PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Philadelphia, October 5, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: It having been represented to the Congress that you have in the employ of the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay two armed vessels, and a particular service being recommended to General Washington, the prosecution of which will require those vessels, I am directed by the Congress to inform you that General Washington is instructed to make application to you for those vessels. And I am particularly authorized to desire yon will put said vessels, for this service, under the General’s command and direction, and that you furnish him instantly with every necessary in your power, at the expense of the Continent; and in case those armed vessels cannot be employed in this service, you are earnestly requested to afford your utmost assistance, in every matter that the General may have occasion to apply to you upon, in the prosecution of the publick service.

I have the honour to be, with esteem, &c.,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.*

To the Honourable Members of the Council of Massachusetts-Bay.

SUSSEX COUNTY (NEW-JERSEY) COMMITTEE.

In Committee, Sussex County, New-Jersey, October 5, 1775.

George McMurtrie, of Hardwick, being brought before this Committee, and charged with having spoke very contemptuously and disrespectfully of the Continental and Provincial Congresses; which being fully proved, it is resolved that the said George McMurtrie be advertised in the publick prints as an enemy to his Country, and that no person or persons have any dealings or connection with him until he shall cause an acknowledgment of his fault to be published in one of the New-York or Philadelphia newspapers, on pain of being deemed inimical to the liberties of America. By order of the Committee:

JACOB MC COLLOM, Chairman pro tem.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF THE CONGRESS.

[Road October 16, 1775.]

Ticonderoga, October 5, 1775.

SIR: Yesterday morning I received a letter from General Montgomery, enclosing sundry papers, copies of which (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, together with a copy of another letter, No. 6, received this morning, and which was written before that marked No. 1) I now do myself the honour to transmit you.

I am very apprehensive of disagreeable consequences arising from Mr. Allen’s imprudence. I always dreaded his impatience of subordination; and it was not until after a solemn promise, made me in the presence of several officers, that he would demean himself properly, that I would permit him to attend the Army; nor would I have consented then, had not his solicitations been backed by several officers.

By the enclosed return, No. 7, Congress will perceive what troops have joined the Army since I left it, and what provisions, &c, have been forwarded to it. The Canadians destroy a great quantity of provisions, and much waste is committed by our people, in despite of every order issued to prevent it. The expense of this article will amaze Congress. However, if the issuing Commissaries had done their duty, and obeyed the orders that were given them by the Commissary-General or me, I should have had it in my power to have detected every Quartermaster, or other, who has drawn a greater quantity of provision than what was due, and the Regiments might have been charged with it.

Such crowds of sick are daily returning from the Army, that although I had thoughts of leaving General Wooster’s corps at Albany, I have found it necessary to order them up.

I wish I could comply with General Montgomery’s requisition for ammunition; but I have not an ounce of powder that I can command, nor do I expect any, unless the New-York Congress can send me some, to whom I wrote on the 29th ultimo, by express, and begged they would send five tons, if they could, in row boats, that no delay might be made.

The Paymaster General is now here, and very much indisposed indeed. He proposed to resign the employment, as he is apprehensive that he will not be able again to cross the Lakes. I am fully convinced that it will be the case; but as a new appointment during this campaign will be introductory of confusion, I have requested him to return to Albany, and have taken the liberty to give him an order to appoint a Deputy. The Paymaster General’s appointment, I understand, will not afford of his paying a Deputy. I mention this, that Congress may signify their pleasure on the subject.

Should Congress approve of having the troops that are or have been employed in this department paid by rolls, drawn in the form of the enclosed, it will be necessary that I should be furnished with the accounts of what pay only has been advanced to them; for which purpose, an order should go to the Governour of Connecticut, Massachusetts Bay Congress, that of New-York, and that of New-Hampshire, to furnish me with the accounts, specifying the persons’ names to whom money has been advanced by their order.

On further consideration, I find this order will be necessary, even if Congress should not think proper to adopt my mode of payment; for I labour under difficulties in complying with applications for money, as I do not know but I may overrun the mark.

The first one hundred thousand Dollars issued to Mr. Trumbull are expended; and as I shall have large calls on me, from Canada and other quarters, I beg leave to mention the necessity there is of a fresh supply to the military chest in this department.

I am rather better than when I did myself the honour to write you last, having yesterday, for the first time, ventured to ride out two or three hundred yards.

Should I receive your orders to engage troops for the winter service, I propose to give the offers of commissions to the officers of the Army as they stand in rank, unless you direct otherwise, which I hope will be agreeable.

I am, Sir, most respectfully, your Honour’s most obedient and most humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.

[No. l.]

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Camp near St. John’s, September 28, 1775.

DEAR SIR: Since mine of this morning, I have received a letter from Mr. Livingston, and another from Colonel Warner, who is at La Prairie, acquainting me that Colonel Allen has passed the river to Montreal, or below it, rather, with thirty of our men and fifty Canadians; that he had been attacked by a superior party from the garrison; that he was taken prisoner, two or three killed, and as many more wounded; and that the rest took to their heels. I have to lament Mr. Allen’s imprudence and ambition, which urged him to this affair single handed, when he might have had a considerable re-enforcement. I send you all the letters I have had on this subject. The provisions came seasonably, and have given no small relief to my anxiety.

I find there were orders from you, for the removal of the hospital stores. This I knew nothing of when I wrote this morning.

I am exceedingly sorry to hear your recovery does not advance as I could wish it. I am much obliged to you for the sugar and beef, all which has come here safe.

Adieu, &c., &c.,

RICHARD MONTGOMERY.

To General Schuyler.

[No. 2.]

JAMES LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL MONTGOMERY.

Camp at Point Olivée, near Chambly, Sept. 27, 1775.

DEAR SIR: I have sent you four men, who will engage to bring you two or three pieces of cannon down the rapids,

* A letter was at the same time written to Governour Cooke, of Rhode-Island, desiring him to send the armed vessels, belonging to that Colony, on the above enterprise, with the precautions mentioned in the letter to the General.

A like letter was also written to Governour Trumbull, of Connecticut, to employ, under the like precautions, the largest of the armed vessels, belonging to that Colony, on said enterprise,