many places to hold. The enemy’s shipping were masters of the St. Lawrence, and riding triumphant wherever they pleased. Above Deschambault there is no place that can be so fortified as to prevent vessels from passing. At several places between Chambly and the mouth of the Sorel the river St. Lawrence runs within a league, the mouth of which last river if the enemy once possessed, (which would have been done on the north side without coming near our batteries,) our retreat would be effectually cut off; and in case they should make any attempt that way, we had no prospect of a reinforcement to enable us to keep possession of Canada. In short, as we saw it was impossible, whilst the enemy commanded the waters of the St. Lawrence, it was agreed in Council that this place, being of the greatest consequence, ought to be fortified and secured, and we should immediately leave Canada and come here.

The troops were ordered from Montreal and other parts of the country to St. Johns. A sickly Army, and a large quantity of baggage and stores were to be conveyed away. In a few days, with great trouble and fatigue, we arrived at St. Johns, expecting every moment to meet the enemy. Part of our Army (the sick, amounting to upwards of three thousand) we sent off for Crown Point; with the rest we came to the Isle-aux-Noix, perhaps the most sickly spot in the world, where we waited for the return of the boats. The enemy came to the Sorel the night after we left it; and supposing us to be there, fired several shot against our works. They also got up to Montreal just after our men had left it.

On the 21st ultimo we met with a very great loss in our regiment. Captains McClane, Adams, and Rippie, Lieutenants McFerran, McCallister, and Hogg, and Ensigns Lusk and Culbertson, with four privates, went over from the Isle-aux-Noix to the western shore of the Lake, about a mile from the camp, but within sight, to fish and divert themselves. Captain McClane prudently proposed to carry arms, but was unfortunately overruled. Some Indians observed their motions, and while they were at a house drinking some spruce-beer, the savages surrounded them, killed Captain Adams, Ensign Culbertson, and two privates, whom they scalped in the most inhuman and barbarous manner, and carried off prisoners Captain McClane, Lieutenants Ferran, McCaUister, and Hogg, and the other two privates; but a party coming to their relief from the camp, Captain Rippie and Ensign Lusk made their escape. The prisoners were doubtless carried directly to the Regulars at Montreal. We expect they will be exchanged in a short time. Some more of our people, I believe about six, were killed and scalped by the Indians the same day, about six miles above the Island, by the treachery of a Scotchman of the name of McDonald. However, our vigilance and attention have been such that nothing of the kind has since happened.

The enemy considering us intimidated, and apprehending we would not fight, sent several Indians and Canadians to line the waters and observe our motions. Colonels Wayne and Hartley having information that some persons were seen at the place where Captain Adams was killed, took a party over in the evening; when they saw a man on the top of the house looking at them, upon which they pushed forward through a swamp, found fresh tracks, saw Indian wigwams and fires; they pursued them for some distance, and took a fine horse, and saddle, which some regular officer had been riding, but night prevented their overtaking the enemy. It was proposed that a party of one thousand men should go from the Isle-aux-Noix, by land, to the Isle-la-Motte, whilst the rest went in batteaus. Colonel Hartley was of the party, with two hundred and fifty Riflemen out of his regiment. They scoured the country, traversed disagreeable swamps, and destroyed the house, mills, &c., of the traitor McDonald before mentioned, who had fled the morning before they got to his house. Near the house, finding fresh tracks and fires, they renewed their pursuit, but could not overtake the enemy.

GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Lebanon, July 3, 1776.

SIR: Immediately after the recess of the General Assembly, I gave the necessary orders to Brigadier-General Wadsworth for expediting the raising and marching the battalions ordered to be raised and sent to your assistance. Since which I had the honour to receive your favour of the 28th ultimo, advising of the arrival of General Howe at the Hook, and the near approach of the British fleet. In con-sequence of which, I have ordered such part of the battalions ordered to be raised to join you as are inlisted, to begin their march without delay, and that the residue move forward as fast as they are inlisted. But to prevent, as much as may be, any misfortune or danger from their arriving too late, I have ordered three regiments of Light-Horse of our Militia, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Seymour, to march, without loss of time, and join the Army under your command, and to continue to do duty with them until our battalions are completed, when, it is expected, they will be discharged, unless the situation of the Army should require that they be longer detained, of which you will be the proper judge; in which case it is hoped that they may be detained no longer than is absolutely necessary, as their private business at this season, in which the publick is interested, will suffer by their absence.

The critical situation of the Army under your command, and our desire to do everything in our power for the common defence, are the motives to order these regiments of horse to your assistance; but if you should think their service not necessary or useful, or should the situation of the Army be such that their march may be dispensed with, you will signify the same to Gold Selleck Silliman, Esq., the Colonel of the regiments of Light-Horse in this Colony, as well as of a battalion of foot coming to your assistance, that he may put a stop to their march. The utmost possible despatch in completing and forwarding the other troops ordered to your assistance will be used.

I am, with great truth and regard, your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant,

JONATHAN TRUMBULL.

To His Excellency General Washington.

COMMITTEE OF SPRINGFIELD, ETC., MASSACHUSETTS.

The Committee of the several Towns of Springfield, Westfield, and West-Springfield, at a meeting on the 3d day of July, 1776, agreed upon the following Resolves respecting the Prisoners committed to the care of the Committees of the several Towns in that part of the County of Hampshire, viz:

1. Resolved, That whereas some dangerous weapons have lately been found on some of the Prisoners, the several Committees be desired to make special search in each of their packs, pockets, &c., for the discovery of any such weapons, or inimical letters therein contained.

2. That the said Prisoners be not suffered to go out of any town or parish where they reside, upon any occasion or pretence, without a special permit from the Committee of such town or parish, nor allowed to be absent from their employers at any time without their leave; and that no leave of absence ought to be given them later than half an hour after sunset, and that they have no leave to be absent on Sundays, except to attend publick worship.

3. That the venders of spirituous liquors ought not to suffer any of the said Prisoners to be drinking in their respective houses, either at their own expense or others; but if either of the Committees of the respective towns and parishes shall judge it expedient and needful that they have strong drink, that they shall appoint some suitable person to supply them, but in a very sparing and moderate manner.

4. That whoever shall employ any of the above-said Prisoners, shall, within the space of three weeks from the time of their receiving them, transmit to the Committee from whom they receive them a copy of their agreement.

5. That no person may purchase any clothing or wearing apparel whatever belonging to the said Prisoners.

ELISHA PARKS, Chairman.
JOHN PINCHON, Cleric.

SELECTMEN OF ROCHESTER (STAFFORD COUNTY, N. H.) TO MESHECH WEARE.

Rochester, July 3, 1776.

SIR: We received an order from the Committee of Safety for the Colony of New-Hampshire, in which we were desired to deliver to Colonel Stephen Evans a four-pound cannon, which is in this town, to be returned to Piscataqua harbour, &c. Colonel Evans applied for said cannon in April last, but without an order. We told the Colonel we looked upon the cannon to be the town’s property, and that it might be

*