DOCUMENTARY HISTORY, &c.

CORRESPONDENCE, MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS, PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEES, &c.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, July 1, 1776.

SIR: I wrote you by the express on Saturday last, since which nothing has occurred worthy your notice. The sole reason of troubling you with this is to acquaint you, that in consequence of your orders to Captain Peters, he proceeded with Major Rogers to this city, and called on me on Saturday last, and in the evening of that day I relieved him of his charge, and put Major Rogers under guard at the barracks, where he now remains, the Congress having, by a particular appointment, had under consideration a momentous matter this day, which prevented their attention to Major Rogers. My next will inform you, I hope, of some very decisive measures.

Being much engaged, I can only add my best wishes for your health and success; with respects to your worthy lady. I am, sir, your very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To His Excellency General Washington.

P. S. In justice to Captain Peters, I must say he has conducted exceedingly well.

JOHN WHITTIER TO JAMES WARREN.

Haverhill, July 1, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I have very lately heard that I am appointed to the command of a Regiment for the Canada expedition. I most sincerely and heartily thank the General Court for their repeated honours done me, and should gladly have accepted the appointment, were it not that my health of late has so far failed me, that, at present, I find myself unable to perform a journey of twenty miles without much difficulty and delay. Notwithstanding my willingness to assist in this (as I apprehend) just and righteous cause, yet the great and constant care of a Regiment, and the fatigues of such a long journey, render it impossible for me to accept the invitation with honour to myself and any advantage to the Province. Therefore I trust that the honourable Court will justify me in declining to accept, at present, of such an appointment.

Gentlemen, that you may have all that wisdom which is profitable to direct, and that the American arms may be crowned with victory and success, is the ardent prayer of your most humble and obedient servant,

JOHN WHITTIER.

To the Honourable James Warren, Esq., Speaker; to be communicated to the Honourable House of Representatives at Watertown.

JOHN COVENHOVEN TO THE PRESLDENT OF CONGRESS.

[read July 3, 1776.]

In Provincial Congress of New-Jersey,

Burlington, July 2, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: We have this moment undoubted information, by Lieutenant Colonel Scudder, from Monmouth County, that about four o'clock yesterday afternoon, he observed nearly the whole of the enemy's fleet in motion, and at half past six in the afternoon, saw about one hundred and thirty sail in the channel from the Hook to New-York, within nine miles from the Narrows, (a few vessels being left at the Hook;) that he left Middleton at eleven o'clock last evening; and about four this morning, being at the highland, between Upper and Lower Freehold, (about fifty miles from New-York,) on his way hither, heard a very heavy firing of cannon; whether this was at New-York, or to cover the landing of their troops, he could not judge.

We also received, by Colonel Scudder, a letter from Colonel Taylor, of Monmouth, dated yesterday, informing us of that County being so exposed to the enemy without, and the Tories among themselves, that he apprehends the Militia will not be prevailed on to march to New-York, and leave their wives and children to fall either a prey to the enemy, if they should be repulsed at New-York, or be murdered by the Tories in their absence, who are imbodying themselves, and a considerable number already encamped at the Cedar Swamps.

We thought it highly necessary to inform you of these matters, not doubting that you will, without the least delay, send forward all the assistance in your power, and take all present measures possible on this alarming exigency.

We are, gentlemen, your most obedient servants.

By order of Congress:

JOHN COVENHOVEN, Vice-President.

To the Honourable Continental Congress.

SAMUEL TUCKER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

In Provincial Congress of New-Jersey,

Burlington, July 3, 1776.

SIR: The bearer, Major Anderson, having been rendered for some time past unfit for service, is on his way from Canada to the Continental Congress, and requests our recommendation. He is at present an officer in the second battalion of Continental troops lately raised in this Colony, and now on service in the Northern Army. Of our own knowledge we can certify, that from the beginning of the present controversy Mr. Anderson has been a warm and active friend to the American cause, and a very useful officer of Militia, in which he was a Major. His behaviour in Canada has been very highly commended to us in various letters from the gentlemen of the Army in Canada, of which he will produce other testimonials. We have only to add, that besides his services in the Militia, and of late in Canada, he has formerly served in the British Army. By order of Congress:

SAMUEL TUCKER, President.

To the Honourable the Continental Congress.

GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS TO THE COMMITTEES OF SEVERAL TOWNS.

Watertown, July 2, 1776.

SIR: The General Court have received from his Excellency General Washington a pressing letter that the troops destined to New-York may be sent with all despatch, as he is well informed that General Howe is arrived from Halifax at the Hook. You will please to communicate this to your brethren, that you and they, with all possible expedition, may raise and march the troops going from your County. The General Court expect you will not let anything prevent their marching as fast as possible, as you see the exigency of the case requires.

By order of the General Court.

To the Chairman of the Committee for raising men in the County of——.