Committee of Trenton (New-Jersey) to the President of Congress

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Trenton, December 9, 1775.

SIR: In obedience to the resolve of Congress, transmitted to us, we have strictly examined into the conduct of the gentlemen officers stationed here, and have the satisfaction to find it punctually conformable to their parole, except in one instance. Doctor Huddleston has been unguarded and imprudent in his discourse, to the great uneasiness of the other gentlemen, who trust to the candour and indulgence of the Congress, if his past indiscretion cannot be overlooked, that their innocence may not suffer by it, as they have never failed to reprove him, and oftentimes severely, for it.

They express great uneasiness at the apprehension of being removed, as well on account of the satisfaction they have in their present situation, as that it must appear to the world as a punishment for breach of honour; and, in justice to them, we assure you, we believe these their declarations to be perfectly sincere.

As to their debauchery, or the people of this place being debauched by them, we apprehend there is not the least danger. The people in and about Trenton early fixed their principles upon proper knowledge and rational conviction, and have as steadily maintained them, as any people on the Continent; and we are positive, when occasion offers, will discover a consonant conduct.

Enclosed is their parole agreeably to direction; we should have transmitted it sooner, but Captain Allgee was expected from New-York.

We are, sir, with great respect, your very humble servants,

SAMUEL TUCKER, ISAAC SMITH, ABRAHAM HUNT, ROBERT HOOPS.