makes his attempt before he is joined by the Germans, who sailed the 6th of May.

The Americans have taken post upon the river Richelieu and the Lakes, so that Montreal, not being tenable, is evacuated. General Lee is in Virginia, with ten thousand men, expecting Lord Cornwallis and General Clinton. General Washington commands at New-York, and General Ward in Boston.

The strange timidity de la Cour Française requires great patience and management; but I think it will at last be brought to act an avowed and decided part. When that happens, Angleterre must submit to whatever terms they please to impose, for she is totally incapable of sustaining a war with France. Adieu,

ARTHUR LEE.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PARIS, DATED JULY 6, 1776.

We hear that the Court of Great Britain have lately presented a memorial to our Court, and also to that of Spain, strongly complaining of the trade which is so industriously carried on by the French and Spanish merchants with the rebellious Colonies of North America; and at the same time inquiring the reason of the great armament carrying on in both these Kingdoms, supposed to be against the States of Africa, whilst the latter sit quiet and inactive, as if they had nothing to fear. The answer given by both the above Courts is publickly spoken to be this: That with regard to the complaints of trading with the Rebels, it is a mere smuggling and illicit trade, which, notwithstanding the risk of being confiscated, according to law, merchants of every maritime country will always venture, and act contrary to the positive commands of the Legislature. But with regard to the armament, both France and Spain find themselves highly necessitated to send strong forces to their Colonies of South America and the West-Indies, in order to prevent a rebellion there, to which they might be induced by the seeming success of the British Colonies in North America. Feasible, however, as this answer may appear, yet it is certain, that our squadron, lately sailed from Brest and Toulon, met and united themselves with a Spanish squadron near the Cape of St. Vincent; and there are authentick advices of the latest date, mentioning that the Spanish fleet destined for Cuba was observed steering towards Jamaica.

BENJAMIN HARRISON, JR., TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Williamsburgh, July 6, 1776.

HONOURABLE SIR: By direction of Brigadier General Lewis, I do myself the honour to transmit you an account of the state of my office, from 22d of June to this day; and I have it in orders from the General to say that an immediate supply of money is wanted.

I have the honour to be, honourable sir, your very obedient servant,

BENJ. HARRISON, Jun.

To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq.

MATTHEW TILGHMAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Annapolis, July 6, 1776.

SIR: Very fortunately, your letters, with the several resolutions of Congress, came just time enough to be offered to the Convention before their rising. They were immediately taken into consideration, and the enclosed resolves were very* speedily and unanimously passed, and directed to be transmitted to you, to be laid before the Congress; which, in obedience to the order of Convention, I have now the honour to do; and am, sir, respectfully, your most obedient servant,

MAT. TILGHMAN, President.

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

In Convention, Annapolis, July 6, 1776.

The President laid before the Convention several Letters from the Honourable the President of Congress, of the 25th and 29th of June, and the 4th instant, and sundry Resolutions of that respectable body, which were taken into consideration; and thereupon,

Ordered, That Colonel Smallwood immediately proceed with his Battalion to the City of Philadelphia, and put himself under the Continental officer commanding there, and be subject to the further orders of the Congress.

Ordered, That the Independent Companies stationed in Talbot, Kent, Queen Anne, and St. Mary's Counties, immediately proceed to Philadelphia, and put themselves under the command of Colonel Smallwood, subject to the further order of the Congress.

Resolved, That the said Battalion and Independent Companies be deducted from the number of the Militia required by Congress of this Colony, to compose the Flying-Camp.

Resolved, That this Province will raise two Companies of Riflemen, and four Companies of Germans, according to the requisition of Congress in their Resolutions of the 27th day of June last.

That one of the said Companies of Riflemen be raised in Harford County, two of the said Companies of Germans be raised in Baltimore County, and one of the Companies of Riflemen and two of the Companies of Germans be raised in Frederick County.

That each of the Companies of Germans consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four. Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and seventy-six Privates; and each of the Rifle Companies of one Captain, three Lieutenants, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and seventy-six Privates; and that the Officers be approved by appointment and certified to the Congress by the Council of Safety.

Extract from the minutes:

G. DUVALL, Clerk.

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Commanding Officer of the Flying-Camp to keep the corps of Regular Forces and Militia distinct and separate, if possible, to prevent any discontent about rank.

Extract from the minutes:

G. DUVALL, Clerk.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, July 6, 1776.

SIR: The Congress, for some time past, have had their attention occupied by one of the most interesting and important subjects that could possibly come before them or any other assembly of men.

Although it is not possible to foresee the consequences of human actions, yet it is nevertheless a duty we owe ourselves and posterity, in all our publick counsels, to decide in the best manner we are able, and to leave the event to that Being who controls both causes and events to bring about his own determinations.

Impressed with this sentiment, and at the same time fully convinced that our affairs may take a more favourable turn, the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve the connexion between Great Britain and the American Colonies, and to declare them free and independent States, as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed by Congress to transmit to you, and to request you will have it proclaimed at the head of the Army in the way you shall think most proper.

Agreeable to the request of Congress, the Committee of Safety of this Colony have forwarded to you ten thousand flints, and the flints at Rhode-Island are ordered to be sent to you immediately.

It is with great pleasure I inform you that the Militia of this Colony, of Delaware Government, and Maryland, are, and will be every day, in motion to form the Flying-Camp, and that all the Militia of this Colony will soon be in the Jerseys, ready to receive such orders as you shall please to give them.

I have written to Governour Cooke to engage immediately, and send forward as fast as, possible, fifty ship-carpenters to General Schuyler, for the purpose of building vessels on the Lakes. Fifty have already gone from hence on that business.

The Congress having directed the arms taken on board the Scotch transports to be sent to you, I have written to the agents in Rhode-Island and Massachusetts-Bay to forward them immediately.

The enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Greene I am directed to forward by Congress, with a request that you will order such parts of the stores therein mentioned to New-York as you shall judge proper.

I have the honour to be, sir, with perfect esteem, your most obedient and very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To His Excellency General Washington.