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wish it had been otherwise. Three only of your Delegates are now present. It may so happen at other Times. One of them may be sick. He may be on a Committee or necessarily absent on publick Business, in which Case our State will not be effectually represented. While I am writing at the Table in Congress a worthy Colleague is unavoidably employd on Business of the Publick at home, and the two present cannot give the Voice of the State upon a Matter now in Question. Were all the three present, one of them might controul the other two so far as to oblige them to be silent when the Question is called for. But I only mention the matter, and submit, as it becomes me, to the Judgment of my Superiors.3

312. FRANCIS LEWIS TO THE President of THE NEW YORK CONVENTION (ABRAHAM TEN BROECK).1

Sir,

BALTIMORE, 16th January, 1777

I was favoured with your letter of the 1st inst. together with sundry resolves of the Honourable the Convention, and their printed Address to their constituents, all which I have communicated to Congress, and they highly approve of your measures.

I am directed by Congress (at their expense) to get a sufficient number of those Addresses reprinted here, in order to be dispersed through this and the Southern States, as also, a number to be struck off in the German language, 300 copies of the latter to be forwarded to the Honourable Convention, at Fishkills. As there is no press with types for the German language in this town, I have this day sent one copy to the Council of Safety, at Philadelphia, requesting them to get it translated into that language, and when printed, to send the first 300 copies to you, the rest to be dispersed through that and the neighbouring States.2

Permit me Sir to repeat my sentiments on the necessity of having the State of New York fully represented in Congress, which has not been the case for many months past, and tho' Congress in their collective capacity

2 The text in Adams's Writings reads, "Mr. Gerry".

3 The Massachusetts credentials (dated Dec. 10) are in the Journals, Jan. 9. The provision complained of was altered Feb. 4 (see the Journals, Mar. 12). Cf. no. 326, post. [312]1 Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., II. 385.

2" We observe in one of the Resolves of Congress Mr. Lewis is directed to have the address of the Convention of New York translated and published in the German Language and as we had wrote the Congress that we had undertaken that business here, we consider this Resolve as a reproof, therefore shall take care not to be so officious again, the work of translating however is done and we believe either in or ready for the Press." (Committee in Philadelphia to the President of Congress, Jan. 26, Papers Cont. Cong., no. 137, App.) The address of the New York convention, dated Dec. 23, is in Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., III. 1382, and the letter to Congress in which it was enclosed, dated Dec. 28, with an addition of Jan. 1, is ibid., III. 1466. "As two of the delegates from this State, Mr. Livingston and Colonel Floyd, have left Philadelphia, and the Convention did not know whether Mr. Lewis was certainly there, I am directed, sir, to enclose you a copy of an Address of this Convention to their constituents." See the Journals, Jan. 13, 16, Feb. 6, also the Bibliographical Notes, ibid., IX. 1081. Besides the letter of Dec. 28, see the convention's letter to Congress, Dec. 21, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., III. 1350. See also no. 315, post.

has ultimately the public good in view, yet such is the depravity of human nature, that partiality will often (and perhaps impreceptably [sic]) influence the minds of indeviduals when the interest of a particular State is immediately concerned.3

I have the pleasure to inform you that Congress has seriously considered your late application relative to clothing the troops raising in your State, and they have promised to exert their utmost abilities to effect that necessary business. In September last, Congress requested the Legislatures of the several States to appoint to their respective States a Commissary, for the purpose of purchasing all necessary clothing, and in November the Secret Committee sent off two agents (one of them Mr. Abm. Livingston) with instructions to confer with those commissaries in each State, as far eastward as New-Hampshire, to assist in the purchasing and procuring said clothing, to make returns of the quantity and quality, both to Congress and Genl. Washington, to be distributed to such troops as shall be enlisted upon the new establishment, but we have not as yet received any advice from those gentlemen.*.

313. RICHARD HENRY LEE TO THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
(PATRICK HENRY).1

Dear Sir,

BALTIMORE, 17th Jany, 1777.

I am favored with yours by Maj. Johnston, and I should certainly have served him to the utmost of my power in Congress, if the appointment you proposed for Maj. Johnston had not now been in another channel. You know Sir, that by resolve of Congress the General is to fill up all vacancies in the Continental troops that shall happen for six months from the date of the resolve. I have recommended it to the Major to get a letter from you and the council, with one from Colonel Harrison, to the General in his favour, and if he is very intent on success, to carry them himself. I think this will not fail to procure him the commission he desires, and in the mean time, the Liutenants [sic] and Ensign may be recruiting the company.3 .

