tars, and what size. Mr. Pelissier, of Three-Rivers, has sent to me to know the size of our mortars and cannon, as he is about casting shells and shot.

"I think it of importance that whatever is sent, should be here by the first of March; by that time, if properly assisted, we shall be able to erect batteries. They must be cannonaded in earnest; the place is strong, and they are determined to hold out desperately, you will, therefore, see the necessity of spirited measures in order to take possession of it before they can be reinforced from Great Britain."

Mr. Antill has this moment delivered me your favour of the 20th ultimo.

I believe there is left, at the posts above, one eighteen-pounder, nineteen twelve-pounders, twenty-nine of nine, twenty-three of six, twenty-five of four, and some swivels.

I shall immediately employ people to cut and draw timber for repairing Ticonderoga, provided I can get forage for horses. It will be much less expensive now than in Spring or Summer; but an Engineer should be sent up for the business; nor can I, without the assistance of such a person, ascertain the number of cannon necessary for its defence. They should all be of the largest size that can be had.

I have already transmitted General Wooster the former resolutions of Congress; those by Colonel Hazen will send on by that gentleman.

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

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., &c., &c.

State of the Military Chest, ALBANY, JANUARY 28, 1776.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, JR., Paymaster-General.

To the Honourable Major-General Schuyler.

GENERAL ARNOLD TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Camp before Quebeck, February 1, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I have the pleasure of acquainting you we still hold our ground before Quebeck, and keep the enemy closely blockaded, though we have received but a small reinforcement of one hundred and fifty men from Montreal. The enemy have, within this ten days, sallied out twice at Palace-Gate, with about four or five hundred men, with a view of seizing two fieldpieces we have on that side; our men advanced briskly to attack them, when they made a precipitate retreat under cover of their guns. I make no doubt of holding our ground, as we expect a reinforcement daily, which we are anxiously waiting for, as the duty is very severe.

I have taken the liberty, in former letters to the honourable Continental Congress, to give my opinion in regard to men and measures necessary for the reduction of Quebeck. The necessary ways and means for supporting those men I have omitted, as General Montgomery, in his life time, transmitted you his sentiments on the matter, as well as on the necessary measures for forming a lasting union between this country and the Colonies. I have only to observe, if the capital is taken I believe paper money will soon have a currency.

Major John Brown, who came down with General Montgomery, with about one hundred and sixty men collected from different regiments, now assumes and insists on the title of Colonel, which, he says, the General promised him at Montreal. That the General promised him promotion, he told me sometime before his death. When Major Brown wrote to remind him of his promise, the General handed me his letter, and told me, at the same time, as Colonel Easton and Major Brown were publickly impeached with plundering the officers' baggage taken at Sorel, contrary to articles of capitulation, and to the great scandal of the American Army, he could not, in conscience or honour promote him, (Major Brown,) until those matters were cleared up. He then sent for Major Brown, and told him his sentiments on the matter very freely; after which I heard of no further application for promotion. This transaction Colonel Campbell, Major Dubois, and several gentlemen, were knowing to As Colonel Easton and Major Brown have, doubtless, a sufficient share of modest merit to apply to the honourable Continental Congress for promotion, I think it my duty to say the charge before-mentioned is the publick topick of conversation at Montreal, and among the officers of the Army in general; and, as such conduct is unbecoming the character of gentlemen or soldiers, I believe it would give great disgust to the Army in general if those gentlemen were promoted before those matters were cleared up.

This will be delivered you by Mr. David Hopkins, a gentleman who came out a volunteer with me; his spirited conduct, both on march and since our arrival in this country, merit my recommendation to your notice, of which I think him worthy.

I am, with the greatest respect and esteem, dear sir, your most obedient and humble servant,

BENEDICT ARNOLD.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

P. S. The contents of the enclosed letter I do not wish to be kept from the gentlemen mentioned therein; the publick interest is my chief motive for writing. I should despise myself were I capable of asserting a thing in prejudice of any gentlemen without sufficient reasons to make it publick.

B. A.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Cambridge, February 1, 1776.

DEAR SIR: On the 27th ultimo, I had the pleasure of writing you, and then mentioned my being under some embarrassments respecting the application which I expected from our Caughnawaga friends. I have now the pleasure to inform you, that in a talk they honoured me with yesterday, they put the matter upon the footing I wished; that is, to join the forces in Canada whenever you shall call for their assistance.

They requested me to certify my approbation of the treaty they had concluded with you, which I did. Upon the occasion they expressed much satisfaction, and said that they were now happy that a firm peace was made between them and their brothers, and that they were now free like the New-England people. I heartily wish that this union may be lasting, and that nothing may cast up to interrupt it. The expediency of calling upon them I shall leave to you. Circumstances and policy will suggest the occasion. I promised them to write you by Colonel Bedel of what they had done, and shall submit it to your discretion to communicate to them such parts of this as you may think necessary.

I have advanced one hundred pounds, lawful money, to Colonel Bedel, for the expenses attending their return home. This he will account with you for.

I am, dear sir, your affectionate, humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Honourable Major-General Schuyler.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL BEDEL.

Cambridge, February 1, 1776.

SIR: The Continental Congress having called upon the Government of New-Hampshire to raise a regiment for the service of the United Colonies, which they have accordingly complied with, and appointed you to the command of, I have to desire that you will use your utmost diligence arid despatch possible, to raise the said regiment, and march it into Canada by the way of Number Four and Onion River, on which communication a supply of provisions will be laid by order of Major-General Schuyler. This regiment is to be raised upon the Continental establishment, and agreeable to the terms and requisition of the Congress, as transmitted to New-Hampshire.

As the necessity of reinforcing our troops, posted before, and forming the blockade of Quebeck, is too apparent to need description, I would have you order each company to march as fast as they are raised, the whole putting themselves under the General, or commanding officer in Canada, as fast as they arrive there. Such necessaries as are indispensably necessary for the use of your regiment, will, I expect, be procured for you by your Colony, in the