2 Historical Manuscripts, etc. : Military Returns, xxvii., 2.54. s Journal of the Provincial Congress, " Die Mercurii, P.M , Feb. 21, "1776."

* Journal oj the ComiiiiUee of Safety, "Die Veneris, 10 ho., A.M., Feb. "9, 1776."

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 1774-1783.

[Febniari/ 9, 1776] a letter was ntklressed to Colonel Samuel Drake, ordorliig the skeleton Regiment of Westchester-county IMiniitc-iucn into active service. 1 That letter may [jropcily lind a place in this narrative : it wtis in the following words :

"New York, Fcb'y <J"' 177G.

" Sir :

" You will see by the enclosed Resolution " that Major ( ioneral liCe now at New York is author- " ized to call in as many of the Minute Men of thig " Colony as he may think necessary.

" I am directed by the General to have some Regi- "nients of Minute Men called here directly.

" Y'our Kcgimcnt is fixed on by the Committee of " Safety of this Colony as i)ro{)er to be called.

" You are therefore on receipt hereof to march with "your Regiment to New York with all possible dis- " patch. Take care that your men have their knap- " sacks and Blankets with them & provisiens for their " march. -- The (.Quartermaster ought by all means to " come with the Regiment.

" It is not doubted but you will give orders that "your Troops observe the greatest regularity in their " march, and if you order the several Companies to " proceed " [jirecedc f] " each other a few miles in their ' march they will be more easily accommodated.