New Haven, 18th December, 1775.
[Extract]
Capt. Saltonstall left us yesterday; will be with you before this. It would give me pleasure to assist him with some good sailors. The vessels Mr. [Nathaniel] Shaw [Jr.] and self are now fitting will carry off the chief there is at New London. 2 As the soldiers are now returning, 3 a number of which are sailors, I hope some may soon be enlisted. I daily expect Capt. Elisha Hinman, who I imagine will gladly accept to go second with Capt. Saltonstall.
I expect pr next post to receive a line from you respecting Mr. Shaw's permiss1on. I must have leave for the sailors to carry some shoats in the vessels I am fitting out, which is what they always expect. 4
1. Collections of the Connecticut Historical Society, II, 343, 344.
2. One vessel was the sloop Lizard bound to Philadelphia with seamen for the fleet.
3. Referring to the Connecticut troops from the army at Cambridge, whose time of enlistment expired December 8, 1775.
4. Exportation of cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry was not permitted by the Continental Congress.
