& military Stores.  I flatter myself we shall yet subdue the Enemy at Penobscot.  To alleviate our Misfortunes, some Ships taken from the Jamaica Fleet by the Providence Queen of France & Ranger are arrivd at this Harbor which added to one arrivd here a few Days ago & another at Cape Ann makes six out of ten which we know are taken.  The Contents of all are fifteen or sixteen hundred hhds of Sugar, twelve hundred hhds of Rum, Piemento, Ginger, Fish &c.  The richest of the Cargos are arrivd.  We are told of a Vessel at Salem in thirty Days from Cadiz & Bilboa, which brings an Account of the Declaration of War in Spain against Britain.  This corresponds with Accounts just recd from Havanna.  I believe they are true.

The Chevalier de la Luzerne has honord me with several private confidential Conversations, in which I have communicated to him my Sentiments with Freedom and Candor.  I have conceivd an high opinion of him and of M. Marbois, who is a Member of the Parliament of Meitz.  I want him to see you & Governor Trumbull.  The Chevalier has not yet determind what Route to take.  Should he go thro Springfield I wish to know whether you could furnish him with an Escort to General Washingtons Head Quarters.  Your Answer to this speedily will oblige me.—­God bless you my dear Friend.  Believe me to be sincerely yours——­

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

[Ms., Massachusetts Archives; the text, dated November 12, 1779, is in W.V.  Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, vol. iii., pp. 71, 72.]

State of mass Bay in council Octr 12 1779

SIR

Your Excellencys Letter of the 4th of October to the Council of this State was duly receivd, and immediately laid before the General Assembly which fortunately happend to be then sitting.  The Assembly have chearfully complid with your Requisition and accordingly orderd two thousand Men to be raisd with all possible Dispatch for the Purpose mentiond.  The Council have appointed Brigr General Fellows to take the Command.  Inclosd is Copy of the Resolution of the General Assembly.  Wishing that Success may ever attend the Arms of the United States & their Ally, I am in the Name & Behalf of the Council

yr Excellencys

most obedient

& humble Servant

TO THE NAVY BOARD AT BOSTON.

[Ms., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

Boston Oct 19, 1779

GENTLEMEN