hath been soliciting an office in the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American liberty, and that he hath invariably opposed every measure pursued for the restoration of our violated privileges; especially when the veins of our heroick countrymen were inhumanly opened at Lexington and Concord, he exerted himself in preventing that succour and relief which justice immediately called for; having taken said letters, and the evidences exhibited against him into consideration, and given the said Cowden a fair hearing in defence, do find it clearly proved, that the said Cowden hath heretofore been a constant opposer of the publick measures taken for the security of our violated rights, so far as he conveniently could, whereby he hath forfeited the affection and confidence of his Town, and they have justly considered him as inimical to his Country. And notwithstanding he professes a full conviction of his past errours and misconduct, the most sincere contrition for the same, a hearty friendship for his Country, willingness to risk life and fortune in its defence, humbly implores forgiveness of the General Assembly and his Country, and in the most solemn manner promises amendment and reformation, the sincerity of which hath of late in some measure been evidenced by an apparent friendly exertion with his countrymen, and a kind entertainment of the soldiery, and especially by discovering a great abhorrence of and indignation against that grand deceiver and betrayer of his Country, whose name and letters are equally execrated by all good men; yet the absolute necessity of taking the most effectual care that the Army be supplied with no officer but of known integrity and well approved friendship for the liberties of this Country, as well as of martial abilities and good courage, induce us to forbear recommending him as a person at present fit to be entrusted with a commission in the service.

Nevertheless, we humbly apprehend the voluntary confession by himself made, subscribed, and herewith exhibited, his solemn engagements to behave well for the future, and his late kindness to the soldiery, being some evidence of a reformation, render it safe and proper that he should be released from his present confinement, and allowed to return to his family and estate in peace, and that he ought, and hereby is recommended to the forgiveness and protection of his countrymen. And that a copy of this Report be given to said Cowden for his own security against the further resentment of the publick for his past offences, and that he have leave to publish the same, with his confession, if he sees fit, and that a copy thereof be sent to his Excellency General Washington in answer to his letter.

CONFESSION OF THOMAS COWDEN.

Watertown, August 8, 1775.

Whereas, I, Thomas Cowden, of Fitchburgh, in the County of Worcester, have been by many good people of this Province accused of being inimical to my Country, for the removal of which accusation I do now acknowledge that in some things I have acted very imprudently; as,

First: By allowing hands under me to work on the Publick Fast recommended by the Association of Boston Ministers.

Secondly: By speaking diminutively of the County Congress at Worcester, in which they recommended to the people not to take Hicks and Mills’s paper.

Thirdly: By endeavouring to hinder two persons who were at work at a frame for me, to go down when the publick alarm was at Lexington.

Fourthly: By not sufficiently encouraging people to sign the Covenant.

Fifthly: By being too backward in Town affairs with regard to the liberties of the Country.

For all which I am truly sorry, beg the forgiveness of the honourable Board and House of Representatives, and all the good people of this Country, who have been aggrieved or offended thereby; yet in justice to myself I must say, that in these things I erred through judgment, not will, and am now ready to convince the world of this solemn declaration, not only by word and interest, but even by exposing my life itself if my Country calls me thereto.

THOMAS COWDEN.

A true copy. Attest:

PEREZ MORTON, Secretary pro tem.

COL. JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TREMBULL.

Camp at Roxbury, August 10, 1775.

HONOURED SIR: I received your favour per post yesterday; am much obliged for the commissions and the intelligence respecting the men-of-war, &c. off New-London. I hope the worst consequence of their appearance will be the loss of ammunition that will be dealt out upon the occasion. There has been an affray between the man-of-war at Cape-Ann and the inhabitants; the former had taken a vessel from sea, which the latter retook and secured the cargo and vessel; afterwards two more in like circumstances, and gave the man-of-war so good a beating as to induce her to leave the port, but not without destroying and damaging a few houses.

I hope my brother will be successful in procuring the flour he is gone to purchase. The Connecticut Troops, whose provisions are thrown into common stock, do not like it very well that they are to help to eat up a large quantity of rye purchased for this Province. The new regulations in this camp in many things give uneasiness; but I hope and believe that when the Commissary-General has got his channels open, supplies will flow regularly and in plenty; at present they have not that provision which the Colony stands engaged for. All my companies are in except Tyler’s, Rowley’s, and Lyon’s, part in tents, others in houses for want of tents. This day a return is to be made to head-quarters of all our covering, upon which I expect better provision will be made in that article. Our dangers are increasing; it behooves our land, and the Army in special, to have their eyes upon God, and trust in him. I desire your prayers that I may be faithful.

My love to mother, son, &c.; and am your dutiful and affectionate son,

JED. HUNTINGTON.

To Governour Trumbull.

New-London, August 11, 1775.

We hear from Westmoreland, in the western part of this Colony, that last Tuesday se’nnight about fifty Indians of the Six Nations came to that place, and encamped at a small distance from the settlement; the next day they came in and delivered a message, which was to this purpose: “ That they were sorry to hear of the difference which subsisted between Great Britain and the Colonies; that they should not take up the hatchet on either side; that they meant to be at peace with the English as long as the. stream ran down the Susquehannah River; that should differences in future arise between us and them, they would try every gentle and healing measure to obtain redress of the grievances; that as Colonel Guy Johnson had left his habitation, and they were destitute of a Superintendent, they desire Colonel Butler to take upon him that trust; and that the place for holding their future Congresses might be Westmoreland.”

CAPTAIN BROOME TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

King’s Bridge, August 11, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Some time past, while I was gone to our Provincial camp near Boston, an unhappy difference happened on a field day, between the Fusiliers now commanded by Henry G. Livingston, Esq., and my company. As such disputes might greatly injure the cause in which we are all engaged, and to prevent the like for the future, I last night withdrew my company from Colonel Lasher’s Battalion. I am now on a journey to New-England; when I return I shall with pleasure join any other battalion, and act in any station you may please to assign me, in which I can best serve my Country. I take the liberty to give you this early information of the part I have acted, and what were my motives, lest any unfavourable impressions might be made upon your minds respecting my conduct.

I am, with great respect, Gentlemen, your most humble servant,

SAMUEL BROOME.

To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress, New-York.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO ALBANY COMMITTEE.

Ticonderoga, August 11, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: A party of our men fell in with Mr. White, Sheriff of Tryon County, accompanied with three white

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