persons will be appointed officers, as will complete their enlistments with all possible expedition. 'I shall communicate to Colonel Stevenson and one of his fieldofficers, and direct them to repair immediately to Philadelphia. It is an unlucky circumstance that the term of enlistment of these three companies, and of the rifle battalion, should expire at this time, when a hot campaign is, in all probability, about to com mence. * * * * 'I have the honor of transmitting you an extract of a letter received last night from General Ward. In General Ward's letter, was inclosed one from Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, who was made prisoner with the Highland troops. I have transmitted you a copy. This will give you a full and exact account of the number of prisoners that were on board the four transports; and will prove beyond a possibility of doubt, that the evacuation of Boston by the British troops was a matter neither known nor expected when he received his orders. Indeed, so many facts had concurred before to settle the matter, that no additional proofs were necessary.' Lond. ed. vol. i. p. 176. Immediately below appear the above-mentioned Resolves for a further augmentation of the army. IN CONGRESS. June 27, 1776. Resolved, That six companies of riflemen, in addition to the three companies now at New York, be raised, and the whole regimented; and that a commission be granted to Captain Stevenson, to be Colonel of the said regiment of riflemen, which is to be enlisted for three years, unless sooner discharged by Congress; the men to be allowed a bounty of ten dollars; and that Moses Rawlins be Lieutenant-Colonel, and Otho Holland Williams, Major of the said regiment: 'That four companies of riflemen, for the said regiment, be raised in Virginia, and two in Maryland; the pay of the men to commence from the time they shall be armed and mustered; their arms to be appraised by the committee of the county, and paid for by the United Colonies: That General Washington be directed forthwith to send to Congress a complete list of all the vacancies in the army, and the names of such officers as he can recommend for filling them. 'The committee to whom it was referred to devise a mode of raising the German battalion, voted on the 25th of May last, brought in their Report, which was taken into consideration; whereupon, 'Resolved, That four companies of Germans be raised in Pennsylvania, and four companies in Maryland, to compose the said regiment: 'That it be recommended to the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, immediately to appoint proper officers for, and direct the enlistment of the four companies to be raised in that Colony : 6 That it be recommended to the Convention, or in their recess, to the Council of Safety of Maryland, immediately to appoint proper officers for, and direct the enlistment of, the four companies to be raised in that Colony: 6 That the said companies be enlisted to serve for three years, unless sooner discharged by Congress, and receive bounty, pay, rations, and all other allowances equal to any of the Continental troops: 'That the said companies, when raised, be formed into a battalion, under the command of such field-officers as Congress shall appoint: That the rank of the captains of the said companies be regulated as Congress shall hereafter direct.' These offers of bounty, June 26, 27, seem to have been forced from Congress by the alarming circumstances at the time; the former, principally by those of Canada; the latter, by those of New York with reference chiefly to re enlisting the riflemen, and raising the battalion of Germans. In regard to re-enlisting the riflemen, see Resolves, April 15, June 12, pp, 211, 249, and the General's letters, April 22, June 8, 9, 30, pp. 214, 235, 254. GENERAL WASHINGTON to BRIGADIER-GENERAL LIVINGSTON.* NEW YORK, 29 June, 1776. 'DEAR SIR, Since Colonel Reed left this place, I have received certain information from the Hook, that about forty of the enemy's fleet have arrived there, and others are now in sight, and that there cannot be a doubt, but the whole fleet will be in, this day or to-morrow. I beg not a moment's time may be lost, in sending forward such parts of the militia as Colonel Reed shall mention. We are so very weak at this Post, that I must beg you to order the three companies, which I mentioned in my last for Staten Island, immediately to this city. If General Heard is the commanding officer, I must request you will lay my several letters, written to you, before him without delay. I am, Sir, with esteem, &c.' Sparks, vol. iii. p. 445. Wash. Writ. SAME to the PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. NEW YORK, 4 July, 1776. 'As we are fully convinced that the Ministerial army we shall have to oppose this campaign will be great and numerous, and well know that the utmost industry will be used, as it already has been, to excite the savages and every body of people to arms against us whom they can influence, it certainly behoves us to strain every nerve to counteract their designs. 'I this moment received a letter from General Greene, an extract of which I have inclosed. The intelligence it contains is of the * Previously, member of Congress; soon after, Governor of New Jersey. most important nature, and evinces the necessity of the most spirited and vigorous exertions on our part. 'The expectation of the fleet under Admiral Howe, is certainly the reason the army already come have not begun their hostile operations. When that arrives, we may look for the most interesting events, and such as, in all probability, will have considerable weight in the present contest. It behoves us to be prepared in the best manner; and I submit it again to Congress, whether the accounts given by their prisoners do not show the propriety of calling the several Continental regiments from the Massachusetts government, raising the Flying Camp with all possible despatch, and engaging the eastern Indians. July 5.-General Mercer arrived here on Tuesday, and, the next morning, was ordered to Paulus Hook, to make some arrangements of the militia as they come in, and the best disposition he could, to prevent the enemy crossing from Staten Island, if they should have any such views. 