers, and the fatal consequences that result from the want
of them, are too obvious to require arguments to prove them.
I shall therefore beg leave to add only that as the well-
doing, nay, the very existence, of every army to any profit-
able purposes, depend upon it, that too much regard cannot
be had to the choosing of men of merit, and such as are not
only under the influence of a warm attachment to their
country, but who also possess^sentiments of principles of the
strictest honour. Men of this character are fit for office,
and will use their best endeavours to introduce that discipline
and subordination which are essential to good order, and
inspire that confidence in the men which alone can give
success to the interesting and important contest in which we
are engaged. I would also beg leave to subjoin that it
appears to me absolutely necessary that this business should
have your earliest attention, that those who are nominated
may employ their interest and influence to recruit men out
of your corps that are now here, without loss of time.
In respect to the officers that were in the Canada expe-
dition, their behaviour and merit, and the severities they
have experienced, entitle them to a particular notice, in my
opinion. However, as they are under their paroles, I would
recommend that vacancies should be reserved for such as
you think fit to promote, not wishing them to accept com-
missions immediately, or to do the least act that may be
interpreted a violation of their engagement.
Their releasement, I hope, will be soon obtained, as I
think them entitled to the first exchange, and which I have
mentioned to Congress.
I flatter myself that the freedom I have taken in the in-
stances above, will have the indulgence and pardon of your
State, when I assure you that the list you will receive is not
intended to exclude gentlemen of greater merit, or trans-
FIFTH SERIES VOL. II.
milted with other views than to assist you, and of promoting
the general good ; and also, that the measure has been recom-
mended by a Committee of Congress who were pleased to
honour me with a visit. I have done the same to Governour
Trumbull, at his particular request ; and the officers are
making out a return lo be laid before the Massachusettt
Assembly, of the same nature, so far as it concerns the
officers from their State.
On the morning of the 9th instant, three of the enemy's
ships, two of forty-four guns and one of twenty, with three
or four tenders, ran up the North River, without receiving
any interruption from our chevaux-de-frise or apparent dam-
age from our batteries, though a heavy fire was kept up
against them from each side of the river; they are laying at
Tarrytown, from twenty-five to thirty miles above this, and
out-sailing two of our row-galleys in their passage up, they
fell into their hands; the crews escaped.
I had like to have omitted mentioning of a Paymaster to
each regiment, who, I perceive, are not noticed in the list
transmitted you. Congress, by a late resolution, have
allowed such an officer, with Captain's pay; and as their duty
will be not only to receive the regiment's pay, but to keep
accounts of their clothing and every other incidental charge,
I would beg leave to recommend that attention should be
had to their appointment, and that persons may be nomi-
nated who are well versed in accounts, and who can keep
them in a fair and proper manner. I am led to advise this
precaution to be used because it will be an office of a good deal
of consequence, and because in several instances in the pre-
sent army, where the appointments were made in consequence
of recommendations from the Field Officers, persons have
been put in who, so far from being accountants and answer-
ing the designs of Congress, can scarcely write their own
names.
October 13. — Yesterday the enemy landed at Frog's
Point, about nine miles from hence up the Sound ; their
number we cannot ascertain, as they have not advanced.
The point is rather an island, as it is surrounded by water
every high tide. From the great movements of ships and
other vessels up the Sound in the evening, with troops
within, and the information of two deserters who came out
last night, there is strong reason to believe they mean to
land, and to pursue their former scheme of getting in our
rear and cutting off the communication with the country.
I have ordered some works to be thrown up on the passes
leading from the Sound, where they are landed"; and from
the situation of the grounds through which they must pass,
if they pursue their plan, I would fain hope they will sustain
considerable loss, if not a repulse.
I have the honour to be, &.C., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Cooke, Rhode-Island.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL PHILIPS.
Head-Quarters, October 12, 1776.
SIR: I have it in charge from his Excellency the Com-
mander-in-chief, to return you his most thankful acknowl-
edgment for the proposition contained in your address, and
to inform you that he not only approves of the same, but
wishes you to proceed with the works which you have men-
tioned. The generous motives which induced you to lay
the measure before him, in his estimation do you the highest
honour, and are such as he would be happy to see prevail
generally through the army.
I am, &.c., R. H. HARRISON.
To Colonel Joseph Philips, New-Jersey Militia.
COLONEL HARRISON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, October 12, 1776.
SIR: His Excellency this minute received your's giving
intelligence of the enemy's movements. He has given orders
for all the regiments to be under arnwr here, that they may
be ready to act as occasion may require. He wishes you
to make such disposition of the troops on your side, and of
the two Militia regiments that are posted opposite to this,
as you think necessary, and begs and trusts that every
possible opposition will he given to the enemy.
God bless and lead you on to victory.
Yours, &c., ROB. H. HARRISON.
64
1011
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 177G.
1012
His Excellency would beg your attention to one thing,
viz : that you will take pi-oper precautions against a feint,
and watcli the enemy's motions. They perhaps may make
a feint to land at Frog's Point, to draw your attention that
way, and slip down when it is high water towards Morrisi-
ana, with a view of gathering in your rear. Guard against
that.
To General Heath.
JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
King's Bridge, October 12, 1776.
SIR: I have employed Mr. Carpenter Wharton to pur-
chase and receive all the salt westward of New- Jersey, and
salt and cure as much pork for use of the army, as salt can be
had for. 1 expect ahout eight or nine thousand barrels. I
expected to have seen him before I set off for New-England
on the same errand ; but am disappointed. I must request
you on receipt hereof, to furnish him with such sums of
money as may be necessary for this purpose, from time to
time, as he may want, taking his receipt, to account to me
for the expenditure, and charge the same to my account
accordingly.
I am, most respectfully, sir, your most humble servant,
Jos. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.
Any directions he may want and ask for, I doubt not
Congress will give him.
GENERAL BEALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
York Island, October 12, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: In obedience to your orders of the llth
September and 3d October, have enclosed you an account
of arms and accoutrements received of the State of Mary-
land by the troops under my command, with a monthly
return to the 10th instant of the number, state, and condi-
tion of said troops. I have had some trouble in getting an
account of the arms, &.c. Some Captains have not kept a
regular account of what they received, which makes me
think the enclosed account is not so correct as it ought to
be, though the best I could get.
Captain Richardson and Captain Goldsberry, of Colonel
Richardson's regiment, with their companies, and Captain
Brooke and, company, of Colonel Eiving's regiment, have
not yet joined their respective regiments, so that I cannot
yet procure an account of the arms, &tc., they received of
the State of Maryland; but will transmit you an account
of them as soon as they join their respective regiments.
I have the honour to subscribe myself, gentlemen, your
most obedient servant,
REZIN BEALL.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
A Return of Field Officers jit for duty in General BE ALL'S
Brigade.
1. Colonel Griffith, 3. Lieut. Col. Anderson,
2. Colonel Hall, 1. Major Mantz,
3. Colonel Ewing, 2. Major Cradock,
1. Lieut. Colonel Shryock, 3. Major Eden.
2. Lieut. Colonel Hyde,
DAN'L JENIFER ADAMS, B. M.
Harlem Heights, October 12, 1776.
COLONEL SMALLWOOD TO MARYLAND CONVENTION.
Camp of the Maryland Regulars, Head-Quarters, )
October 12, 1776. $
SIR: Through your hands I must beg leave to address
the honourable Convention of Maryland, and must confess
not without an apprehension that I have incurred their dis-
pleasure for having omitted writing when on our march
from Maryland for New-York, and since our arrival here.
Nor shall I, in a pointed manner, urge any thing in my
defence, but leave them at large to condemn or excuse me,
upon a presumption that, should they condemn, they will
at least pardon, and judge me perhaps less culpable when
they reflect, in the first instance, on the exertions necessary
to procure baggage-wagons, provisions, and house-room for
seven hundred and fifty men, marched the whole distance
in a body, generally from fifteen to twenty miles per day,
as the several stages made it necessary ; and in the latter I
trust they will give some indulgence for this neglect, for,
since our arrival at New-York, it has been the fate of this
corps to be generally stationed at advanced posts, and to
act as a covering party, which must unavoidably expose
troops to extraordinary duty and hazard, not to mention the
extraordinary vigilance and attention in the commandant of
such a party in disposing in the best manner, and having it
regularly supplied ; for here the commanders of regiments,
exclusive of their military duty, are often obliged to exert
themselves in the departments of Commissary and Quarter-
master-General, and even directors of their Regimental Hos-
pitals.
Perhaps it may not be improper to give a short detail of
occurrences upon our march to Long-Island, and since that
period.
The enemy, from the 21st to the 27th of August, were
landing their troops on the lower part of Long-Island,
where they pitched a large encampment, and ours and their
advanced parties were daily skirmishing at long shot, in
which neither party suffered much. On the 26th, the
Maryland and Delaware troops, which composed part of
Lord Stirling's brigade, were ordered over. Colonel Has-
let and his Lieutenant-Colonel, Bedford, of the Delaware
battalion, witli Lieutenant-Colonel Hare and myself, were
detained on the trial of Lieutenant-Colonel Zedwitz ; and
though I waited on General Washington, and urged the
necessity of attending our troops, yet he refused to discharge
us, alleging there was a necessity for the trials coming on,
and that no other Field Officers could he then had. After
our dismission from the Court-Martial, it was too late to get
over, but, pushing over early the next morning, found our
regiments engaged, Lord Stirling having marched them off
before day to take possession of the woods and difficult
passes between our lines and the enemy's encampment.
But the enemy, the overnight, had stole a march on our
Generals, having got through those passes, met and sur-
rounded our troops on the plain grounds, within two miles
of our lines. Lord Stirling drew up his brigade on an
advantageous rising ground, where he was attacked by two
brigades in front, headed by the Generals Cornwallis and
Grant, and in his rear the enemy's main body stood ready
drawn up to support their own parties, and intercept the
retreat of ours. This excellent disposition, and their supe-
riour numbers, ought to have taught our Generals there was
no time to be lost in securing their retreat, which might at
first have been effected, had the troops formed into a heavy
column and pushed their retreat ; but the longer this was
delayed, it became the more dangerous, as they were then
landing more troops in front from the ships. Our brigade
kept their ground for several hours, and in general behaved
well, having received some heavy fires from the artillery
and musketry of the enemy, whom they repulsed several
times ; but their attacks were neither so lasting or vifourous
' O O
as was expected, owing, as it was imagined, to their being
certain of making the whole brigade prisoners of war ; for,
by this time, they had so secured the passes on the road to
our lines, (seeing our parties were not supported from
thence, which, indeed, our numbers would not admit of,)
that there was no possibility of retreating that way. Be-
tween the place of action and our lines there lay a large
marsh and deep creek, not above eighty yards across at the
mouth, (the place of action upon a direct line did not much
exceed a mile from a part of our lines.) towards the head of
which creek there was a mill and bridge, across which a
certain Colonel Ward, from New-England, who is charged
with having acted a bashful part that day, passed over with
his regiment, and then burnt them down, though under
cover of our cannon, which would have checked the enemy's
pursuit at any time, otherways this bridge might have
afforded a secure retreat. There then remained no other
prospect but to surrender or attempt to retreat over this
marsh and creek at the mouth, where no person had ever
been known to cross. In the interim I applied to General
Washington for some regiments to march out to support
and cover their retreat, which he urged would be attended
with too great risk to the party and the lines. He imme-
diately afterwards sent for and ordered me to march down
a New-England regiment, and Captain Thomas's company,
which had just cotne over from York, to the mouth of the
1013
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1014
creek, opposite where the brigade was drawn up, and
ordered two field-pieces down to support and cover their
retreat, should they make a push that way. Soon after our
march they began to retreat, and, for a small time, the fire
was very heavy on both sides, till our troops came to the
marsh, where they were obliged to break their order, and
escape, as quick as they could, to the edge of the creek,
under a brisk fire, notwithstanding which they brought off
twenty -eight prisoners. The enemy, taking advantage of
a commanding ground, kept up a continual fire from four
field-pieces, which were well served and directed, and an
heavy column advancing on the marsh must have cut our
people off: their guns being wet and muddy, not one of
them could have fired ; but having drawn up the musketry,
and disposed of some Riflemen conveniently, with orders to
fire on them when they came within shot, however, the
latter began their fire too soon, being at two hundred yards
distance, which, notwithstanding, had the desired effect, for
the enemy immediately retreated to the fast land, where
they continued parading within six hundred yards, till our
troops were brought over. Most of those who swam over,
and others who attempted to cross before the covering party
got down, lost their arms and accoutrements in the mud
and creek, and some poor fellows their lives, particularly
two of the Maryland, two of the Delaware, one of Athe's
Pennsylvania, and two Hessian prisoners, were drowned.
Thomas's men contributed much in bringing over this
party. Have enclosed a list of the killed and missing,
amounting to two hundred and fifty-six, officers included.
It has been said the enemy, during the action, also attacked
our lines, but this was a mistake. Not knowing the ground,
one of their columns advanced within long shot without
knowing they were so near, and upon our artillery and part
of the musketry's firing on them, they immediately fled.
The 28th, during a very hard rain, there was an alarm
that the enemy had advanced to attack our lines, which
alarmed the troops much, but was without foundation.
The 29th, it was found, by a council of war, that our
fortifications were not tenable, and it was therefore judged
expedient that the army should retreat from the island that
night ; to effect which, notwithstanding the Maryland
troops had had but one day's respite, and many other troops
had been many days clear of any detail duty, they were
ordered on the advanced post at Fort Putnam, within two
hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's approaches, and,
joined with two Pennsylvania regiments on the left, were to
remain and cover the retreat of the army, which was hap-
pily completed under cover of a thick fog and a southwest
wind, both which favoured our retreat ; otherwise the fear,
disorder, and confusion of some of the Eastern troops must
have retarded and discovered our retreat, and subjected
numbers to be cut off.
After remaining two days in New-York, our next station
was at Harlaem, nine miles above, at an advanced post oppo-
site to Montresore's and Bohana's Islands, which in a few
days the enemy got possession of without opposition, from
the former of which we daily discoursed with them, being
within two hundred yards, and only a small creek between.
Il being judged expedient to abandon New-York, and
retreat to our lines below Fort Washington, the military
stores, &c., had been removing some days, when, on the
15th September, the enemy effected a landing on several
parts of the island below, and, it is cutting to say, without
the least opposition.
I have often read and heard of instances of cowardice,
but hitherto have had but a faint idea of it till now. I
never could have thought human nature subject to such
baseness. I could wish the transactions of this day blotted
out of the annals of America. Nothing appeared but fright,
disgrace, and confusion. Let it suffice to say, that sixty
Light Infantry, upon the first fire, put to flight two brigades
of the Connecticut troops — wretches who, however strange
it may appear, from the Brigadier-General down to the pri-
vate sentinel, were caned arid whipped by the Generals
Washington, Putnam, and Mijflin, but even this indignity
had no weight, they could not be brought to stand one shot.
General Washington expressly sent and drew our regi-
ment from its brigade, to march clown towards New- York,
to cover the retreat, and to defend the baggage, with direc-
tion to take possession of an advantageous eminence near
the enemy, upon the main road, where we remained under
arms the best part of the day, till Sargent's brigade came
in with their baggage, who were the last troops coming in,
upon which the enemy divided their main body into two
columns, one, filing off on the North River, endeavoured to
flank and surround us. We had orders to retreat in good
order, which was done, our corps getting within the lines a
little after dusk.
The next day, about one thousand of them made an
attempt upon our lines, and were first attacked by the brave
Colonel Knowlton, of New-England, who lost his Ufe in the
action, and the Third Virginia Regiment, who were imme-
diately joined by three independent companies under Major
Price, and some part of the Maryland Flying-Camp, who
drove them back to their lines, it is supposed with the loss
of four hundred men killed and wounded. Our party had
about one hundred killed and wounded, of the former only
fifteen ; since which we have been viewing each other at a
distance, and strongly intrenching till the 9th October, when
three of their men-of-war passed up the North River,
above King's Bridge, under a heavy cannonade from our
batteries, which has effectually cut off our communication,
by water, with Albany.
I must now break off abruptly, being ordered to march
up above King's Bridge, the enemy having landed six
thousand men from the Sound on Frog's Point. Fifty
ships are got up there, landing more troops. There is
nothing left but to fight them. An engagement is generally
expected, and soon. Have enclosed a copy of a general
return of the battalion and Veazy's company, being all the
troops I marched from Maryland, with the accoutrements
and camp equipage taken in Philadelphia, to be rendered
the Congress, together with our weekly general return.
The Independents are about their returns of arms, accou-
trements, and camp equipage, brought by them from Mary-
land, but not having time to finish, they must hereafter be
returned to the Council of Safety.
We have upwards of three hundred officers and soldiers
of the Maryland Regulars very sick, which you will observe
by the return, and, 1 am sorry to say, it's shocking to hu-
manity to have no more care taken of them. This must
hurt the service upon the new establishment.
Majors Price and Gist, and Captain Stone, are in the
Jerseys very sick, and Colonel Ware and myself are very
unfit for duty, though we attend it. Many more officers
are very unwell.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient and very humble
servant,
W. SMALLWOOD.
Sunday, October 13, 1776.
SIR : Colonel Smallwood, with the troops, having
marched, and not having time to make a fair copy of the
rough draft from which the above is copied, desired me to
do it, and sign his name, which 1 have done accordingly,
and am your obedient and very humble servant,
CHRIS'R RICHMOND, Adj't.
P. S. It is now near sunset, and we have heard no firing,
or any news of an action above King's Bridge, which has
been hourly expected.
To the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President Conven-
tion of Maryland.
ROBERT H. LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fishkill, October 12, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I should do great injustice to the polite
attention with which your Excellency has listened to the
undigested opinions which I have some times offered, if I
did not (without any apology for my sentiments) freely, on
the present alarming state of this Colony, submit to your
Excellency's better judgment such measures as will, in my
idea, be most likely to ensure success.
Since upon experiment (contrary to the general senti-
ment) it appears that the passage of the river is not effect-
ually obstructed, the present situation of the army, though
not exactly similar, bears some resemblance to that in which
it was at New-York. The enemy may land above and
reduce your Excellency to the necessity of attacking them
at their landing, or of suffering them to seize upon passes
from which it will be impossible to dislodge them, for such
is the peculiar situation of the Country, and the vicinity of
1015
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1016
the Sound, will it be very difficult so to station themselves
as to render every supply going to our camp extremely
precarious? This, too, may he done with a part of their
forces, while the remainder having their retreat secured,
may, at their leisure, ravage the open country beyond the
Highlands, encourage the disaffected, and by their assistance
carry their arms to Albany, which would, while it distressed
the troops in your Excellency's camp, inevitably destroy
the Northern army. To stay at Ticonderoga, without
d:iily supplies, would be impossible; to march to Albany
would be equally so, without carriages or horses to cany
their provisions and stores, or a sufficient number of boats
to transport them in time across Lake George. No other
means would be left them but to retreat into New-England,
without stores, artillery, or provisions, in which case their
strength would soon be dissipated by desertions, or the
whole body be separated through want of necessaries.
These fears may appear ideal to those who do not reflect
that the distance from the Highlands to Albany is but one
hundred miles, that from Ticonderoga to Albany is equally
distant, through a broken and almost uninhabited country ;
that most of the Militia of this State, that can be armed or
depended on are in your Excellency's camp, and that all
the men which we have at present ventured to call upon, in
addition to those in service, do not exceed three hundred,
and even these, we have little reason to expect that we
shall obtain. Add to this, that bodies of men are already
inlisted throughout this State, and we have reason to fear
are already collecting under the direction of disguised offi-
cers in the Highlands.
These evils might, in my humble opinion, be fully
guarded against, by sending a single regiment, with a good
Engineer, to take possession of the passes in the Highlands,
and be forming two camps, the one to secure the passes
into Connecticut, (which might be done by the Militia of
the New-England States,) the other, at or near the place
where their ships now lie on the North River, which would
reduce the enemy to the necessity of attacking the lines in
front, or expose them if they landed above to the danger of
being surrounded. The very reputation of such camps
being formed, will prevent their making any such attempt,
and in case of any misfortune at New-York, will afford a
secure retreat, and effectually prevent the enemy from
pushing their advantage, more especially if all stores which
are not absolutely necessary for the army are removed to
this place.
Your Excellency has, I dare say, seen the necessity of
laying up magazines of provisions, and collecting materials
for barracks at or near this place, that the want of them
should not, in case of a defeat, oblige the army to separate.
Were not the Treasury of this State exhausted by the
uncommon expense to which we have been put by the
disaffection of our own people, the debt due from the Con-
tinent, and the disappointment we have met with in striking
money, the Convention of this State would have done
something therein at their own risk.
Mr. Hubbard promised to give your Excellency some
information relative to the forts in the Highlands, and the
General that commands. The subject is too delicate for a
letter.
Your Excellency sees the opinion I have of your patience
and good nature, by venturing to obtrude upon them these
crude and hasty remarks, which I have not even leisure to
copy. Perhaps I might find some excuse for them in my
anxiety for the great cause which your Excellency supports,
and my knowledge of a country which you have had no
opportunity to explore.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your
Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
ROB'T R. LIVINGSTON.
To His Excellency General Washington.
don't apprehend any danger from this quarter at present.
If the force on your side are insufficient I hope these three
brigades may be ordered over, and I with them, and leave
General Ewhig's brigade to guard the post. If the troops
are wanted over your side, or likely to be in the morn-
ing, they should be got over in the latter part of the night,
as the shipping may move up from below, and impede,
if not totally stop the troops from passing. I wait your
Excellence's further commands. Should be glad to know
where the enemy has landed, and their numbers.*
I am, with great respect, your Excellency's obedient
servant. ,T „
IS. GREENE.
To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Qua iters.
N. B. The tents upon St at en- bland have been all
struck, as far as discovery has been made.
PRESIDENT OF THE NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO
SAMUEL TEN BROECK.
In Committee of Safety for the Slate of New -York, )
Fishkills, October 12, 1776. $
Sin: Yours of the 9th and 10th instant have been re-
ceived and laid before the Committee. They had some
days before been convinced that more effectual measures
were necessary to be taken for the safety of your di-trict,
and had come into the enclosed resolutions, copies of which
were sent forward on the 8th instant.
It is hoped instead of the number of men you request,
the company ordered to be raised will be sufficient to
answer every purpose intended. In the mean time I am
directed to assure you that the Committee will afford you
every necessary assistance in their power.
I am, sir, &.C., PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
To Samuel Ten Broeck, Esq.
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fort Constitution, October 12, five o'clock, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I am informed a large body of the
enemy's troops have landed at Frogg's Point. If so, I sup-
pose the troops here will be wanted there. I have three
brigades in readiness to reinforce you. General Clinton's
brigade will march first, General Nixon's next, and then
the troops under the command of General Roberdeau. I
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO ROBERT YATES.
Albany, October 12, 1776.
SIR: Since I wrote you on Monday last I have been
confined to my bed, by very severe rheumatick pains, which
attacked me in the head and stomach, and although 1 am
very unfit to write on any subject which requires much
reflection, yet as no time is to be lost in raising the new
army, I shall venture to give you a few hints.
I need not with gentlemen urge the necessity of discipline
and subordination in an army, nor need I point out the
variety of evils an army without them are incident to.
These I doubt not must occur to every person who has
seen disciplined and undisciplined troops, as those of the
American States are. In some measure to remedy which,
and introduce order, I would propose :
1st. That all recruiting officers should have orders not to
inlist men for any particular company or regiment, but
engage them for any of the regiments of this State, to be
disposed of as Convention should direct.
2dly. That drilling officers should be stationed at Albany,
or any other convenient place, to whom every recruiting
officer should without delay send his recruits as fast as he
gains them,
3dly. That the drilling officers keep the recruits at con-
stant exercise.
4thly. That the men should be so disposed of as to be
commanded by officers whose usual residence is most remote
from the men's.
Sthly. Every recruiting officer to take the age, size, com-
* October 12, 1776. — Early in the morning, eighty or ninety British
boats, full of men, stood up the Hound from Montrtsor's Island, Long-
Island, SLC. The troops landed at Frog's Neck, and their advance pushed
towards the causeway and bridge, at West-Clitster Mill. Colonel
Hand's riflemen took up the planks of the bridge as had been directed,
and commenced a firing with their rifles. The British moved to \v finis
the head of the creek, but found here also the Americans in possession
of the pass. General Heath immediately (as he had assured Colonel
Hand he would do) ordered Colonel Prescott, the hero of Bunker's Hill,
with his regiment, and Captain-Lieutenant Bryant, of the Artillery, with
a three-pounder, to reinforce the Riflemen at West-Chester Causeway ;
and Colonel Graham, of the Anc-Vorfc line, with his regiment, and
Lieutenant Jackson, of the Artillery, with a six-pounder, to reinforce at
the head of the creek. All of which was promptly done to the check and
disappointment of the enemy. The British encamped on the neck.
The Riflemen and Yagers kept up a scattering popping at each other
across the marsh ; and the Americans on their side, and the Brili'-lt on
the other, threw up a work at the end of the causeway. Captain liry-
ant, now and then, when there was an object, saluted the British with a
field-piece. In the afternoon, forty or fifty sail of vessels passed up,
and came to anchor oft' Frog's Point. The same evening, Genera!
McDougall's brigade joined our General's division. — Heath.
1017
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1018
plexion, colour of hair and eyes, and natural or artificial
marks of every recruit, with an account of the place of his
birth and occupation.
In order speedily to raise the men, I would propose that
recruiting officers should be immediately sent into both
armies, furnished with money to pay the bounty, a premium
to the officer who shall inlist most men, and a certain allow-
ance for each man inlisted.
As clothing is at present so high that it takes almost a
year's pay completely to clothe a soldier in the manner he
ought to be, would it not be well if the State was to pay
the" difference between a moderate price and the present
excessive high price, and let the soldiers be only put under
stoppage for the first ; thus to determine the price of the
clothing, which I think should be uniform, and consist of
one hat, two shirts, two rollers, one pair of woollen breeches,
two pair stockings, one pair shoes, one pair gaiters, one pair
buckles, a coat, and waistcoat. What other . necessaries
they may at any time want, to be ordered by the Colonel,
with the advice of his Lieutenant-Colonel, Major, and Cap-
tains, or a majority of them, and the men put under stop-
pages for it.
The rank of officers in Colonel Van Schaick's and Col-
onel Nicholson's stands in the order in which they are in the
enclosed roll. The rank of Colonel Winkoop's has never
been sent me. I do not know if Congress has fixed it.
Three regiments from Pennsylvania and New-Jersey will
leave Tyonderoga by the first of next month. I believe
many of those would be recruited.
As the Convention may not be able to procure clothing,
it may be asked how they can determine the price. Con-
gress have taken measures to supply clothing; a good deal
is collected here by my order, and now making up. This
is to be delivered to any soldiers that will engage in the new
army ; an account is kept of the expense, and Convention
can pay the difference into the Pay Office here, or stand
charged with it in account with Congress. The recruiting
officers can be supplied with the bounty money out of the
military chest here.
I am, sir, most respectfully, your most obedient, humble
SerVatlt> PH. SCHUYLER.
To Robert Yates, Esq., and the gentlemen of the Com-
mittee of Convention, Sic.
COLONEL, HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, October 12, 1776, five o'clock, P. M.
DEAR GENERAL: I have so frequently troubled you with
false alarms that I am almost loth to trouble you on the
present occasion, but as in war the minutest circumstances
should be attended to. I send you an express by land, and
enclose you two depositions. By these there must have
been an action down the lake yesterday. The deponents
are men of character. I make no doubt if the enemy have
attempted to come up, they have got a flogging. 1 have
heard nothing from the fleet to-day. The wind svas so strong
no boat could come up.
I am desirous of knowing what action it was, and in order
to give you proper information, shall immediately despatch
a boat towards the fleet. It is by boating, I believe, so
many of my people get the ague.
I am, honoured sir, with the greatest respect, your most
obedient, humble servant, THQS HARTLEY>
P. S. Present my compliments to General St. Clair. I
enclose you a return of this regiment.
The schooner is just in sight. I shall not send my boat.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Tyonderoga, October 12, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I have received your favours of the
7th and 10th instant, and am pleased to find you and your
armada ride in Valcour bay in defiance of the power of
our foes in Canada. The Liberty arrived last night, and
sails this moment with the provisions you wrote for, and
some of Mr. Yancey's best beef. 1 have long ago urged
the necessity for continuing to increase our naval strength
upon the lake, and shall now send your letter to General
Schuyler, and desire him to make such extract from it as is
further requisite to induce Congress to direct the forwarding
that useful work.
No news is good news ; for except what is in the enclosed
paper, I know none to send you. I firmly believe that the
beating the enemy received from our troops upon Monday
the 16th ultimo, and the fire of New-York, have cooled
their ardour so much, that it remains a doubt with me
whether General Howe will make another attempt before
he gets succours from England. Perhaps his foreign and
national troops have disagreed. Perhaps he waits fresh
instructions from his master. Whatever is the cause of his
inaction, it is quite certain he has given our army three
weeks to form their blockade of New- York, and to strengthen
their posts in such a manner as not to be forced but with
greater loss than I think General Howe can afford.
Enclosed is a resolve of Congress, which, when put in
execution, will establish their independency, and effectually
and forever put a period to the domination of Great Britain.
My respectful compliments to General Waterbury and
Colonel Wigglesworth.
I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To General Schuyler.
[Duplicate of the above to Brigadier-General Arnold.]
MAJOR HOISINGTON TO GENERAL GATES.
Newbury, October 12, 1776.
Intelligence given by four deserters from Canada, who
inlisted out of prison at Quebeck into the Royal Emigrant
Regiment, commanded by Colonel McLean, is, that on the
25th of September they left Montreal, and before they left
the above place Sir John Johnson, with the Indians and
Canadians, and Eighth Regiment, had marched to attack
the inhabitants on the Mohawk river, and meet General
Burgoyne at Albany, who has ordered all the forces from
Chamble and Sorrel to St. John's, with the marines and
train of artillery, and sailors, to but three men in each vessel.
Likewise, as they passed on the east side of the lake on
Sunday, the 6th instant, heard a very heavy cannonade on
the lake, supposed to be with the fleet. The above deserters
were found by one of my scouts about forty miles out, des-
titute of provisions, and very weak. They being desirous
to go to Head -Quarters, near New- York, I have passed the
above deserters for that piece.
1 am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
JOAB HOISINGTON.
To His Excellency Major-General Gates.
COLONEL CUSHING TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Camp at Newport, in the State of Rhode-Island,
October 12, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOURS: According to your
orders I have marched my regiment to this State. When I
came, found Colonel Richmond (whose commission bears an
earlier date than mine) here encamped, and all things went
well. But he has orders to march and join the army near
New - York ; his regiment has this day decamped, and when
he himself is gone, my commission takes place. But Col-
onel Cook, who commands a regiment of Militia lately raised
in this State, claims rank though his commission is of later
date, contrary, as 1 think, to an express rule and determina-
tion of the General Congress. He founds his claim on a
particular order of a Committee chose by the Court of this
State, and vested with extensive authority to transact matters
during the recess of the Court. Hence arises a difficulty
between Colonel Cook and myself; he can't resign the rank
the Committee has given him, and it appears to me not
proper or right for me to resign the rank that the Congress
have determined. Though with regard to myself personally
considered, and considering the shortness of my time here,
the matter in dispute is a matter of indifferency to me ; but
I would by no means do or cede any thing contrary to
Congress, or dishonorary to our State, or to my regiment.
Colonel Hall, the bearer of this, is to go by way of Provi-
dence, and Colonel Cook desires he would call upon the
Secretary there for a copy of the proceedings of the above-
named Committee relative to this affair, which copy, if he
preserves, will exhibit to your Honours ; likewise Colonel
Hall, if desired, can give you a more particular account
of this matter. 1 humbly desire your Honours will be
pleased to give me your orders or direction how I shall con-
1019
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1020
duct with respect to this difficulty, and favour me with the
same soon as may he.
I am your Honours' most obedient, humble servant,
JNO. GUSHING, Jun.
To the honourable Council and the honourable House of
Representatives of the State of Massachusetts-Bay.
Providence, October 12, 1776.
Captain Arthur Crawford, of this place, has taken and
sent into a safe port, a ship from London, bound for Qi<e-
beck, laden with blankets, woollen cloths, Irish linens,
sheeting, dowlas, shoes, stockings, boots, brandy, port-wine,
bottled porter, cheese, &,c. Her cargo, when she started,
was estimated at fifteen thousand pounds sterling. He has
likewise taken two ships from Jamaica.
Tuesday last arrived from a cruise, the sloop Providence,
Captain Jones, in the service of the United States. During
her cruise she took thirteen prizes, most of them fishermen ;
six of which she burnt or sunk, after taking out the hands,
and ordered the others to different ports. One of them is
arrived at the eastward.
Captain Coffin, in the Favourite privateer, of this port,
has taken a ship from Jamaica, bound for London, laden
with sugar, rum, limes, pimento, &c. Tins prize is also
arrived in a safe harbour.
Thursday last arrived the privateer Industry, Captain
Child, of this port. About a fortnight since, lie fell in with
a very large Jamaica ship, mounting ten carriage-guns,
which he engaged for several hours; but ihe sea running
high, and his vessel making much water, he could only
bring two of his guns to bear, and was finally obliged to quit
her. Captain Child had two men killed, and five or six
wounded.
We hear that the Cerberus frigate has this week retaken
two valuable prizes, that had been captured by some of our
privateers. The hands that were put on board one of them
escaped in their boat.
Exeter, N. H., October 12, 1776.
Wednesday next, the General Assembly of this State are
to meet in this town, by desire of the Committee of Safety,
in consequence of the resolve of Congress relative to form-
ing a new army. Circular letters to all the members for
this purpose, were sent off by express last Saturday.
Last Friday, Captain Thomas Palmer, of Portsmouth,
arrived there in seven weeks from France, with a valuable
cargo of powder, small-arms, flints, lead, &,c.
On the 16th of September he met with a large fleet of
thirty-three sail of English transports, among which he took
three to be men-of-war, and being so near, that he and a
gentleman, passenger on board, who is going to South-
Carolina, were both obliged to throw over all their papers
and letters of consequence, expecting every moment to be
taken.
These gentlemen also inform that the French have two
fleets at sea, one of nine and the other of eleven sail-of-the-
line, who are supposed to cruise, in order to prevent the
progress of the Russian fleet in the Baltick. In all French
ports American vessels are received with the utmost indul-
gence imaginable, and the French are daily in expectation
of hearing the Colonies had declared their independency of
Great Britain ; that an embargo had been laid three months
on all shipping outward bound in Spain, expecting daily a
declaration of war with Portugal.
Should a war between Spain and Portugal take place,
France will inevitably Hssist Spain ; and England, being by
treaty obliged to assist Portugal with a certain body of
troops, will have both the Powers of Spain and France to
fight.
Thursday last, Captain Parker, in a privateer, who sailed
from Portsmouth about three wei-ks ago, sent in a prize
schooner, loaded with fish and oil; and m pursuit of several
more, in sight, when he despatched the above.
Portsmouth, N. H., October 12, 1776.
Last Wednesday arrived at Falmouth, a prize ship of
between three and four hundred tons, from Portsmouth, in
England, to Qucbcck, laden with powder, nails, beef, but-
ter, &.c. ; had sixteen carriage guns, eight of which were
mounted. She was taken by a privateer from Newbury, by
stratagem.
SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Paris, October 13, 1776.
SIR : Before the receipt of this, you will have seen Mr.
Carmichael, to whom I refer you on many subjects. Yours
of the 8th I received since his departure, and have only to
ask of you to procure the proper testimonials of this very
extraordinary and cruel proceeding at H , respecting
Mr. Shoemaker, a family of which name I knew in Phila-
delphia. These testimonials will be a proper ground to go
upon in demanding satisfaction, which I do not think, how-
ever, had best be asked until the independence of the Col-
onies has been formally announced ; and proper powers for
this step have been delayed strangely, or, perhaps, inter-
rupted. \our zeal in this cause reflects honour on your
private as well as publick sentiments of justice and rectitude,
and I will transmit to the honourable Congress of the United
States in my first letters a copy of your memoir. I am still
without intelligence of any kind from America, save that on
the 20th of August, a battle was hourly expected at New-
York. No prospect of reconciliation. The British forces
in Canada are not likely to effect any thing this season ; and,
consequently, all hopes in England, rest on the event of a
single action at New- York, which the publick are made to
believe will prove decisive; and so it may, if the fate of the
day should be for us, and the enemy have no retreat or
resources in America; but by no means decisive if it incline
the other way. I trouble you with the enclosed for Mr.
Carmichael.
I am, with great respect, &ic., SILAS DEANE.
WILLIAM FITZHUGH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Annapolis, Maryland, October 13, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I had the honour to receive your favour of the
5th instant, and arn much obliged to you.
I hope you will forgive the trouble I have given and
may hereafter give you by recommendations, and show no
more regard to them than you think, or may know, they
deserve, as in my situation I have many applications which
might be thought unfriendly to reject. You may, however,
be assured that I will not name to you a man whom I do
not know or believe to be worthy.
I suppose Lieutenant Steward, if he deserves it, will be
promoted in the corps to which he belongs ; and with respect
to Wilkinson, who I verily believe is a young fellow of
great merit, I will endeavour, as you are pleased to advise,
to get him provided for in the battalions to be raised here.
But in the interim, as I presume you have frequent commu-
nication with General Gates, or the commanding officer of
the Northern department, I should be much obliged to you
for making mention of him, referring to his conduct and
behaviour.
This Convention have now sent Commissioners to your
camp, to incorporate our Independent companies, and to
form into battalions such of our Flying-Camp as will enter
on the terms and conditions directed by Congress for the
Continental army, and carrying with them blank commis-
sions for such officers who will continue, or may be pro-
moted. I cannot say that conferring such a trust was
entirely agreeable to me; but as it could not be avoided, I
moved for and carried an instruction, "that the Commis-
sioners be instructed to consult with and take the advice of
his Excellency General Washington respecting the pro-
motion or appointment of officers." This I imagine will
guard against an evil which their want of experience and
knowledge in military affairs perhaps could not have
been avoided.
As my particular friend General Beall is of the Flying-
Camp, and the term of their service will expire on the 1st
day of December next, 1 could wish to have had him
appointed Colonel of the incorporated Independent com-
panies; but it was thought it might be injurious to the Field
Officers of Colonel Smallwood's regiment. However, if a
battalion is formed out of the Flying-Camp and remainder
of the Independent companies now with you, for the Con-
tinental service, the Brigadier (if he will accept of it) ought,
of course, to have the command. It would be a pity, and
a real loss to the service, if so valuable an officer as Beall
should be discharged from it, as must be the case at the
1021
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1022
expiration of the term of the Flying-Camp unless some
provision is made for him. I believe this gentleman had
the honour to bje known to you in former service, and there-
fore will not say more of him at present. His Brigade-
Major is a brave young man, and I hope will be provided
for in the new corps.
I arn glad your loss on evacuating New-York was not
greater than you mention. It is less than I feared and
expected. I never looked on Neiv- York as a place tenable
against an enemy commanding the water, even if their land
force had been inferiour to what it was, and I heartily rejoice
at your having made so good a retreat from it; but am still
distressed to think of your winter quarters, considering the
want of tents, warm clothing, &,c. Yet, as many reinforce-
ments are going to you, and I trust will be provided with
every thing necessary, I doubt not but that you will be
able to keep your adversaries within due bounds this cam-
paign, and that they will be sick of their enterprise before
the middle of next summer. I am sorry to find that the
delay of Congress to settle a Confederation has created some
jealousy and uneasiness; but hope it will not be attended
by any evil consequences.
I believe our Convention now sitting will remonstrate
with Congress on the subject of Crown lands in the differ-
ent States, not already granted or located, as there is an
opinion held up that all such lands ought to be applied to
defray the general expense of the United States in the
war.
We have ordered eight battalions for the Continental
army, including our troops already sent, or such of them as
will engage during the war, to be raised immediately, and
have no doubt of their being completed in proper time, as
the inhabitants of this State appear to me to have a warm
zeal for the cause of America.
I was applied to by many members of Convention to
go as one of the Commissioners to New-York, and should
have been exceedingly happy in the opportunity of paying
my personal respects to you, but arn so very blind that I
can scarcely walk across a room, and as matters of impor-
tance must come on, in the formation of a new Government,
which is now under consideration, I did not think myself at
liberty, or that it would be prudent, to leave the Convention
at this time, and therefore declined it.
Mrs. Fitzhugh is now with me, and joins in affectionate
compliments and best wishes for your health and success.
I have the honour to be, with sincere regard, your Excel-
lency's affectionate and obliged humble servant,
WILLIAM FITZHUGH.
P. S. Permit me to recommend to your countenance and
favour Captain Thomas Smyth, Jun., of Colonel Richard-
son's battalion, Flying-Camp, formerly a Lieutenant in
Colonel Smallwood's regiment. He is a son of my par-
ticular friend, Thomas Smyth, Esq., of Chester-Town, who
is now a member of our Council of Safety and Convention,
and is a brave and worthy young gentleman.
This will be delivered to you by Thomas Contee, Esq.,
who goes to the camp as one of our Commissioners. I beg
leave to introduce him to your usual civility.
The enclosed is a part of our Commissioners' instructions,
referred to in this letter.
Dear sir, yours affectionately,
WILLIAM FITZHUGH.
" That the Commissioners be instructed to consult with
and take advice from his Excellency General Washington,
respecting the promotion or appointment of officers in Col-
onel Smallwood's regiment, and appointments to be made
in the battalions to be formed pf the Independent compa-
nies and Flying-Camp of this State."
AQUILLA HALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
October 13, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to the resolve of Convention of the 10th
September last, to select a company of volunteers out of
the Twenty-Third Battalion in Harford County, I now
make a return of the officers' names which are appointed to
that company, and am of opinion a com pleter company has
not gone from Maryland. The officers are: Francis Hol-
land, Captain; John Carlisle, First Lieutenant; William
Young, Second Lieutenant; and Robert Morgan, Ensign.
If their commissions are sent to me shall take care to have
them delivered with despatch. I have advanced to Mr.
William Roe £3 10s. 4d., for his expenses and trouble in
going to Annapolis for the money for the company, as per
the account enclosed, and beg the favour of your sending
the money by the first safe hand, as cash is very scarce with
me.
I am, sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
AquiLLA HALL.
To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., President.
LIEUTENANT BOND TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, Sunday Morning, October 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Captain Norwood being out of town, I
take the liberty of answering your letter. I have eighteen
men in the barracks in Baltimore which has received their
bounty, and some of them a month's advance; and I be-
lieve the Second Lieutenant has nine, which is all the men
there is enrolled in Captain Norwood's company, and I
don't think the remainder could be got in less than a month
from this time. Twelve of those men are willing to inlist
during the war, or be turned over to another company if
none of their officers go with them.
Captain Deems is likewise out of town ; 'tis probable you
may not hear from him per this express. He wants a num-
ber of his men, perhaps ten or twelve. The expense of our
men has been considerable, and I would be glad to know,
as they are at my charge, whether they will be turned over
to Deems's company, or discharged, and go free with what
they have. 1 will forward your letter to Captain Norwood
as fast as possible, that he may return the money not ex-
pended ; and in the interim remain, gentlemen, your very
obedient servant, K D
NATHANIEL BOND,
First Lieutenant of Norwood's Company.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
P. S. Since writing the above I have seen Captain
Deems, who has agreed to wait on you himself to-morrow
morning ; and if Captain Norwood does not come in town,
I will likewise wait on you with the names of the men that's
enrolled. N. B.
THOMAS HUGHES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Charles-Town, Cecil County, October 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I was in hopes I should by this day's post
have received some instructions from your Board about
Captain Maxwell's company's marching, as they have been
furnished some days with guns and blankets and a few (not
above four or five) bayonets, which is all that could be got
here. Mr. Hartshorn called at Baltimore agreeable to your
order, and got cartouch-boxes and haversacks, and I am
told the canteens have since arrived at the Head-of-Elk;
but no tents are yet come, and the people here ask such
an exorbitant price for their coarse linen, that 1 think, if
there is any probability of getting them in Philadelphia, it
would be better for the company to go that far without
them. However, I shall act in that respect agreeable to
your instructions, which I hope you will forward as soon as
possible.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
THO. HUGHES.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN FALCONER.
Philadelphia, October 13, 1776.
SIR : We are in great want of coals to make anchors and
other smith's work for the frigates here, and as you are
going on publick business into the States of Connecticut,
Rhode-Island, Massachusetts, and New-Hampshire, you
may probably meet with some coals fit for smith's use, that
have been or may be taken on board some of the prizes
sent into those places. Should that happen, we request
you will purchase as many as will load two schooners
or sloops, and send them to us immediately. For this pur-
pose we desire you will buy two fast-sailing Marblehead
schooners or sloops that will sail and carry well. Buy them
cheap as possible, and if you get coals send them here di-
rectly. If you get the schooners but cannot get the coals,
then put some salt, sugars, or rum, on board, as much in
value as you think will pay for a load of coals for each, at
1023
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1024
about two shillings per bushel, and despatcli them with the
same immediately for James river, Virginia, consigned to
the Hon. Benjamin Harrison, Esq., enclosing him an in-
voice of the goods you send, and advising him to sell those
goods and load the vessel with coals immediately, despatch-
ing the same to us.
You will take care to procure active, good masters, mates,
and men, and manage the whole to the best advantage for
the [niblick ; and as you have this and other business to
transact, we deliver you herewith four thousand dollars, for
which you are to account on your return. We also give
you letters of credit and recommendation to the Continental
agents in each State, and a warrant authorizing you to sur-
vey the Continental frigates at Rhode-Island • but since
this was agreed to we have heard these frigates are com-
pleted and ready for the sea, which we hope may be true.
We are. sir, your very humble servants.
To Captain Nathan Falconer.
MARINE COMMITTEE CIRCULAR.
Philadelphia, October 13, 1776.
SIR : This will be delivered to you by Nathaniel Fal-
coner, Esq., a gentleman in our service, and who has in
charge to execute some business for us in yours or the
neighbouring States. Should he stand in need of your
assistance we hope it will be readily afforded him, and if he
wants money you may depend that his drafts will be paid.
We recommend this gentleman to your friendly attention,
and are, sir, your very humble servants.
To Nathaniel Shaw, Jun.,Esq. ; Daniel Tillinghast, Esq.;
John Bradford, Esq. ; John Langdon, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO COMMITTEE AT RHODE-ISLAND.
Philadelphia, October 13, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We fear our orders of the 9th instant for
sending a set of cannon from your State to New- Hampshire,
may not be so proper as we thought them at the time of
signing; because we are since informed through several
channels, that the frigates building under your direction are
quite or very near fit for the sea, which is a very different
account from that which caused us to send that order.
Therefore to prevent inconvenience, or disadvantage to the
publick service, we despatch this immediately after the other,
and desire you may not forward the said cannon for Ports-
mouth, if your ships are actually ready for service, for our
view is only to get such of the frigates as are ready into
action, and it matters not to us whether it be your's or the
New-Hampshire frigate that goes first. But you will still
answer what we have said to Governour Hopkins re-
specting cannon.
We are, gentlemen, your humble servants.
To the Committee employed in building and fitting frigates
at Rhode-Island.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, October 13, 1776.
SIR: Since sending you our orders of the 9th instant, we
are well informed that the frigates at Rhode-Island are
ready for sea, and if that is really the case, it would be im-
proper to strip them of the cannon to send them to you.
We have now wrote the Committee to keep their cannon if
their ships are actually fit for service, for we did not mean
by the former order to give a preference; it was our design
only to prevent the guns from lying useless there when you
wanted them. But we desire them to tell us whether they
will not cast another set, and on what terms.
We are, sir, your humble servants.
To John Langdon, Esq.
GOUVERNEUR MORRIS TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Boonton, New-Jersey, October 13, 1776.
SIR: I take the liberty to enclose you a letter which I
brought in person to have delivered. Truth is* a series of
accidents loo trifling for recital, have prevented me the plea-
sure of attending the Convention according to my serious
intention for upwards of a month past. Among the last, let
me mention the loss of all my horses. As soon as I can
find any one of them, or purchase another, I shall hasten to
the Fishkills. Mr. Lott is to my knowledge employed in
perfecting a state of his accounts for the inspection of the
House, and is, I assure you, the remotest degree possible
from contravening, disbelieving, or doubting your authority,
•which, I dare say, he will give you the fullest evidence of.
But the disorders of the State have affected the private
affairs of every person near to the immediate seat of con-
fusion. Jiulgi; then whether intricate accounts can be
instantly adjusted from papers hastily thrown together and
moved upon the spur of the occasion by any person what-
soever, much less by one who is liable to continual inter-
ruptions by those who, being fellow sufferers with him in
the general calamity, claim the right of hospitality at his
board.
I am, respectfully, sir, yours, GOUV'R MORRIS.
To the honourable the President of the Convention of the
State of New-York. In the care of Robert Morris,
Lsq., Huckensack.
HICHARD DALLAM TO MICHAEL HILLEGAS.
State of New-Jersey, Brunswick, October 13, 1776.
SIR: I am requested by the Deputy Quartermaster-Gen-
eral to transmit to Gustavus Risberg, his assistant at Phila-
delphia, the number of nineteen thousand seven hundred
and forty dollars, but having no convenient opportunity of
transmitting it by, and thinking it may be of publick service
to have it paid in Philadelphia, I have taken this liberty to
mention it to you, and if you can, consistent with your
office, pay the aforesaid sum of nineteen thousand seven
hundred and forty dollars, and debit me therewith till I
obtain another order on you from Congress, which I must
soon apply for, you will oblige me as well as Colonel
Biddle.
The Congress have pointed out to me no particular mode
of transacting such matters as this, though I have requested,
which is the reason of my applying to you in this manner.
I expect to be in Philadelphia towards the last of this
week, on a visit to Mrs. Dallam, from whom I never was half
so long absent, and will get this in interim.
I am, sir, your very obedient, humble servant,
RICHARD DALLAM, D. P. M. Gen' I.
To Michael Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer.
CAPTAIN SMITH (ENGLISH) TO SAMUEL GLOVER.
Brookhaven, Long-Island, N. Y., October 18, 1776.
SIR : In consequence of instructions I have just received
from Head-Quarters, you are forthwith to impress wagons
and horses for his Majesty's service. The number is un-
limited ; therefore do not stint the cause. If you can't get
a sufficient number of wagons, teams will answer, a driver
for every team, which you'll send without loss of time, to
White Stone, near Flushing. I beg, sir, you'll exert your-
self on this occasion. Don't omit one moment, as it seems
to be critical.
JACOH SMITH, Capt. 1st Comp. 1st Bat.
De Lancey's Brigade.
To Samuel Glover.
COLONEL EWING TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Camp near Harlem, October 13, 1776.
HONOURABLE SIRS : I arrived here the 18th ultimo, where
I found the three companies I forwarded from Baltimore,
under the care of Major Eden, Captain Poscy, Young, and
Lowe, the latter of which I found wounded, which lie re-
ceived in an engagement which happened the Monday
before I arrived. The next day we were joined by Captain
Hanson and Mugriuler, the i22d by Captain Tillard and
Bowie, and the 1st instant by Captain Forrest, so that I
have eight companies here, and am in daily expectation of
Captain Brooks's company, which will complete my bat-
talion. Sorry I am to inform you that the battalion is very
sickly. By the last return, 1 had two hundred and thirty-
seven privates sick, besides officers, owing to our lying on
the cold ground, without straw or plank, which is not to be
had, and medicine very scarce. Great numbers of the sol-
diers are badly off for clothing. I have given the Captains
1025
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1026
orders on the Continental store for what things they want,
but even there they cannot he supplied. Numbers of the
soldiers are without blankets. Several who never received
any, and some of the first three companies lost theirs in
leaving New-York.
I have furnished General Beall with the account of all the
arms and accoutrements received by my battalion from the
State of Maryland, as delivered rne by the Captains, all but
Captain Poscy, who is in die country at sick lodgings.
Yesterday morning we were alarmed here by an express
which arrived at Head -Quarters from General Heath, who
commands over King's Bridge, informing his Excellency
that the enemy had landed about four thousand troops, with
an intent of cutting off our communication with the country;
upon which we were all ordered to our alarm-posts, and
General McDougall's brigade, in which is Colonel Small-
wood and the Independent companies, were ordered to march
immediately to King's Bridge. There was a report in the
evening that the enemy were in possession of East and
West- Chester ; if so, am doubtful the sick and wounded,
with a great deal of stores, are fallen into their hands.
There is orders come out for our soldiers to cook three
days' provisions, and to hold themselves in readiness for an
immediate march, by which it is thought we will evacuate
this island.
About four days ago there was three men-of-war, frigates,
went up North River past all our forts. One gentleman
walked the second deck, seemingly in command, as if
nothing was the matter, and seven forts keeping a constant
fire at the ship. What damage was done is uncertain, but
believed to be very trifling.
Our soldiers, what of them are in health, appear to be in
good spirits, though ragged, and several without shoes to
their feet. The three first companies have gained great
honour under command of the Major, who I believe to be a
brave man ; and I'm in hopes the other companies when
tried, will not disgrace them. All the Field Officers here
would be much obliged to you for the settlement of the rank
of the battalions and the officers of the Flying-Camp. It is
a very material affair ; therefore hopes on receipt of this you
will settle it, and inform us how.
I have ordered the Captains to draw out the pay-roll of
their several companies agreeable to the mode here, by
which those of the officers who have not settled with you
will lose mileage. I have assured them that I have no doubt
but you will make it good to them.
I am, with due respect, honourable sirs, your most obe-
dient servant, THOS> EwlNG
To the honourable Council of Safety.
Mr. Parsons, my Quartermaster, is arrived, who informs
me you are angry at my not writing, which is the cause of
my sending you so long an epistle, the incorrectness of which
you will please excuse.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM HARLEM, DATED OCTOBER 13,
1776.
Yesterday morning, about four thousand of the enemy
landed at Fogg's, or Frog's Point, about six miles above
us. A detachment was immediately sent to oppose them ;
the enemy got possession of the point, but, as I was informed
last night", had made no farther progress. Our people, I
am told, had taken up a bridge which was there, and felled
trees across the road, to obstruct them till a reinforcement
could arrive. In the afternoon, forty-two sail passed the
mouth of Harkm river, in their way to the point. They
consisted of sloops, schooners, brigs, and nine ships. I
expect there will be bloody work there to-day. From the
number of men landed and the ships that went up, I think
this can be no feint, but that the main body of Howe's
army must be there, and that there he intends to make his
coup. This week will probably finish the campaign.
The day before yesterday the General's barge, which
had run up the North River before the ships, returned, and
came opposite to Mount Washington, where our people
mistook her for one of the enemy's boats, fired at her, killed
three men, and wounded the Captain.
Upon the ships' arrival at Dobbs's Ferry, they landed
some men, and plundered a storehouse, which is all the
damage I hear of their doing.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 13, 1776.
SIR : I have been favoured with your two letters of the
3d and 6th instant. In answer to the first, I am not only
willing, but shall be much obliged by your settling with the
gentlemen to whom money was advanced for purchasing
arms, and for which purpose I have transmitted a list of the
warrants that were drawn in their favour. Before I left
Cambridge, some of the gentlemen (three, four, or more of
them) accounted with me; but having sent away my books,
in which their names and the balances they paid in were
enclosed, some time before the evacuation of New-York, I
cannot particularize them, and therefore have forwarded a
list of the whole.
In respect to the latter, and the invoice it contains, as
the articles seem all to be necessary' and many of them are
much wanted, I think you cannot do better than to order
them to be sent to the Quartermaster-General, for the use
of the army here.
We are again deprived of the navigation of the North
River, and the supplies which used to come through that
channel, by means of the enemy's fleet, three of their ships-
of-war, with three or four tenders, having passed our bat-
teries and chevaux-de-frise, on the morning of the 9th,
without any apparent damage from the former, though >a
heavy fire was kept up as they went by, or any interruption
from the latter. They now lay at Tarrytown, twenty-five
or thirty miles abov.e this.
Yesterday the enemy landed a considerable body of men
at Frog's Point, about nine miles from hence up the Sound,
and several vessels following in the evening, with troops on
board, and from the information received from two deserters
who came out last night, we have reason to believe that
their main force is now there, and that they have in view
the prosecution of their original plan, that of getting in our
rear, and cutting off our communication with the country.
The place they are at is rather an island than a point,
on every flood-tide being surrounded by water. I have
posted a part of our force on the passes leading from it, and
have directed some small works to be thrown up for their
security.
I am, &tc., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Ward, Boston.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL TASK.
Head-duarters, October 13, 1776.
SIR: Since I wrote you by Lieutenant-Colonel Welch,
upon the subject of fixing on quarters for your troops, I
have received from the Committee of Safety for this State
such an account of its alarming situation, owing to the num-
ber of disaffected, together with the little confidence that
can be placed on the Militia of some of the Counties, that
I find it necessary to order a part of the New-Hampshire
troops to their assistance, and do therefore direct you to
march your regiment with all possible despatch to Fishkills,
where you will receive further directions from the Com-
mittee. 1 think it will be proper to send an officer forward
to give the Committee notice of your coming, that they
may assign you the places where it will be most suitable to
post your men. 1 am, sir, Sic.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Colonel Thomas Task, of the New-Hampshire Militia.
P. S. Do not delay your march a moment, nor the send-
ing an officer to the Convention of this State, now sitting at
the Fishkills.
COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH.
October 13, 1776.
SIR : It being necessary since the late movement of the
enemy to form some plan, the General proposes a meeting of
the General Officers this day, at twelve o'clock, at or near
King's Bridge. He desires you would give those in your
division notice of it, with as little stir as possible, and by
the return of the messenger let him know where you would
have them meet, as we are strangers to a suitable place.
I am, sir, in haste, your obedient, humble servant,
J. REED.
To General Heath.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
65
1027
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1028
COLONEL GRAYSON TO GENERAL HEATH.
Head-Quarters, October 13, 1776.
Sin: I beg leave to inform you that his Excellency (as
the enemy did not attempt landing at Morrissania this
morning) thinks it would he advisable to send a stronger
force towards the two passes near the enemy, where our
men were posted yesterday, and also to throw up some
works for their cover and defence. He also recommends
strongly to your attention, the keeping a good look-out at
Pelfs Point, at the mouth of East-Chester creek, and at
Hunt's and It'illet's points, for the sake of gaining intelli-
gence, these posts to be considered as look-outs only.
Should the enemy make any movement, you will imme-
diately communicate it to Head-Quarters. You will write
to the General by return of this messenger, and let him
know what has happerfcd since.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
WILL'M GHAYSON, A. D. C.
To the Hon. Major-General Heath.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS IN ULSTER COUNTY, NEW-YORK.
October 13, 1776.
At a meeting of the Field Officers of Ulster County, at
the house of Mrs. Ann Duboise, at the New-Pallz:
Present : Colonel Hasbrouck, Colonel McClaghry,Co\o-
nel Elmendorph, Colonel Hoornbeck, Major Jansen, Major
fVynkoop.
Have appointed Major Wyrikoop to take the command
of the two hundred men immediately to be raised in said
County, pursuant to the resolves of the Committee of
Safety for the State of New- York, dated October 10th and
llth.
Also, unanimously agreed, that three Captains, three
First Lieutenants, and three Second Lieutenants, be ap-
pointed by the Field Officers in their respective regiments
in said County :
Colonel Hasbrouck, one Captain, one First Lieutenant.
Colonel McClaghry, one Captain, two Second Lieuts.
Colonel Elmendorph, one Captain, one Second Lieut.
Colonel Hoornbeck, two First Lieutenants.
JONATHAN HASBROUCK, Colonel.
MAJOR CONKLING S PAROLE.
I promise, on honour, not in any wise to forward or assist
the subjects or allies of the King of Great Britain, in their
operations against any of the United States of America.
Neither to correspond or have any connection with them
during the present war. I also further promise, that I will
return to the State of Connecticut when required, and sub-
mit to any determination the State of New- York may make
concerning me.
Given under my hand at Say-Brook, this 13th day of
October, 1776.
THOMAS CONKLING.
GEORGE HOWELL'S PAROLE.
I promise, on honour, not in any wise to forward or assist
the subjects or allies of the King of Great Britain, in their
operations against any of the United States of America.
Neither to correspond or have any connection with them
during the present war.
Given under my hand, this 14th day of October, 1776.
GEORGE HOWELL.
JOHN CARTER TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 13, 1776.
SIR : I am favoured with your letter of the 4th instant,
requiring me, and the gentlemen joined by Congress in
commission with me, to audit the accounts of the Northern
department, to repair immediately to Ticondcroga. Gen-
eral Schuyler had already acquainted me that he had
received a letter from you, in which you desired him to order
us up to Ticonderoga. I informed him that we were sent
by Congress to this place for the purpose of examining
accounts, and that we were not under the direction of any
officer in the army. I conceive that the accounts which
are to be settled at Ticonderoga are by no means pressing,
and that they may be examined at the end of the campaign
as well as at present ; but was it absolutely necessary that
they should be immediately liquidated, there are accounts
here of much greater consequence, which will render it
impossible for us to leave this place.
1 am, very respectfully, sir, your most humble servant,
JOHN CARTER.
To Major-General Gates.
COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES.
Crown-Point, October 13, 1776, half-after 11 o'clock, A.M.
HONOURED SIR : The alarm of yesterday proves to be a
true one. The enemy are approaching. The wind is very
favourable to them. They have been firing, for two hours
past, a few heavy guns. I know not whether our fleet will
be able to effect a retreat to this place or not. The enemy,
I presume, will be soon on the neighbouring banks. If our
fleet should be beat and taken, I shall endeavour (o make a
retreat, if I have notice in time. I have sent off my sick
and heavy baggage. I hope they will be secured and
stored.
The want of ball in the fleet may be very unlucky. I
am but a young officer, but shall act as well as I can.
Captain Church is here on a scout, with forty men. I de-
tain him a little. Should a retreat be necessary, he will
make it with us.
You depend upon the alarm guns. I have fifed them
twice to-day.
I am told two sails are just in sight.
I am, in haste, your most obedient, humble servant,
THOS. HARTLEY.
Newark, in East-Jersey, October 21, 1776.
On the llth instant, a hot engagement commenced on
Lake Champlain, between the fleet under the command of
General Arnold and that commanded by General Sir Guy
Carleton, which continued almost the whole day, and, for
the most part, was greatly in favour of General Arnold, but
terminated to the advantage of General Carleton.
William Briggs, a seaman belonging to the Washington
galley, on the lake, arrived here last Thursday. He says
that the English fleet consists of thirty-six sail, from a
twenty-gun ship to a gunboat, the whole commanded by
General Sir Guy Carleton, General Burgoyne being indis-
posed ; that two. gondolas belonging to the English were
sunk, and their crews perished ; and that eleven of our ves-
sels out of sixteen were taken, or run ashore and destroyed ;
that the vessel commanded by General Arnold was run
ashore and blown up. The Washington galley, under the
command of General Waterbury, and the crew, amounting
to one hundred and four, were treated with much polite-
ness, the wounded part taken great care of, all discharged
upon their parole, and guarded through the woods by some
soldiers, lest they shall fall in with the Indians, who were
there in great numbers ; that the land forces did not come
out with the fleet, but were to follow in a day or two, and,
it was said, would invest Ticonderoga last Sunday. Our
troops at that post consisted often thousand effective men,
well supplied, and in high spirits. A bomb-ketch did great
damage to our vessels, many of the shells being thrown on
board with great exactness. Our loss in the engagement
not known ; there were four killed, and some wounded, on
board the Washington galley.
Colonel Dayton's battalion is ordered from Fort Stanwix.
to Ticonderoga, and is to be replaced by Colonel NicolFs,
from the German Flats. The Militia of the Counties of
Albany, Tryon, &ic., were all in motion.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-Haven, October 13, 1776.
SIR: Since mine of the llth instant by express, have
received pretty sure intelligence that a plan is Ibrming by
the noted Major Rogers, a famous partisan, or ranger, in
the last war, now in the service of General Howe, on Long-
Island, where he is collecting a battalion of Tories, with
such as he can procure from the main army, many of which
we understand have lately stole over to join him, and who
1029
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &cc., OCTOBER, 1778.
1030
are perfectly acquainted with every inlet and avenue into
the towns of Greenwich, Stamford, and Norwalk, where
are considerable quantities of Continental stores. The design
of Rogers, as far as we can learn, is from Huntingdon to
make a sudden descent in the night more especially on the
town of Nonvalk, not only to take the stores there, but to
burn and destroy all before them there. It is to be noted
that about two hours will bring them over in the night from
Huntingdon to Norwalk, or the other towns mentioned, in
and near which are many Tories expected to join them.
The Militia lately returned into those towns and others
near, are mostly sick and infirm. I have understood that
the New-Hampshire Militia on their way for your army,
were ordered to be stationed for a while at Norwalk and
Greenwich, or Horseneck, but find now they are all moved
forward from Norwalk.
I thought it my duty to acquaint your Excellency with
every intelligence from the enemy, and of their designs,
that you might take such steps as you should think proper to
counteract them. The towns mentioned are much alarmed,
especially Norwalk, who have taken an active part in bring-
ing off inhabitants, stock, and stores from Long-Island, and
are particularly threatened with reprisals being made upon
them.
1 have ordered Captain Niles, in the Spy, to cruise along
the Sound as far westward as it will be safe for him to go,
which is perhaps as far as Byram river. He is now in
that quarter. I understand there are two small privateer
sloops now at or near Norwalk, viz : Captains Rogers and
Bond, the one believe belongs to the State of New-York,
the other Continental, but am informed they are about leav-
ing that station. If they with Nilcs were to cruise back
and forward along the Sound, and towards the western part,
they might be of special service to prevent any sudden
incursion of parties of the enemy from Long-Island, as well
as be safe convoys for your stores along the coast to Byram.
Colonel Niles only can be under my direction. Your plan
for a descent on Long-Island is ripening as fast as possible
to be put in execution, and as far as I can learn by Colonel
Livingston, he cannot make out of those assigned to him
above eleven or twelve hundred men. Whether he ought
not to be joined or reinforced by as many as to make up
two thousand or more, must submit to your Excellency, on
whose knowledge and judgment I can most safely rely.
1 have enclosed the copies of two letters discovered or
forced from the possessors, for your perusal, but the most
particular account of Rogers's intentions are from a friendly
woman of good character, who made her escape from
Huntingdon a few nights ago, where Rogers with his party
then was.
Our Assembly are now sitting at this place, and will have
to make out the arrangement of the officers for the new
army before they rise ; therefore should be glad your Excel-
lency would forward the list desired as soon as may be, as
I expect one from General Gates of those in his department
in a few days.
JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To His Excellency General Washington.
September 27, A. D. 1776.
I had a good passage over to the island, where I am at
present, and am like to remain. I am under Captain Fair-
child, in Colonel Rogers's battalion of Rangers, and as to
news of the Rebel side I find it as false as ever.
I have not heard from home since I came away, and
should be exceeding glad if you could send me word. As
to rny coming away, I must own that my wife as well as all
others was ignorant of my coming away, which makes me
the more anxious of hearing from home and sending home.
The whole say and desire of the army is to have the Rebels
stand their gound, and the jig will soon be to an end. I
should write to my wife above all others, but be kind enough
to let her know that I am well. We expect to remove
from Flushing to some other part of the island soon. Be
good enough to remember my love to my wife and child,
and if she has any desire to see this, let her. And you may
tell her from me that the British troops will never give over
until they have gained the victory. And furthermore tell
her if she regards her own safety not to forsake her own
house when the troops come through the country, for who-
ever leaves home in that sort will have no favour shown to
them, but are deemed as Rebels and treated as such.
J. CABLE.
To Mr. Hezekial Jarvis, Norwalk, to be left at Jont.
Heteburn's.
The above and foregoing is a true copy from the original.
Examined per STEPHEN ST. JOHN, 2d.
New Town, Long-Island, September 28, 1776.
HONOURED MOTHER AND BROTHERS AND SISTER, I
take this opportunity to Let you know that I are well Thanks
be to God Hoping These may Find you well as they Leave
me at this present and since it hath pleased God of his
Bountiful Goodness amongst ye rest of abilitys Bestowed on
me to give me a small use of yc Pen the Noblest of Arts
that I may convey the Ideas of my mind Tho at ever so
Great a Distance, and since it hath been my Misfortune to
leave my Native Shoar to Seek on this Island a place of
Refuge from wicked and ungodly men, — vizt. — Eli is well
and likewise I are well, Caleb and Nathan is well Likewise.
My love to my wife and please to send her a Letter and
Let her know that I are well and expect soon to see her
&.c — the 27th of August Last the Loss of the Rebels on
this Island was 3550 killed and taken Prisoners. The
Loss of the British that they sustained was 250 men killed
and taken prisoners. But our army Consists now of Eighty
Thousand Besides Rangers and 200 Transports is expected
in every day Loden with men and unless they lay Down
their arms and Except of Mercy they will all be Destroyed
and cut off, they have Lost since August 27, 6000 men in
y Rebel Army.
So I remain your Friend and Brother, A I O
STEPHEN FOUNTAIN.
To Mr. Darias Olmsted, att Norwalfk This with care.
The above and foregoing is a true copy of the original.
Examined per STEPHEN ST. JOHN, 2d.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO COLONEL LIVINGSTON.
New-Haven, October 13, 1776.
SIR: I hope every thing will be prepared on my part,
and to your mind, that may facilitate your expedition to
Long-Island, though I cannot but wish your party to be
increased to at least two thousand men to go with you, or
that you should be reinforced with as many as to make up
that number soon after your arrival. I have wrote my
sentiments to General Washington on that head. Since
you left New-Haven have received intelligence, which
believe may be depended upon, that the infamous Major
Rogers, now employed by General Howe, and who you
know was a famous partisan or ranger in the last war, is
collecting a battalion of Tories on Long-Island and from
the main, many of whom have joined him at Huntingdon;
that he proposes soon to make a sudden attack in the night
on Norwalk, to take the Continental stores, and lay waste
the inhabitants there. Hope we shall be able to frustrate his
designs ; but thought it on my part to acquaint you with every
intelligence I receive from that quarter. Have therefore
enclosed you a copy of two letters lately found, and forced
from the possessors ; but, the most particular account of his
plan and intentions are from a friendly woman of good char-
acter, who lately made her escape from Huntingdon over to
the main a few nights ago. I have no need to apprise you
of the art of this Rogers. He has been a famous scouter, or
woods-hunter, skilled in waylaying, ambuscade, and sudden
attacks; to lead his men on, and very careful to get himself
off, though often leaves his men in the lurch.
I dare say you will guard against being surprised by him
or any other party. If he could be surprised and taken with
one Captain Fairchild and some others, who have joined
him, it would be a notable stroke on the Tories at least.
You will be so good as to advise me if any difficulties
happen in the way of your preparations, and be assured that
nothing shall be wanting in my power to obviate and remove
them.
I am, most respectfully, sir, your obedient, humble ser-
vant,
. JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To Colonel Henry B. Livingston, Saybrook.
1031
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1032
JOS. WHIFFLE TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Portsmouth, October 13, 1776.
SIR: The Committee of Safety for this State having by
an advertisement bearing date the '25th of July past, very
seriously and urgently recommended to the inhabitants and
proprietors of the several towns and tracts of land therein, to
repair their roads and bridges, so that warlike and other
stores might be transported for the defence and use of the
inhabitants of the frontier towns, particularly the road lead-
ing from IVolfborough through Conway to the Upper Cohos,
and the said recommendation having been totally disre-
garded, excepting only by the Masonian proprietors, who
have repaired their road from Wolfborongh toward Comcaij :
I therefore, in behalf of myself and the publick, who are
great sufferers by said neglect, beg leave with great defer-
ence to the judgment of the Committee, to request their
immediate consideration on this subject, for as the winter
season is now near at hand, it will be a matter of great
difficulty to make the repairs a few weeks later. The road
which is referred to in the Committee's advertisement, and
which is still neglected, leads from the Upper Cohos down
to Conway, where the bridges are lifted out of place by
a remarkable freshet, which happened a year past, which
renders passing almost impracticable for horses, and totally
so for a carriage of any kind, and also many trees (wind-
falls) lying across the road.
I humbly conceive that a detachment from the companies
now stationed at Northumberland and Conway might effect
this business, without any detriment to the publick good ;
which, however, I submit to the wisdom of the Committee.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your
most obedient and most humble servant,
J. WHIFFLE.
To the Honourable the Chairman of the Committee of
Safety.
Williamsburgh, November 1, 1776.
By a letter from Colonel William Christian to his Excel-
lency the Governour, of the 14th October, we have the
following intelligence, viz: That on the 12th, a white man
came in with a flag from the Raven warriour of Chote,
desiring peace, the night before he crossed Broad river;
whose reply was that they must first deliver up Cameron,
the incendiary, and our prisoners in their nation, and lay
down the hatchet; otherwise he should cross the river and
lay waste their towns, only extending mercy to such as had
behaved well to the States of America. The Colonel had
good reason to believe that this flag was only sent to amuse
him, although the real sentiments of three towns under the
influence of the Raven. The man who came with a flag
informed, that the advanced parties of the enemy were then
about his camp, and that the whole strength of the nation
would be ready to dispute his crossing the river that even-
ing ; which determined the Colonel immediately to set about
finding a proper ford, which his lookouts were fortunate
enough to discover by seeing four Indians pass over. How-
ever, an unfrequented place, a little below, was pitched
upon for the purpose, and at ten at night he set out with
between ten and eleven hundred men, two hundred of them
on horseback, and by one o'clock in the morning got safely
over, not without much danger and difficulty, the river being
about half a mile broad, deep and rapid, and the night very
dark, so that none of the men could wade, and he was fre-
quently obliged to make lights. About an hour before day
he marched to within a mile of the spot where he expected
the enemy were encamped, and at sunrise surrounded the
place, but found the Indians were gone; whereupon he
ordered the remaining part of the army, with the provisions
and the baggage, to be brought over, which was happily
effected. That day the Colonel was informed, by some
spies, that the whole force of the nation was near him, with
a determined resolution to attack him, and to skirmish with
_ him on his march to the towns. One of their principal
views was to destroy the cattle and horses, and in obedience
to Stuart's orders (now at Mobile) they were resolved to
make no peace, but to fight and retreat. The Colonel
expected it would take him four or five days to reach their
towns, as he should march very slow, and in order of battle.
It was reported that Stuart was sending eight hundred
Creeks, who were expected at the Cherokee towns in a very
few days. He writes, however, that he shall proceed and
endeavour to have matters settled before his return.
General Rutherford, o( North- Carolina, he was informed,
had returned to about Keowee, after laying waste the valley
towns.
Captain James M-Call, of South- Carolina, who was
taken prisoner the 1st of July last, by the Cherokecs, was
then with Colonel Christian in his camp, in good health;
and desires this piece of intelligence to be made publick for
the satisfaction of his family.
Of the 15th Colonel Christian writes, dated Broad river,
that he was just then preparing to march a little after sun-
rise. That Captain Gist came in the night before with a
flag from the Raven warriour, to intercede for Chote, as
from the answer he received to his first flag, he had turned
all of liis nation that he had influence over, and moved off
with his men from the Indian camp, upon which the others
followed. Captain Gist informed, that numbers yesterday
morning were moving off their families and corn : that one
thousand of the valley and lower settlement Indians are
now on this side, having quitted their country, and that
Cameron will try to assemble them all somewhere about
Hyu-assec, to defend that place, or bring them to fight. He
also says that there are several small parties about our camp,
who will do what harm they can; but that no general battle
will be fought until our army crosses the Tcnesue, or
towards Hywassee, if the Colonel follows the enemy there.
Colonel Christian supposes that Captain Gist's coming with
a flag was only an excuse for his leaving the Indians, and
that he seems sorry for what he has done, although many
of the army are much exasperated against him.
BALTIMORE COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
In Committee, Baltimore, October 14, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Enclosed you have a deposition made by
Mr. David Evans, a respectable inhabitant of this town,
against Francis Saunderson, for sundry expressions, which
appeared to us of such dangerous tendency that we conceive
it to be our duty to transmit him to you for further exami-
nation. We have accordingly sent him under a guard of
the Militia, accompanied by Mr. Evans the evidence against
him. The charge against Mr. Saunderson enraged the
people so much that it was with much difficulty he could
be protected from the popular resentment.
By order of the Committee :
SAM'L PURVIANCE, Jun.
To the honourable Council of Safety, Annapolis.
WILLIAM DAVIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, October 14, 1776.
SIR : Permit me to request you will please to assure the
honourable the Congress of the grateful sense I entertain of
their appointment of me to be Deputy Mustermaster Gen-
eral to the Flying-Camp. As my health is better estab-
lished than I expected, 1 hope they will accept my resigna-
tion of the commission they were pleased to give me, as the
apprehension of a bad state of health was the principal
cause of my solicitation. The trouble I have given you
will, I hope, be excused.
1 am, very respectfully, sir, your obliged and most obe-
dient servant, ,,,
WILLIAM DAVIS.
To the Hon. John Hancock, President of Congress.
MEMORIAL OF THE CHEVALIER D ANTIGNAC.
[Read October 16, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.]
To the honourable the Delegates from the STATES OF AMER-
ICA in Congress assembled:
The Memorial of the Chevalier D' ANTIGNAC humbly
showeth :
That your memorialist takes the liberty of offering his
services for raising a regiment of Light-Horse. No military
person is ignorant of the utility of such troops, either for a
coup-de-main, for obtaining intelligence, or for surprising an
enemy ; in short an army unprovided of such troops must
be exposed to many hazards and inconveniences.
The knowledge 1 have in this part of the service induces
me to make the following proposal to the honourable Con-
1033
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1034
gress; and if they will place so much confidence in me, I
flatter myself my conduct will be approved of. Should it
be agreeable to the honourable Congress to raise a regiment
of Light-Horse, I will undertake to teach the men to ride,
exercise and perform all the necessary evolutions in three
months ; or should a regiment not be approved of at present,
I will undertake to do the same with a company of fifty
men, flattering myself the Congress will honour me with
the rank of Colonel.
I have had the honour of serving in the King of France's
First Company of Musketeers, and it is well known that
the King frequently grants regiments to those musketeers
who can afford the expense, as that corps consists of the
first nobility. But my circumstances did not permit me to
arrive at that honour, as supporting the rank of a Colonel
in France is attended with a heavy expense ; but he can
supply what is requisite in this country.
It is not from an interested motive that your memorialist
is come into America, but from a principle of honour and
liberty; therefore does not desire any pay till he has proved
himself worthy the esteem of the honourable Congress, but
will serve the campaign at his own expense, rank being all
he is ambitious of.
All which is humbly submitted to the consideration of
the honourable Congress.
CHAMBARON, Chevalier d'Antignac.
LANCASTER (PENN.) COMMITTEE TO RICHARD PETERS.
In Committee, Lancaster, Pa., October 14, 1776.
SIR: Our last post brought the Committee your letter
of the 9th instant, upon receipt of which I applied to Mr.
Yeates for your letter respecting Captain Hesketh's bag-
gage, which is now sent by Christian Schwartz's wagoner,
being one trunk, one valise, one portmanteau, one pair. of
canteens, which Sergeant Cooper says contains all the bag-
gage of Captain Hesketh which was under his care, except
the coat and breeches mentioned in the Captain's letter to
the Sergeant, which .are delivered to Allen's wife by Cooper.
Sergeant Cooper desires me to mention that Captain Hes-
keth's late servant, Allen, is dead.
I have made no agreement with the man about the price
he is to have for carriage, but leave that to you.
1 am, sir, your very humble servant,
WILLIAM H. ATLEE, Chairman.
To Richard Peters, Esq.
To His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esquire, Com-
mander-in- Chief of the Troops raised and employed in
the service of the FREE, UNITED, AND INDEPENDENT
STATES OF AMERICA.
May it please your Excellency :
The honourable House of Assembly of Pennsylvania
having, by their commission under their seal bearing date
the 6th of.4pn7this present year, 1776, been pleased to
appoint me a Captain in the First Battalion of the Regi-
ment of Riflemen raised for the protection of that State, and
now called out and acting in the Continental service under
the immediate command of the Right Honourable Brigadier-
General Lord Stirling, I have till now continued to do the
duty of rny station in the regiment aforesaid ; but from the
present bad state of my constitution, occasioned by the
fatigues and hardships underwent in the present campaign,
finding myself unable any longer to sustain the burthen
which necessarily attends the command of a company, it is
my request that your Excellency will be pleased to accept
of my resignation of the commission 1 bear as aforesaid,
(and which I now enclose,) and permit me to pass home to
my place of residence.
I am, with the greatest regard, sir, your obedient and
very humble servant. ,
ANDREW LONG,
Captain Third Co. First B. P. Rifle Regiment.
October 14, 1776.
I do certify that Captain Andrew Long has served this
campaign with the First Battalion of the Pennsylvania
Riflemen, and that he is now reduced by sickness to an
infirm state of health, and that he is unfit for the service.
ENNION WILLIAMS, Major,
First Battalion Pa. Regiment of Riflemen.
To His Excellency General Washington.
ROBERT H. HAItRISON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 21, 1776: referred to Board of War.]
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 14, 1776.
SIR: His Excellency having gone this morning to visit
our posts beyond King's Bridge, and the several passes
leading from Frog's Point and the necks adjacent, 1 have
the honour to inform you, by his command, that no interest-
ing event has taken place since his letter by yesterday's
post.
Every day's intelligence from the Convention of this
State holds forth the discoveries of new plots and of new
conspiracies. Some of the members seem to apprehend that
circumstances are upon the eve of breaking out, and have
suggested the necessity of seiaing and securing the passes
through the Highlands, lest the disaffected should do it.
Their preservation being a matter of the greatest importance,
his Excellency, notwithstanding the situation we are in with
respect to troops, has detached Colonel Tash, with his regi-
ment, lately from New-Hampshire, in addition to the Militia
mentioned in his last, with directions to receive orders from
the Convention as to the station and posts he is to occupy.
There are now in our possession several persons, inhabit-
ants of this State, who had engaged to join the enemy, and
who were intercepted in going to them. There are also two
who confess they have been with them, and that they had
actually engaged in their service, but finding the terms (the
bounty, pay, &c.) not so advantageous as they expected
from the information they had received, they were induced
to return. As the affairs of this Government are in a pre-
carious situation, and such as the Convention themselves
seem to think forbid their interposition, further than taking
measures to apprehend them, his Excellency would wish
to obtain the sentiments of Congress, and their direction
upon a subject so extremely critical and delicate, and which
in the consideration of it, involves many important conse-
quences.
Your favour of the 9th, with its several enclosures, his
Excellency received yesterday morning by the express, who
proceeded immediately on his journey.
October 17. — I am desired by his Excellency to acquaint
you that we are again obliged to change our disposition, to
counteract the operations of the enemy declining an attack
upon our front. They have drawn the main body of their
army to Frog's Point, with a design of hemming us in, and
drawing a line in our rear. To prevent the consequences
which would but too probably follow the execution of their
scheme, the General Officers determined yesterday that our
forces must be taken from hence, and extended towards
East and West-Chester, so as to out-flank them. General
Lee,* who arrived on Monday, has strongly urged the abso-
lute necessity of the measure. It is proposed to leave a
garrison at Fort Washington, and to maintain it, if possible,
in order to preserve the communication with the Jerseys.
They are landing their artillery and wagons upon the point,
and there are now several boats passing up the Sound full
of men.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir,
your most obedient servant, D > u u
« KOB T H. HARRISON.
P. S. The post not having come in since Sunday, till
to-day, has been the occasion of not writing you since that
time. He was expected as usual, which prevented an
express being sent.
GENERAL LEE TO GENERAL GATES.
Fort Constitution, October 14, 1776.
MY DEAR GATES: I write this scroll in a hurry. Col-
onel Wood will describe the position of our army, which in
rny own breast I do not approve. Inter nos, the Congress
seem to stumble every step. I do not mean one or two of
the cattle, but the whole stable. I have been very free in
delivering my opinion to 'em. In my opinion, General
* October 14, 1776. — General Heath, with the Generals under his com-
mand, reconnoitred the enemy at Frog's Meek ; afterwards, the General
Officers of the army reconnoitred the various grounds. The same day
Major-Generul Lee was ordered to the command of the troops above
King's Bridge, now become the largest part of the American army. But
General Washington had desired him not to exercise the command for
a day or two, until he could make himself acquainted with the post, its
circumstances, and arrangements of duty. A great number of sloops,
boats, &c., were passing the Sound eastward, just at dusk, probably
conveying ammunition, provisions, &c., to the troops at Frog's Point. —
Heath.
1035
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1036
Washington is miicli to blame in not menacing 'em with
resignation, unless they refrain from unhinging the army hy
their absurd interference.
Keep us Ticonderoga; much depends upon it. We
ought to have an army on the Delaware. 1 have roared
it in the ears of Congress, but carent auribus. Adieu, my
dear friend ; if we do meet again, why we shall smile.
Yours> C. LEE.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 14, 177G.
SIR: Your favour of the 12th, addressed to Mr. Tilgh-
mcm, just now came to hand, which I took the liberty to
open, as he is out with his Excellency visiting the posts
beyond King's Bridge, and the several passes leading from
Frog's Point and the adjacent necks. General Mifflin will
write you about the boards, &c., which were coining down,
and give directions how they are. to be disposed of.
The hint you are pleased to mention may prove of infinite
importance. I don't know that its authenticity should be
doubted. Many circumstances combine to give it a face of
probability, if not of entire certainty. The enemy are still
on the point. The report which was first brought, and
which was current through the camp, was premature, so far
as it regarded their disposition and marching in two divisions
to East and West-Chester. Colonel Task, lately from
New-Hampshire, is ordered up with his regiment to your
assistance, and for the security of such posts and passes as
the Convention may think necessary.
General Lee just now arrived, and is gone after his
Excellency. Lord Stirling is well.
I am, in haste, and with respect, sir, your most obedient
servant,
ROB'T H. HARRISON.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 14, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The enemy have made no move from
Frog's Point since yesterday ; at least we have heard of
none. I am just going up with his Excellency to East and
West- Chester, to see how matters stand. I shall therefore
be able to give you better information to-morrow.
I am, gentlemen, yours most respectfully,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To Robert R. Livingston or William Duer, Esq., of the
Committee of Correspondence, Fishkill.
GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL NIXON.
King's Bridge, October 14, 1776.
DEAR SIR: His Excellency General Washington has
directed me to take the command of all the troops on this
side of King's Bridge, until further order. I therefore
desire that you would have the troops which have marched
this day to the eastward of the bridge, by Williams' 's, com-
pletely ready to turn out in case the enemy should make
an attack this night. Should the attack be made towards
Frog's Point, you will endeavour to support the regiments
that are posted at the passes there. Should the attack be
made at or near East-Chester landing, you will make the
best disposition of your troops and repel them. If you
should discover any new movement of the enemy, you will
please to send me notice thereof immediately by one of the
Light-Horsemen.
1 am just informed that a guard is absolutely necessary
at Rodman's Point, next to East-Chester creek. Colonel
How is near the landing-place with a regiment of Militia.
Whether he can mount this guard or not, 1 cannot tell; it
would be well to inquire. You will please to acquaint the
other brigade, or brigades if General McDougttlft is got
down, with the contents of this.
I am, dear sir, with respect, your most humble servant,
W. HEATH.
To Brigadier-General Nixon.
P. S. If there should he no attack your way, and one
this way, you will march part of your troops to our assist-
ance, taking care not to weaken your own post too much.
We shall do the same to you.
GENERAL HEATH TO COLONEL SARGENT.
King's Bridge, October 14, 1776.
DEAR SIR : As two or three brigades have moved this
day beyond Williams's, you will not march over to support
the regiments near Frog's Point without further orders, as
this post may be left too bare. This you will mention to
Colonel Chester in case of alarm, and to Colonel Hand,
&c.
I have just received information that a large number of
boats were seen oft' Willfett's Point about sunset, full of
men, and were standing eastward.
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, W H
To Colonel Sargent.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL REED TO CHARLES
PETTIT, DATED WHITK-PLAINS, OCTOBER 14, I77t>.
I had at one time concluded that the enemy would go
into winter quarters, satisfied with the summer's business,
but 1 find 1 was mistaken. They have taken post above
the main body of our army, keeping constantly the same
object in view : that of surrounding us. We have now
every advantage of ground, and if the men will fight, I can-
not but hope we shall foil them in any attempt they make.
My own opinion is, that if we cannot fight them here we
cannot any where.
I am sorry to say too many officers from all parts leave
the army when danger approaches. It is of the most ruin-
ous consequences. It breaks the spirit that remains, and
we are obliged to do the duty of the absent. They should
be ordered back without exception, and even compelled.
Every nerve should be strained to collect and forward
provisions from Pennsylvania and New-Jersey; for if we
can keep the enemy at bay but a little time, they must fight
us under great disadvantage, or the season will drive them
off. I hope our friends there will do what they can for us,
while we are exposing our lives for them.
I was much surprised at your mentioning me as one pro-
posed for Governour. I would not on any account consent
to it, or any thing of the kind. Pray do all you can to
suppress any such measure.
PETER VAN NESS TO PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
Claverack District, October 14, 1776.
SIR: I beg leave to enclose you a pay roll of a detach-
ment of men out of my regiment, who have been upon the
pubhck service in Manor Livingston last month. By the
directions of Mr. Yates, I now take the liberty to request of
you to lay the same before the honourable Convention for
their approbation, and if they see fit, to order that the same
may be discharged at the publick expense of this State. I
conceive this requisition will not be thought unreasonable,
when I represent to you the exhausted state of my regiment
by the voluntary inlistment and repeated drafts that are
gone out of the same into the service, as well as the fre-
quent alarms and dangers within and about us to which
they are exposed, and upon which occasion they now are
and have been frequently called out, to the insupportable
damage of many, unless in some measure indemnified at the
publick charge. Should the Convention think proper to
allow it, give me leave to request of you to acquaint me
therewith.
I am your most obedient, very humble servant,
PETER VAN NESS.
To Colonel Peter R. Livingston, President of the honour-
able the Convention of the State of New- York.
RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 14, 1776— three o'clock, P. M.
DEAR GENERAL: Yesterday Mr. TrumbiiU and myself
returned safe from our tour to Tyonderoga. We arrived
at Fort George about eleven on the night of the day we
left you.
I tender you my sincere thanks, my dear sir, for the civil-
ities 1 have experienced from yourself and the gentlemen of
your family during our stay at Tyonderoga. I hope 1
shall have it in my power to make a suitable return of good
offices. I shall esteem myself happy in serving you at any
1037
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1038
time. Your free and unrestrained commands will lay
additional obligations on me. x
Agreeable to your directions, I have ordered Captain
Veeder and his company to the saw-mill, at Cheshire's, and
have also ordered Captain Hodge, with his company, (who
were just returning from desertion,) to go on the road, and
have requested Colonel Van Dyke to attend to it that they
do their duty faithfully. My General informs me that he
has directed Colonel Wynkoop to superintend it.
I have directed Mr. Remsalaer to send to you all the
nails he can possibly procure. No spades are to be had ;
the blacksmiths are ordered to make them as fast as possi-
ble. No thread for cartridges is in store; I have directed
the store-keeper to collect some for your use. Oakum is
not to be had. While I am here, I shall do my utmost
endeavours to supply your wants.
As soon as 1 have a little time, I shall endeavour to pro-
cure some dishes, and soup and other plates, for your mili-
tary family. I think it will be more prudent, because
eventually less expensive, to purchase pewter dishes. In-
deed, I have reason to apprehend that stone dishes or tea-
table furniture, are hard to be got at this juncture. On
mentioning it to the General's lady, she agreed that my
suspicions were by no means ill-founded. However, you
may depend on a supply of one or other sort.
Four o'clock. Just this moment I am honoured with a
letter from General Schuyler, enclosing General Arnold's
letter to you. I shall transmit a copy to his Excellency by
this day's post. I wish the enemy may not have overtaken
him ere this, if so, his fleet must undoubtedly fall, if his
information be just of the strength of the enemy's fleet,
which I cannot doubt at all. He has good reason to render
his humble and hearty thanks for saving him from his more
than cruel enemies.
I fear the next express will announce something worse.
His vessels will not beat to windward. God grant that
such gallant officers and men may be preserved for our
country's defence. I shall be happy to hear of the fleet's
safe arrival at Crown Point.
As soon as the General returns from Saratoga, where he
purposes to remain only four or five days, and 1 have settled
my account with him, I shall enter on the duties of my
new office, which I hope to execute with justice to my
country, and with honour to my friends and myself. I
shall, however, be under obligations to you, my dear sir,
for your advice and instructions in such parts as I may
be deficient. Congress have sent none, though General
Schuyler has long since asked it. I shall ever be happy to
be taught, especially in matters where my honour as a gen-
tleman is so nicely connected with the duties of the office
Congress have been pleased to honour me with.
I wish my most respectful compliments to General St.
Clair, Colonel Trumbull, and the gentlemen of your family.
If you are like to have a sacrifice of some of our enemies
at your lines, I should be happy to be at Tyonderoga to
see them suffer for their temerity.
I am, dear General, with every respectful sentiment,
your most obedient and very humble servant,
RICH'D VARICK.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
Be pleased to deliver the enclosed.
COLONEL VARICK TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, October 14, 1776, half-after 3, P. M.
SIR: I do myself the honour to enclose copy of a letter
from General Arnold to General Gates, transmitted by the
latter from Tyonderoga, and this moment received in Gen-
eral Schuijler's absence, who is now on his way to Saratoga.
The lead arrived at Fort George on Saturday last, and
was immediately forwarded ; the powder left this on the
same day, and is probably now at or near Fort George,
where it will not be delayed a moment, the commanding
officer having General Schuyhr's directions to forward it
instantly on its arrival to the army.
I am, very respectfully, your Excellency's obedient and
most humble servant, RICH,D
RICHARD VARICK TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Albany, October 14, 1776.
SIR : I do myself the honour to enclose you copy of a
letter from General Arnold to Major-General Gates, which
was this day received by General Schuyler, when on his
way to Saratoga, and enclosed to me with directions to
send a copy thereof to the Convention.
I congratulate my countrymen on the valour and gal-
lantry our officers and men appear to have evinced on the
occasion. This may serve once more to convince our
enemies that Americans will and dare fight them, Sic., Sic.,
&.C., though superiour in numbers and strength.
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
RICHARD VARICK.
To the President of the Convention of atate of Nero- York.
P. S. Our fleet consisted of sixteen sail and about eight
hundred officers and men. The vessels lost were of small
force. R. V.
To His Excellency General Washington, Sic., &c., &,c.
Schuyler's Island, October 12, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Yesterday morning, at eight o'clock,
the enemy's fleet, consisting of one ship mounting sixteen
guns, one snow mounting the same number, one schooner
of fourteen guns, tsvo of twelve, two sloops, a bomb-ketch,
and a large vessel (that did not come up,) with fifteen or
twenty flat-bottomed boats or gondolas, carrying one twelve
or eighteen-pounder in their bows, appeared off Cumberland
Head. We immediately prepared to receive them. The
galleys and Royal Savage were ordered under way : the
rest of our fleet lay at an anchor. At eleven o'clock they
ran under the lee of Valcour, and began the attack. The
schooner, by some bad management, fell to leeward, and
was first attacked ; one of her masts was wounded, and her
rigging shot away. The Captain thought prudent to run
her on the point of Valcour, where all the men were saved.
They boarded her, and at night set fire t6 her. At half-
past twelve the engagement became general, and very
warm. Some of the enemy's ships and all their gondolas
beat and rowed up within musket-shot of us. They con-
tinued a very hot fire with round and grape-shot until five
o'clock, when they thought proper to retire to about six or
seven hundred yards distance, and continued the fire till
dark.
The Congress and Washington have suffered greatly ;
the latter lost her First Lieutenant killed, Captain and
Master wounded. The New-York lost all her officers
except the Captain. The Philadelphia was hulled in so
many places that she sunk about one hour after the engage-
ment was over. The whole killed and wounded amounted
to about sixty. The enemy landed a large number of
Indians on the island and each shore, who keep an inces-
sant fire on us, but do little damage. The enemy had, to
appearance, upwards of one thousand men in batteaus pre-
pared for boarding. We suffered much for want of seamen
and gunners. I was obliged myself to point most of the
guns on board the Congress, which I believe did good exe-
cution. The Congress received seven shot between wind
and water ; was hulled a dozen times ; had her mainmast
wounded in two places, and her yard in one. The Wash-
ington was hulled a number of times ; her mainmast shot
through, and must have a new one. Both vessels are very
leaky, and want repairing.
On consulting with General Waterbury and Colonel Wig-
glesworth, it was thought prudent to return to Crown-Point.
every vessel's ammunition being nearly three-fourths spent,
and the enemy greatly superiour to us in ships and men.
At seven o'clock, Colonel Wigglesworth, in the Trumbull,
got under way ; the gondolas and small vessels followed ;
and the Congress and Washington brought up the rear.
The enemy did not attempt to molest us. Most of the
fleet is this minute come to an anchor. The wind is small
to the southward. The enemy's fleet is under way to lee-
ward, and beating up. As soon as our leaks are stopped,
the whole fleet will make the utmost despatch to Crown-
Point, where I beg you will send ammunition, and your
further orders for us. On tlie whole, I think we have had
a very fortunate escape, and have great reason to return
our humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God for pre-
serving and delivering so many of us from our more than
savage enemies.
I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant,
B. ARNOLD.
P. S. I had not moved on board the Congress when
1039
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1040
the enemy appeared, and lost all my papers and most of
my clothes on board the schooner. 1 wish a dozen bat-
teaus, well manned, could be sent immediately, to low up
the vessels in case of a southerly wind.
I cannot, in justice to the officers in the fleet, omit men-
tioning their spirited conduct during the action. B. A.
A List of Armed Vessels in LAKE CHAMPLAIN.
'
JJ
£
i
=
NAMES OF VESSELS AND
.=
Size qf Gum.
1
•*^
1
COMMANDERS.
o*
"c1
:?
.0
'<
Sloop Enterprise f)tckfn^on
i->
4-llis
10
50
Schooner Royal Savage. .Haicley . .
13
4 6-lbs., 8 4-lbs
10
50
Schooner Revenge Seaman. .
8
4 41bs.,42-lbs
10
.-).)
8
2 4-lbs., 4 2-lbs
8
:(;•>
Gondola New-Haven ^hin^JitltL
3
1 12-lb., 6 2-lbs
8
45
Gondola Providence Simondi. .
3
Ditto.
8
45
Gondola Boston Sitimier .
a
Ditto.
8
45
Gondola Spitfire Uhner . . .
i
Ditto.
8
45
Gondola Philadelphia. . ..Rife
Gondola Connecticut. . . .Grant. . . .
a
Ditto.
Ditto.
B
8
45
45
Gondola Jersey Orimes. . .
9
•Ditto.
8
45
Gondola New-York Reed
g
Ditto.
8
45
Galley Lee Davits.. .
(i
1 12-lb., 1 9-lb., 4 4-lbs. . .
11
S(i
Galley Trumbull Warner
§
1 18 1 12 2 9 4 6-lbs. . . .
1C
NO
f.
28-lbs., 2 12-11)8., 4 6-lbs..
16
ISO
Galley Washington Thatcher.
8
1 18, 1 12, 29, 4 4-lbs....
1680
•Galley Chappie. .
82 18-lbs.,2 12-lbs.,4 6-lbs.
1680
•This palley was fitting at Tionderoga on the 12th, and will not be ready till
next Saturday.
The above is a true copy taken frorn Colonel TrumbuWs
return on the 12th instant, by r> > \r
J RICH D VARICK.
RICHARD VARICK TO THE COMMITTEE OF STOCKBRIDGE.
Albany, October 14, four o'clock, P. M.
GENTLEMEN : By despatches from General Arnold,
arrived about half an hour ago, we are advised that on
Friday last our fleet on Lake Champlain had an engage-
ment with that of the enemy ; that after a five hours' warm
action the enemy thought proper to sheer off. We lost a
schooner, (which being disabled was run ashore by her
crew and set on fire the night after the action,) a gondola,
which sunk after the engagement, and about sixty men
killed and wounded. Our fleet are returning to Crown
Point to refit, many of the vessels being damaged. The
General in his letter says: "I cannot, in justice to the
officers in the fleet, omit mentioning their spirited conduct
during the action." The enemy's naval force is superiour
to ours, and it is not improbable that they will renew the
attack. General Schuykr (to whom the letter conveying
the above intelligence was directed) met the express on his
way to Saratoga, and has given me directions to desire you
to keep your Militia in readiness to march at a moment's
warning.
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your humble servant,
RICHARD VARICK,
Secretary to Major-General Gates.
To the Committee of Stockbridge.
The foregoing is a true copy of a letter sent us by ex-
press by General Schuykr.
SAMUEL BROWN, Jun.,
ERASTUS SERGEANT,
ASA BEMENT,
Committee of Stockbridge.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 14, 1776, half-after two.
DEAR GENERAL : Two hours ago I received your letter
of yesterday's date, about half way between this and
Albany. I have ordered all the Militia of this and the
neighbouring States to be ready to march at a moment's
warning.
The powder is past this, and I have given such orders,
that if they are obeyed, you will receive it some time to-
morrow. Lest any accident should happen between the
landing at the north end of the lake and your |X)st, I
think it would be advisable to send a very strong party to
escort it.
Pray send me very frequent and particular intelligence,
for by that only can I be enabled to regulate my motions
in such a manner as to be of most service.
I hope the army will support your exertions. If they do,
I trust you and they will both reap never-fading laurels.
That you may, is my sincerest wish.
I am, dear General, yours most sincerely, &c., &ic., &tc.
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
COLONEL BREWER TO GENERAL GATES.
October 14, 1776, five o'clock, P. M.
HONOURED SIR: Lieutenant Stone, who has just this
minute returned from the scout I sent him early this morn-
ing, and says that this day about one o'clock he saw about
a dozen of boats, which he took to be ours, going down
below Putman's Point; and that he saw nine sail of the
enemy's vessels, as near as he could judge, about eight
miles below Crown Point, which is all the discovery he has
made. I have sent another scout, and shall repeat it,
except I have your orders to the contrary. Should be glad
of some instructions from you in case of an attack, and am,
sir, your Honour's humble servant,
SAMUEL BREWER, Colonel.
To General Gates.
DR. POTTS TO RICHARD VARICK.
General Hospital, October 14, 1776.
MY DEAR MAJOR: It gave me much pain to hear of
your illness. I long very anxiously to be with you, espe-
cially as the enemy are advancing. Is it possible their fleet
can be superiour to ours? No provisions here, nor none on
the road that I can hear of. I know there is none at Fort
Edward or the Half-Moon. Would to God you could
prevail on our good General to order me over immediately.
I am making up every rag into bandages. Dr. Stringer is
at length arrived at Albany, on the 5th instant. When he
will come here, God knows. Strange conduct. He has a
large assortment of medicine ; but the weather is worth all
the Doctors now. Colonel Gansevoort left this very sick.
He commanded ; my voice had no sway. My compli-
ments to the General, &.c. God bless you.
JON'N POTTS.
Have sent the General a saddle venison.
SIR GUY CAHLETON TO LORD GEORGE GERMAIN.
On board the Maria, off Crown-Point, )
October 14, 1776. $
MY LORD : The Rebel fleet upon Lake Champlain has
been entirely defeated in two actions, the first on the llth
instant, between the Island of Vakourt and the main, and
the second on the 13th, within a few leagues of Crown-
Point.
We have taken Mr. Waterbury, the second in command,
one of their Brigadier-Generals, with two of their vessels,
and ten others have been burnt and destroyed; only three
of fifteen sail, a list of which I transmit, having escaped.
For further particulars I refer your Lordship to Lieutenant
Dacres, who will be the bearer of this letter, and had a
share in both actions, particularly the first, where his gallant
behaviour in the Carkton schooner, which he commanded,
distinguished him so much as to merit great commendation ;
and 1 beg to recommend him to your Lordship's notice and
favour. At the same time I cannot omit taking notice to
your Lordship of the good service done in the first action
by the spirited conduct of a number of officers and men of
the corps of Artillery, who served the gun-boats, which,
together with the Carkton, sustained for many hours the
whole fire of the enemy's fleet, the rest of our vessels not
being able to work up near enough to join effectually in
the engagement.
The Rebels, upon the news reaching them of the defeat
of their naval force, set (ire t<> all the buildings and houses
in and near Crown-Point, and retired to Ticonderoga.
The season is so far advanced that I cannot yet pretend
to inform your Lordship whether any thing further can be
done this year.
1 am, Sic., GUY CAHLETON.
1041
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS. &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1042
List of the Reids' Vessels on LAKE CHAMPLAIN, before
their defeat.
SCHOONERS.
Royal Savage, eight six- pounders and four four-pounders.
Went on shore, was set fire to, and blown up.
Revenge, four six-pounders, and four four-pounders.
Escaped.
A sloop, ten four-pounders. Escaped.
ROW-GALLEYS.
Congress, two eighteen-pounders in the bow, two twelve
and two two-pounders in the stern, and six six-pounders in
the sides. Blew up.
Washington, same force. Taken.
Trumbull, same force. Escaped.
The Lee, a cutter, one nine-pounder in the bow, one
twelve-pounder in the stern, and four six-pounders in sides.
Run into a bay, and not known whether destroyed.
GONDOLAS.
Boston, one eighteen-pounder in the bow, two twelve-
pounders in the sides. Sunk.
Jersey, ditto. Taken.
One, name unknown, same force. Run on shore.
Five, ditto, ditto. Blown up.
OTHER VESSELS NOT IN THE ACTION.
A schooner, eight four-pounders. Sent from their fleet
for provisions.
A galley, said to be of greater force than those mentioned
above, fitting out at Ticonderoga. G. C.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-Haven, October 14, 1776.
SIR: By Captain Tinker am informed of the misfortune
and situation of the row-galleys sent into the Continental
service from this State ; and as circumstances are altered
respecting them since my last to you, on the subject of dis-
missing their crews and arms, must again request your atten-
tion to that matter, that the crew of the Crane, Captain
Tinker, who escaped, may be dismissed, and be admitted
to return to the employment of this State, and that if the
crews of the other two galleys can be of no further service
to you, they likewise may be dismissed ; of one or both, as
you see fit, as we can employ them to advantage on board
our armed vessels fitting out, into which service they are
desirous of entering. The galleys being employed in the
service of the Continent, are esteemed to be at the Conti-
nental care and risk. This State readily submit to your
Excellency's directions what is requisite and proper relative
to the men and their arms.
I am, with esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant, T rrt
JONTH. IRUMBULL.
To His Excellency General Washington.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Saybrook, October 14, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: Last Wednesday I
had a conference with Governour Trumbull at New-Haven.
I laid before him the plan I had formed for our expedition,
which was as follows:
We were immediately to engage fourteen hundred tons of
vessels, seven hundred of which being sufficient to carry our
whole detachment, were to be stationed at Oyster-Pond
Point, with instructions to wait till further orders from us,
unless disturbed by the enemy's shipping; when that hap-
pended, they were to make some secure port on the Conti-
nent, and whenever danger disappeared they were to resume
their stations. The other seven hundred tons are to be
stationed at Satucket, about twenty miles farther westward,
with the like instructions, that in case we should be baffled at
one place, we may proceed to the other. We will have, as
I am informed by Governour Trumbull, ninety whale-boats;
they will land nine hundred men at a time. They are
not yet arrived at New-London, but are expected in to-
night. To-morrow I fancy they will be here. They are to
take in our detachment, and proceed to Fairficld, from
whence we are to land as many men as we conveniently
can on the west side of Huntingdon, in order to cut off
the communication of three companies of troops stationed
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 66
at that place. As soon as this can be effected, the whale-
boats are to proceed to Mill Creek, and carry across into
Southold harbour, where they are to wait for us, unless
circumstances permit us with safety and secrecy to get them
into South Bay. If that should be the case, they are to
follow us as far as Huntingdon, and take in our baggage, in
case necessity should oblige us to make a retreat.
Head-Quarters on Long-Island are now made at Flush-
ing, about twenty-eight miles from Huntingdon, where a
guard is kept. The inhabitants are much oppressed, being
prohibited threshing their grain or selling their hay, which
transports are now loading svith at Huntingdon. All the
vessels they could lay their hands on have been taken up
and ordered to Flushing, where their guard is kept ; no other
part of the island except that place and Huntingdon being
guarded, except a few men in the forts opposite New-York.
Major Rogers is at Huntingdon, though I cannot hear that
he has the command. The accounts 1 have now given you
may be depended on ; they are given by a brother to one
of our Lieutenants, who has been concealed among them
for some time, but has at length made his escape with
three others, and got safe to this side. The enemy were in
pursuit of him when he came away. I send you by this
conveyance my returns and the original papers sent Col-
onel Fanning, of which I formerly sent copies to your
Excellency, being informed by General Clinton of their
consequence.
I sent a party immediately after my leaving New-Haven,
in order to surprise Colonel Fanning and Major Conkling,
and seize their papers; this was effected. No papers were
found on Major Conkling, though I was told he had been
very active. After giving me his parole, he has been per-
mitted to return again to Long-Island. Colonel Fanning,
at his request, I have permitted to proceed for Convention,
in order to clear up his character, after exacting his parole
to take with him and deliver to Convention the proofs I had
collected of his being inimical to us.
I expect it will be the latter end of the week before our
descent will be made. I shall, with all my power, forward
it, though Governour Trumbull is of opinion the force allowed
is not adequate to the undertaking ; though I can't help
differing from his Honour in this particular.
I enclose your Excellency his letter sent me on that sub-
ject, with two others intercepted at New-Haven, and alluded
to in the Governour's letter. Your Excellency will at once
see that they are wrote by some very illiterate persons who
are easily made to believe any thing.
I remain your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Excellency General Washington.
The County Committee and Committees of Townships
in Suffolk County met respectively, as soon as possible, by
tlje Governour's permission, for the purpose of revoking all
their proceedings under the Congress, and formally to dis-
solve their unlawful association, the County having now
submitted to the King, his laws, and government.
New-York, October 15, 1776.
Note. When the above is accomplished, the Governour
will receive the Militia.
The Governour's Order:
We the Committees of the County of Suffolk, being
thoroughly convinced of the injurious and criminal tendency
of our former meetings and resolutions, and willing to mani-
fest our hearty disapprobation of all such illegal measures,
do hereby dissolve this Committee, and as far as in us lies
revoke and disavow all former orders and resolutions of this
Committee. And we do further hereby renounce and dis-
avow the orders and resolutions of all other Committees and
Congress, whatsoever, as being undutiful to our lawful
Sovereign, repugnant to the principles of the British Con-
stitution, and ruinous in the extreme to the happiness and
prosperity of this County.
A true copy.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN HACKER.
Newport, October 14, 1776.
SIR: You are with the brigantine Hampden under your
command to go out on a cruise, and endeavour all in your
power to distress the enemies of the United States of Ame-
1043
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1044
rica. You are to take all vessels with goods bound to any
of the enemy's ports, and send such of them into port for
trial as you shall judge worth your while, and others you
may destroy, first taking the people out.
You may cruise as long as you can conveniently keep
your vessel fit for that service. I think you will do your
country most good by cruising in such places as will he most
likely to meet with the store-ships bound to New-York for
the supply of General Howe's army.
My orders was to send you to annoy the trade at New-
foundland, but I imagine that is too late. If you should
think best to go that way, it will be best to steer down in
about the latitude of thirty-nine or forty, which I think will
be the likeliest to meet with vessels bound to New-York.
I am, sir, your friend, EgEK Hol>K1NS
To Hot/stead Hacker, Esq., commander of the brigantine
Hampden in the service of the United States of North-
America.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO DUNSCOME AND FRAZER.
Newport, Rhode-Island, October 14, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The bearer, Captain Israel Ambrose, who
has a letter of credit from Messrs. Brown, Arnold, Salter
and Wall. If it should suit your convenience to supply the
Captain with any goods or money, you may depend that
the above merchants are men of estate and veracity, and
you may safely give them credit for such sums as they
require.
As to news there is none more than you will find in the
newspapers the Captain will have with him.
I flatter myself that I have been some service to the
inhabitants of your island, by getting your vessels and peo-
ple left out of the declaration which Congress made against
the property of British subjects.
I am, with esteem, gentlemen, your humble servant,
ESEK HOPKINS.
To Messrs. Dumcome &/• Frazer, Merchants in New-Provi-
dence.
Newport, October 14, 1776.
Last Monday the Continental sloop Providence, Captain
Jones, arrived at a safe port, having, in a cruise of six weeks,
captured sixteen sail of vessels, six of which he burnt.
Among the others is one ship with three thousand quintals o
codfish, which is also arrived at a safe port ; some smaller
fishermen, and two West-Indiamen.
Last Tuesday two of the enemy's ships took four vessels
off Montague Point, three of which were prizes to Captain
Munro and some other privateers ; the other a merchantman
belonging to these vessels. The crew, we hear, took to their
boats, and got safe ashore near Stonington.
A large prize brig, with stores for the army at New- York,
is sent into Dartmouth; and, last Thursday, when Captain
Starbuck left Nantuckel there were three topsail vessels in
sight, supposed to be prizes, but whether bound eastward or
westward, we do not learn.
A gentleman, who left Boston last Thursday, informs
that five prize ships were in sight, coming into that harbour,
when he came away.
A brig from France is arrived at New-Hampshire, loaded
with warlike stores.
LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN THE COUNTRY TO HIS FRIEND
IN BOSTON.
•
Marlborough, October 14, 1776.
SIR: Yours of the 5th of this month, I have received,
taking the liberty you allowed me to make publick your
sentiments relative to the late conference between Lord
Howe and the Continental Congress, in hopes they might
be of some service.
To me it is a matter of wonder that his Lordship should
desire the Congress to send any of their members to con-
verse with him in relation to the dispute between Great
Britain and America, when, as it appears, he had no power
to mention to you so much as the outlines in order to its
settlement, hut upon their submission to the Government of
Great Britain, by which we know is meant submission to
the arbitrary pleasure of a corrupt Ministry, who, by bribery,
have the absolute command of as corrupt a Parliament. It
must be owing to want of consideration or discernment, if
his Lordship did not know, that America, holding in con-
tempt such ignoble submission, would venture the loss both
of their estates and lives in carrying on the contest they have
been unhappily forced into, to prevent their being made
slaves to worse than Egyptian taskmasters.
I fully join with you in thinking that, notwithstanding
the appointment of Commissioners with pretended full
powers to settle the dispute with America, no such thing
was in the intention either of the King or his Ministers, but
upon supposition of such submission as I just now spake of.
America, therefore, have nothing to depend on but their own
resolution to oppose, under the God of armies, those tyrants
whose aim and endeavours have been, and still are, to exer-
cise absolutely sovereign despotick power over them and all
that they possess. From what they have already done, we
may easily foresee what they would do. In addition to a
long catalogue of lesser evils that might be brought to view,
they have, by arbitrary edicts, deprived us not only of our
Charter constitutions, but of those liberties we have an
unalienable right to from the free absolute gift of the God
who gave us existence. They have commenced an unnatural
war against us, and for no other reason than that we could
not consent, in consistency with justice to ourselves and
posterity, they should have it in their power, as influenced
by lawless will, to dispose of our and their property. They
have in prosecution of the war, so far as they were able,
blocked up our harbours, seized our ships, and stopped our
intercourse with our fellow-men in all parts of the earth ; they
have plundered our houses, burnt our towns, and reducing
thousands to suffering penury; they have, rather than not
go on distressing us, hired troops of comparatively despica-
ble Principalities, and upon terms which whenever men-
tioned, will reflect dishonour upon the name of Englishmen ;
they have basely enticed our negroes to join with them in
cutting their masters' throats ; they have meanly bribed the
Indian savages to come upon our frontiers and captivate or
scalp the inhabitants of them; they have, in a word, made
use of every method they could invent, however unjust or
disgraceful, to force us to what they call obedience to Gov-
ernment, but what is in reality unmanly submission to
tyranny. From what they have then done, it may be fore-
told, without a prophetick spirit, what they would do, should
they make a conquest of us. They would condemn many
of our most valuable men to suffer death by the halter;
they would seize the estates of many more, and give them to
the vilest among those who have endeavoured the destruc-
tion of their country; they would annihilate the present right
of all the freeholders in America to their houses and lands,
not permitting them to possess them any longer, but by a
grant from the King, to be held only upon the payment of
such a quit-rent as they should see fit; they would pass
stamp acts, and lay taxes upon all the conveniences, if
not the necessaries, of life, hereby making way for the pom-
pous support of worthless pensionary tools, and swarms of
Crown officers, who, like so many locusts coming from
beneath, would eat up the fruit of our labour; they would,
to say no more, station troops in every American iftate, and
such a number of them as to constitute, in the whole, a
large standing army, which they would oblige us to pay, in
order to our being kept in a state of the most abject slavery.
This is what we may expect will be the effect of the attempt
of the British Ministry against us, should they be successful
in it. And is there a man in all America, not having lost
his senses, whose breast is not filled with indignation at the
thought of being thus injuriously dealt with? Who among
her sons will not venture his all, together with his life, to
prevent such an awfully distressed state of things ? Nothing
will now be effectual to this purpose, but a readiness in all,
in all parts of the Continent, to exert themselves, as there
may be occasion for it, within their respective spheres, for
our defence and safety. This, I trust, is the universal reso-
lution ; for all is at stake. If the British enemy overcome
us, we are undone as to this world. We should no more
enjoy our rights as freemen, but be irretrievably fettered
with the chains of cruel bondage. In this view of what our
condition would be, those who are entrusted with the man-
agement of our political affairs, will, in their several depart-
ments, as with one heart, suspending for awhile their atten-
tion to other matters, devise and prosecute the most effectual
1045
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1046
measures for the salvation of the country. Nor can it be
doubted, but that our numerous able-bodied men will, with
a cheerful readiness, join our new-modelling armies, depend-
ing on the Lord of hosts, under their active courageous
instrumentality, to drive away, or destroy, those who have
risen up against us, and deliver these lands from the ruin
that is intended to be brought upon them. I must now
break off, lest I should overdo your patience. I only add,
you hare the same liberty you gave me, that is, you may
make what use of this letter you shall judge proper.
I am, with great respect, your very humble servant,
A COUNTRY GENTLEMAN.
To Mr.
in Boston.
Testimony of JOHN ROWE, 1775.
John Rowe, of Boston, merchant, of lawful age, testifies
and says, that in the beginning of August, 1775, the
Charming Peggy, Captain Duman, bound from Philadel-
phia to Lisbon, was sent into Boston by the Glasgow man-
of-war, commanded by Captain Howe. That the neces-
sary papers belonging to the Peggy were lodged in the
hands of the advocate, Samuel Fitch, Esq. Whether Mr.
Fitch libelled her in the Court of Admiralty, I am not cer-
tain ; I rather think he did, as Captain Dowmer applied to
Mr. Putman and Mr. Chipman, two lawyers, by my advice.
After some time, nothing was done in the Admiralty. I
drew a memorial to General Gage, Admiral Graves, and
the Commissioners of the Customs, for liberty to unload the
ship, and dispose of the cargo. This petition was granted,
and part of the cargo was sold by me after appraisement to
Henry Floyd, Esq., and Alexander Boymer, and delivered
to them by my clerk, Archibald McNeatt, who weighed
every barrel as it came out of the ship, which took up a
good deal of time. Some little time before the whole cargo
was delivered, an account was received that a ship had
arrived from London to Philadelphia, with General Gage's
clothing on board, which clothing was reported to be stopped
there. Upon which General Gage ordered Mr. Floyd
and Brymer not to pay the money for this flour. I pleaded
hard with the General, and thought it a hard case that indi-
viduals should suffer for the actions of the community. I
could not get him to suffer them to pay it, and just before
the General left Boston, Mr. Floyd and Brymer paid Gen-
eral Gage the money for what they bought, and I under-
stood gave them a receipt of indemnification. The ship
was afterwards under the care and direction of Captain
Dowman, who left her with the Captain of the port.
JOHN ROWE.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England,
Suffolk ss., October 14, 1776:
John Howe, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk afore-
said, merchant, appeared before me, and, after being care-
fully examined and cautioned to tell the whole truth, made
oath to the truth of the enclosed deposition by him sub-
scribed, taken at the request of William Bell, of Philadel-
phia, in the State of Pennsylvania, merchant, to be used in
the trial of the capture of the ship Charming Peggy, Dow-
man late master, on the libel of John Skimmer, commander
of the Continental schooner Franklin, and others, on an
appeal from a judgment of a court maritime in this State,
whereof Timothy Pickering, Esq., is Judge, and before the
honourable Continental Congress, in the City of Philadel-
phia aforesaid. T ,-, T . D
JOSEPH (JREENLEAF, Justice Peace.
order of Court. If there are any bar shot on board her, or
any can be obtained, they are much wanted for the Tyran-
nicide, which is now near ready for sea.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
RICHARD DERBY, Jun.
To Richard Devens, Esq.
RICHARD DERBV, JUN., TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Salem, October 14, 1776.
SIR: This morning I received a resolve of Court, direct-
ing me to discharge the schooner Diligent from the service
of this State, and to take into my custody all the cannon
and other warlike stores now on board her, the property of
this State. 1 conclude the Court meant nothing more than
that I should see them delivered to your care; and as the
Maritime Court sits in this town all this week, and causes
are to be tried in which the State is interested, 1 cannot
well leave home, and therefore I have sent the bearer, Mr.
Gray, to see what stores may be on board her, delivered to
your care, and to discharge Captain Lambert from any
further service on board said schooner, agreeable to the
CAPTAIN ABIJAH BANGS TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Boston, October 14, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: According to order I have applied to the
several towns in the County of Barnstable, and acquainted
Field Officers with my business, and the Brigadier tells me
that he has not power and authority enough to send the
men, or to draft them for this detachment. Then, gentle-
men, I applied to Mr. Samuel Crocker, one of the Com-
mittee at Barnstable, and he told me that the Committee
had never received any orders from the honourable Court
to draft any men to this detachment. Then I applied to
Colonel Halleft, West Parish, Yarmouth : he informed me
that some of the people are waiting to do their duty, pro-
viding the other could be made to do thejr duty. I then
applied to David Thatcher, one of the Committee of Yar-
mouth : he told me he had never read any orders for a
draft for this detachment. Then I applied to Mr. Caleb
Lumber, one of the Committee of Wellfleet, and he told me
that he had never received any orders to inlist or draft any
men for this detachment ; and as there is no officers in com-
mission there, I could not do any thing further. I wrote to
Captain Selen, of Truro, to send the men that were drafted
for this detachment to join my company at Dorchester as
soon as possible. So having done all that lays in my power,
I am, gentlemen, with respect, yqur Honours' most obedient,
humble servant, ABJJAH '
To the honourable Council of the State of the Massachu-
setts-Bay.
Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, October 14, 1776.
Last Sunday arrived at Saco a small prize schooner, sent
in by the Putnam privateer, John Harmon commander,
having on board three hundred bushels of salt and some oil.
Next day arrived another schooner, taken by the same pri-
vateer, having on board three hundred and seventy-five
quintals of green fish and some oil : she brings an account
of another small vessel taken that is not yet arrived, and one
that they took, which was afterwards drove ashore by a
frigate, the vessel lost, but the people got on board the
privateer again. The frigate drove the privateer into a har-
bour, and came to anchor, with intention of keeping her in,
but Captain Harmon got one of his guns ashore on a point
of land, and fired on the frigate, when she returned whole
broadsides into the woods at them, but did no damage.
Captain Harmon, after a few shot, was so lucky as to cut
away her forestay, which obliged her to come to sail, and
put to sea.
Since the 7th instant, arrived in this port two prize
schooners, the Glasgow and Neptune, laden with fish and
oil to a considerable amount, taken off the Banks of New-
foundland, by Captain Robert Parker, of this port.
This morning, a small prize schooner, with two hundred
quintals of fish, was sent into this harbour ; she was taken
by Captain Calton, in the General Gates privateer, from
Salem.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM KINGSTON, JAMAICA, DATED
OCTOBER 15, 1776.
We are all very quiet at present, and have been so for
some time past. Martial law has been suspended about a
month ; but parochial guards were kept up throughout
the island till within this fortnight. The Militia is now
restored to its former state, and I hope there will be no
further occasion for martial law being established here.
A few weeks ago, the French frigate L'Hermione, com-
manded by Mons. Demonteil, Brigadier-General and Knight
of the Order of St. Louis, came in here from St. Nichola
Mole, in Hispaniola, to demand a small American schooner
which had been taken by the Squirrel a few days before.
He alleged that the schooner was taken nearer the land than
was permitted by treaty between the two Courts. The
1017
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1048
Admiral answered that Captain Douglas knew his duty,
and if he had acted wrong must answer for it ; that he
deemed the schooner a lawful prize, and would not deliver
her up; but that if there were any differences to be ad-
justed, they must be settled by the two Courts. The
French frigate did not remain here forty-eight haul's. It is
reported that the Admiral further told the Captain that he
need not salute his ship when he went away, as he omitted
it when he came in ; for that, consequently, the compliment
should not be returned. There have been five or six prizes
brought in here these three weeks.
JUDGE DRAYTON S CHARGE TO GRAND JURY OF CHARLESTON.
At a Court of General Sessions of the Peace, Oyer and
Terminer, Assize and General Gaol delivery, begun and
holden at CHARLESTON, for the district of CHARLES-
TOWN, on TUESDAY, OCTOBER \5th, in the year of our
Lord 1776, before the Hon. WILLIAM HENRY DRAYTON,
Esq., Chief Justice, and his Associates, Justices of the
said Court.
Ordered, That the Charge delivered by his Honour the
Chief Justice to the Grand Jury, and their Presentments at
this sessions, be forthwith published.
By order of the Court: JOHN COLCOCK, C. C. S.
THE CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY.
GENTLEMEN OF THE GRAND JURY: The last time I had
the honour to address a grand jury in this court, I ex-
pounded to them the constitution of their country, as
established by Congress on the 26th day of March last,
independent of royal authority. I laid before them the
causes of that important change of our Government — a
comparison of these, with those that occasioned the English
Revolution of 1688 — and the law resulting from the inju-
ries in each case. I spoke to that grand jury of the late
revolution of South- Carolina. I mean to speak to you
upon a more important subject — the rise of the American
Empire.
The great act in March last upon the matter constituted
our country totally independent of Great Britain. For it
was calculated to place in our hands the whole legislative,
executive, and judicial powers of government; and to
enable us, in the most effectual manner, by force of arms,
to oppose, resist, and war against the British Crown. The
act naturally looked forward to an accommodation of the
unhappy differences between that Power and America. In
like manner every declaration of war between independent
Slates, implies a future accommodation of their disputes.
But, although by that act we were upon the matter made
independent, yet there were no words in it specially declara-
tive of that independency. Such a declaration was of right
to be made only by the General Congress ; because the
united voice and strength of America were necessary to give
a desirable credit and prospect of stability to a declared
state of total separation from Great Britain. And the
General Congress, as the only means left by which they had
a chance to avert the ruin of America, have issued a decla-
ration by which all political connection between you and
the State of Great Britain is totally dissolved.
Carolinians ! heretofore you were bound. By the Amer-
ican Revolution you are now free. The change is most
important — most honourable — most beneficial. It is your
birthright by the law of nature — it is even valid by the
fundamental laws of your country — you were placed in
possession of it by the hand of God — particulars evidencing
a subject of the highest import. Gentlemen of the grand
jury, it is my duty to mark to you the great lines of your
conduct ; and so to endeavour to explain the nature of each,
that you may clearly see your way, and thereby be animated
in your progress to discharge those services which are
required at your hands ; and hence it is necessary for me
to lay before you some observations upon the nature of the
American Revolution, which by every tie, divine and human,
you are bound to support. I shall therefore endeavour to
draw your attention to this great subject, necessarily inclu-
ding the lines of your particular conduct.
It is but to glance an eye over the historick page, to
be assured that the duration of empire is limited by the
Almighty decree. Empires have their rise to a zenith,
and their declension to a dissolution. The years of a man,
nay, the hours of the insect on the bank of the Hypanis,
that lives but a day, epitomize the advance and decay of the
strength and duration of dominion ! One common fate
awaits all things upon earth — a thousand causes accelerate
or delay their perfection or ruin. To look a little into
remote times, we see that, from the most contemptible origin
upon record, Rome became the most powerful State the sun
ever saw. The world bowed before her imperial Fasces !
yet, having ran through all the vicissitudes of dominion,
her course was finished. Her empire was dissolved, that
the separated members of it might arise to run through
similar revolutions.
Great Britain was a part of this mighty empire. But,
being dissolved from it, in her turn she also extended her
dominion: — arrived at, and passed her zenith. Three and
thirty years numbered the illustrious days of the Roman
greatness. Eight years measure the duration of the British
grandeur in meridian lustre ! How few are the days of true
glory ! The extent of the Roman period is from their
complete conquest of Italy, which gave them a place
whereon to stand that they might shake the world, to the
original cause of their declension, their introduction of
Asiatick luxury. The British period is from the year 1758,
when they victoriously pursued their enemies into every
quarter of the globe, to the immediate cause of their decline
— their injustice displayed by the Stamp Act. In short, like
the Roman empire, Great Britain in her constitution of
government, contained a poison to bring on her decay, and
in each case, this poison was drawn into a ruinous operation
by the riches and luxuries of the East. Thus, by natural
causes and common effects, the American States are become
dissolved from the British dominion. And is it to be won-
dered at, that Britain has experienced the invariable fate of
empire ! We are not surprised when we see youth or age
yield to the common lot of humanity. Nay, to repine that,
in our day, America is dissolvpd from the British State, is
impiously to question the unerring wisdom of Providence.
The Almighty setteth up, and he casteth down : he breaks
the sceptre, and transfers the dominion. He has made
choice of the present generation to erect the American
empire. Thankful as we are, and ought to be, for an
appointment of the kind, the most illustrious that ever was,
let each individual exert himself in this important operation
directed by Jehovah himself. From a short retrospect, it
is evident the work was not the present design of man.
Never were a people more wrapped up in a King than
the Americans were in George the Third in the year 1763.
They revered and obeyed the British Government, because
it protected them ; they fondly called Great Britain, home.
But, from that time, the British counsels took a ruinous
turn ; ceasing to protect, they sought to ruin America. The
Stamp Act, Declaratory Law, and the duties upon tea
and other articles, at once proclaimed their injustice, and
announced to the Americans that they had but little room
for hope; infinite space for fear. In vain they petitioned for
redress ! Authorized by the law of nature, they exerted the
inherent powers of society, and resisted the edicts which told
them they had no property ; and that against their consent,
and by men over whom they had no control, they were to
be bound in all cases whatsoever. Dreadful information !
Patience could not but resent them. However, regardless of
such feelings, and resolved to endeavour to support those all-
grasping claims, early in the year 1774 the British tyranny
made other edicts — to overturn American charters — to sus-
pend or destroy, at the pleasure of the Crown, the value of
private property — to block up the port of Boston in terro-
rem to other American ports — to give murder the sanction
of law — to establish the Roman Catholick religion, and to
make the King of Great Britain a despot in Canada ; and
as much so as he then chose to be in Massachusetts-Bay.
And General Gage was sent to Boston with a considerable
force to usher these edicts into action, and the Americans
into slavery.
Their petitions thus answered even with the sword of the
murderer at their breasts, the Americans thought only of
new petitions. It is well known there was not then even
an idea that the independence of America would be the
work of this generation ; for people yet had a confidence
in the integrity of the British monarch. At length, sub-
sequent edicts being also passed, to restrain the Americans
from enjoying the bounty of Providence on their own coast,
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1050
and to cut off their trade with each other and with foreign
States — the royal sword yet reeking with American blood,
and the King still deaf to the prayers of the people for
" peace, liberty and safety ;" it was even so late as the
latter end of the last year, before that confidence visibly de-
clined ; and it was generally seen that the quarrel was likely
to force America into an immediate state of independence.
But such an event was not expected, because it was thought
the monarch, from motives of policy, if not from inclina-
tion, would heal our wounds, and thereby prevent the sepa-
ration ; but it was not wished for, because men were
unwilling to break off old connections, and change the
usual form of Government.
Such were the sentiments of America until the arrival of
the British act of Parliament declaring the Americans out
of the royal protection, and denouncing a general war against
them. But counsels too refined, generally produce con-
trary and unexpected events. So the whole system of
British policy respecting America, since the year 1763,
calculated to surprise, deceive, or drive the people into sla-
very, urged them into independence : and this act of Par-
liament, in particular, finally released America from Great
Britain. Antecedent to this, the British King, by his hos-
tilities, had as far as he personally could, absolved America
from that faith, allegiance and subjection she owed him ;
because the law of our land expressly declares these are
due only in return for his protection, allegiance being founded
on the benefit of protection. But God, knowing that we are
in peril by false brethren as well as by real enemies, out of
his abundant mercy has caused us to be released from sub-
jection, by yet a better title than the mere oppression of a
man in the kingly office. This title is singular in its kind.
It is the voluntary and joint act of the whole British Legis-
lature, on the 21st day of December, 1775, releasing the
faith, allegiance and subjection of America to the British
Crown, by solemnly declaring the former out of the protec-.
tion of the latter; and thereby, agreeable to every principle
of law, actually dissolving the original contract between
King and people.
Hence an American cannot, legally, at the suit of the
King of Great Britain, be indicted of high treason ; because
the indictment cannot charge him with an act contra lige-
antite su<e debitum; for, not being protected by that King,
the law holds that he does not owe him any faith and alle-
giance. So an alien enemy, even invading the Kingdom of
England, and taken in arms, cannot be dealt with as a
traitor, because he violates no trust or allegiance. In short
this doctrine, laid down in the best law authorities, is a
criterion whereby we may safely judge whether or not a
particular people are subject to a particular Government.
And thus upon the matter, that decisive act of Parliament
ipso facto created the United Colonies free and independent
States.
These particulars evidence against the royal calumniator
in the strongest manner. Let him not with unparalleled
effrontery, from a throne continue to declare that the Ameri-
cans " meant only to amuse, by vague expressions of attach-
ment and the strongest professions of loyalty, whilst they
were preparing for a general revolt, for the purpose of estab-
lishing an independent empire." On the 1st of September,
1775, Richard Penn and Arthur Lee, Esqs., delivered to
Lord Dartmouth, he being Secretary of State, a petition
from the Congress to the King, when Lord Dartmouth told
them, "no answer would be given." The petition con-
tained this remarkable passage, that the King would " be
pleased to direct some mode by which the united applica-
tions of his faithful Colonists to the Throne, in presence of
their common councils, might be improved into a permanent
and happy reconciliation, and that in the mean time mea-
sures might be taken for preventing the further destruction
of the lives of his Majesty's subjects." Yet, notwithstand-
ing this, on the 26th of October following, from the throne,
the King charged the Americans with aiming at indepen-
dence ! The facts I have stated are known to the world ;
they are yet more stubborn than the tyrant. But let other
facts be also stated against him. There was a time when the
American army before Boston had not a thousand weight of
gunpowder — the forces were unable to advance into Canada,
until they received a small supply of powder from this
country, and for which the General Congress expressly sent
— and when we took up arms a few months before, we
begun with a stock of five hundred weight! These grand
magazines of ammunition demonstrate, to be sure, that
America, or even Massachusetts-Bay, was preparing to
enter the military road to independence ! On the contrary,
if we consider the manner in which Great Britain has con-
tinued her irritating and hostile measures, we cannot but
clearly see that God has darkened her counsels, and that
with a stretched-out arm he himself has delivered us out of
the house of bondage, and has led us on to empire.
In the year 1774, General Gage arrived at Boston, to
awe the people into a submission to the edicts against
America. The force he brought was, by the oppressors,
thought not only sufficient to compel obedience, but that
this would be effected even at the appearance of the sword.
But the Continent being roused by the edicts, General
Gage, to his surprise, found that he had not strength suffi-
cient to carry them into execution. In this situation things
continued several months; while on the one hand the Gen-
eral received reinforcements, and on the other the people
acquired a contempt for the troops, and found time to form
their Militia into some order to oppose the force they saw-
accumulating for their destruction. Hence in the succeed-
ing April, when the General commenced hostilities, he was
defeated. The victory produced the most important effects.
The people were animated to besiege Boston, where it
soon appeared that the British troops were too weak to
make any impression upon them, thus acquiring military
knowledge by the actual operations of war. The United
Colonies were roused to arms. They new-modelled their
Militia, raised regular troops, fortified the harbours, and
crushed the Tory parties among them. Success fired the
Americans with a spirit of enterprise.
In the mean time, the King passed such other edicts as,
adding to the calendar of injuries, widened the civil breach,
and narrowed the band of the American Union. And such
supplies were, from time to time, sent for the relief of Bos-
ton, as not in any degree sufficient to enable General Gage
to raise the siege, answered no other ends but to increase the
number, heighten the spirit, advance the discipline of the
American army, and to cause every member of the Union
to exert every ability to procure arms and ammunition from
abroad. Thus trained on evidently by the Almighty, these
troops, reproached by General Gage when they first sat
down before Boston, that " with a preposterous parade of
military arrangements, they affected to hold the army besieg-
ed," in less than eleven months compelled the British army,
although considerably reinforced, to abandon Boston by
stealth, and to trust their safety, not to their arms, but to
the winds. The British Ministry have attempted to put
a gloss upon this remove of their army. However, the
cannon, stores, and provisions, they left in Boston, are in
our hands, substantial marks of their flight.
Thus there appears to have been a fatality in their counsels
respecting Boston, the grand seat of contention ; their forces
being inadequate to the enterprise on which they were sent.
And under the same influence have their attacks been
directed against Virginia and North- Carolina, Savannah,
and this capital. Such a series of events is striking. It
surely displays an overruling Providence that has confounded
the British counsels, to the end that America should not
have been at first shackled, and thereby prevented from
acquiring a knowledge of, and confidence in her strength,
to be attained only by an experimental trial and successful
exertion of it, previous to the British rulers doing acts
driving her either into slavery or independence. The same
trace of an overruling Providence is evident throughout the
whole transaction of the English Revolution of 1688.
King James received early information of the Prince of
Orange's intention to invade England, and Louis the XIV.
offered the King a powerful assistance. But his counsels
were confounded from on high. He paid little attention to
the first — he neglected the last. The winds blew, and how
opportunely have they aided us ; the winds detained James's
fleet at anchor, while they, directing the course of the
Prince, enabled him without any loss to land in England,
at a time when no person thought of a revolution, which
was destined to take place within but a few weeks. Unex-
pected, wonderful, and rapid movements, character the
British and American Revolutions. They do not appear
to have been premeditated by man. And from so close a
similitude, in so many points, between the two revolutions,
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1052
we have great reason to hope that the American, like the
British, will be stable against the tyrant.
As I said before, in my last charge, I drew a parallel
between the causes which occasioned the English Revolu-
tion, and those which occasioned our local revolution in
March last ; and I examined the famous resolution of the
Lords and Commons of England, at Westminster, declaring
the law upon James's conduct. The two first points of it
applied to our own case in the closest manner, and in apply-
ing the third, treating of James's withdrawing, I pointed out
that the abdication of the regal Government among us, was
immediately effected, not only by the withdrawing of the
regal substitute, with the ensigns of government, but that
King George had withdrawn himself, "by withdrawing the
constitutional benefits of the kingly office, and his protection
out of this country." Thus couching my thoughts upon
the article of the withdrawing, in order that the parallel
should be continued throughout as close as the subject would
admit, without attempting lo extract the essence from the
substance of the resolution, to demonstrate that such a par-
allel was necessary ; a mode which, the subject being new,
might not then perhaps have been so generally satisfactory.
But, as the American Revolution leads me again to mention
that resolution, which in the strongest manner justifies it, I
make no scruple now to say, that the resolution, though
appearing to point out several kinds of criminality, yet has
only one idea thus variously represented:
" Resolved, That King James the Second having endea-
voured to subvert the Constitution of the Kingdom, by
breaking the original contract between King and people; and,
by the advice of Jesuits and other wicked persons, having
violated the fundamental laws, and having withdrawn him-
self out of the Kingdom, has abdicated the Government,
and that the throne is thereby vacant."
But before I make any further observation upon this
resolution, allow me to show you the sense of Scotland in
the last, and of America in the present century, touching
an abdication of government; and you will find that the
voice of nature is the same, in either extremity of the globe,
and in different ages.
The estates of Scotland having enumerated King James's
maladministration, and in which there was no article of
withdrawing, they declared, that " thereby he had forefaulted
the rights of the crown, and the throne was become vacant."
And the Representatives of the United States of America,
stating their grievances under King George the Third,
decreed, that "he has abdicated government here, by
declaring us out of his protection, and waging war against
us." And that " a prince whose character is thus marked
by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the
ruler of a free people."
Thus in each case it is apparent the abdication or fore-
faulting took place from but one and the same cause — the
failure of protection. And this is the single idea that, I
apprehend, is in the resolution of Westminster. Search to
understand what is a breach of the original contract — what
a violation of the fundamental laws wherein consisted the
criminality of James's withdrawing? Your inquiry must
terminate thus — a failure of protection. Independent of the
nature of the subject, the history of that lime warrants this
construction upon the withdrawing in particular. For upon
James's first flying from Whitehall, quitting the administra-
tion without providing a power to protect the people, he
was considered by the Prince of Orange, and the heads of
the English nation, as having then absolutely abdicated the
Government, and terminated his reign ; and they treated him
accordingly upon bis sudden return to Whitehall, from
whence he was immediately ejected. In short, a failure of
protection being once established, it necessarily includes
and implies a charge of a breach of original contract — a
violation of fundamental laws — and a withdrawing of the
King. I do not mean the individual person, but the officer
so called. For the officer being constituted to dispense
protection, and there being a failure of it, it is evident,
prima facie, that the officer is withdrawn ; and in reality,
because the law will not admit that the officer can be pre-
sent and not dispense protection, as the law ascribes to the
King in his political capacity absolute perfection; and
therefore it will intend a withdrawing and abdication, in
exclusion of any idea of his being present and doing wrong.
Protection was the great end for which mankind formed
societies. On this hang all the duties of a King. It is the
one thing needful in royalty.
Upon the whole, what is civil liberty, or by what con-
duct it may be oppressed, by what means the oppression
ought to be removed, or an abdication or forefaulting of the
Government may be induced, cannot precisely be ascer-
tained and laid down as rules to the world. Humanity is
interested in these subjects. Nature alone will judge, and
she will decide upon the occasion without regard to prece-
dent. In America, nature has borne British oppression so
long as it was tolerable; but there is a load of injury which
cannot be endured. Nature felt it. And the people of
America, acting upon natural principles, by the mouths of
their Representatives in Congress assembled, at Philadel-
phia, on the 4th day of July last, awfully declared — and
revere the sentence! — "That these United Colonies are,
and of right ought to be, free and independent States; that
they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown;
and that all political connection between them and the State
of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
A decree is now gone forth, not to be recalled! And
thus has suddenly arisen in the world, a new empire, styled
the United States of America. An empire that as soon as
started into existence, attracts the attention of the rest of
the universe, and bids fair, by the blessing of God, to be the
most glorious of any upon record. America hails Europe,
Asia, and Africa. She proffers peace and plenty.
This revolution, forming one of the most important
epochas in the history, not of a nation, but of the world, is,
as it were, an eminence from which we may observe the
things around us. And I am naturally led to explain the
value of that grand object now in our possession and view,
to state the American ability by arms to maintain the acqui-
sition, and to show the conduct by which a patriotick grand
jury may aid the establishment of our infant empire.
To make men sensible of the value of the object now in
our possession, we need no ingenuity of thought, or display
of eloquence. To him who doubts of the meridian sun, it
is sufficient to point to it. So in the present case, as well
to demonstrate the value of the object as the justice of our
claim to it, we need only hold it up to view. It is, to
maintain among the powers of the earth, the separate and
equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's
God entitle us. A few months ago we fought only to
preserve to the labourer the fruits of his toil, free from the
all-coveting grasp of the British tyrant, alieni appetens, sui
profusus, and to defend a people from being, like brute
beasts, bound in all cases whatsoever. But these two last
ingredients to make life agreeable, are now melted into,
inseparably blended with, and wholly included in the first,
which is now become the object for which America, ex
necessitate, wars against Britain. And I shall now point out
to you the Continental ability, by arms, to maintain this
invaluable station.
When, in modern times, Philip of Spain became the
tyrant of the Low Countries in Europe, of seventeen Pro-
vinces which composed those territories, seven only effectu-
ally confederated to preserve their liberties, or to perish in
the attempt. They saw Philip the most powerful prince in
the Old World, and master of Mexico and Peru in the
New — nations incessantly pouring into his territories floods of
gold and silver. They saw him possessed of the best troops,
and the most formidable navy in the universe, and aiming at
no less than universal monarchy. But these seven Pro-
vinces, making but a speck upon the globe, saw themselves
without armies, fleets, or funds of money; yet seeing them-
selves on the point of being by a tyrant bound in all cases
whatsoever, nobly relying upon Providence and the justice
of their cause, they resolved to oppose the tyrant's whole
force, and at least deserve to be free. They fought, they
bled, and were often brought to the door of destruction
They redoubled their efforts in proportion to their danger.
And the inhabitants of that speck of earth compelled the
master of dominions so extensive that it was boasted the
sun was never absent, to treat with them as a free and inde-
pendent people!
For a moment, and with the aid of a fearful imagination,
let us suppose that the American States are now as defence-
less as the Hollanders then were, and that the King of
Great Britain is now as powerful as Philip then was.
Yet even such a state of things could not be a plea for any
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1054
degree of submission on our part. Did not the Hollanders
oppose their weakness to the strength of Spain] Are not
the Americans engaged in as good a cause as the Hol-
landers fought in ? Are the Americans less in love with
liberty than the Hollanders were? Shall we not in this,
a similar cause, dare those perils that they successfully com-
bated? Shall we not deserve freedom ? Our past actions
presage qur future achievements, and animate us in our mili-
tary efforts for " peace, liberty, and safety." But see the
real powers of Great Britain.
Staw'erin"1 beneath the load of an enormous debt, the
CTO O
very annual interest of which, in the year 1775, amounted
to upwards of four millions eight hundred and eighty thou-
sand pounds sterling, Great Britain scarcely supports the
weight which is yet rapidly increasing. During the present
year, she prosecutes the war at a charge of more than nine-
teen millions sterling, incurred by actual expenses, and by
loss of revenue in consequence of the war. Her trade, her
only resource for money, is now in a manner destroyed ; for .
her principal trade, which was to this Continent, is now at
an end ; and she sustains heavy, very heavy, losses by the
American captures of her West-India ships. Her manufac-
tures are almost at their last morsel. Her publick credit is
certain to fail even by a short continuance of the war.
Her fleets are not half manned. And she is so destitute of
an army, that she is reduced to supplicate even the petty
German princes for assistance, and thinks it worth her
while to make a separate treaty to procure only six hundred
and sixty-eight men ! — a last effort to form an army in
America. But, after all this humiliating exertion, she has
even upon paper raised a German army of only sixteen
thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight men, who, with
about fourteen thousand national troops and a few Hano-
verian regiments, compose the whole military force that she
can collect for the American service. Nay, so arduous a
task was even this, that her grand army of but twenty-six
thousand men, could not open the present campaign before
the end of August last. Add to these particulars, the
troops are unaccustomed to the sudden vicissitudes of the
American climate and the extremes of cold, heat, and rain.
They cannot proceed without camp equipage, because they
are used to such luxuries. The very scene of their opera-
tions is a matter of discouragement to them, because they
know not the country ; and for their supplies of men, stores,
and the greatest part of their provisions, they must look to
Great Britain — and there is a vast abyss between. Hence
their supplies must be precarious at best; and failing, they
may be involved in ruin. A check may affect them as a
defeat — a defeat in battle may annihilate their very army.
Such seems to be the situation of Great Britain, while only
the American war is on her hands. But do we not see
France and Spain, her inveterate enemies, now watching
for the critical moment when they shall swallow up her
West India Islands? When this crisis appears, which, from
the now quick arrivals of French vessels in America, and
from the forces already collected, and others now daily
poured into the islands by those Powers, cannot be far
distant, what will be the situation of Great Britain1!
On the other hand, America is possessed of resources for
the war which appear as soon as inquired after; are found
only by being sought for; and are but scarce imagined even
when found. Strong in her union, on each coast and fron-
tier she meets the invaders, whether British or Indian sava-
ges, repelling their allied attacks. The Americans now
live without luxury. They are habituated to despise their
yearly profits by agriculture and trade. They engage in
the war from principle. They follow their leaders to battle
with personal affection. Natives of the climate, they bear
the vicissitudes and extremeties of the weather. Hardy
and robust, they need no camp equipage, and they march
with celerity. The common people have acute under-
standing ; and there are those in the higher stations who are
acquainted with the arts and sciences, and have a compre-
hensive view of things equally with those who act against
them. In short, the American armies meet the war where
they may be constantly recruited and subsisted, comforted
by the aid of their neighbours, and by reflections upon the
justice of their cause, and animated by seeing, that they
are arrayed in the defence of all that is, or can be, dear to
them.
From such a people every thing is to be hoped for,
.nothing is to be doubted of. Such a people, though young
ln the practice of war, ever were superiour to veteran troops.
To prove this, shall I direct your attention to Europe. Asia,
and Africa, in their histories to point out to you number-
less instances of this sort? No, gentlemen, America now
attracts the eyes of the world: she deserves our whole
attention; let us not search abroad, and in remote or
modern times, for instances of such a kind as we can find at
home and in our own day. Need I mention that such a
people, young in the art of war, beat veteran troops at Lex-
ington, slaughtered them at Bunker's Hill, and drove them
out of Boston! or remind you of Sullivan's Island, where,
in an unfinished wooden fort, on a flat coast, such men,
during eleven hours, and at the distance of five hundred
yards, stood the whole and unintermitted fire of a British
squadron of two ships of the line, five frigates, and a bomb;
and, with fifteen pieces of cannon, caused the enemy to
burn one of their largest frigates, and to fly with the rest of
the squadron in a shattered condition, from before our
capital !
Such a contrasted state of the powers of America and of
Britain is, I apprehend, a just representation of their abili-
ties with regard to the present war ; and if America behaves
worthy of herself, I see no cause to fear the enemy. How-
ever, in such a conflict, we ought to expect difficulties,
dangers and defeats. " What, shall we receive good at
the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ?" Job's
perseverance in his duty under every calamity, at length
raised him to- the height of human felicity; and, if we are
firm, even our defeats will operate to our benefit. Let us
remember that it was to the danger in which the Roman
State was reared that she owed her illustrious men and im-
perial fortune. The Roman dignity was never so majestick,
her glory never so resplendent, her fortitude and exertions
never so conspicuous and nervous, as when Hannibal, in
the successive battles of Trabia, Thrasymenus and Cannae.,
having almost extirpated their whole military force, the
very State was on the brink of dissolution. The Romans
deserved, and they acquired victory.
And now, gentlemen of the grand jury, having in this
manner considered the nature of the American Revolution
upon circumstances of fact and principles of law, I am to
mark the conduct which you ought to pursue, and which
will enable you to aid the establishment of our infant em-
pire. But, that I may naturally introduce this subject, I
shall first state and explain to you the principal articles of
the inquiry which you are sworn to make on the part of the
State, and for the body of this district; and these articles I
shall arrange under two heads. The one relating to crimes
and misdemeanours immediately injurious to individuals,
the other relating to such as are injurious to the State.
Those criminal injuries that affect individuals respect
either their persons, habitations, or property. Of these
injuries the most important are such as affect the person,
and of such, the act depriving the person of life is the most
enormous.
In the contemplation of law, every taking of life is a
homicide ; and, according to the particular circumstances of
each case, this homicide is purely voluntary, including the
cases of felony, as self-murder, murder respecting another,
and manslaughter: Or, the homicide is purely involuntary,
as per infortunium, misadventure : Or, of a mixed kind, ex
necessitate ; as se defendendo inducing 'a forfeiture ; or being
under the requisition or permission of law and not inducing
any. And thus, homicide is either justifiable, excusable, or
felonious.
It is justifiable in all cases ex necessitate ; as when life is
taken by the legal execution of a criminal, or for the ad-
vancement of justice, or for the prevention of some atrocious
crime.
. It is excusable in cases per infortunium, misadventure ;
as when life is taken by the doing a lawful act without any
evil intention. So in cases se defendendo ; as a man being
attacked without any provocation on his part, and having
bona fide retreated as far as he safely could, when for self-
preservation he kills the aggressor. And although this last
arises ex necessitate, and it would therefore seem to be
rather justifiable than excusable, yet the law entitles it
necessitas citlpabilis, and thereby distinguishes it from the
other. For the law so highly respects the life of a man,
that it always intends some misbehaviour in the person wlrt>
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1056
takes it away without an express legal command or per-
mission.
But homicide is felonious in all cases of manslaughter,
murder, and self-murder. In cases of manslaughter, as
killing another without any degree of malice, and this killing
may bo either voluntary by a sudden act of revenge on a
sudden provocation and heat, or it may be, yet not strictly
so, involuntary, being in the commission of some unlawful
act under the degree of felony ; for this killing being the
consequence of the unlawful act voluntarily entered upon,
the law, because of the previous intent, will transfer this
from the original to the consequential object.
In cases of murder; as killing another person, ex malitia
pr&cogitata. And here it is necessary that I particularly
explain what the law considers as malice prepense. Malice
prepense then, is an inclination of the mind, not so properly
bearing ill will to the person killed, the commonly received
notion, as containing any evil design, the dictate of a wicked
and malignant heart. The discovery of this secret inclina-
tion of the mind must arise, because it cannot any other-
wise, only from the external effects of it ; and by such evi-
dence the malignity of the mind is held either express in
fact or implied in law. Thus, malice prepense is held to
be express in fact, when there is evidence of a laying in
wail, or of menacings antecedent, grudges, or deliberate
compassings to do some bodily harm. Even upon a sudden
provocation, the one beating or treating another in an ex-
cessive and cruel manner, so that he dies, though he did not
intend his death, the slayer displays an express evil design,
the genuine sense of malice. This is evidence of a bad
heart ; and the act is equivalent to a deliberate act of
slaughter. So any wilful action, likely in its nature to kill,
without its being aimed at any person in particular : For
this shows an enmity to all mankind. So if two or more come
to do any felony, or any unlawful act, the probable conse-
quence of which might be bloodshed, and one of them kills
a man, it is murder in them all, because of the unlawful act,
the malitia prcccogitata, or evil intended. But malice pre-
pense is held to be implied in law, when one kills an officer
of justice in the execution of his office, or any person
assisting him, though not specially called. Or when with-
out sufficient provocation, and no affront by words or ges-
tures only is a sufficient provocation, a man suddenly kills
another. Or when, upon a chiding between husband and
wife, the husband strikes the wife with a pestle or other
dangerous weapon, and she presently dies. These and
similar instances, are evidences of a malice prepense on the
part of the slayer; and he shall be held guilty of murder.
In cases of self-murder, there must be a voluntary and
deliberate putting an end to one's existence ; or doing some
unlawful malicious act, the consequence of which is his own
death. In a word, all homicide is presumed to be malicious,
until the contrary is made to appear in evidence.
There is a regular gradation of importance in the com-
ponent parts of the universal system; and, therefore, there
must be a scale marking the degrees of injury. We have
examined the highest injury that can be committed or per-
petrated upon the person of an individual — let us now turn
our attention to such injuries against the person, as are of
an inferiour nature.
Of these the first in degree is mayhem, which is the cut-
ting out, with malice prepense, or disabling the tongue,
putting out an eye, slitting the nose, cutting off a nose or
lip, or depriving another of the use of such of his members
as may render him the less able to defend himself, or annoy
his adversary. The next is rape. Then the infamous
crime against nature. These are felonies. But there are
yet other injuries against the person which, being of a less
flagrant degree, are, by the tenderness of the law, described
under the gentler term of misdemeanours. Such are as-
saults, batteries, wounding, false imprisonment, and kidnap-
ping. Here, in a manner, terminates the scale of injuries
against the person. We will now state such as may be
perpetrated against his mansion, or habitation.
By the universal consent of all ages, the dwelling-house
of man was and is endowed with peculiar immunities and
valuable privileges. Among the ancients, if even an enemy
reached the fire-place of the house, he was sure of protec-
tion. Thus we find Coriolaiius at the fire-place of Tullus
Aufidius, chief of the Volscian nation, discovering himself
•to Aufitlius, his publick and private enemy, and supplica-
ting and receiving his protection against Rome from whence
he was banished. And, on this subject of a dwelling,
Cicero, the great Roman lawyer, orator, and statesman,
thus pathetically expresses himself: " What is more invio-
lable, what better mended by religion than the house of a
citizen ? Here are his altars, here his fire-hearths are con-
tained— this place of refuge is so sacred to all men, that to
be dragged from thence is unlawful." In like manner we
find, that at Athens the habitation was particularly protected
by the law. Burglary was there punished with death,
although theft was not. And our law hath so special a
regard to a man's dwelling-house, that it terms it his castle,
and will not suffer it to be violated with impunity. The
law ranges the injuries against it under two heads — arson,
and hamesecken or housebreaking: And this last it divides
into legal or proper burglary, which is nocturnal house-
breaking, and housebreaking by day.
Arson is an injury that tends by fire to annihilate the
habitation of another person, or other house, that being
within the curtilage or honiestall, may reasonably be esteemed
a parcel of it, though not contiguous. So a barn in the field,
with hay or corn in it. But this injury by fire must be
done with a malicious intent, otherwise it is only trespass.
Burglary is a breaking and entering in the night time the
mansion-house of another, with intent to commit some felony
therein, whether the felonious intent be executed or not.
And all such houses are the objects of burglary, and of
housebreaking, as are described in the case of arson.
But, to violate this place of protection in the day, by
robbing therein, and putting any dweller in fear, although
there be no actual breach of the house ; or by breaking and
robbing in the house, a dweller being therein, and not put
in fear ; or by robbing or breaking the house, actually taking
something, none being in the house ; or by feloniously taking
away something to the value of thirty-five pounds currency,
or upwards, no person being in the house; or by breaking
the house with intent to commit a felony, any person being
in the house and put in fear, though nothing be actually
taken — any such violation is called housebreaking — a crime
not of so atrocious a nature as burglary. For, in the con-
templation of our law, as well as of all others, violency
perpetrated in the night, are of a more malignant tendency
than similar ones by day: Because attacks in the night
occasion a greater degree of terrour ; and because, they are
in a season by nature appropriated to the necessary rest and
refreshment of the human body, which is then, by sleep,
disarmed of all attention to its defence.
With respect to injuries against a man's personal property,
they are to be considered under three heads : larceny,
malicious mischief, forgery. And larceny, the first of these,
is either simple or mixed.
Simple larceny, or common theft, is a felonious and
fraudulent taking and carrying away the mere personal
goods of another — here no violence or fear is implied. If
goods so taken are above the value of seven shillings cur-
rency, the offence is termed grand larceny ; but if thev are
not exceeding that value, the act is petit larceny Mixed
larceny has in it all the ingredients of simple larceny; but
it is aggravated by a taking from the house or person ; and
this taking is yet aggravated if it is under the impression of
violence or fear. Such a taking in the house, with or with-
out violence or fear, may or may not fall within the crimes
of burglary or housebreaking, according to the circumstances.
And such a taking from the person, without, or with violence
or fear, will be but simple larceny in the first case; in the
other, it is a robbery, and the value is of no consideration.
Malicious mischief is a species of injury that bears a near
relation to the crime of arson. A dwelling is the object of
arson ; but other property is the subject for malicious mis-
chief to operate upon ; and indeed this spirit of wanton
cruelty has a wide field of action. This horrible spririt
displays itself by burning or destroying the property of
another, as a stack of rice, corn, or other grain; or any tar-
kiln, barrels of pitch, turpentine, rosin, or other growth,
product or manufacture of this State ; or killing or destroying
any horses, sheep, or other cuttle.
At length the crime of forgery, concludes the calendar
of publick offences against the property of an individual. I
need only define the crime: it is a fraudulent making or
alteration of a writing to the prejudice of another person.
Having in this manner marked out to you the distinguish-
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1058
ing features of the principal crimes and injuries against the
person, habitation and property of an individual, I now
desire your attention, ami I shall not long detain it, while I
delineate those against the State; objects which ought most
carefully to be observed wherever they appear. I have
purposely thus reserved this subject, as well because it is
of the most important nature, and virtually includes the
other, as. that by being the last described, you may be the
more likely to retain the impression of it. Every outrage
and violence against the person, habitation or property of
an individual, is a crime, a misdemeanor, or a contempt,
and therefore an injury against the State, bound by original
compact to protect the individual in his rights. For no
man, conceiving himself injured, has any authority, or
shadow of it, to redress himself; because the State has
established courts which are vindices injuriarum. Hence,
every criminal injury against the individual must ultimately
wound the State; and be included in the offences against
the body politick, which must be more important in their
nature than those relating to the individual, because they
are more extensive, and of a higher degree of criminality.
It behooves you, therefore, to watch for the publick safety;
for this is to be attentive to your private security.
It is not by any means necessary that I trace these
crimes, as they are branched by the law. The present
publick service requires your immediate particular attention
to offences done against only four acts of Assembly — the
patrol and negro laws ; the law against counterfeiting the
certificates issued by the late Houses of Assembly, or the
currency issued by the Congress of the Continent, or of this
country ; and the law to prevent sedition, and to punish
insurgents and disturbers of the publick peace.
The two first laws are calculated to keep our domesticks
in a proper behaviour. The two last were expressly
formed as two pillars to support our new Constitution; and
therefore, these last are your most -important objects. I
shall fully explain them.
The act against counterfeiting extends to all persons who
counterfeit, raze or alter, or utter, or offer in payment,
knowing the same to be counterfeited, razed or1 altered, any
certificate or bill of credit, under the authority of the late
Commons House of Assembly, or the Congresses of this
country, or of the continent.
The law to prevent sedition guards against those actions
as, in such a crisis as this, might reasonably be expected to
operate against our present honourable and happy establish-
ment. And the variety and importance of those actions,
make it necessary for me to particularize them to you.
This salutary act touches all persons taking up arms
against the authority of the present Government ; or who,
by violence, words, deeds, or writings, cause or attempt to
cause, induce, or persuade any other person to do so. In
like manner, all persons who give intelligence to, or hold
correspondence with, or aid or abet any land or naval force
sent by Great Britain, or any other force or body of men
within this State with hostile intent against it. So those
who compel, induce, persuade, or attempt to do so, any
white person, Indian, free negro, or slave, to join any force-
under authority derived from Great Britain. And so all
persons who collect, or procure them to be assembled, with
intent in a riotous and seditious manner, to disturb the
publick peace and tranquillity ; and by words, or otherwise,
create and raise traitorous seditions or discontents, in the
minds of the people against the publick authority.
Thus having stated to you such criminal injuries against
an individual, or the State, as may be most likely to come
within your notice, it is a natural consequence, that I
describe the person by law held capable of committing such
injuries.
In the first place, the party must be of sound memory at
the time of committing the offence, and it is the leading
principle in every case. If the party is under seven years
of age, no evidence can possibly be admitted to criminate ;
because the law holds, that the party cannot discern between
good and evil. But if the accused is above seven and
under fourteen, he is liable to be criminated, if at the. time
of his committing the injury, his understanding was so ripe
as to occasion him to show a consciousness of guilt, the rule
being malitia suppkl ee.iate.rn. And if the party is of the
age of fourteen, which is the age of discretion, the law
prirna facie considers him capable of committing offences
as a person of full age. Also a lunatick for crimes perpetrated
in a lucid interval. Also a man for crimes done in a state
of drunkenness voluntarily contracted ; and so far is this
artificial insanity from excusing, that it tends to aggravate
the offence.
All those particulars relating to the person, habitation and
property of an individual ; those respecting the safety,
peace and tranquillity of the State ; and these describing the
perpetrator of criminal injuries, are so many proper heads
for your diligent inquiry. And such offenders aad offences
being within your knowledge, you must make due present-
ment of them. You are to hear evidence only on the part
of an information to you of an offence ; for an indictment
by you is only in the nature of a solemn and publick accu-
sation, which is afterwards to be tried and determined by
others. You are only to examine whether there be suffi-
cient cause to call upon the party to answer. Twelve of
you, at least, must agree in opinion that the accused ought
to undergo a publick trial; so twelve other jurors are to
declare him innocent or guilty. Happy institutions !
whereby no man can be declared a criminal, but by the
concurring voices of at least four and twenty men, collected
in the vicinage by blind chance, upon their oaths to do
justice ; and against whom, even the party himself has no
exception !
Thus, gentlemen of the grand jury, with the best inten-
tions for the publick service, however executed, having
declared to you that you are not bound under, but freed
from the dominion of the British Crown, I thought myself
necessarily obliged, and I have endeavoured to demonstrate
to you, that the rise and fall of empires are natural events ;
that the independence of America was not, at the com-
mencement of the late civil war, or even at the conclusion
of the last year, the aim of the Americans; that their subjec-
tion to the British Crown, being released by the action of
British oppression, the stroke of the British sword, and the
tenour of a British act of Parliament, their natural rise to
empire was conducted by the hand of God ; that the same
strong hand, by proceedings equally unexpected, wonderful
and rapid as in our case, conducted the English Revolution
of 1688; that the Revolutions in England and Scotland at
that period, and in America now, giving a new epocha to
the history of the world, were founded in the same immedi-
ate cause, a failure of protection ; that those revolutions
concurred in one grand evidence of the feelings of nature on
such a subject ; that every species of mal-administration in
a King is to be traced to a failure of protection, which is
the only instrument working his abdication ; that the object
for which we contend, is just in its nature and of inestimable
value ; that the American Revolution may be supported with
the fairest prospect of success by arms; and that it may be
powerfully aided by a grand jury.
Gentlemen, I do most cordially congratulate you, placed
as you are in a station honourable to yourselves, and bene-
ficial to your country. Guardians of the innocent, you are
appointed to send the robber, the murderer, the incendiary,
and the traitor to trial. Your diligence in inquiring for
such offenders is the source of your own honour, and a
means of your country's safety ; and, although no such
offenders be found, your laudable search will yet tend to
curb a propensity to robbery, murder, sedition, and treason.
See, gentlemen, what great advantages may result from
your vigilant and patriotick conduct ! Your ears ought to
be shut to the petitions of friendship, and to the calls of con-
sanguinity ; but they ought to be expanded to receive the
complaints of your injured country, and the demands of
impartial justice. Brutus inflicted upon his sons the ulti-
mum supplicium, for conspiring to reestablish the regal gov-
ernment in Rome. And, if a similar occasion should arise
in America, which God forbid, 1 trust a Brutus will not be
wanting. Let those, if there are any such, who treacher-
ously or pusillanimously hanker after a return of regal gov-
ernment, remember such things and tremble. Let us ever
remember, rejoice, and teach our children, that the Ameri-
can Empire is composed of States that are, and of right
ought to be, free and independent ; "that they are absolved
from all allegiance to the British Crown;" and that all
political connection between them and the State of Great
Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
67
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1060
THE PRESENTMENTS OF THE JURY.
SOUTH-CAROLINA :
At a Court of General Sessions of the Peace, Oyer and
Terminer, Assize and General Gaol Delivery, begun to
be held at CHARLESTON,/^ the District O/CHARLESTON,
on TUESDAY, OCTOBER \5th, in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six:
Presentments of the Grand Jury for the said District :
I. It is with most cordial satisfaction we embrace thi
opportunity of offering our congratulations on the late Decla-s
ration of the Continental Congress, constituting the United
Colonies of North America independent States, an event,
however once dreaded as repugnant to those hopes of peace
and friendship with the British State, which was then
ardently entertained, yet which every American must now
most joyfully embrace, as the only happy means of salvation
and security, and the surest prevention to the treacherous
and cruel designs of a wicked and detestable enemy.
II. As the kind and beneficent hand of a wise and boun-
teous Providence has so ordered and disposed of human
events, that, from calamities which were dreaded as the
most miserable and destructive to America, benefits the
most advantageous, honourable, and desirable, have arisen
to her, which now gives a very joyful prospect to liberty
and happiness, we think our grateful sense of such peculiar
care and protection cannot be manifested in a way more
acceptable and proper than in a strict regard to the duties
which mankind owe to their God.
III. We present the growing evil of many churches
established by law falling to decay, and some remaining
without ministers to perform divine service, in divers parishes
in this district, by which means the spirit of religion will
decline, and become prejudicial to the manners of the people.
IV. We present and recommend a proper militia law to
be made, in such manner as to compel impartially and
equally all degrees of persons liable to do the duty therein
required, so as to enable the good people of this State (who
are now become principally the guardians thereof) to repel
any domestick or foreign enemy as far as possible.
V. We present and recommend, that care may always be
had, that none but gentlemen of weight and influence, and
good example, be prevailed on to qualify and act in the com-
mission of peace, by whose influence licentiousness, sedition,
and profligacy may be suppressed, and good order maintained.
VI. We present and recommend, that some office may
be created in this district, whereby executions and sales by
the Sheriff may be recorded, so that, on the death or removal
of the Sheriff, recourse may be had to such records by those
concerned.
VII. We present and recommend, that Jews and others
may be restrained from allowing their negroes to sell goods
in shops, as such a practice may induce other negroes to
steal and barter with them.
VIII. We present the ill practice of Jews opening their
shops, and selling of goods on Sunday, to the profanation of
the Lord's day.
IX. We present the barrack-master, Philip Will, for
seizing of firewood on the wharves, under pretence of the
publick, when he applies the same to his own use, to the
distressing of the inhabitants. By information of Mr. Patrick
Hinds, one of the grand jurors.
X. We present the want of more constables in this dis-
trict, we being informed that there are only four in this town.
XI. We return our thanks to his Honour the Chief Jus-
tice, for his excellent charge delivered at the opening of
the sessions, and desire that the charge and these present-
ments be forthwith printed and published.
JOSEPH GLOVER, Foreman, [L. s.]
BENJAMIN BAKER, [L. s.]
BENJAMIN DART, [L. s.]
JOHN FULLERTON, [L. s ]
CHRISTOPHER FITZSIMONS, [L. s.]
WILLIAM HOPTON, [L. s.]
WILLIAM HALE, [L. s.]
PATRICK HINDS, [L. s.]
CHARLES JOHNSTON, [L. s.]
ANDREW LORD, [L. s.]
JOHN MILES, [L. s.]
WILLIAM RUSSEL, [L. s.]
STEPHEN TOWNSEND, [L. s.]
A Return of the names of the Officers
talion of General SCOTT'S Brigade,
William Malcom, Colonel, - - -
Isaac Stougbtenburgh, Lieut. Col., -
James Alner, Major,
John Laboyteaux, - - Captain, - -
Jeremiah Wool, - - do. - -
Jonathan Blake, - - do. - -
Devvitt, - - do. - -
Henry Brasher, - - do. - -
Robert Smith, - - - do. - -
Edward Meeks, - - do. - -
John Meeks, - - - do. - -
Thomas Mitchell, - - do. - -
Jas. Stewart, - - - do. - -
John Fish, - - - - Lieutenant, -
John Thompson, - - do.
Henry Rutgers, - - do.
John Elliot, - - do.
Joseph Cheesman, - do.
James Black, - - - do.
John Fought, - - - do.
Prentice Brown, - - do.
Walter Moffatt, - - do.
Robert Coles, - - - do.
John Myers, - - - do.
Daniel Neavens, - - do.
Samuel Fleming, - - do.
John Santford, - - - do.
Aspenwall Cornwal, - do.
Oliver Lawrence, - - do.
John Santford, Adjutant, - - - -
Aaron Gilbert, Quartermaster, - -
William Adams, Surgeon, - -
WM.
in the Second Bat-
October 4, 1776.
Lame, present.
Sick, absent.
Fit (or duty.
On furlough.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
On Court-Martial.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
Present, fit for duty.
On furlough.
On furlough.
Fit for duty.
On furlough.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
On furlough.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
Sick, present.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
Adjutant.
Sick, present.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
Fit for duty.
MALCOM, Colonel.
Return of the First Regiment of Foot in the service of the
UNITED COLONIES, commanded by late Colonel now Gen-
eral McDouoALL. October 4, 1776.
Colonel, - - -
Lieutenant- Colonel,
Captain Wiley, - - -
Captain Ledyard, - -
Captain Lyon, - - -
Captain Johnson, - -
Captain Hyat, - - -
Captain Forbes, - -
Captain Steenrod, - -
Commandant Bleeker, -
Lieut. Lefoy, - - -
Lieut. Dunn, - - -
Lieut. Johnson, - - -
Lieut. Trip, - - - -
Lieut. Titus, - - -
Lieut. Taylor, - - -
Lieut. Van Hook, - -
Ensign Poynier, - -
Ensign Jones, - - -
Ensign Fairley, - - -
Vacant.
Vacant.
On Court-Martial.
On Court-Martial.
Sick, in camp.
On command at King's Bridge.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Present, on duty.
Present, on duty.
Sick, absent.
On command.
On command at the Bridge.
On command with sick.
Sick, present.
On command.
Adjutant.
Sick, absent.
Absent in pursuit of deserters.
Under arrest.
Return of the Third Regiment of Foot of NEW-YORKERS,
in the service of the UNITED COLONIES, commanded by
Colonel RITZEMA.
Sick, absent.
Sick, absent.
Present, on duty.
Sick, absent.
On command in pursuit of deserters.
Present, on duty.
Present, on duty.
Adjutant.
On command in pursuit of deserters.
Absent without leave.
Absent without leave.
Commands Pearce's company.
Sick, present.
Absent, without leave.
Absent, without leave.
Captain Denton, - -
Captain Riker, - -
Captain Hardenbergh,
Captain Horton, -
Captain Hobby, - -
Captain Hutchings, -
Captain Pelton, -
Lieut. Hallett, - -
Lieut. Benedict, - -
Lieut. Dusenbery,
Lieut. Whood, - -
Lieut. Baldwin, - -
Lieut. Miller, - - -
Ensign Cole, - - -
Ensign More, - - -
1061
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1062
Ensign Brunclridge, - Sick, absent with leave.
Ensign Johnson, - - On command after deserters.
Ensign Clark, - - Sick, present.
Ensign Holmes, - - On command with the sick cross the
North River.
Ensign Thornton, - Discharged.
RUDOLPHUS RlTZEMA, Colonel.
October 4, 1776.
Return of six Companies of Independent Regular and First
Battalion of MARYLAND Troop in the service of the
UNITED COLONIES, under the command of Colonel SMALL-
WOOD.
Colonel W. Smallwood,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Captain Gunby, - -
Captain Hindman, - -
Captain Thomas, - -
Captain Woolford, - -
Captain Bracco,
Captain Stone, - - -
Captain Lucas, - - -
Captain Ramsay, - -
Captain Adams, - -
Captain Scott, - - -
Captain Smith, - - -
Captain Sym, - - -
Captain Bowie, - -
Captain Ford, - - -
October 4, 1776.
Sick.
Sick.
Present, on duty.
On command to Philadelphia for
clothing.
Sick.
Present, on duty.
Sick.
Sick.
Sick.
Present, on duty.
Sick.
Present, on duty.
Present, on duty.
Present, on duty.
Presenj, on duty.
Sick.
Return of the Ninth Regiment of Foot in the service of the
UNITED COLONIES, commanded by J. M. VARNUM, Esq.
Colonel Varnum, - - Sick at East-Chester.
Lieut. Colonel A. Crary, Present.
Captain Ebr. Flagg, - Present.
Captain Eb. Lewis, - Present.
Captain N. Hawkins, - Present.
Captain O. Clarke, - - Present.
Captain T. Cole, - - Present.
Captain Gooch, - - - Present.
Captain J. Varnum, - Present.
Lieut. Chambers, - - Sick at East- Chester.
Ensign Jerauld, - - Sick at East-Chester.
Ensign Blake, - - - Sick in Orange County.
Ensign Eustace, - - On command in Gen. Greene's
Guard.
Ensign Remington, - - In charge of the sick in Hospital.
Surgeon, Joseph Joslyn, With the sick in Hopital.
Surgeon's Mate, D. Brown, Sick, absent.
True return : A. CHARY, Lieut. Colonel.
Fort Constitution, October 5, 1776.
SAMUEL DUVALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Henrico County, Virginia, October 15, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I have delivered to one Thomas Foster, at
Hanover town, on Pamunkey river, twenty-seven hundred
and eighty-one bushels of good pit coal, agreeable to my
contract with Mr. Tobias Rodulph, at Is. 4d. per bushel,
our currency, who by the last of March was to have paid
the money or given an order on our Treasurer, both of which
he has failed to do. Mr. Rudulph has not wrote, nor in
any manner complied with his engagement. Although I
could not supply the several orders for coal, have not dis-
posed of the above quantity. By the enclosed you'll see
what he tells Mr. Samuel Parsons, a gentleman from my
neighbourhood. If I had conceived that Mr. Rudolph
would have put me to the trouble he has, I would not have
sold him a bushel of coal. Neither did he ever hint that
your honourable Board was to have paid for them. Mr.
Newman told me, as Mr. Rudulph had given no order, he
could pay no money. No vessel has arrived for that coal.
I hope your honourable Board will direct Ro. C. Nicholas,
Esq., to make payment and send for the coal, as I am in
want of the money.
I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your most obedient
servant> SA^TEL DUVALL.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
RICHARD SMITH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
George-Town, October 15, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOURS: Enclosed you have a
list of the men now enrolled under my command, and I
apprehend that my Lieutenants and Ensign may have a few
more, but this I am uncertain of.
There are only a very few guns and blankets yet belong-
ing to the company, and I am fearful not many more can
be procured in this County, so as to be ready for this com-
pany in any reasonable time. But if it is your opinion that
1 should inarch with these already enrolled in our present
condition, you will be pleased to transmit me your orders,
and they shall be obeyed.
In the mean time, with the assistance of Magruder, I
shall try to purchase all the arms and other necessaries 1 can
hear of, and also to inlist more men.
1 am, may it please your Honours, your most obedient
servant' RICHARD SMITH.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
MONTGOMERY County to wit :
List of non-commissioned Officers and Privates enrolled
into a company of Militia for the service of a Flying-Camp,
under Captain Richard Smith, Lieutenants Walter White
and Thomas Hayes, and Ensign Thomas Sprigg, com-
mencing the 19th of September, 1776, to each of whom
the bounty money and one month's pay has been advanced
at that time, and at several dates since, as per list now in
RICHARD SMITH, Captain.
Levi Hayes, Matthew Read, Samuel Q,. Windsor,
Henry Clagett, William Morris, Sen., John Bennett,
John Patrick, of Bena. John Hinton,
Matthias Hernstone, William Wallace, John Gibson,
Andrew Hughes, Levin Hayes, William Sutton,
Jesse Harris, John Raynolds, John Harris,
William Sommers, Robert Moore, John Fitzgerald,
Joseph Lewis, Henry Kuhnes, John Carroll,
William Johnston, Anthony Murply, John Burgess,
John Bowen, Jacob Trissler, Nehemiah Leitch,
Robert Macleroy, William Veal Stewart, Dennis Mareman,
William Pollard, Michael Clancy, Nicholas Rodes,
Jacob Hesse, James Long, Zephaniah Wallace,
William Preston, Charles Stewart, Nicholas Rodes, Jun.,
Thomas Fanning, John Nolland, William Pruett,
Ezekiel Harris, George Windom, Alexander Mason,
Herbert A. Wallace, Peter Night, James Jordon,
John Davis, William Madden, John Hermes,
John Smith, Henry Atcheson, Robert Robinson,
Alexander Read, Andrew Keath, Thomas Hays.
Sixty men at £5 10$. each, £330.
Certified by RICHARD SMITH.
October 15, 1776.
NICHOLAS MACCUBBIN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETT.
October 15, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I having committed my proposals to your
consideration, should esteem it a singular favour if you would
please to inform me if they will be agreeable. The currier
whom I deal with is going to the northward to purchase
leather, and before he goes I must let him know what quan-
tity I want, that he may purchase accordingly. I want to
go to Baltimore to-morrow morning early, and entreat the
favour of your answer.
Am, honourable gentlemen, your most obedient and
humble servant, NicH,g MACCUBBIW>
To the honourable Council of Safety for Maryland.
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
War Office, October 15, 1776.
SIR : The Board of War have endeavoured to form an
exact account of ordnance stores in the several departments,
as well as of those in the magazine under their immediate
notice here. But from the want of accurate returns, they
have not yet been able to accomplish their design. If these
returns were made monthly, the Board would be enabled
in some degree to anticipate the wants of ammunition in the
army, and keep up the supply as far as may be in their
power. I have it in direction to request your Excellency
will order a return to be forthwith made of all ordnance
stores in your department, and that you would be pleased
to direct as exact returns to be made monthly as the situa-
tion of the arrny will admit ; as well as accounts of the
men, as to their numbers and capacity, to do duty. Returns
1063
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1064
ihould, if possible, be made of their arms and accoutre-
ments, and also of tbe rations drawn from the Coiinnissary
of Provisions, as it has been said that regiments not half full
draw their rations as if they were complete. With how
much justice this has been said cannot be clearly known,
but if monthly returns were made from the Commissary's
office of the rations drawn by each regiment, the returns
from the Adjutant-Gener.il would show whether they had
exceeded in their number of rations what they were justly
entitled to.
A list of the army is making out, wherein at one view
every thing relating to each regiment will be seen. But
the tliictuating state of the army has prevented that accuracy
which it is hoped will be shown in the military affairs of the
continent, when they shall, by the new establishment, be
put upon a more permanent, and of course a more respect-
able footing.
I have the the honour to be, with the greatest respect,
your very obedient, humble servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, October 15, 1776.
DEAR SIR: As I received no letter from Colonel Wliipple
or you last week. I am in hopes he is on the road here,
and will bring your letter with him. I wait with some impa-
tience for his return, as it is very hard for one delegate to
constantly attend Congress and the several Committees,
where one delegate is appointed from each State, especially
if unwell, as has been my case for some time past. How-
ever, I am now much better, and hope to be able to ride
home in a short time on horseback.
Yesterday, the Committee appointed to hear the appeal
from the Maritime Court in New-Hampshire, concerning
the Elizabeth, made their report, which was accepted.
They have reversed the sentence of our court, and have
ordered a salvage of one-tenth part to be paid by the
claimants, as she did not come under the order of Congress
of November and December last. Afterwards, the Congress,
by a vote, gave up to the said claimants their share of the
said tenth, so that they will have but one-twentieth part to
pay, beside the costs.
The same Committee have had Mr. Sheafe's petition
under their consideration, but have made no report. By
what 1 have conversed with them, I believe they will not
think themselves authorized to do any thing in that affair,
as there is no appeal from the court to the Congress, and
the opposite party not present to be heard in the case, and
nothing but the petition, without any thing more before
them. They all say the case appears to be hard, but
know not how to remedy it, without more proofs than they
have at present, and without the opposite party being heard,
and the case brought properly before them.
Before this reaches you, you will see the several orders
of the Marine Committee about guns for your ship, and the
reasons of those orders. The rank of the Captains is set-
tled. Captain Thompson is the sixth. Captain Manley is
uneasy about his being the third, and has desired leave to
resign : whether his resignation will be accepted, or his rank
altered, I am uncertain. Captains Manley and Roche are
got pretty hearty again as to their health. As to news, you
will see what is passing here by the enclosed paper. By
letters from France of the 3d of August, we have some
favourable advices.
In haste, my friend, adieu. JOSIAH BARTLETT.
MEASE AND CALDWELL TO GENERAL GATES.
Philadelphia, October 15, 1776.
SIR: On the 8th instant we had the pleasure to send
forward, by two wagons, via the camp at King's Bridge,
two chests, three cases, and three hogsheads, containing two
thousand three hundred and eighty white linen shirts, and
nine hundred and nineteen pairs of men's shoes, being by
order of Congress, for the use of the army under your com-
mand, and properly directed for you at Ticonderoga. They
were recommended to the care of General Mij/lin, Quarter-
master-General, at Head-Quarters, by the Secretary at War,
to be forwarded from thence as circumstances may render
most proper, and hope they will get safe and speedily to
hand.
We herewith, by three wagons, send you twenty casks
of nails, two hogsheads, containing five hundred and sixty-
eight pairs of men's shoes, three cases, containing fifteen
hundred Russia linen shirts, and one case, containing nine
hundred and sixty pairs milled yarn hose, under the same
direction, and for the same purpose. The wagons will be
escorted by an officer's guard, with proper orders from the
Board of War.
We hope, in a short time, to have a further supply of
shoes, stockings and breeches to forward, though it is
become exceedingly difficult, owing to the scarcity of mate-
rials and the great demand for those articles, to procure
them at almost any price. When we can strike the aver-
age, we shall furnish the prices of the whole. Interim we
are, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servants,
MEASE &t CALDWELL.
To Major-General H. Gates.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 15, 1776.
SIR: I was last night favoured with your letter of the 6th
instant, with the return of prisoners in your State, for which
1 thank you. It is properly made out.
Every day's intelligence from the Convention of this
State mentions plots and conspiracies that are in agitation
among the disaffected. The enclosed copy of a letter,
which I received yesterday from Robert R. Livingston,
Esq., one of the members, and who is of the Continental
Congress, will show you his idea of the situation of affairs
in this Government, and their apprehensions of insurrections.
The observations he has been pleased to favour me with,
through the whole of his letter, seem to me to be too well
founded. The movements of the enemy ; their having sent
up some of their ships in the North River; their landing a
large proportion, if not the main body, of their army on
Frog's Point, (or rather island, as it is surrounded by water
every flood tide,) nine miles above this, on the Sound;
added to these, the information of deserters, all afford a
strong presumption, nay, almost a certainty, that they are
pursuing their original plan of getting in our rear, and cut-
ting off all our supplies. Our situation here is not exactly
the same as it was at New-York ; it is rather better. How-
ever, as we are obliged to divide our force, and guard every
probable place of attack as well as we can ; as most of our
stores are here and about King's Bridge, and the preserva-
tion of the communication with the States on the other side
of Hudson's River a matter of great importance, it will not
be possible for me to detach any more assistance than what
I have already done for the purpose of securing the passes
in the Highlands. I have sent Colonel Tash, lately from
New- Hampshire, with his regiment, upon the business;
and as it is of the utmost consequence to possess those
passes, and to hold them free and open, I would beg leave
to submit to your consideration whether you can spare any
aid upon this interesting occasion. I know your exertions
already are great; I know you have a large number of men
engaged in the service, in this and the Northern army ; and
nothing could have induced me to mention this matter to
you. were it not for the alarming and melancholy conse-
quences which will result from the enemy's possessing them-
selves of those communications. The regiment I have
ordered up are to receive directions from the Convention as
to the posts they are to occupy, supposing them to be much
better acquainted with the places where they should be
stationed than I am. If it is in your power to afford any
assistance in this instance, you will be pleased to give such
instructions to those you send as you shall judge necessary.
I am just despatching an Engineer to the Convention to
throw up some small works.
I have the honour to be, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.
P. S. I have sent two regiments of the Massachusetts
Militia up the river to watch the motions of the ships, and
to oppose any landing of men that they may attempt. I
am also extending every part of my force that I possibly
can towards E(tst and West Chester, to oppose the enemy,
and prevent their effecting their plan, if it shall be pracii-
1065
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1066
cable; but our numbers being far inferiour to the demands
for men, I cannot answer for what may happen: the most
in my power shall be done.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the Line, held
on the Heights of HAERLEM, by order of His Excellency
GKORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Conunander-
in- Chief of 'the Forces of the UNITED STATES OF AMER-
ICA, for the (rial of all Prisoners to be brought before
them. OCTOBER 15, 1776.
Colonel Ewing, President.
Lieutenant-Colonel Reed, Captain Christ,
Major Seers, Captain Campbell,
Captain Bcnezet, Lieutenant Caldwell,
Captain Wallace, Lieutenant Ripley,
Captain Anderson, Ensign Bayham,
Captain Huntington, Ensign Clark.
William Tudor, Judge-Advocate.
The Court, being duly sworn, proceeded to the trial of
Lieutenant Pope, of the detachment of Rangers com-
manded by Major Coburn, brought prisoner before the
Court, and accused of " plundering, and encouraging the
men under his command to do so, by sharing the plunder
with them."
The prisoner, being arraigned on the above charge,
pleads "Not guilty."
John Bushing. My house is down by the eight-mile
stone. The day after the army had retreated from York I
left the house, and left most of our articles in the house. I
beard that the Rangers had a number of things, and applied
to Lieutenant Pope to get them. Pope appeared quite
willing to have the men searched. I found an old chest,
twenty pounds yarn, a pot, an axe, and two or three other
trifles, in the quarters of the men. I took them away with-
out opposition. Lieutenant Pope told me he had taken
away a gun out of the house, but told me I should not have
it unless I gave him five dollars, or gave an order for it
from the General. I accordingly got an order, and then
Lieutenant Pope told me he had sent the gun beyond
King's Bridge, and gave me an order to get it. Lieutenant
Pope appeared quite willing to have me take away every
thing I found except the gun, which he made no difficulty
about after I had the General's order.
George Wilson. I was one of the party that went into
Mr. Bushing's house ; and it lying very near the enemy,
and being deserted, we thought it best to take away what
things we could, and save them for the owners. What we
brought off were immediately delivered up to the quarter-
guard.
Captain Holmes. Lieutenant Pope informed me that
our sentries had drove off the enemy from Mr. Bushing's
house, and that, as there was a number of articles, Lieute-
nant Pope proposed that a party should go and fetch them
off, and save them for the owners or the continent. When
the things were brought up, Lieutenant Pope desired the
officers to go over and take an inventory of them. We
accordingly did, and Lieutenant Pope bid the men deliver
every thing up, that they might be inventoried ; after they
were so, they were put under the quarter-guard, and the
next day they were sent to Head-Quarters. Lieutenant
Pope showed me a gun, and said he thought that was his
property.
Sergeant Hemstead. The night after the party returned
from Bushing's house with the things, Corporal Wilson had
a coat and jacket, and gave them to Lieutenant Pope, who
gave him five dollars. Wilson said he had rather keep the
coat and jacket himself.
Adjutant Fosdick. Was present, and confirms Sergeant
Hemstead's deposition, and adds that he saw Lieutenant
Pope throw the coat and jacket across his arm.
The prisoner admits that he bought a coat of Wilson, but
denies that he knew it to be plunder.
The prisoner produces no witnesses.
The Court are of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of
conniving at plundering; and the Court sentence the pri-
soner to be cashiered for said offence, and he is accordingly
hereby cashiered. m i-
1 HOS. tiWiNG, President.
The Court adjourns to 16th October, at ten o'clock.
October 16. — The Court met according to adjournment,
and proceeded to the trial of Corporal George Wilson, of
the detachment of Rangers, brought before the Court, and
accused of " plundering."
The prisoner, being arraigned on the above charge,
pleads guilty, and confesses that he went, with two or three
others, one night about three weeks ago, into Mr. Bushing's
house, and they took away several things ; amongst others,
he took a coat and jacket, which he brought to his quarters,
and sold to Lieutenant Pope for five dollars.
The Court sentences the prisoner to be whipped thirty-
nine lashes on his bare back, and that in future he do duty
as a private sentinel for said offence.
THOS. EWING, President.
WILLIAM FLOYD TO THE NEW-YOHK CONVENTION.
Head-Quarters at Harlem, October 15, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Enclosed i sejul you some resolves of
Congress, with a newspaper agreeable to your desire. I
yesterday sent you by Mr. Wisner, ten thousand dollars for
the purpose of paying for the blankets and clothing to be
purchased in this State, all which I hope will come safe to
hand.
I am now going to try to get off some of my effects
from the island if it is possible, and shall be absent from
Congress a few days. I beg you would excuse me, as it
is the first time I have absented myself, but it happens at
a time when no important matter was like to come before
us.
I am, gentlemen, with the greatest esteem, your most
obedient servant,
To the honourable Convention.
WM. FLOYD.
COMMITTEE OF POUNDRIDGE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Poundridge, October 15, A. D. 1776.
HONOURED SIRS: We, the Sub-Committee of Pound-
ridge, in West-Chester County, beg leave to inform your
Honours that we are apprehensive that there is danger of
our prisoners leaving us and going to the Ministerial army,
as we are not more than nine or ten miles from the water
where the Sound is full of the' Ministerial ships and tenders.
One of our number is already gone to Long-Island, and
numbers are gone from other places, which are no doubt
now with the Ministerial army. There are disaffected per-
sons daily going over to them, which gives us much trouble.
Therefore, we humbly beg your Honours would give us
some directions concerning them, that they may be speedily
removed at some farther distance. We would also inform
you that for the misdemeanois of one of them, and our
own safety, we have been obliged to commit him to gaol at
the White-Plains.
These, with all proper respects, from yours to serve,
JOSHUA AMBLER, Chairman of Committee.
To the Honorable Convention of the State of New- York.
COLONEL A. HAWKES HAY TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Haverstraw, October 15, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I am to acknowledge the receipt of yours of
the 12th instant, covering the sum of five hundred dollars,
and the resolve of the Committee of Safety ordering a rein-
forcement of one hundred men from the north side of this
County, to protect the shore on the south side of the moun-
tains as soon as levied. 1 fear this supply will come too
late, and be insufficient for the purpose intended. Th«
ships attempted a landing at Nyack, on Sunday last, but
was prevented by a party of men under my command.
Some damage was done to the house and barn of PA. Ser-
vant. Two of the cutters fired several shot through them,
but none of my men were hurt, though one of the shot
from the cutters passed so near my head as to carry away
a piece of my hat. We are in daily expectation of their
proceeding up the river, and 1 am sorry to inform the Com-
mittee of Safety that should they attempt to land with one
barge, 1 cannot command a force sufficient to prevent their
penetrating the country. I have exerted myself to muster
the Militia, but have not been able to raise a guard of more
than thirty-eight men of my regiment at any one time at
1067
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
H»68
from Newbury to St. John's, until we retreated with the
stores provided to complete the same, which were moved
on the road thirty miles. I only charge what was expended
until our return ; the remainder I expended in the defence
of our frontiers, which to us was much needed. What
tools we had provided are kept in store, which I will make
a return of and dispose of as directed. Two horses also
remaining I will make the best of I am able when I return.
As I engaged the hands immediate payment, should be
glad the account sent, or so much as appears reasonable,
might be paid Mr. William Wallace, whose discharge or
receipt I allow as my own.
I am, sir, your Excellency's most obedient, humble
servant. ¥ D
JACOB rsAYLEY.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., Comman-
der of the Forces of the United States of America,
King's Bridge.
The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
To JACOB BATLET, Dr.
To the supply of making a Road from Coos to St. John's, in the Pro-
vince of Canada :
Nyack. The wood-cutters employed by order of General
Heath have been with me, but have received orders to
proceed in cutting wood for the army, and I have not, at
present, but eleven men to guard the shore between Ver-
dudif>'o Hook and Stoney-Point. In this situation, 1 leave
the Committee of Safety to determine what can be expected
from me in a way of opposition. My whole regiment con-
sists of but three hundred men ; most of them are without
arms, they having been taken for the Continental troops.
Most of my men refuse to attend the service, though repeat-
edly summoned. Many reasons are assigned for this deser-
tion of the service, such as that the troops last raised
were by the Convention expressly levied for the purpose of
protecting the shore ; that this induced many of their peo-
ple lo inlist, but have been drawn off from the immediate
defence of their wives, children and property to guard the
eastern shore of the river, contrary to their expectations.
Others declare that if they leave their business, their fami-
lies must starve, as they have all their corn and buckwheat
to secure, and have been so called off during the summer
by the publick troubles, as not to have been able to put in
the ground any winter grain, and would therefore as leave
die by the sword as by famine. A third set, and the most To no meil engaged at £3 per month, and found in provisions, with
numerous, declare that the Congress have rejected all over- half pint of rum per man each day.
tures for a reconciliation inconsistent with the independency; ^° J.10 men' 45,d*T eachV49fii A! ^
... ... - , -r , To 6 overseers, 45 days each, at <£4 per month 36 0 0
that all they desire is peace, liberty, and safety, and if they TO James WhiMan, surveying, 40 days, at 6s. per day. ... 12 0 0
Can procure that, they are Contented. To Mei Chamberlin, as pilot, 40 days, at 3s. per day 600
I thought it my duty to give the Committee of Safety To John Slutw' 37 days'^ki"g> at 4s- Per day ? 8 0
this information, that ways and means might be immediately To 5;30o ibs. salt pork> at 6d. per Ib * 132 10 0
provided for the defence of this part of the country. I have To 132 bushels wheat, at 6s. per bushel 39 12 0
wrote to General Clinton, at Fort Montgomery, for assist- ft 12 ^^S^P^1;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;- | 1Q o
ance, but can get none, and 1 have no reason to expect To 50 Ibs. of sugar, at is. per lb 2 10 0
any from the English neighbourhood/ as I hear two bri- To 80 gallons of rum, at 6s. per gallon 24 0 0
gades are drawn off from there to the eastern side of the . •f75'7 12 0
To 554 Ibs. of bar iron, at 30s. per cwt. at Hartford 866
rlver- To 49J Ibs. of German steel, at 2s. 6d., from ditto 6 4 7£
If the enemy should land here with any considerable To 32 narrow axes, at 6s. 8d. per axe, ditto 1013 4
force, they would, with the assistance of proper guides, pro- £" ? grindstones, from Hartford, cost i i 6
. J . , . . .' r . 1 o 12 pots, cost 4 16 0
ceed through the mountains and attack our forts in the To expense in carrying the five last articles to Coos 8 12 0
Highlands with great ease. In this view, Haverstraw is of ^797 5 jji
more importance than it otherwise would be, and nothing To 20 axes, making, at 4s. each 400
but a desire to support our present glorious struggle for K»^^ilV±:V.V::V:.V::.V:.V:: 4' 1? 6
liberty, induces me to wish an immediate support without .£812 3 51
which lean promise but a feeble resistance. lam ashamed To 2 pack horses, bought to carry stores after the men, not
to assure you. sir, that I am obliged to send this by rny own disposed of. 22 10 0
', , . ° . T To 1 pack horse and a man, hired for 6 days, at 6s. p. day 3 12 0
negro, as 1 cannot spare a white man to send express. TO 14 journeys, 30 miles into the wood, with a cart and
beg you will lay this before the Committee of Safety, and 4 oxen, carrying out stores and bringing the same
despatch the bearer as soon as possible.
1 am, dear sir, with esteem, your very humble servant, To billeting the men from their homes to Coos> at ^ p(/874
A. HAWKES HAY. mile:
rr< n i i r> .< D r • • .. r» • j /• i n To 8 men, for 50 miles ^3 6 8
lo Colonel Peter R. Livingston, President of the Con- TO 8 men, for 80 miles .568
vention of the State of New-York, at Fishkill. To 19 men, for 40 miles 5 18 4
iw r> mu • j f • To 7 men, for 100 miles 5168
N. B. The troops last raised out of my regiment are now TO 20 men, for 120 miles 20 00
stationed at Peek's Kill. Please give the negro a permit To 13 men, for 140 miles 15 34 — 5511 0
to return back to this place. *y^g.^*j^*mm.*^ ^ Q Q
To William Wallace, time and expense as clerk and com-
ROBERT YATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Lawful money ,£982 6 5|
I ishkill, October 15, 1776. By cash received by the hands of William Wallace 250 0 0
SIR: In consequence of the enclosed resolves, we are Sum due £732 6 5|
appointed by the Convention a Committee to devise the
. ' ' • • , ... . Errours excepted. Per JACOB BATLET.
best means to carry into execution the requisition therein
contained.
As the officers now in the service of this State exceed the ELISHA AVERY TO GENERAL GATES.
number necessary for the command of the four battalions Albany, October 15, 1776.
intended to be raised it becomes necessary that Conven- Sm: I this mornjng received a bag of specie from Colo
tion should be furnished with a rank-roll of the whole, nel Trumbull for you, which I send by the bearer. Also
and the terms whereon the troops have been mhsted. To two )etters . one taken out of the post office) the other
obtain these particulars, we apply to you for information; received from Colonel Trumbull.
and as it is a matter of the utmost importance to have good \ have recejved no returns of the number of men at the
officers, we shall esteem it as a favour to have your senti- garrisons on the western communication. According to the
menu at large upon the subject. best account I can get> Colonel Dayton's regiment, at Fort
y order, JStc. ROB'T YATES, Chairman. Schuyler, consists of about six hundred men, which are
rp n i e ; 7 ordered to Ticonderotra. Colonel Elmer's regiment, Col-
lo General bc/Muler. , ,7. ,„ •* rnt i
onel iMicoll s regiment, and about two companies of Colonel
Wynkoop's regiment, are at Johnstown and the German
COLONEL BAYLEY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. F/fl<s< The mmbet of men they consist of, I don't know ;
Fishkills, October 15, 1776. perhaps seven hundred. I will make you a more particu-
SIR: I was determined to have waited on your Excel- lar return as soon as I am able. In the mean time, I am
Iciicy before this, but am detained here, being a member of your Honour's most obedient and most humble servant,
the Convention of this State. I send by the hand of Mr. ELISHA AVERT.
William Wallace an account of the expenses of the road To Major-General Gates.
1069
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1070
COLONEL WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES.
Skenesborough, October 15, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I can now inform you that after a long
and tedious sickness, I am at last recovered my health so
far that I am returned to this place. I arrived here last
night. Though I am as yet very weak, am in hopes of
recovering.
I received a letter at Fort Ann from General Schuyler,
directed to Colonel Yates, wherein was orders that I should
take the command at that post to see that the roads were
made, and build a fort round the store-house and barracks,
and take one company of my men with me.
Your Excellency will do me a favour to send your direc-
tions in the matter, whether I am to stay at this place or
proceed directly to Fort Ann.
I send you by the bearer hereof one hundred boards.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
CORNELIUS WYNKOOP.
PETITION OF OFFICERS.
To the Hon. Major-General GATES :
The Petition of the under subscribers, Officers in the late
Lieut. Colonel WAIT'S Regiment, humbly showeth:
That Captain Ebenezer Green's company being at pre-
sent vacant of any officers, the whole charge of the said
company being under the care of a Sergeant, the Captain
being hostage, First Lieutenant sick on furlough, Second
Lieutenant dead, and Ensign broke, we do recommend
Frederick Auburey, a volunteer in this regiment, (who has
already been of great service to the United States,) to your
Honour, as a proper person to be Second Lieutenant, he
being a person who is acquainted with the nature of the
service.
JAMES OSGOOD, Captain.
JASON WAIT, Captain.
SAMUEL YOUNG, Captain.
N. B. With the consent of the subalterns.
Mount Independence, October 15, 1776.
CAPTAIN THOMAS PRINGLE TO MR. STEPHENS, SECRETARY
OF THE ADMIRALTY.
On board the Maria, off Crown-Point, October 15, 1776.
It is with the greatest pleasure that I embrace this oppor-
tunity of congratulating their Lordships upon the victory
completed the J3th of this month, by his Majesty's fleet
under my command, upon Lake Champlain.
Upon the llth I came up with the Rebel fleet, com-
manded by Benedict Arnold; they were at anchor under
the Island Vallcour, and formed a strong line, extending
from the island to the west side of the continent. The
wind was so unfavourable, that for a considerable time
nothing could be brought into action with them but the
gun-boats. The Carleton schooner, commanded by Mr.
Dacres, who brings their Lordships this, by much perseve-
rance, at last got to their assistance ; but as none of the
other vessels of the fleet could then get up, I did not think
it by any means advisable to continue so partial and unequal
a combat; consequently, with the approbation of his Excel-
lency General Carleton, who did me the honour of being on
board the Maria, I called off the Carleton and gun-boats,
and brought the whole fleet to anchor in a line as near as
possible to the Rebels, that their retreat might be cut off;
which purpose was however frustrated by the extreme
obscurity of the night ; and in the morning the Rebels had
got a considerable distance from us up the lake.
Upon the 13th, I again saw eleven sail of their fleet
making off to Crown-Point, who, after a chase of seven
hours, I came up with in the Maria, having the Carleton and
Inflexible a small distance astern ; the rest of the fleet almost
out of sight. The action began at twelve o'clock, and lasted
two hours, at which time Arnold, in the Congress galley,
and five gondolas ran on shore, and were directly abandoned
and blown up by the enemy, a circumstance they were
greatly favoured in by the wind being off shore, and the
narrowness of the lake. The Washington galley struck
during .the action, and the rest made their escape to Ticon-
deroga.
The killed and wounded in his Majesty's fleet, including
the artillery in the gun-boats, do not amount to forty; but
from every information I have yet got, the loss of the enemy
must indeed be very considerable.
Many particulars which their Lordships may wish to
know 1 must at present take the liberty of referring you to
Mr. Dacres for; but as I am well convinced his modesty
will not permit him to say how great a share he had in this
victory, give me leave to assure you that during both actions
nothing could he more pointedly good than his conduct. I
must also do the justice the officers and seamen of this fleet
merit, by saying that every person under my command
exerted themselves to act up to the character of British
seamen.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Newport, October 15, 1776.
SIR: I received yours of the llth instant, and can assure
you there is no sort of shot to be had in this State, as they
sent to Boston, and could get but a bare sufficiency for the
new ships. Have ordered the Hampden out to gain intelli-
gence. The Columbus is now graving. The new ships
and Alfred are ready, all but men, which we must have
three hundred at least for them, and one hundred for the
Columbus, before we are able to engage ships of equal force;
and it will be with difficulty the officers can be got willing
to go out without being full manned, and I see but little
encouragement of getting them manned in this State. If
you will use your influence that we may get some men out
of the army soon, as we wait for nothing else, it will be of
great service. I have been down here ten days, in order to
inlist men out of the forces here, and have not been able
to get more than about one hundred and twenty, nor don't
see any possibility of getting more. Mr. Shaw will be able
to give you any further information as to the circumstances
of the ship here, and when the present appearance alters
shall acquaint you.
I am, with great respect, sir, your humble servant,
ESEK HOPKINS.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governour of the
State of Connecticut, at Lebanon.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GOVERNODR COOKE.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, Council Chamber, )
October 15, 1776. )
SIR: It having been represented to this Board by Colonel
Gushing, commander of a regiment lately ordered from this
State to the State of Rhode-Island, that some difficulty is
likely to arise respecting the command of the forces in the
Continental pay stationed in Rhode-Island, by reason of
Colonel Cook, commander of a regiment in your State,
claiming the command, notwithstanding his commission is
of later date than Colonel Gushing' s, we should be very
sorry there should be any difficulty respecting this matter,
but do not think we are authorized to determine any other
ways than what has been agreed upon by the honourable
Congress, in their rules for regulating the army of the United
States, at section thirteen, article twenty-six, to which we
refer your Honour, not doubting you will give such orders
to Colonel Cook and all other officers in command, as are
conformable to the resolves of the honourable Congress.
In the name and by the order of the Council, I have the
honour to be, with great respect, your most obedient, hum-
ble servant.
To the Hon. Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Governour of the State
of Rhode-Island.
COMMITTEE OF FHAMINGHAM TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Framingham, October 15, 1776.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN: We, the Committee of Cor-
respondence, Inspection and Safety, for the town of
Framingham, in obedience to a resolve of the Great and
General Court, have taken into our custody the personal
estate of Nathaniel Brinley, who deserted said Framingham,
and the farm he occupied here, fled to Boston, and was
there the whole time that the British troops were at open
hostilities with this State, also signed the address to General
Gage, &tc.; which estate consisted of quick stock, household
furniture, and husbandry utensils. The stock having no con-
nection with the farm they were found upon, we made sale
1071
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1072
of at |iublick vendne, on the 27tli day of May last, adver-
tising the sale in Edes' and Hall's publick papers, and in
seven adjoining towns. The amount of said sale in cash,
was one hundred and seventy-one pounds, thirteen shillings,
and ei'^lit pence, which lies in the hands of Mr. Ebenczer
Mars/i a II, our Treasurer. The household furniture we have
stored, and the husbandry tools we have stored in part, and
let out part. This, honoured gentlemen, hath been our
procedure with said estate, which we offer to your candid
reception.
By order of said Committee:
EBEN'R HEMENWAY, Clerk.
To the General Assembly for the State of Massachusetts-
Bay.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN AT FALMOUTH,
CASCO BAY, DATED OCTOBER 15, 1776.
It is surprising sugars continue so dear, when such immense
quantities are brought in ; but I am informed that the rich
merchants are buying it all up to ship to Spain. Surely
they can't be friends to the country to suffer the common
people, the support of the country, to give such exorbitant
prices for necessaries, that they may make themselves
exorbitantly rich. They may pretend what they will, but
it is plain they have little or no regard to the good of the
people, therefore no friends to the country, and I hope the
Government will interpose to prevent oppression from our
own grandees as well as those of England.
STEPHEN STEWARD TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
October 16, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: As Captain Patterson's boat is so near
ready to sail, I thought it would be as well for him to come
up in her, ready to receive your orders, which will be to-
morrow, as the long schooner could be got ready in a few
days, with six carriage-guns, if you would consent to swap
two field rifles which you have in Annapolis for two heavy
rifles that I took out of the Resolution. The large schooner
is pierced for ten guns, three and two-pounders ; but as we
are obliged to put up four-pounders, six will be nearly equal
weight of metal. The schooner is a fine vessel. There is
some vessels on the sea-shore to sell. If you want to buy
one of them and load them where they are, the danger
would be considerable less to get them out than getting
them out of the bay. My son will inform you what situa-
tion the vessels are here in. I hope you will not think me
forward in attempting to dictate for you, as I really do not
intend it, but am ready to oblige you in every employment
you can set me about ; and am your most obedient, humble
servant,
STEPHEN STEWARD.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
AMOS GARRETT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Swan Creek, October 16, 1776.
SIR: I wrote you the 14th, by Captain Smith; the same
day got three gentlemen of our County to assist me in the
collection of blankets, &.c.,for Captain Holland's company,
but as that gentleman has received marching orders, they
will receive but small assistance, 1 fear, from our collection.
They will have what is in store, and what we can collect,
(after the forty blankets ordered from Harford, for the hos-
pital ;) these I am now sending to Baltimore, and to get up
all the necessary stores from there to despatch the company.
There will be want of publick arms for this company; but as
most of them have good guns of their own, expect they will
conclude to carry them, till can be better equipped ; and
should blankets be wanting, 1 am in hopes they will leave
those we have to the most necessitous, and provide for their
own selves. As I mentioned to you before, I fear new
blankets can't be got at twenty shillings, as it will take five
yards of kersey, and this is selling at five shillings per yard,
to make a blanket; and as to linen, common tow-linen is
selling at three shillings and three shillings and six pence
per yard. What we collect from the moneys received that
this company don't require, will be stored at Harford.
1 am, sir, your humble servant, ^
AMOS CJARRETT.
To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., President.
GEORGE WELLS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 16, 1776.
GENTLEMF.N: As I expect to launch one of the row-gal-
leys in about eighteen days, I should be obliged to you to let
me know by bearer, Mr. John Barry, how the row-galleys
should be masted and rigged, or whether you will leave that
matter to Captain Nicholson and self. Please also to let
me know who is to be the sail-maker, and who is to find the
cordage.
Who am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
GEORGE WELLS.
To the honourable Council of Safety for the State of
Maryland.
P. S. Please to let me know what weight of metal they
are to carry.
ROBERT PETER AND THOMAS RICHARDSON TO MARYLAND
COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
George-Town, October 16, 1776.
SIR : We presume to address you as a member of our
Convention, on a matter which we think of the utmost im-
portance to the publick in these times, when despatch at
ferries is so very necessary. Colonel George Mason is
proprietor on the land on the south side of Potowmack, and
rents his ferry over to George-Town, which in Virginia is
established by act of Assembly. We have also a ferry on
the Maryland side, and our misfortune is that no ferries in
Maryland are established by law. This we apprehend occa-
sions the evils we are about to complain of, and which we
hope our Convention, with your assistance, will remedy as
far as you think it consistent with the publick good.
Our ferryman has always been threatened by Colonel
Mason's tenant with a suit in Virginia, for presuming to
land in or bring from Virginia any person, so that wte are
to reap no kind of advantage from our situation on Potow-
mack river, it being wholly claimed by the State of Vir-
ginia. Yesterday our ferryman was arrested, we suppose
at the suit of Colonel Mason or his tenant, for this offence,
tied by the Sheriff, because he attempted to make his
escape, and dragged to Fairfax gaol in Alexandria, to
accomplish which the Sheriff came over to this side, got the
Maryland boat to put him over, desired the ferryman to
come on shore and he would pay him, which he did by
serving the writ, and so the matter was concerted, and with
a design to prevent Maryland from having any right to a
ferry over Potowmack at all ; but as to the right, \ve submit
it to our Legislature, to be determined at any future day;
yet, when despatch over ferries is at this time so vastly
necessary for the post and for troops that may have occasion
to pass, as well as private travellers, we hope lor imme-
diate relief, as to our ferryman, so far as it may be thought
in the power of our Convention, for it is notorious that
unless he is released, our passage over Potowmack, either to
the southward or northward, will be very much obstructed,
the Virginia ferryman having no boats, at least not a suf-
ficient number for the purpose.
We look upon this to be a matter of consequence, and
hope you will not neglect having done in it what you think-
right, at least so far as you have it in your power. And
we are, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient and hum-
ble sel'vants' ROBERT PETER,
THOS. RICHARDSON.
To the Hon. Thomas Johnson, Annapolis.
P. S. Since writing the foregoing the ferryman has been
admitted to bail, and is returned.
Philadelphia, October 16, 1776.
Yesterday afternoon the Continental armed schooner
Wasp, Captain Baldwin, returned here from a cruise, and
brought in with him a large ship, bound from Jamaica for
Liverpool, laden with rum and sugar, which he took about
twelve days ago. The prize is got up to Chester.
By accounts from the southward, we learn that a Spanish
brig was arrived from Havana h at Virginia, with ten
thousand dollars, to purchase flour, SEC. By her we learn
that Spain had actually declared war against Portugal, and
that a large armament was expected at Havana from Old
Spain inli short time after he sailed; and that several other
1073
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &.C., OCTOBER, 1776.
1074
merchant vessels were soon to follow him for this Conti-
nent.
Saturday last arrived here the ship taken by the brig
General Montgomery. She proves to be the ship Thetis,
Captain May, with three hundred and ten hogsheads of
sugar, ninety puncheons of rum, &tc., from Monttgo Bay
for London, and belonged to a fleet of near two hundred
sail, who left Jamaica in August last, under convoy of two
men-of-war. The above ship in coining up, touched on the
chevaux-de-frise, where she would have, in nil probability,
sunk, had it not been for the timely 'assistance she received
from the row-galley men.
pointment and against their nill; were guarded to their
ships ; they saw no papers of any kind among them from
us ; if they knew that they would be well treated by us,
would all lay down their arms; have no desire to return
to their regiment again; are much pleased and happy with
the treatment they have received, and are very thankful for
the same.
GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Amboy, October 16, 1776.
SIR: General Greene has informed your Excellency that
a party passed over last night to Staten-Island, with a view
to attack the enemy, at the east end near the watering
place. As we advanced towards Richmond town informa-
tion was given that some companies of British and -Hessian.
troops were stationed there. Surprising them was therefore
the first object ; which was effected this morning, at break
of day. Well disciplined troops would have taken the
whole without the loss of a man, but we only took about
twenty prisoners, partly Hessians and English : eight Hes-
sians and nine British, one of those wounded, and besides
these, two mortally wounded, left at Richmond low a. We
lost two men in the action. What we have collected of
intelligence from the prisoners, is enclosed.
Your instructions of October the 15th I shall immediately
set about observing with the utmost diligence and punctu-
ality. Colonel Griffin received a wound in the heel, in
the action of this morning, and Lieutenant-Colonel Smith,
of the Flying-Camp, was slightly wounded in the arm. I
shall send the prisoners on to Philadelphia.
1 have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency's most obe-
dient servant,
To General Washington.
H. MERCER.
Head-Quarters, Perth-Amboy, October 16, 1776.
The Examination of two Regular Soldiers and one HES-
SIAN, taken prisoners on STATEN-!SLAND, this morning,
at the Church.
Robert Holbrook. Says he belongs to the Fourteenth
Regiment, commanded by Colonel Dalrymple ; twenty
regulars and forty -five Hessians were at the church; there
were about fifteen hundred on the island at first; about
ten days ago the greatest part of the Hessians embarked ;
Captain Horton commanded this morning, and fled ; Gen-
eral Howe has twenty-two thousand, including Hessians
and all other troops ; some new troops landed last Monday ;
the army in good health and plenty of provisions ; all salt
on the island; they expect fifteen thousand Hessians every
day, but no English troops; the only reinforcement is the
Sixth Regiment, about one hundred and fifty ; Hessians
in the army supposed to be fifteen thousand.
Peter Gee, of the Sixth Regiment, Colonel Boothby.
Says one hundred and fifty of them landed on Staten-Island,
last Monday, from the Chambury, transport ; left England
the 3d July; twenty sail came out with them, two men-of-
war and eighteen provision vessels; they were making great
preparations in England, recruited very fast, but expected
the press to break out ; about seven hundred Hanoverians
came out, as many more expected ; some of them lay at
Plymouth ; the greatest part of the Hessians left the island;
a great many sick on the island ; the number in the fort
not known, supposed about six hundred ; only two pieces
of cannon in the fort; expected a reinforcement of the
regulars.
Christian Guiler, a Hessian private. Says, 'tis eight
years since he left his own country ; almost all these troops
are with General Howe; twelve thousand of them have
come; expect more; expected if taken prisoner, to have
mercy shown him if we were a Christian people; that he
was brought from his country by force; that detachments
were sent through their country, and if their parents inter-
fered, were put in jail; were told they were to be garri-
soned in England, but after three days arrival in England,
were ordered to embark for America, to their great disap-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 68
THOMAS QUIGLEY TO THOMAS RANDALL.
On bourd the Putnam, Cranberry, October 6, 1776.
SIR: I received yours of the 1st of October, in which
you advise me to keep a good look-out for the enemy's
vessels. You may depend there shall none of them pass
us through our negligence. We have seen three since my
last to you ; the first a large snow, which we chased within
sight of the Hook, but two of the enemy's vessels, tenders,
coming out of the Hook, was obliged to give over the chase
and return. The second, a brig, we took to be a transport,
which we likewise chased some hours off Cranberry Inlet,
but being in sight of four other vessels, and one of them a
frigate, who gave us chase, we were obliged to return again.
The third, a hermaphrodite, but the wind blowing hard at
northeast, could not get out to her.
I have thought fit to send Mr. Littel to you to be in-
formed what we are to do for provision, it being very near
out. We have, since the Captain went away, broached
one barrel of beef and one of bread, entirely spoiled, and
at this time there is not above three days' meat on board
the vessel. We have not above four foremast-men that is
able to stand their watch upon deck, for want of shoes
and other clothing. Therefore beg you would endeavour
to give us some speedy relief, either by sending us some
money, or otherwise, as you shall think most expedient.
I had a letter from the Captain of the same date of yours,
but he has not mentioned any certain time of his being on
board, which makes me conclude that it will not be very
soon, as he is no great starter.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
. THOMAS QUIGLET.
To Thomas Randall, Esq.
ADDRESS OF INHABITANTS OF NEW-YORK TO LORD HOWE
AND GENERAL HOWE.
To the Right Hon. RICHARD LORD VISCOUNT HOWE, of
the Kingdom of IRELAND, and to His Excellency the
Hon. WILLIAM HOWE, Esq., General of His Majesty's
Forces in AMERICA, the King's Commissioners for re-
storing peace to His Majesty's Colonies in NORTH-
AMERICA.
Your Excellencies, by your declaration, bearing date
July 14, 1776, having signified that " the King is desirous
to deliver his American subjects from the calamities of war,
and other oppressions which they now undergo, and to
restore the Colonies to his protection and peace;" and by a
subsequent declaration, dated September 19th, 1776, having
also been pleased to express your desire " to confer with his
Majesty's well-affected subjects, upon the means of restoring
the publick tranquillity and establishing a permanent union
with every Colony, as a part of the British Empire:"
We, therefore, whose names are hereunto subscribed,
inhabitants of the City and County of New- York, in the
Province of New-York, reflecting with the tenderest emo-
tions of gratitude, on this instance of his Majesty's paternal
goodness, and encouraged by the affectionate manner in
which his Majesty's gracious purposes have been conveyed
to us by your Excellencies, who have hereby evinced that
humanity is inseparable from that true magnanimity and
those enlarged sentiments which form the most shining
characters, beg leave to represent to your Excellencies,
that we bear true allegiance to our rightful Sovereign,
George the Third, as well as warm affection to his sacred
person, ciown, and dignity; that we esteeni ihe constitu-
tional supiemacy of Great Britain over these Colonies, and
other depending parts of his Majesty's dominions, as essential
to the union, security, and welfare of the whole empire,
and sincerely lament the interruption of that harmony which
formerly subsisted between the parent State, and these her
Colonies; that many of the loyal citizens have been driven
away by the calamities of war, and the spirit of persecution,
1075
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &.c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1076
which lately prevailed ; or sent to New-England and other
distant parts. We, therefore, hoping that the sufferings
which our ahsent fellow-citizens undergo, for their attach-
ment for the royal cause, may plead in their behalf, humbly
pray" that your Excellencies would be pleased, on these
our dutiful representations, to restore this City and County
to his Majesty's protection and peace.
Signed by Daniel Horsemanden, Oliver De Lancey,
and 946 more persons of the Town and County of New-
York*
New-York, October 16, 1776.
opportunity of communicating with General Howe on the
occasion." The inhabitants may be assured I shall support
their wishes with my best endeavours, although the comple-
tion of them must be left to the decision of his Majesty's
Commissioners, in whom the highest national confidence is
reposed.
1 am, with great regard, sir, your most obedient servant,
WILLIAM TRYON.
To the Hon. Chief Justice Horsemanden.
ADDRESS Or INHABITANTS OF NEW-YORK TO GOVKRNOUR
TRYON.
To His Excellency WILLIAM TRYON, Esq., Captain-Gen-
eral and Governour-in- Chief in and over the Province
of NEW-YORK, and the Territories depending thereon
in AMERICA, Chancellor, and Vice- Admiral of the
same.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY : We, the inhabitants
of the City and County of New- York, beg leave to con-
gratulate your Excellency on your return to the capital of
your Government, and to assure you that we feel the
sincerest joy on this happy event, which opens a prospect
that we shall once more experience the blessings of peace
and security under his Majesty's auspicious government and
protection, blessings which we formerly enjoyed under your
Excellency's mild administration, and which we ardently
wish to have renewed.
Persevering in our loyalty and unshaken attachment to our
gracious Sovereign, in this time of distress and trial, and
anxious to testify our affection for him, we have embraced
the earliest opportunity to petition the King's Commissioners,
that they would restore this City and County to his Majesty's
peace, although many of the most respectable citizens, and
a much greater number of the inferiour classes, have been
drawn off by the calamities of war, or sent prisoners to t
New-England and other distant parts ; yet we hope that
the numbers still remaining, and who have voluntarily
subscribed, may be deemed sufficient to entitle this district
to his Majesty's grace', whilst the sufferings which our absent
fellow-citizens undergo for the royal cause, plead in their
behalf with the Commissioners, from whose well-known
humanity, benevolence, and enlarged sentiments, we have
the most flattering expectations.
To your Excellency we naturally look up for assistance ;
we therefore request that you would be pleased to present
our petition to the Commissioners, and otherwise exert
yourself that the prayer of it may be granted ; as it is our
fervent desire, and what we esteem the greatest earthly
felicity, to remain subjects of the British Government, in
union with the parent State.
Signed by desire, and in behalf of the inhabitants, by
DANIEL HORSEMANDEN.
New-York, October 16, 1776.
GOVERNOUR TRYON*S ANSWER.
New-York, October 25, 1776.
SIR: The address you delivered to me, in behalf of the
inhabitants of the City and County of New- York, cannot
fail of being highly agreeable to me, as it was accompanied
with a dutiful petition and representation from them to the
King's Commissioners for restoring peace to his Majesty's
Colonies, testifying your loyalty to our most gracious Sover-
eign, professing a zealous attachment to the British consti-
tution, and declaring the warmest desire for a lasting union
with the parent State. Still, solicitous as I am for the
welfare of the inhabitants of this Colony in general, and
earnestly wishing for a restoration of publick harmony and
the reestablishment of the ancient constitutional authority
of Government, I have cheerfully embraced- the opportunity
of presenting this day the address to Lord Howe, who
was pleased to signify to me " he would take the earliest
* The Town nnd County of New-York make New-York Island. It
has been remarked as extraordinary, that Richmond County, winch is
Staten- Island , and King's, Queen's, and Suffolk Counties, which make
Lnng-lsland, have not any of them presented addresses. And it was
further remarked, that the principal expression in this address is only
constitutional supremacy, that it is equivocal, that it may be explained
either way, and that without explanation it is a nullity. — Remembrancer.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Head-Quarters, Heights of Harlem, October 16, 1776.
SIR: I have been favoured with your several letters of
the llth and 13th instant, with their enclosures. The first
that I received would have been answered sooner had I been
able to have furnished the necessary intelligence respecting
the enemy's ships-of-war in the Sound above Hell-Gate.
