[New York] Die Jovis 9 HO.A.M. October 12th, 1775.
Capt. John Lawrence being by request attending at the door, was called in and examined, and notes of his examination taken which were filed, and are in the words following, to wit:
Capt. John Lawrence sailed from London the 2d of August; left Falmouth the 14th: says, he made it his business to get all the intelligence he could with respect to the intentions of Government against the Colonies. That 23 ships from 40 guns and under were fitting out for the American service, to relieve the ships which were deemed too large, which he understood were to be recalled. That they were not all to come out this fall on account of the carpenters leaving the yards; that he understood 5 regiments were to come from Ireland, 3 regiments from England and Scotland, and 5 companies of artillery; that a large quantity of ordnance was shipping for America, and that five transports with provisions were sailed for Boston before he sailed; that he understood the troops were destined for Boston; that he heard that 4 or 5 of the transports had sailed for Ireland, to take the troops on board before he sailed; that he saw 4000 stand of arms shipped for Quebec; that 2 brigs sailed out of the Downs in company with him laden with warlike stores; that they sailed without convoy; that they had a lieutenant on board each but no troops; that he understood the arms were for the use of the Canadians; that he did not hear of any troops going to Quebec; that he did not hear of any artillery or stores or troops were to be sent to the southern Colonies, or to this Province; that he understood that 10,000 tons of transports were taken up to go to Embden, and 16,000 Hessians and Hanoverians were intended for America; But whether they were to proceed immediately to America or touch in England was not certain; reports differing relative thereto. That the report of employing Hessians and Hanoverians took place before the account of Bunker Hill battle; that the people seemed to be much exasperated against the Americans on receiving the account of Bunker Hill that the merchants in general were opposed to the Americans; that they were much pleased on hearing that 15,000 of the provincials were killed and taken prisoners by about 1700 regulars; but when the true state of the battle arrived they made long faces; that he did not hear of their building any flat-bottomed boats; that the news of taking Ticonderoga, &c. was by no means relished; that it was supposed the Parliament would be called sooner than usual, on account of calling the Hessian and Hanoverian troops; that Capt. Effingham Lawrence told him that he had been informed by Lord [Henry] Gage, that they intended to make up their army in America to 30,000 men this fall; that there was no complaint of the manufacturers wanting employ, and it was generally supposed that the administration kept them employed; that the people in general thought New-York worse than any of the other Colonies for disappointing them, not only by joining the other Colonies, but by acting more vigorously than the rest; that he heard there was more than ordinary demands for British goods by the Mediterranean; that the manufacturers in Ireland were quiet, but wished well to the Americans; that the people in England were anxious to hear from the Congress, expecting some offer of accomodation. That it was reported that on the news of Bunker Hill, the stocks fell a little, but afterwards rose again; that he heard of no disunion in the councils of administration; that great numbers of vessels were laid up in the Thames owing to the stopping of the American trade; that it was generally expected in England that the next news from America would be that Maj. [Philip] Skeene was hanged.
Ordered, That the master of the brigantine Mary have notice that he has leave to depart this Colony as soon as she is refitted and fit for sea.
A draft of a letter to the commissioners at the fortifications in the Highlands was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:
In Provincial Congress, New-York, October 12th, 1775.
Gentlemen ー The enclosed resolution which we received last evening from the Continental Congress will show you the objects they have in view, with regard to the fortifications now building in the Highlands, and also their sentiments as to the necessity of fortifying several other places on the river. We desire that you would take the matters recommended by the Congress into consideration, without loss of time; go to the several places mentioned in the resolutions; give us your opinions as to the fortifications necessary to be built at these places, with an estimate of the expenses, and what will be wanting from this city to complete the works. You will take Mr. Romans to your assistance, and use all possible despatch in making your report to this Congress. We have only to add, that you conduct this business with as much secrecy as the nature of the transaction will admit.
We are, gentlemen, Your [&c.] By order.
