found in so suspicious a place as Amboy; his unnecessary stay there, on pretence of getting some baggage from New-York and an expectation of receiving money from a person here of bad character, and in no circumstances to furnish him out of his own stock; the Major’s reputation, and his being a half-pay officer, —have increased my jealousies about him. The business which he informs me he has with Congress, is a secret offer of his services, to the end that, in case it should be rejected, he might have his way left open to an employment in the East-Indies, to which he is assigned; and in that case he flatters himself he will obtain leave of Congress to go to Great Britain.

As he had been put upon his parole by Congress, I thought it would be improper to stay his progress to Philadelphia, should he be in fact destined thither. I therefore send him forward, but (to prevent imposition) under the care of an officer, with letters found upon him, which, from their tenour, seem calculated to recommend him to Congress. I submit it to their consideration, whether it would not be dangerous to accept of the offer of his services.

I am, with the greatest respect and esteem, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON

To the President of Congress.

At a Council of General Officers, held at Head-Quarters, June 27, 1776:

Present: His Excellency General Washington; Brigadier-Generals Heath, Spencer, Greene, Lord Stirling, Mifflin, and Scott.

The General communicated to the Council the Proceedings of the Court-Martial on Thomas Hickey; when he was unanimously advised to confirm the sentence, and that it be put in execution to-morrow, at eleven o’clock; for which purpose the General to issue his warrant.

Major Rogers having been brought before this Council of officers, from Amboy, where he has been for several days, the members are unanimously of opinion that he should proceed to Philadelphia, under an escort, and that at the same time a letter be written to Congress, informing them that, under all circumstances, he is not to be sufficiently relied on.

The General read a letter received from Colonel Crarey and Captain Livingston, informing that the Committee took surety for the good behaviour of the prisoners, and discharged them. Unanimously agreed, that the General write to the Provincial Congress, informing them of the transactions there, and that they will order therein; and also, that all persons apprehended, be detained until such information be obtained.

Advised unanimously, that all the Stock and Horses, except what are absolutely necessary for the support of the inhabitants, be removed from Long-Island, Staten-Island, and the adjoining coasts; and that application be made to the Provincial Congress to assist in carrying this measure into execution.

Determination of the Brigadier-Generals, in regard to removal of the Stock from the Islands.

In considering the several matters which your Excellency has been pleased to refer to us, we do, with regard to Long-Island and Staten-Island, think it absolutely necessary, for the safety and defence of this Colony, that all the stock of cattle and sheep (except such as may be requisite for the present subsistence of the inhabitants) be removed to a distance from the sea-coast, and that this be done immediately, as on the arrival of the enemy it will be impossible to give attention to this matter; and also, that all the horses be either removed, or put under such regulations as that they may be removed, on the first approach of the enemy; and with regard to the disaffected inhabitants who have lately been apprehended, we think that the method, at present, by the County Committee, of discharging them on their giving bonds as a security for their good behaviour, is very improper and ineffectual, and therefore recommend it to your Excellency to apply to the Congress of this Province to take some more effectual method of securing the good behaviour of those people; and, in the mean time, that your Excellency will order the officer, in whose custody they are, to discharge no more of them until the sense of the Congress be had thereon.

June 27, 1776.

COLONEL MOYLAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read July 1, 1776.]

New-York, June 27, 1776.

SIR: General Washington showed me the resolve of Congress, that the tents which came here from Philadelphia should be forwarded to Boston, which shall, with all possible despatch, be complied with. He was also pleased to communicate to me the paragraph of your letter to him respecting the detention of those tents, which, I must own, both surprised and alarmed me much. It really, sir, was not a stretch of power exercised by me, for I knew nothing of them until General Mifflin sent me word that a parcel of tents were arrived, being part of a larger number he had contracted with Mr. Barrell, of Philadelphia, for. I ordered them into the store, and never inquired further about them. To remove any unjust aspersion which my conduct in this affair may subject me to, is my motive for troubling you with this letter; and believe me, sir, the Congress will never find me exercising any power inconsistent with my duty to them, and to the department they have been pleased to honour me with the direction of.

I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

STEPHEN MOYLAN.

To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS.

Head-Quarters, New-York, June 27, 1776.

SIR: The necessity of the most vigorous and decisive measures in our present circumstances will, I doubt not, justify to your honourable body the removal of the stock of cattle and horses from those parts of the coast most exposed to the enemy. After a long and fatiguing voyage they will need refreshment of this nature, and there is no doubt they will have them, if possible, on any terms. Common prudence, therefore, and a regard to our own safety, strongly evince the necessity of depriving them of such supplies as will enable them to act with more vigour and spirit against us; though painful and disagreeable, it seems to be a measure which the great law of self-preservation now requires.

Enclosed I transmit the unanimous resolution of a council of General Officers, advising such removal, without delay; in which it is proposed to pay a suitable regard to the necessities of the people. I flatter myself that, in a matter of such importance and difficulty, the honourable body over which you preside will approve of the proposal, and carry it into execution, or co-operate with me in the most effectual steps for the purpose.

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and regard, sir, your obedient, humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To the Hon. Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President, &c.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WADSWORTH.

New-York, June 27, 1776.

SIR: Having received information of your being appointed to command the Militia to be furnished by your Colony for the defence of this place, I entreat you to give notice to the officers who are principally concerned in raising them, that their march be expedited as much as possible, or the assistance they are meant to afford may come loo late, as, in all probability, the enemy, immediately on their arrival, will make their grand push, especially if they are apprized of our weak state.

It will be indispensably necessary for the men to come provided with arms, as it will not be in my power to furnish them with one, having many here already unarmed; nor will it contribute to the service in the least degree if they do not; I therefore request the utmost attention to this matter of the last importance, and that none come without.

As it will be proper that an arrangement should be formed, and regular orders given as to their disposition, previous to their coming, to prevent disorder and confusion I desire, as soon as you have notified your principal officers of what I have said about forwarding the troops and bringing arms, that you repair here yourself to receive your instructions, and to be in readiness to give such directions to them as

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