which he may have no occasion to do if we behave ourselves soberly; adhere firmly to our Constitution, though at the same time, as individuals, are helping our brethren as much as our feeble state will allow. And I would humbly propose whether this case, as the evil seems to be spread wide in part of this Province, and in the new countries adjoining in New-York Province, be not worthy to be communicated for the consideration of the Continental Congress, who can put a stop to it, if any can.

I also fear much evil from the unprovoked, harsh, cruel, and worse than savage threats given out by some against my Indian boys, which have already occasioned fear in some of them; and I fear, if it be not stopped, will produce some unfavourable accounts from them to their friends; this evil I am constantly guarding against as much as possible.

I have lately received letters from my honoured patrons in London, of February 17th, replete with expressions of friendship to this institution, but with assurances that no further publick aids are to be expected by me from that side the water till this publick controversy between them and us be amicably settled, which they suggest no present grounds of encouragement to expect; nor do they think fit in their publick and united capacity to write a word of politicks, but as private friends some of them express their great friendship to the religious and civil liberties of America, and their apprehensions that if the sword should be drawn in the controversy on this side the water, it will be soon theirs also.

I would humbly propose to your Honour, and if you shall think proper, to your honourable Assembly, whether—considering the surprising progress of this institution under the smiles of Heaven hitherto, and the fair prospect not only of its great utility to the general and charitable design of it, but also as it is, and likely may long be, an important barrier against the present threatening mischiefs of a Northern enemy—it may not be thought worthy your charitable recommendation of it to the charity and benevolence of the Continental Congress, to be by them recommended to the favour and notice of the pious and charitable of these Colonies.

This may greatly serve the interests of this institution in its present infant, feeble, and deserted state, and not only so, but raise it higher in the esteem of the savage Tribes, which are its first object, and enable me to increase its influence to the good purposes of preserving and increasing that peace and friendship which at present subsists between us and them, and seems to be of very great importance to both. My printed Narrative may give you and other gentlemen some short account of the progress and present state of it, by which you may be able to judge for yourselves of the propriety and expediency of what I here propose. All which I do, with the greatest cheerfulness and confidence, submit to your wise, prudent, and friendly determination. I would not have any thing published or sent abroad which I have hinted, so as to expose my friends at home, who, I find, are cautious in that matter. I am, my honoured and dear Sir, with much esteem and respect, your Honour’s most obedient and most humble servant,

ELEAZER WHEELOCK.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THOMAS FRASER TO GEORGE ERVING, IN BOSTON, DATED LONDON, MAY 13, 1775.

I thank you most heartily for the great trouble you have given yourself in sending our house, as well as myself, so particular an account of the state of your present unfortunate Country. Sorry, very sorry am I to find so many thousands of its inhabitants act as if they were infatuated, and determined, as much as in them lays, that every thing shall be in confusion. I have for many months flattered myself there was no chance that any blood would be shed on account of the present disagreeable contest. I still hope the wide breach may be healed without proceeding to such extremities, but really I have now my fears. However, trusting that an over-ruling Providence will order every thing for the best, I will patiently wait the event. I am sorry that your trade, as well as ours, is so much interrupted; when it will be otherwise I cannot say. Your brig, the Harmony, lies in our river, and what is to be done with her I cannot say; on her arrival, our J. L. sent his servant with a note to Lord North, acquainting him that the vessel was come, and that he was ready to wait upon his Lordship. I am surprised he has not sent a line; it is probable he may have forgot it. Mr. Lane sends to him again to-morrow. I am the more surprised he has not desired him to come to his house, because he read your letter with great attention, and expressed his uneasiness that the friends of good order laboured under so many inconveniences, which he wished might be avoided in future. You have before been informed of his Lordship saying he was glad your brig was gone forward, because it gave him an opportunity of well considering the application you have made. From his silence, I should apprehend he doth not mean the scheme should be put in execution. He hinted to Mr. Lane, that if permission was given, we must apply to the Admiralty. In short, I wish you success in all your engagements; but whether or no you and I may have reason to have desired that Captain Shayler might come fully loaded with merchandise from hence, is a point that I cannot determine. You must allow that affairs are in a very critical situation; and although a civil war may never break out, yet there has been a great appearance of one. If you should for once lose the profit you expected to make by the Harmony, I hope it will be amply made up to you when matters get settled; then there may be some comfort in executing our friends’ commissions. You may believe me when I say I have experienced very little satisfaction for these two years past, and scarce know what course to take with the little business we have left. I trust that when matters once get settled, that Administration will take proper notice of those who have ventured so much to serve them; your friends here will not be backward in promoting your interest on every occasion.

I have neither time nor abilities to enter into the minutiæ of things as I could wish. I have a great respect for Mr. Erving, and hope there will ever be a lasting friendship subsisting between us. What the Americans will think of the Restraining Act of the Fishery, &c., I cannot tell; I should think it must bring about universal confusion and anarchy, or a happy and speedy settlement; this last I earnestly wish may take place. Mr. Lane proposes, when he sees Lord North, to desire him to destroy your letter; though, as it had been in his possession many weeks before, presume it can signify but little, especially as I am pretty confident the contents of your letter will never be known to the publick. I am, with great respect, Sir, your most humble servant,

THOMAS FRASER.

TIMOTHY LADD TO THE MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESS.

Goffstown, N. H., May 13, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: After my regards to your Honours with freedom, whereas it is thought there will be a number of soldiers called for out of this Province for the assistance and defence of North America, for our privileges and liberties; I would inform your Honours that if occasion should call for a number, I am ready to serve your. Honours in this Government and my Country, for the defence of our privileges and the enjoyment of liberty in America.

If your Honours should call for me, I am ready to serve my Country with all freedom and assistance that I am capable of; as 1 think it is the duty of all well-wishers to liberty and the North America. Wishing success to liberty, so I subscribe myself your well-wisher and humble servant,

TIMOTHY LADD.

To the Honourable Congress sitting at Exeter.

BENEDICT ARNOLD TO THE MASSACHUSETTS COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

Ticonderoga, May 14, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: My last was the 11th instant per express, since which a party of men have seized on Crown Point, in which they took eleven prisoners, and found sixty-one pieces of cannon serviceable, and fifty-three unfit for service. I ordered a party to Skenesborough, to take Major Skene, who have made him prisoner, and seized a small schooner, which is just arrived here. I intend setting out in her directly, with a batteau and fifty men, to take possession of the sloop, which, we are advised this morning

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