Our prisoners, by the reduction of Fort Chambly, (on which happy event I most sincerely congratulate the Congress,) being considerably augmented, and likely to be increased, I submit it to the wisdom of Congress, whether some convenient inland Towns, remote from the post roads, ought not to be assigned them, the manner of their treatment, subsistence, &c., defined, and a commissary or agent appointed to see that justice is done both to them and the publick, proper accounts rendered, &c. Without a mode of this sort is adopted, I fear there will be sad confusion hereafter, as there are great complaints at present.

I reckoned without my host when I informed the Congress, in my last, that I should, in a day or two, be able to acquaint them of the disposition of the soldiery towards a new enlistment. I have been in consultation with the Generals of this Army ever since Thursday last, endeavouring to establish new corps of officers, but find so many doubts and difficulties to reconcile, I cannot say when they are to end or what may be the consequences, as there appears to be such an unwillingness in the officers of one Government mixing in the same Regiment with those of another; and, without it, many must be dismissed, who are willing to serve, notwithstanding we are deficient on the whole. I am to have another meeting to-day, upon this business, and shall inform you of the result.

The Council of Officers are unanimously of opinion that the command of the Artillery should no longer continue in Colonel Gridley; and knowing of no person better qualified to supply his place, or whose appointment will give more general satisfaction, I have taken the liberty of recommending Henry Knox, Esq., to the consideration of the Congress, thinking it indispensably necessary, at the same time, that this Regiment should consist of two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Majors, and twelve Companies, agreeable to the plan and estimate handed in, which, differing from the last establishment, I should be glad to be instructed on.

The Commissary-General, not being returned, will apologize, I hope, for my silence respecting a requisition of the expense of his Clerks, &c., which I was to have obtained, together with others, and forward.

I have heard nothing of Colonel Arnold since the 13th ult. His letter of and journal to that date will convey all the information I am able to give of him. I think he must be in Quebeck. If any mischance had happened to him, he would, as directed, have forwarded an express.

No account yet of the armed vessels sent to St. Lawrence. I think they will meet with the stores inward or outward bound.

Captain Symons, in the Cerberus, lately sent from Boston to Falmouth, has published the enclosed declaration at that place, and it is suspected intends to make some kind of a lodgement there. I wrote immediately to Colonel Phinney, of this Army, who went up there, upon the last alarm, to spirit up the people, and oppose it at all events. Falmouth is about one hundred and thirty miles from this camp.

I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

P. S. I send a general return of the Troops, and manifests of the cargoes and vessels taken at Plymouth.

Falmouth, November 3, 1775.

SIR: We have received your polite favour of the 24th ultimo. It gives us inexpressible concern to find that it is out of your power to afford us any aid; and we are the more concerned, on the arrival yesterday of the Ship Cerberus, with a number of men, said to be about four hundred. Those, we expect, will in a few hours land and take possession of the Town. How soon they will penetrate in the country, God only knows; for what can a people do without arms and ammunition to defend themselves. The poor distressed people, drove from their habitations by the late cruel destruction of the Town, can scarcely find sufficient places for their accommodation; and the country is so engaged in procuring provisions for them, that we find it difficult to raise the militia for our present defence. But we have only two half barrels of powder in stock, and we almost fear to make an opposition.

We think it our duty to represent our situation to you, not doubting that if you can think of any measures to relieve us, consistent with the general interest, you will do it.

We are in great want of some person, of a martial spirit, to conduct the few Tories we already have.

We are, Sir, with great respect, your most obedient and very humble servant,

ENOCH MOODY,
Chairman of the Committee of Falmouth.

P. S. Enclosed is a manifesto sent on shore by the Captain of the Cerberus, who verbally demanded of two or three gentlemen, who went on board yesterday, twenty sheep, and to come on shore for wood and water unmolested. Also is enclosed Captain Mowat’s letter.

Falmouth, November 1, 1775.

Captain John Symons, commander of His Majesty’s Ship Cerberus, hereby causeth it to be signified and made known, to all persons whatever in the Town of Falmouth, as well as the country adjacent, that if, after this publick notice, any violences shall be offered to any of the officers of the Crown, or other peaceably disposed subjects of His Majesty; or if any bodies of men shall be raised and armed in the said Town and country adjacent, or any military works erected, otherwise than by order of His Majesty, or those acting under his authority; or if any attempts shall be made to seize or destroy any publick magazines of arms, ammunition, or other stores, it will be indispensably my duty to proceed with the most vigorous efforts against the said Town, as in open rebellion against the King. And if, after this signification, the Town shall persist in the rebellious acts abovementioned, they may depend on my proceeding accordingly.

And I do hereby also make known, that if any officers of the Colonies, belonging to the Crown, or any of His Majesty’s subjects whatever, who may be compelled, by the violences of the people, to seek an asylum, that they may repair on board His Majesty’s Ship Cerberus, where they will receive every protection in my power.

JOHN SYMONS.

GOD save the King.

General Return of the Army of the UNITED COLONIES, commanded by His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander-in-Chief.

The number of Regiments, 39; 4 Companies of Riflemen from Virginia and Maryland; 2 Companies in Col. Hinman’s Regiment; and 4 Independent Companies.

Total of Commissioned Officers present: 28 Colonels, 32 Lieutenant-Colonels, 30 Majors, 290 Captains, 558 Lieutenants, 65 Ensigns.

Total of Staff Officers present: 21 Chaplains, 35 Adjutants, 35 Quartermasters, 31 Surgeons, and 36 Mates.

Total of Non-Commissioned Officers present: 1, 238 Sergeants, 690 Drums and Fifes.

Rank and File present: Fit for duty, 13, 358; sick present, 1, 378; sick absent, 784; on furlough, 875; on command, 3, 009. Total of Rank and File, 19, 404.

Wanting to complete: 12 Sergeants, 47 Drums and Fifes, 1, 686 Privates.

Since last Return: 2 enlisted, 10 dead, 101 discharged, and 39 deserted.

HORATIO GATES, Adjutant-General.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, November 6, 1775.

ORDERS BY GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, November 1, 1775.

The General recommends it to those officers who have signified their intention to continue in the service of the United Colonies another campaign, not to run themselves to any expense in procuring Coats and Waistcoats, until they are arranged into proper Corps, and the Uniforms of the Regiment they belong to ascertained; which will probably be in a few days.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, November 3, 1775.

William Briant, Alexander Ingham, Francis Woobourn,