of their dependance on, and submission to the civil power. For all these reasons, I find myself bound to give the following opinion: That, as the interest of the Republick in general, and the Province in particular, does not require or admit the cession of these troops, and could not even be none without a manifest injustice to people who have no Ways Injured us, it becomes necessary, for the present, not to grant the King of Great Britain's request.

As this affair, from its nature and consequences, (which are very extensive,) does not come under those points which belong to the daily administration of Provincial affairs, I trust that my negative voice will, in the end, have such influence, and be of so much effect, as is consistent with what of old has been, and still is, customary,* in such crises, in your High Mightinesses' Assembly.

J. D. VAN DER CAPELLEN, tot den Poll.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LONDON TO A GENTLEMAN IN VIRGINIA DATED DECEMBER 16, 1775.

The King's Speech was calculated to inflame, rather than allay animosities. The pretence of hypocrisy in the Americans, and denunciations of decisive exertions, I can easily see will have no good effect. In pursuance of the spirit of the Royal denunciation, the Parliament have shut up all the ports of America. At the same time, for a show of clemency, Commissioners are to go over to receive the submissions of those who will come in to the Royal standard, pardon them, and restore their trade. Another act has also passed, allowing Nova-Scotia an exemption from all taxes, they paying eight per cent, on all goods imported from any parts except Great Britain and its dominions. The other Colonies are to be allowed this plan if they choose to accept it; but in this plan England is considered as having an indefinite legislative power over the Colonies, and the acts altering the Constitution of Massachusetts-Bay, the Canada Bill, indeed all the acts complained against, are to remain unrepealed. I know of no probability that we shall have any better terms offered, unless some news should arrive of success on the side of the Provincials. If Bunker's Hill should be retaken, St. John's reduced, &c., matters might take a somewhat more favourable turn. At present the nation is against us, and think we shall be an easy prey. New-England, they confess, will do something; the other Colonies, they say, nothing. An account is lately received that Lord Dunmore, with eighty regulars, beat five hundred Virginians. I cannot believe it; but if, unfortunately, it proves true, it will strengthen the Ministry and dishearten our friends, who are already but few, Europe is quiet, and like to be so. Administration will receive no check in their career of vengeance, unless given by our troops.

SAMUEL TUCKER TO LORD STIRLING.

Trenton, December 16, 1775.

MY LORD: Your favour of yesterday is before me, and observe the contents. With it, I received per Camp, two memorials, one from Yellas Mead, recommended by a considerable number of respectable signers, for the Lieutenant's commission; the other memorial from George Ross, the third, of Springfield, in the County of Essex, supported by a great number of respectable signers, for the Ensign's commission in Captain Meeker's Company, alledging that he has inlisted a considerable number, and ought to have the Ensigns commission; both directed to the Committee of Safety. I, therefore, could not fill up these commissions until directed by the Committee of Safety, which must meet, unless, it can be settled without. All the other commissions I have filled up, and now send you by Caleb Camp, Esq., as stated at the foot of your fetter. I wish the matters may be settled, as I am of opinion the Committee will pay attention to the matters set forth in the memorials, more especially as they are supported by so many persons of caution.

An answer will oblige your assured friend, and most, obedient, humble servant,

SAMUEL TUCKER.

LORD STIRLING TO CAPTAIN LONGSTREET.

Elizabethtown, December 16, 1775.

SIR: Your Lieutenant, Mr. Schenck, this moment informs me, that you are arrived at Amboy with part of your Company. I hope the rest will be there soon. Lawry, the Commissary, will take care to furnish your Company with provisions according to the orders of the Continental Congress, and will call on you on Monday, and will advance you such money as the incomplete state of your Company will admit of. You will mount a guard at the barracks, of a sergeant, a corporal, and twelve men, arid keep your men as much within the barracks as possible.

STIRLING.

To Captain Longstreet.

LORD STIRLING TO CAPTAIN JOHN CONWAY.

Elizabethtown, December l6, 1775.

SIR: You are hereby requested to deliver to Mr. John Van Emberg the keys of the stores of the barracks at Amboy, with all the stores therein, taking an exact account of the same; and if no other troops be arrived at those barracks, or at Amboy, you are desired to pick twelve or twenty-four men out of your Company, such as you can best depend on, as a guard for the possession of those barracks, and the stores there. Mr. Van Emberg will supply them with provision according to the orders of the Continental Congress. The remainder of your Company may stay at Brunswick till further orders, and go immediately into barracks. Captain Polhemus's Company is also to go immediately into barracks, and both to receive provisions from the Commissary, Mr. Lawry, or his deputy.

STIRLING.

To Captain Conway.

LORD STIRLING TO JOHN VAN EMBERG.

Elizabethtown, December 16, 1775.

SIR: You are hereby requested to take into your possession the keys of the barrack-stores at Amboy, with all such stores as you will find there, or that you will receive from Captain Conway, agreeably to an order I now send him. You will observe to take an exact account of the stores you receive, and of the expenditure of them.

STIRLING.

To Mr. John Van Emberg.

RECANTATION OF JAMES JUDD.

Norwalk, Connecticut, December 16, 1775.

I, James Judd, of Danbury, in the County of Fairfield, have this day been brought before the Committee of Inspection of Norwalk, and detected in my wicked and mischievous striving to undo, and bring destruction and ruin on my bleeding country, by going on board sundry of the King's ships in New-York, and then and there gave in my name, and there held criminal correspondence with a man called Governour Tryon, who gave me as a present, four pamphlets, to inflame the country people against the resolves of the Continental Congress and Committees, which I had a design to spread in the country, which I now conceive was very wicked and wrong to do against my country, and am now heartily sorry for, and request the forgiveness of all true friends to the United Colonies; and hereby promise and engage to give information of all plots and intrigues laid, or hereafter may be laid, to circumvent or disconcert any of the resolves of the honourable Continental Congress, or any other Congress or Committee under them, but will freely take up arms and fight for my country, against the Ministerial army, or any under them. In confirmation of what is above written, I have voluntarily, with my own hands, committed to the flames the above mentioned pamphlets.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, the date above.

JAMES JUDD.

A true copy of the original.

JESSE RAYMOND, Clerk, P. T.

GENERAL MONTGOMERY TO GENERAL WOOSTER.

Head-Quarters before Quebeck,

December 16, 1775.

DEAR GENERAL: The bearer, Mr. Mekhior, I sent express to St. John's for artillery stores; be so good as to

* At, the commencement of the Republick, unanimity was necessary in their determinations. A single negative was sufficient to reject any proposition.