on board the sloop Polly. The first is the captain, the other the mate.

John Hitch, captain; Thomas Goulding, pilot; James Piper, John Siplin, William Allen, Thomas Anderson, Henry Stampson, mariners. These were taken on board the sloop Success, by some of the inhabitants of Salem. They were armed, and belong to Boston. Sent up by the Committee of Safety.

Pat. Burns, Richard Rabits, Robert Burnet, Thomas Walden, and William Hancock, sailors belonging to the Canceaux man-of-war. John Larkin and Bateman Baker, midshipmen belonging to the Canceaux.

I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant,

STEPHEN MOYLAN, P. T. S.

To the Hon. James Otis, President of the Council.

P. S. A team will be necessary to carry the baggage.

GOVERNOUR COOKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Providence, December 4, 1775.

SIR: Three men having deserted from one of the armed schooners in the harbour of Newport, on Wednesday evening last, the Captain, with a Midshipman, came ashore after them, and were both taken prisoners. They were brought here yesterday. The Captain, whose name is Stanhope, was: a lieutenent on board the Glasgow. It was reported that he was a son of Earl Stanhope. Upon examination he denied it, but confessed a relation and acquaintance with his Lordship, and declined giving any particular account of himself. I am informed that he is nearly related to his Lordship; and that he is nephew to the Dutchess of Chandois. I have no doubt but that he is a person of some consequence. He cannot be safely kept here unless he is confined in close jail, which I should not choose. I request your Excellency's early advice upon this subject; and, in the mean time, shall take every prudent precaution to prevent his escape.

I am greatly concerned at the disinclination of the soldiers to reinlist in the Continental Army; and should be glad to know, as soon as possible, what deficiency there will probably be, that our attention may be turned towards supplying our quota for completing the army. For the doing of which, your Excellency may rely upon my utmost exertions.

I am, with great esteem, sir, your most obedient and humble servant,

NICHOLAS COOKE.

To General Washington.

AT A. GENERAL COURT-MARTIAL HELD AT ROXBURY, DECEMBER 4, 1775—PRESENT:

Colonel Jonathan Ward, President.

Members: Captains Rowley, Hazeltine, Ball, and Briggs: Lieutenants Bissel, Gray, Pincheon, J. Gray, Jacobs, Redding, and Sheppard.

The. Court being duly sworn, proceeded to the trial of John Short, a soldier in Captain Clapp's Company, and Colonel Cotton's Regiment, confined for desertion and theft.

The prisoner appears and pleads not guilty.

On hearing the evidence brought to support the charge, the Court are unanimously of opinion the prisoner is guilty. It likewise appears very clear to the Court, from sundry papers that were found with him, and from his own incoherent stories, that be is guilty of a breach of the 27th and 29th, and also the 3d article of the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Army. According to said rules, the Court adjudge the following sums of money to be paid out of his wages and effects, viz: To Captain Earl Clapp, the sum oflLX6s., for expense of advertising and apprehending him; also, 36s., that said Clapp paid, at said Short's desire, for a former theft. To William Cowing, a soldier in Captain Clapp's company, 36s. 10d., that he carried away with him when he deserted. To Daniel Crawford, in said company, 47. 16s., for the damage done him by stealing his clothes. Likewise adjudge him to be whipped thirty-nine stripes on the naked back, and suffer two years imprisonment in Newgate Prison, in Symsbury, and as much longer as the present contest between Great Britain and the American Colonies shall subsist.

John Smith, a soldier in Captain Harwood's Company, and in Colonel Learned's Regiment, confined for attempting to desert to the enemy.

The prisoner appears, and pleads guilty.

The Court are of opinion he is guilty of a breach of the 8th as well as of the 7th article of the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Army, and therefore adjudge him to pay the sum of eight shillings to Brigadier-General Thomas, to defray the expense of bringing him back to camp, and suffer six months imprisonment in Newgate Prison, in Symsbury.

Owen Resick, a transient person, confined for aiding, advising, and assisting John Smith to desert to the enemy.

The prisoner appears, and pleads not guilty.

On hearing and examining the evidence brought to support the charge, the Court are of opinion the prisoner is guilty of a breach of the 8th and 31st articles of the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Army; and therefore adjudge him to suffer one year's imprisonment in New-gate Prison, in Symsbury, and as much longer as the present disputes between Great Britain and the Colonies shall subsist.

Attest:

J. WARD, President.

The above sentences were confirmed by Major-General Ward.

SAMUEL OSGOOD, Aid-de-camp.

Abstract of Accounts sent the General respecting the foregoing Prisoners, viz:

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL MCDOUGALL,

Cambridge, December 4, 1775.

SIR: Henry Knox, Esq., having informed me by letter from New-York, of the 27th ultimo, that, upon his application, you had been kind enough to promise your good offices in Congress, to have twelve good iron four-pounders, with a quantity of shells and shot, sent to this camp, and also to spare two brass six-pounders, I have now the pleasure to acquaint you that we are fully supplied with shells and shot from the store-ship which has fortunately fallen into our hands, and there is no necessity that these two articles should be sent. The cannon are much wanted, and I should be much obliged by your having them forwarded as expeditiously as possible.

I am, &.c,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Colonel Alexander McDougall, New-York.

ROBERT H. HARRISON TO WILLIAM BARTLETT.

Cambridge, December 4, 1775.

SIR: I am commanded by his Excellency to inform you that he does not consider the sloop at Cape-Anne, sent in by Captain Broughton, to be a prize, and that he does not wish to have any thing to do with her. There should always be great care taken that cargoes brought in should not be injured or embezzled. It appears that the vessel belongs to General Greene, and he will dispose of her as he shall think proper. I am, sir, your humble servant,

R. H. HARRISON.

William Bartlett, Esq., Beverly.

ROBERT H. HARRISON TO WILLIAM PALFREY.

Cambridge, December 4, 1775.

SIR: I am commanded by his Excellency to inform you that he received your favours of the 1st and 3d instant, and that your activity and conduct merit his approbation. He