3 Cf. nos. 268, 292, ante, and nos. 329, 330, 363, 402, post.

* The reference is probably to the resolution of Sept. 25. Cf. an erased resolve of Oct. 9. Concerning the action of the secret committee, see the Journals, Dec. 1, and no. 233, ante; also a letter of the Massachusetts council to the President of Congress, Dec. 30, in Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., III. 1501, and the council to General Lincoln, Dec. 31, ibid., III. 1518.

[313]1 Henry, Patrick Henry, III. 40; Letters of Richard Henry Lee (ed. Ballagh), I. 250.

2 The resolution of Dec. 27, vesting General Washington with practically dictatorial powers.

George Johnston, major 5th Virginia regiment, became lieutenant-colonel and aide to Washington Jan. 20, 1777. See Heitman, Hist. Register. Hancock's letter to Brigadier-General Lewis, Jan. 18 (no. 317, post), was sent "By Major Johnson". Meanwhile (Jan. 9), Washington had requested of Col. R. H. Harrison his opinion of Johnston's qualifications. See Fitzpatrick, Calendar of the Correspondence of Washington with the Officers.

314. THE COMMITTEE IN PHILADELPHIA TO RICHARD DALLAM.1 PHILADA. January 18, 1777

Sir,

It appears reasonable and just to us that all officers and soldiers in the Continental Service should be entitled to their Pay while they remain Prisoners in the Hands of the Enemy, and this Pay to continue such a number of days after their Discharge as may be sufficient for their return home. And wherever it appears to you from proper Proofs and Testimonials that this has been the Case of any Officers or Soldiers within your department as Paymaster we are of opinion you ought to make good their Pay to the times above mentioned, previously taking care to deduct such sums as they may have already received.

Richd Dellam Esqr.

Sir,

pay Master Genl. to the Flying Camp 2

315. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS (JOHN HANCOCK) TO
GEORGE WASHINGTON.1

BALTIMORE Jany. 18th, 1777.

The enclosed Copy of a Letter from the Convention of New York, I am directed by Congress to transmit to you, and to request your Attention to it The very great Distress of the Troops in that State for Want of Cloathing and Blankets calls for the most speedy Relief; and the Congress in Order to afford them every Assistance in their Power have ordered the Continental Agents to furnish the Commissary of Cloathing with an Account of such Cloathes, or Materials for making them, as may be in their Possession. These, it is the Desire of Congress, you will distribute among the Troops, in the different Departments, in the Proportion you may think proper; paying, however, a particular Regard to the State of New York, which, from its present unfortunate Situation, is precluded from all Possibility of procuring those Necessaries for the Troops raised there.2. . .

[P. S.] The enclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl. Gates, relative to Monsieur Da. Liene [De Luce] I am directed by Congress to transmit to you, with a Request that you will employ him if you think proper. I have paid him 40 Dolls. to defray his Expences to you.

(The Copy since inclos'd in a Letter sent by Monsr. De Luce)

[314]1 Library of Congress, Papers Cont. Cong., no. 133, f. 57.

2 Richard Dallam was elected deputy paymaster-general of the flying camp July 17, 1776.

[315] Library of Congress, Letters to Washington, XIII. 90.

2 See the Journals, Jan. 13, 16, and no. 312, ante. The President's letter to the New York convention, Jan. 18, is in the N. Y. State Lib., Revolutionary Papers, IX. 9; Jour. N. Y. Prov. Cong., II. 386; Mass. Hist. Soc., Hancock Letter-Book, VI. 151; and Library of Congress, Papers Cont. Cong., no. 58, pt. II., f. 146. See also no. 402, post. Guillaume de Luce. See the Journals, Jan. 2, 17, Mar. 21. Hancock's copyist, misreading the name, wrote 'Da. Liene". Hancock wrote with his own hand that part of the postscript beginning: "I have paid him"; accordingly, in the second instance the name is written correctly.

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Sir,

316. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE COMMITTEE IN
PHILADELPHIA.1

BALTIMORE Jany. 18th, 1777.

I do myself the Honour to transmit you the enclosed Resolves, by which you will percieve [sic] the Steps taken by Congress since my last.

