When I attempted the fleet at Rhode-Island, had all the commanders behaved as well as I expected they would, I should have had it in my power long before this to have relieved most of the Southern Governments from their present difficulties; but as the case was, it was lucky we did not fall in with their whole strength at first. I was not deceived in the strength of the enemy, but greatly in our own resolution; and perhaps I was wrong in not giving my sentiments fully at first, the reason of which was, I was in hopes then of some further action, and that we might retrieve the character of the fleet. But the inattention to business of most of the officers, and an expectation of getting higher stations in the new ships, has, as I think, been some hinderance to getting the fleet ready to sail so soon as otherwise it might. I had no apprehension of the cannon being wanted more any where else, which was the reason of my delivering them to Governours Cooke and Trumbull.

The very great sickness which then was, and still is, amongst the seamen of the fleet, rendered it impossible to undertake any enterprise for the relief of any Colony, although in ever so much distress. All that I have been able to do was, to send the two brigs on a cruise, which I acquainted them with.

I did not know it was necessary to send a copy of my orders to the Marine Committee, but shall now do it immediately. I conceived it was, by the regulations, the business of the several Captains to transmit muster-rolls of the men under their command, both names and condition, monthly; but since I find they have not done it, shall see that they do it as soon as possible.

There has been, by my direction, two Courts-Martial; a copy of their proceedings, as far as they were transmitted to me, I sent to the President. I am very sensible that every officer has his friends, and that has had so much weight with me as not to order a Court-Martial, although ever so necessary, but when the complaint came in writing, and that from the principal officers of the fleet. I wish to God, and for the good of my country, that no officer in the fleet depended on any friend but his own merit.

As for the division of the plunder, it gives me no concern; and I take notice that those that are most clamorous about that matter, least deserve it.

As for the officers of the fleet, I believe my son will not take the command of any vessel, without he might cruise single, and I have no other friend to recommend; but I wish, with all my heart, it was in my power to recommend such as would fight when it was absolutely necessary.

I am greatly obliged to you for the kind wish of my prudence, judgment, and bravery—the honesty you might have left out. On the whole, I am very sensible there are many men more able to serve the common cause than I am, at these years, in the difficult department I am placed in; and if it is in the Committee’s power to get one of them willing to serve in my stead, he shall have all the assistance in my power to give, and I will still continue to serve my country in such a way as I think will be most for her advantage. The several difficulties that attend the Navy are too many to mention, and perhaps imprudent to name. It is too much for my capacity to surmount; and if you will be so kind as to use your interest to get a good man in my room, although you have done me many favours, it is not in your power to do me more or greater service at present. The Columbus is near ready to sail; when I shall order her to cruise, have not yet determined. The Fly goes down to Newport to-morrow, to take the cannon ordered from thence to Philadelphia. The Columbus will take near all the well people, save officers, belonging to the fleet.

If I can, shall get the Providence on a cruise soon, as she now is commanded by Lieutenant Jones, of the Alfred, as he was the oldest Lieutenant. Lieutenant Hacker, of the Cabot, has had the command of the Fly ever since we took her into the service, and I think has behaved so well that he deserves to be appointed Captain of her.

I am your friend and brother,

ESEK HOPKINS.

To the Honourable Stephen Hopkins, Esq., at Philadelphia.

P. S. If you please, you may make publick all or such part of the above letter, or not, as your judgment shall suggest.

GENERAL HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE.

Halifax, June 8, 1776.

MY LORD: On the 6th instant, the Mercury packet arrived with your Lordship’s despatches of the 27th April, duplicate 28th March, copy of your Lordship’s letter of 25th April to Lieutenant-General De Heister, and several papers relative to the state of the Hessian troops; copies of letters from your Lordship to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, of 26th April, and to Sir William, Erskine, of 1st same month; also, copy of a letter from Colonel Faucit to the Earl of Suffolk, of 9th April.

These despatches were delivered to me by Captain Emmerick, accompanied by a letter from your Lordship, setting forth his good services in the late war. I apprehend he might be employed here to great advantage, should this contest continue for another year, by returning to Europe, and bringing a corps of five hundred German Chasseurs; but in the present campaign, without proper troops for him to act with, or a knowledge of the country, he can be but casually employed, yet I hope to good effect.

The utmost attention shall be given to the experience and great abilities of Sir William Erskine, in the military line, and I shall with pleasure make known to him your Lordship’s commands to me in his favour.

The contents of Colonel Faucitt’s letter has given me much satisfaction, and I shall not fail to make a proper use of the knowledge it contains.

While writing this I have advice that some transports, with the Highlanders, are arrived at the entrance of the harbour, and I am not without hopes that we shall all join under sail to-morrow.

I cannot take my leave of your Lordship without expressing my utter amazement at the decisive and masterly strokes for carrying such extensive plans into immediate execution, as have been effected since your Lordship has assumed the conducting of this war, which is already most happily experienced by those who have the honour of serving here under your auspices. That you may finally receive the acknowledgments of a grateful country, the lasting glory which such services merit, and that I may, in some degree, contribute to the completion of measures so vigorously concerted, is the fervent wish of your Lordship’s, &c.,

WILLIAM HOWE.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONVENTION.

GENTLEMEN: Having just received, by express, resolves of Congress of a most interesting nature to America in general, and this Province in particular, we have thought it our indispensable duty to lay them before you as early as possible; and for that purpose have resolved that a Convention be held at the City of Annapolis, on Thursday the 20th instant. And we beg you will be punctual in your attendance at that time, as the business is very urgent, and will not admit of a moment’s delay. We are, &c.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BRIGADIERS-GENERAL OF MARYLAND.

SIR: Some resolves of Congress, which we have this moment received by express, and in consequence of which called a Convention on Thursday, the 20th instant, at Annapolis, rendering it absolutely necessary that we should be informed of the number of effective arms in the hands of the Militia in your district, we desire that you will immediately order the Colonels of the several battalions which you command to transmit to us, without a moment’s delay, the state and condition of the arms in the companies under them respectively, as it will be proper we should lay them before the Convention early in their meeting. We are, &c.

COLONEL FLEMING TO DANIEL GOLDSMITH.

Head-Quarters, June 9, 1776.

SIR: It is his Excellency General Washington’s orders, that Nathan Gyer, Lazarus Gyer, George Watts, Jacob Losye, Benjamin Scribner, and Neal McFall, prisoners in