sible for me to convey to you a perfect idea of the trouble and vexation I have met with, in getting this matter fixed upon some settled footing. One day an officer would serve, the next he would not, and so on, that I have hardly known what steps to pursue for preserving consistency, and advancing the good of the service, which are the only objects in my view. I have no friend, nor any person with whom I am the least connected, that I want or wish to bring in.

I am, gentlemen, with much esteem and respect, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Honourable the President and Council of Massachusetts-Bay.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SULLIVAN.

Cambridge, January 10, 1776.

DEAR SIR: In looking over the list of officers in your brigade, I find the whole completed, except in one instance, without paying the least regard to the order which directed that no person should be inserted that was not in the first arrangement, otherwise than by recommendation.

I also find, in the regimental returns of our strength, in your brigade, several matters that need explanation—to wit: a number of men on command—and in Col. Poor's last return, the whole number of his regiment consisted but of two hundred and seventy-seven men; whereas, by the different weekly returns, which he has given, there appears to have been inlisted five hundred and eleven men. In like manner, by the different weekly returns, our whole number of recruits ought to amount to about ten thousand five hundred men; whereas, by the regimental returns of Saturday, (which were only completed last night,) they stand at eight thousand two hundred and twelve, and but five thousand five hundred and eighty-two of these returned present, fit for duty. These things are so alarming, and stand so much in need of explanation, that I must desire you to take a ride to Head-Quarters, and see if they can be accounted for. Major Scammell and Colonel Poor may be necessary, also, in the elucidation of some of these points.

If you were to come to dinner, I should be glad of your company. I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Brigadier-General Sullivan, Winter-Hill.

ROBERT H. HARRISON TO WILLIAM BARTLETT.

Cambridge, January 10, 1776.

SIR: By Colonel Glover's account, I find that Captain Manly and Captain Burke have engaged, what, in my opinion will, with the officers, be a sufficient number for these small vessels. If the guns belonging to Captain Darby cannot be purchased, they must be replaced out of the two vessels that are not in such forwardness. We shall afterwards think of supplying them. There are two pieces at Cape Ann, out of the ordnance store-ship, and two at Beverly, out of the Concord; these are good guns, and will help. Indeed, I think four as good as six, for the purpose these vessels are fitted out.

The treasury is at present very low. You must, therefore, wait for money until a remittance comes from Philadelphia. We are every day expecting it.

Colonel Glover tells me that both Manly and Burke engaged to advance a month's pay. It was wrong, except the people engaged for twelve months. If they did not, I do not think them entitled to it. However, if you find it will retard the sailing of the vessels, I wish you would raise money, and advance it to them yourself, as the General will not choose to have their accounts blended with the accounts of the Army; which must be the case if Colonel Glover advances the money to them. It will save much trouble, and, at the same time, be your own interest, to keep all the accounts of these vessels in your own hands.

I am, sir, yours, &c.,

ROBERT H.HARRISON.

To William Bartlett, Esq., Beverly.

[GENERAL WASHINGTON] TO COLONEL WENTWORTH.

Cambridge, January 10, 1776.

Acknowledged receipt of his and Mr. King's letter of the 10th instant, the latter covering invoice for . . . . . . barrels, and . . . . . . half barrels of flour, given to Stephen Moylan, by order of General Washington. Desired Mr. Wentworth to dispose of five hundred and fifty bushels of potatoes, taken in the schooner Rainbow, at any price, rather than have them perish, and to libel said schooner, agreeable to resolves of Congress sent him herewith.

To Colonel Joshua Wentworth, Portsmouth.

JOHN KNIGHT TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Northampton, January 10, 1776.

SIR: Many reasons, as well as the unexpected lengthening time of my captivity, induces me to take the liberty of addressing you on a subject, the propriety of which, I must leave to your judgment. Freedom from being a prisoner is the ultimate of my request; and, as this great indulgence, I conceive, lies entirely with your Excellency, I must beg your attention, one moment, to my reasons for this presumption. I have been employed in America since the year 1763, on the survey of the sea-coasts, and, since 1770 until the hour of my captivity, commanded a King's vessel, on that service only; during all which time, I can declare, I never did a single injury to an American, or ever detained one of their vessels, even in an illicit trade, though often in my power. On the contrary, I dare believe, there are several will do me the justice to acknowledge having received assistance from me, when in distress. The work I was then engaged on, was of a publick nature, and intended for the advantage of all; but, as this unhappy dispute must necessarily put a stop to that service, there is not the least probability of my being employed, (should your goodness indulge me with my liberty,) there being so many young gentlemen with the Admiral, waiting for promotion, and many more seeking employment, which, to a man in my situation, having a family in America, would admit of no invitation. I should trespass on your patience, to relate the particulars of my being made prisoner, at Machias, which, I am confident, would appear most favourable for me, and no doubt influence you, sir, in a great measure, to acquiesce with my entreaty. If Captain Stephen Smith, the principal person of that place, was near your Excellency, he would give positive information, that the proceedings with me there, and the Surgeon, Mr. McFadjen, belonging to the Diligent, were altogether contrary to every practice in war.

I beg leave to submit these facts to your Excellency's consideration, and am, with respect, your Excellency's most obedient, very humble servant,

JOHN KNIGHT.

General Washington.

JOSHUA WENTWORTH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Portsmouth, January 10, 1776.

SIR: Yesterday came to town, from London, last from Pooh, in England, via Casco Bay, four masters of vessels, belonging to this port, from whom I have collected all the newspapers I possibly could, with sundry packages and letters; and, as I have it in direction from your Excellency, to forward any letters that arrive here, I take the readiest method of their reaching your Excellency, by despatching my young man.

The newspapers are much defaced, previous to their coming to my hand; the anxiety of Americans occasioned a frequent perusal, which, I hope, may apologize for their present state.

The Captains intend setting out for Head-Quarters, in a day or two, who have verbal informations to your Excellency, from some gentlemen of note in London.

In the interim, I have to inform your Excellency, that a number of transports sailed on or about the time these gentlemen left England, (say November 6th,) with stores, for Boston, without convoy; three of which were large ships, formerly in the service of the India Company, and are defenceless. I sincerely wish some of the American armed vessels may conduct them safe to other ports than their first destination.

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

JOSHUA WENTWORTH.

His Excellency General Washington.