force. King's Bridge, being a most important pass, (without the command of which we could have no communication with Connecticut,) I had resolved to make as strong as possible. Such were my schemes; but as the Congress have not furnished the force which I was taught to expect from Philadelphia, we have not had it in our power to effect more than I have related. Governour Tryon and the Asia still continue betwixt Nutten and Bedlow's Islands. It has pleased his Excellency, in violation of the compact he had made, to seize several vessels from Jersey, laden, with flour. It has, in return, pleased my Excellency to slop all provision from the city, and cut off all intercourse with him—a measure which has thrown the Mayor, Council, and Tories, into agonies. The propensity, or rather rage, for paying court to this great man, is inconceivable. They cannot be weaned from him. We must put wormwood on his paps, or they will cry to suck, as they are in their second childhood.

Captain Smith has just returned from Fort-Constitution. He gives a most terrible account of it. The expense of its construction has been enormous; its defects, both in point of situation, laying out, finishing, &c., are numerous. He has made the plan of another, which will command, as far as I can judge from it on paper, the river effectually and have now related, as minutely as necessary, our situation. As I shall set out very soon, it will probably be my last from this place. I must entreat, once more, dear General, that you will spare us a company of Artillery. Badlam seems rather averse on proposing it.

Adieu, dear sir. Yours, with the greatest respect and affection,

CHARLES LEE.

HENRY REMSEN TO COLONEL WOOD HULL.

New.York, February 29, 1776.

SIR: A parcel of powder (about three tons) is arrived here, but without any directions where it is to be forwarded; about the same quantity may be expected here to-morrow. I am desirous that this powder should be transported without delay, and, therefore, have sent a person express, to have your directions by return of Mr. Saffron, the bearer of this.

The Committee for the County of Essex are now met. They would cheerfully have forwarded this powder, had any direction been sent to them. One gentleman of the Committee spoke to Mr. Lewis, (one of the Delegates for New-York,) who informed him that the powder was to go to Cambridge. Should our Provincial Congress be unacquainted with the destination of this powder, it will be expedient to consult Mr. Francis Lewis on the subject. Should it be ordered to New- York, a sufficient guard will be necessary to attend to the transportation of it from Paulus-Hook. to New-York. You will please to give directions as soon as possible.

I am, respectfully, your most obedient servant,

HENRY REMSEN.

To Colonel Woodhull.

CAPTAIN SINCLAIR TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.(

Huntington, February 29, 1776.

SIR: It being the practice of all nations to allow the subjects of the respective States at variance to retire, I trouble the Congress with this application for being permitted a to go to Europe in the first vessel from New- York.

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

PATRICK SINCLAIR:

To the President of the Congress, New-York.

SAMUEL GALE TO JOHN McKESSON.

Fairfield, February 29, 1776.

DEAR SIRGive me leave to inform you that I am now in close confinement, in the common jail of this town. I am also of opinion (and I have but too much reason to suspect it) that there is a design against my person, formed by some person, or persons, of the County of Cumberland, whose actions you are already acquainted with. True it is, there is a law in this Colony of Connecticut, but in the Country of Cumberland, you know, there is none. I, therefore, (to clear myself before God,) expect my life and safety at the hand of those who hold the governing reins of the Province of New- York, the Metropolis of which Province I now call my residence.

Thaddeus Burr, Esquire, the Sheriff of this County, informs me that he is acquainted with you. I, therefore, request that you will inform him, by the return of the bearer, what you know of my character, as, also, the character which I bore among mankind before the commencement of these unhappy troubles; and I desire, if my release be not immediately granted, that I may be under the protection of the law till such time arrives.

You well know that my sentiments have been uniform and steady, even if erroneous; and, therefore, I consider myself entitled, at the least, to the privileges and protection which, by the laws of all Christian nations, are granted to prisoners of war—(I call it prisoner of war, not as being an enemy, in heart, to any man breathing, but as being, by birth and education, one of that country between which and this country a war subsists)—and, for that purpose, I conceive myself entitled to an impartial hearing, where prejudice does not prevail; and I hope that is the case in the Congress of which you are a member. Let me request that I may either be allowed the privilege granted by all Christians to a prisoner of war, or, else, the birthright of a British subject, the writ of habeas corpus. If the former, only, be allowed, you may mention what you choose in the parole; but 1 would choose, by all means, if possible, to be at New-York or Philadelphia, where I may finish my intended publication on surveying, which, you well know, is allowed by all parties to be a matter of great actual service to America. I should be glad you would not fail to be immediate in your proceedings herein, and I would look upon it as an additional favour, if you would acquaint Lord Stirling, (with whom 1 had formerly a small acquaintance,) as, also, Mr. Duane, of my present situation.

I remain, with the greatest esteem, (notwithstanding all political sentiments,) dear sir, your most humble servant,

SAMUEL GALE.

To John McKesson, Esquire, Attorney-at-Law.

P. S. I have, at New- York, the copy of the letter which was sent by the Westminster, or, rather, Cumberland Committee, to Mr. Livingston; as, also, a vindication of the conduct of the Sheriff and Posse, by the oaths of, I believe, thirty persons, a great part of whom were on the prejudiced side. These oaths being in favour of the Sheriff and Posse, was the reason, as I have been informed, of their not being sent to your body according to promise.

I would be glad Mrs. Gale might not be informed of this letter, lest its contents should occasion her miscarriage.

Mr. Sturges, the jailer here, would be glad of half a ream of writing paper. If you are not acquainted with him, I should be glad you would put the expense to my account, and I will repay you next time I see you.

P. S. extraordinary, March 2d. I have been favoured with what is called a copy of my letter to Colonel Bellows. I aver, from the bottom of my soul, that both the words and the sense are materially altered, and that, consequently, it is not a copy of any letter ever by me written.

The firm belief of there being a design formed against my person occasions me to send a man on purpose with this letter, (by the Sheriff's permission.) If you are desirous of knowing what the letter actually was, I am of opinion that, by the help of the pretended copy, my memory will enable me to furnish a true copy, which shall be at your service

Confinement in a common jail, where the cold wind through the bars (for the windows are not glazed) far exceeds the warmth of all the fire that is obtained, leads me to wish that I could be accommodated in a genteeler apartment, till I come to New-York. As you and the Sheriff are acquainted, I wish you would pass your word for my stay, and you may rely on the word of an honest and sincere (if an erroneous) man, that I shall not deceive either you or him; nor shall I start one inch from such limits as may be prescribed.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read March 7, 1776.]

Cambridge, February 29, 1776.

SIR: I beg leave to inform you, at the request of the Committee of Pay-Table of the Colony of Connecticut,