SELECTMEN OF SCARBOROUGH TO THE MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESS.

To the Honourable Representatives in Congress assembled, the 31st of MAY, 1775:

The Selectmen of the Town of SCARBOROUGH, for and in behalf of said Town, humbly showeth:

That the said Town of Scarborough thought themselves not able to support the charge of a Member in said Congress at present, said Town having no money to pay any tax whatever. Our lumber was our chief trade in this Town; that being done, we are in great distress for want of money and provisions. Our crops are very short the last year, and under present circumstances, little or no supplies brought from the Southern Colonies, makes it distressing.

But we doubt not of your Honours’ great wisdom in, consulting the good of the whole Colony; and though this Town has no Representative in Congress, we look upon ourselves in duty bound to conform to the Resolves of the honourable Congress, and shall ever be willing to exert ourselves to the utmost to support good government and defend our just rights and privileges. We have only to add our prayers that God may bless and prosper your counsels, and in the end confirm to us that liberty which our forefathers came into these regions to enjoy.

We beg leave, to subscribe ourselves, as in duty bound, your obedient humble servants,

SELECTMEN OF EDGARTOWN TO THE MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESS.

To the Honourable the Members of the Provincial Congress to be held at WATERTOWN, on the 31st day of MAY instant:

GENTLEMEN: Agreeable to the recommendation of the late honourable Provincial Congress, we have caused the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Edgartown, qualified by law to vote for Representatives in the General Assembly, to meet, in order to elect and depute a Member or Members to represent them in a Provincial Congress to be held at Watertown, on the said 31st day of May instant, but did not elect or depute any Member or Members for the purpose aforesaid; because it was thought, inexpedient, on account of the peculiar situation and circumstances of this small and much exposed Town; being situated on an Island, the communication to the main land not only difficult but dangerous, and frequently surrounded by armed vessels, by reason of the advantageous situation, and convenient harbour suitable for their reception; by reason whereof, a man-of-war is for the most part stationed here, to the great detriment and terrour of the inhabitants, and apprehensive that in case they publickly manifest any great degree of forwardness, with regard to the publick’s unhappy affairs of this Province, that some fatal consequence may ensue, being thus exposed. We are fully convinced that the inhabitants of this place have a most sincere regard for the Congress, and mean to follow and pursue their recommendations from time to time cheerfully with punctuality, consistent with their safety under their, situation. We are therefore led to think that the situation of this people at this time deserves much pity and some indulgence. All which is humbly submitted in behalf of said Town of Edgartown.

PETITION OF INHABITANTS OF BERWICK TO THE MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESS.

To the Honourable the Delegates of the Colony of MASSACHUSETTS-BAT in Provincial Congress at WATER-TOWN convened:

The Petition of the Inhabitants and Freeholders of BERWICK, in the County of YORK, in town-meeting convened, humbly showeth:

That the harbours of York and Kittery, within the said County, lie entirely open to our now known enemies, and the lives and properties of the inhabitants thereof and the neighbouring Towns along the sea-coast exposed to the ravages and depredations of the enemy.

And that the remaining part of the inhabitants of this and the remaining Towns labour under the disagreeable situation (for want of arms and ammunition) of being incapable to defend themselves, wives, and children, and properties, should a descent be made by the King’s Troops on this coast, which your Petitioners have the greatest reason Jo fear will inevitably be the event.

Your Petitioners, therefore, humbly pray this honourable-House, in their great wisdom, to take the premises into serious consideration, and that they would be pleased to despatch one or more of the Companies now in the service of this Colony, in order to assist in guarding and defending this coast, or enable them, by raising more Troops for the Colony service, in some measure to guard and defend themselves. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c., &c. By order of the Town:

NAHUM MARSHALL, Town Clerk.

Berwick, May 31, 1775.

SELECTMEN OF BEDFORD TO MASSACHUSETTS CONGRESS.

To the Honourable Provincial Congress convened at WATERTOWN, May 31, 1775:

GENTLEMEN: We have received the Resolve of the late Provincial Congress, signifying the necessity of a new Congress, and recommending to us that we elect one or more Members to represent us therein, which hath been laid before our Town, at a general meeting called for that purpose; but as the Town is small, and hath of late been visited with sickness and death, as well as the general calamities of our times, and apprehending it not necessary to multiply the number of Members, we hope to be excused, as we did not obtain a major vote of the Town to send one. Notwithstanding, we do highly approve of, and are well sensible of the expediency of such a Congress at this important crisis, and will freely comply with all the wise and salutary measures thereof relative to us.

So, wishing Divine influence and blessings on your endeavours for the peace and safety of this Province, at this alarming day, we subscribe ourselves yours, &c.

In the name and by order, of the Selectmen of Bedford:

STEPHEN DAVIS, Town Clerk.

LETTER FROM THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE CONGRESS TO GENERAL WARD.

Exeter, May 31, 1775.

SIR: In order to commission the Officers belonging to the New-Hampshire Regiments, the Congress have thought it absolutely necessary that Colonel Stark should appear before them; therefore should take it as a favour, that you grant him leave for that purpose.

To his Excellency General Ward.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE CONGRESS TO COLONEL STARK.

Exeter, May 31, 1775.

SIR: As some difficulties have arisen in settling the Regiment under your command, the Congress, as you will see by the enclosed vote, have thought proper that you should immediately, without loss of time, repair to this Town, to receive their orders, and give a more particular account of the state of the Troops under your care.

To Colonel John Stark, Esq.

PORTSMOUTH COMMITTEE TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE CONGRESS.

Portsmouth, May 31, 1775.

SIR: We beg leave to inform you that this day eight pieces of cannon were removed from Jersey Point to this Town, and that threats are thrown out by the Captain of the man-of-war, that in case he hears of any preparation of rafts, or any other means being used to annoy Trim, he shall come up with his ship to fire upon the Town, We would submit it to the wisdom of the Congress, whether these: guns should not be immediately placed in some convenient battery to prevent this mischief, and whether a Committee should not be forthwith employed for this purpose. The guns are six twenty-four, and two thirty-two-pounders.