The Affairs of our Country were perhaps never so critical, as they seemed to be by your last Accounts which were dated the 10th. inst. and yet, some how or other, it has happened, we have not heard from Philada. since that Time, nor from the General for two or three Days before. This Interval, you may suppose, we pass in the greatest Anxiety and Suspence, and wish to be relieved from it in any Manner, rather than be tormented with Doubt, and Uncertainty. I hope therefore, for the future, you will not let us be so long without hearing from you, but will send us an Express, if it is only to inform us, that our Affairs have undergone no Alteration since your last.

I am, with great Respect

Robert Morris Esqr. and Comee.

[P. S.] . . . .

Sir,

Sir, your most obed Servt.
JOHN HANCOCK Presidt

317. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS (JOHN HANCOCK) TO

ANDREW LEWIS.1

BALTO. Jany 18th, 1777.

Your Favour of the 10th inst' was duly recd, and immediately laid before Congress. In Consequence of which I am directed to inform you, that it is their opinion, your Continuance for the present in Virginia will best promote the Interest of American Liberty.2 Your Attention to the recruiting Service, and forwarding it as much as lies in your Power will be a most effectual Means, in the present Situation of Affairs of serving your Country: and should any Movements of our Enemy threaten to disturb the State of Virginia, you will be ready to act in its Defence.

While the Congress highly approve the Steps you have taken to hasten the March of the Troops, they doubt not your Zeal and Attachment to the Welfare of your Country will induce you to exert yourself in the same Manner until the whole of the Troops are forwarded.

Brigadier Genl. Lewis. Virginia

By Major Johnson.

[316]1 Library of Congress, Papers Cont. Cong., no. 58, pt. II., f. 31.

2 The letter is not mentioned in the Journals, but was received Jan. 14. See

the Journals, p. 37 n.

[317]1 Mass. Hist. Soc., Hancock Letter-Book, VI. 121; Library of Congress, Papers Cont. Cong., no. 58, pt. II., f. 115.

2 See the Journals, Jan. 10, 17.

Sir,

317A. THE SECRET COMMITTEE TO ROBERT MORRIS.1 BALTIMORE Jany. 18, 1777

2

The inclosed resolve of Congress cannot be executed without the books and papers of the Secret Committee. And if the wishes of many Members be gratified, it will be proper to make known what prospects we have of getting the things ordered, and for this purpose what are our prospects of remittance etc. This latter cannot be complied with at present, unless we had the pleasure of your company here. Will you be so kind then Sir, as to order the books here, and when it is convenient for the public, and your private, affairs, we have no doubt but that we shall have your assistance at this place.

We are with regard, Sir

Your most obedient and very humble Servants
RICHARD HENRY LEE
FRA: LEWIS
WM WHIPPLE

318. SAMUEL CHASE TO THE MARYLAND COUNcil of Safety.1

[January 19(?), 1777.]2

I laid a petition from Capt. Campbell before Congress, they declined having any thing to say to it. All persons taken by the Ships of War or privateers of any State, are deemed the prisoners of such State, and are generally applied to the redemption of their own Subjects; on the contrary all persons taken by Continental vessels are deemed the prisoners of the Congress and subject to their disposal.

The Georgia delegates object to the discharge of the Gentlemen, whose cases you referred to Congress.

3

Unless in future all prisoners taken by vessells of our State are detained, such of our people, as fall into the Enemies' hands, cannot be redeemed. This subject is of consequence, and demands the attention of your Board. Your obedt Servt

SAML CHASE.

[317 A]1 Library of Congress, Morris Papers, Accession 2505 (in the writing of Richard Henry Lee).

2 See the Journals, Jan. 17.

[318] Arch. of Md., XVI. 62.

2 This communication from Chase is attached to a letter of Capt. George Cook to the council of safety, dated January 19, 1777.

3 Cook's letter concerns the prisoners taken by the British in the snow George (or Georgia). The vessel was captured from the British by Captain Cook of the ship Defence, retaken by the British frigate Camelia, and once again captured by an American privateer under Capt. William (?) Campbell (see especially Arch. of Md., XII. 510). Cook says: "I have applied to Mr Chase and Mr Carroll for their assistance to get them exchang'd, but they say its a business particularly belonging to this State. I do not doubt was but your Honorable Board to write the Congress, but what they would get them exchang'd as soon as possible." See nos. 238, 288, ante.

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