[Extract]

Sir: The inclosed Declaration will shew you, that Congress at Length, impelled by Necessity, have dissolved the Connection between the American Colonies, and Great Britain, and declared them free and independent States; and in Compliance with their Order, I am to request you will cause this Declaration to be immediately proclaimed at the Head of the Continental Regiments in the Massachusetts Bay...

You will also perceive, that Congress have resolved, that the Arms taken in the Scotch Transports should be sent here. The President informs me, he has wrote to the Agents respecting them; but as I presume they are in your Possession, or in some of the Stores by your Order, you will have the Whole of them forwarded with all possible Dispatch, in the usual Rout and with necessary directions.