Same as the foregoing. A signed letter only. Endorsed:-Opinion of the only Means of quieting the Americans. 1 folio pages. GOVERNOR WILLIAM TRYON to LORD DARTMOUTH. 1775, July 7. New York.-In the delicate state of his health and public situation and it being very probable he may either be taken prisoner as a state hostage, or obliged to retire on board one of His Majesty's ships of war to avoid the insolence of an inflained mob, humbly requests discretionary leave to return to England and that it may be sent by the next packet. He will make no hasty or improper use of such grace. Duplicate letter signed. 1 folio page. [The autograph signed letter is in the Public Record Office, series America and West Indies, Vol. 185, fo. 423.] Endorsed :-Govr Tryon, N. York, 7 July, 1775. discretionary Leave of Absence. Again endorsed :-Govr Tryon July 1775. Praying a BENJAMIN MOORE to the REVEREND DOCTOR COOPER 1775, July 8. King's College.-" Our Situation grows more & more distressing. The City is held in a constant Alarm." The Connecticut Troops about 1,800 are encamped near Mr. Elliott's. Various false rumours are constantly being spread concerning the movements of the troops. It has been suggested that the college be converted into a hospital and Doctor Clossy Physician General to the American army. Governor Tryon is viewed with a supercilious eye, though he behaves with much prudence and moderation. The Corporation were prohibited by the Provincial Congress from presenting their address to Governor Tryon. Extract. Intercepted. 1folio pages. GOVERNOR THOMAS SHIRLEY to LORD DARTMOUTH. 1775, July 10. Dominica." Mr Robert Temple, who will have the honour of delivering this Letter to your Lordship; is a Gentleman lately arrived here from Boston in his way to England." Commends him to his Lordship's attention as one conversant with American affairs but who has been obliged to quit his home and family on account of service rendered to the King's troops in the skirmish of the 19th April. Letter signed. 1 quarto pages. Endorsed:-Govr Shirley 10 July 1775. LORD VISCOUNT TOWNSHEND to LORD Dartmouth. 1775, July 11. Portman Square.-Requests the loan of Captain Holland's plan of the town of Boston and its environs for a few days. Original. Not autograph. In the third person. quarto page. Endorsed:-Ld Viset Townshend 11 July 1775, on the Subject of Ordnance Stores for America. Enclosure: Account of Ordnance at Quebec and Montreal. quarto page. LORD VISCOUNT TOWNSHEND to [LORD DARTMOUTH]. 1775, July 11. Portman Square.-If more ordnance stores are required, suggests that they could be spared from Boston, as General Gage has more than he can possibly use for Quebec and Virginia. The artillery, small arms and stores are all ready for embarkation as ordered. Letter signed. 1 quarto page. LORD DUNMORE to LORD DARTMOUTH. 1775, July 12. The "Fowey."-Mr. Corbin, Senior, is one of the most influential loyalists in the colony, and his son leaves America entirely on account of the disturbances, having found his life in danger because he would not join the provincials. He is well informed of the transactions in this colony. Autograph letter signed. 2 quarto pages. Endorsed:-La Dunmore July 1775, recommending Mr Corbin of Virginia. The DUKE OF CHANDOs to LORD DARTMOUTH. 1775, July 13. Acrington.-Highly recommending Captain Shaw who has resided for several years past at Winchester, and whose two sons are now serving His Majesty at Boston under General Gage. Autograph letter signed. 1 quarto pages. Endorsed :-D. of Chandos 13 July 1775, recommending Capt. Shaw. COLONEL T. HOWARD to [LORD DARTMOUTH]. 1775, July 14. White Hall. Autograph letter signed. 2 quarto pages. Endorsed:-Coll Howard 14 July 1775, desiring a vacant Regt for his friend Govr Tryon. CADWALLADER COLDEN, Junior, to the REVEREND DOCTOR 1775, July 15. Coldengham.-"If any one has dared to put Pen to Paper to give you a State of Affairs in this Province since you left us it must fill your sympathetic Breast with the greatest anxiety to hear of the great Progress of— -I know not what to call it, in so much that no one dare now print, write or speak a word in favour of Government." His life and property threatened till he was compelled to sign the Association Paper. Some who refused to do so tied hand and foot and sent down to the Provincial Congress. All Church men in this part of the country have appeared averse to the public measures and are consequently called Tories. Extract. Intercepted. 1 folio page. Communications from Mr Todd* Oct. 11. Is in a wrapper marked * Secretary of the General Post Office. GOVERNOR JOSIAH MARTIN to LORD DARTMOUTH. 