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end of the political year, to be renewed or otherwise, as they shall think proper. Almost every civil Constitution now existing in the world is partly the spurious offspring of some former very defective one. Perhaps America is the only country in the world wholly free from all political impediments, at the very time they are under the necessity of framing a civil Constitution. Having no rank above that of freemen, she has but one interest to consult, and that interest, (blessed be God for it,) is the true and only interest of men as members of society. SALUS POPULI. PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. Philadelphia, March 11, 1776. SIR: Since my last, I have had the honour of receiving your letter of the 9th of February. The Congress have not yet come to any resolutions on your former letters. The design of this is only to desire you to send Captain Morgan Connor, of the Rifle Battalion, to Philadelphia, the Congress having occasion to employ him in the Southern Department. The Congress having promoted Edward Hand, Esq., to be Colonel of the Rifle Battalion, in the room of Colonel Thompson, whom they advanced to the rank of Brigadier-General; and James Chambers, Esquire, to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the same; I have forwarded their commissions accordingly. I have the honour to be, with much esteem, sir, your most obedient servant, JOHN HANCOCK, President. To His Excellency General Washington. GENERAL LEE TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Philadelphia, March 11, 1776. SIR: I beg leave to inform the Congress of my arrival, in consequence of their orders; and shall be happy if you will instruct me when, and in what manner I am to pay my respects to them, in order to receive their further commands. I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient, humble servant, CHARLES LEE. To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the Continental Congress. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. Philadelphia, March 11, 1776. SIR: The Congress have appointed three Commissioners to go to Canada, of which number I have the honour to be one. We purpose setting out one day this week. I take the liberty of mentioning this, as possibly a little previous notice may enable you more easily to make any preparation you shall judge necessary to facilitate and expedite our journey, which I am sure you will be kindly disposed to do for us. A friend with us will make our company four, besides our servants. We shall either go in carriages directly to Albany, or by water, if the river is open, from New-York. Hoping soon for the pleasure of seeing you, I now only add that I am, with the sincerest respect and esteem, sir, &c., B. FRANKLIN. To General Schuyler. P. S. The bearer, . La Jennesse, has been considered by the Congress as a friend to the American cause, and he is recommended to your protection on his return to Canada. B. F. LORD STIRLING TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. New-York, March 11, 1776. MY DEAR GENERAL: General Lee left this place on Thursday evening last for Philadelphia, in his way for Virginia, where he is to command. This has thrown a heavy load on my shoulders, and very unexpectedly; but I am like soon to be relieved from it, as I hear Brigadier-General Thompson is to be here in a day or two. The sudden departure of the post prevents my saying anything at present relative to the situation of this place; and will only inform you that, last night, three gentlemen landed here from on board a packet, nine weeks out from Falmouth. They say that seven regiments of Foot, amounting to about four thousand men, were embarked and ready to sail from Cork about the 6th of January, bound to the Southern Colonies. That Great Britain had engaged four thousand Hanoverians and six thousand Hessians, for the American service, and were in treaty for ten thousand Russians . That the French Ambassador at London had declared to the English Ministry, that his master did not mean to meddle with the quarrel between Great Britain and her Colonies, while it was carried on with its own force; but that he could not be an idle spectator if any foreign aid was made use of. (It was not then known in London, that the French had any troops in the West-India Islands.) That it was not likely any more British Troops would be sent out, for they had them not to spare. If these things should be true, I am in hopes we shall have an easy summer’s work to secure the whole Continent. The Commissioners, whose number is reduced to twenty, were to embark about the middle of January. It was said that they were to endeavour to treat with the Assemblies of Colonies separately, if possible; and even to retail out corruption to single towns or families; but if this could not succeed, they were to swallow the bitter pill, and treat with Congress. Adieu, my dear General; the post waits. But yet, present my best regards to Mrs. Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Custis, Palfrey, &c; and am, with the highest esteem and regard, your most humble servant, STIRLING. To General Washington. ABRAHAM LIVINGSTON TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. New-York, March 11, 1776. GENTLEMEN: Having been informed that Mr. Murtenius has applied to. Congress for further proposals being made by both him and me, on a supposition that I had not attended to the tenor of the advertisement, I think it necessary to acquaint you what motives induced me to form that part of my offer which proposes that all expense of transportation be paid by the publick. I requested the favour of Mr. Lott to ask the Congress some questions that I thought absolutely necessary, which I delivered to him in writing. One of the questions was, “Where are the troops to be stationed?” The answer delivered to me, also in writing, was, “Wherever the General pleases.” I could not, therefore, as a person possessed of the least degree of prudence, attempt to make any other proposals on that head than I did, at least within the bounds of moderation. I am pretty well assured that Mr. Curtenius knew from Congress that the troops were to be stationed in New-York, King’s County, and the Highlands. I therefore cannot but think that the Congress will readily consider my proposals the most reasonable, as the expense of transportation to those places cannot possibly exceed one half-penny per ration. I have the answers to the questions to Mr. Lott ready to produce to the Congress should they think proper to see them. I thank the Congress for their kindness in appointing me Commissary of Provisions. When I engaged in that business, I understood that, while I remained in office, I was to transact all affairs in that department; and as I have lately understood that some other person has been employed to furnish what properly came within the line of my duty, and nothing left for me to transact but such business as, in all probability, many would refuse, I find it will answer no purpose to continue in that office. I therefore apprize the Congress that I do decline serving as Commissary. And lest the publick service should be impeded by my resignation, I will serve provision as usual, to supply the troops, this week, and shall be ready to deliver the provision, &c., to whoever the Congress shall please to appoint. I have ordered my accounts to be made out, and am ready for an immediate settlement. I cannot conclude without declaring to Congress that the post I now resign was not at all solicited by me, and sincerely wish the appointment of a person who will give more satisfaction. I am, with respect, your very humble servant, ABRAHAM LINVINGSTON. To the New-York Congress
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