Lebanon 13th July 1776.
Sir
In conformity to Resolve of Congress of 27th ulto I sent to Mr [Nathaniel] Shaw for an Account of the Cannon left at New London by Commodore Hopkins, their number, size, bore and weight; and also an account of the other Cannon there. Enclosed is Copy of his Return made to me;2 by which it appears, that if the fourteen heaviest Cannon had been sent to Philadelphia, there would not have been one twenty four pounder in our Fort; and only one eighteen of those left by the Commodore ー The ten of nine are old. We have been necessitated to make use of them for the present. One of them unfit for use ー
The Plan sent, and other representations shew the Situation and Advantages of the Harbour of New London ー Hitherto the Sound is not invested by the Enemy ー
Yesterday received your letter of the 6th instant, inclosing the Declaration of the United States of America. Shall have it proclaimed in the Colony in such a Manner that the People may be universally informed of it ー I am with great trust & regard, [&c.]
Jonth Trumbull
1. Trumbull Papers, XXIX, Letter Book IV, 70, ConnSL.
2. The return showed ten cannon mounted in Groton Fort; six sent to Philadelphia; nine mounted in Mamecock Fort; four each on board the galleys Shark and Crane, and one on Shaw's wharf; a total of thirty-four received from Hopkins. The colony cannon were divided, seven at New London and six at Groton. Papers CC (Connecticut State Papers 1775-89), 66 I, 215-16, NA.
