lick manner, humbly ask the forgiveness of my bleeding country in general and of this town in particular, for my misconduct in so doing; and do hereby, in the most solemn manner, promise and engage, that for the future I will faithfully adhere to any resolve of the Continental Congress, or any recommendation coming from that honourable body, and will, to my utmost, exert myself in opposition to the Ministerial troops sent into this country to dragoon us into slavery. And do further, in consequence of the above confession and declaration, humbly request the Committee of the town of Stamford to revoke the sentence they have heretofore given against me as being an enemy to American liberty, and that I may be received and looked upon as a true friend to the grand American cause. And whereas it has been alledged against me that I have publickly said that I could raise five hundred men to join the King's forces against the American troops, which expressions I do not remember ever to have made use of; I do hereby declare my aversion and disapprobation to any such measures.

In testimony of my sincerity, I have hereunto set my hand the day and date above written.

GIDEON LOUNSBERY.

GOVERNOUR TRUMBUIX TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Lebanon, December 7, 1775.

SIR: Your Excellency's letter of the 2d instant, per Captain Clarke, came to hand the 4th.

The late extraordinary and reprehensible conduct of some of the troops of this Colony, impresseth me, and the minds of many of our people, with grief, surprise, and indignation, since the treatment they met, and the order and request made to them was so reasonable, and apparently necessary for the defence of our common cause and safety of our rights and privileges, for which they freely engaged; the term they voluntarily inlisted to serve not expired, and probably would not end much before the time, when they would be relieved, provided their circumstances and inclination forbid their undertaking further. Indeed, there is great difficulty to support liberty, to exercise government, to maintain subordination, and at the same time to prevent the operation of licentious and levelling principles, which many very easily imbibe. The pulse of a New-England man beats high for liberty. His engagement in the service he thinks purely voluntary; therefore, in his estimation, when the time of inlistment is out, he thinks himself not holden without further engagement. This was the casein the last war. I greatly fear its operation amongst the soldiers of the other Colonies, as I am sensible this is the genius and spirit of our people.

I have the pleasure to inform you, that the people of the towns where the most of the men belong, were so greatly affected with their unreasonable conduct, that they would readily march to supply their places. This is not thought advisable, as your Excellency made no such application.

Our laws against desertion are well calculated to punish such as are guilty; provision is made effectually to discover and punish such offenders. I think it necessary some examples should be made, especially of the ringleaders; of this care will be taken.

The officers, by the act of Assembly appointed paymasters of their companies, not likely to return soon, and many might be uneasy for want of their wages, to obviate this I advised three gentlemen of our Pay-Table Committee to proceed to the camp with money, to take your direction and advice therein, to settle the rolls and pay the wages of the men; taking care for the publick arms and ammunition, for minors, and apprentices.

The union of the Colonies, and the internal union of each, is of the utmost importance.

I determine to call the General Assembly of this Colony to meet at New-Haven, on Thursday, the 14th instant. Please to notify me of any matters you think proper to suggest for their consideration. You may depend on their zeal and ardour to support the common cause, to furnish our quota, and to exert their utmost strength for defence of the rights of these Colonies.

Your candour and goodness will suggest to your consideration, that the conduct of our troops is not a rule whereby to judge of the temper and spirit of the Colony.

I am, with great sincerity and regard, sir, your most obedient humble servant.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL.

His Excellency General Washington.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read December 16, 1775.]

Cambridge, December 7, 1775.

SIR: I wrote you the 4th instant, by express, to which I beg you will be referred. My fears that Broughton and Selman would not effect any good purpose, were too well founded; they are returned, and brought with them three of the principal inhabitants from the Island of St. John's. Mr. Callbeck is President of the Council, and acted as Governour. They brought the Governour's commission, the Province seal, &c. As the Captains acted without any warrant for such conduct, I have thought it but justice to discharge these gentlemen, whose families were left in the utmost distress.

I am credibly informed that James Anderson, the consignee and part owner of the ship Concord and cargo, is not only unfriendly to American liberty, but actually in arms against us, being Captain of the Scotch company at Boston. Whether your being acquainted with this circumstance or not will operate against the vessel and cargo, I will not take upon me to say; but there are many articles on board so absolutely necessary for the army, that, whether she is made a prize of or not, we must have them.

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the Congress.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOPR COOKE.

Cambridge, December 7, 1775.

SIR: Your favour of the 4th instant I this moment received, advising of the taking of the captain and midshipman of one of the King's armed schooners. You will be pleased to take their parole of honour not to leave Northampton, where you will have them sent, where are several other officers prisoners.

I am, sir, &c.,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Governour Coolie, Rhode-Island.

P. S. As soon as the deficiency is known, I will inform you; for the present I beg leave to refer you to the other letters, which will be handed you by Colonel Babcock.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PORTSMOUTH (NEW-HAMPSHIRE) COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

Cambridge, December 7, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: Richard Emms, a prisoner at Portsmouth, having expressed a strong desire to go to his family and friends in the West-Indies, in a schooner which is about to go there, you will be pleased to grant him a permit for that purpose, unless there should be objections against it, which I am not apprised of.

I am, &c.,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Committee of Safety at Portsmouth.

RICHARD DERBY, JUN., TO JOHN MORLAND.

Salem, December 7, 1775.

SIR: On Mr. Gray's return I delivered your letter to the Committee of this town, and urged their taking the capture of the brig Kingston Packet into consideration; but, as the matter was novel to them, they have declined it, at the same time observing that there does not appear the least cause to detain the vessel; for, admitting she was at Nova-Scotia contrary to the General Association, (which is not by any means the case,) it points out another method of punishment very different from that of forfeiture of property.

I am very sorry my health does not admit of my making; a personal application to the General on this occasion; and as it does not I must beg leave to refer you to the bearer,