This induced me to detain the express a day, in expecta-
tion of gaining a more certain information of this fact than
what had then come to my knowledge. By some deserters,
who came ashore from their shipping at Frog's Point yes-
terday, and who (from what I could discover on their exam-
ination) I think, in this instance, are deserving of credit, I
am acquainted that there are now between Hell-Gate and
Frog's Point five ships-of-war — the Fotvey of twenty-four
guns, the Le Brune of thirty-two, the Carysfort of twenty-
eight, the Niger of thirty-two, and Halifax of sixteen ; and
that the Mercury and one other ship are cruising off Block
Island. Whether their number may be augmented or di-
minished in a short time, is more than I can say ; though I
must observe that the enemy's frigates of twenty-eight guns
(as we have found from experience) are not deterred from
passing through Hell-Gate. I would therefore strongly
advise, in case an attack on the ships-of-war near Frog's
Point should be determined on, that tenders or other small
craft should be sent ahead, for the purpose of discovering
with certainty the number and strength of the enemy, who,
from the circumstances I have mentioned, may be easily
reinforced.
As to furnishing any soldiers from this army towards
manning your ships, it is what I am sorry, under the
present appearances of things, I cannot comply with, the
enemy being too powerful on this quarter to admit of
any diminution of the troops who are to oppose them. - For
this reason, also, I cannot afford any reinforcement to Col-
onel Livingston, to augment his detachment from twelve
hundred to two thousand, which you think would be neces-
sary ; indeed, as we have received information that the
enemy have been considerably reinforced by the arrival of
Hessians, and as they have, from accounts, drawn almost
their whole force to Frog's Point, I think it would be
highly advisable (unless the expedition to Long-Island is
in such forwardness as to be carried into execution imme-
diately,) to send forward the two Massachusetts regiments,
who were detained for that particular service. Should it be
determined to proceed to Long-Island, I cannot interfere by
any means in giving the command to a younger officer.
With respect to the stores at Norwalk and the other
towns you have mentioned, I have ordered them from
thence, thinking this method more eligible than to furnish
troops (of which we are in such want) for their defence.
I did myself the pleasure of writing to you a lew days
ago, which I imagine you have received.
I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient, humble
servant' Go. WASHINGTON.
To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut.
P. S. I have just received the examination of another
deserter, who says he came away from the Dolphin, last
Thursday , a sixty-gun ship, in the Sound above Hell-
Gate. But this I am in doubt about. At any rate, I
imagine, if it is true, it must be known to you, by informa-
tion of the inhabitants living on the Sound.
GENERAL GREENE TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Head-Quarters, New-York Island, October 16, 1776.
SIR : Yours of the 5th was delivered me by Mr. Hazard.
the subject of which IJiad wrote upon before as fully as is
1077
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1078
necessary. The anxiety I felt for the honour of the State
and the good of the cause, made me anticipate your wishes
relative to recommendations. I had made a collection of
the officers belonging to the Rhode-Island regiments, and
delivered it to his Excellency General Washington, to be
forwarded to your State. That recommendation and ar-
rangement of officers is the best that I could make or recom-
mend to the General, all circumstances considered. The
State will act their pleasure with respect to the appoint-
ments. The General only wishes to have good men, such
as will discharge their duty in every point of view, and
maintain the character of gentlemen. He has no attach-
ment to any person further than his merit recommends him.
Men of merit he wishes to be appointed, whether in or out
of the army.
General Howe has landed at Frog's Point, a place a few
miles east of Hell-Gate. He is collecting his force together
at that place with a design to cut off a retreat. His Excel-
lency is making an arrangement to counteract him. The
troops appear to be in good spirits, and I am in hopes, if
Howe attacks us, he will meet with a defeat. A battle is
daily, nay hourly, expected. I shall come in for no share
of the honour or glory of the day, if victorious ; no shame,
if defeated — my command being in New-Jersey. Howe's
design evidently appears to be to get in our rear, to cut off
our supplies and starve the army out. This reduces us to
the necessity of extending our left wing out in the country,
to preserve our communication with the County from whence
we get our support. A few days may produce some events
important to the American interests. I was on Staten-
Island night before last. The greatest part of the British
troops and Hessians are drawn off to support General
Howe's operations at Frog's Point.
I am exceeding happy to hear of the safe recovery of
your family from the small-pox. Present my respects to
them, and to Mr. Ward, the Secretary. I have carefully
sent in the letters sent me by the flags.
I am, with great respect, your most obedient, humble
servant> NATHANAEL GREENE.
To the Hon. Nicholas 'CooJce, Esq., Governour of Rhode-
Island.
order to join the Committee, but on inquiry cannot learn
that any of the gentlemen have been here. I therefore
propose to return home for the present, (as a number of my
family are sick,) and shall endeavour to give my attendance
whenever 1 am informed the Committee are convened.
I am yours and the Convention's very humble servant,
JNO. BROOME.
To the Hon. Peter R. Livingston, Esq., President of the
Convention of the State of New-York, at Fishkills.
ORDERS TO CAPTAIN OSBURN.
Third Regiment, Westchester County Brigade.
To Captain JOSEPH OSBURN :
You are hereby required to send Major Joseph Strung
ten men of your company, and from time to time to fur-
nish him with such number of men as he shall require. for
mending the post road from the south line of Dutchcss
County to King's Bridge, (and they designed none other
purpose,) agreeable to a resolve of the Convention of this
State, and they to receive four pounds per month.
Given under my hand and seal this 16th of October, 1776.
GILB'T DRAKE, Lieut. Colonel.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUEH.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 16, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have yours of the 14th, which is princi-
pally taken up with pointing out the necessity of securing a
proper place of retreat beyond the Highlands, should any
accident befall the army. I cannot speak positively, but I
am inclined to think the expediency of such a measure is in
deliberation before a council of war held this day at King's
Bridge. I know some of our ablest heads are clearly for
it. From every appearance, and from the information of
deserters, the main body of the army is above us. One of
the deserters, a good, sensible fellow, says a man-of-war
lays at the Hook ready to sail with the news of the issue
of their move to Frog's Point. It will seem very strange
to the people of England that nothing decisive has been
effected by a fleet and army superiour to any thing they
employed last war. Something must be attempted to
satisfy them, for bad news will be more tolerable than a state
of suspense. If your information has been true, to-morrow
will be a day that either gives liberty or goes a great way
towards enslaving America.
I hope every man who values the first, or fears the last,
will behave as he ought to do. It will give me the greatest
pleasure to make you a favourable report.
I am, dear sir, sincerely yours,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq.
JONATHAN LANDON TO EZRA THOMPSON.
Fishkill, October 16, 1776.
SIR: The Committee for employing people to explore
mines, &.C., of which I am a member, have entered into a
contract with McDonald to make a further trial of the lead
mines. The contract he will show you. You will do well
to come down here, and inform the Committee what lead
is in your hands, with your account, that it may be settled,
and to give your advice and opinion respecting the mine to
the Committee. I am very desirous you would be good
enough to attend us as soon as possibly you can, as it will
be necessary to have somebody on the spot to have an eye
to the business. If it is practicable for you to attend, do
not fail. You are likewise to be at the trouble to measure
the depth of the pit as Mr. McDonald left it, as he is now
to be paid by the fathom.
I am, your very humble servant,
JONTH. LANDON.
To Mr. Ezra Thompson, Nine Partners.
October 22, 1776. — According to orders I have mea-
sured twenty-four feet length, containing six feet depth, being
the present state of lead mine in the Great Nine Partners.
The weight of lead ore now on hand is 1646.
EZRA THOMPSON.
COLONEL BROOME TO PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
Heights of Harlem, October 16, 1776.
SIR: John S. Hobart, Esq., who was at New-Haven
about a week past, informed me that your Convention had
appointed a Committee of Safety to sit at or near the lines,
to transact some business of importance, and that I was
honoured with being appointed one of the members. Pur-
suant to which information I have attended at this place in
' GENERAL SCH0YLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Saratoga, October 16, 1776.
SIR : Yesterday I was honoured with your favour of the
4th instant, enclosing a resolution of Congress of the 2d
instant. At- this very critical juncture I shall waive those
remarks which, in justice to myself, I must make at a
future day. The calumny of my enemies has arisen to its
height ; their malice is incapable of heightening the injury.
I wish, for the sake of human nature, that they had not
succeeded so well. I wish they had not been countenanced
by the transactions of those whose duty it was to have sup-
ported me. In the alarming situation of our affairs, I shall
continue to act some time longer, but Congress must pre-
pare to put the care of this department into other hands. I
shall be able to render my country better services in another
line, less exposed to a repetition of the injuries I have
sustained.
Since the letter from General Arnold of the 12th instant,
which General Washington has doubtless transmitted to you,
I have not heard a word from the fleet or Ticonderoga.
The ammunition embarked at Fort George yesterday
morning, and, without doubt, arrived before night at Ticon-
deroga. I am preparing to build barracks for three thou-
sand men at this place and Stillwater.
If we do not quite lose the lake this campaign, it will be
necessary to employ four hundred carpenters all winter in
constructing a strong naval force. Cordage, sails, oakum,
and anchors, must be provided somewhere below, and the
whole brought up in winter. Fifty whip-saws will be
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CORREESPONDNCE,. PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1080
wanted, and should be sent immediately : they are not to be
had in this quarter.
I wish a quantity of crocus, or any coarse linen, to be
sent up for sacks lor the soldiers' bedding and bolsters: it
will be best to have them made up at Philadelphia, large
enough for two men. A great quantity of intrenching tools
must also be provided, and such a quantity of ammunition
sent next winter to Ticondcroga, as will suffice for the cam-
paign : some should be sent immediately. Cannon of the
largest size should be cast in every quarter, and sent up in
winter.
The Paymaster advises me that his chest is reduced to
less than one hundred thousand dollars: a supply should
be sent in time.
I am, sic, most respectfully, your obedient and very hum-
ble SCTVant> PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock,
GENERAL SCHUYLEH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Saratoga, October 16, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I am honoured with your Excellency's
favour of the 10th and llth instant. I am very confident
the manner in which you have treated the Cayuga sachems
will be attended with very salutary consequences.
By a person from your camp, who left it since the ships
of war passed your chevaiix-de-frise, we were informed that
all the craft that could be procured were employed in car-
rying stone to complete the obstruction in the river. Your
letter gives me hopes that those that are passed will be
prevented from returning.
Since the letter of General Arnold's, transmitted you by
Captain Varick, I have not had a line from Tyonderoga.
I have hopes that the enemy will not renew their attack on
our fleet. The ammunition arrived at Tyonderoga last
night.
I shall despatch a messenger to Boston for nails, and
hope to receive a supply from thence.
I am, dear sir, with every sentiment of esteem and respect,
your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington, &sc., &tc.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Saratoga, October 16, 1776, six o'clock, afternoon.
DEAR SIR : Enclosed you have copies of letters from Gen-
erals Gates and Arnold, announcing the total destruction of
our fleet on Lake Champlain. I shall write to every State
nearest me to march up their Militia to support our army,
as the enemy will doubtless very soon attack it, and do
every thing in my power to prevent their penetrating into
the country, should our army be obliged to give way, which
I have good hopes will not be the case.
I am, dear sir, your Excellency's most obedient, humble
servant' PH. SCHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington.
Ticonderoga, October 15, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I make no doubt before this you have
received a copy of my letter to General Gates of the 12th
instant, dated at Schuyler's Mand, advising of an action
between our fleet and the enemy the preceding day, in
which we lost a schooner and a gondola. We remained
no longer at Schuyler's Island than to stop our leaks, and
mend the sails of the Washington. At two o'clock, P. M.,
the 12th, weighed anchor with a fresh breeze to the south-
ward. The enemy's fleet at the same time got under
way ; our gondola made very little way ahead. In the
evening the wind moderated, and we made such progress
that at six o'clock next morning we were about off Willsbo-
rough, twenty-eight miles from Crown-Point. The enemy's
fleet were very little way above Schuyler's Island; the
wind breezed up to the southward, so that we gained very
little by beating or rowing, at the same time the enemy
took a fresh breeze from the northeast, and by the time we
had reached Split-Rock, were alongside of us. The Wash-
ington and Congress were in the rear, the rest of our fleet
were ahead except two gondolas sunk at Schuyler's Island.
The Washington galley was in such a shattered condition,
and had so many men killed and wounded, she struck to
the enemy after receiving a few broadsides. We were then
attacked in the Congress galley by a ship mounting twelve
eighteen-pounders, a schooner of fourteen sixes, and one of
twelve sixes, two under our stern, and one on our broadside,
within musket-shot. They kept up an incessant fire on us
for about five glasses, with round and grape-shot, which we
returned as briskly. The sails, rigging, and hull of the
Congress were shattered and torn in pieces, the First Lieu-
tenant and three men killed, when, to prevent her falling
into the enemy's hands, who had seven sail around me, I ran
her ashore in a small creek ten miles from Crown-Point, on
the east side, when, alter saving our small-arms, 1 set her
on fire, with four gondolas, with whose crews I reached
Crown-Point through the woods that evening, and very
luckily escaped the savages, who waylaid the road in two
hours after we passed. At four o'clock yesterday morning
I reached this place, exceedingly fatigued and unwell,
having been without sleep or refreshment for near three
days.
Of our whole fleet we have saved only two galleys, two
small schooners, one gondola, and one sloop. General
Waterbnri/, with one hundred and ten prisoners, were re-
turned by Carleton last night. On board of the Congress
we had twenty-odd men killed and wounded. Our whole
loss amounts to eighty-odd.
The enemy's fleet were last night three miles below
Crown-Point ; their army is doubtless at their heels. We
are busily employed in completing our lines, redoubts, which
I am sorry to say are not so forward as 1 could wish. We
have very few heavy cannon, but are mounting every piece
we have. It is the opinion of Generals Gates and St. Clair
that eight or ten thousand Militia should be immediately
sent to our assistance, if they can be spared from below. I
am of opinion the enemy will attack us with their fleet and
army at the same time. The former is very formidable, a
list of which 1 am favoured with by General Waterbury,
and have enclosed. The season is so far advanced, our
pepple are daily growing more healthy.
We have about nine thousand effectives, and if properly
supported, make no doubt of stopping the career of the
enemy. All your letters to me of late have miscarried.
I am extremely sorry to hear by General Gates you are
unwell. I have sent you by General Waterbury a small
box containing all my publick and private papers, and
accounts, with a considerable sum of hard and paper money,
which beg the favour of yoiir taking care of.
I am, dear General, your most affectionate, humble
servant> B. ARNOLD.
To Hon. Major-General Schuyler.
List of the Enemy' s fleet on Lake, CHAMPLAIN.
1 ship, -------18 12-pounders.
1 schooner, ------ 14 6 "
1 do. 12 6 "
1 rideaux, 6 24 > ,
12 12$bl
4 8-inch howilz.
Twenty-eight gondolas, with one gun each, 12, 18, and
24-pounders, and one eight-inch howitz.
Two gondolas, three guns each, 12-pounders.
N. B. Two of the above gondolas sunk by our fleet the
first day, and one blown up with sixty men.
Ticonderoga. October 15, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : You will herewith receive General
Arnold's account of the defeat and almost total ruin of our
fleet yesterday morning. It has pleased Providence to pre-
serve General Arnold. Few men ever met with so many
hairbreadth escapes in so short a space of time. Except
the capture of General Waterbury and those with him, 1
do not think 'we shall lose a great many men. Upv. ards
of two hundred, with their officers, escaped with General
Arnold.
The ammunition, &c., I so long wrote for is much wanted
here. I am distressed to the last degree till it arrives.
This moment your favour from Saratoga of yesterday after-
noon is put in my hands. Part of the lead, about three
1081
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1082
tons, is arrived, and you make me happy in acquainting
me the other, &ic., are so near at hand. The guard you
mention, and the wise caution you give, shall be carefully
attended to.
I am, in haste, your faithful and affectionate humble
servant> Ho. GATES.
P. S. I beg you will send me all the spades you can
collect, as fast as possible.
(Parole, Cambridge.)
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, October 1, 1776.
(Countersign, Langdon.)
As soon as the vessels sail from the wharf, the carpenters
are to be employed in repairing the batteaus. The Bat-
teaumaster is to receive and obey all orders given by Colonel
Lewis, Deputy Quartermaster-General, or his Assistant,
Major Hay. They will furnish men to collect all the stray
batteaus, to draw them up for caulking, to pick oakum, and
do all the necessary repairs.
Field officer of the day to-morrow for Ticonderoga,
Major '.De Hart. Brigade-Major of the day, Ryan.
Field officer of the day for Mount Independence, Colonel
Poor. Brigade-Major of the day, Howell.
Head-Quarters, October 2, 1776.
(Parole, Gordon.) (Countersign, Roxbury.)
At a General Court-Martial held in the Third Brigade,
on Mount Independence, of which Lieutenant-Colonel
Shreve was President, Captain Marston, of Colonel Win-
gate's regiment, was tried on an accusation of having drawn
provision for more men than he had in his company. The
Court having duly considered the evidence offered, are
unanimously of opinion " that Captain Marston is not
guilty," and therefore do acquit him with honour.
Captiin Daniel Moor, of Colonel Stork's regiment, tried
by the same General Court-Martial for neglect of duty and
disobedience of orders. ' The Court having considered the
nature of the offence, and the evidences, are unanimously
of opinion that Captain Moor is guilty, and sentence him
to be reprimanded by Colonel Storks.
Samuel Blue, of Captain Marston's company, in Colonel
fVingate's regiment, and John Powell, of Captain Abbott's
company, tried by the same General Court-Martial for de-
sertion, are both found guilty, and sentenced by the Court
to receive each thirty-nine lashes on his bare back, and to
refund the expenses of bringing them to their duty.
Morris Ferrill, of Captain Stout's company, in Colonel
Maxioeli's regiment, tried for sleeping on his post when on
sentry, is found guilty, and sentenced to receive twenty
lashes on his bare back.
John Hickory, of Captain Scott's company, Colonel
MaxwelCs regiment, tried by the same General Court-Mar-
tial for rioting and disturbing Colonel Poor's encampment,
and threatening the life of Lieutenant Lyford, is found
guilty of both crimes, and sentenced to receive thirty-nine
lashes for each.
Lieutenant Benjamin Mooney, of the late Captain Har-
per's company, Colonel Wyman's regiment, tried by the
same General Court-Martial for disobedience of orders and
neglect of duty, plead in excuse his being inoculated for
the small-pox. The Court considering this circumstance,
together with the evidences, unanimously decide that Lieu-
tenant Moony is guilty, and sentence him to be cashiered
and published in the publick papers.
The General confirms all the above sentences, and orders
the acquittals to take place immediately. The punishments
to be inflicted at such time and place as the commanding
officer shall direct. Lieutenant Mooney's crime and punish-
ment to be published by the Judge-Advocate of the Court.
Field officer of the day to-morrow for Ticonderoga,
Major John G. Frazier. Brigade-Major of the day, Major
Brown.
Field officer on Mount Independence, Colonel Maxwell.
Brigade-Major of the day, Major Rice.
Head-Quarters, October 3, 1776.
(Parole, Cooper.) (Countersign, Portsmouth.)
At a General Court-Martial at Ticonderoga, of which
Lieutenant Colonel Johnston was President, one John Rol-
stone, a suttler, was tried " for selling rum to the soldiers,
and suffering them to be drunk at his hut at unseasonable
hours, contrary to orders." The Court, on examination of
the witnesses, find him guilty of selling liquors contrary to
orders, and adjudge unanimously that he be immediately
ordered off the ground, and prohibited from suttling here-
after to the Northern army.
John Gill, of Captain Stout's company, in Colonel
Maxwell's regiment, tried by the same General Court-Mar-
tial for defrauding the continent. On examination the
Court found that the prisoner fraudulently obtained a dis-
charge from the Director-General of the Hospital, by feign-
ing himself sick, and afterwards returned to camp and
inlisted in Colonel Wyman's regiment, where he received
sixteen dollars bounty. The Court, therefore, find him
guilty, and sentence him to receive thirly-nine lashes on his
bare back, refund the bounty he received, and be drummed
out of the army with infamy.
Eleazar Smith, charged'with counterfeiting the currency
of the Massachusetts-Bay, tried by the same General Court-
Martial, is found guilty, and sentenced to receive thirty-nine
lashes on his bare back.
The General approves the above sentences, except that
part of John Gill's sentence relating to his being drummed
out of the army, which is to be changed to drumming
through Colonel MaxweWs and Wyman's regiment, and
then returning to his duty in the former. The sentences to
be put in execution immediately.
At- a continuation of the same General Court-Martial,
Major Morris President, in place of Lieutenant-Colonel
Johnston, who was taken ill, Amos Towsley, Phineas Bab-
cock, and John Keys, charged with counterfeiting bills of
credit. No evidences appearing against the prisoners, they
are acquitted.
Lieutenant Whitney, of Colonel Wheelock's regiment,
tried by the same General Court-Martial for infamous con-
duct in degrading himself by voluntarily doing the duty of
an Orderly Sergeant, in violation of his rank as an officer, is
found guilty, and sentenced to be severely reprimanded by
General Bricket at the head of the brigade.
Corporal Jewel, and Neal O'Neal, of Colonel Winds'i
regiment, tried by the same General Court-Martial for theft.
The Court*after a full examination of the evidences, are of
opinion that Corporal Jewel and Neal O'Neal are not
guilty.
Lieutenant Voorhees and Ensign Costigan, of Colonel
Winds' s regiment, tried by the same General Court-Martial
for ungentlemanlike behaviour, in setting fire to a bow house
belonging to Ensign Ross, of the same regiment. The
Court considering the evidences, are of opinion that Lieu-
tenant Voorhees is not guilty, and do unanimously acquit
him. But that Ensign Costigan is guilty, and adjudge that
he be reprimanded by the Colonel in presence of the officers
of his own corps.
The General approves the above sentences, and orders
them to take place accordingly.
The Court-Martial of which Lieutenant-Colonel Shreve
was President, is dissolved.
A General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow morning at the
President's tent, taken from the First and Second Brigades,
Lieutenant-Colonel March, President. Members, two Field
Officers and ten Captains. They will try such prisoners as
shall be brought before them.
Field officer of the day for Ticonderoga to-rnorrow,
Colonel Wayne. Brigade- Major of the day, Ryan.
Field officer of the day for Mount Independence, Colonel
Wingate. Brigade-Major of the day, Howel.
The Commissary is ordered to issue half gill of rum to
each non-commissioned officer and soldier in camp, on
account of the wet weather.
Head-Quarters, October 4, 1776.
(Parole, Sydney.) (Countersign, Harrington.)
In consequence of the continuance of the wet weather,
the Commissary is immediately to issue one gill of rum to
every non-commissioned officer and soldier now in camp.
At the General Court-Martial of which Major Morris is
President, Stephen Juffen, Sergeant in Colonel Wheelock'i
regiment, was tried for leaving his guard without orders.
In the course of the trial it appearing to be more a mistake,
than through design, the Court find him not guilty.
1083
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1084
James Matthews, late of Colonel Poor's regiment, tried
by the same General Court-Martial for stealing or conceal-
ing a sword. The Court having considered the evidences,
are of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty of stealing, but
from the circumstances of his disposing of the hanger after
it was claimed by the owner, find him guilty of concealing
it, and adjudge that he pay £7 10s. lawful money to Lieu-
tenant Morrison, the owner, as a compensation for the
hanger.
The General approves the above proceedings, and orders
them to take place immediately.
The General Court-Martial of which Major Morris was
President, is dissolved.
The following promotions are ordered to take place, viz:
In Colonel WOODBHIDGE'S Regiment.
Mr. Samuel Leonard, Quartermaster, vice Quartermaster
Douglas, advanced.
Second Lieutenant J. Dickenson, First Lieutenant, vice
Lieutenant Bacon, dead.
Ensign Abner Lyman, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieuten-
ant Dickson, advanced.
Sergeant Major Reed, Ensign, vice Ensign Lyman, ad-
vanced.
Second Lieutenant El. -Goodall, First Lieutenant, vice
Lieutenant Powers, dead.
Ensign Ca. Benjamin, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieuten-
ant Goodall, advanced.
Sergeant Isaac Church, Ensign, vice Ensign Benjamin,
advanced.
In Colonel WHEELOCK'S Regiment.
First Lieutenant Roger Deuch, Captain, vice Captain
Harrington, dead.
Second Lieutenant Joshua Fuller, First Lieutenant, vice
Lieutenant Deuch, advanced.
Ensign Solomon Richards, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieu-
tenant Fuller, advanced.
Sergeant Francis Brown, Ensign, vice Ensign Richards,
advanced. •
Field officer of the day for Ticonderoga, Colonel Winds.
Brigade-Major of the day, Browne.
Officer of the day for Mount Independence, Colonel
Wyman. Brigade-Major of the day, Rice.
The batteau guard is to consist in future only of one
Sergeant and twelve men.
Head-Quarters, October 5, 1776.
(Parole, Sawbridge.) (Countersign, Wilks.)
The following promotions are ordered to take place in the
Sixth or Colonel WhitcomVs regiment, viz:
First Lieutenant Thomas Wellington, Captain, vice Cap-
tain Bullard, discharged.
Second Lieutenant Tuckerman, First Lieutenant, vice
Lieutenant WiUington, promoted.
Ensign Dougherty, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant
Tuckerman, promoted.
Sergeant Dougherty, Ensign, vice Ensign Dougherty,
promoted.
First Lieutenant Noah Allen. Captain, vice Captain Sole,
resigned.
Second Lieutenant Winchester, First Lieutenant, vice
Lieutenant Allen, promoted.
Ensign Smith, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant Win-
chester, promoted.
Sergeant Me Clean, Ensign, vice Ensign Smith, promoted.
Field officer of the day, to-morrow, for Ticonderoga,
Colonel Woodbridge. Brigade-Major of the day, Ryan.
Officer of the day for Mount Independence, Colonel
Swift. Brigade-Major of the day, Hoivell.
Head-Quarters, October 6, 1776.
(Parole, Rockingham.) (Countersign, Richmond.)
A General Court-Martial of the line to set to-morrow
morning, at ten o'clock, in one of the rooms of the old Fort,
for the trial of Captains Jonathan and John Fassett, and
three Lieutenants belonging to their Independent companies,
and certain non-commissioned officers and soldiers of those
companies, and Thomas Turner, for deserting their post
without orders, or without being attacked, or freed by the
enemy. The latter for mutiny. All evidences and persons
concerned to attend the Court.
The artificers and labourers attending the two saw-mills
are for the future to be under the direction and payment of
the Deputy Quartermaster-General, who is to dismiss all
who are negligent of their duty, and without delay to employ
others in their room.
The Commissary to issue one-half gill of rum to every
non-commissioned officer and soldier, who are relieved from
guard every morning at nine o'clock. The officers coming
oft" guard to sign the returns to the Commissary.
The former works on Mount Independence being now
completed, the three brigades on the Mount are to turn out
three hundred men in the following proportions, viz :
The First Brigade 56 men, the Second Brigade 102 men,
the Third Brigade 142 men — 300 men ; with proper offi
cers.
Of the above three hundred men, two hundred are to be
employed in cutting pickets, and one hundred in digging the
trench and foundation for a powder magazine. This party
to be furnished daily, and to be under the principal direc-
tion of Colonel Patterson and Colonel Poor, with such
officers and subalterns as they shalf appoint.
For the Court-Martial ordered ahove, the Hon. Brigadier-
General St. Clair, President.
Members.
Colonel Poor, Lieut. Col. Starr,
Colonel Wayne, Major Sherburne,
Lieut. Col. Irvine, Major Rhea,
Lieut. Col. Ogden, Major De Hart,
Lieut. Col. Shreve, Major Hale,
Lieut. Col. Leonard, Major Butler.
Captain Josiah Harman, of the First Pennsylvania Bat-
talion, Judge Advocate.
Field officer of the day, to-morrow, for Ticonderoga,
Colonel Wheelock. Brigade-Major of the day, Browne.
Field officer of the day for Mount Independence, Colonel
Matt. Brigade-Major of the day, Second Brigade.
Head-Q'uarters, October 7, 1776.
(Parole, Montreal.) (Countersign, Carroll.)
The commanding officers of regiments are immediately
to order all the spades and shovels now in use in their
respective encampments, to be collected forthwith by the
Quartermasters. Such Quartermasters whose regiments are
upon the Ticonderoga side of the Lake are to see the spades
and shovels lodged at Head-Quarters, and those upon Mount
Independence are to deliver theirs at the head of Colonel
Patterson's regiment.
As the publick works are greatly in want of these tools,
the General desires the commanding officers of regiments
will command a strict obedience to this order.
The following promotions are ordered to take place, viz :
in Colonel Patterson's Regiment :
Ensign David Johnson, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieuten-
O ' f
ant Jackson, discharged.
Sergeant-Major William Chincy, Ensign, vice Ensign
Johnson, advanced.
Field officer of the day for Ticonderoga, Lieutenant-
Colonel Benjamin Brown. Brigade-Major, Ryan.
Field officer for Mount Independence, Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Conner. Brigade-Major, Howel.
Head-Quarters, October 8, 1776.
(Parole, Madrid.) (Countersign, Wall.)
The Commissary to issue four sheep to each regiment,
three to the corps of artillery, and three to the artificers at
their usual times of drawing provisions. The commanding
officers will direct the sick and weak soldiers to be supplied
with this refreshment, and the Commissary is to reckon
the sheep in the allowance to regiments at their estimated
weight.
All the pork barrels at present in possession of the respec-
tive corps are to be immediately collected and delivered by
the Quartermasters to Mr. Commissary Yauncy, for the
purpose of salting beef.
No person is to apply for a discharge in future unless he
bring with him to Head-Quarters the certificates and receipts
of pay heretofore ordered. A form for each of these is
this day given to each Major of Brigade, and no discharge
will be given, unless the certificates correspond with that
form.
1085
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1086
Field officer of the day for Ticonderoga, Lieutenant-
Colonel Roberts. Brigade-Major of the. day, Browne.
Field officer for Mount Independence, to-rnorrow, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Center. Brigade-Major, Second
Brigade.
(Parole, Paris.)
Head-Quarters, October 9, 1776.
(Countersign, Deane.)
The price of the several articles of clothing for the troops
being sent yesterday to the General, from Messrs. Renssa-
laer and Taylor, to whom the said goods belong, any officer
or soldier may know the price of what they want to pur-
chase, by applying to Mr. Commissary Sickles, at the Con-
tinental store in the old Fort.
Field officer of the day for Ticonderoga, Major Morris.
Brigade-Major, Ryan.
Field officer for Mount Independence, Major Brown.
Brigade-Major, of the Third Brigade.
Head-Quarters, October 10, 1776.
(Parole, Wooihull.) (Countersign, America.)
The guards in future are to parade at nine o'clock on
the general parade.
Contrary to all good discipline, and in disobedience to
the most positive orders, some officers and soldiers have
presumed to shoot pigeons and other game in and about
the several encampments; no less than two officers and
twenty-eight men being yesterday detected in committing
the above-mentioned scandalous irregularity. For their
punishment the General orders the officers to oversee the
men, who are, all of them, to be employed for two days in
picking oakum for the use of the fleet, and such as are lor
the future guilty of firing their arms without orders, are to
be sent to the Assistant Deputy Quartermaster-General to
be dealt with in like manner. •
Officer of the day for Ticonderoga, Major Rogers. Bri-
gade-Major, Brown.
Officer of the day for Mount Independence, Major Moor.
Brigade-Major, First Brigade.
Field officer for Mount Independence, Colonel Maxwell.
Brigade-Major, Howell.
The following promotions are to take place in Colonel
Wayne's Battalion, viz:
Lieut. Potts, Captain, vice Captain Frazier, promoted.
Second Lieutenant Alexander McClintucke, First Lieu-
tenant, vice Lieutenant Potts, advanced.
Ensign John Barclay, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieuten-
ant McClintuck, advanced.
Mr. John Harper, Ensign, vice John Barclay, advanced.
Mr. North, Ensign, vice Ensign Wallace, resigned.
Mr. James Forbes, Ensign, vice Ensign Litz, resigned.
(Parole, Hingham.)
Head-Quarters, October 11, 1776.
(Countersign, Qutncy.)
The long stillness and seeming supineness of the enemy,
strongly indicate that they are meditating some stroke of
importance; it therefore behooves every officer and soldier
of this army to be exceedingly vigilant and alert, particu-
larly when upon duty. The officers of the day at Ticon-
deroga, as well as upon Mount Independence, are, by their
example, to give life and spirit to the guards under their
inspection. The grand and visiting rounds are upon no
account to be negligent of their duty, observing to be par-
ticularly attentive to the sentries and guards, from four in
the morning till broad daylight. As the campaign is drawing
towards a close, the General is anxious nothing disgrace-
ful to the troops under his command should tarnish that
good behaviour they have hitherto shown.
Field officer of the day for Ticonderoga, to-morrow,
Major P. Frazier. Brigade-Major, Ryan.
Field officer for Mount Independence, Major Sumner.
Brigade-Major, Second Brigade.
Head-Quarters, October 12, 1776.
(Parole, Sydney.") (Countersign, Hamden.)
Those regiments which have taken the two batteaus
allowed by general orders, are immediately to have them
marked on the stern with the names of the commanding
officer of the regiment, that they may be distinguished on
the other boats.
Discharged soldiers are to return in to the commanding
officer of the regiments to which they belong, the arms,
accoutrements, ammunition, &ic., which they may have in
possession belonging to the publick. The commanding
officers are to see that this order is complied with.
A return of the names, companies and regiments, of sol-
diers who have been discharged the service since the 1st
of October, is to be given in to the Deputy Adjutant-
General to-morrow, at orderly time, afterwards to be given
in weekly on Saturday.
Field officer of the day to-morrow, for Ticonderoga,
Colonel Wynds. Brigade-Major of the day, Ryan.
(Parole, Bruftu.)
Head-Quarters, October 13, 1776.
(Countersign, Hancock.)
At a General Court-Martial from the First and Second
Brigades, of which Lieutenant-Colonel March was Presi
dent, Solomon Twist, a soldier of Captain Man's company,
late Colonel Reed's regiment, was tried for sleeping on his
post. The prisoner confessed the fact, but it being proved
that he was sick at the time, the Court do acquit him.
James Gears, soldier, of Captain Shepherd's company,'
Colonel Porter's regiment, tried by the same General
Court-Martial for desertion. The Court acquit the prisoner
from corporal punishment, it being proved he had not his
proper senses at the time of committing the crime, hut
adjudge that he be mulcted one month's pay, for the use of
the sick of the regiment, and refund all expenses of his
being apprehended and brought to camp.
Ensign Benjamin Chamberlain, of Colonel (late) JVait's
regiment, tried by the same General Court-Martial for
neglect of duty and disobedience of orders, is found guilty
of disobedience of orders, and sentenced to be discharged
the service.
Ensign JVhittcmore, of the regiment late Colonel Reed's,
tried by the same General Court-Martial for behaving in a
manner unworthy an officer and a gentleman, and contrary
to an express resolve of Congress, published in general
orders the 5th September, is found guilty, and sentenced
to suffer the punishment ordered in said resolve, viz: to
forfeit one month's pay for the benefit of the sick of the
regiment, and be dismissed the service with infamy.
Lieutenant Benjamin Talbot, of the Twenty-Fourth, or
Greaton's regiment, tried by the same General Court-
Martial for acting in the character of a sutler in selling rum,
&tc., in camp, is found guilty of a breach of the resolve
of Congress published 5th September last, and sentenced to
suffer the punishment ordered by it.
John Pratt, Ensign of the same Regiment, tried by the
same General Court-Martial for the same crime, is found
guilty, and sentenced to receive the punishment ordered by
the resolve of Congress above-mentioned.
Joseph Magoon, soldier, of Captain Harper's company,
Colonel Wyman's regiment, tried by the same General
Court-Martial for stealing, is found guilty, and sentenced
to receive thirty-nine lashes on his bare back, at the head
of the brigade to which he belongs.
Joseph Stimson, soHier, of Captain Drew's company,
Colonel Wyman's regiment, tried by the same General
Court-Martial for stealing a pocket-book, and for cursing
and abusing the officer of the guard, is found guilty of both
the crimes, and sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes on
his bare back for the first offence, and twenty for the
second, at the head of the brigade to which he belongs.
The General approves the above proceedings, and orders
all the sentences contained in them to take place imme-
diately ; particularly those passed upon the officers, who
are ordered to leave the camp immediately after discharging
their debts, &c.
The General Court-Martial of which Lieutenant-Colonel
March was President, is dissolved.
Officer of the day for Ticonderoga, to-morrow, Colonel
Woodbridge. Brigade-Major, Brown.
Officer of the day lor Mount Independence, Colonel
Wingate. Brigade-Major, Third Brigade.
The Regimental Surgeons are to deliver in at the medi-
cal store all the lint they have got made at six o'clock this
afternoon. An Orderly Sergeant from each corps, and a
man from the artillery, to attend constantly at Head-
Quarters.
1087
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1088
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO ABRAHAM YATES.
Saratoga, October 16, 1776, six o'clock afternoon.
SIR : By letters from Generals Gates and Arnold, I am
advised of the total destruction of our fleet on Lake Cham-
plain, and that it is beyond doubt that the enemy mean to
attack our army at Tyonderoga.
I have written to General Ten Broeck to march up the
Militia under his command ; and I have also applied for
that of the neighbouring States. General Gates wishes to
be sustained by an army often or twelve thousand of them.
It is certainly of the highest importance that all the Militia
that can be spared should march up without delay, either
to support General Gales, if there should be time, or to
cover his retreat should he be reduced to the necessity of
quitting his ground ; and I must therefore entreat your aid.
Permit me to suggest that I believe the Convention's
moving to Albany would be attended with good conse-
quences.
I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient, humble ser-
vant> PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. Ab. Yates, Esq., President of the Convention.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO BERKSHIRE (MASS.) COMMITTEE.
Saratoga, October 16, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Our fleet, which suffered severely in an
engagement on the 12th instant with the enemy, has been
still more severely handled in a subsequent one, insomuch
that the enemy are left masters of the lake, and are now
coming on to attack our army at Ticonderoga.
In this situation of our affairs, it is of the utmost impor-
tance that the Militia of your State should immediately
march to sustain the army; and such as can march expe-
ditiously, come by the "way of Albany, should do so, and
the others take the route to Skeensborough. Each man
should come provided with as much provision and ammuni-
tion as possible. The commanding officer must send me
information of his numbers, and the progress in his march
from time to time. I shall be either at Fort George or at
Skeensborough, but as I cannot determine which, it will be
proper to send expresses to both places, and to forward
copies of this to Governour Trumbull, and to every Com-
mittee in your State in a situation of affording assistance,
as also to the neighbouring Counties in the State of Con-
necticut. I must repeat, gentlemen, that it is of great
importance that I should be duly furnished with an account
of the movements and numbers of the Militia.
From, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Committee of the County of Berkshire.
Stockbridge, October 19, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The Militia in this County are rallied and
on their march, and we think it of the utmost importance
that you comply with the General's request immediately.
EHASTUS SERGEANT,
SAMUEL BROWN, Jun.,
ASA BEMENT,
Committee of Stockbridge.
To the Committees in Hampshire County.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO SELECTMEN OF BOSTON.
Saratoga, October 16, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Barracks and a variety of buildings are
constructing for this department, but greatly retarded by
want of nails. I have sent the bearer to Boston to procure
what quantity he can. Permit me to entreat the favour of
you, gentlemen, to afford him your aid in making the pur-
chases, and procuring carriages to convey them to this place,
and if a sufficient quantity cannot be had in Boston, to
direct him to such places in which you may deem it pro-
bable that he can be supplied.
I am, gentlemen, respectfully, your obedient, humble
servant,
CH. SCHUYLER.
To the gentlemen appointed Selectmen of the town of
Boston.
COLONEL WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES.
Skeenesborough, October 16, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I thought proper to inform you that
Mr. Langdon, Major Skeene's clerk at this place, is an
enemy to his country, and he is busy every day viewing and
prying into every circumstance. I am under apprehension
that he takes every method in his power to inform the Reg-
ulars of our situation.
The General can use his pleasure in the matter, but 1
think he ought not to be here.
I am, dear General, your most obedient,
CORN. WYNKOOP.
To General Gates.
COLONEL WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES.
. «
Skeenesborough, October 16, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I send you by the bearer hereof, George
Rush, of Colonel Mott's regiment, eighty boards in a bat-
teau. I should send more, but they were partly loaded. I
shall send you another boat-load by the first opportunity.
I am, dear General, your humble servant,
CORN. WYNKOOP.
To Major-General Gates.
LEWIS T. COSTIGAN TO GENERAL GATES.
Ticonderoga, October 16, 1776.
SIR: Am fully convinced that the appointment of another
gentleman in the place I lately had the honour to hold in
the regiment, was owing entirely to a want of knowledge of
the circumstances which occasioned my so long absence
from it. But, encouraged by your Honour's known libe-
rality and candour, on my first arrival from New-York I
took the liberty to wait on your Honour with my hearty
thanks for your kind indulgence in permitting me to visit my
family in their distressed circumstances, and also to inform
you of the reason of my absence, and to supplicate your
Honour for some relief in my case, which you was gra-
ciously pleased to promise; but as the approach of the
enemy this season is now pretty certain, and the fate of war
very uncertain, and my situation, in case of a disaster, very
disadvantageous, I would beg leave most humbly to repeat
my suit, not knowing but your great attention to the inter-
ests and safety of the cause in which you are so zealously
engaged, might have occasioned you to forget a matter of
so trifling consequence as mine. I cannot help observing
to your Honour, that I entered the service from principle,
and flatter myself that, while in the regiment, I have main-
tained a character in some good degree worthy the commis-
sion I sustained, and to be dismissed from it with the oppro-
brious epithet of " deserted," affects me in the most tender
part. It is from your Honour's liberality alone 1 hope for
relief. If you should please to grant it, I trust I shall return
with honour ; otherwise, with disgrace.
I have the honour to be your Honour's most dutiful,
most obedient, humble servant, m /-i
LiEWIS 1. COSTIGAN.
To the Hon. Horatio Gates, Esq., Major-General and
Commander of the Army of the United States of Amer-
ica in the Northern Department. .
COLONEL HENRY B. LIVINGSTON TO THE NEW-YORK CON-
VENTION.
Saybrook, October 16, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I send you by this conveyance the paroles
of Colonel Fanning, Major Conkling, and George Howett,
inhabitants of Long-Island, who have been generally
thought disaffected to the freedom of this country, but
profess themselves friendly. Colonel Fanning was appre-
hended for assisting in procuring and driving cattle for the
subsistence of General Howe's army on Long-Island; he
has also, as Colonel, acted by virtue of an old commission
from George the Third, King of Great Britain, in calling
the people of Southold together, to see whether they would
take the oath of allegiance, as he expresses it in an inter-
cepted order that I had in possession, but somewhere or
other mislaid, or should send it for your perusal. Being in
concert with Colonel Mclntosh intrusted with an expedition
to Long-Island, I thought it improper he should remain
there without some restraint, as he is a man of influence,
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1090
and might in some measure contribute to render abortive
our plan. Major Conkling was also taken at the same
time, by a party of my men sent for that purpose, he having
long lain under the imputation of being unfriendly to our
interests. George Howell was under the like constraint for
the same reason.
I remain, gentlemen, with all imaginable respect, your
most obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON, Lieut. Colonel.
To the honourable the Convention of the State of New-
York, Fishkills.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN HACKER.
Newport, October 16, 1776.
SIR: Upon receipt of this, you are to go up Swansey
river, and take the privateer sloop, Captain Dennis, who,
I have intelligence, has got some of our men belonging to
the fleet, and bring the sloop and all the men you find on
board of her into Neivport harbour : and for so doing, this
shall be your sufficient authority.
ESEK HOPKINS, Commander-in- Chief.
To Hoysieed Hacker, Commander of the Hamden.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Council Chamber, October 16, 1776.
SIR : It having been represented to this Board by Colonel
Gushing, commander of a regiment lately ordered from this
State to the State of Rhode-Island, by reason of Colonel
Cooke, commander of a regiment in the State, claiming
the command, notwithstanding his commission of later date
than Colonel Cushing's, we should be very sorry there
should be any difficulty respecting this matter, but do not
think we are authorized to determine any other ways than
what has been agreed upon by the honourable Congress, in
their rules for regulating the army of the United States, at
section 13th, acticle 26th, to which we refer your Honour,
not doubting you will give such orders to Colonel Cooke,
and all other officers in command, as are conformable to
the resolves of the honourable Congress.
In the name, and by the order of the Council, I have the
honour to be, with great respect, your most obedient, hum-
ble servant.
To the Hon. Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Governour of the State
of Rhode-Island.
COLONEL PIERCE LONG TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF
SAFETY.
Portsmouth, October 16, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I should have done myself the pleasure of
waiting on the Assembly, had not my business been such
which prevents. It takes me all my time in overseeing the
bridge, which I am removing about one hundred feet above
the place where the old one stood ; it will be much more
convenient, and be far less trouble, and I believe not more
expensive. The soldiers as yet muster very thin, which
obliges me to employ -all that's here on the bridge at a time,
by which means their exercise is neglected.
Colonel Whipple set off for Philadelphia on Wednesday
last, with whom 1 went to Hampton, (in company with other
friends,) who requested me to tell you that he wished three
battalions might be ordered to be raised exclusive of this
stationed down here; and that a petition might be for-
warded to Congress, to be presented by our delegates,
for this to be for our protection on both frontiers, if at any
time part could be spared from this harbour. If it can
be done, it will effectually ease this State of the expense
of having a number of men in their pay, which in this case
will be prevented, and should you think with him and
forward said petition, he would endeavour to get the
same accomplished, which he was of opinion could be done
with ease. I, for my part, think the scheme a plausible one,
and should like it much.
We have nothing new, only Captain Parker, I fancy,
purposes to carry on the fishing business. The British
tyrant passed the fishing act, and he is putting it into execu-
tion.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
I am, dear sir, with esteem, your most humble servant,
m n TTL i? PIERCE LONG.
To E. Thomson, Lsq.
P. S. By a letter from Colonel Bartlctt to Colonel
Whipple, which 1 saw, he appeared to be of the same
opinion.
SILAS DEANE TO THE SECRET COMMITTEE.
Paris, October 17, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I once more put pen to paper, not to
attempt what is absolutely beyond the power of language
to paint, rny distressed situation here, totally destitute of
intelligence or instructions from you since I left America,
except Mr. Morris's letters of the 4th and 5th of June last,
covering duplicates of my first instructions ; nor will I com-
plain for myself, but must plainly inform you that the cause
of the United Colonies or United Stales has, for some time
suffered at this Court for want of positive orders to me or some
other person ; it has not suffered here only, but at several
other Courts not only willing, but even desirous of assisting
America. Common complaisance, say they, though they
want none of our assistance, requires that they should an-
nounce to us in form, their being Independent States, that
we may know how to treat their subjects and their property
in our dominions. Every excuse which my barren inven-
tion could suggest has been made, and I have presented
memoir after memoir on the situation of American affairs,
and their importance to this "Kingdom and to some others.
My representations, as well verbally as written, have been
favourably received, and all the attention paid them 1 could
have wished, but the sine qua non is wanting — a power to
treat from the United Independent States of America. How,
say they, is it possible that all your intelligence and instruc-
tions should be intercepted, when we daily have advice of
American vessels arriving in different ports in Europe 1
It is true I have effected what nothing but the real desire
this Court has of giving aid could have brought about, but
at the same time it has been a critical and delicate affair,
and has required all attention to save appearances, and
more than once have I been on the brink of losing all, from
suspicions that you were not in earnest in making applications
here. I will only add that a vessel with a commission from
the honourable Congress, is detained in Bilboa as a pirate,
and complaint carried to the Court of Madrid. 1 have
been applied to for assistance, and though 1 am in hopes
nothing will be determined against us, yet I confess I trem-
ble to think how important a question is by this step agitated,
without any one empowered to appear in a proper character,
and defend. Could 1 present your Declaration of Indepen-
dence and show my commission subsequent, empowering
me to appear in your behalf, all might be concluded at
once, and a most important point gained ; no less than that
of obtaining a free reception, and defence or protection of
our ships-of-war in these ports, a determination which must
eventually ruin the commerce of Great Britain.
I have wrote heretofore for twenty thousand hogsheads of
tobacco. I now repeat my desire, and for a large quantity
of rice. Tobacco is eight and a half pence sterling per
lb., in Holland, and rice fifty shillings sterling per cwt. ; the
very profits on a large quantity of these articles will go far
towards an annual expense.
The stores, of which I have repeatedly wrote you, are
now shipping, and will be with you I trust in January, as
will the officers coming with them. I refer to your serious
consideration, the enclosed hints respecting a naval force in
these seas, also the enclosed propositions which were by
accident thrown in my way. If you shall judge them of
any consequence, you will lay them before Congress ; if not,
postage will be all the expense extra. I believe they have
been seen by other persons, and therefore I held it my duty
to send them to you.
My most profound respects and highest esteem ever
attend the honourable Congress, and particularly the hon-
ourable Secret Committee.
I am, gentlemen, &tc., g,LAS j)EANE.
P. S. Dr. Bancroft has been so kind as to pay me a
second visit, and that most seasonably, as my former assistant,
Mr. Carmichael, is gone to Amsterdam, and thence north-
ward, on a particular affair of very great importance. The
69
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1092
vessel referred to is Captain Lee, of Newburyport, who, on
his passage took five prizes of value, and sent them back,
but brought on two of the Captains and some of the men
prisoners to Bilboa, where the Captains entered their protest,
and complained against Captain Lee as a pirate, on which
his vessel is detained, and his commission, &ic., sent to Ma-
drid. This instantly brings on a question as to the legality
of the commission : if determined legal, a most important
point is gained ; if the reverse, the consequences will be very
bad, and the only ground on which the determination can
go against the Captain, is that the United States of America
or their Congress, are not known in Europe as being Inde-
pendent States, otherways than by common fame in news-
papers, &,c., on which serious resolution cannot be grounded.
The best, therefore, that the Captain expects, will be to
get the matter delayed, which is very hard on the brave
Captain and his honest owners, and will be a bad precedent
for others to venture into the European seas.
I have done every thing in my power, and am in hopes
from the strong assurances given me, that all will be settled
to my satisfaction in this affair; but cannot but feel on the
occasion as well for the Captain as for the publick. I have
been told repeatedly I was too anxious, and advised
" rester sans inquietude;" but I view this as a capital affair
in its consequences, and though I wish to, cannot take the
advice.
Warlike preparations are daily making in this Kingdom
and in Spain ; in the latter Immediately against the Por-
tuguese, but will most probably in its consequences, involve
other Powers.
I need not urge the importance of immediate remittances
towards paying for the large quantity of stores I have
engaged for, and depend this winter will not be suffered to
slip away unimproved.
I have the honour to be, &c.,
SILAS DEANE.
SILAS DEANE TO THE SECRET COMMITTEE.
Paris, October 17, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: This comes by Mons. Al Motin de la
Balme, an officer of long service and good reputation, has
served as Captain of Cavalry, and is now in rank Lieuten-
ant-Colonel, and now offers his service to the United
States of North America.
I have provided him a passage at the publick expense,
and assured him his services will be both seasonable and
acceptable to the continent, in some of its departments. I
have lately wrote you several letters, but am still without
intelligence or instructions from you since the 5th of June
last. The consequences are very disagreeable, as thereby I
am much a loss how to proceed, and the interest of the
United States suffers exceedingly.
Captain Lee, of Newburyport, in a letter-of-marque
schooner, made in his passage five valuable prizes, which
he sent back, but brought on two or three of the Captains
and some of their men, as prisoners, who, immediately on
being landed, protested against him as a pirate ; and by the
help of some English factors there, procured a detention of
his vessel until the opinion of the Court of Madrid should
be known.
Thus a most important question is precipitated on, with-
out any one to appear, properly authorized to defend, for
though your Declaration of Independence has been published
in newspapers through Europe, and is nowhere doubted, yet
Courts require some better authority in such important
affairs.
I have been applied to by the Captain, and have used
what influence I can make in the case, but at best I expect
a detention of the vessel, or perhaps heavy bonds to answer
hereafter, if the cause is decided against them. This is very
hard on a brave Captain and his honest owners, and must
discourage cruising in the European seas unless remedied,
which the bare announcing of your Independency would do
effectually.
As I shall write you very particularly in a few days, I
will not add, but am, with most respectful compliments
to the honourable Congress and their Secret Committee,
gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,
SILAS DEANE.
SILAS DEANE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Paris, October 17, 1776.
SIR : The bearer, Mons. M. Motin de la Balme, has long
served with reputation in the armies of France as a Cap-
tain of Cavalry, and is now advanced to the rank of Lieute-
nant-Colonel. He has made military discipline his study,
and has wrote on the subject to good acceptance. He now
generously offers his services to the United States of North
America, and asks of me what I most cheerfully grant, a
letter to you, and his passage. Confident he may be of very
great service, if not in the general army, yet in those Colo-
nies which are raising and disciplining Cavalry, I have
only to add that he is in good esteem here, and is well
recommended, to which I am persuaded he will do justice.
I have the honour to be, &c., c TX
SILAS DEANE.
SILAS DEANE TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.
Paris, October 17, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Since receiving yours of the 4th and 5th
August last, I have wrote you repeatedly, and have no
doubt of your receipt of them, to which refer you. You
are in the neighbourhood of St. Vincent, and I learn that
the Caribbs are not content with their masters ; and, being
an artful as well as revengeful people, would undoubtedry
take this opportunity of throwing off a yoke which nothing
but a superiour force can keep on them. My request is,
that you would inquire into the state of that island by
proper emissaries; and if the Caribbs are disposed to revolt,
encourage them, and promise them aid of arms and ammu-
nition. This must tear from Great Britain an island which
they value next to Jamaica, and to which, indeed, they
have no title but what rests on violence and cruelty ; at
any rate they will oblige Great Britain to withdraw part
of her forces from the continent. If any thing can be
effected then, inform me instantly and I will order to your
care such a quantity of stores as you shall think necessary.
The enclosed letter I desire you to break* the seal of, and
make as many copies as there are vessels going northward,
by which some one must arrive.
A war I think may be depended upon ; but keep your
intelligence of every kind secret, save to those of the hon-
ourable Secret Committee. You will send also a copy of
this, by which the honourable Committee will see the
request 1 have made to you, and the reason of their receiv-
ing several duplicates in your handwriting.
1 wish you to forward the enclosed to Mr. Tucker, of
Bermuda, and write me by every vessel to Bordeaux or
Nantz.
I am, with great esteem, &,c., SILAS DEANE.
GENERAL STEPHEN TO FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE.
Philadelphia, October 17, 1776.
SIR: Enclosed are the returns of the arms and neces-
saries wanting for the Fourth Virginia Battalion ; likewise
the state of the regiment. The seventy-seven mentioned
sick are chiefly convalescents, and could take a brush with
the enemy occasionally.
It would be for the good of the service to supply us with
muskets and bayonets, in the place of the rifles. Nothing
but necessity made me admit so many of them into the
regiment.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, hum-
ble servant, A c
ADAM STEPHEN.
To Colonel Francis L. Lee, of the Board of War.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN ISAIAH ROBINSON.
Philadelphia, October 17, 1776.
SIR : The honourable the Congress having ordered that
you should make a voyage under direction of the Secret
Committee, therefore you will receive their instructions, and
comply with them. Those fulfilled, you must give us notice,
that we may again direct your further proceedings ; and
during your present voyage we expect you will transmit us
any useful or important intelligence that comes to your
knowledge ; that you take good care of the Andrew Doria,
her stores, provisions, and materials; that you maintain
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1094
proper discipline amongst your officers and men, at the
same time using them well. We dare say you will treat all
such as become your prisoners with tenderness and humanity ;
and, on your return, lodge copies of your log-book and jour-
nal in this office.
We are, sir, your most humble servants.
To Captain Isaiah Robinson, of the brig Andrew Doria.
GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 21, 1776.]
Perth-Amboy, October 17, 1776.
SIR: In the night of the 15th, General Greene passed
over with me to Staten- Island, with part of the troops at
this post. We were to be joined on the march by the Jer-
sey Militia from the Blazing Star, Elizabtth-Town, and
Newark. Our intention was to reach the east end of the
island by break of day, and attack the enemy, where we
understood their greatest force lay. If successful there, the
smaller posts would yield of course.
Orders from General Washington arrived at eleven at
night, that made it necessary for General Greene to repair
immediately to Haarlem. I was then advanced within a
few miles of Richmond town, and received information on
the march that a company of British troops, one of Hes-
sians and one of Skinner's Militia, lay there. Reducing
that post was, therefore, our first object. Colonel Griffin
was detached, with Colonel Paterson's battalion, and Major
Clarke, at the head of some Riflemen, to fall in upon the
east end of the town, while the remainder of the troops
enclosed it on the other quarters. Both divisions reached
the town by break of day, but not before the enemy were
alarmed. Most of them fled, after exchanging a few shot
with Colonel Griffin's detachment. Two soldiers were mor-
tally wounded, and seventeen taken prisoners, with the loss
on our side of two soldiers killed. Colonel Griffin received
a wound in the foot from a musket-ball, and Lieutenant-
Colonel Smith is slightly wounded in the arm. A list of
prisoners, with the arms and accoutrements that fell into our
hands, is enclosed. General Washington's orders, which I
received that night, immediately to form a new arrangement
of the troops in New-Jersey, obliged us to return to Arnboy.
Any further operations against the enemy would, however,
have been, at that time, unsuccessful, as they were fully
apprised of our approach, and had time sufficient to retire
within their redoubts, and under cover of the ships at the
watering-place. Skinner's Militia had quitted Richmond
town the evening before : he had with him about twenty
men, who fled on hearing of our inarch towards the town.
My orders against plundering the inhabitants were strictly
complied with. These were issued with a view to coun-
teract the false accounts of our cruelty, industriously propa-
gated by the enemies of America among the ignorant
islanders. The Hessian prisoners I have ordered to be
treated with particular civility, that, when exchanged, they
may give the most favourable report of this country, and
confirm to the Hessian troops what the honourable the Con-
tinental Congress have thought proper to promise them in
their printed advertisements.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
HUGH MERCER.
Colonel Taylor, who commands the guards of New-Jer-
sey Militia, is just now arrived from his post on the Shrews-
bury shore, with intelligence, that on Monday morning, the
14th, a vessel was stranded on that coast, which proved to
be the schooner Betsey, commanded by Alexander Wilson,
bound from Boston to Bordeaux. The owners are Messrs.
Payne, Sownes, Wallace, Davis, Barrel, Sic. She sailed
from Boston the 21st of September ; was taken the 28th
by the Persia man-of-war, of twenty guns, commanded
hy George Kult Elphenson, bound from England to New-
York, a convoy of nineteen sail of transports, containing
stores and a few soldiers. The prize-master put on board
is Hodgkiss, and a mate, with four hands. These prisoners
I have ordered on to Philadelphia, and have given directions
that all possible care be taken of the vessel and the effects
on board for the benefit of the owners. A list of the effects,
given me by Colonel Taylor, is enclosed: that gentleman
will comply with any orders you are pleased to give relative
to this affair.
Your obedient servant, H. MERCER.
A fleet of upwards of sixty sail appear just now in the
offing, making in for Sandy-Hook.
A List of Prisoners taken at RICHMOND Town, on STATEN-
ISLAND, and sent on to PHILADELPHIA.
English: John Gee, William Guest, William Wright,
John Watkis, John Whitebread, James Chandler, Robert
Holbroock, John Clark ; William Ashmore, left at Amboy,
wounded.
Hessian: Christian Guiler, Ustus Smit, Johannes Burne-
man, Jeliacob Autolf, Yohan Daniel Eiberwin, Hanyere
Curt, Yohannes Hedecker, Frederick Wilhelm Smatt.
A Return of the Arms and Accoutrements taken from the
Enemy on STATEN-!SLAND, OCTOBER 16, 1776.
Eleven muskets, 9 bayonets, 5 scabbards, 10 cartridge-
boxes, 3 cutlasses, 3 slings, 1 sword-belt, 68 musket-balls,
and 30 cartridges. More yet to be returned.
B. FLOWERS, Com. of Stores.
MARY HAY BURN TO JOHN HAY BURN.
New-Hackensack, October 17, 1776.
MOST LOVING HUSBAND : These come to let you know
that I and my family are well at present, hoping these few
lines will find you so likewise, and to let you know that
Dirrick Hoogland has warranted me to go out of my house,
and has forewarned me to repair it, for out of it he says I
shall go ; for if any body comes to repair it, he says he will
pull off the roof, and fetch it all home. What I shall do I
know not, for a house I cannot get, and to get in with Febe
I can't, for William Elseworth he lives there ; so you must
go to your commanding officers and let them know the cir-
cumstance I am in, and let them know that I will be
obliged to be turned out of doors if you don't come up and
look for a house. Come you must, if possible. If you
can't come, you must go to some of your officers belonging
to the company where you are in, and try and get in with
one of them for to go to the commanding officer and see
whether Dirrick has any right to turn me out of doors,
since you are listed for to go and fight for liberty. Why
should I not have liberty whilst you strive for liberty ? The
money you sent me, I laid it out as you ordered. But I am
got out of money. If you can't come, you must send all
the money you can. So no more at present, but I remain
your loving wife un.il death. MART
To Mr. John Hay Burn, at King's Bridge.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 17, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Judging it a matter of the utmost impor-
tance to secure the passes through the Highlands, I have
sent up Mons. Lnbert, a French gentleman who has been
placed in the army as an Engineer by Congress, in order to
take your directions respecting the passes and such works
as you may esteem necessary to preserve them. As the
situation of affairs in this State is rather alarming, I would
beg leave to recommend your earliest attention to this
business, and that no time may elapse before the works are
begun. I have no acquaintance with Mons. Imbert, and
his abilities in his profession remain to be proved ; however,
I trust under your care and advice, that whatever may be
essential will be immediately done.
I have the honour to be, &.c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To the Hon. Abm. Yates, Jan., Esq., President, &tc.
P. S. I can spare no other Engineer, having but one
besides.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 17, 1776.
SIR : On Monday last I was honoured with your favour
of the 5th instant, and beg leave to inform you that the
reasons which you assign for countermanding Colonel Rich-
mond's march appear to me strong and substantial. As to
the expedition to Long-Island, it is impossible for me to
give any direction about it ; it must be governed by a variety
1095
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., OCTOBER, 1776.
1096
of circumstances. Nor will it be in my power to appoint
any person to command it, the situation of our affairs here,
requiring the presence of every officer of the least merit
for the government of this army.
In respect to your request to have a list transmitted of
such officers as have served to good acceptance, I am happy
that I had anticipated your views, and those of your hon-
ourable Assembly in this instance, before the receipt of your
favour. I wrote you fully on the subject in a letter I had
the honour of addressing you on the 12th, sending you a
list of such officers as were particularly recommended for
the two battalions you are to raise, to which I beg leave to
refer you, as it contains my sentiments at large.
1 have the honour to be, &c., Go WASHINGTON.
To Governour Cooke, Rhode-Island.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL BAYLEY.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 17, 1776.
SIR: I have yours of the 15th instant by Mr. Wallace,
with an account of the expense incurred in cutting a road
from Coos to St. John's, the amount £982 16s. 5$d., law-
ful money. There are some few errours in casting out the
different articles, but they may be easily rectified when
settlement is made.
I have it not in my power to make objections to any part
of the account, as I cannot but suppose that it is all just,
and what has really been paid or agreed to be paid ; but
proper vouchers should accompany all publick accounts,
and these Mr. Wallace tells me you can furnish. The
most material is, a muster roll of the men employed, show-
ing the time of their engagements for the service and that
of their discharge. It is probable no receipt may have been
taken for some of the articles ; but you will please to fur-
nish them for as many as you are able. I beg I may be
clearly understood : I do not call for vouchers because I
suspect you charging more than is justly due, but because
it is necessary that they should accompany all publick
accounts that pass through my hands. When this is done,
the accounts shall be adjusted and paid by, sir, yours, &c.,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob Bayley, New-Hampshire
Militia, at Fishkill.
The General has had no great experience of the abilities
of Mons. Imbert, the French Engineer, who goes up with
your express; but he thinks it would be of service to you,
if Mr. Mechin could spare time to step over and point out
to Mons. Imbert the kind of work that will be most advan-
ageous and soonest constructed, so as to answer the desired
purpose. I mention this because Imbert, in some works he
began here, went upon too large a scale, and with more
regularity than is necessary in this rough country. Perhaps
he wanted to show his skill, but he would have been too
tedious. You must endeavour to procure him an inter-
preter, otherwise he will be much at a loss to direct the
working parties.
As Mr. Mechin belongs to the command' at Fort Mont-
gomery, the General did not choose to give a positive order
to withdraw him from thence; he only meant then and means
now that he should come over if he can be spared. Gen-
eral Mercer went upon Staten-Island the night before last
with two thousand men, but we have not yet heard the issue
of his expedition.
I am, dear sir, most respectfully yours,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq., of the Committee of Correspond-
dence, Fishkill.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 17, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I must take the liberty of answering your
two favours to Mr. Harrison and myself, otherwise I should
continue him in a correspondence which he only took up as
a volunteer. In truth he has his hands full enough of other
matters.
I have not time to describe the situation of our army
perfectly to you, but you may depend that every step is
taken to prevent the enemy from out-flanking us, and at the
same time to secure our retreat in case of need. The
enemy has made no move from Frog's Point. We may
say the 17th October is come and nearly past without the
predicted blow. The winds have not been favourable to
pass Hell-Gate, where several of their transports are now
laying ; perhaps that may be the reason. I don't know how
it is, but I believe their design to circumvent us this time,
will prove as abortive as the former ones. If we can but
foil General Howe again, I think we knock him up for the
campaign.
You ask if General Lee is in health, and if our people
feel bold ? I answer both in the affirmative. His appear-
ance among us has not contributed a little to the latter.
We are sinking the ships as fast as possible; two hundred
men are daily employed, but they take an immense quantity
of stone for the purpose.
The General is highly pleased with the resolutions of
your Congress, which you were kind enough to transmit.
He wishes they may be carried thoroughly into execution.
Your Commissary should consult Mr. Trumbull, the Com-
missary-General, before they drive down any stock, lest they
should bring too many upon his hands at a time. What
grain, straw, or hay they may provide, falls inio the Quarter-
master-General's department, (General Mifflin,) with whom
they should endeavour to cooperate.
GENERAL M(DOUGALL TO COMMITTEE Or ARRANGEMENT.
Camp Harlem, October 17, 1776.
I was this moment honoured with your favour on the
subject of the rank, roll and officers for the regiments to be
retained in the Continental service of those raised in this
State. 1 have made some preparation for it, and shall
devote this evening to the subject. You mention enclosed
resolves, but they did not accompany your letter. Nothing
material has happened here since the skirmish of the 16th
ultimo. The enemy appear very shy. Our advanced
sentries and theirs are within three hundred yards of each
other in Harlem Lane. The works they have thrown up
are evidently calculated for defence. I should have cheer-
fully complied with the request of the Convention through
Mr. McKesson, to give them intelligence, but my time was
then wholly engrossed in assisting to arrange and settle the
army, and since, I am under orders with my brigade to
support the advanced picket in case of alarm, which I hope
will be a sufficient apology.
Your very humble servant,
ALEXANDER McDouGALL.
GENERAL GREENE TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fort Constitution .October 17, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : William Bradford, Adjutant of Colonel
Hitchcock's regiment, after the enemy landed on Long-
Island, took a horse belonging to one Jacob Wicoff, a per-
son that had joined the British forces. The Adjutant run
a very great risk in fetching the horse off, and he must
inevitably have fallen into the enemy's hands if the Adju-
tant had not made the attempt. But as property belonging
to Tories is not, nor ought not to be, thej reward of those
that take it into possession, only under certain limitations,
I think it my duty to acquaint you that I have the horse in
my possession, and shall be delivered to your order, either
to the Adjutant as a reward for his bravery, or to be sold
for the benefit of the State, as you may think proper. If
the horse is to be sold, I should be glad of an opportunity
to purchase him, as I am in want of a horse, mine being
worn out in the service.
I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your obedient ser-
vant,
NATHANAEL GREENE.
DIVISION ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, King's Bridge, October 17, 1776.
The following disposition of the division of the army
under the command of Major-General Heath, is to he
strictly attended to and observed by the brigades of the
division, viz :
The two regiments of Militia now posted on Harlem
River, to pass over the new bridge and join Colonel Swart-
woui's regiment, and form a flank guard.
1097
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1098
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Col. Prescott, ) „ . t , ,
Col. Huntington, \ Fort Llt1ePenJence-
Col. Ward, Fletcher's, to the east of Fort Independence,
Col. Tyler, > R
r1 i 717 77 f fieserve.
Col. Wyllys, )
Capt. Treadwett. One three-pounder.
Lieut. Berbeck. One howitzer.
Col. Lasher, ") r>
Col. Malcom, 3
Col. Drake. Redoubt in Bates's corn-field.
Col. Hardenbergh. Redoubt at Cannon Hill.
Lieut. Fleming. One th.ee-pounder.
Lieut. Fenno. Do.
Col. Pawling, Vallinline's corn-field.
Col. Graham, on Pawling 's left.
Capt. Bryant, one three-pounder.
Lieut. Jackson, one six-pounder.
COLONEL SAMUEL H. DRAKE TO JOHN M'KESSON.
King's Bridge, October 17, 1776.
SIR : Undoubtedly you have the account of the move-
ments of our unnatural enemy, and in all likelihood in a
few days we shall be called to action, if ever. And as a
number of my officers are without commissions, and are
uneasy if it should happen that they fall into the hand of
the enemy, (which God forbid,) for fear they may receive
treatment not due to their rank, therefore I beg the favour
of you to petition the Convention to make out commissions
to the following gentlemen :
Joshua Rogers, Captain > ^^ c
Benjamin King, second Lieutenant, }
Seth Marvin, Captain, Orange County.
Sybert Acker, Lieutenant, First, ^)
Ephraim Lockwood, Lieut., 2d, I „, • , c t
David Dutcher, Lieut., 2d, f '
Robert Crawford, Lieut., 2d, j
Abraham Handford, First Lieutenant, Albany County.
Ebenezer Phillips, Second Lieutenant, Suffolk County.
Should be glad they may be sent forward to General
Scott, as soon as may be, &.c.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
SAM. H. DRAKE, Colonel.
To Mr. John McKesson.
COLONEL SMALLWOOD TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OV SAFETY.
Philips's Heights, October, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I have received but two letters from you,
of the llth of September and the 2d October, in the
latter of which you express some surprise of never having
received a letter from me since I left Maryland, which is
just, and should I have incurred your censure, it is nothing
less than 1 have expected, and let me assure you it was
with great reluctance 1 subjected myself to it, but I am yet
conscious, could you have viewed the severe and perplexed
duty I have had, and our corps in general been exposed to,
you would at least have pitied them, and excused me for this
neglect.
in answer to yours wherein you require a particular
return of the arms, accoutrements, camp equipage, and
utensils, &.C., of the regular soldiers immediately under my
command, must beg leave to refer you to a letter wrote to
the Convention on the 12th, in answer to theirs of the 4th of
this instant, wherein you'll find a short detail of occurrences
from our march to Long-Island to the 12th, when I was
obliged to conclude rather abruptly, having received orders
to march immediately for Philips's Heights, four miles
above King's Bridge, the enemy having landed a body of
men on Frog's Neck, adjacent to these Heights; also a
copy of a return made out in Philadelphia, to be rendered
the Congress, of these articles appertaining to the battalion
and Captain Veazey's company, being all the troops 1
marched from Maryland, which hope you'll find satisfac-
tory. Also a list of the killed and missing on Long-Island,
and a general weekly return as rendered General Washing-
ton, which will show such men present as are effective, and
such as are sick, among which are included ten wounded.
A general return of killed and missing was rendered Gene-
ral Washington the next morning after the action on Long-
Island, and as the drafts of their pay are suspended till
exchanged, have been directed to discontinue the entry
upon the weekly return, for we can't ascertain, nor will the
enemy indulge us with a list of such as were taken prison-
ers, without which we can't ascertain who have been killed.
Perhaps you may require the names inserted in the returns,
agreeable to the returns of our muster-rolls at Annapolis.
Your letters do not urge this mode, but should it be required,
it shall be complied with.
I ordered the independent Captains on the 1 1th instant,
upon the receipt of the President of Convention's letter, to
hand in their returns of arms, accoutrements, camp equi-
page, and utensils. Till then I thought this had been done
upon their leaving Philadelphia, where I imagined they had
supplied their men with sundry necessaries, and would of
course make the natural returns, as their commands till their
arrival there were distinct and unlimited by any other
control than that of Convention or Council ; however, I
found this had not been done, and I now find from the train
they kept their affairs in, it will be done with difficulty, and
perhaps be subject to loss, for I am apprehensive many
tilings may have been lost upon their march from Philadel-
phia, and since which, as they were not accustomed to
inspect, and make weekly returns of arms, accoutrements,
clothing, camp furniture and utensils, &c. Some of these
at this time they may not be able to account for. Captain
Bracco complains he can't obtain a roll of, nor any accounts
relative to his company, and that General Bell has taken a
fifer out of his company, Burrel by name, and keeps him in
the Flying-Camp. 1 have wrote General Bell concerning
this boy, and his story is lame, but from what I can collect,
he says the Council of Safety allowed him to take the boy
out of, and upon the return of the Flying-Camp he will
return him to, the company. Now if he belongs to, he
certainly ought to be in, the company, as it has no other
fifer ; and if he does not, the company can have no business
with him after the Flying-Camp is discharged. The
Council will please signify whether they gave such indul-
gence, and whether the boy was returned in the muster-
roll of the company, and this matter shall soon be set right
between the General and the Captain. I wish their ac-
counts may be as easily adjusted.
There are many other charges exclusive of what articles
are and will be enumerated in the returns, which the Con-
tinent is charged with, particularly medicine, necessaries
supplied the troops, arms repaired, &tc., for often in our
march and since the Commissaries could not supply, nor
would the publick armourers work. At all events, soldiers
must be fed, and have their arms repaired, or else it can't
be expected they will fight. An account of which can't at
this time be rendered, for the retreating and flying disposi-
tion which has so much prevailed in our army latterly,
made it not safe to send any books, papers, &c., to Phila-
delphia, lest they should be lost; but be assured a true and
particular account shall be rendered. Doubt not the Pro-
vince shall not be injured.
This precaution was necessary, for hitherto we have
been generally drawn from our station and baggage, to
cover the retreat and defend the baggage of others, which
has subjected us to much loss upon the retreat, or rather
flight, from New-York. I have scarce an officer, myself
included, or soldier who did not lose more or less of their
baggage, pillaged by the runaways ; indeed, I believe many
of them never had other views than flight and plunder,
both which they are extremely dexterous at. General
Washington was so kind after he left the common where
we were posted to stop wagons himself, and made one of
his Aid-de-Camps attend the sending of our baggage, but
as 1 had left but four soldiers as a camp-guard, being desi-
rous the regiment upon this occasion should be as full as
possible, these could not guard the wagons, and thus we
lost part of our baggage. Have since stripped from these
poltroons several of our soldiers' coats, and had them
severely scourged. Have purchased from the Continental
store clothes for such of the independent companies as their
Captains inform me have received none before, and I think
upon good terms, accounts of which shall be transmitted.
I think Thomas's company were paid for finding them-
selves, or at least he proposed this one day when I was
1099
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1100
present at the Council. You'll inform how this matter is,
and whether you supplied him with money to purchase
clothes at Philadelphia, his company heing as bare as those
who never had. I have despatched Captain Hindman to
Philadelphia after his company's clothes, which he tells
me are ready made there, by whom Thomas has sent for
his. I have sent near nine hundred pounds by Hindman
to purchase such deficiency as the Continental store could
not furnish, particularly shoes and stockings.
I am about to draw pay for the troops that first marched
with me, from the 6th o(July, the time they were ordered to
march, which will replace in my hands the half month's pay
advanced by Council, and half a month's pay advanced at
Elizabethtown, out of the money advanced me by Council
and our deputies at Congress. I also paid Captain Vea-
zey'i company out of the above sums a month's pay, they
having had no advance from the Council upon their march-
ing. I shall credit the Province with this sum, having
charged it before the pay advanced by me to the soldiers,
&c., and credited it with the sums received from the Coun-
cil and Deputies.
We have received no pay since in this service but seven
hundred and fifty pounds paid the men when marched to
Long-Island, and I got an advance from the General of
seven hundred and fifty pounds more, in part of the sum
sent by Mr. Hindman. There is now due us down to the
31st August, which is as late as they will pay us, to near
three thousand pounds, inclusive of the Independents' pay.
Should the Council not approve of my drawing and retain-
ing in my hands that part of this sum that will be due to
the Province, they will please signify, and it shall be
lodged to their order, my motive in drawing it being only
to provide for contingencies, money not being to be drawn
here when most wanted, for it has been the policy here to
retain two or three mouths' of the Eastern troops' pay to
prevent desertion and retain them longer in service, by
which better men often suffer and languish lor their pay.
There are several vacancies now to fill up, and having no
time to make out a list, must beg leave to defer it till I
have more leisure. Lieutenant Ford, behaving well, has
acted under brevet as Captain of Light Infantry, which is in
rotation agreeable to his seniority.
We want medicine much ; none can be had here. Our
sick have and are now suffering extremely. The number
you'll observe from the list is very considerable, owing in a
great measure to the bad provision made for and care taken
of them, the men being often moved, and have been exposed
to lie on the cold ground ever since they came here ; often
lying without their tents for several nights, as is now the
case, having been five nights and days without them, being
ever since the enemy landed up here.
The inconvenience attending frequent removals of troops
when there are not a regular supply of wagons for that
purpose, which is much wanting here, no person can
conceive who has not experienced it; besides when their
tents and baggage can't attend them, they must be in-
jured much by lying in the open air at this season, and in
this place where heavy dews prevail so much, and I may
justly say our corps have had a greater proportion of this
duty than any in this army, for we have generally acted
in brigade under northern Brigadier-Generals, who have
seldom failed to favour their own and put the labouring
oar on our regiment; but it has perhaps made us the better
soldiers.
Our Commander-in-Chief is an excellent man, and it
would be happy for the United States if there was as much
Eropriety in the appointments in every department below
is. It is not owing to any want of precaution in him that
discipline is not exacted with more rigour; much must
depend respecting this, on the superiour officers next under
him in command, and here there seems to be a total igno-
rance of and inattention to this system, so necessary to
render an army formidable.
Our next greatest suffering proceeds from the great neglect
of the sick; and his orders relative to this department are
most salutary, were they to be duly attended to ; but here,
too, there is not only a shameful but even an inhuman
neglect daily exhibited. The Directors of the General
Hospitals supply and provide for the sick, who are extremely
remiss and inattentive to the well-being and comfort of these
unhappy men ; out of this train they cannot be taken. I
have withdrawn all mine long ago, and had them placed in
a comfortable house, in the country, and supplied with only
the common rations ; even this is preferable to the fare of
a General Hospital. Two of these Regimental Hospitals,
after I have had them put in order, one has been taken
away by the Directors for a General Hospital, and my peo-
ple turned out of doors, and the other would have been
taken in the same manner, had I not have applied to Gen-
eral Washington, who told me to keep it. The misfortune
is that every supply to the Regimental Hospital of necessaries
suitable for the sick, must come from an order from these
Directors, and is very seldom obtained. I have more than
once applied that my Quartermaster might furnish and make
a charge for what was supplied, by which means I could have
rendered the situation of the sick much more comfortable, at
a less expense, but could not be allowed. I wish this could
be obtained. I foresee the evils arising from the shameful
neglect in this department. One good-seasoned and well-
trained soldier, recovered to health, is worth a dozen new
recruits, and is often easier recovered than to get a recruit,
exclusive of which this neglect is very discouraging to the
soldiery, and must injure the service upon the new inlist-
ments, after the troops go into winter quarters.
If the Convention and Council should judge it consistent
with the interests of the Province and the good of the
service, 1 could wish the regular troops might return home
to refresh themselves in good winter quarters, and recruit
the complement wanting ; this I don't urge altogether through
inclination, (though I believe nothing would be more desira-
ble to both officers and men, who would more readily than
ever return in the spring,) but should it be deemed neces-
sary, could point out the expediency of their return, upon a
principle that it would contribute much to the benefit of the
service, so far as their small force could carry weight.
Our army in general have been well supplied with good
provisions, &c.; indeed, with more than a sufficiency.
Vegetables and some other small necessaries could not be
procured ; but in general, there has not been the least cause
of complaint on this head.
You mention my having the command of the Flying-
Camp, which I have not, although we frequently act
together, and have encamped close by each other for better
than a month.
I thank the Convention for the resolve in my favour ; their
intention was good, though it has not had the desired effect,
owing to an impropriety in their mode of appointment;
though was I to insist, General Washington has said I
ought and should have the command, though it might raise
some difficulties here perhaps in other commands. Mr.
Bell, without doubt, is a brave and an honest man ; but 1
leave you and the Convention to judge whether, with pro-
priety, he can expect he will do himself and his country any
honour in the character of a General. He is considered
here as the second edition of the Eastern Generals, and the
distinguishing gentlemen here who now begin to entertain
more favourable sentiments of our State, are not a little
surprised at the impropriety of this appointment ; but this
will be done, even though I suffer an indignity where it has
not been intended.
General Lee has just arrived, and is appointed to the com-
mand of one of the divisions who are to oppose the enemy
above King's Bridge. The enemy have landed their chief
force on Frog's Neck, and are making every disposition to
inarch across from the Sound to their ships in the North
River, thereby to cut off our communication by land with
Albany and the New-England Governments, and to coop
in and starve us; for I am apprehensive it will be in their
power by their ships, at any time to cut off our retreat into
Jerseys, both which should they effect, it would just pin up
the casket. The situation of the country favours our troops,
being very uneven and rocky, interspersed with some few
bushes, and abounding in stone walls. Were our officers
good, and our men well trained, it would be impossible to
effect their purpose, for we have now on this side the bridge
thirteen brigades, which do not exceed thirteen thousand
men, (by this you may see how far short the Governments
are of furnishing their quotas ; none, I believe, have com-
pleted but Maryland,) but with this force, could our officers
be brought to a proper sense of their duty and dignity, and
the weight of the army, the enemy might be checked in
their course; for this you may rely on, however their parade
1J01
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1102
may indicate the contrary, yet it is a fact, they are as much
afraid and cautious of us, as we can be, any of us, of them;
their officers alone give the superiority; and in this instance,
I have greater hopes of our officers and men fighting than
ever, for there is no hopes of running away left. To fight
or starve and surrender at discretion, has almost become
the word, which event might have proved favourable to the
common interest, had they reduced us to this dilemma
before ; at least it would have prevented much disgrace, and
brought our enemy to think of fighting.
Our Northern Generals have introduced a new system
for conducting this war, which subverts every principle in
the art of war adopted by other States ; for instead of
instructing their troops in the principles of military disci-
pline, preparing and encouraging to meet their enemies in
the fields and woods, they train them to run away, and to
make them believe they never can be safe unless under
cover of an intrenchment, which they would rather extend
from the north to the south pole than risk an engagement.
Discipline here is totally neglected, and yet after all it is the
only bulwark in war. Had our troops been trained better,
and worried less with the pick-axe and spade, by this time
our army would have been in a condition to have sought for
their enemies in turn. I am pretty sure this cannot be the
case soon under our present system.
The enemy's army has been said to amount to twenty-
five thousand effective men, but I don't believe it exceeds
seventeen thousand. Ours on this side the North River
amount to about seventeen thousand effective, but great
numbers of the sick are recovering very fast.
Agreeable to your orders, directed Captain Hindman to
get me a stamp made in Philadelphia, and the arms shall
be stamped, Sic.
Being often interrupted and hurried, you'll excuse this
scrawl, and believe that I remain, with sincerity and real
regard, gentlemen, your very obedient and humble servant,
W. SMALL WOOD.
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland,
PETITION OF WILLIAM M!NEALL.
To the honourable the Convention oj the State of- NEW-
YORK, iTi Congress convened:
The Petition of WILLIAM McNeALL, of the County of
DUTCHESS, Trader, humbly showeth :
That about twelve months ago he was possessed of one
hundred and thirty-three bushels of salt, which he put in the
store of Captain Bogardus, situate near the river. That
finding the inhabitants of this County were greatly in want
of this necessary article, he condescended to sell the same
to them at the rate of four shillings and sixpence a bushel,
excepting thirty bushels which he reserved for the salting
of divers quantities of beef and pork which he was to receive
of several persons who were indebted to him in divers sums
of money, and had no other way of paying him the same.
That your petitioner, in order to keep the salt for the purpose
aforesaid, gave not long since ten shillings a bushel for a
Suantity'of salt to repack some barrels of pork which he sold
>r the use of the Continental army. That notwithstanding
which Colonel Dircle Brinckerhoff, of this County, induced
as your petitioner supposes by pecuniary views, and in hopes
to take advantage of the present suspension of the laws of
this State, did, about three weeks ago, in the absence of
Captain Bogardus, the owner of the store, and without my
knowledge or approbation, take out of the said store the
said thirty bushels of salt, and appropriate the same to his
own use and private emolument, whereby your petitioner is
greatly injured and prevented from receiving in payment
for the money owing to him the said quantities of beef and
pork which he designed for the use of the Continental army,
and in all probability will by that means forever lose the
same. That your petitioner humbly conceives that acts of
this kind greatly injure the happiness of society, and if per-
mitted, will, beyond doubt, reduce us almost to a state of
nature, and drive us to the disagreeable alternative of repel-
ling force by force, or of tamely submitting to the lawless
invader. That your petitioner is well assured that an act
thus vicious in its nature will never, in the opinion of this
honourable Convention, appear sanctified by the wealth or
elevation of the aggressor, but that ample justice will be
administered without respect to persons. Induced therefore
by this consideration, your petitioner humbly prays that this
honourable Convention would be pleased to order the said
DircJc Brinckerhoff to appear before you at some speedy
day to be appointed for that purpose, to assign his reasons,
if any he hath, for such his unprecedented conduct, and if not
satisfactory to this honourable Convention, that your peti-
tioner may have restitution of the salt aforesaid and damages
for the injury done to him. And your petitioner, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray. WILL.
Dutchess County, October 17, 1776.
HENRY WISNER TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Peekskill, October 17, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : When I left you last evening, I went to
Van Wikes, and finding that Colonel Cortlandt was gone,
and the night near at hand, I went back to my lodging, and
set off early this morning, depending that Colonel Cortlandt
had orders to stop the troops, and some directions what to
do with them when here. I arrived here about eleven
o'clock, found the Colonel at his farm, without so much as
the resolve of Convention, or orders to stop the troops. He
expected Mr. Duer to have brought them with him, and
therefore did not attend to them so much as he would other-
wise have done. It seems, however, that the troops are
mainly gone forward, but for what purpose I don't know ;
if they are intended for quelling the Tories, they are much
wanted here. Many were from Croton river are gone on
board the men-of-war. Colonel Cortlandt knows of twelve.
They have taken many cattle on board. Mr. Gilbert Cort-
landt went to the commanding officer at Tarrytown, who
told him that he would have sent men to guard the shores,
but could not do it, as he had no orders. The shores are
without guards from Tarrytown to this place. If part of
the troops are to be sent back, I believe they had best be
sent by water, as the men are much fatigued.
I beg you to send the resolves of Congress as to our
appointment, and the Commissaries to provide for the
troops. A little to the northward of this place is a very
narrow pass, with a very high hill by the side, from which
stones might be thrown to great disadvantage, if the enemy
appear there.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
HENRY WISNEH.
To Peter R. Livingston, Esq., President of Convention.
RICHARD VAR1CK TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 17, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I do myself the honour to enclose you
an account of the articles I have purchased for the use of
your family. You will observe that I have purchased five
pewter dishes and one dozen soup plates. Few stone
dishes were to be had, and at a rate higher now than pew-
ter. No soup plates were to be had, of any kind, except
those I have purchased. The pudding dishes will answer
many purposes. I hope, however, to see them appropri-
ated to the purposes they were intended when made.
These articles will be put up in a box, directed for you,
and delivered to Mr. Avery, with directions to forward them
with all possible despatch. I have directed Mr. Avery to
send up the wine with all convenient despatch to you : I am
informed it is not so good as 1 could wish you to drink.
However, it is ten times better than none. Not an ounce
ol tea is to be procured.
This morning I was honoured with a letter from my
General, enclosing General Arnold's and your letters,
announcing the almost lotal destruction of our fleet; but
among the frowns of Providence we have the blessing of
General Arnold's safe return. 1 feared much for him. I
hope, however, he will still humble the pride and arrogance
of haughty Britons, and convince them that one defeat does
not dispirit Americans.
I am, with respects to Generals St. Clair and Arnold, and
the gentlemen of your good family, yours very sincerely,
RICH'D VARICK.
To the Hon. General Gates.
P. S. We have no news from our southern camp. It is
said a cannonading was heard down Hudson's river two
days since. K. V.
I shall prepare muster rolls, if the enemy do not disturb
1103
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1104
you soon. I shall send them up, and expect to be sent
there as soon as my General returns. R. V.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 17, 1776
DEAR GENERAL : Your favour of the 15th I received last
night. I have ordered all the Militia from below, and have
sent an express to hasten Colonel Dayton.
If the communication should be cut off by the way of
Lake George, it will be absolutely necessary to have a
number of batteaus at Skenesboroug/i, not only to transport
men, but flour and even cattle. You will therefore send
batteaus to that place, if there is not a sufficient number
already there. I should be informed whether it is probable
any cattle may still go by land. Cannot what few vessels
you have left be sent to Skenesborough to take in provisions
there, and serve as a convoy to the batteaus? Pray inform
me very particularly.
Spades cannot be procured any where in the country.
God bless you, my dear General, and believe me most
sincerely, yours, fee., fac., pH ScHUYLER.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
COLONEL WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES.
Skeensborough, October 17, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I arrived at this place last Monday
evening. After a long and tedious sickness am recovered, and
thought proper to inform the General that when I came to
Fort Ann I found a letter directed to Colonel Yates, wherein
was orders from General Schuyler that I should take command
at that post. When I came to this place found that business
was dull, and would be glad of your directions in the matter.
The orders in the letter was that I should have a fort built
around the barracks and store, and see that the roads was
mended, which are as yet in a very poor condition.
My seeing this fort nothing near finished, have employed
the men I had to finish the fort, and expect to finish it to-
morrow.
I have sent you two hundred and eighty boards down. I
have also sent boats to Cheshire's for more, which I expect
back to-day, and will send you more to-morrow ; and also
send you by the same boat the crank of a saw-mill, and all
the intrenching tools that can be spared from this place. I
keep but few to finish this fort. Spades there is none at
this place. I shall send to Cheshire's for all there is there,
and forward them as fast as possible. I wrote to the Gen-
eral the 15th instant, and have as yet no answer, which
makes me think the letter miscarried.
I am, dear General, you most obedient, humble servant,
CORN'S WYNKOOP.
To Major-General Gates.
JOHN B. SCOTT TO GENERAL GATES.
Mount Independence, October 17, 1776.
SIR : Presuming upon that justice and humanity that so
strongly mark your Honour's character, I have taken the
liberty to address you upon rny unhappy situation.
A private quarrel happening between Colonel Maxwell
and myself, which I expected would have terminated in
another manner, 1 was arrested by him and have continued
under arrest eleven days without any trial. As the money
I drew upon the pay roll which I am charged, with having
falsely presented, has been again repaid into the hands of
the Paymaster, for which I have a receipt upon account of
the publick, except a small part paid the men, which has
nothing to do with the dispute — I also have six or seven
hundred dollars of my own private property in the hands
of the publick, — this being the case, it would be impossi-
ble it should receive any injury if your Honour would be
pleased to order me discharged from my arrest, pursuant to
the articles of war, as it does not appear possible to settle
it in the present situation of the army ; and if ever hereafter
upon settlement of the account I should appear any ways
culpable, I shall with the greatest cheerfulness submit to
any punishment your Honour shall think proper.
Confinement is at any time disagreeable, but now more
particularly so, when our country so loudly calls upon every
individual to appear with arms in their hands for her de-
fence. Conscious of my own innocence, it stings me to the
soul when I reflect that I possibly by this means may be
deprived of the only opportunity that ever may occur during
the course of my whole life to render a service to my bleed-
ing country. Your Honour's compliance will eternally be
remembered with the greatest gratitude.
I am, sir, with much respect, your most obedient, hum-
ble servant, JOHN B. SCOTT.
To Major-General Gates.
GOVERNOUR THUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
New-Haven, October 17, 1776.
SIR: Your favour of the llth instant have duly received;
and as the formation of the new army is a matter that de-
mands our earliest attention and utmost despatch, am in
hopes by this time you are able to furnish me with a list of
officers as requested in rny last.
And as I find there is a great complaint for want of Sur-
geons and medicines in the army at New-York, lest that
should be the case likewise in the Northern army, must beg
leave to call your attention thereto, that timely care be
taken that a sufficient number and supply may not be
wanting in that department. You'll therefore please to
give me notice by the return of this post of whatever is
needful and expedient, in order that we may give all the
timely assistance in our power.
1 am, with esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant, JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES.
New-Haven, October 17, 1776
SIR: Have to acknowledge the receipt of your favour
by Mr. Brown, enclosing General Arnold's account of the
engagement on the lake. The bearer thereof gives a verbal
account of a subsequent rencounter there, which has turned
out more favourable than the first. We are anxious to
know the event.
Your hurry, I suppose, has prevented your attention to
the nomination and designation of the officers for the new
army; must therefore beg leave again to remind you of it,
that it may be forwarded with all that despatch the neces-
sity and importance of the case requires.
Am fearful you will find a want of Surgeons and medi-
cines especially, if any considerable action should come on.
Have wrote to General Schuyler on that subject. Please
to let me know by the return of this post the situation you
are in, and whatever is needful in our power to supply, that
we may forward the same.
Am, with esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant,
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
JONTH. TRUMBULL.
PHINEAS FANNING S PAROLE.
I promise, on my word of honour, not in any wise to for-
ward or assist the subjects or allies of the King of Great
Britain,'m their operations against any of the United States
of America during the present war. I also further promise
that I will return to my usual place of abode in Suffolk
County, and remain in said County until required by the
Convention of the State of New- York or General Wash-
ington, when I promise to appear before them in person.
Given under my hand, at Guilford, this 17th day of Oc-
tober, 1776.
PHINEAS t ANNING.
PROVIDENCE (RHODE-ISLAND) TOWN MEETING.
At a town meeting of the Town of Providence, legally
warned and assembled on the 17th day of October, A. D.
1776, Mr. Charles Keene, Moderator.
Whereas much uneasiness hath arisen on account of the
purchase of a quantity of Butter for the use of the inhabi-
tants of Nantucket, occasioned by a suspicion that the same
might be appropriated for the use of the enemies of the
United States of America ; and as Mr. Samuel Starbuck,
the purchaser, has appeared before this meeting, and there
being no evidence that the same was designed for our
1105
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &ic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1106
enemies, and it being understood by this meeting that the
exportation of any kind of Provisions to Nantucket is con-
trary to law, unless under regulations ordered by the General
Assembly of this State in October last, and Mr. Slarbuck,
for removing this uneasiness, is willing that said Butter
should be stored until the General Assembly shall meet and
make order respecting the exportation of Provisions to Nan-
tucket ; it is therefore
Voted, That Captain John Updike, James Black, and Ar-
thur Finn, Esqrs., be a committee immediately to store the
same in some suitable place until the Assembly shall meet,
excepting two firkins of Butter which Mr. Slarbuck wants
for his own use. And the Deputies of this town are re-
quested to lay this matter before the General Assembly for
their direction herein, this town highly disapproving of the
exportation of any Provisions to Nantucket until the senti-
ments of the General Assembly are known.
CAPTAIN JONES TO EGBERT MORRIS.
Providence Sloop-of-War, at Newport, Rhode-Island,
October 17, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: I wrote to you at sea 4th ultimo, by the
brigantine Sea-Nymph, my second prize. I have taken
sixteen sail, manned and sent in eight prizes, and sunk,
burned, or destroyed the rest. The list of prizes is as
follows :
Manned and sent in.
1. The brigantine Britannia, a whaler.
2. The brigantine Sea-Nymph, West-Indiaman.
3. The brigantine Favourite, do.
4. The ship Alexander, Jersey, Newfoundlandman.
5. The brigantine Success, do.
6. The brigantine Kingston Packet, Jamaica.
7. The brigantine Defiance, Jersey, do.
8. The sloop Portland, whaler.
Burnt or destroyed.
1. The ship Adventure, of Jersey.
2. The brigantine Friendship, Jersey.
3. The schooner John, London.
4. The schooner Betsey, Jersey.
5. The schooner Betsey, Halifax.
6. The schooner Sea-Flower, Canso.
7. The schooner Ebenezer, do.
8. The schooner Hope, do.
I have written from time to time to the Marine Board,
and furnished them with particular accounts of all my pro-
ceedings, and I now send copies of my former letters. I
arrived here 7th current, and I would not have lost a day
without writing to you and to the Board, had not the Com-
modore proposed to me to take command of an expedition,
with the Alfred, Providence, and Hambden, to destroy the
fishery of Newfoundland, but principally to relieve an hun-
dred of our fellow-citizens, who are detained as prisoners and
slaves in the coal-pits of Cape Breton. All my humanity
was awakened and called up to action by this laudable pro-
her affairs cry haste, and speed must answer them. Trifles,
therefore, ought to be wholly disregarded, as being, in the
old vulgar proverb, " penny wise and pound foolish." If
our enemies, with the best-established and most formidable
navy in the universe, have found it expedient to assign all
prizes to the captors, how much more is such policy essential
to our infant fleet. But I need use no arguments to con-
vince you of the necessity of making the emoluments of our
navy equal, if not superiour, to theirs. We have had
proof that a navy may be officered almost on any terms ;
but we are not so sure the officers are equal to their com-
missions; nor will the Congress ever obtain such certainty,
until they in their wisdom see proper to appoint a Board of
Admiralty competent to determine impartially the respective
merits and abilities of their officers, and to superintend,
regulate, and point out all the motions and operations of the
navy
Governour Hopkins tells me, he apprehends I am
appointed to the Andrew Doria. She is a good cruiser,
and would, in my judgment, answer much better were she
mounted with twelve six-pounders, than as she is at present
with fourteen fours.
An expedition of importance may be effected this winter
on the coast of Africa with part of the original fleet ; either
the Alfred or Columbus, with the Andrew Doria and
Providence, would, I am persuaded, carry all before them,
and give a blow to the English African trade, which
would not soon be recovered, by not leaving them a mast
standing on that coast. This expedition would be attended
with no great expense ; besides, the ships and vessels men-
tioned are unfit for service on a winter coast, which is not
the case with the new frigates. The small squadron for this
service ouj;ht to sail early, that the prizes may reach our
ports in March or April.
If I do not succeed in manning the Alfred, so as to pro-
ceed to the eastward in course of this week, the season will
be lost ; the coal fleet will be gone to Halifax, and the
fishermen to Europe. I will not, however, remain inactive,
but proceed to cruise in the sloop near Sandy-Hook.
Three of my prizes are arrived here, and one or two more
to the eastward.
I am, &c.
Alfred, October 30, 1776.
I did not conclude my letter till I was enabled to give you
a satisfactory account of the present expedition. I took
command here the 22d, and finding that we coul'd not man
the ship and two vessels without wasting too much time, I
concluded to leave the Providence, and proceed with the
Alfred and Hamden. 1 took the men out of the Provi-
dence and her prizes, which made up my muster roll here to
one hundred and forty or upwards. When I was ready to
proceed on the 27th, the Hamden was run upon a sunken
ledge, which knocked off her false keel, and she hath since
continued to make so much water, that we concluded her
unfit for sea, and therefore have shifted her men into the
Providence. I am once more in readiness to take my leave
of Rhode-Island to-morrow morning. I am, however, duly
posal, and I have been successfully employed in refitting sensible that the expedition cannot but fall greatly short of
and getting the Providence in readiness, but am under the
greatest apprehension that the expedition will fall to nothing,
as the Alfred is greatly short of men. I found her with
only about thirty men, and we have with much ado, inlisted
thirty more ; but it seems the privateers entice them away
as fast as they receive their monthly pay.
It is to the last degree distressing to contemplate the
state and establishment of our navy. The common class
of mankind are actuated by no nobler principle than that of
self-interest; this, and this only, determines all adventurers
in privateers, the owners as well as those they employ.
And while this is the case, unless the private enrollment of
individuals in our navy is made superiour to that in priva-
teers, it never can become respectable, it never will become
formidable ; and without a respectable navy, alas America !
In the present critical situation of affairs, human wisdom
can suggest no more than one infallible expedient: inlist
the seamen during pleasure, and give them all the prizes.
What is the paltry emolument of two-thirds of prizes to the
finances of this vast Continent? If such a poor resource is
essential to its independency, in sober sadness we are involved
what it might have effected had I been enabled to proceed a
fortnight sooner. I hope the Andrew Dona will be included
in the next expedition wherein I am concerned.
If Mr. Hewes is in Philadelphia, I must thank you to
make my apology for not writing ; and if you please, show
him this and my former letter.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem and respect,
sir, your very obliged, and very obedient, humble servant,
JOHN PAUL JONES.
To Hon. Robert Morris.
Account of Provisions on board when we sailed, Nov. 1st.
6 tierces of pork; 22 barrels of pork; 7 tierces of beef;
20 barrels of beef; 10 tierces of bread, ship; 55 barrels of
bread, ship ; 1 cabin of bread, ship ; 1 hogshead, 1 tierce,
and 4 barrels peas; 10 barrels of flour; £ barrel of soused
heads; J of cask of oat-meal; 4 barrels of vinegar; 1,500
pounds of bread baked out of ship flour; 453 gallons of
continental rum; 118 gallons of molasses; 10 bushels of
; 130 gallons of West-India rum ; 275 pounds of
coffee; 179 pounds of cheese ; 441 pounds of brown sugar ;
in a woful predicament, and our ruin is fast approaching. 219 pounds of candles; 14 bushels of onions; 600 pounds
The situation of America is new in the annals of mankind ; of butter; 50 bushels of potatoes.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
70
1107
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1108
Account of Provisions on board the ship ALFRED, Novem-
ber 14, 1776.
10 tierces ship bread, 10; 40 barrels ship bread, 55;
7 tierces beef, 7 ; 24 barrels beef, 20 ; 6 tierces of pork, 6 ;
18 barrels of pork, 22; 1 hogshead and 4 barrels peas, 1
hogshead, 1 tierce, and 4 barrels; 4J firkins butter; 3J
boxes candles, 219 pounds; 9 barrels flour, 10; 100 gallons
molasses, 118 ; 200 pounds brown sugar, 441 ; 200 pounds
coffee, 200; 300 pounds cheese, 179; 120 gallons West-
India mm, 130; 232 gallons Continental rurn, 453 ; § of
barrel oat-meal, fj ; 3 barrels vinegar, 4.
Errours excepted. Per ROBERT SANDERS.
j, •- o
.3 SB
II!
a o-a
zU-5
i*ii
0 W) =
|-S£5>
American pay as es-
tablished by Con-
gress; thirty days
to one month.
iPfj
j|l
>» ta4S *
>.>•.« s
sS^-s
a%fli
-C w ™ P"i
l-Sgi:
- w>2'a
£-3 S-3
Difference less than
British pay.
Difference more than
British pay.
W^ages that ought to
be established in
the American Na-
vy; thirty days to
one month.
Stations.
Dolt.
32
20
20
15
15
9J
15
101
2U
13$
15
101
15
12
15
12
9
9
12
9
15
m
20
8
Sterling.
740
4 10 0
4 10 0
376
376
220
376
280
4 16 0
300
376
280
376
2 14 0
376
2 14 0
206
206
2 14 0
.206
376
300
4 10 0
1 16 0
Sterling.
11 4 0
5 12 0
528
220
250
1 8 0
250
180
500
2 10 0
250
1 12 0
1 5 0
1 10 0
1 5 0
1 12 0
1 8 0
180
150
1 6 0
1 10 0
108
19 0
1 5 0
Sterling.
400
1 2 0
12 8
4 0
Sterling.
1 5 6
1 2 6
14 0
1 2 6
100
10 0
1 2 6
16 0
226
1 4 0
226
120
12 6
12 6
1 9 0
14 6
226
1 19 4
3 11 0
11 0
Dols.
60
30
26|
12
15
Qi
ya
15
83
23
12
15
10
8
10
8
10
9
9
9
9
12
9
12
8
Sterling.
10 13 0
6 15 0
600
2 14 0
376
220
376
220
536
2 14 0
376
250
1 16 0
250
1 16 0
250
206
206
206
206
2 14 0
206
2 14 0
1 16 0
Lieutenants . . .
Do. Mates
Boatswain ....
Do. Mates
Do. Mates. . . .
Do. Mates. . . .
Carpenter
Do. Mates... .
Midshipman...
Armourer
Sailmaker
Quartermaster
Cook
Cockswain. . . .
Captain 'sClerk
Chaplain
Able Seaman.
346.f
78 0 0
54 17 4\5 18 8
2516 4
350$
78 16 6
Officers not appointed by Congress, UK:
Yeoman of the Powder-room, ought to be the same as Gunner's Mate.
Sailmaker's Mates )
Steward's Mates (One-third of a dollar more per
Yeoman of the Sheets ( month than seamen.
Master-at-Arms J
Purser. — N. B. If no Purser, the Captain's Clerk to have fifteen dollars
PROVIDENCE (RHODE-ISLAND) TOWN MEETING.
At a town meeting of the town of Providence, legally
warned and assembled, on the 17th day of October, A. D.
1776:
Whereas great injustice is frequently done by a method
of buying and selling sundry articles of Provisions without
weighing the same: It is therefore Voted and Resolved,
That whoever shall either buy or sell in this town any dead
Lamb, Turkeys, Geese, or dunghill Fowls, unless by the
pound weight, shall forfeit and pay as a fine the sum of six shil-
lings lawful money, to be recovered of both the buyer and
seller by warrant of distraint from any Justice of the Peace
of the town, on the complaint of any householder in the
said town ; that the Lamb, Sic., so bought shall be forfeited
by the buyer to and for the use of the poor of the. town ;
that the fines so recovered be lodged in the Town Treasury,
for the town's use ; that this regulation take place on the
1st day of November next ; and that the same be published
in the Providence Gazette.
A true copy : THEODORE FOSTER, Town Cleric.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO MESHECH WEARE.
State of Massachusetts-Bay, Council Chamber,
Watertown, October 17, 1776.
SIR : Some time since your State were informed that this
Government had passed an act entitled "an act to pro-
hibit the exportation of lumber for a limited time," that
your General Assembly might pass a similar act if they
thought proper. I am now directed to inform your Honour
that the Great and General Court of this State, considering
the great and manifest advantages that accrued, or might
accrue to the United States of America from the act afore-
said do now cease and subside, and considering, also, that
many inconveniences do arise from the operation of said act,
have thought fit to repeal the same. It was thought necessary
to give you notice of this measure immediately, that, in
case your State should have passed an act prohibiting the
exportation of lumber, they might repeal the same likewise,
if they judged proper.
In the name and behalf of the Council, I am, with
respect, your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES BOWDOIN.
To Meshech Weare, Esq., President of the Council in the
State of New-Hampshire.
JAMES BOWDOIN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Boston, October 17, 1776.
SIR : A number of French gentlemen, in the character of
military officers, have lately arrived here from Cape Fran-
fois. They are come to offer their services to the United
States, and for that purpose applied to the Council of this
Slate, with whom, by a Committee, they have had an
interview ; but they were referred to your Excellency.
Captain Littlejield, the master of the vessel in which
they came hither, says that the French Governour at the
Cape sent for him, and told him they were gentlemen of
good character, whose honour might be relied on, and that
the reason why he did not give to them letters recommend-
ing them to the service of the States, was because it would
have been inconsistent with the peace subsisting between
France and England, but desired him to let their character
be known as he had given it.
I expect they will furnish me with a memorandum of
their names, and what commissions they hold, or have held,
in the service of France, in which case a copy of it will be
enclosed.
I have the honour to be, in the name of the Council, sir,
your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES BOWDOIN.
To His Excellency General Washington.
They purpose that one or two of their number (ten in the
whole) should proceed to New- York or Philadelphia; and
it is in consequence of their desire that this letter waits upon
you, as does one of a similar tenour upon the President of
the American Congress.
M. Faneuil, Lieutenant au Regiment de Boulonnais,
par brevet de 1'an 1762, et Capita'me de Dragons, et Com-
mandant de la Province du trou, ile, et cote de St. Domin-
gue, par brevet de 1'an 1768.
M. Marec, Lieutenant au Regiment de Boulonnais, par
brevet de 1'an 1760, et passe Lieutenant dans la Compagnie
des Dragons de Faneuil en 1768.
M. Bordes, Gendarme de la Garde Ordinaire du Roi,
inscrit le 14 Mars, 1773; rec,u a la dite compagnie le 9
Octobre, 1774, et passe par conge a St. Domingue.
M. Robillard d'Antin, Ancien Garde du Roi ; rec,u
Lieutenant a la suite des Dragons de Faneuil le 1 1 Aout,
1776.
M. Laboubbene, Sous-Lieutenant au Regiment de Viva-
rais, par brevet du 27 Mai, 1767, et passe en la dite qual-
ile dans la dite compagnie Faneuil en 1772.
M. Le Brun, Sous-Lieutenant dans les Gardes Cotes de
Normandie, ici par conge, dans 1'annee 1773.
M. Gosse, volontaire dans la compagnie Faneuil.
M. Trebussieu, volontaire dans la meme compagnie.
M. Simoneau, volontaire dans la dite compagnie.
M. Truen, Chirurgien-Major de la dite compagnie.
Tous passes ici pour le service du Congres par le con-
sentement faite de M. le Gouverneur du Cap Francois.
FANEUIL.
M. De Maresquelle, Lieutenant au Regiment de Flan-
dres en 1755, passe in 1757 a. une compagnie dans les
volontaires de Clermont Prince, reforme a la paix a la fin
de 1762, remplace comme Capitaine des Grenadiers dans
Royal Etrangers, ayant fait, pendant la guerre derniere, le
service d'ingenieur volontaire, desirant etre employe comme
ingenieur par les connoissances qu'il a acquises dans cette
partie-la par une etude longue et suivie.
DE MARESQUELLES.
1109
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1110
JAMES BOWDOIN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Boston, October 17, 1776.
SIR: A number of French gentlemen, in the character
of military officers, have lately arrived here from Cape
Francois. They are come to offer their service to the
United States, and for that purpose applied to the Council
of this State, with whom, by a Committee, they have had
an interview; but they were referred lo his Excellency
General Washington, who possibly may refer them to the
honourable Congress.
Captain Littlefield, the master of the vessel in which
they came hither, says that the French Governour at the
Cape sent for him, and told him they were gentlemen of
good character, whose honour might be relied on, and that
the reason why he did not give them letters recommending
them to the service of the States, was because it would have
been inconsistent with the peace subsisting between France
and England, but desired him to let their character be
known as he had given it. I expect they will furnish me
with a memorandum of their names, and what commissions
they hold, or have held, in the service of France, in which
case a copy of it will be enclosed. They purpose that one
or two of their number (ten or twelve in the whole) should
proceed to New-York and Philadelphia ; and it is in con-
sequence of their desire, that this letter waits upon you.
In the name ol the Council I have the honour to be, sir,
your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES BOWDOIN, President.
To the Hon. President of Congress.
Enclosed is the memorandum above referred to.
PETITION FROM FANEUIL AND OTHERS TO THE ASSEMBLY OF
MASSACHUSETTS-BAY,
SAID ASSEMBLY.
AND A RESOLVE PASSED BY THE
[Read 26th December, 1776: To be referred to Gen. Washington.]
To the Honourable Members of the Council and Assembly
of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY :
GENTLEMEN: The very polite manner in which you have
received our first solicitations to serve in the United States of
America, and the hopes that we have of being shortly put
into such a situation as to prove to you the great solicitude
we have of marching against our common enemy, hath dis-
covered to us the most likely means of attaining so desirable
an end. We hope that you will regard our proposal as
tending to the publick good, and that you would allow us to
show you the manner in which French gentlemen of birth
and education acquit themselves of their engagements.
The family of the deceased Peter Faneuil is sufficiently
known at Boston for the services he has rendered to the
town. One of the descendants of the family of the said
deceased, employed in the service of France, and expert in
the military art, comes to the bosom of his family to offer
his services. Many of his friends, animated with the desire
of glory, have attached themselves to his fortune. We
have already presented our intentions to the respectable
members of the Council of this State. They have honoured
us with their protection, in giving us letters to the Congress,
with which we have deputed two of our company. We
are at present unacquainted in what manner the honourable
Congress have received our proposals. Since that time we
have learned that a great number of Canadians have fled
from the inhumanity that the British army exercises over
them ; they are scattered about in the different parts of the
Continent, and wait only for the moment of being formed
into a regiment commanded by French officers. We have
a sufficient proof of their good disposition for the service
by many who are now at Boston. We have presented
them to General Ward, and they have certified to him
what we here advance. How advantageous and useful
will it be for the United States, if we being provided with
our commissions, could with our diligence and care put
these brave people in a state to revenge themselves, and to
aid you in driving from the States, tyrants more avidious of
the riches of your States than of the glory we -seek to
acquire !
Thus, gentlemen, to give more solidity to our request, we
have thought necessary to present to you the plan of the
formation of a regiment in battalion; the ranks of officers
and under-officers. We shall set forth to you the number of
men necessary for the completion, and will also show you
the formation of a regiment in battalion, in parade, and in
column, and describe to you the employments of officers
and under-officers, that you may not be surprised at the
great number that are necessary. We will show you the
uniform that we propose to be given to our troops. It will
be necessary, if our proposal meets with an agreeable
reception, that our first men should be well dressed, that
the Canadians may be induced to inlist, and we will
immediately begin to dress, exercise ourselves, and raise
the first recruits.
The uniform that we propose to have is a white coat,
waistcoat and breeches; collar, facings and cuffs, blue; a
yellow button ; hat embroidered with gold for the officers ;
a white cockade and black guetres.
The arms of an officer are a fusil, a bayonet, a sword,
cartouch-box with straps, and a girdle of black leather.
The under-officers and Grenadiers will be armed with a fusil,
bayonet, sword in the cartouch-strap, and girdle of black
leather. The soldiers will be armed with a fusil, bayonet,
cartouch-box, girdle for a bayonet, black straps for the car-
touch-box, plain hat and white cockade.
The drummers will be dressed in blue de roy ; facings,
collar and cuffs white ; the sleeve of the coat streaked with
thirteen stripes of different colours ; armed with a sword ;
a drum, with the arms of liberty ; the sling of the drum and
girdle of black leather ; and an embroidered hat.
The superiour officers in boots; and for arms a sword,
with a belt of black leather. The Grenadier officers,
together with their company, to have a fur cap with a brass
plate engraved with a grenade in the middle ; a plate like-
wise upon the cartouch-box with a like engravour.
We shall wait your Honours' answer, t6 the end of com-
municating to you the order and discipline we propose to
have observed.
The under-officers, grenadiers and soldiers, should have
their knapsacks furnished with two shirts, two pair of stock-
ings, one pair of guetres, and two pair of shoes.
If our proposal, gentlemen, that we present but at the
instigation of many respectable gentlemen in your States,
should meet with your approbation, we could recommend
the hastening of our commissions, that we might put our
troops into such a situation as to march as soon as may be
under the orders of your Generals.
Be persuaded, gentlemen, of the sincerest prayers which
we offer for your prosperity, and the continuation of the
successes that your conduct and experience merit.
We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect,
gentlemen, your most humble servants,
FANEUIL,
MARCE,
COPPIR DE LA GARDE.
BANNAL DE LABOULBENE.
In Council, November 21, 1776.
Read, and Ordered, That David Sewall and John
Whitcomb, Esqrs., with such as the honourable House shall
join, be a Committee to consider the same.
Sent down for concurrence :
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
In the House of Representatives, November 22, 1776.
Read, and concurred, and Brigadier Preble, Captain
Batcheldor, and Judge Gushing are joined.
J. WARREN, Speaker.
A true copy.
Attest: JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE EARL OF DUNMORE.
Whitehall, October 18, 1776.
MY LORD : I have received your Lordship's letter to me
of the 4th September, by Major Cuyler, and had the honour
to lay it before the King ; and as I am sure it will be a
great satisfaction to your Lordship to know that your con-
duct in leaving Virginia is approved by his Majesty, I take
the opportunity of Major Cuyler s return to acquaint you
therewith.
I am, etc., GEO. GERMAIN.
To the Earl of Dunmore.
1111
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1112
LOHD GEORGE GERMAIN TO GENERAL SIR WILLIAM HOWE
Whitehall, October 18, 1776.
I have bad the honour to submit to the King the pro-
posal contained in your letter to me of the 2d of September,
No. 25, for an augmentation of the corps of Hessian Chas-
seurs, commanded by Colonel Donop, and I have the satis-
faction to acquaint you that his Majesty is graciously pleased
to approve of what is proposed, and the proper steps will
immediately be taken for entering into a treaty with the
Landgrave of Hesse for that purpose ; and as I do not fore-
see any difficulty in effecting it, I have no doubt you will
receive them early in the next campaign.
The arrangement you have made for a more exact
method of setding the accounts of subsistence and contin-
gencies of the new levies, appears to be very proper, but as
it belongs to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to
give directions upon that head, I have communicated to
their Lordships your letter to me, No. 24, and I have no
doubt you will receive their Lordships' approbation of the
commission you have given to Captain Mackenzie, and the
appointment you have made him in consequence thereof.
1 ara> &tc-' GEO. GERMAIN.
LORD GEORGE GERMAIN TO GENERAL SIR WILLIAM HOWE.
Whitehall, October 18, 1776.
SIR: I had infinite satisfaction in receiving from Major
Cuyler your publick despatch of 3d September, wherein
you inform me of the success of the King's forces against
the Rebels upon Long-Island.
The behaviour of both officers and soldiers, British and
Hessians, was (as you well observe) highly to their honour,
and has consequently obtained his Majesty's strongest
approbation.
Conscious as you must be of having discharged your
duty in a most distinguished and exemplary manner, you
will scarcely imagine that you are not included in the above
general description. To you, sir, however, I am com-
manded to signify, in more particular terms, the high opinion
which your Sovereign entertains of your services on that
trying and glorious occasion.
Those who in the early part of your life, from an obser-
vation of the inborn courage and active spirit which you
manifested in inferiour stations, were led to form favourable
conjectures relative to your future exploits, will, with me,
be happy to find their expectations so fully answered, and
will be agreeably surprised to see you making such hasty
advances towards military excellence, by thus uniting to
the fire of youth all the wisdom and conduct of the most
experienced commander.
Such is the persuasion which I have of Vice-Admiral
Lord Howe's skill, and his attention to the good of the
service, that even though you had not particularized the
judicious movement of the ships on the 27th at daybreak,
I should undoubtedly, have nevertheless concluded that his
Lordship had availed himself of every circumstance, and
made every manoeuvre which was likely to deceive or
annoy the Rebels, and to advance the glory of his Majesty's
milled ambilion lo serve your King and counlry, can
imagine lhat your meritorious behaviour has been unnoticed
by his Majesty, or that his gracious approbation has not
been frequently communicated to you by his Ministers in
their respective despatches.
His Majesty, however, being desirous lhal the high sense
which he has of your successful endeavours to serve him
should be still of greater notoriety, has thought proper to
afford you a more publick teslimony of his Royal favour,
and has, therefore, out of his special regard lo merit
wherever it is found, been graciously pleased to nominate
you to be one of the Knight's Companions of the most
honourable Order of the Bath.
You will accordingly receive herewith the proper insig-
nia, together with a dispensation for wearing them, and
also the statules of ihe order.
I have likewise the honour to transmit to you a letter from
Lord Viscount Weymouth, addressed lo Vice-Admiral Lord
Viscount Howe, which you will please lo deliver to h'ra
Lordship.
You will learn from the enclosed copy thereof, that the
King has been pleased to direct his Lordship to perform the
ceremony of investing you with the ensigns of the order.
You will do me the justice to believe me sincerely
happy in conveying to you this additional mark of his
Majesty's increasing approbation of your conduct, and will
give me leave to offer you my most unfeigned congratula-
lions upon this unsolicited accumulation of your honours.
I am, &c., GEO. GERMAIN.
arms.
The expedition, regularity and success wilh which the
debarkalion of ihe troops and cannon were effected, at the
same time il does infinile honour lo Lord Howe, who made
the disposition, reflecls no small degree of credil upon Com-
modore Hotham, who had ihe conduct of that important
service. It was, indeed, natural to expect that both men
and officers, sensible as they are thai they were acting
under the all-inspecting eye of an Admiral whom they so
deservedly love and admire, would exert themselves lo ihe
utmost, and execute his Lordship's commands wilh punc-
tualily as well as cheerfulness.
I beg leave to congratulale you on a viclory lo which
you so eminenlly conlribuled, and have ihe honour to be,
"' GEO. GERMAIN.
LORD GEORGE GERMAIN TO SIR WILLIAM HOWE.
Whitehall, October 18, 1776.
SIR: It is impossible that any person who has duly
attended to your military conduct, and found it from your
entrance into the army invariably directed by an uninter-
Williamsburg, October 18, 1776.
It was last Tuesday resolved in the House of Delegates,
that six new battalions of Infantry be raised and employed
in the Continental service, upon the terms and according to
the requisition of the General Congress ; and that provision
be made for completing the nine battalions formerly raised,
and extending the additional bounty to such of them as
shall be willing to inlist on the like terms ; and a bill is
ordered to be brought in pursuant to the said resolution.
JAMES NOURSE TO GENERAL GATES.
Piedmont, Virginia, October 18, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Mrs. Gates being here with Mr. Gates, in
their way to the nor' ward, I take the opportunity to express
my hopes of your favouring me with a line now and then.
I thank you for the respectable footing you have estab-
lished our affairs on, on the lakes. Your private concerns
here, I think, go on as well as can be expected when the
primum mobile is from home. Your overseer would make
rather a better second than first upon the plantation. Shall
therefore take the liberty to interfere more with his manoeu-
vres than I chose to do ihe first year.
I am angry with you for not taking my pislols when you
left here, as I lately learn you wanted a pair.
How like you the Constilulion of ihe State?
Religion being likely to corne next upon the carpet, I
offer my services for burgess, in the room of Rutherford,
who is chosen Senator. Pendleton, Hite, Willis, Henshaw,
are also candidates. There are two vacancies, Drew having
accepted a place. I burn to kick out the Athanasian
creed, to which we owe the existence of so many deists
and atheists ; and that, in ihe publick worship, we rationally
adore the one only self-existent God, through Christ Jesus.
General Lee, you'll hear, is arrived at New- York. Joseph
is returned to us from Philadelphia, for a few days. My
wife is better, upon the whole, than usual. The chil-
dren are all well. James is Captain of a Minute company,
and seems inclined, when we set about raising our bat-
talions, of entering into the Regulars, which, I apprehend,
will be easy, as several of his men are ready to atlend him.
Bui if I should go lo Wittiamtbwrg, can but illy spare him.
However, I only purpose being there till I can get the
church of Virginia established, and a freedom of conscience
and from tax for all other sects.
Jacob Hite, you will find, has met with an exemplary
punishment. John and Tom are gone out to seek after the
wreck of his fortune, and after the good old woman and his
daughters.
When will our infatuated countrymen give over their
1113
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1114
oppression ? Surely it is a great blot in the character ol
Lord Howe, to be their instrument in endeavouring to estab-
lish tyranny. May the Almighty confound their devices,
and bless my friend with health and success, that we may
once more enjoy our tranquil retreat.
My wife desires her affectionate compliments. Joseph,
James, Kate, Charles, &tc., &,c., to No. 12, their respectful
ones ; and I am, dear sir, sincerely yours,
JAMES NOURSE.
To Major-General H. Gates.
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE PRESIDENT OF CON-
GRESS.
[No. II.] In Council of Safety, Annapolis, October 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We have it in command from Convention
to inform you that a Rifle company, on the Continental
establishment, is raised in Harford County, in this State,
but are in want of both guns and blankets ; and to request
you would, by the first opportunity, let Us know whether
yoa would have them march to Philadelphia to be sup-
plied, as it will be impracticable, in any reasonable time, to
furnish them here. Money will be wanted to supply them
with necessaries, and also to accommodate them on their
march.
For and on behalf of the Council, I have the honour to
be, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
DAN. or ST. THOS. JENIFER, President.
To the President of Congress.
We have some flint stones, but cannot procure a manu-
facturer.
THOMAS BOND TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
October 18, 1776.
SIR : I am to inform you that it is not in my power to
purchase blankets and linen fit for tents. Aims I have
about forty, but believe shall be able to procure as many as
the company may want. They will want some repairs.
The company is now up, and Captain Harris waits on
your Board for orders. I could have purchased blankets
and linen, but at a much higher price than the Council
thought reasonable. I have sent up to Pennsylvania, where
I hear is linen and blankets, both country made; and as
the blankets is larger than those from Europe, I am afraid
they will fail. As to the blankets in Harford town, it is
uncertain that the company mentioned in your letter will
leave any for Captain Harris.
I should be much obliged for a line from your Board.
Any thing in my power you may depend upon.
1 am, sir, your humble servant, rp t>
To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., &c.
CAPTAIN BOND TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Mr. Bailey, the Lieutenant of Captain
Deems's company, intends to continue in said company, and
the men of Nor 's company are discharged, but must
go in the other. The men are strolling about town, and if
any officer except Captain Deems was appointed, they would
inlist during the war. Captain Deems tells me he has
orders from you to inlist during that time ; and if you think
proper to appoint me, may take this for an application to
inlist for the same time. Excuse haste.
Your very humble servant, NATHANIEL BOND.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CONTINENTAL AGENTS.
In Marine Committee, Philadelphia, October 18, 1776.
SIR: Herein you will find enclosed two resolves of the
Continental Congress, of which we have the honour to be
members, whereby you'll observe you are ordered to ac-
count with us from time to time for the Continental share
of all prizes received and sold by you as agent, and to pay
the amount thereof to our order. In obedience to this
resolve, we think proper to lay it down as a rule that you
state your accounts every three months, crediting therein
the Continental share of every prize whose accounts can be
settled and included within that quarter of a year, and that
you add thereto a schedule containing an exact account or
state of all the prizes that then remain in your care whose
accounts are unsettled ; and we desire that you will con-
stantly remit us undoubted good bills on this place as you
can meet with them, which will save the trouble and risk
of sending money. In taking drafts, prefer those of the
Continental agents, Paymasters, and Commissaries, to any
other, provided they are drawn on the President of Con-
gress, this Committee, or any other publick board, for pub-
lick service. Next to these, undoubted good private bills,
but none others ; and when neither one or the other can be
met with, inform us, and of the sums you have, that we
may give particular orders respecting the remittance or
application thereof.
By the other resolve you will find yourself under orders
of Congress to make a just distribution amongst the officers
and men concerned in taking each prize as soon after the
sales as possible, agreeable to the rules and regulations
made by Congress in this respect ; and it is our duty to see
this punctually complied with, as the service has already
suffered by delay. Therefore we desire you will always
make the said distribution soon as can be after the sale, and
transmit us duplicates of the accounts and your proceedings
therein.
We shall allow you all your just expenditures on account
of the Continent, to be charged against their share of the
prize money ; but those charges must be supported by
vouchers.
We are, sir, your obedient servants,
JOHN HANCOCK,
ROB. MORRIS,
ARTHUR MIDDLETON,
FRA. LEWIS,
GEO. WALTON.
To
John Langdon, Esq., Continental Agent, Portsmouth, N. H.
John Bradford, Esq., do., Boston, Massachusetts.
Daniel Tillinghast, Esq., do., Providence, R. I.
Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq., do., New-London, Connecticut.
Jacobus Van Zandt, do., New-York.
John Nixon and John Maxwell Nesbit, Esq'rs, do., Philadelphia, Pa.
William Lux, Esq., do., Baltimore, Maryland.
John Tazewell, Esq., do., Williamsburgh, Virginia.
Robert Smith, Esq., do., Edenton, )
Richard Ellis, Esq., do., Newbern, > N. Carolina.
Cornelius Harnett, Esq., do., Wilmington, J
Livinus Clarkson and John Dorsius, Esq'rs., do., Charlestown, S. C.
John Wereat, Esq., Continental Agent-, Savannah, Georgia.
Resolved, That the present Continental Agents do account
with the Marine Committee from time to time for the Con-
tinental share of all Prizes received and sold by them, and
that they pay the amount of such Prizes to the order of said
Committee.
Resolved, That the said Agents do make just distribution
of the share in all Prizes that appertain to the officers and
crews of the Continental ships-oi-war, agreeable to the rules
and regulations of Congress, as soon after the sales of each
Prize as possible. JOHN HANCQCK) PresidenL
MARINE COMMITTEE TO PRIZE AGENTS.
October 18, 1776.
SIR: We have the honour to enclose herein a resolve
of the Continental Congress, of which we are members,
whereby you will see we are empowered to order a proper
and just Distribution of all prizes taken by the cruisers
General Washington caused to be fitted out on Continental
account, and also that we are authorized, or rather ordered,
to receive from the agents who received and sold the said
prizes, the Continental share thereof; and as we find you
have been employed as an agent in this business, we desire
that you will immediately send us an account of the prizes
that have been put under your care, with conies of the
decrees of the Court of Admiralty, inventories of ships and
cargoes, with copies of the accounts sales properly authentica-
ted, an account current for each prize wherein you will credit
the neat proceeds, and charge the share appertaining to the
officers and crews who were interested in the capture, and
also the Continental share, agreeable to the rules and regu-
lations laid down by Congress; and a general account
current, wherein you will credit the Continent for their share
in every prize, and charge lor all such remittances as you
1115
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1116
make to us in consequence of these orders, as well as for
any other just charge you have to make against them. We
desire that you will remit to this Board whatever moneys
you have in hand arising from the Continental share of the
prizes put under your management. And as there are many
persons gone from hence to purchase prize goods, you may
procure drafts on this place from undoubted, safe, good men,
which will save the trouble and risk of sending the money ;
or you may pay it in to the Continental Paymaster, at Bos-
ton, Ebemzer Hancock, Esq., and transmit us his draft on
the President of Congress; or the Hon. Thomas Gushing,
Esq., John Bradford, Esq., of Boston, or John Langdon,
Esq., of New-Hampshire, have occasion for money on our
account: their drafts on ourselves will be good, and the
sooner you make these remittances and render the accounts
the better. We must also enjoin you to make an imme-
diate division and distribution of that share of prizes that
appertains to the officers and crews that took them, agree-
able to and in strict conformity with the rules and regulations
of Congress, and that you transmit us as soon as can be
duplicates of those accounts, as it is our duty to see this
business perfected ; other ways the maritime service of
America will suffer greatly by the discouragements from
delays in the payment of prize money, Sic. Where any
part of the prizes have been applied to Continental use,
that part must be valued and included at the valuation in
the new account of sales ; if applied to the use of yours or
any other State, they must pay the valuation, and that be
included in the account sales.
Expecting your compliance, with an answer to this letter,
we remain, sir, your obedient servants.
To William Bartlett, Esq., in Beverley.
William Watson, Esq., in Plymouth.
John Wentworth, Esq., in Portsmouth.
Wintrop Serjent, Esq., in Cape Anne.
Messrs. Bartlett & Glover, in Lynn, Marblehead, and Boston.
John Bradford, Esq., Boston.
KARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN JAMES ROBINSON.
October 18, 1776.
SIR: The honourable Congress having directed that you
should make a voyage under orders of the Secret Committee,
you are therefore to receive their instructions and comply
with them, giving us notice when the service by them
required is performed, that we direct your future operations.
During the present voyage we expect you will transmit us
any useful or important intelligence that comes to your
knowledge. You are to take good care of the Sachem, her
stores, provisions, and materials; preserve good discipline
amongst your officers and men, but use them well. Treat
any that become your prisoners with humanity, and in due
time return copies of your journal and log-book into this
office.
Wishing you success, we are, sir, your humble servants.
To Captain James Robinson, of the sloop Sachem.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN HALLOCK.
October 18, 1776.
SIR : Congress having ordered us to consign you over to
the management of the Secret Committee for the present
voyage, you are to receive from them such orders as they
think proper to give, and fulfil the same. After doing so,
give us notice, that we may direct your future proceedings.
We expect you will, during this voyage, take good care of
\heLexington, her stores, provisions, and materials; that
you preserve good order and strict discipline amongst your
officers and men, at the same time using them well. Treat
your prisoners, if any shall fall into your hands, with human-
ity; transmit us accounts of any interesting intelligence that
comes to your knowledge, and in due time lodge in this
office copies of your log-book and journal.
We are, sir, your humble servants.
To Captain William Hallock, of the brig Lexington.
Commissioners, still leaves open the door for honourable
accommodation. But the Colonies have now levied war
against the parent State ; that war must be prosecuted with
vigour, with effect, until America submits to the constitu-
tional authority of Great Britain.
The employing German Protestant troops (whose renown
for valour is equalled only by their Prince's firm and steady
alliance to the King of Great Britain) is a measure at
this critical juncture full of true wisdom and good policy.
The deluded Colonists, running wildly after the shadow
of liberty, have lost the substance. The present armament
will restore the Americans to freedom — to that freedom
which is enjoyed under a British constitution. It will
relieve them from the most degrading species of tyranny,
Republican tyranny. Every dispassionate and well-dis-
posed American must despise the idea of Republicanism.
The experiment has already been made during the usurpa-
tion of Oliver Cromwell, and experience has showed it, by
the restoration of King Charles the Second, to be totally
incompatible with the magnitude and majesty of a great
empire. It is a system of government fit only for the
citizen of a small State. Monarchy, limited Monarchy,
can alone preserve liberty to the subject, and give energy
to the government.
Let not, then, the deluded and deceived Americans pas-
sionately follow courses that must lead them to destruction,
nor longer continue under the false persuasion that Great
Britain means to make them slaves, which their own senses,
if they will consult them, and the experience of their own
domestick situations, must contradict. But let them give a
friendly attention to the honourable declaration of his Ma-
jesty's Commissioners for restoring peace to America, and
let them accept the blessings of peace upon such favourable
propositions as will strengthen the union of the British
empire.
Then will the fleets and armies that now occupy their
coasts and frontiers be no longer the scourge, but again
become the protectors as well as pride and glory of both
Great Britain and America.
CAMILLUS.
New- York, October 18, 1776.
CONSIDERATIONS ON THE PRESENT REVOLTED STATE OF
AMERICA, ADDRESSED TO ITS INHABITANTS AT LARGE.
Whilst America retained her allegiance, Great Britain
was the guardian of America; even since her revolt she has
proposed terms of reconciliation, and through his Majesty's
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 21, 1776.]
Harlem Heights, October 18, 1776.
SIR : I was yesterday morning honoured with your favour
of the 15th, with the resolutions of the llth and 14th.
The latter, by which Congress have authorized me to appoint
Mons. Penet a brevet Aid-de-Camp, claims a return of my
acknowledgments.
Last night I received a letter from Mr. Varick, Secretary
to General Schuykr, enclosing a copy of one from General
Arnold to General Gates. The intelligence transmitted
by General Arnold being of an extremely interesting and
important nature, I thought it advisable to forward the same
immediately by express. You have a copy herewith, which
contains the particulars, and to which I beg leave to refer
you.
The accounts transmitted yesterday by post will inform
you of the movements of the enemy, and of the measures
judged necessary to be pursued by us to counteract their
designs. I have nothing to add on this head, except that
ten or eleven ships, which have been prevented passing
Hell-Gate for two or three days for want of wind, are now
under way. and proceeding up the Sound. Among them
there appeal's to be two frigates, the rest probably have in
stores, &cc.
Enclosed is a copy of the last general return I have been
able to obtain. It only comes down to the 5th instant.
The situation of our affairs, and the almost constant neces-
sity of sending detachments from one place to another to
watch the enemy's motions, have prevented the officers from
making them with regularity.
I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your most
obedient servant, GQ WASHINGTON.
Schuyler Island, October 12, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : Yesterday morning at eight o'clock,
the enemy's fleet, consisting of one ship mounting sixteen
guns, one snow mounting the same number, one schooner
1117
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1118
of fourteen guns, two of twelve, two sloops, a bomb-ketch,
and a large vessel, that did not come up, with fifteen or
twenty flat-bottomed boats, or gondolas, carrying one
twelve or eighteen pounder in their bows, appeared off
Cumberland Head. We immediately prepared to receive
them ; the galleys and Royal Savage were ordered under
way ; the rest of our fleet lay at an anchor. At eleven
o'clock they ran under the lee of Valcour, and began the
attack. The schooner, by some bad management, fell to
leeward, and was first attacked ; one of her masts was
wounded, and her rigging shot away. The Captain thought
prudent to run her on the Point of Valcour, where all the
men were saved. They boarded her, and at night set fire
to her. At half-past twelve the 'engagement became gen-
eral, and very warm. Some of the enemy's ships and all
their gondolas beat and rowed up within musket-shot of us.
They continued a very hot fire with round and grape shot
until five o'clock, when they thought proper to retire to
about six or seven hundred yards distance, and continued
until dark. The Congress and Washington have suffered
greatly ; the latter lost her First Lieutenant, killed, Captain
and Master wounded. The New-York lost all her officers
except her Captain. The Philadelphia was hulled in so
many places, that she sunk about one hour after the engage-
ment was over. The whole killed and wounded amounted
to about sixty. The enemy landed a large number of
Indians on the island and on each shore, who kept up an
incessant fire on us. but did little damage. The enemy had
to appearance upwards of one thousand men in batteaus,
prepared for boarding. We suffered much for want of
seamen and gunners. I was myself obliged to point most
of the guns on board the Congress, which I believe did good
execution. The Congress received seven shot between
wind and water, was hulled a dozen times, had her main-
mast wounded in two places, and her yard in one. The
Washington was hulled a number of times, her mainmast
shot through, and must have a new one; both vessels are
very leaky, and want repairing.
On consulting with General Waterbury and Colonel
Wigglesworth, it was thought prudent to return to Crown-
Point, every vessel's ammunition being nearly three-fourths
spent, and the enemy greatly superiour to us in ships and
men. At seven o'clock, Colonel Wigglesworth, in the
Trumbull, got under way, the gondolas and small vessels
followed, and the Congress and Washington brought up the
rear. The enemy did not attempt to molest us. Most of
the fleet is at this minute corne to an anchor. The wind
is small to the southward. The enemy's fleet is under way
to leeward, and beating up. As soon as our leaks are
stopped, the whole fleet will make the utmost despatch for
Crown Point, where I beg you will send ammunition, and
your further orders for us. On the whole, I think we have
had a very fortunate escape, and have great reason to return
our humble and hearty thanks to Almighty God for preserv-
ing and delivering so many of us from our more than savage
enemies.
I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant,
B. ARNOLD.
P. S. I had not moved on board the Congress when the
enemy appeared, and lost all my papers and most of my
clothes on board the schooner. I wish a dozen batteaus,
well-manned, could be sent immediately to tow up the
vessels in case of a southerly wind.
1 cannot in justice to the officers In the fleet, omit men-
tioning their spirited conduct during the action. B. A.
PROCEEDINGS OF A COUNCIL OF GENERAL OFFICERS.
At a Council of War held at the Head-Quarters of
General Lee, October 16, 1776:
Present: His Excellency General Washington.
Major-Generals Lee, Putnam, Heath, Spencer, Sullivan.
Brigadier-Generals Lord Stirling, Mifflin, McDougall,
Parsons, Nixon, Wadsworth, Scott, Fellows, Clinton, Lin-
coln.
Colonel Knox, commanding Artillery. .
The General read sundry Letters from the Convention
and particular members, of the turbulence of the disaffected
in the upper parts of this State; and also sundry accounts
of deserters showing the enemy's intention to surround us.
After much consideration and debate, the following ques-
tion was stated: whether, (it having appeared that the
obstructions in the North River have proved insufficient,
and that the enemy's whole force is now in our rear on
Frog Point,) it is now deemed possible in our situation to
prevent the enemy cutting off the communication with the
country and compelling us to fight them at all disadvantages,
or surrender prisoners at discretion ?
Agreed, with but one dissenting voice, (viz: General
Clinton,) that it is not possible to prevent the communica-
tion, and that one of the consequences mentioned in the
question must certainly follow.
Agreed, that Fort Washington be retained as long as
possible.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 13, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
The General expressly orders that the men have four
days' provisions ready dressed at all times; for which pur-
pose the Commissaries or the Deputies are to keep the
butchers constantly, killing till such supply is had ; and one
man from every mess is to be kept cooking. The com-
manding officers of regiments, and others, are most earnestly
requested to see this order carried into immediate execu-
tion.
Supplies of ammunition may now be had, so that any
officer who now neglects getting what is necessary, must be
accountable to his country and the men under his com-
mand.
When any regiments are about to march, they are to
have their tents struck, rolled up, and a guard under the
command of a careful officer to attend them and the bag-
gage, who is not, under any pretence, to leave them without
orders.
As the enemy seem now to be endeavouring to strike
some stroke before the close of the campaign, the General
most earnestly conjures both officers and men, if they have
any love for their country, and concern for its liberties,
regard to the safety of their parents, wives, children and
countrymen, that they will act with bravery and spirit,
becoming the cause in which they are engaged; and to
encourage and animate them so to do, there is every advan-
tage of ground and situation, so that if we do not conquer,
it must be our own faults. How much better will it be to
die honourably fighting in the field, than to return home
covered with shame and disgrace, even if the cruelty of the
enemy should allow you to return ! A brave and gallant
behaviour for a few days, and patience under some little
hardships, may save our country, and enable us to go into
winter quarters with safety and honour.
The marching of some troops to King's Bridge makes it
necessary to reduce the picket to six hundred men, and the
fatigue proportionably.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 14, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
Colonel Bailey's regiment is immediately to join General
Clinton's brigade, at present under the command of Colonel
Glover. Colonel Lippet's regiment is to join General
McDougall's brigade. Each of these regiments are to take
their tents and cooking utensils, and to lose no time. The
two Connecticut regiments under the command of Colonel
Storms and Major Greaves, now upon York Island, are to
be in readiness to march into West- Chester at a moment's
warning.
The brigades which will then remain on the island will
be in two divisions, the first composed of Heard' s, Beall's,
and Weedon's, to be under the command of Major-General
Putnam; the second, consisting of Lord Stirling's, Wads-
worth's and Felloivs's, to be under the command of Major-
General Spencer.
General Putnam will attend particularly to all the works
and necessary places of defence, from the line which was
intended to be run across from Head-Quarters inclusively,
up to and including the works on the island above that
place, as far as hath usually been considered as belonging
to this division of the army. He will also attend particu-
larly to the works about Mount Washington, and to the
obstructions in the river, which should be increased as fast
as possible.
General Spencer is to take charge of all the works from
1119
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1120
Head-Quarters to our front lines to the south, and attend
particularly to all weak places, seeing they are secured as
well as time and circumstances will permit. But as there
may be more fatigue men wanted in one division than the
other, they are each to furnish for such works as the Chief
Engineer shall direct, seeing that the duty fall equally upon
the officers and men of each division.
A report is immediately to be made by the commanding
officers of regiments to their several Brigadiers, of the state
of ready-dressed provisions, that if there be any neglect
or deficiency, the one may be punished and the other rec-
tified.
The Court-Martial of which Colonel Weedon was Presi-
dent, is dissolved. A new one to be formed, Colonel
Ewing to preside.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 15, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
Colonel Joseph Reed's regiment is to join General
McDougaWs brigade; and Colonel Hutchinson's, when the
work he is ordered to execute is finished, is to join General
Clinton's brigade, at present under the command of Colonel
Glover.
Sargent's, Ward's, and Chester's regiments, and the
regiment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Storrs, are to
form a brigade, and be under the command of Colonel
Sargent.
Colonel Storrs's, and the regiment under Major Greaves,
are to march immediately into West- Chester ; the first to
join the brigade he is appointed to, the other to join the
regiments commanded by Colonels Douglass and Ely, and
with them be under the command of General Saltonstall,
as Colonel Horseford's and Major Rogers's regiments are ;
but to remain where they at present are till further orders.
These five regiments to compose General Saltonstall's
brigade.
The other two Connecticut regiments, encamped upon
Harlem river, opposite Head-Quarters, are, for the present,
from their situation, to be annexed to General Parsons's
brigade, and be under his command.
The brigades are now to be formed into divisions, those
on York Island as mentioned in yesterday's orders. Nix-
on's, McDougaffs, and that commanded by Colonel Glover,
to compose one, under the command of Major-General
Lee ; Parsons's, Scott's, and Clinton's, another, under the
command of Major-General Heath; Saltonstall's, Sar-
€>,nt's, and Hand's, another, under the command of Major-
eneral Sullivan; and the Massachusetts Militia another,
under the command of Major-General Lincoln.
The General in most pressing terms exhorts all officers
commanding divisions, brigades, and regiments, &ic., to have
their officers and the men under their respective commands,
properly informed of what is expected from them, that no
confusion may arise in case we should be suddenly called
to action, which, there is no kind of doubt, is near at hand;
and he hopes and flatters himself, that the only contention
will be who shall render the most acceptable service to his
country and his posterity. The General also desires that
the officers will be particularly attentive to the men's arms
and ammunition, that there may be no deficiency or appli-
cation for cartridges when we are called into the field.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 16, 1776.
(Parole, Burlington.) (Countersign, Huston.)
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 17, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
There are a number of priming-wires and brushes in the
Commissary's store near General Spencer's quarters, and at
King's Bridge; in the latter a number of pouches, which
are to be distributed among the brigades. The Brigadiers
are desired to send to those places where they may receive
priming-wires and brushes. The pouches are to be divided,
and each Brigadier is to send for his proportion as soon as
possible, and have them filled with spare cartridges.
As the movements of the enemy makes an alteration of
our position necessary, and some regiments are to move
towards them, the commanding and the other officers
of regiments are to see the following orders punctually
executed :
The tents are to be struck, and carefully rolled, the men
to take the tent poles in their hands ; two men out of a com-
pany with a careful subaltern, to go with the baggage, and
not leave it on any pretence. No packs, (unless of sick
men,) chairs, tables, benches, or heavy lumber, to be put
on the wagons. No person, unless unable to walk, is to
presume to get upon them. The wagons to move forward
before the regiments, the Quartermaster having first informed
himself from the Brigadier, or Brigade-Major, where they
are to pitch. Every regiment under marching orders, to
see they have their flints and ammunition in good order and
complete.
Lieutenant Nevins, of Colonel Tyler's regiment, is to do
the duty of Captain in the room of Major Chipman, lately
promoted.
Daniel Lyman, Esq., is appointed Major of Brigade to
General Fellows, and is to be respected accordingly.
A General Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Ewing was
President, having convicted Lieutenant Pose, of the Ran-
gers, of the scandalous crime of " conniving at plundering,
contrary to frequent and express orders," and sentenced
him to be cashiered, the General approves the sentence,
and he is accordingly cashiered.
The same Court having convicted Corporal George
Wilson of " plundering Mr. Bushey's house, at Harlem,"
and sentenced him to receive thirty-nine lashes, the General
approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed to-mor-
row on the parade, before the guards march off. The
Provost Marshal to see it done.
Colonel Weedon's and Colonel Reed's regiments to join
Lord Stirling's brigade, immediately.
Major Parker, of General Heard 's brigade, to attend the
works, and be excused other duty.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 18, 1776.
(Parole, Stamford.) (Countersign, France.)
As the brigades of the army now move at such distance
from each other, that a punctual attendance at Head-Quar-
ters for orders cannot be expected, one Brigade-Major from
each Major-General's division, is to attend as early in the
day as he can. The several Brigade-Majors, or Adjutants
who act as such, are to attend him at a stated hour, and
then distribute the orders through the several brigades and
regiments, as fast as possible.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 19, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 20, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO GENERAL. SCHUYLER.
Harlem Heights, October 18, 1776.
SIR : It being evident that the enemy, who have landed
the main body of their army on Frog's and Felfs Points,
have digested a plan of penetrating into the country, and
forming a line in our rear, I have the honour to inform you,
by his Excellency's command, whose attention has been
called from hence this morning by their motions, that he
apprehends the Stockbridge Indians might render material
service here as scouting parties, if the situation of affairs in
the Northern army do not require their continuance there.
As the propriety of sending the whole or any part of them
down, will depend upon the intelligence of the enemy's
motions in Canada, and the prospect there may be of their
crossing the lakes, his Excellency means to submit it
entirely to your discretion and opinion, not wishing 'em to
be ordered here if you conceive that they will be wanted
there from the appearance and complexion of things.
I am, &c.,
R. H. HARRISON.
To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department.
P. S. His Excellency received Mr. Varick's letter of
the 14th by last night's post, and despatched an express to
Congress with a copy of General Arnold's to General
Gates.
ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF INDIANS IN AMERICA.
Having served in America during the greatest part of
last war, I think I may, without vanity, presume to be a
tolerable judge of the best method of conducting the opera-
1121
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1122
lions of a campaign in that country ; and notwithstanding
the aversion which General Carkton is said to have to the
employing Indians in his army, yet I must freely give it as
my opinion, that nothing could tend more to render his
schemes successful than a competent number of these men
under proper regulations.
The employing a body of fifteen hundred or two thousand
Indians would be attended with many and great advantages.
I shall content myself at present with pointing out a few of
them. And first, such a body would effectually secure the
British troops from all kinds of surprise, by scourinp the
woods for many miles round, and giving timely notice of
any danger before it arrived. No one who has not been in
America can conceive with what swiftness the Indians
scamper through their woods, and with what certainty they
can distinguish objects at a considerable distance. The fact
is that the Indians will distinguish objects in their woods at
twice, if not three times, the distance that Europeans can ;
and this faculty (or, if you will, habit, as it is only the im-
provement of a natural faculty) they acquire by their daily
practice in pursuing their enemies or their game. In these
pursuits they are as swift and as sharp-sighted as lynxes,
and, I may add too, as cunning as foxes; for they will some-
times lie flat upon the ground, covering themselves with the
leaves and branches of trees, and in this way will remain
undiscovered till their enemy or their game is close upon
them, when they suddenly start up, and make sure of their
prey.
The security which such a body of Indians would give
to the King's forces, particularly by night, would be of the
last importance, as it would enable them to sleep as quietly
and as soundly in camp as if they were at home in their
own beds ; whereas when troops are in danger of being
every moment surprised, they may be said to dose rather
than to sleep ; and though the usual time might be allowed
them every night for rest, yet they are very little refreshed
by these broken slumbers, and in the space of a few days are
so totally exhausted as to be altogether unfit for action.
In the next place, these Indians might be employed in
distributing manifestoes among the inhabitants of the back
Settlements, acquainting them with the approach of the
Royal army, which would restrain the factious, confirm the
wavering, and encourage the loyal and well-affected to
persevere in their pacifick intentions.
But the chief advantage accruing from such a body of
Indians, is the terrour it would strike into the Colonists in
general ; for nothing can exceed the idea they entertain of
a hostile visit from these savages. God forbid, however, that
I should recommend the letting loose these barbarians in all
their native cruelty and ferocity. Rather than consent to
this, I would willingly forego all the benefits arising from
their service. But 1 think there is a possibility of using
them as bugbears, without allowing them to act as hell-
hounds, though this will require the most delicate manage-
ment: it will require the direction of a man open, frank,
generous, and affable, such as was that of the late Sir
William Johnson, who could rule and control the passions
of these Indians at pleasure ; but whether this be the char-
acter of General Carleton is best known to those who are
personally acquainted with him, which is not the case of
yours, &.C., A SOLDIER.
London, October 22, 1776.
COLONEL REED TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Head -Quarters, October 18, 1776.
SIR: The very critical slate of our army, and frequent
movements of the enemy, render it almost impossible for the
General to write himself without neglecting more important
duties. He therefore directs me to answer your letter of
ihe 14th, and to say that the Captains of the galleys from
your State have misbehaved invariably from the first moment
they came, to the time of their departure from hence, about
a week ago ; that the accumulation of business and a hope
that they would retrieve their reputation prevented your
having an earlier information of their behaviour. They are
now under the sentence of a Court-Martial for misbehaviour
in the first attack made on the ships in the North River,
and on every other occasion since have manifested such
want of spirit and judgment as to be despised by the whole
army. In the late affair, Captain McCleave must be
excepted from the general censure, as he managed with
prudence and propriety. But Captain Tinker, with the
wind at south, and on the tide of flood when the ships could
move, left his vessel, though stationed as a guard, to go up
to King's Bridge after some clothes, as he pretends. The
consequence was, that in the hurry and confusion and long
before they were in danger, they left the galley aground,
though they might have burned or bilged her. The enemy
took possession of her in half an hour; and she, with the
other left under the like circumstances, will probably prove
the most formidable force they can have to oppose us on
the river. There was a place of safety provided for the
other galleys, which they might have got into, as well as
McCleave, but they passed it in their hurry.
I am, sir, by his Excellency's command, your most
obedient, humble servant,
JOSEPH REED, Adjutant-General.
Agreeable to your request, the General has dismissed Cap-
tain McCleave and his crew. The other is up the river.
COLONEL RICHMOND TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Heights near Harlem, October 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I this day received your Honours' letter of
the llth instant, communicating your instructions to stop
the money due to the State of Maryland from the several
people mentioned in the accounts therein enclosed, amount-
ing to £3,675 17*. 5d. I will endeavour to do this as
soon as possible, but fear the whole cannot be received till
the pay for the months of September and October is issued
by the Paymaster-General. The men having suffered
great losses in clothes on Long-Island, will want the whole
of the money remaining due to them for July and August,
to procure such covering as is to be had. The pay abstract
of Continental pay due to the battalion and Veazey's
company and Hindman's, (the battalion and Veazey's
company commencing 5th July, the time they were voted
into the service of the continent, and Hindman's the 26lh
of same month, the time he received his last orders to
march, calculated to the 31st August,) amounts to £4,126
15s. 2c?., out of which the State of Maryland, by the Pay-
master there, and through the hands of Colonel Smallwood,
has advanced upwards of sixteen hundred pounds, which
will be received for the State as soon as possible, and remit-
ted as soon as received.
The battalion and Veazey's company will have three
days' pay due to them from the State of Maryland, which
it is proposed to pay them out of the last-mentioned sum.
The money is ready at the Paymaster-General's office ; but
on account of the alarm of the enemy's landing troops on
different parts of the main lands of this continent, from the
Sound, I have thought it advisable to put off receiving it
till our troops get a little settled in their new encampment
above King's Bridge, to which place they marched from
hence last Saturday.
You will be pleased to observe that the sum of two
hundred pounds charged in the accounts received from
you as advance Captain Veazey, is not included in the six-
teen hundred pounds above mentioned, Colonel Smallwood
having paid him, at Philadelphia, half a month's pay for
his company, amounting to £118 17*. 6d., not knowing
that such a sum had been paid him at the commencement
of his march. Captain Hindman informs me received
Maryland pay to the 3d August; so that there will be due
the State from that company the amount of the whole com-
pany's pay for eight days, viz: from the 26th of July to the
3d of August.
With regard to the four Independent companies, viz:
Gunby's, Thomas's, Woolford's, and Bracco's, which have
joined the battalion lately, I do not know how to make out
their pay accounts against the continent, not having been
informed at what time they were considered as having
entered into its service. I have understood that most of
the four received a month's pay advanced them at Phila-
delphia; but they have received none since they came
here, nor do I expect they will till about the beginning of
November, when they may possibly be paid up to the end
of October, with the rest of the troops. I shall be very
glad to be informed by your Honours, as soon as possible,
of the time these four companies entered the service of the
continent, and also whether I am right or not in fixing the
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
71
1123
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1124
time of the battalion and Veazey's on the 6th. and Hind-
man's on the 26th, of July.
I will send you a particular account of the disposal of
the pay, now laying ready, as soon as I have paid oft' the
men and settled the account to that time. In the mean
time 1 shall execute any of your commands in the best
manner I am capable of; and am, with great respect, your
very obedient servant, CHwg>K RlCHMOND-
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
P. S. Captain Scott informs me he paid a sum of money,
in part of the State's account against him, to Mr. Charles
Howard, credit for which is not given; and I think Captain
Adams paid some money to some person, in part of his
account.
GENERAL HEATH TO CAPTAIN HORTON.
King's Bridge, October 18, 1776.
CAPTAIN HORTON: You will remain with the cannon
and howitzer which were ordered up with you, at the place
where you were directed to take post by the General, which
I suppose is to cover our ships and prevent the enemy burn-
ing them or cutting them out. If there is not a sufficient
number of men there to cover them, upon your signification
of it they shall be sent to you. As soon as the ships are
got off, you will return with the cannon, Sic. Major
Crafts will return with his howitzer immediately.
I am, sir, your humble servant, W. HEATH.
DEPOSITION OF LIEUTENANT WILLIAM B. ALGER.
William B. Alger, a Lieutenant in Captain Darlnnd's
company, in Colonel Humphrey's regiment, being duly
sworn and examined, says, that on or about the 3d of Octo-
ber, instant, he was at the house of Jacob Deane, in Char-
lotte Precinct, in the Nine Partners; that he asked the
said Deane whether he had any deerskins to sell ; that the
said Deane told him he had, and accordingly laid out seve-
ral skins. That the man offered to part with the skins, and
that he, the deponent, agreed to give him the price he asked
for them; that the deponent asked him whether he would
not abaie any thing of the price he asked ; that the said
Deane told him that it depended upon what sort of money
he meant to pay him ; that the deponent told him that he
meant to pay him in the money which was current, namely,
Continental money ; that he had no other money. That
the said Deane said that he would not part with his skins
for that money ; that he never has taken that money, and
never intended to. And further this deponent sailh not.
WM. B. ALGER.
HENRY WISNER TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Peekskill, October 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I have been taking a view of the adjacent
hills this morning, at the entrance of the Highlands on the
south side, and find them capable of being made quite
defensible with very little expense.
The hill at the north side of Peekskill is so situated with
the road winding along the side of it, that ten men on the
top, by throwing down stones, might prevent ten thousand
passing. I went on the top this morning, and rolled some
stones down ; it made a most violent appearance ; some of
them sprang twenty feet high. I believe nothing more need
be done than to keep great quantities of stone at the different
places where the troops must pass, if they attempt pene-
trating the mountains. The troops that went over towards
Fishkill are returned. I believe it will be best to have the
greatest part of them stationed along between this and Tar-
rytown. Colonel Cortlandt is very busy getting things put
in a proper way for the subsistence of the troops. I am this
moment setting off for Fort Montgomery to get the Engineer
to come and assist us with his advice. I have procured a
man who understands making flints. If Mr. Harper is not
gone home, I beg him to send a cart-load of the stone that
he told me of. If he is gone, pray write after him. I am
convinced that the man understands how to make them.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
HENRY WISNER.
To Peter R. Livingston. Esq., President of Convention of
the State of New- York, at Fishkill.
COLONEL SNYDER TO THE NEW-YORK. CONVENTION.
Port Montgomery, October 18, 1776.
Whereas, by a resolve of said Convention, bearing date
the 7th of September last past, it was ordered to raise six
hundred men out of the Militia of the several Counties
therein mentioned, and to form a regiment to reinforce the
garrisons at the Forts Constitution and Montgomery in the
Highlands, under the command of the Field Officers
appointed by said Convention, to wit: First Colonel Jo/ian-
nis Snyder, Lieutenant-Colonel John Bailey, Jun. And
whereas 1 have, immediately upon the receipt of said resolve,
met the several Colonels of the several regiments of Ulster
County, in order to agree what number of men each regi-
ment should raise in proportion of the two hundred men
ordered to be raised in said County of Ulster, and agreed
as follows :
Colonel Johannis Snyder's regiment, - 38 privates.
Colonel Jonathan Hasbrouck's regiment, 62 do.
Lieut. Col. James McClaughry's regiment, 56 do.
Lieut. Col. Jacob Hornbcek's regiment, 44 do.
Total, 200
And whereas I arrived at this place (Fort Montgomery)
the 27th of September last, with the quota of my regiment,
except five, who were sick and unfit, and, since my
arrival here, my regiment now amounts to the number as
follows :
From Col. Snyder's regiment, present 33 wanted 5
From Col. Hasbrouck's do. - do. 17 do. 45
From Col. McClaughrey's do. do. 44 do. 12
From Col. Hornbeek's do. - do. 24 do. 20
From the County of Albany, arrived 1 1 1 do. 39
From the County of Dutchess, do. 87 do. 88
From the County of Orange, do. 63 do. 12
Present 379 wanted 221
GENTLEMEN : There is a true state of my regiment, now
under my command, whereof three companies are stationed,
by General Clinton's orders, at Fort Constitution, under
the* command of Colonel Bailey. Gentlemen, I think it
necessary that your honourable Board should issue your
orders to the several Field Officers of the several Counties
to order the deficiency of their quota of men immediately to
join my regiment. If that should not be the case, there is
no prospect for raising of men for the future, for the best of
men are chiefly already in the service, and those that are
rather disaffected to the cause decline, and will not go even
if it fell to their lot by ballot; and it appears to me, that
the Field Officers have little or no concern about it, for I
never received as much as a return from any of the Field
Officers, whether they had raised and ordered their quota of
men to join my regiment. So, gentlemen, I shall rest this
matter to your superiour wisdom, and shall conduct myself
agreeable to your directions, and remain, gentlemen, your
humble servant, JOR,S SNYDER) ^^
To the honourable Convention of the State of New-York,
now convened at the Fishkill.
COLONEL SNYDER TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fort Montgomery, October 18, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Whereas, by resolve of your honourable
Board, bearing date the 7th September last past, 1 am
appointed Colonel, to command six hundred men, to be
raised in the several Counties therein mentioned, to reinforce
the Forts Constitution and Montgomery in the Highlands ;
and whereas I arrived here the 27th of said September, and
the several officers appointed by the Field Officers of the
several Counties, now here present, and at Fort Constitu-
tion, are as follows, to wit:
In the County of Ulster: Captain, Frederick Schoonmaker ;
his First Lieutenant, Daniel Graham ; his Second Lieute-
nant, Cornelius Van Wugener. Captain, tVilliam Telfort;
his First Lieutenant, WiU'uim Kuddeback ; his Second Lieu-
tenant, Hendricus Feerpcnn'mg, Jun. Captain, Matthew
Johnson, Jun. ; First Lieutenant, ; Second Lieute-
nant, Evert Hoffman.
In Orange County: Captain, James Sawyer; First
Lieutenant, George Luckey ; Second Lieutenant, Gilbert
Veail.
In Dutchess County : Captain, Thomas Storm; First
1125
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1126
Lieutenant, Elitikam Barman; Second Lieutenant, not
returned. Captain, Ebenezer Husted ; First Lieutenant,
John Wilson ; Second Lieutenant. David Ostrom.
In the County of Albany: Captain, Ithamar Spencer;
First Lieutenant, Henry Irwin; Second Lieutenant, John
Murray. Captain, John Williams ; First Lieutenant, Philip
Stoats; Second Lieutenant, Peter Van Berregan.
And whereas, by virtue of said resolve, I have appointed
David Bevier Adjutant, and Coenraedt Jo. Elmendorph
Quartermaster ; and I conceive it necessary the gentlemen
appointed as above should have commissions from your
honourable Board, in order to confirm their appointments,
and also to exercise their power more satisfactory to their
men under their command ; therefore I desire your favour
to make out the commissions for the several gentlemen
above appointed in their ranks, and send the commissions to
me by the bearer hereof, Lieutenant Daniel Graham, who
is sent for that purpose ; and your so doing you will oblige
your humble servant, T , c r< i i
] JOH s SNYDER, Lolonel.
To the honourable Convention of the State of New- York,
now convened at the Fishkill.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saratoga, October 18, 1776.
SIR : General Waterbury, who is prisoner on his parole
is on his way from Albany to Connecticut. I have advised
him to go directly from Albany to you. He is capable of
giving you that information you requested in your last
favour to me. He is not only a brave and good officer, but
a candid and honest man, uninfluenced by any unbecoming
prejudices. He will also acquaint you with the state of
our affairs at Ticonderoga.
I arn, most respectfully, sir, your obedient and very
humble servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumlull, Esq., fee., fee.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 18, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : As too much precaution cannot be had
to prevent the enemy's ships from getting into your rear,
and thereby intercepting your supplies, permit me to sug-
gest the necessity of throwing one or more booms across
from the redoubt to Mount Independence; but lest booms
should be insufficient, it would be well to anchor large rafts
of timber in the channel.
Strong parties should be sent out to meet and escort the
cattle that are now on the way up. Hereafter, the cattle
will go to Skeensborough ; and as the weather will soon be
such as to preserve meat, I propose that they shall be killed
there, and the quarters sent to you.
By this express I send orders to Colonel Gansevoort to
kill what cattle there may be at his post, and to send them
over to you.
The difficulty of keeping the Militia without any tents
or other shelter will be extreme ; and if you should discover
that the enemy do not mean to attack you, I wish to be
advised of it the earliest possible.
I am, dear General, very sincerely, your most obedient,
humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
New-London, Friday, October 18, 1776.
Last Monday a regiment of Continental troops, com-
manded by Colonel Richmond, arrived here from Rhode-
Island.
Last Saturday the wife and daughter of one John Hill,
a prisoner confined in Boston jail lor being concerned with
Crean Brush and others in robbing the inhabitants of Boston
when that place was evacuated, came to this town from
Providence by water, and were endeavouring to get a pas-
sage to the west end of Long-Island, but were stopped by
the Committee of this town, and on examination were found
upon them sundry papers containing matters of intelligence
respecting the people and state of the country, sent from said
Uiil and others in Boston to General Howe. It appears,
from the papers found upon them, that they had been pos-
sessed of other papers, which they had secured or destroyed.
They were both sent back with the papers, under a proper
convoy, to the place from whence they came.
The Montgomery privateer belonging to Providence, has
taken and sent into this port a schooner from Cape Nichola
Mole, bound to Halifax, having on board nine thousand
gallons of molasses and six thousand weight of sugar. The
privateer had been out but twenty-four hours when she took
this vessel.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN J. PAUL JONES.
New-Port, October 18, 1776.
SIR: The owners of Captain Dennis's sloop have delivered
two of the men which signed their articles, and have given
sufficient security that they will not carry away any of the
men belonging to the fleet. If you find any men on board
that do belong to the fleet, take them out and then dis-
charge the sloop. As there are some of the owners that are
men of honour, and will not do any such thing, it will be
hard that they should suffer for one man that has behaved
out of character. So that upon the whole think it best to
let the sloop and her people go.
I am your friend and humble servant,
ESEK HOPKINS, Commander-in- Chief.
To John P. Jones, commander of the Providence, or Hoys-
teed Hacker, Esq., commander of the Hamden.
Newburyport, October 18, 1776.
Yesterday came in here a prize brig bound to White-
Haven, laden chiefly with mahogany. She was taken about
a fortnight ago by the Hancock privateer, Captain Wingate
Newman, from this port.
ADDRESS OF THE LORD MAYOR, ETC., OF THE CITY OF YORK
TO THE KING.
St. James's, October 19, 1776.
The following Address of the Lord Mayor, Recorder,
Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Commons, of the City of York, in
Common Council assembled, having been transmitted to the
Earl of Suffolk, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of
State, has been presented to his Majesty; which Address his
Majesty was pleased to receive very graciously.
To the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
The humble Address of the Lord Mayor, Recorder, Alder-
mtn, Sheriff's, and Commons of the City of YORK, in Com-
mon Council assembled :
MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN: We, your Majesty's most
dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lord Mayor, Recorder,
Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Commons, of your ancient city of
York, beg leave, with joyful hearts, to congratulate your
Majesty upon the late glorious success of your forces in
America.
We regard, with just indignation, the avowed and hostile
defiance of some of your Majesty's Colonies to the legal
authority of the mother country, by which they have been
so liberally cherished and supported, and from which they
derive the most signal advantages. So ungrateful a defec-
tion, aggravated by such acts of violence and cruelty that
it became dangerous to be loyal, obliges us to acknowledge
the justice of coercive measures, at the same time that we
lament their necessity. But we trust that by the wisdom
of your Majesty's councils, and the terrour of your arms, the
authors of this unnatural rebellion will speedily be subdued,
your Majesty's faithful American subjects freed from oppres-
sion, and those who have been deluded by faction will, by
a timely submission, become fit objects of your royal clem
ency and benevolence.
Permit us, sir, to assure your Majesty, that our hearts are
warm with affection for your royal person, family, and
Government ; that we are zealous friends to law, liberty,
and order; and determined enemies to faction, licentiousness,
and sedition ; and that we regard the honour and dignity of
your Majesty's crown, and the supreme authority of the
British Legislature, as the great pillars of that excellent
Constitution on which depends the freedom and prosperity
of every branch of the British empire.
1127
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1128
EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED DUBLIN, OCTOBER 19, 1776.
By a letter from Lisburne, dated October 15, we learn
that an American privateer came to anchor in the harbour
of Newhaven the 13th instant, and demanded provisions, for
which payment was offered. She mounted eighteen car-
riage guns, and one hundred and five men on hoard, and is a
new vessel well built. She remained but a few hours, then
weighed anchor, and sailed to the northward.
His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant having signified to
the Lord Mayor that his Excellency had appointed the
Larne armed cutter, Cuptain Cunningham, to convoy the
trade to London, his Lordship gave proper notice accord-
ingly to the merchants and captains of ships.
ALEXANDRIA (FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE TO
THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read November 4, 1776 : Referred to the JBoard of War.]
Virginia, Fairfax County, October 17, 1776.
SIR: At the request of the inhabitants of the town of
Alexandria, I take the liberty to trouble you with the
enclosed order of the Virginia Council, understanding that
Messrs. Hughes, of Frederick County, Maryland, (who
are the only persons in this part of the Continent to be
depended on for cannon,) are under contract with the Con-
gress for all the cannon their works can possibly make in a
year, and having no other means of carrying the above-men-
tioned order of Council into execution, the inhabitants of
the said town humbly beg leave through you, sir, to repre-
sent their case to the honourable the Congress, and pray
for an order to Messrs. Hughes, to furnish them with the
cannon wanted, out of those engaged for Continental service.
They are unacquainted with the terms of Messrs. Hughes
contract, but if the price is more than thirty-five pounds,
Virginia currency, per ton, the rate our Council have pre-
scribed, they will pay the difference themselves. If the
Congress is pleased to indulge them with such an order, the
sooner it can be granted the better, as the fortifying the said
town will be very advantageous to the trade of great part
of Virginia and Maryland, and give considerable encour-
agement to foreign adventurers, by affording them protection
at a good port where they can speedily procure cargoes of
country produce.
I beg the favour of an answer as soon as convenience will
permit ; and am, with much respect, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant, G. MASON,
Chairman of Fairfax County Committee.
Williamsburg, in Council, September 7, 177G.
The Board having considered the petition of the inhabit-
ants of the town of Alexandria, setting forth among other
things their defenceless condition, though accessible to
ships-of-war under forty or fifty guns, and praying that they
might be permitted to purchase at the publick expense six-
teen iron Cannon, viz: ten eighteen-pounders, and six nine-
pounders, to be mounted on two substantial Batteries which
had been lately erected on advantageous situations in that
town, and which are now completed, with proper embra-
sures for Cannon, directly under which the channel of the
river runs, so that no ship can pass at much more than a
quarter of a mile distance; and that they might also be
allowed to purchase in the same manner, two small Forges
for heating the nine-pound shot, with a sufficient quantity
of Ordnance Stores ; and further praying, that out of the two
Militia companies now in the said town, there might be
formed one Artillery company, to consist of fifty matrasses
with proper officers, to be duly exercised at the said Batteries
twice a week, and to receive, only when on duty, the same
pay with other Artillery companies:
Ordered, That the petitioners be accordingly permitted
to purchase the Cannon, Forges, and Ordnance stores albre-
said, taking care not to exceed thirty-five pounds per ton,
for the Cannon, including the expense of proving the same,
and to procure the same as much lower, and the other
articles as cheap, as possible.
The Board do not think themselves authorized to order
an Artillery company to be formed, and therefore refer that
part of the petition to the consideration of the General
Assembly, which will sit probably as soon as the several
articles above mentioned can be procured.
Copy — test: ARCH'D BLAIR, Clerk.
CHARLES RUMSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Elk River, Cecil County, October 19, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The Northern posts leaving this place
before the arrival of the Southern, 1 can't answer any of
your directions, as no letter has come to hand.
The company out of my battalion will be ready in two
days at most, as I have purchased blankets, guns, and
kettles, since which we have received from Mr. Gerrard
Hopkins kettles and three tents, very thin.
Your particular directions shall be obeyed by, gentlemen,
your most obedient, humble servant,
CHARLES RUMSEY.
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, Anna-
polis.
AMOS GARRETT TO MATTHEW TILGHMAN.
Swan Creek, October 19, 1776.
SIR: You have on the other side the copy of my last 1
sent two days ago, with a man to be sent to Baltimore for
the stores for Captain Holland's company. The company
has had a meeting yesterday, and have concluded to set off
for the camp next Wednesday.
On their meeting, their arms has been reviewed ; and what
are concluded to be carried, and what can be collected, will
call for more money than I have got for that purpose. Two
of the gentlemen that agrees to assist rne being on the
inquiry for blankets, &tc., Captain Holland has signified to
me that to expedite their departure, he thinks it expedient
to request the Council of Safety to forward up a further
sum for that purpose. Mr. James Hall waits on you, and
if it is agreeable, a further sum of one or two hundred
pounds may be sent up, which I will account for in the
equipment of that company.
Having no Quartermaster to attend them, there must be
provision made for their subsistence to where they can be
supplied. If you send the money, you will direct how to
be employed if more than necessary for the company's
expense.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
AMOS GARRETT.
N. B. There are twelve muskets fixed at Mr. Richard
Dallam's factory. Please to order if to be taken for this
company.
THOMAS WHARTON, JUN., TO COLONEL CADWALLADER.
In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, October 19, 1776.
SIR: Frequent complaints having been made to this
Board that the officers who have received the pay of the
privates do withhold their money from them, to the great
injury of the service, as it tends to discourage the soldiery
and unfit them for duty, and is certainly an unjust, base
conduct, beneath the character of a good officer and an
honest man, this Board is determined to discourage all
such unworthy practices, and to make an example of any
officer who shall be found guilty. We therefore request
you will make particular inquiry into the conduct of your
officers, and report such, if any have withheld the monthly
pay from their men; and in future we earnestly recommend
to you a strict attention to this matter, so as to prevent com-
plaint of this kind.
By order of the Council:
THOS. WHARTON, Jun., President.
To Lieutenant Colonel Lambert Cadwallader.
JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, October 19, 1776.
DEAR SIR: This will be handed you by Captain lioche,
who has at length finished his business here, and got orders
for you to build another ship, as you will see by the letters
from the Marine Committee to you.
After I wrote you last Tuesday, I received yours of the
30th ultimo, and desired the clerk of the Secret and Marine
Committee to take out from the books the sums of money
you have received of each of those Committees. The sum
you have received of the Secret Committee is twenty-five
thousand dollars ; but the clerk was so engaged he could
not give me the other account at this time ; will try to send
it you next week.
1129
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1130
I mentioned in the Marine Committee that you were
desirous to know whether you were to allow any passenger
or seaman on board any of the prizes their adventures, or
private property, more than the wages to the seamen agree-
able to the resolve of Congress. They informed me they
had not given any orders about it, and that it was not in
their power to give any orders different from the resolves of
Congress, yet it seemed to be the desire of the Committee
that such passengers and seamen as behaved themselves
decently should be dealt well by, and not stripped of
every thing that might be taken from them by the rules
of war.
As for news, I have none at present to communicate.
We have had no certain accounts from our camp at Harlem,
since she 13th. There are some flying accounts, but Cap-
tain Roche, as he passes that way, will be able to give you
a true account of our affairs there.
A great number of foreigners, especially French officers,
are daily almost arriving here, and requesting to be employed
in our army, many of whom are well recommended.
Colonel Whipple is not arrived here yet. I shall look
for him every day now till I see him, when I shall return
home, and, after your example, enjoy the pleasure of resi-
ding in my own country in future.
Remember me to all friends, and be assured that I am
your affectionate friend, -i -r,
JOSIAH BARTLETT.
P S. I am much better in health than I was for four or
five weeks.
GEORGE TAYLOR TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Shrewsbury, October 19, 1776
SIR: I herewith send you by the bearer, Captain Smock,
six prisoners, which I took out of a schooner which was
drove on shore the 14th instant, on the Jersey shore, near
where I was stationed to guard the coast. As to particular
circumstances, refer you to said Captain Smock. I have
given an account of the vessel and cargo to General Mercer,
and make no doubt but it came to hand. I have orders from
the General to take care of the vessel till further orders.
As to the vessel's hull, it lies exposed and likely to be lost
the first eastwardly storm. She might, perhaps, be sold to
the advantage of the owners or publick, whoever it is that
is to have the benefit. Your directions in the above shall
be my particular guide. I have also sent one Captain
Moore, a gentleman who was on board the schooner when
taken ; he appears to be a man in distress, therefore I have
taken the liberty to send him amongst the rest, as it can't
be but very little odds in the expense. Should be obliged
to your Honour to pay off the Captain's account of travelling
expenses, &,c.
I am, with much esteem, your very humble servant,
GEO. TAYLOR.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read 21st October, 1776.]
Perth-Amboy, October 19, 1776.
SIR: General Washington has, by his instructions just
now come to hand, directed that some of the Hessian
prisoners should be permitted to make their escape for the
purpose of distributing the advertisements of Congress
among their countrymen in the army. As the prisoners
were sent off yesterday, it is probable that Mr. Lodowick,
who is entrusted with this, will not overtake them before
they have reached Philadelphia. You will then please to
determine whether it may not be more eligible to let the
Hessians rest a few days, to form an acquaintance with
some of their countrymen who have experienced the advan-
tages of free government, and then to exchange, or induce
some of them to return to their corps, as having escaped
from confinement. I have directed that if any of the Hes-
sian prisoners are willing to join their regiments, and to take
over some of the advertisements to show their countrymen,
that such men may be immediately ordered to this post in
compliance with the General's instructions. But if they
have reached Philadelphia, he is to take the sense of Con-
gress in the further prosecution of this affair. What adver-
tisements I had, have been several weeks ago sent over to
Staten-Island.
The fleet mentioned in my letter of the 17th, proves to
be one hundred and fifty sail, gone up to York. Some
more ships appear to be coming in to-day.
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
HUGH MERCER.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
Besides the return transmitted to Congress, we have
brought off from Slaten- bland thirty muskets, four pistols,
four hangers, and three bayonets, also one standard of Light-
Horse.
Return of eleven Companies of the Regiment of Artillery,
and one Colony Company, in the service of the UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA, commanded by HENRY KNOX, Esq.,
Camp below KING'S BRIDGE, OCTOBER 19, 1776.
Colonel.
Lieut. Colonel.
E
'-'
Captains.
Capt. Lieu tenants.]
First Lieutenants.
•/.
3
'3
—
1
do
Chaplain.
|
Quartermaster.
='
o
o
k
3
M
o
1;
;(
Corpoi-als.
Bombardiers.
I
5
|
-r
-
<n
5
~
5
Matrosses.
•5
£_
198
32
57
287
3
1
578
1
577
Pres't,fitforduty
Sick, present
Sick, absent.
On command
On furlough.
Dead
Deduct dead. . . .
Total
1
-
-
:.i
i
3
11
1
1
1
1
1
15
4
1
15
14
1
4
15
•>7
4
5
28
20
5
8
:i:i
11
1
1
9
86
16
34
152
3
1
292
1
-
J
1
9
5
1
8
7
14
1
11
li
II
:>5
1
1
1
«
(iij
22
1
1
1
1
i.->
34
1
ll l'll 12 9
25J ll l| 1
i! i
(5
34
(14
6622291
Since the last, one man, returned a deserter, has joined his company.
Dr. Stevenson appointed Surgeon 17th inst.
Those on command are in the Jerseys, on the heights beyond King's
Bridge, with the several divisions of the Army, and at Fort Mont-
gomery.
HENRY KNOX, Colonel.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM FORT LEE, (LATE FORT CON-
STITUTION, BUT NOW ALTERED BY GENERAL ORDERS,)
DATED OCTOBER 19, 1776.
Yesterday's affair was honourable to us. Three regi-
ments, Glover's, Reed's, and Shepherd's, of Massachusetts,
under Colonel Glover, who commanded the brigade,* were
* October 18, 1776. — The regiment at Westchester Causeway had been
relieved by another. The officer on command there this morning sent
up an express to General Heath, informing him that the British were
opening an embrasure in their work at the end of the causeway, and
that he apprehended they intended, under a cannonade from this, to
attempt to pass. General Heath ordered one of his aids to gallop his
horse to the officer commanding the brigade, near Valentine's, the nearest
to Westchester, and order him to form his brigade instantly. Arriving
himself by the time the brigade was formed, he ordered the officer to
march with the utmost expedition to the head of the causeway, to
reinforce the troops there, himself moving on with them. When the
troops had advanced to about half the way between the head of the
creek and the post at the head of the causeway, another express met
him, informing him that the whole British army were in motion, and
seemed to be moving towards the pass at the head of the creek. Upon
this, the brigade was ordered to halt, the whole to prime and load, and
the rear regiment to file off by the left, and march briskly to reinforce
the Americans at the pass at the head of the creek. At this instant
General Washington came up, and having inquired of General Heath the
state of things, ordered him to return immediately, and have his division
formed ready for action, and to take such a position as might appear
best calculated to oppose the enemy, should they attempt to land another
body of troops on Jtfomsonia, which he thought not improbable. Gen-
eral Heath immediately obeyed the order.
The wind was now fresh at southwest. The British crossed to the
other side of Frog's Neck, embarked on board their boats, crossed over
the cove, landed on Pell's Neck, and moved briskly upwards. Three or
four of the American regiments advanced towards them, and took a good
position behind a stone fence. When the British had advanced suffi-
ciently near, they gave them a pretty close fire, which checked them,
and even obliged them to fall back ; but being immediately supported,
they returned vigourously to the charge. The action was sharp for a
short time, but the Americans were soon obliged to give way to superi-
our force. Sliepard's, Read's, Baldwin's, and Glover's regiments had the
principal share in this action. The Americans had between thirty and
forty men killed and wounded ; among the latter, Colonel Shepard in the
throat, not mortally, although the ball came well-nigh effecting instant
death. The loss of the British was not known, but must have been
considerable. They advanced almost to New-Rochelle, and halted. The
American army extended its left.
A number of boats went down towards New- York. It now became
necessary immediately to quit the position in the neighbourhood of King's
Bridge, the British being in the rear of the left of our army ; and it is
not a little unaccountable that they did not attempt to stretch themselves
across to the Hudson, which might have been done with great ease.
They only moved higher up on the other side of the little rivulet Brunx,
which was generally fordable. The White-Plains were fixed upon for
the next position of the American army. A strong garrison was to be
left at Fort Washington, and General Jhath was to leave one of his regi-
ments to garrison Fort Independence. — Heath.
1131
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1132
advanced under cover to receive the enemy, marching out
towards the country. Colonel Shcpard was well covered
under a wall, and at thirty or forty yards gave their Grena-
diers and Infantry an unexpected heavy fire, then a second
and third, which broke the enemy ,so much that they ran
away as fast as they could, in confusion. They returned
with field-pieces and outflanked our party, which occasioned
our people to retreat to a short distance, where they rallied
well and kept their ground against their cannonade and
numbers. Our men behaved with remarkable sp'uit and
coolness, and I think are in a good way to do great things.
We lost a few, thirty or forty killed and wounded. Two
deserters from the enemy say they lost one thousand, but
really I have the best opinions to believe they lost one
hundred and fifty or upwards, as our men fired with great
coolness at a good distance. They are trying to surround
us. It won't be easy ; and I am mistaken if they don't
meet some severe rubbers.
HENRY WISNER TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Peekskill, October 19, 177C.
GENTLEMEN: We have been so unfortunate as not to
receive a line from you since we left Fishkill. Diktman
was here this morning, said he had a letter for us, but Colonel
Cortlandt and myself were both out, and he took the letter
with him. Cergeer was also here, said he had a letter for
us, but had lost it. Mr. Machin is here. We have, with
him, been taking a further view of the adjacent hills. He is
fully of opinion with us that the building any fortifications
in this part of the country would be labour badly spent, and
worse than lost.
I have been at Fort Montgomery and at Red-Hook. If
two eighteen or twenty-four pounders were placed at Red-
Hook I believe the British ships might be kept from
anchoring in Peekskill Bay, and by that means the navi-
gation to Peekskill might be kept open ; and in my opinion
unless that can be done, the fort at Red-Hook had better
never been built. However, I believe it would be right
to try to get them. There is several vessels at Fort
Constitution ladened with boards, brick, lime, &c., for the
use of the army. They might very safely be brought down,
while the winds hold northwardly, but they will not come
without your advice.
Colonel Cortlandt is now at Croton, and has been so
much engaged that he has not had time to join me in any
letter yet. Yesterday the King's ships hoisted sail and
came up several miles, but the wind sprang up to the north-
west, and they came to below Verplanck's.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
HENRY WISNER.
To Peter R. Livingston, Esq., President of Convention.
plain, and that it is beyond doubt that the eneiny mean to
attack our army at Ticondcroga. I have written to Gen-
eral Ten Broeck to march up the Militia under his com-
mand, and I have also applied for that of the neighbouring
States. General Gates wished to be sustained by an army
often or twelve thousand men. It is certainly of the hi"h-
J O
eat importance that all the Militia that can be spared should
march up without delay, either to support General Gates,
if there should be time, or to cover his retreat should he be
reduced to the necessity of quitting his ground ; and I must
therefore entreat your aid. Permit me to suggest that I
believe the Convention's moving to Albany would be
attended with good consequences.
I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,
PHILIP SCHUYLEH.
To the Hon. Abraham Yate's, Esq., President of the Con-
vention of the State o( New-York.
ABRM. LOTT TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Beverwyck, October 19, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: It is with pain that I find myself under a
necessity of again addressing instead of attending you. But
when I consider that I have to do with a respectable body,
who will do me the justice to believe that want of time, and
not want of inclination, has prevented my waiting on them,
I find myself in some measure relieved.
The truth is I have been assiduously employed in pre-
paring my accounts, ever since. I had the honour to write
you by Mr. Campbell, and have now got them in such
a train that (barring interruption by visitors drove from the
city, which frequently happens since its evacuation, and by
indisposition) I hope to be able to set out in about ten
days. Mr. Morris, who I expect will be the bearer of this,
will, I trust, convince you I do not mean to make any
unnecessary delay, but that I will attend as soon as in my
power; which I hope you svill believe, as well as that I am,
with respect, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
ABRM. LOTT.
To the honourable Convention of the Representatives of
the State of New- York.
ROBERT HODGE TO JOHN M'KESSON.
Fishkiil Landing, October 19, 1776.
SIR: The evening before last, when we had the pleasure
of your company, through mistake you carried away the
key of one of the rooms of the store. By sending said key
with the gentleman who will deliver this to you, it will
' oblige Mrs. Bush. I am. sir, your most humble servant,
ROBERT HODGE.
To John McKesson, Esq., Secretary to the Convention, at
Fuhkitt.
NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO THE PRESIDENT OF
CONGRESS.
In Committee of Safety, Fishkill, October 19, 1776.
SIR: I am directed by the Committee of Safety of the
State of New-York to transmit the enclosed copy of a
letter this moment received from Major-General Schuyler, at
Ticonderoga. You will please to communicate the same
to Congress.
1 have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very
humble servant, PKTER R LmNGSTON> Presi(lent.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Conti-
nental Congress.
Saratoga, October 16, 1776, six o'clock, afternoon.
SIR: By letters from Generals Gales and Arnold, I am
advised of the total destruction of our fleet on Lake Cham-
THE COUNTY COMMITTEE FOR CHARLOTTE.
Skeensborough, October 19, 1776.
Resolved, That the Delegates of this County be re-
quested to desire the Convention of this State to advance
on loan the sum of two hundred Pounds, in order to defray
the contingent expenses in this County. And if the request
is complied with, any of the Delegates giving their receipt
to the Treasurer with this resolution, it shall be acknow-
ledged by this Committee a sufficient voucher for the same;
and when it shall be thought proper (by the Convention or
future Legislature of this State) that the money shall be
repaid, this Committee will cheerfully cooperate with the
same.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee write a
letter to William Dutr and Alexander Webster, Esqrs., to
remit the aforesaid sum of two hundred Pounds to this
County with all convenient speed.
By order: JNO. WILLIAMS, Chairman.
Attest: JOHN GIBSON, Clerk.
H. GLEN TO ELISHA AVERY.
Schenectady, October 19, 1776.
SIR : In your last you mentioned that the post at the
German Flats was without a Commissary, and that one
Mr. Pout was recommended to you as a proper person :
should I think him a fit person, I might inform him with
the contents. Accordingly 1 wrote him he might have that
post should he think proper. I have received his answer,
wherein he acquaints me he will accept of that post. I
look upon him as a proper person. He wants instructions,
some quires of paper for his hooks, and he wants to know
his wages per day, and how many rations he will be allowed.
Please to send his instructions as soon as possible, and paper
to my care, and I shall immediately forward it to him. His
name is John Post.
As I expect my batteaus down from Fort Schuyler a-
Monday evening, and have no flour ready to load them, but
1133
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1134
there is sufficient to be had, but the merchants seem not
willing to part with it at present, I will be glad to know
to-morrow or day after what the Albany market price is. As
I have no pork but a very little for the batteau-men, and as
I expect Colonel Dayton's regiment down here ^-Monday,
which is going to Fort George, I will be under the neces-
sity of buying a few head of cattle.
I am your most humble servant, II. GLEN.
To Elisha Avery, Esq., D. C. General, Albany.
appointment as others. Mr. Daniel Tillinghast here is the
Continental agent, and I believe a good man.
1 am, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble
sei'vant' NICHOLAS COOKE.
To His Excellency General Washington.
J. BALDWIN TO GENERAL GATES.
October 19, 1776.
SIR : I have viewed the ground mentioned by Colonel
Willard. and think, . as they are commanded by several
neighbouring grounds, that it cannot be fortified to advan-
tage, but would recommend taking post on the hill north of
the Great Bridge, if your Honour can spare about five hun-
dred brave men to occupy that ground, which I think may
be done to great advantage.
I have ordered the block-house at the mill to be put in
the best defence, which is now doing. I would recommend
the placing two or three small ship guns in the block-house.
One hundred men are filling up the Crown-Point road
three miles, from Colonel Willard's and Brewer's regiments.
I would also recommend the getting eighteen dozen poles
twelve feet long, to be sharpened and placed in the Jersey
redoubt for the present as spears.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
J. BALDWIN, Engineer.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT
BOSTON.
New-Haven, October 19, 1776.
SIR : The enclosed act of the State of Connecticut shows
the subject of my present application for your friendly
assistance for the relief of Colonel Ethan Allen and eighteen
other prisoners with him at Halifax. You will feel for their
distresses, and I am earnestly to request your kind interpo-
sition to assist Mr. Levi Allen, the bearer, to procure the
release of his brother and the rest of those unhappy suffer-
ers with the Colonel, or at least to render them your best
help.
I am, with sentiments of esteem and regard, sir. your.
most obedient, humble servant, T m
JONTH. THUMBULL.
To Commanding Officer, Boston.
GOVERNOUR COOKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Providence, October 19, 1776.
SIR : Your letter requesting an account of the prisoners
in this State I have duly received, and ordered the Sheriffs
of the several Counties to make return to me of the number
of prisoners in their respective Counties, and of their differ-
ent stations, which return has not been yet made.
I also wrote immediately to Governour Trumbull, of Con-
necticut, to know where their prisoners were to assemble,
that they might both go together, but have had no answer,
but shall endeavour to forward them when I shall receive
information from him. Since which I have received a letter
from the Captain of the Syren frigate, off Block-Island,
that he had a number of prisoners on board, taken in mer-
chant ships, whom he has orders from Lord Howe to
exchange for others of equal stations.
I inform your Excellency that a prize ship is brought in
here, having a quantity of blankets, some coarse woollen
goods, linens, and shoes, which the owners of the armed
vessel who took her are desirous may be purchased for the
use of the army ; and in order that those goods may not be
scattered, they propose that they be all put up in one lot
together, and no stranger be allowed to bid them off, unless
he shall produce orders from you or the Congress that he
is making purchase of them for the army.
I should be glad, il your Excellency should think proper,
that you would appoint somebody immediately to purchase
the same. If you should make any appointment lor that
purpose here, 1 would just inform that Messrs. Clark fy
Nightingale, Mr. John Brown and myself, are all interested
in the privateer, and therefore not so suitable for such
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO JOHN BRADFORD.
Newport, October 19, 1776.
SIR : I understand by Captain Jones, that there is some
junk and sails on board the prize ship, which he sent into
Bedford, and as them articles are much wanted on board
several of the Continental vessels in this port, should be
glad you would send all those articles, more than barely
wanted for the ship, by the first opportunity to this place to
me; or, in my absence, to Mr. John Manley, deputy agent
here, and by so doing you will forward the service.
I am, sir, your humble servant, ESEK HopKINS>
To John Bradford, Esq., Agent for the Massachusetts, or
in his absence, to his Deputy at Bedford.
NATHAN RUMSF.Y TO MARYLAND CONVENTION.
. Nantes, October 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: An ardour for the success of the present
Continental cause will, I doubt not, excuse a seeming impro-
priety in my addressing a body with the members of whom
I have the honour of claiming little or no acquaintance.
I atn here during the war, and my connection with Mr.
Penet (lor whose character 1 refer you, gentlemen, to the
Secret Committee of Congress) influences me to request
that preference in your business which we have already
been honoured with from the Secret Committee of Con-
gress.
Much pains have been taken to obtain a possibility of
doing the American business from hence, which I have the
satisfaction of informing you have met with such success as
renders it in our power to supply the Continent with any
article they please.
The articles which may be imported to advantage from
hence are Vitrey linens fit for coarse shirting or sails, coarse
cloths for soldiers, or negroes, clothing, and blankets, with
all kind of military articles.
Letters directed to Penet 8f Rumsey, to the care of Mr.
John Grnel, of this city, Messrs. Reinless De Basmazier
and Raimbaux, merchants in Bordeaux, or Monsieur Ste-
phen Cattraku, of Marseilles, will be carefully forwarded.
With the utmost respect, I am, gentlemen, your most
obedient, humble servant, ,.T
NATHAN KUMSEY.
To the respectable Members of the Convention for the Pro-
vince of Maryland.
VAN BIBBER AND HARRISON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF
SAFETY.
St. Pierre, Martinique, October 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Our last respects to you were by Captain
Martin, who sailed from this place the llth current with
a valuable cargo. Since then your favours of the 12th
September have come sale to hand per the Molly, Captain
Conway. His cargo, though a very proper one, we are
sorry to acquaint, has come to a most wretched market.
Fifty-seven shillings per barrel for his flour, and thirty-six
for his bread, is the most we have been able to obtain, and
his tobacco is yet unsold. Since disposing of this flour, a
cargo of Philadelphia superfine has been sold lor fifty-three
shillings. This fall has been occasioned by the immense
quantities that have arrived and continue to arrive from
France, on a supposition that it would be a scarce article
here. We fear there will be no change for the better till to-
wards the middle of the winter and spring, when we imagine
it will begin to advance again, as in all probability the
exportations from France will cease when it is known how
badly their speculations must turn out; and plenty as flour
is, we know of nothing that can be sent from Maryland that
will turn to a better account; so surprisingly are we glutted
with tobacco and all kinds of provisions.
We almost despair of supplying you with the large quan-
tities of woollens and salt that you want ; they are scarce
and command ready cash ; but we shall do our best.
1135
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1136
As vessels with you are difficult lo procure, and markets
here very low, we fear you cannot easily remit us money
sufficient for the extensive engagements we have and are
to enter into. We would therefore beg leave to propose a
method which we think may be employed with more success
and facility than any other at present. It is, if possible, to
get a boat or two out from South-Carolina with indigo.
One pilot boat ballasted with that article would yield more
money here than any three or four brigs with flour and
tobacco. It is constantly wortb from six shillings to twelve
shillings per pound, (according to quality,) and is the only
article of our exports that can be shipped from hence to
France ; and the risk of getting it here will be trifling, as
it may be sent in such small fast-sailing vessels.
A part of Captain Martin's tobacco has been sold in
Statia at forty-two shillings per hundred weight, and yes-
terday we shipped the remainder for that place.
We hope to despatch Conway in eight or ten days with
some woollens, muskets, duck, &tc.
And we are, &c.,
VAN BIBBER &t HARRISON.
PETER T. CURTENIUS TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Philadelphia, October 20, 177G.
GENTLEMEN: This serves to inform you that I have pur-
chased at tbis place for the use of the New- York troops,
1,109 pair buck-skin breeches ; 1,608 pair milled stockings;
85 felt hats ; 1,939 check shirts ; 1,928 white shirts. All
which I have had packed and stored in this city. I
would have forwarded them (agreeable to a resolve of Con-
gress of the 25th September] to Head-Quarters, if we had
not received an account yesterday that our army was going
to retreat from New-York Island, and therefore thought it
most prudent to leave the goods here, until 1 know where
Head-Quarters will be fixed.
Besides the above, 1 have purchased here linen enough
to make about two thousand shirts more, which will be made
in about five weeks. At Brunswick I have got about four
hundred pair of shoes ready to deliver, and have engaged
from different shoemakers in the Jerseys about one thousand
pair more, which will be ready by Christmas.
At Tappan I have about one hundred pair leather
breeches, and at Hackensacks about one hundred pair more,
and two hundred and thirteen ready-dressed deer-skins ; also
about one hundred and sixty felt hats, two hundred rifle
frocks, ninety pair of shoes, and about four hundred shirts.
As to cloth and blankets, I have not been able to get any,
because the Congress secure all the woollens that come in
here, and they have given orders to persons in every sea-
port town on the Continent to do the same; all which will
be sent to the Quartermaster-General at Head-Quarters,
where no doubt our troops will get their share. I shall
endeavour to get all I can of the clothing, which are still
deficient; but am afraid I shall fall much short in procuring
the whole quantity of shoes, stockings, felt hats, and leather
breeches, for whicli you were pleased to give me orders to
purchase, they being very scarce this way, owing to the
number of purchasers here. Would it not be proper to give
the Committees in each county and town orders to purchase
as many of these articles as they could get, it being impos-
sible for one man in a fetate to get the whole, as times are
now circumstanced, particularly in our State?
I take the liberty to return the resolve of the Convention
authorizing me to borrow £2,000, on the credit of which I
have not been able to get more than £3,200. This sum
came vastly short to pay for the goods 1 had bought, and
therefore have been obliged to advance of my own cash the
sum of £3,844 6d., and I owe £10,651 H*. Id. more;
together amounts to £ 14,495 6*. Id., say £ 15,000, as some
accounts are not come in yet; which sum should be glad the
Convention would be pleased to send by Mr. Dykeman to
my house at Paramus, next to Mr. Hopper's, (for which
place I set out to-morrow,) as soon as possible, and I must
beg that the Convention would not disappoint me, for I am
almost exhausted, and people calling on me for money
daily, \\hich is very disagreeable. Our Convention money
will not pass here; therefore should be glad to have it in
Continental money, of which Mr. Livingston tells me there
has been lately sent from here to your Treasury one hundred
thousand dollars.
I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your most obedient
servant, D m /i
PETER 1. CURTENIUS.
I shall be at Paramus the latter end of this week.
P. S. We have just now an account come that the prize
with woollens worth thirty-seven thousand pounds sterling
is safe arrived at Falmouth; also the rich Turkey ship.
This will make a good parcel of coats. There is also
arrived a ship from France at Rhode-Island, with six thou-
sand yards of cloth, and about five hundred blankets.
COLONEL GRIFFIN TO RICHARD PETERS.
Perth-Amboy, October 20, 1776.
SIR : Enclosed you will find a general return of the army
in Jersey, commanded by General Mercer. I must request
the favour of you to transmit me by the first opportunity,
the late resolve of Congress relative to the additional pay
of the officers, or please inform me whether it takes place
from the time of the ordinance passing ; whether the Staff,
or what part of it, is affected by it. It seems the Adjutants
have orders to increase their rations, and of course their pay ;
in short, all the officers are making out their pay rolls at
an advance of fifty per cent. Your complying with this
request, may be of service to the States, and will much
oblige your most obedient,
SAMUEL GRIFFIN, D. A. G.
To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary of War, at Philadel-
phia.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON, DATED NEW-
YORK, OCTOBER 20, 1776.
No doubt but before you receive this, you'll be informed
of the King's troops being in possession of New-York, to
the great satisfaction of the loyal part of its inhabitants, who
have for a long time past suffered every hardship from a
set of tyrants that is possible to be conceived ; however,
they are now rewarded who have withstood the traitors and
remained firm to their King. The Howes do all that is
possible to alleviate the sufferings of a persecuted people,
who, rather than turn Rebels, have despised death and
ruin ; and if it had not pleased God to send us relief, dreadful
would have been the consequence to every person that dared
to be honest ; however, we are now protected in our lives
and properties, and some thousands have joined the King's
troops ; and every time they attack the Rebels they rout
them with great loss ; they fly before our victorious army
on every onset ; and I don't doubt but in a very little time
this daring rebellion will be crushed. It would before new
have been the case, had not the Americans been fed with
hopes from the Court of France. But now let France or
any other Power dare to assist them, we are prepared, and
don't at all fear but we shall be able to give them a proper
reception. It is resolved to attack Washington directly.
Proper dispositions are making for that purpose; and I
hope by the next letter to give you an account of an end
being put to a Government that have dared to call them-
selves the Independent States of America. Almost all the
Neiv-Yorkers have returned to their allegiance, and there
is not a doubt but the other Colonies will do the same
when they dare declare themselves, and be properly sup-
ported by Government.
There is a broad R put upon every door in New-York
that is disaffected to Government, and examples will be
made of its inhabitants ; on the other hand, every person
that is well affected to Government, finds protection.
GENERAL GREENE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Camp at Fort Lee, (lately Fort Constitution,) )
October 20, 1776. $
SIR: I was at Head-Quarters near King's Bridge with
his Excellency General Washington last night, and on
leaving him was desired to send by express, to acquaint you
that the army there are in great want of a large supply of
cartridges, which no person can be spared to make; there-
fore he requests that you will order all that are now made
up at Philadelphia, to be sent forward in light wagons that
can travel with great despatch, as they are really very much
wanted ; and as none can be made up here, that persons be
1137
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1138
employed at Philadelphia to continue at that business to
furnish a full supply for the army.
Mr. Commissary Lowry is in great want of a supply of
salt, which he begs may be sent to Trenton to enable him
to furnish provisions for the army 'at King's Bridge, which
are much wanted, and the supplies from Connecticut may
be shortly cut off; and I have great reason to apprehend
the evil will soon take place, if not wholly, in part. The
article of salt is essentially necessary and must be procured
if possible. Fresh provisions cannot be passed over without
great difficulty, and the state of health of the troops from a
taxed habit, requires a supply of salt. Mr. Lowry mentions
the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania having a quantity.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
NATHANAEL GREENE.
GENERAL MIFFLIN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Mount Washington, October 20, 1776.
DEAR MR. DUER: General Washington has directed
me to form a magazine somewhere in your neighbourhood,
but as he is not acquainted with your cherche de paye, he
has directed me to apply to you, and take your opinion on
the subject. Let me entreat you to consult Mr. Livingston,
and some other friends on that head, and give me your
opinion by the bearer, who will wait your answer to this
letter.
In the mean time, please to procure thirty thousand
bushels of grain, (Indian corn and oats in equal proportion,)
one thousand tons of English hay, and five hundred tons of
rye-straw, and order them to be deposited in such places as
you may think, after consulting Mr. Livingston, most likely
to answer our wants. The General thinks that the maga-
zines should be remote from the North River.
Our army must regulate their movements by those of the
enemy. We believe they have some design against the
White- Plains, as they have been checked at East- Chester,
and cannot draw their line across the isthmus, opposite to
East-Chester, without risking the loss of great part of their
army. I mentioned this for your direction, as it will be
imprudent to form a magazine so near to us as the White-
Plains.
I want immediately one hundred good teams of horses or
oxen each, and request you to produce them by such means
as are most expeditious. An application to your honourable
Convention will, in my opinion, answer the purpose. I will
allow such price as you may judge reasonable, and let me
likewise entreat you to have the teams put under the direc-
tion of ten conductors, active, prudent men, who will keep
the drivers and horses in good order, each conductor to
have charge of ten teams. The horses or oxen to be
branded with the letters C. A. I mean to purchase the
teams. If they cannot be purchased, you may hire them
at the most reasonable rates.
In great haste, 1 am yours, attached,
Thos. MIFFLIN, Jun.
forces will move accordingly, it being a principal object to
prevent their outflanking us. On Friday one of their
advanced parties, near East-Chester, fell in with part of
Colonel Glover's brigade, and a smart and close skirmish
ensued, in which I have the pleasure to inform you our men
behaved with great coolness and intrepidity, and drove the
enemy back to their main body.
I have the honour to be, in haste, with great esteem,
sir, your most obedient servant,
ROB'T H. HARRISON.
Saratoga, October 16, 1776, six o'clock afternoon.
DEAR SIR : Enclosed you have copies of letters from
Generals Gates and Arnold, announcing the total destruc-
tion of our fleet on Lake Cham/plain. I shall write to every
State nearest me to march up their Militia to support our
army, as the enemy will doubtless very soon attack it, and
do every thing in my power to prevent their penetrating
into the country, should our army be obliged to give way,
which I have good hopes will not be the case.
I am, dear sir, your Excellency's most obedient servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To General Washington.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read, October 21, 1776.]
King's Bridge, October 20, 1776, half-after one o'clock, p. m.
SIR: I have it in command from his Excellency to trans-
mit to you the enclosed copies of despatches which just now
came to hand, and which contain intelligence of the most
interesting and important nature respecting our affairs in the
Northern department. His Excellency would have wrote
himself, but was going to our several posts when the express
arrived.
The enemy are pursuing with great industry their plan
of penetrating the country from the Sound, and of forming
a line in our rear. They are now extended from Frog's
Point to New-Rochelle, from whence, it is generally con-
jectured, they mean to take their route by way of the
White-Plains, and from thence to draw a line to the North
River. We on our part have drawn our whole force,
except the regiments intended to garrison Fort Washington,
from the Island of New- York, and have possessed ourselves
of the heights, passes, and advantageous grounds between
New-Rochelle, where the van of their army now lies, and the
North River. They will, in all probability, attempt to
effect their purpose by moving higher up ; if they do, our
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 72
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL THUMBULL.
Head-Quarters, King's Bridge, October 20, 1776.
SIR : This is designed to inform you of our alarming sit-
uation on account of the state of our provisions. From the
last intelligence I have been able to obtain, there are not
more than fifteen hundred barrels of flour here and at our
posts on the Island of New- York, (including three hundred
that came from the Jerseys last night,) and about two hun-
dred barrels of pork ; nor do I learn that there are many,
or but very few, live cattle collected at any place within the
neighbourhood. As the passage across the North River is
precarious, and much, if not entirely, in the enemy's power,
but little or no dependence should be had in supplies from
that quarter. I must therefore request and entreat your
every possible exertion to have large quantities of provisions
carried to the interiour parts of the country with the utmost
expedition, out of the reach of the enemy, who are trying
to penetrate from the Sound, and to form a line in our rear,
from whence proper supplies may be immediately drawn
for the subsistence of our troops. If this is not done, I fear,
I am certain that the fatal consequences attending on mu-
tiny and plunder must ensue; indeed, the latter will be
authorized by necessity. I cannot undertake to point out
the particular places where stock should be drove to ; but it
is absolutely necessary that large quantities should be kept
in our rear, to be killed or moved, as occasion may require.
If the enemy advance from the Sound, so must we. They
must never be allowed, if it is possible to avoid it, to get
above us, and possess themselves of the upper country. As
soon as 1 heard that they had landed at Frog's Point, and
that they had digested a plan of getting into our rear, I gave
orders that the provisions and other stores should be removed
from Norwalk, &.C., into the country, to the White-Plains,
as the first and most convenient stage: whether they have,
I have no certain information. In short, sir, I beg that you
will have supplies immediately in our rear, to be drawn or
moved back, as circumstances may be, or the most fatal
and alarming consequences to this army and the liberties of
America may, and will in all probability, follow. You
must not stop on account of expense, nor to collect large
quantities before they are sent off. Ten in a drove will
be of material consequence. I have ordered a respectable
force for the protection of the provisions now at the Plains.
1 am> &c< . Go. WASHINGTON.
To Colonel Jos. Trumbull, Commissary-General Provisions.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Head-Quarters, King's Bridge, October 20, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I am to acknowledge the receipt of your two
favours of the 16th and 17th, and Mr. McKesson 's of the
14th. We have been so much upon the move for some
days past, that I had it not in my power to sit down to
write before. To be obliged to follow an enemy whose
route is a secret to us, is not a little distressing, especially as
1139
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1140
we have not wagons sufficient to transport our baggage and
provision. The latter must be particularly attended to, or
the army must perish. Upon a survey of our stores, we
find we are not so fully stocked as we could wish. Flour is
what is most likely to be wanted. His Excellency therefore
calls upon your Convention in the most pressing manner,
and begs you will set every engine at work to send down
every barrel you can procure towards the army, always
ordering the persons who conduct the wagons to inquire
how far, and upon what roads, the enemy are advanced,
lest they fall into their hands.
All the cattle that can be collected you will please to
have drove down, using the same precautions when they
come near the advanced posts. The General has given
orders for the removal of all our magazines from the Sound ;
but the enemy have such an advantage by the command of
the water, that possibly some may be intercepted ; it there-
fore behooves us to double our diligence in procuring sup-
plies from every quarter that remains open. The Commis-
sary-General is sent for from the eastward ; his presence
will be of great service ; but, in the mean time, great
dependence must be put upon the exertions of all our
friends in your quarter.
The Quartermaster-General has sent up agents who will
give directions concerning the brig and sloop at the Fish-
kill Upper Landing. And the General desires that Mr.
Philipse would not send down the powder from his mill, but
keep it in some secure place till further orders. This is in
answer to Mr. McKesson' s letter of the 14th. Our hurry
will excuse my not writing to him particularly.
1 enclose you a letter from Colonel Denny, by which it
appears that he is vigilant in watching the motions of the
men-of-war; but the General will, notwithstanding, give
him a hint of what you say.
The enemy's van is at New-Rochelle ; we continue to
outflank them, and hope will succeed. We have had one
little skirmish, in which our troops behaved amazingly well.
Arnold has certainly been worsted on the lake, but it is
no wonder, considering the difference of strength ; but the
wonder is, that we should have been so misinformed as to
the naval force of the enemy. I am afraid our scouts make
the news they bring home.
You cannot expect the regular information I have hereto-
fore given you ; but remember no news is good news. You
shajl always have any thing remarkably good or bad : it is
no time to stand upon trifling matters.
I am, dear sir, sincerely yours,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
The powder had got to the bridge last Saturday week ;
two tons at the mill.
To William Duer, Esq.
COURTS-MARTIAL.
At a Brigade Court-Martial, ordered by Brigadier-Gen-
eral McDougall, for the trial of Deserters and offences not
capital :
Lieutenant-Colonel Ware, President.
Members :
Captain Hull, Lieutenant Strong,
Captain Pelton, Lieutenant Grant,
Captain Gunby, Lieutenant Sanford,
Lieutenant Hues, Lieutenant Gaither,
Lieutenant Jackson, Lieutenant Neale,
Lieutenant Roxburg, Ensign Livingston.
Ensign Fairly, of the late Colonel McDougall's regi-
ment, brought before the Court, and accused of "taking the
fatigue-men off the fatigue, contrary to general orders.
The prisoner, being arraigned on the above complaint,
pleads and confesses that he marched the fatigue-men off
contrary to general orders, but that it was the next morning
after the orders were issued, and he had not heard them ;
and that he was under the command of Lieutenant Kidd,
and it was by his order that the men marched off.
Evidence Adjutant Vanhook informs the Court that he
did not that evening read the orders to the regiment, as
they came very late. The next morning, lie says, he men-
tioned the orders to the men, but does not know that Ensign
Fairly was present ; and that the Orderly-Sergeant of that
company has not an orderly-book, and the officers no paper
to furnish their Sergeants with.
The Court, being cleared, are of opinion that Ensign
Fitirly's justification is sufficient, and acquit him of the
charge alleged against him.
Lieutenant Kidd, of late Smallwooa"s regiment, brought
before the Court, and accused of taking the fatigue-men off
fatigue, contrary to general orders. The prisoner, being
arraigned on the above complaint, pleads guilty, but says
he was not acquainted with the orders.
Lieutenant Cole, Engineer, deposeth : As soon as Lieu-
tenant Kidd had marched his men to the fort, he drew an
order for the rum, and paraded them to march home. I
then ordered him to go to work with his men, and told him
'twas contrary to general orders to go home to breakfast,
and if he did go home he would report him. He informs
that he had occasion to be absent about fifteen minutes, and
when he returned Lieutenant Kidd had his party paraded,
and marched them off, and did not return till after eleven
o'clock, and before twelve he marched off to return his tools.
Captain Woolford deposeth : That he was that day on
fatigue, and saw Lieutenant Kidd marching off to return his
tools ; that he immediately went and ordered him back ; he
answered that it rained, and his men should not work. The
Captain then says that he informed him the rain was very
trifling, and, as he was under his command, he should
return; with which he complied. That at one o'clock the
Captain dismissed the party for dinner, and Lieutenant Kidd
did not return in the afternoon.
Lieutenant Kidd pleads that he was sick, and unable to
go in the afternoon.
The Court, being cleared, are of opinion that the prisoner
ought to be dismissed from the service for his offence.
FRAS. WARE, President.
At a Brigade Court-Martial, ordered by Brigadier-Gen-
eral McDougall:
Lieutenant-Colonel Ware, President.
Members:
Captain Hull, Lieutenant Roxburg,
Captain Pelton, Lieutenant Grant,
Captain Gunby, Lieutenant Sanjord,
Lieutenant Hues, Lieutenant Gaither,
Lieutenant Strong, Lieutenant Neale,
Lieutenant Jackson, Ensign Livingston.
Captain Cornelius Hardenbergh, of Colonel Ritzema's
regiment, under an arrest, brought before the Court, and
charged by Lieutenant Lownsbury with defrauding his
men. The prisoner, being arraigned on the above com-
plaints, pleads " Not Guilty."
Lieutenant Lownsbury. on oath, deposeth : That about
the 22d of April, when Captain Hardenbergh was paying
off his men in Kingstown, I informed him that he did not
pay them the whole of their subsistence and wages. He
informed me he would rectify it after he came to New- York.
After the company came to New-York, I repeatedly desired
him to settle with the men for what he had not paid them.
The Captain informed me that he would not do it. I
informed him I must report him ; he answered that I might
do it as soon as I pleased. I was present when John Freer
applied to the Captain for what was due when he was paid
at Kingstown; the Captain answered him that he would not
pay him, and he might get it if he could.
Lieutenant Newkerk on oath deposeth : That at Kings-
town, Daniel Mowers, a soldier in said company, applied
for his wages. Lieutenant Lnwnborough being present,
told him he would not receive any unless he received the
whole. The Captain replied, he had paid all the men in
that way, and if there was any mistake he would rectify it
when he came to New-York. After the company came to
New-York, he was repeatedly applied to, to settle those
accounts ; but he never has settled them, and I heard him
at one time absolutely refuse. I was present when John
Freer demanded, at New-York, what was due at Kings-
town. The Captain answered, that he would not pay him,
and he might get it as he could. He further informs, that
Lieutenant Lownsbury had advanced money to some ol the
soldiers; and, after the Captain drew the money for tliu
men, he refused to pay the orders.
The Court, being cleared, are of opinion that, by the
evidence, and by comparing his pay abstracts with the
receipts taken from his men, from the date of their inlist-
1141
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1142
ment to the 10th of April, that he has defrauded his men
of a considerable sum, and are of opinion that he shall be
cashiered, and deemed unfit for an officer ; and that his
crime, place of abode, and punishment, be published in the
newspapers in and about the camp, and the Colony from
which the offender came, as expressed in tjie second and
fourth additional articles of war.
FRANS. WARE, President.
ELISHA AVERY TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
GENTLEMEN: The immediate necessity there is for flour
to supply the forces of the United States in the Northern
department at this critical juncture, they being in danger
of being soon attacked by the enemy, and not being sup-
plied but for a short time, and a reinforcement daily going
to their assistance, which will greatly add to the consump-
tion of that article, together with the present scarcity in this
city, induces me to request your interposition and aid in
procuring a supply for the above purpose. Being informed
that the greatest part of the flour upon both sides of Hud-
son's river is purchased up by contractors, by order of
your honourable body, by which means the persons I have
sent out on that business, have not been able to procure but
a small quantity. I must therefore entreat you to take the
matter into consideration, and grant me such assistance as
is in your power and the exigency of the case requires, and
must humbly request that you will order two thousand
barrels flour sent up to this place as soon as possible ; other-
wise the army will be cut short, and perhaps the conse-
quences will be fatal.
I am, with due submission, your Honours' most obedient
and most humble servant,
ELISHA AVERY, Deputy Commissary-General.
To the honourable Convention of the State of New-
York.
Albany Committee Chamber, October 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We join in the Commissary's request, and
beg you will send forward with all despatch, if not the
whole quantity, as much as can be spared for this depart-
ment. By order:
JOHN BARCLAY, Chairman pro tern.
To the Convention of the State of New-York.
GENERAL WILKINSON TO GENERAL ST. CLAIR.
Albany, October 20, 1776.
I should think myself inexcusable, my dear General, for
not writing you earlier, if I did not render a sufficient
apology for my conduct, by assuring you that such has been
the severity of my disease since I left Ty, that I have not
been able to govern my fingers till within these few days.
I have been here three weeks, during two of which I had a
fever tacked to me, which prostrated me without intermis-
sion. It is at last, however, subdued, and has left me a
pretty good appetite ; but as I recover very slowly here, I
purpose moving out of town to Kenter-Hook, a situation
from which I am promised great things. The Lord grant
it may soon enable me to join you.
General Washington has in person lately dislodged a
considerable number of the enemy, who had landed on a
place called t'rogg Point; further particulars have not yet
reached town. Lee is commanding the lines during his
absence. It is said the General has brought six thousand
Southern troops with him, though it is mere report.
The vessels which have passed the chevaux-de-frise are
two forty-gun ships, and a number of tenders. They vary
their station, though for the most part, they remain in
Toppon sea or bay. They have picked up several Albany
sloops, and greatly harass the rest.
If I get well soon, I shall bring up such things as will
help to render the winter comfortable, but if my disorder is
spun out to any length, my cash will be exhausted.
L am, my dear General, with respect and affection, your
ready friend and servant, „,
JAMES WILKINSON.
Pray write me. Mr. Avery, if you'll address to his care,
will see the letter conveyed to me with safety. J. W.
COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 20, 1776.
SIR: Having been appointed by Congress as a Com-
mittee to examine into and transact certain matters relative
to the army in the Northern department, and having spent
several days with General Schuylcr, at Albany and this
place, in execution of part of our commission, we were
about to proceed to Ticonderoga; but being informed by
the General of the great probability of our army being now
attacked by the enemy, or that such an event might be
hourly expected, we have concluded to wait here until we
shall have the pleasure of hearing from you. If the enemy
have not yet made their attack, and you think it probable
that we may be able to reach Ticonderoga, and have an
opportunity of conversing with you and the other principal
officers of your army, and to inspect into its present state
before that event may happen, we shall immediately, upon
being advised by you, proceed on our journey.
With great respect, we are, sir, your most obedient and
very humble servants, „ , ,,,
KICK D STOCKTON,
GEO. CLYMER.
To General Gates.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 20, 1776.
t DEAR GENERAL: A Committee from the Convention of
this State are just arrived here, and have brought me sundry
resolutions of Congress, of which enclose you a copy.
They are so well calculated to encourage the soldiers to
reinlist that I send this by express to you. I am in hopes
that when the soldiers know that they are to have the
clothing gratis, besides the bounty of twenty dollars by the
former resolution, that they will not hesitate to continue in
the service of their country. You will therefore please to
publish them. I am very anxious to hear from you.
The Militia are coming up, and as they will be in a very
disagreeable situation for want of shelter, the sooner they
can be discharged the better. If, therefore, there should
happily prove no occasion to detain them, you will advise
me thereof, and send express through Skenesborough to
those from the Massachusetts, &,c.
I am, dear General, with every friendly wish, your obe-
dient, humble servant,
To Hon. General Gates.
PH. SCHUYLER.
COLONEL WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES.
Skeenesborough, October 20, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I received yours of the 17th instant,
and according to your orders have sent Mr. Langdon and
Richard Ludlow, the latter of which is Major Skene's
overseer, together with Robert Gordon, William llutton,
Andrew Stevenson, Benonia Pendock, and George Boyle,
to Litchfield, (the last five, inhabitants of this place,) and
all convicted before the Committee of being enemies to the
common cause.
I have sent you nine bushels and three pecks of corn ;
as for oats, the inhabitants have none thrashed. New corn,
I can buy enough in the ear. They say they have no time
to shell it. If the General pleases to have such, a line is
sufficient, and I will do my endeavour.
According to your orders I send you a stallion and two
mares of Major Skeene's, which is all that is broke. There
is several breeding mares, and colts, and some young horses.
They say all their riding horses was stole last fall. There
has been a great number of riding horses on the ground, but
they are all horses that was left here by the New-England
officers.
The small vessel is loaded with boards; and expect ten
batteaus down with boards this day, and shall forward them
to-morrow. Our Commissary has left us before I came to
this place, and has gone to Albany and has not as yet
returned, so that we are very bad off for want of a Com-
missary.
I am, dear General, yours,
CORN'S WYNKOOP.
P. S. Candlewick is an article that is immediately
wanted at this place.
M43
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1144
GENERAL WILLIAM MAXWELL TO GOVERNOUR LIVINGSTON.
Ticonderoga, October 20, 1776.
SIR: I heartily congratulate you on the honourable pro-
motion you have had, viz: to be the first Governour of the
free Slate of New- Jersey. As it is a plant you have had a
great share in raising and pruning, I wish you sincerely
a long and happy enjoyment of the fruits of your labour.
I will try to give you some account of our affairs here
at present, in a private way. You must have heard that a
few days ago we had a fine fleet and tolerably good army,
but General Arnold, our evil genius to the north, has, with
a good deal of industry, got us clear of all our fine fleet,
only five of the most indifferent of them, one row-galley
excepted ; and he has managed his point so well with the
old man, the General, that he has got his thanks for his good
services. Our fleet, by all impartial accounts, was much
the strongest; but he suffered himself to be surrounded
between an island and the main land, where the enemy
landed their men on both places, and annoyed our men from
both places more than from their vessels ; but still our peo-
ple repelled them with ease the first afternoon. In the
night he gave orders to every vessel to make the best of
their way, by which they became an easy prey, beat by
one, twos, and threes, and ran them on shore, or destroyed
them all ; but one row-galley fell into their hands. This
was a pretty piece of admiralship, after going to their doors
almost, and bantering them for two months or more, con-
trary to the opinion of all the army. Had we our fleet
here, we would give ourselves but little concern about the
enemy.
If they do come and attack us, as is generally thought,
we have no more opinion of his abilities by land than water.
I am something of opinion they will not come, but be con-
tented for this time, as they have done more than they had
any reason to expect.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
WM. MAXWELL.
can be purchased for the army on the Northern depart-
ment. And relying, gentlemen, upon your publick patriot-
ism to serve your country, 1 make not the least doubt that
you will comply with this request. And as to your pay, I
will furnish you from time to time with the Continental cur-
rency, as fast as my present hurry of business will permit;
and beg you svill forward me your answer immediately, how
much you will be able to supply me with, and in what
time, so that I may be able to satisfy the Commander-in-
Chief at this place with this very important business.
And you will greatly oblige, gentlemen, with respect,
your most humble servant, JAMFS
3. TRUMBULL TO THE COMMITTEE AT BENNINGTON.
Ticonderoga, Head-Quarters, October 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The late success of the enemies of Ameri-
can liberty on this lake, renders it probable, I might say
certain, that this post will very soon be attacked. In that
case, as the enemy may perhaps attempt a blockade rather
than an immediate attack on our lines, a large supply of
provisions will be absolutely necessary. You are therefore
requested, gentlemen, to lend all the assistance in your
power in forwarding provisions of every kind from Ben-
nington to this place, by way of Skeensborough.
The badness of the road may render it necessary to send
flour, &c., &z,c., on pack-horses, in bags. If no other method
is practicable, make use of that. Regard not the expense.
Mr. Yancey, Deputy Commissary-General, has the general
orders to pay every necessary expense and charge that
may arise.
I am, gentlemen, by the General's order, your very
obedient servant, T m
J. 1HUMBULL,
Deputy Adjutant-General.
To the gentlemen of the Committee of Safety for the town
of Bennington.
JAMES YANCEY TO THE COMMITTEE AT BENNINGTON.
Tyconderoga, October 20, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: This is to inform you that in consequence
of a number of disaffected persons in and about Albany to
the common safety of this Continent, there is a great danger
of the too long delay of the contracted provisions for this
army, from that place, and in particular the article of flour,
and that we have not more than will answer for bread
for the army present than about sixteen days ; and as the
advances of the enemy may be but slow, and in order for
a blockade, and to cut off all communication to this place,
all which makes it of the utmost consequence that we have
an immediate supply; and as I am appointed and empow-
ered to act and contract for every necessary provision for
this department, by the Commissary-General, Joseph Trum-
bull, Esq., I thought it of the highest importance to make
this pressing application that you would contract and imme-
diately forward to Skeensborough landing, all the flour that
To the Chairman of the Committee of Safety and Corres-
pondence, at Bmnington.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED OCTO-
BER 20, 1776.
