Extract of a Letter from Quebeck to Philadelphia

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The 17th instant, at the request of the Lieutenant Governour, the British and Canadian inhabitants assembled on the parade; the latter were formed into eleven Companies, the former into six. The British and Canadian Militia for this place will consist of about eleven hundred men, many of whom neglect and others think the duty hard, and the greater part are dissatisfied with the conduct of Government, as every day convinces them that they are deceived. The snow Fell, of Whitbay, is taken into Government service, to be commanded by Captain Napier — it is said she is to carry eighteen six and nine pounders; the ship Charlotte, belonging to Mr˙ Roach, of Rhode-Island; likewise, a sloop and schooner, of this place — cannot inform you what force they will carry; they have also a small vessel, that is sent express to Boston. Our militia mount guard from nine to nine in the morning; as yet, they have not received any ammunition, except four rounds in the evening, which gives reason to believe that Government is afraid to trust them with a larger quantity. The publick in general are dissatisfied with Government, for not letting them know the true state of the Province, which may be supposed much worse than it is represented, from the Governour' s ordering his lady to England; she has taken her passage in the ship Lydia, Captain Deane, who is to sail on Friday next. There are many other ladies who are preparing to leave the Province; likewise, some men, who are conscious that their conduct does not deserve civil treatment from the Provincials, should they come into the Province. It is currently reported here, that Mr˙ Livingston and Jerry Dugan had raised one hundred and fifty Canadians, the former with the title of Lieutenant-Colonel, the latter with that of Major, who were near taking Lord Pitt and General Carleton on the river Chambly. Government reports, that on General Carleton' s publishing a pardon for those that should come in at a certain time, that a greater part of them had abandoned their officers.