General Washington to the Committee of Safety of New-Hampshire

v3:970

Camp at Cambridge, October 15, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: I was yesterday favoured with yours of the 11th instant, wherein the necessities of the Town of Portsmouth and the garrison there, for some part of the late capture of flour, are represented. Had I known their situation, I should have made the application unnecessary, by directing Mr˙ Moylan on the subject. They have my cheerful consent to take what is necessary, but perhaps somewhat less than six hundred barrels may answer the present exigence. As our mutual wants are now known to each other, I shall leave it to you to reserve what quantity you think indispensably necessary.

I do not see any impropriety in paying the seamen their wages out of the sales of some part of the cargo, and make no doubt it will be approved in the settlement of this affair.

With respect to the transportation of it to Marblehead or Salem by water, I apprehend it must depend upon circumstances, such as the enemy being upon the coast, &c˙, of all which Mr˙ Moylan was directed to inform himself, and then act as should be best. The expense of land carriage would be very considerable, and I wish to use all possible economy, so as to be consistent with our safety. You will please to favour Mr˙ Moylan with your opinion on the subject, to which he will pay a suitable regard.

I am, with much respect and esteem, Gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

The Hon˙ William Whipple, Esq˙, Chairman, &c.