mation, in the engagement with the ship and brig, (by the side of the ship, and the brig lying right astern,) and not being in our power to fire on the brig, we had to suffer their fire near two hours, until both were compelled to strike, by the brave activity of our worthy Captain, who behaved like the seaman, like the gentleman, and like a man of honour. Therefore, honoured sir, if have any promotions to make, it is my opinion that Captain Harding is as deserving a gentleman as any in the Colony of Connecticut, without exception; and I must applaud the gallant behaviour of Lieutenant Smedley, and likewise the other officers and men, who behaved in the most brave manner. If any promotion to Captain Harding, may it please your Honour to let me know the gentleman whom your Honour appoints to succeed Captain Harding.

With due respect, I am, your Honour's humble servant,

EBENEZER BARTRAM.

To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Lebanon.

ANDREW HAMILTON TO JABEZ FISHER.

Springfield, July 14, 1776.

SIR: Major Pyncheon informed me that the honourable Board of Council intended taking my case into consideration. Should it be agreeable to them to release me from my present disagreeable situation, I will be ready to wait on them, and give them any reasonable assurances for my future behaviour that they may think requisite.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

ANDREW HAMILTON.

To the Honourable Jabez Fisher, Esq.

SIR: You may remember, when I saw you at Watertown, I told you I knew of nothing that could be alleged against Mr. Hamilton, since his stay amongst us, that would prevent his discharge. I am, sir, still of the same opinion. He is still very desirous of the same; and should the honourable Board see fit to do it, he is ready to give any assurances to them that they will require for his future conduct.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM PYNCHEON, Jun.

To the Honourable Jabez Fisher, Esq.

COLONEL CHILD TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

Chester, July 14, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Pursuant to my direction, I proceeded to Ipswich, Salem, and Marblehead, in quest of guns; purchased twenty-three, the price about ten dollars each; also, by Colonel Bayley's advice, bought two hundred weight of lead. The amount of the whole is £77. Am forwarding the same as fast as possible. Have received the guns you lodged at Mr. Webster's. The expense of buying, freight, &c, I cannot now ascertain. Will forward an account as soon as possible. Any commands you may have further for me shall be punctually complied with.

In haste, I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant,

JONATHAN CHILD.

To the Committee of Safety at Exeter.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ONE OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETJT AT ANNAPOLIS TO HIS FRIEND IN BALTIMORE, DATED MONDAY, JULY 15, 1776.

The Council of Safety have this moment received information, by express, from Colonel Barnes, of St. Mary's County, that Lord Dunmore had been compelled by the Virginians to remove from Gwin's Island; that on Saturday morning he made his appearance off Point Lookout, in the mouth of Potomack, with a fleet of fifty-five sail, including eight square-rigged vessels; that on Sunday morning he had got as high up the river as St. George's Island, in the mouth of the St. Mary's River, and that he (Colonel Barnes ) conjectured that his intention was to take possession of that Island; that the Militia in St. Mary's were all in motion, and that many of them had taken stations on the river side, to give him a proper reception, if he attempted landing on the main, fee. Two boats from the fleet, with five persons on board, (three whites and two blacks,) were either driven on shore by my Lord, or deserted, with the small-pox on them. I think the former is most likely, because the villain would be glad to spread that horrid disease as much as possible. Those people informed Colonel Barnes that our good friend Governour Eden is in the fleet. This Island is a poor miserable place, it is said; if so, Dunmore's stay there will not be long; and where he will next push to is altogether uncertain—perhaps up the bay.

WILLIAM LUX TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Baltimore, July 15, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Captain Robert Sounders has been on board the Alfred, Admiral Hopkins, ever since he first fitted out. He went on board at first as a pilot, when the fleet was intended for Virginia; but after their destination was altered, he remained on board, and was in the action with the Glasgow. He has testimonials of his good behaviour, and I believe will meet preferment in the Continental service; but, as you are intended to fit out tenders and gondolas, if it be agreeable to give him the command of one, I presume it would be more satisfactory to him; and when you direct, I will write for him to return.

Commodore Bouchier has sent up for Captain Moore, to go into the Virginia service; but as I made application to you in his behalf, I have prevailed on him to wait a day or two for your answer. I must say that I think him very clever in his deportment, and has, perhaps, seen more service than any other that will be in that employ, and should be sorry were he to quit the service of our Province, If, there-fore, you choose to keep him as Captain to one of your vessels, you will please to write by Mr. Yoks, who returns early to-morrow.

You will want rigging for your vessels, which we shall hope to furnish; and, with much respect, I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

WILLIAM LUX.

To the Honourable Council of Safety, at Annapolis.

COLONEL JORDAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

St. Mary's County, July 15, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: This serves to inform you that there is now lying off the mouth of St. Mary's River between seventy and eighty vessels. I am now at Leonardtown, on my way down, with part of the Sixth Battalion under my command, where I received an express from Colonel Barnes, (who is now at St. Inigoes Neck with the lower battalion,) informing me that this morning ten boats full of men landed on St. George's Island, and had returned for more. I expect to be opposite the Island some time this night, and shall endeavour to get the best intelligence I can of their numbers, and give the earliest notice. We shall want more powder and lead, and also flints, if they are to be had. Major Eden, by whom this goes, will inform you more fully. The Committee for this County sat this day, and have detained Captain Forrest's company until they hear from you.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,

JEREMIAH JORDAN.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.

P. S. Enclosed are Captain Forrest's and Lieutenant Bond's enrollments; the other two officers have completed theirs, but have not returned them to Captain Forrest. Captain Forrest desires me to inform you that his enrollment was completed the day before they were received by the Field-Officer.

JOHN DORSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

SIR: My son tells me that Captain Nathaniel Smith informed him that there is a vacancy in his company of a Third Lieutenancy, and as he had not an opportunity of being pressed into Colonel Smallwood's battalion, I should be very happy in getting him with Captain Smith or Captain Fulford. Major Price, if in town, can inform your Honours of his behaviour while under him. If these vacancies should be filled up, he will continue with Captain Smith till he may meet with an opportunity of preferment. I hope you will excuse the freedom I have taken in writing to you on this occasion.

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

JOHN DORSEY.

To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., Annapolis.