bably, by rapid movements, bring the Rebels to an notion upon equal terms, before they could cover themselves by works of any signification.

The ill consequences that must arise from another defensive campaign, are not to be pointed out to your Lordship; but it may be necessary to observe, that if the five battalions under Major-General Clinton are joined by the well-affected inhabitants, and should possess themselves of any object that it may be important to hold, I shall not presume to call them off to the main army, unless the General shall represent that the inhabitants are able to maintain their situation, although the King's troops should be withdrawn.

I beg leave to remark, that with a proper army, of twenty thousand men, having twelve thousand at New-York, six thousand at Rhode-Island, and two thousand at Halifax, exclusive of an army for the Province of Quebeck, the present unfavourable appearance of things would, probably, wear a very different aspect before the end of the ensuing campaign. With fewer troops, the success of any offensive operations will be very doubtful, the enemy possessing ad vantages that will not be readily overcome by a small force; neither is their army by any ways to be despised, having in it many European soldiers, and all, or most of the young men of spirit in the country, who are exceedingly diligent and attentive in their military profession.

Enclosed are copies of letters of the 13th and 18th December, from Governour Tryon, with three papers, containing intelligence from him. He seems positive of being able to raise two thousand men, upon the arrival of this army at New-York, who may be rendered very useful, if accompanied by his personal services in the field. The enclosed extract from my answer to the Governour, and copy of a letter to the commanding officer at Niagara, I hope may meet with His Majesty's approbation.

I beg your Lordship will honour me with the King's commands respecting the bounty money, payment, and clothing, of the Provincial levies: their officers, last war, ranked with those of the army as youngest, in their respective degrees.

Your Lordship has enclosed a state of the transports, including such as have arrived and been taken into His Majesty's service, in consequence of the duplicate of your Lordship's letter of the 22d September; and, that no time may be lost in transporting the army from hence to New-York, I shall continue to take up all proper vessels that can be got; but I do not suppose that this place can be evacuated without the aid of transports from Europe. One great difficulty, among the many in this operation, will be the number of inhabitants who, I expect, will desire to be removed, with their effects and merchandise. As many as Governour Legge can possibly accommodate and provide for, shall be sent to Nova-Scotia.

Having lately discovered a negotiation of property between the Rebels and their friends in this town, I use every endeavour to stop it; and, although it is not done as effectually as I could wish, yet I am hopeful a large stock in trade may be reserved until I have the honour of your Lordship's instructions for my future conduct in this business.

By accounts from the Rebel army, it is said Major-General Carleton got into Quebeck on the 20th of November, and the season then being so far advanced, I conclude it will not be in the power of the Rebels to force him this Winter. I have sent an officer, who may be depended upon, to Halifax, and from thence to Quebeck, that I may have a true state of the General's situation, and I expect his return by the beginning of April.

The six missing companies of the Seventeenth, and six companies of the Fifty-Fifth Regiments, arrived the 30th December, in the Grosvenor, and Grand Duke of Russia, transports, but have not had any account of the other four companies of the Fifty-Fifth Regiment.

From what I can learn of the designs of the leaders of the Rebels, they seem determined, since the receipt of the King's speech among them, to make the most diligent preparations for an active war; and it is my firm opinion they will not retract until they have tried their fortune in a battle, and are defeated; but I am under the necessity of repeating to your Lordship, that the apparent strength of this army, for the Spring, does not flatter me with the hopes of bringing the Rebels to a decisive action.

With the most perfect respect, I have the honour to be, your Lordship's faithful, and most obedient servant,

WILLIAM HOWE.

JOHN YOUSTE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Georgetown, January 17, 1776.

GENTLEMEN Having applied to the Committee of Observation for a sufficient quantity of powder, for proving the guns which i have engaged to furnish the Council of Safety, which i have been refused, without your approbation.

Glad you would please to nominate a man in town to see the guns proved, as it is inconvenient to me, at pre sent, to leave the business.

Mr. Dickens has left town, which prevents his writing to you, according to agreement.

I hope, gentlemen, you will please to let me know what I am to expect, as the guns cannot be delivered, or finished, otherwise than by your granting a license for powder.

I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

JOHN YOUSTE.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety.

NOMINATION OF MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY IN NEW-YORK.

New-York, January 17, 1776.

At a meeting of a number of freemen and freeholders of the City and County of New-York, at the house of Mrs. Vanderwater, on Wednesday, January 17, 1776, for the purpose of nominating persons to represent them in the next General Assembly, it Was agreed, by a majority of said company, that Philip Livingston, John Alsop, John Jay, and Alexander McDougall, be, and are, recommended to the publick as sufficient men for that purpose; and, in order to avoid any division among the electors, they are desired to aid and assist in the above choice.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED NEW-YORK, JANUARY 17, 1776.

General Lee is coming here with a body of armed men. A gentleman of this city, who is just returned from Connecticut, tells me General Washington has wrote to Governour Trumbull, informing him that a fleet has left Boston; that he conjectures they are bound for New-York; given him their size and strength, as nearly as he could; informed him that General Lee was coming along with ninety riflemen; and desired he would order a number of men to be immediately raised to come with them to this city. That, in consequence thereof, Governour Trumbull had assembled the Committee of Safety, and they advised him to issue his warrant, ordering two regiments to be raised, (about fifteen hundred in both,) to be commanded by Colonels Waterbury and Ward, under the direction of General Lee, and to come to this city. Another gentleman, who is just come from camp, told me that General Lee was to bring with him an Engineer and artillerymen.

18th.—The Jersey lads are gone to Horn's Hook, from thence they have crossed, or are to cross, as I am in formed, to Long-Island, and pay Queen's County a visit. The Eastern Post told me he left General Lee at Hartford on Monday.

19th.—Eleven o'clock this morning, a second detachment (about three hundred Jerseymen) went to Long-Island. It is said the former one consisted of four or five hundred.

PETITION FROM THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.

To the Honourable JOHN HANCOCK, Esq, President of the Honourable Continental Congress, &c., &c., now assembled at PHILADELPHIA.

The humble Petition, Address, and Remonstrance of that part of AMERICA being situate south of CANADA line, west of CONNECTICUT River, north of the MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, and east of a twenty-mile line from HUDSON'S River, commonly called and known by the name of the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS, humbly sheweth:

That your Honours' petitioners, being fully sensible and deeply affected with the very alarming situation in which the United Colonies are involved, by means of a de signing