such an expedition fruitless, there are two principal means which deserve particular attention. The first would be to support and retain the Canadians; the second, to

hinder the fleet coming up the river, or passing above Quebeck.

The circumstances necessary for retaining and supporting the Canadians, are:

First. That proper precautions be taken for securing the persons salaried here by Government, the other Royalists, and particularly all the military.

Second. Although it is reasonable that the Canadians should pay their proportion of the charges of the war, I imagine it would be proper to delay levying it for some time, as this people, having never been accustomed to pay any tax but by way of duties on importation and exportation, would fancy they had been deceived, and that they were conquered merely to be taxed, and made to pay all the expense of this war, as the Royalists endeavoured to persuade them.

Third. That they may not be alarmed, it is necessary to leave them in possession of their bishops, their priests, and the free exercise of their religion. It is true, that some of the curates have made publick prayers, during nine days, that God would exterminate the troops that our good neighbours have kindly sent to assist us; but prudence requires that no notice should be taken of that conduct.

As to the measures to be taken for hindering a fleet's passing above Quebeck, it seems to me that the most expedient for persons, who, jealous of their liberty, ought not to risk too much upon the chance of a battle, would be to barn it.   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

If I have taken the liberty to communicate to you my sentiments thus on the attack of Quebeck and defence of the Colony, it is, because, persuaded as 1 am of the justice of the cause of America, no one desires more than myself to see her succeed in her most laudable enterprise.

1. shall esteem myself very happy, if my reflections may occasion the use of some means that may turn to her advantage.

I have the honour to be, with perfect consideration, sir, your most humble and obedient servant,

PELISSIER,

Director of the Iron Works,

Near the Three-Rivers.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

January 28, 1776.

POSTSCRIPT.—I am now at Montreal, where I have an opportunity of making some observations, which I think I ought to communicate to you.

I have found the number of Royalists much more considerable here than I imagined. If they are not bridled, it is to be feared they may change the good disposition of the country people, I believe that if the reinforcements destined for Canada arrive soon, and are quartered in the country, that may be a means of stopping the progress of bad discourses. There is yet time to do it, and the people will not dislike it.

STONINGTON (CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Stonington, January 8, 1776.

SIR: The Committee of Correspondence and Safety in this place, to whose consideration your Excellency, by letter dated the 27th of November last, was pleased to refer the affair of one Denny, and his captured vessel and cargo, having, on the 1st of December, transmitted to you their proceedings relative thereto, beg leave now to report, fur ther, that, (haying notified all persons concerned,) after a full hearing, and careful examination and inquiry of the several evidences before us, (consisting of people on board said vessel when taken, and of the neighbours supposed best acquainted with the character of said Denny, and one Buddington, who, for some reasons, was suspected of being toryistical,) cannot find that either of them have adopted Or pursued any measure really inimical to America, or in any thing acted a part so obnoxious, but that they, upon paying the necessary and occasional charges, might, with out further delay or trouble, have said vessel and cargo restored to them; unless the mere act of said Denny's availing himself and being possessed of the enclosed certificate and clearance when taken, should be deemed a sufficient bar in the way; relative to which, the bearer is desired to wait and receive your Excellency's resolution and commands.

From your most obedient, humble servant,

By order of the Committee:

JOSEPH DENISON, Chairman.

To His Excellency General Washington.

JOHN ADAMS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Watertown, January 8, 1776.

DEAR SIR: As your Excellency has asked my opinion of General Lee's plan, as explained in his letter of the 5th instant, I think it my duty to give it, although I am obliged to do it in more haste than 1 could wish.

I suppose the only questions which arise upon that letter, are, whether the plan is practicable, whether it is expedient, and whether it lies properly within your Excellency's authority, without further directions from Congress.

Of the practicability of it, I am very ill qualified to judge; but, were I to hazard a conjecture, it would be, that the enterprise would not be attended with much difficulty. The Connecticut people, who are very ready upon such occasions, in conjunction with the friends of liberty in New-York, 1 should think might easily accomplish the work.

That it is expedient, and even necessary to be done, by some authority or other, I believe will not be doubted by any friend of the American cause, who considers the vast importance of that City, Province, and the North River, which is in it, in the progress of this war, (as it is the nexus of the Northern and Southern Colonies,) as a kind of key to the whole Continent; as it is a passage to Canada, to the great lakes, and to all the Indian nations, no effort to secure it ought to be omitted.

That it is within the limits of your Excellency's command, is, in my mind, perfectly clear. Your commission constitutes you commander of all the forces now raised, or to be raised, and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service, and join the Army for the defence of American liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof, and are vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and welfare of the service.

Now, if upon Long-Island there is a body of people who have arms in their hands, and are intrenching themselves, professedly to oppose the American system of defence; who are supplying our enemies, both of the Army and Navy, in Boston and elsewhere, (as I suppose is undoubtedly the fact,) no man can hesitate to say that this is an hostile invasion of American liberty, as much as that now made in Boston. Nay, those people are guilty of the very invasion in Boston, as they are constantly aiding, abetting, comforting, and assisting the army there, and that in the most essential manner, by supplies of provisions. If in the city a body of Tories are waiting only for a force to protect them, to declare themselves on the side of our enemies, it is high time that city was secured. The Jersey troops have already been ordered into that city by the Congress, and are there, undoubtedly, under your command, ready to assist in this service.

That New-York is within your command as much as the Massachusetts, cannot bear a question. Your Excellency's superiority in the command, over the Generals in the Northern Department, as it is called, has been always carefully preserved in Congress, although the necessity of despatch has sometimes induced them to send instructions directly to them, instead of first sending them to your Excellency, which would have occasioned a circuit of many hundreds of miles, and have lost much time.

Upon the whole, sir, my opinion is, that General Lee's is a very useful proposal, and will answer many good ends.

I am, with great respect, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

JOHN ADAMS.

To General Washington.

INSTRUCTIONS TO MAJOR-GENERAL LEE.

SIR: Having undoubted intelligence of the fitting out of a fleet at Boston, and of the embarkation of troops from thence, which, from the season of the year, and other cir-