termaster to send such things contained in your list as can be had and may be transported by land. The greatest part it would be difficult to procure, and if they could be had, would be attended with immense trouble and expense to forward them; I must therefore entreat your utmost diligence and inquiry to get them; and not only them, but every necessary you want, wherever they may be had. The watercourse being now at an end, but few supplies can be expected from hence; and I make not the least doubt, if active proper persons are employed, in many instances you will be able to obtain such articles as you stand in need of. I am under the necessity of doing so here, and by much pains and industry have procured many necessaries. As for the articles wanted for the gondolas, I should suppose many of them may be purchased of the proprietors of craft about Albany, and of persons who have vessels there, by allowing them a good price. The communication by water being now stopped, they cannot employ them, and I presume may be prevailed on to part with most of their tackle for a good consideration.

I transmitted Congress a copy of your letter and of its several enclosures, and recommended to their particular attention the resolution No. 6, for raising six companies to guard the frontiers, and the high price of goods furnished the soldier, and that Some measures might be taken thereon.

There is a resolve of Congress against officers holding double commissions, and of long standing. None are allowed it except Adjutants and Quartermasters; and they generally are also First or Second Lieutenants. In this Army there is no instance of double officers but in the cases I mention.

The carpenters from Philadelphia unfortunately had not time to get their tools, &c., on board a craft here before the men-of-war got up. They set out by land next day, and I suppose will be at Albany in the course of this week, as also two companies from Connecticut.

I have inquired of Mr. Hughes, and find that the six anchors and cables were on board Captain Peter Post's vessel belonging to Esopus, who, upon the first appearance of the fleet coming above the Narrows, went off without taking the necessaries brought by Captain Donn. Mr. Hughes says Captain Donn, who bought you the lead, had orders to get them.

I have enclosed you a list of the naval articles the Quartermaster expects to obtain and send from hence, which will evince the necessity of your exertions to get the rest elsewhere. Many of the articles, I should suppose, may be made at Albany and within the neighbourhood of it.

I am in hopes that, in consequence of your application, the different Governments will take some steps for apprehending deserters. It is a growing evil, and I wish it may be remedied. From the Northern Army they have been extremely numerous, from report, and should most certainly be returned if they can be found. How far the mode suggested by you may answer, the event will show; but I am doubtful whether many will return of themselves.

I fancy a part of your letter was omitted to be sent. When you come to speak of deserters, what I learn on the subject begins a new sheet, and seems to suppose something preceding about them. After requesting Mr. Hughes to be spoken to about the anchors, &c., the next page begins, "unanimously agreed that I should write," &c.

You will perceive by the enclosed resolve, that Congress mean to raise the garrison for Presque-Isle, &c., in the Counties of Westmoreland and Bedford, in Pennsylvania.

I am, &c.,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To General Schuyler.

P. S. July 18, 10 o'clock A. M.—I this minute spoke to Mr. Trumbull again about provisions, and pressed his most vigorous exertions. I believe he is determined to leave nothing undone on his part, and has already sent off some persons upon the business, of which I suppose he will inform you or Mr. Livingston. G. W.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL JAMES CLINTON.

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 17, 1776.

SIR: Your favour of the 13th instant was duly received. The steps you have taken appear to me extremely proper, and that there may be no discouragement in the purchase of arms, of which we stand in great need, I have, by the bearer, sent you the £300 you request. You will please to keep a particular account of the disbursement, in order that it may be brought into its proper place of statement at a future day.

Before this reaches you, two officers of the Artillery, whom I despatched last Sunday, will have arrived, to supply the place of those so unhappily disabled. I trust these accidents will form a lesson of prudence and calmness at such times, and particularly excite care and caution. It is a melancholy consideration, that in these cases we suffer more from our own artillery than the enemy.

As the enemy weighed anchor yesterday, with a seeming intention to pass up the river, I trust everything is in the best readiness and preparation to receive them.

The rafts, if properly constructed, and executed with spirit and intrepidity, are most dangerous and alarming enemies to shipping. Unacquainted with the river, the situation of the ships, and many other circumstances necessary to form a judgment of the probability of success, I can only say, that I agree in opinion with your brother, that expenses ought not to be regarded, if the prospect of success is any way encouraging. You must, with those upon whose opinion you can depend, form the best judgment you can, and act accordingly.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To Col. James Clinton, Fort Constitution, 3d New-York.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION.

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 17, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 15th instant, covering the resolution of the same date, was duly received, which I beg leave to say was noble, and does honour to your respectable body. It likewise adds a further proof of your determination to afford me all possible assistance in discharging the important duties of my office. It is impossible to say what may be necessary, but I shall conduct as the exigencies of the case may require, and I doubt not your cheerful aid and assistance will be rendered whenever called for.

It has been out of my power to procure more whale boats than are absolutely necessary for the night-guards. Doubt not you will be able to procure the number you want from the western shore of the Sound, which may be easily transported by land, or by the way of King's Bridge, to the North River.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, with respect and esteem, your most humble servant,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To the Honourable the Provincial Convention of the State of New-York.

COMMITTEE OF NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

White-Plains, July 17, 1776.

SIR: The Convention have thought it proper to appoint us a Secret Committee, among other things to form and execute any plan which we may conceive necessary for the defence of Hudson's River, which unfortunately has been too long neglected. We wish to have your Excellency's advice on this important subject, and shall think ourselves happy to cooperate in any design you may have formed.

The obstructing the navigation at Mount Washington we suppose to be an object which your Excellency has particularly in view; we shall therefore direct our attention to such others as we may conceive necessary. Mr. Duer is in some measure apprized of our designs, and will give your Excellency every information that you may require.

Your Excellency's commands will reach us if directed to Poughkeepsie.

We remain, with the greatest respect, your Excellency's most humble servants,

ROBERT K. LIVINGSTON,

ROBERT YATES,

GILBERT LIVINGSTON,

CHRISTOPHER TAPPEN,

WILLIAM PAULDING.

To His Excellency General Washington.