ourselves of this supply; but if your favour and friendship to North-America and its liberties have not been misrepresented, I persuade myself you may, consistent with your own safety, promote and further this scheme, so as to give it the fairest prospect of success. Be assured that in this case the whole power and exertion of my influence will be made with the honourable Continental Congress that your island may not only be supplied with provisions, but experience every other mark of affection and friendship which the grateful citizens of a free Country can bestow on its brethren and benefactors.

I am, &c.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

Camp in Roxbury, September 6, 1775.

HONOURED SIR: I have your esteemed favour of the 4th September; observe that provision is made for Mrs. Dyer. I this day hear of the death of my First Lieutenant. I strongly recommend my Second Lieutenant, Mr. Jonathan Brewster, to succeed. He is an officer I set as much by as any one in the Regiment, although there are so many worthy men among the number.

A secret expedition is on foot, under the command of Colonel Arnold; a draught is to be made of about eleven hundred. Colonel Enos, Major Meigs, Major Bigelow, Captain Flanchet, and Dr. Turner, are of the party. I call it a secret expedition, but it is become, like many others, known to every body. The design is against Quebeck, by the way of Kennebeck River. Should Dr. Turner go, I shall be left without any Surgeon but Dr. Holmes. Dr. Waldo, of Pomfret, is discharged and gone home, on account of his ill state of health. Dr. Waldo, of Coventry, has been here some time, at my desire, administering to the sick; his assistance has been much needed, and will be more so when Turner is gone . Waldo will expect something to depend upon the pecuniary score, if he continues any longer. We are this night making approaches towards our enemies on the Neck; expect they will show their resentment.

Thursday morn.—Three separate intrenchments were thrown up last night, which will cover our out-sentries and advanced right parties; no opposition made. Nothing further to detain you.

I remain, with suitable regards to all, your dutiful and affectionate son,

JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON.

To Governour Trumbull.

Edinburgh, September 7, 1775.

We are well informed that the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, Esq., Lord-Advocate for Scotland, had, last week, a meeting with the honourable Board of Customs, concerning the impropriety of vessels being cleared from any port of Scotland with emigrants for America, and proposed that orders should be issued by the Board to all the inferiour Custom-Houses, enjoining them to grant no clearances to any ship for America, which had more than the common complement of hands on board; and that this was immediately complied with, and orders issued to all the sea-ports accordingly; a most salutary measure, and which may prevent the destruction of a number of thoughtless and ill-informed people.

JAMES CITY COUNTY (VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE.

At a Committee held for James City County, on Thursday, the 7th of September, 1775:

Several reports having prevailed in this County that Mr. William Holt, Merchant at Norfolk, had supplied the Men-of-War, now in the Harbour, with quantities of Bread and Flour from his Mill in this County, and that the inhabitants were thereby made uneasy, Mr. Holt appeared before the Committee, and informed them that he hath for several years contracted to furnish the Men-of-War with supplies of Bread and Flour for immediate use, and that he hath not increased the usual quantity, considering the addition of vessels; that he consulted the Committee of Norfolk respecting the conduct he should observe upon the occasion, and that he has done nothing of the sort without their approbation.

Resolved, as the opinion of this Committee, That Mr. William Holt hath not transgressed any rule of the General Association, nor done any thing in the least blame-worthy; but, inasmuch as the exports from this continent will, in a few days, be shut up, this Committee give it as their opinion that Mr. Holt ought not, in future, to supply any Men-of-War with Bread or Flour; and it is recommended to him, and all other owners or proprietors of Mills and Bakehouses, not to manufacture any larger quantities of Wheat or Indian Corn, either into Flour, Meal, or Bread, than may be necessary for the internal consumption of this Colony.

BEN. CARTER WALLER, Clerk.

CHARLES PETTIT TO LORD STIRLING.

Perth-Amboy, September 7, 1775.

MY LORD: His Excellency having this day laid before the Council some matters of great consequence to the publick, the Members present have thought it expedient, and therefore have advised his Excellency to postpone the determination of the Board upon them till there shall be a more full meeting. His Excellency has therefore appointed that a Council be held in this City on Tuesday, the 15th of the present month, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, at which it is expected that every Member of the Board will attend. I have it [further] in command from his Excellency in Council to acquaint your Lordship that it is a matter of publick report that you have accepted a commission from the Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, appointing you Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in the County of Somerset, and his Excellency requires an answer from your Lordship, whether you have or have not accepted such commission.

I am, my Lord, your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant,

CHAS. PETTIT.

Right Honourable the Earl of Stirling.

LORD STIRLING TO GOVERNOUR FRANKLIN.

Baskinridge, September 14, 1775.

SIR: I have received a letter from Mr. Pettit, dated the 7th inst., informing me that your Excellency has appointed a Council to be held at Amboy on Friday, the 15th inst., and that my attendance is expected. The gout, which at present is my constant companion, will render it impossible for me to go from home at that time, and therefore I hope your Excellency will be able to dispense with my attendance. In the same letter Mr. Pettit informs me that “he has it in command from your Excellency to acquaint me that it is a matter of publick report that I have accepted a commission from the Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, appointing me a Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in the County of Somerset, and that your Excellency requires an answer from me, whether I have or have not accepted such a commission.” I must acknowledge, Sir, that the style and manner in which this inquiry is made a good deal surprises me, especially as I have ever been used to experience from your Excellency a behaviour becoming a gentleman in your exalted station. That you could think of commanding your Clerk to correspond with me on so delicate a subject, or to catechise me in so peremptory a manner, equally astonishes me; however, I will indulge your Excellency’s curiosity. I have lately been informed that the good people of this country have unanimously chosen me a Colonel of a Regiment of Militia; that the Provincial Congress of this Province have approved of the choice of the people, and have issued a commission accordingly, which I have received. This mark of confidence the people among whom I reside repose in me, is one of the most satisfactory, and, I think, honourable events that I have ever experienced. At a time when their dearest rights are invaded, to call me forth to take so important a part in their defence, cannot but rouse the most grateful feelings of a man who ever has been a friend to the liberties of mankind. Accepting this commission, and in serving my Country faithfully, I cannot doubt of having your Excellency’s highest approbation, especially when I recollect your frequent publick as well as private declarations, that the rights of the people and the prerogatives of the Crown were equally dear to you, and equally your duty, as well as inclination, to preserve.

I am your most obedient humble servant,

STIRLING.

To Governour Franklin.