" By Captain Tinker am informed of the misfortune and situation of "the row-galleys sent into the Continental service from this State ; and " as circumstances are altered, respecting them, since my last to you, on ' ' the subject of dismissi ng their crews and arms, must again request your "attention to that matter, that the crew of the Crane, Captain Tinker, "who escaped, may be dismissed, and be admitted to return to the em- " ployment of this State ; and that if the crews of the other two galleys "can be of no further service to you, they, likewise, may be dismissed ; " of one or both, as you see fit, as we can employ them to advantage on "board our armed vessels, fitting out, into which service they are desir- "oi.s of entering.

" The galleys being employed in the service of the Continent, aro es- " teemed to be at the Continental care and risk.

"This State readily submits to your Excellency's directions what is requisite and proper relative to the men and their arms. " I am, with esteem and respect,

" Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

" Jonth. Trumbull.

"To His Excellency General Washington."

II.

'Sir:

'Head-quarters, October 18, 1776.

"The very critical stato of our Army and frequent movements of the en- " emy render it almost impossible for the General to write, himsolf, with- " out neglecting more important duties. He, therefore, directs me toan- " swer your letter of the 14th, and to say that the Captains of the galleys " from your State have misbehaved, invariably, from the first moment they " came, to the time of their departure from hence, about a week ago ; " that the accumulation of business and a hope that they would retrieve "their reputation, prevented your having an earlier information of their "behaviour.