Head-Quarters, March 16, 1776.

The guards and fatigue to-morrow the same as yesterday.

Captain Pearson’s Company, from Newark, is to take their part of service, both in guards and fatigue.

There is to be no conversation or communication suffered between the prisoners under guard in the city Jail, or in any other close confinement, and any person whatever, without leave from the commanding officers.

Head-Quarters, March 17, 1776.

Ordered, that a Captain, two subalterns, and fifty men be picked out of Colonel Winds’s Regiment, who are daily to attend at the Laboratory and on the Commissary of Stores at the Bridewell.

Colonel Waterbury’s Regiment to supply a sergeant and ten men to attend Mr. Commissary Hughes to Turtle-May . Colonel Smith’s servant is to attend.

Such corps in town as have good Armourers or Cutlers, are desired to let them work with such Master-Cutlers in town as will be recommended by the Provincial Committee of Safety. The regulation of this matter is particularly referred to Colonel McDougall.

Lieutenant-Colonel Allen is desired to direct the companies of the Second Battalion of Pennsylvanians to proceed to Albany, according to the orders they formerly received from Congress. The guards and fatigue as usual.

New-York, March 17, 1776.

SIR: You have doubtless received all the intelligence which I have from General Washington, relative to the motions of the Ministerial Troops at Boston, and the situation of our troops which surround it. That General Howe. intends to move this way with his Army, I think is highly probable. Many little manoeuvres of Governour Tryon and the men-of-war near this place lately, seem to confirm it. I am taking every step in my power to be prepared for their reception, by fortifying every advantageous ground near this city and on Long-Island. But whatever may be the designs of General Howe, it appears from all intelligence received, that the Ministry are determined to make an effort to gain possession of this city; and I have therefore the orders of Congress, by all possible moans to provide for the safety of it. I have also their direction to apply to the neighbouring Colonies for such part of their Militia or Provincial Troops as may be necessary, until the Continental Troops, destined for this service, do arrive here. The two regiments from Connecticut now here and at Long-Island, deserve the thanks of the publick for their good order, industry, and alertness; and I sincerely wish they could be prevailed on to stay while their services are necessary, as it would save time and pay to a prodigious amount, in the Continental service. But I understand many of them are farmers of property, who have families at home, and want to be there to mark out the work of their farms for the ensuing season. However, I will, with the Colonels Waterbury and Ward, endeavour to prevail with as many of them as possible to stay until they are relieved by others from your Colony, of which returns shall be sent to you as soon as possible. In the mean time I think it is highly necessary (and, I doubt not the least, your Excellency will carry it into execution) that recruits be raised to complete those two regiments to at least six hundred privates each; and that another regiment of the like strength be raised in your Colony if possible, on condition of serving the campaign, or as long as the service requires, and to be armed, accoutred, and clothed, as well as time will permit, and to march to this place as soon as possible.

I shall only add, that with the highest esteem and regard, I am your most obedient humble servant,

STIRLING.

To the Honourable Joseph Trumbull, Esquire, Commander-in-Chief of the Province of Connecticut.

COLONEL WINDS TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS

New-York, March 14, 1776.

SIR: I yesterday received yours of the 7th, enclosing a commission to me as Colonel of the First Battalion of New-Jersey Continental Forces. I beg you will return my thanks to your honourable House for the confidence they have placed in me, and assure them, as far as my abilities will admit my services shall never be wanting.

I think it my duty to acquaint you, that although neither I nor the regiment have the least personal objection to Mr. Ogden, who, I am informed, is appointed my Lieutenant-Colonel; yet a universal uneasiness has taken place with every officer in the regiment at his appointment, as they look upon themselves as slighted and injured by it.

If I might make use of the freedom, I would ask it as a particular favour to myself and the regiment, that this young gentleman’s merit might be rewarded in some other way; as I am fearful myself and my regiment will otherwise be less serviceable to the general cause than I could wish.

I am, sir, with great respect, your most humble servant,

WILLIAM WINDS.

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

ALBANY COMMITTEE TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Albany, March 14, 1776.

SIR: I am directed by the Committee of the City and County of Albany to transmit you the enclosed resolves. I am, sir, your very humble servant,

MATTHEW VISCHER.

“Albany Committee-Chamber, March 1, 1776.

“Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Williams, Jun., be recommended to the honourable Provincial Congress for Quartermaster to the regiment to be raised in the Counties of Albany, Tryon, and Charlotte.

“Also, Resolved, That Mr. Peter A. Fonda be recommended for Adjutant to said regiment.

“Extracts from the Minutes:

“MATTHEW VISCHER, Secretary.”

LORD STIRLING TO CAPTAIN WARNER.

New-York, March 14, 1776;

SIR: You are hereby authorized and required to take the person of James Boyd into your custody and bring him to this place, and have him before the Provincial Congress, or Committee of Safety, with the evidence you have against him.

STIRLING, Brigadier-General.

To Captain John Warner.

ABRAHAM LIVINGSTON TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

New-York, March 14, 1776.

SIR: Having received a deputation from Walter Livingston, Esquire, to act as Assistant Deputy Commissary of Stores and Provisions within certain limits, I think it necessary to acquaint the Congress thereof, and that I mean to act in that station until an order is produced from the Continental Congress to the contrary. All the troops in the Continental pay, be they from what place they may, fall within the limits of my appointment.

I remain, with much respect, your humble servant,

ABRAHM LIVINGSTON.

To the President of the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New-York.

ABRAHAM LIVINGSTON’S PROPOSALS FOR SUPPLYING THE ARMY IN THE COLONY OF NEW-YORK.

New-York, March 14, 1776.

The subscriber is willing to contract for the furnishing good and wholesome provisions, soap, and candles, agreeable to the rates allowed by the Continental Congress, at ten and a half pence per ration, and to give security for the performance of the contract; to furnish, fire-wood at twenty shillings per cord, and straw at thirty shillings per hundred sheafs.

The provisions to be delivered in New-York. The expense of transportation, if it should so happen that the communication by water be cut off, to be borne by the publick. The Congress to advance the sum of £ . . . .

ABRAHM LIVINGSTON.

To the President of the Provincial Congress, New-York