a member of Congress, you have a right to know all that has been done; but I dare not commit it to paper at a time when the safe carriage of letters is become so precarious. One thing I am very solicitous to inform you, because I know it will give you great satisfaction. If you recollect our conversation at New Haven, I fancy you will understand me when I tell you, that to one place we have added four, and increased the number of persons from three to six.3 I hate this dark, mysterious manner of writing, but necessity requires it.*. . .

We have this day passed a recommendation to the Council of Massachusetts Bay of a very important nature. It will be sent by this express to the Council, to whom I refer you for a perusal of it.

Our affairs in France and Spain wear a promising aspect, and we have taken measures to put them on a respectable footing in other parts of Europe; and I flatter myself too much if we do not succeed. . .

You have seen the power with which General Washington is vested for a limited time." Congress is very attentive to the northern army, and care is taken effectually to supply it with every thing necessary this winter for the next campaign. General Gates is here. How shall we make him the head of that army?"

We are about establishing boards of war, ordnance, navy, and treasury, with a chamber of commerce, each of them to consist of gentlemen who are not members of Congress. By these means, I hope, our business will be done more systematically, speedily, and effectually."

The reference is evidently to the resolve, Dec. 30, to send commissioners to Vienna, Spain, Prussia, and Tuscany, in addition to France. On Jan. 1 Franklin, one of the three commissioners to France, was chosen commissioner to Spain, leaving three other places to fill. May 1 Arthur Lee was designated commissioner to Spain; May 7 Ralph Izard was chosen commissioner to Tuscany; and May 9 William Lee was elected for the courts of both Vienna and Berlin. Cf. the letter of the committee of secret correspondence, Feb. 19, Wharton, Rev. Dipl. Corr., II. 273.

4 A paragraph similar to that in his letter to Warren, Jan. 8, concerning the exchange of General Lee is here omitted. See no. 297, ante.

5 See nos. 268, 273, 275-277, 284, ante.

• The inclination of both the Adamses in favor of Gates is marked.

7 See nos. 185, 246, 253, 258, 272, 273, 279, ante; also no. 305, post. A committee of five was appointed Dec. 26, 1776, to prepare a plan for the better conducting the executive business of Congress, by boards composed of persons, not members of Congress". On Jan. 9 two members were added to the committee, which is usually denominated the committee on departments. The first outcome of the committee efforts was the organization, Mar. 22, of the office of Secretary of Congress. On Apr. 8 the committee reported plan for a board of war and ordnance (the report is in the Journals, under that date), but the consideration of it was postponed, and on April 12 it was recommitted. On June 6 the committee was instructed to "proceed on the business committed to them, and make report as soon as possible". On July 18 it was resolved to appoint a board of war, consisting of three gentlemen, not members of Congress, but to conduct the business under the direction of the existing board composed of members. The appointment of this board was set for July 22, was then postponed, and the next action recorded is the consideration, Oct. 16, of a report from the committee on departments. The plan was adopted, after amendment, Oct. 17, and on Nov. 7 the members of the board were appointed. They were Thomas Mifflin, Timothy Pickering, and R. H. Harrison. Mifflin and Pickering accepted (see the Journals, Nov. 18, 21) and Harrison declined (ibid., Nov. 21). Upon the recommendation of the member board Nov. 24 (see the Journals of that day, also Nov. 21, 22) it was resolved to appoint two additional members, and on Nov. 27 General Gates, Richard Peters, and Joseph Trumbull were chosen, with Gates as president (see no. 700, note 4, post). A reduction in the membership to two members of Congress and three commissioners not members of Congress

Great and heavy complaints have been made of abuse in the DirectorGeneral's department in both our armies; some, I suppose, without grounds, others with too much reason. I have no doubt but as soon as a committee reports, which is expected this day, both Morgan and Stringer will be removed, as I think they ought.

to the eighty-eight battalions ordered to be raised, sixteen are to be added, which, with six to be raised out of the continent at large, will make one hundred and ten, besides three thousand horse, three regiments of artillery, and a company of engineers. We may expect fifty or sixty thousand of the enemy in June next. Their design will still be to subdue the obstinate States of New England. It was the intention that Carleton should winter in Albany, Howe in New York, and Clinton at Rhode Island, that, with reenforcements in the spring, they might be ready to attack New England on all sides. I hope every possible method will be used to quicken the new levies, and that the fortifications in the harbor of Boston will be in complete readiness. Much will depend upon our diligence this winter.

The attention of Congress is also turned to the southward. Forts Pitt and Randolph are to be garrisoned, and provisions laid up for two thousand men six months. By the last accounts from South Carolina, we are informed that late arrivals have supplied them with every thing necessary for their defence.

