ship as any of her bigness in the British Navy. Captain Thompson is appointed to the command of her; the other officers are not yet appointed. I hope the Captain will set about raising the men, and that she will be fitted for sea as soon as possible.

I think with you, that the brave Captain Mugford and the men on board the privateers at Boston fought gallantly, and did honour to the country; but what shall we think of five hundred of our men in Canada surrendering themselves prisoners to about the same number of the enemy? The accounts are very vague; but thus much I believe is certain, that almost the whole of Colonel Bedel’s Regiment, and one hundred men with Major Sherburne, of Rhode-Island, are prisoners to the enemy; and, what at present appears surprising, surrendered without much resistance, when so large an array of our men were so near to assist them.

It seems as if our men in Canada were struck with a panick. What else could be the reason of their running away from Quebeck, and leaving their cannon and sick and every thing behind, without firing one musket? In short, I could never have believed that our men would be guilty of such conduct; however, I hope and believe that when our Army comes to get settled, and the officers and men reflect on what has passed, they will act with more spirit, and retrieve their credit. The small-pox among them is very frequent and very discouraging, for which we must make proper allowance; but the conduct of the hardy sons of New-Hampshire is truly mysterious.

You have, no doubt, heard of the two privateers from this place taking three large Jamaica ships very richly loaded. One of them is arrived here; the other two are said to be gone for New-England. The cash (amounting to twenty-two thousand four hundred dollars) and the plate (weighing one hundred and eighty pounds, as near as I remember) were taken on board the privateers, and are safe arrived here. The Liverpool man-of-war lies at the Capes of Delaware, and has taken two or three vessels lately—one with dry-goods. I want much to have our ships fitted, to drive her off or take her.

I shall enclose you a paper containing the Bill of Rights drawn up by Virginia. You have seen the Virginia resolves concerning Independence; I wish our Colony would give us instructions on that head, for, whatever may be our private opinions, instructions from the Colony, either requiring, or only authorizing us to vote in favour of it, if we should think it for the best, would carry great weight with it. The Congress has been so taken up with very important business, that the affair of agency has not been mentioned since my arrival. When it does, shall not be wanting in seconding Colonel Whipple.

By one of the enclosed papers, you will see that the Assembly of this Province have given new instructions to their Delegates.

11th. —By a letter just received from Canada, it appears that our men had neither provisions nor ammunition, and that was the cause of their surrendering.

I am, sir, your most humble servant, and, what is more, your sincere friend,

JOSIAH BARTLETT.

WILLIAM WHIPPLE TO JOHN LANGDON.

Philadelphia, June 17, 1776.

MY DEAR SIR: The money mentioned in a former letter is gone forward to Boston. Mr. Hancock has desired Mr Cushing to send it to New-Hampshire; it is in a box directed to Colonel Weare. I am glad you intend for Providence, and heartily wish you may succeed in getting the guns there; if not, I do not know when you will have them, but fear it will be a long time; for though two furnaces in this Province are employed making guns for the ships, there are no more than two twelve-pounders yet brought to town, and but very few of the other sizes; and if they were here, I think there will be great difficulty in getting them to you.

I some time ago mentioned to the Chairman of the Secret Committee what you propose respecting powder, and am in no doubt but you will be supplied in season with that article; in short, I am not concerned about anything but guns and men. The Committee decline giving orders for shipping men, while the prospect of getting guns is at such a distance.

I find there is no possibility of getting you appointed agent while you have a seat in Congress; and if you are not appointed, I am apprehensive the present acting agent will be confirmed. I have already told many of the members that you intended to resign your seat here. It is Colonel Bartlett’s opinion that you should come here; I do not know but it would be right for you to come. I should be exceeding glad to be at home for a few months. If this plan is agreeable to you, I shall like to set out about the middle of July; but as there will be time enough for you to answer this before I shall set out, shall let it rest entirely on your determination. If you determine to resign, shall have you appointed as soon as I know of your resignation. I must confess I am loath you should give up your seat; but if it is your choice I hope you will see that a proper person is appointed to supply your place. At all events it is probable I shall set out some time in July, and if I can get a companion shall take your carriage. In that case, should be glad to know if you will have your trunk brought home. I mean to take your carriage unless you direct otherwise. You mention in some of your letters the appointment of two agents; that I think would be unnecessary and improper, as one man could certainly do all the business. I hope your answer will be very explicit about your coming or resigning.

This day fortnight I expect the grand question will be determined in Congress, that being the day assigned to receive the report of a Committee who are preparing the Declaration. There is as great a change here since my arrival, as there was in New-Hampshire between the time that the powder was taken from the fort and the battle of Bunker-Hill.

New-Jersey has called a new Convention, who are now sitting. They have forbidden the meeting of the Assembly who were called by the Governour’s proclamation, and I hope my next will advise you of that Governour’s being seized, which I think ought to have been done many months ago. Affairs go on here bravely, as you will see by the papers.

I wrote some time ago that blank warrants would be sent to you; but it seems the Committee have changed their minds, and now say the names must be sent here.

I am, &c.,

WILLIAM WHIPPLE.

WILLIAM WHIPPLE TO JOHN LANGDON.

Philadelphia, June 14, 1776.

DEAR SIR: This accompanies the ten thousand dollars for the Naval service, mentioned in a former letter. I have put it in a box with some other money directed to Colonel Weare, and wish it safe to hand. Am sorry it was not in my power to send it sooner, but hope the service will not suffer.

We have no news here except from Canada, which I suppose has reached you ere now. The Commissioners are returned from that country. It is expected that General Thomas is dead ere this; if so, the command devolves on Sullivan; but there will be another General Officer sent there; believe Gates will be the man.

In haste, yours,

WILLIAM WHIPPLE.

JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON.

Philadelphia, June 17, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Your favour of the. .. . instant is come to hand, and am sorry the news you mention from Quebeck is not true. Things have taken an extraordinary turn in that country. The behaviour of Colonel Bedel and Major Butterfield is very extraordinary. No doubt you will hear the particulars before this reaches you. Dr. Franklin, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Carroll, are returned from Canada. Their account of the behaviour of our New-England officers and soldiers touches me to the quick. By their account, never men behaved so badly; some regiments not having more than one hundred men, when it was expected there were six times that number; stealing and plundering arms, ammunition, military stores, &c., and taking the batteaus and running off. One man, it is said, stole six guns, and, to conceal them, broke the stocks to pieces, cut up a tent to make a knapsack to carry off the barrels, locks, &c.; and all is said to be owing to the officers. Unless our men behave better, we shall lose all our former credit, and be despised by the