ify Gen.
Washington of the success of the project.

"PROVIDENCE, February 23d, 1778.

"SIR:--I have been favored with your Excellency's letter of
the [3d instant,][552] enclosing a proposal made to you by
General Varnum, for recruiting the two Continental
battalions raised by this state.

"I laid the letter before the General Assembly at their
session, on the second Monday in this month; who,
considering the pressing necessity of filling up the
Continental army, and the peculiarly difficult circumstances
of this state, which rendered it in a manner impossible to
recruit our battalions in any other way, adopted the
measure.

"Liberty is given to every effective slave to enter the
service during the war; and upon his passing muster, he is
absolutely made free, and entitled to all the wages,
bounties and encouragements given by Congress to any soldier
enlisting into their service. The masters are allowed at the
rate of L120, for the most valuable slave; and in proportion
to those of less value.

"The number of slaves in this state is not great; but it is
generally thought that three hundred, and upwards, will be
enlisted.

"I am, with great respect, sir,

"Your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
"NICHOLAS COOKE.

"TO GEN. WASHINGTON."[553]

Where masters had slaves in the army, they were paid an annual
interest on the appraised value of the slaves, out of the public
treasury, until the end of the military service of such slaves.[554]
If owners presented certificates from the committee appointed to
appraise enlisted Negroes, they were paid in part or in full in
"Continental loan-office certificates."[555]

The reader will remember, that it has been already shown that Negroes,
both bond and free, were excluded from the militia of Massachusetts;
and, furthermore, that both the Committee of Safety and the Provincial
Congress had opposed the enlistment of Negroes. The first move in the
colony to secure legal enlistments and separate organizations of
Colored troops was a communication to the General Assembly of
Massachusetts, 3d of April, 1778.

"_To the Honorable Council, and House of Representatives,
Boston, or at Roxbury._

"HONORED GENTLEMEN,--At the opening of this campaign, our
forces should be all