assembled and brought up. Whoever asserts that ten or twelve thousand soldiers would be sufficient to control the Militia of this Continent, consisting of five hundred thousand brave men, pays but a despicable compliment to the spirit and ability of Americans. More than this stipulated number the Crown should not send, without the consent of the General Convention, or Congress.

7. In order to prevent bribery and corruption from sapping the foundation of the goodly fabrick, the compact should contain these three clauses, viz: That the Colonies should choose their Representatives and Convention every two years; that they should choose them by ballot; and that no officer or pensionary of the Crown should be elected.

8. As these Colonies would be protected by the power of Britain, and would receive all the duties arising from the regulation of trade, the Colonies should stipulate to allow them eight percent. upon all merchandises imported from foreign countries. This would be the easiest of all methods for raising this sum. It would be paid invisibly, and we should even then be gainers, since we should receive a profit of twelve percent, upon such foreign commodities. If the exigencies of the Slate should, at any time, require a further grant, the same should be obtained freely, by way of requisition.

These are the outlines of the compact of reconciliation, by which, it is apparent, our freedom may be amply secured. No doubt many additions may be made to it by the wisdom of our venerable Congress, and the observations of my countrymen. And since an honourable and secure harmony may again be established between Great Britain and these Colonies, who would prefer the horrors of war, the ruin of commerce, the destruction of private peace and happiness, and the loss of thousands of our countrymen in battle, to the blessings of peace and tranquillity, the enjoyment of plenty and abundance, the preservation of the lives of our fellow-creatures—and all these in the full possession of liberty? And for what are we to encounter all these evils and untried ways, which, like all novel experiments, must be attended with innumerable difficulties if they should happen to prove successful, and with dismal consequences should they miscarry? It is a form of Government which Baron Montesquieu, and the best writers on the subject, have shown to be attended with many mischiefs and imperfections, while they pass high encomiums on the excellency of the British Constitution. But why should I dwell upon the dangers of this scheme? The Continental Congress have never lisped the least desire for independency or republicanism. All their publications breathe another spirit; and in their justice, wisdom, and virtue, I can freely confide for a restoration of peace and tranquillity upon just and honourable conditions.

AN ENGLISH AMERICAN.

GENERAL PUTNAM TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

New-York, April 4, 1776.

SIR: Since my arrival at this place I have had abundant reason to be convinced that the Army here is in the highest need of an immediate supply of cash. I therefore now send Major Sherburne to Philadelphia, and I hope the Congress will despatch him as soon as possible, with at least three hundred thousand dollars for that purpose.

I am, with great regard and esteem, your most humble servant,

ISRAEL PUTNAM.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

ULSTER COUNTY (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE.

Whereas the Provincial Congress have recommended that a number of Powder-Mills be immediately built within this Colony, with certain encouragements to such persons as will undertake to erect the same, provided such persons be recommended by the Committee of the County where such mills are to be erected; and application having been made to us, the Members of the Committee of the County of Ulster, by Henry Wisner, Junior, Esq., and Major Moses Phillips, both of the said County, for our recommendation of them as proper persons to build and carry on one of the Powder-Mills ordered by said resolutions, we, therefore, do humbly recommend the said Henry Wisner, Jun., Esq., and Major Phillips, in copartnership, as proper persons (having the convenience of a good stream, &c.) to erect one of said mills, and carry on the business of manufacturing Gunpowder, according to the direction of the Congress.

By order of the Committee, this 4th day of April, 1776.

JOHANNES HARDENBERGH, Chairman.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL THOMPSON.

Albany, April 4, 1776.

DEAR GENERAL: Since I wrote you this morning, I have received advice from Tryon County that some of the Indian tribes have unfriendly intentions towards us. This will oblige me to call out a body of Minute-men; and as I am altogether destitute of powder and ball, you will please to forward a ton of the former with all possible despatch, and as much of the latter as can be spared.

Will you be so good as to request the New-York Congress that the sailors may be sent up without delay.

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

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To General Thompson.

WILLIAM McDERMOTT TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

April 4, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Not having had the honour of an answer from you to a letter of the 29th ultimo, which I took the liberty of subscribing my name to, induces me to a second application, which I flatter myself you will be kind enough to admit before your respectable House.

I have been a prisoner under close confinement near five weeks—for what, I am an utter stranger; therefore, shall esteem it a favour if you will be kind enough to order me before you, as I am fully conscious of my innocence of any charge against me, if any is laid before you.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,

WILLIAM McDERMOTT.

To the New-York Committee of Safety.

J. WATERS, JUNIOR, TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

New-London, April 1, 1776.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: We have just received intelligence that twenty-one vessels were yesterday seen off Newport, Rhode-Island; that several had come up. The particulars your Honour will receive from Colonel Salton-stall. I have thought it my duty to acquaint you with the state of the fortresses: that upon Groton is carried up in part, and shall be completed with all possible despatch; that upon Shaw’s Neck is not so far forward as I could wish. I have improved every moment since your Honour’s departure to get it forward, and shall, if possible, complete a battery, which may contain a few cannon, (if we have them,) this week.

I could most ardently wish, upon this pressing necessity, to have more hands employed, which would much expedite the work; but in this case your Honour will he pleased to be mindful of working materials; and as they cannot be immediately ready, will be pleased to direct how I shall obtain them. You will be pleased to be explicit in any orders you may send me. I shall endeavour punctually to obey them.

I am your Honour’s most obedient humble servant,

JOSI. WATERS, JUN.

To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, in Lebanon.

COLONEL SALTONSTALL TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

New-London, nine o’clock, A. M., April 1, 1776.

HONOURED SIR: This moment Mr. Adam Babcock came in, (from Westerly this morning,) and advises that he there saw an order issued by Colonel Noyes to the several Militia Captains under his command, (dated twelve o’clock last night,) to march immediately to Newport, having received an express from Colonel Henry Babcock, at Newport, dated yesterday noon, advising that twenty-one ships had just arrived there, but did not say from whence they came. The Colonel at Newport says the ships are in the offihg, and the express adds that four of the ships were got abreast Newport –some of the fleet standing in on the east side the