the other troops, to the like quantity, will take near as much more, and leave in store not more than about sixty barrels, besides a few rounds of cannon-cartridges, ready filled, for use. This, sir, Congress may be assured is a true state of powder, and will, I hope, bear some testimony of my incapacity for action in such a way as may do any essential service.

February 21.—When I began this letter, I proposed to have sent it by express, but recollecting that all my late letters have been as expressive of my want of powder and arms as I could paint them, and that Mr. Hooper was to set off" in a day or two, I thought it unnecessary to run the Continent to the expense of an express, merely to repeat what I had so often done before, when I am certain that Congress, knowing our necessities, will delay no time, that can possibly be avoided, in supplying them. My duty is offered to Congress, and, with great respect and esteem, I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

P. S. Hearing of the arrival of a small parcel of powder in Connecticut, I have been able to obtain three thousand weight of it, which is in addition to the sixty barrels before mentioned.

G. W.

At a Council of General Officers, held at Head-Quarters, in Cambridge, February 16, 1776. Present: His Excellency General Washington; Major-Generals: Ward, Putnam; Brigadier-Generals: Thomas, Heath, Spencer, Sullivan, Gates.

His Excellency, the Commander-in-chief, informed the Council, that in consequence of the Resolutions of two Councils of War, held at this place, on the 16th and 18th ultimo, he had applied to this Government, Connecticut, and New-Hampshire, for the Regiments then voted. That those Regiments were come, and coining in, and if complete, would amount, (officers included,) to seven thousand two hundred and eighty men. That the Regiments of the United Colonies, at these encampments, by Saturday's return, amounted to eight thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven men fit for duty, besides officers, and one thousand four hundred and five men on command, which might be ordered to join their respective Regiments immediately. That our Stock of powder was so small as to afford but little aid from cannon and mortars; and, therefore, that small-arms must be our principal reliance in any event, till a supply could be obtained. That in the state Boston harbour has been all this year, and now is, a bombardment might probably destroy the town, without doing much damage to the Ministerial troops within it, as there were transports, wooded and watered, with a view, more than probable, to take them in upon any sudden emergency, consequently, that might not produce the desired effect, if those transports were sufficient for the embarkation of the Army. That from the best intelligence which had been procured, the strength of the Army in Boston did not much exceed five thousand men, fit for duty. That considerable reinforcements were expected, and, when arrived, they would undoubtedly endeavour to penetrate into the country, if their strength should be sufficient, or remove to some other part of the Continent, if not; and, thereby, greatly harass and fatigue our troops, by constant marching and counter-marching, for which, in the present situation of affairs, they neither were, nor could be provided. Therefore, that a stroke, well aimed, at this critical juncture, might put a final end to the war, and restore peace and tranquillity, so much to be wished for.

For these reasons, and under these circumstances, and as part of Cambridge and Roxbury Bays were so frozen as to admit an easier entry into the town of Boston than could be obtained, either by water or through the lines on the Neck, the General desired to know the sentiments of the General Officers respecting a general assault upon the town.

The question being put, and their opinion demanded,

Resolved, That an assault on the town of Boston, in the present circumstances of the Continental Army, is, for the following reasons, judged improper: Because, it is the opinion of this Council, that the King's forces in Boston, comprehending new-raised corps, and armed Tories, amount to a much larger number than five thousand, furnished with artillery, assisted by a fleet, and possessed of every advantage the situation of the place affords. The officers, in proportion to the number of men, are so many, that the troops there may be said, with propriety, to be doubly officered. Because our Army is at present very defective in the numbers this Council declared to be sufficient for the purposes of offensive war; and, also, deficient in arms to the amount of two thousand stand. The Militia ordered and expected to be here, by the first of the month, are not more than half arrived, so that to assault the town of Boston, guard the works and stores, there remain only twelve thousand six hundred men, Militia, commissioned and noncommissioned officers included, a force not more than sufficient to defend the lines and maintain the blockade. Because, it appears to the Council, by the report of a majority of the General's commanding Brigades, that upon discoursing with the Field-Officers of their respective Regiments upon the subject of an assault, they, in general, declared a disapprobation of the measure, as exceedingly doubtful. Because, if an assault should be found practicable and expedient at any lime, it was declared highly necessary, that it should, for some days, be preceded by a cannonade and bombardment.

His Excellency the Commander-in-chief, then required the opinion of the Council, whether it would be advisable to begin a cannonade and bombardment, with the present stock of powder?

Resolved, That a cannonade and bombardment will be expedient and advisable, as soon as there shall be a proper supply of powder, and not before; and that, in the mean time, preparations should be made to take possession of Dorchester-Hill, with a view of drawing out the enemy, and of Noddle's Island, if the situation of the water, and other circumstances will admit of it.

A Return of the Cartridges for Cannon in possession of the Regiment of Artillery.

* One barrel fine Powder.

Errors excepted.

HENRY KNOX, Colonel Reg. Artillery.

Cambridge, February 19, 1776.

Return of Musket-Cartridges.