Robert Alexander to the Council of Safety of Maryland

v4:887

ROBERT ALEXANDER TO THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF MARYLAND.

Philadelphia, January 30, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: You have, enclosed, two resolutions of Congress, one respecting the collector of gold and silver for the pay of the troops in Canada, the other on the case of Mr˙ Juge, referred to Congress by the Convention of your Province.

In consequence of the resolve of the Convention, we made application to Congress to grant permission to consume the tea imported before the 1st of February last. The application was referred to a Committee of the Whole House, where the subject was debated for two days, and overruled by a majority of seven Colonies to five, (the last New-York, Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland,) and a report made by the Chairman that it was inexpedient to alter the Association. This report now lies on the table.

The loss of General Montgomery, with the particulars of his unfortunate attack on Quebeck, you will have heard. Measures are now taken by Congress which, I trust, will reduce Carlelon and his few troops before the end of February. Had one-third of the succour been sent Montgomery, in all human probability the life of that brave and gallant officer had been saved, and Quebeck long ere this in our possession.

The instructions of the Convention are come to hand, but not as yet laid before Congress. I am much pleased with them. They entirely coincide with my judgment and that line of conduct which I had determined to pursue. The Farmer, and some others, to whom in confidence they were shown, say that they breathe that spirit which ought to govern all publick bodies, firmness tempered with moderation.

I am, gentlemen, with respect, your humble servant,

ROBERT ALEXANDER.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety.