New-Jersey Congress to Continental Congress

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Trenton, October 13, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: The Congress of New-Jersey, animated with equal affection to the common cause of America, and equally with the other Colonies desirous to promote its general interests as far as in their power, are sorry to find their good intentions likely to be restrained by one of the resolutions of the honourable Continental Congress of the 12th inst˙, obligingly communicated to us by their President.

We cannot but observe, that if the nomination of the field-officers in the Battalions proposed to be raised in this Province be not first ascertained to be in this Congress, it will much impede the expeditious raising of the men; and we are clearly of opinion that it will tend much to expedite this service, if field-officers are first of all appointed; for if they are such as are generally respected in the Province, not only Captains and subalterns of reputation will offer their service, but the privates will enlist more cheerfully; indeed, the other commissions cannot perhaps be properly

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We have no doubt, therefore, the honourable Continental Congress will reconsider this resolution, and determine that this Province ought neither to be precluded a privilege granted to every other Province, nor restrained in their endeavours to promote the general interests of America. In such case, we beg leave to assure them this Congress will exert all its influence in promoting the raising the proposed levies; and we have the pleasure to add, that we have reason to hope they will be attended with the desired success.

We are, Gentlemen, your most obedient servants.

By order of the Provincial Congress of New-Jersey:

SAMUEL TUCKER, President.

To the Members of the Honourable Continental Congress.