honourable body what steps we shall take, further than to keep possession of this part of the town, and afford what protection we can to the inhabitants that claim it. We are much at a loss for your further orders, which we hoped to have received before this time, and are not without our fears that some accident must have happened to your express.

I received a letter this morning from Mr. Cary Mitchell. Our answer is enclosed, with his letter. I have the worst opinion of the people here; and have no doubt but every thing relating to us is laid before his Lordship. If it is your intention that a part only of the present force should remain at this place, I would submit it to your consideration whether the Second Regiment, or any part of it you may think proper to withdraw, may not, after their duty, be drawn off.

I wrote the Convention last night that I had resigned the command to Colonel Howe. As that gentleman's military abilities and great experience will be full equal to every task, I would ask the Convention's leave of absence to see my family, and attend to my private affairs, for so long time as may be agreeable to them. I do not mean this so long as there is a prospect of any actual service, either offensive or defensive.

You have enclosed a return of the strength of the troops at this place, and for further particulars must refer you to several members of your respectable body, who are the bearers of this.

I am, with the greatest respect, sir, your most obedient servant,

WILLIAM WOODFORD.

Otter sloop-of-war, off Norfolk, December 15, 1775.

To the Officer Commanding at NORFOLK:

Captain Squire's compliments to the commanding officer, informs him that several musket balls were last night fired at the King's ship, from some people at Norfolk. Captain Squire did not return the fire, from a supposition that it was done out of wantonness. Captain Squire does not mean to fire on the town of Norfolk, unless first fired at; must beg to know if any hostile intention was meant to His Majesty's ship, and people under his command.

Answer to the above.

Colonel Howe's and Colonel Woodford' s compliments to Captain Squire, and assure him they gave no orders to fire upon the Otter, and conceive the musket balls mentioned in Captain Squire's message to have come from our guard, who fired by mistake upon one of our own parties.

ROBERT HOWE.

WILLIAM WOODFORD.

CAPTAIN COVENHOVEN TO LORD STIRLING.

December 15, 1775.

SIR: I would inform you that Captain Longstreet has been under many disadvantages in raising his company. In the first place, his Lieutenant failing, put him back a fortnight; some people discourage the inlislment; and others, seeing those that had inlisted, which retard the business considerably. However, I hope, with some of our leading men, they have agreed to enter to his assistance, with spirit. I make no doubt that the company will soon be filled.

Your giving some further indulgence will oblige, sir, your very humble servant,

JOHN COVENHOVEN.

Sir, please to excuse haste.

To Colonel Stirling.

CAPTAIN POLHEMUS TO LORD STIRLING.

New-Brunswick, December 15, 1775.

SIR: Your favour of the 14th instant, I received, and note the contents, and shall endeavour to call in all the men out on furlough as speedily as possible. I find much difficulty in keeping the men together, now they are billeted about the town; but expect to have the barracks ready to go Into by Monday or Tuesday next, and doubt not by the latter end of next week to have my company altogether in the barracks, ready for your further orders. I understood that two or three companies of our battalion are expected to lie here some time; if so, shall esteem it a particular favour of your Lordship if you will continue us in this town till such times as we may be properly equipped or wanted for immediate duty.

I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,

JOHN POLHEMUS.

The Honourable Earl of Stirling, Elizabethtown.

NEW-YORK COMMITTEE.

At a meeting of the General Committee for the City and County of New-York, on Tuesday evening, December 15th, 1775, Present: John Broome, Chairman pro tem.,

The Chairman laid before the Committee a letter from Mathias Williamson, of Elizabethtown, to his son, requesting him to obtain permission from this Committee to send a Chariot to Mr. Johnson, in Jamaica, which being read.

Ordered, That the Chairman give permission accordingly.

The Chairman produced an Inventory of a quantity of Provisions, belonging to Mr. Daubeny, which were taken by the City Guard, going to Long-Island in order to be conveyed on board the Asia, man-of-war. Mr. Daubeny being called in, from his examination it appeared that he had inadvertently attempted to send some necessaries on board the Asia, without the permission of Mr. Lott.

The question then being put, whether Mr. Daubeny should be dismissed by receiving a reprimand from the Chairman, was carried in the affirmative.

Mr. Daubeny being then called, and having received a reprimand from the Chairman,

Ordered, That he be dismissed.

Mr. Dunscomb moved that the Secretary enter the names of the members as they voted, on each side of the question, which was unanimously agreed to, and ordered accordingly.

The names of the members as they voted on the question relating to Mr. Daubeny:

Whereas, many of the Members of this Committee have hitherto neglected to give their attendance at the stated meetings,

Ordered, therefore, That the Chairman issue his order to the Doorkeeper, directing him to apply to every Member who is absent at this time, (excepting those who belong to the Continental or Provincial Congresses, those who have removed out of town, and those who are in the Provincial service,) and obtain a declaration in writing whether they mean to be considered as members of this Board, and engage to attend accordingly; and that the Doorkeeper report to the Chairman each written answer, with all convenient speed.

As there are several persons now confined in the Guard-House,

Ordered, That Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Dunscomb be a Committee to inquire into the offence of the prisoners, procure the evidences' names, and report the same at the next meeting.