as a brutum fulmen, and even persuaded the town to be of the same way of thinking. We, accordingly, conveyed them to a place of safety in the middle of the day, and no cannonade ensued.

Captain Parker publishes a pleasant reason for his passive conduct. He says that it was manifestly my intention, and that of the New-Englandmen under my command, to bring down destruction on this town, so hated for their loyal principles; but that he was determined not to indulge us, so remained quiet out of spite. The people here laugh at his nonsense, and begin to despise the menaces which formerly used to throw them into convulsions. To do them justice, the whole show a wonderful alacrity; and, in removing the cannon, men and boys, of all ages, worked with the greatest zeal and pleasure. I really believe that the generality are as well affected as any on the Continent.

The Provincial Congress have ordered in fifteen hundred Minute-Men; a number equal to two battalions, are coming from Pennsylvania and the Jerseys. Lord Stirling's Regiment is already here, but not complete: when the major part, or a sufficient number arrive, we shall begin our works. My intention is, to pull down that part of the fort on the town side, to prevent its being converted into a citadel for the enemy, and to erect a battery on a traverse in the street, to prevent their making a lodgment in it. A redoubt and battery at the pass of Hellgate will prevent their ships and tenders passing and repassing, to and from the Sound. We have fixed on a spot in Long-Island for a retrenched camp, which, I hope, will render it impossible for them to get footing on that important Island. As this camp can always be reinforced, it is our intention to make it so capacious as to contain four thousand men. The batteries on the pass of Hudson's River will be secured as soon as possible; some of the heavy cannon from hence, must be sent up for the purpose. It is, really, a fine train we are in possession of. You shall have a return of the guns, as well as stores, by the post.

Captain Smyth is an excellent, intelligent, active officer; and I take the liberty of recommending him to your protection. Captain Badlam, of the Artillery, is likewise a man of great merit in his way.

You must pardon me, dear General, for a liberty I have taken. You know that Sears was to collect our volunteers in Connecticut; but bethought he could not succeed, unless he had some nominal office and rank; I accordingly, most impudently, by the virtue of the power deputed by you to me, (which power you never deputed,) appointed him assistant Adjutant-General, with rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, for the expedition. It can have no bad consequences; the man was much tickled, and it added spurs to his head. He is a creature of much spirit and publick virtue, and ought to have his back clapped.

With respect to the Canada expedition, which you indirectly propose to me, I have only one answer to make: Wherever I can be of most service, there I should choose to be. I have, indeed, just at this instant, one objection, which is, I am not without apprehensions that facing the cold may throw me into a relapse, so as not only to render me unfit for service there, but every where else. I am, indeed, much better, but extremely tender; I begin to walk; it has been a damned attack, a constant, violent fever attending it; I neither eat nor slept for eight days; but my fever is passed, and I begin to eat. A week, I hope, will set me up. Several members of Congress have indicated a desire I should go to Canada; I have explained to them my apprehensions, but assured them most honestly of my willingness; but, in fact, unless they expedite an army, and some heavy artillery, it will be in vain to trouble their heads about a General.

Colonel Richmore, who lately left Montreal, tells us, that what few troops are now there, will infallibly return home early in April. He is gone to the Congress, and I hope will give them (as he is capable) the necessary lights; but, whatever steps they take, be assured, dear General, that I am, with the greatest readiness, prepared to receive and execute yours and their commands.

Canada is, I confess, if I am only tolerably accoutred, a glorious field, which must flatter the ambition of yours, most sincerely,

CHARLES LEE.

To General Washington.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Albany, February 14, 1776.

DEAR SIR: A few days ago I was honoured with your letter of the 27th ultimo, by Bennet. I was so greatly indisposed then that it was with difficulty I could do that business, which was indispensable: I am, since, much better. A copious discharge from an internal imposthume in my breast has given me great relief; and I have reason to think it is healing, as my cough is greatly abated, and I gain strength so fast that I hope soon to be able to go to Canada, where all is in confusion.

Mr. Walker, I fear, has too much attention paid to his advice, which is, from what I can learn, generally founded on his private resentments for the many hardships he has suffered; indeed, he has suffered so much, that he must be more than man to divest himself of all resentment; but this, I fear, has already proved very detrimental to our cause. I have written fully and freely on this subject to Congress.

Five companies of Colonel De Hans's, and one of Colonel Maxwell's, are marched from hence. They are much thinned by sickness and desertion, and came very ill provided; the better half of their arms required repairs, and the whole were to be furnished with shoes, socks, mittens, &c., which causes a considerable detention, and distresses me much, as hardly any thing is to be bought in this place.

It is extremely difficult to determine what should be done, in what you mention, respecting the offer made by the Caughnawaga Indians; but, if we can get decently rid of their offer, I would prefer it to employing them. The expense we are at, in the Indian department, is now amazing; it will be more so when they consider themselves as in our service; nor would their intervention be of much consequence, unless we could procure that of the other nations; The hauteur of the Indians is much diminished since the taking of Montreal; they evidently see that they cannot get any supplies but through us.

I have not a mortar to send into Canada, and no heavy-artillery, as your Excellency will perceive from the enclosed return, many of which, mentioned there, are unfit for service. I have sent on half a ton of powder, which came from Philadelphia, and we have none left here.

If even the regiment from the Massachusetts, which you ordered to be raised, goes into Canada, the number of troops there will be still short of eight complete regiments, as many are very deficient, and two cannot be raised out of the troops that remained in Canada, numbers of whom are daily coming away.

General Arnold still continues the blockade of Quebeck; the garrison appear to be in want of fuel, as they have attempted to break up some vessels near the town, but were prevented by our people, who made a few prisoners on the occasion.

I am, dear sir, with the most respectful sentiments, and best wishes, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

His Excellency General Washington, &c.

SAMUEL MOTT TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

Norwich, February 14, 1776.

HONOURED SIR: As your Honour, with your Council of Safety, have been pleased to direct me, to view the works, &c., for the defence of the harbour of New-London, Stonington, &c, and report my opinion in the premises; and, since, by order, have attended with Colonel Dyer and Mr. Wales, when it seemed to be their prevailing opinion, to raise three Companies of men for New-London and Groton, it was then my opinion, that such a small number of men to be raised, was not acting with such spirit and taking such effectual measures as the nature of the case, the importance of the object, the necessity of expedition, and the danger of the times required. I have, since, conversed with people of all ranks among us and find it the universal opinion and expectation of the people, that at least one regiment of men be raised to guard the coast, and perform the work necessary to be done at New-London and Groton, including the detachments that might be necessary at Stonington, Lyme, and so from the mouth of Connecticut to that of Pawcatuck Rivers.