may be in your power to make them more useful, by placing heavier metal upon them, whilst they continue in your service.

The Continental regiment raising in this Colony is now in some measure filled up, mustered, equipped, and ready to march; but as there seems to be much danger from the prevalence of the small-pox in Boston, should they march there, and as the whole force of the enemy on this side seems to be directed against you at New-York, I have thought it best they should suspend their march towards Boston till your pleasure might be known whether they should join the Army at New-York or proceed for Boston.

Since the arrival of the fleet and army at the Hook, several frigates and ships have been stationed between Montauk Point and Block-Island, to intercept the trade from the Sound, in which they have been so successful that they have derived great advantage from the provision vessels they have taken. And as, by frequent advices from the Captains of our armed vessels, and others, it appeared highly improbable that any vessel going out or coming in by that passage could avoid falling into their hands; and as several vessels were prepared and preparing in sundry places to proceed to sea with cargoes of provisions, the owners of which must be presumed to be ignorant of the hazard they run in getting out; and sensible of how great importance it is that all supplies of provisions should be kept back from the enemy; and having good grounds to believe that some evil-minded persons have designedly carried provisions to the enemy, or thrown themselves in their way, as your Excellency will see by the enclosed copies of depositions taken and sent to Congress,—I have given orders to the Captains of the armed vessels in the service of this Colony to stop and detain all provision vessels coming out of any port in this Colony, or through the Sound, and bound to sea, for the present, and until the Continental Congress and the Congresses or Conventions of the Colonies or States to which they respectively belong, may be apprized of the hazards attending their proceeding in their voyages, and, on consideration, shall give such orders as they may think fit respecting the same. The apparent necessity of the measure will, I flatter myself, justify me in taking it, where it is known and properly explained. To prevent or obviate any misrepresentation, is my motive for troubling your Excellency with this account.

I am, with great esteem and regard, sir, your obedient humble servant,

JONTH. TRUMBULL.

19th.—Received your favour of the 15th instant, which induced me to send orders immediately to Thomas Stanton, Captain of our other row-galley, the Shark, to proceed with her forthwith to New-York, and subject himself to your command. Wish him safe, and serviceable to your designs.

20th.—Colonel Ward, of the Continental battalion lately-ordered to be raised here, and mentioned above, informs me that his regiment is not much beyond half filled, occasioned by their being raised for a longer time and receiving less bounty than others. Since many are ordered from Boston, and this may be stationed on the works below or in the environs, at places out of danger of the infection from the small-pox, will it not be best this battalion should be ordered to march to that place, first mentioned for their destination? They are principally men who have not seen service. Please to give the earliest notice of your pleasure therein.

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO BARON DE CALBIAC.

New-York, July 23, 1776.

SIR: I received your favour of yesterday, and in answer thereto, I am to inform you, at the same time that I commend the good intentions which you profess induced your countrymen to leave their families and homes, that I have done the only thing in my power to favour their views. On their first arrival and introduction to me, I gave them a letter to the Continental Congress, to whom it was necessary to make known their wishes, and from whom any appointment they expect must come. This, I am persuaded, you are sensible of, and would wish you to communicate to them. Their pretensions will be duly considered, and if supported by proper credentials, I make no doubt but suitable regard will be had to their merits. Your and their good sense will readily suggest the propriety and expediency of their furnishing some testimonial and recommendation previous to any appointment. These would have been proper at any time, but the late instance of treachery and ingratitude in Monsieur, in deserting and taking the command of a party of the enemy in Canada, after he had been promoted to office in the service of the United Colonies, makes them indispensably necessary, though I do not entertain the least suspicion of the honour and integrity of the gentlemen of whom you write, or mean to insinuate that a conduct like Monsieur would frequently happen. I might further add, that the unacquaintance of our soldiers with any language but their own makes them unwilling and impatient under the command of foreigners, unless they are men of high reputation. Nor will they consent thereto but on that account, and where they possess great military knowledge. It therefore follows, that any appointments these gentlemen may obtain will not be attended with any good purposes or satisfaction to themselves, unless they are to corps of their own people, or those who understand their language. I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

GO. WASHINGTON.

To Baron De Calbiac.

A Return of the Ammunition and other Utensils at the different Forts on LONG-ISLAND, July 23, 1776.

GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Camp on Long-Island, July 23, 1776.

SIR: Enclosed is a letter sent me by Colonel Varnum, relative to Captain Read. Your Excellency can best determine the force of the reasons offered for a discharge. The First Lieutenant of the company, perhaps, may make as good a Captain as the present acting one.

Colonel Hand reports that the enemy continues as they were.

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

NATH. GREENE.