The enemy are in possession of Crown-Point, and we
expect they may fancy this ground in a day or two. They
must pay a great price for it, however, as we value it highly.
Fourteen boats, or birch canoes, with Indians, were just
now seen by our guard-boats, five miles from this. We
expect an attack every moment; whenever it comes, it will
be furious, and the defence obstinate, cruelly obstinate.
COLONEL BREWER TO GENERAL GATES.
Ty Mills, October 20, two o'clock, P. M., 1776.
HONOURED SIR: Lieutenant Stone, with my servant, has
just this minute returned ; has been gone three days ; gives
the following account: that he has been in view of the
enemy all day yesterday; that the enemy are in great
motion for moving some way or other; that he went so
near last night that they discovered him, and a large scout
was sent out after him. That he took the woods, and that
he came across the tracks of several parties this day ; that
the enemy appear to be fortifying on the east side of Crown
Point. That the Indians and Canadians are very nume-
rous; but cannot ascertain the number. Also, that the
Indians drove off a number of our cattle. That there were
men with shoes that met the Indians, who took them away ;
and that he supposes that there is a number of the inhab-
itants here that are assisting in getting our cattle to the
Indians, &tc. He will wait upon your Honour as soon as
he has refreshed himself.
I am, sir, yours, &c., SAMUEL BREWER.
To the Hon. General Gales.
AN ORATION DELIVERED AT THE HEAD OF COLONELS MOTT S
AND SWIFT'S REGIMENTS, WHEN UNDER ARMS, EXPECTINU
THE APPROACH OF THE ENEMY HOURLY, AT MOUNT INDE-
PENDENCE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER THE 20TH, 1776; BY THE
HEV. MR. TENENT, CHAPLAIN.
"Be ye not afraid of them: Remember the Lord which is great and
terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters,
your wives and your houses." — .\iiitmiuh, iv. 14.
No exhortation can be more applicable and pertinent for
us, my dear countrymen and fellow-soldiers, at this .time
and under our circumstances, than this, which was delivered
by good Nehemiah to the Jews, when their proud, their
haughty, and oppressive enemies were coming upon them,
for their destruction.
When danger approaches, it is natural for man to be
afraid, and our fears generally increase in proportion to our
dangers; and sometimes, by indulging the former, we are
rendered incapable of escaping the evil which impends. It
is therefore necessary to keep a guard upon this passion,
lest in its excess it should prove ruinous. This is neces-
sary, in an especial manner, for the soldier. " Be not ye
afraid of them" is the voice of Heaven, the voice of your
bleeding country, the voice of the church, and the voice of
all who are dear to you, with respect to the approach-
ing foe. The hour is expected, when, with the blessing
of Heaven, you will have it in your power to do the
most signal, important, and lasting service to your native
land. She asks, she entreats, she calls, with a solemn,
but pathetick tone, yea, she demands, your service, your
most vigorous exertions, to save her from ruin. Let her
not be disappointed; but as she hath honoured you with
1145
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1146
martial attire for her defence, do her honour, do yourselves
honour, by using the weapons of your warfare with that
heroism, firmness, and magnanimity which the cause re-
quires. When our enemy approaches, be ye not afraid of
them ; let not your spirits sink, but rather rejoice that you
have an opportunity to contribute your whole might for the
deliverance of your country from the disturbers of the com-
mon peace, and robbers of the rights of mankind. I mean
not that you should entertain a contemptible idea of the
strength of your enemy. They will no doubt corne strong,
prepared to the battle, and will fight valiantly. But they
fight in an unrighteous cause; they are armed to deprive
us of our liberty and property; they are armed to ruin our
families, to murder both them and us, or reduce us to- the
most abject slavery. And will not you, gentlemen, under
these circumstances, fight valiantly too? Shall your cour-
age be less than theirs, when your all is at stake? Con-
sider they are made of the same materials with yourselves.
Though transported from foreign climes, they are flesh and
blood. They are but men, who are subject to the like
hopes and fears with yourselves; and a ball well directed
will humble them as quick as any, even the feeblest, of you.
Be not ye, therefore, afraid of them, for they are not invin-
cible. Be not afraid of them, because they are engaged in
a wicked and unrighteous cause, which the righteous Lord
abhorreth. Be not afraid of them, though their numbers
should be superiour to yours, because you are possessed of
advantages which they have not: you have the ground and
all the works you have made on it. Be not afraid of them,
because the want of courage will prove your ruin. There
is nothing but victory or an honourable death before you.
There is no retreat for you ; and if you are taken prisoners,
no doubt you would soon be discharged, as our friends who
were lately captivated were, with their baggage and a few
days' provision, but with this additional and horrid circum-
stance, that before you are two miles from this encamp-
ment, you will be overtaken, in your disarmed condition,
by savages, Canadians, and Hessians, who will at once
plunder and sacrifice your lives with barbarity which cannot
be described. General Carleton's late conduct was only
designed to deceive: his affected clemency is to be dreaded.
Expect not mercy from an enemy who are fighting in sup-
port of tyranny : it cannot, it will not be shown any longer
than it is for their interest. The scheme of this cunning
man is evidently this: he supposed that you would con-
clude, from what was past, that if you were compelled to a
hot engagement, that you would rather submit, expecting
the same lenity which your captive friends have had, than
fight as the sons of freedom ought to fight. Let the fox be
catched in his own trap. Believe him to be your bitter
enemy, and, according to Scripture language, reward your
enemies, and your country's enemies, even as they have
rewarded you, and render double to them. Be not afraid
of them. Remember the Lord, which is great and terrible.
Call to remembrance His almighty name. Let the strepgth
of Israel be your trust. Implore His aid and assistance.
Under His banner go forth to battle. In His name and
strength meet the approaching foe, determined to conquer
or gloriously die. Remember His name, which is great
and terrible — sufficiently great and terrible to vanquish your
enemies, and cause them to flee before you ; and fight for
your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives
and your houses. Do the work of the Lord faithfully.
Play the men for your kindred and for your estates, which
are in jeopardy. So shall those of you who may fall in
battle be immortalized for your valour ; your names shall
be had in grateful remembrance by America's latest poster-
ity ; and those of you whose lives shall be spared in the
bloody conflict, shall return with great joy to your friends,
and be received with the high honour of conquerors and
deliverers of this oppressed land. Your officers, I doubt
'not, will set your example; a'nd I hope you will all be
engaged to support the honour of New-England, and of the
State, in a particular manner, which has employed you.
Your wives and children, your aged parents, your brethren
and sisters, look to you, under God, for salvation. The
peace of all our frontier inhabitants depends upon your suc-
cess. You have the prayers of thousands for victory ; and
be assured, if you are victorious, the enemy will, from hence
forward, cease to expect a submission from these United
States. If you are victorious, tlie virgins of our land and
all your dear connexions will hail you welcome upon your
return, with high applause and great joy ; yea, Zion herself
will be glad.
May the- Lord inspire you all with that magnanimity
which makes the great and successful soldiers ! May He
cover your heads- in the day of battle, and crown our arms
with victory ! and the glory shall be given to Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost ; world without end. Amen !
COLONEL WARNER TO GENERAL GATES.
Castleton, October 20, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: On receiving informa-
tion of the defeat of our fleet, I made application to the
officers of each regiment on the Grants, and they have
called for volunteers, but have not gave orders for the
which, .until the reception of your orders last night; since
which Colonel Brownson hath sent back an express to
Major Rose, to raise rest of his regiment, to join Colonel
Mead at Otter Creek ; for Colonel Mead's broken handful
of men will not answer your purpose at that post. The
volunteers lie is a-coming on with to Fort Independent as
soon as they arrive at this place, as a part are already col-
lected. I have sent your orders, by an express, to Colonel
Robinson, who commands the lower regiment. I make no
doubt he will be on.
Should be glad of further orders^ by the bearer, though
we shall come on as soon as the men are come together.
We expect a part of the lower regiment every moment, and
shall proceed as soon as possible.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient
and very humble servant, c ,,,
OETH WARNER.
To Major-General Gates.
COLONEL BELLOWS TO GENERAL GATES.
To His Excellency General GATES :
SIR: As we have no particular express and various
rumours in respect of your situation, and being ready, with
all my interest and influence, for your assistance, I send by
tlie bearer, Mr. Amos Babcock, for particular instructions
and advice, on whose instructions you may depend.
From your humble servant, at command,
BENJAMIN BELLOWS, Jr.,
Colonel of the I6lh Regiment of Militia, in the
State of NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
To General Gates, at Ticonderoga.
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Boston, October 20, 1776.
SIR : The Council took the earliest opportunity to lay
before the House of Representatives your Honour's letter
requesting the loan or purchase of a quantity of sulphur, in
behalf of the State of Connecticut; in consequence of
which they passed a resolve, which is now completed, that
your State should be furnished on loan one ton of that
article, to be replaced as soon as conveniently may be.
As it was apprehended the carriage by water from Dart-
mouth to Norwich would be the easiest way in which you
could send for it, the enclosed order from our Commissary
on Lemuel Williams, Esq., at Dartmouth, written under
the said resolve, waits on you for that purpose.
With great esteem, I am, in the name of the Council of
the State of Massachusetts-Bay, your Honour's most obe-
dient, humble servant, ^^ BowDQIN) PfesidenL
To Hon. Jonth. Trumbull, Esq., Governour of Connecticut.
Wrote under the resolve before mentioned, viz :
LEMUEL WILLIAMS, Esq. — SIR: Deliver to the order of
the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governour of Connec-
ticut, one ton of sulphur, taking a receipt therefor on this
paper, as above directed, and sending the same to me.
RICHARD DEVENS, Commissary-General.
PLIARNE, PSNET & CO. TO THE NEW-YORK. CONVENTION.
Nantes, October 21, 1T76.
GENTLEMEN: Although we have not the pleasure of
your acquaintance, we nevertheless shall take the liberty to
1147
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1148
assure of our respects and make our offers of service to you
in Europe ; and for your assurance of what we have the
honour of offering, will refer you to the honourable Conti-
nental Congress and Secret Committee of Philadelphia, to
whom our names are well known, and with whom we
passed a contract in February last for the furnishing of
ammunition and other necessary articles in your present
situation. And further, you may inform yourselves of Gov-
ernour Cooke, at Providence, and Messrs. Nicholas &f John
Brown, of the same place; for which last we have de-
spatched two vessels since the establishment of our house
in this place. .
We hope after your informations concerning us, be it
from the Congress or the Generals of the army, and in par-
ticular from Doctor Franklin, that you will be satisfied in
order to put confidence enough in us to consign all vessels
you send for this port to our house. And we flatt'er our-
selves to find the best sale possible for your merchandise,
and send in return what goods you will think proper to
order, if they are to be had in France.
We are able to furnish you at demand with cannon and
gunpowder, saltpetre, sulphur, lead, iron and brass cannons
of all sizes, muskets such as we have sent the Congress,
being of the last mode for the Infantry of France, proved,
well finished and perfectioned, with double bride locks.
We have muskets of all proof, from twelve to twenty-
two livres per piece, with bayonets and steel ramrods, and
bores suitable for ball of fourteen or sixteen to the pound.
All the muskets are uniform, of the same size and same
model. We have also handsome and good gun-locks,
which are well finished and conditioned.
We have the honour of observing that there is only our
house able to furnish you with the foregoing articles, and
that we shall take upon us the risk and dangers of putting
them on board, and to let your vessels go out of our port
freely. Them are powers that we are (rusted with, and
which we have in hands. Not any other in France shall
be able to give you the like advantages and furnish you
with such ammunition, which we receive directly from the
manufactories of the King.
We are able to furnish you also with all kinds of broad-
cloths for clothing of soldiers. We have sent a quantity to
Messrs. Brown, of Providence. We have them of all
colours, good quality, and well assorted, for the price of five,
six and seven livres per ell; but the following colours of the
same quality will be somewhat higher: such as scarlet,
Prussian blue, yellow, and green. And further we are able
to furnish you with such cloths as will be desired; likewise
with all kinds of blankets, from three, four, five, six and
seven livres per piece; also linens for shirting the troops,
from thirty to fifty sous per ell. We shall be able, gen-
tlemen, to furnish in general with every kind of merchan-
dise of the first quality, and at the most reasonable rates ;
and you may assure yourselves that we shall despatch
immediately every vessel you shall think proper to address
us, whether the cargo is sold or not.
We have established our house in this place, thinking it
the safest and most convenient port in France for the Ame-
rican trade, and we have entered in partnership with one
of the richest and first houses for business in Nantes ; the
name is J. Gruel, merchant, upon Isle Feydean. There-
fore, in addressing your vessels to that house, by giving us
immediate notice, will be the same as if addressed directly
to us, making but one and the same house for all the trade
we have with North America.
In case you should send a vessel to Bordeaux, we take
the liberty of recommending to you the house of Messrs.
Reculc de Bamarain 8f Ramifaaux, being one of the most
principal houses there, and who we think will do your
business better than any other can do.
We have in our house, and at the head of our affairs that
we transact with North America, Mr. Wilt, a young man
from Philadelphia, who holds our correspondence in Eng-
lish. Therefore, if you should have any affairs particular
or secret to transact or negotiate, you may be assured of
the order and discretion that reigns in our house.
We have the honour to be, in the mean time, with our
most sincere respects, gentlemen, your most obedient and
most humble servants, PLIARNE, PKNKT fc Co.
To the respectable Members of the Secret Committee of the
Province of New- York.
CAPTAIN DEAMS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL, OF SAFETY.
Baltimore County, October 21, 1776.
WORTHY GENTLEMEN : Since my being last with your
Honours I take this opportunity to say that I have used
the greatest exertion in purchasing guns, and can get but
thirty. As for blankets, have got but few. I have sent
my Lieutenant where I informed you of some to be sold,
but he has not returned ; therefore think it impossible to
equip the company to march in the limited time, fkc.
Therefore inform me by express how I shall proceed to
inlist, as the chief of my officers and some officers particular
is willing to join during war. Therefore inform me what
to give, and how they shall be clothed, &.C., and whether
to find themselves, or the Province ; how much bounty they
shall receive, and those who never yet inlisted, as my com-
pany is allowed by several Field officers that have inspected
them to surpass almost any in the County ; and am, gentle-
men, your most humble servant,
FREDERICK DEAMS, Captain.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
NICHOLAS MACCUBBIN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
October 21, 1776.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN: The engagement I have
entered into with your Honours 1 would gladly expedite as
fast as possible, for which purpose I have supplied myself
with a sufficient quantity of leather, but workmen are very
scarce.
I have applied to Lieutenant Brown, of the Artillery,
who tells me that several shoemakers may be spared to
work upon this emergency, but is desirous to have your
Honour's permission, for which I make bold to apply to
your Honours for your approbation, that I may complete
the work before the time limited, and be ready, in case of
necessity, to obey your further orders.
Am, with great respect, your obedient and obliged, humble
servant> NICK'S MACCUBBIN.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM
BINGHAM.
Philadelphia, October 21, 1776.
SIR: We send you herewith a copy of what we wrote
you the 2lst ultimo, and the 1st of this month, per the
sloop Independence, Captain Young, and hope some of the
articles that were to be forwarded to your island, or St.
Eustatia, by Mons. Hortalez, have arrived ; in that case
you will apply for, receive, and ship them, by those oppor-
tunities of our Continental cruisers which are sent for that
purpose, and also to bring back such woollen goods as can
be procured, agreeable to the orders of the Secret Com-
mittee.
You'll observe this goes by the schooner Sachem, Captain
Robinson, to Martinico. A copy of it we send by the
armed brigantine Andrew Doria, Captain Isaiah Robison,
to St. Eustatia, where he values on Mr. Samuel Carson,
merchant. And if you have made application to the Gov-
ernour there, in consequence of our former letter, you must
renew it now, and give orders for some of the articles to be
remitted by the Andrew Doria, or the vessel that is to sail
under her convoy ; and we think you had best send us by
every good conveyance, both from St. Eustatia and Mar-
tinico, a part of those supplies.
We are, sir, your obedient servants.
To William Bingham, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO AUGUSTUS LAWRENCE AND SAMUEL
TUDOR.
Philadelphia, October 21, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 7th instant, advising
that the ships Congress and Montgomery were then nearly
ready for launching, was received. You'll observe the
above names are now to be given to those ships.
We are, at this distance, at a loss to direct their destina-
tion; The Marine Committee have therefore wrote to the
Convention for the State of New-York, now at the Fish-
kills, requesting that they would give you proper directions
1149
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1150
relative to the launching and otherwise disposing of those
ships, with their stores, so as to preserve them in the best
manner you can from being destroyed.
You are therefore to correspond with the said Convention
for that purpose.
Your humble servants, FRA. LEWIS.
PHIL. LIVINGSTON.
To Messrs. Augustine Lawrence and Samuel Tudor.
FRANCIS LEWIS TO CAPTAIN HODGE.
Philadelphia, October 21, 1776.
SIR: I have received your letter of the 13th instant. In
answer thereto relative to the ship Montgomery, we have
lately wrote to the Convention for the State of New- York,
leaving it to them to give directions in what manner to dis-
pose of the ships at Poughkeepsie. They are now convened
at the Fishkilh. If they should find it practicable to get
those ships out this year, Congress are disposed to have
them fitted and manned with all expedition; but in this you
must consult the Convention and superintendents. If there
should be a probability of getting the ships out, you should
furnish us with a list of such officers as yourself, with the
gentlemen of the Convention, shall recommend.
You may apply to the Treasurer, Mr. Denning, or
draw upon me here, for what money you may be in want
of for your present supplies, on account of your sloop
freight.
I am, sir, your very humble servant, FRA. LEWIS.
To Captain John Hodge.
JACOB HAMPER TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENT.
Philadelphia, October 21, 1776.
HONOURABLE SIR: Excuse my boldness for writing to
you. What made me write to your Honour was that I
had a letter from the Hon. Philip Livingston, Esq., to you,
concerning assisting in getting me in our army. I was on
my journey to deliver you the letter myself, but I was taken
very ill, that obliges me to return. There is a young gen-
tleman who will deliver the letter from the above-named
gentleman, if your Honour will be so kind as to send a
few lines by the post to rne concerning the matter. And
in the meanwhile I remain your very humble servant,
JACOB BAMPER.
To the Committee of Arrangement.
MEETING IN THE STATE-HOUSE VARD, PHILADELPHIA.
Philadelphia, October 22, 1776.
At a meeting of a large and respectable number of the
citizens of Philadelphia, in the State-House yard last night
and this morning, Colonel John Bayard in the chair, the
following Resolutions were agreed to by a great majority,
and affectionately recommended to their fellow-citizens in
every part of the State of Pennsylvania.
Resolved, 1. That the late Convention was called for the
express purpose of forming a new Government in this State,
on the authority of the people only, with power also to
appoint Delegates in Congress, and a Council of Safety.
2. That the said Convention assumed and exercised
powers with which they were not entrusted by the people.
3. That in the Constitution formed by the said Conven-
tion, the Christian religion is not treated with the proper
respect.
4. That the said Constitution unnecessarily deviates from
all resemblance to the former Government of this State, to
which the people have been accustomed.
5. That it is the sense of this meeting that the people
did not desire such strange innovations, but only that the
kingly, parliamentary, and proprietary powers should be
totally abolished, and such alterations made as would thereby
be rendered necessary, so that a well-formed Government
might be established, solely on the authority of the people.
6. That the said Constitution differs not only unneces-
sarily from that to which the people have been accustomed,
but in many important articles from every Government that
has lately been established in America on the authority of
the people — from the sentiments of the honourable the
Continental Congress respecting government — and from
those of the most distinguished authors who have deliber-
ately considered that subject.*
7. That several regulations essential to the welfare of the
community are omitted in the said Constitution.!
8. That the several regulations improper to be taken
notice of therein, are mentioned in the said Constitution.^
9. That the said Constitution is confused, inconsistent,
and dangerous. ||
* The said constitution differs from others lately formed in these
particulars: 1st. It establishes only a single Legislative body. 2dly. It
renders the Judicial dependent on that single Legislative body, who
may remove any Judge from his office without trial, for any thing they
please to call " misbehaviour. 3dly. It renders the Executive dependent
on that single Legislative body ; by whom alone the Executive officers
are to be paid for their services ; and by whom, from the great dispro-
portion between the numbers of the Assembly and Council, the President
and Vice President must always be annually chosen ; besides that,
every officer, Executive, or Judicial, may be impeached by the Assem-
bly, before six of the Council thus dependent on the Assembly, and be
tried and condemned. 4thly. It erects no Court of Appeals, more neces-
sary here than in some other States, as our Supreme Court may try
causes in the first instance, and finally determine them, so that there 'us
no mode settled for correcting their errours.
The said constitution differs from the sentiments of the honourable
Congress, in rendering every Judge in the State entirely dependent on
the single Legislative body; for in the first petition to the King of
Great Britain, the Congress in enumerating "grievances," say "the
Judges of courts of common law have been made entirely dependent on
one part of the Legislature for their salaries as well as the duration of
their commissions." Again: the said constitution differs from the
sentiments of the honourable Congress, in not having "separated and
distributed powers into different hands for checks, one upon another ;"
for in their address to the inhabitants of Canada, mentioning govern-
ment, and the detestable frame established for that Province by a late sta-
tute, they say " the several powers being separated and distributed into
different hands for checks, one upon another, is the only effectual mode
ever invented by the wit of men, to promote their freedom and pros-
perity." But here is no " distribution of power into different hands,
that one may check another." Ou the contrary, the Executive and
Judicial powers are made unduly dependent on a single Legislative
body, the Assembly : so that, in truth, the Legislative, Executive, and
Judicial powers, may be said to be united in one body — the Assembly,
though there is a semblance, on a slight view, of their being separated.
Indeed, the resemblance between the said constitution and the artful
but destructive one established by the statute before mentioned , is so
great that the following words of the Congress suit the one as well as
the other, only changing the word "Minister " for the word "Assem-
bly." " Here is, indeed, an appearance of the several powers being
separated," &c., as before. But examine the specious devices, and you
will find it, to use an expression of Holy Writ, "a whited sepulchre."
The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial powers are all moved by the
nods of a Minister.
If any reasonable man could possibly entertain a doubt concerning
the meaning of Congress in using the words before quoted, that mean-
ing will be clearly explained by the several constitutions lately formed on
this Continent with the advice and assistance of those very gentlemen
in their respective States, who, as members of Congress, used the before-
quoted words, and must have known their own meaning.
How widely the said constitution differs from the sentiments of the
most distinguished writers on the subject of Government, will appear
by the following quotations from two authors of so high a reputation
among civilized nations, that it is needless to add any other.
The Baron De Montesquieu, " whose name (the Congress declare) all
Europe reveres," says : "The political liberty of the subject is a tran-
Luillity of mind arising from the opinion each person has of his safety.
n order to have this liberty, it is requisite the Government be so con-
stituted as one man need not be afraid of another. When the Legisla-
tive and Executive powers are united in the same person, or in the
same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty ; because apprehen-
sions may arise lest the same Monarch or Senate should enact tyran-
nical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner. Again : there if
no liberty, if the power ofiudging be not separated from the Legislative
and Executive powers. There would be an end of every thing, were
the same men, or the same body, whether of the nobles or the people, to
exercise those three powers, that of enacting laws, that of executing
the publick resolutions, and that of judging the crimes or differences of
individuals." The learned Baron then proceeds with a long and much-
admired chapter on the English constitution, wherein he greatly com-
mends its distribution of Legislative power into several branches, &c.,
which cannot be inserted in the compass of these notes.
Mr. Mdison, the strenuous and undaunted advocate for virtue, piety,
liberty, and just government, even in a corrupt age, (and though con-
versant in courts,) says : " If there be but one body of legislators, it is
no better than a tyranny ; if there are only two, there will want n
casting voice, and one of them must at length be swallowed up by
disputes and contention that would necessarily arise between tnem.
Four would have the same inconveniences as two, and a greater number
would cause too much confusion."
fist. Not establishing a Court of Appeals. 2dly. Not ascertaining the
number of Judges in the Common Pleas and Orphans' Courts, whether
the same persons are to be Judges in both courts and in the sessions,
as usual heretofore, or whether the powers are to be separated ; if to be
separated, who is to do it, as the power of a future Legislature is, by
the twenty-sixth section of the frame, expressly confined to " other
courts; if not to be separated, whether any other Judges are to be
added to the Justices of the Peace chosen by the people ; and by whom
to be added. 3dly. Not determining what qualifications as to property,
shall enable a man to be chosen a member of Assembly, and thereby
become one of the sovereigns of Pennsylvania. 4thly. Not providing
what laws shall be in force within this State, &c., &c., &c., &c.
J Relating to — 1st, insolvent debtors — 2dly, fishing, fowling, and
hunting — 3dly, entails, &c., (fee., &c.
The late Convention ordered, that "the future Legislature of this
State shall regulate entails in such a manner as to prevent perpetuities,"
when it is notorious that " entails wore regulated in such a mnnner as
to prevent perpetuities," long before the meeting of the late Conven-
tion .
II See the note with this t mark. In one part, a trial by Jury is estab-
I',
1151
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1716.
1152
10. That the said Constitution ought to be altered and
amended.
1 1 . That no mode is settled by the said Constitution for
altering or amending the same, but that of a Convention to
meet more than seven years hence, if a Council of Censors
shall be chosen in the year 1783, and if two thirds of that
Council shall agree to call such a Convention to meet
within two years afterwards.
12. That the late Convention, on the 5th day of Sep-
tember last, in the afternoon, as appears from the minutes of
their proceedings, ordered four hundred copies of the pro-
posed plan of Government to be printed and published
" for consideration ;" and on the 16th day of the same
month, proceeded on the confirmation thereof, making only
immaterial alterations.
13. That therefore the late Convention did not allow
time to the people of this State to take into their considera-
tion the proposed frame of Government.
14. That the late Convention did not know that the said
frame of Government would be agreeable to the people.
15. That therefore the conduct of the late Convention
in establishing the Constitution aforesaid absolutely for more
than seven years, and not settling some mode for making
alterations and amendments within that period, if they
should be judged expedient, without overturning the Gov-
ernment, was a high violation of the rights of the freemen
of this State.
16. That the conduct of the late Convention, in pre-
scribing oaths and affirmations, to be taken for the support
of a Constitution unprecedented on this Continent, not to
be altered or amended for more than seven years, however
exceptionable or dangerous it might prove, and which the
people have had no experience of, nor have been allowed
time to take into their consideration, was a high violation of
the rights of the freemen of this State.
17. That it is the sense of this meeting that the people
are generally and greatly dissatisfied with the said Consti-
tution.
18. That it is the sense of this meeting that the late
increase of the number and insolence of Tories and persons
disaffected to the independence of this State, and the feeble-
ness of its publick measures, are greatly owing to that
general dissatisfaction.
19. That more dangerous consequences may be expected,
unless the unhappy causes of such dissatisfaction can be
removed, by procuring proper alterations and amendments
to be made in the said Constitution.
20. That such alterations and amendments are immedi-
ately and absolutely necessary for promoting the happiness
of Pennsylvania, and advancing the welfare of our great
American cause, and cannot with safety to the publick be
deferred.
21. That for the attainment of these salutary purposes,
the freemen of the several Counties in this State be instantly
and most cordially invited to accede to the foregoing reso-
lutions, and to agree to and concur in executing the follow-
ing.
22. That at the election to be held on the 5th day of
November next, the electors ought not to take the oath or
affirmation required by the ordinance of the late Convention,
dated on the 26th day of September last.
23. That the inspectors and judges of the said election
ought not to take the oath or affirmation recited in the
ordinance aforesaid.
24. That every inspertor and judge ought to take the
oath or affirmation prescribed by an act of Assembly of the
late Government of Pennsylvania, made in the year of our
Lord 1766, and entitled " an act directing the choice of
inspectors, and for holding the general elections in this Pro-
vince."
25. That the members of Assembly, to be chosen at the
said elections, ought not to take the oath or affirmation, or
to make or subscribe the Declaration mentioned in the tenth
section of the frame of Government formed by the late
Convention.
26. That when two-thirds of the members elected have
lished in all cases without exception ; in another part, persons may be
tried and condemned by six of" the Council. The Council of Censors
may pass publick censures without any trial, which censures may be
worse than death. The Council of Censors and the Convention to be
c;il]ril by them are to be vested with powers that will occasion con-
vulsions in the State, &c., &c., &c., <tc.
met and chosen their Speaker, before they proceed to busi-
ness, each member ought to make and subscribe the follow-
ing declaration: " 1, [mentioning his name,] profess faith
in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his eternal Son, and
in the Holy Spirit, one God blessed for evermore. And I
do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments to be given by Divine inspiration." And to take
this oath or affirmation: " I, as a member of this Assembly,
will not propose or assent to any act, vote, or resolution,
which shall appear to me injurious to the people ; nor do
or consent to any act or thing that shall have a tendency
to lessen or abridge their rights or privileges; but will, in
all things, conduct myself as a faithful and honest repre-
sentative and guardian of the people, according to the best
of my judgment and abilities. I do renounce and refuse
any allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Bri-
tain, his heirs, or successors, or any in authority under him
or them. And I will not, directly, or indirectly, do any
act or thing prejudicial or injurious to the independence of
Pennsylvania."
27. That the said Assembly ought to have full powers
to make such alterations and amendments in the Constitu-
tion aforesaid, as the said Assembly shall judge to be pro-
per.
28. That the said Assembly ought also to have full
power to enact such ordinances as the emergencies of pub-
lick affairs may indispensably require.
29. That after making such alterations and amendments,
and enacting such ordinances, the said Assembly ought to
publish the said alterations and amendments for the consi-
deration of the people, and then, if they shall think proper,
adjourn themselves for a convenient time, in order to collect
their sense upon such alterations and amendments, vesting
a power in the Speaker to call them together again before
the time to which they shall be adjourned, if it shall be
necessary.
30. That the carrying on the said election, without the
electors taking the oath or affirmation prescribed by the
aforesaid ordinance, of the 26th day of September, ought
to be considered and observed by the members of Assembly
chosen at such elections, as express instructions to them not
to take the oath or affirmation, or to make or subscribe the
declaration mentioned in the tenth section of the frame of
Government, to make such alterations and amendments in
the Constitution formed by the late Convention, as the said
Assembly shall judge to be proper, and to conform to the
two next preceding resolutions.
31. That no Counsellors ought to be chosen at the elec-
tion to be held on the 5th day of November next.
HEMARKS ON THE PROCEEDINGS AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE
MEETING IN THE STATE-HOUSE YARD, ON MONDAY AND
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 AND 22, 1776.
In the day of adversity, consider. — Eccles.
Philadelphia, October 30, 1776.
Had our ambitious enemies been guided either by con-
science or common prudence, they had paid some attention
to the Divine motto which heads this essay. They would
have considered, and given their fellow-citizens time to con-
sider, the inconceivable danger they are plunging them into,
by endeavouring to prejudice them against the Constitution
of their country. But, say they, there was no time to be
lost. There are some such defects in the Constitution as
render it impossible for a man of sense to bear it one hour.
I have soberly asked those gentlemen how they know
this Constitution is so very deficient? They tell me every
one says so, nobody likes it, the whole body of the people,
Whigs and Tories, exclaim against it in all parts of America.
I answer that it is no strange thing. Minorca was in a like
uproar at the trial by juries being offered to the inhabitants,
and even the virtuous and sagacious citizens of Philadel-
phia are endeavouring to render it impracticable in Admi-
ralty cases, notwithstanding it is an institution of their late
idolized Assembly. Copernicus's system convulsed the
world, and nearly cost Galileo his life. It cost him his
honour, which brave men count much dearer than life.
Consideration might have brought {\\eMinorquins to reason.
The bulk of mankind now admires Galileo. All I would
argue from this is, that the clamour which is falsely said
1153
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1154
to be universal against our frame of Government might be
nearly so, and yet the frame as perfect as human nature
could make it. Tate and Brady's psalms differ nothing
essentially from the old version, but in superiority of style
and metre, yet who is ignorant of the heats and animosities
that elegant aid to Divine worship occasioned? Had the
publick tranquillity, safety and happiness, been the single
object of their politicks, they would not have disgraced so
noble a cause with mere rout and clamour.
It is well remembered that no people were more for calm
and dispassionate measures, while the powers and increasing
profits of Government were within their reach, and they
had a prospect of estates for life in the sunshine of royal
and proprietary favour. But now alas ! their moderation has
quite deserted them, they will not be governed by leather
aprons; places, by this tyrannick, this intolerable Constitu-
tion, are rendered entirely dependent on the people, who
hate to pay much money for little service. Besides, by a
very convenient indulgence in our old mode of proceeding,
in favour of which many of us are much prejudiced, an enter-
prising man might be a Delegate in the Continental Con-
gress, a member of General Assembly, and hold nearly as
many Executive offices as he pleased. Now a Judge of
Admiralty must entirely give up the privilege of prescribing
rules for his own conduct, or relinquish his post. This
separation of Legislative and Executive power, and the
amazing precautions taken to prevent the inveteration of
power, are the really obnoxious articles in the Constitution,
and neither the Catholicism of the creed, nor strictness of
the oath of allegiance — which, by the way, is the most
rational and most unexceptionable that ever was offered to
mankind. But, alas ! we are disunited, say the honest,
unthinking people, and our wise and good men tell us that
if we do but dispense with the oath of qualification, which
must bar the gentry, whose whole souls are bent upon the
prejudice, injury, and final overthrow of our free Constitu-
tion, omit the election of a Counsellor, and instruct the
Assembly to amend the Constitution till we all like it, we
shall agree quietly.
For God's sake, gentlemen, consider a moment what you
are about! Is an oath that bars an inveterate enemy who
would enter a garrison on purpose to throw open its gates
to the besiegers, a tyrannick, cruel, and unreasonable thing ?
Did not the law, which excluded Germans resident in
Pennsylvania, for many years, and every man below the
value of fifty pounds in clear estate, bear as hard upon the
honest friends of our country as could be ? and yet this
was never complained of, but wished to be continued by
these wonderful sticklers for free election. For my own
part, I care not how free our future elections may be, pro-
vided the persons we elect be not empowered to subvert
our legal freedom when elected.
The Constitution has ever been understood to be the
charter or compact of the whole people, and the limitation
of all Legislative and Executive powers. The people at
large, by their Delegates, are the only proper makers and
amenders of such compacts, and whatever man or body of
men goes about to alter, add or take away, from a Consti-
tution thus formed, by any other means than the consent of
the community at large, is guilty of high treason against the
State, and justly liable to the punishments by law estab-
lished for the same.
Our Convention was delegated in so fair a manner, that
even from our enemies we have never heard a complaint of
the least omission of any thing requisite to render that
important body a full representative of the whole people.
They were sent to frame and establish a Constitution, with-
out any instruction to wait a moment longer than it was
finished ; the necessity of the State called for that expedi-
tion, as we too evidently find by the violent sedition already
stirred up amongst us. They perfected their work in so
masterly a manner, that the idolaters of power have sifted
it as Satan did Saint Peter, to find flaws in it to expose it
to contempt and detestation; and at last their masterly
penetration found out it must be a vile thing, because a
certain schoolmaster* had a principal hand in forming it.
If such criticks had been a little belter schooled, they would,
perhaps, have said, with Alexander the Great, that they
owed more to Aristotle for their education, than Philip for
* Mr. James Cannon, a learned, sensible, and disinterested patriot.
their descent to the heirship of a Kingdom.* I am well
informed, that in their first secret cabal, one proposed at-
tacking the Constitution on the religious quarter; a more
conscientious gentleman, as nemo repente Jit turpissimus,
objected and said he thought it abominable to bring religion
into political debates, and was, for his part, of opinion that
creeds had nothing to do in civil Constitutions, but that he
was answered the people could not be moved otherwise,
and the necessity of the case carried the question. But
here a scene opens upon us too black for description, too
base for imagination, and too detestable to escape the exe-
cration of future ages, who shall be informed that billets
were handed about to persons throughout all parts of the
city, who were judged proper subjects to work upon, care-
fully passing by those who were a little better acquainted
with proceedings of this nature, than to be expected to
swallow the artfulness which was cooked up to inflame their
passions and mislead their judgments, to the destruction of
their own, and the peace, liberty, and happiness of posterity.
It is very remarkable, that gentlemen who came to impeach
the Convention for tyranny, in imposing declarations of
our attachment to the Government, could not suppose
themselves ready to proceed on their business till they had
actually subscribed a tantamount declaration. After this
their grand conductor, or as orator Puff repeats ad nau-
seum, their leader, proposes for their consideration : " That
the late Convention was called for the express purpose of
forming a new Government in this State, on the authority
of the people only, with power also to appoint Delegates
in Congress, and a Council of Safety." As this was
a truth unquestioned by all men, it was judged a good
entering wedge for all that followed, for few besides the
Lycurgus of the Delaware State, would have conceived it
implied a conclusion that any restriction of their commission,
and consequent censure of their conduct, was implied by
that resolve. However, having got that down, the second
was proposed, viz : " That the said Convention assumed
and exercised powers with which they were not entrusted
by the people." This bold assertion might well have enti-
tled the cool, the moderate man, the friend to peace, liberty,
and lawful Government, to expect some evidence in sup-
port of so daring a charge against the majesty of the whole
people in their unquestioned representative. The Consti-
tution was demanded to be brought forth and read, and the
instances in it pointed out which could ground the allega-
tion. But all in vain ; and when the mighty introducer of
the resolutions harangued the people on the cruel designs
of their Delegates, the burden of his song rested on their
remaining at ease in Philadelphia, while he was risking his
life on the Sound of Staten-Island. He indeed said they
had exceeded their power in many things. Colonel Mat-
lack, though greatly indisposed, was fired at so wretched an
attempt to render men odious for doing what they must
have been the most criminal traitors to the Commonwealth
had they neglected. He read over a list of the extra arti-
cles they had acted upon, and at the end of each asked the
people, was that wrong, cruel, or oppressive? They
answered in the negative, or were silent, to all. The pre-
mier orator then said, the gentlemen on the other side might
spare themselves the labour of vindicating those articles, as
he had no reference to any thing without the Constitution.
On this Dr. Y" g observed, that he should feel for the
present Assembly in a too sensible manner, if they should
be induced to resolve that the most important body that
ever convened on the affairs of this State exceeded their
powers in the instance wherein they had no limitation.
Noise, clamour, and vague declamation, ended the debate
on the second resolution, and the question being put, was
decided in the affirmative.
After so clear a demonstration of popular infatuation, the
last-mentioned gentleman spoke but little more, and did not
appear on the next morning, to which the meeting was
adjourned.
On the fourth article : " That the said Constitution un-
necessarily deviates from all resemblance to the former
Government of this State, to which the people have been
•They quite forget Dr. Franklin, and David Rittenhouse, A. M., were
in Convention, "fis true they remember Colonel Matlack, but only to
inform the true proprietors of dominion (the rich) that the fellow is an
upstart and does not keep a chariot.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
73
1155
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1156
accustomed," Messrs. M k and
-n observed, that
in a Government founded on charters from two Sovereigns,
it was hard to find many articles which could serve as
copies for sections of a Constitution framed on the authority
of the people only. And that too many members of the
Convention had a most just and inveterate abhorrence to
that wretched jumble of regal and proprietary domination,
to wish to rake into it for any materials they needed.
However, the people who composed that meeting passed
the resolution, as they did every one that was read to them,
without the least alteration.
At the Tuesday meeting, understanding that the absur-
dity of swearing to support a Government that " should be
made" by an Assembly they should instruct for the pur-
pose, was too glaring, they expunged that article, and did
not put it to vote-
The large and respectable meeting, of between two and
three hundred persons convened for the patriotick purpose
of overthrowing the Constitution, then resolved that their
judicious resolutions should be affectionately recommended
to their fellow-citizens in every part of the State of Penn-
sylvania, and some persons were accordingly despatched
with them.
How clear these ambassadors will steer of " Kingly" and
"Proprietary" votaries in their present tour, is not quite
evident to persons who observe a wonderful softness of dis-
position lately where there was heretofore the most pro-
found contempt on one side, and as hearty resentment on
the other.
Nothing less than dementition, or a total inattention to
the probable consequences of so dangerous a measure, could
ever have led a number of honest and worthy men to
patronize so pernicious an experiment. Could they consi-
der a moment the behaviour of our common enemies on the
occasion, they could not fail to draw instruction from it.
They know well the consequences of suffering the Legisla-
ture to amend constitutions. They have seen the effects of
it in the several changes of the condition of the people in
Europe. A little reading would inform us that the slavery
and misery of every State that ever lost its liberty, was the
consequence of people's negligence in this very point. A
point of more importance than all the words in my power
will ever be able to communicate.
To conclude, fellow-citizens, be advised by a person who
can have no interest in deceiving you, to hold fast your
Constitution as the sure hope of your political salvation.
'Tis time enough to have it amended when experience and
cool reflection on all the arguments that can be offered for
and against it can ripen your judgments for so weighty an
affair. At present you are sensible the opposers of your
free Government have mightily and very rudely troubled
the waters, and if you do not find they aim to fish advan-
tages to themselves out of the publick disquiet, never again
give credit to CONSIDERATION.
LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec-
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart,
the 21st October, 1776 :
Present, Edward Shippen, William Atlee, Lodwick
Lowman, William Bowsman, Adam Reigart, Casper Shaff-
ner, Michael Musser, Henry Dehujf, John Miller, George
Moore, Abraham Dehuff. William Atlee in the chair.
An express from Philadelphia arrived, with a Letter
from Colonel George Ross, accompanied with the Resolves
of a number of the respectable inhabitants of Philadelphia,
respecting the proceedings of the late Convention, directed
to the Committee of this County. And as matters con-
tained in the said resolves are of great importance to this
State, it is
Resolved and Ordered, That the Chairman do sum-
mons the members of the County Committee to meet at
the Court-House in Lancaster, on Friday, the 25th instant,
at ten o'clock in the morning, to take the matter therein
contained into consideration, and determine thereon as shall
be thought proper; that a number of the said Resolutions be
immediately printed in the English and German languages ;
and that expresses be sent off to-morrow morning, or sooner
if they can be sooner printed, to summon the members of
Committee of the different Townships to attend as afore-
said ; and that a printed copy be sent to each Township,
that the members may know the design of their being
called together.
Mr. William Paine, manager for Colonel Curtis Grubb,
at his Furnace, representing, by direction of his said em-
ployer, that he hath cast a number of Cannons^ by order of
the honourable the Congress, which have been proved and
are fit for service ; that the said Cannon are wanted at
Philadelphia, to be put on board the frigates fitting out by
order of Congress, and that he cannot procure wagons to
take them down without the assistance of the Committee:
It is
Resolved, That the Chairman, by warrant under his
hands, give orders to the Constable of Lebanon Township
and the Townships adjacent, immediately to impress a num-
ber of Wagons and Horses sufficient to carry those Cannon
to Philadelphia; and that, in impressing such Wagons and
Horses, they have respect to such persons who, by being in
actual service, have been obliged to neglect their farms, and
take them from among such as have had the advantage of
altuiding their farms in the absence of the Associators who
havl gone into actual service.
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation and In-
spection at Lancaster, the 22d October, 1776:
Present, William Atlee, Lodwick Lowman, Edward
Shippen, Henry Dehujf, Christopher Crawford, John Mil-
ler, Adam Reigart, Jacob Krug. William Atlee in the
chair.
Jacob Rees, tent, in £1,000, ) To the State of Penn-
Abraham Kendig, tent, in £500, 5 sylvania, for the good
behaviour of the said Jacob Rees to all the subjects and
inhabitants of the said State, particularly to Thomas Smith,
his family and estate. Acknowledged in Committee on
22d October, 1776.
Thomas McDonnaiigh, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment,
is permitted to go to York, to attend Lieutenant Thompson
there.
Joseph Peters, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted to
go to Carlisle, to attend on Lieutenant Despard there, in the
room of Robert Miller, his late servant, who is returned.
In Committee, October 22, 1776.
Letters to the different Committees of the different
Townships sent as follows, via:
To the members of Upper Paxton, sent by Mr. William
Brown.
To the members of Paxton, delivered to Mr. William
Brown, one of the members.
Brown, who engages to deliver them to Mr. Jameson, one
To the members of Mountjoy, sent by Mr. William
of the members.
To the members of Bart, delivered to Andrew Work,
one of the members.
To the members of Conestogo, sent by Abraham Ken-
dig, who engages to deliver it to Abraham Newcomer.
To the members of Hannover, sent by Mr. William
Brown, who engages to deliver it to John Rogers, one of
the members.
To the members of Londonderry, sent by Mr. William
Brown, who engages to deliver it to Jacob Cook, one of
the members.
To the members of Derry, sent by Mr. William Brown,
who engages to deliver it to William Laird, one of the
members.
To the members of Colerain, sent by Joseph Miller, who
engages to deliver it to Richard Ferree, one of the mem-
bers.
To the members of Little Britain, sent by Joseph Mil-
ler, who engages to forward it to William Gillcreant to-mor-
row morning.
To the members of Lancaster Township, delivered to
Mr. A. Graff, one of the members.
To the members of Manheim Township, delivered to
Mr. S. Graff, one of the members.
To the members of Lampiter, sent by Mr. A. Graff,
who engages to deliver it to Mr. Witmer, one of the mem-
bers.
To the members of Martick, sent by Thomas Clark,
who engages to deliver it to Mr. William Clark, one of the
members, to-morrow morning.
1157
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1158
To the members of Drumore, sent by Thomas Clark,
who engages to deliver it to Mr. John Smily, one of the
members, to-morrow morning.
To all the other Townships, sent by express.
At a meeting of the Committee for the County of Lan-
caster, at the Court-House, on Friday, the 25th October,
1776. Present:
For the Borough of Lancaster — William Bovvsman,
Lodwick Lowman, Jacob Krug, Adam Reigart.
For Lancaster Township — Mathias Slough, Andrew-
Graff.
For Hempfield Township — Robert Spear.
For Manheim Township — Sebastian Graff.
For Mannor Township —
For Conestogo Township — William Atee.
For Martiek Township — John McMullen.
For Druinmore Township — William Mclntire, John
Smiley.
For Leacock Township — James Crawford.
For Strasburgh Township —
For Lampiter Township — John Witrner, Jun.
For Salisbury Township — Isaac McCammont, Archi-
bald Henderson.
For Warwick Township — Jacob Erb.
For Elizabeth Township —
For Cocolico Township —
For Earl Township —
For Caernarvon Township — David Jenkins, Henry
Weaver.
For Brecknock Township —
For Heidelberg Township —
For Bethel Township —
For Hannover Township — William Cathcart.
For Paxtang Township — William Brown, John Harris.
For Derry Township — William Laird, Daniel Elliot.
For Londonderry Township — Jacob Cook.
For Donnegal Township — Alexander Lowery, Bartram
Galbreath.
For Mountjoy Township — John Jameson.
For Rapho Township— James Patterson, Jacob Haldi-
man, Joseph Little.
For Colerain Township — Gabriel Morrison, Richard
Ferree, Daniel McConnel.
For Little Brittiah Township — Isaac Irwin, William Gay,
Jun.
For Bart Township — John Shannon.
For Upper Paxtang Township —
William Atlee was unanimously chosen Chairman.
On motion that the Constitution of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, as established by the late General Con-
vention, be read, it passed in the affirmative ; and the same
was read accordingly by the Chairman.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o'clock.
Saturday, October 26, 1776.
Present: Lancaster — Lodwick Lowman, Jacob Krug,
Casper Shaffnejr, Adam Reigart, John Miller.
Lancaster Township — Andrew Graff, Mathias Slough.
Hempjield — Robert Spear.
Manheim — Sebastian Graff.
Mannor — Jacob Rubley.
Conestogo — William Atlee, Michael Haverstick.
Martiek — John McMullen.
Dromore — William Mclntire, John Smiley.
Leacock — James Crawford.
Strasburgh — John Breckbill, Eberhart Gruber.
Lampiter — John Witmer, Jun.
Salisbury — Isaac McCammont, Archibald Henderson.
Warwick — Jacob Erb.
Elisabeth — George Hoyle.
Cocolico —
Earl—
Carnavon — David Jenkins, Henry Weaver.
Brecknock —
Heidleberg —
Lebanon — John Light.
Bethel — Casper Kore.
Hanover — William Cathcart.
Paxtang — William Brown, John Harris.
Derry — William Laird, Daniel Elliot.
Londonderry — Jacob Cook.
Donegal — Alexander Lowery, Bartram Galbreath.
Mountjoy — John Jamison.
Rapho — James Patterson, Jacob Haldiman, Joseph Lit-
tle.
Colerainc — Gabriel Morrison, Richard Ferree.
Little Brittian — Samuel Scott, Francis Armstrong, Wil-
liam Gillereat.
Sadsbury — Isaac Irwin, William Gay, Jun.
Bart — Andrew Work, Jun., John Shannon.
Upper Paxtang —
William Atlee in the chair.
Ordered, That Mr. Slough pay to Gabriel Morrison,
Daniel McConnel and Richard Ferree, reasonable carriage
lor bringing the Blankets collected by them for the Pro-
vincial troops to Lancaster, and that he pay to Francis
Armstrong and William Gillereat reasonable carriage for
bringing the Blankets, collected by them for the Provincial
troops, to Lancaster.
Ordered, That Mr. Slough pay to such other members
of jthis Committee, as have collected Blankets for the pub-
lick use, reasonable carriage for bringing them to Lancaster;
and Mr. Lowman, Mr. Bowsman, and Mr. Shaffner, or any
two of them, are appointed to consider and settle the sums
to be paid to the persons who shall apply for carriage as
aforesaid.
Captain John McKenzie, a prisoner of war on his parole,
produced a paper signed by Richard Peters, Secretary at
War, mentioning that he hath permission to reside in Done-
gal Township, in this County.
New-York, October 21, 1776.
On Monday last, the Perseus, Captain Elphinson, with
eleven sail of transports, haring on board troops and provi-
sions, arrived in port, after a passage of eleven weeks from
Portsmouth. The Perseus took two privateers and a tra-
ding vessel with a valuable cargo off the coast, and brought
them safe into port.
On Friday sixty-five sail of vessels, under convoy of the
Diamond and Ambuscade, with the second division of the
Hessians and one thousand Waldeckers, under the command
of the General Knyphausen and Schmidtz, and a number of
recruits for the British troops, in all about eight thousand
effective men, arrived off Sandy-Hook. They sailed from
Plymouth Sound the 27th of July. In the fleet are several
victuallers, and vessels laden with draught horses for the train
and baggage of the army. In the Diamond arrived the
Earl of Winchelsea and the Hon. Mr. Finch, son to the
Earl of Aylesford.
It is remarkable that not one of so great a convoy is
missing ; and the troops are in exceeding good health and
spirits. The men-of-war brought in some prizes.
When the ships left England, a report of the death of
General Conway prevailed at Portsmouth.
TO THE EDITOB OF THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST.
Trenton, November 4, 1776.
SIR : Accidentally meeting with the enclosed newspaper,
I could but admire at the pains which the enemies to the
free States of America are taking, in order to reestablish the
old constitution of New- York ; an attempt, which, I con-
ceive, ought to be made publick, in order that the people
at large might determine on what conduct they would show
to such as dared to break so important a link in the chain
of union ; and, as I cannot but view this breach or attempt
of the utmost importance to the peace and well-being of
every State, I make no doubt you will give a place in your
useful paper to that publication under the New-York head
of October 21, by which you will oblige your humble ser-
vant, A FRIEND TO AMERICAN FREEDOM.
New- York, October 21, 1776.
In consequence of the advertisement in our last, request-
ing his Majesty's loyal subjects, inhabitants of the City and
County of New-York, to meet at the City-Hall on Wed-
nesday, the 16th instant, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, a
very large concourse of people attended at the place and
time appointed. The members of his Majesty's Council,
1159
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1160
the Judges, and all the other well-affected citizens who were
not driven away by the hand of violence, or sent prisoners
to other Provinces, were present; when a decent and
respectful address to Lord Howe and General Howe, the
King's Commissioners for restoring peace to America, was
read, representing the firm attachment of the inhabitants
to our rightful and gracious Sovereign George the Third,
and their sense of the constitutional supremacy of Great
Britain over these Colonies ; lamenting the interruption of
that harmony which formerly subsisted between them, and
praying that this City and County might be restored to his
Majesty's peace and protection. The address was unani-
mously approved and adopted, and it was agreed that the
inhabitants should all sign it. But the number assembled
being too great to sign at that time, two respectable citizens
were appointed to attend at a publick house adjoining the
City-Hall, from ten o'clock, A. M., to two o'clock, P. M.,
every day, to take subscriptions till all had signed. As this
measure was the first step that was necessary to be taken
on our part towards effecting a reconciliation with Great
Britain, joy was lighted up in every countenance on the
prospect of returning peace and union with the parent State.
The populace expressed the feelings of their hearts by loud
acclamations and shouts of applause.
After this an affectionate address to his Excellency Wil-
liam Tryon, Esq., our worthy Governour, was read, "re-
questing him to present the above address to the Commis-
sioners, and otherwise to exert himself that the prayer of it
might be granted." This address was also unanimously
approved and agreed to, and the Hon. Mr. Chief-Justice
Horsmanden was desired to sign and deliver it to his Excel-
lency, in behalf of the inhabitants.
The well-known humanity of the Commissioners, and the
tender regard they have manifested for the welfare of Ame-
rica, in their several Declarations, afford the most flattering
hopes that the address to them will be productive of the
desired effect ; and it is most devoutly to be wished that the
Continent may follow the example of this city, that the
Americans in general may avail themselves of his Majesty's
clemency and paternal goodness in offering to restore them
to his royal protection and peace. Those who continue
deaf to such benevolence, and thereby prolong the present
destructive and unnatural rebellion, will be utterly inexcu-
s"able in the sight of God and man. Their obstinacy must
be detested by the wise and virtuous; the inevitable ruin
attending it will be unpitied by all, and posterity will exe-
crate their memories.
PETITION AND REPRESENTATION OF QUEEN S COUNTY, IN
NEW-YORK.
To the Right Honourable RICHARD, Lord Viscount HOWE,
of the Kingdom of IRELAND, and to His Excellency the
Hon. WILLIAM HOWE, Esquire, General of his Majes-
ty's Forces in AMERICA, the King's Commissioners for
restoring peace to his Majesty's Colonies in NORTH-
AMERICA.
The humble Representation and Petition of the Freeholders
and Inhabitants of QUEEN'S County, on the Island of
NASSAU, in the Province of NEW-YORK:
Your Excellencies having, by your Declaration of July
last, opened to us the pleasing prospect of returning peace
and security, long banished by the many calamities sur-
rounding us, we entertained the most sanguine expectations
that the Colonies would at length have submitted to their
duty, and acknowledged the constitutional authority they
had so wantonly opposed.
When we compared the dismal situation of the country,
suffering under all the evils attending the most convulsive
state, with the mild and happy government it had before
experienced, we saw no ground for hesitation ; from happi-
ness we had fallen into misery, from freedom to oppression !
We severely felt the change and lamented our condition.
Unfortunately for us, these hopes were blasted by the infat-
uated conduct of the Congress. Your Excellencies, never-
theless, having been pleased by a subsequent Declaration
again to hold up the most benevolent offers, and to repeat
his Majesty's gracious intentions towards the obedient:
Permit us. his Majesty's loyal and well-affected subjects,
the freeholders and inhabitants of Queen's County, humbly
to represent to your Excellencies that we bear true alle-
giance to his Majesty George the Third, and are sincerely
attached to his sacred person, crown, and dignity ; that we
consider the union of these Colonies with the parent State
essential to their well being ; and our earnest desire is that
the constitutional authority of Great Britain over them may
be preserved to the latest ages.
And we humbly pray that your Excellencies would be
pleased to declare this County at the peace of his Majesty,
and thereby enable us to receive the benefits flowing from
his most gracious protection.
Queen's County, October 21, 1776.
John Morrell, Lorance Fish, John Carle,
Thomas Hullet, George Smith, Michael Rogers,
Charles Willet, Jo's Birdsall, Samuel Titus,
George Nostrand, Nuthan Skidmore, John Rodman,
Enoch Martin, Israel Seaman, Jacob Suydam,
Jonathan Rowland, Jacob Jackson, Peter Alburtus,
John Embree, Samuel Carman , Benjamin Field,
Benjamin Arisson, Joshua Tettil, George Hicks,
Abraham Lawrence, John Mclntosh, Oliver Waters,
Hallet Wright, John Hewlett, William Burns,
Jos. Wright, Stephen Wood, Oliver Talman,
Philip Field, George Watts, John Searing,
John Fowler, Isaac Denton, William Waters,
Thomas Blockley, Richard Green, Hendrick Eldert,
JohnMarston, Joseph Bedel, William Talman,
Oliver Thorne, Jona. Valentine, Thomas Fowler,
William Lowere, Christian Snedeker, Jacob Griffin,
William Arisson, William Langdon, John Van Liew,
Gilbert Field, James Searing, Robert Morrell,
Jos. Haviland, Jr., William Pearsall, Caleb Valentine,
William Reid, Joseph Cadles, Nehemiah Coe,
Elbert Hoogland, James Cornwall, Geo. Rapalje, Jr.,
D. Roe, constable, Ephraim Ludlow, James Morrell,
Joseph Grifl'en, Cornel Smith, Ab'm J. Rapalje,
John Smith, William Langdon, Stephen Moore,
Samuel Smith, Amos Smith, John Rapalje,
Samuel Fish, Richard Mott, Bern's Rapalje,
Francis Marston, Cornelius Bogert, Jesse Fish,
Thomas Bennen, Tunis Covert, Dan'l Norstrandt,
Benj. Farrington, Jacob Mott, Jr., Chris 'r Remsen,
Tho's Woodward, John Sands, Alex'r McMullen,
Leonard Lawrence, Micajah Townsend, Richard Gardiner,
Matthew Redett, Joseph Hegeman, William Steed,
Baltus Van Kleeck, Jesse Weekes, Silas Lawrence,
Theophilus Wright, Samuel Weekes, Nicholas Wickoff,
Gilbert C. Willet, Jos. Thorney Craft, Jacobus Collier,
Isaac Underbill, Timothy Townsend, Abraham Probasco,
Edward Willet, Jotham Townsend, Thomas Youngs,
Peter Underbill, W. Townsend, Charles Hicks,
G. Von Wicklen, James Craft, Peter H. Waters,
Daniel Young, Charles Thorn, Ezekiel Roe,
William Butler, Thomas Kipp, John Morrell,
Jacob Weeks, Jr., John Weekes, William Prince,
Zebulon Wright, Dan'l Rapalje, Sr., James Field,
Simeon Walters, Jacobus Ricker, Samuel Thorne,
Joseph Latham, Abraham Berrien, Christopher Robert,
Samuel Burr, Garret Luyster, Jacob Suydam,
Henry Dickenson, Benjamin Field, Benj. Thorne, Jr.,
March McEwen, John Lawrence, Joseph Thorne,
Darius Allen, Ab'm Polhemus, Samuel Smith, Jr.,
Israel Oakley, Nathaniel Hunt, Win. Lawrence, Jr.,
Thomas Smith, Jr., Ab'm Brinckerhoff, David Fowler,
Isaac Carpenter, John Leverich, Daniel Clement,
Richard Weeks, Rem P. Remsen, John Monfort,
Robert Wilson, John Burroughs, Daniel Hitchcock,
Zebulon Doty, Jacob Palmer, Pepperel Bloodgood,
Dan'lHendnckson, John Gorsline, Caleb Lawrence,
John Bennett, Robert T. Collins, John Thorne,
Jeromus Leister, John Parsall, Thomas Foster,
Refine Weeks, Jacob Bennet, James Areson,
Ab'm Van Wyck, Abraham Divine, Darby Doyel,
Benjamin Cheshire, Jores Brinckerhoff, IssacharPolock,
James Voorhies, Peter Smith, Jr., Benjamin Thorne,
Cornelius Suydam, Plat Smith, V. Hicks,
Charles Justus, Waters Lambertson, John Talman,
Gabriel Cock, Nath'l Woodruff, Stephen Lawrence,
Solomon Wooden, Daniel Ludlam, Somerset Lawrence,
John Remsen, Simeon Lugrin, Robert Lawrence,
Isaac Keen, Nathaniel Higbee, Samuel Wright,
John Williams, Nathaniel Smith, Oliver Cornell,
Abraham Snedeker, Richard Roads, Joseph Beesley,
Richard Jackson, John Losee, Henry Lowere,
George Bayley, J. Van Nostrandt, Richard Loudon,
Thomas Jackson, Peter Smith, Sr., Daniel Townsend,
Nichol. Van Cott, John Remsen, Jacob Van Wicklen,
Abraham Allen, Thomas Wiggins, Francis Conihane,
Daniel Allen, Michael Flowers, David Chadoyne,
Hen'k Hardenberg, Samuel Thorne, William Walters,
Barnt Snedeker, Gilbert Cornell, Anthony Wright,
John Ue Vedito, Edward Hicks, Ab'm Remsen,
Garret Wortman, Thomas Hicks, Joseph Carpenter,
D. V. Nostrand, Jr., John Mitchell, Jr., Joseph Cooper,
Richard Hewlett, Obadiah Corn well, Thomas Cheshire,
Benajah Bedle, Cornelius Connvell, Daniel Weekes, Jr.,
Francis Davenport, Augustine Mitchell, Francis Blackburn,
Michael Demott, Samuel Hutchings, Robert Allen,
Elias Burtis, John Burtis, Zophar Hawkins,
Edward Allison, John Woolley, Jacob Smith,
Charles Cornwell, William Milbourn, Robert Colwell,
Samuel Jackson, George Rapalje, John Carpenter,
John Legross, Henry Hauxhurst, Corn's Hoogland,
Rich'd Gildersleeve, Benjamin Hicks, John Remsen,
William Gritman, Newb'y Davenport, Abraham Weekes,
John Hall, Joseph Kissam, Nathaniel Weekes,
Thomas Williams, David Allen, Tunis Hoogland,
Thomas Jackson , Thomas Lewis, Peter Liester,
1161
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1162
W. Braambos, Martin Schenck, Jr., Jacob Duryee,
Jacob Weekes, Peter Monfort, Garret Monfort,
A. Van Nostrandt, John Clement, George Duryee,
Peter Liester, Jr., Henry Stocker, Edmund Lindsay,
Farnan's Suydam, John Woolley, Jr., Absalom Wooden,
Jacob Dillingham, AndriesHegeman, John Butler, Jr.,
Daniel Dodge, Thomas Smith, Josias Latten ,
John Weekes, Daniel Ireland, Amaziah Wheeler,
William Cheshire, W.Smith,CowNeck,Jo. Wortman,
Daniel Latten, John Cornwall, Joshua Hammond,
John Carpenter, Samuel Alline, Melanthon Thome,
Joseph Cooper, Jr., John Toffe, Abraham Seaman,
Isaac Whipps, Benjamin Smith, Samuel Townsend,
Michael Weekes, George Hallet, Penn Cock,
Samuel Robbins, James Lewis, Daniel Vanvelred,
Simeon Hauxhurst, W. Willis, John Allen,
Townsend Weekes, Mordecai Willis, Robert Jackson,
Thomas Place, Jos. Skidmore, Sr., Barnt Snedeker,
Jacobus Suydam, Lewis Davenport, Isaac Robbins,
Rem Hardenberg, James Langdon, Jeromus Bennet, Sr.,
George Weekes, A. Van Nostrandt, G. Noorstrandt, Jr.,
Daniel Weekes, A. Van Noorstrandt, Benjamin Lester,
Edmond Weekes, Daniel Rapalje, Richard Langdon,
J. Van Noorstrandt, Rulef Duryee, James Smith,
W. Snedeker, Obadiah Mills, Luke Cummins,
S. Clowes, Jeremiah Remsen, Benjamin Dorlon,
W. Pool, Robert Doughty, Henry Miller,
S. H. Davenport, Jo's Lawrence, C. Van Noorstrandt,
W. Hewlett, Simon Simonson, John Birdsall,
Ambrose Seaman, Amos Mills, Increase Pettit,
Jona. Gildersleeve, Teunis Covert, Jr., J. Van Noorstrandt,
Benjamin Smith, R., John Voorhies, Thomas Fetherbe,
Isaac Jackson, Stephen Lott, Daniel Smith, Jr.,
John Dorian, Derrick Bergen, Samuel Birdsall,
Thomas Tredwell, Isaac Pettit, Sa. Jackson, the 3d,
Jonathan Cornelius, James Marr, Stephen Galas,
Joseph Smith, Jonathan Furman, Samuel Spragg,
Silas Smith, Samuel Tredwell, John Verety,
John Fetherbe, Robert Dixon, Abraham Baldin,
Benjamin Barker, Charles Cornell, Amos Powell,
W.Ferribe, Nathaniel Wright, Micah Williams,
Noah Seamors, Samuel Wright, John Smith,
Richard Jackson, Domini's Van Dine, Stephen Powell,
Tunis Covert, Aras V. Dine, Thomas Dorlon,
James Pettit, Stephen Voris, Benjamin Smith, Jr.,
Oliver Willis, Simon Voris, Seaman Watts,
George Weekes, John Suydam, T. Baker,
Stephen Hewlett, Rem Remsen, Samuel Carman,
George Watts, Jr., W. Monfort, P. Pettett,
Reuben Pine, Simon Lambertson, Jo. Lefferts,
Sylvester Bedle, Thos. Van Wyck, Thomas Clowes,
Mourris Simonson, W. Thorney Craft, Elijah Spragg,
Thomas Hicks, David Valentine, John Townsend,
Samuel Pettet, Jordan Coles, Rich. Townsend,
Jacob Doxsee, Mordecai Beedle, Benjamin Dorland,
S. Cornwell, Jr., John Henderson, S. Stringham,
Timothy Clowes, Step. Lawrence, Jr., Stephen Baldin,
James Smith, Nicholas Ludlam, Richard Bruer,
George Baldwin, W. Hopkins, Jr., Israel Smith,
David Jackson, Ambrose Fish, Frederick Nostrandt,
Samuel Smith, Thomas Lawson, Jackson Mott,
Gilbert Van Wyck, Jacob Bergen, Coles Carpenter,
Freeman Please, Lawrence Marston, Nathaniel Coles,
Isaac Covert, Noah Smith, Thomas Underhill,
Jordan Lawrence, Nicholas Smith, Benjamin Latting,
David Laton, Daniel Whitehead, John Jackson, Jr.,
James Pine, Benjamin Everitt, Thomas Kirby,
W. Frost, Douw V. Dine, Joseph Wood,
Benj. Latting, Jr., Isaac Ditmars, Thomas Frost,
Tillot Colwell, Garret Ditmars, Thomas Hopkins,
George Downing, Aury Boerum, John Jackson,
George Bayles, John Remsen, Stephen Thorn,
John Tilley, Douw Ditmars, James Bennett,
Jacob Valentine, John Ditmars, Peter Sniffen,
Jacob Carpenter, Jacob Remsen, Daniel Lawrence,
Ant. Weekes, Nicholas Jones, John Moore,
Annanias Downing, Johannes H. Lott, Jacob Moore,
John Schenck, Clark Cock, William Sackett,
William Weyman, Rem Remsen, John J. Waters,
Joseph Moore, Henry Higbie, John Bragaw,
W. Leverich, Hend'k Emans, Jr., Charles Debevois,
John Curtis, Jonathan Fish, John Kearns,
John Devebois, John Talman, Jr., David Van Wickel,
A. Polhemus, Jr., Thomas Furman, Peter Bragaw,
Joseph Gorsline, John Carpenter, A. Brinckerhoff, Jr.,
Jacob Hallet, Jr., Samuel Clement, Robert Field,
John Morrell, Sam'l Mott Cornell, John Van Aulst,
Joseph Burroughs, Johannes Bergen, Howard Furman,
John Ketcham,Jr., Peter Ryerson, Thomas North,
Richard Rapalje, Thomas Fowler, John Fish,
Jarel Curtis, H. Townsend, Jr., Joseph Morrell,
Abra. Rapalje, J. V. Wicklen, Cornelius Rapalje,
William Bennet, Tristam Dodge, John Williamson,
Samuel Renne, Jac. Rhinelander, W. Van Wyck,
Isaac Brinckerhoff, Levi Weekes, Isaac Amberman Jr.,
William Creed, Jr., Caleb Underhill, Jacob Ogden,
David Lamberson, Daniel Weekes, John Skidmore,
Isaac Ambeman, Charles Burnett, John Smith,
John Smith, Richard Weekes, Abraham Colyer,
John Skidmore, Robert Hall, Nicholas Everitt,
Daniel Bailey, John Robbins, Sr., Isaac Rhoads,
Peter Nostrandt, Brauch Allen, John Brush,
Walter Smith, Daniel Terry, Samuel Messenger,
Nathaniel Smith, Isaac Smith, Nathaniel Mills,
Wm. Hendrickson, Arnold Fleet, Barnar. Hendrickson,
Isaac Mills, William Hoogland, William Golder,
Whithead Skidmore, Daniel Duryee, John Rice,
J. D. Peyster, James Vanscot, Samuel Smith,
Charles Smith, John Bennet, Sr., John Kissam,
William Valentine, John Weekes, Jr., Daniel Kissam, 3d,
Thomas Ireland, Jeremiah Cheshire, John Searing,
Gregory Rete, Daniel Birdsall, Wilson Williams,
Thomas Thome, Jr., Henry Powell, Thomas Hollowed,
John Tredwell, John Amberman, Henry Sands,
John Searing, Henry Ludlam, Jr., Adrian Onderdonck,
ElbertHegeman, Jr., Isaac Weekes, John Whaley,
Adam Mott, Sen., John Schenck, John Morrel,
Simon Sands, David Tilley, Israel Baxter,
John Smith, Robert Townsend, Philip Wooley,
W. Cornwell, Daniel Youngs, Jr., Joseph Clement, Jr.,
James Hewlett, John Hauxhurst, Richard Place,
John Mitchell, Jr., Jonathan Gorham, Samuel Way,
Samuel Wooley, Charles Gulliver, Martin Schenck,
Benjamin Cheesman, Henry Townsend, Peter Losee,
Philip Valentine, Minne Van Sicklen, Jonathan Searing,
John Marvin, Isaac Seaman, Joseph Slarkings,
Rich. Townsend, Jr., Robert Jackson, Jr., Derrick Albertson,
Richard Townsend, Jas. Townsend, Dr., Philip Young,
John Golding, William Crystal!, J. J. Troup,
John Smith, Garret Noorstrandt, Andries Kashaw,
Daniel Wyllis, John Baker, Charles Cornell,
Elbert Brinckerhoff, Gorce Snedeker, John Mitchell,
Teunis Bergen, Sylvanus Bedell, Henry Townsend,
Robert Mitchell, W. Welling, W.Frost,
Jacob Nostrandt, Richard Smith, Henry Ludlam,
Edward Burling, James Hanrahan, Joseph Ludlam,
Teunis Brinckerhoff, David Sammis, Jacob Duryee,
Isaac Bragaw, Annanias Southard, D. W. Kissam,
Samuel Seaman, Jonathan Pratt, John Burtis,
Geo. Brinckerhoff, James Birdsall, Aaron Duryee,
Teunis Brinkerhoff, W. Pettit, W. Bennett,
Charles Hicks, Jr., Samuel Dorlon, Thomas Cornell,
Walter Skidmore, Daniel Smith, Hervey Colwell,
Thomas Valentine, Samuel Jackson, Albert Coles,
Reuliff Voorhees, Richard Smith, Rob. Thorney Craft,
Nathaniel Provoost, Samuel Green, Baruch Cornell,
Jacob Field, Richard Pine, Daniel Kirby,
David Hallet, Isaac Smith, Comfort Cornell,
John Williams, Peter Jones, Richard Smith,
Samuel Carman, Garret Golder, Daniel Albertson,
Silas Carman, John Mott, Nathan Horton,
Richard Lowdon, W. Thurston, John Whippo,
John Snedeker, Peter Lowge, W. Crooker,
Luke Eldert, Leffert Haugewort, Joseph Lawrence,
John Waters, Zeb. Smith, Daniel Hopkins,
Saml. Skidmore, Jr., Thomas Seaman, Thomas Alsop,
Jaques Johnson, W. Smith, Jr., M. Van Noostrand,
Cornelius Bennett, Samuel Nichols, Jeremiah Port,
Albert Snedeker, Timothy Rhoads, Sylvester Cornell,
Samuel Skidmore, Gerardus Clowes, Edward Colwell,
Nicholas Van Dyke, Benjamin Wiggins, Thomas Ludlam,
Philip Allen, Thomas Wiggins, Daniel Cock,
Henry Allen, Samuel Abrams, John Needham,
John Allen, Joseph Pettit, Jr., Joseph Denton,
Stephen Van Wyck, Benj. Dorland, Jr., Robert Valentine,
Charles Hicks, Pelham Sands, W. Willing,
Nehemiah Carpenter, Carman Burtis, Philip Allen,
George Cornwell, Carman Rushmore, Birdsall, Jr.,
John Cock, Samuel Shaw, Elijah Wood,
Richard Lattin, David Bedell, James Pine,
John Bremner, Noah Combs, John Boerum,
J. Place, cordwainer, John Demott, John Hendrickson,
Luke Bergen, Daniel Cock, Jr., James Wood,
Samuel Thome, Towns'd Dickenson, W. Cornell,
George Thome, Rem Hegeman, Richard Hailett,
John Roe, Daniel Coles, Ob. Valentine,
Jacob Gorsling, Jeromus Bennett, Geo. Weekes, Sen.,
Thomas Loweree, John Probasco, Job Duryee,
Samuel Moore, Sen., Michael Mudge, James Harper,
Isaac Lawrence, Solomon Craft, Joseph Denton,
Jacobus Lint, Charles Frost, Aaron Simonson,
Abraham Lint, W. Coles, Hendrick Emmens,
Daniel Lint, Thorn. Goldin, Seaman Weekes,
Thomas Lawrence, Benjamin Coles, Jacob Williams,
Samuel Cornell, George Downing, David Waters,
Benjamin Everitt, Clarke Lawrence, Nich. Van Arsdalen,
John Burtis, John Moore, Jr., W. Hallet,
Hendr'k Suydam, James Moore, Anthony Rhodes,
Cornelius Ryerson, Thomas Morrell, James Wooden,
Isaac Lefferts, Jeromus Remsen, Jacob Kashow,
Wm. Glean, Thomas Belts, Charles Feke,
Martin Rapalje, George Debevois, Daniel Underhill,
Jacob Carpenter, Edward Ortus, Stephen Denton,
Joshua Carpenter, Thomas Hunt, Samuel Townsend,
Da. Field, W. Furman, Daniel Hall,
Whit. Field, John Pettit, Elijah Cock,
Joha. Snedeker, John Van Alst, Jr., Gilbert McCoun,
W. Creed, Sen., Gabriel Furman, John Fleet,
Robert Coe, Jr., George Sands, John Weeks, Sen.,
Samuel Fosdick, John Greenoak, Baruch Underhill,
Abm. Van Wicklen, John Greenoak, Jr., Henry Wheeler,
Nicholas Weekes, George Rapalje, John Chiser,
Johannes Covert, John Martin, Thomas Wright,
George Wright, Martin Johnson, Gabriel Duryee,
Absalom Townsend, John Amberman, Steph. Hendrickson,
George Youngs, Thomas Hinchman, Garret Bennitt,
Thomas Fleet, Amos Denton, Augustine MeCoun,
W. McCoun, Obadiah Hinchman, Nicholas Wright,
John Robbins, John Hinchman, W. Burell,
Jacob Robbins, Samuel Higbie, Jacobus Ryder,
J. Van Noorstrandt, Daniel Everitt, Penn Week,
Micha Weekes, Lambert Moore, Benjamin Cock,
Elias Chadoync, Daniel Smith, Luke Fleet,
Corn. Hoogland, Jr., Samuel Mills, Samuel Cheshire,
John Doty, Aaron Hendrickson, Tice Lane,
Cornelius Vanscott, Garret Noostrandt, Derrick Amberman,
Nicholas Bennet, Thomas Martin, Michael Butler,
W. Bennet, Nathaniel Mills, Robert Colwell,
Daniel Burr, Nathaniel Denton, Peter Wheeler,
Somick Birdsall, Benjamin Ackerly, Isaac Remsen, Jr.,
Samuel Weeks, Joseph Hewlett, John Townsend, Jr.,
Peter Nostrandt, John Thomas, Joseph Weekes,
John Hewlett, Sen., Thomas Pearsall, Nich. Van Cott, Jr.,
Joost Duryea, Joseph Thome, John Walters,
1163
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1164
Joseph Hauxhurst, Philip Thome, Noah Mott, Jr.,
Jabob Beldel, Charles Titus, W. Hawxhurst,
William Ludlam, Jacob Valentine, W. Vanreelred,
Jonathan Seaman, Benjamin Downing, John Suydam,
Jacob Williams, Samuel Titus, John Miller,
Gilbert Wright, John Bashford, John Cashow, minor,
John Youngs, Benj. Tredwell, Dr., Stephen Vedito,
Jeromus Bennett, Th. Seaman, cooper, John Noostrandt,
Peter Hegeman, Richard Fuller, Elias Wheeler,
Charles Simonson, Philip Thorne, Nehemiah Sammis,
Adam Mott, Jeromus RapaJje, Samuel Langdon,
Jac-obus Lawrence, George D. Luulow, Henry Woolley,
Epenetus Plult, Daniel Kissam, Solomon Doxey,
Daniel Hewlett, Jr., Leo'd Cutting, Rev., Henry Shaw,
Peter Cock, David Coldeu, William Stites,
Caleb Southward, G. G. Ludlow, Col., Solomon Seaman,
John Pratt, Josh. Bloomer, Rev., John Duryee,
Oliver Birdsall, Abraham Walton, Joseph Edoll,
John Pettit, Charles Arding, David Dorlon,
Joseph Dorlen, Jonathan Fish, Andrew Allen,
Samuel Denton, Samuel Fish, William Smith,
Townsend Jackson, Robert Crommeline, Richard Jackson, Jr.,
Gershom Smith, John Shoals, Obadiah Jackson,
W. Smith, Jr., Joseph Field, Joh. Van Cotts, Jr.,
Benjamin Carman, Thomas Smith, John Jackson,
John Post, Samuel Cornell, Jacob Seaman,
Thomas Seaman, Valentine H. Peters, Morris Green,
Samuel Mott, Hendk. Brinckerhoff, Samuel Combs,
Samuel Mott, 3d , Dan iel Hewlett , Sen . , Peter Schenck ,
Parmenas Jackson, Uriah Platt, John Laton,
Joseph Hall, John Slone, Peter Thomas,
John Hall, Jr., Richard Alsop, William Stilwell,
Solomon Pool, Daniel Duryee, John Smith,
Obadiah Seaman, Daniel Feeke, Coles Mudge,
Thomas Hutchins, Charles McEvers, William Mudge,
Richard Rhoads, Jacob Mott, John Luyster,
Samuel Pettett, James Hallet, Albert Albertson,
Thomas Borland, W. Hallet, Derick Albertson,
Obadiah Pettit, George Ryerson, Joseph Coles,
Daniel Murray, Abraham Lawrence, Benj. Thorney Craft,
John Hegeman, John Townsend, W. Laton,
Joseph Clowes, Richard Smith, A. Van Noostrandt,
Nichols Betty, Stephen Thorne, Richard Townsend,
Samuel Sands, Daniel Brinckerhoff, Henry ThorneyCraft,
James Burtis, Prior Townsend, Jarvis Coles,
John Jackson, Abraham Schenck, Benjamin Downing,
Benjamin Jackson, W. Cock, Stephen Smith,
Elias Dorlon, 3d, Richard Titus, Samuel Moore,
Walter Covert, Daniel Thorne, David Moore,
Samuel Demott, Peter Titus, William Howard,
John Foster, Peter Titus, Jr., Robert Coe,
Jacamiah Bedell, Elbert Adrianse, Mr. Lawrence,
Jas. Townsend, Jr., Stephen Frost, John Debevois, Jr.,
Obadiah Lawrence, Simon Remsen, Daniel Wiggins,
Timothy Ellison, Caspar Sprong, Teunis Brinckerhoff,
George Bennett, Cornelius Rapalje, Bernardus Bloom,
Amos Underbill, Har. Hendrickson, Daniel Luyster,
Peter Thorney Craft, James Carpenter, Richard Belts,
W. Roe, Penn Frost, Robert Jackson ,
Samson Crooker, John Polhemus, John Snow,
Jacobus Luister, William Latting, Samuel Wainwright,
Hewlett Townsend, Jonathan Morrell, John Denise, Jr.,
John Weekes, Edward Thorne, John Charlton,
Peter Monfort, Stephen Thorne, Jr., John Bennet,
Jacob Downing, John Butler, John Roades,
Jonathan Smith, Samuel Mudy, John Montanye,
Nathan'l Moore, Andrew Ricker, Abraham Lott,
Nathan '1 Moore, Jr., Thos. Howell Smith, Benjamin Creed,
Richard Morrell, George Underbill, Joseph Thorne,
Samuel Waldron, John Lambertson, Daniel Cornwell,
John Way, Isaac Remsen, Moses Higbie,
Daniel Debevois, Thomas Cock, Hope Roads,
Benjamin Moore, Moury Kashaw, Cornelius Losee,
George Brinckerhoff, William Wright, Hend. Hendriekson,
Geo. Brinkerhoff,3d, Jonathan Rosell, Abraham Ditmars,
Thomas Burroughs, Wm. Reuben Hall, Joseph Golder,
Hendr'k Jacobs, Procolus McCoun, Nicholas Van Dam,
James Morrell, John Needham, Jr., Caleb Cruees,
John McDannaugh, Samuel Townsend, James Hughston,
Edmond Penfold, Thomas Col well, Joseph Oldfield,
Jeromus Rapalje, Samuel Hare, Jr., Thomas Thorne,
Joseph Burling, Samuel Hare, Sen., William Hutchings,
Richard Rhoades, Samuel Jones, Thomas Dodge,
Nicholas Amberman, William Jones, Jona. Hutchins,
Thomas Denton, David Jones, Richard Thorne,
Amos Denton, Jr., John Jones, Thomas Applebey,
Garret Van Wicklen, William Hall, Benjamin Woolley,
Jacob Lott, Walter Jones, Hend. Van Der Belt,
Wm. Ludlam, Sen., Abraham Duryee, Samuel Latham,
William Forbus, Abraham Wansor, Nicholas Willson,
Thomas Higbie, John Bennet, Jr., Henry Alline, Sen.,
Abm. Hendrickson, Geo. Townsend, Jr., Samuel Hewlett,
Albt. Hendrickson, Jeremiah Robbins, Benjamin Sands,
William Watts, Stephen Robbins, John Thorne,
James Everett, Daniel Burr, Jr., Samuel Balding,
Nathaniel Mills, Jr., Daniel Noostrandt, James Crooker,
Jabez Woodruff, Hanomon Lelond, Richard Kirk,
Peter Onderdonck, James Lifford, Peter Waters,
Joris Rapalje, John Hewlett, William Williams,
Elbert Hegeman, Garret Duryee, William Cox,
John Burtis, John Ryder, Caleb Cornell,
Joseph Ackerly, Henry Wanser, Jr., Powel Amberman,
Ed. Penny, Pet. Noostrandt, Jr., Jacob Doughty,
Caleb Morrell, Levi Cock, J. Van Noorstrandt,
Hendk. Onderdonck, Gideon Wright, Joseph Skidmore,
Jacob Bumstead, Cornelius Remsen, Abraham Demott,
And. Hegeman, Jr., Samuel Hawxhurst, John Kashaw,
William Smith, Samuel Youngs, Jo. Coe,
Timothy Smith, W. Townsend, Al. Brinckerhoff,
James Howard, Samuel Baulding, Benjamin Tredwell,
Philip S. Platt, Abel Baulding, Richard Wiggins.
To His Excellency WILLIAM TRYON, Esq., Captain-Gen-
eral and Governour of the Province of NEW-¥ORK, and
the Territories thereon depending, in AMERICA, Chan-
cellor and Vice- Admiral of the same, fyc., fyc., fyc.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUB EXCELLENCY : We, the freeholders
and inhabitants of Queen's County, are happy once again
to address your Excellency in the capital of the Province.
We heartily congratulate you on your return, which we
consider as the earnest of further success, and hope, ere
long, the whole Province will feel the blessings of your
Excellency's upright administration.
Anxiously do we look forward to the time when the dis-
obedient shall return to their duty, and the ravages of war
cease to desolate this once flourishing country.
That we may be restored to the King's most gracious
protection, torn from us by the hand of violence, and
quicken others, by our example, to embrace the repeated
invitations of his Majesty's Commissioners, we have resolved
on and subscribed a dutiful representation and petition, set-
ting forth to them our loyal disposition, and praying that the
County may be declared at the King's peace.
We entreat your Excellency to present our petition ; and
rely on our known humanity and benevolence for the exer-
tion of your influence in behalf of the well-afFected County
of Queen's, that it may again, in the bosom of peace, enjoy
the royal favour under your Excellency's paternal care and
attention.
Signed by desire of, and in behalf of, one thousand two
hundred and ninety-three freeholders and inhabitants, by
DAVID GOLDEN.
Queen's County, October 21, 1776.
New-York, November 12, 1776.
SIR : In compliance with the request in the address pre-
sented to me by you, in behalf of the inhabitants of Queen's
County, I, immediately after my return from Head-Quar-
ters, waited on Lord Howe, one of the King's Commission-
ers for restoring peace to his Majesty's Colonies, and pre-
sented to his Lordship the very dutiful and loyal petition
and representation of the said inhabitants, who was pleased
to say, "he would take the earliest opportunity of commu-
nicating with General Howe on the occasion."
This publick testimony from the inhabitants of Queen's
County, of their unshaken loyalty to our most gracious
Sovereign, and of their zealous attachment to the British
constitution, is particularly agreeable to me, and entitles
them to my best endeavours for a speedy accomplishment
of their wishes ; the season and the expediency of the
granting whereof are safely and happily committed to the
wisdom and direction of his Majesty's Commissioners.
I am, with regard, sir, your most obedient servant,
WM. THYON.
To David Golden, Esq., of Queen's County.
DIVISION ORDERS.
King's Bridge, October 21, 1776.
Order of march to be observed by the Division of the Army
under the command of Major-General HEATH, in their
route from this place to WHITE-PLAINS.
The division is to march from the left, (except four regi-
ments of General Clinton's brigade,) if possible, at eight
o'clock this morning. The advance guard is to consist of
one hundred men, taken from General Scott's brigade,
which is to be followed by the heavy artillery. The
column will then follow by platoons or file; the six and
three-pounders between the first and second, third and
fourth regiments of each brigade. Each regiment svill
throw out a flank-guard ; and General Parsons will order a
rear-guard of fifty men. Each brigade is to have a wagon-
load of tools, which will march with the heavy artillery.
A number of the spears at Fort Independence are to be
loaded on the wagons of tools. Colonel Thomas and Col-
onel Drake will send to each regiment a guide who is
well acquainted with the road to White-Plains, and the
vicinity of that place. General Clinton, with the regi-
ments of his brigade, except Colonel Thomas's, will remain
here until the afternoon. He will send away all the stores
and provisions, &tc., which will not be wanted for the
1165
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1166
detachment which is to be left here. He will march his
brigade by the Albany road to Dobbs's Ferry, receive his
baggage, &c., from the boats, and then join the division
without delay. Should the division be attacked on the
march, the line will instantly form, the reserve at one hun-
dred paces in the rear; the light artillery as it is posted
on the march ; the heavy artillery on the nearest com-
manding height, 'and to be covered by Colonel Prescott's
regiment. A detachment of six hundred men to be left at
this post until further orders. They are to be under the
command of Colonel Lasher. Two hundred and fifty at
Colonel Thomas's barracks, fifty at Colonel Swartwout's,
fifty at General Scott's, fifty at Colonel Prescott's, fifty at
Colonel Pawling's, fifty at Colonel Nicoll's, and one hun-
dred at Colonel "Graham's, This detachment is to mount
proper guards and pickets, and to have alarm-posts in the
different works. The guards now at Morrisiania to be
called in this evening, and follow the division to-morrow
morning ; and a small guard to be sent to the Heights that
way, and constantly kept for the security of the camp.
General Clinton will give a copy of this order, as far as
relates to the detachment, to the commanding officer thereof,
before he marches.
W. HEATH, Major-General.
HOBERT H. HARRISON TO WILLIAM DUER.
Camp on Valentine's Hills, October 21, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Since his Excellency's letter of yesterday,
nothing of importance has transpired, unless the marching of
the enemy to-day from East- Chester towards New-Rochelle
is considered in that light. Intelligence of this event was
just now brought here, and of which I have transmitted
notice to his Excellency, who went out early this morning to
visit the posts on the left of our line and the White-Plains.
I am, with great esteem, your most obedient servant,
ROB. H. HARRISON.
To William Duer, Esq.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 25, 1776.]
Head-Quarters, Valentine's Hills, October 21, 1776.
Sin : His Excellency being absent on a visit to the seve-
ral posts on the left of our lines and at the White- Plains,
I have the honour to inform you, by the favour of Colonel
Whipple, that, since my letter of yesterday, no event of
importance has occurred.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir,
your most obedient servant, RQBT> ft HARHISON>
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MAJOR ROGERS.
White-Plains, October 21, 1776.
SIR: You are hereby requested to make the best stand
you can, with the troops under your command, against the
enemy, who, I am informed, are advanced this morning to
Maroneck ; and I will, as soon as possible, order a party to
attack them in flank, of which you will be further informed
in proper time. Be cautious of mentioning design.
I am your most obedient servant,
Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major Zabdiel Rogers.
Be pleased to send the enclosed by a faithful officer, to
be communicated to all the troops on road through Con-
necticut.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL TRUMBULL.
White-Plains, October 21, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I wrote you yesterday, expressive of my
apprehensions on account of provisions for this army. 1
came to this place just now, in order to inquire further into
the state of this article, and to look a little into the situation
and nature of the country. I have no reason, either from
information or observation, to alter my opinion of yes-
terday, and therefore again and again entreat your every
exertion to supply these posts in time with flour and beef
for present use. To do this, much land carriage will become
unavoidable. Of course no time is to be lost to provide a
number of teams. Besides the supplies necessary lor imme-
diate use, it is absolutely necessary for magazines to be laid
up in secure places, removed from the water, in Connecticut,
and at such others as were mentioned in rny last, and cir-
cumstances may direct.
The enemy mean, from present appearances, either to
get round us, or to coast it along upon the Sound, in order
to destroy our provisions and stores. To prevent the first,
I am extending my line along as they do; to guard as
much as possible against the second, 1 have ordered the
officers in their several departments to remove, as fast as
possible, all Continental property from the water ; but the
want of teams is a most dreadful misfortune. I shall only
add, that, as soon as you can put matters into a proper
train in the country, your presence at camp will be much
wanted, and that I am, dear sir, your most obedient, hum-
ble servant, ,-, ,,r
(jo. WASHINGTON.
To Colonel Jos. Trumbull, Commissary-General of Pro-
visions.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL M'lNTOSH.
White-Plains, October 21, 1776.
SIR : 1 wrote to you a few days ago, desiring, if you did
not find matters ready for the expedition to Long-Island,
that you would move forward with the two Massachusetts
regiments under your command. I have further reason to
repeat my orders to you on that head. The enemy. are
advancing by parties from their main body, which now lays
at New-Rochelle, and taken possession of the posts upon the
Sound, with design to cut off our supplies from the east-
ward by water. They advanced, early this morning, to
Mamaronick, which our people shamefully abandoned at
their approach, not for want of numbers, but want of a good
officer to lead on the men.
I therefore again desire, that, if matters are not ready for
your intended expedition, you would lay it aside for the
present, and march immediately with the two regiments
under your command towards Byram river, and also desire
Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston to come forward with the
companies which he has under his command. When you
arrive at Byram river you will send an express forward to
Brigadier-General Lord Stirling, who commands here, and
he will give you orders how to dispose of the men under
your command.
I am, &c., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Colonel L. Mclntosh, of Georgia.
GENERAL M'DOUGALL TO ROBERT YATES.
Yonkers, October 21, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR: The continued movements of our army
have prevented my answering your favour of the 4th
current. The warrants for filling up the four regiments
were delivered out in so irregular a manner, and no final
arrangement made of them, that it is impossible for me to
give you a rank-roll of our present regiment. Secretary
McKesson is the only one I know can furnish you with
what you want.
All the discerning officers of the army see the necessity
of having good officers in it. Without that, you never can
have a regular or brave army. The contrast between those
troops who are well and those who are ill officered, now
in service, is so great, that it is impossible to have an
adequate idea of it but by experience. It has made such
an impression on the minds of every man of sense, civil as
well as military, from the neighbouring States, who have
viewed the army, that they are determined to make one
vigourous effort to obtain good officers for the new army.
I hope ours will not be wanting in a measure so necessary
for their honour and the 'common safety. Old men without
experience, are utterly unfit for the army. They want
ambition, which is the life and soul of a soldier; nor are
they fit for it if they have seen service, unless they are men
of genius, capable of improving by service; otherwise they
are a burthen to it. They are useless old boys, who pride
themselves in having been in service, without profiting by
it. If you would have officers and soldiers, the former
must be men of condition in the country, or men who have
a sense of honour, and whose class in life is respectable.
These are necessary qualifications, among others, to make
the officer. Where these meet in men of genius, those they
1167
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1168
command will be soldiers ; but without it, they will only be
men. The honour and security of my country have induced
me to be thus free in giving you my sentiments on this
important subject.
My old regiment has no Field Officer, which has been of
great prejudice to it, Colonel Zedivitz being cashiered,
and Major Tuthill dismissed the service at his own request.
It is greatly reduced by the desertion of the men who had
wives, &ic., in New-York, and those belonging to Captains
Hyatt's and Steenrod's companies, recruited out of the
County of Westchester. However, there are some good
officers and men in it, worthy to be retained in the service.
Even the bones of a regiment are of great moment in the
forming one. No time should be lost in appointing Field
Officers for it. It gives me great concern that many valu-
able officers of my regiment of last year will not enter the
service unless they are placed in their relative rank with
Colonel Dubois.
I have stolen this moment, and know not how soon my
brigade may be called to engage the enemy. I must there-
fore refer you to the enclosures.
I am, with sentiments of respect, yours and the Commit-
tee's very humble servant. A > i\,t T-»
J ALEX R McDouoALL.
To Robert Yates, Esq.
CO.LONEL HASBHOUCK TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Newburgh, October 21, 1776.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN: By a resolve of Congress
passed in July, to raise the one-fourth part of the Militia,
to continue in service until the last day of December next,
whereby we were empowered, if there were not a sufficient
number of Militia officers that should be willing to enter the
service, that the Field Officers were to appoint such persons
as they should judge proper, of which there were not a
sufficient number of subalterns, and did appoint Cornelius
Hasbrouck First Lieutenant, Leonard Smith Second Lieu-
tenant, under Captain Samuel Clark; Johannis T. Jansen
First Lieutenant, Johannis Brown Second Lieutenant,
under Captain John Graham ; and William Erwin Second
Lieutenant, under Captain Jacob Concklin.
The above-written gentlemen have not as yet been com-
missioned. Therefore desire you would favour them with
commissions as soon as possible, as they have been now
nearly three months in service uncommissioned.
Your compliance with my request will much oblige, gen-
tlemen, your very humble servant,
JONATHAN HASBROUCK, Colonel.
To the honourable Convention of the State of New- York,
now convened at Fishkill.
half miles distant; the left wing at White-Plains, the right
at this place, where my brigade now is; but I think? it
probable in a day or two I shall be ordered to the left, in
which case I shall be nearer to you, the only reason I can
have to wish it.
A few days ago General Mercer went to Staten-Island,
with about two thousand men, and took twenty-seven
prisoners, Hessians and Highlanders, and killed three or
four. He lost about three men, and indeed was very near
surrounding and defeating the whole of the enemy. They
have since ordered a brigade to reinforce that island, and I
daily expect to hear some good news from Long-Island.
The enemy has had a small reinforcement arrived of Light-
Horse, &,c., within a few days.
1 don't recollect any thing else worth mentioning, nor
have I time for recollection.
JAMES AUCHMUTY TO JOHN JAY.
Bedford, October 21, 1776.
SIR: I am much obliged to you, and take this oppor-
tunity of returning you thanks for forwarding my letter to my
brother. I am sorry that I am under the necessity of still
making application to you for your interest, that I may be
paid what is allowed to prisoners of war, I not having
received one shilling, either for myself, wife, or son, since I
was taken. All the other gentlemen have received it.
I am, sir, with respect, your most humble and most affec-
tionate servant,
JAMES AUCHMUTY.
Major Lockwood was desired to inform Mr. Jay that
after writing the within letter, he advanced to Mr. Auch-
muty, on his receipt, eight dollars.
Newburgh, October 21, 1776.
At a meeting of the Field Officers of the County of
Ulster, met at the house of Mrs. Ann Dubois, and unani-
mously agreed that Major Andrew Wyncope take the com-
mand of two Captains, four Lieutenants, and two hundred
privates, which were to be raised by a resolve of Congress,
out of the County of Ulster, for the space of two weeks.
This from, gentlemen, your very humble servant,
JONATHAN HASBROUCK.
INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ENEMY, COMMUNICATED TO
THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
October 21, 1776.
On Friday last the main body of the enemy's army
decamped from Frog's Point, and landed on Pell's or
Rodman's Neck, east of the E'ist- Chester creek, commonly
called the Manor of Pelham. Soon after their landing,
three regiments of my brother's brigade, commanded at
present by Colonel Glover, attacked their advanced party,
and repulsed them, killing, it is supposed, about one hun-
dred ; but they being sustained by their main body, our
detachment was ordered off, and they accordingly retreated
with the utmost good order, losing in the whole action
only twenty-three killed and wounded. The enemy have
since moved slowly eastward, and now lay from where
they first landed extended about one mile east of Neiv-
Rochelle. Our army lays in their front, about two and a
STEPHEN WARD TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
October 21, 1776.
SIR: I am honoured with the appointment of the hon-
ourable Convention, and their resolves therewith, in the
construction of one of which the Deputy Commissary and
myself differ. I contend that by the third resolve no hides
are meant but the hides of such cattle as the owners refuse
to sell ; he contends that the hides of all the cattle pur-
chased in this County are meant. I shall be proud to have
the direction of the honourable Convention, but beg leave
to observe that the expense of the carriage of the hides
through the Highlands will nearly equal the value, and with
submission to the better judgment of the Convention, I
conceive it will be for the interest of the State, that if there
is any purchasers here they should be immediately sold.
However, the directions of the Convention shall be my
guide.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your obliged, humble
servant. 0 ,»r
STEPHEN WARD.
To Robert R. Livingston, Esq., President of the Conven-
tion, at Fishkill.
COLONEL BAYLEY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fishkills, October 21, 1776.
SIR: I received your Excellency's favour by the hand
of Mr. Wallace, by which I am informed and think it just
that vouchers should be had ; and should have sent them,
but was informed that only an abstract was needful; and
also, I determined to have waited on your Excellency
myself; as I was desired by the Committee and by the
State of New-Hampshire to continue the men I had em-
ployed on the road, to fortify and guard our frontiers, which
1 did until the 10th of September, and was desired by them
to lay the whole account before your Excellency ; but
being soon ordered to attend on the Convention of this
State, as a member, and considering the remaining pay was
more proper by way of this or New-Hampshire State, I
neither sent the remaining account nor waited upon your
Excellency. I should now have waited on you, but the
troubles to the northward require me to return to the
Counties of Cumberland and Gloucester, where I have the
command.
I have sent a roll of the men, with their entries and dis-
missions, and also the account of supplies; but as much of
the stores provided were used in the after-service, have only
1169
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1170
charged one pound of meat per day per man, and two
barrels that were lost, and the proportion of wheat, &c.
I also offer an account of supplying twelve Indians eight
weeks, which I did without any authority, but thought it
good for the States, two of which are inlisted into our ser-
vice; the others hunting eastward. They belong to the
St. Francois tribe.
I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
JACOB BAYLEY.
To General Washington.
COLONEL WHITING TO THE ALBANY COMMITTEE.
King's District, October 21, 1776.
SIRS: By several ways, I arn informed that your Board
determined to send the Tories that are now at Albany to
Hartford; therefore I thought it my duty to inform your
Board of some matters as they appear within and around
our district : That the unfriendly party have disregarded all
orders relative to the call to march to Fort Edward; that
they have since been seen to ride about in the night, and
some of their houses with numbers in them late at night ;
that John Savage and Richard Powers were at home.
Our regiment marched ; and it is highly probable, in my
view and others, that they determine to rescue the Tories
out of the hands of the guard, unless it be a strong one,
which I pray may be, at least until they have passed
through the land of the Moabites.
The friends to this State I got together as soon as I
arrived, and we determined at once to enroll ourselves, and
keep in large companies, without intermission, until we can
be better satisfied that we are in some degree secure from
that abandoned set of persons that have and still are unwea-
ried in their wicked machinations to complete our ruin. I
hope, sir, you will at least send us such directions that will
encourage and strengthen us, as our situation is, in my view,
distressing, being kept in a constant danger of having our
arms taken from us ; and what else they may have the bold-
ness to do, God only knows. I am sensible the mode we
have adopted is and will be attended with great expense;
but as matters stand to the northward and southward, I
cannot conceive that we are safe among internal enemies,
unless constantly under arms. 1 could wish for more of
our regiment to be at home, if for the good of the whole,
or some Rangers to be on this side of the North River ;
but submit this matter; and remain, sir, your obedient,
humble servant, -,,T D ur
W. B. WHITING.
To Mr. Barclay, Chairman.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saratoga, October 21, 1776.
SIR: 1 did myself the honour to write you by General
Waterbury, and referred you to him for the information you
had requested in a former letter. The critical situation of
affairs in this quarter has so entirely engrossed my atten-
tion, that I have not had a moment's leisure to turn my
thoughts to the subject.
We are, happily, at present well supplied with medicines,
and I have had no complaints that Surgeons are wanted.
On Wednesday night I received letters from Generals
Gates and Arnold, advising me of the destruction of our
fleet; since which I have not received a line.
The first of the Militia are just arrived here. I am
greatly distressed for want of information to know how to
dispose of them.
As six tons of powder and a quantity of lead is lately
safely arrived at Ticonderoga, I am in hopes the enemy will
not be able to dislodge our troops, if they should attempt
it.
I am, with esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant,
To Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., &,c.
PH. SCHUYLER.
tenant Spafford. I much approve of your zeal and activity
in spiriting up the Militia to come and defend their country.
They cannot be too soon here.
1 have a good many huts and some spare tents, with
which I will endeavour to cover the Militia upon their
arrival.
I am, sir, &.C., Ho. GATES.
To Colonel Warner.
ISAAC PEIRCE TO COLONEL GANSEVOORT.
October 21, 1776.
SIR: The General orders me to inform you that it is his
intention that the boats at your post be all kept in good
repair, and that you immediately order the Assistant Quar-
termaster-General there that they be gathered and fitted
for service, there being heavy complaints against him for
neglecting this branch of his department.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
ISAAC PEIRCE, Aid-de-Camp,
To Lieutenant-Colonel Ganscvoort.
GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL WARNER.
Ticonderoga, October 21, 1776.
SIR: I have this moment received your letter by Lieu-
FJFTH SCRIES. — VOL. II. 74
GENERAL GATES TO CAPTAINS STILTON AND PARKER.
Ty, October 21, 1776.
SIRS: I do expect you and -the party under your com-
mand continue to exert your utmost vigilance in finishing
the cutting of the road to and from Castle-Town. I am
informed you have done nothing worth notice these four
days past. Let me hear a better account of you soon.
I am, sir, yours, &c.,
Ho. GATES.
To Captains Stilton and Parker.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL PELISSIERE?S OBSERVATIONS ON THE
JERSEY REDOUBT.
It is highly probable that the enemy will attack that
redoubt at the salient angle on the north side, for the follow-
ing reasons :
Firstly. Their column cannot be enfiladed from that
angle.
Secondly. Their left, bearing on the water side, cannot
be galled on that quarter.
Thirdly. That angle is not at all defended.
It is true the next redoubt may fire a little on the right of
the column of the enemy, but nothing stops a column which
is not enfiladed.
It is evident that a column cannot be enfiladed from that
acute angle, and that, therefore, the column will succeed.
The enemy may then form a lodgment in the ditch without
being seen either by the guard in the redoubt, the flanks of
which are not defended, or by the next redoubt. And even
though they should be seen from that redoubt, we could
not fire upon them from that without running an imminent
danger of firing upon ourselves. In this case the enemy
have two ways left of carrying the redoubt: 1st. They can
blow up that angle by opening a gallery under it. 2dly.
By storming it, in which last case every thing will be in their
favour. 1st. They may, unseen, destroy the fraises. 2d.
The interiour epaulement, which is now making within the
redoubt, is an insuperable obstacle to the continual fire
which might be made for preventing its being carried ; for
now there is no sufficient rooin left between that epaule-
ment and the banquette of the parapet. But even though
there should be no epaulement, there is not room enough
between the banquette and the platform of those guns
which fire on the water; so that the troops within cannot
perform their manoeuvres.
I judge, therefore, that if the redoubt be attacked it will
be at that acute angle, and that if attacked it must be carried,
unless another redoubt should be made to cover it. And
this last redoubt ought to be strong enough not to be itself
carried by the enemy, for it cannot be too much remarked
that the Jersey redoubt on account of its too acute angle,
cannot defend it.
This is my opinion on that subject, and I conceived my
duty directed me to communicate it to the General.
October 21, 1776.
1171
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1172
PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
By the Hon. JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq., Governour,
Captain-General, and Commander-in- Chief of the Stale
of CONNECTICUT:
A Proclamation.
The present alarming situation of our publick affairs
loudly calls for our most vigourous exertion in defence of
every thing dear and valuable in life. I do, therefore, at
the desire, and agreeable to a special act of the General
Assembly of this State, issue this proclamation, hereby
ordering, and earnestly exhorting the Militia, and all able-
bodied and effective men within this State, immediately, and
without loss of time, to equip and hold themselves in readi-
ness to march, upon the shortest notice, as exigencies may
require, as their assistance may become absolutely necessary
in a very short time. Fully confiding in the virtue and
publick spirit of the good people of this State, that has at
all times exerted itself in so glorious a cause, that they
need no stimulous to duty at this all-important juncture ;
at the same time earnestly exhorting the people of all ranks,
deeply to humble themselves before Almighty God, under
the tokens of his displeasure against us, repent of their
many sins, and implore the assistance of the God of armies
for our deliverance and salvation.
Given under my hand in New-Haven, the 21st day of
October, Anno Domini 1776.
JONATHAN TRUMBULL.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety
of Connecticut, New-Haven, October 21st, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour, his Honour the
Deputy Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, William Hillhouse, Benja-
min Huntington, Esquires.
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for four hundred
Pounds, lawful money, in favour of Colonel Joshua Porter,
to enable him to carry on the Cannon Foundry, Sic., and
to be in account. (Order drawn 21st October, 1776,
delivered Colonel Porter.)
Voted and Resolved, To direct Colonel Joshua Porter,
and he is hereby directed, to borrow forty bushels of Salt on
the credit of this State, for the use of the Cannon Foundry
under his care, and the same shall be replaced by the State
to any gentleman who shall lend him the same on credit of
this resolve. (Copy delivered Colonel Porter, October
21st, 1776.)
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-Haven, October 21, 1776.
SIR: I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your
favour of the 15th instant, enclosing the copy of a letter
from Peter R. Livingston, Esq., which came to hand at
this place, and was communicated to the General Assembly
now sitting here. By their desire I have sent orders to
Major Elisha Sheldon, with the troop of Horse under his
command, and two companies of the First Regiment, to
march to Fishkill, in the State of New-York, and there
obey your orders.
I have also, by like desire, issued my proclamation, re-
quiring the Militia, and all able-bodied effective men in this
State, to arm, accoutre, and equip themselves, and be in
readiness to march wherever the exigencies of the State
may require, and they shall be ordered.
Considering the services and sufferings of our Militia the
past summer, the present sickness that prevails among them
since their return from the army, and the necessity of their
attention to country business, to secure a sufficient supply
of provisions lor the ensuing year, it is judged that this is
all that we can do, consistent with prudence, at present.
The Horse now ordered to march will probably amount to
about two hundred in the whole.
You will find enclosed copies of letters from Generals
Schuyler, Gates, and Arnold, respecting the transactions at
the northward. I am further advised that after the action
of the 12th, which General Arnold describes, the fleet
under his command began to fall down the lake, but had
not got far from Schuyler's Island when a northerly gale,
favourable to the enemy, pushed them up with our shattered
fleet, and obliged them to commence a second entf
' O O
which was continued with great disadvantage on our side,
though with great spirit and bravery, for five glasses, when
the superiour strength of the enemy prevailed to the almost
total ruin of our fleet. General Arnold, in the Congress
galley, fought till he could stand no longer, run her ashore,
burnt her, and escaped. General Waterbury fought the
Washington till she was sinking under him, he was obliged
to strike, and was made a prisoner, though it seems he is
returned to Ticonderoga, probably on his parole, and is
expected here soon. Colonel Wigglesworth, in the Trum-
bull, is got to Ty, and is the only galley saved ; one galley
not completed is safe. Our strength on the water now
remaining, is one sloop, twelve guns ; two schooners, eight
guns each ; two galleys and one gondola. What it was
before these rencounters, the enclosed copy of a return will
show. The enemy's strength appears larger than at first;
it is as follows :
1 ship, ------- 18 guns, 12-pounders ;
1 schooner, 14 " 6 "
1 do. 12 " 6 "
1 rideau, 6 " 24 ) ,, .
12 « 12 \ a" brass-
4 8-inch howitzers.
28 gondolas, 1 gun each, 12, 18, and 24-pounders.
1 8-inch howitzer.
Our people are all retired to Tyconderoga, where it is
their design, it is said, to force the enemy to make an attack
on our works at the French lines, by the Crown-Point road,
by obliging them to land below our army ; that they will
lay our two remaining galleys in the channel, where their
fire will cooperate with the Jersey redoubt and the battery
on Mount Independence. By this means they hope to
prevent their passing higher up than our advanced posts.
I hope for a more full and particular account from General
Waterbury, who is expected here soon.
Colonel Richmond, with his regiment, consisting of four
hundred men, with fifty-four whale-boats, arrived some days
since at New-London. 1 have ordered him and Lieutenant-
Colonel Livingston, with their men, the whale-boats, and
twelve hundred tons of small craft, to come to me at this
place without delay. They are designed for the Long-
Island expedition, with Colonel Mclntosh, at Fairfield.
They may be hourly expected. I could wish General Clin-
ton, Brigadier-General of the Militia in the State of New-
York, might be sent to take upon him the conduct of this
expedition, if he can be spared, and also to be informed
whether your Excellency would think proper to give any
different orders respecting it.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your obedient, hum-
ble servant> JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq.
[Note by General Washington.]
[22d October, 1776. — Wrote Governour Trumbull to
order the troops intended for Fishkill, to come by the rear
of our army at or near to White-Plains, to take orders.
That General Clinton can't be spared, and advising the
Long-Island expedition to be given over if the troops are
not on the very point of embarking, and that they should
be moved this way, as they may be of material service in
flanking the enemy, and the situation of our affairs calling
for every assistance.]
At a General Assembly holden at New-Haven, in Con-
necticut, on the second Thursday of October, A. D. 1776:
Whereas the near approach of the enemy to the western
parts of this State, as well as the critical situation of the
Continental army, and the danger there is of the enemy's
cutting off all communication between the country and the
army, calls for the utmost speedy exertion of all our force
and strength in that quarter, to oppose the further inroads
of the enemy, as well as to facilitate the operations of our
army:
Resolved, That as many of the Militia as are fit for
service, and of others, householders, &ic., able-bodied, effec-
tive men, within the limits of the Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth,
and Sixteenth Regiments, within this State, be immediately
called forth, well armed and equipped, and embodied under
1173
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1174
the command of Major-General Wooster, appointed by this
State to lead them forth, command, and direct them in the
necessary operations against our enemy, and to give all
possible relief to our army ; notifying the General and
Cornmander-in-Cbief of the Continental army of his situa-
tion and readiness to cooperate with him, taking such direc-
tions from him as he may obtain, how and in what manner
he may most conduce to his assistance and annoy the
enemy; and to consult and advise with any other General
or commanding officer or officers of our army who may
be nearest to him for that purpose.
A true copy of record. Examined by
GEORGE WYLLYS, Secretary.
At a General Assembly holden at New-Haven, in Con-
necticut, on the second Thursday of October, A. D. 1776:
Resolved by this Assembly, That the Third Regiment
of Light-Horse, and the troop of Light-Horse in the Tenth
Regiment of Militia be ordered forthwith to march to the
western part of this State, to join the forces under the com-
mand of Major-General Wooster, who is hereby directed
and empowered to give orders for their march, operations,
and stations.
A true copy of record. Examined by
GEORGE WYLLYS, Secretary.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saybrook, October 21, 1776.
SIR: I received your favour of the 18th and 19th instant.
The whale-boats are not yet come, and am very much in
doubt whether they will be here to-day, as the wind is very
high against them. They set out yesterday from New-
London, as I am informed by Colonel Richmond, but were
not able to proceed far. The Colonel and some of his
officers are here ; their determination is to proceed for New-
Haven to-day. My stay here is only to hurry the boats.
But one or two of the vessels Mr. Shaw has engaged
have arrived here from the eastward, so that we have at
this place very little more than half the vessels wanted. I
shall do all in my power to hurry forward, as I am con-
vinced a better opportunity can never offer, as we have it
now in our power to be very serviceable. I have several
spies employed on Long-Island, but expect no intelligence
of importance before 1 make my landing good there.
Colonel Smith's regiment, by my orders, were to rendez-
vous at New-Haven, the 20th of this month. I send our
Commissary in order to make provision for them; this he
has, through neglect, omitted to do, and I fear they will be
distressed on this account. Their officers will doubtless
apply to your Honour on their arrival. If they do, 1 should
be extremely glad they were sent forward immediately to
Fairfield, and an order given to the Commissary to supply
them at that place until we join them.
I remain, with respect and esteem, your Honour's most
obedient, humble servant, u D ,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Honour Governour TrumbuU.
EXTRACTS FROM TWO LETTERS FROM THE WESTWARD.
Newport, October 21, 1776.
You have guessed right as to New-York: it is evacuated.
It might have been destroyed ; but as I heard a gentleman
say, it is not worth while to burn a barn because rats may
get possession of it. I have no more doubt that we shall
repossess that city than I have that I shall return home if
I live. Boston was in the hands of the enemy !
By accounts from deserters, and a man who had been a
Sergeant in Captain Lamb's company of Artillery, and
made his escape from Point-aux-Tremble,-\ve are informed
that the enemy's army had been sickly ; that the Canadians
had been so plundered and abused by them that they would
not join the British army, and that fifty of that army had
agreed to desert, but were unluckily discovered. That the
enemy's naval force was equal to ours, but their land force
inferiour.
I suppose the Tories begin to rear their heads from
Howe's late successes. Poor wretches ! they will never see
the day that the sceptre of Great Britain will be recog-
nized in America again.
Newport, October 21, 1776.
Since the 14th instant, arrived at safe ports a transport
snow, of two hundred and fifty tons, loaded with provisions
for New- York, taken by Captain Jauncey; a bark of about
two hundred tons, from Jamaica, loaded with sugar, &.C.,
taken by the Cabot, Captain Hinman; a ship of three hun-
dred and seventy tons, loaded with fish and lumber, from
Nova Scotia, for Jamaica, taken by Captain Job Pearce ; a
ship of about three hundred tons, from QweieeA: for London,
ballast with coal, &ic., taken by Captain Stacey ; a schooner
from the West-Indies for Newfoundland, loaded with rum,
&.C., taken by Captain Coffin; and several others, but by
whom taken we have not learned.
Newport, October 21, 1776.
Captain Vickary, in fifteen days from Hispanioln, informs
that about a fortnight before he sailed, an English frigate
took an American vessel near that island, and carried her
off for Jamaica; and that a French frigate, whose topmasts
were then down, got ready and sailed in two hours for
Jamaica, to demand the American vessel, but had not
returned when Captain Vickary came away ; and that no
vessel is suffered to wear English colours in any French
port, but Continental colours are displayed every Sunday,
and much admired.
Captain Stout, who arrived here yesterday, p. m., from
Rye, about twenty miles on this side King's Bridge, informs
that on Friday, under a very heavy fire from a number of
ships, the enemy landed about ten thousand men at a place
called Rodman's Point; that General Lee sent about five
hundred men down to attack them, and retreat back to the
place where he lay with about three thousand in the front,
and the like number as a flanking party. The five hundred
engaged the enemy and retreated; the enemy followed till
they came within about fifty yards of General Lee, till then
undiscovered, when his party gave three very heavy fires,
which threw them into great confusion, upon which the
flanking party began to play upon them so warmly that
they only gave one or two fires, and retreated with great
precipitation, being pursued by our troops till they got
under cover of their ships. The loss on our side was very
small ; that of the enemy's not ascertained, but supposed to
be very great.
TO THE INDEPENDENT SONS OF AMERICA.
Because Divine Providence, infinitely wise, and ever
propitious to America, has not seen fit to crown all our
wishes, by completing the total defeat of our enemies at
once, some little souls cry, "Alas! what shall we do? Our
enemies gain ground; I do not know what will become of
us, unless we make terms of reconciliation." Let every
thought like this perish unuttered, for infamy will mark him
for her own who dares to speak it. Shall Americans, who
are millions strong and own near half the world, at the
loss of a few lives and a few acres of ground, pause in the
race of glory, and halt between freedom and slavery ? It
is the voice of nature and of reason, the call of honour and
of Heaven, to resist the murdering tyrants whilst there is a
freeman living. He is unworthy of liberty, and deserves
to have his name blotted out of creation, who would not
be willing to die to save his country.
The immortal Brutus said, " after he devoted himself to
his country, he lived a life of liberty and glory;" and every
elevated mind knows that one day of freedom out-weighs,
in the scale of happiness, an eternity of slavery.
The sons of freedom are forever to observe the same rule
with tyrants that is given respecting the Devil: "Resist
them even unto death."
Tyranny has set up her bloody standard against us.
The King of Britain, with his murdering legions, like so
many fiends let loose from chains of darkness, are every
hour exerting all their powers, with infernal rage, to com-
plete the destruction — of whom ? Their best friends and
benefactors — those who have laboured, have studied, have
fought and bled for them, and, if it had been possible,
would have wearied Heaven with prayers for their pros-
perity and happiness. Oh, George! Oh, Britons! your
ingratitude and guilt surpass the deepest dye that human
thought can paint.
1175
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1176
My countrymen, can you think of consigning yourselves
and your posterity to the tyranny of such incarnate demons?
Such a thought must freeze your blood and chill your souls
with horrour, for death is infinitely preferable; and, with
submission to the will of Heaven, I hope every American
will rather die fighting for the independence of his country,
than give up one precious article of liberty. We have not
only a glorious cause as ever men were engaged in, but we
have a bright prospect of success. Let us pause for a mo-
ment, and look back with gratitude and pleasing astonishment
on the favours of Providence, the scenes we have passed
through, and the progress we have made in the short space
of seventeen months past, and our hopes must rise, our
vigour kindle, and our faith grow stronger, as we tread back
upon those steps of time, every hour of which has been big
with importance and with favours to America. We are at
this time nineteen times as strong for battle as we were on
the day the war began. We are a hundred and ninety-
nine times as strong at sea, and increase with an unexam-
pled rapidity in military skill, in arms and all the implements
of war, and in every important interest. Then what have
we to fear? Nothing but unpardonable folly in ourselves
can ruin our cause ; for as sure as the rising sun will reach
its meridian, (unless we fail in our duty,) so sure will the
rising States of America reach the summit of human glory.
A SOLDIER.
RICHARD DERBY TO JAMES BOWDOIN.
Salem, October 21, 1776.
SIR: Captain Fisher has put into my hands the enclosed
note, to which he is very desirous of having some answer.
The Tyrannicide is hauled down the road, and may be
ready for the sea by the time the Captain's sailing orders
reach him. I wish he may not be confined to narrow
limits. When Captain Souther fiist sailed, I took from
Captain Fisk his general instructions, as Captain Souther
had none given him with his commission. Therefore others
must be sent for him. His Lieutenant, the bearer of this,
has brought up the commission, which, if necessary, may
soon be altered, by erasing "sloop" and inserting "brigan-
tine." The Second Lieutenant was very desirous to be dis-
charged, and therefore a new one must be commissioned.
Captain Fisk recommends Mr. Jonathan Gardner, junior,
who, I thirtk, is a suitable person. If the Board choose it,
the Massachusetts and Tyrannicide may be ordered to cruise
together.
Captain Souther is not arrived here with his prize, nor
do I hear of his being at Boston. So much difficulty and
trouble has happened in consequence of her, I almost wish
he had never seen her.
I am constantly about the Colony vessels and attending
the Maritime Courts, &c., &c., that I know not when I
shall have the pleasure of seeing your Honour at Water-
town. Are any Prize-Masters to be appointed or allowed
on board these vessels? Have the Court fixed on the
several rations to be served on board?
I have wrote hastily, and hope the Board will excuse
any incorrectness ; and am, sir, your most obedient, humble
servant, r> v» T
R. DERBY, Jim.
To the honourable President of the Council.
In Council, October 21, 1776.
Read, and committed to William Seaver and Waller
Spooner, Esquires, to take the within letter, and papers
accompanying the same, into consideration, and report.
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
ing fully assured that you will afford them every assistance
in your power in expediting the very necessary and impor-
tant business of their mission.
In behalf of the Committee, I am, sir, with due respect,
your Excellency's very humble servant.
To His Excellency General Washmgton.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GENERAL WASH-
INGTON.
State of New-Hampshire, ) '
In Committee of Safety, October 21, 1776. i
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: The Council and
Assembly of this State have appointed Jonathan Blanchard,
Benjamin Giles, Stephen Evans, and David Gilman, Esqs.,
a committee to repair to the camp, and there use their
utmost endeavours to promote the raising our quota of men
for the new army ; and we pray leave to introduce those
gentlemen to your Excellency's favour and protection, rest-
NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GENERAL GATES.
State of New-Hampshire, )
In Committee of Safety, October 21, 1776. \
SIR: The Council and Assembly of this State have
appointed Jonathan Blanchard, Benjamin Giles, Stephen
Evans, and David Gilman, Esquires, a committee to repair
to the camp, to use their endeavours to promote the raising
our quota of men for the new army, who will wait on you
with this. We have no doubt, from your zeal in the
American cause, but that you will lend them all assistance
in your power in expediting the very necessary and impor-
tant business of their mission.
In behalf of the Committee, I am, sir, with due respect,
your very humble servant.
To Hon. General Gates.
INSTRUCTIONS TO TICONDEROGA COMMITTEE.
State of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety,
at Exeter, October 21, 1776.
To JONATHAN BLANCHARD, BENJAMIN GILES, STEPHEN
EVANS, and DAVID GILMAN, Esquires:
You being appointed by the Council and Assembly of
this State a Committee to repair to Ticonderoga, there to
endeavour to promote the raising our quota of men for the
Continental service, and if you find it unlikely to raise the
whole there, then for one or more of you, agreeable to the
resolves of Congress, to proceed from thence to Ncio-York,
and endeavour to promote the raising the remainder there ;
and the Council and Assembly having adjourned and left
the giving you further directions to this Committee:
Therefore, you are instructed when you arrive at Ticon-
deroga, to consult with the General and other officers
about transacting your business, and fill up and deliver the
commissions for Field-Officers for two regiments, to men of
the most esteemed capacities, especially for knowledge in
military affairs, belonging to this State who have served in
the army ; and there with the advice of the respective
Field-Officers, fill up and deliver commissions to the several
officers, Surgeon and Chaplain for each regiment ; and you
may assure the officers and soldiers that in addition to the
Continental pay, bounty, and clothing, this State will in
every respect give the same to their troops that the State
of the Massachusetts-Bay theirs, and that this State will
during their service do every thing in their power to make
their duty as easy and their circumstances as comfortable
as possible, and will do their utmost endeavours that such
necessaries as the troops may want shall be transported
where they be, and sold at the lowest rates. The medicines
sent by you being part of what this State have procured
with a great deal of difficulty, they send for the benefit of
their distressed brethren in the service, and would have you
divide it among the regiments raised in this State. You are,
to advise us from time to time, of every material occurrence ;
and after making all the despatch in your business that cir-
cumstances will allow, to make return of your doings.
Mr. BLANCHARD'S return of the Committee's doings at
TICONDEROGA.
Mr. Blanchard, one of the Committee appointed by the -
Council and Assembly of this Slate to repair to Ticonderoga
to officer and raise two battalions for the Continental army,
begs leave to inform the honourable House that the Com-
mittee arrived at that place on the 2d day of November,
instant; that the next day they waited on General Gates,
and advised with him.
The Committee likewise consulted the Field-Officers and
Captains now in the army from this State.
That on the eighth clay the Committee appointed and
commissioned the following gentlemen for Field-Officers lor
the First and Second Battalions, viz:
John Stark, Esq., Colonel ; Joseph Cilley, Esq., Lieu-
1177
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1178
tenant-Colonel ; George Reed, Esq., Major; — First Battal-
ion.
Enoch Poor, Esq., Colonel ; Nathan Hale, Esq., Lieu-
tentant-Colonel ; Windborn Adams, Esq., Major; — Second
Battalion.
Mr. Nathaniel McClintock appointed and commissioned
Adjutant to the Second Battalion.
The Committee appointed Jasen Waite, ofAIstead, Esq.;
Amos Morrell, of Epsom, Esq. ; Amos Emerson, of Chester,
Esq., (Lieutenant advanced) ; Isaac TarweU, of Charles-
town, Esq., (Lieutenant advanced) ; Ebenezer Frye, of
Pembrook, (Lieutenant advanced); Captains of the First
Battalion.
Benjamin Titcomb, of Dover, Esq. ; Frederick Mordent
Bell, of Dover, Esq. ; James Norris, of Epping, Esq. ;
James Carr, of Somersworth, Esq. ; John Drew, of Bar-
rington, Esq. ; Elijah Cloyce, of Fitzwilliam, (Lieutenant
advanced); Samuel Blodgett, of Goffestown, (Lieutenant
advanced) ; Captains for the Second Battalion.
The Committee delivered to each Captain inlisting orders,
and appointed several Subalterns, and gave orders likewise.
The General informed the Committee that the money
in the military chest was nearly exhausted, that he could
illy spare any. He however delivered to Colonel Poor about
five thousand dollars, which he distributed among the
recruiting officers.
The several officers inlisted near one hundred men, and
the Committee applied to the General to appoint a Muster-
master, but he declined. The Committee then appointed
Colonel David Oilman ; he passed about thirty, (the others
immediately upon their inlistment had furloughs.) They
were sworn before Benjamin Giles, Esq.
The General proposed to discharge all the Continental
troops from this State on Friday, the 15th instant.
The Committee then took under consideration the want
of money, the immediate release of all the old troops, and
soon discharge of the Militia, that several battalions of Jersey
troops were to tarry till March, and upon the whole thought
advisable for the service of this State to leave that place.
Benjamin Giles and David Gilman, Esquires, set off for
New-York, to fill up the vacancies in that department.
The Committee were as industrious in their business,
and as attentive to their orders, as possible, and hope that
their doings will meet the approbation of the General Court.
The Committee at New- York appointed: Captain, Jere-
miah Gilman, of Plastow; First Lieutenant, William Sartett,
of Charlestown ; Second Lieutenant, William Hutchins, of
Weare ; Ensign, Nathaniel Kimball, of Plastow.
Captain, John House, of Hanover; First Lieutenant,
Gould, of Cockermouth; Ensign, Blake, of
Lebanon.
Captain, Caleb Robinson, of Exeter ; First Lieutenant,
Moses Dustin, of Candia ; Second Lieutenant, Micah Hoit,
of Newtown; Ensign, Ebenezer Light, of Exeter.
Captain, William Scott, of Peterborough ; First Lieu-
tenant, Moody Dustin, of Litchfield ; Second Lieutenant,
Josiah Monro, of Amherst ; Ensign, Benjamin Snow, of
Plymouth.
Lieutenant-Colonel Coburn recommends Amos Coburn,
for Second Lieutenant ; Adonijah , for Second
Lieutenant, or Ensign ; Captain Holmes, of Walpole, for a
Captain.
Return of men at TICONDEROGA, (without dale.)
We are at present unable to furnish you with the propor-
tion of men raised in the several towns, as many of our
officers and men have not joined us; but till we are able to
make it, beg leave to transmit the returns of rank and file
who have joined : sick, well, and on command in gross, viz :
Colonel Cilley, 382; Colonel Hale, 306 ; Colonel Scam-
mel, 324.
PETITION OF JONATHAN HURT.
These may inform all persons whom it may concern, that
on the 22d of October, 1776, Lieutenant Levi Hooper
requested of me, the subscriber, a horse for Mr. Babcock to
ride post to Ticonderoga for information concerning the
Militia being sent for by General Gates. I readily granted
Mr. Hooper his request, with a good sound, well horse, and on
the 2d day of November, Mr. Babcock sent my horse home.
I myself, being in the army, am not able to say how the
horse was upon his return, but Mr. Elisha and Benjamin
Marsh saw the horse when he came home, that he appeared
to them not well, with his hind legs very much swollen,
and his eyes sunk in his head, and upon my returning home
from the army in November 14,,I found my horse very sick.;
my folks had not put him to any service valuable, by reason
of his not being well. I sent for Mr. William Glazer, the
farrier; he told me the horse was hurt by being overdone, and
took cold that caused a stoppage in his water, and that
his journey was the means of his disorder. I followed his
directions for the horse, and that on the 24th day of Novem-
ber, the horse died. I opened the horse and found his fat
melted, and his caul almost consumed, and it appears plain
to me, the hardships of the journey of the horse was the
means of his death. Therefore would request of this State
some consideration for my horse, which I valued at twelve
pounds. Mr. Glazer can testify to these things, and Mr.
Marshes ; this request being granted will oblige me,
JONATHAN BURT.
CAPTAIN DOUGLASS, OF THE ISIS, TO MR. STEPHENS.
Quebeck, October 21, 1776.
Having for the space of six weeks attended the naval
equipment for the important expedition on Lake Champlain,
I on the 4th instant saw with unspeakable joy, the recon-
structed ship now called the Inflexible, and commanded by
Lieutenant Schank, her rebuilder, sail from St. John's,
twenty-eight days after her keel was laid, towards the place
of rendezvous; taking in her eighteen twelve-pounders
beyond the shoal which is on this side the Isle-aux-Noix,
in her way up.
The prodigies of labour which have been effected since
the Rebels were driven out of Canada, in creating, recrea-
ting, and equipping a fleet of above thirty righting vessels of
different sorts and sizes, and all carrying cannon, since the
beginning of July, together with the transporting over land,
and afterwards dragging up the two rapids of St. Terese and
St. Johns, thirty long-boats, the flat-bottomed boats, a gon-
dola weighing about thirty tons, and above four hundred
batteaus, almost exceed belief. His Excellency the Com-
mander-in-Chief of the army and all the other Generals are
of the opinion that the sailors of his Majesty's ships and trans-
ports, have, far beyond the usual limits of their duty, exerted
themselves to the utmost on this great and toilsome occasion ;
nor has a man of that profession uttered a single word
expressive of discontent, amidst all the hardships they have
undergone, so truly patriotick are the motives by which they
are actuated. To crown the whole, above two hundred
prime seamen of the transports, impelled by a due sense of
their country's wrongs, did most generously engage them-
selves to serve in our armed vessels during the expedition,
and embarked accordingly. Such having then been our
unremitting toils, 1 am happy beyond expression in hereby
acquainting my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
that the destruction of almost the whole of the Rebel fleet,
in two several battles on the llth and 13th instant, is our
reward. I have received a letter from Captain Pringle, of
the Lord Howe, armed ship, who commands the officers
and seamen on the lake, and who bestows the highest
encomiums on their behaviour in both engagements. The
Rebels did by no means believe it possible for us to get upon
Lake Champlain this year; were much surprised at the
first sight of the van of our force ; but ran into immediate
and utter confusion the moment a three-masted ship made
her appearance, being a phenomenon they never so much
as dreamed of. Thus have his Majesty's faithful subjects
here, contrary to a crude but prevailing idea, by straining
every nerve in their country's cause, outdone them in work-
ing, as much as in fighting. The ship Inflexible, with the
Maria and Carleton schooners, all reconstructions, did the
whole of the second day's business, the flat-bottomed rideau
called the Thunderer, and the gondola called the Loyal
Convert, with the gun-boats, not having been able to keep
up with them. The said gondola was taken from the Rebels
the, day the siege of Quebeck was raised. The loss we
have sustained, considering the great superiority of the insur-
gents, is very small, consisting of between thirty and forty
men killed and wounded — seamen, soldiers, artillery-men and
all; eight whereof were killed outright, and six wounded
1179
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1180
on hoard of the Carkton. As to further particulars, I must
refer you to Lieutenant Dacres, who, in justice due to his
merit for the part lie bore in destroying the Rebel fleet, 1 am
happy in sending upon this occasion to their Lordships in
the Stag transport ; as also in thereby complying with the
General's desire, who, for the same reason, is pleased to
honour him with the conveyance of his despatches.
A List of His Majesty's Naval Force on Lake CHAMPLAIN.
Ship Inflexible, Lieutenant Schank, 18 twelve-pounders.
Schooner Maria, Lieutenant Starke. 14 six-pounders.
Schooner Carleton, Lieutenant Dacres, 12 six-pounders.
Rideau Thunderer, Lieutenant Scott, 6 twenty-four, 6
twelve-pounders; two howitzers.
Gondola Loyal Convert, Lieutenant Longcroft, 7 nine-
pounders.
Twenty gun-boats, each a brass field-piece, some twenty-
fours to nines, some with howitzers.
Four long-boats, with each a carriage-gun, serving as
armed tenders.
Twenty-four long-boats with provisions.
A List of the Rebel Fleet on Lake CHAMPLAIN.
Schooner Royal Savage, 8 six-pounders, and 4 four-
pounders; burnt the llth of October, at Valicour.
Schooner Revenge, 4 six-pounders and fours; escaped to
Ticonderoga the 13th of October,
Sloop , 10 four-pounders; escaped to ditto, the
13th of October.
Cutter Lee, 1 nine-pounder in her bow ; 1 twelve-pounder
in her stern ; and 2 six-pounders in her sides ; aban-
doned the 1 3th of October.
Galley Congress, 2 eighteen-pounders in her bow; 2
twelve-pounders in her stern, and 6 six-pounders in her
sides; run on shore and burnt the 13th of October.
Galley Washington, 1 eighteen and 1 twelve-pounder in
her bow; 2 nine-pounders in her stern, and 6 six-
pounders in her sides ; taken the 13th of October.
Galley Trumble, like the Washington; escaped to Ticon-
deroga the 13th of October.
Eight gondolas carrying 1 eight-pounder in the bow, and
2 nine-pounders in the sides; some of these had 4 guns
in their sides. One taken the 12th; one sunk the llth ;
four burnt the 13th ; one escaped, and one missing.
Schooner , taken from Major Skeene, was gone
for provisions.
Galley Gates, expected to join them in a few days.
A List of the Seamen detached from His Majesty's Ships
and Vessels in the River ST. LAWRENCE, to serve on Lake
CHAMPLAIN.
Seamen.
his, 100
Blond, 70
Triton, 60
Garland, 30
Canceaux, ------ 40
Magdalen, ^
Brunswick, >----- 18
Gaspee, 3
Treasury, )
t t n • >••<•• 1/vl
Armed Jongs, J
Fell, 30 ) Province
Charlotte, lately wrecked, - 9 5 armed vessels.
Volunteers, from no ship, - 9
Volunteers from the transports, 214
Total, 670
Exclusive of eight officers and nineteen petty officers.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Amsterdam, October 22, 1776.
SIR: I enclose a letter, which I expected to deliver ere
this in person. 1 arrived here last Friday, and had so many
inquiries to make to gratify Mr. Deane's curiosity, that it
has not been in my power to attend to you so soon as I
could wish. For fear that 1 should not be able to leave this
to-morrow to do myself the honour of waiting upon you, 1
have sent this letter. When I come to the Hague, I shall
put up at the Hotel de Turenne, where you will do me
much pleasure to leave your address particularly. Tlie
knowledge I have had of you for many months, by Mr.
Dcane and others, makes me regret every moment that
delays me here and denies me the pleasure of assuring you
in person, how much I am, what every true American is,
Your very humble servant,
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
SIR: Our worthy friend, Dr. Franklin, being indefati-
gable in the labour of his country, and few men so qualified to
be useful to the community of which he is a member, you
will not be surprised that the unanimous voice of the Con-
gress of Delegates from the United States of America has
called upon him to visit the Court of France, in the char-
acter of one of their Commissioners for negotiating a treaty
of alliance, &.C., with that nation. He is the bearer of this
letter, and on his arrival will forward it. To him we refer
you for information as to the political state of this country;
our design in addressing you at this time being only to
continue that correspondence, which he has opened and
conducted hitherto on our behalf.
We request to hear from you frequently; and if you make
use of the cypher, the Doctor has communicated the know-
ledge of it to one of our members. Your letters, via St.
Eustatia, directed to the Committee of Secret Correspon-
dence, .then put under a cover to Mr. Robert Morris, mer-
chant, Philadelphia, and that letter covered to Mr. Corne-
lius Stevenson or Mr. Henricus Godet, merchants at St.
Eustatia, or under cover to Mr. Isaac Gouverneur, merchant
at Curacoa, will certainly come safe, and if you can send
with them regular supplies of the English and other news-
papers, you will add to the obligation. The expense of
procuring them shall be reimbursed, together with any other
charges, and a reasonable allowance for your time and
trouble in this agency. The members of this Committee,
styled the Committee of Secret Correspondence, are John
Jay, Thomas G. Johnson, Robert Morris, Richard Henry
Lee, William Hooper, and John Witherspoon ; and as
vacancies happen by death or absence, the Congress fill
them up with new members; which we mention for your
information, and with great respect and esteem remain, sir,
your most obedient, humble servants,
ROBERT MORRIS,
RICHARD HENRY LEE,
JOHN WITHERSPOON,
WILLIAM HOOPER.
ADDRESS TO THEIR EXCELLENCIES RICHARD VISCOUNT HOWE,
ADMIRAL, AND WILLIAM HOWE, ESQUIRE, GENERAL, OF HIS
BRITANNICK MAJESTY'S FORCES IN AMERICA.
Mr LORD AND SIR: Your Declaration at New-York
has reached this place. It has occasioned surprise and con-
cern. The known honour and abilities of your Excellen-
cies, and your Declaration, appear perfect contrasts. The
latter is an unnatural production. Hurt, as I am, to see
your names so prostituted, I cannot restrain myself from
making a few remarks to your Excellencies upon a subject
which, by endangering your reputation, distresses every
generous mind. 1 shall first state your Declaration :
" By RICHARD VISCOUNT HOWE, of the Kingdom of IRE-
LAND, and WILLIAM HOWE, Esquire, General, of His
Majesty's Forces in AMERICA, the King's Commissioners
for restoring peace to His Majesty's Colonies and Plan-
tations in NORTH AMERICA, SfC., &fc., fyc.:
" DECLARATION.
" Although the Congress, whom the misguided Ameri-
cans suffer to direct the opposition to a reestablishment of
the constitutional Government of these Provinces, have
disavowed every purpose of reconciliation not consonant
with their extravagant and inadmissible claim of Indepen-
dence, the King's Commissioners think fit to declare that
they are equally desirous to confer with his Majesty's well-
affected subjects upon the means of restoring the publick
tranquillity, and establishing a permanent union with every
Colony as a part of the British Empire. The King being
most graciously pleased to direct a revision of such of his
royal instructions to his Governours as may be construed to
lay an improper restraint on the freedom of legislation in
1181
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1182
any of his Colonies, and to concur in the revisal of all acts
by which his Majesty's subjects there may think them-
selves aggrieved, it is recommended to the inhabitants at
large to reflect seriously upon their present condition and
expectations, and judge for themselves whether it be more
consistent with their honour and happiness to offer up their
lives as a sacrifice to the unjust and precarious cause in
which they are engaged, or return to their allegiance, accept
the blessings of peace, and to be secured in a free enjoy-
ment of their liberties and properties upon the true princi-
ples of the Constitution.
"Given at New-York, 19th September, 1776.
" HOWK,
" W. HOWE.
" By command of their Excellencies :
" STRACHEY."
And now, not to detain your Excellencies by making
observations upon Lord Howe's not assuming his military
title displaying the nature of his supreme hostile command
in America, by which unusual and designed omission, the
ignorant, seeing his name contrasted with that of a General
clothed in all his terrours, may be entrapped to believe that
his Lordship is to be considered in a more amiable point of
view, a mere Commissioner only, for restoring peace, without
any military command to intimidate and coerce. Not to
wound your delicacy by admiring the wisdom of your
appealing from the Congress to people confessed by you to
be directed by that honourable Assembly, my remarks shall
be confined to the more material parts of your Declaration,
which, I am sorry to say, are in every respect unworthy
your good sense and high characters.
Your Excellencies " think fit to declare" that you are
desirous "of restoring the publick tranquillity." But is the
end your Excellencies aim at, our honour and advantage ?
Is it to give a free scope to our natural growth ? Is it to
confirm to us our rights by the law of nature ? No ! It
is to cover us with infamy. It is to chill the sap, and
check the luxuriance of our imperial plant. It is to deprive
us of our natural equality with the rest of mankind, by
" establishing" every State " as a part of the British Empire."
In short, your Excellencies invite men of common sense to
exchange an independent station for a servile and dangerous
dependence! But, when we recollect that the King of
Great Britain has, from the throne, declared his "firm and
steadfast resolutions to withstand every attempt to weaken
or impair the supreme authority of that Legislature over all
the dominions of his crown;" that his hirelings in Parlia-
ment and tools in office, abhorred by the English nation,
have echoed the sentiment; and that America for ten years
has experienced that King's total want of candour, human-
ity, and justice, it is, I confess, a matter of wonder that
your Excellencies can appear so lost to decency as to hold
out subjection as the only condition of peace; and that you
could condescend to sully your personal honour by inviting
us to trust a Government in which you are conscious we
cannot, in the nature of things, place any confidence — a
Government that you are sensible has been, now is, and
ever must be, jealous of our prosperity and natural growth —
a Government that you know is absolutely abandoned to
corruption ! Take it not amiss, if I hint to your Excellen-
cies that your very appearing in support of such a proposal,
furnishes cause to doubt even of your integrity, and to reject
your allurements lest they decoy us into slavery.
The Declaration says : " The King is most graciously
pleased to direct a revision of such of his royal instructions
to his Governours," &.C., " and to concur in the revisal of all
acts by which his Majesty's subjects may think themselves
aggrieved." But what of all this? Your Excellencies
have not told the people who "think themselves aggrieved"
that they are to be a party in the revision. You have not
even told them who are to be the revisers. If you had,
it would be nothing to the purpose ; for you have not and
cannot tell them, and engage tiiat even any of the instruc-
tions and acts, being revised, shall be revoked and repealed;
particularly those by which people "may think them-
selves aggrieved." But if such are not to be repealed,
why have you mentioned, "think themselves aggrieved?"
If they are intended to be repealed, why did not your
Excellencies come to the point at once and say so? It is
evident your Excellencies are by your superiours pre-
cipitated into a dilemma. You have not been accustomed
to dirty jobs, and plain dealing does not accord with your
instructions ; otherwise, in the latter case, I think you are
men of too much sense and honour to have overlooked or
suppressed so material a point of information. However,
you say instructions and acts are to be revised. We see
that you have laid an ambuscade for our liberties; the
clause is carefully constructed without the least allusion to
the revisors, or to the words revoke, redress, repeal. In
short, it appears to be drawn up entirely on the plan of a
declaration by King James the Second, after his abdication,
as confidentially explained by James's Secretary of State,
the Earl of Melford, to Lord Dundee, in Scotland. For
Melford writes to Dundee, " that notwithstanding of what
was promised in the Declaration, indemnity and indulgence,
yet he had couched things so that the King would break
them when he pleased; nor would he think himself obliged
to stand to them;" and your Excellencies have "couched
things so," that more words upon this subject are unneces-
sary.
" It is recommended to the inhabitants at large to reflect
seriously upon their present condition." Is it possible your
Excellencies can be serious, and mean any thing by this
recommendation ? Can you be ignorant, that ever since
the birth of the Stamp Act, the inhabitants at large have
been reflecting upon their deplorable condition ? Can you
have an idea that, after such a length of time, during which
they have been continually kept to their reflections, by the
Declaratory Law, the Tea Act, the Boston Port Bill, and
those then passed to annihilate the Charter of Massachusetti-
Bay, the Quebeck Bill to establish Popery, the Fishery Bill
to coerce by famine, the British commencement of the late
civil war, and the act of Parliament in December last, de-
claring the inhabitants Rebels — I say, after such a series of
causes for reflection, and that your Excellencies now find us
in arms against you, determined on independence or death,
can you possibly entertain an idea that we have not reflected
seriously ? On the contrary you know, that we are pre-
pared to offer up our lives in evidence of our serious reflec-
tions ! In addressing a world, you ought to have some
attention to the propriety of your recommendations, if only
from a regard to your own reputation.
You are pleased to term our cause " unjust." In this
there is nothing so surprising, as your being lured to give
such a sentiment under your hands — signing your own dis-
grace with posterity. You know that the virtuous charac-
ters throughout Europe, on this point differ with your
Excellencies; and I most respectfully submit, whether
there is not some little degree of presumption in your sign-
ing an opinion, in contradiction to the opinion of thousands,
who, without derogating from your Excellencies, are at
least as well able to judge upon the point as you are ?
But you add, that our cause is " precarious." Allow me
to make a proper return to your Excellencies by informing
you that all tbe affairs of men are precarious, and that war
is particularly so. However, if your Excellencies meant to
insinuate that our cause is precarious from an inability in us
to maintain it, 1 beg leave to ask General Howe what pro-
gress his arms made during his command at Boston? And
what shining victories, and important conquests you have
achieved since your junction at Staten-Lland 1 The eulo-
gium,
duo fulmina belli
Scipiadas
cannot yet be applied to your Excellencies. General
Howe's repulse from the lines on Long-Island, and his vic-
tory over the advanced guard of three thousand men, reflect
no great degree of glory on the corps of at least twelve
thousand that he commanded. Nor can you boast much
of the action on Ntw-Yorit Island on the 15th September,
when a few more than eight hundred Americans, attacking
three companies of light troops supported by two regiments,
the one Scotch, the other Hessian, drove them from hill to
hill back to your lines, and carried off three pieces of brass
cannon as trophies of their victory. And when General
Washington, on the 2d of October, caused a large detach-
ment to draw up to Harlaem Plains to cover the inhabitants
between the two armies, while they carried off their effects,
the march and continuance of the British troops in order of
battle, within long shot, without firing a gun to interrupt the
service, is at least some slight degree of evidence that they
respect and stand in awe of the American arms. In short,
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1184
without being unreasonable, I think I may be allowed to
say, that these particulars do not show that our cause is so
precarious as your Excellencies would insinuate it to be,
and to recommend that your Excellencies "reflect seriously
upon your present condition," and abandon "the unjust
cause in which you are engaged," while you yet may pre-
serve your reputation from the reproaches of posterity.
Your Excellencies call upon the inhabitants at large "to
return to their allegiance." It is as if you had commanded
a body of troops to advance to the assault before you had
put them in order of battle. I tell your Excellencies, that
protection must precede allegiance ; for the latter is (bunded
on the benefit of the former. That the operations of the
forces by sea and land under your orders, demonstrate that
your King is not our protector; and that the allegiance of
America to the King of Great Britain is now utterly out
of the question.
But you attempt to allure the inhabitants by telling them
they may " be secured in a free enjoyment of their liberties
and properties, upon the true principles of the Constitution."
Will your Excellencies tell us where those principles are to
be found ? You must say they are not to be found in the
present British Government. Do we not know that the
majority of the two Houses of Parliament are absolutely
under the King of Great Britain's direction ? They make
and repeal laws; they agree with or reject motions: they
vote money even without limitation of sum at the pleasure
of that King's Minister, in whose pay they actually are ;
and your Excellencies as men of honour dare not deny
these things. Will you then say that, where there is such
a dependence, the true principles of the Constitution ope-
rate? The history of the present reign, all Europe would
witness against you. Those principles have been long
despised by the rulers, and lost to the people — otherwise,
even at the commencement of the present reign, we should
not have seen the dismission of the virtuous Chancellor of
the Exchequer, Legge, because he would not quit his seat
in Parliament at the instigation of the last Prince of Wales;
nor the massacre in St. George's Fields, and the royal
thanks to the assassins ; nor the repeated and unredressed
complaints to the Throne ; nor the unheard of profusion of
the publick treasure, far exceeding the extravagance of a
Caligula or a Nero; nor the present ruinous situation of
Great Britain; nor the present war in America, for the
worst of purposes kindled by your King. Can your Excel-
lencies be so wanting to yourselves, as, at this time of day,
on the part of your master, seriously to talk to us of a secu-
rity upon the true principles of the Constitution ! Did it
never strike you that the Americans would expect to see
such principles operating in England, before they could be
duped into a belief that America could possibly feel their
effects from the dark recess of the royal palace ? The
Lord Mayor of London has openly charged Lord North,
and the Lords of Admiralty, with licensing ships to trade
to all parts of America, in direct disregard, contempt, and
defiance of an act of Parliament to the contrary, passed so
late as December last. And yet, your Excellencies do not
scruple to talk to us of a security upon the true principles of
the Constitution ! Let the fountain be sweet, and then its
stream may be salutary.
Your Excellencies say " the King is most graciously
pleased to direct a revision" of instructions and acts. If
you really mean to conciliate, why will you insult the in-
habitants at large? It was "the King's" bounden duty to
have directed, not only a revision, but an amendment of his
instructions, and to have recommended a repeal of the acts
when the people first complained of them. But he, having
been criminally deaf to the cries of the injured, to terrify
them into silence — having burnt their towns, restrained
their trade, seized and confiscated their vessels, driven
them into enormous expenses, sheathed his sword in their
bowels, and adorned the heads of their aged, women, and
children, with a cincture made by the scalping-knife of his
ally the Indian savage — you now tell these injured people,
that "the King is graciously pleased to direct a revision !"
His very mercies are insults !
And so your Excellencies, besides your military com-
mands as Admiral and General, are also " Commissioners
for restoring peace." Is there not some errour in this title ?
Ought we not instead of " peace" to read tyranny ? You
seem armed at all points for this purpose, and your very
language detects the latent design. But you are Commis-
sioners, and for the important purpose of " restoring peace,"
you are honoured with a power — " to confer." And you
have condescended to be mere machines through which,
as through speaking trumpets, words are to be sounded
from America to Britain ! How much lower is it possible
for your Excellencies to degrade yourselves in the eyes of
the world ? By this, it is most evident, the British Kin?
has not one generous thought respecting America. Nor does
he mean to grant terms upon the true principles of the
Constitution. For, if to grant such terms was bona Jide
the intention of your master, without doubt you would have
been vested with competent powers. But he plainly means
to grant nothing that he can possibly avoid, and therefore
he would have the matter of negotiation drawn into length
under his own eye. Can we place any confidence in such
a Prince? His aim is to divide, not to redress, and your
Excellencies' Declaration is but a continuation of Lord
North's conciliatory plan.
Thus, while we remember that Lord North declared, on
the 20th of February, 1775, that his famous conciliatory plan
was rather calculated to break a link in the American chain
of union than to give satisfaction to the people, and that
the exercise of the right of taxing every part of the British
dominions must by no means be given up, that Lord Mans-
field, on the third reading of the bill declaring war against
the United Colonies, affirmed that he did not consider who
was originally in the wrong, they were now to consider only
where they were, and the justice of the cause must now
give way to their present situation. When we consider the
King of Great Britain's speech to the Parliament on the
last of November, and the Commons' address and his answer
on the 7th of December, 1774 — the Commons' address of
the 9th of tebruary, 1775, and the royal answer; and the
speech from the throne at the last opening of the Parliament,
October the 26th, 1775 — all declaring an unalterable pur-
pose to maintain the supreme authority of that Legislature
over all the dominions of the Crown — in other words, their
unalterable purpose, to bind us in all cases whatsoever; when
we see your hostile array and operations, in consequence of
those declarations — I say, when we consider these things,
we can be at no loss to form a just idea of the intentions of
your King, or to conceive what your Excellencies mean by
"the true principles of the Constitution." Nor are we to
be caught by any allurements your Excellencies may throw
out : you confess, and we know that you, as Commisioners,
have not any power to negotiate and determine any thing.
But, unanswerable as the reasons are against America
returning to a subjection under the British Crown, now in
fact become despotick — and America, after unheard-of inju-
ries, infinite toil, hazard and expense, her inhabitants called
cowards by your master's servants, civil and military, having
declared herself independent — did not your Excellencies
feel a little for our honour, when you, at the head of your
armies, held out to us subjection and peace ? Did not you
feel the dignity of your characters affected when you, under
the guise of a security upon the true principles of the Con-
stitution, recommend to " the inhabitants at large" to rescind
their decree, and by their own mouths declare themselves
the most contemptible people in history, which gives no
example of such baseness — render their name a term of
reproach among all nations — and forbid each other from
placing any, the least degree of confidence in, and all for-
eign States from paying the least degree of credit to, their
most solemn declarations? In short, to submit to a Gov-
ernment abandoned to corruption, lost to a sense of justice,
and already but a step behind absolute despotism — a Gov-
ernment that has long been and ever must be jealous of our
rise, and studious to depress our natural growth ! Did not
your Excellencies blush and shrink within yourselves
when you asked men, who had been almost ruined by your
gracious master, to abandon the honourable and natural
station of independence, and stoop to kiss his hand, now
daily bathed in, and which ever must continue stained by,
the blood of a friend ! a brother ! a son ! a father !
That your Excellencies may " reflect seriously" upon
" the unjust cause in which you are engaged," and that the
name of Howe may be enrolled with the names of Marl-
borough and Effinghum, are the wishes of
A CAKOLINIAN.
South-Carolina, Charleston, October 22, 1776.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1186
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
War Office, Philadelphia, October 22, 1776.
SIR : The Congress having done the Board of War the
honour of referring to them your letter for consideration
and execution, we beg leave to inform you that we have
ordered two hundred thousand cartridges to be instantly
forwarded you. Light wagons have been got and are fitting
ready, and you will receive the above supply by to-morrow
evening, or the next morning. We have employed persons
to make up a quantity for the use of the army, which shall
be forwarded to your care as soon as a proper number shall
be completed. We cannot, however, but wish that General
Washington could procure such supplies of ammunition as
he may want from the Eastern States, there being very little
in this city, from whence alone every demand to the south-
ward of Hudson's river must be answered. Every assist-
ance, however, that can be, shall be afforded you, as well
as his Excellency the General, from this office.
We have given orders about the purchase of salt, the
result of which you shall hear so soon as we can write
satisfactorily.
With every wish for your success and honour, we, sir,
are your very obedient, humble servants.
By order of the Board of War :
EDWARD RUTLEDGE.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq.
RESOLUTION FOR RETURN OF PRISONERS SUSPENDED.
In Congress, October 22, 1776
Resolved, That the Resolution respecting sending home
the Canadians, be suspended till further orders.
That the Board of War be directed to order the several
Prisoners in Philadelphia to the places of their destination,
and that they write to the several Committees who have the
charge of Prisoners, not to suffer them to go beyond the
bounds allowed them, nor to permit any of them to come
to Philadelphia without leave first obtained from the Board
of War.
War Office, October 22, 1776.
The foregoing resolutions of Congress are published by
order of the Board of War, for the information of all per-
sons concerned therein, of which the several Committees
who have the charge of prisoners captivated by the armies
of the United States, residing in this or any other of the
confederated States, are desired to take notice. And all
prisoners of war now in Philadelphia are required imme-
diately to repair to their several places of rendezvous,
without staying any longer in Philadelphia on any pretence
whatsoever.
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
lest they should choose to look out for new quarters. I am
in hopes the sloop will get to sea in a few days.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant,
JOSEPH HALLETT.
To the honourable Convention of the State of New-York,
at Fishkill.
JOSEPH HALLETT TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Princetown, October 22, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : In compliance with your desire or order of
the 18th September, I have been into New-England. I
found there a very inconsiderable part of the goods Captain
Rogers had taken and carried into Fire-Island inlet, and
from thence carted across the island to Huntington. The
whole, 1 think, will not sell for more than five hundred
pounds. They consist of the following articles, viz : one
hogshead and six barrels of sugar, four barrels and two
bags of coffee, four barrels of cocoa, one box tea, nine
pieces sail-duck, twelve barrels oil, with one or two more
small articles.
He sent round to Providence a small sloop that he and
Captain Pond took in coming from Halifax, bound to New-
York, with a parcel of intrenching tools. These I ordered
down to New-York soon after the vessel was taken, and
sold them to General Washington. The goods and sloop
now in New-England, I have taken the necessary steps to
have them condemned and sold; when done shall forward
you the sales.
I have supplied Captain Rogers with the greatest part of
his provision for a four months' cruise, and money to pur-
chase the remainder. I also advanced him a sufficient sum
of money, including that sum you had in the hands of Mr.
Hobart, to pay his ship's company their whole wages,
except one month's pay, which I thought best to withhold
MAJOR GREENE, OF DE LANCEY's BRIGADE, TO CAPT. SMITH.
Hampstead, Long-Island, New- York, October 22, 1776.
SIR: Mr. French, your Lieutenant, who arrived here
this morning, and delivered over the two persons made
mention of in your letter to me, informs me that there are a
considerable number of horses, the property of notorious
Rebels and disaffected people, in the eastern part of the
County of Suffolk. You are, therefore, to send out strong
and sufficient parties to drive in all the horses you can find
so circumstanced; convene them all at your quarters. As
you will not lose time in the execution of this business, I
doubt not but they can be with me at Hampstead on Friday
or Saturday next.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
JOSEPH GREENE,
Major First Battalion, Brigadier-General
De Lancey's Brigade.
To Captain Smith.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Head-Quarters, Valentine's Hill, October 22, 1776.
DEAR SIR: From my remote situation, and my ignorance
of the country in which the army under your command
to the northward is to act, it is impossible for me to give
my peremptory orders, or scarcely my opinion, as to the
direction of matters in your quarter. I am confident your
own good sense, zeal, and activity, will suggest to you the
most probable means of making amends for the heavy loss
we have sustained by the destruction of General Arnold's
fleet upon Lake Champlain ; but my experience of the
many evils attending the calling in a considerable body of
raw Militia obliges me to give you my sentiments upon that
head, and to tell you that 1 fear they will render you more
disservice than any real good. From their want of every
camp necessary when they join a regular army, they com-
mit an intolerable waste of stores, which, once put into
their hands, can scarcely be ever regained, and are so much
dead loss to the publick ; and for want of regularity in their
drafts of ammunition, provision, and other necessaries, they
consume much more than is convenient to spare from a gar-
rison near a source of supplies, much less from one at such
a distance that it requires every exertion to keep up the
magazines at the best of times.
I have been informed that Ticonderoga, properly gar-
risoned and supplied with provision and ammunition, is
almost impregnable, even at a season of the year when an
army can lay before it with the greatest conveniency ; if so,
instead of calling up a number of useless hands and mouths,
(for such I deem Militia in general,) I would advise a collec-
tion of as much provision as could possibly be got together,
which if sufficient for nine thousand effective men, of which
your army consisted by General Arnold's letter, I should
imagine you could keep Burgoyne and Carleton at bay till
the rigour of the season would oblige them to raise the
siege, not only for want of conveniences to lay in field, but
for fear the freezing of the lake should make their return
impracticable in case of accident. I would recommend the
removal of carriages and draft cattle of all kinds from the
country adjacent, that if they should attempt to slip by
Ticonderoga by any other route, and come down upon the
settlements, that plan should be rendered abortive for want
of means of conveyance for their baggage and stores. I
am unacquainted with the extent of your works, and con-
sequently of the number of men necessary to man them.
If your present numbers should be insufficient for that pur-
pose, I would then by all means advise your making up the
deficiency out of the best-regulated Militia that could be
got. Some might likewise be useful in bringing up supplies
and fill the places of men who would render more service
with arms in their hands. You will always be kind enough
to bear in mind that I am giving my opinion, not issuing
my orders. The vexation I have experienced from the
75
1187
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1188
humours and intolerable caprice of Militia at a critical time,
makes me feel sensibly for the officer who is to depend upon
them in the day of trial. Upon the whole, 1 beg you may
not be influenced by any thing I have thrown out ; you have
had experience of the temper of the people who will pro-
bably march to your assistance, and therefore know whether
they differ in character from those who have reinforced the
army under my command.
In full confidence that you will do what seems best to
your judgment, I submit the matter entirely to you, only
esteeming myself happy if any hints of mine should be
serviceable to you.
I am, Sic., Go. WASHINGTON.
To Major-General Schuykr, Northern Department.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
Camp on Valentine's Hill, October 22, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I am directed by his Excellency ,'whose
business has called him from hence, to acknowledge his
receipt of your favours of the 12th and 15th instant, and to
inform you in answer to the first, that he will mention the
case of the French gentlemen to General Lee, and obtain
his opinion as to the best mode of providing for 'em in a
useful way. The horses belonging to the Light Dragoons
which were taken, he thinks will be very serviceable, and
he will write to General Ward or one of the agents to
purchase them.
In respect to your requisition for an immediate return of
ordnance stores, his Excellency says it cannot possibly be
complied with in the present unsettled state of the army.
In order to effect the good purposes you have in view, he
would take the liberty to recommend the establishing of
magazines of ammunition and other ordnance stores in pro-
per places of security, from whence supplies could be
occasionally drawn. As large quantities are constantly in
demand in time of war, he does not conceive your provision
in these instances can be too great. He will direct the
regimental returns in future to include arms and accoutre-
ments, and the Commissary-General to transmit monthly
lists of rations. He thinks the regulation extremely proper,
though he apprehends the information to be premature
respecting the over-quantity suggested to have been drawn,
having heard no suspicion of the sort in this army of late.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, gentlemen,
your most obedient servant,
ROBERT H. HARRISON.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Camp on Valentine's Hill, October 22, 1776.
SIR: Sundry matters of importance having called his
Excellency's attention from here this morning, I have the
honour, by his command, to acknowledge his receipt of
your several favours of the 19th and 21st instant.
His Excellency thanks you for the forces you have
ordered to the Fishkills, and would recommend that in
their route they should march by the rear of our troops, at
or near the White-Plains, where he would wish them to halt,
and for the commanding officers to apply to him for orders.
He is sensible of the past exertions of your State, and is
confident that nothing on their part will be wanting to
advance the publick cause. The proclamation you have
issued he thinks a judicious step, and that many salutary
consequences may result from it. He hopes an implicit
regard will be paid to it, and that every effective man will
prepare himself in the best manner that circumstances will
admit of, to serve as exigencies may require. The intelli-
gence respecting the engagements and defeat of our fleet
upon the lake he had received before your favour.
In respect to your request for General Clinton to com-
mand the intended expedition to Long-Island, I am directed
by his Excellency to inform you that the situation of our
affairs will not allow of his compliance; and further, that if
the troops are not on the very point of embarking, that he
is of opinion the expedition had better be deferred and the
troops moved this way. They may be of material ser-
vice to us, and great annoyance to the enemy in galling
their flank. A considerable part of their army is now at
New-Rochcllc, and some advanced as far as Marinack. All
their movements indicate their intention of penetrating the
country from the Sound, by way of the Jlliite-Plains ; and
to stop their progress, our utmost exertions will be employed.
These matters his Excellency desired me to mention to you,
and to submit to your consideration, conceiving himself that
under the present circumstances of our affairs, the moving
of the troops this way may be attended with many valuable
consequences, and more than if sent across the Sound.
I have the pleasure to inform you that a detachment of
our men. under the command of Colonel Hazlet, surprised
Major Rogers and his regiment last night, at Marinack.
They brought off thirty-six prisoners, and about sixty mus-
kets. The number of slain is not ascertained. It is said
that a good many of them fell ; and further, that if the
guides had pursued strictly their instructions, the whole
would have been cut off. We had two men killed and
tsvelve wounded ; among them Major Greene, of the First
Virginia regiment, an officer of great merit.
In haste, I have the honour to be, with very great
respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
ROBERT H. HARRISON.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL GLOVER, DATED
MILE SQUARE, OCTOBER 22, 1776.
You no doubt heard the enemy landed all their army on
Frog's Point the llth instant, leaving only twelve hundred
men in York, and there remained until the 18th, which was
Friday. I arose early in the morning and went on the hill
with my glass, and discovered a number of ships in the
Sound under way ; in a very short time saw the boats,
upwards of two hundred sail, all manned and formed in four
grand divisions. I immediately sent off Major Le.e express
to General Lee, who was about three miles distant, and
without waiting his orders, turned out the brigade I have
the honour to command, and very luckily for us I did, as it
turned out afterwards, the enemy having stole a march one
and a half miles on us. I marched down to oppose their
landing with about seven hundred and fifty men, and three
field-pieces, but had not gone more than half the distance
before I met their advanced guard, about thirty men; upon
which I detached a Captain's guard of forty men to meet
them, while I could dispose of the main body to advantage.
This plan succeeded very well, as you will hereafter see.
The enemy had the advantage of us, being posted on an
eminence which commanded the ground we had to march
over. However, I did the best I could, and disposed of my
little party to the best of my judgment : Colonel Reed's
on the left of the road, Colonel Shepherd's in the rear and
to the right of him, Colonel Baldwin's in the rear and on
the right of Shepherd's, my own regiment commanded by
Captain Courtis, (Colonel Johonnot being sick, and Major
Lee being Brigade-Major,) bringing up the rear with the three
field-pieces of artillery. Thus disposed of, I rode forward —
(oh! the anxiety of mind I was then in for the fate of the day
— the lives of seven hundred and fifty men immediately at
hazard, and under God their preservation entirely depended
on their being well disposed of; besides this, my country,
my honour, my own life, and every thing that was dear,
appeared at that critical moment to be at stake — I would
have given a thousand worlds to have had General Lee, or
some other experienced officer present, to direct, or at least
to approve of what I had done — looked around, but could
see none, they all being three miles from me, and the action
came on so sudden it was out of their power to be with
me,) — to the advance guard, and ordered them to advance,
who did, within fifty yards, and received their fire without
the loss of a man ; we returned it, and fell four of them, and
kept the ground till we exchanged five rounds. Their body
being much larger than mine, and having two men killed
and several wounded, which weakened my party, the enemy
pushing forward not more than thirty yards distant, I ordered
a retreat, which was masterly well done by the Captain
that commanded the party. The enemy gave a shout and
advanced ; Colonel Reed's, laying under cover of a stone
wall undiscovered till they came within thirty yards, then
rose up and gave them the whole charge; the enemy broke,
and retreated for the main body to come up. In this situa-
tion we remained about an hour and a half, when they
appeared about four thousand, with seven pieces of artillery;
they now advance, keeping up a constant fi
artillery; we kept our post under cover of the stone wall
1189
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1190
before mentioned till they came within fifty yards of us,
rose up and gave them the whole charge of the battalion ;
they halted and returned the fire with showers of musketry
and cannon balls. We exchanged seven rounds at this post,
retreated, and formed in the rear of Colonel Skefhelrd and
on his left ; they then shouted and pushed on till they came
on Shepherd, posted behind a fine double stone wall ; he
rose up and fired by grand divisions, by which he kept up
a constant fire, and maintained his part till he exchanged
seventeen rounds with them, and caused them to retreat
several times, once in particular so far that a soldier of
Colonel Shepherd's leaped over the wall and took a hat and
canteen off of a Captain that lay dead on the ground they
retreated from.
However, their body being so much larger than ours, we
were, for the preservation of the men, forced to retreat, and
formed in the rear of Baldwin's regiment ; they then came
up to Baldwin's, but the ground being much in their favour,
and their heavy train of artillery, we could do but little
before we retreated to the bottom of the hill, and had to
pass through a run of water, (the bridge I had taken up
before,) and then marched up a hill the opposite side of the
creek, svhere I left my artillery; the ground being rough
and much broken I was afraid to risk it over. The enemy
halted, and played away their artillery at us, and we at
them, till night, without any damage on our side, and but
very little on theirs. At dark we came off, and marched
about three miles, leading to Dobb's Ferry, after fighting
all day without victuals or drink, laying as a picket all night,
the heavens over us and the earth under us, which was all
we had, having left our baggage at the old encampment we
left in the morning. The next morning marched over to Mile
Square. I had eight men killed and thirteen wounded,
among which was Colonel Shepard, a brave officer.
Sunday, General Lee sent for and informed me there
was two hundred barrels of pork and flour at East-Chester,
if the enemy had not taken it; would be glad I would think
of some way to bring it off. I sent out and pressed fifteen
wagons, and at night turned out the whole brigade, and
went down so nigh the enemy we heard their musick and
talk very plain, and brought off" the whole.
Wednesday, sent out a scouting party, principally from
my own regiment, who met with a party of Hessians, and
attacked them, killed twelve and took three prisoners; one
of the slain was an officer of rank, on horseback, the horse
was taken and brought off. We had one man mortally
wounded, of Colonel Baldwin's regiment.
Sunday, the enemy struck their tents, and were on a
march in two columns, one to the right, and the other to the
left, towards the North River. General Lee immediately
gave orders for his division, which consisted of eight thou-
sand men, to march for North-Castle, to take the ground to
the eastward and north of them, about fourteen miles dis-
tance. We had not marched more than three miles before
we saw the right column advancing in a cross road to cut
us off, not more than three-quarters of a mile distance; this
being our situation, eight thousand men on the road with
their baggage, artillery, and one hundred and fifty wagons,
filled the road for four miles. We then turned off" and marched
by Dobb's Ferry road, and got into White-Plains about
ten o'clock, Monday morning, after being out all night.
We left General McDougall's brigade posted on a height
between the enemy and us, to cover our march. About
twelve o'clock they attacked him with a heavy column,
supported with twelve pieces of artillery, who pressed him
so hard was obliged to retreat, having twenty men killed
and about forty wounded, and wholly from their artillery.
I am posted on a mountain, commanding the roads to
Albany and New-England ; the enemy on one opposite,
about one mile distance. We expect an attack every moment;
1 don't care how soon, as I am very certain, with the bless-
ing of God, we shall give them a drubbing. Where you
will hear from me next is very uncertain.
COMMITTEE FOR THE DETECTION OF CONSPIRACIES IN NEW-
YORK.
In Committee appointed by the Convention of the State
of New-York, for inquiring into, detecting, and defeating
all conspiracies which may be formed in the said State
against the liberties of America, Fishkill, October 2-2, 1776:
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee be
directed to apply to the Committee of Safety for five hun-
dred Pounds for the use of this Committee, for the expen-
diture of which this Committee will be accountable to the
Convention of this State.
Ordered, That the Secretary furnish the Chairman with
a copy of this Resolution.
Extract from the Minutes:
A. W. D. PEYSTER, Secretary.
NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO FRANCIS LEWIS.
Fishkills, October, 1776.
SIRS: We are informed that there is two cargoes of salt
belonging to the Continent under your direction, the one at
New-Rochelle, the other at New -London. As there is a
pressing necessity for securing the provisions that lay con-
tiguous to the enemy, we request that you will sell us this
salt for the publick service. The reason of this application
is to prevent, if possible, a quantity of provisions falling into
the hands of the enemy. Nor is the salt itself which lies at
New-Rochelle out of danger.
H. GLEN TO GENERAL SCHUILER.
Schenectady, October 22, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The bearer is Abraham Groot, who has
been express for me with your letter to Colonel Dayton,
and has brought a letter back for the General, which I now
forward by him. As I wrote you in my last, I had pur-
chased two acres of land for the barracks, and that the
materials are chiefly ready, but am entirely without a single
person, either carpenter or mason. They are all gone with
the Militia. The Militia from this are commanded by
Colonel Abraham fVemple. I have nobody left but twenty-
four men for wagoners, who stand ready with their wagons
to take in the baggage of Colonel Dayton arrived at the
river.
Should the General think proper, I wish he would order
between twenty and thirty carpenters back out of Colonel
Wemple's regiment, and as many masons as there is in the
whole regiment, which is not many, to carry on the bar-
racks. Unless I am furnished with the above number of
men, I won't be able to get the barracks done this fall, as
the season is far advanced.
I have a letter from Mr. Avery, Deputy Commissary-
General, who acquaints me that he has the General's order
that all the flour I have purchased in this town be forwarded
to Fort Stanwix. The rest must be forwarded to Fort
George and Fort Edward. Accordingly I have yesterday
began in sending off flour to Fort George, (sixty barrels)
and shall be able to send two hundred barrels this week,
I hope, if I am not disappointed with wagons.
I shall expect to hear from you by the bearer whether I
am to expect the carpenters and masons, and what I must
do with the two companies of batteau-men, as I will have
no flour just now to load them. But it will not do to dis-
charge them now ; a body does not know what may hap-
pen. There is a good stock of provision at Fort Schuyler,
which I am very glad of, and there is a good quantity at
the German Flats. There was, on the 18th of this month,
five hundred barrels of flour, one hundred barrels of pork,
eleven barrels of beef, some cattle, and some other articles
of provision at Fort Stanwix, which will last the troops that
are to be stationed there this winter a very long while.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
HENRY GLEN.
To His Excellency General Schuykr.
MR. DUANE'S MINUTES.
Meeting of the Committee with General SCHUYLER and
Lieutenant- Colonel GANSEVOORT.
Saraghtoga, October 22, 1776.
1. Marked the officers fit for service.
2. Agreed to appoint of Colonel Van Schaack's regj
ment, to consist of Captain Andrew Fink, Lieutenant
Charles Parsons, Ensign John Denny, at Fort George;
Captain Hicks, at Albany; Captain Graham, of Colonel
Nicholson's, at John's Town.
Mem: In appointing the officers who are recommended,
regard should be had to their former rank.
1191
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1192
Good.
V. g.
V. .
vs'
" o*
g-
g-
V.
General Schuyler is of opinion, vide No. I.
3. Agreed that General Schuykr should pay one thou-
sand dollars into the hands of Colonel Gansevoort, to be
repaid by the Committee ; the Colonel to pay the money.
One hundred pounds as a payment to the recruiting officer.
4. Officers who served in Canada and are not provided
for:
Marlnus Willet.
Cornelius Van Dyck, now a Militia al.
Cornelius Van Slyck, a Lieutenant.
Barent J. Ten Eyck.
Charles P. Yates.
Nicholas Van Renselaer.
William Goforth.
Levi Paw/ing.
Borrowed one thousand dollars from General Schuykr,
to be repaid at Albany, and paid the same to Colonel Gan-
sevoort.
Wynkoop has no Major this year. Only six companies
have joined him ; two remain at Tryon County.
Captain Isenlored, Captain of Militia of Van Dyke's
regiment.
3. To recruit from Colonel Wynkoop's regiment, at
Skeensburgh, Captain Samuel Van Veghten, Lieutenant
John Hoghkerk.
4. To recruit between Saraghtoga and Albany, from
Captain Vosburgh and Garret Veder's companies, of Wyn-
koop's regiment.
Borrowed one hundred dollars more from General Schuy-
kr, and paid three hundred pounds to Colonel Wynkoop
for the recruiting service at Skeensburgh.
5. To pay one hundred pounds to Lieutenant Barent
Salsbery, of Wynkoop's regiment. ,
N. B. Colonel Wynkoop informed us that he had taken
care to secure Colonel Keen's personal property. He was
requested to continue the charge thereof. Query : Whether
it would be proper to take the sense of Congress thereupon.
October 22d. — Gave instructions to Lieutenant Salsbery,
at Stillwater, and also the sum of one hundred pounds.
Albany, October 29<A. — Gave instructions to Lieutenant
Conyn, and the sum of three hundred pounds, for him and
Captain Hicks to recruit, and also a set of instructions for
the Captain.
Agreed that Mr. Cuykr write to Captain Isenlord, and
enclose him a set of instructions to recruit, and the sum of
one hundred pounds.
J. TRUMBULL TO THE COMMITTEE AT BENNINGTON.
Headquarters, Tyconderoga, October 22, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The General earnestly requests the Militia
of Bennington, and the country adjacent, to march imme-
diately to this post.
The late success of the enemies of America on the lakes,
renders it necessary for us to use every method to exert
every nerve for the defence of this post. The preservation
of our country, your own happiness, depend much on the
success of this army.
Orders have been long since sent to the Colonels of the
upper and lower regiments of Militia in the Grants ; but lest
they should have miscarried, I am ordered to repeat them.
I am, gentlemen, your very obedient servant,
JOHN TKUMBULL, Deputy Adjutant-General
To the honourable Chairman of the Committee of Safety,
at Bennington.
CAPTAIN STEWART TO GENERAL GATES.
Fort George, October 22, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I sit down to write a few lines to you, as I
flatter myself you will not be displeased to hear I am get-
ting much better. The Doctors suffer me this morning to
take a short ride, which I hope will be of much service to
me, and to-morrow intend setting off" for Albany. My stay
there, I hope, will be but short, and you may depend the
first moment I am able I shall again return to my duty.
Where the Regulars are, it would give me great pleasure
to know. Mr. Morris and the rest of the gentlemen who
were at Ticonderoga, informed me they were at Croivn
Point, and repairing the -saw-mill there. If so, have some
hopes that an attack may not be made for some time at
least, and possibly I may be with you by that time. They
conjectured they had an intention of repairing the barracks
at Crown Point.
Doctor Brown is very sorry his state of health will not
permit his complying with your orders, he being extremely
ill in the gout at present; and when he may be better, God
knows.
I hear there is at least three thousand Militia at Fort
Edward on their way to you. Can't hear of much pro-
visions on the road. Shall hurry it on as I go along.
This scroll has so fatigued me that I must conclude by
assuring you \ am, my dear sir, your affectionate friend and
obedient, humble servant,
WALTER STEWART.
Pray remember me to all friends with you.
GENERAL GATES TO GOVERNOUH TRUMBULL.
Tyonderoga, October 22, 1776.
SIR: At three o'clock this morning I had the honour to
receive your favour of the 17th instant, from New-Haven.
When I sent General Schuyler the account of our loss
upon Lake Champlain, I requested him to despatch a copy
of General Arnold's letter to your Excellency. Lest that
should have miscarried, the General sends you, enclosed, a
copy thereof. It would have been happy for the United
States had the gallant behaviour and steady good conduct
of that excellent officer been supported by a fleet in any
degree equal to the enemy's. As the case stands, though
they boast a victory, they must respect the vanquished.
General Waterbury has doubtless, by this time, waited upon
your Excellency.
The Director-General of the Hospital in this department
arrived at Albany the 5th instant, with a large parcel of
medicines purchased in the Eastern Governments, so that
we are not likely to suffer more for want of physick. The
Sub-Director of the Hospital and three Mates are come
here, by my order, from Lake George, and every thing
necessary is prepared by them, in case of an immediate
action. Surgeons we have plenty. I wish they were all
good; but I hope we shall have a sufficient portion of skill,
upon the whole, in that department.
General Carkton, with his fleet and army, are at Crown
Point. The exact number of the latter we cannot yet
ascertain ; nor whether he does not wait for the whole to
join him from St. John's, Sic. , before he makes his grand
attack. You may be assured nothing shall be wanting
upon our part to give him a proper reception ; and General
Schuyler assures me the Militia from all quarters have been
summoned to reinforce the army. I am in hourly expecta-
tion of their arrival.
I wish it may be in your Excellency's power to forward
a quantity of flour to Skcensborough, by the way of Ben-
nington. If it cannot be carted, 1 think it might be sent in
bags, upon pack-horses. This is to provide against the
worst. We are not in any immediate danger of a scarcity.
In answer to that part of your Excellency's letter relative
to the officers of the State of Connecticut who have served
in this department, I am to acquaint you, sir, that I think
Colonel Swift, Lieutenant-Colonel Starr, Major Bigelow,
Major Sumner, and Major Sedgwick, are officers who I can
recommend as worthy of the rank they hold in the army of
the United States. Of the other Field Officers, I am silent.
As to the Captains and Subs, I have had no opportunity to
know them sufficiently to say anything in their dispraise.
Spades, or iron shovels, are exceedingly wanted at this
place. 1 have wrote repeatedly to General Schuykr, for
six weeks past, but cannot procure any from him. He tells
me, in his last letter, not one is to be had from Albany.
One hundred at a time would be a seasonable supply.
Shingle nails are also in great request here.
Trusting that the wise Disposer of all human affairs will
bless our cause, the cause of freedom and mankind, I rest,
sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To Governour Trumbull.
COLONEL BREWER TO GENERAL GATES.
Ty Mills, October 22, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : Captain Jf'Tiittksey has made applica-
1193
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee,, OCTOBER, 1776.
1194
tion to me, to recommend it to your Honour to have the
Indians discharged. It is with the utmost difficulty I have
kept them in any order until now. I most earnestly beg
you will dismiss them, ifyou think it consistent with duty, &c.
I am sJr, your Honour's very humble servant,
SAMUEL BREWER, Colonel.
To General Gates.
BEHOLD A COWARD !
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, October 22, 1776.
The publick are desired to take notice that Daniel Pittee,
Ensign in Captain Timothy Stow's company, in Colonel
Wheelock's regiment, applied at Head-Quarters for a dis-
charge, upon hearing that the enemy were likely to attack
our lines. He was refused, and the next day deserted the
camp. This infamous runaway belongs to the south parish
of Dedham, County of Suffolk.
Published by order of Brigadier-General Brickelt:
ANDREW BROWN, Major of Brigade.
INDIANS OF ONENHOGHKWAGE AND TUSCARORA TO THE
OFFICERS AT OTSEGO LAKE.
Onenhoghkwage, October 22, 1776.
BROTHERS, THE CAPTAIN AND OTHER OFFICERS OF THE
COMPANY OF RANGERS AT OTSEGO : We have been several
times astonished, hearing your intentions. We understand
your business is to range the woods in pursuit of Indians
that are painted, or have feathers in their caps, and intend
to fire on them wherever you find them. Our people are
just going out to hunt, as usual, in the woods where you
pass along. Hunting is their sole intention, and they go
out with no other design than in the pursuit of the necessa-
ries of life. We have no bad design ; neither are there
any hereabouts that are ill-disposed that we know of: there-
fore we hope you will quiet your minds, and suffer no fears
about us to trouble you, nor trouble yourselves about our
customs of painting or wearing feathers on our heads, for
that is no sign of bad intentions ; and our young men have
always practised it, thinking it no harm or breach of friend-
ship with our brothers.
We should not have written, if we had heard it only as
flying report ; but we have been told four or five times by
William Johnston and Glasford, that you determine to fire
on any you find in the woods painted. Every time any of
us go to Tyonadello, they repeat the story, and charge us
not to paint. Therefore what must we think ? Must we
not conclude that it is dangerous for us to improve our old
hunting-grounds ? We had such news concerning the inhab-
itants of Cherry Valley last summer, and our head men
sent to them to know the reason of it. They assured us
the report was false. We hope it will appear to be so now.
We hope you will inform us speedily if you have no design
against us, and endeavour to prevent such reports being
spread amongst us, which you may be sure will make trou-
ble. We know no reason why we should stay from our
hunting, or leave off painting according to our custom.
From the
WARRIORS AND HUNTERS OF ONENHOGHKWAGE
AND TUSCARORA,
I shall speak a word now, brothers. I have observed
their conduct, and don't discover any bad design in them ;
wherefore I was troubled in my mind when the speech of
one of your company was interpreted to me by William
Johnston at Tyonadello. I could not receive it as a false-
hood from him, and I can't expect they will leave off paint-
ing for your threats; for I have, for many years past,
entreated them, from time to time, on the Sabbath, to break
off from that custom, but they are so in love with it, that
they will not hearken. Therefore, 1 entreat that you would
not trouble yourselves about the customs of our people, but
take care of those among yourselves which you know to be
dangerous. I hope you will find out means whereby to
preserve peace and unity between us and you, and also
among yourselves.
These from your brother, ISAAC.
Interpreted by AARON CROSBY, Miss'ry.
To the Officers of the Rangers, Otsego.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, October 22, 1776,
Present: His Honour the Governour; his Honour the
Deputy Governour; Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, William Hillhouse, Benja-
min Huntington.
Voted, To allow Adam Babcock fy Co., to export sixty
barrels of Salt Beef to Rhode-Island, for the use of their
privateer.
Voted, To allow Adam Babcock Of Co. two of the Can-
non taken on board the ship Guineaman, and brought in by
Captain Harding to New-London.
Voted, To appoint an Ensign, and give him orders to
inlist twenty men, without premium, and at forty shillings
per month, to be for the defence of the United States of
America, and to man the Fort at Milford Harbour, until
further orders, and to serve until the 25th day of December
next, unless sooner discharged ; and Captain Benjamin Hine
is appointed an Ensign for said service, with the pay of an
Ensign.
COMMITTEE OF DANBURY, (CONNECTICUT,) TO EBENEZER
LOCKWOOD.
Danbury, October 22, 1776.
SIR : Having received your letter of the 20th instant, with
three officers, who, you inform us, are prisoners of war, and
a copy of their parole ; likewise we received them into our
custody, and shall endeavour to conduct towards them
agreeable to the resolves of Continental Congress in such
case made and provided.
By order of the Committee of Inspection for the town of
THOMAS STEVENS, Chairman.
To Esquire Ebenezer Lockwood, at Pound Ridge, West-
chester County.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO PRESIDENT OF NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Head-Quarters, Valentine's Hill, October 22, 1776.
SIR : By command of his Excellency I enclose you a
letter for General Schuyler, under a flying seal. After sub-
mitting it to the perusal of the Convention, please to seal
it, and forward it by express.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To the Hon. Peter R. Livingston, Esq., President of Con-
vention at Fishkills.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PROVIDENCE, (RHODE-ISLAND,)
DATED OCTOBER 22, 1776.
The frigate called the Providence is gone to Newport.
The Warren was under sail last Sunday, and outsails all
the boats in the river, upon a wind, without mainsail or top-
gallant sails being set. How the Providence sails, I know
not, as she went down before the wind, directly from me.
They are two very fine ships, a credit to our little State.
There has been brought into this port thirty-two prizes, a
pretty good beginning. There is now fitting out two twenty-
gun ships, and there will be soon two new brigs built, on
purpose for the business, to mount eighteen six-pounders
each. This addition to our fleet will make no small show
upon the list of our naval department.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES.
Newport, October 22, 1776.
SIR : You are directed to go on board the Alfred, and
take the command of her, and go to sea with her and the
Hamden, Captain Hacker, who will be directed to keep
company with you, and follow your directions. You will
form such signals, and appoint such rendezvous, as you think
will best, answer the end of keeping company.
You are to take all British vessels, and all vessels bound
to any port under the jurisdiction of the King of Great
Britain, except Bermudas and New-Providence. You are,
with the force under your command, to endeavour all in
your power to destroy all the coal vessels you may find at
or near the coal-mines at the Island of Cape Breton, and
119,5
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1196
do all in your power to relieve a number of our unfortunate
brethren who are prisoners, and employed in that cruel and
hard service. When that is effected, and the weather will
permit, you are to cruise for transports and other vessels
bound to Canada, or go to Newfoundland, and destroy as
much of the fishery as you possibly can, if you think
the season not too far advanced ; and when you think the
season too cold for that station, you may cruise as long as
you well can for transports bound from Great Britain to
New-York. You may send any vessels into port for trial
that you may think are acting detrimental to the interest of
the American States.
Such vessels as you may take, which you think are not
worth your while, or may not be convenient, to send into
port, you may destroy, first taking the hands out.
My advice is, when your cruise is over, that you return
into some port in New-England, in order for a winter's
expedition.
You will send your prizes into such ports in the United
States of America as you judge you can get them in with
most safety. You may, if you please, send a proper
person in a prize, if you should take any one fit for that
purpose, to some port in France, and there to sell her and
cargo, and purchase some small armed vessel, and with the
overplus money lade on board her such goods as may
answer best for the supply of the navy or army, first bal-
lasting her with sulphur, you giving him orders for that
purpose.
I am, sir, your friend and humble servant,
ESEK HOPKINS, Commander-in- Chief.
To John P. Jones, Esq., Commander of the ship Alfred,
in the service of the United States of North America.
fore, to desire you to supply him with sufficient money for
that purpose, and take his receipt, and charge it to the
Continent.
I am, Sic., ESEK HOPKINS.
To John Bradford, Esq., Agent for the Continent in the
State of Massachusetts-Bay, at Deptford, or, in his ab-
sence, to his Deputy there.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN JONES.
Newport, October 22, 1776.
SIR : You are desired to attend at a Court-Martial to be
held on board the ship Alfred, at two o'clock this after-
noon, for the trial of Samuel Halm or Emom, Thomas Don-
ehoe, James Robinson, and John Robinson, for mutiny.
By order of the Hon. Esek Hopkins, Esq., Commander-
in-Chief: 0 „
SAMUEL LYON, Secretary.
To John P. Jones, Esq., Commander of the Providence.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN HACKER.
Newport, October 22, 1776.
SIR : You are to go to sea with the Hamden under your
command, in company with the Alfred, and take and fol-
low such directions as you may receive from Captain Jones
respecting your cruise. If you should part with the Alfred
by accident, you are to do all in your power to join her; but
should you not be able to join, you are to cruise, as long as
you can, in such station as you think will be most likely to
intercept the provision vessels from Great Britain, bound
either to Canada or New- York.
You may destroy any ship or ships which you cannot
easily man, and send into port, first taking out the hands.
You will send your prizes into such ports as you judge you
can with most safety get them into any of the United
States of America.
ESEK HOPKINS, Commander -in- Chief.
To Hoysteed Hacker, Esq., Commander of the brigantine
Hamden, in the service of the United States of North
America.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO JOHN BRADFORD.
Newport, October 22, 1776.
SIR : The above and annexed is a list of what goods
belonged to the Captain and passengers on board the ship
Ester, sent into Deptford by the Cabot; and as it has been
customary in this State for the Captains to have their pri-
vate adventures, and the Agent here has always delivered it
by my consent, and as the above list does not seem to me
unreasonable, I think you will do well to deliver the same
to the persons they belong to, and you may depend that in
so doing you will do but right.
Lieutenant Weaver acquaints me that the men on board
the prize ship Ester want some supplies. These are, there-
AARON ROOT TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Sheffield, October 22, 1776.
SIR: Some time since, the honourable Council was
pleased to honour me with a commission of Lieutenant-Col-
onel in the First Regiment of Militia, in Barks, for which
I beg leave, through your Honour, to return my sincere
thanks to the honourable Board and House. My advanced
age and infirm state of health would at that time have
induced me to decline, had not I have listened to the advice
and even importunities of some partial friends; since which
time, Colonel Hopkins and Major Jackson have engaged
in the service, the former of whom is in such an ill state of
health that there is very little prospect of his recovering;
Major Brown is dead. The whole burthen of ordering and
directing the Militia in consequence falls on me. To the
performance of my duty herein, for the reasons before
hinted, I feel myself wholly unequal. My health still con-
tinuing in an impaired state, and it being with reason
expected that those who are in office should not be inactive
in this time of danger, a disinterested regard for the good of
my country and the present all-important contest, induces
me humbly to lay my case before the honourable Council
and House, and beg leave to retire, that some gentleman
whose exertions may have a greater tendency to be of ser-
vice, may be appointed in my stead.
I am, with great respect, your Honours' most obedient
and very humble servant,
AARON ROOT.
To the honourable President of Council.
Portsmouth, October 22, 1776.
Saturday last, was sent into this port a prize brig, bound
to Bilboa, with two thousand quintals of fish, taken by a
Sakm privateer.
Monday, the 14th instant, arrived at Falmouth, Casco
Bay, a large ship from Jamaica, bound to London, laden
with five hundred hogsheads of sugar, and fifty hogsheads
of rum, taken by the privateer Retaliation, from Beverley,
Giles commander. The ship mounted six carriage-guns,
and fought the privateer two hours before she struck.
Tuesday last, arrived at Falmouth, Casco Bay, a large
brig, the Mary and James, commanded by Thomas More.
She was from Falmouth in England, bound to Naples, laden
with bales and boxes of goods, cocoa, pepper, alum, tin,
lead, &tc., taken by Captain Simon Forrester, in the priva-
teer sloop Rover, from Salem.
Williamsburg, November 15, 1776.
Last night an express arrived from Colonel Christian,
with letters to the Governour, dated October 23, giving an
account of his having passed the Tennessee river on the
18th of that month, without any molestation from the enemy,
and after marching through several Indian towns, at length
arrived safely in the Island town, the lowermost but one
on the river, which he found had been precipitately aban-
doned, the Indians having only had time to carry off their
clothes and the best of their household goods, with which
they pushed off in canoes down the Tennessee. They left
behind them their horses, cattle, hogs, fowls, and even dogs,
with their whole crops of corn and potatoes, which the Col-
onel learned was a very great one. He expected at his
camp in the Island town, as next day, the Raven warriour
of Chote, with Oucanastota, the Little Carpenter, and a
number of other chiefs; having given them to understand,
that if they did not immediately come in and make submis-
sion, and agree to such terms as he should deem to be
reasonable, that he would lay waste all the towns, and pur-
sue their fugitive countrymen as far as the Creek nation.
The Colonel thinks it probable he may enter into a treaty
with them, as he has good reason to believe that all the old
1197
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1198
warriours had been averse to the war, and that the rest were
stirred up by Cameron, by bribes and threats. Two of his
scouts, on the road to Hywassee, found an old woman and
two children in the woods, almost famished with hunger and
cold, having been out six days and nights without fire, or
provisions of any kind except berries and haws. The sol-
diers took compassion upon the poor wretches, made them
a fire, and give them victuals. They also met a young man
who had lost his wife, and was then in search of her ; they
called to him to come to them, on which he clubbed his
gun and came up. He informed that the villain Cameron
pushed off to the Creek nation as soon as he heard Colonel
Christian had crossed Broad river.
SAMUEL CHASE TO GENERAL SULLIVAN.
Annapolis, October 23, 1776.
DEAR SIR: After congratulating you on your return to
your station in our army, I beg you to renew your corres-
pondence with me, and to give any intelligence by which
I may serve you, our army or country.
I am in the greatest anxiety for the success of the mili-
tary, and therefore hope you will gratify my inquiry into the
numbers, state and condition of the troops.
I am some engaged in framing a government for this
State.
I beg to be remembered most respectfully to Lord Stir-
ling.
I am, with respect and regard, your affectionate and obe-
dient servant, „ .-,
SAMUEL CHASE.
To the Hon. John Sullivan, Esq., Major-General of the
Continental Army, Head-Quarters, New-York.
LUX & BOWLY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Captain Kilty applied to us yesterday for
cordage to fit out the Ninety- two; but we have met with
such difficulty in procuring hemp to go on with the engage-
ments we are already under, that we cannot furnish him,
unless you think proper to take off so much as he may
want from the quantity we are to furnish for the gondolas,
&c., and then we apprehend it will be impossible to get
rigging for them till next summer.
Captain Patterson called on us for some brimstone, which
we delivered.
We are, gentlemen, your most humble servants,
Lux &i BOWLY.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
SIR: I have the honour to transmit herewith sundry
resolves of Congress, to which I must request your atten-
tion. They relate to a variety of subjects, and are abso-
lutely necessary for your information and direction. Being
at present extremely engaged in forwarding despatches to
General Washington, I have only time to add, that 1 am,
with sentiments of perfect esteem, sir, your most obedient
and very humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To General Schuyler, Albany.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO SILAS DEANE.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
SIR: We lately wrote you a letter by Mr. William
Hodge, enclosing sundry important papers, duplicates
whereof are sent by another conveyance; but one paper
was wanting to complete that sent by Mr. Hodge, which
was not then ready. You will find it herein, being instruc-
tions of Congress respecting treating with foreign nations.
We send it by the sloop Sachem, Captain James Robin-
son, under cover to William Bingham, Esq., at Martinico,
who will forward the same.
I am, for and by order of the Committee of Secret Cor-
respondence, dear sir, your obedient, humble servant,
ROB'T MORRIS.
To Silas Deane, Esq.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM
BINGHAM.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
DEAR SIR : The enclosed letter for Silas Deane, Esq.,
is of a publick nature and of great importance. Your
particular care in forwarding it under your cover by a safe
conveyance, is expected by the Committee of Correspond-
ence ; in whose behalf I am yours, &.c.,
ROBERT MORRIS.
To William Bingham, Esq.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO SILAS DEANE.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
SIR: We lately wrote you very fully by Mr. William
Hodge, Jun., who went passenger in the sloop Independence,
to Martinico, from whence he will proceed to France, and
deliver you sundry despatches from this Committee; amongst
the rest was the plan of a treaty with the Court of France,
and instructions of Congress relative thereto; and this day
we have enclosed you instructions relative to treaties with
other nations, and sent them under cover to William Bing-
ham, Esq., at Martinico. Enclosed herein are triplicates
of the whole, which we send by the brig Lexington, William
Hallock, Esq., commander, under cover to Mr. Stephen
Ceronio, at Cape Francois, to be forwarded from thence to
Messrs. Delap, at Bordeaux, and we hope in due time you
will receive the whole safely.
For and on behalf of the Committee of Correspondence,
I am, dear sir, yours, &c., ROB£RT MQRRIS
To Silas Deane, Esq.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
SIR : The enclosed letter for Messrs. Samuel fy J. H.
Delap, of Bordeaux, contains some papers of importance,
and I request you will most carefully forward it under a
French cover to them by first good safe conveyance.
I am yours, &c., ROBERT MORRIS.
To Mr. Stephen Ceronio.
P. S. Pray advise what ship you send it by.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The packet enclosed herewith is of impor-
tance to Mr. Deane, and I beg the favour of you to forward
it to him as quickly after yftu receive it as possible. I
think you had best send it by express, the expense of which
he will cheerfully pay, and you must not suffer it to go by
any conveyance in the least degree doubtful.
I am, sirs, your obedient servant, ROBERT MORRIS.
To Messrs. Samuel fy J. H. Delap.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO SILAS DEANE.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
SIR: We have already wrote you two letters of this date
by different conveyances. The present we send by the
Andrew Doria, Isaiah Robison, Esq., commander, for St.
Eustatia, from whence it will be sent to William Bingham,
Esq., at Martinico, and by him be transmitted to you in a
French bottom.
You will find enclosed two resolves of Congress passed
yesterday. From one of them you will learn that Thomas
Jefferson, Esq., declined going to France, and that Arthur
Lee, Esq., of London, is elected to serve as a Commissioner
in his stead. You will therefore contrive to give him imme-
diate notice to repair to you, and then deliver him that
resolve and the enclosed letter. By the other resolve you
will see that Congress direct you to procure eight line-of-
battle ships, either by hire or purchase. We hope you may
meet immediate success in this application, and that you
may be able to influence the Courts of France and Spain
to send a large fleet at their own expense to act in concert
with these ships, which should be expedited immediately
with directions to the commander to make the first port he
can with safety in these States, preferring this, if winds and
weather favour him ; and he must also have instructions to sub-
ject himself totally after his arrival to the orders of Congress.
We are, sir, yours, &ic. ROBERT MORRIS.
To Silat Deane, Esq.
A copy with the papers by the Lexington. R. M.
1199
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1200
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO WILLIAM
BINOHAM.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
We have wrote you already by this conveyance of the
brigantine Andrew Doria, to St. Eustatia, which we deem
a safer than the Sachem, as she sails faster and is of more
force. Therefore we now enclose you some very important
despatches for Mr. Deane, and request you will forward
them by the very first good conveyance, advising us here-
after the vessel and master's name by which they go, and
also of their arrival when you hear it.
We are, sir, yours, &c.
To IVilliam Bingham, Esq.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO ARTHUR LEE.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
SIR: By this conveyance we transmit to Silas Deane,
Esq., a resolve of the honourable the Continental Congress
of Delegates from the thirteen United States of America,
whereby you are appointed one of their Commissioners for
negotiating a treaty of alliance, amity, and commerce, with
the Court of France, and also for negotiating treaties with
other nations agreeable to certain plans and instructions of
Congress, which we have transmitted by various conveyances
to Mr. Deane, another of the Commissioners. We have
requested him to give you immediate notice to join him, and
on your meeting to deliver this letter, and lay before you
all the papers and instructions; also to deliver you the
resolve whereby you are appointed. We flatter ourselves
from the assurances of your friends here, that you will
cheerfully undertake this important business, and that our
country will greatly benefit of those abilities and that attach-
ment you have already manifested in sundry important
services, which, at a proper period, shall be made known
to those you would wish.
This Committee will think it proper to address all their
despatches unto Mr. Deane, until they have certain advice
that his colleagues have joined him ; but the communication
of them will be the same as if addressed to the whole.
We remain, with great esteem and regard, sir, your most
obedient servants. r> , n.
ROB T MORRIS.
B. FRANKLIN.
To Arthur Lee, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO GOVERNOUR OF NORTH-CAROLINA.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : We have ordered Commodore Hopkins
immediately to proceed to Cape Fear, in the State of North-
Carolina, with the following vessels under his command :
the Alfred, of 30 guns; Columbus,^ guns; Cabot, 16
guns; Hamden, 16 guns; Providence, 10 guns; frigate
Warren, 32 guns; Providence, 28 guns; if these two last
mentioned can be made ready in season.
The object of this expedition is to take or destroy the
British men-of-war in the river of Cape Fear, or any other
cruising upon the southern coasts with a view to distress
the trade of yours and the southern States. Strong as the
Commodore may be with the four that accompany him
from Rhode-Island, yet we wish to put as little as possible
to the hazard, but pursue this measure with the fullest con-
fidence of success. We request that you will, upon the
earliest information of Commodore Hopkins being off your
coast, despatch the two Provincial armed vessels, and any
others which may be under your control, to join him and
cooperate with him in this important expedition, in the event
of which your State is particularly and essentially interested.
You will therefore hold your vessels in perfect readiness to
comply with this requisition.
We beg leave to hint to you the necessity of providing
skilful pilots for conducting the Commodore, that he may
suffer no delay nor run no risk from his ignorance of the
coast of North-Carolina. As the success of this attempt
depends much on the secrecy with which it may be con-
ducted, we need say nothing to urge you on the strict
observance of this injunction.
We are, gentlemen, your humble servants.
To the Governour and Council of North- Carolina.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO COMMODORE HOPKINS.
October 23, 1776.
SIR: Since our last we are informed that the Galatea, a
new twenty-gun ship, with the Nautilus, of sixteen guns,
are gone to cruise off the capes of Virginia. These ships
you will endeavour to fall in with, and take or destroy, in
your way to Cape Fear. We are also informed that the
Raven, of twenty guns, and the Sphynx, of sixteen, have
quitted Georgia and South- Carolina, but where gone we
know not. You may take with you to the southward both
the Rhode-Island frigates, as well as the Cabot, if they are
ready; and we will write to North- Carolina to have two
fine brigantines belonging to that State in readiness to join
you. They have sixteen guns each, and near one hundred
men. You had best send one of your fleet into Occrocock
Inlet for them, as they are in there. We understand the
sloop Providence, Captain Jones, has put into Rhode-
Island. You may add him to your fleet, and then you'll
be very strong. As this service to the southward is of much
publick importance, we expect from your zeal and attach-
ment to the interest of the United States, that you proceed
on and execute this service with all possible vigour and
despatch.
Wishing you health and success, we are, sir, your hum-
ble servants.
To Esek Hopkins, Esq.
P. S. We are informed that two ships-of-war passed the
other day along the Jersey shore, steering southward ; we
know not whether to cruise off the mouth of Delaware or
join the southern ships. But we deem it highly proper
that you provide yourself with a very quick boat, com-
manded by a spirited, sensible, and skilful man, to precede
your fleet, and bring you intelligence of the number, force,
and situation of the enemy's ships. It might not be amiss
for you to remain a short time within the capes of Vir-
ginia, until the tender should reconnoitre and inform you
of the state of things at Cape Fear.
MARINE COMMITTEE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CAPTAINS
MANLEY, M'NEIL, AND THOMPSON.
October 23, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: We expect the Continental frigates Han-
cock, Boston, and Raleigh, under your respective com-
mands, are either now ready for the sea, or shortly will be
so. You are hereby directed to act in concert and cruise
together, for the following purposes, and on the following
stations. Your first object must be to inform yourselves in
the best manner possible if any of the British men-of-war
are cruising in the bay of Boston or off the coast of Massa-
chusetts ; and all such you are to endeavour with your
utmost force to take, sink, or destroy. Having effected
this service, you are to proceed together towards Rhode-
Island, and there make prize of or destroy any of the
enemy's ships-of-war that may be found cruising off the
harbour or coast of Rhode-Island. The prizes you make
are to be sent into the nearest port. When you arrive at
Rhode-Island, if Commodore Hopkins should not be already
sailed on his southern expedition, and the two frigates built
in that State should not be ready for the sea, in that case
you are to join Commodore Hopkins, and proceed with
him on the said expedition, producing these orders to him
to justify the measure. But if the Rhode-Island frigates
should be ready for the sea, there will be no occasion for
you, or either of you, to go southward ; and you will pro-
ceed, taking with you any Continental vessel that may be
at Rhode-Island and ready, if Commodore Hopkins should
be sailed before you come there, and proceed to cruise
against the enemy's ships and vessels that may be found off
the coast between the harbour of Newport and the banks
of Newfoundland.
We have no doubt, from your zeal and attachment to the
cause of America, that you will execute this service with
all possible despatch and vigour; and so bid you heartily
farewell.
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
By means of a person who has lately made his escape
out of New-York, we learn that General Howe makes
every one of the inhabitants swear to submit and be obedient
1201
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1202
to the laws of the British Parliament, "in all cases what-
soever."
Monday last, arrived here the schooner Sally, from Ber-
muda, with salt, &c., by whom we learn that the Galatea,
a twenty-gun ship, and the Dreadnought, of eighteen,
were at Bermuda, where they had carried in several prizes.
That the Galatea was to sail in a short time, and to cruise
off the capes of Virginia.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
At a meeting- of the Committee of Cumberland County,
held in the Town of Carlisle, the 23d day of October,
1776.
The above meeting being called by a circular letter ad-
dressed to the members of the said County Committee in
each township, signed by the Chairman of the Committee
of Correspondence, requesting them to collect the sense of
the inhabitants of their respective township concerning the
oath directed by an ordinance of the late Convention of
this State, to be taken by every elector before his vote for
representatives shall be received.
After the occasion of the meeting was opened to the
Committee, the sense of the different townships was called
for, and taken through their delegates, respecting the oath
above referred to ; and it appeared that a very great majority
were satisfied with the oath and Constitution ; and, after
some debate had thereon, the question was put whether this
Committee be satisfied with the oath above referred to, and
the Constitution as framed by the late Convention ? The
votes being taken, it appeared that a great majority were
satisfied, and that the above be published in the news-
papers.
Signed by order of the Committee :
ALEXANDER LAUGHLIN, Chairman.
and a copy of that minute was transcribed by a member, to
be sent to the press.
The subscribers then declared that, as the minute afore-
said did not convey the ideas of the proceedings in the
manner they conceived of them, they would send the facts
as they happened to the press, which they now do, that
every reader may know them.
GEORGE STEVENSON,
STEPHEN DUNCAN, and
SAMUEL LAIRD.
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1776.
When the Gazette of the 2d instant came to hand,
wherein an ordinance of the late Convention of this State,
passed at Philadelphia the 26th of September last, was pub-
lished, the Committee of Inspection and Observation of
Cumberland County saw that the ordinance required every
elector in this State, before his vote shall be received by the
inspector, to take an oath, or affirmation, which they appre-
hended to be an unprecedented imposition, and an unjusti-
fiable violation of their rights as freemen, and resolved that
it was their immediate and indispensable duty to call the
County Committee together. They wrote a letter for that
purpose, and directed a copy thereof to the representatives
in County Committee of each township, and therein made
it their earnest request that, in the mean time, they would
use every means in their power to learn and collect the sen-
timents of their constituents on this important matter, that
they might be enabled to represent them at the meeting of
the Committee.
The County is divided into twenty-three townships,
whereof the town of Carlisle is one. In pursuance of that
letter, one or more representatives from eighteen townships
appeared on Tuesday, the 22d day of this instant, in the
Court-House at Carlisle. After a Chairman and Clerk
were appointed, and the occasion of the meeting of the
Committee at that time opened : on motion, the repre-
sentatives of each township delivered the sentiments of their
constituents concerning the oath aforesaid ; when it appeared
that ten townships were satisfied with the oath and consti-
tution framed by the late Convention ; and, after reasoning
on the subject, the question was put, viz: Whether the
members of the Committee present were satisfied w,ith the
constitution and oath aforesaid, or dissatisfied ? It appeared
that the representatives of twelve townships were satisfied,
and of six townships were not satisfied. The Clerk then
entered a short minute of the above proceedings ; and, on
motion, resolved that it be printed in the newspapers.
Afterwards, a Committee of two members were appointed
to prepare and correct the minute aforesaid for the press,
who, after a considerable time, made report in writing to
the Committee, which was read, and occasioned debates.
At length the question was put, viz: Whether a short
minute, as entered by the Clerk, should be printed, or the
facts as they happened ; when it was carried by a majority
that the minute, as entered by the Clerk, should be printed ;
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 76
COMMISSIONERS FOR PENNSYLVANIA TO GENERAL WASH-
INGTON.
Mount Washington, October 23, 1776.
SIR : The anxious concern we feel for the general cause,
as well as the particular line of duty marked out to us by
our instructions from the State of Pennsylvania, is the occa-
sion of the present trouble to your Excellency.
When we had the honour of waiting on you at this place
about a month ago, we were assured by the Adjutant-Gen-
eral that recruiting orders should be immediately issued for
the Continental battalions raised in Pennsylvania, then at
and near New-York Island. This assurance was given us
on the 8th of October; and, in full confidence that they
would be issued generally, we set out the next day for
Tyconderoga. On our return, a few days ago, we came to
the camp at the White-Plains, and from Colonel Hand we
understood that he had received the orders, and, in conse-
quence of them, had recruited more than an hundred men
out of the Flying-Camp for his battalion only, and would
have been able to have completed the whole, had it not
been for the frequent movements of the army, which had
unavoidably prevented him.
At our return to this place we naturally inquired of Col-
onels Magaw and Cadwalader what success they had met
with in their inlistments, when, to our astonishment, they
informed us that they had not received any orders for that
purpose.
Your Excellency, we doubt not, had good reasons for
issuing the orders to Colonel Hand only, and not to the
other gentlemen. However, as we are informed by Gene-
ral Ewing that many of the Pennsylv unions in the Flying-
Camp under his command are willing to enter into the ser-
vice on the new establishment, and as Colonels Magaw
and Cadwalader are near, and could with ease inlist them,
we have thought it our duty to represent the affair to your
Excellency, and doubt not but that the zeal and ability you
have ever exerted in the cause of American liberty, will
induce you to take the most proper measures for effectua-
ting that glorious purpose.
We have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem, your
Excellency's most obedient and most humble servants,
JAC. POTTER,
WM. CLARK,
JOHN MORRIS, Jun.,
Commissioners for Pennsylvania.
To His Excellency General Washington, at While-Plains.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENERAL OFFICER, DATED
MOUNT WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 23, 1776.
Two deserters came over to us from the York Island
lines the evening before last, who say the enemy's loss on
Friday was more than eight hundred killed and wounded.
They saw many of the wounded, who all agree in their
accounts of a heavy loss on their side. A strong party of
Hessians were ambushed by two of our regiments, Read's
and Shepherd's, and drove to their main body, which
advanced, and obliged our men to retire about six hundred
yards. This finished the action, the enemy contenting
themselves with the ground they had gained. We had only
fifteen hundred men engaged, and not more than two thou-
sand near the field : the enemy had at least eight thousand.
The enemy pushed that night three miles along the coast
to New-Rochelle, where their advanced party remained
yesterday.
After 'the action, our artillery and that of the enemy were
employed in annoying each other. During the fire of the
artillery, the deserters say, a sentry at General Howe's tent
was killed at the door ; the ball entered the tent, and shat-
1203
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1204
tered General Hoive's leg so as to endanger his life. One
of the deserters declares he heard his Captain mention it to
several officers. They belong to the Fortieth Regiment.
Major Rogers advanced the evening before last, with his
corps of Tories, to Mamoraneck. A party was detached
against him ; they killed many, took thirty-six prisoners,
sixty-five muskets, and as many blankets, and completely
routed the rest of the party. This blow will ruin the
Major's Rangers. The enemy have received a reinforce-
ment of Hessians, and some British troops. Their station
last night was at New-Rochdle. We now outflank them,
so that the least movement of theirs from the shore must
produce an action.
Our troops are in high spirits, and very anxious to engage
the enemy. We cannot answer for the fate of war; but I
think America has little to fear from General Howe's army,
who have gained no ground but what they could reach by
their shipping.
The enemy have left only sixteen hundred men on York
Island. They have detached two brigades to oppose Col-
onel Livingston, who is gone with twelve hundred men to
the east end of Long-Island. He embarked at Fairfield
last week, and, it is said, has carried off many cattle from
the enemy's party on that island.
by
LIST OF PRISONERS TAKEN 21ST OCTOBER.
Joseph Dana, Jeremiah Wood, Stephen Travis,
Stephen Saw, Reuben Stives, James Canidy,
Elijah Carle, David Travis, Moses Travis,
John Andivine, John Warden, Abraham Brown,
Joseph Carle, Elijah Bartoe, Elnathan Appleby,
Walter Brown, Jona. Ansten, Jerediah Davis,
Gilbert Myers, Francis Basly, Jacob Cadwell Burr,
Frederick Devo, James Sharp, James Melson,
David Lawrence, Solomon Parent, Noah Brown,
James Hangivine, Jonathan Esly, Wm. Washbourn.
John Charlick,
The above prisoners served in Rogers's corps, and taken
Colonel Haslet, October 21, 1776.
INSTRUCTIONS TO RECRUITING OFFICERS.
Yonkers, October 23, 1776.
Encouragement given by the honourable Continental
Congress to sucb men as are able and willing to defend their
country in the capacity of gentlemen soldiers, and who shall
inlist to serve in the Continental army:
First, twenty dollars bounty ; secondly, a suit of clothes
yearly, to consist for the present year of two linen hunting-
shirts, two pair of overalls, a leathern cap, two shirts, two
pair of hose, and two pair of shoes, amounting in the whole
to the value of twenty dollars ; or that sum to be paid
to each soldier who shall procure those articles for him-
self, and produce a certificate thereof from the Captain of
the company to which he belongs, to the Paymaster of the
regiment; and thirdly, a grant of one hundred acres of
land, free of all charges in procuring the same, at the end
of the war; which grants shall be made out to each non-
commissioned officer and soldier, who shall serve during
the war; or to the representative of such non-commissioned
officers and soldiers as shall be slain by the enemy. It is
also ordered by Congress that the ten dollars which soldiers
have received already, is to be considered as part of the
above bounty of twenty dollars. And such soldiers as may
be wounded or maimed in the service of the Continent shall,
during their inability to procure a livelihood, be entitled to
the receipt of half pay.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM EAST-CHESTER, NEW-YORK,
DATED OCTOBER 23, 1776.
The enemy have landed the main body of their army
at East-Chester, where we had a small engagement; we
lost twelve men, but had the advantage of them. We
haver authentick intelligence of their losing five hundred,
killed and wounded. The enemy lay on the East River
and we on the North, two miles distant from each other,
except our advanced guards, twenty-five miles from New-
York. We have New-York Island still in our possession,
with a garrison of eighteen hundred men, commanded by
General Putnam. The main body of our army lays at the
above-mentioned place, waiting for the enemy to attack us.
It is my opinion, if they should not do it soon, we shall
attack them. We have gained the advantage of them the
two last engagements. There is no dispute but what a gene-
ral attack will commence very soon. I have just received
intelligence of a battle that was fought last night at Merry-
nick, about seven miles from this; the enemy had a number
killed and wounded ; we took thirty prisoners. I cannot
learn what loss we sustained, but we came off victorious.*
•October 21, 1776.— At about four o'clock, p. m., General Heath's
division moved from above King's Bridge, having, besides their light
field-pieces, two heavy iron twelve-pounders. About eight o'clock in
the evening, they passed General Lincoln's quarters, on Valentine's Hill,
where the Commander-in-Chief was to spend the night. General Heath.
waited upon him, to know if he had any particular commands for him.
The Commander-in-Chief only advised to send forward one of his regi-
ments, to occupy the road coming from Ward's Bridge, nearly to whose
farm the British had now advanced ; lest, apprised of his moving, they
should annoy his right flank, which, if it liad been day-light, would
have been open to their view. But before the column reached this cross-
road, it was learnt that Colonel Jonathan Brewer's regiment of arti-
ficers, who were pretty strong, and well-armed, were to pass the night
at the entrance of the road , leading to the bridge before mentioned . The
division reached Chaderton's Hill, to the south of Wliite-Plains, at foui-
o'clock in the morning of the 22d, having marched all night. The in-
stant General Heath ascended the hill, he noticed, to appearance, many
flashes, resembling the flash of the pan of a musket, on the other side
of the lot, on which he immediately ordered a Captain with a party to
discover what it was ; who returned that he could not make discovery
of any thing. These were indeed the flashes of discharged muskets at
some distance ; the height of ground having decoyed the appearance of
the distance. Lord Stirling, who was before in this vicinity with his bri-
gade, had formed an enterprise against Major Robert Rogers's corps.
The old Indian hunter in the last French war, who had now engaged in
the British service, with his corps, now lay on the outpost of the Brit-
ish army, near Marroneck. The enterprise was conducted with good
address ; and if the Americans had known exactly how Rogers's corps
ROB'T HARPUR,
Committee of the Convention of this State.
Recruiting officers are to be particularly careful to inlist
no deserters, nor any Englishman, Scotchman, or Irishman,
who has no connexion in this country. All who have fami-
lies or friends of good fame in the country are most eligible;
and the officers so recruiting shall be allowed the usual com-
pensation for each man they shall inlist. Also apprentices,
without leave of their masters, are not to be inlisted.
ROB'T HARPUR,
CH. D. WITT,
Committee as above.
Recruiting officers, Lieutenant William Tapp, Lieuten-
ant Benjamin Walker, Ensign James Fairley, for the First
Regiment of the New-York forces to be employed, hereby
empowered to recruit in the regiment, the camp, or the
country, as occasion may require.
CH. D. WITT,
ROB'T HARPUR,
A Committee of the Convention of the State of New-York.
No inlisting or billetting money shall be allowed the
recruiting officer for any recruit he may engage, who will
not qualify and pass muster. Until more particular orders,
the said recruiting officer is hereby enjoined to exert himself
with all fidelity in procuring such able-bodied men as may
be active, do honour to the inlister, and be of that essential
service to their bleeding country which at this most critical
juncture it now demands.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 23, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I wrote you last night that General Lee's
lay, they would probably have killed or taken the whole. As it was,
thirty-six prisoners, sixty muskets, and some other articles were taken.
The Major, conformably to his former general conduct, escaped with
the rest of his corps. This was a pretty affair, and if the writer could
recollect the name of the commanding officer, with pride and pleasure
he would insert it. He belonged to one of the Southern lines of the
army, and the whole of the party were Southern troops.
October 22, 1776. — The same day General Heath moved his division,
and took post on the high strong ground , to the north of the Court-House,
General SuUttxm't division reached the Plains in the course of the suc-
ceeding night. In the position of WTiite-Plains, General Heath's division
was on the left of the line. On his left was a deep hollow, through
which ran a small brook, which came from a mill-pond, a little above.
On the east side of this hollow was a very commanding ground, which
would enfilade the division. The top of this high ground was covered
with wood. To this hill he ordered Colonel Matcom with his regiment
of Aeio York troops, and Lieutenant Fenno, of the artillery, with a field-
piece, directing them to take post in the skirt of the wood, at the south
brow of the hill. The ground, from General Heath's left to the right,
descended gradually a very considerable distance, and then gradually
ascended up to the plain, and still on to the right to more commanding
ground. On this was the American army formed, the line running nearly
from northeast to southwest. There were some strong works thrown
up
ton
on the plain, across the road, and still to the right of it. Chader-
's Hill was a little advanced of the line, and separated from it by the
little rivulet Bronx. A body of the Americans were posted on this hill.
Head-Quarters were on the plain, near the cross-roads. General Heath's
division had only slight works for musketry. — Heath.
1205
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., OCTOBER, 1776.
1206
division was engaged. The particulars are as follows:
the General has detached a number of small parties very
far among the enemy's posts. He expected they would be
attacked, and therefore ordered out Colonel Hand with two
hundred rifles to support them. The thing fell out as was
expected; the small parties fell back as far as the supporting
one, and were followed by a considerable body of Hessians,
between whom and Colonel Hand a smart skirmish ensued.
It ended in a victory on our side, with only the loss of a
man or two. Our people drove them from the field, and
took possession of a house where the Hessians had been.
They buried ten, and brought in three prisoners, one of
them mortally wounded, and a parcel of shirts which had
been left to wash.
I am really in hopes that we have fairly outflanked Gen-
eral Howe, and that he will not be able to get across our
front. We press him close to the Sound, from which he has
made no westing, in the sea phrase, and if he makes much
more easting, and endeavours to stretch across, he will
need as large an army as that of Xerxes to form a line.
Every man of thirty-six taken at Maroneck are natives
of this Government. If I was superstitious, I should call
it a judgment.
I am more afraid of the Northern army than the neigh-
bouring one. If they defeat General Gates, I don't see
what is to hinder them from being on our backs; but still I
think if Gates is well provided with provisions and ammu-
nition, he may keep them at bay till the season obliges
them to quit the ground.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
Albany, October 23, 1776.
SIR: Agreeable to the direction of the Committee of
Safety, immediately on the receipt of your letter, I set out
for this place. I have not, since my arrival, been able to
find more than one member of the Committee, the rest being
either gone with the Militia, or employed on some other
publick business. The Committee of Arrangements are with
General Schuyler, at Saratoga. I am unwilling to send
for them till they have despatched their business, as I con-
sider it as more important than any they can do here.
Every necessary measure has, I believe, been already taken
to support the Northern army, so that I cannot imagine that
our stay here will be very useful. 1 shall therefore, unless I
have directions to the contrary, return in a few days to Con-
vention. In the meanwhile I cannot help recommending as
an object of some moment, the immediate establishment of
passes to this place, transmitting the earliest intelligence by
handbill, since nothing else can effectually silence the false-
hoods that are daily propagated by the disaffected.
I have the honour to be your most obedient servant,
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
To the Hon. Peter R. Livingston, Esq., President of the
Convention.
COL. SMALLWOOD TO MARYLAND DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.
Camp on Philips's Heights, October 23, 1776.
SIR : The bearer, Captain Peter Adams, from past ser-
vices being very much reduced, and rendered incapable of
attending his duty in his military department, proceeds to
Philadelphia for recovery of his health; and being in want
of money, which at this time I have not an opportunity of
drawing, though upwards of two months pay due, must
request you would advance such sum as he requires, or any
thing due him, and much oblige your obedient, humble
servant, -.„ <-.
W. SMALLWOOD.
To William Paca, Esq., or any of the Maryland Deputies
at Congress.
that I was principally indebted to Congress for this misfor-
tune, until yesterday, when, and never before did I see the
resolution of the 17th of August last, which, whilst it ex-
culpates General Wooster from any mal-conduct in Canada,
is couched in such terms as to leave even to the candid and
judicious no alternative but that of supposing that Canada
was not properly supplied either by Congress or me.
Judge on whom the publick censure would fall, and let
every gentleman in Congress for a moment fancy himself
in my situation, let him candidly scan that resolve, and then
let him conclude what my feelings must be from his own.
Is it, sir, consistent with that dignity which should be
inseparable from the most respectable body on earth, thus
partially and precipitately to enter into a resolution which
leaves so much room for the publick to consider rne as a
faithless servant ? Deeply sensible of the injury I have
sustained from the hand which ought to have supported
me, I shall endeavour yet to be patient, and do my duty in
this critical conjuncture with zeal, alacrity and firmness, sup-
ported by the consciousness of my integrity, and the expec-
tation of a speedy opportunity of vindicating my character,
and of testifying to the world not only the rectitude of my
intentions, but the propriety of my conduct.
1 have not had a line from General Gates since Wednes-
day last, so that I cannot give Congress any account of
what the enemy are doing, or where they are. The Militia
is, however, marching up to support the communication, and
I have no doubt but we shall be able to keep it up.
I have not received a line from General Gates since the
16th instant. Colonel Potter, who arrived last night from
Ticonderoga, was desired by General Gates to inform me
that the British army was at Crown-Point, and that he
expected an attack daily; that he wanted spades, with
which I cannot furnish him ; that the army was plentifully
supplied with beef, but that their flour was reduced to six-
teen days, little having been sent up by the new Commis-
sary, who now writes me that he cannot procure supplies
without my assistance. I have taken measures to remedy
this evil, and have taken sqch others, as I doubt not, will
effectually prevent the enemy from intercepting our sup-
plies.