I have written in great haste, and have only time to add, that I am, with sincere regards to your lady and family, very cordially your friend, SAMUEL ADAMS.

was made Oct. 29, 1778 (see also the Journals, Apr. 21, 1778), but otherwise, though with numerous changes of personnel, the board remained thus constituted until 1781. Feb. 7, 1781, Congress established the departments of finance, war, and marine. The post of Secretary at War was filled Oct. 30, 1781, by the appointment of Benjamin Lincoln, who accepted Nov. 26.

The first steps of importance toward a reconstitution of the treasury were taken Apr. 15, 1778, when a plan was brought in proposing a board of five members not of Congress. On Aug. 13 there was a report by a committee upon this report, and Sept. 26 an arrangement" of the treasury was adopted, leaving the board however still composed of members of Congress. In April, 1779 (see the Journals, Apr. 13, 22, 27), further modifications were proposed, and July 30 an ordinance was passed establishing a board of treasury consisting of three persons not members of Congress and two members. The department remained thus constituted until February, 1781 (see above), when Robert Morris was appointed Superintendent of Finance (Feb. 20). The first steps toward shifting the administration of the navy to others than members of Congress were the appointment in November, 1776, of a board of naval experts in Philadelphia, and in April, 1777, of a similar board for the Eastern states, both to be under the direction of the marine committee. Two and a half years later, Oct. 28, 1779, a board of admiralty was created, consisting of three persons not members of Congress and two members. Upon the reorganization of the department, Feb. 7, 1781, Gen. Alexander McDougall was chosen Secretary of Marine (Feb. 27), but he declined, and the office was never filled. Apparently the only outcome of the project of establishing a "Chamber of Commerce" was the creation, July 5, 1777, of a committee of commerce to supersede the secret committee. This committee, with somewhat enlarged powers, was reconstituted Dec. 14, 1778.

8 Concerning the 88 battalions, see the Journals, Sept. 16; concerning the additional battalions, see the Journals, Dec. 27. See also nos. 264, note 3, 268, ante.

P. S. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Stringer are dismissed without any reason assigned, which Congress could of right do, as they held their places during pleasure. The true reason, as I take it, was the general disgust, and the danger of the loss of an army arising therefrom."

299. THE COMMITTEE IN PHILADELPHIA TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.1 PHILADA. Jany 9th. 1777

Sir

We have just recd the dispatches from Congress delivered herewith to Colo. Hartley, and having recd. Copies of the Resolves of Congress therein enclosed to you, we cannot help saying they have been liberal in their offers to regain Genl Lee, and altho we have not only a high opinion of his merits and abilities as an officer but also a personal regard for him, yet we are apt to think we shou'd have opposed these offers had we been in Congress, at least some of us are of that opinion. however this is not to the purpose at present. We observe that Congress direct you to propose an agreement whereby Prisoners may be supplyed with provisions at the Expence or upon the Credit of the States. We recommended to Congress to appoint an Agent of their own to attend the Prisoners and see justice done them and to prevent their enlisting with the Enemy and if this is not done the plan will be incompleat, as we are inclined to believe our People suffer by the peculation of the Commissarys that have the care of them, and not by the allowance ordered by the Commander in Chief. We think such an agent might be admitted on each side, under parole not to give intelligence.

3

For the Committee of Congress

I am Your Excellencys obt Servt

4

ROBT MORRIS

[P. S.]

Dr. John Morgan was director general and chief physician of the hospital, elected Oct. 17, 1775. Dr. Samuel Stringer was director of the hospital and chief physician and surgeon of the Northern department, elected Sept. 14, 1775. See the Journals, Oct. 3 (report of the committee sent to camp), Oct. 9, Nov. 26, 28, 29, 1776; Jan. 4, 6, 9, 1777; also the correspondence of Dr. William Shippen with Washington and with Congress, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., III., 463, 493, 618, 1026, 1119, 1186, 1258, 1298. See, further, the Journals, July 31, Aug. 8, 9. The medical department was reorganized Apr. 7 and 8, 1777. See no. 431, post.

[299] Library of Congress, Letters to Washington, XIII. 33; Papers Cont. Cong., no. 133, f. 48 (letter-book copy).

2 The reference is to the resolve of Jan. 2, relative to the exchange of six Hessian officers for General Lee, and to that of Jan. 6, relative to retaliation. See nos. 290, 291, 297, 298, ante, 360, 366, 367, 371, post. Cf. the committee's letter to Washington, Dec. 28, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., III. 1458.

8 See the Journals, Jan. 3.

See the committee's letter of Dec. 30, ante, and the Journals, Jan. 16, Apr. 22, June 6. In accordance with the action of Congress Jan. 16, Elias Boudinot was made commissary-general of prisoners by Washington in April, 1777 (see his letter to Boudinot, Apr. 1, 1777, in Writings, ed. Ford, V. 299; also Boudinot, Life of Elias Boudinot, I. 42). He was commissioned by Congress June 6, following.

300. THE COMMITTEE IN PHILADELPHIA TO JAMES WILSON.1

James Wilson Esqr.

