recruits are put under proper drill-sergeants as fast as they join, in order that they may, as quick as possible, be made acquainted with their duty. It is also recommended to these gentlemen to provide their regiments with good drummers and fifers.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 2, 1775.

James McCormick, of Captain Dibble's company, in Colonel Woodbridge's regiment, tried at a General Court-Martial, for "striking General Putnam's horse, and saying, at the same, time, damn you! who is there? clear the road and for repeatedly leaving the camp without orders." The Court are of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of a breach of the 3d, 15th, 16th, and 17th Articles of War, and adjudge Fun to receive thirty-nine lashes on his bare back.

Sergeant James King, of Colonel Patterson's regiment, tried at the same General Court-Martial, upon an appeal from a Regimental Court-Martial. The Court were of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of being absent from his regiment without leave, and of striking and abusing Sergeant Goodrich when in the execution of his duty, and therefore adjudge the prisoner to be reduced to the ranks and pay a fine of twenty shillings, to be appropriated according to the 51st Article of the Rules and Regulations of the Army.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 3, 1775.

It is with surprise and astonishment the General learns, that, notwithstanding the information which was communicated to the Connecticut troops, of the relief being ordered to supply their places by the 10th of this month, that many of them have taken their arms with them and gone off, not only without leave, but contrary to express orders. This is, therefore, to inform those who remain, that the General has sent an express to the Governour of Connecticut with the names of such men as have left the camp, in order that they may be dealt with in a manner suited to the ignominy of their behaviour. The General also informs those who remain, that it is necessary for them to obtain a written discharge from the commanding officer of the regiment they belong to, when they are dismissed on the 10th instant, that they may be distinguished from and not treated as deserters.

The Colonels and commanding officers of the Connecticut regiments, are to give in the names of all those of their respective regiments, for the purpose above mentioned.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 4, 1775.

Lieutenant-Colonel Enos, tried at a late General Court-Martial, whereof Brigadier-General Sullivan was President, for "leaving his commanding officer without permission; or orders, and returning to Cambridge" The Court, after mature consideration of the evidence, are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner was, by absolute necessity, obliged to return with his division, and do therefore acquit him with honour.

The General, orders Lieutenant-Colonel Enos to be forthwith released from his arrest.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 5, 1775.

Parole, Albany. Countersign, Bristol.

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

Since my last we have sent a party of one hundred men, under the command of Col. Stevens, of the Minute Battalion, over the river, who fell in last night, about twelve o'clock, with a guard of about thirty men, chiefly negroes. They got close up to the sentinel undiscovered; the sentinel challenged, and was not answered, upon which he fired. Our people being too eager, began the fire immediately, without orders, and kept it up very hot for near fifteen minutes. We killed one, burnt another in the house, and took two prisoners, (all blacks,) with four exceeding fine muskets, and defeated the guard. There is hardly an hour in the day but we exchange a few shot. I am, &c.

CONSTITUTIONAL POST-OFFICE OF ANNAPOLIS.

Annapolis Constitutional Post-Office,

December 5, 1775.

Notice is hereby given that the Northward and Southward Mails arrive at this office every Friday at two o'clock, and return the same day at six; and on every Monday a rider leaves this town for Baltimore, and returns on Tuesday for the Northward Mail.

The Constitutional Office having been instituted by the Congress for the security and ready conveyance of letters and all kinds of intelligence through this Continent, and as the same has been attended with a great expense, it is not doubted that all well-wishers to the present laudable opposition in America will promote the same, by sending, and procuring to be sent, all letters, packages, &c., to the Constitutional Post-Office.

WLLIAM WHETCROFT, Postmaster.

LORD STIRLING TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Head-Quarters, Elizabethtown, December 5, 1775.

SIR: In answer to the letters I wrote, yesterday to Colonel Woodhull at New-York, I have this moment received a letter from him, of which the enclosed is a copy.

The receipt of this letter shall make no alteration in my conduct with regard to preparing the six companies ordered to march to the new fortress on Hudson river, but shall hold them in readiness to march until further order from the Congress. The members of the Continental Congress, who are best acquainted with the country in the neighbourhood of the new fortress, must know the impossibility of quartering men in any place contiguous, to it, for there are not five habitable houses within five miles of it. It is my private opinion that we can at any time aid that fortress from hence as well as from any other place I know of, especially if I am allowed a discretionary power of giving such aid, whenever, by my intelligence, I find it is like to be necessary: the men, in the mean time, will be made more fit for service. However, I shall strictly adhere to any instructions I may receive from the Congress.

There are, I am informed, several men, who were recruited in this Province for the New-York regiment in the Continental service, lately returned into this neighbourhood, I believe, without discharges; they spread evil reports of the hardships they pretend to have met with, and greatly discourage the present service, I should be glad to be instructed what I may do with such as I meet with.

With great veneration and esteem, I am your most obedient and most humble servant,

STIRLING.

To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.

NATHANIEL WOODHULL TO LORD STIRLING.

New-York, December 5, 1775,

MY LORD: We were honoured last, night with your favour of yesterday, upon the subject of arms for your troops, their marching to the new fort, and the making provision of fire-wood and other necessaries for them. In answer to which we inform you, that the Deputy Commissary-General has orders to provide provisions for one thousand men, a considerable part of which is already sent to the fort, and we have directed our Commissioners to purchase fire-wood sufficient for the barracks now built, and to be built, for the winter season. Those already built will not lodge more than three hundred men, and a great part of them are now occupied by the workmen; the remaining part will not quarter more, than two complete companies. Two incomplete companies are now there, and a third came from thence a few days ago, to guard the prisoners to Newark. When this company was there, the barracks were much crowded. It is expected that, in the course of the winter, additional barracks will be built, which, with those already built, will lodge about one thousand men. At present, it will be impossible to quarter the