2 " The Eegiment here, from Connecticut, can turn out many Carpen- " tera, who consent to work upon much more reasonable terms than the "artificers of this City. It would, I imagine, be worth while to pro- " vide, if possible, a sufficient number of tools : when the present work 1 ' is done, these tools cannot be considered an idle purchase : they will " always be useful," {General Charles Lee to the Provincial Congress, "New- York, February 22, 1776.")

Already provided with quarters, rations, and pay, as soldiers, and without tools, these men could well afford to underbid the local Mechanics, whose houserents, food, and other expences, including their expensive tools, must be provided for, by themselves. But how dreary the times must have been, even in Connecticut, when her Artisans, were compelled to go into the Army, in order to gain their needed shelter and their daily bread.

* The Committee of Safety to General Schuyler, "In Committee, New- "York, 17th Jan'y., 1776."

* Journal of the Committee of Safety, "Die Mercurii, 10 ho., A.M., " Jany. 24, 1776 ;" the same, " Die Sabbati, 3 ho., P.M., Feby. 3, 1776 ;" the same, " Die Veneris, 10 ho., A.M., Feb. 9, 1776 ;" Journal of tlie Provincial Congress, " Die Veneris, 4 ho., P.M., March 8, 1776."

s Journal of the Committee of Safety, "Die Sabbati, 3 ho., P.M., Feby. 3, "1776 j" the same, "Die Veneris, 10 ho., A.M., Feb. 9, 1776;" Journal of the Provincial Congress, " Die Veneris, 4 ho., P.M., March 8, 1776." ' Monies were also " advanced to the distressed wives and friends of sun- " dry soldiers, now in Canada, in the service of the united Colonies," (Journal of tlie Provincial Congress, "Die Veneris, 4 ho., P.M., March 8, 1776.")