ships and vessels belonging to the Rebels on the coast and in the harbours, to the eastward of Boston; that they first examined the harbour of Cape-Anne, and finding an attack upon it inexpedient, they proceeded to Falmouth, and laid the armed vessels before the town, on the evening of their arrival; after which Lieutenant Mowat sent an officer on shore, with a summons to the inhabitants to deliver up their arms and ammunition, acquainting them at the same time that his orders directed him to destroy the town if they did not comply with his demand, of which they should be allowed two hours to consider and to remove their women and children. Shortly after, three persons, deputed by the inhabitants, came on board, requesting a longer time; and it was agreed to wait their answer until eight o’clock next morning; about which hour the same persons returned, and reported that the inhabitants were determined to wait their fate. Within half an hour a signal was made by Lieutenant Mowat, the vessels began to cannonade, and several carcasses were thrown into the town, which set fire to the houses, and, in a few hours, consumed the greatest part of them; a detachment was then landed, who completed the destruction, and re-embarked without loss. The small vessels in the harbour were burnt, sunk, or brought away the 18th of October, and the armament returned to Boston the 5th of November, without attempting anything further.

Your Lordship was informed in my last that Lieutenant- Colonel Grant had returned from Georgia, where he had been sent with two transports, and one hundred and seventy rank and file, under convoy of the Scarborough frigate, to procure rice for the Army. He found the country in open rebellion, the Governour and many of the King’s friends prisoners at large, others disarmed, and all legal authority subverted; a vessel sunk in the narrow part of their river, the town of Savannah garrisoned by five hundred men, and batteries raised in the commanding grounds, to obstruct the passage of the ships. Every means were used to convince the people that his designs were not hostile, that everything required should be paid for, and their trade protected. To this they were at one time reconciled; but the violence of the mob soon overset his intentions. The only measure left was to secure the ships then in the river, by surprise; which was effected by the detachment going up Back River in boats, with two or three small armed vessels, through an intricate channel, and little known, while the larger armed vessels proceeded up the ordinary passage by way of feint, engaged their attention, and these met with every opposition the enemy could make from their cannon, or with small arms. The plan succeeded: eighteen vessels of different sizes were rescued, and brought down the back channel; more ships would have been brought off had the detachment been stronger. Such were the rage and disappointment of the people on this occasion that they set fire to the Inverness, a large ship richly laden, with a view of destroying the rest.

Sir James Wright and his family narrowly escaping the search of a detachment of one hundred and fifty men sent to seize him, got on board the Scarborough, and is now here, intending to sail for England by this opportunity. This detachment, disappointed in their principal aim, fired upon a Sergeant’s party, sent ashore for wood, which the non-commissioned officer returned, and retired to his boat, with the loss of one man killed and scalped, one wounded, and one missing. The Rebels, on the approach of troops in boats, quitted the spot.

The quantity of rice obtained by Lieutenant-Colonel Grant is one thousand and eighty-three tierces, for which certificates were given to the owners, as the price could not be ascertained under such circumstances. Sir James Wright is the principal proprietor.

A private trader from Waterford arrived this morning, with as much beef and pork as will supply the Army six days, which, though a small circumstance, may not be unpleasing for your Lordship to know in the present situation of things.

THOMAS EWING TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Baltimore, May 8, 1776.

HONOURABLE SIRS: When last in Annapolis, I left my account with you for inspection. There was a charge in the account current for bringing my company to station, the amount of which was left blank. Enclosed I send you an account of sundry expenses which I paid, which, after deducting what is allowed for recruiting, and the charge allowed for a fifer, leaves fourteen pounds nine shillings and eleven pence due me by the promise of that account, which I hope you will allow, as otherwise I shall be so much loser. The balance due, exclusive of that, is eighty-four pounds twelve shillings and ten and a half-pence, which I will esteem as a favour if you will send me by return of the bearer, Mr. William Lux. I have paid several sums since my last account for sick soldiers, which I doubt not will be allowed, as it is by order of your Surgeon. I am getting hunting shirts made for my company, of home-made linen, which I bought and paid Mr. Edward Parker for, at three shillings and nine pence per yard. I have in that consulted with Colonel Ware, who thinks with me that they will not come much dearer than osnaburghs, the linen being much broader, and one shirt will be worth two; I therefore hope you will allow it.

I have the honour to be, honourable sirs, your very humble servant,

THOMAS EWING.

To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN HINDMAN.

SIR: We received your letters, and are sorry to hear you do not approve of the muskets sent you from Chester; they were taken from Captain Nathaniel Smith’s Company of Matrosses, at Baltimore, but a few days before, and Mr. T. Smyth says they appeared all to be in good order, except a few. They had been in constant use for some time, and are of the best sort belonging to the Province, although not new. Whatever repairs are wanting for them we desire you will have done as soon as possible. We would have you purchase the muskets you mention, at seventy-five shillings each, and are glad to hear you can get cloth to clothe your company. We desire it may be made up as soon as it can be done.

The price you are asked for houses at Oxford for barracks is most extravagant; and much higher than, from the information we have received, ought to be given; and we request you would endeavour to procure them, or others, at a lower rate. Camp-kettles are an article that cannot be procured in this Province; we have procured you some pots, which we conceive, as you are now and may for some time, remain at your barracks, will well answer every purpose you have occasion for at present. Platters we shall have ready for you next week, and will send by first opportunity; and we have enclosed to you two orders on the Treasurer of the Eastern Shore for one hundred and sixty-six pounds, your subsistence money to the 3d of May, and two hundred and fifty pounds for the purchase of cloth, and the purposes you have mentioned; and for which you will hereafter render us account.

We are, &c.

To Captain James Hindman.

COLONEL EASTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read May 9, 1776, and referred to Mr. McKean, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Wythe.]

Philadelphia, May 8, 1776.

HONOURABLE SIR: I beg leave to give you the trouble of this. I have been in jail three weeks, and having no prospect of being set at liberty, I now humbly apply to your Honour, having no friends to assist me in this part of the world. I am sued for fifteen hundred pounds, York currency, and 1 owe my creditors about nine hundred pounds more, York currency. I have due two thousand pounds, lawful money. My creditors have a landed security of what I value at three thousand pounds, lawful money. In several letters they have received from me since I came to this place, I have offered my land and my outstanding debts at an honest appraisal; in short, I have done everything in my power to get a settlement, but have heard nothing from them. There is no such thing as obliging people to pay their debts in the Massachusetts, by the resolves of the honourable Congress.

I ought to be on my way to Canada: the settlement with the Commissioners appointed by Congress requires it;