children, and lay under obligations your unhappy and very humble servant,

ISAAC GEDNEY.

To the Chairman of the Honourable the Provincial Congress, New-York.

COLONEL NICOLL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Fort Constitution, April 19, 1776.

SIR: The enclosed letter was intercepted about ten days ago; and as it contains something that may lead to a further discovery, have sent it down to you for your direction how to act in regard to the Major olden mentioned in it. In the fourth and sixth line, the ciphered word is Governour; and in the seventeenth, Boston; the name of the signature, Robert Hamilton —a person known, but not now in this Province. The person it is directed to lives in Newburgh Precinct. Your returning the letter, with your orders, will be of service up here.

Your Excellency’s humble servant,

ISAAC NICOLL, Com. Officer.

To General Washington.

THADDEUS BURR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Fairfield, April 19, 1776.

SIR: While General Lee was at New-York, Mr. Benjamin Gale, by his order, was taken up as a Tory, and sent to Colonel Waterbury, with orders to send him to Connecticut, there to be confined. In consequence of which orders, the Colonel sent him to me; since which he has been confined to my Jail till within a day or two, when I received the enclosed resolution of the New-York Congress. He is now out upon his parole of honour. You will observe that the resolve of Congress is directed to the Chairman of our Committee, who think they have nothing to do with it, and will not act upon it. I therefore send you, enclosed, the letter upon which he was taken up, (which, by the way, Mr. Gale says he never wrote;) also, Colonel Waterbury’s orders and the resolves of Congress, that I may have your direc tions in the affair. Mr. Gale is an Englishman, a gentleman of good education, and possessed of high notions in favour of his native country; is frank and open in declaring his sentiments, but says he never has, nor will be active against the Colonies.

I confess it appears to me a little extraordinary that General Lee should take up a man upon so slight evidence, and send him out of the Colony, unheard. But of this your Excellency will judge; and I hope to have your directions as soon as may be.

I have the honour to be, with the highest esteem, your Excellency‘s most obedient, humble servant,

THADDEUS BURR.

To His Excellency General Washington.

LETTER FROM JOHN McKESSON.

SIR: The enclosed resolution of the Provincial Congress will show you their opinion in the case of Samuel Gale. I have it in charge from the Provincial Congress to request your order that he may be immediately discharged from confinement.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

JOHN McKESSON, Secretary.

To the Chairman of the Committee of Fairfield County.

“In Provincial Congress, New-York, March 16, 1776.

“The Congress resumed the consideration of that part of the Report of their Committee on the 8th of March which contained Lord Stirling’s answer as to the case of Samuel Gale; and taking the case of the said Samuel Gale into consideration,

“Resolved, That this Congress are of opinion that he ought to be forthwith discharged from his confinement, he having been taken, carried away, and imprisoned, without any hearing, trial, or adjudication whatever.

“And Ordered, That a Letter be written to the Chairman of the Committee of Fairfield County, in the Colony of Connecticut, requesting the immediate discharge of the said Samuel Gale.

“Extract from the Minutes:

“JOHN McKESSON, Secretary.”

JOHN ELY TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

New-London, April 19, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I think myself in duty bound not only to execute your orders, but to inform your Honour of what progress we make. The Fort on the Neck I think goes on briskly, considering the extent of the works, and the small number of men employed on said works. Colonel Mott and Mr. Waters have been absent for some time. We expect the Colonel here on Monday. The work has not been retarded, as the Colonel gave me directions in his absence.

I must just mention that I find the drafting of men makes uneasiness among the people. If you should think it necessary to inlist more men, I have daily the refusal of them.

I shall still pursue your orders; and am, with the greatest respect, your very humble servant,

JOHN ELY.

To the Honourable Governour Trumbull.

ALEXANDER ROSS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Annapolis, April 20, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I have, by your orders, been in close confinement ever since last Wednesday morning, during which time I have had feelings far beyond the power of expression. Although I am yet ignorant of the charge you have against me, I am persuaded nothing can appear that was not more the effect of necessity than inclination. My wish, therefore, is, to be heard by you as soon as possible, when I doubt not you will act, and determine for me, with that temper and moderation which has hitherto been the result of your deliberations. I doubt not of convincing you that my plan of life had been long settled before this unhappy affair, and that my views were very different to what I am charged with. Maryland has always been my favourite Province, and it has always had my warmest and best wishes; and, if I may be believed, I did it all the little service in my power while with Lord Dunmore.

You will be pleased to forgive me for troubling you at this time, as your own feelings will point out my necessity.

I am, with respect, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

ALEXANDER ROSS.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL WEARE.

[No. 126.]

Annapolis, April 20, 1776.

SIR: We are in hopes that, by this time, your family are much better than they were when you left us. Your attendance is become necessary. We want you to take the command at Baltimore Town. Colonel Smallwood is so unwell, that Major Price cannot be spared from hence.

We are, &c.

To Colonel Francis Weare.

REASONS FOR A DECLARATION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE AMERICAN COLONIES.

1. The Colonies will be delivered from two Governments directly opposed to each other.

2. The Colonies will be delivered from the disorders which arise from the unlimited, undescribed, and sometimes arbitrary powers of Conventions, Committees of Safety, and Committees of Inspection.

3. A criminal correspondence with the enemies of this country will be prevented, or punished under the article of high treason.

4. The Colonies will be delivered from the danger of Crown Officers, whose apparent interest it will always be to remain inactive, or to co-operate with the enemies of America.

5. The British Constitution may be immediately restored to each Colony, with the great and necessary improvements of a Governour and Council chosen by the people.

6. France will immediately attack Britain in the most defenceless parts of her Empire, and thus draw off her fleets and armies from our coasts.

7. All the Powers of Europe will conceive such ideas of our union, love of freedom, and military resources, that they will not be tempted to accept of a share in us upon the condition of conquering us.

Philadelphia, April 20, 1776