completed, and the horses ready to proceed as soon as the cannon can be landed. The bearer, Captain Brown, has been very useful and alert with his men, in bringing the vessels thus far safe; and as we can be supplied at this port with sufficient assistance for the further procedure with the cannon, I thought it prudent, with Captain Brown’s advice, to dismiss him with his men.

I am, sir, with due respect, your most humble servant to command,

THOMAS PALMER.

To Charles Lee, Esq., &c., &c.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read March 15, 1776.]

Albany, March 6, 1776.

SIR: Instead of one hundred and twenty sleds to convey the cannon and provision from Fort George, Ticonderoga, &c., to Canada, with the utmost efforts only seventy-six could be procured; the great scarcity of forage, and danger of going at this advanced season, deters them. The winter here is entirely broken up, and I believe Hudson’s River will be clear of ice in a few days. It may be best, therefore, that the remainder of the troops from New-Jersey and Pennsylvania should embark at New-Windsor, or still lower down, if craft can be procured.

Only one company of Colonel Burrel’s Regiment is gone past here. I greatly fear that the remainder will not be able to pass the Lakes on ice, unless a sudden change in the weather takes place. Some horses, and one man, have already been drowned on Lake George and Lake Champlain. It would be happy for us if the Lakes immediately opened, as I have got matters in such a way that I can immediately send on the troops by water; but, should the Lakes become impassable in any way, I must of necessity detain the troops at this place until they open, as well to save the expenditures of what pork we have at Fort George, as that they cannot be quartered there.

All the Six, and some other Indian nations, are now holding a conference at Onondaga. I expect they will soon request the like at this place. I dread their coming, as we have nothing for them; and unless something is given, they are always disgusted.

The sleds that left this with the last Pennsylvania Company, I am this moment informed, are returned, not being able to proceed farther than twenty miles from this, Hudson’s River being broken up there, but as yet impassable.

I have not yet been able to discover that there is any truth that the Highlanders are inlisted; I shall continue my inquiries; and if the report has any foundation, I will make them prisoners.

On the 28th ultimo I sent General Wooster something above twenty-one hundred pounds in specie, which I have collected on my notes, payable in like money, on demand. We are greatly distressed for money for the current expenses of the day.

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

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

COLONEL HUNTINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

Roxbury Camp, March 6, 1776.

HONOURED SIR: I have two of your much esteemed favours since I wrote you last. You will have had before this the circuinstances of our taking possession of Dorchester. We hoped our enemies would meet us there, but, as the weather was, it could not be. If we are not able to draw them out of their fastnesses, I do not see what we can do to get rid of them. Our offensive efforts, I imagine, affect them but little. We have been frowned upon in the loss of several of our largest mortars, the fine one taken by Manly, among the rest. I have all along expected some remarkable interposition of Divine Providence in our favour, that our dependence on all human means might appear vain. We have now such works on Dorchester Hills, as will put the bravery and art of our enemies to a severe trials if they take them from us. Perhaps an attempt will be made to draw them out Chelsea side. Since our fortifications are increased, the necessity is increased of subduing or driving away the enemy, as it will require so great a number of men, and constant vigilance to maintain all the posts we now possess, which are all nearly alike important.

I heartily mourn the loss of that eminently learned and pious divine, Doctor Williams. You must be greatly affected at his death. No measure can be made of the friendship of so aged and valuable a man. I never knew what it was to sorrow, till my best earthly friend was taken from me. I devoutly wish that my improvement in goodness, love, and friendship to her parents and relations may bear some proportion to those qualities which shone in my lovely companion. That we may be prepared for the period of our continuance here, we must, for the enjoyment of our ascend ed Saviour, and in the highest degree, partake of the society of our departed ones.

I have not time to write to my dear son, but shall not neglect him long. If my life is spared, I will not fail to give you particulars of any occurrence worth communication. In mean time, I remain, with tenders of love and duty to you, mother, son, &c., yours most affectionately,

JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON.

To Governour Trumbull.

JOHN LANGDON TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE ASSEMBLY.

Portsmouth, March 6, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I have received advice of my having the repeated honour of being appointed one of the Delegates for this Colony to the Continental Congress.

Nothing can give me greater satisfaction than to have the approbation of your honourable House of having done my duty, as far as my poor abilities would admit of. I think myself under every tie of honour and gratitude to strain every nerve in my country’s cause, at this important day, more especially when I receive such repeated honours from my country.

When I shall have finished the business in which I have the honour to be immediately employed by the Continent, or have it in such forwardness to leave, shall, when my duty calls me, attend in my place at the General Congress, where it will be my greatest pride to serve (in any way that may be in my power) this Colony in particular, and the Continent in general.

I lament that my abilities are not greater; all I can say is, shall employ such as I have, to the utmost, in the service of my country.

You will please, sirs, to accept my hearty thanks for the honour done me; should have done myself the pleasure of waiting on the honourable House in person, but my publick business, which calls for immediate attention, I hope will plead an excuse.

I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

JOHN LANGDON.

To the Honourable the Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Assembly for the Colony of New-Hampshire.

THOMAS CONTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Upper Marlborough, March 7, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I beg leave to enclose you some accounts from gentlemen whose wagons and carts were employed in bringing the records to this place. The reason the gentlemen give me for their accounts being so high, the wagons, &c., were detained two days waiting for the records. If you approve of the accounts, be pleased to order the amount to be paid Mr. Richard Hall.

I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your most obedient servant,

THOMAS CONTEE.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.

PHILIP THOMAS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Middle District of Frederick County, March 7, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: By the return of the Committee of the Militia Companies in this District, you will observe that I was chosen Captain of a company, which I believe was one of the first raised in the Province, and placed in the Fourth Battalion; but my commission has never come to hand;