'None of the Connecticut militia are yet arrived; so that the reinforcement we have received is very inconsiderable. * * The Commissary-General has been with me this morning. He has, I believe, (in order to remove difficulties,) recalled Mr. Avery, but seems to think it necessary in that case that Mr. Livingston should be left to himself, as he cannot be responsible for persons not of his own appointment. This matter should also be clearly defined by Congress. I have already given my opinion of the necessity of these matters being under one general direction, in so full and clear a manner,* that I shall not take up the time of Congress to repeat it in this place. I have the honor to be, &c.' Lond. ed. vol. i. p. 182. Wash. Writ. GENERAL WASHINGTON to BRIGADIER-GENERAL LIVINGSTON. HEAD-QUARTERS, NEW YORK, 6 July, 5 o'clock, P. M., 1776. SIR,- Your favor of this date, enclosing Major Duyckinck's letter, was this moment received. The known disaffection of Amboy, and the treachery of those of Staten Island who, after the fairest professions, have shown themselves our most inveterate enemies, have induced me to give directions, that all persons of known enmity or doubtful character, should be removed from places, where they might enter into correspondence with the enemy, and aid them in their schemes. * 'I would suggest to you, that my tenderness has been often abused, and I have had reason to repent the indulgence shown to them. I would show them all possible humanity and kindness, * See letters, April 22, June 9, 28, pp. 214, 235, 252. consistent with our own safety; but matters are now too far advanced to sacrifice anything to punctilios. General Mercer has just set off for Jersey. In his experience and judgment you may repose great confidence. He will proceed to Amboy after conferring with you. You will please to keep me constantly informed of the proceedings of the enemy, and be assured of every assistance and attention. I am, &c.' GENERAL WASHINGTON to GOVERNOR TRUMBull. HEAD-QUARTERS, 9 July, 1776. 'We have intelligence, which may be relied on, of Lord Howe's being on his passage for this place, with a large fleet, and about fifteen thousand men, and he is hourly expected. ** 6 To oppose this force, in which the Ministry put so much confidence, I think it necessary to exert every nerve, that, by defeating their views this campaign, we may be enabled to meet them with double advantage the next. Should they think proper to pursue their unwarrantable measures, I hope the good people of your Colony or State, will be ready on all occasions to fly to our assistance, if needed. I have confidence in them, and doubt not they will be ready and willing. To prevent the enemy from obtaining fresh provisions is a matter highly necessary to be attended to. I could wish your attention to this matter, that the stock may be removed out of reach of the enemy. 'In the conference of a full board of general officers yesterday, it was recommended, that I should apply to you for the three rowgalleys, being now at New London, or in the river, together with as many heavy cannon as you can possibly spare. They will be much wanted here; and, if you find it consistent, I would beg you to forward them on as fast as possible.' Wash. Writ. Sparks, vol. iii. p. 453. SAME to the PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. NEW YORK, 10 July, 1776. 'SIR, I am to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of the 4th and 6th instant, which came duly to hand, with their important enclosures. 'I perceive that Congress have been employed in deliberating on measures of the most interesting nature. It is certain, that it is not with us to determine in many instances what consequences will flow from our counsels; but yet it behoves us to adopt such, as, under the smiles of a gracious and all-kind Providence, will be most likely to promote our happiness. I trust the late decisive part they have taken is calculated for that end, and will secure to us that freedom and those privileges, which have been and are re fused to us, contrary to the voice of nature and the British Constitution. Agreeably to the request of Congress, I caused the DECLA RATION* to be proclaimed before all the army under my immediate command; and have the pleasure to inform them, that the measure seemed to have their most hearty assent; the expressions and behavior, both of officers and men, testifying their warmest approbation. I have transmitted a copy to General Ward, at Boston, requesting him to have it proclaimed to the Continental troops in that Department.' Lond. ed. vol. i. p. 185. Wash. Writ. Sparks, vol. iii. p. 457. On the 5th, besides numerous other Resolves, Congress passed the following. 'Resolved, That a Chaplain be appointed to each regiment in the Continental army, and that their allowance be increased to thirtythree dollars and one third of a dollar per month.' On the 9th, the two following entries were made in the General's Orderly Book, the former relating obviously to this Resolve, the latter, to the DECLARATION. The honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a chaplain to each regiment, the Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure chaplains accordingly, persons of good characters and exemplary lives, and to see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor so to live and act as becomes a christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.' 'The Continental Congress, impelled by the dictates of duty, policy, and necessity, have been pleased to dissolve the connection, which subsisted between this country and Great Britain, and to declare the United Colonies of North America, Free and Independent States. The several brigades are to be drawn up this evening on their respective parades, at six o'clock, when the DECLARATION of Congress, showing the grounds and reasons of this measure, is to be read with an audible voice. The General hopes that this important event will serve as a fresh incentive to every officer and soldier to act with fidelity and courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his country depend, under God, solely on the success of our arms; and that he is now in the service of a State possessed of sufficient power to reward his merit, and advance him to the highest honors of a free country.' On the same day, the following Resolve was passed in Congress. *The DECLARATION as well as many other important documents are omitted, to give place for others which are less known. |