know the greater part of the ground; and that there are some Companies, many of which are not trustworthy; and Mr. Denning said, that when he lately had the care of the guard, lie had many persons in his guard to whom he could not think it prudent to communicate the countersign. That the City Committee are of opinion that the most proper method to guard this city is to raise a Regiment in this city, in Continental pay; and Mr. Denning alleges, that there is a great number of men in this city, who would willingly inlist for that purpose, provided they can be ascertained, that they will not be ordered out of the Colony on any Continental duty.

The said sub-Committee mentioned that a great inconvenience arises from vessels loading in this port, by order of the Continental and Provincial Congress, and of this Committee of Safety, by their not having certificates for that purpose. That many of the inhabitants not knowing why any such vessels are lading, apply to the laders, and to the City Committee with complaints. That it is, also, in the power of the laders of such vessels to lade other produce, or greater quantities than they are permitted; and that, therefore, that it is the request of the City Committee, that some proper person be appointed to inspect and superintend the loading of all such vessels, and to report thereon to the Provincial Congress, or Committee of Safety.

The sub-Committee withdrew, and the Committee Safety requested the Chairman to speak to Captain William Mercier, to know whether he will undertake to manage and inspect the lading of vessels laded at this port; and, also, whether he will inspect the work done, and materials used in making carriages for cannon.

A Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, dated the 12th January, instant, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

"Philadelphia, January 12, 1776.

"GENTLEMEN: The discoveries made of the designs of our enraged enemies, fully evince not only the propriety, but the absolute necessity of securing Canada, to prevent our frontiers from desolation and destruction.

"Providence has, hitherto, been pleased to crown our attempts with success. But from the steps taken by Governour Carleton, there is reason to apprehend our enemies, among their first attempts in the Spring, will endeavour to recover the possession of that country, as well to retrieve their honour, as to carry into execution their execrable designs against us. I need not mention the consequences that would ensue should they effect their purpose, and thereby be enabled to turn the force of that Province, as well as the Savages, against our defenceless frontiers.

"To counteract their designs, and prevent this calamity, the Congress have resolved to employ nine battalions, the present year, for the defence of Canada. One of these is to be composed of Canadians, under Colonel J. Livingston, who has so eminently signalized himself in the cause of America. Two are to be composed of the troops now serving there—an honour due to the merit of those brave men, to have an opportunity of defending a country which their valour has rescued from slavery. Three are to be sent from Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, of which, two are now under marching orders. The other three are to be raised to the Eastward, as you will see by the enclosed resolution, viz: one in your Colony under the command of Colonel Van Schaick, Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, and Major Gansevoort, who, as General Schuyler informs Congress, are desirous of continuing in the service; one in Connecticut, and one in New-Hampshire.

"As the arrival of the troops in due time will greatly conduce to the preservation of that country, and baffling the designs of our enemies; and, as the month of February, which is fast approaching, is the best, and, indeed, the only time before Summer, of crossing the Lakes, the Congress rely that you will, according to your usual zeal, exert your utmost endeavours to have the battalion from your Colony raised, and sent forward with all possible despatch.

"I am, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant,

"JOHN HANCOCK, President.

"To the Convention of New-York, or Committee."

Another Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, bearing date the 20th day of January, instant, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

"Philadelphia, January 20, 1776.

"GENTLEMEN: I have the honour of enclosing you sundry resolutions passed by Congress, as well for the defence of your Colony, as for repairing the loss lately sustained in Canada, and succouring our friends there.

"The shortness of the time will not permit me to enlarge. I must, therefore, beg leave to refer you to the enclosed extracts, and just in form you, the Congress rely with confidence on your zeal for the cause, that you will exert your utmost endeavours to hasten the march of the troops ordered to Canada, and to raise those destined for the defence of your Colony. Herewith, I send you blank commissions for the officers under the rank of Major, which you will please to fill up. On the recommendation of General Schuyler, the Congress have continued Colonel Van Schaick, Lieutenant-Colonel Yates, and Major Gansevoort, in the service of the United Colonies, and appointed them to the command of the battalion to be raised in your Colony for the defence of Canada; and they have directed me, agreeable to an established rule, to request you would please, as soon as possible, to transmit the names of a number of gentlemen whom you shall judge duly qualified, at least two for each command, out of whom they may elect Field-Officers for the other battalion.

"I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

"JOHN HANCOCK, President,

"To the Hon. Convention or Committee of New-York.

"P. S. I enclose you the commissions for the officers under the rank of Major, for the Canada Battalion; those for your other battalions shall follow, as I am pinched for time."

A copy of the Resolves of Congress, of the 8th of January, which were before received and read, and forwarded to General Schuyler on the 17th day of January, instant, were read and filed.

A certified copy of sundry Resolves of the Continental Congress, of different dates, from the 8th to the 20th instant, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

"In Congress, January 8, 1776.

"Resolved, That General Schuyler be desired to have the River St. Lawrence, above and below Quebeck, well explored, and to determine upon proper places for opposing, by Armed Boats, or otherwise, any attempts of the enemy to penetrate that country by the River; and that he give orders for constructing, speedily, as many such Boats as he shall judge necessary.

"That two Shipwrights be immediately sent from Philadelphia, to be employed under the direction of the Committee of Inspection at Albany, in constructing Scows for facilitating the passage over Hudson's River.

"That the Convention of New-York be desired to send three thousand bushels of Salt, besides what General Schuyler hath already ordered to be brought to Ticonderoga.

"That this Congress does approve of the raising a Battalion of Canadians, and of the appointment of James Livingston, Esq., Colonel thereof.

"That nine Battalions, including that of Canadians under Colonel Livingston, be kept up and maintained the present year for the defence of Canada."

"In Congress, January 19, 1776.

"Resolved, That four Battalions be raised in the Colony of New-York, for the defence of that Colony, upon the same pay with those directed to be raised in the Colony of Pennsylvania, and that they be stationed as the Commanding-Officer of the New-York Department shall think best, to garrison the several Forts in that Colony, from Crown-Point to the southward, and to prevent depredations upon Long-Island, and promote the safety of the whole.

"Ordered, That a copy of the foregoing Resolution be transmitted to the Council of Safety of New-York, and that they be requested, with all possible expedition, to transmit to Congress the names of a number of gentlemen, at least two for each command, out of whom the Congress may elect Field-Officers for said Battalions.

"That General Washington be requested to detach from the Camp at Cambridge, one Battalion, if the service there will permit him to spare one, with orders to march, with the greatest expedition possible, to Canada.