The Newport Gazette

Extracts from Rebel Papers.

STATE of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
In the House of REPRESENTATIVES,
April 17, 1778.

WHEREAS it appears by the return made into the Secretary's office, that the proportion of the Continental army directed to be raised in this State is far short of being complete; and as the military officers, selectmen and committee in many towns and plantations, have by their generous exertions raised their full proportion, while others have neglected their duty in this regard, notwithstanding the repeated resolutions and pressing demands of the General Court. And as it is necessary, in order to complete the same, and do equal justice through the State, to make it the interest as well as the duty of the several towns and plantations in this State, immediately to furnish their respective quotas of men.

It is therefore,

Resolved, That the military officers, selectmen and committees in each and every town and plantation in this State, that now are, delinquent in that respect, shall on or before the twentieth Day of May next, cause a number of men, (including such as have already been enlisted or drafted to serve as soldiers in the Continental army, and whose time is not yet expired) equal to one seventh part of such town or plantation, on the first day of January, 1777, agreeable to a resolve of this court, of the fifteenth day of August last past, to be forthwith enlisted for the said service, for the term of three years or during the present war; or drafted to serve therein for the space of eight months from the day such draft is made, and to make return thereof into the Secretary's office, on or before the first day of June next, and on failure thereof, that each delinquent town shall incur the penalty and forfeit the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, for the use of this State, for every man they shall be deficient as aforesaid, which sum shall be added to the next State tax of such town or plantation. And that the Attorney-General be empowered and directed, on complaint of such delinquent towns and plantations, against such of their officers, selectmen, and committees, as have, by negligence and misconduct, incurred any forfeitures, in consequence of former resolves of this General Court, to prosecute such officers, selectmen, or committees, to final judgment and execution, by presentment or otherwise, before any court proper to try the same: and that the resolves of this Court, of the fifteenth day August last, and of the third day of February last past, so far as the same requires the town treasurers, Colonels, and Receiver-General, and the Attorney-General, to prosecute for forfeitures therein mentioned be, and hereby is declared null and void.

And whereas notwithstanding the resolves of Congress and of this Court to the contrary, some of the towns and plantations in this State have procured British prisoners of war, and deserters from the British army, to be enlisted as part of such town or plantation's quota aforesaid; many of whom have already deserted to the enemy with their arms, and others are ordered to be sent back from the army, as being unfit to be employed therein.

For remedy whereof, be it further

Resolved, That such prisoners and deserters as aforesaid, that heretofore have or shall be hereafter enlisted by any town or plantation in this State shall not be considered to exempt such place from the penalty aforesaid, but such place shall still be holden to complete their full quota as aforesaid, to all intents and purposes, as though no such prisoner or deserter had been enlisted as aforesaid.

Sent up for Concurrence.

J. PITTS, Speaker, Pro. Tem.

In Council, April 17, 1778.
Read and concurred

JOHN AVERY, Dep. Sec'ry.

Consented to by the major Part of the Council.

A true Copy,
Attest.
JOHN AVERY, Dep. Sec'ry.