think worth detaining, and to the disobedience of some Regiments, carrying theirs away, in a manner, by stealth, notwithstanding every order I could issue, and even solemn threats of stopping the pay for the months of November and December of those that should.

The prospect of getting imported arms is so remote and uncertain that I cannot depend upon it. I, therefore, request the favour of you to inform me, whether you have any, and what number belongs to the Government, as, also, if you will be able to procure more, and in what time, if you have any, or can get them, I shall be glad to take them on account of the United Colonies. They must be had if possible. I have wrote to the honourable General Court of this Province about the same, but have not received their answer. Should any of your Militia be here when I get your answer, will it be prudent to apply to them for their arms? Leaving it optional in them cannot be amiss; but, will the necessity of the case justify an involuntary detention of them? I ask for information.

I am, sir, with great esteem, &c.,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Hon. Matthew Thornton, Esq., President of the Convention of New-Hampshire.

BENJAMIN FESSENBEN TO JAMES WARREN.

Sandwich, January 13, 776.

HONOURED SIR: In compliance with the desire of a number of the members of the Committees of Correspondence and Inspection for this town, I enclose you a copy of the vote passed by them yesterday. The Committee have done all in their power to stop said vessel, referred to in the vote, and have had repeated assurances that she should not sail without liberty; but, as she has sailed, thought it a duty incumbent on them, to give information of it to the honourable House, that if any thing further was necessary, they might give such order thereon as to them should, in their wisdom, seem best. Mr. Nye is a member of our Committee, and to him I beg leave to refer you for a more particular account of the conduct of the owners, relative to their sending away the vessel.

I am, honoured sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

BENJAMIN FESSENDEN.

To the Hon. James Warren, Esq.

At a meeting of a number of the Members of the Committees of Correspondence and Inspection, of the town of Sandwich, on January 12, 1776, Mr. Stephen Nye was chosen Chairman, and Benjamin Fessenden, Clerk.

Present: Messrs. Stephen Nye, Eliakim Tobey, Lieutenant John Dillingham, Captain Simeon Fish, Elisha Pope, Nathaniel Fish, Seth Freeman, Esquire, Lot Nye, and Benjamin Fessenden.

Whereas, the Committees, or at least a number of each, were some time past informed that a certain sloop, reputed to be owned by Solomon Nye, of Falmouth, Levi Barlow, Jesse Barlow, and Obed Barlow, of this town, was preparing to go on a voyage to the West-Indies, contrary to the recommendations of the Continental Congress and Provincial Assembly; and, in consequence thereof, chose one of their number to make inquiry into the affair; and, in case it was found necessary, to make application to the commanding officer of the troops stationed in this County for orders for them to stop said vessel, or something similar to it, the proceedings at which meeting the Committee cannot now come at. In consequence of which, said member went and received assurances from the above Solomon Nye and Jesse Barlow, that said vessel should not proceed on said voyage without liberty from the General Court. Notwithstanding which, we last week received information that said vessel had loaded and sailed on said voyage, but meeting with contrary winds, was returned and then at anchor. On which, a number of us met and passed the following vote, viz:

That Captain Ward Swift be requested to repair on board-said vessel, with such aid as he shall judge necessary, and strip her of her sails, or take some other effectual method to put it out of their power to prosecute said voyage until they shall obtain liberty.

In consequence of which, Captain Swift hath attempted, with a file of men, to stop said vessel; but, before he could get on board, she came to sail, and is gone off.

Therefore, voted, that Captain Benjamin Fessenden be desired to write to the Speaker of the honourable House of Representatives, and enclose to him a copy of this vote. Unanimously agreed to. A true copy of the Minutes:

B. FESSENDEN.

COLONEL BENEDICT ARNOLD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Camp before Quebeck, January 14, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I make no doubt you will soon hear of our misfortune on the 31st ultimo, and be very anxious to know our present situation. Our loss and repulse struck an amazing panick into both officers and men, and had the enemy improved their advantage, our affairs here must have been entirely ruined. It was not in my power to prevail on the officers to attempt saving our mortars which had been placed in St. Rogue's, of course they fell into the hands of the enemy. Upwards of one hundred officers and soldiers instantly set off for Montreal, and it was with the greatest difficulty I could persuade the rest to make a stand. The panick soon subsided, I arranged the men in such order as effectually to blockade the city, and enable them to assist each other if attacked. It was urged by the officers to move our ammunition and artillery stores, of which we had a large quantity, and though the risk was great, I could not approve the measure as it would undoubtedly have made unfavourable impressions on the minds of the Canadians, and induced them to withdraw their assistance, which must have ended in our utter ruin. I, therefore, put the best face on matters, and betrayed no marks of fear. I have withdrawn the cannon from our battery and placed them round the Magazine. Our present force is only seven hundred. I am in daily expectation of a reinforcement from Montreal of two or three hundred men. I expected General Wooster, but find he cannot leave Montreal. Colonel Clinton is just arrived. I have put on foot the raising a regiment of two or three hundred Canadians, which I make no doubt of effecting. Our finances are very low; however, I hope we shall be able to rub along. Mr. Price is our only resource, and has exerted himself. I wait with great anxiety the arrival of a reinforcement from below. I have wrote the honourable Congress my opinion that five thousand men will be necessary to insure us Quebeck, though it may possibly be reduced with a less number; it appears a blockade may answer the purpose. I think Quebeck an object of too much consequence to trust it to the event. If reduced, five thousand men will be necessary for a garrison.

Your favour of the 5th ultimo, is just come to hand. It gives me a most sensible pleasure to have your approbation of my conduct. I beg you would accept my thanks for the notice you have been pleased to take of me and my officers, in your new establishment. Most of them are provided for in an unexpected manner, not very pleasing to me.

Enclosed is a list of the killed and wounded. Both officers and men behaved with the greatest intrepidity; and had not the General been basely deserted by his troops, we should doubtless have carried the town. My detachment had carried the first battery; my being wounded, and the loss of their guides, retarded them much. After the death of the General, they sustained the force of the whole garrison for a considerable time, who fired from under cover, and had every advantage of situation. Their retreat was cut off by the enemy's gaining a narrow defile through which they were obliged to pass. They were overpowered by numbers and obliged to resign, though deserving a better fate. Governour Carleton treats them with humanity, and has given leave for their baggage to be sent in to them.

I heartily congratulate you on the success of your privateers. I think the balance of the last year's account is still in our favour, though we have met a severe check here. I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing General Lee, or some experienced officer, here.

I heartily wish you the protection and blessing of the Almighty, and am, with very great respect and esteem, dear sir, your obedient, humble servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

To General Washington.