Extract of a Letter from New-York to a Gentleman in London

v4:587

This Colony contains about 200,000 souls, of which, by an exact return, 40,000 are able to bear arms; from whom deduct 2,000, as lukewarm and disaffected, which leaves 38,000 men attached to the American cause. The Militia of the Colony is well regulated by the Convention; 9,500 are appointed as Minute-Men, properly officered, and allowed the pay of the Continental troops, for the extra days they muster above the time prescribed by law. Ammunition is distributed to them, at the publick expense, by the several County Committees. They are tolerably well armed, but, by the Spring, will be as completely furnished as any troops in the world, contracts having, for some time past, been made for that purpose, by, and under the inspection of gentlemen who have the cause at heart. A sufficient quantity of intrenching tools are made, and their camp equipage preparing. They have a good train of brass field-artillery, of their own casting, and a vast plenty of iron ordnance. The Militia is commanded by one Major and six Brigade Generals. This Colony is far better prepared for defence than the Massachusetts was last Spring; all our neighbours are in a better state. The present Convention of the Colony exists till May next; during the recess, the publick affairs are conducted by a Committee, or Council of Safety.

There are now twenty-six complete regiments at Cambridge, of 632 effective men, which amounts to 16,422. The Connecticut troops returned home, after the expiration of their time. That Colony is now raising nineteen regiments, of 900 effective men each. New-York has raised four, of 750 each. Jersey two, of 632; and Pennsylvania five, of 632, effective. The number raised in the Southern Colonies, I cannot inform you. The Army at Cambridge is now exceedingly well provided with ammunition and artillery.

General Wooster commanded at Montreal. Our last advices from Canada are dated the 7th of December. General Montgomery was then before Quebeck, with 4,000 Provincials and 5,000 Canadians; he was wailing for his artillery to come from Montreal. Upon its arrival, there is no doubt but he would soon oblige General Carleton to surrender, who has in garrison, under his command, to defend the place, 1,053 men, consisting of English and French merchants, emigrants, Newfoundland-men, sailors, and marines.