for its defence are in little more forwardness than they were when I left that town. Who am I to blame for this shameful neglect but you, sir, who were to have them executed? It is not an agreeable task to be under the necessity of putting any gentleman in mind of his duty, but it is what I owe to the publick. I expect and desire, sir, that you will exert yourself in completing the works with all possible despatch; and do not lay me under the disagreeable necessity of writing to you again upon this subject.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Colonel Richard Gridley.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR COOKE.

New-York, April 28, 1776.

SIR: I received your favour of the 23d instant. The reason why I did not hitherto represent the state of your Colony to Congress was in expectation of your forwarding unto me a sketch of it in writing. I shall take the first opportunity of doing it; and if my recommendation thereof has any weight with that august body, it will give me much pleasure to render service to your Colony. I am very glad that Colonel Knox has taken a view of Newport, and hope the directions he has left will be attended with all the good consequences you mention. We have no Engineer that can possibly be spared from hence; indeed, we are very deficient in that department. The state of this place is such, that had we any more than we have there would be full employment for them. Colonel Babcock’s misfortune is truly pitiable. The incontestable proofs which he has given at Cambridge and since of a distempered mind must, to every one acquainted with them, show how unfit he must be to command the forces of your Colony.

I am, with very great regard, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Governour Cooke.

P. S. The only Engineer we had to spare is sent off to Canada.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL BAYLEY.

New-York, April 29, 1776.

SIR: I received your favour of the 23d instant, with Mr. Metcalf’s plan, and Captain Johnson’s Journal, of the route from Newbury to St. John’s. The representation that was transmitted to me by the hands of Colonel Little, I had sent to Congress. Mr. Witherspoon has been since sent to examine or explore a route; but I hear he is still at Cohoos.

The time of the Congress is so taken up with many objects of consequence that it is impossible for them to attend to everything; and as it is of importance that every communication with Canada should be made as free as possible, it is my opinion and desire that you set about the road you propose as soon as possible. As you must be the best judge, who to employ, you will please to take the whole upon yourself. We cannot, at this time, spare soldiers; you must therefore engage such men as you know will do the business faithfully and well. As to their wages, you must agree with them on the most reasonable terms, and I doubt not that you will, in this and every other instance, serve your country with integrity, honour, and justice. As you go on, you will, upon every opportunity, keep me advised, and I will provide for the expense, which you will be careful in making as light as possible.

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

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Jacob Bayley, Esq., Newbury.

P. S. I send you by Mr. William Wallace two hundred and fifty pounds, lawful money, to begin with.

STEPHEN MOYLAN TO GENERAL THOMPSON.

New-York, April 28, 1776.

SIR: The Committee of Safety of this place have exhibited an account against the Continent; and, amongst other sums, there is one hundred and twenty pounds charged as being advanced to you. The General has forgotten what passed between you and him in respect to the disposal of that money; he therefore requests the favour of you to inform him the reason as soon as possible. General Sullivan is preparing to join you with six battalions.

Wishing you success, health, and happiness, I remain, with great esteem, sir. yours, &c.

S. MOYLAN, C. G. M.

To Brigadier-General Thompson.

STEPHEN MOYLAN TO COLONEL NICOLL.

New-York, April 28, 1776.

SIR: I am commanded by his Excellency to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th instant, and to inform you that it is not in his power to furnish you with arms, many of the troops here being deficient in this instance. He has laid the intelligence had of you about those at Kingston before the Committee of Safety, but has not yet received their answer.

His Excellency requests your most diligent attention to the works, and that they may be carried on with all possible expedition.

The troops here, when on fatigue, and only then, are allowed a gill each of Continental rum per day. The rations in no other instance are increased.

Enclosed you have a copy of the intercepted letter you sent to his Excellency. The original he will keep himself for some time, and wishes you to make such inquiries respecting it as you may think necessary and prudent and tend to a discovery of the design, and give him the earliest notice of the same.

I am, sir, yours, &c.

To Colonel Isaac Nicoll, Commanding at Fort Constitution.

CAPTAIN BELKNAP TO NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

Fort Montgomery, April 28, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: By the bearer hereof, Ensign unter, I send you the Muster-roll of my company, taken by Colonel Thomas Palmer, agreeable to your orders. The Muster-roll will show nine men short of my number, which I have actually inlisted, but are since deserted, and strolling out of the way. I expect soon to collect them, when I shall make out my return to you completed. My billeting bill also comes per bearer. You will please to furnish the bearer with every necessary for my company allowed by the warrant, except blankets, which I have procured. The balance of billeting money I shall expect, and one months’ pay for my men I shall be glad to receive, as many of them have families, who are under such necessitous circumstances that obliges me to make advance to them from time to time.

I remain, gentlemen, with esteem, your most obliged and humble servant,

JOHN BELKNAP, Captain.

To the President of the Committee of Safety, now convened in New- York.

THOMAS PALMER TO FREDERICK RHINELANDER.

Fort Montgomery, April 28, 1776.

SIR: The enclosed map I sent down two months ago, and about ten days ago it was found in the boatman’s house, not sent. I now send it per bearer, (Mr. nning Smith,) who promises to deliver it with his own hand. The proper use you know, it being the original partition map. Being in haste, I say no more at present, but am, sir, your most humble servant,

THOMAS PALMER.

To Mr. Frederick Rhinelander, Merchant, New-York.

GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read May 4, 1776.]

Fort George, April 28, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Last night I was honoured with your letter of the 4th instant, enclosing sundry resolutions of Congress, which shall claim my closest attention the moment the troops under the command of General Thompson are past Ticonderoga. He and they arrived at Albany on the 24th instant.

General Thomas, I have reason to believe, reached Quebeck yesterday. Doctor Franklin and the other gentlemen reached Montreal on the same day, and the last of the troops, with the cannon, military stores, and some provisions, I dare