The forming them into one entire regiment would bring the returns and accounts, &c., into a smaller compass, and be more easy and ready for settlement. Less than that number will, by all that I can learn, not give content, as they might be able on any sudden attack to defend against the enemy; and this country would, in that case, come nearer towards having an equal share of employment in this defensive war.

The Judges of our Court, last evening, called me in on the subject, and as they had no other ready opportunity, that they might, through me, make known their opinion, and were all anxiously of opinion, that no less number than a regiment would, by any means, be adequate—as it is an adopted custom in all the Colonies, to keep up a considerable body of troops for defence; they think, that, in case any disaster should happen, or the enemy get any considerable advantage of us, by reason of our neglect, either in expedition, or not having a considerable body of troops ready raised and disciplined on the spot, we should have reason to blame ourselves for it. To have an alarm In the country, and the people taken from their business at every time, on the approach of two or three ships, would be in danger of frustrating the raising a sufficiency of provisions, and leave our lands in a great measure unoccupied, which might be fatal to our success. Such a regiment might be raised during their pleasure, and under the direction of your Honour and Council, or the General Assembly, and might be under such regulations that any number of them might march elsewhere on any emergency.

These, may it please your Honour, among many others to the same purpose, are the arguments among the people generally, as far as I have been able to find their sentiments, and I thought it my duty to make them known to your Honour, as matter of information.

I am, sir, your Honour's most humble, and obedient servant,

SAMUEL MOTT.

Governour Trumbull.

GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Lebanon, February 14, 1776.

SIR: Sunday, 11th instant, at ten o'clock, received two letters, of the 8th, from General Washington. Nothing new in the camp before Boston. At one o'clock, Mr. Bennet delivered me yours of the 5th, and at sunset an express arrived with the letter from General Lee, of the 7th, a copy of which I give myself the pleasure to enclose. The intelligence it contains is both pleasing and interesting. I did not think fit to disband Colonel Ward's Regiment, until I was made acquainted with the reception met by General Lee, on his going into the city of New-York; so that, immediately, I was abler to order the same forward to his assistance, agreeable to his requisition. The variety of business, for these two days past, occasioned my detaining Mr. Bennet till this time.

On my receiving the resolutions of Congress to raise a battalion to go to the assistance of our friends in Canada, I recalled my first Proclamation, gone out for that purpose, and issued a second, corresponding with the intentions of Congress. I conceive, its being done so early, it will prove no detriment to the service. Your care and prudence in the settlement of the rolls, and the rate of fifteen miles a day, from where the soldiers were dismissed to their respective Captain's place of abode, will meet the approbation of Congress. The encouragement given by Congress will incline all who are able to furnish themselves with arms. I shall give directions, so that no more will be expected from you than the number mentioned in your last, most probably not so many. I shall attend to the mode adopted by you for the payment, according to an appraisement of the arms that were delivered into the Continental stores by soldiers from this Colony. Colonel Burrell's Regiment will much easiest march through Albany. Have appointed Mr. Adonijah Strong to make provision for their march to that city, there to be supplied out of the Continental stores; and, to prevent confusion or multiplicity of accounts, have appointed a trusty person, Mr. William Lawrence, or some trusty person our Treasurer shall employ, to attend and pay the men, according to the Continental allowances, and keep clear accounts and vouchers. Whether; the sleds or sleighs from hence will incline to go farther than Albany, is uncertain. By one of them, shall send about eight hundred pounds powder. Mr. Bennet will bring the rolls that are at Pay-Table. Major Douglass intended to have brought his to you, but, being Major of Colonel Ward's Battalion, have desired him to send it to Hartford, for Bennet to carry forward. Truly, our Treasurer's chest needs replenishing. I was much pleased with Colonel Moil's frank and generous conduct in resigning his appointment. Depend that he may be remembered when an opportunity presents.

It gives me great pleasure to hear our little corps before Quebeck continue, closely to blockade that city. This is true bravery. It must convince Lord North that Americans are not all poltroons. Your sentiments are extremely just. The conduct of Divine Providence towards the United Colonies, in this unhappy contest, hitherto, is very marvellous, and affords abundant matter for our rejoicing, with thankfulness to Him who is the Supreme Director of all events, for his salvation, and in hope of that which is future. I wish you better health, and the opening of the Spring may restore.

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedidient, humble servant,

JONATHAN TRUMBULL.

ROBERT H. HARRISON TO CHRISTOPHER LEFFINGWELL.

Cambridge, February 14, 1776.

SIR: I have it in command from his Excellency to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 11th instant, and to tell you that the half of each sort of the shells be immediately sent to this place, and the other half to Roxbury. You will receive, herewith, four hundred pounds, lawful money, to pay the cost of the transportation, &c.

His Excellency returns you thanks for your attention, and desires you will forward these shells with all possible expedition. I am, &c.,

ROBERT H, HARRISON.

To Christopher Leffingwell, Esq., Norwich.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read February 29, 1776.—Referred to Mr. Chase, Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Penn, Mr. Wythe, and Mr. Rutledge.

Cambridge, February 14, 1776.

SIR: Through you, I beg leave to lay before Congress the enclosed letter from Lord Drummond to General Robertson, which came to my hands a few days ago, in order to be sent into Boston. As I never heard of his Lordship being vested with power to treat with Congress upon the subject of our grievances, nor of his having laid any propositions before them for an accommodation, I confess it surprised me much, and led me to form various conjectures of his motives, and intended application to General Howe and Admiral Shuldham for a passport for the safe conduct of such Deputies as Congress might appoint for negotiating terms of reconciliation between Great Britain and us. Whatever his intentions are, however benevolent his designs may be, I confess that his letter has embarrassed mo much, and I am not without suspicion of its meaning more, than the generous purposes it professes. I should suppose that, if the mode for negotiation which he points out should be adopted, which I hope will never be thought of, it ought to have been fixed and settled previous to any application of this sort, and, at best, that his conduct in this instance is premature and officious, and leading to consequences of a fatal and injurious nature to the rights of this country. His zeal and desire, perhaps, of an amicable and constitutional adjustment taking place, may have suggested and precipitated the measure. Be that as it may, I thought it of too much importance to suffer it to go in, without having the express direction of Congress for that purpose, and that it was my indispensable duty to transmit them the original, to make such interpretations and inferences as they may think right.

Messrs. Willard and Child, who were sent to Nova-Scotia, in pursuance of the resolve of Congress, have just returned, and made their report, which I do myself the honour to enclose you. They have not answered the purposes of their commission, by any means, as they only went but a little way into that country, and found their intelligence upon the information of others. You will see the