ents from an inquiry into their own conduct; for, be it known to the publick, that Potomack River at Sandy-Point is near four miles wide, and they, like persons wanting sense, landed their boats within a small distance of the enemy's ships, on the Maryland shore, when they might have evaded them at least three miles by passing along the Virginia side; and in case they had been noticed and pursued by the enemy, could at any rate have gone ashore, and sued for protection from the opposite Militia of Virginia. Had Captain Conway and his officers reported facts as they happened, they must have given the publick a favourable opinion of the Militia in general at Sandy-Point. A single company, armed and equipped as our Militia too generally are, was drawn up in their presence, ready to advance down to the beach, there to receive the attack of ten row-boats, two tenders, and a gondola, filled with men. On the commanding officer's admonishing this company, and begging that if any of them felt confused or afraid, to candidly inform him, one of the company, out of about forty-eight persons, said he did not like to march down the hill, and turned out of the ranks. Whether this be an instance of general cowardice, or not, the impartial publick will say. For my part, his refusal by no means surprised me, as the expedition appeared very dangerous, and was really so, though I thought it necessary. We were, agreeable to every one's idea, to oppose the landing of at least four times our number, and could we not have repulsed them, must have retreated up the hill, exposed to a near fire from the Roebuck, two tenders, and a gondola.

The retreat of the detachment in the afternoon, which went down to prevent the enemy's taking off Captain Conway's boats, was by my orders. If it was wrong, I am chargeable with it and not the men. However, I thought it prudent, and, in a similar situation, should act again in the same manner. I shall not, to humour Captain Conway or his crew, expose men to the fire of a gondola, when the chance of killing is only on the side of the enemy; but hope ever to be found ready and willing, with those whom I have the honour to command, to risk life whenever any valuable end can be answered.

Before I conclude, I must declare that, from the trial of the men at Sandy-Point, I entertain the highest opinion of their bravery in general; and were they equipped as men going into battle should be, would risk my life with them as soon as with any men in the world. And as Mr. Lieutenant Thomas has, in the course of his deposition, given his opinion of me, I must in return give mine of him: which is, in the sincerity of my heart, this, that he would at any time, to oblige a person on whom he was the least dependant, swear that black is white, or white black.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

WILLIAM HARRISON.

SAMUEL CHASE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Philadelphia, July 23, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Yesterday's post brought us yours of the 19th instant. The copies of the letters from Colonels Barnes and Jordan you omitted to enclose. We hope the necessity of recalling Captains Thomas and Hindman will soon be removed, and that they will be permitted to march to the Flying-Camp as soon as possible. It is of the last consequence to collect a sufficient force to oppose the British Army, which may be hourly expected at Staten-Island. General Washington has not above fifteen thousand troops. Two battalions of the Virginia Regulars are ordered to New-York. Four battalions in this Province, and two more in New-Jersey, are ordered to reinforce the Flying-Camp.

We agree with you that it will be useless to send men without arms. We have had no opportunity to consult Congress relative to subsistence of the men during the time they are collecting. We doubt not the expense will be Continental. If they should be employed upon your works, it would contribute to their health and defray the expense of provision.

A man who professes to be an adept in the refining of sulphur has applied to us, and enclosed are his terms. We are ignorant whether any quantity of sulphur has been discovered in our Colony, and do not know whether you want such a man.

We have no intelligence from New-York since the 19th; Lord Howe's fleet had not then arrived. We shall be obliged by the communication of any intelligence worthy of notice, and at all times ready to obey your commands.

Your most obedient servants,

SAML. CHASE,

T. STONE.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.

LETTER FROM A MEMBER OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL LEE.

Philadelphia, July 23, 1776.

DEAR GENERAL: It would take a volume to tell you how many clever things were said of you and the brave troops under your command, after hearing of your late victory. It has given a wonderful turn to our affairs. The loss of Canada had struck the spirits of many people, who now begin to think our cause is not abandoned, and that we shall yet triumph over our enemies.

The Declaration of Independence has produced a new era in this part of America. The Militia of Pennsylvania seem to be actuated with a spirit more than Roman. Near two thousand citizens of Philadelphia have lately marched towards New-York, in order to prevent an incursion being made by our enemies upon the State of New-Jersey. The cry of them all is for battle. I think Mr. Howe will not be able to get a footing in New-York, and that he will end the present or begin the next campaign in Canada, or in some one of the southern Colonies—the only places in which America is vulnerable. We depend upon Gates in the North, and you oblige us to hope for great things from the South.

The Tories are quiet, but very surly. Lord Howe's Proclamation leaves them not a single filament of their cobweb-doctrine of reconciliation.

The spirit of liberty reigns triumphant in Pennsylvania. The Proprietary gentry have retired to their country seats, and honest men have taken the seats they abused so much in the government of our State.

The papers will inform you that I have been thrust into Congress. I find there is a great deal of difference between sporting a sentiment in a letter, or over a glass of wine upon politicks, and discharging properly the duty of a Senator. I feel myself unequal to every part of my new situation, except where plain integrity is required.

My former letters to you may pass hereafter for a leaf of the Sibyls. They are full of predictions; and what is still more uncommon, some of them have proved true. I shall go on, and add, that I think the Declaration of Independence will produce union and new exertions in England in the same ratio that they have done in this country. The present campaign, I believe, is only designed to train us for the duties of next summer.

Adieu; yours sincerely,

AN OLD FRIEND.

To Major-General Lee.

DR. CADWALADER'S CERTIFICATE.

War Office, July 23, 1776.

The bearer, James Carmichael, a Continental soldier, says he is so ill as not to be able to join his regiment. Any physician of eminence certifying this will be of service to the man, as he wants to remain until cured.

RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.

I have examined James Carmichael, and am of opinion that he is incapable of doing the duty of a soldier.

THOMAS CADWALADER.

Philadelphia, Thursday, July 25, 1776.

Last Tuesday, the Convention of this Province appointed the following gentlemen as a Council of Safety, viz: David Rittenhouse, Samuel Mifflin, Jonathan B. Smith, Timothy Matlack, Samuel Morris, Jun., Owen Biddle, James Cannon, Samuel Howell, Nathaniel Falconer, Frederick Kuhl, Samuel Morris, Sen., Thomas Wharton, Jun., Henry Keppele, Jun., Joseph Blewer, George Gray, John Bull, Henry Wynkoop, Benjamin Bartholomew, John Hubley, Michael Swoope, Daniel Hunter, William Lyon, Peter Rhoad, David Epsey, John Witzel, and John Moore, Esquires.