Application was made to me some days since by the Government of New-Hampshire for some ammunition to supply the Continental regiments now on their march from that State to join our Army in Canada; and as they had none to march through the woods with, and it would be unsafe to go without, I furnished them with eight barrels of powder, two thousand pounds of musket-ball, and two thousand flints.

I have ordered the proper returns, that I may be able to make such a return to your Excellency as mentioned in yours of the 11th instant.

I am your Excellency's obedient and very humble servant,

ARTEMAS WARD.

To General Washington.

COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO COLONEL FOSTER

In Council, July 22, 1776.

SIR: In the list or return by you made out and signed in behalf of the Field-Officers of the Sixth Regiment of Militia in the County of Lincoln, of the Captains and subalterns chosen by the several companies belonging to said regiment, you express a desire that commissions may be made out, &c., except those for the third company, for the reasons for which exception the Council are referred to a copy of a petition annexed to said return, signed by Joseph Swett and others, which has been read; and thereupon

It is Ordered, That the Field-Officers of the Sixth Regiment of Militia in the County of Lincoln be, and they hereby are, directed to make a full inquiry whether the facts set forth in the said petition are true, and whether any corrupt practices were used in the choice of said officers; and they are directed to make return hereof to the Council as soon as possible.

To Colonel Benjamin Foster.

Worcester, Massachusetts, July 22, 1776.

On Monday last a number of patriotick gentlemen of this town, animated with a love of their country, and to show their approbation of the measures lately taken by the Grand Council of America, assembled on the green near the Liberty Pole, where, after having displayed the colours of the Thirteen Confederate Colonies of America, the bells were set a ringing and the drums a beating; after which the Declaration of Independency of the United States was read to a large and respectable body (among whom were the Selectmen and Committee of Correspondence) assembled on the occasion, who testified their approbation by repeated huzzas, firing of musketry and cannon, bonfires, and other demonstrations of joy; when the arms of that tyrant in Britain, George III., of execrable memory, which in former reigns decorated, but of late disgraced, the Court-House in this town, were committed to the flames, and consumed to ashes; after which a select company of the sons of freedom repaired to the Tavern, lately known by the sign of the King's Arms, which odious signature of despotism was taken down by order of the people, which was cheerfully complied with by the Innkeeper, where the following toasts were drunk, and the evening spent with joy, on the commencement of the happy era:

1. Prosperity and Perpetuity to the United States of America.

2. The President of the Grand Council of America.

3. The Grand Council of America.

4. His Excellency General Washington.

5. All the Generals in the American Army.

6. Commodore Hopkins.

7. The Officers and Soldiers in the American Army.

8. The Officers and Seamen in the American Navy.

9. The Patriots of America.

10. Every Friend of America.

11. George rejected, and Liberty protected.

12. Success to the American Arms.

13. Sore eyes to all Tories, and a chesnut burr for an eye stone.

14. Perpetual itching without the benefit of scratching to the enemies of America.

15. The Council and Representatives of the State of Massachusetts-Bay.

16. The Officers and Soldiers in the Massachusetts service.

17. The Memory of the brave General Warren.

18. The Memory of the magnanimous General Montgomery.

19. Speedy redemption to all the Officers and Soldiers who are now prisoners of war among our enemies.

20. The State of Massachusetts-Bay.

21. The Town of Boston.

22. The Selectmen and Committees of Correspondence for the Town of Worcester.

23. May the enemies of America be laid at her feet.

24. May the Freedom and Independence of America endure till the sun grows dim with age, and this earth returns to chaos.

The greatest decency and good order was observed, and, at a suitable time, each man returned to his respective home.

JOSEPH PALMER TO JAMES BOWDOIN.

Germantown, July 22, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I have sent expresses to the commanding officers of the several regiments in my brigade for the draught ordered, which I expect will be immediately complied with. I think it was a wise and necessary measure; but permit me to suggest whether it is not necessary that there should be an appointment to general command at Hull, and also at the Castle, if not at each of the other fortified posts. I shall always consider ourselves weak until there is a general command appointed over all the forces when at such or such a station, whether they be Colonial or established regiments, Militia, or any others who may, upon an alarm or otherwise, be there. At present, it is apprehended that there is no such officer; for the particular commander of the Train has no command over Colonel Whitney's or Marshall's regiments; nor have either of them over the Militia, or others (excepting their own corps) who may be at such or such a post, upon any alarm; nor have the Militia officers any command but only over their own corps. The necessity and danger without it is so obvious when attended to, that I doubt not immediate provision will be made for it. I mentioned Hull and the Castle, because they are singly of more importance than some others, particularly Hull, which I consider is the key of the whole harbour, and therefore demanding more particular and immediate attention.

Upon this occasion, as new regiments will be doubtless raised, I would beg leave to mention my son for a Colonel, which is his rank. Upon account of the connexion, I have not pushed him forward; it was a delicate point. I now mention it, not as a favour to be conferred upon him or myself, exclusive of right, but founded therein. He was early engaged on the side of liberty, and was complained of to Governour Hutchinson by the Commissioners as a dangerous person. The tea affair witnessed his zeal, which was confirmed in a different way on the memorable 19th of April; and Colonel Hancock, of the Cadets, gave testimony to General Washington of his military knowledge. His conduct as the first Quartermaster-General, in the most difficult times, has been approved of by General Ward, and his removal from that office was, professedly, by General Washington, to make way for a worthy gentleman of another Colony, and not for any fault or incapacity; and by the General's recommendation, Mr. Mifflin offered him the deputyship in that office; but he, considering that all the blame, if any, would be thrown upon him, and all the praise, if any, would be given to another, declined an acceptance; since which he has been neglected, for what reason I know not. As a gentleman of letters, as a sufferer in the cause, having given up everything to it, as one whose moral character does honour to his religious profession, and as a person of military knowledge, he is, at least, equal to some who have been appointed. He has held himself in readiness to serve the publick, when he might have served his private interest with much greater prospect of advantage. I have not consulted him upon this application, nor has he seen what I write. He will not dance daily attendance at the levees of the great, humbly petitioning for that which his country ought to thank him for accepting. If he is neglected this time, we shall consider the publick as saying to him, "we have no occasion for your services, we have better men;" in