ROBERT ALEXANDER TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF MARYLAND.

Philadelphia, January 30, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: You have, enclosed, two resolutions of Congress, one respecting the collector of gold and silver for the pay of the troops in Canada, the other on the case of Mr. Juge, referred to Congress by the Convention of your Province.

In consequence of the resolve of the Convention, we made application to Congress to grant permission to consume the tea imported before the 1st of February last. The application was referred to a Committee of the Whole House, where the subject was debated for two days, and overruled by a majority of seven Colonies to five, (the last New-York, Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland,) and a report made by the Chairman that it was inexpedient to alter the Association. This report now lies on the table.

The loss of General Montgomery, with the particulars of his unfortunate attack on Qucbeck, you will have heard. Measures are now taken by Congress which, I trust, will reduce Carleton and his few troops before the end of February. Had one-third of the succour been sent Montgomery, in all human probability the life of that brave and gallant officer had been saved, and Quebeck long ere this in our possession.

The instructions of the Convention are come to hand, but not as yet laid before Congress. I am much pleased with them. They entirely coincide with my judgment and that line of conduct which I had determined to pursue. The Fanner, and some others, to whom in confidence they were shown, say that they breathe that spirit which ought to govern all publick bodies, firmness tempered with moderation.

I am, gentlemen, with respect, your humble servant,

ROBERT ALEXANDER.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety.

GEORGE LEE TO COLONEL JOSHUA BEALL.

Gisborough, January 30, 1776.

SIR: Had I known on Sunday evening, when I received it, that the enclosed commission was intended for the Upper Battalion in this County, I should have then returned it. I was nominated by the officers of the companies of which the Lower Battalion is composed as a Field-Officer of that battalion; and as the gentlemen thought me unworthy of a commission there, I beg leave to return the one they sent me. I never aspired after a commission any where; but as the gentlemen officers aforesaid thought proper to mention me in their return, I should have done all in my power to render them satisfaction, had I been appointed.

I hope my refusal to act under this commission may not be construed into any disrespect shown to you and those under your command, as I can assure you nothing of the sort is intended.

I am, respectfully, your humble servant,

GEORGE LEE.

To Colonel Joshua Beall.

BERKS COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE.

Reading, January 30, 1776.

The Committee of Berks County being justly alarmed at the attempts of the enemies of America, in the different parts of this Province, to depreciate the Continental Currency, and having received information that Gains Dickenson, a publick Friend, has been one of the instruments in propagating so fatal a measure, the Committee, being determined to support the said Currency, sent for the said Gaius Dickenson, who, being brought before them, made the following Declaration, which was voted satisfactory:

"Whereas, I, the subscriber, have unfortunately been guilty of endeavouring to depreciate the Continental Currency, but being now convinced and satisfied that such conduct is highly unbecoming the duty of an American, and tends immediately to obstruct the measures calculated to preserve the liberties of this country from the cruel and unrelenting oppressions of the British Court, do most sincerely acknowledge the heinousness of such offence, do beg; pardon of my offended countrymen, and do also hereby solemnly engage and promise not to be guilty of a like offence in future, but to conform to such measures as shall be adjudged necessary for the preservation of the rights of America, trusting and confiding that nothing will be expected from me inconsistent with the religious principles of the Society with which I profess. And as a further atonement for my misconduct, I request this acknowledgment to be made publick, in hopes it may deter others from committing the like offence.

"Witness my hand, this thirtieth day of the first Month, in the year of our Lord 1776.

"GAIUS DICKENSON."

At the same time, one William Gilliland, who had been some time in confinement by order of the Committee, was brought up and discharged, after subscribing the following Acknowledgment of his misconduct:

"Whereas, I, the subscriber, have been so very wicked and abandoned as to speak at sundry times disrespectfully of the honourable the Continental Congress, and also have endeavoured to depreciate their Currency, for which detestable conduct I have, deservedly, been confined in the jail of this County by the Committee of said County, but being now fully convinced of the heinousness and horrid tendency of such conduct, do hereby, in the fullest manner, most sincerely beg pardon of my justly incensed countrymen, and do promise hereafter never to be guilty of the like, but in all instances to conform to such rules and regulations as may be instituted by that very respectable body for the preservation of our invaluable, but invaded, rights and liberties; and do further request that this my acknowledgment may be made publick, that others may be deterred from following my shameful and wicked practices.

"In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, this thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord 1776.

"WILLIAM GILLILAND."

By order of the Committee:

MARK BYRD, Chairman.

SAMUEL TUCKER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read January 31, 1776.]

Trenton, January 31, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I was last Saturday in Burlington; went to the Barracks to take a view of that part of Colonel Maxwell's Battalion, which I found in want of many necessaries, which must be provided for them before they can march. They are really, generally, likely men. On examining, I found the four companies had arms about sufficient for one. On my return, I received, per Captain Scott, the four thousand dollars granted by Congress; on which applied to Colonel Maxwell, and informed him that any of his Captains might now be furnished with money to purchase arms for their company. The Colonel replied, it was now too late, that his battalion was under marching orders, unless the arms could be got at Philadelphia, to which place he would immediately go for that purpose, and to whom, for further information, I must beg leave to refer you.

I called at Bordentown, and endeavoured to procure quarters for the officers who are prisoners in this town, but was disappointed, for I could neither hire a house nor get them boarded on any terms in that town. So that, if Congress are determined to remove them from this town, which to me appears undoubtedly right, for too many reasons for me to enumerate.

I shall, if well, set off for New-Brunswick to-morrow morning, to meet our Provincial Congress, and shall pay due attention to your several letters and the resolutions therein enclosed, in particular the officers' baggage directed to be forwarded, &c.

If a quantity of arms are to be got, I have desired Colonel Maxwell to call on me for money to pay for them. I must beg leave to refer you to the Colonel for further particulars; and believe that I am, with great sincerity, your most obedient, humble servant,

SAMUEL TUCKER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.