the sum of fifteen shillings, current money, by distress and sale of the said Turbutt Betton, Junior’s goods and effects, in the same manner that goods may be distrained and sold by law for County levies; and the same, when distressed as aforesaid, to pay into the hands of Mr. Joseph Potter; fail not, this being your sufficient power.

By order of Committee:

SOLOMON WRIGHT, Chairman.

To Mr. Philemon Young.

THOMAS McKEAN TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read June 13, 1776.]

Newcastle, June 13, 1776—half past 2 o’clock A. M.

SIR: The Assembly here have information this moment, by express, that there are a thousand Tories under arms in Sussex County, in this Government; that they assembled near Cedar Creek, about eighteen miles on this side Lewes, and that their intention was to proceed there and join the British forces from on board some men-of-war, now in the Horekill Road, who were to land this night in order to cut off three companies of the Continental troops at that place; and that it is apprehended that they have been supplied with arms and ammunition by the men-of-war, and perhaps may intrench. The Militia from Kent marched yesterday, at least half a dozen companies, and the rest were to follow as soon as they could be ready. The detachment of Colonel Haslett’s Battalion, at Wilmington, are ordered down; the like orders will be given to the Militia of this County. I should be glad if a ton of powder and some lead could be sent down by land immediately, as it is uncertain to what a height this mad affair may be carried. The Militia and Regulars are very ill provided with arms, but we expect soon to give a good account of these misguided people.

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

THOMAS MCKEAN.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

THOMAS McKEAN TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Newcastle, June 13, 1776—7 o’clock P. M.

SIR: I have the pleasure to inform you that the insurgents in Sussex County have dispersed, after a conference had by some of their leaders with some of the Council of Safety of this Government. They deny all intercourse with the men-of-war, or disaffection to the American cause; but the real cause of their assembling in such large numbers and in so hostile a manner is as yet unknown to the Assembly, although they have had an express mentioning what is above. The true Whigs of Sussex, and about a thousand of the Militia of Kent, together with two companies of the Militia of Newcastle County, had marched with great expedition; also the detachment of the Delaware Battalion at Wilmington reached this town in their way down; they are all returned to their respective quarters, and this strange affair is submitted to the civil jurisdiction. The House had appointed a Committee to proceed to Lewes, and to endeavour to quiet the imprudent people, by reason, if practicable, and if not in that way, then by force of arms.

It is conceived proper to communicate the above to you as speedily as possible, though I am sorry I can tell you no more particulars. I write in haste; and am, with great regard, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

THOMASMCKEAN.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

GEORGE EVANS TO MICHAEL HILLEGAS.

Brandywine, June 13, 1776.

DEARSIR: I am under the necessity of applying to you to assist me in getting some cash to supply the troops with provisions. I would have attended myself, but the situation of our Government prevents me. I this morning received orders from Colonel Haslett to provide wagons to follow the battalion to Sussex with provisions, wherein he informed me that one thousand men have risen, and are determined to join the Ministerial forces. The cash I received from you is all exhausted, and I am under the necessity of sending in this manner the bearer, Mr. William Tussey, who will give you a receipt in my behalf. I am putting too much trouble on you, sir; but the necessity of the times obliges me (our Delegates being all absent) to apply to you, being the only gentleman I have any acquaintance with, or can make free with to request so great a favour of. As soon as the battalion is fixed in a situation that I can leave them a few days, I will come to town and call on you.

I remain your humble servant, &c.,

GEORGEEVANS.

To Michael Hillegas, Esq., Philadelphia.

P. S. I did not mention any sum to draw for in the above. If I can get one thousand or fifteen hundred dollars at this time, it will do until I can call on you.

G. E.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO AGENTS FOR PRIZES AT PHILADELPHIA.

Philadelphia, June 13, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I am directed by Congress to inform you that the offer which the owners made of the hard money taken on board their prizes is accepted, and that you will please to apply to the men for the moiety belonging to them. The publick service calls for the money as soon as it can possibly be had. Should the men consent to let Congress have their share, I will immediately give drafts on the Treasury for the amount. It is the request of Colonel Rober-deau that the money remain at Captain Craig’s until further orders.

I beg leave to thank you, and the rest of the owners, for the example of publick spirit which you have, in the most unsolicited manner, shown upon this occasion.

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

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To Messrs. Moore and Craig, Agents, &c.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO EBENEZER HANCOCK.

Philadelphia, June 13, 1776.

DEAR BROTHER : I have the pleasure to acquaint you that the Congress have been pleased to appoint you Deputy Paymaster-General to the Continental troops in the Eastern Department, with a salary of fifty dollars a month, which I hope will prove agreeable to you; and I most earnestly recommend to you a very close and strict attention to the business of your office. The department to which your office extends takes in the Colony of Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Rhode-Island. The Continental troops in all those places fall under your care. I enclose you several resolves of Congress respecting your office, which I must direct that you closely adhere to, and you are to obey all orders from General Washington, or the Commander-in-Chief for the time being in the Eastern Department. You will apply to the commanding officer at Boston for a centinel to be placed at the door of your office by night and day.

Be careful to make your monthly returns regularly to me. By next post I shall transmit you the pay list. Enclosed you have your commission. I wish you happy; and am your humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To Ebenezer Hancock, Esq., Deputy Paymaster-General.

RICHARD HENRY LEE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, June 13, 1776.

DEAR SIR : I am informed that a certain Mr. Eustace, now in New-York, but some time ago with Lord Dunmore, is acquainted with a practice that prevailed of taking letters out of the Post Office in Virginia and carrying them to Dun-more for his perusal, and then returning them to the office again. As it is of the greatest consequence that this nefarious practice be stopped immediately, I shall be exceedingly obliged to you, sir, for getting Mr. Eustace to give in writing all that he knows about this business, and enclose the same to me at Williamsburgh. I wish to know particularly what Post Offices the letters were taken from, by whom, and who carried them to Lord Dunmore. This day I set off for Virginia, where if I can be of any service to you, it will oblige to command me. It is more than probable that Congress will order our friend Gates to Canada. His great abilities