GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Elizabethtown, July 16, 1776.

SIR: I have just now received a letter from the honourable Mr. Hancock, containing the orders of Congress that I should march the troops which are to compose the Flying-Camp and Militia wherever the service requires, in subordination to your instructions.

When I formerly mentioned Brunswick as a proper place for that camp, my idea of the intention of raising and collecting an army here, was for the security of Philadelphia only; but as I find the design is equally to secure this Colony and Pennsylvania, or assist in the operations on the I am well satisfied that Amboy will in every view best fulfil that intention.

I have to-day from Dr. William Brown, late of Alexandria, a request to interest your Excellency in his appointment to the charge of the Hospital for the Flying-Camp. Dr.Brown has served with reputation as a Regimental Surgeon, with Colonel Woodford ever since regular troops were raised in Virtginia. He is, I am well satisfied, worthy of any countenance from those in authority, and every way equal to the execution of the trust he desires. He wishes for a line to Congress from your Excellency, in which recommendation, if my being of the same profession could have any weight, I would most readily join.

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

HUGH MERCER.

To His Excellency General Washington.

P. S. As the command I am honoured with necessarily engages me in writing more than may be consistent with other parts of the service, I beg to know whether the assistance of a Clerk or Secretary will not be allowed. I hope there will be no impropriety in appointing Mr. Ross to the post of Brigade-Major.

COLONEL SEYMOUR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

City of New-York, July 16, 1776.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY: By the positive laws of the Colony of Connecticut, establishing the Troops of Light-Horse, they are expressly exempted from staying in garrison, or doing duty on foot, apart from their horses. This being the case, of which the regiments under our command in this place are fully sensible, we find it impossible for us to detain them any longer under that idea; they, moreover, remonstrate against it, alleging that they came out without the least expectation or preparation for such service. As your Excellency thought it inconsistent to distinguish these from the other troops on the ground, and as it will be impossible for them much longer to sustain their horses here, they humbly ask your Excellency's dismission in form. Major waits upon your Excellency for this purpose, and any commands for his Honour Governour Trumbull.

We are, with every sentiment of respect, your Excellency's most obedient, humble servants,

THOMAS SEYMOUR,

WILLIAM HART,

ELISHA SHELDON,

DANIEL STARR.

To General Washington.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL SEYMOUR.

New-York, July 16, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: In answer to yours of this date, I can only repeat to you what I said last night, and that is, that if your men think themselves exempt from the common duties of a soldier—will not mount guard, do garrison duty, or service separate from their horses—they can be no longer of use here, where Horse cannot be brought to action, and I do not care how soon they are dismissed.

I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant,

Go. WASHINGTON.

To Colonel Seymour and other Field-Officers of the Connecticut Light-Horse.

GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Camp on Long-Island, July 16, 1776.

SIR: Colonel Hands reports the fleet lies much in the same situation as yesterday, three ships at the Hook, two tenders cruising in the Bay. No deserters last night. Nothing material has happened since yesterday. I am in hopes to get the works on Cobble-Hill completed in a few days: it has taken much more time than I expected. I have such a number of guards that the fatigue party is much smaller than I could wish, but I cannot safely enlarge it without injuring the health of the people, for they are one day on and one day off duty now. One ship and a sloop have been under sail today, but are now come to.

I am, with all due respect, your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,

N. GREENE.

COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO MRS. REED.

New-York, July 1776.

I make no doubt you will be agreeably surprised, as I was yesterday, on receiving a letter from our brother Dennis. It was endorsed Per favour of Lord Howe," and sent with the seal untouched. He mentions that he had seen Lord Howe and is well assured that he comes as a mediator, rather than as an enemy, and most earnestly presses me to promote a conference in order to an accommodation. I have not time to copy it now, but will send it to you by the first opportunity. No one can wish more for peace, or would promote it more heartily, if the terms were such as to give us any security for those articles which all agree, both Whig and Tory, are essential to our liberty and safety. These are, exemption from Parliamentary taxation and regulation of our internal government. If security was held of these and other articles still insisted on, I should, with a safe conscience, retire, and would do it. The annihilation of our trade, the difficulty of procuring men and supplies for another campaign, the misery and desolation which must ensue even if we should in the end be victorious, are important considerations. Besides, from some late instances, I very much fear many of our troops will fail in spirit, especially if taken by surprise.

I do not know what prospect there is of foreign alliances. That would certainly turn the scale decisively in our favour, but at present we are playing a very unequal game. Lord seems so anxious to negotiate, that I think we may lengthen out the time without intermitting our preparations. Nor, for my own part, do I see any inconvenience or danger in a conference of proper persons, to know his powers and propositions of peace. We can easily judge of them, perhaps, from his declarations, for among the papers sent on shore are letters to every Governour, enclosing declarations. In them you have the whole; and if negotiation would not tend to slacken our preparations, I would wish to know the extent of those powers which he says are so great. I think if only granting pardons is meant, and no concession on the point of taxation, it would unite all to perseverance and resolution, trusting the event to Providence.

DENNIS DE BERDT TO MR. REED.

London, May 3, 1776.

DEAR REED: I am now set down to write you a letter on the most important subject and of the most difficult nature I ever yet attempted, and I scarcely know how to advance, nor will my mind suffer me to retreat, as my judgment is fully convinced the design is good, and my heart is warm in the cause.

You must know, since my Lord Howe's important appointment as Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's forces in America I have made it my business to learn his character as a nobleman, a statesman, and an officer. As a man, he has urbanity and great goodness of heart to recommend him; as a politician, solid sense and sound principles, with moderation; and as a commander, ability and valor. Such qualifications command esteem and respect, and it is a satisfaction to a feeling mind that so momentous an embassy as his Lordship's is so happily placed. But as I had reason to believe he had expressed the most anxious solicitude to bring about an accommodation without bloodshed, and to draw the sword with the greatest reluctance, and that these expressions were not only the language of his lips, but the dictate of his heart, I had a great desire to be introduced to him, and this day I had the honour of a conference; when his Lordship's conversation not only confirmed the report, but his friendly disposition towards America, and assurances of