Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1829-02-12

saw the brItish troops ascend the high
ground called Bunker's hill TWAS a.
bout sunset The next day they enter
ed Boston.
II was before the close Of the year
IT'S that in organ xing the provisional
government of Massachusetts, Col. p.
was appointed one of the judges Of the
court OF common pleas tor Essex. his
native county. and sole Judge OF the
maritime court (Which had cognizance
OF all prize causes) for the middle dis
triet. camprehendiug Boston. with Ss
lsm and the other ports Of Essex; Offices
which he held until he accepted the ap-
pointmeni in the army.
Ia the fall of 1878, the army under
General Wasbington's command being
greatly reduced 10 numbers, a large re
enforcement of militia was called for.
5000 frsm Massachusetts, Col p. took
the command Of the regiment Of 700
men urnished frum ESSEX. The quota
OF Salem was composed IL volunteers
This tour Of militia duty was perform.
ed in the winter 81 1916 -; terninating
at Boundbrook, in New Jersey; Gen
Washing.on's head quarters beng at
Mcrrlstawn.
Soon after his return home. Col. p.
received an invitation from Gen. w To
take the oftirs of acknowledgement This
he aeesptsd. and joined the army under
WasningtoR'scommand al N iddle brook.
IN New Jersey. The following letter
was addressed to the President Of Con.
grsss by Gen. W.
NoRRisrows May "a. l777
+ "S'k II beg leave to inform Con
gress. that immediately after the receipt
OF their resolve OF the twenty sixth of
March, Recommending the office Of ad
jutani general TO be filed by the 40
pentment of aperson OF abilities and
unsupported attachment 10 our cause. 4
wrote to eoloaei Timothy Pickering, of
Salem, offering him the post in the first
instance. and Transmitting at The same
time letter for colonel William Lee.
wnosD Congress had been pleased to
mention, 20 be delivered him in case my
OTTER could MT be accepted THIS con-
duct IN prsferring colonel Pickering. I
was Induced to adopt from the high cha
racter bad Of h;g, both a. a great mi.
litsry genius. cultivated by an indus'ri-
Gus attention in thu study Of war, and
as a gentleman Of liberal education dis
'inguished zeal and great method and
activity IN business. This characters OF
him bad from genIiemen Of distinc elton
and merit, and on whose judgment I
could rely
"When nv letter reached colonel
Pickering, a, frsf view he though, his
situation in respect to public affairs
would not permit him to acce pit The post.
That fer colonel Lee he ssu. immedi.
ateiy to him, who. 10 consequences of il,
repairedto head qaartsrs. BY colonel
Lee ! received letter from colonel
Pickering, stating more pariis uIarly the
causes which prevented him accepting
the office when il was offered, and as
suriBg me that he would in little time
accommodate his affairs 10 sueba man
ner as to come into any military post 10
which he might be seTvicesb!e aud thst
e9ualso.
"iiere ] am to mark with peculiar
satisfaction. in justice 10 colonel Lee
who has deseivsdly acquired the repu
tstion OF good officer. thstbe express
ed distrus. of his abilities to fill the ap
poiniment intended for hiu; and, on
hearing that colonel Pickering would
accept he not only offered. but wished
to relinqa'sh his claim to il in favor OF
him, whom he declared he considered,
from very intimate and friendly &C
qeaintanee. as tirst military character;
and that be koew no gentle man better,
or so we'll qualified for the post. among
US. Matters being thus cireumstaDcsd.
and colonel Lee pleased with .hs com.
mand he was in, wrote 10 colonel
Pickering on his return. who scee pted
the office. and 10 daily expected
'Il this business / beg Congress to
be assured though colonel Lee was post
pened in the 6rst instance. their recon-
mesdation had It's due weight. and that
no motive, other than regard 10 the ser
vice induced me to prefer col Pickering
His acknowledged abilities end equal
zsal = without dsrogaiing from the msr.
its Of colonel Lee who holds high place
in my esteen--gsye him preference;
and 6attss my self the cause will bs pro-
msied in bis appointment, especially as
we shall have two good off in lieu
Of one. who. ! am persuaded, will do
n