purpose: It is far from the intention of either of those two Powers to interrupt Great Britain whilst she is engaged in the present contest, but their views merely are, to carry on an open trade (warlike stores excepted) with the Colonies of North America. They argue thus: As the Colonies were kept in subjection by the mother country, the latter prevented other nations from dealing with them, and the former, through filial affection and mutual interest, submitted their trade to be monopolized by the mother country; but now, the lies being dissolved, the Colonies being declared as enemies, the monopoly ceases from itself, and every nation may go to market according to their interest. It was in the power of Great Britain to prohibit her Colonies to trade with foreigners, but it is not in her power to prescribe laws to other nations prohibiting them from trading with America; nor does it consist with the laws of nations; just as if Russia, as long as she was at war with the Ottoman Porte, would have prohibited all Europe from trading to Turkey. But if Great Britain should insist upon it that she has a right to prevent other nations from trafficking with North America, both France and Spain are determined to oppose her by force of arms; to which purpose a strong, united force of these two nations is cruising in the sea, merely to act in their own defence; and as it is impossible for Great Britain to submit to this, nothing is more sure than open hostilities, to be soon commenced at sea, which cannot fail of involving all Europe in a most horrid war.

THOMAS OLIVER TO DAVID FHIPS.

London, July 9, 1776.

DEAR SIR: This day I received your kind letter of the 9th of June. It gives me great pleasure, as it seems to carry with it a degree of satisfaction and contentment with your present situation. Happy I am that you did not leave Halifax, to encounter the expenses of this extravagant place. Every article of expense is increased fourfold since you knew it. What die many poor people will do who have steered their course this way, I cannot tell. Government, however disposed to relieve their necessities, will not be able to answer their numerous claims. Every Province of America affords its petitioners, and I apprehend the number of them will prevent the gratification of any.

I think it my duty, in point of friendship, to give you this hint; but keep it to yourself, lest it may be construed to a kind of reflection which I do not mean. Upon the score of secrecy, let me hint to you, that your friend General Gage is entirely in the private walk of life; he could not serve you; therefore, my good friend, you must be content to wait with patience the event of things. If any opening occurs, I will not fail to advise you of it.

I found Mrs. Oliver well, and settled in a little snug house at Bromton, in the neighbourhood of London. But I shall continue here no longer than I am able to find an economical retreat. I have not had time to look about me yet; some cheaper part of England must be the object of my inquiry. Colonel Vassall is at present in our neighbourhood, but he means to take a house in London, at the court end of the town, and enjoy the comforts of a plentiful fortune, at least for one winter.

We received the account of our successes in Canada about ten days before the arrival of your letters. It would have given me great pleasure to have received first from you. You know it would have given me an opportunity to have shown them to your advantage—" a word to the wise." If anything occurs which you think important, let me have lit by the first opportunity. Direct to Lieutenant-Governour Oliver, London; it will be sufficient.

I hope this will find you, Mrs. P., and family, well, and as happy as your circumstances will admit; in which I shall: ever take the part of a sincere friend and well-wisher.

THO. OLIVER.

To David Phips, Esq., Halifax.

COLONEL DORSET TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Elk-Ridge, July 9, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I received yours of yesterday, in consequence of which, have ordered the Elk-Ridge battalion to meet immediately, and will send the number of men required to. Annapolis. Colonel John Dorsey tells me that you desire a company of the Flying-Camp might be sent, if they were made up. On inquiry, I find that there is no company near full, though perhaps on the day the battalion meets they may make up their number; if so, they will immediately march down; otherwise will find a company of Militia, which I imagine will be with you on Saturday. By a letter I have just received from Mr. Pica, I find the Congress have passed a resolve that the Militia of Maryland march to Philadelphia. I shall be glad to hear from your Honours on that head as soon as possible.

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

THOMAS DORSEY.

To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland.

STEPHEN STEWART TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

July 9, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I have yours of yesterday, with a list of vessels. There are many people that have vessels who would be glad to get your money for them, whether they were suitable /or your use or not. Will have as fine a vessel of our own as almost any in this bay, and goes pretty fast; I want to sell her very much, but am afraid she would not answer the end you want her for. Mr. Sprigg's snow goes fast, and is well calculated to be lengthened, by putting ten feet in her. She will draw but little water, and I think will go very fast; but I may be mistaken in her sailing, though she certainly sails fast now. I will be off on Friday, and go to Baltimore for you, or the Eastern-Shore; though your business requires my being in the yard, I will do what you think most advantageous for the Province. I think to get Captain Kilty to go to the Eastern-Shore, and will get him to come up with me for that purpose. I think the most of those vessels you send a list of, must be in Nanticoke and Wicomico. As these two rivers are blocked up, how are you to get them out, if they should suit your purpose? John Ball has applied to me to get the building of one of the row-galleys; which I have no objection to, if you think well of it. The more of them that are building in our yard, the more hands will be employed; therefore we shall be better able to protect them from the enemy; though I should be glad Mr. Ball and every honest man should have part of the Province business.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,

STEPHEN STEWART.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL.

Philadelphia, July 9, 1776.

SIR: I am so engaged in the execution of the resolves of Congress, that I have only time to transmit you the enclosed resolutions respecting your department; and, indeed, they are so explicit as not to require any addition.

I wish you happy, and am, with sentiments of esteem, sir, your very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To Joseph Trumbull, Esq., Commissary-General.

JOSIAH BARTLETT TO MESHECH WE ARE.

Philadelphia, July 9, 1776.

SIR: Your highly esteemed favour of the 18th ultimo, enclosing the instructions to join with the other Colonies in declaring these United Colonies free and independent States, came very seasonably to hand. As we were so happy as to agree in sentiment with our constituents, it gave us the greater pleasure to concur with the Delegates of the other Colonies in the enclosed Declaration, which was yesterday published in form in this city, and is to be published at the head of the Army at New-York next Thursday. A plan of Confederation is now forming, which, when finished, will be transmitted to each Colony for their approbation.

Major Rogers (whose conduct, it seems, was suspicious) was taken up some time since by order of General Washington, and sent under guard to this city. He requested leave to go to England, by way of the West-Indies; but Congress, not thinking it proper, have directed him to be sent to New-Hampshire, to be disposed of as the authority there shall think best.

We have the honour to be, with great respect, your most obedient servants,

JOSIAH BARTLETT,

WILLIAM WHIPPLE.

To Colonel Weare.