John Lamb to New-York Committee of Safety

Page v2:1675

New-York, July 17, 1775.

GENTLEMEN: As several inconveniences will arise from present arrangement respecting the artillery company which I am appointed to command, I must beg leave to point out the most material of them for your consideration, in order that they may be removed, if possible, as they will inevitably impede the publick service. Artillery companies, in every country, are always looked upon in a superiour light to other foot companies; for which reason men of reputation, and such as are qualified for that department, do not incline to enlist in the battalions, from an apprehension (which I have not been able to remove by all the arguments in my power) that they will not be draughted into the artillery, and consequently will be obliged to serve under the command of the captain with whom they have enlisted; besides they think it a disgrace to appear in the ranks with such men as too often compose the companies of foot. If the artery company is to be draughted from the battalions in the manner proposed, I must be constrained to choose them solely for their appearance and bodily strength, without having the least opportunity of knowing either their characters, or principles, or whether they are qualified for the department in which they are to serve; although it is essentially necessary that I should have some knowledge of those circumstances previous to their joining the company. Another great inconveniency I conceive will arise, in regard to their clothing, if they are not to be draughted before the battalions are complete, as I must consequently have a number of men in different uniforms, it being more than probable that they will be draughted out of different battalions.

As there is no artillery companies in the service of Connecticut, it is the more necessary that ours should be immediately formed, in order that the men may be instructed in the several parts of their duty, and the necessary stores be prepared, that we may be ready to act, when and where the publick service may require.

For these reasons, and to obviate the inconveniences which I have pointed out, (especially as none of the battalions are near being completed,) I have thought proper to submit it to your better judgment, whether such an alteration in the arrangement should not be immediately made as will give me an opportunity of enlisting my own men, and forming the company as soon as possible. And as there is a distinction always held up between the artillery and companies of foot, I must beg leave to request that the clothing for the men may be better than that of the other companies, and that it may be blue with buff facings.

I am, with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your most humble servant,

JOHN LAMB.

To the Honourable Committee of Safety for the Province of New-York.

Letter from John Lamb to the New-York Committee of Safety, requesting permission to enlist his own Men for the Artillery. [1775-07-17] Lamb, John. [S4-V2-p1675] [Document Details][Complete Volume]