EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN LONDON (BY WAY OF NEW-YORK) DATED PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY 15, 1776.

The saints of this place are, many of them, turned sinners. The Friends, who have money, are as averse to drawing their purse strings, as to drawing a trigger. Paper currency is become plenty here, yet every one wishes for the ready, though no one dare speak, for fear of the displeasure of the Congress, which is as arbitrary as the Inquisition in Spain. Soldiers are raising, and the river fortifying below this city, though you know vessels of any burden, even a large frigate, could not come up here. Two hulks are moored, in order to be sunk, should an attempt be made, and thereby the channel blocked. Believe me, many people here are heartily tired of our great men's knight errantry; for I am afraid, on a formidable appearance of the King's troops, the Congress will not find so many friends here as they imagine.

In Provincial Congress, New-Jersey, Brunswick,

February 15, 1776.

The Letter from the honourable Continental Congress, of the 12th instant, was read the second time, and is in the words following:

"Philadelphia, February 12, 1776.

"GENTLEMEN: The arrival of troops at New-York, the importance of that place to the welfare of America, and the necessity of throwing up a number of works to prevent our enemies from landing and taking post there, render it necessary that a number of troops should immediately join Major-General Lee. I am, therefore, desired to apply to you, and request you would, with all possible expedition, send detachments of your Minute-Men, equal to a battalion, under proper officers, and well armed and accoutred, to New-York, there to be under the command of General Lee.

"Your approved zeal, in the cause of your country, gives me the strongest assurances that you will, with alacrity, embrace this opportunity of giving aid to your neighbours, and that your people will cheerfully engage in a service by which they will not only render essential service to their country, but also have an opportunity of acquiring military skill and knowledge in the construction of field-works, and the method of fortifying and intrenching camps, by which they will be the better able, when occasion calls, to defend their rights and liberties.

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

"JOHN HANCOCK, President.

"To the Honourable Convention of New-Jersey."

The Congress taking the above Letter into consideration, and desirous of doing every thing in their power to promote the common cause, do Resolve, unanimously, That the above requisition be complied with; and that detachments of Minute-Men, properly accoutred, equal to a battalion in the Continental service, be immediately made, and marched to New-York, under the command of Charles Stewart. Esq., Colonel; Mark Thompson, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel; Frederick Frelinghuysen and Thomas Henderson, Esquires, Majors; and that said Battalion, when joined with the Continental forces, be under the command of Major-General Lee.

Ordered, That Colonel Stewart wait on the honourable Continental Congress, and take their orders respecting the supplying of said Battalion.

A true copy.

WILLIAM PATTERSON, Secretary.

New-York, February 15, 1776.

Yesterday, being the day appointed for the General Assembly of this Province to meet, a few of the Members met accordingly. The Governour was pleased to prorogue their next meeting, to the 14th day of March next.

The alarm and confusion in this city, for some days past, was truly distressing, occasioned chiefly by the unexpected arrival of General Clinton, in the Mercury frigate, and two other vessels, a ship with troops, and a brig from Boston. They sailed from hence three days ago, it is said for North-Carolina, since which we have enjoyed some small degree of quiet, but, how long it will continue, is hard to tell. Last Lord's day we were in much confusion; people in almost every street were loading carts with their goods; oar churches were nearly empty, and those who went could scarcely hear the preacher's voice; in short, all was trepidation and confusion. The greatest part of the inhabitants, with their moveables, have taken refuge in the country, particularly the women and children. What aggravated the distressing scene was, the poor were flying with their children and little all, to the country, many of whom could scarcely pay their ferriage, and did not know where to get shelter. It is worthy of observation, that though many were taking advantages of the distresses of their brethren, by charging exorbitant prices for cartage, freight, &c., there were some who acted a worthy part, and came from a considerable distance in the country, to carry the goods of poor people gratis; an example worthy of imitation.

COLONEL WATERBURY TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

New-York, February 13, 1776.

PRESIDENT HANCOCK: I received orders from the Continental Congress, in January last, to raise five or six hundred men to go on an expedition against the Tories on Long-Island. In consequence of which orders, I immediately appointed my officers, and raised the number of men that I was directed to raise, and provided provisions for them; and the men were on their march, and a number of people employed in cutting the vessels out of the harbours, (as at that time the vessels were all frozen in,) when I received counter-orders. The expense of raising, and the time that they were employed, amounted to a considerable sum. I desire to know, sir, whether I can receive the money to pay off the expense without coming to Philadelphia, as it would be very difficult for me to leave my regiment at present, and the people are daily demanding their pay from me. I would beg the favour of you, sir, to direct me in what way I shall apply.

In the mean time, I am, sir, with the greatest truth and respect, your Honour's most obedient, humble servant,

DAVID WATERBURY, JUN.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia.

PETER T. CURTENIUS TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

New-York, February 15, 177G.

GENTLEMEN: The Quartermaster of Colonel Drake's Regiment has applied to me for provision. I have no provision in store; and, if I had, it is impossible for me to go through all the business I have on hand. Should, therefore, be glad that the honourable Congress would appoint a Commissary pro tempore, in the regiment, to provide for them, until you write to Walter Livingston, Esq., to appoint one of his Deputies to reside here, which will be a saving to the publick, because he gets paid by the month, and I get a commission.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

PETER T. CURTENIUS.

To the Provincial Congress of New-York.

JOSEPH BLANCHARD TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

New-York, February 15, 177C.

GENTLEMEN: I have occasion to wait on his Excellency Governour Tryon, to get the Province seal affixed to a small patent, which myself and some others are concerned in. I, therefore, beg the favour to have liberty to go on board the ship in which the Governour now is, for the purpose aforesaid. It will greatly oblige those interested, and, also, your most obedient, and very humble servant,

JOSEPH BLANCHARD.

To the Honourable Provincial Congress, now assembled at, the City of New-York.

R. THURMAN TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

New-York, February 15, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: In my application to you, gentlemen, yesterday, I made no mention of any particular rank I would be glad to hold, humbly submitting that matter to your Honours' judgment, which I did not doubt was the case.