Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table for two hundred Pounds, in favour of Captain Ephraim Bill, to enable him to promote the building and rigging of the Colony Ship at Saybrook, and render his Account when required. [An Order was drawn accordingly, April 2, 1776, and delivered to Captain Ephraim Bill, for the sum of two hundred Pounds.]

Voted, That Captain Richard Dickinson, of Saybrook, be ordered to deliver up the several articles in his hands and custody that did belong to the Brig Minerva, lately commanded by Captain Giles Hall, to Captain Ephraim Bill, taking his receipt for the same when delivered. [An Order was given accordingly April 2, 1776, and delivered to Captain Bill. ]

Captain Seth Harding, of the Colony Brig Defence, was complained of to this Board for being guilty of intemperance. Upon which he appeared; and the evidence on both sides was fully heard and considered by his Honour the Governour and this Council, but they cannot find cause to remove him.

Voted, That Mr. James Tilley be desired to purchase two tons of Flax, for the use of the Colony Ship, for cordage.

Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table for five hundred Pounds, in favour of Colonel Joshua Porter, of Salisbury, to enable him to carry on the Colony Works at the Furnace at Salisbury, and render his Account when required.

Voted, That the Selectmen in the Towns in the County of New-London, on the east of Connecticut River, and the Selectmen of the Towns in the County of Windham, and the Selectmen of the Towns of East-Haddam and Colchester, be directed to collect the Saltpetre (that has been, or may be manufactured in their several Towns) from the manufacturers, according to the direction of the late Act of this Colony in that behalf, and deliver the same to Colonel Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Esquires, taking their receipts for the same.

Voted, That Captain John McCleave is appointed Captain of the Row-Galley Whiting, building in New-Haven, and that he take the charge and command of her accordingly.

Voted, That Israel Bishop is appointed Lieutenant of the Row-Galley Whiting, now building in New-Haven.

Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table in favour of Mr. Job Winslow, for three hundred Pounds, for the purpose of building the Row-Galley at East-Haddam. [An Order was drawn April 2, 1776, and delivered to Mr. Job Winslow, for three hundred Pounds.]

Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table, in favour of Captain Jonathan Lester, for two hundred Pounds, for the purpose of building the Row-Galley at Norwich. [An Order was drawn April 2, 1776, and delivered to Captain Lester, for two hundred Pounds.]

Voted, That Captain Josiah Burnham, of Lyme, is appointed Master of the Brig Defence, under command of Captain Harding.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read April 10, 1776, and referred to the Committee of the Whole.]

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, April 1, 1776.

SIR: This letter will be delivered you by Jonathan Eddy, Esq., the gentleman from Nova-Scotia, who I mentioned to you in mine of the 27th ultimo. He seemed desirous of waiting on the honourable Congress, in order to lay before them the state of publick affairs and situation of the inhabitants of that Province; and as it might be in his power to communicate many things personally, which could not be so well done by letter, I encouraged him in his design, and have advanced him fifty dollars to defray his expenses. The Acadian accompanies him; and as they seem to be solid, judicious men, I beg leave to recommend them both to the notice of Congress.

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

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Continental Congress.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, April 1, 1776.

SIR: An express arrived here this morning with a letter from Governour Cooke, of Rhode-Island, of which the enclosed is a copy. In consequence of this important intelligence, I immediately despatched an express after General Sullivan, who is on his march to Norwich with six regiments, and ordered him to file off to Providence, if he should be so desired by Governour Cooke, to whom I have written on the subject.

General Greene was to have marched this morning with five more regiments, by way of Providence. I have ordered him to hasten his march for that place, and hope to collect a force there sufficient to prevent the enemy from effecting their purpose.

Whether this movement be only a feint, to draw our attention from their principal object, or not, is at present impossible to determine. I momently expect further intelligence from Governour Cooke. If the alarm should be well-grounded, I shall hasten to Providence, and make the necessary dispositions for their reception. I beg you to assure the honourable Congress I shall exert myself to the utmost to frustrate the designs of the enemy.

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

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Providence, March 31, 1776.—Five o’clock, P. M.

SIR: I am to inform your Excellency that I have this moment an express from Newport, informing me that a ship-of-war hath arrived in the harbour of Newport, and that twenty-seven ships, undoubtedly having the Ministerial Troops on board, are within Seconet Point. Upon this most alarming occasion, when we have not more than four hundred soldiers upon Rhode-Island, and not above seven or eight hundred more in the whole Colony, (besides the Militia, not more than half armed,) I must use the most pressing instances with your Excellency, to forward sufficient succors to the Colony with all possible despatch. I am about issuing the necessary orders for calling the whole Militia together, and taking other proper measures.

I am your Excellency’s most obedient servant,

NICHOLAS COOKE.

To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, Cambridge.

Providence, March 31, 1776.—Five o’clock, P. M.

SIR: I have just received an express from Colonel Belcher, of the Regiment of Militia on Rhode-Island, that one ship-of-war hath got into the harbour of Newport, and that twentyseven more, undoubtedly having the Ministerial Troops on board, are within Seconet Point, within a few hours sail of Newport. As they are undoubtedly destined for this Colony, I must urge the necessity of your altering your route, and marching into this Colony to oppose the enemy. The absolute necessity of this step will justify you.

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

NICHOLAS COOKE.

GENERAL ORDERS.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, March 28, 1776.

General Sullivan, with the six Regiments mentioned in the General Orders of the 23d instant, are to march tomorrow morning, at sunrise. The Quartermaster-General, or his Assistant, will provide nine teams for each Regiment, and the Adjutant-General will deliver the route and orders to General Sullivan.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, March 29, 1776.

Varnum’s, Hitchcock’s, Little’s, Read’s, and Bailey’s Regiments, to march on Monday morning, at sunrise. Brigadier-General Greene will take the command of this Brigade. Deputy Quartermaster-General Parke will provide the necessary teams, and the Commissary-General will deliver the provisions for the march. The Adjutant-General