1775, July 15. "Cruizer" Sloop of War, Cape Fear River, North Carolina.-No. 36. Gives account of Howe's victory at Bunker's Hill as received from the master of a vessel just arrived from Boston. Pernicious influence of printed papers circulated by rebels. Is eager for intelligence and supplies from General Gage; it is rumoured that the Committee at Wilmington have intercepted General Gage's letter to him. Captain Collets' just representations that he could not hold Fort Johnston with three or four men against a multitude have determined him to dismount the artillery and lay it under cover of the "Cruizer's guns. The fort a contemptible thing. Cornelius Harnett, John Ashe, Robert Howes or Howe and Abner Nash are the persons who lead the revolt in his province and who he proposes should be proscribed the same as Samuel Adams and John Hancock in Massachusetts have been by the King's proclamation. Autograph letter signed. 4 large folio pages. Endorsed :-North Carolina. Cruiser Sloop of War Cape Fear River. 15 July 1775. Gov Martin. (No 36.) R/ 10 Sept 1775. Enta. JOHN GIBSON to MESSRS. JOHN AND ROBERT BARCLAY. 1775, July 18. Philadelphia.-General Gage by carrying the Trenches at Bunker's Hill has gained perhaps 1,000 acres of ground by X the victory of the 17th but he is as closely besieged as before the arrival' of troops from England and Ireland. The Continental Congress has announced the resolution of the country to defend itself against the arbitrary Acts of Parliament; it has taken the reins of Government, and implicit obedience is paid to its decrees. If no response is made to the last petition sent to the King, Independency will be looked forward to and a European Power asked for assistance if required. Harvest generally in; every kind of produce has yielded abundance this year. Extract. Intercepted. 1 folio pages. GOVERNOR LORD WILLIAM CAMPBELL to [LORD DARTMOUTH]. 1775, July 19, last part on 20th. Charles Town.-No. 2. Detriment to the province by General Gage's neglect to send vessels for his assistance. Every hour he hears of vessels from the Dutch and French settlements arriving and smuggling cargoes in the neighbouring creeks. His reasons for not dissolving the Assembly. "The Assembly met the 10th. The Papers inclosed contain every thing that has pass'd, & shows (sic) plainly the temper that reigns amongst them. When Í received their Address I thought of dissolving them immediately, but I soon found that was what they wish'd; it would have furnished a fresh grievance, & an excuse for every violent, desperate, measure that might be adopted in their Committees, & Councils. They would have immediately said, that by a Dissolution at such a Crisis I had inflamed the minds of the people, weakned Goverment, & riot, anarchy, & confusion, could not fail of being the consequence. I have consider'd this matter with the greatest attention, I have consulted those few of the King's Servants that I could depend on, as well as the Council, & they are all of opinion I cannot fall on a more effectual method to embarass the faction, than suffering the Assembly to sit some little time longer, . & putting it in their power to compleat the necessary business of the Province, if they chuse it, which I do not expect, as I am convinced they do not wish at present to have even the appearance of a Legislature. They are ripe for any violence, & I am determined whatever is done shall be acted before them; in fact it will be their own Deed, as the Assembly almost to a man are Members of the Congress, & Committee. No subterfuge should be left them; things are come to such a pass My Lord that the whole World ought to know-that the present measures proceed not from a mob fired by oppression but are the result of a concerted plan, and firm determination of a powerful party, to establish an independancy, by Acts as unprovoked, as they are unjustifiable." The Advices from the Continental Congress (a few resolutions excepted intended for the publick eye) are as carefully concealed as possible, but it is said that two millions of Dollars are to be raised immediately, & the proportion of this Province will be 56,000£ Sters. This with the enormous expence of ye new Troops &ca. will oblige them to raise a sum little short of 300,000£ Sters." The Carolina Committee and Council of Safety sit night and day; is told they are debating about seizing the King's officers and those few who have not signed the Association. "Your Lordship will easily conceive the distress of my presen situation, & how very uncertain my personal safety is; but as I know my presence here embarasses them