as some of the artificers do not comply with their contracts; and we are subject to two inconveniences—the ignorance of the real contract, arid the want of power to enforce it.

We are, &c.

To Robert Alexander, Esq.

BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.

At a meeting of the Committee, July 8, 1776:

Present: S. Purviance, Chairman, William Lux, Vice Chairman, J, Calhoun, W. Aisquith, A. Brittain, Andrew Buchanan, B. Nicholson, Charles Ridgely of William, Z. McCubbin, T. Solkrs, and J. Griest.

Messrs. Selah Barbon and James Seddon applied to this Committee to be released from the fines assessed on them as Non-Enrollers, as they had now enrolled with Captain Cromwell; which was granted.

On representation of Richard Taylor that he was fined £10, which he is utterly unable to pay, without greatly distressing his family of a wife and seven children, the Committee, taking the same into consideration, agreed to remit £5 of said fine.

An express arrived from the Council of Safety with copies of a Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the Congress, to the Convention of Maryland, dated the 4th July, advising of the arrival of General Howe, with a considerable Army, at Staten-Island, and requesting, in the most earnest manner, the march of the Militia voted by this Colony for the Flying-Camp. Also, several Resolves of the Convention of this Province, dated 6th July, among which is a resolve that two Companies of Germans be raised in this County, to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, and seventy-six Privates, and that the Committee recommend the Officers of said Companies, and certify the same to the Council of Safety.

Resolved, That this Committee will meet on Thursday, the 11th instant, and that publick notice be given thereof, in order that all those who are desirous of commissions may apply.

Attested;

GEORGE LUX, Secretary.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, July 8, 1776.

SIR: I do myself the honour of enclosing sundry resolves of Congress, to which I beg leave to refer your attention, and which are so explicit that I need not enlarge.

In obedience to the commands of Congress, I have written to Generals Schuyler and Gates, and have recommended a mutual confidence and harmony in their military operations. Their joint labour and exertions are requisite in that quarter; nor have I the least doubt but they will act on all occasions with the most perfect unanimity.

You will please to appoint suitable places of rendezvous for the battalions raising for Canada, and communicate the same to the Assemblies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Connecticut, and New-York, and also to issue orders for supplying the men with rations, tents, month's advance pay, and other necessaries.

I am so pressed for time, that I can only add that I am, most truly, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To General Washington.

P. S. The enclosed please forward to General Schuyler and General Gates.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Philadelphia, July 8, 1776.

SIR: In consequence of your letter to General Washington, stating that a difference of opinion had arisen between General Gates and yourself with regard to the command of the troops in the Northern Department, I am to inform you that Congress have this day taken the matter into consideration, and directed me to transmit the enclosed resolution.

You will there perceive that it was the intention of Congress to give General Gates the command while the troops were in Canada, but no longer. As they think it expedient he should still continue to act with you, I am most earnestly to recommend to you to cultivate a harmony in your military operations. The Congress highly approve of your patriotism and magnanimity in not suffering any difference of opinion to hurt the publick service.

A mutual confidence and good understanding are at this time so essentially necessary, that I am persuaded they will take place on all occasions between yourself and General Gates, and that by your joint exertions in the cause of freedom, your country will receive the most essential benefits.

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

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To General Schuyler, Albany or elsewhere.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL GATES.

Philadelphia, July 8, 1776.

SIR: The Congress being informed by letter from General Schuyler to General Washington, which was laid before them at the request of the former, and by your own consent, that a difference of opinion had arisen between General Schuyler and yourself, with regard to the command of the Army in the Northern Department, they immediately took the matter into consideration, and have this day come to the enclosed resolution, which I do myself the honour of transmitting in obedience to their commands.

You will there perceive that Congress are of opinion your command was totally independent of General Schuyler while the Army was in Canada, but no longer; and, indeed, the terms in which the resolve relative to your appointment is conceived, seem to show that this was their intention. You were expressly, by that resolve, to take the command of the troops in Canada; words which strongly imply that they had no design to divest General Schuyler of the command while the troops were on this side Canada.

I am, however, to inform you that Congress highly approve your resolution and magnanimity that the publick service should receive no detriment from any difference of opinion on the occasion. It is their most earnest desire that you will go on to act in the same manner, and cultivate harmony in all your military operations. A good understanding and mutual confidence are so essentially necessary in order to give success to our measures, that I am convinced they will take place on all occasions between you. He deserves most of his country, and will undoubtedly meet with the greatest applause, in whatever rank or station he may be, who renders her the most useful and signal services.

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

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To General Gates.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL GATES.

Philadelphia, July 8, 1776.

SIR: I have it in charge from Congress to direct that you do not order Captain Peters out of this city, his service being necessary as Secretary to the War Office.

I am also to inform you that the Postmasters, while in office, are excused, by order of Congress, from all military duty.

I am, sir, with respect, your most obedient and very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To Gen. Roberdeau, commanding officer in Philadelphia.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JAMES MEASE.

Philadelphia, July 8, 1776.

SIR: I have it in charge from the Congress, to direct that you pay one month's advance to such of the Militia as will engage to serve in the Flying-Camp; which you will please to notice accordingly.

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

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To James Mease, Esq., Commissary and Paymaster, Philadelphia.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO REV. JACOB DUCHE.

Philadelphia, July 8, 1776.

SIR: It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that the Congress have been induced, from a consideration of your