It is in the clemency and authority of Great Britain only, under God, that we can look for happiness, peace, and pro­tection; and I have it in command from the King to en­courage, by every means in my power, the expectations in his Majesty’s well-disposed subjects in this Government, of every assistance and protection that the state of Great Britain will enable his Majesty to afford them, and to cherish every appearance of a disposition on their part to withstand the tyranny and misrule which accompany the acts of those who have but too well hitherto succeeded in the total sub­version of legal Government. Under such assurances, therefore, I exhort all the friends to good order and our justly admired Constitution, still to preserve that constancy of mind, which is inherent in breasts of virtuous and loyal citizens; and I trust a very few months will relieve them from their present oppressed, injured, and insulted condition.

England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, have united to place their whole strength, power, and confidence in his Majesty’s hands. The numerous addresses from all parts of the King’s dominions in Europe speak the loyalty and zeal with which his subjects there engage to support his Majesty in asserting and maintaining the just sovereignty of the British. Empire over all its members.

The British State moves not by sudden and violent sallies, nor wantonly oppresses—she has lenity for her basis, and is distinguished for moderation and forbearance; but when her just indignation is roused, the experience of other nations can testify her weight and force. It cannot be sufficiently lamented, that the conduct of this country has called for so severe a rod: may a timely and dutiful submission avert its stroke.

I have the satisfaction to inform you that a door is still open to such honest but deluded people as will avail them­selves of the justice and benevolence which the supreme legislature has held out to them of being restored to the King’s grace and peace; and that proper steps have been taken for passing a commission for that purpose, under the great seal of Great Britain, in conformity to a provision in a late act of Parliament; the Commissioners thereby to be appointed, having also power to inquire into the state and condition of the Colonies, for effecting a restoration of the publick tranquillity.

WILLIAM TRYON.

CHRISTIAN JACOBSON TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Richmond County, March 15, 1776.

MR. PRESIDENT. SIR: In consequence of a late resolve of the Provincial Congress, we have this day met, in order to nominate persons qualified to act as Field-Officers in our Militia Companies, viz: Captain Abraham Jones, First Co­lonel; Captain Cornelius Van Wagener, Second Colonel; Cornelius Curson, First Major; Jacob Mercereau, Second Major; Harmanus Garrison, Quartermaster; Nicholas Stil-wefl, Adjutant.

The above persons we return to you for approbation and commissions. We have divided our County into four districts, and hope to return to you in a short time the names of the Captains and Subalterns, &c.

We are, gentlemen, respectfully, your very humble ser­vants.

By order of the Committee:

CHRISTEAN JACOBSON, Chairman.

To the President and Members of the Provincial Congress in New-York.

JECAMIAH ALLEN TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

March 16, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: At the request of Colonel Drake, I beg leave to acquaint you I have now eighty-two guns unspiked, and within three weeks from this date doubt not but I shall be able to complete the whole. Though, gentlemen, I beg to observe, the assistance I expected to have from the Bartley guards I could not obtain, they declaring their agree­ment with Mr. Bartley was, to guard the guns from seven o’clock in the evening to six in the morning, for which they received ten shillings per week per man, and to find them­selves. The guards consist of six men. Being thus disap­pointed, I was obliged to give one of his guards thirty-six shillings per week, and others at that rate, occasionally to assist in the fires, which are generally composed of two or three cords of wood, in which the guns are to be raised, and tended both night and day, in order to soften the spikes.

My brother, who left the cannon last Thursday, informed me the assistance of guards was asked, in moving the guns, from Mr. Williams; and also denied, and countenanced by Mr. Bartley.

Therefore, gentlemen, beg leave to offer my service once more to guard the guns, (which I am willing to do at one half of what Mr. Bartley gets,) while I am unspiking the cannon, and as much longer as you shall think fit. As there is a number of cannon not spiked, but loaded and stopped with stones and other rubbish, at the same time mean to employ such men for guards as will clear the guns, and fit them for service; conscious, under such circumstance, the business will not want assistance, nor unworthy men receive your favour.

From your obedient and humble servant,

JECAMIAH ALLEN.

To the Honourable Provincial Congress for the City and County of New-York.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO LORD STIRLING.

Albany, March 16, 1776.

MY DEAR LORD: Hudson’s River, is now clear of ice, and the lakes are become impassable for the passage of troops; I am, therefore, under the necessity of detaining them here until the lakes can be passed by water. Batteaus and everything are prepared to convey the troops and stores.

Be so good as to let me have a return of the troops under your command, that I may be enabled properly to dispose of the regiment raising in this quarter.

Eight tons of powder arrived yesterday from Philadel­phia. The cannon and shot from New-York are not yet come up. The moment the troops, cannon, and powder, are embarked at Lake George, I propose joining you. My health is much re-established, and I have great hopes that I shall not soon experience a relapse. Mr. Hamer has my leave to call on you at New-York, in his way with his wife to New-Jersey.

My dear Lord, your Lordship’s most obedient, humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Stirling, Brigadier-General, &c.

ALBANY (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE.

Committee-Chamber, March 16, 1776.

Resolved, That no person or persons be permitted to move into, or settle within this City and County, unless he or they bring a certificate from the Committee of the County, Town, Manor, City, or District, where such person or per­sons respectively resided, that he or they had, prior to the date of this resolve, signed the Association recommended by Congress, or a similar one adopted by the Committee where he or they resided, and had, in all things, behaved in a manner becoming friends to American freedom.

A true copy from the Minutes:

MATTHEW VISSCHER, Secretary.

COLONEL J. VARNUM TO MAJOR HARRISON.

Prospect-Hill, March 16, 1776.

SIR: I send you, by my clerk, the Continental Articles, signed by a number of my officers. Captain Lane has not signed.The reason, he received encouragement from his Excellency but a very few days before he went recruiting. He is gone a very considerable distance eastward, and is not returned. Reed was sent recruiting some time since, and is sick in the country. Atkinson is the person whom Captain Lane recommended to his Excellency for an En­sign. Atkinson says Lane told him he was to be a Second Lieutenant. How that is I know not; but Captain Lane had no authority for such assurance; neither was there at that time a vacancy among the Second Lieutenants. So Atkinson refuses to sign the articles.

I am, sir, your very humble servant,

J.VARNUM.

To Major Harrison.,