most vulnerable side, than from any success to be gained in Canada.

The Admiral has informed me that, by a letter received this day from Captain Wallace, of the Rose ship-of-war, stationed at Rhode-Island, the Rebels give out they are to fortify the heights above the town of Newport; also that they are fitting out an armed ship at Philadelphia, to carry thirty-six guns, and two or three more of a less force, with a design of cruising to the southward, and to take Lord Dunmore in their way.

I am, &c,

W. HOWE.

LOUISA COUNTY (VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE.

At a Committee held in Louisa, December 4, 1775, present, the Rev. Thomas Hall, Chairman, the Rev. John Todd, Thomas Johnston, (Mayor,) Charles Smith, Robert Armistead, Thomas Johnston, (Sheriff,) Col. Richard Anderson, James Dabney, Charles Barrett, Col. William White, Nathaniel Anderson, Waddy Thomson, Thomas Johnston, (minor,) George Meriwether, Charles Yancy, John Bullock, William Pettus, Garret Minor, John Nelson, William Lipscomb, and William Hughes:

Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Committee be given to the Rev. Thomas Hall and John Todd for their unwearied application of their abilities in the service of their country, as well in checking the wild irregular sallies of those who would aim at too much, as in rousing those lethargick wretches who would tamely submit to a deprivation of their rights and liberties, to a proper sense of their danger and duty.

Resolved, also, on a consideration of the great distress that our brethren in some of the lower Counties are reduced to by the calamity of the times, that this Committee, in the name of the whole County, do make the best provision for them in their power, either by offering a welcome asylum, or in contributing to their relief.

Signed by order of the Committee:

HENRY GARRETT, Clerk.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SCOTT TO HIS FRIEND IN WILLIAMSBURGH, VA., BATED GREAT BRIDGE, DECEMBER 4, 1775.

Since I wrote you, which was about two days ago, we have have been well informed that we killed sixteen negroes and five white men the first day we got to this place. The next day, Lieutenant Tibbs, who had the command of the boat guard, about five miles from this place, was attacked by a party of the King's troops and several negroes, upon which some of our people gave ground; but Mr. Tibbs, with four of his people, maintained his post until I reinforced him with fifty men under Captain Nicholas, who were obliged to pass through a very heavy fire from the enemy. Before they got to the place, Mr. Tibbs had beat off the enemy and killed seven of their men, amongst whom was the commander of the party.

We still keep up a pretty heavy fire between us, from light to light. We have only lost two men; and about half an hour ago one of our people was shot through the arm, which broke the bone near his hand.

Last night was the first of my pulling off my clothes for twelve nights successively. Believe me, my good friend, I never was so fatigued with duty in my whole life; but I set little value upon my health when put in competition with my duty to my country and the glorious cause we are engaged in.

The Carolina forces are joining us. One company came in yesterday, and we expect eight or nine hundred of them tomorrow, or next day at farthest, with several pieces of artillery, and plenty of ammunition and other warlike stores. A gun fired—I must stop.

P. S. Since I finished my letter, we saw a large pile of buildings at the far end of this town all in flames, between which and the fort we had four sentinels, who can give no account how it happened. As I mentioned above, the fire was discovered when the gun fired; and, by the time the men got paraded, a volley of small arms was fired from the fort, mixed with, now and then, a cannon shot. About eleven at night it ceased for about half an hour, when, to our great surprise, we saw several other houses in a blaze, which are just now consumed. It is now one o'clock. I shall lie down till the next alarm.

JOSIAH BARTLETT TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

Philadelphia, December 4, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Yesterday I received yours of the 21st ultimo, requesting the Congress to grant a sum of money to our Colony, towards what we have advanced on account of the Continent. I took the opportunity this morning to lay the same before Congress, who have voted us the sum of forty thousand dollars, as you will see by the enclosed extract from their minutes.

I fear it will not be ready in less than three or four weeks from this time, as all that has been emitted is expended, and several grants previous to ours made on the next emission, which was ordered by Congress near a month ago; but the Committee has been retarded for want of proper paper; they now say they shall begin in a few days.

If the Congress should not rise before the money is ready, (which is at present uncertain,) I will use my best endeavours to send it as soon as possible by some safe conveyance; perhaps I may send it to Cambridge, and inform you to send for it there. If the Congress shall rise before it can be procured, I will give my orders to have it sent as soon as may be, unless, by tarrying a short time, I can bring it with me.

I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your very humble servant,

JOSIAH BARTLETT.

The Provincial Committee of Safety.

SAMUEL TUCKER AND HENDRICK FISHER TO LORD STIRLING.

Burlington, December 4, 1775.

MY LORD: Your favour of the 2d current we duly received, and, agreeable to your directions in the return sent, we have sent the commissions of Captains Morris, Howell, and Conway, and all their officers, except the ensign's commission for Jonathan Ford Morris, to whose appointment there are many objections, unnecessary to mention by us at this time. We wish some fit person was recommended, or, at least, some person that might be more agreeable for that ensigncy. Mr. Fisher has wrote to New-Brunswick about the barracks: and further, a law this day passed our House appointing Barrackmasters. What success it will meet with by Governour and Council we can't yet tell.

As to the several other matters you recommend to us, be assured we will do all in our power to forward.

We are, with tenders of service, your Lordship's most obedient humble servants,

SAM. TUCKER,

HEND'K FISHER.

LORD STIRLING TO ISAAC BONNEL.

Elizabethtown, December 4, 1775.

SIR: I have received your letter of this day's date by Captain Conway. In answer to which, I must desire that you will deliver into Captain Conway's charge all the blankets now under your care as Barrackmaster of this Province, having them first sorted into different parcels, viz: Such as are as good as new ones, those a little worn, such as are a quarter worn, and so on; and this is to be done in the presence of two or three indifferent persons, to be chosen by yourself and Captain Conway, whose receipt you will take for the same; for my meaning is, that we shall be answerable for the value of these blankets, and to pay that value into the hands of any person the Assembly of this Province shall appoint to receive the same. The usual barrack furniture you will also deliver to Captain Conway, taking his receipt for them, particularly enumerated. And, with regard to the repairs necessary and the providing fire-wood, I should be glad you would have it executed; and it shall be paid for by the Commissary of the Jersey troops in the Continental service at the usual rates.

STIRLING.

To Isaac Bonnel, Esq., Perth-Amboy.