him a plan of a floating battery, his own invention, which may, very possibly, afford matter for improvement, should the original fail. If you attempt fortification, and are not already supplied with an able hand, believe you will find him very clever in drawing and taking charts of your harbours and Bay, and pointing out the fittest place to erect fortifications on.

With due regard, I remain, gentlemen, your humble servant,

JAMES MURRAY.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia., January 20, 1776.

SIR: In my former letter, I mentioned the disagreeable news received from Canada. The Congress have taken that matter into consideration, and having examined Mr. Antill, and duly deliberated on the situation of our affairs in that quarter, they have come to sundry resolutions, which I have the honour to enclose.

I would just observe, that by Mr. Antill's examination, it appears our loss is greater than what is set forth in the despatches he brought; a copy of which was transmitted to you. Almost the whole of General Arnold's gallant detachment are taken prisoners, having, after four hours' resistance, been obliged to surrender at discretion. However, we have the satisfaction to hear the prisoners are treated with humanity.

The Congress are anxious, as well from motives of policy, as of justice and humanity, to repair our losses in that quarter, and if possible, to gain possession of Quebeck, and drive our enemies out of that country, before they can be reinforced in the Spring.

An active, able General is wanted to take the command there, and if such an one can be spared from the service at Cambridge, it is their desire you should send him.

The battalion from Pennsylvania, and that from New-Jersey, will set forward the beginning of next week.

As it is of great importance, as well for the security and relief of our friends, as for confirming the wavering, that speedy succours should arrive, I am directed to request you to detach from the camp, at Cambridge, one battalion, if the service there will permit you to spare one, with orders to march with the greatest expedition possible to Canada. lf this cannot be complied with, you will use your utmost endeavours in stimulating the Governour of Connecticut and the Convention of New-Hampshrire, to whom I write by this opportunity, to forward, with the utmost despatch, the very first companies that can be raised in those Colonies. You can easily conceive what effect the arrival of even one company will have on the minds of our friends, especially when they shall be satisfied it will soon be followed by more.

The Colony of South-Carolina has been so fortunate as to oblige Lord William Campbell, with the vessels of war, to quit their harbour. Being earnestly desirous of providing for their defence, they have resolved to fit out some armed vessels, but not having seamen among themselves, they have despatched Captain Cochran to the north-ward, to inlist a number of seamen for the service of that Colony. Lest the offers he was empowered to make might prejudice the service, the Congress have chalked out a plan for him to go by, as you will see in the enclosed extracts, and I am directed to desire you will please to forward this service.

Yesterday Doctor J. Smith, who made his escape from Frederick, was brought to this town. He was taken at the Little Meadows, on his way to Detroit, and had with him letters from Connolly to the commanding officer there.

I hinted to you in my former letter, that the Congress were taking measures for the defence of the Middle and Southern Colonies. For this purpose, over and above those destined for Canada, they have ordered four battalions to be raised in the Colony of New-York, two in New-Jersey, four in Pennsylvania, one in the Counties on Delaware, six in Virginia, three in North-Carolina, three in South-Carolina, and one in Georgia, each to consist of seven hundred and twenty-eight men, including officers, making in the whole, with those for Canada, thirty-four battalions.

I have the honour to be, &c.

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To General Washington.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

Philadelphia, January, 26, 1776.

SIR: In my former letter I enclosed you sundry resolutions, passed by Congress for the defence of Canada, and therein took the liberty of urging the necessity of sending speedy succours to that country.

The disagreeable news lately received from that quarter, and the repulse our troops met with in their attempt on Quebeck, in which we had the misfortune of losing the brave and gallant General Montgomery, render it still more necessary, with all possible despatch, to reinforce our Army there, as well for the security and relief of our friends, as for the better securing the rights and liberties, not only of that Colony, but of the other United Colonies.

In addition to the former, I have now the honour of enclosing sundry resolutions passed since the advice received, and I trust, from your approved zeal in the cause of America, that every endeavour in your power will be exerted to levy and forward the battalion ordered to be raised in your Colony.

You will easily conceive what life, spirit, and confidence, the arrival of but one company will give our friends there, especially, when they understand it is quickly to be followed by more forces. You will, therefore, with the utmost despatch forward the first that can be got ready.

To prevent any delay, I send, enclosed, by order of Congress, blank commissions for the Field-Officers, Captains, and Subalterns, which you will please to fill up with the names of such gentlemen as you shall judge best qualified.

Time does not permit me to enlarge. I must, therefore, beg leave to refer you to the enclosed extracts, and have the honour to be, &c,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To Governour Trumbull.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO CONVENTION OF NEW-HAMP-SHIRE.

Philadelphia, January 20, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: In addition to the resolutions of Congress, passed the 8th instant, for the defence of Canada, I have now to add sundry others, which the advices lately received, and the repulse our troops met with, in an attempt on Quebeck, render absolutely necessary to be carried into execution, with all possible despatch.

There is every reason to hope that a timely reinforcement will not only secure our friends and retrieve our losses, but put us in possession of Quebeck before succours: can reach our enemies. I am, therefore, directed most earnestly to press you with all possible expedition to levy and forward the battalion ordered to be raised in your Colony. And as you lie the most contiguous, I trust, from your wonted zeal, you will be the first to carry relief and succour.

You will easily conceive what life, spirit, and confidence, the arrival of but one company will give our friends there, especially when they understand it is quickly to be followed; by more forces. You will, therefore, with the utmost despatch forward the first that can be got ready.

To prevent any delay, I send, enclosed, by order of Congress, blank commissions for the Field-Officers, Captains, and Subalterns, which you will please to fill up with the names of such gentlemen as you shall judge best qualified and proper for the service.

The money for defraying the expense of the battalion will be forwarded by your Delegate with all possible despatch. The encouragement given to the men will, I hope, facilitate your business, and I trust your zeal will not be wanting in the defence of our common liberties. Time will not permit me to enlarge. I must, therefore, beg leave, for other matters, to refer you to the enclosed extracts, only reminding you that the battalion is to consist of eight companies, and each company of one Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, a drum and fife, and seventy-six privates; the Staff Officers: a Surgeon, a Quartermaster, an Adjutant, and a Chaplain.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, &c.,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To the Convention of New-Hampshire.