The moment that General Ten Broeck, with the Militia,
is passed this, I shall hasten to every part of the communi-
cation to remedy the disorders which the inexperience of
the Commissary has occasioned. I am at present confined
with a disagreeable and painful scorbutic eruption, which
will go off in a few days, and always leaves me in better
health. Messrs. Stockton and Clymer proceed to Fort
George this morning.
The last resolution of Congress allowing clothing to the
troops that shall reinlist, I received from the Convention of
this State, and have requested General Gates to publish it.
I hope it will have some good effect, and be a means to
induce the soldiers to reinlist.
General Walerbury has entreated me to recommend him
to Congress to be exchanged for General McDonald or any
other officer. I wish it to be accomplished.
I am in great hopes that General Carleton will meet with
a repulse; but should I unfortunately be mistaken, I shall
nevertheless not despair of confining him to the lakes, if I
can keep four or five thousand men in a body.
I am, sir, most respectfully your obedient, humble ser-
PH. SCHDYLER.
To the Hon. John Hancock.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read November 4, 1776.]
Saratoga, October 23, 1776.
SIR: I was greatly at a loss to what cause to impute
that very rapid increase of calumny, which I experienced
after my return from the Indian treaty. I did not know
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Saratoga, October 23, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Yesterday I received Mr. Harrison's letter
of the 18th instant, respecting the Stockbridge Indians.
They have all left the army in the course of the last week,
and are returned home. I have not had a line from General
Gates since the 16th.
The British army, under the command of General
Carleton, were at Crown-Point on Monday last, and I sup-
pose will make an attempt on Tyonderoga in a few days,
if they have not already. The Militia move up slowly and
very reluctantly.
Finding that Mr. Awry, the present Commissary in this
department, as being a stranger, was not likely to get a
supply of flour, I have requested the Committee of Albany
1207
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1208
and others to make purchases, and have so arranger! matters
that I hope the enemy will not be able to interrupt the
necessary supplies for the army if the Militia will do -their
duty. ,
I am, dear sir, with great esteem, your Excellency s most
obedient, humble servant, pH SCHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington.
GENERAL ST. CLA1R TO GOVERNOUR LIVINGSTON.
Tyconderogn, October 23, 1776.
SIR: As the army is to be new-modelled, and Captain
Hou-cll, from your Province, has requested me to mention
him to you, I could not in justice to him refuse it ; and it
affords me an opportunity at the same time of paying my
compliments to you.
Captain Howell has, I am well satisfied, behaved since I
joined the army in every respect as a gentleman and an
officer, and been very attentive to military discipline, so
much as to have attracted the notice of General Gates, who
appointed him a Major Brigade, in which station he has
acted for some time to his satisfaction ; but as that is only a
temporary appointment, and he inclines to remain in the
service, he would be glad of something more certain, which
will be doing me a favour, and I would not presume to
recommend a person to you whom I did not think deserv-
ing.
Since the disaster that happened our fleet, of which you
heard long ago, the enemy have made no motion ; three of
their vessels, with a number of flat-bottomed boats and
gondolas, remain at Crown-Point, and their army, or rather
part of it, encamped on the opposite side of the lake. Their
other vessels are gone back, probably for their cannon and
stores, which they might think improper to risk on the issue
of an engagement. We expect them here every moment,
and have the strongest hopes, and those not ill-grounded, of
giving a good account of them. If success attends this
campaign, peace and freedom, glorious objects to America,
will be the consequence ; at all events, America must be
free.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and
esteem, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,
AR. ST. CLAIR.
To His Excellency William Livingston.
deference due to your respectable body, wishing the Amer-
ican arms the blessings of success, and in due time a com-
plete victory over their tyrannical foes, I am, with great
respect, your most obedient, humble servant,
ELKANAH DAY.
To the President of the honourable Convention for the
Stale of New-York.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
New-Haven, October 23, 1776.
SIR : You will find enclosed copy of letter to General
Gates, from General Arnold, respecting the transactions at
the northward. I am further advised that after the action
of the 12th, which General Arnold describes, the fleet
under his command began to fall down the lake, but had
not got far from Schuyler's Island, when a northerly gale,
favourable to the enemy, pushed them up with our shattered
fleet, and obliged them to commence a second engagement,
which was'continued with great disadvantage on our side,
though with great spirit and bravery, for five glasses, when
the superiour strength of the enemy prevailed to the almost
total ruin of our fleet. General Arnold, in the Congress
galley, fought till he could stand no longer, ran her on shore,
burnt her and escaped. General Waterbury fought the
Washington till she was sinking under him, he was obliged
to strike, and was made a prisoner, though it seems he has
returned to Ticonderoga, probably on his parole, and is
expected here soon. Colonel Wigglesworth, in the Trum-
lull, is got to Ty, and is the only galley saved ; one galley
not completed, is safe. Our strength on the water now
remaining, is one sloop, twelve guns ; two schooners, eight
guns each ; two galleys and one gondola. What it was
before these rencounters, the enclosed copy of a return will
show. The enemy's strength appears larger than at first ;
it is as follows :
1 ship, .------
1 schooner, ------
1 do.
18 12-pounders.
14 6 "
12 6 "
COLONEL BROWNSON TO GENERAL GATES.
Castleton, October 23, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: 1 should have come on in company with
Colonel Warner, but my men doth not come on as I expected,
and we hear of a cursed plan a laying by the Tories below,
which we must break up before we can come on. Carleton
allowing our northern settlers to continue on their farms
in peace, will favour much to lull our people to rest. We
must return and put another spur to their sides. Shall
return about forty or fifty miles, as the Tories begin to grow
very bold. We have been hindered here this two days
with men that are unfriendly, but at length we have sent
them under guard to work at the block-house and on the
road through Otter creek till further orders. Shall stir up
the people what lies in my power, and make the greatest
despatch to Mount Independent. Major Rice will come
on with a few men to join the army.
From your most obedient and very humble servant,
TIMOTHY BROWNSON, Colonel.
To General Gates.
l brass.
4 8-inch howitzers.
28 gondolas, 1 gun each, 12, 18, and 24-pounders.
1 8-inch howitzer.
Our people are all retired to Ticonderoga, where it is
their design, it is said, to force the enemy to make an attack
on our works at the French lines, by the Crown-Point road,
by obliging them to land below our army ; that they will
lay our two remaining galleys in the channel, where their
fire will cooperate with the Jersey redoubts and the battery
on Mount Independence. By this means they hope to
prevent their passing higher up than our advanced posts.
I hope for a more full and particular account from General
Waterbury, who is soon expected here.
Colonel Richmond came to this town by land yesterday,
and waits here for his regiment to come in the whale-boats,
which are hourly expected.
Mr. Hazard will communicate his knowledge from
General Washington's Head-Quarters, which is the fullest
that I have.
I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant,
JoNTH TRUMBULL.
To Hon. Governour CooTce.
ELKANAH DAY TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Westminster, October 23, 1776.
SIR; This may inform your Honour that some time in
August last past, I was appointed by the Joint Committee
to be a Captain, to serve in Major Joab Hoisington's detach-
ment of Rangers, whereupon I exerted myself with my best
influence to complete a detachment, but by reason of the
multiplicity of my business as a physician, the calls on me
from the sick and distressed are so perpetual, who are totally
unwilling that I should discontinue my practice with them,
1 therefore do, or at least beg leave to, resign my appoint-
ment and trust in department.
Sir, most heartily acknowledging all favours, paying that
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, October 23, 1776,
Present : His Honour the Governour, his Honour the
Deputy Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, William Hill/iouse, Benjamin
Huntington, Esqrs.
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £400, in favour
of Mr. James Tilley, for Cordage, and to be in account.
(Order drawn October 23d, 1776, and delivered Mr. N.
Shaw.)
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £200, in
favour of Captain Uriah Hayden, towards his building the
Ship Oliver Cromwell, and to be in account. (Order drawn
October 23d, 1776, delivered Colonel Williams.)
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £75, in favour
1209
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., OCTOBER, 1776.
1210
of Captain Benjamin Williams, towards Iron Work, for the
Ship Oliver Cromwell, and to be in account. (Order
drawn October 23d, delivered Captain Williams.)
Voted, That Mr. Levi Young he and he is hereby ap-
pointed master of the Ship Oliver Cromwell, and his Honour
the Governour is desired to grant him a Warrant to execute
the said accordingly.
Voted, To order Captain Harding, with the Brig De-
Jence, to sail on a cruise against the enemies of these States,
for about two months.
Voted, That Captain William Coil, with the Ship Oliver
Cromwell under his command, be ordered on a cruise of
about two months. (Order given October 23d, 1776.)
Voted, To give orders to Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., to
supply the Ship Oliver Cromwell and the Brig Defence
with suitable stores of every kind for a cruise of two months'
each. (Orders given October 23d, 1776.)
BENJAMIN HUNTINGTON TO NATHANIEL SHAW.
New-Haven, October 23, 1776.
SIR : Please to furnish the brig Defence with provisions
and necessary stores of every kind for a cruise of about two
or three months.
By order of the Governour and Council of Safety :
BENJ. HCNTINGTON, Ckrk p. t.
To Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jr.
New-Haven, October 23, 1776.
SIR: Please to furnish the ship Oliver Cromwell with
provisions and necessary stores of every kind for a cruise of
about two or three months.
By order of the Governour and Council of Safety :
BENJ. HUNTINGTON, Clerk p. t.
To Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jr.
New-Haven, October 23, 1776.
The Hon. Richard Law, Esq., is appointed a delegate
to represent this State in the Continental Congress, in addi-
tion to those chosen last year, who are reelected to that
important trust.
The enemy have extended themselves this way as far as
New-Rochel, and small parties of them have advanced as
far as Marrineck. In one of the churches at New-Rochel
was stored more than two thousand bushels of salt, which
has fallen into the hands of the enemy. It was owned by
the State of New- York.
Last Friday there was a smart skirmish near the above
church, between a detached party of the enemy and one
from our army, in which we lost eight or ten men, and some
wounded. Among the latter was Colonel Shepard, of the
Massachusetts-Bay, who was slightly wounded in his
throat, and who commanded the party. The enemy's loss
is not known.
We hear that near two hundred sail of the enemy's fleet
are this side Hell-Gate, the chief of them lying near Hart
Island.
WILLIAM SEVER TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Watertown, October 23, 1776.
SIR : As it is highly probable the Court will to-morrow
call for a return of the effective fire-arms in your hands as
Commissary, I am directed (as Chairman of a Committee
who are reporting that such report be made) to advise you
of it, as we apprehend it is necessary such return be made
as soon as possible ; and am, sir, your humble servant,
W. SEVER.
To Richard De'vens, Esq., Commissary-General.
P. SIM SMITH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
October 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: In Julyhst I received an order from your
honourable Board, directing a Court-Martial to be held
on the 15th of that month for the trial of Captain John
Mackall and Levin Miles, of Calvert County, belonging to
the Fifteenth Battalion of Militia.
In consequence thereof I called a meeting of the mem-
bers on the day appointed, and summoned the parties to
appear with their evidences. A sufficient number of mem-
bers attended to hold a Court-Martial, and Captain John
Mackall appeared agreeable to summons, but not being
provided with his evidences, and Levin Miles having been
sent express by Colonel Sommerville to your honourable
Board, the Court-Martial adjourned to the Monday follow-
ing, the 22d instant. On that day I attended at the place
appointed, but none of the members appeared; but some of
them, I think the greater part, together with Levin Miles,
being on duty, either at Drum Point or at St. George's
Island, watching the motions of Lord Dunmore's fleet.
Thus circumstanced, I was at a loss how to act, and 'twas
doubtful with me whether I had power alone to adjourn to
a future day. If I had, 'twas altogether uncertain whether
the members would be at liberty to attend, and our election
coming on the week following, I determined at last to post-
pone any further proceedings thereon for the present. In-
deed, had a Court-Martial been held, and the parties ready
for trial, we could not have proceeded with propriety, as
the charge against them was not expressed in the order, and
Colonel Mackall had not furnished me with it. I have
since applied to him for the charge, and his answer was
that he had lodged it with the Council of Safety, signed by
Colonel Somerville and himself, where he referred me.
I then resolved to return the order to your honourable
Board, with the reason why I had not proceeded, but un-
luckily had mislaid it amongst some other papers, and could
not lay my hands on it till within a few days past. I now
enclose it, and hope your honourable Board will not
impute the Board with neglect or disobedience of your
orders, but to the reasons above assigned. And should you
think it expedient to renew the order, must request that the
charge against the parties may be thereto annexed, and be
assured I will immediately proceed thereon agreeable to
your directions.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, gen-
tlemen, your most obedient servant, „ c- o
PAT. SIM SMITH.
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
SIR: I have only time to forward the enclosed resolves.*
The cartridges are on the way, and, I hope, will arrive in
season. The Congress will be attentive to all your re-
quests.
With sentiments of esteem, and every wish in your
favour, I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and
very humble servant, JQHN HANCOCK> PresidenL
To General Washington.
•Dated October 14, 15, 16, 18, and 23, 1776.
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
War Office, October 24, 1776.
SIR : The Board of War have directed me to enclose
you the plan they intended to present to Congress for pre-
venting abuses in regiments or companies receiving more
rations than they are entitled to, an evil which has been
complained of perhaps with too much foundation.
It frequently happens that sick soldiers are either left
behind at posts or places through which their regiments or
companies are inarching, or they are sent to hospitals at a
distance from their corps. These unhappy people, or some
of them, are often thought incapable, and discharged by the
Director or Surgeon of the hospital as unfit for service, and
turned out to beg their subsistence to their homes, or places
of their former residence, although they may have pay due
to them sufficient to support them. This not only raises
compassion, and from this motive should be remedied, but
is extremely detrimental to the service, by deterring others
from inlisting.
The Board therefore have thought that the soldiers so
discharged, should have it in their power to receive their
pay in whatever part of the States they may be, and have
accordingly formed a plan to enable them to do it, and
request your Excellency's advice on both these subjects.
With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be your
obedient, humble servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To His Excellency George Washington.
1211
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1212
Plan referred to in RICHARD PETERS'S Letter to General
WASHINGTON, dated War Office, OCTOBER 24, 1776.
That each regiment, troop, or company, be mustered
either by the Mustermaster-General, or his Deputies,
times in every year, if the situation of the army will admit
thereof, and that the Mustermaster-General, or his Deputies,
shall return exact accounts thereof monthly to the Com-
manders-in-Chief of the several departments, and furnish
copies of such returns to the Adjutant and Commissary-
General, or their Deputies.
That the Commissary-General, or his Deputies, shall
return to the Adjutant-General, or his Deputies, monthly,
an exact account of all rations drawn by each regiment,
troop, or company, in the course of the month ; and the
said Adjutant-General, or his Deputies, shall return the
same to the Commander-in -Chief of the several depart-
ments, to be transmitted to Congress as part of the general
returns of the army.
That the Captains or commanders of every troop or com-
pany, shall, at the time a sick non-commissioned officer or
soldier shall go to the hospital, send with such sick non-
commissioned officer or soldier, an exact account of what
pay is due him, and in case of discharge from the hospital,
as unfit for further service, the Director or Surgeon of such
hospital shall certify what pay is due the non-commissioned
officer or soldier so discharged ; and the Captain or com-
mander of the troop or company out of which such officer
or soldier shall goto the hospital, shall not receive the pay
of any officer or soldier so sick or discharged ; but such
non-commissioned officer or soldier shall be paid at any
pay-office or place by any person in the United States
authorized to pay the Continental troops, on producing such
certificates, which shall be kept as vouchers by the person
so paying, and copies thereof delivered to the officer or sol-
dier receiving his pay.
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
War Office, October 24, 1776.
SIR: By order of the Board of War, I have the honour
to inform your Excellency that the Congress have this day
given them direction to order the two Virginia regiments
now at Chester, immediately to Trentoion, there to wait
your Excellency's commands; and at the same time to
acquaint you of the situation of the people of this State,
that, having as comprehensive a view of the state of affairs
as possible, you may make such disposition as the good of
the service may require.
The Council of Safety of this State requested some days
since a conference with this Board, in Older to lay before
it a representation of their situation and expectations. In
the course of this conference it appeared very clearly, that
they were in a most defenceless condition ; that they had
no works upon the river except one fort unfinished; that
the Militia of this city are inactive and languid to the last
degree ; and, to close their distress, a number of the people
of this place were disaffected. Indeed, they went so far as
to say that, in their judgment, a large party might be found
to espouse openly the cause of the enemy, should our affairs
run retrogade at New- York. As your Excellency, how-
ever, must know more of your own strength and your own
intended operations than Congress possibly can, and as it is
of the greatest importance than you should be supported at
all events, General Stevens, with the Virginia forces, will
take post at Trentown, in order to obey such commands as
you may be pleased to give him.
1 have the honour to be your Excellency's most obedient
and very humble servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To His Excellency General Washington.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COMMIS-
SIONERS IN FRANCE.
Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The Congress having committed to our
charge and management their ship-of-war called the Re-
prisal, commanded by Lambert Wickes, Esq., carrying
sixteen six pounders, and about one hundred and twenty
men, we have allotted her to carry Doctor Franklin to
France, and directed Captain Wickes to proceed to the
Port of Nantes, where the Doctor will land, and from
thence proceed to Paris ; and he will either carry with him
or send forward this letter by express, as to him may then
appear best. The Reprisal is a fast-sailing ship, and Cap-
tain Wickes has already done honour in action to the
American flag. We have therefore ordered him to land
at Nantes some indigo he has on board, take in refresh-
ments, stores, provisions, or other necessaries he may want,
and immediately to proceed on a cruise against our enemies,
and we think he will not be long before he meets with a
sufficient number of prizes. We have directed him to send
them into such of the French ports as are most convenient,
addressing them at Dunkirk, to Messrs. P. Stival 8f Son;
at Havre-de-Grace, to Mr. Andrew Limozen; at Bordeaux,
to Messrs. Samuel &/• J. H. Delap ; at Nantes, to Messrs.
Pliarne, Penet fy Co. ; and at any other ports in France, to
such persons as you may appoint to receive them. When
he finishes his cruise he will call in at Nantes, Bordeaux, or
Brest, for your orders and advices, which we beg you will
have ready for him, lodged at those places.
In consequence of this plan for the Reprisal's cruise, we
desire you to make immediate application to the Court of
France to grant the protection of their ports to American
men-of-war and their prizes. Show them that British
men-of-war, under sanction of an act of Parliament, are
daily capturing American ships and cargoes ; show them
the resolves of Congress for making reprisals on British and
West-India property, and that our Continental men-of-war
and numerous private ships-of-war, are most successfully
employed in executing those resolutions of the Congress ;
show them the justice and equity of this proceeding, and
surely they cannot, they will not, refuse the protection of
their ports to American ships-of-war, privateers, and prizes.
If your application on this head is crowned with success,
try any other which it is their interest to grant : that is, to
obtain leave to make sale of those prizes and their cargoes,
or any part thereof that may be suitable for that country.
If you succeed in this also, you must appoint some person
to act as Judge of the Admiralty, who should give the bond
prescribed for those Judges, to determine in all cases agree-
able to the rules and regulations of Congress ; and for this
purpose we will report to Congress some resolves vesting
you with authority to make such appointment, and author-
izing such Judge to condemn without a jury, as required
here. If these resolves are agreed to by Congress, they shall
be immediately transmitted to you. If they are not, that
plan must drop, and the prizes must all proceed for America
Sat condemnation. You can in the mean time consult the
Ministry whether they will permit such courts in France,
and in the French West-India Islands.
If protection is granted to our cruisers and their prizes,
you will immediately procure proper orders to be sent to
the officers of all their ports on this subject, and write your-
selves to those houses we have named at the several ports,
that the prizes are to remain for Captain Wickes's further
orders. Also lodge such orders with proper persons at the
other ports in France. On the contrary, if the prizes are
not to be protected in their ports, then give immediate
notice to all these houses, and proper persons at the other
ports, to furnish the prizes that Captain Wickes, of the
Reprisal, may send into their port, with any necessaries the
prize-master may judge they stand in need of, and to order
him to make the best of his way with the prize to the first
safe port he can make in the United Slates of America.
Lodge advice also for Captain Wickes at Bordeaux, Brest,
and Nantes, whether his prizes are to be protected in port or
not, and whether or not any sales will be permitted. If they
are protected, he can take his own time to collect and bring
them home under his own convoy. If any sale is per-
mitted, he can sell all perishable commodities and vessels
unfit for so long a voyage as to this coast. If no protec-
tion for prizes, they will come away by your orders, and
need not stay for his. And if they deny protection to our
cruisers themselves, he will only remain in port for your
advices, and to obtain such supplies as may be necessary.
We have recommended Captain Wickes to take on board
his own ship as many valuable commodities as he can, if
successful ; but should he be unsuccessful in cruising, then
Messrs. Pliarne, Penet Sf Co. may put some goods on
board when he is coming away.
You will readily see the tendency these measures have;
1213
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1214
and as their consequences may be very important, so we
hope your attention to them will be immediate and constant,
whilst necessary.
Captain Wickes is a worthy man, and as such we recom-
mend him ; and should he have the misfortune to be taken,
or meet with any other misfortune, we hope you will adopt
measures for his relief. He will treat prisoners with human-
ity, and we are convinced his conduct will do honour to his
appointment.
We have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedi-
ent and most humble servants.
In Committee of Secret Correspondence,
Philadelphia, October 23, 1776.
SIR: The enclosed letter was wrote and signed before
we had an opportunity to transmit it. And having now so
good a conveyance as the brigantine Lexington, we transmit
the same to you as an official letter from the Committee
of Secret Correspondence, which you'll observe is distinct
from the Secret Committee, with whom you also corres-
pond. By this letter you'll find we expect some arms,
ammunition, money, or clothing may be sent out by our
agent, Mons. Hortalez, to the Governour at Cape Francois,
with orders for the delivery of them to whoever may be
properly empowered by Congress to receive the same. That
power is granted to you, and you'll please to apply to the
Governour with our respectful compliments. Desire to
know if he has received such supplies. If he has, produce
the letter to him ; if he has not, then request he will inform
you when such supplies do arrive, or any advice respecting
them.
When you receive the goods in consequence of this
appointment, ship a quantity of them by the Lexington, if
they are ready; if not, you may charter suitable French
vessels to bring them here, dividing them into many bot-
toms, and sending an assortment, consisting of part of every
article you receive. In short, you must transmit the whole
to us in the safest and most expeditious manner you can
contrive, consigning to this Committee, for the use and on
account of the United States of America.
We are, sir, your obedient servants,
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN,
ROBERT MORRIS.
To Mr. Stephen Ceromo.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO LAMBERT WICKES.
In Marine Committee, Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
SIR: The honourable Congress of the United States of
America have directed us to commit the Reprisal, under
your command, to the management of the Committee of
Secret Correspondence for the present voyage or cruise.
You are therefore to receive and obey the orders of that
Committee.
To us, however, you are to communicate such occur-
rences "as ought to be known by those who superintend the
American Navy. To us you must, in due time, transmit
copies of your journal and log-book ; and to us you are
accountable for the care of your ship, her stores, materials,
provisions, &c. We recommend particularly that you
preserve strict discipline amongst your officers and men,
always using them well, but compelling them, if needful, to
do their duty ; and if you make prisoners, we are sure it will
gratify your own feelings to treat them with humanity.
We hold you in much esteem, and flatter ourselves your
conduct in the service will always be such as to meet the
continuance of it, from, sir, your friends and servants.
To Lambert Wickes, Esq.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO C. W. F.
DUMAS.
Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
SIR : Our worthy friend, Dr. Franklin, being indefatigable
in the service of his country, and few men so qualified to
be useful to the community of which he is a member, you
will not be surprised that the unanimous voice of the Con-
gress of Delegates from the United States of America, has
called upon him to visit the Court of France in the character
of one of their Commissioners for negotiating a treaty of
alliance, &,c., with that nation. He is the bearer of this
letter, and on his arrival will forward it. To him we refer
you for information as to the political state of this country;
our design in addressing you at this time being only to
continue that correspondence which he has opened and
conducted hitherto with you on our behalf. We request to
hear from you frequently, and if you make use of the cypher,
the Doctor has communicated the knowledge of it to one of
our members.
Your letters, via St. Eustatia, directed to the Committee
of Secret Correspondence, then put under cover to Mr.
Robert Morris, merchant in Philadelphia, and that letter
under cover to Mr. Cornelius Stevenson, or Mr. Henricus
Godet, merchants at St. Eustatia, or under cover to Mr.
Isaac Governeur, merchant at Curracoa, will certainly come
safe; and if you can send with them regular supplies of
the English and other newspapers, you will add to the
obligation. The expense of procuring will be reimbursed,
together with any other charges, and a reasonable allowance
for your time and trouble in this agency.
The members of this Committee, styled the Committee
of Secret Correspondence, are John Jay, Esq., Thomas
Johnston, Esq., Robert Morris, Esq., Colonel Richard
Henry Lee, William Hooper, Esq., and the Rev. Dr.
John Witherspoon; and as vacancies happen by deaths or
absence, the Congress fill them up with new members,
which we mention for your information; and with great
respect and esteem, remain, sir, your most obedient servants.
To Mons. Dumas.
COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO SILAS DEANE.
Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
DEAR SIR: We embrace this opportunity of your worthy
colleague, and our. mutual good friend, Doctor Franklin,
to transmit you copies of our letters of the 1st October, by
the sloop Independence, Captain Young, to Martinico, from
whence they would be carried to you by Mr. William
Hodge, Jun., sent in said sloop for that purpose. Those
letters contained a commission from the Congress appointing
Dr. Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Esq., and yourself, Com-
missioners on behalf of the United States of America, to
negotiate a treaty of alliance and amity and peace with the
Court of France; a plan of that treaty; instructions from
Congress relative thereto; form of passports for the ships of
each nation, &,c. We consider these papers as of the
utmost consequence, and hope they will arrive safe.
Yesterday we wrote you a few lines, enclosing additional
instructions from Congress to their Commissioners, author-
izing them to treat with other nations; also, two resolves
of Congress, by one of which you would see that Thomas
Jefferson, Esq., declined his appointment, and that Arthur
Lee, Esq., was appointed in his stead, to whom we enclosed
a letter, copy whereof goes herewith. By the other the
Commissioners are directed to hire or buy eight line-of-battle
ships for the American service. These papers were sent
under cover to William Bingham, Esq., our resident at
Martinico, with orders to forward them immediately.
We wrote you another letter yesterday, covering dupli-
cates of all the papers and letters mentioned herein, and
sent it by the armed brigantine Lexington, William Hallock,
Esq., commander, to Mr. Stephen Ceronio, our resident at
Cape Francois, with directions to forward them to Messrs.
Samuel &f J. Hans Delap, merchants at Bordeaux, who
are requested to send the packet from thence by express to
you ; and Dr. Franklin carries with him triplicates of all
these publick papers. We have been thus particular in
mentioning them, and the conveyances by which they were
sent, that you may know when the whole are received ; and
we desire you to be equally pointed in advising us thereof,
for we shall be anxious to hear of their getting safe, and
shall be very uneasy if we don't hear this in due time, for
they ought not on any account to fall into the hands of our
enemies.
Since Mr. Dickinson and Mr. Harrison were out of
Congress, and Dr. Franklin appointed one of the Commis-
sioners at the Court of France, the Congress have filled up
the vacancies in this Committee, and the members now
are Mr. Jay, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Morris, Colonel Richard
Henry Lee, Mr. William Hooper, and Dr. John Wither-
spoon, which we mention for your information.
We shall continue to address all our advices and de-
1215
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1216
spatches to you only, until informed that the other Com-
missioners have joined you; but you will communicate the
letters to them as if directed to the whole, and we depend
on you to notify Dr. Lee of his appointment, using the
utmost precaution in the method of doing it, or his person
may be endangered. We suppose it may be. best to have
the letter enclosed by the Ministers of France to their
Ambassador in England, with proper cautions respecting
the delivery of it. "Dr. Franklin being the bearer of this
letter, it is totally unnecessary for us to enter into any detail
of what is passing here, or to convey any political remarks.
He being possessed of every knowledge necessary for your
information, will communicate very fully every thing you
can wish to know.
Therefore wishing you a happy meeting with him, and a
successful issue to your labours in the service of your coun-
try, we remain, with perfect esteem and regard, dear sir,
your affectionate friends and obedient, humble servants.
To Silas Deane, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN WICKES.
Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
SIR: The honourable Congress having thought proper
to submit the ship Reprisal, under your command, to our
direction for the present voyage or cruise, you are to be
governed by the following orders:
The Honourable Doctor Franklin being appointed by
Congress one of their Commissioners for negotiating some
publick business at the Court of France, you are to receive
him and his suite on board the Reprisal, as passengers,
whom it is your duty, and we dare say it will be your incli-
nation, to treat with the greatest respect and attention, and
your best endeavours will not be wanting to make their
time on board the ship perfectly agreeable. When they
are on board, you are to proceed, with the utmost diligence,
for the port of Nantes, in France, where they will land,
and there you will deliver their baggage, &.c. It is of
more importance that you get safe and soon to France, than
any prizes are that you could take. Therefore you are not
to delay time on this outward passage for the sake of cruis-
ing; but if you are beset with contrary winds, or during
the passage be so circumstanced that Doctor Franklin may
approve of your speaking any vessels you see, do therein
as he shall direct.
We understand the Secret Committee have put on board
the Reprisal a quantity of indigo. This you must land at
Nantes immediately on your arrival, and deliver it to their
order ; and they have directed their agents to supply you
immediately with whatever refreshments or necessaries you
may stand in need of. We deem it essential to the success
and safety of your ship that you make a very short stay in
the river of Nantes. It is equally so that you keep totally
secret where you are bound from thence, or what your business.
These things premised, we take it for granted your stay
will not exceed more than two or three days, and that you
will rather dispose people to think you are returning back
here again; but you are directly to proceed on a cruise
against our enemies. You have the resolves of Congress,
by which you well know who they are. By them you will
know what ships you are authorized to make prize of; and
the resolves of Congress must be the rule of your conduct.
We think you had best proceed directly on the coast of
England, up the Channel, before they can have any notice
of you ; and we judge every day, if not every hour, you
are there will give you opportunity of making prizes. You
will always have some of the French ports at hand, either
to send in your prizes or to run into yourself if chased by
superiour force. Doctor Franklin will make application at
the Court of France for the protection of their ports to the
Reprisal and her prizes, and we hope he will be successful
therein. However, we propose as follows: Should you
take one or two valuable prizes, with woollen or linen goods
on board, or such cargoes as you know us to be in imme-
diate want of, that you despatch them immediately, under
the command of trusty officers and men, lor this port. If
you meet other vessels partly loaden with such goods, that
you take as many of them on board your own ship as you
conveniently can; and that you send all the other prizes you
take immediately into some of the ports of France, uith
orders to apply, at Dunkirk, to Messrs. P. Stival fy Son,
merchants ; at Havre-de-Grace, to Mr. Andrew Limozin,
merchant; at Bordeaux, to Messrs. Samuel fy J. Ham
Delap, merchants; at Nantes, to Messrs. Pliarne, Penet 8f
Company ; at any other port, to apply to the commander
thereof, lor protection until he receives orders from his Court
on the subject, and with these orders will also come instruc-
tions from Doctor Franklin, Silas Deane, Esq., and Doctor
Lee, or some of them, which he must obey. You may
direct all the prize-masters to wait in port for your further
orders, provided the above gentlemen write that they will
be protected ; but if that protection is not granted, they
must then apply to our agents for such supplies as are
necessary, and push away immediately for this continent,
making the first safe port they can.
We are convinced you will treat all prisoners with
humanity ; but we think you had best land them in France
whenever they are too numerous on board your ship, to
prevent giving alarms in England, for you may depend
they will have cruisers out after you soon as they hear of
your being there. We expect, therefore, you will make
but a short cruise, especially as every day must inevitably
throw plenty of English vessels in your way. Perhaps off
Falmouth you might meet with a Lisbon packet, and what-
ever specie you collect, take it on board, and carry it into
France, where you may deliver or pay the same to the
order of Doctor Franklin, Mr. Deane, &,c., or to Mr.
Thomas Morris, or his order, as agent for the Secret Com-
mittee of Congress ; and the Congress will pay here yours
and the people's shares of such money, as well as their
shares of any prizes or parts of prizes that may be sold
there, and the money applied to the publick use.
When you are about to quit your cruise, it may be well
to send any prisoners you then have on shore, and make
them believe you are coming direct for America, or going
round into St. George's Channel, to cruise for Bristol ships,
just as you think may be most likely to gain credit. Clear
your ship of them, and then run into Bordeaux, Brest, or
Nantes, just as may be most convenient. You will find
letters from our Commissioners at Paris with Messrs. Delap
at Bordeaux, Messrs. Pliarne, Penet fy Company at Nantes,
or some proper person at Brest, advising you of the success
of their application ; and if they tell you the prizes are to
be protected, you can then write to the prize-masters, and
either collect and bring them home under your convoy, or
order them to proceed separately, as you shall then judge
best. If protection was not to be given, they will come
away of course; and in that case we think you should put
your ship in good order, advise the Commissioners and Mr.
Thomas Morris that you only wait for their despatches.
If you have room on board the ship, receive any goods Mr.
Morris or they may order; and when you have received
their despatches, make the best of your way back to this
place or any other ports of safety in these States, bringing
with you any prizes you can take by the way.
Should the Court of France grant free protection for our
cruisers and prizes in their ports, we think you may do bet-
ter in Europe than here, respecting which consult with, and
be governed by the advice of, our said Commissioners at
the Court of Paris; and if prizes are allowed to be sold
there, consign all you take to the order of Mr. Thomas
Morris, who has correspondents in every port of France,
and will take care that justice is done in the management
of them.
Your slay in Europe must depend upon the advice of
tlie Commissioners; and your cruises should always be
quick, as you can be soon in and out. Keep your ship
well manned, fitted, and provided; and let Old England see
how they like to have an active enemy at their own door:
they have sent fire and sword to ours.
You know we want seamen here. Therefore encourage
all you meet with, both at sea and on shore, to enter our
service, and send or bring as many of them to these States
as possible.
You must, by all opportunities, inform us of your pro-
ceedings, and communicate all the useful or important intel-
ligence that comes to your knowledge. A spirited, active
conduct in this enterprise will recommend you to all Amer-
ica ; and you have our best wishes for your success and
honour, being very sincerely, sir, your friends and humble
servants.
To Lambert Wickes, Esq.
1217
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1218
JOHN LUCAS TO GENERAL GATES.
Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
HONOURED GENERAL : I embrace this opportunity to let
you know that since I arrived in this city I have done
every thing in my power in forwarding clothing for your
army. Shortly after I arrived, there was three wagons sent
off, which I hope will get soon and safe to your assistance,
and am in hopes shall in a few days be able to get two or
.three more off, at which time I shall set off myself to escort
them along with despatch. It's very difficult to procure
them here, but I give the honourable Congress no rest.
I am extremely sorry to hear the fate of our fleet, which
alarms the people of this place very much; but I have still
confidence that your Honour and the good troops under
your command (should they attempt Tyconderoga) will be
able to give them a dressing.
Colonel Leivis's father is well. Mr. Morris is well and
expects Mrs. Gates soon in Philadelphia.
I am, in haste, your Honour's humble servant,
JOHN LUCAS.
To Major-General Gates.
GEORGE ROSS TO LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
Philadelphia, October 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Pardon my once more writing to you on
the subject of our publick affairs. I mean not to direct,
trusting in the affection you have for the liberties of our
country, which can never be safe but under a free and good
government. Believe me that my first wish is that my
country be free, and that in every station they please to
place me, I will, to the best of my judgment, do my utmost
to serve them.
Whatever may be the result of the determinations of the
County of Lancaster, I wish they may be communicated
with expedition to the neighbouring Counties. Accept of
the affectionate regards of, gentlemen, your obliged humble
servant,
GEO. Ross.
To the honourable Committee of Lancaster County.
COLONEL ZEDTWITZ TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Morristown, October 25, 1776.
SIR: The character your Excellency bears among all
ranks of people for your universal distribution of justice,
benevolence, and mercy, induces me to presume addressing
myself to you in my deplorable situation, in hopes you will
in some measure relieve my distress-
In my confinement in York I sometimes obtained the lib-
erty of taking the air, from whence I was removed to New-
ark, East New-Jersey, amongst the insufferable insults of
the populace there; likewise I was suffered to walk out in
the air. I am now removed, along with twelve other
unhappy prisoners, to this place, where we are all closely
confined and almost suffocated to death with the nauseous
smell of our excrement, and other disagreeable smells, which
daily throws some of us into fits of sickness and fevers,
which will in the end cost most of them their lives. This
they suffer although no crimes can be proved against most
of them, but perhaps a saucy word to a sergeant or subal-
tern officer, for which, though very good soldiers, they lie
neglected and confined. Some of them at the hazard of their
lives have come over from the enemy, and are much afraid
of being caught and hanged for desertion.
In consequence of my confinement, and the unhappy
cause of it, (though innocent in fact,) the heart-breaking
grief that hath seized me, with the weakness of my consti-
tution, almost worn out in the service of the country, I have
contracted a disorder, which every day threatens me with
immediate death, caused by a stagnation of blood rising
from my heart to my throat, and strangles me for want of
breath. Not the least assistance to be had ; therefore I can-
not hope to live many days unless your Excellency, in your
kind clemency, will be so good as to give directions to the
gentleman who hath the honour to wait on you to give me
liberty of walking in the air, whereby I might get relief,
which I cannot do in this close confinement.
I have mortification to hear that there are many evil-
disposed psople who have the cruelty to take a great deal
of pains to represent me in very dark colours to yourExcel-
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
lency, which would make me very unhappy were I not too
well assured of your penetration not to be imposed upon by
their malicious aspersions.
I will be answerable with my life not to break through
your directions in the least, and be sworn on the Holy
Evangelists to observe them as sacred. Indeed, I am not
able to infringe them.
I am, dear sir, very respectfully, your Excellency's most
obliged and most obedient, humble servant,
H. ZEDTWITZ.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and
Commander-in-Chief of the Continental forces in Ame-
rica.
P. S. Enclosed you have a plan-to obtain arms necessary
in the army.
A Plan for obtaining Arms the most requisite for the pre-
sent use of the Continental Army.
To convince this country (which I shall always hold
dear to me) that my heart, filled with gratitude for the many
favours I have received, will always be ready to render it
all the services in my power, I hereby offer myself to pro-
cure the above arms cheaper, and by far belter, than any
merchant on the Continent can procure; and if my counsel
is followed, the cannon must be in proportion still cheaper.
The honourable the Continental Congress must fit out,
at their expense, a few stout, good sailing, armed vessels, in
proportion to the quantity of arms wanted, and be particu-
larly careful in the choice of good, experienced Captains,
and man the vessels with good, able, fighting men.
As this expedition cannot be executed without ready
money, I have, two months ago, provided for the same. I
asked Mr. Le Roy, of New-York, if he could furnish let-
ters of credit drawn upon sight on Amsterdam, for one hun-
dred thousand pounds, or more if necessity required, where,
for the value of said sum, he should be reimbursed in paper
money at Philadelphia. I likewise mentioned that, per-
haps, the honourable the Continental Congress might want
the said sum. He replied, any sum they chose he was
willing to furnish them with in drafts on his brother in
Amsterdam.
As I cannot, with any degree of propriety, have any
connection with the payment of the money, it will be requi-
site that the honourable the Continental Congress should
appoint two or more trusty gentlemen, whom they can con-
fide in, to go over and negotiate the business for them.
It is well known the honourable the Continental Con-
gress have been obliged to pay at the rate of four pounds
ten shillings each for old firelocks, Philadelphia currency,
and greatest part of them very deficient in respect to their
inequality of size ; the bayonets and locks, the most essen-
tial articles belonging to a firelock, very indifferent ; but I
engage, and hereby contract, to procure and deliver to the
gentlemen appointed to negotiate as paymasters, as many
thousand stands of small-arms as may be required, at three
pounds four shillings currency, for ready cash. They shall
be equal-sized and new, double proof, with bayonets, and
very neatly worked.
In our present circumstances nothing can be more useful
to the army than field-pieces of different sizes, wherewith
we may prevent the enemy from destroying the country,
repel them, and keep them at a distance, prevent them from
scouring the country, and carrying off our provisions.
In my humble opinion, one hundred and twenty four and
six-pounders will be necessary : these of entire new con-
struction, very light, and carried upon a steel machine lately
invented by the King of Prussia, and can be carried by
three men to each piece any where, even upstairs into your
room. They are called grasshoppers, very much resembling
that insect, and can easily be fired out of the windows of
any room or house, as occasion requires. There were sev-
eral of them fired upon us at Quebeck, which did the most
execution against us at the time we stormed the city.
Double fortified nine and twelve-pounders, about thirty or
forty.
Whereas I do not know the certain price of the said
cannon, the honourable the Congress will be pleased to
empower their negotiators and myself with an address to his
Prussian Majesty to furnish us with the quantity they stand
in need of; and I will be responsible with my life to get
77
1219
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1220
from him the desired quantity, and at the original price his
Majesty gave for them, which is entirely out of the power
of any merchant to procure on equal terms. In order to
make ourselves sure, and not expose our shipping to the
enemy, it will be best to pass the Ttxel by Holland, run
into the mouth of the Rhine, where we can easily procure
sloops to carry our arms up the Weser, and embark the
stores in our vessels ; from thence set sail immediately for
Philadelphia. All the land we must pass, and where our
vessels lay at anchor, belongs to his Prussian Majesty, and
are situated in the open sea, out of all danger from the
enemy.
This is the only plan which can be executed without the
least risk. For my trouble I shall require nothing. I beg
only for the protection and maintenance of my family till
my return, and the second share of any prizes we may be
fortunate enough to take in our voyage, and, after my
arrival, leave to return, with my family, to my own country
the first opportunity. If this plan be so fortunate to meet
with your approbation, I will undertake to return in four
months from the time I set sail from Philadelphia.
COLONEL CURTENIUS TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Paramus, October 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The last time I had the honour to write to
you was from Philadelphia, the 20th instant, to which beg
leave to refer.
Since I came home, Mrs. Curtenius informed me that
she had forwarded a letter from the Convention, directed to
me ; but I have never received it. I thought proper to
inform you of this, that you might have an opportunity
to send me a copy of it, provided it is not too late to exe-
cute the business I was directed to do in the letter.
In my letter of the 20th instant, I requested the favour
to have the money sent to me. If it is not convenient to
send it, please to let me know, and I will come and fetch it.
I am, with respect, gentlemen, your most obedient ser-
vant> PETER T. CURTENIUS.
P. S. Enclosed is the resolve of Congress which I had
omitted to enclose in my letter of the 20th instant.
COLONEL CURTENIUS TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Paramus, October 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Since closing my letter, I received a letter
from Mr. Comfort Sands to furnish him with my account
against the Congress, as far as it was audited, which is out
of my power, because my accounts and vouchers were
delivered to Mr. Bancker, who told me he had delivered
them to Mr. Paulding at Tarrytown. If they are still in
his possession, it will be absolutely necessary to send for
them, lest they should fall in the hands of the enemy, which
would be a great loss to the State.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
PETER T. CURTENIUS.
To the honourable the Convention of the State of New-
York, at Fishkills.
P. S. The person who fetches them must have a car-
riage, as the box is too large to carry on a horse.
desirous to obey the legal authority of Government, rely
upon your Excellency's clemency, hoping that you will
pass by our former conduct, and be graciously pleased to
protect us agreeable to the laws of this Province.
Signed by order of the Committee:
JOHN BRUSH, Chairman.
Smithtown, October 19, 1776.
We, the Committee of Smithtown, in the County of
Suffolk, being thoroughly convinced of the injurious and
criminal tendency of our former meetings and resolutions,
and willing to manifest our hearty disapprobation of such
illegal measures, do hereby dissolve this Committee, and as
far as in us lies revoke and disannul all former orders and
resolutions of all Committees and Congresses whatsoever, as
being undutiful to our lawful Sovereign, repugnant to the
principles of the British Constitution, and ruinous in the
extreme to the happiness and prosperity of this country.
Huntington, October 21, 1776.
We, the Committee of Huntington, in the County of
Suffolk, being thoroughly convinced of the injurious and
criminal tendency of our former meetings and resolutions,
and willing to manifest our hearty disapprobation of all such
illegal measures, do hereby dissolve this Committee, and as
far as in us lies revoke and disannul all former orders and
resolutions of this Committee ; and we do hereby further
renounce and disavow the orders and resolutions of all
Committees and Congresses whatsoever, as being undutiful
to our lawful Sovereign, repugnant to the principles of the
British Constitution, and ruinous in the extreme to the
happiness and prosperity of this country.
Brook-Haven, October 23, 1776.
We, the Committee of Brook-Haven, in the County of
Suffolk, being assembled by permission of his Excellency
the Hon. William Tryon, Esq., Governour of New- York
and the territories depending thereon in America, do hereby
dissolve ourselves, and do disclaim and reject the orders of
Congress and Committees, and totally refusing obedience to
them, revoking all our proceedings under the Congress, and
being desirous to obey the legal authority of Government,
rely upon your Excellency's clemency, hoping that you will
pass by our former conduct, and be graciously pleased to
protect us agreeable to the laws of this Province.
[The Declaration from the Township of Islip is very
similar to the former.]
Southampton, October 21, 1776.
We, the Committee of Southampton, in the County of
Suffolk, being thoroughly convinced of the injurious and
criminal tendency of our former meetings and resolutions,
and willing to manifest our hearty disapprobation of all such
illegal measures, do hereby dissolve this Committee, and as
far as in us lies revoke and disannul all former orders and
resolutions of all Committees and Congresses whatsoever,
as being undutiful to our lawful sovereign, repugnant to the
principles of the British Constitution, and ruinous in the
extreme to the happiness and prosperity of this country.
DECLARATIONS OF COMMITTEES OF SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW-
YORK.
The following voluntary Declarations from the late Com-
mittee of the County of Suffolk, and from all the Town
Committees in that County, were delivered to his Excellen-
cy Governour Tryon, on Thursday last, by Major Richard
Floyd and Mr. Thomas Fanning, who were deputed by
the inhabitants of the County to present the same to his
Excellency.
Brook-Haven, October 24, 1776.
We, the Committee of the County of Suffolk, being
assembled by permission of his Excellency the Hon. Wil-
liam Tryon, Esq., Governour of New-York and the terri-
tories depending thereon in America, do hereby dissolve
ourselves, and do disclaim and reject the orders ol Congress
and Committees, and totally refusing obedience to them,
revoking all our proceedings under the Congress, and being
Easthampton, October 21, 1776.
We, the Committee of Easthampton, in the County of
Suffolk, being thoroughly convinced of the injurious and
criminal tendency of our former meetings and resolutions,
and willing to manifest our hearty disapprobation of all such
illegal measures, do hereby dissolve this Committee, and as
far as in us lies revoke and disannul all former orders and
resolutions of all Committees and Congresses whatsoever,
as being undutiful to our lawful Sovereign, repugnant to the
principles of the British Constitution, and ruinous in the
extreme to the happiness and prosperity of this country.
Southold, October 25, 1776.
We, the Committee of Southold, in the County of Suf-
folk, being thoroughly convinced of the injurious and
criminal tendency of our former meetings and resolutions,
and willing to manifest our hearty disapprobation of all such
1221
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fac., OCTOBER, 1776.
1222
illegal measures, do hereby dissolve this Committee, and as
far as in us lies revoke and disannul all former orders and
resolutions of all Committees and Congresses whatsoever,
as being undutiful to our lawful Sovereign, repugnant to the
principles of the British Constitution, and ruinous in the
extreme to the happiness and prosperity of this country.
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fort Lee, October 24, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Enclosed you have a copy of the letter in
answer to mine to Congress, relative to cartridges. As soon
as the cartridges come up they shall be forwarded. Colonel
Diddle has wrote to Amboy for ninety thousand that are at
that post.
We have collected all the wagons in our power, and sent
over. Our people have had extreme hard duty. The
common guards, common fatigue, and the extraordinary
guards, and extraordinary fatigue, for the removal of the
stores and forwarding the provisions, has kept every man on
duty.
General Putnam requested a party of men to reinforce
them at Mount Washington. I sent between two and three
hundred of Colonel Durkee's regiment. Please to inform
me whether your Excellency approves thereof.
We shall get a sufficient quantity of provisions over to-
day for the garrison at Fort Washington. General Mifflin
thinks it not advisable to pull the barracks down yet. He
has hopes of our army returning to that ground for wihter
quarters. I think this would be running too great a risk, to
leave them standing in expectation of such an event, there
being several strong fortifications in and about King's
Bridge. If the enemy should throw in a thousand or fif-
teen hundred men, they could cut off our communication
effectually ; and, as the state of the barracks are, they would
find exceeding good cover for the men. But if we were to
take the barracks down — if the boards were not removed —
it would in a great measure deprive them of that advantage.
However, I have not had it in my power to do either, as
yet.
I have directed all the wagons that are on the other side
to be employed in picking up the scattered boards about the
encampments. I believe, from what I saw yesterday in
riding over the ground, they will amount to many thou-
sands. As soon as we have got these together I purpose
to begin upon the barracks. In the mean time, should be glad
to know if your Excellency has any other orders to give
respecting the business.
I have directed the Commissary and Quartermaster-Gen-
eral of this department to lay in provision and provender,
upon the back road to Philadelphia, for twenty thousand
men for three months. The principal magazine will be at
Equacanack. I shall fortify it as soon as possible, and
secure that post and the pass to the bridge, which is now
repaired and fit for an army to pass over with the baggage
and artillery.
I rejoice to hear of the defeat of that vile traitor, Major
Rogers, and his party of Tories ; though I am exceeding
sorry to hear it cost us so brave an officer as Major Greene.
I am, with great respect, your Excellency's obedient
servant> NATHANAEL GREENE.
To His Excellency General Washington, Esq., at his
Head-Quarters, White-Plains.
GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO JOHN M[KESSON.
White-Plains, October 24, 2 p. m., 1776.
MY DEAR SIR: I received your letter of yesterday a few
moments since, and was just preparing to answer it when a
messenger arrived from towards New-Rochelle, to acquaint
us that early this morning the enemy had struck their tents,
and were advancing from that to this place along the com-
mon road. Every General Officer, myself excepted, were
out reconnoitering. I having arrived here last night, where
I was left to remove the publick stores, was only left at
home. Two other expresses since arrived and confirmed
the account of the enemy's advancing, and our army is now
drawn up in order to receive them. The General having
corne in, gives me so much leisure as to acquaint you of the
above. As to every other circumstance which has occurred
since my last, Colonel De Witt and the other gentlemen of
your Committee will be able to inform you. I have only
time to add that I earnestly wish to see them, and that I
am, most affectionately, yours, GEORGE CLINTON
To John McKesson, Esq.
P. S. Pray let Mrs. Clinton know I am well, and that
she need not be uneasy about me. It would be too much
honour to die in so good a cause. Pray excuse me to Mr.
Allison for not answering his two letters.
CERTIFICATE FOR MOSES YEOMAN.
In Committee, New-Paltz, October 24, 1776.
These are to certify that Moses Yeoman hath served in
Captain Elias Hasbrouck's company of Rangers, in the
character of Second Lieutenant, sixteen days prior to the
date of his warrant, on the request of the Committee of
Kingston. It is therefore hoped that the honourable Con-
vention of the State will allow said Moses Yeoman pay for
his services during that time.
By order of the Committee :
ROB'T BOYD, Jun., Chairman.
To the honourable the Convention of the State of New-
York.
To sixteen days' wages, ------ £3 16 9
To sixteen days' billeting, 1120
£589
CHARLES D. WITT TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW-YORK
CONVENTION.
White-Plains, October 24, 1776.
SIR : The situation of our moving army prevented the
attention of the General Officers to the subject on which we
came, till yesterday, and we expect to have it completed by
to-morrow, when we shall set out for Convention with all
possible speed, calling on General James Clinton in our
way.
We are requested by the Generals of our State to inform
you of the absolute necessity our troops are in for want of
clothing. They think it would greatly promote speedy
inlistment if those who are already engaged during the war
should be clothed immediately. That the soldiers' coats
should by all means be made large, with the pockets on the
inside, which is more convenient in rainy weather. That
the cloth should be first soaked in water to prevent shrink-
ing. That the coats be of two sizes, and the initial letters
of the State, with the number of the regiment, on the but-
tons. That these clothes may be sent forward to the army
in such quantities as you can have finished weekly, is in our
opinion indispensably necessary at this time. Shoes and
stockings are also much wanted, and should be sent down
without delay. We hope the above will be attended to,
even in the midst of that variety of perplexing business
which we but too well know is the present lot of our worthy
Convention or Committee.
As to news, yesterday there were several skirmishes be-
tween the out- parties of both armies, in all which we have
been successful. In one we killed ten of the villains and
took three prisoners; thirty-six of Rogers' s band fell into
our hands also ; and had the orders of Lord Stirling been
strictly obeyed, we should have had the whole party with
their infamous leader. The foe having retreated from
Mamaroneck gives cause to suspect their having laid aside
the design of enclosing us.
We are, sir, your and Convention's most obedient and
very humble servants, Cjj D WITT
ROB'T HARPUR,
LEWIS GRAHAM.
SIR : We cannot omit communicating to you a scheme
we have thought of since here of exciting the desertion of
Hessians. That two or three hundred thousand short hand-
bills, in the German and low Dutch tongues, be sent as soon
as possible to our General Officers, who can readily circulate
them about the fields so as to answer the purpose of a very
general information in a little time, and in their opinion
would have a good effect.
Yours, as above.
To the Hon. Peter R. Livingston, President of the Con-
vention, Fishkill.
1223
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1224
NATHAN CLARK TO JAMES YANCF.T.
Bennington, October 24, 1776.
SIR: Yours of the 20th instant, per Mr. Crane, came to
hand yesterday about eleven o'clock. I immediately noti-
fied the Committee, and consulted lliem on the request you
sent three o'clock afternoon of the same day; and within
one hour despatched three of the Committee to different
parts, to find what wheat was ready on hand to be imme-
diately manufactured in the service of the Northern army ;
and are informed by their return, three o'clock this after-
noon, that one thousand bushels is now ready, and that
part is manufacturing, and the remainder forwarding to the
mills for manufactory, together with teams to forward it to
you as fast as possible. Several teams loaded with flour
will be on the road toward Skeensborough this week; the
residue will with all convenient speed. In the mean time,
provision will be making for further supply. Before the
reception of Mr. TrumbuWs letter of the 22d instant,
received this day, requesting the assistance of the Militia,
they were marched, and have doubtless joined you before
this. They have left us almost to a man ; renders it very
difficult to furnish assistance to convey what we have
already on hand. Should it be thought expedient to dis-
charge twenty or thirty of the inhabitants from their present
post, of those that would be judged by their officers the
best capable of assisting with teams, carriages, and persons,
to forward provision, it might be beneficial. Mr. Trumbull
mentions the conveyance of the above by pack-horses,
(if no other way,) which will render its safe conveyance
very precarious, as it will be subject to the wet from above
and below. If Militia troops or others could be spared to
repair the road a little directly, I think it the only way of
supplying with any quantity. As we have not had oppor-
tunity to apply, we can't ascertain what quantity we can
be able to supply. The General may be assured that we
shall exert ourselves to the utmost of our ability. In the
mean time, ready cash would greatly facilitate the forward-
ing, as sundry persons are to be dealt with. Could suitable
casks be sent every opportunity to pack the flour in, it
would be of service, as they are scarce here, and it is diffi-
cult to provide necessaries to pack it in, and the coopers
are absent. The carriages that come back will easily bring
sufficient to pack the next load. Shall readily wait any
direction, and let you know every opportunity what sup-
plies we can furnish accordingly.
As we are scattered, you will please to excuse our detain-
ing your messenger thirty-six hours; and it is now nine
o'clock at night. He merits the opinion of the Committee
of the faithfulness of his trust while here.
We are, gentlemen, with the greatest esteem, and compli-
ments to yourself and Mr. Trumbull, your sincere friends,
NATHAN CLARK, Chairman.
To Mr. James Yancey, Deputy Commissary, at Head-
Quarters, Tyconderoga.
N. B. Captain Farnsworth is now in Connecticut, and
his assistant not to be present till next Monday, when his
letter will be seasonably delivered. As we have used the
boldness to examine the contents, shall supply his place to
the utmost of our power.
name, no man's courage will fail in that day, as the cause
of liberty and America depends entirely on the Northern
army. Our men recruit daily. We are not in the least
want of provisions or ammunition.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MOUNT HOPE, NEAR TICONDE-
ROGA, DATED OCTOBER 24, 1776.
All the prisoners which were taken were sent in by a flag
of truce, and are not to serve during the war. There was
a party of our Indians, with their Lieutenant, who was like-
wise an Indian, put in irons immediately after they were
taken, and, after our men were sent in by the enemy, were
delivered up to the savages to be butchered ; but, contrary
to Burgoyne's expectation, the savages released them imme-
diately, and sent them home after treating them very kindly.
Perhaps such an instance as this never was known before,
and you may depend on it as fact, as I was in company
with the Captain of the Indians yesterday, who informed
me of it ; and, finally, the enemy's Indians have agreed to
return home if ours do, which a number did yesterday ; the
rest will follow this day.
We are in daily expectation of an attack from the enemy,
who are within sixteen miles of us, (Crown-Point,) but we
are well prepared to receive them, and I hope, in God's
GENERAL WATERBURY TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Stamford, October 24, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: I have now returned home on parole.
Your Honour has undoubtedly heard of my misfortune of
being taken prisoner on the 13th instant, on Lake Cham-
plain. I shall give your Honour a short sketch of our
engagement, which is as follows :
On Friday morning, of the llth instant, our alarm-guns
were fired, that the enemy's fleet was off Cumberland- Head.
I immediately went on board of General Arnold, and told
him that I gave it as my opinion that the fleet ought imme-
diately to come to sail, and fight them on a retreat in main
Lake, as they were so much superiour to us in number and
strength, and we being in such a disadvantageous harbour
to fight a number so much superiour, and the enemy being
able with their small boats to surround us on every side, as
I knew they could, we lying between an island and the
main. But General Arnold was of the opinion that it was
best to draw the fleet in a line where we lay, in the bay of
Vakour. The fleet very soon came up with us, and sur-
rounded us, when a very hot engagement ensued ten o'clock
in the morning till towards sunset, when the enemy with-
drew. We immediately held council, to secure a retreat
through their fleet, to get to Crown-Point, which was done
with so much secrecy that we went through them entirely
undiscovered. The enemy, finding next morning that we
had retreated, immediately pursued us. The wind being
against us, and my vessel so torn to pieces that it was almost
impossible to keep her above water ; my sails was so shot,
that carrying sail split them from foot to head, and I was
obliged to come to anchor at twelve o'clock, to mend my
sails. When we had completed that, we made sail, just at
evening. The enemy still pursued all night. I found next
morning that they gained upon us very fast, and that they
would very soon overtake me. The rest of the fleet all
being much ahead of me, I sent my boat on board of Gen-
eral Arnold, to get liberty to put my wounded in the boat,
and send them forward, and run my vessel on shore, and
blow her up. I received for answer, by no means to run
her ashore, but to push forward to Split Rock, where he
would draw the fleet in a line, and engage them again ; but
when I came to Split Rock, the whole fleet was making
their escape as fast as they could, and left me in the rear,
to fall into the enemy's hands. But before I struck to them,
the ship of eighteen twelve- pounders, and a schooner of
fourteen six-pounders, had surrounded me, which obliged
me to strike, and I thought it prudent to surrender myself
prisoner of war. As soon as I was taken, General Arnold,
with four gondolas, run ashore, and blew up the vessels
ahead of me. One thing I have omitted in the former part
of my letter, that is, the Royal Savage run ashore on the
Point of Valcour, in the first of the engagement, and was
lost.
I will just give the strength of the British fleet upon the
lake: One ship carrying six twenty-four-pounders, brass;
twelve twelve-pounders, brass; four eight-inch howitzer;
one ship, eighteen twelve-pounders; one schooner, fourteen
six-pounders; one schooner, twelve six-pounders; two gon-
dolas, one carrying six, the other four carriage guns ; twenty-
eight row boats, carrying one gun each, from eighteen to
twelve-pounders, and some of them carrying howitzers.
This is the truest account that I am able to give.
Sir, I would have waited on the Congress in person,
had it not have been that my parole confined me to Con-
necticut. But I hope that I shall not be neglected in being
exchanged, if any opportunity there be.
I remain, sir, with the greatest esteem, your Honour's
most obedient and very humble servant,
DAVID WATERBURY, Jun.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President to the Conti-
nental Congress.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-Haven, October 24, 1776.
SIR: I have the honour to enclose a copy of a resolve
1225
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1226
of the General Assembly of Connecticut in favour of Colo-
nel Ethan Allen and others, made prisoners at Montreal in
September, 1775, and now in a suffering condition, promis-
cuously in a common gaol in Halifax, earnestly to request
your friendly interposition to procure a speedy exchange of
those prisoners.
Your seasonable and necessary care in the premises will
greatly oblige Colonel Allen and his fellow-sufferers, serve
our common cause, and do an act of justice and humanity
towards them.
I am, most respectfully, sir, your obedient, humble ser-
vant' JONTH. THUMBULL.
To His Excellency General Washington.
At a General Assembly holden at New-Haven, in Con-
necticut, on the second Thursday of October, Anno Dom-
ini 1776:
It being represented to this Assembly that Colonel Ethan
Allen, together with about eighteen other natives or inhab-
itants of this State, having been captivated in the service of
this and the United States of America by a party of armed
forces of the King of Great Britain, near Montreal, in the
Province of Quebeck, on the 25th of September, 1775, have
suffered great hardships during their captivity, and are now
confined, in a suffering condition, promiscuously, in a com-
mon jail at Halifax; and Mr. Levi Allen, of Salisbury, is
now about to attempt a visit to his brother, the said Ethan,
by whom a supply may be transmitted to said prisoners, to
whom considerable wages are due:
Whereupon it is resolved by this Assembly, that his
Honour the Governour be desired to write on the subject to
his Excellency General Washington, to the Continental
Congress, or to the Commanding Officer at Boston, or each
of them, earnestly requesting such seasonable and friendly
interposition as may be necessary in the premises and most
likely to procure a speedy exchange of said prisoners. And
that the Pay-Table draw an order on the Treasurer of this
State to pay out of the Treasury to the said Levi Allen,
for the pucpose aforesaid, the sum of one hundred and
twenty pounds lawful money, taking his receipt for the
same, to be advanced and paid to the aforesaid prisoners,
on account of their wages, due from the United States
of America, and his account thereof to render when re-
quested.
State are directed to cause this Proclamation to be published
in each of their respective papers.
Given under my hand at the Council Chamber in New-
Haven, this 24ih day of October, A. D. 1776.
JONATHAN THUMBULL
PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
By the Hon. JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq., Governour,
Captain-General and Command er-in- Chief in and over
the State of CONNECTICUT:
A Proclamation.
Whereas it has been represented to the General Assembly
of the State of Connecticut, now sitting in this place, that
there are several non-commissioned officers and soldiers of
the troops of Horse and Militia in this State, who did not
march according to orders issued from the Captain-General,
for the defence of this and the other United States of
America ; and that there are others who deserted said service
after they had joined and marched with their respective
corps, all since the 1st of July last ; and the said Assembly
willing to extend their clemency to such as are yet desirous
of fulfilling their duty in the service of their country, have
authorized me to offer and I do hereby offer and grant full
pardon and indemnity to all such non-commissioned officers
and soldiers who have been delinquent in manner aforesaid,
provided they do immediately return to their duty, and join
themselves to their respective companies in either of the
regiments now ordered to march under the command of
Major-General Wooster, in defence of this and the other
United States. And I do hereby declare, that such as shall
so return and fulfill their duty in said service as aforesaid,
until regularly discharged therefrom, shall receive their
wages for the time they did, and shall continue in said ser-
vice. And I do also hereby strictly order and direct, that
due process be forthwith had against all such as shall still
refuse to comply with their duty as aforesaid ; and all inform-
ing officers and other ministers of justice are directed to
take every effectual measure to bring said persons to proper
and condign punishment. And the several printers in this
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO JOHN LANGDON.
Newport, October 24, 1776.
SIR: Upon the trial of Samuel Eslcm and Thomas Don-
chor for mutiny, on board the ship Royal Exchange, it
appeared that the mutiny was encouraged or put on foot by
the former Captain of her, in which he employed his steward
to promise them twenty guineas a man and half the ship
and cargo, when they should arrive in England. And on
this intelligence, I think it will be right for you to stop his
private adventure till that matter is cleared up.
Sir, you are hereby empowered to act as agent for the*
officers and people belonging to the American fleet, for all
vessels that may come within your State.
I am, in behalf of the officers and people, sir, your most
humble servant,
ESEK HOPKINS.
To John Langdon, Esq., Agent for the American Navy in
the State of New-Hampshire.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Newport, October 24, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Since I wrote you last, Captain Jones, in
the Providence, has arrived here with three prizes, and one
ship is arrived at Bedford. Enclosed is a copy of the
account of his cruise, that he gave me.
The Cabot has sent the ship into Providence, and yester-
day Lieutenant Weaver, of the Cabot, came here from
Bedford, where he arrived two days ago in another prize
ship. He informs me that when he left the Cabot, she had
taken five ships and a brig, all from Jamaica — one of them
a three-decker, with upwards of six hundred hogsheads on
board.
The Alfred is now manned, and under sailing orders
with the Hamden. Captain Jones, of the Providence, has
the command of her. Enclosed you have a copy of the
orders I have given him, and hope they are such as will
meet with your approbation. The reason of my giving
orders to Captain Jones to attempt to destroy the ships and
their works at the coal mines was, that I received certain
intelligence by a master of a vessel directly from there, that
there was nearly twenty vessels, and one hundred prisoners
employed in that service, guarded by twenty-six soldiers,
the Savage sloop of war, and Dawson's brig; and one of
them generally at Louisburg.
One of the new ships came down from Providence
yesterday; the other got aground but I expect her down
the first fair wind. They are nearly fitted every way for
the sea, all but men, which they have about one hundred
and fifty each. Shall now give my whole attention to their
manning.
If you have any particular service for them, should be
glad to receive it. I think they will be ready to sail as
soon as your orders can reach here; and I hope near
manned.
The Columbus is cleaned, and taking her ballast on board ;
rigging and filling as fast as possible. The sloop Provi-
dence will haul into the wharf to-morrow in order to clean.
Shall get them out as soon as possible ; but expect to meet
with great difficulty in getting men, the privateers being so
plenty, and having great success, that thernen look on their
shares better than what they have in the navy.
I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your most humble
servant> ESEK HOPKINS.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the honour-
able Marine Committee at Philadelphia.
LIEUTENANT KNIGHT (PRISONER) TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
South-Hadley, Massachusetts-Bay, October 24, 1776.
SIR: Having formerly addressed your Excellency for
leave to be released upon giving my parole not to take up
arms until a person of the same rank with myself was sent
in exchange, and General Gates having done me the honour
1227
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1228
per favour of the 24th January last, to signify that your
Excellency svas truly concerned, it was not then in your
power, but the first moment that it could be done with pro-
priety, I might rest assured of the indulgence being granted.
Presuming that time is now arrived, from the number
of precedents on our side, I beg leave once more to trouble
your Excellency with a repetition of my request for myself
and a Mr. Arnold, a master in his Britannick Majesty's
service, who desires to be indulged on the same terms, as we
flatter ourselves a personal application to Lord Howe will
be a surer means to promote an exchange for ourselves and
fellow-sufferers here.
If it is not intruding, I would mention those plans and
papers belonging to me, which, after undergoing your
Excellency's inspection at Cambridge, you was pleased to
return to me by Captain Melcher. The Committee here,
not knowing the nature of these things, have taken them
into their possession.
Your Excellency will oblige me in giving some directions
concerning them.
I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
JOHN KNIGHT.
To General Washington.
OLIVER PRESCOTT TO RICHARD DEVENS.
Boston, October 24, 1776.
DEAR SIR: My health is such that I cannot ride to
Watertown at present; have therefore at the repeated request
of sundry gentlemen, taken the freedom to enclose my com-
mission, and beg the favour of you to get it renewed, and
send up by the first opportunity, as there is business of
consequence necessary to be immediately done. I have not
taken out a commission of the quorum since my appoint-
ment ; if that should now be agreeable to the honourable
Board, it might be of present service to this part of the
country. The Representatives for some of the adjacent
towns come up every week : perhaps Mr. Sawtell, of Shir-
ley, may this week.
Soldiers are marching from all the towns in the upper
part of New-Hampshire State for the relief of our army at
Ticonderoga. Twenty-six men march this day from the
town of New-Ipswich. I hope our army .will be immedi-
ately reinforced.
I am, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and
very humble servant. ,-.
OLIVER PHESCOTT.
To the Hon. Henry Gardner, Esq., in Watertown.
SELECTMEN OF BOSTON TO BENJAMIN AUSTIN.
Boston, October 24, 177G.
SIR : Since I saw you the Selectmen have made a strict
inquiry and can't find in the town hardly any nails ; perhaps
we may be able to procure one load. We don't see how it
is possible to procure the supply but by taking of those that
were lately brought in as prize. It is said they are at
Newburyport; we therefore thought it necessary that Captain
Torrey should apply to the honourable Council for to assist
him. We would not dictate, but we think if orders were
given to the proper officers at Neivburyport, or wherever
the nails are, they might be obtained. We think, that as the
case is circumstanced, the common form of proceeding may
be dispensed with. It will be necessary that orders should
be given to the proper officer to procure wagons for the car-
riage of them. Any assistance we can give Captain Torrey
we shall be ready to do it.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
JOHN SCOLLAY, Chairman.
To the Hon. Bcnja. Austin, Esq.
taken near Canceau, by the brig Hope, Captain Dawson,
a few days after leaving port, and carried into Halifax.
Caplain Carkton, with some of the crew, made their escape
by swimming ashore.
Last Thursday was sent into Hayhannes, by Captain
Atkins, the ship Heajield from Ireland, bound to New-
York, having on board seventy puncheons of spirits, seventy
puncheons of porter, three hundred and fifty tierces of bread,
fifty tierces of oat-meal, sixty-one tierces of peas, sixty pork,
seventy tierces of beef, one hundred casks of butter, some
sweet oil, raisins, candles, flour, and a number of other
articles.
Yesterday, arrived in this port, a prize ship from Antigua
for London, with about two hundred hogsheads of sugar.
She was taken by the Putnam.
Boston, October 24, 1776.
Yesterday Captain Daniel Harthorne arrived at Sakm
from a cruise. On his passage he met with an armed
packet, which he attacked. In the engagement, which
lasted two hours, he lost three men killed, and nine or ten
wounded, himself slightly; since which he has taken, and
sent into Cape Ann, a prize snow with oats.
The privateer commanded by Captain Carleton, which
sailed from Salem on a cruise, about four weeks since, was
ORDERS TO THE COMMITTEE ABOUT THE RANGERS.
State of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, )
October, 24, 1776. J
To Colonel HURD and the gentlemen of the Committee for
giving orders and directions to the companies of Rangers
on CONNECTICUT River :
This Committee having been informed that the road
from Haverhill to Rumney is greatly out of repair, think it
advisable for you to send detachments out of the Captain
Atkinson's, Simpson's, and Russefs companies to repair
said road, seeing that an account of the expense on each
town is kept separate.
BY THE KING.
A Proclamation for encouraging Seamen to enter themselves
on board His Majesty's ships-of-war.
GEORGE R.
Whereas it is our Royal intention to give all due encour-
agement to all such seamen who shall voluntarily enter
themselves in our service, we have thought fit, by and
with the advice of our Privy Council, to publish this our
Royal Proclamation ; and we do hereby promise and declare
that all such able seamen, not above the age of fifty nor
under the age of eighteen years, fit for our service, who
shall, on or before the 31st day of December next, volun-
tarily enter themselves to serve in our Royal navy, either
with the Captains or Lieutenants of our ships, or the chief
officers on board such tenders as shall be employed for
raising men for the service of our navy, shall receive, as our
royal bounty, the sum of five pounds each man; and all
such ordinary seamen, fit for our service, who shall so enter
themselves as aforesaid, shall receive the sum of two pounds
ten shillings each man, as our Royal bounty, in lieu of all
other bounties mentioned in our proclamation dated the 22d
day of March last, and our orders in Council of the 1st of
May, the 21st of June, and 21st of August following ; such
respective sums to be paid them by the respective Clerks of
the Cheque residing at the ports or places where the ships
into which they shall be entered, shall be immediately after
the third muster of such seamen. And we do declare that
the qualifications of the seamen for entering themselves as
aforesaid, shall be certified by the Captain, Master, and
Boatswain of the ship or vessel where they shall enter.
And for prevention of any abuses by any persons leaving the
vessels to which they shall belong, and entering themselves
on board any other ships or vessels, in order to obtain the
said bounty money, we do hereby declare and command
that such seamen belonging to any of our ships or vessels as
shall absent themselves from any of the said ships or vessels
to which they shall belong, and shall enter themselves on
board any other of our said ships or vessels in order to
obtain the said bounty, shall not only lose the svages due to
them in the ships or vessels they shall leave, but also be
severely punished according to their demerits.*
Given at our Court at St. James's, the twenty-fifth day
of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-
six, in the seventeenth year of our reign.
God save the King !
*Two days after this Proclamation appeared, before it could be pos-
sibly known what effect it would have, press-warrants were issued, and
upwards of a thousand sailors were taken on the river Thames by sur-
prise. At the same time press-warrants were put in execution in every
seaport in the Kingdom. — Remembrancer.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1230
IMPRESSMENT OF SEAMEN.
London, October 28, 1776.
Last night upon the flood tide, about twenty boats,
manned and officered, came up the river from Deptford
and Woolwich, when a general press began, and every man
was taken on board the several ships they boarded, except
the master and mate. A Lieutenant was shot with a pistol
in boarding a ship, and eight seamen were drowned in
endeavouring to swim to shore to avoid the press. By the
press gangs taking out the men belonging to the fishing
vessels, a very small quantity of fish was brought to market,
and the gangs took several persons from Billingsgate, within
the Lord Mayor's jurisdiction, which occasioned his Lord-
ship to issue out his order for apprehending the officers of
all press gangs in his jurisdiction. The Lord Mayor, Mr.
Sou-bridge, gave orders to the City Marshals, that they,
with their assistants, should take care that the press gangs
do not take any men out of the city, unless they produce a
legal warrant ; and if they do not, to take the officer into
custody, that they may be dealt with according to law.
London, October 30, 1776.
There was another hot press from Gravesend to Rother-
hith, and the gangs picked up a great number of hands, but
have drove the West-India captains to great distress, their
ships being loaded, and not hands to navigate their vessels,
although the merchants had paid their men a month's
advance, besides their river pay. Yesterday application was
made to the Lord Mayor to back the press warrants, which
request he refused.
Among the persons impressed happened to be one John
Tubbs, one of the city watermen, in the service of the Lord
Mayor for the time being. The Town-Clerk was ordered
to demand his release, which he did by the following Letter:
Copy of the Town- Clerk's Letter to the Lords of the Ad-
miralty, written by order of the Court of Lord Mayor
and Aldermen.
MY LORDS: William Dawson, Esq., this city's water
bailiff, having this day informed the Court of Lord Mayor
and Aldermen, that Lieutenant Tate, of Gravesend, did on
the 4th instant impress John Tubbs, one of this city's water-
men, I am directed by the said Court to desire your Lord-
ships will give orders for the immediate discharge of the
said John Tubbs.
I have the honour to be, my Lords, your Lordships'
most obedient, humble servant,
WILLIAM Rix, Toum-Clerk.
To the Right Honourable the Lords of the Admiralty.
Town-Clerk's, Guildhall, November 19, 1776.
To which Letter the Town-Clerk received this Answer :
Admiralty Office, November 20, 1776.
SIR: Your letter of yesterday contains a demand on the
part of the Court of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the
city of London, of the immediate discharge of John Tubbs,
who has been impressed, and is stated to be one of the
city's watermen.
This is a solemn demand of his discharge as a matter of
right, as to which I am directed by the Lords Commis-
sioners of Admiralty to observe to you that the condition
of John Tubbs makes him clearly liable, in law, to be im-
pressed, insomuch that if he had absconded to avoid the
press, he would have been punishable by the Court of
Aldermen for so doing.
As matter of right, therefore, it is impossible to give him
up ; and the demand being made in that form, renders it
equally impossible to show that degree of attention to their
application which it might otherwise, if circumstances would
h?.ve allowed it, have been their Lordships' inclination to
have done.
I am, sir, your very humble servant,
PH. STEPHENS.
To William Rix, Esq., Town-Clerk, City of London.
At a Court of Common Council, the city law officers
were ordered to apply for a writ of habeas corpus, for to
bring Tubbs before a court of justice. The lawyers having
applied, were granted a rule, against the Lords of the Ad-
miralty, " to show cause why a writ in behalf of Tubbs
should not be granted." The lawyers were wrong ; they
ought not to have taken this rule, but insisted upon the
writ. The rule came on to be argued on the 28th of No-
vember, 1776. The counsel for the city did not go into
the general merits of press warrants, but confined them-
selves specially to the case, and contended for the usage
of city exemption, against the usage of Admiralty en-
croachments.
The Attorney-General, on the part of the Admiralty
Board, showed cause why Tubbs should not be discharged,
on the ground of exemption to the general power of im-
pressing seamen and seafaring people when the exigencies
of the State required it. The Solicitor-General contended
for the right in its fullest extent, and said no exception
could be maintained that was not supported by act of Par-
liament. Mr. Wallace said the exception was so loose, as
stated in the affidavits in behalf of the rule, that it was
impossible to say to what numbers it might be applied,
whether to thirty-one, the real number of the Lord Mayor's
watermen, or to any other number the water bailiff might
think proper to protect. Mr. Cust insisted that the exemp-
tion could in the first instance only have originated from the
King; that no pretence, much less proof, of any such
exemption had been set up ; and each of them insisted that
the matters stated in the affidavits, to show that the exemp-
tion contended for was founded in ancient usage, came short
of the least shadow of legal or relative proof that any such
usage ever existed in any form. Earl Mansfield here
observed, that the arguments promising to be very long,
and it being the last day of term, in which a great mass of
business remained yet to be transacted, he recommended to
Serjeant Glynn to state the grounds of his motion specially,
and to give a note of it into Court, in order that the affair
might be put off till next term. Serjeant Glynn answered
that he was not prepared to enter into such a special state.
Lord Mansfield again pressed the propriety of letting the
motion lie over till next term, provided that the Attorney-
General was satisfied on one hand to receive, and the coun-
sel in behalf of the rule consented, that Tubbs, and sufficient
sureties, should enter into recognizances for his appearance
the second day of next term. Mr. Dunning said, for his
part he was no special pleader, nor would he undertake for
his client, as he had no instructions so to do. Lord Mans-
field replied, that he only recommended what he wished
might be done, for the reasons already assigned. The
counsel in behalf of the rule might insist on being now
heard, if they thought proper, but the Court had it still in
their option to pronounce judgment; so those who pressed
the argument, not the Court, nor the counsel on the other
side, would be chargeable with the consequences. Mr.
Dunning rejoined, that he and his brother counsel asked
no favour : they only demanded justice ; and so that was
obtained, he was very indifferent in what form, or under
what circumstances it was administered. Serjeant Glynn,
and Messrs. Dunning, Davenport, Alleyne, and Lee, were
severally heard in support of the rule. The Court then
delivered their opinions seriatim, and were unanimous that
the proofs brought in support of the rule were not sufficient;
that the Lord Mayor's watermen were entitled to no such
claim of exemption ;. and that the rule ought to be dis-
charged.
The Attorney-General, in the course of the pleadings,
said that he had ordered every proper inquiry to be made
into the city charters, and the Admiralty books, but that no
document of the right of exemption could be produced.
An affidavit of William Stephens, Esq., Secretary to the
Commissioners of the Admiralty, was read, which set forth
that no precedent was to be met with, whereby such a
claim could be sustained ; and a case was recited, in which
the Mayor of London requested the discharge of one of his
watermen, and offered to give a substitute, when the Lords
of the Admiralty, in consideration of the publick importance
of his character, not only complied, but dispensed with his
offer of a substitute.*
When Mr. Sawbridge's Mayoralty expired, Captain
Kirke, a regulating Captain, applied to the new Lord
Mayor, Sir Thomas Halifax, at a Court of Aldermen, on
the 10th December, 1776, to back the press warrants for
* The claim of exemption seemed to imply a legality in the warrant,
which was not approved of by those who are of opinion that impressing
is illegal. — Rem.
1231
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1232
the city. He attended at the Court, at Guildhall, and was
called in, when he informed the Court that he was ordered
to wait upon the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen by
the Secretary to the Lords of the Admiralty, in order to
mention that the impress service could not be carried on
with so much ease and effect in the city of London as the
service required, without the assistance and support of the
civil magistrate, and therefore wished that the Court would
direct the constables in the several wards to aid and assist
him and his officers when required. He was asked whether
he was ordered to wait upon the Lord Mayor only, or the
Court of Aldermen ; he said upon the Lord Mayor, but as
the Court was sitting, he thought it his duty to desire their
compliance with his request.
Mr. Alderman WooUridge moved, That this Court does
not consider the application made by Captain Kirk, as
properly made to this Court ; which motion was carried by
a great majority. Mr. Alderman Harley said that he chose
to avow his principles, and desired that Captain Kirk
might be called in, and that he should inform him that,
whatever might be the resolution of the Court, he should
back the press warrants, and give every assistance in his
power to the officers employed to impress in the city.
Upon this, Mr. Alderman WooUridge said he wondered
that any single member could think of making such a decla-
ration to the regulating Captain in the Court, at the very
moment the Court had come to a resolution to take no
notice of his application. In this opinion he was supported
by several of the Aldermen ; and at last, Mr. Harley said
that he should indulge the gentlemen by going into another
room to communicate his intention to Captain Kirk, which
he accordingly did ; and, on his return, informed the Court,
that he had°promised Captain Kirk to protect him in his
impress business, and backed his warrants, which he hoped
would answer the purpose. Upon this, the Lord Mayor
declared, that he would order the city marshals and con-
stables to do their duty, and seize every person who dared
to impress in the city ; and that if any person so impressed
came before him, he should set him at liberty, and commit
the officer for a breach of the peace, unless he found
sureties for his appearance at the quarter sessions; and then
called the City Marshals, and ordered them to do their duty,
and not to fail to bring such persons before him as should
be found impressing in the city.
Notwithstanding this declaration of the Lord Mayor, the
press-gangs came into the city and impressed several per-
sons. On the 16th of December, three Lieutenants of
the navy, and a mate of the Cuttoden man-of-war, were
brought before the Aldermen Lewes, Lee, WooUridge,
and Plomer, at Guildhall, for impressing two men the same
day within the city. Charles Softer, who was one of the
persons impressed, said that he was seized by one of the
defendants, all of whom surrounded him, and he was
delivered by them to one of their gang, in order to be
taken on board the tender; that several Constables of the
Ward of Lime street interfered, and told the officers that
they had received particular directions from Sir Watkins
Lewes, the Alderman of that ward, not to suffer any press-
gang to take any person away without his having been first
brought before a Magistrate. The officers offered to attend
the Constables to Guildhall, where they justified what they
had done under a warrant from the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, endorsed by Mr. Alderman Harley, in these
words :
LONDON, to wit: To all Constables and others whom this
may concern. Let this warrant be executed within this
City and Liberties. Given under my hand and seal the
10th day of December, 1776. THQMAS
The body of this warrant contained an authority to im-
press seamen and seafaring men for his Majesty's service,
and was directed to Captain Balfour, of the Culloden.
Under this warrant, and the endorsement thereon, the
officers of the navy contended they had a right to impress
within the city of London, and to take the person so im-
pressed immediately on board the tender; that before Mr.
Harley had given his sanction, they had frequently done
so ; that their usual mode was, after seizing the man, to call
a coach and drive to the tower. On being asked by the
alderman, whether they considered a freeman of London
exempt, they refused directly to answer that question ; but
afterwards Captain Lloyd said he believed he should pay
respect to the copy of a man's freedom, and if he had any
doubts respecting the propriety of such conduct, he should
leave the determination to the regulating Captain, Kirke.
The other complainant appeared to be a pensioner, and
when he was seized, produced his ticket, and showed a scar
on his head, where his skull was fractured in an engagement
the last war. This poor fellow, it is feared, will lose his
pension, unless the Lords of the Admiralty are properly
acquainted that he was compelled to take so active a part in
this transaction. Mr. Justice Wilmot attended the exami-
nation, and received a severe rebuke for his interference
from the Aldermen, who observed that they should have
thought it unbecoming in them to have opposed the execu-
tion of the law at his office ; that he had insinuated the
defendants were in the disgraceful situation of prisoners,
whereas they had no idea of treating them in any other
character than that of gentlemen ; that they (the aldermen)
were no strangers to the motive that brought on the present
hearing, which was to gain, in a course of proceeding, a
legal determination of the grand question respecting press
warrants. The defendants refused to find bail, and were
thereupon committed to Wood street compter.
Next day, December 17, a consultation was held by the
Attorney and Solicitor General, and Mr. Wallace, respect-
ing the four Lieutenants then in custody, and it was advised
to bail them, which was done.
Copy of the Warrant of Commitment.
To all and every the Constables and other Officers of the
Peace for the City of London, and the Liberties thereof,
whom these may concern, and to the Keeper of Wood
street compter.
LONDON, to wit: These are in his Majesty's name, to
command you, and every of you, forthwith safely to con-
vey and deliver into the custody of the said keeper, the
bodies of Thomas Lloyd, David Ramsey, John Hills, and
William Colville, being charged before us, his Majesty's
Justices of the Peace, in and for the said city and liberties,
by the oath of Charles Softer, John Hutchins, John Holmes,
and Thomas Hasted, for severally assaulting them, the said
Charles Softer and John Hutchins, in Lime street, in the
said city of London, this day, in breach of his said Majesty's
peace, whom you, the said keeper, are hereby required to
receive, and in your custody safely keep for want of sureties,
until they shall be severally discharged by due course of
law ; and for your so doing this shall be to you, and each
of you, a sufficient warrant.
Given under our hands and seals the 16th day of De-
cember, 1776. WATKIN ^^
WILLIAM PLOMER,
WILLIAM LEE,
THOMAS WOOLDRIDGE.
Thus endorsed : To the Keeper of Wood Street Compter.
LONDON, to wit: Discharge out of custody the within
named Thomas Lloyd, David Ramsey, John Hills, and
Charks Colville, they having entered into a recognisance
with sureties before me for their personal appearance at the
next Sessions of the Peace to be holden for this city.
Given under my hand and seal this 17th day of Decem-
ber, 1776. GEORGE HAYLEY.
London, October 30, 1776.
Sixteen ships of the line were put into commission. A
little time after, more ships were put into commission.
The press was to man this fleet.
[This armament was suddenly resolved upon. Many
reasons were assigned for it. such as, other Powers, par-
ticularly France, being arming ; the probability of a war
between Spain and Portugal, &tc. On this occasion great
numbers of the naval officers waited on the Lords of the
Admiralty and offered their services ; those who had interest
got ships, &c. It was observed, and mentioned to Admiral
Keppel, that he had not waited on the Admiralty Board
and offered his services, as others had done. To which he
answered : " If the necessities of the times called for his
services, and he knew it was the King's desire, he was
ready to do his duty, but not in the line of America"] —
Rein.
1233
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1234
ORDER IN COUNCIL.
At the Court of St. James's, the 25th day of October,
1776:
Present, the King's most excellent Majesty in Council.
Whereas it is requisite for the publick safety, in the pre-
sent conjuncture of affairs, to prevent the exportation of
provisions : It is therefore hereby ordered by his Majesty in
Council, that an embargo be forthwith laid upon all ships
and vessels laden, or to be laden, in the ports of Great
Britain, with black cattle and hogs, beef, butter, pork, and
cheese, or any sort of provisions, except fish, corn, or grain of
any kind, or pulse; and that the said embargo do continue
and remain upon such ships and vessels tilf further order :
But it is his Majesty's pleasure that the said embargo
shall not extend to any ships or vessels that shall be em-
ployed in carrying provisions to any of his Majesty's West-
India Islands, or to any of his Majesty's Colonies in North
America, (except the Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massa-
chusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-
Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower Counties on Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina, South- Carolina, and
Georgia,) or to his Majesty's forts and settlements on the
coast of Africa, or the island of St. Helena ; provided that
the owners of such ships or vessels do make oath, on the
entry of such ships or vessels, of the due destination
thereof to the place to which such ships or vessels shall be
so entered to clear out as aforesaid, and do give security by
bond to the proper officers of the customs of the port at
which such ships or vessels shall enter and clear out, with
two other able and sufficient securities, in treble the value
of the cargo of such provisions, for the performance of the
conditions therein specified; and do thereby engage, that
such ships and vessels shall proceed under convoy of one
of his Majesty's ships, and shall not desert the convoy on
their voyage; and likewise to produce, within twelve
months from the date of such bond, from the proper officer
of the customs of the port to which such ships or vessels
shall go, certificates of their having delivered their cargoes
at the places for which they shall have been entered ; and
delivered up but on
no such bonds or securities" shall be
the production of such certificates. And his Majesty is
hereby further pleased to order, that the said embargo shall
not extend to any ship or vessel actually retained or em-
ployed in his Majesty's service, nor to any ship or vessel
which shall be laden by the especial order, and under the
direction of the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Trea-
sury, or the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, with
any kind of provisions for the use of his Majesty's fleets or
armies. And the Right Honourable the Lords Commis-
sioners of his Majesty's Treasury, and the Lords Commis-
sioners of the Admiralty are to give the necessary directions
for carrying the same into execution, so far as to them shall
respectively appertain.
(j. OHETWYND.
ORDER IN COUNCIL.
At the Court of St. James's, the 25th day of October.
1776:
Present, the King's most excellent Majesty in Council.
Whereas his Majesty was pleased by his order in Council
of the 26th of January last, to lay an embargo upon all
ships and vessels laden or to be laden in the ports of the
Kingdom of Ireland, with provisions of any kind, (except
as therein excepted) : And whereas his Majesty was
pleased, by another order in Council of the 14th of Feb-
ruary following, to declare that the said embargo should not
extend to corn or grain of any kind : And whereas it hath
been represented, that the said embargo hath in many in-
stances been evaded : It is hereby ordered by his Majesty in
Council, that an embargo be forthwith laid upon all ships
and vessels laden or to be laden in any of the ports of the
Kingdom of Ireland^ with black cattle and hogs, beef,
pork, butter, and cheese, or any sort of provisions0, except
•This is a most extraordinary order of Council. It is no less than
giving the Ministry a monopoly of all the provisions in the Kingdom
1 he merchants must not traden nor speculate in provisions The plan-
ters must not feed their slaves, but to such an amount as the Ministry
It will most essentially benefit the contractors of provisions
• the army m America, and it is not quite clear of suspicion that it
was issued at their request.— Remembrancer.
This is the first instance of such an order respecting Ireland.— Bern.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 73
fish, corn, or grain of any kind, or pulse; and that the said
embargo do continue and remain upon such ships and ves-
sels till further order. But it is his Majesty's pleasure,
that the said embargo do not extend to ships or vessels
bringing cattle of any kind, salted beef, pork, bacon, and
butter from Ireland into this Kingdom, pursuant to the lib-
erty granted for that purpose by an act passed in the last
session of Parliament; nor to any ship or vessel that shall
be employed in carrying provisions to any of his Majesty's
West-India Islands, or to any of his Majesty's Colonies in
North America, (except the Colonies of New-Hampshire,
Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York,
New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three lower Counties on
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina, South-
Carolina, and Georgia,) or to his Majesty's forts and set-
tlements on the coast of Africa, or to the island of St.
Helena; provided that the owners of such ships and vessels
do make oath on the entry of such ships and vessels, of the
due destination thereof to the place for which such ships
and vessels shall be so entered to clear out as aforesaid and
do give security by bond to the proper officers of the cus-
toms, at the port at which such ships and vessels shall enter
and clear out, with two other able and sufficient securities,
in treble the value of the cargo of such provisions, for the
performance of the conditions therein specified, and do
thereby engage, that such ships and vessels shall proceed
under convoy of one of his Majesty's ships, and shall not
desert their convoy on their voyage ; and likewise to pro-
duce, within twelve months from the date of such bond,
from the proper officer of the customs at the port to which
such ships or vessels shall go, certificates of their having
delivered their cargoes at the places for which they shall
have been entered ; and no such bonds or securities shall
be delivered up before the production of such certificates.
And his Majesty is hereby further pleased to order, that the
said embargo shall not extend to any ship or vessel actually
retained or employed in his Majesty's service, nor to any
ship or vessel which shall be laden by the especial order,
and under the directions of the Lords Commissioners of his
Majesty's Treasury, or of the Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty, with any kind of provisions for the use of his
Majesty's fleets and armies. And his Excellency Earl
Harcourt, Lord Lieutenant of his Majesty's Kingdom of
Ireland, is to give the necessary directions for causing the
said embargo to be strictly observed in that Kingdom.
G. CHETWYND.
SILAS DEANE TO THE SECRET COMMITTEE.
Paris, October 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I have purchased two hundred tons of
powder, and ordered the same to be shipped to Martinico
to the care of Monsieur Deant, to direction of Mr. Bing-
ham, for your use. The first cost is eighteen sols per
pound, or ten pence sterling. The charges will be added,
the amount of which I have not as yet ascertained, and the
interest at five per cent, until payment.
I must again urge you to hasten your remittances. To-
bacco, rice, indigo, wheat, and flour, are in great demand,
and must be so through the year. Tobacco is nine stivers
per pound in Holland; rice fifty shillings sterling per hundred
weight; flour is already from twenty to twenty-three livres
per hundred weight and rising. I have engaged a sale for
twenty thousand hogsheads of tobacco, the amount of which
will establish the credit of the Congress with the mercantile
interest in France and Holland. Let me urge your atten-
tion to these articles, though I must say your silence ever
since the 5th of June last, discourages me at times ; indeed
it well nigh distracts me. From whatever cause the silence
has happened, it has greatly prejudiced the affairs of the
United Colonies of America, and, so far as the success of
our cause depended on the friendship and aid of Powers on
this side the globe, has occasioned the greatest hazard and
danger, and thrown me into a state of anxiety and perplex-
ity which no words can express. I have made one excuse
after another until my invention is exhausted, and when I
find vessels arriving from different ports in America, which
sailed late in August, without a line for me, it gives our
friends here apprehensions that the assertions of our ene-
mies, who say you are negotiating and compounding, are
1235
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1236
true ; otherwise, say they, where are your letters and direc-
tions? Surely, say they, if the Colonies were in earnest,
and unanimous in their independence* even if they wanted
no assistance from hence, common civility would cause
them to announce in form their Independent States. I
will make no other comment on the distressing subject
than this. Were there no hopes of obtaining assistance on
application in a publick manner, I should be easier under
your silence ; but when the reverse is the case, to lose the
present critically favourable moment, and hazard thereby
the ruin of the greatest cause in which mankind were ever
engaged, distresses my soul, and I would if possible express
something of what I have undergone for the last three
months, until hope itself has almost deserted me.
I do not complain for myself, but for my country, thus
unaccountably suffering from I know not what causes.
I am, gentlemen, with most respectful compliments to
the honourable Congress, &.C., giLAs j)EANE
SILAS DEANE TO ROBERT MORRIS.
October 25, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I have received no letter from you since the
4th and 5th August, last, nor any intelligence from the
Congress since the 5th June, which not only surprises but
distresses me. I now send to care of Monsieur Deant two
hundred tons of a necessary article, to be at your orders for
use of the Congress. The freight is to be paid in Marlinico
as customary, and I wish you to ship it for the ports of the
Colonies in such a manner and such quantities in a vessel
as you shall judge most prudent, advising the Congress of
your having received it, and the methods you are taking to
ship it to them, praying them to remit you the amount
of the freight, as you must make friends in Martinico for
advancing the same.
I wish you could write me often, and inform me very
particularly what letters you receive from me directed im-
mediately to you, and what ones for other persons. By
this I shall know which of my letters fail.
I am, with great respect, &.C., SILAS DEANE.
P. S. Forward the enclosed under cover and with the
usual directions in case of capture.
to rout, with the loss of about fourteen killed. Their loss
is supposed to be much greater, but only fourteen were
found upon the ground. General Rutherford destroyed the
greater part of the Valley towns, killed twelve and took
nine Indians, and made prisoners seven white men, from
whom he got four negroes, a considerable quantity of stock
and deer leather, about one hundred weight of gunpowder,
and two hundred weight of lead, to the^jmount of twenty-
five hundred pounds, proc., which they were conveying to
Mobile. Colonel Williamson, with the South- Carolina
forces, now joined General Rutherford, and having destroyed
all the towns, the corn, and every thing which might be of
service to the Indians, it was determined by the command-
ing officers to return to their, respective States, it being
impracticable to go against the Overhill Cherokees, the
gap through the mountains being impassable for an army in
case of opposition. General Rutherford's army was never
opposed by any considerable body of Indians. He lost
three men only.
He supposes many of the Indians lay concealed in the
mountains, that some had gone to the Overhills, but that the
greater part had fled south westward to Coosawatee river,
bordering on the Upper Creeks. Should the Virginia army
meet any signal success against the Overhills, or should
they only destroy their towns and corn, we flatter ourselves
that the southern States will suffer no further damage this
season from the savages, -as it will employ their whole time
to provide sustenance for their squaws and children.
In Council, at Williamsburg, October 25, 1776.
Ordered, That all the soldiers belonging to Captain
Smith's Minute company attend at Gloucester Court-House,
on the first Thursday in November next, being court day,
in order to receive their pay from William Yales, Esq.,
Mustermaster-General of the Southern department, who is
requested to attend for that purpose.
ARCHIBALD BLAIR, Cl. Con.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NORTH-CAROLINA, DATED
OCTOBER 25, 1776.
A gentleman who accompanied General Rutherford on
the expedition against the Cherokees of the Middle and
Valley settlements, having just returned, we take this
opportunity of communicating to you per post the intelli-
gence which he brings.
General Rutherford, with his whole force, amounting to
about two thousand privates, exclusive of pack-horsemen,
marched from the head of Catawba river on the 1st of Sep-
tember, and arrived unmolested and undiscovered within
thirty miles of the Middle settlements. From thence he
ordered a detachment of one thousand men, by forced
marches, against the towns, in order to surprise the enemy.
The detachment, on their way, were attacked by about
thirty Indians, who fired and immediately fled, having
wounded one man in the foot. It is but justice to our
troops to observe that when they were fired on, and expected
the enemy on every side, the only contention among them
was who should be foremost to share the danger and the
promised fight. The detachment, without further inter-
ruption, proceeded to the towns, (which the Indians had
evacuated before their arrival,) and destroyed them. From
hence about nine hundred men, under the command of
General Rutherford, who had left the main body, taking ten
days' provision, marched on against the Valley settlements.
They found great difficulties, and were much embarrassed,
and for want of an intelligent pilot, crossed the mountains
at an unaccustomed place, by which means they were to
their great mortification, disappointed of an encounter with
about five hundred Indians, who were then, and had been
for several days before, lying in ambuscade, on the common
crossing-place. Two days after this, Colonel Williamson,
with the South- Carolina troops, crossing at the usual place,
fell into the ambuscade, was attacked, and left twelve
killed and twenty wounded, but defeated and put the enemy
Williamsburg, October 25, 1776.
By a gentleman from Fort Pitt we learn that eleven
settlers at the mouth of Weeling, about fifty miles below
that post, were killed by the Taawahs, Wyondots, Min-
goes, and other disaffected Indians, on the 9th of this
instant.
CAPTAIN WATKINS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Annapolis, October 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Agreeable to your order I have called up
the men that's now here under my command, and have
made them acquainted with the resolve of Convention
respecting the enrolment of the companies of Artillery.
Twenty-five of them tells me they will inlist under the
resolve, and from the disposition of many others, 1 think
they will in a little time come into the company.
H. WATKINS, Jun.
To honourable Council of Safety.
WILLIAM JOHNSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Fell's Point, October 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I received a line from you requiring me to
make tents for Captains Holland and Harris's company of
Harford County, but as I cannot get canvas here, must
refer to you for procuring the same, if to be had at Annap-
olis.
I shall be always proud to obey any orders that I may
receive from your honourable Board.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
WILLIAM JOHNSON.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
JOHN ENNALLS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
October 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Please to direct a Court-Martial for the
trial of Stanley Cook, a Lieutenant in the Nineteenth Bat-
talion, for misbehaviour, and you'll oblige your humble
servant, JOHN ENNALLS.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
1237
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1238
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE SECRET COMMITTEE TO
THOMAS MORRIS, DATED OCTOBER 25, 1776.
SIR : You will receive herewith a copy of our letter of
the 16th instant, whereby you are appointed our agent to
superintend all our business in Europe. This goes by
the Continental ship-of-war called the Reprisal, Lambert
Weeks, commander.
The value of this indigo is particularly intended to be
lodged with your banker in Paris, for the use and subject
to the order of Dr. Franklim, Silas Deane, and Arthur
Lee, Sic.
The Reprisal, Captain Weeks, will make but a short
stay at Nantes, as she will immediately proceed on a cruise,
and if fortunate, some of the prizes may probably be sent
into some of the ports of France. The Commissioners will
apply at Court for the liberty and protection of their ports.
If this should be granted, it's probable that they may also
permit the sale of prizes there, and in such case, the prizes,
or such parts of their cargoes as are to be sold in France,
will be put under your direction. You must take care that
every thing is disposed of to the best advantage, apply the
proceeds to the payments we have ordered you to make on
account of the publick, and render us very exact accounts
of what you credit us in this way, and a particular account
of sales of each prize. Should Captain Weeks take any
specie, he will pay it to you or the Commissioner, or to
their or your order for the same purpose, and you must
grant him receipts for the same, expressing that you receive
it for the use of the United States of America, and that he
is to be repaid by Congress.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Philadelphia, October 25, 1776.
SIR: The Marine Committee, being desirous to get the
Continental frigates to sea as quickly as possible, request the
favour of you to provide sixty-four cannon for the use of the
frigate building in New-Hampshire and one of those in
Massachusetts, fifty-two of these cannon to carry twelve-
pound shot, and twelve of them to carry four-pound shot.
The proof that Congress have contracted for the other
cannon to undergo is, for the first proof, a weight of powder
equal to the weight of one shot, on which charge two shot
and three wads. The second proof is powder equal to two-
thirds of the weight of one shot, with the same shot and
wad as in the first. We wish, sir, that the above-mentioned
cannon may undergo similar proof.
Should the ship building in Connecticut not be in equal
forwardness with the New-Hampshire frigate, we shall be
well pleased if the latter is immediately furnished with the
guns provided for the former, adding thereto as many as
will make the number twenty-six twelves and six four-
pounders. The Connecticut frigate, we hope, may be fur-
nished in due time from the guns above desired to be pro-
vided for the New-Hampshire frigate.
Your well-known zeal in the common cause gives us
perfect confidence that you will do herein what will most
contribute to promote and expedite the publick service.
We are, sir, your humble servants.
To Governour Trumbull, of Connecticut.
GOVERNOUR LIVINGSTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 30, 1776: referred to Dr. Rush, Mr. Ross, Mr. Lynch.]
Elizabethtown, October 25, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I beg leave to transmit you the enclosed on
the subject I had the honour to write the Congress upon
some time since. I cannot relieve the men, and yet receive
particular applications about it.
I am, sir, your most humble
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
P. S. You forgot to send me the instructions for priva-
teer's bond, &c.
Bridgewater, in Somerset County, October 14, 1776.
SIR: I have the honour of receiving your Excellency's
instructions of 8th instant, concerning the prisoners in this
Counly, which seems to respect such prisoners only as have
belonged to the British soldiery, of which kind we have but
one in this County to my knowledge; but a long illness, of
which 1 am now closely confined, prevents my knowing
much of the publick concerns of the County. We have,
however, a few prisoners confined at the gaol of this County
by your Excellency's orders, which are chiefly seamen
of whom, with the one soldier, you have an exact list en-
closed.
Should your Excellency be of opinion that these prisoners
will be taken in exchange, and that it is necessary they
should be sent to Brunswick, you will please to favour me
with your further instructions for that purpose ; but should
you be of opinion that they will not be taken in exchange,
I would then beg your Excellency's attention to their situa-
tion, which is something particular.
Your Excellency has been informed that their clothing
was chiefly left at New-York, owing to the great hurry and
confusion in which they were sent from thence. I would
therefore humbly propose to your consideration the sending
one of them, viz: Captain Duncan Campbell, (who is said
to be a gentleman of strict honour,) to New-York on
parole, to inquire after their baggage and clothing.
It may also deserve your Excellency's attention that two
young men among these prisoners, viz: Robert Colefox and
Richard Williams, are natives of New-England; that one
of them was employed in the Continental service ; that they
both fell into the hands of the enemy by misfortune, where
they were confined and detained a great while as prisoners,
and thought themselves very happy in being retaken by
their friends. The consequence of which is that they have
lost their clothing and are kept in confinement by those
who ought to befriend them ; they are now almost destitute
of clothing to cover them, and both tell me they will suffer
perpetual imprisonment rather than be exchanged and
return to the British army or navy. On the contrary they
were discharged, and at liberty to go and see their relations
and friends, several of whom are now in the Continental
service. They would undoubtedly enter into the same
service either by sea or land.
I apprehend they are all now considered as Continental
prisoners, and wholly at the disposal of the Congress.
But should your Excellency please to furnish the honoura-
ble Continental Congress with a proper state of facts
respecting them, they surely would not hesitate a moment
to take order in the matter.
I shall wait your Excellency's further orders for the
removal of the prisoners to Brunswick. In the interim I
have the honour to be your Excellency's very humble
servant, D „
ROWLAND CHAMBERS.
To His Excellency William Livingston, Esq.
P. S. Since writing the above, I am informed that Peleg
Mansfield is in the same situation with the two last above-
mentioned prisoners. D ~
Jtv. U.
An account of Prisoners taken in the three following Ves-
sels from HALIFAX, bound to SANDY-HOOK, by Captain
WILLIAM ROGERS, in the MONTGOMERY Privateer, off
FIRE-ISLAND Creek, south side of LONG-ISLAND, and
now confined in SOMERSET Gaol, in the State of NEW-
JERSEY.
1st. Sloop Phoenix's crew — John Broom, master ; John
Deacon, seaman ; George Clandair, passenger.
2d. Sloop Sally's crew — Solomon Smith, master; Seth
Williams, mate ; Richard Williams, seaman ; Robert Cole-
fox, do.; Calvtn Helhway, do.; Edward Cannabal, a boy ;
Daniel Dunbar, passenger.
3d. Sloop Mary's crew — Duncan Campbell, master;
John Farrel, seaman; Peleg Mansfield, do.; Andrew
Mitchell, passenger; Michael Tabbin, do.; Alexander
McMullen, do.
There is also a soldier, taken prisoner in the engagement
on Long-Island, whose name is John Wright.
October 14th, 1776.
N. B. Four of the Phainix's crew, and one of the
Mary's, have entered into the Continental service, and
are gone to Philadelphia; their names are not inserted
here.
1239
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1240
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM FORT LEE, DATED OCTOBER
25, 1776.
Head-Quarters is now above twenty miles from this place,
and sve have but little news we can depend upon till a day
or two after the transaction. To-day, indeed, I heard the
following, which may be worth communicating : One of
the vessels up the North River came before Dobbs's Ferry
with an intention to cut off the communication. She lay
there one day undisturbed ; but last night two field-pieces
were sent down, and early this morning began to play upon
her. They hulled her eleven times out of fifteen. She
hoisted sail, but could make no way for want of wind, and
was obliged to put out her boats and be towed off; all
which time she was exposed to our fire. It is hoped this
drubbing will prevent such manoeuvres for the future, and
oblige the pirates to keep aloof. I am informed that several
brigades of our army moved this day up to White-Plains ;
so that almost all the army is now at that place. Little
skirmishes happen almost every day; but they are thought
so little of that they seldom are mentioned as news. The
most considerable was that with Rogers's party, in which
a number was killed and wounded, thirty-six prisoners, with
sixty stand of arms. Two of the prisoners prove to be spies,
and one a deserter from us. These, I hope, will be made
examples of. Several Hessians have been taken since.
October 26. — P. S. Since I wrote the above, I learn
that the enemy have got between King's Bridge and
White-Plains. That ground was left vacant by the remo-
val of the brigades I have mentioned. A Captain's guard
only was left over some provisions till it could be moved.
This day about noon the Captain discovered about one
hundred Light-Horse and as many Infantry making that
way towards him. He retreated to Fort Independence, and
the enemy continued their route. Whether this was only
a foraging party, or whether sent to take the ground which
we had left, I cannot tell. If the latter, I believe it will not
be disagreeable. It is probable the brigades were moved
higher up on purpose to give the enemy an opportunity of
getting in, when they will not be very likely to get out
undisturbed.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read November 4, 1776.]
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 25, 1776.
SIR : The whole of our army is now here and on the
neighbouring heights, except the troops left at Mount Wash-
ington and King's Bridge, (about fourteen hundred at the
former and six hundred at the latter,) and General Lee's
division, which now forms the rear, and which is on their
march. Our removal and that of the stores have been
attended with a great deal of trouble, owing to the scarcity
and difficulty of procuring wagons. However, they are
nearly effected and without any loss. The General officers
are now reconnoitring the several passes leading from the
enemy, that the most important may be immediately se-
cured. The situation of their army remains nearly the
same as when I had the honour of addressing you on the
21st instant. It differs in nothing, unless it is that their
main body is more collected about New-Rochelle. A few
of their troops are extended as far as Momarioneck.
On Monday night a detachment of our men, under the
command of Colonel Hazlet, was sent out to surprise and
cut off Major Rogers if possible, with his regiment, which
was posted there. By some accident or another, the expe-
dition did not succeed so well as could have been wished.
However, our advanced party, led on by Major Greene, of
the First Virginia Regiment, fell in with flieir out-guards
and brought off thirty-six prisoners, sixty muskets, and some
blankets. The number killed is not certainly known, but
it is reported by an officer who was there, that he counted
about twenty-five. Our loss, two killed, and ten or twelve
wounded ; among the latter, Major Greene, whose recovery
is very doubtful.
On Wednesday there was also a smart skirmish between
a party of Colonel Hand's Riflemen, about two hundred and
forty, and nearly the same number of Hessian Chasseurs,
in which the latter were put to the rout. Our men buried
ten of them on the field, and took two prisoners, one badly
wounded. We sustained no other loss than having one lad
wounded, supposed mortally.
The ships-of-war that are in the North River fell down
yesterday morning or the evening before to Dobbs's Ferry,
to prevent our bringing stores from below by water, and
the removal of those that are landed there. As soon as
the wagons employed in bringing the baggage and stores of
General Lee's division are disengaged, they will be imme-
diately sent to assist those already there to remove them.
On Saturday night we had the misfortune to lose one of
the new ships intended to be sunk lor obstructing the chan-
nel. She parted her cables in a severe squall, when pro-
perly ballasted, and bilged as soon as she struck the shore.
The other ship was sunk well, and yesterday morning two
brigs (both ready) were sent down for the same purpose.
About two o'clock this afternoon, intelligence was brought
to Head-Quarters that three or four detachments of the
enemy were on their march, and had advanced within about
four miles of this place. It has been fully confirmed since,
by a variety of persons who have been out to reconnoitre.
Their number cannot be ascertained, but it is generally con-
jectured that the detachments are or will be succeeded by
as many columns, composing their main body. Our drums
have beat to arms, and men ordered to their several posts.
Most probably some important event is upon the eve of
taking place. I hope it will be victory in favour of our
arms. General Lee, with his division, has not got up, but
I hear he is on his march.
Experiment having proved it difficult, if not impossible,
to prevent the enemy from possessing the navigation of the
North River, and rendering the communication and inter-
course between the States divided by it extremely hazard-
ous and precarious by means of their ships-of-war, it has
become a matter of important consideration how to remedy
the evil, and to guard against the consequences which may
result from it. 1 am charged by his Excellency to men-
tion it to Congress as a matter that employed much of his
thought, and that seems worthy of their most serious atten-
tion. He has communicated it to several of the General
and other officers, and to many gentlemen of sense and dis-
cernment, who all agree with him not only upon the pro-
priety, but the absolute necessity that two distinct armies
should be formed, one to act particularly in the States
which lay on the east, the other in those that are on the
south of the river. The whole however to be raised on
a general plan, and not to be confined to any particular
place by the terms of inlistment. These matters, the ap-
parent difficulty and perhaps impracticability of succours
being thrown across the river while the enemy can com-
mand it, have induced his Excellency to submit the mea-
sure to their consideration, not knowing how their operations
may be directed, and foreseeing that innumerable evils may
arise if a respectable force is not appointed to oppose their
arms wheresoever they are carried.
I have the honour to be, in great haste, sir, your most
obedient servant, ROBT> H> HARRJSON-
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, October 21, 1776.
(Parole, Heath.) (Countersign, Sullivan.)
The hurried situation of the General for the two last
days having prevented him from paying that attention to
Colonel Glover, and the officers and soldiers who were with
him in the skirmish on Friday last, that their merit and
good behaviour deserved, he flatters himself that his thanks,
though delayed, will nevertheless be acceptable to them,
as they are offered with great sincerity and cordiality. At
the same time he hopes that every other part of the army
will do their duty with equal duty and zeal whenever called
upon, and that neither dangers, difficulties, or hardships will
discourage soldiers engaged in the cause of liberty, and con-
tending for all that freemen hold dear and valuable.
Head-auarters, White Plains, October 23, 1776.
(Parole, Denttm.) (Countersign, Chester.)
The guard of the camp are to be mounted from the sev-
eral divisions of the army. Their numbers to be fixed, and
their post assigned them, by the General Officers of that
division. General Spencer's division to furnish the main
guard, Quartermaster-General's, and Commissary-General's
guard, bullock guard, and provost guard.
1241
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1242
It has been observed with some concern, that scouting
parties go out without any advanced or flanking parties,
both which are absolutely necessary for their safety and
success, and which they must have on all occasions.
The commanding officers of regiments should, on all
marches, draw provisions for the wagoners who attend
them, and give them all possible assistance. When their
baggage is unloaded they should have the teams drawn up,
set a guard over them, and prevent any loss of the horses,
or abuse of the drivers, and take care of them till they are
ordered away.
Any officer, or soldier, who shall presume to meddle
with any horses belonging to the publick, or any other not
his own property, will be severely punished. And all offi-
cers of the army are requested to stop soldiers who are
riding about without saddles, until they give an account of
themselves, and if they are found breaking orders, to send
the offender to the guard, and the horse to the Quarter-
master-General, or to Head-Quarters.
Head-duarters, White Plains, October 24, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
Commanding officers of regiments are immediately to
have necessaries dug, decently covered, at a small distance
from their encampments. They are every day to be cov-
ered over with fresh earth, and once a week to be filled up
and new ones dug. All bones, meat, and other dirt of the
camp, to be carefully gathered up every day. Those regi-
ments who have not appointed camp colour men, are to
do it immediately, and it is the duty of the Quartermaster
to see that they do their duty. Two men from every com-
pany to be appointed. If officers would reflect how much
cleanliness would conduce to their own health, and that of
their men, they would want no inducement to attend to it
particularly.
The Brigade-Majors of General Spencer's division, are
immediately to form a Court-Martial, a Colonel to preside.
General Sullivan's division to furnish its proportion of
the detail made yesterday for home guards.
Rolls are to be called three times every day, and the
General begs the officers to exert themselves to keep their
men from straggling away from the camp. Officers and
men would do well to reflect that their safety, their lives,
and the liberty of their country, may depend on their being
at hand in case of alarm. Any man who is found half a
mile from the camp, not on command, will be punished very
severely.
All the officers who have assisted in the works to meet at
Colonel Putnam's quarters, just above Head-Quarters, at
three o'clock this afternoon, in order to lay out a number of
works. The Engineers are to proportion the intrenching
tools at this place among the several grand divisions, and
after to-day to apply to each General commanding such
division for such numbers of men as may be wanted for
the several works, who are to begin to work at nine o'clock
in the morning, and continue working till four in the after-
noon.
Brigade-Majors are to have their returns completed im-
mediately.
General Heath's and General Sullivan's divisions not
having complied with yesterday's orders to furnish thirty
men, they are to do it to-morrow without fail, and to be
more careful in future.
It being absolutely necessary that the teams should be
collected, in order to be arranged by the Quartermaster-
General, the commanding officers of regiments are imme-
diately to send to the parade, at the Court-House, every
team not under an actual order to march.
No officer to take any team for any use without an order
from Head- Quarters or the Quartermaster-General.
The commanding officers of brigades and regiments, who
at any time may be supplied with teams, are to take partic-
ular care that the drivers of wagons in their employ are
regularly supplied with grain and hay for their horses, if
such provender can be obtained in the neighborhood of
their respective camps. If the owners of such provender
refuse to sell, such commanding officers are to order their
Quartermasters to collect as much provender as will be
necessary for the publick horses in their service, and give
certificates to the owners of the provender of what the
Quartermasters may receive or take.
GENERAL COURT-MARTIAL.
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held at the Court-
House in the WHITE- PLAINS, by order of His Excellency
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-
in- Chief of all the Forces raised, or to be raised, in the
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, October the %5th, 1776.
Colonel Holman, President.
Members :
Lieutenant-Colonel Latimer, Captain Catlin,
Major Gordon, Captain Wolcott,
Captain Harrington, Captain Warner,
Captain Brown, Lieutenant Allen,
Captain Wells, Lieutenant Chamberlin,
Captain Goodwin, Lieutenant Potter.
David Brearley, Judge-Advocate.
The United States of America, vs. Lieutenant Ethan
Sickles, charged with breach of General Orders : also with
coming under the twenty-first article of the fourteenth section
of the Rules and Articles for the government of the Troops
of the United States of America. The defendant plead
" Not Guilty."
Witness for the States, Colonel Reed, Adjutant-General,
being sworn, says the defendant yesterday came by Head-
Quarters with two wagons of baggage under his care ; that
he stopped the wagons ; on examination found a sutler in
one of them ; he asked the defendant if there was not
sutlers' goods in the wagons ; who answered there was only
a small case and a keg containing five gallons of rum; that
a barrel of rum in the wagon belonged to the regiment,
that another barrel contained soldiers' clothes, but on exami-
nation found it to contain chiefly leaf tobacco, and the barrel
of rum to belong to the sutler..
The defendant produced no witnesses, but was heard in
his own defence.
After mature deliberation of the premises, the Court are
unanimously of opinion that the defendant, Lieutenant
Sickles, is guilty of disobeying general orders, and of
behaving in a scandalous, infamous manner, such as is
unbecoming the character of an officer and a gentleman,
and do sentence him to be discharged from the service.
JONATHAN HOLMAN, President.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Albany, October 25, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The Convention having thought it proper to
direct me to repair to this place, in order to give (in con-
currence with some other General) every necessary support
to the Northern army, I did not receive your Excellency's
favour till this day.
I am extremely affected at the wants under which the
army labour, and your Excellency may depend on my
utmost endeavours to remove them. I can at present only
suggest my ideas on that subject to gentlemen who have
influence at Convention, as nothing can be done at this
place. Flour, I believe, may readily be procured in Penn-
sylvania and New-Jersey, which, as it must cross at Mount
Washington, may be applied to the present use of the army,
while that furnished by this State may be sent to the White-
Plains, or to such other place as your Excellency thinks it
proper to provide magazines at. It would be easy to send
down immediate supplies of flour from this part of the
country, were it not for the wants of the Northern army,
which has not above fifteen days' provision on hand, without
mentioning any allowance for the Militia, who are marching
in daily. This is truly alarming in a country where it is
by no means impracticable to cut off supplies, and where
the utmost vigilance is necessary to keep open the commu-
nication.
However, I would not have your Excellency uneasy on
this account, as the Committee of Albany (having distributed
the business among the different members of their body)
have made such exertions, and been so well seconded by
General Schuyler, that I am in great hopes in a few days
to have nothing to fear on that score. Nor can I doubt, if
proper measures are adopted, that the Southern army will
be supplied with facility; as I am well satisfied that the
stock of provisions in the country is much more than suffi-
cient to answer all their demands, and at any rate it must
be had. Your Excellency, by making use of the power
1243
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1244
vested in you by some resolutions that passed in Convention
before I left Fishkill, relative to the grain and stock in
Westchester County, may, I am persuaded, obtain a present
supply of every thing but flour; and though the teams there
are none of the best, yet if your Excellency will give orders
for pressing them, so many may be obtained as to make the
quantity compensate for the quality. In the mean while
more effectual measures will be taken to supply you with
wagons. Teams can only be got from Connecticut in any
numbers.
Though the White-Plains is a very proper place for
provisions designed for immediate use, yet I would submit it
to your Excellency whether your grand magazines should
not be within or beyond the Highlands. If that should seem
too remote, I would recommend some place on the north
side of Cretan's river, near Pine's bridge, as the country
there is very rough, and secured by a river, at the same
time that it lays upon a great road.
The measures your Excellency have taken to secure the
passes and prevent the enemy from gelling above you,
appears to me extremely judicious, and I doubt not will be
attended with the desired effect, especially if the number of
troops sent to the White-Plains and the Highlands can be
magni6ed to the enemy by any of those artifices usual in
war. I shall always esteem it a peculiar happiness if (as
you politely suppose) my knowledge of the country can
in any way contribute to its preservation, or be of the least
service to your Excellency, and shall therefore take the
liberty your Excellency so obligingly gives me, to suggest
whatever may, in any measure, tend to either of these valu-
able purposes.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and
esteem, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and
Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of the United Amer-
ican States, &tc., Head-Quarters, King's Bridge.
COLONEL WILKINSON TO GENERAL GATES.
Albany, October 25, 1776.
I should think myself inexcusable, my dear General, for
not writing you earlier, if I did not render a sufficient
apology for my conduct, by assuringyou that such has been
the severity of my disease since I left Ticonderoga that I
have not been able to govern my finger till within these few
days. 1 have been here three weeks, during two of which
I had a fever tacked to me, which prosecuted me with inter-
mission; it is at last, however, subdued, and has left me a
pretty good appetite ; but as I recover very slowly here, I
purpose moving out of town to Kenter-Hook, a situation
from which I am promised great things. The Lord grant it
may soon enable me to join you.
General Washington has in person lately dislodged a con-
siderable number of the enemy, who had landed on a place
called Frogg Point. Further particulars have not yet
reached town. Lee commanded the lines during his ab-
sence. It is said the General has brought six thousand
Southern troops with him, though it is mere report.
The vessels which have passed the chevaux-de-frise
are two forty-gun ships and a number of tenders. They vary
their station, though for the most part they remain in Toppon
sea or bay; they have picked up several Albany sloops
and greatly harass the rest. If I get well soon I shall
bring up such things as will help to render the winter com-
fortable; but if my disorder is spun out to any length, my
cash will be exhausted.
I am, my dear General, with respect and affection, your
ready friend and servant, T ,„,
JAMES WILKINSON.
Pray write me. Mr. Avery, if you will address to his
care, will see the letter conveyed to me with safety.
J. W.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 25, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I congratulate you on the success of
our arms, accounts whereof you have enclosed. Would it
not be well if the whole line was turned out, a few cannon
fired, and three huzzas given ? It will cheer the spirits of
our troops, and damp those of the enemy, for their scouts
will doubtless hear the rejoicing.
I have sent two hundred Militia to Fort George; one
hundred remain at Fort Edward, two hundred on the road
between Jones's and Cheshire's, the remainder to Skenes-
borough and Tyonderoga, if they can be prevailed upon
to cross the lake. I wish Colonel Lewis to come to me
as soon as possible. The provision for the army I have
ordered in future to go by Skenesborough. You will be
pleased to send some of the larger vessels for it.
I am very anxious for a line from you, having received
none from you since yours of the 15th instant. I have
been much indisposed for several days, but have this morn-
ing been out for the first time.
I am, dear sir, with great esteem and respect, your most
obedient, humble servant, PH. SCHUYLER.
To General Gates.
GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL BELLOWS.
Tyonderoga, October 25, 177S.
SIR: This moment I have received your note by Mr.
Amos Babcock. In answer thereto, I am to acquaint you
that I have every reason to expect the immediate approach
of the enemy. Nothing but the constant southerly winds
that have prevailed for this week past, could, in my opinion,
have delayed them so long. Perhaps the happiness or
misery of America hangs upon a moment. If you love
your country, make use of it, and come forward.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To Colonel Benjamin Bellows.
JOHN NOBLE CUMMING TO DR. SCUDDER.
Tyconderoga, October 25, 1776.
DEAR SIR : The fatigues of a long campaign have not
made me forget my friends, nor am I yet so weak that I
cannot write. I want to know how my old friends are, and
what persons of them are distinguishing themselves in the
present virtuous struggle. / Our campaign has been full of
fatigue, as well as unsuccessful, chiefly owing to our too
precipitate advances to the northward, or rather our going
in so unprepared a manner. We advanced upon the Plains
of Abram, quartered in houses scattered for two or three
miles, one third of the troops at Point Levi, and one third
at St. Roche's, the remainder on the Plain. The numberof
our troops fit for duty, not exceeding seven hundred men,
five hundred sick in quarters chiefly with the small-pox, and
further a very small quantity of ammunition; and at the
council which was held the night before our retreat, the
Commissary informed them that there was not above three
days' provision in the store, and no supply nearer than
St. John's. Under those circumstances, General Thomas
(since deceased) wisely ordered a retreat, which was con-
ducted with as good order as could be expected, and although
he was much censured, yet must be allowed to be a good
commander by those who are not fond of censure. He was
judicious, calm, and resolute ; and had matters been repre-
sented as they really were, neither the Congress nor the Gen-
eral had been so deceived. However, I think with the favour
of Providence, we are now in such a situation as to give them
a good return.
Our regiment is in good credit, and on account of the
dependence placed in them are fixed in the most dangerous
post. We take command of a redoubt called the Jersey
battery, mounting eight guns, one of thirty-two, two of
eighteen, three of twelve, and two of nine, nearly opposite
to which is a boorn across the lake. Near this redoubt are
four others, each mounting four or five guns. On Mount
Independence there is a twenty-gun battery, and above this
a half-moon mounting four guns. Our out lines are strong,
and I hope manned with those who will do their utmost
to support them.
Your Commissioners left this a few days ago. Our regi-
mental return will show that the officers of our regiment in
general choose to continue. How we stand recommended
we are ignorant of. As for myself I can say, if I have not
done as I ought, my conscience acquits me of having done
my best for my injured country ; and am determined, life
and health permitting, to continue doing the same, let my
1245
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
rank be whatever the honourable House shall be plen.rl
confer.
I remain, sir, your affectionate friend and humble servant,
JOHN NOBLE GUMMING.
To Dr. Nathaniel Scudder, Member of Council, New-
Jersey.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Saybrook, October 25, 1776.
SIR: I take this opportunity to inform your Honour that
I am extremely unhappy that the badness of the weather
has not yet permitted us to proceed from this place to New-
Haven, the wind having been so much ahead as to hinder
our sailing. I am in some hopes of a change soon ; but lest
that should not happen, will set out as soon as I have given
the necessary orders to the masters of vessels, with as many
men as twelve whale-boats can conveniently carry which
is all I have left.
I remain, with respect and esteem, your Honour's most
obedient, humble servant,
HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To his Honour Governour Trumbull.
Newburyport, October 25, 1776.
Yesterday arrived here the ship Nancy, John Cowan
master, burthen about two hundred tons, bound from Cork
to Quebeck, taken by Captain John Lee, of this place. Her
cargo consists of the following articles, viz: eighty barrels
of beef, three hundred and twenty barrels of pork two
hundred firkins of butter, one hundred barrels of oatmeal
three hundred and seventy-four barrels of flour, twelve
hundred bushels of peas, sixty-eight thousand pounds of
bread, two hundred and seven casks of nails, twenty-two
barrels and two half-barrels of gunpowder, one arm-chest
with balls, &c., sixteen carriage-guns and ten swivels
mounted.
Saturday last the General Assembly of the State of New-
Hampshire, adjourned to the last Wednesday in November
leaving the remainder of the business to be settled by the
Grand Committee, who are now sitting at Exeter. They
have also appointed Thursday, the 21st of November, to be
kept as a day of publick thanksgiving throughout that State.
We learn that a Salem privateer has taken in the chops
the Channel of England, two ships, one from Jamaica
inward bound, and the other outward bound.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM DR. FRANKLIN TO D. C., DATED
PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 25, 1776.
Being once more ordered to Europe, and to embark this
day, I write this line, &tc.
As to our publick affairs, I hope our people will keep up
their courage. I have no doubt of their finally succeeding
by the blessing of God, nor have I any doubt that so good
a cause will fail of that blessing. It is computed that we
have already taken a million sterling from the enemy. They
must soon be sick of their piratical project. No time should
be lost in fortifying three or four .posts on our extended
coast as strong as art and expense can make them. Nothino-
will g,ve us greater weight and importance in the eyes
of the commercial States, than a conviction that we can
annoy, on occasion, their trade, and carry our prizes into
sale harbours ; and whatever expense we are at in such
fort.fy.ng will be soon repaid by the encouragement and
success of privateering.
Jn Council, November 20, 1776 : Read and sent down
JOHN AVERY, Deputy Secretary.
1246
COL. HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Head-of-Elk, October 26, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Yours of the llth I yesterday received, and
not before, having been from home at Philadelphia this
twelve days, endeavouring to settle my accounts for pro-
visions, carnage, &tc., of the Fourth, Fifth, and part of the
Sixth reg.ment of Virginia, from Elk to Chester. The men
being near half sick has made their carriage very tedious and
expensive, and has taken up my whole time since the 26th
of September. You are a judge how much my time was
taken up with the Maryland forces before that date. So that
for the last two months I have been prevented from taking
proper care of my business, otherways should have been at
Annapolis before this day. Could wish a Commissary was
appointed, as I am now, while I am writing, applied to by
Captain Johnson, of the Sixth Virginia regiment, to provide
barracks, wagons, and provisions for his company, to pass them
on to Philadelphia, and that there is eight hundred Caroli-
nians in the river, which must be provided as above. You,
sir, are, as is the honourable Council of Safety, better judges
how necessary it is to forward those troops than myself; a°nd
you also know that no person here will forward them but
myself, in your absence. 1 must, therefore, beg the indul-
gence of the honourable Council, if the arrival of those troops
and transporting them over should delay my comino- to
Annapolis longer than they may expect, as I assure "you
and them on the honour of a gentleman, that nothing else
shall delay my coming one day, when I hope to satisfy their
Honours that every thing has been done by me that could
by a man so circumstanced.
As to the first ninety bayonets sent Mr. Winters, they are
not so good as they ought, as most of them were made by
young hands in the business, and many of the best of what
was there made picked out for the marching companies
going to Flying-Camp, the steel not good though the best I
could then get, the want of experienced hands in the mill,
all plead for their Honours' indulgence. I have sent Mr.
Winters some since much better, and have now by me about
two hundred, which I flatter myself will merit their appro-
bation, which, with some musket-barrels and large pieces, I
fully intend down with as soon as the service above recited
will permit.
You will please to lay this before their Honours, though
wrote in much haste, as 'tis all truth. I should have
wrote to their Honours, but have received no censure from
them, save what Colonel Benjamin Rumsay gave me at
Philadelphia verbally, who 1 am much obliged to for his
assistance in despatching me ; and am, dear sir, your and
the honourable Council's most obedient and humble ser-
H. HOLLINGSWORTH.
To Joseph Gilpin, Esq., Convention at Annapolis.
GENERAL WARD TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
Boston, October 25, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The enclosed papers respect Colonel Ethan
Allen, whose brother is the bearer of this ; and I beg leave
to introduce him to the Council, as he has business respect-
ing Colonel Allen to lay before the Board.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant,
ARTEMAS WARD.
To the honourable Council.
MEMORIAL OF HENRY HOLLINGSWORTH.
To the honourabk the Council of Safety of MARYLAND:
The Memorial of your memorialist humbly showeth :
That your memorialist did provide provisions, wagons
shallops, wood, and other necessaries, for the Maryland and
Virginia troops, on their way from the Head-of-Elk to the
Flying-Camp: that your memorialist, being unprovided
with salt provisions, and other necessaries, was under the
disagreeable necessity of giving more frequently for pro-
visions for said troops than reasonably may be supposed by
gentlemen unacquainted with the circumstance of the matter,
he seldom knowing when they would arrive till they did,'
and in some cases being informed of and expecting troops
and making provision for them, was disappointed and
obliged to salt, and sometimes sell said provisions for con-
siderably less than it cost; bread in such cases entirely lost.
This, together with the provision being to be made and
provided at the several different places, the weather being
warm, of course rendered it impossible to transport them
from one place to the other with safety, salt not to be had.
This being a just representation of the case, your memorialist
beg leave to lay it before and assure your Honours that if
his accounts are settled in the common way he shall be a
very considerable sufferer.
Submitting the whole of the premises to your Honours'
consideration, not doubting of such indulgence in this par-
1247
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1248
ticular case as justice and the necessity of the case may
require. And your memorialist, as in duty bound, 8tc.,
will,
H. HOLLINGSWOBTH.
RECOMMENDATION OF EBENEZER HEYNER.
GENTLEMEN : There is a vacancy of a Second Lieutenant
in Captain Isaac Perkins's company. We recommend
Mr. Ebenczer Reyner, a person proper and fit to fill that
PEN. LETHERBURY,
EMOBY SUDLER,
ROB'T BUCHANAN,
WM. SLUBY,
IllNGGOLD.
To the honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.
RICHARD PETERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
War Office, October 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the Board of War, in
answer to your letter of the 18th instant, to inform you that
it is their opinion, and they request you will direct, that the
Rifle company you mention in your letter, be immediately
marched to Philadelphia. If clothes cannot be provided for
them where they are, which would be much the best, as
clothing of all sorts is extremely difficult to be had at Phi-
ladelphia, and blankets are not to be procured at any rate,
they might be armed and accoutred, but might lie here a
very considerable time before clothes and blankets could be
furnished. You'll therefore be pleased to endeavour at
supplying them with blankets and whatever other necessaries
can be had your way, as this State is drained of all articles
required by the army. If muskets were given them instead
of rifles, the service would be more benefitted, as there is a
superabundance of riflemen in the army. Were it in the
power of the Congress to supply muskets, they would
speedily reduce the number of rifles, and replace them with
the former, as they are more easily kept in order, can be
fired oftener, and have the advantage of bayonets.
I have the honour to be your very obedient servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.
JOHN GIBSON TO JAMES BOWDOIN.
Treasury Office, Philadelphia, October 31, 1776.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN : As Commissioners have been
appointed by Congress to liquidate and adjust the publick
accounts in the Northern department, and are now assem-
bled at Albany for that purpose, it is necessary they should
be furnished by each State with an account of the several
advances and payments to the officers and others who have
been entrusted with publick money, to enable them to settle
the accounts.
We have, therefore, to request you would be pleased as
soon as possible to order an account of such advances as
your State may have made, the settlement of which may
properly fall within the Northern department, to be drawn out,
and forward them to the Commissioners by express, in order
that the proper stoppages being made, your State may be
reimbursed by Congress.
The names of the Commissioners are James Milligan,
John Carter, and John Wells, Esquire.
I have the honour to be, in the name of the Superin-
tendents of the Treasury, honourable gentlemen, your
most obedient, humble servant,
JOHN GIBSON, Auditor General.
To the Honourable the President and Council of the State of
Massachusetts-Bay.
The accounts of your State, to the 14th November, will
be sent from this office.
FRANCIS LEWIS TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Philadelphia, October 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: As the State of New-York has not been
represented in Congress for several weeks past, Mr. P.
Livingston with myself being their only Delegates at present
here, we are requested by Congress to apply to you, sirs,
for a full representation ; therefore hope you will speedily
send us one other member that we may be enabled to
give our vote for that State which we have been sent here
to represent.
We are respectfully, gentlemen, your very humble
servants, „
t RAS. LEWIS, for self, and
PH. LIVINGSTON.
To the honourable the Convention for the State of New-
York.
WILLIAM WHIFFLE TO JOHN LANGDON.
Philadelphia, October 26, 1776.
MY DEAR SIR : I arrived here the 24th. The Committee
have not met since my arrival, but have mentioned your
demand to some of the members. There is no doubt but I
shall be in cash to honour your drafts whenever they appear.
There is no prospect of cannon from this place; however, I
have some hopes from another quarter, viz : Connecticut.
The circumstances are these : the cannon are made for the
Trumbull, in that State, and there is no prospect of her
being provided with other necessaries. The Committee
have wrote to Governour Trumbull, to procure cannon for
two ships, and in the mean time to send those made for the
Trumbullto you. From the known disposition of that gentle-
man to promote the publick good, I have great hopes you
will be supplied from that quarter. Orders are gone to
Providence to supply you with canvas for a second suit of
sails. I don't know but you'll have a wrangle on your
hands with the Providence gentry ; however, my boy, I'll
stand by you as long as I can. The ships here are not so
forward as I expected to find them: only three of them are
launched. The rank of the Captains in the naval service
was established before I arrived. I find Thompson is the
sixth on the list. Had I been here, I certainly would have
had him higher ; however, considering the train after him,
1 think it pretty well. For want of time must refer you to
Colonel Bartlett for news, &ic.
In haste, as you see, your affectionate friend and humble
servant, w ...
WM. WHIFFLE.
WILLIAM ELLERY TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.
Philadelphia, October 26, 1776.
SIR : Since my last Congress have received the disagree-
able intelligence of the destruction of our fleet on Lake
Champlain. The enemy were vastly superiour to us in the
number and size of their armed vessels, and in the number
of men and weight of metal. General Arnold was obliged
to give way to superiour force; but he did not do it until
he had sustained the shock many glasses in two engage-
ments, nor until several of his gondolas were sunk, his
schooner forced on shore, and the remainder of his fleet
were so shattered that it was impossible for him to fight any
longer. In this situation he ran the Congress ashore, and
lest she should fall into the hands of the enemy burnt her,
and, with about two hundred men he had collected, got safe
to Crown Point.
Congress have appointed a Committee of Intelligence,
to select and publish such intelligence as Congress shall
receive from time to time, and it shall be proper to pub-
lish.
That Committee have in this week's papers, published
an account of the sea-fight on the lake ; but omitted some
particulars which I have mentioned. They have also given
the publick such intelligence as hath been received from
the army in the Middle department.
WM. ELLERY.
ABRAM CLARK TO COLONEL DAYTON.
Elizabethtown, October 26, 1776.
MY DEAR FRIEND : It is long since I received a letter
from you, and longer since I wrote to you. The last I
received was by Mr. Caldwell. I had then just returned
from Philadelphia much indisposed, and was elected into
the Assembly ; which, though very infirm, I attended for
1249
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1250
about ten days, and returned home sick, where I have re-
mained ever since, with myself and most of my family much
indisposed. We are all got tolerable well except my wife,
who hath the third-day ague; and one of my younger
children I lost. I propose next Monday to return again to
Philadelphia, where I can remain but two weeks, when
our Assembly will meet again, svhen I propose to sue for
a dismission from Congress ; finding it too hard to attend
there and at the Assembly, between both of which I could
not expect to spend much of my time at home. Publick
news I suppose you know as much of as I do, from my long
confinement. The King's army are principally collected
together between East-Chester and New-Rochelle, with
the East River on their rear and General Lee in front.
They landed yesterday a week past, when a party of our
forces attacked them with success, and but little loss on our
side; the killed of the enemy is variously reported: some
say one thousand, and others reduce the number to between
four and five hundred ; since which we had a small skirmish,
took about thirty-six, with sixty stand of arms and blankets.
This party was commanded by Major Rogers, who, it is
said, was the first that run off. Those taken were all
Tories, but three deserters from our army. It is said they
have at least four or five regiments of Tories embodied by
themselves, which they have not thought fit to incorporate
with the British troops. If those gentry are put upon the
most dangerous posts, they will regret their choice. Our
naval force upon the lake, we hear, hath met with a defeat.
I wish it may not be attended with consequences fatal to
our army at Ticonderoga. The advanced season of the
year may perhaps stop the progress of the enemy. As for
your station, it seems the enemy cannot find you or else
disregard you. I wish you was removed to some place of
greater notoriety. I suppose you have had Commissioners
with you to know who will engage anew in the service.
You see my letter is from Elizabethtown ; a place once
well known to you, but now greatly altered from the time
you left it. We have not had the enemy among us, but
Staten-Island hath not suffered from the British troops
scarcely the tenth part of the damage this town hath from
the Militia — fences burnt, and corn-fields, in some parts,
entirely destroyed. Besides the calamities of war, it hath
been by far the most sickly season ever known, and a time
of great mortality; from three to five funerals in a day, in
town, among which our friend Major Wade is laid in the
grave.
Many in town have moved back into the country, for
fear of the enemy ; and, though Mrs. Dayton hath sent
back most of your family and goods, yet she will not con-
sent to go herself. She intends to slay till they are at the
Point, and then run off. She is fearful if she leaves the
house, it will be used for a store or barracks ; and her fears
are likely well founded ; many, for that reason, and finding
the enemy removed so far from us, are returning into town.
Our people are frequently on Staten-Island, and lately
brought off seventeen prisoners they took at Cuckold's Town.
The enemy keep a garrison at the watering place, though
they have but few men at any of their outposts, and very
few in New-York. Sixty-two vessels lately arrived, in
which it is said came four thousand Hessians with some
British forces.
I hear General Schuyler lately wrote to the Congress
requesting to resign his commission, upon a supposition they
meant to cast an oblique censure on him by approving
General IVooster's conduct in Canada ; concluding there
must be a fault somewhere, and if not in General Wooster,
it would naturally fall on him. His conclusion was ill
founded. The Congress, when they cleared General Woos-
ter of misconduct, never thought of laying it on General
Schuyler, but imputed the miscarriage there to the short
time the soldiers had inlisted for, the small-pox getting
into the army, the want of hard money to purchase provi-
sions in Canada, and the almost impossibility of transport-
ing any quantity there in the winter.
Our friend Mr. Edwards left this town yesterday for
Stockbridge.
I have nothing to add but that I remain most cordially
yours,
ABBAM CLARK.
To Colonel Dayton.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
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COLONEL LASHER TO GENERAL HEATH.
Camp at King's Bridge, October 26, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: As I was left command-
ing officer at this post, I examined the situation of the fort
with regard to artillerymen and ammunition; and finding
them very insufficient in case of an attack properly to
defend the same, I thought it would be proper to represent
to you the state we are in. We have six artillerymen,
about thirty rounds of ammunition, and the fort in very
bad order.
It will also be proper to acquaint your Honour that out
of the six hundred that were ordered to remain, I find by the
returns, there are not above four hundred, and many of the
detachments have not ten rounds a man ; and as a number
of the guards are at a distance from the fort, we have not
above two hundred men together, on the day of relief, to
defend the same. The enemy has drove off our guard at
Mile-Square, and taken possession of the stores. A large
body of Light-Horse and Light Infantry appeared on the
Heights west of said place to-day, and we expect to have
a visit from them to-morrow.
I was desired by Colonel Magaw to take up one or both
of the bridges, which I did not think prudent in case we
should have to retreat. I hope your Honour will give such
orders as you think proper in our situation.
I am, your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
JOHN LASHER, Colonel.
To Major-General Heath, at White-Plains.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL REED TO MRS. REED,
DATED WHITE-PLAINS, OCTOBER 26, 1776.
I wrote you the day before yesterday. Our situation is
not materially altered, except that the enemy advanced upon
us yesterday about four miles. We have taken post here
in' such a manner that we hope they will not be able
to execute their plan of surrounding us, and cutting off our
communication. I can only conjecture that finding them-
selves baffled in this, they are now advancing to engage us.
The business of this campaign, and possibly the next, may
79
1251
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1252
probably be determined this week. To the protection of
that Being who blessed our early days and first connection,
I must commend you and the dear children.
A Report of the Evidence taken at the Court of Inquiry, on
the charge against Colonel TYLER, of cowardice and
misbehaviour before the Enemy on the \5th last, which has
been delayed for various causes, and cannot now be sub-
scribed by all the Court, on account of the remote situation
of some members from the others.
Captain Eldridge: Says their regiment was posted in the
lines at Cor/ear's Hook, and that they received an order
from General Parsons to march forward ; that they accord-
ingly marched up to an orchard to the southward of Mr.
Stuivesant's house; that there they made a halt about half
an hour; that then they were ordered to march, as he sup-
poses, by General Parsons, and that Colonel Tyler was then
at the head of his regiment, which was in the front of the
brigade; that they proceeded on their march on the main
road about two miles from the said orchard, and then
struck across to the right towards the post-road, where they
met General Washington, who ordered them to take a wall
upon the right; that at that time the enemy appeared
approaching from the southward, upon which the front of
their regiment fired upon them; that at this time he did
not see Colonel Tyler, and knows not where he was ; that
soon after a disorderly retreat began in the rear of the
brigade, which was continued till it reached the front, when
the whole retreated back to the road, from whence they
had struck off to the right ; that when they reached the
road, this examinant observed Colonel Tyler crossing over
on the north to join the regiment on the road ; that after
this the whole brigade retreated through the aforesaid road
to Harlem Heights; that at the time of engaging the enemy
the examinant's attention was so taken up that, though he
does not recollect that he saw Colonel Tyler, yet he does
not remember that he remarked at the time that he was not
at the place where he should be ; that the whole retreat was
confused and precipitate ; that a number of officers exerted
themselves to prevent the retreat; that when he first dis-
covered Colonel Tyler crossing the ground in the retreat, it
appeared to him from the situation in which the Colonel
was, that he was one of the last that retreated, and that he
took a shorter cut than the course on which the brigade
retreated, and joined his regiment.
Brigadier General Parsons : Says on the 15th, he or-
dered three regiments of his brigrade, viz : Prescott's, Tyler's,
and Htmtington's, to march from the lines near Corlear's
Hook to assist the troops in the middle division under
General Spencer, where the enemy were attempting to
land ; that he soon rode on after these regiments by General
Putnam's order, and found them in the main road ; asked
the reason why they were not near the river where the
enemy were landing, as he then supposed ; was told by the
officers that the enemy's boats were gone farther eastward,
and probably would land at or near Turtle's Bay, on which
they pursued their march on the road to the barrier across the
street; he, the examinant, being then near the rear of the three
regiments, observed the front to advance on the road called
Bloomingdale road, instead of going in the post-road ; on
which he rode forward to the front of the brigade, in order
to march them into the other road, when he found Colonel
Tyler with his regiment, and was there informed they
marched that way by order of Generals Putnam and Spencer,
who were just forward ; this examinant then rode forward
on that road some little distance, perhaps sixty or eighty
rods, to a road which turned off eastward to the post
road, and found General Fellows's brigade in that cross
road, marching eastward, and also saw Generals Wash-
ington, Putnam, and others, at the top of the hill eastward,
and rode up to them ; General Washington directed that the
examinant should attend to keep his brigade in order and
march on into the cross road ; he accordingly rode back and
met the brigade as they came into the cross road ; as he
was riding back he saw Colonel Tyler in a lot on the south
side the cross road corning from the Bloomingdale road to
the cross road, and asked him why he was not with the
regiment; he said he was very much fatigued, it being very
hot, and was going across the lot to join the regiment, it
being nearer than to keep the road ; this examinant then
rode by the side of the brigade to near the top of the hill,
his attention being to keep the brigade in order, and then
heard General Washington call out "Take the walls!" and
immediately added, " Take the corn-field !" a corn-field being
then on the right adjoining east on the main road, and north
on the cross road ; immediately from front to rear of the brig-
ade the men ran to the walls, and some into the corn-field,
in a most confused and disordered manner; this examinant
then used his utmost endeavour to form the brigade into some
o
order upon that ground, but the men were so dispersed he
found it impossible ; he then rode back into the Blooming-
dale road, and there found a considerable part of the brig-
ade, but in no order; General Washington was then forward
in the Bloomingdale road, and sent for this examinant, and
gave order to form the brigade as soon as could be done,
and march on to Harlem Heights; as soon as the brigade
could be reduced to any form, they marched on to Harlem
Heights ; when they had proceeded about a mile or two, a'
sudden panick again seized the rear of the brigade ; they
ran into the fields out of the road ; the reason he knows not ;
in the fields he saw Colonel Tyler, which was the first time
he recollects to have seen the Colonel after the time he
saw him crossing the lot to the front of his regiment.
Lieutenant-Colonel Prentice: Says that he was upon
detached service, until he joined the brigade after they had
crossed from the Bloomingdale road to the post road ; that
bethinks when he joined the brigade, he saw Colonel Tyler
at the head of it ; that after this the examinant was so
busily engaged in endeavouring to form the men and bring
them to some order for opposing the enemy, that he had no
opportunity to observe Colonel Tyler until the retreat took
place and the brigade had returned to the Bloomingdale
road, when he observed Colonel Tyler crossing the ground
by a shorter way than that by which the brigade retreated ;
that when he first discovered the Colonel crossing the ground
he appeared to him to be walking slowly, and from his situa-
tion and the shorter course which he had taken, he concludes
that he was last in the retreat, and at very little distance
from the brigade.
Captain Sill: Says that he was in the rear of the regi-
ment all the time of the retreat, and in crossing from the
Bloomingdale to the post road ; that when they met the
enemy he was at such a distance from the Colonel, and so
busily engaged in bringing the men to their duty, that he -had
no opportunity of observing him, nor does he recollect that
he saw him until the brigade had retreated to the Blooming-
dale road through the cross road ; that he then saw the
Colonel join the brigade in the Bloomingdale road ; that
after they had marched about one mile and an half up the
Bloomingdale road, a cry was raised towards the rear that
the Light-Horse were approaching, upon which near an
hundred men crossed with precipitation into a lot on the
west side of the road, among whom (after they had been
there a few minutes) he observed the Colonel ; that when
the Colonel joined the brigade on the Bloomingdale road,
he appeared very cool and composed, and showed no signs
of fear; that after crossing into the lot as above mentioned,
the Colonel, after marching about forty rods, returned into
the road and joined the brigade, and told the examinanl that
the men who crossed into the lot had behaved very ill, and
that he had a mind to fire upon them.
The Court adjourned till three o'clock in the afternoon ;
then met according to adjournment.
Lieutenant Baldwin: Being examined, says nothing
material.
Lieutenant Seldcn : Being examined, also says nothing
material.
Lieutenant Reed : Says that he was about the centre of
the regiment, and saw nothing of Colonel Tyler from the
time they left Bloomingdak road until they returned there
again.
Ensign Wait : Says that he was in the rear of the first
company of Colonel Tyler's regiment ; that after the brigade
had crossed over from Bloomingdale road towards the post
road, where they met the enemy, he saw Colonel Tyler at
the head of the brigade; that when orders were given to
man the stone wall, he saw the Colonel at the head of the
regiment, who marched up to the fence and presented his
piece, and supposes that he fired ; that after that he under-
1253
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1254
stood that orders were given to go into the corn-field, that
after they had got into the corn-field, and a principal part
of the brigade were retreating, the examinant heard Colonel
Tyler say to the men, " why do you run ? this will never
beat them ;" that at that time he supposes the Colonel
was nearly in the same place where he was when the
fire first began, and that from his behaviour, he has no
reason to believe that the Colonel was at all intimidated ;
that from the situation the Colonel was in at the time of
firing, he has reason to believe that the Colonel was one
of the last that retreated from the enemy ; that the first time
he noticed the Colonel after the retreat from the enemy,
was when they had marched about a mile from the cross
road up the Bloomingdale road, where they got into some
order, and that after that the Colonel continued in the front
till the brigade reached the Heights of Harlem.
Ensign Billings : Says that he was sent off with a small
party of men, when the brigade halted at Stuivesanfs,
towards the East River, to discover where the boats of the
enemy were landing ; that he was not able to join the
brigade again till he fell in with their rear as they were
crossing over from the Bloomingdale road to the post road ;
that he had no opportunity of seeing Colonel Tyler until
the brigade were retreating from the enemy to the Bloom-
ingdale road; that he then saw Colonel Tyler retreating
on a shorter course than that which the brigade took, and
from his situation when he first discovered him, he conceives
him to have been the last man that retreated.
Ensign HiU: He exactly confirms the testimony of
Ensign Wait, with this addition, that he saw the Colonel
fire, and that he appeared to retreat with great composure.
Paymaster Sill: Says that he had no opportunity of
observing Colonel Tyler's conduct from the time that they
crossed over from the Bloomingdale road towards the post
road, and had returned back to the Bloomingdale road and
marched up it one mile; that when the brigade had marched
up that far, there was a cry from the rear that the Light-
Horse were advancing, and that a great part of the battalion
which Colonel Tyler commanded precipitately threw them-
selves into the lot on the west side of the road ; that the
Colonel went into the lot, and this examinant with him ; that
from the Colonel's conduct at this juncture, it appeared to
this examinant that his design in going into the lot was to
bring back the men to the brigade, for that in his presence
and hearing the Colonel threatened to fire upon them if
they did not join the brigade.
Sergeant Palmer: Says that when the brigade crossed
over from the Bloomingdale road towards the post road,
he was on the right of the front rank of the brigade which
was led by Colonel Tyler, and that he had a full oppor-
tunity of observing the Colonel's conduct till the time of the
retreat; that on notice that the enemy were approaching
and orders given to take the wall, the Colonel advanced
towards it, still keeping in the front, and was the first man
in the brigade who fired ; that this examinant discharged
his piece twice at the enemy, and on looking round he saw
the whole brigade were retreating, the Colonel still remain-
ing on the ground with this examinant, and no person
within several rods of them; that upon this the Colonel
ordered them to stop, and asked them why they run, and
commanded the officers to stop them : that this not being
effected, the Colonel and he retreated, the two last men of
the brigade, the Colonel along the cross road as far as he
remained in sight, and this examinant along the corn-field ;
that when this examinant joined the brigade in the Bloom-
ingdale road, he saw the Colonel at the head of it ; that
when the cry was raised that the Light-Horse were advanc-
ing, which occasioned a great part of the battalion in front to
betake themselves to the lot on the west side of the road,
he heard the Colonel order them back.
Corporals Brewster and Chapman : Confirm what Ser-
geant Palmer said, that the Colonel was the last man that
retreated from the enemy, and that they saw the Colonel,
after having marched some distance on the cross road, strike
ofF to the right, with intent, as they conceived, to get to the
head of the regiment.
I do hereby certify that the whole Court were of opinion
that there is not sufficient evidence to warrant the charge
of cowardice and misbehaviour against Colonel Tyler; and
that this report would have been made immediately on
taking the examinations, had not the Court apprehended
that, the Colonel having been put under arrest by express
order from Head-Quarters, some evidence against him might
have been pointed out from thence.
Camp at White-Plains, October 26, 1776.
JOHN MORIN SCOTT, Brigadier-General,
President.
GENERAL M1FFLIN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Camp at White-Plains, October 26, 1776.
DEAR MR. DOER : The hurry of our camp has prevented
me giving you a timely answer to your several favours.
Many deliberations have been devoted to your many essen-
tial propositions, and all I have been able to obtain from
the General Officers is contained in the enclosed, signed
by Lord Stirling, as the opinions of the rest. I will add
that the barracks at each place proposed on the paper
should be calculated for two thousand men. When the
enemy, who have advanced to a height within three miles
of the camp, afford time for the General to give his opinion
fully on the subject, you shall receive ample instructions ;
at present form the magazines on such places as you con-
ceive most likely to answer our wants. Mr. Livingston
has recommended a Mr. Janur to purchase for me; but as
I now depend on you for all my supplies of grain, hay, and
straw, I cannot, nor do I think it right to apply to any other
gentleman in this Colony for the same articles.
The Congress allows two and one half per cent, for pur-
chase of grain, &tc., which I expect you to charge in your
account. If you see Mr. Livingston, give him my reason
for not writing to Mr. Janur.
I have sent to Boston for three hundred casks of nails
carried in there by a privateer; but as they will not be sent
here in time for your wants, I beg you to purchase so many
as you are like to want for the two sets of barracks, and in
case we find necessary to erect more barracks, you may be
supplied by me with nails for them in good season.
I have desired Mr. J. Wadsworth, of Connecticut, to
purchase grain, hay, &.C., in that Colony, and therefore beg
you not to send any agents to that Colony, who may inter-
fere with and affect the purchase. If your purchases are
confined to this State, it will, I believe, answer a good pur-
pose and prevent an increase of prices.
I enclose you an order on Mr. Cranch, for thirty thousand
dollars. He is, I am informed, on his way to this place.
You must therefore send a person to this place for the money.
If I could find a person to carry the cash I would wait Mr.
Crunch's arrival, and then send it to you. But this cannot
be done.
I have ordered fifty carpenters to march from hence this
day to Peekskill, and there wait your order.
I am, affectionately, your friend, &c.,
THOMAS MIFFLIN.
MEMORANDUM.
For the present (and until the other places can be fixed
upon) I think it will be proper to erect Barracks at some
place a mile or two eastward from the mouth of Peeks-
kill, and another set of Barracks at some place about two
or three miles eastern from Fishkill landing, or near Fish-
kill town. This will be sufficient employment until other
places can be pointed out. The houses had best be about
thirty-six feet long by nineteen feet broad, and about seven
feet in the upright on each side. g
GEORGE CLINTON.
October 26, 1776.
COLONEL STOCKTON TO ROBERT BENSON.
Camp at White-Plains, October 26, 1776.
SIR: As many of our officers are willing to enter into
the service of the States, we have taken the liberty to re-
commend the under-mentioned officers as proper persons to
bear commissions, and hope they may be provided for.
We are, sir, your most humble servants,
ANDREW STOCKHOLM, Lieut. Colonel.
JAMES ABEEL, Major.
To Robert Benson, Esq.
Captain Theophilus Beekman, Captain Wright, Captain
1255
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1256
John Bancker, Captain William Leonard, Lieutenant
Thomas Beekman, Thomas Warner.
John Vriedenburgh, whose Captain and Lieutenant are
gone to the Regulars, and has done the duty of the whole
company since, and has acted as Captain.
John Hardbergh, if he gets a Captain's commission.
Joseph Fry leek, an Ensign.
Lieutenant Hicks and Lieutenant North.
Edward Dunscomb, Lieutenant, Jeronimus Hogland,
Adjutant, now prisoners.
Christopher Codwise, whom we strongly recommend for
a Captain's commission.
leave to subscribe myself your Honour's most obedient
humble servant, ^ „,
IHOMAS IASH.
To the honourable the Committee of Safety for the State
of New-Hampshire.
P. S. Colonel Baldwin is at the White-Plains with his
regiment, and the main body of the army is there. The
regiment I command is almost all in good health and high
spirits.
COLONEL TASK TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF
SAFETY.
Peakskill, in Cortland Manor, October 26, 1776.
This comes to acquaint your Honours that I arrived at
Hartford, in Connecticut, the 2d instant, and one company
the same day, which I sent forward next morning, and
likewise I sent Colonel Welch off the same day, with a letter
to General Washington acquainting him that 1 was at
Hartford, and expected the whole of my regiment to be
there in three or four days, and should send the companies
off for New-York as fast as they got here, and should follow
them after the last company had arrived. I likewise let
him know we had no camp equipage, such as pots, kettles ;
neither was it in the power of the State of New-Hampshire
to procure any, as there was no tin to be had. I also
transmitted a copy of my orders to him. 1 set off from
Hartford the 8th instant, and all the companies had gone
forward excepting Captain Prescof., and I thought I would
wait no longer for him, and left orders for him to follow as
fast as possible. When I arrived at Stamford Colonel Welch
was there, and brought me a letter from General Washington,
directing me to procure quarters for my regiment and Colo-
nel Baldwin's at Stamford and Horse-Neck, but to have
the major part at Horse-Neck if quarters could be procured
for them. He likewise directed me to furnish ourselves with
camp utensils from the inhabitants if possible. I applied
to the Committee to furnish me with pots, &c., but Colonel
Baldwin had got there before me, and had got almost all
to be had ; they made out to get me three, and I sent round
for several miles and procured a small number more, by
advancing the cash in hand for them. The 13th instant,
early in the morning, received orders by express from Gen-
eral Sullivan to march my regiment to King's Bridge, with
all possible speed, and likewise to acquaint Colonel Baldwin
that he must march likewise. Accordingly we got wagons
to carry our baggage ready about two o'clock, p. m., and
got the whole to Horse-Neck Sunday night, nine o'clock.
Sunday night, the 13th instant, received a letter by express
from General Washington, to march my regiment to Fish-
kill, as the Convention was there sitting, in such a difficult
situation, with regard to the numbers of disaffected persons
in many Counties in this State, that they could not trust
their own Militia so well as ours ; therefore ordered me to
march with all possible speed to said Fishkill, which I did
the next morning, and sent a letter to the General acquainting
him of the same. Before I got to Fishkill received a letter
by express from the Congress, that they did not want but
two companies ; but I had got them within two miles of
the place, so that it was too late to go back that night ; so
I went forward and waited on the Congress, and let them
know my orders; and the President, Mr. Livingston, said
he was sorry we come so far, that is the whole regiment,
but desired I would send back to stop the remainder, and
turn them back to Peakskill, where we must remain till
further orders, to guard the shores, to stop the men-of-war's
people landing to carry off cattle, and leave two companies
there, which I did, under the command of Colonel Welch ;
and the remainder I have posted from this place, about
eight miles down the river, to watch the motions of the
enemy, and sent a letter to General Washington, acquainting
him of my route, and the orders I had received of the
Congress, and how 1 had posted my regiment. And he
wrote back very friendly, and told me I must be under
the immediate direction of the Convention of this State,
with regard to marching the regiment, or any part, to any
place till further orders. I have nothing further at present,
as you know the news full as well as I ; therefore would beg
PETER R. LIVINGSTON TO PIERRE VAN CORTLANDT.
Esopus, October 26, 1776
GENTLEMEN : I came over here yesterday to inquire what
flour might be had here, and find but little ; however, have
got all there is, and Captain Sleight is now loading. He
will have, I judge, about three hundred barrels. I set all
the wagons riding I could get. They are to ride all day
to-morrow, so that he will be ready to sail on Monday for
Albany. Have ordered all the mills to grind as fast as
possible, to have another load ready by the time he returns.
Shall send up another load of four hundred barrels by the
middle of the week, as I find they are in the utmost want.
Shall send off a hand to purchase some teams at Sharon,
and send them down, loaded with oats if I can procure them.
Have no money. Shall send a hand down to you for some
soon.
Beg you will excuse this scrawl, and your further direc-
tions by the return of this express.
Am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
To Pierre Van Cortlandt, Vice President of the Convention,
at Fishkill.
RICHARD STOCKTON AND GEORGE CLYMER TO PRESIDENT OF
CONGRESS.
[Read November 4, 1776, and referred to the Board of War.]
Saratoga, October 26, 1776.
SIR : In execution of the commission with which we were
charged by Congress, we proceeded with as much expedi-
tion as the nature of the service would permit to Albany,
having taken Head-Quarters in our way, and thereby ob-
tained all the information which could be given us by Mr.
Trumbull, your Commissary-General. At Albany, we spent
two days with General Schuyler, and then proceeded, in
company with him, to this place. On our way we received
information by express of our fleet having been attacked on
Lake Champlain, and the next day, of its total defeat. We
were, nevertheless, about to proceed on to Tyconderoga, but
were advised by General Schuyler that, in all probability,
our army would be attacked by the enemy before we could
possibly reach that place ; or if otherwise, yet that General
Gates his attention would be so totally taken up in preparing
to receive the enemy, that we could do no business with
him: we therefore concluded to suspend our journey to
Ticonderoga for a few days, until we might have some
further accounts from General Gates, and in the mean time
we gave our attention to the barracks to be erected in this
place, and in considering the application of two gentlemen
respecting the contract for supplying the army. Happily,
General Schuyler' 's precaution of diligence as to the barracks,
had left us little more to do but to go with him and mark
out the ground where they were to be erected. He had
prepared the most of the timber before we arrived, and
they are now raising, and will be ready in good time. Other
barracks will be built at Fort Edward and elsesvhere.
Nails are exceedingly wanted, and if any could be procured
at Philadelphia, they should be sent immediately. After
having gotten through the business which had arisen at
this place, and havinsr sent on a letter to General Gates for
speedy information from him, we set out for Fort George
in order to inspect the state of the Hospital at that place.
The chief of the sick from Ticonderoga are sent there,
as being a much more healthy and convenient situation ;
and we are happy in being able to inform Congress that the
building is convenient and comfortable ; that the Director-
General has lately received a large supply of the most capital
medicines ; and that they are now furnished with a sufficient
quantity of fresh mutton and Indian meal. They yet want
bedding, and some other matters which we shall state upon
1257
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1258
our return. We shall endeavour to procure some straw, a
very scarce article here, which is much needed at the
Hospital.
At the close of our business at Fort George we received
a letter from General Gates advising us not to pursue
our journey to Tyconderoga, but to remain at Saratoga
until further advice from him. We are just returned here
from Fort George, and shall wait a few days to hear further
from General Gates. In the mean time we shall be pursuing
the other part of our instructions, which can be executed
here.
General Schuyler has taken every possible step, in order
to keep open the communication from hence to Ticonderoga,
that the army may not want supplies. Considerable bodies
of the Militia are daily going up; yet we heard the last
evening that the savages had appeared between the upper
end of Lake George and Ticonderoga, and had, on the day
we left Fort George, taken two and killed and scalped one
of our people going to Ticonderoga. An express comes in
this moment, who brings a letter from the commanding
officer at Fort George, informing that a party of the enemy
had made their appearance and fired on some of our people
who were crossing Lake George. General Schuyler yet
doubts of this fact.
We shall attend with all possible diligence to the remain-
ing business committed to us by Congress, and, for our
own sake as well as the publick interest, return as soon as
may be. .
With the greatest esteem and respect, we have the honour
to be, sir, your most obedient and very humble servants,
RICH'D STOCKTON,
GEO. CLYMEH.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Saratoga, October 26, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Mr. Harrison's letter of the 20th instant I
received yesterday, and a few minutes afterwards I received
a letter from General Gates, copy whereof I do myself the
honour to enclose.
I am in great hopes that General Carkton will not be
able to dislodge our army from Tyonderoga ; but should
such an event unfortunately take place, such measures
will be taken as I think will certainly prevent them from
penetrating into the country on this side of the lakes. The
change of Commissaries has very considerably interrupted
the supplies for the army. I have, however, got every thing
again in such train that a very considerable quantity of
flour is now on its way up, and I believe it impossible for
the enemy to prevent its reaching the army even if they
should make their utmost efforts to intercept it.
On the 28th September, the army had forty days' flour;
on the 22d instant, it was reduced to sixteen ; but on that
and every succeeding day, I hope considerable quantities
arrived. Be assured, my dear General, that I shall take
every measure that has a probable tendency to promote the
service and secure the country.
I congratulate your Excellency on the success of our
troops at East-Chester. I hope it will soon be succeeded
by a more decisive blow in our favour, so as to frustrate the
enemy's intention of forming a line between you and us.
I am, dear sir, with every respectful sentiment, your
Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To His Excellency General Washington.
Ticonderoga, October 24, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Your letters of the 14th, 17th, and
18th instant, are received in course, and now before me.
The ammunition arrived safe, and in as good order as could
be wished ; a most seasonable supply I assure you. Not
any of the Militia are yet come in. I hear of numbers
being upon their march, and I shall advise you as they arrive.
Colonel Dayton's are not on this side the lake. I expect
them every day. Our communications are free and unmo-
lested, and the eastern post and travellers are continually
coming to Mount Independence^ Otter Creek and the roads
that lead from thence, no scouts of the enemy appearing to
disturb them. Cattle are pretty plenty upon the ground, as
you will see by Mr. Jauncey's return enclosed. If you order
cattle to be killed at Lake George, you had better direct
them to be salted down in barrels and sent over the lake in
that way, for it arrives in a wretched condition when sent in
quarters fresh. I shall be careful to have batteaus and
vessels enough at Skenesborough to bring all the provisions
you send there.
Flour seems to be more in request than meat. You may
be assured we are doing every thing our judgment can direct,
or our industry accomplish, for receiving the enemy properly.
Spades, which I have so long and so often sent for, are so
much wanted that even one single hundred would be most
welcome.
General Carkton keeps very close at Crown Point, his
navy at anchor upon his flanks. I have scouts continually
down both sides of the lake. I apprehend by this time his
force is all collected, and expect the stillness will immedi-
ately be succeeded by a grand attack. Heaven grant he
may be defeated ! The army here are in good spirits, and
think only of victory.
Tenpenny, eightpenny, and shingle nails are exceedingly
wanted. And where are the one or two thousand bushels of
turnips and potatoes you was to send here ? They would
be of the utmost benefit to this army. If you can send a
good parcel of nail rods, our smiths will assist in making
nails.
I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant,
HORATIO GATES.
To the Hon. Major-General Schuykr.
[The Return alluded to in this letter was not enclosed.
J. LANSING, Jim. |
GEN. SCHUYLER TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE CONVENTION.
Saratoga, October 26, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I am honoured with your favour of the
24th instant. The affidavits transmitted me would counte-
nance the suppositions that the enemy intend an irruption
on the Mohawk river, but I can hardly imagine they will
attempt until they have met with success at Ticonderoga,
which I both hope and believe they will not have. I did
not, however, like to move Dayton's corps from the western
quarter, but was pressed to do it in such terms by General
Gates that I could not prudently refuse it. Lest, however,
an accident should happen, I would advise that Colonel
Van Ness, with his regiment, should, on his return from
Coaxsakie, march to Schenectady, or such place where he
can be of most service in case of an attack. Our scouts from
Johnstown, Fort George, and Fort Edward, all agree that
there is not the least appearance of an enemy in the north-
west quarters.
I enclose you copies of letters from General Gates and
General Arnold. 1 have had a copious eruption since you
was here; it is going off, and find myself in much better
health.
I am, gentlemen, with every friendly wish, and with the
greatest esteem, your most humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To the Committee of Convention, at Albany.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO COMMITTEE OF BENNINGTON.
Saratoga, October 26, 1776.
GF.NTLEMEN: You will please to signify to the Militia of
the Eastern governments on their march, that I wish them
to hasten as fast as possible to Skenesborough, where I
have left orders for their future disposition. I should be
happy if every man carried as much flour or bread as he
conveniently Can. I suppose the Militia from your and the
adjacent towns are already marched.
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient, hum-
ble servant, pH SCHUYLER.
To the honourable Committee of Bennington.
COLONEL DE HART TO THEUNIS DF.Y AND JOHN C. SYMKS.
Ticonderoga, October 26, 1776.
DEAK SIRS : We as yet have not seen our enemy : this
nidit or in the morn we expect them. We have intelli-
gence of the Grenadiers and Light Infantry being advanced
as far as Putnam Point, about nine miles from this place.
1259
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1260
If they do not come in three days, I shall give over expect-
ing them. I hope and firmly believe they will be properly
received. The two Jersey regiments will open the ball.
When you left us, you may remember it was strongly
recommended to you from us to request the State of Netf-
Jersey to postpone the regimental appointments until our
return, or this affair is over. Many reasons may be given
to support this request. If the attack should happen, it
would save many unnecessary appointments, and the pro-
priety of future appointments may be best known : if it
should not happen, a small time will bring us home, where,
if any information should be necessary from us, it can be
easily obtained. This request, which is very general with
the officers amongst us, we beg the State, if it will not be a
matter of inconvenience, to comply with.
I must request of you, gentlemen, to communicate this to
the members of the State. My compliments to the gentle-
men of my acquaintance of that honourable body, and
remain, with great respect, your most obedient, humble
servant> WM. DE HART.
To Hon. Theunis Dey and John C. Symes.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of
Connecticut, October 26, 1776,
Present : His Honour the Governour ; his Honour the
Deputy Governour ; EKphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, William Hillhouse, Benja-
min Huntington, Esqrs.
Voted, To desire his Honour the Governour to grant
permits to Captain Elizur Goodrich, of Wethersfield, to
export in the sloop Betsey, said Goodrich Master, to Mar-
rigallante, the following articles, viz : eighty barrels Beef,
twenty-five barrels Flour, fifteen barrels Pork, six Oxen, and
sixty dozen Poultry, and to make returns in Salt.
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table, in favour of Captain
Joseph Thompson, for the sum of £300, towards the bil-
leting and wages of the Company under his command, and
to be in account. (Order drawn October 26, 1776, deliv-
ered to Captain Thompson.)
Voted, That Colonel Jonathan Fitch be directed for the
future to supply the troops under the command of Captain
Joseph Thompson, in New-Haven, with Provisions, agree-
able to orders heretofore given. (Copy delivered to Cap-
tain Thompson October 26, 1776.J
Mr. William Greenough, of New-Haven, exhibited his
account against this State for service done, being £33 12s.,
which is allowed, and an order directed to be drawn on the
Pay-Table. (Order drawn October 26, 1776.)
MEMORIAL OF WILLIAM FORBES.
To the Honourable the Provincial Congress of the State of
NEW-YORK :
The Memorial of WILLIAM FORBES, of GOSHEN, in
ORANGE County, in said State, humbly showeth :
That a little before your honourable Convention moved
from New-York to White-Plains, your unhappy memorial-
ist fell under the great misfortune of being misrepresented
to your Honours as unfriendly to the American States ; and,
although he avouched his innocency, yet the perplexity of
the times then intervening unfortunately prevented for that
time a full examination of his case, and he was then trans-
mitted into the State of Connecticut, and finally committed
to the custody of the keeper of Litchfield County Gaol, in
which prison he still remains. And whereas his peculiar
misfortunes render his present close confinement very dis-
tressing, as he is by his poverty utterly unable to provide him-
self with either bedding or even present necessary clothing,
which heavy calamities must be greatly aggravated by a
much longer confinement under his present circumstances,
as the severity of winter wears a very horrid aspect in the
northwesterly part of a cold gaol. These glooms have still
a keener edge set to them by the very great additional
melancholy consideration, that his confinement not only
deprives of the comfort of the very agreeable company
of a beloved wife and four helpless babes, but totally
deprives him of the possibility of affording any relief to their
distresses. Whereupon your Honours' very unfortunate
memorialist, taking encouragement from your Honours'
impartiality and humanity, humbly recommends his greatly
distressed case to as speedy a consideration as the variety
of your important affairs will admit of. He really hopes he
shall be so happy as to evince his innocency whenever he
can be so happy as to appear before your Honours. Your
Honours' memorialist craves your Honours' patience while
he adds to his profession of innocency his honest declara-
tion of an hearty desire for the prosperity of the American
States, in favour of which he is ready to risk his life either by
sea or land, under the tie of a sacred oath of fidelity to them
in their glorious and righteous contest for independency and
exemption from the tyranny of Britain and her despotick
monarch.
The memorialist humbly hopes his dismission or trial
may be speedy ; but if the present embarrassment of the
times necessitates a delay thereof, he implores the honourable
Congress to mitigate, in some measure, the pungent dis-
tresses of his present confinement, either by directing he
may be returned from his present exile, and permitted to
reside with his family as a prisoner of honour, under the
inspection and direction of some Committee of Inspection, or
such other person as your Honours shall please to appoint ;
or if that should be deemed inexpedient, that your unfortu-
nate suppliant may be delivered from the horrours of a cold
winter gaol, by being permitted to labour at his trade under
such restrictions as your Honours may think fit mercifully
to indulge him in, in Connecticut. And your unfortunate
memorialist, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c.
WM. FORBES.
Litchfield County Gaol, October 26, A. D. 1776.
Providence, October 26, 1776.
On Monday next the honourable General Assembly of
this State will meet at South-Kingstown.
A letter from Maryland to a gentleman in this town
mentions that a Spanish vessel had arrived there from the
Havannah, with ten thousand dollars to purchase flour, the
captain of which confirmed the accounts of a war between
Spain and Portugal; and further advised, that a fleet of
Spanish men-of-war and transports were daily expected to
arrive at the Havannah with a large body of troops.
The brig Cabot, Elisha Hinman, Esq., commander, in
the service of the United States, has taken two ships from
Jamaica, bound to London, laden with sugar, rum, some
indigo, &.c.
Captain Stacey, in the privateer Diamond, has taken a
ship bound from Quebeck to England, laden with coal, cop-
per kettles, &,c.
Captain Christopher Whipple, in the privateer brig Put-
nam, has taken a ship bound from Nova-Scotia to Jamaica,
laden with fish, boards, spars, &.c.
Captain Jauncy, in the privateer Washington, belong
ing to the State of New- York, has taken a large snow,
laden with provisions, &c.. bound from London to New-
York.
All the above prizes have arrived in safe ports, and also
two others lately mentioned to have been taken by the
Providence sloop-of-war, in the service of the United States,
John P. Jones, Esq., Commander.
WILLIAM CARMICHAEL TO C. W. F. DUMAS.
Amsterdam, October 27, 1776.
DEAR SIR : You owe to my forgetfulness what ought
only to proceed from rny respect, yet 1 will not quarrel with
any thing that gives me an opportunity of writing to you.
I left the Memoir on Commerce in your hands, and it is
necessary I should have it as soon as possible. I send you
" Common Sense," but you must look on my presents as
Indian ones, for I, like they, expect much larger in return;
as much as you please ; and I am sure you can spare a great
deal of what 1 send you. My present is only the rough
material of America; your returns will be elegant and superb
manufactures of Europe.
The English mail is not arrived. I have a very angry
letter fromTVlr. William Lee on the subject I mentioned to
you, respecting Dr. B. I am happy to know that 1 acted
for the publick good ; and that, without partiality to any per-
son, will, I hope, always be the rule of my conduct.
1 arn' &c-' WILLIAM CAHMICHAEL.
1261
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1262
JOSHUA CLARKE TO MARYLAND CONVENTION.
October 27, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I received a line from the Committee for
inquiring into the state of manufactories of this Province,
requesting that I would furnish with a state of the saltpetre
works under my care, as also the moneys expended thereon.
Enclosed you have an account, and refer you to my letter
of the 20th of March, since which I have clone nothing
at it, owing to my had state of health, and still continue
poorly, so that I should be glad you would have some
other person appointed if you think it worth while, but am
told there is very little done at any of the works on the
Eastern-Shore.
I have received sixty-eight pounds ten shillings of the
Treasurer of this Shore, which is always ready to be paid
to your order. As I have rendered no services, the trouble
and expense I have been at in the experiments I am willing
to lose, and take upon myself the materials purchased for
the publick, as per account rendered, or deliver them up as
may be thought most advisable.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
JOSHUA CLARKE,
Supervisor of Saltpetre Works,
In Caroline County, Eastern-Shore of Maryland.
To the honourable Convention of Maryland.
CAPTAIN DEAMS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 27, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I take this opportunity to Jet you know
that the most of my company is willing to inlist for during
the war with me, provided that I might give them twenty
dollars as bounty without deducting the sum of eight dollars
which they have received of me, as bounty for their former
inlistrnent.
My men says that they will serve their time out with me,
according to contract, and then that they will inlist with
another person, in order that they may receive the sum of
twenty dollars without any deduction. My men that have
not as yet received their month's advance, insists that I
should pay them this week; therefore, I should be glad to
know whether I must pay them out of what money I have
now in my possession.
I find that by the resolutions of Congress the private men
is allowed but six shillings per week for rations, which I
think it would be impossible for any officer that draws rations
for his men, to find them in provisions for that price.
I should be glad, gentlemen, that you would let me know
what pay per month the private soldier and officers has,
according to the resolutions of Congress.
I am, gentlemen, with great respect, yours to serve,
FREDERICK DEAMS.
To the honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.
RICHARD HENRY LEE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, October 27, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I congratulate you sincerely on the several
advantages your troops have lately gained over the enemy, for
though each has been but small, yet in the whole they are
considerable, and will certainly have the effect of inspiriting
our army, while it wastes and discourages the other.
May the great Dispenser of justice to mankind put it
in your power, before this campaign ends, to give these
foes to human kind the stroke their wicked intentions entitles
them to. 'Tis amazing with what force and infamous per-
severance the devils of despotism, with their corrupt agents,
pursue the purpose of enslaving this great continent!
Their system of policy has been evident for some time past.
They mean to keep their own people in Great Britain quiet,
and the other Powers of Europe still, for this campaign,
by an infinite number of falsehoods touching the progress
of their arms, and the consequent probable submission of
the Colonies ; whilst they endeavour, by an extraordinary
exertion of force, to put things really into such a situation
this year as to terrify foreigners from interfering, and
encournge with hope their own deluded people. Pursuing
this idea, Europe will be made to ring with sounding
accounts of their immense successes in Canada and at New-
York, when in fact, considering the greatness of their force,
both by sea and land, with the amazing expense these will
create, what they have done is mere nothing. But should
fortune favour us, so as that any considerable impression
could be made on General Howe's army this campaign, the
high hopes they have raised, and the numberless lies they
have told, will disgrace and ruin them with the whole
world.
I have the pleasure to assure you the train is so laid that
we have the fairest prospect of being soon supplied, and
copiously too, with military stores of all kinds, and with
clothing fit for the soldiers. Immediately, to be sure, we
are much pressed for want of the latter; but if we can brush
through this crisis, we shall be secure.
The French Court has given us so many unequivocal
proofs of their friendship, that I can entertain no doubt of
their full exertions in our favour, and as little that a war
between them and Great Britain is not far distant.
I sincerely wish you health, sir, and that you may be
happy in the success you are so eminently entitled to.
I am, with perfect esteem, dear sir, your most affectionate
and obedient servant,
RICHARD HENRY LEE.
ROBERT MORRIS TO GENERAL GATES.
Philadelphia, October 27, 1776.
DEAR SIR : I find by your letter of the 5th instant, you
had not received one of my letters wrote in answer to one
of yours. I kept no copy of it, which you'll say is unusual
for a merchant. I acknowledge it, and only plead in excuse
that I did not write to you in that character. The letter
for Mrs. Gates is gone forward by post, as I could not
meet any other conveyance, although I kept it here some
days in expectation of one. Mr. Johnston, and indeed all
the Maryland, Delegates, are at home, forming a constitu-
tion. This seems to be the present business of all America,
except the army. It is the fruits of a certain premature
declaration, which, you know, I always opposed. My oppo-
sition was founded in the evil consequences I foresaw, or
thought I foresaw, and the present state of several Colonies
justifies my apprehensions. We are disputing about liber-
ties, privileges, posts, and places, at the very time we ought
to have nothing in view but the securing those objects and
placing them on such a footing as to make them worth
contending for amongst ourselves hereafter ; but, instead of
that, the vigour of this and several other States is lost in
intestine division, and unless this spirit of contention is
checked by some means or other, I fear it will have baneful
influence on the general measures of America.
I am not one of those testy politicians that run resty when
my own plans are not adopted ; for I think it the duty of a
good citizen to follow when he cannot lead ; and happy
would it be for America if all her inhabitants would adopt
this maxim, and make it an invariable rule during this great
contest for the minority on every question to submit to the
majority. But alas ! this cannot be ; it is not to be expected
from human nature. We must take men as we find them,
and do the best we can. You tell me the Congress are
bad correspondents, and 1 fear you have too much truth
on your side. Was you here, I could explain this in a
tete-a-tete, but I have neither time nor inclination to com-
mit that explanation to paper. You may depend there
is no intentional neglect or slight meant to you or the
department you act in. It is deemed of the utmost impor-
tance, and all the members of Congress wish that and every
other department was duly attended to. But the fact is, they
have too many objects, and retain too much executive
business in their own hands for their members to effect with
that vigour and despatch that is necessary.
You say I must tell you good news. I will, if you will
repay me in kind ; for of late we have had nothing but very
bad news from both our armies. We expect daily to hear of
your being attacked, and have sanguine hopes of a vigorous
and successful defence on your part; much depends on it.
If you keep your ground, I think General Washington will
keep his; and if both do this for the present fall and ensuing
winter, the good news I mean to tell you will be verified.
It is that the French are undoubtedly disposed to assist us
in this contest, and I have little doubt but they will take part
in the war next summer. Indeed it seems tome impossible
but all Europe will be involved in war ; and if so, Great
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1264
Britain will have her hands full, and probably be glad to
render justice and reparation to the country she has so much
injured.
Nothing do I wish for more than a peace on terms hon-
ourable and beneficial to both countries ; and I am convinced
it is more consistent with the interest of Great Britain to
acknowledge our independency and enter into commercial
treaties with us, than to persist in attempting to reduce us
to unconditional submission. I hope we shall never be
reduced to that vile situation whilst a true friend to America
and freedom exists. Life will not be worth having, and it
will be better to perish by the sword than drag out the
remaining days in misery and scorn. But I hope Heaven
has better things in store for the votaries of so just a cause.
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately,
ROBEKT MORRIS.
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL MIFFLIN.
Fort Lee, October 27, 1776.
DEAR SIR : By Major Howell you will receive one hun-
dred and nineteen thousand musket cartridges. Part arrived
to-day and part last night. As soon as the remainder comes
up from Amboy and Philadelphia, they shall be sent forward.
I have been to view the roads again; and fixed upon
Aquacanock. Springfield, Boundbrook, Princetown, and
Trentown, to establish the magazines at. Trentown and
Equacanack, to be the principal ones ; the others only to
serve to support the troops in passing from one to the other.
They are all inland posts, and I hope the stores will be
secure. I have ordered all the cannon from Amboy, except
two eighteen-pounders and two field pieces. I have directed
them to be sent to Springfield, Boundbrook, and Equaca-
nock, to secure the stores.
The people have been employed on the other side in
getting the boards together at Fort Washington and the
ferry. Some have been brought from King's Bridge,
To-day I sent up to Colonel Lasher to know what assistance
he could give towards taking down the barracks, and bring-
ing off the boards ; and had for answer that he had orders
to burn the barracks, quit the post, and join the army, by
the way of the North River, at the White-Plains.
We have had a considerable skirmish on York-Island
to-day. The cannonade began in the morning and held
until evening, with very short intermissions. A ship moved
up opposite Fort No. 1. Colonel Magaw got down an
eighteen-pounder and fired sixty shot at her, twenty-six
of which went into her. She slipped her cable and left
her anchor, and was towed off by four boats. I think we
must have killed a considerable number of their men, as
the confusion and distress exceeded all description. Our
Artillery behaved incomparably well. Colonel Magaw is
charmed with their conduct in firing at the ship and in the
field. I left the island at three o'clock this afternoon. We
had lost but one man ; he was killed by a shell that fell upon
his head. We have brought off some of the enemy from
the field of battle, and more are still lying on the ground
dead.
I am anxious to know the state of the troops in the grand
army: whether they are high or low spirited; whether well
or ill posted ; whether a battle is expected or not. We must
govern our operations by yours. The troops here and on
the other side are in good spirits ; but I fear quitting Fort
Independence will oblige Magaw to draw in his forces into
the garrison, as the enemy will have a passage open upon
his back. I fear it will damp the spirits of his troops. He
did not expect it so soon. If the barracks are not burnt in
the morning, and the enemy don't press too hard upon us,
we will try to get away some of the boards.
I am, dear General, your obedient servant,
NATH'L GREENE.
INVOICE OF AMMUNITION.
Fort Lee, October 27, 1776.
Invoice of Ammunition sent by Colonel Checers, Com-
missary of Stores, to General Mijjlin, by eight wagons, for
the Continental army :
3 barrels of cannon powder.
9 half-barrels do. do.
4 22 quarter-casks do. do.
23 boxes and kegs of cartridges, containing 29,603
Sundry boxes and kegs, containing - - 90,525
Cartridges, 120,133
JONATHAN GOSTELOWE,
Assistant Commissary Stores.
LETTER FROM ROBERT H. HARRISON.
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 27, 1776.
SIR: I have it in command from his Excellency General
Washington to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
this date, and to inform you that it is his request that the
whole of the Light-Horse under your command should repair
to this place, except one of the companies now with you,
which he would have left at the Fishkills, under the direc-
tion of the Convention. To the five companies which you
expect, he desires you will despatch one or two Light-
Horsemen, and direct them to come here instead of going
to the Fishkills.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
ROB. H. HARRISON, Secretary.
GENERAL HEATH TO COLONEL LASHER.
White-Plains, October 27, 1776.
SIR: Immediately upon receipt hereof, you will, if pos-
sible, secure, and remove from your post to Mount Wash-
ington, the cannon and stores left with you, and, without
delay, march your detachment to this place, by the road to
Dobbs's Ferry. You will march with all possible despatch
whenever you attempt it. If the road should be obstructed
by the enemy, you must retreat to Mount Washington.
There are wagons, I am told, at that place, and perhaps
you may easily secure your baggage. The boats may take
it at the bridge, and convey it either to Dobbs's Ferry or
Mount Washington. The barracks are to be burnt when
you leave them. You may either do it yourselves, or con-
fer with Colonel Magaw, and desire him to send a small
party to be present when you march off, and to fire the
barracks when you get a few miles distant. Secrecy and
despatch are essentially necessary. You will exercise your
best discretion as to the practicability of getting off all the
cannon. It is probable that Colonel Magaw will afford
you some assistance should you apply to him ; but your
situation will not admit of much delay.
I am, dear sir, yours, affectionately,
W. HEATH.
To Colonel Lasher.
GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL PUTNAM.
General Heath's compliments to General Putnam, and
acquaints him that the works at No. 2 are in a dangerous
condition, and submits it to his superiour wisdom whether it
be best to complete the new works or repair those which
are not tenable.
Friday morning, October 27.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Head -Quarters , White-Plains, October 27, 1776.
DEAR SIR: 1 have your favour of yesterday. The
General highly approves of your plan of having Rogers's
prisoners sent up to your Convention, and will have it done
out of hand. You will receive with them several persons
taken about this part of the country. The one that
appears to be deepest in their schemes is James Budd,
whose examination you have enclosed. You may question
him without letting him know you have the examination,
and, from comparing the accounts given at different times,
form a judgment of the truth.
Our scouting parties are very active and very successful.
Yesterday they brought in five British prisoners, and this
morning twelve Waldeckers. The latter are amazed at the
kind treatment they receive. They say they were torn
away from their own country, and will willingly remain
among us. They say if their fellow-soldiers knew how
kindly they would be treated, and how plentifully and hap-
pily they might live, they would lay down their arms and
come among us. We shall contrive to make a good use of
these fellows.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
126G
Our neighbours remain very quiet in this quarter; but
we have heard a heavy cannonade about Fort Washington.
We don't know the occasion yet, but have sent down for
intelligence.
You are misinformed as to the quantity of provisions we
have lost. When General Lee removed, he was obliged to
leave eighty or ninety barrels of provisions, of all kinds, for
want of wagons.
We already make a very respectable figure: our front
lined and abutted, and some redoubts well forwarded on
our rear, impassable for horse or foot but through passes of
which we have possession.
Send us good news from the northward, and never fear
us ; we will play our part.
I am, dear sir, sincerely yours,
TENCH TJLGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esquire, of the Committee of Corres-
pondence, Fishkill.
JAMES BUDD'S Examination, taken %5th October, 1776.
James Budd says he came to New-York from Quebeck
about the 10th of September. He came in the ship Lord
Sandwich, in company with three other transports, with the
prisoners taken in Canada. He landed at Red-Hook the
26th of September. From thence he came to New-York,
where he continued most of the time till the day after the
enemy landed at Frog's Point, when he went from New-
York to Frog's Point, where he was solicited to take a
commission in the King's service, under Major Rogers, or
in some other regiment. He had a recommendation to
Rogers for that purpose, but has not had his commission,
and was undetermined whether to accept it. He came
home some time since, to see his family and know in what
state things were here (as he had been absent since May,
1775) before he concluded whether to accept a commis-
sion or not. After this he went on to Long-Island and to
New- York; concluded to return home, and not take a com-
mission in the King's service; and accordingly, last night,
came to Rye, on his way to his family, where he was made
a prisoner by the guard.
The enemy had, on Frog's Point, in his opinion, about
twenty thousand men the day after they landed. He thinks
General Howe commanded there. Generals Lord Percy,
Cleavland, and Prescott, were there. He was told they
expected to stay but a few days, and then land further east,
and were looking out for guides. The general talk was,
they intended to surround the American army, to cut off
their retreat. But very few men are left on York-Island;
not more than one hundred in the city; none on Long-
Island but sick and the Long-Island recruits and some few
of the Light- Horse; about a regiment at Staten-Island,
and two or three regiments at Powle's Hook. Last Satur-
day, Sunday, and Monday, arrived a reinforcement, said to
be twelve thousand Hessians and Hanoverians, and one
regiment of Dragoons without horses. These have not
landed, but 'twas said were to land in North River, above
our lines, and form a line across, to join the army on the East
River. Expressed great fear lest we should land part of
our army on Long-Island. Salt provisions are plenty ; fresh
provisions scarce, poor, and dear. The army, in general, is
healthy. The Hessians are sickly. The enemy lost three
hundred on Long-Island. On Sunday, the 15th, they lost
very few; the 16th, their loss was considerable. He has
not been in the camp since he left Frog's Neck; but the
principal encampment appears to be at Scarsdale, between
New-Rochelle and Marineck, on the northwardly of the
road. Rogers, with six hundred men, is at Maroneck.
Some Light-Infantry and a battalion of De Lancy's, com-
manded by Major Grant, lie there, or near there. Rogers
has one battalion full ; and a second now raising, in which
he had an offer of a Captaincy. This is by information,
as he has not been present since he left Frog's Point.
The army consists of about thirty thousand, besides the
late reinforcement. Isaac Jerow, Isaac Hatfield, one
Joseph Golden, of New-York State, one McGinnis, of
New- Hampshire, and one Smith, one Sanford, of Salem,
in Westchester County, are Captains; one Covert, of
Cortlandt's Manor, one Hierliiry, from Middletown, in
Connecticut, one William Gray, of Maroneck, are Lieu-
tenants; and one Griffing, from New-England, is a Cap-
tain in Rogers's regiment. Elijah Purdy's son, of the
White-Plains, and Joshua Earns, of Philipsborough, are
Lieutenants in the enemy's service. They design to attack
us shortly, if we don't retreat; but do not design to attack
us in our works; and they said they would not march faster
than the cannon cleared the way before them. They have
some twelve-pound artillery and some field artillery with
them. They have a good supply of horses and wagons.
Their regiments generally consist of about five hundred
men.
October 25, 1776.
H. HUGHES TO CAPTAIN KIERSE.
White-Plains, October 27, 1776.
SIR: You will please to call on Mr. Duer, the President
of the Convention, who will receive thirty thousand dollars
by the hands of Mr. Quackenboss, (one of our assistants,)
and acquaint him that it is General Mifflin's desire that you
should be furnished with cash to purchase hay, corn, oats,
rye, bran, and buckwheat, as well as to pay for what wood
you may have already engaged agreeable to former in-
structions. But no more wood need be bought that side
the river till further orders from here, unless Mr. Duer
desires it.
Let all the other articles be sent to Peekskill, and put
under the care of Mr. Joseph Travis, one of the Committee,
informing what progress you make as often as possible.
I am, with great regard, sir, your very humble servant,
H. HUGHES.
To Captain Kierse.
P. S. You will from henceforward take directions from
Mr. Duer altogether, as he has undertaken for our depart
ment ; and let him see this scrawl.
JAMES ABEEL TO ROBERT HARPER.
Camp at White-Plains, October 27, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : I have taken the liberty to recommend
Mr. Christopher Codwise to you as a person properly qual-
ified to bear the commission of Captain in the army of the
States, he being a resolute, prudent officer, and has shown
his willingness, before he was in the service of the States,
to go as a volunteer on every expedition, and has always
behaved himself well, and, since his having been an officer,
has always discharged his duty in the station he was, to the
satisfaction of his superiour officers. I should by no means
recommend him, if 1 thought he did not deserve it. There-
fore I hope you will consider of the matter, and if you find
him deserving a commission, will honour him with it ; in
doing of which you will greatly oblige, gentlemen, your
most humble servant, JAS
To Messrs. Robert Harper, Graham, and De Witt.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM FORT LEE, DATED OCTOBER
27, 1776.
This morning, about seven o'clock, two frigates moved
up the North River, and came to an anchor near Bour-
dett's Ferry, apparently with an intention to stop the ferry-
way, and cut off the communication between this place and
Fort Washington. The enemy at the same time appeared
on Harlem Plain, and Colonel Magaw, who commands on
York-Island, ordered the lines to be manned. The ships
endeavoured to dislodge them by firing on their flanks, but
they fired to very little purpose. The barbette battery on
the high hill on the left of the ferry, opened on the frigates,
and fired a considerable time without doing them any or but
very little damage. Upon our ceasing to fire, a gun from
Fort No. 1, on York-Island, began to play on them with
great advantage, and hulled the one highest up about
twenty times. At this time, two eighteen-pounders, which
were ordered down this side the river, opposite the ships,
gave them so warm a salute that they hoisted all sail ; the
foremost slipped her cable, and appeared to be in the great-
est confusion. She could make no way, although towed by
two boats, till the lower one, perceiving her distress, sent
two more barges to her assistance, who at length dragged
her out of the reach of our fire. It is very probable that
many of her men were killed, and she herself extremely
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1268
damaged ; but the weather was so hazy that it was impos-
sible to see any tiling distinctly at a distance. The enemy
by this time had begun a smart fire on the island with field-
pieces and mortars. Our men returned the compliment.
They were out of their lines great part of the day. There
were but few discharges of small-arms. Our men killed
about a dozen Hessians, and brought them off. "We had
one man killed with a shell. This was the account at five
o'clock ; it is now seven, and the firing has just ceased, but
nothing extraordinary, I believe, has happened. We take
this day's movement to be only a feint ; at any rate it is
little honourable to the red-coats.
Yesterday I informed you, that a party of the Light-Horse
and Infantry had taken possession o( Phillips' s Manor, be-
tween King's Bridge and our main army. They continued
there all night, but this morning they retired.
VOLKERT VEEDER TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Caughnawaga, October 27, 1776.
SIR: I have made bold to send this to inform you that I
am in a very low state of health, being tormented with a
continual racking pain in my bowels and a great fever:
confined to my bed since the 21st instant; but, sir, as soon
as God pleases to bless me with health and strength to per-
form a journey, I shall come to Albany to you. I have
received your letter.
From, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
VOLKERT VEEDER.
To Robert R. Livingston, Esq., one of the Delegates; to
the care of Abm. Yates, Esq., in Albany.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED OCTO-
BER 27, 1776.
Last Monday, a party of the Indians came across two
soldiers bringing, in a hammock, a wounded soldier who
received his wound in the engagement of our fleet. The
Indians surprised them within three miles of our camp, and
took the two able men prisoners, tomahawked the wounded
man, and left the tomahawk in his hand ; since which the
two prisoners have been sent back by Governour Carleton,
who examined them concerning our army ; but, as the men
were very ignorant, I believe got but little satisfaction on
that head. He swore them not to take up arms against his
Majesty again, and supplied them four days' provisions, and
sent them back, informing them, at the same time, that he
should soon drive the Rebels from their lines, and should
have done it before, but was waiting with an expectation
that we should be wise enough to lay down our arms, and
deliver ourselves to the mercy of his Majesty. Simple
man ! to think that such gasconade would have any effect
to intimidate the minds of the brave Americans.
JOHN B. SCOTT TO GENERAL GATES.
Mount Independence, October 27, 1776.
SIR: As my trial before the Court-Martial will be a long
and tedious one, and detain a number of officers from duty
of more consequence ; and as all the money that 1 am
charged with having drawn more than I ought is in the Pay-
master's hands, the time for which I am engaged in the
Continental service expiring to-morrow :
For this reason I have taken the liberty to beg leave of
your Honour to resign my commission as a Captain in the
Second New-Jersey Regiment. Your granting this request
will be greatly acknowledged by, sir, with the greatest
respect, your humble servant,
JOHN B. SCOTT.
To Hon. General Gates.
JESSE ROOT TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Hartford, October 27, 1776.
PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: The power of this Committee,
by act of Assembly, extends only to prisoners of war; to
provide for them, and to treat them with humanity, accord-
ing to their rank. &,c., and the Committee met with little
difficulty in ordering the prisoners, except with Governour
Skeen and Captain McKay, until the late successes of the
British arms, which has elated the prisoners and Tories, and
some of them, in consequence thereof, are grown saucy and
troublesome. Not to punish this insolence will be imputed
to timidity, and improved to dishearten our own people ; and
to make orders for their punishment without executing them
is worse than nothing ; and the Committee must execute
their own orders themselves, unless they can persuade some-
body to do it for them, or suffer the mortification of seeing
them despised, for they are not invested with power to
command any civil or military assistance. Martial law is
almost the only law they are acquainted with, and a military
force what they most dread. I am desired by the Com-
mittee to represent to your Honour, in their name, that some
further regulations are necessary, and that the Committee
have power to command assistance, to order a guard at the
gaol, or over any of the prisoners when needed, and to
punish such guard for neglect on duty, &,c., &c., &c.
There is now a guard kept at the gaol, but we are obliged
to beg and plead to get them ; and behave as they will, we
have no power to punish them. The Tories of our own
State are busy at the gaol with the prisoners, and of such
we have no power more than other individuals, &.c.
What further regulations and powers are necessary and
safe to be made and given to this Committee is humbly
submitted to the wisdom of your Honour to prescribe and
grant, by your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,
JESSE ROOT,
In behalf of the Committee.
To his Honour Governour Trumbull.
JAMES CLARKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 28, 1776.
HONOURED SIR : When I was last at Annapolis, Mel-
cher Keener and myself made the honourable Council of
Safety an offer to serve them in the purchase of produce
here, but since then we have not had the pleasure of henring
from the honourable Council ; do suppose they are other-
ways engaged. I have a schooner on hand which, by a
resolve of our Committee some time ago, I am not allowed
to load on my own account; have resolved to sell her, and
should you still be in want of vessels, may have her if you
please. She will carry seven hundred barrels, or upwards.
She will want some repairs. The price as she lies is four
hundred and fifty pounds.
I remain, respectfully, your most obedient, humble ser-
vant, ,~,
JAMES CLARKE.
To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., Annapolis.
JOSEPH WHAYLAND S PETITION TO THE MARYLAND CONVEN-
TION.
The petition of JOSEPH WHAYLAND, Jun., a languishing
prisoner in the Gaol at ANNAPOLIS, humbly showeth :
That at the time your petitioner was taken by Major
Fallin's guard, he had all his clothes taken from him ; that
he is now naked, and has been so ever since his confine-
ment, and has not wherewithal to purchase any clothes.
He therefore humbly prays your Honours would be pleased
to grant him an order on Mr. Fallin for the delivery of his
clothes. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever
JOSEPH WHAYLAND.
October 28, 1776.
STEPHEN STEWARD TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
GENTLEMEN : Mr Gideon Adair waits on you for a com-
mission as Captain of Marines on board of the largest
Province schooner, which I hope to have rigged and fitted
for sea in ten or twelve days. As sailors are very hard to
be got, I should think it would be well for you to- put from
twenty to thirty landsmen on board. After being a cruise
they will become half sailors, which will be of great use to
this State. Mr. Adair, as I have said to you before, is as
fitting a man for the service as any acquaintance. He has
the offer of going out in that station in a small privateer in
this neighbourhood, but now comes to you to give you the
preference.
If you should think of giving him a commission, it's high
time he was recruiting, as there is several recruiting parties
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1270
about this place. And I am, gentlemen, your humble
servant> STEPHEN STEWARD.
To the honourable Council of Safety.
If you should give Mr. Adair a commission, it will be
well to tell him to get as many young country-born lads as
he can.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, Monday evening, eleven o'clock, )
October 28, 1776. $
SIR: This moment, Dodd, the express from the State of
Massachusetts, who took your despatches to Congress on
Saturday last, arrived at my house, and informs me that
this day, about twelve o'clock, he put up at one Bissinett's,
a publick house in Bristol, where he opened his bundle, to
deliver a letter to be forwarded over the ferry to Mrs.
Heed, and leaving his bundle in the bar-room, while he
stepped out, on his return the whole of his letters were car-
ried off, and no person could give any account of them ;
and after inquiring and getting all the assistance he could to
endeavour the obtaining them, their searches were fruitless,
and he is here without a single letter. As your letters may
be of the utmost consequence, and the enemy may derive
great advantage from the knowledge of their contents, (as I
have no doubt but they will soon be in possession of them,)
I have judged it proper, without waiting for the meeting of
Congress in the morning, to despatch this express to you,
to give you this intelligence, that you may, as far as pos-
sible, guard against the movements the enemy may make
in consequence of the intelligence they may gain by the
possession of those letters, and that you may take such steps
as this accident may suggest to you from the particulars of
your letters, as necessary to counteract the attempts of the
enemy. I, however, hope that your letters, should they
fall into their hands, will not afford them much comfort, nor
give them any great prospects of advantages, though I shall
be unhappy until I know the contents, and beg, by the
return of this express, you will send me a copy of them, as
it will be a great relief to Congress to receive the earliest
accounts.
I shall, early in the morning, send to Bristol, and have
a strict search made, and recover the letters if possible, and
detect the person who robbed the mail.
You will excuse this hasty letter, written in great agita-
tion and hurry, as I would not lose a moment in sending
it off.
I am, with the utmost respect and esteem, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant, JQHN HANCOCK) PresidenL
To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in-
Chief of all the Forces of the United States, at White-
Plains.
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO REV. JACOB DUCHE.
Philadelphia, October 28, 1776.
SIR: I do myself the pleasure, in the name of the Con-
gress, and by their direction, to return you the thanks of
that House for the devout and acceptable manner in which
you discharged your duty during the time you officiated as
Chaplain to it.
In obedience to their commands, I send you the enclosed
one hundred and fifty dollars, which they have ordered me
to present to you as an acknowledgment for your services.
With sincere wishes for your health and happiness, I am,
sir, your most humble servant,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
To the Rev. Jacob Duchc.
GENERAL GREENE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 31, 1776.]
Fort Lee, New-Jersey, October 28, 1776.
SIR: This being a critical hour, when the hopes and
fears of the country and city are continually alarmed, and
yesterday there being a considerable heavy cannonade most
part of the day, I have though it advisable to forward an
express with the account of the action of the day. The
communication between this and the grand division of the
army is, in a great measure, cut off; therefore, it will be
some time before you have any account from his Excellency
General Washington.
A ship moved up the river early in the morning, above
our lower lines, right opposite to Fort No. 1, near old Head-
Quarters at Morris's; she began a brisk cannonade upon
the shore. Colonel Magaw, who commands at Fort Wash-
ington, got down an eighteen pounder and fired sixty rounds
at her ; twenty-six went through her ; the gun was mostly
loaded with two balls. She was annoyed considerably by
two eighteen-pounders from this shore. The confusion and
distress that appeared on board the ship exceeds all descrip-
tion. Without doubt she lost a great number of men. She
was towed off by four boats sent from the other ships to
her assistance ; she slipped her cable and left her anchor.
Had the tide run flood one half-hour longer, we should have
sunk her. At the same time the fire from the ships began,
the enemy brought up their field-pieces, and made a dispo-
sition to attack the lines, but Colonel Magaw had so happily
disposed and arranged his men as to put them out of conceit
of that manoeuvre. A cannonade and fire with small-arms
continued almost all day, with very little intermission. We
lost one man only. Several of the enemy were killed ;
two or three our people got and brought off the field, and
several more were left there. The firing ceased last evening,
and has not been renewed this morning.
General Washington and General Howe are very near
neighbours. Some decisive stroke is hourly expected : God
grant it may be a happy one ! The troops are in good
spirits; and in every engagement since the retreat from New-
York, have given the enemy a drubbing.
I have the honour to be your most obedient, humble
servant' NATHANAEL GREENE.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Con-
tinental Congress, at Philadelphia.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL HASLET TO GENERAL
RODNEY, DATED OCTOBER 28, 1776.
On Monday night Lord Stirling ordered me, with seven
hundred and fifty men, to attack the enemy's outposts, ten
miles from this place, at the village of Mamaroneck; which
was done, and their guards forced. We brought in thirty-
six prisoners, a pair of colours, sixty stand of arms, and a
variety of plunder besides. The party we fell in with was
Colonel Rogers's, the late worthless Major. On the first
fire, he skulked off in the dark. His Lieutenant and a
number of others were left dead on the spot. Had not our
guards deserted us on the first outset, he and his whole
party must have been taken. On our side three or four
were left dead, and about fifteen wounded; among the
latter is Major Green, of the Second Virginia Regiment,
wounded in the shoulder, and Captain Pope, who acted
as Major, and behaved with great bravery, wounded in his
leg ; both likely to recover. As this was the first effort of
the kind, and a plan of his Lordship's, he was so highly
pleased with our success that he thanked us publickly on
the parade.
Return of the Killed and Wounded of the Second Brigade,
commanded by Brigadier-General LESLIE, (British,)
OCTOBER 28, 1776.
KILLED.
WOUNDED.
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REGIMENTS.
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Thirty-Fifth
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Total
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109
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Names of the Officers killed and wounded :
Twenty-Eighth Regiment— Captain Deming, killed ; Lieutenant Taylor,
wounded.
Thirty-Fifth Regiment— Lieutenant-Colonel Can- and Ensign Eagel,
killed; Captain Tuc.kgearald, Lieutenant Massey, Lieutenant Banks,
wounded.
Forty -Ninth Regiment — Captain Gear, Lieutenant Toyulon, killed;
Lieutenant Roberts, wounded.
1271
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1272
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM WHITE-PLAINS, DATED OCTO-
BER 28, 1776.
This morning information was received that the enemy
appeared to be preparing for a general attack, and were
advancing fast. Proper preparations were made to re-
ceive them, and very soon the ball was opened with field-
pieces on both sides. The enemy attacked our right \vingj»
who defended themselves nobly. At the same time, a
party of Light-Horse filed off towards our centre ; a shot
from one of our cannon forced them to wheel to the right-
about and retreat ; it is said this shot unhorsed two of them.
About one o'clock one of the horses was brought in ; his
rider was killed. Fighting still continues ; it is now three
o'clock, p. m. To-morrow I think will be the important
day. No accounts can yet be given of the loss on either
side. Our men are the most expert in the world at making
breastworks ; in an hour or two they made an amazingly
long stone fence, and covered it properly with earth.
The skirmish you mention was on Monday. We then
took thirty-six Tories, who had inlisted with Major Rogers.
Yesterday we took twenty Waldeckers and Regulars;
seven of the latter. Yesterday, too, the enemy attacked
our lines at Harlem and Mount Washington at the same
time with two ships; they were repulsed in both places.
This morning forty-five Tories, and some Regular prisoners
passed through here on their way to Fishkill.
Colonel SmaUwood, of Maryland, is this moment come
wounded to the house where I am. He is wounded in the
arm and hip, but rode here on horseback, and can walk
tolerably well.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM WHITE-PLAINS, DATED OCTO-
BER 28, 1776, AT TWO O'CLOCK, p. M.
I have only time to acquaint you that since my arrival
at the American camp, we have had several very success-
ful skirmishes with the enemy, in which the latter have lost
several hundred men, in killed and prisoners. Thirteen
Waldeckers, seven Britons, and two Tories, were yesterday
taken prisoners, and brought in to Head-Quarters.
This day, about ten o'clock, the enemy advanced to-
wards our lines, in full view of Head-Quarters, while a large
body approached to the right. The first were soon dis-
persed by our Artillery. The latter attacked several of
our regiments on the right, when a warm engagement began,
and now continues with great fury. To-morrow, it is prob-
able, will produce a general battle.
Colonel SmaUwood is just come in, wounded in the arm
and hip, but not dangerously.
I must not omit mentioning that the enemy made an
unsuccessful attempt against our lines at Harlem yesterday.
P. S. The post being detained by desire of the Gen-
eral, gives me an opportunity (with a wooden pen, on a
drum head) to acquaint you that the part of our army
which was engaged to-day was a brigade commanded by
General McDougall, composed of Webb's, Ritzema's,
Smallwood's, Haslet's, and Brooks's regiments. Ritzema's
and Smallwood's suffered most on this occasion, sustaining
with great patience and coolness a long and heavy fire, and
finally retreated with great sullenness, being obliged to give
way to a superiour force.
The British army and auxiliaries are now encamped
about one mile off our lines, and make a formidable appear-
ance; but, from the spirit and temper of our troops, I augur
well of the event of another attack, which it is expected
will commence to-morrow morning.*
*0c(o6er26, 1776. — General Let's division joined the army. In as-
cending some of the hills on the road, this division, encumbered with
many wagons, was obliged to halt and double the teams, in open view
of the British, and at no considerable distance, who did not attempt to
disturb them; which had they done, the loss of the cannon, wagons,
&c., could not have been avoided. The troops would have bent their
march, unencumbered, towards the Hudson; but the wagons, &c., must
have been left. Two or three British soldiers and a Hessian were taken
prisoners and sent in.
October 27, 1776. — In the forenoon, a heavy cannonade was heard
towards Fort Washington. Thirteen Hessians and two or three British
soldiers were sent in on this day.
From the American camp to the southwest there appeared to be a
very commanding height, worthy of attention. The Commander-in-
Chief ordered the General Officers who were off duty to attend him, to
reconnoitre this ground, on this morning. When arrived at the ground,
although very commanding, it did not appear so much so as other
grounds to the north, and almost parallel with the left of the army as it
was then formed. " Yonder, "says Major-General Lee, pointing to the
DR. JOHN MORGAN TO JOHN JAY.
North-Castle, October 28, 1776.
SIR : I wrote a hasty letter some time ago, requesting
from the State of New- York that they would allow me the
remainder of the stock of medicines purchased for the use
of the State, of which they were so good as to allow me
one half early in the summer for the use of the army.
The demand for medicines is very great, and we cannot
procure a sufficiency at any rate. Not having received an
answer to that letter, I fear it has miscarried. I should be
much obliged to you, sir, if you would be pleased to make
application in my favour for the medicines, if not disposed
of; for which, as well as what I was before favoured with,
1 shall pay the amount on demand.
With great esteem, sir, your most obedient, humble ser-
JOHN MORGAN.
To the Hon. John Jay.
COMMITTEE OF BEDFORD TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Bedford, October 28, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The names of the poor of the parish of
New- York came to Bedford on the 28th day of August
last, by order of the County Committee, and was supported
by the Committee of Bedford. A house was hired for
them, and kept together ever since :
Thomas Graham, Cathrin Graham, Elienor Graham,
Elisabeth Maguire, Yeofan Sinklar, Elisabeth Stuart,
Elisabeth Anderson, Cloye Hooker, George Jones, Mary
Macarty, Sarah O'Farel, Margert Brown, Elisabeth
Roger, Isabel Wilson, Mary Atweel, Susanah Mitchel,
Isabel Mitchel, Jane Holmes, Elisabeth Airs, Evert Cor-
nelius, Garret Squiraman, William Mitchel, Thomas Wil-
liamson, Charles Morfett, Peter Losey, David Harring,
John Stuart, Walter McDonald.
Elisabeth Airs is dead since she came ; and about a
grounds just mentioned, " is the ground we ought to occupy." " Let
us, then, go and view it," replied the Commander-in-Chief. When on
the way, a Light-Horseman came up in full gallop, his horse almost
out of breath, and addretsed General Washington, " The British are on
the camp, sir." The General observed, "Gentlemen, we have now
other business than reconnoitring," putting his horse in full gallop for
the camp, and followed by the other officers. When arrived at Head-
duarters, the Adjutant-General, (Reed,) who had remained at camp,
informed the Commander-in-Chief that the guards had been all beat in,
and the whole American army were now at their respective posts, in
order of battle. The Commander-in-Chief turned round to the officers,
and only said, " Gentlemen ,you will repair to your respective posts,
and do the best you can." General Heath, on arriving at his own divi-
sion, found them all in the lines; and, from the height of his post,
found that the first attack was directed against the Americans on Chader-
ton's hill. The little river Brunx, which ran between the American right
and this hill, after running round its north side, turned and ran down
on the east and southeast. The British advanced in two columns. At
this instant, the cannonade was brisk on both sides, directed by the
British across the hollow and Brunx, against the Americans on the hill,
and by them returned. Almost at the same instant, the right column,
composed of British troops, preceded by about twenty Light-Horse, in
full gallop, and brandishing their swords, appeared on the road leading
to the Court-House, and now directly in front of General Heath's divi-
sion. The Light-Horse leaped the fence of a wheat-field at the foot of
the hill, on which Colonel Malcom's regiment was posted, of which
the Light-Horse were not aware, until a shot from Lieutenant Fenno's
field-piece gave them notice, by striking in the midst of them, and a
horseman pitching from his horse. They then wheeled short about,
galloped out of the field as fast as they came in, rode behind a little hill
in the road, and faced about, the tops of their caps only being visible
to General Heath where he stood. The column came no further up the
road, but wheeled to the left by platoons, as they came up, and, pass-
ing through a bar or gateway, directed their head towards the troops
on Chaderton's hill, now engaged. When the head of the column had
got nearly across the lot, their front got out of sight; nor could the
extent of their rear be now discovered. The sun shone bright, their
arms glittered, and perhaps troops never were shown to more advan-
tage than these now appeared. The whole now halted, and, for a few
minutes, the men all sat down in the same order in which they stood,
no one appearing to move out of his place. The cannonade continued
brisk across the Brunx. A part of the left column, composed of British
and Hessians, forded the river, and marched along, under the cover of
the hill, until they had gained sufficient ground to the left of the Ameri-
cans, when, by facing to the left, their column became a line parallel
with the Jlmericans. When they briskly ascended the hill, the first
column resumed a quick march. As the troops which were advancing
to the attack ascended the hill, the cannonade on the side of the British
ceased, as their own men became exposed to their fire if continued
The fire of small-arms was now very heavy, and without any distinc-
tion of sounds. This led some American officers who were looking on
to observe that the British were worsted, as their cannon had ceased
firing; but a few minutes evinced that the Jlmericans were giving way.
They moved off the hill in a great body, neither running nor observing
the best order. The British ascended the hill very slowly, and when
arrived at its summit,, formed and dressed their line, without the least
attempt to pursue the Americans. The loss on the side of the Ameri-
cans was inconsiderable; that of the British was not then kno^wn. The
British having got possession of this hill, it gave them a vast advantage
of the American lines, almost down to the centre. — Heath.
1273
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1274
week ago, Walter McDonald is gone out of the poor-
house to keep a school for small children.
There is men and women in the poor-house that is
able to earn their living, and not to be chargeable to the
publick. They do little jobs about, which they are paid
for, and they buy rum with, and get drunk. They quarrel
among themselves, and make their complaint to me, which
I cannot do any thing with them. I hope you'll send
written instructions, so that we may know how to deal with
them.
The money due to the Committee of Bedford, which
they engaged for, amounts to £23 8s. Id. They want
that money and more to be sent down to support them this
winter. The funeral charges for Elisabeth Airs is not paid,
and no account made of it in the above. The poor says
she left a feather bed, and whether that ought to be sold to
defray charges or not, we don't know. Now, considering
the prisoners sent here, concerning the parole granted them
by the Continental Congress for six miles each way from
the places of their abode, was shortened by this Committee
to a quarter of a mile, for the following reasons : they went
about night and day amongst the Tories here, and made
great disturbances concerning the times ; they went off on
a Sunday, and have not heard of them since ; they are con-
siderably in debt here, and left effects, which we collected
together, and prized it, which amounts to £90 7s. 3d.
Whether we are to sell it at vendue, and pay the debts due,
or not, we cannot tell, and return the overplus of the sale
of their effects to the Convention, or keep it for them, if
ever they return. I hope the honourable Convention will
take it all in consideration, and instruct us what our duty is
to do, and we will endeavour to do it punctually, without
delay.
By order of Bedford Committee, I subscribe myself
your most humble servant,
LEWIS MCDONALD, Chairman.
To the President of the honourable Convention at Fish-
kill, Dutchess County.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL, GATES.
Saratoga, October 28, 1776, seven o'clock in the morning.
SIR : Your letter of the 26th is this moment come to
hand. I have given orders and done every thing in my
power to hasten up the Militia. If they are tardy in march-
ing, if, upon their arrival at Skenesborough, they refuse to
proceed to Tyonderoga, the fault is not and will not be
mine.
SAMUEL TUDER TO PIERRE VAN CORTLANDT.
Poughkeepsie, October 28, 1776.
SIR: Your favour of 19th instant with copy of a note
from the Marine Committee at Philadelphia enclosed,
wherein they express great anxiety for the frigates building
here, came safe to hand, in consequence of which we have
used our utmost exertions to get the ships ready to launch.
The General- Montgomery will be launched on Monday,
the 4th November next, at eight in the morning, at which
time we should be glad of the company of such gentlemen
of the Convention as can conveniently attend.
We are, with great respect, sir, your most obedient,
humble servants, AUGUSTIN LAWRENCE,
SAMUEL TUDER.
To Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq.
P. S. If you have any news, should take it kind of you
to let us know by the bearer hereof, Mr. Joseph Pierson.
Please to forward the letter herewith sent to Marine Com-
mittee by first conveyance.
SETH CURTIS TO CAPTAIN E. HASBROUCK.
Kingston, October 28, 1776.
SIR : As soon as I had time to recollect myself, I found
I had made a mistake in your pay-roll. The sergeants'
waces I have drawn upon a par with the soldiers', occa-
sioned by having too much business then upon hand. How-
ever, with a little trouble you will alter that ; and, instead
of their wages as they there stand, it ought to be thus :
John Graham, Sergeant, - - - £8 6 4J
Isaac Davis, Jr., Sergeant, - - - 6166
William Brodhead, Sergeant, - - 8 14 11
£23 17 9f
I thought it my duty to give you this timely notice, to
prevent bad consequences, which please to accept from
your humble servant, SETH CURTIS.
To Captain R Haslrouck, at Fishkill.
Colonel Dayton received my orders in twenty-four hours
after they left Albany: you have been advised when that
was. He has not delayed in obeying them. The march
from Fort Stanwix is longer, and encumbered with more
difficulties than you imagine. His regiment arrived last
evening at Stillwater. He is now here, but it is very doubt-
ful whether he will proceed at all to Tyonderoga, as he
halted there in consequence of the most alarming intelli-
gence from Tryon County. If the Committee of the Con-
vention of this State cannot procure a body of Militia to
march into the western quarter, he must go back. Several
of the principal Tories are gone to Sir John Johnson, who
commands a body of troops and Indians destined for the
Mohawk river; and the inhabitants threaten to lay down
their arms unless they can be assisted with men.
A party of Militia, who arrived here last night, are this
morning going in quest of a body of Tories, who are said to
rendezvous to the westward of this place, with an intent to
join General Carkton, or interrupt the communication.
In your letter of the 24th you mention the want of spades
in such a manner as if there had been a neglect in procuring
them. They are not to be had. All that the country
afforded, all that I could get made, have been sent you.
The turnips and potatoes cannot go unless the flour is
stopped. A person is gone express to Boston for nails.
Nail rods are not to be had here. 1 have determined to
send the Militia from Fort Edward to Tryon County, if
they will not march to Tyonderoga, and have ordered Day-
ton's to proceed with all despatch.
I am, sir, your humble servant, PH ScHUYLER.
Where is Colonel Lewis, for whom I have so long ago
written to you ? Yauncey's return, mentioned in yours of
the 24th, was not enclosed.
RICHARD STOCKTON TO ABRAHAM CLARK.
Saratoga, October 28, 1776.
DEAR SIR : Before I left Philadelphia Congress appointed
a committee, consisting of one member from each State,
to devise ways and means for furnishing the army with
clothing, &c. As the member appointed for New-Jersey,
I laid The resolution before our Legislature, then sitting at
Princeton, and recommended to them the great importance
of their appointing persons in every County. They were
pleased to take up the matter with that zeal which the
nature of it required, and determined to take a recess that
they might, in their own persons, the more effectually and
speedily°execute the business. I hope, therefore, that already
a considerable quantity of shoes and stockings at least, may
be provided, and that you will take immediate order for the
sending a parcel to our regiments who are in this quarter.
Colonel Dayton's regiment is ordered from Fort Stanwix
to Tyconderoga. The Colonel and Major Barber came
here last evening, and the regiment is now within a few
miles of this place, marching with cheerfulness, but great
part of the men barefooted and barelegged. My heart melts
with compassion for my brave countrymen who are thus
venturing their lives in the publick service, and yet are so
distressed. There is not a single shoe or stocking to be
had in this part of the world, or I would ride a hundred
miles through the woods and purchase them with my own
money • for" you'll consider that the weather here must be
very different from that in New-Jersey: it is very cold now
I assure you. For God's sake, my dear sir, upon the receipt
of this collect all the shoes and stockings you can, and send
them off for Albany in light wagons ; a couple of two-horse
wagons will bring a great many, which may be distributed
among our several regiments who will be all together at
Tuconderoo-a in a few days. If any breeches and waistcoats
be ready, send them along ; but do not wait for them if
the shoes and stockings are ready and the others not.
We have despatches from General Gates this morning,
1275
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1276
informing that he hourly expects to be attacked by the
enemy ; but our works are very strong, and a boom thrown
across the water from Tyconderoga to Mount Independence,
to prevent the enemy's shipping from getting below us.
Therefore, I trust, with the blessing of Almighty God, that
we shall disappoint their wicked and sanguinary purposes.
But shall the brave troops from New-Jersey stand in the
lines half-leg deep in snow, without shoes or stockings?
God forbid ! I shall empty my portmanteau of the
stockings I have for my own use on this journey, excepting
a pair to take me home ; but this is a drop of water in the
ocean.
In the utmost haste, I am, with much esteem, dear sir,
your most obedient, humble servant,
RICH'D STOCKTON.
