to make a bold push for our entire subjection, as their ends would be thereby more readily answered; but that being found impracticable, we are to be tried with negotiation, in which all the craft, duplicity, and punick faith of Administration is to be expected. Pray God, it may be wisely and firmly guarded against! The honourable and worthy John Collins, Esq., of Newport, Rhode-Island, on the arrival of Lorth North's last conciliatory plan, observed, that notwithstanding the exposure of his large estate to whatever depredations the enemy saw fit to make upon it, he was more concerned for the probable success of their arts than arms. Had the Americans in general the wisdom and firmness of that gentleman, matters would never have come to the present melancholy lengths we find them. However, in the great and general plan of him who putteth down and setteth up States, this is, doubtless, an indispensable part, and, therefore, not to be complained of; but it has amazed me to contemplate the numerous instances of disappointment our enemies have met with in every plot they have laid for our destruction. How did Bernard and Hutchinson flatter themselves with the number of friends they had in several towns of the Massachusetts, and thought that a very trifling force from the other side of the water, added to their minions, dependants, and expectants, would crush a little turbulent faction who disturbed their darling measures? Certainly, men intoxicated with a lust of absolute power, found something in the appearance of things to tole them on to an object so grateful to their fondest wishes; otherwise they would have been contented to augment and Confirm their power by such unperceived degrees, that the happy days many tell us we have enjoyed under a continually invading usurpation, would not yet have been so sensibly interrupted. No less has the so often extolled Governour Tryon been disappointed in his benevolent intentions, respecting New-York. His band on Long-Island, and on the east side of Hudson's River, with Sir John Johnson among his vassals, and the Indians, gave him great hopes of having matters in a fine train before the invincible Armada arrived in the Spring; instead of which, it is probable the active General Lee will so fortify that place, that all the force they can spend against it will be insufficient to reduce it. Dunmore, with all his wanton ravage, has done little more than exasperate the Virginians, and convinced that brave Colony, that they can be formidable to Savages on the east, as well as the west side of their Dominion. Carleton Canadians make no such figure in the harangues of the pensioner, as they did last year; and in case foreigners are to be procured to be poured in upon us, the greatest opposers of our total separation from Britain acknowledge they would then no longer defer a declaration of independency, and application to other powers for their protection. To this the whole scene appears rapidly advancing, in my view, as hastily as Infinite Wisdom thinks proper to conduct it; and if this be His most gracious design, He will work, and none shall hinder.

SINCERUS.

COLONEL DAYTON TO PRESIDENT OR CONGRESS.

[Read February 13.—Referred to Mr. Smith, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Adams.]

Philadelphia, February 12, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Being just honoured with the appointments of two of the Field-Officers of the Third Jersey Battalion, we take the freedom of requesting your attention to a very interesting matter. We are determined to exert ourselves in raising and equipping our regiment in the best and most speedy manner, but are well aware of the difficulty we shall meet with in procuring all the arms within our own Province; certainly it cannot be accomplished without disarming the Militia in such a manner as to leave the Province (a great part of which is a frontier country) in a very defenceless and dangerous situation, almost three regiments having been armed by it already. Being informed that a considerable number of arms have lately arrived, and others daily expected, we earnestly request you to grant us (if possible) such a supply, as to yourselves may seem meet, by which means our battalion will be armed as soon as raised. Should we be confined to the arms now in the Province, we shall strip our Militia, the recruits will long be inactive, and, when called to action, be unacquainted with the firelock. We shall, gentlemen, exert our utmost endeavours to procure what we can within ourselves, and should it please you to render us a small supply, we hope, as soon as our men are raised, to have arms to put into their hands.

We are, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your very humble servants,

ELLAS DAYTON,

FRANCIS BARBER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

SAMUEL BAYARD TO JOHN MCKESSON.

At Mr. Nicholas Bayard's, February 12, 1776.

SIR: Soon after my coming here yesterday afternoon, having occasion to go out of the house, I was a little surprised at finding myself closely attended by a guard, and upon remarking this to the officer commanding, at being told that he looked upon me as a close prisoner. I never have any objections to a person's doing what he esteems his duty; and, therefore, readily submitted. But as this treatment is rather different from what I supposed to be the intention of the Committee, I thought it necessary to acquaint you with it. Their intention, I supposed, was that I should be in custody, with liberty, however, to use my recreation of walking about the house, upon my parole not to quit the records. This engagement I will readily give, and shall esteem it a favour if you will procure these orders to be explained. I shall also be obliged to you if you will; send me a certified copy of the first order, by which the records, and my person, were taken into custody and removed hither.

I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant,

SAMUEL BAYARD, JUN,

To John McKesson, Esq.

THOMAS PALMER TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Newburgh, in Ulster County, February 12, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Mr. William Martin, of New-Marlborough Precinct, in Ulster County, has inlisted fifty-seven men towards a company, for the standing troops to be raised for this Province the ensuing season. The enclosed papers will fully show the laudable principles he set out upon, which I recommend to your consideration. I have encouraged him that I did not doubt but they will meet with your approbation. Mr. Martinis a worthy man, much attached to the liberties of his country, and no doubt a good soldier, as he served three campaigns the last war, and was distinguished for a man of courage. You will understand by one of the enclosed papers, he has the recommendation of the Committee of his Precinct, and as he has been at considerable cost and trouble in raising those men for so necessary a purpose, I beg you will favour him with a warrant for filling up his company. People in general, in this County, are very spirited for the cause, and I make no doubt but one-fourth part of our Militia would inlist in the standing forces if wanted.

I am, very respectfully, gentlemen, you're most humble servant,

THOMAS PALMER.

To the Chairman of the Provincial Congress for the Province of New-York.

ROBERT R. RANDALL TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

New-York, February 12, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Understanding that there is to be raised, in this Province, some battalions, and being desirous of serving my much injured country in a military capacity, (though totally unacquainted with any of its branches,) induces me to offer myself as a candidate for a company in the First Battalion, in expectation that the Field-Officers will be men of ability, and equal to the important charge of conducting a regiment, in the Cabinet as well as in the" field, and doubt not but that such an appointment will be made as will do honour to the Province, as well as effectually serve our just cause.

I am, gentlemen, yours to serve,

ROBERT R. RANDALL.

To the Honourable the Provincial Congress for the Province of New- York.