ming, Captain Meade, Captain Crawford, Captain Jameson, Captain Mason, Lieutenant Gee, Lieutenant Monroe, Lieutenant Holloway, Ensign Woodson, Ensign Halloway, Ensign Foster.

Captain Spencer appeared before the Court, when several depositions were read, and divers witnesses were sworn and examined. On consideration whereof, the Court is of opinion, that Captain Spencer is not guilty of the charge laid against him, and that he be discharged from the arrest.

JOHN RUFFIN,

Approved of by

ROBERT HOWE.

Whereas, I have been informed that some reports have been spread to the prejudice of Captain Joseph Spencer, respecting his conduct in a late attack of the enemy, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Scott: These are to certify, that the above affair was inquired into by a Court-Martial, who, after a fair hearing, honourably acquitted Captain Spencer, That the said Captain Spencer has served under my command ever since we left Williamsburgh, upon the Norfolk expedition, and has always discharged his duty as a good officer.

Given under my hand, at Norfolk, the 6th day of January, 1776.

WILLIAM WOODFORD.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, January 6, 1776.

SIR; I have the honour of enclosing you sundry resolutions, passed yesterday, respecting Mr. Lovell.

The Congress are desirous to know your opinion what rank it would be proper the Aid-de-camps of the General Officers ought to hold in the Army; and, on this head, I am directed to write to you, and desire your answer.

Just after the receipt of your letter, Connolly and Cameron were brought to town. By some mismanagement, Smith, one of their associates, was suffered to make his escape, from Fredericktown, where they were confined. Orders were given to have his saddle searched, but nothing is yet discovered. There is reason to believe he must have found means to withdraw his papers, as we find, by an account from the Committee of Frederick, that his saddle was mended there.

The French gentlemen are arrived, and referred to the Secret Committee.

The Congress have given orders to General Schuyler, immediately to secure Brigadier-General Prescott, and keep him in close and safe custody until further order.

I am, &c.,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To General Washington.

JOHN JAY TO ROBERT R LIVINGSTON.

Philadelphia, January 6, 1776.

DEAR ROBERT: Amid the various sources of consolation, in seasons of poignant distress, which the wise have long amused themselves and the world with, the little share of observation and experience which has fallen to my lot, convinces me that resignation to the dispensations of a benevolent as well as omnipotent Being, can alone administer relief. The sensations which the first paragraph of your letter has occasioned, mock the' force of philosophy, and, I confess, have rendered me the sport of feelings which you can more easily conceive than I express. Grief, if a weakness, is nevetheless, on certain occasions amiable, and recommends itself by being in the train of passions which follow virtue. But remember, my friend, that your country bleeds and calls for your exertions. The fate of those very friends, whose misfortunes so justly afflict you, is linked with the common cause, and cannot have a separate issue. Rouse, therefore, and after vigorously discharging the duties you owe your country, return to your peaceful shades, and supply the place of your former joys by the reflection, that they are only removed to a more kindred soil, like flowers from a thorny wilderness by a friendly florist, under whose care they will flourish and bloom, and court your embraces forever. Accept my warmest thanks for the ardour with which you wish a continuance and increase of that friendship to which I have long been much indebted. Be assured that its duration will always be among the first objects of my care. Let us unite in proving, by our example, that the rule which declares juvenile friendships, like vernal flowers, to be of short continuance, is not without exceptions, even in our degenerate days.

Mr. Deane has this moment come in/so that I must conclude, as I hope to conclude every letter to you, with an assurance that I am your affectionate friend,

JOHN JAY.

To Robert R. Livingston.

P. S. Fifty tons of saltpetre arrived this day.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE NORTHERN ARMY.

[January 6, 1776, read, and consideration postponed to Monday next.]

In Congress, January 6, 1776.

The Committee, on the affairs of the Northern Army, beg leave to make a further Report, and to sit again.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of tins Committee, that the Medical Committee be directed to provide sufficient quantities of anti-scorbuticks, for the use of the Hospital in the Northern Army.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that the Hospital at Fort-George be continued, for the reception of soldiers labouring with contagious diseases; and that there be a General Hospital erected on Mount-Independence.

Resolved, That a suitable spot of ground for a garden be enclosed, in the neighbourhood of the General Hospital, to supply the Army with vegetables; and that labourers be hired to cultivate it, under the direction of an overseer, to be appointed by the General, or commanding officer.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that the General, or commanding officer in each of the Armies, cause strict inquiry to be made into the conduct of the Directors of the Hospitals, and their surgeons, officers, and servants, and of the regimental surgeons, that, if there has been any just ground of complaint in those departments, the offenders may be punished.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that the Colonel, or commanding officer, of every regiment, make frequent inquiry into the health of the men under his command, and report the state thereof, with any negligence, malpractice, or other misconduct, of the surgeons, or others, to the General and to Congress, delivering copies of such reports to all persons therein accused.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that the General, or Commander-in-chief of the Northern Army, direct all the Batteaus on Lakes Champlain and George, to be immediately repaired.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that one hundred Batteaus be built at Schenectady, so as to be ready for use in February, or March next, at furthest; and, for this purpose, that boards, pitch, oakum, and other necessary materials, be collected, and artificers employed, by the General, or commanding officer.

LORD STIRLING TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Elizabethtown, January 6, 1776—12 o'clock.

SIR: After sealing the letters which Captain Morris will deliver you herewith, I found on the messenger some private letters to Mrs. Gage, which I have forwarded. The handwriting of one of them I knew to be from a most dangerous man; and, for very particular reasons, I was induced to open it. I now send it to you, and am your most humble servant,

STIRLING.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

LORD STIRLING TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Elizabethtown, January 6, 1776.

SIR: Having particular reasons for believing; that an express, which went through this place about noon, this day, for New-York, was charged with despatches of importance for the Ministry of Great Britain, and which might contain matters valuable to be known to the Continental Congress, I immediately despatched the bearer hereof, Capt. Morris, of my regiment, to overtake the messenger, which he did, at the second ferry between this and New-York, and has this moment brought back the messenger, with the enclosed two packets, directed for the Earl of Dart-