possibly be the means of preventing the evacuation of Canada by our troops.

Pray send to Esopus for carriages.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,

PHILIP SCHUYLER.

To the Sub-Committee of the City and County of Albany.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED FAIRFIELD, MAY 13, 1776.

More Tory business. Last Sunday Captain Harding, in the brig Defence, had the happiness of taking a number of Tories who were crossing over to Long-Island, on some of their pious errands, I suppose; among whom was one McNeal, a wretch you have often seen up town. He generally wore a white hat and blue silk jacket; in exchange for which, I hope, they will give him a coat-of-mail, that is, one of lime and stone.

It is said there were a number of letters found on them, giving an account of their diabolical schemes, together with the names of several of their associates. In consequence of which, a number of gentlemen resolved to break up the den, and set off to Ridgefield; among whom was the bold asserter of his country’s cause, Major Dimon, who, I have this moment heard, had like to have lost his life, in reposing too much confidence in one of the villains. It seems he was very active in taking one Lyons, who, after he had surrendered, invited him in, where he had a number of the brother murderers concealed, that fell on him and would have put an end to his life, had not some of his friends very providentially come to his assistance. The Major, I am told, is much wounded in the head, but still had resolution to go in quest of the others. You shall hear further in my next.

RECANTATION OF JOSIAH STIBBINS.

Whereas Josiah Stibbins, of Ridgefield, in April last, was judged inimical to the liberties of America, and hath been held up to publick view by the Committee of said town as such, by being advertised: Said Stibbins hath since appeared before said Committee, and made reflections and declarations, as follow, viz:

I, Josiah Stibbins, of Ridgefield, do acknowledge that my general conduct, both by words and actions, in time past, has been in opposition to the cause of the United American Colonies, carrying on against the King’s troops; for which conduct I am heartily sorry, and sincerely desire the forgiveness of my neighbours, and all the friends of the rights and liberties of America; and do solemnly declare that for the future I will fully and heartily join in conjunction with my country, and do my utmost in defence of the rights and liberties of America against the King’s troops that have been sent forth to dragoon us into a state of slavery.

Witness my hand, this 13th day of May, 1776.

JOSIAH STIBBINS.

Voted, That the above reflections and declarations are sufficient to restore him to the favour of the friends of American liberty.

Signed by order of the Committee,

STEPHEN SMITH, Chairman.

COLONEL GRIDLEY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Boston, May 13, 1776.

SIR: I received your Excellency’s orders of 20th April, with a copy of the request of the Committee of Congress enclosed, and have, agreeable thereto, been to Cape Anne, and made a critical survey of the same. The plan that accompanies this is a survey made by Mr. Holland, which I luckily met with, and have examined in the essential parts, and have added the soundings and some shoals which that plan had not, and have been as correct as the time would permit.

I have also sent plans of the several forts, erected at Gloucester, which you will please to observe by the red letters referred to in the plans. The letter H, which is at Mussel-Point, is a height well adapted for a fort of six battering cannon, which will greatly annoy any ships coming into the harbour, as they must come near it to avoid a shoal, and the battery being on such an eminence, it cannot be hurt from the ships’ tops; and the fort being only an oblong square picketed, will be easily and gladly made by the inhabitants, and can be easily reinforced or retreat with safety.

In my opinion, this harbour is a place of great consequence to keep possession of. At present there are two hundred and fifty men to guard it; but they are dispersed from Squam, round the Cape, to Gloucester, which is a great extent, and they cannot suddenly be collected together. They want cannon, ammunition, and men. Should there be an alarm, they cannot be assisted from any place nearer than Ipswich, which is twelve miles distant. They inform me four hundred of their men are inlisted into the Army, and very few remain fit for service. Manchester, eight miles on this side of Gloucester, is without any men or fort; a company of men, and a small redoubt (with three or four cannon) made there, at small expense, would be the safety of that place; which place being cut off, would greatly hinder the communication with Cape Ann; as from that place to Beverly there is water enough for the whole Navy of England to anchor in. I have mentioned to several members of the Court here the necessity, in my opinion, of their furnishing Gloucester with cannon and men, as a fleet is daily expected, and may do mischief before the Congress can have time to act their pleasure from this representation.

Fort Hill and Dorchester-Point Forts, Charlestown Fort, and the fort on Noddle’s Island, are now in a posture of defence, and with platforms laid, and cannon mounted on them, except Noddle’s Island, which will soon be done. Three cannon are mounted on the works at Castle William, and as soon as an embrazure and platform can be finished, a cannon will be mounted. We shall be most backward in the laboratory way, which I shall not be backward in hastening with all my influence.

At Gloucester I received your Excellency’s letter of 28th April, which surprised me at first; but when I considered the fears of the people in general in this town, their ignorance of military works, their aptness to prate of things they do not understand, and in many of them a malignant, deceitful disposition, my surprise ceased. I know I have exerted every nerve to the utmost in my power to forward the works. The soldiers have complained their duty has been more severe since the possession of Boston than before, for the whole were every day on duty of fatigue or guard. I have pressed the members of the Court and the inhabitants of this town to lend their assistance, and after some consideration, have effected their aid. It is my strongest inclination to forward everything for the good of the country, maugre the insinuations of detractors.

I would have sent plans of the forts here, but have not time at present, as I must set forward this day for New-London.

I am, with great regard, your Excellency’s most obedient servant,

RICHARD GRIDLEY.

To His Excellency General Washington, at New-York.

MESHECH WEARE TO COLONEL CUSHING.

Hampton Falls, May 13, 1776.

SIR: Your letter, requesting that we should have some regiments in readiness to assist you in case of an attack, which there was reason to expect, has been laid before the Committtee of Safety for this Colony, who thereupon immediately gave orders to the Colonels of the several regiments to take immediate care to have the men under their respective commands properly equipped, and ready to move on the shortest notice, upon any requisition from your Colony or this. The Committee view it as a common cause we are concerned in, and will readily do all in their power in support of it. I am directed by the Committee to acquaint you, in case of an attack, or your wanting immediate assistance, upon your informing the Colonels of any of the regiments most convenient, bordering on your Colony, they have orders to afford you all the assistance they can. We have no doubt of receiving the like assistance from you, in case the attack should be made on us.

I am, sir, &c.

MESHECH WEARE.

To the Hon. Thomas Cushing, Esquire.