in your State to the Board that this matter which has heretofore been in Confusion may be reduced to proper order.2

I have the honour to be your most obed humble Sert.

RICHARD PETERS Secy.

63. WILLIAM HOOPER TO JONATHAN TRUMBULL, JR.' Dear Sir

2

Col Williams obligingley gave me a sight of a letter from you. I am sorry to find you so much in the plaintive strain and that you have such just occasion for it. You mention that you had wrote me. be assured that I have not received a line from you, or I should have used my small abilities to lessen the difficulties with which your department is so grievously embarrassed. Congress is not well informed of the state of the Northern Army-the distance of that Station, the variety of Impediments which Sickness, Climate, the failure of duty in officers and men have thrown in the way have been insurmountable even to the most spirited and well meant intentions of this Congress. Unless some measures are immediately taken to strengthen your post I augur that Burgoygn will soon set foot in Albany. The Stars in their courses seem to fight against our attempts in your Quarter. And What the enemy and desertion have spared seem to be reserved only for the horrid depredations of Sickness. Heaven watch over the remains of what from its numbers was once formidable.

PHILADELPHIA August 6, 1776

Dear Sir

64. WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL.1

PHILADELPHIA Augt. 7th 1776

I gratefully acknowledge your favors of 30th ult. and 4 Inst the first enclosing the well grounded Complaints of our Bror Jona of his and the N-rn Armys unjust and strange Treatment. a Letter came to Congress at the same Time from Genl Schuyler, containing 2 or 3 sheets Justification of the plan of Deserting Crown Point, and possesing the east of Ty: which to my apprehension and by my own personal Knowledge I judge, insufficient. He also expresses in pretty strong Terms the want of Money that and many other Letters were comitted to the board of War. I comunicated Yours and the inclosed to many Members whom I cod

2 See the Journals, Feb. 2, 7, Apr. 6, 9, Aug. 5.

[63] Conn. Hist. Soc., Papers of Jonathan Trumbull, jr., vol. I., no. 122. Addressed to "Jonathan Trumbull esqr. Paymaster etc etc Albany ".

2 Cf. no. 56, note 2, ante.

Trumbull's complaints were probably of a lack of money. See Schuyler's letter to Washington, July 24, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 559, and the Journals, Aug. 2, 15. Cf. no. 52, ante, and nos. 64, 80, post.

"What can be the reason that Congress does not Supply your Chest, do they Imagine that an Army_can be Supported and Supplyed without that Necessary Article. I believe I may Be Justified in saying that this department is Much Neglected." Philip Schuyler to Jonathan Trumbull, jr., Aug. 7, Conn. Hist. Soc., Papers of Jonathan Trumbull, jr., I. 124.

[64]1 Conn. State Lib., Joseph Trumbull Papers, no. 563.

trust who all seem to feel keenly, but also seem utterly at a loss how to redress the Grievances radically. I pressed some of that Board on the Subject, and lent Them the Letter in Consequence of which They brot in the inclosed Resolutions, which were pasd some days since, almost unanimously contrary to Expectation, as the original of the Design is to find out what Schuyler has done with his Money. it extends also further etc. I endeavored immediately to get a Copy to send you, but the Secrety [sic] under pretence of Hurry etc. put me off, which I did not like very much, and finally obtain [ed] the original from the Board of War and put off writing 'till I cod get them, as I had nothing material, tho' I am sensible the Presidt. has sent Copys to Each as due. They are not attested but true Copys.2.

4

Б

Congress seem to be infatuated, are seeking after a thousand Reasons of the miscarriages in Canada by a Comt of that purpose etc.3 while the Fault is in themselves, in neglecting and abandoning That Army to inevitable Destruction, and then severely censure Officers and Soldiers for their ill Conduct, in not making Brick without Straw or even Stubble. poor Wooster a faithful Officer is lashed most inhumanly by Mr. and sundry more in Congress tho they cant support any thing against him, by Any Proof but the most confident Assertions of their own. many of Us grieve and lament the Fate of that unhappy Army, but as yet see not how nor what to do. G. Schuyler how good so ever he might be if present etc. will be their Ruin to Comand and guide Affairs at a 100 or two miles off, but I dont see at present that it wod be possible to remove him, if the utter ruin of the Continent was to be the known Consequence of his Continuance in Office. Endeavors will not be wanting however to save them but I believe They will be too late, for I dont not [sic] expect Eyes will be opened till Burgoyne gets to Albany, and then, but I will forbear.