To Abraham Clark, Esq.
COLONEL WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES.
Skeenesborough , October 28, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: I send you one hundred boards and
eighty barrels of flour by the Militia. It is Colonel Yates's
orders from General Schuyler, that all the boats I send from
this place to Fort Ann must be loaded with flour. I would
be glad if the General would let me know, by the first
opportunity, whether he would have the flour forwarded to
Ticonderoga or have it left at this place, and which of the
two must be brought from Fort Ann first, the boards or the
flour.
I would be very glad if the General would please to send
me up some musket-balls. As to powder, I have plenty.
This evening I expect that there will be one hundred and
eighty men in of Colonel Robinson's regiment, from New-
England.
Yesterday I sent off a number of boats to Fort Ann to
bring down two regiments of Militia which are out of
Albany County. I shall want some more boats to send off
the Militia as fast as they arrive. General Schuyler has
ordered, also, that all the cattle must be brought to this
place and killed here, and forwarded to Ticonderoga in
quarters ; which we are doing as fast as possible.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
CORN'S WYNKOOP.
To Major-General Gates.
The General will see by my return that I am weak of
men.
COLONEL WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES.
Skeenesborough, October 28, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL : I have sent twelve batteaus to Fort
Ann in order to bring down two or three regiments of
Militia from that place, with their baggage, and also a
quantity of flour. I have been obliged to have the remainder
of the batteaus that was here, dragged over and put into
Wood Creek.
I would be very glad if the General would please to
send me some more boats, as I have now but two boats
left, that I might be able to forward the troops as fast as
they arrive.
I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant,
CORN'S WYNKOOP.
To Major-General Gates.
COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-Haven, October 28, 1776.
SIR: After having with the greatest impatience waited
the arrival of the whale-boats and vessels that were to have
been employed in the Long-Island expedition, I find myself
at length disappointed, Colonel Mclntosh having marched
two of the regiments that were allotted for the purpose to
Head-Quarters ; so that the original plan must of necessity
fall through, as the force we have left is inadequate to the
undertaking. Colonel Richmond's regiment has only three
hundred men, and my detachment, together with part of
Colonel Smith's regiment that have joined me, amount to
about two hundred. The term of inlistment for Colonel
Richmond's regiment will be elapsed in ten days. However,
we will not be quite disappointed, hut will make an attempt
to disperse the recruits inlisting for General Howe, on Long-
Island. If our orders extended to burning the hay, grain,
and whatsoever we conceived might be of advantage to the
enemy, I imagine we might distress them a little ; but this
Governour Trumbull will not authorize Colonel Richmond, to
whom he has given the command, to execute. I had not
the least idea of Colonel Mclntosh 's being recalled until my
arrival at this place. If the weather permits, 1 fancy we
shall be to-morrow night on Long-Island, though I don't
think, under the restrictions laid on us, any thing of great
consequence can be achieved. I should have waited your
Excellency's orders at this place, had I not received express
ones from Governour Trumbull to repair to Long-Island.
Among the few of Colonel Smith's regiment that have
joined me, there are almost as may officers as men, and
about twenty volunteers ; some of whom I have employed
to collect men on the east end of Long-Island. Our suc-
cess at landing will be communicated to your Excellency
as soon as effected.
The enclosed is a copy of an order from Governour
Tryon to the people of Suffolk County. I hope we shall
be time enough to prevent its effects. The original I have
not yet been able to lay my hands upon.
I have some reason to believe the Militia in general will
join us on landing ; they have been so much harassed and
imposed upon by the enemy, that they now wish to throw
off the yoke.
I remain your Excellency's most obedient, humble
servant) HENRY B. LIVINGSTON.
To His Excellency General Washington.
Newport, October 28, 1776.
By a gentleman who was a passenger in a brig belonging
to this place, from London to Barbadoes, commanded by
one Daniel Cornell, we are informed that when he left
Barbadoes, the brig was taking in a freight there for supply-
ing the enemy at Qwbeck ; and that Captain Cornell had
purchased six swivel-guns to prevent (as he expressed it)
his being captured by an American Rebel. As he was
born and has a family within this State, it is hoped he will
fall into the hands of some of our cruisers, and meet a just
reward.
The Tories on Long-Island and in New-York begin to
be sick of their new lords and masters ; one who made his
escape out of the city a few days past, said the enemy
called the friends to liberty only " Rebels ;" but the Tories
they called, "damned Traitors and scoundrels." The
person who gave this account was one suspected of being a
Tory.
REV. WILLIAM GORDON TO GENERAL GATES.
Copy of a Letter intended to have been forwarded the last Monday,
(October 28,) but happened to be too late for the post:
Jamaica Plain, October 28, 1776.
FRIEND GATES AND DEAR GENERAL: Whether the
enemy may attack you before the receipt of this, is uncer-
tain; but should it happen, hope you will be helped to give
them such a drubbing as will be an ample revenge on them
for having destroyed our fleet. We got home safe the last
Friday; stayed at King's Bridge only from Saturday to
Monday morning, there being no enjoyment of friends. We
are looking out for great and important news. God, of his
infinite mercy, grant that it may be good ! A vessel left
'Statia this day three weeks. The Captain says that
the Governour helped him to get every thing he wanted,
and just before he sailed sent for him and told him that he
knew the movements of the French, and was certain that
by that time they had declared war against Great Britain,
with which he might acquaint his friends. Hope the Gov-
ernour has not been out in his conjecture.
Adieu. In great haste, but willing to send you an early
line. Respects to your suite. Your affectionate friend,
WM. GORDON.
Jamaica Plain, November 2, 1776.
MY DEAR FRIEND : You will see by the above how
good I meant to have been. Having heard nothing certain
from your quarter, conclude that you have had your full
1277
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS., &o., OCTOBER, 1776.
1278
time to make all wonted preparations against the enemy.
God give you an occasion of sending us most excellent
news from Ty. What we have from the neighbourhood of
King's Bridge has been good hitherto, and the success we
have had in several skirmishes must tend to sicken the
Howites. The Committee from our Court have informed
you, I apprehend, that Providence has sent us nails for the
barracks. The linens and woollens designed for Quebeck
were the property of my particular friends. I rejoice in
the capture, but wish the property had belonged to others.
Our Court, I am in great hopes, will exert themselves nobly
in supporting the common cause in this critical moment.
They are choosing a Committee of War. To make you
laugh, I must mention that there were several votes for your
humble servant; but the mistake was not general. I
should have used a harder word, would it not have seemed
ungrateful. The universal opinion at 'Statia was, there was
or would be soon a French war. A French vessel arrived
this week at Boston. The Captain says that the English
Ambassador had demanded of the French Minister for what
they were making such great armaments, and required a cat-
egorical answer ; which was returned in the following words,
" For the King's pleasure." It merits confirmation. Should
write more, but you may perhaps fail of receiving this.
May Heaven prosper and bless you ! Mrs. G. joins in
respects. Remember to suite, General Sinclair (his brother-
in-law, of Boston, inquired after him on the Thursday, and
was glad to hear of his welfare,) Arnold, Brackett, Colonel
Sullivan, Waine, De Hass, &tc., (I may have spelt the
names wrong, but you will guess my meaning.) My brethren
Hitchcock and Tenent, (I was at Mr. Tenenfs house on
my return, and all were well,) are entitled to affectionate
regards as fellow parsons.
Adieu once more. The next, I trust, will be a letter
of congratulation from your humble servant and sincere
friend,
WM. GORDON.
To General Gates.
MEMORIAL OF ADAM BABCOCK.
To the honourable the Governour and Council of Safety of
the State of CONNECTICUT:
The Memorial of ADAM BABCOCK, of NEW-HAVEN, in said
State, humbly showeth:
That your Honours' memorialist hath suffered great and
heavy losses by having a brigantine of upwards one of hun-
dred and forty tons, and a sloop of upwards of one hundred
tons burthen, both fine vessels, together with their cargoes of
oil, captured by two British men-of-war, in the West-Indies,
the summer past, as they were returning home from the
coast of Brazil, being solely the property of your memorialist,
whereby he is much injured in his fortune, and being ab-
stracted from carrying on trade and business as heretofore,
for reasons well known to your Honours, and no way left
of retrieving those losses but by reprisals on the trade of
those people who have thus despoiled him of a great part
of his property ; he therefore humbly prays your Honours
to grant him leave to purchase at your Honours' furnace,
in Salsbury, fourteen cannon, viz: eight six-pounders and
six four-pounders, and also twelve swivel-guns, for the pur-
pose of arming and equipping a private vessel of war, to
cruise against the enemies of the United States of America.
And your memorialist, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.
ADAM BABCOCK.
Hew-Haven, October 28, 1776.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO J. PAUL JONES.
Providence, October 28, 1776.
SIR: I received your disagreeable letter, and you are
hereby directed to go immediately to Newport with the
Alfred; and, if you think the Hamden will not do for the
cruise, Captain Hacker and the whole of the Hamden's
crew are to take the Providence in her room, and follow the
former directions. If t can, will be at Newport to-mor-
row.
I am your friend,
ESEK HOPKINS, Commander-in- Chief.
To John P. Jones, Commander of the Alfred.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED DUBLIN, OCTOBER 29, 1776.
His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant has informed the
Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, by letter of the 24th
instant, that in consequence of his application to the Lords
of the Admiralty, they have ordered three sloops of war and
an armed cutter to cruise in the Channel, for the protection
of the trade of this Kingdom, and to keep a look-out for the
American privateers that of late made their appearance on
these coasts.
AMOS GARRETT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Swan Creek, October 29, 1776.
SIR: Captain Holland's company marched last Wed-
nesday. One of the gentlemen that assisted me was pretty
fortunate in procuring blankets. The whole company was
well equipped therewith, and have remaining now in store at
Susquehannah Ferry fifty-three, with the remainder of the
cartouch-boxes and knapsacks. They were all equipped with
good guns, and all fixed with bayonets but two or three,
though very few scabbards ; but these were to be got in
Philadelphia. All the exertion in my power was made, and
by the assistance of some bayonets I had by me and my
smith to fit them, believe the guns will answer, being mostly
old, tried guns. I have near one hundred and fifty yards
of linen. They took some of that article, on being informed
they were to have barracks ; but wish they may not want
it. I paid the Captain near fifty pounds for their subsistence
to Philadelphia, and have still a little left ; the whole account
I will render as soon as I can get in one of the gentlemen's
accounts that assisted me. I shall wait your order what to
do with the remaining stores and money in my hands ; and
am, sir, your humble servant, AMQS GARRETT.
To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., Presi-
dent of the Council of Safety.
PETITION OF CASTLEHAVEN COMPANY.
To the Honourable Convention of MARYLAND:
The humble Petition of a majority of CASTLEHAVEN Com-
pany showeth :
That your petitioners have laboured under repeated
impositions from their Captain, Joseph Byers, which, in
their opinion, render him unworthy of the office which his
country has entrusted in his hands ; and we knowing of no
other justifiable method of redress than presenting our peti-
tion, we hope and trust that the honourable Convention
will either remove him from his captaincy or oblige him to
appear before you, that your petitioners may have an oppor-
tunity of proving their accusations against him, which, we
doubt not, are of such a nature that the moment they are
heard they will be judged sufficient cause for removal. To
mention some of our accusations to your Honours which
we charge him with, is, we were called on duty, when he,
our said Captain, provided for us thirty-four pounds of pork,
three bushels of Indian corn-meal, as also thirty-six pounds
of bacon, thirty-three pounds of pork, and three gallons of
rum, got from Captain John Tripp; and as some of the
neighbouring gentlemen was so good as to bestow their
charity upon us, by giving us sundry provisions, that out of
the above provisions we made use of only thirty-six pounds
of pork, twelve small loaves of bread, and three gallons of
rum, the remainder of the provisions our Captain carried
home and converted to his own use, and charged us with
the whole, which charge was five pounds ten shillings,
common money, so that he stopped out of our wages and
rations four shillings from each officer, and two shillings
from each private. When we found ourselves thus treated
with, we complained to our Field officers, which caused
him to repay to each officer three shillings and sixpence,
and eighteen pence to each private. It was by mere chance
that we got possession of a true account of the provisions
found, made use of, and carried away ; such a chance as we
cannot expect to meet with every time we are thus used ;
which gives us great reason to believe that we shall never
be honestly dealt with by a man that no trust can be
reposed in, and that requires a constant overlooking in order
to have justice done. He has also given orders to his non-
commissioned officers that for the smallest offence to knock
1279
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1280
down any man belonging to his company, and he will sup-
port him in it, contrary, as we view it, to the military re-
solves of Convention. These, and sundry other threats and
usages, gives uneasiness to your petitioners.
Till we have the determination of your honourable body,
we shall continue to obey our Captain as we have hitherto
done ; but, as we are extremely unhappy in our present
situation, we pray for a speedy decision. And your peti-
tioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Signed by
1776.
The Province of MARYLAND:
Standly Cooke,
his
Henry Cook,
his
Richard Phillips,
his
William X Frazor,
Wm. X Childerson,
John X Mitchell,
mark,
murk,
mark,
James Thomas,
bis
hto
Thomas Mitchell,
John X Lee,
James X Mitchell,
John Childerston,
mark ,
mark,
John K ill n MM,
his
William Seward,
Edward Thomas,
Phil. X Clovill,
Nehemiah Whitely,
Richard Claindy,
Thomas Killman,
mark,
William Proctor,
John Thomas,
his
Andrew Cooke,
William Rubbart,
Martin X Abit,
his
Andrew Marshall,
mark.
John X Marshall,
ninrk,
Thomas Wright,
Young Claudy,
Moses Le Compte,
his
his
John X Seward,
Charles Wheeler,
Thomas Cooke,
John X Thomas,
mark.
mark,
John Cooke,
his
Isaac Fardwell,
Edward Lee,
Ins
Eligea X Marshall,
Reuben X Mitchel,
Job Willoughby,
mark.
mark,
Gilbert North,
Charles Seward.
Test:
WM. THOMAS.
Dorchester County, Cambridge, October 21, 1776.
I hereby certify that, some time last summer a certain
Stanly Cook, with four or five others, complained to me,
as one of their Field officers, against Captain Joseph Byers.
They said that, being called out on duty with others of
Captain Byers's company, that he, Captain Byers, pur-
chased provisions from some of the neighbours for the use
of the company, but being discharged in a short time, and
receiving provisions from several of the inhabitants that were
kind enough to make no charge against them, they made
use of very little of that purchased by Captain Byers; and
that, when he was going to pay them their wages, wanted
to stop a shilling per day out of each man's pay for the pro-
visions he alleged he had found them, great part of which
Stanly Cook said he could prove Captain Byers put to
his own private use. I told them I would speak to Cap-
tain Byers, and have the matter settled. Some time after,
I saw Captain Byers and Stanly Cook together. I ac-
quainted him of the charge made against him, upon which
he said, if he had done wrong it was for want of knowing
better, and that he was ready to settle in any manner that
I, or any other of the Field officers, would advise him to.
He said there was some Indian meal, and I think some
pork, that his wife delivered out; the quantity he could
not prove, therefore would make no account of it. There
was likewise some bacon he had purchased of Captain John
Trippe, which he said he had then by him, and desired to
know what he should do with it. I told him to sell it, and
apply the money towards paying off his men, which he
promised to do. I then asked Stanly Cook, as he seemed
to be the active person, if the company would be willing
and satisfied to allow the remainder of Captain Byers's
account, which was rum and some other article. He said
he believed they would ; upon which 1 thought the matter
would be settled.
IHOM. MUSE.
To ALL PERSONS WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN: I, the SUb-
scriber, to the best of my knowledge and remembrance, on a
Monday in March, 1776, in my way home called in at the
house of Mr. William Bennetts, he being not present. His
wife and self fell in discourse how the people called to Cook's
Point, on account of the man-of-war, would get provisions.
She says she had sent, or they had from them a certain quan-
tity of meat, and, as near as possibly can remember, the
quantity she mentioned was fifteen pounds. Whether she
spoke of the quantity by imagination or trial of weights cannot
tell, for do not remember either was mentioned. Before God
and the world, to the best of my knowledge and remem-
brance give the above out for as true testimony, as if my
hand was on the book, and mouth to kiss it.
Witness :
JOSEPH PAYN, Sen.
March 18. To 38 pounds of Bacon, at 8d.~
per pound, for Captain Byers's
and Captain Woolford's Com-
pany, -
To 26 pounds of Pork, for ditto,
at 5d. per pound, - - -
To 3 gallons of Rum, at 6s. for
ditto,
• £1 5 4
0 10 10
0 18 0
£2 14 2
Received of Captain Joseph Byers the within account,
Per John Trippe.
Saving errours, per John Trippe.
REV. JACOB DUCHE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 30, 1776.]
Tuesday, October 29, 1776.
Mr. Duchu presents his respectful compliments to Mr.
Hancock, and begs him to acquaint the honourable Con-
gress that he is much obliged to them for the kind manner
in which they have expressed their approbation of his ser-
vices. As he accepted their appointment from motives
perfectly disinterested, he requests Mr. Hancock to put the
one hundred and fifty dollars into the hands of the Board of
War, or of any other Board he may think proper, to be
applied by them to the relief of the widows and children of
such of the Pennsylvania officers as have fallen in battle in
the service of his country.
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.
DR. SHIPPEN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Newark, October 29, 1776.
MY DEAR AND HONOURABLE SIR : The winter approaches,
the sick will suffer much, nay, will perish, unless timely
care is paid to provide for them proper winter apartments.
The Congress have desired me to attend to those sick that
are on this side of Hudson's river ; but Dr. Morgan has
directed his officers to follow his directions till they receive
written orders from him or your Excellency to the contrary.
I pray you will relieve me from my present disagreeable
suspense, and direct whether I am to superintend and pro-
vide for all the sick on this side, as I think the Congress
intend, or only those of the Flying-Camp and Militia in
Jersey, which I was first appointed for. Your speedy
answer and orders will be thankfully received and punc-
tually obeyed by your obedient servant,
W. SHIPPEN.
To His Excellency General Washington, White-Plains.
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fort Lee, October 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Colonel Lasher burnt the barracks yesterday
morning, three o'clock ; he left all the cannon in the fort.
I went out to examine the ground, and found between two
and three hundred stand of small-arms (that were out of
repair) about two miles beyond King's Bridge, a great
number of spears, shot, shells, &c., too numerous to mention.
I directed all the wagons on the other side to be employed
in getting the stores away; and expect to get it completed
this morning. I forgot to mention five tons of bar-iron that
was left. I am sorry the barracks were not left standing a
few days longer; it would have given us an opportunity to
have got off some of the boards.
I think Fort Independence might have kept the enemy
at bay for several days, but the troops here and on the
other side are so much fatigued that it must have been a
work of time.
Colonel Magaw showed me a letter from Colonel Reed,
ordering the Rangers to march and join the army. Major
Coburn was wounded in the Sunday action. Colonel
Magaw says the Rangers are the only security to his lines.
By keeping out constant patroles, their acquaintance with
the ground enables them to discover the enemy's motions in
every quarter. The Colonel petitions very hard for their
stay. I told him I would send an express to learn your
1281
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1282
Excellency's further pleasure. The Colonel thinks if ihe
Rangers leave him, he must draw the garrison in from the
lines. That would be a pity, as the redoubt is not yet in
any great forwardness. From the Sunday affair I am more
fully convinced that we can prevent any ships from stopping
the communication.
I have forwarded eighty thousand musket-cartridges more,
under the care of a subaltern:s guard commanded by Lieu-
tenant Pembelton, of Colonel Railing's regiment.
This moment heard of the action of yesterday. Can
learn no particulars. God grant you protection and success.
Colonel Crawford says he. expects the action to be
renewed this morning. I hope to be commanded wherever
I can be the most useful.
I am, dear General, your most obedient and very humble
servant> N. GREENE.
To His Excellency General Washington, Esq., at White-
Plains.
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fort Lee, October 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Enclosed is an estimate made of the provi-
sions and provender necessary to be laid in at the different
posts between this and Philadelphia, to form a communi-
cation, and for the support of the troops passing and
repassing from the different States.
Your Excellency will please to examine it, and signify
your pleasure. Should the estimate be larger than is
necessary for the consumption of the army, very little or no
loss can arise, as the articles will be laid in at a season
when the prices of things are at the lowest rates ; and the
situations will admit of an easy transportation to market by
water.
The ships have fallen down the North River, and the
troops which advanced upon Harlem Plains, and on the hill
where the Monday action was, have drawn within their
lines again.
I received the prisoners taken, and have forwarded them
to Philadelphia. I enclose you a return of the troops at
this post, who are chiefly raw and undisciplined.
I am, with great respect, your Excellency's most obedient,
humble servant, NATHANAEL GREENE.
To His Excellency General Washington, at White-Plains.
An Estimate of the Magazines to be laid in at the following
Posts for the subsistence of the Troops, and for the
Horses in wagons and artillery.
Barrels
of flour.
Beef
and pork.
Tons
of hay.
Bushels
of grain.
Two thousand men at Fort
3,100
3,100
300
10,000
At Hackinsack, for the use of
the Hospital, allowing fresh
provisions to supply the rest.
At Equacanaugh, to furnish
the troops at Elizabeth Town
and Newark, and to subsist V
the main army in passing to
Philadelphia j
1,000
3,000
300
3,000
150
300
1,500
10,000
At Springfield, a week 'a provi- ~\
sion for twenty thousand (
men on their way to Phila- C
700
700
50
1,500
700
700
50
1 500
700
700
50
1 500
At Trentown, to subsist twenty )
thousand men for three >
3,000
3,000
300
10,000
12,200
11,500
1,200
36,000
N. B. From Port Lee to Hackinsack Bridge, nine miles ; water carriage
from this place.
From Hackinsack to Eqwcanaugh, five miles ; water carriage from
this place.
From Equacanaugh to Springfield, sixteen miles to a landing at Newark.
From Springfield to Boundbrook, nineteen miles ; seven miles to a landing
at Brunswick.
From Boundbrook to Princetown, twenty miles ; twelve miles land carriage
to Delaware River.
From Princetown to Trentown, twelve miles ; water carriage to Philadel-
phia.
N. B. In the above calculation an allowance is made
for supplying the troops passing and repassing from the
different States. »T /-,
IN. GHEENE.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read October 31, 1776.]
White-Plains, October 29, 1776.
SIR: The situation of our affairs not permitting his Ex-
cellency to write himself, I have it in charge to inform you
that on yesterday morning, about ten o'clock, the enemy
appeared in several large columns in our front, and, from
their first movements, seemed as if they meant an attack
there. However, halting for a little time, their main body
filed off to our left, and presently began a most severe and
incessant cannonade at a part of our troops who had taken
post on a hill with a view of throwing up some lines. At
the same time they advanced in two divisions, and, after a
smart engagement for about a quarter of an hour, obliged
our men to give way. Our loss is not certainly known,
but from conjecture is between four and five hundred in
killed, wounded, and missing. What theirs was we have
not heard. After gaining the hill, (upon which they are
intrenching,) and leaving a sufficient number of men and
artillery to prevent our repossessing it, they proceeded to
advance by our left, and, as far as I can discover, their
posts or encampments now form nearly a semicircle. It is
evident their design is to get in our rear, according to their
original plan. Every measure is taking to prevent them ;
but the removal of our baggage, &ic., is attended with
infinite difficulty and delays. Our post, from its situation,
is not so advantageous as could be wished, and was only
intended as temporary and occasional, till the stores belong-
ing to the army, which had been deposited here, could be
removed. The enemy coming on so suddenly has distressed
us much. They are now close at hand, and most probably
will, in a little time, commence their second attack. We
expect it every hour. Perhaps it is beginning: I have just
heard the report of some cannon.*
1 have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your
most obedient servant, RQB H HARRISON
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 25, 1776.
- (Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
The guards are to be continued as settled the last even-
ing, till further orders ; and the Brigade-Majors to be very
careful that the guards are properly relieved.
The General most earnestly recommends to all Com-
manding Officers of brigades and regiments to extend their
care to the wagons which they have or may employ, and to
dismiss them as soon as they have brought their baggage
and have been refreshed.
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 26, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
Captain Ebenezer Huntington is to assist the Adjutant-
General in regulating the duties and details of General
Heath's Division till further orders.
An Aid-de-Camp from each Major-General is to attend
at Head-Quarters at twelve o'clock every day, to receive
the general orders. He is to see that the Brigade-Majors
execute them in the division.
An Orderly-Sergeant from each brigade of General
Spencer's Division to attend at Head-Quarters every day ;
to bring his provision with him, and not to go away till
regularly relieved.
Upon the due regulation and management of the wagons,
the health and safety of the army entirely depends; and it
will be impossible for the Quartermaster-General to have
* October 29, 1776.— The British began to throw up some small worka
on the hill, of which they had got possession. The Americans were
drawing back ; and a position was to be taken on the high strong grounds,
before in the rear of a part of the army. The left of General Heath's
division was not to move ; but the remainder of his division, and all the
other divisions of the army, were to fall back and form, nearly east and
west. About this time, Colonel Lasher, who belonged to General Heath's
division, and who had been left with his regiment to garrison Fort Inde-
pendence near King's Bridge, sent an express, who passed the enemy in
the night, to know what he should do, the regiment growing weak and
sickly. General Heath applied to the Commander-in-Chief, to know his
pleasure, who directed that the Colonel should give notice to Colonel
JHagaw, who commanded at Fort Washington, that he might take away
the cannon, stores, &c., and that Colonel Lasher, after destroying the
barracks, huts, &c., should join the army, which he soon effected.
This day three prisoners were sent in, and the Americans were now
throwing up some strong works on the high grounds. — Heath.
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
81
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fcc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1284
any regularity if officers of the artny undertake to seize
wagons, and compel them to go where they please. The
General therefore absolutely forbids any officer or soldier
takin" a wagon by his own authority, and, more especially,
stopping them when sent on other services, as it is easy to
see that the greatest confusion must, in that case, ensue.
When teams are wanted, application must be made to the
Quartermaster-General or his Deputy; and every brigade
or regiment must wait till the service admits their having
them in that channel. The commanding officers of regi-
ments are also required to appoint some spirited, resolute
officer to attend the loading of the wagons, and prevent
their being filled with lumber and improper articles. Tents
and the proper baggage of the regiment are only to be put
into the wagons. All others must be left behind ; and the
General cafls upon the General Officers and command-
ing officers of regiments to set an example to the sol-
diers.
(Parole,
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 29, 1776.
.) (Coumrr>ii;ii, .)
John Eustace, Esq., appointed Aid-de-Cainp to Gen-
eral Lee ; and Adjutant Bradford, of Colonel Hitchcock's
Regiment, is appointed temporary Aid-do-Camp.
The representation made of Colonel Webb's Regiment,
yesterday, by General McDougall, appearing to be a mis-
take, and that they kept the post assigned them, notwith-
standing a severe cannonade, the General takes the first
opportunity to make it known, to prevent any unfavourable
impression.
Until the guards are otherwise fixed, every division is to
mount guard opposite to their posts, according to the situa-
tion of the ground.
Alexander Scammell, Esq., appointed Assistant to the
Adjutant-General for General Lee's Division.
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 27, 1776.
(Parole, •) (Countersign, .)
Lieutenant Sickles, of General Scott's Brigade, tried by
a Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Holman was President,
and convicted of " disobeying general orders, by loading a
wagon with goods not the proper baggage of the regiment,
and also, when charged therewith, of behaving in a scan-
dalous, infamous manner, unbecoming an officer and the
gentleman," the Court sentenced him to be cashiered. The
General approves the sentence, and orders him to be dis-
missed the service. He also directs that he leave the army
immediately.
The General, observing that the army seems unacquainted
with the enemy's Horse, and that when any parties meet
with them, they do not oppose them with the same alacrity
which they show in other cases, thinks it necessary to inform
the officers and soldiers that in such a broken country, full
of stone walls, there is no enemy more to be despised, as
they cannot leave the road ; so that any party attacking
them may be always sure of doing it to advantage, by taking
post in the woods by the roads, or along the stone walls,
where they will not venture to follow them. And as an
encouragement to any brave parties who will endeavour to
surprise some of them, the General offers one hundred dol-
lars for every Trooper, with his horse and accoutrements,
which shall be brought in, and so in proportion for any
part, to be divided according to the rank and pay of the
party.
The Picket Guard to be reinforced this evening with a
regiment from each division. They are to parade at five
o'clock this evening, near Head-Quarters. The eldest
Colonel to command the whole, and to come to Head-
Quarters for orders before they march off.
The constant beating of drums on all occasions is very
improper. There should be no drum but on the parade
and main guard. All fatigue parties to march with the fife ;
and no drum to beat, on any account, after retreat beating,
but by special order.
John Cawley and Michael McDaniel, of Colonel Has-
lett's Regiment, tried by the Court-Martial whereof Colonel
Holman was President, for "robbing Isaiah Rider," are both
acquitted. The General approves the sentence, and orders
them to be discharged.
James Daniel, of Captain Horton's Company, Colonel
Ritzema's Regiment, convicted by the same Court-Martial,
is ordered to receive thirty-nine lashes and forfeit two months'
pay. The General approves the sentence, and orders it to
be executed at the usual time and place.
William Turner and Daniel Shute are appointed Aids-
de-Camp to General Lincoln, and are to he obeyed and
respected accordingly.
The Court of Inquiry on. Colonel Tyler having reported
that there is no sufficient reason for the appointment of a
Court-Martial on his conduct, the General orders him to be
released from his arrest.
Regimental Courts-Martial to be formed immediately, for
the trial of prisoners charged with crimes under their cogni-
EXTHACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN ANNAPOLIS,
DATED WHITE-PLAINS, OCTOBER 29, 1776.
I now snatch an opportunity by the post of informing
you that General McDougall's brigade, of which the Mary-
land Regulars is a part, having laid in the wood for three
nights, two miles from this place, and to the right of the
main body as a covering party, was ordered to advance
along the road about a mile, near a place called the Mile-
Stone, and there take post, which was accordingly done.
The brigade was there joined by Hazlet's Delaware bat-
talion and a small regiment of Militia from Connecticut.
They were no sooner formed than the enemy began a heavy
cannonade from a great number of field-pieces advantage-
ously disposed on several rising grounds, which was answered
by the only two cannon which attended our brigade, little
or no execution being done on either side, till Colonel
Smallwood, with the Man/landers, was ordered to march
down the hill and attack the enemy, which they did ; and
a smart contest ensued, in which the enemy gave way, but
rallying again, and attacking the right of the brigade, com-
posed of the Militia aforesaid, they got the advantage, and
their situation being such, and being drawn up in a heavy
column, only our regiment and another (Ritzma's) could
come in for any part of the action. Those two brave
regiments stood a very heavy fire of their artillery and
musketry for about half an hour, when the whole brigade,
being vastly outnumbered, and cramped in respect of ground,
was obliged to retreat, a reinforcement under General
Putnam not being able to get up in time to give the neces-
sary assistance. This reinforcement was General BealFs
brigade. The enemy now occupy the ground where we
took post yesterday, and are a mile from our lines at the
White-Plains. Colonel Smallwood staid upon the place
of action some time after the retreat had begun, and received
two wounds, one a flesh wound on his hip, the other through
his arm ; he is, however, in good spirits, and I hope will
soon be in a condition to take the field again. All our
officers and men behaved with their usual bravery. We
have lost of our regiment, Captain Bracco, killed in the
retreat; Sergeants Belt and Westlay, killed. Captain
Scott is mortally wounded ; indeed I fear he is dead at this
moment ; Lieutenant Goldsmith badly wounded in the leg,
and Lieutenant Waters's leg broke to pieces. As near as
I can guess, our regiment has near forty killed, wounded,
and missing.
The enemy form a considerable body near to our main
body, and I expect every moment to see them attack.
zance.
(Parole,
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 28, 1776.
.) (Countersign, .)
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Your express did not call yesterday, or I
overlooked him in the hurry of the day. If I had seen him
I should have informed you that the cannonade you heard was
at Mount Washington, and not at this place. Two frigates
came up and anchored a little below the forts to stop the
passage at Burdetfs Ferry; but one of them soon got such
a dose from a battery of two eighteen-pounders that she
was obliged to cut and run, having received twenty-six shot
through her hull. She was towed off by her own boats and
those of her consort, with pumps constantly going. They
at the same time attacked our lines at Harlem Heights,
but were repulsed.
1285
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1286
Yesterday morning we received information that the
main body of the enemy were moving towards us. We made
every suitable disposition to give them a suitable reception.
They at first bent their course towards our centre, in the
little village at the Plains, hut finding our works stronger
than they expected, they filed oft' towards our right, and
made their attack upon a hill which overlooks the village,
and on which we had posted a few regiments. As our
men were without cover, they could not withstand a very
heavy fire of Artillery followed by a large body of Infantry ;
they however made as good a defence as could be expected,
and came off without much loss.
The enemy after this remained quiet, only extending
themselves about a mile over towards the North River.
It is a little extraordinary that this move should be made
in our rear. Lord Stirling is detached ahead of them to
get possession of the passes among the hills, and General
Parsons has taken post near the head of Rye Pond, which
secures the pass in our front. From the situation of the
two armies, something of considerable import must turn up
in a few days. Except we can get a vast superiority of
ground, our raw troops are not a match for their disciplined
soldiers, especially when backed by constant fire of artillery.
The General presents his compliments to Mr. Livingston
and yourself. He begs you will say to him that he received
a letter from him yesterday, which he would have answered,
but he hopes the urgency of the time will be a sufficient
excuse.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
To William Duer, Esq., of the Committee of Correspond-
ence, FishkilL
GENERAL JAMES CLINTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.
Fort Montgomery, October 29, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Agreeable to a resolve of the Committee
of Safety for the State of New-York, I send you Sihanus
Scowfield, cooper in Captain Darling's company, and
Sergeant Sickles with nineteen others belonging to this
garrison, which is all the coopers we have at this place
except three or four, which is drafted to do duty with
the train of artillery. But if you are in want of any more
coopers, I suppose I can supply you, as I have not got a
return of the coopers at the fort near Pcekskill and Fort
Constitution; but I expect them soon, as I have ordered
it to be made and sent to me. Therefore you'll be pleased
to let me know if those I now send be sufficient ; if not, I
will send those at the other posts.
I think it my duty to inform you at this time, when you
are about making out the arrangement of the four regiments
to be raised in the State of New-York, that Lieutenant
Hasbrouck, of Captain Bellknap's company, and Lieutenant
Parsons, of Captain Swartwout's company, both of the
Second New- York Regiment, were ordered under an arrest,
and tried by a General Court-Martial. Lieutenant Has-
brouck was honourably acquitted, and Lieutenant Parsons,
found guilty of the charge laid against him, was dismissed
the service. In making out the new arrangement, I hope
the rest of the officers of the Second New- York Regiment,
whereof I was appointed Colonel, will not be forgot.
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES CLINTON, Brigadier-General.
To the President of the honourable Convention of the
State of New-York, FishkilL
I should be exceeding glad if you think proper to appoint
the gentleman mentioned in the Colonel's letter as Second
Lieutenant.
In haste, am, sir, your very humble servant,
PETRUS VAN GAASBECK.
To William Duer, Esq., FishkilL
PETRUS VAN GAASBECK TO WILLIAM DUER.
Manor Livingston, October 29, 1776.
SIR: I herewith send you enclosed the muster-roll, agree-
able to the resolve of Convention passed the 9th instant.
Also enclose a letter from Colonel Peter R. Livingston, in
which he makes mention that I have engaged cartouch-
boxes for all my men. If convenient, beg you will send
me so much money as to pay for them. Please to give me
an answer to the Colonel's letter of what relates to the
company.
I have been upon duty for some days, by order of our
Committee. I now wait your orders. Here keeps a large
number concealed in the woods in this district, and upon
the borders of D.utchess.
PETER R. LIVINGSTON TO WILLIAM DUER.
Manor Livingston, October 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR* Captain Gaasbeck has got his company full,
and mustered the 19th instant. He has been upon duty
by order of our Committee here since. He now waits your
orders ; but would be very glad if you would be pleased to
get Lieutenant Samuel J. Ten Broeck appointed his Second
Lieutenant, as he finds the want of another officer, having
occasion often to divide his company into three parties.
The Committee of this district will send you down a list of
all our bad people in a little time. Captain Gaasbeck has
engaged cartouch-boxes for all his men, at fourteen shillings
apiece, which they are willing to pay for. If he should want
a little money, please to help him to it, for the use of his
company.
I have wrote to Convention concerning the flour I have
sent to Albany. Captain Jansen is gone to Barington for
the boards he bought, and to purchase grain and teams.
Am, sir, your very humble servant,
PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
To William Duer, Esq., FishkilL
PETER R. LIVINGSTON TO PIERRE VAN CORTLANDT.
Manor Livingston, October 29, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : Finding, on my arrival here, the demand
for flour for the Northern department still increasing, thought
it most prudent to send up to Mr. Avery all the flour that was
in the mills about this place, which, together with what goes
from Esopus, will make about nine hundred barrels, two
hundred of which was bought by Mr. Schenck of Captain
Hoffman, and seventy odd of Mr. Matthew Cantine. The
rest were purchased by a clerk of Mr. Avery and myself,
and were intended for Peekskill, had not the pressing
demand from Albany made it necessary to send it there. I
purpose going to Albany this week to consult further with
Mr. Avery, whether it will be most for the good of the ser-
vice to send what will be ready by the return of the sloops
to Peekskill or to Albany.
Have sent Captain Jansen into New-England to send
down the boards he has bought there, and to purchase grain
and teams, in order to forward the service all in my power
Shall do myself the honour to write you from Albany.
Am, gentlemen, your very humble servant,
PETER R. LIVINGSTON.
To Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., Vice-President, FishkilL
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Saratoga, October 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Your Excellency's obliging favour of the 22d
instant I had the honour to receive yesterday. I read with
sensible satisfaction your judicious remarks on the Militia.
I assure you they are realized in this quarter; and if Gen-
eral Gates was not so very importunate to have them at
Tyonderoga, I should certainly dismiss many of them, as
they move with much reluctance, and will neither assist in
fortifying or mounting guard. Those from New-England
are ordered to Tyonderoga, by the way of Skenesborough.
Those from this County I have distributed in such a man-
ner at the different posts on the communication, as to pre-
vent any interruption from the enemy in sending on supplies,
excepting near one thousand, which I have sent into Tryon
County. By advices from thence we learn that the enemy
meditate an attack in that quarter, and this account is cor-
roborated by the departure of several of the principal Tories,
who are gone to join the enemy. It is very probable that
General Carleton may have detached a party of Indians,
Tories, and Canadians, to penetrate into that part of the
country, in order to embarrass and draw off our attention
from him.
Enclose you copy of General Gates's last letter to me.
1287
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, tic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1288
Your Excellency will perceive that he believes General
Carkton will make an attempt upon him. I really think
he cannot do it at any time this campaign in which we shall
be in a better condition to receive him ; but if he defers it
to another, I think our works may be so strengthened, and
such precautions taken, as will render it utterly impossible
for almost any army to penetrate by the way of Tyonde-
roga ; and an army that shall attempt to march from
Crown Point so as to leave Tyonderoga on the right, will
find itself so involved in such a variety of difficulties as are
inextricable, and must prove fatal.
Every precaution your Excellency has suggested shall be
taken, and not a carriage or any sustenance left for the
enemy, in case our troops should be obliged to retire from
Tyonderoga.
Barracks are erecting at this place, and I hope will be
finished in three weeks, capable of receiving a thousand
men. 1 propose some others on the communication, if time
and circumstances will permit.
Adieu, my dear General. I am, with every wish that
esteem and affection suggests, your Excellency's most
obedient, humble servant, pH ScHUYLER>
To His Excellency General Washington.
Endorsed: Answered 4th, 1776 ; Receipt of his letter; those for Con-
gress transmitted; supplies of provisions for Tyconderoga of great
importance; his Excellency happy that they cannot be intercepted; no
important event since last.
Ticonderoga, Saturday evening, seven o'clock, )
October 26, 1776. J
SIR: Two men, taken prisoners by a scout of the enemy's
Indians the night before last, are this moment returned by
permission of General Carleton, upon the same terms as
those sent with General Waterbury. By every information
they give, an attack may hourly be expected here. The
wind is now against the enemy's fleet, as it providentially
has been for this week past, and it is to be wished it may
continue so until those tardy succours arrive which I have
been told so long ago to expect. Where is Dayton's regi-
ment ? If they received your orders in time, their behaviour
is shameful.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Ho. GATES.
To Hon. Major-General Schuyter.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 29, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: Mr. Evans has been sent me by the
Secretary at War, to be forwarded to Canada. I expressed
my doubts on the propriety of sending a flag to General
Carleton, after the orders he had issued when Major Bigelow
formerly went with one. However, upon further delibera-
tion, and advising with Messrs. Stockton and Clymer, we
concluded that it would be best to send Mr. Evans on to
you, to be forwarded if you shall think it advisable. I
have given directions to Colonel Dayton, in whose charge
he is, to prevent him from seeing any thing at the different
posts as he passes.
On Tuesday last, our people had the advantage in a
skirmish with Major Rogers, at Mamaroneck. We took
sixty prisoners. Have no accounts of the killed.
I am, dear sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To General Gates.
COLONEL GANSEVOORT TO GENERAL GATES.
Fort George, October 29, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Part of the Militia from the County of Albany
has been ordered to this post, and I have received orders
from General Schuyler to employ them in erecting a picket
fort round the General Hospital. He informs me that he
has sent to Albany for axes ; but being apprehensive that
a sufficient quantity of them cannot be procured there, he
has been pleased to refer me to your Honour for a supply
of what may be wanting. If any shovels and spades can
be spared from your post, I beg they may be sent for the
above-mentioned purpose.
I am, sir, your humble servant, p GANSEVOORT.
To the Hon. Major-General Gates.
BF.NJAMIN PAYNE TO THE COMMITTEE FOR WETHERSFIELD,
CONNECTICUT.
Hartford, October 29, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: This day, about noon, passed through this
town three travellers, as 1 am informed, on their way, as
they say, to Philadelphia. Two of them call themselves
French Colonels, and the other is in character of interpreter
to them. The extraordinary stories they tell, and never
twice alike, upon the road, when they stop, gives the great-
est reason to suspect that they are impostors, and on no
good design, and ought, no doubt, to be taken up and
examined strictly ; for if they are what they pretend to be,
they will be able to show good credentials. If otherwise,
it will be doing a real service to detect them. When they
left here, they said they intended to lodge at Mr. Deane's
this night. Perhaps that was with a view to prevent their
being pursued immediately. Since they were gone, (indeed
I knew nothing of them until after they were gone, as I
am confined to my room,) have, received a messenger from
Springfield, and another from Suffield, both of which con-
firm the same suspicion, and all concur in this, that they
ought to be questioned who and what they are.
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant,
BENJA. PAYNE.
To the Committee of Inspection, &c., Wethersfield.
ON MONOPOLIZERS.
'Tis a common saying, "every thing has two handles,"
the meaning of which is, every thing is capable of being
improved to a good or bad purpose. Should we suppose
any thing ever so well adapted in its nature to produce good,
its tendency to this end may be prevented by misapplica-
tion, as to be productive of evil. Innumerable instances
might be mentioned to confirm this truth ; but I shall, at
present, select only one : 'tis that of commerce.
The design of this, if grounded on the principles either of
reason or religion, is the good of mankind ; and if managed
as it ought to be, the good of mankind would be the effect.
But 'tis capable, through the influence of an unreasonably
private spirit, of being as great a curse as it might have
been a blessing if every one sought his own in union with
the weal of others. Of this we have a most striking illus-
tration in the management of commerce in this town and
land. A self-seeking spirit appears to have taken a uni- '
versa! spread. Those who are employed in carrying on
trade seem to have totally forgot that eternal rule of righte-
ousness, " Do to others as you would they should do to
you," and to have placed as unrighteous an one in its room,
"Get what you can, no matter how nor who is oppressed
and distressed thereby." 'Tis, without all doubt, reason-
able and fit that merchants and traders should consult their
own interest, and endeavour to promote it ; but, at the same
time, 'tis unreasonable and shameful in them to do this in
opposition to the interest of others, taking occasion, from
their necessities and sufferings, to turn oppressors and ex-
tortioners, that by this means they may enrich them-
selves.
If the traders in this town and land had managed their
commercial business with any tolerable regard to the good
of the publick, as they might have done, in consistency with
seeking their own profit, so far as it was fit and proper they
should, being members of one and the same political body,
we should have been at this day in happy circumstances,
compared with what we now are. Our traders, considered
in general, are, in the view of all considerate persons, as
grand oppressors, and as truly and extensively so, in pro-
portion to the sphere in which they move, as our ministerial
oppressors in England; and unless they are soon restrained,
either from a virtuous principle within or from some exten-
sive power, they will be the destroyers of the poor, the
widow, the fatherless, and all others whose situation in life
is such as renders it impossible for them to do justice to
themselves. To what can it be attributed, but the exces-
sive love traders have to their own precious selves, that
they put such an extravagant price upon the commodities
they have to sell ? And what an unspeakable damage has
this been to the publick ! It has occasioned the undue
rise of every thing we depend upon for the support and
comfort of life. Farmers, manufacturers in their several
1289
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1290
occupations, and labourers in all their kinds, excuse their
high demands for what is wanted in their way from the still
higher demands of traders for what they have to sell. In
very truth, our traders, both in town and country, are the
real cause of the monstrously high price of every thing;
and the love of their own interest, in opposition to the
interest of all others, and to the subversion of it, if they
may get by it, is that shameful principle by which they are
governed in this whole affair.
Monopolizers, in this day of common calamity, are our
worst oppressors. Those among them, in special, are so,
who, not content with the thousands they are righteously
entitled to, in consequence of the prizes the commissioned
vessels they own have brought in, have been unduly influ-
enced, from an avaricious disposition, to make a monopoly
of as much of the effects of those prizes as their cunning
would enable them to do, that, by an excessively enhanced
price, they might by and by get that from others, however
poor and destitute, which both reason and revelation unite
in calling the gain of oppression. These extortioners are
not only sordidly unjust, but basely wanting in gratitude to
that Providence which has distinguished them from most
others in this day of general distress ; and they ought to be
restrained by Government within the limits of what is right
and fit ; and unless some measures are soon authoritatively
come into to effect so righteous and valuable an end, it
may be feared whether undesirable consequences will not
take place, as a general clamour begins to be loudly heard.
Needham, Massachusetts, October 29, 1776.
PETITION OF THE TOWN OF LYNDSBOROUGH.
Lyndsborough, October 29, 1776.
GENTLEMEN : The Setectmen and Committee of Safety
for the town of Lyndcsborough considering our unqualified-
ness in making publick defence against the enemy, being
destitute of a town stock of powder, and in order to obtain
the same, a town meeting has been called, and Mr. Joseph
Herrick is chose to provide the same, if it can be procured,
which stock, if provided, will be kept as a town stock for
the use of the town, in case of any sudden emergency or
alarm.
JOHN STEPHENSON,
BENJAMIN JONES,
JAMES BOATWELL,
Committee of Safety for said town.
To the General Court or Committee of Safety for the Col-
ony of New-Hampshire.
BY THE KING.
A Proclamation for a General Fast in England and Wales.
GEORGE R.
We, taking into our most serious consideration the just
and necessary measures of force which we are obliged
to use against our rebellious subjects in our Colonies and
Provinces in North America, and putting our trust in
Almighty God, that He will vouchsafe a special blessing on
our arms both by sea and land, have resolved, and do, by
and with the advice of our Privy Council, hereby com-
mand, that a publick fast and humiliation be observed
throughout that part of our kingdom of Great Britain called
England, our dominion of Wales, and town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, upon Friday, the 13th day of December next;
that so both we and our people may humble ourselves before
Almighty God, in order to obtain pardon of our sins, and
may, in the most devout and solemn manner, send up our
prayers and supplications to the Divine Majesty for averting
those heavy judgments which our manifold sins and provo-
cations have most justly deserved, and for imploring His
intervention and blessing speedily to deliver our loyal sub-
jects within our Colonies and Provinces in North America
from the violence, injustice, and tyranny of those daring
Rebels who have assumed to themselves the exercise of
arbitrary power ; to open the eyes of those who have been
deluded by specious falsehoods into acts of treason and
rebellion ; to turn the hearts of the authors of these calami-
ties ; and, finally, to restore our people in those distracted
Provinces and Colonies to the happy condition of being free
subjects of a free State, under which heretofore they flour-
ished so long and prospered so much. And we do strictly
charge and command, that the said publick fast be reve-
rently and devoutly observed by all our loving subjects in
England, our dominion of Wales, and town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, as they tender the favour of Almighty God,
and would avoid his wrath and indignation, and upon pain
of such punishment as we may justly inflict upon all such
as contemn and neglect the performance of so religious a
duty. And for the better and more orderly solemnizing the
same, we have given directions to the most reverend the
Archbishops and the right reverend the Bishops of England
to compose a form of prayer suitable to this occasion, to be
used in all churches, chapels, and places of publick worship,
and to take care the same be timely dispersed throughout
their respective dioceses.
Given at our Court of St. James's, the thirtieth day of
October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six,
in the seventeenth year of our reign.
God save the King !*
BY THE KING.
A Proclamation for a General Fast in Scotland.
GEORGE R.
We, taking into our most serious consideration the just
and necessary measures of force which we are obliged to
use against our rebellious subjects in our Colonies and
Provinces in North America, and putting our trust in
Almighty God that He will vouchsafe a special blessing on
our arms both by sea and land, have resolved, and do, by
and with the ad vice of our Privy Council, hereby command
that a publick fast and humiliation be observed throughout
that part of our kingdom of Great Britain called Scotland,
upon Thursday, the 12th day of December next, that so
both we and our people may humble ourselves before
Almighty God, in order to obtain pardon of our sins, and
may, in the most devout and solemn manner, send up our
prayers and supplications to the Divine Majesty for averting
those heavy judgments which our manifold sins and provo-
cations have most justly deserved, and for imploring His
intervention and blessing speedily to deliver our loyal sub-
jects within our Colonies and Provinces in North America
from the violence, injustice, and tyranny of those daring
Rebels who have assumed to themselves the exercise of
arbitrary power; to open the eyes of those who have
been deluded by specious falsehoods into acts of treason and
rebellien ; to turn the hearts of the authors of these calami-
ties ; and, finally, to restore our people in those distracted
Provinces and Colonies to the happy condition of being
free subjects of a free State, under which heretofore they
flourished so long and prospered so much. And we do
strictly charge and command, that the said publick fast be
reverently and devoutly observed by all our loving subjects
in Scotland, as they tender the favour of Almighty God,
and would avoid His wrath and indignation, and upon pain
of such punishment as we may justly inflict on all such as
contemn and neglect the performance of so religious a duty.
Our will is, therefore, and we charge, that incontinent this
our proclamation seen, ye pass to the Market Cross of
Edinburgh, and all other places needful, and there, in our
name and authority, make publication hereof, that none pre-
tend ignorance. And our will and pleasure is, that our
Solicitor do cause printed copies hereof to be sent to the
Sheriffs of the several shires, Stewarts of stewarties, and
* Mr. BURKE'S remarks on the foregoing Proclamation, of October 30, 1776.
Mr. Burke, in the House of Commons, speaking on the American
contest, in which he was severe against the Ministry, said:
"That, after having been massacred, first by the Hessians, and then
by the lawyers, they now talked of a revisal of the acts that had been
complained of seven years ago. After burning their towns, and ruining
their commerce, the Minister cries out, ' Come unto me all ye that are
weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." But what sort of
rest? You shall have magistrates not of your own choosing; taxes
without your assent; and laws made for you in England." He com-
plained bitterly of some expressions in the proclamation for the general
fast. He said the purposes of religion were to be inverted; for we were
to go to church in a most impious manner, to accuse our American
brethren of being deluded into acts of treason by specious falsehoods.
This he condemned as blasphemous, and converting the house of God
into the tabernacle of Satan. Here he was called to order, but after-
wards proceeded, and justified the resistance of the .Imericans. He
also made Administration accountable for all the blood that had been
shed, and all the horrours of war: those were the sins we were to atone
for, and to deprecate the wrath of Heaven by a general fast; and surely
no people ever had more reason to humble themselves before God.
He spoke with great vehemence above an hour.
1291
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1292
bailiffs of regalities, and their clerks, whom we ordain to see
the same published. And we appoint them to send doubles
hereof to the several paroch kirks within their bounds, that,
upon the Lord's Day immediately preceding the day above
mentioned, the same may be published and read from the
pulpits immediately after divine service.
Given at our Court at St. James's, the thirtieth day of
October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six,
in the seventeenth year of our reign.
God save the King !
CAPTAIN COOKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At Sea, ship Defence, October 30, 1776.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN : On the 4th of this instant, I
wrote you by Captains Brown and Walker, who I sent in
with a snow and sloop taken off St. Augustine, which I hope
have got safe in. I flattered myself at that time that you
would have heard from me sooner. 1 this day have taken
a small schooner with forty hogsheads rum, three hogsheads
sugar, one hundred weight coffee, a few barrels limes, Sic.,
from Dominica by her clearance bound to Newfoundland,
but have reason to believe the Captain of her intended to
New-York, to supply the Ministerial army. He gives me
information of two brigs and three schooners to sail from
Dominica in a day or two with rum, sugar, and coffee, for
New- York or Halifax. I shall, endeavour to be in their
way, and hope you'll be no way uneasy should I stay
rather longer out than you might expect.
I have spoke a schooner from Charkstown for Cape
Nichola, and yesterday spoke a French ship from Cape
Nichola bound for France. We have spoke every thing
we have seen but one schooner, which we did not attempt,
being in chase of a French ship, which gives me great
reason to think our ship sails fast.
Our ship's company keeps their health extremely well ;
and have the pleasure to inform you we are all well satisfied,
and that tbe greatest harmony subsists between us. I hope
you will pardon the freedom I here use, being a young officer
in this service, in pointing out to you those officers under
my command that is deserving of appointments ; but I should
in every degree think myself blameable to my country,
should I not mention such to you : Mr. Auchenlick and
Mr. Burnell, my two Lieutenants, from every circumstance
since with me, I find them to be experienced and brave
officers, have been a considerable time in the British navy,
and from every thing I can observe, hath entered into our
service entirely from principle. I have likewise occasion to
mention Mr. Joseph Smith, Second Lieutenant of Marines
on board, who has behaved extremely well. From those
circumstances they hope for your favour at the time of
appointments in the country service.
I am, honourable gentlemen, your most obedient, humble
servant> GEO. COOKE.
To the honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, .Annap-
olis.
P. S. I have enclosed you a list of all the officers and
men belpnging to the ship. I would have transmitted
sooner, but it was not in my power. G. C.
At Sea, ship Defence, October 30, 1776.
HONOURED SIR AND MOST WORTHY FRIEND : From some
of your last expressions to me that you expected to hear from
me often, and the pleasure it gives me to write to you, shall
trouble you in reading my scrawls. I wrote you on the 4th
instant by Captain Walker, in a prize sloop, and the same
day sent away a snow, which I hope both have got safe
into the port of Annapolis.
Yesterday, at 4 p. m., took a small schooner with forty
hogsheads rum, and three hogsheads sugar, one hundred
weight coffee, a few barrels limes, &tc., from Dominica,
cleared out for Newfoundland ; but from what the Captain
said, that he intended for America, I have great reason to
believe he intended for New-York, to supply the Ministerial
army. He says that there was at Dominica two brigs and
three schooners, that will sail in a day or two. I shall
endeavour to fall in with them, which may in some degree
lengthen our cruise.
This minute spied a sail ; a ship to leeward. I'm in
hopes she'll prove a prize.
Since I wrote the above, have spoke the ship ; she is a
French ship from St. Dominica for Marseilles, which proves
to be no prize. 1 have not the least doubt of doing some-
thing clever before I go in, although the time 1 can stay out
is not a great while, with safety, on account of my water.
1 have forty-two days at half a gallon per man per day; but
must return with enough, should I be forced from our Capes.
I'm in a great hurry to get this schooner away, and hopes
you'll make my excuses to my most worthy friends Colonel
Fitzhugh and Colonel Barnes. I doubt not but they will
blame me for not writing them, and must beg your favour
to reconcile that, and am in hopes when I've the pleasure of
your and their company on board, that I shall be able to
clear it up to their satisfaction.
Please accept of my best wishes to your lady and self;
and if not too much trouble, please offer my compliments to
those of my friends.
We are all in high spirits and very healthy. We have seen
nothing we chased but what we have come up with and
spoke with.
I am, honoured sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
GEORGE COOKE.
P. S. I have desired Mr. Langrel, prize-master, to send
you and the other gentlemen of the Council, a few limes,
which I hope you'll please to accept. G. C.
RICHARD BOND TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Cecil County, October 30, 1776.
SIR: This may inform you that I am setting up a gun
factory, which I expect will be ready to go about Christmas,
where work will be done in the best manner ; where gun-
barrels may be had ready for stocking, any quality. Relying
upon the publick spirit of the Council, I never made appli-
cation ; but hope to meet with encouragement, as it will cost
a considerable sum of money to set it agoing. I may be
obliged to apply for money to carry it on, in which case,
sir, I beg your influence, and also in contracting for work.
I beg, sir, that you would signify your pleasure respecting it
in a letter; and in doing you will much oblige, sir, your
most obedient and humble servant,
RICH'D BOND.
To Mr. Daniel of Saint Thomas Jenifer, Esq., these, per
favour of Mr. James Disney.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO DANIEL TILLINGHAST.
October 30, 1776.
SIR: As heavy duck is wanted for the New-Hampshire
frigate, which cannot be procured in that State, we desire
you will without delay send forward to John Langclon,
Esq., eighty bolts of heavy duck, if that quantity belonging
to the Continent is in your possession, or in the possession
of any other person in your State. You will also supply
Mr. Langdon and Messrs. Silas $f Barnabas Deane, with
any Continental stores that they may apply to you for, for
the use of the frigates Raleigh and Trumbull.
Lieutenant McDougall, of the brig Andrea Doria, has
accounted for the expenditure of forty-five pounds you
advanced him to defray his travelling expenses, together with
seven of the people belonging to said brigantine from your
State to this place ; therefore we think proper to deduct
that sum from the sales of the prize which they brought in,
and put under your care.
We are, sir, your very humble servants.
To Daniel Tillinghast, Esq.
MARINE COMMITTEE TO COMMODORE HOPKINS.
October 30, 1776.
SIR: We have received such intelligence as satisfies us
that the enemy's ships and vessels have all quitted Georgia
and the Carolinas, which renders it unnecessary for you to
pursue the expeditions formerly directed to these States.
But as we have still reason to suppose that the Galatea and
Nautilus are cruising off the capes of Virginia, we desire
you will proceed thither with all possible despatch, and
endeavour to fall in with these ships, and take, sink, or
1293
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
destroy them. If, when you are on that station, you shall
be informed that any of the enemy's ships of war have
returned to the Carolina* or Georgia, you are in that case to
go in search of them, and effectually remove them. Having
finished this business, you are to return and cruise for and
endeavour to intercept the store and provision vessels coining
from Europe to the enemy's army at New-York. We
expect you will give this Committee information by every
opportunity of your proceedings, and what success you
may meet with in the above enterprises.
We wish you success ; and are, sir, your most humble
servants.
To Esek Hopkins, Esq.
JOHN WITHERSPOON TO GENERAL GATES.
Princeton, October 30, 1776.
SIR : It is not long since I heard from Mrs. Gates and
your son who went home the beginning of the vacation.
I expect her here with him in about ten days, when the
College session begins. 1 have the pleasure of assuring
you that he has in all respects behaved in the most unex-
ceptionable manner, and acquitted himself well at exami-
nation for admission into College, so that I hope General
will have much pleasure in him.
I send this by my son, who finds he can do nothing in
the present situation of affairs upon his farm, and therefore
is desirous of going into the army. It is his own particular
desire to be with you. He can easily get a commission in
the new levies of this Province, but if he could be appointed
Aid-de-Camp to any of the Generals, I think it would be
a happy introduction ; and as he is young, vigourous, and
active, I hope he would acquit himself with fidelity and
credit in that service. I have given him a letter to Colonel
Maxwell, just now appointed a Brigadier-General, but do
chiefly depend on your friendship and advice to him, which
he will certainly follow.
It gave me much concern that you had not an immediate
and fully satisfactory answer to your letter to Congress
relating to the dissolving the Court-Martial. There was a
full and ample report brought in upon it by the Board of
War, but it was postponed, after some debate, for a little ;
and many things being 'thrust in that seemed to require,
immediate despatch, it was some time before it was brought
in again ; and the second time, when it was just about to
be almost unanimously agreed to, by the artful management
of some who wanted a little alteration made, it was post-
poned again by the demand of a paper which was not at
hand. Since that time, your friends thought it not worth
while to resume it. I must, however, assure you that by
far the greatest part of the Congress have a very high sense
of your importance and services; in a particular manner for
discouraging to the utmost of your power Colonial jealousies
and distinctions.
I have written to General Maxwell that he is indebted to
you for a very honourable mention of him in your letter to
Congress, which was read at the last promotion of General
Officers, when he could certainly have been promoted but
for some of his friends here.
We have heard with concern the destruction of our fleet
upon the lake, but it is satisfying to think that they behaved
so well. I heartily pray that God Almighty may crown
you with success in your present critical situation and most
important charge. I have given all the attention in my
power to the supply and interest of the Northern army, and
shall continue to do so.
Wishing you all happiness, I am, sir, your most obedient,
humble servant, T „,
JNO. WITHERSPOON.
To General Gates.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER OF THE SIXTY-
FOURTH REGIMENT, IN YORK-ISLAND, TO HIS FRIEND IN
LONDON, DATED NEW-YORK, OCTOBER 30, 1776.
The Rebel army are in so wretched a condition as to
clothing and accoutrements, that I believe no nation ever
saw such a set of tatterdemalions. There are few coats
among them but what are out at elbows, and in a whole
regiment there is scarce a pair of breeches. Judge then how
they must be pinched by a winter campaign. We, who
are warmly clothed and well equipped, already feel it
severely ; for it is even now much colder than I ever felt
it in England. As to provisions they have been pretty
well supplied ; more care has been taken of their bellies than
their backs. But we have lately made a prize that must
distress them exceedingly, no less than a church full of salt;
so that the poor Yankees literally won't have salt to their
porridge. When they retreated, they left fifteen hundred
men in Fort Washington; and next day fifteen hundred
more came into it from Fort Constitution; so that they
have now a garrison of three thousand men under the com-
mand of General Lee, who I find is to be the scape-goat,
and I fear will be destined to the cord.
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Fort Lee, October 31, 1776.
DEAR SIR: The enemy have possession of Fort Inde-
pendence on the heights above King's Bridge. They made
their appearance the night before last. We had got every
thing of value away. The bridges are cut down, and I
gave Colonel Magaw orders 'to stop the road between the
mountains.
I should be glad to know your Excellency's mind about
holding all the ground from King's Bridge to the lower
lines. If we attempt to hold the ground, the garrison must
still be reinforced, but if tile garrison is to draw into Mount
Washington and only keep that, the number of troops on
the island is too large.
We are notable to determine with any certainty whether
those troops that have taken post above King's Bridge are
the same troops, or not, that were in and about Harlem
several days past. They disappeared from below all at once ;
and some little time after, about fifty boats full of men, were
seen going up towards Hunt's Point, and that evening the
enemy were discovered at Fort Independence. We suspect
them to be the same troops that were engaged in the Sunday
skirmish.
Six officers belonging to privateers that were taken by
the enemy, made their escape last night. They inform me
that they were taken by the last fleet that came in. They
had about six thousand foreign troops on board, one quarter
of which had the black scurvy, and died very fast.
Seventy sail of transports and ships fell down to Red-
Hook. They were bound for Rhode-Island; had on board
about three thousand troops. They also inform that after
the Sunday action, an officer of distinction was brought into
the city badly wounded.
The ships have come up the river to their station again,
a little below their lines. Several deserters from Powle's
Hook have come over. They all report that General
Howe is wounded, as did those from the fleet. It appears
to be a prevailing opinion in the land and sea service.
I forwarded your Excellency a return of the troops at
this post, and a copy of a plan for establishing magazines.
I could wish to know your pleasure as to the magazines as
soon as possible.
I shall reinforce Colonel Magaw with Colonel Railing's
regiment, until I hear from your Excellency respecting the
matter.
The motions of the grand army will best determine the
propriety of endeavouring to hold all the ground from King's
Bridge to the lower lines. I shall be as much on the
Island of York as possible so as not to neglect the duties
of my own department.
I can learn no satisfactory accounts of the action of the
other day.
I am, with great respect, your Excellency's obedient
servant' NATHANAEL GREENE.
To His Excellency General Washington, at Camp at the
White-Plains.
GENERAL COURTS-MARTIAL.
At a General Court-Martial, held by order of his Excel-
lency General Washington, near White-Plains, for the trial
of such prisoners as shall be brought before them, October
30, 1776.
1295
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1296
Brigadier-General McDougall, President.
Members :
Colonel Baldivin, Captain Coal,
Lieut. Col. Wissenfells, Captain Warner,
Major Smith, Captain Lee,
Captain Coggsivell, Captain Hull,
Captain Bolster, Captain Pelton,
Captain CrooJcer, Captain Fenner.
Captain Knap,
Captain Peters appointed Judge Advocate for the above
Court.
Being three o'clock, P. M., the above Court adjourned
till nine o'clock to-morrow morning, then to meet at the
house of Mr. William Field.
October 31, H76. — Said Court met according to ad-
journment, and proceeded to the trial of Captain Pool, of
Colonel Cory's regiment, who was charged with shamefully
abandoning his post when on guard, without orders ; and,
being asked whether he was guilty or not guilty of the
charge, said Captain Poole plead " Not guilty."
Sergeant Hall, of Colonel Smith's regiment, being sworn,
says: He was on guard with Captain Poole; that about
three o'clock, P. M., on the 25th instant, the said Captain
Pool marched his guard fiom their post; that he knew of
no orders he had for it ; that the enemy was then advancing
towards White-Plains, but not towards the place where
said guard was posted.
Lebeus Shilley, being sworn, says: That a little before
night, on said 25th, Captain Poole marched his guard off,
but he knew of no orders for it.
Corporal Rogers, being sworn, agrees with the last witness.
Three o'clock, P. M., the Court adjourned till to-morrow
morning, ten o'clock.
November 3. — The Court proceeded on the above trial.
Major Lyman, being sworn, says : That he can't remem-
ber any particular orders that Captain Poole had, only
that he had two days' provision, and 'twas expected that he
would stay where he was posted till relieved.
Adjutant Torrey, being sworn, says : That he had orders
from Major Lyman to send a Captain and a party of men
for guard, to go to a place called Tukkahoe, with two days'
provisions; upon which he sent Captain Poole, and told him
he must take two days' provisions with him.
Lieutenant Clark, being sworn, says: That he knew of
no orders Captain Poole had respecting the time he was
to continue on guard where he was posted, only that he
took two days' provision ; further says, that Captain Poole
told him that, if he thought he should not be blamed, he
would march the guard off to camp; and said, in case he
should be blamed, they could come back to their post again ;
that they marched to camp, and came to the brigade parade
just at night, but he knew of no orders said Captain Poole
had for marching off his guard.
Lieutenant Hathaway, being sworn, says : That, after
their guard was posted by the Brigade-Major, Captain Poole
went out to view the ground, and when he returned, upon
finding the Major was gone, he asked him, said Lieutenant,
what orders the Major left for them ; be told the Captain,
none at all ; he further says they sent a Sergeant to General
Lee for orders respecting their conduct ; the said Sergeant
returned, and said that General Lee told him it was not sup-
posed they should stand against any great numbers, but that
they were to watch the motions of the enemy.
The Court determine that Captain Poole is guilty of the
charge alleged against him, and that he be cashiered.
ALEX. McDouGALL, Brigadier-General, President.
At a General Court-Martial, held by order of Major-
General Lee, at White-Plains, for the trial of such prisoners
as shall be brought before them, October 30, 1776.
Colonel Hitchcock, President.
Members :
Major 5 , Captain Thomas,
Captain Thompson, Lieutenant Clarke,
Captain Clarke, Lieutenant Miller,
Captain Olney, Lieutenant Lord,
Captain Lee, Lieutenant Grant,
Captain Dodge, Lieutenant Orne,
Captain Gumbly,
Ensign Young.
Captain Peters appointed Judge Advocate in the above
Court.
Peter Buise, of Captain CaldwelFs company, in Colonel
Haslelt's regiment, was brought before the Court, and
charged with the crime of desertion ; and, being asked
whether he was guilty or not guilty of the charge alleged
against him, the said prisoner plead "Guilty;" but said that
his whole intentions were to go to his wife, who was left in
York city when he marched from that place.
Sergeant Oldham, of Colonel Brewer's regiment, being
solemnly sworn, says: That last night, about eleven of the
clock, he saw the prisoner near the advanced lines of the
enemy ; that he went to him, thinking he had been one of
our advanced sentinels, and that, after some conversation
between them, the prisoner asked him what army he be-
longed to, whether to the King's army or not ? The wit-
ness replied, " Be sure I do ; what army do you belong to?"
The prisoner replied, to the American army; but that he
had set out to go to the King's army, hoping by that means
he should have an opportunity to see his wife, who was in
York, for he was very uneasy about her.
The Court, having maturely considered the cause before
them, are of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of a breach
of the first article of war, in the sixth section, and do there-
fore sentence him to suffer death.
DANIEL HITCHCOCK, President.
I do hereby certify that more than two-thirds of the
members of the aforesaid Court were agreed in the aforesaid
sentence.
Attest: ANDKEW PETERS, Judge Advocate.
GENERAL SCHUTLEH TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
[Read November 6: referred to the Board of War.]
Saratoga, October 30, 1776.
SIR : At two this morning I had the honour to receive
your letter of the 23d instant, covering sundry resolutions
of Congress. Permit me to assure you, that my best exer-
tions shall not be wanting to carry every part of them into
execution, as far as I am capable. Give me leave to
observe, that the resolution inhibiting the payment of one
and one third dollar for the reinlistment of soldiers in camp,
I fear, will much retard the inlistment of the troops, as the
recruiting officers will not be able to give their recruiting
Sergeants any money to treat those whom they attempt to
inlist. I am the more induced to draw this conclusion from
the little success that the Commissioners from the different
States have met with, in attempting to reengage the men,
which will make it absolutely necessary to employ officers
for that particular purpose, and which, with respect to this
State, is done, by my advice, as Congress will perceive by
the enclosed copy of the orders I have given. Having no
view but that of promoting the service, I shall venture, in
hopes of the pardon of Congress, to advise General Gates
not to publish the resolution alluded to until I am honoured
with the further orders of Congress on the subject.
I am happy to find that nails can be procured at Boston.
Not knowing that there were any in the publick stores at
that place, I sent a trusty officer, on the 13th instant, with
five thousand dollars, to purchase a quantity there. Such
other of the military stores as are there, and wanted in this
department, 1 shall order to Westfield, in the Massachusetts-
Bay, to be brought from thence in sleds, in winter.
General Gates having pressed me to send him Colonel
Dayton's regiment, I accordingly withdrew it from Fort
Stanwix, and garrisoned that place with Colonel Elmore's.
Dayton's will reach Ticonderoga to-morrow. A few days
ago I received information from Tryon County that they
expected the enemy would penetrate into that quarter; and
as a corroboration of the accounts they had received, they
urged that some of the principal Tories were gone off, and so
much were the inhabitants alarmed that they threatened to
lay down their arms unless they were supported by troops.
This has obliged me to draw about one thousand Militia
from the northward, which I have sent, under the command
of Colonel Van Schaick, to cover that County. I hope
they will do better there than they have here. I have em-
ployed some of the Militia to assist in forwarding provisions
and repairing the roads. About four hundred are at Fort
Edward, covered by a breastwork, from whence scouts are
daily sent to the westward ; and some Tories on the way to
1297
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1298
join the enemy have been intercepted. Four hundred more
are at Fort George, but absolutely refuse to give their aid
in creeling a picket around the hospital. Two hundred at
Fort Ann, assisting in forwarding the provisions. The
remainder ordered on to Ticonderoga.
My last letler from General Gates was of the 27th
instant. General Carleton still remained at Crown Point.
Two prisoners, whom his scouts had taken and he sent
back, report that he is preparing to attack us. If he does,
I trust I shall have the pleasure of announcing his repulse;
and if we keep our ground in that quarter during this cam-
paign, it will be our own faults if we do not make Ticon-
deroga and Mount Independence impregnable before the
enemy can attack it in another; and, consequently, any
irruptions from the northward with such a body of troops as
could effect any thing will be totally impossible. 1 am very
happy that General Carleton has spent his force this way ;
for if he should even oblige us to retire from Ticonderoga,
we shall confine him to the lakes. Had he attempted to
come by another route, he would probably have penetrated,
and been joined by the Six Nations. I mention this, as that
quarter will claim the attention of Congress next campaign,
and I do not know of any measure that would so effectually
secure to our interest the Six Nations as a regiment or two
of Frenchmen. I should hope, as we are now independent
States, that the Court of France would at least wink at our
inlisting a body of troops in their islands : probably ihey
would privately order their officers and soldiers to engage in
our service.
The anxiety I laboured under lest our army should suffer
in the article of provisions, is happily vanished. Consider-
ably more is now forwarding than the daily consumption.
The barracks I am erecting are advancing with great
rapidity. Much is to be done in the course of the winter.
I shall suggest my ideas to the gentlemen of Congress now
with me.
I wish for leave to repair to Philadelphia as soon as I
shall judge that I may be spared from hence without detri-
ment to the publick service. Congress may be assured
that I shall not abuse the license, if granted, by leaving this
a moment before the proper time.
Congress will be so good as to let me hear from them on
the subject of the Nanticoke Indians, mentioned in mine of
the 16th or 18th of August last. I expect a number of the
Oneidas at Albany very soon : they are such good friends
that I wish to have it in my power to give them some
clothing.
I have this moment received a letter from my Secretary,
who is at Albany, advising me that one hundred and ninety
or two hundred barrels ol flour leave Albany every day, but
that he fears the Commissary will not be able to furnish
more than will suffice for four days' transportation. This
intelligence will oblige me to hasten to Albany to prevent a
stop in the transportation.
As Congress has been pleased to give rank to the Pay-
masters, would it not be well that the Deputy Mustermaster-
General should have some respectable rank given him, and
his commission sent up?
The proceedings of the Court-Martial on Colonel Camp-
bell I have never had. As soon as General Gates sends
them to me, I shall take them into consideration.
I am, sir, with every sentiment of respect and esteem,
your most obedient, humble servant, p g
To the Hon. John Hancock.
Instructions to the Officers appointed to Recruit for the
service of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Saratoga, October 22, 1776.
1st. The encouragement you are to offer is so great as
will, it is hoped, give you a choice of men and ensure you
success, to wit: A bounty of ten dollars in money to every
non-commissioned officer and soldier already inlisted, and
who has received ihe Continental bounty of ten dollars ;
and to every other recruit a bounty of twenty dollars ; and
also to each a suit of clothes yearly, to consist, for the
present year, of two linen hunting-shirts, two pair of hose,
two pair of overalls, a leather or woollen waistcoat with
sleeves, one pair of breeches, one hat or leather cap, and
two pair of shoes — amounting, in the whole, to the value of
twenty dollars more; but each non-commissioned officer or
soldier who shall procure those articles for himself, and pro-
duce to ihe Paymaster of the regiment a certificate thereof
from the Captain of the company to which he shall belong,
shall be enliiled lo receive the twenty dollars in money.
Besides which, every non-commissioned officer and soldier
so inlisted is to receive, at the end of the war, one hundred
acres of land, as a further encouragement.
2dly. You are to be careful to inlist none but healthy,
able-bodied men, who shall engage to serve in the army of
the United Slates during the present war.
3dly. You shall take the age, size, complexion, colour
of hair and eyes, and natural or accidental marks of every
recruit, with an account of the place of his birth and occu-
pation.
4thly. You shall embrace all opportunities to have the
recruits drilled and disciplined; and for that purpose, you
shall despatch them, without delay, to such station or place
of rendezvous as shall be appointed for that purpose.
Sthly. To every recruit, at the time of inlistment, you
shall administer the oath prescribed by the articles of war
published by the Conlinental Congress.
6thly. You shall appoint four active and capable recruit-
ing Sergeants to assist you in this service.
7thly. If you shall reinlist for the war any non-commis-
sioned officer or soldier who is at present in actual service
for a shorter time, you are to give in his name and descrip-
tion to the Captain to whose company he shall then belong,
who is to take particular charge of him, that he be deliv-
ered over to his proper officer at the end of the service for
which he may be so preengaged, or sooner if required.
Sthly. You are to have your men mustered by the Com-
missary of Musters the first opportunity after inlistment, in
order that they may receive their full bounty, five dollars of
which only you shall pay to each recruit, as an encourage-
ment, at the time of inlistment.
9thly. For this purpose you shall receive from the Treas-
ury of the State of New-York one hundred pounds in hand,
of the expenditures of which you shall keep a regular
account, and transmit it to the Treasurer at Fishkill, who
will supply you with money in proportion to the recruits
you shall raise.
PH. SCHUYLER, Major-General.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE BOARD OF WAR.
Saratoga, October 30, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: I am honoured with your favour of the
22d instant, enclosing the resolves of Congress and list of
stores at Boston. The season is so far advanced that the
intrenching tools cannot arrive in time to be of any service
during this campaign. I shall, however, order them to the
east side of the Green Mountains, that advantage may be
taken of the first snows to transport them in sleds to this
quarter.
The want of tents in this campaign has not only greatly
distressed our troops, but occasioned an enormous expense
in the article of boards. It is therefore a matter of the
greatest importance that a sufficiency of them be prepared
in the course of the winter, and sent to Albany. The
poles and pins can be made there.
Whatever stores are to be sent to this quarter should, I
think, be forwarded in light wagons, for the greater expedi-
tion. A month hence ihe roads will be almost impassable
for heavy carriages.
I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your most obedient,
humble servant, Pa ScHUYLER.
To James Wilson, Edward Rutledge, and Francis Light-
foot Lee, Esqs.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF WAR.
Saratoga, October 30, 1776.
SIR: This morning I was honoured with your leiier of
the 9th instant. I am extremely happy to find lhal we
have a prospect of being in some measure supplied with
the articles you mention, and of which we stand in great
need. I could wish that the goods had been sent directly
to Albany, as it is probable they would have arrived before
this. General Mifflin has such a variety of business to
attend to, that it is a kind of cruelty to burthen him with
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
82
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, Sic., OCTOBER, 1776.
1300
any not immediately in his department. Pray let direc-
tions be given that every thing in future be sent directly
to Philip Van Renssclaer, Esquire, Storekeeper at Al-
bany.
1 am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To Richard Peters, Secretary at War.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 30, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: At two this morning I received sundry
despatches from Congress. Copies of all the resolutions I
do myself the honour to enclose you. You will observe,
amongst others, a resolution inhibiting the paying one and
one third dollars for any soldiers reinlisted in camp. I
shall take the liberty to mention to Congress the bad con-
sequences of it ; and therefore beg you will not make it
publick until you hear further from me on the subject.
A very considerable quantity of shoes, stockings, shirts,
and other clothing has left Philadelphia for our army.
They will not be detained a moment at Albany.
The Militia are deserting in great numbers. General
Washington advises that if they are not absolutely wanted,
to dismiss them, as he fears they will distress us as much as
they have him, by eating our provisions and doing no ser-
vice. Those at Fort George continue to refuse their aid
in erecting the picket around the Hospital and in mounting
guard. 1 am under the necessity of going to Albany, to
give my assistance to Mr. Awry. I wish you, however,
to be under no apprehensions on the score of provisions,
as I dare say I shall be able to keep up a constant sup-
ply.
Please to let Mr. Yauncey send me an exact return.
Adieu ! I am, dear sir, your most obedient, humble ser-
Vatlt' PH. SCHUYLER.
To Hon. General Gates.
P. S. I have not had the proceedings of the Court-Mar-
tial on Colonel Campbell. You will please to send them
to me.
This will be delivered you by Major Livingston, my
Aid-de-Camp, who intends to pass some days with you.
Permit me to recommend him to your attention.
Please to accept of some cabbage and a few pota-
toes.
J. TRUMBULL TO COMMITTEE OF BENNINGTON.
Head-Quarters, Tyconderoga, October 30, 1776.
SIR: The General has seen your letter to Mr. Yanceij,
and directs me to return you his most cordial thanks for the
zeal you expressed for the service of our insulted country.
Agreeable to the request of the Committee, he has
ordered one of the companies from your town to return
for the purpose of assisting in a work so necessary for the
good of this army.
The alertness of your people, and those of the neigh-
bouring country, in marching with so much expedition to
share our dangers, cannot be too much praised, or too
gratefully acknowledged by their countrymen.
The situation of the army daily mends by the addition of
troops from different parts. The enemy still remain at
Croum Point.
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
J. THUMBULL, D. A. General.
To Chairman of the Committee of Bennington.
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 30, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: A variety of reports and circumstances
seem to confirm the account I gave you that the enemy
may probably attempt to penetrate through the country to
the Mohawk river. I have therefore thought it necessary to
move some more of the Militia into Tryon County; but as
very little dependence is to be made on the very best of
them, and as the salvation of the army with you in a very
great measure depends upon a successful repulse of the
enemy, should they make such an attempt, it is incumbent
on us to take every precaution possible. I have therefore
ordered scouts from Tryon County to the northward of
Hudson's river until they arrive to the meridian of Fort
George, and to range between the most easterly and west-
erly branches thereof; and have directed others to be kept
out from Fort Edward and Fort George. You will also
please to send two or three scouts to go at least forty miles
west of Tyonderoga; and should they discover that a body
of the enemy have gone that way, you will then immedi-
ately detach three regiments or more, if you shall judge it
necessary from the accounts you may receive of the enemy's
force. I must repeat that the Militia are not to be depended
upon ; and therefore whatever troops you may send must
march with the utmost despatch, without waiting for their
baggage, which must follow.
This will be delivered to you by Messrs. Stockton and
Clymer,
I am, dear General, very sincerely, your obedient, hum-
ble servant, T> c<
FH. SCHUYLER.
To Hon. General Gates.
COLONEL BREWER TO GENERAL GATES.
Ty Mills, October 30, 1776.
HONOURED SIR: The bearer, Lieutenant Laud, has just
returned from his scout to Crown Point, and has given me
some intelligence which I thought proper to communicate
to you immediately, in prospect of which lie waits upon
your Honour.
I am, sir, with all obedience, your very humble servant,
SAM'L BREWER.
To General Gates.
CONVENTION OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS.
/n Convention of the Representatives from the several
Counties and Towns of the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS,
holden at WESTMINSTER, October 30, 1776.
When we view the almost insurmountable difficulties the
inhabitants of our infant Plantations have been subjected to
in bringing a desolate wilderness into fruitful fields, gardens,
&ic., together with the oppressions and insults received from
New-York, since our annexation thereto, we cannot at
the same time, but view some of the present conduct of that
State towards us with some degree of concern. The pub-
lick, no doubt, have heretofore been in some measure led
into the nature of the dispute which has for a number of
years last past subsisted between the Colony of New-York
and the inhabitants of said district of land, and the several
disingenuous advantages made use of by the power of that
Colony to rob those inhabitants of their interest : But, for
present illustration, the following are here set down as
matters of fact, viz :
1. That most of us hold our lands by virtue of grants
from the s'everal authorities of the former Provinces of the
Massachusetts-Bay and New- Hampshire. In consequence
of which grants we left our native places of abode to in-
habit a desolate wood ; and we have never yet learnt any
blame has been laid on either of the authorities of the Mas-
sachusetts-Bay or New-Hampshire for granting those lands.
2. The jurisdiction line of New-York being extended to
the west banks of Connecticut River, by a royal order in
A. D. 1764. The several Governours of that Colony have
presumed to regrant the lands from under our feet, which
has created the greatest disorders and confusions.
3. Those inhabitants being unaccustomed to such disor-
ders, were induced at a great expense to petition the Crown
for redress in the premises, who was pleased, with advice
of his Council, to pass an order in the following words,
viz:
" At a Court at St. James's, the 24th day of July, 1767.
Present :
The King's Most Excellent Majesty.
Archbishop of Canterbury, Earl of Shelburne,
Lord Chancellor, Viscount Falmoulh,
Duke of Queensborough, Viscount Barrington,
Duke of Ancaster, Viscount Clarke,
Lord Chamberlain, Bishop of London,
Earl of Litchfield, Mr. Secretary Conway,
Earl of Bristol, Ham Stanly, Esq.
" His Majesty taking the said Report" (i. e. Report of the
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1302
Board of Trade) " into consideration, was pleased, with the
advice of his Privy Council, to approve thereof, and
doth hereby strictly charge, require, and command, that
the Governour or Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's
Province of New-York for the time being, do not, upon
pain of his Majesty's highest displeasure, presume to make
any grants whatsoever, of any of the lands described in the
said report, until his Majesty's further pleasure shall be
known concerning the same."
" A true copy : WILLIAM SHARP.
" Attest : GEO. BANYAR, Dep. Sec."
Notwithstanding the above prohibition, the Governours
respectively of New-York, continued their former practice
of regranting the same lands.
4. To take the special advantage of the governing part
of Neio-York, to secure the titles severally to the lands thus
regranted, writs of ejectment were sent in large detachments
with officers of their appointment at the head of them, with
particular orders to execute them ; and the result of such
services on trial have produced writs of possession from the
Supreme Courts of New-York, in consequence of which
several persons have been dispossessed of valuable farms,
houses, stocks, produce, &ic. And by a continuance of
writs of ejectments, possessions, &c., we have been under
the disagreeable necessity to draw our swords, and for many
years past to wield them, in defence of our possessions and
properties, from the cruel and tyrannical usurpations of that
Colony : And the principle which induced us at that time
to take arms in defence of our possessions and properties,
is that which now induces us to take arms and voluntarily
join our friends and brethren in the several United States,
for the defence of the liberties of the whole; and to oblige
us to desist from such necessary measures, sundry of the
leading and principal Green Mountain Boys were indicted
as rioters, and proclamations issued by the legislative
authority of New-York, wherein large sums of money
were offered for the purpose of apprehending and taking
into custody said riotous persons and bring them to condign
punishment ; and, as though this might not prove effectual
to subdue the minor and most honest of this Government,
that same legislative body did make and pass twelve acts
of outlawry, which empowered the Judges, that in case any
such offender, after notice had been published and posted
seventy days, should not surrender himself for trial, that it
should be lawful for the Judges to award sentence of death
against him or them, the same as though he or they had
been attainted or convicted, &,c. — North.
5. The methods taken by the legislative power of New-
York, in erecting the Counties of Cumberland and Glouces-
ter, was not (by them) intended for the benefit of the inhabi-
tants, as may appear by their appointment of foreign persons
to the place of court officers in the County of Cumberland ;
and such persons who by their immediate influence were
most likely to prove subservient in bringing the inhabitants of
the said Counties into a disposition to apply to the power of
New-York for a regent of the lands in said County; and
it's to be observed the most of the civil magistrates and
military officers were so appointed that they were great
friends to the legislative body of New-York. Those
persons thus appointed did not fail to use their influence
with the inhabitants to get themselves appointed agents to
transact a business of that kind at the court of New- York.
The issue of which was, that regents over the great part of
the lands were then obtained ; and the extravagant patent
fees, together with the fees of the agents, amounted to so
much that many of us were obliged to have a considerable
part of our lands disposed of (thus regranted) at a very
moderate price, to defray the charges aforesaid, and on said
subsequent patents was added more than threefold quit-
rents.
The matter being brought thus far to a period, a Court-
House must needs be erected in the County of Cumberland,
and a tax laid on its inhabitants to defray the charges of
the same ; although it was not the minds of the inhabitants
to have the same district erected into a County; in conse-
quence whereof Courts of Common Pleas have been estab-
lished contrary to the free voice of the people ; which
was the ori"in of the horrid and detestable massacre at the
said Court-House on the 13th of March, A. D. 1774; in
which several persons were actually murdered.
Sundry gentlemen of the State of New-York, own large
tracts of lands, through and round which the present
inhabitants are obliged to cut roads and build mills, for
which said gentlemen pay nothing, however valuable their
lands are made by it. The Governour and Council of
New-York have laid a mandamus on the ancient town of
Hinsdale, which was at first appropriated by a purchase
from the Indians; secondly, by a grant from New-
Hampshire; and third, by an uninterrupted possession and
occupancy about seventy years. The custom of the former
Government of New- York, to wit: breaking pf Sabbaths,
neglect of publick worship, &tc., we principally emigrated
from the New-England States ; and could we have had as
good regulations here as have been in the New-England
States, no doubt but many honourable and wealthy gentlemen
would have moved their families here that have not, which
would have been to the mutual advantage of the present
inhabitants. A resolve of the honourable the Provincial
Congress of the State of New- York, in resolving, "that all
quit-rents formerly due and payable to the King of Great
Britain within this State, are now due and owing unto this
Convention, or such future Government as may be here-
after established in this State." Those grants that derived
from New-Hampshire, pay one shilling proclamation money;
and those from New-York, half a crown sterling on each
hundred acres. When in the ancient part of the Province
of New- York, Livingston's Manor, a tract of land about
twenty miles square, pay but one beaver skin annually as
quit-rent. Bateman's Patent pays three pounds ten shil-
lings sterling, a valuable tract of ninety thousand acres ; in
fine all the old settled part of the Province of New- York
pay no more than a trifling acknowledgment. Our local cir-
cumstances are very troublesome and fatiguing to us ; some
of us are upwards of four hundred miles from the seat of
Government at New-York.
The foundation of English liberties, and of all free
Government, is a right in the people to participate in their
Legislative Council. And these Counties to wit: Cumber-
land and Glocester, from their local and other circumstances,
cannot properly be represented in the honourable the Pro-
vincial Congress for the State of New- York.
For the above cogent reasons, we choose not to connect
with the State of New-York at present; would humbly
submit to the candid reader, whether we had not better refer
our situation to the honourable the grand Council of the
United States of America, and see if they in their great
wisdom could not retrieve us from our present fears, and
put us in such a situation that we should be better enabled
to do our proportion in this unhappy war.
Extract from the Minutes:
IRA ALLEN, Clerk.
CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety
of Connecticut, October 30, 1776,
Present: his Honour the Governour, his Honour the
Deputy Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jabez Huntington,
Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, William Hillhouse, Benjamin
Huntington, Esqrs.
Voted, To accept Jonathan Curtiss to be Captain,
Timothy Pond Lieutenant, and Samuel Scovill Ensign, of
a company of inhabitants in Northbury, in Waterbury,
embodied in pursuance of a late resolve of the General
Assembly ; and his Honour the Governour is to grant them
commissions accordingly.
Voted, To accept and establish Caleb Jewett Captain,
Robert Steadman Lieutenant, and Joseph Lord Ensign, of
a company of inhabitants in Sharon, embodied in pursuance
of a late resolve of the General Assembly, and his Honour
the Governour is desired to grant them commissions ac-
cordingly.
Voted, That Captain John Cleave and his Crew, lately
belonging to the Galley Whiting, be dismissed as on
Saturday, and they are accordingly dismissed as orf that
time.
Voted, To approbate an order given by his Honour the
Governour on the Pay-Table, in favour of Captain Samuel
Squire, for £500, as Commissary.
Voted, To approbate an order drawn by the Governour
on the Pay-Table, in favour of Captain John Cotton, for
£50, for the Foil at Saybrook.
1303
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1304
MATHEW TALLCOTT TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.
Middletown, October 30, 1776.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : There came two gen-
tlemen to tliis town last evening, who called themselves
French officers, and, as I heard, gave some extraordinary
accounts of publick affairs ; and in the evening came in a
gentleman of the Committee of Hartford and another of
Sujfield, and brought the two enclosed letters ; upon which
such of the Committee of this town as were near, with the
two above, visited the Frenchmen, and they showed us
several letters in French, which were open, and others that
were sealed ; namely, one to a gentleman in Dartmouth,
one to General Washington, and one to Mr. Hancock; and
although their accounts were not altogether satisfactory, we
thought it most prudent, as the Assembly was sitting, to
refer them to your Honour, and have sent Mr. Elijah
Hobard with them to see that they do not escape ; judging
it more prudent than to break open letters to gentlemen in
so high authority, not doubting but your Honour will make
full inquiry and detect the impostor, if any there be, or send
them under safe guard to General Washington, or otherwise
dispose of them as in your Honour's wisdom, with that of
the Assembly, you shall see fit, which is the present needful.
In behalf of the Committee, from your Honour's most
obedient, humble servant, MATHEW TALLCQTT.
To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq.
COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN HACKER.
Newport, October 30, 1776.
SIR : You are to take your officers and men and go on
board the Providence, and so much of her stores as are
absolutely necessary, and follow the orders which you re-
ceived to go in the Hamden, and leave the Hamden under
the command of Captain Joseph Olney, in order to be
repaired ; and deliver him an account of the stores that you
leave in her, and also an account of what you take out of
her for the Providence.
Yours, &.C.,
guns and seventy men, sailed from the Delaware the 21st
of August, 1776. She cruised between the latitude of
39° and 33° north, and went to the eastward as far as the
longitude of 50° west, having taken three prizes, a whaler
and two West Iiidiamen, and having had a very narrow
escape from an English frigate after a chase of six hours
part of the time within pistol shot. On the 14th Septem-
ber, she bent her course for Nova-Scotia; and on the 20th
had another affair with an English frigate, and in the course
of an eight hours' chase, ridiculed the enemy and answered
his broadside witli only a single musket, although the
Savage and Dawson's brig were within a few leagues
distance. She next day went into Canso and look three
English schooners with a Scotch Tory's flag, and the day
following, she took five sail of Jerseymcn in Narrowshook,
and four, more in Peter de Great : and it is remarkable,
that though they were ten in number to one of the Provi-
dence's men, they were so panick-struck that they not only
gave up their ships but even assisted to rig and carry them
out of their harbours. The Providence then proceeded to
the westward, took another whaler on St. George's Bank,
and on the 7th of October arrived safe at Rhode-Island,
having manned and sent in eight prizes, viz: six brigantines,
one ship, and one sloop, and sunk, burnt, and destroyed
eight more, viz: six schooners, one ship, and one brigan-
tine; and finished her cruise in six weeks and five days.
Rhode-Island, October 8, 1776.
HopKINS; Commander-in-Chief.
To Hoysted Hacker, Esq., now Commander of the sloop
Providence.
CAPTAIN J. PAUL JONES TO THE MARINE COMMITTEE.
Alfred, Rhode-Island, October 30, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Since my arrival herein the Providence,
the 7th current, I have, from a variety of events, been
altogether unable to give you any satisfactory account, and
for that reason have deferred writing.
I now enclose you copies of my letters down till the 30th
ultimo. You have also enclosed a short account of my
whole cruise. And I have now to inform you that on the
22d current, I was directed by the Commander-in-Chief
to take command of an expedition with the Alfred and
Hamden against the Cape Breton coal fleet and Newfound-
land fishery. Had this expedition been begun a month
sooner, great things might have been done. My greatest
hope now is that of relieving a number of our fellow-citizens,
who, being prisoners, are compelled to work in the coal-
pits of Cape Breton. If I can succeed in this, I shall think
my pains well bestowed. You may, however, rest assured
that I will leave no part of my duty unattempted that may,
at this advanced season and with my small force, appear
practicable.
I have left with the Commander-in-Chief a complete
muster-roll, comprehending every thing from the day I took
command of the Providence till the day I left her. I was
ready to sail the 27th, but unfortunately the Hamdtn ran
aground on a sunken ledge, in the harbour, which knocked
off her false keel, and she hath been so leaky since that
we have concluded her unfit for sea, and have got the
Providence ready to proced in her room. I hope to sail
to-morrow morning ; and am, with great esteem and respect,
gentlemen, your very obliged, very obedient, and most hum-
ble servant> J. PAUL JONES.
To the honourable the Marine Committee.
Account of the PROVIDENCE'S Cruise.
The American sloop-of-war the Providence, of twelve
PAROLE SIGNED BY AMERICAN PRISONERS OF WAR.
We, whose names are underwritten, do hereby solemnly
promise and engage to his Excellency General Carleton,
not to say or do any thing against his Majesty's person and
Government, and to repair, whenever required so to do,
wherever his Excellency, or any other, his Majesty's Com-
mander-in-Chief in America, shall please to direct ; in
testimony whereof we have hereunto set our names, at
Quebeck, this 30th day of October, 1776.
Names.
Provinces.
Counties.
Towns.
William Glisson....
George Karr
John Scott
West-Jersey
New- York
New-York
Salem
Albany
Pilesgrove.
Florady.
Cloughbrick.
Wells.
Noah Goodwin.. .
New-Hampshire. . . .
Strafford...
Litchfield . .
Somerset.
Sheran.
Litchfield . .
Sheran.
John Churcher....
Connecticut
Litchfield..
Hartford ..
Sheran.
East-Twinsey.
Hartford . .
Endfield.
Peter Gary
Middlesex..
Natick.
Bucks. . . .
Bucks.
Jacob Archtird
Thomas Penn
New-Jersey
West New-Jersey...
Gloster. ..
Gloster. ..
Greenwich
Greenwich.
Williamsburg, October 31, 1776.
The soldiers of the different regiments in this State who
have been indulged with furloughs for the recovery of their
health, are ordered to repair to this place without loss
of time. Those who abuse the indulgence given them, by
not returning as soon as able to do duty, may expect to be
treated as deserters.
ANDREW LEWIS, Brigadier-General.
LANDON CARTER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Sabine Hall, October 31, 1776.
DEAR GENERAL: By Lieutenant Beale, of our Fifth
Regiment, 1 arn endeavouring to lead my trembling pen to
the duty of sincerity in friendship, and with a line of respect,
to ask you, my dear George, the momentous question at
these times, How do you do? This bearer, if report has
not stationed the corps he belongs to at Philadelphia, will
deliver this letter to you. You will find in him more reso-
lution and modest prudence than generally falls to the
share of youth ; at least those of Virginia within my ac-
quaintance. His seasoning, which I may call every kind
of hardship in service, had like to have demolished him
without a bullet ; but Heaven seems to have preserved him
for a further assistance to the great cause of liberty. I
never mention that word but 1 think how unhappy I must
have been in alarming so many dear as well as brave
1305
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1306
friends with the danger it was in, when I first, in America,
attacked that Parliamentary vote " to tax the Colonies with
certain stamp duties." I say unhappy, to think of the
innumerable dangers that have been and still must be
encountered, to support that freedom each man derives
from God alone. But when the justice of the cause
vibrates from my soul on every part of my body, I am
greatly transported to see the arm of Heaven displaying
the banners of protection, whilst every breast is inspired to
write in action an epitaph on its possessor, should he fall
in the strutf<rle, more glorious than mortality alone can
OO ' O J
express; and every Christian hero can say, with the never-
to-be-forgotten Cato, one moment of such a life, in the
bosom of freedom, is worth an age of inactivity deserving
of bondage.
When my own care is constantly engaged to ward off
the danger and uneasy concomitants of almost extreme
years, I often compose my momentary pains with the com-
forts which may be deduced to posterity from the manoeu-
vres of my dear Washington, whose happy success must
treasure up the blessings, possibly of millions yet unborn;
for without affecting to be enthusiastically religious, I never
read of a divine instrument of human happiness but I carry
the gratitude of ages back to record the remembrance of
such a friend to mankind.
But let me not tire you with my own heart-felt expecta-
tions. Can you find time to be detained but one moment
from the God of battle, to tell an old, sincere, though plain
man how you and the brave retinue all around you do ?
I fear not. However, I can supply an answer to my
question, founded on my ideas of justice, from an assurance
that the same merciful Being who directs the sword of
war must conduct the scale of natural right. I read of the
par nobile fratrum, the Viscount and his brother, and see
their proficiency in the arts of ministerialism. But I hope
that even the two months extraordinary which the former
took to become expert, from his own account, has not added
the least particle of knowledge to the latter, whom you
drove from Boston; and that the day is yet to come,
perhaps not far off, in which they will be entrapped in their
own wiliness.
Our news from New-York is generally such a compound
of inconsistency, and every now and then so poisoned with
a little Toryism in its way to us, that for my part, though
it is sometimes very encouraging, I never admit of the least
tittle of it but as domestick volatiles; for which I am sorry
to say that there seems sometimes to be too much occasion.
If I don't err in conjecture, I can't help thinking that the
head of our Commonwealth has as great a palace of fear
and apprehension as can possess the heart of any being ;
and if we compare rumour with actual movements, I believe
it will prove itself to every sensible man.
As soon as the Congress sent for our First, Third, Fourth,
Fifth, and Sixth Regiments to assist you in contest against
the enemy where they really were, and not suffer them
to be inactive, at a vast expense, where the enemy was,
ridiculously enough, only expected to be, founded on some
defeat they must receive in their first movements, I say
there got a report among the soldiery that dignity had
declared it would not reside in Williamsburgh without two
thousand men under arms to guard him. This had like to
have occasioned a mutiny. A desertion of many from the
several companies did follow; boisterous fellows resisting,
and swearing they would not leave their County; but being
in Continental pay most of them were persuaded to embark
up the Bay at last. What a finesse of popularity was this ? —
popularity, the only real enemy to freedom ? and I shall be
happily mistaken, if it will not at last be the " recovering
sword" which the Viscount pledged himself at parting to
make use of. For thus I reason : Whilst deception conducts
the constituting powers, (the freeholders,) the hypocrites
who make use of it will soon be bribed into contention, and
then by a tide of corruption poor Liberty will be forgot and
delivered into slavery, resuming its most humiliating form.
But to go on, (for 1 have it from a brother to one who is in
the army,) as soon as the regiments were gone, this great
man found an interest with the Council of State, perhaps as
timorous as himself, to issue orders for the Militia of twenty-
six Counties, and five companies of a Minute battalion, to
march to Williamsburgh, to protect him only against his
own fears; and to make this the more popular, it was
endeavoured that the House of Delegates should give it a
countenance; but as good luck would have it, it was with
difficulty refused, because a good purge, says Dr. Lee,
would do full as well. I say good luck; and, faith, my friend
George, that is now our only chance. Immediately then,
though we do not know whence our taxes are to arise,
payable some of them next June, a bill is brought in to
remove the seat of Government ; some say up to Hanover,
to be called Henry-Town,bM I believe it will split as usual
on the rock ubi; for numbers, as it is now actually in motion,
are for the back country.
I propose this shall be a sketch of my own observations,
to entertain you. Therefore, I go on to show how busy
Convention is to effect an edge for this recovering sword
of the Viscount's. In legislation we affect one while,
according to our fifth article of declaratory rights, to keep
the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judiciary powers
separate and distinct ; but if we read the Journals, we see
one day, though petitions set forth that the very matters
complained of are actually before the Executive and Judiciary
powers, yet popularity shows itself so ascendantly in the
House (by the very means of which most of the Delegates
get there) that now all three powers are crowding to form
one tribunal, because Judges can only determine according
to laws and usages in being, which do not aid such peti-
tioners, but rather destroy their complaints, and therefore
they are brought to Legislation for determination, according
to some dernocratick, assumed retrospection ; that is, a
mode of punishing is to be resolved on by that arch fiend iu
all popularity, pro hoc vice only. But when a matter in
which no constituent can be engaged, is brought on, though
immediately during the heat of such petitions as before,
then you hear of the "impropriety in interfering in matters
under distinct regulations already made without first repeal-
ing those regulations." By this 'tis plain it is not because
they don't know better, but because they will not do better.
And if you can't see the very farce of Contention in such
iniquitous, occasional, and popular modes of pleasing, it
must be because you are at present only engaged as a soldier,
but not as a citizen, in a military constitution.
I am not done yet with entertaining my friend, to whom
I would not hesitate an untruth. Nothing so noble as the
jealousy of power with which we set out in this common-
wealth form of Government. But now some of our popular
adherents want to be paid for their serving in inspectors'
places, and our back bawlers-out want publick warehouses
and securities for their commodities, notwithstanding good
rolling-houses would do, as they used before the inspection
law took place; and the inspection money would reasonably
be an insurance to the proprietors of the houses for the
forthcomings of the commodity without the least expense
to the country. Yet that cursed law must be revived, to give
two men alone the power to say whether a man shall have
any thing for his whole year's labour or not. Judges, by
at least ten thousand instances since this law first took place,
who have proved themselves capable of resentment and
every villanous corruption notwithstanding their oaths; and
according to the very nature of an oath they must be Judges
from whom their can be no appeal ; because no man can
say that he who swears to do according to his judgment,
did not think the commodity bad. Yet if you lose a dog,
ox, or cow, and another has got possession of them, you
must have twelve jurymen sworn, and all of them must be
of one opinion. As to a merchantable commodity, cannot
some sworn receiver, as it used to be, determine that between
purchaser and seller, and let every man do as he pleases in
the management of what he makes ? But lest contention
should not arise out of principles so inconsistent with the
very ideas of property, these warehouses are all to be at
the heads of the rivers ; so that he that makes tobacco in
the lower parts must inspect it up there. I knew the
gallows employed from the hardships and inconveniences
of the first inspection law ; and I saw many thousands in
full march to burn all the warehouses : and mark the end
of this. Popularity has here been brought to a non-plus
what to do ; but I am persuaded it will not be long so.
The low-land men can fight against laws that oblige them
to be starved, as well as up-land men can fight for them
because they are made to please them. I foretold this
effect from the constant dividing back Counties long ago.
He must be no artist in divisions in the several States, that
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, he., OCTOBER, 1776.
1308
can't see how easy one legislative power alone must destroy
even a whole land of freedom. It is not the first time the
evil one has sown tares among good grain.
Once more: to show you that contention must soon
generate, notwithstanding we can talk of private views, and
what not, in other men, Sic.; can tell those we descended
from that we have as much right to do as we please with
our property as they have ; and that we certainly have, and
therefore say, right to them — yet I say we will not let those
who are descending from us, say so in behalf of their fathers :
that is, their fathers have entailed estates on them ; but
though we got them in the same conditional manner from
our fathers, we will not let them do as they please with
their property, so that the very basis of the American contest
is quite forgotten, when we are to be aggressors, as Dr.
Price and Lord Camden say ; but when they, that is the
British, Parliament, are the aggressors, why then truly we
cry aloud against the injustice of the conduct. It is so
striking, that though I should be benefited much by such a
law, and could not be in the least privately affected by it
to my injury, yet from a soul that detests even the thoughts
of so much injustice to others, I cannot help looking up
to Heaven and crying out, O God of justice ! Father
omnipotent! let not this give the least wound to the Con-
tinental cause of freedom ; peradventure there should be
but ten found in the land to reprobate and detest an injustice
so crying in its very nature, as this bill already in but seven
days passed one House, and is in the Senate full of men
loaded with private views. It is called docking all entail ;
but is it not entailing one they cannot dock? The curses
of posterity on them who must in that very contest for lib-
erty entail a load of debts upon those who are to come,
after they have robbed them of their very estates to pay
that debt from, by overturning the very principles of jus-
tice on which they built their very claim to freedom. This
is what I call sowing the seeds of contention, which must
spring up sooner or later, and all from the poisoned soil
of popularity. It is very comical that the very men who
left the Congress, who came with a very blackening report
of midnight cabnllings among the members in Congress to
project schemes to pursue, should as they travel disgorge
such a scandalous conduct in others for private views, and
yet themselves to be the introducers of such barefaced,
interested, and iniquitous violations of justice. Was any
man in your camp to say who is the greatest drunkard and
most pernicious to society, he who only drinks in the night
and is perhaps ashamed of it in the morning, or he who
gets drunk (sub die) at mid-day, as old Bacchus used to
say, I dare say the midnight drunkard would be the most
to be respected. I make this observation from my knowl-
edge in parliamentary forms. It is not usual for those who
are against a bill, to be the bearers of it, and this bill (as
cursed in its nature as the removal of a neighbour's land-
mark, his will and pleasure in giving his own property
away) borne about by the famous T. J* * * n! Fronti
nulla fides, indeed. If Lord Howe knew this, what would
he not attempt to do with such men ? But I hope accord-
ing to Hudibras,
"Toledo, though true and trusty,
For want of use is now grown rusty."
My friend, excuse my impertinence: I am old. Can you
read me? It is all I ask. And if my colick is to continue
my chum, I shall live but mentally to see the pain in Gov-
ernment which others I fear must feel. But wherever I
go, the man "who would not forget the citizen in the
soldier" shall have my eulogium.
My son, &.C., most respectfully wish your health, success,
and prosperity. I can say no more, but your most esteeming
friend and acquaintance,
other company. I have now but thirteen blankets remain-
ing, and about sixty yards of linen.
There could have been new kersey blankets bought for
twenty-five shillings apiece, but being above my limitation
none of them was had.
I have not yet met with the gentleman that assisted me,
to enable me to render the account.
1 am, sir, your humble servant, AMOS GARRETT.
To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., of the Council of
Safety of Maryland, Annapolis.
JAMES CLARKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Baltimore, October 31, 1776.
SIR : 1 took the liberty to write a few days ago to acquaint
the honourable Council of Safety that 1 had a vessel of
seven hundred barrels burthen at their service, if they wanted
to purchase. I find that she will carry about eight hun-
dred barrels ; is in want of some repairs. Am applied to by
some people in this town for her, with whom I cannot treat
till I know your determination. Please favour me with an
answer per the bearer, Mr. Melcher Keener, and will much
oblige your most obedient, humble servant,
JAMES CLARKE.
To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., Annapolis.
P. S. I believe this vessel of mine is a very fast sailer.
Her lowest price, as she lies, is four hundred and fifty pounds.
Should you take her, I would be very thankful to be em-
ployed to command her.
BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
War Office, October 31, 1776.
SIR : The bearer, Mons. le Chevalier Lantagniac, is a
French gentleman, who says he asks no pay, as his fortune
is sufficient to support him. He requests employment in
the army of the States, and rank suitable to his merits.
What these are, your Excellency will, on experience, be
capable of forming a judgment. Mons. Lantagniac now
waits on you, having desired a letter of introduction from
the Board of War, who could not provide any station for
him until they have received your Excellency's opinion on
the subject of establishing a corps to be composed of such
foreign gentlemen as are desirous of entering into the service
of the States.
1 have the honour to be your very obedient servant,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
To His Excellency General Washington.
AMOS GARRETT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.
Swan Creek, October 3] , 1776.
SIR: Since I wrote last, Captain Robert Harris, being
on his march, and at Susquehanna, but in want of blankets,
tents, and money, applied to me, and out of the stores in my
hands I supplied him with forty blankets and ninety-one
yards of linen, and for his ferriages and expenses paid his
order to Captain John Rodgers for four pounds four shillings
and ninepence. This I take care to mention to you, lest a
call for these stores may cause a disappointment to some
JOHN GIBSON, JUN., TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE ASSEMBLY.
Treasury Office, Philadelphia, October 31, 1776.
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN : As Commissioners have been
appointed by Congress to liquidate and adjust the puhlick
accounts in the Northern department, and are now assembled
at Albany for that purpose, it is necessary they should be
furnished by each State with an account of the several
advances and payments to the officers and others who have
been entrusted with publick money, to enable them to settle
the accounts. We have, therefore, to request you would be
pleased as soon as possible to order an account of such
advances as your State may have made, the settlement of
which may properly fall within the Northern department,
to be drawn out, and forward them to the Commissioners
by express, in order that, the proper stoppages being macte,
your State may be reimbursed by Congress.
The names of the Commissioners are James Milligan,
John Carter, and John Wells, Esqrs.
I have the honour to be, in the name of the Superintend-
ents of the Treasury, honourable gentlemen, your most
obedient, humble servant,
JOHN GIBSON, Jun., Auditor-General.
To the honourable the Assembly of the State of New-
Hampshire.
PETER ADAMS TO THE MARYLAND DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, October 31, 1776.
SIR : Enclosed send you a line from Colonel Smallwood,
requesting the favour of you, or any other of the Deputies
from Maryland, to furnish me with such sum of money as I
1309
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1310
might require. Should be much obliged to you if you could
send me by the next post forty pounds. I want to buy
some necessaries to take to camp with me.
I am, sir, your humble servant, PETER ADAMS.
N. B. Please direct the post to call on me at Mrs.
Ford's, at the corner of Walnut and Second street.
Philadelphia, October 31, 1776.
Last Tuesday was sent in here by the privateer Hancock,
of this port, the brig Polly, Captain Denny, from Barba-
does for Liverpool, with sixty hogsheads of sugar and forty
bales of cotton on board. This is the ninth prize taken by
the Hancock since she sailed from this port.
LIEUTENANT ANSTRUTHER (PRISONER) TO RICHARD PETERS.
Carlisle, October 29, 1776.
SIR: This I hope you will receive regularly, being but in
some measure recovered of a very severe fit of sickness,
which has so much weakened and reduced me, that it is
recommended to me by Dr. Armstrong, who attends me at
Carlisle, to go to Philadelphia, and there take the first
advice, in order to have my health wishfully reinstated.
Permit me, then, sir, to request your obtaining Mr. Church
a leave, as I am confident it will be the most eligible method
of accomplishing my wish for recovery.
I have the pleasure to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
P. ANSTRUTHER, Lieutenant Royal Fusileers.
To Richard Peters, Esq., Philadelphia.
In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, October 31, 1776.
Complaint having been made to this Council by Chris-
topher Elliot, that John Baldwin, of this city, cordwainer,
had refused to receive in payment the Continental bills of
credit issued by order of Congress ; thereupon the said John
Baldwin was ordered to appear before this Board, and
being informed of said complaint, did acknowledge that he
had refused to receive the said bills of credit in payment.
The Council urged the pernicious and destructive tendency
of such conduct, and requested him to reconsider it, allow-
ing him several days to form his judgment and fix his final
resolution. This day, agreeable to notice given him, he
again appeared before the Council, and declared that he
was determined not to receive the said bills in payment,
whereupon
Resolved, That the said John Baldwin is an " enemy to
his country, and precluded from all trade and intercourse
with the inhabitants of these States."
Resolved, That the said John Baldwin be committed to
gaol, there to remain without bail or mainprise until he shall
be released by order of this Council, or some other power
lawfully authorized so to do.
Ordered, That the proceedings in John Baldwin's case
be made publick.
Extract from the Minutes :
JACOB S. HOWELL, Secretary.
BERKS COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the General Committee of Berks County,
at the Court-House in Reading, October 31, 1776, Mark
Bird, Esq., in the chair:
The Resolutions passed at a meeting of the inhabitants
of the city of Philadelphia, on the 21st and 22d instant,
respecting the conduct of the late Convention of this State,
were read and considered, when the question being put,
" Whether this Committee do approve of the resolutions of
the said meeting, and whether they will concur with their
brethren of the city of Philadelphia in the choice of an
Assembly in the mode, and for the purposes pointed out by
the said resolutions, without taking the oath prescribed by
the Convention to the electors of this State ?" the same was
passed in the affirmative by a very great majority.
Resolved unanimously, That the Inspectors be authorized
to administer to such persons as the Judges of election shall
have just cause to suspect are inimical to the liberties of
this State, the following oath or affirmation, viz : " I, A. B.,
do swear for affirm] that I will bear true allegiance to the
State of Pennsylvania, and support the independence of the
same, and that I do not think myself bound to pay any
allegiance to the King of Great Britain, or any acting
under him ;" without which their votes ought not to be
received.
WILLIAM ATLEE, CHAIRMAN, TO RICHARD PETERS.
Lancaster, October 31, 1776.
SIR : At the particular request of Lieutenant Anstruther,
I forward you the enclosed. He begs to refer you to Dr.
Rush, who has a state of his case from Dr. Armstrong, of
Carlisle, and requests a line from you to know whether he
may be permitted to ride to Philadelphia to consult the
physicians there for the recovery of his health.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
WILLIAM ATLEE.
To Richard Peters, Esq.
ROBERT H. HARRISON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
White-Plains, October 31, 1776.
SIR : Since I had the honour of addressing you on the
29th instant, no event of importance has occurred. The
enemy are throwing up some lines and redoubts in our
front, with a view of cannonading as soon as they are ready,
and at the same time are extending their wings further by
our right and left. It is supposed that one of their objects
is to advance a part of their troops, and seize on the bridge
over Croton river, that the communication may be cut off
with the upper country. To prevent this, a part of our
force is detached with orders to proceed with the utmost
expedition, and to secure the pass if possible. We are trying
to remove, to guard against their designs, but are greatly
impeded by reason of the scarcity of wagons in proportion
to our baggage and stores. Every exertion has been em-
ployed to obtain a sufficiency, but they cannot be had in
this part of the country. The Quartermaster has sent to
Connecticut to get a supply if possible. Our army is
decreasing fast : several gentlemen who have come to
camp within a few days have observed large numbers of
Militia returning home on the different roads ; nor are any
measures taken as yet to raise the new army, no committees
having come from the States to appoint or signify the nomi-
nations of their officers. If this was done, perhaps many
who are now here might be induced to engage, but at pre-
sent there are none authorized to recruit.
His Excellency would have wrote himself by the person
who carries this, to the care of General Greene, but his
attention is totally engaged in ordering the affairs of the
army and the best mode for its removal.
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir,
your most obedient servant, ROB>T R HARKISON.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Head-Quarters, White-Plains, October 30, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
The frequent, indeed constant complaints of the men for
want of provisions upon any move which is necessary for
them to make, induces the General once more to desire the
commanding officers of regiments and corps to see that they
are never without three days' provisions ready dressed by
them.
All detachments and parties are to parade wherever
ordered with their packs and provisions, that they may be
ready for any service they are ordered upon.
It is strictly enjoined upon all officers to disengage them-
selves of heavy and cumbrous baggage, as the difficulty of
procuring teams for transportation for necessary baggage and
stores, which necessarily occasions all heavy boxes, chests,
&c., to be thrown away.
The General insists upon having the rolls regularly called,
that the officers may account for, and know where the men
are,' who are always to be ready to turn out upon any alarm,
when waiters are always to appear under arms. Upon any
alarm the drums are to beat through the whole lines "To
Arms" as quick as possible, and continue beating till the
whole line is formed.
The Out-guard to examine all persons riding into camp
without arms, and turn any back who are not known, or
cannot give sufficient reasons for their coming into camp.
The Brigade-Majors immediately to settle a General
Court-Martml ; no member under the rank of Captain ; a
Brigadier to preside.
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CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1312
Head-Q,uarters, White-Plains, October 31, 1776.
(Parole, .) (Countersign, .)
The General positively forbids any person going down
to the lines, and firing upon the enemy without an order
from a General officer. Proper scouting parties are to be
kept out by each Major-General, for intelligence.
The General, in a ride he took yesterday, to reconnoitre
the grounds about this, was surprised and shocked to find
both officers and soldiers straggling all over the country,
under one idle pretence or other, when they cannot tell the
hour or minute the camp may be attacked, and their
services indispensably necessary.
He once more positively orders that neither officer or
soldier shall stir out of camp without leave : the first from
the Brigadier under whom he serves, and the latter from
the commanding officer of the corps they belong to.
The Provost Marshal is to take up all stragglers ; and it
is enjoined upon all officers to seize every man who fires
his gun without leave, and to have him tied up immediately
and receive twenty lashes.
The General desires that the commanding officers of
corps will always report their killed and wounded to the
Brigadier they belong to, who is to give an account thereof
to the Commander-in-Chief.
The Court-Martial whereof General Beall was President
having found Captain Weisner guilty of misbehaviour before
the enemy in the "attack on Montresor's Island," and ordered
him to be cashiered with infamy; the General approves the
sentence, and orders him to be dismissed the army.
Ensign Joseph Chapman, having resigned his commission,
is appointed Paymaster to Colonel Varnum's regiment.
It is with astonishment the General hears that some
officers have taken horses between the enemy's camp and
ours, and sent them into the country for their private use.
Can it be possible that persons bearing commissions and
fighting in such a cause, can degrade themselves into plun-
derers of horses ? He hopes every officer will set his face
against it in future ; and does insist that the Colonels and
commanding officers of regiments immediately inquire into
the matter, and report to him who have been guilty of
these practices ; and that they take an account of the horses
in their respective encampments, and send to the Quarter-
master-General all that are not in some publick service.
' Wounded men to be sent to Doctor Morgan, at the
houses about a mile from the lines on the road to North-
Castle.
Peter Buise, of Colonel Haslett's regiment, convicted by
a General Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Hitchcock was
President, of desertion from this camp, and found near the
enemy's sentinels, is sentenced to suffer death. The Gen-
eral approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed to-
morrow at eleven o'clock, on the crutch of the road which
leads to Young's and North-Castle.
Commanding officers of regiments are immediately to
have the arms and ammunition of their regiments inspected,
the guns that were loaded before the rain to be discharged
in volleys ; and they are acquainted that three wagons loaded
with ammunition now wait about a mile on the nearest
road to North- Castle, in order to serve such as are deficient.
also to Croton's river, should he plainly perceive that the
enemy's route lays that way. I think if we get possession
of Croton river and the passes in the. Highlands, our army
will be sale from further pursuit, will have time to recruit
themselves after their amazing fatigue, and will he fresh and
able to harass the enemy if they should think fit to winter
up the country. The campaign hitherto has been a fair
tiial of Generalship, in which I flatter myself, we have had
the advantage. If we, with our motley army, can keep
Mr. Howe and his grand appointment at bay, I think we
shall make no contemptible military figure. It is impossi-
ble to form any judgment of the numbers of the enemy from
deserters : they all magnify amazingly.
General Mrfflin desires me to say to you that he has sent
up a number of carpenters to Peekskill ; but the conductors,
not finding you there, have been at some loss, but he has
ordered them to proceed to you at Fishkills, and begs you
and your body will give them all possible assistance.
Another band of one hundred carpenters will soon go up.
We are impatient for, and yet dread to hear from Ticonde-
roga. As I said before, in a former letter, I am afraid of
news from that quarter. My Lord Stirling being absent
from this division of the army, I have not an opportunity
of making your compliments to him, but will do it when I
see him.
I am, with regard, your most obedient servant,
TENCH TILGHMAN.
TENCH TILGHMAN TO WILLIAM DUER.
White-Plains, October 31, 1776.
DEAR SIR: I was from home yesterday when yours of
the 29th came to hand. The German troops are kept so
very ignorant of what would be their happy situation in this
country that I do not expect much from desertion. Mine
of the 29th would inform you that we keep a garrison in
Fort Washington, and that we soon taught the ships that
came up that they would not lay at anchor before our
batteries. If the garrison is too strongly pushed, they can
always effect a retreat to Jersey, under the guns of Fort
Lee. The men that were left at Fort Independence have
withdrawn themselves into Mount Washington. The ene-
my, from their late movements, seem inclined to cross over
to the North River by our rear, and inarch up the Albany
road to Croton's river. To hinder them from effecting this,
if such should be their intention, General Beall, with three
good regiments of Maryland troops, has marched to take
possession of Croler Bridge, and Lord Stirling, who is keep-
ing pace with the enemy's left flank, has orders to push up
GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO JOHN M'KESSON.
Camp near White-Plains, October 31, 1776.
DEAR SIR: We are exactly in the same situation in
which we were when I wrote you yesterday. The enemy
seem still to be endeavouring to outflank us, especially our
right wing. Our advanced guards, I hear, are a little south
of Young's tavern, on the road leading to White-Plains.
Where the main body is I can't say, as I am so closely
confined to my post on the left of the whole as not to have
been a quarter mile west from this for four days past.
Near three, thousand of the enemy yesterday and the evening
before filed ofF to the left, and were seen advancing towards
King's street and the Purchase road, from which it appears
they intend to flank our left as well as right wing. We
had reason to apprehend an attack last night or by day-
break this morning, (as was said, what they were I know
not.) Our lines were manned all night in consequence of
this; and a most horrid night it was to lay in cold trenches.
Uncovered as we are, daily on fatigue, making redoubts,
fleches, abattis, and lines, and retreating from them and the
little temporary huts made for our comfort before they are
well finished, I fear will ultimately destroy our army with-
out fighting. This I am sure of, that I am likely to lose
more in my brigade by sickness occasioned by extra fatigue
and want of covering than in the course of an active cam-
paign is ordinarily lost in the most severe actions. How-
ever, I would not be understood to condemn measures.
They may be right for aught I know. I do not understand
much of the refined art of war: it is said to consist of
strategem and deception. This, nevertheless, is too obvious :
the enemy are daily increasing their army by new recruits in
those parts of the country which they have already acquired,
whilst ours are daily decreasing by sickness, deaths, and
desertions; add to this, one month more disbands a very
considerable part of our army. How a new one will be
recruited, God only knows. This I know, many are dis-
gusted with the service. Those will not reenter; and what
is worse, will prevent others, by representing, on their
return home, the hardships they have endured. So much
for military politicks. I write this in confidence. If what
I have said be true, and the evils which I fear prevented
in any degree by the honourable body in which you sit, it
is devoutly to be wished.
When I wrote you a few days ago, I mentioned the situ-
ation in which Fort Washington was, and that three of the
enemy's shipping had come up, with design to obstruct
Beaurdett's Ferry, and, after a heavy cannonade, were
drove back. This was the truth, but not the whole truth.
I happened to be out of the way of news that day. Those
ships came up, it seems, to enfilade our lines below that
fort, whilst Lord Percy attacked them, which he did three
different times, but was as often repulsed by the garrison of
1313
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, fee., OCTOBER, 1776.
1314
Fort Washington, who manned and defended them like
heroes. The particulars I have not yet been happy enough
to hear more fully.
Last night Captain Townsend, with a detachment of my
brigade, consisting of about thirty, brought in prisoner a
certain Mr. Wetworth, late of Boston, and now a Commis-
sary in the regular service, which they took prisoner near
Rye.
I have only time to add that I am with usual health,
though in no better lodging than a soldier's tent, with our
old friend General Scott.
Your most affectionate, humble servant,
GEO. CLINTON.
To John McKesson, Esq.
Since writing the above, I am favoured with yours of the
29th. I find you have not received my two last as yet,
the first of which I must beg you will answer, and attend
to the prisoner brought in by my boys since writing the
above.
AUGUSTIN LAWRENCE AND SAMUEL TUDER TO THE NEW-
YORK CONVENTION.
Poughkeepsie, October 31, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Enclosed we send you an extract from a
letter we have just received from the Marine Committee at
Philadelphia. You will see by it we are referred to your
honourable House for directions and advice respecting the
launching and securing of the frigates and their stores,
which we desire to have as soon as possible, as, unless you
direct to the contrary, we shall launch the ship Montgomery
on Monday and the other as soon as possible afterwards.
The custom of giving the carpenters a treat at launching
we suppose you would not mean to break through. The
master carpenters judge one hundred dollars for each ship
on that occasion will be reasonable to allow, as we are
directed to advise with you by your opinion in that matter.
We are, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble ser-
AUGUSTIN LAWRENCE,
SAMUEL TUDER.
To the Hon. Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., President of the
Convention at Fishkill
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO AUGUSTIN LAWRENCE AND SAMUEL
TUDER.
Fiahkill, November 1, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Yours of yesterday, with copy of that to
you from the Marine Committee at Philadelphia enclosed,
came to hand. We advise you to proceed, by all means,
to launch the frigates as soon as you can, and then to pro-
ceed with the vessels to the place most safe in Roundout
Kill, near Esopus Landing. We are sensible of the custom
to give a treat to the workmen after launching ; nor do we
know that the sum of one hundred dollars for each is too
much. We would recommend to you to have it properly
considered, that you may not be blamed of extravagance
and we of giving a sanction thereto. We are obliged to
you for your invitation to see the launching; but whether
any of the members will be able to attend, we know not.
There are so few members present that few, if any, can be
spared.
To Messrs. Augustin Lawrence and Samuel Tuder, Pough-
keepsie.
COLONEL WELCH TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF
SAFETY.
Fishkill, State of New-York, October 31, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: Colonel Tash, agreeable to your directions,
marched on for Head-Quarters, till he received the Gen-
eral's orders to pass on with his regiment to the Highlands,
and post his men from Peakskill to Fishkill, about twenty
miles along the post road and from fifty to seventy miles
north of New- York, to assist the State of New-York against
their Tories, and be ready, in case the British ships should
come so far up the river, to prevent their landing men and
doing damage.
I am stationed at the Fishkill, with Captain Calif's and
Captain Robinson's companies, under the direction of a
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
committee appointed by the Convention of the State of
New-York " for inquiring into, detecting, and defeating all
conspiracies which may be formed in the said Slate against
the liberties of America." Numbers of disaffected persons
have been taken up and sent to the States of Pennsylvania,
Connecticut, and Massachusetts-Bay; but as their numbers
are still great, and the committee, at a loss where to send
them to prevent their mischievous designs from hurting the
common cause, applied to me to know whether I thought
they might venture to send any to the State of New-Hamp-
shire, I informed them that our State was well disposed to
the cause of America, and it was my opinion would readily
give their assistance in that affair; and if they did send
any, to order them to the honourable Court, to be disposed
of by them in such manner as they should judge best;
which opinion of your goodness and judgment in this mat-
ter- I hope will be kindly accepted from, gentlemen, your
most humble servant, w
JOSEPH WELCH.
To the honourable the Council and Representatives of the
State of New-Hampshire.
N. B. The companies under my command are very
healthy.
JOHN JAY TO THE GENERAL COURT OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
FishkUl, October 31, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: The Committee appointed by the Conven-
tion of this State for the purpose of inquiring into, detecting,
and defeating all conspiracies which may be formed therein
against the liberties of America, find it indispensably neces-
sary to remove a number of dangerous and disaffected
persons, some of whom have been taken in arms against
America, to one of the neighbouring States.
On conferring with Lieutenant-Colonel Welch relative to
sending them to New-Hampshire, he was of opinion that
the zeal which your honourable body have uniformly mani-
fested for the American cause, would induce you cheerfully
to receive and dispose of them, in such manner as to prevent
the further execution of their wicked and malicious designs.
The Committee desire that all such of the prisoners as
are not directed to be confined, and not in circumstances to
maintain themselves, be put to labour and compelled to earn
their subsistence. And they have directed the bearer,
Egbert Benson, Esquire, chairman of the Committee of
this County, to pay you two hundred dollars on account of
the expenses you may be put to by complying with their
request.
The Committee beg leave to recommend this gentleman
to your notice and confidence. He will communicate to you
the instructions given him by the Committee, and readily
give you any information that may be necessary to enable
you to form a judgment of the characters of the several
prisoners and the degrees of restrictions proper to enjoin.
By order of the Committee, I am, gentlemen, your most
obedient, humble servant,
JOHN JAY, Chairman.
To the honourable the General Court of the State of New-
Hampshire,
GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES.
Saratoga, October 31, 1776.
DEAR SIR: Enclose you a paper containing a resolve
of Congress respecting the Canadian prisoners, in conse-
quence of which you will, if you think proper, detain or
send back Lieutenant Evans.
I am, dear sir, your obedient, humble servant,
PH. SCHUYLER.
To Hon. Major-General Gates.
GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.
Tyonderoga, October 31, 1776.
SIR : Monday morning, between eight and nine o'clock,
our advanced guard boat down the lake made a signal for
the approach of the enemy's fleet. In about one hour, five
of their largest boats, or gondolas, appeared in sight ; and a
number of troops, Indians and Canadians were seen landing
upon Three-Mile Point. Soon after, two of the armed
boats stood over to the east side of the lake, inclining
83
1315
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &tc., OCTOBER, 1776.
1316
upwards, as if sent to reconnoitre. When they came con-
siderably within shot, they were fired upon from the redoubts
very near the shore, and by a row-galley which is stationed
to cover the boom. They thereupon retired. In the mean
time, the enemy's troops were distinctly seen to land upon
the back of the point; and presently after, thirteen small
batteaus and birch canoes crossed from the west to the east
side of the lake into a bay about four miles below our
redoubts. Upon these threatenings of an attack, our lines,
redoubts and posts were all manned, and as the motions of
the enemy seemed to indicate they were gathering their
main force upon the west side of the lake, as if intending
to make their push there, I ordered three regiments (Poor's,
Reed's, and Greaton's) from Mount Independence to rein-
force this side. The orders were instantly obeyed ; and
nothing could exceed the spirit and alertness which was
shown by all officers and soldiers in executing every order
that was given. About four in the evening, the boats and
canoes' that had passed to the west side of the lake returned ;
and the enemy were seen plainly to embark at the Three-
Mile Point. I immediately ordered the guard boat to
resume her station, arid by sunset it was observed the body
of the enemy had retired. By the information I receive
daily, I find that General Carleton continues in his post, and
that three large vessels are anchored near Putnam's Point,
a little below which all the Light-Infantry, Grenadiers and
a large 'body of Indians and Canadians are encamped.
Chimney-Point and Crown-Point are also occupied by the
enemy.
Yesterday I received the enclosed intelligence from
Newbury, Co'os. If Sir John Johnson did actually march
at the time he is said to have done it, he must be upon
the Mohock river now. or if he arrives at Fort George,
Dayton's regiment cannot be better fixed than there. Surely
your Oneidas will give you all the necessary information
upon this head. But how could Sir John get back, should
he meet with a check ? I have seen the Mohock river
fast frozen the I Oth of November.
Colonel Lewis set off yesterday morning by Skeen. He
has memorandums of our wants, and will be with you as
soon as this letter. Colonel Gansevoort writes to me for
spades. You must answer his demand, for I cannot.
We received the good news you sent us from Neiv- York
with joyful hearts. It was immediately made publick to
the army in the manner you advised.
To General Schuykr.
GOVERNOUR THUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
New-Haven, October 31, 1776.
SIR: Am to acquaint you that this State, considering
the near approach of the enemy, and the critical situation
of the Continental army, and the danger of having the com-
munication cut off, have thought proper to send a reinforce-
ment from our Militia, including all the able-bodied effective
men that can be raised out of four of our Militia regiments,
which probably will amount to about four hundred, exclusive
of a part of the Ninth Regiment of this State, ordered to
be stationed at Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich, together
with about one hundred and fifty of our Troops-of-Horse,
to be under the command of Major-General Woosttr,
especially appointed for that purpose, who is ordered and
directed to repair with said forces, to cooperate with you,
and to obey such orders as you shall give therein.
Am likewise desired by the Assembly of this State, to
request your Excellency to discharge, as soon as may be,
all the sick in the Militia now in service who shall be
judged incapable of further service, and that some way
might be devised to provide blankets and clothing for those
of the Militia who have been so unfortunate as to lose them
in retreating from the enemy ; or that some suitable persons
might be permitted, on furlough, to repair to the various
parts of this State as may be convenient to procure those
articles of the friends of those soldiers who are thus deprived
of them ; and would also observe that we are in hopes, upon
the arrival of our troop of Horse, that those now in service
may be relieved, and they supply their place.
We have been amused for several days with various
accounts of your situation and the movements of our
enemies, but have had no direct intelligence, which makes
us very anxious to hear from you.
And am, with esteem and regard, sir, your humble
servant, rpi
JONTH. 1 RUMBULL.
To His Excellency General Washington.
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATKS.
New-Haven, October 3], 1776.
SIR: Saturday last, at noon, I received your favour of
the 22d instant. Rejoice to find that a supply of medicine
is arrived. Wish your Surgeons may do well. Orders
will be sent out directly to procure and forward to Skeens-
boro' ten tons of flour, to Tyconderoga two hundred iron
spades and shovels. Shingle-nails are not to be pur-
chased. Workmen shall be employed immediately to make
them; please to inform, by return of this post, the quantity
necessary.
No general engagement hath taken place between the
two armies near New- York ; some skirmishing, wherein the
enemy have not been gainers.
I fancy the General Officers will, if possible without
giving the enemy advantage, avoid a general action this
season, which will be almost equal to a defeat. However,
I am not in the secret of their counsels. None of their
ships were able to pass Fort Washington at their attempt
on Sunday last. One tender was sunk, two ships of war
damaged and towed back.
The attack the enemy made at the same time by land
was repulsed. We are put to difficulty to gain any clear
intelligence, not having any late letters from the army. I
hope for full intelligence from you ; and wishing you Divine
protection and blessing, I am, with great esteem and regard,
sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
JONTH. TRUMBULL.
To Hon. General Gates.
Boston, October 31, 1776.
Donations received October, 1776, by the hands of the
Hon. Samuel Adams, Esq., viz:
From Bucks County, Pennsylvania, - - £162 5 11
From the County of Cumberland, Pennsyl-
vania, 168 11 2
From the County of Hunterdon, in New-
Jersey, 10 11 4
Philadelphia currency, - - - - £341 8 5
- - - - £273 2 9
Is lawful money,
We hear from the eastward that on Friday, the 20th of
September last, a number of persons belonging to the pri-
vate armed schooner Hannah-and-Molly, Agreen Crab-
tree master, went into the port of Liverpool, in Nova-Scotia
Government, and crossed by land till they came within call
of a large ship of five hundred tons, mounting four carriage-
guns, four cohorns, and four swivels. The leader of the
party hailed the ship, and desired them to send the boat on
shore. Accordingly, the mate came with the boat. The
privateer's men got into her, went on board the ship, and
took her. They brought the guns to bear upon a brig
loaded for England, and ordered the master of the brig to
come alongside the ship with the brig. They then stripped
the ship of every thing valuable, and put the effects on
board the brig, and let the ship go on shore, and came off
with the brig. The same crew also, at the same time, took
two schooners and a slopp. The schooners and sloop have
arrived; but the brig had not arrived in port the 6th of
October, so that we fear she is retaken. The Captain of
the privateer was so careful as to put all the guns and can-
non, with a quantity of powder, on board his own privateer,
so that they have arrived safe. The schooners and sloop
had nails, fish, and a number of valuable articles on board.
Last Sunday se'nnight, arrived at Saco a small prize
schooner sent in by the Putnam privateer, John Harmon
commander, having on board three hundred bushels of salt
and some oil. Next day arrived another schooner, taken
by the same privateer, having on board three hundred and
seventy -five quintals of green fish, and some oil ; she brings
an account of another small vessel taken that is not yet
arrived, and one that they took which was afterwards drove
on shore by a frigate, the vessel lost, but the people got on
board the privateer again ; the frigate drove the privateer
1317
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1318
into a harbour, and carne to anchor with intention to keep
her in ; but Captain Harmon got one of his guns ashore on
a point of land, and fired on the frigate, when she returned
whole broadsides into the woods at them, but did no damage.
Captain Harmon, after a few shot, was so lucky as to cut
away her fore-stay, which obliged her to come to sail and
put to sea.
Captain Simmons, who arrived at Dartmouth on Friday
last, in twenty days From St. Eustatia, informs that the
Governour of that place assured him that a war would
soon be declared by the King of France against Great
Britain; that one of the British pirate ships, being in that
port in pursuit of American property, had actually been
fired upon by their forts; and that great encouragement
was given to all American vessels throughout the French
dominions.
Last week arrived in town, from Philadelphia, the Hon.
John Adams, Esq., member of the Grand Council of
America.
We learn from Ticonderoga that eight American pri-
soners, taken in one of our gondolas at the late engagement
on the lakes, were last week permitted by the humane
General Burgoyne to return to their several States, after
extorting an oath from them that they would not again
presume to take up arms in opposition to his Britannick
Majesty's forces.
SAMUEL CURWEN TO JUDGE SEWALL.
Exeter, October 31, 1776.
DEAR SIR: By a letter from Mr. Danforth, I was in-
formed some of my countrymen were about to apply to
Administration for relief. As my residence has been much
longer than the most, and the suddenness of my departure
from home rendering it morally impossible for me to become
possessed of much money, and my pretensions, for aught I
know, being as good as any and better than many, I pre-
sume I shall not be the only exile left in a forlorn condition
if any provision be made ; and if never made, forlorn I shall
truly be, my finances every day very sensibly lessening.
Had I received Mr. Dcberdt's letter in time, I should have
returned to London, but it was otherwise; and if rny
presence now can be dispensed with, it will be more agree-
able, as I live pleasantly enough among a few acquaintances,
at the rate of twenty guineas a year, in a state of rigid
economy that I never before was reduced to the necessity
of putting in practice.
In my answer to Mr. Deberdt I referred him to you,
whose friendship on this occasion I doubted not; nor need
I now repeat my request of your assistance if that shall be
necessary.
With great regard, etc., S. CURWEN.
To the Hon. Judge Sewall, Brompton-Row, London.
TO THE INDEPENDENT SONS OF AMERICA.
By the favour of Providence, we have reached that
political point which the wise have long seen to be the
only foundation of safety — independence. Our work is
now plain before us: to persevere to the end in supporting
the declaration we have made to the world. To do this,
every consideration urges us ; to retreat is death, is slavery,
calamities of every name, and all the gloomy horrours of
the most odious and execrable tyranny ; before us is all the
glory of freedom, pregnant with every felicity our wishes
can grasp or human nature enjoy. If we continue our
exertions with that wisdom and magnanimity with which
we began, liberty will soon triumph, wealth flow in through
ten thousand channels, and America become the glory of
all lands. Tyranny is now exerting her utmost power; and
if resisted a little longer, George and all his murderers must
bid adieu to America forever. Then we shall have the
double honour and happiness of subduing the tyrants and
enjoying liberty. The expense and dangers it has cost us
will sweeten the blessing. If we have not suffered enough
to make us duly prize the inestimable jewel, let us patiently
bear what is yet to come. But if we continue in the ways
of well-doing, we shall certainly succeed ; for unerring Wis-
dom h^s told us " if we trust in the Lord and do good, we
shall dwell in the land and be fed;" therefore, we have
nothing to do but be faithful to God and our country, and
the blessings we contend for will be the portion of us and
our children. The prize of liberty is not to be gained in a
day, nor bought with a small price, but is the reward of
long labour and unremitted exertions ; and a people are
commonly made to realize their dependence on Heaven for
so great a favour before they are crowned with complete
success. The poor Dutch Provinces were oppressed by a
Spanish tyrant, much like George of Britain, and they,
although poor and small in number compared with the
States of America, resisted the tyrant, who had at his com-
mand a great and rich nation, and, after a bloody contest of
many years, gloriously triumphed in the complete freedom
of their country. During the conflict, they were at some
times reduced to such extreme difficulties as would have
sunk any but free minds into absolute despair; but they
were blessed with a succession of heroes and statesmen
who wisely preferred liberty to every thing else, and perse-
vered, through a long series of the severest calamities of
every kind, with undiminished fervour in the glorious cause,
until they ' arrived at the blissful period of independent
States ; and remain to this day a glorious monument of the
supereminent virtue and valour of freemen. Let us imitate
this bright example, and with them we shall shine in the
history of mankind until the heavens are no more. The
blood and treasure it may cost will heighten the value of
liberty, and brighten the future days of peace and glory,
when we or posterity shall recount the noble exertions and
amazing intrepidity of those who were honoured by Heaven
as the instruments of saving this great people from infernal
tyranny. It will add to the joys of prosperity and sweeten
the sacred triumph of freemen, when encircled with the
charms of peace, to look back upon the trying scenes of
the present time, and review the difficulties surmounted
through a series of conflicts, while each moment was big
with importance, and the fate of thousands hung upon every
hour. A SOLDIER.
Boston, October 31, 1776.
THE QUARTERMASTER-GENERAL'S ESTIMATE OF THE PROBA-
BLE EXPENSE OF HIS DEPARTMENT FOR ONE MONTH.
The Quartermaster's Salary, at 80 dollars a month,
is, £24
Two Assistant Quartermasters at Roxbury and Win-
ter-Hill, 20 dollars each, 12
Clerks' Assistants, &.C., at the Office, Camp Equi-
page, Store, Stables, Granary in Cambridge, and
expense of Riders, --------- 48
Two Clerks for the Assistant Quartermaster at Rox-
bury and Winter-Hill, 8
One hundred Carpenters, at 20s. a month advance
pay, 100
One hundred Armourers, ditto, ------ 100
Wood and Coal, 2,000
Hay for 100 Horses, fifty tons per month at £5, - 250
Oats and Straw, 200
Two Wagonmasters, at 20 dollars a month each, - 12
Hire of Teams, 350
Camp Utensils, worn and lost, say, - -• - - -* 150
Intrenching and Carpenter's Tools, ----- 100
Three Captains of Floating Batteries, at 20 dollars
each, ------------- .18
Repairing Boats, ---------- 50
One Assistant in the Lumber-yard, ----- 4
Incidental charges, such as marching expenses for
Regiments, Recruits, subsistence of Deserters,
Indians, &c., ----------- 474
Repairs of Tents, with waste of Boards, Nails, &tc. 100
Lawful, - £4,000
In this estimate notice is not taken of the Barracks ; one
hundred and twenty Barracks, each ninety feet by sixteen,
are now building. They will contain twelve thousand men,
and will cost £12,000 lawful.
A LIST OF BRITISH SHIPS ON THE AMERICAN STATION.
Guns. Guns.
Eagle, Admiral Howe, - 64 Bristol, Commodore Sir
Asia, Captain Vandeput, 64 Peter Parker, - - - 50
Jersey, hospital ship, - 60 Preston, Com. Hotham, 50
Chatham, Admiral Shuld- Renown, Captain Banks, 50
ham, - - - - - 50 Isis, Captain Douglass, - 50
1319
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1320
Guns.
Guns.
Guns.
Experiment, Scott, - - 50 Active, Williams, -
Centurion, Braithwaite, - 50 Boreas, Thompson, -
Phoenix, Parker, - - - 44 Carysfoi t, Fansliaw,
Roebuck, Hammond, - 44 Cerberus, Symonds, -
Rainbow, Sir G. Collier, 44 Daphne, Henry, - -
Amazon, Jacobs, - - 32 Fox, Fotheringham, -
- 28 G
- 28 L
- 28 N
- 28 S
- 28 G
- 28 B
- 28 S
- 28 S
- 28 F
- 28 R
. oa i>
Diamond, Fielding, - - 32 Liverpool, Bellew, -
Emerald, Caldwell, - - 32 Milford, Burr, - -
Flora, Brisbane, - - - 32 Solebay, - - - -
Lark, Smith, - - - - 32 Syren, Furneaux, -
Niger, Talbot, - - - 32 Tatar, Ommanie, -
Orpheus, Hudson, - - 32 Triton, Lutwidge, -
Pearl, O'Hara, - - - 32 Unicorn, Ford, - -
Repulse, Davis, - - - 32 Deal Castle, Worth,
- 28 ¥
- 28 E
- 28
- 28
- 24
- 24 a
- 24
Actaeon, Atkins, (burnt,) 28 Greyhound, Dickson,
Garland, Pearson, - - 24 Scorpion, Tolemache, - 16
Lively, Bishop, - - - 24 Tamer, Thornborough, - 16
Mercury, Montague,
Sphinx, Hunt, - -
Glascow, Howe, - -
Rose, Wallace, -
- 24 Albany, Mowatt,
- 24 Hope, Dawson, - -
- 20 Martin, Parker, - -
- 20 Swan, Ayscough,
Scarborough, Barclay, - 20 Senegal, Duddington, -
Seaford, Colpoy,
Falcon, Lindzey,
Merlin, Bernaby,
Nauiilus, Collins,
Kingfisher, Graham,
Raven, Stanhope,
Carcas, Thunder, bomb-vessels.
Strombolo, fire-ship.
Canceaux, Cherokee, Diligence, and a number of other
armed vessels.
- 20 Hawke, Cooper, - -
- 18 Otter, Squire, - -
- 18 Viper, Price, - - -
- 18 Carcass, Dring, - -
- 16 Cruiser, Parry, -
- 16 Savage, Bromedge, -
14
14
14
14
14
10
10
10
8
8
8
Return of the Seventh Regiment of Foot in the service of the UNITED COLONIES, commanded by Colonel WILLIAM
PRESCOTT, October 31, 1776.
COMPANIES.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
'ast Return.
Commissioned.
Staff.
JVbn-
Com'd.
Colonel.
"oj
0
"c
7!
-
C
2
OT
—
|
6
First Lieutenants.
Second Lieut nts.
§
~£
I
w
a
I
Adjutant.
Quartermaster.
Surgeon.
oj
Paymaster.
Sergeants.
•1
it*
-a
c
CS
tn
5
C
Fit for duty.
Sick, present.
1
c
On command.
"1
_c
6
1
Sergeants.
m
E
-a
c
«
1
3
0
Privates.
-o
B
"H
1
i,
2
1
Q
I
1
1
-
il i
i|-
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
-
-
1
3
1
3
3
4
4
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
9
23
28
38
18
50
22
26
6
5
14
2
4
13
7
1
9
1
20
1
9
1
9
9
59
G
5
11
4
6
11
8
9
GO
-
43
48
71
23
69
47
50
25
1
1
1
37
32
9
57
11
33
30
55
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
i
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
Captain JN ewe
-
-
-
i
1
1
1
Total
—
—
1
1
-
6 4
6
4
1
1
-
1
21
211
46
-
376
1
264
-
N. B. The Major, 2 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 3 Ensigns, the Sur-
geon and Mate, 5 Sergeants, 4 Drums and Fifes, and the Quartermas-
ter, sick, absent; 2 Lieutenants, 2 Sergeants, 1 Drummer, sick, present;
1 Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants, on command; 30 Rank and File, on com-
mand, in the Artillery; 14 Rank and File, on command, in the works;
9 Rank and File, on command, in the row-galleys; 7 Rank and File,
on command, taking care of the sick; 1 Sergeant, 2 Privates, missing
leaving York, returned on command.
WM. PKESCOTT, Colonel.
Return of the Regiment of Foot in the service of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, commanded by Colonel THOMAS
THOMAS, in Brigadier-General GEORGE CLINTON'S Brigade, October 31, 1776.
COMPANIES.
•
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
laslReturn.
Commissioned.
Staff.
Won-
Com'd.
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%
Q
S
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Q
1
-
-
1
1
1
1
i
i
i
i
i
i
1
-
-
1
1
1
-
-
3
2
3
3
2
3
3
2
2
l
l
1
2
1
1
1
1
9
31
6
23
19
17
17
18
19
15
1
2
3
4
2
1
3
1
3
4
G
8
11
18
11
3
31
85
4
4
5
7
13
3
4
9
3
5
1
1
39
21
38
38
44
40
36
32
39
-
-
14
25
12
6
6
11
15
15
9
-
-
-
2
1
2
1
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total
1
- -
4
<;
4 -
- 1
llll-
-
23
165
17
52
7
327
-
-
113
-
-
5
Lieutenant-Colonel ffammon and Major Purdy, sick, absent.
Captain Dutcher and his Fifer, absent, to move their families; sick, at
home, Drummer; of the persons on command, 1 with carts, and 3
with Commissary.
Captain Ledew, sick, present; his First Lieutenant, in Artillery; Second
Lieutenant, left at Fort Independence, with 1 Sergeant and the 4 men-
tioned on command; Fifer, sick, absent; Sergeant, sick, present;
deserted in whole, 8, including Drummer.
Second Lieutenant to Captain Delivan, left at Fort Independence, with 4
of the persons mentioned on command; other, in Artillery; deserted
in whole, including Fifer, 4.
First Lieutenant to Captain Cronkhyte, under an arrest for desertion ;
Second Lieutenant, sick, absent; of the persons returned sick, absent,
4 are in Hospital, and 2 in outhouses; of the persons on command,
1 on General's guard, and 6 left at Fort Independence and up North
River, by order; deserted in whole, 10, including Drummer.
Captain Platt, retired about one mile to recruit; Sergeant, sick, absent
by leave; of the persons mentioned sick, absent, 9 in Hospital, and 2
home by leave; of the persons on command, 9 left at Fort Independ-
ence, 3 with Teams, and 1 with Commissary; deserted in all, 4.
Captain Gilbert, sick, absent with leave of the General; First Lieute-
nant, sick, absent; the persons mentioned as sick, absent, are in Hos-
pital, and 1 sick, absent by my leave; of the persons on command, 1
on General's guard, and 2 at Blue-Bell Fort, exclusive of Fifer, who
is also there; deserted in whole, 2.
Captain Hunter's Lieutenant, sick, absent; Fifer, sick, present; of the
persons on command, 3 in Artillery, and one at the Bridge.
Captain Townsend's First Lieutenant, Adjutant of my Regiment; Second
Lieutenant, sick, present; Sergeant and Drummer, sick, absent; of
the persons on command, 1 with duartermaster, 2 in Artillery, 2, my
clerk and waiter, and 4 left at Fort Independence; 3, not returned as
present, fit for duty, taken at Morrisiania and at Maroneck as deserters,
and 1 taken at Maroneck.
Captain Dan, sick, in hospital, and his Sergeant; of the persons re-
turned sick, 20 in hospital, 1 absent by my leave; of the persons on
command, 1 to guard teams, 1 Adjutant's waiter and 1 Doctor's
Mate, Drummer, at Fort Independence; deserted in whole, 5; the
cooks and waiters of the above mentioned companies included in the
present, fit for duty.
THOMAS THOMAS, Cohnel.
1321
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., OCTOBER, 1776.
1322
Weekly Return of the Eighth Regiment of Militia, from State of CONNECTICUT, commanded by OLIVER SMITH, Esq..
Lieutenant- Colonel, October 31, 1776.
COMPANIES.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
lastReturn.
Commissioned.
Staff.
JVon-
Com'd.
Colonel.
Lieut. Colonel.
c
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2
Captains.
First Lieutenants.
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=
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5
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Quartermaster.
Surgeon.
o
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Paymaster.
Sergeants.
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Sergeants.
Drums and Fifes.
Privates.
Inlisted. |
-s
2
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Discharged. |
Deserted.
-
-
r
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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1
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28
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-
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4
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2
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3
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11
3
7
6
6
4
2
2
1
1
1
1
5
3
1
-
16
6
10
12
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
.
.
—
—
.
-
Total
-
-
-
9
9
4
7
-
1
1
1
1
-
27
r(
62
15
an
7
-
112
N. B. Five Captains, 2 Subs., 3 Sergeants, sick, absent; 2 Subs., Those on command are accounted for as follows: 4 Field and Staff
sick, present. Officers' waiters, 3 Privates, tending on sick.
OLIVER SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel.
Return of the Regiment of Foot, in the service of the UNITED STATES, commanded by Colonel JACOBUS SWARTWOUT,
WHITE-PLAINS, October 3], 1776.
COMPANIES.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
astReturn.
Commissioned.
Staff.
Jfon-
Com'd.
i i i | Colonel.
c
_0
3
1
j
$
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ro
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Second Lieut nts.
d
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33
\ Chaplain.
a
3
<
Quartermaster.
Surgeon.
o
£
Paymaster.
Sergeants.
1
•it
-a
73
jj
Q
3
SI
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OH
1
0
B.
ffi
1
ffi
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6JS
3
3
d
1
1
Sergeants.
£
-&,
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1
a
Privates.
i
c
I
Discharged.
1
1
~
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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3
3
3
3
2
3
3
2
3
2
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i
I
j
24
14
26
26
28
16
9
10
7
24
7
r
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s
f
4
1
6
i
7
8
14
<
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8
38
30
48
46
45
26
36
25
19
46
-
-
5
20
5
7
g
-
-
-
-
-
-
'
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
-
-
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•
-
-
1
j
-
17
17
28
34
7
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-
-
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i
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Total
1
-
-
6
7
9
-
-
1
1
1
-
27
li.
184
5436
6419
358
!
147
-
-
The Lieutenant-Colonel on command at PeekskiU: Captain Vanwvck
killed.
Captain Svtartwout on command at the King's Bridge; Lieutenant Lang-
don absent.
One of Captain Ludenton's Lieutenants and two Sergeants sick, in
quarters.
Captain Godwin's First Lieutenant has not joined company yet.
One of Captain Lane's Lieutenants sick, in quarters.
I omitted the Major, sick, absent. The Adjutant sick, in quarters.
Those on command are at the King's Bridge, and some in Artillery.
The deserters, discharged, and dead, we refer to our last.
Two Lieutenants on command at king's Bridge.
JACOBUS SWAHTWOUT, Colonel.
Return of the Regiment of Foot, in the service of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, under the command of Colonel
MORRIS GRAHAM, Camp WHITE-PLAINS, October 31, 1776.
COMPANIES.
OFFICERS PRESENT.
RANK AND FILE.
Wanting
to
complete.
Alterations
since
lastReturn.
Commissioned.
' Sla/.
JVon-
Comm'd.
~OJ
<=.
c
c
QJ
i
c
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3
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C
C
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5
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a
First Lieutenants.
2
^
1
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=
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s.
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-
-
-
i
i
i
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
J
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
2
3
2
2
3
3
1
3
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
9
3
1
2
3
2
1
1
19
10
3
7
10
9
19
9
3
2
8
2
a
4
i
14
e
8
s
5
7
1
7
3
8
it
14
10
7
8
8
4
42
29
21
36
30
31
33
26
-
-
u
24
32
17
23
22
20
27
-
i
i
-
-
Captain Platt
Total
1
1
1
4
7
8
\
1
1
1
2 |l9
11
16' 86
•2-2
53
«7
4
248
-
-
176
-
a
-
-
Captain Paine, sick, absent; Lieutenant Waters, of his company, and 1
Sergeant, absent after clothing for their men.
Captain Stoughtenburgh, sick, absent; 1 Lieutenant, unfit for duty, in
camp.
Captain Platt, absent with leave; and 1 Sergeant, sick, absent.
Captain Barlow, sick, absent, and 1 Sergeant.
Captain Hearmanel, sick, absent, and Lieutenant Sharpe, lame, in camp;
1 Sergeant, on command as Quartermaster Sergeant, and 1 Sergeant,
sick, absent; 1 Lieutenant on Rear Guard, and Drummer, sick, absent.
Lieutenant Egot, of Captain fan Steenbergh's company, absent without
leave, and 1 Sergeant, sick, abseut, and 1 Sergeant on the Rear
Guard; Fifer, absent.
Two of Captain 7'eHer's Sergeants, sick, in camp, and Drummer, sick,
absent.
Per ROSWELL HOPKINS, Lieutenant- Colonel.
1323
NAVY BOARD OF SOUTH-CAROLINA, 1776.
1324
NAVY BOARD OP SOUTH-CAROLINA.
Charlestown, South-Carolina, Wednesday, October 9, 1776.
In pursuance of an act of the General Assembly, passed
the 4th October, 1776, the following Commissioners ap-
pointed by the said act, viz : Edward Blake, Thomas
Corbett, Thomas Savage, Josiah Smith, Jun., Roger Smith,
George Abbott Hall, and George Smith, to superintend and
direct the Naval affairs of this State, met, and previous to
their forming a Board, took the following Oath of Qualifi-
cation, viz:
" I do swear that I will well and truly execute
the duties of my office as a Commissioner of the Navy
Board, to the best of my skill and judgment. So help me
God."
The Commissioners then proceeded to the election of the
First Commissioner, and Edward Blake, Esq., was by a
majority of votes chosen First Commissioner of the Navy,
and took his seat accordingly.
Resolved, That the following Advertisement for a Clerk
of the Board be published, viz :
"The Commissioners of the Navy Board give this pub-
lick notice, that they are in want of a Clerk whose duty
and business will be to keep regular accounts and journals
of all transactions relating to the said Board, also, when
required, to go on board the vessels of war in the service of
this State, and take exact accounts of officers and seamen
on board, to pay off the wages due them respectively, and
to make proper returns thereof to the said Board on oath.
The salary allowed for such business will be fourteen
hundred pounds currency per annum. Any person willing
to engage- will apply before nine o'clock on Saturday
morning, the 12th instant, by letter directed to Edward
Blake, First Commissioner."
The Board upon inquiry into the state of the Navy,
found that there was a vacancy for a Captain to command
the brigantine-of-war Comet.
Ordered, That the following Letter be sent to the General
Assembly then sitting, viz :
" To the Hon. JAMES PARSONS, Esq., Speaker, and Gen-
tlemen of the General Assembly:
" The Commissioners of the Navy Board on inquiry find
that a Captain is wanted for the brigantine Comet. They
recommend Captain Stephen Seymour and Captain Edward
Allen as proper persons for the Legislature to make choice
of."
Adjourned to next Saturday morning, nine o'clock.
Navy Board, Saturday, October 12, 1776.
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present : Edward Blake, First Commissioner ; Thomas
Savage, Josiah Smith, Jun., George Abbott Hall, Thomas
Corbett, Roger Smith, George Smith.
Read several applications to the Board for the Clerk's
office, and then proceeded to choose a Clerk by ballot, and
Mr. John Culvert was declared unanimously elected to be
Clerk of this Board, and he took the following Oath of
Qualification, viz :
" I, John Culvert, do swear that I will well and truly
execute the duties of my office as Clerk of the Navy Board,
to the best of my skill and judgment, and that I will faith-
fully keep secret the business of said Board when required.
So help me God."
Received a Muster-Roil of the Brigantine Defence.
Received a Muster-Roll of the Brigantine Comet.
The following Letter was sent to Captain Thomas Pick-
ering.
" Captain THOMAS PICKERING :
" You are hereby required to use the utmost diligence in
manning the brigantine Dejence, under your command, and
getting tier ready for sea ; in particular, we recommend
that you take the most effectual means for recovering the
seamen who have deserted from your vessel as speedily as
possible, if they are to be found in town, and make a return
to the Navy Board of your complement of men by Tuesday
next, at nine o'clock in the morning."
A similar Letter was also sent to Captain Edward Allen,
commander of the Brigantine Comet.
Adjourned to next Tuesday morning, nine o'clock.
Navy Board, Tuesday, October 15, 1776.
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present: Edivard Blake, Esq., First Commissioner;
George Abbott Hall, Josiah Smith, Ttiomas Savage, Thomas
Corbett, George Smith, Esqs.
Read the Minutes of last meeting.
Ordered, That the following Advertisement be inserted
in the Gazette, and that three hundred Handbills be struck
off and dispersed in the country:
" The Commissioners of the Navy are in want of a
quantity of Salted Beef and Pork in barrels. Any persons
inclined to furnish them therewith are desired to send pro-
posals in writing to the subscriber, mentioning the quantity
of salt required for each barrel of Beef and Pork, (which the
Commissioners will supply the contractors with upon their
entering into contract with them,) and the price they will
deliver the Beef and Pork at in Charlestown, the same
being properly cured and packed in tight barrels, weighing
two hundred pounds neat weight. They are also in want of
a quantity of Ship Bread and Flour, for which they will
give the market price, or enter into contract with any per-
son inclined to supply them.
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner."
Returns were received from the officers of the Brigantine
Comet and the Brigantine Defence.
Orders were given to Captain Edward Allen to get his
Water, Provisions, and other necessaries on board, ready
to proceed to sea as soon as possible, and to report when
he is ready.
Orders were given to Captain Thomas Pickering to
apply to the Commissary to furnish him with such Sails as
are wanting for the Brigantine Defence, and other necessa-
ries to get her ready for sea.
Alexander Horn, the Publick Boatkeeper, was ordered
to attend the next meeting.
Adjourned to next Thursday morning, nine o'clock.
Navy Board, Thursday, October 17, 1776.
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present: Edward. Blake, Esq., First Commissioner;
Thomas Savage, Thomas Corbett, George Abbott Hall,
Josiah Smith, George Smith, Roger Smith, Esqs.
Read the Minutes of last meeting.
The following Letter was agreed to be sent to Mr.
Anthony Bonneau, at Georgetown:
" Navy Office, Charlestown, October 17, 1776.
" Mr. ANTHONY BONNEAU :
" SIR: Captain Seymour having represented to the Com-
missioners of the Navy the necessity of having a proper
person at Georgetown to furnish provisions, &.c., for the
armed schooner Rattlesnake stationed there, they will be
glad if it should suit your convenience to transact that
business; and in order that you may be acquainted with the
nature of it, you will find enclosed an indent of such pro-
visions as the seamen in the navy are allowed daily ; also a
form of a return to be made and signed by the Purser
monthly, when your accounts ought to be made out and
transmitted to this Board, for the amount of which they
will pay your order, upon the account being separately
certified by the Purser and yourself. Captain Seymour is
to send to you for the provisions as they are wanted ; for
which purpose the Board recommend that you buy a good
canoe and oars for the schooner, to be used only as a
harbour boat ; and whenever she may be ordered to sea, the
canoe to be left in your or some other person's custody,
to be taken care of until her return. The Commissioners
will be glad to know on what terms you will transact the
above business, to which they will give you an immediate
answer.
" By order of the Board :
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner."
1325
NAVY BOARD OF SOUTH-CAROLINA, 1776.
1326
The following Letter was wrote to Captain John Copi-
thorn :
" Captain JOHN COPITHORN :
"SIR: The Commissioners of the Navy request that
you do immediately make use of your utmost endeavours
to procure as many Schooners as you can hire for the
service of the publick, and inform me as soon as possible of
your success.
" I am, sir, your humble servant,
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner."
The following Letter was wrote to Alexander Horn :
" Navy Board, Charlestown, October 17, 1776.
" Mr. ALEXANDER HORN :
" You are hereby required to hire a sufficient number of
negroes to cleanse the entrance at the flood-gate of the
stones and rubbish now lying there, in order to make it
convenient to receive the boats belonging to the publick ;
and you are likewise required to have them moved imme-
diately there as the place is made convenient, and where, after
being at any time employed, they are to be put, until a more
convenient place for their reception is fixed upon. You
are also to take particular care that all the boats are kept
in good order, and constantly supplied with oars, rudders,
and tillers.
" By order of the Board :
' " EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner."
The following Letter was wrote to Edward Darrell, Esq. •
" EDWARD DARRELL, Esq. :
" SIR : The Commissioners of the Navy Board require
that you will, with all possible despatch, furnish Captain
Edward Allen, of the brigantine Comet, and Captain
Thomas Pickering, of the brigantine Defence, with all such
stores as, are necessary to complete said vessels for sea.
" I am, sir, your humble servant,
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner.
"October 17, 1776."
The following Letter was wrote to Captain Stephen
Seymour :
" Navy Board, Charlestown, October 17, 1776.
" Captain STEPHEN SEYMOUR:
"Sm: An act having passed the General Assembly the
9th April last, for the more effectual prevention of the
desertion of the soldiers and sailors in the service of this
State, the Commissioners of the Navy now furnish you with
some copies of the same for your guide at the station where
your vessel is ; and you are hereby required to give your
utmost assistance for the apprehension, securing, and sending
to their respective vessels or regiments such deserters as
may be taken at or about George-Town, and that you furnish
the keeper of the George-Town ferry with one of the acts,
that he may be assisting therein ; also, that you desire the
attention of the Magistrates and others to the same. The
Commissioners have wrote a letter to Mr. Bonneau, desiring
him to furnish you with the necessary provisions for the
Rattlesnake ; and in order that there may be proper regula-
tions observed, Mr. Bonneau is desired to purchase a canoe
for the purpose of carrying the provisions which you are
to send for as often as they are wanted, the daily allowance
of which for each man is enclosed, with a form for your
Purser, or other officer appointed for that purpose, who is
to give an account to the Commissioners what time the
provisions are wanted, when they are to be punctually sent
for, and yourself and your Purser, or person appointed for
the purpose, are to make a monthly return upon oath of the
provisions which shall be received and the expenditure
thereof, which you are to transmit to us, that the Commis-
sary's accounts may be examined. You will also direct your
Boatswain, Carpenter, and Gunner to make a quarterly
return of their stores to you, which you are to sign and
forward to this Board.
" By order of the Board :
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner."
The following Letter was wrote to Captain Edward
Allen:
" Captain EDWARD ALLEN :
"Sip: The Commissioners of the Navy have thought
fit to appoint Nathaniel Havens to be Purser of the brig-
antine Comet, and desire that you will receive him to act
in that station, and put all such stores as are now on board
belonging to his department into his charge.
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner.
"October 17, 1776."
The following Advertisement was ordered to be given to
Mr. Samuel Prioleau, Jr. :
"To be sold at auction, on Thursday, the 24th instant,
before the Exchange, two Schooners, one lying at Colonel
Gadsden's wharf, the other on the marsh near thereto, with
their furniture and tackle, as they now lie.
"By order of the Commissioners of the Navy:
" SAMUEL PRIOLEAU, JUN., &. Co.
"October 17, 1776."
Then the Board adjourned to next Saturday morning, at
nine o'clock.
Navy Board, Saturday, October 19, 1776.
Present : Edward Blake, Esq., First Commissioner ;
George Abbot Hall, Josiah Smith, George Smith, Thomas
Corbett, Esqs.
Read the Minutes of last meeting.
Received a Letter from Archibald Brown Sf Co., with
proposals to contract for Pork and Bread.
Received a Letter from William Hopkins, with proposals
to contract for twenty barrels of Flour.
An Order was sent to Edward Darrell, Esq. :
" SIR : You are desired by the Commissioners of the
Navy Board to procure the within-mentioned instruments
for the use of the Brigantine Defence.
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner.
" To Edward Darrell, Esq., Commissary.
"October 19, 1776."
The following Letter was sent to Mr. Anthony Bon-
neau:
"Mr. ANTHONY BONNEAU :
"SiR: The Commissioners of the Navy are in want of
one hundred barrels of hard pitch, one hundred barrels tar,
and twenty barrels of good, clean turpentine, the casks to
be very good; also, any quantity of tallow that can be
procured. They will be glad that you will purchase, and
ship them by any good opportunity for Charlestown, and as
speedily as possible, the above articles ; for the amount of
which, your order on the Commissioners of the Navy will
be punctually paid.
"The Commissioners are informed that you have a quan-
tity of cordage by you, such as the publick are at present
in want of. They will be glad to have it sent round to
Charlestown at the same time as the naval stores are shipped ;
also, any other cordage and sail-duck that you can purchase
at George-Town; for which your order will be paid.
" By order of the Board :
"EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner.
"P. S. The price of cordage in Charlestown is £15
per one hundred pounds, which the Commissioners are
willing to allow at George-Town."
Captain Stephen Seymour applied to the Board to know
what number of men would be allowed for the Schooner
Rattlesnake; and the. Board resolved to allow the said
vessel fifty men as her full complement.
Then the Board adjourned to next Monday evening, five
o'clock.
Navy Board, Monday, October 21, 1776.
Adjourned to to-morrow evening, at five o'clock.
Navy Board, Tuesday, October 22, 1776.
Adjourned to Thursday evening, five o'clock.
Navy Board, Thursday, October 24, 1776.
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present: Edward Blake, Esq., First Commissioner;
Thomas Savage, George Abbott Hall, Roger Smith,
Esqs.
Read the Minutes of last meeting.
1327
NAVY BOARD OF SOUTH-CAROLINA, 1776.
1328
A Letter was wrote to Messrs. Archibald Brown fy Co.,
viz :
"Navy Board, Charlestown, October 24, 1776.
"GENTLEMEN: Your proposals to contract with the
Board for two hundred barrels of good pork, at fifteen
pounds per barrel, (allowing you one bushel of salt for
each,) they agree to enter into contract with you for that
quantity, to be delivered in Charlestown as speedily as pos-
sible.
"The bread they will treat with you for as it comes to
market.
" By order of the Board : EDWARD BLAKE."
One thousand Certificates were ordered to be struck off
immediately in the following words, viz:
"Know all men, that I, , have entered, and
do hereby certify that 1 have voluntarily entered, into the
Navy of this State aforesaid, on board the ; and
I do hereby engage to be true and faithful in the said ser-
vice until I shall be discharged by publick authority, and
also to be bound by and to obey all and every rule, resolve,
order, and regulation, made, or to be made, by the Legisla-
ture of the State aforesaid, or by the Commissioners of the
Navy. And I do hereby acknowledge the receipt of
Witness my hand, this ."
A Letter was sent to Captain John Turner :
" Captain JOHN TURNER: You are hereby requested to
attend the Commissioners of the Navy at the Board to-mor-
row evening.
"By order of the Board :
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner.
"Navy Board, October 24, 1776."
Adjourned to to-morrow evening, five o'clock.
Navy Board, Friday, October 25, 1776.
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present: Edward Blake, Esq., First Commissioner;
Roger Smith, George Smith, George Abbott Hall, Esqrs.
Read the Minutes of last meeting.
Agreed to take Mr. William Hopkins' s twenty barrels of
Flour, at £8 10*. per cwt., to be delivered to Edward
Darrell, Esq., Commissary.
A Letter was wrote to Captain Edward Allen :
" Captain EDWARD ALLEN:
"Sin: The Commissioners of the Navy desire you will
take out of the brigantine Comet, four of the carriage-guns,
as they think the number now on board rather hurtful than
of service.
" By order of the Board :
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner.
"October 25, 1776."
Resolved, That the following Spars be provided for the
use of the Navy of this State, and that Mr. First Commis-
sioner do give directions for the same:
20 Spars from 50 to 70 feet long, and from 16 to 30
inches diameter.
10 Spars from 30 to 40 feet long, and from 16 to 22
inches diameter.
50 Spars from 30 to 40 feet long, and from 10 to 16
inches diameter.
40 Spare from 36 to 46 feet long, and from 10 to 15
inches diameter.
100 Spars from 24 to 36 feet long, and from 6 to 10
inches diameter in the middle.
100 Spars from 20 to 35 feet long, and from 5 to 9
inches diameter in the middle.
The following Letter was received from his Excellency
the President, in consequence of an application having been
made to him by the First Commissioner for his opinion
whether the Commissioners of the Navy have not full power
to order the vessels belonging to the State upon a cruise
when they shall think proper?
" SIR : I proposed to the Council your query, whether
the Commissioners of the IVavy have authority to order the
armed vessels of this State to sea, or on a cruise ? and the
Board was unanimously of opinion that they have not.
"I shall be glad that the vessels may as soon as possible
be in readiness to proceed to sea on the shortest notice, and
from time to time to have the earliest intimation whenever
they are so, and of what destination the Commissioners
think proper to recommend, as much attention will be had
to their recommendation.
" I am, sir, your very humble servant,
"J. RUTLEDGE.
"October 25, 1776."
Resolved, That this Board are unanimously of opinion,
that, by the act establishing the Board of Commissioners
full powers are vested in them to superintend and direct all
matters relative to the Navy except contracting for building
Ships and materials for the same, erecting publick Rope-
walks and Ship-yards, altering or making void any contract
heretofore made by the President and Privy Council, or the
appointment of Officers of the Navy.
Adjourned to to-morrow evening, six o'clock.
Navy Board, Saturday, October 26, 1776.
Adjourned to Monday, 28th, six o'clock.
Navy Board, Monday, October 28, 1776.
The Board met according to adjournment.
Present: Edward Blake, Esq., First Commissioner;
Thomas Savage, George Abbott Hall, Roger Smith,
George Smith, Thomas Corbett, Esqrs.
Read the Minutes of last meeting.
Resolved, That the Commissary of the Naval Depart-
ment be directed to purchase such a quantity of Flour as
there is an immediate occasion for at the lowest price ; also
to purchase two or three tons of Iron.
The following message was agreed to, to be sent to his
Excellency the President, viz :
"Navy Board, Charlestown, October 28, 1776.
" SIR: The Commissioners of the Navy, on inquiry, find
that no contract has yet been made for any of the galleys;
and agreeable to the act appointing that Board, the Com-
missioners have no authority to enter into any contract for
building without the concurrence of the President and Privy
Council. The Commissioners therefore desire your Excel-
lency will, if it is judged necessary, give directions to enter
into contract with such persons as are willing to undertake
the building of galleys, and to provide necessaries for the
same.
" By order of the Board :
" EDWARD BLAKE, First Commissioner."
The First Commissioner was desired to wait upon the
President, and acquaint him that the Board were of opinion
it would be for the service of this State that the arrned
vessels Comet and Defence should proceed directly to one
of the French islands in the West-Indies, in order to procure
seamen, where, by information they have received, there are
good grounds to believe they may be readily obtained, and
that they should carry indigo to the value of five hundred
pounds sterling each, to defray their expenses and purchase
such necessaries as may be wanting.
Adjourned to Wednesday evening, six o'clock.
Navy Board, Wednesday, October 30, 1776.
Adjourned to to-morrow evening, five o'clock.
Navy Board, October 31, 1776.
The Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present : Edward Blake, First Commissioner ; George
Abbott Hall, Thomas Savage, Thomas Corbett, Roger
Smith, Esqrs.
Read the Minutes of the last meeting.
Ordered, Captain Pickering to drop the Brigantine
Defence down to Rebellion Road to-morrow.
Agreed, That a Letter of Instructions be drawn up (or
Captain Pickering, of the Defence brigantine-of-war, to
proceed on a cruise ; and Mr. Hall was desired to prepare
and report the same to-morrow evening.
Adjourned to to-morrow evening, Gve o'clock.
1329
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 4, 1776.
1330
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
Philadelphia, Tuesday, September 3, 1776.
A Memorial from Colonel Moses Hazen was read and
referred to the Committee appointed to inquire into the
causes of the miscarriages in Canada.
General Sullivan having reduced to writing the verbal
message from Lord Howe, the same was read, as follows :
" The following is the purport of the message sent from
Lord Howe to Congress, by General Sullivan :
" Thatj though he could not at present treat with Con-
gress as such, yet he was very desirous of having a conference
with some of the members, whom he would consider for the
present only as private gentlemen, and meet them himself,
as such, at such place as they should appoint :
"That he, in conjunction with General Howe, had full
powers to compromise the dispute between Great Britain
and America upon terms advantageous to both ; the obtain-
ing of which delayed him near two months in England, and
prevented his arrival at this place before the declaration of
independency took place :
"That he wished a compact might be settled at this
time, when no decisive blow was struck, and neither party
could say, that they were compelled to enter into such
agreement :
" That, in case Congress were disposed to treat, many
things which they had not as yet asked might and ought to
be granted them ; and that if, upon the conference, they
found any probable ground of accommodation, the authority
of Congress must be afterwards acknowledged, otherwise
the compact would not be complete."
Copy of General SULLIVAN'S Letter to Lord HOWE.
" New-York, 30th of August, 1776.
" Mv LORD : Agreeable to your Lordship's request I
have conversed with General Washington, who says that he
has no power to treat upon the subject your Lordship men-
tioned, but has no objection to my going to Philadelphia to
inform Congress of what your Lordship has been pleased to
communicate to me upon the subject. I shall wait your
Lordship's further direction ; and am, with much esteem,
your Lordship's most obedient servant,
" JNO. SULLIVAN.
" Right Hon. Lord Viscount Howe."
His Lordship's Answer.
" Eagle, 30th August, 1776.
"SiR: Understanding by your letter that the only doubt
of the propriety of going to Philadelphia is by your con-
versation with General Washington removed, I do not see
occasion to give you further trouble, but to recommend the
prosecuting of your journey as you were pleased on that
condition to propose.
" 1 am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
" HOWE,
"General Sullivan."
The Committee appointed to inquire into the particulars
of the late action on Long-Island, reported that they have
made inquiry, and from the best information they could get
have prepared an account thereof.
Ordered to lie on the table.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was read :
Resolved, That the part of the said Report which relates
to the establishing a Post between Philadelphia and Ticon-
deroga be referred to the Committee for regulating the
Post-Office, and that the remainder of the Report lie on
the table :
That two Members be added to the said Committee :
The Members chosen, Mr. Hooper and Mr. Huntington.
Congress proceeded to the election of a Regimental Pay-
master to Colonel Magaw's Battalion ; and the ballots
being taken,
John Mijjlin, brother to Brigadier-General Mifflin, was
elected.
Resolved, That Jeduthun Baldwin, Esq., be appointed
an Engineer, in the Continental Army, with the rank of
Colonel, and pay of sixty Dollars a month.
A Letter from a number of Officers who are prisoners at
Carlisle, was read, complaining of some ill-treatment they
have received, and of their baggage having been plundered,
contrary to the capitulation upon which they surrendered.
General Wooster, who happened to be in the outer room,
being examined touching the (acts stated in the said Letter :
Resolved, That a Letter be written to General Schuyler,
directing him to make particular inquiry whether the Bag-
gage of the Officers taken at St. John's and Chamble was
plundered, and by whom, and report to Congress :
That the Secretary of the Board of War be directed to
inform the Officers, that inquiry has been made of General
Wooster, to whom they refer, respecting the plunder of their
Baggage, and that he says he knows nothing of the matter,
and that.no information or complaint was ever made to him
respecting that matter: And further, to inform them that
Congress have given orders to General Schuyler to cause
strict inquiry to be made into this affair, and report
thereon.
A Letter, of the 2d, from General Washington, and one
from William Palfrey, Paymaster-General, were read.
Resolved, That the Letter from General Washington be
referred to a Committee of the Whole Congress:
Congress then resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole to take into consideration the Letter from General
Washington; and after some time, the President resumed the
chair, and Mr. Nelson reported that the Committee have
had under consideration the Letter to them referred, and
have come to sundry Resolutions, which he was ordered to
report.
The Resolutions from the Committee of the Whole, being
severally read, were agreed to, as follows:
Resolved, That General Washington be acquainted that
Congress would have especial care taken, in case he should
find it necessary to quit New-York, that no damage be done
to the said city by his troops, on their leaving it : The Con-
gress having no doubt of being able to recover the same,
though the enemy should, for a time, obtain possession
of it.
Resolved, That three more Battalions be ordered from
Virginia, of which that commanded by Colonel Stephen to
be one, to reinforce the Army at New-York :
That for the same purpose, two of the North- Carolina
Battalions be ordered to march with all possible expedition
to New- York, under the command of Brigadier-General
Moore :
That it be recommended to the Assemblies and Conven-
tions of the several Slates to the northward of Virginia,
immediately to send all the aid in their power to the Army
at New- York :
That one of the Continental Battalions in Rhode-Island
be ordered immediately to march to reinforce the Army at
New-York:
That it be recommended to the Assembly of Massachu-
setts-Bay, to send to Rhode-Island a Battalion of their
Militia, to supply the place of the Continental Battalion
ordered from thence.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock, to-morrow.
Wednesday, September 4, 1776.
Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to pay the
Virginia Battalion, now on their march to New-York, one
month's pay, and to supply them with such necessary
Clothing as they may stand in need of.
Resolved, That another Brigadier-General be appointed
in the Continental Army :
The ballots being taken, Colonel Adam Stephen was
unanimously elected.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to call in
the several recruiting parties of the German Battalion, and
to have them formed and armed with all possible expedition,
and forwarded to New-York, taking measures and giving
proper directions to have the Battalion recruited to the full
complement, as soon as the same can conveniently be
done.
Resolved, That the proposal made by General Howe,
as delivered by General Sullivan, of exchanging General
Sullivan for General Prcscot, and Lord Stirling for Briga-
dier-General McDonald, be complied with.
Mr. J. Mease having, in consequence of the Resolution of
the 30th August, made a report that he cannot find there
is any Cloth in this city fit for making Tents, except a parcel
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
84
1331
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
1332
of light Sail-Cloth, which is in the hands of the Marine
Committee :
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to
deliver to Mr. J. Mease all the light Sail-Cloth in their pos-
session : And that Mr. Mease be directed to have the same
made into Tents as soon as possible, and forwarded to Gen-
eral Washington:
That the Secret Committee be directed to write to the
Continental Agents in the Eastern States, desiring them to
purchase all the Duck and other Cloth fit for Tents, which
they can procure in their respective States, for the use of
the Continent.
Congress took into consideration the Report of the Board
of War; and, after some time spent thereon,
Resolved, That the further consideration thereof be post-
poned till to-morrow.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, September 5, 1776.
A Petition from John Schott was read, and referred to
the Board of War.
Two Petitions from the Owners of the Privateers Lee
and Putnam were presented to Congress, and read :
Resolved, That they be referred to the Marine Com-
mittee.
A Memorial from Jeremiah Halsey was presented to
Congress, and read :
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War.
Resolved, That General Prescot and General McDonald
be sent by the Board of War, under an escort, to General
Washington, to be exchanged for General Sullivan and
Lord Stirling.
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to
supply Mr. Hewes with four hundred three-pound Cannon
Shot, for the use of the Continental Army in North- Caro-
lina.
Two Soldiers having escaped from Quebeck, and applied
to Congress for their pay,
Resolved, That this matter be referred to the Committee
on the Treasury.
A Memorial of Captain John Doyle was presented to
Congress and read, setting forth, that in consequence of the
Resolution passed the 16th of July last, he has inlisted eighty
Men, whereof about sixty have passed muster, as appears by
the Roll produced, and that the other 'twenty are at Lan-
caster, and, therefore, praying that a Commission may be
granted to him, pursuant to the said Resolution :
Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be granted ;
and that a Commission be granted to Samuel Brady to be
First Lieutenant, and to William McMurray to be Second
Lieutenant, of the Company commanded by Captain Doyle.
The Congress then resumed the consideration of the
Report of the Board of War ; and thereupon,
Resolved, That General Sullivan be requested to inform
Lord Howe, that this Congress, being the Representatives
of the free and independent States of America, cannot, with
propriety, send any of its Members to confer with his Lord-
ship in their private characters, but that, ever desirous of
establishing peace on reasonable terms, they will send a
Committee of their body to know whether he has any
authority to treat with persons authorized by Congress for
that purpose, in behalf of America, and what that authority
is, and to hear such propositions as he shall think fit to make
respecting the same :
That the President be desired to write to General Wash-
ington, and acquaint him that it is the opinion of Congress,
no proposals for making peace between Great Britain and
the United States of America ought to be received or
attended to, unless the same be made in writing, and ad-
dressed to the Representatives of the said States in Con-
gress, or persons authorized by them ; and if application be
made to him by any of the Commanders of the British
Forces on that subject, that he inform them that these
United States, who entered into the war only for the defence
of their lives and liberties, will cheerfully agree to peace on
reasonable terms, whenever such shall be proposed to them
in manner aforesaid.
Resolved, That a copy of the first of the two foregoing
Resolutions be delivered to General Sullivan, and that he
be directed to repair immediately to Lord Howe.
Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for electing the
Committee.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, September 6, 1776.
Resolved, That General Sullivan be requested to deliver
to Lord Howe the copy of the Resolution given to him.
Resolved, That the Committee " to be sent to know
whether Lord Howe has any authority to treat with persons
authorized by Congress for that purpose, in behalf o( America,
and what that authority is, and to hear such propositions as
he shall think fit to make respecting the same," consist of
three :
Congress then proceeded to the election ; and, the ballots
being taken, Mr. Franklin, Mr. J. Adams, and Mr. E.
Rutledge, were elected.
Sundry Letters were laid before Congress and read :
One of the 4th, from General Washington, with sundry
Letters and Papers enclosed ;
One of the 29th August, from General Schuyler, enclosing
Four Letters of the 18th, 20th, 26th, and 27th of the
same month, from General Gates, with a Return of the
Army at Ticonderoga, and other Papers ;
A Letter of the 4th, from Brigadier-General Mercer;
and
A Letter of the 28th of August, from Colonel Maxwell,
enclosing a Memorial from Jacobus Wyncoop, were read :
Resolved, That the several Letters, with the Papers en-
closed, except the Memorial from Jacobus Wyncoop, be
referred to the Board of War, and that the Memorial from
Jacobus Wyncoop be referred to the Marine Committee.
Resolved, That an Order for 2,794 15-90 Dollars be
drawn on the Treasurer, in favour of George Morgan, Esq.,
Agent for Indian Aftairs in the Middle Department, he to
be accountable ;
That Mr. Morgan be supplied with a copy of the Reso-
lutions of Congress relating to Indian Affairs in the Middle
Department, and a copy of the Treaty held with the
Indians at the German-Flats.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to
deliver to Captain Sheerer six pounds of Powder and
twenty-four pounds of Lead, for the use of two Companies
of Riflemen, to try their Rifles.
A Memorial from George Nicholson, with an Account,
was presented to Congress and read :
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of Treasury.
A Letter from Captain William Jenkins was laid before
Congress and read, praying for leave, on account of his
family affairs, to resign his Commission :
Resolved, That leave be granted to him to resign.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken
into consideration ; Whereupon,
Resolved, That John Paul Shott, who is well recom-
mended as an experienced officer, be appointed a Captain
in the Continental Army, with directions to raise a Company
as soon as possible ; but, that as he may be usefully em-
ployed immediately, that he be forthwith sent to General
Washington at New-York, and that one month's pay be
advanced to him.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Report
be deferred till to-morrow.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Saturday, September 7, 1776.
Sundry Letters and Petitions were laid before Congress
and read :
A Letter from the Indian Commissioners at Pittsburg,
of the 16th of August, enclosing a Memorial from Alexan-
der Ross:
Resolved, That the said Memorial be referred to the
Standing Committee for Indian Affairs ;
A Letter from R. Dallam, Deputy Paymaster-General,
of the 6th ; Whereupon,
1333
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 7, 1776.
1334
Resolved, That an Order for £440, Pennsylvania cur-
rency, equal to 1,173 30-90 Dollars, be drawn on the
Treasurer in favour of Colonel Charles Read, being in full
of a Draft in his favour of the 6th instant, by R. Dallam,
Deputy Paymaster-General, and that the same be charged
to the account of Richard Dallam.
That 200,000 Dollars be sent to Richard Dallam, Dep-
uty Paymaster-General, for the use of the Flying-Camp
and Militia, he to be accountable.
A Letter of the 5th, from Charles Preston, Major of the
Twenty-sixth Regiment:
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War
A Letter and Memorial from William Wild, of the 29th
of August :
Resolved, That the same be referred to the Convention
of Pennsylvania.
The State of Virginia having appointed, on the 23d of
July last, William Bready to be Captain of a Rifle Com-
pany in the Battalion to be commanded by Colonel Hugh
Stevenson ; William Pile to be First Lieutenant of a Com-
pany in the said Battalion ; Christopher Bready to be
Second Lieutenant in a Company of the said Battalion ;
and Amos Thompson to be Chaplain to the said Battalion ;
Resolved, That Commissions be granted to them accord-
ingly.
Congress proceeded to the election of an Adjutant for the
Battalion ordered to be raised in Westmoreland County;
and, the ballots being taken,
Michael Hoofnagel was elected.
A Petition from Charles Roberts, master of the Schooner
Thistle, was presented to Congress, and read.
Resolved, That Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Stockton, Mr. Stone,
Mr. F. L. Lee, Mr. Penn, and Mr. Walton, be appointed
members of the Committee on the cause of the miscarriages
in Canada, in the room of those who are absent.
Resolved, That two Members be added to the Committee
appointed on the 24th of July last to consider the proposal
made by the President of South- Carolina respecting Gen-
eral Lee, in the room of those who are absent:
The Members chosen, Mr. jR. H. Lee and Mr. Walton.
Resolved, That an Order for 1600 Dollars be drawn on
the Treasurer, in favour of David S. Franks; for which he
is to account on the settlement of his Accounts.
The State of Rhode-Island having recommended sundry
gentlemen for Field Officers of the two Battalions raised
in that State, Congress proceeded to the election : when
William Richmond and Christopher Lippit were elected
Colonels ; Caleb Gardner and Adam Comstock, Lieu-
tenant-Colonels ; Benjamin Tollman and James Tew,
Majors.
Resolved, That the Battalion commanded by Colonel
Lippit be ordered to New-York, unless that commanded
by Colonel Richmond has already marched.
Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to deliver to
the Delegates of Maryland three pieces of coarse Cloths,
for the use of the Maryland Troops ; the said Delegates to
be accountable.
Resolved, That Mr. Risberg, assistant to Colonel
Biddle, be directed to take proper measures for providing
the sick soldiers in Philadelphia with proper lodgings and
attendance.
A Letter from Brigadier-General McDonald to the Board
of War was read ; Whereupon,
Resolved, That he be allowed four days to prepare for
his journey :
That a copy of that part of his Letter respecting his
treatment in North- Carolina, he sent to the Convention of
that State.
Resolved, That a copy of the Resolutions passed by
Congress on the message brought by General Sullivan, and
the names of the Committee appointed, be sent to General
Washington.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Richard Welsh, for his services as Clerk, for delivering
Stores and Provisions in Canada, certified by Henry Men-
son, in which service he entered the 24th of April, and was
discharged the 7th of June, 1776, at 50-90ths of a Dollar
per day, 25 Dollars :
To Casper Carver, for the hire of a Team from York-
Town, in Pennsylvania, to Williamsbwg, in Virginia, 16
days, at 4 Dollars a day, 64 Dollars; and for ferriages,
6 6-90 Dollars, and for the hire of another Team from York-
Town to New- York, with Captain Grier's Company, 14
days, at 4 Dollars a day, and for ferriage, 3 54-90 Dollars ;
the whole being 129 6U-9U Dollars:
To John Sparhawk, for two Maps, a Court Calendar,
&c., for the War-Office, as per R. Peters's certificate,
10 60-90 Dollars:
To John Bates, for two hundred Camp-Kettles delivered
to C. Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster-General, the 2d instant,
266 60-90 Dollars:
To the following persons, for which a Warrant is to be
drawn in favour of Mons. Rouville, for the sum of 788
10-90 Dollars, the amount of his six Accounts, viz :
1. To hostages sent by General Schuyler to Reading, in
Pennsylvania, namely : Allan McDonald, Sen., Allan Mc-
Donald, Jun., Alexander McDonald, Rennel McDonald,
and Archibald McDonald, their allowance from the 4th of
June to the 3d of September, both days inclusive, is 13
weeks, at 2 Dollars each, is, for the five, 130 Dollars, and for
Angus McDonald and George McDonald, two servants,
13 weeks each, at one Dollar a week, 26 Dollars ; of
which they have received from the Committee of Reading,
27 3-90 Dollars; the balance 128 87-90 Dollars:
2. To Lieutenant Simon Evans, a prisoner sent from
Canada to Reading, for expenses from Montreal to Albany,
12 Dollars ; and allowance from the 10th of February to
the 23d of August, inclusive, is 28 weeks, at 2 dollars a
week, is, 56 Dollars; the whole 68 Dollars; of which he
received from the Committee of Esopus, for 13 weeks'
allowance, 26 Dollars ; leaves a balance due to Lieutenant
Evans, of 42 Dollars :
3. To Captain Anstruther, of the Twenty-Sixth Regi-
ment, for his allowance from the 18th of November to the
23d of August, both days inclusive, is 40 weeks, at 2
Dollars a week, 80 Dollars :
4. To Marcus Lucullus Royal, Master of the Gaspee,
taken the 19th of November, in the river St. Lawrence, for
his allowance to the 22d of August, is 39 weeks and
4-7ths, at 2 Dollars a week, 79 Dollars and 13-90ths ; of
which he has received from the Committee of Esopus,
44 Dollars; the balance due to him is 35 Dollars and
13-90ths :
5. To the Canadian Prisoners at Bristol, viz : Mons.
St. Ours, Hervieux, Heurimont, de Chambault, and la
Marque, from the 3d of November, the time they were
taken, to the 30th of August, inclusive, 43 weeks each, at
2 Dollars, 430 Dollars:
6. To George McKenzie, Mate of the Sloop Hunter,
taken the 4th of November, to the 25th of August, inclusive,
is 42 weeks, at 2 Dollars, 84 Dollars ; of which he has
received at Albany, 12 Dollars ; the balance is 72 Dollars:
To the following persons, 564 and 85-90ths Dollars,
namely : to Adam Drinkhouse, for his Team from Philadel-
phia to Fredericksburg, in Virginia, 29 days, at 4 Dollars,
and ferriage 7 Dollars, is 123 Dollars; to Martin Hausman,
Bernard Keppelar, and Nathaniel Hoop, who went on the
same journey with their Teams, each 123 Dollars, is 369
Dollars ; and to Matthias Koop, for the hire of his Wagon
from Philadelphia to Bergen Point, with Powder, 9 days,
at 4 Dollars, and ferriage, 2 Dollars and 35-90ths, is 38
and 35-90ths Dollars ; and to Andrew Read, for the hire of
his Wagon from Philadelphia to New-York, \\ilh Medicines,
8 days, at 4 Dollars a day, and ferriage, 2 Dollars and
50-90ths, is 34 and 50-90lhs Dollars, and that the same
ought to be paid to Robert Erurin, Wagonmaster General :
To Joseph Hewes, Esq., for cash advanced to the Guard
going with five Wagons to North-Carolina, with wagon-
hire, and casks for Powder, 140 and 25-90ths Dollars :
To John Dennis, for escorting Powder from Egg-Har-
bour to Philadelphia, by order of the Secret Committee,
35 and 23-90ths Dollars.
To Colonel Jonas Clapham, for 53 Rifle Guns bought of
him for the use of Colonel Hugh Stevenson's Rifle Bat-
talion, in Virginia, 896 and 52-90ths Dollars ; which is to
be charged to the said Battalion :
Ordered, That the above Accounts be paid.
Congress resumed the consideration of the Report of the
Board of War; Whereupon,
1335
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 12, 1776.
1336
Resolved, That all Letters to and from the Board of War
and Ordnance, or the Secretary of the same, be free of all
expense in the Post-Office of the United States.
The Board having reported, that they have considered
the Petition of Jeremiah Halsey, and perused his written
evidence, are of opinion, that the said Hahey ought to
receive the arrears of his pay, and that the resolution of
Congress of the 9th of January last be repealed : as it
appears, that the said Halsey was discharged from the
service, upon a regular certificate from the Surgeon, by the
commanding officer at St. John's, on account of sickness,
on the 13th day of November last, in pursuance of the
order of General Montgomery; the Congress agreed to the
said Report.
Congress proceeded to fill up the vacancies in the Second
Pennsylvania Battalion; and the ballots being taken, Joseph
Wood, Esq., was elected Colonel, Thomas Craig, Esq.,
was elected Lieutenant-Colonel, and William Butler, Esq.,
Major.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, September 9, 1776.
Resolved, That four months' Pay, being 106 and 2-3ds
Dollars, be advanced to Mons. La Marquisie, Captain and
Engineer in the Northern Army, he to be accountable.
A Letter of the 6th, from General Washington, was
read, and referred to the Board of War.
Resolved, That 500,000 Dollars be sent to the Paymas-
ter-General, for the use of the Army at New-York.
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to
hear the parties on the appeal against the verdict and sen-
tence of condemnation passed against the Schooner Thistle
and her Cargo.
The Members chosen, Mr. Stockton, Mr. Huntington,
Mr. Paine, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Stone.
Resolved, That in all Continental Commissions and
other Instruments where heretofore the words "United
Colonies" have been used, the style be altered, for the
future, to the "United States."
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was
read.
Ordered, To lie on the table, to be taken into consider-
ation to-morrow morning.
A Memorial from Mons. Pannelier de la Fakonniere
was read, and referred to the Marine Committee.
Congress proceeded to the election of a Quartermaster
for the German Battalion ; and the ballots being taken,
Frederick Seeger was elected.
Resolved, That an Order for 136 Dollars be drawn on
the Treasury, in favour of George Meade fy Co., the same
being in full of a Draft of Samuel Chase and Charles Car-
roll of Carrollton, in favour of John Vie.nne or order, drawn
at Montreal, 28th May, 1776; and that the same be
charged to the account of the said Messrs. Chase and Car-
roll.
Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be empowered to pay the
Drafts of Captain John Douglass for such parts of the
monthly pay of the Privates in his Company as he shall
specify, and the same, as paid, be charged to the account
of the said Captain.
The Committee of Treasury reported that there is due
to William Smith, Continental Druggist, 2490 Dollars and
13-90ths.
Ordered, That the same be paid.
Three Petitions, one from Pierre du Calvert, another
from Jacques Pileur, and the third from Andre Pepin, were
read, and referred to the Board of War.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, September 10, 1776.
A Letter of the 8th, from General Washington, with
sundry Papers enclosed, was read; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the President inform General Washing-
ton it was by no means the sense of Congress, in their
Resolve of the 3d instant respecting New-York, that the
Army, or any pan of it, should remain in that city a mo-
ment longer than he shall think it proper for the publick
service that troops be continued there:
That the Letter from the General be referred to the
Board of War.
A Letter of the 31st of August, from the Commissioners
of Indian Affairs, at Pittsburg, was read, and referred to
the Standing Committee for Indian Affairs.
Resolved, That Mr. /. Mease be directed to supply Cap-
tain West, of the Virginia Riflemen, with forty Blankets.
A Petition from Jean Longeay, and two from Colonel
Seth Warner, with sundry Papers enclosed, were read.
Resolved, That the Petitions from Colonel Warner, with
the Papers enclosed, be referred to the Commissioners ap-
pointed to audit and settle the accounts of the Army in the
Northern Department.
A Letter of the 8th, from M. Tilghman, was read.
The Congress took into consideration the Report of the
Board of War, and, after some time spent thereon,
Resolved, That this Congress will to-morrow resolve
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consid-
eration the said Report.
Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to supply the
Delegates of Maryland with forty Blankets, for the use of
the Troops from that State.
Resolved, That 4,000 Dollars be sent to Zebulon Butler,
Esq., for the use of the two Companies ordered to be raised
in the Town of Westmoreland, he to be accountable for the
same, and that the money be delivered to and forwarded
by the Connecticut Delegates :
That Major William Judd be authorized to muster the
said Companies.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, September 11, 1776.
Resolved, That an Order for 60,000 Dollars be drawn
on the Treasurer, in favour of Mr. J. Mease, Commissary
for the publick service, he to be accountable.
A Letter from Joseph Trumbull, Esq., Commissary-Gen-
eral, of the 7th, with sundry Papers enclosed, was read.
Resolved, That it be referred to a Committee of three,
and that they be directed and empowered to inquire into
the conduct of Mr. Livingston, Deputy Commissary-Gen-
eral in the Northern Department.
The Members chosen, Mr. Lee, Mr. Hooper, and Mr.
Sherman.
Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease, Commissary, be directed
to provide Clothing and other Necessaries for the First
Virginia Battalion, now on their march to New- York.
A Memorial from Stephen Pater de la Cossade was read,
and referred to the Marine Committee.
Also, a Memorial from Seth Warner, and one from Cap-
tains Waite Hopkins and Gideon Broumson, of Colonel
Warner's Battalion, were read, and referred to the Board
of War.
Resolved, That a Member be added to the Board of
War, in the room of Colonel Harrison.
The Member chosen, Mr. F. L. Lee.
Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole,
to take into consideration the Report of the Board of War;
and after some time the President resumed the chair, and
Mr. Nelson reported that the Committee have taken into
consideration the matter to them referred, and made some
amendments therein, but not having had time to go through
the whole, desired leave to sit again.
Resolved, That this Congress will to-morrow resolve
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consid-
eration the Report of the Board of War.
The matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, September 12, 1776.
A Letter of the 31st of August, from Joseph Wentworth
to the Secretary of Congress, with an appeal from the
verdict and sentence passed on the trial of the Brigantine
named the Elizabeth, was laid before Congress and read.
1337
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 13, 1776.
1338
The Committee for Indian Affairs, to whom the Letter
of the 31st of August, from the Commissioners in the
Middle Department, was referred, brought in a Report,
which was taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That two tons of Powder and four tons of
Lead be immediately sent to Pittsburg, to be disposed of
as the Commissioners shall direct:
That the Resolution of Congress respecting the destina-
tion of the Battalion commanded by Colonel M'Coy, be
suspended, and that the Commissioners for Indian Affairs
in the Middle Department be empowered, during their
stay at Pittsburg, to direct the operations of that Bat-
talion :
That the measures adopted by the Commissioners, in
the present critical situation of Indian affairs, is approved
of by Congress, who have the greatest confidence in the
prudence and vigilance of their future conduct.
Resolved, That an Order for 7000 Dollars be drawn on
the Treasurer, in favour of Colonel M-Coy, for the use of
his Battalion, he to be accountable.
Resolved, That application be made to the Committee
of Pennsylvania for ten thousand Flints to be delivered to
George Morgan, Esq.
The Committee to whom the Letter from Joseph TrumbuU,
Esq., with the Papers enclosed, was referred, reported,
" That having considered the same, and recurring to the
Journal of Congress on Mr. Trumbull's appointment to the
Commissariat, find the following Resolve on the 8th of July,
1776: ' That the Commissary-General have full power to
supply both Armies, that upon the Lakes as well as that
at New-York, and also to appoint and employ such persons
under him, and to remove any Deputy Commissary, as he
shall judge proper and expedient; it being absolutely
necessary that the supply of both Armies should be under
one direction :' " Whereupon,
Resolved, That the above Resolution is so clear and ex-
plicit, and so well contrived to procure the due and proper
discharge of the Commissary's business, that the same ought
to be adhered to, and immediately transmitted to the
Commanding Officer in the Northern Department, and to
the Commissary-General, as the full sense of Congress on
the Commissary-General's right to direct the operations of
his department, both as contractor and issuer of provisions ;
and that Mr. TrumbuU be informed, Congress expect this
will remove his difficulties, and induce his continuance in
the office of Commissary for both Armies at New-York and
on the Lakes.*
*!N CONGRESS, September 11, 1776.
A Letter from Joseph TrambtiU, Esq., Commissary -General, with
sundry Papers enclosed, was read:
Resolved, That it be referred to a Committee of three, and that they
be directed and empowered to inquire into the conduct of Mr. Livingston,
Deputy Commissary-General in the Northern Department.
The Members chosen: Mr. Lee, Mr. Hooper, and Mr. Sherman.
PHILADELPHIA, November 13, 1775.
Mr. James Dean says that on his passage from .llbany to New-York,
on board Captain Legrange's vessel, he heard one Leach, a merchant
from Schenectady, say that he sold some provision to Mr. Walter
Livingston, Commissary in the Northern Department, for the use of the
army ; that Mr. Livingston produced a receipt for him to sign for twenty-
four pounds more than the sum he was to receive; that he refused to
sign it, alleging that it would be unjust; that Mr. Livingston replied that
if lie had his due it would be no damage to him; and that he would not
pay him unless he signed the receipt. Mr. Leach said he still refused to
sign it, and told the Commissary that he would complain to Congress;
but after some further altercation he told Mr. Livingston that for one
half of the extra sum he would sign the receipt, which was complied
with, and the articles of his account altered to correspond with the
receipt. Flour was altered from sixteen shillings and six pence to
eighteen shillings per cwt.; the price of peas increased nine pence per
bushel, and three pence added to the price of each flour barrel. Mr.
Leach mentioned at the same time another instance wherein Mr. Living-
ston demanded and took a receipt for eight pounds more than he paid
for some service done for the publick, that amounted to about fifty
pounds. Mr. Leach's due was about two hundred pounds. He signed
a receipt for two hundred and twenty-four pounds. Captain Legrange
and his wife, and Mr. James Dean, Indian Interpreter, were present
on board the vessel, and heard the discourse aforesaid.
The Committee appointed to inquire into the conduct of Mr. Living-
ston, late Deputy Commissary-General in the Northern Department,
report, as their opinion, that the inquiry ought to be made in the
department where the business was transacted and the witnesses reside:
Therefore,
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that the Commis-
sioners appointed to settle Accounts in the Northern Department be
empowered and directed to inquire into the conduct of Walter Livingston,
Esq., late Deputy Commissary-Genera) in said Department, as to his
management of the business of said office, and that this Committee
transmit to said Commissioners what information they have received
on the subject, and suggest such matters a« in their opinion may require
the attention of said Commissioners in the course of the inquiry.
Congress then proceeded to the election of sundry officers:
and the ballots being taken,
David M'C/ure was elected Chaplain, and Ephraim
Douglass Quartermaster of the Battalion commanded by
Colonel M'Coy.
John TrumbuU, Esq., was elected Deputy Adjutant-
General of the Army in the Northern Department, and
Morgan Lewis, Esq., Deputy Quartermaster-General of
the said Army.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to order
the French Officers who have received Commissions from
Congress to repair immediately to the places of their desti-
nation.
Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to pay the
First Battalion of Virginia Troops, on their march to New-
York, the arrears due to them.
The Committee of Treasury, to whom the Petition of
George Nicholson was referred, returned the same, and
reported that it ought to be referred to the Board of War:
Resolved, That the said Petition be referred to the Board
of War.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was
taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, As it appears from Colonel Warner's repre-
sentation of the state of his Regiment, that Major Painter's
appointment much obstructs the raising the said Regiment,
that, therefore, Major Painter be directed to repair to the
City of Philadelphia, that the matter may be inquired into,
and that it be recommended to Colonel Warner and the
other officers, that they proceed forthwith to raise their men
and complete the Regiment, relying on the justice of Con-
gress for the settlement of the uneasiness among them :
That the Militia at New-York be paid by the Pay-
master-General there, before discharged.
Resolved, That the remainder of the Report be recom-
mitted.
The Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole, to take into their further consideration the Report
of the Board of War; and after some time the President
resumed the chair, and Mr. Nelson reported, that the Com-
mittee have had under consideration the matter to them
referred, but not having come to a conclusion, desire leave
to sit again.
Resolved, That this Congress will to-morrow resolve
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consider-
ation the Report of the Board of War.
Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to deliver such
a number of Blankets as he has belonging to the Continent
to Captain Watkins, for the use of his Company, which is
inlisted to serve during the war, not exceeding one to each
man.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, September 13, 1776.
Two Letters, of the 7th and llth, from General Wash-
ington; one of the 8lh from General Greene, and a Resolu
tion of the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, of the
13th, were read, and referred to the Board of War.
The Committee appointed to confer with Lord Howe,
having returned, made a verbal Report.
Ordered, That they make a Report in writing as soon
as conveniently they can.
The Committee of the Treasury reported, that there is
due,
To Peter Baker for 1149 Rations supplied Colonel
Pe<er Grubb's Battalion of Militia, and 204 Meals to
different Companies of Militia, on their march to New-
Jersey, 123 19-90 Dollars:
To John Bates for 266 Camp-Kettles, delivered to
Gustavus Risburg, Assistant to the Deputy Quartermaster-
General, for the Flying -Camp, 354 60-90 Dollars:
To Richard Cheney for 291 Meals supplied the Militia
on their march to New-Jersey, 29 9-90 Dollars:
To Charles Ford for ten weeks' Board, Lodging, and
Washing for William Whiting, a wounded Sergeant, from
the 8th June to 17th August, ten weeks, at 1 1-3 Dollars
per week, 13 30-90 Dollars:
To Major Regonville, Captain Duchene, Lieutenant
1339
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 16, 1776.
1340
Smith, and Lieutenant Demuraux, Canadian prisoners, for
their allowance from 3d November, 1775, to 6th September,
1776, inclusive, is 44 weeks, at 2 Dollars a week, 352
Dollars, and that the same be paid to Mons. Regonville.
To Robert Towers, for Artillery Stores for two three-
pound travelling Cannon, ordered by Joseph Hewes, Esq.,
for the State of North-Carolina, 7-2 64-90 Dollars:
To Graaf, M'Clenachan, Hollingsworth, and Grigson,
for which a Warrant is to be drawn in favour of the Hon.
Thomas Lynch, Esq., for his expenses to and from Williams-
burg, with the hire of a Wagon, with Money for South-
Carolina, 267 32-90 Dollars :
To Joseph Beck going Express from Philadelphia to
Virginia, 340 miles, at 1-6 of a Dollar, 56 Dollars:
To Michael Millenberger, for five days' use of his two-
horse Wagons, in transporting the sick Troops in New-
Jersey, of Captain Brown's Company, 13 30-90 Dollars:
To Frederick Bicking, for 221 reams of Paper for
Continental Currency, at 6 84-90 Dollars a ream,
1532 24-90 Dollars:
To William Clayton, for 338 Meals of victuals, supplied
the Militia on their march to New-Jersey, 32 72-90 Dol-
lars:
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
Two Letters of the 8th, from General Schuyler, with
sundry Papers enclosed; one from Walter Livingston, of
the 7th ; and one of the 12th of August, from Brigadier-
General Armstrong, were read :
Ordered, That the foregoing Letters, with the Papers
enclosed in that from General Schuyler, except what relates
to General Montgomery's Accounts, be referred to the Board
of War, and that the Papers relative to the said Accounts
be referred to the Board of Treasury.
Congress then resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole to take into consideration the Report of the Board
of War; and, after some time, the President resumed the
chair, and Mr. Nelson reported, tHat the Committee have
had under consideration the matter referred to them, but,
not having yet come to a conclusion, desired leave to sit
again.
Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into considera-
tion the Report of the Board of War.
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow. •
Saturday, September 14, 1776.
A Letter from R. H. Harrison, Secretary to General
Washington, was read.
Four French Officers, who arrived in the Reprisal, Cap-
tain Weeks, being recommended to Congress,
Resolved, That they be referred to the Board of War.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken
into consideration ; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Officers of Militia, when on their
march, and while in service, be allowed Rations like the
Officers on the Continental Establishment, without any
allowance of Mileage :
That the Commander-in-Chief in the Northern Army be
directed to erect Barracks and other accommodations in the
most convenient places in that department, and provide
Magazines of Straw, Fuel, and other necessaries for win-
ter quarters, for such number of Troops as he shall think
proper :
That General Schuyler be informed that his Letter of the
16th of last month was duly received, and referred to the
Committee appointed to inquire into the causes of the mis-
carriages in Canada:
That Captain Martindale and Lieutenant Turner be
allowed their Pay and Rations to this time, and that they
be referred to the Treasury Board for a settlement of their
Accounts :
That fifteen tons of Powder, twenty thousand Flints, ten
tons of Lead, and one hundred reams of Cartridge-paper,
be immediately sent to General Gates, for the use of the
Army in the Northern Department:
That Brigadier-General Armstrong have leave to return
from South- Carolina to Philadelphia:
That Deputy-Commissary Livingston's Resignation be
accepted :
That Captains Wait Hopkins and Gideon Brownson be
referred to the Commissioners appointed to audit Accounts
in the Northern Department, for a settlement of their Ac-
counts :
That all Continental Troops and Militia going home from
service, restore all Continental Anns and other property,
and also all Ammunition remaining in their possession at
the time of their being about to return. Their pay to be
withheld unless they produce certificates from the Commis-
sary[of Stores, or Quartermaster-General, or their Deputies
in the Department where such Continental Troops or
Militia shall serve. And if any Continental property or
ammunition be carried away by the Militia before this
Resolve, stoppages to be made from such as have not
received their pay, and that measures be taken with those
who have been paid by the Councils of Safety, or Legisla-
tures of each State, for the restoration of such Continental
property and ammunition.
A Memorial from Jonathan Glover was read, and referred
to the Marine Committee.
A Letter of the 9th, from General Lee to the Board of
War, was laid before Congress and read.
A Petition from Captains Joseph Gardner, Jama Mc-
Dowell, John McDowell, Samuel Evans, Ephraim Black-
burn, and Stephen Cochran, was read.
Resolved That 25,000 Dollars be advanced to the State
of Maryland, which is to be accountable for the same.
The Committees of Westmoreland and Bedford having,
in pursuance of the Resolution of Congress of the 15th July,
recommended Van Swearingen, Moses Carson, Samuel
Miller, James Piggott, Wendal Oury, David Killgore,
Eliezer Miers, and Andrew Mann, for Captains in the
Regiment commanded by Colonel McCoy; and
Robert Mosley First Lieutenant, William Thompson
Second Lieutenant, and Benjamin Neely Ensign, in Captain
Van Swearingen's Company;
John Findly First Lieutenant, Alexander Sumrall Second
Lieutenant, and Joseph Kerr Ensign, in Captain Carson's
Company ;
Matthew Jack First Lieutenant, James Guthry Second
Lieutenant, and John Simms Ensign, in Captain Miller's
Company;
Ezekiel Hickman First Lieutenant, Philip Rodgers
Second Lieutenant, and David Wherry Ensign, in Captain
Piggot's Company ;
Richard Carson First Lieutenant, Samuel Smith Second
Lieutenant, and Devalt Mecklin Ensign, in Captain Oury's
Company ;
William M. Geary First Lieutenant, William Mounts
Second Lieutenant, and Fealty Weaver Ensign, in Captain
Killgore' s Company;
James McDowell First Lieutenant, James Beelor, Jun.,
Second Lieutenant, and John Reed Ensign, in Captain
Miers' s Company ;
Thomas Cook First Lieutenant, John Crawford Second
Lieutenant, and Aquilla White Ensign, in Captain Mann's
Company :
Resolved, That they be accepted, and that Commissions
be granted to them accordingly.
Whereas the Delegates of South- Carolina have repre-
sented that, by an arrangement made by Congress on the
18th day of June last, the Regiment of Artillery and two
Regiments of Riflemen raised in that Province will obtain
precedency over a Regiment of Rangers, though the latter
was raised before either of the former, which may be
attended with consequences extremely prejudicial to the
service; Therefore,
Resolved, That the said Regiment of Rangers, com-
manded by Colonel William Thompson, do still keep the
same station it had in the Provincial arrangement, and be
entitled to rank in the same way as other regiments in the
Continental service.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, September 16, 1776.
A Letter of the 14th, from General Washington; one of
the 9th, from General Schuylsr, enclosing a copy of one
1341
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
1342
from General Gates, dated the 6th; and one of the 2d, from
General Gates, with sundry Papers enclosed, were read,
and referred to the Board of War.
A Letter of the 2d, from General Schuyler, was also
read :
Ordered, That this be referred to the Committee on
Indian Affairs.
There being sundry vacancies in Colonel Warner's Bat-
talion, Congress proceeded to the election of Officers to fill
up the same ; when, the ballots being taken,
John Fasset and McUne were elected Captains in
the room of John Grant and Jacob Vorsborough, who have
declined to accept their Commissions on account of their ill
state of health;
Joseph Safford, Thomas Ranson, John Chipman, and
Robert Torrence, First Lieutenants in the room of
Dean, deceased, Woolbridge and Allen, who decline ser-
ving, and J. Fassett, promoted ; Benjamin Hopkins, Adju-
tant.
Resolved, That there be an addition of three Brigadiers-
General in the Continental Army, and that Congress pro-
ceed immediately to the choice :
The ballots being taken, Christopher Gadsden, William
Moultrie, and Lachlan Mclntosh, were elected.
A Letter of the 31st of August, from Brigadier-General
Lewis, and one of the 30th of the same month, from Wil-
liam Rickman, Director of the Hospital in the Southern
Department, were read :
Ordered, That the Letter from W. Rickman be referred
to the Medical Committee.
Resolved, That 50,000 Dollars be advanced to the
Delegates of Georgia, for the use of the Continental
Troops in that State, the said Delegates to be accountable.
Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for appointing
Commissioners to audit the Publick Accounts in Vir-
ginia.
It being represented by the Delegates of North- Carolina,
that, from late accounts, it appears that the situation of
affairs in that State is such as to render it dangerous, if not
impracticable, to execute the Resolution of Congress of the
3d instant, ordering two of the North- Carolina Battalions,
under the command of Brigadier-General Moore, to march
to reinforce the Army at New-York; Whereupon,
Resolved, That it be left to the discretion of the Council
of Safety of North- Carolina, to execute or suspend that
Resolution, according as they shall think it most conducive
to the publick service, and the safety of their particular
State.
Congress then resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole, to take into consideration the Report of the Board
of War; and, after some time, the President resumed the
Chair, and Mr. Nelson reported, that the Committee have
had under consideration the Report from the Board of War,
and have made sundry amendments, which they ordered
him to lay before Congress :
Congress then took into consideration the Report of the
Board of War, and the amendments offered by the Com-
mittee of the Whole ; and, thereupon, carne to the
following Resolutions :
That eighty-eight Battalions be inlisted as soon as
possible, to serve during the present war, and that each
State furnish their respective quotas in the following pro-
portions, viz:
New-Hampshire, -------3 Battalions.
Massachusetts-Bay, ------ 15 do.
Rhode-Island, 2 do.
Connecticut, -------- 8 do.
New-York, 4 do.
New-Jersey, 4 do.
Pennsylvania, -------12 do.
Delaware, ---------I do.
Maryland, 8 do.
Virginia, 15' do.
North- Carolina, 9 do.
South-Carolina, 6 do.
Georgia, 1 do.
That twenty Dollars be given as a bounty to each
Non-Commissioned Officer and Private Soldier, who shall
inlist to serve during the present war, unless sooner dis-
charged by Congress :
That Congress make provision for granting Lands, in the
following proportions : to the Officers and Soldiers who
shall so engage in the service, and continue therein to the
close of the war, or until discharged by Congress, and to
the representatives of such Officers and Soldiers as shall be
slain by the enemy :
Such lands to be provided by the United States, and
whatever expense shall be necessary to procure such land,
the said expense shall be paid and borne by the States in
the same proportion as the other expenses of the war, viz :
To a Colonel, 500 acres ; to a Lieutenant-Colonel,
450 ; to a Major, 400 ; to a Captain, 300 ; to a Lieu-
tenant, 200; to an Ensign, 150 ; each Non-commissioned
Officer and Soldier, 100 :
That the appointment of all Officers, and filling up
vacancies, (excepting General Officers,) be left to the
Governments of the several States, and that every State
provide Arms, Clothing, and every necessary for its quota of
troops, according to the foregoing estimate : The expense
of the Clothing to be deducted from the pay of the Soldiers,
as usual :
That all Officers be commissioned by Congress :
That it be recommended to the several States, that they
take the most speedy and effectual measures for inlisting
their several quotas :
That the money to be given for Bounties be paid by the
Paymaster in the Department where the Soldiers shall
inlist :
That each Soldier receive pay and subsistence from the
time of inlistment.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Adam Zantzinger, for the expense of five Light-Horse
escorting Money to New-York, and one from thence to
Albany, 94 64-90 Dollars :
To John Bates, for 300 Camp-Kettles delivered to
Gustavus Risberg, 400 Dollars :
To Philip Baker, for 289 Meals of victuals, supplied
Captains Grier's and Nelson's Companies of Continental
Troops, 18 31-90 Dollars:
To David Tryon, William Green, Peter Peterson,
George Landers, and Samuel Brush, for the hire of their
Shallops, with Continental Troops and Baggage, from
Wilmington to Trenton, 104 Dollars:
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for taking into
consideration the Articles of War.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, September 17, 1776.
A Letter, of the 23d of August, from V. De Coetiry
Prejent, was read :
Resolved, That the same, with the Papers enclosed, be
referred to the Marine Committee.
The State of Maryland having recommended Thomas
Beale, Esq., to be Captain ; Peter Contee Hanson, First
Lieutenant; James Lingan, Esq., Second Lieutenant ; and
Richard Dorsey, Third Lieutenant, in Colonel Stevenson's
Battalion ; and Elijah Evans, to be a Third Lieutenant in
the said Battalion, in the room of Henry Hardman, who
has resigned,
Resolved, That they be accepted, and Commissions
granted accordingly.
The Committee appointed to confer with Lord Howe,
agreeable to the order of Congress, brought in a Report in
writing, which was read, as follows:
" In obedience to the orders of Congress, we have had a
meeting with Lord Howe. It was on Wednesday last,
upon Staten-Island, opposite to Amboy, where his Lordship
received and entertained us with the utmost politeness.
" His Lordship opened the conversation, by acquainting
us, that, though he could not treat with us as a Committee
of Congress, yet, as his powers enabled him to confer and
consult with any private gentlemen of influence in the
Colonies, on the means of restoring peace between the two
countries, he was glad of this opportunity of conferring
with us on that subject, if we thought ourselves at liberty to
1343
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1116.
1344
enter into a conference with him in that character. We
observed to his Lordship, that, as our business was to hear,
he might consider us in what light he pleased, and com-
municate to us any propositions he might be authorized to
make for the purpose mentioned ; but that we could
consider ourselves in no other character than that in which
we were placed, by order of Congress. His Lordship then
entered into a discourse of a considerable length, which
contained no explicit proposition of peace, except one,
namely, that the Colonies should return to their allegiance
and obedience to the government of Great Britain. The
rest consisted principally of assurances, that there was an
exceeding good disposition in the King and his Ministers to
make that government easy to us, with intimations, that, in
case of our submission, they would cause the offensive acts
of Parliament to be revised, and the instructions to Gov-
ernours to be reconsidered : that so, if any just causes of
complaint were found in the acts, or any errours in govern-
ment were perceived to have crept into the instructions,
they might be amended or withdrawn.
" We gave it as our opinion to his Lordship, that a return
to the domination of Great Britain was not now to be
expected. We mentioned the repeated humble petitions of
the Colonies to the King and Parliament, which had been
treated with contempt, and answered only by additional
injuries; the unexampled patience we had shown under
their tyrannical Government, and that it was not till the last
act of Parliament which denounced war against us, and put
us out of the King's protection, that we declared our inde-
pendence; that this declaration had been called lor by the
people of the Colonies in general ; that every Colony had
approved of it, when made, and all now considered them-
selves as independent States, and were settling, or had
settled, their Governments accordingly ; so, that it was not
in the power of Congress to agree for them, that they should
return to their former dependent state ; that there was no
doubt of their inclination to peace, and their willingness to
.enter into a treaty with Great Britain that might be
advantageous to both countries ; that though his Lordship
had, at present, no power to treat with them as independent
States, he might, if there was the same good disposition in
Britain, much sooner obtain fresh powers from thence, for
that purpose, than powers could be obtained by Congress,
from the several Colonies, to consent to a submission.
" His Lordship then saying, that he was sorry to find that
no accommodation was like to take place, put an end to the
conference.
" Upon the whole, it did not appear to your Committee,
that his Lordship's commission contained any other authority
than that expressed in the act of Parliament, namely, that
of granting pardons, with such exceptions as the Commis-
sioners shall think proper to make, and of declaring America,
or any part of it, to be in the King's peace, upon submis-
sion ; for, as to the power of inquiring into the state of
America, which his Lordship mentioned to us, and of con-
ferring and consulting with any persons the Commissioners
might think proper, and representing the result of such
conversations to the Ministry, who, provided the Colonies
would subject themselves, might, after all, or might not, at
their pleasure make any allerations in the former instructions
to Governours, or propose in Parliament any amendment
of the acts complained of, we apprehended any expectation
from the effect of such a power would have been too uncer-
tain and precarious to be relied on by America, had she still
continued in her state of dependence."
Ordered, That the foregoing Report, and also the
Message from Lord Howe, as delivered by General Sullivan,
and the Resolution of Congress in consequence thereof, be
published by the Committee who brought in the foregoing
Report.
