We also request you to grant commissions to the within-named gentlemen, except to Captain Benjamin Nicholson’s company, the officers of which have already received commissions.

We are, with respect, gentlemen, your most obedient servants,

To the Honourable Provincial Convention of Maryland.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO WILLIAM PALFREY.

Philadelphia, May 13, 1776.

SIR: I transmit herewith four hundred thousand dollars for the use of the troops in New-York and Massachusetts-Bay, which you will please to apply accordingly. But the particular disposition of it with regard to the latter of those Colonies, I am not able, at present, to ascertain. I will therefore lay the matter before Congress this day, and shall inform you by to-morrow’s post of the result.

The money is contained in six boxes—five large ones and one of a smaller size. I have committed it to the care and charge of Captain Lenox and Mr. Bicker, officers in the Pennsylvania forces in the Continental service, whom I beg leave to recommend to your notice and attention. You will please to forward me a receipt for the money.

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

William Palfrey, Esq., Paymaster-General at New-York.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, May 13, 1776.

SIR: I have delivered in charge to Captain Lenox & Co. four hundred thousand dollars, contained in six boxes, for the use of the troops in New-York and Massachusetts-Bay. The particular disposition of it with regard to the latter of these Colonies I cannot at present ascertain. I will therefore lay the matter before Congress this day, and inform you by to-morrow’s post of the result.

The Secret Committee have been so extremely engaged by a multiplicity of business that they have not yet furnished me with the state of the powder sent to the Eastward. In a few days I expect a report will be made upon the whole of your letters under the consideration of Congress.

The success of the application to the Committee of Safety of this Colony for arms is still unknown, as no report has been made.

As soon as I have it in my power I shall, with the greatest pleasure, transmit you the resolutions of Congress upon this and all other occasions. The powder goes forward this morning.

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To His Excellency General Washington.

JOHN CONNOLLY TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read May 13, 1776. Referred to the Committee on Prisoners.]

Philadelphia Jail, May 13, 1776.

SIR: The Congress was kind enough to indulge me with the liberty of walking the confines of the Jail, owing to my very low state of health, to which favour I attribute my present existence. A promise was required from me that I should not attempt to escape, or correspond upon any political subject; both which conditions I have religiously observed; notwithstanding, I find myself once more shut up; and, although my disorder which incessantly preys upon me, and which has now left me almost lifeless, I have nothing to expect without your interposition but the tedious approach of death. I do not censure you, sir, who are unacquainted with my present situation, and ardently engaged in the support of the measures which you have adopted, to have given directions for this rigour, particularly since Mr. Kirkland effected an escape; but when you come to reflect that I had promised not to abuse the indulgence which I had received from a resolve of Congress, and when I assure you, in the most solemn manner, that I was utterly unacquainted with that man’s intention, when it is well known to every person who has inspected into my conduct, that I have ever deported myself as mindful of my promise, and of being a prisoner; and when you add to these considerations my emaciated and infirm body, borne down with a consuming hectick, which your late order has much increased, doubtless, sir, both your apprehensions and resentment will be turned into compassion, and you cannot avoid feeling for the man, though you condemn his principles. I most earnestly entreat that you would be kind enough to move in Congress for my former enlargement during the day; and I do again assure you, upon my word of honour, that I shall attempt nothing to the prejudice of that cause in which you are embarked. Alas, sir, my debilitated appearance would readily convince you of my inability. The accompanying letter from Doctor Cadwallader will tend to evince to you that I would avoid giving trouble, was not my state so truly melancholy as I represent.

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

JOHN CONNOLLY.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

JOHN SMYTH TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read May 13th. Referred to the Committee on Prisoners]

Philadelphia Jail, May 12, 1776.

SIR: In February last I wrote a letter to you with a pencil, soliciting enlargement, which, though far from my intention, I am apprehensive gave offence. Common fame (even among the enemies of your cause) had reported you a man of humanity and benevolence. This induced me to take the liberty of writing to you in a private capacity, hoping to find you as represented. Being always before debarred from pen and ink, I now make use of Colonel Connolly’s, who has been again locked up with us for some days past. I have been six months most closely confined; and notwithstanding every application, have not obtained the least indulgence. I am now really deprived of my health, and almost the whole use of my limbs, so that the exercise of walking only a few turns across the room will instantly cause my feet to swell to such a degree as to oblige me immediately to pull off my shoes and return to my bed, which I can seldom leave, being so very weak, faint, and feverish; my eyes are so affected and impaired that I can hardly see the lines as I write; and I am also very fearful that a wound I have in my thigh will break out again afresh, as it gives me excessive and continual pain.

I am not able to use exercise on foot; had I the liberty, it would be impossible for me to walk even a mile. To have recourse to medicine in this place would be in vain, as the putrid and stagnated air continually increases the disease. Exercise on horseback, and fresh air, might still recover me, though, God knows, even that would be doubtful, and exercise on foot I am now incapable of using, was it allowed me. I would therefore beg leave earnestly to solicit for a parole, as a means of preserving my life, which, in these circumstances, I must esteem a very particular favour, and shall religiously observe any restrictions you may please to prescribe me. I hope that Mr. Kirkland’s escape will not be prejudicial to me, as I declare before God, who knows the heart, that I was entirely ignorant of his design; that I never had, and never desired any connection with him. His actions and whole conduct I totally disavow; and can with truth aver that no person whatever can accuse me of ever having broken my word. I am very sure that my condition is not known by you, and am hopeful that my application