I have not been long enough in Town to be able to give you a full Account of the Affairs of this State. The a.s.sembly are interresting themselves as much as possible for the Supply of our Army--a small parcel of Cloathing is ready to be sent, which is intended for the Troops of this State. It is proposd that they shall purchase them at the first Cost and Charges, but not yet determined. The late Commissary General Colo Trumbull came to Town a few days ago. I have not yet seen him. Your Affairs in that Department suffer for want of a Commissary of Issues in the Eastern District to receive the provisions in Colo Trumbull"s Hands. The two Houses have requested him to deliver to Mr Colt who is also here, 12000 bush.e.l.ls of Salt belonging to the Continent in this State, and have authorizd a good Man to furnish him with Waggons, & to impress them if they cannot be otherwise procured. I fear if the Commissaries Department is not soon alterd, a dangerous Convulsion will take place. Pray attend to this.
I had the pleasure of waiting on your Lady yesterday. She & her little Flock, or as I might better express it, her great Flock of little Folks are in good Health, as I suppose she will inform you in a Letter which I hope to inclose in this.
Be so kind as to pay my warm Respects to Mr Gerry and Dana General Roberdeau the two Colo Lees and many others, not forgetting the Connecticutt Gentlemen and all who may enquire after me. Among these I flatter myself I shall not be forgotten by the worthy Ladies in the Generals Family. Pray make my very respectful Compliments together with those of my Spouse to them, and a.s.sure them that I have a most grateful Remembrance of the many Civilities I receivd from them. May Heaven bless them and the little Folks under their Charge.
THE COUNCIL OF Ma.s.sACHUSETTS TO HENRY LAURENS.1
[MS., Ma.s.sachusetts Archives.]
STATE OF Ma.s.s. BAY COUNCIL CHAMBER Decr 1777
SIR
I have the Honor to acquaint you that your Letter of the 28th of Novr inclosing Articles of Confederation and diverse Resolutions of Congress have been laid before the General a.s.sembly of this State. But the a.s.sembly having previously requested the Council to order an Adjournment, and many of the Members having returnd to their respective Homes, the Council have adjournd the a.s.sembly to a short Day when it is expected there will be a full Meeting; and the important matters above mentiond will be taken under due consideration.
I am in the Name of the Council-- Sir your most hbl servt
END OF VOLUME III.