Ordered, That the said Committee publish Lord
Drummond's Letters to General Washington, and the
General's Answers.
Sundry Resolutions being moved and seconded, in addi-
tion to those passed yesterday, relative to the new Army:
after debate,
Resolved, That they be referred to the Board of War.
A Letter of the 10th, from Brigadier-General Lewis was
read ; also, a Letter of the 13th, from James Forrest was
read, and referred to the Board of War.
Congress took into consideration the plan of Treaties*
to be proposed to foreign nations, with the amendments
agreed to by the Committee of the Whole; and the same
was agreed to.
Resolved, That the following plan of a Treaty be pro-
posed to His Most Christian Majesty :
Plan of a Treaty with FRANCE,
There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace,
and a true and sincere friendship, between the Most Serene
and Mighty Prince, Lewis the Sixteenth, the most Christian
King, his heirs and successors, and the United States of
America ; and the subjects of the Most Christian King, and
of the said States ; and between the countries, islands, cities,
and towns, situate under the jurisdiction of the Most Chris-
tian King, and of the said United States, and the people
and inhabitants thereof of every degree ; without exception
of persons or places. And the terms herein mentioned shall
be perpetual between the Most Christian King, his heirs
and successors, and the said United States.
ARTICLE I. The subjects of the Most Christian King
shall pay no other duties, or imposts, in the ports, havens,
roads, countries, islands, cities, or towns, of the said United
States, or any of them, than the natives thereof, or any
commercial companies established by them, or any of them,
shall pay, but shall enjoy all other the rights, liberties,
privileges, immunities, and exemptions in trade, navigation,
and commerce, in passing from one part thereof to another,
and in going to and from the same, from and to any part of
the world, which the said natives or companies enjoy.
ARTICLE II. The subjects, people, and inhabitants, of
the said United States, and every of them, shall pay no
other duties, or imposts, in the ports, havens, roads, countries,
islands, cities, or towns of the Most Christian King, than
*Plan of Treaties gone through in Committee of the Whole, AUGUST 27,
1776, and recommitted, that Instructions nuiy be drawn conformable
thereto.
August 29, 1776. — The Committee further empowered to prepare such
Instructions as to them shall seem proper, and make report thereof to
Congress.
There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace, and a true and
sincere friendship between A. and B., and the subjects of A. and of B.,
and between the countries, islands, cities, and towns, situate under the
jurisdiction of A. and of B., and the people and inhabitants thereof of
every degree, without exception of persons or places; and the terms
hereinafter mentioned shall be perpetual between JI. and B.
I. The subjects of JI. shall pay no other duties or imposts in the
ports, havens, roads, countries, islands, cities, or towns of B., than the
natives thereof, or any commercial companies established therein shall
pay, but shall enjoy all other the rights, liberties, privileges, immunities,
and exemptions in trade, navigation, and commerce, in passing from one
part thereof to another, and in going to and from the same, from and to
any part of the world, which the said natives or companies enjoy.
II. The subjects of B. shall pay no other duties or imposts in the
ports, havens, roads, countries, islands, cities, or towns of JI., than the
natives thereof, or any commercial companies established therein; but
shall enjoy all other the rights, liberties, privileges, immunities, and ex-
emptions in trade, navigation, and commerce, in passing from one part
thereof to another, and in going to and from the same from and to any
part of the world, which the said natives or companies enjoy.
III. Ji. shall endeavour by all the means in his power, to protect and
defend all vessels, and the effects belonging to the subjects and people
of B. being in his ports, havens, or roads, or on the seas near to his
countries, islands, cities, or towns, and to recover and restore to the
right owners, their agents, or attorneys, all such vessels and effects
which shall be taken within his jurisdiction; and his ships of war or
any convoys sailing under his authority, shall upon all occasions take
under their protection all vessels belonging to the subjects or people of
B., and holding the same course, or going the same way, and shall
defend such vessel so long as they hold the same course or go the sama
way, against all attacks, force, and violence, in the same manner as they
ought to protect and defend vessels belonging to the subjects or people
ofJI.
IV. In like manner B. and his ships of war, and convoys sailing
under his authority, shall protect and defend all vessels and effects be-
longing to the subjects or people of .4., and endeavour to recover and
restore them, if taken in his jurisdiction.
V. Ji. and B. shall not receive nor suffer to be received into any of
their ports, havens, roads, countries, islands, cities, or towns, any
pirates or sea-robbers, or afford or suffer any entertainment, assistance,
or provision to be afforded to them, but shall endeavour by all means
that all pirates and sea-robbers and their partners, sharers, and abettors
be found out, apprehended, and suffer condign punishment; and all the
vessels and effects piratically taken and brought into the ports and
havens of JI. or B., which can be found, although they be sold, shall
be restored, or satisfaction given therefor, to the right owners, their
agents or attorneys demanding the same, and making the right of
property to appear by due proof.
VI. JI. shall protect, defend, and secure, as far as in his power, thi
subjects or people of B., and their vessels and effects of every kind,
against all attacks, assaults, violences, injuries, depredations, or plun-
derings by or from the King or Emperor of Morocco or Fez, and the
States o(Jllgiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, and any of them, and every other
Prince, State, and Power on the coast of Barbary, in Africa, and the
subjects of the said Kings, Emperors, &c., in as full a manner, &c.
VII. If, in consequence of this treaty, the of
declare war against A^ the said B. shall not assist with men, money,
ships, or any of the articles in this treaty denominated contraband
1345
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
1346
the natives of such countries, islands, cities, or towns of
trance, or any commercial companies established by the
Most Christian King, shall pay, but shall enjoy all other
the rights, liberties, privileges, immunities, and exemptions in
trade, navigation, and commerce, in passing from one port
thereof to another, and in going to and from the same, from
and to any part of the world, which the said natives or
companies enjoy.
ARTICLE III. His Most Christian Majesty shall retain
the same rights of fishery on the banks of Newfoundland,
and all other rights relating to any of the said islands, which
he is entitled to by virtue of the treaty of Paris.
ARTICLE IV. The Most Christian King shall endeavour,
by all the means in his power, to protect and defend all
vessels, and the effects belonging to the subjects, people, or
inhabitants of the said United States, or any of them, bem*
in his ports, havens, or roads, or on the seas near to his coun-
tries, lands, cities, or towns ; and to recover and to restore to
the right owners, their agents, or attorneys, all such vessels
and effects which shall be taken within his jurisdiction ;
and his ships of war, or any convoys sailing under his
authority, shall upon all occasions take under their protec-
tion all vessels belong to the subjects, people, or inhabitants,
of the said United States, or any of them, and holding the
same course or going the same way; and shall defend°such
vessels as long as they hold the same course or go the same
way, against all attacks, force, and violence, in the same
manner as they ought to protect and defend vessels belono--
ing to the subjects of the Most Christian King.
ARTICLE V. In like manner the said United States, and
their ships of war, and convoys sailing under their authority,
shall protect and defend all vessels and effects belonging to
the subjects of the Most Christian King; and endeavour
goods, or in any other way. And if A., to favour the said B., shall
join in the present war against , A. shall not make a separate
peace.
VIII. In case of any war between A. and , A. shall never in-
vade, nor attempt to invade, or get possession for himself of nor
any of the countries, cities, or towns, on the continent of
nor of the islands of , nor any other island near to the said conti-
nent, in the seas, or in any gulf, bay, or river thereof, it being the true
intent and meaning of this treaty, that the said B. shall have the sole,
exclusive, undivided, and perpetual possession of all the countries, cities,
and towns, on the said continent, and of all islands near to it, whenever
they be confederated or united with B.
That A. be permitted to retain the same rights of fishery on the banks
of Newfoundland, and all other rights relating to any the said islands,
which he is entitled to by virtue of the treaty of Paris.
IX. Nor shall A. at any time make any claim or demand to the said
ountnes, islands, cities, and towns mentioned in the next preceding
article, or any of them, or to any part thereof, for or on account of any
assistance afforded to B. in attacking or conquering the same, or in
obtaining such submission or confederation as has been mentioned in
thepreceding articles, nor on any other account whatever.
X. If in any war A. shall conquer or get possession of , now
under the jurisdiction of , or any of them, or any dominions of
. ' ,'n . • the subjects or people of B. shall enjoy the same
rights, liberties, privileges, immunities, and exemptions in trade, com-
merce, and navigation, to and from the said , that are mentioned
in the second article in this treaty.
XI. It is the true intent and meaning of this treaty, that no higher or
other duties shall be imposed on the exportation to B. of any thing of
the growth, production, or manufacture of , now belonging to, or
which may hereafter belong to A., than the lowest that are or shall be
imposed on the exportation thereof to , or to any other part of
the world.
XII. It is agreed by and between the said parties, that no duties
whatever more than shall ever hereafter be imposed on the export-
ation of from any of the islands and dominions of A. to B.
XIII. The subjects or people of B. being merchants and residing
in , and their property and effects, shall be exempt from
XIV. The merchant ship of either of the parties, which shall be
making into a port belonging to the enemy of the other ally, and con-
cerning whose voyage, and the species of goods on board her, there
shall be just grounds of suspicion, shall be obliged to exhibit, as well
upon the high seas as in the ports and havens, not only her passports,
but likewise certificates expressly showing that her goods are not of the
number of those which have been prohibited as contraband.
XV. If, by the exhibiting of the abovesaid certificates, the other party
discover there are any of those sorts of goods which are prohibited and
declared contraband, and consigned for a port under the obedience of
his enemies, it shall not be lawful to break up the hatches of such ship,
or to open any chest, coffers, packs, casks, or any other vessels found
therein, or to remove the smallest parcels of her goods, whether such
-belong to the subjects or people of A. or B., unless the lading be brought
on ibore in the presence of the officers of the Court of Admiralty, and
an inventory thereof made, but there shall be no allowance made to
sell, exchange, or alienate the same in any manner, until after that due
and lawful process shall have been had against such prohibited goods,
and the Court of Admiralty shall, by a sentence pronounced, have con-
fiscated the same, saving always as well the ship itself as any other
goods found therein, which by this treaty are to be esteemed free;
neither may they be detained on pretence of their being, as it were,
infected by the prohibited goods, much less shall they be confiscated as
lawful prize; but if not the whole cargo, but only part thereof, shall
consist of prohibited or contraband goods, and the commander of the
ship shall be ready and willing to deliver them to the captor who has
discovered them, in such case the captor, having received those goods,
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 85
to recover and restore them, if taken within the jurisdiction
of the said United Stales, or any of them.
ARTICLE VI. The Most Christian King and the said
United Slates, shall not receive nor suffer to be received,
into any of their ports, havens, roads, countries, islands, cities,
or towns, any pirates or sea-robbers, or afford or suffer any
entertainment, assistance, or provision, to be afforded to
them ; but shall endeavour by all means, that all pirates
and sea-robbers, and their partners, sharers, and a bet tore,
be found out, apprehended, and suffer condign punishment;
and all the vessels and effects piratically taken, and brought
into the ports and havens of the Most Christian King, or the
said United States, which can be found, although they be
sold, shall be restored, or satisfaction given therefor: the
right owners, their agents, or attorneys, demanding the
same, and making the right of property to appear by due
proof.
ARTICLE VII. The Most Christian King shall protect,
defend, and secure, as far as in his power, the subjects,
people, and inhabitants of the said United States, and every
of them, and their vessels and effects of every kind, against
all attacks, assaults, violences, injuries, depredations, or plun-
derings, by or from the King or Emperor of Morocco or
Fez, and the States of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, and
any of them, and every other Prince, State, and Power on
the coast of Barbary, in Africa, and the subjects of the
said King, Emperor, States, and Powers, and every of them,
in the same manner, and as effectually and fully, and as
much to the benefit, advantage, ease, and safety of the said
United States, and every of them, and of the subjects,
people, and inhabitants thereof, to all intents and purposes,
as the King and Kingdom of Great Britain, before the
commencement of the present war, protected, defended, and
shall forthwith discharge the ship, and not hinder her by any means
freely to prosecute the voyage on which she was bound.
XVI. On the contrary it is agreed, that whatever shall be found to
be laden by the subjects or people of either party, on any ship belong-
ing to the enemy of the other, or to his subjects, although it be not of
the sort of prohibited goods, may be confiscated in the same manner as
if it belonged to the enemy himself, except such goods and merchan-
dises as were put on board such ship before the declaration of war or
even after such declaration, if so be it were done without the knowledge
of such declaration. So that the goods of the subjects and people of
either party, whether they be of the nature of such as are prohibited or
otherwise, which, as is aforesaid, were put on board any ship belong-
ing to an enemy before the war, or after the declaration of it without
knowledge of it, shall nowise be liable to confiscation, but shall well and
truly be restored without delay to the proprietors demanding the same,
but so as that if the said merchandises be contraband, it shall not be
any ways lawful to carry them afterwards to any ports belonging: to
the enemy.
XVII. And that the more effectual care may be taken for the security
of the subjects and people of both parties, that they suffer no injury by
the men-of-war or privateers of the other party, all the commanders of
the ships of A. and of B., and all their subjects and people, shall be forbid
doing any injury or damage to the other side; and if they act to the
contrary they shall be punished, and moreover shall be bound to make
satisfaction for all matter of damage and the interest thereof, by repara-
tion, under the pain and obligation of their person and goods.
XVIII All ships and merchandises, of what nature soever, which
shall be rescued out of the hands of any pirates or robbers on the hHi
seas, shall be brought into some port of either State, and shall be deliv-
ered to the custody of the officers of that port, in order to be restored
entire to the true proprietor as soon as due and sufficient proof shall be
made concerning the property thereof.
XIX. It shall be lawful for the ships of war of either party, and pri-
vateers, freely to carry whithersoever they please, the ships and goods
taken from their enemies, without being obliged to pay any duty to the
officers of the Admiralty or any other judges: nor shall such prizes be
arrested or seized where they come to and enter the ports of either
party; nor shall the searchers or other officers of "those places search
the same, or make examination concerning the lawfulness of such
prizes; but they may hoist sail at any time, and depart and carry their
prizes to the place expressed in their commissions, which the com-
manders of such ships of war shall be obliged to show. On the con-
trary, no shelter or refuge shall be given in their ports to such as shall
have made prizes of the subjects, people, or property of either parties;
but if such should come in, being forced by stress of weather or the
danger of the sea, all proper means shall be vigorously used, that they
go out and retire from thence as soon as possible.
XX. If any ships belonging to either of the parties, their subjects" or
people, shall, within the coasts or dominions of the other, stick upon
the sands or be wrecked, or suffer any other damage, all friendly assist-
ance and relief shall be given to the persons shipwrecked, or such as
shall be in danger thereof; and letters of safe conduct shall likewise be
given to them for their free and quiet passage from thence, and the
return of every one to his own country.
XXI. In case the subjects and people of either party, with their
shipping, whether publick and of war, or private and of merchants, be
forced, through stress of weather, pursuit of pirates or enemies, or any
other urgent necessity, for seeking of shelter and harbour, to retreat and
enter into any of the rivers, creeks, bays, havens, roads, ports, or
shores belonging to the other party, they shall be received and treated
with all humanity and kindness, and enjoy all friendly protection and
help; and they shall be permitted to refresh and provide themselves at
reasonable rates with victuals and all things needful for the sustenance
of their persons or reparation of their ships and conveniency of their
voyage; and they shall no ways be detained or hindered from returnino-
1347
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
1348
secured the people and inhabitants of the said United States,
then called British Colonies in America, their vessels and
effects, against all such attacks, assaults, violences, injuries,
depredations, and plunderings.
ARTICLE VIII. If, in consequence of this treaty, the
King of Great Britain should declare war against the Most
Christian King, the said United States shall not assist Great
Britain in such war with men, money, ships, or any the
articles in this treaty denominated "contraband goods."
ARTICLE IX. The Most Christian King shall never
invade, nor, under any pretence, attempt to possess himself
of Labrador, New-Britain, Nova-Scotia, Acadia, Canada,
Florida, nor any of the countries, cities, or towns on the
Continent of North America, nor of the Islands of New-
foundland, Cape Breton, St. John's, Anticosti, nor of any
other island lying near to the said continent in the seas,
or in any gulph, bay, or river, it being the true intent and
meaning of this treaty, that the said United States shall
have the sole, exclusive, undivided, and perpetual possession
of the countries, cities, and towns on the said continent, and
of all islands near to it, which now are, or lately were under
the jurisdiction of, or subject to the King or Crown of Great
Britain, whenever they shall be united or confederated with
the said United States.
ARTICLE X. The subjects, inhabitants, merchants, com-
manders of ships, masters and mariners of the States, Pro-
vinces, and dominions of each party respectively, shall abstain
and forbear to fish in all places possessed, or which shall be
possessed by the other party. The Most Christian King's
subjects shall not fish in the havens, bays, creeks, roads,
coasts, or places which the said United States hold, or shall
hereafter hold ; and, in like manner, the subjects, people,
and inhabitants of the said United States shall not fish in
out of the said ports or roads, but may remove and depart when and
whither they please, without any let or hindrance.
XXII. The subjects, inhabitants, merchants, commanders of ships,
masters and mariners of the States, Provinces, and dominions of each
party respectively, shall abstain and forbear to fish in all places pos-
sessed, or which shall be possessed, by the other party. Ji.'s subjects
shall not fish in the havens, bays, creeks, roads, coasts, or places which
B. holds, or shall hereafter hold; and, in the like manner, the subjects
and people of B. shall not fish in the havens, bays, creeks, roads,
coasts, or places which Jl. possesses, or shall hereafter possess; and if
any ship or vessel shall be found fishing contrary to the tenour of this
treaty, the said ship or vessel, with its lading, proof being made thereof,
shall be confiscated.
XXIII. For the better promoting of commerce on both sides, it is
agreed, that if a war shall break out between the said two nations, six
months after the proclamation of war shall be allowed to the merchants
in the cities and towns where they live, for settling and transporting
their goods and merchandises; and if any thing be taken from them, or
any injury be done them within that term by either party, or the people
or subjects of either, full satisfaction shall be made for the same.
XXIV. No subjects of A. shall apply for or take any commission or
letters of marque for arming any snip or ships to act as privateers
against B., or the subjects or people of B., or any of them, or the pro-
perty of any of them, from any Prince or State with which B. shall be
at war; nor shall any citizen or subject of B. apply for or take any
commission or letters of marque for arming any ship or ships to act as
privateers against the subjects or people of .4., or any of them, or the
property of any of them, from any Prince or State with which A. shall
be at war; and if any person of either nation shall take such commis-
sion or letters of marque, he shall be punished as a pirate.
XXV. It shall not be lawful for any foreign privateers not belonging
to the subjects or people of A. or of B., who have commissions from
any other Prince or State in enmity with either nation, to fit their ships
in the ports of either the one or the other of the aforesaid parties, to sell
what they have taken, or in any other manner whatsoever to exchange
either ships, merchandises, or any other lading; neither shall they be
allowed even to purchase victuals, except such as shall be necessary for
their going to the rttext port of that Prince or State from which they
have commissions.
XXVI. It shall be lawful for all and singular the subjects and people
of A. and B. to sail with their ships, with all manner of liberty and
security, no distinction being made who are the proprietors of the mer-
chandises laden thereon from any port to the places of those who now
are, or hereafter shall be, at enmity with Jl. or B. It shall likewise be
lawful for the subjects and people aforesaid to sail with the ships and
merchandises aforementioned, and to trade with the same liberty and
security from the places, ports, and havens of those who are enemies
of both or either party, without any opposition or disturbance whatso-
ever, not only directly from the places of the enemy aforementioned to
neutral places, but also from one place belonging to an enemy to another
place belonging to an enemy, whether they be under the jurisdiction of
the same Prince or under several: and it is hereby stipulated that free
ships shall also give a freedom to goods, and that every thing shall be
deemed to be free and exempt which shall be found on board the ships
belonging to the subjects of either of the confederates, although the
whole lading or any part thereof should appertain to the enemies of
either, contraband goods being always excepted. It is also agreed, in
like manner, that the same liberty be extended to persons who are on
board a free ship with this effect, that, although they be enemies to both
or either party, they are not to be taken out of that free ship, unless
they are soldiers and in actual service of the enemies.
XXVII. This liberty of navigation and commerce shall extend to all
kinds of merchandises, excepting those only which are distinguished by
the name of contraband; and under the name of contraband or prohib-
ited goods shall be comprehended arms, great guns, bombs, with their
the havens, bays, creeks, roads, coasts, or places which the
Most Christian King possesses, or shall hereafter possess.
And if any ship or vessel shall be found fishing contrary to
the tenour of this treaty, the said ship or vessel, with its
lading, proof being made thereof, shall be confiscated.
ARTICLE XI. If in any war the Most Christian King
shall conquer, or get possession of the islands in the West-
Indies, now under the jurisdiction of the King or Crown of
Great Britain, or atiy of them, or any dominions of the said
King or Crown in any other parts of the world, the subjects,
people, and inhabitants of the said United States, and every
of them, shall enjoy the same rights, liberties, privileges,
immunities, and exemptions, in trade, commerce, and navi-
gation, to and from the said islands and dominions, that are
mentioned in the second article of this treaty.
ARTICLE XII. It is the true intent and meaning of this
treaty, that no higher or other duties shall be imposed on
the exportation of any thing of the growth, production, or
manufacture of the islands in the West-Indies now belong-
ing, or which may hereafter belong to the Most Christian
King, to the said United States, or any of them, than the
lowest that are or shall be imposed on the exportation thereof
to France, or to any other part of the world.
ARTICLE XIII. It is agreed by and between the said
parties, that no duties whatever shall ever hereafter be
imposed on the exportation of molasses from any of the
islands and dominions of the Most Christian King in the
West-Indies, to any of these United States.
ARTICLE XIV. The subjects, people, and inhabitants
of the United States, or any of them, being merchants, and
residing in France., and their property and effects of every
kind, shall be exempt from the droit d'aubaine.
ARTICLE XV. The merchant ship of either of the par-
fusees and other things belonging to them, fire-balls, gunpowder, match,
cannon-balls, pikes, swords, lances, spears, halberds, mortars, petards,
granadoes, saltpetre, muskets, musket-balls, helmets, head-pieces, breast-
plates, coats of mail, and like kinds of arms proper for arming soldiers,
musket-rests, belts, horses with their furniture, and all other warlike
instruments whatever. These merchandises which follow shall not be
reckoned among contraband or prohibited goods, that is to say, all
sorts of cloths, and all other manufactures woven of any wool, flax,
silk, cotton, or any other materials whatever; all kinds of wearing
apparel, together with the species whereof they are used to be made;
gold and silver as well coined as uncoined, tin, iron, lead, copper, brrfss,
coals; as also wheat and barley, and any other kind of corn or pulse;
tobacco, and likewise all manner of spices; salted and smoked flesh,
salted fish, cheese and butter, beer, oils, wines, sugars, and all sorts of
salt; and in general all provisions which serve for the nourishment of
mankind and the sustenance of life; furthermore, all kinds of cotton,
hemp, flax, tar, pitch, ropes, cables, sails, sailcloth, anchors, and any
parts of anchors; also ship masts, planks, boards and beams of what
trees soever, and all things proper either for building or repairing ships,
and all other goods whatever, which have not been worked into the form
of any instrument or thing prepared for war by land or sea, shall not
be reputed contraband, much less such as has been already wrought and
made up for any other use, all which shall wholly be reckoned among
free goods, as likewise all other merchandises and things which are not
comprehended and particularly mentioned in the foregoing enumeration
of contraband goods, so that they may be transported and carried in the
freest manner by the subjects of both confederates, even to places belong-
ing to an enemy, such towns and places being only excepted as are at
that time besieged, blocked up, or invested.
XXVIII. To the end that all manner of dissensions and quarrels may
be avoided and prevented on one side and the other, it is agreed, that in
case either of the parties hereto shall be engaged in war, the ships and
vessels belonging to the subjects and people of the other ally must be
furnished with sea letters or passports expressing the name, property,
and bulk of the ship, as also the name and place of habitation of the
master or commander of the said ship, that it may appear thereby that
the ship really and truly belongs to the subjects of one of the parties,
which passport shall be made out and granted according to the form
annexed to this treaty: they shall likewise be recalled every year, that
is, if the ship happens to return home within the space of the year. It
is likewise agreed, that such ships being laden are to be provided not
only with passports as above mentioned, but also with certificates con-
taining the several particulars of the cargo, the place whence the ship
sailed and whither she is bound, that so it may be known whether any
forbidden or contraband goods be on board the same, which certificates
shall be made out by the officers of the place whence the ship set sail,
in the accustomed form; and if any one shall think it fit or advisable to
express in the said certificates the person to whom the goods on board
belong, they may freely do so.
XXIX. The ships of the subjects or people of either of the parties
coming upon any coasts belonging to either of the said allies, but not
willing to enter into port, or being entered into port, and not willing to
unload their cargoes or break hulk, shall not be obliged to give an
account of their lading, unless they should be suspected, upon some
manifest tokens, of carrying to the enemy of the other ally any pro-
hibited goods called contraband; and in case of such manifest suspicion,
the said subjects or people of either of the parties, shall be obliged to
exhibit in the ports their passports and certificates, in the manner be-
fore specified.
XXX. If the ships of the said subjects or people of either of the
parties, shall be met with either sailing along the coasts, or on the high
seas, by any ship of war of the other, or by any privateers, the said
ships of war or privateers, for the avoiding of any disorder, shall
remain out of cannon-shot, and may send their boats aboard the mer-
chant ship which they shall so meet with, and may enter her to the num-
1349
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
1350
ties which shall be making into a port belonging to the
enemy of the other ally, and concerning whose voyage, and
the species of goods on board her, there shall be just grounds
of suspicion, shall be obliged to exhibit, as well upon the
high seas as in the ports and havens, not only her passports,
but likewise certificates expressly showing that her goods
are not of the number of those which have been prohibited
as contraband.
ARTICLE XVI. If, by exhibiting the above certificates,
the other party discover there are any of those sorts of goods
which are prohibited and declared contraband, and con-
signed for a port under the obedience of his enemies, it
shall not be lawful to break up the hatches of such ship, or
to open any chest, coffers, packs, casks, or any other vessels
found therein, or to remove the smallest parcels of her goods,
whether such ship belong to the subjects of France or the
inhabitants of the said United States, unless the lading be
brought on shore, in the presence of the officer of the
Court of Admiralty, and an inventory thereof made ; but
there shall be no allowance to sell, exchange, or alienate the
same in any manner, until after that due and lawful process
shall have been had against such prohibited goods, and the
Courts of Admiralty shall, by a sentence pronounced, have
confiscated the same; saving always as well the ship itself
as any other goods found therein, which by this treaty are to
be esteemed free ; neither may they be detained on pretence
of their being, as it were, infected by the prohibited goods,
much less shall they be confiscated as lawful prize. But if
not the whole cargo, but only part thereof, shall consist of
prohibited or contraband goods, and the commander of the
ship shall be ready and willing to deliver them to the captor
who has discovered them, in such case the captor, having
received those goods, shall forthwith discharge the ship, and
ber of two or three men only , to whom the master or commander of such
ship or vessel shall exhibit his passport concerning the property of the
ship, made out according to the form inserted in this present treaty; and
the ship, when she shall have showed such passport, shall be free and
at liberty to pursue her voyage, so as it shall not be lawful to molest or
search her in any manner, or to give her chase, or force her to quit her
intended course.
It is also agreed that all goods, when once put on board the ships or
vessels of either party, shall be subject to no further visitation; but all
visitation or search shall be made beforehand, and all prohibited goods
shall be stopped on the spot, before the same be put on board the ships
or vessels of the respective States; nor shall either the persons or goods
of the subjects of His Most Christian Majesty, or the United Stales, be
put under any arrest or molested by any other kind of embargo for that
cause; and only the subjects of that State to whom the said goods have
been or shall be prohibited, and shall presume to sell or alienate such
sort of goods, shall be duly punished for the offence.
Form of the Passports and Letters which are to be given to the Ships and
Barks which shall go according to the Article of this Treaty.
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting: It is hereby made known,
that leave and permission has been given to , master and com-
mander of the ship called , of the town of , burtheu tons
or thereabouts, lying at present in the port and haven , and bound
for , and laden with , after that his ship has been visited, and
before sailing he shall make oath before the officers who have the
jurisdiction of maritime affairs, that the said ship belongs to one or
more of the subjects of , the act whereof shall be put at the end
of these presents; as likewise, that he will keep, and cause to be kept
by his crew on board, the marine ordinances and regulations, and enter
into the proper office a list signed and witnessed of the crew of his
ship, ana all who shall embark on board her whom he shall not take
on board without the knowledge and permission of the officers of the
marine; and in every port or haven where he shall enter with his ship,
he shall show this present leave to the officers and judges of the marine,
and shall give a faithful account to them of what passed and was done
during his voyage.
Witness whereof we have signed these presents, and put the seal of
our arms thereunto, and caused the same to be countersigned by , at
, the day of , A. D
Form of the Jlct containing the Oath.
We , of the Admiralty of , do certify , master of the
ship named in the above passport, hath taken the oath mentioned
therein. Done at , the , day of , A. D
Form of the Certificate to be required of and to be given by the Magistrates
or Officers of the Customs of the Town ami Port in their respective Towns
anil Ports, to the ships and vessels which sail from thence, according to the
directions of the Jlrticle of this present Treaty.
We , magistrates [or officers of the customs] of the town and
port of , do certify and attest, that on the day of the month
of , in the year of our Lord , personally appeared before
us , of , and declared by a solemn oath that the ship or vessel
called , of about tons, whereof , of , his usual place
of habitation, is master or commander, does rightfully and properly
belong to him and other subjects of , and to them alone; that
she is^now bound from the port of to the port of , laden with
the goods and merchandises hereunder particularly described and enume-
rated, that is to say as follows:
not hinder her by any means freely to prosecute the voyage
on which she was bound.
ARTICLE XVII. On the contrary, it is agreed that
whatever shall be found to be laden by the subjects and
inhabitants of either party, on any ship belonging to the
enemy of the other, or to his subjects, although it be not of
the sort of prohibited goods, may be confiscated in the same
manner as if it belonged to the enemy himself, except such
goods and merchandise as were put on board such ship
before the declaration of war, or even after such declaration,
if so be it were done without the knowledge of such decla-
ration, so that the goods of the subjects or people of either
party, whether they be of the nature of such as are pro-
hibited, or otherwise, which, as is aforesaid, were put on
board any ship belonging to an enemy before the war, or
alter the declaration of it, without the knowledge of it, shall
no wise be liable to confiscation, but shall well and tiuly be
restored without delay to the proprietors demanding the
same; but so as that if the said merchandises be contraband,
it shall not be any ways lawful to carry them afterwards to
any ports belonging to the enemy.
ARTICLE XVIII. And that more effectual care may be
taken for the security of the subjects and inhabitants of both
parties, that they suffer no injury by the men-of-war or
privateers of the other party, all the commanders of the ships
of the Most Christian King, and of the said United States,
and all their subjects and inhabitants, shall be forbid doing
any injury or damage to the other side ; and if they act to
the contrary they shall be punished; and shall moreover, be
bound to make satisfaction for all matter of damage, and the
interest thereof, by reparation, under the penalty and obli-
gation of their persons and goods.
ARTICLE XIX. All ships and merchandises of what
In witness whereof we have signed this certificate, and sealed it with
the seal of our office.
Given the day of the month of , in the year of our Lord
Report of the Committee on the plan of Treaties, fyc., September 10, 1776.
There shall be a firm, inviolable, and universal peace and a true and
sincere friendship between the Most Serene and Mighty Prince Lewis
.the Sixteenth the Most Christian King, his heirs and successors, and
the United States of America; and the subjects of the Most Christian
King, and of the said States; and between the countries, islands, cities,
and towns situate under the jurisdiction of the Most Christian King and
of the said United States, and the people and inhabitants thereof, of
every degree without exception of persons or places; and the terms
hereinafter mentioned shall be perpetual between the Most Christian
King, his heirs and successors, and the said United States.
ARTICLE 1. The subjects of the Most Christian King shall pay no
other duties, or imposts, in the ports, havens, roads, countries, islands,
cities, or towns of the said l.'niti-d States, or any of them, than the
natives thereof, or any commercial companies established by them, or
any of them, shall pay, but shall enjoy all other the rights, liberties,
privileges, immunities, and exemptions in trade, navigation, and com-
merce, in passing from one part thereof to another, and in going to and
from the same, from and to any part of the world, which the said natives,
or companies, enjoy.
ARTICLE 2. The subject*, people, and inhabitants of the said United
States, and every of them, shall pay no other duties, or imposts, in the
ports, havens, roads, countries, islands, cities, or towns of the Most
Christian King, than the natives of such countries, islands, cities, or
towns of Prance, or any commercial companies established by the Most
Christian King, shall pay, but shall enjoy all other the rights, liberties,
privileges, immunities, and exemptions in trade, navigation, and com-
merce, in passing from one part thereof to another, and in going to and
from the same, from and to any part of the world, which the said
natives, or companies, enjoy.
ARTICLE 3. The Most Christian King shall endeavour, by all the
means in his power, to protect and defend all vessels, and the effects
belonging to the subjects, people, or inhabitants, of the said United
States, or any of them, being in his ports, havens, or roads, or on the
seas, near to his countries, islands, cities, or towns, and to recover or
restore, to the right owners, their agents, or attorneys, all such vessels,
and effects, which shall be taken within his jurisdiction, and his ships
of war, or any convoys sailing under his authority, shall upon all oc-
casions take under their protection all vessels belonging to the subjects,
people, or inhabitants of the said United Stales, or any of them, and
holding the same course, or going the same way, and shall defend such
vessels as long as they hold the same course, or go the same way,
against all attacks, force, and violence, in the same manner as they
ought to protect and defend vessels belonging to the subjects of the
Most Christian King.
ARTICLE 4. In like manner the said United States, and their ships of
war, and convoys sailing under their authority, shall protect and defend
all vessels and effects belonging to the subjects of the Most Christian
King, and endeavour to recover and restore them, if taken within the
jurisdiction of the said United States, or any of them.
ARTICLE 5. The Most Christian King, and the said United States,
shall not receive, nor suffer to be received into any of their ports, havens,
roads, countries, islands, cities, or towns, any pirates or sea-robbers,
or afford or suffer any entertainment, assistance, or provisions to be
offered to them, but shall endeavour by all means, that all pirates and
sea-robbers, and their partners, sharers, and abettors, be found out, ap-
prehended, and suffer condign punishment; and all the vessels and
effects piratically taken, and brought into the ports or havens of the
Most Christian King, or the said United States, which can be found,
although they be sold, shall be restored, or satisfaction given therefor, to
1351
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
135-2
nature soever, which shall be rescued out of the hands of
any pirates or robhers on the high seas, shall be brought
into some port of either Stale, and shall be delivered to the
custody of the officers of that port, in order to be restored
entire, to the true proprietor, as soon as due and sufficient
proof shall be made concerning the property thereof.
ARTICLE XX. It shall be lawful for the ships of war of
either party, and privateers, freely to carry, whithersoever
they please, the ships and goods taken from their enemies,
without being obliged to pay any duty to the officers of the
Admiralty, or any other judges; nor shall such prizes be
arrested or seized when they corne to and enter the ports of
either party ; nor shall the searchers or other officers of
those places search the same, or make examination con-
cerning the lawfulness of such prizes ; but they may hoist
sail at any time, and depart, and carry their prizes to the
place expressed in their commissions, which the commanders
of such ships of war shall be obliged to show. On the con-
trary, no shelter or refuge shall be given in their ports to
such as shall have made prize of the subjects, people, or
property of either of the parties ; but if such should come
in, being forced by stress of weather, or the danger of the
sea, all proper means shall be vigorously used, that they
go out and retire from thence as soon as possible.
ARTICLE XXI. If any ships belonging to either of the
parties, their subjects, or people, shall, within the coasts or
dominions of the other, stick upon the sands, or be wrecked,
or suffer any other damage, all friendly assistance and relief
shall be given to the persons shipwrecked, or such as shall
be in danger thereof; and letters of safe conduct shall like-
wise be given to them for their free and quiet passage from
thence, and the return of every one to his own country.
ARTICLE XXI I. In case the subjects and people of
the right owners, their agents or attorneys demanding the same, and
making the right of property to appear by due proof.
ARTICLE 6. The Most Christian King shall protect, defend, and
secure, as far as in his power, the subjects, people, and inhabitants of
the said United States, and every of them, and their vessels and effects
of every kind, against all attacks, assaults, violences, injuries, depreda-
tions, or plunderings, by or from the King or Emperor of Morocco or
Fez, and the States of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, and any of them, and
every other Prince, State, and Power, on the coast of Barbary in,
Africa, and the subjects of the said Kings, Emperors, States, and
Powers, and of every of them, in the same manner, and as effectually
and fully, and as much to the benefit, advantage, ease, and safety, of
the said United States, and every of them, and of the subjects, people,
and inhabitants thereof, to all intents and purposes, as the King and
Kingdom of Great Britain, before the commencement of the present
war, protected, defended, and secured the people and inhabitants of the
said United States, then called the British Colonies in North America,
their vessels and effects, against all such attacks, assaults, violences,
injuries, depredations, and plunderings.
ARTICLE 7. If in consequence of this treaty the King of Great Britain
should declare war against the Most Christian King, the said United
Stales shall not assist Great Britain in such war with men, money,
ships, or any of the articles in this treaty denominated contraband
goods.
ARTICLE 8. In case of any war between the Most Christian King and
the King of Great Britain, the Most Christian King shall never invade,
nor under any pretence attempt to possess himself of Labrador, New
Britain, Nova Scotia, Acadia, Canada, Florida, nor any of the countries,
cities, or towns, on the Continent of North America, nor of the islands of
Neujfoundland, Cape Breton, St. John's, Anticosti, nor of any other island
lying near to the said Continent, in the seas, or in any gulf, bay, or river,
it being the true intent and meaning of this treaty, that the said
United States shall have the sole, exclusive, undivided, and perpetual
possession of all the countries, cities, and towns, on the said Continent,
and of all islands near to it, which now are, or lately were, under the
jurisdiction of, or subject to, the King or Crown of Great Britain, when-
ever they shall be united or confederated with said United States.
ARTICLE 9. Nor shall the Most Christian King at any time make
any claim or demand to the said countries, islands, cities, and towns,
mentioned in the next preceding article, or any of them, or to any part
thereof, for or on account of any assistance afforded to the said United
Slates in attacking or conquering the same, or in obtaining such a sub-
mission, or confederation, as has been mentioned in the said preceding
articles, nor on any other account whatever.
ARTICLE 10. If in any war, the Most Christian King shall conquer,
or get possession of the islands in the West Indies now under the juris-
diction of the King or Crown of Great Britain, or any of them, or any
dominions of the said King or Crown in any other parts of the world,
the subjects, people, and inhabitants of the said United States, and
every of them, shall enjoy the same rights, liberties, privileges, immuni-
ties, and exemptions, in trade, commerce, and navigation, to and from
the said islands and dominions, that are mentioned in the second article
of this treaty.
ARTICLE 11. It is the true intent and meaning of this treaty, that
no higher or other duties shall be imposed on the exportation of any
thing of the growth, production, or manufacture of the islands in the
West-Indies now belonging, or which may hereafter belong, to the Most
Christian King, to the said United States, or any of them, than the lowest
that are or shall be imposed on the exportation thereof to France, or to
any other part of the world.
ARTICLE 12. It is agreed by and between the said parties, that no
duties whatever shall ever hereafter be imposed on the expnrlation of
molasses from any of the islands and dominions of the Most Christian
King in the West Indies to any of these United States.
ARTICLE 13. The subjects, people, and inhabitants of the said United
either party, with their shipping, whether publick -and of
war, or private and of merchants, be forced, through stress
of weather, pursuit of pirates or enemies, or any other urgent
necessity for seeking of shelter and harbour, to retreat and
enter into any of the rivers, creeks, bays, havens, roads,
ports, or shores, belonging to the other party, they shall be
received and treated with all humanity and kindness, and
enjoy all friendly protection and help; and they shall be
permitted to refresh and provide themselves at reasonable
rates with victuals and all things needful for the sustenance
of their persons, or reparation of their ships, and conveniency
of their voyage ; and they shall no ways be detained or
hindered from returning out of the said ports or roads, but
may remove and depart when and whither they please,
without any let or hindrance.
ARTICLE XXIII. For the better promoting of com-
merce on both sides, it is agreed, that if a war shall break
out between the said two nations, six months after the pro-
clamation of war shall be allowed to the merchants in the
cities and towns where they live, for settling and transport-
ing their goods and merchandises ; and if any thing be taken
from them, or any injury be done them, within that time, by
either party, or the people or subjects of either, full satis-
faction shall be made for the same.
ARTICLE XXIV. No subjects of the Most Christian
King shall apply for or take any commission, or letters of
marque for arming any ship, or ships, to act as privateers
against the said United States, or any of them, or against
the subjects, people, or inhabitants of the said United States,
or any of them, or against the property of any of the inhab-
itants of any of them, from any Prince or Slate with which
the said United States shall be at war. Nor shall any
citizen, subject, or inhabitant of the said United States, or
States, or any of them, being merchants and residing in France, and their
property, and effects of every kind, shall be exempt from the droit
d'aubaine.
ARTICLE 14. The merchant ship of either of the parties which shall
be making into a port belonging to the enemy of the other ally, and
concerning whose voyage, and the species of goods on board her, there
shall be just grounds of suspicion, shall be obliged to exhibit, as well
upon the high seas as in the ports and havens, not only her passports,
but likewise certificates expressly showing that her goods are not of the
number of those which have been prohibited as contraband.
ARTICLE 15. If, by exhibiting of the above-said certificates, the other
party discover there are any of those sorts of goods which are prohibited
and declared contraband, and consigned for a port under the obedience
of his enemies, it shall not be lawful to break up the hatches of such
ship, or to open any chest, coffers, packs, casks, or any other vessels
found therein, or to remove the smallest parcels of her goods, whether
such ship belong to the subjects of France or the inhabitants of the
said United States, unless the lading be brought on shore in the presence
of the officers of the Court of Admiralty, and an inventory thereof made ;
but there shall be no allowance to sell, exchange, or alienate the same in
any manner, until after that due and lawful process shall have been had
against such prohibited goods, and the Courts of Admiralty shall, by a
sentence pronounced, have confiscated the same, saving always as
well the ship itself as any other goods found therein which by this
treaty are to be esteemed free ; neither may they be detained on pretence
of their being, as it were, infected by the prohibited goods, much less
shall they be confiscated as lawful prize : But if not the whole cargo,
but only part thereof shall consist of prohibited or contraband goods,
and the commander of the ship shall be ready and willing to deliver them
to the captor who has discovered them, in such case the captor, having
received those goods, shall forthwith discharge the ship, and not hinder
her by any means freely to prosecute the voyage on which she was
bound.
ARTICLE 16. On the contrary it is agreed, that whatever shall be
found to be laden by the subjects and inhabitants of either party on any
ship belonging to the enemy of the other, or to his subjects, the whole,
although it be not of the sort of prohibited goods, may be confiscated
in the same manner as if it belonged to the enemy himself, except such
foods and merchandise as were put on board such ship before the
eclaration of war, or even after such declaration, if so be it were done
without knowledge of such declaration. So that the goods of the
subjects and people of either party, whether they be of the nature of
such as were prohibited or otherwise, which, as is aforesaid, were put
on board any ship belonging to an enemy before the war, or after the
declaration of the same, without knowledge of it, shall noways be
liable to confiscation, but shall well and truly be restored without delay
to the proprietors demanding the same ; but so as that if the said mer-
chandises be contraband, it shall not be any ways lawful to carry them
afterwards to any ports belonging to the enemy.
ARTICLE 17. And that more effectual care may be taken for the
security of the subjects and inhabitants of both parties, that they suffer
no injury by the men-of-war or privateers of the other party, all the
commanders of the ships of the Most Christian King and of the said
United States, and all their subjects and inhabitants, shall be forbid
doing any injury or damage to the other side, and if they act to the
contrary, they shall be punished, and shall moreover be bound to
make satisfaction for all matter of damage, and the interest thereof, by
reparation, under the pain and obligation of their person and goods.
ARTICLE 18. A 11 ships and merchandises of what nature soever, which
shall be rescued out of the hands of any pirates or robbers on the high
seas, shall be brought into some port of either State, and shall be
delivered to the custody of the officers of that port, in order to be restored
entire to the true proprietor, as soon as due and sufficient proof shall be
mnde concerning the property thereof.
ARTICLE 19. It shall be lawful for the ships of war of either party,
1353
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
1854
any of them, apply for, or take any commission or letters of
marque for arming any ship or ships to act as privateers
against the subjects of the Most Christian King, or any of
them, or the property of any of them, from any Prince or
State with which the said King shall be at war; and if any
person of either nation shall take such commissions or letters
of marque, he shall be punished as a pirate.
ARTICLE XXV. It shall not be lawful for any foreign
privateer, not belonging to the subjects of the Most Chris-
tian King, nor citizens of the said United States, who have
commissions from any other Prince, or State, in enmity with
either nation, to fit their ships in the ports of either the one
or the other of the aforesaid parties, to sell what they have
taken, or in any other manner whatsoever to exchange either
ships, merchandises, or any other lading; neither shall
they be allowed even to purchase victuals, except such as
shall be necessary for their going to the next port of that
Prince or State from which they have commissions.
ARTICLE XXVI. It shall be lawful for all and singular
the subjects of the Most Christian King, and the citizens,
people, and inhabitants of the said States, to sail with their
ships with all manner of liberty and security, no distinction
being made, who are the proprietors of the merchandises
laden thereon, from any port to the places of those who now
are, or hereafter shall be, at enmity with the Most Christian
King, or the United States. It shall likewise be lawful for
the subjects and inhabitants aforesaid to sail with the ships
and merchandises aforementioned, and to trade with the
same liberty and security from the places, ports, and havens
of those who are enemies of both, or either party, without
any opposition or disturbance whatsoever, not only directly
from the places of the enemy aforementioned to neutral
places, but also from one place belonging to an enemy
and privateers, freely to carry whithersoever they please the ships and
goods taken from their enemies, without being obliged to pay any duty
to the officers of the Admiralty or any other judges ; nor shall such
prizes be arrested or seized, when they come to and enter the ports of
either party; nor shall the searchers, or other officers of those places,
search the same, or make examination concerning the lawfulness of
such prizes, but they may hoist sail at any time and depart, and carry
their prizes to the place expressed in their commissions, which the com-
manders of such ships of war shall be obliged to show : on the contrary ,
no shelter or refuge shall be given in their ports to such as shall have
made prize of the subjects, people, or property of either of the parties;
but if such should come in, being forced by stress of weather or the
dangers of the sea, all proper means shall be vigorously used, that they
go out and retire from thence as soon as possible.
ARTICLE 20. If any ships belonging to either of the parties, their
people, or subjects, shall, within the coasts or dominions of the other,
stick upon the sands or be wrecked, or suffer any other damage, all
friendly assistance and relief shall be given to the persons shipwrecked,
or such as shall be in danger thereof; and letters of safe conduct shall
likewise be given to them for their free and quiet passage from thence,
and the return of every one to his own country.
ARTICLE 21. That in case the subjects and inhabitants of either party,
with their shipping, whether publick, and of war, or private, and of
merchants, be forced tnrough stress of weather, pursuit of pirates or
enemies, or any other urgent necessity for seeking of shelter and har-
bour, to retreat and enter into any of the rivers, creeks, bays, havens,
roads, posts, or shores, belonging to the other party, they shall be
received and treated with all humanity and kindness, and enjoy all
friendly protection and help ; and they shall be permitted to refresh and
provide themselves, at reasonable rates with victuals and all things
needful for the sustenance of their persons or reparation of their ships
and conveniency of their voyage ; and they shall noways be detained or
hindered from returning out of the said ports or roads, but may remove
and depart when and whither they please, without any let or hindrance.
ARTICLE 22. The subjects, inhabitants, merchants, commanders of
ships, masters and marines of the States, Provinces, and dominions of
each party respectively, shall abstain and forbear to fish in all places
possessed, or which shall be possessed by the other party. The Most
Christian King's subjects shall not fish in the havens, bays, creeks,
roads, coasts, or places which the said United States hold, or shall here-
after hold, and in like manner, the subjects, people, and inhabitants of
the said United States shall not fish in the havens, bays, creeks, roads,
coasts, or places which the Most Christian King possesses or shall
hereafter possess; and if any ship or vessel shall be found fishing con-
trary to the tenour of this treaty, the said ship or vessel, with its lading,
proof being made thereof, shall be confiscated.
ARTICLE 23. For the better promoting of commerce on both sides, it
is agreed, that if a war should break out between the said two nations,
six months after the proclamation of war shall be allowed to the
merchants in the cities and towns where they live, for selling and trans-
porting their goods and merchandises; and if any thing be taken from
them, or any injury be done them within that term by either party, or
the people or subjects of either, full satisfaction shall be made for the
same.
ARTICLE 24. No subject of the Most Christian King shall apply for,
or take any commission or letters of marqne for arming any ship or
ships to act as privateers against the said United States, or any of them,
or against the subjects, people, or inhabitants of the said United States
or any of them, or against the property of any of the inhabitants of any
of them, from any Prince or State with which the said United States
shall be at war; nor shall any citizen, subject, or inhabitant of the said
United States, or any of them, apply for or take any commission or
letters of marque for arming any ship or ships to act as privateers against
the subjects of the Most Christian King or any of them, or the property
of any of them, from any Prince or State with which the said King
to another place belonging to an enemy, whether they be
under the jurisdiction of the same Prince, or under several.
And it is hereby stipulated, that free ships shall also give
a freedom to goods; and that every thing shall be deemed
to be free and exempt, which shall be found on board the
ships belonging to the subjects of either of the confederates,
although the whole lading, or any part thereof, should apper-
tain to the enemies of either; contraband goods being
always excepted. It is also agreed, in like manner, that the
same liberty be extended to persons who are on board a
free ship, with this effect, that although they be enemies to
both, or either party, they are not to be taken out of that
free ship, unless they are soldiers and in actual service of
the enemies.
ARTICLE XXVII. This liberty of navigation and com-
merce shall extend to all kinds of merchandises, excepting
those only which are distinguished by the name of contra-
band; and under this name of contraband or prohibited
goods, shall be comprehended arms, great guns, bombs with
their fusees and other things belonging to them, fire-balls,
gunpowder, match, cannon ball, pikes, swords, lances,
spears, halberds, mortars, petards, granadoes, saltpetre,
muskets, musket balls, helmets, headpieces, breastplates,
coats of mail, and the like kind of arms proper for arming
soldiers, musket rests, belts, horses with their furniture, and
all other warlike instruments whatsoever. These merchan-
dises which follow shall not be reckoned among contraband
or prohibited goods, that is to say, all sorts of cloths, and all
other manufactures woven of any wool, flax, silk, cotton, or
any other material whatever, all kinds of wearing apparel,
together with the species whereof they are used to be made,
gold and silver, as well coined as uncoined, tin, iron, lead,
copper, brass, coals, as also wheat and barley, and any
shall be at war; and if any person of either nation shall take such com-
missions or letters of marque, he shall be punished as a pirate.
ARTICLE 25. It shall not be lawful for any foreign privateers, not
belonging to subjects of the Most Christian King nor citizens of the
United States, who have commissions from any other Prince or State
in enmity with either nation , to fit their ships in the ports of either the
one or the olher of the aforesaid parties, to sell what they have taken,
or in any other manner whatsoever to exchange either ships, merchan-
dises, or any other lading; neither shall they be allowed even to purchase
victuals, except such as shall be necessary for their going to the next
port of that Prince or State from which they have commissions.
ARTICLE 26. It shall be lawful for all and singular the subjects of the
Most Christian King, and the citizens, people, and inhabitants of the
said United States, to sail with their ships, with all manner of liberty
and security, no distinction being made who are the proprietors of the
merchandises laden thereon, from any port to the places of those who
now are, or hereafter shall be, at enmity with the Most Christian King
or the United States. It shall likewise be lawful for the subjects and
inhabitants aforesaid, to sail with the ships and merchandises afore-
mentioned, and to trade with the same liberty and security, from the
places, ports, and havens of those who are enemies of both or either party,
without any opposition or disturbance whatsoever, not only directly
from the places of the enemy aforementioned to neutral, but also from
one place belonging to an enemy to another place belonging to an enemy,
whether they be under the jurisdiction of the same Prince or under
several. And it is hereby stipulated that free ships shall also give a
freedom to goods, and that every thing shall be deemed to be free and
exempt which shall be found on board the ships belonging to the sub-
jects of either of the confederates, although the whole lading, or any
part thereof, should appertain to the enemies of either, contraband goods
being always excepted. It is also agreed in like manner, that the
same liberty be extended to persons who are on board a free ship, with
this effect, that although they be enemies to both or either party, they
are not to be taken out of that free ship unless they are soldiers and in
actual service of the enemies.
ARTICLE 27. This liberty of navigation and commerce shall extend
to all kinds of merchandises, excepting thoseonly which are distinguished
by the name of contraband; and under this name of contraband, or pro-
hibited goods, shall be comprehended arms, great guns, bombs with
their fusees and other things belonging to them, fire-balls, gunpowder,
match, cannon-balls, pikes, swords, lances, spears, halberds, mortars,
petards, granadoes, saltpetre, musket-ball, helmet, headpieces, breast-
plates, coats of mail, and the like kinds of arms proper for arming
soldiers, musket-rests, belts, horses with their furniture, and all other
warlike instruments whatever. These merchandises which follow shall
not be reckoned among contraband or prohibited goods: that is to say,
all sorts of cloths, and all other manufactures woven of any wool, flax,
silk, cotton, or any other materials whatever; all kinds of wearing
apparel, together with the species whereof they are used to be made;
gold and silver, as well coined as uncoined, tin, iron, lead, copper, coals,
as also wheat and barley, and any other kind of corn and pulse, tobacco,
and likewise all manner of spices, salted and smoked flesh, salted fish,
cheese and butter, beer, oils, wines, sugars, and all sorts of salt, and in
general all provisions which serve for the nourishment of mankind
and the sustenance of life; furthermore, all kinds of cotton, hemp, flax,
tar, pitch, ropes, cables, sails, sail-cloth, anchors, and any parts of
anchors; also ships' masts, planks, boards and beams, of what trees
soever; and all other things proper either for building or repairing ships,
and all other goods whatever, which have not been worked into the
form of any instrument or thing prepared for war by land or by sea,
shall not be reputed contraband, much less such as have been already
wrought and made up for any other use; all which shall wholly be
reckoned among free goods; as likewise all other merchandises and
things which are not comprehended and particularly mentioned in the
foregoing enumeration of contraband goods, so that they may be trans-
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CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
1356
other kind of corn and pulse, tobacco, and likewise all
manner of spices, salted and smoked flesh, salted fish,
cheese and butter, beer, oils, wines, sugars, and all sorts of
•salt, and in general all provisions which serve for the
nourishment of mankind, and the sustenance of life.
Furthermore, all kinds of cotton, hemp, flax, tar, pitch,
ropes, cables, sails, sail cloth, anchors and any parts of
anchors, also ships' masts, planks, boards, and beams, of
what tree soever, and all other things proper either for build-
ing or repairing ships, and all other goods whatsoever
which have not been worked into the form of any instrument
or thing prepared for war by land or by sea, shall not be
reputed contraband, much less such as have been already
wrought and made up for any other use ; all which shall
wholly be reckoned among free goods ; as likewise all other
merchandises, and things which are not comprehended and
particularly mentioned, in the foregoing enumeration of
contraband goods ; so that they may be transported and
carried in the freest manner, by the subjects of both con-
federates, even to places belonging to an enemy, such towns
and places being only excepted as are at that time besieged,
blocked up, or invested.
ARTICLE XXVI11. To the end that all manner of dis-
sensions and quarrels may be avoided and prevented, on
one side and the other, it is agreed, that in case either of the
parties hereto should be engaged in a war, the ships and
vessels belonging to the subjects or people of the other ally
must be furnished with sea letters or passports, expressing
the name, property, and bulk of the ship, as also the name
and place of habitation of the master or commander of the
said ship, that it may appear thereby, that the ship really
and truly belongs to the subjects of one of the parlies ;
which passports shall be made out and granted according to
ported and carried in the freest manner by the subjects of both con-
federates, even to places belonging to an enemy, such towns or places
being only excepted as are at that time besieged, blocked up, or invested.
ARTICLE 28. To the end that all manner of dissensions and quarrels
may be avoided and prevented on one side and the other, it is agreed,
that in case either of the parties hereto should be engaged in war, the
ships and vessels belonging to the subjects or people of the other ally
must be furnished with sea-letters or passports expressing the name,
property, and bulk of the ship, as also the name and place of habitation
of the master or commander of the said ship, that it may appear thereby
that the ship really and truly belongs to the subjects of one of the par-
ties; which passports shall be made out and granted according to the
form annexed to this treaty: they shall likewise be recalled every year,
that is, if the ship happens to return home within the space of a year.
It is likewise agreed, that such ships, being laden, are to be provided,
not only with passports as above mentioned, but also with certificates
containing the several particulars of the cargo, the place whence the
ship sailed, and whither she is bound, that so it may be known whether
any forbidden or contraband goods be on board the same, which certi-
ficates shall be made out by the officers of the place whence the ship set
sail, in the accustomed form. And if any one shall think it fit or advi-
sable to express in the said certificates the person to whom the goods on
board belong, he may freely do so.
ARTICLE 29. The ships of the subjects and inhabitants of either of
the parties coming upon any coast belonging to either of the said allies,
but not willing to enter into port, or being entered into port, and not
willing to unload their cargoes or break bulk, shall not \>e obliged to
give an account of their lading, unless they should be suspected, upon
some manifest tokens, of carrying to the enemy of the other ally any
prohibited goods called contraband. And in case of such manifest sus-
picion, the said subjects and inhabitants of either of the parties shall
be obliged to exhibit in the ports their passports and certificates in the
manner before specified.
ARTICLE 30. That if the ships of the said subjects, people, or inhab-
itants of either of the parties shall be met with, either sailing along the
coasts or on the high seas, by any ships of war of the other, or by any
privateers, the said ships of war or privateers, for the avoiding of any
disorder, shall remain out of cannon-shot, and may send their boat
aboard the merchant ship which they shall so meet with, and may enter
her to the number of two or three men only, to whom the master or
commander of such ship or vessel shall exhibit his passport, concerning
the property of the ship, made out according to the form inserted in
this present treaty; and the ship, when she shall have showed such
passport, shall be free and at liberty to pursue her voyage, so as it shall
not be lawful to molest or search her in any manner, or to give her
chase, or force her to quit her intended course. It is also agreed, that
all goods, when once put on board the ships or vessels of either party,
shall be subject to no further visitation, but all visitation or search shall
be made beforehand, and all prohibited goods shall be stopped on the
spot, before the same be put on board the ships or vessels of the re-
spective State: nor shall either the persons or goods of the subjects of
his Most Christian Majesty or the United States be put under any arrest
or molested by any other kind of embargo for that cause; and only the
subject of that State by whom the said goods have been or shall be pro-
hibited, and shall presume to sell or alienate such sort of goods, shuil be
duly punished for the offence.
Form of the Passports and Letters which are to be given to the Ships and
Barks which shall go according to the Twenty-seventh Article of this
Treaty.
To all who shall see these presents, Greeting:
It is hereby made known, that leave and permission has been given
to master and commander of the ship called , of the town
of , burthen tons, or thereabouts, lying at present in the
the form annexed to this treaty. They shall likewise be
recalled every year; that is, if the ship happens to return
home within the space of a year. It is likewise agreed
that such ships, being laden, are to be provided not only
with passports, as above mentioned, but also with certificates
containing the several particulars of the cargo, the place
whence the ship sailed, and whither she is bound, that so it
may be known whether any forbidden or contraband goods
be on board the same ; which certificates shall be made out
by the officers of the place whence the ship set sail, in the
accustomed form ; and if any one shall think it fit or advi-
sable to express in the said certificates the persons to whom
the goods on board belong, he may freely do it.
ARTICLE XXIX. The ships of the subjects and inhabit-
ants of either of the parties, coming upon any coast belonging
to either of the said allies, but not willing to enter into port,
or being entered into port, and not willing to unload their
cargoes or break bulk, shall not be obliged to give an ac-
count of their lading, unless they should be suspected, upon
some manifest tokens, of carrying to the enemy of the other
ally any prohibited goods called contraband ; and in case
of such manifest suspicion, the parties shall be obliged to
exhibit, in the ports, their passports and certificates in the
manner before specified.
ARTICLE XXX. If the ships of the said subjects, people,
or inhabitants of either of the parties, shall be met with,
either sailing along the coast, or on the high seas, by any
ship of war of the other, or by any privateers, the said ships
of war or privateers, for the avoiding of any disorder, shall
remain out of cannon shot, and may send their boats on
board the merchant ship which they shall so meet with,
and may enter her to the number of two or three men
only, to whom the master or commander of such ship or
port and haven of , and bound for , and laden with ,
after that his ship has been visited , and before sailing, he shall make
oath before the officers who have the jurisdiction of maritime affairs,
that the said ship belongs to one or more of the subjects of , the
act whereof shall be put at the end of these presents, as likewise he will
keep, and cause to be kept by his crew on board, the marine ordinances
and regulations, and enter into the proper office a list, signed and wit-
nessed, containing the names and surnames, the places of birth and
abode of the crew of his ship, and of all who shall embark on board her
whom he shall not take on board without the knowledge and permission
of the officers of the marine; and in every port or haven where he shall
enter with his ship, he shall show this present leave to the officers and
judges of the marine, and shall give a faithful account to them of what
passed and was done during his voyage, and he shall carry the colours,
-' •*-- King, [or -' ••--
voyage.
arms, and ensigns of the
of the United States,] during his
In witness whereof we have signed these presents, and put the seal of
our arms thereunto, and caused the same to be countersigned by ,
at , the day of , 17 .
Form of the Act containing the Oath.
We , of the Admiralty of • , do certify that , master
of the ship named in the above passport, hath taken the oath mentioned
therein.
Done at , the day of , 17 .
Form of the Certificates to be required of, and to be given by the Magistrates
or Officers of the Customs of the Town or Port, in their respective Towns
and Ports, to the Ships and Vessels which sail from thence, according to
the directions of the Article of this present Treaty.
We, A. B., magistrate, [or, officers of the customs,] of the town and
port of C., do certify and attest, that on the day of the month of
, in the year of our Lerd 17 , D. E. , of P. , personally appeared
before us, and declared by a solemn oath, that the ship or vessel called
G. , of about tons, whereof H. I. , of K. , his usual place of habita-
tion, is master or commander, does rightfully and properly belong to
him and other subjects of , and to them alone; that she is now
bound from the port of L. to the port of JV/., laden with the goods and
merchandises hereunder particularly described and enumerated, that is
to say, as follows:
In witness whereof we have signed this certificate, and sealed it with
the seal of our office, given the day of the month of , in the
year of our Lord 17 .
Report of the Committee on Instructions, brought in SEPTEMBER 10, 1776.
Instructions to
There is delivered to you herewith a plan of a treaty with His Most
Christian Majesty of France, approved of in Congress on the part of
the United States of America.
It is the wish of Congress that the treaty should be concluded ; and you
are hereby instructed to use every means in your power for concluding
it conformable to the plan you have received.
If you shall find that to be impracticable, you are hereby authorized
to relax the demands of the United States, and to enlarge their offers
agreeably to the following directions:
If A. shall not consent that the subjects of B. shall have the privileges
proposed in the second article, then B. ought not to give the subjects of
A. the privileges proposed in the first article; but, that B. shall give to
A. the same privileges, liberties, and immunities, at least, and the like
favour in all things, which any foreign nation the most favoured shall
have, provided A. shall give to B. the same benefits, privileges, and
immunities, which any the most favoured foreign nation now has, uses,
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CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 17, 1776.
1358
vessel shall exhibit his passport concerning the property of
the ship, made out according to the form inserted in this
present treaty ; and the ship, when she shall have showed
such passport, shall be free and at liberty to pursue her
voyage, so as it shall not be lawful to molest or search her
in any manner, or to give her chase, or force her to quit her
intended course. It is also agreed, that all goods, when
once put on board the ships or vessels of either parties, shall
be subject to no further visitation ; but all visitation or search
shall be made beforehand, and all prohibited goods shall be
stopped on the spot, before the same be put on board the
ships or vessels of the respective States ; nor shall either the
persons or goods of the subjects of His Most Christian
Majesty or the United Slates, be put under any arrest, or
molested by any other kind of embargo for that cause ; and
only the subject of that State to whom the said goods have
been or shall be prohibited, and shall presume to sell or ,
alienate such sort of goods, shall be duly punished for the
offence.
The form of the Sea-Letters and Passports to be given to
Ships and Vessels according to the 28<A Article.
To all who shall see these presents, greeting :
It is hereby made known that leave and permission has
been given to , master and commander of the ship
called , of the town of , burthen tons,
or thereabouts, lying at present in the port and haven of
, and bound for , and laden with' ,
after that his ship has been visited, and before sailing, he
shall make oath before the officers who have the jurisdiction
of maritime affairs, that the said ship belongs to one or
more of the subjects of , the act whereof shall be
put at the end of these presents ; as likewise that he will
keep and cause to be kept, by his crew on board, the
marine ordinances and regulations, and enter in the proper
office a list signed and witnessed of the crew of his ship, and
of all who shall embark on board her, whom he shall not
or enjoys. And in case neither of these propositions of equal advan-
tages are agreed to, then the whole of the said articles are to be rejected,
rather than obstruct the further progress of the treaty.
The third article must be insisted upon.
The sixth article ought to be obtained if possible; but should be
waived, rather than that the treaty should be interrupted by insisting
upon it. Jl. agreeing, nevertheless, to use his interest and influence to
procure passes from the States mentioned in this article for the vessels
of B. upon the Mediterranean.
The seventh article will probably be attended with some difficulty.
If you find Jl. determined not to agree to it, you are empowered to add
to it any of the following proposals, offers, or two of them, or all of
them, if one or two of them should be discovered to be unsatisfactory:
1. If Jl, should undertake an expedition to recover what she lost in
the West-India during the last war with Great Britain, the United States
will in that expedition supply France with provisions, if required, and
will not supply Great Britain with any.
2. The United States will agree to an exclusive contract in favour of
Jl. during the term of years, for masts and naval stores, as far as
they can spare them.
3. The United States will not, upon a peace with Great Britain, grant
to her terms of commerce more advantageous than those they will grant
to Jl.
The eleventh and twelfth articles are to be waived, if you find that the
treaty will be interrupted by insisting on them.
You will press the thirteenth article; but let not the fate of the treaty
depend upon obtaining it.
If Jl. should be unwilling to agree to the fifteenth and twenty-sixth
articles, you are directed to consent thatthe goods and effects of enemies
on board the ships and vessels of either party shall be liable to seizure
and confiscation.
The twenty-fifth article is not to be insisted upon. As the scarcity of
arms, artillery, and other military stores, is so considerable in the
United States, you wit solicit the Court of Prance for an immediate sup-
ply of twenty or thirty thousand muskets and bayonets, and a large
supply of ammunition and brass field-pieces, to be sent under convoy
by France. The United States engage for the payment of the arms,
artillery, and ammunition, and to indemnify France for the expense of
the convoy.
Engage a few good Engineers in the service of the United States.
It is highly probable that France means not to let the United States
sink in the present contest. But as the difficulty of obtaining true
accounts of our condition may cause an opinion to be entertained that we
are able to support the war on our own strength and resources longer
than in fact we can do, it will be proper for you to press for the im-
mediate and explicit declaration of France in our favour, upon a sugges-
tion that a reunion with Great Britain may be the consequence of a
delay.
Should Spain be disinclined to our cause, from an apprehension of
danger to her dominions in South America, you are empowered to give
the strongest assurances that that Crown will receive no molestation
from the United States, in the possession of those territories.
You will transmit to us the most speedy and full intelligence of your
progress in this business, and of any other European transaction that it
may import us to know.
In conducting this important business, the Congress have the greatest
confidence in your address, abilities, vigilance, and attachment to the
interests of the United States, and wish you every success.
take on board without the knowledge and permission of the
officers of the marine ; and in every port and haven, where
he shall enter with his ship, he shall show this present leave
to the officers and judges of the marine, and shall give a
faithful account to them, of what passed and was done during
his voyage ; and he shall carry the colours, arms, and ensigns
of during his voyage.
In witness whereof we have signed these presents, and
put the seal of our arms thereunto, and caused the same to
be countersigned by , at , the day of ,
A. D.
The form of the Act containing the Oath.
We , of the Admiralty of , do certify that
, master of the ship named in the above passport,
hath taken the oath mentioned therein.
Done at , the day of ,
A. D.
The form of the Certificate to be required of, and to be
given by, the Magistrates or Officers of the Customs of
the Town and Port, in their respective Towns and
Ports, to the Ships and Vessels which sail from thence,
according to the directions of the 28(A Article of this
present Treaty.
We , magistrates [or officers of the customs] of the
town and port of , do certify and attest, that on
the day of the month of , in the year of our
Lord , personally appeared before us ,
of , and declared, by a solemn oath, that the ship or
vessel called , of about tons, whereof
, of , his usual place of habitation, is master
or commander, does rightfully and properly belong to him
and other subjects of , and to them alone ; that she
is now bound from the port of to the port of ,
laden with the goods and merchandises hereunder particu-
larly described and enumerated, that is to say,
In witness whereof we have signed this certificate, and
sealed it with the seal of our office.
Given the day of the month of , in the year of
our Lord
Instructions to
There is delivered to you herewith a plan of a treaty with
His Most Christian Majesty of France, approved of in Con-
gress, on the part of the United States; and you are hereby
instructed to use every means in your power for concluding
it, conformably to the plan you have received.
If you shall find that to be impracticable, you are hereby
authorized to relax the demands of the United States, and to
enlarge their offers agreeably to the following directions :
If His Most Christian Majesty shall not consent that the
inhabitants of the United States shall have the privileges
proposed in the second article, then the United States ought
not to give the subjects of His Most Christian Majesty the
privileges proposed in the first article ; but that the United
States shall give to His Most Christian Majesty the same
privileges, liberties, and immunities at least, and the like
favour in all things which any foreign nation the most
favoured shall have, provided His Most Christian Majesty
shall give to the United States the same benefits, privileges,
and immunities which the most favoured nation now has,
uses,- or enjoys. And, in case neither of these propositions
of equal advantages is agreed to, then the whole of the said
articles are to be rejected, rather than obstruct the further
progress of the treaty.
The fourth article must be insisted on.
The seventh article ought to be obtained, if possible ; but
should be waived, rather than that the treaty should be inter-
rupted by insisting upon it. His Most Christian Majesty
agreeing, nevertheless, to use his interest and influence to
procure passes from the States mentioned in this article for
the vessels of the Untied States upon the Mediterranean.
The eighth article will probably be attended with some
difficulty. If you find His Most Christian Majesty deter-
mined not to agree to it, you are empowered to add to it,
as follows: That the United States will never be subject,
or acknowledge allegiance, or obedience, to the King, Crown,
or Parliament of Great Britain; nor grant to that nation
1359
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 19, 1776.
1360
any exclusive trade, or any advantages, or privileges in
trade, more than to His Most Christian Majesty ; neither
shall any treaty for terminating the present war between the
King of Great Britain and the United States, or any war
which may be declared by the King of Great Britain
against His Most Christian Majesty in consequence of this
treaty, take effect until the expiration of six calendar months
after the negotiation for that purpose shall have been duly
notified, in the former instance by the United Stales to His
Most Christian Majesty, and in the other instance by His
Most Christian Majesty to the United States ; to the end
that both these parties may be included in the peace, if they
think proper.
The twelfth and thirteenth articles are to be waived, if
you find that the treaty will be interrupted by insisting on
them.
You will press the fourteenth article; but let not the fate .
of the treaty depend upon obtaining it.
If His Most Christian Majesty should be unwilling to
agree to the sixteenth and twenty-sixth articles, you are
directed to consent that the goods and effects of enemies,
on board the ships and vessels of either party, shall be liable
to seizure and confiscation.
The twenty-fifth article is not to be insisted on.
You will solicit the Court of France for an immediate
supply of twenty or thirty thousand muskets and bayonets,
and a large supply of ammunition and brass field-pieces,
to be sent under convoy by France. The United States
engage for the payment of the arms, artillery, and ammuni-
tion, and to indemnify France for the expense of the
convoy.
Engage a few good engineers in the service of the United
States.
It is highly probable that France means not to let the
United States sink in the present contest. But as the
difficulty of obtaining true accounts of our condition may
Cause an opinion to be entertained that we are able to sup-
port the war on our own strength and resources longer than
in fact we can do, it will be proper for you to press for the
immediate and explicit declaration by France in our favour,
upon a suggestion that a reunion with Great Britain may
be the consequence of a delay.
Should Spain be disinclined to our cause, from an appre-
hension of danger to his dominions in South America, you
are empowered to give the strongest assurances that that
Crown will receive no molestation from the United States,
in the possession of these territories.
You will transmit to us the most speedy and full intelli-
gence of your progress in this business, and of any other
transactions that it may import us to know.
You are desired to get the best and earliest information
that you possibly can of any negotiations that the Court of
London may be carrying on for obtaining foreign mercena-
ries to be sent against these States the next campaign ; and
if any such design is in agitation, you will endeavour to
prevail with the Court of France to exert its influence in
the most effectual manner to prevent the execution of such
designs.
You are desired to obtain, as early as possible, a publick
acknowledgment of the independency of these States on
the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain, by the Court
of France.
In conducting this important business, the Congress have
the greatest confidence in your address, abilities, vigilance,
and attachment to the interests of the United States, and
wish you every success.
A Letter of the 16th, from General Washington, was
received and read.
Resolved, That the consideration of the Instructions to
be given to the Commissioners to foreign States, be post-
poned till to-morrow.
Ordered, That 1066 2-3 Dollars be advanced to Robert
Erwin, Wagonmaster-General.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed, after
arming the German Battalion, to arm the Maryland Com-
pany on its march to New-York with the remainder, or
with as many arms as shall then be in their possession,
belonging to the Continent.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock, to-morrow.
Wednesday, September 18, 1776.
A Letter of the 16th, from R. Dallam, Deputy Paymas-
ter-General, was read.
The Board of War brought in a Report,* which was
taken into consideration; Whereupon,
Resolved, That if Rations be received by the Officers or
Privates in the Continental Army, in money, they be paid
at the rate of 8-90ths of a Dollar per Ration:
That Monsieur Jacque Paul Govert have the rank and
pay of a Captain-Lieutenant of Artillery in the Continental
army, and that a commission be given to him accordingly:
That the Medical Committee send an assortment of
proper Medicines to the Northern Army:
That Monsieur de Vermonet have the rank and pay of
a Major by brevet, he being a gentleman of considerable
military abilities :
That the Bounty and Grants of Land offered by Con-
gress, by a Resolution of the 16th instant, as an encourage-
ment to the Officers and Soldiers to engage to serve in the
Army of the United States during the war, shall extend to
all who are or shall be inlisted for that term; the bounty of
10 Dollars, which any of the Soldiers have received from
the Continent on account of a former inlistment, to be
reckoned in part payment of the 20 Dollars offered by the
said Resolution :
That no Officer in the Continental Army be allowed to
hold more than one Commission, or to receive pay but in
one capacity at the same time.
Resolved, That the remainder of the Report be post-
poned.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to pre-
pare a Resolution for enforcing and perfecting discipline in
the Army.
Ordered, That 1564 45-90 Dollars be paid in specie to
John Bonfield, and charged to the account of Brigadier-
General Arnold, the same being in full of Brigadier-Gen-
eral Arnold's note of the llth of May last:
That an Order for 1000 Dollars be drawn on the Treas-
urer, in favour of the Committee appointed to contract for
casting Cannon; they to be accountable:
That the Secret Committee furnish the said Committee
with two barrels of Powder for proving Cannon.
Resolved, That Captain McKenzie, a prisoner in the
Gaol of Philadelphia, be liberated on his parole, the state
of his health requiring air and exercise; and that he be
ordered to Reading, in Pennsylvania, there to reside under
the same restrictions as other prisoners on their parole.
The Committee of Treasury brought in a Report on the
ways and means of raising five millions of Dollars, which
was read.
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Congress took into consideration the Instructions to the
Commissioners ; and after debate,
Resolved, That the further consideration thereof be post-
poned.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, September 19, 1776.
The Board of Treasury reported that they have exam-
ined the Vouchers brought into their office by Joseph
*At a Board of War, September 14, 1776, agreed to report to Con-
gress,
That if Rations be received by the Officers or Privates in the Conti-
nental Army, in money, they be paid at the rate of eight ninetieths
parts of a dollar per ration:
That Mons. Jaqtte Paul Gmtrt have the rank and pay of Captain-
Lieutenant of Artillery in the Continental Army, and that his commis-
sion be given him accordingly:
That although this Congress cannot approve of the behaviour of
Brigadier-General Arnold towards the Court-Martial of which Colonel
Poor was the President, held at Tyconderoga in July last, and although
the resolution of the Court-Martial in support of their dignity deserves
applause, yet the conduct of General Gates, in putting an end to so^
dangerous an altercation, which appears to have been too warm on both
sides, at a critical time, by dissolving the Court-Martial, was prudent,
and highly deserves the approbation of Congress: (Postponed.)
That the prudence, vigilance, and activity of General Gates since he
,,....«*.ng the small-pox trom that army,
gress, and that the thanks of Congress be accordingly transmitted him
by the President: (Postponed.) .
That the Medical Committee send an assortment of proper Medicines
to the Northern Army.
1361
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 19, 1776.
1362
Hewes, Esq., one of the Naval Committee, by which it
appears that the Naval Committee have expended the sum
of 134,333 27-90 Dollars in fitting out eight armed ves-
sels.
Resolved, That the same be allowed and passed to the
credit of the said Committee.
The Naval Committee having laid before Congress an
Account of sundry outstanding debts, and of sundry goods
by them purchased and put into the hands of different per-
sons who have not yet accounted for the same,
Resolved, That the said Account be delivered to the
Marine Committee, and that they be directed to take
effectual measures to have the said outstanding Debts
collected and Accounts settled.
Resolved, That two months' pay as Major, being 66 2-3
Dollars, be advanced to Major le Chevalier de Vermonet,
he to be accountable :
That Major de Vermonet be referred to the Board of
Treasury, for a settlement of his accounts for Rations :
That 100 Dollars be advanced to Captain William
Dames, of Virginia, for the use of his Company on their
march to New-York, he to be accountable.
A Petition from Captain Woelper was read :
Ordered, That it be referred to the Delegates of Penn-
sylvania and Maryland, who are directed to settle the rank
of the Captains and Subalterns in the German Battalion,
and report to Congress.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken
into consideration ; Whereupon,
Resolved, That Mons. Marquis de Malmady be ap-
pointed to the rank and pay of a Major by brevet in the
Continental Arrny, and receive a commission accordingly:
That Mons. Jean Louis Imbert, a gentleman well recom-
mended as an Engineer, be sent to General Washington to
be employed in that capacity, in order to show his abilities,
and that one month's pay as a Captain be advanced for his
expenses :
That Mons. Christian de Cokrus be appointed to the
rank and pay of a Major by brevet, and that his com-
mission be forthwith given him.
That Mons. Jean Louis de Virnejout be appointed to the
rank and pay of a Captain by brevet, and commissioned
accordingly :
That the Commander-in-Chief of the forces of these
States in the several departments, be directed to give posi-
tive orders to the Brigadier-Generals and Colonels, and all
other officers in their several armies, that the troops, under
their command, may, every day, be called together, and
trained in arms, in order that officers and men may be per-
fected in the manual exercise and manoeuvres, and inured
to the most exemplary discipline, and that all officers be
assured, that the Congress will consider activity and success,
in introducing discipline into the army, among the best
recommendations for promotion.
The Commissioners for settling the Publick Accounts in
the Northern Army, having represented to the Board of
Treasury, that sundry officers in the Army, holding two
commissions, had, previous to the time of General Schuyler's
receiving the order of Congress, not to allow to any person
for more than one commission, received warrants from the
General for payment in their double capacity, and desiring
to know whether such Accounts are to be allowed :
Resolved, That such Warrants drawn by General Schuyler
previous to the time of his receiving the order of Congress,
be allowed by the Commissioners :
That, to prevent, for the future, Warrants being drawn
by any General in the Continental Army, in favour of any
officer, for more than one commission, the order of Con-
gress be published, that no officer in the Continental Army
\z allowed to hold more than one commission, or to receive
pay but in one capacity.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Henry Brothers, 54 Dollars ; George Troxsell, 64
Dollars and 72-90ths, and Jacob Miller, 60 Dollars ; the
whole amounting to 178 Dollars and 72-90ths; to be paid
to Colonel George Strieker, for the hire of three wagons
from Maryland to Philadelphia, with the baggage of two
Field-Officers, and two Companies belonging to the German
Battalion :
To the late Colonel Caleb Perry, (or Provisions supplied
the Militia on their march to New-Jersey, with their ferriage,
and the ferriage of baggage-wagons over Schuylkill, 53
Dollars ; to be paid to John Jacobs:
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
A Memorial from the Chevalier Dorre was read :
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War.
The Committee for Indian Affairs brought in a Report,
which was taken into consideration ; Whereupon,
Resolved, That 66 Dollars and 60-90ths be paid to
Jacob Fowler, of the Montauk tribe of Indians on Long-
Island, for his trouble in going to the Mohawk and Oneida
Nations of Indians, and for his services whilst he remained
amongst them :
That the Commanding Officers at the several Posts on
the frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania, be desired to
give the earliest intelligence they can of every important
occurrence they may have notice of, respecting the Indians,
to the Commissioners, or, when they are not in the way, to
the Agent for Indian Affairs :
That it be recommended to the inhabitants of the fron-
tiers, and to the Officers at all the Posts there, to treat the
Indians, who behave peaceably and inoffensively, with
kindness and civility, and not to suffer them to be ill-used
or insulted :
That 400 Dollars be paid to the Agent for Indian Affairs
in the Middle Department, for expenditures, and to be ac-
counted for by him :
That the Orders drawn by the Commissioners for Indian
Affairs in the Middle Department, on the Committee for
Indian Affairs, for £1,104 Us. l^d., Pennsylvania cur-
rency, and for £73 Os. 9rf. of like money, being 3,141 Dol-
lars and 10-90ths, the cost of sundry Merchandise bought
by the Agent for the Indians, the former payable to James
Heron, and the other to James Heron and James Bavdrd,
be accepted, and that the money be paid by the Treasurer
of the United States:
That a Talk be delivered to the Chiefs and Warriours of
the Shawanese Indians, now in Philadelphia, to be com-
municated by them to their Nation, in these words :
" The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to their Brethren, the
Chiefs and Warriours of the SHAWANESE Nation:
" We have heard from you by Mr. Morgan, our Agent,
and are much pleased with your reception of him into your
towns, and with your answers to our messages by him. We
expect that you and our Commissioners will shortly meet
in council at Pittsburg, when we hope our old friendship
will be renewed, and such a peace established between us
as will last forever.
" Our young brothers, Wenthissicia and Pellawa, have
visited their white brethren here in company with Mr. Mor-
gan. They can tell you that we keep our roads clear of
thorns and briars, and open for all our Indian brethren who
think proper to visit us. We shall always be pleased to see
our brothers the Shawanese, and our brothers of every other
Indian nation. We wish to see some of their wise men at
our great council-fire, which we preserve bright and clear
for all nations."
As it may be a means of conciliating the friendship of the
Canadian Indians, or, at least, of preventing hostilities from
them in some measure, to assist the President of Dartmouth
College, in New-Hampshire, in maintaining their youth who
are now there under his tuition, and whom the revenues of
the College are not at this time sufficient to support ; that,
for this purpose, 500 Dollars be paid to the Rev. Dr.
Eleazer Wkeelock, President of the said College.
Resolved, That the Adjutants of Regiments in the Con-
tinental Army be allowed the pay and rations of Captains,
and have the rank of First Lieutenants.
Congress resumed the consideration of the Articles of
War ; and, after some time, the further consideration thereof
was postponed.
Ordered, That the Secret Committee supply the State
of New- Jersey with one ton of Powder, the said State to be
accountable.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
FIFTH SF.RIES. — VOL. II.
86
1363
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 20, 1776.
1364
Friday, September 20, 1776.
A Letter of the IStli, from General Washington, and one
of the 13th, from the General Assembly of Massachusetts-
Bay, enclosing sundry Papers, were read:
Ordered, That the Letter from the Assembly of Massa-
chiisclts-Bay be referred to the Marine Committee.
In order to prevent the Officers and Soldiers who shall
be entitled to the Lands hereafter to be granted by the Reso-
lution of Congress of the 16th, from disposing of the same
during the War,
Resolved, That this Congress will not grant Lands to any
person or persons claiming under the assignment of an
Officer or Soldier.
Ordered, That the Medical Committee forward 300
pounds of Peruvian Bark to the Southern Department, for
the use of the Troops there.
Congress resumed the consideration of the Articles of
War, which, being debated by paragraphs, were agreed to,
as follows:
Resolved, That from and after the publication of the fol-
lowing Articles in the respective Armies of the United States,
the Rules and Articles by which the said Armies have
heretofore been governed, shall be, and they are hereby
repealed.
SECTION I.
ARTICLE 1. That every officer who shall be retained in
the Army of the United States shall, at the time of his
acceptance of his commission, subscribe these rules and
regulations.
ART. 2. It is earnestly recommended to all officers and
soldiers diligently to attend divine service ; and all officers
and soldiers who shall behave indecently or irreverently at
any place of divine worship, shall, if commissioned officers,
be brought before a general court-martial, there to be pub-
lickly and severely reprimanded by the President ; if non-
commissioned officers or soldiers, every person so offending
shall, for his first offence, forfeit one-sixth of a dollar, to be
deducted out of his next pay ; for the second offence, he
shall not only forfeit a like sum, but be confined for twenty-
four hours ; and for every like offence, shall suffer and pay
in like manner ; which money, so forfeited, shall be applied
to the use of the sick soldiers of the troop or company to
which the offender belongs.
ART. 3. Whatsoever non-commissioned officer or soldier
shall use any profane oath or execration, shall incur the
penalties expressed in the foregoing article ; and if a com-
missioned officer be thus guilty of profane cursing or swear-
ing he shall forfeit and pay, for each and every such offence,
two-thirds of a dollar.
ART. 4. Every Chaplain who is commissioned to a regi-
ment, troop, or garrison, and shall absent himself from the
said regiment, company, troop, or garrison, (excepting in case
of sickness or leave of absence,) shall be brought to a court-
martial, and be fined not exceeding one month's pay, besides
the loss of his pay during his absence, or be discharged, as
the said court-martial shall judge most proper.
SECTION II.
ART. 1. Whatsoever officer or soldier shall presume to
use traitorous or disrespectful words against the authority of
the United States in Congress assembled, or the Legislature
of any of the United States in which he may be quartered,
if a commissioned officer, he shall be cashiered ; if a non-
commissioned officer or soldier, he shall suffer such punish-
ment as shall be inflicted upon him by the sentence of a
court-martial.
ART. 2. Any officer or soldier who shall behave himself
with contempt or disrespect towards the General, or other
Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the United States, or
shall speak words tending to his hurt or dishonour, shall be
punished according to the nature of his offence, by the judg-
ment of a court-martial.
ART. 3. Any officer or soldier who shall begin, excite,
cause, or join in any mutiny or sedition in the troop, com-
pany, or regiment to which he belongs, or in any other
troop or company in the service of the United States, or in
any part, post, detachment, or guard, on any pretence what-
soever, shall suffer death, or such other punishment as by a
court-martial shall be inflicted.
ART. 4. Any officer, non-commissioned officer, or soldier,
who, being present at any mutiny or sedition, does not use
his utmost endeavour to suppress the same, or coming to
the knowledge of any intended mutiny, does not, without
delay, give information thereof to his commanding officer,
shall be punished by a court-martial with death, or other-
wise, according to the nature of the offence.
AKT. 5. Any officer or soldier who shall strike his
superiour officer, or draw, or shall lift up any weapon, or
offer any violence against him, being in the execution of
his office, on any pretence whatsoever, or shall disobey any
lawful command of his superiour officer, shall suffer death,
or such other punishment as shall, according to the nature
of his offence, be inflicted upon him by the sentence of a
court-martial.
SECTION III.
ART. 1. Every non-commissioned officer and soldier,
who shall inlist himself in the service of the United States,
shall at the time of his so inlisting, or within six days after-
wards, have the articles for the government of the forces of
the United States read to him, and shall, by the officer who
inlisted him, or by the commanding officer of the troop or
company into which he was inlisted, be taken before the
next Justice of the Peace, or Chief Magistrate of any city or
town-corporate, not being an officer of the army, or, where
recourse cannot be had to the civil magistrate, before the
Judge-Advocate, and, in his presence, shall take the follow-
ing oath, or affirmation if conscientiously scrupulous about
taking an oath :
" I swear [or affirm as the case may be] to be true to
the United States of America, and to serve them honestly
and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers whatso-
ever; and to observe and obey the orders of the Continental
Congress, and the orders of the Generals and officers set
over me by them."
Which Justice or Magistrate is to give the officer a certifi-
cate signifying that the man inlisted did take the said oath
or affirmation.
ART. 2. After a non-commissioned officer or soldier
shall have been duly inlisted and sworn, he shall not be
dismissed the service without a discharge in writing ; and
no discharge granted to him shall be allowed of as sufficient,
which is not signed by a field-officer of the regiment into
which he was inlisted, or commanding officer where no
field-officer of the regiment is in the same State.
SECTION IV.
ART. 1. Every officer commanding a regiment, troop, or
company, shall, upon the notice given to him by the Com-
missary of Musters, or from one of his deputies, assemble
the regiment, troop, or company under his command in the
next convenient place for their being mustered.
ART. 2. Every Colonel or other field-officer command-
ing the regiment, troop, or company, and actually residing
with it, may give furloughs to non-commissioned officers
and soldiers, in such numbers and for so long a time as he
shall judge to be most consistent with the good of the
service; but no non-commissioned officer or soldier shall,
by leave of his Captain, or inferiour officer commanding the
troop or company (his field-officer not being present) be
absent above twenty days in six months, nor shall more
than two private men be absent at the same time from their
troop or company, excepting some extraordinary occasion
shall require it, of which occasion the field-officer present
with, and commanding the regiment, is to be judge.
ART. 3. At every muster, the commanding officer of each
regiment, troop, or company there present, shall give to the
Commissary certificates signed by himself, signifying how
long such officers who shall not appear at the said muster
have been absent, and the reason of their absence ; in like
manner, the commanding officer of every troop or company
shall give certificates signifying the reasons of the absence
of the non-commissioned officers and private soldiers ; which
reasons, and time of absence, shall be inserted in the muster-
rolls opposite to the names of the respective absent officers
and soldiers; the said certificates shall, together with the
muster-rolls, be remitted by the Commissary to the Con-
gress, as speedily as the distance of place will admit.
ART. 4. Every officer who shall be convicted before a
general court-martial of having signed a false certificate,
relating to the absence of either officer or private soldier,
shall be cashiered.
ART. 5. Every officer who shall knowingly make a false
1365
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 20, 1776.
1366
muster of man or horse, and every officer or Commissary
who shall willingly sign, direct, or allow the signing of the
muster-rolls, wherein such false muster is contained, shall,
upon proof made thereof by two witnesses before a general
court-martial, be cashiered, and shall be thereby utterly
disabled to have or hold any office or employment in the
service of the United States.
ART. 6. Any Commissary who shall be convicted of
having taken money, or any other thing, by way of gratifi-
cation, on the mustering of any regiment, troop, or company,
or on the signing the muster-rolls, shall be displaced from
his office, and shall be thereby utterly disabled to have or
hold any office or employment under the United States.
ART. 7. Any officer who shall presume to muster any
person as a soldier who is, at other times, accustomed to
wear a livery, or who does not actually do his duty as a
soldier, shall be deemed guilty of having made a false
muster, and shall suffer accordingly.
SECTION V.
ART. 1. Every officer who shall knowingly make a false
return to the Congress, or any committee thereof, to the
Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the United States, or
to any his superiour officer authorized to call for such
returns, of the state of the regiment, troop, or company, or
garrison, under his command, or of arms, ammunition,
clothing, or other stores thereunto belonging, shall, by a
court-martial, be cashiered.
ART. 2. The commanding officer of every regiment,
troop, or independent company, or garrison of the United
States, shall, in the beginning of every month, remit to the
Commander-in-Chief of the American forces, and to the
Congress, an exact return of the state of the regiment, troop,
independent company or garrison under his command,
specifying the names of the officers not then residing at
their posts, and the reason for, and time of, their absence :
whoever shall be convicted of having, through neglect or
design, omitted the sending such returns, shall be punished
according to the nature of his crime, by the judgment of a
general court-martial.
SECTION VI.
ART. 1. All officers and soldiers, who, having received
pay, or having been duly inlisted in the service of the
United States, shall be convicted of having deserted the
same, shall suffer death, or such other punishment as by a
court-martial shall be inflicted.
ART. 2. Any non-commissioned officer or soldier who
shall, without leave from his commanding officer, absent
himself from his troop or company, or from any detach-
ment with which he shall be commanded, shall, upon
being convicted thereof, be punished according to the nature
of his offence, at the discretion of a court-martial.
ART. 3. No non-commissioned officer or soldier shall
inlist himself in any other regiment, troop, or company,
without a regular discharge from the regiment, troop, or
company in which he last served, on the penalty of being
reputed a deserter, and suffering accordingly ; and in case
any officer shall knowingly receive and entertain such non-
commissioned officer or soldier, or shall not, after his being
discovered to be a deserter, immediately confine him, and
give notice thereof to the corps in which he last served, he,
the said officer so offending, shall, by a court-martial, be
cashiered.
ART. 4. Whatsoever officer or soldier shall be convicted
of having advised or persuaded any other officer or soldier
to deseruhe service of the United Slates, shall suffer such
punishment as shall be inflicted upon him by the sentence
of a court-martial.
SECTION VII.
ART. 1. No officer or soldier shall use any reproachful
or provoking speeches or gestures to another, upon pain, if
an officer, of being put in arrest: if a soldier, imprisoned,
and of asking pardon of the party offended, in the presence
of his commanding officer.
ART. 2. No officer or soldier shall presume to send a
challenge to any other officer or soldier to fight a duel, upon
pain, if a commissioned officer, of being cashiered, if a non-
commissioned officer or soldier, of suffering corporeal pun-
ishment, at the discretion of a court-martial.
ART. 3. If any commissioned or non-commissioned officer
commanding a guard, shall, knowingly and willingly, suffer
any person whatsoever to go forth to fight a duel, he shall
be punished as a challenger ; and likewise all seconds,
promoters, and carriers of challenges, in order to duels, shall
be deemed as principals, and be punished accordingly.
ART. 4. All officers, of what condition soever, have
power to part and quell all quarrels, frays, and disorders,
though the persons concerned should belong to another
regiment, troop, or company ; and either to order officers
into arrest, or non-commissioned officers or soldiers to prison,
till their proper superiour officers shall be acquainted there-
with ; and whosoever shall refuse to obey such officer
(though of an inferiour rank) or shall draw his sword upon
him, shall be punished at the discretion of a general court-
martial.
ART. 5. Whatsoever officer or soldier shall upbraid
another for refusing a challenge, shall himself be punished
as a challenger ; and all officers and soldiers are hereby
discharged of any disgrace, or opinion of disadvantage, whicli
might arise from their having refused to accept of challenges,
as they will only have acted in obedience to the orders of
Congress, and done their duty as good soldiers, who subject
themselves to discipline.
SECTION VIII.
ART. 1. No suttler shall be permitted to sell any kind of
liquors or victuals, or to keep their houses or shops open,
for the entertainment of soldiers, after nine at night, or before
the beating of the reveilles, or upon Sundays, during Divine
service or sermon, on the penalty of being dismissed from
all future suttling.
ART. 2. All officers, soldiers, and suttlers, shall have full
liberty to bring into any of the forts or garrisons of the
United American States, any quantity or species of pro-
visions, eatable or drinkable, except where any contract or
contracts are or shall be entered into by Congress, or by
their order, for furnishing such provisions, and with respect
only to the species of provisions so contracted for.
ART. 3. All officers commanding in the forts, barracks,
or garrisons of the United States, are hereby required to see
that the persons permitted to suttle shall supply the sol-
diers with good and wholesome provisions at the market
price, as they shall be answerable for their neglect.
ART. 4. No officers commanding in any of the garrisons,
forts, or barracks of the United States, shall either themselves
exact exorbitant prices for houses or stalls let out to suttlers,
or shall connive at the like exactions in others ; nor, by their
own authority and for their private advantage, shall they
lay any duty or imposition upon, or be interested in, the
sale of such victuals, liquors, or other necessaries of life,
which are brought into the garrison, fort, or barracks, forthe
use of the soldiers, on the penalty of being discharged from
the service.
SECTION IX.
ART. 1. Every officer commanding in quarters, garrisons,
or on a march, shall keep good order, and, to the utmost of
his power, redress all such abuses or disorders which may
be committed by any officer or soldier under his command ;
if, upon complaint made to him of officers or soldiers beating,
or otherwise ill treating any person ; of disturbing fairs or
markets, or of committing any kind of riots to the disquieting
of the good people of the United States, he, the said com-
mander, who shall refuse or omit to see justice done on the
offender or offenders, and reparation made to the party or
parties injured, as far as part of the offenders' pay shall enable
him or them, shall, upon proof thereof, be punished, by a
general court-rrfartial, as if he himself had committed the
crimes or disorders complained of.
SECTION X.
ART. 1. Whenever any officer or soldier shall be accused
of a capital crime, or of having used violence, or committed
any offence against the persons or property of the good
people of any of the United American Slates, such as is
punishable by the known laws of the land, the commanding
officer and officers of every regiment, troop, or party, to which
the person or persons so accused shall belong, are hereby
required, upon application duly made by or in behalf of the
party or parties injured, to use his utmost endeavours to
deliver over such accused person or persons to the civil
magistrate; and likewise to be aiding and assisting to the
officers of justice in apprehending and securing the person
or persons so accused, in order to bring them to a trial. If
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1368
any commanding officer or officers shall wilfully neglect or
shall refuse, upon the application aforesaid, to deliver over
such accused person or persons to the civil magistrates, or
to be aiding and assisting to the officers of justice in appre-
hending such person or persons, the officer or officers so
offending shall he cashiered.
AKT. 2. JNo officer shall protect any person from his
creditors, on the pretence of his being a soldier, nor any
non-commissioned officer or soldier who does not actually
do all duties as such, and no further than is allowed by a
resolution of Congress, bearing date the 26th day of De-
cember, 1775. Any officer offending herein, being con-
victed thereof before a court-martial, shall be cashiered.
SECTION XI.
ART. 1. If any officer shall think himself to be wronged
by his Colonel, or the commanding officer of the regiment,
and shall, upon due application made to him, be refused to
be redressed, he may complain to the General, commanding
in chief the forces of the United States, in order to obtain
justice, who is hereby required to examine into the said
complaint, and, either by himself or the Board of War, to
make report to Congress thereupon, in order to receive
further directions.
ART. 2. If any inferiour officer or soldier shall think
himself wronged by his Captain, or other officer com-
manding the troop or company to which he belongs, he is
to complain thereof to the comm;mding officer of the regi-
ment, who is hereby required to summon a regimental
court-martial, for the doing justice to the complainant ; from
which regimental court-martial either party may, if he thinks
himself still aggrieved, appeal to a general court-martial ;
but if, upon a second hearing, the appeal shall appear to be
vexatious and groundless, the person so appealing shall be
punished at the discretion of the said general court-martial.
SECTION XII.
ART. 1. Whatsoever commissioned officer, storekeeper,
or commissary, shall be convicted at a general court-mar-
tial of having sold, (without a proper order for that pur-
pose,) embezzled, misapplied, or wilfully or through neglect
suffered any of the provisions, forage, arms, clothing, ammu-
nition, or other military stores belonging to the United
States, to be spoiled or damaged, the said officer, store-
keeper, or commissary so offending, shall, at his own charge,
make good the loss or damage ; shall moreover forfeit all
his pay, and be dismissed from the service.
ART. 2. Whatsoever non-commissioned officer or soldier
shall be convicted at a regimental court-martial of having
sold, or designedly or through neglect wasted, the ammuni-
tion delivered out to him to be employed in the service of
the United States, shall, if a non-commissioned officer, be
reduced to a private sentinel, and shall besides suffer cor-
poreal punishment in the same manner as a private sentinel
so offending, at the discretion of a regimental court-martial.
ART. 3. Every non-commissioned officer or soldier who
shall be convicted at a court-martial of having sold, lost,
or spoiled, through neglect, his horse, arms, clothes, or
accoutrements, shall undergo such weekly stoppages, (not
exceeding the half of his pay,) as a court-martial shall
judge sufficient for repairing the loss or damage, and shall
suffer imprisonment, or such other corporeal punishment, as
his crime shall deserve.
ART. 4. Every officer who shall be convicted at a court-
martial of having embezzled or misapplied any money with
which he may have been entrusted for the payment of the
men under his command, or for inlisting men into the ser-
vice, if a commissioned officer, shall be cashiered and com-
pelled to refund the money: if a non-commissioned officer,
shall be reduced to serve in the ranks as a private soldier,
be put under stoppages until the money be made good, and
suffer such corporeal punishment (not extending to life or
limb) as the court-martial shall think fit.
ART. 5. Every Captain of a troop or company is charged
with the arms, accoutrements, ammunition, clothing, or other
Warlike stores belonging to the troop or company under his
command ; which he is to be accountable for to his Colonel,
in case of their being lost, spoiled, or damaged, not by
unavoidable accidents, or on actual service.
SECTION XIII.
ART. 1. All non-commissioned officers and soldiers who
shall be found one mile from the camp without leave, in
writing, from their commanding officer, shall suffer such
punishment as shall be inflicted upon them by the sentence
of a court-martial.
ART. 2. No officer or soldier shall lie out of his quarters,
garrison, or catnp, without leave from his superiour officer,
upon penalty of being punished according to the nature of
his offence, by the sentence of a court-martial.
AKT. 3. Every non-commissioned officer and soldier shall
retire to his quarters or tent at the beating of the retreat ;
in default of which he shall be punished, according to the
nature of his offence, by the commanding officer.
ART. 4. No officer, non-commissioned officer, or soldier,
shall fail of repairing, at the time fixed, to the place of
parade or exerci-e, or other rendezvous appointed by his
commanding officer, if not prevented by sickness or some
other evident necessity; or shall go from the said place of
rendezvous or from his guard, without leave from his com-
manding officer, before he shall be regularly dismissed or
relieved, on the penalty of being punished according to the
nature of his offence, by the sentence of a court-martial.
AHT. 5. Whatever commissioned officer shall be found
drunk on his guard party, or other duty under arms, shall
be cashiered for it : any non-commissioned officer or soldier
so offending shall suffer such corporeal punishment as shall
be inflicted by the sentence of a court-martial.
ART. 6. Whatever sentinel shall be found sleeping upon
his post, or shall leave it before he shall be regularly relieved,
shall suffer death, or such other punishment as shall be
inflicted by the sentence of a court-martial.
ART. 7. No soldier belonging to any regiment, troop, or
company, shall hire another to do his duty for him, or be
excused from duty, but in case of sickness, disability, or
leave of absence ; and every such soldier found guilty of
hiring his duty, as also the party so hired to do another's
duty, shall be punished at the next regimental court-mar-
tial.
ART. 8. And every non-commissioned officer conniving
at such hiring of duty as aforesaid, shall be reduced for it;
and every commissioned officer, knowing and allowing of
such ill practices in the service, shall be punished by the
judgment of a general court-martial.
ART. 9. Any person, belonging to the forces employed
in the service of the United States, who, by discharging of
fire-arms, drawing of swords, beating of drums, or by any
other means whatsoever, shall occasion false alarms in
camp, garrison, or quarters, shall suffer death, or such other
punishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a gen-
eral court-martial.
ART. 10. Any officer, or soldier who shall, without urgent
necessity, or without the leave of his superiour officer, quit
his platoon or division, shall be punished according to the
nature of his offence, by the sentence of a court-martial.
ART. 11. No officer or soldier shall do violence to any
person who brings provisions or other necessaries to the
camp, garrison, or quarters of the forces of the United
States employed in parts out of said States, on pain of
death, or such other punishment as a court-martial shall
direct.
ART. 12. Whatsoever officer or soldier shall misbehave
himself before the enemy, or shamefully abandon any post
committed to his charge, or shall speak words inducing
others to do the like, shall suffer death.
ART. 13. Whatsoever officer or soldier shall misbehave
himself before the enemy, and run away, or shamefully
abandon any fort, post, or guard, which he or they shall be
commanded to defend, or speak words inducing others to
do the like; or who, after victory, shall quit his commanding
officer or post to plunder and pillage : every such offender,
being duly convicted thereof, shall be reputed a disobeyer
of military orders; and shall suffer death, or such other pun-
ishment as, by a general court-martial, shall be inflicted on
him.
ART. 14. Any person, belonging to the forces of the
United States, who shall cast away his arms and ammuni-
tion, shall suffer death, or such other punishment as shall
be ordered by the sentence of a general court-martial.
ART. 15. Any person, belonging to the forces of the
United States, who shall make known the watch-word to
any person who is not entitled to receive it according to the
rules and discipline of war, or shall presume to give a
parole or watch-word different from what he received, shall
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1370
suffer death, or such other punishment as shall be ordered
by the sentence of a general court-martial.
ART. 16. All officers and soldiers are to behave them-
selves orderly in quarters, and on their march; and whoso-
ever shall commit any waste or spoil, either in walks of
trees, parks, warrens, fish-ponds, houses or gardens, corn-
fields, enclosures or meadows, or shall maliciously destroy
any property whatsoever belonging to the good people of
the United States, unless by order of the then Commander-
in-Chief of the forces of the said States, to annoy rebels
or other enemies in arms against said States: he or they
that shall be found guilty of offending herein, shall (besides
such penalties as they are liable to by law) be punished
according to the nature and degree of the offence, by the
judgment of a regimental or general court-martial.
ART. 17. Whosoever, belonging to the forces of the
United States, employed in foreign parts shall force a safe-
guard, shall suffer death.
ART. 18. Whosoever shall relieve the enemy with money,
victuals, or ammunition, or shall knowingly harbour or pro-
tect an enemy, shall suffer death, or such other punishment
as by a court-martial shall be inflicted.
ART. 19. Whosoever shall be convicted of holding corre-
spondence with, or giving intelligence to the enemy, either
directly or indirectly, shall suffer death, or such other pun-
ishment as by a court-martial shall be inflicted.
ART. 20. All publick stores taken in the enemy's camp,
towns, forts, or magazines, whether of artillery, ammunition,
clothing, forage, or provisions, shall be secured for the service
of the United States ; for the neglect of which the com-
manders-in-chief are to be answerable.
ART. 21. If any officer or soldier shall leave his post or
colours to go in search of plunder, he shall upon being con-
victed thereof before a general court-martial, suffer death,
or such other punishment as by a court-martial shall be
inflicted.
ART. 22. If any commander of any garrison, fortress, or
post, shall be compelled by the officers or soldiers under his
command to give up to the enemy, or to abandon it, the
commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, or soldiers,
who shall be convicted of having so offended, shall suffer
death, or such other punishment as shall be inflicted upon
them by the sentence of a court-martial.
ART. 23. AH suttlers and retainers to a camp, and all
persons whatsoever serving with the armies of the United
States in the field, though no inlisted soldier, are to be sub-
ject to orders, according to the rules and discipline of war.
ART. 24. Officers having brevets, or commissions of a
prior date to those of the regiment in which they now serve,
may take place in courts-martial and on detachments, when
composed of different corps, according to the ranks given
them in their brevets or dates of their former commissions;
but in the regiment, troop, or company to which such brevet
officers and those who have commissions of a prior date do
belong, they shall do duty and take rank both on court-
martial and on detachments which shall be composed only
of their own corps, according to the commissions by which
they are mustered in the said corps.
ART. 25. If upon marches, guards, or in quarters, differ-
ent corps shall happen to join or do duty together, the
eldest officer by commission there, on duty, or in quarters,
shall command the whole, and give out orders for what is
needful to the service : regard being always had to the
several ranks of those corps, and the posts they usually
occupy.
ART. 26. And in like manner also, if any regiments,
troops, or detachments of horse or foot shall happen to march
with, or be encamped or quartered with any bodies or
detachments of other troops in the service of the United
States, the eldest officer, without respect to corps, shall take
upon him the command of the whole, and give the necessary
orders to the service.
SECTION XIV.
ART. 1. A general court-martial in the United States
shall not consist of less than thirteen commissioned officers,
and the President of such court-martial shall not be the
commander-in-chief or commandant of the garrison where
the offender shall be tried, nor be under the degree of a
field-officer.
ART. 2. The members both of general and regimental
courts-martial shall, when belonging to different corps, take
the same rank which they hold in the army ; but when
courts-martial shall be composed of officers of one corps,
they shall take their ranks according to the dates of the
commissions, by which they are mustered in the said corps.
ART. 3. The Judge-Advocate General, or some person
deputed by him, shall prosecute in the name of the United
States of America ; and in trials of offenders by general
courts-martial, administer to each member the following
oaths :
" You shall well and truly try and determine, according
to your evidence, the matter now before you, between the
United States of America and the prisoners to be tried.
So help you God.
" You A. B. do swear, that you will duly administer
justice according to the rules and articles for the better
government of the forces of the United States of America,
without partiality, favour, or affection ; and if any doubt
shall arise which is not explained by the said articles, accord-
ing to your conscience, the best of your understanding, and
the custom of war in the like cases. And you do further
swear, that you will not divulge the sentence of the court
until it shall be approved of by the General, or commander-
in-chief; neither will you upon any account, at any time
whatsoever, disclose or discover the vote or opinion of any
particular member of the court-martial, unless required to
give evidence thereof as a witness by a court of justice, in
a due course of law. So help you God."
And as soon as the said oath shall have been administered
to the respective members, the President of the court shall
administer to the Judge-Advocate, or person officiating as
such, an oath in the following words:
" You A. B, do swear, that you will not, upon any
account, at any time whatsoever, disclose or discover the
vote or opinion of any particular member of the court-
martial, unless required to give evidence thereof, as a witness,
by a court of justice, in a due course of law. So help you
God."
ART. 4. All the members of a court-martial are to behave
with calmness and decency ; and in the giving of their votes,
are to begin with the youngest in commission.
ART. 5. AH persons who give evidence before a general
court-martial are to be examined upon oath ; and no
sentence of death shall be given against any offender by any
general court-martial, unless two-thirds of the officers present
shall concur therein.
ART. 6. All persons called to give evidence, in any cause,
before a court-martial, who shall refuse to give evidence,
shall be punished for such refusal, at the discretion of such
court-martial : the oath to be administered in the following
form, viz :
" You swear the evidence you shall give in the cause
now in hearing, shall be the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth. So help you God."
ART. 7. No field-officer shall be tried by any person
under the degree of a captain ; nor shall any proceedings or
trials be carried on excepting between the hours of eight in
the morning and of three in the afternoon, except in cases
which require an immediate example.
ART. 8. No sentence of a general court-martial shall
be put in execution, till after a report shall be made of the
whole proceedings to Congress, or to the General or Com-
mander-in-Chief of the forces of the United States, and their
or his directions be signified thereupon.
ART. 9. For the more equitable decision of disputes
which may arise between officers and soldiers belonging to
different corps, it is hereby directed, that the courts-martial
shall be equally composed of officers belonging to the corps
in which the parties in question do then serve ; and that the
Presidents shall he taken by turns, beginning with that
corps which shall be eldest in rank.
ART. 10. The commissioned officers of every regiment
may, by the appointment of their Colonel or commanding
officer, hold regimental courts-martial for the inquiring into
such disputes or criminal matters, as may come before them,
and for the inflicting corporeal punishments for small offences,
and shall give judgment by the majority of voices; but no
sentence shall be executed till the commanding officer (not
bein" a member of the court-martial) or the commandant
of the garrison shall have confirmed the same.
ART. 11. No regimental court-martial shall consist of
less than five officers, excepting in cases where that number
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CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 20, 1776.
1372
cannot conveniently be assembled, when three may be
sufficient; who are likewise to determine upon the sentence
by the majority of voices ; which sentence is to be confirmed
by the commanding officer of the regiment, not being a
member of the court-martial.
ART. 12. Every officer commanding in any of the forts,
barracks, or elsewhere, where the corps under his command
consists of detachments from different regiments, or of inde-
pendent companies, may assemble courts-martial for the
trial of offenders in the same manner as if they were regi-
mental, whose sentence is not to be executed until it shall
be confirmed by the said commanding officer.
ART. 13. No commissioned officer shall be cashiered or
dismissed from the service, excepting by an order from the
Congress, or by the sentence of a general court-martial ;
but non-commissioned officers may be discharged as private
soldiers, and, by the order of the Colonel of the regiment, or
by the sentence of a regimental court-martial, be reduced to
private sentinels.
ART. 14. No person whatever shall use menacing words,
signs, or gestures, in the presence of a court-martial then
sitting, or shall cause any disorder or riot so as to disturb
their proceedings, on the penalty of being punished at the
discretion of the said court-martial.
ART. 15. To the end that offenders may be brought to
justice, it is hereby directed, that whenever any officer or
soldier shall commit a crime deserving punishment, he shall,
by his commanding officer, if an officer, be put in arrest :
if a non-commissioned officer or soldier, be imprisoned till
he shall be either tried by a court-martial, or shall be law-
fully discharged by a proper authority.
ART. 16. No officer or soldier who shall be put in arrest
or imprisonment, shall continue in his confinement more
than eight days, or till such time as a court-martial can be
conveniently assembled.
ART. 17. No officer commanding a guard, or provost-
martial, shall refuse to receive or keep any prisoner com-
mitted to his charge, by any officer belonging to the forces
of the United States: which officer shall, at the same time,
deliver an account in writing, signed by himself, of the
crime with which the said prisoner is charged.
ART. 18. No officer commanding a guard, or provost-
martial, shall presume to release any prisoner committed to
his charge without proper authority for so doing ; nor shall
he suffer any prisoner to escape, on the penalty of being
punished for it by the sentence of a court-martial.
ART. 19. Every officer or provost-martial to whose charge
prisoners shall be committed, is hereby required, within
twenty-four hours after such commitment, or as soon as he
shall be relieved from his guard, to give in writing to the
Colonel of the regiment to whom the prisoner belongs,
(where the prisoner is confined upon the guard belonging to
the said regiment, and that his offence only relates to the
neglect of duty in his own corps,) or to the commander-in-
chief, their names, their crimes, and the names of the
officers who committed them, on the penalty of his being
punished for his disobedience or neglect, at the discretion of
a court-martial.
ART. 20. And if any officer under arrest shall leave his
confinement before he is set at liberty by the officer who
confined him, or by a superiour power, he shall be cashiered
for it.
ART. 21. Whatsoever commissioned officer shall be con-
victed, before a general court-martial, of behaving in a
scandalous, infamous manner, such as is unbecoming the
character of an officer and a gentleman, shall be discharged
from the service.
ART. 22. In all cases where a commissioned officer is
cashiered for cowardice, or fraud, it shall be added in the
punishment that the crime, name, place of abode, and
punishment of the delinquent, be published in the news-
papers in and about the camp, and of that particular State
irom which the offender came, or usually resides ; after
which, it shall be deemed scandalous for any officer to asso-
ciate with him.
SECTION XV.
ART. 1. When any commissioned officer shall happen to
die, or be killed, in the service of the United Stales, the
Major of the regiment, or the officer doing the Major's duty
in his absence, shall immediately secure all his effects or
equipage then in camp or quarters; and shall, before the
next regimental court-martial, make an inventory thereof,
and forthwith transmit the same to the office of the Board
of War, to the end that his executors may, after payment
of his debts in quarters, and interment, receive the overplus,
if any be, to his or their use.
ART. 2. When any non-commissioned officer or soldier
shall happen to die, or to be killed, in the service of the
United States, the then commanding officer of the troop or
company shall, in the presence of two other commissioned
officers, take an account of whatever effects he dies pos-
sessed of above his regimental clothing, arms, and accoutre-
ments, and transmit the same to the office of the Board at
War ; which said effects are to be accounted for, and paid
to the representative of such deceased non-commissioned
officer or soldier. And in case any of the officers so
authorized to take care of the effects of dead officers and
soldiers, should, before they shall have accounted to their
representatives for the same, have occasion to leave the
regiment, by preferment or otherwise, they shall, before they
be permitted to quit the same, deposite in the hands of the
commanding officer, or of the agent of the regiment, all
the effects of such deceased non-commissioned officers and
soldiers, in order that the same may be secured for and
paid to their respective representatives.
SECTION XVI.
ART. 1. All officers, conductors, gunners, matrasses,
drivers, or any other persons whatsoever, receiving pay or
hire in the service of the Artillery of the United States, shall
be governed by the aforesaid rules and articles, and shall be
subject to be tried by courts-martial in like manner with the
officers and soldiers of the other troops in the service of the
United States.
ART. 2. For differences arising amongst themselves, or
in matters relating solely to their own corps, the courts-
martial may be composed of their own officers ; but where
a number sufficient of such officers cannot be assembled, or
in matters wherein other corps are interested, the officers of
Artillery shall sit in courts-martial with the officers of the
other corps, taking their rank according to the dates of their
respective commissions, and no otherwise.
SECTION XVII.
ART. 1. The officers and soldiers of any troops, whether
Minute-men, Militia, or others, being mustered and in Con-
tinental pay, shall, at all times and in all places, when
joined, or acting in conjunction with the regular forces of
the United States, be governed by tlfese rules or articles of
war, and shall be subject to be tried by courts-martial in
like manner with the officers and soldiers in the regular
forces, save only that such courts-martial shall be composed
entirely of Militia officers of the same Provincial corps with
the offender.
That such Militia and Minute-men as are now in ser-
vice, and have, by particular contract with the respective
States, engaged to be governed by particular regulations
while in Continental service, shall not be subject to the
above articles of war.
ART. 2. For the future, all General officers and Colonels,
serving by commission from the authority of any particular
State, shall, on all detachments, courts-martial, or other duty
wherein they may be employed in conjunction with the
regular forces of the United States, take rank next after
all Generals and Colonels serving by commissions from Con-
gress, though the commissions of such particular Generals
and Colonels should be of elder date ; and in like manner
Lieutenant-Colonels, .Majors, Captains, and other inferiour
officers, serving by commission from any particular State,
shall, on all detachments, courts-martial, or other duty
wherein they may be employed in conjunction with the
regular forces of the United Slates, have rank next after all
officers of the like rank serving by commissions from Con-
gress, though the commissions of such Lieutenant-Colonels,
Majors, Captains, and other inferiour officers, should be of
elder date to those of the like rank from Congress.
SECTION XVIII.
ART. 1. The aforegoing articles are to be read and pub-
lished once in every two months at the head of every
regiment, troop, or company, mustered, or to be mustered,
in the service of the United States; and are to be duly
observed and exactly obeyed by all officers and soldiers
who are or shall be in the said service.
1373
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 24, 1776.
1374
ART. 2. The General, or Commander-in-Chief for the
time being, shall have full power of pardoning or mitigating
any of the punishments ordered to be inflicted, for any
of the offences mentioned in the foregoing articles ; and
every offender convicted as aforesaid, by any regimental
court-martial, may be pardoned, or have his punishment
mitigated by the Colonel, or officer commanding the
regiment.
ART. 3. No person shall be sentenced to suffer death,
except in the cases expressly mentioned in the foregoing
articles; nor shall more than one hundred lashes be inflicted
on any offender, at the discretion of a court-martial.
That every Judge- Advocate, or person officiating as such,
at any general court-martial, do, and he is hereby required
to transmit, with as much expedition as the opportunity of
time and distance of place can admit, the original proceedings
and sentence of such court-martial to the Secretary at War,
which said original proceedings and sentence shall be care-
fully kept and preserved in the office of said Secretary, to
the end that persons entitled thereto may be enabled, upon
application to the said office, to obtain copies thereof.
That the party tried by any general court-martial, shall
be entitled to a copy of the sentence and proceedings of
such court-martial, upon demand thereof, made by himself,
or by any other person or persons on his behalf, whether
such sentence he approved or not.
ART. 4. The field-officers of each and every regiment
are to appoint some suitable person belonging to such regi-
ment, to receive all such fines as may arise within the same,
for any breach of any of the foregoing articles, and shall direct
the same to be carefully and properly applied to the relief
of such sick, wounded, or necessitous soldiers as belong to
such regiments ; and such person shall account with such
officer for all fines received, and the application thereof.
ART. 5. All crimes not capital, and all disorders and
neglects which officers and soldiers may be guilty of, to the
prejudice of good order and military discipline, though not
mentioned in the above articles of war, are to be taken
cognizance of by a general or regimental court-martial,
according to the nature and degree of the offence, and be
punished at their discretion.
Ordered, That the foregoing Articles of War be imme-
diately published.
Ordered, That the Resolutions for raising the new Army
be immediately published, and copies thereof sent to the
Commanding Officers in the several departments, and to the
Assemblies and Conventions of the respective States.
A Petition from Charles Roberts, Commander of the
Schooner Thistle, was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Resolved, That the sum of 6,700 Dollars be advanced
to the Delegates of New-York, for the use of that State,
the said State to be accountable.
Ordered, That Mr. Paine write to Governour Trumbull
respecting the practicability of enlarging the Furnace at
Salisbury, for casting heavy cannon there, and request his
opinion concerning the same.
The Delegates from New-York having communicated
to Congress a Letter of the 9th, from the Committee of
Safety of that State, with sundry Papers enclosed:
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to
take the same into consideration, and report thereon with
all convenient despatch :
The Members chosen, Mr. Chase, Mr. Paine, and Mr.
Stockton.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to
repair to Head-Quarters, near New-York, to inquire into
the state of the Army, and the best means of supplying their
wants :
The Members chosen, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Gerry, and
Mr. Lewis.
Resolved, That an Assistant Physician to Dr. Shippen
be appointed for the Fy ing-Camp and Troops in New- Jersey,
and that his pay be 2 Dollars and 2-3ds per day:
The ballots being taken, Dr. William Brown was elected.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, September 23, 1776.
A Letter of the 20th and 21st, from General Washington,
with sundry Papers enclosed; two of the 19th, from J.
Trumbull; one of the 21st, from the Convention of Dela-
ware ; one of the 14th, from R. Varick; one of the 19th,
from Governour W. Livingston; one of the 14th, from
General Schuyler, with sundry Papers enclosed, and one
of the 19th, from Colonel Van Schaick, and one from Dr.
William Shippen, were read :
Ordered, That the Letter from Dr. Shippen be referred
to the Medical Committee, and the rest to the Board of
War.
Two Petitions, one from Colonel ,7. Stark, and the other
from Mons. Devourouy, were read, and referred to the
Board of War.
A Petition from Captain Archibald Hamilton was read,
praying that he may be permitted to return home and reside
with his wife and children :
Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be granted.
Resolved, That two months' pay be advanced to Mons.
Colerus, as Major; the same to Mons. Malmedy, and two
months' pay to Mons. de Vernejouz, as Captain.
A Letter from the Speaker of the Assembly of New-
Jersey, with an extract of a Letter from Amboy enclosed,
was laid before Congress and read :
Ordered, That a copy of the Letter from the Speaker of
the Assembly of New-Jersey, and of the enclosed Letter
from Amboy, be sent to General Mercer; and that he be
desired to take such steps as shall effectually introduce
order, and remove the complaints of the inhabitants of the
State of New-Jersey.
Resolved, That two Members be added to the Committee
on the Treasury :
The ballots being taken, Mr. Hooper and Mr. Ellery
were elected.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to
devise ways and means for providing Clothing and other
necessaries for the Army:
The Members chosen, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Wythe, and
Mr. R. Morris.
Two Letters, of the 22d, from General Washington,
being received, were read.
The Committee, to whom were referred the several
Papers from the Convention of the State of New-York,
brought in a Report, which was taken into consideration :
Whereupon,
Resolved, That the German Battalion be ordered im-
mediately to join the Army under General Washington;
and that the President inform his Excellency of their march,
and desire that he will order an equal number of men from
his Army, to garrison the forts in the Highlands.
Resolved, That Mr. /. Mease be directed to supply the
German Battalion with such articles of Clothing as they
may stand in need of; the same to be charged to their
account, and deducted out of the pay of the men :
That three tons of the fifteen tons of Powder, lately
ordered to the Northern Army, and now on its way
thither, be left at New-Windsor, in the State of New- York,
and from thence conveyed to Fort Montgomery; and that
five tons be immediately sent from the City of Philadelphia •
That two Companies of the Marines lately raised, and
now in Philadelphia, be also ordered to march immediately
to Fort Montgomery :
That application be made to the Council of Safety of
the State of Pennsylvania, to order one-half of the Artille-
rymen, now in the service of their State, to proceed to Fort
Montgomery as soon as possible :
That Congress approve the measures adopted by the
Convention of New-York for the defence of the Highlands,
and will cheerfully defray all the necessary expenses that
may accrue.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, September 24, 1776.
A Petition from Benjamin Marshall and brothers, and
one from John Hazard, were read, and referred to the
Marine Committee.
1375
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 25, 1776.
1376
A Petition from Charles Startin was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of
Colonel Hnzen, brought in a Report, which was taken into
consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That Colonel Hazen and Lieutenant-Colonel
Edward Antill, be continued in their offices, in the Army
of the United States, and that they recruit their Regiment
to the number of a Battalion on the Continental establish-
ment:
That the settlement of Colonel Hazen's Accounts of
moneys advanced by him, for the service of the United
States, in Canada, be referred to the Commissioners ap-
pointed to audit Accounts in the Northern Department :
That 1095 Dollars be paid to Colonel Hazen, in full
satisfaction for his neat Cattle, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, Hay,
and other articles, alleged to have been taken and used for
the benefit of the Continental Army, near St. John's ; which
sum, together with 533 Dollars and 1-3 already received by
him on that account, is the amount of the said articles, as
estimated by Commissioners appointed by General Wooster
for that purpose, pursuant to an order of Congress :
That the damages done to the Buildings, Farms, &.C., by
our Troops or those of the enemy, ought not to be paid,
unless general provision be made for compensating all others
who, by means of the war, have, in like manner, been
damnified ; which tnay be a subject worthy to be considered,
after the close of the war.
Resolved, That the Committee be discharged from
inquiring into what respects the conduct of General Arnold;
the Congress having directed General Washington to cause
an inquiry to be made into the conduct of the officers who
served in Canada.
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to
devise ways and means for effectually providing the Northern
Army with Provisions and Medicines, and supplying their
other necessary wants :
The Members chosen, Mr. Rush, Mr. Hall, Mr. Chase,
Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Stockton.
Resolved, That the Medical Committee be directed to
apply to the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania for a
quantity of Medicines : to be repaid in kind or in cash, as
they shall choose.
The Board of War brought in a further Report :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Congress resumed the consideration of the Instructions to
the Commissioners ; and the same being debated by para-
graphs, and amended, were agreed to.
Ordered, That the Committee of Secret Correspondence
lay before Congress to-morrow morning the intelligence
they have lately received from abroad.
Resolved, That Thursday next be assigned for the
appointment of Commissioners to transact the business of
the United States at the Court of France.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, September 25, 1776.
Two Letters from General Lee; one of the 24th of
August to the President, the other of the 27th of the same
month to the Board of War, both dated from Savannah,
being received, were read.
The Committee on the Treasury reported, that there is
due,
To John Bates, for 212 Camp-Kettles delivered to
Gustavus Risberg, Assistant to the Deputy Quartermaster-
General, 282 60-90 Dollars :
To Melchior Meng, for Wagon-hire, carrying Money to
Albany, with expenses, going and returning, 117 7-90
Dollars :
To Samuel Johnson, for 1047 Meals supplied the Militia
on their march to New- Jersey, 104 63-90 Dollars:
To John Kerlin, for entertaining Militia on their march
to New-Jersey, 55 27-90 Dollars :
To Messrs. St. Luke la Corn, Major Campbell, and Cap-
tain Frazier, prisoners from Canada, for their allowance of
two Dollars a week each, and for- their three servants at one
Dollar a week each, from the. 8th of July to the 23d of
September, 1776, inclusive, 11 weeks, 90 Dollars:
To Peter Mather, for entertaining Militia on their march
to New-Jersey, 32 72-90 Dollars :
To Samuel Pews, for supplying the Militia with 269
Meals of victuals, on their inarch to New-Jersey, 26 81-90
Dollars :
To Francis Lee, for the hire of a Stage-Coach, agreeable
to a certificate of Richard Peters, Esq., to convey General
Prescot and General M-Donald, with their Guard, 26 60-90
Dollars:
To Jacob Henkles, for supplying Troops with Provisions,
on their march to New-Jersey, 215 52-90 Dollars:
To Robert Tolbert 18 18-90 Dollars, and to Joseph
M-Kellup£5 18-90 Dollars, for entertaining Troops on their
march to New-Jersey, both sums amounting to 63 36-90
Dollars, to be paid to the said Joseph M'Kellup :
To Colonel Allen M' Donald of Kingsborough, and his
son Alexander McDonald, for their allowance of two Dol-
lars a week for 21 weeks, and for their servants' allowance,
21 weeks, at one Dollar a week, settled to the 17th of
September, 105 Dollars:
Ordered, That the above Accounts be paid.
The Committee of Treasury further reported, that there
is due,
To John Pluckrose, for going express from Congress to
Charleston, South- Carolina, 132 Dollars:
To the Steward of the Pennsylvania Hospital, for board-
ing William Whiting, a wounded soldier, 4 weeks, by order
of Congress, 5 30-90 Dollars :
To Jacob Peterman, to be paid to John Ebert for 83
Meals of victuals supplied the Troops of the Flying-Camp,
on their march to New-Jersey, 8 22-90 Dollars :
To Gunning Bedford, Esq., for his Pay and Rations
from the 17th of June to the 17th of September, 1776,
being 3 months, 152 64-90 Dollars :
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
The said Committee further reported, that they have con-
sidered the Petition of Captain James Ross to Congress,
and are of opinion that he should be credited with the
following sums charged to his account, he not having re-
ceived the accounts in time to make the stoppages, viz:
For sundry articles supplied by Mr. Slough, amounting
to 486 65-90 Dollars :
For Drums, &ic., by Simons Sf Henry, 17 24-90 Dollars :
For cash, to a Wagoner, by Committee of Lancaster
County, 66 60-90 :
For part of an account of expenses of his Company, on
their march to Cambridge, 17 78-90 Dollars:
The whole amounting to 588 47-90ths Dollars:
Ordered, That the said sum be passed to his credit.
Resolved, That an Order for 40 Dollars be drawn on the
Treasurer, in favour of Mons. P. Govert, as Captain-Lieu-
tenant of Artillery, the same being two months' pay ad-
vanced, for which he is to be accountable.
A Letter from General Washington, enclosing one from
Brigadier-General Greene and a Return of the Army, was
read.
Resolved, That the Captains, or Commanding Officers of
the Companies of the Militia of Pennsylvania, make up
the Pay-Rolls of such Companies as have been regularly
discharged from the camp, in New-Jersey, from the time of
their being last paid, with the addition of a day to each man
for every twenty miles between the camp and his respective
place of abode ; for which an allowance of one penny per
mile is to be made, without rations or subsistence : the
sums due on the said rolls to be attested by the oaths or
affirmations of the respective Captains or Commanding
Officers, and certified by one of their Field-Officers. And
the Paymaster in Philadelphia is hereby directed to dis-
charge the said rolls, on certificates being produced from
the Commissary of Stores at the Flying-Camp, and in this
city, of the re-delivery of such of the publick stores as have
been received by the Companies aforesaid, or the Regiments
to which they respectively belong, or upon deducting the
amount thereof from the pay of those-who have not returned
them :
That the Captains or Commanding Officers of such of the
said Militia as are not yet returned from the camp, be
1377
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 25, 1776.
1378
directed, when discharged, to procure from the Commanding
Officer of the camp certificates of the sums due in their
respective rolls; and in every other respect, the said Cap-
tains or Commanding Officers, and the Paymasters aforesaid,
are to observe ihe rules prescribed in the foregoing resolve
for payment of the said Militia.
Resolved, That three gentlemen be appointed to audit
and settle the Accounts of the -Pennsylvania Militia:
The ballots being taken, the following gentlemen were
chosen, viz: Mr. P. Chevalier, Mr. J. Wilcox, and Mr.
James Mease.
The Committee appointed to devise ways and means for
providing Clothing, and other necessaries, for the Army,
brought in their Report, which was taken into consideration :
Whereupon,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the General As-
semblies and Conventions of the United States to forward
to Head-Quarters the Clothing, Blankets, and necessaries
which they may have provided in consequence of the
Resolution of Congress of the 19th of June last, drawing
on the President for the cost and conveyance thereof; in
which it is hoped the utmost diligence and expedition will
be used, that those who expose themselves to danger in
defending and protecting their fellow-citizens may suffer as
little as possible from inclement seasons :
That a Committee of Congress, consisting of one Dele-
gate from each State, be appointed, with authority to em-
ploy proper persons to purchase, in their respective States,
a sufficient number of Blankets and Woollens fit for soldiers'
Clothes, and that they take the most effectual and speedy
methods for getting such Woollens made up, and distributed
among the Regular Continental Army in such proportion
as will best promote the publick service : And that they
also purchase all other necessary Clothing for the soldiers in
such proportion as they judge, upon the best information,
will be wanted ; and that the said Committee be authorized
to draw on the President of Congress for the sums necessary
to execute this business, they to be accountable for the
amount of their drafts and disbursements :
That Mr. J. Mease be directed immediately to send to
General Gates all the white Shirts, Shoes, and Stockings, he
now has in his possession, and which are unappropriated, for
the use of the Northern Army ; and that he use the utmost
diligence in buying, collecting, and getting made immedi-
ately, as many more of those articles as possible, making
weekly reports to Congress of what he obtains :
That General Schuyler, or the Commanding Officer at
Albany, be desired to employ proper persons immediately
to make up into soldiers' Clothes the Woollens mentioned
in General Schuyler's Letter of the 29th of August last,
and transmit the same without delay to the General com-
manding the Northern Army, for the use of such of the
Troops in that Army as have inlisted for three years, or
will inlist during the war.
Resolved, That the Commissaries and Quartermaster
General, and Deputy Quartermasters General, and their
Assistants in the several Departments, be directed to apply
to Mr. Mease for such articles of Clothing, Camp Equipage,
and other utensils which they may want to purchase in the
State of Pennsylvania, for the use of the Army.
Congress then proceeded to the appointment of the
Committee, when the following gentlemen were chosen, viz :
Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Paine, Mr. Ellery, Mr. Williams, Mr.
Floyd, Mr. Stockton, Mr. Ross, Mr. McKean, Mr. Paca,
Mr. Wythe, Mr. Hewes, Mr. Middleton, and Mr. Hall.
Resolved, That Lieutenant Boger and Lieutenant Ball
be released from Prison on signing the like parole as the
other officers, prisoners at York-Town, in Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That the Committee to whom was entrusted
the care of publishing the Journals of this House be em-
powered to collect from the several Printers such parts of
the said Journals as they have printed, and lodge them with
Robert Aitken, for sale; the several Printers to be paid out
of the sales, in such manner as the Committee shall find
just and equitable ; and that the said Committee make a
publication of the Journals as far as printed, as soon as
possible.
The Committee appointed to devise ways and means for
providing the Northern Army with Provisions, Medicines,
and other necessaries, brought in a Report, which was
taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That a Committee be immediately sent to
Ticonderoga ; that they give orders that a number of Sheep,
and a quantity of Indian Meal, Rice, and Oatmeal, and Mo-
lasses, be immediately sent to Lake George and Ticonde-
roga ; that they endeavour to contract for the Provisions for
the Northern Army, by the ration, the particulars of which
to be valued, and any part not supplied to be paid for in
money by the contractor ; and that such contract be made,
as far as may be, agreeable to the mode recommended by
General Schuyler in his Letter to Congress of the 25th of
August : that the Committee consult with the Commanding
Officer in the Northern Department, and such other of the
General officers as may be thought proper, on the best
mode to re-inlist the Army there, and to provide barracks
and clothing for the troops, and especially that they engage
the goods mentioned by General Schuyler, and apply such
of them as may be necessary for the Northern Army :
That the Committee be empowered to make Regulations
for the Hospitals in the Northern Department, and to
remove or suspend any person employed therein, and to
employ such as they may think necessary and proper; and
that they report to Congress the state and condition of the
Army, and any further regulations which they may think
necessary, for the better government and supplying the said
Army:
That the Committee consist of two, and that to-morrow
be assigned for electing the said Committee.
Congress took into consideration the Report of the
Board of War: Whereupon,
Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to purchase as
many Tents, Camp-Kettles, Canteens, and other Camp
furniture, and as much Clothing, as he can possibly procure,
for the use of the Army under the command of General
Washington :
That Captain James Ross be appointed Major in Colonel
Hand's Regiment, and that the other vacancies in that
Battalion be filled up as recommended by the Colonel, in
manner following, viz :
First Lieutenant John H'alliday to* be Captain, in the
room of James Ross, promoted :
Second Lieutenant William Wilson to be First Lieu-
tenant, Third Lieutenant John Dougherty to be Second
Lieutenant, and Benjamin Lyon to be Third Lieutenant ;
Third Lieutenant John Dick to be Second Lieutenant, in
the room of Jacob Zanch, resigned ; and Robert Cunning-
ham to be Third Lieutenant, vice John Dick:
That the vacancies in Colonel Ward's Regiment of the
Massachusetts-Bay be filled up in the manner recommended
by the Colonel, viz :
Captain James Mellen to be Major ; commission to be dated
from the time of doing duty, viz : - August 15, 1776.
Captain, Ephraim Burr, April 1, "
" Ebenezer Cleveland, - - - - July 1 2, «
" Na hum Ward, - - - - September II, "
First Lieutenant, Baxter Howe, - - - July 12, "
" Samuel Shelden, - September II, "
Second Lieutenant, Jonathan Champeney, July 12, "
" Samuel Clojfflin, September 11, "
Ensign, Jonas Snow, - July 12, "
" Cakb Noble, July 20, "
" Joseph Freeland, - - - September 11, "
Chaplain, Ebenezer Cleveland, - - January 1, "
Surgeon, Elihu Wright, - - - - August 11, "
Surgeon's Mate, Israel Whiting, - - - July 1, '
That Leonard. Gansevoort, Jun., be appointed Paymaster
to Colonel Van Schaick's Regiment:
That Richard Varick, late Captain in Colonel Mc-
DougalFs Regirtient, which office he resigned, Secretary to
the Hon. Major-General Schuykr, be appointed Deputy
Mustermaster-General to the Northern Army ; and
That Major Henry Brockholst Livingston, Aid-de-Camp
to General Schuyler, be provided for by Congress in a sta-
tion equal to his merit, when a proper vacancy happens,
he being recommended by the General as a very deserving
officer :
That the part of General Schuyler's Letter referred to
the Board of War, which relates to Indian Affairs, be
referred to the Committee for Indian Affairs :
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
87
1379
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 27, 1776.
1380
That the Commissary-General be directed to procure
such quantities of Salt, and to buy, cure, and lay up, in
proper places, such quantities of Provisions, as he shall judge
necessary for the next campaign :
That the Commissary-General's Letter relative to his
having drawn an Order on Mr. President Hancock, in favour
of Colonel Lowry, for 60,000 Dollars, be referred to the
Treasury Board :
That Monsieur Devourouy's Petition be referred to the
Marine Committee :
That the Letters from his Excellency Governour Living-
ston, of New-Jersey, respecting the payment of the Militia,
be referred to the Treasury Board :
That so much of General Arnold's Letter to General
Schuyler as relates to Clothing be referred to the Commit-
tee for providing Clothing for the Army.
The Committee appointed to settle the rank of the Cap-
tains and Subalterns in the German Battalion reported the
same as follows, which was agreed to :
Captains : Daniel Burkhart, Philip Graybill, George
Hubley, Henry Fister, Jacob Banner, George Keeports,
Benjamin Weiser, William Keyser, and David Woelpper.
First Lieutenants : Frederick Rowlwagen, John Lora,
Peter Boyer, Charles Balsel, William Rice, Jacob Kotz,
Jacob Bower, Samuel Gerock, and Bernard Hubley.
Second Lieutenants: George Hawbecker, Christian Mey-
ers, John Landenberger, Michael Layer, George Schaeffer,
Adam Smith, Frederick Yeiser, William Ritter, and Philip
Schrawder.
Ensigns : John Weidman, Martin Shugart, Christian
Helm, Jacob Grummet, Jacob Cramer, Paul Christman,
Christopher Godfrey Swartz, and John Landenberger.
The Committee appointed to hear and determine upon
the Appeal against the sentence of condemnation passed
upon the Schooner Thistle, having reversed the decree,
Resolved, That a passport and safe-conduct be granted
to Charks Roberts, Master of the Schooner Thistle, for
himself and the said Schooner, for the space of sixty days.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, September 26, 1776.
Agreeable to the order of the day,
Congress proceeded to the appointment of Commissioners
to the Court of France.
Resolved, That three be appointed :
The ballots being taken, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Deane, and
Mr. Jefferson were elected.
Resolved, That a Committee of four be appointed to pre-
pare the draft of Letters of Credence to the above gentle-
men ; and that the said Committee report the ways and
means of providing for their subsistence :
The Members chosen, Mr. Morris, Mr. Richard H. Lee,
Mr. Wythe, and Mr. J. Adams.
Resolved, That secrecy shall be observed until the further
order of Congress ; and that, until permission be obtained
from Congress to disclose the particulars of this business, no
Member be permitted to say any thing more upon this sub-
ject than that Congress have taken such steps as they
judged necessary for the purpose of obtaining foreign
alliance.
Resolved, That an Express be sent to Mr. Jefferson, to
inform him of his appointment ; and that a copy of the
Resolve for secrecy be at the same time transmitted to him ;
and that he be requested to inform the President at what
time and place the vessel shall meet him.
Congress proceeded to the election of a Committee to go
to Ticonderoga ; and the ballots being taken,
Mr. Stockton and Mr. Clymer were elected.
Resolved, That the Committee now appointed be directed
to draw up and report to Congress a set of Instructions for
the Commissioners relative to their entering into Treaties or
Negotiations with other foreign States in Europe.
Ordered, That the Secret Committee deliver to Lieu-
tenant Pendleton eight pounds of Powder, for the use of
his Company.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Jacob Shizens, for half Ferriages of the Militia and
their Baggage over Neshaminy Ferry, 17 40-90 Dollars:
To James McCree, for boarding 9 Men of Captain
Grier's Company 18 days, at the rale of 1 Dollar and l-3d
per week, 30 77-90 Dollars :
To John Teney, for supplying the Militia with 201 Meals
of victuals on their march to New- Jersey, 20 9-90 Dollars;
and to Philip Upright, for supplying them with 996 Meals,
99 54-90 Dollars, both sums making 119 63-90 Dollars,
to be paid to Adam Kimmel:
To John White Swift, for two Receipts of Brigadier-
General D. Wooster, one dated 17lh January, for 240
Dollars, and the other 8th of March, for 25 half-Johannes,
with interest allowed thereon, being 6 months, 18 days, at
6 per cent., amounts to 206 54-90 Dollars, both sums
making 446 54-90 Dollars:
To John Shitltz, for boarding and lodging sundry Conti-
nental Troops, 201 60-90 Dollars ; and for boarding and
nursing sundry sick Troops, 29 40-90 Dollars, both sums
making 231 19-90 Dollars:
To Captain Philip Graybill, of the German Battalion,
the balance of his Account for Arms, Accoutrements, 8tc.,
for the use of his Company, and for Provisions supplied
them on their march from Maryland to Philadelphia, 1 168
5-90 Dollars, agreeable to the following Account, viz :
Amount of Provisions' Account, - - - £274 13 5
Of which he received,
Of the Council of Safety of
Annapolis, - - - -£100 0 0
Of Colonel Strieker, - - 122 12 6
Of Major Feltner, - - - 37 10 0
260 2 6
Balance, - - - - £14 10 11
Amountof Arms, Accoutrements, Blankets, Sic. 423 9 6
Amounting in the whole to ----- £438 0 5
Equal to 1168 5-90 Dollars.
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
Resolved, That the Committee appointed to superintend
the publication of the Journals be empowered and instructed
to employ Robert Aitkin to reprint the said Journals from
the beginning, with all possible expedition, and continue to
print the same ; and that this House will purchase of him
500 conies of the said Journals when reprinted ; and fur-
ther, that he be directed to purchase, on reasonable terms,
such parts of the Journals as Mr. Bradford, Cist fy Co.
have printed, and not yet published, to be paid for by the
Congress.
Resolved, That General Washington be directed to pro-
cure, as soon as possible, an exchange of the Officers and
Soldiers taken on Long-Island for the same number of
British Officers and Privates now prisoners to the United
States.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, September 27, 1776.
Two Letters, of the 24th and 25th, from General Wash-
ington, with sundry Papers enclosed ; one, of the 20th, from
the Convention of New-York; one, of the 22d, from
Joseph Trumbull; one, of the 25th, from Colonel John
Shee, enclosing his Commission ; and one, of the 25th, from
Jon. B. Smith, requesting leave to resign his office of
Deputy Mustermaster-General, were laid before Congress,
and read.
Ordered, That the Letters from General Washington be
referred to a Committee of five :
The Members chosen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Hopkinson, Mr.
Rutledge, Mr. J. Adams, and Mr. Stone.
Resolved, That 100,000 Dollars be advanced to the
Delegates of New-York, for the use of that State, which is
to be accountable.
Resolved, That the resignation of Colonel J. Shee and
Jonathan B. Smith be accepted.
Certain Resolutions of the Convention of New-York,
passed the 20th of this month, being laid before Congress,
Ordered, That they be referred to a Committee of three :
The Members chosen, Mr. M'Kean, Mr. Rutledge, and
Mr. Hooper.
Resolved, That George MCabe, in Captain Douglas's
1381
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 30, 1776.
1382
Company in the Flying-Camp, be sent to Philadelphia, his
service being necessary to the Marine Committee.
Ordered, That the Secret Committee deliver to the
Board of War the care and custody of all Arms, Ammuni-
tion, and other warlike stores, now under their care, or that
may hereafter be imported or purchased by them for account
of the United States of America.
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered to
pursue such measures as they judge proper and effectual
to import as much Salt as possible.
A Petition from William M'Cue was read, and referred
to the Board of War.
A Petition from Hamilton Young, of New- York, was
read, praying that he may have leave to return to Long-
Island, to take care of his books and effects :
Resolved, That the prayer of the said Petition be granted.
Congress being informed that a number of men belonging
to three of the Pennsylvania Battalions, have deserted from
the Army,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Convention of
Pennsylvania to take the most effectual measures to compel
such of their troops as have come off from the camp on
New-York Island to return immediately to that place; that
they inquire who were the ringleaders of the mutiny, and
have them sent back, under guard, for trial ; and that the
Convention, if they think necessary, have the assistance
of the German Battalion, to enable them to carry this
resolve into execution; and the Convention are desired to
use all proper means to furnish their troops with clothing
and blankets. The said Convention are further desired to
cause all deserters from their troops to be immediately
apprehended, and sent back to General Washington's
Head-Quarters.
The Marine Committee, to whom the Petition of Francis
Guillot was referred, brought in a Report, which was taken
into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That Francis Guillot be permitted to fit out
and arm a Privateer, under the colours of the United States
of America, and that he be permitted to equip and arm the
said vessel in such place as he thinks he can do it at the
smallest expense, he giving the usual securities in such
cases directed by Congress.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Saturday, September 28, 1776.
A Memorial from Gunning Bedford, Mustermaster-Gen-
eral, was laid before Congress, and read:
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The Board of War, to whom the Petition of William
M' Cue was referred, brought in a Report : Whereupon,
Resolved, As Congress have empowered the several
States to provide for such Soldiers as may be disabled in the
service of the Continent, that the Petition of William M- Cue
be referred to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Committee appointed to prepare Letters of Credence,
&c., brought in a Report, which was taken into considera-
tion.
The Letters of Credence being read and amended, were
agreed to, as follows :
The Delegates of the United States of New-Hampshire,
Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New- York,
New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia,
North- Carolina, South- Carolina, and Georgia, to all who
shall see these presents, send greeting :
Whereas a trade upon equal terms between the subjects
of His Most Christian Majesty the King of France and
the people of these States, will be beneficial to both nations :
Know ye, therefore, that we, confiding in the prudence and
integrity of , have appointed
and deputed, and by these presents do appoint and depute
them, the said our Commissioners, giving
or granting to them the said , or any two
of them, and in case of the death, absence, or disability of
any two, to any one of them, full power to communicate,
treat, agree, and conclude, with His Most Christian Majesty
the King of France, or with such person or persons as shall
by him be for that purpose authorized, of and upon a true
and sincere friendship, and a firm, inviolable, and universal
peace, for the defence, protection, and safety of the naviga-
tion and mutual commerce of the subjects of His Most
Christian Majesty and the people of the United States ;
and to do all other things which may conduce to those desi-
rable ends; and promising in good faith to ratify whatsoever
our said Commissioners shall transact in the premises.
Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the thirtieth day of
September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and seventy-six. In testimony whereof the Presi-
dent, by order of the said Congress, hath hereunto subscribed
his name and affixed his seal.
Attest :
-, Secretary.
President.
Resolved, That the Commissioners should live in such a
style and manner at the Court of France as they may find
suitable and necessary to support the dignity of their publick
character, keeping an account of their expenses, which shall
be reimbursed by the Congress of the United States of
America.
That besides the actual expenses of the Commissioners,
a handsome allowance be made to each of them, as a com-
pensation for their time, trouble, risk, and services.
That the Secretary of the Embassy be allowed a salary
of one thousand Pounds sterling per annum, with the ex-
penses of his passage out and home.
That the Secret Committee be directed to export produce,
or remit bills, until they make an effectual lodgment in
France often thousand Pounds sterling, subject to the orders
of the said Commissioners, for their present support; and
report to Congress when it is effected, in order that Congress
may then consider what further remittances then to order
for this purpose.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Report
be postponed.
Resolved, That 100,000 Dollars be advanced lo the
State of Pennsyteania, which is to be accountable.
Ordered, That Mr. Mease supply Captain Doyle with
money sufficient to purchase Rifles and Blankets for his
Company.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, September 30, 1776.
Two Letters, of the 27th and 28th, from General Wash-
ington, and one of the 22d, from Governour Trumbull, were
read :
Also, a Letter from Robert Franklin was read, and
referred to the Marine Committee.
A Petition from J. Rowe and others, owners of goods on
board the Ship Elizabeth, which was taken by Captains
John Manly, Daniel Waters, and John Ayres, commanders
of the three armed vessels Hancock, Lee, and Lynch, and
libelled in the Court Maritime for the State of New-Hamp-
shire, and, by the sentence of the said Court, acquitted,
against which sentence an appeal has been entered, was laid
before Congress and read, praying that the said appeal may
be heard and determined: Whereupon,
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed, with
full powers to hear and determine on the said appeal :
The Members chosen, Mr. Paine, Mr. Huntington, Mr.
Stone, Mr. Wythe, and Mr. Smith.
A Letter from B. Flower, Commissary of Military Stores,
directed to the Board of War, was laid before Congress,
and read :
Resolved, That the Board of War be empowered and
directed, on requisition of the General or Commanding
Officers in the several Departments, to send such articles of
Military Stores and other necessaries, which they may have
in their possession or can procure.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to order
the three Virginia Battalions, now on their march to New-
York, to be lodged in the Barracks at Wilmington; there
to remain till further orders.
Resolved, That the sum of 13,333 Dollars and l-3d be
advanced to Messrs. Hughes, in part payment for the
Cannon they have contracted to make for the Continent,
they to be accountable.
1383
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 2, 1776.
1384
Resohcd, That a Member be added to the Committee
of Treasury :
The Member chosen, Mr. Hopkinson.
A Petition from Mons. De Boy, and one from Mons.
Ja. Vallier, were read and referred to the Board of War.
A Petition from Jacob Sheafs, and a Petition from
Colonel M. Hasen, were read :
Ordered, That the Petition from Colonel Hazen be
referred to the Canada Committee.
The Committee to whom were referred the Letters from
General Washington bf the 24th and 25th instant, and the
papers enclosed therein, brought in their Report, which was
taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That General Washington be directed to call
upon such of the Members of the Court-Martial as sat upon
the trial and concurred in the acquittal of Ensign Macumber,
to assign their reasons for their first judgment; that those
reasons, together with the names of such of the said Mem-
bers who were for the acquittal, be returned to Congress:
That Mr. M' Donald, having a commission of Brigadier-
General from Governour Martin, be not exchanged for any
officer under the rank of Brigadier-General in the service
either of the United States or of any one of them :
That it be recommended to the Legislatures of the
United States to appoint gentlemen in their respective
States, skilful in physick and surgery, to examine those
who offer to serve as Surgeons or Surgeons' Mates in the
Army or Navy; and that no Surgeon or Mate shall here-
after receive a commission or warrant to act as such, in the
Army or Navy, who shall not produce a certificate from
some or one of the examiners so to be appointed, to prove
that he is qualified to execute the office :
That all Regimental Surgeons and Mates, as well as
those of the Hospital, be subject to the direction and con-
trol of the Directors in the several Departments :
That no Soldier be discharged from the service as dis-
abled, unless the certificate of disability be countersigned
by the Director, Assistant Physician, or First Surgeon of
the Hospital ; nor be excused from duty for sickness, unless
the certificate of sickness be countersigned by one of those
persons, where access may be had to them.
Resolved, That the remainder of the said Report be
postponed.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, October 1, 1776.
Resolved, That the sum of 60,000 Dollars be advanced
to Mr. James Mease, for the payment of the Militia, and to
pay for the articles he is ordered to purchase; he to be
accountable.
Whereas a full representation in Congress of the several
United States is highly necessary on business of much im-
portance to America: Therefore,
Resolved, That the President be desired to write Letters
to the Conventions and Assemblies of the respective States,
requesting that measures be taken to cause, as speedily as
possible, a full representation of the said States in Con-
gress.
Stephen Moylan, Esq., having resigned his office of
Quartermaster-General of the Continental Army,
Resolved, That Brigadier-General Mifflin be authorized
and requested to resume the said office, and that his rank
and pay, as Brigadier, be still continued to him :
That a Committee of four be appointed to confer with
Brigadier-General Mifflin :
The Members chosen, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Sherman,
Mr. J. Adams, and Mr. Gerry.
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to
prepare and bring in a plan of a Military Academy at the
Army :
The Members chosen, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Lynch, Mr.
Wythe, Mr. Williams, and Mr. J. Adams.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, October 2, 1776.
A Letter, of the 30th of September, from General Wash-
ington, with two Papers enclosed ; one, of the 27th of Sep-
tember, from S. Moylan; one, of the 23d, from General
Gates; one, of the 23d, from Colonel Wayne; one from
Brigadier-General Mercer, recommending Colonel Hamp-
ton to the command of a Regiment in the new Army, and
Captain Dawson to a Majority; and a Petition from Bar-
tholomew Van Heer, were read, and referred to the Board
of War.
Resolved, That William Shephard be promoted to the
rank of Colonel of the Regiment whereof he is now Lieu-
tenant-Colonel.
A Petition from John Bayard, Alexander Henderson,
and Matthew Irwin, was presented to Congress, and read :
Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to sell to
the petitioners 1600 Ibs. of Powder and 800 Ibs. of Lead,
for the use of their Privateers General Lee and Colonel
Parry.
The Committee appointed to confer with Brigadier-Gen-
eral Mifflin reported that, upon the conference, they find
the following supplies will be necessary for the use and
comfort of the Army, which ought to be procured as soon
as may be, viz : 200 Wagons, with 4 Horses each ; 50
Ox Teams, with 2 Oxen each, for sundry uses; 50 Drays,
with I Horse each, for various small services; 100 strong
Horses for the Artillery, 50 Horses for expresses and com-
missary uses, 25,000 bushels of Indian Corn, 15,000 bush-
els of Oats, 10,000 bushels of Rye-Meal, 10,000 bushels
of Spelts, 1800 tons of Hay, 50 Cutting-Boxes, 2000
Axes, 2000 Wheel and Hand-Barrows, ^8000 cords of
Wood, a set of Carpenters' Tools for each Regiment, a
Wagonmaster and one Deputy, 20 Conductors of Wagons
on Captains' pay, allowing 10 wagons for each Conductor,
5 Conductors for Artillery, 100 casks of Nails and Spikes,
10,000 Knapsacks, 10,000 Camp-Kettles, two million, feet
of Boards, Planks, and Joists, for Barracks, platforms, &tc.
That a Company of 50 Blacksmiths should be immedi-
ately sent to camp; 12 Harness and Collar-Makers, and
25 Wheelwrights.
Resolved, That for these various and necessary supplies
300,000 Dollars be advanced to the Quartermaster-Gen-
eral:
That one-eighth part of a Dollar over and above their
soldiers' pay be allowed to such persons as are necessarily
drafted for Quartermasters' uses :
That as 5,000 Tents will be necessary for the Spring
campaign, they be provided in due time:
That it be recommended to the several States to make
legal provision to compel the furnishing of necessary sup-
plies and assistance to the Quartermaster-General of the
Continental Army, on reasonable terms, for the publick
use.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to
consider of a plan for providing Carriages for the publick
service, so as any demands may be speedily complied with,
and all oppression of private persons effectually prevented.
The Members chosen, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Smith,
and Mr. Huntington.
Resolved, That Benjamin Fishbourne be appointed Pay-
master to the Second Pennsylvania Battalion, commanded
by Colonel Wood.
A Memorial from the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania
was read.
Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on the
Treasury, who are directed to report thereon as soon as
possible.
The Committee of Treasury reported that there is due,
To George Measam, on account of sundry articles sup-
plied the Army in Canada, 9 47-90ths Dollars.
Ordered, That the said Account be paid.
The Committee to whom the Resolutions passed by the
Convention of New-York were referred, brought in a
Report, which was taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the President write to General Schnyler,
and inform him that Congress cannot consent, during the
present situation of .their affairs, to accept of his resigna-
tion, but request that he continue the command which he
now holds; that he be assured that the aspersions, which
his enemies have thrown out against his character, have had
no influence upon the minds of the Members of this House,
1385
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 3, 1776.
1386
who are fully satisfied of his attachments to the cause of
freedom, and are willing to bear their testimony of the
many services which he has rendered his country; and that,
in order effectually to put calumny to silence, they will, at
an early day, appoint a committee of their own body to
inquire fully into his conduct, which, they trust, will estab-
lish his reputation in the opinion of all good men.
Resolved, That the limits prescribed in the parole of
John Foxcroft and Francis Dashwood, Esqs., be extended
as far as the bounds of Pennsylvania, within which they
are to confine themselves till further orders.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, October 3, 1776.
On application from the Council of Safety of North-
Carolina,
Resolved, That Michael Holt, a prisoner in the Gaol of
Philadelphia, be discharged from his imprisonment, that he
may return to his family; he taking the oath prescribed by
the said Council of Safety.
Resolved, That Mr. /. Mease be directed to purchase,
immediately, one hundred hogsheads of Rum, and forward
the same to the Commissary-General, for the use of the
Army.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken
into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Letter from General Mercer, which
was received and read yesterday, wherein he recommends
Colonel Hampton to the command of a Regiment in the
new Army, and Captain Dawson to a Majority, be referred
to the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania :
That Captain Persifer Frazer be commissioned as Major
of Colonel Wayne's Battalion of the Pennsylvania Troops,
in the room of Major Housigger, promoted.
The Committee appointed to repair to the camp, having
executed that service, and returned, brought in a Report,*
which was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
"Report of the Committee stnttothe Camp near NEW-YORK.
[October 3, 1776: Read and ordered to lie upon the table.)
The Committee appointed to inquire into the state of the Army at
New-York, and the best means of supplying its wants, beg leave to
report: that having left this city the 21st ultimo they arrived at the
camp the 24th, and after three days "conference with the General Officers
and an interview with many of the Staff, they found the following to be
a state of facts:
That the number of men of which the Army then consisted, including
non-commissioned officers and 3,649 men taken from the Flying-Camp,
was 25,375; of which 16,905 were fit for duty, 1,543 on command, and
the residue sick or absent. That of the effective troops about 4,500
were at different posts on the Jersey shore at and between Fort Constitution
and Bergen, and the others on the Heights of Harlem and King's Bridge.
That it was necessary in the opinion of the General Officers' to rein-
force the Army aforesaid with 15,000 men, and to complete the levies
for the Flying-Camp, agreeable to the former orders of Congress, by
which means it would consist of about 11,500 men; that as part of 15,000
men, it was found that the Militia on their march from the Massachu-
setts-Bay and Connecticut, and Continental Troops from Rhode-Island,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North- Carolina, with Colonel Durkee's Regi-
ment, then at Bergen and not included in the return, would amount to
upwards of 11,000 men.
That some of the troops in camp were badly officered, and not subject
to that command which good troops ought ever to be. That articles of
war and general orders were frequently transgressed, and the Com-
mander-in-Chief had the mortification to see that some of his officers, on
whom he ought to have depended for suppressing disorderly behaviour,
encouraged the soldiers by their examples to plunder and commit other
offences, or studiously endeavoured to excuse them from just punish-
ment by partial trials.
That the Army was well supplied with provisions, excepting vegeta-
bles, which were not then to be procured, and that the Commissary-
General was in want of salt.
That the sick have been greatly neglected, and numbers, to the pre-
judice of the service, have died from wantof necessaries and attendance :
each Regiment has been hitherto furnished with an hospital under the
care of the Regimental Surgeon, in consequence of which on a removal
of the Army, the numerous sick of all the said hospitals have been
.suddenly delivered to the Director-General, who, not being provided
with a general hospital or Surgeons and nurses sufficient for the purpose,
has not been able to prevent the evils complained of; added to this the
Adjutants have frequently neglected to make returns to the Director and
Commissary-General of the sick in their respective Regiments, without
which they could not receive the amount of their rations, agreeable to
order of Congress, in necessaries provided by the Director.
That in the department of the Colonel of Artillery and Commissary
of Military Stores ten tons of musket and rifle powder, twenty tons of
buckshot, two hundred thousand flints, eighteen brass field-pieces, six-
pounders, and eighteen three-pounders, one thousand yards of fine
white flannel, and a quantity of tin, were wanted. The number of
conductors now employed are insufficient, and the Army is found to be
an improper place for the principal laboratory of the Continent.
Resolved, That Charles Startin be permitted to return
to England with his wife and family, from any of the
United States he thinks proper, except New-York.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Martin Housman, for the hire of his Wagon and
ferriages, with Generals Prescot and M'Donald's Baggage
to Newark, 43 Dollars.
To George Campbell, for his own and Mr. CaldwelTs
and Mr. Tod's expenses, as an escort to money from Phil-
adelphia to Albany, 139 67-90ths Dollars:
To John Sparhawk, for Quills, Sic., for the use of the
Treasury -Office, 27 84-90ths Dollars:
To Ludwick Karcher, a balance of 3,150 36-90ths
Dollars; the whole of his Account amounting to 8.483
66-90ths Dollars, of which he has received 5,333 30-90ths
Dollars; the balance is 3,150 36-90ths:
Ordered, The the said Accounts be paid.
Congress took into consideration the Report of the
Board of Treasury, on the ways and means for raising a
further sum of Money: Whereupon,
Resolved, That five millions of Continental Dollars be
immediately borrowed for the use of the United States, at
the annual interest of four per cent, per annum :
That the faith of the United States be pledged to the
lenders for the payment of the sums to be borrowed, .and
the interest arising thereon, and that certificates be given to
the lenders in the form following, viz :
" The United States of America acknowledge the receipt
of Dollars from , which they promise to pay
to the said , or bearer, on the day of ,
with interest annually, at the rate of four per cent, per
annum, agreeable to a resolution of the United States,
passed the third day of October, 1776. Witness the hand
of the Treasurer, this day of .
A. D.
" Countersigned" by the Commissioners of one of the
Loan-Offices hereafter mentioned.
That for the convenience of the lenders, a Loan-Office
be established in each of the United States, and a Commis-
sioner, to superintend such office, be appointed by the said
That the military chest has been too frequently unsupplied with
money, which ought to be remedied in future; but that at present the
Paymaster has a sum fully equal to the General 's wishes.
That clothing and blankets are greatly wanted, and a supply has
been neglected as well from the want of a proper officer to superintend
the business as from the scarcity of the articles.
That military discipline has been omitted in consequence of the un-
skilfulness of many of the regimental officers, and the want of a proper
officer detached from other services to instruct them therein.
To remedy these inconveniences the Committee beg leave to report
the following Resolutions:
Resolved, as the opinion of the Committee, That it be recommended
to the Assemblies and Conventions of the respective States from Virginia
to New-Hampshire inclusively, to take the most effectual measures for
completing, by the 10th November, their respective proportions of the
levies to be raised during the war.
Resolved, That the Army having greatly suffered through the defect of
some of its Regimental Officers, it be recommended to the Assemblies and
Conventions of the respective States to use their utmost endeavours that
all the officers to be hereafter appointed be men of honour and know;!
abilities, without a particular regard to their having before been in
service.
Resolved, That for the further encouragement of the non-commissioned
officers and soldiers who shall engage in the service during the war, a
suit of Clothes be annually given to each of said officers and soldiers : to
consist, for the present, of two linen hunting-shirts, two pair of overalls,
a leather or woollen waistcoat with sleeves, one pair of breeches, a hat
or leather cap, two shirts, two pair of hose, and two pair of shoes.
Resolved, That no Regimental Hospitals be in future allowed in the
neighbourhood of a General Hospital.
That John Morgan, Esq., provide and superintend a Hospital at a
proper distance from the camp for the Army posted on the east side of
Hudson's river.
That William Shippen, Esq., provide and superintend a Hospital for
the Army in the State of New-Jersey.
That each of the Hospitals be supplied by the respective Directors
with such a number of Surgeons, Apothecaries, Surgeons' Mates, and
other assistants, and also with such quantities of Medicine, Bedding,
and other necessaries as they shall judge expedient.
That they make weekly returns to Congress, and to the Commander-
in-Chief, of the officers and assistants of each denomination, and also
the number of sick and deceased, in their respective Hospitals.
That the Regimental Surgeons be directed to send to the General
Hospitals such officers and soldiers of their respective Regiments as,
confined by wounds or other disorders, shall require nurses or constant
attendance, and from time to time to apply to the Quartermaster-Gen-
eral or his Deputy for convenient wagons for this purpose, and also that
they apply to the Directors in their respective departments for medi-
cine and other necessaries.
That the wages of Nurses be augmented to one Dollar per week.
That the Commanding Officer of each Regiment be directed once a
week to send a commission officer to visit the sick of his respective
Regiment in the General Hospital, and report their state to him.
Resolved, That a Commissary of Clothing be appointed for each of
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CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 5, 1776.
1388
States respectively, which are to be responsible for the
faithful discharge of their duty in the said offices :
That the business of the said Commissioners shall be to
deliver certificates for all such sums of money as shall be
brought into their respective offices, agreeable to these
resolutions, which certificates shall be indented and the
checks kept in the said office ; to keep books, in which
regular entries shall be made of the sums borrowed, and of
the time when, and the names of the persons by whom, the
said sums were lent ; to transmit to the Continental Trea-
surer once a month an account of the cash in their respective
offices, and to answer all drafts of the Treasurer to the
amount of the cash which they shall, at any time, have in
their hands, as aforesaid :
That the Treasurer of the United States shall send to the
respective Loan-Offices, such a number of certificates and
of such denominations as shall be ordered by the Commis-
sioners of the Treasury :
That no certificate be issued for a less sum than 300
Dollars:
That the several sums of money to be borrowed shall be
repaid at the office where the same was lent, at the expira-
tion of three years, and that the annual interest shall be
likewise paid at the said office :
That the said Commissioners of the respective Loan-
Offices be entitled to receive of the United States one-
eighth per cent, on all moneys which shall be brought into
their respective Loan-Offices, in lieu of all claims and
demands that they may have for transacting the business of
the said office.
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be empowered to
take such measures as they shall judge necessary for pur-
chasing, arming, and equipping a Frigate and two Cutters,
in Europe, and to give proper orders for the said Frigate
making a cruise in the British Channel against our enemies,
and for the said Cutters to be employed in transporting to
these States such articles as the said Committee have been
ordered to import.
The several matters to this day referred being post-
poned,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
the Armies of the United States, whose duty shall be to make constant
returns to the Assemblies or Conventions of the respective States of
the Clothing wanted for their several Regiments; to receive and pay for
the same, to deliver it to the Paymasters of the respective Regiments,
to be by them distributed to the non-commissioned officers and soldiers,
and deducted from their wages respectively, unless allowed as a bounty
by order of Congress.
Resolved, That the Commissary-General be empowered to employ
suitable persons to import such quantities of Salt as he shall judge neces-
sary, on account and risk of the United States.
Resolved, That for promoting health in the Army, the Commissary-
General be directed to cause the same to be well supplied with Indian
Meal and Vegetables.
Resolved, That the Commander-in-Chief be empowered to appoint as
many Conductors for the Commissary of Stores, and Assistants to the
Commissary of Clothing, as he shall from time to time judge necessary,
and report their names to Congress.
Resolmd, That there be a Deputy Commissary of Stores for the Army
at New-York, with the pay of thirty Dollars per month.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to send to a Commis-
sary of Stores at New-York ten tons Musket and Rifle Powder, twenty
tons Buck-shot, a quantity of Tin, as many brass Field-pieces, six and
three-pounders, as they can procure; and that they employ the Over-
seer of the Foundry in this place to cast eighteen brass Field-pieces, six-
pounders, and eighteen three-pounders, as soon as may be, and order
Carriages to be completed for the same.
Resolved, That Mr. Mease be directed forthwith to send to the Colonel
of Artillery at New-York one thousand yards of fine white Flannel.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to prepare a plan for
establishing a Continental Laboratory and a Military Academy, and
provide the same with proper officers; also for establishing a suitable
number of Artillery Regiments, and a Corps of Artificer* for said Regi-
ments.
Friday, October 4, 1776.
A Petition from the Officers and Men of the Brig Andrew
Doria was presented and read : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Continental Agents in Philadelphia
be directed, with all despatch, to make an estimate of the
prizes taken by the Andrew Doria, and lay the same
before the Marine Committee for their approbation ; and
that the said Agents be directed to pay to the officers and
men of the Andrew Doria, one-half of what may be esti-
mated to be due to them : .
That the said Agents be further directed to make an
estimate of the stores and prizes taken by the fleet, com-
manded by Commodore Hopkins, and brought from Provi-
dence, and lay the same before the Marine Committee for
approbation, as aforesaid, and pay to the officers and men
entitled thereto, one-half of what may be estimated to be
due to them.
A Letter of the 2d and 3d, from General Washington,
and two, of the 25th and 26th September, from General
Schuyler, being received, were read.
Congress took into consideration the Report of the Com-
mittee sent to Head-Quarters ; and, after debate, the further
consideration thereof was postponed.
The several matters to this day referred being post-
poned,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
• Saturday, October 5, 1776.
A Letter, of the 23d of September, from James Bowdoin,
with a copy of Resolutions passed by the General Assembly
of Massachusetts-Bay; one, of the 24th of the same month,
from the Committee of Safety of New-Hampshire; and
one, of the 3d instant, from Governour Livingston, were
read.
Ordered, That the Letters from General Washington
and General Schuyler, with the Papers enclosed, which
were read yesterday, be referred to the Board of War:
That the Letter from Mr. Bowdoin be referred to the
Marine Committee :
That the Letter from Governour Livingston be referred
to a Committee of three, and that the said Committee be
of the utmost service to the Continent, where the whole theory and
practice of fortification and gunnery should be taught; to be nearly on
the same plan as that at Woolwich, making allowances for the difference
of circumstances, a place to which our enemies are indebted for the
superiority of their Artillery to all who have opposed them.
That these and all other matters respecting the Artillery and Artillery
stores be under the direction of a Board of Ordnance, whose business
shall be the regulation and management of the affairs of this department,
and to whom returns shall be made.
The corps of Artillery now in the service of the United States is
exceedingly insufficient for the operations of an extensive service. It
consists of a little more than six hundred, officers included: of these
nearly one hundred are in the Northern Army, where their numbers
are very unequal to the service.
His Excellency General Washington has, to supply the deficiency of
this corps, drafted from the different Regiments six hundred men, and
General Gates a proportionate number. This is a temporary remedy,
attended with a variety of inconveniences.
There ought to be a respectable body of Artillery established, which
shall be equal to all the services of the war. In proportion to every
Report
of the Committee appointed to go to the Camp, brought i
1776, respecting the Artillery.
n OCTOBER,
HEAD-QUARTERS, HARLEM HEIGHTS, September 27, 1776.
The following hints for the improvement of the Artillery of the United
States is humbly submitted to the Committee of the honourable Con-
gress now in camp:
That there be one or more capital Laboratories erected at a distance
from the seat of war, in which shall be prepared large quantities of ord-
nance stores of every species and denomination.
That at the same place a sufficient number of able artificers be em-
ployed to make carriages for cannon of all sorts and sizes, ammunition
wagons, tumbrels, harness, &c., &c.
That as contiguous as possible to this same place, a Foundry for
casting brass cannon, mortars, and howitzers, be established upon a
large scale.
And as officers can never act with confidence until they are masters
of their profession, an academy established on a liberal plan would be
sidered. Supposing, then, the Army to consist of eighty battalions of
seven hundred and twenty-six men each, which will make nearly sixty
thousand, the number of Artillery requisite will be 3,360. These may
be thrown into two or three battalions, as shall be thought best.
If any circumstance shall happen to render the movement of this
Army necessary, one hundred covered wagons will be wanting to trans-
port the stores, reckoning one ton and a half to each wagon and six
horses.
Three hundred streng horses to draw the travelling artillery.
All the heavy artillery on garrison carriages and the heaviest stores
are not included in the above estimate. Wagoners and drivers for the
above; a Wagonmaster to be established for the Artillery; also a Quar-
termaster for the horses and wagons, whose business shall be to pur-
chase hay, horses, &c., as may be wanted.
Exclusive of the artificers at the fixed laboratories, there must be an
hundred, of different branches, attached to the Artillery, to repair car-
riages when broken, make platforms, and a thousand other matters
belonging to the Artillery.
Besides the Commissary of Stores it will be necessary to have a
Deputy Commissary, who shall be a capable, active man. The num-
ber of conductors and r.lerks to be twelve; if the service should require
more, they to be added during the pleasure of the Commander-in-Chief.
The commanding officer of Artillery to have a clerk attached to him,
for the purpose of collecting, arranging, and disposing the various
returns of cannon and stores.
The following brass field-pieces are wanting; and, as there is a con-
siderable quantity of copper collected, it is to be wished that the founder
might be employed to cast some of them immediately, viz: 18 six-
pounders, 18 three-pounders.
HENRY KNOX, Colonel Artillery.
1389
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 7, 1776.
1390
directed to take into consideration the case of the Prisoners
in the Gaol of Philadelphia :
The Members chosen, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Ross, and Mr.
Floyd.
Ordered, That the Petition of Jacob Sheafe be referred
to the Commissioners appointed to hear and determine upon
the appeal against the sentence on the libel against the
ship Elizabeth :
That R. Peters, Esq., be empowered to prosecute the
said appeal.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to sell to
Joseph Golden ten pounds of Powder.
Resolved, That five months' pay be advanced to the
Officers, and three months' pay to the Men, who were
taken prisoners in Canada, and sent to these United States
by General Carleton.
Resolved, That the Report of the Board of War, which
was brought in the 14th of September, be taken in consi-
deration on Monday next.
Ordered, That the Board of War at that time lay before
Congress the papers relative to the dispute between the
Court-Martial and Brigadier-General Arnold.
Resolved, That the Continental Agents be directed to
deliver to the Commissary-General, for the use of the Army,
all the Salt in their hands belonging to the Continent.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, October 7, 1776.
Resolved, That 8,000 Dollars be advanced to the
Committee of Lancaster, for the purpose of defraying the
expenses of enclosing the Barracks in that Borough with a
stockade, and supporting a guard, the said Committee
to be accountable.
Congress proceeded to the election of a Deputy Muster-
master-General for the Flying-Camp, in the room of
Jonathan B. Smith ; and, the ballots being taken,
William Davies was elected.
A Letter, of the 14th of September, from Brigadier-Gen-
eral Moore, and one from John Hanson, dated St. Croix,
14th August, being received, were read :
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Assemblies
and Conventions of the United States respectively, to annex
such penalties by law to the crime of counterfeiting the
Certificates or Notes of the Continental Loan-Office, as are
or shall be annexed to the crime of counterfeiting the Con-
tinental Currency.
Ordered, That the Resolutions for borrowing Five Mil-
lions of Dollars, together with the above Resolve, be pub-
lished, and copies thereof sent to each of the United States,
and that the respective States be desired to send to the
Committee of the Continental Treasury the -names of the
Commissioners by them appointed in consequence of the
said Resolutions.
A Petition from James Browne, a prisoner, was laid
before Congress, and read, praying for leave to return to
Ireland, the place of his nativity :
Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be granted.
General Lee having informed Congress of his arrival in
Philadelphia, and that he waited their orders :
Ordered, That General Lee attend in Congress.
Resolved, That a Commissary of Prisoners of War be
appointed in each of the United States:
That the said Commissaries be directed to make monthly
returns of the state and condition of the Prisoners under
their respective care, to the Board of War:
That the said Commissaries be appointed by the respec-
tive States.
Agreeable to order, General Lee attended ; and having
given an account of the state of affairs in the Southern
Department, he withdrew.
The Secret Committee informed Congress that they have
chartered, and loaded in Virginia, the Aurora, late the
prize-ship called the Oxford, for account of the Continent :
Whereupon,
Resolved, That the President write to the Governour
and Council of Virginia, and request them to give all the
assistance in their power, in manning and despatching the
said Ship.
Resolved, That Matthias Hite, a First Lieutenant of the
Eighth Virginia Battalion, have a Continental commission,
in lieu of that which he received from the Committee of
Safety of that State ; and that his commission bear date
the 19th of February last.
Resolved, That General Lee be directed to repair to the
camp at Haerlem, with leave, if he thinks proper, to visit
the posts in New-Jersey.
The Committee appointed to take into consideration the
application from the President of South- Carolina, in behalf
of General Lee, reported :
That this Congress, having a just opinion of the abilities
of General Lee, applied to him to accept a command in
their service, which he readily agreed to, provided the Con-
gress would indemnify him against any loss which he might
sustain in consequence thereof, he having, at that time, a
considerable sum of money due to him by persons in the
Kingdom of Great Britain, which he was resolved to draw
from thence as soon as possible. That the Congress unan-
imously concurred in his proposal : that he accordingly
entered into their service; that he has since drawn bills
upon his agent in England, which bills have been returned
protested. That General Lee, having purchased an estate
in Virginia, the purchase money for which has been long
due, is likely to sustain, by means of the protested bills,
many injuries, unless this House prevent the same by an
advance of thirty thousand Dollars: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the sum of 30,000 Dollars be advanced
to General Lee, upon his giving Bond to the Treasurer to
account for the same, and taking such steps, in conjunction
with Robert Morris, Esq., on behalf of the Congress, as
will secure the most effectual transfer of his estate in Eng-
land, to reimburse the Congress for the advance now made
to him.
Ordered, That the Committee who brought in the fore-
going Report prepare a suitable Bond.
Congress took into consideration the Report of the Board
of War of the 4th instant : Whereupon,
Resolved, That Monsieur Pierre Francois de Bois be
commissioned as a Major by brevet, and sent to General
Mercer, to be employed in such way as he shall think
proper :
That Mr. Bartholomew Van Heer's Account be referred
to the Board of Treasury.
The Committee appointed to inquire into the causes of
the miscarriages in Canada brought in a Report :*
Ordered, To lie on the table.
* Report concerning BERNARD & WADDING'S Goods: brought in OCTOBER
7, 1776.
The Committee appointed to inquire into the causes of the miscar-
riages in Canada having, pursuant to the directions of Congress, inquired
how certain goods, taken from John Bernard and Wadding, of
Montreal, were disposed of, report:
That, upon examining several witnesses and papers, it appears, that
about the middle of the month of March last, the said Bernard Sf Wad-
ding sent from Montreal twenty-nine sleighs, laden with goods to be
carried to the Indian country, contrary to the orders of the commanding
officer in Canada ; that said sleighs were pursued by order of General
Wooster, and seven of them taken and brought back, and the goods con-
tained in them delivered to the keepers of stores for the use of the army ,
and proper receipts taken for the same as follows, viz: one pair of three-
point and half blankets to Francis Duclos; three camp-kettles, for the
use of the Hospital, to W. V. Wimple, Surgeon; one pair two-point and
half blankets to John Higgins; seventeen bags of bread, partly damaged,
nineteen bags of flour, twenty-seven bags of corn, one bag of peas, three
kegs of hog's lard, eleven kegs of pork, and four kegs of rum, to Henry
Benson, Assistant Deputy Commissary; five bales of goods such as are
usually sent in the Indian trade, one bundle of Indian truck, containing
coarse hats, shirts, &c., one roll of pigtail tobacco, one barrel of pow-
der, one piece of blue strouds, a parcel of oilcloth, cords, &c., to George
Measam, Superintendent of Stores.
It further appears, by an account exhibited by George Nicholson, that
he and Captain Scott kept for their own use one five-gallon keg of red
wine, one keg of New-England rum, four pounds chocolate, and three
pounds of loaf sugar. That said Nicholson delivered five camp-kettles
to Colonel Hazen, three ditto to Dr. Lynn, for the General Hospital,
and three ditto for the Red Hospital at St. Pays; one bale of tobacco to
the friend Indians at different times, by order of General Woosler. The
said Nicholson further says that the aforesaid articles are the whole of
the goods that were taken from said Bernard $• Wadden as aforesaid.
That said Measam delivered to the Commissioners in Canada an
invoice of the goods contained in the several packages received by him.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that the settlement
of the accounts respecting the disposition of said goods with the several
persons who received the same as aforesaid, ought to be referred to the
Commissioners appointed to settle accounts in the Northern Depart-
ment, and that the receipts and other papers relating thereto be trans-
mitted to them.
1391
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 8, 1776.
1392
Congress took into consideration the Report of the Com-
mittee on the Letters from General Washington of the 24th
and 25th of September : Whereupon,
Resolved, That as a further encouragement for gentlemen
of abilities to engage as commission officers in the Batta-
Seceipts of Goods taken from BERNARD & Co.
MONTREAL, March 21, 1776. — Received of Major Nicholson, by order
of General Wooster, one pair of three-point and half blankets.
FRANCIS DUCLOS.
MONTREAL, March 21, 1776. — Received of Major Nicholson three
copper camp-kettles, taken from Mr. Woodin, and is for the use of the
Continental Hospital, by order of General Wooster.
W. V. WIMPLE, Sen., Surgeon to General Hospital.
MARCH 22. — Received of Major Nicholson, by order of the General,
one pair of two-point and half blankets and knife, the property of
Woodon Sf Bernard. JNQ HlccINS.
MONTREAL, March 24, 1776. — Received of Major George Nicholson
eighty-one fusees for the use of the Continental Army: fusees taken
from the Tories of Montreal by order of the General.
JOHN SHEPHERD, Conductor of Artillery.
Received, MONTREAL, 25th March, 1776, of Major George Mtcholson,
Aid-de-Camp to General Wooster, seventeen bags of bread, partly
damaged, nineteen bags flour, twenty-seven bags corn, one bag peas,
three kegs hog's lard, eleven kegs pork, and four kegs rum, for the use
of the Continental troops. HENRY BENSON> ^ D c
March 24, 1776. — Received of Major George Nicholson, for the use of
the Congress, five bales of goods such as are usually sent in the Indian
trade, and one bundle of Indian truck, containing coarse hats, shirts,
&c., one roll pigtail tobacco, likewise one barrel powder, seized by
Major Nicholson, and claimed by Messrs. Woodin Sf Bernard, mer-
chants of Montreal, also one piece of blue stroud, parcel of oilcloth,
cords, &c. O MEASAM) Superintendent Stores.
Some provisions were delivered to the Commit
account.
MONTREAL, May 2, 1776.
For the honourable Commissioners for regulal
Price Sf Haywood; order Brig. General Jlrnol
Captain Painter; order Colonel Elmore
Price Sf Haywood; Colonel Hazen's order... .
To five Savages; order Colonel Hazen
Colonel Bedle; order Colonel Hazen
Conductor Artillery
In Store
Total
TO WHOM DELIVERED, AND BY WHOSE
ORDER.
sary, Mr. Benson. For the remainder, I imagine Major Nicholson is the only one that can give any particular
GEO. MEASAM, Superintendent Stores.
ing the Army in Canada.
63
• ' ' W • 8
Blankets, two and a half points.
00
'3
•••ill 55
Robes, Children's.
5
Shirts, white.
>— '
CO
5
Trousers, cotton and calico.
tfi
I i i i i i to
Waistcoats, spotted.
K5
3E
s
£
Pieces Gartering.
• ^
Scalping Knives.
s
i i ... i 3
Vermillion, half Ib. bags.
to
*i-
..... i ^
Beads, in bunches.
KJ
tO
g
i t—t
* ' ' I— '
Mantlets, Calimanco.
S3
Hats, plain.
8
Capots, Moltnn. |
fe
Brass Wire, rings of.
10
, , , , , , to
Brass Wire, larger sort.
n
I .... I Ol
Jackets, calico.
to
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White Shirts, Infants'.
M
h--
...III"
Box Combs.
ta
i . i ... to
Paper Rings.
kJ
tO
'5
Pairs Sleeves, Molton.
to
1 ' ' C7I ' ' ~J
Pairs Leggins.
fcS
0
Fishing Nets.
rf*.
h 1 • 1 1 1 1 iftfe
Head Lines for Fishing Nets.
M
. h- Papers of Awls.
to
... i .. to Half papers Ribbon.
M
i-. Pieces silk Fereting.
&
g Shut Knives, box hand.
Cn
.. . ... 01 Looking Glasses, small.
-
, . . i . . h^ Rolls Hogtail Tobacco.
s
. . . . . . i-" Pieces Calico.
. . . y, . . 5 Cotton Shirts.
o>
91
i . i . i . 01 Calico Shirts.
i i . i «i H-> . Pieces blue Strouds.
*. *. Cod Lines.
i-i u Remnant Linen Check.
M
to
" Flints, small parcel.
to i i . i i i PCS. Barnezone Handkerchiefs.
i-" f i Dozen black Handkerchiefs.
*. to ... to .. Lba. white Thread.
u | to i N- i i i i Painted Cloths.
i— i 1-1 Small barrel Powder.
f
to
I
I
•5,
§'
Si
c-
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I
lions to be furnished by the several States, to serve during
the war, their monthly pay be increased as follows:
A Colonel, 75 Dollars ; Lieutenant-Colonel, 60 Dollars ;
Major, 50 Dollars ; Captain, 40 Dollars ; Lieutenant, 27
Dollars; Ensign, 20 Dollars ; Quartermaster, 27 \ Dollars ;
Adjutant, 40 Dollars.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Report
be postponed.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, October 8, 1776.
Two Letters, of the 4th and 5th, from General Washing-
ton, with sundry Papers enclosed ; one, of the 4th, from the
Convention of New-York; one, of the 27th of September,
from the Council of Massachtisetts-Bay; one, of the 2d in-
stant, from John Livingston ; and one from John Heyleger,
dated St. Croix, 4th September, were read :
Ordered, That the Letter from John Heyleger be re-
ferred to the Board of War ; that the Letter from John
Livingston be referred to the Secret Committee, who are
directed to send to Mr. Livingston's Mill the ten tons of
Saltpetre sent last winter to Massachusetts-Bay.
Three Petitions from sundry Prisoners were read, and
referred to the Committee on the state of the Prisoners.
Resolved, That a Member be added to the said Com-
mittee:
The Member chosen, Mr. Rush.
Whereas it is necessary that the most speedy and effectual
measures be taken for raising the new Army,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Assemblies,
Conventions, and Councils of Safety of the several States
which have any Regiments now in the Continental service,
either at New-York, Ticonderoga, or New- Jersey, that they
forthwith appoint Committees to proceed to those places,
with full powers to appoint all the officers of the Regiments
to be raised by their States under the new establishment,
that such officers may proceed immediately to inlist such
men as are now in the service, and incline to reinlist during
the war, and that such Committees be instructed to advise
with the General Officers, and promote such officers as have
distinguished themselves for their abilities, activity, and
vigilance in the service, and especially for their attention to
military discipline.
That the said Committees be also instructed not to appoint
any officer who has left, or shall leave, his station in the
Army, and is absent without leave from the General, or
some other officer having authority to grant the same.
Ordered, That a copy of the above Resolutions be sent
to each of the United States.
Congress resumed the consideration of the Reports of the
Committee on the General's Letters, and of that which
went to the camp : Whereupon,
Resolved, That, for the further encouragement of the
non-commissioned officers and soldiers, who shall engage in
the service during the war, a suit of Clothes be annually given
to each of the said officers and soldiers : to consist, for the
present year, of two linen hunting-shirts, two pair of overalls,
a leathern or woollen waistcoat with sleeves, one pair of
breeches, a hat or leathern cap, two shirts, two pair of hose,
and two pair of shoes, amounting, in the whole, to the value
of twenty Dollars, or that sum to be paid to each soldier
who shall procure those articles for himself, and produce a
certificate thereof, from the Captain of the company to which
he belongs, to the Paymaster of the Regiment.
Memorandum of Goods taken from BERNARD, not delivered to the Commis-
sary, Sfc.
The following goods were kept by Captain Scoff and myself out of
the effects of Messrs. Wooden Sf Bernard, taken at the Cedars, March 25,
1776: one five-gallon keg of red wine, one ditto common New-England
rum, four pounds chocolate, three pounds loaf sugar, for which we are
accountable. GEORGE NICHOLSON.
Five camp-kettles delivered to Colonel Hazen, three ditto to Dr. Lynn,
for the General Hospital, three ditto to the Red Hospital at St. Foys,
for which Colonel Hazen and Dr. Lynn are to be accountable.
GEORGE NICHOLSON.
One bale of tobacco delivered to the friend Indians at different times
by order of General Wooster.
The above account, together with the receipts given to General Woos-
ter, is a true account of the goods taken from Messrs. Woodon Sf Bernard.
Test: GEORGE NICHOLSON.
1393
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 10, 1776.
1394
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Assemblies
and Conventions of the respective States, from Virginia to
New-Hampshire, inclusively, to take the most effectual
measures for completing, by the 10th of November, their
proportions of the levies to be raised during the war.
As the Army has greatly suffered through the defect of
some of its regimental officers,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Assemblies
and Conventions of the respective States, to use their ut-
most endeavours that all the officers to be hereafter appointed
be men of honour and known abilities, without a particular
regard to their having before been in service.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Reports
be postponed till to-morrow.
The Secret Committee having informed Congress that a
vessel was arrived with sundry articles by them imported
on account of the Continent,
Ordered, That the said Committee deliver to the Board
of War such articles as are suitable for the Army, and to
the Marine Committee such as are for the Navy, and to
Mr. J. Mease such as are for Clothing, to be made up for
the soldiers.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, October 9, 1776.
Two Letters, of the 3d, from General Schuyler, with
sundry Papers enclosed, were laid before Congress, and
read:
Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of War,
and that the Letters heretofore received from General
Washington, General Schuyler, and the other General
Officers, be lodged in the War Office.
Resolved, That two months' pay be advanced to Major
Pierre Francois de Bois, he to be accountable.
A Petition from Jean Baccarere and his partner was
read, and referred to the Marine Committee.
Application being made in behalf of Captain Dirks, late
from Surinam, to be taken into the service of the Continent,
as an Engineer,
Resolved, That he be referred to the Board of War.
The Committee appointed to prepare the form of a Bond
to be given by General Lee for the 30,000 Dollars ad-
vanced to him, brought in a draft, which was read and
agreed to.
Congress resumed the consideration of the Report of the
Committee who went to the camp : Whereupon,
Resolved, That no Regimental Hospitals be, for the
future, allowed in the neighbourhood of the General Hospital:
That John Morgan, Esq., provide and superintend a
Hospital, at a proper distance from the camp, for the Army
posted on the east side of Hudson's river.
That William Shippen, Esq., provide and superintend a
Hospital for the Army in the State of New- Jersey:
That each of the Hospitals be supplied by the respective
Directors with such a number of Surgeons, Apothecaries,
Surgeons' Mates, and other assistants, and also such quanti-
ties of Medicines, Bedding, and other necessaries, as they
shall judge expedient :
That they make Weekly Returns to Congress and the
Commander-in-Chief, of the officers and assistants of each
denomination, and also the numbers of sick and deceased in
their respective Hospitals :
That the Regimental Surgeons be directed to send to the
General Hospitals such officers and soldiers of their respec-
tive Regiments as, being confined by wounds or other
disorders, shall require nurses or constant attendance, and,
from time to time, to apply to the Quartermaster-General,
or his Deputy, for convenient wagons for this purpose ; also,
that they apply to the Directors in their respective Depart-
ments, for Medicines and other necessaries :
That the wages of Nurses be augmented to one Dollar
a week :
That the Commanding Officer of each Regiment be
directed, once a week, to send a commissioned officer to
visit the sick of his respective Regiment in the General
Hospital, and report their stale to him :
That a Commissary of Clothing be appointed for each of
the Armies of the United States, whose duty shall be to
make constant returns to the Assemblies or Conventions of
the respective States, of the Clothing wanted for their
several Regiments, to receive and pay for the same, to
deliver it to the Paymasters of the respective Regiments, to
be by them distributed to the non-commissioned officers and
soldiers, and deducted from their wages respectively, unless
allowed as a bounty by order of Congress :
That the Commissary-General be empowered to employ
suitable persons to import such quantities of Salt as he shall
judge necessary, on account and risk of the United States.
That for promoting health in the Army, the Commissary-
General be directed to cause the same to be well supplied
with Indian Meal and Vegetables :
That the Commander-in-Chief be empowered to appoint
as many Conductors for the Commissary of Stores, and
Assistants to the Commissary of Clothing, as he shall, from
time to time, judge necessary, and report their names to
Congress :
That there be a Deputy Commissary of Stores for the
Army at New-York, with the pay of thirty Dollars a month.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Report
be postponed till to-morrow.
Ordered, That the Board of War send 300 pounds of
Powder to Colonel Mark Bird, to prove the Cannon he
has made for the United States.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, October 10, 1776.
A Petition from Captain Daniel Morgan, and one from
Captain Smith, Lieutenant Steel, and Lieutenant Nichols,
late returned from Canada, were read:
Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of Treasury,
who are directed to liquidate and settle the accounts
enclosed in the said Petitions, and to pay or allow for such
arms as were lost or taken by the enemy in the assault on
Quebeck.
A Petition from Frederick Seegar was read, praying for
leave to resign his office of Quartermaster to the German
Battalion :
Resolved, That leave be granted.
A Petition of John Melchior Neff, and one from Paul
Fooks, were read, and referred to the Board of War.
The Marine Committee having recommended Captain
Whipple, of the Ship Columbus, to the command of the
Providence Frigate, at Rhode-Island,
Resolved, That he be promoted accordingly.
The Committee further reported, that they have had
under consideration the rank of the Captains of the Navy,
and agreed to a Report, which was read : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the rank of the Captains be as follows :
1. James Nicholson, of the Virginia, of - - 28 guns.
2. John Manly, - - - Hancock, - - - 32
3. Hector M'Neil, - - Boston, - - - • 24
4. Dudley Saltonstall, - Trumbull, - - - 28
5. Nicholas Biddle, - - Randolph, - - - 32
6. Thomas Thompson, - Raleigh, - - - 32
7. John Barry, - - - Effingham, - - - 28
8. Thomas Reed, - - - Washington, - - 32
9. Thomas Grennall, - - Congress, - - - 28
10. Charles Alexander, - Delaware, - - - 24
11. Lambert Wiclces, - • Reprisal, - - - 16
12. Abraham Whipple, - Providence, - - 28
13. John Hopkins, - - Warren, - - - 32
14. John Hodge, - - - Montgomery, - - 24
15. William Hallock, - - Lexington, - - - 16
16. Hoysted Hacker, - - Hamden.
17. Isaiah Robinson, - - Andrew Doria, - 14
18. John Paul Jones, - - Providence, - - 12
19. James Josiah.
20. Elisha Hinman, - - Alfred, - - - 28
21. Joseph Olney, - - - Cabot, - - - - 16
22. James Robinson, - - Sachem, - - - 10
23. John Young, - - - Independence, - - 10
24. Elisha Warner, - - Fly.
Lieutenant Baldwin, - Wasp, - - - - 8
Lieutenant Albertson, - Mmquilo, - - - 4
FIFTH SCRIES. — VOL. II.
88
1395
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 11, 177C.
1396
Raiolrcd, That the Marine Committee be empowered
to settle the rank of the Lieutenants of the Navy.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to
prepare the form of an Oath to be taken by the officers of
the Army and Navy:
Tin- Members chosen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Stone, and Mr.
Painr.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was
taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That General Schuyler be directed to take
such steps as are necessary for procuring a sufficient number
of as large vessels as the navigation of the Lakes will
admit of, for the service of the States the next campaign,
that the command of the Lakes may be effectually se-
cured :
That William Patten be appointed third Lieutenant in
Colonel Hand's Regiment, in the place of Lieutenant
Clark, resigned :
That the Regimental Paymasters in the Army of the
United States, have the rank of First Lieutenants, and re-
ceive rations as Captains:
That General Washington be directed to negotiate with
General Howe an exchange of the officers returned from
Canada, and that they have a preference to those taken on
New- York Island and Long-bland :
That General Washington be directed, if he shall judge
it necessary, to sink the new Ships mentioned in his Letter
of the 5th instant.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Report
be postponed.
The Committee to whom was referred the case of Wil-
liam Faulkner, brought in a Report, which was taken into
consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That William Faulkner, a prisoner confined
at Reading, be permitted to return to his family in Tryon
County, upon giving his parole.
The Committee appointed to devise a plan for providing
Carriages, &c., brought in a Report, which was taken into
consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Quartermasters in every department
be ordered to avoid pressing Horses and Carriages, as much
as possible ; and when it is necessary, that they be directed
to go to the country houses for that purpose, and discharge,
as soon as the service will admit, such Horses and Carriages
so impressed ; and that no violence whatever be done to
any persons, their Horses or Carriages, who go to the camp
of their own accord, to sell provisions, or other necessaries
of any kind.
An application from the Council of Safety of Pennsyl-
vania was laid before Congress, and read, desiring that a
Committee of Congress may be appointed to confer with a
Committee of their body on the expediency of having Troops
stationed near the City of Philadelphia, for the defence of
Pennsylvania :
Ordered, That the Board of War confer with the Com-
mittee of the Council of Safety on the subject proposed.
A Petition of William Mackay was read, praying for
leave to return home :
Ordered, That the prayer of the Petition be granted.
Resolved, That the following promotions and appoint-
ments be made in the Virginia Battalions, viz:
William Crawford, Colonel of the Seventh ; commission
to be dated the 14th of August :
Josiah Parker, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth ; com-
mission to be dated the 13th of August:
Thomas Elliott, Colonel of the Fourth ; commission to
be dated the 3d of September:
James Hendricks, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Sixth ; com-
mission to be dated the 13lh of August :
John Markham, Major of the Second ; commission to
be dated the 13th of August:
John Seayres, Major of the Fourth ; commission to be
dated the 13th of August:
George Johnston, Major of the Fifth; commission to be
dated the 13th of August :
Richard Parker, Jr., Major of the Sixth; commission to
be dated the 13th of August :
William Taliaferro, Major of the Third ; commission to
be dated the 13th of August:
John Taylor, Captain in the First ; commission to be
dated the '2<)ili of April:
John Chilian, Captain in the Third ; commission to be
dated the 29th of April:
John Blackwell, First Lieutenant in do.; commission to
be dated the 29th of April:
Joseph Blackwell, Second Lieutenant in do.; commission
to be dated the 29th of April:
John Ashby, Captain in the Third; commission to be
dated the 18th of March:
William Neilson, First Lieutenant ; commission to be
dated the 18th of March:
Isham Keith, Second do. ; commission to be dated the
18th of March:
Nathaniel Ashby, Ensign in the Third ; commission to
be dated the 18th of March:
Charles Read, an Ensign, in the room of Robert Dade.
Resolved, That Commissions be made out to all the
officers of the Regiments in the service of the United Stales,
who have been appointed in the places of others resigning
and promoted, and bear dates the days on which the resig-
nations and promotions were respectively made.
A Memorial from George Measam was presented to
Congress, and read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Resolved, That three Members be added to the Com-
mittee of Clothing, in the room of those who are absent :
The Members chosen, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Stone, and
Mr. Penn.
Congress took into consideration the Report of the Board
of War of the 19th of September : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the inhabitants, of Canada captivated
by the United States, and not taken in arms, be released
and sent home, except St. Luke la Corn and Mons. Rou-
ville, the elder, upon this condition, that they sign a parole
not to take up arms against the United States, nor give
intelligence to the enemies of these States :
That a register be kept of their names.
Ordered, That the Board of War deliver Gunpowder
for proving Cannon made for the United Slates, upon ap-
plication to them for that purpose.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Joseph Donaldson, for supplies to recruits to General
Lee's Guard, and provisions to Captain Grier's Company,
and a guard with powder to Virginia, 20 60-90ths Dollars :
To William Faulkner, a prisoner, sent by General
Schuyler to Reading, for his allowance from the 9th of
April to the 7th of October, inclusive, 26 weeks, at 2
Dollars, 52 Dollars :
To Captain Hazlewood, Captain Greenway, and Mr.
Bedford, a balance of 267 10-90ths Dollars, their whole
account of charge for preparing six sail of fire-ships at
New-York, and their expenses going to, in, and coming from,
New-York to Philadelphia, being 392 10-90ths Dollars;
of which they have received from S. Moylan, Esq., Quar-
termaster General, 125 Dollars ; the remainder is 267
10-90ths Dollars :
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for appointing
the Commissaries of Clothing and Deputy Commissary of
Stores.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, October 11, 1776.
Two Letters, of the 7th and 8th, from General Wash-
ington, with sundry Papers enclosed, were read: Where-
upon,
Resolved, That the release of Mons. de Chambault, as
proposed by General Washington, on the request of the
Count D'Emery, Governour-General of the French port of
St. Domingo, be agreed to :
That the General's Letters, with the Papers enclosed, be
referred to the Board of War.
Resolved, That General Washington be desired, if it be
practicable, by every art, and whatever expense, to obstruct
effectually the navigation of the North River between Fort
Washington and Mount Constitution, as well to prevent
1397
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 14, 1776.
1398
the regress of the enemies' Frigates lately gone up, as to
hinder them from receiving succours.
O
The Secret Committee informed Congress that a vessel
was arrived at Rhode-Island, with sundry articles imported
by their order, for account of the United States:
Ordered, That the Secret Committee report in what
manner the said goods ought, in their opinion, to be disposed
of.
Resolved, That Mr. S. Collins be requested to order the
Tents fit for use which were found in the possession of Wil-
liam Barrel, lately deceased, to be delivered to J. Mease,
for the Army, and that the amount thereof be paid by Mr.
Mease, on application of Mr. Collins, or other person prop-
erly authorized for that purpose.
Ordered, That the Marine Committee deliver over to
the direction of the Committee of Secret Correspondence,
two of the Continental Cruisers now ready for sea, to per-
form such voyages as they shall think necessary for the
service of the States:
That the Marine Committee give orders to the remainder
of the Continental Cruisers, now in the port of Philadelphia,
and ready for sea, to proceed on such voyages, or perform
such immediate services, as the Secret Committee shall
direct, in writing, addressed to the commanders thereof.
Resolved, That three Members be added to the Com-
mittee of Secret Correspondence.
The Members chosen, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. Witherspoon,
and Mr. Hooper.
The Marine Committee, to whom was referred the
Account of Captain Martindale. brought in a Report, which
was taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That there be paid to Captain Sion Martin-
dale the sum of 144 18-90 Dollars, in full of expenses
and disbursements on the Brig Washington, and other ex-
penses from Halifax to Casco Bay.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that Edward
Snikers, of Virginia, produced an account of Rifles and
other articles, furnished for the use of Colonel Stevenson's
Battalion, amounting to £347 4, Virginia currency, of
which Captain Abraham Sheppard is to account for
£67 15, and the remainder, being £279 9, to be charged
to the said Battalion ; that the said Snikers give credit for
£64 16, money aforesaid, received from Colonel Stevenson,
the balance due to the said Snikers being £282 8, equal
to 941 30-90 Dollars, to be paid to Thomas Rutherford:
That William Brady, of Colonel Stevenson's Battalion,
drew an order on Colonel Valentine Crawford, one of the
executors of the late Colonel Stevenson, for the use of the
said Battalion, for the sum of 150 Dollars, which order was
paid by the said V. Crawford, and that he ought to be
reimbursed the same, which is to be charged to the said
Brady :
That they have had under consideration the Accounts
of Captain Daniel Morgan, amounting, with bis own and
three Lieutenants' pay, the loss of Rifles when he was taken
at the storm of Quebeck, expenses of recruiting his com-
pany, repairing guns, which he is charged with, and ought
to be allowed, in the whole, to 1389 80-90 Dollars:
That the said Morgan credits the several charges against
him in the Continental Books, amounting to 1614 8^-90
Dollars ; by which there appears to be a balance due to the
publick of 224 18£-9u Dollars:
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid and credited,
agreeable to the said Report.
A Petition from William Jenkins was read, and referred
to the Board of Treasury.
Resolved, That General Washington be empowered to
appoint a Deputy Commissary of Stores for the Army near
Aew-Forfc.
The Committee appointed to prepare the form of an
Oath to be taken by the officers of the Army and Navy,
brought in the same, which was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
Resolved, That a Member be added to the Marine
Committee, in the room of Mr. Hopkins, who is absent:
The Member chosen, Mr. Ellery.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, October 14, 1776.
A Letter of the 12th, from General Lee; one of the 10th,
from General Mercer; one, of the 30th September, from
General Gates; one, of the 1st instant, from Joseph Trum-
bull, advising that he has drawn on the President in favour
of Thomas Lowry, for 60,000 Dollars ; and one, of the 7th,
from General Washington, enclosing a Letter from Dr.
Morgan, were read :
Ordered, That the Letters from Generals Lee and Mer-
cer be referred to the Board of War:
That the Letter from Dr. Morgan be referred to the
Medical Committee.
A Petition from Francis Mentges was read and referred
to the Board of War.
The Board of War, to whom were referred the Letters
from General Washington, of the 7th and 8th instant, brought
in a Heport,* which was taken into consideration : Where-
upon,
Resolved, That General Washington oe informed the
Congress approve of his appointing P. Penett his Aid-de-
Camp by brevet, and that a commission of Aid-de-Camp
be accordingly transmitted to him :
That the several States in which Prisoners have been
lodged be desired to furnish Congress with an account of
such expenses as have been incurred by the said States,
respectively, on account of the said Prisoners :
That the sum of 500,000 Dollars be immediately sent to
the Paymaster-General, that he may be enabled to pay the
bounty to such of the Troops as shall reinlist to serve
during the war.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Report
be postponed.
The Committee appointed to hear and determine upon
the appeal brought against the sentence passed on the libel,
Joshua Wentworth vs. the Ship Elizabeth, reports as fol-
lows:
" Joshua Wentworth, Esq., for and in behalf as well of
the United Stalet of America, as of John Manly, Daniel
Waters, and John Ayres, commanders; and the officers,
marines, and mariners of the three armed vessels Hancock,
Lee, and Lynch, in the service of the said States, having
exhibited a libel before Joshua Brackett, Esq., Judge of
the Court Maritime of the State of New-Hampshire, against
the brigantine Elizabeth, commanded by Peter Ramsay,
and her cargo, and Richard Hart, of Portsmouth, in New-
Hampshire, owner of the said brigantine, and William Jack-
son and others, of Boston, in the State of Massachusetts-
Bay, owners of sundry goods and merchandise on board of
her, having put in their several claims thereto, and the said
Judge of the Court aforesaid having, on the 21st day of
August, in the year of our Lord 1776, decreed and ordered
the said brigantine, and so much of her cargo as was claimed,
to be restored to the respective claimants, and that the
claimants recover their legal costs of court, from which
decree and sentence the said Joshua Wentworth appealed
to Congress :"
The Committee of Congress, to whom it was referred to
hear and determine the said appeal, have diligently inspected
the proceedings, and heard the panics by their counsels, and
it appearing, tliat on the 1st day of October, in the year of
our Lord 1775, General Gage, Commander-in-Chief of the
British forces, then in Boston, in the State of Massachusetts-
Bay, by his commission to Crean Brush, Esq., directed
him to receive into his care all such goods, chattels, and
effects of the inhabitants of that town, some of whom had
departed from it, as might be voluntarily delivered into his
charge by the owners, or by other persons with whom they
were left, giving his receipt for them, and to deliver them to
the owners when he should be required ; that, on the 10th
•At the Board of War, October 12, 1776:
The Board of War, to whom were referred General Washington'}
Letters of the 7th and 8th instant, beg leave to report as their opinion,
that General Washington be informed the Congress approve of his ap-
pointing P. Penett his Aid-de-Camp by brevet, and that a commission
of Aid-de-Camp be accordingly transmitted.
That the several States in which Prisoners have been lodged be desired
to furnish Congress with an account of expenses as have been incurred
by the said States respectively.
That all Prisoners captivated by any of the United Stales, whether
mechanicks or not, be included in the exchange to be made between
General Washington and the enemy.
That the sum of five hundred thousand dollars be immediately sent
to the Paymaster-General, that he may be enabled to pay the bounty
to such of the troops as shall reinlist to serve during the war.
1399
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 15, 1776.
1400
day of March then following, General Howe, who had suc-
ceeded General Gage in the command of the British
forces, by his commission to the said Crean Brush, reciting,
that as he was informed there were large quantities of goods
in Boston, which, if in the possession of the Rebels, (as he
termed the Americans,) might enable them to carry on war,
and that he had given notice to all loyal inhabitants to
remove such goods from thence, and that those who would
not remove them, or deliver them to the care of the said
Crean Brush, would be considered as abettors of Rebels,
required him to take into his possession all such goods as
answered that description, and give certificates to the owners
that he had received them for their use, and would deliver
them to the owners' orders, unavoidable accidents excepted,
and to seize any such goods as, upon inquiry, should be
found secreted, or left in stores, and put them on board of
the Minerva ship, or brigantine Elizabeth. That there-
upon, the said Crean Brush, assisted by other persons, took
into his possession the goods of the claimants, amongst
others, and put them into the said brigantine Elizabeth, and
other vessels in the harbour of Boston, without the know-
ledge of some of the owners, and without the consent of all
the others, unless it be William Jackson and James Jack-
son, of whose consent, however, there are no other proofs
than that one of them went with his goods, and watched
there on the wharf from whence they were shipped, and
that the other was a passenger in the said brigantine Eliza-
beth, in her voyage towards Halifax. That the said Crean
Brush, by certificates under his hand, acknowledged several
parcels of the said goods to be in his custody, and engaged
to preserve them safely, to make up exact invoices thereof,
and, with the approbation of the Commander-in-Chief, to
return them to the owners. That, on the 29th day of March
afterwards, the said Peter Ramsay, by orders from Admiral
ShuUham, of the British fleet, given about eight days
before, went on board the said brigantine Elizabeth, into
which some of the claimants' goods had been shifted from
the other vessels ; and the same day, between the hours of
three and four in the afternoon, sailed with her, under con-
voy of the British ship of war Niger, for Halifax, in Nova-
Scotia; and that, on the Tuesday following, the said John
Manly, in the Hancock, coming up with the said brigantine
Elizabeth, which had, in the mean time, parted from her
convoy, fired a broadside at her, which was returned by
a volley of small arms ; when the said Daniel Waters, in
the Lee, and the said John Ayres, in the Lynch, joining the
said John Manly, the said Peter Ramsay struck, it being
about four or five of the clock in the afternoon, and the said
brigantine was seized and carried into Piscataqua river, in
New- Hampshire ; whereupon, the Committee, after mature
deliberation, are of opinion, that the said brigantine Eliza-
beth is not comprehended in the description of vessels which,
with their cargoes, by the resolutions of Congress of the
25th day of November last, may be forfeited, not being an
armed or a transport vessel employed in the present war
against the United States, nor carrying provisions, or other
necessaries, to the British Army or Navy, within any of the
United Colonies; and that the cases of recaptures, mentioned
in the resolution of Congress of the 5th day of December
last, adjusting the proportions of salvage, those cases only
were intended, in which the vessels and their cargoes remain-
ing in possession of the enemy, might, by the law of nations,
be condemned as prize, which is conceived not to be the
case with the said brigantine Elizabeth and her cargo ; but
that, notwithstanding, it was the duty of the recaptors to
recover the said brigantine and her cargo, and that the
owners, who otherwise might, and probably would, have
lost their whole property, ought to make a reasonable satis-
faction ; and that, therefore, the said sentence is erroneous,
and ought to be reversed and annulled : That the said brig-
antine ^Elizabeth, and such parts of her cargo as were
claimed in the said Court Maritime, be restored to the
respective claimants, upon their paying to the United States
and the recaptors one-twelfth part of the value thereof, to
be determined by the appraisement of appraisers on oath,
appointed by the Judge of the said Court : That the residue
of the cargo be sold, and the proceeds, after deducting the
like proportion and for the same uses, retained for the per-
sons who shall hereafter prove their right to the same ; that
William Bark, commander, and the marines and mariners,
of the Warren, an armed vessel in the service of the United
Slates, who claimed a part of the said brigantine Elizabeth
and her cargo, as being joint captors, are not entitled to a
share of the salvage, it not appearing that they were present,
or in sight, at the time of the recapture : And that the appel-
lants recover against the claimants their costs as well in the
said Court Maritime, as in the prosecution of their appeal
here ; and that the cause be sent back to the said Court
Maritime, for that Court to proceed in carrying this sentence
into execution.
And the said Report being read, was agreed to.
Resolved, That such part of the twelfth, adjudged in the
foregoing Report to be paid in lieu of salvage, as belongs to
the United States, be released, and given up to the owners
of the goods.
The Committee on the state of the Prisoners, brought in a
Report, which was read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
The Board of Treasury, for the more regular settlement
of Accounts, proposed sundry queries to Congress : Where-
upon,
Resolved, That no allowance be made to Officers for
any arms lost or taken from them by the enemy :
That the allowance to Officers of 1 1-3 Dollar, for inlisting
soldiers, be not extended or given for the reinlistment of
soldiers in camp:
That no Officer, holding two appointments in the Conti-
nental Army, be paid for more than one, after notice was
given to the commanders of the respective Armies of the
resolution of Congress against Officers holding double com-
missions.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to
devise ways and means for supplying the Treasury with a
further sum of Money :
The Members chosen, Mr. -R. H. Lee, Mr. Wilson, and
Mr. Hall.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed, to
consider what is to be done with Negroes taken by vessels
of war, in the service of the United States:
The Members chosen, Mr. Wilson, Mr. R. H. Lee, and
Mr. Huntington.
Resolved, That 600 Dollars be advanced to Mr. R.
Erwin, Wagonmaster, he to be accountable.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to order
the Virginia Troops on their march to New- York, to halt
at Trenton, till further orders.
Resolved, That the Colonels of the New-Jersey Militia
make out regular Pay-Rolls of such of the Troops as have
been under their command, when called into the Continental
service, and have not been paid by the Convention of the
said State:
That such rolls be attested by the oaths of the Command-
ing Officer and Captains of the respective Regiments, and
paid by warrants on the Paymaster there, by General
Mercer, or the Commanding Officer in that Department ;
he paying due attention to the Resolutions of Congress
transmitted herewith :
That one penny a mile be allowed, in lieu of rations, to
such men as have paid their expenses while on their march
to and from the camp, from and to their respective homes.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, October 15, 1776.
A Letter, of the llth, 12th, and 13th, from General
Washington; one, of the 10th, from General Lee ; one, of
the 10th, from General Schuyler; one, of the same date,
from General Greene ; one, of the 9th, from Joseph Trum-
bull; one, of the 4th, from Seth Warner; and one, of the
same date, from Brigadier-General Lewis, were read :
Ordered, That the Letters from General Washington
and General Lee, and Mr. Trumbull, be referred to the
Board of War:
That the Letter from General Greene be referred to the
Medical Committee, and the Letter from General Lewis to
the Board of Treasury.
Application being made to Congress by John Foxcroft,
Esq., for leave to go to New-York, to remove his family
1401
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 16, 1776.
1402
from the horrours of war, and relieve them from the distress
in which they are at present involved:
Resolved, That leave be granted him, upon giving his
parole to the Board of War; but he is not to set out on his
journey before next week.
The Board of War brought in a Report,* which was
taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That General Gates be informed, that Congress
have it not in their power at present to supply him with the
Artillery he desires, but will procure such as soon as pos-
sible:
That two independent Companies, consisting of 50 men
each, be immediately raised, to be commanded by Lieute-
nant Whitecombe, who should be appointed Captain-Com-
mandant ; that he nominate the Officers of the said two
Companies, who are to be appointed when approved of by
the Commanding Officer in the Northern Department.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Report
be postponed.
William Davies, who was appointed Deputy Mustermas-
ter-General of the Flying-Camp, having requested leave to
resign that commission,
Resolved, That leave be granted, and that to-morrow be
assigned for appointing a Deputy Mustermaster-General for
the Flying-Camp.
Resolved, That 27 Dollars be advanced to the Captain
of the Guard appointed to attend the Wagons carrying
Goods to Ticonderoga.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due
to the following persons, the sum of 913 43-90 Dollars ; for
which an order is to be drawn in favour of Thomas Armour,
viz:
To Peter Schlemmer, for victualling the Militia on
their march to New-Jersey, - - - - 43 42
To Frederick Rummel, for ditto, 65 49
To William Thompson, victualling General Lee's
guard, -------- --50 71
To Elizabeth Kuntz, for victualling Militia, 4 86
For supplies to Army, - - - - 23 55
For do. to sick and wounded, - - 36 00
To Jacob Bushong, for do. to do. of do.,
To Daniel Kyser, for do. to do. of do., -
To Andrew Hortzeg, for repairing arms
of General Lee's guard, - -
58 27
29 66
23 15
To George Stake, for supplies to Militia
on their march, ----- 84 45
For do. to Army, 2 09
To Adam Gartner, for supplies to do., - 30 08
For do. to Militia on their march, - 88 13
For do. to sick soldiers, in small-pox,
belonging to General Lee's
guard, 142 65
64 51
86 54
260 86
To sundries, for supplies to Militia on their
march, ------- 44 62
For do. to sick of General Lee's guard, 4 00
For do. to General Lee's guard, - 7 42
To Elizabeth Robinson, for do. to do,, -
To Andrew Nebbenger, for do. to Militia
on their march, - - - - -
To Gudlup Zigel, for do. to General Lee's
guard,
To Zach's Sturgent, for do. to sick of do., 4 50
For do. to General Lee's guard, - 4 17
To Martin Brenesy, for do. to do., - -
To Fred. Rumble, for do. to do., - - - 12 17
For do. to sick of do., - - - - 60 16
47 49
12 48
39 86
9 19
8 67
40 00
72 33
Whole amounting to, - - - Dollars, 913 43
To Baltzar Spangler, and to be paid to Thomas Armour
for victualling a part of General Lee's guard, nursing in the-
small-pox, &,c., at York-Town, and for provisions to Militia,
158 Dollars and 12-90ths:
To Lieutenant Francis Nichols, of the late Captain
Hendrick's Company, for two months' pay extraordinary
to the following officers, viz :
To the late Captain Hendricks, killed at the
assault of Quebeck, $53 30
To Lieutenant John M'Cleland, who died on
the march to Qucbeck, 36 00
To the said Lieutenant Nichols, - - - - 36 00
For the use of the executors of Captain Hend-
rick's, inlisting money, when the company was
raised, 85 men, at 1 Dollar and l-3d each, - - 113 30
The whole amounting to - - - - $238 60
That there should be advanced to Lieutenant Francis
Nichols, for the purpose of paying the soldiers of his com-
pany returned from Quebeck, the sum of 1753 Dollars and
30-90ths, until he can settle the accounts of the company ;
for which he is to be charged :
Ordered, That the said sums be paid.
Resolved, That two Members be added to the Commit-
tee of Treasury :
The Members chosen, Mr. Wythe and Mr. Smith.
The Secret Committee brought in a Report on the dis-
tribution of the cargo lately arrived at Providence, Rhode-
Island, in the Brig Happy Return : Whereupon,
Resolved, That a copy of the invoice of the Cloths and
Blankets be sent to General Mifflin, Quartermaster-General,
with an order to Messrs. Browns, of Rhode-Island, to
deliver the whole to his order, and that it be recommended
to the said Quartermaster-General, to have the Cloths im-
mediately made up for the soldiers, either in Rhode-Island,
Connecticut, or by the tailors in the Army, as may be
thought best by General Washington and himself:
That Messrs. Browns be directed to deliver to the Con-
tinental Agent, at Rhode-Island, the remaining part of the
cargo, with orders to apply the Lead, Bullets, Flints,
Muskets, and Powder, to the use of the Continental Frigates
and Cruisers, or such part thereof as may be wanted for
that service, and the rest to remain for future orders :
That the said Agent be directed to buy as much good fat
Beef and Pork as can be cured by the Salt in his possession,
for the use of the Navy :
That the Agent be directed to forward the Sulphur of the
said cargo to the Powder-Mills in Connecticut and Rhode-
Island, and the five tons of Saltpetre, formerly sent by
Congress from Philadelphia to Rhode-Island, from thence
to the Powder-Mills of Messrs. Livingston and Wisner, on
the North River, in the State of New- York, to be manu-
factured into Gunpowder, for the Continental service.
Resolved, That 40,000 Dollars be sent to R. Dallam,
Esq., Deputy Paymaster-General, for the use of the Flying-
Camp and Militia; he to be accountable.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
* At a Board of War, October 14, 1776, agreed to report to Congress :
Thata Mustermaster be immediately appointed to the Flying-Camp,
with orders to proceed immediately to Jlmboy.
That General Gates be informed that Congress have it not in their
power at present to supply him with the Artillery he desires, and will
procure them as soon as possible.
That two independent Companies, consisting of fifty men each, be
immediately raised, to be commanded by Lieutenant Whitcomb, who
should be appointed Captain-Commandant. That he nominate the
Officers of the said two Companies, v/ho are to be appointed when
approved of by the Commanding Officer in the Northern Department.
That Colonel John Philip De Haas, be appointed a Brigadier-General
in the Army of the United States.
Wednesday, October 16, 1776.
A Letter, of the 9th, from E. Pendleton, Speaker of the
Assembly of Virginia ; one, of the 1 1th, from T. Jefferson,
were read :
Also, a Letter, of the 12th, from Jos. Trumbull, wherein
he informs Congress, that he has empowered Carpenter
Wharton to purchase Salt to the westward of New-Jersey,
and as much Pprk, for the use of the Army, as Salt can be
had for, and requests that Mr. Wharton may be supplied
with such sums of money as may be necessary for this pur-
pose, and charged to the accounts of him the said J.
Trumbull:
Resolved, That Mr. Wharton be supplied accordingly.
1403
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 17, 1776.
1404
Resolved, That 16.803 Dollars and 6-90ths be paid to
Brigadier-General Thomas Mifflin, or order, and charged
to the account of Jona. TrumbuU, Jun., Esq., Deputy
Paymaster-General in the Northern Department; the same
being in full of a draft in his favour, by John Pierce,
Assistant Paymaster, in behalf of the said J. Trumbull,
dated Albany, October 7, 1776, for so much stopped for
him from the pay of several Regiments at Ticonderoga, by
the said Paymaster.
Congress proceeded to the election of a Commissary of
Clothing for the Northern Army; and, the ballots being
taken,
George Mea.tam was elected.
Resolved, That George Measam be allowed the pay and
rations of a Major'in the Continental service.
Resolved, That the Commander-in-Chief of the Northern
Department appoint suitable persons to appraise, on oath,
and deliver to the said Commissary, all articles of Clothing
there, belonging to the United States, and transmit his
receipts, with the appraisement, to the Treasury Office in
Philadelphia :
That the said Commissary employ suitable persons to
make the Clothing, and add to the appraised value of the
goods the charges of making; and that he deliver the same
to the Regimental Paymasters, agreeable to the orders he
may receive from the commander aforesaid.
Resolved, That General Washington be empowered to
appoint a Commissary of Clothing for the Army under his
immediate command, and that he be also empowered to
appoint a Deputy Mustermaster for the Flying-Camp.
Resolved, That one ton of Powder be sent to North-
Carolina, for the use of the Continental forces in that
State.
A Letter, of the 1st of October, from John Roche, was
read:
Ordered, That it be referred to the Marine Committee,
and that they do therein what they shall think proper.
