General Washington to Colonel Bedel

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GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL BEDEL.

Cambridge, February 1, 1776.

IR: The Continental Congress having called upon the Government of New-Hampshire to raise a regiment for the service of the United Colonies, which they have accordingly complied with, and appointed you to the command of, I have to desire that you will use your utmost diligence and despatch possible, to raise the said regiment, and march it into Canada by the way of Number Four and Onion River, on which communication a supply of provisions will be laid by order of Major-General Schuyler. This regiment is to be raised upon the Continental establishment, and agreeable to the terms and requisition of the Congress, as transmitted to New-Hampshire.

As the necessity of reinforcing our troops, posted before, and forming the blockade of Quebeck, is too apparent to need description, I would have you order each company to march as fast as they are raised, the whole putting themselves under the General, or commanding officer in Canada, as fast as they arrive there. Such necessaries as are indispensably necessary for the use of your regiment, will, I expect, be procured for you by your Colony, in the

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You will take under your care, Jean Baptist, together with the other Indians, (now at this place,) of the Caughnawaga tribe, and conduct them in the safest and most agreeable manner to themselves into Canada. You will receive a warrant upon the Paymaster for one hundred pounds, lawful, with which you are to bear their expenses, rendering an account of the just expenditure thereof for their use, to the Commissary of the Northern Department when you get there, who will be advertised of this matter, and directed to settle with you.

These, are, sir, my instructions, to which I doubt not you will pay a proper attention. I must again recommend your making all possible despatch; and that you may have a share in the glory of expelling the instruments of Ministerial tyranny from that fair Province, is the sincere wish of, sir, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Colonel Timothy Bedel.