254 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



By order from Congress and through t'ne channel of the Honorable 

 Mr. Chasei at my domicile in Philadelphia where Speaking to me in person 

 it was proposed to me to set off for Montreal, in Canada, in quality of 

 printer for Congress, with all my utensils necessary for my press at the 

 expense of Congress. 



I accepted of the ofCer with as much the more pleasure as it was 

 promised to me that I would receive every satisfaction and regard that 

 my services would deserve. I only observed that I wanted instantly an 

 indemnification for the quarter's rent of my house for which I 'nad allowed 

 to me one hundred dollars. 



The expedition then took place immediately after the verification of 

 my abilities by the respectable Congress in presence of the Honorable the 

 President Hankok, Esq.; the Honorable Doctor Francklin and Mr. Tompson, 

 secretary. 



In this assurance I regulated all my affairs and got ready with all my 

 effects to set out for Montreal. In consequence of which I had instantly 

 sent to rae five waggons to carry me until Lake George of which t'ne 

 expenses of waggonnage only was paid by Congress. 



I then had with me of necessity a lettered man. two laborers, my wife 

 and one servant for whicli I paid besides their courent wages all the travel- 

 ling expenses until Montreal. 



From Lake George to Montreal I had all my effects carried by boats 

 at my own expense. At my arrival at Montreal I was obliged to put up at 

 a tavern with all my equipage until I got a house suitable to fulfill the 

 intentions of the respectable Congress (the whole of this at my own 

 expense). 



It was in the month of May 1776, that I established my press at Montreal 

 for the service of Congress, only in the cours of the [month] of June the 

 American troops being obliged to evacuate that place I was left at the 

 mercy of the British Government. 



I was taken up myself and all my workmen and with them confined 

 in goal for the space of twenty-six days. My house, my papers and all 

 my effects whatsoever where were all seized — and it was only after many 

 supplications and by means of some friends of my nation that I at length 

 obtained my liberty and t'nat of my people. 



At the moment of my releace my lettered man the most essential person 

 in my business not being willing to support all the vicissitudes of the time 

 demanded of me his dismission and his payment. I could not then resist 

 his claim and was obliged moreover to allow him an indemnification. All 

 my hopes then where [were] that I flattered myself that those who had 

 engaged me at their service would furnish me wit'n means or give necessary 

 orders for my relief from the tiranny which continually was exercised 

 against me. I nevertheless always conserved the courage which an honest 

 man is to have to fulfill his engagements especially such as those I have 

 with the respectable Congress. 



I always flattered myself that the American arms would be victorious 

 in t'nat province and that I would in fin enjoy the satisfaction which was 

 promised to me by that respectable body. 



Inboldened by the honor I had to be engaged by such an august body 

 I dared everything I tliought could be to their interest and consequently 

 created to myself a number of enemies in every State until the unfortunate 