Sir

2

Jany 9th 1777.

In consequence of the late resolution of Congress to erect a Magazine at Carlisle we have applied to Mr. Nicholas Hicks, a Bricklayer of the first reputation here, to superintend the work. it is yet much too early in the Year to begin it, but we have thought it expedient to forward him to prepare the necessary Materials, and engage the proper workmen in which agreeable to your offer you will no doubt give him all the assistance in your power. Congress having fixed on one large Building to store their ammunition at Carlisle, we had some intention of suggesting to them our own thoughts on this matter which are that it would be safer both on account of Fire, a sudden surprize of an Enemy, to lodge the ammunition in two or more smaller buildings detached from each other at suitable distances, but whatever alteration this opinion of ours might induce Congress to make in their resolution, Mr Hicks present business may go on without interuption.

301. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS (JOHN HANCOCK) TO THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY.1

Gentlemen.

BALTIMORE, Jany 10th, 1777.

I have it in Command to forward the enclosed Resolve, and to request you will bestow that Attention to it, which its great Importance demands. To you, the Congress have submitted the Propriety of making an Attack upon the Province of Nova Scotia, with a View to destroy the immense Quantities of military Stores, that are there deposited to be employed against us.2

I need not particularise the vast Advantages, or the Glory, resulting from this Expedition, could it be happily carried into Execution. Nor need I suggest Motives to stimulate you to undertake it. Being fully convinced, that if it shall appear to you practicable and calculated to advance the Interest of America, you will most certainly adopt it. I shall only add that the Destruction of above Half a Million of Stores, must be a severe Blow on the Enemy, and may possibly prove a principal Mean of ridding our Country of those cruel Foes, who with impious Hands have been spreading Ruin and desolation over it, to the utmost of their Power.

[300] Library of Congress, Papers Cont. Cong., no. 133, f. 41.

2 See no. 290, ante, a letter of Wilson to Morris, Dec. 28, in Force, Am. Arch.,

fifth ser., III., 1457, and nos. 321, 374, 435, post.

[301] Mass. Arch., CXCVI. 127; Mass. Hist. Soc., Hancock Letter-Book, VI. 112; Library of Congress, Papers Cont. Cong., no. 58, pt. II., p. 107.

2 See the Journals, Jan. 7, 8. The Massachusetts council had recommended such an expedition in a letter of Dec. 30 (Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., III. 1501), but this letter appears not to have been received by Congress until Jan. 23. Cf. no. 348, post.

Dear Sir,

302. ROBERT MORRIS TO JOHN JAY.1

PHILADA. Jany. 12th. 1777.

You undoubtedly must have been well acquainted with the rapid progress made by our Enemies through the Jerseys, and the danger to which this City has been exposed for some weeks past, and you will have heard of the removal of Congress to Baltimore in the midst of the pannic; this step has been highly censured by many of their Friends and undoubtedly lost them the confidence of some valuable Men.

I confess for my own part, I am not amongst the number of those that Censure them for this hasty measure, for when it is considered that the Enemy's Troops were within a very few miles of us and no apparent Force sufficient to oppose their progress, it surely was time for a public body on which the support of the American cause so much depended, to provide for their safety. meer personal safety I suppose would not have induced many of them to fly, but their security as a body was the object. had any number of them fallen into the Enemies hands so as to break up the Congress, America might have been ruined before another choice of Delegates could be had and in such an event they would have been deemed criminal and rash to the last degree.2.

Sir,

303. ROBERT MORRIS TO JOHN LANGDON.1

PHILADELPHIA Jany. 12th 1777.

When the British troops made such a rapid progress through the Jerseys and got within a few miles of us, the Congress thought proper to remove to Baltimore. at that time I sent my family, my books, papers and considerable effects into Maryland but having still a great value here and being desirous of spiriting up our people, all in my power, I determined to wait until the last, happy in having done so, as I have had an opportunity of being very useful both to this country and the general cause; the Congress know this well, and have appointed myself and two others that remained here, a Committee with full powers to transact all Continental business that may be proper and necessary here.".

My Dear Sir,

304. JOHN HANCOCK TO ROBERT MORRIS.1

BALTIMORE, January 14th, 1777.

I exceedingly approve your Conduct with respect to the Ships in your River, and think your officers discover'd the Spirit of the Men,

[302]1 N. Y. Pub. Lib., Bancroft Coll., American Revolution, I. 12 (copy).

post.

2 See no. 244, note 2, ante. Cf. nos. 249, 253, 263, 280, ante; also nos. 303, 306,

[303]1 Library of Congress, Force Trans., Whipple, II. 271.

2 See the Journals, Dec. 21; also nos. 255, 302, ante.

[304] Copied from the original then in possession of Mr. Stan. V. Henkels of Philadelphia; N. Y. Hist. Soc., Collections: Revolutionary Papers, I. 412.