Letter from Thomas Palmet, dated January 25th

v4:1097

"Newburgh, January 25, 1776.

"GENTLEMEN: The Conveniion for this County, at their last session, passed a resolve that no person shall inlist under a Minute-Captain in any other town or precinct within this County, except that in which he resides. What views the Convention had in passing this resolve, I know not; but the consequences resulting from it is already too conspicuous to our damage, as it is the only means whereby two Minute-Companies, now recruiting, (the one in New-Windsor and the other in Newburgh Precinct,) cannot be filled up, as their former mode having been to fill up their companies out of the different precincts, in such manner as to be nearest their officers, and most compact and handy for exercising their men, which, in my opinion, is the most eligible; and, in that way, the companies which are already raised, and whose time wont expire until Spring, were filled up, and a considerable part of those companies made up out of the precincts of New-Windsor and Newburgh, so that the two companies now recruiting, being under the restriction of the said County resolve, cannot obtain a competent number of men. And, even suppose we were just now setting out to raise Minute-Men under the limits of such a resolution, it would be most absurd in its nature, as the number of the Militia are more or less according to the extent and popularity of the town and precincts, and the fourth of the Militia, in some, may not amount to a company, and, in others, more, and, perhaps, not quite two companies; so that it is absolutely necessary that the Minute-Captains may raise their companies any where, (at least,) within one Mililia-Regiment, in which he may reside.

This affair is likely to make much uneasiness; and had this not happened, the companies would easily been made out, without the disagreeable necessity for balloting, agreeable to your late resolve, which will be a step that many begin to grumble at, for, some say, by that means there is a compulsion on men who are disaffected to the cause, as well as to such other persons as the circumstances of their families, &c˙, may render it disagreeable to be obliged to turn out; and acts of constraint ought, if possible, to be avoided. I must, therefore, beg you will take the premises into your immediate consideration; and should you be of opinion with me, that the said resolve is attended with the consequences aforesaid, that you will be pleased, by a resolution of your House, to counteract the same by a line to the Chairman of the said Convention, or by some such other ways and means as, in your wisdom, you may judge best. I need not remind you that the resolves of the County Conventions and Sub-Committees within this Province, are ever subject to your approbation or disapprobation.

"I beg leave to observe, with the utmost concern, that no measures are yet going on for expediting our fortifications at Pooplopen' s Point. The river being now frozen, so that the limber for the barrack, which now chiefly lies at New-Windsor, may be carried in sleds down to Pooplopen' s Point, which is most necessary, in order for a house for labourers, and no better time than the present for collecting other necessaries back in the woods, and bringing them on the spot, in order for the fortification.

"I am, gentlemen, with due respect, your most obedient, and most humble servant,

"THOMAS PALMER.

"To the Honourable Committee of Safety, New-York."