I am determined at all events to remain to the last extremity, & see what they dare do. To publish proclamations against their proceedings would be only giving them an opportunity of pouring fresh insults on Goverment, but could I only keep my ground till General Gage enables me to publish an Account of a severe correction given to the Massachusets People; & till the Admiral recollects the situation we must be in to the Southward, & sends us some little force; I am still in hopes our Heroes here might come to their senses." Has received no communication from Lieutenant Governor Ball. Commends Mr. Wragge for his zeal and loyalty though he is threatened with banishment for it. Georgia has joined the General Association and appointed delegates to the Continental Congress. Gunpowder seized; the governor, Sir James Wright, dares not write. Hears that a posse of men is waiting to seize his dispatches from Mr. Innes as he carries them down to the packet, so will send to Capt. Thornborough for his boat in the night to convey Mr. Innes safely with them. Enumerates five papers sent in a packet with this letter. Letter written in Innes's hand. Letter signed. 10 folio pages. CHIEF JUSTICE W. HEY to [LORD DARTMOUTH]. Observa- 1775, July 20. Quebec. The confusion in the province. Three attempts made by the rebels by the way of Lake Champlain. tio s on the Canadians and their refusal to fight against the rebels. own situation unpleasant but will stay until driven out by armed force, for though he may do little good by staying, he might do harm by leaving. Autograph letter signed. 4 folio pages. Endorsed on a wrapper:-Quebec. 20 July 1775. Chief Justice Hey relative to the State of Affairs in Quebec. m (private) 40. pt 2. SOAME JENYNS to [LORD DARTMOUTH.] 1775, July 20. Botisham. Has been requested to recommend Mr. James Gifford who has served some years in the Army as Captain of a Company in General Keppel's Regiment, but now sold out and wishes to obtain some inferior Government or Lieutenant Government in America or the West Indies. Thinks he is suitable for it, as he has served six years in that country and seems well acquainted with most of the provinces. Autograph letter signed. 1 quarto pages. Endorsed :-So. Jenyns Esq 20 July 1775, recommending Mr Gifford to a Governmt. BENJAMIN HARRISON to General GeorgE WASHINGTON. 1775, July 21, 23 and 24. various kinds of trouble, I dare than I expected, knowing the sample we have here. Philadelphia. "Your fatigue and say are great; but they are not more people you have to deal with by the I wish, with all my heart, your troops The want of Some folks here Indeed, The were better, and your stores more complete. Engineers, I fear, is not to be supplied in America. seemed much displeased at your report on that head. my friend, I do not know what to think of some of these men; they seem to be exceeding hearty in the cause, but still wish to keep every thing amongst themselves. Our President is quite of a different castnoble, disinterested, and generous, to a very great degree. The Congress have given you the appointment of three Brigade Majors. The military chest, I hope, will be supplied 3000. What has occasioned the delay in this article I know not, without an imitation of the Congress, in its slowness, is become fashionable. Governour is still at Yorktown, with three men of-war. He, Montague, and Foye, went the other day by water to his farm, and were within three or four minutes of being all taken by Captain Meredith, with seventy men from Hanover. Meredith says his intentions were to carry his Lordship to Williamsburgh, to put him into the Palace, and promise him protection, to convince him and the world that no injury was intended him; however, as he missed his stroke, I daresay he will be charged with intending to murder him. We think the season too far advanced to send you any more men from the southward. . . Georgia has come into the Union. The debate about our remove was taken up yesterday, and determined in the negative. I proposed a Committee, but could not carry it. I think it is high time there was an end of the Congress." Recommends Edmund Randolph as Washington's Secretary. Copy. 6 folio pages. Endorsed :-Copy of a letter from Benja Harrison (one of the Delegates at the Congress) to G. Washington, dated 21st July, 1775. LORD TOWNSHEND to [LORD DARTMOUTH]. 1775, July 21. Rainham.-A letter received from General Gage announces his satisfaction at the arrival of Engineer Page. Hopes others on their way will give equal pleasure. Mentions artillery now at the Tower which would be useful to General Gage and easily trans |