Returned and informed there was not depth of water to get near enough, and was afraid his vessel would get aground. Next day the vessel went to the capes and came to anchor; the carpenters as yet still repairing the vessels, having taken, as he supposes, forty of the row-galleys’ balls out of the Roebuck, and some cannot be come at.

On the 18th of May aforesaid both vessels weighed from the Horekill-Road. The Liverpool stood to the northward, and, as far as he could learn, was to go or send to Halifax for more ships and men to attack Philadelphia. The Roebuck (in which he was) went to Norfolk and joined Dunmore’s fleet there, after which they burnt and sunk six sail of sloops and schooners, being scarce of hands to man them, &c. And on the 24th of May the fleet went to Gwin’s Island, being eighty-two sail, most of which were prizes; and on the 26th ianded on the island one hundred men of the Fourteenth Regiment, one hundred marines, one hundred and fifty inhabitants of Norfolk, (by them called volunteers,) and fifty seamen, and three hundred negroes, which were all that could be spared from the vessels. And as he could learn, they were to land the inhabitants taken on board at Norfolk on the island to refresh themselves and to get fresh stock of cattle, &c. being very scarce of such in the fleet, as some said they had not tasted any fresh meat for seven weeks. On that night there came three negro men from the shore in a canoe, who were shaked hands with, and kindly received and entertained by the Second Lieutenant and other officers. The Lieutenant went into the cabin and informed the Captain. He afterwards asked them if there would come more of their people on board; that if they did they would be well used. The negroes said there would. He then asked them if there were any shiftmen or forces lying near; they told him there were none nearer than six miles. He then asked them if there were any cattle near the shore on the main; they said there was plenty. He then asked them if they thought there was any danger in landing to get them; they said there was no danger. He then asked them if they could get some fowls that night for the officers, as they were badly off for some on board; they said they could get fowls and sheep. He then told them they should be well paid; and, besides, should be free when this disturbance was over, which he expected would be very soon, and then each of them should have a plantation of the Rebels’ land. After which one of the negroes went and brought some fowls and geese, which this deponent heard making a noise coming up the side of the ship; and also brought his wife and two children, and another negro man, of which he had told the Lieutenant before. And all prisoners taken by them are forced to do King’s duty, and are not reckoned prisoners of war, but Rebels, and very ill used, as he told the Captain “a man had better curse father and mother, and be killed at once, than to live such a life.” This deponent still designed to make his escape, or die in the attempt. He accordingly slipped through one of the gun ports into the canoe which the negroes had brought, cut the painter, and let her fall astern, and about break of day got ashore on the main; after which he met a man who told him that the people in the country would take him up before he could get to the camp and send him on board again, and that he had better return; but he would rather have taken his chance to die first. He arrived at the camp, and was kindly received by Colonel Churchill, and informed him of their design to land on the main for cattle, &c, and told him all that he knew, who sent immediately forty men and horses, and drove all the stock ten miles back in the country and saved them from being carried off. After which he heard they had landed on the main, but being disappointed, had burned some houses along shore; and further saith not.

WILLIAM BARRY.

Sworn before me:

SAMUELPATTERSON.

June 11, 1776.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, June 11, 1776.

SIR: I am honoured with your letters of the 7th, 8th, and 9th instant. The two first I have read in Congress. We have been two days in a Committee of the Whole, deliberating on three capital matters, the most important in their nature of any that have yet been before us, and have sat till seven o’clock in the evening each day. That not being finished, I judge best to return the express. I shall press Congress as soon as possible to determine upon the several matters you wish to be ascertained, and immediately transmit you the result.

The Congress have agreed to settle the mode of paying the troops in the Eastern Department this morning, and to proceed to the appointment of a Deputy Paymaster-General.

The particular mode of establishing expresses is now under the consideration of a Committee, and as soon as agreed, you shall know the issue.

Although Congress have not acted upon your queries respecting the Indians, yet I will venture to give my opinion that Congress intended the resolution of 25th May should be general, and extend to the several departments; and that the resolution of the 3d of June goes only to the number which the General shall be empowered to employ in Canada. But I hope soon to give you a full answer to all your queries; and in future I will exert myself in Congress that your applications may be considered as soon as received, and keep you punctually and regularly informed of the result.

Enclosed you have a resolve, whereby you will see that all the troops in the Middle Department are put upon the same pay, six and two-thirds dollars, as the troops in the Eastern Department.

I have sent you four bundles of commissions, and will forward you more by next opportunity.

The enclosed from Mrs. Washington I wish safe to hand. I have the pleasure to acquaint you she is in fine spirits, and proposes paying you a visit next week. I sent her your letter by the express; and when you write if you will please to put the letter under my cover I will immediately deliver it.

I have the honour to be, with every sentiment that respect and esteem inspire, sir, your very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To His Excellency General Washington.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, June 11, 1776,

SIR: Your favour of the 10th instant, containing the most interesting intelligence, was received this day and immediately laid before Congress.

In order to expedite the march of the Militia destined for New-York, I have sent, by order of Congress, expresses to the several Colonies that are requested to furnish troops for that place. Copies of my letters on the occasion I do myself the pleasure to enclose to you.

I am in hopes the alarming situation of affairs will induce the neighbouring Colonies to think of their danger, and to adopt the only effectual means of saving themselves from destruction.

The Congress have this day ordered Colonels Shea and Magaw, with their battalions, to repair immediately to New-York; and they are to begin their march to-morrow.

Mr. Chace and Mr. Carroll arrived this day; by their account there has been most shocking mismanagement in that quarter. I hope our affairs will soon be upon a mere reputable footing.

I have the honour to be, with esteem, sir, your most

obedient servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To His Excellency General Washington.

P. S. Please to order the two letters for the Convention of New-York to be delivered.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION.

Philadelphia, June 11, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Your favour by Mr. Gouverneur Morris, I had the pleasure of receiving yesterday, and immediately laid the same before Congress.

By the enclosed resolve, which I am commanded to transmit, you will perceive they have come to a resolution that the pay of the troops in the Middle and Eastern Departments shall hereafter be the same.