'October 7th. The committee appointed to take into consideration the letter from the Convention of New York, brought in their report, which being read and debated, was agreed to as follows:

That the Provincial Convention of New York be directed immediately to render Hudson's River defensible; that in doing this, they be particularly attentive to form such works as may be finished before the winter sets in. As it is very doubtful whether any stone work can be properly made at this advanced season, it is submitted to the judgment of the said Convention, whether it could not be more cheaply and expeditiously done by works of wood, or Fascines. If they should think otherwise, that they be directed to go on with the work in the way which they think best, since it is the opinion of the Congress that the work should by no means be neglected.

But if the work be already begun on the plan sent us, that they render such parts as can be first finished defensible, so that the labor be not thrown away, if an attack should be made before the whole can be finished.

That the Convention be directed to inquire whether there are not some other places where small batteries might be erected, so as to annoy the enemy on their passage, particularly a few heavy cannon at or near Moore's house, and at a Point on the West shore, a little above Verplanck's Point.

'That the Convention be farther directed to take the most effectual method to obstruct the navigation of the said River, if, upon examination, they find it practicable.'

This is one of the instances in which relations of subject seem to require deviation from the order of dates.

It would be useful to notice, and to retain in mind while perusing the following pages, that unity of sentiment and aim, still continued in the first two above Resolves and in the Order following them, which pervades the Resolve of Congress to ap point a General, June 15, page 68, their Commission to the General, p. 69, their Re solve next after that Commission, June 17, p. 70, and the foregoing Orders of General Washington to General Schuyler, June 26; and to observe likewise, in all the above Proceedings of Congress, that appropriateness and consistency of plan and purpose, which had distinguished their whole course from the beginning, and by which that memorable body of men gained, for themselves and for their country, not only the ready concurrence and support of their constituents, but an imperishable name and praise through the whole civilized world.

What true American can contemplate that Congress and their Doings so far, without elevating and ennobling emotions of patriotic pride and gratitude?

GENERAL WASHINGTON to the PRESIDENT OF CONGRess.

CAMP AT CAMBRIDGE, 10 July, 1775.

'SIR, I arrived safe at this place on the 3d instant, after a jour ney attended with a good deal of fatigue, and retarded by necessary attentions to the successive civilities, which accompanied me my whole route.

in

Upon the whole, I think myself authorized to say, that, considering the great extent of line and the nature of the ground, we are as well secured as could be expected in so short a time, and the disadvantages we labor under. These consist in a want of engi neers to construct proper works, and direct the men, a want of tools, and a sufficient number of men to man the works, in case of an attack.

'We labor under great disadvantages for want of tents; for, though they have been helped out by a collection of sails from the seaport towns, the number is far short of our necessities.

'As materials are not to be had here, I would beg leave to recommend the procuring of a farther supply from Philadelphia as soon as possible.

I should be extremely deficient in gratitude as well as justice, if I did not take the first opportunity to acknowledge the readiness and attention, which the Provincial Congress and different Committees have shown, to make everything as convenient and agreeable as possible. But there is a vital and inherent principle of delay, incompatible with military service, in transacting business through such numerous and different channels. I esteem it therefore, my duty, to represent the inconvenience which must unavoidably ensue from a dependence on a number of persons for supplies; and submit it to the consideration of Congress, whether the public service will not be best promoted by appointing a Commissary-General for these purposes. We have a striking instance of the preference of such a mode, in the establishment of Connecticut, as their troops are extremely well provided, under the direction of Mr. Trumbull, and he has at different times assisted others with various articles. Should my sentiments happily coincide with those of your honors on this subject, I beg leave to recommend Mr. Trumbull as a very proper person for this department. In the arrangement of troops collected under such circumstances, and upon the spur of immediate necessity, several appointments have been omitted which appear to be indispensably necessary for the good government of the army, particularly a Quarter-Master-General, a Commissary of Musters, and a Commissary of Artillery. These I must particularly recommend to the notice and provision of the Congress.

'I find myself already much embarrassed for want of a military chest. These embarrassments will increase every day. I must therefore most earnestly request, that money may be forwarded as soon as possible.

*

'I find the army in general, and the troops raised in Massachusetts in particular, very deficient in necessary clothing. Upon inquiry, there appears no probability of obtaining any supplies in this quarter; and on the best consideration of this matter I am able

to form, I am of opinion that a number of hunting-shirts, not less than ten thousand, would in a great degree remove this difficulty, in the cheapest and quickest manner. I know nothing, in a speculative view more trivial, yet which, if put in practice, would have a happier tendency to unite the men, and abolish those Provincial distinctions, that lead to jealousy and dissatisfaction.

In a former part of this letter I mentioned the want of engi

neers.

'I can hardly express the disappointment I have experienced on this subject.

'If any persons thus qualified are to be found in the Southern Colonies, it would be of great public service to forward them with all expedition.

Upon the article of ammunition, I must re-echo the former complaints on this subject. We are so exceedingly destitute, that our artillery will be of little use without a supply both large and seasonable. What we have must be reserved for the small arms, and that managed with the utmost frugality.

