GENERAL HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE.

Halifax, June 4, 1776.

MY LORD: The mercantile goods at Boston, having attracted your Lordship’s regard as well as that of Lord Dartmouth, I took such measures as were most advisable to answer the purposes required, which will appear from the enclosed detail of what has been done; and although the design has been mostly frustrated by the loss of the principal ship, yet to set this matter in a clear light, and to lodge, as it were, a record of the transaction, I beg leave to trouble your Lordship with the particulars relative to it; the main object being to deprive the Rebels of what they stood most in need; the goods in possession will remain in store at Halifax.

It is found that the regiment projected by Governour Legge, to be raised within the Province of Nova-Scotia, cannot be completed; and to relieve Government from unnecessary expense, I have taken the liberty to put this corps into a different form after the 24th instant, leaving an opening for all concerned to entitle themselves to their present appointments by success in recruiting.

This regulation is enclosed for your Lordship’s approbation; and I am, &c.,

WILLIAM HOWE.

To Lord George Germaine.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEE OF OBSERVATION FOR CALVERT COUNTY.

GENTLEMEN: Captain Beall has complained that he hath not sufficient houseroom for the half company stationed at Drum Point, and has requested something may be done. We therefore desire you would make inquiry into the affair, and if there are not houses sufficient, we would have you cause barracks to be erected, so that the men may be lodged without inconvenience to their Captain and themselves.

We are, &c.

To the Committee of Observation for Calvert County.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE CONVENTION OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.

Philadelphia, June 4, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Our affairs are hastening fast to a crisis; and the approaching campaign will, in all probability, determine forever the fate of America.

Such is the unrelenting spirit which possesses the tyrant of Britain and his Parliament, that they have left no measure unessayed that had a tendency to accomplish our destruction. Not satisfied with having lined our coasts with ships of war, to starve us into a surrender of our liberties, and to prevent us from being supplied with arms and ammunition, they are now about to pour in a number of foreign troops, who, from their want of connections and those feelings of sympathy which frequently bind together the different parts of the same empire, will be more likely to do the business of their masters without remorse or compunction.

By the best intelligence from Canada, it appears that our affairs in that quarter wear a melancholy aspect. Should the Canadians and Indians take up arms against us, (which there is too much reason to fear,) we shall then have the whole force of that country to contend with, joined to that of Great Britain, and all her foreign auxiliaries. In this situation, what steps must we pursue? Our Continental troops alone are unable to stem the torrent; nor is it possible at this day to raise and discipline men ready to take the field by the time they will be wanted.

From the secrecy with which the Ministry carry on their machinations, we neither know their views, or how near our enemies may be. Perhaps at this moment they are landing on some part of our country. In this difficult and trying situation of our affairs, the Congress have come to the enclosed resolves, which I have it in command to transmit you by express, containing matters of the greatest importance, and to which I beg leave to request your attention. You will there find the Congress have judged it necessary to call upon the Militia at this alarming crisis.

Should the United Colonies be able to keep their ground this campaign, I am under no apprehensions on account of any future one. We have many disadvantages at present to struggle with, which time and progress in the art of war will remove. But this circumstance should rouse us to superior exertions on the occasion. The Militia of the United Colonies are a body of troops that may be depended upon. To their virtue, their Delegates in Congress now make the most solemn appeal. They are called upon to say whether they will live slaves, or die freemen. They are requested to step forth in defence of their wives, their children, their liberty, and everything they hold dear. The cause is certainly a most glorious one, and I trust every man in the Colony of New-Hampshire is determined to see it gloriously ended, or perish in the ruins of it. In short, on your exertions at this critical period, together with those of the other Colonies in the common cause, the salvation of America now evidently depends.

Your Colony, I am persuaded, will not be behindhand. Exert, therefore, every nerve to distinguish yourselves. Quicken your preparations, and stimulate the good people of your Government, and there is no danger, notwithstanding the mighty armament with which we are threatened, but you will be able to lead them to victory, to liberty, and to happiness.

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

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To the Honourable Convention of New-Hampshire.

[The same to the Honourable Assembly of Massachusetts-Bay, to the Honourable Governour Trumbull, to the Honourable Convention of New-York, to the Honourable Convention of New-Jersey, to the Honourable Assembly of the Government of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, and to the Honourable Convention of Maryland. ]

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO PENNSYLVANIA ASSEMBLY.

Philadelphia, June 4, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: By the resolves sent herewith, which I do myself the honour of enclosing, in obedience to the commands of Congress, you will perceive they have judged it necessary to call upon the Militia at this alarming crisis.

We have too much reason to believe the whole force of Great Britain, aided by foreign auxiliaries, will be exerted against us the ensuing campaign. In this case the Continental troops dispersed through such a number of Colonies will be totally inadequate to our defence; nor is it possible at this day to raise and discipline troops ready to take the field by the time they will be wanted.

Our country, however, is not destitute of resources. The Militia of the United Colonies are a body of troops that may be depended upon. To their virtue, their Delegates in Congress now make the most solemn appeal. They are called upon to say whether they will live slaves, or die freemen. They are requested to step forth in defence of their wives, their children, their liberty, and everything they hold dear. The cause is certainly a most glorious one, and I hope every man in the Colony of Pennsylvania is determined to see it gloriously ended, or to perish in the ruins of it. In short, on your exertions at this critical period, together with those of the other Colonies, the salvation of America now evidently depends. I shall only add, that from your zeal and ardour in the American cause, I have the greatest reason, to hope you will pay that immediate attention to the enclosed resolves, which your own situation in particular and the publick good so evidently require.

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

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To the Honourable Assembly of Pennsylvania.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE DELEGATES IN CONGRESS TO MESHECH WEARE.

Philadelphia, June 4, 1776.

SIR: We wrote you the 28th ultimo, since which Congress have resolved to send a further reinforcement into Canada. Seven hundred and fifty men, including officers, will be required of our Colony to serve as Militia until the 1st of December, the officers to be commissioned by the Colony. It is absolutely necessary our posts should be supported in that country, for should the enemy get possession, we should certainly have a long and troublesome war on our hands; but if we are successful, which by proper exertions and Divine assistance there is no doubt of, this campaign will place us out of the reach of their malice. You will receive the resolution respecting this reinforcement from