I have a great regard for the eastern troops; but I am confident they will act much better alone than joined with us. Our policy and manners are so exceedingly different, that it would require a much greater time than can now be spent to blend them properly together. Much business is to be done this campaign; and I am certain, from what I have observed, that we shall be happier, and act better, if the eastern and southern troops are in distant brigades.

We shall preserve a polite and friendly intercourse, and will endeavour to wipe off all Colonial distinctions and prejudices; but it will, in my weak opinion, tend to increase them, if brigaded together at present. I write this with a real intention of advancing the service; and am, with the greatest respect, your most humble servant,

THOS. HARTLEY.

To General Gates.

IRA ALLEN TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

Onion River, July 10, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: I learn you are alarmed at the retreat of our Army out of Canada. Can assure you the savages have killed and scalped a number of men by the river La Cole, on the west side of Lake Champlain. When they will visit us or you, is uncertain. Advise you to look sharp, and keep scouts out, but not to move, except some families much remote from the main inhabitants. Last Saturday, was at Crown-Point with General Sullivan. He assured me he would do all in his power to protect the frontier settlements.

I proposed a line of forts by this river to Cohos. He said he believed that to be the best place, and made no doubt but it would be done. He immediately ordered Colonel Waite and two hundred men to this place, here to remain, and grant all protection in his power to the inhabitants. Before I left there, Generals Schuyler, Gates, and Arnold, arrived. I conclude there is a determination before this time in regard to all the frontiers. I make no doubt but a line of block forts is agreed on by all, from this river to yours, and so round your frontiers. Had intelligence from St. John's about twelve days ago. Our enemy had but one hundred tents, which, at most, could not be for more than six hundred men They did not appear to be in much preparation for war. At Chambly, there were but few men. It is thought by some that the enemy are busy in sending provisions and clothing to all the garrisons near the head of the river St. Lawrence, and in supplying the Indians with all necessaries. The small-pox has almost gone through our Army; they are in much better health than they were. Gondolas are building; the vessels are preparing for war. I hope, in a short time, they will be able to beat all the powers of Britain on this Lake. Crown-Point is proposed for headquarters. In haste,

IRA ALLEN.

NATHAN MILLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL.

Camp at Newport, July 10, 1776.

SIR: When I take pen in hand to address a gentleman with whom I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance, I feel myself abashed; but when I call to mind the injury received from your son, I feel myself bold.

I am Commissary to the troops in the Colony of Rhode-Island, appointed by the General Assembly of the said Colony; and when I heard the troops were like to be put under the Continental establishment, I wrote a letter to your son, of 30th May. A copy of the answer I herewith enclose you, dated the 9th June, to which requisition I complied, as you may see by a copy of another letter, of the 28th June, received by Peter Phillips, Esq., by which you will see the ungenteel treatment of which I have abundant reason to complain. He, in his first letter, tells me how to proceed to make matters to his satisfaction, and, in his next, acknowledges them to be so; but informs me that Peter Phillips has a Colony appointment antecedent to mine. I acknowledge it; but it was to General Greene's brigade, which went immediately out of the Colony when raised, and Mr. Phillips with them, who might have remained, and no one have superseded him to this day. I am sure I should never have harboured such a thought, although I have the vanity to think I have been as good a friend to my country on every occasion as any one in it, according to my capacity; and from the distraction of the empire, am now deprived of the profits of a very good branch of business, viz: shipbuilding, in which I have hitherto maintained a reputable character, till those distractions came on, which changed the face of matters in such a way, that business of that kind was at an end; and it pleased the Colony to appoint me to the place of Commissary to the Rhode-Island troops, where I was in a way still to support my character; and after the greatest encouragement, even to a promise, without a fault, and without any previous notice, gave Peter Phillips a com' mission to take my place; the justice of which I submit to your abundant goodness; while I subscribe myself, your Honour's most obedient, &c.

NATHAN MILLER.

To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq.

WILLIAM PITKIN TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBELL.

Hartford, July 10, 1776.

HONOURED SIR: I have, since the first of this month, kept a guard at my powder-mill, at the expense of seven shillings per night. I was urged into the measure by a great number of gentlemen that live forty or fifty miles distant. Threats have leaked out from Skene, and other inimical monsters, that it should be destroyed, if art or money could effect it. I intended to procure, in writing, the opinion of all the principal gentlemen in this town, that it is absolutely necessary some effectual measures should be taken at the expense of Government, to prevent the intended destruction, which they were fond of signifying to your Honour and Committee, but have not time. Mr. Bennet is now with me, pleading for powder. I have repeated applications from people at the northward in great distress, some of whom I have supplied, upon advice of gentlemen in authority in this town; but shall supply no further without your Honour's direction. Only add that I am, with the highest esteem, your Honour's obedient humble servant,

WM. PITKIN.

To Governour Trumbull.

P. S. Mr. Bennet, of Hartford, went from Ashford; has the character of an honest, good man, on whom your Honour may rely for intelligence, &c.

COLONEL HERRICK TO COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOURS: A few days since, I received the within resignation from Captain Flint and his subalterns. They were commissionated by your Honours to command the second company in my regiment; so that said company is now destitute of officers; and I submit it to your Honours to judge what is proper to be done, and wait your orders.

I am, your most obedient humble servant,

HENRY HERRICK, Colonel of 8th Regiment, in the County of Essex.

To the Honourable Council of Massachusetts-Bay.

Danvers, July 8, 1776.

HONOURED SIR: We, the subscribers, with profound respect to you, take leave to send you a few lines, to inform you that we have a real zeal for the good of our country, and nothing can be more agreeable to us than to see universal harmony and benevolence prevail in every regiment and company of Militia upon the Continent, being sensible that the exigency of the turns requires it more immediately now than ever; but, sir, as we cannot think our accepting the commissions offered to us by the honourable Council of this Colony will be attended with peace in this company, and for some other reasons which one of us has heretofore given you, we take leave, in this manner, to acquaint you, that we utterly refuse to accept the commissions. Hoping that you will be directed to some better method of setting the company in peace, we are, sir, your humble servants,

SAMUEL FLINT,

DANIEL PUTNAM,

JOSEPH PUTNAM, JR.

WORCESTER COUNTY (MASSACHUSETTS) COMMITTEE.

The good people of this County are hereby informed, that there are a considerable number of Prisoners in this