Congress took into consideration the Report of the Com-
mittee on the state of the Prisoners: Whereupon,
Resolved, That William Livingston, Esq., Governour of
New-Jersey, be informed, that Congress have considered
his Letter relative to certain Prisoners confined in Somerset
Gaol, and being unacquainted either with their characters,
or the causes of their being apprehended, request him to
inquire into the same, and report to Congress their names
and characters :
That soldiers and sailors confined in gaol be hereafter
allowed one Dollar and one-third a week ; the allowance
of one Dollar being found insufficient to support them com-
fortably.
Resolved, That the remainder of the Report be recom-
mitted.
The Marine Committee, to whom were referred the
Petition of B. Marshall fy Brothers, and certain proposi-
tions from the State of Massachusetts-Bay, brought in their
Report, which was taken into consideration : Where-
upon,
Resolved, That what relates to B. Marshall &f Brothers
be postponed to Wednesday, the 23d instant.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the General Court
of Massachusetts-Bay, to give the Continental Agent the
full weight of their influence to make the Frigate Hancock
ready for sea immediately ; that whatever expense shall
accrue to the State of Massachusetts-Bay, either for pro-
curing guns or other stores for fitting the said Frigate, shall
be reimbursed on demand; and that, in directing the cruise
of the said Frigate, the Congress will pay all the regard to
the protection of the commerce of Massachusetts-Bay that
the zeal of that State, in the common cause, justly entitles
it to.
A Petition from Captain C.Roberts was read, and referred
to Mr. Walton, Mr. Hopkinson, and Mr. F. L. Lee, who
are directed to inquire into the facts therein set forth, and
report to Congress.
A Memorial from the Chevalier d'Antignac was read,
and referred to the Board of War.
A Memorial from Colonel D. Campbell was read : Where-
upon,
Resolved, That the Commanding Officer in the Northern
Department be desired to confirm or disapprove the sen-
tence of the court-martial on Colonel D. Campbell, as he,
upon mature judgment, shall think proper, and report to
Congress.
Whereas sundry Prizes have been heretofore taken by
the cruisers fitted out by General Washington, at the Con-
tinental expense, and on Continental accounts, and no
accounts thereof have yet been rendered by the Agents
who received and sold the said Prizes ; and whereas a just
distribution of such shares of the said Prizes as are due to
the officers and men, agreeable to the rules and regulations
of Congress, ought to be made :
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered
to order such distribution of the said Prize Money amongst
the parties interested therein ; and that they recover from
the said Agents the Continental share of all the said
Prizes :
That the present Continental Agents do account with
the Marine Committee, from time to time, for the Conti-
nental share of all Prizes received and sold by them, and
that they pay the amount of such Prizes to the order of the
said Committee:
That the said Agents make just distributions of the shares
in all Prizes that appertain to the officers and crews of the
Continental ships of war, agreeable to the rules and regu-
lations of Congress, as soon after the sales of each Prize
as possible:
That the Marine Committee apply all the Prize Money
they receive from the Agents to the service of the Marine
department, and hereafter render accounts thereof to Con-
gress:
That the Marine Committee report, from time to time,
all sums of money they receive for Prizes, to the Treasury,
in order that the same may be charged to their account in
the Treasury books.
The Committee of Treasury reported that there is due,
To Captain Sion Martindale and Lieutenant Moses
Turner, for their pay and rations from the 1st of January
to the 14th of October, 1776, the sum of 572 76-90ths
Dollars.
Ordered, That the said Account be paid.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.*
Thursday, October 17, 1776.
A Petition from Henry Keppele was laid before Con-
gress and read, setting forth that he hath entered an appeal
against the sentence passed on the Ship Charming- Peggy,
and praying that a convenient day may be assigned for
hearing the said appeal.
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed, with
full power to hear and determine upon said appeal:
The Members chosen, Mr. Huntington, Mr. Paine, Mr.
Wythe, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Wilson.
Resolved, That a Committee of four be appointed to
review such of the Resolutions of Congress as relate to the
*!N CONGRESS, October I6lh, 1776.
»J<MtftonaZ/)Vs(ruc(i<ms(o BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, SILAS DEANE, and ARTHUR
LEE, Commissioners from the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to the KING
OF PRANCE.
Whilst you are negotiating the affair you are charged with at the
Court of France, you will have opportunities of conversing frequently
with the Ministers and Agents of other European Princes and States,
residing there.
You shall endeavour, when you find occasion fit and convenient, to
obtain from them a recognition of our independency and sovereignty,
and to conclude treaties of peace, amity, and commerce, between their
Princes or States and us; provided that the same be not inconsistent
with the treaty you shall make with His Most Christian Majesty, that
they do not oblige us to become a party in any war which may happen
in consequence thereof, and that the immunities, exemptions, privileges,
protection, defence, and advantages, or the contrary, thereby stipulated,
be equal and reciprocal. If that cannot be effected, you shall, to the
utmost of you power, prevent their taking part with Great Britain, in
the war which His Britannick Majesty prosecutes against us, or enter-
ing into offensive alliances with that King, and protest and present
remonstrances against the same, desiring the interposition, mediation,
and good offices, on our behalf, of His Most Christian Majesty the
King of France, and of any other States whose dispositions are not
hostile towards us. In case overtures be made to you by the Ministers
or Agents of any European Princes or States, for commercial treaties
between them and us, you may conclude such treaties accordingly.
By order of Congress: JOHN HANCOCK, President.
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 21, 1776.
capture and condemnation of Prizes, and report what alter-
ations or •additions should be made respecting the same:
Ine Members chosen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Rutledee, Mr.
fame, and Mr. Huntington.
A Petition from Carpenter Wharton was read •
Resolved, That it be referred to the Council of Safety
01 Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That a Commissary be appointed to supply
the Battalion commanded by Colonel Mackay with Pro-
visions. The ballots being taken,
Ephraim Blaine, Esq., was elected.
Resolved, That Francu Lewis, Jr., be permitted to go
to the State of New- York with Mr. Foxcroft.
The Committee to whom the Report on the state of the
Prisoners in the Gaol of Philadelphia was recommitted,
brought in a further Report, which was taken into consi-
deration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Prisoners from North- Carolina be
permitted to return to their families, if the Convention of
that State shall be of opinion they may do so without dan-
ger to that or any other of the United States; and, in the
mean time, that bedding, blankets, and other necessaries,
be furnished the Gaoler by Mr. Mease, for the use of such
Prisoners as are unprovided with them:
Thal Captain M'^en^e be permitted to apply to the
Sstate of North-Carolina for liberty to return there; and in
the mean time, that he be allowed 10 Dollars to bear his
expenses to Lancaster County:
That Lieutenant M< Clean, an half-pay officer, taken in
Canada, be permitted to reside at Reading, on his parole.
Resolved, That a Committee of Intelligence be appointed
to select and report such authentick accounts, as are from
time to ttme received by Congress, of the state of the
Armies and Navy of the United States, as they shall judge
proper to be published by authority of Confess •
The Members chosen, Mr. Rush, Mr. R. H. Lee, and
Mr. Hopkinson.
1406
and to be charged to Captain John Nelson, for the use of
his Company, i>4 Dollars:
To Adam Zantzinger, for the hire of two Wagons and
SLSPSS °f a" esc°rt of L'gto-Horse with money from
1 hiladelphia to the camp near New-York, 150 60-90 Dol-
lars:
To William Clayton, for Provisions supplied Militia on
their march to New-Jersey, 24 27-90 Dollars:
To Jolm Bate,, for 499 Camp-Kettles delivered by him
to tfuttarut Risberg, Assistant to the Deputy Quartermas-
ter-General, 665 30-90 Dollars:
To William Bentley, to be paid to Colonel Strieker for
T^Trf Eplied the VirSi™ Troops on their march,
17 54-90 Dollars:
To Joseph Bentley, for Provisions supplied the Militia
and t lying-Camp on their march to New-Jeneu, 19 72-90
Dollars:
To Nicholas Bazin, a Canadian prisoner, for his allow-
ance from 3d March to 17th October, is 32 weeks and
5-7ths, at 2 Dollars a week, 65 38-90 Dollars.
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Friday, October 18, 1776.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was
taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That Thaddeus Kosduszko be appointed an
Engineer in the service of the United States, with the pay
ol 60 Dollars a month, and the rank of Colonel.
The Committee to whom the Petition of Colonel M.
Hazen was referred, brought in their Report, which was
read.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed '
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to brin°- in a
plan for the better regulating the Treasury Board :
The Members chosen, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Livingston, and
Mr. Hopktnson.
Mr. Duche having, by Letter, informed the President
that the state of his health, and his parochial duties were
such as obliged him to decline the honour of continuing
Chaplain to Congress,
Resohed, That the President return the thanks of this
House to the Rev. Mr. Duche, for the devout and accepta-
ble manner in which he discharged his duty during the time
he officiated as Chaplain to it; and that 150 Dollars be
presented to him, as an acknowledgment from the House of
his services.
The Committee of Treasury reported that there is due,
To Captain A. H. Brice, for his allowance as an officer-
prisoner from 19th April to 17th October, 1776, inclusive
being 26 weeks, at 2 Dollars a week, 52 Dollars :
To Captain Thomas Hesketh, for his allowance from
20th July to 19th October, 13 weeks, at 2 Dollars a week
26 Dollars:
To George Haas, for the hire of his Wagon and his
expenses with money from Philadelphia to Boston, the sum
of 131 24-90 Dollars:
To Colonel Hausegger, for the expenses of himself and
two Prisoners from Ticonderoga to Philadelphia, 57 9-90
Dollars:
To Captain Matthew Smith, to be paid to Lieutenant
Archibald Steel, for inlisting his Company, consisting of 80
men, at 1 Dollar and l-3d each, 106 60-90 Dollars*
That they have examined the Accounts exhibited by
Lieutenant Archibald Steel, of Captain S?nith's Company
for the pay of 34 Officers, and of Adjutant Christian
Febiger, taken prisoners at Quebeck, amounting to 1,575
30-90 Dollars, (exclusive of the pay of one Sergeant, one
Corporal, and 12 Privates, who inlisted in the service of
the King of Great Britain, amounting to 476 60-90 Dol-
lars, which is retained,) of which he received from Mr. J.
Mease the sum of 314 30-90 Dollars, which leaves a bal-
ance due to the said Steel of 1,261 Dollars:
Thai there is due to George Steyer, for Linens furnished,
. Monday, October 21, 1776.
A Letter, of the 14th and 17th, from R. Harrison, the
General s Secretary; one, of the ISth, from General Wash-
ington, enclosing the copy of a Letter from General Arnold
and other papers; two, of the 17th and 19th, from General
Mercer; and one from Kenneth Hankamon, Captain of a
vessel stranded on the Jersey shore, were laid before Con-
gress and read :
Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of War.
A Letter of the 13th, from R. Dallam, was also read-
Whereupon,
Resolved, That 19,740 Dollars be paid to Gustavus Ris-
berg, Assistant to the Deputy Quartermaster-General for
the Flying-Camp, and charged to the account of the said
R. Dallam:
That 500,000 Dollars be sent to Jon. Tntmbull, Esq
Deputy Paymaster-General for the Northern Department:
That 2,000 Dollars be advanced to the Delegates of
A or th- Carolina, and charged to that State.
A Letter, of the 5th, from Colonel James Easton, was
read.
The Secret Committee having informed Congress that a
vessel was arrived in New-Hampshire, with a cargo on
account of the Continent, among which was a quantity of
Flints, it was thereupon,
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to
order 30,000 of the said Flints to General Schuyler, for the
use of the Army in the Northern Department, and the
remainder to General Washington, for the use of the Army
under his immediate command.
A Letter, of the 20th, from General Greene, was read:
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of War, and
that they be directed to apply to the Council of Safety of
Pennsylvania for the loan of as many Cartridges as they
can spare, which are to be sent, with all possible despatch,
to General Washington, and that they take the most effec-
tual measures to have a sufficient quantity of Cartridges
made up in Philadelphia, and forwarded to General Wash-
ington.
Resolved, That the Powder in the Magazine be kept for
the publick service.
Congress being informed that there is at the Lead Mines
in Virginia a quantity of Lead for the use of the Continent,
1407
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 22, 1776.
1408
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to give
orders to have it brought to Philadelphia.
A Memorial from Monsieur Dorre was presented to Con-
gress and read :
Ordered, That it be referred to the Marine Committee.
A Letter, of the 20th, from R. Harrison, the General's
Secretary, enclosing copies of Letters from General Gates
and General Arnold, of the 15lh, and one from General
Schuyler, of the 16th; also one, of the 16th, from General
Schuyler, and one, of the 19th, from the Convention of New-
York, being received, were read :
Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of War.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was
taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Deputy Commissary-General in Vir-
ginia be directed to make contracts for the supply of the
Troops in that department, provided they can be made at
a rate not exceeding eight pence, Virginia currency, a
ration, the contractors to have the use of the publick
wagons on any motion or march of the Army, from the
place or places where stationed :
That the Commander-in -Chief of each department be
empowered, at the instance of the Commissary-General, or
his Deputies, to employ as many persons under him or
them, at such salary or wages as he shall think adequate, and
as he may think the service, from time to time, requires:
That the Rations allowed to the several officers on the
staff in the Army of the United States not heretofore set-
tled, be as follows, and that the Deputy Commissary of
Virginia be informed thereof:
To the Deputy Commissary-General, 6 rations ; Deputy
Quartermaster-General, 6 do. ; Deputy Paymaster-General,
6 do. ; Deputy Adjutant-General, 6 do.; Deputy Muster-
master-General, 6 do.; Deputy Judge Advocate, 6 do.;
Chaplain, 3 do.; Regimental Surgeon, 3 do.; Surgeon's
Mate, 2 do.; that the Deputy Commissary-General of
Virginia be allowed his reasonable travelling charges, to be
settled by the Treasury Board.
Valentine Vanholt's Account of subsistence to
Militia on their march, ----- 99
JR. Lumsden, for Wood, Hauling and Sawing, - 9 22
John Streeper's Account for subsisting Militia on
their march, -12 9
Postage of a Letter from Ticonderoga, - - - 49
Monsieur Lotbiner, French Chaplain, one month's
pay and rations, ------ -.--41 30
Allen McDonald, for the hire of a Woman-servant,
allowed him from the 4th June to 24th Septem-
ber, 16 weeks, ---------- 16 0
John McKinzie, a prisoner from North- Carolina,
his allowance from 20th September to 17th Octo-
ber, 4 weeks, ---------- 80
Bartholomew Vonheer's account of disbursements
to the Army in Canada, and for six months' pay
as Lieutenant, ---------- 145 31
Uriah Forrest, Captain of a Company in Colonel
Irvine's Battalion, furnishing 86 men, non-com-
missioned officers and privates, with Provisions,
from Annapolis to Philadelphia, 1 15 miles, at
Id. a mile, each ; also to one Captain and three
Subalterns, 115 miles, at 9d. ; in the whole, - 121 35
Total, - - - - 687 27
Of which received, 500 0
The balance due, 187 27
That there is due to Robert Jewel, for the maintenance
of State Prisoners in the new Gaol, and for Candles,
Vinegar, &c., 489 43-90 Dollars:
To the late Captain William Hendrick's Company, and
to be paid to Lieutenant Francis Nichols of the said Com-
pany, for the balance of an account for their Pay, Arms lost
at the storm of Quebeck, Hunting-Shirts, &.C., 1622 22-90
Dollars :
To William Pollard, for the expense of himself and others
of the Light-Horse, as an escort with Money from Phila-
delphia to New-York and Boston, 291 57-90 Dollars:
To Jacob Hartman, for the hire of his Wagon bringing
The Committee of Treasury reported, that they have the baggage of the Prisoners from Canada, from Elizabeth-
cammed the following Accounts paid by John Gibson, Town to Philadelphia, 16 60-90 Dollars:
Esq., Auditor-General, by order of the Board, amounting To John Hal1 and Samuel Parker, for cleaning and
to 687 27-90 Dollars, of which he received, by the Presi- repairing 200 Muskets with Bayonets, Scabbards, &.C., for
dent's warrant, 500 Dollars, and there remains due to him the German Battalion, 215 78-90 Dollars :
187 27-90 Dollars : To Core, Furman Of Coxe, for carriage of Powder from
Di«.9oths. Philadelphia to Virginia, and the pay of Captain Matthias
For Parchment for the use of the Treasury Office, 2 0 for taking charge of the same, 233 81-90 Dollars :
George Hofnagle's Account for 15 of the Militia, 1 45 Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
John Sparhawk's Account for Quills, Paper- CQ tQok into consideration the form of the Oath to
Books, &c for the use of the Commissioners be ^ fa the Qfficers in tf)e service of tfae Continent
sent to Albany ,- - - - - - - - - - 40 hj h wfls a d as fol,ows.
Henry Deenng s Account for entertaining M.ht.a, 618 „ j * do acknowled the thirteen United S(a(es
Andrew Smiths Account for do., ----- 78 ofAmerica nameiy: New- Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay,
Joseph Sheerer's Account for do., paid T Wygins, 14 20 Rhode_Mand Connecticut, New-York, New- Jersey, Pcnn-
John Druit, for Bernard Romans s order, to be kmi Del'aware Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina,
charged to the said Romans, - - - - - - 16 0 South. Carolina, and Georgia, to be Tfree, independent, and
Conrad Alster .Account for enterta.mng Militia soverejgn ^^ and decia% that the p'eOple thereof owe
on their march, - - . - - 5 4& no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of
Phihp Uprights do. for do., and guard^of Powder Great Britain; and I renounce, refuse and abjure any
i Virginia, - - allegiance or obedience to him ; and I do swear, that I will,
JohnAicesdo. lor do., - - - - - - 1736 to the utmost of my power, support, maintain, and defend
LemHolhngsworths^owtfa escorting Money {he said United ^ against the said King, George the
.0 '.Amooy, - - > ib Third, and his heirs and successors, and his or their abettors,
William Perkins, for supplies to Troops, - - - 2 84 assistants and adherents; and w51, serve the said Unlted
Porterage of a Box with the Massachusetts Papers, 6 SMes in the office of which l now hdd an(J jn
Captain Reads account of expenses of h,s Com- Qther office which l hereafter ho,d b their'a int.
pany on their march to camp, 40 72 me Qr unt)er their aulhorit with fidelit and hono£ and
Captain Wheels account of do. do., - - - 27 54 according to the best of my skill and understanding. So
Captain McKenzie, for subsistence, - ... 3 39 hel me God "
Monsieur Lotbiner, French Chaplain, one month's Resolved, That every Officer who holds, or shall here-
pay and rations, - - - after ho)d a commission or office from Congress, shall sub-
Benjamm Candy, for Cake-Ink, 6 36 sc|.-)be ,he above Declaration, and take the foregoing Oath.
Thread for the use of the Office, 15
Secretary Peters' s order for transporting Lieutenant , ^solved That 1 00 000 Dollars be sent to the Deputy
Symes's Baggage, - - 10 30 Paymaster-General in Virginia.
Allen McDonald, Sen., Allen McDonald, Jun., The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Alexander McDonald, Rennel McDonald, for Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow,
three weeks' allowance to themselves, and two
servants, to 24th September, ------ 36 0 Tuesday, October 22, 1776.
William Ross's Account of subsistence to Militia A Letter from General Mijlin to Captain Falkner was
on their march, 9 53 laid before Congress and read :
1409
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 23, 1776.
1410
Ordered, That it be referred to a Committee of three,
and that ihey he directed to engage, and send to Head-
Quarters, a skilful, active Wharf-Builder, with proper
assistants:
The Members chosen, Mr. Morris, Mr. Wilson, and Mr.
Ross.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Monsieur O. H. Rouvi/le, his servant P. H. de
Bemtbassin, J. B. H. de Rouvil/e, Joseph de Jarlais, and
Joseph and Gabriel Heiter, for their allowance from the
13th of July to the 1 8th of October, 1776, 186 60-90
Dollars:
That (hey have examined the Accounts of D. S. Franks
for sundry goods supplied the Army in Canada, amounting
to 3718 84-90 Dollars; of which he received a warrant of
the 7th of September, for 1600 Dollars, and that there is a
balance now due to him of 2148 84-90 Dollars:
That there is due to Nathan Sellers, for a Paper-Mould,
Letters and Borders-, 39 Dollars:
That there should be advanced to Colonel Hollingsworth,
the sum of 1626 60-90ths Dollars, for supplies of Rations,
and Wagons for the Virginia Battalions, from the Head-
of-Elk to Chester; he to be accountable:
Ordered, That the said sums be paid.
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was
taken into consideration : Whereupon,
Resolved, That General Schuyler's application to the
Eastern States, and to the State of New-York, for their
Militia, is approved:
That the Resolution for sending home the Canadians
be suspended till further orders :
That the Board of War order the several Prisoners, in
Philadelphia, to the places of their destination, and that
they write to the several Committees, who have the charge
of prisoners, not to suffer them to go beyond the bounds
allowed them, nor to permit any of them to come to Phila-
delphia, without leave first obtained from the Board of War.
Resolved, That the Commissioners going to the Court of
France be directed to procure from that Court, at the ex-
pense of these United States, either by purchase or loan,
eight line-of-battle Ships of 74 and 64 guns, well manned
and fitted in every respect for service:
That as these Ships may be useful in proportion to the
quickness with which they reach North America, the Com-
missioners to be directed to expedite this negotiation with
all possible diligence.
Resolved, That Mrs. Antil, with her child and sister,
Miss Colden, be permitted to go to General Mercer, who is
desired to permit them to proceed to New-York, taking
especial care that they carry no intelligence to the enemy.
The Secret Committee reported, that the cargo lately
arrived at Portsmouth, in the Brig Marquis of Kildare,
Captain Palmer, consists of the following articles, viz.,
50!)0 pounds Powder, 250 Small-Arms, 100,000 Flints,
4000 yards of small Canvas, 4 to 500 Jackets, 100 Knap-
sacks, 100 Leggins, 80 large Rugs, 2 bales of Woollens,
1 bale of Linens, and 10 tons of Lead : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Powder, 100 Small-Arms, 2000 Flints,
part of the Canvas, 80 Rugs, and part of the Lead, be
applied by the Continental Agent for the use of the Con-
tinental Frigate Rawleigh :
That 60.000 Flints be sent to General Washington:
That 33,000 Flints, 150 Small-Arms, 100 Knapsacks,
100 Leguins, and 8 tons of Lead, be sent to the Northern
Army, under General Schuyler and General Gates:
That the remainder of the Canvas be made into Tents,
and sent to the Northern Army:
That the Jackets, if fit for soldiers, be sent to the North-
ern Army ; if fit for sailors, that they he distributed amongst
the Continental frigates at Portsmouth and Boston:
That the two bales of Woollens be made up into soldiers'
Clothes, for the Northern Army:
That the bale of Linens, if fit for soldiers' Shirts, or other
purposes, for the Army, be made up, and sent to the North-
ern Army ; if not suitable for publick use, that they be sold
to the best advantage.
Mr. Jefferson having informed Congress that the state of
his family will not permit him to accept the honour of going
their Commissioner to France: Whereupon,
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 89
Resolved, That another be elected in his room. The
ballots being taken,
Arthur Lee, Esq., was elected.
Resolved, That the Committee of Secret Correspondence
be directed to acquaint him of his appointment, and that
his powers and instiuctions are lodged in Paris.
The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of
Charles Roberts, brought in a Report, which xvas read, and
disagreed to.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, October 23, 1776.
Congress being informed that a vessel from London to
Quebeck, loaden with Dry Goods, among which are a
quantity of Blankets and coarse Cloths, fit for soldier's
Clothing, was lately taken, and brought to Rhode-Island:
Resolved, That Governour Cooke be requested immedi-
ately to purchase, at Continental expense, for the use of
the Artny under General Washington, all the said Blankets
and Cloths; that the Blankets be sent to General Wash-
ington, and the Cloths made up, agreeable to the directions
of Brigadier-General Miffliu, Quartermaster-General.
Ordered, That the Committee of Clothing forward the
above Resolution, and acquaint General Washington and
Brigadier-General Mifflin therewith.
Resolved, That two more Brigadier-Generals be ap-
pointed:
The ballots being taken, Colonel William Maxwell and
Colonel William Smallwood were elected.
Certain Resolutions passed by the Convention of Mary-
land, respecting the raising the eight Battalions allotted to
their State,* were laid before Congress and read:
Ordered, That they be referred to a Committee of three,
who are directed to report an answer thereto:
The Members chosen, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Paine, and Mr.
Rutledge.
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War to
consider in what way Monsieur De Roche Fermoy may be
employed in the service of the Continent:
That the application in favour of Lieutenant Von
Hederich be referred to the Board of War:
That Samuel Fairlamb's Account be referred to the
Board of Treasury.
The Committee of Treasury reported that there is due,
To Joseph Borden, Esq., lor W'agonage, Boat-hire, &,c.,
transporting Carpenters and their Baggage from Philadel-
phia to Powle's Hook, after deducting •£ Dollars, and the
* Resolutions of Convention of MARYLAND.
[Referred to Mr. Wilson, Mr. Paine, and Mr. Rutledge.]
ANNAPOLIS, October 9, 1776.
Resolved, That the eight Battalions required by Congress to be raised
by this State, exceeds its just quota, being, as they presume, founded
on a calculation of white and black inhabitants, of both sexes and of
all ages; whereas the quotas of men to be raised by the several States
ought to be in proportion to the number of white inhabitants only in
each State respectively:
That this State ought not to comply with the proposed terms of
granting Lands to the officers and soldiers, because there are no Lands
belonging solely and exclusively to this State. The purchases of land
might eventually involve this State in an expense exceeding its abilities.
An engagement by this State to defray the expense of purchasing
Lands, according to its number of souls, would be unequal and unjust:
That this State, desirous of exerting the most strenuous efforts to
support the liberties and independence of the United States, will tfiere-
fore use its utmost endeavours to raise the eight Battalions required
(including the troops already raised and in the service of the United
States') as soon as possible: •
That for this purpose the State will give a bounty of ten dollars to
each non-commissioned officer and soldier who will inlist in the service
of the United States for the war, in lieu of the hundred acres of Land
offered to them by Congress:
That four Commissioners be appointed to repair to the camps in the
Jerseys and .Veto- York, and there obtain a list of such of the officers in
the Regular troops and Flying-Camp from this State now in the service
of the United States, as are willing to engage in the service during the
war, and also inlist, or cause to l>e inlisted, all or every of the said
Regular troops or Flying-Camp Militia in the service of the United
States during the war, continuing the regular battalions, and forming the
independent companies into a battalion, and filling both up according to
the Continental establishment, and also forming such of the Flying-
Camp Militia as shall inlist as aforesaid into battalions; and the com-
missioners, or any three of them, may also fill up such of the blank
commissions sent to this Convention by Congress as may be immedi-
ately necessary for the officering of the said corps; but in filling up the
said commissions, they are required not to introduce into the corps of
the new Regulars any officer other than such as are of thnse Rejulars,
nor into the corps which may be formed of the Flying-Camp Militia
any officer not now an officer in the said Regulars or Flying-Camp
1411
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 24, 1776.
1412
sum of 23 30-90 Dollars, for the hire of a four-horse Team
of William Alien, deducted for want of a voucher, and 2
Dollars paid by Captain Casdorp, 94 Dollars:
That they have examined the Account of Elihu Spencer,
for his salary, as a Missionary to North- Carolina, from the
14th of December, 1775, to the 4th of May, 1776, being 4
months and 21 days, at 40 Dollars per month, - 186 45
That the said Missioner ought to be allowed
an addition of 16 Dollars per month to his salary
for the above time, --- 75 18
261 63
120 00
That he received a warrant of the 20th Decem-
ber last, for -----------
Leaves a balance in his favour, - - - - 141
63
90
That there is due to Alexander McWhorter,
salary as a Missioner to North- Carolina, from 14th
her, 1775, to the 4th May, 1776, being 4 months
days, at 40 Dollars, ---------
That the said Missioner be allowed an addition
of 16 Dollars per month to his salary for the
above time,
That he received a warrant of the 20th Decem-
ber last, for -
lor his
Decem-
and 21
186 45
75 18
261 63
120 00
Which leaves a balance due to him, - - 144
93
90
That there is due to Adjutant Christian Ferbiger and
Lieutenant Archibald Steel, and to be paid to the latter,
for 2 months' extraordinary pay to Ferbiger, at 18 Dol-
lars and l-3d, Dolls. 36 60-90ths,
For two months' ditto to Steel as
Lieutenant, at 18 Dollars, - - - - 36 0
For 3 months, 22 days, to ditto as
Adjutant, from the 9th of November to
the 1st of Auguft, 1776, at 18 Dollars
and l-3d, 160 10:90ths,
The whole amounting to - Dolls. 232 70-90ths:
That there is due to John Dunlap, for 97 reams of
Cartridge Paper sent to Ticonderoga, 323 Dollars and
30-90ths:
To Alexander Rutherford, for 100 Bayonet Scabbards
supplied Captain Ralph Falkner, of the Fifth Virginia
Regiment, 40 Dollars :
To Captain Hendrick Smock, for expenses of a Guard
and Prisoners, from Head-Quarters, New-Jersey, to Phila-
delphia, 44 Dollars and 18-90ths:
To Rene O. H. de Rouville, a Canadian prisoner, for
Militia; and the Commissioners are also required to leave some of the
offices vacant, that cadets of merit may be provided for; which list of
the officers so to be obtained, as well as a list of the appointments
which shall be made as aforesaid, the said Commissioners shall return
to this Convention, or, in its recess, to the Council of Safety:
That the Commissioners exert their utmost endeavours to procure the
inlistment of the Regular troops and Militia from this State in the Con-
tinental service; and make report of the state and condition of the
forces from this State now in camp:
That the Commissioners be furnished with money sufficient to ad-
vance the bounty of ten dollars aforesaid:
That the Council of Safety, in the recess of the Convention, be
empowered to issue warrants for the inlistment of such number of non-
commissioned officers and privates, and also to appoint and commission
such field and commissioned officers, as may be necessary to make up
the said eight Battalions:
That the said Commissioners, or any three or two of them, are
empowered to receive of Congress any sum not exceeding thirty-six
thousand one hundred and twenty pounds, in dollars, at seven shillings
and sixpence per dollar, on the account of this State, to be applied in
ihe said bounties:
That the officers to whom warrants issued for the enrolment of non-
commissioned officers and privates for the two last battalions directed
by the Convention to be raised for the Flying-Camp, immediately
return the list of the men by them enrolled, in pursuance of those war-
rants, to the Council of Safety, and forbear any further enrolment:
That such of the companies as are full, or nearly full, be equipped
and marched as soon as may be; and such of the companies as are not
nearly full be discharged, and that the bounty money not expended be
returned:
That the Commissioners be instructed to consult with and take advice
from his Excellency General ff'ashington respecting the promotion or
appointment of officers in Colonel Smallwood's Regiment, and the ap-
pointments to be made in the battalion to be formed of the independ-
ent companies of this State.
Extract from the Minutes: G. DUVALL.
The Convention appointed James Boyd Chamberlaine, Benjamin Ram-
«!/, Thomas Ponter, and John Hanson, Jr., Esqs., the Commissioners
aforesaid.
Test:
G. DUVALL.
his allowance from the 16th January to 13th July last, 25
weeks and 5-7 ths, at 2 Dollars a week, 51 Dollars and
38-90ths:
For his Servant's allowance, 25 weeks and 5-7ths, 34
Dollars and 25-90ths :
Amounting to 85 Dollars and 63-90ths :
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
Upon application of the Delegates of Delaware,
Resolved, That 120 Dollars be advanced to Captain
John Woodgate, of Colonel Patterson's Battalion, he to
account for the same with the Paymaster of the said Bat-
talion.
Congress took into consideration the Report of the Com-
mittee on the Petition of Colonel M. Hazen: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the sum of 966 Dollars and 2-3ds be paid
to Colonel Moses Hazen, for his Farming, Smith's and Pot-
ash, Carpenters, Joiners, Coopers, and Stave-maker's Tools,
and for Anchors and Cables, said to be taken by, and appro-
priated to, the use of the Army under General Montgomery :
That the Regiment under the command of the said Col-
onel Hazen remain on the original establishment thereof,
and be recruited to its full complement in any of the thir-
teen United States, as it was upon these terms he entered
into the service, and the said Regiment cannot be said to
belong to any particular State, nor to be any additional
expense in the mode of officering the same.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, October 24, 1776.
A Petition from William Moore, and one from William
Rigg, were presented to Congress and read :
Ordered, That they be referred to the Marine Commit-
tee; and that the said Committee furnish them with sub-
sistence during their residence in Philadelphia.
Application being made in behalf of Samuel Horlock and
Livingston, Esqrs., for leave to go to Boston, and
from thence back to New- York :
Resolved, That leave be granted them on giving their
parole.
Resolved, That an order for 133 and Dollars l-3d be
drawn on the Treasurer in favour of R. Peters, Esq., Sec-
retary to the Board of War, to pay for a light Wagon pur-
chased for the use of the Congress, and that he be empowered
to purchase another light Wagon.
Resolved, That 500 Dollars be advanced to the Com-
mittee appointed to contract with, and send, an active
Wharf-builder and proper assistants to General Washing-
ton, for the use of the said Wharf-builders.
Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to order
the Virginia Battalions to march to Trenton, and there
halt until further orders.
A Representation from the Council of Safety of Pennsyl-
vania to the Board of War was laid before Congress and
read :
Ordered, To lie on the table.
A Memorial from David Franks was laid before Con-
gress and read, desiring leave for himself, and Patrick Rice,
his Clerk, to go to New-York, in order to lay his receipts
and vouchers for the Provisions furnished to the British
prisoners, before the Commissary-General, and obtain cer-
tificates to be presented to, and signed by, the General of
the British forces, without which he cannot be reimbursed.
Resolved, That leave be granted them, upon giving their
parole, not to give any intelligence to the enemy, and that
they will return to this city.
A Petition of Benjamin Eyre was read :
Ordered, That it be referred to a Committee of three :
The Members chosen, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Paine, and Mr.
F. L. Lee.
A Petition from Captain Anstruther, a prisoner, and one
from Simon Carbolais, were read :
Resolved, That they be rejected.
Resolved, That 5,000 Dollars be advanced to E. Blaine,
Esq., for the use of the Battalion raised on the western
frontiers of Pennsylvania, he to be accountable.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-rnorrow.
1413
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 29, 1776.
1414
Friday, October 25, 1776.
A Letter of the 21st, from R. H. Harrison, was read ;
also, a Certificate from Brigadier-General H. Mercer and
P. Dickinson, in favour of the Rev. John Nevelling, who
officiated as Chaplain to nine Battalions of New- Jersey :
Ordered, That the Certificate be referred to the Board
of Treasury, and that they inquire how long Mr. Nevelling
officiated, as mentioned in the said Certificate, and allow
him for his services at the rate of 50 Dollars a month.
A Petition from Alice Brazier and Daughter, Hannah
Haynes, and Elizabeth Bouve, was presented to Congress
and read :
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of Treasury.
Resolved, That 3,000 Dollars be advanced to Colonel
Hazen towards inlisting his Battalion, he to be accountable.
A Letter of the 20th, from P. Zabriskie and J. Morgan,
was read :
Ordered, That it be referred to the Board of Treasury.
A Memorial from Mr. Irwln was presented to Congress
and read :
Ordered, That it be referred to a Committee of three,
and that they confer with the Council of Safety of Penn-
sylvania respecting the same, and report thereon to Con-
gress :
The Members chosen, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Whipple, and
Mr. Hart.
The Committee of Treasury reported that there is due,
To Robert Chase, late Commander of the Gaspe ship of
war, for his allowance from 1st March to 24th October,
1776, inclusive, 34 weeks, at 2 Dollars, 68 Dollars.
That they have examined an Account exhibited by Cap-
tain Robert Cluggage, for sundry articles charged to him,
which he prays an allowance of, and that he ought to be
credited for the following sums, charged in the Bedford
County accounts, viz :
For Drilling for Haversacks, Account No. 1, £6 5 10
Part of articles charged in Account No. 31, 1 13 6
Cash paid Barnard Dougherty, - - - 0 15 0
An overcharge in a Rifle bought of William
Peebk, - - - 0 10 0
A charge of Abraham Cable, Esq., in addi-
tional Account No. 2, -----374
Repairing Arms, charged in Colonel /win's
Account, per Vouchers Nos. 7 and 8, - 9 2 5
Occasional expenses which he paid for his
Company, on their march from Bedford
to Boston, 979
The whole amounting to 82 82-90 Dollars, £31 1 10
That there is due to J. Mitchel, for expenses of a party
of Light-Horse, going with money from Philadelphia to
Ticonderoga, a balance of £32 16*. 6d., and for coach-
hire, expenses, &tc., for himself and Mr. Dunlap, as a guard
with General Prescot and Brigadier-General McDonald,
and their two servants, to New-York, to be exchanged,
£78 18*. 6d., both sums amounting to £109 15*., equal
to 292 60-90 Dollars :
That there should be advanced to Mr. Hodgkin and
Mr. Cranstedt, two Midshipmen, taken prisoners, three
weeks' allowance each, at 2 Dollars, 12 Dollars:
To Roger Sherman, Esq., for the expenses of the Com-
mittee appointed to inquire into the state of the Army at
New- York, and two servants ten days absent, 76 70-90
Dollars, to be paid to Elbridge Gerry, Esq. :
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
Resolved, That two months' pay be advanced to Lieu-
tenant David Zeigler, who was wounded, and is come to
Philadelphia for the purpose of perfecting his cure.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several As-
semblies and Conventions of the United States,^ forthwith
to import, or otherwise procure, full supplies of Fire-Arms,
Bayonets, Brass, or other Field-Pieces, Powder, Lead,
Flints, Medicines, Intrenching Tools, Tent-Cloth, Blankets,
and other Clothing, for such of their Militia as are deficient
therein, and to send to the Board of War and Ordnance a
copy of their Resolutions for this purpose, that the same
may be laid before Congress.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock on Monday.
Monday, October 28, 1776.
Resolved, That 1,000 Dollars be advanced to the Com-
mittee appointed to engage Wharf-Builders, for the use of
the workmen engaged, and that they render an account of
the expenditure.
A Letter of the 17th, from General Schuyler, was read,
together with the Report of the Court of Inquiry appointed
to discover what Stores were on board the enemy's Fleet
taken in the river St. Lawrence:
Ordered, That the Report be referred to the Board of
Treasury.
A Letter of the 6th, from Brigadier Andrew Lewis, was
read, and referred to the Board of War.
A Petition, from William Savage, Thomas Corbett, and
John Scott, in behalf of William Wilson, together with
sundry Papers therein referred to, were read and referred
to the Marine Committee.
A Letter of the 16th, from the Convention of Newt York,
and a Letter from Thomas Gushing, dated in August, were
read :
Ordered, That the last be referred to the Committee on
Indian Affairs.
Resolved, That Mons. du Bois, upon resigning his com-
mission, have leave to return to Martinico.
Congress, being informed that certain persons were busy
in monopolizing and engrossing the articles necessary for the
Army, with a view to enhance their price, and prevent the
Army from being supplied,
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to
inquire into this matter, and report thereon to Congress:
The Members chosen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Gerry, and Mr.
Rulledge.
The Committee to whom the Memorial of Matthew
Irwin was referred, reported, that they have conferred
with the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania, who say they
have some Salt, the quantity they cannot ascertain, which
they are willing to sell for the use of the Army :
Ordered, That the said Committee apply to the Council
of Safety, and request them to sell to Mr. M. Irwin, for the
use of the Army, as much Salt as they can possibly spare.
The Marine Committee brought in a Report, which was
read : Whereupon,
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered
to employ such persons as they shall think proper, to execute
the business entrusted to them, and report their names to
Congress :
That the further consideration of the Report be postponed
till to-morrow.
The Committee of Treasury reported that there is due,
To Thomas Dunahoo, a Canadian prisoner, for his al-
lowance from 13th July to 25th October, instant, 15 weeks,
at 1 Dollar and l-3d a week, 20 Dollars :
To Captain William Brady, of the late Colonel Steven-
son's Battalion, for twelve Rifles, purchased by him for the
use of his company, 177 Dollars:
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Tuesday, October 29, 1776.
Congress being informed that Tim. Dodd, an express
from Boston, who was entrusted with despatches from Gen-
eral Washington, has had them stolen from him at Bristol,
in this State,
Resolved, That a Committee of two be appointed, with
powers to make every necessary inquiry, and to take every
step they think proper, for the recovery of the despatches,
and the discovery of the person or persons by whom said
Papers were stolen ; that if they have good reason to suspect
any person or persons, they immediately secure them till the
further order of Congress, and return their names, with the
causes of suspicion, to this House; that they dispose of the
Continental prisoners at Bristol in such manner as they
shall think best :
That all Civil Officers be requested, and all Continental
Military Officers be ordered, to afford every assistance that
may be required by the said Committee :
The Members chosen, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Hopkinson.
1415
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 30, 1776.
1416
Resolved, That Colonel Cadwallader and Colonel Bay-
ard he requested to accompany the said Committee to
Bristol.
Resolved, That 40,000 Dollars be advanced to J. Mease
for the publick service, he to be accountable.
That 6000 Dollars be advanced to Colonel Buckner, of
the Sixth Virginia Battalion, for the use of the said Battalion ,
he lo be accountable.
Resolved, That Charles Hughes have leave to go to the
West-Indies in the Schooner Thistle.
A Letter from Mr. Bache was read :
Ordered, That it be referred to a Committee of three.
Tlie Members chosen, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Payne, and Mr.
Livingston.
Whereas the fortifying the entrance of the river Cape-
Fear, in the State b( North-Carolina, will tend greatly to
the advantage and security of that State, by furnishing a
safe Harbour for foreigners, and excluding the enemy's ships :
Resolved, therefore, That it be recommended to the
Convention of the Stale of North-Carolina, to fortify and
secure immediately, at the expense of their State, the en-
trance of the said river, by erecting Batteries and other
works of defence, by placing obstructions in proper parts of
the said river, and pursuing such other measures as, in their
opinion, will best conduce to prevent the introduction of the
enemy's ships, and protect the trade of the said State ; and,
in case heavy cannon cannot be procured in the State of
North- Carolina, it is further recommended to the said Con-
vention, to apply to the State of South-Carolina, requesting
the loan of such cannon as they can spare from their own
necessities, who, it is not doubted, will contribute, as far as
may be in their power, to accomplish a purpose which will
be of general utility to the Southern States.
Congress resumed the consideration of the Report of the
Marine Committee : Whereupon,
Resolved, That no private ships or vessels of war, mer-
chant-ships, or other vessels belonging to the subjects of
these States, be permitted to wear pendants when in com-
pany with Continental ships or vessels of war, without leave
from the Commanding Officer thereof.
That, if any Merchant-ship or vessel shall wear pendants
in company with Continental ships or vessels of war, with-
out leave first obtained from the commander thereof, such
commander be authorized to take away the pendant from
the offender.
That, if private ships or vessels of war refuse to pay the
respect due to the Continental ships or vessels of war, the
Captain or Commander, so refusing, shall lose his com-
mission.
Resolved, That the further consideration of the Report
be postponed till to-morrow.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Wednesday, October 30, 1776.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Mr. Allen, for his expenses while detained here for the
purpose of taking charge of Money for Virginia, the sum
of 17 20-90 Dollars :
That a further sum of 77 46-90 Dollars be paid to
Mr. Fairlamb, which will be the balance due to him on his
account as it now stands, exclusive of his request for a further
allowance on the ration stipulation in his contract, and of
27 cords of Wood, not allowed for want of vouchers :
Ordered, That the above Accounts be paid.
Resolved, That the sum of 30 Dollars be paid to Captain
Moore, to enable him to proceed to Europe.
A Letter, of this day, from Colonel M. Hazen, was read :
also, a Petition from Andrew Stalker, late Commander of
the Brig Three Friends, praying for leave to depart the
States of America, and revisit his native country :
Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be granted.
A Petition from John Tillman was read.
A Letter, of the 25th, from Governour Livingston was
read, and referred to Dr. Rush, Mr. Ross, and Mr. Lynch.
Resolved, That 2.000 Dollars be advanced to Colonel
Scott, of the Fifth Virginia Battalion, for the use of the
said Battalion, he to be accountable.
Resolved, That 2,000 Dollars be advanced to Colonel
Hausegger, of the German Battalion, for the use of the said
Battalion, he to be accountable.
The Board of War having recommended Jacob Myle to
be Quartermaster, and Ebcrhart Michael, Paymaster, to the
German Battalion :
Resolved, That they be accepted, and Commissions
granted to them accordingly.
Mr. Duche having, by a Letter to the President, ac-
knowledged his obligations for the kind manner in which
Congress have expressed their approbation of his services,
and requested, as he accepted their appointment from motives
perfectly disinterested, that the 150 Dollars voted to him
may be applied to the relief of the widows and children of
such of the Pennsylvania Officers as have fallen in battle
in the service of their country :
Resolved, That the Money be deposited with the Council
of Safety of Pennsylvania, to be applied agreeable to the
request of Mr. Duche.
A Memorial from Robert Jewell was read :
Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Gov-
ernour Livingston's Letter.
Resolved, That 133 1-3 Dollars be advanced to Evans
and Stretch, the commanding officers of the guard going with
Money and Clothing for the Northern Army, they to be
accountable.
The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due,
To Mons. Pierre Gamelin, a prisoner from Canada, for
his allowance from 26th March to 28th October, inclusive,
being 31 weeks, at 2 Dollars a week, 62 Dollars :
To Marcus Lucullus Ryal, a prisoner, for his allowance
from 22d August to 24th October, inclusive, being 9 weeks,
at 2 Dollars per week, 18 Dollars:
To Lieutenant Jacob Schalch, a prisoner, for his allow-
ance from 19th July to 25th October, inclusive, being 14
weeks, at 2 Dollars per week, 28 Dollars:
To Dr. James Gill, a prisoner, for his allowance from
19th July to 25th October, inclusive, being 14 weeks, at 2
Dollars per week, 28 Dollars:
To Lieutenant Simon Evans, a prisoner, for his allowance
from 23d August to 18th October, inclusive, being 8 weeks,
at 2 Dollars per week, 16 Dollars:
To Pelatiah Webster, for 200 pounds Rhubarb, 600
Dollars :
To Alexander Middleton, of the Fifth Virginia Battalion,
for his account of Medicines, Board, Nursing, and necessa-
ries for the sick of the said Battalion, 86 60-90 Dollars :
Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid.
The Committee to whom were referred the Resolutions
of the Convention of Maryland, brought in a Report, which
was taken into consideration: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the President write to the Convention
of Maryland, and inform them, that their Resolutions rela-
tive to their paying ten Dollars in lieu of the 100 acres of
Land, determined by Congress to be given to such non-
commissioned officers and soldiers as shall inlist to serve
during the war, will, in the opinion of this House, if carried
into execution, prove extremely detrimental to these Stales,
as it will, in all probability, induce such soldiers as are to
compose the remainder of the levies, to require an equal
sum from the United States, and, by refusing lo inlisl uniil
iheir demands shall be complied with, compel the Con-
gress to the immediate payment of an additional bounty, far
beyond what is reasonable :
That this House, being satisfied with ihe propriety of
offering Land to the soldiery, as an inducement to inlisl in
the service, cannol rescind the said Resolution, and are of
opinion, that the failh which this House, by virtue of the
power with which they were vesled, has plighted, must be
obligatory upon their constituent ; that no one State can, by
its own act, be released therefrom, and that the interesl of
ihe United Stales would be deeply and injuriously affected,
should the Congress, at this lime, consenl to a compromise
between any Slate and the forces to be by ihem raised :
That the said Convention, by iheir said Resolutions, seem
lo apprehend, lhal their State would be obliged, in iheir
individual capacity, to make good ihe bounty of Land here-
after lo be given lo the soldiery ; whereas, it was the intenlion
of Congress lo provide ihe said Land at the expense of the
United States :
1417
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, OCTOBER 31, 1776.
1418
That the said Convention be requested to reconsider the
said Resolutions, and to give to their Commissioners, ap-
pointed to repair to the camp', such instructions as will
enable them to carry into execution the views of Congress :
That the said Convention be informed, that the Paymaster-
General has been furnished with a sum of money for the
purpose of paying the bounty of 20 Dollars ordered by
Congress to such soldiers as shall inlist to serve the United
States during the war.
Congress resumed the consideration of the Report of the
Marine Committee: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the rank of Officers of Marines be the
sahie as Officers of similar commissions in the land service:
That the Commanders, Officers, Seamen, and Marines, in
the Continental Navy, be entitled to one half of merchant-
men, transports, and storeships, by them taken, from and
after the first day of November, 1776, to be divided amongst
them in the shares and proportions fixed by former resolu-
tions of Congress :
That the Commanders, Officers, Seamen, and Marines,
in the Continental Navy, be entitled to the whole value of
all ships and vessels of war belonging to the down of
Great Britain, by them made prize of, and all privateers
authorized by his Britannick Majesty to war against these
States, to be divided as aforesaid.
Resolved, That the part of the Report relative to the
rank and pay of Naval Officers, be referred to a Committee
of three :
The Members chosen, Mr. Morris, Mr. Whipple, and
Mr. R. H. Lee.
Resolved, That the remainder of the Report be recom-
mitted.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
Thursday, October 31, 1776.
A Letter, of the 28th, from General Greene, was read:
Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of Intel-
ligence.
Resolved, That 2,000 Dollars be advanced to Colonel
Zebulon Butler, for the use of the two Companies raised in
the town of Westmoreland, he to be accountable :
That leave be granted to Zebulon Butler, Esq., or his
agent, to purchase, of the Salt belonging to the Continent,
50 bushels for the use of the Continental Troops raised in
Westmoreland.
A Letter, of the 29th, from Robert H. Harrison, the
General's Secretary, was read..
The Committee appointed to make strict inquiry respect-
ing some late Despatches from Head-Quarters, said to have
been lost on Monday last at Bristol, reported,
That they have pursued every probable method that
might lead to a discovery of the said despatches, without
effect ; that they have strictly and carefully examined every
person who could be supposed to have any knowledge of
the circumstances related by the express, charged will) the
said despatches, respecting his loss, but can discover no
traces of the robbery or stealth ; that the said express does
not give so clear and satisfactory an account of this matter
as fully to exculpate himself in the opinion of this Com-'
mittee, and that they have therefore brought him back in
order to submit him to the further examination of Congress:
Whereupon,
Resolved, That Timothy Dod, who had charge of the
Despatches from General Washington, and alleges he lost
them at Bristol, be committed to the custody of R. Jewell,
Keeper of the publick Prison, to be safely kept till further
orders of Congress :
That Mr. Jetvell be directed to keep Timothy Dod in
his own apartments and family, and not to permit any of the
prisoners, nor any person, except those of his own family,
to converse with him, till further orders of Congress.
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to pre-
pare an effectual plan for suppressing the internal enemies
of America, and preventing a communication of intelligence
to our other enemies:
The Members chosen, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Wythe, Mr.
R. H. Lee, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Ross.
Ordered, That the Board of War remove the Prisoners
from Bristol, and the publick post-roads, to some convenient
places back in the country :
That they have a sufficient guard kept at the publick
Prison, and over the Continental stores in and near Phila-
delphia.
Whereas it has been represented to Congress, that sun-
dry inhabitants of these United States, to keep supplies
from the Army, or promote their own interest, have pur-
chased considerable quantities of Clothing, and refuse to
dispose of the same, unless upon extravagant or unreasonable
terms :
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Assemblies,
Conventions, Councils, or Committees of Safety of the sev-
eral States, forthwith to take suitable measures lor obtaining,
for the use of the Army, such necessary articles as, being
thus engrossed 'in their respective States, cannot be other-
wise immediately procured, allowing to the owners reason-
able prices for the same ; and that laws be provided in each
of the States, for effectually preventing monopolies of neces-
saries for the Army, or inhabitants of the same.
Ordered, That the Committee to whom Mr. Bache's
.Letter was referred report, as soon as possible, ways and
means of establishing Expresses, and conveying intelligence
to and from the Army with safety and despatch.
The several matters to this day referred being postponed,
Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow.
END OF THE SECOND VOLUME OF THE FIFTH SERIES.
WASHINGTON, April, 1851.
INDEX
TO THE SECOND VOLUME OF THE FIFTH SERIES.
Abbot, Colonel Samuel, ordered to march his Militia
towards New- York, - - . onfi
Abeel, James, letter from, to Robert Harper, - ." 1266
Abingdon, Earl of, Address of, at Wallingford Ens-
land, f
Declares the war to be unjust, unconstitutional and" '
ruinous, - _
Accounts, Pennsylvania Council of Safety order sun-
dry- to be paid, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 68 69 70
71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 79 80 81 82 «b 84
85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 92 93 94, 95, 96, 97 98
Connecticut Council of Safety order sundry to be
paid - 129 130, 295, 386, 557, 848, 849, 1302
Pennsylvania Assembly order sundry, to be paid, - 544,
Maryland Council of Safety order sundry to hf'
paid 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631 632
633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638 639 640 641 642
643 644, 645, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658 659, 660
Resolve relative to vouchers of, against the Conti-
nent, y^ __g
Congress appoint Commissioners to liquidate the '
publick, in the Northern Department, - - 1308
Sundry, ordered by Congress to be paid I'm
1334, 1338, 1339, 1342, 1360, 1375, 1376, 1379 1380
1386, 1396, 1401, 1402, 1404, 1405, 1406! 1407 1408
A , HT ?' H10) 1411' 1412' 1413- 1414' 1415, 1416
Actions Massachusetts passes a resolution to revive 735
Adair, Gideon, recommended for a Captaincy of Ma-
rines, ... .... 1268
Adams, Daniel, letter from, to Maryland Convention, 613
Adams, Major Daniel Jenifer, recommended for pro-
motion, - - .... 947
Adams, John, letters from, to Mrs. Adams, - - 192
.'• 324, 443, 864, 938
Opposed to taking any notice of Lord Howe's pro-
position for an interview, - ... 192
Appointed, with Dr. Franklin and Edward Rutled^e"
to confer with Lord Howe, . . . J 1332
Letter to, from Stephen Hopkins, - - . 837
President of the Board of War, .... 850
Letter to, from William Aylett, - - . 850
Adams, Mrs., letters to, from John Adams, - - 192
., 324,443,864,938
Adams, Josian, appointed a Paymaster, - 448
Adams, Obadiah, resolve to pay the heirs of, for the
loss of a gun, - »tr^>
Adams, Peter, letter from, to Maryland Delegates in
Congress,
Adams, Richard, memorial of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, - . . . . _ 1308
Adams, Samuel, Secretary of Massachusetts Assembly, 487
Adams, Ensign, promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - 478
Adams, Windham, commissioned Major of Second
Battalion of New-Hampshire troops, - - - 1177
Address, to the Publick, - . _ . - 211
Of William Gordon to the inhabitants of Massachu-
setts, - - --«.". . . . 227
Of the General Assembly of South-Carolina to Presi-
dent Rutledge, - - ... 394
Of "Conti ," to the People of Pennsylvania, - 430
Postscript to the above, by "Conti ," - - 432
Address — Continued
Remarks on the, of "Conti ," by " Doria," - 433
Of New-Jersey Assembly to Governour Livingston, 491
01 Governour Livingston to New-Jersey Assembly, 492
Of Pennsylvania Convention to the Freemen of
Pennsylvania, ----.__ 532
Of New-Jersey Council to Governour Livingston, - 587
Of Governour Livingston to New-Jersey Council, - 588
Jw- u * ™-r °f Abingdon. at Wallingford, England, 808
Of A Militia-Man," to Connecticut Assembly, - 983
Of Inhabitants of New-York to Lord and General
Howe. - i . 1074
Of Inhabitants of New- York to Governour Tryon, 1075
Of Governour Tryon to Inhabitants of New- York, 1075
Of the Lord Mayor, &c., of York, to the King, - 1126
Of Inhabitants of Queen's County to Governour
Tryon, - ....
Of Governour Tryon to Inhabitants of Queen's-
County, - - - - 1164
Of "A Carolinian" to Lord and General Howe, - 1180
Adjutant-General of the Army, a post of great concern
and difficulty, ---..__ 826
Affidavit of Elizabeth Franklin, .... 357
Africa, Captain John Paul Jones suggests an expedi-
tion to the coast of,
Agent for building Continental ships, resolution to
furnish the, with guns, - ... 768
Ague and Fever, cold weather the best doctor for, - 356
Air Furnace, resolve for erecting, for casting cannon, 773
Aids-de-Camp, Mons. Penet appointed one of Wash-
ington's, - - - - 927
Alaby, Isaac, sentenced to be flogged, ... 473
Albany, scarcity of carpenters at, - - - - 858
A great numberof disaffected persons in and about, - 1143
Commissioners appointed to examine the publick
accounts open their office at, - - - . 614
Albany Committee, instructions from, to their Deputies
in New- York Convention, ... 708
Letterfrom, to New- York Convention, - - - 1141
Letter to, from Colonel Whiting, - - H69
Albertson, Lieutenant Thomas, orders to, from Marine
Committee, ---.___ 823
Aitkin, Robert, -appointed to reprint the Journals of
Congress, . . . 1390
Alexander, A. J., letter from, to General Washington, - 403
Alexandria, order of Virginia Council for supplying
the fortification at, with cannon, - . H27
Letter from Committee of, to the President of Con-
gress, - . U27
Alger, Lieutenant William B., letter from, to New-
York Convention, ----.. 831
Deposition of, - - . . . - 1123
"Alfred," ship, account of provisions on board the, - 1107
Allen, Benjamin, sentenced to be flogged for desertion, 613
Allen, Captain Edward, recommended as a proper
person to command the Brig Comet, . 1323
Instructions to, from South-Carolina Navy Board, -"1324
Letter to, from South-Carolina Navy Board, - 1325, 1327
Allen, Colonel Ethan, prisoner at Halifax, efforts for
the relief of, - ..... 1133
Resolution of Connecticut Assembly in favour of, - 1225
Allen, Jolley, permitted to sell a part of his effects, - 779
Allen, Lieutenant Noah, appointed to a Captaincy, - 1083
1423
INDEX.
1424
Allison, Francis, appointed Surgeon of Pennsylvania
troops, - -..---86
Ambler, Joshua, Chairman of Poundrige Committee, - 1066
Aniboy, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania Associators at, per-
mitted to return homo, - - 181
Grievances of the inhabitants of, - - 365,366
General Mercer requested to take measures lo re-
move the complaints of the inhabitants of, -
Extract of a letter from, > 366
Firewood greatly needed at, - 366
America, ordinance for punishing persons guilty of
speaking and writing against, -
The cause of, the cause of mankind,
People of, will resist force, - - 390
Independence of, essential to peace, liberty, and
safety, - ...... 395
The war upon, unjust, unconstitutional, and ruin-
ous, ... .... 909
The appearance of cruisers of, iii European seas,
viewed with amazement, - - - - 937
The spirit of venality will ruin, if she ever is ruined, - 939
Philo-AIethias on the present States of, - 967
Oppressive acts of Great Britain towards, - - 1044
Jud^e Dravton's remarks on the rise of the empire
of; - - 1047
Considerations on the present revolted state of, by
Camillus, - - 1115
A Soldier to the Independent Sons of, - 1174, 1317
At all events, must be free, - - 1207
America, privateer, captures a valuable prize, - - 1004
American, an, to the Printer of the London Chronicle, 390
Americanus, on the Conference between Lord Howe
and the Committee of Congress, - - 914
Ammunition, petitions for, from Northampton, Penn-
sylvania, ----- 39
Resolutions of the Council of New-Jersey respect-
ing a supply of, &c., - ... 366
Scarcity of, at Ticonderoga, - - 619
A large quantity of, forwarded to Fort Montgomery, - 672
A large supply of, forwarded from Massachusetts to
Coune'cticut, - - 767
Andre, Peter, an Indian, money voted for the support
.of, - - - 775
"Andrew Doria," ship, Captain Biddle, takes several
valuable prizes, - - 225, 282, 378
Arrival of the, at Philadelphia, >• - 378
Resolution of Congress respecting prizes taken by
the, - - - 1388
Anderson, Lieutenant, wounded in the action on
Long-Island, - - - - 882
Anderson, Lieut. A. ^recommended for promotion, - 1007
Anderson, John, memorial of, to Massachusetts Coun-
cil, 808
Permitted to import warlike stores and other effects, 808
Annapolis, extract of a letter received at, from Phila-
delphia, - - 595
Extract of a letter from White-Plains to a gentleman
in, - .... 1284
Anne Arundel, Delegates for, in Convention, resign
their seats, - .... 297
New election of Delegates for, .... 297
Anstruther, Lieutenant P., (prisoner,) asks permis-
sion to go to Philadelphia, - ... 1310
Antil, Mrs., permitted to go to New-York, - 1409
" Appius," to the Printer of the London Chronicle, - 391
Arbuthnot, Commodore, makes prize of a flag-of-
truce, ------ . 307
Archibald, John, order forthe arrestand examination of, 688
Arichat, taken possession of by Captain Jones, of the
sloop Providence, ------ 443
Armourer, an, much wanted at Fort Montgomerie, - 666
An, ordered to be sent to Fort Montgomery, - 672
Armed vessels, order to provide supplies for, - - 780
List of American, on Lake Champlain, - -1041,1179
List of British, on Lake Champlain, 1086, 1172, 1179
Secret Committee order the purchase of, in Europe, 1387
Arms —
Of Non-Associators, ordinance respecting, - - 6
Colonels Carnahan and Proctor apply to Pennsylva-
nia Convention for, - 33
Petitions for, from Northampton, Pennsylvania, - 39
Return of, belonging to Pennsylvania, ordered, - 77
Resolution of Lancaster Committee respecting the
distribution of, - 234
A large quantity of, &c., forwarded to Fort Mont-
gomery, -------- 672
Memorandum of money paid to purchase, - - 862
Memorandum of payments for, stopped from the
Reg. old establishment, 862
Arms — Continued.
Maryland Council of Safety furnish funds to purchase, 988
Colonel Zedwitz's plan for obtaining, for the use of
the Continental Army, - - 1218
Arms and accoutrements, Pennsylvania Council of
Safety order a return of, - - 86
Receipt for, - 276
Return of, taken from the enemy on Staten-Island, 1094
Armstrong, Gerieral John, letter from, to the President
of Congress, - - 924
Armstrong, , arrested for making Indians
drunk, &.c., - - 859
Army, evacuation of Long-Island by Washington's, 118, 170
The state of Washington's, - - - 120,121
Numerous desertions from the, - - 120, 121, 714
Washington's, under twenty thousand, - - 121
Importance of strengthening the. in New-York, 135, 136
Troops ordered from Virginia, &c., to strengthen, - 136
Ministerial, in Canada, fifteen thousand strong, 148, 485
Prevalence of desertion in the Northern, - 149
American, composed principally of raw Militia, - 158
Loss of the American, in the skirmish on Long-
Island, - - 167, 399
Critical state of the, at New-York, - 182
General Greene recommends the retreat of the, from
the Island of New-York, - - 182
Operations of Howe's, on Long-Island, - 188
Reasons forthe evacuation of Long-Island by Wash-
ington's, - - 197
Embarrassment of the, at New- York, - - 198
Said by Colonel Reed to be "between hawk and
buzzard," - 198
Extract of a letter from an officer in the, - - 198
Howe's, twenty-one thousand strongon Long-Island, 200
Washington's, thirty-three thousand strong, - - 234
One-fourth of the, on the sick list, - 237
Arrangements of the, preparatory to the evacuation
' of New- York, - - - 237
Main body of Howe's, at Newtown, - - .239
Northern, in great distress for clothing, - 246
Movements of the Ministerial, in the neighbourhood
of New- York, - ... 256, 257, 1064,
1077, 1137, 1138, 1166. 1167, 1188, 1189. 1311, 1312
Northern, in great distress for medicines and hos-
pital stores, - 263, 685
Washington's concern at the spirit of robbery and
plunder in the, - - - 312, 413
Returns of Washington's, - - 327, 328, 449, 607, 907
Retreat of the, from New York, - - 351
Main body of the, encamp upon the Heights of
Harlem, 351
Skirmish of the, with the enemy at Hiirlem, - - 369,
370 381, 384, 417, 430, 887
Admirable retreat of Washington's, from Long-
Island, - - - - - 370, 820
Howe's, take possession of the City of New-York, 378,
384
Eight thousand five hundred men fit for duty in the
Northern, - 441
Washington's, reduced by sickness and desertion to
twelve or fourteen thousand, - - 446
Howe's, not less than twenty-five thousand strong, 446
A regular standing, essential, - - 460
General Gates's plan for recruiting the new, in the
Northern department,
Return of the Northern, - - 470
Decrease of sickness in the Northern, - - 484, 981
High spirits of the Northern, - - - 484
Congress resolve to augment the, - 488, 560
Bounty fur inlistments for the, during the war, - 488
III consequences of short inlisiments for the,
A well-disci;)lined, essential to success, - 488, 489
Washington's, too strongly posted to be attacked in
front, and difficulty of turning its wings, - - 519
Resolve of Massachusetts for raising one-fifth of
her militia to reinforce the,
Necessity for a train of field artillery in the Northern, 615
Resolve of Massachusetts respecting deserters from
the Northern, -
Resolve for procuring clothing for the, -
Northern, in want of" arms, tenis, and clothing, - 821
Northern, strongly intrenched at Ticonderoga, - 821
High spirits and improved health of Washington's, 840
Measures taken to intercept Tories on their way to
. join Howe's, - - 841, 845
Washington'*, " upon the eve of political dissolu-
tion," - 867
An increase of the pay of the, recommended by
Washington, - ... 867
1425
INDEX.
1426
Army — Continued.
Northern, well supplied with provisions, - 922
Six thousand New-Hampshire and Massachusetts
militia march to join Washington's, - - 934
Return of General Mercer's, at Perth-Amboy, in
New-Jersey, - - 941
Congress increase the inducements to enter the, for
the war, - 952, 953
Loss of the Ministerial, in the skirmish at Harlem, 990
Loss of the American, in the skirmish at Harlem, 990
Movements and operations of Washington's, in the
vicinity of New-York, ... - 1064,
1097, 1130, 1188, 1189, 1311, 1312
Skirmishes of the, with the enemy near New-York, 1066,
1077, 1097, 1130, 1138, 1166, 1167, 1188, 1189,
1203, 1263, 1311, 1312
Howe's, in. good health and have plenty of provi-
sions, ... . . 1073
Howe's, reinforced by the arrival of Hessians, - 1076
General Schuyler calls upon the neighbouring States
for reinforcements for the Northern, - - 1087
Ministerial, in possession of Crown-Point, - 1144, 1206
Old men, without experience and genius, " useless
old boys" in the, - - 1166
Position of Howe's, - - - 1203
Position of Washington's, - - 1203
Movements of General Heath's division of the,
(note,) 1203
Plan of obtaining arms for the Continental, - - 1218
Head-Quarters of Washington's, at White-Plains, 1239
Skirmish of the, with the enemy at White-Plains, - 1271,
1272, 1282
Militia desert in great numbers from the Northern, 1299
Commissioners appointed to audit the accounts of
the Northern, - .- - - - - 1308
Articles for the government of the American, - 1363
Supplies necessary for the use and comfort of the, 1384
Measures taken by Congress for raising the new, - 1392
Rations allowed to officers on the staff in the, - 1407
Arndt, Major, obtains leave of absence, - 34
Arnold, General Benedict —
Letter to, from William Gilleland, - 112
Letters to, from General Gates, - - - 186,
302, 402, 484, 555, 847, 860, 1017
Letters from, to General Gates, - - 223,
251, 265, 353, 354, 440, 531, 532, 591, 933, 982, 1038
Requests General Gates to forward a reinforcement
to Isle-aux-Motte, - - 224
Asks for a reinforcement of seamen, - - 224
Complains of calumny, - - 224, 354
List of sick on board the fleet commanded by, - 224
Fleet of, consists of seventeen sail, - - 294
Position and operations of the fleet of, 353, 354, 531
Fleet of, arrives at Windmill Point, - - 353
Scouts sent out by, - - 353
Isle Motte best stand for the fleet of, - * - - 353
Requests Gates to send troops to Isle Motte, - 353
Fleet of, arrive at Isle Motte, - - 354
Requests that mounted howitzers be forwarded to
him, - 354
Swivels wanted by, - - 355
Requests more seamen and gunners, - - 440
Arrives, with his fleet, at Bay St. Amond, - - 440
Expects that the enemy will soon pay him a visit, - 481
Complains of the character of his men, - 481
Asks for howitzers, shot, shells, cables, anchors,
&c., - - - - - . - - 481
Said to have destroyed most of the enemy's boats
at the north end of Lake Champlain, - 486
Six hundred prisoners said to have been taken by, - 486
A reinforcement of seamen sent to, - - 556
His fleet reinforced by the arrival of the Trumbull
row-galley, - - - 556
A reinforcement of seamen join the fleet of, - - 834
List of articles wanted by, - - 835
Great complaints against, - - - 911
Absolute necessity of augmenting the fleet of, - 982
Battle between the fleet of, and the British on Lake
Champlain, - - 1028
His account of the battle on Lake Champlain, - 1038
List of the fleet of, - - 1039
Total defeat of the fleet of, - 1040, 1079
" Our evil genius to the North." - - - 1143
Articles of Agreement, between Silas Deane and Mon-
sieur Coudray, - -
\rticles-for the government of the Armies of the United
States, - 1363
Artificers, engineers, &c., Colonel Putnam's plan for
establishing a corps of, - - 893
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 90
Artillery, of Pennsylvania, at Amboy, desire to be
placed on the same footing with militia, 28
Detachment of Pennsylvania, ordered to Fort Mont-
gomery, --------94
Return of Knox's train of, - 329,451,607,909,1130
Necessity fora train of field, in the Northern army, - 615
Return of Major Badlam's corps of, - - 479, 619
Return of officers in Knox's regiment of, - - 905
Ashburn, George, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, - - 782
Permitted to go to England, - 7H2
Ashby, John, appointed a Captain, - - 1396
Ashby, Nathaniel, appointed an Ensign, - - 1396
Assessors, resolve authorizing the election of, in
Maduncook, Massachusetts, - - 776
Associators, to be armed with weapons taken from
Non-Associators, - 6
Desertion of, from the Flying-Camp, - - 22
Resolves of Pennsylvania Convention respecting, - 22
Ordinance to equalize burdens of, and Non-Asso-
ciators, - - ... - 42
Moneys arising from assessments upon Non-Asso-
ciators to be given to the families of poor, - 43
Those, who refuse to inarch into Jersey, to be con-
sidered as Non-Associators, - - 60
Officers of Fourth Battalion of Pennsylvania, - 82
Accounts of, to be settled without delay, 83
Philadelphia, at Amboy, allowed to return home, - 181
Hart's battalion of Pennsylvania, discharged from
camp at Amboy, - - 256
Colonel Slough's battalion of, dismissed the service,
with thanks, - - 940
Colonel Allison's battalion of, permitted to return
home, - - - 1009
Atherton, Cornelius, memorial of, to New- York Con-
vention, - - 719
Atkins, Captain, sends in a valuable prize, loaded with
stores for General Howe, - - - 1228
Atlee, Colonel, taken prisoner in the battle on Long-
Island, - - - - . - - - - 108
Atlee, William, chairman of Lancaster Committee —
Letter to, from Colonel Burd, - - 255
Letter from, to John Cox, - - . - - 971
Letter from, to Richard Peters, - - 1309
Auburay, Frederick, recommended for a Second Lieu-
tenancy, - - - - - - 1069
Auchmuty, James, (prisoner,) letter from, to John Jay, 1168
Augusta, Virginia —
Sentiments of the Militia and Freeholders of, 815
Strictures on the Sentiments, &c., of, by "A Mem-
ber of the Established Church," (note,) - - 815
Austin, Benjamin, authorized to supply stores, can-
non, &c., to certain vessels of war, - - 780
Accounts of, against Massachusetts, - - 805
Letter to, from Selectmen of Boston, - - 1227
Avery, Elisha, Commissary, letter to, from Joseph
Trumbull, 214
Remarks of General Schuyler on, - 111, 249
Succeeds Mr. Livingston as Deputy Commissary-
General, - - - - 922
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 1068
Letter to, from H. Glen, - - 1132
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - - 1141
Avery, John, Deputy Secretary to Massachusetts
Council, - .... - 230
Letter to, from Captain Jackson, - - 538
Letter from, to the President of Congress, -
Letter from, to E. Thompson, - - 1005
Aylett, William, Deputy Commissary General —
Letter from, to John Adams, - 850
B.
Babbige, James, prisoner of war, parole of, - - 594
Babcock, Adam, memorial of, to Connecticut Council
of Safety, - 1277
Babcock, Colonel Joshua, letter from, to Governour
Cooke, - - 442
Backus, Major, appointed to command Connecticut
Horse, - - 295
Orders to, - - - - - 439, 845
Badlam, William, appointed a Quartermaster, - 478
Badlam, Major, return of Artillery commanded by, 479, 619
Baggage, loss of, on the evacuation of New- York, - 351
Bailey, John, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 347
Bailey, Lieutenant-Colonel John, Jun., appointed to
command the levies to reinforce Forts Mont-
gomery and Constitution, - 670
Baker, Samuel, appointed a First Lieutenant in the
Flying-Camp, - - 629
1427
INDEX.
1428
Baker's Block-House, on Onion River, an advanta-
geous post for the defence of the frontier, - - 111
Bnlilhcad, at the mouth of Cape Fear River, the enemy
erect a fort at, - - - - - 970
Baldwin, Jeduthun, letter from, to General Gates, - 1133
Appointed an Engineer in the Continental Army, - 1329
Baldwin, John, declared to be an enemy to his coun-
try, and committed to prison, - - 98, 1309
Baldwin, Colonel Nahum, ordered to march to New-
York, - - - 508
Baldwin, Captain, takes into Philadelphia a valuable
prize, ...----- 1072
Ball, Blackwell William, appointed an Ensign, -
Ball, Jonas, and others, memorial of, to Massachusetts
General Court, 73c
Ball, Lieutenant, discharged from prison on parole, - 1377
Ballard, Captain Robert, desires to sell his commission, 604
Balls, cannon, forwarded to New-Hampshire, - - 119
Northern Awny in want of, - - 246
A large quantity of musket, discovered in a sus-
pected house, - ... 461
A thousand pounds of, forwarded from Boston to
Hartford, - - 559
A supply of, delivered to Jonathan Eddy and others, 735
Massachusetts forwards to Fairfield a large quantity
of leaden, for the use of their Militia, - - 767
Account of, delivered by Peter T. Curtenius, - 830
Baltimore Committee, members of, - - 117
Proceedings of, 118, 253, 308, 347, 458, 601, 925, 1005
Letters from, to Maryland Convention, - 117,310
Letters to, from Maryland Council of Safety, 271, 541, 578
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 1032
"Baltimore Hero," sloop, permitted to go to Martin-
ique,
- 631
Bamper, Jacob, letter from, to New-York Committee
of Arrangement, ------ 1149
Bancroft, Doctor, of London, merits much of the Col-
onies, -------- 810
Bancker, Evert, and others, letter from, to John M.
Hobart, - - - 845
Letter from, to New-York Marine Committee, - 846
Instructions from, to Captain Rogers, -
Letter to, from John Sloss Hobart, - 950
Bancker, Gerard, Deputy Treasurer of New-York —
Ordered to proceed to Philadelphia for the loan
voted by Congress to New-York, - - 998
Bangs, Captain Abijah, orders to, - - - - 795
Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - - 1046
Bankson, Andrew, appointed an Ensign, - - - 473
Barbadoes, extract of a letter from a merchant in, - 231
An American armed schooner sent into, as a prize, 231
An agent sent from, to London, to represent their
distresses, - - - - - -810
Speech of the Governour of, to the Council and
Assembly, - - - - - - 812
Reply of the Assembly of, to theGovernour's speech, 813
Barber, Captain John, permitted to take his schooner
to Boston, - - .... 766
Barclay, John, chairman of Albany Committee, - 964
Barclay, Ensign John, promoted to a Second Lieu-
tenancy, - - - 1086
Bard, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 88
Barden, Stephen, deposition of, against Samuel Sprague, 755
Barker, Jacob, chairman of Sunbury (Nova-Scotia)
Committee, 785
Barnard, John Beardwell, petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - - 788
Permitted to depart for Great Britain, - - 788
Barnes, Captain Amos, payment to, for Militia, - 947
Barnett, David, advertised as a deserter, - - - 362
Barnstable, Massachusetts, draughts from, ordered to
Rhode-Island, - 767
Barracks, order to construct, at King's Bridge, - - 257
Necessary to build, for a strong garrison at Ticon-
deroga and Mount Independence, - - 470
To be built on the Gurnet in Plymouth Harbour, - 752
Ground purchased forthe erection of, atSchenectady, 980
A sufficient number of, erected at Crown-Point, - 981
General Schuyler preparing to build, for three thou-
sand men at Saratoga and Stillwater, - - 1078
Memorandum respecting, near Fishkill, - - 1254
Barrett, Colonel John, ordered to cut a road from
Number Four to Mount Independence, - - 222
Letters from, to General Gates, - - 402, 557, 835
Barry, John, sentenced to be flogged for desertion, - 590
Barstow, Nathaniel, petition of, to Massachusetts
General Court, - - ... 750
Bartholomew, Edward, elected a member of Pennsyl-
vania Council of Safety, - 9
Bartlott, Josiah, a Delegate in Congress from Rhode-
Island —
Letter from, to John Langdon, - - 105,
^253, 350, 459, 602, 1063, 1128
Letter from, to General Folsom, - - 118
Letter from, to William Whipple, - - 137, 272, 323
Bad health of, - - - 602
Bartlett, William, letter from, to General Washing-
ton, - . ... - 983
Batchelder, Josiah, Jun., petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - ... - 740
Bates, Elnathan, letter from, to Richard Devens, 133, 442
Bates, George, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, -
Permitted to depart for England, -
Battersbee, William, appointed a Storekeeper, - - 474
Bayard, John, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - - 37
Bayley, Colonel Jacob, letter from, to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety, - - 145
Letter from, to Colonel Kurd, - - 508
Letters from, to General Washington, - 1067, 1168
Account of, against the United States, - - 1068
Letter to, from General Washington, _ - - 1095
Bayley, John, deposition of, in relation to a treason-
able plan,
Bayley, Joseph, commander of privateer Putnam, - 799
Bayly, Captain Mountjoy, letter from, to General
Washington, - - 333
Beale, Thomas, appointed a Captain, - 1342
Beall, General Rezin, letter to, from Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, -
Letter to, from Colonel Reed,
Letter from, to Colonel Reed, - - 895
Return of Field-Officers of Maryland Flying-Camp
commanded by, - - - - 897
Return of Field-Officers fit for duty in the brigade
commanded by, - - 1011
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 1011
Ordered, with three regiments of Maryland troops,
to Croler Bridge, - - 1311
Beatty, John, appointed a Major in the Continental
service, ------ --94
Becker, Major Henry, transferred to Continental ser-
vice, 94
Beckford, Ebenezer, powder delivered to, - 734
Bedford Committee, letter from, to New- York Conven-
tion, - - - 1272
Bedford, Gunning, Mustermaster-General, memorial of,
to Congress, -
Beelor, James, Jun., appointed a Second Lieutenant, 1340
Bell, William, appointed an Ensign, - 474
Bellows, Colonel Benjamin, Jun., ordered to raise a
company and march to New- York, -
Order to march to New- York countermanded, - 360
Appointed Mustermaster to Captain House's com-
pany, - - - - - 360
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 1146
Letter to, from General Gates, - - - 1244
Bells, proceedings of New York Convention relative
to removal of, - - 184, 665, 672
Removal of, from New- York highly approved by
General Washington, - 240
Removal of, attributed by Governour Tryon to a de-
sign to prevent an alarm of fire, - 493
Benjamin, Ensign Ca., promoted to a Second Lieu-
tenancy, - - - 1083
Benedict, Major Joseph, letter to, from Thaddeus
Crane, - - - - - 373
Letter from, to Colonel Drake,
Bennington Committee, letter to, from J. Trumbull, 1143,
1191, 1300
Letter to, from James Yancey,
Letter to, from General Schuyler, - 1258
Benson, Egbert, letter to, from Tench Tilghman, - 854
Benson, Robert, letter to, from James William Payne, 243
Letter to, from Colonel Stockton, - 1254
Bergen, American Army posted at,
Extract of a letter from Head-Quarters at, - - 867
Bergen-Neck, post at, strengthened, - 158
Berks County, Pennsylvania, a frontier, -
Proceedings of Committee of, - - 1309
Berkshire, Mass., Col. Simons and others appointed
to execute the resolve for raising Militia in,
Letter to Committee of, from General Schuyler, - 1087
Bermuda, representations of an agent from, to the
British Ministry, - - 810
Bernard & Wadding, report concerning the goods
taken from, by order of General Woostcr, (note,) 1390
1429
INDEX.
1430
Berruyer, Mons. de, letter from, to Gen. Washington, 269
Betsey, schooner, Hugh Sherwood commander, per-
mitted to sail for Martinico, - - 628
Betsey, schooner, Alexander Wilson commander, cap-
tured and stranded on the coast of New-Jeriey, 1093
Betsey, sloop, Josh. Hayman commander, permitted
to go to Caiman, - - 632
Biddle, Col. Clement, Deputy Quartermaster-Gen-
eral, letter from, to General Heath, - 183
Letter from, to the Board of War, - - 235
Biddle,'O wen, elected a member of Pennsylvania Coun-
cil of Safety, - - 8
Biddle, Captain, of the "Andrew Doria," captures a
number of valuable prizes, - - 227, 282, 307
Bigelow, Major, recommended by General Gates, - 1192
Bilboa, Spain, extract of a letter from, ... 917
An American privateer detained at, as a pirate, 1091, 1092
Bill, Thomas, money voted to, to enable him take up
deserters, .----. 575
Billingsport, fortifications at, - - - - 74
Bills of Credit —
An ordinance of Pennsylvania to prevent the coun-
terfeiting of, - - - - 15
John Baldwin refuses to receive Continental, 98, 1309
Act of New- York rendering certain, a legal tender, 411
Pennsylvania issue, - - - 543
Impracticability of emitting, in New-York, - - 711
Massachusetts appoints a Committee to sign, 773, 774
Edward Smith convicted of counterfeiting, - - 935
Bingham, William, letter to, from Committee of Secret
Correspondence, - - 425, 822, 1198, 1199
Letter to, from Marine Committee, - - 864
Letter to, from Silas Deane, - ... 1092
Bird, Samuel, and others, to Governour Trumbull, - 965
Birdsall, Colonel Benjamin, letter from, to New- York
Convention, - - - 201
Petition of, to New-York Convention, ... 666
Bishop, P., appointed a First Lieutenant, - - - 617
Blackwell, John, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 1396
Blackwell, Joseph, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 1396
Elaine, Ephraim,-elected Commissary to Col.Mackay's
Battalion, - 1405
Blake, Edward, appointed a Commissioner of South-
Carolina Navy Board, - 1323
Blanchard, Jonathan, appointed by New-Hampshire
to visit Washington's camp, - - 1175
Appointed on a Committee to visit Gates's camp, - 1176
Return of the Committee's doings atTiconderoga, by, 1176
Bland, Colonel Theodorick, arrival of light horse of,
at Williamsburg, ------ 405
Blank commissions, supplied to Commissioners ap-
pointed to form the Flying-Camp, - - 21
General Ten Broeck requests to be supplied with, - 679
Blankets, Washington's army in great want of, 381, 520
An abundance of, and other woollens, to be had in
the French Islands, - - - 602
Resolution of Congress for the purchase of, &c., - 926
Maryland Council of Safety order the purchase of, 988
A quantity of, taken in a prize, offered to the Con-
tinent, - - - 1133
Five hundred arrive at Rhode-Island from France, 1136
Forty, delivered to Captain Harris, ... 1307
Blewer, Joseph, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - .... 8
Block-Island, two of the enemy's ships cruising off, - 1076
Bloornfield, Captain, arrives with his command at Fort
Schuyler, ... - - 355
Blue, Samuel, sentenced to be flogged, &c., for de-
sertion, ---.-- ... 1081
Bluff, Thomas, letter to, from David Williams, - - 648
Board of War, letter to, from John Trumbull, - - 127
Letter to, from General McDonald, (prisoner,) - 191
Letter to, from Colonel Biddle, - - 235
Letter to, from Colonel Griffin, - - 235
Letters from, to General Washington, - - 298, 320,
348, 407, 1062, 1185, 1210, 1211, 1308
Letter to, from the Delaware Convention, - - 424
Letter to, from General Mercer, - - - - 547
Letter to, from General Washington, - - 603
• Letter from, to Lancaster Committee, - - 956
Order of, respecting prisoners, - - - 1185
Letter to, from Robert H. Harrison} - - 1187
Plan of, to enable discharged soldiers to receive
their pay where discharged, - ... 1211
Letter to, from General Schuyler, - - - 1298
Letter to the Secretary of, from Gen. Schuyler, - 1298
Report from the, (note,) - - 1360, 1401
Report of, on General Washington's request to be
allowed to appoint P. Penet one of his aids, - 1398
Boards, a large quantity of, wanted at King's Bridge, 470
An enormous expense in, occasioned by the want
of tents, - - 1298
Bog, Archibald, allowed to return to England, - - 791
Boger, Lieutenant, discharged from prison on parole, 1377
Bois, Pierre Francois de, appointed a Major by brevet, 1390
Two months' pay advanced to, - - 1393
Bond, form of, given by agents for captures, - - 790
Bond, Nathaniel, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 308
Letters from, to Maryland Council of Safety, 1022, 1113
Bond, Richard, letter from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - - - 1292
Bond, Colonel Thomas, letters to, from Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - 988, 1113
Bond, Colonel William, death of, - - 169
Bonneau, Anthony, letters to, from South-Carolina
Navy Board, - - 1324, 1326
Boon, Hawkins, appointed a Captain, - - 80
Boone, Samuel, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 938
Booth, Daniel, a deserter from Canada, intelligence
received from, - - - - 508
Bordley, James, elected a Lieutenant-Colonel, - - 405
Boston, extract of a letter from, - 252
Orders of the Selectmen of, relating to the small-
pox, 297
Selectmen of, declare the town nearly free from
small-pox, - 339
Prize ship sent into, by Captain Paine, - 560
Fortification of the harbour of, - - 721
Instructions to Committee of, relative to ship Wil-
liam and her passengers, - - 792, 793
Committee for fortifying the harbour of,ordered to
forward twelve guns to Captain McNeil, - - 804
A French ship, with sixty-two guns, arrives at, - 849
A new battery erected near the entrance of the
harbour of, - - .... 849
A prize ship sent into, by Captain Whipple, - - 863
Letter from a gentleman in, to his friend in the
country, - - - - - 914
Letter to a gentlemen in, from his friend in the
country, - ..... 1043
Letter from General Schuyler to the Selectmen of, 1087
Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Commanding
Officer at, - - 1133
Letter from the Selectmen of, to Benjamin Austin, - 1227
Donations received at, by the hands of Samuel
Adams, - - - 1316
Boucher, Commodore, letter to, from Captain Cooke, - 488
Boundary between Pennsylvania and Virginia, propo-
sitions of Virginia to settle the, 41
Civil war likely to grow out of disputes about the, 41, 42
Pennsylvania declines the proposals of Virginia, - 42
Bounty —
Pennsylvania orders, to be paid to Associators who
join the Flying Camp, - - 19
For inlistments during the war in the fleet of Penn-
sylvania, -- ....-86
Not likely to produce the desired effect, - 121
Land in addition to, recommended by Washing-
ton, - 121
Allowed by Congress inferior to that allowed Militia, - 1 26
Offered for inlistments for the war, - 443
Increase of, for iiilistments for the war, - 488
Bowdoin, James, President of Massachusetts Coun-
cil-
Letters from, to the President of Congress, - 486,1109
Letter to, from Benjamin Davis, Jun., - - 984
Letter from, to General Washington, - -1108
Letter to, from Richard Derby, Jun., - - 1175
Letter to, from John Gibson, - 1247
Bowen, Charles, sentenced to be flogged for robbery
and drunkenness, - ... - 551
Boyd, Abraham, authorized to inlist menforthe Flying-
Camp, - - 627
Boyd, John, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - - 88
Boyd, John, member of Baltimore Committee, - - 117
Boyd, William, appointed an Ensign, - - 88
Boyle, George, convicted of being an enemy to the
common cause, - - 1142
Bozman, Ballard, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 634
Bracco, Captain, of Maryland, killed in the action at
White-Plains, - .>• -, , - - 1284
Bradford, Benjamin, appointed a Captain,
Bradford, C. J., to Massachusetts Council, - - 784
Letter to, from the Marine Committee,
Letter to, from Commodore Hopkins, - 914, 1134, 1195
An account of plaids and military stores in the
possession of, -
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - "°*
1431
INDEX.
1432
Bradford, William, Depnty-Governoiirof Rhode-Island —
Letter from, to Massachusetts Assembly, - - 312
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 337
Letter from, to General Washington, - - 337, 485
Letter to, from Massachusetts Assembly, - - 376
Letter to, from General Washington, - - 595
Bradford, Adjutant, appointed temporary Aid-de-Camp
to General Lee, ... 1284
Bradstreet, Lyonel, petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - - 782
Permitted to depart for Great Britain, - - 7S2
Brady, John, appointed a Captain, - - 86
Brady, Samuel, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 1331
Braithwaite, Captain, of the Hampden packet, letter
from, - ... 403
Brandon, Thomas, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 80
Brandt, Capt. John,inlists batteau-men at Schenectady, 221
Brass knockers to be taken from the doors of New-
York, and sent to New-Jersey, - - - - 670
Bready, Christopher, appointed a Second Lieutenant, 1333
Broady, William, appointed a Captain of Virginia Rifles, 1333
Brest, a fleet fitting at, - - - 427
Brewer, Colonel Samuel, letters from, to General Gates, 1040,
1144, 1192, 1300
Brewester, William, letter from, to General Clinton, - 832
Brice, John, appointed Captain of fire-sloop Etna, - 90
Brigade-Majors, ordered to attend at Head-Quarters
every day, ...... 382
Ordered to settle a Court-Martial for the trial of
prisoners, - - - - 382
Brigs, John, committed to prison for speaking against
the liberties of America, - 86
Brigs, Mrs., note from, to Admiral Hopkins, - - 1005
Brinley, Nathaniel, said to be '' a very villain,1' - - 743
Memorial of, to Massachusetts General Court, - 744
Asks to be removed from the town of Framingham, 745
Ordered into custody, - - ... 774
Personal estate of, taken into custody, - - 1070
Britain — see Great Britain.
British Army — see Army.
British Navy — see Navy.
British statements, of affairs in America, 123, 135, 168,
200, 463, 519, 562, 564, 1136, 1293
British troops, bad blood between the, and the Hes-
sians, - - - 848,996
British and American naval officers, table showing the
pay of, - - 1107
British West-Indies suffer greatly from the interruption
of the trade with the United States, - - 812
Dependence of, upon the United States for supplies, 813
Brodhead, Lieutenant-Colonel, letter from, to Penn-
sylvania Convention, - 36
Brodhead, Daniel, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel of
Pennsylvania troops in Continental service, - 94
Bromfield, Henry, elected Colonel of Boston regiment
of Militia, - - 753
Brook-Haven, Committee of, revoke their former pro-
ceedings, and own allegiance to the King, - 1220
Broome, John, letter from, to Abraham Yates, - - 557
Letter from, to Peter R. Livingston, - - 1077
Brown, Lieut. Col. Abijah, ordered to Ticonderoga, - 278
Brown, Archibald, & Co., letter to, from South-Caro-
lina Navy Board, ... - - 1327
Brown, Sergeant Francis, promoted to an Ensigncy, 1083
Brown, Colonel Jabez, empowered to inlist men, - 376
Brown, Col. John, complaint of, against Gen. Arnold, 143
Brown, John, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, - 789
Permitted to depart for England, - - 789
Brown, Robert, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 784
Permitted to depart for Great Britain, - - 785
Brown, Dr. William, appointed Assistant Physician for
Flying-Camp, - - 1373
Brown, William, prisoner at Lancaster, permitted to
go to Reading, - - 120
Brown, William, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 790
Commissioned commander of privateer Boston, - 790
Browne, James, (prisoner,) permitted to return to
Ireland, - - 1389
Browne, Governour Montfort, General Howe proposes
to exchange Lord Stirling for, - - - 437
Orders respecting, - 574
Arrives at Washington's Head-Quarters, - - 919
Exchanged for Lord Stirling, - 942
Brownson, C:ipt. Gideon, memorial of, to Congress, - 273
Brownson, Col. Timothy, letter from, to General Gates, 1207
Brunday, Lieutenant Daniel, found guilty of violating
the Continental Association, - - - 935
Brush, John, chairman of Suffolk County (New- York)
Committee, 1220
Brutus, to the People of Pennsylvania, - - 864
Reply to, by "A Friend to Truth and the People," 865
Buchanan, Andrew, member of Baltimore Commit-
tee, - - - 117
Buchanan, General, letter to, from Maryland Council
of Safety, - 271
Buchanan, Colonel William, letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 364
Buck, James, appointed Surgeon's Mate, - 92
Buckman, Edward, deposition of, against Asa Porter, 152
Buck more, Thomas, petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, -
Discharged from the militia service, - - 783
Buckner, Colonel Mordecai, orders the immediate re-
turn of absent officers and soldiers, - - 255
Budd, James, (a Tory prisoner,) examination of, - 1265
Buel, Lieutenant Colonel, conduct of, - - 619
Buise, Peter, sentenced to suffer death for desertion, 1296
Bull, John, elected a member of Pennsylvania Coun-
cil of Safety, 8
Allowed leave of absence, ... - 24
Appointed superintendent of the works at Billings-
port,
Bull, Joseph, (prisoner,) letter from, to General Wood-
hull, - 109
Bull, Captain Nathan, prisoner at Halifax, makes his
escape, - - 358
Bullitt, Colonel T., letter from, to Joseph Reed, - 191
Burd, Colonel James, letter from, to William Atlee, - 25.5
Burges, John, deposition of, against Samuel Sprague, 755
Burgoyne, General, preparations of, to cross the Lake
to Crown-Point,
Troops of, in general very sickly, - - 485
Reported to be advancing on Albany with a large
corps of troops and Indians, - - 519
Said to have an army of twenty thousand men, be-
sides Indians, - - 519
Industrious in fitting out vessels to dispute the mas-
tery of Lake Champlain, - - 603
Orders the troops at Chamble and Sorel to St.
John's, - - - - 1018
Burke, Mr., remarks of, in the House of Commons,
on the Proclamation for a fast, (note,) - - 1290
Burn, Mary Hay, letter from, to John Hay Burn, - 1094
Burr, Aaron, letter from, to Mrs. Edwards, - - 552
Burr, Ephraim, appointed a Captain, - 1378
Burr, John, commander of the Milford frigate, - 538
Burr, Thaddeus, letter from, to General Washington, 537
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - 575
Burrell, John, letter from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - - - 117
Burt, Jonathan, petition of, - , - - 1177
Burton, Ensign, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, 616
Bush, Jotham, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - - - 730
Bushing, John, testimony of, on the trial of Lieutenant
Pope, - - - - 1065
Bussell, Stephen, and others, petition of, to Massachu-
setts General Court, - 729
Butler, Captain, appointed a Major,
Butler, Francis, resolve on the petition of,
Butler, Richard, recommended for a Majority, -
Butler, Solomon, deposition of, - 651
Butler, Walter, commands a party of Indians against
Oswego, - - 248
Butler, William, appointed a Major, - 616, 1335
Butler, Colonel Zebulon, letterfrom, to Roger Sherman, 824
Conference of, with Indians at Wyoming,
Byers, Captain Joseph, complaint against, - 1278
C.
Cabell, Captain Samuel Jordan, advertises deserters, - 362
Cable, J., Tory, intercepted letter from, -
Cabot, Continental brig, prizes taken by the, 1174, 1260
Cadwalader, Lambert, appointed a Colonel of Penn-
sylvania troops in Continental service,
Return of officers under the command of,
Letter to, from Thomas Wharton, Jun.,
Caldwell, Rev. James, letter from, to William Patter-
son, - -
Gallon, Captain, prizes taken by,
Calvert, John, elected Clerk of South-Carolina Navy
Board, - - 1323
Calwell, Captain Samuel, letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 579
Cambridge, Mass., petition of Committee of, in rela-
tion to the estates of inimical persons, - 774
Camillus, considerations by, on the present revolted
state of America, - - - 1115
93
880
1128
595
1046
1433
INDEX.
1434
Camp, Abiathar, suspected of being unfriendly to the
American cause. - - 374
Cited to appear before the General Assembly of
Connecticut, - - - - 375
Found guilty, - - 375
Camp-kettles, difficulty of obtaining, in Connecticut, - 281
Washington's Army in great want of, - - 381, 520
A number of, forwarded to Washington's Army by
General Ward, - 600
One hundred, ordered to be sent to Annapolis, - 629
Order for, to Captain Harris, - - 988
Campbell, James, Captain of the privateer Enterprise,
letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 232
Campbell, Lieutenant-Colonel, (British,) letter to, from
General Washington, . - 596
Campbell, Robert, Adjutant of Colonel Richardson's
Regiment, - 900
Campbell, Robert, prisoner in Boston jail, petition of,
to Massachusetts General Court, - 770
Canada, thirteen regiments of British troops stationed
in different parts of, - - 509
Force of the enemy in, and on the Lakes, - - 566
John Noble Cumming's account of the campaign
in, - - 1244
Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into
the causes of the miscarriages in, - - 1390
Inhabitants of, taken piisoners, allowed to return
on parole, - ... 1396
Canadians, none of the, in the King's service, - - 485
Wretched situation of the, - - 485
Desire to be formed into a regiment and com-
manded by French officers, - - 1109
Very numerous in the enemy's Army, - - 1144
Candidates, for office, should have just pretensions to
the character of gentlemen, - - 890
Cannon, James, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - 8
Cannon, a number of, forwarded to New-Hamp-
shire, - - 119
Total want of brass, in the Stale of New- York, - 184
Washington authorized to fabricate, from the bells
in New- York, - - - - 184
New- York borrows twenty pieces of, from Connec-
ticut, - - 260
Some heavy, lost by the Americans on the evacua-
tion of New- York, - - 351
Brass knockers, to be taken for manufacture of, - 670
Massachusetts appoints a committee to view places
suitable for furnaces for casting, - 735
Resolve for delivering an iron, to Joseph Homan
and others, of Marblehead, - 761
Resolve relative to purchasing, of the Town of New-
.buryport, - 765, 777
Resolve for supplying Martha's Vineyard with, - 766
Resolve for supplying the ship Boston with, - - 770
Machine for boring, reward voted by Massachusetts
to the inventor of, - - - 773
Resolve for erecting an air furnace for casting, - 773
Order for procuring, for ship Boston, - - 791
Alexandria (Virginia) Committee apply to Congress
for, - - - - 1127
Governour Trumbull requested to furnish, for frigates
building in New-Hampshire, - - 1237
Proof of, - - - 1237
Cannon Foundry, resolves of Connecticut Council of
Safety in relation to, - 1171
Canteens, order for, to Captain Harris, - - 988
Canterbury, Joseph, advertised as a deserter, - - 862
Cape Ann, prize ship sent into, by a Rhode-Island
privateer, .----.. 863
A three-decker prize ship sent into, by Capt. Coas, 863
Cape Breton, American citizens detained as prisoners
and slaves in the coal-pits of, - - 1105
Cape Elizabeth Committee, petition of, to Massachu-
setts General Court, - - 730
Cape Fear River, North-Carolina —
Three British vessels of war, with forty prizes, in, 970, 990
Enemy erect a fort at the mouth of, - - 970
Marine Committee project an expedition against
the enemy in, - - 970, 1200
Conn-ress recommend the erection of a fortification
on, 1415
Cape Nicola Mole, extract of a letter from, - - 377
Capithorn, Captain John, letter to, from Souih-Caro-
lina Navy Board, - - - 1325
Captains of Pennsylvania galleys, petition of the,
referred to the Council of Safety, - - 25
Captains in the Navy, rank of the, - - 1394
Captures — see Prizes.
Carleton, General Sir Guy, industrious in fitting out
vessels for the mastery of Lake Champlain, - 603
Commands the British fleet in the battle on Lake
Champlain, - - v .- 1028
His account of the battle on Lake Champlain, - 1040
Gives a list of American vessels on the Lake before
the action, - ..... 1041
In possession of Crown-Point, - - -1192, 1206
Carlisle, John, appointed a First Lieutenant in the
Flying-Camp, - - - 643
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, proceedings of Committee of, 939
Proceedings of a meeting of Delegates at, - - 1201
Carmichael, William, recommended by Silas Deane
to M. Dumas, - - - - - 951
Letters from, to C. W. F. Dumas, - 1179, 1260
Carnahan, Colonel, petition of, to Pennsylvania Con-
vention for arms, - - 33
Games, Major John, letter from, to General Gates, - 386
Caroline County, Virginia, action of Committee of, in
relation to disaffected persons, - - - 104
Carolinian, address of a, to Lord and General Howe, 1180
Carpenter, Nehemiah, Sen., pass for, ... 169
Carpenters, a great number of the, at Skenesborough
discharged, - - - 185
More should be sent to Ticonderoga, - - 620
At Ticonderoga, worn down by the ague, - - 620
Scarcity of, at Albany, - 868
Scarcity of, at Schenectady, - - 1190
Carr, James, promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - - 474
Carrington, Edward, inimical to American liberty, - 374
Cited to appear before Connecticut Assembly, - 375
Carson, Moses, appointed a Captain, - 1340
Carson, Richard, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 1340
Carter, Ephraim, appointed an Ensign, ... 616
Carter, John, sentenced to be flogged for desertion, - 590
Carter, John, letter to, from General Gates, - - 885
Carter, Landon, letter from, to General Washington, - 1304
Cartouch-boxes, order for, to Captain Harris, - - 9S8
Cartridge paper, scarcity of, at Albany, - - n.0
A large quantity of, wanted at Ticonderoga, - - 185
Two hogsheads of, arrive at Ticonderoga, - - 203
General Gates complains of the want of, • - 353, 619
Massachusetts forwards thirteen reams of, to Fair-
field, Connecticut, - .... 767
One hundred reams of, sent to General Gates, - 1339
Cartridges, Colonel Hartley asks for, - - 556
The Army at King's Bridge in great want of, - 1136
Board of War order two hundred thousand to be
forwarded to General Washington, ... 1185
Eighty thousand forwarded to General Washington, 1281
Gary, Archibald, elected Speaker of the Senate of
"Virginia,- - - - - - 988
Gary, Joseph, (prisoner,) letter from, to Richard
Peters, - - - .- - 460
Gary, Colonel Richard, Jun., Aid-de-Camp to General
Washington, letters from, to General Heath, 108, 976
Castlehaven (Maryland) Company, petition of, to Mary-
land Convention ...... 1278
Castleton, the Tories below, laying a cursed plan, - 1207
Cattle, removed from Long-Island to Connecticut, 336, 623
General Howe orders the seizure of, on Long-Island, 825
Cattle, Shubael, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - - - - - 746
Cerberus, British frigate, prizes captured by, - 358, 1019
Ceronio, Stephen, letter to, from Secret Committee
of Correspondence, - -1198, 1213
Certificate, John Pierce's, relating to Captain Johnson, 856
General Clinton's, relating to Captain Johnson, - 855
Of Selectmen of Pepperell, in favour of Aaron
Wood, - - 951
Of Major Williams, in favour of Captain Long, - 1033
Of Moses Yeoman, .... -1222
Of Thomas Muse, - - . - 1279
Of inlistment in the Navy of South-Carolina, - 1327
Certificate of loan, form of, - - 1386
Chace, Nathaniel, sentenced to be flogged, - - 473
Chambaron, Chevalier d'Antignac, memorial of, to
Congress, - - - 1032
Chambault, Mons. de, taken prisoner in Canada, - 928
Released at the request of the French Governour
of St. Domingo
Chamberlain, Ensign Benjamin, dismissed for disobe-
dience of orders, &.C.,
Chamberlain, Thomas, deposition of,
Chamberlaine, James Lloyd, letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - -
Chambers, Rowland, letter from, to Governour Liv
ingston, -
- 1390
1086
155
135
- 1237
Chambers, Stephen, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 88
1435
INDEX.
1436
Champeney, Jonathan, appointed a Second Lieuten-
ant, - 1378
Champigny, Goueslardde, letter from, to Continental
Congress, - ... 509
Champlain — see Lake Champlain.
Chanipney, Mr., proceedings of a court-martial for the
trial of, - - - - 882
Chandler, John, charges John Grout with being an
enemy to his country, - - 217
Channel — see English Channel.
Chapin, Leonard, appointed a Quartermaster, - - 477
Chapin, Lieutenant Phinehas, Jun., ordered to march
his men to join the Northern Army, - - 721
Chaplain, extract from the Journal of a, - - 460
Chapman, Joseph, appointed Paymaster to Colonel
Varnum's regiment, - - - - - 1311
Charlestovvn, (Number Four,) letter from Selectmen
of, to New-Hampshire Committee of Safety, - 208
Charlestown, South-Carolina, General Lee arrives at,
on his way to the North, - - 285
Charge of Judge Drayton to the Grand Jury of, - 1047
Presentment of the Grand Jury of, i - - 1059
Charlotte County (New-York) Committee, resolu-
tions of, - - - - - 1132
Chase, Enoch, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 474
Chase, Colonel, letter to, from John Kurd, - - 423
Chase, Henry, (a prisoner,) petition of, to New- York
Convention, ------- 666
Prays to be released from imprisonment, - . - 694
Chase, Samuel, letter from, to General Gates, - 232, 429
Expressesrespectand friendship for Gen.Schuyler, - 232
Delegate in Congress from Maryland, - - 408
Letter from, to General Sullivan, - - - 1197
Chatham, John, commander of the privateer "General
Lee," - 79
Cheever, Ezekiel, letter from, to General Gates, - 332
Cherokee Indians — see Indians.
Chesher, Joseph, sentenced to receive twenty lashes
for desertion, - - - - 613
Cheshire's, Captain Veeder and his company ordered
to the saw-mill at, - - - 1037
Chester, General John, letter from, to Captain Isham, - 301
Chester, Colonel, orders to, from General Heath, - 855
Return of officers in the regiment commanded by, - 870
Chesterfield's Letters, a volume of, lent or taken from
Gates's Head-Quarters, - - 480
Chevaux-de-Frise, calls for information respecting the,
in Hudson's River, - - - 689
Enemy's ships pass through the, - 943, 958,973, 975,978
Chew, Captain Richard, petition of a majority of the
Company of, to Maryland Council of Safety, 887
Child, Captain Thomas, prizes taken by, - - 935
Chilton, John, appointed a Captain, - 1396
Chincy, William, promoted to an Ensigncy, - - 1084
Chingoteague Inlet, fortification of, recommended, - 232
Chipley, William, recommended for an Ensigncy, - 560
Chiprnan, John, elected a First Lieutenant, - - 1341
Christian, Colonel William, marches in pursuit of In-
dians, - - 540, 1031
Penetrates to the heart of the Indian settlements on
the Tennessee River, ..... H96
Christy, John, ordered to be whipped for desertion, - 292
Church, Constant, an Indian, declaration of, - - 168
Ordered into close confinement at Cambridge on
suspicion of being a spy, - - 269
Order for the discharge of, - - - - 800
Church, Sergeant Isaac, promoted to an Ensigncy, - 1083
Church, established, Strictures of a member of, on
"The Sentiments of the several companies of
Militia and Freeholders of Augusta," (note,) - 815
Ciiley, Joseph, commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of
Third Battalion New-Hampshire troops, - - 1176
Clap, Preserved, resolve on the petition of, - - 773
Clark, Abram, letter, to from Colonel Dayton, - - 1248
Clark, John, appointed a Captain of Associators, - 82
Clark, John, Jun., appointed a Major in the Flying-
Camp, - - - 892
Clark & Nightingale, letter from, to Richard Devens, - 317
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - - - 357
Clark, Nathan, Chairman of Bennington Committee,
Letter from, to James Yancey, - . 1223
Clark, Lieutenant, testimony of, on the trial of Cap-
tain Poole, - ... 1295
Clarke, James, petition of, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - . 966
Letters from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 966,
1268, 1308
Clarke, Joshua, letter from, to Maryland Convention, 1261
Clarke, William, taken prisoner at Quebeck, escape of, 486
Clayjon, William, Secretary to General Gates, - - 534
Claysaddle, Daniel, commissioned a Captain, - - 636
Cleaves, Lieutenant Nathaniel, letter from, to General
Washington, - - 963
Clements, Sergeant, reduced to the ranks for " remiss-
ness of duty," - - 331
Clements, Leonard, discharged from the service, - 655
Four months' pay advanced to, - - 655
Clergy, remarks on, in a letter to London, - 463
Petition from, to be exempt from the burthen of
civil officers, - ----- 48
Petition from, respecting incorporations for religious
and charitable purposes, - 48
Cleveland, Ebenezer, appointed a Captain, - - 1378
Cleveland, Ebenezer, appointed a Chaplain, - - 1378
Clinton, General George, letters from, to New-York
Convention, - - 140, 241, 310, 975
Complains of the desertion of the militia of his
brigade, 246, 686
Letter from, to Committee of New-York Conven-
tion, - - 383
Orders to, from General Washington, - - 607
Letters to, from New-York Committee of Safety, 689, 979
Letters from, to John McKesson, - - 1221, 1312
Clinton, General James, letters to, from General Wash-
ington, - . 240, 300, 894
Letters from, to General Washington, - - 276, 832
Earnestly requests a reinforcement of the fortresses
in the Highlands, ... . 672
Letter from, to New- York Committee of Safety, - 674
Letter to, from New-York Committee of Safety, - 676
Letters from, to New- York Convention, 856, 997, 1285
Certificate of, relating to Captain Johnston, - - 857
Clocks, leaden weights taken from, in Pennsylvania, 3
Cloffin, Samuel, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 1378
Cloth, six thousand yards of, arrive from France, - 1 136
Clothing, a quantity of, sent to Pennsylvania troops
in the Flying-Camp, - 69
A quantity of, received at Skenesborough, - - 142
Northern Army in great want of, - - 246, 555
Arnold's fleet extremely bare of, - - 251
Sent by Governour Trumbull to the Northern de-
partment, - 279
Silas Deane promises to send a large quantity of,
from France, - * - 361
American Army in great want of woollen, - - 426
Washington's Army in great want of, - - 520
Congress order, to be sent to the Northern Army, - 561
Resolves of Massachusetts for procuring, for the
Army, - - -' 770
Connecticut votes money for the purchase of, - 849
Colonel Curtenius purchases a large quantity of, for
New- York troops, - - 1135
Resolutions of Congress for supplying the Army
with, - - - 1377
A suit of, voted to soldiers who inlist for the war, 1392
Clouston, John, (Captain of sloop Freedom,) instruc-
tions to, - - - - 174, 782
Iron ballast delivered to, - - 801
Cluflf, Thomas, deposition of, - - 653
Cluggage, Captain Robert, letter to Colonel Hand, - 921
Clymer, George, elected a Delegate to Continental
Congress, - 6
Appointed on a Committee to confer with General
Gates respecting the Northern Army, 561, 922, 1142
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 1256
Coas, Captain, of the privateer Warren, prizes taken
by, 346
A valuable prize ship sent into Cape Ann by, - 863
Cock, Robert, promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - 721
Cockey, Edward, appointed a Colonel, -• - 642
Codman, John, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - - 752
Powder voted to, - 757
Codwise, Christopher, recommended for a Captaincy, 1266
Coffin, Captain Alexander, letter from, to Massachu-
setts Council, - - - 539
Case of, recommended to the consideration of Con-
gress, - - 576
Coffin, Captain, takes a valuable prize, - 936, 1019, 1174
Coffin, Captain, escapes from Statcn-Island, - - 1009
Cohos, inhabitants of, in great terrour of the Indians, 147
Plan of inhabitants of, to obtain the protection of
British troops in Canada, - - - 149
Coit, Colonel Samuel, letter to, from Colonel Living-
ston, - 311
Excused from marching to New-York, - 386
Coit, William, letter from, to Richard Devens, - - 950
Ordered on a cruise, - - 1209
1437
INDEX.
1438
Colborn, Jeremiah, flints, powder, and lead, delivered
to, - - 776
Colbourne, Major, appointed to command the Rangers
lately under Colonel Knowlton, - - 843
Colburn, Benjamin, deposition of, against William
Gardner, - .... 740
Colburn, Jeremiah, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, - .... 729
Colchester Point, on Onion River, an advantageous
post for the defence of the frontier, - - 111
Golden, David, address of, to Governour Tryon, - 1164
Cole, Elisha, deposition of, ----- 538
Cole, Philip, appointed a Colonel of Pennsylvania
Associators, - - - - 82
Cole, William, appointed a First Lieutenant in the
Flying-Camp, - - 644
Colerus, Christian de, appointed a Major by bre-
vet, - - 407, 1361
Two months' pay advanced to, - - 1374
Collyer, Isaac, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - - 752
Powder voted to, ---... 757
Colt, Peter, agent for Commissary-General Trumbnll, 226
Columbus, Continental ship, three valuable prizes cap-
tured by, - ..... 595
Comet, South-Carolina brig of war, Captain Turpin,
captures ship Clarissa, ... . 285
Edward Allen, commander of, - - - 1324
To be sent to the West Indies, for seamen, - - 1328
Commissary of Clothing, to be appointed for each
Army of the United States, - 1393
George Measam elected, for the Northern Army, - 1403
General Washington authorized to appoint, for the
Army under his immediate command, - - 1403
Commissioners, Pennsylvania appoint, to form the
Flying-Camp, -------19
Appointed to collect assessments upon Non-Asso-
ciators, - 43, 44
Election of, for raising the Flying-Camp, - - 50
Appointed to visit Pennsylvania troops at New-
York and Ticonderoga, - - 60
Commission and .instructions to, - - 60
Appointed by Congress to settle Army accounts,
arrive at Albany, - ... 342, 614
Some account of the proceedings of the British, - 562
Commissioners, to negotiate a treaty with France —
Letter from Committee of Secret Correspondence,
accompanying instructions to, - - - - 839
Instructions to, - - - - 1211
Instructions proposed to be given to, to foreign
States, .... - - 1358
Election of, - - 1379, 1410
Letters of credence to, - 1881
Pay of, - - 1382
Additional instructions to, (note,) - - 1404
Directed to procure from the French Court eight
line-of-battle ships, - - 1409
Commissioners for Indian Affairs, letter from, to Com-
mittee of Congress, - - - 511
Account of their proceedings, - - - 512
Visited by some of theChippewaandSenecalndians, 512
Report of William Wilson to the, - 514
Commissioners for Pennsylvania, letter from, to Gen-
eral Washington, - - - 1202
Commissions, Pennsylvania Convention to grant, to
officers for the Flying-Camp, - - 21
Blank, delivered to Commissioners appointed to
form the Flying-Camp, - - 21
General Ten Broeck requests a supply of blank, - 679
Resolve for continuing, in Massachusetts, - - 772
"United States" to be substituted for "United Col-
onies" in all, - - - - - 1335
Committee appointed by Congress to visit Washing-
ton's Head-Quarters, - 1373
Report of the, (note,) - - 1385
Letter to, from Colonel Reed, - - 826
Committee of Secret Correspondence — see Secret
Correspondence, Committee of.
Committees — see names of States, Counties, &c.
Commodore of the Fleet of Pennsylvania, Samuel
Mifflin appointed, - 61, 63
Samuel Mifflin declines appointment of, - 70
Thomas Seymour appointed, - 74
Instructions to the, - - 74
Directed to get the fleet in a proper state of defence, 86
Comstock, Adam, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel, - 1333
Comstock, Ethan, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, - - 764
Confederation, no progress making with the, - 272, 324
Conference, of Committee of Congress with Lord
Howe —
Proposed by Lord Howe, 1329
Mr. Witherspoon's speech on, in Congress, - - 178
Resolutions of Congress on Lord Howe's proposal for, 1331
Appointment of Committee, - 1332
Resolutions of Congress on, to be sent to General
Washington, - - 1333
Letter from President of Congress to General Wash-
ington, informing him of, - - 233
Dr. Franklin to Lord Howe on, - - - 234
Letter from General Washington to Lord Howe,
enclosing Dr. Franklin's letter, - 257
Lord Howe to Dr. Franklin on, - - 274
Report of Committee on, - - 1342
Report of Committee on, ordered to be published, 1343
Remarks of Josiah Bartlett on, in a letter to General
Folsom, - - 119
Remarks of Josiah Bartlett on, in letters to William
Whipple, - 137, 272, 323
Remarks of Josiah Bartlett on, in letters to John
Langdon, - 105, 253
Remarks of John Adams on, in letters to Mrs.
Adams, ... . 192, 324
Remarks of General Lee on, in a letter to the Presi-
dent of Congress, ... - 972
Account of, in a letter from New- York, published
• in the London Chronicle, ... - 563
Americanus on, - - 914
A Country Gentleman on, - - - 1043
Conkling, Major Thomas, parole of, - 1027
Congress, Continental —
Recommend to Pennsylvania Convention to take
measures for procuring lead, - - - 3
Resolve of, for disarming Non-Associators, not ef-
fectually executed, ------ 3
Request Pennsylvania Convention to nominate Field
Officers of a frontier battalion, 5
Pennsylvania Convention requested by, to increase
her quota of militia for the Flying-Camp, - 7
Loan to Pennsylvania one hundred thousand dollars, 28
Request Pennsylvania to forward aid to New- York, 34
Affairs of New- York engross the attention of, - 118
Resolve that no damage' shall be done to the city of
New- York, - 135
Petition of Jeremiah Halsey to, - - - - 137
Letter to, from John Heyliger, - - 156
Letter to, from Cornelius Haight, - - 157
Petition of John Paul Schott to, - - - 157
Decline to confer with Lord Howe "as private gen-
tlemen," . - - - 192
Committee of, appointed to confer with Lord Howe, 192
Strictures of Colonel Reed on, - - 198
Authorize the exchange of Generals Prescott and
McDonald for Generals Sullivan and Stirling, - 233
Resolution of, in relation to carrying the mails, - 256
Petition of Seth Warner to, - - 273
Order the inlistment of ninety regiments for five
years, - -.-... 324
Return of Committee of, appointed to confer with
Lord Howe, - - - - 324
Requested to forward tents, camp-kettles, &,c., to
Washington's Army, - - 381
In account current with the State of New- York, - 420
Called upon to form an article against plundering,
&c., in the Army, - - 446
Determine to augment the Army, and to engage
the troops for the war, - - 488
Letter to, from M. Champigny, - - 509, 922
Resolutions of, respecting the Northern Army, - 561
Appoint a Committee to confer with General Gates
respecting the Northern Army, • - 561
Letter from Col. Reed, to the Committee of, at Head-
Quarters, to inquire into the state of the Army, - 826
A full representation of the several States in, abso-
lutely necessary, - - 838
Appoint Dr. Franklin, Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Deane
to negotiate a treaty with France, - - 839
Advance one hundred thousand dollars to New-
York Convention, - - 884
Should determine the mode by which promotions
are regulated, - - - - 892
LetterfromaCommittee of, to New- York Convention, 925
Resolution of, for the purchase of blankets, &c., - 926
Names of the Committee appointed to carry the
above resolution into effect, - - 926
Committee of, forward ten thousand dollars to New-
York Convention for the purchase of blankets, &c., 925
Loan one hundred thousand dollars to New- York, 926
1439
INDEX.
1440
Congress, Continental — Continued.
Pennsylvania Council of Safety to, - 939
Resolution of, relative to the trial of Ensign
McCumber, - - 945
Strictures of General Lee on the proceedings of, - 1035
Resolves of, relative to Continental Agents, - - 1114
Letter from a Committee of, to General Gates, - 1142
Resolutions of, respecting prisoners, - - 1185
Washington's despatches to, said to be stolen from
the express, at Bristol, - - 1269
Proceedings of, - - 1329-1418
Congress, privateer, commission granted for the, - 79
Connecticut —
Instructions from a town in, to their Representa-
tives, - - 113
All the troops of Horse of, east of Connecticut
River, ordered to New- York, - - 188
Nine regiments of Militia and two of Horse ordered
to march towards New-York, - - 188
Spirit and zeal of the people of, - - 278
Proclamation by the Governour of, - 535, 1171
The whole of the Militia from, discharged by Wash-
ington, - 494, 549
Cowardice of the troops of, on the landing of the
British on New-York Island, - - 1013
Resolutions of the General Assembly of, - 1172, 1173
Positions of the Militia of, under the command of
General Saltonstall, - - 828
Proposed appointment of officers for, - - 959, 960
Connecticut Assembly —
Letter to from the President of Congress, - - 136,
489, 839, 953
Address of "A Militia-Man" to, - - 983
Memorial of Stonington Committee to, - 1003
Petition of the town of Groton to, - - 1004
Resolution of, in relation to Colonel Ethan Allen
and others, - - - 1225
Connecticut Council of Safety —
Proceedings of, - 114, 129, 143, 188. 226, 266, 280.
295, 305, 386, 422, 557, 575, 848, 1171, 1194, 1208,
1259, 1302
Order the purchase of sheep for the Northern Army, 226
Advise the Governour to permit James Church to
go to the West-Indies for a load of salt, - - 386
Vote to supply distressed citizens from Long-Island
with necessaries, - - - 387
Vote of, to provide hospitals for the sick, &c., from
the Army at New- York, - - 387
Instructions from, to Captain John Deshon, - - 848
Proceedings of, relative to the expedition to Long-
Island, - - - - - 1002
Resolutions of, in relation to the Cannon Foundry, 1172
Memorial of Adam Babcock to, - - - 1277
Connecticut Council of War —
Letters to, from Colonel Livingston, - - 170, 225
Connell, Daniel, sentenced to be flogged for deser-
tion, - - - 551
Connell, William, appointed Commander of armed
schooner General Thompson, - - 80
Connolly, Mrs. Susanna, letter from, to the President
of Congress, - - 254
Conrad, George, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 82
Consideration, on the Proceedings of a Meeting held
at Philadelphia, - 1152
Conspiracies, Committee for the detection of, in New
York, - - 1189
Discovery of, upon Cortlandt's Manor, New-York, 711,
712, 714, 724, 829
See Disaffected Persons.
Constitution of Pennsylvania, - - - 51
Conti , to the People of Pennsylvania, - 430
Postscript to the Address of, . 432
Continent, resolves relative to vouchers of accounts
against the, - - - 765
Continental Agents, list of, - - 1114
Ordered to account with Marine Committee, - 1144
Continental Bills of Credit — see Bills of Credit.
Continental Currency, Essay on, by " Conti ," - 430
General Gates forbids the receipt of any other than, - 477
Continental frigates, Massachusetts resolves to aid in
fitting out one of the, - - 736
Resolve for furnishing the Agent for building the,
with guns for one of them, - 768
Difficulty of manning the, - - - 1070
Cook, Ensign, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 617
Cook, Lieut. Stanley, Colonel Eniials requests a Couit-
Martial for the'trial of, - - 1236
Complaint of, against Captain Byers, - - 1278
Cook, Thomas, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 1340
Cook, William, appointed Colonel of Twelfth Battal-
ion of Pennsylvania Regulars, - - 79
Cooke, George, appointed Commanderof ship Defence, 308
Letters from, to Maryland Council of Safety, 458, 487,
488, 863, 1291
Cooke, George, letter from, to Commodore Boucher, 488
Prizes captured by, - - 863, 1291
Cooke, Nicholas, Governour of Rhode-Island —
Letters from, to General Washington, - 207, 912, 1133
Letters to, from William Ellery, - - 210, 989, 1248
Letters to, from Massachusetts Council, 316, 538, 1070,
1089
Letters to, from General Washington, - 367, 1009, 1094
Letters to, from General Greene, - - 396, 996, 1076
Letter to, from Colonel Babcock, - 442
Letter to, from Governour Trumbull, - - 1208
Corbett, Thomas, appointed a Commissioner of South-
Carolina Navy Board, - 1323
Corbin, William, required to give security for his good
behaviour. .... - 631
Cordage, General Gates in the greatest distress for, - 705
Resolve for supplying General Gates with, - - 705
Corn, Lieutenant, wounded in the battle on Long-
Island, - - - 882
Cornell, Daniel, an enemy to his country, - 1276
Correspondence, New-York Convention appoint a
Committee of, - - - - 713
Cortlandt, Colonel Philip, letter to, from General
Gates, - - 278
Letters from, to General Gates, - 335, 342, 573, 860
Cortlandt's Manor, conspiracies discovered upon, - 829
Costigan, Lieut. Lewis Johnston, complaint against, - 344
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 1088
Costigan, Ensign, sentenced to be reprimanded, - 1082
Cottle, Jabez, deposition of, against Samuel Sprague, - 755
Cottle, Shubael, petition of, to Massachusetts Court, 758
Coudray, Sieur du, Articles of Agreement between,
and Silas Dearie, - - - 283
Council of General Officers —
Held at New York, - - 237
Reconsideration of proceedings of proposed, - 326
Determination of, reconsidered and reversed, - 329
To be held at King's Bridge, - 1026
Held at General Lee's Head-Quarters, - - 1117
Council of War, held at Williston, proceedings of, - 621
Held at New-London, - .... 170
Counterfeiting, an ordinance of Pennsylvania against, 15
Eleazar Smith punished for, - . - - 1082
County Conventions and Committees, " Speculator"
on, - - 339
Country Gentleman, letter from, to his friend in Bos-
ton, - - 1043
Couriers, resolve for procuring, - 764
Court of Inquiry, ordered on the conduct of Col. Van
Cortlandt and Major Day, - 992
Ordered on the dispute between Mr. Fisk, the
Engineer, and Mr. Kinsey, the Wagon master, - 993
Court-Martial —
Remarks of Captain J. P. Jones on sentences of, - 173
Proceedings of, on Lieutenant Marshall, - - 175
Proceedings of a General, held at Harlem Heights, 467,
4:98, 550, 569, 589, 610, 929
On Ensign Macumber, decline to give Congress
reasons for their verdict, - - 500, 943, 944, 945
Proceedings of a General, held at King's Bridge, 550,
551, 590, 883
Ordered for the trial of Captains Weisnerand Scott, 606
Proceedings of a General, on Captain Wisner, - 610
Sentence Captain Weisner to be cashiered, - - 613
Ordered for the trial of Lieutenant Levi Willin and
Ensign Job Todd, - - 654
Proceedings of, held at Mount Washington, on
Mr. Champney. - 882
Requested to reconsider their finding in the case of
Captain Weisner, - - 895
Defend their verdict, - - 895
Proceedings of a, held by order of Gen. Heath, 930, 948
Proceedings of a Brigade, - - 1139, 1140
ProceedingsofaGeneral, held at White-Plains, 1242, 1294
Proceedings of a General, held by order of General
Lee, - 1295
Rules for government of, - - 1370
Courtney, Hercules, elected a First Lieutenant of Ar-
tillery, - - 80
Coward, Richard, appointed Master of schooner Dol-
phin, - ... (55g
Cowardice, to be punished with death, - - - 415
Cowing, James, deposiiion of, against Samuel Sprague, 755
Cox, Ezekicl, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - - 642
1441
INDEX.
1442
Cox, Isaac, appointed Paymaster for Pennsylvania
troops in Continental service, gg
Resigns his commission, gg
Cox, John, elected a member of Pennsylvania Coun-
cil of Safety, --.....37
Letter to, from William Atlee, - - - - 971
Coxspur, Georgia, three British vessels of war sta-
tioned off, - - ... . . _ oco
Crabtree, Agreen. proceedings of, in Liverpool, Nova-
Scotia, - ......
Crafts, Thomas, memorial of, to Massachusetts Coun-
cil, - . 766
Crafts, Colonel, order for supplying the regiment of,
with muskets, - - 806
Crags, Thomas, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, ----.... 748
Craig, Captain Thomas, appointed a Lieutenant Col-
one'> - 616, 1335
Crane, Joseph, Surgeon to Col. Pawling's regiment, - 469
Crane, Thaddeus, Chairman of Westchester (New-
York) Committee, letter from, to Major Bene-
dict, . . 373
Crane, Thomas, one large Copper delivered to, for use
of powder-mill, - ,. . . . 76g
Cravath & Dugan, letter to, from Maryland Council
of Safety, . . . 838
Crawford, Captain Arthur, captures three valuable
prizes, - ^. . 936j 1019
Crawford, James, appointed Major ofTwelfth Battalion
of Pennsylvania Regulars, .... 79
Crawford, John, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 1340
Crawford, Colonel William, letter from, to General
Washington, - ..... 494
Appointed Colonel of Seventh Virginia Battalion, - 1395
Creagar, Valentine, appointed a Captain, - - 638
Creed, Major, bearer of despatches from Lord and
General Howe, arrives at London, ... gn
Cregier, Captain Thomas, his crew complain of his
conduct, - ----.. 215
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - . 553
Letter from, to Peter R. Livingston, - - . 572
Crew of the Putnam refuse to serve, - - - 714
Advises that his vessel be laid up, or sold, - . 720
Cremarty, Thomas, permitted to go to England, - 795
Crespigny, Claude, letter from, to Ralph Fzard, - 190
Crommit, Moses, sentenced to be flogged, - - 373
Cromwell, Stephen, appointed a Second Major, - 642
Crown-Point —
Arnold desired to return a detachment of Colonel
Hartley's regiment to, - ... 204
Heavy cannonading heard at, '.,»-'-- . 204,353
Great importance of maintaining, ... 204
Colonel Hartley ordered to abandon, in case of the
defeat of the fleet, - ... 204
Grape shot greatly wanted at, - , . . 555
A couple of thousand musket cartridges wanted at, - 556
Very unhealthy, - - - • '{f ,'.. » -981
Enemy approaching, ...... 1028
Americans evacuate, and retire to Ticoiideroga, - 1040
Enemy's fleet three miles below, and " their array
doubtless at their heels," - - »(: . 3080
Enemy in possession of, .... 1144, 1206
Movements of the enemy in the neighbourhood of, -' 1 144
Croxall, Charles Moale, appointed a Second Lieu-
tenant, - . 308
Cruise of the sloop-of-war Providence, account of the, 1303
Cuddeback, Abraham, Jun., promoted to a Captaincy, 721
Cumberland County, New York, proceedings of Com-
mittee of, in the case of John Grout, - - 216
Proceedings of New-York Committee of Safety on
a letter from the Committee of, - - 722, 724
Notification for a town-meeting in, 883
Cumberland, Pennsylvania, proceedings of Committee
of, - - 1201
Cummlng, John Noble, letter from, to Dr. Scudder, - 1244
Cunningham, James, prisoner, order respecting, - 683
Cunningham, James, return of officers in the regiment
of the Flying-Camp commanded by, - - 873
•Cunningham, Joseph, commissioned Commander of
the privateer Phosnix, ... 7g7
Cunningham, Robert, appointed a Third Lieutenant, - 1378
Curgenven, James, suspected of being inimical to the
American cause, - .... 374
Cited to appear before Connecticut Assembly, - 375
Currency — see Bills of Credit.
Currie, JJr. William, asks leave to resign his commis-
sion as Surgeon, - - ... 61
Curry, Nicholas, disabled by accident, allowed half
pay,
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
76
Curtenius, Colonel Peter T., letters from, to New- York
Convention, - . 351 1135i 12]9
Account of ball and flints delivered by, - . 830
Curtis, Francis, (prisoner,) applies to Massachusetts
Council to be exchanged, - - - - 116
Curtis, James, appointed an Ensign, ... 634
Curtis, Seth, letter from, to Captain E. Hasbrouck, - 1273
Curwen, Samuel, letter from, to Judge Sowall, - - 1317
Gushing, John, letter from, to Massachusetts Council, 1018
Lushing, Thomas, letter to, from Marine Committee 427
Memorial of, to Massachusetts Council, . . 805
Military stores delivered to, - .... gQ5
Custis, John, arrival of, at Baltimore, ... 510
Cuyler, Jacob, letter from, to New- York Convention, 356
D.
91
Dallam, Richard, Deputy Paymaster-General —
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 192
Letter from, to the President of Congress, ' - 193. 350
Letter from, to Michael Hillegas. - . . - . 1024
Two hundred thousand dollars sent to, for the use
of the Flying-Camp, &,c., .... 1333
Forty thousand dollars sent to, for the use of the
Flying-Camp, - - - - 1402
Dames, John, elected a First Major, ... 405
Danbury, Connecticut, letter from Committee of, to
Ebenezer Lockwood, - ... ([94
Daniel, James, sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes
and forfeit two months' pay, .... J283
Dargie, James, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - - - - - 800
Darrell, Edward, letter to, from South-Carolina Navy
Board, - . ,325
Davenport, John, prisoner, examination of, . . 597
David, John, Lieutenant of a gondola, authorized to
inlist fifty men, .... 656
Davies, William, elected Deputy Mustermaster-Gen-
eral for the Flying-Camp, ... i3gg
Davis, Abner, resigns his commission, ... 90
Davis, Benjamin, Jun., prisoner, letter from, to James
Bowdoin, - .... 934.
Davis, John, sentenced to be flogged for desertion, - 238
Davis, John, deposition of, ..... 552
Davis, Colonel Joshua, letter from, to General Wash-
ington, 282
Davis, William, declines, the appointment of Deputy
Mustermaster-General to the Flying-Camp, - 1032
Dawes. Thomas, elected Lieutenant-Colonel of Boston
regiment of Miliiia, - . . . 753
Dawes, William, elected Second Major of Boston re-
giment of MiJitia, - .... 753
Day, Elkanah, Clerk of Cumberland Committee of
Safety, - - - 217
Letter from, to New-York Convention,- - . 1207
Day, James, Adjutant of Colonel Tyler's regiment, - 872
Day, Thomas, a deserter, examination of, and intelli-
gence received from, ... 532
Testimony on oath of, - - . . . . 592
Dayton, Colonel Elias, letters from, to General Schuy-
Ier- - - 247, 859
Letter to, from Thomas Spencer, .... 247
Letter to, from Onondaga Chiefs, - ... 248
Letter from, to General Gates, .... 355
Ordered to Fort George, - .... 999
Ordered to Ticonderoga, ..... 1028
Deakins, William, Jun., letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - - . . -117
Deams, Frederick, appointed a Captain. ... 308
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 1148, 1261
Dean, James, charge of, against Walter Livingston,
(note,) - . 1336
Deane, Jacob, refuses to take Continental money, - 1123
Deane, Silas, letters from, to C. W. F. Dumas, - - 283
849, 916, 951. 1020
Articles of Agreement entered into between, and
Sieur du Coudray, - .... 283
Letters from, to Robert Morris, - - 361,601,1235
Letters from, to the Secret Committee, ... gog
937, 1090, 1091, 1234
Letters to, from the Committee of Secret Corre-
spondence, - 8.19,839,1197,1198, 1214
Appointed Commissioner to the Court of France, - 1379
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - . 1092
Letter from, to William Bingham, ... 1092
Deans, Captain, letter to, from Maryland Council of
Safety, - . 1,7
De Berruyer, M., letter from, to General Washington, 269
De Bois, Pierre Frangois, appointed a Major by brevet; 1390
Two months' pay advanced to, - - . . 1393
1443
INDEX.
1444
Debtors, confined in the jail of Philadelphia, pray to
be released, ------ -3
Ordinance of Pennsylvania to compel, to give
security in certain cases, - 39
Report of a bill in New-York Committee of Safety,
for the relief of, - 704
Do Chambeau, Sieur de, prisoner, release of, requested
by the Compte d'Emery, Governor-General of the
French part of St. Domingo, - - 928
General Washington recommends to Congress the
release of, - - 927
Congress agree to release of, - 1396
General Washington informs the Compte d'Emery
of the release of, - - 928
Decker, John, sentenced to receive twenty lashes for
desertion, - 613.
Declaration of Lord and General Howe, - - 398, 565
Explanation of the, - - 398
Declaration of Committees of Suffolk County, New-
York, - - - 1220
Declaration — see Independence.
Declaration of Rights, of Pennsylvania, - 22,52
By Delaware Convention, - ... 286
Deerfield, Committee of, authorized to sell the per-
sonal estate of Nathaniel Dickenson, - 777
Defence, Connecticut brig, - - 886, 1209
Defence, Maryland ship, - - 863, 1291
Defence, South-Carolina brigantine, - 1323
De Haas, Colonel Philip, recommended to Congress
for promotion, .... 615
De Hart, Cyrus, appointed an Ensign, - - 477
De Hart, Colonel William, letter from, to Governour
Livingston, - - - 834
Letter from, to Theunis Day arid John C. Symes, - 1258
De la Bussiere, M., captured by the enemy on his way
to Philadelphia, - 161
De Lancey, General Oliver —
Endeavours to raise a brigade of Tories on Long-
Island, - - - .... 494
A Brigadier-General under Howe, - 504
Offers a reward for the head of Colonel Livingston, 504
Letter from, to Colonel Conkling, - 505
Orders of, to Colonel Fanning, - - - 505
Advertisement of, for recruits, - - 505
De Lancey, Mrs., requests permission to return to West-
Chester, --- .... 894
Reply enclosed to General Howe, - 919
Delap, Samuel & J. H., despatches for Silas Deane
enclosed to, ------- 1198
Delaware, State of —
Declaration of Rights of, - - - 286
Gallantry of the troops of, in the battle on Long-
Island, - - - 840, 882
A return of ihe officers of the regiment of, at Head-
Quarters, - - 898
Delaware Convention, Proceedings of, - - 285
Letters to, from the President of Congress, - 136, 489
Letter from, to the Board of War, - 424
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 425
Delegates in Congress —
Election of Pennsylvania, - - 6
Instructions to the Pennsylvania, - - 11
Letters from New- York Committee of Safety to, 260, 998
Letters from Maryland Council of Safety to, - 407, 541
Letters from New-York Convention to, - - 418, 709
Letter to New-York Convention from, - 926
Letter from Council of Virginia to, - 986
Letter from Colonel Smallwood to the Maryland, - 1205
Letter from Peter Adams to the Maryland, - - 1308
Delezeune, Christopher Joseph, appointed an Assistant
Engineer, - 617
D'Emery, Compte, Governour of St. Domingo —
Letter from, to General Washington, - " - 928
Letter to, from General Washington, - - 928
Democracy, principles of, prevail universally in the
Army, - - 994
Demophilus, to the People of Pennsylvania, - - 957
Denaquara, Joseph, an Indian, money voted for the
support of, - - 775
Dennison, Captain, extract of a letter from, - - 134
De Peyster, Abraham W., deposition of, against Joseph
Reade, - - - - 680
Deposition —
Of Daniel Hall against Colonel Porter and others, - 149
Of John Bayley relative to a treasonable plan, - 150
Of Joseph Hayes against Asa Porter, - - 151
Of Ebenezer Rice against Asa Porter, - - 152
Of Thomas Minor against Asa Porter, - - 152
Of Edward Buckman against Asa Porter, - - 152
Deposition — Continued.
Of Robert Haseltine against Asa Porter, - 153
Of John Sanborn against Asa Porter, - - 153
Of Joshua Howard against Asa Porter, - 154
Of Benjamin Hall against Colonel Porter, - - 154
Of Ephraim Wesson against Colonel Porter, - 154
Of Thomas Chamberlain against Daniel Hall, - 155
Of Ezekiel Ladd in relation to Colonel Porter, - 155
Of Noah Moulton as to the character of Daniel Hall, 155
Of Daniel Ranney, - ... 218
OfElisha Cole, - - ,. - - - 538
Of Thomas Day, - ... 592
Of Edward Pettitt, - . . 645
Of Mary Robbins, .... 646
Of Joseph Robins, - ... g4g
Of Joshua Selby, - 646
Of William Townsend, 647
Of Samuel Parker, 647
Of Matthew Hopkins, 648
Of Philip Rain, 648
Of William Handy, - .... 648
Of Bartley Tonnscnd, 649
Of Isaac Hammond, --.... 649
OfNicholas Hamon, ------ 649
Of Stephen Riley, .... 649
Of Barclay White, .... 650
Of Hugh Vestery, 650
Of Solomon Butler, - .... 651
Of John Davis, - ... 652
Of Smith Lingo, - ..... 652
Of William Willis, 652
Of Thomas Cluff, 653
Of Guisbert Schenck against William Warne, - 659
Of Abraham De Peyster against Joseph Reade, - 680
Of Nathaniel Thuring against WTilliam Gardner, - 739
Of Benjamin Colburn against William Gardner, - 740
Of Stephen Barden against Samuel Sprague, - 755
Of James Cowen against Samuel Sprague, - - 755
Of John Burgess against Samuel Sprague, - - 755
Of Jabez Cottle against Samuel Sprague, - - 755
Of David Evans against Francis Sanderson, - - 1005
Of John Rowe, - - ... 1045
Of William B. Alger, 1123
Of Joseph Payn, Sen., - - 1279
Depuy, Benjamin, to New-York Convention, - - 502
Derby, Elias Hasket, petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - . 745
Derby, Richard, Jun., appointed to lay claim to the
ship Lord Dartmouth, - - 765
Instructions to, from Massachusetts Council, - 943
Letters from, to Massachusetts Council, - - 943, 1175
Letter from, to Richard Devens*, - - 1045
Deserters, resolves of Pennsylvania Convention re-
specting, - - 22
From the British Armies and Fleet, intelligence re-
ceived from, 203, 381, 484, 509, 523, 532, 1076, 1202
Committees of Dutchess and Westchester desired
to apprehend, - - 242
Three, advertised by Captain Jordan, - - 362
Two Albany skippers with supplies for the Army, - 373
Severe examples ought to be made of some of the, 549
Sentences of Courts-Martial on, - - - 551,
590, 613, 629, 992, 1296
From Montreal, sent to General Gates for exami-
nation, - - 599
General Howe offers a pardon to all, who shall sur-
render themselves, - - 603
Colonel Livingston complains of, - - 622
General Clinton informs New- York Convention of, 686
Resolution to prevent harbouring, - 687
From the American Army, supported by the disaf-
fected, - - 714
Deshon, Captain John, instructions to, - - 848
Despatches, Washington's, said to be stolen from the
express, at Bristol, - - 1269
Committee appointed to recover, - - 1414
Report of Committee, - - 1417
Detroit, Speech of the Governour of, to the Wyandots, 516
Deuch, Lieutenant Roger, promoted to a Captaincy, 1083
Devens, Richard, letter to, from Isaac Lathrop, - 133, 317
Letter to, from Elnathan Bates, - - 133, 317, 442
Letter to, from Clark & Nightingale, - - 317
Letter to, from Joseph Josselyn, - - 317, 318
Letter to, from Aaron Hobart, - - 359, 560
Letter to, from Walter Spooner, - - 594
Letter to, from Nathaniel Guild, - - 594
Letter to", from Richard Derby, Jun., - - 1045
Letter to, from William Sever, - - 1209
Letter to, from Oliver Prescott, - - 1227
1445
INDEX.
1446
De Vermonet, Monsieur, appointed a Major by brevet, 1360
Two months' pay advanced to, - - 1361
De Vernejout, Jean Louis, appointed a Captain by
brevet, - - 407
Two months' pay advanced to, - - - 1374
Dewees, William, Sheriff of Philadelphia, 7
De Witt, A., letter from, to Matthew Cantine, - - 613
De Witt, Captain, trial of, for liberating a prisoner
under sentence of death, - - 948
De Witt, Charles, letter to, from Hubert Ostrander, - 980
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - 1222
Dexter, David, appointed Brigade Major to Colonel
Lippet's brigade, - - - 992
Diamond, privateer, ship captured by the, - 1260
Dick, John, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - - 1378
Dickens, Thomas, sentenced to be flogged fordesertion, 992
Dickenson, J., appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 1083
Dickerson, Captain, letter to, from H. Glen, - - 184
Dickinson, Colonel John, complains of the desertion
of Pennsylvania Associators, ... 20,22
Dike, Colonel Nicholas, letter from, to Massachusetts
Council, - 268
Sends an Indian spy to Massachusetts Council, - 268
Diligent, schooner, petition of the officers of the, to
Massachusetts Council, - - 780
Dimon, Jonathan, appointed Major of Connecticut
Militia, - - 122
Disaffected persons —
Pennsylvania Council of Safety take measures of
defence against, - 88
Action of Caroline County (Virginia) Committee in
relation to, - - 104
Letter from John White to Captain Platt, respecting, 352
Letter from Thaddeus Crane to Major Benedict, re-
specting, - - - 373
Letter from Major Benedict to Colonel Drake, re-
specting, ... . 384
The above letters read in New York Convention, - 714
An act of New-Jersey for punishing, ... 865
Letters from Samuel Ten Broeck to New York Con-
vention, respecting, - 963, 977
Letter from John Field to New York Convention,
respecting, ....... 931
Letter from Petrus Van Gaasbeck to New York
Convention, respecting, - - 977
Letter from New York Committee of Safety to Gen-
eral Washington, respecting, - - 991
Letter from Robert H. Harrison to President of Con-
gress, respecting, .... . 1034
Letter from Committee of Poundridge to New York
Convention, respecting, - - - 1066
Letter from Henry Wisner to New York Conven-
tion, respecting, - - - - - - - 1102
Seven, sent from Skenesborough to Litchfield, - 1142
Great number of, in and about Albany, - 1143
Letter from Colonel Welsh to New Hampshire Com-
mittee of Safety, respecting, - - 1314
Proceedings in New York Convention respecting, 660,
669, 688, 694, 697, 712, 713, 714, 715, 717, 724
See Tories.
Disbrow, Josiah, apprehended as inimical, - - 310
Divine service, to be performed in every brigade, - 478
Division orders, 1096, 1164
Dixon, Samuel, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 634
Dobbs's Ferry, extract of a letter from, ... 214
Post Office at, removed to Head-Quarters, - - 255
Ebenezer Hazard proposes a post from, to Head-
Quarters, - - 680
Enemy reported to have landed at, - - 962
A detachment of troops ordered to, - - 962
Dobson, Henry, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 636
Dodd, Timothy, despatches said to have been stolen
from, - - - - 1269
Resolution of Congress in relation to the robbery of, 1414
Report of the Committee appointed to examine into
the robbery of, - - 1417
Committed to prison, - - 1418
Doggett. Samuel, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 735
' DoFiver, P., Major of Brigade, - - 875
Dolphin, Maryland schooner, officers of, - - 656
Dolphin, privateer, petition of the owners of, - - 799
Donaldson, Joseph, elected a member of Pennsylva-
nia Council of Safety, - 39, 76
Donehoe, Thomas, Court-Martial ordered on, - - 1195
Donnavan, Daniel, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court,
Permitted to go to England, - 788
Donnelly, John, sentenced to be flogged, - 476
Donneston, John, allowed to go to London, - - 798
Donning, Richard, appointed an Assistant Surgeon in
the Flying-Camp, -
Donoval, Daniel, sentenced to be flogged for plunder-
ing a house, .......
Doolittle, Ephraim, Moderator of a Town-Meeting at
Petersham. - - . . . ."'.
Dorchester Heights, importance of fortifying,
Doria, remarks by, on the Paper addressed to the
People of Pennsylvania, -
Dorset, (New-Hampshire Grants,) proceedings of a
Convention held at, - ....
Dorsey, Ely, appointed a Second Lieutenant, -
Dorsey, Colonel Thomas, letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - ...
Dorsey, Richard, appointed a Third Lieutenant,
Dougherty, Ensign, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, 1083
Dougherty, Sergeant, promoted to an Ensigncy, - 1083
Douglass, Ephraim, elected a Quartermaster, - - 1338
Douglass, George, sentenced to receive thirty-nine
lashes, - .....
Douglass, Captain, (British,) letter from, to Mr. Ste-
phens, ........
Douglass, William, loses his arm by an accident while
firing at the enemy, -----.
Douglass, Colonel William, return of Officers in the
regiment commanded by,
Return of absent officers in the regiment com-
manded by, -.-....
Doyle, John, appointed a Captain, - - -
Dragoons, Sixteenth Regiment of British, sail for New-
York, - - ....
Arrival of, at New York, .....
Drake, Colonel Gilbert, letter to, from Major Benedict,
Orders from, to Captain Osborne, ...
Drake, Colonel Samuel, return of officers in the regi-
ment commanded by, .....
Drake, Colonel Samuel H., letter from, to John Mc-
Kesson, ------
Drayton, Judge William Henry, charge of, to the
Grand Jury of Charleston,
Driver, Major Matthew, letter from, to Maryland Con-
vention, - -
Duane, Mr., Minutes by, of a meeting of a Committee
with General Schuyler, ...
Dublin, extract of a letter from, ...
Duche, Rev. Jacob, letter to, from the President of
Congress, .......
Note from, to the President of Congress,
Duck, a quantity of, delivered to Daniel Tillinghast, -
Du Coudray, Sieur, Articles of Agreement between,
and Silas Deane, - ....
Dudfield, Captain, application in favour of,
Permitted to sail for England, - - • -
Duer, William, letter from, to General Washington, -
Letters to, from Tench Tilghman, 523, 528, 870, 896, 920,
931, 948, 1077, 1095, 1138, 1204, 1264, 1284, 1311
Letters to, from General Mifflin, - 1137, 1254
Letter to, from Robert H. Harrison, - - 1165
Letter to, from Petrus Van Gaasbeck, -
Letter to, from Peter R. Livingston,
Duffy, Patrick, elected a Third Lieutenant of Artillery,
Dugan, Cumberland, letter to, from Maryland Council
of Safety,
Dumond, Captain Egbert, lettef from, to John Mc-
Kesson, ----'- . .
Ordered to render his accounts to the Treasurer, -
Dumas, Charles W. F., letter from, to the Committee
of Secret Correspondence,
Letter to, from William Lee,
Letters to, from Silas Deane, -
Letter to, from Arthur Lee, -
Letter to, from Dr. Franklin, -
Letters to, from William Carmichael, - 1179, 1260
Letters to, from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence, - - 1180, 1213
Dunlap, James, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel of
Pennsylvania forces in Continental service,
Dunmore, Lord, letters from, to Lord George Ger-
main, 158, 159, 161,
- 628
291
576
624
- 433
528
627
347
1342
- 929
- 1178
- 332
- 880
905
1331
944
1265
384
1078
- 906
- 1097
1047
- 560
1190
1278
1269
1280
119
283
798
799
453
1285
1286
80
- 406
524
684
99
- 270
283,849,916,951, 1020
- 455
- 823
94
Captures from fleet of, -
A number of Tories inlist in the service of
Sloop sunk by fleet of, -
Letter to, from Lord George Germain, -
Dunn, Henry, appointed an Ensign,
Dunn, Captain Samuel, takes a valuable prize, -
633,
162
634
- 653
- 655
- 1110
- 308
338, 359
Dunscome and Frazer, letter to, from Commodore
Hopkins,- - 1043
Dupuy, Samuel, promoted to an Ensigncy, - 721
Dutchess County, proceedings of Committee of, - 373
1447
INDEX.
1448
Duvall, George, Clerk of Maryland Convention, - 645
Duvall, Samuel, letter from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - - - - - 1061
Dyer, Dr. Benjamin, account of, for drugs, Stc., ordered
to be paid,
E.
Eagle, privateer, a valuable prize captured by the, - 3-16
Earl of Abingdon, Address of, at Wallingford, - 808
East-Chester, N. Y., smart skirmish near, between the
enemy and Colonel Glover's brigade, - 1130, 1138
Colonel Glover's account of several skirmishes near, 1 188
Extract of a letter from, - - 1203
Easthampton, letter from Trustees of, to Governour
Trumbull,
People of, take the oath of allegiance to George III, -2.v2
Distressed situation of the people of, - - 454
Committee of, revoke their former proceedings and
acknowledge allegiance to the King, - - 1220
Eastori, Colonel James, released from prison, 12
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 911
East River, four of the enemy's ships of war enter the, 326
Six more of the enemy's ships pass up the, - - 351
Eccleston, Thomas Firmin, appointed a First Lieu-
tenant, - - 630
Eddy, Jonathan, and others, late of Nova Scotia —
Petition of, to Massachusetts General Court, - 733
Powder, ball and flints voted to, - - 735
Pork and bread voted to, - - - 746
Edgar, James, advance made to, for the purchase of
clothing, &c., - ... 849
Edgel, Lieutenant, letter from, to New- York Conven-
tion, - - 110
Bdmenston, Major William, prisoner, requests leave
to wait on General Washington, - 614
Edward, schooner, permitted to go to Martinique, - 655
Edwards, Thomas, prisoner, petition of, to Massachu-
setts General Court, - - 732
Eisenford, Captain John, letter to, from H. Glen, - 250
Elderkin, Dr. Joshua, directed to provide cloth for
hammocks for ship Oliver Cromwell, - - - 575
Elections, resolution of Pennsylvania Convention re-
specting, - 49
Elizabeth, ship, appeal from sentence passed on, 1336, 1382
Report on the case of, - - - 1398
Elizabeth River, Lord Dunmore compelled to leave, 162
Elizabethtown, N. J., a large number of American
prisoners arrive at, from Canada, on parole, 588, 597
Jail of, rilled with prisoners, - 853
Ellery, William, Delegate in Congress from Rhode
Island, letters from, to Governour Cooke, 210, 989, 1248
Elliott, Thomas, appointed Colonel of Fourth Virginia
Battalion, - - 1395
Ellis, John, promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - - 473
Ellsworth, Oliver, letter from, to Governour Trumbull, 388
Ely, Major John, ordered to march towards New-York, 189
Letter to, from Colonel Livingston, 297
Ernes, .Worsley, elected First Lieutenant of Artillery, 80
Ernie, William, permitted to return to England, - 794
Emmes, John, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 788
Permitted to go to Great Britain, - - - 788
Endeavour, schooner, permit granted to, to go to North-
Carolina, - - 657
Enemy, great strength of the, near New-York, - 136
Movements of the, near New- York, - - 141, 351
Shipping of the, opposite Hunt's Point, - 141
Take possession of posts evacuated on Long-Island
and Nutten-Island, - - - - 141
Mean to winter in New- York, - - 238
Governour Trumbull's plan for clearing the Sound
of the, - - 258, 304
Move from Long-Island to Montressor's Island, - 275
Take post on the islands about Hell-Gate, - - 292
Commence operations against New-York, - - 351
Position and operations of the, in and around New-
York, - - 378
A general attack by the, expected, - 430
Strength of the, in Canada greater than was sup-
posed, - - 565
Force of the, in Canada and on the Lakes, - - 566
Meditate a speedy and general attack, - - 606
Expedition to Long-Island to check the practices
ofthe, - - 610
Prosecute the recruiting scheme with uncommon
industry, - - 841
Have a battalion of Tories nearly completed on
Long-Island, - - 867
Take possession ofthe town of Harlem, - - 896
Operations of ships of, in Hudson's River, - 961,990
Enemy — Continued.
Said to have landed at Dobbs's Ferry, ... 962
Kxort themselves to augment their Navy on the
Lake, - . 982
Lund at Frog's Point, - - - - 991
Probable intentions ofthe, - - - 1008
Are approaching Crown-Point, .... 1028
About to invest Ticonderoga, - 1028
Attempt to land at Nyack, but are driven back by a
party under Colonel Hay, - - 1066
List of fleet of, on Lake Champlain, - 1080, 1172, 1 179
Skirmishes with the, near East-Chester, 1130, 1138, 1203
Extend themselves from Frog's Point to New-
Rochelle, -1137, 1203
Intelligence from the, by Captain Scott, - - 1144
Take possession ofthe posts upon the Sound, - 1166
Information relating to the, communicated to the
New-York Convention, - - 1167
Land ten thousand men at Rodman's Point, - - 1174
Prodigies of labour effected by the, in Canada, - 1178
Colonel Glover's account of several skirmishes with, 1188
Loss ofthe, in the above skirmishes, ... 1202
Main body of the, at East-Chester, ... 1203
Two hundred sail of the fleet of the, lying near Hart-
Island, - - 1209
Moving towards White-Plains, .... 1221
Design to surround the American Army, - - 1265
Reinforced by the arrival of Hessians and Hanove-
rians and a regiment of Dragoons, ... 1265
Attack Washington's Army at White-plains, - 1271
Movements and supposed objects ofthe, - 1310, 1311
Engineers, Colonel Putnam's plan for establishing a
corps of, - - 891, 893
Christopher Pelissiere, - - 264, 484, 1170
Jean Louis Imbert, - - 407, 1094, 1096, 1361
Jeduthun Baldwin, 1133,1329
Christopher Joseph Delezeune, assistant, - - 617
Thaddeus Kosciusko, - ... 92, 1406
Recommendation of John Hadler, ... 891
Application of Captain Dirks, - - 1393
England, unanimity of the people of, against America, - 190
Extract of a letter received in, from the master of
the Dorothy transport, at New-York, - - - 564
Extract of a letter received in, by the packet-boat
Earl of Halifax, - - 564
Engle, Andrew, appointed an Ensign, - 88
English Channel, Mr. Hodge authorized to purchase
a frigate to cruise in the, - - - - 851
Captain Wickes ordered to cruise in the, - - 1215
Two ships taken by an American privateer in the
chops of the, - - - 1245
Ennalls, John, appointed a Colonel, - 654
Requests a Court-Martial for the trial of Lieutenant
Cook, - - - 1236
Enterprise, privateer, letter from the Commander of,
to the President of Congress, - - 232
Entrenching tools — see Intrenching tools.
Espey, David, elected a member of Pennsylvania Coun-
cil of Safety, - - - - 9
Estates, of inimical persons, petition concerning, - 774
Of Tories, resolve for staying executions on attach-
ments of, - - 779
Estimate, of the provisions, &c., necessary to be laid
in at various posts, - - - 1281
Ofthe probable expense of the Quartermaster-Gen-
eral's Department for one month, ... 1318
Ethiopian Corps, Dunmore's, - - - - 160
Europe, a general war at hand in, - - 361, 938
By proper management a general war may be pro-
duced in, - - - 459
The appearance of American cruisers in the seas of,
viewed with amazement, - - 937
Eustace, John, appointed Aid-de-Camp to General
Lee, - - - 1284
Evans, Alexander, letter from, to Abraham Lott, - 307
Evans, David, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 308
Evans, David, deposition of, - - - 1005
Evans, Elijah, appointed a Third Lieutenant, - - 1342
Evans, John, appointed an Ensign, - 634
Evans, Samuel, appointed a Captain, - 636
Evans, Stephen, letter from, to Mesheck Weare, - 340
Ewing, General, commissioned as Second Brigadier-
General of Pennsylvania, - 60
Ewinn-, Colonel Thomas, letters from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - - 177, 1024
Return of officers in the battalion commanded by, 903
Great number ofsick in the battalion commanded by, 1024
President of a General Court-Martial, - - 1065
Ewing, William, appointed an Ensign, - - 641
1449
INDEX.
1450
Examination —
Of Anthony Hasselaband, a deserter from Colonel
Riedesel's dragoons at Montreal, - - 203, 708
Of Richard Emanuel Gabriel and Richard King, - 216
Of Ludwick Potier, a German, taken by the Indians
and carried to Montreal, - ... 421
Of Sergeant Stiles, ... - 482
Of Antoine Girard, a Canadian, - - - 533
Of Thomas Day, - - - 592
Of Prisoners, - - 597
Of John Woolley, - 663
Of William Warne, - - ' - 677
Of three prisoners taken on Staten-Island, - - 1073
Of James Budd, a Tory prisoner, - 1265
Exports, of the United Colonies to Europe and the
West-Indies, - - - 917
Express, Washington's despatches said to be stolen
from, - 1269, 1414, 1417
Exuen, Alexander, letter from, to the New-York Con-
gress, - - - - 422
F.
Fairfield, Connecticut, disposition of prisoners by
Committee of, - - - - 537
A large supply of ammunition forwarded to, from
Massachusetts, - - ... 7(57
Falconer, Nathaniel, elected a member of Pennsyl-
vania Council of Safety, - 8
Declines the appointment, - - - - 10
Appointed to inspect the Continental frigates lately
built at Providence, ------ 955
Letter to, from Marine Committee, - - 1022
Falmouth, England, a large fleet of transports sail
from, for New- York, ... 944
Falmouth, Casco Bay, extract of a letter from, - - 1071
Two large prizes sent into, - - - 1196
Falmouth, Massachusetts, resolve for supplying the
town of, with powder and ball, - - 772
Faneuil, M., and others, petition of, to Massachusetts
Assembly, - - 1109
Fanning, Colonel Phineas, orders to, from General
De Lancey, - - - - 505
Apprehension of, by Colonel Livingston, - - 1042
Evidences of the unfriendliness of, 1088
Parole of, - - - - 1104
Fanny, sloop, permitted to sail for Hispaniola, - - 629
Farley, Brigadier-General, ordered to hold himself in
readiness to march to New- York, - - 377
Farnwell, Ebenezer, elected an Adjutant of Massa-
chusetts Militia, - - : - 752
Fasselabend, Anthony, a Hessian deserter, examina-
tion of, - - - - - - 708
Fassett, John, elected a Captain, - - - 1341
Orders of, to Lieutenant Lee, - - 187
Orders to, from General Gates, - - - 222
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 621
Member of a Council of War, - - 621
Court-Martial ordered for the trial of, - - - 1083
Fassett, Captain Jonathan, orders to, from General
Gates, - 222
Letters from, to General Gates, ... 556, 621
Member of a Council of War, - - - 621
Court-Martial ordered for the trial of, - - 1083
Fast, appointed by Connecticut Council of Safety, - 188
Proclamation of the King for a general, in Eng-
land and Wales, - ... 1289
Mr. Burke's remarks on the foregoing proclamation, 1290
Proclamation of the King for a general, in Scotland, 1290
Faulkner, William, a prisoner at Reading, permitted
to go to Tryon County on parole, ... 1395
Fauntleroy, Captain John Colonel Stainston requests
a Court-Martial for the trial of, - - 362
Favourite, prize brig, sent in by Captain Jones, - 226
Favourite, privateer, captures a valuable ship, - - 1019
Felling axes, a number of, received at Skenesborough, 185
Fellows, General, return of brigade commanded by, - 898
Return of Field-Officers in brigade commanded by, - 902
Fenton, Elizabeth, permitted to go to England, - 754
"Ferguson, William, elected a Third Lieutenant of Ar-
tillery, - ... - 80
Ferrill, Morris, sentenced to receive twenty lashes for
sleeping on his post, - 1081
Ferris, Lieutenant-Colonel, permitted to decline the
service, - - - 695
Ferris, Joshua, petition of, to New- York Congress, - 141
Fiddeuian, Captain, letter to, from Maryland Council
of Safety, - - - 177
Field, John, Captain of privateer Joseph, sends a prize
into Providence, Rhode-Island, - 227
Field, John, letter from, to New- York Convention, -
Field, Joseph, recommended for a Lieutenancy,
Field-Officers—
Election of, for the battalion to be raised for North-
ampton and Northumberland, Pennsylvania,
To be promoted according to the line, - . .
List of, in the service of Virginia, -
Council of, held at New- York, -
Of the Boston Regiment of Militia, -
Finance, address to the People of Pennsylvania on,
by Conti , - -
Remarks on, by Doria, -
Observations on, by Pelatiah Webster, -
Resolutions in New York Convention on,
Finch, Nathaniel, memorial of, -
Findly, John, appointed a First Lieutenant,
Fines, for absence from Pennsylvania Convention,
For disobedience of orders, -
931
931
60
93
320
329
753
430
433
434
710
554
1340
1724
527, 528
231
768
778
748
748
713
366
Fire-Arms, return of, &c., belonging to Massachusetts,
Seven effective, delivered to Richard Maberry,
Resolve for encouraging the manufacture of, -
Firelocks, a number of, delivered to Captain Leighton,
Four, delivered to Captain Lyman, ...
Fire-Ships, two, ordered to Fort Washington, -
Firewood, scarcity of, at Amboy, - .
Fishbourn, Benjamin, asks the appointment of Pay-
master to Colonel Wood's battalion, ... 490
Appointed a Paymaster, - ... 1334
Fisher, Hendrick, appointed Paymaster to Prescott's
regiment, . 331
Fishkill, New- York, resolution to establish post-riders
between, and Head-Quarters, .... 694
Fitch, Eleazer, Jun., Inhabitants of Windham petition
for removal of, from the office of Sheriff, - 130, 131
Fitzgerald, John, appointed a Major, ... 891
Fitzgerald, Michael, petition of, to Congress, - - 119
Fitzgerald, Captain, appointed to act as Major to Col-
onel Weeden's regiment, .... 844
Fitzhugh, William, letter from, to General Washington, 1020
Flag of truce, made prize of by Commodore Arbuthnot, 307
Flatbush, Long-Island, advance of the enemy towards, 198
Fleet, manoeuvres of Dunmore's, in the Potomack, - 165
Seventy men sent by General Gates to Arnold's, - 186
General Waterbury second officer in Arnold's, - 186
Colonel Wigglesworth appointed third officer in
Arnold's, - . 186
Two hundred seamen inlisted in New- York for
Arnold's, .... igg
Arnold's, arranged in three divisions, ... 186
Enemy's, drawing more together, and getting close
in with Governour's Island, .... 193
Arnold's, extremely bare of clothing, ... 251
Arnold's, consists of seventeen sail, ... 294
Position and operation of Arnold's, 353, 354, 531, 591
Operations of the British, near New- York, - - 379
Wretched motley crew in Arnold's, - - - 481
Arnold's, arrive at Isle Valcour, - - 591
Arnold's, reinforced by the arrival of three row-
galleys, - - 615
Importance of, on Lake Champlain, ... 705
Twenty sail of the line could take the whole British,
at New- York, 820
Galley Trumbull and a reinforcement of seamen
join Arnold's, - 834
Absolute necessity of augmenting Arnold's, - 861, 982
Battle between the American and English, on Lake
Champlain, - - 1028, 1038
Arnold's, consists of sixteen sail and eight hundred
n:en, - - - - 1037
Sir Guy Carleton's account of the battle between
the American and British, - - 1040
Captain Pringle's account of the destruction of
Arnold's, - - 1069
Destruction of Arnold's, announced, ... 1079
List of the enemy's, on Lake Champlain, 1080,1172, 1179
Strength of Arnold's, after the battle, - - 1172
Near two hundred sail of the enemy's, lying near
Hart-Island, - - - 1209
General Waterbury's account of the defeat of Ar-
nold's, - ... - 1224
See Navy.
Fleet of Pennsylvania —
Matter respecting the command of, postponed by
the Convention, - 12, 17
Day for visiting, appointed by the Convention, - 12
Petition of Captains of the galleys referred to the
Council of Safety, - - 25
Resolution respecting promotions, - - 25
Samuel Mifflin appointed Commodore of, - 61, 63
1451
INDEX.
1452
Fleet of Pennsylvania — Continued.
Samuel Mifflin declines the command of, 70
Captain Price to raise men for the armed-boat Con-
vention, - - - 71
Captain Brown to raise men for the floating battery, 71
Committee to form regular muster roll, - - 71
Recruiting officers allowed twenty shillings for each
recruit, - - -72
Thomas Seymour appointed Commodore, 74
Instructions to the Commodore, - - 74
Pay of officers, ... - 75
The Commodore accompanied to Fort Island by a
number of the Council, - - 75
Half pay allowed to a disabled seaman of, - - 76
New Commissions tothe Captains of the galleys, &c., 79
The Commodore to take the most effectual mea-
sures to man, to its full complement, - 86
John Brice appointed Captain of the fire-sloop Etna, 90
Order for ammunition to prove the guns for the
floating battery, - 93
Advertisement for volunteers for the floating battery, 841
Fletcher, Thomas, letter to, from Massachusetts Coun-
cil, - - - - 230
Flints, want of, at Ticonderoga, - - 185,619
New-York Convention order a supply of, to Char-
lotte and Tryon Counties, - 673
Three hundred, delivered to Jonathan Eddy, - 735
Massachusetts resolves to send, to Fairfield for the
use of her Militia, - - 767
Resolve to supply Jeremiah Colborn with, - - 776
Account of, delivered by Peter T. Curtenius, - 830
A quantity of, arrive from France, - 1019
Twenty thousand, ordered to be sent to General
Gates, - - .... 1339
A quantity of, arrive in New-Hampshire, - - 1406
Flour, large quantities of, left behind in the retreat
from New-York, - - 699
Commissary-General requests New-York Conven-
tion to supply him with, - - 699
Resolutions of New- York Convention for procuring, 700
Low price of, at St. Pierre, Martinique, - 1134
Two thousand barrels of, wanted for the Northern
Department, - - 1141
High price of, in France, - - 1234
Floyd, William, letter from, to New-York Convention, 1066
Flying-Camp —
General Washington orders the men intended for,
to New- York, - - 121
Resignation of Jonathan Smith, Deputy Muster-
master-General, - 511
Colonels Weedon and Hand ask permission to re-
cruit from, - - 841, 842
Many of the Pennsylvanians in the, willing to enter
the service on the new establishment, - 1202
Two hundred thousand dollars voted by Congress
for the use of the, - - 1333
Dr. Brown elected Assistant Physician for the, - 1373
William Davies elected Deputy Mustermaster-Gen-
eral for the, - - 1389
Forty thousand dollars voted by Congress for the
use of the, - 1402
General Washington authorized to appoint a Deputy
Mustermaster for the, - - 1403
Gustavus Risberg Assistant to the Deputy Quarter-
master-General, - ... 1406
Flying-Camp, Pennsylvania —
Letter from President of Congress requesting in-
crease of, - - 7
Committee to fix proportions for, - 8
Committee on granting commissions for, - - 17
Committee to consider measures for raising, - - 18
Report of Committee on raising, - - 18
Report of Committee on commissions, - - 18
Particulars of the rations to be printed and dis-
persed among the men, - - 18
Ordinance respecting, - - 19
Commissioners to go to Head-Quarters to form, - 20
Proportion of different Counties, - - 20
Ten thousand pounds appropriated for, - - 20
Regulation for iulistments, - - 20
Resolution respecting commissions, - - 20
Resolutions respecting deserters, - - 22
Letter from Colonel Matlack read in Convention, - 28
Bounty money for, sent to Northampton, - - 29
Committee to report regulations for, - - 36
Information from one of Ihe Commissioners for
forming, - - - - - 36
Command of a battalion accepted by Michael
Swoope, - 39, 76
Flying-Camp, Pennsylvania — Continued.
Commissioneis for forming, to account with the
Council of Safety, - ... 59
Bounty money to Matthew Hand, - - 61
Servants and apprentices not to be inlisted for,
without consent of their masters, - - 70
Company for, furnished by Colonel Hart's battalion
of Associators, - - 256
Resolution of Congress for payment of discharged
companies, - - 1376
Flying-Camp, Maryland-
Captains Forrest and Bourke immediately to march, 625
Warrant to Abraham Boyd to enroll fifty men, - 627
All the guns belonging to, to be stamped with the
word Maryland, - - - 629
Warrants issued to officers of Captain Roboson's
company, . 629
Warrants issued to officers of Captain Walking's
company, - 632
Warrant issued to Captain Teems, - 633
Warrant issued to Levi Covington, - 634
Commission to Ensign Richardson, - - 638
Commissions issued to officers of Captain Hynes's
company, .... 642
Commissions issued to officers of Captain Holland's
company, . 643
Commissions issued to officers of Captain Harris's
company, ... 644
List of officers and privates in Captain Smith's
company, . 1062
Payments for bounty, subsistence, &c., - - 626
627, 628, 629, 632, 633, 634, 636
Folsom, General, letter to, from Josiah Bartlett, - 118
Fontleroy, Captain John, Court-Martial ordered for the
trial of, - - - . 633
Forage, order of the English Commissary on Long-
Island concerning, ----.. 565
Estimate of the quantity of, necessary to be laid in
at several posts, .... 1281
Forbes, James, prisoner in Lancaster jail, petition of, 12
Forbes, James, promoted to ai. Ensigncy, - 1086
Forbes, William, prisoner, memorial of, to New- York
Congress, . 1259
Forman, Colonel, return of officers in the battalion
commanded by, ---... 877
Forrest, Thomas, elected a Captain of Artillery, - 80
Forrester, Captain Simon, sends a valuable prize into
Falmouth, ... H96
Fort Constitution, New- York Convention take mea-
sures to strengthen, - ... '261
A number of spades, bill-hooks, &,c., ordered to be
sent to, - - - 262,672
Great want of men at, - - - 667
New- York Convention resolve to reinforce the gar-
rison at, 667, 668
Preamble and resolutions of New-York Convention
respecting, - .... 670
A large quantity of munitions of war forwarded to, 672
A return of necessaries wanted at, ... 674
Cannonade of British ships by, - - 943,961
The sick at, in a most wretched situation, - - 974
(See Fort Lee.)
Fort George, General Gates requests General Schuy-
ler to reinforce, - 203
Colonel Phinney's regiment ordered to, - 203
Sickness at, abates, - . 388
General Gates directed to detach a battalion to the
support of the garrison at, - 833
Colonel Dayton's regiment ordered to, - - 999
Fort Independence, in possession of the enemy, - 1294
Fort Island, resolution for completing the piers sunk
in the channel near, - 65
Account to be rendered of articles used in sinking
the piers near, 69
No person to go on shore at, 89
Channel to be sounded at, - - - 90
Fort Lee, (late Fort Constitution,) extracts of letters
from, 1130, 1239, 1266
Fort Montgomery, New-York Convention take meas-
ures to strengthen, - - - 261
A number of spades, bill-hooks, &c., sent to, 262, 672
An armourer, with the tools ofhis trade, wanted at, 666
Great want of men at, - - - 667
New-York Convention resolve to reinforce the gar-
rison at, 667, 668
Preamble and resolutions of New-York Convention
in relation to, • - 670
A large quantity of munitions of war forwarded to, 672
A return of necessaries wanted at, - - - 674
1453
INDEX.
1454
Fort Schuyler, strength of, . 355
Captain Bloomfield, with his command, arrives at, 355
About forty Indians, chiefs and warriors, visit Colo-
nel Dayton at, - - 859
A blow meditated against, - ... 860
A good stock of provisions at, .... H90
Fort Stanwix — see Fort Schuyler.
Fort Washington, two fire-ships despatched to, - 713
Cannonade of British ships by, - - 943,961
Resolution to maintain, - ... 1034
Three of the enemy's ships make an attack upon,
and are repulsed, - - 1271, 1311
Fosdick. Ensign Thomas, sentenced to be reprimanded, 589
Fosdick, Adjutant, testimony of, on the trial of Lieu-
tenant Pope, - - - 1065
Foster Captain John, complaint against, - 925
Foster, Thomas, appointed a Major of Pennsylvania
Associators, - 82
Fountain, Stephen, a Tory, intercepted letter from, 1030
Fowler, Jacob, arrested as being inimical to his country, 148
Fox, John, powder delivered to, - 734
' Petition of, to Massachusetts General Court, - 737
Fox, Joseph, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - - 477
Foxcroft, John, confined by his parole within the
hounds of Pennsylvania, - - 1385
Permitted to go to New-York, on his parole, - 1400
Frame of Government for Pennsylvania, - - - 53
Framingham Committee, petition of, to Massachusetts
Assembly, - - - - 143
Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - - 1070
France, officers from the army of, captured on their
way to Philadelphia, - - 161
Ministry of, order a number of ships of war to be
fitted out for America, - ... 232
Friendly- disposition of, towards America, - 325,996
American vessels find free trade with, - - - 358
Only waiting for a declaration of independence to
strike a decisive blow, 358
Orders from, to Cape Nicola Mole to protect all
American vessels, ------ 377
American ships protected in the islands of, - 425, 854
On the eve of a war with Great Britain, - 602
The natural ally of America, - - 811
Arrival of a vessel from, with powder, small-arms,
flints, lead, &c., - 1019
Representations of Silas Deane favourably received
at the Court of, - 1090
Warlike preparations daily making in, - - 1091
Arrival of a ship from, with cloths and blankets, - 1136
Plan of a treaty with, - - 1344
American Commissioners to, - 839, 987, 1379, 1410
Instructions to Commissioners to, - 1356, 1358
Letters of credence to Commissioners to, - - 1381
Pay of Commissioners to, ----- 1382
Additional instructions to the American Commis-
sioners to, (note,) ------ 1404
Commissioners to, directed to procure from the
French Court eight line-of-battle ships, - - 1409
Franklin, Dr. Benjamin, chosen President of Pennsyl-
vania Convention, ----- 2
Elected a Delegate to Continental Congress, 6
Appointed on a Committee to confer with Lord
Howe, - - - 192
Letter from, to Lord Howe, - 234
Letter to, from Lord Howe, - - 274
Payments to, for his attendance as a Delegate in
Congress, - - ... - 545
Appointed a member of the Committee of Secret
Correspondence, - - 823
Letter from, to C. W. F. Dumas, -
Appointed a Commissioner to France, - - 839, 1379
Unchangeably in favour of independence, - - 916
Extract 'of a letter from, to D. C., - 1245
Franklin, Elizabeth, deposition of, - - 367
Franklin, Robert, - - 1382
Franks, David, permitted, by Continental Congress,
to go to New- York on parole, - - 1412
.Frazier, Captain John, petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - - - -
Permitted to go to Great Britain, -
Frazier, Captain Persifer, appointed a Major, - 616, 1385
Freedom, armed sloop, return of officers on board the, 174
Arms, ammunition, and stores for the, - - 174
Iron ballast delivered to the, - 801
Freeland, Joseph, appointed an Ensign, - - 1378
Freeman, John Quin, Brigade-Major, gives a pass to
Antoine Gerouse, - - 335
Freeman, Nathaniel, commissioned Commander of
the privateer Wolfe, - - - 746
Freeman, Samuel, resolve for paying, for his services
as Clerk, . 764
French, Lieutenant, promoted to a Captaincy, - - 473
French officers, in the service of the States, ordered
to repair to their posts, ----- 324
Several, arrive at Philadelphia from Martinico, - 324
Arrival of five, at Head-Quarters, - 855
Embarrassment of Washington on account of, - 927
Names of ten, arrived at Boston, - ... 1108
Propose to raise a regiment of Canadians, - - 1109
Frey, John, appointed Brigade-Major for Tryon
County, . 664
Friend to Truth and Freedom, reply of, to Brutus, - 865
Friend to American Freedom, to the Editor of the
Pennsylvania Evening Post, - ... H58
Frog's Point, the enemy land at, - 991, 1010, 1025, 1076
Operations of the hostile forces near, - - 1016
Main body of the enemy at, - - 1034
Five of the enemy's ships between Hell-Gate and, 1076
British Army move from, - - 1130
Frontiers, Pennsylvania resolves to raise troops for the
defence of the, - .... 16
Advantageous post on Onion River for the defence
of, - Ill
Advices from the Southwestern, - - 540
Fry, George, letter to, from John Harris, - - 256
Frye, General Joseph, memorial of, to Massachusetts
General Court, . 725
Letter to, from Massachusetts House of Represent-
atives, ----.... 726
Fulford, John, Captain of a company of Artillery, 377, 639
Fuller, Joshua, promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - 1083
Fulton, James, liberty granted to, to return to England, 796
Certificate in favour of, ----- 797
Furnaces, Massachusetts appoints a Committee toview
places suitable for erecting, - - 735
Petition to excuse workmen in, from military duty, 747
Furnival, Alexander, appointed Captain of a company
of Matrosses, ... - 658
G.
Gabercle, Nichs. Emc., Adjutant of Colonel Swart-
wout's regiment, - - - 872
Gabriel, Nicholas Emanuel, testimony of, - - 216
Gadsden, Christopher, letters from, to John Lewis
Gervais, - - - - - - 424, 938
Elected a Brigadier-General, ... 1341
Gaither, Vach., appointed a Second Lieutenant in
the Flying-Camp, - - 629
Galatea, British man-of-war, intelligence from three
deserters from the, - - ... 842
Cruising off the Capes of Virginia, ... 1200
Gale, Samuel, order for the arrest of, - 688, 702
Gamble, William, resigns the command of the fire
sloop Etna, - - - 90
Gaming, order of General Washington against, - 946
Gansevoort, Leonard, recommended for the office of
Paymaster, - - ... 356
Appointed a Paymaster, - - 1378
Gansevoort, Colonel P., orders to, from General Gates, 1170
Letter from, to General Gates, - 1288
Gantt, Thomas, letter from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - - 396
Gardiner, Abraham, letter from, to Governour Trumbull, 225
Gardiner, Colonel, a Tory, taken prisoner by Colonel
Livingston, ------- 296
Gardner, Caleb, elected a Lieutenant-Colonel, - - 1333
Gardner, Henry, letter to, from James McCobb, - 144
Gardner, James, appointed Deputy Commissary of
Artillery, - - 477
Gardner, William, charged with being inimical to the
American cause, ------ 738
Garrett, Amos, letters from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - 1071, 1278, 1307
Letter from, to Matthew Tilghman, - - 1128
Garrigues, Jacob, chosen Assistant Clerk to Pennsyl-
vania Convention, - - - 2
Garwood, William, arrested for abusive language to
Colonel Phinney, 143
Gates, Major-General, letters to, from —
General Arnold, - - 223, 251, 265, 266,
353, 354, 440, 531, 532, 591, 834, 933, 982, 1038
Elisha Avery, - - 1068
J. Baldwin, Engineer, - - 1133
Colonel Barrett, - 402, 557, 835
Colonel Brewer, - - 1040, 1144, 1192, 1300
Colonel Brownson, - - - - 1207
Major Games,
John Carter, - • - 1027
1455
I1NDEX.
1456
Gates, Major-General — Continued.
Letters to, from —
Samuel Chase,
Ezekiel Cheever,
Committee of Congress, -
Colonel Cortlandt, -
Lewis T. Costigan, -
Colonel Dayton,
Captain Fassett,
Colonel Gansevoort,
Elbridge Gerry,
Robert H. Harrison,
- 232, 429
- 332
- 1142
335, 342, 573, 860
- 1088
- 355
- 556, 621
- 1287
- 572
- 292
Colonel Hartley, 113, 128, 204, 222, 251, 278, 421, 504,
556, 621, 834, 981, 1000, 1018, 1028
Joseph Hawley, - - 836, 924
Ebenezer Hazard, - . . - 995
Major Hoisington, - 36, 1018
General Lee, - 1034
Walter Livingston, - - 453
John Lucas, - - .... 1217
Massachusetts Council, - - 441
Mease and Caldwell, - - - 1063
Robert Morris, - 1262
Dr. Morgan, - - - 106
New-Hampshire Committee of Safely, - - 1176
James Nourse, - - - 1112
M. Christopher Pelissier, ... - 484
Colonel Porter, - 222
Dr. Potts, 277
President of Congress, ..... 561
Colonel Rufus Putnam, - - 549
General Schuyler, - 110, 142, 220, 249, 264, 293,
334, 335, 374, 469, 555, 833, 859, 909, 923, 999, 1039,
1103, 1125, 1142, 1243, 1274, 1287, 1299, 1314
General Scott, - 828
John B. Scott, - 1 103, 1267
Major Shepardson, - - - 303
Colonel Simonds, ------ 303
Captain Stewart, - - 1191
Dr. Stringer, - - - - - 923
John Taylor, - - 599
Governour Trumbull, - 280, 536, 912, 1104, 1316
Joseph Trumbull, - - - 417, 995
Henry J. Van Rensselaer, - - - 924
Richard Variek, - - 250, 335, 1036, 1102
General Ward, - - - 600
Seth Warner, - - - - - 1146
General Waterbury, - - - 142, 185, 221
Ensign Webster, - - 356
Colonel Wilkinson, - - 1243
Captain Williams, - ... 169
Colonel Winds, ... - 964
John Witherspoon, - - 1293
Colonel Wynkoop, - 1069, 1088, 1103, 1142, 1275
Christopher Yates, - - 923
Letters from, to —
General Arnold, 186, 302, 402, 484, 555, 847, 860, 1017
Celonel Bellows, - - - 1244
John Carter, - - - 885
Colonel Cortlandt, - - - 278
Colonel Hartley, - - 204, 264
Major Hoisington, - - - - - 421
President of Congress, -- - 470, 614
General Schuyler, - 185, 203, 204, 205, 294, 343, 353,
481, 530, 619,885, 1000, 1017, 1080, 1257, 1287, 1314
Colonel Simonds, - - - 343
Captains Stilton and Parker, - - 1170
Governour Trumbull, - 127, 356, 620, 1192
Richard Variek, - 277
Colonel Warner, - - - 1169
General Waterbury, - - - 127
General return of the forces commanded by, - 479, 618
General Orders issued by, - - 471, 616, 1081
Gates, Robert, letter from, to Colonel Stewart, - - 299
Gay, Colonel Fisher, letter to, from General Washing-
ton, - 166
Return of officers in the regiment lately commanded
by, - - 902
Gazart, Michael, confined on suspicion of being a
deserter, - - - 726
Gazette, Gates suggests the propriety of Congress pub-
lishing a, on the occurrence of any great event, - 615
Geale, Edward, appointed a Recruiting Sergeant for
Artillery, - 657
Geary, William M., appointed a First Lieutenant, - 1340
Gee, Peter, prisoner, examination of, 1073
Gelston, David, letter from, to New- York Convention, 189
Letter from, to New-London Committee, - - 207
General Gates, privateer, captures made by the, - 1046
General Greene, the, captures a valuable prize, . 486
General Lee, privateer, commission granted for the, - 79
General Orders, issued by Washington, ... 121
194, 238, 290, 330, 381, 413, 447, 501, 566, 605,
842,944,991, 1118, 1282, 1310
Issued by General Gates, - - 471,616,1081
General Putnam, schooner, complaint against the
Captain of the, ... - - 215
State and condition of the, - - 553
Petition of the officers and marines, ... 714
Captain Cregier's verbal statement, - - 718
Generalship, the present campaign a fair trial of, in
which Washington lias the advantage, - 1312
Georgetown, (Mass.,) subscription of inhabitants of,
to carry on the Canada expedition, ... 144
Georgia —
Letters from the President of Congress to Conven-
tion of, - - . 489, 838
Congress advance fifty thousand dollars for the use
of the Continental troops in, - - 1341
Germain, Lord George —
Letters to, from Sir William Howe, ... 123,
378, 380, 462, 492, 518
Letters to, from Lord Dunmore, 158, 159, 161, 162, 166
Character of, ... 455
Letter to, from Governour Tryon, - ... 493
Letters from, to General Howe, - - - 600,1111
Letter to, from Sir Guy Carleton, - - 1040
Letter from, to the Earl of Dunmore, - - 1110
German Battalion, officers of, - - 1379
German Flats, in want of pork and salt, - - 264
John Post appointed Commissary at the, - - 1132
A good stock of provisions at the, - 1190
Germans, General Howe proposes an increase of, - 123
A number of, arrive at Quebec, - - 203
Desertions of, from the enemy, - - - 203
Geroure, Antoine, permitted to pass from Isle-aux-
Noix to his home, ------ 335
Intelligence received from, - - - 532
Examination of, - - .... 533
Gerry, Elbridge, Delegate in Congress from Massa-
chusetts, letter from, to General Gates, - - 572
Appointed on a Committee to visit Washington's
Head-Quarters, - - - 1373
Gervais, John Lewis, Commissary General, letters to,
from Colonel Gadsden, ... - 424, 938
Note to, from Colonel Roberts, - - - 424
Gettig, Christopher, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 86
Gibson, John, Auditor-General, letter from, to James
Bowdoi«, - 1247
Letter from, to New-Hampshire Assembly, - - 1308
Giddings, Andrew, petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - - - 780
Commissioned Commander of the letter-of-marque
Civil Usage, - - 780
Gifford, Lieutenant, sent to Albany for examination, - 857
Giles, Benjamin, Chairman, &c., orders of, to Colonel
Bellows, - 340
Orders of, to Captain House, - - 341
Giles, Eleazer, Commander of the privateer Retalia-
tion, - - - - 741
A valuable prize sent into Falmouth by, - 1196
Gill, John, sentenced to be flogged, &c., for defraud-
ing the Continent, - - - 1082
Gill, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant of Penn-
sylvania Associators, --••-- 82
Gilliland, William, complains of the wanton conduct
of Arnold's troops, - - 112
Arrested on suspicion of conveying intelligence to
the enemy, ------- 592
Testimony of Thomas Day against, - 592
Gates proposes to send, to General Schuyler, - 847
Oilman, Colonel David, letter from, to New-Hamp-
shire Assembly, - - 318
Girard, Antoine — see Geroure, Antoine.
Glason, Adam, appointed an Ensign, - - 638
Glen, H., letters from, to General Schuyler, - - 142,
184, 221, 534, 980, 1190
Letter from, to Captain Dickerson,
Letters from, to Walter Livingston, - 185, 264, 311
Complains of the inlistrnent of the batteau-men, - 221
Letter from, to Captain Eisenford, - 250
Letter from, to Elisha Avery, - - - 1132
Glen, William, suspected of being an enemy to the
American cause,
Cited to appear before Connecticut Assembly, - 375
Glenn, Cornelius, letter from, to Abraham Yates,
Jun., -
Gliden, Charles, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 474
1457
INDEX.
1458
Glover, Colonel, skirmish of the brigade commanded
by, with the enemy near East-Chester, - 1130, 1138
Extract of a letter from, giving an account of several
skirmishes with the enemy, - - 1188
Thanked in General Orders, - - 1240
Glover, Samuel, instructions to, from Captain Smith,
(English,) 1024
Goddard, William, Surveyor of the General Post-
Office, 256
Godet, Thomas, letter to, from Marine Committee, - 970
Godfrey, Captain James, a valuable prize taken by, - 935
Goldsborough, Massachusetts, money loaned to, - 774
Goodall, El., appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 1083
Goodhue, Benjamin, Jr., petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - 803
Goodrich, Captain Charles, declared to be an enemy
to his country, ..... 134
To the Printer of the Connecticut Courant, - - 388
Petition of, to Massachusetts General Court, - 741
Report of the Committee in the case of, - - 742
Acquitted of the charge of being an enemy to his
country, -------- 743
Goodrich, old Mr., a Tory, and two of his sons,
taken prisoners and sent to Williamsburgh jail, - 162
Gordon, Captain A., prisoner, servant permitted to
reside with him, ------ 181
Gordon, Robert, Ireland, letter to Thomas White, - 863
Gordon, Robert, convicted of being an enemy to the
common cause, .... - 1142
Gordon, Rev. William, address of, to the inhabitants of
Massachusetts, - ... 227
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 1276
Gostelowe, Jonathan, Assistant Commissary of Stores, 1264
Goulay, Peter, prays permission to return to England, 787
Prayer of the petition of, granted, ... 788
Governour's Island, enemy in possession of, - - 119
Grace, Richard, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 627
Govert, Jacque Paul, appointed a Captain-Lieutenant
of Artillery, .... - - 1360
Two months' pay advanced to, - - - - 1376
Graham, Colonel Morris, return of regiment command-
ed by, - f V. - - 872, 1321
Grain, General Howe orders the seizure of, on Long-
Island, 825
A quantity of, removed from Harlem Plains, - 855
Grand Jury of Charleston, Judge Drayton's charge to, 1047
Presentment of the, - - 1059
Grant, General, killed in the battle on Long-Island, - 111
Grape-shot greatly wanted at Crown-Point, - - 556
Graves, John, ordered into close confinement, - - 777
Gray, Major, recommended for Commissary-General
in the Northern Department, - - - - 245
Gray, George, elected a member of the Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, ... 8
Gray, Doctor Thomas, appointed Surgeon's Mate to
the ship Oliver Cromwell, ... 281
Grayson, Colonel William, Aid-de-Camp to General
Washington, letters from, to General Heath, - 439,
827, 853, 854, 1027
Great Britain, oppressive acts of, towards America, - 1044
Address of the Lord Mayor, &c., of York, to the
King, --- .... 1126
Proclamation to encourage inlistments in the Navy, 1228
Order in Council prohibiting the exportation of pro-
visions from, - - ... 1233
Proclamation for a general fast in, 1289, 1290
Greaton, Colonel, dangerously ill at Fort George, - 387
Greely, Jonathan, Commander of the privateer Speed-
well, - - 749
Green, Sergeant, promoted to an Ensigncy, - - 617
Greene, Major Joseph, (British,) letter to Captain
Smith, ----'---- 1186
Greene, General Nathanael —
Letter to, from General Washington, - - 182
Letters from, to the President of Congress, - - 241,
973, 1136, 1269
Letters from, to Governour Cooke, - 369, 996, 1076
Letters from, to General Washington, - 494,
1015, 1221, 1280, 1281, 1294
Return of the forces commanded by, - - 607, 1250
A first-rate military genius,
Letter from, to General Mifflin, - - - - 1263
Greene, Major, of First Virginia Regiment, wound-
ed, - 1188, 1270
Greenway, William, Commander of privateer sloop
Congress, - - - - - --79
Greer, David, appointed a Major of Pennsylvania
troops in Continental service, -
Greer, Vincent, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 308
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. .11. 92
Griffin, David, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Assembly, - 802
Griffin, Colonel Samuel, Deputy Adjutant-General,
letter from, to the Board of War, - - 235
Letter from, to Richard Peters, .... 1136
Griffin, Colonel, wounded, - 1073, 1093
Griffith, Benjamin, member of Baltimore Commitlee, 117
Griffith, Charles C., letter from, to Maryland Council
of Safety, . 947
Griffith, Dennis, appointed an Ensign in the Flying-
Camp, - . 637
Grimaldy, Marquis of, order from, to the Commissary
of Marine, - - 917
Grindstones, a number of, arrive at Ticonderoga, - 203
Griswold, John, appointed officer of guard at the
mouth of Connecticut River, - - 189
Groton, Committee of, advised to assist inhabitants of
Long Island to come off, - 188
Petition of the town of, to Connecticut A».sem-
bly, - - ... 1004
Grout, John, case of, - - 216-220
Grubb, Colonel Peter, misconduct of troops under the
command of, - - ... 38
Grymes, John, joins Lord Dunmore, ... 163
Grymes, Philip, made prisoner, - 163
Guild, Nathaniel, letter from, to Richard Devens, - 594
Petition of, to Massachusetts General Court, - 746
Resolve on the petition of, - - 778
Guiler, Christian, a Hessian, examination of, - - 1073
Guilford, South-Carolina, extract of a letter from, - 208
Guillot, Francis, permitted to fit out a privateer, - 1381
Gunpowder —
A quantity of, delivered to Daniel Tillinghast, - 119
Fifteen tons of, wanted at Ticonderoga, - 185
General Schuyler requests a further supply of, - 246
One hundred half-barrels of, sent to Baltimore, - 271
Over nine thousand pounds of, manufactured by
Henry Wisner, Jun., .... 293
Arrival of a quantity of, from Martinico, - - 323
Order for the delivery of a ton of, for proving can-
non, - 510
Seventy barrels of, shipped at St. Eustatia, for
Charleston, South-Carolina, - - 547
Five hundred pounds of, forwarded from Boston to
Hartford, 559
Complaint of the non-arrival of, at Ticonderoga, - 619
All the, at Wisner and Livingston's mills, ordered
to be sent to King's Bridge, - - 722
Waldoborough (Massachusetts) Committee ask for
a supply of, - - - 730
Supplies of, voted by Massachusetts, - 734,
737, 748, 753, 756, 757, 767, 772, 801, 805
Petition for a supply of, for the privateer Dolphin, - 752
One hundred and twenty half-barrels of, shipped at
St. Eustatia for Maryland, - 965
A quantity of, arrives from France, - - - 1019
Six tons of, arrive at Ticonderoga, ... 1169
Two hundred tons of, purchased in France by Silas
Deane, - - - - 1234
Six pounds of, delivered to Captain Sheerer,- - 1332
Congress resolve to send two tons of, to Pitts-
burgh, 1337
Fifteen tons of, sent to General Gates, ... 1339
One ton of, supplied to New-Jersey, by Congress, - 1362
One ton of, sent to North-Carolina, for the use of
the Continental forces there, .... 1403
Gurnet, resolve relative to building a barrack on the, 752
Gurney, Francis, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - ...
Appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel, 94
Guthry, James, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 1340
Gwin's Island, letter of Lord Dunmore from, - - 162
H.
Hacker, Captain Hoystead, letter to, from Commodore
Hopkins,
Instructions to, from Commodore Hopkins, - 1042,
1089, 1195, 1303
Haddaway, William Webb, appointed a Major, - - 655
Hadler, John, recommended by Washington to Con-
gress as an Engineer, - - - - 891
Hague, The, letter from, to a gentleman in London, 361
Haffht, Cornelius, letter from, to Continental Con-
gress, - -
Haines, Samuel, prisoner, examination of,
Hale, Nathaniel, commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel,
Half-pay, grant of, in certain cases, during life,
Halifax, Cumberland County, New-York, proceedings
of a town-meeting at, - - 124
157
310
1177
448
1459
INDEX.
1460
Halifax, Nova-Scotia —
Governour of, refuses to permit the publication of
the Declaration of Independence,
Great fear at, of an attack by American troops, - 189
The Tories at, greatly alarmed,
List of Tories at, - 190
Escape of prisoners from, - 212, 241
Treatment of American prisoners at, - - 252, 307
No ships and but fifteen hundred troops at, - - 358
A number of transports arrive at, -
Extract of a letter from, received in London,
Hall, Colonel Aquila, letter to, from Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - 456
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 1021
Hall, Benjamin, deposition of, against Colonel Porter, 154
Hall, Daniel, deposition of, against Colonel Porter, - 149
His general character that of a lying fellow, - - 155
Hall, George Abbott, appointed a Commissioner of
South Carolina Navy Board, - - 1323
Hall, Joseph, appointed a Surgeon in the Flying-
Camp, - 628
Hall, Josiah, appointed Third Lieutenant of a Rifle
company,
- 644
Hall, Judge J., declines the appointment of Judge of
Admiralty, - .... 578
Hall, Matthew, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 476
Hall, Seroreant, testimony of, on the trial of Captain
Poole, - - 1295
Haller, Colonel Henry, return of officers in the battal-
ion commanded by, - - - - - - 878
Hallet, Joseph, account of, for the freight of his sloop, 548
Hallett, Joseph, letter to, from New-York Convention, 702
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - 1185
Halliday, Lieutenant James, appointed a Captain, - 1378
Hallock, Captain William, instructions to, from Ma-
rine Committee, ... - - 1115
Halsey, Jeremiah, petitio'n of, to Congress, - - 137
Halm, or Emom, Samuel, Court-Martial ordered for
the trial of, for mutiny, - - 1195
Hamilton, Captain A., certificate of, in favour of Wil-
liam Douglass, ... 332
Hamilton, Captain Archibald, permitted to return
home, - - .... 1374
Hamilton, Frederick, an American gentleman in Paris,
letter from, to John Hancock, intercepted by the
enemy, ---- ---231
Hamilton, Governour, speech of, to the Indians at
Detroit, - ... 516
Hamilton, Thomas, appointed an Ensign, - 88
Hammond, Isaac, deposition of, 649
Hamon, Nicholas, deposition of, - - 649
Hamond, Captain, with Lord Dunmore at New-York, 159
In the river Delaware, - - - - 161
In the Potomack river, - - - 165
In the Hudson river, - - 379
Hampshire County, (Massachusetts,) men raised in,
for the Northern Army, ordered to join their regi-
ment, - - 741
Hampton, a vessel arrives at, laden with salt and rum, - 308
Hancock, Continental frigate, measures taken to fit
the, for sea, - - 487
Massachusetts resolves to furnish the, with guns, - 777
Ordered on a cruise, - - - - 1200
Hancock, privateer, a brig captured by the, - - 1126
Sends into Philadelphia a prize brig laden with
sugar and cotton, - .... 13Q9
Hancock, Ebenezer, Continental Paymaster at Boston, 1115
Hancock, John, correspondence of, with —
Alexandria (Virginia) Committee, - 1127
Connecticut Assembly, - 136, 489, 839, 953
Delaware Convention, .... 136, 425, 489
Georgia Assembly, - .... §35
Georgia Convention, - - - 489
Maryland Convention - - - 136, 489, 838
Maryland Council of Safety, -1113
Massachusetts Assembly, - 136, 315, 489, 839, 953
Massachusetts Council, - 576
New-Hampshire Assembly, - - 136, 489, 839
New-Jersey Assembly, - 489, 839, 953
New-Hampshire Committee of Safety, - - 507
New-York Convention, - 417, 489, 839, 884, 953, 978
North-Carolina Convention, - - 489, 838
Pennsylvania Convention, - - 3, 5, 7, 136, 489
Rhode-Island Assembly, - - 136, 489, 839, 953
South-Carolina Assembly, - - 489, 838
Virginia Assembly, - - 489, 838
Virginia Council, - - - 209
General Armstrong, - - - 924
JohnAvery, - - 837
Hancock, John, corresponce of, with —
James Bowdoin, - - 486, 1109
John Bradford, ... . . 984
William Bradford, - 337
James Campbell, - - 232
Mrs. Susanna Connolly, - - 254
Richard Dallam, - - 193, 350
William Davis, - - 1032
Silas Deane, - - 1092
Rev. Jacob Duche, 1269, 1280
Colonel James Easton, - 911
General Gates, 470, 561, 614
General Greene, -
Robert H. Harrison,
Commodore Hopkins, -
Thomas Jefferson,
General Charles Lee, -
General Lewis,
Governour Livingston,
Walter Livingston,
- 241, 973, 1136, 1269
-299,1034,1137, 1282, 1310
- 115, 623
987
- 972, 1008
- 135, 271, 918
- 853, 1237
220
Benjamin Marshall and Brothers, - - - 490
Francis Mentges, ..... 596
General Mercer, - - 157, 972, 1093, 1129
General Moore, - - 136, 395
Colonel Moylan, - - 197, 570
Commanding-Officer of the troops in Rhode-Island, 136
Edward Pendleton, - - 951
Colonel Reed, - - 417
General Schuyler, 125, 245, 248, 263, 333, 525, 555,
560, 857, 858, 864, 922, 1078, 1197, 1205, 1296
Colonel Shee, 511
Jonathan Smith, - - 511
General St. Clair, - - - - 128
Richard Stockton and George Clymer, - - 1256
George Taylor, - - 1129
Matthew Tilghman, - .... 233
Governour Trumbull, - ... - 441
Joseph Trumbull, - - ... 213,
348, 372, 453, 829, 851, 920, 963, 1011
Colonel Van Schaick, ----.- 355
Colonel Seth Warner, - - 884
General Washington, - - 120, 135, 193, 212,
233, 236, 290, 325, 348, 351, 380, 398, 412, 446,
463, 488, 494, 495, 519, 565, 589, 603, 839, 841,
864, 867, 890, 927, 941, 952, 990, 1116, 1210, 1269
General Waterbury, - - - - 1256
Hand, Colonel Edward, letter from, to General Wash-
ington, -.----.. 413
Asks permission to recruit from the Flying-Camp, - 842
Return of the officers of the regiment commanded by, 897
Return of the Field Officers of the regiment of,
stationed at De Lancey's Mills, - - 897
Letter to, from Captain Cluggage, - 921
Recruiting instructions to, • - - 993
Skirmish of, with a body of Hessians, - 1205
Handy, James, of privateer Harlequin, commissioned, 641
Handy, William, deposition of, - 648
Hannon, Hamilton, prisoner, permitted to reside at
Reading, - - - 120
Hanoverians, last division of, sail for New-York, - 944
Arrival of a body of, at New- York, ... 1265
Hanson, John, Jun., letter from, to Maryland Council
of Safety, - 1005
Hanson, Peter Contee, appointed a First Lieutenant, 1342
Hanson, Thomas, appointed an Adjutant, - 88
Happy Return, brig, resolutions of Congress in rela-
tion to the cargo of, - 1402
Hardenbergh, Captain Cornelius, cashiered, - 946,1140
Hardenbergh, Colonel, return of officers under the
command of, - ..... 875
Testimony of, on the trial of Lieutenant Smedes, - 930
Harding, Captain Seth, sends in a valuable prize, - 886
Engagement with the Merlin ship-of-war, - - 936
Ordered on a cruise, - - 1209
Harlem, enemy make dispositions to land at, - - 274
Preparations made to meet the enemy at, - 274, 275
Extracts of letters from, - 352, 439, 524, 855, 1025
Accounts of the skirmish at, 369, 370, 371, 381, 384,
417, 430, 889
British account of the skirmish at, - 379
Corn, hay, &.C., removed from the plains of, - - 855
Enemy take possession of the town of, - 896
Loss of both sides in the action at, - - 990
Harlem Heights, secured by Washington, - 351
Main body of Washington's Army encamp upon, - 351
Post at, to be defended at all events, - - 415
Washington's Army withdraws from, - 1137
Harlequin, Captain Woolsey, arrival of prize taken by, 510
Commission issued to Captain Handy, - - 641
1461
INDEX.
1462
Harmon, Captain John, prizes taken by, and proceed-
ings of, 1046, 1316
Harney, Lieutenant, taken prisoner, ... 882
Harper, John, promoted to an Ensigncy, - 1086
Harper, Robert, letter to, from James Abeel, - - 1266
Harper, Captain William, dismissed the service, - 472
Harpswell, petition of Selectmen of, to Massachusetts
General Court, - - 732
Harrington, Moses, resolve to pay him for the loss of
his son's gun, - - - 756
Harris, George, sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes, 929
Harris, John, appointed a Captain in Pennsylvania
Foot, - - 86
Harris, John, letter from, to George Fry, - - . - 256
Harris, Captain Robert, supplied with blankets, and
linen for tents, - 1307
Harris, Robert, appointed a Captain in the Flying-
Camp, - - - - 644
Harris, Thomas, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court for powder, - ... 758
A supply of powder voted to, 761
Harrison, Benjamin, Jun., Deputy Paymaster-General,
letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 540
Harrison, Colonel, elected a Delegate to Congress
from Virginia, ------- 987
Harrison, John C., appointed an Ensign, - 630
Harrison, Robert, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel of
Maryland Militia, ... - 654
Harrison, Robert H., letters from, to General Heath, 259,
292, 445, 451, 610, 869, 1010
Letter from, to Joshua Wentworth, ... 274
Letter from, to General Gates, - - - 292
Letters from, to the President of Congress, - - 299,
1034, 1137, 1165, ]282, 1310
Letter to, from Colonel Moylan, - - - - 301
Letter from, to Peter R. Livingston, - - 1035
Letter from, to General Schuyler, ... 1120
Letter from, to William Duer, .... 1165
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, ... 1187
Letter from, - - - 1264
Harrison, Mr., gives information relative to Nassau-
Island, --- - - 669
Harrison & Vanbibber, letters from Maryland Council
of Safety to, - - 297, 298
Harriss, Robert, authorized to raise a company of Mi-
litia, - ... - 635
Hart, Andries, order for the arrest and examination of, 688
Hart, John, Speaker of New-Jersey Assembly, letter
from, to Richard Stockton, - 365
Hart, J., Adjutant of the Twenty-First Regiment, - 877
Hart, Sir John, Consul at Lisbon, letter from, to the
Mayor of Bristol, - - - - 177
Harthorne, Captain Daniel, wounded, ... 1227
Hartley, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas, letters from, to
General Gates, 113, 128, 204, 205, 222, 251, 278,
421, 504, 556, 621, 831, 981, 1000, 1018, 1028
Commanding Officer at Crcwn Point, - - 353
Letters to, from General Gates, ... 204, 264
Letter from, to General St. Clair, ... - 454
Hartshorne, John, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 638
Hasbrouck, Captain E., letter to, from Seth Curtis, - 1273
Hasbrouck, Colonel Jonathan, letter from, to New-
York Convention, - - - 1167
Haseltine, Robert, deposition of, against Asa Porter, 153
Haslett, Colonel John, letter from, to Thomas Rodney, 881
Extracts of letters from, to General Caesar Rod-
ney, .... . 896, 1270
Surprises Major Rogers and his Rangers, - - 1188
List of prisoners taken by, from Major Rogers's
corps of Tories, - - - 1203
Haslett, William, recommended for a Captaincy, - 560
Hasselaband, Anthony, a deserter from the British
Army at Montreal, examination of, - - 203
Hatch, William, Commander of privateer Hope, - 795
Hathaway, William, testimony of, on the trial of Cap-
tain Poole, ... - 1295
Hause, George, elected a Second Major, - - 405
Hauseinrer, Major, appointed Colonel of the German
Battalion of Philadelphia,
Ordered to repair to Philadelphia, ... 292
Haverhill, letter from Colonel Kurd at, - - 147
Hawk, the privateer, takes five prizes on her passage
to Spain, - - 917
Detained at Bilboa as a pirate, ... 917, 1091
Released on application to the Spanish Govern-
ment,
Arrival of a prize of, at Newburyport, ... 1245
Hawkins, Henry, application of Commodore Hopkins
for the exchange of, - - - - - - 132
Hawkins, Colonel Josias, letter from, to Maryland Con-
vention, ---..... 925
Hawley, Joseph, letter from, to General Gates, - 836, 924
Hay, Colonel Ann Hawkes, letters from, to New- York
Convention, - - . 976, 1066
Hay, Colonel Udney, letter from, to Captain Raymond, 534
Letter to, from Captain Raymond, - - 534
Haynes, Joseph, deposition of, against Asa Porter and
others, - - 151
Hays, John, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - - 88
Haywood, Benjamin, appointed a Paymaster, - - 332
Hazard, sloop, permitted to sail for Martinique, - 631
Hazard, Ebenezer, letters from, to John McKesson, 108, 201
Letters from, to Abraham Yates, - - - 200, 301
Letter to, from New-York Committee of Safety, - 680
Letter from, to General Gates, - - . 995
Head- Quarters —
General Orders from, at New- York, ... 121,
194, 238, 290, 292, 330, 381
Extract of a letter from, to a gentleman at Annap-
olis, . . 370
General Orders from, at Harlem, .... 413,
447, 501, 566, 605, 606, 944, 991
Prisoners charged with capital offences to be sent
to, for trial, 827
Arrival of five French officers at, - - . . 855
General Orders from, at White-Plains, - - 1282, 1310
Committee appointed by Congress to visit, - - 1373
Report of the Committee, (note,) ... 1395
Heafield, ship, from Ireland for New- York, with stores,
captured by Captain Atkins, - . - 1228
Heard, General, return of Field Officers in the brigade
commanded by, ..... goi
Heath, General William, letters to, from —
Colonel Gary, - .... 108
Colonel Grayson, - - 439, 827, 853, 854, 1027
Robert H. Harrison, 259, 292, 445, 451, 610, 869, 1010
Colonel Lasher, ...... 1250
General McDougall, 275
Colonel Moylan, - • . . . . . 149
Colonel Nicoll, .-.•-*'-.•* ... 169, 244
General Nixon, ...... 244
William Palfrey, 139
General Putnam, ...... 9Q2
Adjutant-General Reed, 275
569, 597, 827, 845, 869, 962, 973, 1026
General Saltonstall, 828
Colonel Sargent, - - - - . . 976
James Sayre, - .... 244
General Scott, 919
Tench Tilghman, 962
General Washington, ..... 239
Colonel Webb, .... 829, 919
Letters from, to —
Major Backus, - - - 439, 845
Captain Benson, ...... 975
Colonel Chester, 855
Captain Horton, - ... 1123
Hugh Hughes, - 332
Colonel Lasher, 1264
General Mifflin, 275
Colonel Nicoll, 169
General Nixon, 1035
Captain Pain, - 896
General Parsons, ...... 591
General Putnam, 1264
General Saltonstall, .... 591, 828, 844
Colonel Sargent, .... 962, 976, 1036
Captain Stewart, 882
Disposition of the division under the command of, 1096
Extracts from the Journal of, (note,) - - 523, 961,
991, 1016, 1034, 1130, 1203, 1271, 1282
Hedge, Elisha, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, -.- .... 751
Hedges, Colonel, compelled to take the oath of alle-
giance, - ...... 281
Hell-Gate, main body of the enemy encamped near, - 170
The enemy open a battery upon the works at, - 258
Five of the enemy's ships between, and Frog's
Point, - - 1076
About two hundred sail of the enemy's fleet lying
near, - - 1209
Hemenway, Ebenezer, Clerk of Framingham Com-
mittee, - - 1071
Hemslead, Sergeant, testimony of, on the trial of Lieut.
Pope, - - - - - 1065
Henderson, John, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 88
Hendricks, James, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, - 1395
Henly, David, appointed Deputy Adjutant-General, - 195
1463
INDEX.
1464
Henly, Major Thomas, Aid-de-Camp to General Heath,
killed in an attempt to surprise the guard on Mon-
tressor's Island, - 502, 523, 524, 939
Commendation of, by Washington. - - 502,8*9
Brief history and character of, - - 552
Henry, Ensign, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 473
Henry, Patrick, Governour of Virginia, letter to, from
General Washington,
Henshaw, Benjamin, Clerk of Middletown (Connec-
ticut) Committee, - - 806
Henshaw, Daniel, Jr., resolve for paying, for his ser-
vices as Deputy Commissary, - - 776
Herbert, Stewart, appointed an Ensign, -
Herkheimer, Nicholas, appointed Brigadier-General of
Tryon County Militia, - - 664
Hesler, John, appointed an Ensign of Pennsylvania
Associators, - ----- 82
Hessians —
General Howe calls upon the Ministry for more, - 123
Ardour of, in the battle on Long-Island, - 159
Desertions of, from the enemy,
Mutiny of, in Canada, -
Averse to having their accounts methodized, - 519
Continually engaged in plundering, - - 524
Bad blood between the English troops and the, 948, 996
Examination of, taken prisoners, - - 1073
Enemy's Army reinforced by arrival of, 1076, 1158, 1265
Steps taken by the Ministry to obtain a reinforce-
ment of, - - 1111
Taken prisoners by a party from Colonel Glover's
Regiment, - - ... 1189
Scheme for exciting the desertion of, - - 1222
Hewes, Joseph, letter from, to Samuel Purviance, - 364
Hewes & Smith, letter to, from Marine Committee, - 853
Heyliger, John, letter from, to Continental Congress, 156
Letter from, to Thomas Willing, - - 157
Hickman, Ezekiel, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 1340
Hickman, Mathias, commissioned an Ensign, - - 636
Hickory, John, sentenced to be flogged, - - 1081
Hicks, John, sentenced to be flogged, - - 477
Higgins, William, sentenced to be flogged, - - 569
High, Adam, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, - 786
Liberty granted to, to depart for England, - - 786
Highlanders, ardour of, in the battle on Long-Island, - 159
Captured in the transport Oxford, - 163
Highlands, Nathan, recantation of, - - - - 325
Highlands, New- York —
General Washington requests reinforcements for, 240, 675
Letter from New-York Committee of Safety to Dele-
gates in Congress respecting, - - 260, 677
Report of Committee appointed to visit, - 666
Reinforcements ordered for, - - 667, 668, 670, 672
List of necessaries wanted at, .... 674
Necessaries ordered for, ... 676, 678
Importance of securing the passes in, - - 1015
Engineer sent to, by General Washington, - - 1094
Can be made defensible at very little expense, - 1123
Congress adopt measures for the defence of the, - 1374
Hill, John, prisoner in Boston jail, attempts to send
intelligence to General Howe, - - - 1125
Hill, Joseph, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - - 659
Hillegas, Michael, letter to, from Richard Dallam, - 1024
Hindman, Captain James, letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, 1006
Hindman, William, letter to, from Maryland Council
of Safety, 188
Hinman, Captain, sends in a valuable prize, - - 1174
Sends into Providence two prize ships laden with
rum, sugar, indigo, &c., - - - 1260
Hitchcock, Colonel Daniel, spirited conduct of the
regiment commanded by, - - 996
President of a General Court-Martial, - -1295
Hobart, Aaron, letters from, to Richard Devens, 359, 560
Hobart, John M., letter to, from Evert Bancker and others, 845
Letter from, to Messrs. Harper, Bancker and Platt, - 950
Hobart, John Sloss, letters from, to New-York Con-
vention, - - 206, 503, 553, 934, 975
Hobby, Jonathan, powder voted to, - - 757
Hodge, John, letter to, from Francis Lewis, - - 1149
Hodge, Robert, letter from, to John McKesson, - 1131
Hodge, William, Jun., bearer of despatches to Silas
Deane, - - - - 840
Instructions to, from the Committee of Secret Cor-
respondence, - .... 851, 852
Hodges, James, permitted to return to England, - 793
Hogmire, Conrad, resigns his commission, - 965
Hoisington, Major Jacob, letter from, to General
Gates, - 336
Letter to, from General Gates, - - - - 421
Hoisington, Joab, letter from, to New-York Congress, 721
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 1018
Holbrook, Robert, prisoner, examination of, - - 1073
Holdridge, Hezekiah, Major of Colonel Wyllys's regi-
ment, - - - 194, 876
Holland, Francis, authorized to raisea Militia company, 635
Appointed Captain of a Company, - 638
Holland, refuses to close its ports in the West-Indies
against the Americans, - - - 362
Enormous price of tobacco in, - ... 937
Silas Deane urges remittance of tobacco and rice to, 1090
Sale of twenty thousand hogsheads of tobacco will
establish the credit of the Congress in, - - 1234
Hollingsworth, Colonel Henry, letters from, to Mary-
land Council of Safety, - - 105,579,1246
Letters to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 177,
271,542,518,965
Memorial of, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 1246
Hollingsworth, Jesse, letters to, from Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - 272, 407, 886, 952
Letters from, to Maryland Council of Safety, 818, 966
Hollister, Jesse, appointed an Ensign, ... 476
Hollyday, John Robert, appointed a Quartermaster, - 642
Holmes, Captain, testimony of, on the trial of Lieu-
tenant Pope, - - 1065
Holt, Michael, discharged from jail, - - 1385
Holt, John, sentenced to be flogged, - 477
Hoofnagel, Michael, appointed Adjutant of West-
moreland Battalion, - - 1333
Hope, privateer, petition of the owners of, - 794
Hope, British brig, captures an American privateer, - 1228
Hopkins, Benjamin, elected an Adjutant, - 1341
Hopkins, Commodore Esek, letters from, to —
John Bradford, - 914, 1134, 1195
Samuel Chew, - ... - 267
Dunscome &, Frazer, - - 1043
Captain Hacker, 268, 1042, 1089, 1126, 1195, 1303
Rev. Samuel Hopkins, ... . 837
Captain Jones, 1126, 1194, 1195, 1277
Captain Josiah, ...... 132
John Langdon, - - - - 1226
Marine Committee, - - 115, 282, 454, 623, 1226
Nathaniel Shaw, - - - 268
. Daniel Tillinghast, 1004
Governour Trumbull, .... 455, 913
General Washington, ----- 132
Letters to, from —
Mrs. Briggs, 1005
John Paul Jones, ------ 171
Marine Committee, .... 970, 1200, 1292
Governour Trumbull, - - 304, 861, 1002, 1070
Reflection upon, by John Jay, - - 999
Hopkins, Gerard, letter from Maryland Council of
Safety to, - - - ... 272
Hopkins, John, Captain of the frigate Warren, - 1394
Hopkins, Matthew, deposition of, - - 648
Hopkins, Rev. Samuel, letter to, from Commodore
Hopkins, - - ... 837
Hopkins, Stephen, letter from, to John Adams, - 837
Letter to, from Marine Committee,
Hopkins, Captain Wait, memorial of, to Congress, - 273
Hopkins, Mr., Silas Deane's narrative of the conduct
of, - - ... - 809
Hopkinton, memorial of Committee of, to Massachu-
setts General Court, - 764
Horlock, Samuel, prisoner, recommended to Con-
gress, - .--... 984
Permitted to go to Boston and New- York, - - 1412
Horn, Alexander, letter to, from South-Carolina Navy-
Board, 1325
Horn's Hook, enemy land their artillery at, - - 372
Horsemander, Daniel, address of, to Governour Tryon, 1075
Horses, Quartermaster-General directed to furnish
General Heath with, - 108
Lancaster Committee authorize the impressment of, 1156
Horton, Gilbert, declares himself a subject of King
George, - 311
Horton, Peter, deposition of, against William Warne, 682
Horton, Captain, instructions to, from General Heath, 1123
Hospitals, Connecticut Council of Safety resolve to
provide, -
Complaints of abuses in the, at Ticonderoga, - - 591
Barracks at Sewall's Point not to be used for, - 778
Complaints of Col. Small wood, respecting, - - 1100
To be established east of Hudson's River and in
New-Jersey, - - - 1393
Wages of Nurses in, augmented, - - - - 1393
House, Captain John, orders to, - - - 341
Howard, Joshua, deposition of, - - 154
1465
INDEX.
1466
Howe, Baxter, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 1378
Howe, John, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, - 789
A supply of powder delivered to, - ... 789
Howe, Vice-Admiral Lord Viscount —
Verbal message of, to Congress by General Sul-
livan, - 105, 1329
Letter to, from Dr. Franklin, - 234
Head-Quarters of, at Newtown, Long-Island, - 239
Letter to, from General Washington, - - 257
Letter from, to Dr. Franklin, - 274
Age, appearance, and character of, - - - 324
Extract of a letter from, to Mr. Stevens, - - 379
Declaration of, in conjunction with Gen. Howe, 398, 565
Explanation of a late Declaration by, - 398
Address of Inhabitants of New York to, - - 1074
Is highly complimented by Lord George Germain, 1111
Strictures on "Declaration" of, by "A Carolinian," 1180
Letter to, from General Sullivan, - - - 1329
Answer of, to General Sullivan's letter, - - - 1329
Resolutions of Congress in relation to the confer-
ence proposed by, ------ 1331
Committee appointed by Congress to confer with, 1332
Report of the Committee appointed to confer with, 1342
See Conference.
Howe, Lieutenant-General Sir William —
Letters from, to Lord George Germain, •- - 123,
378, 380, 462, 492, 519
Letters to, from General Washington, - ' - - 196,
399, 464, 521, 919
Issues orders for inlisting and impressing men on
Long-Island, - - - 345, 505
Declaration of, in conjunction with Lord Howe, 398, 565
Explanation of a late Declaration by, - - - 398
Letters from, to General Washington, - 437, 520, 893
Terms of submission proposed to inhabitants of
Long-Island, - ..... 505
Much chagrined at the escape of Washington's
Army from New York, ..... 569
Letter to, from Lord George Germain, - - 600, 1111
Proclamation of, offering pardon to deserters, - 603
Orders of, for seizing grain, &c., - - - - 825
Amount and quality of troops under, -
Address of Inhabitants of New-York to, - - 1074
Army of, reinforced by the arrival of Hessians, - 1076
Is highly complimented by Lord George Germain
for his conduct in the battle on Long-Island, - 1111
Created a Knight of the Order of the Bath, - - 1112
Strictures on the "Declaration" of, by "A Caro-
linian," - - - 1180
Is said to have compelled the people of New- York
to swear obedience to the British Parliament, - 1200
Howell, George, parole of, - - - 1027
Howell, Jacob S., letter to, from William Trent, - 235
Howell, Samuel, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, ------
Howell, Stephen, Adjutant of Colonel Nicoll's regi-
ment, .------- 871
Howell, Zeb., an infamous abettor of the Ministry,
taken prisoner, ...
Howell, Captain, appointed Major of Brigade, - - 472
Hubbard, Charles Holby, appointed Paymaster to Sar-
gent's regiment, ... - 331
Hubbart, Captain, killed in a skirmish on Montressor's
Island, - - 552
Hubley, John, elected a member of Pennsylvania Com-
mittee of Safety,
Hucksters, frauds and impositions practised by, - 616
Hudson's River —
General Washington orders an encampment on,
opposite to Mount Washington, - 139
Colonel Putnam recommends strengthening the
fortifications on, - - 140
Colonel Moylan instructed to erect barracks at the
different posts on, - - - 257
Importance of maintaining the possession of, - 261
Measures taken to complete the obstructions in, 439, 699
Call for information respecting the chevaux-de-frise
sunk in, - ..... 689
Enemy's ships pass through the chevaux-de-frise in, 943,
958, 973, 975, 961, 978
See Highlands.
Huffman, Evert, chosen an Ensign, - 831
Hu^es, Peter, recommended by Gates for Mustermas-
"ter,- - - 294
Hughes, Charles, permitted to go to the West-Indies, 1415
Huglies-, Hugh, Assistant Quartermaster-General, let-
ter to, from General Heath, -
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - 373
Letter from, to Captain Kierce, - - 666
Hughes, R., letter from, to Mr. Winslow, - 964
Hughes, Thomas, letter from, to Maryland Conven-
tion, . 817, 1022
Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 838
Hulburt, Lieutenant John, sentenced to be cashiered, 930
Humphrey, Colonel William, orders to, - - 341
Humphreys, Elisha, appointed a Paymaster, - - 448
Humpton, Richard, appointed a Colonel of Pennsyl-
vania troops, ---....94
Hunter, Daniel, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - 9
Hunter, James, chosen a First Lieutenant of New-
York militia, - - - - - - 831
Hunter, John, letter from, to John McKesson, - - 401
Huntington, Andrew, advance made to, - - - 849
Huntington, Benjamin, letter from, to Nathaniel Shaw, 1209
Huntington, Jabez, letter from, to Colonel Livingston, 267
Huntington, Colonel Jedediah, letter from, to Govern-
our Trumbull, - ..... 336
Return of officers in the regiment commanded by, 877
Huntington, Committee of, revoke their former pro-
ceedings, &c., .... . 1220
Kurd, Colonel John, letter from, to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety, - - 147
Letter from, to President Weare, .... 147
Letter to, from Colonel Bayley, - - 508
Kurd, John, letter from, to Colonel Chase, - - 423
Hutchinson, Colonel Israel, return of officers in the
regiment commanded by, ----- 901
Hutchinson, Joseph, petition of, to the Governour of
Connecticut, - - 130
Hutton, William, convicted of being an enemy to the
common cause, ...... 1142
Hutton, Sergeant-Major, appointed an Adjutant, - 501
Hyer, Walter, account of, against the State of New-
York, - - . -725
Hynes, Andrew, authorized to raise a company of men, 634
Appointed Captain of a company, ... 642
I.
