into the bands of our enemies must be right. And, although I have no orders for it, I shall give them every protection in my power, until I receive orders to the contrary from the Congress.

His Honour will most probably draw some of the tenders and smallest ships of war to the avenues of New-Jersey, on this side. It will therefore be highly necessary to have an immediate supply of ammunition at this place, and, if possible, half a dozen field-pieces, with some round, grape, and canister shot; we might then hope to make them quit any station in harbour, and the season of the year will soon make them quit every other station.

This new order of Captain Parker's is in direct violation of act of Parliament, alarms and rouses the moderate, and sorely vexes the Tories of New-York; their being obliged to seek protection here, and in proportion as their property will be lodged among us, their pulses will beat, and their conduct will be regulated. If this circumstance be properly managed, I am in hopes it will turn out a very fortunate one.

It just occurs to me that it may be very proper that there be an order of Congress to receive, for the Continental use, all the ammunition imported in the vessels that may arrive in this Province, on paying a moderate price for it; some small quantity may be in each, and every little helps.

This moment the party I sent out at the request of the Committee of this County, are, after a march of above fifty miles, returned with their prisoners, whom I shall keep for the examination of the Committee.

With the highest regard and esteem, I have the honour to be your very humble servant,

STIRLING.

To the Hon. John Hancock.

NEW-YORK COMMITTEE.

At a meeting of the General Committee for the City and County of New-York, on Tuesday, December 19, 1775, Present: John Broome, Chairman,

The Chairman having informed the Committee that there were several demands upon this Board, which have been due some considerable time, requesting they would take them under consideration, and concert some means for discharging the same,

Ordered, That the Chairman be authorized to apply to the Provincial Congress for the loan of one thousand Pounds, subject to no interest, and to give a receipt for the same, and to engage that the same shall be repaid out of the first moneys that shall be raised by way of a tax in this City and County, for defraying the necessary charges incurred for the publick services, in defending our rights and privileges.

Resolved, That Mr. Robert Ray be, and hereby is appointed Treasurer to this Board.

Resolved, That Daniel Phenix, Anthony L. Bleeker, and William Denning, or any two of them, be, and they are hereby appointed Auditors, for the adjusting and settling such accounts as now are, or hereafter may become due from this Board; and that the Treasurer pay no accounts but such as are allowed of by the said Auditors, or any two of them.

It being suggested to the Committee that a sloop, the property of Messrs. Mercer & Schenck, was loading with Provisions, &c.,

Ordered, That Mr. Brinkerhoff and Mr. Dennis be a sub-Committee to wait on Messrs. Mercer & Schenck, and know the purpose for which the said sloop is loading, and report the same immediately.

The sub-Committee appointed for the above purpose returned, and reported, that Mr. Mercer, one of the owners of the said sloop, informed them that she was bound to Brunswick, and from thence to sea; and that he had obtained a Permit from the New-Jersey Provincial Congress for that purpose.

Ordered, That Mr. Mercer, within a convenient time, produce to this Committee a Certificate from the New-Jersey Provincial Congress, of his having exported the said Provisions by virtue of a Permit from the said Congress.

Whereas sundry persons have been taken and confined for a considerable time, for want of an immediate hearing: To the intent, therefore, that no person may be taken and detained in custody without a just cause,

Ordered, That Mr. Totten, Mr. Gilbert, John Anthony, Captain Pell, and Theophilus Anthony, or any two of them, be a sub-Committee to inquire into the offence of such person or persons that may hereafter be taken and confined, who are hereby authorized to discharge him or them, unless such circumstances shall appear as may render their further confinement necessary.

Michael Albert, being charged before this Committee of having inlisted men for the Ministerial army, was brought before the Committee; and upon his examination, says he was intoxicated when he made the declaration for which he was apprehended.

Edward White and John Moore, charged of the like offence, were also brought before the Committee, who declared their innocence in the facts alledged against them.

No sufficient proof appearing to the Committee to convict the above persons of the facts laid to their charge,

Ordered, That they be discharged.

John Blackler having been confined for some time at the Upper Barracks, was this evening examined before this Board. It appeared, by his confession, that he had been several weeks on board the Asia, man-of-war; that his intention was to procure a passage to Boston, and from thence to England, and for that purpose requested the assistance of Governour Tryon; that he did not intend to enter into the Ministerial army, unless he could get the office he formerly had, (a Lieutenant,) which was a thou sand to one against him; that, upon the whole, it was his intention to go to England by the way of Boston, as he could not readily get a passage from this place; that he did not desire a commission in the army, (meaning the Ministerial army;) that he took refuge on board the man-of-war to avoid being taken and confined for debt.

The Committee, taking into consideration Mr. Blackler's case, are of opinion that the law passed by the late Provincial Congress for this Colony, does not authorize this Board to determine thereon.

The question being then put, whether Blackler be remanded to the Guard-House, and a state of his case be represented to the Provincial Congress? carried unanimously in the affirmative.

Ordered, therefore. That the Chairman represent a state of Mr. Blacklegs case to the Provincial Congress.

Ordered, That this Committee, for the future, be warn ed to meet at five o'clock.

GOVERNOUR COOKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Providence, December 19, 1775.

SIR: I have your Excellency's letter of the 17th, which I have laid before the General Committee, Should the force sailed from Boston be destined for Rhode-Island, I tremble for the consequences, as the Colony, in its present exhausted state, cannot, without assistance, defend the island. At their unanimous request, I apply to your Excellency for a detachment from the Continental Army of one regiment, to be stationed upon Rhode-Island, and that you would please to appoint a General officer to take the command of the whole force there. They also desired me to inform you that General Lee will be very acceptable to the Colony, and to request that the General officer who may be appointed, may set out immediately to take the command of the troops upon the island, and put it in the best posture of defence. We have at Headquarters about two hundred and fifty men, and shall immediately place on there about four hundred more, and hold as many more in