COW-NECK (QUEEN’S COUNTY, NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE,

In Committee for the District of Cow-Neck, Great-Neck, &c., held at Cow-Neck, this 18th day of March, 1776:

Whereas sundry disaffected persons have lately moved into this neighbourhood, whereby this District, instead of being an asylum for the good and virtuous, is become a nest to these noxious vermin: it has therefore become the part of prudence, and, in its effects, of necessity, to put an end to such proceedings in future, by the most speedy and effectual measures for the publick good.

Be it therefore Resolved, That no manner of person, after the first of April next, presume to move into this District, without producing to this Committee a certificate, signed by the Chairman of the Committee from whence they last removed, of their being friendly to the cause of their bleeding country.

Signed by order:

BENJAMIN SANDS, Chairman.

To the Honourable the Committee of Safety at NEW-YORK.

The humble Petition of BERNARD ROMANS, showeth:

That your humble Petitioner was some time since at Philadelphia, with the honourable the Continental Congress, upon the business of his then office, and that he then and there had the pleasure to meet with an entire approbation of his conduct.

Whereupon said honourable Congress passed a vote that it was reasonable your humble Petitioner should be paid up to the date of his new commission. In consequence of which, a resolve was made, which your humble Petitioner has brought here, and which has been laid before your honourable Board. The time is now expired in which your humble Petitioner was to have appeared at the head of his company, and want of money prevents.

Your humble Petitioner therefore prays an order may be granted him, pursuant to the said resolves of Congress, that he may be enabled to proceed, and save his honour.

And your Petitioner shall ever pray, &c.

B. ROMANS.

New-York, March 18, 1776.

JOHN HASBROUCK TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Marbletown, March 18, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I understand that Mr. Cantine, one of our Delegates, is gone down to New-York, and intends to apply to Congress for commissions for a company of Grenadiers for the township of Marbletown. If this is granted, it will create a great disturbance in the companies in said township, and will throw our companies into great confusion. I hereby only let you know the state of the case as it stands; and you may do in that case as you, in your great wisdom, judge will answer to, and for, the American union and interest.

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

JOHN HASBROUCK. *

To Colonel Nathaniel Woodhull, President of the Provincial Congress, at New-York.

STRATFORD (FAIRFIELP COUNTY, CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE.

Stratford, Connecticut, March 18, 1776.

On the 10th instant, (Sunday,)Mr. Jeremiah Learning, Missionary at Norwalk, baptized a child in the Episcopal Church at Stratford, and called it by the opprobrious name of Thomas Gage, the parson of the parish being present at the same time. This religious man?uvre gave great disgust. People in general viewed this transaction as a designed insult and ridicule upon the cause of liberty, which the Americans are now engaged to support against the arbitrary and oppressive measures of the British Parliament. Whereupon Mr. Learning, being duly notified, appeared before the Committee of Inspection for this town.

He owned that he had been previously informed that a child would be presented to him for baptism, and that the parents had proposed to give it that name; but said somebody in formed him at the same time that the parents had been dissuaded from it; however, when it was offered by that name, he without any hesitation baptized it. He acknowledged that he thought the parents were imprudent, and that he disliked it; but pleaded in his own excuse the obligation he was under by the rules of the Rubrick, which, he said, directed him to receive the name from the god-fathers and god-mothers, and to pronounce that name in baptism; and that he did not look upon himself at liberty to dispense with the name given by the sponsors. Being asked why he did not object when the name was given him, he said it was unexpected, and, being on a sudden, the propriety of objecting did not come into his mind; but he declared he had no unfriendly intention in it, however it might appear in that light. He professed to have always a high esteem of the liberties and privileges of this Colony.

The Committee having heard Mr. Learning’s exculpation, and considered thereof, and made all charitable allowances they were able, are of opinion that he has not made it appear to their satisfaction that he is really innocent of having had a design, by the above transaction, to insult and ridicule the Continental struggle in the defence of their just rights, which are most wickedly and injuriously invaded. But yet, out of a tender regard to Mr. Learning’s office, and connection with the people of his charge, (most of whom, we understand, are true friends to the liberties of America,) judge it most expedient only to state the facts, and submit it to the publick, to make what Judgment they please; and to the candid friends of their county, to treat the said Mr. Learning with that regard which they shall judge his person and character deserve.

Signed by order of Committee.

Attest:

JOSEPH CURTISS, Clerk.

GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Lebanon, March 18, 1776.

SIR: I received your favour of the 14th instant, in which you inform me the enemy have embarked their troops on board a number of transports, and are now making a shameful retreat from Boston; and that their destination is conjectured to be either for Halifax or New-York—the latter place most probable. I should, on my part, rather conjecture that their women and children, with the Tory families, (if any on board,) are for Halifax, and the troops for New-York, &c, if they mean to evacuate that town. But may it not be probable, notwithstanding all appearances, that the enemy, expecting an attack on Boston, are only clearing off all incumbrances, and sending off their (at present) useless baggage, in order to be better able to withstand your attack, and to give you a more warm reception, and, if possible, a fatal repulse? A hint of this I dare say you will not take amiss, though I entertain not the least doubt of your greatest attention and utmost precaution to guard yourself against the subtle wiles and artful intrigues of an artful enemy, as well as their open force and violence. But appearances, I fully agree, most probably point at New-York; and as a request from you, on all these publick occasions, comes with the greatest force, (notwithstanding we have great drafts of men from this Colony to various quarters, and have now at New-York, in consequence of your late requisition by General Lee, two regiments, amounting to fifteen hundred men, which, just as I received yours, had despatched orders to them to continue in service till further directions; and, in consequence of your last request, and in consideration of the importance of securing New-York, and the advantage of a prior possession,) have given orders to the Field-Officers of several regiments in this Colony nearest New-York, and where they may arrive at that place with the greatest expedition, immediately, by detachments, to draft out and forward, by land or water to New-York, twenty companies, consisting of ninety men each, including officers, (to admit of no delay,) and there to put themselves under the commanding officer at that place, and remain till relieved by such part of your Army as you think proper to send there; at the same time, as a very busy season for farmers is soon approaching, am obliged to let them know that it is most probable they will soon be released and discharged,

* [The original is endorsed—“MARCH 21, 1776.—A letter from John Hasbrouck, of Marbletown. This letter was read, and ordered that no notice be taken thereof on the Minutes.”]

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