the place to settle such disputes. I have great reason of thankfulness that I am better in health than when I last wrote; and am, Sir, your Honour’s most obedient humble servant,

SAMUEL MOTT.

Honourable Governour Trumbull.

ORDERS TO MAJOR BENJAMIN TUPPER.

Whereas information has been given to me that two vessels, the one belonging to Holmes and the other to Coffin, both persons of known enmity to the United Colonies, are now lying at Martha’s Vineyard, intending to proceed to Boston, with their cargoes, for the benefit and refreshment of the Ministerial troops there: These are therefore to require you to seize the said vessels, with their cargoes, and secure them in the safest and nearest port to this camp, for the use of the United Colonies; and all persons, friends of their Country and the cause of America, are desired to aid and assist you in the said enterprise, for which they shall be reasonably rewarded out of the said vessels.

Given under my hand, at Head-Quarters, Cambridge, October the twentieth, annoque Domini 1775.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO CAPTAIN EPHRAIM BOWEN, JUN.

Head-Quarters, October 20, 1775.

SIR: Your favour this day came to hand. Your conduct in fitting out the vessels is much approved of by his Excellency, who is particularly pleased with your despatch. Col. Warren has wrote to Wormwell about his demand of eight pence more than others, which I hope he will retract, otherwise you must endeavour to procure another, as we are resolved to submit to no demands that appear to be unreasonable. The difference to him is small, but as we must pay the same to others, and in that case the difference to the publick will be considerable. I think you had better take the swivels, but we would have the vessel delayed for the sake of making up the complement of ten. Advise with Captain Martindale about the cohorns. If he thinks they will be serviceable, you can take one or both. Enclosed is a letter to the Committee about the powder. The cartridge paper will be sent immediately. Captain Adams will have the same terms as other masters out of Salem or Marblehead.

I shall despatch Captain Coit as soon as possible, but the General would have you stay till the vessels are equipped and sailed. If it is not absolutely necessary for Captain Martindale to return to camp before he sails, he can stay to superintend the workmen, &c. I cautioned him against an extravagant outset, but I fear his former ideas on the subject are insuperable. There certainly can be no occasion for such a number of guns, unless he means to go without powder for them, as we cannot spare so much of that article as such an outset would require. We think eight or at the most ten six-pounders quite sufficient, with ten or twelve swivels. Enclosed is a letter to the Committee of Bristol, which may be of some use in procuring the guns, if you are obliged to go there for that purpose.

By what I mentioned in my former letter, I only meant to give you a caution, as we have been very unfortunate in sending persons to do business where their connexions lay. It will be best for you to pay all contingent expenses. If you have not current cash, Mr. Watson, the agent, will supply you, and his draft here upon me for these expenses, or any other attending the vessels, will be honoured. If the Committee of Plymouth claim a property in the vessel, notwithstanding she is to be employed on the publick service, you must agree with them, as with private persons, on the best terms you can. Pray forward both vessels as soon as possible, and in your next let me know when Martindale’s will be ready. If he wants ammunition from hence, let us know in time, that none may be lost in fitting out these articles.

1 am, Sir, your very humble servant,

J. REED, Secretary.

To Captain Ephraim Bowen, Jun., Plymouth.

P. S. By all means caution Captain Martindale against a large outset. The design is to intercept the enemy’s supplies, not to look out for the armed vessels.

COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO THE COMMITTEE OF PLYMOUTH.

Head-Quarters, October 20, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: I am directed by his Excellency General Washington to acquaint you that the publick service requiring a number of armed vessels to be fitted to intercept the enemy’s supplies, and the distance making the transportation of ammunition tedious, you will render the General a most acceptable service, and much promote the publick interest, if you will supply, out of your Town stock or otherwise, the powder necessary for the service. The General will either replace it, or pay for it, as may be most agreeable to you. Any other service you may render Captain Bowen in this affair will be kindly accepted.

I am, by his Excellency’s order, Gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,

J. REED.

COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO THE COMMITTEE OF BRISTOL.

Camp at Cambridge, October 20, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: His Excellency General Washington has directed me to acquaint you, that, conceiving it would be of publick service to fit out some armed vessels, he is equipping two at Plymouth, designed to intercept the enemy’s supplies. It may perhaps be necessary for Captain Bowen to apply to you for some guns; if so, it would much oblige the General and promote the publick service, if you could furnish him with such as he may want, and you can spare. Any other assistance which he may crave, we doubt not you will cheerfully give, as we are embarked in one great and common cause.

I am, Gentlemen, by his Excellency’s direction, your most obedient and very humble servant,

J. REED.

COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO COLONEL GLOVER AND STEPHEN MOYLAN.

Head-Quarters, October 20, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Your favour of yesterday was duly received. The two hundred and sixty dollars Mr Moylan will keep till he returns, and then pay it to the Commissary-General. I sent for Colonel Burbeck, who makes some excuse that he could not get the order ready, but promises it shall be this day completed.

I also sent for Doctor Spofford, who agrees to go if his Colonel does not object to it. He is now gone to consult him, and if he determines to go, I shall despatch him immediately. You will remember, gentlemen, that the vessels will want a part of this flour. You will, therefore, be pleased to retain as much as will be necessary for this purpose.

P. M., six o’clock. After pursuing Doctor Spofford all day, to get his decision, I have at last got it, that he will go, and is preparing; so that I hope he will be with you some time to-morrow.

We have accounts that the small squadron which sailed some time ago is bombarding Falmouth and Portsmouth. Our vessels must be careful how they fall in with them. Please to fix upon some particular colour for a flag, and a signal by which our vessels may know one another. What do you think of a flag with a white ground, a tree in the middle, the. motto “ Appeal to Heaven?” This is the flag of our floating batteries.

We are fitting out two vessels at Plymouth, and when I next hear from you on this subject, I will let them know the flag and the signal, that we may distinguish our friends from our foes. You will hasten the equipment of the other two vessels as fast as possible.

Be pleased to prepare half a dozen reams of the best writing paper to be had in Salem or Marblehead, and send it down here per first opportunity. If you think any good purpose would be answered by it, you can send out Colonel Glover’s schooner till the substitute is got ready.

I am, Gentlemen, with much regard, your most obedient humble servant,

J. REED, Secretary.

To Colonel Glover and Stephen Moylan, Esq., Salem.

P. S. Colonel Glover does not notice the receipt of Captain Langdon’s present to the officers who retook his ship. Don’t let it be forgot in your next.