Letter from Governour Trumbull to the President of Congress

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Lebanon, March 2, 1776.

SIR: Mr˙ Lee, of Castleton, moved to me for an allowance to be made him, and those employed under him, for their service at the iron works, and other business, at Skenesborough, after the first taking of Ticonderoga until they were dismissed. Also, Captain Thomas Lusk, one of the first adventurers in the reduction of Ticonderoga and places adjacent, moved for a settlement and payment to those who undertook and were employed in that service.

I gave them my opinion, that the honourable General Congress intend that affair, and transactions thereon, should be a continental expense; that inhabitants belonging to divers Colonies were concerned, that each Colony had advanced money, and that if is needful a full account should be prepared of the services, provisions and advancements, to be examined and liquidated by some suitable persons thereto appointed. Therefore this serves to move the honourable Congress, that a Committee be appointed, fully authorized and empowered to call on all concerned therein, for their accounts of services and disbursements, and to appoint and notify some convenient time and place to hear, examine, and liquidate the same, and make report thereof, that justice may be done, and those brave men who undertook and so happily effected that work, generously rewarded.

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient, humble servant.

JONATHAN TRUMBULL.

To the Honourable President Hancock.