but little acquaintance with gentlemen who are now at the head of Colony affairs. I must suppose that it will be needful that a body of men are the next Spring stationed in Canada, for if the whole is not subdued this season, it must be done. If taken must be kept from France as well as Engtand. It would not surprise me, if after the French had assisted us to drive off the Regulars, they should take it out of our hands for France. Of what vast importance to us is the country, and how easy it is defended. But one fortress commands the whole from any foreign power, and whatever nation, or people, holds the fortress, commands all the back settlements of the United Colonies, and the most extensive fur and skin trade in the universe. I cannot but be thankful that the councils of our adversaries are turned into foolishness in respect to Canada, for if they had taken possession of Quebeck and New- York, with what strength they brought to Boston, how would the matter have been by this time with the Colonies; but Providence has interfered in our behalf.

I would not lose so precious a jewel as Canada; the great difficulty we have, or shall have to keep it, is for want of a communication by land into that country, altogether by land, which we may have from this to St. John's, which will not exceed ninety miles, by which quick intelligence, and an army may be thrown into that country from this in six days; no danger then of a fleet and army from Britain or France. We can provide here for any number on their march, and when in Canada, there is no want; a road also, will connect these people with ours; trade might be carried on, or proposed, which will secure the trading part; our people doubtless are amongst them, which will wear out their Popish bigotry; until that is the case, no great trust to the French. Supposing we set up for independency, how much value is the fur and skin trade of that vast extensive river, lakes and country, (doubtless a million a year.) On the whole, considering every circumstance, convenience and situation, I could heartily urge that you use your endeavour that such a road be thought upon and done early, as early as April; I would do all in my power to forward it. The course from this is nearly forty degrees northwest to Montreal. We are sixty miles east of Crown-Point; nearly north from Hartford; northwest from Boston, one hundred and forty miles; from Newbury northwesterly one hundred and twenty-five miles; about the same distance from Portsmouth; but the maps will inform; Dr. Langlon's is a very good one. If you remember, it is but two years last October, that you, Esquire Stevens and myself, sent a surveyor, chain-man, Sic, who measured and marked a road to Missisque Bay, and it is, undoubtedly, good for a road so far, which is two-thirds of the way; indeed, our line terminated forty-five degrees north latitude. I had thoughts that the road be carried to the east of Missisque Bay, but there is danger of drowned land; should it be so, a ferry at the mouth of Missisque river, which will be but three-quarters of a mile; cross Wind-Mill Point, another ferry of the same width, then a good road may be had to Conaga, at thirty miles distance, about six miles above Montreal. But I would, if practicable, make a road without being troubled with water; water carriage is good, and answers an excellent end; but what I would, is, that if we have a sudden call from Canada, we may repair thither without any hindrance. For suppose Canada to be in our hands next May or June, we are certain a fleet and army are in the mouth of St. Lawrence, destined to reduce Qucbeck, an army sufficient to repel might be sent this way seasonably, and I must think, that in the hands of the Ministry, it is their greatest advantage against, and in our hands as much, and more, if can be, and I have always wondered that the wise heads against us, if any there be, had not struck on New-York and Quebeck, which would have cut off the communication between the North and South Colonies, and harassed our frontiers, which are of a great extent. The Indians would have been in their favour. We could not have stood out till now; therefore, let us make by the advantage they have given us.

I do not know the situation of the entrance into York, but I should think, if possible, that harbour ought to be secured for divers reasons. York is of more consequence to us, than all the harbours to the east. How easy would it have been for the King's troops and shipping, to have cut off the communication between the North and South Colonies, by taking possession of New- York and the North river, and would not numbers have joined them at York, and will not the King take possession there this winter? I trow not. I believe yet, if" the King had possession of Canada, before next June there would be a communication open for them by Albany. Even now, in the Winter, fortifications ought to be built at Sandy-Hook, to keep out, &c. 1 only speak of this as it comes in my way. I have sent to Colonel Bedel, to see to the road on that side, but I am afraid the post will not get there, it is so bad crossing the lakes at this season. If this road was done, four days would come tidings. The affair of this road must be soon concluded upon, as provisions should be provided in the Winter, and it is much easier got now, than in April or May. I should be glad to have a return from you as soon as possible; how your publick affairs stand. I would be willing to do any thing that might contribute to so glorious a cause that we are now engaged in.

I have wrote in a broken manner my thoughts; you may pick out what of mine you like, and add to your own; perhaps you will, in so much, find something. When you go to Boston save your and our Scotch people, if they are friends. I would recommend that you continue in the service, if you are like to be of service. I don't say that I will not join the army in the Spring, if health remain. I am now in good health. All are well here.

My best regards to the honourable gentlemen in the Army. From your humble servant,

JACOB BAYLEY

GENERAL ORDERS.

Head. Quarters, Cambridge, December 14, 1775.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 15, 1775.

The Quartermasters of all the Regiments are, as soon as possible, to deliver to the Deputy Commissary-General, Mr. Elisha Avery, all the Cider-barrels, Butter-firkins and Candle-boxes, in the possession of their respective Corps, as those articles are very much wanted for the publick service.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 16, 1775.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 17, 1775.

When fresh Recruits from the country join the new established Regiments, the Colonels, or commanding officers of those Regiments, are to discharge the like number of old soldiers, who have not engaged for the next campaign, taking care to part with the most indifferent first.

A General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow morning in Cambridge, at ten in the forenoon, to try such persons as shall be brought before them. All evidences and persons concerned, to attend the Court.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 18, 1775.

The Colonels and commanding officers of Regiments and Corps are to deliver to the Adjutant-General, at orderly time next Saturday, their pay abstracts for the months of October, November and December; also, an abstract for the month of January next, for each of the new established Corps, the honourable the Continental Congress, having been pleased to order all those who have bravely resolved to serve this country another year, shall be rewarded with one month's pay advance.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 19, 1775.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, December 20, 1775.

In consequence of a complaint, exhibited by the Colonels and commanding-officers of corps, in the Brigade upon Winter-Hill, on the 20th October last, against Commissary-General Trumbull, his Excellency is pleased to order a Court of Inquiry, to sit to-morrow, at eleven, in the forenoon, to examine into the cause thereof. Major-General