without the most distant prospect or hope of getting more from these Governments than what I already have, I beg leave to solicit the favour of your Committee of Safety in this instance, and earnestly request that they will use their exertions to get and send to me, in the most expeditious manner, all that they can possibly procure. I imagine that there are several belonging to the Colony, and have been informed of many Tories being disarmed, and, therefore, expect that it will be in their power to obtain me a considerable supply. Whatever quantity is sent me, I will take on the Continental account, and make payment for, with the expenses incident to their transportation.

This application being founded in necessity, and arising from the exigency of our affairs, I make no doubt will meet jour most ready and early attention, and that nothing will be wanting on your part to give me the most speedy relief.

I am, sir, your most humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of New York.

P. S. I wish to have only such arms as are good and serviceable, and shall be glad to have bayonets with them.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.

Cambridge, February 10, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Notwithstanding I have taken every method my judgment could suggest, to procure a sufficient number of firelocks for the soldiers of this Army, by applications to the Assemblies and Conventions of these Goverments, as well as by sending officers out with money to purchase, I am constrained, by necessity, to inform you that the deficiency is amazingly great, and that there are not nigh enough to arm the troops already here. It is true, that all the officers gone upon the business are not yet returned, but, from the small success of those who have made report, I cannot promise myself many more. I must, therefore, Beg leave to solicit your kind attention to this interesting and important concern, and would submit it to your consideration whether if your honourable Court were to depute some of their members to make applications to the different towns, they might not procure a considerable quantity. I will most cheerfully furnish them with money for the purpose, or pay for them on their delivery here, as you shall think most advisable.

I shall only add, that I hope the exigency of our affairs, at this critical crisis, will excuse this request, and my confidence of your readiness and zeal to do every thing in your power for promoting the publick good, and am, gentlemen, with great regard and esteem, your most humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Honourable General Court, &c.

P. S. I have heard that there are several King's muskets in the country; for every good one, with a bayonet, that has not been abused, I will give twelve dollars, and in proportion for other guns fit for service.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL PORTER.

Head-Quarters, February 10, 1776.

SIR: The Continental Congress having confirmed my application to this Government to raise a regiment for the service of the United Colonies, which is now complied with, and you are appointed to the command thereof, I have to desire that you will use the utmost diligence and despatch possible, to complete the said regiment, and inarch it into Canada by the shortest and best way, that from your own knowledge of the country, and from the best information you can get, you think will be the most expeditious. I have to acquaint you, that if you take your route by Number Four and Onion-River, there will be a supply of provisions ready for you, laid in by order of General Schuyler.

As this regiment is to be upon the Continental establishment, agreeable to the terms and regulations of Congress, transmitted to the Legislative power of this Province, and the necessity of reinforcing our troops posted and forming the blockade of Quebeck is too apparent to need dwelling on, I would have you order each company to march as fast as they are raised, the whole putting themselves under the command of the General, or commanding officer in Canada, as fast as they arrive there.

Such necessaries as you will think really proper, and that you cannot do without, will be provided for you by the Commissary-General and Quartermaster-General, and I shall depend upon you that the strictest economy is used consistent with the despatch necessary upon this occasion.

These, sir, are my instructions to you, and from the character you bear, I doubt not you will pay due attention to them. I must again recommend your making all possible despatch, and that you may share in the glory of expelling the instruments of Ministerial tyranny from that fair Province, is the sincere wish of, sir, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Colonel Elisha Porter.

[GENERAL WASHINGTON] TO MAJOR FRENCH.

Camp, Cambridge, February 10, 1776.

SIR: Your repeated letters to General Gates, desiring liberty to go to Ireland on your parole, were laid before his Excellency. I have it in command from him to inform you, that he does not think himself authorized to grant license to any one to depart this Continent; that power is lodged in the hands of the Congress.

I am, also, commanded to tell you, that the General is surprised a gentleman of Major French's good sense and knowledge should make such a request. Let him compare his situation with that of such gentlemen of ours, who, by the fortune of war, have fallen into the hands of their enemy. What has been their treatment? Thrown into a loathsome prison, and afterwards sent in irons to England. I repeat, let the Major compare his treatment with theirs, and then say whether he has cause to repine at his fate.

I am, sir, &c.

To Major French.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO COLONEL MOREY.

In Committee of Safety, February 10, 1776.

We send you, by Colonel Bedel, seven hundred and eighty-five pounds, lawful money, to pay off the troops; likewise, Colonel Bedel's roll. The balance due to each man you are to pay, with the price of the rations as set down to the Lieutenants Palmer and Nelson. You will observe, that the balance due to each man includes his coat money and blanket.

We also transmit the roll of Lieutenant Wheeler's men, the balance of which you will pay to each man. The staff-roll of Colonel Bedel you will, also, pay what is due, viz; the Adjutant, Quartermaster, Surgeon, and Sergeant-Major, their respective balances and price of rations.

In Captain Osgood's roll, you will take notice that against those names where it is wrote "paid," by Captain Osgood, the whole is paid; and those names where it is wrote against, "order on the Treasury for all but the coat-money," you will pay to them their coat money only, they having received their wages; and make return of your payments, together with the rolls, as soon as possible, that the accounts may be forwarded for payment.

By order of the Committee:

I am, sir, your most humble servant,

MESHECH WEARE, Chairman.

To Colonel Israel Morey.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO JOSIAH BARTLETT AND WILLIAM WHIPBLE,

Exeter, January 10, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Enclosed in this packet you will find a representation of the taking up Government, and difficulties that have arisen in the several Counties relating thereto. We desire you would lay them before Congress, and endeavour to obtain their opinion thereon, as we expect uneasiness will remain until the same is obtained, which we hope will settle the dust, and desire you will be assiduous in getting it decided and forwarded as soon as may be.

To the Hon. Josiah Bartlett and William Whipple, Esq.