I am very sorry to observe, that the appointment of general officers, in the Provinces of Massachusetts and Connecticut, has not corresponded with the wishes and judgment of either the civil or military. The great dissatisfaction expressed on this subject, and the apparent danger of throwing the whole army into the utmost disorder, * have induced me to retain the commissions in my hands until the pleasure of the Continental Congress should be further known, except General Putnam's, which was given the day I came to the camp, and before I was apprized of these disgusts.

*

'In such a step I must beg the Congress to do me the justice to believe, that I have been actuated solely by a regard to the public good.

'I have not, nor could I have, any private attachments; every gentleman in appointment was a stranger to me, but from char

acter.

'General Spencer's disgust was so great at General Putnam's promotion, that he left the army without visiting me, or making known his intention in any respect.

'General Pomroy had also retired before my arrival, occasioned, as it is said, by some disappointment from the Provincial Congress.

'Upon finding the number of men to fall so far short of the establishment, and below all expectation, I immediately called a council of general officers, whose opinion I have the honor of enclosing, together with the best judgment we are able to form of the Ministerial troops. All the general officers agree, that

no dependence can be put on the militia, for a continuance in camp, or regularity and discipline during the short time they may stay.

This unhappy and devoted Province has been so long in a state of anarchy, and the yoke of Ministerial oppression has been laid so heavily on it, that great allowances are to be made for troops raised under such circumstances. The deficiency of numbers, discipline, and stores, can only lead to this conclusion, that their spirit has exceeded their strength.

'It requires no military skill to judge of the difficulty of introducing proper discipline and subordination into an army, while we have the enemy in view, and are in daily expectation of an attack; but it is of so much importance that every effort will be made to this end, which time and circumstances will admit. In the mean time, I have a sincere pleasure in observing, that there are materials for a good army, a great number of able-bodied men, active, zealous in the cause, and of unquestionable courage.

'Generals Gates and Sullivan have both arrived in good health. 'My best abilities are at all times devoted to the service of my country; but I feel the weight, importance, and variety of my present duties too sensibly, not to wish a more immediate and frequent communication with the Congress.'

Lond. ed. vol. i. p. 3.

Wash. Writings.

Sparks, vol. iii. p. 17.

The following extracts from their Journal, show the prompt action of Congress on most of the matters suggested in this first letter from General Washington, after he arrived at the camp before Boston.

'IN CONGRESS. July 19, 1775. The President laid before the Congress a letter from the General, with papers enclosed, which were read and considered, whereupon,

'Ordered, That Mr. Wilson apply to the committee of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, and request them to make diligent inquiry, what quantity of duck Russia sheeting, tow-cloth, oznaburgs, and ticklenburgs can be procured in this city, and make return as soon as possible to this Congress.

Resolved, That Joseph Trumbull be Commissary-general of stores and provisions for the army of the United Colonies.

'Resolved, That the appointment of a Quarter-master-general, a Commissary of musters and a Commissary of artillery, be left to General Washington.

'That General Thomas be appointed first Brigadier-General, in the army of the United Colonies, in the room of General Pomroy, who never acted under the commission sent to him, and that General Thomas's Commission bear the same date that General Pomroy's did.

'That it be left to General Washington, if he thinks fit, to appoint three Brigade-Majors, and commission them accordingly.

That it be recommended to the Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, to complete the regiments belonging to their respective Colonies, retained by the General in the Continental army before Boston.'

6

'July 29. Resolved, That the appointment of Provost-martial, Wagon-master, and Master-carpenter, be left to the Commander-inChief of the army, who is to fix their pay, having regard to the pay they receive in the Ministerial army, and the proportion that the pay of the officers in said army bears to the pay of our officers.' August 1. Resolved, That the sum of five hundred thousand dollars be immediately forwarded from the Continental Treasury, to the Paymaster-general, to be applied to the use of the army in Massachusetts-Bay, in such manner as General Washington, or the Commander-in-Chief for the time being, by his warrants shall limit and appoint; and if the above sum shall be expended before the next meeting of the Congress,* then that General Washington, or the Commander-in-Chief for the time being, be empowered to draw upon the Continental Treasury, for the sum of two hundred thousand dollars, in favor of the Paymaster-general, to be applied for the use and in the manner above mentioned..

'SECRET JOURNAL. August 1, 1775. Resolved, That out of the powder belonging to the Continent, now in this city, five tons be sent to General Washington, in the speediest and safest manner, by the delegates of the Colony of Pennsylvania.'

GENERAL WASHINGTON to RICHARD HENRY LEE, in Congress. 'CAMP AT CAMBRIDGE, 10 July, 1775. DEAR SIR, I was exceeding glad to receive a letter from you, as I always shall be whenever it is convenient.

After a journey, a good deal retarded, principally by the desire of the different townships through which I travelled of showing respect to the General of your armies, I arrived here on this day week.

*

*

'I do not doubt but the Congress will think me very remiss in not writing to them sooner; but you may rely on it yourself, and I beg you to assure them, that it has never been in my power till this day to comply with their orders. Could I have conceived, that what ought, and, in a regular army, would have been done in an hour, would employ eight days, I should have sent an express on the morning after I arrived, with a general account of things; but expecting in the morning to receive the returns in the evening, and in the evening surely to find them in the morning, and at last getting them full of imperfections, I have been drilled on from day

* On the 1st day of August Congress adjourned to the 5th of September.