money, per barrel; which, at this season of the year, is not extravagant. I find, by having had a few barrels weighed, they fall short three, four, and five pounds of the weight marked on them; and, as it will probably become a Continental charge, I have thought it best to have them all weighed, that the publick, or the Commissary into whose hands they fall, may not pay for more flour than they really have.

As there are people in this Town inimical to the cause, I think best (in part) to keep it secret where this flour is to be landed. The engagements I have made are, that they must proceed to Newbury, Ipswich, Cape Ann, Salem, or Marblehead, according to the orders I shall give them when going to sea. A copy of these orders I have the honour of enclosing to you.

I have appointed Trist. Dalton, Esquire, of Newbury, agent for the armed schooners, and any prizes they may carry into that port; and Colonel Joshua Wentworth, for this Province. They are to obey all orders they will receive from Head-Quarters.

I have the honour to be your Excellency’s most humble and obedient servant,

STEPHEN MOYLAN.

P. S. Your Excellency will be pleased to order two hundred and forty dollars to be sent me by the bearer, that I may pay the freight and other charges attending this business.

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CAPTAINS.

Portsmouth, October 13, 1775.

You are to proceed, with the first fair wind, to the port of Salem, and deliver your cargo, consisting of. . . . .barrels of flour, to the care of Mr. Hask. Darby, at his wharf, who will give you a receipt for the same. You are by no means to go farther out to sea than is absolutely necessary for the preservation of your vessel and cargo. Hug the shore all the voyage as much as possible; avoid every vessel you see, and make all the despatch you possibly can.

By complying with these instructions, you will render the risk of the enemy trifling; you will merit the confidence of your Country, and you will be entitled to receive one shilling, lawful money, per barrel, for your freight.

STEPHEN MOYLAN.

I, Stephen Moylan, Commissary-General of Musters to the Army of the United Colonies, being empowered by his Excellency George Washington, Esq., Commander-in-Chief, to negotiate the transportation of a cargo of flour from this port to any other port or ports on this coast; and whereas Captain...... of the Sloop....., has engaged to proceed to the port of Salem, with a load of said flour, on the following conditions: that he is to receive one shilling, lawful money, for every barrel of flour he delivers to the care of Mr. Hask. Darby, of said port; that his vessel is to be ensured against the danger of being taken by the enemy, in the prosecution of this voyage.

By virtue of the power aforesaid, I do hereby ensure said vessel, in the sum of three hundred Pounds, lawful money, against the said risk.

Witness my hand:

STEPHEN MOYLAN.

Portsmouth, October 13, 1775.

TIMOTHY WALKER, JUN., TO WILLIAM WHIPPLE.

Modford, October 15, 1775.

SIR: Yours of the 12th instant, by Mr. Perkins, came safe to hand. I waited upon General Washington yesterday morning, but found he had set out early for Roxbury, and was not expected back till three o’clock, P. M., at which time I called again, and found him at home. The General, after reading your letter, told me 1 must call next morning for an answer. I called accordingly, and received the enclosed. The General directed me to call on the Commissary-General for some cash to pay the freight of some flour, which, it seems, is coming this way. I called at the Commissary’s office, but was informed that the money was not to be had at present, but that they would forward it as soon as it would arrive from Philadelphia.

Your letter to Colonel Bartlett will be forwarded to-morrow by the post.

I am your most obedient and very humble servant,

TIMOTHY WALKER, JUN.

To William Whipple, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of Safety for New-Hampshire.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.

Camp at Cambridge, October 15, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: I was yesterday favoured with yours of the 11th instant, wherein the necessities of the Town of Portsmouth, and the garrison there, for some part of the late capture of flour, are represented. Had I known their situation, I should have made the application unnecessary, by directing Mr. Moylan on the subject. They have my cheerful consent to take what is necessary, but perhaps somewhat less than six hundred barrels may answer the present exigence. As our mutual wants are now known to each other, I shall leave it to you to reserve what quantity you think indispensably necessary.

With respect to the transportation of it to Marblehead or Salem by water, I apprehend it must depend upon circumstances, such as the enemy being upon the coast, Sic, of all which Mr. Moylan was directed to inform himself, and then act as should be best. The expense of land carriage would be very considerable, and I wish to use all possible economy, so as to be consistent with our safety. You will please to favour Mr. Moylan with your opinion on the subject, to which he will pay a suitable regard.

I am, with much respect and esteem, Gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

The Hon. William Whipple, Esq., Chairman, &c.

COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO STEPHEN MOYLAN.

Cambridge, October 15, 1775.

DEAR SIR: Your favour of the 13th instant came safely to hand. The General is pleased with your proceedings, and has given his consent that the Committee should retain what flour is absolutely necessary.

We are very anxious to hear of the armed vessels being ready for sea. Every day, nay, every hour, is precious. It is now fourteen days since they were set on foot; sure they cannot be much longer in preparing. You will write if any thing material occurs.

I am, dear Sir, your very obedient humble servant,

JOSEPH REED.

To Stephan Moylan, Esq., Portsmouth.

P. S. The Committee seem to think the transportation by Cape Ann dangerous. Pray do not run any unnecessary risks. If there are no enemy’s cruisers, there can be no danger. At all events, consult with the Provincial Committee, and if you do not follow their advice in sending it by Ipswich, give them your reasons for not doing so. This is a proper mark of respect, after what they have said.

Yours, &c.

Two hundred and forty dollars sent by the bearer of this.

ADDRESS OF THE TOWN OF SHREWSBURY.

Address of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, of the Town of Shrewsbury, in Common Council assembled, presented to His Majesty by the Mayor, William Owen, Esq., a Lieutenant in His Majesty’s Navy.

To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty.

Most Gracious Sovereign:

We, your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Town of Shrewsbury, in Common Council assembled, actuated by the warmest zeal for your royal person, and the firmest attachment to our most excellent Constitution, humbly presume to approach the throne, and to offer up our tribute of