the Dayly Business of Congress after dispatching a constant seriees of Business contained in Letters, receiving Reports, attending to Motions etc. is by a Comte of the whole House to endeavor to settle Articles of Confederation, which are drawn up and printed for the use of the Members only. We make slow Progress in them as every Inch of Ground is disputed, and very jarring Claims and Interests are to be adjusted among us, and then all to be agreed to by the sev1 Legislatures, so that between both, I almost Despair of seeing it accomplished. I have not heard a word of your Affairs. Congress have been, and in some things are now very Lavish of Money and in others very close. There seems to be Spirit in some of the Southern agst. the no[r]thern Colonies and all their 2 Cf. nos. 52, 56, ante, and no. 80, post. The resolutions referred to are those of Aug. 2. A committee to inquire into the cause of the miscarriages in Canada was appointed June 24, and continued its investigations until October. Cf. vol. I. of these Letters, nos. 719, 720.

4 See nos. 71, 84, post.

5 In his letter to Trumbull, Aug. 10, no. 71, post, Williams speaks of this person as one of the commissioners to Canada. This was evidently Samuel Chase. In regard to a bit of controversy between Chase and General Gates, see Chase's letter to Arnold, Aug. 7, and to Gates, Aug. 9, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 810, 864. Cf. ibid., II. 429.

Officers and Affairs, so that you wod stand a worse Chance for belonging

to them.

You will see the Resolves are calculated to keep you all honest. They were occasioned by Yr Bro's Letter and had a primary Reference to a Northern Gent.

if you think it convenient you will furnish our Bro Jonathan with a Copy of the whole to whom also make my kind Compliments. and to Colo. Huntington, from whom I never expect to hear another Word. Shod be glad to hear frequently from you, and will not be in your Debt if I can find any thing worth writing

Col Trumbull

Your most affectionate Friend and Brother

WM. WILLIAMS

P. S. I was sorry to forget asking you at N Y. and I had again forgot to ask you where is Bushnel, and why dont he attempt something when will or can be a more proper Time than is or has been etc I was knowing to his coming etc and that you was acquainted with the Plan etc.

Dear Sir:

65. THE SECRET COMMITTEE TO SILAS DEANE.1

PHILADELPHIA, August 7, 1776.

The Declaration of Independence meets with universal approbation, and the people everywhere seem more animated by it in defense of their country.

Most of our frigates are launched in the different provinces, and are fitting for sea with all the expedition in our power. They are fine ships and will be capable of good service. Our small privateers and continental armed vessels have already had great success, as the papers will show you; and by abstaining from trade ourselves, while we distress that of our enemies, we expect to make their men-of-war weary of their unprofitable and hopeless cruises, and their merchants sick of a contest in which so much is risked and nothing gained. The forming a Navy is a capital object with us, and the marine committee is ordered to bring in a plan for increasing it very considerably.2.

66. THE NORTH CAROLINA DELEGATES TO THE NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY.1

Gentlemen:

We send you inclosed a Copy of a letter which this day came to Congress from General Washington. We thot it interesting to you,

2

6 Such a letter from Jonathan Trumbull, jr., is not found. In regard to his want of money, see no. 52, note 2, ante. The "Northern Gent." was doubtless Schuyler. Cf. the statement concerning Schuyler, above.

7 The reference is to Ďavid Bushnell and his plan to destroy the British ships by

means of a submarine vessel. See no. 32, note 2, ante.

[65]1 Wharton, Rev. Dipl. Corr., II. 107; Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 809.

2 The instruction first appears of record in the Journals Aug. 23. See also ibid., Nov. 20.

[66]1 N. C. Col. Recs., X. 730.

2 The letter referred to was evidently Washington's second letter of Aug. 7, read in Congress Aug. 8. It is in Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 818. See no. 67, post.

as it tends to free the Southern Colonies from the apprehensions of immediate injury, and will, from Clinton's removal, give them an opportunity to provide for their defence in case of a Winter Campaign against them. We must most earnestly importune you to compleat the Continental Battalions. You will now have leisure to recruit them, and in our next to you we hope in behalf of Congress to hold forth such Encouragement as will make that Task very easy. The circumstance of being comfortably cloathed, for which we are making all the provision we can, will no doubt weigh much with men to enlist, tho' you will remember the value of the Cloathing is to be deducted from their pay.3.

We are Gentlemen with great Respect,

Your most Obedt Humble Servants,

PHILADELPHIA, August 7th, 1776.*

WM HOOPER,
JOSEPH HEWES,
JOHN PENN.

