That a Secretary be appointed by both Branches, who may be a Counsellor, or otherwise, as they shall choose.

That no act or resolve be valid, and put into execution, unless agreed to and passed by both branches of the Legislature.

That all publick officers for the said Colony, and each County, for the current year, be appointed by the Council and Assembly, except the several Clerks of the Executive Courts, who shall be appointed by the Justices of the respective Courts.

That all Bills, Resolves, or Votes for raising, levying, and collecting Money, originate in the House of Representatives.

That at any sessions of the Council and Assembly, neither Branch shall adjourn for any longer time than from Saturday till the next Monday, without consent of the other.

And it is further Resolved, That if the present unhappy dispute with Great Britain should continue longer than this present year, and the Continental Congress give no instructions or directions to the contrary, the Council be chosen by the people of each respective County, in such manner as the Council and House of Representatives shall order.

That General and Field-Officers of the Militia, on any vacancy, be appointed by the two Houses, and all inferior Officers be chosen by the respective Companies.

That all Officers of the Army be appointed by the two Houses, except they should direct otherwise, in case of any emergency.

That all Civil Officers for the Colony, and for each County, be appointed, and the time of their continuance in office be determined by the two Houses, except Clerks of Courts, and County Treasurers, and Recorders of Deeds.

That a Treasurer, and a Recorder of Deeds, for each County, be annually chosen by the people of each County respectively; the voles for such officers to be returned to the respective Courts of General Sessions of the Peace in the County, there to be ascertained as the Council and Assembly shall hereafter direct.

That Precepts, in the name of the Council and Assembly, signed by the President of the Council, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall issue, annually, at or before the first day of November, for the choice of a Council and House of Representatives, to be returned by the third Wednesday in December, then next ensuing, in such manner as the Council and Assembly shall hereafter prescribe.

A true copy. Attest:

E. THOMPSON, Secretary.

We, the subscribers, chosen by the people of several Towns in the Colony of New-Hampshire, to represent them in the Congress of said Colony, held at Exeter, on the 21st day of December, 1775, beg leave to enter and dissent to, and protest against the present plan of taking up Government, for the following reasons:

First, That the vote of the Continental Congress countenancing the same, was obtained by the unwearied importunity (both within doors and without) of our Delegates there, as appears by their letter.

Second, That the said vote does not appear to have been unanimous; but, we have reason to think, far otherway.

Third. Because the Colonies of New-York and Virginia, which are in similar circumstances with us, are much larger and more opulent, and we presume much wiser, to whom we would wish to pay all due deference, have not attempted any thing of the kind, nor, as we can learn, ever desired it.

Fourth. Because we have no ground on which to pretend to make a Council, as our neighbours of the Massachusetts, who act by charter, never vacated on any legal trial.

Fifth. Because it appears assuming for so small and inconsiderable a Colony to take the lead in a matter of so great importance.

Sixth. Because our constituents never expected us to make a new form of Government, but only to set the Judicial and Executive wheels in motion.

Seventh. Because the Congress, as such, could have done what was necessary, and their power could not be enlarged by any act of their own.

Eighth. Because the expense of the Colony is greatly augmented thereby.

Ninth. Because it appears to us to be absolutely selling up an independency on the mother country.

LEVI DEARBOURN, North-Hill,

RICHARD DOWNING, Newingtown,

BENJAMIN BARKER, Stratham,

STEPHEN EVANS, Dover,

OTIS BAKER, Dover,

SAMUEL KNOWLES, Rochester,

HERCULASS MOONEY, Lee,

EZEKIEL WORTHIN, Kensington,

DANIEL BEEDEE, Sandwich and Moultonborough,

SAMUEL SHERBURNE, Portsmouth,

PIERCE LONG, Portsmouth,

NATHAN GOSS, Rye.

WILLIAM SMITH TO GENERAL HOWE.

New-York, February 11, 1776.

As I have not a doubt of my last letters to Administration, convincing them that this city and Province is the only spot in America for carrying on the war with effect against the Rebels, and that, in consequence, the forces expected this Spring, as well as those now under your command, will be ordered hither; it may be necessary and advisable to send the army through the Sound, between Connecticut and Long-Island. Of the later, it will be proper to give a description: it is one hundred and thirty miles long, is very fertile, abounding in wheat and every other kind of corn, innumerable black cattle, sheep, hogs, Sic; is very populous, and Suffolk County in particular, as well as the other parts of it, ail good and loyal subjects, of which they have lately given proof, and only wait to be assisted by the King's troops. The Island has a plain on it at least twenty-four miles long, which has a fertile country about it, is twenty miles distant from the city of New-York; Connecticut opposite to it; New-Jersey about thirty miles distant; Philadelphia one hundred and ten, Maryland one hundred and thirty, Rhode-Island one hundred and fifty miles; so that, in this fertile Island, the army can subsist without any succour from England or Ireland; and, from their encampment on the above plain, they can, in five or six days, invade and reduce any of the above Colonies at pleasure. Add to these great advantages, that the possession of the Narrows and Nutten-Island, would be the destruction of this city; but of this I think there would be no need, for all the principal inhabitants are, at heart, with the Crown, particularly all my brethren, the members of the Council, and most of the Assembly; but as the mob now commands, prudence forbids them to declare without a military force. You have many persons with you who are well acquainted with the navigation of the Sound. The spot which I advise you to land at is Cow-Bay.

WILLIAM SMITH.

GENERAL LEE TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

New-York, February 11, 1776.

SIR: As the North-River is now entirely clear of ice, I thought it imprudent to suffer the cannon and other stores to remain any longer upon the Battery, and in yards at the very water-edge, from whence the ships-of-war might have conveyed them at their pleasure, as it would have been impossible to have obstructed their manœuvres, almost within the very muzzles of their guns; this day, therefore, I ordered the whole to be removed to the ground before the Upper Barracks; it was effected without the least opposition, or show of opposition from the ships; indeed, I even consider their menaces to fire upon the town as idle gasconades. Enclosed is a list of the pieces and their appurtenances.

The Mercury, frigate, the transport, and brig, are sailed; if your fleet was out, they must certainly fall into your hands.

Colonel Richmore will deliver this. I wish, sir, you would be very particular in questioning him with respect to the state of your army, of your artillery, but, above all, with regard to the reputed abilities and popularity of your principal officers. I am sensible, sir, that it is a delicate subject to put an officer under the necessity of giving his