Isaac Stoutenburgh and Others, to the New-York Congress

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New-York, August 17, 1775.

MR˙ PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN: We beg leave to inform you that several Independent Companies, already formed in this City, propose to unite together and establish a second Independent Battalion. And in confidence that the Congress will readily countenance every measure which hath a tendency to promote the publick good, they are thereby encouraged to request their patronage.

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As the appointment of field-officers belongs to the Congress, they would humbly beg leave to recommend the following gentlemen for that purpose, being persons whom, upon mature consideration, they find will be most acceptable to the companies which compose the battalion, viz: Captain Wm˙ Heyer, Colonel; Captain Ch' r Barker, or Mr˙ P˙ Curtenius, for Lieutenant-Colonel; and Mr˙ William Malcom, as Major. They flatter themselves that this nomination will be agreeable to the Congress, and that they will indulge the companies therein. With respect to the two gentlemen who are named as Lieutenant-Colonel, the preference of the Congress will be cheerfully acquiesced with.

They particularly request that the Congress will take this matter into their consideration, as soon as more weighty affairs will permit, as they would wish to get the battalion in a respectable situation before the season is too far advanced.

In behalf of four companies, we are, with due respect, Mr˙ President and Gentlemen, your most obedient servants,

ISAAC STOUTENBURGH,
CHRISTOPHER BENSON,
JOHN LABOYTEAUX,
JEREMIAH WOOL.

To the Honourable the Provincial Congress, New-York.