whole continent. This is the account here. I pray God it may not be so bad as is represented.

The greatest care must be taken to have good officers. The fate of America depends on it. However, I make no doubt, as soon as the present commanders have time, they will get things in a better regulation, and that some examples will be made to deter others from such conduct. Poor General Thomas is dead, and General Sullivan now commands in Canada. I expect soon General Gates will be ordered there.

As to Marine affairs, brother Whipple will write you. A Board of War is now appointed, consisting of Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Sherman, Colonel Harrison, Mr. Wilson, and E. Rutledge. I have taken every opportunity to mention to the members the affair of the agency, and am surprised to find all of them agreeing that no member of Congress ought to be appointed to any post of profit under the Congress; so that as you are a member, I am sure it will not go down, and I am by no means willing you should resign your seat here. As the affair of the ship will soon be finished, and Colonel Whipple will be for returning to his family, my opinion is that it will be best for you to come here as soon as you and Colonel Whipple can agree on it; and that the affair of the agency be, in the mean time, left open. When you are here, you will be better able to determine on several affairs.

The affair of a Confederation of the Colonies is now unanimously agreed on by all the members of all the Colonies. A Committee of one from each Colony are to draw up the Articles of Confederation, or a Continental Constitution, which, when agreed on by the Congress, will be sent to be confirmed by the Legislatures of the several Colonies. As it is a very important business, and some difficulties have arisen, I fear it will take some time before it will be finally settled.

The affair of voting, whether by Colonies as at present, or otherwise, is not decided, and causes some warm disputes. The appointments of the officers of Militia to be sent to Canada is with our Legislature, and also the nomination of the Field Officers for the regiment stationed in our Colony, so that, unless any objection is made, their nomination will be confirmed. I hope the greatest care will be taken in the appointment to get bold, resolute, intrepid, and experienced persons.

The affair of taking the sugar ships has so animated the people here that they are now fitting out five or six privateers more here.

I should take great pleasure in recommending some active berth for you; but while you continue a member of Congress it will not take effect. If you are absolutely determined to resign, and should do it, I make no doubt some place agreeable to you might be found; and in that case you must see that another is appointed in your stead, to come here in about a month, to supply Colonel Whipple’s place, who is determined then to return. But it is my opinion you had better come here yourself, at least once more. It is necessary, however, we should know your absolute determination as soon as possible. I am, sir, your real friend,

JOSIAH BARTLETT.

MESHECH WEARE TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.

Exeter, June 18, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Enclosed is a copy of a resolve of our General Assembly, showing their sentiments relative to a declaration of the Colonies for throwing off their dependance on Great Britain —a measure the British Administration have long and very unjustly charged the Americans with having in view, but now we conceive are driven thereto by them, as the last probable resource to get rid of their unparalleled tyranny and oppression.

Resolves for raising a Continental battalion, (intended, as we suppose, to be stationed here,) and for sending seven hundred and fifty of our Militia into Canada, to reinforce the Army there, have been received, and are now under consideration of the General Assembly, who are taking such spirited measures thereon as the necessity of the case requires, especially those for Canada.

The business of the season, and great numbers already in the service, will make it difficult to raise the men; but every stimulus to encourage inlisting that can be thought of will be used.

In behalf of the Council and Assembly, I am, with true regard, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,

MESHECH WEARE, President.

To Josiah Bartlett and William Whipple, Esqs.

The Committee of both Houses, appointed to prepare a draft declaring the sentiments and opinion of the Council and Assembly of this Colony relative to the United Colonies setting up an independent State, beg leave to report the following:

Whereas it now appears an undoubted fact that, notwithstanding all the dutiful petitions and decent remonstrances from the American Colonies, and the utmost exertions of their best friends in England on their behalf, the British Ministry, arbitrary and vindictive, are yet determined to reduce by fire and sword our bleeding country to their absolute obedience; and, for this purpose, in addition to their own forces, have engaged great numbers of foreign mercenaries, who may now be on their passage here, accompanied by a formidable fleet, to ravage and plunder the sea-coast; from all which we may expect the most dismal scenes of distress the ensuing year, unless we exert ourselves by every means and precaution possible: And whereas we of this Colony of New-Hampshire have the example of several of the most respectable of our sister Colonies before us for entering upon that most important step, of a disunion from Great Britain, and declaring ourselves free and independent of the Crown thereof, being impelled thereto by the most violent and injurious treatment; and it appearing absolutely necessary in this most critical juncture of our publick affairs that the honourable the Continental Congress, who have this important object under their immediate consideration, should be also informed of our resolutions thereon without loss of time:

We do hereby declare, that it is the opinion of this Assembly our Delegates at the Continental Congress should be instructed, and they are hereby instructed, to join with the other Colonies in declaring the thirteen United Colonies a free and independent State, solemnly pledging our faith and honour that we will, on our parts, support the measure with our lives and fortunes; and that, in consequence thereof, they, the Continental Congress, on whose wisdom, fidelity, and integrity, we firmly rely, may enter into and form such alliances with foreign States for aid and assistance as they may judge most conducive to the present safety and future advantage of these American Colonies: Provided the regulation of our internal police be under the direction of our own Assembly.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, June 15, 1776.—The foregoing Report of the Committee of both Houses, being read and considered, Unanimously Voted, That the same be received and accepted, and that the draft by them brought in be sent to our Delegates at the Continental Congress forthwith, as the sense of this House.

IN COUNCIL, eodem die. —Read, and concurred unanimously.

E. THOMPSON, Secretary.

WILLIAM WHIPPLE TO JOHN LANGDON.

Philadelphia, June 22, 1776.

DEAR SIR: Agreeable to your desire in your favour of the 1st instant, I have applied to the Chairman of the Secret Committee to know if you should pay for the brig that was taken; in answer to which he says the charter party, accounts, &c., must be laid before the Committee ere they can order the payment.

By continual applications and importunities, I have at last prevailed on the Marine Committee to consent to your shipping men: you accordingly have authority from them to enter seamen on board the Raleigh, and get her manned as soon as you can. I shall send you next post a copy of the order from their Minutes; also an order for the provisions. I expected to have sent you blank warrants for the officers; but the Committee have changed their minds about that matter,

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