the last despatches were sent you. The principal object now
is, the recruiting service, which has been greatly promoted by some
late resolves of Congress. Our troops have been under inocculation for
the smallpox with good success, which, we hope, will be a means of
preserving them from fevers in summer, however it will frustrate one
cannibal scheme of our enemies, who have constantly fought us with
that disease by introducing it among our troops.

When we look back to the beginning of last December, and see our army
reduced to between two and three thousand men, occasioned by the
expiration of the time for which they were enlisted, we feel
exceedingly happy in contemplating the agreeable condition and
prospect our affairs are now in. We have, since that period, reduced
the enemy more than our whole army, at that time, amounted to, and
scarce a day passes, in which they do not suffer either by skirmishes
or desertions.

The Congress have it in contemplation to remove the garrison from the
present fort, in the District of Ticonderoga, to fort Independence, in
the same District, which they judge will command that pass with
greater advantage, and is a much healthier situation. We mention this,
as the enemy will probably give an air of triumph to the evacuation,
should it be done. The distance between the two is about a quarter of
a mile.

As General Howe is preparing a bridge of boats, we think it possible
that he might, by a sudden and forced march, reach this city; but we
are clearly of opinion, that he would be ruined by the event; and
though we are not under much apprehension of such a movement, yet we
think it proper to give you the case, with our opinion thereon.

We are, gentlemen, your obedient humble servants,

BENJAMIN HARRISON,
ROBERT MORRIS,
THOMAS HAYWARD,
JAMES LOVELL.

* * * * *

FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

Philadelphia, 9th May, 1777.

Gentlemen,

This letter is intended to be delivered to you by John Paul Jones, an
active and brave commander in our navy, who has already performed
signal services in vessels of little force, and, in reward for his
zeal, we have directed him to go on