becoming a zeal for the liberties of America, as oar fellow-subjects in the other parts of this Government.

A true extract from the Minutes:

SIMON KOLLOCK, Clerk.

Head of Indian River, June 23, 1775.

N. B. In this new County military preparations for self-defence against the bloody attacks of the infatuated British Ministry are carried on with great spirit. It is expected we shall soon have fifteen hundred or more of a well trained militia; and the Committee are endeavouring to obtain the necessary supplies of warlike stores.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON FROM PHILADELPHIA, DATED JUNE 20, 1775.

We hear that the Congress intend to make two proposals, to the following effect:

First. That they will submit to an absolute restriction of their trade for the benefit of Great Britain, upon condition that nothing further shall be, required of them, it being in their opinion a more advantageous offer than any other they, can make to the Mother Country; or,

Second. That it shall be agreed between Great Britain and the Colonies, that the latter shall raise her full, equal, and just proportion of revenue for the support of the whole Empire, in a similar manner as the assessment is upon Scotland. That if England raises twenty thousand Pounds for every forty thousand Pounds levied on Scotland, so America will bear her share. On this system the Colonies cannot be taxed one farthing, without Great Britain paying also a like proportion. In consideration of this, all restraints on the American trade to be taken off.

One of these proposals must be accepted, or arms will be the alternative. Colonel Washington, on his appointment to be Commander-in-Chief, refused any stipulated salary, saying, he would not receive one farthing more than his expenses. One thousand Riflemen are raised by order of the Congress; Pennsylvania sends four hundred, Maryland two hundred, and Virginia four hundred. Colonel Ward, of New-England, is second in command, and Gates (formerly a Major in His Majesty’s service) is Adjutant-General.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON, DATED PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 20, 1775.

However anxious the Americans are to preserve their allegiance sacred and inviolate, they are also as solicitous and determined to submit to no infringement on their constitutional rights; and for this reason solely, they have taken arms to oppose the despotick system of an infamous Administration, and the Grand Congress in this City are accordingly making every necessary preparation to act with vigour. As the scene of action is at present far removed from hence, it is thought they will shortly adjourn to, or depute a Council to sit at Hartford, in Connecticut.

They have passed a vote to strike off two millions of dollars, (seven shillings and six pence, our currency,) to answer present exigencies. Colonel George Washington, a Delegate from Virginia, is, at the particular request of the people in New-England, and with the unanimous consent of the Congress, appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Forces, with a handsome salary per annum. The commission he received with pleasure, but positively refused any pay, requiring only a reimbursement of his actual expenses. Colonel Ward (who, I find, is universally esteemed, and well known to be a good officer) is second in command, and Mr. Gates (formerly a Major in the King’s service) is Adjutant-General., Colonel Lee would not have refused a command, but the Congress did not choose to trust him, on account of his professing a personal dislike to the King; but I think it is probable if there should be no hopes of accommodation, that his military knowledge will induce them to give him a commission.

The Captains are allowed twenty dollars per month; Lieutenants and Ensigns, thirteen; Non-Commissioned Officers, eight; Privates, six.

Although the petition presented to His Majesty last fall was treated with contempt, nevertheless the Congress have determined to try one more, which they are now preparing, and I suppose will be forwarded as soon as its importance will permit. It is confessedly said, and I have reason to think the report is well founded, that they intend to make two proposals to the following effect:

First. They will submit to a parliamentary restriction of their trade, but to no commercial duties, for the purpose of raising a revenue. In consideration of which, to be totally exempt from all taxation by the British Legislature.

It is thought by them that the absolute control of their trade would prove more beneficial to Britain than any other mode of contribution; but if nothing else than a revenue will please, they will,

Secondly, Consent and agree, that whenever a grant is made by the people in England and Scotland, they will also give a full, equal, and just proportion towards the support of the whole Empire, upon condition of a free and uninterrupted trade, as enjoyed by the subjects in Britain.

One of these proposals must be considered of as a groundwork for an accommodation, or arms will be the alternative. It is generally thought that the Congress will concur with the act of Parliament, and stop all exports from and after the 20th of July. I am much easier than when I last wrote to you about the article of ammunition, being now satisfied by the plan adopted that we shall have full sufficient to act offensively.

The Congress have ordered one thousand more marksmen, or, as we call them, Riflemen, to be raised, viz: four hundred in Pennsylvania, four hundred in Virginia, and two hundred in Maryland. These men are to be divided in small parties, and scattered through the Army, for the purpose of removing the officers, the good consequences of which are too obvious to need pointing out. A party of these men, at a late review, on a quick advance, placed their balls in poles of seven inches diameter, fixed up for the purpose, at the distance of two hundred and fifty yards.

It is amazing to see the spirit of the Germans among us. Thousands of them have served as soldiers in their own Country. They speak with infinite pleasure of sacrificing their lives and property for the preservation of liberty, which they know full well how to value, from its deprivation by despotick Princes.

The Quakers, naturally fond of their interest, could not bear the thought of having their property taken from them without their consent, and have therefore taken arms, notwithstanding the Publick Testimony, which was really the work of about thirty of their elders. There are whole companies of that Society daily under arms; in particular the Light-Infantry Company of the first Battalion in this City is composed of them, in an uniform of Tight blue and buff.

JOHN HANCOCK, PRESIDENT TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE CONGRESS.

Philadelphia, June 20, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the Congress to forward you the enclosed Resolve, which passed yesterday, and to request an immediate compliance therewith, so far as it relates to the Troops in your Colony.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

JOHN HANCOCK.

To the Provincial Congress or Committee of New-Hampshire.

In Congress, June.19, 1775.

Resolved, That the Governour of Connecticut be requested to direct all the Forces raised in that Colony, not employed at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, or recommended by this Congress to be marched into the Province of New-York, to be immediately sent to join the combined Army before Boston; and it is earnestly recommended to the Colony of Rhode-Island, and the Provincial Convention of New-Hampshire, to send immediately to the Army before Boston, such of the Forces as are already embodied, towards the quotas of the Troops agreed to be raised by the New-England Colonies.

A true copy from the Minutes:

CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.