religious attention to the appointed solemnity; and as he was conscious of having no design or desire to contravene either that or any other order of that honourable Assembly, he trusted that the most favourable construction would be put upon an act attended with no mark of festivity or productive of disorder or licentiousness.

Your Memorialist begs leave further to assure this Committee, that he has, since his first residence in this Colony, been constantly obedient to the laws and regulations ordained in it; and more particularly, since the commencement of the late unhappy disputes between the Colonies and the parent State, he has firmly resolved, in no instance, to give offence to the inhabitants of a country where he has enjoyed all the benefits arising to individuals in a well-regulated society, and experienced the friendship of many worthy members of it, his utmost wish being to acquire the character of a peaceable and inoffensive citizen.

Under this circumstance of inattention and inadvertency as to the offence committed, and his hearty contrition for the same, he hopes this Committee will rest satisfied of the innocence of his intentions, and believe him, when he declares that he will, neither by word or deed, give cause for complaint in future; and that he will, in all instances, conform himself to the regulations that have been already made or may hereafter be marked out for the inhabitants of this Colony; and most sincerely wishes for a return of that peace and tranquillity which has heretofore prevailed in Virginia, in which he has passed the happiest part of his life; and that the present contest may be ended with honour and advantage to the United Colonies of America.

RICHARD HANSON.

We, the subscribers, who partook of a dinner at Mr Hanson’s on the day mentioned in his memorial, seriously declare, that it was done inadvertently, and not with design (as has been suggested) to counteract the order of the honourable Continental Congress. We further acknowledge, that we are heartily sorry for not strictly attending to that and every other order of that honourable Assembly: and solemnly engage, in future, so to conduct ourselves as to give ho offence to the inhabitants of this Colony, nor in any instance whatsoever again neglect to comply with every order of the Continental Congress, or the ordinances of the Convention of this Colony hereafter made or now ordained.

CAPTAIN NICHOLSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Ship Defence, Wicomico, May 28, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I did myself the pleasure of writing per Captain Pitt, informing of the situation of the enemy down at Norfolk; since which have been joined by Captain. Boucher and a brig he had in convoy. From the certainty he has of the tenders being so numerous about the cape, he is now hauling the brig up a creek in this river, and there to lie until a more favourable opportunity. For want of the assistance of a tender (my own having sprung her mast) I did not go lower down the bay than Rappahan-nock. When the bay appears quite clear, Captain Boucher and myself intend going down this river for the purpose of making discoveries, and should the vessels not be already sailed, would recommend they should be held in readiness until I return and send or bring you advice; but shoula you think proper to send them before, or should they be already sailed, you may depend upon my utmost care of them.

I am, gentlemen, your most obliged, humble servant, &c

JAMES NICHOLSON

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland

CAPTAIN NICHOLSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Off Wicomico mouth, May 28, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Two hours since I wrote you; since which have discovered five sail of topsail vessels, which had been at anchor off Windmill-Point; one of them wears a broad pendant, supposed the Commodore; she and another capital ship is now under way, standing up the bay; we apprehend there may be a fleet under Windmill-Point at anchor, as we heard the Commodore fire a gun-the signal for weighing. I am now hauling my wind down the bay, to make all the discovery I can, and expect momently to be chased, but depend on my heels; shall, as soon as satisfied of their number and the course they steer, make the best of my way up.

I am, gentlemen, yours to command,

JAMES NICHOLSON.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.

MR. GERRY TO MR. WARREN.

Philadelphia, May 28, 1776.

My DEAR SIR: Some days since I enclosed to our worthy friend, Major Hawley, sundry newspapers, containing intelligence of importance, but not so agreeable in its nature as the enclosed papers announce, relative to our sister Colonies, Virginia and North-Carolina. Their Conventions have unanimously declared for independency, and have, in this respect, exceeded their sister Colonies in a most noble and decisive measure. I hope it will be forth with communicated to your honourable Assembly, and hope to see my native Colony following this laudable example.

Yours, very truly,

ELBRIDGE GERRY.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL PUTNAM.

Philadelphia, May 28, 1776.

SIR: I received yours of the 24th instant, with its several enclosures, and the letter and invoice from General Ward, giving intelligence of the fortunate capture made by our armed vessels; on which event you have my congratulations.

I have written General Ward (as you will see by the enclosed letter, which, having read, you will seal and send by post) to send forward to New-York Colonel Putnam’s demand, and also such articles as Colonel Knox may apply for, out of the cargo taken. In like manner, I have desired him to send me, as soon as possible, part of the powder, and eight hundred of the carbines, which will greatly assist in making up the deficiency in this instance.

As to the plan for employing the armed vessels, I have no objection to its being adopted, provided it will not frustrate the main design for which they were fitted out; that I would by no means have injured, as it is a matter of much importance to prevent a correspondence between the disaffected and the enemy, and the latter from getting supplies of provision; but if this end can be answered and the other advantages in the plan you mentioned, it is certainly an eligible one.

The great variety of business in which Congress are engaged has prevented our settling what I was requested to attend for, though we have made several attempts, and a Committee has been appointed for the purpose day after day; nor can I say with precision when I shall be at liberty to return; I must, therefore, pray your attention and vigilance to every necessary work; and further, if you should receive before I come certain advices, and such as you can rely on, of the enemy’s being on the coast or approaching New-York, that you inform me thereof by express as early as possible. I do not wish an alarm to be given me without foundation, but as soon as you are certified of their coming, that it be instantly communicated to me, and orders given to the express who comes, to bespeak, at the different necessary stages on the road, as many horses as may be proper for facilitating my return, and that of the gentlemen with me, with the greatest expedition. I am, &c.,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To General Putnam.

P. S. 1 desire you will speak to the several Colonels, and hurry them to get their colours done.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD.

Philadelphia, May 28, 1776.

SIR: On Saturday morning I was favoured with yours of the 17th instant, giving the agreeable intelligence of the important and valuable prize made by the armed schooners in the Continental service, and and hopeful that, if a vigilant look-out is kept, others, not less valuable, will fall into our hands.