Ijams, John, Jun., recommended for an Ensigncy, - 347
Appointed an Ensign, .... 632, 656
Illingsworth, Francis, Commander of the privateer
Jupiter, - - 65
Imbert, Mons. Jean Louis, Engineer, sent by Conti-
nental Congress to General Washington, - 407, 1361
Sent by General Washington to the Highlands, - 1094
Impressment of seamen, proceedings in relation to,
in London, - - ... 1228-1232
Incognito, to Governour Trumbull, .... 454
Independence, privateer, sends into Providence two
valuable prizes, ------ 282
Independence, galley, proceedings on board the, - 963
Independence, declaration of, approved by Pennsyl-
vania Convention, - - - - - 10
An inevitable consequence of the measures of the
Ministry, - - 270
A decree worthy of America, ... 393
Dr. Franklin inflexibly in favour of, 916
Congratulations of Grand Jury of Charleston on, - 1059
Independency, privateer, sends in a prize, - 307
Indian Affairs, Commissioners for, letter from the, to
Committee of Congress, - - - - - 511
Report of William Wilson to, - - 514
Indians, expected hostilities with the, 13
Frontier Counties of Pennsylvania greatly exposed
to the incursions of, - - - - - - 16
War threatened by, on the frontiers of Pennsyl-
vania, - - 16, 36, 46, 47
Encouraged by agents of Great Britain to fall on the
frontiers, --------39
Message of Pennsylvania Convention to the Shaw-
anese, ......
Payment of two, messengers from Stockbridge to
Fort Pitt, - 87
Operations of General Rutherford against the South-
ern, - - 208, 1235
Southern, sick of their connection with the Tories, 209
Penobscot tribe of, decline to engage in the Conti-
nental service, - - - 230
A large body of, reported to be on their way to
Oswego, - - - 247, 385
Barbarous acts committed by the Cherokee, - - 392
Instigated by the British to fall on the frontier set-
tlements,
A company of Stockbridge, under the command
of Captain Whittlesey, - - - 476
One thousand, under the command of Sir John
Johnson, - - 509
1467
INDEX.
1468
Indians —
Watch the fleet on the Lake, and take every oppor-
tunity to annoy it, - - 534
Speech of the Governour of Detroit to the Wyan-
dot, - 516
A soldier killed and scalped by Southern, - - 540
Shawanese and Delaware, declare in favour of the
King, - 564
Inhabitants of Papaconk in great fear of a rupture
with, - - - - 613
A party of hostile, discovered in the neighbourhood
of Monkton, - - 621
Money voted for the support of two of the St. John's
tribe of, - ... 775
Upon the head waters of the Susquehannah, dis-
posed for peace,
Conference held with, at Wyoming, - - 825
Seven of the Penobscot tribe of, inlist in the service
of the United States, - - - 914
Two Sachems of the Cayuga tribe of, visit General
Washington, - - - - 832
Said to be breaking out on the frontiers, - - 857
About forty, chiefs and warriors, visit Colonel Day-
ton at Fort Schuyler, - - 859
The Carolinians utterly defeat the Cherokee, - 990
Stockbridge, valuable as scouts, - - 1120
Employment of, in America, recommended by "A
Soldier," 1120
Very numerous in the enemy's Army, - - - 1144
Onenhoghkwage and Tuscarora, to the officers at
Otsego Lake, - - - - 1193
Settlers at the mouth of Wheeling killed by, - 1236
Soldiers captured by, near Ticonderoga, - 1267
Resolutions of Congress in relation to, - 1362
Indigo, exported to France by the Secret Committee, 1215
Great demand for, in Europe, - - - 1234
Exported by South Carolina to the West-Indies, - 1328
Industry, schooner, permitted to go to Hispaniola, - 642
Industry, privateer, prizes taken by the, - - 935, 1019
Inglis, Sergeant, appointed an Ensign,
Inlistments, short, ill consequences of, - 488, 489 496
Inoculation, pernicious use of, by troops on their way
to join the Army, - 110
Instructions, to Pennsylvania Delegates in Congress, 11
To the gentlemen appointed to visit the Pennsylva-
nia troops, ... ... 60
To the Commodore of the fleet of Pennsylvania, 74, 75
From the freemen of a town in Connecticut to their
Representatives, - ... H3
To Captain John Clouston, - - 174, 782
To Colonel Barrett, - - 222
To the Committee of Boston relative to the ship
William and her passengers, - - 792, 793
To Captain John Deshon, - - - 848
To Colonel Hand, - - 993
To Captain Hacker, - - 1042, 1089, 1195, 1303
To Recruiting Officers, - 1297
To the Commissioners to France, - 1356, 1358
Additional, to the Commissioners to France, (note,) 1404
Intelligence, Colonel Hartley receives, from Ludwick
Potier, a German, - - - 421
Received from two prisoners taken by Lieutenant
Whitcomb, - ..... 482
Received from a Frenchman who lives opposite Isle-
la-Motte, - - - 592
From three prisoners taken on Staten-Island, - 1073
From American prisoners escaped from the enemy, 1294
Intercepted letters, taken by Captain Jones from Epes
Sargeant, - - - - 226, 769
Intrenching tools, badly wanted at Crown Point, - 205
A large quantity of, sent to Forts Montgomery and
Constitution, - - - - 262, 672
General Schuyler in want of a great quantity of, - 1079
Ireland, order in Council prohibiting the exportation
of provisions from, - - ... 1233
Irish Channel, two American privateers sail for the, - 863
Iron pots, a number of, sent by Massachusetts to
Washington's Army, - 594
General Ward forwards a number of, to Washing-
ton's Army, - - 600
Irvine, James, appointed a Colonel of Pennsylvania
troops in Continental service, - - 93
Isaac, an Indian, letter from, to the officers of the
Rangers at Otsego, - - 1193
Isaacs, Ralph, suspected of being unfriendly, - 303, 374
Petition of the Inhabitants of New-Haven for the
removal of, - - .... 374
Convicted by Connecticut Assembly, - - 375
Isham, Captain John, letter to, from General Chester, 301
Islc-aux-Noix.unhealthiness of, „ 356
About a thousand men at, - - 482
Isle Motte, letter from General Arnold at, . 354
Islip, Committee of, revoke their former proceedings
and acknowledge allegiance to the King, - - 1220
Izard, Ralph, letter to, from Claude Crespigny, - - 190
J.
1340
538
502
Jack, Matthew, appointed a First Lieutenant, -
Jackson, Captain Jonathan, letter from to John Avery,
Jackson, Joseph, appointed a Paymaster, -
Jackson, Colonel Michael, orders to, for an attack on
Montressor's Island, ...
Wounded, - -
Jacobs, John, appointed an Ensign,
Jamaica, insurrection of the negroes in, -
James, Juliana, petition of, for the return of her fur-
niture, - - - . - - -
Prayer of the petition of, granted,
Jauncey, Captain, captures a transport laden with pro-
visions for Howe's Army, - 1174, 1260
Jay, John, letter to, from Robert Morris, - - 459
Extract of a letter from, to Gouverneur Morris, - 921
Letter from, to Edward Rutledge, - - 998
Letter to, from James Auchmuty, ...
Letter to, from Dr. John Morgan, -
Letter from, to New-Hampshire General Court,
Jefferson, Thomas, appointed on a commission
negotiate a treaty with France,
Declines the appointment, -
452
523
642
404
771
774
- 1168
- 1272
1314
to
- 839, 1379
- 987, 1410
Jenkins, Williams, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, - ... 783
Permitted to depart for Great Britain, ... 784
Jenkins, Captain William, resigns his commission, - 1332
Jericho, on Onion River, the most advantageous post
for the defence of the frontier, .... HI
Jersey Redoubt, observations of Lieutenant-Colonel
Pelissiere on the, - - - 1170
Jiams, John, Ensign of a company of Matrosses
raised for the defence of Annapolis, ... 656
John, Captain, a Chief of the Six Nations, - - 825
John, ship, capture of the, by the Defence, - - 886
Johnson, Ensign David, promoted to a Second Lieu-
tenancy, -----... 1084
Johnson, Sergeant, promoted to an Ensigncy, - - 616
Johnson, Sir John, in command of a thousand In-
dians, ---..... 509
Reported to have arrived at Oswego with a large
force, - 859
Said to have marched, with Indians, Canadians, &c.,
against the inhabitants on the Mohawk, - - 1018
In command of a body of troops and Indians,
destined for the Mohawk River, - 1274
Johnson, John, appointed an Assistant Surgeon in the
Flying-Camp, - - 628
Johnson, Thomas, Jun., Delegate in Congress from
Maryland, letter from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, .... - .407
Johnson, William, letter from, to Maryland Council
of Safety, - - - 1236
Johnston, George, appointed Major of Fifth Virginia
Battalion, - - 1395
Johnston, William, letter from, - - - 385
Johnstone, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 638
Jones, Rev. David, letter from, to General Gates, - 277
Jones, Ichabod, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - - 731
Jones, Captain John Paul, letters from, to Marine Com-
mittee, - - - 171, 226, 624, 1303
Letter from, to Commodore Hopkins, ... 171
Prizes captured by, - - 1019, 1260
Letters from, to Robert Morris, - - 171,1105
Letters to, from Commodore Hopkins, - - 1126,
1194, 1195, 1277
Jones, John, memorial of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - - 764
Jones, Jonathan, appointed a Major of Pennsylvania
forces in Continental service, 94
Jones, Josiah, advertised as a deserter, - - 362
Jones, Pearson, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 799
Jones, Thomas, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 634
Jones, Thomas, appointed a Second Major, - - 654
Josiah, Captain James, letter to, from Commodore
Hopkins, - 132
Josselyn, Joseph, letter from, to Richard Devens, 317, 318
Journal, of a Chaplain in Colonel Durkee's regiment, 460
Of Lieutenant Whitcomb, - - 482
Of Congress, resolutions respecting publishing, 1377, 1380
Jupiter, privateer sloop, commission granted to the, - 65
1469
INDEX.
1470
K.
Karne, James, Jun., chosen a Second Lieutenant of
New- York Militia, - - 831
Kearsley, Dr. John, removed from Yorktown, to the
jail of Carlisle, - - 97
Keil, Christopher, sentenced to be flogged, - - 551
Keith, Isham, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - - 1396
Keltie, Captain, appointed to get the schooner Ninety-
two ready for sea, --...- 643
Kemp, David, petition of, to Massachusetts Court, - 755
Kennedy, James, allowed to return to London, - - 797
Keppel, Admiral, ready to do his duty, but not in the
line of America, - - 1232
Keppele, Henry, Jun., elected a member of Pennsyl-
vania Council of Safety, - - 8
Kerr, Joseph, appointed an Ensign,- - - 1340
Ketcham, Isaac, in the jail of Fairfield, - 576
Ordered to be brought, manacled, before the New-
York Convention, - - - - 711
Ketchum, Israel, sent under guard to Fishkill, - - 975
Kidd, Lieutenant, dismissed the service, - - 946, 1140
Kierse, Captain, letter to, from H. Hughes, - - 1266
Killgore, David, appointed a Captain, ... 1340
Killum, Henry, required to give security for his good
behaviour, - . - - 631
Kimball, Lieutenant Benjamin, promoted to a Cap-
taincy, -------- 474
Kimball, Jesse, promoted to a Captaincy, - - 477
King, Benjamin, appointed Captain of the schooner
Resolution, - ... 642
King, Richard, testimony of, - ... 216
King, Robert, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - - 80
King, Samuel, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 721
King, Thomas, receipt of, for tents to be delivered to
General Washington, ... 837
King, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 634
King of Great Britain, address of the Lord Mayor, &c.,
of York, to, 1126
Proclamation by, for encouraging seamen to enter
on board the ships-of-war, .... 1228
Proclamation by, for a general fast in England and
Wales, - - 1289
Proclamation by, for a general fast in Scotland, - 1290
King's Bridge, defensible state of the grounds above, 106
Great importance of the posts at, - - - - 106
An Assistant Quartermaster sent to, - - 108
General Greene recommends taking post at, - 183
Post at, naturally strong, and well fortified, - - 237
Order for the obstruction of the roads leading to, 239, 259
Barracks to be erected at, - - - - 257
Maryland troops at Head-Quarters ordered to, - 259
A large quantity of boards wanted at, - - - 470
A weekly post established from Kingston to, - 554
Proposed meeting of General Officers at, - - 1026
Order of march of General Heath's division from,
to White-Plains, - - - - 1164
King's County, New-York, return of officers for, - 109
Kingston, Jamaica, extract of a letter from, - - 1046
Kingston, Long-Island, Committee of, establish a
weekly post to King's Bridge, - 554
Advance by New- York Convention to, for removing
prisoners, - - 663
Letter to, from New-York Committee of Safety, - 663
Resolve of, in relation to tea, .... 950
Kinsey, Samuel, appointed an Ensign, ... 308
Kinyon, William, taken prisoner at Quebeck, makes
his escape, - - 486
Kirkbride, Colonel, obtains leave of absence, 22
Knight, Lieutenant John, prisoner, letter from, to
General Washington, - - - - - 1226
Knox, Colonel Henry, letter to, from Captain Newell, 239
Return of Artillery Regiment commanded by, - 329,
451, 607, 905, 909, 1130
Supposed to have been taken by the enemy, - 352
Knowles, Charles, appointed a Paymaster, - - 501
Knowlton, Lieutenant-Colonel, killed at Harlem, - 369,
371, 381, 384, 417, 430
Knyphausen, Hessian General, arrival of, at Sandy-
Hook, - 1158
Kosciuszko, Thaddeus, appointed an Engineer, with
the rank of Colonel, - 1406
Reward to, for laying out a fortification at Billings-
port, - 92
Kuhl, Frederick, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, .... - 8
L.
La Cole, river, enemy building a battery for heavy can-
non at, - 861
Lady Washington, privateer, a valuable prize taken
by the, - - 935
L'Hommedieu, Ezra, loan officer of Suffolk County, 693
Lake Chainplain, letter from the mate of a vessel on,
to New-York Convention, .... 386
Force of the enemy on, ..... 566
Absolute necessity of augmenting the Navy on, - 982
Battle on, between the fleets of Arnold and Carleton, 1028
List of Arnold's fleet on, - . - 1039
Sir Guy Carleton's account of the battle on, 1040, 1041
List of American vessels on, before the action, 1041, 1179
Captain Pringle's account of the battle on, - - 1069
Total destruction of Arnold's fleet on, ... 1079
List of the British fleet on, - 1080, 1172, 1179
General Waterbury's account of the battle on, - 1224
La Marquisie, Mons., Captain and Engineer in the
Northern Army, four months' pay advanced to, - 1335
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Committee —
Letter from, to the Committee of Carlisle, - - 106
Letter to, from the Committee of Reading, - - 120
Proceedings of, - 234, 287, 365, 490, 546, 1008, 1155
Letter to, from Pennsylvania Council of Safety, - 255
Letter to, from the Board of War, - 956
Letter from, to Richard Peters, - - 1033
Letters from, to the different township Committees, 1156
Letter to, from George Ross, .... 1217
Congress advance eight thousand dollars to, - - 1389
Landon, Jonathan, letter from, to Ezra Thompson, - 1078
Land Warrants, not assignable, .... 1363
Langdon, John, letters to, from JosiahBartlett, - - 105,
253, 350, 459, 602, 1063, 1128
Letters to, from Marine Committee, - 429, 956, 1023
Lettei to, from Commodore Hopkins, - 1226
Letter to, from William Whipple, - 1248
Langdon, Captain John, orders from New-Hampshire
Assembly to, - - - - 360
Langdon, Mr., (Major Skene's clerk,) charged with
being an enemy to his country, ... 1088
Convicted of being an enemy to his country, - 1142
Lasher, Colonel John, return of officers in the regi-
ment commanded by, ..... 875
President of a Court-Martial, .... 948
Letter from, to General Heath, - - 1250
Lathrop, Isaac, letter from, to Richard Devens, - 133, 317
Laughlin, Alexander, Chairman of Cumberland, Penn-
sylvania, Committee, ..... 1201
Law, Richard, letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - 281
Appointed a Delegate in Congress from Connecti-
cut, - - - - - 1209
Lawrence, Augustine, letter to, from Marine Commit-
tee, - - - 1148
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - - 1313
Letter to, from New-York Convention, ... 1313
Lawrence, Leven, recommended for a First Lieuten-
ancy,
Appointed a First Lieutenant in the Flying-Camp, 632
First Lieutenant of a company of Matrossss for
defence of Annapolis, ----- 656
Lawrence, Thomas, asks permission to go to Long-
Island, ... ... 975
Lawson, Richard, sentenced to be flogged for deser-
tion, ,>'*;!•» 590
Leach, John, Commander of privateer Dolphin, - 799
Lead, Pennsylvania Convention takes measures to
procure, --------
Ten tons of, required at Ticonderoga, - - - 185
New- York Convention order a supply of, to Char-
lotte and Tryon Counties, - - 673
New- York Committee of Safety order a ton of, to
Albany County, - .... 673
A supply of, voted to Jeremiah Colborn, - - 776
Ten tons of, at Virginia mines, ready for the use of
the Continental Army, ----- 986
A quantity of, arrives from France,
Three tons of, arrive at Ticonderoga, -
A quantity of, arrives at Ticonderoga, - - - 1
Congress resolve to send four tons of, to Pittsburgh, 1337
Ten°tons of, sent to General Gates,
Lead-Mine at Nine-Partners, state of the, - 1078
Learned, Simon, appointed Paymaster to Colonel
Learned's regiment,
Le Craw, William, Commander of privateer Neces-
sity,-
- 801
Ledlie, Andrew, complains of ill usage from inhabi-
tants of Easton,
Lee, Arthur, letter from, to C. W. F. Dumas, -
Elected a Commissioner to France, - -1198,1410
Letter to, from Committee of Secret Correspond-
ence,
1471
INDEX.
1462
Lee, General Charles —
Claude Crespigny believes him to be very able, but
wants him to give proofs of his being to be
trusted, - - 190
Hourly expected at New-York, as if from Heaven,
with a legion of flaming swordsmen, - - 197
Arrival of, at Charlestown, S. C., - - 285
Expresses his approbation of the conduct of the
officers of the South-Carolina battalions, - - 285
Arrival of, at Philadelphia, - - 957
Letters from, to the President of Congress, - 972, 1008
Application to Congress for indemnification for
losses sustained in consequence of entering the
American service, - • - 998
Attends in Congress, by order, - - 1389
Congress advance thirty thousand dollars to, - 1390, 1393
Directed to repair to the camp at Harlem, - - 1390
Much wanted at New-York, - - - 999
Letter from, to General Gates, - - - 1034
Ordered to the command of the troops above King's
Bridge, (note,) 1034
Arrival of, at Head-Quarters, Harlem, - - 1035
Boldness inspired by presence of, - 1095
Skirmish of, with the enemy at Rodman's Point, - 1174
Lee, Francis Lightfoot, letter to, from General Ste-
phen, - 1092
Lee, Captain John, prizes taken by, - - 917, 1245
Detention and release in Spain, - - 917, 1091
Lee, Richard Henry, letters from, to Samuel Purvi-
ance, Jun., - .... 350, 989
Letter from, to General Washington, ... 1261
Lee, Dr. Samuel, appointed Surgeon on board the Oli-
ver Cromwell, - - - 848
Lee, Lieutenant Thomas, orders from Captain Fassett, 187
Lee, William, letter from, to C. W. F. Dumas, -• - 270
Leech, Nathaniel, & Co., petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - - ... 758
Leech, Nathaniel, Commander of the privateer Polly, 758
Leech, Susannah, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, - ... . 803
Leffenwell, Ebenezer, sentenced to suffer death, - 448
Pardoned by General Washington, - - 501
Leffingwell, Christopher, letters from, to Governour
Trumbull, - 336, 623
Leghorn, the Grand Duke of Tuscana proposes a com-
merce between America and, - - - - 811
Leighton, Samuel, firelocks delivered to, - - - 748
Leitch, Major, badly wounded in the skirmish at Har-
lem, ' - 369, 371, 381, 384, 417, 430
Thanks of Washington to the troops commanded by, 382
Death of, - - 844
Lemmon, William, permitted to go to England, - 786
Leonard, Samuel, appointed a Quartermaster, - - 1083
Leslie, Brigadier-General, (British,) return of killed
and wounded in the Brigade commanded by, - 1270
Lewis, Brigadier-General Andrew, letters from, to the
President of Congress, - - 271,918
Notification of, to soldiers on furlough, - 1304
Lewis, Benjamin, prisoner, released from prison, 26, 27
Lewis, Francis, Delegate in Congress from New-York,
letter from, to Captain Hodge, - - 1149
Letter to, from New- York Convention, - 1190
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - 1247
Appointed on a Committee to visit Washington's
Head-Quarters, - 1373
Lewis, Francis, Jun., permitted to go to the State of
New-York, - - 1405
Lewis, Colonel Ichabod, letter from, to Governour
Livingston, - - 122
Lewis, Morgan, elected Deputy Quartermaster-Gen-
eral to the Northern Army, ... 1338
Licenses, none to be taken out from the officers of the
late Government of Pennsylvania, ... 19
Liddell, Alexander, allowed to return to England, - 795
Light-Horse, two regiments of Connecticut, ordered
to march towards New-York, - - 187
Troop of Connecticut, ordered to Westchester,
New-York, - 267
Chevalier d'Antignac proposes to raise a regiment, 1032
Lillie, John, sentenced to be flogged, - - 239
Lincoln, General Benjamin, letter from, to Massachu-
setts Council, - - . 389
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - 402
Chosen to command the Massachusetts Militia raised
to reinforce Washington's Army, - - 507, 772
Letter to, from General Washington, - - 609
Ordered to the Highlands, to defeat the plans of the
Tories, - . 991
Lincoln, Hannaniah, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 80
Linen, Maryland Council of Safety furnishes funds to
purchase, ...... 988
A quantity of, taken in a prize, offered to the Con-
tinent for the use of the Army, - 1133
A quantity of, delivered to Captain Harris, - - 1307
Two American privateers sail for the Irish Channel
to intercept, - - 1342
Lingan, James, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 1342
Lingo, Smith, deposition of, - - 652
Link, Jacob, appointed a Captain, - - 82
Lippitt, Colonel Christopher, orders his regiment to
march to New-York, ... 338
Return of the regiment commanded by, - - 909
Elected by Congress Colonel of a Rhode-Island
battalion, . 1333
List, of sick on board Arnold's fleet, . 224
Of Field Officers in the service of Virginia, - - 320
Of Officers of Virginia forces while on Provincial
Establishment, - ... 330
Of Captains and Subalterns in Virginia service, with
date of commissions, - - 321
Of Naval stores necessary to complete row-galleys
at Ticonderoga, .... 343
Of persons held up to view as enemies to their
country, - . 485
Of effects taken off the Island in Somerset County, 633
Of Officers in sundry regiments, .... 870
Of gentlemen recommended for promotion in the
regiments about to be raised in Connecticut, - 959
Of Arnold's fleet on Lake Champlain, - - 1039
Of American vessels on Lake Champlain before the
action, - - 1041, 1179
Of Captain Smith's company of Maryland militia
enrolled for the Flyinsr-Camp, - - 1062
Of the enemy's fleet on Lake Champlain, 1080, 1172, 1179
Of prisoners taken on Staten-Island, - - 1094
Of prizes taken by Captain Jones, - 1105
Of Continental Agents, - - 1114
Of Prize Agents, 1115
Of Officers in Colonel Snyder's regiment, - - 1124
Of Officers commissioned for the First and Second
Battalions of New-Hampshire levies, - 1177
Of seamen detached from vessels in the St. Law-
rence to serve on Lake Champlain, - - 1179
Of prisoners taken from the corps of Tories com-
manded by Major Rogers, - - 1203
Of Officers recommended as suitable persons to
bear commissions, ..... - 1254
Of British ships on the American station, - - 1318
Litchfield, Connecticut, disaffected persons sent to,
from Skenesborough, - 1142
Livingston, Colonel Henry B., letters from, to Govern-
our Trumbull, - - - 114,
281, 296, 312, 336, 375, 622, 1173, 1245
Letter to, from General Washington, - - 167
Letters from, to Connecticut Council of War, 170, 225
Letters to, from Governour Trumbull, - - 225,
252, 265, 266, 304, 344, 345, 1030
Letter to, from Jabez Huntington, - - 267
Return of the regiment of, - - 296
Letters from, to General Washington, 297, 504, 1041, 1275
Letter from, to Major Ely, ... 297
Letter from, to Robert R. Livingston, Jun., - - 306
Letter from, to Colonel Samuel R. Coit, - 311
Zeal and activity of, - -
Recommended by Washington for preferment, - 948
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - 1088
Livingston, Major Henry Brockholst, Aid-de-Camp to
General Schuyler, recommended to Congress, - 334
Congress determine to provide for, - 1378
Livingston, Gilbert, member of New-York Convention,
letter from, to the Convention, - 333, 700
Livingston, Gilbert, appointed an Ensign, - 997
Livingston, Colonel Peter R., elected President of
New-York Convention, ----- 719
Letter to, from Captain Cregier, - - 572
Letters to, from Samuel Ten Broeck, - - 963, 977
Letter to, from John Sloss Hobart, - - 975
Letter to, from Petrus Van Gaasbeck, - - 977
Letter from, to New- York Delegates in Congress, - 998
Letter to, from Robert H. Harrison, - - 1035
Letter to, from Peter Van Ness, - - 1036
Letter to, from John Broome, - 1077
Letter to, from Robert R. Livingston, - - 1205
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - 1256
Letter from, to William Duer, - - 1286
Letter from, to Pierre Van Cortlandt, - - 1286
Livingston, Peter V. B., Treasurer of the State of
New- York, - - 419, 697
1473
INDEX.
1474
Livingston, Robert R., Jim., member of New-York
Convention, letter to, from Colonel Henry B.
Livingston, - ..... 306
Letter to, from Tench Tilghman, .... 974
Letters from, to General Washington, - - 1014, 1240
Letter to, from Stephen Ward, - - - 1168
Letter from, to Peter R. Livingston, ... 1205
Letter to, from Volkert Veeder, .... 1267
Livingston, Walter, Deputy Commissary-General, let-
ters to, from H. Glen, - - - 185,264
Letter to, from Joseph Trumbull, .... 213
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 220
Tenders to Congress his resignation, ... 221
Letter to, from Henry Glen, - .... 3H
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 453
Refuses to obey the orders of Mr. Avery, - - 453
Congress appoint a Committee to inquire into the
conduct of, .... 1336
Charge of James Deane against, (note,) - - 1337
Congress accept the resignation of, 1339
Livingston, William, Governour of New-Jersey, speech
of, to the General Assembly of Ne\v-Je,rsey, - 288
Address of New-Jersey Assembly to, - - 492
Reply of, to the Address of the Assembly, - - 492
Address of New-Jersey Council to, 587
Reply of, to the Address of the Council, - - 588
Letter to, from Colonel De Hart, - - 833
Letters from, to the President of Congress, - 853,1237
Letter to, from General Washington, ... 894
Letter to, from General Maxwell, - - - 1143
Letter to, from -General St. Clair, .... 1207
Letter to, from Rowland Chambers, ... 1237
Livingston, Mr., captured OH his passage from Jamaica
to London, introduced to Congress, ... 984
Permitted to go to Boston and New- York, - - 1412
Lloyd, James, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 629
Loan, Pennsylvania Convention apply to Congress
for a, - 25, 47
New-York Convention apply to Congress for a, - 418
Silas Deane directed to negotiate a, in France, - 822
Congress resolve to negotiate a, of five millions of
dollars, - - .... 1386, 1389
Lockwood, Ebenezer, letter to, from Danbury Com-
mittee, - - - - - 1194
Logan, Walter, petition of, to Massachusetts Council
for permission to return to England, - - - 749
Prayer of the petition of, granted, ... 750
London, extracts of letters from New-York, received
in, - - - 135, 463, 519, 562, 1136
Extracts of letters from Lisbon, received in, - 156, 951
Extract of a letter from Lord Percy, received in, - 163
Extracts of a letter from a British officer, received
in, : - 200, 1293
Extract of a letter from Barbadoes, received in, - 231
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, received in, - 234
Letter from Paris, received by a merchant in, - 423
Reward offered by insurers of, - -. - 811
Extract of a letter from Halifax, received in, - - 837
Impressment of seamen in, - - - 1229
London Chronicle, An American to the Printer of the, 390
Appius to the Printer of the, .... 391
Long, Captain Andrew, resigns his commission, - 1033
Long, Colonel Pierce, letter from, to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety, ... 1089
Long, Solomon, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 627
Long Island —
Accounts of the battle on —
By Colonel Brodhead, ..... 36
By Josiah Bartlett, 118
• By General Washington, - 120, 167, 196, 399
By a British Officer, - - 200
By Committee of Secret Correspondence, - - 820
By Dr. Tilton, ... ... 840
By Colonel Haslet, .... - 881
By Colonel Smallwood, - - - 1012
Anonymous, 107, 198
Retreat from, judicious and necessary, - 370, 445, 820
Return of the loss on, ordered by General Wash-
ington, ----- - - 946
Submission of the inhabitants of, 187, 296, 593, 935, 1042
Measures for the removal of inhabitants and stock
from, - - - 357, 504, 623
Efforts of General Howe to obtain recruits and pro-
visions on, - 345, 565, 825, 841, 934
Oppressions of the enemy on, .... 325
Petitions of certain inhabitants of, to Governour
Trumbull, - - - 454,593
Proposed expedition to, 607, 609,
841,912, 1001, 1041, 1166, 1172
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II. 93
Long-Island Sound —
Projected naval enterprise against the enemy's ships
in, - - - 454, 455, 861, 913, 1001, 1002
Ten or eleven of the enemy's ships proceed up the, 1116
Lorinir, Daniel, elected an Adjutant of Massachusetts
Militia, - - 753
Lott, Abraham, Treasurer of the Colony of New- York,
Committee appointed to report what further meas-
ures are necessary to bring him to account for the
publick moneys, - - 693
Report of the Committee, - ... 696
Resolutions of the Convention, ... 696, 697
Letters of, to the Convention, - - 723, 1132
Lovell, Mr., exchanged for Governour Skene, - - 437
Lovejoy, Major, letter to, from John Grout, - - 216
Lownsbury, Lieutenant, testimony of, on the trial of
Captain Hardenbergh, « - 1140
Lucas, Lieutenant John, sent to Philadelphia to for-
ward clothing for the Northern Arrny, - - 615
Letter from, to General Gates, - 1217
Ludlow, Mr., appointed by the enemy Chief Justice
on Long-Island, - - 325
Ludlow, Richard, convicted of being an enemy to the
common cause, - - 1142
Ludlum, Benjamin, sent to New- York Convention for
examination, ....... 310
To be kept in custody till further order, - 691; 702
Released on bail, .--.'.. 716
Ludluin, Isaac, order for the arrest of, - - 688
Lumber, resolve respecting the exportation of, - - 736
Lux & Bowley, letters from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - .... 818, 989, 1197
Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 887
Lux, William, member of Baltimore Committee, - 117
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 988
Lyman, Abuer, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 1083
Lyman, Daniel, appointed a Major of Brigade, - 1120
Testimony of, on the trial of Captain Poole, - - 1295
Lyman, Captain, fire-locks delivered to, - - - 748
Lynch, armed schooner, Captain Ayers, - - - 116
Lyndsborough, petition of the town of, to New-Hamp-
shire Committee of Safety, .... 1289
Lyon, Benjamin, appointed a Third Lieutenant, - 1378
Lyon, William, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - - ... 9
M.
Mabbett, Samuel, letter from, to the New- York Con-
vention, - - ... . 911
Macamly, John, memorial of, - • - - - - 554
Maccubbin, Nicholas, letters from, to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - ... 1062, 1148
Machias Liberty, sloop-of-war, order for the supply of
the, with provisions, - - 800
Mackay, William, permitted to return home, - - 1395
Mackie, William, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 659
Macumber, Ensign Matthew, acquitted by a Court-
Martial of the charge of plundering, - - 499
Note on the evidence, by General Washington, - 500
Cashiered, on reconsideration of the evidence, 501, 448
Congress call on the Court-Martial for their reasons
for their first judgment, - - 1383, 945
Court-Martial decline to give their reasons, - - 944
General Washington advises that the matter rest
where it is, - - - 943
Maddox, Zerobabel, required to give security for his
good behaviour, -...-- 631
Madrid, friendly disposition of the Court of, - - 917
Maduncook, inhabitants of, authorized to choose As-
sessors, ------ - 776
Magaw, Colonel Robert, return of officers in the bat-
talion commanded by, - - - 879
Magazines of provisions, &c., necessity for the estab-
lishment of, at various points, - - - - 1281
Magoori, Joseph, sentenced to receive thirty-nine
lashes for stealing, - - 1086
Mahony, Thomas, permitted to return to England, - 792
Mahony, William, arrested for inducing a soldier to
desert, - - 242
Mails, regulations for carrying the publick, - 256
Mains, James, appointed an Ensign, - 474
Malc'om, Colonel William, letter from, to John Mc-
Kesson, -------- 197
Malmedy, Marquis de, appointed a Major by brevet, 407, 1361
Two months' pay advanced to, - - 1374
Mauley, Captain, of the frigate Hancock, instructions
to, - ... - 1200
Mamoraneck, defeat of Major Rogers and his corps
of Tories at, - - - 1203
1475
INDEX.
1476
Mann, Andrew, appointed a Captain, - - 1340
Manning, Nathaniel, appointed a Second Lieutenant, 630
Marblehead, resolve for supplying, with cannon, - 761
Marine Committee, letters from, to —
Lieutenant Albertson, - - 823
William Bingham, - - 864
John Bradford, - - - 428
Continental Agents, - 1023,1113
Thomas Gushing, - - 427
Committee for building Continental frigates at
Providence, - - - 954, 955, 1023
Nathaniel Falconer, - 955, 1022
Governour of North-Carolina, -
Captain Hallock, -
Messrs. Hewes & Smith, -
Stephen Hopkins, - - 954
Commodore Hopkins, - - 970, 1200, 1292
John Langdon, - 429, 956, 1023
Augustine Lawrence and Samuel Tuder, - - 1148
Captain McNeill, - - - - - 428
Captains Mauley, McNeil, and Thompson, - 1200
New-York Convention, ... - 956
Prize Agents, 1114
Captain Isaiah Robinson, - - 1092
Captain James Robinson, .... 1115
Captain Thompson, - 428
Daniel Tillinghast, 119, 1292
Governour Trumbull,
Captain Wickes, - - 429, 1213, 1215
Captain Young, - 410
Letters to, from —
Commodore Hopkins, - 115,282,454,623,1226
Captain Jones, - 171, 226, 624, 1303
Marines, thirty-three, detailed for Arnold's fleet, - 472
Application of Gideon Adair to be appointed Cap-
tain of, on a Maryland schooner, ... 1268
Maritime Court, resolve relative to the adjournment
of a, at Pownalborough, - - - 751
Markham, John, appointed Major of the Second Vir-
ginia Battalion, - - - . 1395
Markland, Edward, appointed Lieutenant of schooner
Dolphin, - - 656
Marony, Captain, late Provost Marshal, suspended for
being absent without leave, - - 843, 869
Marquis of Grimaldy, Prime Minister of Spain, orders
from, to the Commissary of Marine, - - 917
Marquis of Kildare, resolution of Congress relative to
the cargo of, 1409
Marsh, John, prisoner, examination of, - - 598
Marshall, Colonel, order for supplying the regiment
of, with muskets, - - 806
Marshall, Lieutenant Andrew, dismissed the service
for disobedience of orders,
Petitions of, to New-Hampshire Assembly, - 175, 176
Restored to office, ... - 177
Marshall, Benjamin, and Brothers, letter from, to the
President of Congress, - - 490
Marston, Benjamin, a refugee, taken prisoner by Cap-
tain Paine; - ... 487
Confined in jail at Plymouth, - - 507
Martha's Vineyard, resolve for the supply of, with
cannon, - ... - - 766
Martin, Alexander, appointed an Ensign, - 476
Martin, Samuel, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 476
Martin, Colonel, return of officers in the regiment
commanded by, - - 899
Martindale, Simon, certificate in favour of, - - 241
Allowed pay and rations to this time, - - 1339
Expenses and disbursements paid to, - - 1397
Martinico, friendly conduct of the Governour of, 323, 425
Mary and James, brig, captured by an American
privateer, - 177
Maryland, sickness among the troops of, - - 169, 1014
Troops of, in New-Jersey, ordered to march to New-
York, - - - - 212
Troops of, on Long-Island, ordered to King's
Bridge, - - - 259, 1014
Troops of, complimented by Washington for gallant
conduct in the skirmish at Harlem, - - 371
Return of the troops of, in Continental service, un-
der Colonel Smallwood, - - - - 567
Number of the soldiers of, taken prisoners on Long-
Island, - - 595
Bravery of the battalion of, - - 882
Colonel Smallwood's account of the marches and
operations of the troops of, near New-York, 1012, 1097
Congress advance twenty-five thousand dollars to, 1340
Resolutions of Convention, respecting the eight
battalions allotted to, - - 1410
Ma ry land — Continued.
Convention, letters to, from —
Major Adams, - - - - 613
Baltimore Committee, - - 117
Joshua Cla'rke, - ... 1261
Castlehaven Company, - ... 1278
President of Congress, - - 136, 489, 838
Captain Chew's Company, - - 887
Major Driver and Colonel Stainton, - - 560
Charles C. Griffith, - . 947
Colonel Hawkins, - - 925
Thomas Hughes, - - . 817
Nathan Rumsey, - - - 1134
Joseph Whayland, .... 1268
Council of Safety, Proceedings of, - 625-660
Correspondence of, with —
Baltimore Committee, 117, 271, 309, 541, 578, 1032
General Beall, 272, 1011
Colonel Bond, 988
Lieutenant Nathaniel Bond, - - -1022,1113
Richard Bond, - .... 1292
Samuel Boone, ...... 933
Colonel Buchanan, - - - 364
General Buchanan, .... 271
John Burrell, .... 117
Samuel Calwell, - .... 579
James Lloyd Chamberlaine, ..... 135
James Clarke and Melchior Keener, - - 966
James Clarke and others, - . 966, 1268, 1308
Cravath & Dugan, .... 838
Secret Committee of Congress, - - 310, 510
Delegates in Congress, .... 407, 541
President of Congress, - - - 1113
Captain Cooke, - 308, 458, 487, 488, 863
Richard Dallam, 192
William Deakins, Jun., - - - - 117
Captain Deams, 1148, 1261
Captain Deans, - - - 117
Colonel Dorsey, ...... 347
Cumberland Dugan, ..... 406
Samuel Duvall, - .... 1061
John Ennalls, - .... J236
Colonel Ewing, ...... 177
Captain Fiddeman, - ... 177
Thomas Gantt, ...... 395
Amos Garrett, - 1071, 1278, 1307
Colonel Hall, 456, 1021
John Hanson, Jun., ..... 1005
James Hindman, ...... 1006
William Hindman, .... 191
Conrad Hogmire, ----.. 965
Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, ... 105,
177, 271, 542, 579, 965, 1246
Jesse Hollingsworth, 272, 407, 418, 886, 952, 966
Gerard Hopkins, - - 272
Colonel Hughes, ... 838, 1022
Th. Johnson, Jun., - - 407
William Johnson, ... 1236
William Lux, - - - - 988
Lux&Bowley, - - 818,887,889,1197
Nicholas Maccubbin, - - 1062, 1148
Alexander McFadon, ... 363
Robert Morris, 823
Captain B. Nicholson, - - 209
Captain James Nicholson, - - 104, 509, 578
Robert Peter and Thomas Richardson, - - 1072
Richard Peters, - - 1247
Colonel John Hatton Read, - - 578
Colonel Richardson, - - - - 104
Colonel Richmond, - - - 1122
Thomas Ringgold, - - 457
Benjamin Rumsey, - 363, 578
Benjamin Rumsey and James Tilghman, - 308
Colonel Charles Rumsey, - - 456,542,1128
Colonel Sim, - 396, 457
Colonel Smallwood, - - - 272, 838, 1097
P. Sim Smith, 1209
Richard Smith, - - 1062
Colonel Stainston, 362
Stephen Steward, - - 1071, 1268
Thomas Stone, - - 156, 177, 601
J. A. Thomas, - - - 168
Colonel Travers, 396
Vanbibber & Harrison, - - 297, 298, 965, 1134
Captain Watkins, - 1236
Doctor Weisenthall, .... 458, 817
George Wells, - - 1072
Messrs. Willing and Morris, - - 510
Colonel Wright, - - 405
s
1477
INDEX.
1478
Mason, G., Chairman of Fairfax (Virginia) Committee, 1127
Massachusetts Armed Vessels —
Diligent, Captain Lambert, ... 764, 1045
Freedom, Captain Clouston, - 174, 782, 801, 805
Independence, Captain Samson, - - 794
Machias Liberty, Captain O'Brien, ... 800
Massachusetts, Captain Souther, - - 338, 943
Republick, Captain Williams, ... 801
Rising Empire, Captain Welden, - - 734, 753
Tyrannicide, Captain Fisk, - 767, 784, 798, 1046
Massachusetts Assembly —
Correspondence of, with —
William Bradford, - 376
President of Congress, - 136, 315, 489, 839, 953
GovernourTrumbull, - - - 205,266,315
General Washington, - 312, 399, 596
Extract of a letter to a member of, - - 600
Massachusetts Council —
Letters from, to —
Captain Clouston, ------ 174
Governour Cooke, - -316,538,1070,1089
Richard Derby, ... . 943
Richard Devens, - - - - - - 594
Generals Farley and Prescott, - ... 377
Thomas Fletcher, 230
General Gates, 441
General Lincoln, - - ... 402
President of Congress, - - - 486,576,1109
Captain Souther, 338
GovernourTrumbull, .... 507,1146
General Ward, 886
General Warren, - -, 316, 376
General Washington, ... 506, 594, 914
Colonel Aaron Willard, - - - 174, 230
Letters to, from —
Captain Abijah Bangs, ... - 1046
Alexander Coffin, - - - 539
Colonel Cushing, 1018
Richard Derby, 943
Framingham Committee, ----- 1070
Colonel Dike, - - - - 268
General Lincoln, ------ 389
Aaron Root, - - - 1196
Winthrop Sargent, - - 116
John Torrey, - 507
Governour Trumbull, - - - - 129, 836
General Ward, - - 624, 1245
General Warren, ------ 487
Mesheck Weare, - 1107
Massachusetts General Court —
Resolves of, petitions to, &.c., - - - - 1 16,
- 133, 313, 315, 487,725, 808, 984, 1109, 1175
Matlack, Timothy, in the Pennsylvania Convention, - 1
Acts as Secretary to the Convention, -
Electeda member of Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 8
A Commissioner for forming the Flying-Camp, 20, 36
Matthews, David, letter from, to Abraham Yates, - 558
Matthews, Lieutenant James, dismissed the service, - 473
Maxwell, James, appointed a Captain, - - 638
Maxwell, General William, letter from, to Governour
Livingston, - - - - - - 1143
Elected a Brigadier-General, - 1410
May, Ephraim, elected First Major of Boston Regi-
ment of Militia, - .... 753
Mayberry, Richard, fire-arms delivered to, - 768
Mayhew, Joseph, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, - ... 746
Mayres, Thomas, examination into the conduct of, - 859
Measam, George, elected Commissary of Clothing for
the Northern Army, - - 1403
Mease, James, Commissary, ordered to send shirts,
shoes, and stockings, to the Northern Army, - 561
Sixty thousand dollars forwarded to, - - 1336
Mease and Caldwell, letter from, to General Gates, - 1063
Mecklin, Devalt, appointed an Ensign, - - 1340
Medford, Massachusetts, petition of Committee of,
to the General Court, - - 802
Medicines, suffering for, in the Northern Army, 263, 685
A quantity of, sent by Governour Trumbull to the
Northern Department, ..... 279
Great want of, at Mount Independence, - 574
A chest of, captured from the enemy, ... 597
Resolve for supplying Dr. Watts with, - - - 761
Dr. Stringer procures, for the Northern Army, - 923
Fort Constitution entirely destitute of, - - - 973
Colonel Smallwood's regiment suffer for want of, - 1099
Peruvian bark forwarded to the Southern Department, 1363
Resolution for supplying the Northern Army with, 1378
Mellen, James, appointed a Major, - 1378
Melvill, Thomas, petition of, to Massachusetts Coun-
cil, - . 749
Prays for a supply of powder, . 754
A supply of powder delivered to, - - - 757
Memorandum, of articles wanted by General Arnold, 835
Of money paid to purchase arms, - - 862
Of payments for arms stopped from the old estab-
lishmeHt, -• . . . . 862
Of the names of French officers arrived at Boston, - 1108
Of Lord Stirling respecting barracks, ... 1254
Memorial of —
Cumberland County Committee to Pennsylvania
Convention, - .... 30
Westmorland County to Pennsylvania Convention, 33
Colonel Warner and Captains Hopkins and Brown-
son, - - - 273
First Lieutenants of Third Virginia Regiment, - 349
John Macamly and Nathaniel Finch, - 554
Gunning Bedford to Congress, - - 579
Lieutenant Colonel Shepard to General Washington, 604
Cornelius Atherton to New-York Committee of
Safety, ... ' - 719
Joseph Frye to Massachusetts General Court, - 725
Joseph Ball and others to Massachusetts General
Court, - - 733
John Jones to Massachusetts General Court, - 764
Jeremiah Colburn to Massachusetts General Court, 765
Thomas Crafts to Massachusetts Council, - - 766
Richard Adams to Massachusetts General Court, - 771
Sunbury (Noya-Scotia) Committee to Massachusetts
General Assembly, ~ . 785
The town of Spencer to Massachusetts General
Court, * . 801
Thomas Gushing, agent for building the Continental
frigates, .... - 805
John Anderson to Massachusetts Council, - - 808
John Melchior Neff to Continental Congress, - 953
Stonington Committee to Connecticut Assembly, - 1003
Chevalier d'Antignac to Congress, - 1032
Henry Hollingsworthto Maryland Council of Safety, 1246
William Forbes to -New-York Congress, - 1259
Adam Babcock to Connecticut Council of Safety, - 1277
See Petition.
Mentges, Francis, application for commission of Major, 596
Appointed a Major, ------ 94
Mercer, General Hugh, complains of the desertion of
Pennsylvania Militia, - 20
Ordered to send men intended for the Flying-Camp,
to New-York, - - 121
Letters to, from General Washington, - - 139,
181, 240, 292, 463, 548
Letters from, to the President of Congress, - - 157,
972, 1093, 1129
Letters from, to General Washington, - 212, 367, 1073
Letters from, to the Board of War, - 547
Return of the Army under the command of, - - 941
Merlin, frigate, engagement with a Connecticut brig, 936
Merryman, Micajah, appointed a Major, - - 642
Messeck, Nehemiah, appointed a Second Lieutenant, 632
Michael, Eberheart, appointed Paymaster to German
Battalion, - 1416
Middleborough Committee, petition of, to Massachu-
setts General Court, - - 747
Middlesex (Connecticut) Committee, proceedings of, 885
Miers, Eliezer, appointed a Captain, - 1340
Mifflin, John, elected Paymaster to Colonel Magaw's
battalion, ... - 1329
Mifflin, Samuel, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, -
Appointed Commodore of the fleet of Pennsylvania, 61, 63
Declines serving as Commander-in-Chief of the fleet, 70
Letter to, from General Roberdeau, ... 181
Mifflin, Bricradier-General Thomas, letters from, to
General Heath, - - - 199, 274
Letters to, from Colonel Reed, - - 258, 259
Letter to,. from General Heath,
Arrival of, at Philadelphia. -
Appointed Quartermaster-General, - 605, 1383
Letters from, to William Duer, - 1137, 1254
Letter to, from General Greene, -
Invoice of ammunition sent to,
Mildeberger, Lieutenant Oliver, cashiered, 591
Miles, Colonel, proposed for Brigadier-General and
Commander-in-Chief of Pennsylvania forces,
Taken prisoner in the battle on Long-Island,
Milford, frigate, cruising off the Capes of Delaware, - 116
Cruising on the coast of Massachusetts,
Plans for the capture of the - - 427, 428, 4<
Resolve of Massachusetts for attacking the, - - 736
1479
INDEX.
1480
Military Academy, Committee appointed by Congress
to bring in a plan of, - - 1383
Military Stores, arrival of a cargo of, from France, - 916
Account of, in possession of John Bradford, Agent
for Prizes, - - 924
Militia, eight regiments of Connecticut, ordered to
embark for Long-Island, - - 115
Not to be depended on, - - - 120,
238, 441, 446, 488, 496, 1186, 1299
Smell strong of cowardice, -
Discontent of Connecticut, at New-York, - - 122
Orders respecting the Pennsylvania and New-Jersey,
assembled at Bergen,
On Long-Island, submit to General Howe, - - 187
Nine regiments of Connecticut, ordered to march
towards New- York, - - 187, 188
Sick of, allowed to return home, - - 194
Their want of discipline of pernicious tendency, - 258
Connecticut, ordered to march to Westchester, - 267
Of Southold, desert Colonel Livingston in a body, 296
Flight of, at Bergen and Paulus-Hook, - 351, 367, 369
Resolutions of New-Jersey Council relative to pay
of, - - - - - --- 366
Disorderly conduct of, in retreat from New-York, - 370
Necessity for a well-regulated, - - 393, 394
One-fifth of the Massachusetts, preparing to march
to New-York, - - - 486
General Washington discharges the whole of the
Connecticut, - - - 494, 549
The Tryon County, formed into a brigade,. - - 664
New-York Convention resolve to send six hundred,
to Forts Montgomery and Constitution, - - 667
Resolve for paying the mileage of certain, - - 756
Resolve for paying, raising men, &c., ... 761
Resolves of Massachusetts for raising, to reinfore
the Army at New-York, - ... 762
A large supply of ammunition forwarded to Fair-
field for the use of the Massachusetts, - 767
One regiment of Massachusetts, ordered to Rhode-
Island, - - - - - 767
Resolve for recalling the Massachusetts, ordered to
New-York, 775
Position of the Connecticut, near New-York, - 828
More expensive than any other kind of troops, - 889
Address of a Militia-Man to Connecticut Assembly
on, ... 983
Eight or ten thousand, should be immediately sent
to Ticonderoga, - - ... 1080
Prompt response of the Stockbridge, to the call of
General Schuyler, - - - - 1087
Ordered into Tryon County, under Cslonel Van .
Schaick, - - - - - - 1296
Desert in great numbers from the Northern Army, 1299
Six thousand New-Hampshire and Massachusetts,
march to join the grand Army, - - 934
Resolutions of Congress respecting the Pennsyl-
vania, discharged from the Flying-Camp, - 1376
Miller, Devalt, appointed standard-bearer to fourth bat-
talion of Pennsylvania Associators, -
Miller, Nicholas, appointed a Captain, - - 80
Miller, Richard, attempts to raise a company on Long-
Island for Howe's Army, - - 504
Shot through the body, - 504, 506, 886
Miller, Samuel, appointed a Captain, - 1340
Miller, William, letter to the Commanding-Officer at
Mount Washington, ... 829
Letters from, to Captain Osborne, - - 829, 883
Minor, Thomas, deposition of, against Asa Porter, - 152
Miriam, Silas, appointed a Surgeon, - 476
Mitchell, Ambrose, recommended for a First Lieu-
tenancy, -------- 560
Mitchell, Uriah, recommended to New-York Conven-
tion for employment, - 206
Mitchell, Colonel Jonathan, orders to, - - 781
Mohawk River, inhabitants on, threatened with inva-
sion, - - 385, 1018
Mollinedo, Manuel de, Commissary of Marine of Spain,
ordered to release the American schooner Hawk, 917
Money, Colonel Hollingsworth draws upon Maryland
Council of Safety for, ... - 105
R. Dallam, Deputy Paymaster-General, applies to
Congress for, - - 193
Washington in great distress for want of - 194
A sum of, paid to a company of Rangers, - - 423
General Gates forbids the circulation of any, but
Continental, - - - 477
H. Glen applies to General Schuyler for, - - 534
Small amount of, in the hands of the Deputy Pay-
master-General, - - ... 540
Money — Continued.
Colonel Hollingsworth receives a remittance of, 578, 579
Maryland Council of Safely furnishes five hundred
pounds for the Flying-Camp, - ... 578
Silas Dearie embarrassed for the want of, - . - 601
Colonel Birdsall petitions New-York Convention
for, to pay bounty due his men, - 666
Paid by the Treasurer of New-York, for which no
accounts have been rendered, .... 697
Major Hoisington applies to New-York Congress
for, to pay and subsist his Rangers, - 724
Paid Messrs. Pages and Parham for a two months'
tour to Canada, . - 768
A sum of, paid for blankets, ... 768
Committees having publick, in their hands, ordered
to return it to the Treasurer, - - 773
Resolve to supply Robert McKown with, - - 796
Captain O'Brien in want of, - - 800
Application of some prisoners on parole for, - 830
Memorandum of, paid to purchase arms, - 862
Joseph Trumbull applies to Congress for, - - 1011
Advanced by Congress to Maryland, - - - 1340
Advanced by Congress to New-York, - - 1373, 1380
Advanced by Congress to Pennsylvania, - - 1382
Advanced by Congress to North-Carolina, - - 1406
Monopolizers, "P. W." on, - - 1288
Montgomery, ship, in the service of Pennsylvania, 79, 82
Montgomery, sloop, belonging to New-York, 357, 702, 711
Montgomery, privateer, from Providence, - - 1126
Montgomery, Continental ship, - - - 1394
Montgomery, Fort — see Highlands.
Montgomery, General, death of, a consequence of
short inlistments, - .... 488, 489
Montauk Point, cattle removed from, - - 623
Montressor's Island, a thousand of the enemy land on, 275
Three or four thousand of the enemy embark for, - 351
Attempt to surprise the guard on, ... 445
451, 452, 502, 523, 524, 552
See Weisner, Captain.
Moon, John, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, - 784
Moon, Nathaniel, appointed an Ensign, - - 82
Mooney, Major Hercules, President of a Court-Mar-
tial, - 175
Petition of, and others, to New-Hampshire Commit-
tee of Safety, - - 508
Mooney, Lieutenant Benjamin, cashie;red, - 1081
Moor, James, appointed an Ensign, 82
Moor, Captain Daniel, reprimanded, - 1081
Moore, General James, letter to, from the President
of Congress, ----... 13Q
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 395
Moore, John, elected a member of Pennsylvania Coun-
cil of Safety, 1------9
Moore, Captain, late commander of the "Mary and
James," extract of a letter from, - 403
Morgan, Captain Daniel, recommended by Washing-
ton for Colonel of the Rifle Regiment, - 589
Morgan, James, recommended for promotion, - - 1007
Morgan, Dr. John, letter from, to John Jay, - - 1272
Directed to provide a hospital for the Army east of
Hudson's River, - 1393
Morgan, Michael, appointed a Recruiting Sergeant for
Artillery, - - 657
Morgan, Robert, appointed an Ensign in the Flying-
Camp, - - 643
Morris, Alexander, permitted to depart for Hispaniola, 84
Morris, Anthony James, appointed a Lieutenant-Col-
onel of Pennsylvania troops in Continental service, 94
Morris, Gouverneur, letter from John Jay to, - - 921
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - - 1023
Morris, John, Secretary to Pennsylvania Convention, 2, 4
Morris, Jonathan F., appointed an Ensign, - - 476
Morris, General, letter to, from New-York Conven-
tion, - - - - 693, 949
Morris, Robert, elected a Delegate to Continental Con-
gress, - ... .6
Letters to, from Captain Jones, - - 172, 1105
Letters to, from Silas Deane, - 361, 601, 1235
Letter from, to John Jay, - - 459
Appointed a member of the Committee of Secret
Correspondence, - - 823
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, -
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 1262
Morris, Samuel, Sr., elected a member of Pennsyl-
vania Council of Safety, ...
Morris, Samuel, Jun., elected a member of Pennsyl-
vania Council of Safety, -
Morris, Samuel Cad., elected a member of Pennsyl-
vania Council of Safety, ----- 37
1481
INDEX.
1482
Morris, Mr., a Major in the British service, sells his
commission and comes to America, ... 539
Morris, Thomas, extract of a letter to, from the Secret
Committee, - ... 1237
Morrison, John, Commissary of Forage in the British
Army, .... . 5(55
Morristown, petition of prisoners in the jail of, - 830
Morton, John, elected a Delegate to Continental Con-
gress, - 6
Mosley, Robert, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 1340
Motin de la Balme, M., recommended to Congress by
Silas Deane, - 1091, 1092
Mott, Captain, appointed a Major, - - 695
Mott, Samuel, letter from, to Goyernour Trurnbull, - 933
Moultrie, William, elected a Brigadier-General, - 1341
Mount Hope, near Ticonderoga, extract of a letter
from, - - - 1223
Mount Independence, extracts of letters from - 169, 222
Barracks for a strong garrison should be built on, - 470
Directions concerning the road from, to Otter Creek, 534
Much sickness at, - - - 574, 933
Oration delivered at, by Rev. Mr. Tenent, - - 1144
Mount Washington, extract of a letter from, - - 552
Letter from Westchester Committee to Command-
ing Officer at, - - - 829
Enemy's ships pass the obstructions opposite, - 979
Extract of a letter from a General Officer at, - 1202
A reinforcement ordered to, .... 1221
Mountz, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 1340
Moylan, Colonel Stephen, Quartermaster-General —
Desired to place an Assistant-Quartermaster at
King's Bridge, - - - 108
Letter to, from General Washington, ... 139
Letter from, to General Heath, .... 14Q
Letters from, to the President of Congress, - 197, 570
Letter to, from Tench Tilghman, ... 257
Letter from, to Colonel Harrison, ... 301
Resignation of, - 605, 1383
Unable to conduct the business of so many troops, 840
Acted wisely and honestly in resigning, - 998
Mulford, Col., compelled to take the oath of allegiance, 281
Munro, Captain, captures a valuable prize, - - 486
Murphey, Daniel, flogged for desertion, ... 992
Muse, Thomas, appointed a Major, - 654
Certificate of, - - 1279
Muskeeto, advice-boat, ...... 853
Muskets, arrival of a number of, from Martinico, - 323
Taken from the enemy on Staten-Island, - - 1130
Taken from Major Rogers's regiment, - 1188
Mutiny, on board the privateer Putnam, ... 714
Myle, Jacob, appointed Quartermaster to the German
Battalion, - - - - 92, 1416
Me.
McCabe, Edward, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 88
McCabe, George, in the Flying-Camp, - - - 1380
McCalvery, James, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 82
McClallan, Cara, promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - 474
McClave, Captain, commendation of, - - - 1121
McClean, Sergeant, promoted to an Ensigncy, - 1083
McClintock, Nathaniel, appointed an Adjutant, - 1177
McClintucke, Alexander, promoted to a First Lieu-
tenancy, - , - - - - 1086
McClure, James, elected Chaplain of Colonel McCoy's
battalion, * - 1338
McCobb, James, letter from, to Henry Gardner, - 144
McCormick, James, sentenced to suffer death for de-
sertion and mutiny, ------ 551
Ordered to Head-Quarters for execution, - - 827
Order for the execution of, - - - - - 842
Makes his escape, .... - 845
Trial of Captain De Witt for the liberation of, - 948
McCoy, jEneas, appointed Colonel of a battalion raised
for the defence of the frontier, - - 7
McCoy, James, appointed an Adjutant of Pennsylvania
Associators, - - - - 82
McCrakin, Isaac, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 642
JvlcCrea, Mr., Surgeon of Arnold's fleet, ... 225
McCully, George, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, 478
McCumber, Ensign — see Macumber.
McDonald, Mr., employed to explore lead mines, - 1078
McDonald, General, prisoner, letter from, to the Board
of War, - 191
General Howe refuses to exchange Lord Stirling for, 437
Directed to be returned to Philadelphia, - 464
Resolutions of Congress in relation to, 1330, 1333, 1383
McDonald, Lewis, Chairman of Bedford Committee, 1273
McDonough, Major, wounded in the battle on Long-
Island, - ....-- 882
McDougall, General Alexander, letter from, to Gen-
eral Heath, - ..... 375
Letter from, to Committee of Arrangement, - - 1096
Letter from, to Robert Yates, - - 1166
President of a General Court-Martial, ... 1295
McDowell, James, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 1340
McElhatton, William, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 88
McFadon, Alexander, letter from, to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - . 363
McGill, James, permitted to return to England, - 794
Mclntosh, Colonel Lachlan, letter to, from General
Washington, - .... HQQ
Elected a Brigadier-General, .... 1341
McKenzie, Captain, prisoner, liberated on parole, - 1360
McKerman, William, letter from, to. Richard Peters, - 857
McKesson, John, Secretaryto New-York Convention —
Letters to, from —
General George Clinton, .... 1221, 1312
Colonel Samuel H. Drake, ... 1097
Captain Dumond, - ... 524
Ebenezer Hazard, - - - 108, 201
Robert Hodge, ... . 1131
John Hunter, - . 401
Colonel Malcom, ...... 197
Colonel Nicoll, ... . 597
Johannes Sleght, ...... 554
McKinley, Alexander, appointed a Captain, - - 88
McKown, Robert, Commissary, petition of, to Massa-
chusetts Council, - . . 795
McMurray, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant, 1331
McMullen, Nath., appointed an Ensign, - - - 477
McNeall, William, petition of, to New-York Conven-
tion, - - 1101
McNeil!, Captain Hector, letter to, from Marine Com-
mittee, - ..... 428
Order for delivering guns to, .... 804
Ordered on a cruise, ... - 1200
McPherson, Colonel, obtains leave of absence, - - 30
McUne, Mr., elected a Captain, - - - 1341
McWilliams, William, appointed a Brigade-Major, - 945
N.
Nagle, George, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel of
Pennsylvania troops in Continental service, - 94
Nails, General Schuyler calls upon Congress for, - 246
Application of General Gates to General Schuyler
for,- - - ..!.-... 469
General Schuyler not able to furnish, ... 469
Greatly needed at Ticonderoga, ... 619, 1258
Sent to Forts Montgomery and Constitution, - 672
Twenty casks of, sent to General Gates, - 1064
Building of barracks greatly retarded by want of, - 1087
Scarcity of, in Boston, - ... 1227
Namun, Colonel, spirited conduct of regiment of, - 996
Nancy, ship, captured by Captain Lee, - - 1245
Nantes, military stores shipping from, for America, - 540
Letter to General Washington from, ... 928
Nash, John, prisoner, examination of, - - - 868
Nassau-Island, information relative to, given by Mr.
Harrison, - - - - 669
Nautilus, British ship, cruising off the Capes of Vir-
ginia, - 1200
Naval stores, list of, wanted to complete row-galleys
at Ticonderoga, - - 343
Navy, Continental —
Uniform of officers, ...... 181
Wages allowed to seamen, - - - 364
Difficulty of obtaining seamen, - 455, 623, 1070, 1105
Commodore Hopkins recommends to make the
shares of prize money equal to those of the priva-
teers, - - 283,455
Captain Jones recommends to inlist the seamen
during pleasure and give them all the prizes, - 1105
In settling the ranks of Captains, the merits of
Captain Nicholson will not.be forgotten, - - 350
The rank between Captains McNeill and Thomp-
son not yet established,
In ranking the Captains, Captain Nicholson placed
at the head, - - 989
Captain Manly uneasy about his being third, and
desired leave to resign, - - - 1063
Captain Thompson sixth on the list — William Whip-
pie would have had him higher,
Table of pay, proposed by Captain Jones, - - 1107
Coal wanted to make anchors and other smiths'
work for the frigates at Philadelphia, - 1022
A frigate and two cutters to be fitted out in Europe
to cruise in the English-Channel, - - 851,1387
Sum expended in fitting out eight armed vessels, - 1361
1483
INDEX.
1484
Navy, Continental — Continued.
Estimate to be made of the prizes taken by the fleet
commanded by Commodore Hopkins, - 1388
Rank of the Captains of, - - 1394
Marine Committee empowered to settle the rank of
the Lieutenants, - 1395
Two ships to be delivered to the Committee of Se-
cret Correspondence, - 1397
Accounts of the State of, to be published from time
to time, - - 1405
Form of oath to be taken by the officers of, - - 1408
Commissioners to France directed to procure from
that Court eight line-of-battle ships, - - 1409
Respect to be shown to, by private vessels of war
and merchant ships, - - 1415
Rules for the distribution of prize money, - 1417, 1114
Rank and pay of officers, referred to a Committee, - 1417
Captain Jones recommends an expedition to the
coast of Africa, ... - 1106
Proposed expedition against the ships of the enemy
in Long-Island Sound, - - - 455, 1001, 1002
Expedition planned to capture the British ships at
the South, - - - 970, 989
List of vessels for the above expedition, - - 1199
Letter from the Marine Committee to the Gov-
ernour of North-Carolina respecting the expe-
dition, - - 1199
Instructions to Commodore Hopkins for the
expedition, - - 1200
Instructions to Captains Manley, M'Neil, and
Thompson, - - 1200
Further instructions to Commodore Hopkins, - 1292
See Marine Committee.
Alfred, twenty-eight guns —
Lieutenant Pitcher proposed by Commodore
Hopkins for command of, - - 115
Going to Newport to be hove down, - - 282
Will be cleaned and ready for sea in a week, - 454
Ready, all but men, 623
Ordered on the Southern expedition, - 970
Orders to Captain Jones for a cruise to New-
foundland, - -1194, 1277
Court-Martial held on board of, - 1195, 1226
Manned and under sailing orders, - - 1226
Ready to sail, 1106
Andrew Doria, fourteen guns —
Captain Biddle, prizes captured by, 227, 282, 307, 455
McDougalL Lieutenant of, - 282, 1292
Estimate to be made of the prizes taken by, - 1388
Off Bermuda, - - 171
Captain Jones recommends to substitute twelve
six-pounders for her fourteen fours, - 1106
Captain Isaiah Robinson, instructions to, for a
voyage under the direction of the Secret Com-
mittee, •» ... 1092
Despatches sent by, - - 1148, 1198
Sails faster and is of more force than the Sachem, 1199
Boston, twenty-four guns —
Ordered to be got ready for sea, - 427, 428
Instructions to Captain M'Neil, - - 1200
Resolves of Massachusetts to furnish guns for, - 768,
770, 791, 804
Resolve of Massachusetts for furnishing powder
and other military stores to, - - - - 805
Cabot, sixteen guns —
Captain Hinman, on a cruise without orders, - 115
Weaver, Lieutenant of, - 1226
Prizes taken by, - - 1174, 1226, 1260
Ordered on the Southern expedition, - 970, 1200
Columbus —
Captain Whipple, in latitude thirty-six degrees, a
sixty gun ship in chase of her, - - 282
Prizes taken by, - 307, 455, 595, 624, 863
Arrival at Providence, very foul, - 623
Ordered on the Southern expedition, - 970
Cleaned and taking her ballast on board, - 1070, 1226
Congress, twenty-eight guns —
Building at Poughkeepsie, New-York, - 705, 956
To be kept from being destroyed by the enemy, 1148
Hampden, Captain Hacker —
Nearly ready for sea, - - 115
In bad order, - - 268
Ordered from New-London round to Newport, - 454
Ready, all but men, - - 623
Instructions to Captain Hacker, - 1042,1195
Ordered out to gain intelligence, - - 1070
Manned and under sailing orders, ... 1226
Aground on a sunken ledge in the harbour, - 1106, 1303
Captain Olney left in command of, - - 1303
Navy, Continental — Continued.
Hancock, thirty-two guns, Captain Manly —
Building at Newburyport, Massachusetts, - 486, 487
Instructions to Captain Manly, - 1200
Resolve of Massachusetts to furnish guns to, - 777
Independence, ten guns, Captain Young —
Instructions for a voyage to Martinico, - - 410
Despatches sent by, - 425, 819, 852, 864, 1148
Lexington, sixteen guns, Captain Hallock —
Instructions for a voyage, under the direction of
the Secret Committee, - - 1115
Despatches sent by, 1198, 1213
Montgomery, twenty-four guns —
Building at Poughkeepsie, New- York, - 705, 956
To be kept from being destroyed by the enemy, 1148
Muskeito, four guns, Lieutenant Albertson —
Instructions for a voyage, as an advice boat, from
Philadelphia to North-Carolina, - - 823
Coal tar, tallow, and rosin to be brought back by, 853
Providence, twenty-eight guns, Captain Whipple —
Fitting for sea at Providence, - - 210, 454
Will be ready in a week, if she can be manned, 913
Instructions to Nathaniel Falconer for an inspec-
tion of, - - . 955
Will be ready to sail in ten days, ... 986
Gone to Newport, - - - 1194
Providence, twelve guns, Captain Jones —
Arrival at Providence, - 1043, 1226
Account of the cruise of, - 171, 226, 624, 1303
Captain Hacker ordered to the command of, - 1303
Raleigh, thirty-two guns, Captain Thompson —
Filling for sea, Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, 427, 460
Committee of Massachusetts to aid in fixing out, 736
Instructions to Captain Thompson, - - 428, 1200
The Captain's and other officers' commissions
will go forward immediately, - 956
The Committee at Providence ordered to furnish
a set of cannon for, ..... 955
The above order countermanded, - - . - 1023
Governour Tfumbull requested to furnish cannon
for, - - 1237
Reprisal, sixteen guns, Captain Wickes —
Arrival at Philadelphia from Martinico, - 323,324
To be got ready for sea with the utmost expedi-
tion, - ... . 429
A fast-sailing ship, --.-.. 1212
Plan of a cruise, under the direction of the Secret
Committee, - - - 1212
Instructions to Captain Wickes, 1213, 1215
Despatches sent by, . 1237
Sachem, ten guns, Captain James Robinson —
Prize sent into Philadelphia by, ... 254
Instructions for a voyage, under the direction of
the Secret Committee, - - 1115
Despatches sent by, - - 1148, 1197
Virginia, twenty-eight guns, Captain Nicholson —
Fitting for sea at Baltimore, - - 350, 989
One ton of powder ordered to be delivered to, - 636
Warren, thirty-two guns, Captain John Hopkins —
Fitting for sea at Providence, - - 210, 454
Will be ready in a week, if she can be manned, 913
Instructions to Nathaniel Falconer, for the in-
spection of, - - - - - 955
Will be ready to sail in ten days, - - 986
Outsails all the boats in the river, - - 1194
Washington, thirty-two guns, Captain Reed —
Mr. Nicholson confirmed First Lieutenant of, - 350
Wasp, eight guns, Lieutenant Baldwin —
Cannon, &c., supplied to, by Maryland, - - 510
Prize brought into Philadelphia by, - - 1072
Navy, British —
Aid rendered by, in getting possession of New- York, 379
Proclamation in London for inlistments, - 1228
Impressment of seamen for, - 1229
List of ships on the American station, - - 1318
Cerberus, recaptures two prizes, - - 358, 1019
Cherokee, off Coxspur, in Georgia, - 863
Cruiser, off North-Carolina, - - 970
Dunmore, off New-York, - - 158
In Elizabeth river, - - - - 159, 161
In Gwin's Island harbour, - 162
In Potowmack river, - - 164
Eagle, at New- York, - - 379
Falcon, off North-Carolina, - - 970
Galatea, intelligence by deserters from,
Cruising off the Capes of Virginia, - 1200,1292
Hope, prize taken by, - - 1228
Kinderhook, off St. Augustine, - - 863
Mercury, at New-York, - 519
1485
INDEX.
1486
116, 315, 736
1200,1292
..' §63
. . 339
Navy, British — Continued.
Milford, on coast of Massachusetts,
Nautilus, off coast of Virginia,
Otter, off St. Augustine,
Pearl, at New York, ...
Perseus, arrival of, at New- York, -
Phoenix, up the North River,
Renown, at New York,
Repulse, at New York,
Roebuck, at New-York,
Rose, in Long-Island Sound,
Scorpion, off North-Carolina,
Shark, at Martinico, ...
Sphinx, off coast of Georgia,
Left Georgia, - ...
Syren, ...
Navy Board of South-Carolina —
Proceedings of,
Neale, Francis, appointed Assistant Surgeon to Col-
onel Smallwood's battalion, ....
Neely, Benjamin, appointed an Ensign, - - -
Neff, John Melchior, memorial of, to Continental
Congress, ---....
Negroes, Dunmore attempts to raise a regiment of, -
Great mortality among Dunmore's, ...
Taken into the pay of the enemy on Long-Island, -
Attempts to plunder Wilmington-Island,
Insurrection of, in Jamaica, - ....
Resolve of Massachusetts forbidding the sale of two,
brought in as prisoners, .....
Taken by vessels of war in the service of the United
States, Committee to consider what is to be done
with, -----...
Neilson, Bloomer, prisoner, examination of,
Neilson, William, appointed a First Lieutenant,
Neit, George, appointed a Second Lieutenant, -
New-Ark, New-Jersey, a suitable place for a general
hospital, - ..-.-..
The jail of, filled with prisoners, - - -
Newburyport, Massachusetts, the privateer Washing-
ton sends a prize into, .....
Resolve relative to'the purchasing of cannon of the
town of, - - 765, 777
Representation from the Committee of, to Massa-
chusetts Council,
Captain Lee sends a prize ship, laden with provisions,
into, ......
Newcomb, Colonel, return of officers in the regiment
commanded by, - .
Newell, Captain Eliphalet, letter from, to Col. Knox,
New-Hampshire —
Case of Colonel Asa Porter, - 145-155
Reinforcements from, for relief of Ticonderoga, - 1227
Day of Thanksgiving in, - - 1245
New-Hampshire Assembly —
Letters to, from the President of Congress, 136, 489, 839
Proceedings of, in the case of Lieutenant Marshall, 176
Notice of the adjournment of, - - 1245
Letter to, from John Gibson, Jun., - 1308
Letter to, from John Jay, - - 1314
New-Hampshire Committee of Safety —
Letters from, to —
Colonel Jacob Bayley, - - 145
President of Congress, - - 507
General Gates, - - . H76
Colonel Hurd and others, - - 1228
General Washington, - - 508, 1175
General Ward, - - - 508
Letters to, from —
Selectmen of Charlestown, Number-Four, - 208
Colonel Pierce, - 1089
Eleazer Russell, - ... 269
Colonel Tash, - - 1255
General Ward, - 559
Colonel Welch. - 1313
Joseph Whipple, - - 1031
Dr. Wigglesworth, - - 574
. Petition of Hercules Mooney and others to, - - 508
Instructions from, to Ticonderoga Committee, - 1176
Report of the Ticonderoga Committee, - - 1176
Petition of the town of Lyndsborough to, - - 1289
New-Hampshire Grants, proceedings of Halifax, Cum-
berland County, town meeting, - 124
Proceedings of Rockingham, Cumberland County,
town meeting, - - 124
Proceedings of a General Convention of, - 526, 1300
New-Haven, letter from Governour Trumbull to Com-
mittee of, - ... 303
Petition of inhabitants of, 374
- 943, QQI
.. 380
.. 380
igg] 307, 493
.. 307
.. 970
.. 323
. 863,990
.. 957
. . 1133
1323-1328
640
1340
953
160
162
252
346
404
. 759
1400
310
1396
638
301
853
. 576
- 768
s,
. 1245
871
239
New-Jersey —
An act for the security of the Government of, - 397
An act rendering certain Bills of Credit a legal tender, 411
An act for punishing traitors and disaffected persons, 865
One ton of powder supplied by Congress to, - 1362
New-Jersey Assembly —
Letter from the Speaker of, to Richard Stockton, - 365
Resolution of, to furnish the troops at Amboy with
fire-wood, ---... 3gg
Address of, to the Governour, .... 491
The Governour's reply to the Address of, - - 492
New-Jersey Council —
Report of a Committee of, ..... 3gg
Resolutions of, respecting a supply of ammunition
and the pay of the Militia, ... 3gg
Affidavit of Mrs. Franklin respecting records of, - 367
Address of, to Governour Livingston, - 587
The Governour's reply to the Address of, - - 588
Newkerk, Lieutenant, testimony of, on the trial of
Captain Hardenbergh, ..... 1140
New-London, Committee of Inspection of, advised to
assist inhabitants 'of Long-Island, ... 188
Letter from David Gelston to Committee of, - - 207
Prizes sent into, - - . 886,1126
Colonel Richmond's regiment of Rhode-Island
troops arrive at, - - - . . - 1125
Newman, Captain Wingate, captures a prize, - - 1126
New-Marlborough, New-York, call of a town-meet-
ing at, - - - 883
Newport, .Rhode-Island, a prize brig arrives at, - 935
Extracts from two letters from the westward re-
ceived at, - - .... 1173
Nevv-Rochelle, main body of Washington's Army pos-
sess the heights and passes near, ... 1137
Enemy's van arrives at, - - . . - 1139
Newtown, Long-Island, Lord Howe's head-quarters
at, - - - - - - 239
New-Windsor, Committee of, send two suspected per-
sons to General Clinton, - .... §32
Nevins, Lieutenant, appointed a Captain, - . H20
New- York, City of—
Orders of Congress for reinforcing the Army at, - 136
Extracts of letters from, - 107, 325, 463, 563, 1293
Question of destroying, submitted by General Wash-
ington to Congress, ---... J21
General Greene's reasons in favour of burning, - 182
Congress determine not to destroy, - - 135, 1330
Question of evacuating, proposed to a Council of
General Officers, - - 237. 326, 329
General Greene advises the evacuation of, - - 182
Evacuation of, left by Congress to the discretion of
General Washington, - - - - . 1335
Evacuation of, resolved on, - .... 325
Retreat of the American Army from, 351, 352, 383, 820
Large quantities of flour left behind in the retreat
from, - - - 699
Taken possession of by General Howe, - - 378
Movements of the enemy in the neighbourhood of, 257
Accounts of the fire at, - - . 380
439, 461, 462, 463, 466, 493, 503, 820
A "nest of Tories and sink of American villany," 981
A broad R is put upon every door in, disaffected to
Government, ----... H3g
Inhabitants of, compelled to swear to submit to the
laws of Parliament, - - ... 1200
New-York, State of—
State of the Treasury of, 419
Congress advance a sum of money to, - - 1373, 1380
New- York Committee of Arrangement, letter to, from
Jacob Bamper, - . 1149
New- York Committee of Correspondence, letters from
Tench Tilghman to, - - 961, 1035
New- York Committee of Safety and Convention, Pro-
ceedings of, - - 123, 418, 659-726, 998
Committee of Safety, letters from, to — •
General George Clinton, - - - 689
General James Clinton, - - 676
Generals Clinton and Schuyler, ... 979
Committee of Kingston, - - - 663
Delegates in Congress, - - 260
Ebenezer Hazard, ... . g80
New-York Delegates in Congress, - - 677
President of Congress, - - - 1131
Colonel Remsen, - - - 683
General Ten Broeck, - - 679
Samuel Ten Broeck, - . 1016
Governour Trumbull, . - 979
General Washington, - 661, 665, 676, 991
Westchester Committee, ----- 680
1-187
INDEX.
1488
New- York — Continued.
Committee of Safety, letters to, from —
General James Clinton, ----- 674
General Schuyler, - - - 685, 1131
General Washington, - - - 196, 674, 675
New-York Convention, letters to, from —
Lieutenant Alger, ------ 831
Elisha Avery, - - - 1141
Colonel Birdsall, 201
Thaddeus Burr, ... 575
Clark & Nightingale, - - 357
General George Clinton, -
General James Clinton,
Albany Committee, -
Bedford Committee,
Marine Committee, -
Poundridge Committee, -
Shawangunk Committee, -
Tryon County Committee,
Committee of Congress, -
Delegates in Congress,
President of Congress, -
Captain Cregier,
Colonel Curtenius, -
Jacob Cuyler, -
Elkanah Day, - - -
Benjamin Depuy,
Lieutenant Edget, -
Alexander Exuen, -
Joshua Ferris,
John Field, -
William Floyd,
William Forbes,
David Gelston,
Joseph Hallett,
Colonel Hasbrouck,
Colonel A. Hawkes Hay, -
John Sloss Hobart, -
Hugh Hughes,
140, 241, 310, 383, 975
- 856, 996, 1285
- 964
- 1272
- 956
- 1066
- 831
- 911
- 925
- 926
- 489, 839, 953
- 553
- 350, 1135, 1219
- 356
- 1207
- 502
- 110
- 422
- 141
- 931
- 1066
- 1259
- 189
- 1185
- 1167
- - - 976, 1066
- 206, 503, 553, 934
- 373
Augustin Lawrence and Samuel Tuder, - - 1313
Francis Lewis, - - 1247
Gilbert Livingston, ------ 333
Henry B. Livingston, - - 1088
Peter R. Livingston, - - 1255
Abraham Lott, - - - 1132
Samuel Mabbett, - - 911
Mate of a vessel on Lake Champlain, - - 386
William McNeall, 1101
Gouverneur Morris, - - - - 1023
An Officer, - 1167
Colonel Pawling, - - - 469
Pliarne, Penet, & Co., 1146
Prisoners in Morristown jail, ... - 830
Thomas Randall, - - 215, 972
Henry Remsen, .... 226, 547
Comfort Sands, - 979, 998
General Schuyler, - - 707, 932, 1258
Peter Schuyler, 978
General Scott, - - 975
John Simpson and others, (prisoners,) - - 830
Johannes Sleght, - - - - 554
Colonel Snyder, 1124
Colonel Swartwout, - - - 275
John Thomas, Jun., ----- 401
Ezra Thompson, - - - 845
Tench Tilghman, - - - 569, 721, 1194
Richard Thome, - - - - 202
Robert and James Totten, ... 401
Joseph Trumbull, - - 469, 699
Richard Varick, - 1037
Daniel Walker, 949
General Washington, 106,
240, 241, 299, 466, 691, 713, 1094
Westchester Committee, - ... 310
Lieutenant Williams, - 201
Henry Wisner, 1102, 1123, 1131
Charles D. Witt, - - - 1222
Letters from, to —
Albany Committee, - - - 931
Delegates in Congress, - - - 418, 709
President of Congress, - - 417, 884, 978
Commissary-General, - 700
Joseph Hallett, - 702
Augustin Lawrence and Samuel Tuder, - - 1313
Francis Lewis, - - 1190
General Morris, - - 949
Recruiting Officers, - - - - 1204
New-York Marine Committee, letter to, from Evert
Bancker and others, ----- 846
Nicliodemus, Frederick, commissioned a Lieutenant, 636
Nicholson, Captain B., letter from, to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - 209
Orders of, to Commanding Officer of the Independ-
ent Company, - - 209
Nicholson, Captain James, letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - - 104
Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 509
Placed by Congress at the head of the list of naval
officers, - - 989
Nicholas, Thomas, petition of, to Massachusetts Coun-
cil, - . 748
Commissioned Commanderof the privateer America, 748
Cannon and powder delivered to, - 753
Nickerson, Captain Thomas, sends in a valuable prize, 1004
Nickols, William, commissioned Commander of priva-
teer Independence, - - - 791
Nicoll, Colonel Isaac, letter from, to General Heath, 169, 244
Letter to, from General Heath, - - 169
Letter from, to John McKesson, - - - 597
Return of officers in the regiment commanded by, 871
Nightingale & Clark, letter from, to New-York Con-
vention, - - 357
Niles, Robert, Commander of the Spy, captures two
valuable prizes, ... 312
Ordered to cruise in the Sound, - - - 848
Nine Partners, state of the lead mine at the, - - 1078
Nixon, General John, letter from, to General Heath, - 244
Letter to, from General Heath, - - 1035
Noble, Caleb, appointed an Ensign, - - 1373
Non-Associators, ordinance of Pennsylvania Conven-
tion for disarming, - - 3, 6
Ordinance of Pennsylvania Convention to equalize
the burdens of Associators and, - - 42
North, Mr., promoted to an Ensigncy, - - 1086
North, Joseph, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - . 737
Northampton County (Pennsylvania) greatly exposed
to Indian incursions, - - - 16
North-Carolina, letter of General McDonald to the
Board of War, respecting his treatment in, 191, 1333
Letters from President of Congress to Convention
of, - - - - 489, 838
Letter from Marine Committee to Governour of, - 1199
Extract of a letter from, - - - 1235
Representation by Delegates of, to Continental
Congress, - - - 1341
One ton of powder sent to, for the use of the Con-
tinental forces in, ------ 1403
Resolutions of Congress in relation to the prisoners
from, in the Philadelphia jail, - - 1405
Congress advance two thousand dollars to the Dele-
gates of, - - - - 1406
Northfield (Massachusetts) Committee, money voted
to, for the use of prisoners, - - 777
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, greatly ex-
posed to Indian incursions, - - 16
Proceedings of Committee of, in relation to William
Chattin and James Parker, - - - - 255
Norwalk, Connecticut, Continental stores ordered to
be removed from, ------ 1076
Norwood, Nicholas, appointed a Captain, - - 308
Authorized to raise a company, - 634
Nourse, James, letter from, to General Gates, - - 1112
Clerk in the. office of the Board of War, - - 322
Nurses, wages of, proposed to be increased, - - 1393
Nyack, enemy attempt to land at, - - 1066
0.
Oath, taken by the members of Pennsylvania Council
of Safety,
Prescribed for officers of Pennsylvania, - - 58
Of allegiance administered to inhabitants of South
and Easthampton, -
Taken by the Commissioners of South-Carolina
Navy Board, - - 1323
Taken by the Clerk of South-Carolina Navy Board, 1323
To be taken by officers in the service of the Con-
tinent, - " - 1408
Obermier, George, appointed a Captain of Pennsylva-
nia Associators,
O'Brien, Captain Jeremiah, petition of, to Massachu-
setts Council, - - -
O'Bryon, James, elected a Colonel, - - 405
Odell, Jacob, express rider, account of, against the
State of New-York, -
Odiorne. Nathaniel, prize captured by, - - 346
O'Farrell, Michael, confined on suspicion of being a
deserter, - - 726
1489
INDEX.
1490
Officers, nomination of, for the Flying-Camp, 19
Election of, by Pennsylvania Council of Safety, - 80
Arrangement of, for battalion to be kept in the pay
of Pennsylvania, ..... 92,93
Of Pennsylvania troops prisoners with the enemy,
entitled to pay and rations, .... 92
Of King's County, New-York, - - - - 109
Field, list of, in the service of Virginia, - - 320
Several French, arrive at Philadelphia from Martinico, 324
Appointment of, a matter of the greatest import-
ance, - - 847, 912, 947, 957, 996, 1009, 1166
Returns of — See Returns.
Proposed appointment of Connecticut, - 959,960
Maryland appoint Commissioners to consult with
General Washington on the appointment of, - 1021
Appointment of, in Ulster County, New-York, - 1027
List of, in Colonel Snyder's regiment, ... 1124
List of, recommended as suitable persons to bear
commissions, - - - - 1254
Action of Congress on the memorial of, prisoners
at Carlisle, 1330
Pay of, increased, ...... 1392
Oath to be taken by, in the service of the Continent, 1408
Rank of Marine, the same as those in the land service, 1417
Old, Colonel, ordered to march into New-Jersey, - 18
Oliver Cromwell, ship, Levi Young appointed master of, 1209
Ordered on a cruise, - - 1209
Onion River, most advantageous post on, ... HI
A party of the King's troops burn and destroy every-
thing near, - - .... 231
Onions, price of, regulated by General Gates, - - 618
Onondaga Indians, letter from Chiefs of the, to Col-
onel Dayton, ------- 248
Orange County, New-York, many dangerous persons
in, - - 697
Oration, delivered at Mount Independence by Rev.
Mr. Tenent, - ... - 1144
Order in Council, prohibiting the exportation of pro-
visions from Great Britain, .... 1233
Orders, peremptory, to Colonel Gay to make weekly
returns, -------- 166
Colonel Lippitt's, to his regiment to march to New-
York, 338
For Colonel Bellows, 360
For Colonel Langdon, ----- 360
For Captain Parker, 361
To Major Backus, 439
To Colonel Jackson, - - 452
To Alexander Shepard, - - ' 780
To Colonel Jonathan Mitchell, - - 781
Orders, General — see General Orders.
Ordinances, of Pennsylvania —
Respecting the arms of Non-Associators, 6
For the relief of prisoners in the jails, 13
To prevent counterfeiting paper money, - 15
Respecting the Flying-Camp, - - - 19
For the appointment of Justices of the Peace, - 31
For punishing treason, ----- 34
Respecting advisedly speaking and writing against
the American cause, - - - - 37
To compel debtors, in certain cases, to give security
to their creditors, ------ 39
To equalize the burdens of Associators and Non-As-
sociators, .----.-42
Orme, William, ordered under arrest for refusing to
join his corps near New-York, - - - - 640
Orne, John, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, - 801
Orr, Alexander, appointed an Ensign, ... 476
Orrock, Wetnyss, resolve for paying, - 764
Osborne, Captain Joseph, letters to, from William Mil-
ler, - - 829, 884
Orders to, from Colonel Drake, - - - - 1078
Ostrander, Hubert, Chairman of the Committee of
Hurley, - ... 980
Oswego, threatened with a numerous Arrny, chiefly
Indians, - 247
Seven hundred of the enemy reported to be at, - 277
Sir John Johnson said to have arrived at, with a
large force, - - 859
Otter, sloop-of-war, stationed off St. Augustine, - 863
Otter Creek, Colonel Barrett ordered to construct a
bridge over, - - - -
Directions concerning the road from, to Mount In-
dependence, ------- 534
Oury, Wendal, appointed a Captain, - 1340
Oxford, transport, with Highlanders on board, capture
of the, - 163
Oxford, Massachusetts, proceedings of a town-meeting
at, - ... 936
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
P.
Paca, William, Delegate in Congress from Maryland,
letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety,' - 407
Page, John, President of Virginia Council, letter from,
to Virginia Delegates in Congress, - - 319
Pain, Captain Brenton, ordered to arrest Samuel
Smith, - 896
Paine, Benjamin, letter from, to Governour Trumbull, 912
Paine, Elijah Freeman, prizes captured by, - - 346
Painter, Major Elisha, Captains refuse to serve under, 273
Palfrey, William, letter from, to General Heath, - 139
Palmer, Thomas, arrival of, from France, with a cargo
of powder, small-arms, &c., - - - 1019
Papaconk, inhabitants of, in great fear of a rupture
with the Indians, - - 613
Park, Robert, permitted to return to England, - - 791
Parker, Major Edward, letter from, to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, 542
Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 578
Parker, Josiah, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of Fifth
Virginia Battalion, - - 1395
Parker, Richard, Jun., appointed Major of Sixth Vir-
ginia Battalion, - 1395
Parker, Captain Robert, authorized to raise a company
of Matrosses, - - 361
Parker, Captain Robert, prizes sent in by, 1019, 1046
Parker, Samuel, deposition of, - 647
Parker, Samuel F., Major of Colonel Forrnan's bat-
talion, - - 877
Paris, letter from, to a merchant in London, - - 423
Parole, of James Babbige, - 594
American prisoners sent from Canada on, - 588, 597
Of Major Conkling, - - - 1027
Of George Howell, 1027
Of Phineas Fanning, ------ 1104
General Waterbury returns from Canada on, - - 1125
Of American prisoners of war at Quebeck, - - 1304
Inhabitants of Canada allowed to return on, - - 1396
Parrott, William, appointed at Assistant Engineer, - 472
Parry, Colonel, killed in the battle on Long-Island, - 824
Parsons, James, Speaker of the General Assembly of
South-Carolina, - 395
Parsons, General Samuel H., letter from, to General
Heath, - - ... 183
Ordered to place Colonel Tyler under arrest, - - 591
Pascal!, William, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 786
Permitted to go to England, 786
Paterson, Colonel John, recommended to Congress
for promotion, - ------ 615
Paterson, William Augustus, appointed a Captain, - 476
Patten, William, appointed a Third Lieutenant, - - 1395
Patterson, Alexander, appointed a Captain,
Patterson, John, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, 473
Patterson, Matt., promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - 477
Patterson, Colonel Samuel, letter from, to Cassar Rod-
ney, 570,918
Patterson, William, authorized to inlist men for the
Marine service, ------ 636
Appointed Commander of the schooner Dolphin, - 656
Patton, John, appointed a Major of Pennsylvania troops
in Continental service, ----- 94
Patton, William, prisoner, petition of, to Pennsylvania
Convention, - ....
Paulus Hook, post at, strengthened, - - 158
The enemy land at, - - - - 494
Evacuation of the post at, - - 523
Pawling, Colonel Levi, letter from, to New- York Con-
vention, 469, 718
Pay, increase of, prayed for,
Washington recommends increase of, for the Army, 495, 520
Congress resolve to increase the, of officers, - 952, 953
Increase of, in the Navy, recommended by Captain
Jones, - .... 1105, 1107
Paymasters, Regimental, Washington recommends care
in the appointment of>
Paymaster-General, necessity for furnishing the, with
money, -
Remittances to, - - 1335, 1398
Paymaster of the Northern department, chest of the,
reduced below one hundred thousand dollars, - 1079
Payne, Benjamin, letter from, to Wethersfield Com-
• 1OCQ
mittee, -
Payne, James William, letter from, to Robert Benson, 24J
Payne, Joseph, Sen., deposition of, - - - - 1279
Payne, Major, appointed an Assistant Engineer, - 472
Paxton (Penn.) Committee, prisoners sent by, to Lan-
caster Committee, - .... 256
Peacock, George, a prisoner, asks leave to go to Phila-
delphia, - - 437
94
1491
INDEX.
1492
Pearce, Captain Job, prize sent in by, - - 1174
Pearce, Leonard, ordered under arrest for refusing to
join his corps near New- York, - - 640
Peels, Jacob, order for the arrest and examination of, 688
Pierce, Ebenezer, commissioned Commander of the
schooner Liberty, - .... 787
Pelissier, M. Christopher, Engineer, leaves Albany
for Ticonderoga, - ... 248
Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, in-
troducing, - - -
Letter from, to General Gates, - - 484
Observations of, on the Jersey Redoubt, - 1170
Pellawa, a Shawanese Indian, conference with, in
Pennsylvania Convention, - - 46
Pelton, Lieutenant Daniel, accused of leaving camp
without leave, - ... 468
Pendleton, Edmund, Speaker of Virginia House of
Delegates, letter from to the President of Con-
QKf
gress, .--.-- - »3i
Pendleton, John, chosen Clerk of the Senate of Vir-
ginia, - ... ... 988
Pendock, Benonia, convicted of being an enemy to
the common cause, - - ... 1142
Penet, Monsieur, appointed one of General Washing-
ton's Aids-de-Camp, - 927, 928, 1398
Penn, John, Governour of Pennsylvania, pay of, - 544
Pennsylvania —
Instructions to the Delegates in Congress from, - 11
Constitution of, - - 51
Instructions to the Commodore of the fleet of, 74, 75
Conti , to the People of, - 430
Postscript to the Paper addressed to the People of,
by Conti , - - - 432
Remarks on the Paper addressed to the People of,
byDoria, - - - 433
Incidental expenses of, for the year 1776, - - 544
Brutus, to the People of, - - 864
Return of the Field Officers in the battalions of,
near Head-Quarters, ... 898
Scipio, to the Freemen of, - - - - - 940
Demophilus, to the People of, - - 957
Letter from Commissioners for, to General Wash-
ington, - - 1202
Congress advance one hundred thousand dollars to, 1382
Pennsylvania Assembly, proceedings of, - - 542—546
Pennsylvania Convention, proceedings of, - - 1—62
Letters to, from the President of Congress, - 136, 489
Resolutions of the Assembly against ordinances of, 543
Address of, setting forth the reasons which induced
them to make the several ordinances and resolves, 582
Pennsylvania Council of Safety —
Proceedings of, - .... 61-98
Letter from, to Lancaster Committee, - - 255
Letter from, to Continental Congress, - - - .939
Pennsylvania Evening Post, A Friend to American
Freedom to the Editor of, - - 1 158
Penobscot, petition of inhabitants of, for a guard, - 758
Penobscot River, resolve for placing a guard on the, - 765
Penrose, Joseph, appointed a Colonel of Pennsylvania
troops in Continental service, - - - - 941
Pepin, Lieutenant Andrew, of Canada, petition of, to
Congress, ...... 254
Pepperell, certificate of Selectmen of, in favour of
Aaron Wood, - - - - 251
Percy, Lord, extract of a letter from, to a gentleman
in London, - - - 168
Attacks Fort Washington, and is repulsed, - - 1312
Perkins, Abraham, recommended for a Captaincy, - 508
Perkins, Sergeant, appointed an Ensign, - - 478
Perkinson, John, appointed an Ensign, - - 638
Perry, John, appointed a Surgeon, - - 640
Perseus, British frigate, arrival of the, at New- York, - 1158
Perth-Amboy, the Camp at, in great want of blankets
and clothing, - - .... 235
Return of the Army at, commanded by General
Mercer, - 941
A Mustermaster much wanted fit, - - 972
Peruvian Bark, three hundred pounds of, forwarded for
troops in the Southern department, ... 1363
Peter, Robert, and Thomas Richardson to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - -1072
Peters, Captain Richard, directed to appoint a guard
over certain stores, - - 25
Peters, Richard, Secretary to the Board of War —
Letters to, from —
Lieutenant Anstruther, ..... 1310
William Atlee, - 1309
Joseph Gary and Jonathan Pierson, - - 460
Lancaster Committee, ..... 1033
Peters, Richard, Secretary to the Board of War —
Letters to, from —
Benjamin Fishbourn, - - 490
Colonel Griffin, - - 1136
Richard McKerman, - 857
George Peacock, - ... 437
General Schuyler, - .... 1298
General Thompson, - - 602
Letters from, to —
Jasper Yates, - ... 562
Maryland Council of Safety, - -1247
Publication by, of resolutions of Congress respect-
ing prisoners, - - - - - -1185
Petersham, proceedings of a town-meeting at, - - 576
Petitions, of —
The Captains of the galleys to Pennsylvania Con-
vention, ----- --25
Inhabitants of Northampton to Pennsylvania Con-
vention, -.-----.39
Captain Fulford's company of Artillery, - 377
Hercules Mooney and others to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety, - - 508
A majority of Captain Chew's company to Maryland
Convention, - - 887
James Clarke and others to Maryland Council of
Safety, - - 966
Officers of the late Colonel Waite's regiment to
General Gates, - 1069
Queen's County, Long-Island, to Lord and General
Howe, - - - 1159
Jonathan Burt, - - - - 1177
Joseph Whayland, Jun., prisoner, to Maryland Con-
vention, - - 1268
Castlehaven company to Maryland Convention, - 1278
Town of Lyndsboroughto New-Hampshire Commit-
tee of Safety, - - 1289
Petitions to Governour, &c., of Connecticut —
For removal of the Sheriff of Windham, - 130,131
Of Inhabitants of New-Haven, - - - 374
Of Inhabitants of Long-Island, - - - 593
Of the Town of Groton, - 1004
Petitions to New-York Convention, of —
Captain Townsend's company, .... 123
Joshua Ferris, prisoner, ..... 141
Henry Chase, prisoner, .... 666, 694
Colonel Birdsall, .... - 666
Rynier Van Housen, ...... 694
John Fowler, ... ... 695
Prisoners in Morristown jail, .... 830
Daniel Walker, 949
William McNeall, - -1101
Petitions to Continental Congress, of —
Michael Fitzgerald, - - - - 119
Jeremiah Halsey, ... . . 137
Lieutenant Andrew Pepin, of Canada, - - 254
Colonel Warner, - - - 273
Second Lieutenants of First Virginia Regiment, - 348
Petitions to General Washington, of —
General Greene and others, - - - 326
First Lieutenants of Third Virginia Regiment, - 349
Lieutenant-Colonel Shepard, - - 604
Petitions to General Court, &c., of Massachusetts, of —
Nathaniel Barstow and Daniel Whitmore, - - 750
John Beardwell Barnard, - ... 788
Josiah Batchelder, Jun., - - 740
Lyonel Bradstreet, - - 782
Captain Brown, ... . 799
Robert Brown and John Moon, - - 784
John Browne, - - - - - 789
Thomas Buckmore, - - 783
Jotham Bush, ..... . 730
Cambridge Committee, - 774
Robert Campbell, prisoner in Boston jail, - - 770
Committee of Cape Elizabeth, - - 730
John Codman, ... 752
Jeremiah Colburn and Joshua Eayre, - - 729
Isaac Collyer, .... 752
Ethan Comstock and Matthew Wing, - - 864
Shubael Cottle, - - 753
Thomas Cragg, - - - 748
James Dargie, ... . 800
Daniel Donnavan and others, - 788
John.Donneston, - - 798
Elias Hacket Derby and others, - - 745
Officers of the schooner Diligent, - - 780
Samuel Doggett and others, - - 745
Owners of schooner Dolphin, - 799
Jonathan Eddy and others, - - 733
Thomas Edwards, ... - 732
1493
INDEX.
1494
Petitions, &c., Massachusetts, of — Continued.
William Ernie and James McGill, - ... 793
John Emmes, ----.._ 788
Faneuil and others, - .... 1109
Elizabeth Fenton, .... 754
John Fox, ........ 737
Committee of Framingham, .... 743
John Frazier, .--... . 731
James Fulton, ---_.._ 795
Andrew Giddinge, ---_._ 780
Benjamin Goodhue, ...... 803
Charles Goodrich, - - - • - - 741
Peter Goulay, 787
David Griffin, 802
Nathaniel Guild, - - 746
Selectmen of Harpswell, ..... 732
Thomas Harris, --.-... 758
Elisha Hedge, 751
Adam High and William Lemmon, ... 786
James Hodges, - - - - - . - 793
Owners of schooner Hope, ..... 794
John Howe, - 789
Owners of schooner Independence, ... 791
Juliana James, .-.--.. 771
William Jenkins, 783
Ichabod Jones, -----.- 731
David Kemp, - - .... 754
James Kennedy, ...... 797
Nathaniel Leech & Co., 758
Susannah Leech, - - 803
Owners of sloop Liberty, ..... 787
Alexander Liddell and Thomas Cremarty, - - 795
Walter Logan, - 749
Joseph Mayhew and Shubael Cattle, ... 746
Robert McKown, 795
Medford Committee, 802
Thomas Melvil], - - 749, 754
Middleborough Committee, ..... 747
Thomas Nicholson, - 748
Joseph North, 737
Captain O'Brien,- - ... 800
Joshua Orne, ....... 801
William Pascal, 786
Inhabitants of Penobscot, ..... 758
Owners of sloop Phoenix, ----- 786
Richard Pyne, 797
Ebenezer Porter, ...... 806
Owners of schooner Ranger, .... 796
Charles Reid, - - 791
Owners of brig Reprisal, ..... 804
Committee of Rochester, 754
William Ross,
^Stephen Russell and others, - - -
Isaac Snow, ...---- 766
Joseph Sprague and Samuel Ward, ... 752
Joseph Sprague and others, ----- 737
John Stalker, 789
Joseph Thompson, ------ 802
Alexander Touch and Thomas Mahony, - - 792
Anne Tweedie and others, ----- 750
Nathan Utley and others, ----- 806
Richard Valpy, 807
Selectmen of Waldoborough, .... 730
Hugh Walker and others, - - - 790
Owners of brig Washington, .... 804
William Whiting, - ... 759
John Winthrop, Jun., - - ... 741
Pettitt, Charles, letter to, from Colonel Reed, - - 1036
Pettitt, Edward, deposition of, - 645
Phelps, Sergeant William, trial of, by Court-Martial, 468
Philadelphia, a large quantity of salt arrives at, - 325
Extract of a letter received at, .... 325
Notice of Committee of Accounts of, ... 365
Extracts of letter from, - - 595, 602
High price of goods in, - - 1006
Proceedings of meeting in the State-House Yard at, 1149
Remarks on the above proceedings at, by Consid-
eration, - - 1152
Committee of Inspection of, dissolved, - - 365
Proceedings of Committee of County of, - - 888
Phillips, Colonel Joseph, return of officers in the
battalion commanded by, ----- 900
General Washington returns thanks to, - 1010
Philo-Alethias, on the present state of America, - 967
Phinney, Colonel Edmund, requests the arrest of
William Garwood for abusive language, - - 143
Regiment of, ordered to Fort George, - 203
Phoenix, British ship-of-war, passage of the, up the
North River, - - - 943,961
Pickering, Captain Thomas, instructions to, from
South-Carolina Navy Board, - - 1323
Pierce, John, Jun., certificate of, relating to Captain
Johnson, - 856
Pierce, Isaac, Aid-de-Camp to General Gates, direc-
tions from, to Dr. Potts, - - 591
Letter from, to Colonel Gansevoort, - - 1170
Pierson, Jonathan, letter from, to Richard Peters, - 460
Piggott, James, appointed a Captain, - 1346
Pikes, one thousand advertised for by Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - 629
Pile, William, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 1333
Pilots, fees allowed to Pennsylvania, in addition to
salary, - .... 82
General Stephens impresses one of the Annapolis, 639
Maryland Council of Safety procure, for General
Stephens, - . 639
Pinkney, David, prisoner, examination of, - 597
Piper, Colonel Seth, taken prisoner in the battle on
Long-Island, - - 108
Pittsfield, Mass., proceedings of Committee of, - 134
Pittee, Ensign Daniel, published as a coward, - - 1193
Pittsburgh, Indians threaten the settlements in the
neighbourhood of, - - - 512
Garrison at, consists of two hundred men, - - 513
Congress resolve to send powder and lead to, - 1337
Plan, of Government for Pennsylvania, 53
For clearing Long-Island Sound of the enemy, - 304
General Gates's, for recruiting the new Army in the
Northern department, ..... 470
Of Colonel Putnam, for establishing a corps of En-
gineers, ----- - 893
General Schuyler's, for recruiting the Army, - 1016
Of the Board of War to enable discharged soldiers
to receive their pay where discharged, - - 1211
For obtaining arms for the Continental Army, - 1218
Of a treaty with France, - - 1344
Platt, Captain Zephaniah, lette» to, from John White, 352
Deposition of, against William Warne, - - 679
Complains of desertions from the Army, -, - 713
Pleasure-boat, General Washington's, fired upon by
mistake, 991
Pliarne, Penet, & Co., letter from, to New-York Con-
vention, -------- 1146
Plum, Reuben, trial of, foractingand speaking against
the liberties of America, ----- 885
Plummer, Benjamin, powder delivered to, - - 748
Plundering, strictly forbidden, - - 382, 413
Such a spirit of, gone forth as to threaten the exist-
ence of the Army, ------ 446
Measures taken for the detection of persons en-
gaged in, - 382, 447
Efforts of General Washington to prevent, - - 498
Plymouth, Massachusetts, drafts from, ordered to
Rhode-Island, - - 767
Pollard, Jonathan, appointed Aid-de-Camp to Gen-
eral Heath, --- - 843
Polly, schooner, permitted to sail for North-Carolina, 657
Polly, brig, captured by the privateer Hancock, - 1309
Pongius, Henry, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 82
Pool, Captain, cashiered, - 1295
Poor, Colonel Enoch, recommended to Congress for
promotion, ... ... 615
Poor, Isaac, commissioned Colonel of Second Bat-
talion of New-Hampshire troops, - - 1177
Poor, provision made for the, at Wiltse's Ferry from
New-York, - - - 672
Inadequacy of the provision made for the, by New-
York Convention, ------ 934
Names of the, sent from New-York city to Bed-
ford, - .- - 1272
Pope, Captain, wounded in a skirmish with Major
Rogers's Rangers, 1270
Pope, Lieutenant, cashiered, - - - - 1065
Popst, Major, dismissed the Army, - - - - 291
Pork, twenty barrels of, voted to Jonathan Eddy and
others, -
Not a barrel of, on Sullivan's Island, ... 938
Porter, Dr. Andrew, recommended for a Surgeoncy, - 210
Porter, Colonel Asa, arrested as being inimical to the
cause of America, ------ 145
Certificate in favour of, - 145
Objects to the jurisdiction of New-Hampshire As-
sembly, - ...--.. 145
Depositions against, - - 149-155
Porter, Ebenezer, petition of, to Massachusetts Coun-
cil, - - -806
Prayer of the petition of, granted, - 806
Porter, Colonel Elisha, letter from, to General Gates, 222
1495
INDEX.
1496
Porter, John, appointed Paymaster to Colonel Ward's
regiment, ... 331
Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, arrival of a cargo of
military stores, &.C., at, - ... 916
A prize brig sent into, - 1196
Portugal, Court of, said to have ordered American
ships away on ten days' notice, - - 822
Pose, Lieutenant, cashiered, - - - - 1120
Post, John, appointed Commissary for the post at the
German Flats, - - 1132
Post-Office, removal of the, from Dobbs's Ferry to
Head-Quarters, - - 256
Post-Riders, establishment of, between Fishkill and
Head-Quarters, - - 694
Potomack, operations of Dunmore's fleet in the, - 165
Potts, Dr. Jonathan, letter from, to General Gates, - 277
Letter to, from Isaac Pierce, - 591
Letter from, to Richard Varick, - 1040
Potts, Lieutenant, promoted to a Captaincy, - - 1086
Poundridge, letter from Committee of, to New-York
Convention, - ..... 1066
Powder — see Gunpowder.
Powder-Mill, certificate on Wisner's, ... 293
One large copper delivered for the use of the, at
Stoughton, - - - 769
Powell, Brittain, appointed an Ensign, . - - 634
Powell, Jeremiah, President of Massachusetts Assem-
bly, letter from, to General Washington, - - 312
Powell, John, sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes, 1081
Pownall, Governour, extract from Speech of, in de-
fence of the Americans, ... - 390
Pownalborough, Maritime Court to be held at, for the
trial of two prizes, - - - - - -751
Pratt, Ensign John, dismissed the service, - - 1086
Preble, Jedediah, Jun., and others, petition of, to Mas-
sachusetts General Court, - 758
Money paid to, for the use of two Indians, - - 775
Prescott, General, ordered to hold himself in readi-
ness to march to New- York, - - - 377
Prescott, General, (British,) to be exchanged for Gen-
eral Sullivan, .-.- 193, 196, 290, 1330
At Elizabethtown for exchange, - ... 399
Arrangement for the exchange, - - 437, 464
Prescott, Oliver, letter from, to Richard Devens, - 1227
Prescott, Colonel William, return of officers in the
regiment commanded by, - - 881
Return of the regiment commanded by, - - 1319
President of Congress — see John Hancock.
Pringle, Captain Thomas, letter from, to Mr. Ste-
phens, Secretary of the Admiralty, ... 1069
Prisoners, common, ordered to be removed from the
Philadelphia jail,
State, to be confined in the Philadelphia jail, - 7
Ordinance forthe reliefof, in thejails of Pennsylvania, 13
Order respecting, taken by Captain Isaiah Robinson, 64
Taken in a coasting sloop, ordered into custody, - 116
List of American, at Halifax, Nova-Scotia, - - 190
Two, sent to Lancaster Committee, ... 255
In irons in Halifax jail, - 252,307
Examination of, - ... 310
Fourteen American, escape from Halifax, - - 358
Exchange of, proposed by General Howe, - - 437
Return of British, in possession of Americans, - 438
Return of, sent by General Carleton from Canada
to New-York, - - ... 438
Escape of Tory, from the jail of Frederick-Town, - 457
Information from two, captured between St. John's
and La Prairie, - - - 481
Two, captured by Lieutenant Whitcomb, - - 483
Washington requested to procure the exchange of
five, taken in the merchant service, - 485
Two American, escape from Quebeck, - - 486
Disposition of, by Fairfield Committee, - 537
Washington requests a return of, in Connecticut, - 549
Sent from Canada on parole, arrive at Elizabeth-
town, New-Jersey, - - - 588, 597
Number of Maryland troops taken, on Long-Island, 595
Congress take measures for the redemption of the,
taken on Long-Island, ..... 595
Washington requests a return of, in Rhode-Island, 595
Massachusetts Assembly requested to collect all the,
in Massachusetts, preparatory to an exchange, - 596
Indians take a man and his two sons, near Monkton, 621
Removal of, from Kingston, Long-Island, to Morris
County, New-Jersey, - - 653
Hopkinton Committee ask to be relieved from, - 764
Order of Massachusetts Council respecting, - - 803
Those, charged with capital offences to be sent to
Head-Quarters for trial, ----- 827
Prisoners — Continued.
Petition of the, in Morristown jail, - 830
Deplorable state of the, in New-Jersey, - - 853
Disposition of the, taken by Captain Souther, - 943
Important intelligence received from, ... 944
Two American, effect their escape from Staten-
Island, - . 1009
Letter relative to the, in Westchester, New-York, - 1066
Twenty British and Hessian, taken on Staten-Island, 1073
One hundred and ten, returned by Carleton, - - 1080
Hessian, treated with particular civility by General
Mercer, - - . 1093
List of, taken on Staten-Island, - - 1094
American, in the coal-pits of Cape Breton, - - 1105,
1226, 1303
Six, taken on the Jersey shore, sent to Philadelphia, 1129
Some of the Hessian, allowed to escape, - - 1129
Resolutions of Congress and order of the Board of
War respecting, - ... H85
Of Major Rogers's corps of Tories, - - 1188, 1203
Three Hessian, taken by a party of Colonel Glover's
regiment, .
Taken by the privateer Montgomery, and confined
in Somerset jail, - . 1238, 1403
Five British, and twelve Waldeckers, brought in by
scouting parties, - ... 1264
Six officers, belonging to privateers taken by the
enemy, make their escape, - . 1294
Inhabitants of Canada taken, allowed to return on
parole, - . 1395
Resolutions of Congress in relation to, from North-
Carolina, in the Philadelphia jail, ... 1405
Privateers —
Great numbers of, fitted out in New-England, - 282
Cruising off the Straits of Gibraltar, - - 156,177
To be unmolested in Spanish ports, - - 917, 1091
Cruising off Cape Finisterre, .... 951
Expected in the Irish Channel, .... §63
Prizes taken by, in the English Channel, - - 1245
Vessels of war sent against, in the English Channel, 1278
Petition of owners of the Lee and the Putnam, to
Continental Congress, - ... 1331
Permission given by Continental Congress to Fran-
cis Guillot to fit out one, at such place as he may
choose, - - 1381
Board of War directed to sell powder and lead to
the owners of the General Lee and Colonel
Parry, - - 1384
Privateers, Maryland —
Enterprise, Captain Campbell, prizes taken by, - 232
Harlequin, Captain Woolsey, prize taken by, 510, 560
Application for a new commission, ... 988
Commission issued to Captain Handy, - - 641
Independence, Captain Tibbitt, commissioned, - 637
Molly, Captain Conway, commissioned, - - 630
Montgomery, Captain Polk, commissioned, - - 627
Potowmack, Captain Speake, commissioned, - 655
Privateers, Massachusetts —
America, Captain Nicholson, commissioned, - 748
Prize taken by, ...... 1004
America, petition for powder, .... 753
Powder sold to, - - - 761
America, Captain Snow, commissioned, - 766
Boston, Captain Browne, commissioned, - - 790
Civil Usage, Captain Giddings, commissioned, - 780
Dolphin, Captain Waters, petition for powder, . - 752
Powder sold to, . . * . 757
Prize taken by, - . . 560
Commission issued to Captain Leach, - - 799
General Gates, Captain Carlton, petition for powder, 737
Powder sold to, - 734
Prize taken by, - 1046
Taken and carried into Halifax, - - 1227
Hawk, Captain Lee, detention and release of, at
Bilboa, - 917, 1091
Arrival of a prize of, at Newburyport, - - 1245
Hope, Captain Hatch, commissioned, - - 794
Independence, Captain Nickels, commissioned, - 791
Independency, Captain Gill, prize taken by, - - 307
Langdon, petition for powder, - - 752
Powder sold to, ------ 757
Liberty, Captain Peirce, commissioned, - - 787
Necessity, Captain Le Craw, commissioned and
powder sold to, - - 801
Phoenix, Captain Cunningham, commissioned, - 787
Powder sold to, .... 739
Polly, Captain Leech, petition for powder, - - 752
Powder sold to, ------ 757
Commissioned, ..... 753
1497
INDEX.
1498
Privateers, Massachusetts — Continued.
Putnam, Captain Bayley, commissioned, - - 799
Ranger, Captain Roberts, commissioned, - - 796
Reprisal, Captain Wheelwright, commissioned, - 804
Retaliation, Captain Giles, commissioned, - - 740
Prize taken by, ... 1196
Retrieve, Captain Stone, petition for powder, - 737
Powder sold to, - - 734
Revenge, Captain Warren, commissioned, - - 745
Prize taken by, Captain White, - 786, 787, 789
Rover, Captain Forrester, prizes taken by, - - 156,
177, 403, 1196
Speedwell, Captain Greely, commissioned, - - 749
Petition for powder, --.... 754
Powder sold to, - - 757
Prize taken by, - 808, 936
Sturdy Beggar, Captain Rowland, commissioned, - 803
Union, Captain Somes, commissioned, - ' •'»=•' ' - 741
Powder sold to, ------ 757
Viper, Captain Wormsell, commissioned, - - 753
Warren, Captain Coas, prizes taken by, - 346, 863
Washington, Captain Smith, commissioned, - - 804
Wolfe, Captain Freeman, commissioned, - - 745
Yankee, ship Creighton taken by, - 787
Privateers, Pennsylvania —
Congress, Captain Craigie, prize taken by, - 539, 576
Congress, Captain Greenway, commissioned, - 79
General Lee, Captain Chatham, commissioned, - 79
General Thompson, Captain Connell, commissioned, 80
Hancock, Captain Newman, prizes taken by, - 750,
1126, 1309
Jupiter, Captain Illingsworth, commissioned, - 65
Rutledge, Captain Smith, commissioned, - - 84
Commissions delivered to James Mease and Rob-
ert Mease, for a ship and brig, to be fitted out by
them in a foreign port, ... - 97
Privateers, Rhode-Island —
Eagle, Captain Paine, prize taken by, - - 346, 560
General Greene, prizes taken by, - - - 486, 560
Independence, Captain Jabez Whipple, prizes
taken by, - .... 227, 282
Favourite, Captain Coffin, prizes taken by, - - 936,
1019, 1174
Industry, Captain Child, prizes taken by, - 935, 1019
Joseph, Captain Field, prize taken by, - - 227
Montgomery, prizes taken by, - - - 486, 1126
Putnam, Captain Christopher Whipple, prize taken
by, - 1260
Yankee Ranger, prizes taken by, - - 338
Captain Tillinghast, prize taken by,
Captain Crawford, prizes taken by, - - 936, 1019
Prize Agents, letter from Marine Committee to, - 1115
Prize Money, increase of, recommended by Commo-
dore Hopkins, ------- 282
Resolve of Massachusetts respecting, - - 775
Resolve of Continental Congress respecting, - 1114
Prizes, taken by —
Captain Atkins, - - 936, 1228
Captain Baldwin, Continental schooner Wasp, - 1072
Captain Biddle, Continental ship Andrew Doria, - 227,
282, 307, 455
Captain Carlton, privateer General Gates, - - 1046
Captain Campbell, privateer Enterprise, - . - 232
Captain Child, privateer Industry, - 935
Captain Coas, privateer Warren, - - . - 346, 863
Captain Coffin, privateer Favourite, - 936, 1019, 1174
Captain Cooke, Maryland ship Defence, - 863, 1291
Captain Craigie, privateer Congress, - - 539, 576
Captain Crawford, ... - 936, 1019
Captain Dunn, sloop Revenge, - - 338, 359, 486
Captain Field, privateer Joseph, - - 227
Captain Forrester, privateer Rover, off the Straits of
Gibraltar, - 156, 177, 403, 1196
Captain Giles, privateer Retaliation, - - 1196
Captain Gill, privateer Independency, - - 307
Captain Godfrey, privateer Lady Washington, - 935
Captain Greely, privateer Speedwell, - - 808, 936
Captain Harding, Connecticut brig Defence, - 866
Captain Harmon, privateer Putnam, - - 1046, 1316
Captain Harthorne, - - 1227
Captain Hinman, Continental brig Cabot, - 1174, 1260
Captain Jones, Continental sloop Providence, - 171,
226, 595, 624, 927, 1019, 1043, 1105, 1260, 1304
Captain Lee, privateer Hawk; - - 917,1091, 1245
Captain Munro, - - 486, 560
Captain Nickerson, privateer America, - - 1004
Captain Niles, Connecticut schooner Spy, - 312, 848
Captain Newman, privateer Hancock, - 750, 1126, 1309
Captain Paine, schooner Eagle, - - 346, 560
Prizes, taken by — Continued.
Captain Parker, privateer, , - -1019,1046
Captain Pearce, , 1174
Captain Rogers, New-York sloop Montgomerie, 357, 702
Captain Samson, Massachusetts brig Indepen-
dence, - - . 346, 358
Captain Souther, brigantine Massachusetts, - - 943
Captain Stacey, privateer Diamond, - -1174,1260
Captain Turpin, South-Carolina brigantine-of-war
Comet, - . 285
Captain Waters, schooner Dolphin, ... 560
Captain Waters, schooner Lee, - - . - 116
Captain Abraham Whipple, Continental ship Co-
lumbus, - . 307, 455, 595, 863
Captain Christopher Whipple, privateer Putnam, - 1260
Captain Jabez Whipple, privateer Independence, 227, 282
Captain Woolsey, privateer Harlequin, - - 510 560
Sundry vessels, 307,338, 439, 863, 1073, 1126, 1196, 1245
British men-of-war, 116, 359, 455, 1019, 1158, 1201, 1227
A day seldom passes without some being taken, - 936
Computed that a million sterling have been taken, - 1245
Proceedings, of —
Pennsylvania Convention, - .... i_62
Pennsylvania Council of Safety, - - - 61-98
Connecticut Council of Safety, .... 114
129, 143, 188, 226, 266, 280, 295, 305, 386. 422^
557, 575, 848, 1171, 1194, 1208, 1259, 1302
Baltimore Committee, - - - - - - 118
253, 308, 347, 458, 601, 925, 1005
Town-meeting at Halifax, New- York, ... 124
Town -meeting at Rockingham, Cumberland County, 124
Massachusetts Council, .... 133
Pittsfield (Massachusetts) Committee, - - - 134
Court-Martial on Lieutenant Marshall, - - - 175
New-Hampshire House of Representatives, - - 176
Northumberland (Pennsylvania) Committee, - - 255
Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Committee, ... 234,
287, 365, 490, 546, 1008, 1155
Council of General Officers, - - 237,329,1117
Delaware Convention, ----- 285, 286
Dutchess County (New-York) Committee, - - 373
Town Meeting at Providence, Rhode-Island, - - 376,
389, 1104, 1107
General Court-Martial, held at Harlem, - - - 467,
498, 550, 569, 589, 610, 929
Court-Martial on Ensign Macumber, - - 499, 500
Convention on the New-Hampshire Grants, - 526-530
Pennsylvania Assembly, - - - 542-546
General Court-Martial, held at King's Bridge, - 550,
551, 590, 883
Town-Meeting at Petersham, - 576
General Court-Martial on Captain Wisner, - - 610
Maryland Council of Safety, - - - 625-660
New- York Convention and Committee of Safety, 659-726
Massachusetts General Court, ... 725-808
Conference with the Six Nations at Wyoming, - 825
Court-Martial for the trial of Mr. Champney, - 882
Middletown (Connecticut) Committee, - 885
Court-Martial, held by order of General Heath, 930, 948
Town-Meeting at Oxford, Massachusetts, - - 936
Carlisle Committee, - - 939
Council of General Officers, held at General Lee's
Head-Quarters, 1117
Brigade Court-Martial, - 1139, 1140
Meeting in the State-House Yard, Philadelphia, - 1149
Cumberland County (Pennsylvania) Committee, - 1201
Meeting of Delegates at Carlisle, - - - - 1201
General Court-Martial, held at White-Plains, - - 1242,
1282, 1294
General Court-Martial, held by order of General Lee, 1295
On impressment of seamen in London, - 1228-1232
Berks County (Pennsylvania) Committee, - - 1309
South-Carolina Navy Board, - 1323-1328
Continental Congress, - - 1329-1418
Proclamation —
By General Howe, offering a pardon to deserters
who surrender themselves, - 603
By Governour Trumbuli, - -1171,1225
By the King, for encouraging seamen to enter on
board the ships-of-war, - - 1228
By the King, fora general Fastin England and Wales, 1289
By the King, for a general Fast in Scotland, - - 1290
Proctor, Colonel, petition of, to Pennsylvania Conven-
tion for arms, -
Proctor, Captain, prisoner in the jail of Halifax, treat-
ment of, by the enemy, ----- 252
Proctor, Francis, elected a Second Lieutenant of
Artillery,- - 80
Ordered to Fort Montgomery, - - 81
1499
INDEX.
1500
Proctor, Thomas, Major of Artillery, - - 80
Promotions, remarks of General Washington on, - 603
Providence, Continental sloop-of-war, Captain John
Paul Jones, cruise of/ - 171, 226, 624, 1105, 1303
Providence, Continental frigate, Captain Whipple pro-
moted to the command of, - 1394
Nearly ready for sea, ------ 986
Providence, R. I., prizes sent into, - - 307, 560
Proceedings of a town-meeting at, 376, 389, 1104, 1107
Letter from Marine Committee to the Committee
for building Continental frigates at, - - 954
Extract of a letter from, - - 1194
Provisions, plenty of, on Long-Island, except fresh
meat, - ... 135
A good stock of, at Fort Stanwix, German-Flats,
and Johnstown, - - 534, 1190
Plenty of, in the British Army at New- York, - 564
Shameful waste of, - ... 605
A supply of, voted to Jeremiah Colborn, - - 776
Colonel Gadsden requests a supply of salted, for
Sullivan's Island, - . - 938
Account of, on board the sloop-of-war Providence, 1106
Account of, on board the Alfred, - - 1107
Alarming situation of Washington's Army on ac-
count of the state of, .... H38
Bennington Committee requested to forward, to
Ticonderoga, 1143
Orders in Council prohibiting the exportation of,
from Great Britain and Ireland, - 1233
Quantity of, necessary to be laid in at the posts be-
tween Fort Lee and Philadelphia, - - 1281
Resolution of Congress for supplying the Northern
Army with, - - - - 1378
Prussia, Mr. Deane urges the importance of treating
with the King of, - - - - 811
Purdy, Jonathan, Jun., declares himself a subject of
King George, - - - - - - -311
Prays to be permitted to his parole, - - 694
Purviance, Samuel, Jun., Chairman of Baltimore Com-
mittee, -
Letters to, from Richard Henry Lee, - - 350, 989
Letter to, from Joseph Hewes, - - 364
Putnam, Col. Rufus, report of, to General Washington, 140
Letters from, to General Washington, - - 549, 892
Plan of, for a corps of Engineers, Artificers, &c., - 893
Putnam, General, spirited conduct of, at Harlem, - 370
Narrowly escapes being made prisoner in New- York, 352
Note from, to General Heath, - - 962
Putnam, Lieutenant Jeremiah, of galley Independence, 963
Putnam, New-York schooner, mutiny on board the, 215,
714, 718, 720
P. W., on Monopolizers, - 1288
Pyne, Richard, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 797
Permitted to leave the country for England, - - 798
Gives his parole not to act against the United States, 798
Certificate in favour of, .... 793
Q-
Quartermaster-General, estimate of the expense of the
department of the, for one month, - - 1318
Queen-of-England, prize ship, finding of the Jury in
the case of, - 767
Resolve respecting the distribution of the proceeds
of the sale of, 776
Queen's County, New- York, petition of inhabitants of,
to Lord and General Howe, - - 1159
Address of the inhabitants of, to Governour Try on, 1164
Quigley, Lieutenant Thomas, letters from, to Thomas
Randall, one of the Marine Committee, - 215, 1074
Quin, Samuel, appointed a Second Lieutenant, ' - 88
R.
Rain, Philip, deposition of, against William B. Town-
send, - - 648
Raleigh, Continental frigate, orders for supplying the,
with cannon, - - - 955
Ordered on a cruise, - - - 1200
Ramsey, Thomas, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 636
Randall, Thomas, letters from, to New-York Conven-
tion, - 215, 972
Letters to, from Thomas Quigley, - 215, 1074
Randolph, Edmund, letter from, to Gen. Washington, 987
Ranger, privateer, petition of owners of the, - - 796
Rank, relative, between English Navy and Army offi-
cers, - - - 172
Letter from Virginia Convention concerning, - 319
Of officers of Marines, ... . 1417
Ranney, Daniel, deposition of, - 218
Ranson, Thomas, elected a First Lieutenant, - - 1341
Rations, price of, in Virginia, - - - 850
Number of, claimed by Artillery officers. - 850
Deputy Commissary-General requests instructions
in relation to the, of certain officers, - - 850
Resolutions of Congress in relation to, - 1360
Allowed to officers on the staff in the Army of the
United States, - - - 1407
Raymond, Edward, appointed a Wagonmaster, - 474
Raymond, Captain Edward, letter to, from Udney Hay, 534
Letter from, to Colonel Hay, - 534
Read, Charles, appointed an Ensign, - 1396
Read, George, President of Delaware Convention, - 424
Read, Colonel James, return of officers in the regi-
ment commanded by, - - 906
Read, Colonel John Hatton, letter to, from Maryland
Council of Safety, - - 578
Reading, Daniel, sentence of, - . 473
Reading (Pennsylvania) Committee, empowered to
appoint a guard, - - 64
Letter from, to Lancaster Committee, - - 120
Recantation, of Nathan Hilands, .... 325
Recruiting, General Gates's plan of, for the Northern
Army, - . 470
Instructions from General Washington to Colonel
Hand, - . 993
Instructions for, from a Committee of New-York
Convention, - .... 1204
Instructions for, from General Schuyler, - - 1297
Redfield, Captain, taken by the enemy, and dismissed
after a few days' detention, - - - 170
Red-Hook, works erecting at, . 261
Great want of men at, - - 667
Redman, John, Jun., appointed Paymaster to Penn-
sylvania troops, - ... 88
Reed, Ames, sentenced to be flogged for speaking
disrespectfully of the Commander-in-Chief, - 239
Reed, George, commissioned Major of First Battalion
of New-Hampshire troops, - 1177
Reed, John, appointed an Ensign, - - 1340
Reed, Adjutant-General Joseph, letters from, to —
General Beall, - - - 895
Committee of Congress appointed to inquire into
the state of the Army, ..... §26
General Heath, 275, 569, 597, 827, 845, 962, 973, 1026
General Mifflin, - 253, 259
Charles Pettitt, - - 1036
President of Congress, ..... 417
Mrs. Reed, - - 123, 198, 332, 443, 994, 1250
Governour Trumbull, - 98, 1121
Letters to, from —
General Beall, - 895
Colonel Bullitt, - - - - 191
Spirited conduct of, at Harlem, - - 370
Tenders his resignation, - - 826
Reed, Mrs., letters to, from Colonel Reed, - - 123,
198, 332, 443, 994, 1250
Reed, Moses, prisoner, examination of, - - 598
Reed, Sergeant Major, promoted to an Ensigncy, - 1083
Reed, Lieutenant-Colonel Seth, absent on account of
ill health, - 441
Rees, David, appointed an Ensign, - - 477
Rees, Jacob, gives security for his good behaviour, - 1156
Refugees, from Long-Island, a regiment proposed to
be raised from, - - 935
Regimental Orders, by Colonel Lippitt, - - 338
Regulations, for 'carrying the mails, - - 256
Respecting the sale of vegetables, &.c., - 616
Reid, Charles, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 791
Permitted to go to England, - 791
Reid, Isaac, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 631
Reiger, Jacob, appointed an Ensign, - 92
Reilly, John, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 477
Reily, John, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 88
Religion, equal liberty to all denominations of, urged
upon the General Assembly of Virginia, - - 816
Provision respecting, in Constitution of Pennsylvania, 58
Remsen, Colonel Henry, letters from, to New- York
Convention, - - 226, 547
Letter to, from New-York Committee of Safety, - 683
Remsen, Colonel Jeronimus, permits Major Thome
to return home, - 202
Report, abstract of Lieutenant Whitcomb's, - - 483
Relative to the calling out the Militia of Westches-
ter, Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster Counties, - 660
Of a sub-committee of New-York Committee of
Safety on General Schuyler's letter, - - 688
In relation to the finances of New-York, - - 710
On a more effectual mode of detecting and defeat-
ing the designs of internal enemies, - 714
1501
INDEX.
1502
Report — Continued.
Of the Committee appointed to investigate the case
of Charles Goodrich, .... 742
Of the evidence taken at the Court of Inquiry on
the charge against Colonel Tyler of cowardice, 1251
Of the Committee appointed by Congress to con-
fer with Lord Howe, ... 1342
Of the Committee appointed to visit General Wash-
ington's camp, (note,) ..... 1385
Concerning Bernard & Wadding's goods, (note,) 1390
On General Washington's request to be allowed to
appoint P. Penet one of his Aids, (note,) - - 1398
On the case of the ship Elizabeth, libeled by John
Wentworth, - - - 1398
Representation, Newburyport Committee send a, to
Massachusetts Council, - - 768
Of Abraham Lott, to New- York Convention, - 723
Reprisal, Continental ship-of-war, Captain Lambert
Wickes, attack upon, by the Shark, in the har-
bour of Martinico, - - 223
Arrival of, at Philadelphia, with muskets, powder,
&c., - - 323
Ordered to be got ready for sea immediately, - 429
Selected to carry Dr. Franklin to France, - - 1211
Plan of the cruise of the, - - - 1211
Reprisal, privateer, petition of owners of the, to Mas-
sachusetts Council, ------ 804
Republick, armed sloop, iron ballast delivered to, - 801
Resolution, schooner, Benjamin King appointed Cap-
tain of the, - - - - - - 642
Resolves of the Council and House of Representatives
of Massachusetts, - - - 725-808
Retaliation, privateer, stores, appurtenances, and equip-
ment of the, - 741
Returns, of —
Arms belonging to Pennsylvania, ordered, 77
Officers for King's County, New-York, - 109
Officers on board the armed sloop Freedom, - - 174
Fire-arms, &c., of Massachusetts, - - 231
Provisions, &.C., at Fort Schuyler, - 248
Detachment under Colonel Livingston, - 296
General Washington's Army, at New- York, - 327-329
Knox's regiment of Artillery, 329, 451, 607, 909, 1130
The names of those recommended to fill vacancies
in Colonel Ward's regiment, - - 413
British prisoners, - - 438
Prisoners sent from Canada to New- York by Carle-
ton, - 438,522
Washington's Army at King's Bridge and its de-
pendencies,
The forces commanded by General Gates, - 479, 617
Major Badlam's corps of Artillery, - 479, 619
Ordnance and stores taken by the British in New-
York and adjacent batteries, - - - 493
Prisoners taken on the Island of New- York, - - 522
Maryland troops in Continental service under the
command of Colonel Smallwood, - - 567
Brigades under the immediate command of General
Washington, at Harlem, ----- 607
Troops in General Greene's division, - - 607
Necessaries wanted at the Fortifications in the
Highlands, - - 674
Absent officers to be made to Head-Quarters, - 844
Officers in Colonel Nicholson's regiment, - - 857
Officers in Colonel Chester's regiment, - - 870
Officers in Colonel Newcomb's regiment,
Officers in Colonel Nicoll's regiment, - - - 871
Officers in Colonel Jacobus Swartwout'a regiment, 871
Officers in Colonel Tyler's regiment, - - 872
Officers in Colonel Graham's regiment, - - 872
Officers in Colonel Thomas's regiment, - 872
Officers of Colonel Cunningham's regiment of the
Flying-Camp, -
Officers in Colonel Andrew Ward's regiment, - 873
Officers in Colonel Paul D. Sargent's regiment, - 874
Officers in Colonel Lasher's regiment, - - 875
Officers in Colonel Hardenbergh's regiment, - 875
Field Officers in Colonel Sargent's brigade, -
Officers in Colonel Samuel VVyllys's regiment, - 876
Officers in the Twenty-First Regiment,
Officers of the Seventeenth Regiment, -
Officers absent in the Seventh Regiment,
Officers in Colonel Forman's battalion,
Officers in Brigadier-General Wadsworth's brigade, 878
Officers in Colonel Haller's battalion, - - 878
Officers in the Second Battalion Pennsylvania Rifle
Regiment, - - 878
Officers in Colonel Selden's regiment, -
Officers of Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion, - 879
Returns, of — Continued.
Officers of First Battalion Pennsylvania Rifle Regi-
ment, 879
Officers of late Colonel Selden's regiment, - - 880
Officers in camp,"of Colonel Douglass's regiment, - 880
Officers absent in Colonel Jonathan Smith's regi-
ment, - . 880, 904
Colonel Cadwalader's Officers, - - 880
Officers in Colonel Prescott's regiment, - - 881
Officers in Colonel Edward Hand's regiment, - 897
Field Officers of Maryland Flying-Camp, at Mor-
ris's Heights, - . . 897
Field Officers of Colonel Hand's regiment, sta-
tioned at De Lancey's Mills, - . . 897
General Fellows's brigade, ..... 898
Officers of the Delaware regiment, ... 898
Field Officers in the Pennsylvania Battalions en-
camped near Head-Quarters, - - 898
Officers in Colonel Martin's regiment, ... 899
Officers in Colonel Richardson's regiment, - . 900
Officers of Colonel Phillips's battalion of Jersey
levies, - . 900
General Wadsworth's brigade, .... 901
Field Officers of First Virginia Regiment, - - 901
Officers in General Heard's brigade, ... 901
Officers in Colonel Hutchinson's regiment, - - 901
Field Officers in General Fellows's brigade, - - 902
Officers in the late Colonel Gay's regiment, - . 902
Officers in Colonel Ewing's battalion of Maryland
forces raised for the Flying-Camp, ... 903
Absent officers in the Tenth Regiment, - . 903
Officers in Colonel Sage's regiment, ... 904
Officers in Colonel Silliman's regiment, - - 904
Absent officers in the Twenty-First Regiment, - 905
Absent officers in Colonel Douglass's regiment, - 905
Officers in Colonel Knox's regiment of Artillery, - 905
Officers in Colonel James Read's regiment, - - 906
Officers in Colonel Drake's regiment, ... 906
Two brigades of Militia, commanded by General
Saltonstall and Colonel Lippett, ... 909
General Mercer's Army, at Perth-Amboy, . . 941
Officers in the Second Battalion of General Scott's
brigade, - - - . 1060
Officers of Colonel McDougall's regiment, - - 1060
Officers of Colonel Ritzema's regiment, - - 1060
Officers of Maryland troops commanded by Colonel
Smallwood, ----... 1061
Officers of Colonel Varnum's regiment, - - 1061
Arms and accoutrements taken from the enemy on
Staten-Island, - - - 1094
New-Hampshire troops at Ticonderoga, - 1177
Forces encamped on the Jersey shore, under the
command of General Greene, - ... 1250
Killed and wounded in the brigade commanded by
Brigadier-General Leslie, (British,) ... 1270
Seventh Regiment of Foot, commanded by Colonel
William Prescott, - - 1319
Regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas, - - 1319
Regiment of Connecticut Militia commanded by
Colonel Oliver Smith, - - 1321
Regiment commanded by Colonel Jacobus Swart-
wout, - ... 1321
Regiment commanded by Colonel Morgan Graham, 1321
Colonel Gay ordered to make, of the state of his
regiment, ....... 166
Washington orders an immediate, of every regi-
ment, - - - 194, 195
Revenge, brig captured by the, - 359, 486
Revenge, privateer, Captain Warren, - 745
Reyner, Ebenezer, recommended for a Second Lieu-
tenancy, - - 1247
Rhoads, Peter, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - 9
Rhode-Island Assembly —
Letters to, from the President of Congress, - - 136,
489, 839, 953
Alarm of, at the unexpected evacuation of Long-
Island, - : - - 207
Appoint a Committee to confer with General Wash-
ington upon the best means of defence, - - 207
Troops of, worthy of the highest applause, - - 997
Rice, high price of, in Holland, 1090, 1234
Richards, Sergeant Peter, sentenced to be reduced to
the ranks and whipped, - 291
Richards, Ensign Solomon, promoted to a Second
Lieutenancy, - - 1083
Richardson, Colonel William, letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - - 104
Return of officers in the regiment commanded by, 900
1503
INDEX.
1504
Richardson, William, appointed an Ensign in the Fly-
ing-Camp, - ... 638
Richmond, Colonel William, marches to join the ex-
pedition to Long-Island, - - - 1001
Arrival of, at New-London, - - 1125
Elected by Congress Colonel of a Rhode-Island
battalion, - - 1333
Richmond, Christopher, Adjutant of Colonel Small-
wood's regiment, - - - 1014
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 1122
Richmond, Staten-Island, surprise of a party of British
and Hessians at, - ... 1073
Ridgaway, William, authorized to raise a company, - 636
Rights, Declaration of, by Pennsylvania, 22
Riley, Stephen, deposition of, - 649
Riley, order of New- York Committee of Safety for the
arrest of, - - 687
Ringgold, Thomas, letter to, from Maryland Council
of Safety, - - - -457
Rising Empire, brig, resolve relative to, - - 734
Rittenhouse, David, elected a member of Pennsylva-
nia Council of Safety, 8
Roads, orders to obstruct the, leading to King's Bridge, 239
Directions concerning the, from Mount Independ-
ence to Otter Creek, ..... 534
Robbins, Mary, deposition of, - - - 646
Robenson, Siah, chosen a Captain of New-York Mili-
tia, - - 831
Roberdeau, General Daniel, letter from, respecting a
guard for Philadelphia, - ... 3
Complains of the slowness with which the Pennsyl-
vania Militia arrive at Amboy, 10
Requests gun-screws for the use of the troops, - 11
Address of, to the Associators under his command
highly approved, ------ 24
Commissioned as First Brigadier-General of Penn-
sylvania, --------59
Letter from, to Samuel Mifflin, - - 181
Roberts, Charles, commander of schooner Thistle, - 1373
Roberts, Major, promoted to a Lieutenant-Colonelcy, 473
Roberts, Peter, commander of privateer Ranger, - 796
Robins, Josiah, letter from, to William Barkley Town-
send, - - 645
Deposition of, - - 646
Robinson, Benjamin, sentenced to be flogged, - - 477
Robinson, Isaiah, Captain of the Andrew Doria, in-
structions to, - - 1092
Robinson, James, a Court-Martial ordered for the trial
of, for mutiny, - 1195
Robinson, Captain James, instructions to, - 1115
Robinson, John, Court-Martial on, for mutiny, - - 1195
Robinson, Noah, appointed an Ensign, - - 474
Roboson, Elijah, appointed a Captain in the Flying-
Camp, - - 629
Rochester Committee, petition of, to Massachusetts
General Court, - .... 754
Rochford, Lord, character of, - - - 456
Rockingham, Cumberland County, New- York, pro-
ceedings of a town-meeting at, - - 124
Rodgers, Philip, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 1340
Rodman's Point, a guard necessary at, - - 1035
The enemy land ten thousand men at, - - 1174
Rodney, Cresar, letters from, to Thomas Rodney, 510, 840
Letter to, from Colonel Patterson, - 570, 918
Letters to, from Colonel Haslett, - - 896, 1270
Rodney, Thomas, letters to, from Caesar Rodney, 510, 840
Letter to, from Colonel Haslet, - - 881
Roe, Captain Daniel, proceedings of, at Brookhaven,
Long-Island, - .... 506
Roebuck, ship, one of Dunmore's fleet, seventy-five
on the sick list of the, - - - 158
Captures two small vessels bound to Philadelphia, 161
Sails up the Potomack, ... 165
Sickness on board the, - - 461
Passage of the, up the North River, - - 943, 961
Rogers, Major Robert, endeavours to raise a corps of
Provincials, - - 494, 610
Has a battalion nearly completed on Long-Island, 868
Plans a descent upon Connecticut, - - 1028, 1030
Surprised by Colonel Hazlet, and thirty-six of his
Rangers taken prisoners, - 1188, 1203
List of prisoners taken from the corps commanded
by, -' - 1203
Said to have been the first to run off, - - 1249, 1270
Rogers, Captain, promoted to a Majority, - 473
Rogers, Major Zabdiel, letter to, from General Wash-
ington, - . 1165
Rogers, William, commander of the armed sloop
Montgomery, instructions to, - - - - 846
Rolston, John, a sutler, ordered off the ground for
selling rum, &c., contrary to orders, - - 1082
Romans, Bernard, payment to, ... 1407
Roome, John L. C., prisoner, letter from, to Govern-
our Trumbull, - .... §49
Ross, Colonel George, Vice President of Pennsylvania
Convention, - 2
Elected a Delegate to Continental Congress, 6
Letter from, to Lancaster Committee, - - 1217
Ross, Captain James, appointed a Major, - - 1378
Ross, William, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 792
Permitted to prepare his vessel for sea, - - 793
Root, Aaron, letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - 1196
Root, Jesse, letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - 1267
Rover, privateer, several captures made by the. on the
coast of Portugal, - .... 403
Sends into Falmouth (Casco Bay) a valuable prize, 1196
Rowe, John, testimony of, in the case of the Charm-
ing Peggy, - .J045
Rowel, William, promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - 474
Row-galleys, two, sail to join Arnold's fleet, - - 615
The greatest strength of our naval force on the Lake, 705
Rowland, Edward, Commander of the privateer Sturdy
Beggar, - ...... §03
Royal, Samuel, appointed a Captain of Pennsylvania
Militia, - 73
Rules and Articles for the government of the Armies
of the United States, . 1363
Rules and Regulations for the government of Penn-
sylvania Convention, - 4
Rum, a large quantity of, &c., captured by Captain
Jones, - - ..... 171
A small quantity of, arrives at Hampton, Virginia,- 209
One half gill of, issued to each soldier, - 618
Becoming plenty, . 920
Colonel Gadsden requests that a hogshead of, be
sent to Sullivan's Island, - - - 938
A gill of, issued to each soldier at Ticonderoga, - 1082
Congress order the purchase of one hundred hogs-
heads of, for the Army, - - 1385
Rumsey, Benjamin, letters to, from Maryland Council
of Safety, - 308, 456, 578
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 363
Rumsey, Charles, letters from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - ... . 543, H28
Rumsey, Nathan, letter from, to Maryland Convention, 1134
Rush, Dr. Benjamin, elected a Delegate to Continental
Congress, - 6
Russell, Eleazer, letter from, to New-Hampshire Com-
mittee of Safety, - - 369
Rutherford, General, marches against the Southern
Indians, 208, 540
Operations of, against the Cherokees, - - 1235
Rutledge, Edward, appointed on a Committee to
confer with Lord Howe, - - 192
Letter from, to General Washington, - - 287
Letter to, from John Jay, - - 998
Rutledge, John, President of South-Carolina, Speech
of, - - - 392
Letter from, to South-Carolina Navy Board, - - 1327
Message to, from South-Carolina Navy Board, - 1328
Rutter, Thomas, member of Baltimore Committee, - 117
Ryon, John, prisoner in the jail of Philadelphia, Gen-
eral McDonald's certificate in favour of, - - 211
S.
Sachem, an armed brig captured by, - 254
Saffbrd, Joseph, elected a First Lieutenant, - - 1341
Sage, Colonel Comfort, return of officers in the regi-
ment commanded by, - - 904
Salem, extract of a letter from, to Massachusetts
Assembly, ... . 600
Salisbury, Connecticut Council of Safety vote five
hundred pounds to carry on the Furnace at, - 557
Furnace at, ordered to cast six and four-pounders, 558
Furnace at, ordered to deliver cannon for the Con-
tinental ship building at Chatham, - - 575
Sally, schooner, a flag-of-truce, made prize of by Com-
modore Arbuthnot, - - 307
Salt, measures taken to prevent the removal of, from
the stores of Messrs. Sewell, - - 25
Sale of, regulated in Philadelphia, - 27
Distribution of, in the several Counties of Philadel-
phia, - 27
Resolve concerning, imported into Philadelphia by
Joshua Fisher & Sons,
Owner of a cargo of, allowed to dispose of it, - 36
Speculation in, disapproved of by Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - 83
505
INDEX.
1506
Salt — Continued,
Large quantities of, monopolized by speculators, - 85
Resolution of Pennsylvania Council of Safety re-
specting the sale of, ..... 85
A quantity of, sent from Philadelphia to Trenton, - 89
Price of, regulated, ...... 90
A quantity of, delivered to Daniel Tillinghast, - 119
A quantity of, arrives at Hampton, Virginia, 209, 308, 404
Seven hundred bushels of, captured by the enemy
on Long-Island, ... . 307
Two thousand bushels of, arrive at Philadelphia, - 325
Philadelphia Committee for the distribution of, - 365
Distribution of the, belonging to Joshua Fisher &
Sons, ... ... 888
Measures taken by Connecticut Council of Safety
to procure, ....... 848
Measures taken by Commissary-General Trumbull
to procure, ....... 920
Marine Committee take measures to procure, - 970
Resolve of Pennsylvania Council of Safety fixing
the price of, - 1007
Three hundred bushels of, taken in a prize and sent
into Saco, - - - - - 1046
Commissary Lowry in great want of, - - - 1137
A cargo of, at New-Rochelle, and one at New-Lon-
don, belonging to the Continent, ... H9Q
A cargo of, arrives at Philadelphia from Bermuda, - 1201
Two thousand bushels of, fall into the enemy's
hands at New-Rochelle, - - - 1209
Saltoustall, Gurdon, appointed Brigadier-General of
Connecticut Militia, - - ... 281
Introduced to General Washington, ... 295
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, ... 306
Orders to, from General Heath, - - 591, 828, 844
Four regiments of the command of, encamp oppo-
site Fort Washington, ..... 605
Remainder of the command of, encamp on Har-
lem River, opposite Head-Quarters, ... 610
Letter from, to General Heath, .... 828
Return of the brigade commanded by, ... 909
Saltpetre, a quantity of, delivered to Daniel Tillinghast, 119
New- York Convention authorize the purchase of, 690
Resolve of Massachusetts relative to, - - - 774
Dr. Weisenthrall's report on, - - - - 817
Samson, Captain Simeon, prizes captured by, - - 346
Application of, for orders, stores, &c., ... 794
Order from Massachusetts Council to, - - - 808
Sanborn, John, deposition of, against Asa Porter, - 153
Sanderson, Francis, taken into custody, ... 1005
Sent to Maryland Council of Safety for trial, - 1032
Sands, Comfort, letter from, to New- York Conven-
tion, 979, 998
Sandwich, Lord, personal character of, - - 456
Sandy-Hook, twenty-two sail of the enemy's fleet
leave, and steer an easterly course, ... 792
Twenty-two sail making in for, .... 1094
A large number of transports arrive off, - - 1158
Saratoga, General Schuyler preparing to build barracks
at, - - 1078
Sargeant, Epes, complaint against, - 769
Notified to appear before Massachusetts Council, - 769
Intercepted letter from, - ... 769
Sargent, Colonel Paul D., return of officers in the regi-
ment commanded by, ... 874, 875
Ordered to march a detachment to Dobbs's Ferry, - 962
Orders to, from General Heath, - 976
Letter from, to General Heath, .... 976
Letter to, from General Heath, .... 1036
Sargent, Captain, ordered to march to the Northern
department, - ..... 230
Sargent, Winthrop, letter from, to Massachusetts
Council, -------- 116
Savage, Thomas, appointed a Commissioner of South-
Carolina Navy Board, 1323
Sayre, James, letter from, to General Heath, - - 244
Sayre, William, appointed a First Lieutenant, 88
Scammel, Major Alexander, appointed assistant to the
Adjutant-General, - - 291, 1284
Schenck, Guisbert, deposition of, against Wm. Warne, 679
Schenck, John, letter from, to Abraham Yates, - 260
Schenck, Roeloff, deposition of, against Wm. Warne, 681
Schmidtz, General, arrival of, at Sandy-Hook, - - 1158
Schoolfield, Benjamin, appointed a Captain, - - 634
Schoolfield, George, appointed a Second Lieutenant, 634
Schoolfield, William, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 633
Schott, John Paul, petition of, for a Captaincy, - 157
Appointed a Captain in the Continental Army, - 1332
Schuyler, sloop, prize captured by the, - - 357, 358
Schuyler, Peter, letter from, to New- York Convention, 978
FIFTH SERIES.— VOL. II. 95
Schuyler, General Philip —
Complaints against, by Joseph Trumbull, - - 213
Asks for a Court of Inquiry, .... 245
Resigns his commission, ..... 333
Joseph Trumbull congratulates himself and General
Gates on the resignation of, - ... 417
Resolutions of New-York Convention in relation to
the resignation of, ...... 709
Insinuation against, by Joseph Trumbull, - - 995
Mr. Duane's Minutes of a meeting of a Committee
with, - . -1190
Instructions from, to recruiting officers, - - 1297
Directed to make inquiry respecting the plunder of
the baggage of officers taken at St. John's, &c., 1330
Congress refuse to accept the resignation of, - 1384
Application of, to the Eastern States for Militia,
approved of by Congress, », . . . 1409
Letters from, to-
General Gates, - - 110,142,220,249,264,
293, 334, 355, 374, 469, 555, 833, 859, 909, 923, 999,
1039, 1103, 1125, 1142, 1243, 1274, 1287, 1299, 1314
Governour Trumbull, 126, 341, 846, 999, 1125, 1169
General Washington, 125, 248, 263, 302, 352, 420, 469,
525, 614, 832, 922, 932, 1079, 1138, 1206, 1257, 1286
Robert Yates, 932, 1016
Abraham Yates, ...... 1087
President of Congress, ... 125,245,248,
263, 333, 525, 555, 857, 858, 922, 1078, 1205, 1296
New- York Committee of Safety, ... 685
New- York Convention, .... 707, 932
Berkshire (Massachusetts) Committee, - - 1087
Selectmen of Boston, ..... 1087
Committee of New- York Convention, - - 1258
Bennington Committee, ----- 1258
The Board of War, - 1298
The Secretary of the Board of War, - - - 1298
Letters to, from —
General Arnold, giving an account of the destruc-
tion of his fleet, 1079
Colonel Dayton, 247, 859
General Gates, - 185, 203, 204, 294, 343, 481,
530, 619, 885, 1000, 1017, 1080, 1257, 1287, 1314
H. Glen, - - - 142, 184, 221, 534, 980, 1190
Robert H. Harrison, 1120
Colonel Joseph Trumbull, .... 214
Governour Trumbull, - - 279,535,934,1104
General Washington, ..... 167,
300, 416, 567, 609, 869, 973, 994, 1186
Robert Yates, 1067
President of Congress, ... 560,864,1197
New- York Committee of Safety, - - - 979
Scipio, to the Freemen of Pennsylvania, ... 940
Scollay, John, Chairman of Boston Selectmen, - 1227
Sconondo, an Indian, brings intelligence to Colonel
Dayton, .... - 247, 859
Scott, Benjamin, appointed a Second Lieutenant in
the Flying-Camp, --.-.. 644
Scott, James, First Lieutenant of sloop Freedom, - 174
Scott, John B., letter from, to General Gates, - - 1103
Requests leave to resign his commission, - - 1267
Scott, Captain, a Court-Martial ordered for the trial
of, 606
Scott, General John Morin, letter from, to General
Gates, 828,919
Letter from, to New- York Convention, ... 975
President of the Court of Inquiry into the conduct
of Colonel Tyler, 1251
Scott, John, letter from, to Matthew Tilghman, - 952
Scudder, Dr. Nathaniel, letter to, from John Noble
Gumming, .------ 1244
Scureman, Jacob, prisoner, examination of, - - 310
Seabury, Rev. Samuel, order of New- York Conven-
tion for the arrest of, 683
Seamen, a number of, wanted for the Lakes, - - 357
Wages allowed to, ------ 264
Thirty-three, detailed from Colonel Whitcomb's
regiment to serve in Arnold's fleet, - - 472
Arnold asks for one hundred, - - - - 481
A reinforcement of, sent to Arnold, - - 556, 834
Arnold's, almost naked, ..... 834
Difficulty of obtaining, to man the new Continental
ships, 1070
Difficulty of obtaining, for the Navy, ... H05
List of, detailed from vessels in the River St. Law-
rence to serve on Lake Champlain, ... 1179
Impressment of, on the River Thames, - - 1228, 1229
Resolution of South-Carolina Navy Board to pro-
cure, from the West-Indies, .... 1328
Sea Nymph, brig, taken by Captain Jones, - - 171
1507
INDEX.
1508
Seayres, John, appointed Major of Fourth Virginia
battalion, - 1395
Secret Committee —
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 310
Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 510
Letter from, to Thomas Morris, - - 1237
Authorized to purchase a frigate and two cutters in
Europe, - - - 1387
Secret Correspondence, Committee of —
Letter to, from C. W. F. Dumas, - - 99
Letter from, to William Bingham, • 425,
822, 1148, 1198, 1199
Letter to, from Silas Deane, - 809, 937, 1090, 1091
Important information received by, from Arthur Lee, 818
Letters from, to Silas Deane, - 819,
839, 1197, 1198, 1199, 1214
Dr. Franklin and Robert Morris appointed members
of the, - - 823
Instructions from, to William Hodge, Jun., - 851, 852
Recommend W. Hodge, Jun., to several gentlemen
in France, - - 852
Letters from, to C. W. F. Dumas, - - 1180, 1213
Names of the members of the, - -1180,1214
Letter from, to Stephen Ceronio, - - 1198, 1213
Letter from, to Samuel and J. H. Delap, - - 1198
Letter from, to Arthur Lee, - - 1199
Letter from, to American Commissioners in France, 1211
Sedden, Mark, petition of, to Massachusetts General
Court, - 788
Liberty granted to, to depart for England, - - 788
Sedgwick, Major, recommendation of, - - - 1192
Seeger, Frederick, elected Quartermaster of German
Battalion, - .... 1335
Resigns his office, ------ 1394
Selby, Jesse, discharged from the service, - 645
Selby, Joshua, deposition of, - - 646
Selby, Thomas, ordered under arrest for refusing to
join his corps necir New-York, - - - - 640
Selden, Colonel, return of officers in the regiment
commanded by, - 879
Selectmen, of Charlestown, letter from, to New-Hamp-
shire Committee of Safety, - 20S
Of Charlestown, defend the practice of inoculation, 208
Of Boston, declare the town nearly free of small-pox, 339
Of Waldoborough, petition of, to Massachusetts
General Court, 730
Of Harpswell, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, 732
Of Boston, letter to, from General Schuyler, - 1087
Of Boston, letter from, to Benjamin Austin, - - 1227
Of Pepperell, certificate of, in favour of Aaron Wood, 951
Sennalet, Monsieur, recommended to General Gates
by General Scott, - - - - 829
Seribna, Nathaniel, recommended for a Captaincy, - 931
Sever, William, application of, to Massachusetts Coun-
cil, for orders, &c., for Captain Samson, - - 794
Appointed Agent for Captain Samson's vessel, - 794
Letter from, to Richard Devens, - - - 1209
Sewall, Judge, letter to, from Samuel Curwen, - - 1317
Sewall's Point, resolve relative to the Hospital at, - 778
Seymour, Captain Stephen, recommended as a proper
person to command the brig Comet, - 1323
Letter to, from South-Carolina Navy Board, - - 1325
Seymour, Captain Moses, letter from, to Governour
Trumbull, - 558
Seymour, Thomas, appointed Commodore of the Penn-
sylvania fleet, -------74
Instructions to, - - - - - - 74
Accompanied by a number of the Pennsylvania
Council to Fort Island, - ... 75
Directions to, respecting Fort Island, 89
Shaw, Nathaniel, Jun., letter to, from Governour Trum-
bull, - - - 114
Letter to, from Commodore Hopkins, - - 268
Letter from, to General Washington, - - . 836
Letter to, from Marine Committee, ... 1023
Ordered to supply the ship Oliver Cromwell and
brig Defence with stores, - - 1209
Shawangunk, New-York, letter from Committee of, to
New- York Convention, - - 831
Shee, Colonel Jonathan, tenders his resignation, - 511
Ordered to take charge of General Mifflin's brigade, 605
Resignation of, accepted, - - 1380
Sheep, Governour Trumbull orders the purchase of,
for the Northern Army, ----- 226
Removed from Long-Island, - 336, 504, 623
Three, to be issued to each regiment and two to
the corps of Artillery, - ... 616
General Howe orders seizure of, on Long-Island, - 825
Sheerer, Captain, a quantity of powder delivered to, - 1332
Shelden, Samuel, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 1378
Sheldon, Major Elisha, ordered to march his troop of
Horse to Fishkill, - - 1 171
Shepard, Alexander, orders to, - - 780
Shepard, Lieutenant-Colonel William, General Wash-
ington expresses his wish that Congress would
promote, . 603
Memorial of, to General Washington, ... 604
Wounded in a skirmish with the enemy, - 1188
Promoted to the rank of Colonel, - - 1384
Shepardson, Major John, letter from, to General Gates, 303
Sherburne, Edward, appointed Aid-de-Camp to Gen-
eral Sullivan, - - 992
Sherman, Roger, Delegate in Congress from Connec-
ticut, letter to, from Colonel Z. Butler, - - 824
On a Committee to visit Head-Quarters, - - 1373
Sherman, Major, Washington recommends the pro-
motion of, ---.. 958
Sherred, John, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 82
Shilley, Lebeus, testimony of, on the trial of Captain
Poole, - . 1295
Shipman, Benoni, sentenced to be reprimanded, 589, 590
Shippen, Dr. William, letter from, to General Wash-
ington, - . 1280
Directed to provide and superintend a Hospital for
the Army in New-Jersey, - - 1393
Ships — see Navy.
Shirts, Congress order, to be sent to the Northern
Army, 561
A supply of, received at Ticonderoga, - - 619
A supply of, forwarded to General Gates, - 1063, 1064
Shoes, forwarded to the Northern Army, 561, 1063, 1064
Taken in a prize, offered to the Continent, - - 1133
Shot, Richard Devens proposes to supply Massachu-
setts with, ... 133
A number of cannon, sent to Richard Devens, - 318
Continental Army in North-Carolina supplied with
cannon, - - 1331
Shubrick, Thomas, Speaker of South-Carolina Legis-
lative Council, 394
Shute, Daniel, appointed Aid-de-Camp to General
Lincoln, - 1283
Sick, increase fast in Arnold's fleet, - 224
List of, on board Arnold's fleet, - - - 224
Great number of, in Washington's Army, - - 237
Decrease of the, in the Northern Army, - 484
A great many, at Number Four, - - - 574
Washington asks for Albany sloops to convey the,
to Orange-Town, - - - - 675
Great number of, at Fort Constitution, - - 974
Most of Colonel Hartley's regiment, at Crown-Point, 981
Great number of, in General Wadsworth's brigade, 995
Upwards of three hundred, of the Maryland regulars, 1014
Great number of, in Colonel Ewing's battalion, - 1024
Extreme suffering of the, of Smallwood's regiment, 1099
Greatly neglected, and numbers have died from want
of attendance, (note,) - - - 1385
Sickles, Lieutenant Ethan, dismissed the service for
breach of orders and scandalous behaviour, - 1242
Silliman, Colonel, return of officers in the regiment
commanded by, - ... . 904
Sim, Colonel Joseph, letter to, from Maryland Council
of Safety, - 396
Letters from, to Maryland Council of Safety, 396, 457
Resignation of, ------- 458
Simms, John, appointed an Ensign, ... 1340
Simonds, Colonel Benjamin, letter from, to General
Gates, 303
Letter to, from General Gates, - - 343
Simons, Colonel, and others, appointed to raise Mili-
tia in Berkshire, Massachusetts, - 770
Simpson, John, and others, prisoners on parole, letter
from, to New-York Convention, - - 830
Six Nations, youth of the, educated at Dartmouth
College, friendly to the American cause, - - 125
Conference with the, at Wyoming, - 825
Skene, Governour Philip, proposition to exchange,
for Mr. Lovell, - - 437, 465
Orders respecting, - - 574
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - - 861
Arrival of, at Harlem, - - - 919
Skenesborough, sickness at, delays the building of the
row-galleys, ----- - 127
A quantity of clothing received at, - 142
Carpenters sent to, - - - - 185
Sick at, suffer from want of wine, &c., - 280
A naturally unhealthy place, ... 356
Skidmore, Samuel, in the jail of Fairfield, - - 576
1509
INDEX.
1510
Skinner, John, appointed a Recruiting Sergeant, - 656
Slagle, Colonel, appointed a Commissioner to form
the Flying-Camp, - - - - 20
Sleght, Johannes, letter from, to John McKesson, - 554
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - 950
Sloops, Washington asks for Albany, to transport the
sick, - - 675
Warrant for impressing, .... 676, 684
Slough, Colonel, ordered to march his battalion of
Associators into New-Jersey, - -27
Associators under, dismissed with thanks, - 940, 941
Small-pox, orders of the Selectmen of Boston in rela-
tion to, - ... 297
The town of Boston nearly free from, - 339
Smallwood, Colonel William, letters to, from Mary-
land Council of Safety, - - 272, 838
Letter from, to Maryland Convention, ... 1011
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 1097
Letter from, to Maryland Delegates in Congress, - 1205
Wounded in the battle at White-Plains, - - 1271
Elected a Brigadier-General, .... 1410
Smart, Thomas, appointed an Adjutant, ... 473
Srnedes, Lieut. Abraham, sentenced to be cashiered, 930
Smith, Clement, appointed a Recruiting Sergeant, - 657
Smith, Captain Charles S., resigns his commission as
Captain of Militia, - - 253
Smith, Gilbert Hamilton, deposition of, against Rich-
ard and Samuel Chew, - ... 887
Smith, Edward, published as an enemy to the rights
of the American States, ----- 935
Smith, Eleazer, sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes
for counterfeiting the currency, - - 1082
Smith, Elias, Commander of the privateer Washington, 804
Smith, George, appointed a Commissioner of South-
Carolina Navy Board, - - 1323
Smith, Jacob, engaged in raising men for the King's
Army on Long-Island, ..... 506
Instructions from, to Samuel Glover, - 1024
Smith, Colonel James, elected a Delegate to Conti-
nental Congress, .-.--. 6
Smith, James, Commander of letter-of-marque Rut-
ledge, - - - 84
Smith, Jonathan, Deputy Musterrnaster-General for
the Flying-Camp, tenders his resignation, - - 511
Resignation of, accepted, ----- 1380
Smith, Colonel Jonathan, return of absent officers in
the regiment commanded by, - - - 880, 904
Wounded in the action on Staten-Island, - 1073, 1093
Smith, Jonathan B., appointed a member of Pennsyl-
vania Council of Safety, - - 8
Smith, Joseph, Second Lieutenant of Marines on
Maryland ship Defence, 1291
Smith, Joshua H., member of the New- York Conven-
tion, draft of a bill for the relief of insolvent debt-
ors reported by, - - 704, 706
Smith, Josiah, Jun., appointed a Commissioner of
South-Carolina Navy Board, . - - - 1323
Smith, Captain Nathan, captures a sloop laden with
provisions for the enemy, ----- 759
Smith, Oliver, elected a Lieutenant-Colonel of Con-
necticut Militia, 281
Return of the regiment commanded by, - - 1321
Smith, P. Sim, letter from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - - ... 1209
Smith, Philip, appointed a First Lieutenant, - - 638
Smith, Richard, letter from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - - - 1062
Smith, Roger, appointed a Commissioner of South-
Carolina Navy Board, 1323
Smith, Samuel, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 1340
Smith, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant, - 640
Smith, Captain, orders to, from Major Greene, of De
Lancey's brigade, - - ... 1186
Smith, Ensign, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 1083
Smithtown, Long-Island, Committee of, acknowledge
allegiance to the King, - - - 1220
Smyth, John, prisoner in the jail of Philadelphia,
prayer of, for relief, - - - - 26
Released from prison on a pledge to work in the
gun factory, -------27
Smyth, Thomas, Jun., recommended to the favour of
General Washington, - .... 1021
Snider, Johannes, order for the arrest and examina-
tion of, -------- 688
Snow, Ensign Benjamin, proceedings of a Court-
Martial on, - - - 883
Snow, Isaac, Captain of the privateer America, peti-
tion of, for a commission, ----- 766
Commission granted to, ----- 766
Snow, Jonas, appointed an Ensign, - - 1378
Snyder, Johannes, appointed Colonel of the levies in-
tended to reinforce Forts Montgomery and Con-
stitution, ---.-... g72
Commission of, ....... ggg
Letters from, to New-York Convention, - -1124
Soldier, a, on the employment of Indians in America, 1120
Soldier, a, to the Independent Sons of America, 1174, 1317
Soldiers, complaint of William Gilleland against, - 112
Ought to be inlisted to serve during the war, -
Sick and weak, to be supplied with mutton, - -
A suit of clothes voted those, who inlistfor the war,
Somerset, New-Jersey, an account of the prisoners
confined in the jail *>f, -----
Resolution of Congress in relation to the prisoners
confined in the jail of, - ... 1403
Somes, Isaac, commissioned Commander of the priva-
teer Union, - ...
Southampton, Long-Island, people of, take the oath
of allegiance to the King, - - 252,
Letter from, --....
Consternation at, in consequence of Howe's orders
to raise a brigade on Long-Island, ...
South-Carolina, Speech of the President of, - -
Answer of the Legislature of, to the Governour's
Speech, - -
Address of the General Assembly of, to President
Rutledge, - ... -
Letter to the Assembly of, from the President of
Congress, - - 489, 838
South-Carolina Navy Board, Proceedings of, - 1323-1328
Letter from, to Captain Edward Allen, - - 1325, 1327
Letters from, to Anthony Bonneau, -
Letter from, to Archibald Brown & Co.,
Letter from, to John Copithorn, - .
Letter from, to Edward Darrell, -
Letter from, to Alexander Horn, - -
Letter from, to Captain Thomas Pickering,
Letter to, from President Rutledge, -
Message from, to President Rutledge, -
Letter from, to Captain Stephen Seymour,
Souther, Captain, instructions to, from Massachusetts
Council, - - - 338, 808
Captures a brig, with a Captain and twenty dra-
goons on board, - - -
Southold, Long-Island, Committee of, revoke their for-
mer proceedings and acknowledge allegiance to
the King, - - -
Southwestern frontier, advices from the, - - -
Spades, a number of, forwarded to Forts Montgomery
and Constitution, - 262, 672, 678
General Gates asks for all that can be collected, - 1081
Spain, on the eve of a war with Great Britain, - -
Friendly disposition of, towards America, - -
Reported to have declared war against Portugal, -
Warlike preparations daily making in, - - -
Spaulding, Eleazer, paid for his gun lost at Bunker-
Hill, - - - - -
Specie, Colonel Trumbull sends a bag of, to General
Gates, --- - -
Speculator, on County Conventions and Committees,
Speech, of President Rutledge, of South-Carolina, -
Of the Governour of Barbadoes, - - - -
Speedwell, privateer, stores, appurtenances, and equip-
ment of the, .......
Prize taken by the, - ... -
Spencer, Gordon, testimony of, on the trial of Captain
De Witt, - - - k -
Spencer, Seth, appointed an Ensign, ...
Spencer, Thomas, letters from, to Colonel Dayton, 247, 248
Spencer, Massachusetts, memorial of Committee of,
to the General Court, ..... 801
Enjoined to keep a watchful eye on suspected persons, 801
Spooner, Walter, President of Massachusetts Council, 576
Letter from, to General Washington, - 594
Letter from, to Richard Devens, ... - 594
Spooner, William, and others, petition of, to Massa-
chusetts Council, ------ 753
Sprague, Joseph, and others, powder delivered to, - 734
Petition of, to Massachusetts General Court, - - 737
Petition of Samuel Ward and, to Massachusetts
General Court, - 752
Powder voted to, -----. 757
Sprague, Samuel, manifests a spirit unfriendly to
America, .....-- 754
Spy, Connecticut armed schooner, a valuable prize
captured by the,
Ordered to cruise in the Sound, between Montauk
Point and Stamford, ..... 848
118
616
1392
- J238
. 741
1220
345
345
392
- 393
- 394
- 1324, 1326
- 1327
. 1325
-1325
- 1325
- 1323
- 1328
- 1328
- 1325
- 943
1220
640
602
996
1072
1091
- 748
1066
339
392
812
749
808
948
477
1511
INDEX.
1512
Spy, information of a, given to Lord Dunmore, - 163
An Indian, sent to Massachusetts Council, - - 268
Arnold sends two into Canada, ... - 591
Stacey, Captain, sends in a prize, - 1174, 1260
Stainton, Colonel Benson, letters from, to Maryland
Convention, - - 362, 560
Stalker, Andrew, permitted to return to his native
country, ----- - - 1415
Standard of the Thirtieth Regiment, - 244
Stansbury, Elijah, sentenced to receive twenty lashes
for desertion, - - 613
Stark, John, commissioned Colonel of First Battalion
of New-Hampshire troops, - - 1176
Starr, Lieutenant Colonel, recommendation of, - - 1192
Startin, Charles, permitted to return to England, - 1386
Staten-Island, amount and quality of Howe'sforces on, 1073
General Mercer's descent upon, - - -1073,1093
List of prisoners taken on, - - - 1094
Steele, James, appointed an Ensign in the Flying-
Camp, - ... - 644
Stephen, General Adam, Address of the Officers of
the Fourth Virginia Battalion to, - - - 395
Answer of, to the Address of the Officers of his
former command, - - - 395
Letter from, to Francis Lightfoot Lee, - - - 1092
Ordered to Trenton, - - - 1211
Elected a Brigadier-General in the Continental
Army, - - - 1330
Stephens, General, impresses an Annapolis pilot, - 639
Stephens, Mr., Secretary of the Admiralty, letter to,
from Lord Howe, 379
Letter to, from Captain Pringle, - - - 1069
Letter to, from Captain Douglass, ... H78
Stevens, Captain, ordered to take command of all the
Artillery on the west side of the Lake, - - 476
Stevens, Thomas, Chairman of Danbury Committee, 1194
Stevenson, Andrew, convicted of being an enemy to
the common cause, ------ 1142
Stevenson, Joshua, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel, - 642
Steward, Stephen, letters from, to Maryland Council
of Safety, - ... 1071, 1268
Stewart, Colonel Walter, letter to, from Robert Gates, 299
Stewart, Captain Walter, letter from, to General Gates, 1191
Stewart, Captain William, ordered to convey certain
suspected persons to Fishkill, - ... 882
Stewart, Lieutenant, trial of, by Court-Martial, - - 467
Stiles, Sergeant Eli, examination of, - - 482, 835
Return of, from a scout to Isle-aux-Noix, - - 834
Stillwater, General Schuyler preparing to build bar-
racks at, 1078
Stimson, Joseph, sentenced to be flogged, - 1086
Stirling, Lord, taken prisoner in the battle on Long-
Island, - - 105, 108
Lord Howe proposes to exchange, for General
McDonald, - - ... 105, 119
General Howe proposes to exchange, for Governour
Browne, - - - - ... 437
Exchanged for Governour Browne, - - 942
Appointed to the brigade lately under the command
of General Mifflin, 946
Ordered to push to Croton River, - - - 1311
Stock, General Washington orders an expedition to
Long-Mand for the removal of, ... 607
The Governour of Georgia orders the removal of,
from the Islands, - - 990
Absolutely necessary that a large supply of, should
be kept in the rear of the Army, - - 1138
Stockbridge, Samuel, resolve to pay, for billeting men, 756
Stockbridge Committee, letterto, from Richard Varick, 1039
Prompt response of, to the call of General Schuyler
for aid, - - 1087
Stockett, Thomas N., recommended for the office of
Assistant Surgeon, - - - . 395
Appointed Second Assistant Surgeon, - 636
Stockings, Mr. Mease directed to forward, to the
Northern Army, - - 561
A supply of, forwarded to General Gates, - - 1064
Stockton, Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew, letter from, to
Robert Benson, - 1254
Stockton, Richard, a Delegate in Congress from New-
Jersey, letterto, from the Speaker of New-Jersey
Assembly, - 365
Appointed on a Committee to confer with General
Gates respecting the Northern Army, 561, 922, 1142
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 1256
Letter from, to Abraham Clark, - - - 1274
Stone, John, appointed an Ensign, - 88
Stone, John, sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes
for desertion, - ..... 992
Stone, Thomas, Delegate in Congressfrom Maryland —
Letters to, from Maryland Council of Safety, 156, 177, 601
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 407
Stone, Lieutenant, a scout, information from, - 1040, 1144
Stonington, Connecticut, memorial of Committee of,
to the Assembly, - ... 1003
Stores, for armed sloop Freedom, .... 174
Story, Thomas, verbal statement of, to the Committee
of Secret Correspondence, - - 818
Stoughton, one large copper delivered for the use of
the powder-mill at, - - - - . . 769
Strieker, Henry, appointed an Ensign, ... 88
Stringer, Dr. Samuel, letter from to General Gates, - 923
Strohbogh, John Martin, elected a Captain of Artillery, 80
Ordered to Fort Montgomery with a detachment of
Artillery, - - SI
Stuart, William, appointed an Ensign, ... 636
Suffolk, Lord, character of, ... 456
Suffolk County, Long-Island —
Inhabitants of, ordered to take the oath of allegiance
to the King, - ... . 5Q5
Militia of, ordered to lay down their arms, - - 505
All the fat cattle and sheep in, to be driven to
Jamaica, - .... 505
Paper sent by Governour Tryon through, - - 564
Committees of, revoke their former proceedings and
acknowledge allegiance to the King, - - 1042, 1219
Declarations of Committees of, - - - 1219
Sullivan, General John, taken prisoner at the battle on
Long-Island, 105, 108
Arrives at Philadelphia on his parole, - 105
Lord Howe proposes to exchange, for General
Prescott, - - . . 105,119
Letter to, from Samuel Chase, .... 1197
Purport of a message sent by, from Lord Howe
to Congress, - ..... J329
Letter from, to Lord Howe, ----- 1329
Lord Howe's answer to the letter of, - - - 1329
Sullivan's Island, bravery of the troops engaged in the
defence of, - ... 392, 393, 394
Colonel Gadsden requests a supply of pork and rum
for the troops on, - - 938
Sulphur, Governour Trumbull applies to Massachu-
setts for a supply of, - 836
Massachusetts loans a ton of, to Connecticut, - 1146
Sumner, Major, recommendation of, - 1192
Sumrall, Alexander, appointed a Second Lieutenant, 1340
Sunbury, Nova-Scotia, memorial of Committee of, to
Massachusetts General Assembly, ... 785
Supplies, necessary for the use and comfort of the
Army, - - - .... 1334
Surgeons, remarks of General Washington on the
appointment of, - - 497
Much wanted in Washington's camp, - - 602
Great complaints against the Regimental, - - 974
Sutherland, Thomas, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel, 82
Sutlers, order against officers acting as, - - - 472
Sutton, Massachusetts, proceedings of a town-meet-
ing at, - ---... 936
Swan, James, a quantity of powder voted to, - - 757
Swart, Adjutant, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, 478
Swartwout, Colonel Jacobus, letter from, to New-
York Convention, - ... . 276
Return of officers in the regiment commanded by, - 871
Return of the regiment commanded by, - - 1321
Swift, Nat., promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 477
Swift, Colonel, recommendation of, - - 1192
Swoope, Michael, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - - - 9
Accepts the command of a battalion in the Flying-
Camp, - - 39
St.
St. Augustine, British sloop-of-war Otter and four
schooners stationed off, - - - - 863
Garrison at, consists of eighteen hundred German
and one thousand British troops,
St. Clair, General Arthur, letters from, to —
Lieutenant-Colonel Allen, - - - 111
Governour Livingston, -
President of Congress, - - 128
Letters to, from —
Colonel Hartley, - - - 534
Colonel Wilkinson, - - 1141
Colonel Joseph Wood,
St. Clair, Daniel, appointed an Ensign, - - 478
St. Eustatia, a quantity of powder shipped at, for
Maryland, - - 965
St. John's, an unhealthy place, - 356
1513
INDEX.
1514
T.
Tabbs, Barton, appointed an Assistant Surgeon, - 631
Table, showing the pay of British and American Naval
Officers, - ....... no?
Talbot, Lieutenant Benjamin, dismissed the service, - 1086
Talbott, Edward, member of Baltimore Committee, - 117
Taliaferro, William, appointed Major of Third Vir-
ginia Battalion, - - - - 1395
Talk, Congress order a, to be delivered to the Shawa-
nese Indians, ....... 1362
Tallcott, Matthew, letter from, to Governour Trumbull, 1303
Tallman, Benjamin, elected a Major, - - 1333
Talmadge, Mr., appointed Brigade-Major to General
Wadsworth, 992
Taplin, Colonel, arrested as being inimical to the cause
of his country, ...... 148
Tarrytown, British men-of-war lying at, - - - 974
Tash, Colonel Thomas, ordered to march his regiment
to New-York, - 508
Ordered to Fishkill, 1026
Letter from, to New-Hampshire Committee of
Safety, ... - 1255
Tavern-keepers, not allowed to take out licenses from
the late Government of Pennsylvania, 19
Taylor, George, elected a Delegate to Congress, - 6
Taylor, John, letter from, to General Gates, - - 599
Taylor, John, appointed a Captain in the First Vir-
ginia Battalion, .... 1396
Tea, resolution of Kingston Committee in relation to, 950
Teems, Frederick, appointed a Captain, - 633
Temple, brigantine, case of the, .... 357
Ten Broeck, Brigadier-General Abraham, letter to,
from Major Van Rensselaer, .... 260
Elected Chairman of New-York Committee of
Safety, - 716
Ten Broeck, Brigadier-General Petrus, orders of, to
Colonel Humphreys, - - - - 341
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - - 679
Letter to, from New-York Committee of Safety, - 679
Ten Broeck, Samuel, letters from, to Colonel Peter R.
Livingston, - - - 963, 977
Letter to, from New- York Committee of Safety, - 1016
Tenent, Rev. Mr., Oration by, at Mount Indepen-
dence, ..---.-. 1144
Tents, duck ordered to be made up into, and forward-
ed to General Washington, .... 119
Great want of, in Washington's Army, 197, 381, 401, 520
Impossibility of obtaining, in Connecticut, - - 281
A number of, forwarded from Providence to Gen-
eral Washington, - - - - 559, 576
A number of, sent from New-London to General
Washington, - - 836
Maryland Council of Safety order the purchase of
linen for, - 988
Linen for, delivered to Captain Harris, ... 1307
Tew, James, elected a Major, ----- 1333
Thanks, General Williamson returns, to Pennsylvania.
Associators at Elizabethtown, ... 940, 941
Thetis, ship, captured by the brig General Montgom-
ery, - - 1073
Thomas, John, Jun., letter from, to New-York Con-
vention, -------- 401
Thomas, John, appointed an Ensign, - - 659
Thomas, Nicholas, a member of Maryland Council of
Safety, - - - 632
Thomas, General, judicious, calm, and resolute, - 1244
Thomas, Ensign, sent to Albany for examination, - 859
Thomas, Captain J. A., letter from, to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - - 168
Thomas, Philip, letter from, to Matthew Tilghman, - 298
Thomas, Colonel Thomas, return of officers in the
regiment commanded by, .... 872
Return of the regiment commanded by, - - 1319
Thompson, Amos, appointed Chaplain to Colonel Ste-
venson's battalion, ------ 1333
Thompson, Ezra, letter from, to New-York Conven-
tion, 845
Letter to, from John Avery, - - - - 1005
Letter to, from Jonathan Landon, - - 1078
Thompson, Joseph, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court,
Thompson, Major, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel, 695
Thompson, Captain Thomas, letter to, from the Ma-
rine Committee, ...... 428
Ordered on a cruise, ... - - 1200
Thompson, General William, letter from, to Richard
Peters, - - - 602
Letter from, to General Washington, -
Thompson, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant, 1340
Thorn, James, prisoner, examination of, - - 597
Thorne, Richard, letter from, to New-York Conven-
tion, . 202
Is permitted to return home, being sick and weak, 202
Thornton, Matthew, elected a delegate to Congress
from New-Hampshire, 346
Three Friends, brigantine, ..... 361
Thwing, Nathaniel, deposition of, against William
Gardner, - ..... 739
Tibbitt, James, Captain of letter-of-marque Independ-
ence, ... . . 637
Ticonderoga, galleys to be sent to, and rigged, - - 142
Twelve thousand effective men near, ... 222
Extracts of letters from, - 343, 484, 1144, 1267
Barracks for a strong garrison necessary to be built
at, - - - - 470
Two thousand five hundred men sufficient to guard,
during the winter, ---.-. 471
An immediate attack upon, apprehended, - - 479
Complaints of abuses in the Hospital at, - - 591
Northern Army strongly intrenched at, ... 821
Number of effective men at, - - 1028, 1080
Americans evacuate Crown-Point and retire to, - 1040
Arrival of ammunition at, ----- 1079
Preparations for the defence of, - - - - 1080
Eight or ten thousand Militia should be immediately
sent to, - 1080
Some account of affairs at, - - - - - 1143
Bennington Committee requested to forward pro-
visions to, - - .... 1143
A large quantity of powder and lead arrive at, - 1169
New-Hampshire appoint a Committee to visit the
camp at, 1176
Return of the Committee's doings at, - - - 1176
Return of New-Hampshire troops at, - - - 1177
Almost impregnable if properly garrisoned and sup-
plied with provisions, - .... 1186
Nails exceedingly wanted at, .... 1258
Enemy's Grenadiers and Light-Infantry arrive within
nine miles of, ----- .,,,.. - 1258
A party of Indians surprise and capture two sol-
diers within three miles of, 1267
Tiffany, John, appointed an Ensign, ... 477
Tilghman, James, requested to attend Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - - ... 308
Tilghman, Matthew, President of Maryland Conven-
tion, letters to, from —
Amos Garrett, 1128
Judge Hall, ... ... 578
John Scott, - -• 952
Captain Charles S. Smith, 253
Philip Thomas, 298
Dr. Weisenthall, - 209
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 233
Tilghman, Tench, letters from, to —
Egbert Benson, - ... 854
Committee of New-York Convention, - - 569, 721
William Duer, - - 523,828,870,896,920,931,
948, 1077, 1095, 1138, 1204, 1264, 1284, 1311
General Heath, - 962
Robert R. Livingston, ------ 974
Colonel Moylan,
New- York Committee of Correspondence, - 961, 1035
New-York Convention, ----- 1194
Tillinghast, Daniel, letter to, from Marine Committee, 119
Letter from, to General Washington, - - 559, 576
Letter to, from Commodore Hopkins, - - - 1004
Tillinghast, Joseph, Captain of a letter of marque,
prize taken by, ------ 227
Tillotson, Dr., recommended to General Gates,
Tin, not to be obtained in Massachusetts, - - 594
Tinker, Captain, conduct of, censured, ... 1122
Tippit, Gilbert, arrested for inimical conversation, - 216
Titcomb, recommended for the command of a row-
galley, -
Tobacco, enormous price of, in Holland, - - 937, 1090
St. Pierre, Martinique, a wretched market for, - 1134
Silas Deane engaged a sale for twenty thousand
hogshead of, in Europe, - ... 1234
Tobey, Timothy, Second Lieutenant of armed sloop
Freedom, • 174
Todd, Ensign Job, Court-Martial ordered for trial of, 654
Todd! Thomas, appointed a Second Lieutenant in the
Flying-Camp, - - -
Second Lieutenant of a company of Matrosses for
the defence of Annapolis, - 656
Tomkins, Jonathan, sentenced to receive twenty lashes
for desertion, -
Tomlinson, William, prisoner, order respecting, - 633
1515
INDEX.
1516
Tories, plot of the, at Cohos and neighbourhood dis-
covered, - - - - 147
Activity of the Goodrich family of, in Virginia, - 160
On Long-Island treat the friends of their country
with great severity, - - - 170
Two-thirds of the property of the City of New-York
and suburbs belongs to, - - 182
Flying from the Indians and surrendering to the
friends of liberty, - - - 209
At Coram, beating up for volunteers to join the
enemy, ----- - 252
Petition from New-Haven for removal of, - - 374
Emboldened to a most intolerable degree, - - 384
List of, who broke jail at Frederick-Town, - - 457
Robberies committed by, ----- 461
Inefficiency of publishing the names of, - - 485
Application of the halter to, the proper remedy, - 485
Testimony concerning the, in Worcester County,
Maryland, - - 646, 654
A number of, inlist in the service of Lord Dunmore, 653
Report of Committee in New- York Convention on *
detecting and defeating the designs of, - - 714
Petition of the Committee of Cambridge for the sale
of estates of, - - 774
Frequent meetings of, in Worcester, Massachusetts, 801
The number of, a source of uneasiness, - 821
Several companies of, in Westchester and Dutchess
preparing to join the enemy, - - 829
Measures taken to intercept the, on their way to
Howe's Army, - - - 829, 841, 845
At Skeensborough, - - - 1142
Information in relation to, - - 1169
Thirty-six of Rogers's corps of, taken prisoners, 1188, 1203
Near Castleton, begin to grow very bold and trouble-
some, - ... . 1207
Four or five regiments of, said to be imbodied by
themselves, ------- 1249
A body of, said to rendezvous above Saratoga, with
intent to join General Carleton, - 1274
On Long-Island and New- York, begin to be sick of
their new lords and masters, - - - 1276
See Disaffected Persons.
Torrence, Robert, elected a First Lieutenant, - - 1341
Torrey, John, letter from, to Massachusetts Council, 507
Torrey, Adjutant, testimony of, on the trial of Captain
Poole, - - 1295
Torry, Maj. Nathaniel, money paid to, for his regiment, 947
Totten, Robert and James, letter from, to the New-
York Convention, - - - 401
Touch, Alexander, petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - - 792
Permitted to return to England, - - 792
Toulon, a fleet fitting at, - - - - - 427
Tounsend, Barclay, deposition of, - - - - 649
Townsend, William, deposition of, - - 647
Townsend, William Bartlet, ordered to give security
for his good behaviour, ----- 644
Letter to, from Josiah Robins, - ... 645
Towson, Ezekiel, appointed by Baltimore Committee
to command a guard, - - - 457, 459
Traitors, an act of New-Jersey to punish, - 865
Transports, a large number of, with troops and pro-
visions, arrive at New-York, - - - 1158
Travers, Colonel William, letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, - - - 396
Treadwell, William, sent to New-York Convention for
examination, - - - - - 310
Treason, ordinance of Pennsylvania defining and pun-
ishing, - - 8, 34, 35
Treaty, plan of a, proposed by Congress to France, - 1344
Tredwell, William, ordered into custody, - - 691, 702
Trent, William, letter from, to Jacob S. Howell, - 235
Trenton, New-Jersey, two Virginia regiments ordered
to, - .... 1211
Treyford, John, appointed an Ensign, - - 631
Trippe, John, account of, against the Province of
Maryland, - 1280
Troops, Pennsylvania resolves to raise, for the defence
of her frontiers, ----- 16
The enemy surround the American, on Long-Island, 107
Disorderly conduct of Arnold's, - - 112
Dispirited by the result of the battle on Long-Island, 120
Spirited conduct of the, at Harlem, - - 369
Prohibited from plundering, ... 166
111 consequences of short inlistments of, - 488, 489
In great distress for want of clothing, ... 555
About eight thousand Hessian and British, arrive
off Sandy-Hook, - - - 1158
Trumbull, row-galley, joins Arnold's fleet, - - 834
Trumbull, John, Deputy Adjutant-General, letter from,
to the Commanding Officer at Jericho, - - m
Letter from, to the Board of War, ... 127
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - - - 128
Letter to, from Governour Trumbull, - - - 536
Letters from, to Bennington Committee, 1143, 1191, 1300
Elected Deputy Adjutant-General of the Northern
Army, - - 1338
Trumbull, Jonathan, Governour of Connecticut —
Orders of, to Colonel Abbott, - ... 206
Petition of inhabitants of Long-Island to, - - 593
Proclamations by, - . H71( 1225
Letters from, to —
Governour Cooke, ------ 1208
Commanding Officer at Boston, ... 1133
General Gates, - 280, 536, 912, 1104, 1316
Admiral Hopkins, - - 304, 861, 1002
Colonel Livingston, - - 225, 265, 266, 312, 1030
Massachusetts Assembly, - - 205, 266
Massachusetts Council, - ... 129^ 836
New-Haven Committee, - - - - - 303
President of Congress, ----- 441
General Schuyler, - - 279, 535, 934, 1104
Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., - .... 114
John Trumbull, - .... 533
General Washington, 97, 128, 187, 278, 295, 357, 422,
574, 593, 847, 1001, 1028, 1041, 1171, 1224, 1315
Letters to, from —
Samuel Bird and others, ----- 955
Oliver Ellsworth, ----.. 388
General Gates, - 127, 356, 620, 1192
Abraham Gardner, ----.. 225
Commodore Hopkins, - - 455, 913) 1070
Colonel Huntington, ..... 33g
Robert H. Harrison, ----- H87
"Incognito," - - .... 454
Richard Law, - - . - . . -281
Colonel Lewis, ---... 122
Christopher Leffingwell, .... 336, 623
Colonel H. B. Livingston, - - - 114 152
281, 296, 336, 344, 345, 375, 622, 1173, 1245
Massachusetts Assembly, - ... 315
Massachusetts Council, - 507, 1146
Marine Committee, --,-__ 1237
Samuel Mott, - - - - . . . 933
New- York Committee of Safety, ... 979
Benjamin Paine, ------ 912
Colonel Reed, . . 98,1121
John L. C. Roome, ------ 349
Jesse Root, 1267
General Saltonstall, - - 306
General Schuyler, - 126, 341, 846, 999, 1125, 1169
Captain Seymour, ------ 553
Philip Skene, ----... 861
Matthew Talcott, 1303
John Trumbull, 128
General Wadsworth, - .... 995
General Washington, .... 196, 257,
465, 549, 609, 826, 947, 957, 1064, 1076
William Williams, - - - - 408
Trumbull, Jonathan, Deputy Paymaster-General for
the Northern Department, Congress resolve to
send five hundred thousand dollars to, - - 1406
Trumbull, Colonel Joseph, Commissary-General —
Letters from, to the President of Congress, - - 213,
372, 453, 829, 920, 963, 1011
Letter from, to Walter Livingston, - - 213
Letter from, to Elisha Avery, .... 214
Letter from, to General Schuyler, - - 214
Letters to, from the President of Congress, - 348, 851
Letters from, to General Gates, - - 417, 995
Letters from, to New-York Convention, - 469, 699
Letters to, from General Washington, - 1138, 1165
Tryon, Governour William, letter from, to Lord George
Germain, - 493
Paper sent through Suffolk County by order of, - 564
Insidious and corrupt practices of, - 714
Difliculty of suppressing the conspiracies formed
by, - - 999
Address of Inhabitants of New- York to, - 1075
Answer of, to the above Address, - - 1075
Address of Inhabitants of Queen's County to, - 1164
Answer of, to the above Address, - - 1164
Tryon County, Militia of, formed into a brigade, - 664
Application of Committee of, to New- York Congress
for money, - - - - - -911
Alarming intelligence from, - - 1274
Colonel Van Schaick, with about a thousand Militia,
ordered into, ------'- 1296
1517
INDEX.
1518
Tubbs, John, an impressed seaman, proceedings in
the case of, - - - 1229
Tucker, Henry, letter to, from the Marine Commit-
tee, - - - - - 970
Tuckerman, Second Lieutenant, promoted to a First
Lieutenancy, - ... 1083
Tuder, Samuel, letters to, from the Marine Committee, 1148,
1313
Letters from, to Pierre Van Cortlandt, - 1273, 1313
Letter to, from New- York Convention, - - 1313
Tulpehocken, inhabitants of, petition for protection, 28
Turner, Caleb, powder delivered to, - 756
Turner, Joseph, prisoner, examination of, - 310
Turner, William, appointed Aid-de-Camp to General
Lincoln, - 1283
Tuscany, Grand Duke of, proposes a commerce be-
tween the United States and Leghorn, - - 811
Tweedie, Anne, and others, petition of, to Massachu-
setts Council, - - - 750
Prayer of the petition of, granted, - - - 751
Twenbull, Charles, elected Second Lieutenant of Ar-
tillery, - - 80
Two Brothers, schooner, allowed to sail for Martinique, 630
Tyler, Colonel Robert, letter from, to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, -
Ordered to be put under arrest for cowardice, &c., 569, 591
Evidence taken before the Court of Inquiry on the
charges against, ... - - 1251
Tyrannicide, sloop, resolve to alter the rigging, &c.,
of the, --- - - 767
U.
Ulster, New- York, many dangerous persons in, - 697
Appointment of officers in, - - - 1027
Uniform of Naval and Marine Officers, ... 181
"United States" substituted for "United Colonies"
in all commissions, - - - - - , - 1335
Utley, Nathan, and others, petition of, to Massachu-
setts Council, - - - -
Prayer of the petition of, granted, - - 807
Utterdorf, Monsieur, appointed Adjutant of a battalion, 96
Two hundred dollars advanced to, ... 97
V.
Vanbibber & Harrison, letters from Maryland Council
of Safety to, - - 297, 298, 965, 1134
Van Bueren, Harmen, appointed a Major of Albany
County Militia, - 664
Van Cortlandt, Pierre, letter to, from Samuel Tuder
and Augustin Lawrence, ----- 1273
Letter to, from Robert R. Livingston, - - - 1286
Van Gaasbeck, Petrus, offer of, to command a com-
pany against the disaffected, - - - 977
Letter from, to William Duer, - - 1285
Van Gilder, John, sentenced to be flogged, - - 477
Van Housen, Rynier, petition of, to New-York Con-
vention, - - - - 694
Valpy, Richard, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 807
Certificate in favour of, ----- 807
Prayer of the petition of, granted, - - 807
Van Ness, Peter, letter from, to Peter R. Livings-
ton, 1036
Van Rensselaer, Major Henry, letter from, to General
Ten Broeck, - - 260
Van Rensselaer, Henry J., resigns the office of Com-
missary of Forage, - - - 924
Van Schaick, Colonel Goose, letter from, to the Pres-
ident of Congress, - - - 355
Ordered to march a thousand Militia into Tryon
County, - - - 1296
Van Swearingen, , appointed a Captain, - - 1340
Vanvreedenburgh, Peter, sentenced to be flogged for
desertion, .... - 590
Van Vredenburgh, Peter Benjamin, a deserter, sent to
Fort Constitution, - - 711
Van Wyck, Theodorus, Jun., deposition of, against
William Warne, - - 681
Varick, Captain Richard, Secretary to General Schuy-
ler, letters from, to General Gates, 250, 335, 1036, 1102
Letter to, from General Gates, - - 277
Recommended for Deputy Mustermaster-General
for Northern Department, - 334
Letters from, to General Washington, - - 335, 1038
Resigns his commission as Captain, - - 335
Appointed Deputy Mustermaster-General to North-
ern Army, - 561, 1378
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - 1
Letter from, to Stockbridge Committee,
Letter to, from Dr. Potts, - - 1040
Varnum, Colonel J. N., certificate of, in favour of
Simon Martindale, - ... 241
Takes the resolution to leave the Army, - - 996
Abilities of, too well known to need recommen-
dation, - --.... 997
Veazey, Captain, killed in the battle on Long-Island, *107
Veeder, Captain, ordered to march his company to the
saw-mill at Cheshire's, - .... 1037
Veeder, Volkert, letter from, to Robert R.Livingston, 1267
Vegetables, regulations respecting the sale of, at
Gates's Head-Quarters, - .... 616
Disposition of a quantity of, received at Ticonde-
roga, - . 618
Venalty, the most alarming enemy America has to
contend with, - .... 939
Vermonet, Monsieur de, appointed a Major by brevet, 1360
Two months' pay advanced to, - - - - 1361
Vernejout, Jean Louis de, appointed a Captain by
brevet, - .... 407
Two months' pay advanced to, - - - - 1374
Vernon, Job, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 476
Vessels, of observation, resolve for discharging, - 779
Orders to provide supplies for armed, ... 780
List of American armed, on Lake Champlain, 1041, 1179
List of British armed, on Lake Champlain, - - 1080,
1172, 1179
Secret Committee authorized to purchase, in Eu-
rope, ... . 1387
Vestery, Hugh, deposition of, - - - - . 650
Vickars, Ezekiel, appointed a Captain, ... 630
Virginia —
Proceedings in Pennsylvania Convention on bound-
ary of, - - ... 3, 40, 41, 42
List of Field Officers in the service of, - - - 320
List of officers in the First and Second Battalions
of, while on Provincial Establishment, with the
date of their commissions, .... 320
List of Captains and subaltern officers in the ser-
vice of, dates of their commissions, &c., - - 321
Sentiments of the Militia and Freeholders of Au-
gusta in, - - .... 815
Strictures on the above, by A Member of the Estab-
lished Church, (note,) 815
Return of Field Officers in the First Regiment of, 901
Mr. Harrison elected a Delegate from, in place of
Mr. Jefferson, resigned, ..... 987
Two British ships-of-war cruising off" the Capes of, 1200
Two regiments belonging to, ordered to Trenton, - 1211
Promotions and appointments in the battalions of, 1395
One hundred thousand dollars forwarded to the
Deputy Paymaster-General in, - - - 1408
Virginia Assembly, letters to, from the President of
Congress, - - - 489, 838
Virginia Council, letter from, to the President of Con-
gress, - - - - - 209
Letters from, to Virginia Delegates in Congress. 319, 986
Order of, for the payment of soldiers, - 1236
Virginia House of Delegates, resolve of, for raising
six new battalions of Infantry, &c., - - - 1112
Volunteers, call for, for the Floating Battery on the
Delaware River, .... - 841
Von Henderick, Lieutenant, recommended for an
appointment in a German battalion, - - 156, 157
W.
Wadder, Jost, sent to Fort Constitution, - - - 711
Sentenced to be flogged for desertion, - - 590
Wade, Elisha, Adjutant of the regiment lately com-
manded by Colonel Selden, - - - - 880
Wads worth, Brigadier-General James, return of offi-
cers in the brigade commanded by, - - 878, 901
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, ... 995
Wages, allowed to seamen, - - - 264
Wagons, Lancaster Committee authorize the impress-
ment of, to convey cannon to Philadelphia, - 1156
Great scarcity of, in Washington's Army, - - 1310
Waldeckers, a reinforcement of, arrives at New- York, 1158
Twelve, taken prisoners near White-Plains, - - 1264
Waldoborough, petition of Selectmen of, to Massa-
chusetts General Court, - - - - 730
Walker, Daniel, petition of, to New-York Conven-
tion, - - - - 949
Walker, Hugh, petition of, to Massachusetts Council, 790
Permitted to return to England, - - 791
Wallace, Michael, appointed a Surgeon to Colonel
Smallwood's battalion, - ... 640
Waller, William, appointed an Ensign, - - 634
Walls, John Millbourn, recommended for a Second
Lieutenancy, - - 560
1519
INDEX.
1520
War, danger of an Indian, on the western frontier of
Pennsylvania, - - - 36
Washington declares the, should be defensive, - 236
A general, at hand in Europe, - - - 361
Horrors of, - - - - 460
General Howe has not the smallest prospect of fin-
ishing, this campaign, - - 519
Upon America,unjust, unconstitutional, and ruinous, 808
Articles of, - - - 1363
War Office, order from the, to the Officers of the Penn-
sylvania German Battalion, - 180
Ward, Ambrose, petition for (he removal of, - - 374
Cited to appear before Connecticut Assembly, - 375
Ward, Colonel Andrew, return of officers in the regi-
ment commanded by, - - 873
Ward, General Artemas, letter to, from New-Hamp-
shire Committee of Safety, - - 508
Letter from, to New-Hampshire Committee of
Safety, - - 559
Letters from, to General Washington, - 600, 861, 924
Letters from, to Massachusetts Council, - 624, 1245
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - 886
Letter to, from General Washington, - - 1026
Ward, Colonel Joseph, letters from, to General Wash-
ington, - ... lie, 413
Regiment of, ordered to reinforce General Heath, - 292
Return of absent officers in the regiment commanded
by, - - - - 905
Ward, Nahum, appointed a Captain, - - 1378
Ward, Robert, Captain in Georgia battalion, - - 988
Ward, Stephen, letter from, to Robert R. Livingston, 1168
Warne, William, arrested for propagating reports in-
jurious to the American cause, - - - - 673
Examination of, - - - - - - - 677
Ordered into custody, - - 677
Sentence of, ------- 683
Warner, Colonel Seth, petition of, to Congress, - 273
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 884
Letter from, to General Gates, - - - 1146
Letter to, from General Gates, - ... 1169
Warner, Captain, joins Arnold's fleet, - - 834
Warren, armed schooner, captured by a British frigate, 116
Warren, privateer, prize captured by, ... 346
Warren, Continental frigate, nearly ready for sea, - 986
Warren, Benjamin, commissioned Commander of the
privateer Revenge, - ... 745
Warren, General James, letters to, from Massachu-
setts Council, - • 316, 376
Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - 487
Speaker of Massachusetts Assembly, - - 487
Washington, brig, petition of owners of, to Massa-
chusetts Council, .-...- 804
Washington, privateer, valuable prizes captured by, - 346,
576, 1260
Washington, General George —
Generalship of, commended, - 214, 370, 820
Petition to, of General Greene and others, for a
reconsideration of the proceedings of a Council
of General Officers, 326
Too strongly posted to be attacked in front or on
the flanks, - ... 519
Memorial from Lieutenant Colonel Shepard, - 604
Massachusetts orders camp utensils to be forwarded
to, - - - ... 799
Return ofthe forces underthe immediate command of, 907
Authorized to appoint a Deputy Commissary of
Stores, - - 1396
Authorized to appoint a Commissary of Clothing, - 1403
Authorized to appoint a Deputy Mustermaster for
the Flying-Camp, - - 1403
Letters from, to —
Colonel Bayley, ... - 1095
Board of War, .... - 603
Colonel Campbell, - - 596
General George Clinton, - - 607
General James Clinton, - - 240, 300, 894
Commanding Officer of Massachusetts Militia, - 399
Governour Cooke, - - - 367, 1009, 1094
Monsieur le Compte D'Emery, - - 928
Deputy Governour of Rhode-Island, - - 595
Colonel Gay, 166
General Heath, 239
Governour Henry, - ... - 888
General Howe, 196,399,464.521,919
Lord Howe, 257
General Lincoln, ------ 609
Colonel Henry B. Livingston, - - 167
Governour Livingston, - - - - 894
Massachusetts Assembly, - - - 399, 596
Washington, General George— Continued.
Letters from, to —
General Mercer, - 139, 181, 240, 292, 463, 548
Colonel Moylan, - - 139
Colonel Mclntosh, - - - 1166
New-York Convention, - - - 106,
240, 241, 299, 466, 692, 713, 1094
New- York Committee of Safety, - 196, 674, 675
President of Congress, - 120, 193, 212, 236, 290,
325, 351, 380, 398, 412, 446, 463, 494, 495, 519,
565, 589, 603, 841, 867, 890, 927, 941, 990, 1116
Major Zabdiel Rogers, - - - 1165
General Schuyler, 167,
300, 416, 567, 609, 869, 973, 994, 1186
Colonel Tash, - - 1026
Governour Trumbull, ... 196,
257, 465, 549, 609, 826, 947, 957, 1064, 1076
Colonel Joseph Trumbull, - - 1138, 1165
General Ward, 1026
John Augustine Washington, - - 445
Letters to, from —
A. J. Alexander, ---... 403
Captain Ballard, 604
William Bartlett, - .... 983
Mountjoy Bayly, - ... 333
Colonel Bayley, - 1067, 1168
M. De Berruyer, 269
Board of War, - .... 298
320, 348, 407, 1062, 1185, 1210, 1211, 1308
James Bowdoin, --.... HQ8
William Bradford, - - 337, 485
Thaddeus Burr, ..... 537
General James Clinton, .... 276, 832
Commissioners for Pennsylvania, ... 1202
Governour Cooke, - - 207, 912, 1133
Colonel Crawford, ------ 404
Colonel Davis, 282
Compte D'Emery, Governour General of the
French part of St. Domingo, - - 928
Mrs. De Lancey, ...... 894
William Duer, - 453
William Fitzhugh, 1020
General Greene, 182; 494, 1015, 1221, 1280, 1281, 1294
Colonel Hand, ... . 413
Commodore Hopkins, 132
Sir William Howe, - - .. 437, 520, 893
Lieutenant Knight, prisoner, .... 1226
Richard Henry Lee, 1261
Colonel Henry B. Livingston, - 295, 504, 1041, 1275
Robert R. Livingston, - - 1014, 1240
Massachusetts Council, - 506, 914, 943
General Mercer, .... 212, 367, 1073
Dr. Morgan, ... . - 301
New-Hampshire Committee of Safety, - 508,1175
P. Penet & Co., 928
Jeremiah Powell, ------ 312
President of Congress, 135,
233, 348, 488, 839, 864, 952, 1210, 1269
Colonel Rufus Putnam, - - - 549, 892
Lieutenants Putnam and Cleaves, - - 963
Edmund Randolph, 987
Edward Rutledge, 287
General Schuyler, 125, 248, 263, 302, 352, 420, 469,
525, 614, 832, 922, 932, 1079, 1138, 1206, 1257, 1286
Nathaniel Shaw, ... - 836
Dr. Shippen, - - .... 1280
Walter Spooner, - ... . 594
General Thompson, 888
Daniel Tillinghast, 559, 576
Governour Trumbull, 97, 128, 187, 278, 295, 357, 422,
574, 593, 847, 1001, 1028, 1041, 1171, 1224, 1315
Richard Varick, 335, 1037
Colonel Joseph Ward, - - - 116, 413
General Ward, - - 600, 861, 924
Abraham Yates, Jun., - - 183
Robert Yates, - - 572
Colonel Zedtwitz, - - - 1217
Washington, Mrs., arrival of, at Baltimore, - - 510
Washington, John Augustine, letter to, from General
Washington, - ..... 445
Wasp, Continental schooner, takes into Philadelphia
a valuable prize, - ... 1072
Waterbury, General David, Jun., letters from, to Gen-
eral Gates, - - 142, 185
Letter from, to President of Congress, giving an
account of the battles on the Lake, - - - 1224
Letters to, from General Gates, - - 127, 221
Appointed second officer of Arnold's fleet, - - 186
Joins the fleet on the Lake, ----- 615
1521
INDEX.
1522
Waterbury, General David, Jim.— Continued.
Taken prisoner by the enemy, .... 1040
Returns on his parole, .... 1125
Requests to be exchanged, 1206
Waters, Captain Daniel, recaptures a sloop taken by
the British, - - - - . . -116
Watson, Ebenezer, proceedings of Captain Roe on
Long-Island sent to, for publication, - 506
Watkins, Captain H., letter from, to Maryland Coun-
cil of Safety, - 1236
Watkins, Thomas, appointed a Captain in the Flying-
Camp, - - . 632
Appointed Captain of a Company of Matrosses for
the defence of Annapolis, - - 656
Watson, Patrick, appointed an Ensign of Pennsylva-
nia Associators, - - - - 82
Watts, David, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 474
Watts, Dr. Edward, resolve for supplying, with medi-
cines, - - 761
Weare, Mesheck, President of New-Hampshire Coun-
cil of State, letter to, from Stephen Evans, - 340
Letter to, from Colonel Kurd, .... 147
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - - 1107
Weaver, Michael, appointed a Captain of Pennsylva-
nia Associators, ...... 82
Weaver, Fealty, appointed an Ensign, ... 1340
Webb, Colonel Samuel N., Aid-de-Camp to General
Washington, letters from, to General Heath, 829, 919
Webster, Levi, sentenced to be flogged for desertion, 238
Webster, Pelatiah, Observations on Finance by, - 434
Webster, Ensign Amos, letter from, to General Gates, 356
Weedon, Colonel, asks permission to recruit from the
Flying-Camp, ----... §41
Weeks, David, arrested as being inimical to his coun-
try, ... . . J48
Weisenthall, Dr., letter from, to Matthew Tilghman, 209
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 458, 817
Weisner, Captain John, trial of, by a Court-Mar-
tial, . - 606, 610
The Court-Martial on, requested to reconsider their
verdict, - . 895
The Court defend their finding in the case of, - 895
Weitzel, John, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, - 9
Welch, Colonel Joseph, letter from, to New-Hamp-
shire Committee of Safety, .... 1313
Welch, Robert, appointed an Assistant Surgeon for the
Flying-Camp,- * - - 626
Welden, Captain, ordered to deliver the brig Rising
Empire to William Watson, at Plymouth, - - 734
Wells, Baza, promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, - 477
Wells, George, letter from, to Maryland Council of
Safety, - - . . 1072
Wemple, Colonel Abraham, commander of the Militia
from Schenectady, ' - 1190
Wenthissica, a Shawanese Indian, friendly notice taken
of, by the Pennsylvania Convention, 46
Wentworth, Captain John, ordered to march his com-
mand to the Northern Department, ... 230
Wentworth, Joshua, letter to, from Robert H. Har-
rison, - 274
Wesson, Ephraim, deposition of, against Colonel
Porter, <M . . 154
West, William, appointed a Major, ... 94
Westchester County, New-York, prevalence of disaf-
fection in, .... 373
Several companies formed and forming in, to join
General Howe, ...... 829
Westchester, New- York, Committee, letter front, to
New-York Convention, - .... 310
Letter to, from New- York Committee of Safety, - 680
Letter from, to the Commanding Officer at Mount
Washington, ....... 829
West Indies, suffer greatly from the interruption of the
trade with the United States, - - - 812
Dependence of, upon the United States for supplies, 813
American vessels protected in, by the French, - 854
South-Carolina endeavours to obtain seamen from, 1328
Wethersfield, Connecticut, letter from Benjamin Payne
to Committee of, - 1288
Wetworth, Mr., a Tory in the service of the King, taken
prisoner by Captain Townsend, - - 1313
Whale-boats, sixty armed, ordered to Rhode-Island, - 377
Massachusetts Council appoint a Committee to pur-
chase, -------. 507
Resolve of Massachusetts for procuring, - - 772
A large number of, collected in Massachusetts and
Rhode-Island to aid in the descent on Long-
Island, 1001
Wharton, Carpenter, Assistant Commissary, employed
to purchase salt, by the Commissary-General, - 1011
Wharton, Thomas, Jun., elected a member of Penn-
sylvania Council of Safety, g
Letter from, to Colonel Cadwalader, ... H28
Whayland, Joseph, Jun., prisoner, petition of, to
Maryland Convention, - ... 1268
Wheeling, eleven settlers at the mouth of, killed by
Indians, - - ... 1236
Wheelock, Rev. Dr. Eleazer, President of Dartmouth
College, friendly disposition of Indian boys edu-
cated by, - ..... 125
Five hundred dollars voted by Congress to, for the
education of Indian youth, .... 1352
Wheelright, John, commander of privateer Reprisal, - 805
Wherry, David, appointed an Ensign, ... 1340
Whipple, Captain Abraham, prizes captured by, 307, 595, 863
Appointed to the command of the frigate Provi-
dence, .... . 1394
Whipple, Christopher, ship captured by, - - . 1260
Whipple, Captain Jabez, sends a prize into Provi-
dence, - - ... 227
Whipple, Joseph, letter from, to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety, 1031
Whipple, William, lelters to, from Josiah Bartlett, - 137,
272, 323
Letter from, to John Langdon, .... 1248
White, Aquilla, appointed an Ensign, ... 1340
White, Barkley, deposition of, - - . . . 650
White, Gideon, Jun., a refugee, prisoner in Plymouth
jail,- - - 487,507
White, John, letter from, to Captain Platt, - - 352
White, John, complains of the numerous desertions
from the Army, - ... 714
White, Thomas, letter to, from Robert Gordon, Ireland, 863
White, Rev. William, requested to perform Divine ser-
vice for Pennsylvania Convention, ... 3
White-Plains, New- York, fixed upon for a position of
the American Army, ..... H3Q
Enemy believed to have designs against, - - 1137
Enemy moving towards, - ... 1221
General Washington's Head-Quarters at, - -1239
Extracts of letters from, .... 1271, 1284
The enemy attack Washington's Army at, - - 1271
Detailed account of the enemy's attack on the
American lines at, (note,) - - - - 1271
Colonel Harrison's account of the above attack, - 1282
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held at, - 1294
Movements and supposed intentions of the enemy
near, - .... 1310
Whitcomb, Lieutenant Benjamin, prisoners taken by, 481
Journal of, - 482
Abstract of report of, - - - - - - 483
Whiting, Israel, appointed Surgeon's Mate, - - 1378
Whiting, William, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, ........ 759
Whiting, Colonel W. B., letter from, to Albany Com-
mittee, 1169
Whitney, Colonel, order for supplying the regiment
of, with muskets, ...... 806
Whitmore, Daniel, petition of, to Massachusetts Gen-
eral Court, • .«: -i - 750
Whitney, Josiah, appointed an Ensign, ... 477
Whitney, Lieutenant, sentenced to be severely repri-
manded, ------.- 1082
Whittemore, Ensign, dismissed the service, - - 1086
Wickes, Lambert, Captain of the Reprisal, return of,
from Martinico, with muskets, &c., ... 323
Affair of, with the Shark man-of-war in the harbour
of St. Pierre, Martinico, 323
Behaviour of, meets the approbation of his country, 425
Letters to, from the Marine Committee, 429, 1213, 1215
Ordered to convey Dr. Franklin to France, - - 1211
Has done honour, in action, to the American flag, 1212
Wilcoxen, Thomas, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 634
Wildgoos, Michael, appointed a Second Lieutenant of
Pennsylvania Associators,
Wigglesworth, Colonel, appointed third officer of Ar-
nold's fleet,- •"- - - - - - - 186
Wigglesworth, Dr., letter from, to New-Hampshire
Committee of Safety, 574
Wigglesworth, Captain John, resolve for paying the
postage bill of, .---.- 773
Wilkinson, Colonel James, letter from, to General
Gates, - - - 1243
Wilkinson, William, member of Baltimore Committee, 117
Will, Philip, Barrack master, presented by the Grand
Jury of Charleston, - - - - 1059
William, ship, permitted to depart for England, - 792
FIFTH SERIES. — VOL. II.
96
1523
INDEX.
1524
Willard, Colonel Aaron, letter to, from Massachusetts
Council, - - 230
Williams, David, letter from, to Thomas Bluff, - - 648
Williams, Eb., appointed an Ensign, - 476
Williams, Captain Edward, letter from, to General
Gates, ... - - 169
Williams, Major Ennion, certificate of, in favour of
Captain Long, - - - - 1033
Williams, George, Jun., po-.vder delivered to, - - 734
Williams, John, prisoner in Lancaster jail, petitions
Convention for relief, - - 12
Williams, John Foster, Commander of sloop Republick,
iron ballast delivered to, - - 801
Order to, from Massachusetts Council, ... 808
Williams, Lieutenant Thomas, letter from, to New-
York Convention, - - 201
Williams, William, letter from, to Governour Trum-
bull, - - ... 408
Williamson, James, appointed a Second Lieuten-
ant, .... - 80
Williamson, Dr., of Philadelphia, doing the Colonies
prodigious mischief in France, - - - - 809
Williamson, Brigadier-General Matthias, returns
thanks to Pennsylvania Associators, - - 940, 941
Williamson, Colonel, skirmish of, with the Cherokee
Indians, - - - 1235
Williamsburgh, Virginia, very unhealthy, - - 987
Willin, Lieutenant Levi, Court-Martial ordered for the
trial of, - - - 654
Willing, Thomas, letter to, from John Heyliger, - 157
Willing and Morris, letter to, from Maryland Council
of Safety, - ... 510
Willington, Lieutenant Thomas, promoted to a Cap-
taincy, - - ... 1083
Willis, Richard, appointed an Ensign, - - 629
Willis, William, deposition of, - - - 652
Williston, Council of War held at, - - - - 621
Wilson, George, recommended for a Lieutenant-Colo-
nelcy, ...-----7
Wilson, Corporal George, testimony of, on the trial of
Lieutenant Pope, - - - - 1065
To receive thirty-nine lashes for plundering, - - 1066
Wilson, Colonel James, elected a Delegate to Con-
gress from Pennsylvania, - - - 6
Wilson, Richard, authorized to raise a Company of
Militia, - - - ... 634
Wilson, William, report of, to the Commissioners of
Indian Affairs, - .... 514
Wilson, William, appointed a First Lieutenant, - 1378
Winchester, Second Lieutenant, promoted to a First
Lieutenancy, - ... 1083
Windham, petition of inhabitants of, - 130, 131
Window-weights, order to take all leaden, - 3
Winds, Colonel William, letter from, to General
Gates, 964
Windmill-Point, a small action at, - - - - 278
Arnold's fleet arrive at, - - 353
Wine, and other necessaries, purchased for Gates's
command, ... 453
Winslow, Mr., orders to, from General Gates, - - 964
Winthrop, John, Jun., petition of, to Massachusetts
Council, - ... 741
A quantity of powder voted to, - - - - 757
Wirach, Peter, appointed a Second Lieutenant of
Pennsylvania Associators, - 82
Wirach, William, appointed a Captain of Pennsyl-
vania Associators, - - 82
Wisner, Henry, letters from, to New-York Conven-
tion, - - 1102, 1123, 1131
Wisner & Phillips's powder-mill, quantity of powder
manufactured at, ------ 293
Wisner, Captain — see Weisner.
Witherspoon, Dr. John, Delegate in Congress from
New-Jersey, speech of, on the conference pro-
posed by Lord Howe, - - 178
Letter from, to General Gates, - - - 1293
Withington, Peter, appointed a Captain, - - 79
Wolcott, Colonel Erastus, ordered to put his com-
mand in readiness to embark for Long-Island, - 115
Two companies of the command of, to be detached
and marched towards New-York, - - 189
Wolff, George, appointed a Captain of Pennsylvania
Associators, - - - - - 82
Wood, Aaron, certificate of Selectmen of Pepperell
in favour of, ... 351
Wood, Benjamin, killed at Bunker-Hill, - - 951
Wood, Joseph, elected Colonel of Second Pennsyl-
vania Battalion, - 292, 1335
Letter from, to General St. Clair, - - 138
Wood, Silas, discharged from the Militia service, - 783
Wood, Solomon, resolve for paying, for the loss of his
gun, - - - - 768
Woodhull, General Nathaniel, letter to, from Joseph
Bull, - - - 109
Wounded in the battle on Long-Island, - 170
Measures taken to procure the exchange of,- - 701
Death of, - - 894, 934
Woolens, greatly needed by the Army, - - 426
Resolution of Congress for the purchase of, &c., - 926
Wooley, John, Jun., examination of, - 663
Required to give bail for his good behaviour, - - 663
Bond given by, - - .... 666
Wooly, John, examination of, - - 141
Work, William, appointed a Captain of Pennsylvania
Associators, ----...:
Working party, a, of twelve hundred men, ordered to
the Engineer's department, - - '
Wormeley, Ralph, taken prisoner, -
Wormell, Benjamin, Commander of the privateer
Viper,
Worthington, Nicholas, appointed an Ensign in the
Flying-Camp, - - 629
Wounded in the service, provision by Congress for the, 448
Wright, Elihu, appointed a Surgeon, - 1378
Wright, Colonel Thomas H., letter from, to Maryland
Council of Safety, ... - 405
Wyandots, speech of the Governour of Detroit to, - 516
Wyman, Colonel, honourably acquitted of charges
brought against him, ... 473
Wynkoop, Colonel, sick at Kingston, - - 355
Letters from, to General Gates, 1069, 1088, 1103, 1275
Wynkoop, Henry, elected a member of Pennsylvania
Council of Safety, ------ 9
Wynkoop, Major, appointed to command the men
raised in Ulster County, - - 1027, 1167
Wyoming, conference held with the Indians at, - 825
Wyllys, Colonel Samuel, return of officers in the regi-
ment commanded by, ----- 876
Wythe, George, arrival of, at Congress, - - 324
Y.
Yancey, James, Deputy Commissary to Northern
Army, letter from, to Bennington Committee, - 1143
Letter to, from Nathan Clark, - - 1223
Yankee Ranger and Montgomery, privateers, send in
three valuable prizes,
Yates, Abraham, Jun., President of New- York Con-
vention, letter from, to General Washington, - 183
Letters to, from —
John Broom, - - - ... 557
Jacob Cuyler, - - - 356
Cornelius Glenn, - - 311
Ebenezer Hazard, - - 200,301
Daniel Matthews, - - - - 558
Geneial Schuyler, - - - - - 1087
General Washington, - -
Yates, Christopher, letter from, to General Gates, - 923
Yates, Robert, letter from, to General Washington, - 572
Letter to, from General Schuyler, - 932, 1016
Letter from, to General Schuyler, - 1067
Letter to, from General McDougall, - - 1166
Yeates, Jasper, letter to, from Richard Peters, -
Yeoman, Moses, certificate for, - 1222
Yost, Major, appointed Second Major of Pennsylvania
Associators, ---- ...82
Young, Admiral, complains of the conduct of the
French Governour of Martinique,
Young, Hamilton, allowed to return to Long-Island, 1381
Young, John, orders to, from Marine Committee, - 410
Young, Levi, appointed master of the ship Oliver
Cromwell, - - - 1209
Young, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant in
the Flying-Camp, - - - 643
Youngman, Lieutenant Thomas, sentenced to be
cashiered, - 590, 591
Z.
Zedtwitz, Colonel H., his cane, sword, &c., in posses-
sion of the Provost-Marshal,
Cashiered, - - 1167
Letter from, to General Washington, -
Zeigler, David, two months' pay advanced to, - - 1413
88
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