Crown, and gradually erecting and strengthening Governments under the authority of the people, turning their thoughts upon the principles of polity and the forms of Government, framing Constitutions for the Colonies separately, and a limited and a defined Confederacy for the United Colonies, and in some other measures, which I do not choose to mention particularly, but which are now determined, or near the point of determination, I flattered myself that I might have been of some little use here. But now, these matters will be soon completed, and very little business will be to be done here, but what will be either military or commercial—branches of knowledge and business for which hundreds of others in our Province are much better qualified than I am. I shall therefore request my masters to relieve me.

I am not a little concerned about my health, which seems to have been providentially preserved to me much beyond my expectations; but I begin to feel the disagreeable effects of unremitting attention to business for so long a time, and a want of exercise, and the bracing quality of my native air; so that I have the utmost reason to fear an irreparable injury to my constitution, if I do not obtain a little relaxation. The fatigues of war are much less destructive to health than the painful, laborious, attention to debates, and to writing, which drinks up the spirits and consumes the strength.I am, &c.

RICHARD ELLIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[July 17, 1776, referred to the Board of War.]

Bohemia, Md., July 11, 1776.

HONOURED GENTLEMEN: The present critical and alarming season, the vengeful hand of tyranny, now ready to snatch from the subjects of our free and independent States all that is dear and sacred to them, to wit: their lives and liberties, make it necessary that each subject on the Continent should now, with a manly fortitude, assert their rights to the free donations of God and Nature. I presume that prudence will dictate to every American the necessity they are under of defending those inalienable rights, at the expense of their blood and treasure. It cannot be bought or purchased too dear, since life, liberty, and happiness, are thereby secured to the combatants and their posterity, on a happy conquest.

All that I can say for myself, as an individual, is, that a sense of the insult offered to my threatened, bleeding country, has begat in me an ardent desire to risk my life in its defence, and afford every aid in my power to its service and interest.

I hereby beg leave to inform the honourable Congress, that there are a number of likely men inlisted under my command already. They are to serve during the war between the American States and their enemies, or to the dismission of Congress. To this number of men already engaged, can be added as many more as will make it a full company in three days. My officers are, Hezekiah Foard, Nicholas Vanhorn, and Thomas Bouldoin. If your Honours should think it meet and necessary to grant us commissions, we shall be ready to march in a few days from the date of our commissions, with a full company of healthy, stout, brave men, whose affection for each other are so inter woven, that it would be cruel to part them, as they are nearly all from our neighbourhood. Being fully assured your Honours will do every matter that may be productive of good to the States, with humble submission I wait the event of your answer.

In the interim, I am, gentlemen, with much respect, your Honours' obedient and very humble servant,

RICHARD ELLIS.

To the Honourable Continental Congress, Philadelphia.

PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Philadelphia, July 11, 1776.

SIR: I do myself the honour to inform you that your several letters to this time have been duly received, in the order of their dates.

I, now enclose sundry resolves, to which I must beg leave to request your attention.

Agreeable to the resolve herewith transmitted, I have enclosed Mr. Anderson's letter to you, and wrote you on the subject. He will present you with the letter himself.

The Postmaster having established a double post, in obedience to the resolve of Congress, a post will, after Monday next, leave New-York every morning, subject, however, to be detained or hastened whenever you think the publick service requires it.

It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that the Militia of this Colony are in motion from one end to the other. Several companies marched yesterday, and a much greater number, I expect, will now march every day, until the whole are gone. A most laudable spirit seems to have taken place, and I am persuaded our exertions will exceed what I originally apprehended.

To that great and good Being who "poureth contempt on princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty," I beg leave most ardently to recommend you, and the cause you are intrusted to defend.

I have the honour to be, with much esteem, sir your most obedient, humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK, President.

To His Excellency General Washington.

PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 11, 1776.

SIR: Your Excellency's letter of the 8th instant is received, but the Committee, having previously determined on the appointment of the four Captains of the German battalion, think themselves very unfortunate in not having it in their power to show the proper respect to the recommendation of Lieutenant Wilpert; the letter is, however, sent forward to the Convention of Maryland, who probably have not yet filled up the appointments committed to them by Congress.

The Committee, understanding that fire-vessels and rafts are preparing at New-York, and being told that the combustibles are managed there in a method different from ours, they are induced to send Captain Hazelwood to your Excellency, to offer his services in this business. They have the highest confidence in his skill and abilities, having given him the command of all their vessels and rafts. He has sent forward a quantity of useful materials, which he is fold do not make any part of the composition at New-York.

The Committee do not mean he shall obtrude his opinion or advice upon those to whom your Excellency may have committed the direction of this species of defence; but they thought, on the comparison of different modes, some real improvements might be struck out. He takes with him Mr. Bedford, who has assisted in the construction of some of our fire-rafts.

I have the honour to be your most obedient, humble servant.

By order of the Board:

GEORGE CLYMER, Chairman.

To His Excellency General Washington, New-York.

PETITION OF FRANCIS MENTGES TO BE APPOINTED MAJOR OF THE GERMAN BATTALION.

[Read July 12. Ordered to lie. Referred to the Delegates of Pennsylvania and Maryland.]

To the Honourable the Delegates of the Thirteen UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in Congress met:

The Petition of FRANCIS MENTGES, humbly showeth:

That your petitioner was lately appointed by the honourable Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania to the post of Adjutant of the battalion of Musketeers lately raised for the defence of said Province, and has continued since his said appointment in the faithful discharge of the duty of said office. That being a native of Germany, and hearing your Honours were about to raise a battalion composed of Germans only, in the Continental service, and humbly apprehending that he hath knowledge, ability, and experience equal to the duties of the post of Major, he humbly solicits from your Honours the appointment of your petitioner to the post of Major in the said battalion.

And, as in duty bound, &c.

FRANCIS MENTGES

Adjutant in Pennsylvania Battalion of Musketeers. July 11, 1776.