the Middle Colonies, and for all Continental forces whatever, that we know of, except those raised for the service in Canada. The troops raised for the Canadian service only have five pounds three shillings and four pence per month, one month’s pay advanced, but to be discounted. And we conceive that the arduous service they undertake, and the high prices that must be there paid for every necessary, render their pay and service not the most eligible. The allowances and regulations published in this Colony are in the very words of the Continental Congress. It is not in our power to change the terms given to the troops, in any one article.

We hope the gentlemen in your County may succeed in raising their companies, as we have some time ago refused several gentlemen who offered their service, with full companies, out of respect to your County Committee’s recommendations that your County might have an opportunity of employing their proportion of officers and men. But if any of them cannot raise their men, we ought to be informed of it as soon as possible, as the Continental Congress has more than once directed inquiries whether the troops are raised, or how near being completed.

We are, respectfully, gentlemen, your very humble servants.

By order of the Committee.

To the Chairman and Members of the Committee of Dutchess County.

Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed and transmitted.

A Letter from John Barnes, of Charlotte Precinct, in Dutchess County, was read, and is in the words following, to wit:

“Charlotte Precinct, Dutchess County, March 22, 1776.

“SIR: In consequence of a variety of accidents the enclosed alterations have taken place in the four companies of Militia in this Precinct. I have therefore to beg you will be pleased to return me the several commissions here specified as soon as possible, lest the service may be impeded by delay, as some individuals are so obstinate as to refuse training until their Captains produce their commissions. I am also sorry to observe that the late nomination of Bernard Doughty and Dirck Doty as Captains, (though conformable to the rules prescribed,) were, I am persuaded, chosen under an undue influence, and done merely to render the service of their companies useless and contemptible. Of course it cannot be expected the inferior officers named, (who are good men,) together with a number of men belonging to these two companies, (who would otherwise be imbodied,) will obey orders. For these reasons I have not troubled you with their names. These several circumstances were debated yesterday in the County Committee then sitting, and Captain Doughty examined thereupon; yet still we found it impossible to set aside his election. Captain Doty, though not examined in person, we found exactly in the same predicament; upon the whole, therefore, it was proposed that their commissions only should be written for, and, when received, that Colonel Sutherland be requested to see that every part of their duty as Captains be strictly attended to. By this mode of proceeding, it is expected they will bring on their own dissolution, and thereby create a new election, when it may reasonably be expected a better one will succeed.

“I am, respectfully, sir, your very humble servant,

“JOHN BARNES.

“To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esquire.

“Stoutenburgh’s, late William Gay, declined: Joseph Hagerman, Captain; John Hagerman, First Lieutenant; Jonathan Holmes, Second Lieutenant.

“Gidney’s, late De la Vernge, preferred: Frederick Stritt, Captain; William Woodworth, First Lieutenant; Daniel Hamill, Second Lieutenant; David Ostrom, Ensign.

“Christopher Tobias, late Jacob Tobias, deceased: Bernard Doughty, Captain.

“Sharpstone’s, late Isaac Bloom, on Minute service: Dirck Doty, Captain.”

Die Martis, 10 ho. A. M., March 26, 1776.

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.

Present: William Paulding, Esq., Chairman pro tem.

FOR NEW-YORK.—Colonel McDougall, Mr. Sands.

FOR ULSTER.—Mr. Cantine.

FOR ALBANY.—Colonel P. R. Livingston.

FOR WESTCHESTER.—Mr. Paulding.

FOR SUFFOLK.—Mr. Tredwell.

FOR ORANGE.—Mr. Cuyper.

FOR KING’S.—Mr. Leffertse.

FOR TRYON.— Mr. Moore.

FOR CUMBERLAND.—Colonel William Williams.

FOR DUTCHESS.—Colonel Graham, Mr. Everson.

Whereas the allowance made by the Continental Congress for the Frocks of the Troops to be raised in this Colony, appears to be insufficient, owing to the great scarcity of the proper stuff to make them of; and whereas it is necessary for encouraging the raising the said Troops expeditiously, that they should be clothed in Uniform,

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee that, as well for the reputation as the security of this Colony, the Troops should be raised without delay, and that all encouragement should be given for that purpose.

Therefore Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius be, and he is hereby directed to provide Frocks for the Troops raising for the defence of this Colony, of the most proper Cloth he may be able to procure, and on the most reasonable terms in his power.

Mr. Peter Vandervoort attending, requested permission to export twenty barrels of Flour, for the use of some persons employed in erecting a fortification at New-London.

Ordered, That Mr. Peter Vandervoort be, and he is hereby, permitted to export twenty barrels of Flour, for the use of those who are erecting a fortification at New-London.

Ordered, That Mr. Tredwell and Mr. Moore be a Committee to consider of, and report a plan for disarming the Tories, pursuant to the Resolution of the Continental Congress.

Ordered, That the Colonels, or Commanding Officers of the respective Corps of Minute-men now in service at New-York or the places adjacent, do permit the Recruiting Officers of the several Regiments now raising in this Colony for Continental service, to inlist any men they can out of the said Minute Regiments; and that the said Recruiting Officers be permitted to take such men as they may so inlist into their respective corps of Continental Troops immediately.

A Letter from Brigadier-General Thompson was received, read, and is as follows, viz:

“New-York, March 26, 1776.

“GENTLEMEN: I must request you would furnish me with the sum of three hundred Dollars, which I at present stand in need of for the publick service. Major Scull, who waits on you with this, will give the proper receipt.

“I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

“WILLIAM THOMPSON, Brigadier-General.”

Thereupon, Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., as Treasurer of the Provincial Congress of this Colony, advance to Brigadier-General Thompson, the sum of three hundred Dollars, and take a receipt for the same, on Continental account.

Ordered, That Captain Post be, and he is hereby, directed to furnish the Barrackmaster with as many Tables, Benches, and other necessary articles, for the use of the Troops in this City, as the Barrack shall, from time to time, require or stand in need of.

A Letter from Mr. Isaac Sears, with General Lee’s orders to him for his expedition to Queen’s County, were severally read. Mr. Sears desires that the Bills he drew while employed on that expedition, may be paid.

Ordered, That the said papers be filed.

Ordered, That five hundred weight of Gunpowder be sent to the Committee of Orange County; and that the Committees of the Counties of Ulster and Dutchess be authorized, and they are hereby authorized, to receive each one thousand weight of the ton of Gunpowder lodged in Fort Constitution, belonging to this Colony; and that the respective Counties above-mentioned be charged with the said Powder; and that the said Powder be disposed of by the respective Committees of the said Counties, in the best manner to prevent the attacks or ravages of any enemy who might attempt to proceed up Hudson’s River.