Alexander McDougall to John Jay, 26 November 1775
NewYork Nov r 26 th : 1775
Dear Sir
I am Sorrey to inform you, that the information I gave you, relative to the arrival of Powder, proved groundless. 1 The vessel arrived which gave rise to the report; but brought none of that Article: She waited 36 days at Barcalona, to gain advice from the neighbourhood, whether any could be purchased; but none could be procured. The Powder in Spain was all in the King–s Magazines. To add to our distress, we have lost Judge Livingstons Mill, 2 by the Carelesness of two men, who fired off their Guns near Some of Pans in which Powder was placed to dry. We have been informed, that there has been a Considerable arrival of Powder in Phi a . If this be true, surely the Congress can borrow of the ir m abundance ; to supply our pressing wants: for what we have lent the Continent. A Sufficient number of members have not yet appeared, to make a Congress; 3 so that we are without Power, or means to Crush with Safety, those Machinations, which our restless Enemies are devising to destroy the Confederacy. What detains the Continental Troops to the Southward? Last week we received intelligence, that a Captain Harris 4 of Dutchess County, had enlisted men for the Ministerial Army, and it was expected he would be on Monday Night on Long Island, at one of the Ferries. After searching 6 Houses at 11 at Night, I found him and two of his recruits, and brought them over, and Secured them under gard; till they were upon evidence against each other, and the Confession of the Captain, found guilty by the Committee of Transgressing a resolution of our Congress. The next morning about 2 AM, the Captain and one of his men, made their escape, either by the Carelessness of the ^ Militia ^ Gard, or by their being bribed with money or Liquor, or disafection to the Common Cause; they are now Confined. Our difficulties are increasing fast upon us. The Committee in enquiring into the exorbitant Sale of Goods, find that William Ludlow among ^ many ^ others will be a delinquent; and they have noticed Robison and Price, in ^ the ^ same predicament with him, to be advertised; So that he must necessarily follow. From what you know of his connections, you will be at no loss to determine, that this necessary measure will decrease the Number of our Friends. 5 It will therefore be expedient, in order to Strengthen our Hands, against the influence these measures ^ will have ^ on many; and to make the Principle of Fear, which now makes Causes many to look back; operate in our Favor to ^ have ^ Troops here without delay. Otherwise it is difficult to say what a Few weeks may bring forth in our Capitol, ^ against the union. ^ It is unne[ce]ssary to trouble you with a Particular detail. I am in great Haste Sir, Your affectionate Humble Servt.
Alex r . M c Dougall
Col. Jay