Sir

67. THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.1 PHILADELPHIA Aug. 8, 1776

Your letters of the 7 with the papers enclosed are received and now under consideration of Congress.2

Enclosed I send you a resolution passed respecting lieutenant Josiah. He was first lieutenant of captain Nicholas Biddle and was taken in a ship capt Biddle had made prize of, by the Cerberus frigate

By a letter which he found means to convey he informs that "he is used worse than he ever thought one englishman could use another-that he was sent before the mast with the rest, but upon refusing to do duty was given under the charge of three boatswains mates and expects the gangway soon as he is daily threatened."

An Order is this moment pass'd for calling General Lee from the southward, and tomorrow is appointed for electing a number of major generals and brig' generals.*

I am Sir Your very Hume servt.

His Excelley Genl Washington

JOHN HANCOCK Presit.

You will please to mention the matter of Lieut. Josiah as real information, but not discover that it was by Letter, as it may prove injurious, in case he is not exchang'd.

3 See no. 69, post.

4 The date of this letter should probably be Aug. 8, as the letter of Washington to which reference in made (see note 2, above) was read in Congress that day. [67]1 Library of Congress, Letters to Washington, LXXXIX. 269; Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 832.

2 Washington's letters of Aug. 7 and enclosures are in Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 814-819. The earlier of the two, relative to the appointment of general officers, etc., is also in Writings (ed. Ford), IV. 421. See the Journals, Aug. 8. Concerning the second letter, see no. 66, ante.

* See the Journals, Aug. 7, and Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 659, 910. Washington's correspondence with Lord Howe relative to the exchange of Lieutenant Josiah and other prisoners is ibid., I. 1094, 1095. Cf. the Journals, Oct. 10.

* See the Journals, Aug. 8, 9, and nos. 71, 72, 85, 92, post.

My dear Sir,

68. SAMUEL CHASE TO PHILIP SCHUYLER.1

PHILADELPHIA, Augst. 9th. 1776.

I have great reason to believe that France would readily listen to an application from the united States of america, but when we shall be confederated States, I know not. I am afraid the Day is far distant. three great Difficulties occur-The Mode of Voting, whether by Colonies, or by an equal Representation; The Rule by which each Colony is to pay its Quota, and the Claim of several Colonies to extend to the South Seas. a considerable Diversity of opinion prevails on each Head. The Confederacy is to be transmitted to each State for their Concurrence.

It is probable France will not enter into an alliance with Us before we have confederated. if ever we do, it will take a considerable Time to effect it, and the opportunity may be lost of striking some great and decisive blow.2.

69. THE NORTH CAROLINA DELEGATES TO THE NORTH Carolina COUNCIL OF SAFETY.1

Gentlemen

We wrote you yesterday 2 by express to General Lee with dispatches requesting his immediate return to the Eastern Colonies. We then mentioned to you that Congress in order to encourage the completion of the Continental Regiments had offered a considerable bounty to all non commissioned Officers and soldiers who would enlist for the space of three years. Congress are deeply impressed with the necessity of making enlistments if possible during the War but at any rate for the space of three years, as frequent enlistments prevent soldiers ever becoming expert in discipline and often put it in their power to quit their Stations at a time when their Services are most necessary for the publick Safety. We recollect that our State hath given a bounty of 40s. to every man who has engaged in the Continental Regts. raised in No. Carolina. By way of Oeconomy and to save that Bounty to the Colony in part by making it a continental charge We would propose that 5 dollars more be given to every non commissioned Officer and soldier already enlisted who will engage for the space of the War and if that cannot be effected, for a limited time. We wish a longer at any rate than three years, tho that will

[68]1 N. Y. Pub. Lib., Schuyler Papers, no. 249.

2 Cf. nos. 18, 26, 43, 44, 45, 47, 50, 52, ante, 73, 83, 84, 85, 94, post. See also the Journals, July 12, July 22-Aug. 9, 20; also Adams's and Jefferson's Notes of Debates, July 25-Aug. 2, the Journals, VI. 1076-1083, 1098-1106. In regard to Maryland's position on the question of colonial claims to western territory and the disposition of the lands, see nos. 191, 205, 216, 219-221, 226, 248, 359, post. See also Charles Carroll of Carrollton to Governor Johnson, June 22, 1778, in the next volume of these Letters. [69]1 N. C. Hist. Comm.; N. C. Col. Recs., X. 740.

2 The letter of Aug. 9, merely a few lines, enclosing resolves, is in N. C. Col. Recs., X. 740.

8 See the Journals, Aug. 8, and Hancock to Lee, Aug. 8, Force, Am. Arch., fifth ser., I. 832. Cf. no. 85, post.

4 See the Journals, June 26, July 30 (pp. 483, 617, 620); also the circular letter, Sept. 24, no. 139, post.