Glover to him. When I last wrote to you, I gave the true reasons for the delay attending the fitting out of these vessels.

I observe you had given orders to young Glover for all the things wrote to you for, and he is returned without the most material article, which is, the three hundred swivel shot. He says there were none; but says there were plenty of four ounce bullets, which, if he had had one ounce of sense, must have known would answer all the purposes.

This young gentleman, I find, has applied to you for a subaltern and twenty men more than were intended for this vessel. I can easily see his reason for it was to get on board with him a favourite young officer, who he appre hended would not be allowed without an addition of men. I see no objection to indulge him with his friend, but I really see no necessity for the twenty men; nor has there been a provision of stores laid in for more than the original number. You must also consider, that if you indulge one you must indulge the whole.

I have told him (as his father did not choose to interfere) that he may have his friend if he pleased, who, with fifty more, officers included, are all I would suffer to go on board, except I had written orders from Head-Quarters to the contrary. I am very sure that number must be full sufficient for all the purposes these vessels are intended for; all above that number must be an encumbrance on board one of these small vessels; and you will find, when the accounts come in, the expense full enough, without such an addition.

Pray what keeps Captain Adams and his Company? His vessel has got all her guns, provision, &c., on board, and 1 know there will be many things wanting, which we cannot possibly think of till he comes.

As Captain Manly’s vessel is all ready, we now only wait the collecting together his hopeful crew, to send him off. 1 have declared, that if there are even thirty on board to-morrow morning, and the wind proves fair, that he shall hoist sail. But these swivel shot, pray send off immediately a large quantity of them; same, four ounce bullets. Cap tain Adams can take sufficient for both vessels, and give Manly his proportion at Cape Ann, which will be their place of rendezvous.

It will be very fortunate, should any of our cruisers fall in with the transport you mention. That would be a glorious prize indeed.

I am much grieved that I had not the pleasure of seeing Mr. Lynch and Colonel Harrison; I regard them highly. Dr. Franklin is going, and you are also on the wing. Every one engaged in this contest must sacrifice their pri vate satisfaction to the publick good. I assure you, the not seeing these gentlemen, and having now little chance of shaking you by the hand before you depart, is very mortifying to, dear Sir, your sincere friend, &c.,

STEPHEN MOTLAN.

To Colonel Joseph Meed.

P. S. My best respects attend his Excellency.

GENERAL SULLIVAN TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

To the Honourable Committee of Safety for the Province of NEW-HAMPSHIRE:

Humbly shows John Sullivan, that General Washington sent him to Portsmouth, in this Province, to take the com mand of the forces here, to repel any attacks upon this or any other sea-ports in this quarter, and has since sent some small forces from the Army, to assist in such defence; that he, in consequence of the directions given him, has summoned in a part of the Militia, with whose assistance he has thrown up some works in this and the Province of Maine, for the defence of Piscataqua harbour, and taken such steps as appeared to him necessary for the defence of Portsmouth, and has completed as far as the length of time since his arrival would admit; but finds that the fleet destined to destroy this port has proceeded to Boston, whereupon the Militia begin to return to their respective homes, leaving the works unfinished, not as yet defensible, and without guard sufficient to prevent the fort and Town’s being taken or destroyed by surprise. He humbly apprehends that at least one thousand men, exclusive of two hundred artillerymen, ought to be raised and stationed at Newcastle, Pearce’s and Seavy’s Islands, for some short space of time, with proper officers appointed to com mand in each department, and with proper officers appoint ed to command the Companies stationed in each. He begs your advice on the affair, and that you would inform him what is necessary to be further done; and that you would let him know, as soon as may be, whether you apprehend it necessary for him or the riflemen and artillerymen sent him from the Army to tarry any longer, that he may conduct himself accordingly; and begs leave to assure you, that whatever you direct or advise shall be cheerfully com plied with, by your most obedient servant,

JOHN SULLIVAN, Brig. Gen.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GENERAL SULLIVAN.

In Committee of Safety, October 27, 1775.

SIR: This Committee, in consequence of your repre sentation, are deeply impressed with gratitude to General Washington, for his early attention and kindness to this Colony, in sending you with some forces to protect their Metropolis from the threatened invasion; and hope the same generous disposition will induce him to continue his assistance while our danger remains.

The number of men you propose to have raised for our present defence, we have considered of; and judge it necessary that the number of matrosses be augmented to two hundred; and that eight hundred men more be en listed for fifteen days, to guard the several necessary posts and passes, and shall give orders for completing the same.

Colonel Joshua Wingate, Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Burnam, and Major James Hacket, are appointed by the Congress of this Colony field-officers of a Regiment of Minute-Men, and commissioned. We have therefore directed them to take command according to their several stations.

We have requested William Knight and Joshua Went worth, Esqrs., Captain William Pearne, Captain Thomas Thompson, and Supply Clap, or any three of them, to pro cure and fix a sufficient number of vessels a little above the boom, in order to hinder the passage of our enemy’s ships up the river.

We expect, Sir, while you are permitted to tarry, you will employ the troops here, and such as shall come in, in such a manner as you shall judge necessary, in preparing for and making the best defence circumstances will allow of, observing all the frugality and economy the great object of defence will admit of; and on all matters of consequence, where time will permit, to consult the Congress of this Colony or this Committee.

The fixing a cable to strengthen the boom, as you pro posed, (considering the time it will require to prepare it, and the great expense thereof, and the importance of the boom and ships, ) we think may be omitted.

In behalf of the Committee, I am, with great esteem, Sir, your obedient servant,

MATTHEW THORNTON, Chairman.

Hon. Brigadier-General Sullivan.

ORDERS TO WILLIAM KNIGHT AND OTHERS.

In Committee of Safety, Exeter, October 27, 1775.

To WILLIAM KNIGHT and JOSHUA WENTWORTH, Esqrs., Captains PEARNE, THOMPSON, and CLAP:

It having been represented to this Committee as neces sary that a number of vessels should be properly moored above the boom on Piscataqua River, we do therefore hereby desire you, to prevent the passage of the enemy’s ships up the river, or any three of you, to take a sufficient number of the meanest vessels you can easily find, that will answer the purpose, and fix them in such places, and in such a manner above the boom, as you shall judge best. Also, to appraise each of said vessels, and make return there of, with the name of the owner, to this Committee, and to assure the owners of the vessels you shall so take, that in case they are destroyed in said service, they shall be paid for, according to your appraisement.

By order of the Committee:

MATTHEW THORNTON, Chairman.